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 China's top legislator pledges deeper cooperation with Spain Xinhua) 08:31, November 28, 2024 MADRID, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji expressed China's commitment to advancing China-Spain relations and fostering a relationship that supports the steady, long-term growth of China-Europe ties, during his official goodwill visit to Spain from Saturday to Wednesday. Zhao, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met in Madrid with Spanish King Felipe VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and held talks with Pedro Rollan, president of the Spanish Senate, and Francina Armengol, speaker of the Spanish Congress of Deputies, during the five-day visit. When meeting with Spanish King Felipe VI, Zhao conveyed to him the cordial greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring that in 2018, President Xi paid a successful state visit to Spain, ushering in a new stage of high-level development of bilateral relations. Zhao praised the strong bilateral ties and emphasized that China is committed to collaborating with Spain to deepen their traditional friendship, uphold mutual understanding and respect for each other's core interests and major concerns, achieve new cooperation achievements, and tackle global challenges like climate change together, ultimately striving for shared development and prosperity. Highlighting the close exchanges between the two heads of state and steady growth of the state-to-state ties, the Spanish King asked Zhao to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi. The King said as next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Spain will deepen its cooperation with China in areas such as trade and investment, new energy, climate change, culture, education, and the promotion of each other's languages, bringing fresh momentum to the growth of their relationship. When meeting with Sanchez, Zhao said Spain is an important strategic partner of China in Europe. China appreciates Spain's adherence to the one-China principle and is committed to strengthening their friendship, deepening mutual trust, and enhancing cooperation, while steadfastly upholding its policy of opening up. The top Chinese legislator pledged to enhance cooperation in economy, trade, investment, culture, and tourism, while highlighting the potential for further progress in areas such as electric vehicles, clean energy, advanced materials, and the green and digital economy. He stressed the need to establish a fair, safe, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment for enterprises. China has always regarded Europe as a key priority in its diplomacy and an important partner in achieving Chinese-style modernization. China is willing to promote the high-level development of China-Spain relations to contribute to the steady and long-term growth of China-Europe relations, said Zhao. Sanchez said Spain abides by the one-China policy. Extending welcome for China's investment, the prime minister called for more cooperation in such fields as trade, electric vehicles, agricultural products, culture and sports. Spain is willing to play an active role in the European Union (EU) and push for better development of EU-China relations, said Sanchez, adding the Spanish side will strengthen coordination with China on international and multilateral affairs, uphold the authority of international law, and work together to safeguard global peace and stability. When holding talks respectively with Rollan and Armengol, Zhao said that exchanges between legislative bodies constitute an important part of the state-to-state ties. The National People's Congress of China is willing to strengthen exchanges with the Spanish Senate and the Congress of Deputies at all levels, promote mutual learning on legislation and supervision, and timely formulate, revise and approve legal documents conducive to bilateral cooperation. Zhao underscored the readiness to advance the exchanges between the two countries' legislators, and cement bilateral collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He also explained the People's Congress system, China's fundamental political system. Rollan said that Spain cherishes its enduring friendship with China and is committed to being a trustworthy friend. Praising the exemplary role of China-Spain investment cooperation on the global stage, he expressed hope for further cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and reinforce the friendship between the two nations. Armengol said that the Spanish Congress of Deputies is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the National People's Congress of China, and the Spanish deputies hope to actively participate in friendly exchanges between Spain and China. Zhao also visited Barcelona, where he met with Salvador Illa, president of the regional government of Catalonia, and visited there a joint venture founded by Chinese carmaker Chery and its Spanish partner Ebro, voicing his hope for deepening cooperation between the two countries at the local level and jointly promote green development. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Flash To attract more visitors and investors from China and abroad, Dunhuang in Gansu province introduced special measures at a promotional event in Beijing last week, among them free admission to tourist attractions, improving the quality of educational tours, providing subsidies for event organizers, supporting local performances, and expanding airline routes and flights. Dunhuang is known for the Mogao Caves, which house the finest Buddha art in China, and it was a key stop on the Silk Road in the past. According to Wang Yanqun, Party secretary of Dunhuang, from Dec 1, to Feb 28, entry to many tourist spots, including Mingsha Mountain, Yumen Pass, and the Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark will be available for free. Tickets to the Mogao Caves will be offered at half price, with the number of caves open increasing from 8 to 10. Additionally, more caves will be opened for educational tours, and experienced guides will be available. To turn the city into a leading convention location, the local government has set up a special subsidy fund of 10 million yuan ($1.38 million) for conferences and exhibitions. Events can receive subsidies ranging from 100,000 to 5 million yuan, depending on scale. In addition, more performances will be put on in winter, and new flights are expected to become available next year. In the first three quarters of 2024, Dunhuang received 19.53 million tourists, a 25 percent increase year-on-year. Dunhuang Mogao International Airport has routes connecting to 35 domestic and international cities, based on data issued by the local government. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/biden-will-not-be-able-to-spend-all-ukraine-aid-money-by-end-of-term---reports-1121027534.html Biden Won't Be Able to Spend All Ukraine Aid Money by End of Term - Reports Biden Won't Be Able to Spend All Ukraine Aid Money by End of Term - Reports Sputnik International The administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden will not have time to use all the money left at its disposal to provide military aid to Ukraine before its departure and the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources. 2024-11-28T05:20+0000 2024-11-28T05:20+0000 2024-11-28T07:49+0000 americas us us arms for ukraine russia-nato showdown ukrainian crisis joe biden donald trump nato wall street journal https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/11/1119802830_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_db64713775aa51ef78ca99e310449e6a.jpg According to the report, the administration has over $6.5 billion left in what is known as drawdown authority, allowing the Department of Defense to transfer weapons and equipment to Ukraine from its own stocks. The sources said the Pentagon has reached the limit regarding weapons it can send Ukraine monthly without affecting its own fighting capability. The United States is also facing logistical challenges, they said. The report said Washington would have to supply over $110 million worth of weapons every day to spend the remaining money in time. Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia. According to him, the United States and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries. The Kremlin has said the West pumping weapons into Ukraine does not contribute to talks. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241122/russias-use-of-oreshnik-missile-a-grave-warning-to-nato-amid-danger-of-world-war---analysts--1120965488.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 us arms for ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukraine conflict, russia-nato showdown, russia-nato hostilities, biden zelensky https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/captured-uk-mercenary-calls-ukraines-kursk-offensive-a-mistake-1121036639.html Captured UK Mercenary Calls Ukraine's Kursk Offensive a Mistake Captured UK Mercenary Calls Ukraine's Kursk Offensive a Mistake Sputnik International KURSK (Sputnik) - UK mercenary James Scott Rhys Anderson, who fought for the Ukrainian armed forces and was captured in Russia's Kursk region, said that... 28.11.2024, Sputnik International 2024-11-28T18:06+0000 2024-11-28T18:06+0000 2024-11-28T18:06+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine kursk russia russian investigative committee mercenaries https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/1c/1121036292_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_fdfedbbdd6f0cc082ea3cbdbcbeba0d6.jpg "In Kursk, we should not have been here, the Russians really do not want us here," Anderson told reporters. The mercenary noted that Russia has "a lot more weapons, a lot more manpower." "They will do everything to get you out. If you are lucky, if you are captured, you can spend up to 20-30 years in a Russian prison, which in itself is not nice. So, these are your options: you could be there for a couple of weeks if you do manage to survive the whole time there, it is not worth it," Anderson added. He also expressed regret for going to Ukraine and hoped that his family would see him in the news and know that he was safe. The Main Military Investigations Department of the Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case against Anderson on charges including illegal crossing of the Russian state border as part of Ukrainian troops and participating in hostilities in the Kursk region. The mercenary and his accomplices have committed crimes against civilians, according to the investigation."I have got a court date in two months. I am thinking about how long I will get. I know it is going to be for a long time," Anderson told journalists.The mercenary added that he doubts that London will try to rescue him."I am hoping that my government will somehow get me help, which I doubt is going to ever happen. But it is all hopes for the future," Anderson added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241124/russian-troops-capture-uk-mercenary-in-kursk-region---security-source-1120991059.html ukraine kursk russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine, kursk, russia, russian investigative committee, mercenaries https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/csto-summit-whats-on-the-table--1121014821.html CSTO Summit: Whats on the Table? CSTO Summit: Whats on the Table? Sputnik International Participants of the CSTO Summit 2024 in Kazakhstan are expected to exchange opinions on the military-political situation in the regions of collective security, and discuss the results of cooperation within CSTO framework. 2024-11-28T05:00+0000 2024-11-28T05:00+0000 2024-11-28T05:00+0000 world russia kazakhstan belarus kyrgyzstan tajikistan collective security treaty organization (csto) summit security escalation https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/1b/1121015871_0:317:3077:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_37a9ff176aad8b8e1cd3dc732653519b.jpg Issues of regional and international security will be high on the agenda of a Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit, which kicks off in the Kazakh capital Astana on November 28.Who's Taking Part?The summit will be attended by the presidents of five member states, including Russias Vladimir Putin, Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstans Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstans Sadyr Zhaparov, and Tajikistans Emomali Rahmon. The sixth member state, Armenia, will not participate but has no objections to the planned documents being adopted at the summit.Also in attendance will be CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, as well as Secretaries General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Sergey Lebedev and Zhang Ming, respectively.What's the Agenda?Apart from security issues, participants will discuss the situation in the CSTO area of responsibility, summarize the results of joint work, and determine plans for celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.Separately, the CSTO leaders will touch upon the escalation of relations between Russia and the West. Kyrgyzstan, for its part, will present its priorities within the framework of the countrys CSTO chairmanship in 2025.What's to be Signed?The CSTO leaders are expected to sign at least 14 documents, including the summits final declaration, which will reflect the members unified approach to key issues of international and regional agenda, according to Russias presidential aide Yury Ushakov.Other documents will pertain to strengthening allied relations, increasing joint combat capability, improving crisis response mechanisms, and implementing practical measures to strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border, per Ushakov. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241124/russias-update-on-nuclear-doctrine-can-be-considered-signal-to-west---kremlin-1120988505.html russia kazakhstan belarus kyrgyzstan tajikistan 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 issues of regional and international security, a csto summit in astana, presidents of five member states, situation in the csto area of responsibility, escalation of relations between russia and the west https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/euroclear-bank-loses-appeal-in-court-must-pay-russias-zarubezhneft-nearly-900000-1121032561.html Euroclear Bank Loses Appeal in Court, Must Pay Russia's Zarubezhneft Nearly $900,000 Euroclear Bank Loses Appeal in Court, Must Pay Russia's Zarubezhneft Nearly $900,000 Sputnik International he Ninth Arbitration Court of Appeal in Moscow has upheld a lower court's decision ordering Russian state-owned company Zarubezhneft to recover more than 100 million rubles ($897,000) from the major European depository Euroclear Bank. 2024-11-28T11:03+0000 2024-11-28T11:03+0000 2024-11-28T11:03+0000 economy zarubezhneft national settlement depository (nsd) cayman islands russian economy under sanctions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103987/18/1039871891_0:91:1600:991_1920x0_80_0_0_a39a27e29046fa2a46a303685b4d7b32.jpg According to the arbitration case database, the court dismissed the defendant's appeal against the August ruling of the Moscow Arbitration Court, making the decision legally binding. As explained by the plaintiff's representative in court, Zarubezhneft sought to recover damages in the amount of the coupon income on federal loan bonds it purchased after March 2022 from a company registered in the Cayman Islands. The coupon income was blocked in a C-type account at Belgium's Euroclear Bank, which was held in the Russian National Settlement Depository (NSD). The defendant rejected the claim, arguing that the funds did reach the Euroclear account, but the bank could not manage these funds due to restricted and regulated operations on the account. The defendants representative also noted that procedures for seeking regulatory approval for unblocking such funds were yet to be established. Previously, the plaintiff requested interim measures to prohibit Euroclear and NSD from performing operations with Euroclear Bank's funds in C and I-type accounts for the claimed amount and to seize the defendant's funds in the same accounts at NSD. Courts of two instances denied these requests. In related proceedings, arbitration courts had earlier awarded Zarubezhneft approximately $58.1 million from Euroclear Bank. This amount included around $58 million in bond redemption payments and about $116,000 in coupon income on eurobonds owned by the plaintiff. According to case materials, Zarubezhneft holds a portfolio of eurobonds issued by non-resident entities, with beneficiaries including major Russian companies such as Rosneft, Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, and Novatek. These securities have been frozen by the defendant. Zarubezhneft is a 100% state-owned oil and gas company specializing in the development of oil and gas fields in Russia and abroad. It operates fields in the Nenets Autonomous Area, develops the continental shelf of southern Vietnam through its joint venture Vietsovpetro, and conducts oil extraction projects in Uzbekistan, Cuba, Egypt, and Indonesia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241127/russia-asean-trade-exceeds-17bln-with-10-growth-in-nine-months-1121022259.html cayman 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 euroclear bank vs zarubezhneft, russian economy under sanctions, economic wars, sanctions, sanctions imposed on russia, euroclear vs russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/france-eyes-developing-advanced-ballistic-missile-with-over-1000-km-range-due-to-oreshnik-fears-1121030788.html France Eyes Developing Advanced Ballistic Missile With Over 1,000-Km Range Due to Oreshnik Fears France Eyes Developing Advanced Ballistic Missile With Over 1,000-Km Range Due to Oreshnik Fears Sputnik International France is studying a possibility to develop a ballistic missile with the range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) following the test-fire of Russia's Oreshnik missile, media reported. 2024-11-28T10:29+0000 2024-11-28T10:29+0000 2024-11-28T10:57+0000 military russia-nato showdown russia's new oreshnik ballistic missile france russia yuzhmash army tactical missile system (atacms) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/01/1097993051_0:672:2047:1823_1920x0_80_0_0_5cf8f134979f623cd23ebc2b2402c75a.jpg The project is being currently discussed between the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Directorate General of Armament (DGA). France started to focus on this project following the recent use of such missiles by Russia, Iran and Israel. If created, this missile will be similar to Iran's Fattah as well a China's DF21 and DF26. The missile is expected to be able to change trajectory until the last moment, which will make its interception almost impossible. The project may cost several hundreds of millions euros. The project is likely to be developed by ArianeGroup and become a part of the European project ELSA. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised speech that Ukraine had fired US-supplied ATACMS missiles and the UK's Storm Shadows at facilities in the Kursk and Bryansk regions. In response, Russia launched a strike against a defense industry facility, the Yuzhmash plant, in Dnepropetrovsk on November 21, using its newest medium-range missile, the Oreshnik. Moscow also updated its nuclear doctrine earlier that week.The Netherlands wants to join the French initiative on developing the long-range missiles (ELSA), Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.On Wednesday, Brekelmans arrived for an official visit in Paris.In mid-August, Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin said in an interview with Sputnik that initiatives of Western countries to jointly create missiles are very dangerous, and Russia will have to respond to them appropriately. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241121/vladimir-putin-puts-us-and-west-on-notice-with-state-of-the-art-missile-strike-1120957371.html france 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 france, russia-nato showdown, ukraine crisis, atacms, oreshnik ballistic missile, france oreshnik, france ballistic missile https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/germany-reportedly-denies-residence-permit-to-russian-journalists-1121028978.html Germany Reportedly Denies Residence Permit to Russian Journalists Germany Reportedly Denies Residence Permit to Russian Journalists Sputnik International Russia's Channel One earlier announced that German authorities are closing the broadcasters office in the country and that its correspondent and cameraman will have to leave the country in the first half of December. 2024-11-28T11:58+0000 2024-11-28T11:58+0000 2024-11-28T11:58+0000 world russia germany journalists rossiya segodnya sanctions dmitry peskov ricardo gutierrez berlin european union (eu) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107803/56/1078035661_0:106:2048:1258_1920x0_80_0_0_62f853e22380f09daa1feaf1ce4b4d55.jpg Berlin has denied residence permits to three employees of Russian media outlets and one Russian citizen who is linked to Sputnik's parent media group, Rossiya Segodnya, a spokesperson for the Berlin Senate Department for the Interior, Digitalization and Sports, told Sputnik.The spokesperson referred to a decision by the Berlin Immigration Office, which is under the jurisdiction of the department. The office referred to the tenth package of EU sanctions against Russia and the first instance court, which accused some Russian media outlets of allegedly seeking to "undermine public confidence in democratic processes."Rossiya Segodnyas press service, in turn, said that it currently has no employees in Germany who have received notifications about a non-renewal of their temporary residency card.The move comes after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pledged that Russia will respond to the ongoing persecution of Russian journalists in Europe while keeping its best interests at heart. He referenced a recent announcement by Russia's state-run Channel One that the German government told the television channel to close its office, ordering its correspondent and cameraman to leave Germany within weeks.In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry revoked the accreditation of two employees with the German ARD broadcaster and ordered them to leave the country in what it described as a tit-for-tat move to German authorities targeting two Russian journalists.The EU has imposed sanctions on some major Russian media outlets, banning them from broadcasting on the territory of the bloc. Head of the European Federation of Journalists, Ricardo Gutierrez, called the ban a dangerous precedent that threatens freedom of the press. The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed sanctions against Russian media outlets as a disregard for obligations to ensure media pluralism. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241118/russian-tv-shannels-slam-unesco-for-ignoring-attacks-on-their-journalists-1120920812.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240917/meta-bans-rt-rossiya-segodnya-from-apps-globally---spokesperson-1120172619.html russia germany berlin 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 authorities in berlin, residence permits, the tenth package of eu sanctions against russia, russian media outlets, ongoing persecution of russian journalists in europe, revocation of broadcasting licenses, russian journalists https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/iran-not-seeking-war-with-israel-but-ready-for-it--foreign-minister-1121033450.html Iran Not Seeking War With Israel but Ready for It Foreign Minister Iran Not Seeking War With Israel but Ready for It Foreign Minister Sputnik International Iran is not seeking a confrontation with Israel, but is ready for a large-scale war if it is unleashed in the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. 2024-11-28T11:49+0000 2024-11-28T11:49+0000 2024-11-28T11:49+0000 military middle east iran israel lebanon hezbollah benjamin netanyahu joe biden abbas araghchi iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/07/1100494978_0:0:2831:1592_1920x0_80_0_0_50d403def4993ed1363ccd021a81b19c.jpg Iran has no intention of escalating regional tensions, but Iran is ready even for a large-scale war in case Israel launches it, Araghchi told reporters in Lisbon on Wednesday, Portuguese newspaper reported. The Iranian minister also rejected claims that Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has been weakened after prolonged fighting with Israel. Hezbollah's ability to reorganize and resist Israeli forces in southern Lebanon is the main reason Israel accepted the ceasefire, Araghchi said. On Tuesday evening, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon by an absolute majority of votes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need for the ceasefire and said that Israel would respond to any possible resumption of hostilities. US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the Israeli and Lebanese governments had agreed to Washington's ceasefire proposal, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon within 60 days. Under the plan, the Lebanese army will take control of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah will relocate its forces north of the Litani River. An international committee, headed by the United States, will be set up to monitor compliance by both parties with the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Washington has also agreed to provide Israel with guarantees that include support for Israeli military action against imminent threats from Lebanon, as well as action to prevent the possible reestablishment of Hezbollah military presence in southern Lebanon. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241127/ceasefire-deal-netanyahus-focus-on-iran-could-mean-serious-regional-war-if-backed-by-us-1121023849.html iran israel lebanon 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 mideast crisis, middle east conflict, mideast war, iran-israel row, iran-israel conflict, hezbollah, iran israel hostilities https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/mexican-leader-holds-talks-with-trump-amid-tariff-announcements-1121027379.html Mexican Leader Holds Talks With Trump Amid Tariff Announcements Mexican Leader Holds Talks With Trump Amid Tariff Announcements Sputnik International Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum held new phone talks with US President-elect Donald Trump, after public statements from the two countries about the possibility of mutual introduction of trade tariffs and their consequences. 2024-11-28T05:03+0000 2024-11-28T05:03+0000 2024-11-28T05:03+0000 world donald trump us mexico illegal migration migrant crisis migration https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/1b/1119922225_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_60a86919ac8da5351b7a69dc2ceece95.jpg The conversation took place amid Trump's recent statements about his intention to introduce 25 percent tariffs on goods coming from Mexico and Canada due to the unresolved problem of illegal immigration and the influx of illegal drugs into the country.Sheinbaum then sent a letter to Trump, in which she pointed out the possibility of introducing counter-tariffs, which would not benefit the largest importers to the United States from Mexico - General Motors, Stellantis and Ford Motor. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Wednesday during a presidential press conference that a new attempt to introduce tariffs in the United States would affect domestic US companies from the industrial and technology sectors that supply components from neighboring markets, and about 400,000 people could lose their jobs. Trump earlier repeatedly criticized the immigration policy of Democrat Joe Biden's administration, vowing to tighten border controls and resume construction of a wall on the border with Mexico if reelected. A presidential election took place in the United States on November 5. Republican candidate Trump, who served as the US president from 2017-2021, was declared the winner by all leading race callers and networks. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded defeat in an address to supporters. The Electoral College will vote in accordance with the will of the voters on December 17, and the new Congress will approve the results of the vote on January 6. The presidential inauguration will take place on January 20. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241101/democrats-playing-long-game-to-convert-migrants-into-their-future-voters---experts-1120747355.html mexico 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 on migrants, trump mexico, trump illegal migration, trump mexico talks, trump mexico https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/putins-message-to-iv-young-scientists-congress-russia-is-open-to-global-scientific-collaboration-1121034226.html Putin's Message to IV Young Scientists Congress: Russia is 'Open to Global Scientific Collaboration' Putin's Message to IV Young Scientists Congress: Russia is 'Open to Global Scientific Collaboration' Sputnik International Russia is always open to constructive, truly equal, and mutually-beneficial international partnerships in science, stated the Russian president. 2024-11-28T14:46+0000 2024-11-28T14:46+0000 2024-11-28T17:46+0000 russia 4th young scientists congress https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/1c/1121035915_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0e4fd807089c741ede19abe7e5cd4884.jpg At the plenary session of the IV Congress of Young Scientists in Russias Sirius, President Vladimir Putins greeting was read by his assistant, Andrei Fursenko. In his message, Putin expressed Russias commitment to fostering international scientific collaboration, stating, "Russia is open to constructive, equal, and mutually beneficial international partnerships in science."The president also stressed the importance of integrating efforts from various countries, including education, workforce training, and industrial production, to achieve significant scientific advancements. He further emphasized the significance of the BRICS Young Scientists Forum being held during the congress, stating that it aims to enhance BRICS's role in the global scientific dialogue, especially in the context of a rapidly evolving multipolar world.Putin expressed his belief that the discussions at the Congress would be "substantive and constructive," and that the ideas and initiatives proposed would lead to practical outcomes, helping to bring groundbreaking ideas from young research teams in Russia and other countries to fruition.The IV Congress of Young Scientists takes place from November 27-29 in Russia's Sirius federal territory. Part of the Decade of Science and Technology (2022-2031), the event brings together leading scientists, government officials, industry partners, and young researchers from Russia and abroad. Organized by the Roscongress Foundation, the Ministry of Science, and the Coordination Council for Youth Affairs in Science and Education, it highlights the achievements of the next generation of scientists. Sputnik is an official media partner of the event. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241127/are-there-limits-to-science-diplomacy-1121030191.html 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 congress of young scientists, russia, sirius, science, scientists https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/russia-target-ukraines-western-weapons-in-response-to-kievs-strikes-deep-into-its-territory-1121035740.html Russia Targets Ukraine's Western Weapons in Response to Kiev's Strikes Deep Into Its Territory Russia Targets Ukraine's Western Weapons in Response to Kiev's Strikes Deep Into Its Territory Sputnik International The Russian armed forces have struck the locations of Ukraine's long-range weapons systems during the week in response to Kiev's strikes deep into Russian territory, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. 2024-11-28T17:24+0000 2024-11-28T17:24+0000 2024-11-30T08:23+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine russia russian defense ministry multiple-launch rocket systems (mlrs) army tactical missile system (atacms) high mobility artillery rocket system (himars) kiev iskander https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/09/1117228523_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_74edfe813f118a6bd5c5c4c63456f042.jpg "In response to the Kiev regime's attacks deep into Russian territory, the Russian armed forces carried out strikes this week on the sites where Ukraine's Western long-range weapons systems are deployed," the statement said. Earlier in the day, the Russian armed forces also carried out a strike on Ukraine's defense industry facilities and the energy infrastructure that supports their work, the statement added. ukraine 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 russian special operation, ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, war in ukraine, ukranian strikes deep into russia Flash China is ready to keep expanding economic and trade exchanges with the Netherlands while adhering to the principle of mutual benefit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday. During a phone call with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Netherlands relations have developed steadily and rapidly, and cooperation in various fields has been continuously expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. China is ready to maintain close exchanges with the new Dutch government and work together to uphold the positive momentum in promoting the bilateral relations, he said. Openness and practicality are valuable lessons drawn from the development of China-Netherlands relations, Li said, adding that China is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with the Netherlands, strengthen dialogue and communication, continue to consolidate political mutual trust, so as to provide a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. For his part, Schoof said that China plays an increasingly important role in global affairs, and the Netherlands attaches great importance to its relationship with China. Bilateral relations, particularly in terms of economic and trade cooperation, have seen strong growth. The Dutch government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, recognizing that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Schoof said. The Netherlands is ready to serve as a gateway for China's cooperation with Europe, and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in economic, trade, and other fields to advance Netherlands-China relations. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/south-korea-to-hold-back-on-arms-supplies-to-ukraine-until-trump-takes-office---reports-1121031812.html South Korea to Hold Back on Arms Supplies to Ukraine Until Trump Takes Office - Reports South Korea to Hold Back on Arms Supplies to Ukraine Until Trump Takes Office - Reports Sputnik International South Korea is likely to continue refraining from supplying lethal weapons to Kiev until the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, the Yonhap News Agency reported, citing unnamed officials. 2024-11-28T10:49+0000 2024-11-28T10:49+0000 2024-11-28T10:49+0000 military south korea ukrainian crisis donald trump joe biden ukraine russia-nato showdown https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0c/0d/1091479645_31:0:968:527_1920x0_80_0_0_8d8b3d5906229c9d48edff44d2bc9a7a.jpg "Even if Ukraine requests weapon supplies, we are in a situation where we can only respond by saying we will try to consider it," a government official told Yonhap. Another official said that the supply of specific weapons systems was not under consideration, and that even if Kiev requested supplies, the decision on whether it was appropriate in the current situation would be considered comprehensively. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office told reporters that Seoul would continue to cooperate with both the Biden administration and the future administration of Donald Trump. Therefore, future decisions will be made by South Korea in close coordination with the United States. The presidential office did not disclose the details of the information provided by the Ukrainian side about the alleged involvement of North Korean military forces in the Ukraine conflict, nor did it clarify whether Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who arrived in Seoul as a special envoy of President Volodymyr Zelensky, requested the supply of South Korean weapons. The presidential office also refused to disclose details of the first-ever negotiations between the defense ministers of Ukraine and South Korea in Seoul. In late October, Zelensky said in an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS that he would send a "detailed request" to South Korea for arms supplies, including artillery and air defense systems. In this regard, media speculated that Kiev might request K-9 self-propelled howitzers, which are actively being supplied to Eastern European countries, as well as the Cheongung-2 (KM-SAM Block-II) medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, developed based on Russian technology.Russian officials repeatedly slammed arms supplies to Kiev regime, stressing that they only fuel the conflict with zero chance to affect the outcome. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241119/nuclear-doctrine-changes-signal-russias-willingness-to-take-on-global-power-obligations---expert-1120928505.html south korea ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine crisis, ukrainian crisis, arms for ukraine, russia-nato showdown, south korea ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/supplies-of-israeli-air-defense-systems-to-slovakia-expected-to-start-in-2025-1121027056.html Supplies of Israeli Air Defense Systems to Slovakia Expected to Start in 2025 Supplies of Israeli Air Defense Systems to Slovakia Expected to Start in 2025 Sputnik International The start of deliveries of the Barak MX air defense systems purchased from Israel to Slovakia is planned for the end of 2025, Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak said. 2024-11-28T04:53+0000 2024-11-28T04:53+0000 2024-11-28T04:53+0000 military slovakia israel https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0c/0f/1081472156_0:199:2140:1403_1920x0_80_0_0_d6f6cc068a1c04dddb79144c74fd2840.jpg Earlier, Slovakia bought six Israeli Barak MX air defense systems to replace the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system previously transferred to Ukraine. He said the agreement for the supply of air defense systems contains conditions that make it unprofitable for the Israeli manufacturer to delay deliveries. In mid-June 2023, the Slovak Defense Ministry said the country would seek its own air defense solution, despite the allied assistance that the republic was forced to resort to by transferring the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system and MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. The ministry turned to 11 countries that produce the systems the country needs. In August 2024, the Slovak government approved the purchase of six Israeli Barak MX systems, the contract was worth $585 million. At the end of October 2024, the Supreme Audit Office of Slovakia reported that the republic had provided Kiev with military equipment worth almost $739 million since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. As a result of these actions, Slovakia itself was left without an air defense system. In April 2022, Slovakia transferred the S-300 air defense system to Ukraine. In April 2023, the Slovak side also completed the transfer of MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine. With the arrival of the Robert Fico government in the fall of 2023, the supply of military aid to Kiev from state resources was stopped. Fico claimed that the MiG-29 fighters were transferred to Ukraine in April 2023 in gross violation of the Slovak Constitution. He also criticized the previous government for transferring a fully functioning S-300 air defense system to Ukraine. The politician stated that it is completely unclear how Slovakia will resolve the air defense issue in the coming years. Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia. According to him, the United States and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries. The Kremlin has said the West pumping weapons into Ukraine does not contribute to talks. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/slovakia-opposes-idea-of-providing-military-aid-to-ukraine-without-us-part---fico-1120814520.html slovakia 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 slovakia air defense, kalinak air defense, slovakia israel deal, slovakia buys israel air desense, slovakia surface to air missiles https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/trumps-future-adviser-studying-idea-of-truce-in-ukraine-at-early-stage-of-talks---reports-1121026720.html Trump's Future Adviser Studying Idea of Truce in Ukraine at Early Stage of Talks - Reports Trump's Future Adviser Studying Idea of Truce in Ukraine at Early Stage of Talks - Reports Sputnik International Mike Waltz, the future national security adviser in the presidential administration of Donald Trump, is analyzing several ideas to settle the Ukrainian conflict, particularly a possible ceasefire at the early stage of peace talks, the CNN broadcaster reported. 2024-11-28T00:16+0000 2024-11-28T00:16+0000 2024-11-28T03:36+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine donald trump keith kellogg ukraine russia cnn nato russia-nato showdown us arms for ukraine us-ukraine relations https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0c/1120866841_0:0:2961:1665_1920x0_80_0_0_943f633b62b56d2fe90ce1dd0fa87928.jpg Sources told CNN that the strategy is currently under development, but Trump's team is likely to push a temporary freeze of the military conflict at the early stage of the peace negotiations. The future US administration is also expected to exert pressure on Europe and NATO so that they take more of the burden of Ukraine's support. Waltz is also going to analyze the ideas of Keith Kellogg, who has been recently announced as Trump's future presidential assistant and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. On Sunday, Waltz said that Trump's team plans to work with the Biden administration on the possibility of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241127/trump-picks-kellogg-to-serve-as-special-envoy-for-ukraine-and-russia-1121025140.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump's ukraine plan, us policy on ukraine under trump, will trump stop ukraine war, mike waltz national security advisor, trump's special envoy for ukraine and russia, keith kellogg, russia-ukraine peace, peace in ukraine, ukraine peace process https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/us-mercenary-seems-to-flee-ukraine-battlefield-after-only-one-month-over-fighters-deaths-1121029623.html Spooked by Huge Death Count, US Merc Ditches Ukraine Battlefield After Just One Month Spooked by Huge Death Count, US Merc Ditches Ukraine Battlefield After Just One Month Sputnik International Despite initially describing his trip to Ukraine as an "eastern European vacation" prior to his arrival, a US mercenary returned to the United States about only a month after being sent to the frontline over apparent fears caused by the deaths of fellow foreign fighters in his unit, the mercenarys social media posts showed. 2024-11-28T09:48+0000 2024-11-28T09:48+0000 2024-11-28T10:06+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis russia-nato showdown us arms for ukraine draft https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0e/1120889270_0:183:2992:1866_1920x0_80_0_0_3ec3fdc46a0bb065b5235cdec4d11f76.jpg Jacob Henderson, a young father from Ohio, came to Ukraine in early August, after a brief transit through Krakow, Poland, according to posts on his personal account on Facebook (owned by Meta, banned in Russia for extremism). After working as a technician and mechanic at various car dealerships in Ohio, Henderson was apparently trying to find a new career option when he began looking for flights to Poland in May, his earlier posts showed. Eventually in June, Henderson booked a flight from Columbus, Ohio to Krakow, Poland scheduled for early August. Henderson went to visit his nine-year-old son in mid-June before sharing a picture of his flight departing from the US on August 1. After spending a few days in Poland, Henderson apparently went to the training camp for foreign fighters located in Lvov, Ukraine by late August, his subsequent social media posts showed. When one of his friends asked him what he planned to do in Ukraine, Hendersons answers indicated the financial motives behind his decision to become a mercenary. After almost two months of training, Henderson was finally sent to the frontline in eastern Ukraine in early October. After sharing a picture of himself smiling in full tactical gear while holding his M4 rifle on October 8, Hendersons adventure on the frontline took a sharp depressing turn shortly afterwards. Four days after the picture of him smiling, Henderson shared the news of the death of another US mercenary in his unit on October 12. In a subsequent post on October 16, Henderson shared some details of some minor injuries he sustained. About one month later, Henderson paid tribute to another deceased mercenary, while revealing that he had actually returned to the US. Henderson even admitted that he faced troubles adjusting to life back home. Similar to many other foreign fighters who came to Ukraine with no prior military experience, Henderson likely cut short his "eastern European vacation" in Ukraine after being confronted with the realities of modern warfare, including the deaths of his fellow fighters from the US. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241124/russian-troops-capture-uk-mercenary-in-kursk-region---security-source-1120991059.html 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 mercs in ukraine, ukraine hired guns, ukraine mercenaries, ukraine soldiers of fortune, ukraine iternational legion https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/us-pushes-for-lowering-ukraines-draft-age-while-kiev-seeks-more-weapons-and-firepower-1121029398.html US Pushes for Lowering Ukraine's Draft Age, While Kiev Seeks More Weapons and Firepower US Pushes for Lowering Ukraine's Draft Age, While Kiev Seeks More Weapons and Firepower Sputnik International Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that Ukraine did not need to lower its conscription age, while pointing out to Washington the need to provide Ukraine's brigades with training and weapons, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. 2024-11-28T09:33+0000 2024-11-28T09:33+0000 2024-11-28T09:33+0000 world russia-nato showdown ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0d/1120129296_0:266:3072:1994_1920x0_80_0_0_6bf3090cd79b1f818499c0e40f82248a.jpg Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a senior White House official, that the United States had urged Ukraine to lower the minimum age for military conscription to 18 from the current 25 because of a shortage of military personnel. Ukrainian presidential aide Dmytro Lytvyn said earlier in the week that there was no point in urging Ukraine to lower the age of conscription while it lacked weapons to equip recruits due to delays in equipment deliveries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law on lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25 in April. In August, Ukrainian authorities assured that there were no plans to drop the draft age lower. In September, a Verkhovna Rada lawmaker said that the Ukrainian army had banned recruiting citizens under 25, who previously had the "fit for limited military service" status. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/biden-will-not-be-able-to-spend-all-ukraine-aid-money-by-end-of-term---reports-1121027534.html 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 russia-nato showdown, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, russia's special military operation, ukraine draft, ukraine voenkom Taking full advantage of a class drop, Cougar On A Terr went from worst to first in the final two furlongs to capture the $24,306 featured conditioned pace at Plainridge Park on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27. Cougar On A Terr and driver Matty Athearn got away sixth as Wolverina (Nick Graffam) and Betterthanhope N (Mitchell Cushing) battled for the lead. When the latter took control, the action kept coming as Booraa N (Ron Cushing) moved into contention fourth on the outside and made her way to second at three-quarters. At this point, Cougar On A Terr was still sixth, but third-over in the breeze, and Athearn tipped the mare three-deep and into contention at the top of the stretch. Betterthanhope N was still in front, with Wolverina and Booraa N only a half length behind. But it was Cougar On A Terr who circled the wagons and the field to win going away by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:54.3. Wolverina was second with Booraa N third. The win was the sixth of the year from 32 starts for Cougar On A Terr (Cougar Hall - Toxic Terror), who is owned by Catherine Dickson and trained by Gretchen Athearn. He paid $11.60 to win. The victory was also one of two wins for Athearn on Wednesday. Bruce Ranger was the leading driver for the afternoon after winning a total of three races, while eight different trainers won one race apiece. There is no racing on Thursday, Nov. 28 in observance of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. and there will be a $8,874 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race nine. Friday is the final day of racing for the 2024 meet. (Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts) Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) announced on Thursday, Nov. 28 that its 2025 budget has been approved and includes marked increases to purse allocations and horsemens programs across all breeds. We are thrilled to announce a $22.1 million investment in Albertas horse racing industry through purse allocations, breed improvement and various industry programs, said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of HRA. Alberta continues to lead as Canadas most attractive destination for horse racing outside of Woodbine. We want to make it clear to the industry that horse racing in Alberta is a smart investment. HRA Board Chair Diana McQueen highlighted the Board's balanced approach: In developing the budget, the Horse Racing Alberta Board sought to balance both short-term needs and long-term objectives. The HRA Board believes these strategic investments are crucial to continually strengthening the future of Alberta's horse racing industry. Purse Funding Allocation Leading with purse allocations, HRA announced a significant increase of 7.38 per cent in 2025 purses, bringing the total to $16 million shared across all breeds. HRA stated that this boost underscores Albertas commitment to supporting the racing industry and its participants. HRA also noted that outside of Ontario, Alberta continues to maintain the most lucrative purse structure in Canada, offering substantial opportunities for Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorse owners and trainers. Breed Improvement Program Funding Allocation The Breed Improvement Program (BIP) has grown to $5.1 million, providing vital support to organizations including the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Alberta Division, Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association of Alberta, Alberta Community Racing Association, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association and Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association. According to HRA, program metrics have shown that investment in this program increases the racing population by fostering stronger breeding operations and elevating the overall quality of the racing stock. Incentive Program Funding Allocation Developed in 2022, the Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP) was designed to facilitate an increase in field sizes and the overall horse population in Alberta. The Racehorse Shipping Incentive Program (RSIP) supports ship-in costs associated with moving horses around the province to facilitate the availability of horses at each racetrack. The HRA Board voted to support the continuation of these programs in 2025, allocating a budget of $700,000 to further strengthen the provinces racehorse population. Industry Marketing Grant Co-Op HRA also supports its stakeholder marketing efforts through the HRA Co-Op Marketing Grant Program valued at $300,000, split between racing breed associations and B racetracks. This increase represents one-third of the total HRA marketing budget, directly empowering stakeholders to effectively promote their racing product. The programs have been approved by the HRA Board of Directors for 2025. 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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 Flash European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference after a vote at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the new team of the European Commission, led by Germany's Ursula von der Leyen, who will serve her second five-year term as president. Lawmakers voted 370 in favor, 282 against, with 36 abstentions, giving the green light to the 27-member executive team. Janis Emmanouilidis, deputy chief executive of the European Policy Center, said the new Commission reflects enhanced "presidentialization," with the commissioners largely aligned with von der Leyen. Unlike the previous term, dissenting voices appear absent. While a strong president offers continuity during challenging times, Emmanouilidis stressed the importance of maintaining a "strong cabinet." Former Polish lawmaker Jacek Saryusz-Wolski criticized the approval of the new Commission on his social media, calling it "the lowest European Parliament approval in history" and alleging the outcome was driven by "inter-party bargains." Von der Leyen delivered a speech before the vote on Wednesday. In her speech, von der Leyen unveiled the Competitiveness Compass, marking the first major initiative of the new College of Commissioners. This initiative is grounded in three key pillars: closing the innovation gap, implementing a joint plan for decarbonization and competitiveness, and enhancing security while reducing dependencies, according to von der Leyen. "We are roughly as good as the U.S. at creating start-ups. But when it comes to scale-ups, we are doing much worse than our competitors," von der Leyen said, underscoring the new Commission's commitment to increasing investment and a sharper strategic focus on innovation. In terms of decarbonization and competitiveness, "we must and will stay the course on the goals of the European Green Deal," von der Leyen said, vowing to put forward a Clean Industrial Deal within the first 100 days of the mandate. Von der Leyen also emphasized the critical role of stable and secure supply chains in ensuring economic security. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The announcement of the artificial intelligence researchers John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton as this year's Nobel laureates in physics spurred celebration and consternation over the status of AI in science and society. In Japan, however, another feeling dominates: frustration. "Japanese researchers should also have won," an editorial in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper proclaimed. Congratulating Hopfield and Hinton, the Japanese Neural Network Society added pointedly: "We must not forget the role played by pioneer Japanese researchers in erecting the foundations of neural network research." Neural networks are at the center of contemporary AI. They are models for machines to learn independently through structures that, if often only loosely, are inspired by the human brain. So who are these pioneering Japanese AI researchers? In 1967, Shun'ichi Amari proposed a method of adaptive pattern classification, which enables neural networks to self-adjust the way they categorize patterns, through exposure to repeated training examples. Amari's research anticipated a similar method known as "backpropagation," one of Hinton's key contributions to the field. In 1972, Amari outlined a learning algorithm (a set of rules for carrying out a particular task) that was mathematically equivalent to Hopfield's 1982 paper cited by the Nobel on associative memory, which allowed neural networks to recognize patterns despite partial or corrupted inputs. The North American researchers were working separately to groups in Japan, coming to their conclusions independently. Later, in 1979, Kunihiko Fukushima created the world's first multilayer convolutional neural network. This technology has been the backbone of the recent boom in deep learning, an AI approach which has given rise to neural networks that learn without supervision, through more complex architectures. If this year's Nobel was for "foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks," why not award Amari and Fukushima? One-sided perspectives The AI community itself has been debating this question. There are cogent arguments as to why Hopfield and Hinton better fit the Nobel "physics" category, and why national balance mattered, given the peace prize went to Japan's Nihon Hidankyo. Why, then, should we still be worried? The answer lies in the risks of historical onesidedness. Our standard account of artificial neural networks is a North Atlantic-basedand, overwhelmingly, North Americanhistory. AI experienced a period of rapid development in the 1950s and 1960s. A NHK-produced short film from 1986 on the Neocognitron. Credit: Fukushima Kunihiko By 1970, it entered an "AI Winter," during which research stagnated. Winter finally changed to spring in the 1980s, through the likes of Hopfield and Hinton. The latter researcher's links to Google and OpenAI are said to have fed into the current boom in AI based on neural networks. And yet, it was precisely during this alleged "winter" that Finnish, Japanese, and Ukrainian researchersamong othersestablished the foundations of deep learning. Integrating these developments into our histories of AI is essential as society confronts this transformative technology. We must expand what we mean when we talk about AI in ways different from the current vision offered by Silicon Valley. For the past year, Yasuhiro Okazawa, from Kyoto University, Masahiro Maejima, from the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, and I have led an oral history project centered on Kunihiko Fukushima and the lab at NHK where he developed the Neocognitron, a visual pattern recognition system that became the basis for convolutional neural networks. NHK is Japan's public broadcaster, equivalent to the BBC. Much to our surprise, we discovered that the context from which Fukushima's research emerged had roots in psychological and physiological studies of television audiences. This led NHK to create, in 1965, a laboratory for the "bionics of vision". Here, television engineers could contribute towards advancing knowledge of human psychology and physiology (how living organisms function). Indeed, Fukushima saw his own work as dedicated to understanding biological organisms rather than AI in the strict sense. Neural networks were conceived as "simulations" of how visual information processing might work in the brain, and thought to help advance physiological research. The Neocognitron specifically aimed to help settle debates about whether complex sensory stimuli corresponded to the activation of one particular neuron (nerve cell) in the brain, or to a pattern of activation distributed across a population of neurons. Human approaches The engineer Takayuki Ito, who worked under Fukushima, characterized his mentor's approach as a "human science." But during the 1960s, American researchers abandoned artificial neural networks based on human models. They cared more about applying statistical methods to large data sets, rather than patient study of the brain's complexities. In this way, emulating human cognition became merely a casual metaphor. When Fukushima visited the US in 1968, he found few researchers who were sympathetic to his human brain-centered approach to AI, and many mistook his work for "medical engineering." His lack of interest in upscaling the Neocognitron with bigger data sets eventually placed him at odds with NHK's increasing demand for applied AI-based technologies, leading to his resignation in 1988. For Fukushima, developing neural networks was never about their practical use in society, for instance, in replacing human labor and for decision making. Rather, they represented an attempt to grasp what made advanced vertebrates like humans unique, and in this way make engineering more human. Indeed, as Takayuki Ito noted in one of our interviews, this "human science" approach may lend itself to a closer embrace of diversity. Although Fukushima himself did not pursue this path, Ito's work since the late 1990s has focused on "accessibility" in relation to the cognitive traits of the elderly and disabled. This work also recognizes types of intelligence different from mainstream AI research. Fukushima today keeps a measured distance from machine learning. "My position," he says, "was always to learn from the brain." Compared to Fukushima, AI researchers outside Japan took short cuts. The more that mainstream AI research leaves the human brain behind, the more it yields technologies that are difficult to understand and control. Shorn of its roots in biological processes, we can no longer explain why AI works and how it makes decisions. This is known as the "black box" problem. Would a return to a "human science" approach solve some of these problems? Probably not by itself, because the genie is out of the bottle. But amid global concerns about superintelligent AI resulting in the end of humanity, we should consider a global history replete with alternative understandings of AI. The latter is a history sadly left uncelebrated by this year's Nobel prize in physics. 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: Deceptive designs in interactive webpages created by ChatGPT. Credit: arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2411.03108 A team of computer scientists at Technical University of Darmstadt, working with a colleague from the University of Glasgow, and another from Humbold University of Berlin, has found evidence via experiments they ran, that when asked to build a web page, LLMs often include manipulative design practices. The group has posted their research on the arXiv preprint server. Prior studies have shown that many web developers use what are known as "dark patterns" as a way to manipulate visitors into doing things, or to avoid doing other things, while on a website. One example would be making the color of a button asking the user to subscribe or to buy something bright and inviting, while using a dark or even a gray color for a button that will end a subscription. In this new study, the researchers, noting that LLMs have matured to the point that they can be prompted to design a web page, wanted to know if they would use such practices in their designs. To find out, they ran an experiment that involved asking 20 study participants to ask ChatGPT to design a web page that could serve as an e-commerce site. Each was also asked to use "neutral" language when telling the LLM what they were looking for in a design. The research team found that every single web page generated by the LLM used dark patterns as part of their design. Examples included urgency messages, manipulative highlighting and fake documents. Perhaps most concerning were the fake reviews generated by the LLM. Also, they noted that there was just one instance of a word of warning to users about anything on the site. The researchers repeated the experiment with several other LLMs and found similar results. The researchers conclude by suggesting their findings highlight the degree to which web pages generated by humans use dark patterns to manipulate visitors to their sitethe LLMs learned their skills from them, after all. This finding, they suggest, shows that the practice has become normalized. They suggest that users demand regulation of web pages to prevent such manipulation in the future. More information: Veronika Krau et al, "Create a Fear of Missing Out" -- ChatGPT Implements Unsolicited Deceptive Designs in Generated Websites Without Warning, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2411.03108 Journal information: arXiv 2024 Science X Network Flash This photo taken on Nov. 26, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in West Bekaa, Lebanon. [Photo/Xinhua] Countries in the Middle East on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, hoping that the deal would facilitate broader de-escalation in the region. Israel's security cabinet on Tuesday night approved a ceasefire deal with Lebanon, paving the way for an end to a nearly 14-month conflict tied in great part to the ongoing one in the Gaza Strip that has killed 44,282 Palestinians as of Wednesday. According to Lebanese health authorities, the conflict in Lebanon has killed 3,823 people and wounded 15,859 others as of Tuesday. Israeli authorities say Hezbollah's rocket strikes have killed 45 civilians over the past year, and at least 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed amid the operations in southern Lebanon. In a televised speech following a cabinet meeting on the first day of the ceasefire, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged Israel to "fully commit to the ceasefire resolution, withdraw from all areas and sites it has occupied, and implement resolution 1701 in total." Under the ceasefire, which took effect on Wednesday at 4:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), the Lebanese army will take control of the territory near its border with Israel over the next 60 days. Meanwhile, Israel will gradually withdraw its troops from the region, and civilians will be allowed to return to their homes. In response to the ceasefire, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "the deal will contribute to start a stage of de-escalation in the region by fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, including the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon and extending its control over all Lebanese territories." It should pave the road for halting the Israeli "aggression" in Gaza, the statement said, urging an immediate ceasefire in the Strip, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and an end to unjustified violations in the West Bank. It said that "negotiation and restoring rights rather than the military solution can settle crises in the region." "We welcome the successful conclusion of the negotiations to establish a ceasefire in Lebanon and hope that the ceasefire will be permanent," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, noting Turkiye's commitment to back efforts that foster stability and its readiness to support "the establishment of internal peace in Lebanon." "It is imperative for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and to provide reparations for the damages it has caused in Lebanon," it said. "We take this opportunity to recall that in order to ensure regional peace and stability, a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire must be declared in Gaza as soon as possible, and Israel must cease its aggressive policies," it added. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it hopes the ceasefire will contribute to putting an end to the violence, destruction, and suffering faced by the Lebanese people, stressing Iraq's continued support for the Lebanese government and people and its keenness to enhance regional stability. Noting the importance of intensifying global efforts to avoid a new escalation, it said the international community should also take serious and urgent steps to stop the ongoing massacres and attacks against the Palestinians in Gaza. Welcoming the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire in a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed Iran's "decisive" support for the Lebanese government and people and stressed the necessity to immediately stop the war against Gaza and Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said at a press conference that Iran welcomes the ceasefire but vowed that it will definitely respond to Israel's attack late last month on its territory. He was commenting on the remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the truce deal would allow Israel to "focus on Iran's threat." In a statement on the social media platform X, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire, saying the kingdom appreciated all international efforts put forth in this regard. It noted that Saudi Arabia hoped the truce would lead to the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and the safe return of displaced persons to their homes. The Palestinian presidency said that it hoped this step "will help stop the violence and instability the region is suffering from as a result of Israeli policies that are leading the region to a comprehensive explosion." The presidency also stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which calls for an "immediate, comprehensive, and thorough" ceasefire in Gaza and enable the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities there. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also welcomed the announcement of the agreement. "We will cooperate with all relevant partners to implement the cessation of hostilities," UNIFIL said in a statement, adding, "We will continue performing our mandated tasks and have already begun adjusting our operations to the new situation." In a statement released by the UN Information Center, Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza was quoted as saying that the ceasefire offers "a much-needed reprieve and hope for civilians who have endured over a year of immense suffering." The UN will continue to support the Lebanese government and partners by assisting all affected populations, those displaced, sheltering in collective shelters, or remaining in conflict-affected areas, Riza stressed. Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Yamandu Orsi on his election as president of Uruguay. Noting that China and Uruguay are good friends trusting each other and enjoying win-win cooperation, Xi said that the two countries have always adhered to mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago. The two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation across various fields, and forged a deep-rooted friendship between their people, Xi said. He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Uruguay relations, and is willing to work with Orsi to continue the China-Uruguay friendship and push for more results from the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng sent a congratulatory message to Uruguayan Vice President-Elect Carolina Cosse. Vietnam conglomerate REE recalls septuagenarian female general as CEO amid profit declines By Ngoc Diem, Minh Hue Thu, November 28, 2024 | 3:41 pm GMT+7 REE Corporation, one of Vietnam's largest multi-sector companies, saw its profits declining by the time it effected a major leadership change, with Nguyen Thi Mai Thanh stepping down as chairperson and taking over the CEO post. Energy is the main pillar of REE Corporation. Photo courtesy of the corporation. Thanh, 72, has stepped down as chairwoman of REE Corp (HoSE: REE) and taken over the CEO post with immediate effect, REE said in an announcement last Friday. Thanh was chairperson of REE from 1993 and its CEO between 1993 and July 2020. She made REE one of the first two Vietnamese companies to list on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) in 2000. Thanh replaced Nguyen Minh Quang, who became CEO in July this year. Meanwhile, Alain Cany, non-executive vice chairman, became chairman of the Vietnamese company. Cany has sat on REEs board of directors since 2021 at the nomination of Platinum Victory Pte. Ltd. Platinum Victory Pte. Ltd. last week registered to buy another 30 million REE shares to raise its holding in the Vietnamese firm to 42.07% from 35.7%, or 168.16 million shares. Shrinking profits since Q2/2023 From 2020 to 2022, REE saw remarkable growth in revenue and profit, from below VND5 trillion to over VND9.3 trillion ($365.93 million), and from VND1.6 trillion to nearly VND2.7 trillion ($106.24 million), respectively. However, in 2023, its revenue dropped 8.5% year-on-year to VND8.6 trillion, and after-tax profit fell 19% to VND2.2 trillion. In the first nine months of 2024, the company reported a 7% decline in revenue to VND6.05 trillion ($238 million), achieving 57% of the year's target. Its after-tax profit reached VND1.32 trillion ($51.94 million), down 22% and equalling 55% of the year's target. The corporations after-tax profit was around VND700 billion ($27.54 million) per quarter before Q1/2023. However, this dropped to about VND500 billion in Q2/2023 and just VND355 billion in Q2/2024. The fall stemmed mainly from a sharp drop in revenue in the mechanical and electrical engineering segment, which has not significantly recovered since 2021, while the energy segment has also seen a downturn since 2023. While the real estate segment has remained stable, it has not been transformative, contributing roughly VND1 trillion ($39.35 million) annually from leasing office spaces. REE said that the drop in the energy segment was mainly due to unfavorable hydrological conditions in the first half of the year; and some improvement expected in Q3. In the first nine months of the year, energy revenue fell 18% year-on-year, while the mechanical and electrical segment grew by 5%, and real estate went up 9%. Despite the challenges, the firm has achieved some positive results. REE Energy successfully completed two M&A deals, including the acquisition of a 100% stake in Tra Khuc 2 Hydropower JSC and 70% in Duyen Hai Wind Power JSC. The VND1.2 trillion Tra Khuc 2 Hydropower Plant has a designed capacity of 30 MW and an average electricity output of 120 million kWh. Construction began in June 2024 and the project is expected to be operational by September 2026. Meanwhile, the VND2.2 trillion Duyen Hai Wind Power Plant has a designed capacity of 48 MW, with an annual output of 150 million kWh. Contractor selection is planned for Q1/2025, construction to begin in Q2 and commercial operations to begin by December 2025. The real estate segment is expected to improve in the coming months, with REE Land starting to record positive business results from the "The Light Square," a residential area developed in the northern province of Thai Binh. Phase 1 of the project includes 45 low-rise houses and technical infrastructure. The project was launched in mid-Q2, and the company is focusing on selling the remaining units in Q4. The mechanical and electrical services segment reported new contracts worth VND3.9 trillion ($153.45 million) by the end of Q3, four times higher than the same period last year, largely thanks to contracts for the Long Thanh International Airport that is being built in the southern province of Dong Nai. For REE Tech, the sale of Reetech air conditioners increased by 36.6% year-on-year, primarily driven by contracts to supply air conditioning units for various projects. According to its 2024 annual report, the corporation has set a revenue target of VND10,588 billion ($427.28 million) and an after-tax profit of VND2,409 billion ($97.2 million), up 23.5% and 10% from 2023, respectively. REE, which has total assets exceeding $1.4 billion, announced the change after a short-lived tenure by CEO Le Nguyen Minh Quang, who was relieved of his duties effective November 22. Quang had been appointed CEO in July 2024, replacing Huynh Thanh Hai, who had held the position for four years. However, after just five months of Quangs leadership, the board decided to bring back Thanh as CEO, a role shed stepped down from in 2020 in accordance with corporate governance rules requiring that the chairperson and CEO of a company are different people. Known popularly as the female general, Thanh is a seasoned veteran. When REE Corporation celebrated its 46th anniversary, she had spent 42 years contributing to its growth. After REE became a joint-stock company in 1993, she served as both chairwoman and CEO, leading the company to grow from a small mechanical and electrical enterprise to the diversified conglomerate it is today. REE, listed on the Ho Chi Minh City exchange (HoSE), closed Tuesday at VND67,000 ($2.64) per share. 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UAE-based Kasco Development has announced the launch of its second off-plan project, VAL, a premium 13-floor community featuring 121 residences with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units situated along the banks of Dubai Creek. This comes following the successful launch of its inaugural off-plan project Onda, said Kasco Group in a statement. This prime residence enhances daily life with a suite of amenities, including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, yoga area, and sauna, all designed to elevate the living experience, it stated. A natural sanctuary nestled in Al Jaddaf Waterfront, VAL offers residents studio of up to 445 sq ft, one-bedroom apartments of up to 883 sq ft and two-bedroom apartments up to 1,694 sq ft, with panoramic views of the waterfront. "This project embodies our commitment to innovative architecture and sustainability, setting a new benchmark in premium living in Al Jaddaf Waterfront. It harmoniously blends the tranquility of nature with the vibrant pulse of the city," said Mustafa Al Kaissi, Chairman of Kasco Developments. "We look forward to seeing Val by Kasco come to life and to welcoming our first residents by Q4 2026. We understand that residents seek more than just a place to live; they desire a space that truly enhances their lives. Thats why weve blended design, functionality, and an unparalleled ambience to create a truly transformative living experience," stated Al Kaissi. Strategically located in Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Val by Kasco places residents close to Palazzo Versace Dubai, Dubai Festival City Mall (5 minutes), DXB International Airport (8 minutes), and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (10 minutes), all with sweeping views of the Creek. "Each home has been thoughtfully crafted with comfort and convenience in mind, providing a blissful feel in each room. Apartments at VAL feature open-plan layouts, contemporary designs, and expansive windows that bring the beauty of the ocean indoors," he added. The project, exclusively presented by Evolutions, is set for completion in Q4 2026. Kasco said it has a special launch offer for its customers - a flexible 40/60 handover plan under which a 20% down payment has to be made first followed by a 10% second installment, 5% third installment, 5% fourth installment and 60% fifth and final installment. With a focus on quality and elegance, VAL offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle that transcends visual appeal and delivers a world-class living experience, it added. CEO Issa Abdul Rahman said: "At Kasco, our goal is to Inspire your Soul, and VAL is an emphatic embodiment of that goal in both design and architecture. Its our statement piece in the area. Al Jaddafs lively community and serene environment make it a truly unique living destination." A rising star in the emirates residential landscape, Al Jaddaf Waterfront is known for its harmonious blend of urban convenience and natural beauty that offers a unique balance of a refreshing, seaside lifestyle with easy access to Dubais bustling heart, he stated. "We are confident in Vals success and are eager to embark on further projects that place user-centricity at the core of their design," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The Saudi Ports Authority 'Mawani' has signed a partnership agreement with Lloyd's Register aiming to unify operational and maritime procedures at Saudi ports. The deal supports the separation of regulatory and operational roles in the port sector, in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, said a Saudi Press Agency report. The agreement aims to implement enhanced procedures to boost operational excellence, including the development of manuals and guidelines, such as a Quality and Environmental Procedures Manual aligned with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards, ensuring compliance with the highest environmental and quality performance standards. Moreover, a Code of Good Practices will be established to define responsibilities and execution procedures, improving efficiency and organisation. A specialised technical guide will be developed considering the scope of work and updated International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreements. The initiative will secure international certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, reducing emissions and waste, cutting operational costs, promoting sustainability practices, and strengthening the reputation of Saudi ports locally and internationally. The cooperation includes providing comprehensive training programs, such as developing a guide for specialized professional maritime certifications for port employees, eligibility criteria for training institutes, and ISO 9001:2015/ISO 14001:2015 courses on awareness, auditing, and performance indicators. It also covers the necessary rules and regulations for maritime inspection operations, including PSC/FSC checks, and integrates the latest technologies and digital solutions to support sustainable operations and enhance efficiency. Lloyd's Register, the British classification society, is one of the oldest and most prestigious global organizations in maritime classification and safety and quality services. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced that it has successfully completed the acquisition of 70% of the outstanding shares of Terna Energy SA from Greek clean energy champion GEK Terna and other shareholders, and received all regulatory approvals. The deal, agreed at a price of 20 ($21) per share, valued Terna Energy at an enterprise value of 3.2 billion ($3.37 billion), thus representing the largest ever energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange, and one of the largest in the EU renewables industry. Following the closing of the transaction, Masdar will seek regulatory approvals from the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission (HCNC), for the launch of an all-cash mandatory tender offer (MTO) to acquire the outstanding shares of Terna Energy, said the Abu Dhabi group in a statement. Terna Energy has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio in Greece, as well as projects in Bulgaria and Poland. The company owns and operates clean energy projects across wind, solar, biomass and hydro technologies - Greece's renewable energy leader is also building one of the largest pumped hydro projects in Europe, the 680 megawatts (MW) Amfilochia project. With Terna Energy currently operating a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW), the acquisition reflects Masdars confidence in the companys impressive growth potential, targeting 6GW by 2029. Terna Energy will play an important role in enhancing Masdars portfolio across Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030 in support of the energy transition, it stated. CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said: "Masdar is proud to become the majority shareholder of Terna Energy, bringing together two energy champions. Our committed vision and long-term capital will unlock significant opportunities for further growth in Terna Energys expansion as it executes on its strategy to support Greeces renewable energy goals." "Masdars acquisition strategy has focused on acquiring not just assets, but investing in exceptional teams. Our ambition is to establish Terna Energy as one of our core regional platforms that will help us deliver on our ambitious targets," stated Al Ramahi. "I look forward to working with Executive Chairman, Georgios Peristeris, and CEO Emmanuel Maragoudakis, in support of the energy transition in Greece and Europe," he added. Georgios Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK Terna and Executive Chairman of Terna Energy, said: "Our agreement with Masdar is a reflection of Terna Energys unparalleled leading role in the green energy transition in Greece as well as in southeastern Europe, a result of our consistent and tireless efforts over the last 25 years to create the largest and fastest growing clean energy platform in our country." "Sharing the same vision with Masdar for clean, affordable and domestically produced energy, we look forward to working together towards a future of endless growth possibilities for Terna Energy," he stated. Masdar has retained Rothschild & Co. as sole financial advisor, and Simmons & Simmons, Bernitsas Law, Latham & Watkins as legal advisors, in connection with the transaction and financing. GEK Terna Group was supported by Reed Smith LLP and Potamitis Vekris, who were the international and Greek legal advisors for the transaction respectively, while Morgan Stanley has been acting as sole financial advisor to Terna Energy.-TradeArabia News Service The Saudi Retail Forum (SRF) 2024, a key industry event for the region, kicks off at very heartening time as the kingdoms retail sector is poised to reach SR596 billion ($159 billion) by 2024 and touch approximately $176.5 billion by 2026, said the event organisers citing data from Statista, a global market intelligence provider. SRF will open its doors on December 10 at the JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh featuring an array of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and crafting actionable strategies to shape the future of retail in Saudi Arabia. By bringing together thought leaders, government representatives, and industry stakeholders, SRF 2024 will be a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and partnerships. According to industry experts, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands at a fascinating crossroad. On one side, it has a flourishing homegrown retail ecosystem, with regional brands becoming national champions. On the other, tried-and-tested international franchisees like IKEA, Zara, and H&M continue to draw consumers. Saudi homegrown retailers account for 70% of retail employment and are projected to grow by 5% annually, thanks to the kingdoms support for local entrepreneurship through Vision 2030, they stated. As more Saudis take the helm of retail innovation, the narrative is shifting - toward empowerment, resilience, and self-reliance, they added. Announcing the details of SRF 2024, Amitabh Taneja, Chairman of IMAGES Group, emphasised its transformative potential, stating: "Saudi Arabia has evolved into a global retail powerhouse, with cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar becoming premier destinations for luxury malls and high-end retail experiences. Yet, beneath the surface of modern complexes lies a strong cultural foundation, where homegrown brands are gaining momentum." "Bolstered by growing preference for local names among the consumers, Saudi brands are thriving, playing a key role in shaping the future of retail. The Saudi Retail Forum reflects the spirit of innovation and collaboration required to transform retail in the region," stated Taneja. "By focusing on key pillars such as technology, leadership, and consumer behaviour, SRF 2024 aspires to inspire meaningful change and growth across the retail ecosystem, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030," he added. According to the organisers, SRF 2024 emerges as a vital platform for stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Rooted in the vision of a modernised and diversified economy, it will focus on six foundational pillars that reflect the evolving needs of the market while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. An emphasis on understanding consumers reflects Saudi Arabias status as a leader in digital adoption within the GCC. With internet penetration exceeding 98% and a tech-savvy population, understanding consumer behaviour is more critical than ever. During the upcoming forum, some of the regions big profiles like Alshaya Group and Apparel Group will enter into discourse with Saudis homegrown retailers such as Reefi and Nabila Nezar to highlight factors impacting consumer behaviour such as cultural identity and consumption habits of the youth. "With over 65% of Saudi Arabias population under the age of 35, the kingdom is driven by a young, value-conscious consumer base. Retail forces will discuss the significance of tapping this consumer niche as well as the industrys engagement in social responsibility," said Taneja. The People pillar underscores the importance of leadership, talent development, and strategic vision in the Kingdoms retail evolution. Homegrown brands account for 70 percent of retail employment with a projected growth rate of 5 percent annually. While international franchises continue to draw a significant portion of customers, local names are progressing towards helming the flourishing retail market, supported by the Kingdoms initiatives to encourage local entrepreneurship through Vision 2030. The forum recognises the critical need for cultivating a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and competitiveness in the global marketplace, he added. Speakers representing brands like Chalhoub Group and Arabian Oud will navigate pivotal workplace concepts including dynamics, gender inclusivity, and adaptability to cultural norms. Furthermore, the forum will address the importance of imbibing new skills and leveraging digital tools to cater to consumer expectations and societal trends, and underpin the growth of tech-enabled workforce. Cenomi Retail and Danube Online are among the retailers who will delve into the aforementioned topics in the session, it added. The upcoming edition of Medlab Middle East, the regions largest medical laboratory exhibition and conference, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, from February 3-6, 2025, will spotlight womens health through a dedicated forum featuring regional leaders in the healthcare and laboratory fields. Taking place on the opening day of Medlab Middle East on 3 February, the Womens Health Leadership Forum will unite female leaders from laboratories, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry to discuss the pivotal role that laboratory diagnostics play in advancing womens health. Themed, Advancing Womens Health Through Laboratory Diagnostics, the forum aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations, address key challenges, and uncover collaboration opportunities that will enhance diagnostic capabilities for women-specific health needs. In addition, the event will highlight the ongoing contributions made by attending experts in advancing womens health in laboratory diagnostics. With sessions focused on The Impact of Diagnostic Innovation on Womens Health and Tailored Diagnostics for Women, the forum will highlight how emerging diagnostic tools contribute to early detection, prevention, and the treatment of health conditions, including breast cancer, PCOS, and reproductive health disorders. In addition, participants will examine how personalised diagnostics can revolutionise hormonal and chronic disease management, offering new paths for individualised care. The conference chair for the Womens Health Leadership Forum at Medlab Middle East is Dr Kadria Sayed, Consultant in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology and Chief of the Pathology and Laboratory Department at the American Hospital in Dubai. Prior to her current position, Dr Sayed worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Children's Hospital in the United States. Dr Sayed said: The new Womens Health Leadership Forum at Medlab Middle East represents an invaluable opportunity to harness the power of laboratory diagnostics, to address women-specific health needs more effectively. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to enhance diagnostic capabilities and be part of the drive to deliver more personalised, effective care for women in the region and worldwide. The forum will feature insights from highly regarded global leaders in women's health, with Dr. Rita Nayar serving as the keynote speaker. Dr Nayar is Vice Chair of Education and Faculty Development and Director of Cytopathology in the Department of Pathology and a Professor of Pathology (Cytopathology) in Medical Education at Northwestern University, where she leads laboratory efforts to ensure the quality implementation of primary HPV screening. During the forum, Dr Nayar will address the importance of primary HPV screening, focusing on the self-sampling method. The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and research conducted by The Lancet Global Health in 2018, found that cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women. The disease is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in eastern, western, middle, and southern Africa. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States reports that the distribution of self-sampling kits for HPV has the potential to significantly increase screening rates, with the kits used in an NCI clinical trial shown to maintain high diagnostic accuracy. In addition, a systematic review commissioned by WHO examined the effectiveness and acceptance of HPV self-sampling among women. The review found that self-sampling significantly increased screening uptake, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare is limited. A global hub for leaders in laboratory medicine, Medlab Middle East 2025 is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees and will feature 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. The sponsors for the Womens Health Leadership Forum are DNK-Technologies, as the headline sponsor, and QuidelOrtho, as an associate sponsor. The forum will be held in Hall 1, Room 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. TradeArabia News Service Initiatives to bolster supply chains driving foreign trade 08:36, November 28, 2024 By Zhong Nan ( China Daily People check out an AI-driven bartending system at the Siemens booth in the advanced manufacturing chain exhibition area of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on Wednesday. (ZHANG HAOFU/XINHUA) China's advanced industrial system and proactive initiatives to bolster global supply chain cooperation will help drive foreign trade while enabling both domestic and foreign companies to expedite their digital and green transformations, business executives said on Wednesday. Speaking during the ongoing second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, which runs through Saturday, they said that amid sluggish global economic growth and the challenges posed by protectionist measures, reinforcing global supply chain cooperation is practical to reduce business costs, enhance production efficiency, and foster shared progress. Asia Pulp and Paper Co Ltd, or APP, an Indonesian pulp and paper manufacturer, is showcasing its latest products and green technology solutions in the expo's new exhibition area dedicated to advanced manufacturing supply chains this year. The paper industry is distinguished by its long-supply chain characteristics. As a key player connecting industrial resources between China and Indonesia, APP prioritizes supply chain stability as a fundamental aspect of its development, said Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of Sinar Mas-APP China, APP's China branch. "In addition to supplying paper products to the Chinese market, we also ship products manufactured in our plants in China to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially to member economies of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," said Zhai. Exports of foreign-invested businesses in China amounted to 5.77 trillion yuan ($796 billion) from January to October, marking year-on-year growth of 1.9 percent, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed. Supported by the most comprehensive range of industrial categories and the most complete supporting systems based on the United Nations standards, China's manufacturing industry has maintained its position as the world's largest by scale for 14 consecutive years. The country accounts for over 30 percent of global output, according to information released at the expo by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. With China and many parts of the world entering a new era of green and innovation-led growth, Xiao Song, global executive vice-president of German conglomerate Siemens AG, stressed that building a collaborative and innovative industrial and supply chain is a key pathway for the global manufacturing sector to achieve high-quality growth. "Backed by the expo's platform and China's opening-up policy measures, we are willing to leverage our digital business ecosystems to help more domestic and global companies empower and optimize their supply chains, bringing together businesses of varying sizes, types, and countries into a unified network," said Xiao. During the expo, Siemens signed service agreements with several Chinese and international partners to further reduce carbon emissions in their operations both in China and overseas. Syngenta Group, which is based in Basel, Switzerland, and is a second-time expo participant, has brought a number of agricultural produce and farming solutions to the expo this time. "To effectively align the innovation chain with the industrial chain, technological innovation must be closely tied to industry needs, addressing the requirements of industrial upgrading and the modernization of supply chains," said Su Fu, president of Syngenta Group China. Through its Agriculture Value Chain program, Syngenta has not only imported a wide range of products such as feed grains, coffee, edible oil, and oilseeds into China, but has also taken part in a number of farming projects in countries including Kazakhstan and Ethiopia, boosting agricultural cooperation in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Highlighting that agriculture is a vital pillar of global economic development, Jiao Jian, president of Beijing-based Sinochem Holdings Corp, the parent company of Syngenta Group, said that in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events and severe climate challenges, a new green revolution is urgently needed in global agriculture. Jiao said that ensuring the stability of global supply chain cooperation is crucial for dealing with these issues. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Alain Xavier Cany, former chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) and non-executive vice-chairman of Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE), has been named chairman of the firm, replacing his predecessor Nguyen Thi Mai Thanh. Cany joined REE in 2021 as a representative of Singaporean investment fund Platinum Victory Pte. Ltd. He holds a degree in economic sciences from the University of Paris. Highlights of his career include serving as CEO of HSBC Vietnam and country chairman of Jardine Matheson Vietnam, according to a report by REE. Cany was chairman of Eurocham Vietnam from 2005 to 2012 and from 2021 to 2022. Thanh left her role as REE chairwoman on November 22 and now holds the post of executive director. She has led REE since its privatization in 1993. On November 19, Platinum Victory Pte. Ltd. registered to buy 30 million REE shares via either put-through or order-matching transactions or through the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation. The transactions are scheduled to take place from November 22 to December 20. If successful, the fund's stake in REE will increase to 42.07 percent from 35.07 percent. Nguyen Thi Mai Thanh, who served as REE chairwoman from 1993 to 2024. Photo: REE Meanwhile, Thanh currently owns over 60.4 million REE shares, or a 12.8-percent stake. Thanhs husband, Nguyen Ngoc Hai owns 5.5 percent of REE; her son, Nguyen Ngoc Thai Binh, two percent; her daughter, Nguyen Ngoc Nhat Hanh, 1.3 percent. In total, her familys stake in the company amounts to 21.6 percent. REE was established as a state-owned company in 1977. It was privatized in 1993 and listed on the Vietnamese stock exchange in 2000. In the last 24 years, it has grown to become a leading firm in Vietnams power and water utilities sector with a market capitalization of over VND30 trillion (US$1.2 billion). Its charter capital has jumped to over VND4.7 trillion ($185.5 million) from VND150 billion ($5.9 million). Its assets have also surged 140 times to reach VND35 trillion ($1.4 million). From a modest profit of VND30 billion ($1.3 million) in 2000, it now earns trillions of Vietnamese dong per year. (VND1 trillion = $39.4 million). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In central Vietnams Da Nang City, frustrated parents are speaking out against what they claim to be a brazen case of false advertising. Enticed by promises of an 'American school' experience complete with an on-site study abroad program, and coaxed into paying annual tuition fees of almost US$4,000, families discovered too late that they had enrolled their children in nothing more than a regular English center. The Da Nang Department of Education and Training is actively investigating complaints from those parents whose children have been studying at Thien Lap Nhan English Center, headquartered at 177 Hai Phong Street, Thanh Khe District. T., whose child holds Australian citizenship, explained that her family returned to Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021 to 2023, despite the modest sign outside identifying the location as 'Thien Lap Nhan English Center,' word-of-mouth led T. to believe it was an 'American school,' where she enrolled her child. T. claimed to have been told that the center follows a Prinberk Academy U.S.-based curriculum and offers an 'on-site study abroad' program. She paid a tuition fee of nearly VND100 million ($3,934) annually, with her child attending two daily classes, Monday through Friday. T. chose this program because she believed Prinberk Academy would provide transcripts and certificates enabling their child to continue their education in Australia. However, when her family attempted to transfer her child to another school in 2023, the requested transcript never materialized. After a year, she filed a formal complaint with the Da Nang education department in August 2024, seeking clarification on the centers role. In September, departmental inspectors met with Truong Van Thien Tu, the centers director, and concluded that the center was only licensed to provide English language instruction for children. Tu also confirmed that Thien Lap Nhan had no affiliation with Prinberk Academy. Distraught, T. realized the person she had trusted to manage her childs academic records was merely an employee at the English center. My biggest mistake was not thoroughly researching before enrolling my child. I relied entirely on recommendations, she admitted. Without the transcript, my childs two years of study has been wasted. Shocking revelations Other parents reported similar stunning experiences, as they learned Thien Lap Nhan Center had no connection to Prinberk Academy. One parent revealed that he had been told the center was an 'American school' and that his child would receive a certificate allowing them to continue their education at a U.S. university. Believing this promise, he transferred his child to the 177 Hai Phong facility. After two years, his child was moved to another location at 565 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street to complete their senior year. The family paid a monthly tuition fee of VND8 million ($315) at the 177 Hai Phong venue. However, during the departments investigation, Tu denied that Thien Lap Nhan Center operated any facility at 565 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. Parents presented tuition receipts from Prinberk Academy, listing the address as 177 Hai Phong and bearing signatures from Thien Lap Nhan staff. They also shared transcripts provided by the center and supposedly issued by Prinberk Academy. Parents are mainly worried about whether their children will receive transcripts after withdrawal and if this could disrupt their education or prevent them from re-enrolling in public schools. In October, Tran Nguyen Minh Thanh, deputy director of Da Nang's education department, reported that inspections at Thien Lap Nhan revealed the use of self-compiled materials based on reference resources and online links for English instruction. Some teachers even failed to meet professional qualifications, leading to administrative penalties and demands for improvement. The department continues to receive complaints and is conducting further investigations. When contacted, Tu declined to comment. On November 22, the center's staff issued a statement confirming that on top of English classes, it has introduced students to online learning programs such as Duolingo, Khan Academy, Prinberk Academy, Acellus Academy, K-12, and IXL Learning. These programs were described as optional resources that parents could explore independently. Teachers at the center were available to assist students struggling with these programs. Online education and homeschooling in Vietnam Prinberk Academy is described as a homeschooling system following U.S. educational standards. A parent from Hanoi has shared that their child is enrolled in an online school curriculum provided by Prinberk Academy. This institution issues transcripts and certificates directly from the U.S.. While homeschooling is not officially licensed in Vietnam, it is not explicitly prohibited. Students transitioning from homeschooling to formal schools must take placement tests to determine their appropriate grade level. However, if their academic records fail to meet requirements, they may be ineligible for enrollment. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the latest news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen on Wednesday held a meeting with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who paid an official visit to Vietnam from Sunday to Wednesday at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Luong Cuong. The municipal leader underlined that the city was eager to strengthen cooperation with Bulgarian partners. -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Vo Van Hoan, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, attended the Vietnam-Bulgaria Business Forum, which featured the participation of many companies from the two nations, in the southern metropolis on Wednesday. Society -- A working team of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) Mission in Africa has highly valued Vietnamese Engineering Unit No. 3 for its storage and maintenance of all types of equipment. -- As of 10:00 pm on Wednesday, over 200 people had been hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning after eating banh mi from a bakery in Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam on Tuesday night. -- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has said it will ban cars from entering Le Loi Boulevard in District 1 from December 5 to 19 for the Quintessence of Craft Villages and Regional Specialties 2024 fair. -- The Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary has recently participated in the 13th Diplomatic Charity Fair, organized by the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest to support children in need, including those with disabilities and autism, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Business -- Vietnam imported over 24,000 metric tons of salmon from Norway from January to October, Ashild Nakken, director of Southeast Asia for the Norwegian Seafood Council, said at a signing ceremony between the council and a Vietnamese company on Wednesday. -- A trade promotion fair was launched at Dam Sen Water Park in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday night, with over 180 booths showcasing a wide array of agricultural products, regional specialties, handicrafts, and hi-tech farming equipment. The fair lasts until December 3. Sports -- The Vietnam - Nha Trang Golf Festival 2024 kicked off in Nha Trang City in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa on Wednesday evening, attracting 280 golfers nationwide. The event wraps up on Friday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 26-year-old man from Son Tra District in Da Nang City, central Vietnam miraculously survived a 60-minute episode of cardiac arrest after being electrocuted. Da Nang Hospital confirmed they had saved the young man, identified as D., after he had spent an hour in cardiac arrest. D. did not recall being electrocuted and only learned what had happened to him after regaining consciousness. After being revived, D. placed his hand on his chest, excited to feel his heartbeat and exclaiming his gratitude to his medical team, family, and neighbors. He described the experience as an extraordinary stroke of luck, calling it a second chance at life. I feel like Ive been reborn, said D. According to his family, the accident occurred at 4:00 pm on October 24 while D. was on the roof of their home repairing metal sheets which had been damaged by strong winds. Unfortunately, rain had recently soaked the roof, causing an electrical hazard and leading to D.s electrocution. Relatives and neighbors heard his scream, rushed to shut off the power from the tools he had been using, and called for emergency assistance. D. had no pulse and was not breathing when paramedics arrived. They immediately began performing life-saving measures, including chest compressions, intubation, and manual ventilation for 20-25 minutes before transporting him to the hospitals emergency department. By 4:45 pm, D. still had no heartbeat. The hospitals emergency team continued compressions and ventilation while initiating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support technique that temporarily replaces heart and lung function. D. is transferred to the general care unit at Da Nang Hospital in central Vietnam and is expected to be discharged soon. Photo: Doan Nhan / Tuoi Tre Specialists from intensive care and anti-poisoning, cardiovascular surgery, and anesthesia worked together to connect D. to a Veno-arterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) system within 10-15 minutes, restoring oxygenation and blood circulation. Dr. Bui Van Dung, who led the ECMO procedure, explained that D. had been in cardiac arrest for a total of 60 minutes from the time of the incident to the successful ECMO connection. Upon arrival at the hospital, he faced critical complications, including acute circulatory and respiratory failure, brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, fluid leakage, and multi-organ failure. D. underwent intensive, multidisciplinary care, including advanced resuscitation and consultations involving several hospital departments. After more than 100 hours of continuous treatment, his circulation stabilized, and he was weaned off ECMO. Over the following ten days, his breathing improved, allowing doctors to remove his ventilator and provide extubation. Dr. Ha Son Binh, head of the intensive care and anti-poisoning unit, described the case as exceptionally critical, with little hope of survival during the first 24 hours. He credited the patients recovery to the dedication of the medical team and the use of advanced critical care techniques, emphasizing that every moment was a race against time and escalating complications. In the two weeks after the accident, D. has shown substantial improvement and was transferred to a general care unit for further monitoring. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The highly-anticipated Rach Dia Bridge, which connects District 7 and Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City, opened to traffic on Thursday morning, helping to ease traffic congestion in the citys southern part. The opening of the bridge took place one month ahead of schedule. The new bridge is a replacement for the deteriorating 50-year-old Rach Dia steel bridge and is expected to help improve the city's traffic infrastructure as well as enhance its socio-economic growth. Construction on the bridge started in July last year. It cost VND512 billion (US$20.2 million), VND290 billion ($11.4 million) of which was used for compensation and resettlement for four organizations and 92 households affected by the project. Situated on Le Van Luong Street, the new bridge is 318 meters long and 10 meters wide. The bridge helps shorten travel time between Nha Be District and District 7 as commuters will not have to pass through the often-congested Nguyen Van Linh-Nguyen Huu Tho intersection. Vehicles travel on the new Rach Dia Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City after it opened to traffic on November 28, 2024. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre According to 48-year-old resident Doan Thi Phuong Tam, the old Rach Dia Bridge was quite narrow, leading to traffic jams. Regular traffic jams caused inconvenience for commuters and noise for households near the bridge, she said. Tam also expressed her pleasure at the opening of the new bridge, saying, Other locals and I eagerly anticipated the inauguration of the bridge. The new Rach Dia Bridge, along with the Long Kieng Bridge in Nha Be District -- which opened in September 2023 -- and the upcoming Rach Tom and Rach Doi Bridges set to open in 2025, will enhance traffic connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Long An Province, according to Luong Minh Phuc, director of the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese and Danish architects and experts exchanged knowledge about urban green transition at a dialogue in Hanoi on Thursday. The Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam organized the 'Greener Together Urban Green Transition From Denmark to Vietnam' dialogue in collaboration with media company ASHUI Co. Ltd. at the Temple of Literature. The dialogue discussed practical strategies that can help Vietnam integrate green infrastructure and sustainable practices into its urban planning; how individuals, businesses, experts, and governments work together to accelerate the green transition; and Denmarks practices that Vietnam can use to address the challenges of urbanization. Speakers also shared practical strategies and solutions for integrating green infrastructure and sustainable practices into urban planning as well as case studies from cities around the world that are successfully transitioning to greener, more sustainable models that Vietnam could draw on. At the event, attendees could visit the Green Together exhibition, which showcases Danish green solutions in different sectors: energy, water management, circular economy, and sustainable and liveable cities. The exhibition will be open to the public until December 2, 2024. A corner of the Green Together exhibition at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Photo: Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam Mette Ekeroth, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Hanoi, said at the event that Vietnam and Denmark share a strong commitment to sustainable development within the bilateral framework of the Green Strategic Partnership. We are very pleased to be Vietnams long-term friend and a strong supporter of the countrys impressive social and economic growth, said Ekeroth. She added that now focus is on the transition to a greener and more sustainable development. Economic security must go hand in hand with social and environmental security. Vietnams impressive economic growth and rapid urbanization have brought serious challenges, including air pollution, traffic density, scarcity of water supply, waste management, and climate resilience issues. According to Vietnams national urban and rural system planning for the 2021-30 period with a vision to 2050, the countrys urbanization rate is projected to exceed 50 percent by 2030. As the world shifts toward a greener future, cities are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to combat climate change. The urban green transition is not merely a trend but a necessity for creating livable, resilient, and sustainable urban environments for future generations. Denmarks Copenhagen ranks in the top three of the worlds most sustainable and livable cities. Its experience has inspired Vietnam during its urban green transition journey. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! This Sunday on 60 Minutes Peter Overton looks back at when terror came to the Lindt Cafe a decade ago. It started as a beautiful summer morning, warm and sunny, but ended as one of the darkest days in Australias history. December 15, 2014, is indelibly seared into the nations psyche as the moment when terrorism came to the heart of Sydney. At 8.33am on that horrific day, lone-wolf gunman Man Haron Monis, claiming allegiance to Islamic State, walked into the popular cafe and shortly thereafter took 18 innocent people hostage. Threatening not only to shoot his captives, but also to detonate bombs hed planted around the city, Monis wreaked havoc until 2.13am the following morning. When the ordeal was over, not only was the terrorist dead tragically, so were two hostages, Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson. Through the recollections of survivors inside the cafe, as well as the perspectives of police and political leaders charged with ending the siege, this program is a showcase of the bravery of the men and women whose lives continue to be affected by that awful day. It is also a tribute to the memories of the victims and a timely reminder to heed the painful lessons learnt from the tragedy to ensure such a crime never happens again in Australia. Reporter: Peter Overton Producers: Laura Sparkes, Alex Chance 7pm Sunday on Nine. Legendary Australian actor Kevin Miles, best known for Carsons Law and The Power, The Passion, has died, aged 95. He passed away peacefully on November 14. Melbourne-born Miles (pictured second from right) began in theatre with JC Williamsons and toured Europe with the Royal Shakespeare Company, alongisde Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. It was in the United Kingdom that he gained his first television experience, appearing in plays for BBC. Australian guest roles followed in the 1960s including Hunter, Contrabandits and Skippy The Bush Kangaroo before the role of Detective Sergeant John Randall on The Link Men. He also appeared in Delta, Barrier Reef and ABCs Dynasty. 1970s guest roles followed in Boney, Ryan, The Evil Touch, Class Of 75, Silent Number, Behind The Legend, Homicide, Division 4, Lukes Kingdom, The Young Doctors, Case For The Defence and Kings Men. But in 1983 he landed his highest-profile role as Godfrey Carson (a role inspired by Hector Crawford), the domineering father-in-law of Lorraine Bayly in 10s Carsons Law. The Crawfords series featured blazing rows between both characters winning critical acclaim and a Logie for both. But both stars struggled with the punishing filming schedule bringing the show to an end at just two years. It was hellishly difficult to do, because I had long closing and opening speeches, Bayly once told TV Tonight. I loved working with Kevin Miles, working off each other. They were such strong characters. I ring him on his birthday every year. Later credits included Mission: Impossible, Nancy Wake, Darlings of the Gods, The Power The Passion as Gordon Miles, Winners , Joe Wilson and 1997 telemovie The Ripper. Film credits included The Cars that Ate Paris, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Evil Angels, Weekend of Shadows and The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith. Source: TelevisionAU, Super Aussie Soaps HA NOI The current VAT reduction, from 10 per cent to 8 per cent, has been having a positive impact on Viet Nams economy. Given the ongoing economic difficulties its essential to continue with the tax cut, at least during the first six months of 2025, said the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The tax cut, introduced to give the economy a boost amid the COVID-19 pandemic and due to end December 31, is up for review by the National Assembly, which has requested opinions and feedback on its continuation. The chamber also voiced its concerns over the current implementation of the tax cut. "We have noted that many businesses are facing considerable obstacles in qualifying for the tax cut, mainly due to the tax authoritys categorising method that determines which goods and services are eligible, said the VCCI in an official statement. Despite several governmental decrees issued, including Decree 15/2022/ND-CP, Decree 44/2023/ND-CP and Decree 72/2024/ND-CP, implantation remained systematically problematic. The chamber suggested the countrys economic classification system, historically used to gather data, could serve poorly as a basis for determining the rights and obligations of goods and services. In certain areas, the lack of legal frameworks could make it extremely difficult to categorise a group of goods and services. For example, its challenging to categorise telecommunications and IT products due to a lack of definitions in Viet Nams existing legal documents. Similar issues are also present in several manufacturing and chemical sectors, which suffer the same difficulties. The chamber said businesses, on many occasions, were held back because they couldnt make sure whether their goods and services may qualify under the tax cut. Even seeking clarification from the tax authority was no help as they were told to refer to the national product sector classification system and other decrees. There are costs to the public and the economy because of all these difficulties in determining whether a good or a product could qualify for the tax cut, said the VCCI. In addition, businesses have to pay more to hire additional accounting staff to adjust invoices and financial records. They face increased risks in finalising purchase agreements due to difficulties in calculating the VAT tax, even after all other details were negotiated successfully. In some cases, disputes and settlement requests have been filed over disagreements on the VAT tax. Given the current economic context and difficulties, the chamber has proposed the National Assembly consider reducing the VAT tax for all goods and services from 10 per cent to 8 per cent. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has exported 8.05 million tonnes of rice from the beginning of this year to November 15, to earn a historic record value of more than US$5 billion, according to statistics of the General Department of Customs. Compared to the same period last year, rice export increased 9.16 per cent in volume and 21.49 per cent in value on high rice prices which averaged $626 per tonne, up 12 per cent. The Philippines is the largest rice import market of Viet Nam, accounting for 46.93 per cent of the export volume, followed by Indonesia with 14.02 per cent and Malaysia with 8.7 per cent. According to Viet Nam Food Association (VFA), the price of Vietnamese rice remains the highest in the world. Since the end of October after the world largest rice exporter, India, lifted the ban on regular rice export, the rice prices in the global market have fallen sharply. The VFAs data showed that each tonnes of 5-per-cent broken rice from Pakistan and Thailand dropped by around 5-10 per cent to around $457-490. However bucking that general trend, Vietnamese 5-per-cent broken rice has increased again since November 2021 to reach $510-520 per tonnes at the end of last week, helping Viet Nam to be among the worlds largest rice exporters. Despite setting a historic record rice export value, Viet Nams rice import soared strongly by 73 per cent, making Viet Nam the third largest rice importer in the world after the Phillippines and Indonesia. In the first ten months of this year, Viet Nam imported 3.2 million tonnes, worth $1.2 billion. Looking ahead, there are factors which might affect rice exports next year. According to Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Indonesia, Viet Nam's second-largest rice export market, may not import any rice in 2025.. He added that the country aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency before 2027, reducing the need for rice imports. VNS PRETORIA Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Anna Thandi Moraka co-chaired the 6th meeting of the Vietnam - South Africa Intergovernmental Partnership Forum in Pretoria on November 27, during which they discussed ways to promote future all-around cooperation. The forum serves as a regular mechanism to comprehensively review and discuss measures to strengthen Vietnam-South Africa relations across areas. Its 6th meeting holds special significance as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the forum's establishment and the formation of the Partnership for Cooperation and Development - the first and only partnership framework to date between the two nations to date. In her remarks, Moraka hailed Viet Nam's achievements in socio-economic development and its role and position in the region and at international forums. She emphasised South Africa's priority to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam, expressing a desire to boost exchanges and meetings between the two countries to effectively promote cooperation in various fields, particularly in politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, and investment; and to promote the voice and role of developing countries in global issues. For her part, Hang congratulated South Africa on its development achievements under the leadership of the Government of National Unity (GNU), affirming that Vietnam attaches importance to developing the Partnership for Cooperation and Development with the African nation. South Africa is one of Viet Nam's top important partners in Africa, Hang stated, suggesting the two sides strengthen exchanges and reach consensus on measures to create breakthroughs, thus elevating the traditional relationship and cooperation to new heights. Both officials showed their pleasure at the positive development of the bilateral relations, which brings practical benefits to the two countries' people, especially after the visit to South Africa by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, and the visit to Viet Nam by South African Vice President Paul Mashatile in 2023. There remains great potential for developing the bilateral relations, they said, agreeing to closely coordinate in developing a programme for high-ranking delegation exchanges in 2025 to foster political trust and create new momentum to push multi-faceted cooperation. Applauding Viet Nam's role, status, and contributions in global issues, particularly in its capacity as the G20 host in 2025, the South African side welcomed Vietnam's participation in shaping the G20 agenda. Moraka congratulated Viet Nam on assuming the host of the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, saying that as a member of P4G, her country is willing to support Viet Nam to successfully perform the role, contributing to global efforts for rapid and sustainable development. Agreeing on the need to step up economic, trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar in the bilateral relations, the two put forth several important measures to fully tap the potential and strengths of both countries, including enhancing trade promotion delegations; sharing market information and trade and investment cooperation opportunities; collaborating on conducting a feasibility study for the possibility of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU); and expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as the Halal industry, renewable energy, food processing, and agricultural products. They also emphasised the importance of promoting cooperation in defence - security, judicial affairs, environment, higher education, training, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges; saying that it is necessary to effectively implement signed agreements and accelerate negotiations of key cooperation documents in these fields to create a favourable legal framework for bilateral collaboration. Viet Nam and South Africa agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support in regional and international forums, particularly within the United Nations, G77, the Non-Aligned Movement, ASEAN, and the African Union (AU). They agreed to uphold multilateralism and international law, and support the peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as the reform of the global governance system, making it more balanced and effective, while emphasising the role and voice of developing countries. The South African side expressed respect for ASEAN's consistent stance on resolving international disputes through peaceful measures in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). During her working trip to the African nation from November 25 to 27, Deputy FM Hang had working sessions with Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Narend Singh, CEO at the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alan Mukoki, and representatives from the South African National Halal Authority and outstanding businesses operating in the Halal industry. VNA/VNS HCM CITY A number of topics aimed at strengthening trade between Poland and Viet Nam were discussed at a Business Mixer event in HCM City on November 28. Speakers at the event organised by the Port of Gdansk, Polands largest, said the bilateral economic partnership has been evolving rapidly. Polands exports to Viet Nam grew by nearly 20 per cent last year and it remained a crucial import partner for Viet Nam, with the volume of Vietnamese imports into Poland growing at a remarkable rate. Currently, Viet Nam is Poland's largest trade partner in Southeast Asia. Dorota Pyc, president of the Port of Gdansk Authority, said: Trade between the two countries reached new heights last year, with potential for even greater growth. We look to enhance our cooperation, offering Vietnamese companies new opportunities to reach the European market via the Port of Gdansk. Given our respective strategic locations, the Port of Gdansk can serve as an ideal entry point for Vietnamese goods into Europe and as a gateway for Polish and European products to Viet Nam. She said this partnership would not only facilitate trade but also improve logistics efficiency, reduce transit times and ensure that businesses stay competitive in an increasingly demanding global market. Todays global economy requires strong partnerships, shared values, and a commitment to progress. The Port of Gdansk stands ready to be Viet Nams partner in growth, offering not only a gateway to European markets but also a trusted, innovative, and future-oriented ally. Pawe Krezel, director of maritime economy and inland navigation at the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, said Viet Nam is becoming a key player in the global economy, rapidly expanding its markets, and ranking as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies. This is a tremendous opportunity for Polish businesses to establish and expand their presence in this dynamic market. He said the 2020 EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which aims to eliminate over 99 per cent of customs duties on goods traded between the two sides, further incentivises Polish and Vietnamese entrepreneurs to expand trade. This is an ideal moment for Polish entrepreneurs who have yet to enter the Vietnamese market to take a closer look and consider exploring the possibilities on a broader scale. On the other hand, with growing interest among Polish consumers and businesses in Vietnamese products, the growth of Vietnamese imports into Poland seems likely to continue, enriching the variety of goods and services exchanged between the two nations, he added. Tran Ngoc Liem, director of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industrys HCM City branch, said: Viet Nam and Poland are both coastal nations. Therefore, the development of seaport infrastructure and maritime transportation is crucial for their economic growth and for promoting bilateral trade. Many Vietnamese logistics companies are establishing freight routes between Viet Nam and Poland, but the current level of development remains far below the bilateral potential, he said. The event offers an excellent opportunity for businesses in the two countries in seaport infrastructure, logistics, freight forwarding, and import-export to obtain market information, discuss shared interests and seek new collaboration opportunities, he added. VNS HA NOI An evening of traditional music exchange between Vietnamese and Chinese youth took place on November 26 in Ha Noi, drawing nearly 500 people from both nations. Composer o Hong Quan, Chairman of the Viet Nam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, highlighted the strong and friendly ties between Viet Nam and China in the fields, particularly music. Recently, the Nanning People's Committee and the Guangxi Arts University hosted the China-ASEAN music festival and cultural month programmes, featuring the participation of nearly 150 artists as well as two symphony and folk orchestras from Viet Nam. Chen Yijun, member of the standing board of the Guangxi Party Committee and head of the committees publicity department, noted the vital role of music in cultural exchanges between the two countries. Over recent years, art universities in Guangxi and Viet Nam have actively exchanged young talents, co-organised music weeks, concerts, art exhibitions, and collaborated on artistic creations and talent development programmes. The music exchange evening was rounded off with an orchestral symphony on the Vietnam-China ties. VNA/VNS by Ray Riches* Recently, news has spread across the world about several deaths at a backpacker hostel in Laos. Deadly methanol was sold as regular alcohol, causing illness and death. The concern on everyones mind is whether this could also happen in Viet Nam. The popular tourist destination of Vang Vieng is well known for young adventure seekers. Located in the high country around 120 km north of the Laos capital, Vientiane, the small city is awash with hotels and hostels welcoming people from all over the world. For backpackers, the scene is electric, with low-budget options available all over the city. Unfortunately, this is also the last place that two Danish tourists, an American, a British woman and two Australians consumed tainted alcohol that led to their deaths. Laos, being a neighbour of Viet Nam, shares some supply chains, raising the question of whether this could also happen in bars across Viet Nam. It would be difficult to categorically say no. It is a complex mix of laws, operators and locations that, I believe, would make this type of scenario unlikely, but possible in Viet Nam. To start, Viet Nam does not have a bar culture similar to other countries. The culture of consuming alcohol is very different. For this reason, some spirits used to make mixed drinks are not popular in Viet Nam, lowering the demand and market for these types of spirits. Couple this with the fact that bars and similar places frequented by backpackers are often owned and operated by foreigners, further reducing the likelihood of intentional use of fake alcohol. Due to the lower demand for some spirits, bar owners in Viet Nam are more likely to have a single supplier and it is the supplier that is key to this situation. Suppliers of alcohol in Viet Nam are usually large corporations that either own or have close relationships with major manufacturers and importers of alcohol. This means they have a secure supply line that ensures the alcohol they sell to bars is real and safe to consume. Also, bar owners are aware of the small fake alcohol market in Viet Nam. For this reason, most bars will not purchase alcohol from local suppliers or in local markets because there is no certainty of the product's origin. Overarching all of the supply chain assurances are the laws in Viet Nam. Bar owners are well aware that if they intentionally harm a person by selling a dangerous product, the countrys laws will deal with them and they could find themselves in jail. All that aside, the one definite risk is if there is intentional swapping of alcohol by a person selling the product. Whether it be an employee of a bar or an unscrupulous bar owner, there is always a risk that a dishonest person could do something similar to what occurred in Laos recently. That being said, I would suggest that the overall risk of this happening is no more than in any other Southeast Asian country or anywhere in the world for that matter. There are reports, from time to time, of people in Viet Nam dying from methanol poisoning. This, however, is not from fake alcohol and not from consuming drinks in a bar. The most common cause of alcohol poisoning deaths in Vietnam comes from purchasing homemade alcohol from street markets or contacts. The price is usually very cheap and the alcohol content is exceptionally high. On one occasion, I visited a friend's home in Saigon and was given alcohol purchased at a local market in a province in the north of Viet Nam. Its alcohol content was in excess of 70 per cent and it was clearly not made by a reputable manufacturer. After consuming it, I was very ill for three days. For tourists travelling through Viet Nam, you can be assured that the spirit and essence of the people will ensure that your travels are safe. However, always err on the side of caution when you are in an unfamiliar location. The best advice is to join local social media groups and get references about budget locations. Also, ask around and see how other tourists' experiences have been before you buy alcohol. The best advice is if there is any doubt, only buy unopened bottled and canned beverages and make sure they open them in front of you. That way, you know you are getting the real thing. Viet Nam is a very safe place to travel. You can have adventures in this country knowing that you are welcome and the systems around you work for the good of the people, both living and visiting. I think the final advice is 'be aware, not alarmed' because in every country there are risks. Thankfully, the statistics and people's experiences clearly show that Viet Nam is one of the better countries in the world for travellers of all ages. Enjoy your next adventure in Viet Nam. VNS * Ray lives in HCM City and works as a teacher and freelancer. Apart from teaching, he is a keen runner and bicycle adventure rider. He has visited many parts of the country by bicycle and loves the smaller parts of this beautiful country. After ten years in Viet Nam, Ray has a love and passion for the smaller things and enjoys sharing his experiences with people all over the world. HA NOI Japan pledged to stand to accompany and assist Viet Nam as it embarks into the new 'rising era' on the basis of the continually expanding and deepening bilateral ties. Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki made the statement during the sit-down with local media on the progress and future prospects of the bilateral ties on the first anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World (November 27, 2023-24). Despite political changes in leadership in both Japan and Viet Nam over the past year, high-level dialogues and exchanges have continued to materialise the partnership, the ambassador noted. Japan's new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, held talks with Viet Nam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos in October, with Viet Nam's new President Luong Cuong while at the APEC Summit and with PM Chinh again at the G20 Summit. Earlier, in September, former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held online talks with General Secretary To Lam. "From the end of this year to the next, I expect further bilateral high-level exchanges," he said. The Japanese diplomat believes that Viet Nam, in its rising era under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, will be "a wonderful chance to further the cooperative, friendly partnership" between the two countries. General Secretary Lam has articulated a vision of greater international engagement, he noted, adding that this aligns with Japan's shared commitment to deepening cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN. "Next year, Japan and Viet Nam will co-chair the Mekong-Japan Cooperation Framework. With Viet Nam's active role and Japans support, we expect substantial achievements in the Mekong region." Japan is also focusing on supporting Viet Nam's three strategic infrastructure goals: urban rail and transportation, energy and digital infrastructure. "As Viet Nam transitions into a new era, Japan stands ready to accompany and support its growth and industrialisation goals, particularly in areas like digital transformation, green growth, semiconductors and high-quality human resource development," he said. Cooperation amplified across many fields Over the past year, the Japan-Viet Nam partnership has heightened across many fields, including economy, trade, investment, defence and people-to-people exchanges. In March 2024, Japan and Viet Nam launched the 'Japan-Viet Nam Joint Initiative for a New Era'. The two sides agreed to focus on five areas: energy, innovation, strengthening supply chains (including supporting industries), high-quality human resource development and improving the business and investment environment. The Japanese ambassador remarked that in the semiconductor sector, Japanese companies have shown increasing interest in Viet Nam. In August 2024, Tokuyama Corporation established a subsidiary in Viet Nam to produce and sell polysilicon for semiconductors. This project has been supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under its 'Co-Creation with the Global South' initiative, showing the Japanese Government's active backing. Furthermore, in October, RORZE ROBOTECH decided to build a new factory in the northern port city of Hai Phong, expanding its production of robots to be used in semiconductor manufacturing. In the case of education and training, Japan and Viet Nam have collaborated to establish the Viet Nam-Japan University in Hoa Lac, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in October this year. "The first cohort of students graduated in July. The university is now preparing a curriculum on semiconductors to enable Vietnamese students to study this field in the future," Ito noted. "Energy cooperation also saw progress, such as the LNG-based power plant project in Thai Binh, licensed in March and the Block B gas field project, which received its final investment decision this spring and has begun taking concrete steps." Viet Nam's retail sector has grown alongside its expanding economy, attracting Japanese companies. Aeon Mall opened its seventh shopping complex in Hue in September. Uniqlo, a popular Japanese clothing brand, opened its 10th store in HCM City in January, bringing the total number of stores in Viet Nam to 23. Viet Nam's first metro system in HCM City (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line), developed with Japan's JICA and Japanese companies, will begin operation this December. "Despite previous delays, this metro system will symbolise our two countries' cooperation in urban transportation. I believe this project will significantly improve life for residents in HCM City," he said. For Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects and digital transformation, just this month, Japan and Viet Nam signed an agreement to provide IT equipment to upgrade Viet Nam's national population database centre, operated by the Ministry of Public Security. "This project will enhance Viet Nam's digital transformation efforts and represents meaningful support in the field of digital governance," he noted. Speaking on the cooperation in security and maritime safety, the ambassador noted that Japan's Self-Defence Forces have provided anti-corrosion technology and transportation vehicles to Viet Nam's military. The construction of six patrol ships for the Viet Nam Coast Guard is ongoing, and Japan and Viet Nam are also discussing cooperation activities within Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA), a security counterpart programme to socio-development-focused OD that will provide equipment and supplies as well as assistance for infrastructure development to Japan's partner countries with a view to strengthening their security and deterrence capabilities. According to the Japanese diplomat, the number of Vietnamese residents in Japan has exceeded 600,000 this year, making the country a preferred destination for Vietnamese workers. To maintain this status, Japan is working to improve mechanisms and the environment to attract young Vietnamese talent. In 2024, Japan introduced specific skill exams in Viet Nam in nursing care, agriculture, automotive maintenance, hospitality and construction. Additional exams for two new sectors -- food service and catering, and food and beverage production -- are in the works. Vietnamese workers account for half of all foreign skilled and technical interns in Japan, he said. "This labour force is invaluable to Japans economy and society. We are working with Vietnamese agencies, Japanese enterprises, and the Vietnamese government to improve the well-being of these workers and increase their numbers," the ambassador told the media. In climate change, Japan is leveraging its technology and financial resources to assist Viet Nam in achieving its carbon-neutral goal by 2050. VNS HA NOI Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung is pushing for decisive measures to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Viet Nam, positioning the country as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. The minister spoke at the 15th National Assembly's 8th session on Wednesday, during which lawmakers discussed crucial proposed amendments to multiple laws governing investment, public-private partnerships (PPP) and bidding processes. These amendments aim to streamline administrative procedures, making it easier for investors to engage in high-tech and semiconductor-related projects. Dung said Viet Nam's proactive approach to semiconductor development had attracted leading global companies to invest in the country, including Cadence, Synopsys and Siemens. He argued that the ongoing global chip race presents a unique opportunity for Viet Nam to establish itself as a vital link in the semiconductor value chain, promising unprecedented economic growth. "Swift actions are essential to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by the growing global demand for semiconductors," said Dung. The minister highlighted the proposed amendment that grants a special mechanism for semiconductor investors in industrial parks, export-oriented zones and high-tech areas. Under the mechanism, the investors would be exempted from the administrative processes applied to other types of investors. Instead, they would be required to register their projects, with approvals expected within 15 days. The proposed amendment represents a significant shift from pre-approval to post-approval, reducing bureaucratic hurdles related to construction, environmental compliance and safety standards," said Dung. Other proposed amendments involve removing minimum capital requirements for PPP projects, giving local governments free rein to decide on local projects based on their needs and investor conditions, and expanding the use of PPP to encompass nearly all public projects, excluding those in state-owned monopolies or on national defence and security. Representatives from various provinces expressed strong support for the legislative proposals. Deputy Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan from Binh Duong hailed the proposed measures as a breakthrough in administrative reform, while Deputy Nguyen Duy Minh from a Nang emphasised the importance of attracting strategic investors to build innovation centres and R&D hubs, especially in big cities such as HCM City and a Nang. By simplifying investment procedures, Viet Nam will enhance its competitiveness in attracting high-tech projects, especially in major fields such as biotechnology and clean energy, Minh said. Deputy Luu Ba Mac from Lang Son argued that the legal proposals would help resolve urgent issues in planning, business investment, PPP implementation and bidding processes. The government plans to establish an Investment Support Fund in 2024 to assist high-tech enterprises with training, asset development and high-tech production, expected to further enhance Viet Nams position on the global semiconductor map. VNS HA NOI Collaborative projects between Finland and Viet Nam have made significant contributions to improving weather forecasting and early warning systems for natural disasters by supporting the modernisation of Viet Nam's meteorological and hydrological sector. That's according to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh, who made the statement on Wednesday at a seminar in Ha Noi. The seminar aimed to promote the modernisation and cooperation between Viet Nam and Finland in the fields of meteorology, hydrology and the environment. It was organised by the ministrys Viet Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration. Thanh went on to say that meteorological staff in Viet Nam have received training and capacity-building with Finnish experts, enabling them to master a range of advanced technologies. He expressed his belief that the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland would continue to support Viet Nam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in the years ahead. This support will help build a safer nation in the face of natural disasters and foster a cleaner environment as well as the country's international integration, to effectively respond to climate change. Speaking at the seminar, Sami Kiesilainen from the Finnish Meteorological Institute said that as part of the cooperation programme, the project 'Improving the Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Viet Nam' had significantly enhanced the capacity of the Viet Nams National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting in providing early warnings for tropical storms, strong winds and heavy rains. The long-term cooperation between the meteorological services of Finland and Viet Nam has greatly contributed to the modernisation of Viet Nam's hydrometeorological observation and weather forecasting systems. As a result, Viet Nam can better respond to increasing risks related to climate and the impacts of climate change. Regarding the project 'Promoting the modernisation of air quality monitoring and management systems in urban areas in Viet Nam', Katja Loven from the Finnish Meteorological Institute said that progress was proceeding effectively. Workshops on air quality have been organised to provide support and share best practices from Finland in designing air quality monitoring networks. Pham Thi Thanh Hoa, from the Viet Nams National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, said the meteorological forecasting support system, which used in the analysis and forecasting of daily weather and hazardous conditions, enabled the display of observational and forecast data in various formats (images, charts and graphs) to produce reference products that aid in forecasting storms, tropical depressions, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, cold air, drizzle, fog, heatwaves and strong winds at sea. That ultimately helped forecasters issue final weather forecasts and warnings. Also at the seminar, Hoang Cong Huy from the Northern Environmental Monitoring Centre under the Department of Environmental Pollution Control presented the Silam model - an advanced air quality assessment and forecasting system. The modelling system provided air quality information, which was made available to both managers and the public. The system offered real-time data and could be implemented in Viet Nam to develop a national and local air quality forecasting system. Participants at the seminar also featured discussions on research into the characteristics of thunderstorms in Viet Nam, private sector solutions for weather and air quality and future areas of cooperation.VNS HA NOI Bulgarian President Rumen Radev left HCM City on Wednesday evening, concluding his successful official visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. Seeing off the Bulgarian President and his entourage at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport was Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria o Hoang Long, and officials from the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, President Radev, his spouse, and the Bulgarian delegation laid wreaths at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs in Ha Noi. President Radev had a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam, held talks with President Luong Cuong, and attended a banquet hosted by the Vietnamese State leader. He also met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. At the talks and meetings, the Vietnamese leaders warmly welcomed President Radev's visit, which took place when the two nations are to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. They also congratulated Bulgaria on its achievements in economic development and regional and international integration. Leaders of the two countries explored ways to elevate their traditional friendship and enhance comprehensive cooperation, especially in agriculture, electronics, information technology, artificial intelligence, and space research - the fields where Bulgarias expertise aligns with Viet Nams needs. A joint statement was issued during the occasion. During his stay in Viet Nam, President Radev visited the Viet Nam Military History Museum and had meetings with representatives of the Viet Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association and Vietnamese who had studied in Bulgaria. He also delivered a speech at the Viet Nam Diplomatic Academy, visited Hai Phong and HCM City, and participated in the Viet Nam-Bulgaria Business Forum in HCM City. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, spouse of President Luong Cuong, and Desislava Radeva, spouse of President Radev, visited the Viet Nam-Bulgaria Kindergarten in Ha Noi. President Radevs visit marked a significant milestone in the Viet Nam-Bulgaria relationship, setting the stage for a deeper partnership in the years to come. VNS HA NOI Legislators will review a verification report and discuss a draft resolution of the National Assembly (NA) on reducing value-added tax (VAT); the draft amended Law on Corporate Income Tax; and the draft law on amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, at the ongoing 8th session on Thursday in Ha Noi. Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan stated that the draft amended Law on Corporate Income Tax has added provisions requiring foreign enterprises supplying goods and services through e-commerce or digital platforms to pay taxes on taxable income generated in Vietnam. The permanent establishment of a foreign enterprise includes e-commerce and digital technology platforms through which the enterprise provides goods and services in Viet Nam. It also supplemented provisions on other incomes (beyond incomes from primary production and business activities) for enterprises in general, taxable incomes generated in Viet Nam by foreign enterprises (with or without a permanent establishment in Viet Nam), and overseas income of Vietnamese enterprises. Later, lawmakers will vote to approve a resolution on pilot handling of objects and assets in the course of investigation, prosecution and adjudication of a number of criminal cases, and the revised Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control. They will also scrutinise personnel work during their sitting on the same day. VNS HA NOI Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni arrived in Ha Noi on November 28 morning, beginning his two-day state visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong. The King and his entourage were greeted at Noi Bai International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang, and other officials. Norodom Sihamoni is accompanied by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Royal Palace, and Supreme Advisor to the King Samdech Mahamontrei Kuy Sophal, Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun, and Supreme Advisor to the King and Deputy Chief of the King's Office Chan Samdarind, among others. Since his ascension to the throne on October 29, 2004, or after 20 years of reign, Norodom Sihamoni made three trips to Viet Nam in 2006, 2012, and 2018. And, this time marks his fourth visit to the country. During this visit, the King will hold talks with all of Viet Nam's highest-level leaders, strengthening political trust and promoting cooperation in various fields, including economics, culture and education. Viet Nam and Cambodia officially established diplomatic relations on June 24, 1967, and their friendship has ever since been continuously nurtured and developed. In 2005, leaders of the two countries agreed on a new approach to their relations following the motto of "good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability". Guided by this principle, their relationship has been further strengthened across all fields. High-level exchanges between the two countries have remained frequent in various forms, playing a vital role in guiding the relationship between the two countries. Viet Nam-Cambodia bilateral trade has grown substantially, with an average annual increase of over 20 per cent from 2015 to 2022, surpassing US$10 billion in 2022. Despite the challenges posed by the global economic downturn in 2023, two-way trade still reached $8.57 billion. By October this year, the figure had reached $8.35 billion, with both countries aiming to achieve $20 billion in trade in the near future. Viet Nam remains the largest investor from ASEAN and one of the top five investors globally in Cambodia, with 205 active projects worth a total registered capital of $2.94 billion as of July 2024. Meanwhile, Cambodia had run 38 investment projects in Viet Nam, with a total registered capital of $76.8 million as of October. VNS HA NOI King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni held talks with State President Luong Cuong yesterday, agreeing to promote bilateral relations in all areas to continue the traditional friendship between the two countries. The Cambodian king was in Ha Noi for an official visit to Viet Nam from November 28-29 at the invitation of the Vietnamese President. Welcoming King Norodom Sihamoni, President Cuong expressed confidence that this visit positively contributes to Viet Nam-Cambodia cooperation between the two countries, benefiting the development and prosperity of both nations, as well as regional and global peace, stability, and development. He also praised Cambodias development progress under the reign of King Norodom Sihamoni over the past two decades, which has significantly improved the peoples living standards and elevated Cambodias role and status regionally and globally. The Vietnamese leader expressed his wish that the Cambodian people continue their success in the future, achieving the goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050. He also underscored that Viet Nam always places great importance on strengthening and developing relations with Cambodia. He noted that Viet Nams leaders and people have always been grateful for the support of the Cambodian royal family, government and people during Viet Nam's fight for independence in the past, as well as in national building and protection today. Conveying regards from Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and the Cambodian leaders to President Cuong, King Norodom Sihamoni expressed great appreciation for the impressive achievements of Viet Nam over four decades of oi Moi (Renewal). Viet Nam has a progressive foreign policy, with multiple comprehensive strategic partnerships globally. The Cambodian king expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and Party General Secretary To Lam, Viet Nam will continue to achieve many significant accomplishments in the coming years. King Norodom Sihamoni also conveyed the Cambodian peoples gratitude towards Viet Nams for their support in escaping the genocide in the country in the past and during the current process of national development. He stressed that, alongside Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Hun Manet, he will continue to reinforce the traditional bilateral relations and friendship built by generations of leaders and people of both countries. Viet Nam-Cambodia relations are an invaluable asset that both sides need to preserve for future generations, he stressed. President Cuong requested that King Sihamoni, alongside Cambodia's high-level leaders, continue to address the obstacles and facilitate granting citizenship to eligible individuals of Vietnamese descent in Cambodia. He also asked that the Cambodian government create favourable conditions for Vietnamese nationals and people of Vietnamese descent to live, work and establish themselves legally and stably in Cambodia, integrating with the local community, and serving as points of connection for the friendship between the two countries. On the same day, King Norodom Sihamoni also met Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh as part of his official visit. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) deputies have proposed reducing the corporate income tax for the media industry from the current 20 per cent to 10 per cent or lower, given the critical role of journalism in the socio-political system. They discussed the draft amended Law on Corporate Income Tax during its ongoing eighth session in Ha Noi on Thursday. The current Tax Law does not have specific regulations for press agencies and the media are paying the same tax rates as businesses. Deputy Thach Phuoc Binh from Tra Vinh Province said that currently, media agencies operate as non-profit entities, serving political, communication and educational tasks instead of business goals, but still have to pay a corporate income tax rate of 20 per cent. This puts major financial pressure on the media agencies, especially when advertising revenue is decreasing due to competition with digital platforms such as Google and Facebook, making it difficult for many press agencies to maintain operations, he said. He proposed applying a tax rate of 10 per cent or lower on media agencies income from advertising and organising events. Media agencies should be exempted from corporate income tax from sponsorships and supported in creating resources for the implementation of political and communication tasks. Income from dissemination activities and political assigned tasks should be exempted from tax while the medias business activities should enjoy low tax incentives, he said. He also proposed special support policies for local press agencies, especially in remote areas, with challenging socio-economic conditions and low financial autonomy. Deputy o Chi Nghia from Phu Yen Province emphasised the important role of the press, adding that the incomes of reporters have decreased significantly. Press agencies are facing pressure to compete with social media and other sources of information, requiring better quality. To ensure stable operations of press agencies, he proposed the drafting committee consider reducing taxes to 10 per cent or even five per cent, for media. The tax reduction aims to motivate media agencies to improve their task performance, he said. Human trafficking The same day, the NA passed the revised Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control, with 94.78 per cent of deputies supporting it. The law consisting of eight chapters and 63 articles will take effect on July 1, 2025. It stipulates the prevention, detection and handling of human trafficking and other violations of the law on prevention and combating of human trafficking. It consists of regulations on receiving, verifying, identifying, supporting and protecting victims and individuals undergoing the victim identification process. It also provides details on State management and responsibilities of agencies, organisations, families and individuals in the prevention and combat of human trafficking and in international cooperation. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, who is on a two-day state visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong. The PM said that the history of the Viet Nam-Cambodia relationship is marked by each countrys arduous struggles for independence and freedom, and that their mutual sharing and sacrifice constitute an invaluable asset that the two nations' people need to preserve and nurture together. He affirmed that Vietnamese people always remember the support offered by the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, King Norodom Sihamoni, and generations of Cambodian leaders and people during Viet Nam's fight for national liberation and its current national building, defence, and development efforts. Congratulating the Cambodian people on their comprehensive achievements over the past two decades under King Norodom Sihamonis wise reign and the leadership of the Cambodian Senate, National Assembly, and Government, PM Chinh lauded Cambodias contributions to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the international community. He also congratulated Cambodia on the successful hosting of the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 11th plenary session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP-11), which have helped elevate its regional and global stature. The Government leader affirmed that Viet Nam places a top priority on strengthening solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia. He pledged to work tirelessly with Cambodian leaders and people to deepen the bilateral ties, meeting the aspirations of their people. Viet Nam is ready to support Cambodia in successfully hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026, he added. For his part, King Norodom Sihamoni noted that Viet Nam's achievements serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for Cambodia in its national construction and development endeavors. Expressing his gratitude for Viet Nam's invaluable cooperation and assistance in Cambodia's struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the current national building and development cause, the King emphasised that the Cambodia-Viet Nam relationship is not only fraternity, but also the long-standing friendship carrying profound historical significance. He promised to continue backing the cooperation between the two governments, believing that the bilateral relationship will further develop in a more effective and extensive manner. The two sides noted with delight the continuous development of the bilateral relations in recent years. The two countries have cooperated closely in politics-diplomacy and security-defence. Trade and investment cooperation remains a cornerstone for deepening the bilateral relations, and enhancing the economic ties. Currently, there are about 3,000 Cambodian students studying in Viet Nam, and nearly 100 Vietnamese students in Cambodia, who are serving as important bridges for the friendship between the two countries. They agreed to step up the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels, promote cooperation in economy, culture, science, and technology, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. They are also committed to solving any existing issues in the spirit of solidarity and friendly neighbourliness. The Vietnamese PM described the close ties and solidarity between Viet Nam and Cambodia, Viet Nam and Laos, and between Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia as inevitable and objective relations that are a valuable asset of each country and all three nations. He urged both Viet Nam and Cambodia to actively disseminate information about the tradition of friendship and solidarity among their people, especially among younger generations. On this occasion, PM Chinh expressed his hope that the King, in his noble position, will continue to pay attention to and, together with high-ranking Cambodian leaders, work to address difficulties and obstacles, and facilitate the naturalisation of people of Vietnamese origin who meet necessary conditions to live and work legally and stably in Cambodia. These people, he said, will serve as bridges for friendship between the two countries. He also called for the King's support to establish and soon put into operation a Centre for Vietnamese Studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, which will become a hub for Cambodian and international students to explore the language, culture, and people of Viet Nam, as well as the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship. VNA/VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Thursday met with Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, who is on a state visit to Viet Nam. The NA leader underscored that the Kings two-day visit could help significantly reinforce the "good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability" between Viet Nam and Cambodia. King Norodom Sihamoni expressed his memories of Man's official visit to Cambodia from November 21-24 this year, which, he said, contributed to strengthening the longstanding bilateral ties and opening new opportunities for cooperation across all fields. The King described his ongoing state visit to Viet Nam as historic and pivotal in further consolidating and expanding the traditional friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between the two countries. He said the Cambodian and Vietnamese people have consistently supported each other as good neighbours and brothers, for their mutual interests and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. He said the history of the bilateral ties showed that late Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Viet Nam's high-ranking leaders established and built the strong foundation for the Cambodia-Viet Nam relationship. Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, King Norodom Sihamoni himself, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Samdech Khuon Sudary, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet, and other high-ranking leaders of Cambodia have been working to nurture and enhance the two countries traditional friendship, solidarity and cooperation, he stressed. Man emphasised that the generations of Vietnamese leaders and people always remember the warm sentiments and invaluable support that the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and King Norodom Sihamoni, as well as generations of Cambodian leaders and people have extended to the country and people of Viet Nam during their past struggle for national independence, as well as in the nation building, safeguarding, and development cause today. He showed his hope that the King, in his esteemed position, would continue to nurture this relationship, and support efforts to educate the younger generations of both countries on the close bond and solidarity between the two countries and their people. The top legislator affirmed that he, along with the entire National Assembly, will make every effort to continue strengthening cooperation with the Senate and National Assembly of Cambodia in law-making, supervision, and decision-making on major national issues. He affirmed that Vietnamese leaders and people look forward to welcoming Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and the King to visit Viet Nam at an appropriate time. On this occasion, King Norodom Sihamoni expressed his deep gratitude to the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for helping the Cambodian people escape from the genocidal regime in the past, as well as in the current national construction and development process. The King said he believed that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, led by General Secretary To Lam, Viet Nam would achieve comprehensive development in all areas, contributing to strengthening its international reputation and role, and to peace, stability, and development in the ASEAN region and the world. VNA/VNS CAN THO A working session between leaders of Can Tho and a delegation led by Daniel Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands in HCM City, was held in the Mekong delta city on Wednesday to discuss opportunities for expanding bilateral collaboration in agriculture, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. During the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Thuc Hien reiterated the citys commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the country's pledge at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference. As part of this commitment, the city is actively implementing measures to promote green growth, enhance climate resilience, and foster sustainable development, he said, adding that Can Tho wishes to cooperate with and learn experience the Netherlands has gained from its green, sustainable development and net-zero emissions projects and programmes. Both the Netherlands and the Mekong Delta region face significant challenges from flooding and land subsidence due to their low-lying geographical characteristics. Hien expressed his hope that increased cooperation with the Netherlands will lead to innovative projects aimed at addressing sea-level rise, flooding, and other climate-related risks. According to the city's leader, Can Tho is currently proposing a large-scale project to tackle urban flooding and erosion while strengthening climate adaptation efforts. The project, which will focus on integrating flood prevention with urban planning across 2,770 hectares of the city, has an estimated budget of over VN4.5 trillion (US$190 million) and is expected to be implemented between 2024 and 2030. For his part, Stork expressed his belief in the deepening relationship between Viet Nam, Can Tho, and the Netherlands, noting that past successes have laid a strong foundation for future cooperation. He emphasised that joint projects relating to green, sustainable agriculture, environment, and climate change adaptation are essential not only for the participating countries but also for global efforts to protect the planet. He commended Can Tho's proactive approach to sea-level rise, noting the citys progress in implementing both structural and non-structural solutions to improve climate resilience and protect urban areas from flooding. According to the Can Tho Department of External Affairs, the city's exports to the Netherlands reached $22.01 million in the first nine months of this year. Key exports include seafood, agricultural products, processed foods, and textiles. The city also hosts a Dutch-funded project with 100 per cent foreign direct investment. In the non-governmental sector, Can Tho is involved in three major projects, including the automatic waste collection on the river in Can Tho funded by the Dutch Clean Seas Organisation worth $630,000, the WaterWorX for climate-adapted water supply in the southwest Mekong Delta supported by Vitens Evides International B.V. with total aid of over $1.3 million, and the programe on Blue Dragon Viet Nam - enhancing water resources management in the Mekong Delta financed by the Dutch Water Association and Blue Deal organisation with a total grant of $574,462D. VNS AN GIANG An Giang Province is effectively restructuring its agricultural sector and developing new-style rural areas to enhance the livelihoods of its rural population. Located in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, the province benefits from vast fertile farmlands and a wide range of agricultural products, including rice, mangoes, oranges, jackfruit, grapefruits, and palmyra fruit. An Giang has shifted its agricultural focus towards increasing value and promoting sustainable development. This year it plans to restructure 7,463 hectares of farmland to grow crops suited to local conditions. As Viet Nams second-largest rice producer after neighbouring Kien Giang Province, An Giang is expected to harvest 4.1 million tonnes of paddy this year. It is actively participating in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments project to sustainably cultivate one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice aligned with green growth goals for the Mekong Delta by 2030. Nguyen Si Lam, director of the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the focus would be on expanding rice cultivation and improving seed quality. We will adopt eco-friendly technologies and environmentally sustainable farming methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The department is collaborating with co-operatives and companies to secure markets and ensure stable prices for farmers. Co-operatives and co-operative groups have received support to enhance operations, and new ones have been established to strengthen agricultural value chains. The province targets agricultural growth of 3.53.8 per cent this year with a focus on producing high-quality rice, seafood and fruits. New-style rural areas An Giang is accelerating efforts to build new-style rural areas under the national programme aimed at improving rural livelihoods. As of June this year 76 of its 110 communes had been recognised as new-style rural communes, according to the agriculture department. To achieve this status, communes must meet 19 criteria covering infrastructure, irrigation, electricity, environment, income, education, healthcare, social security, and culture. The programme has significantly transformed rural areas by improving infrastructure and living standards. Vo Thanh Trung, a resident of Hoa Binh Commune in Cho Moi District, said: Since the implementation of the new-style rural areas programme, rural communities have benefited from a greener, cleaner, and more attractive environment alongside socio-economic development. An Giang has introduced various farming models to improve farmers incomes as part of its new-style rural development efforts. By the end of next year it aims to have 87 new-style rural communes, 41 advanced rural communes, and four exemplary rural communes. Two communes have achieved exemplary status so far. Rural communes progress from new-style to advanced and exemplary levels by meeting increasingly stringent criteria. The province targets average per capita income in rural areas rising to reach VN90 million (US$3,500) by next year. The new-style rural programme has also promoted the development of speciality products under the countrys One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme. OCOP products An Giangs comprehensive implementation of the OCOP programme has boosted the rural economy, improved incomes and stabilised livelihoods. Many OCOP products have become well-known provincial brands, acquiring strong market value both domestically and internationally. Currently the province has 138 OCOP products rated between three and five stars. These products have undergone quality enhancements, carry traceable origin labels and are distributed nationwide. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, owner of Kim Loan Dried Snakehead Fish Production Establishment in Cho Moi District, noted that her three-star OCOP-certified product has seen increased sales and broader distribution on e-commerce platforms and social media. In recent years many OCOP products have successfully entered fussy export markets. For instance, 25 farming households affiliated to the Khanh Hoa Agriculture - Tourism - Services - Trade Co-operative in Chau Phu District grow VietGAP-certified yellow-flesh longan on 40 hectares. Their produce has been certified as a three-star OCOP product, and is exported to Australia and the US. The province has organised various promotional activities and established OCOP display sites in Long Xuyen, Chau oc and key tourism destinations. Nguyen Tam Tuyet Trinh, deputy director of the provincial Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, said: We have increased support for OCOP producers to participate in fairs, exhibitions and networking events to link up with new markets across the country. Besides, several OCOP producers have expanded into tourism services, increasing their incomes and selling products directly to consumers. The province is piloting OCOP-linked community tourism in Cu Lao Gieng, Binh Phuoc Xuan, Tan My, and My Hiep communes in Cho Moi District. By 2025 An Giang aims to have 170 OCOP products rated three stars and above, up from the current 138. VNS HCM CITY New rooms for psychological counselling have become a trusted refuge for many students in Binh Tan District, the most populous district in Viet Nam. Along with new computers and water filtration systems, the counselling rooms are part of a project to enhance school facilities for the benefit of children as well as their teachers and parents. These efforts, under the project 'Building Safe and Quality Schools for Children in Binh Tan District, HCM City', have helped improve the school for many of the district's children from migrant families or those living in difficulties. The project is funded by the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) and implemented by ActionAid Viet Nam (ActionAid) and the Aid for Social Protection Programs Foundation Viet Nam (AFV), in cooperation with the Binh Tan District People's Committee. It aims to help children in the district access quality education and a safe, inclusive learning environment. Since the work started in March 2021 with a budget of over VN10.5 billion (US$413,800), as many as 234 computers, three solar-powered water filtration systems, and three psychological counselling rooms for students have been donated by the project. Other donations include more than 3,300 reference books for green libraries in participating schools, 45 sets of tables and chairs, swimming lessons for 120 students, bookcases and sunshades provided to three schools in Binh Tan. The project also supported the construction of two shading systems for school yards and repaired restrooms. Many training courses and communication programmes on children's rights have also been organised for teachers, students and parents through the project. Most importantly, research has been done on the need for psychological counselling in schools, with support for students and teachers to establish counselling corners, contributing to making schools in the district safer and better for all. Speaking at the project's closing ceremony, Le Thi Ngoc Dung, Deputy Chairwoman of the Binh Tan District People's Committee, said: "The project has substantially improved the quality of education for children in Binh Tan District with both hardware and software support. The district has over 800,000 residents, many of whom are migrants, and the need for more schools has never been more urgent. We acknowledge the project's contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on ensuring an inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, initiated by the United Nations and with active participation from Viet Nam," she said. Sharing about her own journey, Le Thi Minh Anh, a student at the Kim ong Primary School, said, "Previously, whether at school or at home, I was hesitant to talk to my parents, teachers and friends about my difficulties. Our teachers and the project guided me and my friends on communication skills and how to identify and solve problems in a calm and non-violent way. I also learned how to discuss with classmates and schoolmates, and we learned about school violence and cyberbullying to prevent them. I participated in many activities and practised a lot, so I became more confident and open. Going to school is now a joy for me, every day, she said. VNS BINH THUAN Binh Thuan Province is seeking to expand the farming of dragon fruit to Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP) standards by 2030. The countrys largest producer aims to have 10,500ha of VietGAP-quality dragon fruit by the end of this year, up from the current 8,503ha, according to its Agriculture Extension Centre. To reach this target, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has called on localities to increase advocacy efforts, encouraging farmers to adopt VietGAP standards and register for certification. It has urged local authorities to strengthen inspections of VietGAP-certified areas that require certification renewal and assist farmers with registration procedures. The provinces goal is to have 70-75 per cent of its dragon fruit cultivated in line with VietGAP standards by 2030, and to grow the fruit on 25,000 ha with a yield of 22 tonnes per hectare a year. Other goals include ensuring that 70 per cent of the value of dragon fruit and related products is generated through stakeholder linkages and increasing the exports of the fruit through official channels by 5 per cent annually until 2030. Several co-operatives in the province have already adopted VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, enabling them to export to multiple international markets. For example, the Hiep Tien Dragon Fruit Co-operative in Tan Tien Commune, Lagi Town, achieved VietGAP certification for its 20-hectare plantation last year, and now exports its produce to the EU and China. Its dragon fruit sells to exporters for nearly VN14,000 (55 US cents) per kilogramme as against VN6,000-8,000 (23-31 US cents) that individual farmers get. The Thuan Tien Dragon Fruit Co-operative in Ham Liem Commune, Ham Thuan Bac District, manages 30 hectares of VietGAP-certified dragon fruit and exports to the EU, the US, Australia, and China. Its members have enjoyed profit increases of 3050 per cent annually in recent years. The co-operative plans to meet GlobalGAP standards and establish a brand for its dragon fruit, having been recognised as one of the 63 exemplary co-operatives nationwide by the Viet Nam Farmers Association in 2023. Dragon fruit remains a key agricultural product in Binh Thuan, lifting many farmers out of poverty. In the first nine months of this year, the provinces dragon fruit exports reached $6.4 million, a 2.3 per cent increase from the previous year. Approximately 85 per cent of Binh Thuans dragon fruit is exported, mainly to China, with 15 per cent sold domestically. The geographical indication for Binh Thuan dragon fruit is protected in 13 countries and territories, including the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Japan. Value-added processing An increasing number of local producers, co-operatives, and companies are developing various dragon fruit-related products, such as dried fruit, wine, tea, and fermented juice, to add value. The Hoa Le Clean Dragon Fruit Co-operative in Ma Lam Town, Ham Thuan Bac District, collaborates with 30 farmers and four co-operatives to cultivate 200ha of VietGAP-certified fruit. In addition to exporting fresh fruit to Japan, South Korea, China, and India, Hoa Le also makes 16 products from the fruit, including wine, juice, jam, ice cream, essential oils, and flower tea. It has 11 products recognised under the national "One Commune One Product" programme and five designated as typical rural industrial products of the province. It also offers agro-tourism services, allowing local and international tourists to visit dragon fruit orchards during the harvest, when the fruits are ripe. Nguyen Hoai Anh, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, acknowledged dragon fruit as a major agricultural asset for Binh Thuan. However, he admitted there are challenges like limitations to existing varieties that affect quality and competitiveness and insufficient diversity in products made from the fruit. He urged the province Peoples Committee to promote advanced farming techniques and encourage cultivation based on VietGAP, GlobalGAP and organic standards. The Peoples Committee should also strengthen co-operative linkages among farmers, companies and others to create value chains for the fruit and products made from it and foster a favourable investment climate for development of the products. VNS MEXICO CITY A delegation of the ASEAN Committee in Mexico (ACMC) visited Durango state from November 25-27 to promote collaboration in trade, investment, mining, education, and culture. During the visit, ambassadors from Viet Nam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand met with Governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal, signed a Letter of Intent for cooperation, participated in the ASEAN-Durango Business Forum, and worked with representatives from the Juarez University of Durango and several local businesses. Governor Villarreal emphasised that the visit marked an opportunity to strengthen ties between Durango and ASEAN, a region known for rapid economic growth. Both sides agreed to enhance trade, investment, education, and organise trade promotion events. At the ASEAN-Durango Forum, ASEAN ambassadors highlighted their countries' strengths and affirmed that closer ties would create new opportunities for trade and investment. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai noted that Viet Nam-Mexico trade exceeded US$12 billion in 2023, up 12.7 per cent from the previous year. Viet Nam has also expanded investment in Mexico through companies like FPT, Formula Air, and VinFast. The ACMC delegation also collaborated with the Juarez University of Durango to discuss advanced training models and student exchange programs. They visited key economic facilities, including logistics and automobile manufacturing companies. Durango, a major mining hub in Mexico, operates over 100 active mines, generating export revenues of $2.5 billion in 2023. The automobile and auto parts industry contributed $2 billion. With modern infrastructure, including the Durango-Mazatlan Highway, Durango serves as a gateway connecting northern and southern Mexico, facilitating goods transport worth over $15 billion annually. VNS KUALA LUMPUR The renewable energy industry will be one of the main focuses in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) development, bringing significantly benefit to both countries. Singapore needs a sustainable energy supply to ensure the survival of industries in the city-state and Johor can potentially meet those needs, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Economy of Malaysia Zunika Mohamed told the press. In addition, Malaysia wants to promote cooperation with Singapore in industries that can add value to the national economy. Apart from supporting the development of renewable energy, the JS-SEZ is designed to attract foreign investments, ease the movement of goods and people and raise economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore. According to Zunika, Johor has great potential to attract foreign investors including those from Singapore seeking business expansion. She also said discussions to develop the JS-SEZ are now in the final phase with the joint JS-SEZ agreement is expected to be signed on December 9. Regarding the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), she said it was being detailed to involve various parties and community groups to ensure that everyone progresses together under Malaysia MADANI. Zunika said the 13MP will focus on implementing the government's initiatives to introduce reforms to narrow social and economic gaps. She affirmed that the Malaysian economy has been growing well in the past few months, reflecting the government's policies are on the right track, thereby ensuring the rights and interests of the people. VNS Dentons LuatViet launches new Vietnamese language website This launch aims to enhance services and optimise the experience and connection with the companys clients, particularly domestic clients. In response to growing demand from the domestic market, Dentons LuatViet has expanded its online presence to include a Vietnamese version of its website, complementing the existing English one. The new site provides detailed information on specialised legal services, lawyers, and key practice areas, allowing clients to access what they need quickly and easily. The launch of the Vietnamese website is a strategic move in Dentons LuatViets ongoing commitment to supporting Vietnamese businesses. It is a significant step in its efforts to provide easier access to in-depth legal information and insights, helping clients make well-informed and timely decisions. Tran Duy Canh, managing partner at Dentons LuatViet, shared, Our client base encompasses not only foreign investors but also a thriving community of Vietnamese businesses. In response to this growth, we are proud to announce the launch of our Vietnamese website, complementing the existing English version." "Over the past year, with the dedicated support of Dentons technical team and our web development partner, we have worked diligently to bring this project to life. This website is more than just an online presence and represents a vital connection with our domestic clients and underscores our commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse legal needs of the Vietnamese market. While we recognise there is still room for improvement, we welcome your valuable feedback to help us enhance the website and better serve you in the future, said Canh. With the launch of our Vietnamese website, Dentons LuatViet reaffirms its commitment to providing an exceptional service experience and building strong partnerships with the Vietnamese business community. This initiative is a clear expression of our mission to stand alongside the growth and success of Vietnamese businesses on the global stage. DeepL is 2024's most-used machine translation provider worldwide among language service companies Language AI tools are transforming the industry, boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and driving growth with DeepL usage far outpacing Google, Microsoft and more MiniTool launches new website NewsPivot, featuring diverse tech content and giveaway MiniTool Software announces the launch of its new website, NewsPivot, a platform designed to deliver valuable insights into various technology topics. Citi report highlights common language for global payments The payment industry is evolving at pace, led by the rapid growth of cross-border money flows, according to Citis latest GPS report released in late October. EVNNPT works with Lao Cai to resolve pending issues The projects include the 220kV Bat Xat substation, the 220kV Bat XatLao Cai transmission line, and the 220kV Than Uyen500kV Lao Cai transmission line. These initiatives aim to ensure a stable power supply for Lao Cai province and alleviate hydropower capacity constraints. EVNNPT has outlined details and timelines for the projects. The 220kV Bat Xat substation project, with a capacity of 2x250MVA and an investment of VND383 billion, is scheduled to be operational by the third quarter of 2025. To date, 8.65 of the 10.32 ha of required land have been handed over. However, delays remain due to pending approvals for an access road and unresolved compensation issues with two households related to land use rights. The 220kV Bat XatLao Cai transmission line involves constructing a 46.7km double-circuit line from Bat Xat to the Lao Cai 500kV transformer station, with an investment of over VND512 billion. While land for 31 of the 110 locations has been handed over, challenges persist. In Bat Xat district, a household has refused compensation despite repeated negotiations, while in Bao Thang district, several families have raised concerns about the impact of transmission columns on their farmland. The 220kV Than Uyen500kV Lao Cai transmission line involves building a 73.54km double-circuit line, with an estimated cost of VND1.06 trillion. The line spans Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, with 67.8km passing through Lao Cai. Investment planning for the project is currently under appraisal. Pham Le Phu, general director of EVNNPT, emphasised the importance of these projects. These power transmission projects are vital for ensuring stable electricity supply in Lao Cai province and across the North. They will also help release the capacity of hydropower plants in the region. However, site clearance delays are significantly impacting overall progress, he said. Phu urged local authorities to expedite compensation and land clearance to allow contractors to begin construction. Trinh Xuan Truong, Chairman of Lao Cai Peoples Committee, highlighted the projects' significance. Energy infrastructure is critical as we prepare to develop industrial projects, driving higher electricity demand. Stable power sources and 220kV infrastructure are essential for attracting foreign investment, he said. Truong called on relevant departments and localities to prioritise collaboration with investors, making these power projects a collective responsibility. These are urgent initiatives that must be prioritised to support Lao Cais socio-economic development, he added. 500kV transmission line switched on between Nam Dinh I TPP and Thanh Hoa A 500kV circuit-3 transmission line officially went live on the Nam Dinh I TPP - Thanh Hoa section on June 30. 500kV circuit 3 transmission line inaugurated on August 29 Following collaborative efforts by the entire political system, the 500kV circuit 3 transmission line stretching from Quang Trach in Quang Binh province to Pho Noi in Hung Yen province was inaugurated on August 29. Insulators replaced on 500kV Son La - Hoa Binh power line Hoa Binh Power Transmission in collaboration with Power Transmission Company 1 completed a project to replace the insulators on the 500kV Son La - Hoa Binh line on November 7. The two parties will collaborate to leverage their strengths and deliver comprehensive digital transformation solutions to businesses in Southeast Asia. Representatives from FPT and Yonyou with the collaboration agreement FPT is Yonyou's first partner in Vietnam. Yonyou, a technology company with 35 years of experience in ERP solutions, is recognised by IDC as the largest enterprise management software provider in China. Under the agreement, Yonyou and FPT will jointly provide advanced enterprise management software solutions for businesses in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Notably, YonBIP is an enterprise management solution platform designed to support businesses in their digital transformation journey. Developed on modern technologies such as cloud computing and AI, YonBIP offers optimal management solutions for enterprises in industries such as manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and human resources. This platform helps businesses optimise operational processes, enhance security, and improve management efficiency. FPT will distribute and deploy Yonyous ERP solutions for medium and large enterprises in Southeast Asia. With its exceptional technological capabilities and in-depth understanding of business needs, FPT will bring significant value to the customers of both companies. Guo Baochun, vice president and general director of the international business unit at Yonyou Network Technology Co., Ltd., spoke at the event Guo Baochun, vice president and general director of the international business unit at Yonyou Network Technology Co., Ltd., shared, Vietnam, in particular, and Southeast Asia, in general, are strategic markets in Yonyous global development plan. We believe this partnership will bring Yonyous most modern management solutions closer to businesses, thereby driving business efficiency and fostering innovation. Chu Khanh Hoa, executive vice president and director of the global sector at FPT IS shared at the event On FPTs side, Chu Khanh Hoa, director of FPT ISs global division at FPT Corporation, emphasised, Yonyous solutions meet the needs of many foreign investment businesses, and this will be an opportunity for us to reinforce our position as a leading technology company in implementing enterprise management and technology solutions. Both sides will create sustainable values and work together to help businesses successfully undergo digital transformation. The partnership agreement between FPT and Yonyou opens up new opportunities for both parties to realise their goal of ushering businesses in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and globally into the era of smart management and sustainable development. The enterprise management software market is expected to reach $117.09 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 10 per cent from 2021, reflecting the growing demand for process digitalisation and business optimisation. In Southeast Asia, over 60 per cent of businesses plan to invest in modern ERP solutions in the next three years (according to IDC), with a particular preference for cloud platforms to enhance flexibility and management efficiency. For businesses in Vietnam, especially foreign investment enterprises, adopting advanced technological solutions is not only key to synchronising global operations but also crucial for competitiveness and sustainable growth. FPT is a global technology corporation with over 80,000 employees and a network of operations in 30 countries and territories. As a strategic partner of major technology corporations such as Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, and AWS, FPT leads in software development, IT service exports, and providing comprehensive digital transformation solutions. FPT sets goal of hundreds of thousands of high-quality tech workers Global leading IT firm FPT has set a goal to develop hundreds of thousands of high-quality developers while taking a large step towards making Vietnam a global technology hub. EDC partners with FPT to enhance Vietnam-Canada trade ties Export Development Canada (EDC) and FPT on November 6 signed an MOU under EDCs Market Leaders Partnership programme to bolster Vietnam and Canada trade ties. At the 2024 Vietnam M&A Forum, themed "A Blossoming Market" hosted by VIR on November 27 in Ho Chi Minh City, representatives from international organisations gathered to discuss the macroeconomic context, policy changes, global trends affecting Vietnam's merger and acquisition (M&A) market, and international capital flows amidst evolving macroeconomic conditions and new regulations on foreign ownership limits and tax incentives. At the first panel, Seck Yee Chung, partner of Baker McKenzie, pointed out the hard work by Vietnam's legislators with the major changes involving the Land Law, the Law on Real Estate Business, and the Law on Housing. In addition, the Law on Telecommunications rules that foreign investors can fully own data centre companies. "However, my sense is that they might take some time to reform the regulations," he said. In particular, the Vietnamese government has a long-standing agenda to equitise state-owned enterprises, perhaps having them listed, and maybe at some point there could be divestments. All of these efforts are to try to modernise the companies, to unlock value, and to move out of sectors where it's really not necessary for the state to be so directly involved. "One of the eye-catching deals is the divestment of state shares in Sabeco many years ago. Having said that, I do believe that there are challenges around this initiative. Perhaps it also has a lot to do with the companies themselves. I do believe it takes time because it's not that easy to try to modernise a business as well as to train the management and the team," added Chung. Seck Yee Chung, partner of Baker McKenzie Dinh The Anh, partner and head of corporate finance at KPMG Vietnam, noted that the M&A market has experienced a decline over the past two years. However, signs indicate a recovery, with an increase in buyer activity and a return of foreign capital to Vietnam. "The market will witness more dynamism in the near future, with several deals about to be completed. Investors from South Korea and Japan, who were quiet for the past two years, are now returning. Notably, South Korean investors with businesses or operations in Vietnam are regaining confidence in the market. For example, the education sector, spanning from early childhood education to English and foreign language training, as well as higher education, is attracting many investors. "This education market is seen as highly promising," added The Anh. Dinh The Anh, partner and head of corporate finance at KPMG Vietnam. Photo: Le Toan "Recent positive institutional changes have helped make Vietnam's M&A market an attractive one, with numerous deals being executed," emphasised Vo Ha Duyen, chairwoman of VILAF law firm, during the discussion at the 2024 Vietnam M&A Forum. In addition, efforts to reform administrative procedures and accelerate digital transformation were recognised as key factors driving positive changes in Vietnam's M&A market. Duyen stated that the most significant development is the reduction of regulatory burdens and the expansion of investment opportunities, particularly in green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development. "Moreover, Vietnam has gradually eased foreign ownership limits, allowing up to 100 per cent ownership in many sectors, such as e-services and gaming services. This makes it easier for foreign investors to enter these fields. However, Duyen also pointed out challenges to be aware of in Vietnam's M&A activities. "Many policies are still in draft stages or under review, so investors must carefully assess the potential impact on future M&A deals. This may lead to delays in some transactions," she stressed. With the positive trends outlined, VILAF expects more M&A deals in 2025, particularly in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, technology, and finance. Vo Ha Duyen, chairwoman of VILAF. Photo: Le Toan Sharing a similar view with the VILAF representative on how positive institutional changes have enhanced the attractiveness of Vietnams M&A market, Oh Hsiu-Hau, managing partner at Allen & Gledhill (Vietnam), expressed optimism about the continued dynamism of M&A activities in the country. Real estate and healthcare are among the key sectors to watch, Oh noted, Particularly industrial real estate, which is expected to see a surge in M&A transactions. He added that the ongoing amendments to Vietnam's Real Estate Law have also positively impacted the market, creating favourable conditions for foreign investors to enter Vietnam's real estate sector through M&A deals. Highlighting the healthcare sector, Oh emphasised that Vietnam has already witnessed numerous M&A transactions in medical and healthcare services. Allen & Gledhill Vietnam anticipates even more deals in this sector in the coming years. With regulatory changes and a strengthened legal framework in healthcare, foreign capital inflows are expected to increase, making the sector a standout in M&A activity, Oh stated. Oh Hsiu-Hau, managing partner at Allen & Gledhill (Vietnam), Photo: Le Toan Taking a broader perspective, Dominic Scriven, chairman of Dragon Capital, commented on the global outlook in light of the newly elected US President Donald Trump. While there might be short-term negatives, he said, the medium and long-term prospects are positive. Dominic Scriven, chairman of Dragon Capital, Photo: Le Toan Vietnam is undergoing significant policy reforms, which are set to drive a recovery in business performance, Scriven remarked. He noted that public companies in Vietnam faced challenging business conditions in 2022 and 2023. However, 2024 has shown signs of recovery, with profits in the first nine months rising by 18-19 per cent. This recovery builds investor confidence, making the M&A environment increasingly optimistic for the future, he added. Nonetheless, Scriven highlighted three persistent challenges for Vietnam's M&A market including the business environment, supply issues, and the alignment of expectations between buyers and sellers. Representing global real estate operators, Lee Leong Seng, Lee Leong, Head of property development/residential, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd,, emphasised the need for effective collaboration with local partners. Lee stated that now is the ideal time for global companies to partner with local businesses to create high-quality real estate products. "Vietnam, with its rapidly growing economy and young population, is a promising destination for many international investment funds. This is the perfect time for global companies to collaborate with local businesses to develop top-tier real estate products. The Keppel representative is confident that the combination of international investment capital and local market expertise will lead to great success. Looking ahead to 2025, with new policies in place, Keppel expects macroeconomic changes to be transformed into concrete actions that will contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam's real estate sector. "We are particularly excited about the positive changes in Vietnam's investment environment. These improvements boost foreign investor confidence and open up development opportunities for both traditional and emerging industries," said Lee. Lee Leong Seng, head of Property Development/Residential, Vietnam Real Estate at Keppel. Photo: Le Toan Tamotsu Majima, senior director at RECOF Corporation, shared the challenges faced by Japanese companies in M&As. He highlighted two main issues, including the significant gap in valuation between buyers and sellers, and the lengthy approval processes involving multiple authorities with different guidelines. "In some sectors where business performance has not met expectations, sellers often set high valuations, while buyers, relying on the most recent financial reports, find a large valuation gap," Majima explained. Despite these challenges, Majima remains optimistic about Vietnam's market potential. "Vietnam is a very promising market, with GDP growth consistently at 6-7 per cent, compared to just 1-2 per cent in Japan. Although Japanese investment in Vietnam has slowed recently, this may change as Japan's new government introduces reforms to encourage outbound investment. Additionally, Japanese companies, under pressure from shareholders, are now looking to deploy their large cash reserves abroad." "By 2025, the M&A market in sectors like consumer goods, manufacturing, and services will be very active," concluded Majima. Tamotsu Majima, senior director at RECOF Corporation. Photo: Le Toan Overview of the discussion session. Photo: Le Toan Vietnams M&A market expected to rebound next year As Vietnam sets a high target for economic growth in 2024, mergers and acquisitions are projected to rebound on the back of growing foreign interest. Vietnams M&A market set for 2025 surge amid regulatory reforms and foreign investment Speaking on the sidelines of the 16th M&A Vietnam Forum 2024 at the JW Marriott Saigon on November 27, Oh Hsiu-Hau, managing partner at Allen & Gledhill (Vietnam), shared his insights with VIR's Ngoc Huong on the outlook for the M&A market. Positive institutional changes boost Vietnam's M&A market Vo Ha Duyen, chairwoman of law firm VILAF, stated that recent positive institutional changes have helped make Vietnam's merger and acquisition (M&A) market more attractive. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, deputy general director of EVNNPT, and chairman of the Investor-level Acceptance Council hosted the meeting On November 27, in the central province of Thanh Hoa, the Investor-level Acceptance Council - National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) held a council meeting on the progress of energising the 220kV Nam Sum - Nong Cong transmission line project in Vietnam. To date, the entire foundation site has been handed over. The council members agreed that the project was eligible for energisation, but also pointed out some shortcomings that needed to be focused on overcoming before official energisation. The council members said that the project was completed thanks to the close direction and management of the state steering committee for key energy projects, the leaders of EVN and EVNNPT. Along with that, there were great efforts from NPMB and the units participating in the project. At the meeting, the council members agreed that the project was eligible for energisation, but also pointed out some shortcomings that needed to be focused on overcoming before energisation. 220kV Nam Sum - Nong Cong transmission line project ready to facilitate electricity The 220kV Nam Sum - Nong Cong transmission line project, invested by EVNNPT and managed by the Northern Power Project Management Board (NPMB), started construction in December 2021. This is an urgent project aimed at importing electricity from Laos Nam Sum Hydropower Plant Complex to Vietnam and realising the commitment between the two countries Parties and governments to strengthen energy cooperation. With a total length of nearly 130km, the project has a scale of two circuits, nearly 130km long with 299 pole positions, 99 anchorages, passing through Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa. Of which, the section through Nghe An is 77 km long, including 174 pole foundation positions. The entire route has 234 pole foundation positions affected by forests. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, deputy general director of EVNNPT, and chairman of the Investor-level Acceptance Council said, The completion of the projects construction is the result of the close direction and management of the State Steering Committee for key energy projects, the leaders of EVN and EVNNPT in collaboration with the great effort of NPMB and the units participating in the project. In the upcoming time, it is intensifying coordination with localities to address existing shortcomings and obstacles to accelerate work on the project. On November 28, the Danish Embassy in Vietnam and Ashui Co., Ltd,. an architecture, sustainability, housing, urbanism, and Interior company, co-hosted the seminar Dialogue on Greener Together Urban Green Transition From Denmark to Vietnam at Hanois Temple of Literature. This event brought together Vietnamese and Danish architects and experts to exchange knowledge on green urban transformation, setting a direction for collaboration among individuals, businesses, experts, and government agencies to accelerate the green transition. The seminar was organised inside the Temple of Literature According to Vietnams year-long Urban and Rural System Planning, the nations urbanisation rate is expected to surpass 50 per cent by 2030. As the world pivots towards a greener future, cities play a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions to tackle climate change. Green urban transformation is no longer just a trend but a necessity for creating liveable, resilient, and sustainable urban environments for future generations. Mette Ekeroth, deputy head of Mission of the Danish Embassy in Vietnam said, Vietnam and Denmark share a strong commitment to sustainable development under the Green Strategic Partnership framework. We are honoured to be a long-term friend and trusted partner of Vietnam in its impressive socioeconomic development journey. The focus now must be on transitioning to a greener, more sustainable development model. Economic security must go hand in hand with social and environmental security. Today's seminar on green urban transformation aims to ensure people can sustainably and prosperously thrive in the cities of the future. The Ministry of Construction estimates that Vietnamese cities add 1 to 1.3 million residents annually. The urbanisation rate surged from 30.5 per cent in 2010 to 42.6 per cent in 2023, with projections indicating even higher growth in the coming years. However, rapid urbanisation has also highlighted challenges such as unplanned development, fragmented infrastructure, and a lack of systematic vision for green urban models. The adverse effects of rapid urbanisation, including air pollution, traffic congestion, waste management issues, and climate change vulnerabilities, underscore the urgent need for Vietnam to transition towards sustainable green urban development. Henriette Vamberg, managing director of Gehl Architects in Denmark, expressed enthusiasm for addressing Vietnams challenges, For over two decades, Gehl has worked with cities worldwide to tackle pressing issues caused by outdated transportation models. Our solutions are both bold on a large scale and strategically specific. There are many approaches to green urban transformation, and I look forward to sharing some of these experiences with Vietnam. During the event, leading Danish architects and domestic organisations presented strategies and practical solutions for integrating green infrastructure and sustainable practices into urban planning. They also showcased successful examples of green, sustainable urban projects worldwide that Vietnam could adapt. As part of the seminar, the Danish Embassy in Vietnam exhibited images showcasing Denmarks green solutions in energy, water management, circular economy, and sustainable, liveable cities. The exhibition at The Temple of Literature will remain open to the public from November 28 to December 2. Green transformation and a journey to the future In Vietnam, the green consumption trend is making significant strides as consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability as a core aspect of their future outlook. This shift is not merely reflected in their purchasing behaviour, but also in their long-term priorities and overarching concerns regarding the living environment. C.P. 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Peter Fox raised concerns about visitors being priced out after the Welsh Government unveiled a tourism bill, which would give councils powers to charge for overnight stays. Mr Fox told the Senedd This is an industry that should be supported, not exploited, with one in seven jobs in Wales relying on tourism, equating to almost 200,000 people. The Tories shadow finance secretary warned the tax could cost hundreds of jobs, with the hospitality sector already paying double the business rates of counterparts in England. He said the tourism industry is still rebuilding from the pandemic, warning: The legislation will create another significant pressure on an incredibly hard-pressed sector. Anti-tourism Mr Fox, who represents Monmouth, raised concerns about the hidden costs of bureaucracy under the bill which would also introduce a register of tourism providers. He rejected the depiction of 1.25 per person per night as minimal, saying a family with four children would have to budget an extra 50 to 60 for a weeks stay. His Conservative colleague Darren Millar said he was angry on behalf of businesses when the tourism tax, which would raise up to 33m a year from 2027, was first mooted in 2017. Warning tourists will go to the north-west coast of England, he said: We know that visitors who come to places like Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno many of them are price-sensitive. The Clwyd West Senedd member blamed the Welsh Governments anti-tourism messaging for a fall in last years visitor numbers which were down 14% on 2019. Remortgage your house But Luke Fletcher welcomed the tourism bill, which was a commitment in the now-collapsed cooperation agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government. He said: If you had listened to what some have said youd swear that in order to visit Wales youd have to remortgage your house because it would be so expensive. That simply isnt the case, is it? Mr Fletcher, who represents South Wales West, described 1.25 a night as reasonable, pointing to a lower rate of 75p for stays at hostels and camp sites. Mike Hedges, a Labour backbencher, said visitor levies are common across Europe, with more than 60 places around the world having similar taxes. He asked: Why would a visitor levy affect Wales when it does not affect Spain, Greece or France the three most visited destinations in Europe? Fairness In a statement on November 26, Mark Drakeford stressed the levy is rooted in fairness, with tourists being asked to make a small contribution to public services. He said: Many Senedd members here today will have paid a levy abroad, probably without noticing perhaps. Governments worldwide recognise that visitor levies are an effective means to offset some of the costs associated with tourism. Pointing to charges in Manchester and similar legislation passed in Scotland this year, the former first minister said: Our proposals in Wales are rowing with the tide, not against it. Prof Drakeford, who was appointed finance secretary in September, criticised opposition attempts to catastrophise what is a modest measure. Closing his statement, he told the Senedd: This is a step closer towards a fairer, more sustainable Wales where the benefits and responsibilities of tourism are shared by all. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Weather Alert ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM PDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Winds over Pyramid Lake 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph and waves 2 to 5 feet. * WHERE...In California, Surprise Valley California. In Nevada, Northern Washoe County, Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake, and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * WHEN...From 11 AM to 8 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds may knock down burned trees in the Davis Fire burn area. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage. && K tc x vung bin tai x Tam Quang, huyen Tuong Duong (Nghe An). Anh: TTXVN phat Chap cnh nhung uoc mo Tai Nghe An hien c 2 m hnh K tc x vng bin do cc on Bin phng trien khai, o au at tai x Tam Quang (Tuong Duong) v Truong Trung hoc co......[Nhieu Hon...] 2025-02-25 Journalists from The Washington Post and television station KGTV in San Diego were named winners Monday of the National Press Foundations 2024 AARP Awards for Excellence in Journalism on Aging. This is the second year the two organizations have hosted this award, which recognizes the countrys best reporting on issues important to people 50 and older. Each award includes a $5,000 prize. Members only With people living longer than ever, we created this award to encourage in-depth journalism about the challenges and opportunities they face, said Martha Boudreau, executive vice president and chief communications and marketing officer at AARP. In the large media category, the Posts Christopher Rowland, Douglas MacMillan, Peter Whoriskey, Todd Frankel, Yeganeh Torbati, Julie Zauzmer Weil and Steven Rich won the prize for their Memory Inc. series, which investigates the state of U.S. assisted living facilities. The team uncovered dozens of cases of wandering residents that resulted in deaths. Learn How AARP is Fighting for You AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Read more about how were fighting for you every day in Congress and across the country. Not only is the narrative haunting, but the videos are chilling and cannot be unseen, the judges said in a statement. It is a reminder why the full digital package reporting, writing, legal work and security video cameras is critical to impact and effective storytelling. The Memory Inc. series also exposed the industrys inadequate regulation and oversight, its chronic understaffing of facilities and its growing reliance on profit-focused real estate investors. In the small/regional category, where entrants must have fewer than 15 million monthly website visitors, reporters Adam Racusin, Raymond Higgins, Adam Hillberry and Steve Reusch of KGTV won for their Cost of Care series, which explores the financial and emotional toll of dementia care in the U.S. and San Diego. The team investigated the topic for 18 months to produce a collection of video stories that led lawmakers to action. Join Our Fight for Caregivers Sign up to become part of AARPs online advocacy network and help family caregivers get the support they need. The [reporters] went beyond family members, policymakers, advocates and experts to even interview some of the very people sliding into Alzheimers, the judges said. The interviews are some of the strongest I have watched. It is clear the [reporters] established deep trust with [their] subjects and spent considerable time on these pieces. The judges also gave an honorable mention to Rose Lundy of The Maine Monitor for her series with nonprofit news organization ProPublica, which revealed hundreds of violations by state residential care facilities, but hardly any sanctions. Sale allows GTE to focus on multiple upcoming high-impact programmes at Oval, Oval South, Sumo & Juggernaut Agreement to Sell Yandal West Gold Project to Albion Perth, Nov 28, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Great Western Exploration Limited ( ASX:GTE ) is pleased to advise that it has entered into a binding agreement to sell the tenements comprising its non-core Yandal West Gold Project (the Project) to Albion Resources Limited (Albion) ( ASX:ALB ) (the Agreement) in an all scrip transaction that will see GTE retain exposure to future exploration success at the Project through a significant shareholding in Albion and milestone performance rights. The gross consideration payable by Albion to GTE comprises the issue of: - 22,222,222 fully paid ordinary shares (Shares) (with a deemed issue price of $0.045 per Share representing consideration valued at A$1,000,000); and - 30,000,000 performance rights with the performance milestones and expiry dates detailed in this announcement (Performance Rights). Completion of the Agreement, which is expected to occur in January 2025, is subject to the following conditions precedent: - Albion shareholder approval being obtained for the issue of the Shares and Performance Rights; and - GTE delivering any deeds of assignment and assumption reasonably required by Albion in order to transfer its interests in the tenements (see Annexure for list of Project tenements*). Great Western Exploration Managing Director, Shane Pike, said: "Given the exciting exploration program Great Western has underway at its Oval Prospect and with multiple maiden drilling programmes at the Oval-South Copper-Gold target, followed by drilling at the Sumo Niobium Target and Six Juggernaut VHMS targets, notwithstanding the prospectivity of the Yandel West Project, it is not able to get the attention it deserves within GTE. We are therefore delighted to have reached an agreement with Albion Resources, which is well-funded and has the dedicated resources to progress the significant potential of the Project as GTE focuses on its upcoming high-impact drill programmes. GTE retains leverage to future exploration success at the Project through our significant shareholding in Albion post completion of the Project sale." Euroz Hartleys acted as Corporate Advisor to GTE in respect of the transaction. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/TEPBG214 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 Feature: Panasonic executive reflects on founder's vision and success in China Xinhua) 08:37, November 28, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Panasonic's annual business policy presentation in 1986 remains unforgettable for Tetsuro Homma, who joined the company in 1985 and now heads its operations in China. The event, hosted in an Osaka gymnasium, marked the first and only time that he saw Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, in person. "At that time, he had difficulty walking and needed assistance to enter the venue, and his speech had to be translated by a secretary. But when he appeared in the gymnasium, there was thunderous applause," recalled Homma, executive vice president of Panasonic Holdings Corporation and group chief executive for China &Northeast Asia. The 130th birth anniversary of Matsushita falls on Nov. 27 this year. Matsushita was among the earliest foreign entrepreneurs to support China's reform and opening-up, actively promoting the business of Panasonic in China, bringing advanced technologies and management experience. He passed away in 1989 at 94. In December 2018, during the 40th anniversary celebration of China's reform and opening-up, Matsushita was posthumously awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal. Matsushita visited China twice, in 1979 and 1980, traveling through 45 cities, according to Panasonic. He keenly realized the importance of young Japanese who understood Chinese language, culture and history for the future development of the group. Hence, in 1981, Panasonic started a program to teach employees the Chinese language, becoming one of the first companies in the Japanese industry to send young employees to study in China. Homma was selected to participate in this program in 1986, when his Chinese fluency was limited to saying "hello." "At the end of the 1980s, during my first visit to Shanghai, Pudong was just empty land, and Puxi had no overpasses. There were hardly any cars on the streets," said Homma, who once doubted the value of learning Chinese. However, by 1994, when he was directly involved in marketing in China, the country had entered a period of rapid development, with vigorous construction everywhere. Reflecting on his experiences over the past 30 years, Homma praises Matsushita's foresight and wisdom in facing the Chinese market. "At Panasonic, Chinese has become the second foreign language after English, and many employees are learning it," he said. "When I joined Panasonic in 1985, the China business accounted for less than 1.5 percent of the group's revenue; today, that figure has grown to 23 percent. Without the growth of the Chinese market, there would be no Panasonic Group today. This is the greatest realization of my career," Homma said. In April 2019, Homma was appointed to take charge of Panasonic's Northeast Asia market. In 2020 and 2021, Panasonic's Northeast Asia business achieved double-digit growth. He believes this was due to developing products tailored to the local market, adding that mutual learning and joint progress with Chinese entrepreneurs have strengthened his confidence in future cooperation. "The number of young people in Japan is steadily declining. This presents a significant challenge to sustaining Japan's R&D capabilities, and I feel a strong sense of urgency to address it. That's why we aim to further nurture Panasonic's Chinese workforce to support our global business," he said. According to Homma, Panasonic has 50,000 employees in China, including 10,000 in research and development, as well as information technology. These teams are responsible for over half of the design, manufacturing and delivery of products for the Japanese market. "I firmly believe they will play an even more critical role in supporting Panasonic's global operations." He noted Panasonic's newly launched ALPHA washing machine and dryer, featuring a button-free design controlled by a single rotary knob, as exemplifying this success. "The entire project was led by a group of dynamic, young Chinese professionals. It took less time to move from concept to market, and I couldn't be prouder of their achievement," said Homma. "In the past five years, we've worked tirelessly to build an 'In China, For China' strategy. Moving forward, Panasonic's Chinese team is committed to developing a team that serves not just China but the global market," Homma said. "With China's robust supply chain and highly efficient R&D capabilities, we are confident that these efforts will not only meet local demand but also drive Panasonic's global growth," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday after being brokered by the U.S. and France. The deal marks a rare diplomatic success in a region plagued by conflict for over a year. The agreement mandates a 60-day cessation of hostilities, requiring Israeli troops to withdraw to their side of the border while Hezbollah ends its armed presence in a wide area of southern Lebanon. The length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech Tuesday. We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. We will continue united until victory. In a statement, U.S. President Joe Biden praised the deal as the result of weeks of tireless diplomacy. The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon, Biden said. This agreement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line. The United States and France will work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure this arrangement is fully implemented and enforced, and we remain determined to prevent this conflict from becoming another cycle of violence. Netanyahus primary motivations for pursuing a ceasefire included addressing the "Iranian threat," providing "our forces a breather to replenish stocks," and separating the fronts and isolating Hamas. However, Hezbollah officials indicated that they had not yet reviewed the final version of the agreement. After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials, said Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollahs political council, to Al Jazeera. He added: We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state of Lebanon. Any violation of sovereignty is refused. Israel has been engaged in multiple fronts of conflict with Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. The unrest escalated following Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed nearly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 250 hostages taken by the group. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas and rescuing hostages. The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, says over 40,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began, though the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Simultaneously, Israel has been exchanging fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon since October 2023. This September, fighting escalated, with Israel launching a limited ground offensive and intensified bombardments. The ceasefire comes after weeks of rising cross-border attacks, with Hezbollah reportedly firing thousands of rockets into northern Israel. The violence displaced hundreds of thousands and left over 3,000 dead in Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials. The conflict has been described as Lebanons deadliest in decades, with Israel eliminating much of Hezbollahs senior leadership, including its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Biden said that his administration was also pursuing a ceasefire in Gaza and exploring the possibility of Saudi Arabia and Israel normalizing relations. Iran, a backer of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups such as the Houthi rebels, has expressed support for the ceasefire agreement. Into its 8th year, MOBEXX Summit and Awards 2024 featured a powerhouse line-up of industry leaders, innovators, and marketing experts who shared their insights and expertise through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside chats. This years theme, Connect, Engage, Transform: The Power of Mobile Marketing in the New 5G Era, underscored the transformative role of mobile technologies and 5G connectivity in redefining business marketing strategies. The event saw an interesting panel discussion on Data-Driven Decisions in Mobile Marketing: Using Analytics to Optimize Campaigns. Chaired by Udit Verma, CMO, Co-Founder, Apptrove By Trackier, the distinguished panellists included: Chirag Jagwani , DGM - eCommerce, Fixderma , DGM - eCommerce, Fixderma Ekta Arora , Vice President - E-commerce, Swiss Beauty , Vice President - E-commerce, Swiss Beauty Vibhor Jain , VP - Business Head, boAt , VP - Business Head, boAt Rajat Khatri, AVP | Business Intelligence, FNP Udit Verma commenced the discussion, remarking, In a world where every tap, click, and swipe generates data, the challenge is not in finding the information; the challenge is to use that information effectively. When asked how he used different tools to analyze and optimize the campaigns, Chirag Jagwani replied, The data has to be used in multiple ways, and there are multiple tools basis the platform we are settling in. If you talk about D2C, we would be using very heavily Google Analytics, and of course, a bit of Facebook analytics. Marketplaces have their analytics platforms which are pretty well sufficient enough for tracking them. In terms of optimization, you will have to look at various parameters that are similar across all these platforms where there are clicks, impressions, conversion rates, and CTRs, depending on the platform you have to change the software. The ads remarketing tools are there, they are triggers based on WhatsApp for D2C. But you would not get data on marketplaces, they have their remarketing tools where you give them certain offers maybe 10% on checkout, or 5-10% on Nykaa. I would not see any such retention kind of campaign on Amazon or Flipkart. Ekta Arora added here, Understanding the user journey is very important for any marketer and to reach out with specific channels such as Whatsapp, SMS or push notifications. So, there are various analytics tools such as Google Analytics and various performance marketing tools, and A/B testing tools such as Custom Fit and for performance monitoring, there is Google Data Studio, Facebook Insights is there. All these tools help us to drive efficiencies and to understand what is working for us, and not working for us, and where the effectiveness can come from the campaign perspective. As far as remarketing is concerned, from the bottom of the funnel, Google and Meta themselves are strong enough tools that can work well for us. We just onboarded Tracker and it has been a wonderful journey as it has a lot of efficiencies. Speaking on how the discrepancies between reported conversions from ad that works and actual in-app and web activities impact his brand, Vibhor Jain said, This is a very well-acknowledged problem across platforms, and especially if you are integrating different platforms such as Google and Amazon analytics, there will be discrepancies among what is reported by them. For a special campaign in isolation also if we discuss it will never be the case that one will get accurate data based on the attribution window or that each advertisement platform will be providing you. Speaking about upselling, Vibhor Jain said, There are typically three ways in which we upsell. Firstly, you incentivise the consumer after the purchase journey to share consumer data with you. For example, they can ask a consumer to register for a QR code in the packaging itself. Very few consumers do that around 6-7% but thats also a significant number based on the volumes we do. You get first-party consumer data when the consumer has registered for a warranty. You give an extended two-month or three-month warranty to a consumer, when you work with the marketplaces at scale, including Amazon, Flipkart, and other Q-Commerce platforms, you can work on creating specific campaigns in these marketplaces, which after a specific period such as one year or two years, they will run advertisements for you, only targeted at consumers who have purchased your product a year back and have not purchased any other product in the past twelve months. Third is the CRM tools that we use such that we work very closely with Zoho, etc., so whatever consumer data we get from social media conversations is through then the third-party tools and we reach out to them using our first-party campaigns. Rajat Khatri added here, Avinash Kaushik once said that if he has $100 to spend, he would spend $10 on a tool and $90 on a person who can own it and make the most out of that person. This is a universal problem, every other person is going to give you a different answer, and similarly, every other tool is going to give you a different report. Thats where people like us have to spend a lot of time making sure that there are the right definitions. Secondly, we are tweaking the settings in such a way that the numbers are coming very close, and thats exactly what we have been doing internally. Typically for us, the lifespan of a consumer on our platform is very small and the repeat within that period is very rare. There is a multi-attribution model that we use, which brings the numbers very close. Internally when this kind of a problem was given to me and I saw that the discrepancies were as high as 30-35% for us, we started changing this kind of definitions, coming up with things such as seven days is the window that we will keep, or three days is the window that we will keep. And luckily for all particular changes in settings and definitions, we were able to bring this number to as good as 95% now. So, our tools are very close to each other and we are not facing that problem, because we made some efforts in correcting these numbers. Thats the key for any data analytics to happen. These are edited excerpts. For the complete panel discussion, please watch below: https://www.youtube.com/live/qh4Dn3tbRLE Also Read: Magicbricks is a data-driven marketing powerhouse: Prasun Kumar News18 India, Indias No.1 Hindi news channel, has announced the jury for the third edition of its flagship IP, Amrit Ratna 2024. This years edition is designed to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to make India shine globally and instilling pride in every Indian. It will spotlight those who have redefined success across various fields and set new benchmarks for achievement. The esteemed jury for Amrit Ratna 2024 includes Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa & Former CEO of NITI Aayog; Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Former Chief Justice of India & Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Smt. P.T. Usha, IOA President & Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Randeep Guleria, Renowned Pulmonologist & Former Director of AIIMS and the highly decorated military leader Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon (Retd.), PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM. Each jury member brings unparalleled experience and an unwavering commitment to recognizing excellence in its truest form. This years distinguished jury brings immense credibility and depth to the selection process, ensuring the winners truly embody the spirit of excellence and service to the nation. Amrit Ratna will be telecast exclusively on News18 India on 2nd Dec 2024 through the day. Also Read: Business Today Announces Distinguished Jury for BT Best Banks Awards DRA, pride of Chennais Real Estate, has announced PAN India Star Rashmika Mandanna as its first-ever Brand Ambassador. The move comes in line with the companys refreshed brand philosophy Home of Pride, which is set to fuel the next phase of transformative growth. As part of the brand's ongoing transformation, DRA has launched a powerful TV commercial (TVC) featuring Rashmika that showcases the emotional connection people share with their homes. Apart from the TVC, DRA will be launching an integrated marketing campaign that includes print advertisements, digital promotions, multiplex and out-of-home (OOH) activations. By roping Rahsmika Mandanna as its Brand Ambassador, DRA aims to further increase its market share and strengthen its pride-connect with customers, employees and the partners. This collaboration also underscores DRAs commitment to offer quality, spacious homes at the right price point while instilling a sense of pride in every home buyer. DRA will roll out its Home of Pride campaign with Rashmika Mandanna starting from 29th November 2024. The 360-degree integrated campaign will have a balance of TV commercials across leading channels, print commercials, social media promotions, multiplexes and OOH activations. The new brand philosophy and the architecture was designed and developed by Blue Noodles. Commenting on the occasion, Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director - DRA said We are thrilled to have Rashmika Mandanna join us as our national Brand Ambassador, embodying the essence of our renewed philosophy Home of Pride. Rashmika's incredible rise from humble beginnings to becoming a self-made national star mirrors the spirit of perseverance, authenticity, and growth, much like DRA's journey of relentless passion and commitment to excellence. As a Brand Ambassador, Rashmika represents the very essence of what DRA stands for and together, we look forward to building not just homes, but lasting legacies for our customers. Sharing her views on the association, Actress Rashmika Mandanna, said Im excited to join hands with DRA as their Brand Ambassador. As DRA embarks on their new journey, one that is filled with immense pride, I have no doubt that this journey will be one of great success, and Im so excited to be a part of it. Im also looking forward to seeing DRA expand its 'Home of Pride' philosophy and bring dreams of homeownership to even more aspiring buyers in the years to come The TVC was directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Gautam Vasudev Menon, known for his distinctive storytelling, ensuring the films resonate with audiences on an emotional level. The entire brand architecture and concept behind the new philosophy were created by Blue Noodles, a leading creative agency specializing in brand strategies and campaigns. Marc Allera will step down from his role as CEO of BTs Consumer Division in Spring 2025, with Claire Gillies set to take over as his successor. Claire will join as CEO-Designate and become a member of the Executive Committee on December 10, 2024, starting a smooth transition period with Marc. After nearly a decade at BT Group, Marc will officially leave his position on March 31, 2025, and Claire will assume the role of CEO on April 1, 2025. Allison Kirkby commented, "Marc has been an exceptional leader, driving BT Consumers growth and overseeing key milestones, including the integration of EE, the creation of the BT Sport joint venture with Warner Bros Discovery, and the launch of EE as our flagship consumer brand. We are grateful for Marcs contributions and support, and I look forward to the collaboration between him and Claire during the transition." Claire Gillies expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, I am thrilled to be joining BT at this exciting time. BT and EE are leading brands in the UK, and Im eager to help drive further success as we continue to connect people, devices, and machines. Marc Allera reflected on his tenure, saying, Im proud of the teams achievements and the transformation weve undergone. Together, weve created a strong foundation for future growth, and Im excited to see Claire take BTs Consumer division to new heights. I leave with great memories and deep gratitude for my colleagues. Also Read: BT Sport-Eurosport UK JV: Warner Bros. Discovery, BT welcome CMA nod Zepto, one of the fastest-growing consumer internet brands in india renowned for its quick delivery promise, has joined hands with Park+, a one stop shop for all car care products, to offer 15 Park+ car care products at 8+ locations, across India. This pioneering initiative is geared to unlock experiences for car owners who are seeking high-quality products, such as cleaning kits, comfort accessories, and maintenance tools. With 5 Cr+ private cars running on Indian roads, the demand for premium car care products has grown substantially. With the advent of quick e-comm, Indian car owners expect better accessibility and delivery for such products. Zepto & Park+ are working in tandem to offer car care products, which are both accessible and affordable. Park+ range of car care products include: Under INR 200: Car Shampoo, Glass cleaner, Scratch remover, Dustbin Under INR 500: Travel Neck Pillow, Hanging Tissue Box, Microfiber Cloths Under INR 1000: Car cleaning Kit , 3 in 1 cushion Under INR 2000: Long back rest, Tail bone cushion Commenting on the partnership Amit Lakhotia, Founder & CEO of Park+, said At Park+, our mission is to simplify the car ownership experience by offering innovative and user-friendly solutions. Partnering with Zepto is a major step forward, enabling us to bring a curated selection of 15 premium car care products to a wider audience. Car owners no longer need to visit multiple stores or struggle to find high-quality car care products. They can now access everything they need for vehicle maintenance in one place, delivered right at their doorstep. We aim to expand our car care product offerings on Zepto to around 150+ Products in the next 3 months. Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Brand Officer, Zepto said, We are thrilled to collaborate with Park+ to bring high-quality car care products directly to users' doorsteps. Speed and convenience are at the core of Zepto, and this partnership allows us to expand our product offerings to include essential car care items. We thank our sellers for enabling this. With Park+ products available through the platform, users can now enjoy easy access to these items with the speed and reliability Zepto is known for, enhancing their overall shopping experience. The addition of Park+ products on Zepto highlights the company's dedication to providing a broad selection of everyday essentials with unparalleled convenience and speed. Car owners in Zeptos service areas can now easily access premium car care items, delivered swiftly and seamlessly right to their doorstep. Also Read: Karan Attri joins Zepto as the Associate Director Hemant Soren Sworn in as Jharkhand CM for Fourth Term 2 Hemant Soren, leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand on Thursday in a grand ceremony held at Ranchis Morabadi Ground. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office and secrecy. A Star-Studded Ceremony The event witnessed a strong show of solidarity from the INDIA bloc, with prominent leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attending. Soren, 49, donned a traditional kurta-pyjama for the occasion and met his father, JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, before the ceremony. This marks Sorens fourth term as chief minister, further solidifying his leadership within the state. Election Triumph In the recent assembly elections, Hemant Soren retained his Barhait seat with a commanding margin of 39,791 votes, defeating BJP candidate Gamliyel Hembrom. The JMM-led alliance, which includes Congress and RJD, secured a decisive victory by winning 56 of the 81 assembly seats, while the BJP-led NDA managed just 24. This resounding mandate is seen as a vote of confidence in Sorens leadership and the JMM alliances governance in the tribal-dominated state. Image: PTI All Indian prime ministers, including Narendra Modi, have offered chadar at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the controversy over the claim that the Sufi shrine was a temple was directly or indirectly linked to the BJP and the RSS, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said on Thursday. A court on Wednesday admitted a petition seeking to declare the Mughal-era shrine a Shiva temple. Several opposition leaders raised serious concerns over the controversy on the Ajmer Dargah, which comes close on the heels of similar claims made regarding a mosque in Uttar Pradeshs Sambhal. The Dargah Sharif has been there for 800 years. Every prime minister of the country sends chadar for the dargah during Urs. Official delegations from neighbouring countries come there, Indian diaspora from all over the world visit the dargah Now suddenly you are raising this issue Owaisi told reporters outside Parliament. Where will all this stop? What will happen to the Places of Worship Act, 1991? The Places of Worship Act 1991 states that the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, must be maintained. Owaisi continued, What would Narendra Modi say? The dargah where he offered chadar is not a dargah? What would ASI say? This is being done to destabilise the country I am saying repeatedly that these things are not in favour of the country. These people are related directly or indirectly with BJP, RSS no one can deny this, he said. The Ajmer court issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India on the plea seeking to declare the shrine a temple. The suit was filed in Ajmer in September. The courts notice came just days after four people were killed in violence following a court ordering a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, which petitioners said was built after destroying an old temple. Samajwadi Partys Rampur MP Mohibbullah Nadvi said the petition on Ajmer Dargah was painful. Some people have lost their cool after the 2024 (Lok Sabha) election results as they didnt get the majority. These people want to target a particular community to please the majority. This is their misbelief, he told reporters outside Parliament. Saharanpur MP Imran Masood said an atmosphere of hatred has been created in the country. They did it in Sambhal yesterday. Now they did it in Ajmer. What is this drama? he said. BJP and the government should think, this country cannot be run by hatred, you cannot sideline 25 crore people. How would the country develop without their contribution? We are very clear, your party may become stronger by creating hatred, but it is not good for the country, the Congress leader said addressing reporters outside Parliament. He also targeted the Uttar Pradesh government over the Sambhal violence. Do Muslim lives not matter? They will shoot us in the head? Stone pelting is wrong but they could have shot at the leg, why did they shoot people in the head and chest? he said. Police have denied opening fire at the protesters in Sambhal, saying rioters carried out shootings and stone pelting. A magisterial probe into the violence is ongoing. Samajwadi Partys Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav reiterated her partys demand for a discussion on the Sambhal issue in Parliament. Our main issue is that we want a discussion on Sambhal in Lok Sabha. Speaker sir has assured that there will be a discussion. Police personnel are harassing, manipulating people in Uttar Pradesh. The police administration is working like this in the entire state, she said. Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) MP from Nagina in Uttar Pradesh, Chandra Shekhar said these incidents create a trust deficit in the country. What if a Buddhist says there is a Buddhist temple under Hindu temples and demands a probe? Those who are encouraging this should also answer what would be the outcome Employment, price rise, health, education, farmers, women these are the issues, should we talk about these issues or religious places? he said. What is this drama, Kashi, Mathura, Sambhal, Ajmer, what more do we have to witness? Where is the prime minister? He and the Supreme Court should take cognisance. This is being done to distract attention from real issues, but the trust deficit it is creating is dangerous, he said. A judge in Pakistan has overturned a verdict that denied a Christians effort to correct his name and religion on his national identity card as he was a victim of fake conversion to Islam, his attorney said. Ahmad Saeed, additional district judge of Pattoki Tehsil, Kasur District, Punjab Province, on Nov. 16 overturned the verdict of Pattoki Civil Judge Mian Usman Tariq, who had ruled that 24-year-old Sufyan Masih could not revert to Christianity after converting to Islam, said the Christians attorney, Sumera Shafique. Attorney Shafique said the civil judge had failed to assess the merits of her clients case, apparently under fear of backlash from Islamists. The civil judges order was surprising, given the fact that none of the witnesses, including the cleric, Hafiz Abdul Waheed, who allegedly prepared the fake Islamic conversion certificate, and the two Muslim men who proclaimed to have witnessed the alleged conversion, appeared in court to record their statements despite repeated notices, Shafique told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Masih had definitively affirmed his Christian faith and had reiterated that declaration in his statement to the district judge, she added. He told the judge that Asif Ali, the brick kiln owner where Masih worked, had registered his name in the NADRA record as Muhammad Sufyan and his religion as Islam in a bid to enslave him. Being an illiterate person, Masih failed to read the form filled by the data entry operator on the directives of his employer, Shafique said, noting that Masih had put his thumbprint on the form in ignorance. In the May 18 ruling that has now been overturned, Judge Tariq had said, Islam teaches that everyone is Muslim at birth, but [that] the parents and society cause one to deviate from the straight path. Therefore, when someone accepts Islam, he is considered to revert to his original condition. He added that, at the same time, Islam prohibits the use of force to convert anyone. Shafique said the verdict overturning the May 18 ruling would be helpful in similar suits in civil courts. There are several cases in which the religion of Christians has been intentionally or mistakenly registered as Muslim in the national database, she said. A large number of the Christian population in Pakistan is unable to read or write, which is why they often tend to overlook the religion section in the form. NADRA officials are also responsible for the plight of impoverished petitioners as they do not follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in such matters, Shafique said. NADRA data operators are bound to obtain an undertaking from applicants at the time of registering their alleged conversion, but they are not implementing the procedure, she emphasized. According to NADRAs CNIC (Computerized National Identify Card) registration policy, any mistake by applicants to state their religion correctly due to illiteracy may be handled in office fault category. In Masihs case, however, NADRA claimed that his name and religion could not be changed because at the time of registration he had verified his religion as Islam on the official form. NADRA asserted that according to official policy, a Muslim cannot change his religious designation in the CNIC to any other religion, whereas people who convert to Islam from other faiths can get their CNICs amended. Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy for Asia of legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, said the lower courts failure to recognize Sufyans religious identity was a violation of both national and international laws. We welcome the Pattoki District courts decision to protect Sufyan Masihs right to live out his faith as a Christian, Arora told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. This case highlights how Christians in Pakistan face discrimination at various levels. ADF International has supported Masihs counsel in representing the impoverished Christian as well as raising awareness on this issue at global forums. Elaborating on the challenges Christians face due to incorrect identity cards, Arora said that a simple typographical error in the religion category on the identity cards can be used to prevent Christians from freely practicing their faith. It also hinders their ability to apply for employment due to lack of valid identification documents, she added. Article 20 of Pakistans constitution allows citizens the right to profess, practice and propagate their religion. This freedom is also assured in Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which establishes that in those states in which ethnic religious or linguistic minorities exist, people belonging to such minorities have the right in community with other members of their group to enjoy their own culture to profession and practice their own religion or use their own language. Similarly, the 1992 United Nations declaration further establishes that persons belonging to minorities have the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion and to use their own language in private and in public freely, without any interference or any form of discrimination and provides for the effective participation of minorities in cultural, religious, social, economic, and public life, as well as in decision, making processes on matters affecting them. Apostasy is considered a sin punishable by death under most schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Although there is no specific law in Pakistan to deny Muslims their right to change religion, apostasy may be punished under Section 295-A of the countrys blasphemy statutes, which imposes up to two years of prison for outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. A group of Birmingham activists are calling for a boycott of a local Walmart this Black Friday after the company announced this week it is eliminating some diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives nationwide. The Roebuck group is made up of activists, faith leaders and community members, it said in a news release, where it urged Alabamians to stop spending money at the store on Friday. We as community members recognize the power of our dollars, the organizers wrote. By choosing where its spent, a clear message is sent that corporations must prioritize supporting and uplifting minority communities. On Monday, Walmart announced it is reversing course on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, joining a growing list of businesses retreating on DEI programs targeted by conservative activists. The worlds biggest retailer will no longer consider race and gender to boost diversity when granting supplier contracts, and stop collecting demographic data when assessing financing eligibility. It also will curb racial equity training for staff, stop participating in rankings by LGBTQ advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign, monitor marketplace items to make sure that transgender products arent targeted for minors and review its support for Pride and other events, according to The Associated Press. Weve been on a journey and know we arent perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone, the company said in a statement, as reported by the AP. Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League, a civil rights group that has worked with Walmart on diversity and inclusion efforts in the past, told the AP the companys pullback from DEI was stunning and unexpected. Walmart joins at least 10 other companies from Deere & Co. to Boeing Co. who have pulled back on their DEI commitments in recent months in the wake of a 2023 Supreme Court ruling banning affirmative action in college admissions. The Roebuck boycott begins at 8 a.m. Friday. The group encouraged residents to support minority and local businesses instead of shopping at Walmart for the day. We are calling on individuals across the stateand beyondto stand in solidarity by boycotting Walmart this Friday and urging the company to restore its commitment to DEI and support for minority entrepreneurs. Walmart stores will be open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Friday for the holiday weekend. A child died after an all-terrain vehicle crash in Washington County on Wednesday evening. The 6-year-old was a passenger in an ATV that left the road and overturned. The driver, Quintrell Whiting, 42, was severely injured according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in a press release Thursday. The juvenile was pronounced deceased at the scene. Whiting was seriously injured and transported to Choctaw General Hospital in Butler for treatment, the agency said. Both Whiting and the child were from Glendale Heights, Illinois. The crash happened on Mount Carmel Road about four miles west of Silas. The agency is conducting an investigation. Thousands of people made the crossing back into Lebanon from Syria on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, after nearly 14 months of fighting. At the Jousieh border crossing in the Qusair area of Syrias Homs province, on Lebanons northeastern border, bumper-to-bumper cars lined up on Thursday waiting to be cleared for crossing. All four lanes were taken up by cars making their way into Lebanon, while those waiting to cross into Syria had to use an offroad. Of the six border crossings between Lebanon and Syria, two remain functional after Israeli airstrikes forced the others shut. The two countries share a border 233 miles long. Over 600,000 people fleeing Lebanon poured into Syria in the past year, most of them after the war between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in mid-September. The cross-border flow was a striking reversal in fortunes given that Lebanon is still hosting more than 1 million Syrian refugees who fled the war in their country that began in 2011. As the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took hold early Wednesday, thousands of people began their return to Lebanon. Families packed into vehicles with suitcases, mattresses and blankets, while children clutched backpacks, some wrapped in blankets, as they made their way back to Lebanon Thursday. The mood was mixed with relief and sorrow as many returnees faced the grim reality of returning to their homes that might be destroyed. We have been in Syria since Sept. 23, we had to leave our jobs, our homes and our loved ones because of the war, said Hasan Fliti, a 54-year-old dairy shop owner who is returning to Lebanon with his wife and two children. I am happy that there is a ceasefire and there is no more destruction. You are not afraid anymore of the airstrikes to hit. On the first day of the ceasefire, more than 2,000 people crossed into Lebanon, a Syrian security official at the Jousieh border told The Associated Press. On Thursday, more than 4,000 crossed back into Lebanon and the number continues to rise. The hall at the border was filled with families waiting to get their passports or IDs stamped. Some smoked, others sat on their luggage, waiting for clearance as the flow of returnees steadily increased. Among them was 37-year-old Wafa Wehbe, who had sought refuge with her family in Syria for more than a month. My house is gone, but it is an indescribable feeling to go back, she said. Theres a tragic sensation for the martyrs who had to die. The children are mourning. Wehbes home in Khiyam, located in an area still under Israeli control, was destroyed, but she said she will now stay at her sisters. I am also going back to mourn our martyrs. They died fighting at the frontlines. Ghinwa Arzouni, who had sought refuge in Homs from southern Lebanon, said the journey home is both a relief and a challenge. Were excited to go back, but I am afraid of the trip, its a long way back, she said. Our house in the south is okay, it might have broken glass but will have to get there first to inspect for ourselves. We hope to return to Syria as tourists and not displaced. After its largest revenue source was raided and all city money frozen, there is finally some good news in a tiny Jefferson County town that sits on the brink of collapse. Lipscomb police and city workers are still on the job for now - even as they face the possibility of not receiving paychecks. Mayor Tonja Baldwin told AL.com that city services are still operating as Lipscomb contends with the aftermath of a state bingo raid that closed a gaming hall and froze all city assets until Dec. 2. I have spoken with most of the employees about the situation and they do trust that we will do whatever it takes in order to make sure that they get paid as soon as possible, Baldwin told AL.com. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is cracking down on electronic bingo halls, the small towns largest source of revenue. State agents last week raided Jays Charity Bingo, the same bingo operation that Marshalls office previously shut down in August. Marshall also sued to freeze the business assets and named the Lipscomb as a defendant in his latest crackdown. A judge last week entered an order freezing all of the money in the towns bank accounts until a hearing. Payday will be the next day on Dec. 3, which is later than previously announced; Baldwin initially said payday would be a week earlier - which would have made it the day before Thanksgiving. Lipscomb has about 25 employees including its police department. The delay means the city at least now has more time to make payroll, Baldwin said. Lipscomb is home to about 2,000 people just outside Bessemer. Baldwin at the time of the injunction said the move would force the city to cancel services. She even issued a statement declaring the city shut down. For at least the second time since the injunction, Baldwin used her own personal money to prop up necessary city services. Lipscomb Ala. Mayor Tonja Baldwin. The small town is just outside Bessemer in western Jefferson County.Joseph D. Bryant I had to fill up the fire truck and the public works truck with gas with my own money, Baldwin said. They were both on empty and the employees wanted to work. Early on, she used her own money to pay an inspector because she was banned from issuing a city check. Lipscomb city leaders are at a bitter impasse over bingo with most council members blaming the mayor, and the mayor blaming the council for the chaos. The city had approved an ordinance allowing electronic bingo, but council members accused Baldwin of acting on her own when she approved businesses to operate. Some even urged Marshall to intervene, and he did. While employees remain on the job Baldwin is not declaring victory, noting that city revenue remains in limbo. Hopefully the attorneys can get at least the funds released so that we can make payroll and pay bills, she said. So far, the employees are still working. I dont know if they will continue to work if we cant make payroll at least by the first week in December. Most of my fondest holiday memories occurred after I became an adult. Im sure holidays in my youth were fun; I just dont remember them. Hardly a snippet. Blame it on age. Or technologythe lack thereof. Of course, there were cameras back in those dark ages, but for some reason save for a couple of black-and-whites of my brother and me posed with gifts in front of the Christmas tree theres minimal photo evidence of the holidays in my youth. It may also be this: Our father died when I was 11 years old and my brother was eight. After that, maybe holidays were different. Not necessarily sad. Just different. Im sure family and friends tried to make them as festive for us as they could. What could they do, though? How could they fill a void in a boy too young to comprehend the hole in his life? So maybe I simply filled the holiday emptiness with emptiness. And forgot. Even through mid-adulthood, my holidays were benign. They came, they passed. Even more so after our mother passed in 1991. Not necessarily sad. Just different. Until the birth of our childrenour son in 1994, our daughter three years later. They gave holidays a spark, a renewal, a gratefulness, inspiring me to enjoy the blessings of each special day and begin creating memories. And taking lots of pictures. Now, I have holiday memories. Plenty of them. Plenty of laughs, smiles and family silliness. One of my fondest Thanksgiving giggles occurred 15 years ago when my family lived in New Rochelle, a northern suburb of Manhattan. It was a holiday of mixed blessings. Two months prior, Barbara, who was then my wife, suffered a near-fatal stroke. She survived, thankfully, yet lost the use of her right side and was destined to months of in-patient rehabilitation. She was allowed to come home for Thanksgiving, though still confined to a wheelchair confined, though not restrained. Using her left foot, she navigated herself around the house as if she were Mario Andretti at Monte Carlo. Whered she go? was said many times that day. Relatives from around the country flew in, including Aunt Bobbie. Among Black folk, auntie, uncle, and cousin arent necessarily blood. Heck, they usually arent. Aunt Bobbie was my moms best friend from their days as young teachers in Tulsa. She had stories. She was there when my dad started coming around to date my mom. She was at the hospital when I was born. She remained in our lives long enough to tell all her stories to our kids. Remained in my life until her passing five years ago. Many things Aunt Bobbie didnt play about. One of them was chitlins. (If you dont know what they are, Google. And dont judge) The (ahem) delicacy was a holiday staple in our homes. Not everybody can cook chitlins or should be trusted to do so. Not only didnt Aunt Bobbie trust anybody else to cook her chitlins, she didnt trust the entirety of New York City to even have chitlins that were suitable. Therefore, at the good ole age of 85, Aunt Bobbie hopped on a plane in Tulsa headed for Thanksgiving in New Rochelle and brought chitlins with her. On the plane. Airport security isnt what it is today, but Im pretty dang sure TSA had not seen chitlins on the conveyor belt. Thank God they were frozen. If you know anything about chitlins, you know they smell, well, appropriately bad. When theyre being cleaned and cooked, all but the hearty usually leave the house. Frozen into a block of bowels, theyre benign. The large plastic container was wrapped in plastic bags, but Im pretty sure at least a few of those TSA folks knew exactly what that silver-haired mama had placed on the conveyor belt. Aunt Bobbie paid them never no mind. She dared any one of them to say anything about her chitlins as they rolled through the X-ray machine. Whos gonna stop an 85-year-old auntie with chitlins on her way to Thanksgiving with her family? Better question: whos gonna take away her chitlins? Nobody. Im grateful the emptiness that blurred so many holidays is now filled with memories. Not chitlins. I was raised by good people who encouraged me to be a good man and surround myself with good people. If I did, they said, good things would happen. I am a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, an Edward R. Murrow Award winner, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky. The Plymouth Colony began as a collectivist commune, the idea being that everyone should participate according to the best of ones ability, but that everybody should receive an equal reward. This meant working harder would not bring higher compensation, and working less would incur no penalty. The food shortage created by this scarcity-causing communalism was severe enough to cause people to starve to death, especially given the fact that an epidemic also was raging during the colonists first winter. Of the 100 Pilgrims who had come on the Mayflower, only about half that number survived to attend the first Thanksgiving: twenty-two men, four married women, and twenty-seven children. Thus, a large part of the first Thanksgiving was simply gratitude for having survived. It would be the leadership of William Bradford, whose common sense and inspirational guidance would deliver the Pilgrims from the ills of socialism to a healthy culture of economic freedom based upon individual property rights. Governor Bradford planted the seeds of freedom and justice for all that would bear fruit not only in his own lifetime, but into the future as well. By fall of 1621, the Pilgrims were counting their blessings. After the harvest, Massasoit, the Wampanoag chieftain, and ninety of his tribesmen joined the Pilgrims in a harvest festival of thanksgiving for several days, dining on venison, goose, duck, turkey, fish, and... cornbread, the result of a bountiful corn harvest. The Pilgrims had entered into a defensive military alliance with the Wampanoag, and an Indian warrior named Squanto had taught them farming methods that worked in the soil of Plymouth. There was much to be thankful for. During this first Thanksgiving, gratitude towards Governor Bradford would have been running high for his leadership, but there would be trouble in paradise in the not-too-distant future, as the initial excitement of working communally would soon wear off. The reason for this was that the Plymouth colony bore many resemblances to a socialist society... [E]verything was owned by every colonist jointly. No one was allowed to own private land... In other words, the industrious... were forced to subsidize the slackers... in 1621 and 1622. The problem this eventually created for the Pilgrims had long ago been described by Aristotle, who had defended the institution of private property, arguing that it encourages responsible stewardship and provides incentives for individuals to work hard and contribute to society. And indeed, greater abundance did result once the Pilgrims abandoned socialism and privatized the Plymouth economy. Not long after Bradford had distributed private property to each family, he noticed dramatic differences in the colonists behaviors: [I]t made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been by any means the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble, and gave far better content. The women now went willingly into the field, and took their little ones with them to set corn; which before would allege weakness and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great tyranny and oppression. In order to justify property rights biblically, the Pilgrims turned to the teachings of the Reverend John Cotton who invoked the Genesis story of Abraham. When Abraham had been stopped from using a well he had dug, he appealed to the Philistine king, Abimelech, claiming that he had the right to draw water because he was the person who had sunk the well... Abraham also made a specific claim of individual ownership, based on his owne industry and culture in digging the well. This meant there was biblical proof of the individual right to own land as property that depended on ones efforts, and not upon the grant of some arbitrary privilege. The new private economy became self-regulating, since those who were the heads of the landowning families became motivated to urge an industrious work ethic. Contrary to communalism, the fruits of private labor benefited the laborers directly, so the incentive to work harder came about naturally, without any need of external coercion or control. According to Tom Bethell of the Hoover Institute, this division of property established a proportion or ratio between act and consequence. Human action is deprived of rationality without it, and work will decline sharply as a result. The economic conditions improved, and during the months of July and August of 1623, the sailing ships Anne and the Little James arrived at Plymouth with 100 new colonists. In September of that same year, Edward Winslow left aboard the Anne to sell timber and furs and to report to the colonys investors back in England. It was a grateful community of Pilgrims, in full recognition of the blessings being reaped because of the new economic system, who held their second Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened the years harvest and prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast. For it was not only the cessation of physical drought conditions that had helped the Pilgrims to prosper, but the cessation of the spiritual drought brought on by the rank unfairness of their former collectivist system, as well -- a socialist philosophy that could always be counted on to dry up human productivity. Such days of religious fasting and thanksgiving feasting would continue into the future on an annual or occasional basis... Other New England colonies would soon follow suit. Governor Bradfords legacy of freedom and abundance would endure for hundreds of years, and its continuance would be assured upon the election of Donald J. Trump, on November 5, 2024, to a non-consecutive second term as President of the United States. Trump had promised, in his State of the Union address of 2019, that America will never be a socialist country. And this would become a theme of his 2024 presidential campaign. His re-election meant that there would be no return to the deadly collectivist philosophy of the early days at Plymouth. God bless the freedom-giving legacy of William Bradford and all those who honor and support it still. Happy Thanksgiving! Paul Dowling has written about the Constitution, as well as articles for American Thinker, Independent Sentinel, and Free Thought Matters. Image: Jenny A. Brownscombe The list of lies they tell us keeps growing. From Bill Clinton's assertion that he never had sex with Monica Lewinsky, to Obama's claim that if Americans liked their health care plans and doctors they could keep them under Obamacare, to Hillary Clinton stating that she never knowingly sent or received classified information over unauthorized electronic devices, to Joe Biden's seemingly-endless lies, exaggerations, and plagiarizing. In the latter case it got so bad that Glenn Kessler of the Washington Post quit counting. The Left loves to point out Donald Trump's many inaccurate and untruthful statements, and it's important to take note of them as well. One thing I've noticed is that when someone corrects a statement made by Trump it's often for an exaggeration or some minor detail that affects no one. Not all the time of course, but often enough to form a pattern. Trump frequently uses phrases such as, "It was the best ever" and "No one's seen anything like that before." Do those count as lies or simple exaggerations? Compare those to other fallacious statements such as "We'll only shut down for two weeks to slow the spread of COVID" that have caused people physical, emotional, or financial loss. Included here are slanderous or libelous comments made to damage a person's reputation, and these become particularly heinous when they potentially lead to arrest, trial, conviction and incarceration. Even if the person is found not guilty, the damage to their reputation may never be fully repaired. This played out right in front of us with the Russian Collusion Hoax. The Clinton campaign paid Fusion GPS to gather opposition research against Donald Trump. Operatives assembled the so-called "Steele Dossier" and fed it to the FBI, who subsequently leaked it to the press. The FBI then used those press reports to convince a FISA judge to approve warrants to surveil the Trump campaign. Millions of dollars and countless hours of investigations and testimony produced no evidence of any crime committed by Donald Trump, but lots of nefarious behavior on the part of journalists, law enforcement officials, bureaucrats, and political insiders. And again, people formed opinions about Donald Trump based on illusory information that was maliciously spread. To my knowledge no one has ever apologized or been held accountable for those lies. Tulsi Gabbard is experiencing this herself. She alienated the Clintons after she endorsed Bernie Sanders rather than Hillary. Then, after she singlehandedly destroyed Kamala Harris' campaign during the debates she went on to question other Democrat policies. She subsequently left the Democrat party, joined the Republicans and endorsed Donald Trump. Suddenly allegations arise that Tulsi is a Russian asset. The next thing you know, she's put on a TSA watch list, ostensibly because her foreign contacts "triggered an algorithm." People who get their information from what's laughingly referred to as the "mainstream media" will hear the initial story but may never hear the correction. No matter. The damage is done. David Frum is credited as saying, People need to understand that in Washington, the process is the punishment. Lies are fabricated, told to the press who spread them everywhere, people form their opinions and the liars reap the benefits. Whether the plan works as intended or not is irrelevant. Affecting public opinion and having the adversary waste money and time to defend himself is enough. Nancy Pelosi calls this "The Wrap-Up Smear." In this video Nancy Pelosi was accusing Republicans of engaging in this tactic, yet it sounds exactly like what triggered the Russian Collusion episode endured by Pres. Trump and the TSA restriction Ms. Gabbard is currently undergoing. I'm surprised that Pelosi actually said those things out loud. Of course, she has demonstrated similar tone-deafness in the past. For example, that episode in front of her commercial-sized freezers where she extolled the pleasures of luxury ice creams to viewers who were suffering through COVID lockdowns, school and business closures, and financial hardships. Fortunately, people have noticed and it looks like weve all had enough. Americans dont like being lied to. Our trust in our own government and the media have been declining for years and were increasingly turning to independent sources. MSNBC and CNN have reportedly lost a large portion of their viewership, and rumors abound that Elon Musk may even purchase the former. Would he call it MXNBC? Image: Pixabay I have spent the better part of my life in the aerospace business with companies involved in government contracts. I know that waste seems inevitable. When the production process slows down anywhere within the system, management typically hires more staff to increase production, with predictable results. While there have also been many attempts in this industry over the years to analyze and improve processes, only some have been successful while others have not. Too often, management approaches a production problem using what I call the Baby Solution. The thought pattern goes something like this: if it takes one pregnant woman nine months to produce one baby, then nine pregnant women should be able to produce one baby in 30 days. So, using this example, more manpower, or womanpower, appears to be the answer. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have a golden opportunity to reduce the size of Washingtons bloated and entrenched bureaucracy. Moving some agencies out of Washington, and into other cities like Omaha, Kansas City, or Phoenix, might be an effective way to break up the D.C. logjam. If that bureaucracy is staffed with civil servants, however, it may be even more difficult for Elon and Vivek to remove them due to federal employment restrictions. Since much of my aerospace career was spent trying to improve production processes, from the first contract proposals to the final assembly, I have a suggestion for DOGE that may actually work. Each government agency, from Agriculture to Treasury, will be required to create a special department called Department 999, or simply D/999. After an analysis of all subprocesses within each agency by trained Industrial Engineers, all civil service employees and non-civil service employees of that agency who are deemed nonessential or redundant will be immediately transferred to D/999. There are also those employees that everyone knows about who do not contribute anything of value to the final product. They, too, will be transferred to D/999. Here they will be given a choice. Resign now without prejudice and receive all retirement benefits to which you are entitled at this time in your career. Or, stay in D/999 at half pay. You will not be fired. You would be required to come to work every day and report to your supervisor. You would have no responsibilities or tasks to perform during your eight-hour-day desk job. There would be one common TV set in the office tuned to the weather channel or the Disney channel. There would be no computers or cell phones allowed and you would not have a security clearance or access to any secured areas. While there are some people who would stay in D/999, I suspect that attrition would take care of the majority of these transferees. Using the D/999 approach, not only would Elon and Vivek save money, they would create far more efficient processes throughout all government agencies and, who knows, we all may have some fun watching what happens. Image: AT via Hotpot AI In 1942, very soon after America was sucked into World War II, Paramount Studios released Holiday Inn. That movie is remembered for introducing the world to Irving Berlins perennial Christmas favorite White Christmas. However, thats not my favorite song from the movie. My favorite is the song Irving Berlin wrote for the Thanksgiving scene of the movie: Ive got plenty to be thankful for. Graphic: Irving Berlin (1944 portrait by Samuel Johnson). Wikimedia Commons.org. CC Universal Public Domain Dedication. Irving Berlin was not being cynical when he wrote those lyrics. He was truly thankful. Berlin was born in Russia into the abysmal poverty to which the Russian empire consigned Jews. One of eight children, he inherited his musical ability from his father, who was a cantor a notoriously ill-paying job whether in shtetl or in New York City. When Berlin was six years old, his family legally immigrated to America. Once at Ellis Island, they went through the process of determining whether they were healthy enough to cross officially onto American soil and, thankfully, they were. In New York, the Berlin family settled in the Lower East Side, the most densely populated city in the West. Beginning at eight, while he was still in school, young Irving took any job he could to help the family. Things reached a crisis point when Berlin was 13 and his father died. Irving dropped out of school for good and went to work. By 14, recognizing that he was still costing more to the family than he was bringing in with the jobs he could take, Irving left home to live on the streets and make money anyway he could. In 1911, aged 23 Berlin wrote Alexanders Ragtime Band, which was a huge success. He couldve been a one hit wonder, but it turned out that Berlin had hundreds of songs in him. Within a few years, he was, arguably, the most famous composer in America and was beginning to have a worldwide reputation. To this day, Berlins songs remain at the top of the American popular songbook and are known throughout the world. Young Irving truly did have plenty to be thankful for. He never lost that sense of gratitude, nor did he forget that all of his blessings came from having been allowed to be in America. America never gave Berlin a welfare check or special preferences based upon immutable characteristics over which he had no control. Instead, America gave him liberty, and with it, the opportunity, through hard work and native talent, to rise like cream to the top. When during World War I Berlin wrote God Bless America, he meant it. Irving Berlin embodied the American promise. For many decades, though, and with accelerating speed, that promise has been swamped under big statism. This is a political ideology that makes big promises, but doesnt have the money to make good on the checks it writes. It is a Ponzi scheme. Using the wealth created by the people who have come to America over the centuries to take advantage of Americas unique liberties, statists (mostly Democrats, but also a shameful number of Republicans) were able to hand these checks to people who came here, not for the opportunities, but for the government largesse. You earned the money and the government gave it away and keeps on giving.. Leftists, some naively and some cynically, thought that this gravy train could go on forever. Who needs actual wealth, when you can mint a $1 trillion coin, lock it in Fort Knox, and announce that it represents the wealth of a nation? There you have modern monetary theory, an idea so insane and destructive it could only come out of academia and be embraced by a self-styled elite who never have to live with the consequences of their dreadful decisions. Theyve got it all wrong. The wealth of a nation is in its people. However, these people must be committed to certain principles to bring that wealth to fruition: liberty, the free market, a sovereign border, and reality. No nation can sustain a deep dive into fantasy, whether its about money, race, or the content of ones underpants. And of course, they need a government that gets out of the way. Graphic: Donald Trump official portrait. Wikimedia Commons.org. Public Domain. Trumps election represents a dawning consciousness amongst Americans that we must go back to these liberty-based roots. This means stripping away the layers of stifling and often totalitarian government interference and returning to an America where those who are here legally are allowed to thrive and those who are not here legally are recognized as invaders, with no rights to welfare, education, medical care, etc. Their only right is to a swift deportation. If Trump does it right, if he listens to DOGE (and gets rid of his appalling nominee for Secretary of Labor), we are on a glidepath to the greatest resurgence of liberty and prosperity in the history of the world. And that is why, this year, Ive got plenty to be thankful for. Thanksgiving, traditionally celebrated in the United States and Canada, is gaining ground in some Latin American countries due to cultural influence and geographic proximity. In Mexico, for example, although it is not part of local traditions, the date has become popular among communities near the border and among U.S. expatriates, who celebrate family gatherings with traditional dinners such as turkey and the classic side dishes. In countries such as Colombia and Brazil, the concept of Thanksgiving has also been adapted in certain Christian communities and urban sectors. Although it is not an official holiday, some churches organize special services, and international restaurants offer themed menus that include traditional Thanksgiving elements, encouraging the participation of locals and tourists. According to an article in Voz de America, many Hispanics in the United States have reinterpreted this tradition as a way to honor their cultural heritage. It's not just a dinner, it's an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and keep alive the connection to our roots, commented Luz Herrera, a Salvadoran immigrant in Los Angeles. Despite its Anglo-Saxon origin, Thanksgiving in Latin America is evolving into a celebration that highlights universal values such as gratitude and family togetherness. These factors, combined with the rise of globalization, are driving its acceptance in diverse communities throughout the region. Thanksgiving has deeply Christian roots dating back to the Pilgrims who came to North America in the 17th century.These settlers, many of them Puritans in search of religious freedom, organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The event was conceived as an act of gratitude to God for having survived the difficult winter and for the abundant harvest, an achievement to which the Native Americans who taught them how to cultivate the land also contributed. Over time, Thanksgiving Day became formalized as an annual celebration in the United States, and although its character has evolved into a secular event in many households, the original sense of gratitude to God persists in several communities. In Christian churches in the United States and Latin America, special services are often held on that day to reflect on the blessings received during the year.The spirit of thanksgiving to God for His provision and care is at the core of this tradition, explains Pastor John Rivas, who leads a multicultural church in Houston, Texas. This Christian connection has helped Thanksgiving to be well received in religious contexts in Latin America, where values such as gratitude and family togetherness are highly valued. In some cases, the celebration is integrated as an opportunity for evangelism, strengthening community and cross-cultural ties. Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition. I think part of the reason Obama wasnt careful is because he sort of lives in words. Thats been his whole professional life books, speeches. Say something, and it magically exists as something said, and if its been said and publicized, it must be real. Peggy Noonan A childs earliest speech is a magic charm. It is directed toward forcing the external world, parents, and fate to do those things that have been conjured up in sounds and words. Charm may have its origin in the smile response that occurs normally at three or four months of human development. A childs charming smile also helps caretakers to bond in delight with the infant. Some infants more than others have the gift of more glowing smiles. In the Darwinian sense, the smile reduces potential propensity by a stranger to destroy or harm the innocent infant. Barack Obamas smile says volumes before he ever says a word. Obamas boyish charm helped him survive a difficult childhood. It also helped create and now sustain his dazzling political power and influence. Even as a chubby toddler, Barack Obama possessed a winning smile and a command of words. David Maraniss, in his book about Obama, describes Baracks comment about what people fear the most. Obama said, WORDS...words are the power to be feared most...whether directed personally or internationally, words can be weapons of destruction. As a child moves past his childhood world, the elemental power and potency of skillful words is moderated definitively by reality. It is a serious question as to whether Barack Obama has ever fully had such a reality check. From his soaring Cairo speech early in his presidency, Obama started by reaching out with powerful words of peace to Muslim people around the world. He stressed freedom of religion, freedom from violent extremism, assertion of human rights and social justice via freedom of speech in his powerful words. He did not wait to see if Muslim peoples could reach out in their ways and modes of peaceful handshakes. Instead, after his word-weapons of peace in Cairo, Obama soon turned on Americans. Obama seemed to assume that we Americans have a massive amount of work to do ferreting out, identifying, and atoning for our conscious and unconscious racist sins before we are ready to extend olive branches to one another or the world. Obama chose to identity with Trayvon Martin as a victim and with his wingman Eric Holder helped foment the defund and devalue the police movement for our own good...of penitence and extension of financial reparations for some collective source of unconscious guilt over our past history of slavery. Americans, he seemed to be saying, must undergo massive large group and individual psychoanalytic soul-searching and repentance. Obama can be described as one of the prime movers of the woke, of DIE, of the barrage of charged words against systemic racism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and white privilege. Even young black men get chided by Obama for their sexism against Kamala Harris, whom he would have them vote for and adore. As one observes Obamas slick, calculated, manipulative verbal skills in action, it is impressive how he entwines a winsome smile and a calculated charm with his powerful, deceptive, manipulative words. His verbal charisma is significantly connected to the timing of his rising and falling baritone intonations rather than containing genuinely convincing logic. Obamas magic words seem studied and resemble other influential speakers like Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Billy Graham, et al. Bill Clinton, the master of political maneuvering, luxuriated in his political magic while enjoying the sound of his own voice. Barack Obama, however, seems spellbound by the omnipotent fantasy of the imagined pure power of his words as if the programs he or others he supports would establish and their successful results were already of permanent record. Obama seems to think he and his words have fundamentally changed America, and what he and more recently Biden-Harris call the dignity of our American democratic values are, by definition, all Americans values. The legacy media use a barrage of descriptive words like far left, left-of-center, center, right-of-center, right, far right, and MAGA Republicans all to pidgin-hole Americans and keep political fear alive. Fortunately, Donald Trump is a man of action first, and then words arrive. His creativity takes the form of careful street-smart intuition-based listening, followed by effective actions. Image: Ari Levinson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped). My, have times changed. Its hard to imagine how kids grow up at all these days, or how, attaining chronological adulthood, they know anything. In my South Dakota neighborhood, kids were outside, unsupervised, every minute they could manage. Particularly during the summer, I ranged far and wide on my bike. There were no cell phones, and kids who werent outside as often as possible were thought odd. We were a hardy lot back then. In winter, schools closed during heavy snows, even blizzards, only if visibility in town was down to a block or so. We all bundled up like little brightly colored snowmen and women and trudged through or over snowdrifts to school. Drifts often reached the roof of our single-story home, and we delighted in climbing to the roof and diving into the drifts. That kind of freedom, those formative experiences, sadly no longer seem possible for kids in Georgia: Graphic: YouTube Screenshot Brittany Patterson lives in a rural part of Georgia with her four kids. Her husband is a superintendent at a school in Montana and is away much of the time. Last month, Patterson had to take one of her children to the doctor's office. She left her 10-year-old son Soren (he's nearly 11) at home with her father, the boy's grandfather. At some point, Soren decided to go for a walk to a local gas station where he knew his best friend's grandmother was working. He didn't ask permission, he just went. Someone saw him walking along the road and called police. A busybody saw Soren, asked if he was OKso far so goodwas told he wasand called the Sheriff. Still so good so far, until: After establishing that Pattersons father was at home with her children, Officer Robertson told her: Okay, turn around for me. Why? asked Patterson, furrowing her brow. Because youre under arrest, the officer replied. Georgia law allows parents to leave kids 9-13 with someone for as much as two hours. Soren was left with his grandfather, but without grandfathersor mothersknowledge or consent, he walked to a local gas station in their town of 225 people. So what? Whats the problem? There shouldnt be one, but there was: The week after her arrest, she was presented with a safety plan from the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Under its terms, she would correct her inadequate supervision by downloading an app on Sorens phone to monitor his location as a case manager stood by as a witness. Patterson must designate a safety person to watch over the kids whenever she leaves home without them, and inform all household members any time she leaves the residence. And, with a case manager watching, she must tell Soren how important it is that he stay on the property. Wow. Heres whats likely going on, though it shouldnt be. I suspect Georgia has that law because of the dangers of places like Atlanta, where one probably wouldnt want to let their kids outside without body armor. However, there are many places in Georgia, and around the rest of the country, where no such dangers exist, places like rural towns of 225. Police officers have wide discretion and keeping in mind Im working from media accounts and wasnt there, it appears the police involved cant define that term. Professional cops would have ensured Soren was safehe wasbriefly chatted with mom or grandpa to learn Soren often walked to that gas station/quick shop alone, and was in no danger, nor was Patterson in any way a negligent parent, thanked them for their cooperation, and been on their way. Prosecutors also have wide discretion, but there appear to be no adults in this particular prosecutors office. Again, I have no access to the deputys reports submitted to the prosecution, but what sane adult wouldnt be able to think: hmm. A ten-year old walking to a quick shop in a town of 225kids do that sort of thing--his parents and grandpa didnt give him permission, so no crime, and this sort of thing really isnt my business anyway. I have real crooks to prosecute. Why the hell did they even do a report? Apparently, whichever prosecutor dealt with this file doesnt have any real work to do. The safety plan is likely the systems attempt to salvage something without admitting theyre reactionary idiots. I suspect the blowback in this case has been ferocious. If Patterson agrees to it, theyll drop the charges. Patterson, despite facing up to a year in jail and having the child welfare mafia on her for life, said no. Its difficult to believe cases like this happen in America, but when authorities take themselves far too seriously, they do. As for Brittany and Soren, prayers are in order. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Feminists who shave their heads, wail, gnash their teeth, rend their garments and swear to withhold sex from men who dont want to have sex with them also tend to be dismissive of religion. For such people there can be no higher power than their politics and virtue signaling in support of them. To them, Christianity is patriarchal, abusive toward women who must be subservient to men. Yet it has always been women who are the backbone of Christianity and of every church community. Still, there is some indication young women may be less interested in faith that before, or are there? Graphic: Author Americans identifying as Christian has dropped significantly over the past 30 years, data has shown. According to the Pew Research Center, 63% of Americans identified as Christian in 2020, a decline from 90% of Americans identifying as Christian since the 90s. Furthermore, a Gallup poll released this year showed that only "three in 10" U.S. adults attend church once a week or almost once a week. This represents a significant decline from attendance 20 years ago, when 42% of U.S. adults would still attend church regularly. The drop-off doubled in the last decade, where regular church attendance, which was at around 38% percent between 2011 and 2013, plummeted to 30%. But who are these women? The article provides clues: The American Enterprise Institute reported in April that women outnumber men among young adults leaving the religion across four generations. Especially among Gen Z women, 54% of Gen Z adults who left their religion were women compared to 46% of men. Ah. Now it makes sense: The church's views of women are of concern to Gen Z, far more than previous generations, as religious institutions maintain the belief that women can't serve in leadership roles in the church, the Survey Center on American Life reported. According to AOL.com, "As with Mojica Rodriguez, some fume over gender hierarchies, the inability of women to serve in influential positions, or expectations of chastity placed upon girls. Others, they say, struggle with their churchs positions on reproductive and/or LGBTQ rights." A certain sort of woman, whose priorities and politics conflict with acceptance of Christian doctrine as provided in the scriptures are leaving. But are they abandoning faith and merely transferring to religions which while ostensibly Christian, reject much of Christian doctrine in favor of Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) dogma? Thats a belief system that demands absolute perfection, absolute adherence to that secular faith in thought, word and deed, and if one strays, theyre immediately excommunicated, just as a Yale Psychiatrist told them to cut off family and friends who committed the ultimate secular sin: voting for Donald Trump. Graphic: MSNBC Screenshot People coming and going in faith and attendance to church is as old as Christianity. The bemoaning of regional or national loss of faith is always followed by reawakenings that reenergize congregations and sometimes, entire peoples. In the current American political divide we see that played out rather dramatically. Innumerable D/s/cs are filling the bank accounts of psychologists, ranting and screaming about the evil Donald Trump and allied Americans represent, while Normal Americans, Republican and otherwise, calmly go about life, which is overwhelmingly guided by faith in God. There is a God-shaped hole in every human soul, a hole that can only be filled with faith, never with the false gods of politics. Christianity doesnt force belief, it must be freely, honestly given, and once it is a life-long journey begins. Some may fall away only to return, others never return except perhaps on their death bed or when theyre in trouble, trouble only God can heal. As an old aphorism notes, there are no athiests in foxholes. In a long and adventurous life Ive learned the depth and joy of faith, and Gods promises. Ive also learned the wonder of the faith of women. Its an intuitive, child-like acceptance of reality, of grace and mercy, which they are uniquely created to understand and spread to others. Ive learned too that listening to my wife, to all the women in my life, is the smartest thing I can do. They know things, understand things, in ways no man can. Churches throughout America are growing, filled to capacity every Sunday and more. Other churches, concerned more with contemporary politics, decline. What remains constant is the word of God and His promises of peace and eternal life. That, and trying to live as He would have us live, ensures faith will never die. Graphic: Author On this Thanksgiving, we say a prayer for Gods bounty, not only on our tables, but in so many other ways. We can surely spare the time for a prayer asking Him to guide those whose souls are empty back to people, regardless of politics, who will always welcome them, and through their acceptance, help them find their way back to God. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Among the parental aphorisms that most annoyed us as children was give them an inch and theyll take a mile. It was so frustrating because we knew our parents had our number; they were absolutely right. If they let us get away with something merely stupid, wed go full stupid in a heartbeat. Teachers know all about this part of human nature too. Never go full stupid. Like England: Graphic: X Screenshot Biologically male transgender officers for the British Transport Police (BTP) are now allowed to strip-search female suspects, according to a report from The Telegraph. Guidance drawn up by the BTP, seen by the paper, reportedly states that transgender officers who identify as women can conduct strip searches of women provided that the officer has received a gender recognition certificate (GRC). A GRC must surely remove all pleasure men get from strip-searching women. After all, its government approved and regulated. The guidance, which was approved in September, states: British Transport Police recognises the status of transgender and non-binary detainees/staff from the moment they permanently identify in that gender with or without a GRC. This means that even when a person has not legally changed their sex, we should continue to use the correct pronouns and recognise the persons gender. BTP officers/staff will only search persons of the same sex as either their birth certificate or GRC. Graphic: X Screenshot Oh, but thats far from all: Separately, the BTP has also reportedly determined that staff can wear the uniform in whichever gender they choose and are allowed to use the changing rooms and showers of the gender they identify with. It appears we were more forward thinking than we knew when we kicked the British back across the Atlantic way back when. England these days is jailing people for speech, as well as letting male cops molest women. Perhaps we ought to be reconsidering our special relationship with the Brits, who seem to be abandoning at shocking speed the individual liberties they bequeathed. The British have been a surveillance state, with cameras everywhere for decades, supposedly for public safety. That was several inches. That should have been a warning to the British and damned well better be a warning to us. Why should we care about what the British are doing to their female crooks? Well, possibly because theyre arresting all manner of people who havent violated the laws of any civilized people, and because what theyre doing is an abject lesson about the dangers of totalitarianism. Its always best to learn from the mistakes of others rather than dealing with the consequences of our own mistakes. We arent far from the citizens of innumerable countries realizing they no longer want to come to America, because it is little different than the oppressive regimes under which they live. Imagine Donald Trump wasnt reelected. Imagine further the House and Senate fell to Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) control. Remember how hard D/s/cs have been working to eliminate the Constitution. Heres what we would have been facing, what we could face in the future: *No First or Second Amendment. Imprisonment without due process for speech government doesnt like, and mass disarmament. Mao was right: political power does come from the barrel of a gun. Thats why we have the Second Amendment; thats why D/s/cs want to abolish it. *No electoral college. *No voter integrity laws whatever. *A Supreme Court doing nothing but rubber-stamping ruling party mandates. *A Congress doing the same. *Only federal law enforcement. *No states rights; no local control. *Only government approved news. *No parental rights. Kids could abort or transition without parental knowledge or consent. Kids seized from parents with the wrong political beliefs. *A DEI society with lengthy jail sentences for failing to use proper pronouns or demonstrate proper deference to favored victim/identity groups. *Communist-style rule by terror and force. *All the joys of a communist state, including political prisoners, torture, and the disappearing of anyone the state dislikes. *Press gangs to feed the war machine. You dont have to imagine the rest. Its history, and its happening across the world right now. Oh, come on! D/s/cs would never do all that! Wouldnt they? Wouldnt people who call Normal Americans domestic terrorists, white supremacists, insurrectionists, nazis, existential threats and worse be morally and practically justified in doing whatever was necessary to suppress such horrible, subhuman monsters? They certainly think so. To be sure, these measures wouldnt happen immediately, but who could have imagined theyd ever happen in England, a democracy that has turned at horrifying speed into the our democracy D/s/cs want to protect and expand here? To paraphrase George Santayana, those who will not learn from even recent history are doomed to repeat it. England proves the worst is always possible when a people are willing to give government an inch. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. It is that time of year again, when we celebrate the voyage of the Mayflower, which carried 132 passengers and crew over inclement seas for ten weeks, before landing just off the coast of present-day Provincetown, Massachusetts on November 21 (N.S.), 1620, founding the Plymouth Colony. After a very harsh winter and the ravagings of new diseases, only 53 persons of the original Mayflower passengers and crew survived. In the following spring and summer, the pilgrims interacted with the neighboring Wampanoag tribe and the Sagamores, Massasoit, and Samoset. Critically for their survival, the pilgrims were taught how to cultivate maize through the rigorous instructions of Squanto. Having put their backs into it for a full growing season, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated between 90 Wampanoags and the 53 remaining pilgrims, with a meal that featured the first crop of corn produced at Plymouth. But we have far more to be thankful for than corn, owing to the interaction of early settlers and native American Indians. The settlers and traders who came to live and work in present-day New England and New York were blessed to come in contact, at a very special time in history, with the Five Nations of the Iroquois. While their European cousins were discovering the ancient ruins of Rome and Athens, and while newly invented printing presses were making available to a wide public the remaining writings of Pericles, Thucydides, Livy, and Cicero, which concerned ancient forms of democratic and representative governance that provided common laws and freedoms, traders like John Lawson were returning to Europe to tell of the Great Councils of Onondaga, where assemblies of the Five Nations would debate issues very deliberately ... with all the integrity imaginable, never looking toward their own interest before the public good. The Council Lords, in council, expressed their steadfast belief that God made them free ... that no man has the natural right to rule another. The Constitution of the Five Nations of the Iroquois, deemed The Great Law, was published, which had a simple central principle: the less government there is, the more freedom the individual has. Does this sound familiar? From this interblending of ideas of what was new again in the Old World with what was old in the New World came the idea of the freedom and independence of the natural man, or the individual, who was born to be free and the sovereign over himself at a time when, in old Europe, there was a belief in a divine right of kings to be sovereign over everything and everybody. The two worlds notably met during a sensational visit of the Four Kings of the Iroquois League in 1710 to London. It was as popular an event as one might imagine if Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were parading through Knightsbridge together today. One of the visitors, Canassatego, was greeted as a king by one of the ladies present, and he strenuously objected to the title, saying, Madam, family creates no distinction but by its acts of wisdom and valor. ... We make no distinction by birth where mental and bodily qualities are found superior, that person gains authority over our hearts: the good [one] does his country is rewarded by glory and esteem; such are our manners and ideas. When the lady objected, Do you not want to be a king?, the Sachem answered that he abhorred the office, as it was one that allowed an excessive avarice, which is a detested vice because the crown engages in an eternal pillage of its own subjects. And such virtue in want ... labors only for pampered idleness. These words parallel those spoken by the greatest of the ancient Athenians, Aristides. This conception of the natural man, and individual rights as opposed to the authority of pampered royalty, formed the foundations of revolutionary writers, such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Locke, and Montesquieu and lit the fire of a revolutionary age. During the time when our revolution was at its beginnings, there was a necessity to form a means of organizing thirteen former colonies into a defensive alliance capable of defeating the finest army on the planet at the time. Benjamin Franklin found it and based the nascent Americas Articles of Confederation on the ties that bound the Five Nations of the Iroquois League. After the Revolution was won, during the Summer of 1787, Philadelphia was full of representatives of the Iroquois Nations, whose example did so much to found this nations freedoms. So, when our Constitution was written, the concept of the 9th and 10th Amendments, which secured the rights of localities to govern themselves, owed as much to the precedent of the direct democracy of Athens as it did to the assemblies of the Seneca Nation. When a means of holding together the various states and how they and their people would be equally represented was considered, the examples of the Roman Senate and the Councils of Onondaga were both considered and our system of a federal constitutional republic was born. We owe a great deal of our conception of ourselves as a sovereign and free people to the Native Americans. This too should be celebrated with grateful thanks, and the contribution of the Iroquois should be taught as an inspiration in every classroom in America. Richard C. Lyons, author of The DNA of Democracy: Volume I and Shadows of the Acropolis: Volume II is a third-generation printer, whose early career centered on religious and special education publishing. Lyons has since engaged in literary pursuits as a poet, essayist, screenwriter, and indie publisher. Image via Pexels. President-elect Trump has stated that success will be his revenge. While those of us on the right pray that his next term will be successful, there are distinctions between revenge and justice. Revenge is emotional, personal, vindictive and cyclic, whereas justice is rational, impersonal, and brings about vindication and closure. Were seeing what happens when people break the law with impunity. Those who commit smash-and-grab burglaries are given a slap on the wrist, when and if theyre apprehended. Stories of public figures committing blatant crimes flash across our screens and then fade into the ether. Millions of illegals are welcomed into our country and many wreak havoc. Meanwhile, grandmothers praying in front of abortion mills get sent to prison and government officials burst into peoples homes and euthanize their pets. Police departments, like our military, are having difficulty meeting recruitment goals as candidates have no wish to risk life, limb, and liberty for woke bureaucrats who dont have their back. At one time our government was ostensibly composed of people who respected the Constitution and the rule of law. Republicans campaign on being the party of law and order. Yet the GOP has a fairly well-established pattern of summoning people to their committees to testify as to their actions, writing up lengthy reports and then...nothing happens. Case in point: a story broke on November 27, 2024 concerning Michael Byrd, the Capitol Police (CP) officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt on January 6, 2021. Byrd has a checkered career in the CP. During the J6 demonstration he shot Ashli Babbitt, a small, unarmed female Air Force veteran in the neck, killing her. Byrd says that by shooting Babbitt he saved countless lives. Babbitt was reportedly 52 tall and weighed around 110 lbs. He couldve just pushed her down and sat on her. Did he not have a taser or pepper spray? The DOJ had previously cleared Byrd of criminal charges and he was subsequently promoted. House Oversight investigators have given the US Capitol Police until December 4, 2024 to turn over all records and devices used by Byrd from 1/1/21 through 1/1/24. Given the GOPs record of holding people accountable, I dont expect much. There are now roughly 800 Americans languishing in terrible conditions in jails for their actions on J6. The 6th Amendment states that, In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trialby an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed Its been four years. Thats not speedy. The 5th Amendment assures us that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Are these citizens receiving due process? While campaigning for her office as Attorney General, Letitia James promised she would investigate Trump. In 2022 her office sued Trump, three of his children, and the Trump Organization for fraud. The banker who was involved in the case testified that what Trump did was not unusual, that banks always carry out their own appraisals and that they were eager to do more business with the Trump Organization. Trump ended up getting slapped with a fine of nearly $454 million dollars. As of September 2024, the case is under appeal. Im not an attorney so Ill just ask, do the instances of lawfare were seeing constitute Deprivation of rights under color of law? Might not the victims of cases such as these file civil suits citing Malicious Prosecution? Are Republicans afraid that, once Democrats again achieve majorities in Congress, theyll prosecute Republicans under fabricated crimes? As the saying in the movie goes, Theres already been a first strike! Or are they cowards, afraid that their own closeted skeletons might be revealed? People dont change their behavior unless theyre motivated to do so, either because of an anticipated benefit or fear of negative consequences. If public figures engage in slander, libel, and lawfare without paying a price, theyll simply do it again. If citizens and residents are allowed to commit crimes without being charged, vigilantism may arise and civil society may be lost. Our justice system needs reformation. Unethical and Soros-funded AGs, judges, and prosecutors must be removed from office. Local, state, and federal law enforcement offices and our military need to return to their core missions. Every American citizen must be treated equally under the law, and there are provisions for illegals and temporary residents as well. Its said that we get the government we deserve and were seeing the results. The chaos in Western Europe and in our major cities are harbingers of whats in store for the rest of us if the voters who love the Constitution and the rule of law dont make our voices heard. Our elected representatives and appointed officials must step up and enforce the laws as written and intended. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. As some of you know, Google lost in court in December 2023, in a trial that Epic kicked off. Following that, in October this year, a District Judge issued a number of changes that need to be made to Google Play. That was put on hold so that Googles appeal could take place, and that just happened, as the company is appealing the app store monopoly verdict. Google submits appeal over app store monopoly verdict The appeal was sent to the US appeals court. Oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will take place on February 3 next year. Google did say why it thinks the liability verdict should be reversed. The company said that the District Court allowed Epic to argue that Google and Apple do not compete in app distribution and in-app billing markets, even though Epic already fully litigated and lost that issue in its case against Apple. Google also said that the injunction should be vacated. The company is referring to a series of changes that the District Judge imposed, including allowing third-party app stores in Google Play, catalog access, and a number of others over a period of three years. Google issued a number of reasons why the verdict should be changed The company said that all that requires Google to build new infrastructure to provide new services to Googles competitors, contravening a well-established antitrust principle: Businesses generally have no duty to deal with competitors, much less design new products to prop up their competitors. In the appeal, it was also added that the District Courts injunction exceeds the remedies Epic proposed, with no explanation for why this was necessary and that the court also never explained why it is in the public interest to impose additional remedies beyond those agreed to by the attorneys general of all fifty States, the District of Columbia, and two territories. In the quote above, Google is referring to the December 2023 case, in which it settled a lawsuit from states about the Google Play Store. The company agreed to pay $700 million and simplify the sideloading process, amongst other things. On top of everything else, Google added that the court failed to grapple with the substantial security risks that linkouts, catalog access, and app-store distribution pose for millions of non-party consumers. This saga will continue on February 3 next year, so get ready for that. All signs point to the Galaxy S25 lineup launch being right around the corner. Leaks surrounding Samsungs upcoming mobile flagships have revealed several key details about their design and tech specs. The FCC has now listed the Galaxy S25 series, indicating an imminent announcement. A few weeks before launching new smartphones globally, companies register them with the FCC. The detection of a device on such listings usually means that it is just a few weeks away. Samsung has not yet confirmed the official launch date of the Galaxy S25 series. However, according to leaks, the South Korean giant will hold its next Unpacked event on January 22 or 23 next year. Samsung Galaxy S25 series listed in FCC database In addition to indicating an imminent launch, the Federal Communications Commission listings confirm the model numbers and a few key details about the tech specs of the devices. According to 91mobiles report, the vanilla Galaxy S25 has a model number of SM-931U. On the other hand, the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra have the model numbers SM-936U and SM-938U, respectively. All phones will share the majority of connectivity features, with the exception of one: UWB. Samsung will limit ultrawide-band support to the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip natively integrates UWB hardware, its up to the manufacturer to decide whether to enable it or not. On the other hand, the entire series will support 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GNSS, and NFC. There will be no changes in the fast charging department for the Galaxy S25 series. The Plus and Ultra models will remain stuck at the classic 45W, dropping to 25W for the vanilla model. Samsung will sell the same charging adapter for all devices under the model number EP-T2510. However, the FCC suggests that there will be a noticeable downgrade to the vanilla Galaxy S25s wireless charging. Only 9W wireless charging for the base model According to the listing, the base Galaxy S25 will only support 9W of wireless charging. For reference, the vanilla Galaxy S24 supported 15W wireless charging. Well have to wait and see if this really happens or if its an error in the listing. It seems like a strange decision by Samsung to weaken a section that was already weak. As Amazon looks for ways to improve efficiency and reduce injuries at hundreds of warehouses and fulfillment centers across the U.S., it is increasingly using robots and artificial intelligence to pick, lift and move items in the sprawling hubs, such as this one on the East Side. Staff file photo A robotic arm lifts loaded pallets to the second floor of the Amazon fulfillment center in Schertz. Josie Norris/Staff file photo Scott Tenberge loads a pallet to be moved by Titan, a robot that can lift 2,500 pounds, at the Amazon fulfillment center in Schertz. Josie Norris/Staff file photo Bins of items to be packed and shipped on a conveyor belt at the Amazon fulfillment center in Schertz. Josie Norris/Staff file photo Framed by protective chain link fencing, a Titan robot zooms around with a pallet of merchandise at the Amazon fulfillment center in Schertz. The robot, called Titan, can lift 2,500 pounds. Josie Norris/Staff file photo In more than a dozen warehouses across the San Antonio area, Amazon robots that go by names such as Robin, Sparrow, Sequoia and Titan are doing the heavy lifting to get goods to customers this holiday season. They load and unload trucks. They put goods on pallets and take them off. They pick up packages, place them on conveyors and carry loaded pallets across warehouse floors. And they do it all with no human guiding their every move. As the e-commerce giant keeps looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce injuries at hundreds of warehouses and fulfillment centers across the U.S., it is increasingly using robots and artificial intelligence to pick, lift and move items in the sprawling hubs at the heart of its system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are working backwards from the idea that we want to employ more skilled labor, said Julie Mitchell, Amazon.com Inc.s director of robotic sortation technologies. These opportunities are obviously higher paid than the entry level jobs in our buildings. Despite the rise in automation at her company and others, though, warehouses remain big employers of humans. Federal data show that about 1.8 million people work in such facilities. While thats down 9% from its peak in 2022, when logistics companies went on a hiring spree to handle a pandemic e-commerce boom thats since subsided, its still up more than 30% since early 2020. Meet the robots But at Amazon, robots are carrying an increasing portion of the load. Robotic arms named Robin and Cardinal can lift packages that weigh up to 50 pounds. A third, called Sparrow, picks up items from bins and puts them in other containers handled by another robot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Proteus, an autonomous mobile robot that operates on the floor, can move carts around a warehouse. Another one named Titan handles the extra-heavy lifting and moving. Theres even a bipedal, humanoid robot named Digit thats being tested to help move empty totes with its hands. Sequoia, a containerized storage system, already can present totes to employees in a way that allows them to avoid stretching or squatting to grab inventory. Robin is currently being used in dozens of warehouses. Sparrow which was tested at the companys robotics fulfillment center in San Marcos before being integrated with Sequoia at a warehouse in Richmond and the others havent been rolled out widely. But the company says its already seeing benefits, such as reducing the time it takes to fulfill orders and helping employees avoid repetitive tasks. However, automation also carries drawbacks for workers, who would have to be retrained for new positions if the robots made their roles obsolete. In October, Amazon had an event at a Nashville, Tenn., warehouse where the company has integrated some of the robots. We recently sat down with Mitchell to talk about what the company has learned and where it hopes to go from here. The following has been edited for length and clarity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: When youre working on robotics, how long does it typically take to roll out new technology? A: This journey that weve been on has taken a couple of years. Luckily for us, weve been at this for over a decade. So we have a lot of core technology that we can build on top of. We started these particular robots Cardinal and Proteus in this building in November 2022. We came in and began playing around with what it would look like to pack and move a production order. Less than two years later, we are at scale and shipping 70% of the items in this building through that robotics system. Q: So, two years? A: We talk about build, test and scale and thats about a two-year cycle for us right now. Q: Its challenging to build robots that can physically grab products. How does Amazon work through that? A: As you can probably imagine, we have so many items so its an exceptional challenge. We rely on data and putting our first prototype in a real building, where we expose it to all the things we need it to do. Then we drive down all the reasons that it fails. We give it a lot of sample sizes in a very short period of time. For example, a couple of years ago, we launched our Robin robotics arm a package manipulation robot and were at 3 billion picks. So the ability to launch into our network, rapidly collect data, scale and iterate has enabled us to go fast. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The challenge itself can be boiled down to three simple things: You need to perceive the scene, plan your motion and then execute. Today, those are three different parts of our system. Artificial intelligence is going to help us change all of that, and its going to be more outcome-driven, like asking it to pick up a bottle of water. Were on the verge, so thats why Im personally excited to be here at the onset of generative AI and use it to dramatically improve the performance of our robotics. Q: How do you think about the impact of automation on Amazons workforce as youre developing the technology? A: With the technology weve deployed here, were creating new roles for individuals that can acquire new skills to fulfill those roles. And these new skills are not something that is too difficult to achieve. You dont need an engineering degree, Ph.D. or any really technical skills to support our robotics systems. We designed the systems so theyre easy to service and train on the job to be a reliability maintenance engineer. Partnering with MIT has helped us understand what matters most to our team as were deploying these technologies across our network. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: Are you experiencing any challenges as you introduce these robots in your warehouses? A: Not in the adoption. Were integrating it. But these are complex systems and this is the real world, so things go wrong. For example, we had bad weather due to the storms in the Southeast. When I look at the robotics systems data, I can tell the weather is bad outside because that dramatically affects how the ship dock works. When trucks dont arrive on time or when they cant leave, you see bottlenecks in the building in strange ways. Containers build up, we have to put them in different places, and then humans need to recover them. So communication between what our robotics system is doing and what we need employees in the building to do to recover is important. Its a collaboration of automation and humans to deal with real-world problems. Its not a matter of having robotics take over but making it one system of humans and robotics working together to accomplish the goal of shipping the product. The UK Government sent shock waves throughout the agricultural sector due to funding changes announced in the Budget, a union has said. Martin Kennedy, president of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), led a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday calling on the Scottish Government to ring-fence agricultural funding in Scotland in its Budget statement on December 4. He was joined by hundreds of farmers, crofters and agricultural workers, and told them the UK Government has thrown the existing financial framework in the industry out the window. He said: On October 30, the new Labour Government sent shock waves throughout the whole of agriculture throughout the UK. It was really devastating it sent shock waves through us all. Not only on the agricultural property relief and business property relief issues that weve been talking about, and that has been highlighted very much last week in London, but particularly, its every bit as important as the funding element. Farmers and crofters rallied outside Holyrood on Thursday (Jane Barlow/PA) The funding element is so important for what is the catalyst of what we do. Six hundred and 20 million pounds was the ring-fenced fund that we had here. For over 50 years, we have had a multi-annual ring-fenced fund thats come into Scottish agriculture. First of all, under Europe, a seven-year multi-annual financial framework and after Brexit weve had a five-year multi-annual financial framework so we can plan ahead. The Labour Government threw that out the window. Theyve completely washed their hands of that. Theyve said to the devolved parliaments, you do what you like with agriculture. Agriculture is devolved, and thats fine, the policy is devolved, but so is the funding and its now part of the block grant, so we have no security, and no idea how much the Scottish Government are going to commit to Scottish agriculture going forward. He said the Scottish Budget is going to be absolutely critical and he wants to see the Government ring-fence the 620 million, saying there is no reason for them not to do so. Demonstrators heard from union officials and politicians (Jane Barlow/PA) He told the crowd: They have had a 3.4 billion uplift in the block grant coming to Scotland, and that is an 8.1% uplift in their overall budget. We are asking the Scottish Government to not only ring-fence the 620 million, but to add on the 80 million that they have traditionally put towards the block grant or towards agricultural funding, plus the 50 million that is the 8.1% uplift in funding, and lets not forget, the 46 million that has still got to come back into our portfolio because it was ours before it was taken out. We need to see that on December 4. Other speakers from the NFUS echoed Mr Kennedys message to the Scottish Government, as did a number of political figures, including Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay. Mr Findlay warned that the agricultural industry is under critical threat like never before, and said a number of NFUS members had spoken to him previously about their fears over the funding. I heard loud and clear about the many concerns, one of the biggest of those being around the uncertainly on funding, he said. Since then, thats become even worse due to Sir Keir Starmers Budget in which he decided that the farming finances will no longer be ring-fenced when they are sent to the Scottish Government, which of course means theres a very real risk that that, being in the general pot of Government spending in Edinburgh, risks being spent on other things. First Minister John Swinney, right, met with Jonnie Hall of NFU Scotland outside Parliament during the rally (Jane Barlow/PA) My party will do whatever we can to ensure that funding is guaranteed and ring-fenced. He went on to decry agricultural property relief changes as being hugely harmful, warning some farms may have to close down as a result. He said: I actually believe it was spiteful, and it could make the difference between farms being able to continue to operate and no longer being able to do so. Labour can, and they should, change course. I will do everything as the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party to ensure that they listen to you. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton told the rally: The Budget, I think, is a new era for farming in Scotland because the 620 million is now being given straight to the Scottish Government. We need to make sure that this is ring-fenced and goes directly into farming, but over and above that, there is an actual real-terms increase in the money that we invest in farming and agriculture, because it is the engine room of our economy. It is so important to Scotland, to our food security, our national heritage and our environmental sustainability. On Thursday, a joint letter from Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon and Finance Secretary Shona Robison was sent to Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones. The letter expressed the Scottish Governments shock and alarm at the decision to apply the Barnett formula to future agricultural and marine funding, and warned that the changes to inheritance tax could become a barrier or perhaps even greater than that for tenant farmers. A UK Government spokesperson said: The Budget provided the Scottish Government with a record 47.7 billion settlement and it receives over 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending. It is for the Scottish Government to allocate this across its devolved responsibilities, which include agriculture, to deliver on the priorities of people in Scotland and support Scotlands rural economy. We have been clear that around 500 claims of agricultural and business property relief each year will be impacted this is based off actual claims data and even when inheritance tax does kick in, it is effectively at half the rate paid by others. Rural affairs cabinet secretary Mairi Gougeon said: I was clear when I spoke with the NFUS that the Scottish Government is unequivocal in our support for Scotlands farmers and crofters. They are vital to our rural communities and make our world-class food and drink sectors possible. The UK Government Budget failed to give them or us any certainty, with no multi-year agreements, imposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief with no consultation and a move from rural funding being determined based on the amount of land and sea in Scotland. The First Minister repeated his cast-iron commitment that 46 million will be put into the rural affairs budget so farmers benefit from that investment and more detail will be provided in the upcoming Scottish Budget. I met with NFUS once again today and the Finance Secretary and I have both written to the UK Treasury calling for them to urgently reconsider the cumulative impact of their decisions on Scottish farmers, tenant farmers and crofters. Australias plans to ban under-16s from social media is a retrograde step that would leave young people facing a cliff edge of harm when then turn 16, a UK charity has warned. Andy Burrows, the chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said such bans undermined the aim of online safety regulation, which would force social media platforms to make their sites safe and age appropriate. The foundation was set up by the family of Molly Russell, who ended her life aged 14 in 2017 after viewing harmful content on social media. Mr Burrows comments come as the Australian Senate passed a social media ban for young children that will soon become a world-first law. Ofcom are yet to set out how they will compel tech companies to rectify this. They must set out specific requirements for highly effective age assurance measures and invest in the evidence they need to recommend age assurance solutions. https://t.co/3sW16Fjut7 Molly Rose Foundation (@mollyroseorg) November 28, 2024 It will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (25 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the ban is about making the safety and mental health of our young people a priority. But Mr Burrows said the approach did not guarantee safety. Banning under-16s from social media is a retrograde step that would push risks and bad actors on to gaming and messaging services and leave young people at a cliff edge of harm when they turn 16, he said. It is crucial the UK Government delivers strengthened legislation to make online platforms safe and age appropriate rather than bans that would erase the benefits of regulation and come with a slew of unintended consequences. Children should not be punished for the failures of tech platforms nor the delayed response from successive governments. Childrens safety deserves strong, effective solutions to complex problems, not knee-jerk responses that would do more harm than good. The UK is set to begin its regulation of social media platforms next year, when the Online Safety Act starts to come into force. Under the new rules, platforms will be required to protect their users, and in particular children, from illegal and harmful material by finding and removing it, with large fines for those who do not comply. However, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said last week that a ban on social media for under-16s in the UK was on the table if companies do not take action to protect children under the Online Safety Act. Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper, Mr Kyle suggested the UK would have to move to another level of regulation if tech companies do not get together to enforce the Act. The Technology Secretary said he did not want to pursue further law changes until he sees how the Online Safety Act works. The UKs asylum system now costs more than 5 billion a year, the highest level on record, new figures show. Home Office spending on asylum has jumped by more than a third, from 3.95 billion in 2022/23 to 5.38 billion in 2023/24, according to PA news agency analysis of data published on Thursday. This is a rise of 36%, or 1.43 billion, and is the highest total since comparable data began in 2010/11. It is more than four times the equivalent figure for 2020/21 (1.34 billion) and nearly 12 times the total a decade ago in 2013/14 (0.45 billion). The total covers all Home Office asylum costs, including direct cash support and accommodation, plus wider staffing and other related migration and border activity. The figure does not include the cost of operations launched to intercept Channel crossings by migrants although the majority of people who arrive in the UK by this route do apply for asylum. Separate data published on Thursday also detailed the scale of the asylum backlog, with a total of 133,409 people waiting for an initial decision on a claim in the UK at the end of September 2024. This is up 12% from 118,882 at the end of June 2024, but down year-on-year by 19% from 165,411 at the end of September 2023. The figure peaked at 175,457 at the end of June 2023, which was the highest since current records began in 2010. People awaiting initial decision on asylum application in UK (PA Graphics) The number of people waiting more than six months for an initial decision stood at 83,888 at the end of September, up from 76,268 at the end of June, but down year-on-year by 33% from 124,461. A total of 99,790 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to September 2024, up very slightly from 98,926 in the previous 12 months. The figure peaked in the year to March 2023, at 102,878 people, which was the highest total for any 12-month period since 2002. Migrants who arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 28% of the total number of people claiming asylum in the year to September, the Home Office said. Some 35,651 asylum seekers were being housed temporarily in UK hotels at the end of September, up 6,066 from 29,585 at the end of June. It is the first quarterly rise for a year, although the figure is still some way below the recent peak of 56,042 at the end of September 2023. Asylum seekers and their families are housed in temporary accommodation if they are waiting for the outcome of a claim or an appeal and have been assessed as not being able to support themselves independently. They are housed in hotels if there is not enough space in accommodation provided by local authorities or other organisations. Sir Keir Starmer told a Downing Street press conference: We must bring the cost of asylum down and we have a manifesto pledge to bring the number of hotels down, to end the use of hotels, which we are driving hard at. The way to do that is to increase the processing of claims. Among the reasons that there are so many people in hotels is because, for a long time, the claims werent being processed. So more people arriving, none of them getting processed, and an ever-increasing pool of people that then had to be accommodated some way or another. That was completely unsustainable. Weve transferred a thousand staff into the processing and returns work at the Home Office, so a significant redeployment of staff, which is driving up the processing of claims. A former soldier who escaped from prison and went on the run for three days has been found guilty of spying for Iran. Daniel Khalife, 23, was serving in the British Army when he exposed military personnel to serious harm by collecting sensitive information and passing it to agents of the Middle Eastern country. He was paid in cash for the secret information gathered and told handlers he would stay in the military for 25-plus years for them. Prosecutors told his trial he played a cynical game, claiming he wanted a career as a double agent to help the British Intelligence Services, when in fact he gathered a very large body of restricted and classified material. On Thursday, jurors at Woolwich Crown Court found Khalife had breached the Official Secrets and Terrorism Acts. He was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax and had already admitted escaping from Wandsworth prison. Khalife, wearing a blue shirt and pale trousers, calmly replaced his glasses as the verdicts were read out, and did not show any emotion. Police described him as the ultimate Walter Mitty character that was having a significant impact on the real world. Khalife created and passed on fake documents supposedly from MPs, senior military officials and the security services, but also sent genuine army documents. Having approached a middle-man by sending him a Facebook message, Khalife told the Iranians he would stay undercover in the British Army for 25-plus years for them. He joined the British Army in 2018, two weeks before his 17th birthday, and served with the Royal Corps of Signals. In 2021, Khalife secretly gathered the names of serving soldiers, including those in the special forces. He took a photo of a handwritten list of 15 of them, having been sent an internal spreadsheet of promotions in June 2021. Daniel Khalife in Richmond after his escape (Metropolitan Police/PA) Prosecutors believe he sent the list to Iran before deleting any evidence. After his arrest, he told police he had wanted to offer himself to UK security agencies all along, having emailed MI6 as early as 2019. Khalife told jurors he wanted to prove bosses wrong after being told his Iranian heritage could stop him working in military intelligence, and came up with his elaborate double agent plot after watching the TV spy thriller Homeland. In November 2021, he made an anonymous call to the MI5 public reporting line, confessing to being in contact with Iran for more than two years. He offered to help the British security services, and said he wanted to return to his normal life. If Khalife had not contacted MI5 to tell them about his contact with Iran, neither they nor the police would ever have known, his barrister told the court. Gul Nawaz Hussain KC, defending, said the double agent plot was hapless and sometimes bordering on the slapstick, more Scooby-Doo than James Bond or Homeland. Prosecutors said Khalife prepared a bomb hoax at his Staffordshire barracks in January 2023. But the trial heard how a soldier who arrived in the room pulled wires out of the device to prove it was not real. A bomb disposal unit was only called after police attended and looked at the device several days later. In September 2023, he escaped from the category B prison HMP Wandsworth, in south-west London, by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck. (PA Graphics) Five days before his successful escape, he attached a sling to the underside of a lorry made from kitchen trousers and carabiners. As the driver of the Mercedes truck, Balazs Werner, was leaving the prison, two guards checked the vehicle with a torch and mirror, and told him someone was missing from the prison. When the guards said he could drive off, he was surprised the prison was not in lockdown, and said are you sure? but was allowed to drive out through the prison gates. While on the run, Khalife bought clothes from Marks & Spencer and a coffee from McDonalds, and walked beside the River Thames. He made one last attempt to contact the Iranians before he was caught, sending a Telegram message which said simply: I wait. Concern that he would try a similar stunt during his trial was so high that during his evidence, he was taken to and from the witness box in handcuffs. Khalife told his trial he escaped in the hope he would be kept in a segregated high-security unit at HMP Belmarsh, away from sex offenders and terrorists after his recapture. Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command, said of Khalifes crimes: Ego is a factor, Ive got no doubt hes got an uncanny ability to manipulate others. I think he probably enjoyed the thrill of deception throughout. Daniel Khalife went on trial at Woolwich Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Bethan David, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: As a serving soldier of the British Army, Daniel Khalife was employed and entrusted to uphold and protect the national security of this country. But, for purposes of his own, Daniel Khalife used his employment to undermine national security. He surreptitiously sought out and obtained copies of secret and sensitive information which he knew were protected and passed these on to individuals he believed to be acting on behalf of the Iranian state. The sharing of the information could have exposed military personnel to serious harm, or a risk to life, and prejudiced the safety and security of the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the verdict, Downing Street said. Asked whether he was concerned Iran had managed to recruit a British soldier, an official spokesman added: Weve always been very clear that the behaviour of the Iranian regime poses a threat to the safety and security of the UK and our allies. This was an isolated incident but we take these incidents extremely seriously and, more broadly, it is why we continue to take strong action and hold the Iranian regime to account. The former soldier will be sentenced early next year and faces a lengthy prison sentence. This roundup of claims has been compiled by Full Fact, the UKs largest fact checking charity working to find, expose and counter the harms of bad information. General election petition signatories Posts on social media have wrongly claimed that the data behind a high-profile petition calling for a general election shows that it has been signed thousands of times with MPs names and implied that this shows the petition itself is flawed. The petition on the UK Parliament website titled Call A General Election had been signed more than 2.8 million times as of Thursday afternoon. However, some social media users have shared an image of data from the petition and claimed it shows thousands of those signatures are from MPs, or those using MPs names. One post said: Hey look their petition is so good even (Prime Minister Sir) Keir Starmer has signed 584 times so far. But this is not what the petitions website shows. As stated in the about petition data section of Parliaments petitions website, the data concerned is not a list of people who have signed the petition. It instead shows the number of people who have signed the petition by country as well as in the constituency of each Member of Parliament. A House of Commons spokesperson confirmed to Full Fact that the data does not show the number of times an individual MP had signed the petition, or the number of signatures using an MPs name. While its possible MPs may have signed the petition, or that others may have signed it using MPs names, we cannot know for sure. No list of named signatories is made public, and the only name that is shared on the site is that of the petition creator. Petitions on the Parliament website which gain 100,000 signatures are considered for debate in Parliament. The Prime Minister has since ruled out calling an early general election in response to the petition. Whats the law on spiking? Weve seen some confusion online following the Prime Ministers claim on X (formerly Twitter) that spiking will be made a criminal offence, with some commentators saying this is already the case or accusing him of sloppy and misleading wording. Spiking involves adding either alcohol or drugs to drinks without the drinkers knowledge or consent (drink spiking), or injecting someone with drugs or another substance without their knowledge or consent (needle spiking). As a Home Office fact sheet from last December makes clear, spiking is already a crime. The Government appears to be planning to make spiking a specific criminal offence though that wasnt made clear in Sir Keirs post on X. Currently spiking may be prosecuted under a number of existing laws, including: Offences against the Person Act 1861 Sexual Offences Act 2003 Criminal Justice Act 1988. However, none of these laws include a specific offence of spiking or appear to directly use the term. Instead, someone suspected of spiking can currently be prosecuted under a number of broader offences, such as maliciously administering poison so as to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm or administering a substance with intent to engage in a non-consensual sexual activity. Speaking to ITN, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, Jess Phillips, said: Currently spiking sits across various different pieces of legislation and isnt necessarily that easy to spot and also charge in criminal law, so were going to introduce a new crime of spiking. People on NHS waiting lists Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions minister Emma Reynolds said on BBC Radio 4s Any Questions? last Friday that the Government had inherited seven-and-a-half million people waiting on waiting lists for operations. This appears to confuse the number of people on the NHS England waiting list with the number of cases a common mistake weve seen many times before, and which Full Facts AI tools have spotted at least 50 times in the past year. In fact, in July 2024, the month of the general election, there were about 6.4 million people on the NHS England waiting list, according to non-emergency referral-to-treatment (RTT) data, in a total of about 7.6 million cases. Some people are waiting for treatment for more than one thing, so there are always more cases than people. Cases on the waiting list are also not necessarily waits for operations, as Ms Reynolds said. Although some people will be admitted for surgery, others may receive medicine, equipment or advice to help with their condition, or a decision might be taken to monitor their progress, or not to treat them at all. Full Fact approached Ms Reynolds for comment. A former teacher and school principal convicted of historical child sex abuse has been handed a further 10 years in prison. Former Christian Brother Paul Dunleavy, 89, with an address in Glen Road, Belfast, was found guilty in September of 36 charges of historical sexual abuse against nine boys. The charges included indecent assault and gross indecency with or towards a child. The offences were committed between 1964 and 1991 while Dunleavy worked at four schools in Belfast, Newry and Armagh. The victims were aged between seven and 14 at the time. Dunleavy briefly bowed his head in the dock of Belfast Crown Court as sentence was passed on Thursday afternoon. He is already serving a prison sentence having been convicted previously on two separate occasions of sexual offences against children in his care. Those two cases involved nine other victims and included 36 other offences, meaning Dunleavy has now been convicted of a total of 72 offences involving 18 victims. Passing sentence, Crown Court judge Patrick Lynch KC said the prison term would commence at the end of his current sentence in May 2026. Judge Lynch said Dunleavy, who the court heard has a life expectancy of around four years, felt he could conduct his predatory behaviour with impunity. In this case the world would have been in a better place had he not served a lifetime in religious and public service, he said. His teaching career has been littered with the shattered psyches of his victims. The church he purports to serve has been vilified because of the actions of this man and his ilk, characterised by loss of religious faith, of trust and desertion in droves by the formerly devout people of this island. The judge added: The court, during the trial, received a graphic picture of the accused as a large, robust man, nothing like the reduced figure now before the court. An intimidating figure because of his physical presence, dressed all in black, striding school corridors and rooms, with the double authority of teacher/headmaster and priest. A bully confident in his own position, assuming that no one would dare to report his crimes. It is a sad reflection of those times that he felt he was able to conduct his predatory behaviour with impunity. Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher speaks to the media outside Laganside courts in Belfast (Mark Marlow/PA). The judge attributed Dunleavys ongoing persistent denials of guilt to a malign stubbornness to admit to those who still support him, including some members of his family, that he is a child molester. Outside court, the head of the Police Service of Northern Irelands Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher, said she believed there were many more victims of Dunleavy who have yet to come forward. She revealed that some people have already contacted police with fresh allegations as a result of coverage of the case against Dunleavy. He used his trusted position as a respected and influential member of the community to carry out his offending, she told reporters. He abused young boys in school, home and other public spaces. We now know that Dunleavys abuse has even involved multiple children within the same family, causing untold, lasting psychological damage. Our thoughts today are with the victims that this man preyed on and abused for so many years. It takes huge courage to speak out to break the cycle of abuse. We want to pay tribute to those who worked with our dedicated detectives and remember those who sadly died before they could see justice done. There is no doubt that Dunleavys victims were let down by those who should have protected them. There is only one place for Dunleavy and that is behind bars. He will die in prison. Im sure the learning of the severity of this offending today will send shockwaves through the country. Since the media ban on reporting was lifted, a number of further victims have come forward and we believe there will be many more who have not yet had the confidence to speak to us. Please do not suffer in silence. We will listen to you and we will act. It doesnt matter when abuse happened, we will still investigate and work to bring abusers before the courts, as we have done today. Detective Chief Superintendent Fisher said Dunleavy never thought justice would catch up on him, as she issued a stark warning to other child abusers. Regardless of how you think you have got away with it, how long you think that that knock on the door has not come from police, it will come. I am sure, she said. I have no doubt that Dunleavy thought that knock would not come, and it has, on many occasions. And we see justice done today. Gregg Wallace is to step away from presenting BBC cooking show MasterChef while complaints made by individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are externally reviewed. It comes as the 60-year-old faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News which said it sent a letter to the TV stars representatives earlier this week. Among the BBC News complainants is former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who alleged he told jokes of a sexualised nature when she was competing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. Wark told the outlet that on two occasions Wallace relayed stories and jokes of a sexualised nature in front of contestants and crew and that she felt they were really, really in the wrong place. Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process, Banijay UK said (Andrew Matthews/PA) BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to give her a fashion show, and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. The TV stars lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature, BBC News reported. Earlier on Thursday, it was announced that Wallace is committed to fully co-operating with an external review by MasterChefs production company, Banijay UK. A statement said: This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process. Banijay UKs duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. The statement added: If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence. A BBC spokesman said: We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them. Wallace is best known for co-presenting MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. John Torode and Gregg Wallace have co-presented MasterChef since 2005 (BBC/Shine TV/PA) Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will transmit as planned, with the next episode due to air on Thursday, the PA news agency understands. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest, and Supermarket Secrets. He was made an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours in 2022 for his services to food and charity. Wallace took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was partnered with Aliona Vilani. He has two children, Tom and Libby, from a former relationship. He married Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2016 and the couple have a son called Sid. England were frustrated by the returning Kane Williamson as New Zealand reached 193 for three by tea on day one of the first Test in Christchurch. Williamson missed his sides stunning whitewash of India with a groin injury, but marked his return at the Hagley Oval with a regal 77 not out to underpin the home sides innings. The 34-year-old was at the crease by the start of the third over following Gus Atkinsons early breakthrough and proved his enduring class as he led three half-century stands with Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. Ben Stokes had won the toss and opted to send the Black Caps in, hoping to find some early signs of life in a green-tinged pitch. The PERFECT start from Gus Atkinson pic.twitter.com/VIs4j7m583 England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 27, 2024 There was instant success for Atkinson when he had Devon Conway caught and bowled from round the wicket but England failed to build consistent pressure. New Zealand skipper Latham, fresh from leading the triumphant 3-0 win over India, was unfazed by the early loss and quickly settled into a steady scoring rhythm as he compiled a measured 47. Williamson had a minor scare on nought when he edged Chris Woakes in front of the slips but played his part in a solid stand of 58 for the second wicket. England were keen to part them before their partnership progressed any further and Carse got the job done in his third over, Latham caught behind off a full ball that shaped away and clipped the edge. Williamson began to look in ominous mood as he tested out the middle of his bat with some confident pulls but a third breakthrough would have put English noses in front at lunch. Instead they let Ravindra slip through their grasp in the last over of the session. After his first two overs cost 19, Stokes tightened up his line and got a sliver of a nick on the way through to Pope. Englands Ben Stokes, left, gestures to New Zealands Rachin Ravindra (John Davidson/Photosport/AP) Remarkably, neither Stokes nor the cordon mustered an appeal and New Zealand went into the break at 104 for two. England called on Shoaib Bashir for a change of pace in the afternoon session and luck was with the 21-year-old. The off-spinner was still searching for rhythm when he served up a full-toss to Ravindra, whose eyes lit up before he thumped a catch straight to short midwicket. He threw his head back in disbelief that he had picked out Zak Crawley and given up a hard fought knock of 34. At the other end Williamson showed no such carelessness. After Carse rattled his helmet, the number three hit the Durham man for back to back fours off front and back foot. He helped himself to two more when Bashir drifted down leg, reaching 50 in 90 deliveries. There was a first look at the part-time spin of debutant Jacob Bethell in the run-up to tea, Williamson asserting himself by sweeping the newcomers first ball for four. Molly Smith covers City Hall and government for the Express-News. She can be reached at molly.smith@express-news.net. Molly joined the Express-News in January 2023. Previously, she wrote for El Paso Matters, El Paso Times and The (McAllen) Monitor. Ken Reid was loved by journalists and respected by politicians from across Northern Ireland and beyond, mourners at his funeral have been told. Hundreds of people packed into St Patricks Church in Ballymena, Co Antrim, for a service of thanksgiving for the former UTV political editor who died last week at the age of 69 after an illness. The death of Ken Reid was announced last week (Press Eye/PA) Politicians past and present were represented at the service. Stormont speaker Edwin Poots and Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt, a former colleague of Mr Reid at UTV, were among those who attended. Former MP Lady Sylvia Hermon and ex-Alliance Party leader David Ford were also in the church. Dozens of journalists who had worked with Mr Reid over several decades also attended the funeral. Former UTV journalists Ivan Little, Frank Mitchell and Fearghal McKinney were joined by current political editor Tracey Magee and presenters Paul Clark and Rose Neill. Lady Sylvia Hermon attends the funeral of veteran journalist and former UTV political editor Ken Reid (Mark Marlow/PA) BBC journalist Mark Simpson delivered the eulogy, stating that everyone who had worked with Mr Reid would treasure the time they had spent with him. He told the mourners: It is not often you hear Stormont and love in the same sentence, but the Stormont press pack loved Ken Reid. It was a cross-community love, UTV and BBC. He was also loved by RTE, Sky, Downtown, Irish Times, the Press Association, you name it, newspaper journalists, even the press officers at Stormont loved Ken Reid. We saw it in the Stormont chamber on Monday, and even at Westminster yesterday, just how much he was respected by politicians on all sides. There was harmony at Stormont on Monday and we all know how rare that is. If it catches on, many of us in this church will be out of a job soon. Rose Neil and Paul Clarke attend the funeral of veteran journalist and former UTV political editor Ken Reid (Mark Marlow/PA) Mr Simpson said despite Mr Reids professional achievements, he was a family man first and foremost. Addressing the family in the church, he said: You were his pride and joy. He had so much pride in all of you. He added: During 27 years at UTV Ken had to explain the complicated, tangled, complex world of Stormont politics on live television in front of a huge audience and he made it look easy. He really did. At UTV he didnt report the news, he was the news. ITV may have had their News at 10, but we had our News at Ken. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Mark Devenport attend the funeral (Mark Marlow/PA Mr Simpson said when Ken Reid joined UTV in 1994, Albert Reynolds was taoiseach, Bill Clinton was in the White House and the UK prime minister was John Major. He added: Ken being Ken, it wasnt long before he had interviewed every one of them. And so it went on. Ken interviewed all the key players in London, Dublin, Washington and Belfast for almost three decades. Seven prime ministers in total. Mr Simpson said that although journalists were always in competition, Mr Reid had taken the time to build deep friendships at Stormont. Mr Reid is survived by his wife Liz and children Gareth, Sarah and Sophie. He will be cremated later following a private family service. A staunch Kremlin critic described as Putins number one enemy said the struggle is just beginning as he was knighted at Buckingham Palace. Sir William Bill Browder was knighted in the Kings Birthday Honours after years of lobbying governments to introduce sanctions against human rights violators and kleptocrats. His company Hermitage Capital Management was once the largest foreign investor in Russia. Sir Bill began his campaign work in 2009 following the death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Moscow jail after exposing a tax fraud involving Russian officials. Since then, Sir Bill has led the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign which lobbies governments to impose visa bans and asset freezes on human rights abusers and corrupt officials. The British-American financier and activist was made a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George by the Princess Royal during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday for services to human rights, anti-corruption, and international affairs. Speaking after the ceremony, he said: This is an award to recognise the fight that Ive waged for 15 years for human rights and for justice after the murder of my lawyer Sergei Magnistky in Russian custody. I dedicate this honour to all the other brave opposition activists who have stood up to oppression and lost their lives people like Alexei Navalny, Boris Nemtsov, and many others. Sir Bill Browder with the Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace (Yui Mok/PA) Mr Navalny was a vocal campaigner against Vladimir Putin and spoke out against official corruption in Russia. He died in a remote Arctic prison in February this year while serving a 19-year sentence on several charges, including running an extremist group, which he said were politically motivated. He was jailed after returning in 2021 from Germany where he was recuperating from a nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin, and was since given three prison terms. Russian officials have vehemently denied involvement both in the poisoning and in his death. Boris Nemtsov, another prominent opposition politician, was assassinated on Moscows Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge in 2015. Sir Bill, who is the author of Red Notice: How I Became Putins No. 1 Enemy, said: This honour is just a milestone in a continued struggle for human rights and justice. Theres so many terrible things going on right now that I need to work on and continue to work on, in relation to the war in Ukraine, to human rights abuses all over the world. He added: The struggle is just beginning its not new nor over. I hope this recognition makes me more effective and a better human rights activist, and hopefully I can help more people. A former investigator of the Lockerbie air disaster has said he hopes justice will prevail ahead of the forthcoming trial of a Libyan suspect alleged to have helped make the bomb. Stuart Cossar, a former detective inspector with the Police Service of Scotland, was made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace for his work investigating the Lockerbie bombing and his support to the bereaved families. The 1988 terrorist attack on a Pan-Am jumbo jet flying from London to New York claimed the lives of all 259 people on board, as well as 11 people on the ground in the Scottish town of Lockerbie, where the plane finally crashed. Speaking after receiving the honour from the Princess Royal, Mr Cossar said: It means so much to me, but not only to me, to my family as well. The investigation is still live and we have a trial scheduled for next year in the US, and we hope that justice will prevail. He added: I feel Im not only representing myself and my family, but also the people of Lockerbie, and many colleagues Ive worked with over the years in the investigation. Stuart Cossar, from Noblehill, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal (Yui Mok/PA) Mr Cossar, who retired in 2018 from his role as an inspector and deputy senior investigating officer in the Lockerbie case, immediately returned as a civilian member of support staff so he could continue to help the victims families. Now I have the grand title of investigation and information manager, and Ive been in that post for over six years now, he said. Its such a rewarding job, and Ive had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people not just in the UK but throughout the world. He added: And the families theyre fantastic people. I really have a very strong bond with the families now, which Ive developed over many years. Mr Cossar expressed gratitude for Annes strong bond with Scotland and Lockerbie. He said: Princess Anne was actually in Lockerbie this year, and she spoke about the people of Lockerbie and how resilient they all are. She has a very strong bond with Scotland, as you know, and she has a very strong bond with Lockerbie itself. Pan-Am Flight 103 exploded above Lockerbie on December 21, 1988, 40 minutes into its flight from London to New York. Libyan suspect Abu Agila Masud, who is to go on trial in the US in May 2025, is alleged to have helped make the bomb. Former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is so far the only man convicted in relation to the bombing, after being found guilty of 270 counts of murder by a panel of three Scottish judges, sitting at a special court in the Hague in 2001. He was sent to prison in Scotland but was controversially granted compassionate release in 2009 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, returning home to Libya where he died in 2012. Further strikes may be undertaken in sixth form colleges across England if the dispute over pay and funding is not resolved, union leaders have warned. Hundreds of National Education Union (NEU) teacher members began the first of three one-day strikes at 32 colleges on Thursday in a fight for an above-inflation pay increase. They joined picket lines across England including in Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol with strike days also planned for Tuesday and Wednesday next week. More than 200 people attended a rally outside the Department for Education (DfE) in London on Thursday afternoon where sixth form college teachers called on ministers to pay up. NEU members at Notre Dame College in Leeds on strike today! Solidarity #PayUp24 pic.twitter.com/Gs0iIZOc4l National Education Union (@NEUnion) November 28, 2024 The Government announced in July that teachers and leaders in England will receive a fully funded 5.5% pay rise this year. Although sixth form colleges with academy status have been guaranteed funding to implement the pay award, this is not the case for those which have not become academies, the union said. Addressing teachers at the rally in Westminster, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, said: We dont want to take more strike action but we are prepared to take more strike action. He added: Of course, every single one of you deserves a pay award that primary teachers and secondary teachers got this year but there is a deep, severe recruitment and retention crisis. We cannot recruit and retain teachers in sixth form colleges at the moment. Our young people depend on that crisis coming to an end, that every child has the right to a fully qualified teacher who is paid fairly, that the recruitment and retention crisis is halted. Ahead of the rally, Mr Kebede said the strong turnout from members on the first day of strikes had shown the strength of feeling among teachers. More than 2,000 members of the NEU who work in non-academy sixth form colleges in England are eligible to take part in the series of strikes over pay and funding which could continue into the months ahead. Duncan Blackie, post-16 representative on the NEU national executive, said the picket lines at colleges across the country on Thursday were stronger than during previous strikes in recent years. He said: Its no wonder because people are bitter at being left on the shelf. Addressing the rally, Mr Blackie warned of a two-tier sixth form sector and possible staff shortages in non-academy colleges due to pay differences. He said: So we need to win this fight and we can win this fight. Weve got days of action next week as well, two days of action. We are planning if need be to do more beyond that. The Government should worry about us. Small as we are, were actually showing its possible to fight back. Teachers from 32 sixth form colleges joined picket lines at colleges across England (Ben Whitley/PA) The Government said sixth form colleges are responsible for setting their staffs pay. But the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) is seeking a judicial review of the Governments decision to give funding to schools for the 5.5% pay rise for teachers, but not to colleges. Bill Watkin, chief executive of the SFCA, said: College staff and students are suffering because of this illogical and, we believe, unlawful decision. We do not condone strike action in colleges, as this further disadvantages institutions that the Government has already disadvantaged, but we know NEU shares our determination to see college staff and students get a fair deal from the Government on this issue. More than 200 people attended a rally outside the Department for Education (DfE) in London on Thursday afternoon (Ben Whitley/PA) A DfE spokesperson said: Ensuring people have the skills they need for the future is crucial to this Governments number one mission to grow the economy. We recognise the vital role that further education, including sixth form colleges, play in this. Sixth form colleges are responsible for the setting of appropriate pay for their workforce and for managing their own industrial relations. The October Budget provided an additional 300 million revenue funding for further education to ensure young people are developing the skills this country needs. The department will set out in due course how this funding will be distributed. Hospices and palliative care should be funded properly before steps are taken to legalise assisted dying, according to the Church of Englands Commons representative. Labour MP Marsha de Cordova also said there is considerable concern that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could divert much-needed funds from frontline care. Her remarks came as MPs used the Church Commissioners questions session to suggest the future of faith-based hospices could be put at risk by the proposed law. Labour MP Kim Leadbeaters Bill will be debated on Friday and, barring any parliamentary shenanigans, a vote is expected on whether or not to approve it at second reading the first stage of its parliamentary journey. Only terminally ill adults with under six months to live who have a settled wish to end their lives would be eligible under the proposed Bill, described by Ms Leadbeater as the most robust in the world. But opposition campaigners have raised fears of coercion and a slippery slope to wider legislation taking in more people, claims Ms Leadbeater (Spen Valley) has rejected. Ms de Cordova, who speaks on behalf of the Church of England in her role as Second Church Estates Commissioner, told the Commons: Only a third of adult hospices in the UK receive funding provided by the state, the rest rely on charitable support, and there is considerable concern that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill may divert much-needed funds from frontline care. Hospices in the UK receive around a third of their funding from Government with the rest raised by hospices themselves, according to a House of Lords Library briefing. Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon (Strangford) said: The very ethos of the church-owned hospices is the sanctity of life, the Bible is very clear what it says in relation to that and the church-owned hospices will reflect that in what they do. Does the church commissioner share my concern in relation to what could or could not happen tomorrow in relation to the assisted dying Bill and the fact that there could be a conflict between church-owned hospices and this House? Ms de Cordova replied: I think what is really important on this issue is the role that hospices and palliative care play in relation to end-of-life care and I believe we need to fund those services properly before we look at wanting to move towards legislating for assisted dying. Labour MP Rachael Maskell (York Central) earlier voiced her concerns over the impact on faith-based hospices. She said: Hospices have charitable aims in providing palliative care at the end of life, but these could be compromised by the Bill before Parliament tomorrow. What consultation and impact assessment has there been with hospices with a faith foundation on this measure, as Im hearing that some hospices need an exemption or indeed they may close. Ms de Cordova replied: To my knowledge I dont believe that there has been any consultation with any faith-connected organisations and also I do not believe there has been an impact assessment carried out. However, Hospice UK the body to which most churches associated with hospices are affiliated have surveyed the providers, staff and practitioners and have expressed concerns about the implementation of the Bill. MPs heard this included the impact of the proposed measures on those who work in hospices, palliative and end-of-life care and how a conscience clause will operate in practice. In response to the Ms de Cordovas comments, Hospice UK said it has not surveyed providers, staff and practitioners but has consulted with hospices with questions and concerns. Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said: Hospices are about comforting the dying, surrounding them with care and isnt that the very antithesis of the state involving itself in sanctioning and assisting suicide? Ms de Cordova replied: If we think back to the founder of hospices and that care, it was founded on the principles of faith and that of Jesus Christ in terms of being caring and compassionate and it is only right that those principles also ring true in ensuring that hospice care is there for those who need it. A Hospice UK spokesperson said in a statement: It is encouraging to see strong cross-party support for hospice care in this debate. It is important to highlight that on average, around a third of hospices funding in the UK comes from the state, with the rest raised charitably. Hospice UK remains neutral on whether or not the law on assisted dying should change, a position which reflects the views of our membership, the UKs 200+ hospices. It is important also to note that hospice funding is under significant pressure, with hospices across the UK being forced to make cutbacks. Wed also like to clarify that the large majority of hospices are secular organisations and that hospice care is available for all, free of charge, and regardless of peoples faith. Former Northern Territory police constable Zachary Rolfe, who shot and killed Kumanjayi Walker in 2019. Photograph: Rudi Maxwell/AAP A lawyer for the Northern Territory police has told an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker that it is absolutely undeniable that Zachary Rolfe is a racist. The inquest into the death of Walker is holding its final hearings, almost two years after it was due to be completed. Walker, 19, was killed by the then Northern Territory police constable Rolfe during a bungled arrest in the remote NT community of Yuendumu on 9 November 2019. Rolfe was later charged with murder but was acquitted of all charges after a supreme court trial. The inquest into the case is hearing final oral submissions in Alice Springs this week. Ian Freckelton KC, for the NT police, told the coroner, Elisabeth Armitage, on Thursday that a combination of Rolfes text messages, his evidence, and other corroborating evidence meant that it is absolutely undeniable that Mr Rolfe is a racist. People who talk about loser locals, coons, neanderthals, losers on the basis of their Aboriginality, are racist, and its important to call it as it is. And the position of the Northern Territory police force is that it is trying to call things as it is. We have no reservation about saying to your honour that you should have no hesitation in making similar robust characterisations. Rolfe said during his evidence earlier this year that racist language was normalised in the force, but that he had never seen an officer treat anybody differently because of their race. Freckelton said Rolfe was sexist, misogynistic, homophobic and had a distrust for authority and contempt for bush cops. He said his attitudes were inconsistent with contemporary policing anywhere in Australia, including in the NT. He lacks insight, he has a propensity to deny what cannot be denied, and he rationales what he cannot avoid confronting. His credibility, to put it in a very generous way, is open to serious doubt. Freckelton went on to say, however, that concerns about Rolfes attitudes, and about five incidents where excessive force may have been used during his policing, were not known at the time Walker was killed. He said it was wrong to think that the force allowed Rolfe to engage in a pattern of behaviour that culminated in the death of Walker, and submissions to Armitage that suggested this lacked cogency and rigour, and were not supported by evidence. Freckelton said the force was committed to reform, including in weeding out warrior mentality, taking a zero tolerance approach to racism, which resulted in the recent removal of recruits from training, and would consider working with the Yuendumu community to limit the occasions when guns were carried by officers. We know about what Mr Rolfe really thought but the issue for the Northern Territory police force is what to do to try to eradicate these kinds of values. Freckelton said the forces appointment of Leanne Liddle was not tokenistic or an experiment, and she was not a panacea or a magician, but that her work in the first five months of her tenure was very positive. There is every reason, we submit, to be optimistic that the police force has learned lessons, Freckelton said. We very much hope that those who loved and valued Kumanjayi Walker can derive some modest comfort that they have been listened to and changes have been made, and more will continue to be made. Rolfes lawyer Luke Officer said on Thursday that Armitage should be careful not to single out Mr Rolfe if she came to make findings in relation to racism, given the court had heard evidence about other police being racist. This included officers in the Tactical Response Group who were revealed after Rolfes evidence, Officer said. On Wednesday, Officer said that Armitage should limit the scope of her findings to matters that directly related to Walkers death, and that to do otherwise would risk her threatening the jury verdict in Rolfes case. Armitage said that she would consider an invitation to deliver the findings of the inquest in Yuendumu. She said she expected to deliver these findings in late February. Hospital Whatever the fate of Kim Leadbeaters bill at Second Reading tomorrow it is inevitable that assisted dying laws will come about within a few short years in the UK. This is not simply my reading of opinion polls which show the public overwhelmingly in favour, including many religious believers, but because this is one of the great moral reckonings of our time. There will be a renewed public clamour, even anger, if it dawns on Saturday that politicians have once again failed to get to grips with the issue. There is an unassailable force and resonance to the arguments for change which arise out of deep conviction and mature compassion. This will not go away. Ever since I changed my own mind on this issue in 2012, many people have written and spoken to me about witnessing terrible painful and undignified deaths which have left them and their families scarred and traumatised. A few months ago, a young woman, Jaynie, from Mumbles told me about how she lost her husband Sean from cancer at the age of 31. She gave me permission to share her story, so passionate was she about the need for change. She wrote: Sean did indeed suffer greatly during the last few weeks of his life. At that point, the pain relief being administered via a syringe driver was completely ineffective, providing no relief from the agonising pain caused by the numerous tumours (over 50) spread throughout his bones and soft tissue. During his last months, he was unable to hug his year-old son due to this pain but in the last week of his life, he couldnt bear to be touched at all. Sean was one of the lucky ones to end his life in a hospice but she says they could do little to alleviate his suffering. The doctor was very distressed, trapped by the limits of what she was allowed to prescribe. The last six hours of Seans life were spent gasping for air. The noise was of his struggling, laboured breathing was shocking. He was dying but none of the staff were allowed to prescribe anything that would make his end quicker, less painful and less distressing for him. Jaynie describes the upsetting paradox of his death: The relief I felt when he finally stopped breathing was overwhelming and very difficult to align with the accompanying feelings of utter despair at his passing. And I am not the only religious believer to hear these stories of suffering and change my mind. I have been contacted by many Christians and those of other faiths. And here I must part company with my colleague Lord Falconer, who seems to think it is possible to ask religious believers to set aside their beliefs when it comes to such debates. We all have faith or philosophically-held views of one kind or another at the heart of our arguments. Church leaders who speak out will do so on the basis of their religious convictions but they will engage with evidence such as they see it. Nevertheless I have been disappointed to see the amount of fear-mongering they have marshalled in their arguments, adopting almost universally, the mantra that a right to die, will become a duty to die. This is in fact not true of places like Oregon which have had assisted dying laws for very many years. And with the right protections, it is possible to protect the vulnerable. Assisted dying is only for those who show a clear-minded and persistent resolution; that it is within the capabilities of medical science to end suffering peacefully; and that it is an act of great generosity, kindness and human love, to help those whose sufferings are no longer endurable. And even if it were possible in our sclerotic Parliamentary system to create wider state-sanctioned euthanasia of those who are not in the last stages of a terminal illness, can you really imagine it getting passed? It has taken numerous attempts in both Houses, since Lord Joffes Private Members Bill in 2003 to get to this stage with this modest, careful and thoughtful Bill. Those who say that it is being rushed through, need only look at more than two decades of debate, delay and terrible pain for the terminally-ill. If this is to pass Second Reading, the time for the real work and genius of the two Houses to refine, amend and pass workable legislation will have arrived. And then we must also expect the government to rise to the challenge and ask ministers, including those responsible for health and justice, to prepare for these modest and welcome changes. Sally Jones and Colin Sharratt were rescued along with 26 other passengers and crew on Monday, however four people have been confirmed to have died while seven others remain missing The two British holidaymakers rescued from a diving yacht that capsized in the Red Sea are seasoned sailors, a friend has said. Colin Sharratt, 65, and Sally Jones, 58, were rescued along with 26 other passengers and crew of the tourist boat on Monday morning. Four people are confirmed to have died, while seven others remain missing, two of whom are British. The yacht had embarked on a five-day diving trip when distress signals were sent out shortly before dawn after reports that a huge wave had hit the boat. Tom Postin, a retired engineer from Brisbane, said the pair, whom he spotted being rescued on television, had travelled the oceans for more than 20 years. Mr Postin said Mr Sharratt, a retired project manager, and Mrs Jones, a former consultant, travelled around the world working as crew on private boats. Survivors stand alongside Egyptian military officials following their rescue after a diving boat capsized in the Red Sea - AFP They spend their lives going from one adventure to the next. Theyre really nice people, genuine honest people and they just go around the world having fun, he told The Times. I met them in Tonga in 2014 while we were going across the Pacific. Theyre very, very experienced sailors and they would know what was going on. Thankfully they both survived, but the other people wouldnt know what hit them. As soon as I saw them come [on] the jetty I said: Aw crikey, its Sally and Colin. Im so pleased they were OK. Mr Postin added: Sally likes a bit of fun, but when it comes to sailing and diving shes a very serious person and she sticks to the rules. A total of 44 people 35 tourists and nine crew were on board the vessel when it sank in bad conditions. In addition to the 28 people who were rescued on Monday, a further five were pulled out of the water alive on Tuesday after they survived in air pockets. Egyptian miliary personnel were involved in the rescue of passengers and crew - AFP On Thursday, Egyptian media reported that of the four bodies recovered, two were German, one Slovak and the fourth is yet to be identified. Searches are continuing for the seven people who remain missing. Some of the survivors had spent 30 hours trapped in air pockets. Youssef al-Farmawi, a diving instructor, spent more than a day inside the underwater boat in complete darkness until Egyptian naval forces rescued him. Hossam al-Farmawi, his father, said: As soon as the incident took place, Youssef, along with Captain Alaa Hussein another diver whose body was found yesterday sent out a distress signal before the boat sank. Then Youssef rushed to help a man and a woman. Youssef was their diving instructor and they were trapped in a cabin, but the water flooded the boat. However, about 20cm inside the cabin were still not flooded, which helped them breathe and stay alive until the rescue teams arrived. Youssef al-Faramawy, a diving instructor, was rescued from an air pocket in the boat He added that two others had a similar experience, telling The Times: They remained in this situation in complete darkness and cold water for about 30 hours, from 5.30am until around 11am. Maj Gen Amr Hanafi, the governor of the Red Sea area, said the situation progressed rapidly as the 44-metre timber-hulled boat sank in seven minutes. A search and rescue operation was coordinated by the Egyptian military. Mr Farmawi was eventually rescued by his uncle, a diver who was part of the search team, his father said. One British survivor told investigators of the pitch black conditions: Water surrounded us. I tried to swim up, but the current was too strong and I felt like I was choking. What saved me was my life jacket, which kept me on the surface until the rescue teams arrived. A CGI image of a new 230ft cruise ship by Selar that will run on solar and wind power and could be cruising the Arctic by 2026. Illustration: Selar Toxic, filthy and cheap, the sludge-like substance known as heavy fuel oil has powered the shipping industry since the 1960s. What is perhaps less well known is that this same substance is still used to power more than half of cruise ships today, making what many choose as an alternative to flying one of the most environmentally damaging ways to travel. The good news is that the industry, under pressure from environmentalists and new regulations, is adopting new technologies, energy saving designs and studying alternative fuels. But can cruises, especially at the rate the market is growing, ever be considered a sustainable way to travel? And, with a target date of net zero by 2050, are they decarbonising fast enough? How green is my cruise holiday? While the cruise sector forms a tiny part just 2% of the shipping industry, the ships are growing in size and number. As a result, they need to do more than they are doing now towards sustainability, says Inesa Ulichina, sustainable shipping officer at Transport & Environment (T&E) campaign group. Part of the reason we focus on cruise ships is because they are close to people, she says. Cruise ships spend, proportionately, more time in port than other ships, particularly in pristine and natural locations where the impact of pollution is greater. Critics say the cruising boom ships have soared in number from 21 in the 1970s to 515 today and the worlds biggest have doubled in size since 2000 dwarfs decarbonisation efforts by individual lines and vessels. A study commissioned by the high level panel for a sustainable ocean economy concluded that the 2% annual improvements in carbon intensity reported by two leading cruise lines in recent years is cancelled out many times over by an expected 6% to 7% rise in passenger traffic. If we look at Europe, the worst emitting ships are cruise ships or large ferries, says Ulichina. A list of Europes top 20 worst carbon emitters, compiled by T&E from data required by EU laws for ships to report carbon dioxide emissions, featured nine of the largest cruise liners, 10 ferries and just one cargo vessel. Up to 40% of the total energy consumption of a cruise ship is the hotel operations swimming pools, spas, lounges and restaurants on board, according to Sintef, a European research organisation. It is unsurprising then, that cruise ships pumped out 17% more carbon dioxide in 2022 than they did in 2019, according to a T&E study, while methane emissions rose 500% over the same period. So should I choose a ship powered by a different type of fuel? Earlier this year, Icon of the Seas, a 20-deck, 7,600-passenger, theme-park rich party-ship, longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall, drew crowds when it launched in Miami. It runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which its owner, Royal Caribbean, describes as the cleanest burning marine fuel available. Another similarly sized vessel, Star of the Seas, will follow in 2025 and a third in 2027 all powered by LNG. Only 19 ships, or 6.7% of the fleet are powered by LNG, says the Cruise Lines International Association (Clia), which represents 90% of operators in the sector. By 2028, it will rise to 10%. More than 15% will be equipped with battery storage and 15% capable of running on methanol in the next five years, the first in 2025. Our opinion is just pause. Dont adopt the next failing technology for the climate Marcie Keever But environmentalists have warned that, while LNG, a fossil fuel, burns more cleanly than marine oil, there is a risk LNG-powered ships will leak methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, into the air. Bryan Comer, director of the International Council on Clean Transportation, a US thinktank, estimates that using LNG as a marine fuel emits 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gases than marine oil. Marcie Keever, of Friends of the Earth US, says the industry has a history of adopting the wrong technology. When told in 2020 to reduce air sulphur emissions, many cruise lines instead adopted scrubbers. These are systems built into ships to clean exhaust gases but they dump the chemicals removed from the exhaust directly into the sea instead. They [cruise operators] are talking about converting to other types of fuels but when they choose to use LNG, they are locking in climate-destroying technology, says Keever. Our opinion right now is just pause. Dont adopt the next failing technology for the climate. Which cruise companies do best on sustainability? While the larger vessels (greater than 10,000 gross tonnes) are the biggest contributors, producing 90% of the sectors total greenhouse gas emissions, the leaders in decarbonisation tend to be companies with smaller vessels. Hurtigruten, a Norway-based company that operates three small vessels with hybrid technology, aims to launch SeaZero, the first climate-emissions free, electric cruise ship in 2030. For expedition cruise ships, some of the companies, like Hurtigruten, are the ones investing in batteries and vessels that could be sustainable, says Ulichina. Related: Biggest, baddest but is it the cleanest? Worlds largest cruise ship sets sail Hurtigrutens goal of a climate neutral ship by 2030, has a lot of dependencies Gerry Larsson-Fedde, the companys chief operating officer, acknowledges, such as whether or not the technology will be sufficiently mature. Weve gone for batteries because the technology is developing quickly, meaning you can get more and more energy stored in less and less space, with less weight. One of the biggest challenges is land-based infrastructure, he says. You need a lot of electricity in charging areas and you need to charge quite quickly. Sonke Diesener, of German based NGO the Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union, says battery capability is hugely dependent on the places a ship visits. If they [Hurtigruten] sail in the Norwegian coast, they have infrastructure for reloading batteries. But for ships that sail to the Galapagos, or the Arctic, batteries would be too heavy. That is one reason cruise companies are focusing on alternative fuels for bigger ships. There are companies looking to take things even further though only for smaller, high-end vessels. French Polar company, Selar, aims to power the futuristic Captain Arctic, a 36-passenger polar expedition ship using sun, water and wind by 2026. The almost zero emissions ship design has 35m sails that retract like a Swiss army knife when not required. How does the industry aim to mitigate its impact on the climate? The Clia says its member cruise lines are investing in new ships and engines that allow for fuel flexibility. By this it means they have included capacity for renewable biodiesel, green methanol when available, and LNG. Data published by the International Maritime Organisation shows cruise lines have reduced their use of heavy fuel oil from 74% in 2019, to 57% today. Ships operating on LNG will be able to switch to renewable zero and near-zero fuels such as bio or synthetic LNG when it becomes available at scale with little or no engine modification, says the Clia. Half of all ships can connect to an onshore power supply, a 23% increase from 2023. This will rise to 76.5% by 2028. However, only 35 of the worlds ports (3% of the total) have a cruise berth with onshore power supply. The EU is bringing in significant penalties for sailing on dirty fuel from next year, and has set targets for greenhouse gas reduction. The hope is that this kind of legislation, coupled with pressure from environmentalists and the public, could drive more positive changes for cruise ship holidays in the future. Senator Chris Murphy, a target, said the bomb threats appeared to be part of a coordinated effort - Zach Gibson/Bloomberg Five Democrats were the victims of Thanksgiving Day swatting in incidents that came one day after several members of Donald Trumps Cabinet received hoax bomb threats at their homes. The members of Congress received hoax bomb threats on Thanksgiving morning, prompting law enforcement to turn up at their homes. The tactic is known as swatting making a hoax call to the emergency services to prompt a response from a heavily armed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Those who were targeted, all of whom represent Connecticut, are reported to be safe and no evidence of bombs was found. According to Chris Murphy, a Connecticut senator, the threats appeared to be part of a coordinated effort. The other targets are reported to be Jahana Hayes, John B. Larson, Jim Himes and Joe Courtney. It is unclear whether the alleged plot was connected to bomb threats made at the homes of multiple nominees to Mr Trumps Cabinet, including Pete Hegseth, who has been named as defence secretary, and Elise Stefanik, the incoming UN ambassador. No place for political violence Ms Hayes said she would spend the rest of her Thanksgiving with her family after warnings that a pipe bomb had been placed in her homes mailbox. The Wolcott Police Department and State Police responded and no bomb or explosive materials were discovered and the scene was cleared, she said. At this time the investigation is ongoing. I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter, their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence. On this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my family and loved ones. I plan to spend the day with them and hope you all do the same. Mr Larson said the police had appeared at his door early on Thanksgiving morning after receiving a similar threat. Early this morning, East Hartford Police came to my home in response to a bomb threat, he said in a statement. The police determined no bomb was present at the property and the Larson family is safe. I would like to thank the East Hartford Police Department for their swift and professional response in ensuring the safety of my family. On Wednesday, Trump appointees Mr Hegseth, John Ratcliffe, Ms Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, Brooke Rollins and Howard Lutnick were identified as swatting targets. Mr Zeldin, who has been nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, claimed the threat was sent with a pro-Palestinian-themed message. Editor's note: This story has been updated from its original version, which published Dec. 1, 2021. Next to Fiesta, Christmas in San Antonio may be the most puro picture-perfect time of the year. That holiday spirit is captured in these photos of the Alamo City from Christmases Past. Back when those old visions were new, it was as if the River Walk shined a little brighter with its Christmastime bulbs blinking in trees and luminarias lining the banks. Santa seemed even larger than life, thanks to a giant replica of the big guy on the old downtown Joskes store. And who could forget all those decades of Las Posadas, the re-enactment of Mary and Josephs search for shelter on the eve of Jesus birth, and how its ties to both Catholicism and Mexican culture are so entwined in the citys very DNA? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Just like that postcard sentiment, we wish we were there. Here are several vintage seasons greetings from San Antonio to take you back. Alamo Plaza Chrristmas tree, 1925 UTSA Special Collections Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza, circa 1925 A giant Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza was a San Antonio staple for generations. This photo shows a tree going up circa 1925, though news archives trace the tradition back to 1914. But there wasnt always a towering Christmas tree near the Cradle of Texas Liberty. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city briefly ditched the idea in the mid-1970s to focus more on decorating the downtown streets and River Walk for the holidays. Less than a decade later, then-Mayor Henry Cisneros revived the tradition. Then in 2017, the city moved its official Christmas tree and lighting ceremony to Travis Park in anticipation of changes to the plaza. The move prompted a small grassroots protest with tiny Christmas trees across from the Alamo. The following year, H-E-B, which has long donated the giant 50-foot tree, added a smaller tree to the plaza. Snow in San Antonio, 1929 UTSA Special Collections Snow in San Antonio, December 1929 It may be the closest we ever got to a white Christmas. Published Dec. 22, 1929, by the San Antonio Light, this photo of the former Municipal Auditorium, now the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, shows a huge Christmas tree in front with honest-to-goodness snow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Antonios municipal Christmas tree was completed just in time to receive the genuine decoration from the hands of Old Jack Frost himself, the accompanying caption read. On Dec. 21, 1929, San Antonio got about 3 inches of the white stuff. The powder was part of a historic Texas snowstorm, which dropped as much as 2 feet of snow in 24 hours in Clifton just north of Waco. Downtown San Antonio, 1947 Zintgraff Collection /UTSA Special Collections Downtown San Antonio, 1947 Long before the River Walk first saw Christmas lights along its banks, the downtown streets have welcomed all with all sorts of holiday illumination. Heres a 1947 view of East Houston Street looking east from St. Marys Street. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Christmas lights on the River Walk, 1976=5 File photo Christmas lights on the River Walk, 1975 The first River Walk lighting ceremony occurred Nov. 28, 1975. Heres how the River Walk looked in December that year. Fun fact: When the River Walk Association, back then called the Paso Del Rio Association, ran out of money to finish the lighting job, KTSA Radio helped save the day with a fundraiser that sold sponsorships of River Walk light bulbs to listeners for 55 cents each. Advertisement Article continues below this ad River Walk luminaries, 183 Charles Barksdale /Staff file photo River Walk luminarias, 1983 Christmas luminarias, Spanish for little lanterns, go back to 16th century Mexico as a means of lighting the way for a Las Posadas procession. Today, the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias lights the River Walk with more than 2,000 luminarias. Pictured is the Fiesta de las Luminarias in 1983. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Joskes Santa, 1956 File photo Giant Santa on Joskes, 1956 Boys and girls of a certain age in San Antonio still remember the 30-foot mechanical Santa Claus that once sat atop the former downtown Joskes department store, which closed in 1987. Here, the supersized St. Nick overlooks Alamo Plaza in December 1956. Its unclear when the bearded giant first took a seat above the flagship Joskes store, but for years his real-life counterpart joined him topside as part of an elaborate show. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, a Joskes Santa would appear at San Antonio International Airport to meet children. Then the San Antonio Fire Department would rush him downtown to Joskes in a fire engine. There hed climb a ladder up to the Joskes roof, where hed wave alongside his giant twin and then slide down a 25-foot chimney. Joskes Fantasyland, 1965 Zintgraff Collection /UTSAs Institute of Texan Cultures Joskes Fantasyland, 1965 Joskes elaborate Fantasyland display dates back to at least 1960; the bygone department store advertised the greatest Christmas attraction ever seen in the Southwest in the San Antonio Express on Nov. 15, 1960. Pictured is the Fantasyland at the downtown San Antonio Joskes in 1965. The attraction more than lived up to its billing. Fantasyland featured a kid-friendly train that transported two dozen tykes around a snowy forest full of silver Christmas trees. Meanwhile, more than 100 animatronic animals danced at the miniature bakery, toy shop and other stores that lined Christmas Lane. North Star Mall Santa, 1993 Leland Outz /Staff file photo North Star Mall Santa, 1992 San Antonios oldest mall has had its own Santa since its first holiday season in 1960. A few months after North Star Mall opened in September 1960, the mall unveiled giant candy cane displays and Santa on a big throne to chat with the children. North Star pics with Santa have pretty much been the norm ever since. In this December 1992 photo, Sarah Bickham holds her 16 month-old-son Brin as he figures out what Santa Claus is all about. Los Posadas, 1971 UTSA Special Collections Las Posadas, 1971 The Christmas pageant known as Las Posadas dates back to late 1500s Mexico as part of countrys winter solstice festival. The re-enactment of Mary and Josephs search for shelter on the eve of Jesuss birth gets its name from the Spanish word for lodging. In this Dec. 22, 1971 photo, a Las Posadas procession features performers as Mary and Joseph followed by children as they travel down the street near St. Frances Cabrini Church. San Antonio has held such a procession from the River Walk to San Fernando Cathedral since the 1960s. Blue Santa, 1990 James S. Peterson /Staff file photo Blue Santa, 1990 San Antonios Blue Santa program started in 1976 when police officer Tom Preston and some fellow officers bought and distributed toys to underprivileged children. Preston later brought Blue Santa to life with a special navy blue version of Santas garb. In this 1990 photo, Preston as Blue Santa collects toys from San Antonians on the steps of City Hall with SAPD Sergeant Frank Stanford. Elf Louise, 1974 Carlos Rios /Staff file photo Elf Louise, 1974 Santas other special helper in San Antonio is Louise Locker, better known as Elf Louise. Locker launched the gift-giving Elf Louise Christmas Project in 1969 while a student at Trinity University. What started with just a few friends collecting gifts for kids in 13 families has since brought smiles to 1.5 million children. Today the program has around 5,000 volunteers, who each year deliver gifts to 20,000 kids. Locker, a breast cancer survivor, retired from the program in 2020. In this 1974 photo, she poses with Christmas gifts yet to be wrapped. Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police, has been in the role for 18 months. Photograph: Devon and Cornwall police The acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall has been suspended from his 180,000-a-year job over claims he misused his work phone, 18 months after his predecessor was also suspended. Jim Colwell has been placed under investigation for gross misconduct by the police watchdog, triggering fears that the force in south-west England may go into freefall, according to one senior policing source. In July 2023, Will Kerr was suspended as chief constable of Devon and Cornwall over criminal allegations of serious sexual assault, which he denies. He remains suspended and under investigation. Colwell stepped up to fill the top job temporarily having served only six months as deputy chief constable. He is now under investigation over the use of his work phone and his alleged conduct over a force disciplinary issue. The force remains in special measures, placed there by the policing inspectorate which assessed it was failing and lacked a plan to improve. In a statement, the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, said: Following a referral from the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner on Monday 25 November we have started an independent investigation into the conduct of acting chief constable Jim Colwell. On Wednesday he was served a notice telling him he is being investigated for potential gross misconduct in respect of his use of a work-issue mobile phone to exchange messages of a personal nature without a policing purpose. The notice also relates to his alleged conduct concerning a force disciplinary matter. Our investigation is in its very early stages. The serving of such a notice advises an officer their conduct is subject to investigation and does not necessarily mean that any proceedings will follow. A former close colleague of Colwell said he was straight as they come, adding: He doesnt even swear in meetings. Another source said: He drives at 29 in a 30 mile an hour zone. The police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, had already been exasperated by having to pay two chief constables salaries for more than a year. The investigation into Kerr relates to allegations from his time as an officer in Northern Ireland and was being led by the police ombudsman of Northern Ireland. He has remained on full pay of 184,272 while that investigation continues, and a file seeking a decision on whether to charge or not is with Northern Irelands prosecution service. Colwells suspension, expected to be on full pay, means the salary of a third chief constable will now have to be paid once another acting chief constable can be found for the troubled force. In a statement, Hernandez, who made the decision to suspend, said: Suspension is a neutral act to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. I fully understand that there may be concerns within the force, in our communities and with our partners in relation to this suspension. I share those concerns and resolving leadership issues in the force remains my most pressing priority. His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary is urgently assessing whether the force has the resilience to manage. Colwell joins a phalanx of chief officers from the 43 local forces in England and Wales currently under suspension or investigation. They include the chief constable of Gloucestershire police, his deputy, and an assistant chief constable in Cheshire. The chief constable in Nottinghamshire is under investigation, as is a former chief constable of Humberside. Furthermore, West Mercia is without a permanent chief constable, as are Warwickshire and, now, Devon and Cornwall. Treatment for asthma and COPD has been stuck in the 20th century, says lead author of study. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA Doctors are hailing a new way to treat serious asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attacks that marks the first breakthrough for 50 years and could be a gamechanger for patients. A trial found offering patients an injection was more effective than the current care of steroid tablets, and cuts the need for further treatment by 30%. The results, published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, could be transformative for millions of people with asthma and COPD around the world. Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells, called eosinophils, to reduce lung inflammation. It is used as a repeat treatment for severe asthma at a low dose, but the trial found a higher single dose could be very effective if injected at the time of a flare-up. Lead investigator Prof Mona Bafadhel, of Kings College London, said: This could be a gamechanger for people with asthma and COPD. Treatment for asthma and COPD exacerbations have not changed in 50 years, despite causing 3.8m deaths worldwide a year combined. Benralizumab is a safe and effective drug already used to manage severe asthma. Weve used the drug in a different way at the point of an exacerbation to show that its more effective than steroid tablets, which is the only treatment currently available. The trial involved 158 people who needed medical attention in A&E for their asthma or COPD attack. Patients were given a quick blood test to see what type of attack they were having, with those suffering an eosinophilic exacerbation being suitable for treatment. About 50% of asthma attacks are eosinophilic exacerbations, as are 30% of COPD attacks, according to the scientists. The trial, led by Kings and carried out at Oxford University hospitals NHS foundation trust and Guys and St Thomas NHS foundation trust, saw patients randomly split into three groups. One group received the benralizumab injection and dummy tablets. Another group received standard care of prednisolone steroids, 30mg daily for five days, and a dummy injection. The third group received the benralizumab injection and steroids. After 28 days, respiratory symptoms of coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and sputum were found to be better in those on benralizumab, whether or not they were also on steroids. After 90 days, there were four times fewer people in the benralizumab group who failed treatment compared with those receiving steroids. Treatment with the benralizumab injection also took longer to fail, meaning fewer visits to a GP or hospital for patients, researchers said. Furthermore, people also reported a better quality of life on the new regime. Scientists said steroids could have severe side-effects such as increasing the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis, meaning switching to benralizumab could provide huge benefits. Benralizumab could also potentially be administered safely at home or in a GP practice, as well as in A&E, they said. AstraZeneca provided the drug for the study and funded the research, but had no input into trial design, delivery, analysis or interpretation. First author Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, clinical senior lecturer at the University of Western Australia, said: Our study shows massive promise for asthma and COPD treatment. COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide but treatment for the condition is stuck in the 20th century. We need to provide these patients with life-saving options before their time runs out. Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, welcomed the findings, but said: Its appalling that this is the first new treatment for those suffering from asthma and COPD attacks in 50 years, indicating how desperately underfunded lung health research is. Canadas deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, speaks to reporters after a cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Photograph: Canadian Press/Rex/Shutterstock Good morning. Canadas federal government and the premiers of the 10 provinces have agreed to work together against a threat by Donald Trump to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, with one official saying the country was already examining possible retaliatory measures. Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products from Canada and Mexico if the countries do not stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their southern and northern borders. Canada and Mexico are already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the US should Trump follow through on his threat, according to reports. What are tariffs? A tariff is a tax on imports, or foreign goods brought into a country, paid for by the importing companies. The way that tariffs work, in Trumps mind, is that high tariffs will incentivize American companies to move their manufacturing from abroad to the US. Democrats criticize Harris for self-congratulatory review of election loss Some Democratic figures have accused Kamala Harriss campaign of being self-congratulatory after a series of recent public appearances from the candidate and her senior staff in which they declined to admit making any errors that could have contributed to her defeat. In a video call to thank campaign donors, Harris appeared to boast that the coalition assembled during her three-and-a-half-month campaign ranked among the best political movements. Lindy Li, a member of the Democratic National Committees finance team, called the Harris campaign self-congratulatory and said she was stunned that there was no sort of postmortem or analysis of the disastrous campaign. What did political commentators have to say? Jeet Heer, a writer for the leftwing Nation magazine, said: Is it too much to ask for a little humility and self-reflection from the people whose strategies failed badly? Massive attack on Ukraines power network under way, says minister Ukraines power infrastructure is under massive enemy attack today, the countrys energy minister has said, after a nationwide air raid alert was declared due to incoming missiles. German Galushchenko said the national power grid operator Ukrenergo had urgently introduced emergency power cuts as temperatures across Ukraine dropped to freezing, leaving at least 1 million people without power in three western regions. Maksym Kozytskyi, the governor of Ukraines western region, reported energy infrastructure attacks after missiles were detected overnight headed for Kharkiv, Odesa and eight other regions. What was the damage? Missile debris was reported at two locations in Kyiv, but local authorities said air defences intercepted all of the missiles fired at the capital. Kyivs mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported damage to property but no casualties. In other news South Korea grappled with heavy snowfall for a second day , with dozens of flights cancelled, ferry operations suspended and at least four people reported dead, though conditions showed signs of easing. Colombian authorities working with dozens of other countries have seized 225 tonnes of cocaine in the space of six weeks , a global record for any single anti-narcotics operation. Three American citizens imprisoned for years by China have been released in a prisoner swap, the White House has said, announcing a rare diplomatic agreement with Beijing in the final months of the Biden administration. Stat of the day: Number of US abortions fell by only 2% after wave of state bans CDC report Despite the wave of state abortion bans that took effect after the US supreme court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022, the number of abortions performed in the US fell by only 2% that year, according to the first major report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to tally abortion provision in the post-Roe United States. Dont miss this: Disbelief in north Wales after dramatic arrest of US terror suspect Maenan, in north Wales, is not a place where very much happens. But this week armed police descended on this tiny settlement, leaving neighbours in disbelief. They learned that a man whom they had sometimes seen near his home on the outskirts of the woods was in fact one of the FBIs most wanted men, described by the agency as an animal rights extremist. or this: The science of fluoride is starting to evolve A national conversation about fluorides health benefits exploded this fall after a federal toxicology report, a court ruling and an independent scientific review all called for updated risk-benefit analysis. In 2019, a study found fluoride exposure was associated with decreased IQ. That gives you an indication that the science of fluoride is starting to evolve it wasnt set in stone 70 years ago, a co-author said. Climate check: Plastics lobbyists make up biggest group at vital UN treaty talks Record numbers of plastic industry lobbyists are attending global talks that are the last chance to hammer out a treaty to cut plastic pollution around the world. The key issue at the conference will be whether caps on global plastic production will be included in the final UN treaty. Lobbyists and leading national producers are arguing against any attempt to restrain the amount that can be produced, leaving the talks on a knife-edge. Last Thing: What happens to the natural world when people disappear? Vast swathes of land worldwide are being left to be reclaimed by nature. To explore this trend, Tess McClure went to Bulgaria where post-communist urbanization has left almost 300 villages completely abandoned. The resultant environmental changes are subject to an ambitious research project. Sign up First Thing is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday. If youre not already signed up, subscribe now. Get in touch If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com Mohamed Fayed had previously been investigated by the police over sex abuse allegations but no charges were brought - SHAUN CURRY/AFP Scotland Yard is investigating more than five people on suspicion of assisting Mohamed Fayed in his alleged sexual abuse of dozens of women and girls. The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had launched a criminal investigation to examine whether the former Harrods owner received help from enablers, including employees. Police also revealed that 90 new victims had come forward to allege he had raped or sexually assaulted them, following the broadcast of a recent television documentary Fayed, who died in August last year aged 94, is believed to have been a serial rapist who attacked dozens of women between 1977 and 2014. In the years before his death, more than 20 victims came forward to report having been raped or sexually assaulted. But despite several criminal investigations, he was never charged with any offence. A 15-year-old is the youngest victim to come forward so far but there have been reports that Fayed sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl at his Harrods store. The majority of the crimes are understood to have taken place in London but there have also been reports of incidents in Surrey, where he lived, and France, where he also owned properties. Scotland Yard and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have come under scrutiny over the failure to bring Fayed to justice in his lifetime. It is understood that Fayed and a female associate were both arrested in 2013 by detectives investigating an alleged rape. Files of evidence were passed to the CPS in 2015, but the following year prosecutors deemed that they did not pass the legal threshold to bring charges against either of them. Seven years earlier, police had also sent a file of evidence on Fayed to prosecutors but no charges were brought. On three other occasions, Scotland Yard asked prosecutors for early investigative advice following complaints against Fayed but the cases stalled. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating two complaints against the Met over its handling of allegations concerning Fayed. As well as looking into the 90 new claims of sexual abuse detectives are reviewing all the previous investigations to identify any missed opportunities, with a review expected to report in the coming months. Commander Stephen Clayman has urged any other victims to come forward - BBC Commander Stephen Clayman said: I recognise the bravery of every victim survivor who has come forward to share their experiences, often after years of silence. This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohammed Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution. However we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending and we are committed to seeking justice. He added: We are aware that past events may have impacted the publics trust and confidence in our approach and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness. We encourage anyone who has information or was affected by Fayeds actions to reach out to us. Your voice matters and we are here to listen and to help. Daniel Khalife has been found guilty of spying for Iran - Metropolitan Police/PA Former soldier Daniel Khalife has been found guilty of spying for Iran. The 23-year-old did not show any emotion as the verdict was read out at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday. Prosecutors told his trial that Khalife played a cynical game, claiming he wanted a career as a double agent to help the British intelligence services when in fact he gathered a very large body of restricted and classified material. Khalife, who escaped from HMP Wandsworth while awaiting trial on espionage charges, was also cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax at his army barracks. Police described him as the ultimate Walter Mitty character that was having a significant impact on the real world. Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command said: Ego is a factor, Ive got no doubt hes got an uncanny ability to manipulate others. I think he probably enjoyed the thrill of deception throughout. A Government spokeswoman said: We welcome todays verdict. This was an incredibly complex case. We thank our security partners, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work to uncover this individuals crimes and bring them to justice. More Scooby-Doo than James Bond Having reached out to a middle-man by sending him a Facebook message, Khalife told the Iranians he would stay undercover in the British Army for 25-plus years for them. He then passed on genuine army documents alongside alongside fake material supposedly from MPs, senior military officials and the security services. Daniel Khalife secretly gathered the names of serving soldiers - including special forces troops He joined the British Army in 2018 two weeks before his 17th birthday, and served with the Royal Corps of Signals. In 2021, Khalife secretly gathered the names of serving soldiers, including those in the special forces. He took a photo of a handwritten list of 15 of them, having been sent an internal spreadsheet of promotions in June 2021. Prosecutors believe he sent the list to Iran before deleting any evidence. After his arrest, he told police he had wanted to offer himself to UK security agencies all along, having emailed MI6 as early as 2019. Khalife told jurors he wanted to prove bosses wrong after being told his Iranian heritage could stop him working in military intelligence, and came up with his elaborate double agent plot after watching the TV spy thriller Homeland. The court heard he was even invited to the Iranian capital of Tehran by the handler, whom he had saved in his phone as David Smith. Khalifes barrister, Gul Nawaz Hussain KC, said his double agent plot was hapless and sometimes bordering on the slapstick, more Scooby-Doo than James Bond or Homeland. Credit: Metropolitan Police In September 2023, Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck using a sling made from kitchen trousers. He told jurors did so in the hope hed be kept in a high-security unit (HSU) at a different prison after his recapture, away from sex offenders and terrorists. While on the run, Khalife bought clothes from Marks & Spencer and a coffee from McDonalds, and walked beside the Thames, before being caught on a stolen bicycle by police three days later. Credit: Metropolitan Police Khalife was arrested in his room in MOD Stafford on Jan 6, 2022, where a suitcase was found in a cupboard in a pink folder marked secret. The court heard that at one stage after being arrested he told police he wanted to be not just a double agent but a triple agent. He went on to tell jurors he was an English patriot. Giving evidence, Khalife also told the court he hated the Islamic Republic and had joined the British Army because he wanted to serve and be of use to my country. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb warned Khalife on Thursday that he faced a long custodial sentence. He will be sentenced in the new year. Court sketch of Ashley Paul Griffith at sentencing in Brisbane District Court. The Gold Coast paedophile committed crimes against dozens of children at childcare centres where he worked between 2007 and 2022. Photograph: SUPPLIED/AAP Parents and victims who were raped and abused by former childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith have told a Queensland court about the unimaginable pain his crimes have caused. Griffith is being sentenced in the Queensland district court after pleading guilty to committing 307 sexual offences against dozens of children under his care in Brisbane and Italy between 2007 and 2022. Most of the victims are girls who were aged between three and five at the time. The court was told that Griffith lacked empathy for his victims and had attempted to justify his actions. He sat impassively in the dock, often wringing his hands, as victims and their parents spoke about the impact of his actions. A young woman, who was abused by Griffith on more than 50 separate occasions when she was three and four years old, told the court she grew up exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. She began self-harming at 12 years old and had panic attacks at school. I will never know what my life could have been like, the woman said. I can never know what it would have been to grow up unafraid of people. He recorded himself abusing me and put recordings of me on the dark web. His actions have profoundly impacted my life. I have missed out on a normal childhood. The womans mother said, as a five-year-old, the girl had withdrawn from speaking to adults. She didnt have the vocabulary to tell us why she was scared of adults. She just knew they were people to be feared. How were we to know the greatest danger to our child was the one entrusted with her care? How do you tell your child, who is also at crisis point, that youve been the victim of sexual abuse? Another parent of a victim told the court she had decided never to reveal the abuse to her daughter. She described burning the girls kindergarten cot sheets. She said she would take walks in the heavy rain where she could howl and howl. Theres not a day goes by where Im not fearful of the future, the woman said. I have night terrors, awaking with crippling fear of what might happen if she somehow discovers the horrific abuse. I fear that some day someone will make the terrible mistake of revealing our daughters identity. Another victims mother said: I stand here today to express the unimaginable pain his heinous actions have left scars that will never heal. He preyed on them exploiting their innocence. The horror of that knowledge is something I can never escape. The weight of this trauma is unbearable. He took away their trust, their innocence and their ability to feel safe. The court heard from parents of victims who spoke about forming a close relationship with Griffith. We invited him into our home, into our life, and into our family, one woman, the mother of a victim, said. This whole situation has installed a deep mistrust of everyone in our two oldest boys. We were once a very welcoming family, with an open door policy. Since the abuse has come to light there have been noticeable changes in our beautiful, confident girl. She said her daughter had said: Im not afraid of the dark. Im afraid of whats in the dark. How a blanket led to Griffiths arrest Earlier, prosecutors summarised details of the charges and the investigation that had resulted in Griffiths arrest. In about 2013, Griffith posted child exploitation material to a now defunct child exploitation community on the dark web under the username Zimble. Authorities had been searching for Zimble for almost a decade until a breakthrough in 2022, when a brand of blanket sold to Queensland childcare centres was identified by investigators in one of the photographs. Griffith was identified by matching centres who had bought those blankets with employment records. Police found Griffith had catalogued video recordings of his offending against dozens of children. He had folders where he retained enrolment and attendance records and child photographs and created montages and films of various interactions. He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of repeated sexual contact, 28 counts of rape, 190 counts of indecent treatment of a child in his care, and 67 counts of making child exploitation material. Prosecutors have asked for a sentence of life imprisonment, with a delay to the statutory 15-year parole eligibility date. The court heard that a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric report had found Griffith had a paedophilic disorder but no other disorders or background factors which explained the offending. He was assessed as having a high level of sexual deviance and is a high risk of reoffending, the prosecutor said. Despite expressing remorse, those reports found he lacked empathy to the victims, engaged in minimisations and cognitive distortions and had attempted to justify his actions. District court judge Paul Smith will hand down his sentence on Friday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, speaking in Lisbon. Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA The nuclear debate inside Iran is likely to shift towards the possession of its own weapons if the west goes ahead with a threat to reimpose all UN sanctions, the countrys foreign minister has said. Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in an interview that Iran already had the capability and knowledge to create nuclear weapons, but said they did not form part of its security strategy. He also said Tehran was prepared to keep supplying arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Western officials will be concerned by Araghchis warning over the reimposition of sanctions, which were lifted when Iran signed the 2015 deal intended to limit its nuclear activities. Araghchi was appointed foreign minister by Irans reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who was elected this year on a promise to improve Irans economy by pursuing improved relations with the west. He was speaking in Lisbon before a meeting between Iranian and European negotiators in Geneva on Friday, which he described as a brainstorming session to see if there was a way out of their impasse. He admitted he was pessimistic about the meeting, saying he was not sure Iran was speaking to the right party. Related: Iranian minister to meet European counterparts after nuclear offer rejected He said he believed European nations chiefly the UK, Germany and France were set on confrontation after a board meeting last week of the UN nuclear inspectorate, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in which a European-tabled censure motion was passed saying Iran had failed to cooperate with inspectors and was building a uranium stockpile that had no peaceful civilian purpose. Araghchi claimed the IAEA director general, Rafael Grossi, had promised to forestall the censure motion after Iran offered to cap its uranium enrichment at 60% purity, as well as permit four nuclear inspectors to visit its nuclear sites. He failed because the Europeans had decided on the course of confrontation, he said. The foreign minister said Iran had subsequently decided to introduce thousands of new, highly advanced machines into the system. And now they have started to feed them with gas. So this is the result of their pressure. Araghchi said Iran remained within the confines of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, however, and still sought cooperation. We have no intention to go further than 60% for the time being, and this is our determination right now, he said. I would like to re-emphasise that we have chosen the line of cooperation in order to come to a dignified resolution of this problem. But he suggested that Iranian engagement with the west on its nuclear programme was not guaranteed. There is a debate right now in Iran that it was perhaps a wrong policy. Why? Because it proved we did whatever they wanted and when it was their turn to lift sanctions, in practice, they didnt happen. So maybe something is wrong in our policy. So I can tell you, quite frankly, that there is this debate going on in Iran, and mostly among the elites even among the ordinary people whether we should change this policy or not, whether we should change our nuclear doctrine, as some say, or not, because it has proved insufficient in practice. He said if European countries did reimpose sanctions on Iran at the UN security council then they [will] have convinced everybody in Iran that, yes, your doctrine has been wrong. He added: And this is the result after 10 to 12 years of negotiation, and after 10 years of implementation and homework and all these things, now, Iran is back under chapter seven [of the UN charter], what for? If that happens, I think everybody will be convinced that we have gone in the wrong direction, so we have to change direction. So I think if the snapback happens we would have a crisis. But he said for the moment the fatwa against the possession of nuclear weapons could only be rescinded by the supreme leader. Nuclear weapons have no place in our security calculations, he said. He also said that Iran had not supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, but that it is legitimate for Tehran to have close military cooperation with Moscow even though Iran supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Aware that Irans supply of drones and other equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine has poisoned relations with Europe, Araghchi said: They are not in any moral or political position to complain about our cooperation with Russia [] when at the same time they are selling themselves weapons, sophisticated weaponry to Israel to kill Palestinians. He added that Iran was prepared to continue supplying weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon if requested by the group, adding Israel had agreed to a ceasefire only because it could not finish the job. Giving his verdict on the outcome of the Lebanon confrontation, which many say has left Iran weakened, he said: Why is Israel now ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon? Because they couldnt finish the job, and they are not able to finish the job. Yes, Hezbollah has suffered, but it is mostly on its leadership and high level commanders, but the organisation is intact. He also ridiculed claims by the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that Israel had agreed to the Lebanon ceasefire partly because Israel wanted to focus its energies on preventing Iran from securing a nuclear weapon. A full-scale war with Iran and a ceasefire in Lebanon? It doesnt sound logical or understandable, he said. He said it would be a disaster if Israel launched a full-scale war against Iran. That doesnt mean that we want war. Contrary to Israelis, we dont want war, but we are fully prepared for that, and we are not scared of war. And if they want to try us, they can do that. He said it was up to Hezbollah to decide if it wanted to withdraw its weaponry north of the Litani River, as set out in the ceasefire agreement with Israel, and said the group was not an Iranian proxy. Hezbollah and others are not our proxies, he said. We only support them as our friends, so we have never dictated on them or any other resistance group in the region. They decide by themselves, and they implement their decisions by themselves. He said he believed it was the right decision by Hezbollah to end its link between the wars in Lebanon and Gaza in accepting the ceasefire, but questioned whether it would be followed by a further ceasefire in Gaza. Israel cannot go for a ceasefire with Hamas, because a ceasefire with Hamas would be a total defeat for Israelis, he said. They went there to destroy Hamas, and now they have to make a deal with Hamas, and that means that they have failed to reach their goals. So a ceasefire in Gaza has become a very complicated question. He said that Israels intention was the colonial erasure of Palestinians, and it was up to the new US administration to decide if they would support this. Asked if Irans foreign policy was causing domestic misery, he accepted that Pezeshkian won the presidential election because he wanted to leave sanctions and engage with the rest of the world but questioned if he had been welcomed by the west. The morning after his inauguration ceremony, Ismail Haniyeh [the Hamas political bureau leader] was assassinated in Tehran, he said. I have spent my first 100 days as foreign minister trying to prevent a full-scale war. The Israeli military has confirmed that its tanks opened fire on six areas in southern Lebanon - Ayal Margolin/Reuters Israeli fighter jets struck southern Lebanon on Thursday, a day after a ceasefire was implemented between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it hit a facility belonging to Hezbollah, where it had detected terrorist activity. Nazih Eid, the mayor of Baysariyeh, said a warplane launched a raid about an hour ago on the eastern edge of the town of Baysariyeh. They targeted a forested area not accessible to civilians. Earlier on Thursday, the army said tanks had fired at several suspects arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. The ceasefire, which took effect on Wednesday under a deal brokered by the US and France, is intended to allow people in both countries to start returning to homes in border areas shattered by 14 months of fighting. However, the Israeli military had urged residents of towns along the border strip not to return yet for their own safety. On Thursday morning, Israeli tank fire hit six areas within that strip, state media and Lebanese security sources told Reuters. The rounds struck Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all of which lie within two kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel. One of the security sources said two people were wounded in Markaba. Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have tried to return to check on their properties, but Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border. Daniel Hagari, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, said the withdrawal of troops from the area would be gradual, reflecting the fragility of the deal. Sarit Zehavi, from Alma, an Israeli NGO focused on security on Israels northern border, said the situation in Lebanon was complicated for Israeli troops as Lebanese citizens return home. Hezbollah operatives, disguised amongst Lebanese civilians as human shields, are encouraging them to return to their homes despite the risks to their safety, she said. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said he had instructed the military not to allow residents back to villages near the border. Nabih Berri, the speaker of Lebanons parliament and the top interlocutor for the country in negotiating the deal, had said on Wednesday that residents could return home. In Israels north, the ceasefire remained a contentious topic. Most of us didnt want it, said Alana Naim, a resident in Nahariya. We dont feel safe still, and now we are in a limbo. Uri Halevi, who has been displaced from Kiryat Shmona since last year, said he was unsure when he would be able to go home. Weve been told we have until the end of the school year next month before we need to leave the government accommodation, but a lot can happen in 60 days, he said. Right now, nothing feels stable, so do I want to take my children home to then have to relocate them again? There was no immediate comment on the tank rounds from Hezbollah or Israel, who had been fighting for over a year in parallel with the war in Gaza. The agreement, a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict, ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group in years. But Israel is still fighting Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group, in the Gaza Strip. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, but neither side can launch offensive operations. Hezbollah has said its fighters remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy. Its forces will monitor Israels withdrawal from Lebanon with their hands on the trigger. The group has been weakened by casualties and the killing by Israel of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and other commanders. Kathryn Samuel: If someone or something made her tut it was a good thing Kathryn Samuel, who has died aged 76, was a visionary fashion journalist, a proud feminist and a formidable redhead, who overhauled The Daily Telegraphs long-established womens page, replacing recipes, knitting patterns and traditional girls-in-pearls with catwalk and royal trends, at a time when Londons fashion scene was moving from the periphery to the global stage. Terrifyingly chic, as the Telegraphs fashion editor from 1985 to 1996 Kathryn Samuel exuded a quiet calm, implacably resistant to anyone who dared to interfere with her articles. Even the proprietor Conrad Blacks requests for short skirts were given short shrift by the 5ft 1in queen of the fashion pages, when in 1994 she predicted the death of the miniskirt and the return of longer hemlines. Kathryn Ann Samuel was born at Long Crendon on the Buckinghamshire-Oxfordshire border, during a cold winter, on December 28 1947. The family then moved to another village where Kathryns sister Lillie was born, and her father Kenneth Samuel, a GP, set up his surgery in the family home, helped by his wife Heather, providing an invaluable service to the small community. Kathryn, who described her early childhood as idyllic, enjoyed dressing up the family retriever, Prue, and Whiskey the cat, in dolls clothes an early indication of what would become a lifetime of dressing up others. At the age of nine she was sent to board at Oakdene School in Beaconsfield. She was made to sleep in hair rollers, and credited this for her later disciplined sense of style and signature bobbed hairdo. She described herself as naughty in a mild kind of a way, filling balloons with water and throwing them out of an upstairs window at teachers. At 16, she left Oakdene for Beechlawn College in Oxford to complete her A-levels, living with four other girls in a house owned by a strict landlady who did not approve of boys. This was followed by secretarial college in Oxford, and she got her first break while working in the Daily Express typing pool, after a writer called in sick. Stints at Flair magazine, Now! and London Look were followed by the role of deputy fashion editor at the Daily Mail and later the Evening Standard, where she had it written into her contract that her Yorkshire terrier, Hattie, could sit under her desk. Ever the perfectionist, with a lifelong love of wordsmiths especially Rudyard Kipling Kathryn Samuel is said to have driven editors mad, her quest for the right word meaning that her copy was often filed late, delaying the page going to press. Her attention to detail when styling clothes for fashion features caught the eye of the Fleet Street veteran Felicity Green, who at the time was advising the boards of magazines and newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph, and who had overseen the launch of a British edition of Working Woman, the feminist-leaning American glossy monthly. It was advertised as the most authoritative monthly magazine for career women and carried articles on such subjects as Being Your Own Boss. Kathryn Samuel was appointed fashion editor and given the job of proposing a wardrobe for a generation of women who were smashing the glass ceiling but did not want to look like Joan Collins from the glitzy 1980s soap opera Dynasty. Kathryn Samuel zipped Elizabeth Hurley into wedding dresses by Elizabeth Emanuel for a sensational picture spread in 1994 Felicity Green who had once permed the hair of Harold Wilsons wife Mary in her kitchen during a drinks party was so blown away by Kathryns anti-shoulder-pad stance that she convinced the Telegraphs newly appointed editor, Max Hastings, to get her on board: she was one of the (in his words) impressive talents he hired in 1986 as part of his plan to revitalise the paper. Within two weeks of her arrival, Kathryn Samuels fashion pages were featuring the British designers who would dominate the global industry for a decade. These included John Galliano, Joseph Ettedgui, Katharine Hamnett, Bruce Oldfield, Amanda Wakeley, Betty Jackson and Philip Treacy. Added to the mix was insightful coverage of whatever a certain princess was wearing. Having married the QC Mike Tillett in 1977, she set up home in Chelsea and had two daughters, Kirsten and Alexandra. Kirsten recalled how one evening her mother asked her to answer the telephone while she prepared for a fashion event. It was Princess Diana returning a call. In a characteristic break with old-style coverage of womenswear, Kathryn Samuel devoted space to the world of international catwalk shows and introduced readers to behind-the-scenes stories of supermodels and the front-row guests in New York, Milan and Paris. Back in London, there were scoops aplenty. The comedian Julian Clary was persuaded into a Savile Row suit in the style of Cary Grant. And it was Kathryn Samuel who revealed that Gianni Versace was the creator of Elizabeth Hurleys safety-pin dress with its sky-high leg slit, boosting the Italian designers exposure just as much as hers. By 3pm on the day after the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere in 1994, Kathryn Samuel was zipping Elizabeth Hurley into wedding dresses by Elizabeth Emanuel for a sensational picture spread (above right). She loved to nurture talent, collecting future fashion stars around her and helping to make careers for the perfumier Jo Malone, the hairdresser Nicky Clarke, the make-up artist Pat McGrath, and many designers who ultimately shaped the distinctive look of Diana, Princess of Wales. Kathryn Samuel loved to travel on fashion shoots to far-flung places including St Petersburg, Jamaica, Colombo, New York, Barbados and St Lucia. Wherever she went, she would always collect a pebble. One former fashion assistant described her as grand on the surface, but at the same time a champion of individuality: If someone or something made her tut it was a good thing. Never a morning person, she would often arrive fashionably late at her desk then work on an idea, and perhaps call in clothes for a fashion shoot until lunchtime, when a glamorous PR would whisk her out for a salad. She would return, slightly wobbly, revived by Sancerre, in the Fleet Street way. Her marriage to Mike Tillett was dissolved and she is survived by her daughters. Kathryn Samuel, born December 28 1947, died August 29 2024 Donald Trumps 2017 inauguration. The capitol is expected to be packed in January both with supporters of the president-elect and protesters - Brendan Smialowski /AFP via Getty Images Left-wing landlords in Washington, DC have called for an Airbnb blackout to block Republicans from attending Donald Trumps inauguration. Stacy Kane launched a petition urging Airbnb hosts across the greater Washington area to take their rentals off the market on the weekend before the Jan 20 ceremony or increase their prices and donate the profits to liberal causes. So far, only four people have signed up, and just two provided their email addresses, but the organisers are optimistic more will join their cause. Ms Kane, a school director, and two of her friends have circulated the email among community groups and city councillors in order to show Trump supporters who are coming into the DMV that we do not welcome hate, misogyny, or intentions to take over DC. The 40-year-old, who rents out her two-bedroom apartment in the Brookland neighbourhood of Washington, told The Washington Post that the initiative stemmed from a wish to try to make any kind of difference that we can in the situation we find ourselves in as DC residents and just as human beings right now. Addressing the slow pick-up, she suggested people were fearful of signing up. Even in this small effort, she said, people have been silenced and are afraid to state that they are signing on. Joe Bidens 2021 inauguration. Mr Trumps latest victory came as a surprise to many Democrat voters who had already booked up stays in the capitol for January - Caroline Brehman/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the nations capital in January either to attend the inauguration ceremony or to protest against the election of Mr Trump. Thousands of Republican voters are expected to flood in to celebrate the president-elect being sworn in, in a city where 92 per cent of voters chose Kamala Harris at the Nov 5 election. Their arrival has triggered uproar among the citys Left-leaning constituents, with 50,000 demonstrators set to take part in a Peoples March on Washington on Jan 18, according to The Washington Post. Ms Kane has removed her apartment from Airbnbs website for the dates of inauguration and plans to give the space away to people taking part in the protest march preceding it. Despite the influx of tourists, a Telegraph search of rentals on Airbnb for the weekend ahead of the inauguration found nearly 1,000 properties available. However, The Post reported that just 9 per cent of hotels advertised by the online travel agency http://Booking.com were still available for the same two-night stay. Mr Trumps dominant election victory, in which he swept all seven of the swing states and won the popular vote, came as a surprise to some Democrats who booked their stays for the inauguration in advance and have now been left scrambling for refunds. Melissa Adams paid $5,000 upfront for a 10-night stay in a Georgetown hotel and was unable to cancel her booking. I really wanted to take my daughter to the first womans inauguration, she told The Post. The Oregon resident said she had moved her reservation to May for a mother-daughter trip. Travelers walk past a sign advertising the new parking system at San Antonio International Airport on Nov. 18. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A car demonstrates the new parking payment process at San Antonio International Airport on Nov. 18. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio City Council members had learned many things about SP Plus by the time they voted in April to choose the company from among five bidders to manage parking at San Antonio International Airport. They knew that it had more than six decades of experience with airport parking and that it oversaw more than two million spaces nationwide, including at major hubs in Atlanta, San Francisco and Houston. And in an hour-long briefing a week before the vote, airport officials told them about how SP would buy new equipment and introduce digital reservations. But they never mentioned one key fact: that the publicly traded company had recently agreed to be acquired by a startup, Metropolis Technologies, that had a radically different business model one based on an artificial intelligence platform that recognizes license plates and links them with vehicle owners using government data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Metropolis Technologies, which has offices in Santa Monica, California and Nashville, Tennessee, has been hit with four class action lawsuits since closing the acquisition in May, with three of the suits accusing it of violating a federal law that restricts the use of data from state departments of motor vehicles. The fourth, filed in Texas in September, targets the company's debt collection practices. The lawsuits describe the company mailing parking violation notices to drivers at their homes, demanding they pay a fine of $70.25 on top of their unpaid fares and threatening them with booting, towing or referral to a debt collection agency if they do not. Drivers have made hundreds of similar complaints in social media posts, in news reports and to the Better Business Bureau, often attaching images of the notices. Some have said they were confused and didnt realize they had to pay many of the companys garages do not have entry gates or they had only pulled in and out while dropping someone off. This month, San Antonio International became the first airport in the U.S. to put the startups technology into practice. Metropolis refers to the airport as its "flagship airport location" as it prepares to roll out the tech in other airports. The technology works like this: Rather than scan a credit card and collect a ticket at a kiosk, drivers create a profile with Metropolis using their smartphones, whether by visiting the company's website or downloading its app. They provide Metropolis with their license plate and credit card numbers, and Metropolis automatically charges them for the time they spend in the parking area after its cameras spot them leaving. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If a driver already has a profile with Metropolis upon arriving, there is no need to input anything they can can simply park and be automatically charged upon leaving, receiving a smartphone notification saying so. The company and airport officials tout the technology as providing a smoother parking experience. Ryan Rocha, the airport's chief of operations, said in a phone interview on Monday that customer response has been good, while declining to comment on the lawsuits. "All the comments we've received so far have been positive, to the effect of, 'Thank you for doing this,' to 'It makes it a lot easier,'" he said. "Having the ticket we've moved on from that. It's modernized." In a written statement on Tuesday, the airport said that at the time council approved the contract, it was with SP Plus. "We were aware that an acquisition by Metropolis was pending, but it had not been finalized," the airport said. "We conducted due diligence on both companies and found no concerns. Litigation against the company elsewhere was made public in September, well after the contracts approval. We have controls and procedures in place to ensure SAT travelers receive the highest level of customer service and transparency." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Metropolis said in a written statement that as "the largest parking operator in North America" it is often the target of "frivolous lawsuits, with plaintiffs' firms launching broad, repurposed class actions against us and others in the industry." "We believe these claims are without merit and will vigorously defend ourselves if they progress through the legal system," the company said. "At Metropolis, we care deeply about our customers and take complaints and feedback very seriously." In response to customer feedback, the company has reduced its late fees "to approximately 50% below industry average," the statement said. Metropolis employees are on-site at San Antonio International to help drivers register their vehicles including those who don't have cellphones. Metropolis' arrival in San Antonio comes as the airport gears up to build a $125 million parking garage and transportation facility that could include as many as 2,000 spaces, which would increase the overall number of spaces at the airport by 20%. MORE COVERAGE: San Antonio airport looking to add up to 2,000 parking spaces Advertisement Article continues below this ad No mention of acquisition City Council members approved the contract with Chicago-based SP Plus on April 11, about two months after the companys shareholders approved its acquisition by Metropolis. The prior October, Metropolis agreed to buy SP Plus for $1.5 billion; it went on to raise $1.8 billion in venture capital financing. Metropolis pending acquisition of SP Plus was referenced on page 92 of the contract that council members approved that day, with SP Plus agreeing to submit a formal request for the citys consent. Otherwise, Metropolis doesnt appear to have been mentioned to the council, including in a briefing made by the citys director of airports, Jesus Saenz, at the councils B session meeting on April 3 or in a memorandum attached to that meetings agenda. When Council Member Manny Pelaez, who represents District 8, asked Saenz whether the airport was looking into using automatic vehicle identification in its parking areas the core of Metropoliss approach Saenz said only that it will be something considered, without mentioning the pending acquisition. The citys contract with SP Plus, now branded on its website as a Metropolis company, has an initial term of 10 years, with two optional five-year extensions. SP Plus will receive a management fee of $282,000 in the first year, with that amount set to increase 3% each year. The contract also includes a revenue-sharing arrangement intended to encourage SP Plus to enhance parking revenues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. military veterans will continue to enjoy the parking benefits they had at the airport before Metropolis acquired SP Plus, Metropolis spokeswoman Mimi Richman said in fact, after they register with the company they won't have to show multiple forms of identifcation. Visitors to the airport can also use the Metropolis app to reserve a spot ahead of time. The airport continues to set parking rates under city ordinance. At the airports short-term garage, the kiosks where drivers formerly retrieved their parking tickets are now covered with purple boxes stating in broad letters, Just drive in, and instructing drivers to look for signs inside telling them how to pay by phone. An Express-News reporter recently tested the system by parking for 20 minutes in the short-term garage. Through the Metropolis app, the reporter was billed the $3 posted rate for less than a half hour of parking time as well as a 99-cent service fee, which Metropolis introduced upon taking over the system, Rocha said. Reports of consumer complaints The airport had managed its own parking before choosing SP Plus through a bidding process that began in early 2023. It had decided to privatize its parking and shuttle operations after a surge in traffic put the system under strain. SP Plus scored the highest among five bidders after they were rated based on metrics such as their depths of experience, proposed plans and the compensation packages they would offer parking employees who up to then had been employed by the city. Metropolis, which was founded in 2017 in Los Angeles and opened a new headquarters in Nashville this month, is a startup on a high-growth trajectory. Its CEO, Alex Israel, has said that the acquisition of SP Plus would allow it to deploy its technology to more than 50 million customers, making it the largest parking network in North America. When it was acquired, SP Plus operated in 160 airports, including in Austin, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. On its website and in other places, the startup has presented a vision in which its technology is so widespread that motorists can drive into and out of parking areas across the U.S. without having to stop their vehicle, much less scan a credit card or worry about keeping a ticket. The company has said that it also plans to apply its automatic payment technology to vehicle fueling, electric vehicle charging and car washes. By the time council approved the contract with SP Plus, Metropolis had been the subject of numerous articles from news outlets in Nashville, where the company appears to manage a large number of parking facilities after purchasing the locally based Premier Parking in 2022. The company faced complaints from customers who had received violation notices in the mail in which the company demanded they pay $70 fines and threatened them with booting and towing. Some of them told reporters that they had never entered the garages including, in March, Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell. There have been reports of similar complaints in Houston. The Tennessee Attorney Generals Division of Consumer Affairs received 247 complaints about Metropolis between the beginning of 2020 and July of this year, spokesperson Chad Kubis said in an email. Class action lawsuits Three of the class action lawsuits filed in U.S. district courts in June and July make similar claims that Metropoliss method of identifying vehicle owners using their license plate numbers is in violation of the federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act. Passed in 1994, the measure bars private entities from using information from state departments of motor vehicles except in certain circumstances, such as for insurance and toll companies, and in the course of statistical research. The lawsuits allege that Metropolis uses information gathered from official records to find the names and addresses of vehicle owners to send them parking fines. One of the lawsuits points to a statement Metropolis made in response to a report from News Channel 5 Nashville, saying that it traces license plates attached to Tennessee government records. The lawsuits are asking for damages and jury trials. Attorneys for the plaintiffs in two of the lawsuits have sought to merge all three into one class action, court records show. Metropolis hasnt yet responded to the complaints in the lawsuits, court records show. It has asked for some of the lawsuits to be dismissed. The fourth lawsuit, filed in U.S. district court in Texas in September, accuses the company of breaking state and federal debt collection laws, exceeding its authority as a private company by attempting to collect "exorbitant" fines via threats of towing and booting. It accuses Metropolis of confusing drivers by only posting small signs containing a QR code that many of the drivers dont notice, so they arent aware they have to pay. One of the three plaintiffs in the case, Curtis Goodban of Royse City east of Dallas, received a violation notice from Metropolis demanding payment of $75.25 a $5 unpaid fare and a $70.25 fine after his vehicle was in a garage in Dallas for 16 minutes in June, according to a copy of the notice attached to his complaint. The lawsuit points out that the fine is 1,405% the initial fare, calling it an arbitrary and outrageous amount. Reid Hoffman is one of the Democrats biggest donors - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg The billionaire co-founder of LinkedIn has told friends he is considering moving out of the US following Donald Trumps election victory. Reid Hoffman is one of the Democrats biggest donors, funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars into the party in recent years. However, the 57-year-old tech entrepreneur is said to have told friends he is now considering moving overseas amid concerns the president-elect will seek retribution when he takes office. During the presidential campaign, Mr Trump vowed to go after his political enemies and Democrat donors if re-elected. Sources close to Mr Hoffman told The New York Times he is worried about Mr Trump pursuing him after the tech billionaire helped fund some of the private litigation against the president-elect. I fear they were wrong Mr Hoffman helped pay for a lawsuit by E. Jean Carroll, a journalist who was awarded nearly $90 million in damages earlier this year after suing Mr Trump for sexual assault and defamation. Mr Trumps lawyers said at the time that Mr Hoffman had poured money into the case to advance a political agenda. Speaking to the Rapid Response podcast earlier this month, Mr Hoffman said friends have optimistically predicted that the president-elect wont go through with plans to seek retribution against so-called enemies within. I feared and still fear they were wrong, he said. The Silicon Valley donor has an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion and has a long history of funnelling money into Democratic causes, including those designed to counteract Mr Trumps influence. He once offered to donate up to $5 million to veterans groups if Mr Trump released a copy of his tax returns. He is the latest high-profile Democrat to suggest he would leave the country as Mr Trump returns to power. Other mega-donors could move abroad According to The New York Times, several other mega-donors have spoken privately about moving abroad, underlining deep-seated fears on the Left about what surprises a second Trump term may hold. People are kind of shell-shocked and trying to figure out what happened, Steve Silberstein, a software entrepreneur who donates to Democrats, told the outlet. People are trying to adjust to reality and plot out a path forward. It comes after a string of celebrities were reported to be considering leaving the US in the wake of the Democrats election defeat. Ellen DeGeneres, the former talk show host, is said to have upped sticks from California to the Cotswolds in the south-west of England after becoming very disillusioned following Kamala Harriss loss. DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi, the Arrested Development star, decided to get the hell out, sources told TMZ, and the couple are said to be planning to sell their home in the exclusive neighbourhood of Montecito. Mr Hoffman was approached for comment. Daniel Khalife told Iranian handlers that he would work undercover for 25-plus years The Ministry of Defence is facing questions over security failings that allowed Daniel Khalife to join the Army and begin spying for Iran. The 23-year-old soldier was found guilty on Thursday of collecting secret information and passing it to the Iranian regime while serving with the Royal Corps of Signals. Khalife, who was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax at Beacon Barracks in Stafford, pleaded guilty midway through his trial to escaping from HMP Wandsworth in September 2023. The jury at Woolwich Crown Court found he spent more than two years between 2019 and 2021 handing over sensitive information, which the court heard exposed military personnel to serious harm. Khalife, who joined the British Army in 2018, passed on genuine army documents alongside fake material supposedly from MPs, senior military officials and the security services to Iran via a middle-man. Prosecutors said Khalife played a cynical game, claiming he wanted to help British intelligence services as a double agent while in fact gathering a very large body of restricted and classified material for the Iranians. Khalife claimed in court that he wanted to prove his senior officers wrong after being told his Iranian heritage could stop him working in military intelligence. Daniel Khalife was arrested after he called MI5 offering to be a double agent - Metropolitan Police/PA For Khalife to acquire the necessary security clearance (SC) to join the Army, his family background would have been examined, along foreign travel, political background and his financial status, in case this would have left him open to blackmail. Whitehall sources have told The Telegraph that Khalife appeared to have no links to hostile actors when he was first vetted on joining the military, but concerns have been raised over the strength of the MoDs checks. A military insider said: The people vetting Khalife should have been looking at the risk he might pose in the future and not what he had been doing in the past. Given his background he should not have been given a job where he had access to sensitive information. One former minister said a great deal of caution should be exercised when vetting any applications from recruits with family members still living in hostile states. They said: Khalife seems to have done some very peculiar things after joining the Army and his case appears quite unique. But theres no doubt if youre of a foreign background working with classified material theres a possibility you could be susceptible to the pressure that might be brought to bear on family members out there. Iranian opposition activists with knowledge of the regimes tactics have also warned more care needs to be taken by the Armed Forces when initially vetting recruits with family links to hostile states. Niyak Ghorbani, an Iranian dissident living in Britain, said: The UK military needs to be much more careful when they are background vetting anyone with links to Iran, especially those who still have family in Iran or other potentially hostile countries. He added: The Islamic Republic will try to use families at home to persuade soldiers to spy for the regime by putting pressure on family members. The regime will keep trying to persuade British Iranians to spy for them. It wont stop just because Daniel Khalife was caught. WhatsApp messages The court heard of security shortcomings in the military that allowed Khalife to avoid detection. Khalife used WhatsApp to communicate with his Iranian handlers, at one point discussing a proposed trip to Tehran, which he was told he should prepare for. In one exchange, his handler said: We will pay you what you want in our country. We look forward to seeing you in Tehran . . . pal. Do you have any questions? Khalife replied How many days, to which he was told Its [up] to you. The soldier also exploited a regimental WhatsApp account to gather information by taking details from an internal spreadsheet of promotions sent to a group called Brew Room Boys. He then logged on to an internal HR system for booking leave to try to find out the soldiers first names. Khalife was a member of a group chat called Fabulous Falcon F---tards a reference to the Armys Falcon communications system on which they worked in which his colleagues mocked up an image of him holding a falcon. Improper use of WhatsApp was rife with soldiers, including Khalifes superiors, sending training manuals, door codes and even photographs of their secure computer screens using personal phones, from secure areas. The trial was shown a MoD directive telling soldiers not to use WhatsApp for any official business, but nobody within Khalifes unit was ever disciplined over the problem. Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of Scotland Yards Counter Terrorism Command, said that Khalifes activities presented a very real danger. Its become clear throughout his evidence in court and throughout our investigation, that some elements of Daniel Khalife might be described as a sort of amateurish in his approach to how he does things, said Commander Murphy. However, it belies entirely the impact that Daniel Khalife was having, and particularly on highly sensitive information being provided to Iran. He went on to state: He is the ultimate Walter Mitty character. The problem is, hes a Walter Mitty character that was having an extremely significant impact in the real world. Daniel Khalife seen here in a blue T-shirt the day before his escape from HMP Wandsworth in September 2023 - METROPOLITAN POLICE A Whitehall source stressed that there are strict vetting processes in place and that the Khalife case was unique. They also said Khalife, whose mother moved from Iran to the UK before he was born, would have been questioned during vetting about a trip to Iran he took with his family when he was 15, two years before applying to join the Army. That will have been part of the background. When we do clearances they will ask about families in any foreign countries, but particularly in adversarial states. It wouldnt necessarily preclude him, said the source. If we preclude everyone with relatives in the Middle East, China, wed lose a lot of people. Its just about precluding risks. The Government said Iran has long presented a threat to the UKs interests, with repeated attempts to kill or kidnap individuals living in Britain it regards as enemies of the regime. Iranian intelligence services have also developed close relationships with organised criminal gangs in the UK and across Europe to expand their networks. Daniel Khalife spent 75 hours on the run after his escape from HMP Wandsworth - METROPOLITAN POLICE Khalife told jurors he was an English patriot who hated the Islamic Republic and had joined the British Army because he wanted to serve and be of use to my country. But the court heard that Khaife, who was paid in cash for the information he handed over, told his Iranian handlers he would stay undercover in the British Army for 25-plus years for them. He initially used Facebook to contact Hamed Ghashghavi, an Iranian who had been sanctioned by the United States for allegedly helping to recruit Monica Witt, a former US servicewomen, as an Iranian spy. In August 2020, Khalife flew to Turkey, from where he was meant to travel onwards to Tehran. But he claimed in court that he purposefully sabotaged the operation by telling his Iranian handlers that he was too frightened to do so. His handlers renewed contact the following February, when he was subsequently deployed to Fort Hood in Texas to take part in Exercise War Fighter. He admitted in court that after this exercise he was contacted by his handlers on a monthly basis. Concerns about his loyalty were only raised when Khalife contacted MI5 himself in an attempt to offer himself as a double agent leading to his arrest for espionage in January 2022. Credit: Metropolitan Police In September 2023, he escaped from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck. He then made one last attempt to contact the Iranians before he was found, sending a Telegram message, which said simply: I wait. There have also been questions over the use of external contractors to carry out recruitment on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Robert Clark, the director of defence and security at the Civitas think tank who previously served in the British Army for 15 years, said: Its once again a further reminder just how poor value for money Army recruiting is under outsourced Capita. Year after year they fail to meet very easy recruiting targets, and now they clearly have considerable security gaps thats impacting UK national security. Capita needs sacking, alongside a fundamental overhaul of our military recruitment system that today isnt fit for business. Capita pointed out that it was not involved in vetting but declined to comment further. Net migration Net migration hit a record high of almost one million last year 170,000 more than previously thought. The number of people entering the UK, minus those leaving, reached 906,000 in the year ending June 2023, according to updated estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That has been revised upwards from a previous estimate of 740,000. The net migration record was formerly thought to be 764,000 for the year ending December 2022. This estimate has also been revised, and now stands at 872,000. However, the most recent figures show that net migration is falling and is down by 20 per cent to 728,000 for the year ending this June. That is the fourth highest net migration total on record. The revised estimates come as separate Home Office figures showed that government spending on asylum in the UK stood at a record 5.38 billion in 2023/24, up 36 per cent from 3.95 billion in 2022/23. The recent decline covers the year before the election, when the Tories cracked down on migration. Some of the measures taken included banning foreign workers and students from bringing dependants, increasing the skilled worker salary threshold from 26,200 to 38,700 and curbing shortage occupation visa schemes. The ONS said the total for the year to June 2023 had been revised upwards by 166,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000 because of more data becoming available. It reported that better analysis of the number of refugees from Ukraine and improved information on the migration behaviour of people arriving from outside the EU had also impacted estimates. The ONS has made a similar change to the figure for net migration in the year to December last year, which was initially said to be 685,000, but is now thought to be 866,000 an increase of 181,000. The ONS said that, while remaining high by historic standards, net migration was beginning to fall in the wake of the measures introduced at the beginning of this year. Non-EU nationals accounted for 86 per cent just over one million of the 1.2 million people who entered the country in the year to June this year. EU nationals made up 10 per cent, or 116,000, and returning Britons accounted for five per cent. Of the 479,000 people who left the UK in the year ending this June, around 44 per cent 211,000 were EU nationals, and 39 per cent 189,000 were from non-EU countries. Some 16 per cent, or 79,000, were Britons. Suella Braverman, a former home secretary, said: A 20 per cent drop in immigration since June 2023 is a result of the changes I fought for and introduced in May 2023 as home secretary. Thats when we started to turn the tide. But 1.2 million arrivals a year is still too high. This is unsustainable, and why we need radical change. Alp Mehmet, the chairman of MigrationWatch UK, said: Net migration of 728,000, while lower than it was in 2023, is still far too high and unsustainable. Moreover, the modest fall has little to do with anything that Sir Keir Starmer and his Home Secretary have done. It is now essential that net migration is quickly reduced as close as possible to zero if we are to avoid further tensions in the housing sector, the NHS and other services already in crisis. Meanwhile, the changing nature of society that inevitably follows rapid mass immigration will put the cohesion we have long enjoyed at ever greater risk. The Royal College of Psychiatrists said waiting times were unacceptable. Photograph: Lisa F Young/Alamy One in three child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist posts in England are vacant, according to a shocking analysis laying bare the workforce crisis that experts say is fuelling unacceptable long waits for NHS care. The number of children and young people requiring mental healthcare has soared in recent years, but many face lengthy delays before they can access treatment. Some are deteriorating to a dangerously severe state of mental ill-health while they wait. At the same time, persistent underfunding of the health service over the last decade has devastated its ability to recruit and retain enough psychiatrists to cope with the huge rise in demand for care. A workforce census published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows child and adolescent mental health services now have the highest consultant vacancy rates of any psychiatric specialism. Of 842 child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist posts in England, one in five (19.2% or 162 posts) were vacant, according to the census. When combined with posts being covered by locums, the total vacancy rate was more than one in three (36.8% or 310 posts), the report said. In an interview with the Guardian, Dr Lade Smith, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, called for immediate action from the government to resolve the workforce crisis. Chronic underfunding for over 15 years alongside pressures on mental health services has had a detrimental impact on the ability to recruit and retain enough psychiatrists, she said. As the workforce ages and pressures on staff grow, consultants are leaving without enough new recruits to replace them. The result is high staff vacancy rates, with children at their most vulnerable experiencing delays in accessing what we know are effective treatments that will keep them healthy and well. Related: Teachers regularly helping pupils in distress in attempt to fill NHS funding gap Smith said the solution was simple. The government must fully implement the updated NHS long-term workforce plan. It must also fund the expansion of the mental health workforce and additional services that can help meet this demand while investing in childrens mental health as a matter of priority. The rise in waiting times for children and young people to see mental health services was unacceptable, she added. Too many children experience a deterioration in their mental health while on waiting lists, she said. The Guardian revealed earlier this year that the number of children referred to emergency mental healthcare in England had soared by more than 50% in three years, reflecting the impact of lengthy waiting lists for regular NHS treatment. There were 32,521 emergency and urgent referrals to child and adolescent mental health services crisis teams in 2022-23. In 2019-20, the year before the Covid pandemic, the figure was 21,242. Related: Happiness recession: UK 15-year-olds at bottom of European satisfaction league The increase means that more than 600 mentally ill children a week are deteriorating to such a state that they have reached crisis point, according to a review of NHS figures by the Guardian. We know that many children and young people can recover if treated early, said Smith. The evidence shows us that children who receive early support are less likely to develop long-term conditions that can affect their education, social development, employment prospects, overall productivity and, of course, their health in later life. The government needs to prioritise dealing with the crisis in childrens mental health. Anything else will be shortsighted and even more costly, as it creates further pressure and demand for services as their mental health problems continue into adulthood. Smith said a lot of medical students want to choose child and adolescent psychiatry. Our members tell us that working with children and seeing them thrive after treatment motivates them and gives them high levels of job satisfaction. But there just arent enough training places and this ultimately results in not enough psychiatrists to meet the overwhelming need. This is solvable. It just needs the government to prioritise our children. Responding to the workforce census, Olly Parker, the head of external affairs at YoungMinds, a childrens mental health charity, said: It is shocking that so many posts remain vacant. Workforce shortages are a huge obstacle to increasing the numbers of young people receiving support, he said. It takes years to become a psychiatrist the government needs both long- and short-term solutions to fill the gaps. Insufficient staffing has very real impacts on young people, who are often already facing huge waiting lists. Over a million under-18s are referred each year to services, and systemic change is needed to both support the larger numbers of people needing support and to stop young people falling into crisis. The government need to urgently roll out open access early support hubs to ease the pressure on the NHS and provide further detail about how they are going to fill the staffing gaps that are putting extra strain on an already overburdened mental health system. A government spokesperson said: Too many children and young people are not getting the mental health care they need and we are going to change that. We will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers across children and adult services to reduce delays, ensure there is access to a specialist mental health professional in every school in England, and a Young Futures hub in every community. Syringe and medication We are MPs from different parties with different political beliefs. But on the question of assisted suicide we share the same position: we will vote against its legalisation in Parliament. We understand why some disagree with us. No one should die an undignified death, and both of us have had family members die in discomfort. But the Bill published this week has problems in principle and detail. Proponents argue we all have the right to autonomy over our own bodies and should be free, in some circumstances, to decide how and when we die. But no choice we make solely affects ourselves - even something as intimate as dying. The legalisation of assisted suicide would change our relationship with the medical profession. Although no medical professional would be obliged to carry out assisted suicide, doctors would not, under this Bill, be prevented from suggesting assisted suicide to patients who have not raised it as an option. Neither does it allow them to opt out of discussing assisted suicide or referring patients to doctors who are willing to carry out the act. More fundamentally, assisted suicide would change our relationship with the vulnerable, infirm and elderly. The very existence of the choice to die would change our relationships even with those we love. And the pressure to choose to die would not necessarily come from relatives but within. Consider a grandparent with a terminal illness confronting the cost of a care home, and comparing it with the cost of eliminating a grandchilds student debt. A right to die could become a duty to die. In Oregon assisted suicide is legal and its model is cited by campaigners here. There, a far higher proportion of those who request assisted suicide do so because they feel they are a burden to their family than because they are in unbearable pain. In the Netherlands, where assisted suicide accounts for one in twenty deaths, applications granted included one from a teenager with depression. In Canada, a disabled man who feared eviction from social housing received a doctors permission to die. A Paralympian was offered euthanasia equipment when she sought a wheelchair lift for her home. Campaigners here say they propose safeguards to prevent the legal scope of assisted suicide broadening in this way in Britain. But nobody believes that the scope will not broaden, and the logical endpoint a grimly utilitarian approach that puts a value on human life is the same. The Bill obliges the Health Secretary to ensure that assisted suicide is available to those who successfully request it. There will be no equivalent duty for him to provide palliative care to patients approaching the end of their lives. Wes Streeting, who has said he will vote against the Bill, has said if Parliament chooses to go ahead with assisted dying, it is making a choice that this is an area to prioritise for investment. This choice, he says, would come at the expense of other choices. We need to find ways to improve the funding for and availability of palliative care, not risk its reduction. The proposed safeguards raise more questions than they answer. Many are so ambiguous or open to loopholes that they are functionally meaningless. For example, patients may consent to assisted suicide by proxy by reason of physical improvement, being unable to read, or for any other reason. This is alarmingly open, and there would be no obligation imposed on coroners to investigate deaths by assisted suicide. While two different doctors must approve a patients request for assisted suicide - and supposedly enhance the independence of the decision - the first doctor selects the second, and if the second objects to signing off, the first may select another who will approve. There also appears to be no prohibitions on patients whose applications have been denied from making further requests until they find doctors willing to grant approval. The Bill also proposes that applications should be approved by the High Court. There are eighteen High Court judges in the Family Division, so given likely demand this seems an unrealistic suggestion. And there is a considerable chance that demand is likely to increase over time, worsening the burden. In Canada assisted suicide cases have multiplied in only six years and now account for 4.1 per cent of all deaths. Refusals have become relatively rarer, from eight per cent of all requests in 2019 to 3.5 per cent in 2022. We can expect a similar story here if the law is changed. We agree too many people die in pain. Our society does not protect the most vulnerable as it should. But legalising assisted suicide is not the answer: we need to give patients a better death with better care. Vladimir Putin speaks after a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in Kazakhstan on Nov 28 - Ramil Sitdikov/Kremilin//EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump as an intelligent man who will find a solution to the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a security summit in Kazakhstan on Thursday, Putin said he was ready for peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions, but on the same terms he laid out over the summer. The Russian president said in June he would end the war if Kyiv agreed to drop its Nato ambitions and hand over four Ukrainian regions claimed by Moscow. Ukraine has rejected this proposal as tantamount to surrender. According to The Washington Post, Putin and Mr Trump have spoken about the future of Ukraine since the Nov 5 US election. Voenacher/Telegram Mr Trump was said to have warned the Russian leader during a phone call not to escalate the war and expressed an interest in a follow-up conversation. The incoming US president is understood to be working on several proposals to end the war. According to three Trump staffers, one of these plans could see European and British troops called on to enforce an 800-mile buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian armies. The current front line would be frozen in place and Ukraine would agree to shelve its ambition to join Nato for 20 years. In exchange, the US would pump Ukraine full of weapons to deter Russia from restarting the war. The US would neither contribute troops to patrol and enforce the resulting buffer zone nor finance its mission. Putin also on Thursday expressed concern for Mr Trumps safety after attempts on his life during the US election campaign. The Kremlin launched a massive overnight attack on Wednesday on Ukraines energy infrastructure in what it said was revenge for Kyivs Storm Shadow and Atacms missile strikes on Russia. More than a million people were left without power, Ukrainian officials said, after Russia fired about 90 missiles and 100 drones at targets across the country. Putin later threatened to devastate Kyiv with Russias new Oreshnik missile, which was first launched at the city of Dnipro last week. The Oreshnik is an intermediate range ballistic missile with multiple warheads and is thought to be nuclear capable. Moscow has so far largely avoided Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv, but said that it was now considering hitting decision-making centres in the Ukrainian capital. Putin claimed that an attack using several Oreshniks would be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons. He hinted that he would be prepared to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine if the West were to give Kyiv its own weapons of mass destruction. If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? Putin said. In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia, he added. The New York Times reported last week that some unidentified Western officials suggested Joe Biden, the US president, could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office. Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president and key Putin ally who was also at the Kazakhstan summit, said: Clinging to an elusive dominance, the West is increasingly speaking the language of arms, turning a blind eye to the threats of nuclear confrontation fraught with the destruction of the entire planet. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, approved Kyivs 2025 budget plans for 60 per cent of all expenditure to go towards defence and security. Some financial support A total of $54 billion (43 billion), out of a general budget of $87 billion (69 billion), will go towards defence and security, according to documents published by the finance ministry. By comparison, Moscows draft budget earmarks $125 billion (100 billion) for defence and $32 billion (26 billion) for domestic security. Ukraine will see some financial support in the form of 18.1 billion (15 billion) in frozen Russian assets, which the EU agreed to send to Kyiv on Thursday. Denys Shmyhal, Ukraines prime minister, said: Such a step is not only support [for Ukraine] but also a precedent for holding Russia accountable for its crimes and starting the process of making the aggressor pay for its brutal war. Mr Trump on Wednesday nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired US lieutenant general, to be his special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. In April 2024, Kellogg co-authored a strategy paper saying that the US should negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. The paper said that the US should continue to arm Ukraine but only if it participates in peace talks with Russia. Additionally, Nato leaders should offer to shelve Ukraines application while granting Russia some sanctions relief if it signs a peace agreement with Ukraine. 06:25 PM GMT Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. 06:15 PM GMT Putin asks for forgiveness over Merkel dog scare Vladimir Putin has apologised to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, insisting he did not bring Konni his pet black Labrador to a meeting to scare her in 2007. In her memoir, Mrs Merkel accused Putin of exploiting her well-documented fear of dogs in a demonstration of power from which he took enjoyment. I did not know that she was afraid of dogs, the Moscow Times reported Putin saying on Thursday in Kazakhstan. I once again appeal to her via the media and say: Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache. On the contrary, I wanted to create a favorable atmosphere for our conversation, he added. If you ever I realize it is unlikely come again, I will not do it under any circumstances, Putin said. Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi, 21 Jan 2007 - AFP PHOTO / PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / ITAR-TASS / DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP/GETTY 06:11 PM GMT Finland mulls laying banned anti-personnel mines Finland is contemplating if anti-personnel landmines - currently prohibited by international law - should be brought back into its defence arsenal, authorities said on Thursday. Designed to be buried or hidden on the ground, anti-personnel mines often mutilate victims who are not immediately killed, with aid groups decrying their long-term impact on civilians. Finland, which shares a 1,340km border with Russia, abandoned the weapon in 2012 by joining the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention. But Helsinkis armed forces have been assessing whether the landmines are needed again given Russias invasion of Ukraine. This assessment is motivated by lessons from the war in Ukraine, and the strained security situation, the ministry of defence said, adding that any conclusions would be made when a report is published next year. 05:53 PM GMT Ukraine: The Latest with Boris Johnson Today, the podcast discusses who Donald Trump has named as his envoy to Ukraine and hosts an exclusive interview with Boris Johnson. 05:47 PM GMT France unclear over Putin arrest warrant France has declined to say whether it would be prepared to detain Vladimir Putin under the international arrest warrant issued last year. All European Union member states are signatories to the ICCs founding treaty but France recently said it believed Benjamin Netanyahu had immunity to actions by the ICC as Israel has not signed up to the court statutes. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Putin, although Russia is also not a signatory to the founding treaty. French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said that Frances legal position was essentially the same on the arrest warrants issued for the two leaders. Weve probably been less precise when commenting on Putins case compared to the present one but, in any case, our position is the same, he said. Asked if this meant France would not arrest Putin if he set foot on French soil, he said: With regard to Vladimir Putin all those who committed crimes, there is no impunity. They have to be held responsible for their deeds, and we have always said that well apply international law in all its aspects. 05:31 PM GMT West turning a blind eye to threat of nuclear war, says Lukashenko Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said the arms race is gaining momentum as Europe embraces NATOfication. The Eastern European region, especially Poland, continues its militarization. NATOfication of Europe and the world in general is underway, Belarusian news agency BelTA quoted Lukashenko as saying at the Collective Security Treaty Organization summit in Kazakhstan. We record the worsening global situation every year, he said, adding: Clinging to an elusive dominance, the West is increasingly speaking the language of arms, turning a blind eye to the threats of nuclear confrontation fraught with the destruction of the entire planet. Alexander Lukashenko (left), Vladimir Putin and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in, Kazakhstan, 28 Nov - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK 05:09 PM GMT Russian spy ring plotted high-level espionage including honey traps A Russian spy ring plotted high-level espionage including honey traps of their targets from their base in the UK, the Old Bailey has heard. The five Bulgarians used fake identities and advanced technology to carry out surveillance on the orders of Jan Marsalek, a Russian agent, it is alleged. Read the full story here. Vanya Gaberova 04:55 PM GMT Watch: Russian strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure Voenacher/Telegram 04:38 PM GMT Ukraine budget approved Volodymyr Zelensky has approved Kyivs 2025 budget plans that will see 60 percent of all expenditure go towards defence and security. A total of $54 billion, out of a general budget of $87 billion, will go towards defence and security, according to budget documents published by the finance ministry. Under the 2025 plans, Kyiv will post an overall budget shortfall of $37 billion. By comparison, Moscows draft budget earmarks 13.5 trillion roubles ($125 billion at Thursdays exchange rate) for defence - and another 3.5 trillion roubles ($32 billion) for domestic security. In response, Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law Ukraines first wartime tax increase, raising the war tax for residents from 1.5 per cent currently paid on personal income to 5 per cent. 04:14 PM GMT EU to send Ukraine 18.1 billion in frozen Russian assets The European Union has signed a memorandum of understanding to provide 18.1 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine secured from frozen Russian assets. Vice President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis signed the agreement on behalf of the EU. Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: Such a step is not only support [for Ukraine] but also a precedent for holding Russia accountable for its crimes and starting the process of making the aggressor pay for its brutal war. Honoured to sign MoU with Ukraine on behalf of EU for 18.1 b in macro-financial assistance to help cover immediate needs. It is part of G7 initiative to support Ukraine using revenues from immobilised Russian assetsmaking sure that aggressor pays for damage it has caused. pic.twitter.com/j1EJDMsCcE Valdis Dombrovskis (@VDombrovskis) November 28, 2024 03:45 PM GMT Ukraine says it needs equipment more than manpower Kyiv has urged its partners to speed up military aid, saying quicker delivery of critical battlefield equipment was more important than drafting more men. We are now in the situation when we need more equipment to arm all the people that have already been mobilised, and we think the first priority is to send quicker, faster military aid, said Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesman for Ukraines foreign ministry. He made the remark during a press briefing in Kyiv, a day after a senior US official said Ukraine was not mobilising enough new soldiers and urged Kyiv to reduce the conscription age from 25 to 18. 03:26 PM GMT Putin concerned for Trumps safety Vladimir Putin has expressed concerns for Donald Trumps safety after assassination attempts during the presidential campaign. Speaking at a summit in Kazakhstan, the Russian president said he had been shocked by the absolutely uncivilised methods used to battle against Trump. In my opinion, he is not safe now, said Putin, adding: Unfortunately, in the history of the United States various incidents have happened. I think he is intelligent and I hope hes cautious and understands this. The Russian president added that not even bandits in Russia would stoop as low as some American political opponents in their revolting treatment of Mr Trumps family during the campaign. Donald Trump after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. on July 13 - EVAN VUCCI/AP 03:10 PM GMT Germany offers Patriot air defences to Poland Germany has offered to re-deploy Patriot air defence systems to Poland in the new year. The units could be deployed for up to six months, the German defence ministry said. With this we will protect a logistical hub in Poland which is of central importance for the delivery of materials to Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. Germany previously deployed 300 troops along with three Patriot units to Poland from January to November 2022, in response to fears of the war in Ukraine spilling over the border. 02:24 PM GMT Putin issues threats over arming Ukraine Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would use all weapons at its disposal against Ukraine if the war-torn nation became a nuclear power. The New York Times reported last week that some unidentified Western officials had suggested Joe Biden could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office. Speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin said: If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia. Everything: we will not allow it. Well be watching their every move. Vladimir Putin attends a press conference following the Collective Security Treaty Organisation summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov 28 - RAMIL SITDIKOV/POOL SPUTNIK KREMLIN 01:50 PM GMT Kyiv says Russian forces executed five Ukrainian soldiers Ukraine has accused Russian forces of shooting dead five Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered in the eastern Zaporizhzhia region. Prosecutors said the incident took place near the village of Novodarivka in the Pologiv district on 24 Nov. Servicemen of the Russian armed forces shot dead five Ukrainian defenders out of six who had been taken prisoner, a statement read. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said he had contacted the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) over the allegations. Moscow did not immediately respond to the accusations. 01:37 PM GMT New missile turns everything to dust says Putin Vladimir Putin has claimed the power of his new Oreshnik missile is comparable to the use of nuclear weapons and described the impact as like a meteorite. The Russian president said the intermediate range ballistic missile fell short of a weapon of mass destruction as its use without a nuclear warhead does not lead to radioactive contamination. The temperature of the striking elements reaches 4,000 degrees C, he said, according to the exiled Russian language news website Meduza, adding: This means that everything in the explosions epicentre is broken down into fractions, into elementary particles, essentially turning into dust. Russia first launched the Oreshnik at the city of Dnipro earlier this month. Credit: social media 01:17 PM GMT How many more need to die? asks Elon Musk Elon Musk has criticised the Biden administrations for urging Ukraine to lower the draft age from 25 to 18. The American billionaire, who has been picked by President-elect Donald Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, responded to a report from AP stating that the US was calling for Ukraine to permit conscription from the age of 18. How many more need to die? Mr Musk replied on X. 12:51 PM GMT Christians are not afraid of apocalypse, says head of Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has said there is no need to stir up fear over nuclear weapons, as Christians are not afraid of the end of the world. Fearmongering around possible apocalyptic scenarios, excessive alarmism and speculation on the nuclear issue are not useful from a spiritual point of view, he said according to Russian news outlet Agentstvo Novosti. Speaking at a plenary session of the XXVI World Russian Peoples Council, he continued: The enemy of humankind is trying to sow anxiety in the hearts of people ... because it is easier to manipulate a person deprived of the spiritual world. There is no need to play along with all this. Christians are not afraid of the so-called end of the world. We are waiting for the Lord Jesus, who will come to great glory, destroy evil and judge all nations. Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill during a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow on Nov 4, 2023 - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/AFP 12:25 PM GMT Zelensky discusses long-range capabilities with Starmer Volodymyr Zelensky has had a telephone conversation with Sir Keir Starmer to discuss Russias overnight attack on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the latest act of Russian air terror against Ukraines civilian infrastructure, the Ukrainian president wrote on Telegram, adding that particular attention was paid to the issue of further defence co-operation. Mr Zelensky said he was grateful to the UK for its large-scale support, in particular for its allocation of at least 3bn annually for the needs of Ukraine. The Ukrainian president said he reiterated his call for Ukraine to join the military alliance Nato, sought further development of long-range capabilities and discussed the possible participation of Ukraine in the Joint Expeditionary Force summit next month in Tallinn, Estonia. 11:43 AM GMT Who is Trumps new Ukraine peace envoy? Donald Trumps pick for special envoy to Ukraine once proposed cutting military aid to the country to force Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiating table, writes Joe Barnes. Keith Kellogg, 80, who served as chief of staff for the White House National Security Council during the Republicans first term, will play a leading role in resolving the conflict. Under a proposal presented to the president-elect in June, Lt Gen Kellogg suggested halting weapon supplies to Kyiv if the war-torn capital refused to engage in peace talks. Separately, Russia would be warned that not negotiating would result in increased military support for Ukraine. To further encourage Russian president Vladimir Putin, the US could agree to suspending the possibility of Nato membership for Kyiv. Lt Gen Kelloggs plan, which was co-authored alongside former Trump aide Fred Fleitz, called for the conflict to be frozen along its current front lines. Read the full story here. President Donald Trump, center, sits with retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg - AP 11:27 AM GMT Watch: Ukraine fires British Storm Shadow missile for first time Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets inside Russia for the first time last week. The long-range missiles were fired at a Russian military target in the village of Darino, Kursk. Ian_Matveev/X 10:59 AM GMT Russia cluster bomb attack hits Ukrainian power grid Russia bombed Ukraines power grid with cluster munitions in a despicable escalation, Volodymyr Zelesnky said. The Ukrainian president claimed the weapons, which can be indiscriminate in their targeting, were used to strike several regions. This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics, Mr Zelensky said. 10:47 AM GMT Russia ramping up missile production, says Putin Russias production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the NATO military alliance by 10 times, Vladimir Putin has claimed. The Russian president said Moscow had plans to ramp up production further after Ukraine was given permission to strike Western long-range missiles at Russia. He said while Ukrainian leaders were begging their masters for other military equipment, Russias production of hypersonic missile systems was in full swing. Putin also said Russias Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at a Ukrainian city last week, is incapable of being intercepted. Vladimir Putin attends the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Astana, Kazakhstan - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/REUTERS 10:37 AM GMT Watch: Russian Su-34 bomber flies at Ukraine Russias defence ministry has released footage showing a Russian Su-34 bomb taking off towards an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Footage shows the fighter jet releasing a bomb at an undisclosed location. Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation 10:13 AM GMT In pictures: Aftermath of Russian attack Firefighters work at a site of a Russian missile strike on Ukraines Volyn region - REUTERS A damaged house following a missile attack at an undisclosed location in Odesa - AFP 10:02 AM GMT Russia orchestrating campaign of terror, says Ukrainian MP Russia is targeting Ukraines power grid as part of its wider campaign of terror, a Ukrainian MP has told The Telegraph. Oleksiy Goncharenko, the MP for Odesa, said Russia hoped to cause blackouts in order to influence people and push for concessions. Mr Goncharenko called on Western allies to provide Ukraine with more air defences and long-range missiles to strike Russian military bases that are used to launch attacks against Ukraine. He told us the situation is not as severe in Odesa this morning as it was after a massive attack earlier this month, but said some Ukrainians were still experiencing blackouts. 09:40 AM GMT Pictured: Blackout hits Ukraine after attack on power grid Around one million Ukrainians have been left without power 09:21 AM GMT Russia returns seven children to Ukraine Russia returned seven children to Ukraine following mediation efforts by Qatar, state media reported on Thursday. Qatar has acted as a mediator several times between Russia and Ukraine to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children since the start of the war. 09:10 AM GMT US pressures Ukraine to lower conscription age Ukraine should consider lowering the age of military service for its soldiers from 25 to 18, a senior US administration official said. Ukraine was not mobilising or training enough new soldiers to replace those lost on the battlefield, the official who spoke anonymously said. The need right now is manpower, he said. The Russians are in fact making progress, steady progress, in the east, and they are beginning to push back Ukrainian lines in Kursk ... Mobilisation and more manpower could make a significant difference at this time as we look at the battlefield today. 08:35 AM GMT Several nuclear power units disconnected after attack Ukraine has disconnected several nuclear power units from the network due to Russias attack on the countrys energy infrastructure. The attack has left at least one million people across western Ukraine without any power. 08:11 AM GMT Ukraines energy infrastructure dealt hard blow Russias massive attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Thursday dealt a hard blow, a source inside Ukraines energy ministry told Reuters. Moscow used a lot of cluster munitions in the attack, the source added. Cluster munitions are devices filled with smaller explosives that can be sprayed across a wider area. 08:01 AM GMT In pictures: worried residents shelter amid Russian attack A woman comforts a child in Kyiv metro station - REUTERS A man sits with an elderly woman and a cat in Kyiv metro station amid Russias massive energy attack - REUTERS 07:48 AM GMT Europe at war with Russia, says former MI6 head Europe is already in an actual war with Russia, the former head of MI6 has said. I think we have to face up to the fact that the Russians think theyre in a state of war with us, Richard Dearlove said. It followed comments by Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, that Europe was in a pre-war situation. I think hes wrong. I think its an actual war, Mr Dearlove added. 07:34 AM GMT One million without power At least one million Ukrainians are without power after Russias massive attack on the countrys energy infrastructure. The attacks cut power to 523,000 consumers in Lviv region, about 215,000 in Volyn region and over 280,000 in Rivne region, their governors reported on the Telegram messaging app. 07:22 AM GMT Kyiv air defence working, says mayor Kyivs air defence was working amid Russias massive attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure, the citys mayor said on Thursday. Air raid alerts were in place across Ukraine in the early hours on Thursday morning. Once again, the energy sector is under massive enemy attack. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place across Ukraine, German Galushchenko, Ukraines energy minister, said. 07:20 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. Well be bringing you the latest news and analysis from the conflict throughout the day. Roughly 9.5 million people voted in the first round of the Romanian presidential election. Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock Romanias top court has ordered a recount of votes in the first round of the countrys presidential election to rule out fraud. The presidential office said separately that officials had detected online efforts to influence the vote, which was won by a little-known far-right candidate. The court said on Thursday it had decided unanimously to order Romanias central electoral bureau to recheck and recount all valid and invalid ballots cast in Sundays election, won by the Moscow-friendly ultranationalist Calin Georgescu. The presidency said officials had reported cyberattacks aimed at influencing the correctness of the electoral process in Sundays vote and noted a growing interest on the part of Russia to influence the public agenda in Romanian society. In a statement issued after a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence, the presidency also alleged that the social media platform TikTok had not respected legal rules regulating the electoral process. Without naming Georgescu, the statement suggested he benefited from massive exposure due to preferential treatment granted by the platform, which did not mark him as a political candidate. It added that necessary steps should be taken. TikTok has previously dismissed such allegations, saying it enforces guidelines against election misinformation and most candidates campaigned on its platform and on others. A spokesperson on Thursday said in reference to Georgescus account: It is categorically false to claim that his account was treated differently from those of other candidates. The news website Digi24 reported that the constitutional courts recount order related to an allegation of fraud over votes awarded to the centre-right candidate Elena Lasconi, who finished second and is due to face Georgescu in the runoff on 8 December. That complaint called for the court to annul the first-round result, something it will decide on at a meeting on Friday. A separate allegation of electoral fraud made against Georgescu was rejected on the grounds that it was submitted too late. The central election bureau was to meet later on Thursday to discuss the courts ruling, but its president, Toni Grebla, told Romanian media that once the official request had been received it could take days to recount the roughly 9.5m votes. Observers have said the ruling risks diminishing the credibility of Romanias state institutions in the run up to the parliamentary ballot and presidential runoff, viewed as critical to the future direction of a hitherto reliable EU and Nato ally. It will also add to the turmoil surrounding the first round of voting, which Georgescu, who was polling at about 5% days before the vote, won comfortably after a campaign heavily based on viral TikTok videos reportedly boosted by bot-like activity. On Wednesday, the deputy head of the countrys telecoms regulator, Ancom, said it was calling for the suspension of TikTok, a Chinese-owned platform, from Thursday, pending an investigation into possible election manipulation. Pavel Popescu said the call was based on evidence of manipulation of the electoral process. Romanias national defence council is also analysing potential national security risks from cyber state and non-state entities in the electoral process. In addition, the national audiovisual council, CNA, has called on the European Commission to investigate TikToks role, saying it suspected manipulation of public opinion and algorithmic amplification of posts favouring a particular candidate. In October, the constitutional court banned another far-right politician from running in the presidential election in a decision that many analysts, civil rights groups and some political parties said had overstepped its powers. Lasconi on Thursday condemned the courts decision, saying it was interfering in the democratic process for the second time. She added: One combats extremism through votes, not backstage games. Georgescu has called for an end to the war in Ukraine, denied the existence of Covid-19, described two second world war-era Romanian fascists as national heroes and claimed that in foreign affairs Romania would benefit from Russian wisdom. In emotional remarks after the verdict, Dmitry Talantov said that he had effectively been served a death sentence - Aleksandr Kazakov/Kommersant/Sipa US/Alamy A Russian lawyer who represented opponents of Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Dmitry Talantov, 63, was found guilty of spreading fake news about the Russian army, based on five social media posts he made at the start of the war criticising the invasion. In emotional remarks after the verdict, Mr Talantov said that he had effectively been served a death sentence. It seems to me that today it is not at all scary to die, today it is scary to live. But you need to live, I am sure of this, you must live, he said. The lawyer added that it was unlikely that he would survive a long stint in prison, which he said was designed to kill off the opponents of the regime. Mr Talantov was arrested in July 2022 and has already spent more than two years in prison waiting for his trial. He described how the Russian national anthem would play twice a day, followed by a staunchly pro-Kremlin radio show. He described his conditions in the prison as a being like the Middle Ages with only a hole for a lavatory and a tap, saying time kills a person in isolation. His voice breaking, he addressed his wife, saying: Olga, forgive me, I love you. Mr Talantov had called Russian forces rape and pillage through Bucha, north of Kiyv, and the carpet bombing of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, Nazi practices. As well as defending critics of Putins invasion of Ukraine, Mr Talantov also acted as the lawyer for Ivan Safronov, a journalist who was sent to prison for 22 years in 2022 on trumped-up treason charges. Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights, called Mr Talantovs imprisonment a scandal and demanded his release. Talantov must be released immediately and exonerated of all criminal responsibility, as acts such as expressing a non-violent opinion or peaceful dissent against the war are protected by international human rights law, she said. Protests against Putins war in Ukraine are illegal in Russia and trigger lengthy sentences. Vanya Gaberova is on trial alongside Katrin Ivanova and Tihomir Ivanchev A Russian spy ring plotted high-level espionage including honey-trapping their targets from their base in the UK, the Old Bailey has heard. Five Bulgarians plotted a series of operations, which included sophisticated surveillance on an US air base that they believed was being used to train Ukrainian soldiers. Members of the gang even discussed kidnapping one of their targets and taking him to Moscow or killing him, the court heard. Ringleader Orlin Roussev, 46, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, have already admitted conspiring to spy with a Russian agent using the alias Rupert Ticz, whom the prosecution allege is Jan Marsalek, an Austrian, between 2020 and 2023. Orlin Roussev, 46, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, have both pleaded guilty to conspiring with a Russian agent Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, all deny the same charge. The jurors heard that the case involves a love triangle as both women were in a relationship with Dzhambazov. Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, said they used sophisticated surveillance of people and places, including manufacturing and using false identities and deploying advanced technologies to acquire information. They were paid significant sums of money and evidence shows hundreds of thousands of pounds going to the ring. When they were arrested, they were found with 221 mobile phones, almost 500 Sim cards, dozens of recording devices, 11 drones, three IMSI grabbers which can be used to intercept data from devices being used nearby 91 bank cards and 75 passports. Marsalek, who can properly be described as a Russian agent and was acting as an intermediary for the Russian intelligence services, set the tasks for Roussev, the court heard. He then passed orders on to the other Bulgarians and Dzhambazov ran operations on the ground, it was said. Jan Marsalek is an Austrian national who can properly be described as a Russian agent One of the six operations that will be detailed in front of jurors will be surveillance at the Patch Barracks, a US Military Base in Stuttgart in Germany, in late 2022, during Russias invasion of Ukraine. The reason why it is so interesting to Russia is because it is believed to be a place where Ukrainian soldiers are being trained by US forces, Ms Morgan said. So what was being contemplated is going to the base and gathering highly sensitive information using highly sophisticated tech to find out who is there on the base and to get as many personal details as they can about the people inside that base. They planned to use cellular network interception devices, which is equipment of highest level of sophistication, she added. There are almost 80,000 messages between Roussev and Marsalek, which Ms Morgan said contain frequent references to various parts of the Russian intelligence services, including the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation [GRU], the Federal Security Service [FSB] and the committee for State Security [KGB] and refer to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president. Another operation involved targeting Christo Grozev, who was the lead investigator on Russian affairs for Bellingcat. He is considered an opponent by the Kremlin as his work includes uncovering Russian links to the 2018 Salisbury attack, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, the opposition leader, events relating to the downing of MH17, the Malaysian Airlines plane shot down over Ukraine in 2014, and the activities of intelligence agencies. Mr Grozev was informed in 2022 by the Austrian authorities that information was being compiled on him for Russia and the threat against him is perceived as such that he now lives apart from his family. Around the same time, the Bulgarians followed Mr Grozev in Montenegro, Valencia in Spain and Vienna in Austria, passed this information back to Marsalek and discussed the tactical options that could be used against him. Espionage and deceit Marsalek and Roussev discussed robbing him of his laptop or phone and taking it to the Russian Embassy, burning his property, putting him under surveillance, kidnapping him and taking him to Moscow or possibly killing him, and infiltrating Bellingcat, the court heard. They put him under surveillance, which began in earnest in late July 2021 and included watching his home and mapping his routes and activities. The evidence, which will be heard over the course of the trial and is due to run until February, shows high levels of espionage with high levels of deceit, it is alleged. They were in positions of proximity to targets, following them on aircraft, even envisaging the possibility of direct contact, for example by female defendants being used as a honey trap, as sexual bait to capture more information from the targets, Ms Morgan explained. It was high risk and it was highly sophisticated. The defendants earned significant sums for what they were doing. The court heard that the defendants in the dock at the Old Bailey may try to use their relationships as a defence to the conspiracy charge. Both Ms Ivanova and Ms Gaberova were in a relationship with Dzhambazov, and Mr Ivanchev and Ms Gaberova had previously been in a relationship. Bizer Dzhambazov, who pleaded guilty to conspiring with a Russian agent, with Katrin Ivanova, who has denied involvement Ms Morgan said: They may each, in different ways, seek to rely on their relationships to somehow suggest that they were in some way misled, or that they were blindly following others or simply following others around Europe out of love or dedication. The prosecutions case is that they were all knowingly involved in this conspiracy. This is not the sort of activity that you carry out simply because of romantic relationships. Ms Morgan said that even if the defendants were financially motivated and did not share Russian ideology or support Vladimir Putin they can still be guilty of the offence if they knew that what they were doing was for the benefit of Russia. The group also allegedly plotted to stage a demonstration outside the Kazakh Embassy in September 2022 to create a pretence that they were in possession of genuine intelligence about those responsible so they could pass it to the Kazakh secret service to gain favour on behalf of Russia. They targeted Bergey Ryskaliyev, a former Kazakh politician who has been the subject of politically motivated criminal charges, Roman Dobrokhotov, the editor of the Russian investigative media site The Insider, and Kirill Kachur, a Russian lawyer. Katrin Ivanova denies possessing false identity documents including passports for a multitude of countries - LinkedIn They were targeting people and places, where the information that they obtained would be of particular use to Russia. It was highly sensitive information, Ms Morgan said. By gathering the information and passing it on to the Russian State, the defendants were putting many lives at risk. By conducting activity of this type, planned on UK soil, these defendants were acting in a way that was prejudicial to the safety and interests of the UK. The court heard that not all the defendants were involved in all of the operations, but each person in the dock played a role in at least two. Ms Ivanova, from Harrow, North West London, denies possessing false identity documents, including British, French, Italian, Greek, Czech, Slovenian, Croatian and Bulgarian passports, along with a Spanish residence permit and other identity cards, residence permits and driving licences. The trial continues on Monday. The Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, seen here canvassing in Naas, Co Kildare, said the improving poll figures suggested we can have a government led by Sinn Fein. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Sinn Fein, the former political wing of the IRA, is hoping to stage a last-minute revival in the Irish general election after polls put it ahead of the party led by the taoiseach, Simon Harris. Ahead of Fridays election, the party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has said she sees a path to victory, after polls this week showed Harriss centre-right Fine Gael dropping from first to third place and the progressive, populist, leftwing Sinn Fein moving into second behind Fine Gaels government coalition partner, Fianna Fail. Its now very clear that there can be government beyond Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, that for the first time we can have a government led by Sinn Fein, said McDonald this week. The confident tone marks a mood change for Sinn Fein, which entered the three-week election campaign battered and bruised by a disastrous set of local election results in the summer, where it picked up just 12% of first preference votes, confounding expectations of a landslide. The party is keen to capitalise on the missteps that have characterised the usually popular Harriss campaign, dominated in recent days by an angry encounter with a care worker. However, analysts said the newfound optimism was unlikely to yield a breakthrough. They have come into their own on the campaign. Mary Lou McDonald has performed well in both TV debates, said Gail McElroy, professor of political science at Trinity College Dublin. Related: Irelands election: the parties, the voting, the issues and the likely result But the party would only do well at the expense of other leftwing candidates and parties, she said. And McDonald who succeeded Gerry Adams as Sinn Fein president in 2018, becoming the leftist partys first leader not connected to Northern Irelands Troubles was very unlikely to become Irelands first female taoiseach, for now at least. In 2020, when there was last a general election, Sinn Fein won the most first preference votes, albeit placing second in terms of seats won. In the years that followed, polls showed the party soaring to about 35% of the vote, which appeared to put it within touching distance of progressing its 100-year goal of a united Ireland. But its popularity has since plunged over unclear immigration policies, the housing crisis and a string of scandals. Support for unification has stalled. Now, the party finds itself on about 20% of the vote, according to an Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll released on Monday. About 88 seats are needed to form a majority and, with no party expected to get more than 40 seats, another coalition appears inevitable. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have both ruled out forming a coalition with Sinn Fein, making McDonalds vow to form a government highly unlikely to be fulfilled. Central to the challenges Sinn Fein faces is the tension between the political forces within the party, McElroy said. Unlike many nationalist parties in the rest of the EU such as the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland in Germany and the National Rally in France socialist ideology is at Sinn Feins core. Migration is a really difficult issue for them. Sinn Fein are unusual in that they are a leftwing nationalist party, she said. Typically, nationalist parties tend to be on the right and nativist happy to redistribute money but only to people of a given nationality. Sinn Fein, on the other hand, have quite a socialist economic agenda, which is at odds with that. They are also reasonably liberal in the republic which creates a tension in the party, she added. Those tensions have been particularly exposed this year with a significant rise in the number of people coming to Ireland from the Middle East and elsewhere, requesting asylum. An estimated 16,000 people have lodged such claims this year, compared with approximately 9,000 in 2023. Small far-right parties have so far failed to make a political breakthrough but are more noticeable than ever. Several independent candidates are running on anti-immigration tickets in next weeks election. You have all these independents who can espouse whatever views are popular on the ground in areas where there are asylum seekers or hostels are going to be established. Sinn Fein have had to lean to the right on this, adds McElroy. Richard Colwell, founder of polling company Red C, said Sinn Feins historic popularity had been based on shaky ground. If you look at 2020, it was a kind of flaky support. The gains Sinn Fein made were very much based on anyone but Fine Gael or Fianna Fail. It was an anti-establishment vote that crystallised around Sinn Fein. But the problem was, if you dug in beneath those views, people didnt actually have the same policy views or attitudes as Sinn Fein at all, said Colwell. In the well-heeled Phibsboro in McDonalds Dublin Central constituency, Aaron, who voted Sinn Fein in the last general election and declined to give his surname, was unimpressed with the partys tilt to the right on immigration. I dont like their recent moves to populism. We need a rational conversation about immigration and a sensible discussion about the future of this country without surrendering to the bigots and the rabble-rousers that seem to have sway at the moment, he said. Rebekah Garza, court reporter for County Court 2, works on editing a transcript in court on Nov. 25. Uncompetitive pay, the pandemic and a lack of awareness about the court reporter profession have played a role in the shortage of court reporters in Bexar County. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rebekah Garza, court reporter for County Court 2, uses a stenography machine to record court proceedings on Nov. 25. There's a shortage of court reporters in Bexar County. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rebekah Garza, court reporter for County Court 2, uses a stenography machine to record court proceedings as a defendant appears before Judge Melissa Saenz, not pictured, on Nov. 25. The court reporter shortage in Bexar County is blamed on multiple factors. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rebekah Garza, court reporter for County Court 2, right, chats with Assistant District Attorney Kristin Moller, left, are seen during a slow moment in court on Nov. 25, 2024. Bexar County court officials are grappling with a shortage of court reporters. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rebekah Garza, court reporter for County Court 2, left, chats with Assistant District Attorney Kristin Moller, right, enjoy a slow moment in court on Nov. 25. Bexar County court officials say there is a shortage of court reporters. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rebekah Garza, court reporter for County Court 2, edits an ordered court transcript on Nov. 20. The text on the right is what she types using a stenography machine. It is translated into English on the left. There is a shortage of court reporters at the Bexar County courthouse. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Exhibit stickers are seen on the desk of court reporter Rebekah Garza in County Court 2 on Nov. 20. Part of Garzas job responsibilities include labeling and keeping inventory of the evidence. There aren't enough court reporters in Bexar County. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Some courtroom proceedings in Bexar County are being postponed because there are no court reporters on hand, a problem thats straining courts across the country. Uncompetitive pay and too few people making a career of court reporting have led to a shortage thats worsened in the last year in Bexar County and across the country. Court proceedings cant happen without court reporters. They sit beside the judges bench with a stenograph machine, typing whats said in the courtroom word-for-word, at speeds that exceed 200 words per minute. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Their real-time transcriptions allow judges to follow the cases as they unfold, ensuring that every detail is preserved for the official record. Bexar County court officials who are working to address the shortage acknowledge the job is challenging. It requires specialized training and skills and working long hours in a high-stress environment. 'A showstopper' The task of ensuring there are enough court reporters to cover every court session falls to the Bexar Countys Criminal District Court Administration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ana Amici, general administrative counsel for the criminal district court administration, said every court has its own court reporter. There are also swing court reporters who work among the courts, as well as a list of freelance court reporters whom they routinely call. But on any given day, multiple court reporters take personal time off or take off for emergency situations, Amici said. With just two unplanned absences, her office is scrambling. We might have to tell a court that theres no court reporter and that is our worst nightmare, Amici said. On average, Amicis office cant staff a court reporter in about one court a month. When that happens, the court must cancel its docket. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It is a showstopper, Amici said. Administrative district court Judge Ron Rangel said the court reporter shortage worsened after the pandemic. Like in other industries, court reporters grew accustomed to working from home, and they were less interested in traveling to work every day, he said. Theres been a realignment in the work-life balance concept, Rangel said. Court reporters can have very demanding hours within the court system. The profession is emotionally challenging as well, Rangel said. After trials involving violence crimes, such as child homicides, some court reporters have sought professional counseling. District court Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl, the presiding officer for the states Court Reporters Certification Advisory Board, said the shortage of court reporters could get even worse soon, as many are expected to retire soon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad High pay without a four-year degree Court reporting is one of the few high-paying professions that dont require a four-year degree. Court reporters must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, pass the state certification exam, and pass a state and federal criminal history background check. There are programs at two-year colleges and trade schools to help prepare for the state certification exam. Official court reporters in Bexar County can earn more than $10,000 a month and full benefits such as the court reporter job listed for the 187th Criminal District Court. The position requires state certification and applicants must be able to report court testimony at 225 words per minute at 95% accuracy, among other requirements. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Non-salary court reporters are paid a daily rate of $500 a day. Torres-Stahl said Bexar County has raised its daily rates to compete with rural counties that have historically paid their court reporters a little more. She said rural counties are not experiencing the same shortages experienced in urban counties. She said current shortages might also be happening because people simply dont consider court reporting as a profession, possibly because it isnt adequately marketed. But Rangel said although the pay is high, Bexar County still doesnt pay enough to be competitive with the private sector. We dont pay as a governmental entity the same rate that (court reporters) would get paid in a private setting, so its difficult to lure them over, Rangel said. Court reporters hired by law firms for depositions can make more money per day than those who work in the courthouse. For example, San Antonio-based law firm Packard Law said a court reporter can make $2,000 for a five-hour deposition. Freelance court reporters can also get paid an appearance fee by law firms if a deposition is canceled the day of. 'Critical human element' The county is already trying to address the court reporter shortage by incorporating voice writers, people who speak into a microphone instead of a stenograph machine so that a software program can transcribe whats said in the courtroom. Torres-Stahl said Bexar County court officials are trying to steer away from non-human technology, such as AI and digital recorders, that cant interpret non-verbal communication in the courtroom. I think most people agree that we want to stay away from that, Torres-Stahl said. We have to be very careful when were looking at what types of methods were using. Kensie Benoit, who works as court reporter for the 290th District Court, said there is a huge concern about the idea of AI technology replacing court reporters in the future. Court reporters bring a critical human element to the courtroom, Beniot said. Were the people there when tensions are high and everyone wants the last word, and were the people there when we have a sobbing witness on the stand and we need clarification we believe those are essential moments where technology can fall short. In San Antonio, theres a potential pipeline of new human court reporters that could help fill the gap. San Antonio College offers an associate degree program that students can finish within 18-36 months. The college also offers a shorter certificate program to become a transcriptionist or a scopist, which assists court reporters with their transcripts. SAC is one of only two colleges in Texas that offer a court reporting program approved by the National Association of Court Reporters. Its also one of a handful of colleges that offer in-person classes for court reporting. Leonard Lira, chair of the Department of Public Policy and Service at San Antonio College, said the program was revitalized after the department saw a need in the community to hire more court reporters. The program has grown by 545% in under two years. When Lira became chair of the program in 2022, there were two full-time faculty members and as few as 60 students. Last semester, the program grew to 387, Lira said. SAC shares on its website the salary range, which it lists at $19,687 $186,345, and how many jobs are currently available: 112. Full-time court reporters at the Bexar County Courthouse earn $108,000 base pay, with full benefits, the website states. The annual median salary for a court reporter in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is $83,280. Job openings for court reporters outnumber job seekers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Lira said using the salary potential in Bexar County to market the program is working. Thats caused a huge interest in court reporting. People are trying to figure out how to become a court reporter, Lira said. Our enrollment has spiked. Inspiring more court reporters Even Bexar County court reporters are trying to inspire the next wave of court reporters. Benoit has been promoting the profession on her Instagram page by sharing other court reporters success stories and providing resources on how to get started in the career. She has posted dozens of first-hand accounts from court reporters all over the country who have successfully entered the profession. Benoit has been working with a group of other local court reporters to promote a free online introduction to court reporting class provided by the National Court Reporting Association that allows people to learn about the profession before committing to a program. Some local court reporters donated stenography machines so students in the program can rent them for the free introductory class. We can never stop trying to inspire people to come and join us, whether in freelance or at the courthouse, Beniot said. I think thats where the mark was missed, and thats why we are in this situation. For Kristin Anderson, a former court reporter in Bexar County who is a former president of the National Court Reporting Association and now works in Denton, the job is personally fulfilling. She said being the person in the courtroom to preserve whats happening is the most rewarding part about being a court reporter. A pensioner warms his hands on a heater All Scottish pensioners are to receive a winter fuel payment of at least 100 from next year after SNP ministers staged a partial about-turn on cutting the benefit. Shirley Anne-Somerville, the SNPs Social Justice Secretary, said she would table regulations at Holyrood to reintroduce a universal payment for the winter of 2025-26. She said poorer pensioners in receipt of pension credit would continue to receive either 200 or 300, depending on their age, while wealthier OAPs would receive 100 each. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, she insisted that the SNP Government had initially had no choice but to follow the Chancellors decision to means-test the benefit in England and Wales. Shirley-Anne Somerville, the SNPs Social Justice Secretary - Jane Barlow/PA Ms Somerville said this had resulted in a 147 million cut to the Scottish Governments funding through the Barnett formula, and argued the 100 payment was support that will not be available elsewhere in the UK. But the Tories said the initial cut was a political choice by the SNP and accused Ms Somerville of trying to hoodwink pensioners by pretending she was reinstating the full 200 or 300 winter fuel payment. The announcement also did not affect this winter, when the benefit will only go to 130,000 Scottish OAPs in receipt of Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits 900,000 fewer than last year. John Swinneys SNP Government had initially planned to unveil extra support for pensioners in next weeks Scottish Budget but were bounced into moving forward the announcement. Scottish Labour lodged a series of amendments to legislation that were due to be voted on the day before the Budget that would have reintroduced a payment for the majority of pensioners. Ms Somerville told MSPs that pensioners in receipt of relevant qualifying benefits would continue to receive the full winter fuel payment, control over which was recently devolved to Holyrood. And additionally we will introduce universal payments to every other pensioner household of 100, she said. That ensures that those pensioners in receipt of pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive a higher rate amount of support, protecting their incomes, whilst also ensuring the provision of support to all pensioner households, support that will not be available anywhere else in the UK. She added: We have not taken this decision lightly given the significant pressures on the Scottish Governments budget. But this Scottish Government is determined to stay true to our values. On our watch, we treat people in this country with fairness, dignity and respect. We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter and we will continue to protect pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour Government. Ms Somerville made the announcement after Rachel Reevess recent UK Budget resulted in the Scottish Government getting a total 4.9 billion of extra spending this year and next. SNP ministers will be handed 20 per cent more funding per person than the equivalent UK spending thanks to the Barnett formula. Liz Smith, the Scottish Tories shadow social security secretary, said it was simply not true for ministers to argue that they had absolutely no choice but to leave pensioners out in the cold by cutting the benefit. She said: This is some shameless spin from the SNP. Despite trying to talk this decision up to pensioners, the reality is that this will be a cut for many of them and help still wont be coming this winter. SNP ministers are trying to hoodwink people into believing they are on their side when they havent delivered the support they need. She added: They would like them to forget that they were prepared to shamefully follow Labours lead, and shouldnt be acting like they have delivered an early Christmas present for pensioners. Sir Keir Starmer accused the Tories of using Brexit to turn Britain into an open borders experiment after it was revealed that net migration hit a record high of nearly one million last year. On a day when revised figures showed net migration reached 906,000 in 2023, the Prime Minister pledged to announce plans imminently to reduce companies reliance on foreign workers. Speaking at a hastily-arranged Downing Street press conference, he said he wanted to reduce net migration significantly as he blamed the Tories for allowing it to get completely out of control, with numbers quadrupling since 2019 before Brexit. Failure on this scale isnt just bad luck. It isnt a global trend or taking your eye off the ball. No, this is a different order of failure. This happened by design, not accident, he said. Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration. Brexit was used for that purpose to turn Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders. His comments came hours after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revised its figures for net migration the number entering the UK minus those leaving for the year ending last June from 740,000 to a record high of 906,000. This surpassed previous estimates of the record high of 764,000 for the year ending December 2022. The ONS said the revisions resulted from more data becoming available, better analysis of the number of refugees from Ukraine and improved information on the migration behaviour of people arriving from outside the EU. The figures did, however, confirm that net migration was falling, down 20 per cent to 728,000 in the year ending this June, largely due to Tory measures including a ban on foreign workers and students bringing dependants, and increases to the skilled worker salary threshold. They came after Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, admitted her party had failed on migration, saying there had been a collective failure of political leaders from all parties over decades to grasp the issue. I more than understand the public anger on this issue. I share it, she said. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, told The Telegraph: Today is a day of shame for the Conservative Party. Our handling of immigration let the country down badly. The public are right to be furious. Repairing the damage wont be easy. We will only begin to rebuild trust once we own up to our failures and fundamentally change. Referring to Mrs Badenochs speech, Sir Keir said the chorus of excuses had begun, but not the explanation that the British people are owed. The Prime Minister said the Government would reform the points-based immigration system to require companies employing foreign workers to also train British people. Under a white paper to be published in the new year, bad bosses who breach visa rules or employment law such as paying their workers below the minimum wage will be banned for up to two years from recruiting foreign staff. He said: Let me say directly to the people watching, where the last government failed you, this one will not. They drove immigration numbers up. We will get them down. However, Sir Keir refused to set an arbitrary figure on when or by how much net migration would be reduced, and said he was not prepared to set an arbitrary cap on numbers. The days of fiction and pretending there are easy answers are over. These are the days of hard graft, he said. Asked about the cultural impact on communities of such large numbers of migrants entering the UK, Sir Keir declined to comment, instead pointing to the need to boost skills training to reduce the need for foreign workers. Home Office figures showed the cost of the UKs asylum system has risen to 5 billion the highest level of spending on record, and up by more than a third in a year. The number of migrants being accommodated in hotels also jumped by 20 per cent from 29,585 to 35,651 in the three months to September, after Labour won the election. Sir Keir said: We must bring the cost of asylum down and we have a manifesto pledge to bring the cost of hotels down, to end the use of hotels, which we are driving hard at. The way to do that is to increase the processing of claims. Among the reasons that so many people are in hotels is for a long time the claims werent being processed. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: We know the numbers are too high and that is why Kemi Badenoch has set out that under her leadership, we will learn from past mistakes and adopt a new approach, to lower immigration. This means a strict cap on numbers, making citizenship a privilege not a right, zero tolerance for foreign criminals and an effective legal deterrent for illegal migration. It is abundantly clear that Keir Starmer, a man who believes immigration controls are racist, has no plan and no desire to tackle the high levels of legal migration, nor will he confront illegal migration. Starmer has no credibility on this issue. He has ruled out a legal migration cap and, since he became Prime Minister, Channel boat crossings are up 23 per cent. And we learnt today that 6,000 more asylum seekers are in hotels despite Starmers promise to end hotel use. On Thursday night Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the Conservatives had failed badly on immigration. The former business secretary disputed Sir Keir Starmers claim that the policy constituted an open borders experiment, but took responsibility for the failure to reduce numbers. He told the BBCs Question Time: There was not an open borders experiment, but immigration policy failed and it failed very badly. It failed to do what the British people had wanted. 05:30 PM GMT Thats all for this evening Thank you for joining our live coverage of Sir Keir Starmers press conference on migration as the Prime Minister significantly stepped up his rhetoric on the issue. We will be back tomorrow bringing you all the latest as MPs debate the assisted dying Bill. 05:25 PM GMT Philp: Starmer has no plan or desire to tackle illegal migration The shadow home secretary has given short shrift to Sir Keir Starmers migration speech. Chris Philp said in the past few minutes: If Keir Starmer really cared about bringing down net migration, he would not have suspended our increase to the family visa salary threshold and scrapped the deterrent the National Crime Agency said we needed, which were part of our reforms to bring down the numbers down. Keir Starmer has no credibility on this issue. He has ruled out a legal migration cap and since he became Prime Minister channel boat crossings are up 23 per cent. And we learnt today that 6,000 more asylum seekers are in hotels - despite Starmers promise to end hotel use. We know the numbers are too high and that is why Kemi Badenoch has set out that under her leadership, we will learn from past mistakes and adopt a new approach, to lower immigration. This means a strict cap on numbers, making citizenship a privilege not a right, zero tolerance for foreign criminals and an effective legal deterrent for illegal migration. It is abundantly clear that Keir Starmer, a man who believes immigration controls are racist, has no plan and no desire to tackle the high levels of legal migration, nor will he confront illegal migration. 05:15 PM GMT Were reflecting on what voters told us On being asked about Nigel Farages tough talk on migration, shadow Tory minister Matt Vickers told LBC: I think its about being realistic, actually. One of the reasons Labour are in there with a stonking majority... is because the vote was split. We had let people down, we were sent a message by the electorate. Were now taking that message, were seeing what they have to say to us, reflecting on that and thats why the first major statement by Kemi was on this issue. 05:12 PM GMT Tory shadow minister: We made huge mistakes on migration Matt Vickers, a shadow Home Office minister, acknowledged the last government made mistakes and there was more to do. Mr Vickers told LBC: This is a guy who voted against every single measure put forward to toughen up our immigration system. This is a guy who voted against tougher sentences for people smugglers, those vile individuals. Like Kemi, I would tell you that the last government made mistakes, the last few governments have made mistakes and Im right upfront about that. There was some progress being made. The measures that we put in place on legal migration have brought it down by 20 per cent... But there was more to do. We were talking about a deterrent, everyone talks about a deterrent, in fact. He added: The huge amount, the actual numbers coming across, is grim, is unacceptable and people are being let down by that... It was a failure to get a grip on these numbers, there were huge mistakes made. 05:03 PM GMT More can be done to smash the gangs, say Starmer and Scholz A Downing Street spokesman has given details of a call between Sir Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor. The spokesman said: The Prime Minister began by updating on the UKs latest immigration statistics published this morning and set out his determination to continue working together to reduce illegal migration. Both leaders agreed more could be done to smash the gangs in Europe and intercept smuggling gangs trading in human life. Germany was a vital partner in supporting that action, the Prime Minister added. Discussing progress on the joint action plan to tackle illegal migration, the leaders looked forward to signing the overarching treaty, which the action plan underpinned, in the coming months. Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated on his call with President Zelenskyy this morning, and said he was focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter. The leaders agreed to stay in close touch. 04:32 PM GMT Labour: Were taking back control of our borders Labour has shared a graphic showing an increase of almost one-fifth in enforced returns of people who do not have a legal right to remain in the UK. The party said: The Tories lost control of our borders. Labour is taking it back. The Tories lost control of our borders. Labour is taking it back. pic.twitter.com/0yxD25VZmn The Labour Party (@UKLabour) November 28, 2024 04:16 PM GMT Labour MP Mike Tapp: We will deliver secure borders 03:52 PM GMT Starmer declines to criticise stats watchdog over migration figures Sir Keir Starmer declined to criticise the Office for National Statistics (ONS) over repeated revisions to its immigration figures. I think its really important that we resist the temptation to see the problem in these figures as lying with the ONS, he said. Because these are the revised figures. Theyre there for all to see and whats shocking about them is not that theyve been revised, whats shocking about them is the sheer figures. You have to double take when you see an increase of 184,000 to 906,000 in four years. If we think about the previous decade or more in terms of the sorts of numbers we were talking about, whats shocking is not the way the figures are arrived at. This is one of those occasions, a bit like the 22bn, a bit like the prisons are overfull, where the shock through the system is the sheer size of the number and the sheer loss of control under the last government. 03:49 PM GMT Prime Minister: We need to devolve skills in Britain Sir Keir Starmer was asked about incentives and sanctions, and whether he was offering British jobs for British workers. He replied: I think for too long weve had this over-reliance on the easy answer of recruiting from abroad and thats got to change and its a two-way street. We want to support employers, of course we do, we want to grow the economy and I dont want to make it more difficult for businesses. But at the same time and as Ive said to them previously, they have to be involved in ensuring weve got the skills in this country in the places that we need them. That will come partly by devolving skills, getting more employers and local representatives involved in the skills strategies that we need. And so it is right that we have the skills available to people who live here, the opportunities that they want to develop their working lives and give the employers the skills that they need near them for the jobs that they need doing. 03:46 PM GMT Keir Starmer: Britains skills shortage needs solving Sir Keir Starmer was asked about many voters objecting to the societal as well as economic impacts of mass migration. I have looked at it mainly as a matter of economics because if you look at the breakdown within the very high numbers weve got today, very many of them are work visas. But in terms of the question you put to me, I do in principle think its right that we should ensure that weve got the skills and training for people in this training for the jobs that we need and that is among the drivers of this. That we havent got the skills regime in place that allows young people but not just young people in this country to have the skills that they need, and the skills that employers want in order to take us where we need to on the economy. I think the two dont go together because I think people in this country are entitled to have the opportunity of the skills here. I think businesses are entitled to know theres a skills strategy that will actually satisfy their needs and their demands. 03:42 PM GMT We must end use of asylum hotels, says Starmer Sir Keir Starmer was told the asylum system cost 5.4 billion in the last year. He was asked how much had been spent on asylum hotels, and whether he could guarantee that that spend would be zero by the end of next year. We must bring the cost of asylum down and we have a manifesto pledge to bring the cost of hotels down, to end the use of hotels, which we are driving hard at, Sir Keir said. The way to do that is to increase the processing of claims. Among the reasons that so many people are in hotels is for a long time the claims werent being processed. So more people arriving, none of them getting processed and an ever-increasing haul of people that had to be accommodated one way or the other. Sir Keir said there had been a significant redeployment of Home Office staff to process asylum claims at pace. 03:40 PM GMT The days of easy answers are over, says Starmer Sir Keir Starmer was asked what level of net migration he was happy with. We want and are intending to drive these numbers down - they are far too high, they signal a loss of control - and thats what these policies are designed to achieve and thats why the White Paper will be published imminently, bringing them together as a plan. Sir Keir Starmer Im not going to pluck an arbitrary number because that has been tried many years in a row and that has achieved absolutely nothing. What Im not going to do with the British public is adopt an approach that we know has not succeeded and pretend its going to succeed. I think the days of fiction and pretending and easy answers are over. These are the days of hard graft. 03:36 PM GMT Starmer declines to set cap on net migration Sir Keir Starmer refused to set a cap on net migration. Look, I want to see immigration come down significantly and I said that before the election, I said that during the election, Ill say it again here today. So that means bearing down on the influences that have driven it up this high. We had a supposed cap in place for the best part of a decade and it didnt have any meaningful impact so I dont think setting an arbitrary cap, which is what previous governments have done, is the way forward. But do I want it significantly to reduce? Yes, I do, and thats what our plan will achieve. 03:34 PM GMT Record migration another incredible legacy failure of Tories, says Starmer Sir Keir Starmer was asked how much he wanted to bring immigration down by. When you say people have been let down youre absolutely right because they were promised by the last government that they would get control of our borders, and we had a government that completely lost control of our borders. And this sort of increase is unprecedented, its off the scale what has happened in four short years. The way to get it down is the hard graft, not the gimmicks but the hard graft. Driving it down through the skills agenda, the migration advisory committee, making sure were cracking down on employers that are breaking the rules. Taking all the measures Ive set out, measures that will have an impact on our immigration, which I do want to come down significantly, it needs to reduce. But these numbers, this four time increase, that wasnt just bad luck post-Brexit. That was their policy and they drove immigration up and as I say we discovered a 22bn black hole, we discovered the prisons were in worse shape, much fuller than we thought before the election, and now what weve found is another incredible legacy failure, which is record numbers of immigration. Its our job now to turn it around and we will. 03:31 PM GMT Starmer: These immigration figures should shock all of us Sir Keir Starmer was asked about the UK appearing to have become addicted to immigration, and why people should believe he can achieve something his predecessors could not. What is clear from these figures is really stark and I think should shock all of us. Because the net migration figures in 2019 were 184,000 and then on the figures weve now got today, four years later, literally four years later, 906,000. Four times as many. This isnt immigration thats gone up by a few thousand. This is a policy under the last government that has driven immigration up to record levels, a complete loss of control. And that is why weve set out the measures I listed in the words I just said in relation to the action we are taking. But there is a fundamental problem here which is to do with the way the economy works and the fundamental loss of immigration control under the last government. We are going to turn that around with the measures I have just set out. 03:29 PM GMT Labour will drive down migration numbers, pledges Starmer Concluding his opening remarks, Sir Keir Starmer said: Let me say directly to the people watching, where the last government failed you, this one will not. They drove immigration numbers up, we will get them down. They left the NHS flat on its face. We will get it standing talk again. They made you poorer. We will put more money in your pockets. It wont be quick or easy. But we are going to turn things around. 03:27 PM GMT Tories left UK economy hopelessly reliant on foreign workers Sir Keir Starmer said the key to reducing migration to the UK is to improve the economy. He claimed the vast majority of the people who have come to the UK did so to plug gaps in our workforce. He said the UK economy under the Tories had been hopelessly reliant on foreign workers. The Government will publish a white paper imminently on cutting migration and it will include reform of the points-based system. Sir Keir also announced a new deal with Iraq to tackle people smuggling upstream before it reaches our shores. 03:24 PM GMT PM accuses Tories of different order of failure on migration Sir Keir Starmer said the British people are owed an explanation from the Tories over the record high net migration numbers. The Prime Minister said: A failure on this scale isnt just bad luck, it isnt a global trend or taking your eye off the ball. No, this is a different order of failure. This happened by design, not accident. he said Labour will turn the page. 03:22 PM GMT Starmer accuses Tories of running an open borders experiment Sir Keir Starmer is now on his feet in 10 Downing Street as he responds to todays record net migration numbers. The Prime Minister said that todays numbers proved the last Tory government was running an open borders experiment. He said: Time and again the Conservative Party promised they would get the numbers down. Time and again they failed. 03:04 PM GMT PM press conference set to get underway Sir Keir Starmer is late. We had been expecting the press conference to start at 3pm but the Prime Minister has been delayed a little. Hopefully we will be underway imminently. 02:42 PM GMT Almost one third of asylum applicants are small boat migrants Some 99,790 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to September 2024, up very slightly from 98,926 in the previous 12 months. The number peaked in the year to March 2023, at 102,878 people, which was the highest total for any 12-month period since 2002. Migrants who arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 28 per cent of the total number of people claiming asylum in the year to September, the Home Office said. 02:37 PM GMT How the Tories responded to the record net migration numbers Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the figures published by the Office for National Statistics confirmed that immigration remains far too high. He said: Todays figures confirm what weve been warning about: immigration remains far too high, and Labour was wrong to suspend further restrictions on family visas. Such high numbers place mounting pressure on housing, public services, and damage social cohesion, causing a real impact felt by communities across the UK. We need immediate action to enforce stricter controls on the border, get these numbers down, and put the needs of British workers and families front and centre. 02:34 PM GMT How Labour responded to the record net migration numbers Labour laid the blame for the record net migration numbers squarely at the door of the Conservative Party. A Labour spokesperson said: In their own words, the Tories broke the immigration system. On their watch, net migration quadrupled in four years to a record high of nearly one million, despite saying theyd lower it to 100,000. They are an open borders party who lied time and again to the public. This is the chaos Labour inherited and any crowing from the Tories should be seen in that light. 02:31 PM GMT Starmer to hold press conference to respond to record migration numbers Downing Street has announced Sir Keir Starmer will hold an unexpected press conference to respond to todays record high net migration numbers. The Prime Minister is due to appear at 3pm. Official numbers published this morning by the Office for National Statistics revealed net migration hit a high of almost a million last year. Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson and Cillian Murphy in the first episode of Peaky Blinders. Stephanie Collies costume designs caught the interest of the fashion press. Photograph: Robert Viglasky/BBC/Mandabach/Tiger Aspect Television period drama now has its own history of more than 60 years of series and serials, with many thousands of costumes recreated to evoke eras from ancient Rome to the day before yesterday. But those designed by Stephanie Collie for the first six episodes of Peaky Blinders, shown on BBC Two in 2013, had all the shock of the new, despite that initial series being set in 1919. Period drama usually privileges the ensembles of fashionable women, but the most exciting of the Blinders costumes were for working-class dandy gangsters from the early 20th century. Previously, in adaptations of Dickens, Gaskell and Bennett, urban lower orders knew their wardrobe as well as their social place clad in corduroy over uncollared shirts, perhaps a muffler to fill in the neck against bitter cold and a generic cloth cap none of it incorrect, but without age or degree, and seldom any sexuality. Collie, who has died aged 60, perceived something far sharper during her research into Birminghams vintage criminals. She studied old police mugshots, plus the solid woollen cloths and narrow cuts seen at the racecourses, where Savile Row-tailored nobs dealt with horse-breeding and betting mobs who had developed their own sporting style over more than a century around the stables, including nattier caps six-panelled, generous towards the rim and with a canvas-reinforced brim (easily razor-blade enhanced for plot purposes). She replicated that styles attention to laced boots and leather gloves, and exploited to the max the variety of neckwear arrangements crucial in television where so much of a shows footage will always be head-and-shoulder shots that had been possible when shirt and collar were separate items, attached to each other only by metal studs front and back. The neck hierarchy ascended from a sexy unbuttoned placket on a collarless undershirt, up to an encircling wall of high, stiff collar, further guarded by tie and pin between collar tabs. Watch the early episodes and see how Cillian Murphy wears just a fancy front stud in his shirts neckband, no collar, as jewellery. (There were touches from Josef Koudelkas photographs of Roma men about his appearance, too, to connect with the characters Traveller and Gypsy ancestry.) Or look at how Paul Andersons respectable collar plus bow-tie softens his appearance so that his violent outbreaks come as a surprise. Collie incorporated the brutality of Sam Neills Ulster policeman into his outfits in a thick, heavyweight overcoat, he looks and moves like a tank. Collies womens clothes for the episodes were sound, but it was her work for the men (also the white walls plus cowlick hair cuts/shaving, done by a roster of stylists) that reverberated in 2013, so besides winning her the Royal Television Society award for best costume design, her elegant gangsters inspired the fashion press. Her first major menswear movie, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), had also been an anthology of precise characterisation by clothing choice from a big softie crook in a supersized sheepskin coat, to hard boys in slender dark suits over the thinnest jersey sportswear tops, which were 1990s laddishness pointing towards Hedi Slimanes oncoming 21st-century male silhouette. Collies clothes could be jokes themselves she used some of the last proper brown-cotton warehousemens coats as a robbery ploy that then turned into getaway gear. Her mixture of acute observation with visual imagination may have come from her father, Peter Collie, an artist. He, his wife Elizabeth (nee Stewart), and their four daughters moved from Warrington, Cheshire, where the girls were born, to Cheltenham. Collie went to Pates grammar school there, and on to the London College of Fashion. Her first professional job was in clothing construction for the BBC, where she met Susan Coates, a costume-maker and tailor who had worked for Kenneth Branaghs Renaissance Theatre Company, and later on his films: Coates and Collie were in the wardrobe department for Branaghs Peters Friends (1992) and Much Ado About Nothing (1993). A long list of costume designer credits for film, television and streaming productions followed, about two a year. Collie did full period, depressed Yorkshire in the 30s for BBC Ones South Riding (2011), with tailor-made suits and non-frivolous hats the markers of a first generation of employed professional women; there was also a single flat-capped and mufflered non-professional man. She also had fun gearing up Steve Coogan as the porn magnate Paul Raymond in the biopic The Look of Love (2013), especially the sequences that showcased him during the 70s in a reprehensible beagle collar and funky ties. But many of her assignments were set in modern times, done by selective shopping and fitting, as with her drug dealers in calibrated casuals in Layer Cake (2004), including a pre-James Bond Daniel Craig, whose few changes quality T-shirts and an arrow-narrow raincoat only rose to an actual suit for him to be shot in. Collie married Hubert Taczanowski, a cinematographer, in 2007; they worked on a number of productions together. He died in June. Collies three sisters, Fiona, Alison and Nicola, and her stepdaughter, Julia, survive her. Stephanie Collie, costume designer, born 16 November 1963; died 26 October 2024 Two children rescued from the Georges river in 2023 were treated at the scene by NSW ambulance paramedics. Photograph: Flavio Brancaleone/AAP A woman from Sydneys south west has been charged following an alleged attempt to drown her children last year. She was charged with two counts of attempt to drown person with intent to murder. Police intend to allege in court that the woman threw her two children into the water in September 2023. Two girls, aged seven and eight, were rescued from Georges river by a passerby on 11 September. They were both treated at the scene by NSW ambulance paramedics, before being taken to hospital for further assessments. Their 36-year-old mother was found earlier, after having fallen from Light Horse Bridge near the river. Officers attached to Liverpool City police area command attended to the woman, after receiving reports of a concern for welfare. She was treated at the scene by NSW ambulance paramedics, before being taken to hospital in a critical condition. Police established a crime scene, and had been investigating the incident since. At around 11.30am on Wednesday 27 November 2024, the woman, now 37, was released from hospital. Following their investigation, detectives then arrested the woman before taking her to Liverpool police station and charging her. She was refused bail and appeared before Liverpool local court on Wednesday. Fighters of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are deployed in the town of Al Atareb in the west of Aleppo - Aaref Watad/AFP Syrian rebel fighters broke through government front lines to within three miles of Aleppo and cut a key highway to the capital in their first major offensive in four years. The surprise push by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and allies sparked fighting that left scores dead and killed at least one Russian special forces soldier fighting on the government side. After more than 24 hours of heavy clashes, analysts said the rebels shock thrust appeared to be still making headway against the forces of Bashar al-Assads regime. Syrian and Russian planes responded with air strikes into the newly captured territory and against rebel-held enclaves. The push had reignited front lines which had been largely stagnant since 2020, with territory changing hands for the first time in four-and-a-half years, said Charles Lister, of the Middle East Institute think tank. Syrian rebels rip down posters of Assad | Credit: MHJournalist/ThomasVLinge/X Syrian opposition forces continue to advance in western Aleppo, with 37-plus villages captured after around 30 hours of non-stop combat, he said. Make no mistake, this is a potentially transformative moment in Syrias frozen conflict, which truthfully has never really been frozen. The offensive on Thursday cut a highway linking Damascus to Aleppo, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions cut off the Damascus-Aleppo international M5 highway in addition to controlling the junction between the M4 and M5 highways, the monitor reported. The observatory said more than 130 combatants had been killed in the worst fighting in the countrys north-west in years. The toll included 65 HTS fighters, 18 from allied factions and 49 members of regime forces. Russian air strikes then killed 19 civilians in the Aleppo countryside as Assads regime tried to stem the advance. Video clips purported to show rebels with a captured tank, and the body and equipment of a Russian special forces operator killed fighting on the regime side. Arms researchers said the captured Russian weapons included AK-74 and AR-15 rifles with suppressors and scopes, as well as an MP-446 pistol and an anti-drone gun. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has launched an offensive against the Syrian regime - Abdulaziz Ketaz/AFP via Getty Images Smoke rises as rebels clash with the Syrian regime in the Aleppo countryside - Anas Alkharboutli/Avalon Another photo claimed to show leaflets dropped by rebel drones urging soldiers to flee or defect. Iranian official media also said a brigadier general in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards had been killed in Aleppo by terrorists allegedly linked to Israel, without giving further details. Rebels said they had launched the offensive in response to increased Russian and Syrian air strikes against civilians in southern Idlib, and to pre-empt attacks by the Syrian army, which has been building up troops along the front. Israeli air strikes on Assads allies had increased instability along the Syrian front, experts said. Natasha Hall, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told The New York Times: Pro-regime militias have been upping their attacks in the area, trying to deter the rebels because Israel has been weakening the Syrian regimes allies like Hezbollah and Iran. @ThomasVLinge/X HTS is the main active rebel group in north-west Syria where it controls an enclave of around half of Idlib province and small parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Latakia and Hama, where nearly three million displaced people are living. The groups forerunner, the Nusra Front, had its roots in extremist jihadist groups including al-Qaeda, before splitting with them acrimoniously in 2016. Their rebel bastion has been subjected to a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey in 2020 that has repeatedly been violated by both Syrian forces and rebels. GlobalSpotlite/Vusuibergeo/X As the offensive got under way, a commander named as Hasan Abd al-Ghani blamed the Syrian government and its allied Iranian militias for escalation and aggression against rebel-held areas in the north. He said the goal of the offensive was to deter aggression and thwart the enemys plans, adding: It is our duty to defend our people in the face of this imminent danger that targets their existence and safety. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed since the Assad regime first moved to crush March 2011 pro-democracy demonstrations in the city of Deraa. The unrest quickly spread and the crackdown intensified, rapidly plunging the country into years of savage civil war between Assads army and rebel groups, as well as Islamic State and al-Qaeda. A building in Darat Izza, Aleppo, damaged by Russian warplanes in an attack that killed four people - Mahmud Feysa/Anadolu via Getty Images The United Nations has estimated that more than 300,000 civilians, or 1.5 per cent of the pre-war population, were killed between March 2011 and March 2021. More than half of Syrias pre-war population of 22 million have had to flee their homes. Some 6.8 million are internally displaced, with more than two million living in tented camps with limited access to basic services. Another six million are refugees or asylum seekers abroad. Neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey are hosting 5.3 million of them. Donald Trump There are many American cultural imports that make their way across the pond, from the saccharine sweet Halloween tricks and treats or Hallmark holiday movies of uptight businesswomen falling in love with lumberjacks at Christmas, right through to the woke horrors that metastasized from US campuses to British ones. But one of the best American traditions is one that barely registers here. Thanksgiving originated back in 1621, when the very much still-English settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts gave thanks for a successful harvest with members of the Wampanoag tribe. Presidents Washington and Adams would declare thanksgivings usually after victories against the British which might go some way to explain our general antipathy towards the whole idea and President Lincoln later codified it in 1863 as a way to try to give the USA something around which it could cohere. Today, our colonial cousins have a great deal to be thankful for. Their economic growth has been spectacular: by many metrics they are twice as rich as Europeans, and their poorest state, Mississippi, has a higher GDP per capita than the UK. On top of its bountiful existing gifts, it is also undervalued as a resource-rich land where huge deposits of critical new materials are discovered all the time. A few months ago, enormous amounts of gallium was discovered in Montana; massive lithium deposits in Nevada and California in recent weeks have raised hopes for lithium independence; and huge amounts of rare earth oxides were similarly confirmed in Wyoming just a few days ago. Hand-in-hand with this natural cornucopia, the new administration has a huge mandate and control of all the major branches of federal government for at least the next few years. As much as there are many here in Britain who might find Trump distasteful, I believe that we should be thankful for him, too. He is arguably the most pro-Britain President ever (his mother was born in Scotland, after all), and, according to people close to him I have spoken to recently, is as keen as mustard on a free trade deal with us. More than that, his team will set an example to the world of how a modern nation state can (re)secure its borders, support business, restore national confidence and even make cutting wasteful spending radically popular. This latter point, affected in no small part through the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (or DOGE named after a niche internet meme), should be emulated here. A Ministry Of Good Governance, perhaps led by former MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, maybe? Rather than turn back to an ailing and sclerotic Europe or return to the folly that is cosying up to China, we should embrace the economic, defence and cultural opportunities that the special relationship could provide. Regardless of whether we grasp that chance, our cousins across the sea will nevertheless continue setting the standard for the UK and Europe to follow, rather than be led astray by the turkey in No10. Thats something we should be thankful for. Claudia Sheinbaum insisted she had explained Mexicos current comprehensive strategy on migration to Donald Trump - CHARLY TRIBALLEAURODRIGO OROPEZA Joe Biden has warned that Donald Trump could screw up American and Mexican relations with his tariff threat. In his first real criticism of Mr Trumps policies since the election, the outgoing president said: I hope he rethinks it. I think its a counterproductive thing to do. We have an unusual situation in America were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies: Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships. The intervention came after Mr Trump claimed earlier this week he would slap a 25 per cent trade tariff on Mexico. The president-elect has since held discussions with Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum. Mr Trump claimed Mexicos leader had agreed to stop migration after their wonderful talk with both sides describing the phone call as positive. Claudia Sheinbaum insisted she had explained Mexicos current comprehensive strategy on migration to Donald Trump - CHARLY TRIBALLEAURODRIGO OROPEZA Posting on his Truth Social platform, the US president-elect said: Just had a wonderful conversation with the new president of Mexico. He added: She has agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our southern border, implying a shift in policy. Ms Sheinbaum responded quickly to Mr Trumps remarks, insisting that she had explained Mexicos current comprehensive strategy on migration. Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are attended to before they reach the border, she said. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between government and peoples, she added. Migrants seen last week walking through Huixtla, Chiapas State, Mexico, as they made their way to the US border - ISAAC GUZMAN Ms Sheinbaum, who became Mexicos first woman president in October, had earlier shared brief details of the conversation alongside a picture of her smiling during a phone call. The two leaders also discussed strengthening collaboration on security issues as well as the campaign we are conducting in the country to prevent the consumption of fentanyl, Ms Sheinbaum said. On Monday, Mr Trump vowed on social media that one of his first actions upon taking office would be to impose tariffs of 25 per cent on imports from Mexico and Canada. This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country! he wrote on his Truth Social page. He also pledged to add a 10 per cent tariff on China. The Republican, who won an election in which illegal migration was a top issue, has vowed to declare a national emergency on border security and use the US military to carry out a mass deportation of undocumented migrants. On Wednesday, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexicos economy minister, said some 400,000 jobs will be lost in the US if Mr Trump followed through on his threat. He cited a study based on figures from US carmakers that manufacture in Mexico. Mr Ebrard said the tariffs would also hit US consumers hard, citing the US market for pickup trucks - most of which are manufactured in Mexico. The tariffs, the minister said, would add $3,000 to the cost of a new vehicle. The impact of this measure will chiefly be felt by consumers in the United States... That is why we say that it would be a shot in the foot, Mr Ebrard told reporters as he spoke alongside Ms Sheinbaum at her regular morning conference. Vociferous opposition Mexico and China have been particularly vociferous in their opposition to Mr Trumps threats of a trade war from day one of his second presidential term, which begins on January 20. Ms Sheinbaum has declared the threats unacceptable and pointed out that Mexicos drug cartels exist mainly to serve drug use in the US. China has warned that no one will win a trade war. During his first term as president in 2016, Mr Trump launched full-blown trade hostilities with Beijing, imposing significant tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on American products, particularly affecting US farmers. The US, Mexico and Canada are tied to a three-decade-old largely duty-free trade agreement, called the USMCA, that was renegotiated under Mr Trump after he complained that US businesses, especially car manufacturers, were losing out. Keith Kellogg, former national security adviser to Mike Pence, speaks to reporters at the White House on 22 September 2020. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters Donald Trumps plan to tap the retired US lieutenant general Keith Kellogg as US envoy to Ukraine and Russia has triggered renewed interest in a policy document he co-authored that proposes ending the war by withdrawing weapons from Ukraine if it doesnt enter peace talks and giving even more weapons to Ukraine if Russia doesnt do the same. Trump is said to have responded favorably to the plan America First, Russia & Ukraine which was presented to him in April and was written by Kellogg and the former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz, who both served as chiefs of staff in Trumps national security council from 2017 to 2021. The document proposes halting further US weapons deliveries to Kyiv if it does not enter peace talks with Moscow, while simultaneously warning Moscow that, should it refuse to negotiate, US support for Ukraine would increase. Related: Trump picks Keith Kellogg to serve as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia It blames unserious and incoherent US foreign policy under Joe Biden for the three-year conflict, including what it describes as a precipitous US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the supposed antagonization of US allies including Israel and Saudi Arabia, and a policy to China described as weak and confusing. The paper further accuses the Biden administration of putting the idealistic agendas of the global elite ahead of a working relationship with Russia a hostile policy that it claims made it an enemy of the US, drove Russia into the arms of China and led to the development of a new Russia-China-Iran-North Korea axis. Kellogg and Fleitz criticize what they said was a decision to scold Vladimir Putin and threaten unprecedented sanctions as it prepared to invade Ukraine, instead of using negotiations to de-escalate tensions. An America First approach could have prevented the invasion, they write. Trumps vice-president-elect, the Ohio senator JD Vance, has aired comparable views, arguing in effect that US support for Ukraine is a drain on resources necessary to counter Washingtons principal security threat with China. The selection of Kellogg comes as the Biden administration pushes to complete more weapons transfers to Ukraine before the presidents term ends. A decision to approve the use of US-made Atacms missiles on targets inside Russia was met by Russias use of a powerful intermediate range missile, Oreshnik, on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. In an interview with Fox News, Kellogg said Bidens decision to approve Ukrainian strikes inside Russia has given Trump more leverage. It gives president Trump more ability to pivot from that, he said. On Tuesday, Moscow responded to a New York Times report that unidentified western officials had suggested Biden could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he steps down. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said discussions in the West about arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons was absolutely irresponsible. But the Kellogg-Fleitz plan, though lacking in details, appears to mirror the counsel of Gen Mark A Milley, Bidens former chief military adviser who argued that since neither Russia nor Ukraine could win the conflict, a negotiated settlement was the sole route to peace. Under the plan, Moscow would also be coaxed to the table with the promise of Nato membership for Ukraine being delayed or abandoned. We tell the Ukrainians, Youve got to come to the table, and if you dont come to the table, support from the United States will dry up, Kellogg told Reuters in June. And you tell Putin, Hes got to come to the table and if you dont come to the table, then well give Ukrainians everything they need to kill you in the field. In that interview, Fleitz said Ukraine would not need to formally cede territory to Russia, but would come to recognize that it would not be able to regain effective control of all its territory. Our concern is that this has become a war of attrition thats going to kill a whole generation of young men, Fleitz said, adding that a lasting peace in Ukraine would require additional security guarantees, including arming Ukraine to the teeth. But in the policy paper the pair acknowledged that it would be hard for Ukraine to accept a peace deal that does not give them back all of their territory or, at least for now, hold Russia responsible for the carnage it inflicted on Ukraine. Asking whether he endorses Kelloggs position paper, the president-elect told NBC News: Im the only one who can get the war stopped. It should have never started in the first place. Trump said that European nations should contribute more aid, a position echoed by Vance at the Republican national convention in July. We will make sure our allies share in the burden of securing world peace, he said. No more free rides for nations that betray the generosity of the American taxpayer. Trump chose Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired army lieutenant general, to be his top adviser on defense issues. He served as national security adviser to Vice-president Mike Pence, was chief of staff of the national security council, and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. During the Vietnam war he served in the 101st airborne division, also known as the Screaming Eagles, and after the first Iraq war he was named commander of special operations command Europe (SOCEUR). He retired in 2003 as a lieutenant general. During the January 6 Capitol riot, Kellogg demanded that the Secret Service not evacuate Pence from the building, which would have prevented the vice-president from certifying Bidens electoral victory. Leave him where hes at. Hes got a job to do. I know you guys too well. Youll fly him to Alaska if you have a chance. Dont do it, he reportedly said. After naming Kellogg as envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Trump said Kellogg was with me right from the beginning! The number of migrant small-boat crossings rose by 20pc this year to more than 33,000. Pictured are refugees picked up from the water - Gareth Fuller/PA The UKs bill for asylum seekers has hit a record 5.4 billion more than three times the savings from axing the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners. The cost of accommodating and financially supporting the backlog of asylum seekers in 2023-24 has risen by 38 per cent in a year from 3.9 billion to 5.4 billion and is more than five times the 940 million spent in 2019-20. Around 10 million pensioners will be affected by Labours decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance, which it is estimated will save 1.4 billion. Home Office figures, published on Thursday, showed that the number of migrants being put up in hotels jumped by 20 per cent from 29,585 to 35,651 in the three months to September after Labour won the election. This was the highest number since December last year, costing the taxpayer more than 4 million a day, but still down on the record high of 56,000 in September last year. Officials blamed the increase in asylum costs on delays in processing claims during the summer because of the stalled plan to deport migrants to Rwanda, which meant they had to stay in government-funded hotels. Labour has since scrapped the Rwanda scheme and passed legislation allowing it to process the claims of migrants who would have been deported to the East African country. The backlog of asylum seeker claims has fallen by 22 per cent from 125,173 in September last year to 97,170 cases comprising 133,409 people this September. However, appeals by asylum seekers against decisions rejecting their claims have increased fourfold in a year from 7,601 to 33,227 this September. This means the overall backlog is down by 1.8 per cent from 132,774 once asylum seeker appeals are included in the figures. Migrants whose claims have been rejected are still eligible for state support of 49.18p a week and accommodation if they appeal against the decision. The number of people claiming asylum continued to rise for the fourth consecutive year, up from 98,926 to 99,790 in the year ending September 2024. Nearly 53,000 asylum seekers had their claims accepted a record high but the overall approval rate fell from 75 per cent of claims to 52 per cent. The number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats has jumped by 20 per cent so far this year to more than 33,000, although it is below the 42,700 at the same point in 2022, the record year for arrivals. Two thirds of those arriving by small boats claim asylum. Between 2018 and September 2024, there have been 4,420 returns of people who arrived by dinghy three per cent of all small boat arrivals during this time. This is because a majority of the migrants come from countries to which it is difficult to return them. In the year ending September 2024, Afghanis, Iranians and Syrians were the three biggest groups, accounting for 39 per cent of the total. In the second quarter of 2024, Vietnamese people represented the largest group for the first time with 1,060 arrivals, although they have dropped to 830 in latest quarter. The biggest year-on-year increases were Yemenis (up 231 per cent, to 427), Vietnamese (up 175 per cent to 3,543) and Kuwaitis (up 121.2 per cent to 823). The Home Office said it had increased the number of asylum seekers being processed from 6,000 a month in June to 23,000 in September, as it pushed to clear the backlog. The number of enforced returns in the year ending this September were up more than 40 per cent to 7,708 from 5,456 last year, although that was still below the pre-Covid average of 12,501. Voluntary returns at 23,803 were at their highest since 2016. Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the figures showed the Government had got asylum decision-making going again after it had ground to a halt before the general election, but that significant reforms are still needed to cut the backlog of cases and the resulting hotel costs. He said: We remain concerned that the hangover of what happened before the election means that the backlog of cases waiting for a decision has grown in the last quarter. This means that, while the numbers in hotels is down over a third since its peak a year ago, the numbers have risen by a fifth since June. Fair and right first-time asylum decisions are the fastest way to cut costs in the system, and are the best way we can help refugees rebuild their lives and remove those who have no other right to stay here with dignity and support. Keir Starmer has accused the Conservatives of running an open borders experiment after new figures showed that net migration to the UK hit a record high of nearly 1 million in a period covering Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunaks administrations. The prime minister announced a deal with Iraq to tackle people-smugglers and a white paper to overhaul the visa system, before demanding an explanation from Kemi Badenoch for her partys decision to deliberately liberalise immigration after the Brexit vote. His accusation followed the release of official figures that showed the number of people entering the UK, minus those leaving, reached 906,000 in the year ending June 2023. The estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) were revised upwards from a previous estimate of 740,000. At a Downing Street press conference, Starmer said the failure of successive Conservative governments to control the numbers entering the UK was unforgivable, adding: Failure on this scale isnt just bad luck. This happened by design, not accident. Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration. Brexit was used for that purpose, to turn Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders. His comments came after Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, signed an agreement with Baghdad to ensure close cooperation to tackle organised crime networks, a faster return of refused asylum seekers and the formation of a new taskforce aimed at breaking up migration routes to the UK.. A total of 800,000 of UK money would be spent on training, support for the Kurdistan regional government and on disruption of organised crime, the government said. Smuggling networks operating out of Iraq and Kurdistan have been responsible for trafficking thousands of people, including across the Channel to the UK, according to the Home Office . The deal will be of concern to human rights organisations amid reports of torture of detainees by Iraqi state agencies and unlawful killings. Corruption has been described by the LSEs Middle East Centre as the lifeblood of politics in Iraq. Cooper said the country had changed, telling reporters: We have been very clear and explicit; in the statements that have been agreed is a commitment to international law, a commitment to international humanitarian law and commitments to international human rights standards. The Iraq deal follows Starmers praise for the hard-right Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, for making remarkable progress in cutting irregular migration after striking deals with third-party countries. Under the agreement, Iraq has committed to ensuring people can be returned to Iraq more swiftly through closer cooperation between the two countries on speeding up the identity documents needed to prove they are from Iraq. The UK will also pay Iraq to boost its capacity for dealing with people returning to the country, as well as for programmes to help returnees reintegrate into society. This year Iraqis have made up the seventh-largest nationality crossing the Channel in small boats, with a total of 1,624 people arriving by September. The asylum grant rate for Iraqis in the UK was 38% in the year to March 2024. On Wednesday, Badenoch, the new Tory leader, admitted that her party had failed on migration. Starmer called for a fuller explanation. [The Conservative party] want to wave it away with a simple we got it wrong. Well, thats unforgivable, he said. The government would publish a white paper with a plan to reduce immigration, Starmer said, adding that he would target sectors seeking labour from abroad. We will reform the points-based system and make sure that applications for the relevant visa routes, whether its the skilled worker route or the shortage occupation list, will now come with new expectations on training people here in our country, he said. Responding to Starmers comments, Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: We know the numbers are too high. That is why Kemi Badenoch has set out that under her leadership we will learn from past mistakes and adopt a new approach to lower immigration. The total for net migration in the year to June 2023 was revised upwards by 166,000. A similar change was made to the estimate for net migration in the year to December 2023, which was initially 685,000, and is now 866,000. The ONS said that while net migration remained high by historic standards, it was beginning to fall. Government spending on asylum in the UK was 5.38bn in 2023-24, up 36% from 3.95bn in 2022-23, Home Office figures show. The ONS said it reviewed its net migration figures as more complete data became available and it had improved how it estimated the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the EU. District 9 Councilman John Courage asks questions about proposed changes to the city charter on Aug. 1, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Zada True-Courage, right, stands alongside her husband, District 9 City Councilman John Courage, as he announces he intention to run for mayor in the May 2025 election on Jan. 25, 2024, at the steps of City Hall in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News District 9 Councilman John Courage, who was the first to announce his mayoral candidacy, is dropping out of the 2025 race to replace outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg, according to sources familiar with his decision. Courage, 73, announced his mayoral bid in late January, almost a year before the candidate filing period for the May 3, 2025, election opens. Three of his current council colleagues Manny Pelaez, Adriana Rocha Garcia and Melissa Cabello Havrda are expected to file to run for the open mayors seat. Former Councilman Clayton Perry announced his campaign earlier this fall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tech entrepreneur Beto Altamirano and former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos are also vying for mayor. More than a dozen potential mayoral candidates have filed for a campaign treasurer with the city, which allows them to start raising money. The next mayor and City Council will serve a four-year term rather than a two-year one as a result of a city charter amendment that voters approved Nov. 5. Theyll still be capped at eight years in office, making Courage ineligible to seek another council term. Courage did not return multiple requests for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Early polling from the University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Public Opinion Research showed him with the most support among the declared mayoral candidates, at 9.2% in September and 5.7% in October. However, the vast majority of likely voters surveyed said they werent familiar with the candidates or hadnt decided who to support. Courage was first elected to the North Sides District 9, the most conservative council district, in a 2017 upset victory. He was an underdog in that race, with a track record of failed campaigns for state and federal Democratic offices. The one-time progressive, who is now viewed as a moderate Democrat, fended off challenges from far-right candidates in subsequent elections by focusing on constituent services and nonpartisan issues. Courage won his bid for a fourth term with 62% of the vote. The 14,803 votes he received were the most of any council candidate on the May 2023 ballot a reflection of his popularity with residents, as well as District 9s high rate of voter turnout. That would give him a slight built-in advantage, but isnt alone enough to guarantee him a spot in the June runoff election, said public affairs consultant Eddie Aldrete. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You cant just rely on the people that helped you the first time that you got elected, said Aldrete, who was unaware of Courages decision when contacted by the San Antonio Express-News. You have to constantly be reintroducing yourself to a new subset of people especially in a fast-growing city such as San Antonio. That takes time and money. Your chances of making it to to runoff are extremely slim if you fail to gain traction or fail to raise money, Aldrete said. Campaign consultants Kelton Morgan and James Aldrete said on a recent episode of his Beyond the Bite podcast that viable candidates will need to raise $400,000 if not more to make it into the runoff. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Watch: Distraught liberals hold group scream on beach following Trump victory - Tamara Gibbs Tamara Gibbs/Facebook Left-wing voters held a group scream on a beach following Donald Trumps election victory. Dozens of people gathered near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to scream from the shore of Lake Michigan, some of them throwing back their heads or doubling over as they did so. Footage from Nov 9, four days after Mr Trump trounced Kamala Harris at the polls, shows the screaming lasted around 20 seconds. One couple embraced afterwards, while others laughed self-consciously. A woman wearing a plaid shirt and blue woolly hat spent significantly longer screaming than her companions, bellowing at the lakes choppy waters with her smartphone in hand. The video later shows three women from the event stripping off and heading into the lake, jumping in the waves before heading back to shore. Theyre going to get hypothermia, the person recording them said disapprovingly. A screenshot posted on social media, apparently from a local Facebook group, advertised the event as a primal scream taking place at 9am. It was accompanied by a series of symbols, including the raised fist of the Black Lives Matter movement. One commenter suggested: Maybe an evening scream too, for those who are having a hard time dragging ourselves out of bed in the morning with this devastating news. The women taking part in the group scream - Tamara Gibbs The Daily Mail reported that the group huddled together before the scream, with one woman being applauded after relating how her granddaughter had said she wanted to help Ms Harris win if she ran again in four years. Another woman was said to have reminded the group that they needed to work at a local level to protect their rights and values. Wisconsin, where Mr Trump won 49.7 per cent of the vote to Ms Harris 48.8 per cent, was one of the battleground states that sealed Mr Trumps election victory. Police officers and supporters of Mr Trump were reported to be nearby during the event, although neither intervened in the group scream. According to Tamara Gibbs, who posted some of the footage to Facebook, Trump supporters stood away from the women on top of a hill, waving flags in support of the president-elect. Ms Gibbs said the scream took place in order to release our pain and frustration after the election. It comes as John Fetterman, the Democrat senator for Pennsylvania, warned his party that they would lose any kind of relevance if they freak out on everything. He told The New York Times that the president-elect fed off the outrage he provoked from the Left, and that they had a symbiotic relationship. The Democrats cant resist a freakout, and that must be the wind under the wings for Trump, he told The New York Times. Does clutching the pearls so hard does that change anything? Did it work? Did it change the election? Was it productive? And, like, I cant believe the outrage. That has to be candy for Trump. Community members protest in Hackney, east London, in 2022 after a 15-year-old black schoolgirl was strip-searched by police. Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images The police watchdog for England and Wales has called for urgent measures to stop the adultification of black children by officers, but campaigners have said the revised guidelines do not go far enough. The Independent Office for Police Conduct identified adultification as a racial bias that primarily affects black children as well as other minority ethnic children, where they are seen as more streetwise, more grown up, less innocent and less vulnerable. In the revised guidelines, which were issued this week, the IOPC said it was crucial that officers understood how adultification could influence decision making leading to the unjust treatment of children. While campaigners have welcomed the IOPCs recognition of the detrimental impact of adultification on children, they have called for a fundamental shift in how children are treated by the police. The term adultification bias has grown in usage the UK in recent years, with the issue brought to the forefront after the treatment of Child Q in December 2020. The then 15-year-old student was strip-searched at her school in Hackney, east London, while menstruating, having been wrongly accused of possessing cannabis. It was an experience she found traumatising and which has been widely condemned. Three Met officers face disciplinary charges of gross misconduct after an investigation by the IOPC. If found guilty, they could be sacked. Related: Disciplinary hearing date for Child Q strip-search officers still to be set The watchdog said the report was a culmination of more than three years of their work focused on race discrimination, with more than 300 cases analysed. It highlighted the case of a 14-year-old black boy who was taken to the ground by two officers, who were said to be responding to a report of a 13-year-old boy being robbed at knife-point by other schoolchildren. The officers grounds for detaining the 14-year-old boy was that they believed he was one of the suspects. The IOPC found that two officers should face disciplinary proceedings for their use of force in handcuffing the child, the officers actions and comments made during the stop and search, and for allegedly discriminating against the child because of his race and age. The independent panel found the officers action amounted to misconduct in relation to their use of force, for failing to make reasonable adjustments for the child and for breaching the police standard of professional behaviour relating to integrity, authority, respect and courtesy. Related: They saw me as calculating, not a child: how adultification leads to black children being treated as criminals The IOPCs director general, Rachel Watson, said: We recognise the commitment across policing to improve the way it handles race discrimination and have seen good progress in some areas including complaint handling but a lot more needs to be done. Too often black communities feel overpoliced as suspects and underprotected. We want to support the police to improve how they deal with race discrimination, to ensure that everyone can have trust and confidence in policing. Jahnine Davis, the UKs leading expert on adultification and the director of Listen Up, a company established to amplify lesser heard voices in child safeguarding research, practice, and policy, welcomed the IOPCs attention on adultification and its recognition of its detrimental effects on children, as well as its impact on police safeguarding responsibilities. My organisation has delivered adultification training to forces nationwide. Attitudes and beliefs can and do change, she said. However, lasting change requires a fundamental shift towards prioritising the welfare of children in all interactions. A child first approach is needed, especially for black children who are more likely to experience the harsh consequences of this bias. It is as much a childrens rights issue as it is a safeguarding one. A spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK said: These revised guidelines appear to be in response to the furore generated by the strip-search of Child Q in 2020. Training on adultification bias is a paltry response to the seriousness of this case. The strip-search of children is a form of sexual assault, and this was a missed opportunity to ban the practice for good. The campaign group pointed to a statistic that almost 50% of children strip-searched in London were black, highlighting what they described as the racialised nature of this form of state violence. The group added: Four years on, Child Q is still haunted by her experience with the police. The IOPCs new package will not prevent future traumatisation of children through strip-search. Rather, half-measures like this still leave space for police to make so-called mistakes, which can traumatise children for life. Jihadists have reignited a conflict near Aleppo that has largely been stagnant - Aaref Watad/AFP via Getty Images Syrian rebels have launched their first major offensive in the country in four years, claiming to have beaten government forces back several miles and captured a dozen villages west of Aleppo. The offensive led by jihadists from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and its allies has reignited a conflict where front lines have been largely stagnant since 2020. By the end of the first day of fighting, the rebel push was around four miles from Aleppo. The group said it had captured a significant army base. Bashar al-Assads Syrian government and its Russian backers retaliated with air strikes in the newly captured territory and against other rebel-held areas. After 24 hours, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said more than 130 combatants had been killed in the worst fighting in the countrys north west in years. The toll included 65 HTS fighters, 18 from allied factions and 49 members of regime forces. Why is this happening now? HTS is the main active rebel group in the area and it controls an enclave of around half of Idlib province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Latakia and Hama. Front lines in north-west Syria have been frozen since March 2020 when Russia, which backs Assad, and Turkey, which supports the rebels, agreed to a ceasefire that ended years of fighting that uprooted millions of Syrians opposed to Assads rule. Yet the ceasefire has been repeatedly breached and in recent months analysts say there has been a rise in attacks against the enclave by the Assad regime and its allies. Wider conflict in the region is thought to have added to the instability. As Israel has targeted Iran and Hezbollah, Assads major allies, the Syrian regime has stepped up its attacks to try to deter the rebels. Who are the rebels? Fighters prepare for the next battle in Atareb - Aaref Watad/AFP via Getty Images Syria was rapidly tipped into civil war when Assads regime launched a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the city of Deraa in March 2011. As the government used brutal force to try to crush the uprising, the demonstrations quickly spread and protestors armed themselves to defend their towns and launch attacks on the Syrian army. In the months that followed, the rebels fractured into hundreds of armed militia groups. The conflict also attracted jihadist extremists such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State group, who soon became some of the dominant anti-government factions. HTS, the dominant part of the fighting force approaching Aleppo has its roots in al-Qaeda, though it acrimoniously split with them in 2016. HTS is proscribed as a terrorist group by the United States. What has been the role of Russia and Iran? Damaged buildings in Daret Izzah after an attack by Russian warplanes - Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images As rebel groups made gains in the early years of the civil war, and Assads brutality made him an international pariah, the dictator desperately sought help for his regime to survive. As Syrias closest ally, Iran sent support from the start, providing advisers, weapons, billions of dollars and troops to help Assad maintain his grip. Iranian-backed militias such as Hezbollah have been fighting on the Assad side since at least 2012. Russia threw its weight behind Assad from 2015, as Vladimir Putin saw a chance to reassert Moscows influence on the world stage. Putin committed his air force as well as ground troops to ensure the Syrian regime did not fall. The intervention proved vital in turning the tide for Assad. With this help from Tehran and Moscow, Assad was able to roll back rebel advances and recapture major cities. What about Turkey? @ThomasVLinge/X Neighbouring Turkey has emerged as another major player in the war, backing the opposition to Assads regime. Ankaras focus has been on using rebel factions to contain the Kurdish YPG militia that dominates the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accusing it of being an extension of a banned Kurdish rebel group in Turkey. Turkish troops and allied rebels have seized territory along Syrias northern border and intervened to stop an all-out assault by government forces on the last opposition stronghold of Idlib. Analysts speculate that Turkey is backing the latest offensive to put pressure on Assad and prevent a regime offensive sending a refugee flow towards Turkey. What happened in Aleppo? Clashes are continuing in the outskirts of Aleppo - Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images Syrias second city saw little conflict during the first year of the uprising, but then became one of the wars most brutal battlefields. In July 2012, rebel fighters launched an offensive to gain control over northern Syria, but their push was not decisive and Aleppo ended up divided roughly in half. The opposition controlled the east and the government controlled the west. The city descended into a bloody war of attrition, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Civilians trapped in the city suffered appalling conditions and heavy casualties as Assad committed to bombing and starving the city into submission. After four years, in mid-2016, government troops backed by Russian air strikes were able to sever the rebels last route into the east and placed 250,000 people under siege. At the end of the year, the rebels agreed to surrender in return for amnesty and the evacuation of remaining civilians, who were evacuated to rebel-held countryside. Who controls Syria now? Assad with help from his Russian and Iranian allies has managed to regain control of the countrys biggest cities. Large parts of the country are still held by rebels, jihadists and the Kurdish-led SDF. There has been a partial resurgence in activity from the Islamic State, and the United States has a small military presence in the country to combat the group. Singer Paloma Faith said the publics donations for her charity clothes sale for Gaza and Lebanon gives me hope that good people do exist. The Only Love Can Hurt Like This star sold her clothes, bags and accessories, including a Halloween outfit she shared with Alan Carr, a Dolce and Gabbana denim jacket donated by rapper Eve, and silky pyjamas to raise money for Oxfams Gaza-Lebanon appeal. The 43-year-old offered fans the chance to purchase her stage and screen looks at a pop-up shop at The Gipsy Queen in Kentish Town, north London on Wednesday with items ranging from 20 to 150. Fans could also donate an additional 20 to take a selfie with Faith, who has been an ambassador for Oxfam since 2013. Paloma Faith holding up her blue dress from a celebrity Halloween party with Alan Carr, silk pyjamas from Agent Provocateur and a Dolce and Gabbana denim jacket donated by rapper Eve (Elliot Morgan) She joked in an Instagram promoting the sale: And if you slip me 20 Ill take a selfie with you (just make sure to get my good side hahahaha). Speaking after the event, she told the PA news agency: Ive donated some performance outfits, appearance outfits and one Halloween costume that I did with Alan Carr for the Shining twins and loads of shoes and a mixture of affordable things and expensive things. My friend Eve, who is the rapper of Whos That Girl, also donated some of her things. Id like to say thank you to everyone who put their money where their heart is and did something to change lives, even if its the minimum of what we can do, Faith said. It gives me hope that good people do exist because sometimes you can feel deflated by all the arseholes in the world. The event comes a day after a truce, announced on Tuesday night, would see hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed militants Hezbollah suspended for 60 days, with both sides withdrawing from southern Lebanon. All proceeds raised from the sale will go towards Oxfams appeal helping to provide aid for those living in Gaza and Lebanon as well as people who have been displaced or fled their homes. The charity hopes to provide emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and water repairs. She added: The situation in Gaza is beyond horrifying. People are living in fear every day, without enough food or water and under constant bombardment, while in Lebanon shelters are overwhelmed with over a million people fleeing the escalation in violence. Paloma Faith hosting a pop-up shop at the Gipsy Queen in Kentish Town, North London to sell her clothes, shoes, bags and accessories in aid of Oxfams appeal for Gaza and Lebanon (Elliot Morgan) I am so grateful for everyone who came along last night to my pop-up shop to help us raise vital funds where they are needed so desperately. Magnus Corfixen, Oxfams humanitarian lead, said the team shared their gratitude for Faiths pop-up sale. He said: We are immensely grateful to Paloma, and everyone who supported her amazing pop-up shop last night, to help raise urgently needed funds to help people in Gaza and Lebanon whose lives has been devastated by conflict. Please continue to donate what you can to help us save lives now, and to help us scale up our humanitarian response when it is safe to do so. Political parties have been making last-ditch attempts to attract votes across the country on the eve of Irelands General Election. All the parties and independent candidates spent the final hours of the short but busy campaign appealing to the public to cast their votes. The polls will open at 7am and close at 10pm on Friday, with a total of 174 seats in the countrys parliament to be filled. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the media (Brian Lawless/PA) The latest opinion poll ahead of the General Election shows the countrys three largest parties remain in a tight race. The Red C-Business Post survey shows support for Fianna Fail unchanged at 21%, only slightly ahead of its coalition partner, Fine Gael, which is down two percentage points at 20% and now neck and neck with the largest opposition party, Sinn Fein, which has gained two. Speaking on the final day of the campaign, Taoiseach Simon Harris urged the public to transfer their votes to other centrist parties. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald urged the public to transfer their vote to left parties including Social Democrats and People Before Profit. Speaking outside Government Buildings, Ms McDonald said: Ive said that I want people to transfer to other parties that are interested in change. I think each constituency will differ but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats that we would share ideas on housing and other policies on. People Before Profit candidates of the left, some independent candidates. It depends. It varies from constituency to constituency, and its not for me to tell people how to vote, bar to ask them in the first instance to vote for Sinn Fein. Mr Harris said he wants the public to consider who will form a stable government when they are voting, asking whether the country would want to have 50 or 60 independent TDs in the Dail. Mr Harris said it is not his place to tell people who to transfer their vote to, but urged them to consider the make-up of the government after the election. Labour leader Ivana Bacik with supporters at St Stephens Green, Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Speaking to the PA news agency on Thursday, Mr Harris said he was asking people to consider carefully which candidates they would give a preference to on the ballot paper on Friday. The point I am making is of course I am asking people to vote for my party, to vote Fine Gael, and in the areas where we are running more than one candidate, to continue your vote for the rest of the Fine Gael candidates, he said. But I am also very conscious that, when the election is over, whatever people decide is the decision, it is important that a stable government can be formed, and I have been making the point to people that my party has shown the ability to work well with other parties and Im hoping that people would transfer their votes to other parties. There has been many good independent TDs in this country I dont make a pejorative comment at all in relation to any independent TD but I do make the point, do we want to make up the Dail with 40 or 50, 60 independent TDs and how do we form a stable government if that is the backdrop? That is very much the point I am making. I am not going to tell people it is not my place as to who to transfer to, but I would hope people would consider, in their vote, who would form a government at the end of all of this. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said that forming a coherent, stable government that would last the next four-and-a-half years was an important consideration. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) But ultimately it is a matter for the people. I would never be over-prescriptive in saying to people who are exercising their democratic rights, its up to people to do that, he said. Speaking in Greystones, Co Wicklow, ahead of a canvass with Fianna Fail minister Stephen Donnelly, Mr Martin described the election campaign as competitive and fragmented. He said: Transfers are going to be crucial and Im saying to our candidates, campaign for the number ones, but campaign for the twos, threes, fours and fives as well. Theyre going to be crucial in terms of the destination of final seats in constituencies across the country. So were going into this final two days positive but really understanding the competitive nature of this election. People walk through Cork city centre ahead of the General Election on Friday (Jacob King/PA) Mr Harris also admitted his party faced a couple of bumps during the election campaign. We hit a couple of bumps along the way and Ive been honest in relation to to err is to be human and its how you respond to that is important, he said in Dublin on Thursday. This election is about issues. This election is about what we are going to do to make life better for people, what are we going to do to keep the economy safe, how are we going to help with the cost of living, how are we going to build more homes? He said that he had discussed and debated the issues and spoken to people across the country over the past three weeks. This is all to play for, he said. Best of luck to everyone. As President (Barack) Obama said to Sarah Palin when he rang her up when she was put on John McCains ticket as vice president, I wish you luck, but not too much. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Roderic OGorman said that smaller parties and independents will be pivotal in the make-up of the next government. When you look at the polls, its very clear that smaller parties and independents are going to be crucial in the formation of the next government, he said on Friday. I think come Saturday evening, Sunday probably we are going to have a real sense of how pivotal smaller parties will be. I think, irrespective of the lean of the parties, smaller parties will be pivotal. So them the question is, what sort of small party do you want in there? Do you want a progressive party like the Green Party, that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability. Or do you want parties that are going to bring us to the right, whether its anti-climate, anti-choice, anti-equality but also are so incoherent in themselves that you wont have that element of stability. The path towards power and government and policy for the Green Party is demonstrating our track record of deliver of our policies but also giving stability and being a grown partner within a government. The Prime Minister announced a major overhaul of the immigration system as he accused the Conservatives of running a one-nation experiment in open borders. On the day revised figures estimated net migration hit a record 906,000 in 2023, Sir Keir Starmer told a Downing Street press conference that his Government would publish plans imminently, in the form of a white paper, to bring down the number of people entering the UK. But he also took aim at the previous government, saying the quadrupling of net migration since 2019 had been a deliberate policy of the Conservatives. He said: Failure on this scale isnt just bad luck. It isnt a global trend or taking your eye off the ball. No, this is a different order of failure. This happened by design, not accident. Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration. Brexit was used for that purpose, to turn Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders. Thursdays press conference followed the publication of figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that showed the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving the country reached the higher than previously thought peak in the 12 months to June last year, after being revised up 166,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000. The figures, covering the previous Conservative governments administration before the general election, have since dropped by 20% and stood at 728,000 in the latest period for the year to June 2024. (PA Graphics) A similar change has been made to the provisional figure for net migration in the year to December 2023, which was initially estimated to be 685,000 and is now thought to be 866,000 an increase of 181,000. Describing the numbers as unprecedented, Sir Keir said: It is off the scale what has happened in four short years. Britains economy was now hopelessly reliant on immigration and the Government inherited an utter mess in the Home Office, he warned. Separate figures published at the same time showed: The cost of the UKs asylum system has risen to 5 billion, the highest level of Home Office spending on record and up by more than a third in a year. Some 35,651 asylum seekers were being housed in UK hotels at the end of September, up more than 6,000 since the end of June signalling the first quarterly rise for a year. More people were granted British citizenship in the first nine months of the 2024 than in any calendar year since 1962. The 268,481 grants were well above the previous 2013 record of 208,095. The figures come after new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch admitted her party had failed on migration. In a speech on Wednesday, Ms Badenoch said there had been a collective failure of political leaders from all parties over decades to grasp migration, adding: On behalf of the Conservative Party, it is right that I as the new leader accept responsibility and say truthfully, we got this wrong. I more than understand the public anger on this issue. I share it. (PA Graphics) But Sir Keir said she had provided only a chorus of excuses. In his press conference, he said the Government would reform the points-based immigration system to require companies employing foreign workers to also train British people, as well as crack down on abuse of the visa system. He said: Let me say directly to the people watching, where the last government failed you, this one will not. They drove immigration numbers up. We will get them down. But he refused to pluck an arbitrary number when asked to set a target, arguing this had achieved absolutely nothing when tried in the past, adding: The way to get it down is the hard graft, not the gimmicks. Meanwhile Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a landmark deal with Iraq, intended to crack down on people smuggling and boost border security. The ONS said although remaining high by historic standards, net migration is beginning to fall. Former home secretaries James Cleverly and Suella Braverman, who have both courted hopes of becoming Tory leader in the past, claimed credit for the drop in numbers while they led the Home Office. But shadow home secretary Chris Philp said net migration remains far too high and the UK needs stricter border controls. Fellow Tory frontbencher Robert Jenrick, who quit as immigration minister in December 2023, said it was a day of shame for the Conservative Party, adding: Our handling of immigration let the country down badly. The public are right to be furious. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the figures horrendous. The revisions are a result of the ONS continuing to review its net migration figures as more complete data becomes available, as well as improving how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the European Union. (PA Graphics) Better analysis of the number of people coming to the UK amid the conflict in Ukraine has also been taken into account. Some 1.2 million people are estimated to have arrived in the UK in the year ending June 2024, while 479,000 are likely to have left. This compares with 1.3 million who arrived in the UK in the year to June 2023 and 414,000 who left. The drop in the overall level of net migration has been driven mainly by a fall in the number of dependants arriving in the UK on study visas from outside the EU. The sale of Royal Mail to a Czech billionaire is close to being finalised, after extra concessions were agreed, according to reports. Daniel Kretinskys EP Group agreed to buy Royal Mail parent company International Distribution Services (IDS) earlier this year. The company struck the controversial deal in May but the move is now being reviewed by the Government under the National Security and Investment Act. The BBC reported on Thursday that talks between the proposed owner and the Government have been positive and that the finalised deal could be confirmed in the next two weeks. The company struck the controversial deal in May (Chris Radburn/PA) The deal would still need security approval after its deal is agreed with government. The reports indicate that Mr Kretinsky, who is nicknamed the Czech sphinx, will commit to more concessions in order to push the deal through. He had already guaranteed to maintain the delivery operators one-price-goes-anywhere universal service. The universal service currently requires Royal Mail to deliver letters six days a week and parcels five days a week, but is under review. He has also pledged not to raid the groups pension surplus, and keep the brand name and Royal Mails UK tax residency and headquarters. There was also an agreement to respect union demand for no compulsory redundancies until 2025. It is thought some of these safeguards, such as the commitment to avoid compulsory redundancies, could be extended as part of a new agreement. Union representatives have also been reportedly meeting Mr Kretinskys advisers this week. IDS and the Department for Business and Trade have been contacted for comment. Shoaib Bashir repaid some of Englands faith with an unexpected impact on day one of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. On a green Hagley Oval pitch that historically offers precious little for spinners, against opponents who have just trounced India in their own turning conditions, the 21-year-olds off-breaks brought the tourists four wickets as they wrestled the Black Caps for control of the game. The returning Kane Williamson looked like taking charge with a classy knock of 93, but he was one of four wickets in the evening session as England kept the hosts to 319 for eight. Bashir claimed four for 69, the best first day performance by a slow bowler at this venue since Nathan Lyon in 2016, to justify a selection that was anything but cut and dried. Day 1 Four wickets from Shoaib Bashir gives us a strong platform to build on in Christchurch pic.twitter.com/AujytqJaK1 England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 28, 2024 New Zealand opted against a specialist slow bowler, while England could have favoured Jack Leach after he outbowled Bashir in last months tour of Pakistan. But captain Ben Stokes has made a point of investing in the youngsters potential and would have been happier than anyone to see him pick up Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry. Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson took two apiece on a day that saw Williamson build a position of real strength at 199 for three, only for the Black Caps to lose their next four batters for 53. Things started well for the visitors in front a sold out crowd in the heart of Canterbury, Stokes winning the toss and celebrating his sides first wicket after just two overs in the field. Atkinson was responsible, picking up a smart caught-and-bowled as he attacked the left-handed Devon Conway from round the wicket. That brought Williamson to the crease on his return to the XI having missed the stunning 3-0 win in India with a groin injury. If it felt harsh for Will Young to make way after a player-of-the-series effort on that tour, Williamson reminded everyone why he remains a must pick. New Zealands Kane Williamson bats during play on the first day in Christchurch (John Davidson/Photosport/AP) An edge in front of the slips on nought offered England a hint of encouragement but that soon evaporated as he posted three successive half-century stands. He put on 58 with skipper Tom Latham, 68 with Ravindra and 69 with Daryl Mitchell, batting with complete composure and occasional bursts of intent. He was looking in ominous mood as he guided the score to 104 for two at lunch, Carse having Latham (47) caught behind with a full, seaming delivery to make it an even session. England should have had a third but Ravindra survived the thinnest of edges against Stokes when the bowler failed to appeal. Bashir had been unused in the opening session, but was introduced early in the afternoon as the sun wore down the seamers. He soon had Ravindra, albeit with a low full toss he would not choose to remember. Ravindra threw his head back in disbelief as he pumped the ball straight to short midwicket. At the other end Williamson showed no such carelessness. After Carse rattled his helmet, the number three hit the Durham man for back-to-back fours off front and back foot. He helped himself to two more when Bashir drifted down leg, reaching 50 in 90 deliveries. There was a first look at the part-time spin of debutant Jacob Bethell in the run-up to tea, Williamson welcoming the newcomer by sweeping his first ball to the boundary. Englands Gus Atkinson takes a catch off his own bowling to dismiss New Zealands Devon Conway (Chris Symes/Photosport/AP) New Zealand held the upper hand at the start of the final session but Englands luck turned with a series of unforced errors. Mitchell, who averaged a shade under 75 against when he arrived at the crease, looked short of rhythm for his 19 and found himself hurried up by a steepler from Carse. Shaping to pull he screwed a leading edge high into the air and into the hands of Harry Brook at deep third. That was a mistake his side could absorb, but losing Williamson seven short of his hundred was a more profound loss. He boasts an impressive record of navigating the so-called nervous nineties but faltered this time, failing to get on top of a cut shot and carving Atkinson to Zak Crawley at backward point. The Surrey seamer was just two balls into a new spell when he struck what could yet be a critical blow. An energised England kept pushing. Bashirs height bought him some extra bounce as he got one to kick outside off, leaving Blundell to pick out point, and he continued the good work when he invited Nathan Smith to spring the trap at leg-slip. With the ball drifting in towards his hip, he brushed it round the corner, where Joe Root was waiting to swoop. Bashirs perseverance was rewarded again when Henry holed out slogging down the ground, but Stokes will rue failing to hang on to a diving chance from Glenn Phillips on nought, with the all-rounder finishing 41 not out at stumps. First Minster John Swinney has said he is dissatisfied with the length of time it has taken for a decision to be made on the private prosecution of disgraced footballer David Goodwillie. Goodwillie and former teammate David Robertson were ruled in a civil court in 2017 to have raped Denise Clair, but no criminal charges have been filed against the pair. Ms Clair is now looking to launch a rare private prosecution in which an individual or organisation seeks to prosecute the accused, rather than the Crown Office taking action but is reliant on financial assistance. Ms Clairs case was raised in Holyrood by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay. No credible explanation has ever been given as to why the Crown Office did not prosecute, the Tory leader said. Frankly, the case stinks. Denise was forced to take civil action against the two men and a judge agreed that she had been raped.She has since asked the Government to fund a private criminal prosecution, but continues to be left in limbo. Responding to Mr Findlay, John Swinney said: I think the Government has taken too long to consider the request that Ms Clair has made to us. And when I saw the news reports at the weekend, I asked for there to be greater urgency put into the engagement with her agents on this question. I am dissatisfied with how long it has taken, I express my apology through Mr Findlay to Ms Clair today. Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC said: I met with Denise Clair to explain why her case was not prosecuted and I appreciate that decisions taken continue to cause her great upset. The Crown are precluded from taking up her case now, but the experience she shared of her involvement in the criminal justice system had a profound impact on me. What I heard from Denise, and from others who have told their stories, have assisted the Crown Office in its ongoing wider review into the prosecution of sexual offences. The issues were raised by Russell Findlay (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Findlay also raised the case of Claire Inglis, who was murdered in her home three years ago. Christopher McGowan was jailed for the murder, which a judge described as beyond sadistic after having been bailed five times for other offences despite previous convictions. While Ms Ingliss parents watched from the gallery, Mr Findlay said they were still fighting for answers after it emerged Stirling Councils social services department had raised concern months before her death. Responding, the First Minister said: We have taken steps to ask Stirling Council to undertake further examination and exploration of the issues involved, to engage directly with Claires parents and obviously we will discuss those issues in this exchange today. I remain committed to making sure that the family receives the answers that they understandably deserve. A statement from Ms Ingliss mum Fiona, released by the Scottish Tories, said: We should not have to come to Parliament again, and on the third anniversary of our beloved daughters murder, to beg the First Minister for answers. We feel trapped and unable to move on because we continue to be deprived of basic but vital information. There is something far wrong with Scotlands justice system when victims are kept in the dark and not treated as a priority. Both cases, Mr Findlay said, along with the passage of a Bill this week that would allow offenders serving short-term sentences to be automatically released after serving 40% of their term rather than 50%, were a symptom of soft touch SNP justice. The First Minister said: I will always take seriously the concerns of victims and will take the action necessary to ensure the interests of victims are fully and properly taken into account in all the steps that the Government takes. Terrorism law does not adequately deal with those who travel abroad to align with organisations like the so-called Islamic State, the terror watchdog has reported. Jonathan Hall KC, the reviewer of terrorism legislation, recommended introducing a new terrorist travel offence in a report published on Thursday. Mr Hall wrote that long-standing difficulties continue to bedevil the prosecution of individuals who have travelled to terror zones. He said this especially applied to women whose role may have been domestic but vital to the aims of the putative Islamic State. Mr Hall wrote that extra-territorial jurisdiction should be applied to child mistreatment cases where parents take their children with them. In her response to the report, the Home Secretary said she accepted the recommendation to consider introducing a new offence of travelling to support a proscribed organisation. In a letter to Mr Hall, Yvette Cooper wrote: My officials will continue to work with operational partners to assess the various elements of a potential new offence, the extent to which any gap is preventing prosecutions in practice and identify, if a new offence is taken forward, what humanitarian exemptions and other safeguards might be necessary. The Home Secretary said she agreed an amendment should be made to make it clearer that section 22 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008, which allows a Crown Court judge to authorise postcharge questioning, can be used in extradition cases. Ms Cooper wrote that this would support efforts to prosecute individuals, such as foreign terrorist fighters, who return to the UK. Mr Hall wrote that the overwhelming motive for travel to terror zones to date was Islamist terrorism. He said there was no prospect of suspected foreign terrorist fighters being questioned by Counter Terrorism Police while in detention in countries such as Syria or Iraq, because any admissions would likely be found unreliable. The Home Secretary wrote that she also welcomed a recommendation to establish a system of facial recognition for all arrivals at Western Jet Foil, the marina at the Port of Dover where small boat arrivals are brought after being picked up by UK vessels. In his report, Mr Hall wrote that the overwhelming majority of arrivals at Western Jet Foil were young adult men. He added: In turn many of these will be from unstable countries such as Afghanistan where terrorism is endemic, and in other Schedule 7 settings would be prime candidates for possible examination. Mr Hall also recommended that official statistics for terrorism-related arrests should record whether the arrest relates to Islamist extremist terrorism, extreme right-wing terrorism, or other terrorism. The Home Secretary responded that she agreed wherever possible it is important to provide transparency on the use of counter-terrorism powers, adding she recognised the benefits that official statistics can provide in understanding emerging trends. Mr Hall said the fluctuating territories of IS in Syria and Iraq attracted thousands of travellers, with an estimated 5,000 coming from Europe including 900 UK-linked individuals of national security concern of whom about 25% were killed and half have returned. The reviewer of terrorism legislation said emerging destinations for terror activity include the Sahel in Africa, especially Mali, while post-US withdrawal Afghanistan has resurrected fears about terrorist safe havens. A separate Home Office report published on Thursday found that 221 people were arrested for terrorism-related activity in the year ending December 31 2023, an increase of 32% from the 167 arrests in the previous year. The departments counter-terrorism disruptive powers report for 2023 found there were 244 persons in custody in Great Britain for terrorism-connected offences as of December 31 2023. This total was comprised of 158 people (65%) in custody who held Islamist extremist views, 64 (26%) who held extreme right-wing views, and a further 22 (9%) individuals who subscribed to other ideologies. The report also stated that during 2023, two people were deprived of British citizenship on the basis that to do so was conducive to the public good. More people realize Washington harming, not protecting Taiwan 08:39, November 28, 2024 By Zhang Yi ( China Daily File photo of Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. (Photo/Xinhua) An increasing number of people in Taiwan have realized that the United States is harming the island, not protecting it, a Chinese mainland spokesman said on Wednesday. Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remark in response to a recent public opinion poll held in Taiwan concerning the US demand for "protection fees "from Taiwan. US President-elect Donald Trump, in an interview during his election campaign, said that Taiwan should pay the US for its "defense". The survey conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation earlier this month showed that 51 percent of the Taiwan people polled disagreed with the demand of "protection fees", 12 percentage points higher than those who agreed. The survey also showed that more than 57 percent of the respondents did not believe that the US would send troops to "defend Taiwan", while less than 30 percent said they believe it would. The issue of "protection fees" could become a variable in terms of the island's relations with the US over the next four years and affect the development of cross-Strait relations, the foundation said in its recently published survey report. Compared with another opinion poll conducted in February 2023, the number of Taiwan people who believe the US would send troops to "defend" the region has dropped by 13 percentage points, while the number of respondents who do not believe the same has increased by 10.7 percentage points, according to the foundation. More people in Taiwan have broken through the information cocoon manufactured by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities, Chen said, adding that the DPP's reliance on the US will push Taiwan to the abyss of disaster. The spokesman said the US' demand for "protection fees" has sparked a strong backlash on the island, especially among the youth. "Many young people in Taiwan said on social media that if the US is allowed to take whatever it wants, Taiwan's healthcare funding will be squeezed," he said. Chen slammed the Taiwan authorities for seeking US support for the "Taiwan independence" agenda, saying that this would not provide an opportunity "to escape from the tragic fate of being abandoned". The spokesman also denounced the DPP's claim that Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te will make "visits" to three Pacific "diplomatic allies", for which he might "transit through" the US. The "transit" essentially means seeking "independence" through reliance on foreign forces, Chen said, adding that any attempt to create "one China, one Taiwan" in violation of the one-China principle will be opposed by all Chinese people. Zhong Houtao, a Taiwan affairs expert at the University of International Relations in Beijing, said that as Taiwan cannot achieve "independence" through its own strength, Lai's administration has turned its attention outward, seeking to leverage external forces to create chaos in the Strait. "They even fantasize that if a conflict were to occur in the Taiwan Strait, external forces such as the US would come to Taiwan's aid. This is undoubtedly a delusion," Zhong added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Eiber Gabriel Sira-Vargas, 29, was charged Monday with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. His bail is set at $2 million. Courtesy Bexar County Sheriff's Office A man who survived a roadside shooting that left a teenager dead has led police to one of three suspects in the kidnapping turned slaying. Eiber Gabriel Sira-Vargas, 29, was charged Monday with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. His bail is set at $2 million. On July 1, San Antonio police found a teenager who had been killed on the side of the road in the 6300 block of U.S. 281 North. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The body of Alexis Jose Vegas, 18, was initially discovered by a passerby. He was face down with multiple gunshot wounds to his back in a grassy area adjacent to the highway, investigators said. There were spent shell casing and back black zip ties near his body. READ MORE: Officials identify San Antonio teen who was found shot to death Initially, that was all that was known of the incident. But on that same day, police were investigating an alleged robbery. Another 29-year-old, who was unidentified in the affidavit, told police that he had been robbed at gunpoint. A detective said his description of the incident was too vague, suggesting that he was withholding information. As the detectives continued investigating Vegas' death, they learned that he had been kidnapped prior to his death. Witnesses told police that the unidentified man who said he was robbed had been kidnapped along with Vegas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By the time that revelation came to light, the unidentified man was being held in an ICE detention facility in Colorado. The detective traveled to the state to interview the man, according to an affidavit supporting Sira-Vargas' arrest. The unidentified man told the detective he was at an apartment with Vegas and another man on July 1 when three armed suspects forced their way inside. Vegas and the unidentified man were zip-tied and crammed into the back of a vehicle. A third man was initially abducted alongside them, but the captors let him out at the apartment before they left. The captors then took them to the grassy area along U.S. 281 and ordered the unidentified man and Vegas to get out of the vehicle. That's when Sira-Vargas and a front-seat passenger got out and started shooting at Vegas and the man. The unidentified man told police he was wounded, but he pretended to be dead until the suspects left. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Afterward, he attempted to flag down passing vehicles until San Antonio police eventually arrived to help him. The unidentified man said he misled police out of fear of the suspects. A few months after the slaying, Sira-Vargas was detained at the South Texas ICE Processing Center. Another law enforcement agency apprehended him as he was driving a vehicle that closely matched the description provided to the detective. The leaders of the three biggest parties took part in a final canvass push as they hoped to gain an edge in the finely-balanced political battle. Opinion polls have put support for Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein within touching distance of each other and politicians have emphasised that it was a competitive election where transfers would be crucial. On the eve of polling day, Taoiseach Simon Harris visited a cafe in Glasnevin and spoke with prospective voters in the Dublin Central constituency. The Fine Gael leader took out a pen and paper to take notes when talking to Sam Lonergan, who raised lack of support for single parents as an issue. She said: I wasnt expecting to see him. He was younger than I thought and he was very nice. He was relaxed. It was an opportunity to talk to him. I thought Id get a chance, as I said, to talk to Paschal (Donohoe), whos my local politician, but he never came to the door. She added: Thats not going to change me. I have a fair idea who Im going to vote for, Im not going to say, but theyre going to be females. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaks to diners at a cafe in Glasnevin (Claudia Savage/PA) When speaking to Ms Lonergan, Mr Harris spoke about his partys policies on child benefits and tuition fees. Outside the cafe he spoke to a young girl called Zoe who asked the Taoiseach to build a playground near her grannys house. Zoes mother asked about school places, saying they were in the hundreds on the waiting list. Tanaiste Micheal Martin visited shops and cafes in Gorey, Co Wexford, which is in the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford. Micheal Martin inside a cafe in Gorey (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) The cost of housing, the high VAT rate for hospitality, reform of healthcare and the loss of a dual fuel allowance into a household when a spouse dies were among issues raised. One shop owner said she was excited to have a TD who is from Gorey, which is likely now because of a boundary-redraw earlier this year. When polling day being on a Friday was raised in one conversation, Mr Martin was told teachers said they were pleased to have Black Friday off. Dont tell Michael OLeary, Mr Martin replied. Mr Martin bought a slice of Christmas cake in a cafe, while earlier in Arklow, Co Wicklow, he fed a reindeer called Deermuid. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald appeared very relaxed as she canvassed in Dublin city centre on Friday. Asked if she was shattered at the end of the three-week campaign, she said: No, Im good. Mary Lou McDonald (Brian Lawless/PA) A tourist bus drove past and visitors took pictures of the opposition leader from the roof. Meanwhile, in one Dublin constituency, an unusual draw aimed to settle who would get the slightest advantage of appearing as far up the ballot paper as possible. Sinn Fein housing spokesman and Dublin Mid-West candidate Eoin O Broin said that he and the Social Democrats Dublin Mid-West candidate who is also called Eoin O Broin had to put their names into a silver bowl and the election staff picked out who would appear first on the ballot paper. The Sinn Fein candidate was pulled out first, putting him in front of his Social Democrats rival on the ballot paper in tomorrows election. Ms McDonald later posed for selfies with members of the public and Santa Claus at the turning on of Christmas lights in Ballybough. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald turns on the Christmas lights at the Clonliffe House pub in Dublin (Claudia Savage/PA) She then travelled to a sparsely attended bingo hall in Cabra, where one of her final media markings was calling out the numbers. The Sinn Fein leader was told it was a quiet night and will join politicians hoping for better turn out on Friday. On quickly commenting the retirement age under Sinn Fein after pulling number 65, one attendee suggested she could get a full-time job as a bingo caller. Ms McDonald, hours away from polls opening, replied: I might need it. A sophisticated UK-based spy ring passed secrets to Russia for nearly three years, a court has heard. Bulgarian nationals Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, allegedly carried out surveillance on individuals and places of interest to Russia. The spying activities allegedly included locations in London, Vienna, Valencia, Montenegro and Stuttgart, jurors have heard. Court artist sketch of Bulgarian national Vanya Gaberova (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Opening the trial on Thursday, Alison Morgan KC said: This case is about espionage activity. Between 2020 and 2023 these three defendants together with a number of other people spied for the benefit of Russia. Over a period of nearly three years they sought to gather information for the benefit of Russia, an enemy of the UK, information about various targets, both people and physical locations. Information of particular interest to the Russian state. Their activity caused obvious and inevitable prejudice to the safety and interests of the United Kingdom. Ms Morgan said the defendants were sophisticated in their methodology as they allegedly conducted surveillance. They allegedly manufactured and used fake identities and deployed advanced technology to acquire information. The prosecutor said they obtained imagery and compiled detailed reports on their targets for which they were paid significant amounts of money. Ms Morgan said: They all knew why they were being tasked to conduct their operations. Their activity was being undertaken for the direct or indirect benefit of Russia. The spy ring included two more defendants, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, who have pleaded guilty to espionage charges, the court was told. Court sketch of Bulgarian national Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev (Elizabeth Cook/PA) It is alleged the defendants plotted with a Russian agent, Rupert Ticz, said to be Austrian national Jan Marsalek, to obtain information directly or indirectly useful to Russia. Ms Morgan said they were tasked to spy on prominent individuals of obvious interest to Russia, often because they were dissidents who had fled their homeland for their own safety. Activities often involved surveillance operations, following people around and finding out where they were and then reporting back to the Russian state, the court heard. The spy ring also targeted significant locations, including an embassy and airbase in Germany, jurors heard. Ms Morgan told jurors: You may think that it is obvious that if a group of individuals conduct espionage activity of this type planned in the UK but for the benefit for Russia, it is damaging to our national security interests. You may also think that it is obvious that throughout this period Russia can properly be described as an enemy of the UK. Enemy for these purposes includes any country which represents a threat to our national security. Ms Morgan said what the defendants did was not in dispute, and invited jurors to consider why they were doing it, what they knew and what they intended when they passed information back along the line. Roussev and Dzhambazov have admitted having a number of false identity documents for spying, a number of which were found in Ivanovas bedroom, although she denies wrongdoing, jurors have heard. Ms Morgan said there were six spying operations which involved high level espionage with high levels of deceit which were extremely risky for those involved. They included getting close to their targets, filming them, and even envisaging direct contact by deploying the female defendants as a honey trap, as sexual bail to capture more information, jurors heard. Ms Morgan told jurors: It was high risk and it was highly sophisticated. The prosecution alleges that it is fanciful to suggest that any of these defendants were ignorant as to why they were doing what they were doing. The first operation, between September and November 2021, targeted Bellingcat investigative journalist Christo Grozev whose work on Russian affairs included uncovering Russian links to the 2018 Salisbury attack and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. The second operation in November 2022 focused on UK-based Russian dissident Roman Dobrokhotov. Jurors heard he is an investigative journalist and founder of The Insider, a media organisation which was formerly based in Russia before he fled the country. The third operation was on Kazakhstan former politician Bergey Ryskaliyev who fled to the UK and was granted refugee status. The targeting of the political dissident in November 2021 would have helped cultivate relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, it was claimed. The fourth operation involved staging a fake demonstration outside the Kazakh Embassy in September 2022 to create a pretence the spies had genuine intelligence about those responsible to pass on to Kazakhstan Intelligence Services to further curry favour, jurors heard. This operation was conducted with a man called Ivan Stoyanov, jurors were told. The fifth operation concerned Patch Barracks, a US military airbase in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2022. At the time, the defendants were said to have believed the base was being used to train Ukrainian soldiers, it was alleged. Ms Morgan said the defendants were using highly sophisticated technology to gather sensitive intelligence from the base. The sixth operation targeted Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur when he was spending time in Montenegro between September 2021 and January 2022. The court heard Mr Kachur had been designated a foreign agent by Russia in November 2023 and was another dissident, jurors heard. Ms Morgan said the defendants were gathering highly sensitive information and passing it on to Russia and had put many lives at risk. She said: By conducting activity of this type planned on UK soil these defendants were acting in a way that was prejudicial to the safety and interests of the UK. Jurors were told that Dzhambazov, 43, was in a relationship with both Ivanova and Gaberova, with the latter formerly involved with Ivanchev. The defendants have denied a charge of conspiracy to spy between August 30 2020 and February 8 2023. Ivanova has denied a second charge of possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. At the time of the alleged offences, Ivanchev was living in Acton, west London, Ivanova was living in Harrow, north-west London, and Gaberova in Euston, north London. The Old Bailey trial is expected to go on until February next year. The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed their sadness at the death of teenage photographer Liz Hatton, saying it was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman. The 17-year-old, who died on Wednesday, pursued a photography bucket list after being diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer at the start of the year. Liz, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, hit the headlines when she was pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of William at an investiture. We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lizs parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time. W & C The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 28, 2024 William and Kate, who herself was treated for cancer this year, said in a personal message shared on their Kensington Palace social media accounts: We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lizs parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time. The message was signed W & C. Liz had her very own exhibition last week, the perfect culmination of her incredible achievements. As I walked around looking at her pictures thinking about the circumstances many were taken under I was more in awe of her than ever. It has taken a while for me to update on here pic.twitter.com/AtJv51jtF5 PumpkinsandPost-Its (@2ndtimeMama) November 25, 2024 Lizs mother Vicky Robayna praised her incredible daughter, saying she flew high until the end as she announced her death on X. Her death at home in the early hours of Wednesday had left a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill, she added. She asked people to share one of Lizs photos in tribute, under the hashtag #LizHatton, and also to support the familys mission to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, a rare and aggressive sarcoma. Ms Robayna has set up a fundraising page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vicky-robayna with a goal of raising 100,000. Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to the last. Even yesterday she was still making plans. We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year. She was not only a phenomenal pic.twitter.com/HbmyJYp0XD PumpkinsandPost-Its (@2ndtimeMama) November 27, 2024 As part of her bucket list, Liz went on to photograph comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, London Air Ambulances from a helipad, hotel doormen, the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and joined acclaimed British photographer Rankin to lead a fashion shoot. She fulfilled what her mother described as her biggest wish, spending two days with Los Angeles-based portrait photographer David Suh, who flew from the US to work with her. The project culminated in her own photography exhibition in London this month, showcasing her work. Ms Robayna said on X at the time: Liz had her very own exhibition last week, the perfect culmination of her incredible achievements. As I walked around looking at her pictures, thinking about the circumstances many were taken under, I was more in awe of her than ever. But Ms Robayna also revealed two days ago how Liz had become increasingly tired and how they were due to be celebrating Christmas early as a family at the end of this week, adding: We know our time is short now. Former Harrogate Grammar School student Liz launched her own website devoted to her photography. It tells of how she began taking photographs as soon as she could walk, saved to buy her first real camera aged nine and, at 11, chose her secondary school because they offered photography as a course. She took GCSE photography and began her A-level to refine her skill. Taking photographs also helped Liz cope with her constant pain. Every time she picks up her camera and focuses on new and exciting shoots it helps to distract her from the constant pain that she feels every second of every day, the site said. When taking photographs, the rest of the world doesnt seem to matter as much. The race for key Senate contests in 2026 is already getting underway, with a few major potential candidates hinting they may join the race. Republicans won back control of the Senate in the 2024 elections in early November, picking up four seats for a 53-47 majority in the body, the largest margin for either party since the 2018 midterms. Democrats will now seek to go back on offense to try to win the majority and place a check on the incoming Trump administration. Here are the seven most competitive Senate races to watch for in 2026: Maine Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has been a top target for Democrats for years as a Republican senator in a state that leans Democratic in statewide elections. Though they have been unable to pick her off in the past, she will almost certainly be the top target for Democrats in 2026. Whether Collins runs may be key to the GOPs chances of holding on to the seat. She told reporters shortly after Election Day that she plans to seek a sixth term in office, which would make her the longest-serving senator in Maines history. As a more moderate senator who sometimes bucks the GOP in votes, Collins could face a primary challenge from the right, but she almost certainly is the strongest candidate Republicans could have in the general election. Democrats were enthused about former state House Speaker Sara Gideons chances in 2020 only for her to lose by more than 8 points, making the race a tough challenge for whoever the partys nominee will be. North Carolina Democrats have had their eye on North Carolina on the federal level since former President Obama carried the state during the 2008 election, but theyve taken repeated disappointments, most recently losing the state this year to President-elect Trump by about 3 points. Theyll hope to finally get over the finish line facing Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a two-term incumbent. Like with Collins, Democrats had optimism about ousting Tillis in 2020, but their candidate fell short by less than 2 points. Their chances may get a boost if outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper (D) joins the race after two terms in office as a popular governor. A source told NBC News that Cooper declined consideration to be the Democratic running mate this year because he is considering a Senate run. But Tillis may be able to avoid a divisive and potentially damaging primary with firebrand Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) saying another run for office is not on my radar. Georgia The Georgia Senate races in 2020 tipped control of the Senate to the Democrats, and Republicans are eager to target Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) after the incumbent defeated then-Sen. David Perdue (R) four years ago. Trump flipped the Peach State red again after it voted for President Biden in 2020, along with Democratic Sens. Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Several prominent Georgia Republicans are rumored to be possible candidates. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) has indicated that he is considering a run, but he signaled to Punchbowl News last week that he may forgo running if Gov. Brian Kemp (R) gets into the race, as many Republicans hope for. Kemp will be coming to the end of his second term in 2026 and will be unable to seek a third. Kemp won reelection comfortably in 2022 after a narrow win in 2018. Michigan Republicans have now won Michigan in two of the last three presidential races and nearly picked up a Senate seat there this year, with former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) losing to Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) by 0.3 points. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) narrowly survived his reelection bid four years ago against now-Rep. John James (R-Mich.) by less than 2 points in a race seen as a possible upset opportunity for the GOP. No major Republican has publicly suggested theyre thinking of challenging Peters, but the party will likely have their sights set on the seat, especially if they can nominate a strong opponent. A Republican has not won a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan since the 1990s. Ohio The Buckeye State will have an open Senate seat by January, with Vice President-elect JD Vance set to vacate his seat when hes sworn in. GOP Gov. Mike DeWine will appoint a replacement, but they will have to run in a special election in 2026 for the rest of the term, which will last two more years after that. DeWine hasnt indicated whom he will appoint, but numerous possibilities have been floated among analysts, including state Sen. Matt Dolan, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and former state GOP Chair Jane Timken, all of whom are past Senate candidates. Although the state has increasingly leaned red, Democrats may have a chance to take the seat particularly if longtime outgoing Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) runs again after a loss to Republican Bernie Moreno this year. Brown has been popular and won three straight elections before his defeat this year. He has said hes not ruling anything out in response to questions about his possible candidacy. Former Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), who ran against Vance in 2022, also said hes keeping his options open. New Hampshire New Hampshire has been on Republicans radar in recent years, but Democrats have prevailed there in federal elections since 2016, though by small margins. This could put the race against Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in discussion in two years even if it is a more difficult climb for the GOP than Georgia or Michigan. Outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu (R) would likely be seen as the strongest possible candidate, as he is overwhelmingly popular, but he has said he isnt interested in running. Former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) has said hes considering a run, which would be his second try against Shaheen after losing to her in 2014. Shaheen is a heavyweight in New Hampshire, having served in the Senate for three terms after six years as governor, the first female governor in the states history. Texas Democrats have been seriously talking about flipping Texas blue since at least 2018, though each of the candidates put up since then have fallen short, including Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) this year. Sen. John Cornyn (R) is running for his fifth term but may face a serious primary challenge from other Texas Republicans, including state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Democrats may hope a more controversial nominee like Paxton grants a better chance of flipping the seat. But Texas will still be at least a target for Democrats most ideal scenario regardless of the Republican nominee. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Australia's Senate passed legislation Wednesday that, once signed by the country's leader who has strongly endorsed it, will ban children under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms. The new law will give Australia the tightest restrictions of any democracy in the world on children's use of hugely popular social media apps. The Senate passed the bill by 34 votes to 19 on Thursday, a day after Australia's House of Representatives passed the same bill by a sweeping margin of 102 votes to 13. Australia's major parties in the House all supported the bill, which will see social media companies such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for failing to prevent people under 16 from creating accounts on their platforms. Tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, has called for the bill to be delayed. In a statement posted online Tuesday, Meta said it was "concerned the government is rushing this legislation without adequate consultation or evidence and there are still many unknowns with respect to its implementation." "The Government's approach will likely require each app provider to collect personal identification or biometric data from all Australians in order to prevent under 16s from accessing their services, an inefficient and burdensome process for everyone," a Meta spokesperson said. Meta also pointed to a policy it introduced earlier this year on its Instagram platform, Instagram teen accounts, which limits who can contact teenagers via their accounts and attempts to moderate the content that young users see. In a post shared last week on the X platform that he owns, tech billionaire Elon Musk also condemned the Australian bill and said it seemed to him "like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discusses legislation that would make 16 the minimum age for children to use social media, at a press conference in Canberra, Nov. 7, 2024. / Credit: Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP Other independent bodies and non-profit organizations have also taken aim at the bill, voicing concern that young people's human rights could be restricted by it. The CEO of the Save the Children charity Mat Tinkler said in a statement earlier this month that while he welcomes government efforts to protect children from harm online, the solution should be regulating social media companies, rather than introducing a blanket ban. "We are asking the government to reconsider this legislative approach and instead use the momentum of this moment to hold the social media giants to account, to demand that they embed safety into their platforms rather than adding it as an afterthought, and to work closely with experts and children and young people themselves to make online spaces safer, as opposed to off-limits," Tinkler said. The Australian Human Rights Commission, an independent government body, expressed its own "serious reservations" over the proposed law in an analysis published last week. "There are less restrictive alternatives available that could achieve the aim of protecting children and young people from online harms, but without having such a significant negative impact on other human rights. One example of an alternative response would be to place a legal duty of care on social media companies," the analysis said. "We also need to help children and young people to better navigate online spaces by ensuring the national curriculum includes a specific focus on teaching digital literacy and online safety." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected criticism of the proposed law as he addressed the parliament Monday. "There are common sense exemptions. We want to make sure that young people can continue to access health and education related services Headspace, YouTube, Google Classroom as well as messaging services and online games," he said. The Australian leader added that there would be "very strong and strict privacy requirements to protect people's personal information, including an obligation to destroy information provided once age has been verified." Despite the criticism, the legislation remains popular among Australians, according to recent polling data. A YouGov survey released Tuesday showed 77% of Australians back the ban on under-16s, and 87% of said they supported the introduction of stronger penalties for social media companies that fail to comply with regulations. Grateful Dead members reflect on Phil Lesh's impact on the band, their lives Former Navy secretary says Trump's Defense Secretary pick will make the military "weaker" Some North Carolina homeowners still can't return home after Helene landslides US sanctions are aiming to restrict China's access to cutting-edge chips. iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI The US is planning new curbs on chip exports to slow China's AI development, multiple reports say. It could blacklist 200 Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturers, Wired reported. Targeting Chinese chip equipment makers could benefit European firms such as ASML. The Biden administration is reported to be considering fresh sanctions against Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturers, pushing up stocks of semiconductor suppliers in Europe and Japan. Bloomberg reported that while the newly proposed sanctions still targeted Chinese chip fabrication plants, they put greater emphasis on targeting domestic firms supplying manufacturing equipment to chipmakers. The suggested curbs would add an extra 100 Chinese chip equipment makers to the entity list, the outlet reported. That pushed the share price of ASML the Dutch firm supplying crucial specialized equipment to chip manufacturers, including China's SMIC up by more than 4.27% Thursday. Tokyo Electron, which also sells equipment for manufacturing chips, saw its share price climb by more than 6% on Thursday. The restrictions, expected as soon as next week, could also add chipmakers to the sanctions list, including key suppliers to the Chinese smartphone maker Huawei, Bloomberg and Wired reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The new proposals would affect fewer Huawei suppliers, the reports added. As part of the sweeping sanctions, the US could add 200 Chinese chip firms to its trade blacklist, Wired reported. The controls could also include restrictions around trading memory chips, which are crucial for the development of AI models. 'Malicious attempts to block and suppress China' Chinese stocks were down on Thursday. Hang Seng's stock slid by more than 1%, and the CSI and the Shanghai Composite are also down by 0.57% and 0.10%, respectively. "This decline is occurring as the Biden administration is considering imposing additional restrictions on the sale of crucial semiconductors to China, possibly as early as next week," Jim Reid, Deutsche Bank's global head of economics and thematic research, said in a research note. The Biden administration has worked to limit China's progress in the semiconductor industry in recent years by rolling out export controls aimed at cutting off its access to buying advanced AI chips and chip-making equipment. American chip equipment makers and allies such as Japan and the Netherlands reportedly pushed back against earlier proposals. Under the new rules, companies and even foreign firms that used American parts or software in designing and manufacturing AI chips will be required to obtain licenses to export to China. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, said at a press conference this week, "China is firmly opposed to the US overstretching the concept of national security, abusing export control measures, and making malicious attempts to block and suppress China." The US Department of Commerce didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Allison had lost her ability to do much of what she loved when she turned to assisted dying in February 2023. (Supplied) When loving mother-of-two Allison Salter was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in June 2022, she resolved to die on her own terms. Described by her daughter, Catie, as a passionate, sociable, and independent woman, the disease gradually stripped Allison of her ability to do the things she loved most. In February 2023, with all treatment avenues exhausted, she turned to assisted dying. While her death at Dignitas in Switzerland ended her suffering, it left Catie emotionally torn and bereft. Though relieved that her mother was no longer in pain and grateful to have memories of her still being the mum I knew, Catie felt robbed of a natural grieving process due to the legal circumstances surrounding her death. She was unable to travel to Switzerland to be with her mother in her final moments, forced instead to say goodbye over a video call while hiding the truth from friends and colleagues. In the weeks that followed, the familys grief was overshadowed by fears of being arrested for assisting in her death. Catie believes that legislation to legalise assisted dyingset to be debated in the Commons on Fridaywould spare families like hers from the additional pain of navigating such a difficult process abroad. If this law had existed, Mum could have died at home, surrounded by the people who loved her, she says. In the final weeks before her death Allison, 68, was unable to speak, use her limbs and often choked on her food (Supplied) A heartbreaking diagnosis Allison first began to notice symptoms of MND in 2021, when she started to lose control of her legs. Initially thought to be a mechanical issue, it became clear something was seriously wrong as the problem spread to other parts of her body. As months passed, Catie watched her mother lose the ability to do the things she loved most. Allisons cherished long weekend walks with her husband became impossible as she lost the ability to walk completely. When her hands began to fail, she could no longer write or enjoy her favourite crossword and sudoku puzzles. The symptoms worsened, and one day Allison lost the ability to sing. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, said Catie, 36. One day I said to Mum, Sing along, and she looked at me and said, I cant. It was a really sad moment. In the final weeks before her death, Allison could no longer speak. Her heartbreaking decline culminated in her losing control over the muscles in her throat, leaving her choking on food. By the time she was diagnosed in 2022, Allison knew this was not how she wanted to live the rest of her life. She penned a letter outlining her wishes to pursue assisted dying before she lost the ability to write. When she realised what it likely was in May 2022, Catie said, she told Dad that she wasnt going to see it through to the end. In her letter, she made it clear that it was her choiceand only her choice. The mother-of-two started to notice symptoms of the disease in late 2021 (Supplied) When she told me I was shocked but not surprised. I wasnt surprised because of who she was - it totally made sense because of how independent she was. It made total sense she didnt want to be in bed at the end unable to do anything. The journey to Dignitas After months of secret planning, February 2023 marked the time for Allison to travel to Switzerland. Caties father accompanied her, while Catie and her sister stayed behind, saying their goodbyes on a chilly February morning as Allison left for the airport. In her final moments, the sisters FaceTimed their mother. Later, they learned of her passing through a four-word text: She sleeps, so brave. Though her death was peaceful, the familys ordeal was far from over. The UKs legal stance on assisted dying cast a shadow over their grief, forcing them to navigate legal fears amid mourning. The time leading up to her departure was incredibly difficult for us, Catie recalled. The amount of planning and secrecy involved was enormous. We couldnt tell anyonenot even Mums closest friends. When the date came, I had to go to work as if everything was normal. It was heartbreaking seeing people visit Mum, knowing it would be the last time theyd see her, but they didnt know. So many people have said that, had they known, they would have spent more time with her, visited more often, or even wanted to accompany her to Switzerland. When we told them afterward, it felt like wed lied and deceived people who cared deeply about her. As months went by, Catie watched as her mother became unable to continue to do the things she loved, beginning with the long weekend walks with her father (Supplied) What is the current UK law? Under current UK law, assisting someone in dying carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. For Caties family, this legal barrier turned the months following her mothers death into a time of fear rather than healing. They were consumed by anxiety that their father could face arrest simply for being by Allisons side as she passed. Mum should have been able to die in the UK, Catie said. It would have spared our family weeks and months of stress, worry, and ongoing trauma. Its very hard to grieve when youre scared. We couldnt even have simple things, like a funeral, because that would mean people asking how she died. If the law were changed, loved ones could be by the patients side without fear. There would be no sense of deceit, no fear of the police knocking on your door. And after the person has gone, you could grieve properly. How could the Assisted Dying bill change this and what are the concerns? Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeaters Bill to legalise assisted dying will come before the Commons on Friday, marking the first debate and vote on the issue since 2015. The proposed legislation, which applies to England and Wales, would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live and a settled wish to die to seek assisted death. However, its passage remains uncertain, with MPs granted a free vote and the Cabinet divided on the issue. The Bill, which covers England and Wales, says that only terminally ill adults with less than six months left to live and a settled wish to die would be eligible (Supplied) Opponents have raised concerns over potential coercion, so-called mission creep, and what they see as rushed legislation. Addressing these fears, Catie said: I understand the concerns, but Ive met with Kim, and she has thought through every single detail. The Bill is strict. If the process is anything like what my mum went through, coercion would be picked up. This law would introduce even more safeguards than ever before. Theres a misconception that this is an either-or with palliative carebut thats not the case. The campaign supports making palliative care as good as possible so people have a balanced choice. For me, though, Id prefer the assisted dying route. This is about adding to a care plan, not replacing it. Its about having the choice. Fort Pierce, Florida A collection of 37 gold coins with a combined value estimated at more than $1 million have been recovered after they were stolen by salvagers back in 2015 from a famous 18th century shipwreck off Florida's Treasure Coast, state authorities announced Tuesday. A professional treasure hunter has been charged in connection with the case. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the recovery in a news release, calling it a "major milestone in a long-standing investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of these priceless historical artifacts." As required by state and federal law, the recovered artifacts will be returned to their "rightful custodians," the agency added. The suspect, Eric Schmitt, is facing charges of dealing in stolen property. The coins were aboard the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet, a convoy of 11 ships filled with treasure from the New World that were lost to a hurricane in July 1715. The shipwreck gave Florida's Treasure Coast its name. Schmitt spoke to "CBS Mornings" in July 2015 after his family's business, Booty Salvage, helped find the coins while searching in shallow waters off the coast of Fort Pierce. Stolen gold coins came from 1715 sunken fleet off Florida's east coast / Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission "It's definitely a passion. You gotta want to do this," Schmitt told CBS News at the time. "...Mostly what we find is garbage on a daily basis beer cans and lead sinkers and bullets." In 2015, members of the Schmitt family, working as contracted salvage operators for a company called "1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels," uncovered 101 gold coins worth $4.5 million, FWC said. Fifty-one of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, but 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen. FWC investigators, in collaboration with the FBI, launched an investigation on June 10 for the missing coins. Evidence linked Schmitt, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024, FWC said. Authorities executed multiple search warrants, recovering the stolen coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes and auctions, FWC said. Five stolen coins were reclaimed from a Florida-based auctioneer, who unknowingly purchased them from Schmitt. Advanced digital forensics identified metadata and geolocation data linking Schmitt to a photograph of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce, officials said. Furthermore, Schmitt took three of the stolen gold coins and placed them on the ocean floor in 2016 to be found by the new investors of Queens Jewels, the agency said. The FWC worked with historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt. to authenticate and appraise the recovered artifacts. Booty Crew recovered items from sunken ships in 1517 off Fort Pierce. / Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Investigators are attempting to recover the remaining 13 stolen coins. "This case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida's rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation," FWC Investigator Camille Soverel said in a statement. The gold coins had been minted in Lima, Peru, between 1697 and 1712. Seven days after departing from Havana, Cuba, the 11 ships of the fleet were lost in a hurricane on July 31, 1715, along with at least $400 million worth of gold and jewelry. One of those, ships, Urca de Lima, opened to the public in September 1987 in Fort Pierce and is protected as part of the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserves. For centuries, people have been searching the area for the shipwreck's treasure. CBS News reported in 2015 that the state of Florida gets 20% of the profits of treasure hunting off the top. The Schmitt family, as a subcontractor, was to split the bounty 50-50 with Queens Jewels, LLC, the company that owned the rights to the wreckage at the time. "The more we do this, the bigger the finds we make, so I kind of less believe in luck and more believe in our hard work," Schmitt told CBS News in 2015. Grateful Dead members reflect on Phil Lesh's impact on the band, their lives Some North Carolina homeowners still can't return home after Helene landslides New White House rule would make weight loss drugs available for people on Medicare and Medicaid The United States is known as a great melting of people, food and culture. In major cities across the country like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, people can find nearly any cuisine that fits their heart's desire. However, as Chef Sean Sherman of the Oglala Lakota Tribe has pointed out in the past, these cities have few - if any - restaurants focused on Indigenous cuisines from the more than 570 recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities. Each of these tribes has their distinct food traditions. Food harvested by an indigenous woman in the Shinnecock Indian Nation sits on a table after being picked from her garden in Southampton on July 26, 2022. / Credit: KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images Eateries like Watecha Bowl, Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery, and Owamni aim to change that by reviving or paying homage to the centuries-old techniques and flavors passed down through generations. "We all are on the same mission of food sovereignty," Watecha Bowl owner and entrepreneur Lawrence West told CBS News. "And introducing the world to Native American food." West is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. "The things that I cook and the way that I prepare food is very important because it only represents a certain heritage of people," he said. Restaurant options around the country West's restaurant Watecha Bowl is a fast-food eatery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that serves food and flavors from the Lakota Nation. "I've had the privilege of feeding people from all over the world," West said. "I've fed people from all 50 states." This year, his restaurant is giving out an Indian taco in exchange for a toy that will be donated to local Native American kids in foster care, according to the Facebook page with 30,000 followers. Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery is a fast-casual restaurant that serves build-your-own Native American food in Denver, Colorado. Its goal is to "rebuild the original American food system." Co-founder and President Ben Jacobs, told CBS News that he wants to make his cuisine accessible to everyone while offering a space for Native community members to feel at home. He is a tribal member of the Osage Nation of northeast Oklahoma. Indigenous farmland / Credit: Tocabe He said he was inspired to open the eatery because Native food did not seem to have a place in the culinary industry in 2008 when it opened. More than 16 years later, Tocabe's food still shares stories of community, culture and identity. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Chef Sean Sherman's restaurant Owammni aims to "decolonize" the dining experience by purchasing ingredients from Indigenous food producers that would have been found in North America before European colonization. "It's unfortunate that this restaurant is unique. Part of the goal is, how do we normalize something that's healthy and Indigenous? We're showing a model that's possible," Sherman wrote in a recent blog post on the restaurant's website. What are the essential dishes to try? According to West, wojapi is a must-have. The thick berry sauce is one of the most traditional foods of the American plains. It can be used as a dip, on frybread, meat or even as is. Next is bison, particularly chislic, invented in South Dakota. Third is wild rice with maple syrup. Frybread is one of the most popular Native American foods. But West said this was embraced out of necessity when the U.S. government forced assimilation with stipends during the land grab and the Trail of Tears. Jacobs emphasizes, though, that ingredients found in local grocery stores like corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and chillies originate "right here" in America. Those are Native foods, too. He said he hopes all Americans should understand where our food comes from and appreciate the story behind it. The Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace offers common, or not-so-common, ingredients, but they are sourced from Native producers on tribal lands. Corn cooking at Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery in Denver, Colorado. / Credit: Tocabe A history of food Native American food is not mainstream for a variety of reasons. Sherman pointed to the idea of "manifest destiny," or the 19th-century belief that the U.S. was "destined" by God to expand across North America to spread democracy and capitalism. West and Sherman also pointed to "forced assimilation," or the U.S. government's aim to make Native people adopt the customs, values and behaviors of the dominant culture. Laws like The Indian Removal Act of 1830, The Homestead Act of 1862, The Dawes Act of 1887 and others helped make this happen. According to Britannica, The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native people in the Southeastern U.S. during the 1830s. Tribal military records estimate that around 100,000 indigenous people were forcibly removed from their homes. Policies like these disrupted Native food systems, leading to food insecurity and poor health outcomes, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). The CBPP said the U.S. has made treaties with tribes since the 1700s, promising to provide Indigenous people with rations, giving them food like lard, wheat and flour, which were often unhealthy. According to the 2023 U.S. Census data, around 1.3% of Americans identify as American Indian or Native American. Jacobs said after centuries of the American government deconstructing Native food systems, "we're trying to rebuild." "I think we're at a point now that we can control our food again, which means we can control our future," he said. Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes Kate Winslet: The 60 Minutes Interview "CBS Evening News" headlines for Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 Editors Note: A version of this story appears in CNNs Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a weekly look inside the regions biggest stories. Sign up here. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon appears to be largely holding, despite accusations of violations from both sides of the border. US President Joe Biden said the deal that took effect early Wednesday morning raising hopes of a lasting respite after a 13-month border conflict that spiraled into an all-out war in September is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. Since then, thousands of displaced Lebanese people have begun returning to their homes in the south, despite both Lebanons army and the Israeli military warning residents not to return home yet. But a fragile and complicated process must still play out over the next 60 days, and it remains to be seen how permanent the pause will be in the long term. Heres what you need to know about the ceasefire and the weeks ahead. What the deal entails The deal stipulates a 60-day cessation of hostilities, which negotiators have described as the foundation of a lasting truce. During that time, Hezbollah fighters are expected to retreat some 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Israel-Lebanon border, while Israeli ground forces withdraw from Lebanese territory. UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the last all-out war between the two countries in 2006, has been the basis of the deal and the negotiations have mainly revolved around the treatys enforcement. Under the agreement, Lebanon would implement a more rigorous supervision of Hezbollahs movements south of the countrys Litani river, to prevent militants from regrouping there. United Nations peacekeeping troops, the Lebanese military and a multinational committee will be tasked with supervising the Iran-backed groups movements. Israel has vowed to resume military operations in case of a breach of the agreement. Will the truce hold? The ceasefire agreement heralds much-needed respite for Lebanese civilians, hundreds of whom have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, as well as for Israelis, millions of whom have taken to shelters amid Hezbollahs daily barrage of rocket fire. Thousands of Lebanese have begun to travel back to their homes in the south, despite warnings from the Israeli and Lebanese governments not to return immediately. Residents in the southern Lebanese town of Qlayaa were seen cheering and throwing rice in the air a gesture of celebration as a Lebanese regiment arrived in the town on Wednesday evening. Under the truce, the Lebanese military will ramp up its presence in the south to help preserve the peace. But there are questions about how long the truce may hold. Israel insists that it will take military action in response to any breach of the agreement. That could reignite the conflict, putting US-backed diplomatic efforts in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has agreed to withdraw its forces north of the Litani river, some 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon frontier at its furthest point. It made that concession in 2006 but violated it, building a vast underground infrastructure in an area where its members are part of the social fabric. Israel also breached the 2006 agreement by conducting near daily overflights in Lebanon. On Thursday, however, both countries in the agreement accused the other of violating it. In a statement, Israels military that said that it had thwarted terrorist activity in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said that Israel had breached the terms of the ceasefire agreement several times since it went into effect, through aerial infiltrations and the targeting of Lebanese territory with various weapons. The Blue Line dividing Israel and Lebanon is seen looking towards the Lebanese border town of Aadaysit from the base of a UN peacekeeping mission, August 16, 2024. - Chris McGrath/Getty Images The violations of the 2006 truce allowed Hezbollah to strengthen its forces tremendously, while Israel gathered intelligence on the militant group that would prove to be a game-changer in the 2024 war. Still, the truce held for nearly two decades, the longest period of calm on that political fault-line since the 1960s. How Hezbollah and Israel got here Hezbollah first began to fire at Israeli-held territory a day after Hamas October 7 surprise attack in Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages, triggering Israels ongoing devastating offensive in Gaza. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah repeatedly vowed to continue firing rockets at Israel until it ceased its assault in Gaza. In an overnight meeting that began on September 16, Israels war cabinet expanded its stated war goals to include the return of residents displaced in the north of the country, as Hezbollahs daily rocket fire on northern Israel has displaced more than 60,000 Israelis from their homes. Hours later, Israel detonated thousands of Hezbollah pagers, killing scores and wounding hundreds. That was followed by an attack on the groups walkie-talkies the next day. On September 23, Israel launched an all-out offensive on Shia-majority areas across the country where Hezbollah wields significant influence, killing over 500 people in the deadliest day for Lebanon since its civil war that ended in 1990. On September 27, Israel killed Hezbollahs long-time leader Nasrallah in a massive attack in the southern suburbs of Beirut, upending the truce talks. A series of subsequent attacks decimated the groups top brass, sending the organization even deeper underground. Damage from the Israeli air strike that killed Nasrallah is seen in Beirut's southern suburbs, September 29, 2024. - Ahmad Al-Kerdi/Reuters Israeli attacks continued to pummel large parts of the country, mainly the Shia-majority south, east and the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahiyeh, killing more than 3,700 Lebanese. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continued to fire rockets at Israel at a steady rate, with some of the projectiles striking over 70 miles into the country. The vast majority of its missiles and drones were intercepted by Israels air defense systems, but some caused damage. Since October 2023, Hezbollahs attacks on Israel have killed 47 Israeli civilians and 31 security forces in Israel. Another 46 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon. Would this truce have an impact on the war in Gaza? The signing of the Lebanon deal is unlikely to provide respite for Palestinians in Gaza, according to a regional analyst. A Hezbollah-Israel agreement means nothing for Gaza, HA Hellyer, a senior associate fellow in security studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, told CNN before the deal was signed. I dont think the conclusion of any deal with regards to Lebanon is likely to make one in Gaza more likely, Hellyer said, adding that there havent been substantial ceasefire negotiations in Gaza for a long time. Displaced Palestinian women carry water to their tent north of Deir el-Balah in Gaza on Sunday. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began over a year ago, according to the health ministry in the territory. Arab states, the United Nations and aid groups have repeatedly called for an end to Israels offensive, which has displaced almost all of Gazas population of more than 2 million people and flattened entire neighborhoods. However, a senior US official last week told CNN that a deal with Hezbollah would send a signal to Hamas that Israel and its partners will do their utmost to secure an agreement that brings back hostages held in Gaza. If we have a Lebanon deal, were going to come down like a ton of bricks on Hamas to try to get a hostage deal, the US official said before the agreement was signed, adding that Israel needs to turn this military success into a strategic success. The United States last week vetoed another UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that it did not sufficiently link that ceasefire to the immediate release of the hostages in the territory. CNNs Jeremy Diamond contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Police say a shooting left a San Antonio woman dead and a man critically injured. mbbirdy/Getty Images A San Antonio woman is dead and a man is in critical condition following an attempted murder-suicide, police officials say. San Antonio police said officers responded about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a shooting at an apartment in the 60 block of Brees Boulevard, near Alamo Heights. Officers found the man and woman inside the apartment bathroom with gunshot wounds, according to a police report. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 47-year-old woman, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead by EMS. The 53-year-old man, whose name was not released, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police said. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Hussam al-Masri CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli military strikes killed at least 26 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said, as forces stepped up their bombardment of central areas and tanks pushed deeper into the north and south of the enclave. The escalation came a day after Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah began a ceasefire in Lebanon, halting more than a year of hostilities and raising hopes among many Palestinians in Gaza for a similar deal with Hamas, which rules the enclave. Israel's military campaign - with the avowed intent of eradicating Hamas militants after the group's deadly raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 - has laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people. "I hope a ceasefire will happen like it did in Lebanon... I just want to take my children to see my land, my house, to see what they did to us, I want to live in safety," said Amal Abu Hmeid, a displaced woman in Gaza. "God willing we will have a truce," she said, sitting in the courtyard of a school sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The courtyard was filled with dirt and water streamed in from where people did their laundry. Clothes were airing outside classrooms as children played nearby. "(Life) was beautiful (before the war)... Now there is nothing beautiful, it's all gone. Our houses are gone, our brothers are gone, and no one is left. Now we hardly get... one meal a day. We cant even get bread," Abu Hmeid told Reuters. Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would now renew his push for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, urging Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have yielded scant progress, and negotiations are now on hold. The ceasefire in the parallel conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, took effect before dawn on Wednesday, bringing a halt to hostilities that had escalated sharply in recent months and overshadowed the conflict in Gaza. GAZA DEATHS Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 44,200 people and displaced nearly all the enclave's population at least once, Gaza officials say. Vast swathes of the territory are in ruins. On Thursday, the head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said at least 70 percent of those killed in Gaza were women and children. He said the ongoing Israeli offensive in the northern edge of Gaza for the past seven weeks has uprooted 130,000 people. The Hamas-led militants who attacked southern Israeli communities 13 months ago, triggering the war, killed some 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages, Israel has said. On Thursday, six people were killed in two separate airstrikes on a house and near the hospital of Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, while four others were killed when an Israeli strike hit a motorcycle in Khan Younis in the south, medics said. Later on Thursday, an Israeli air strike near a tent encampment housing displaced families in eastern Khan Younis killed at least five people and wounded others, medics said. In Nuseirat, one of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, Israeli planes carried out several airstrikes, destroying a multi-storey building and hitting roads outside mosques. At least 11 people were killed in those strikes, according to health officials at Al-Awda Hospital in the camp. They said in a statement that dozens of families were trapped in their homes after some tanks advanced from the northern area of the camp and that ambulance vehicles were unable to reach them because of continued tank fire. Contacted by Reuters, the Israeli military said its forces were continuing to "strike terror targets as part of the operational activity in the Gaza Strip". In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, tanks pushed deeper into the northwest area of the city, residents said. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-MughrabiAdditional reporting by Hussam al-Masri in GazaEditing by Angus MacSwan, Gareth Jones, Frances Kerry, Alexandra Hudson) By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) -The Israeli military said its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after both sides accused each other of breaching a ceasefire that aims to halt over a year of fighting. Israel said it also opened fire on Thursday towards what it called "suspects" with vehicles arriving at several areas in the southern zone, saying it was a breach of the truce with Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, which came into effect on Wednesday. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah in turn accused Israel of violating the deal. "The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages," Fadlallah told reporters, adding "there are violations today by Israel, even in this form". The Lebanese army later accused Israel of violating the ceasefire several times on Wednesday and Thursday. The exchange of accusations highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States and France to end the conflict, fought in parallel with the Gaza war. The truce lasts for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israel's airstrike on Thursday was the first since the truce took effect on Wednesday morning. Lebanese security sources and the Al Jadeed broadcaster said it took place near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River. The ceasefire deal stipulates that unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River should be dismantled, but does not mention military facilities north of the river. Earlier, Israeli tank fire hit five towns and some agricultural fields in southern Lebanon, state media and Lebanese security sources said, saying at least two people were wounded. All the areas lie within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel, in an area the Israeli military has announced as a no-go zone along the border, even after the deal was agreed. The Israeli military said in a statement it had identified several suspicious activities that posed a threat and breached conditions of the ceasefire agreement. "Any deviation from this agreement will be enforced with fire," said Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi. Later on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had directed the military to be prepared for intense fighting if the ceasefire is violated. "We are enforcing powerfully," Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel's Channel 14. "But if needed I gave a directive to the IDF - be prepared in case there is a violation of the framework of the ceasefire, for an intense war." Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have tried to return to check on their properties. But Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border and Reuters reporters heard surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon. The Israeli military on Thursday renewed a curfew restricting the movement of residents of southern Lebanon south of the Litani river between 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) and 7 a.m. CEASEFIRE TERMS The agreement, a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict, ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in years. But Israel is still fighting its other arch foe, the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, in response to the deadly Hamas-led raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 3,961 people and injured 16,520 others since October 2023, the Lebanese health ministry said on Thursday. The figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Hezbollah strikes have killed 45 civilians in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. At least 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon but neither side can launch offensive operations. Netanyahu waged the offensive against Hezbollah, saying Israelis in the north of the country should be able to return after being evacuated because of rocket fire from Lebanon. Some 60,000 people evacuated from homes in the north have still not been directed to return. Hezbollah has said its fighters "remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy" and that its forces will monitor Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon "with their hands on the trigger". The group has been weakened by casualties and the killing of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders by Israel. Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would now renew his push for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have yielded scant progress. Israeli military strikes killed at least 21 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said, as forces stepped up their bombardment of central areas and tanks pushed deeper into the north and south of the enclave. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Tala Ramadan; additional reporting by Ari Rabinovitch;Writing by Michael Georgy, Alexandra Hudson and Rod Nickel;Editing by Frances Kerry, Ros Russell and Diane Craft) A senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign said their own internal polling never showed her leading President-elect Donald Trump, and they were "surprised" when public polls put her ahead. "We were behind, I mean, I think it surprised people because there were these public polls that came out in late September, early October, showing us with leads that we never saw," senior campaign adviser David Plouffe said on the politics podcast "Pod Save America" that aired Tuesday. Harris lost decisively to Trump, 78, earlier this month after he swept all seven battleground states, winning the Electoral College and the popular vote, the first time a Republican has done so since former President George W. Bush won in 2004. More: FBI says several of Donald Trump's cabinet nominees targeted with 'violent' threats In an exclusive interview, Plouffe was joined by fellow Harris campaign high-level staffers Stefanie Cutter, Jen O'Malley Dillon, and Quentin Fulks in their first interviews since losing the election that was predicted to be razor thin. "When Kamala Harris became the nominee, she was behind. We kinda, you know, climbed back. Even post-debate, we still had ourselves down in the battleground states, but very close," Plouffe said. The former campaign manager for former President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign said they were paying attention to polls asking voters whether the country was on the right track and President Joe Biden's approval ratings, which were consistently low. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former President Donald Trump, right. These factors combined with an economy most Americans deemed as failing and a shortened campaign after Biden dropped out of the race in July are what Plouffe described as a "challenging political environment" for the campaign. "The fact that we got the race to dead heat was positive," he said. In an attempt to highlight the risks of a second Trump administration, Plouffe said the campaign worked to tie Trump to Project 2025, the controversial conservative presidential transition playbook that received massive backlash. "Project 2025 ending up being about as popular as the Ebola virus, so we did a lot of good work there," Plouffe joked. "And now, of course, the son of a b**h lied about it and he's hiring everybody who authored it. Project 2025 is going to be the Trump administration agenda, as we pointed out." More: Trump vows 25% tariff on imports from Mexico, Canada: What are tariffs? After Biden, 82, dropped out, the campaign struggled to distinguish Harris from the administration's record and poor view by the public. "We knew what the data was, we knew we had to show her as her own person and point to the future and not try to rehash the past," Cutter, an Obama-era adviser and 2012 deputy campaign manager said. "But, she also felt that she was a part of the administration." Harris was pressured throughout the campaign to differentiate herself from Biden by criticizing some aspect of his administration. This, Cutter said, was something she was not willing to do. "Why should she look back and pick out, cherry pick some things she would have done differently when she was part of it?" Cutter added: "She also had tremendous loyalty to President Biden." "The most she felt comfortable with saying was 'Look, vice presidents never break with their presidents,'" Cutter said. "The only time in recent memory is when Pence broke with Trump after Trump stormed the Capitol." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris advisers: VP was never ahead in internal polling Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he faces total humiliation on the world stage with his plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on the brink of collapse in the next 48 hours. With Sir Keirs national security adviser Jonathan Powell heading to the US in a late bid to dissuade Donald Trump from vetoing the controversial deal, doubts have now also been raised by the new prime minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has expressed doubts about the deal struck with his predecessor. After a meeting with Mr Powell earlier this week, Mr Ramgoolam said: I informed them that I wished to have more time to study the details with a panel of legal advisers. Previously he had described it as high treason and a sellout because the UK and US would still be allowed to use an airbase on the islands in the Indian Ocean. The new Mauritian governments first cabinet meeting will take place on Friday, when they are expected to look at whether to continue with the deal which is due to be completed next summer, leaving the entire agreement on the brink. However, even if they do agree to stick with it, Mr Trumps team are hardening their opposition to what they consider to be a major security risk for the West. Donald Trumps team are seeking assurances from Keir Starmer that the deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius will not be completed before his inauguration (Getty) The UK prime minister and his foreign secretary David Lammy have insisted that they had no choice but to hand over the islands, including Diego Garcia where the UK and US have their major airforce base, to Mauritius because of a ruling by the International Court of Justice. Mr Lammy has doubled down claiming that the deal is good one guaranteeing the use of the airbase for the next 99 years. But the government has refused to publish details and costs of the deal. But Tory shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge, who has been pressing for answers on the plan, told The Independent: If this deal collapses it will be a total humiliation for Starmer and Lammy. Mr Lammy told MPs on the foreign affairs select committee that he is confident the deal will be agreed but conceded the new Mauritian government needed time to study it. He said: We have only just engaged with the new government in Mauritius, there was an exchange of letters between the prime minister and the new leader of Mauritius. We have got to give them time to get into the arrangements, but I hope we can sign the treaty. He dismissed previous comments on high treason as being words during an election campaign. Asked about the incoming Trump administrations opposition, he noted: The national security agencies in the United States think this is a good deal. The state department think this is a good deal. Most important the Pentagon and White House think this is a good deal. David Lammy insisted that the handover would go ahead (PA Wire) Mr Lammy also declined to say whether alleged phone hacking by the previous government, revealed by The Independent, was a problem in the negotiations but told MPs it was being investigated properly. On Wednesday night, culture secretary Lisa Nandy told ITVs Robert Peston she was confident Mr Trump would not veto the deal. My experience of President Trump last time he was in office is that his team was very pragmatic... theyll see that that is in our mutual interest, she said. The Independent revealed this week that the Trump team has been seeking assurances that Sir Keir would not try to accelerate the deal to get it completed before his inauguration in January. Joe Bidens outgoing administration backed the deal but following an intervention from Nigel Farage and legal advice sent by Brexiteers to Mr Trump, the incoming president has been looking for a way to veto it without embarrassing Sir Keir. Meanwhile, Mr Powell, who negotiated the plan to hand over the islands earlier this year, is to travel to Washington in a bid to persuade Mr Trump not to tear up the agreement. With security concerns over the crucial joint UK/US base on Diego Garcia, there are also fears the deal will allow China access to the islands to build their own rival base. Mr Trumps pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, warned in October that the agreement posed a serious threat to US national security by ceding the islands to a country allied with China. The Chagos Islands decision impacts the Diego Garcia airbase (DOD/AFP/Getty) Stephen Doughty, the minister for North America, said earlier this month that Mr Trumps team would be briefed on the details of the deal to allay any concerns. The Independent understands that Mr Trumps transition team has requested legal advice from the Pentagon over the agreement. Mr Farage warned the next presidents team viewed the deal with outright hostility and would try to challenge it, telling MPs: 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. The issue dates back to 1968, after which Mauritius argues it was forced to give up the Chagos Islands in return for independence from Britain. They had been the administrative centre for the islands in the British empire even though they are more than 1,000 miles away. Thousands of people were forcibly displaced from their homes in the 1960s and 1970s in a scandal widely condemned as shameful. All over the US, Portuguese restaurants are on the rise. Is tourism to Portugal to thank? Courtesy of Barra Santos The interior of Barra Santos. In the newly trendy Cypress Park in Los Angeles. the intimate Barra Santos surrounded by Mexican eateries and coffee shops quietly flies Portugals flag. On the walls are blue-and-white tiles that evoke the old-world charm of azulejos in Lisbon. And on the menu are old-country highlights, like crispy cod croquettes and meaty bifana sandwiches. For co-owner Mike Santos, whose family hails from both Lisbon and the city of Viseu three hours north, opening Barra Santos in March 2023 comes at a time when Americans are becoming much more familiar with his ancestral home. While I've been involved in various projects, Barra Santos is my first restaurant thats focused on Portuguese dishes, he says. Ten or fifteen years ago, there just wasnt as much interest in exploring Portuguese cuisine in a dedicated way [in Los Angeles]. Today, though, theres a broader understanding that Portugal has its own culinary identity beyond the Mediterranean umbrella. Courtesy of Barra Santos Appetizers and olives at Barra Santos. As the world becomes more globalized, previously under-represented cuisines in the United States are beginning to pop up all over the country. But the timely growth of Portuguese-inspired restaurants might have a more tangible source: tourism to Portugal. Its no secret that the country has become a more popular travel destination in recent years, but the number of Americans heading there is rising at a massive clip. Its been reported that between January and June 2024 alone, over 1 million people from the United States double the amount from 2022 visited destinations like Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, and Comporta. And when these Americans return home, theyre seeking out the meals they had on vacation. Courtesy of Barra Santos A sandwich at Barra Santos. Many Americans are returning from their trips with a newfound love for Portuguese food and wine, Santos says, adding that beyond tourism, though, I think its a larger trend in dining where people want a more authentic, immersive experience with specific regional cuisines and Portuguese food, with its fresh, vibrant, yet comforting flavors, fits right into that. Related: 15 Portuguese Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire On the other side of the country in New Jersey, David Viana opened Lita named after his mother Rosalita in a strip mall in Aberdeen Township in April 2023. Though the menu as a whole is called modern Iberian, Vianas Portuguese heritage was a massive point of reference for most of the dishes, like rissois de camarao (a type of fried pastry stuffed with shrimp) and a garlicky bowl of Ameijoas a Bulhao Pato, or clams cooked in white wine. He says that recently, while doing table rounds at the restaurant, he often meets diners who are eager to talk about traveling to Portugal. I dont think a week goes by without one of my guests having just returned from Portugal or without someone asking for my recommendations about where to eat in Lisbon or Porto because they just booked a trip, he admits. Courtesy of Raffles Boston The interior of Amar. Now whether Portugals red-hot travel bonafides are fueling a demand for Portuguese cuisine stateside is hard to prove, but it cant be ignored that there is a notable uptick in recent openings. Five-star hotel Raffles Boston debuted in September 2023 with first-generation Portuguese American and 2001 F&W Best New Chef George Mendes as its executive chef. On top of overseeing the propertys entire culinary program, he also helms the kitchen at Amar, a fine-dining restaurant inspired by Portuguese food. Mendes, who is based in New York City, has operated successful Portuguese venues before, including Michelin-starred Aldea from 2009-2020, but a luxury hotel launching a dining room dedicated to Portuguese cooking? Thats a much rarer proposition, especially when compared to hotels touting French, Italian, and Japanese restaurants. Courtesy of Raffles Boston Various dishes from Amar. And on October 23, 2024, Emeril Lagasse opened his first project in New Orleans in eight years: 34 Restaurant & Bar honors the iconic chefs Portuguese heritage and his late mother Hilda, who was originally from the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal in the north Atlantic. Instead of chunky muffuletta or spice-forward gumbo that Lagasse is famous for, the menu at 34 promotes comforting dishes like Porco Alentejana, a hearty stew of pork and clams, and arroz pato, a for-the-table platter of rice with duck plus chorizo and lardo. Courtesy of 34 Restaurant & Bar Various seafood dishes and bread from 34 Restaurant & Bar. In Seattles Pike Place Market, theres Lonely Siren. In Chicago, Cadinho serves Portuguese pastries and desserts. Michelin-starred Adega, which shuttered in December 2023, has reopened in its original space in San Jose, California. And Eleven Madison Park alum Colin Wyatt is set to open seafood-obsessed Douro in Portland, Maine, any day now. Courtesy of World Red Eye The interior of Sereia And its not just US-based chefs who are making their mark on the national dining scene. Even Portuguese chefs are getting in on the action. In March 2024, Henrique Sa Pessoa, the man behind Lisbons two-Michelin-starred mecca Alma, landed in Miamis Coconut Grove with Sereia, a bright, glamorous dining room with an Iberian-inspired menu. To Sa Pessoa, whose restaurants can also be found in London and Amsterdam, the growth of tourism in Portugal has been helpful in helping create this global presence. I see the impact of tourism to Portugal firsthand in the dining room and kitchen, he explains, noting that in Alma, nearly half his clients are Americans. We often hear guests talking about their favorite dishes and restaurants from their trips, and they express a desire to relive those culinary experiences. Courtesy of Ruben Cabrera Arroz de Pato at Sereia. And at Sereia, they can expect to find a lot of classics: peixinhos da horta (battered and deep-fried green beans), pica pau (seared strips of beef with pickled veggies), and arroz de carabineiro (a large-format rice dish with scarlet prawns). These are the types of dishes that you were likely to find in Portuguese communities around the US, like in Newark, NJ, or in Massachusetts. Related: 7 Essential Portuguese Foods You Need to Try at Least Once But in Miami, Sereia might be it. And for Viana, who grew up in New Jersey, this moment, though exciting, is unexpected. I never imagined a world where great Portuguese restaurants would exist from coast to coast, he says, especially when in my youth they were all confined to one city, Newark. Meet the Gen Z TikToker bring 80s trends back in a big way Jordan Rumsey/Instagram Jordan Rumsey shares how she gets her '80s-inspired hair Jordan Rumsey has made her love for the '80s a lifestyle and a career. On Zoom, the TikToker sits in front of a wall covered in memorabilia from a bygone time. There's a vintage Bon Jovi calendar from 86, a Samantha Fox poster from '88, plus a few dedicated to her favorite glam metal bands such as Motley Crue and Cinderella. She's also fully dolled up with her signature hairstyle a blonde shaggy mullet-type cut with crimped waves and blown-out curtain bangs that you've likely seen in an episode of Saved by the Bell. But Rumsey isn't a Gen X-er or a millennial. She's actually a 21-year-old college student and a self-described "2000s baby at heart." But, having grown up consuming '80s movies, television shows and music, thanks to her parents' introduction, she's nostalgic for a decade she never lived through and she definitely dresses the part. If reincarnation is a thing, I feel like maybe I was alive in the '80s and [life] got cut short or something, Rumsey tells PEOPLE of how she feels deeply connected to the decade. Her love for '80s trends has only grown stronger, so much so that four years ago she turned to TikTok to find a community of like-minded people sentimental about the era. After making a couple of trendy videos she discovered her niche, and that is how her popular page @cantbuyme80s, which currently sits at 812K followers, was born. Related: These Stars Fully Embraced Big Hair in the '80s. See What They Looked Like Then and Now Over on TikTok, Rumsey posts '80s style and pop culture-related videos weekly, but its her big hair that's made her most recognizable on the app. Rumsey draws inspiration from icons like former model Samantha Fox, Pamela Anderson and Paula Abdul (who wanted hair tips from her when they met), as well as the aesthetics of popular metal bands. Most times, she does her own hair at home and it's taken her a few failed attempts and much practice to perfect her DIY vintage look. What I do normally is take a huge big chunk of my top hair, tease it until I look like an Oompa Loompa, shape it with hairspray and then [its] just teasing and teasing, she explains of her routine, which takes a speedy three minutes. She also uses a collection of authentic old-school tools like crimpers, benders and a 40-year-old Conair hair dryer, many of which she sources from the estate sales and thrift stores. "I like to collect anything '80s that I can get my hands on," she admits. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Other times, shell upkeep her style at the salon, occasionally sharing vlogs from her appointments (a video she posted in July garnered over one million views). Her stylist at Looks Salon in Columbia, Maryland, will give her a feathery Farrah Fawcett look or a perm, and her bangs always come out fluffed to perfection. Despite her voluminous style requiring lots of hairspray (Rumsey goes through around two largecans a month), her hair wash routine is quite simple. I normally do my hair every other day or every three days, depending on my schedule. All I do is use shampoo and conditioner, she says, adding that she gets rid of any tangles in the shower and stocks up on products that keep her hair feeling soft. For the most part, Rumsey's unapologetic sense of style is welcomed with open arms on the Internet, her followers showing her nothing but love and support. However, like anyone with a following online, she is prone to unwarranted negativity. "I do clap back sometimes," Rumsey admits, adding that she's fond of the block button when need be. But, she hopes she can inspire others to wear their style how they want through her videos. "As far as we know, you only live once, and so just live the way that you want to live," she encourages. "Whatever makes you happy, just go for it." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Protests at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Theyre parading straight into custody. Anti-Israel protesters tried to ruin the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade for the second year running Thursday, with cops quickly swarming in to gobble up roughly 25 arrests. The firebrands entered the parade route at West 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, stopping the Ronald McDonald balloon in its tracks around 9:25 a.m., police said and drawing loud jeers from parade-goers screaming at the killjoys to move. Photos showed protesters sitting in the parades path, with some unfurling a large banner that read: Dont celebrate genocide! Police officers detain protesters during the 98th Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, U.S., November 28, 2024. REUTERS Get the hell out of here, a parade-goer yelled amid a chorus of boos from the crowd, which seemed more interested in the Bluey balloons arrival than the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. NYPD officers quickly descended upon the group, who shouted Free, free Palestine! as they were tackled to the ground and placed in handcuffs. Cops cuffed about 25 protesters without incident and hauled them away to face pending charges, police said but the arrests appeared more violent than the NYPDs account. People protest during the 98th Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, U.S., November 28, 2024. REUTERS Some unruly protesters could be seen being forcibly pried away and flipped over onto their stomachs to be handcuffed. Footage captured by The Post showed the protesters holding the banner scuffling with cops before they too were thrown onto the ground and handcuffed on top of their crumpled-up sign. Other demonstrators willingly stood up and walked with police away from the parade. Protesters entered the parade route at W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue. REUTERS Many in the crowd chanted USA! USA! USA! as the protesters were quickly taken away. The rabble rousers were carted to One Police Plaza, where theyll spend hours on their Turkey Day in the NYPDs mass arrest processing center, sources said. Their antics only disrupted the parade for about five minutes. The protests were met with boos and jeers from spectators gathered to watch the parade. REUTERS After the hubbub, the parade marched on as the balloon line leader told the audience, Ronald McDonald, everybody! Mayor Eric Adams had already warned protesters not to dare repeat last years disgrace, where many glued their hands to the parade route. I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen, Adams said Wednesday night ahead of the iconic parade. Video shows some unruly protesters being pulled away and flipped over onto their stomachs to be handcuffed while others willingly stood up and walked with police away from the parade. REUTERS The protests during the parade Thursday appeared less disruptive than last years, when officials said cops arrested about 40 agitators. City Hall spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak called this years disruption disrespectful. Interrupting New York Citys Thanksgiving Day Parade to protest a conflict overseas is disrespectful and accomplishes absolutely nothing, she said. Mayor Eric Adams had already warned protesters not to dare repeat last years disgrace, where many glued their hands to the parade route. zoe hussain / NY POST They have won over no one, and, instead, have just disrupted a fun day for thousands. But protesters didnt confine their antics to the parade. Pranksters hung banners from the Queensboro Bridge decrying genocide. Free Palestine, free the land, free them all, blared one banner, before cops pulled it down. Additional reporting by Aneeta Bhole HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Wednesday the election of U.S. President Donald Trump meant more of the same for Cuba and said his communist-run government does not fear its northern neighbor. "The results of these elections are nothing new for us," Diaz-Canel told state-run media on a visit to a town in Cuba's Cienfuegos province. "The country is ready. We will continue on, without fear, trusting that with our own effort, with our own talent, we can get ahead." The brief statement, broadcast on Cuba's midday newscast, was the first official reaction to Trump's election by the island's government. Trump doubled down on the decades-long trade embargo on Cuba by the United States during his first administration, ordering restrictions on travel to the island, as well as clamping down on remittances and immigration. He also placed Cuba once more on a list of nations that the U.S. says sponsor terrorism, a move that piled additional financial sanctions on the island. The hard-line measures effectively snuffed out what he called a "terrible and misguided deal" struck with Havana by his predecessor, Barack Obama, during a 2014 diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries. The fresh sanctions also contributed to an unprecedented economic crisis in Cuba, with shortages of food, fuel and medicine that have stoked a record-breaking exodus from the island. Trump's nomination of Marco Rubio, an outspoken critic of the island's government, as secretary of state suggests Trump will maintain a similar approach during his second administration, which begins on Jan. 20. Diaz-Canel on Wednesday left the door open to negotiation with the U.S., but only on "equal terms," he told local reporters. "We have always stated that we have nothing against the people of the United States and that we are willing to dialogue on equal terms with the U.S. government," he said. "Without impositions, with respect and nothing that affects our sovereignty or our independence." (Reporting by Dave Sherwood and Nelson Acosta; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) By Greg Torode and Karen Lema HONG KONG/MANILA (Reuters) - Satellite images obtained by Reuters on Thursday show a build-up of Chinese civilian vessels near contested Thitu Island, Manila's key outpost in the South China Sea, but a senior Philippine navy officer said they are "not a cause for concern". One of the images taken by Maxar Technologies on Monday and reviewed by Reuters shows about 60 vessels, some within 2 nautical miles of Thitu, a strategically important island from which Manila monitors Chinese vessels and aircraft in the busy waterway. Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, chief of the Philippines' Western Command, said it was common for "maritime militia" ships to gather in the area. Manila, the Pentagon and foreign diplomats say such vessels work with the Chinese coast guard and navy to strengthen Beijing's presence in disputed waters. Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, Philippines Navy spokesman for the South China Sea, also said maritime militia ships were regularly in the area, adding that Manila was aware of the vessels, which he called an "illegal presence", but there was no need for alarm. "It's not a cause for concern," Trinidad said. "We don't have to read every action and react to that... What is important for us is to maintain our posture." Online ship trackers show that many of the vessels in the satellite photos are Chinese-registered fishing craft. The Chinese defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. China has never confirmed it has a militia of civilian vessels. The island, which the Philippines calls Pag-Asa, is Manila's biggest and most strategically important in the disputed South China Sea, which is largely claimed by China and through which billions of dollars worth of goods pass each year. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague found that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law. The build-up comes after months of clashes and rammings between Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels and Philippines ships, particularly at the Scarborough and Second Thomas Shoals. Thitu is close to a Chinese naval base and runway on Subi reef, which has sometimes served as a port for large numbers of Chinese maritime militia vessels, Trinidad said. "When you go in there (to Subi), when you go out, you will pass through the territorial sea of Pag-Asa," he said. Regional diplomats and security analysts are watching developments closely, with some noting the Chinese vessels had their transponders on this week, allowing them to be tracked. Singapore-based security scholar Collin Koh said Beijing could be testing Manila's reactions at a moment of domestic political tension in the Philippines. Embattled Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of seeking to remove her from office, after the national police filed a formal complaint accusing her of assault and coercion. "This needs to be watched in the days ahead," said Koh, of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. If the militia presence continues, Koh said, it could be that China is hoping to delay Philippine construction work on the island. A new aircraft hangar is reportedly due for completion in the next few weeks, the latest in a several moves to buttress the Philippines' presence on Thitu and improve monitoring capabilities. (Reporting By Greg Torode in Hong Kong and Karen Lema in Manila; Additional reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; Editing by Gerry Doyle and William Maclean) San Antonio police are offering advice to prevent porch pirates" from stealing packages ordered during online holiday shopping. simonkr, Contributor / Getty Images With holiday shopping, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday and other sales underway, San Antonio police are urging residents to do their part to deter theft. Porch pirates have stolen billions in packages from the doorsteps of homes across the country, including in and around San Antonio. Data from Capital One Shopping Research reveals there were 119 million packages stolen from American homes last year. In that same period, buyers lost $13.4 billion in stolen packages, which is an average of $112.30 per package. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Buyers using Amazon delivery are more likely to have their package stolen than other delivery services such as FedEx, USPS, and UPS, according to the data. In a video posted to social media, a San Antonio police officer gives advice to online shoppers, saying they should make arrangements with family members or neighbors if they know they wont be home to receive packages. He also encourages to use delivery lockers to prevent theft. You wouldnt want someone to (take your package) from here and ruin that great deal you got, the officer said in the Facebook video. If you see something, say something. Be a good neighbor and keep an eye out for each other. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to data from the San Antonio Police Department, from Jan. 1 to Nov. 25, there were 835 reports of packages stolen from homes across the city. The months with the highest number of packages reported stolen were July and October. The month with the lowest number of packages reported stolen was in March. Here's the breakdown of reported stolen packages in San Antonio: Advertisement Article continues below this ad January - 70 February - 78 March - 66 April - 75 May - 68 June - 68 July - 88 August - 73 September - 81 October - 88 November - 80 Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against high-ranking Bahamian law enforcement officials accused of enabling the flow of cocaine into the United States for years in exchange for bribes. Police and military officials from the island country are accused of supporting the drug trade at every turn, court documents said, from the airports where cocaine comes into the Bahamas to the boats used to transport shipments into Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. Todays charges should serve as yet another powerful wake-up call to corrupt officials everywhere we will not rest until you are held accountable for your role in the drug trade that is poisoning this country and our community, said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. The indictment charges 13 people, including Royal Bahamas Police Force Chief Superintendent Elvis Nathaniel Curtis and Royal Bahamas Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Darrin Alexander Roker. Both were arrested earlier this week in Florida and have made their initial court appearances. Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Clayton Fernander said in a statement Wednesday that the allegations represent a dark moment for the agency. This is a sobering reminder that no institution is immune to breaches of trust, Fernander said. Any officer implicated in wrongdoing will face the appropriate consequences. There will be no shield of protection for those who tarnish the honor of this uniform. Bahamian officials facilitated cocaine trade, indictment says An indictment filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges Bahamian officials aided in smuggling cocaine into the United States since at least May 2021. Prosecutors accuse officials of thwarting a program involving U.S. and Bahamian government authorities to combat drug trade in the region. Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT, was launched in 1982 to target drug-trafficking in the 100,000 square miles of ocean in the Carribean. The indictment said OPBAT's routine drug seizures "pale in comparison to the scope of the drug trade through The Bahamas, which is in part enabled by corrupt RBPF and Bahamian officials." Bahamian police denied the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration access to seized cocaine, provided information that contradicted aerial surveillance, and on one occasion told a DEA agent that certain drug trafficking targets were off limits, according to court filings. Thus, while the OPBAT program has had a share of success, certain bad actors within the RBPF have concurrently worked to stifle its progress and instead to protect and assist their chosen drug traffickers in profiting through the cocaine trade," the indictment said. In at least one instance, Bahamas police Sargeant Prince Albert Symonette facilitated cocaine shipments originating from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the indictment said, and he knew that a potential transaction was to help alleged members of the guerrilla group transport weapons from Florida into the Bahamas. Federal data shows about three-quarters of guns in the Caribbean trace back to the U.S. At least three defendants have been arrested overseas, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. In addition to government officials, the indictment charges alleged drug traffickers and pilots accused of supporting the cocaine trade. Prosecutors said pilots flew U.S.-bound drug shipments from Central and South America into the Bahamas, adding they also worked for Bahamian private charter companies that flew Bahamian citizens and foreign tourists who were visiting the island. The defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for cocaine importation conspiracy and related firearms charges. Commodore Raymond King of the Bahamas military said in a statement Wednesday that those "responsible for wrongdoing will be held fully accountable. The Defence Force remains steadfast in working with our national and international security partners to address matters of mutual concerns and safeguards against corruption. Together, we will ensure the continued safety and security of our nation. Attorneys for the defendants were not listed in court records Wednesday. The Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force did not immediately return USA TODAYs requests for comment. Cocaine overdose deaths rising About 47,000 people in the U.S. are arrested every year for the sale and manufacture of heroin, cocaine, and derivative products, according to the National Center For Drug Abuse Statistics, and nearly 228,000 people are arrested for possession. Overdose deaths appear to be decreasing after a yearslong uptick, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported 107,543 fatalities in 2023, a 3% drop from the previous year and the first decrease since 2018. But the CDC also found overdose deaths from cocaine an addictive stimulant drug made from coca plant leaves increased, with an estimated 29,918 fatalities last year. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Feds: Bahamian cop bosses took bribes, shipped tons of coke into US By Abdollah Ag Mohamed TINZAOUATEN, Mali (Reuters) - Residents of Mali's northern town of Tinzaouaten, caught in the crossfire of a fierce July battle between Tuareg rebels and the army backed by Russian mercenaries, now face disease outbreaks and drone attacks, prompting many to flee to Algeria. Tuareg rebels are in control of the town in Mali's vast northern desert, and security-related roadblocks have hampered access to supplies such as bed nets and medicines needed to combat outbreaks of diphtheria and malaria. "In Tinzaouaten, here, we lack almost everything... Almost everything is closed on us... The medicines have not arrived in Tinzaouaten and now that the roads are closed, no organisation has come to help us," said resident Ibrahim Ag Tambarayraye. Multiple drone strikes since the July conflict have killed dozens of civilians, including children, doctors and residents in the border town near Algeria, told Reuters. Dire conditions have been made worse by severe flooding due to a heavy rainy season across the Sahel region of West Africa, which forced Mali to declare a state of national disaster in August and delay the start of the academic year. Moussa Bagayoko, a doctor based in Tinzaouaten, said the town was suffering an epidemic of diphtheria, a severe bacterial infection, as well as an uptick in malaria cases. "Malaria is a particular feature of this year's situation, with many patients presenting with severe anaemia, and a large number being admitted in a state of altered consciousness, raising suspicions of neuro-malaria," he said. Diphtheria cases had caused a "very high number" of deaths and vaccinations against the disease were needed, as well as anti-malarial medication, he said. Separatist groups from northern Mali, largely dominated by ethnic Tuaregs, launched a rebellion against the government in 2012, which was later hijacked by Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State. A 2015 peace agreement between the government and rebels collapsed in July, triggering the renewed fighting. Now, many of Tinzaouaten's residents are joining others from across northern Mali who are fleeing north to Algeria. Village chief Rhissa Ag Aharib said tens of thousands of displaced people from the regions of Menaka, Kidal and Gao have passed through Tinzaouaten and the surrounding areas since the July battle between rebels and the army supported by Russian Wagner mercenaries. Herder Rhissa Ag Mohamed, who was staying in a displacement camp on the outskirts of Tinzaouaten, said he came from the town of Ansongo, hundreds of kilometres to the south. "I left the region of Gao, looking for peace; I am fleeing Wagner and the Malian army," he said. (Writing by Portia Crowe; Editing by Bate Felix and Ros Russell) The number of Vietnamese migrants arriving to the UK on small boats has jumped by 177 per cent year-on-year, according to new data on Channel crossings. Home Office figures published on Thursday showed that from January to September this year the two most common nationalities making perilous journeys across the Channel were Afghans and Vietnamese. Compared to the same nine-month period last year, the number of Afghan arrivals has decreased by 14 per cent, but the number of Vietnamese is up by a staggering 177 per cent. Some 3,132 Vietnamese small boat migrants made the journey from January to September this year - up from 1,306 in the whole of 2023. This is compared to just three Vietnamese nationals in 2019, and just four in 2018. The surge has been linked to a new visa agreement the southeast Asian country signed with Hungary that allows easier access into the EUs Schengen zone. Home Office sources told The Times that the route was being used as a backdoor into Europe, with Vietnamese nationals travellng from Hungary to northern France. They pointed to a high number of Vietnamese women arriving illegally in the UK, with Border Force officials saying they were worried about women being trafficked to the UK to work in the sex industry. Human trafficking experts believe that the spike in Vietnamese migrants resorting to small boat crossings may also be might also be because its become harder to hide in the back of lorries. Vietnamese people smugglers are also offering an elite small boat experience that is faster and more streamlined, a BBC investigation found. One smuggler told an undercover reporter that the small boat crossing would cost 2,600. He said that many migrants were flying from Vietnam to Hungary, before moving on to Paris and then Dunkirk. The Vietnamese smugglers were facilitating access and timings but the logistics of the Channel crossings were co-ordinated by Iraqi Kurdish gangs. A Border Force vessel carrying around 100 migrants, including several children arrives at Dover port on October 31, 2024 in Dover, England. (Getty Images) Vietnamese smugglers were also bringing their clients to northern France only when the weather looked good and a crossing was imminent, reducing the time waiting around at the make-shift camps, the investigation found. Home Office data showed that the total number of small boat arrivals for the year ending September 2024 was 29,851 - this was down 21 per cent compared to the previous year. However, when comparing the numbers annually, 2024 has already surpassed 2023 for small boat crossings. Responding to the figures on Thursday, a Downing Street spokesperson said the government could not solve the small boats crisis overnight but was taking action. The prime ministers official spokesman told reporters: The government inherited the worst start to a year on record for small boats arrivals, higher even than the record year in 2022 and the scale of that challenge means we cant solve this overnight, but we are working at pace to dismantle the business model that drives this dangerous trade. Security forces in Pakistan were seen pushing a protester off a 25ft-tall tower of shipping containers during a demonstration that saw nearly 1,000 people arrested. The incident captured on camera and widely circulated on social media happened as thousands of supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan converged in Islamabad to demand his release from prison. Top aides of Mr Khan claimed security forces launched a brutal crackdown on protesters and opened live fire, leading to the deaths of dozens of people and scores were injured as war-like scenes emerged from the heart of the capital. One of the dramatic videos showed a man seemingly praying on top of a huge wall of containers erected to block protesters from reaching their destination. Forces in riot gear are seen following him to the top, surrounding him, and then pushing him off the edge. The man is seeing hanging on to the edge of the container before falling. Mr Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said: An innocent, unarmed protester was seen praying on a container when an armed paramilitary officer brutally pushed him off from a height equivalent to three stories. A supporter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party offers prayers on top of a shipping container as a paramilitary soldier chases him (AFP via Getty Images) The condition of the man after his fall from the containers remains unknown. A PTI source said the party was still investigating what happened to him, and eyewitness reports that he died at the scene could not be verified. The Independent has reached out to the Ministry of Interior for a comment. On Wednesday, police in Islamabad said 600 protesters had been arrested following Tuesdays operation, bringing the total since the protest sit-in began on Sunday to 954. Mr Khans aides alleged, without providing evidence, that hundreds had suffered gunshot wounds during chaotic scenes overnight in the heart of Islamabad as police dispersed protesters led by Mr Khans wife Bushra Bibi who had broken through security barricades. Bushra Bibi, center, wife of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan and leaders of Khan's party lead their supporters during a rally demanding Khan's release (AP) However, Islamabads police chief, Ali Rizvi, denied that live ammunition had been used during the operation, which he said police had conducted alongside paramilitary forces. He added that the police seized weapons, including automatic rifles and tear gas guns, from the protest site where thousands had gathered. Ali Amin Gandapur, a top Khan aide and chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, who was a part of the protests, accused the authorities of using excessive force against protesters who he said were peaceful. Mr Gandapur who was part of the convoy that had Bushra Bibi said they were directly attacked. The PTI officials said the truck in which she was travelling was set on fire but both Bushra Bibi and Mr Gandapur were removed from the convoy and taken to the PTI stronghold Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party march towards Islamabad after clearing shipping containers placed by authorities (AFP via Getty Images) Both Imran Khans wife and I were attacked directly, Mr Gandapur told a press conference in the city of Mansehra, in the province he rules. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said earlier that the protest seeking Mr Khans release had been called off, citing what he called the massacre. But Mr Gandapur said the protest would continue until Mr Khan himself called it off. Mr Khan who has been in jail for the last year has called his supporters to fight till the end in what he dubbed as final call for his release. The former leader is facing more than 150 cases many of which have been overturned or scrapped. He has called the charges against him a political vendetta after he accused the army of his ouster in 2022 in a no-confidence vote at the behest of the US. The army and the US have both denied the allegations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to strike Ukraine again with a new nuclear-capable ballistic missile following Moscows latest widespread attack on critical energy infrastructure. More than a million households in Ukraine were left without power following the overnight bombardment, authorities in the country said Thursday. Its Russias 11th large-scale assault on Ukraines energy supplies this year alone, according to the Energy Ministry in Kyiv, a strategy that has caused nationwide rolling blackouts. Speaking at a security summit in Kazakhstan Thursday, Putin claimed the overnight attacks were a response to strikes on Russian territory using US-made ATACMS missiles. He also warned he would consider further launches of Russias new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, first fired at Ukraines Dnipro region last week. We will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory by Western-made long-range missiles, including the possible continuation of the Oreshnik test in combat conditions, he said. Putin also praised US President-elect Donald Trump, describing him as an intelligent and experienced politician capable of finding solutions, as tensions rise between Moscow and Kyivs Western partners. The Russian leader claimed his forces hit 17 targets, describing them as military facilities, defense industry facilities and their support systems, without acknowledging the attacks on power infrastructure. As I have said many times, there will always be a response from our side (to the use of American ATACMS), Putin said. Putin, who has previously said that Moscow considers itself entitled to use weapons against military targets belonging to countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russia, also threatened further strikes. Russias Ministry of Defense is selecting targets for hitting on Ukrainian territory, he said. These could be military facilities, defense industry enterprises or decision-making centers in Kyiv. Russias use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which carries multiple warheads, last week marked a decisive, and potentially dangerous moment in Moscows conflict with the West, and may be the first time such a weapon has been used in war. A view shows a thermal power plant damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich - Gleb Garanich/Reuters A view shows a part of Russian missile at a thermal power plant damaged by Russian missile strike in an undisclosed location of Ukraine, in an undisclosed location of Ukraine November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich - Gleb Garanich/Reuters Putin claimed the missile can get around air defense systems and if several warheads are used together, the force of the strike will be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons. Everything that is in the epicenter of the explosion is divided into fractions, into elementary particles, essentially turning into dust, Putin said, adding that the missile has no nuclear charge. The Russian missile attack on Dnipro was not armed with nuclear warheads, but it used a weapon designed for nuclear delivery to instead launch conventional weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the use of the new missile was a clear and severe escalation in the scale and brutality of this war. Every winter is getting harder Ukraines energy system came under massive enemy attack, overnight, Energy Minister German Halushchenko said Thursday. Bombardments have intensified in recent months, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as the war grinds into its third winter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used cluster munitions in the attack. The weapons, which disperse numerous small bombs over a large area, make it more more difficult for our rescuers and power engineers to respond to strikes, Zelensky said. In the immediate aftermath, Ukraines energy operator introduced emergency power cuts in many regions, with large outages in the western regions of Lviv, Volyn and Rivne. It has since shifted back to implementing scheduled hourly power cuts. At least five people were injured, including one in the central Vinnytsia region, two in the southern Odesa region, and two in the capital Kyiv, officials said. In Kharkiv, a missile struck a civilian business, according to military authorities. In a statement Thursday, US President Joe Biden condemned the horrific attack, which he said serves as yet another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defense against Russian aggression. Air defenses were activated across the country, with damage reported in 14 regions, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. In Kyiv, residents took shelter in metro stations as an air raid alert for the combined missile and drone attack sounded for more than nine hours. This morning I heard about three explosions, Valeriy Dorotiy, a resident of Lutsk, in western Ukraines Volyn region, told CNN. He said he couldnt tell if the blasts were from missiles or Ukrainian air defense interceptions. After that, the power went out. About 215,000 households in the Volyn region were temporarily without power, authorities said earlier. I have a power bank for charging my phone, but I did not buy a more powerful station because I did not take it seriously that there would be such attacks and that missiles would reach us, Dorotiy said, adding that it seemed Russia was concentrating on attacking eastern Ukraine instead. But it did reach us. A resident starts a generator during a power outage in Lviv following Russia's aerial attacks. - Yuriy Dyachyshyn/AFP/Getty Images Kyiv resident Olha Vaynrikh, 32, told Reuters, Our mornings begin with checking the phone to see if there is an air alert We are indeed fed up with all of it. Roman Turiy, a resident of the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, told CNN that air raid sirens started at 6 a.m. time in his area. Many missiles of the second wave were already flying toward our region. Around 8:17 a.m., I heard a very loud explosion over Ivano-Frankivsk I also heard explosions further away in the region. Several critical infrastructure facilities had been attacked, he later discovered. I expected to be without power for three hours, but according to the new schedule, it looks like we will be without electricity for eight hours today, Turiy said. We all understand that every winter is getting harder. The onslaught involved about 100 drones and more than 90 missiles, according to Zelensky. This comes after Russia launched a record 188 drones at Ukraine on Tuesday in a mass attack that damaged critical infrastructure in the west of the country, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Every attack like this proves that air defense systems are needed in Ukraine now, where they save lives, not at storage bases, Zelensky added, urging allies to help his country increase its air defense capabilities. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com And if it's not chocolate, what is it? Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Few desserts command attention quite like a red velvet cake. Layers of bold red, likened to velvet because of the cakes signature light and tender crumb, accented by stark white icingof course its enchanting. But what exactly makes red velvet cake red velvet? Spoiler: its more than just food dye. Is Red Velvet A Chocolate Cake? No, red velvet is not a "chocolate cake." Red velvet is commonly mislabeled as a variety of chocolate cake; more or less, a subtype of chocolate cake thats artificially dyed red. This misconception likely stems from the fact that one of the key ingredients in red velvet is cocoa powder. However, red velvet does not fall under the chocolate cake umbrella. Unlike iconic chocolate cakes, such as devils food or chocolate mayonnaise cake, red velvet does not boast a rich chocolatey flavorand it was never intended to. While it plays an important role in the cakes overall flavor and texture, the amount of cocoa powder included in red velvet batter is quite small. So in short, no; categorically, red velvet is not a chocolate cake. The truth is, red velvet has a distinctive flavor/texture personality that is entirely its own; theres no sense in trying to lump it into a more generic category of cake. Molly Bolton/Southern Living Why Is There Cocoa Powder In Red Velvet Cake? Red velvet cake has an elusive history. While the exact point of origin has not been identified, whats clear is that the cakes name is a direct reflection of the significant role cocoa powder (however small the portion) plays in the recipe. A couple tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed into the cakes dry ingredients serves to cut the all-purpose flour, ultimately yielding a notably soft, velvety texture and fine crumbas well as a delicate touch of rich flavor. In the 1800s, cakes that employed this textural trick (sometimes using cornstarch or almond flour instead of cocoa powder) were known as velvet cakes. By comparison, other popular cake varieties at the time, such as sponge cake or pound cake, have denser textures and a more structured crumb. During this period, the cocoa available to most bakers in the U.S. was natural cocoa powder, not Dutch-process. Dutch-process, or Dutched, cocoa refers to cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkalizing agent to reduce its acidity. Today, Dutch-process cocoa powder is often favored for baking chocolate cakes, because it provides a less bitter, more intense chocolate flavor that isnt tempered by acidity; its also much darker in color, yielding a cake that appears deeply chocolatey. By contrast, as Victorian era bakers discovered in their velvet cakes, natural cocoa reacts with acidic ingredients (like vinegar or buttermilk) and baking soda to yield a cake with a reddish tint. Thus, red velvet was born. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox What Is Red Velvet Cake Like? The formula for the red velvet cake we know and love today yields a dessert thats as unique as it is stunning. Whether baked as a layer cake, a bundt cake, or cupcakes, red velvet recipes generally feature natural cocoa powder, both buttermilk and white vinegar, baking soda, vanilla extract, and some form of red food coloring, among other typical cake ingredients. Flavor Red velvet offers a nuanced, luxurious flavor profile that entails sweet notes of vanilla balanced by a pleasant tang from the buttermilk and vinegar, all rounded out with a muted hint of cocoa. A bite of red velvet cake is rich, but not overly sweet. Texture As noted above, the incorporation of a small amount of cocoa powder lends a softness to red velvet cake. However, it is the combination of (and resulting chemical reaction between) the cocoa powder, buttermilk, vinegar, and baking soda that produces the cakes unmistakable smooth, velvety texture and delicate crumb. Red velvet cake is incredibly tender with very little springiness or chew. Color Today, the natural red hue that results from combining non-Dutched cocoa powder, acidic ingredients, and baking soda is typically enhanced by adding red food coloring to the cake's batter. While red velvet recipes can call for up to an entire bottle of food-safe dye, some bakers prefer using a natural option like beet juice. Frosting More often than not, youll see red velvet cake enrobed in white. Traditionally, red velvet was frosted with light and silky ermine frosting, an old-fashioned boiled frosting that relies on milk and flour as a base. However, modern red velvet cakes are usually iced with cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream. Red Velvet Cake vs. Chocolate Cake In sum, red velvet cake and a standard chocolate cake both contain cocoa powder, but the comparison ends there. The distinctions between red velvet and chocolate are anything but insignificant and can be broken down as follows. As the weather turns cooler and the leaves start to change color, red wine once again takes center stage on many dinner tables around the country. Whether youre pairing that bottle of Chianti with a homemade weeknight pasta bolognese or a bottle of Pinot Noir with a roast chicken, you might be wondering what to do with an unfinished bottle. We discussed the merits of refrigerating red wine with Jessica Salyer, the wine director at La Bodega by Curate in Asheville, North Carolina. Heres everything you need to know about the dos and donts of red wine refrigeration. Meet Our Expert Jessica Salyer, the wine director at La Bodega by Curate in Asheville, North Carolina. Related: How Long Do Open Bottles Of Wine Actually Last? Should Red Wine Be Refrigerated? Red wine should always be served below room temperature, says Salyer. This means if you keep your home at an average of 68 or 70 degrees, this will be too warm for red wine. So you might need to refrigerate it so that it can get to the correct temperature, or brought to ideal temp before serving, explains the wine expert. You can do this in a wine fridge if you have one as it will better regulate the temperature or you can pop a bottle of too-warm red in the fridge for an hour or two to cool it down and bring it as close to the recommended 55 degrees as possible. Since most people wont be taking the actual temperature of the wine, its ok to use your best judgment here and also go by your own preference. Related: 5 Common Wine Mistakes, According To Sommeliers What Temperature Is Ideal For Red Wine? Salyer says that while she personally prefers to enjoy most of her reds at around 55 degrees, some varietals are simply more delicious when served closer to 50 degrees. These might be considered chilled reds, a description you sometimes see on wine lists or in wine stores. Salyers favorite red wine to drink straight from the fridge is a Spanish wine, Ameztoi Stimatum, a red txakolina, made from the native grape Hondarrabi Beltza. As for which other red wine varietals are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator, Salyer says most a rule of thumb is for lighter, juicier styles such as Pais or Bastardo (Spanish Trousseau), to be served and sipped directly from the refrigerator. However, says the wine director who has a penchant for Spanish reds in particular, when it comes to fuller, more robust reds, I recommend pulling the wine out of the fridge a couple hours before serving to bring to the correct temp. In a perfect world, adds Salyer, everyone would have a wine cooler that keeps the reds at a perfect 54-55 degrees Fahrenheit, but thats obviously not possible for everyone, especially at home! Related: 15 Must-Visit Vineyards In Virginia For Wine Enthusiasts Should Red Wine That's Been Opened Be Refrigerated? Yes, a bottle of red wine thats been opened but unfinished can and should be stored in the fridge to prolong its shelf life, says Salyer, who notes that storing reds at a cool temperature slows the oxidation, which will keep the wine fresh for just a little longer. Salyer also recommends pumping a red wine, using a vacuum pump, before storing in the fridge to remove excess air from the wine bottle, which will help it stay good to drink longer. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. President-elect Donald Trump is spending Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago compound in Florida, which has served as the epicenter of his presidential transition with the past and future commander in chief already naming nearly all of his Cabinet nominees. There are just three Cabinet-level positions that remain to be filled after Trump quickly announced his team of allies to take control of the federal bureaucracy on Jan. 20 though other major non-Cabinet roles, such as FBI director and major ambassadorships, also have not been announced. Trump, 78, has not yet named his small business administrator, science and technology adviser or the next chairperson of the Council of Economic Advisers. President-elect Donald Trump has named nearly all of his Cabinet nominees. via REUTERS There are no clear front-runners for any of the posts, though its possible Trump will seek to add additional racial diversity to his Cabinet line-up with minority candidates after adding significant ideological diversity with his selection of former Democrats to lead key posts. The Small Business Administration, which oversaw the $953 billion Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, was led during Trumps first term by Linda McMahon Trumps designee for education secretary in his second and then Jovita Carranza. The post could go to any number of Trumps supporters in the business world, though no candidate has gained significant speculation. The Council of Economic Advisers, which helps develop and champion administration economic strategy, was led by Kevin Hassett early in Trumps first term before taking on a lower profile with only acting chairmen subsequently. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is Trumps nominee to be secretary of state. AP Pete Hegseth is Trumps defense secretary designee. AP Hassett, a telegenic and affable longtime Republican economist, is due to serve as Trumps top in-house economist as director of the White House National Economic Council and may eclipse whoever serves in his former post. The White House Science and Technology Office had a relatively low profile during Trumps first term, with Kelvin Droegemeier serving as its top functionary, but it potentially could take on a larger role in the next four years due to issues involving artificial intelligence and Trumps advocacy of online free speech and cryptocurrency. FBIs fate remains up in air The three unfilled Cabinet-level posts have attracted relatively little scuttlebutt compared to fevered speculation about who will become FBI director with Trump widely expected to dismiss FBI boss Christopher Wray after assuming power. One prominent contender for FBI director is Kash Patel, who held significant military and intelligence positions during Trumps first term. Trump loyalists believe Patel would help clean house at the bureau after alleged bias against Trump in the leaky probe of whether he colluded with Russia in 2016, which turned up no evidence that he did so, and as it relates to a pair of criminal cases lodged against Trump for allegedly mishandling classified documents and challenging the 2020 election results. Richard Grenell, the former acting director of national intelligence and former US ambassador to Germany, also has been discussed as a possible FBI director. Some members of Trumps incoming Cabinet publicly called for the FBI to be dramatically overhauled or even abolished with incoming budget office director Russ Vought calling for the federal investigative outfit to be broken into a thousand pieces, [i]nvestigated, defunded, abolished [and] rent asunder after the August 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago to recover classified documents. Former Florida Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) faces an uphill climb to be Trumps intelligence director. AFP via Getty Images Replacement nominees may be needed Its possible that Trump will have to select replacements to his existing Cabinet lineup if Senate Republicans, who will control the confirmation process, balk. Trump has demanded the right to recess-appoint nominees if they cant win a majority vote in the Senate, but that would require the chamber to voluntarily grant him that opening, which GOP leaders suggest could be torpedoed by opponents of embattled nominees. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is set to be US ambassador to the United Nations. REUTERS National Intelligence director-designee Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii Democratic congresswoman, has garnered scrutiny from some Republicans over her outspoken anti-war and anti-mass surveillance political positions and from Democrats over her deviation from the partys mainstream positions on the Syrian Civil War and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Health and Human Services secretary-designee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also faces headwinds for his skepticism of vaccine efficacy and defense secretary-designee Pete Hegseth has been buffeted by the revelation of a 2017 sexual assault allegation, though a police report included exonerating information revealing that evidence and testimony contradicted his accusers account. Leading roles in the second Trump term were awarded to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (secretary of state), former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi (US attorney general), Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick (commerce secretary) and businessman Scott Bessent (treasury secretary). Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin is nominated to lead the EPA. AFP via Getty Images New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik is Trumps nominee to be ambassador to the United Nations and former New York Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin was tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to the official Cabinet, Trump is leaning heavily on outside advisers and named Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to serve as leaders of the currently informal Department of Government Efficiency to advise him on sweeping cuts to federal spending. The iconic couple's only son produced an expansive box set of his father's 1973 album 'Mind Games,' which he says is "infused" with John's love for Yoko bob gruen/universal music John Lennon and Yoko One in New York City in April 1973 Sean Ono Lennon says his parents John and Yoko shared a "legendary love" He has assumed the mantle of managing his familys singular musical legacy "My dad declared to the world that 'John and Yoko' were one word," Sean tells PEOPLE. "I think he always had his heart set on her" John Lennon and Yoko Onos efforts to bring peace to the world in the early 70s threw their private lives into chaos. Their outspoken antiwar stance made them enemies of then-President Richard Nixon, who abused his power in a vindictive crusade to have them kicked out of the country by any means necessary. The harassment reached its peak around the time the couple entered New York Citys Record Plant studios in the summer of 1973 to begin work on Lennons solo album, Mind Games. An expansive new box set, overseen by their only son, Sean Ono Lennon, provides fascinating insights into the unsettling period. The FBI were tailing them and tapping their phones, the 49-year-old tells PEOPLE. Recently declassified documents reveal that the government was conspiring to have Lennon arrested during this period on phony drugs charges. Nixon was trying to deport them. It was really terrifying. While anthems like Give Peace a Chance and Imagine had long singled them out a threat in the eyes of Nixons reactionary administration, persecution against the pair didn't begin in earnest until they relocated from Lennon's native England to New York City at the end of 1971. Settling in Manhattans liberal Greenwich Village enclave, they soon attracted a crowd of ultra-radical activists like Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, who aimed to harness the famous couples celebrity to promote their pet causes. They wound up hanging out with some ultimately very nefarious people by mistake, Sean explains. Bettmann/Getty John Lennon and Yoko Ono in Montreal in June 1969 The first album Lennon and Ono recorded in their newly adopted hometown was 1972s Some Time in New York City, a raw collection of diaristic songs depicting life at the front of the picket line. Melody took a backseat to messaging as they sang of womens liberation, the Attica prison riot, draconian drug policies and the deadly conflict in Northern Island. Those who missed the ripped from the headlines nature of the lyrics were offered a hint with the album's cover, which mimicked the front page of a newspaper. The album was met with a lukewarm response from fans, who were expecting something more along the lines of the previous years Imagine, with Lennons delicate vocals hovering atop the lush orchestration and undulating piano figure. Moreover, it didnt earn them any friends in the State Department. "Some Time in New York City was basically a complete album of activism, Sean says. Its punk. They just went in the studio and banged em out. Which is a cool its a beautiful album and I love it. But it was not very well-received. So I think my dad was like, You know, maybe I should get back to making music that people want to listen to. This was the philosophy behind Mind Games, which Sean characterizes as an antidote to the rough edges of their previous record. You hear Mind Games and it's like a release from all that, he continues. That record represents my parents stepping away from radical activism a little bit. I think they felt like they didn't want to be in that world anymore. They realized that it was not a fun road for them and so they wanted to make music that was less directly attacking the establishment and focusing more on peace and love again. Mind Games is my dad returning to making music as a high art form, as opposed to just a documentary expression of his radical ideas of the time. Susan Wood/Getty Yoko Ono and John Lennon in New York City in December 1968 Thats not to say Mind Games isnt a reflection of its era. Occasional political barbs are folded in the tracklist, albeit a little more subtle than those found on Some Time in New York City. "Bring On the Lucie (Freda Peeple)" is a pun-y take on the sloganeering of recent songs like Power to the People, and the title track features Lennon singing a discrete make love not war on the outro. The most pointed reference to current events is Nutopian International Anthem, a playful protest of their deportation battle with the American government. The title references the conceptual nation of Nutopia created by Lennon and Ono. It was envisioned as a utopian realm with no passports, no land, no armies and no laws a state of mind rather than a geographic location. They announced its existence at a press conference held on (appropriately enough) April Fools Day 1973, declaring themselves ambassadors and thus entitled to diplomatic immunity to remain in the United States. They ended the announcement by unveiling the flag of their new nation: a plain white handkerchief. Keeping with the minimalist tone, the Nutopian International Anthem heard on Mind Games contains three seconds of silence. Related: Sean Ono Lennon on Growing Up with 'Good Witch' Yoko Ono and 'Rebelling' Against Her 'Cosmic, Woo-Woo Stuff' (Exclusive) The press conference was a moment of levity in the midst of a very trying time for the couple. According to Sean, comedy was how Lennon coped with stress. I feel like everything my dad did, even at the most serious moments, had a bit of humor, says Sean. People who grew up with him in Liverpool say that he was the kind of guy who would make a joke even at a very difficult time. (After years of legal battles, John won the right to stay in the US on Oct. 7, 1975 two days before Seans birth.) The pressure of the period put a strain on Lennon and Onos relationship, leading to a temporary split in the fall of 1973 the same time that Mind Games arrived in stores. The timing of the 18-month separation (mythologized as Lennons so-called Lost Weekend, when he was reportly partying hard in Los Angeles) has led many fans to view Mind Games as a breakup album. But Sean strongly disagrees. For proof, he points to the album cover, a collage Lennon made featuring photos of himself and Ono. My mother is this giant mountain in the distance, he explains, and dad is this diminutive little man receding into nowhere. To Sean, the image was a self-portrait, summing up how Lennon saw Onos influence. His entire life and art was infused with his relationship with my mom. Related: Sean Ono Lennon Says Reconnecting with Dad John's Music Filled a 'Void': 'Like Getting More Time with Him' (Exclusive) The ardent lyrics on Mind Games could only come from the open heart of a deeply devoted husband. On Out of the Blue, he sings: I was born just to get to you / Anyway, I survived / Long enough to make you my wife. The whole album is about my mom, says Sean. Theyre mostly love songs about her. My dad declared to the world that John and Yoko were one word. I think he always had his heart set on her. He was so in love with her. They had a legendary love and I think that this album is infused with that love. You can hear it. For more from Sean Ono Lennon, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere Friday. The Voluntary Weapons Xchange event was held on Nov. 24 at the Alamodome. People exchanged their functional firearms for H-E-B gift cards. District 9 The Voluntary Weapons Xchange event was held on Nov. 24 at the Alamodome. People exchanged their functional firearms for H-E-B gift cards. District 9 A San Antonio City Council member says a gun swap event he helped organize to promote gun safety resulted in more than 500 firearms being exchanged for about $75,000 in gift cards. The Voluntary Weapons Xchange," held Nov. 24 at the Alamodome, allowed attendees to surrender firearms and ammunition in exchange for H-E-B gift cards. It was the second year for the event, which aims to promote gun safety. All firearms and ammunition were destroyed after they were surrendered. Advertisement Article continues below this ad District 9 Council Member John Courage said 570 functional firearms were exchanged for about $75,000 in gift cards on Sunday. Additionally, 250 gun locks were given out. Unlike the event's debut last year, organizers this time accepted only functional firearms no broken guns, ghost guns or replicas were allowed. This approach ensured the exchange remained both impactful and efficient, Courage said in a written statement. Those who participated in the event expressed appreciation for being able to securely hand over guns they did need or want in their homes, Courage said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Courage said the success of the event is a testament to the power of collaboration. A former sheriff's deputy who gunned down Sonya Massey in her kitchen after she called 911 about a possible prowler outside her home will be released soon with conditions, an Illinois court ruled late Wednesday. The state court ruling reverses the detention order over former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean P. Grayson who has been in custody since he was charged in the July 6 fatal shooting of the 36-year-old Black woman. A circuit court judge will set a date with attorneys to consider conditions for Grayson's release before he goes to trial for Massey's murder. The conditions may include home confinement or some sort of monitoring system. He is due back in court on Monday for a hearing. Circuit Court Presiding Judge Ryan Cadagin had twice ordered Grayson detained for his callousness during and after the shooting of Massey, citing his failure to help her after the shooting. Body camera footage of the shooting shows the former deputy firing on the diminutive woman even as she raises her arms in the air and says "I'm sorry" while ducking for cover. When Grayson's partner suggests getting a medical kit, he responds, "Shes done. You can go get it, but thats a headshot." Grayson's attorney, Daniel Fultz, has argued that Grayson wasn't a flight risk and that he was dealing with complications from a diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer. He is being held in the Macon County Jail in Decatur, Illinois. Donna Massey mourns the loss of her daughter, Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot in her home by a Sangamon County sheriff's deputy on July 6, 2024. Donna Massey was attending a protest in front of the Sangamon County Building in Springfield, Illinois on July 12, 2024. A reckoning over racism, misogyny The release of the video footage of the killing sent shockwaves through the nation. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and racial justice advocate the Rev. Al Sharpton quickly called for justice for Massey. Coast-to-coast demonstrations took place and the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation. Grayson was fired the same day he was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and two other counts but the fallout didn't stop there. Public records revealed Grayson had a history of violence toward women and despite that was never barred from working in law enforcement. Records show a former inmate complained that Grayson ordered her to expose herself to him and that his former wife divorced him over "repeated acts of mental cruelty." Grayson's criminal history also shows he had two DUIs and a questionable discharge from the military. Former Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell eventually stepped down over the intense scrutiny he faced for hiring Grayson despite his background. Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker was among those calling for Campbell's resignation. The killing of Massey, who suffered from mental illness, prompted the Department of Justice to launch an investigation into the sheriff's office's treatment of people with disabilities earlier in November. Federal officials cited "serious concerns about (the sheriff department's) interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities," along with a host of practices and procedures. Steven Spearie reports for The State Journal-Register and Michael Loria reports for USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sonya Massey shooter to be released soon with conditions Rebels in Syria have made rapid advances towards the countrys second biggest city, Aleppo, reigniting a conflict that had largely laid dormant for years. After making only limited gains in recent years, the rebels have already captured some 60 towns and villages that were controlled by government forces, as well as a Syrian army base and a military research center only a hundred yards from the countrys second largest city, Aleppo. On Friday, the armed rebel groups claimed to have entered the city, which has been under government control since 2016. Earlier that day, an artillery shell struck Aleppo Universitys student housing, killing four people, according to Syrias state news agency, SANA, which blamed opposition factions for the attack. A rebel group spokesperson, Hassan Abdulghani, called the accusations baseless lies. On Thursday, at least 15 civilians, including six children and two women, were killed, and 36 others were injured in airstrikes and shelling on rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib countryside, according to the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group. The goal of the operation is to liberate our occupied territories from the criminal regime and Iranian militias, as well as to establish a safe environment for displaced people to return to their cities and towns, Abdulghani told CNN. The Syrian military said its confronting terrorist organizations and claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the groups since Wednesday. Wednesdays surprise operation marks the first significant conflagration between Syrian rebels and the regime since March 2020, when Russia and Turkey mediated a ceasefire in the north of the country. The conflict has since remained largely dormant, with low-level clashes between the rebels and Assads regime. More than 300,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, and millions of people have been displaced across the region. Syrias civil war began during the 2011 Arab Spring as the regime suppressed a pro-democracy uprising against Assad, who has been president since 2000. The country plunged into a full-scale civil war as a rebel force was formed, known as the Free Syrian Army, to combat government troops. The conflict swelled as other regional actors and world powers from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States to Russia piled in, escalating the civil war into what some observers described as a proxy war. ISIS was also able to gain a foothold in the country before suffering significant blows. Over the past year, Iran has watched its prized proxy Hezbollah get battered by a ferocious Israeli aerial and ground campaign in Lebanon. The militant group, which was credited for helping save the Assad regime from Syrian rebels, is now significantly weakened, with most of its leaders assassinated. The clashes are the most serious since 2020. - Izzettin Kasim/Anadolu/Getty Images Turkey had attempted to halt the rebel offensive to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region due to Israels aggression, a Turkish security source told CNN, referring to the wars in Lebanon and Gaza. The source said that the rebels launched what was supposed to be a limited operation against the Assad regime after the Syrian military and allied militias struck rebel-held Idlib city and killed more than 30 civilians. The rebels expanded the operation after regime forces fled the towns surrounding Aleppo, the source said. CNN cannot independently verify those claims. Iranian state media said that Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Kioumars Pourhashemi, a senior Iranian military adviser in Syria, was killed in Aleppo. In a call with his Syrian counterpart to discuss the escalation, the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of reactivating the rebels, and stressed the continued support of Iran to the Syrian government and army. The Kremlins spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on the Syrian authorities to quickly restore order in this area and restore constitutional order. Weakened Axis of Resistance Analysts say the rebels are using a vacuum left by a weakened Hezbollah to advance in Syria. The rebels see an opportunity to test the front lines with Hezbollah weakened, a pressured Iran and a Russia busy with Ukraine the rebels were surprised by their success and they pushed harder than they anticipated, Nanar Hawach, a senior analyst focused on Syria at the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank, said. The rebels see a shift in powers. Iran and Russia have for more than a decade supplied forces and arms to help Assad remain in power. Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdogan has supported rebel groups and has deployed Turkish forces to retain command over the rebel-held strongholds of northern Syria. Iran has maintained military presence in Syria as part of an expansive effort to keep Assad in power and protect a strategic regional footprint. Its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has been targeted by Israel over past years, including an airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Damascus in April that killed a top IRGC commander, and prompted Tehrans first ever direct strike on Israel. Irans proxy Hezbollah has been instrumental in assisting Assad regain territory lost to militias and rebel groups. Its fighters fought on behalf of Assad against Syrias armed opposition groups and the al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra front. Syria has served as a primary logistical backbone for the organization to build its missile arsenal in its home country Lebanon. Over the past year, Hezbollahs fighting forces shifted their focus toward Israel, pulling troops from Syria to Lebanon, in an attempt to consolidate their losses as Assad grew closer to Gulf Arab states and became less engaged with Irans Axis of Resistance, a loose grouping of regional Iran-allied militias, Hawach said. Israel has since inflicted major damage on the group in Lebanon, killing its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and eliminating many of the groups top brass. The Israeli military in September launched an all-out offensive on Shia-majority areas across the country where Hezbollah wields significant influence and pummeled other parts of Lebanon. An objective for Hezbollah was to have a tangible presence in Syria, this diminished throughout the last year because of the pulling of troops especially with the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Texas is looking at a plan to ramp up migrant buses again but instead of sending them to sanctuary cities, officials would ship newly arrived illegal migrants directly to ICE holding centers so they can be processed quickly for deportation, a Lone Star State source told The Post. The proposal, which has not been approved by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, is meant to continue Operation Lone Star, which seeks to deter migrants from crossing into Texas illegally. We are always gonna be involved in border security so long as were a border state, the source in the Texas government said. A migrant bus drops off a migrant family at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Matthew McDermott We spent a lot of taxpayer money to have the level of deterrent that we have on the border and we cant just walk away. President-elects new border czar Tom Homan said he is interested in working with Texas to make it happen. Under the proposed plan, buses chartered by Texas from border cities will be rerouted from sanctuary cities including New York, Chicago and Denver to federal detention centers to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents process them more quickly, the source said. Thats a way we could be involved in that, and of course they would reimburse us for paying for the [bus] contract, said the source. Abbotts office didnt respond to a request for comment from The Post. Trumps border czar pick Tom Homan speaks to Texas authorities alongside Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. AP Homan told The Post Abbott did not bring up the idea during his visit to the Texas border with the governor earlier this week. However, he said, I look forward to discussing that with them. Were going to help them finish this job and secure Texas and were going to work in partnership. And [Abbott] doesnt have to worry about this administration suing him to secure the Texas border, he added. Texas bused nearly 120,000 migrants from the border to New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago starting in 2022 in an effort to draw attention to the massive problems at the border. About 45,900 migrants were sent to New York City alone. However, the buses stopped running over the summer after the number of crossings into Texas dropped dramatically in part due to the states efforts to reinforce the border and take enforcement into its own hands. Migrants offload a bus that delivered them to New York City from Texas. Matthew McDermott By voting Trump back into office, voters soundly repudiated Bidens radical open borders policies that made less Americans safe, said Texas State Rep. Brian Harrison. Texas has already offered up land along the border for the incoming Trump administration to build deportation centers to hold illegal migrant criminals. My office has identified several of our properties and is standing by ready to make this happen on Day One of the Trump presidency, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said during a visit to the border Tuesday. Homan said he will prioritize illegal migrants who pose threats to public safety and national security for the first wave of deportations. With Thanksgiving holiday travel well underway, many have reached their destinations but for everyone else, a storm tracking from the Rockies to the Midwest and Northeast into Thursday will bring rain and snow, likely impacting flights and packed roads. Just shy of 3 million people were expected to be screened by the Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday, and a record 71.7 million were expected travel by car over Thanksgiving over 1 million more than last year. The storm, which dropped snow over the Rockies Wednesday morning and slowed by the afternoon, is forecast to race east throughout Wednesday to the Midwest and Northeast through Thanksgiving. It'll bring rain, with the possibility of ice and snow, that will intensify in the evening from St. Louis to Indianapolis and into Pittsburgh. Overnight, the storm will continue to move eastward, bringing cold rain along the I-95 corridor, from Richmond to Boston, in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning. As of Wednesday night, there were nearly 4,000 delays and 45 cancelled flights within, into or out of the U.S., according to FlightAware. American Airlines said it operated nearly 6,400 mainline and regional flights on Tuesday and expected more than 650,000 customers to travel Wednesday across nearly 6,400 flights thats almost 4.5 American flights departing every minute of the day. A ground delay at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, was in place Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. ET to 2 a.m. Thursday. There were more than 300 delays in total out of Newark on Wednesday, with some at least 95 minutes long. The FAA said on X Wednesday afternoon that delays were expected in Denver and Salt Lake City due to snow and ice. In those cities, airport officials were deicing planes to get them ready for departure. Denver was leading the pack with 600 flight delays Wednesday. Delays were also common in Boston, Dallas and Las Vegas, where delays were in the triple digits, according to FlightAware. Fog in Tampa was affecting departures Wednesday, with Tampa International Airport reporting 37 outbound delays, according to FlightAware. Delays were also an issue in Seattle and Los Angeles, where low ceilings were expected to cause some impacts on operations, the FAA said earlier Wednesday. For road travelers, I-80, I-64, I-75 were impacted by rain Wednesday, and I-25 and I-70 by snow in the Rockies. Thanksgiving Day will bring a mess of rain for the I-95 corridor from Florida to Maine, and heavy snow for the interior Northeast and New England. Points north of the Hudson Valley in upstate New York and interior New England can expect 1 to 3 inches of wet snow, with localized totals of over 6 inches at highest mountain peaks. From northeast Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, 3 to 6 inches of snow and potentially even more is possible, with windy conditions potentially leading to power outages in the area. The iconic Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on rain or shine, as the Big Apple is forecast to see soaking rain with temperatures in the 40s. Winds are forecast to be less than 10 mph, which will allow balloons to fly. The parades beloved balloons cannot fly if maximum sustained winds hit 23 mph or greater or if gusts exceed 34 mph. East Coast cities including Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New York, Hartford and Boston can expect a cold rain, with rainfall totals between .50 to 1 inch. Road travel will be slick as far south as Virginia and Maryland, including through the I-95 corridor into Maine. By the overnight hours into Friday morning, travel will settle to mostly normal conditions as the system pushes out of the New England area. However, cold winds in New England and a lake effect snow event around the Great Lakes will take hold and will continue through Sunday. Airport hubs to watch Thursday include Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, NYC, Boston, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. People enter LaGuardia Airport in New York City on one of the busiest travel days of the year on Tuesday. On Sunday typically the busiest travel day of Thanksgiving week, as people return home from holiday trips the cold will continue across swaths of the country, as well as lake effect snow around the Great Lakes and Northeast. A total of 3 million people are predicted to pass through TSA on Sunday, nearing the record of 3.01 million that was set the Sunday following the Fourth of July holiday this year. Chicago and Detroit may see some problems at their airports on Sunday, but the East and West Coast look favorable for road and air travel. All the while, much of the northern Plains and upper Midwest will see bitter cold to close out the week, with temperatures forecast to be 10 to 20 degrees below average starting on Thanksgiving Day. From Thursday to Sunday, Chicago will see highs in the 30s and 20s and lows in the teens, New York will see highs in the 40s and lows dip to around 28F, and D.C. will see highs in the 50s and 40s and lows in the 30s and high 20s. Minneapolis will see lows into the single digits over the weekend. As travelers take to the skies to join loved ones, authorities are warning people who leave their cars in airport parking lots to take caution due to vehicle thefts. Over 300 cars were stolen from the nation's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, this year nearly three times as many as last year, Atlanta police said. Suspects can program key fobs to vehicles and that has gotten us here where we are now, Maj. Kelley Collier, the Atlanta Airport precinct commander said. This year, police are adding cameras, motorcycle patrols, and new fencing to curb crime across its 30,000 parking spaces. More than 50 vehicles were also stolen from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport this year, as police said a car theft ring targeting airports across multiple states was responsible. DFW Airport Police arrested the alleged ringleader last month. A woman named Katy told NBC News that she and her husband went on a work trip and returned to Columbus International Airport to find their car was gone. In complete disbelief that we had parked attached to an airport and came out and our car was gone. We just assumed it was more safe and secure in that type of an environment, she said. Police later found it abandoned and completely stripped. Im hoping that the airports will beef up their security so that we can travel and come back and have your car there, she added. Natalia Grace, a grown woman who had been accused of masquerading as a child, is the subject of another documentary airing in January 2025 (Getty Images/Investigation Discovery/Supplied) The third adoptive parents of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian-born woman with dwarfism who some people believe had been an adult masquerading as a child, have fallen out with her. Cynthia and Antwon Mans brought Grace, 22, into their home in 2012 after they discovered she had been living alone in Lafayette, Indiana. But the couple is speaking out in a new Investigation Discovery documentary called The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter. A teaser for the documentary shows Antwon Mans telling the producers Something aint right with Natalia. He and his wife had previously described her as a genuine and loving young lady, according to the Daily Mail. Grace first came to the US in 2008 and was placed with a couple who turned her away for undisclosed reasons, the outlet reported. In 2010, she was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett, her second adoptive parents who the newspaper says abandoned her. The couple were later charged with abandoning and endangering a dependent. At the time, Kristine told the Daily Mail: Natalia was a woman. She had periods. She had adult teeth. She never grew a single inch, which would happen even with a child with dwarfism. The doctors all confirmed she was suffering a severe psychological illness only diagnosed in adults. Grace as a young child speaking on the Investigation Discovery documentaryThe Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks (Investigation Discovery) In October 2022, Michael Barnett was acquitted of the charges and Kristine Barnett had her charges dropped three weeks before her trial in March 2023. The girl lived with the Barnetts for two years. The couple would later say she was a sociopath who had threatened to kill them. At one point, the couple said Grace stood over their beds with a knife and tried to poison Kristine. Additionally, the couple doubted that Grace was born in 2003 because after she was under their care, she started getting public hair and getting her period, the outlet reported. A court later agreed to change Graces birth certificate to state she was born in 1989. Thats around the time they allegedly dropped her off at an apartment in Lafayette. A DNA test this year confirmed Grace is around 22 years old. That would mean she was 10 years old when she began living with the Barnetts. Grace herself has publicly claimed she was a child when the couple abandoned her to live on her own. Antwon insinuated to the documentary team that Grace had a romantic interest that turned her against them. Shes got this dude online, he said, according to the outlet. He turned her against us. Shes ready to go to hell with gasoline panties on. Natalia Grace speaking in a documentary about her life (Investigation Discovery) In another documentary that aired in January, he and his wife told the team they were done with Grace. Other people interviewed for the documentary did not appear to paint the couple as the victims of the story. Grace has since moved out of the couples home and is trying to raise money for a $500,000 spinal surgery that isnt covered by insurance, according to the outlet. I have a type of dwarfism called Diastrophic Dysplasia a form of dwarfism that has many serious issues which often require surgery, she wrote on GoFundMe. The first treatment I need is to have my spine corrected as if I leave it too long it could lead to paralysis and incontinence. The documentary is premiering in January 2025 on Investigation Discovery. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied proposing to US President-elect Donald Trump that Mexico will close its border with the United States as he claimed in a post on Truth Social. Everyone has their own way of communicating, but I can assure you, I give you the certainty that we would never and we would be incapable of it propose that we would close the border, Sheinbaum said during her regular morning news conference Thursday. It has never been our approach and of course we dont agree with that. Sheinbaums remarks came after Trump said Wednesday that the pair had a productive conversation during their first talks since Trump announced tariffs against Mexico earlier this week that would slap a 25% tariff on all products from that country and from Canada. He claimed the move would be in retaliation for illegal immigration and crime and drugs coming across the border. Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation! Trump posted on Truth Social. In her own statement about the conversation, Sheinbaum said she shared Mexicos immigration strategy with the president-elect and stressed that her countrys position is not to close borders. In our conversation with President Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights, Sheinbaum said Wednesday on X. Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are assisted before they arrive at the border. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples. Sheinbaum had previously said that Mexico has worked with the Biden administration to address the flow of migrants through the country, leading to a 75% reduction in US border crossings over the past year. And after the call with Trump on Wednesday, she did not outline any new policies she planned to put in place in order to avoid tariffs, focusing instead on how her country had already acted to address the crisis. It is not yet clear what will come of the disconnect between Trumps quick victory lap and Sheinbaums promotion of the status quo. But the episode was reminiscent of Trumps first term as president, when his bombastic rhetoric surrounding his dealings with Mexico did not always match the situation on the ground. Trump, for example, pledged to build a wall along the southern border and have Mexico pay for it. Under Trump, the US ultimately constructed 458 miles of border barriers, including 373 miles of wall replacing dilapidated or outdated structures. The total fell short of the 1,000 miles Trump repeatedly asserted was needed, and Mexico did not pay for it. The early interactions between Trump and Sheinbaum will be closely monitored as he prepares to implement his long-promised plan to end undocumented migration into the US and deport those who have entered the country illegally. Trumps team is already considering executive action to bring back a program informally known as remain in Mexico, which requires migrants to stay in Mexico during their immigration proceedings in the US. Sheinbaum previously said she had a cordial call with Trump shortly after his electoral victory where they discussed the good relationship between Mexico and the US, according to a post on X. Wednesdays call between Trump and Sheinbaum came two days after the president-elect promised promised massive hikes in tariffs on goods coming from Mexico, Canada and China starting on the first day of his administration. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Sheinbaum responded to the social media post with a fiery letter of her own in which she suggested Mexico would retaliate with counter-tariffs if Trump went through with his threat. In his comments Wednesday, Trump did not say whether he would stand by the pledge or anything Sheinbaum had said addressed his concerns. Trumps transition team did not immediately respond when asked by CNN if he still intended to hit the US southern neighbor with a 25% tariff when he takes office. Nor did Sheinbaum suggest she had received assurances from Trump that he was backing down from the threat. President Joe Biden, who had stressed on the campaign trail that Trumps foreign policy could pose a danger to the US relationship with allies and key trading partners, said Thursday that he hopes the president-elect rethinks his tariff plan, calling it counterproductive. We have an unusual situation in America. Were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies: Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up both relationships, Biden said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Trump shortly after his social media post on Monday, an official with the prime ministers office said. The brief call was focused on border security and trade, a senior Canadian government source told CNN. They characterized the call as productive and said that Trudeau and Trump promised to stay in touch in the days to come. Responding to Trumps announcement, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said his country has been in communication with the US about counternarcotics operations and that the idea of China knowingly allowing fentanyl precursors to flow into the United States runs completely counter to facts and reality. About the issue of US tariffs on China, China believes that China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. No one will win a trade war or a tariff war, Liu said in a statement to CNN. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Sol Amaya, David Goldman, Betsy Klein and Paula Newton contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com KYIV, Ukraine More than 700,000 homes and businesses were without power across a frigid Ukraine early Thursday after Russia launched a widespread missile and drone attack on the countrys energy sector. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the complex strike was a retaliation for Ukraines using American-made ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia. Despite the widespread civilian impact, he claimed, without evidence, that the assault targeted military sites. Air raid sirens began to ring out late Wednesday and blared for more than nine hours. People across the country took refuge in bomb shelters, subway stations and even their own bathrooms, waiting out the bombardment alongside strollers, pets and what few blankets they could carry. The power grid was targeted just as cold weather begins to bite, a tactic that Ukrainian officials and Western analysts say Russia deliberately deploys. The temperature is forecast to stay below 35 degrees Fahrenheit all of Thursday, with fog in the air and snow already covering Kyivs roofs. Firefighters extinguish a blaze at an energy infrastructure facility following a Russian missile attack in Lutsk, Ukraine, on Thursday. It was about 6 a.m. I was sleeping and heard a very loud explosion in my dream, said Valeria Grinchuk, 24, a makeup artist in the city of Lutsk. I just ran into the corridor with my cats and immediately heard two more explosions, at which point the power went out, she added. I couldnt see what was on the news and so didnt know what to expect, she said. Grinchuk, who has a gas stove, said "we've gotten used to it a little" but described the conditions as "very uncomfortable." I feel very strong hatred, and I still can't get in my head the fact that this is all reality, she said. I don't understand how with so much beauty in the world you can make people's lives such hell. The physical discomfort of the outages is compounded by the uncertainty of President-elect Donald Trumps looming inauguration on Jan. 20. His reluctance to commit support for Ukraine brings a huge degree of uncertainty to the conflict, just as Russia is making its fastest battlefield gains since the early days of the 2022 invasion. It was Russias 11th attack on Ukraines energy sector this year, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a very vile escalation of Russian terrorist tactics. Ukraine said it had detected 188 incoming attack targets, including 57 cruise missiles fired from Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, 28 Kalibr cruise missiles fired from ships in the Black Sea and 97 Iran-designed Shahed drones, according to a post by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Again, energy system is under a massive attack from the enemy, Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, wrote on social media. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place all over Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the attacks included cluster munitions, which make it much more difficult for our rescuers and energy workers to eliminate the consequences of the impact. Customers use camera flashes to illuminate vegetables in a supermarket during a power outage in Kyiv on Wednesday. President Joe Biden called the attack horrific in a statement Thursday that aimed to reassure Ukraine of U.S. support. This attack is outrageous and serves as yet another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defense against Russian aggression, Biden said. Earlier this year, and at my direction, the United States began prioritizing air defense exports so they go to Ukraine first, he added. The Department of Defense has delivered hundreds of additional air defense missiles to Ukraine, as a consequence of this decision, and further deliveries are underway. Putin gave details of the attack at a summit in Kazakhstan of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization. I repeat once again that these strikes on our part were in response to unrelenting strikes onto the Russian territory with the U.S. ATACMS missiles, he said. As I have said many times, there will always be a response from our part. He derided the way Ukraine "nags its masters for other weapons." Ukraine has made no secret of its desire for more Western assistance, making the case that Kyiv is defending not just itself but all of Europe and the West against Kremlin aggression. After the attack, Zelenskyy reiterated calls for his allies to provide more military assistance. Each such attack proves that air defense systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not in storage bases, he said. This is especially important in the winter, when we have to protect our infrastructure from targeted Russian strikes. Ukraines existing air defenses were able to bring down more than 100 of the incoming projectiles, the army said, but dozens got through. Worst hit were several western regions that do not often face Russian attack. As of Thursday morning, 523,000 homes and businesses in the Lviv region were without power, Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. In neighboring Volyn, 215,000 customers were without electricity, Gov. Ivan Rudnytskyi, wrote, after a transformer substation was hit in the regional capital, Lutsk. Other outages were reported in the Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr and Rivne oblasts, with many schools telling children to study at home. Civilians take shelter in a metro station during an air raid in Kyiv. In Cherkasy, entrepreneur Elena Bondarenko, 52, endured a night of sirens, drones, then you dont sleep listening to every sound and monitoring news. It was scary and unpleasant, she said. She and her husband have endured power cuts before. This time they faced hours more without electricity, and another outage was scheduled in the evening as the grid tries to cope with the destruction. Its difficult to live like that. It ruins all your life. It ruins the order of life and any plans you make, she said of the blackouts. Everything that is happening now is awful. Well, a human can adjust to everything, but I dont want to get used to it. Is it even possible to live like that? In Kyiv, officials said, anti-aircraft guns intercepted all inbound targets, although falling debris caused damage in the Dniprovskyy and Darnytskyy districts, damaging a truck and buildings in an industrial area. The Energy Ministry said in an online post that power engineers are working to provide backup power schemes where possible. They have already begun restoration work where the security situation allows. The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the attack, which came hours after Trump said he would nominate retired Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg has suggested he could condition U.S. military aid to Kyiv on its participation in peace talks with Russia. The U.S. has provided $70 billion in military aid to Ukraine, more than any other country. Trump has repeatedly declined to commit to continuing the assistance, instead saying he would finish the war before his inauguration without saying how. Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo does not use cotton from the Xinjiang region in northwest China, the company's boss said. Fast Retailing's chief executive Tadashi Yanai broke his silence on the supply of fabric for his brand's clothing for the first time amid allegations of human rights violations in the supply chain and concerns over forced labour in Xinjiang, which produces some of the worlds best cotton. Companies that buy clothing, cotton, tomatoes and other goods from Xinjiang have come under pressure from Western consumers over the alleged genocide of the minority Uyghurs and Hui Muslims under the Xi Jinping administration over the past decade. Beijing has routinely denied allegations of crimes against humanity, calling them the lie of the century. People walk outside Uniqlo store in Warsaw (REUTERS) The violations have prompted Western nations, led by the US, to impose tough regulations on the import of goods from Xinjiang in 2022. Several global brands, such as H&M, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas have faced backlash in China for removing products using Xinjiang cotton from their shelves expressing concern for the alleged use of forced labour. Uniqlo, which has 2,500 stores worldwide, had remained neutral "between the US and China" over the Xinjiang row to keep the business floating in the Asian country with the second-largest population in the world. "Were not using [cotton from Xinjiang]," Mr Yanai told BBC in Tokyo. "By mentioning which cotton were using ... actually, it gets too political if I say anymore so let's stop here," he said without adding further details. A US federal report published in 2022 estimated that cotton from Xinjiang accounted for roughly 87 per cent of Chinas production and 23 per cent of the global supply in 2020 and 2021. Mr Yanai said Uniqlo "was not a known brand globally" and China and the Asian subcontinent were still the brand's biggest market. In November this year, he told the Associated Press that "there is more potential for growth in Europe and the US, as well as China and India, given the 1.4 billion population in each country. File: An SAIC Volkswagen plant is seen in the outskirts of Urumqi in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Thursday, 22 April 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) He told the BBC that there were only 900 to 1000 stores for China's mammoth population. "I think we can increase that to 3,000, Uniqlo's parent company Fast Retailing had earlier in 2021 claimed that the company does not use any materials linked to human rights violations. Meanwhile, Volkswagen on Wednesday said it will sell all its operations in China's Xinjiang after years of mounting pressure to abandon its presence in the region. The carmaker announced the decision at the same time as saying it would extend its partnership with Chinese partner SAIC by a decade to 2040. Rights groups hailed Volkswagen's decision to exit Xinjiang as a "positive step, albeit long overdue". "Car companies should map their supply chains and disengage from any supplier sourcing material directly or indirectly from Xinjiang, said Jim Wormington, senior researcher and advocate in the Economic Justice and Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. When she was 8 years old, Marissa Bode made her acting debut as an orphan in The Prince and the Pauper at her local community theater in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. I had one line and I was so scared, like, What if I forget it? Bode says. But after that, I was like: Oh, this is a piece of cake. Ill be continuing to do this for quite a while. Sixteen years later, she has made her way to a much bigger stage in Wicked, the big-screen version of the Broadway musical sensation. The radiant newcomer plays Nessarose, the tragically beautiful sister of the emerald-skinned Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who becomes known in Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox. Nessarose (Marissa Bode, left) is escorted to her new school by older sister Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). Bode, 24, is the first wheelchair user in the musicals 21-year history to be cast as Nessa, who also uses a wheelchair. Its a profound milestone for the first-time film actress, who fell in love with Wicked as a teenager when she saw the national tour in Wisconsin. It was great seeing a character who was in a wheelchair on stage because I had never seen that before, Bode says. Now, knowing that a whole generation of other kids in wheelchairs are going to see this movie has made me very emotional. The actress who plays Nessarose helped make the 'Wicked' movie set wheelchair-accessible Nessarose (Marissa Bode, right) is smitten with new classmate Boq (Ethan Slater) at Shiz University. At age 11, Bode was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident on her way to rehearsal for American Girls Revue, an adaptation of the American Girl books. A month later, she gathered with her castmates in the lobby of her childrens hospital, where she performed the 60-minute musical from a wheelchair for a few dozen family and friends. Just weeks after her injury, that performance taught me there is a place for me in theater, and also that it can be accessible, Bode says. That was very important to me, especially in a very pivotal moment of my life. Marissa Bode at the New York premiere of "Wicked." Bode continued to act in musicals throughout high school, playing Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins and Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors. It almost seemed a bit strange to me that a lot of people were like, Oh, she never gave up! Bode says. My thought was always like, Well, why would I? I think a lot of that is peoples perception of disability as an inhibitor, which I never really did see it that way. Rather than looking at somebody with a disability and thinking they cant do something, its about creating spaces and saying, Youre welcome here. That can-do mentality carried over to Wicked, where Bode worked with a disability consultant to make the production more accessible. That included building a fully accessible trailer, as well as installing ramps throughout the set. She also offered notes to director Jon M. Chu about how Nessa would go about her days at Shiz University. Aside from acting, Marissa Bode says her biggest passions are cooking, painting and drawing. I suggested hanging the backpack on the back of her chair rather than carrying it like they initially handed it to me, because thats just what a lot of wheelchair users do, Bode says. He was always so great about checking in with me and making sure I was comfortable. Finding Marissa was a godsend, Chu says. We wanted someone who understood what it felt like to use a wheelchair, and who could embody Nessa in a way that was youthful and fresh. Her dancing was amazing, and she worked with us on how to design her wheelchair as a piece of her body, and not just a thing you put her in. Marissa Bode wants to remind you that 'disability isn't a bad thing' "Disability is just part of my life," Marissa Bode says. "I'm just out here existing like anybody else." Bode is tight-lipped about Wicked: Part Two (in theaters Nov. 21, 2025), although as fans of the stage show know, Nessa takes a dramatic turn after Elphaba breaks bad and goes into hiding. Youll see a darkness rising within her and what happens when you rot from the inside out, Chu teases. The actress now lives in Los Angeles with a roommate and five cats, one named Munchkin. Its very fitting, she jokes. We think hes part Maine Coon because hes so massive very much the opposite of his name. Looking ahead, shed like to do a little bit of everything, whether thats a horror film or coming-of-age comedy. Shed also be interested in writing and directing. I feel so grateful to be on a project as big as Wicked, because Im really looking forward to what the future brings. I would love to work with more disabled actors in general. Her wish is that with the proper education, more people will learn that disability is not a deterrent. She also hopes to inspire those in the disabled community. Advocate for yourself. Youre not annoying asking for accommodations. Dont feel like anything is your fault just because youre out here trying to exist. "There is never anything wrong with you your disability isnt a bad thing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wicked' movie's Nessarose talks emotional moment for wheelchair users Giorgio Trovato | Unsplash (The Center Square) A Wisconsin group is calling for its state government to undergo a review of state government spending and staffing similar to what is being proposed for the new federal Department of Government Efficiency led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Wisconsins Institute for Reforming Government is reiterating a plan it proposed in 2023 to reduce the number of full-time state employees by contracting for professional services and finding redundancies. The group also proposed to scale back Madison-based state agencies and moving state workers into the communities their department serves, creating less office space while making remote work more accountable. With renewed attention on right-sizing government and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy at the federal level, its time for state lawmakers to seriously rethink how state agencies operate as well, said Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of the Institute for Reforming Government. We released a plan to rethink, reorganize, and modernize state agencies in 2023. It was DOGE before DOGE was cool. With voters distrusting the bureaucracy, Governor Evers and lawmakers have a great opportunity in 2025 to listen to voters and reimagine state government. Unlike the federal effort, whose leaders say they wont be working with Congress to reduce the federal spending and staffing levels, IRG is calling for state representatives to lead the effort to reduce government spending. The group said that its polling shows that 73% of Wisconsin residents agree that state agencies should review new regulations before they are enacted and that 67% favor having regulations expire after seven years unless they are re-approved by the legislature. The group is also calling for Wisconsin to create one-stop shops with a single digital portal for government services. A massive aerial bombardment of Ukraine's energy facilities was in response to Kyiv striking Russian territory with Western-supplied missiles, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Pledging Moscow would always respond to Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, Putin said his military was considering a strike on the heart of Kyiv in retaliation to any future attacks. Moscow launched almost 200 missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's energy grid, with President Volodymyr Zelensky alleging "cluster munitions" were fired in what he called a "despicable escalation" almost three years into the war. More than a million homes in western Ukraine were temporarily without power after the strikes as the country's energy operator announced emergency blackouts on Thursday. "We carried out a comprehensive strike," Putin told allies during a visit to Kazakhstan several hours after the attack. "It was a response to continued attacks on our territory by (US) ATACMS missiles," he said in the televised remarks. "As I have said repeatedly, there will always be a response from our side," he added. He said the Russian military command was selecting targets to hit in Ukraine, threatening that future strikes could target government buildings in Kyiv. Putin also claimed Russia knew how many long-range weapons were given to Kyiv and where they were located. But the Kremlin leader refrained from repeating his previous threat that Russia considered military targets in Western countries that supply weapons to Ukraine legitimate targets for possible Russian strikes. Ukraine is bracing for a tough winter as Moscow steps up its aerial bombardment and its troops advance on the frontlines in the east. Tensions have ratcheted up over the last few weeks as both sides are looking to secure the upper hand on the battlefield ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as US president in January. Ukraine's emergency services said the Russian overnight strikes inflicted damage in 14 regions across the country. "In several regions, strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, and they targeted civilian infrastructure," Zelensky said in a post on Telegram. "This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics," he added. He also pressured Western leaders to deliver more air defence systems to protect against Russian strikes through winter. Ukraine's air force said it downed 79 of 91 missiles fired by Russia overnight. It also said it downed 35 of 97 drones, with the rest "lost" from radar screens or downed by electronic jamming defensive systems. But at least some of the missiles hit their targets, Ukrainian officials admitted. More than half a million subscribers in the western Lviv region were cut off from electricity, with another 280,000 in the western Rivne region and 215,000 in the northwestern Volyn region, officials said. At around 12:00 pm (1000 GMT), Ukrenergo said emergency power cuts had been lifted, though scheduled regional outages remained in place. AFP journalists in the capital Kyiv heard blasts ring out over the capital overnight as air defence systems targeted Russian drones and missiles, with locals crowding into the underground metro system for cover. Putin said Russia launched more than 90 missiles and 100 drones, and claimed 17 targets had been hit, with the Russian leader rarely giving such numbers. The energy ministry said it was the 11th massive Russian attack on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure this year. A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure may make this winter the "harshest since the start of the war". Speaking in Astana at a summit for the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Putin also boasted about the power of Russia's new hypersonic Oreshnik missile. The Kremlin chief said the ballistic missile could turn anything "into dust" and that several of the weapons fired together would be "comparable to a nuclear strike." Russia fired the missile in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last week after Kyiv's first strike on Russian territory using ATACMS. Putin said Thursday the Oreshnik could travel "around three kilometres per second" and that its elements could reach a temperature almost "like the surface of the sun." "If there were more strikes on Russian territory, we will be responding, including with possible (more) testing of Oreshniks in combat conditions," he said. Wavelink has expanded its industry employment initiative, SecurePath, from Adelaide to encompass Melbourne to drive more skilled cyber security professionals. The initiative aims to connect students with cyber security businesses via an event format, with the distributor claiming that it kickstarts careers in the industry particularly for those that have completed Fortinet NSE4 training as part of their core curriculum. The first SecurePath event was held in Adelaide last year, which connected over 100 students from the University of South Australia and TAFE SA with Wavelink and its partners. This year, the event was held again in Adelaide as well as Melbourne, with over 100 students in attendance from educational institutions such as Melbourne Polytechnic, Federation University Australia, Holmesglen Institute and Swinburne University. In both of this years events, students had access to Optimus Systems, Bridged Group, Honeylight Consulting, BluBiz Solutions, Arxis, Wireless Communications, Compnow, Iocane, Vocus, Subnet, Comunet and Duco Limited. Wavelinks partners face challenges in finding skilled cyber security talent consistently, particularly as the demand for security professionals continues to rise, said Nick Touzeau, Wavelink COO. The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is set to review its arrangements with SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Rimini Street. This review will provide advice and inform the government of the opportunities to strengthen and continually improve these arrangements, ensuring they deliver value. According to the DTA, it is committed to initiatives like Digital Marketplace Panel 2, as well as other ongoing efforts, to provide panels and arrangements that meet the needs of the Australian economy. The agency wants to ensure whole-of-government digital sourcing arrangements that support the government in its digital agenda. We will commission an independent strategic review into our whole-of-government arrangements, said Nicole Bain, branch head for whole of government contract negotiations branch at DTA. The work forms part of our efforts to ensure that our sourcing arrangements between buyers and sellers of digital products and services continue to support the government into the future. Today's news: heavy snowfall over South Korea, flights cancelled and four dead; Beijing released three US citizens who had been in the country's prisons for years; Abbas appoints Rawhi Fattouh as successor in case of impediment, paving the way for elections in Palestine; The opposition claimed victory in the vote for Jakarta governor, but in the other provinces the Prabowo-Jokowi alliance advanced. VIETNAM Pro-human rights groups accused Hanoi of violating religious freedom after a court in the southern province of Long An sentenced five ethnic Khmer Buddhist monks and four activists this week. The judges imposed sentences of between two and six years in prison for abuse of democratic freedoms, a formula used to repress worship and internal dissent. SOUTH KOREA Intense snowfall has been falling on the country for two days, causing the cancellation of dozens of flights, the blocking of ferries and the deaths of at least four people. It is the third heaviest on the capital, Seoul, since records began in 1907, with accumulations of up to 40 cm in some areas of the capital. The phenomenon is said to be linked to above-average temperatures in the seas to the west of the Korean peninsula that encounter cold air currents. PALESTINE Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas appointed Rawhi Fattouh, chairman of the National Council, as successor in the event of a vacancy in the post of PA president amid a crisis in the movement, whose consensus is declining among Palestinians. In the event of Fattouh's interim ascension, he will remain in office for 90 days until presidential elections are held CHINA - UNITED STATES Beijing yesterday released three US citizens who had been held for years in the country's prisons and whose release - deemed unjust - US diplomacy had long manoeuvred with its Chinese counterpart. Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung had been convicted of various offences, including drug trafficking and espionage, despite the lack of firm evidence. They will now be allowed to return home to their families. INDONESIA The opposition party of former President Megawati Soekarnoputri claimed victory in the Jakarta governor's race. Indikator Politik Indonesia, Charta Politika and Lembaga Survei Indonesia give Pramono Anung about 50 per cent of the vote, ahead of former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil, candidate of Prabowo Subianto, with 40 per cent. However, the alliance between the current president and his predecessor Joko Widodo looms as the winner in all other major provinces. BANGLADESH There is high alert in the port city of Chittagong, with police arresting six people following the murder of a lawyer who died in clashes that followed the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The man had been detained on 25 November at Dhaka airport on multiple charges, including sedition. The detention triggered widespread protests in Dhaka and Chittagong. RUSSIA - VATICAN According to Novaja Gazeta, there are signs that foreshadow a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill on the territory of Serbia, a country traditionally friendly to the Russians. In the Consistory of 7 December next, the head of Serbian Catholics, Belgrade Archbishop Ladislav Nemet, will be elevated to the dignity of cardinal, who would act as mediator. TAJIKISTAN - UZBEKISTAN Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have taken a step forward on liberalising the transit of commercial cargo, which will now be able to cross borders without complications. However, requirements to obtain permits to continue transport within the territory of the two countries to a third country remain, which continue to slow down traffic. by Fady Noun On 9 January, a new session for the election of the head of state. The moment of truth has arrived for the Lebanese, especially for the Shia community, says Speaker Berry. After the cease-fire it will be the decisive test for the future. The probable return of Hezbollah to a political role. Beirut (AsiaNews) - Was the shock of war really necessary?. This is the question being asked by the Lebanese, stunned by the last day of senseless and incessant Israeli bombardment that caused at least 30 deaths and, at the same time, happy for a ceasefire in which they had given up hope. As soon as the ceasefire took effect, tens of thousands of displaced people - many of them displaying the V of victory - began to return to the towns and villages they had been driven out of since 23 September following the sudden Israeli evacuation order. In southern Lebanon, however, the return has posed a number of problems. In their impatience, many families took roads or went to villages where the Israeli army was still on war footing. Yesterday, a reporter was shot in the leg and another was injured by fire from Israeli tanks he had come too close to. The army (IDF) finally imposed a night-time traffic ban on all roads within its firing range, while Lebanese armoured troops were sent to Marjeyoun to prevent any contact between the population and Israeli soldiers. Politically, the ceasefire was met with mixed reactions. For some Lebanese, who secretly hoped that Israel would finish the job, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah party is still too strong. In the opposite camp, it is argued that Beirut has made too many concessions on its sovereignty and that the agreement benefits Israel. But beyond these initial reactions, political circles are trying to understand whether the Shia community has finally woken up from its hegemonic dream, after the shock of the war that devastated the Land of the Cedars and left nearly 4,000 dead and 16,000 wounded. Yes, say people close to the military-political party, who acknowledge that the Lebanese Shia movement has emerged from this war considerably weakened. Insiders add that if the first day of the ceasefire was a real test for Hezbollah's popularity, the war against Israel and its catastrophic results have put an end to its regional role, although there is still uncertainty about its weapons and funding. A local analyst, approached by AsiaNews on condition of anonymity, emphasises the role of House Speaker Nabih Berry, a Shiite, who is considered the main architect of the ceasefire as well as the figure capable of directing the next phase. In a televised speech, he declared that this is the hour of truth for all the communities that make up Lebanon, but particularly for the Shia community. With concern for the unity of the Lebanese at the top of his agenda, Berry announced, as he had promised, the election as soon as possible of a president of the Republic who is not a challenge to anyone by identifying a personality capable of guaranteeing national cohesion. In this regard, the news that the Chamber's bureau has set 9 January next year as the date for the session to elect the head of state to succeed Michel Aoun after more than two years of vacancy is just a few hours away. In the meantime, on the screen of the Nbn TV channel, which he controls, the Speaker of the House asked to display the slogan Lebanon, definitive homeland, words referring to the Taif Agreement (1989), which put an end to the civil war that began in 1975. It is no coincidence that this expression echoes the latest public statement by Sheikh Naim Kassem, Hezbollah's new secretary general, in which he gave the green light at least on the verbal level to what many Lebanese are waiting for: a return of the Party of God to the Taif Agreement and the institutional landscape. The dignitary also hinted that Hezbollah will henceforth limit itself to its political role. Berry's speech, warmly welcomed by opposition circles, coincided with the arrival in Lebanon of the French presidential envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has been assigned by President Emmanuel Macron precisely to facilitate the election of a president of the Republic. The diplomat will meet Prime Minister Nagib Mikati and Nabih Berry himself in the morning today. Following this, he will be received at the Residence des Pins by the ambassadors who are part of the Paris-Egypt-Saudi Arabia-Egypt-Qatar quintet, charged with making contacts and facilitating the presidential election. The main candidate for the presidency remains the army commander, General Joseph Aoun, stresses Scarlett Haddad of L'Orient-Le Jour (LOJ), but nothing is certain yet and he may be needed more as head and leader of the army than as head of state. In parallel to the arrival of the former French foreign minister, the American architect of the ceasefire, Amos Hochstein, announced the entry into Lebanon last night of an American team associated with the monitoring committee of the truce agreement. We must support the Lebanese army, the Lebanese economy and the Lebanese people, or we will return to conflict, he warned during an online briefing with the Lebanese-American community in Washington. Commenting on the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Hochstein went on to emphasise: This is not a 60-day truce, but a permanent ceasefire. In his view, the period of about two months gives the Lebanese army time to gradually deploy effectively. The Lebanese government has given the green light to the deployment of the army in southern Lebanon, concluded the main architect of the ceasefire, and the simultaneous dismantling of Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Finally, analysts and experts point out that under the agreement, the United States and France will join the tripartite mechanism created after the 2006 war, which brings together the United Nations Interim Force (Unifil), Israel and Lebanon. This mechanism, now chaired by the United States, aims to maintain direct communication between the various parties and to ensure that whenever a violation, particularly a serious violation is identified, it is addressed immediately to avoid escalation. by Melani Manel Perera The People's Alliance for Land Rights has delivered a report to the new government highlighting the injustices faced by farmers: families have lost ownership over land, which is dedicated to this monoculture even when it is unsuitable. Colombo (Asia News) - The government should initiate a process to investigate the historical injustice of land acquisition for sugarcane cultivation in Ampara district. This is according to a research paper published by the People's Alliance for Land Rights (PARL). An independent commission should examine land rights violations and methods to return these lands to the original owners. In cases where these lands have been used by other farmers for a long time, the original owners should receive compensation or alternative land,' continues the document entitled Issues affecting sugarcane farmers in Hingurana in the east of the country. The report investigated the injustices suffered by sugarcane farmers. These are families who have lost their land since 1965 due to the acquisition of land for sugarcane cultivation alone. Although in some cases solutions have been found (on the condition that sugarcane cultivation continues) the ownership of the land has not been transferred. Many lands belonged to Muslim farmers and their land was given to Sinhalese farmers, also generating ethnic tensions. PARL handed over the report to the Prime Minister of the new Sri Lankan government, Harini Amarasuriya, in the hope that a solution could be found to a problem that has existed for 30 years. Previous governments have also talked about it in Parliament. But it is a crisis that has not been answered and is still forgotten,' Priyankara Costa, coordinator of the Praja Abhilashi Network, affiliated to the PARL organisation, told AsiaNews. Priyankara Costa went on to say that the crisis directly affects more than 2,500 families living in 10 villages in five divisions of Hingurana, in the Eastern Province, who cultivate sugarcane on more than 5,000 acres. The report pointed out that the farmers became debtors when the company for which they were hired took loans in the name of the farmers. Several lands where monoculture has been established are also not suitable for sugarcane. According to the soil analysis conducted earlier, the land that is not suitable for sugarcane cultivation should be used for other crops. That is why we expect the government to take the most appropriate and suitable measures after discussion with the people concerned,' Priyankara Costa further said. In September, the Marxist-inspired Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected president after decades of ruling political dynasties and years of severe economic crisis due to the financial default announced in April 2022. We urge the new authorities and government to provide the solution and grant ownership of the land through a sustainable work plan, Costa added. In the PARL document handed over to the executive, a number of solutions are listed, to be implemented together with the Sri Lanka Sugarcane Research Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture: a land valuation, a pricing mechanism so that farmers can get a fair price for their harvest, technical assistance. The district secretary, as a representative of the government, which owns 51 per cent of the company's shares, should work closely with the farmers and their organisations and should represent their voice in the decision-making platforms, the survey further pointed out. by Santosh Digal Promoted by the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MiRLeC), the event has become an annual celebration since 2001. This years edition begins today until 4 December, remembering the steps taken after the long war between the central government and local Islamic militias that left over 100,000 people dead. The challenge is to give the Bangasmoro agreement a future. For Bishop Edwin A. de la Pena, prelate of Marawi, peace is choice made through daily actions. A youth leader notes that faith can transform hearts and communities. Mindanao (AsiaNews) Several steps towards a lasting peace came out of the horror of an armed conflict that lasted decades and caused more than 100,000 deaths, spinning out of control in 1969 under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The first agreement was reached in 1996, paving the way for the 2014 Bangamoro Global Agreement, signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). To mark this journey, the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWoP) opened today until 4 December to sustain peace, solidarity, and resilience, an annual event that began in 2001 to support development and protect peace in the region, while remembering the wounds of the past. The conflict in Mindanao centres around the islands Muslim populations who have been fighting for their right to self-determination for centuries. Despite significant milestones, including the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the path to peace must still deal with several outstanding issues: poverty, social inequalities, the lack of credible governance, and inadequate concern for the areas most affected by the conflict. This is why the involvement in the Week of Peace of several stakeholders the government, local communities, NGOs, and even international partners is significant. The Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MiRLeC), which is behind the initiative, includes Christian prelates and priests, Muslim ulama and representatives of indigenous peoples. It supports the peace agenda of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., president since 2022, and his administration. MiRLeC was revitalised by the three co-founders of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC): former Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao, Dr Mahid Mutilan, and Protestant Bishop Hilario Gomez. Their membership underlines how much reference persons from various religious communities recognise the role of faith in promoting peace. The Peace of Week offers an opportunity for religious leaders to promote harmony in communities. As we observe the 2024 Mindanao Week of Peace, lets reflect on the gains weve achieved while recommitting ourselves to the cause of peace, solidarity, and resilience, said Bishop Edwin A. de la Pena of the Prelature of Marawi, one of the areas most affected by the conflict in recent years. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we choose peace in our everyday actions and decisions; to this end, Lets empower our youth, for they are the champions of a peaceful future, he went on to say. MiRLeC does not only place young people at the centre of its initiatives. For this reason, We need to mobilise people from all walks of life for peace, happiness, and prosperity. We must come together to embrace the spirit of love, unity, and compassion, said Arriana Kani Jupakkal, a local youth leader. In a world that often feels divided, let us embrace the shared values of compassion, kindness, and understanding that unite us all. Our humanity and desire for peace and harmony bind us, regardless of our beliefs, Jupakkal added. It is a time of growth, forgiveness, and love for all. Let us lift each other in prayer and support, recognising the beauty and power of faith to transform hearts and communities. To ensure the maintenance of peace, people, especially women and young people, must embody the spirit of dialogue. Many already work to foster understanding, immersion and promote harmony between different cultures and beliefs. "Together, let's continue to support and uplift each other as we work towards peace-building through interfaith and intercultural dialogue," said Dr Mohamad Nadzir Ebil, General Secretary of Hayato Ulama, an Islamic religious organisation. Meanwhile, for Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser for Peace, This years theme compels us to look back and learn from the lessons of the past as we look ahead to the future and move towards our collective vision: a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive Mindanao. Ukraines Defence Minister met with President Yoon Suk-yeol to share information on military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Donald Trumps return to the White House remains the unknown factor in the war. So far, South Korea has only sent non-lethal military equipment to Kyiv, but it remains among the world's largest arms exporters. Seoul (AsiaNews) Despite the presence of North Korean troops in the Russian army, South Koreans remain opposed to the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, this according to a survey released yesterday in conjunction with the arrival in Seoul of a Ukrainian delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who met with President Yoon Suk-yeol and South Korean defence and intelligence officials. "No to the South Korean government planning arms supply to Ukraine," read a banner held by a small group of protesters gathered outside Yoon's office in the capital. In an interview with a local broadcaster, KBS, last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he would submit a formal request for artillery equipment and an air defines system. But some observers note that the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States has injected uncertainty into the talks. For now, no official statements have been released regarding a possible transfer of weapons, despite the fact that local media recently reported that this was precisely the purpose of the visit of the Ukrainian delegation. Instead, Yoons office said that the two sides shared information about the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea to assess possible joint responses to security threats. Despite the established practice of not supplying weapons to countries in conflict, President Yoon earlier this month said that, depending on the level of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, South Korea could consider providing direct military support to Ukraine. Speaking to the TASS state news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said that Seoul must realize that the possible use of South Korean weapons to kill Russian citizens will fully destroy relations between our countries. He added: We will respond in every way that we find necessary. According to a survey by Gallup Korea in October, 82 per cent of South Koreans, while saying they fear the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea, oppose sending weapons. The presidents main opposition, the Democratic Party of Korea, has criticised the government over the possibility of sending weapons to Ukraine, urging President Yoon to seek approval from Parliament, which it dominates since last Aprils election. South Korea has one of the largest stockpiles of artillery shells in the world and remains among the largest exporters of military equipment. In the last two years, in addition to sending weapons to the United States, it has struck several important defence agreements with Ukraine's neighbours (in particular Poland). According to a report released in June this year, only 10 per cent of orders have been fulfilled so far. Since the news of the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia, Seoul has sent demining vehicles, bulletproof vests, and non-lethal equipment to Kyiv. Yesterday, a US official confirmed to Radio Free Asia that some of the approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in Kursk (the Russian region where the Ukrainian army launched an offensive in August) were killed in a Ukrainian attack (with UK-made missiles), but it is unclear how many; some Ukrainian media reported 500 North Korean soldiers killed, but the figure has not been confirmed by any government. Several Chinese vessels were seen gathered near Thitu Island, a key Philippine outpost in the South China Sea, Reuters reported Thursday citing satellite images. Despite this, a senior Philippine navy officer downplayed the situation, stating the vessels are "not a cause for concern." One of the images, captured by Maxar Technologies on Monday, shows approximately 60 vessels, some positioned within 2 nautical miles of Thitu, a strategically significant island from which Manila observes Chinese vessels and aircraft in the region. Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, chief of the Philippines' Western Command, stated that the gathering of "maritime militia" ships in the area is a common occurrence. Manila, along with the Pentagon and foreign diplomats, indicated that these vessels often cooperate with the Chinese coast guard and navy to bolster Beijing's presence in disputed waters. Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, the Philippines Navy spokesman for the South China Sea, also confirmed the regular presence of maritime militia ships in the region. While acknowledging their "illegal presence," he reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm, as Manila was fully aware of the situation. "It's not a cause for concern," Trinidad said, according to Reuters. "We don't have to read every action and react to that... What is important for us is to maintain our posture." Online ship trackers reveal that many of the vessels captured in the satellite images are Chinese-registered fishing boats. Beijing has yet to confirm the existence of a militia made up of civilian vessels. The South China Sea (SCS) is an area where China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines have overlapping territorial claims. This region is widely believed to hold substantial reserves of gas and oil deposits. China, which claims most of the South China Sea, has built military-length runways on three artificial islands since 2013. Amid the ongoing dispute in the region, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted naval and air patrols over the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island on Thursday, according to a statement from the Command. The patrols are intended to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security, while also maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, the statement added. Putin spoke to journalists right after a CSTO summit in Kazakhstans capital Astana boycotted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. I think that the current situation with the CSTO is most likely dictated by internal political processes in Armenia itself, and, of course, all this is connected with the consequences of the crisis in Karabakh, he said, commenting on the boycott. I want to stress that the CSTO has nothing to do with that. What happened has nothing to do with the CSTO because there was no external aggression against Armenia itself, he said. The CSTO is supposed to defend its member states against external aggression. The events in Karabakh have their own specificities: Armenia did not recognize Karabakh as an independent state and certainly did not include Karabakh in its perimeter. This means that everything that happened in Karabakh has no legal relation to Armenia. So its kind of strange to expect the CSTO to fight on the territory of this enclave, added Putin. He did not mention Azerbaijans attacks on Armenian border areas carried out after the 2020 war in Karabakh. Armenia appealed to Russia and other CSTO allies for military aid after the most recent Azerbaijani offensive launched in September 2022. Pashinian accused them of ignoring that appeal before announcing early this year the effective suspension of Armenias membership in the military alliance. Pashinian went farther in September, saying that the CSTO poses an existential threat to his country. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed the claim, arguing that Pashinian is still careful not to leave the alliance altogether. Putin suggested on Thursday that there is still a possibility that Armenia will return to full-scale work within the framework of this organization. Well see, he said. 28 November 2024 14:17 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more A prominent Greek media outlet recently circulated an article detailing Athens' intention to transfer its Russian-made defense systems, such as the S-300PMU1, Tor-M1, and OSA, to Armenia. These systems are to be replaced with more modern Western and Israeli technologies. The article highlights significant issues related to Armenian-Greek relations, which many believe represent just the tip of the iceberg. The outlet cites several reasons for the transfer, noting that Greece faces difficulties in acquiring spare parts due to sanctions imposed on Russia. More importantly, it reads that the reinforcement of Armenia is not solely a Greek initiative but a product of cooperation with France, which will also contribute weapons to bolster Armenia's defenses. Moreover, the outlet confirms that the number of Armenian students in Greek military schools has doubled, and the number of Armenian special forces training in Greece has increased. Surely, all these means that Armenia does not intend to pursue peace in the region, while some Western countries, like Greece and France, are exacerbating tensions. Speaking to Azernews, British expert Neil Watson believes that France is the main factor in this decision. He said that France views Armenia as its satellite in the South Caucasus, where there is a void in the former Russian sphere. France also wishes to placate its Franco-Armenia, as normal. Greece has participated, due to the ongoing situation in Cyprus and because it views this as a religious conflict. France and Greece want to impact the possibility of a peace treaty being signed and leave the possibility of a return to conflict, particularly if Pashinyan is replaced, the British expert noted. He added that this decision will certainly impact peace talks. Accepting weaponry from any third country is an aggressive move and indicates that Armenia is not serious about peace. Regarding Azerbaijans response, he emphasized that Azerbaijan will not stop the peace talks, but it will mean that it is more forceful in its demands, particularly over the changes to the Armenian constitution that currently make claims on Azerbaijani territory. Armenia has to come to the table waving the white flag of defeat, not seeking rearmament from third countries who have their own agendas. As for the capabilities of these weapons, Turkish military expert Abdullah Agar noted that France and Greece are in a state of hostility towards Azerbaijan and Turkey and are attempting to support Armenia within the framework of geopolitical balance. It appears they intend to transfer Russian-origin weapons from Greece to Armenia, a move directly related to the Garabagh war. Additionally, France, Greece, the European Union, and the USA have undertaken similar actions with India and Iran. Their objective seems to be using Armenia for their own benefit, to advance a geopolitical agenda aimed at suppressing and surrounding Azerbaijan and Turkey, and to create a deterrent effect through Armenia, he said. Agar pointed out that the weapons being transferred are medium and high-altitude main defence missile systems that Armenia possessed before the Garabagh War. During the war, the Azerbaijani army destroyed Armenia's OSAs, Tors, Buks, and S-300s, severely impacting Armenia's main defence missile capability. Now, it seems they are trying to address this gap and weakness. During the Garabagh war, OSAs were destroyed early on, and in the later stages, TORs, BUKs, and S-300s were also targeted. This led to a significant collapse in the Armenian army's inventory, he said. Abdullah Agar opined that currently, Armenia appears to be integrating these new systems while simultaneously replacing them with Western and Israeli weapons. He said that Greece has been renewing its capabilities and is now creating a new inventory from both Israel and the West. Azerbaijan is fully aware of and evaluates these developments. In fact, it has demonstrated great success in neutralizing these weapons during the war. Furthermore, the introduction of Armenian weapons with different levels, areas, and capabilities compels Azerbaijan to develop new measures. Consequently, Azerbaijan has already increased its defence budget by 20-25% on the instructions of Mr Aliyev, adding one billion dollars to the budget. From this perspective, we see that Azerbaijan is making significant advances with its existing and proven weapons in response to Armenia's new capabilities and weapons, he concluded. 28 November 2024 20:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Polish President Andrzej Duda, during his visit to Armenia, highlighted the importance of establishing peace in the South Caucasus and expressed Poland's willingness to support the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. However, his visit to the village of Arazdeyan along the conditional Armenian-Azerbaijani border raised eyebrows, particularly as he inspected the border with binoculars in the company of representatives from the EU observation mission. During his visit to Armenia, he made the decision to examine the village of Arazdeyan, which sits along the conditional Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Upon arrival, he was met by representatives of the EU mission. Together, they walked back and forth, scanning the Azerbaijani border with binoculars. One must wonder what he hoped to find there. It is evident that there was likely nothing of significance to observe. The Azerbaijani border is secured with the same rigor as any other nation's border, including that of Poland. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 In addition, EU Ambassador Vasilis Maragos revealed to Radio Free Europe that the future of the EU's over 200 civilian observers remains uncertain after the current mission ends. This observation mission, operating without Azerbaijan's consent, has already strained relations between Baku and Brussels. Although it is expected that official Baku will protest this action, President Duda's behaviour can be seen as a provocation. This step has undermined the trust and confidence that have developed between Azerbaijan and Poland over many years, given their historical relations and cooperation. It is important to note that the state border between Azerbaijan and Armenia has not been fully defined. The head of state's visit to territories that are not delimited or demarcated is a violation of the sovereign rights of the other side. The lands he visited may also become part of Azerbaijan as a result of negotiations between Baku and Yerevan. Ilyas Huseynov, sector head at the Social Research Center, shared his insights with Azernews: "It should be noted that the visit of Polish President Andrzej Duda to Armenia resulted in considerable tensions, and here, in particular, his viewing of the country's border through binoculars on the conditional border between Azerbaijan and Armenia showed that it was part of his 'binocular diplomacy'. It is clear that official Baku is completely opposed to the activities of this observation mission. Because this mission is operating illegally. They were deployed along the entire border without the consent of Azerbaijan. It is no secret that this mission includes former military personnel and employees of special services." Huseynov also emphasized Poland's historical support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, labeling this move as a contradiction to the strategic partnership between the two nations. "The Foreign Ministry issued a statement, and Micha Greczyo, Poland's Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan was summoned and handed a letter of objection," he added. Highlighting the broader context, Huseynov pointed out Armenia's ongoing military presence in Azerbaijani territories and its failure to implement meaningful reforms, including distancing itself from the Minsk Group. "The steps taken during this trip are valued as a compilation of the anti-Azerbaijani campaign and as a non-friendly step," he concluded. Many factors suggest that the provocation by the President of Poland on the conventional Armenian-Azerbaijani border was not unexpected. His second term as president will conclude in 2025, and his legacy will likely be defined by his handling of this event. Regrettably, Andrzej Duda will also be marked as a border violator. In light of this development, we can easily say that a long, intriguing December is upon us. 28 November 2024 20:13 (UTC+04:00) By Fuad Alakbarov | AzerNEWS France has pulled their top negotiators from the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, intensifying divisions at a climate conference already disrupted by Donald Trumps election. The French move came following a speech by Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev at the event, where he accused French President Emmanuel Macron's regime of brutally killing citizens during recent protests in New Caledonia. President Ilham Aliyev also referred to France's Pacific island territories as colonies, pointing to nuclear tests conducted in French Polynesia and Algeria. Paris accused Azerbaijan of meddling in its internal affairs by escalating tensions in its overseas territories and dependencies, such as New Caledonia. Additionally, Macron has opted not to attend COP29. Azerbaijan has rejected accusations of interference, while President Aliyev criticized France for keeping Corsica and its distant overseas island territories under the colonial yoke. Before Macrons tenure, Azerbaijan and France engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation. From 1995 to 2019, French companies invested $2.2 billion in Azerbaijan's economy, with $2 billion allocated to the oil sector and $194.1 million to other industries. In return, Azerbaijan invested $2.6 billion in the French economy. These developments led France to maintain a relatively balanced stance in the South Caucasus. A clear example was former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in 2011. However, this balanced approach has shifted in recent years, with French foreign policy in the region moving increasingly in Armenia's favour. Key factors driving this change include Nikol Pashinyan's rise to power in Armenia in 2018, the weakening of Armenian-Russian relations, the Second Garabagh War and the intensifying tensions between France and both Turkiye and Azerbaijan, all of which have pushed France towards a more unbalanced approach in the South Caucasus. It is important to note that France is home to approximately 650,000 Armenians, the largest Armenian diaspora in Europe and the third-largest globally, after Russia and the United States. Traditional Armenian parties, particularly the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), along with Armenian lobbies and associations, wield significant influence in France's political, social and media spheres. On June 18, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced the sale of 36 Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Armenia. This decision quickly triggered harsh reactions from both Baku and Moscow. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry described the sale as a "provocative" move that could turn the region into a hotbed of war once again. Azerbaijans strong response is linked to Bakus discontent with France, stemming from Paris' firm support for Armenia during the three-decade-long struggle over Azerbaijan's Garabagh. This conflict concluded late last year with Azerbaijan's decisive victory over Armenian forces. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has attempted to exclude France from the ongoing Karabakh peace process. He has also sought to challenge France in other ways, condemning what he called French neocolonialism and promoting the formation of the Baku Initiative Group against French Colonialism. Baku is positioning itself as a champion and advocate for island nations and other small countries engaged in liberation movements against European powers. This approach aligns with Azerbaijan's history within the Non-Aligned Movement, established during the Cold War, to protect the interests of developing nations. France's policy toward Armenia is motivated by the aim of maintaining a presence in the South Caucasus amid a changing geopolitical landscape. Paris wields broader influence as a key power within the European Union and has been actively advocating for greater Western support for Yerevan. In April, Pashinyan met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to finalize a $350 million aid agreement. Although tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have eased to some extent, evidenced by their efforts to negotiate a peace deal the outcome remains uncertain. Considering the stakes, the EU should reconsider its approach to the South Caucasus. Even if European countries are not directly involved in the Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations, they will play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of any agreement on the ground. For years, a flaw in Western strategy was the neglect or compartmentalization of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, leaving it to a small group of diplomats while other officials focused on generally easier matters in Yerevan. Without a proactive approach from Western actors to prevent further violence and encourage the parties to reach an agreement, the unresolved conflict is likely to resurge with even greater intensity in the future. 28 November 2024 14:38 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The self-employment program in Azerbaijan will cover a total of 100,000 families, including next year. In the world, if the self-employment project is more than 50% during the last two years, it is considered a completed project. In Azerbaijan, the indicator of two years is over 80%, Azernews reports, citing the Chairman of the Labor and Social Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis, Musa Guliyev, as he said at the meeting held today. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 28 November 2024 17:00 (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. The Finance Ministry of Azerbaijan announced the information on the foreign state debt as of October 1, 2024, 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! 28 November 2024 13:44 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A delegation led by Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in Shusha district Aydin Karimov, has participated in Days of Shusha jointly organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UAE and the Shusha City State Reserve, Azernews reports. The event was in the city of Abu-Dhabi in accordance with the Action Plan regarding the declaration of the city of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024. As part of the trip, Special Representative Aydin Karimov met with several Emirati officials, including Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, the countrys Minister of Culture, Khalid Belhoul, Undersecretary at the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Saif Al Nasseri, Undersecretary of the countrys Department of Municipalities and Transport. The Azerbaijani delegation included Azerbaijani Ambassador to UAE Elchin Baghirov, Executive Director of the Shusha City State Reserve Tural Novruzov, as well as Senior Advisor of the Special Representation Office of the Azerbaijani President in Shusha district Elshad Iskandarov. During the meetings, the sides discussed the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and UAE, also noting Azerbaijan's excellent hosting of the COP29 conference this year. The Emirati officials were informed about the Shusha City Master Plan, with discussions revolving around enhancing relations between Shusha and Abu-Dhabi, developing cultural, educational cooperation and exchanging experience. The Azerbaijani officials highlighted the history of Shusha, the Armenian vandalism committed in the city, the ongoing restoration and reconstruction works, efforts to promote Shusha in the international arena, as well as relocation of the citizens to the city. The Days of Shusha also featured an exhibition titled "Shusha- yesterday and today" demonstrating the footages of the city's breathtaking nature, its appearance before and after Armenian occupation, as well as the ongoing restoration process. 28 November 2024 11:27 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Bureau of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azernews reports. According to the Press Service of the Prosecutor General's Office, the election was held during the second high-level meeting of law enforcement agencies from OIC member states combating corruption. A delegation led by the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, Kamran Aliyev, participated in the event, which took place in Qatar. During the high-level meeting, Kamran Aliyev delivered a speech highlighting Azerbaijan's comprehensive reforms and institutional measures in combating corruption, conducted under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasised that Azerbaijan had supported the Mecca Convention from its inception, showcasing the country's dedication to cooperation with Islamic nations. Aliyev also underlined the active role of Azerbaijani prosecutors in global and regional anti-corruption initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the delegations of Islamic countries for their contributions to the success of COP29, hosted in Azerbaijan, and the high-level plenary session organised by the Azerbaijani Prosecutor's Office during the event. This election reaffirms Azerbaijan's commitment to fostering international cooperation in the fight against corruption. Pictured is an eastern wild turkey in Anderson County, Texas. Each year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department releases the eastern subspecies of turkey in east Texas to help bolster their population. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Thanksgiving turkeys are abundant this time of year. But their wild brethren the less plump variety strutting around the edge of forests are less plentiful, especially in East Texas where researchers and state officials have spent decades trying to bolster their numbers. Their efforts have run the gamut: theyve traded armadillos for turkeys. Theyve planned super stocking events. And in recent years, theyve even started adopting troublesome turkeys found strutting around other states airports. We get a lot of problem birds, said Jason Hardin, the wild turkey program leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Birds that upset other people. But once we put them on the landscape, they seem to do fine in East Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad East Texas was once home to hundreds of thousands of turkeys. But unregulated hunting and logging, which removed the trees where turkeys sleep and hide from predators, dwindled the population to just 100 in the 1940s. Various efforts have boosted that to between 3,000 and 5,000 East Texas turkeys. But there are only a few self-sustaining groups, prompting Hardin and others to analyze past efforts as they bring a couple hundred new birds to the area each year. We don't want to be continually going in and putting more birds, he said. We want them to be a self-sustained population. Texas does not have a turkey shortage as a whole. There are roughly 600,000 turkeys across the state, and Hardin said the central portion of Texas has some of the highest densities in the country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its the Rio Grande subspecies of turkey that thrives in the central part of Texas. This subspecies of wild turkey prefers arid and brushy habitats along rivers, creeks and streams. The eastern subspecies of turkey prefer higher rainfall, according to an article in Texas A&M Universitys AgriLife Today, and they are believed to do better in East Texas. But the denser human population, smaller parcel sizes and history of unsustainable logging practices in the 1800s has made their success an uphill battle. Hardin said their repopulation began in the 1930s when officials put Rio Grande turkeys into East Texas. That worked for about 20 years, but then the population started to decline. Next, Texans tried collecting turkey eggs from the wild, incubating and hatching them, and then releasing pen-raised turkeys into the wild. That approach did not work, Hardin said, prompting Texans to get eastern turkeys from other states to release in Texas. We started trading pheasants and otters and armadillos and everything else with these other states in exchange for eastern wild turkeys, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roughly 10,000 wild turkeys were released in East Texas over 25 years. It was successful in that we now, today, have a wild turkey (hunting) season in 12 counties in East Texas, Hardin said. But we stocked 54 counties. We released about 10,000 birds, and we don't even think we had that many in East Texas today. So it was successful, but nowhere near as successful as we had hoped. The departments current effort is building upon that restocking push. In 2007 and 2008, Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University found that many of the 10,000 turkeys had been released to landowners who promised to be good stewards but did not necessarily have the proper habitat for these wild birds. Stephen Webb, a wildlife scientist with Texas A&M Universitys Natural Resources Institute, also noted that a lack of habitat management can hurt turkey populations. Turkeys like to live on the edge of forests where they can access trees to roost in and open landscapes to forage and build nests. These open areas can become overgrown if not properly managed. And with much of the state being private land, this cost often falls on landowners. In 2014, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department prioritized finding good habitats when they began releasing wild turkeys again. They also started super stocking where they release 80 birds 40 one year and 40 the following year at each site. And in addition to eastern turkeys, Parks and Wildlife is releasing the Rio Grande subspecies along the Trinity River area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The University of North Texas is conducting genetic testing that will determine how the Rio Grande subspecies fare and which states provide eastern subspecies that are most likely to thrive in Texas. Though Hardin noted that he can no longer be choosy. The Southeastern U.S. has seen an overall decline in wild turkeys, and other states havent been able to give Texas as many turkeys. Unless, of course, theyre making pilots nervous at airports. Those are gladly relocated to Texas, Hardin said. Parks and Wildlife has also expanded its search all the way to Maine and South Dakota, using Delta Cargo and funding from the National Wild Turkey Federation to fly them to Texas. Ultimately, Hardin would like to see at least 10 turkeys per square mile in areas where the birds have been restored. That would be a good population for hunting and the general enjoyment of turkeys. Almost everything that we're doing in East Texas is being funded by hunters, Hardin said. Personally, if I just see birds after I retire in these landscapes, I'm going to be super happy. And I think that's the case for a lot of people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Spring is the most popular time for hunting, noted Webb, as its mating season and hunters can make calls that attract toms male turkeys, though theyre more commonly called gobblers. Some people will hunt turkeys for Thanksgiving, but they arent as plump. And Webb warned that they have 5,000 to 6,000 feathers. 28 November 2024 18:00 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The safeguarding of religious sites around the world has become an increasingly critical issue amid rising tensions and intolerance. Addressing this pressing matter, the global conference titled "Protection of Religious Sites: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach" took place on November 27, 2023, as a significant part of the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). The event took place in the picturesque city of Cascais, Portugal, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to fostering respect and understanding among diverse cultures and religions. Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, took to the podium during the conference to speak about Azerbaijan's commitment to the preservation of cultural and religious heritage. In his speech, Adil Karimli expressed his strong appreciation for a pivotal report presented by the UNAOC entitled "Action Plan for the Protection of Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe and Peaceful Worship". He described this Action Plan as one of the most exhaustive initiatives created to combat intolerance directed at religious sites. The minister stressed the importance of this comprehensive document in guiding international efforts to ensure the protection and respect of religious heritage worldwide. He highlighted Azerbaijan's significant role in promoting intercultural dialogue and religious understanding, noting that the country has successfully hosted six major global forums aimed at enhancing these discussions, as well as three notable global summits involving religious leaders. Azerbaijan also contributes to the protection of cultural and religious heritage both locally and internationally. Since 2011, the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue has been held in our country six times in partnership with the Alliance of Civilizations within the framework of the "Baku Process" initiated by President Ilham Aliyev in 2008. The 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal has gathered members of the UNAOC Group of Friends, political leaders, representatives of international and regional organizations, religious leaders and faith actors, the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, arts and media, as well as donor agencies and foundations, who address the global issues pertinent to peace and security and call for restoring trust and for uniting in peace. In Cascais, participants have an opportunity to reflect on the twenty years of the Alliance of Civilizations' initiative, announced by Spain at the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2004, and how UNAOC grew into a vibrant and well-established United Nations entity. 28 November 2024 11:33 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to his Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj, on the occasion of Albania's national holiday, Azernews reports. On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Albania. It is gratifying to witness our interstate relations, built on strong traditions, and our partnership, based on mutual trust and support, strengthening and being enriched with new content. I would also like to particularly emphasize our effective cooperation within international organizations. Our active political dialogue provides an excellent foundation for further expanding our joint collaboration across all areas. The recent high-level reciprocal visits have given a new impetus to the growth of our interstate relations and cooperation. I am confident that we will continue to consistently advance our joint efforts to develop and strengthen Azerbaijan-Albania friendly relations and deepen our partnership both bilaterally and multilaterally, the Azerbaijani President said in his letter. President Ilham Aliyev wished Bajram Begaj robust health, happiness, success in his endeavors, and the friendly people of Albania everlasting peace and prosperity. 28 November 2024 11:35 (UTC+04:00) President Ilham Aliyev extended his heartfelt congratulations to the President and people of Mauritania on the occasion of their national holiday, Independence Day, Azernews reports. In his message, President Aliyev warmly recalled the Mauritanian leader's recent visit to Azerbaijan for COP29 and expressed confidence in the continued development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Mauritania. Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Independence Day. I fondly remember your visit to Azerbaijan to participate in COP29. I believe that we will continue our joint efforts to develop Azerbaijan-Mauritania relations in the spirit of friendship and further strengthen our fruitful cooperation within both bilateral and multilateral institutions. On this festive occasion, I extend my best regards to you and wish your friendly people everlasting peace and prosperity. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 28 November 2024 12:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Micha Greczyo, Poland's Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan, to protest Polish President Andrzej Duda's recent visit to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border region near the village of Kerki, which remains under Armenian occupation, Azernews reports. During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side expressed its dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the visit, conducted alongside the European Union Mission to Armenia, involved anti-Azerbaijani propaganda. Officials highlighted that the EU mission has been misused as a tool against Azerbaijan, undermining its stated goals of fostering regional stability and trust-building between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Ministry noted that such actions contradict the spirit of Azerbaijani-Polish relations and called on Poland to avoid steps that compromise Azerbaijans legitimate security interests. 28 November 2024 15:14 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Western Azerbaijani Community (WAC) has voiced its deep concern regarding the visit of Polish President Andrzej Duda to the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border. According to Azernews, the community issued a statement highlighting their concerns. "We have repeatedly emphasized that most of the areas patrolled by the European Union Mission in Armenia are homelands where we Western Azerbaijanis have historically lived, where we have been deported, destroyed, and devastated many times. Unfortunately, our appeals to the European Union in this regard have remained unanswered," the statement emphasized. The WAC also reminded President Duda of his earlier remarks that "we would like Armenians to live peacefully on their lands within clearly defined borders," noting that similar statements were not made by Poland when Azerbaijani territories were under occupation. "Regarding the statement by the Polish president that his country could be 'more involved in the settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia,' we state that official Warsaw has enough problems with its neighbours and it would be more logical if Poland were to deal with its own problems," the statement read. The WAC called on Poland to refrain from taking steps that could escalate tensions in the South Caucasus. "Armenia should understand that it is impossible to achieve peace in the South Caucasus with cheap shows such as 'binocular diplomacy' and by viewing adventurers such as Luis Ocampo and Greta Thunberg as 'new saviours,'" the statement concluded. 28 November 2024 13:11 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos Horta on the occasion of the national holiday - Independence Day, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. President, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste the Proclamation of Independence. The dynamic development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Timor-Leste in recent times is gratifying. Your visit to Azerbaijan last year marked a new chapter in the history of our bilateral relations. I believe that the friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Timor-Leste, which this year celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will continue to grow, and our cooperation within multilateral institutions will remain successful. On this festive day, I wish you good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and your friendly people everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads. 28 November 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Japan, the United States, and the Philippines will hold a trilateral meeting to discuss joint maritime security, Azernews reports. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Filipino counterpart Enrique Manalo reached an agreement during talks held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. According to Japanese public television, the parties have agreed to hold a meeting in Tokyo in Decembermarking the first trilateral talks in this format. "We would like to work closely with the Philippines, with whom we share fundamental values and principles, to peacefully resolve international issues and conflicts, including the situation in the South China Sea," NHK quoted the Japanese Foreign Minister as saying. Tensions persist in the South China Sea due to competing territorial claims over the Spratly Archipelago and the Paracel Islands. China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines are involved in this longstanding dispute, which is further complicated by strategic interests and the presence of significant natural resources in the region, such as oil and natural gas reserves. The area is also crucial for global shipping, with about one-third of global maritime trade passing through it. In recent years, the United States has been vocal in supporting its allies in the region, including the Philippines, against China's growing influence and militarization of artificial islands. Japan, a key US ally, has also expressed concern over Chinas assertive actions, including its "nine-dash line" claim, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several Southeast Asian countries. The trilateral talks in December are expected to focus on strengthening maritime security, enhancing cooperation on maritime law enforcement, and discussing how to counter China's actions in the region, which have led to calls for greater regional stability and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As the South China Sea dispute intensifies, there is growing international pressure on China to comply with international rulings, such as the 2016 Hague ruling, which invalidated China's territorial claims. However, China has refused to accept the ruling, citing historical claims over the region. 28 November 2024 23:20 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre The Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) EXPO 2024 International Trade Fair, which is among the important events of the business world and aims for a business volume of $1bln, has started. The event, which started with the participation of Vice President Cevdet Ylmaz, Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek and Trade Minister Omer Bolat, opened its doors at Tuyap Fair and Congress Center. The Albayrak Group and TUMOSAN stands will host visitors and customers at the Fair, which will also reflect the strong tradition of the Albayrak Group. Trade Minister Omer Bolat also delivered a speech. Bolat stated that Turkiye ranks 17th in terms of national income and 11th in terms of purchasing power parity in the global arena and increased its share in world goods exports to 1.08 per cent. "These are pleasing and proud developments and achievements. But are they enough? No. We have a long way to go and a long way to go," he said. Minister Bolat noted that the event, which is being held for the 20th time this year, is the reality of a great dream that started with the 9 square meter stands of 70 companies at the Izmir International Fairground on October 29, 1993. "This is also very important evidence that shows continuity and growing stronger. Together with the 28th International Business Forum (IBF) that was opened yesterday, these are two very important organizations that bring together the tradesmen of the Islamic world," he added. Bolat emphasized that MUSIAD EXPO and IBF are very important international trade and investment platforms that bring together the entire Muslim business world from the USA to Indonesia, from South Africa to Russia, from Portugal and England to the Middle East with their brothers in Turkiye. The great success story of Turkiye in the last 22 years is actually a clear indicator of where MUSIAD EXPO has come from in this period and said, "As MUSIAD EXPO has grown, Turkey's economy, foreign trade, international investments and service sector have grown as much," he stated. Minister Bolat said that Turkiye traded $605bln in goods, $170bln in services, and became a very important country in the global arena with $1.2trl in revenue. "It increased its share in world goods exports from 0.49 per cent to 1.08 per cent in 22 years and increased its share in services exports from 0.89 percent to 1.35 percent. These are pleasing and proud developments and achievements. But are they enough? No. We have more to run and a long way to go. We will do these together with you, valuable members of the business world," he pointed out. Noting that Turkiye increased its share in trade with Islamic countries from 11 per cent to 26 per cent in 22 years, Bolat said, "Hopefully, we aim to reach 30 percent first and then 35 per cent by 2028." Trade Minister stated that as a Ministry, they are always on the side of exporters and that they are working to increase exports and provide resources to exporters with all their units and supports. Sharing the incentives and supports offered to exporters, Bolat noted that they also made trade agreements with foreign countries, organized international summits and meetings, and played a team game with all stakeholders in the sector. "Our vision is the whole world. We will make the Century of Turkiye the century of trade. The point we have reached, thank God, under the leadership of our President, is a point that no one could have imagined 22 years ago. They see this very well from the outside, they appreciate it, and they envy it. We are a country that has been completely renewed with its infrastructure and superstructure, has become a major production and supply centre, has managed to reach the whole world with its ports, logistics centres, airports, and airways, and has successfully implemented the Customs Union with the European Union, and has invited us to the negotiation table to expand this to the services sector," said Bolat. The Minister pointed out that Africa is 45 minutes away from Antalya by air, that they have increased foreign trade with this continent to $37bln, and that great breakthroughs have been made in all areas such as investments and contracting services. Bolat stated that relations with the Islamic world are progressing in the field of economy within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). "We have a preferential trade agreement with 13 countries. Hopefully, we will develop this to more countries and strive to make a new generation trade agreement," he added. Bolat concluded his remarks by pointing to the agreements and organizations recently made between Turkiye and Islamic countries. Then MUSIAD Chairman Mahmut Asmal made a speech at the opening of the fair and stated that Turkiye has been a trade centre throughout history and that these ancient lands located at the heart of the Silk Road have always been the centre of production, and trade and added value generation. "Today, we are preparing to lead world trade once again by combining this ancient mission with the requirements of the modern world since the first day we were founded, Mahmut Asmal said, that this year, they are hosting 2,150 participants from 115 countries and more than 300 companies from 24 sectors on the path we set out on with the slogan 'Global Trade is Here'. They are happy to come together with participants from a wide range of sectors, especially textile, machinery, construction, energy, food, defence industry and advanced technology companies. "We are also presenting a vision that guides the future in light of our deep-rooted past, beliefs and values. The 'Medina Market' concept that we never stop talking about and that has become synonymous with MUSIAD guides us at this point. As we all know, the 'Medina Market' spirit is not just a commercial system, but a guide for humanity. Inspired by the Medina Market, which is a symbol of solidarity, sharing and trust, we have been bringing together our local and foreign business people for years in cooperation opportunities based on justice and trust. Therefore, we know this very well; during MUSIAD EXPO, not only business agreements will be made, but also new bridges of brotherhood will be built and the foundations of strong partnerships will be laid," he said. MUSIAD Chairman Asmal stated that the large delegations, especially from Algeria, Iraq, Malaysia and England, will provide great momentum in spreading trade to a global scale at the fair where there are 19 country pavilions, and announced that with the support of the Trade Ministry, they will bring together over 650 participating purchasing delegations from 88 different countries with Turkish companies. Asmal stated that a large investor group from Malaysia, ministerial level participation from Iraq, and purchasing delegations from England and Algeria once again demonstrated the strategic importance of Turkiye in the business world, and said that they wholeheartedly believe that they will reach the $1bln trade volume target at the end of the fair. Asmal noted that a full program awaited them from the first day to the last day of MUSIAD EXPO. "We will hold important discussions on the world economy with the G20 Panel. We will strengthen the friendship and trade ties between the two countries with the Turkiye-Iraq Business Forum. We will bring together international investors and Turkish entrepreneurs with the MUSIAD INVEST program. We will strengthen our solidarity with the valuable representatives of our business world at our gala dinner," he said. Sharing that the fair is expected to be visited by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on November 29, Asmal talked about the breakthroughs in the Turkish economy in the last 22 years under Erdogan's leadership. MUSIAD EXPO, which is being organized for the 20th time this year and hosts more than 300 companies and participants from 24 different sectors, will last for 4 days. The event, which will host 2,150 participants from 115 countries in total, will host more than 650 foreign procurement delegations. The fair, which will bring together business people, industrialists and investors and enable the establishment of new collaborations, aims to reach a trade volume of $1bln with these meetings. Within the scope of MUSIAD EXPO, which has the vision of strengthening Turkey's position in the international trade field, the G20 Panel, Diplomatic Missions Session, Turkey-Iraq Business Forum, MUSIAD INVEST Networking Program and closing programs will be held. On the last day of the fair, which will host B2B meetings with foreign purchasing delegations, country presentations introducing the general characteristics of countries where investments can be made, special programs and MoU agreement signing ceremonies will be held. 28 November 2024 22:15 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Dubai Police Department has announced that the worlds and the Middle Easts first floating "smart" police station (SPS) will be operational by the end of 2026, Azernews reports. The project, worth 2 billion dirhams, was presented by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative aims to strengthen the rule of law and invest in specialized police training. Dubai Police spokesperson Faisal Al Tamimi confirmed that the floating SPS will be ready by the end of 2026 and will offer world-class advanced services at sea. The design will cater to the needs of yacht and boat owners, ensuring quick and easy access to police services. According to Al Tamimi, the project aligns with the initiative to make Dubai "the smartest and happiest city in the world." The SPS will provide a range of 27 essential services, including crime and traffic reports, along with 33 additional services available in six languages. These services will cover a wide array of needs, such as the return of lost items and processing requests for certificates and permits. Al Tamimi added that the floating police station will operate without human intervention during the day, reducing the number of visitors to traditional service centers. It will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. Colonel Al Tamimi further explained that the floating SPS will be designed to accommodate the specific features of modern boats and yachts, simplifying the process of arrival, boarding, and disembarkation. The Dubai Police Department stated that such "smart" police stations will be created not only to provide high-quality, fully automated services to local communities, but also to serve as models for similar systems around the world. Additionally, police stations in arid areas, such as airports and train stations, will incorporate the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. 28 November 2024 17:45 (UTC+04:00) The Russian ambassador to Germany has been summoned to the German Foreign Ministry in connection with the expulsion of ARD TV journalists from Russia, Azernews reports, citing the release by the German Foreign Ministry. "The removal of ARD employees from Russia is unacceptable, and the justification for this is simply wrong and false. We strongly condemn it. That's why we called the Russian ambassador," said the minister. FM Annalena Baerbock condemned and called the statements about the restriction of press freedom in Germany and Europe unacceptable. Earlier, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova, announced that two employees of the ARD TV channel had been expelled from the country. The diplomat said that this step is a response to the closure of the First Channel's office in Germany. Houston Chronicle An officer with the Houston Police Department was arrested Monday and charged with continuous violence against family after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend on at least two separate occasions in 2022, according to court records. Dra'Vaughn Smith Banks, a 27-year-old officer assigned to HPD's Southeast Patrol Division who has been with the department since 2019, was relieved of duty following his arrest, according to an HPD post on X. Charging documents alleged that in February of 2022, shortly after his girlfriend gave birth to their child, Banks grabbed her by the neck and threw her to the ground following a disagreement over a guest who had come to see their newborn. Shortly after that incident, Banks allegedly assaulted his girlfriend a second time in March of 2022 after he saw pictures of her at a party that her ex-boyfriend had attended, according to court records. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Investigators found images of Banks' girlfriend with facial injuries, including a black eye and a cut on her left eyebrow, on her personal cell phone, according to charging documents. A judge set Banks' bail at $20,000, and he has since been released on bond. A preliminary court appearance has been scheduled for Dec. 2. HPD's Internal Affairs Division will be conducting an investigation into the allegations, the department said on X. It's the second time in two months that a Houston police officer has been arrested on charges related to family violence. In October, Jonathan Torres was arrested and charged with assault of a family member and unlawful restraint after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and threatened to "detain" her. Beaufort County Schools are building a new school on the same ground where Eastern Elementary already exists, at a cost of $10,500,000.00 to Beaufort County's Taxpayers. Is this a wise expense of taxpayer dollars at this time? 22.73% Yes, Beaufort County has been awarded a 42 million dollars of grant money from the state of North Carolina (FREE MONEY) to construct school at 3.00 per squ. ft.65.91% No, this is the wrong time, to build the wrong school, on the wrong placement - its lowest point - of Eastern Elementary's existing location, when community schools work best.11.36% Why should I care about the public's education? State attorneys general from eleven states, led by Texas are suing three major globalist-tied financial firms under US anti-trust laws for an anti-trust conspiracy against coal production and use. The states seek restitution from Blackrock, Vanguard, and State Street for the excessive electric rates that consumers have to pay as a result of their anti-coal conspiracy. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/electric-revenge-texas-sues-blackrock-and-others-conspiring-quash-coal-sending-energy These large financial firms manage huge sums of money for others, including many pension funds, and have used the proxies for those investments in shareholder meetings to advance the globalist agenda. Attacking coal has been part of that. Some state pension funds have either withdrawn all of their funds from these financial firms or taken control of their own proxies. NC State Treasurer Dale Folwell was one of those who took control of North Carolina's proxies away from Blackrock. NC's far left attorney general Josh Stein is NOT among the states suing to protect their electric consumers from this conspiracy. His elected far left replacement, Jeff Jackson is also extremely unlikely to side with consumers on this lawsuit. UPDATE: Mexico gets it. They have just broken up two migrant caravans that were heading for the US, bussing many of the migrants back to southern Mexico. Trump is not even back in the oval office yet, and he is already achieving policy results. Meanwhile, on the northern border, Trudeau has come hat in hand to Mar-a-Lago. https://redstate.com/wardclark/2024/12/01/the-times-they-are-achanging-and-mexico-gets-it-breaking-up-two-illegal-immigrant-caravans-n2182659 ORIGINAL POST: After President Trump told Mexico's president that he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico if they did not block the illegal alien migrants pouring throuth their country to get to the US, Mexico's new president has agreed to block the migrants. This is a key policy win for Trump even before he resumes the presidency. Trump made the same demand on Canada, and they are likely to fall in line as well. https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2024/11/28/trump-announces-astonishing-border-results-with-mexico-because-of-his-efforts-even-before-he-takes-over-n2182565 https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/11/27/trump-conversation-mexico-president-agreed-stop-migration/ Of course, the fly in the ointment will be Mexico's crime cartels, for whom human smuggling of migrants has become their top money maker, even more than drugs. They are likely to resist, but then that could open the door for Trump to offer US drones and special forces to wipe out the cartels, which would benefit both countries. All of this points out what a sad embarassment the Biden regime has been, kowtowing to the illegal aliens. Biden even spent millions of US taxpayers dollars to improve the pathways through the Darien Gap to make it easier for illegal alien migrants to reach the US. Instead of Trump building walls to keep them out, Biden built roads to make it easier for them to get in. Illegal immigration in both America and Europe has led to rising crime including murder, robbery, rape, and burglary. https://www.beaufortcountynow.com/post/78910/illegal-alien-migrants-behaving-badly-migrants-and-crime-newly-updated.html Meanwhile the US Court of Appeals has ruled that Texas had the right to put razor wire on its border and to occupy land to stop illegals crossing, and the Biden regime was in the wrong in cutting Texas border wire to let illegal aliens into the US. https://redstate.com/beccalower/2024/11/27/winning-fed-court-of-appeals-rules-against-biden-cps-cutting-razor-wire-allowing-illegals-to-enter-us-n2182562 Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG) Group, which counts brands like Jawbox gin and Bowsaw among its brands, received the financial support package from Whiterock. The 6.5m funding package includes a combination of equity investment from Whiterocks recently launched Growth Capital Fund, debt provision, and expert consultancy aimed at accelerating the development of the DKG Groups three core business units. That includes Drinksology Creative, Kirker Greer Spirits, a premium spirits portfolio, Spiritly.com, a premium direct-to-consumer and business-to-business ecommerce platform. Founded in Belfast by Richard Ryan and Steven Pattison, the DKG Group has grown into a trusted name in the premium spirits and hospitality design industries. Over the past 18 months, the DKG Group has made substantial investments in both people and brands. The groups workforce has increased from 35 to 49 employees, and all business units are experiencing a period of significant growth. Some of the latest brand investments include Ukiyo Spirits' innovative London Underground advertising campaign and Born Irish Whiskey's experiential marketing activations. DKG Group was also recently awarded B Corp certification for all companies and brands within the group, highlighting their dedication to people and the planet. The investment in the DKG Group is the first investment from the 75m Growth Capital Fund, which Whiterock launched earlier this year. We are excited to invest in the DKG Group, a business led by exceptional and visionary entrepreneurs, Paul Millar, chief executive of Whiterock Capital, said. The companys world-class executive team and staff have proven their ability to deliver and the trust they have garnered from some of the biggest brands globally is a testament to their expertise. The combination of DKGs track record, the unique dual-market access Northern Ireland provides to both the UK and EU, and their ambitious growth plans made this a very attractive first investment for the Growth Capital Fund. The deal will be the first in a series of investments that we expect to be able to announce over the coming months." Steven Pattison, co-founder of the DKG Group, said: "We believe our business and brands have a bright future. Over the last 24 months, we have been strategically adding to our team, building out our long-term plans, and steadily moving into our next phase of execution. We are comfortable investing ahead of the curve, and this funding package provides us the firepower to keep doing so. It will allow us to leverage our strengths and continue making strategic investments that ensure our growth and success on the global stage." An Irish Goodbye Star now a work of art: Sitting for the portrait was the quietest time James had in years Dad Ivans joy after leading artist Colin Davidson unveils new portrait of the Belfast actor who appeared in An Irish Goodbye Colin Davidson with James Martin and the portrait Mark Bain Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 08:05 With a friendship that has blossomed over the past couple of years, it was only natural that artist Colin Davidson would ask Belfast actor James Martin to pose for him. A 300-acre wildfire has erupted on the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, according to the Brazoria County Fire Marshal's Office. Houston Chronicle A former teacher at KIPP Houston High School was charged Sunday with eight crimes related to alleged sexual abuse of at least six students, according to charging documents. Preston Zimmerman, 39, was charged with four counts of improper relationship with a student, two counts of sexual performance by a child and two counts of indecency with a child - sexual contact, according to court documents. KIPP Public Schools told KTRK that Zimmerman, who taught human body systems, has since been terminated. DEADLY CRASH: Houston police release video from deadly patrol car crash that hit woman in front of her children Advertisement Article continues below this ad KIPP Texas Public Schools has zero tolerance for any staff member who brings harm to our students, the charter school network said in a statement. According to court documents, KIPP Houston High School Principal Geoffrey Roy alerted authorities to the alleged sexual misconduct in September after a 17-year-old boy told Roy that Zimmerman had inappropriately touched him. The 17-year-old, who was not identified, told authorities that Zimmerman sexually assaulted him while the former high school teacher was helping him look at colleges, court documents alleged. Zimmerman also allegedly groped a 16-year-old boy in September who had seen the teacher as a friend and mentor, charging documents claimed. After declining Zimmermans sexual advances, the teacher allegedly offered the student $15 to perform oral sex on him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Court records indicated Zimmerman was also charged with theft for allegedly stealing a pair of sunglasses in June. The charge was dismissed after he completed a pretrial diversion program, according to court documents. The new graffiti on the Falls Road in Belfast with inset - A man spraying anti-DUP slogans on the wall (Photo by Kevin Scott) Fresh graffiti has been daubed on a wall outside the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The pro-Palestine slogan: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free was sprayed on the wall bordering the Falls Road in west Belfast on Wednesday night. It comes just hours after police confirmed they were treating anti-DUP graffiti on the same wall as a sectarian hate crime. DUP leader Gavin Robinson posed for pictures at the wall on the Falls Road last week urging the Belfast Trust to remove the original pro-Palestine slogan and flag that had been on the wall for six months. The new graffiti on the Falls Road in Belfast with inset - A man spraying anti-DUP slogans on the wall (Photo by Kevin Scott) Watch: Fresh pro-Palestine graffiti appears overnight at Belfast Hospital The DUP leader previously said that a complaint about the presence of the writing was lodged with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust more than five months ago after he was contacted by local members of the Jewish community. Earlier this week the pro-Palestine slogan was removed by contractors and a new anti-DUP and pro-Palestine message was sprayed on the wall shortly after. The graffiti reads F***k the DUP. Free Palestine A spokesperson for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said: Belfast Trust can confirm that we are in discussions with a contractor so work to remove this graffiti can begin in the coming days. The new graffiti on the Falls Road in Belfast with inset - A man spraying anti-DUP slogans on the wall (Photo by Kevin Scott) News Catch Up - Thursday 28 November The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has highlighted a number of faults with a plane during an incident that took place at Belfast International Airport. The report says the incident, which took place on March 7, 2023, was linked to the rudder control system, which controls movement of the aircraft about its vertical axis. During the flare to landing before touching down at Belfast International Airport the co-pilot, who was Pilot Flying (PF), discovered that the rudder was extremely difficult to move. The commander immediately took control of the aircraft and used the nosewheel steering for directional control on the runway. Examination of the aircraft on the following day showed that the rudder was almost immoveable from either set of rudder pedals in the cockpit or by physically pressing on the rudder outside the aircraft. The AAIB states: A number of faults with the rudder control system were uncovered during the investigation but the major cause of the extreme rudder stiffness was the degradation of the steel rudder rear quadrant support bearings due to corrosion. The sealed nature of the bearings and their installed location precluded visual inspection of their condition. Rear quadrant support arm bearings from G-NPTF. Moisture ingress in the vicinity of the bearings had likely contributed to their degraded condition. The installation of the rudder damper may also have contributed to the rudder stiffness, albeit to a lesser extent. A spokesperson added: A Service Bulletin which recommended replacement of all flight control bearings with corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings had not been embodied on the aircraft. The operator took actions to ensure the continued airworthiness of its ATR fleet. The manufacturer also took, or has committed to taking, a number of safety actions to address issues identified during the investigation. These include updating the Illustrated Parts Data for some flight control bearings to specify stainless steel equivalents as the preferred part number, updating troubleshooting guidance and publishing a communication to remind operators of the existing recommended Service Bulletin. Read more Popular NI bar uses its loaf to woo customers with unique new beer Belfast International Airport News Catch Up - Thursday 28 November An immigration debate on RTE on Monday saw election candidates duke it out on a subject that has been a hot political topic over the past few years. Perhaps the most heated exchange of the night came between Aontu leader Peadar Toibin and Green Party leader and Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman. When complaining about the Governments handling of people seeking refuge, in particular refugees from Ukraine, Mr Toibin presented a seemingly startling figure. One third of all hospitality outside of the M50 are currently in a contract with the State to provide accommodation, Mr Toibin said. Thats not correct, Mr OGorman retorted. Mr Toibin then said he was basing the figure on an answer to a Parliamentary Question, which he said proved his claim; Mr OGorman again denied the statistic was correct. When pressed by presenter Katie Hannon on what the actual figure might be, Mr OGorman estimated about 14 or 15%. So who is right? Is Mr Toibin correct in saying that one-third of hotels outside Dublin are under Government contract for people seeking refuge? Beds With tens of thousands of people now seeking refuge in Ireland every year, as well as a massive influx of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, increasing amounts of public money have been spent on finding somewhere for them to sleep. The cost of doing so has skyrocketed since the pandemic, with well over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees and tens of thousands of additional people seeking international protection coming to Ireland since 2022. As the Government has scrambled to find somewhere for all these people to stay, it has looked to the private market to house them including commercial hotels, which is what Mr Toibin was getting at with his claim. When asked about the source for its figures, Aontu responded by referring us to an article published in The Irish Times on March 29 2023. Although the old article appears to corroborate Mr Toibins claim, the source of its figures actually overestimated them. The article quoted the chief executive of Failte Ireland as saying that one in three tourism beds outside Dublin were unavailable due to State housing contracts at the time. It was from here Deputy Toibin obtained the statistics he used in the television debate, an Aontu spokesperson said. It should be noted that this claim is a little different than the one said by Mr Toibin during the debate. One third of all hospitality outside of the M50 are currently in a contract with the State to provide accommodation implies that one third of hospitality providers are being referred to, as the Government does not enter into contracts with the beds themselves. But the figures are wrong. Failte Ireland, or the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland, has repeatedly analysed the number of asylum seekers and refugees staying in guest accommodation, and the amount of tourism bed stock those people take up. A release published by Failte Ireland in June 2023 noted that the group had previously estimated that 28% of all Failte Ireland registered tourism bed stock was contracted to the State and that excluding Dublin, the figure was provided as 34% apparently corroborating Mr Toibins claim. However, that release goes on to say we now know that this assessment overstated the percentage of Failte Ireland registered tourism bed stock under-contract, and gives a new more accurate estimate of all registered tourism bed stock that is under Government contract: 13%. Failte Ireland told The Journal that its most recent report was released in May this year. Nationally, 10% of registered beds are under contract, that report reads, significantly undercutting Mr Toibins estimate, and even Mr OGormans by a few percentage points. The report also gives a county-by-county breakdown of the beds that are contracted to the Government. Not one county has anywhere close to a third of beds used for people seeking international protection. The highest, Co Clare, had a quarter of its beds contracted out, while Meath and Louth, the next highest, had 19% contracted out. Half of the counties had less than 10% of their beds contracted out, including Dublin at 9% (indicating that Dublin is about average with the rest of the country). The report notes that there are also beds under Government contracts in premises that are not registered with Failte Ireland, but does not have a tally of the total amount of these. In an update last December, Failte Ireland had given the breakdown of what those premises might be: former hotels, inns, lodges, unlisted guesthouses, unregistered B&Bs, re-purposed accommodation retreat centres. However, even assuming the highest estimates of unregistered tourism beds contracted out, the figures do not indicate that a third of hotel accommodation outside of Dublin is under Government contract. The update from last December also had another statistic that was not included in the latest release: an All County Average excluding Dublin for beds contracted to the Government. That figure was 13%. Parliamentary Questions Mr Toibin said during the debate with Mr OGorman that a Parliamentary Question backed up his claim that a third of hospitality outside the M50 was under Government contract. However, it is unclear which Parliamentary Question Mr Toibin was referring to. The website of the Irish Oireachtas, which lists all PQs and responses to them, shows that Mr Toibin himself has asked more than 5,000 questions during his time in the Dail. One of these included a question to Mr OGorman asking for a breakdown of how refugees and international protection applicants are accommodated in each county, with reference to the number of hospitality providers housing them. There are currently 81 guest houses, 8 hostels and 57 hotels providing emergency accommodation to international protection applicants (IPAs), Mr OGorman responded on May 23 2023. There was no county-by-county breakdown for these figures, though there was for the number of International Protection Applicants. However, these numbers do not tell us the proportion of beds taken, which were referred to directly in the Failte Ireland reports. Could those 146 businesses be what Mr Toibin is referring to? Could they make up a third of the hospitality outside the M50? This is unlikely, given the sheer number of hotels in Ireland. The Irish Hotels Federation, an industry lobbying body, says it represents almost 1,000 hotels and guesthouses nationwide. Failte Ireland said there were 835 hotels in the country last year (as well as 118 guesthouses and 635 B&Bs), while statistics provided by industry research group IBIS World said there are 1,630 hotel businesses in Ireland. The figures in the May 2023 answer are also now 18 months old, and since the PQ was answered many of the contracts mentioned have lapsed. More recent responses to Parliamentary Questions given this year also touched on the question about the number of hospitality businesses being used to house asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees. In February, Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty asked Mr OGorman for a breakdown of accommodation by county, currently provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine and persons in the international protection process. Those two groups make up all beneficiaries of the International Protection system. Mr OGorman gave the number of hotels being used as 70, and said that of those, 21 were in Dublin. Again, the 49 non-Dublin hotels mentioned by Mr OGorman are not likely to make up a third of all hotels outside the M50. In April, Catherine Martin, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, told the Dail that 12% of all registered tourism accommodation stock nationally was under contract to the State, though she attributed this to a 2023 report from Failte Ireland. The Journal contacted Peadar Toibin about his claim, but received no response by the time of publication. Verdict Peadar Toibin said during a debate that a third of hospitality outside of the M50 is under Government contract for people who have sought protection. Roderic OGorman denied this, saying it was less than half that proportion. Mr Toibin also said a Parliamentary Question proved his point; however, The Journal could not find any such PQ. When asked, a spokesperson for Aontu told The Journal that the claim was based on a March 2023 Irish Times article that quotes Failte Ireland numbers about beds, rather than providers. However, these figures are more than 18 months out of date and Failte Ireland has also said subsequently that the numbers had been overestimated. As such, there is no evidence that a third of hospitality outside of the M50 is under Government contract for people who have sought protection. The most recent figures from Failte Ireland, published in May, give a national figure of 10% of tourist accommodation being under contract to the State, though this refers to beds as opposed to providers. As a result, we find Peadar Toibins claim that a third of hospitality businesses outside the M50 are contracted to the State to provide accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees false. The Journals FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Networks Code of Principles. You can read it here. For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out FactChecks readers guide here. You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here. Members of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland joined a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) The UK Government sent shock waves throughout the agricultural sector due to funding changes announced in the Budget, a union has said. Martin Kennedy, president of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), led a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday calling on the Scottish Government to ring-fence agricultural funding in Scotland in its Budget statement on December 4. He was joined by hundreds of farmers, crofters and agricultural workers, and told them the UK Government has thrown the existing financial framework in the industry out the window. He said: On October 30, the new Labour Government sent shock waves throughout the whole of agriculture throughout the UK. It was really devastating it sent shock waves through us all. Not only on the agricultural property relief and business property relief issues that weve been talking about, and that has been highlighted very much last week in London, but particularly, its every bit as important as the funding element. Farmers and crofters rallied outside Holyrood on Thursday (Jane Barlow/PA) The funding element is so important for what is the catalyst of what we do. Six hundred and 20 million pounds was the ring-fenced fund that we had here. For over 50 years, we have had a multi-annual ring-fenced fund thats come into Scottish agriculture. First of all, under Europe, a seven-year multi-annual financial framework and after Brexit weve had a five-year multi-annual financial framework so we can plan ahead. The Labour Government threw that out the window. Theyve completely washed their hands of that. Theyve said to the devolved parliaments, you do what you like with agriculture. Agriculture is devolved, and thats fine, the policy is devolved, but so is the funding and its now part of the block grant, so we have no security, and no idea how much the Scottish Government are going to commit to Scottish agriculture going forward. He said the Scottish Budget is going to be absolutely critical and he wants to see the Government ring-fence the 620 million, saying there is no reason for them not to do so. Demonstrators heard from union officials and politicians (Jane Barlow/PA) He told the crowd: They have had a 3.4 billion uplift in the block grant coming to Scotland, and that is an 8.1% uplift in their overall budget. We are asking the Scottish Government to not only ring-fence the 620 million, but to add on the 80 million that they have traditionally put towards the block grant or towards agricultural funding, plus the 50 million that is the 8.1% uplift in funding, and lets not forget, the 46 million that has still got to come back into our portfolio because it was ours before it was taken out. We need to see that on December 4. Other speakers from the NFUS echoed Mr Kennedys message to the Scottish Government, as did a number of political figures, including Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay. Mr Findlay warned that the agricultural industry is under critical threat like never before, and said a number of NFUS members had spoken to him previously about their fears over the funding. I heard loud and clear about the many concerns, one of the biggest of those being around the uncertainly on funding, he said. Since then, thats become even worse due to Sir Keir Starmers Budget in which he decided that the farming finances will no longer be ring-fenced when they are sent to the Scottish Government, which of course means theres a very real risk that that, being in the general pot of Government spending in Edinburgh, risks being spent on other things. First Minister John Swinney, right, met with Jonnie Hall of NFU Scotland outside Parliament during the rally (Jane Barlow/PA) My party will do whatever we can to ensure that funding is guaranteed and ring-fenced. He went on to decry agricultural property relief changes as being hugely harmful, warning some farms may have to close down as a result. He said: I actually believe it was spiteful, and it could make the difference between farms being able to continue to operate and no longer being able to do so. Labour can, and they should, change course. I will do everything as the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party to ensure that they listen to you. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton told the rally: The Budget, I think, is a new era for farming in Scotland because the 620 million is now being given straight to the Scottish Government. We need to make sure that this is ring-fenced and goes directly into farming, but over and above that, there is an actual real-terms increase in the money that we invest in farming and agriculture, because it is the engine room of our economy. It is so important to Scotland, to our food security, our national heritage and our environmental sustainability. On Thursday, a joint letter from Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon and Finance Secretary Shona Robison was sent to Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones. The letter expressed the Scottish Governments shock and alarm at the decision to apply the Barnett formula to future agricultural and marine funding, and warned that the changes to inheritance tax could become a barrier or perhaps even greater than that for tenant farmers. A UK Government spokesperson said: The Budget provided the Scottish Government with a record 47.7 billion settlement and it receives over 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending. It is for the Scottish Government to allocate this across its devolved responsibilities, which include agriculture, to deliver on the priorities of people in Scotland and support Scotlands rural economy. We have been clear that around 500 claims of agricultural and business property relief each year will be impacted this is based off actual claims data and even when inheritance tax does kick in, it is effectively at half the rate paid by others. Rural affairs cabinet secretary Mairi Gougeon said: I was clear when I spoke with the NFUS that the Scottish Government is unequivocal in our support for Scotlands farmers and crofters. They are vital to our rural communities and make our world-class food and drink sectors possible. The UK Government Budget failed to give them or us any certainty, with no multi-year agreements, imposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief with no consultation and a move from rural funding being determined based on the amount of land and sea in Scotland. The First Minister repeated his cast-iron commitment that 46 million will be put into the rural affairs budget so farmers benefit from that investment and more detail will be provided in the upcoming Scottish Budget. I met with NFUS once again today and the Finance Secretary and I have both written to the UK Treasury calling for them to urgently reconsider the cumulative impact of their decisions on Scottish farmers, tenant farmers and crofters. Members of the military wear protective clothing at the home of Sergei Skripal (Andrew Matthews/PA) Vladimir Putin would have authorised the assassination attempt on Sergei Skripal because of the enormous reputational risk the Novichok poisonings would have posed to Russia, a senior Foreign Office official has said. Jonathan Allen, director general of defence and intelligence at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry that Russia would have been shocked by the speed of the international response to the attempted killings in Salisbury. He said Russia was on the back foot from the start after the UK was quick to accuse the country of being behind the assassination attempt. Dawn Sturgess died in 2018 after being exposed to the Novichok nerve agent that had been discarded in a perfume bottle(Met Police/PA) Mr Skripal, his daughter Yulia and former police officer Nick Bailey were poisoned by the nerve agent in the Wiltshire city in March 2018. Ms Sturgess, 44, died on July 8 2018 after she was exposed to Novichok, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in nearby Amesbury. Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, both identified to be Russian military intelligence officers (GRU), denied being the culprits and said they were tourists who wanted to visit Salisbury Cathedral during an interview on RT in September 2018. At the inquiry on Thursday, Mr Allen said the government had learned from the (Alexander) Litvinenko experience, in which he said Russia had played all sorts of game and dragged its feet. Russian defector Mr Litvinenko died after being poisoned in 2006. Asked if it was a strategy for the government to seek international assistance after the poisonings, he said: I think there was indeed a strategy to move internationally, and I think there were a few reasons for that. First of all, if I put it this way, I think we learned from the Litvinenko experience, in which Russia played all sorts of games, dragged its feet, played with both the police investigation and ultimately the inquiry, pretending that it was going to co-operate and never doing so. So there was absolute clarity from the start, we were not going to let Russia string this out in the same way. I think the second reason for internationalising, or going on this international strategy, was really to build quickly a coalition of countries who could both understand the risk and then take steps themselves to protect their own countries, but also could ultimately act together to deter and degrade Russias ability to do this in future. Mr Allen was then questioned by counsel to the inquiry Andrew OConnor KC whether the assassination attempt was intended to be entirely covert. A view of The Maltings in Salisbury where former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, collapsed after they were poisoned with Novichok (Ben Birchall/PA) He told the inquiry: I think the Russian state would have expected us, the UK, to put two and two together and say this was the Russians. What I suspect they would not have been anticipating was how thoroughly and quickly we were able to set out what had happened, and the speed of which we internationalised, or made an international response happen and therefore the speed in which Russia felt very serious consequences. If I think back to the Litvinenko inquiry and affair, the Russians were, I think I described it as, stringing along the UK. Statements produced, offers made, I think the police were unable to go to Moscow and then found it very hard to interview anybody they put such distance between the act and final consideration of it. In this instance, the government went on the front foot quickly, after just a day, for the Russian side. The response with the 153 Russian intelligence operatives who were expelled from across countries, would I think have really shocked the Russian state. He said the expelling of the intelligence officers would have severely dismantled their network. Jonathan Allen of the FCDO told the Dawn Sturgess inquiry that he believed the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal had to have been authorised by Russian president Vladimir Putin (Matt Cardy/PA) Mr Allen continued: So the Russians, I think because we moved quickly, were on the back foot from the start and thats part of the reason you see all these competing narratives coming out and desperate attempts to throw mud about. They want to slow the government down, I think. And of course, there was a very good police operation and we were ready within a few months to announce charges. Questioned on who may have authorised the attack on Mr Skripal, Mr Allen said: In terms of the geopolitical risk, this is such a significant thing to be doing not least after the Litvinenko case where Russia was found to have carried that out. So to be using a nerve agent entirely prohibited under international convention, from even being possessed let alone used, to then go to a capable actor like the United Kingdom with an effective law enforcement system, a permanent member of the security council, a Nato country, the risks involved in that reputationally are so enormous that its my belief that that would not have been capable of being taken at the level of the head of GRU, or indeed the boss of that, which is the defence minister. It would have gone, in my view, to President Putin. They are such big issues, such big risks to be taking. The inquiry continues. The Chinese ship, the bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, is anchored in the sea of Kattegat, near the city of Granaa in Jutland, Denmark (Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Sweden has formally asked China to cooperate in explaining the recent rupture of two data cables on the Baltic Sea bed in an area where a China-flagged vessel had been sighted. The two cables, one running from Finland to Germany and the other from Lithuania to Sweden, were both damaged in Swedish waters last week, in an area where the Yi Peng 3, a China-flagged bulk carrier, was seen. The Yi Peng 3 has been moored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark. The bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 is anchored in the sea of Kattegat, near the city of Granaa in Jutland, Denmark (Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told a news conference in the town of Harpsund on Thursday that Sweden would like the vessel to move to its own waters to allow for an inspection within the ongoing international investigation. As I had said before, Sweden has expressed our desire for the ship to move to Swedish waters and we are in contact with China from Sweden, Mr Kristersson said. Today I can also tell you that in addition to that Sweden has also sent a formal request to China to cooperate with Swedish authorities in order to create clarity on what has happened. He was speaking after a security meeting of government leaders of the Baltic Sea region. In the same news conference, Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed full solidarity and full support and trust in Swedens reliability as it acts in the interest of all countries in the Baltic region. Finnish, Swedish and German authorities have launched investigations into the rupture of the two cables. Germanys defence minister said that the damage appeared to have been caused by sabotage, although there is no proof at present. Chinese authorities in Beijing said earlier this month they had no information about the ship but that China was ready to maintain communication with relevant parties. They called for the vessels rights to normal navigation to be protected. Last year Sweden announced a cable running from its coast under the Baltic Sea to Estonia had been deliberately ruptured. Residents have returned to southern Lebanon following the ceasefire (AP) The Israeli military said its warplanes fired on southern Lebanon after detecting Hezbollah activity at a rocket storage facility, the first Israeli airstrike a day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took hold. There was no immediate word on casualties from Israels aerial attack, which came hours after the Israeli military said it fired on people trying to return to certain areas in southern Lebanon. Israel said they were violating the ceasefire agreement, without providing details. The truce began earlier this week (Leo Correa/AP) Lebanons state-run National News Agency said two people were wounded. The back-to-back incidents stirred unease about the agreement, brokered by the US and France, which includes an initial two-month ceasefire in which Hezbollah militants are to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. The buffer zone would be patrolled by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers. On Thursday, the second day of a ceasefire after more than a year of bloody conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanons state news agency reported that Israeli fire targeted civilians in Markaba, close to the border, without providing further details. Israel said it fired artillery in three other locations near the border. There were no immediate reports of casualties. An Associated Press reporter in northern Israel near the border heard Israeli drones buzzing overhead and the sound of artillery strikes from the Lebanese side. Displaced residents have returned to Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon (Bassam Hatoum/AP) The Israeli military said in a statement that several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. It said troops opened fire toward them and would actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials have said forces will be withdrawn gradually as it ensures that the agreement is being enforced. Israel has warned people not to return to areas where troops are deployed, and says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah if it violates the terms of the truce. A Lebanese military official said Lebanese troops would gradually deploy in the south as Israeli troops withdraw. The ceasefire agreement announced late on Tuesday ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began a day after Hamas October 7 2023 attack out of Gaza, when the Lebanese militant group began firing rockets, drones and missiles in solidarity. A person stands next to remains of his family home after he returned to Chehabiyeh village, southern Lebanon (Hussein Malla/PA) Israel retaliated with airstrikes, and the conflict steadily intensified for nearly a year before boiling over into all-out war in mid-September. The war in Gaza is still raging with no end in sight. More than 3,760 people were killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel over half of them civilians as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon. Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon, and thousands began streaming back to their homes on Wednesday despite warnings from the Lebanese military and the Israeli army to stay out of certain areas. Some 50,000 people were displaced on the Israeli side, but few have returned and the communities near the northern border are still largely deserted. In Menara, an Israeli community on the border with views into Lebanon, around three quarters of homes are damaged, some with collapsed roofs and burnt-out interiors. A few residents could be seen gathering their belongings on Thursday before leaving again. Adobe Stock In John 3:16, the Bible says that whosoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life. This is an incredible gift of eternal salvation that God offers to all people through Jesus Christ. The gift of salvation is for everyone, everywhere, who believes in Jesus. So, if one believes in Jesus, then they receive the gift of eternal life. Salvation is entirely dependent on the finished work of Jesus, who promises eternal security, ensuring that no one can lose their salvation once they genuinely place their faith in Him. What does it mean to believe? It is essential to understand that belief is contingent upon receiving this gift of eternal life. What does one have to believe in order to receive the gift of eternal salvation? The Apostle Paul says in Romans 10:9-10 that everyone has to confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. So salvation has a physical component to it and a spiritual component to it as well. It requires a physical utterance of who Jesus is. There must be a declaration of him as God. Then, second of all, there has to be a spiritual belief that Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection is not just a good idea but a fact that the person stakes their faith on forever. These two components of belief enable anyone, anywhere, at any time throughout history, to place faith in and trust in Jesus. When these two components of faith are present, salvation is given to the person who believes. When a person believes, they begin the faith journey with Jesus. Can believers lose their salvation? Once a person believes, can that individual, in essence, "unbelieve" or lose their salvation? Or is a person, once saved, always saved? The Apostle Paul says in Romans 6:7-8 that one who has died with Christ through salvation has been set free from sin. Once the believer is set free from sin at salvation, that person begins to live with Jesus on the faith journey, hopefully in a victorious fashion over the sin in their lives. The Apostle Paul describes this experience in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." At salvation, the believer dies to self and lives to Jesus. The power to do this comes through believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Identification with Jesus is what gives the believer the authority to overcome sin and live as Jesus lived. But most believers would agree that even after believing in Jesus, sin still has a stranglehold on their lives. So, does the evidence of sin in the believer's life potentially indicate that the belief and salvation of their soul was not authenticated? Even more so, does the evidence of sin in the believer's life mean they have lost their salvation? If the answer is yes, then what does the Apostle Paul say about this? If a person has believed and then, because of sin, loses their salvation, where does one go from here? The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 6:9-11. He tells the people of Rome that Christ was raised from the dead and will never die again. The Apostle Paul states that death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died, he died to sin, once and for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. So, reading between the lines, if the believer loses their salvation due to sin, in essence, Christ can no longer help them. The assurance of eternal security in Christ. And why is that? Because the Apostle Paul is saying, "Jesus dying to sin once was enough for everyone." He doesn't have to die again for the believer to be saved again. Nor does the believer's sin negate their salvation. Why? Because it was not up to them to begin with, and it is still not up to them. It is up to the finished work of Christ on the cross. The evidence of sin in a believer's life is not due to the lack of salvation but the lack of applying the faith that comes to each believer through Jesus Christ. This is why the Apostle Paul says to the believers in Romans 6:11, "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." The effectiveness of overcoming sin in the believer's life is not due to Christ's power or ability or the loss of salvation by the believer, but it is because they don't see themselves as Christ sees them, and they don't appropriate the power that Christ has for them to overcome sin. This is true for all believers in varying degrees, and this is why John tells us in 1 John 1:9 that we must confess our sins to God, that he will be faithful, and that he will just forgive us. This is an ongoing process of the believer's life after salvation. To believe, we have to repent of sin; to walk in victory, we have to confess our sins. God wants the believers to be specific in their confessions after salvation. But assume someone could lose their salvation. Then what? The writer of Hebrews addresses this question. In Hebrews 6, the writer tells the readers to leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and not lay again a foundation of repentance. The writer says this is because it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, and who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and have fallen away to be restored again to salvation. And why is this? The writer of Hebrews says that to do this, Jesus would have to be crucified again. The writer is saying, "Salvation is never up to the believer. It is up to Jesus and what He did for the believer." So, if the believer can lose their salvation, the writer of Hebrews is essentially saying, "The believer can't ever get it back." Thankfully, salvation is not up to the believer. It is up to Jesus. So, how good is Jesus at keeping the believers He has given? Jesus said in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." No one! Jesus has His sheep. Jesus says, "Once you are mine, once you are saved, you are always mine, you are always saved." The Apostle Paul summarized it in Romans 8: "Nothing shall separate us from the love that is found in Christ Jesus." The power of sin is weaker than the strength of God's love for his children. Once believers in Him, they can rest in God's sovereign control over their eternal destiny. Once truly saved, always saved, thanks to Jesus! A rendering of the new Houston Area Women's Shelter facility set to open in early 2025. It will have 135 housing units and accommodate up to 360 survivors. Courtesy of Petra Salameh Houston Area Womens Center President and CEO Emilee Whitehurst, from left, Houston Area Womens Center Board Member Jamie Wright and elected city officials pose for a photograph at the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Houston. The new flagship facility will triple the number of beds it has for domestic and sexual violence survivors when it is completed in November 2024. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Hardhats and shovels are prepared for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Houston Area Womens Center Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Houston. The new flagship facility will triple the number of beds it has for domestic and sexual violence survivors when it is completed in November 2024. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer In Houston, a city that has seen a steady uptick in domestic violence cases and deaths in recent years, the Houston Area Womens Center provides survivors with the services they need most. The center is preparing to significantly expand its reach as its new $45 million facility opens in early 2025, tripling the centers number of beds. With a disclosed address for the first time in the centers history, it will rely on advanced security measures including controlled access to the campus, 24-hour security monitoring and a secure perimeter with a 10-foot wall. With the new campus opening just next door, President and CEO Emilee Whitehurst said the organization plans to transform the current existing campus into a 24/7 crisis response and assessment center that will provide around-the-clock services to survivors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What happens when someone calls the Houston Area Womens Center hotline? The Houston Area Womens Centers first point of contact with most survivors is through its 24/7 hotline and its online live chat services. Last year, the center received roughly 42,887 calls and answered 2,737 live chats. The services arent just for survivors who have experienced physical abuse, Whitehurst said. Theyre available for anyone with a partner who has tried to coerce them emotionally, financially or psychologically. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We have callers calling with a whole range of concerns and questions about their situation, she said. Once the center has connected with a survivor via the hotline or live chat, they will ask a series of questions to evaluate the situation and assess the level of danger, Whitehurst said. From there, a safety plan is designed for the survivor based on their needs. What is a safety plan? A safety plan is a personalized strategy for survivors to keep themselves and their children safe from abusers and reduce the likelihood of future harm. Houston Area Womens Center staff are trained to design safety plans and connect survivors with services, Whitehurst said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There's a whole host of concerns that people encounter when they're contemplating ending a relationship, or when they're in a dynamic that is abusive that we are used to thinking through and accommodating and strategizing about, Whitehurst said. Houston Area Womens Center President and CEO Emilee Whitehurst delivers her speech at the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Houston. The new flagship facility will triple the number of beds it has for domestic and sexual violence survivors when it is completed in November 2024. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer What services are available through the Houston Area Womens Center? The Houston Area Womens Center offers a host of services to survivors through various partnerships with local businesses and organizations. All services are available to survivors living on and off the campus and are still available for survivors who move off campus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Economic empowerment for survivors is a priority for the center, Whitehurst said. The leading cause of homelessness for women and children is violence, Whitehurst said. If we don't have a way to attend to people's very legitimate financial concerns were they to get out of this relationship, then we're not doing our job as an area women's center. A survivor empowerment hub at the new facility will include a computer lab for online learning, a resource library and a multifunctional training room for economic skill development. Legal services, including pro bono representation and onsite legal clinics, are available to survivors as well. The center also offers training, outreach programs and volunteer opportunities for Houston-area community members looking to learn more about how to stop the cycle of domestic violence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Are Houston Area Womens Center services limited to women? The services provided by the Houston Area Womens Center are available to everyone, Whitehurst said. Only women and children can live on the campus, but the center can facilitate housing elsewhere for those who are not eligible to live on-site. Does the Houston Area Womens Center facility have any natural disaster plans? In Houston, where the likelihood of a hurricane hitting the area is high, Whitehurst said the center is prepared for natural disasters. The center has access to a generator that can power its facilities in the event of a power outage, but Whitehurst said she is looking at ways to improve the campuss disaster preparedness in the future. There is a correlation between natural disasters and an uptick in reported domestic violence and severe weather can often be unsettling for many survivors, Whitehurst said. She noted that center staff are also affected by natural disasters in the area, but continue offering non-stop care for survivors. 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. The project outside Town Hall organized by former state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli will honor Berkshire County members of the military who died in service to the U.S. from World War I to the present. The money flowed from the federal government to the state so farmers could be paid for food to be delivered to food banks and meal kitchens. Now that's over. 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. European Parliament approves new European Commission Xinhua) 08:47, November 28, 2024 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference after a vote at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) STRASBOURG, France, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the new team of the European Commission, led by Germany's Ursula von der Leyen, who will serve her second five-year term as president. Lawmakers voted 370 in favor, 282 against, with 36 abstentions, giving the green light to the 27-member executive team. Janis Emmanouilidis, deputy chief executive of the European Policy Center, said the new Commission reflects enhanced "presidentialization," with the commissioners largely aligned with von der Leyen. Unlike the previous term, dissenting voices appear absent. While a strong president offers continuity during challenging times, Emmanouilidis stressed the importance of maintaining a "strong cabinet." Former Polish lawmaker Jacek Saryusz-Wolski criticized the approval of the new Commission on his social media, calling it "the lowest European Parliament approval in history" and alleging the outcome was driven by "inter-party bargains." Von der Leyen delivered a speech before the vote on Wednesday. In her speech, von der Leyen unveiled the Competitiveness Compass, marking the first major initiative of the new College of Commissioners. This initiative is grounded in three key pillars: closing the innovation gap, implementing a joint plan for decarbonization and competitiveness, and enhancing security while reducing dependencies, according to von der Leyen. "We are roughly as good as the U.S. at creating start-ups. But when it comes to scale-ups, we are doing much worse than our competitors," von der Leyen said, underscoring the new Commission's commitment to increasing investment and a sharper strategic focus on innovation. In terms of decarbonization and competitiveness, "we must and will stay the course on the goals of the European Green Deal," von der Leyen said, vowing to put forward a Clean Industrial Deal within the first 100 days of the mandate. Von der Leyen also emphasized the critical role of stable and secure supply chains in ensuring economic security. The European Parliament holds a plenary session at its headquarters in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Members of the European Parliament vote on the new team of Commissioners at the headquarters of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) A member of the European Parliament attends a plenary at the headquarters of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen makes a statement at the headquarters of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen celebrates after a vote at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen makes a statement at the headquarters of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Bluesky's significant user base growth has brought increased attention to the platform's lack of a verification system. This absence has led to a proliferation of spam users impersonating companies and personalities. Many are comparing Bluesky's current situation to its rival, X, which previously struggled with a surge in fake accounts acquiring blue verification checks through paid subscriptions. Bluesky's Current Verification Landscape Unlike X, Bluesky does not offer blue checkmarks to denote verified accounts. Instead, it encourages users to adopt unique names featuring domains as a form of self-verification. Users are racing to secure these domain-linked handles, which offer a semblance of authenticity but lack the simplicity of a formalized verification process. Verification Flaws and Impersonation Issues Alexios Mantzarlis, director of Cornell Tech's Security Trust and Safety Initiative, highlighted Bluesky's verification challenges in his Faked Up newsletter. He revealed that 44% of the top 100 most-followed accounts on the platform have at least one impersonator. The lack of a standardized verification system has drawn widespread criticism, with users finding Bluesky's self-verification model both flawed and confusing. Bluesky's approach to self-verification involves users linking their account handles to their domains. This requires modifying DNS records with specific text strings, a process accessible only to domain owners. While this method provides a layer of authenticity, its technical complexity has limited its adoption and left the platform vulnerable to impersonators. Prevalence of Impersonation The cumbersome self-verification system has created opportunities for impersonators to secure misleadingly official-looking handles. These imposters often replicate the profiles of companies or personalities, altering only minor details in their handles to deceive users. This mirrors the impersonation issues previously observed on X. The Platform's Rising Popularity and Decentralized Approach Bluesky's popularity continues to soar, with its user base recently surpassing 20 million following its public launch earlier this year. Many users migrated to the platform after Donald Trump's electoral victory and in reaction to dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's leadership on X. Bluesky also gained traction when X faced a ban in Brazil, solidifying its position as a leading alternative social network. Bluesky's decentralized model offers users the ability to create and manage their servers and employ custom content moderation tools. These features have rekindled aspects of the earlier social media era, contributing to its growing appeal. Despite this success, the platform's inability to implement a robust verification system remains a significant concern, particularly as impersonators exploit the self-verification loopholes. Debt acquisition and credit servicing firm, Cabot, has been the target of a cyberattack and 394,000 files of data has been stolen, including material related to its direct customers and its loan book, the High Court has heard. Cabot Financial (Ireland) Ltd, Cookstown Court, Old Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin, claims there are "persons unknown" behind the attack along with a UK incorporated web hosting provider called Aeza International Ltd. Advertisement Last month, Cabot was granted an injunction requiring Aeza and the "persons unknown" to deliver up some 356 GB of data initially removed from Cabot's IT system between September 17th and 18th last. Cabot was also granted an anonymisation order and its initial application was heard in private (in camera) by Mr Justice Brian Cregan. Cabot successfully argued that this was to prevent the alleged cyber attackers seeking a ransom for the return of the data. It also argued that if the alleged attackers were given notice of the making of any order by the court, this could lead to widespread dissemination of the material. Advertisement Cabot has more than 100,000 current customers and if the data stolen includes historic customers, it could be multiples of that figure, Cabot director Sean Webb said in an affidavit. When the case again came before the court later in October, Mr Justice Oisin Quinn lifted the anonymisation and in camera order. On Thursday, when it then came before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, Johnathan Newman SC, for Cabot, said following the initial one-side only represented application before Mr Justice Cregan on October 9 last the known defendant (Aeza) had been served with the court papers by registered post. However, there had been no appearance before the court by Aeza. Counsel said when the matter was before Mr Justice Quinn, that judge had concerns about service of the papers on persons unknown who are only identified by an IP (internet protocol) address. Advertisement The judge made certain orders in relation to them but it had not been possible to serve the order and counsel sought to continue the order in order that this could be done. Mr Justice Sanfey directed that as well as serving them with the papers by post they could also be informed by email of the making of the court order. He said the case could come back next month when the court will hear an application for the extension of the injunction until the full case is heard. In his affidavit grounding the injunction application, Cabot director Mr Webb said the firm holds personal and corporate information on its IT system along with identification documentation, corporate, commercial and employee data. In the last two weeks of September, Cabot became concerned at suspicious activity on its systems and a number of technical steps were taken to respond, he said. Advertisement It then engaged an incident response team to commence a thorough investigation supported by cyberattack expert Mandiant and external counsel. On October 4th, Mandiant reported a data theft. It was discovered that on September 17th, a command was made to back up files to an external IP address. Mr Webb said that between September 17th and 18th, "event logging" on its system recorded the backup utility accessing 393,984 files. He said the "threat actors" had accessed the system and removed around 356.65 of data to the external IP address. Cabot says it notified the Central Bank and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau of the matter. Advertisement Mr Webb said the impacted data includes information relating to direct customers' debt acquired by Cabot and customers of financial institutions that Cabot provides credit servicing activities to. Ireland Court dismisses case over council's refusal to ext... Read More It includes loan book data relating to loans it purchased and contact details. There is a risk it could contain material relating to health or marital relationship in instances where a customer writes explaining the circumstances giving rise to repayment arrears, he said. There was also sensitive data relating to employees as well as data relating to pricing, redundancies, business opportunities and internal corporate confidential data. Mr Web said Mandiant had concluded that the IP address is associated with Aeza which has an address in Barking Road, London. From a Google Street View search, it appears to be the office of another firm that merely provides secretarial services to Aeza, he said. The only director of Aeza is Mr Marat Timurov with an address in Uralsk, Kazakhstan. Aeza's website describes it as a web hosting provider and it has a UK contact number and an email address. A High Court judge has urged parties in a dispute relating to an attempt to wind up a company over an alleged disputed debt of 126,000 to "put their heads together" and resolve the matter. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey made the comment on Thursday in a case in which Allpro Security Services Ireland Ltd was granted a temporary order on Tuesday restraining Top Security Ltd from publishing a petition seeking to wind up Allpro. Advertisement Allpro provides security staff for the former Dundrum Mental Hospital in Dublin, which are sourced through Top. The site is being used to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. The court heard on Tuesday Allpro was "in a robust financial position". When the case returned on Thursday, the judge was told by Tomas Keys BL, for Allpro, that Top had agreed not to advertise the winding up petition until the next adjourned date but his client did not want the matter to be listed in the High Court "winding up petitions" list on December 9th. Louis McEntaggart SC, for Top, said his side's view was that the "reality of this case may dissipate" as it was his [counsel's] view there was no substance in what has been put before the court. However, he said, he was "in the court's hands" in relation to that. Mr McEntaggart said given the nature of what is before the court,"minds may be applied in a week to a methodology about how this entire matter could be resolved". Advertisement If "heads can be knocked together" it would also seem worthwhile giving the parties liberty to apply to the court before December 9 to have it dealt with, he said. The judge said it "seems crazy that there would be a three day trial over 126,000". He said the parties seemed to be taking the prudent way of dealing with it. "I would certainly urge the parties to put their heads together because it makes no sense otherwise", he said. He vacated the December 9th winding up date for presenting the petition and adjourned the matter to next week with liberty to the parties to apply to the court before then "in the event sanity breaks out". Allpro has been contracted by the the Department of Integration to supply security staff for the former Dundrum Mental Hospital which is being used to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. Allpro in turn engaged Top to provide the staff but a dispute developed about payment related to what Allpro claimed was "clocking on and clocking off" by the security staff and the subsequent presentation by Top of invoices for that work. Ireland is heading to the polls to decide who should form the next government. Here is an overview of everything from how to find out if youre registered, where to go, what to do and how the Irish voting system works. Advertisement Am I registered? If youre unsure whether youre registered, you can still visit checktheregister.ie select your local authority and search using your full name and address or Eircode. When can I vote? Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Friday, November 29th. Do I need a polling card? No. Even if you havent received one, you might still be on the register. A sample polling card If youre registered to vote but havent received a polling card, you can just go to your polling station. Advertisement Where is my polling station? Polling stations are often local schools or community buildings that are close to your registered address. Your polling station will be listed on your polling card. If you haven't recevied a polling card, you can use checktheregister.ie or you can call your local authority to see if you are on the register, and where your polling station is. Do I need to bring ID to the polling station? Yes especially if you dont have a polling card. When you arrive at the polling station, youll be asked for your name and address, and possibly a form of identification to confirm that you are who you say you are. Advertisement Once staff at the polling station find your name is on the Register of Electors and are satisfied with your identity, theyll give you your ballot paper. How do I vote? Ireland uses proportional representation for elections, with each voter getting a "single transferable vote". This means you can order in preference, marking 1, 2, 3 and so on for your preferred candidates. It also means voters can choose to vote for as many, or as few candidates as they like, in order of their preference. Advertisement Your first preference vote the candidate you give their number 1 vote to is most important and is always counted. Your second (and further preferences) may be counted if your preferred candidate is eliminated at the end of a round of counting, or is elected with a surplus. Do not make any other mark on the ballot paper. If you do, your vote may be considered invalid/spoiled and not counted. You should not write X or tick the box beside candidates, as this could also spoil your vote. When you have voted you should fold your ballot paper, return and place it into the ballot box at the same station. Advertisement How does the count work? When polling is over, all ballot boxes are taken to a central counting place for each constituency. The count starts at 9am on the day after polling day. Once all the ballot boxes are opened, a reconciliation process takes place in which the number of ballots issued at the polling centre is checked against the number of ballots that were in the ballot boxes. Each ballot paper is checked to ensure that it has been properly completed, and any potential spoilt votes are set aside. The number of ballot papers are counted to determine the total poll, the total number of votes. The quota is then calculated on the basis of the total valid poll. The quota is the figure that, if reached, guarantees the election of a candidate. It is possible to get elected without reaching the quota, but this can only happen when all other candidates are excluded. How is the quota calculated? The quota is calculated by taking the (total number of valid ballot papers) dividing it by (the number of seats to be filled plus one) and then adding one. So, in a four-seat constituency with a valid poll of 60,000 the quota is as follows: (60,000/4+1) +1 -= 12,001. The quota is a formula calculated on the basis of the lowest possible number of votes that can be filled by the number of candidates to be elected. In the above example, which is a four-seat constituency, it is only possible for four candidates to reach the quota of 12,001 votes each, as this would only leave 11,996 votes left. If your first choice candidate reaches or exceeds the quota on the first count, they are elected. So what is the surplus? The surplus is the number of votes a candidate has over the quota. The first count is normally the only time that all of a candidates second preference votes are counted. If a candidate is elected at the first count, then all their votes are used to calculate the proportion of surplus that will be given to each candidate. Where a candidate reaches the quota after the first count, only the ballot papers that brought them over the quota are examined (the votes that were transferred from the previous count). If two or more candidates are elected at the same time, then the surplus of the candidate with the largest vote is distributed first. However, a surplus is only distributed if it can achieve one of the following: Elect the next highest continuing candidate; Bring the lowest continuing candidate level with or above the second lowest continuing candidate; Qualify the lowest continuing candidate for recoupment of their election expenses or deposit (if applicable). The question of whether a surplus is to be distributed is considered after each count on the basis of the surplus(es) then available. What about eliminating candidates with the lowest votes? If nobody reaches the quota after a round of counting, then the candidate with the fewest number of votes is eliminated, and all their votes are distributed. More than one candidate can be eliminated after a round of voting if it is clear that they cannot be elected, and they cannot qualify to have their election expenses repaid. And then we get a government? Once all the seats have been filled, the Dail votes on who will serve as Taoiseach and lead a government. If one party has a majority, or has the support of other parties and/or independents, it will be clear who will lead the country into the new Dail session. If there is no clear majority, there may be a period of negotiation, where groups of parties and/or independent TDs try to build a majority. If there is no clear winner, and TDs are unable to decide who should form a government, the Taoiseach (from the previous government) may have to ask the President to dissolve the Dail again. How is a government formed? A party needs a majority (51 per cent) to form a government. If two or more parties come together, like the current government, it is called a coalition. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will likely to be in a position to form another government, but internal tensions, and polling figures, suggest their partners will not be the Green Party again. Election 2024 Election 2024: See the full list of candidates in... Read More They may have to rely on Labour or the Social Democrats, or a grouping of independents. This is normally a protracted process so it will be at least a few weeks after the election that a new government is formed. Other options include a left-leaning coalition of a number of parties, led by Sinn Fein. Speaking on the final day of the campaign, Taoiseach Simon Harris urged the public to transfer their votes to other centrist parties. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald urged the public to transfer their vote to left parties including the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. Fianna Fail could be in line for an even better general election showing than polls are suggesting and claim up to 50 seats, according to former minister for agriculture Ivan Yates. After analysing each constituency, Mr Yates told BreakingNews.ie that his prediction is around 50 seats for Fianna Fail, followed by Sinn Fein on around 38 and Fine Gael on around 35. Advertisement Mr Yates, who looked at each constituency on the Calling It podcast on Newstalk, added that it is "impossible to be precise". However, he feels Fianna Fail, who lead the polls on around 21 per cent, will do better than forecast. "We have decades of polls not accurately recording Fianna Fail's position. They're not too bad with the other parties but from the run-up to the local and European elections, Fianna Fail were consistently between 15 and 18 per cent in all polls. "In July they were back into 18-19 per cent, they got 23 per cent in a real vote. Polls underestimate the strength of individuals, 50 per cent of people vote for the candidate, they don't represent that strength in Fianna Fail with more experienced candidates, a better localised infrastructure outside of Dublin. Advertisement "Generic polls of 1,200 people just don't detect any of that." Transfers He added: "It doesn't reflect the latest poll, but the latest poll would have Fianna Fail on 21 per cent, Fine Gael on 20 per cent, Sinn Fein on 20 per cent, that kind of territory which wouldn't lead you to the results I'm suggesting. "Once you get into the constituencies and look at the prospect of a strong transfer between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and look at who is closer to seats after eliminations. If there are two seats left, and three people between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail involved, a bit like John Mullins in Cork in Ireland South, his elimination elected Cynthia Ni Mhurchu. I think that is a prospect. Advertisement "Overall, the position is Irish politics has never been more fragmented. "I think all of the respective campaigns of smaller parties haven't really caught fire. I think the Greens were heading for a decline and they haven't arrested it, they're of the government but not for the government. "The main narrative of the election is 'do you support the continuation of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael stability, pro-enterprise economy', the counter-narrative is '100 years of Fianna Fail/Fine Gael and it's time for change'. "The narrative that connects will be the winner; the same with Donald Trump in the US, the economy and migration connected more with voters, he won." Advertisement If his predictions are correct, Mr Yates said a significant gap between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael could lead to "weeks of drama" when it comes to government formation. 'No entitlement to a rotating Taoiseach' "I think that there would be no clear entitlement to a rotating Taoiseach or parity esteem if those results were the accurate final results. "It's obviously going to be a hard, tough negotiation. Between the two parties they won't have enough, they're on 80+ but, while it's an inexact science, they'd probably need in the low 90s to form a stable government. "The first issue is how they actually form a government with a viable, lasting majority. The second issue is whether there will be parity of esteem or not. Advertisement "Obviously, there will be people who point out that the arithmetic of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail adds up to a majority, but I think Martin will be resolute both before and after the election in resisting that. "I think Martin is in absolute control of the Fianna Fail party and there isn't the prospect of what Martin wants not happening. Politics is very unpredictable, if there was months of delay in forming a government, it could get quite fractious in two or three different directions, but there will be a period of uncertainty ahead." He added: "The first thing they need is a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael deal, and if there's a senior-junior element to that it will be tricky, and the bigger party will say 'why should we?' You're going to have that drama for a number of weeks. The bigger the gap between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, the more inherently difficult it will be. If I'm wrong, and they're both on 38 or so, then it's no problem, or 42 each if they have a good day. "I don't see circumstances where there will not be at least six seats between them, so that's where the margin of error comes in." While the Labour Party has been mooted as a possible third party in a coalition government, Mr Yates thinks Micheal Martin and Simon Harris would favour Independents rather than a third party, if it will give them a stable majority. However, he said Labour is certainly a possibility for government as he predicts they will win between 6 and 12 seats. Mr Yates said the Green Party face a far more uncertain future. Ivan Yates said Simon Harris and Micheal Martin are likely to favour Independent TDs when it comes to government formation. "It all depends on the figures, but my sense of it is if it's 5 or 12, it could be either, but I think gene pool Independents will be the first port of call provided they'll sign up to five years and take the whip, like Shane Ross' Independent Alliance did with the ministerial appointments. "There are people from Michael Lowry to Noel Grealish, who voted for the last government when they didn't have to. Their support base is amongst Fine Gael and Fianna Fail people and they're cannabilising the Fine Gael vote in north Tipperary, so they'll act as almost proxy Fianna Fail/Fine Gael people. "I think Labour have a real opportunity to get 12 seats: people like Conor Sheehan in Limerick city, Darragh Moriarty in Dublin South Central, Laura Harmon in Cork South Central, Ciaran Ahern in Dublin South West. "It's a new generation of Labour that can't be blamed for the Burton/Gilmore era toxicity over water charges. I'm not feeling a surge for them on the ground, but the opportunity is there. "On the ground, I'm hearing Independents are doing better. These factors are down to hundreds of undecided voters, and it's impossible to be precise about it. "I'm more detecting Sinn Fein consolidation amongst the left, even with unknown candidates rather than Labour or Social Democrats. "I think the Greens are in an awful position, and the position they're in is that a lot of their TDs got a huge number of Sinn Fein transfers last time. It was an anti-establishment vote, but they've been in governmnent and will lose that. "The narrative is amongst 40 per cent of people who want to re-elect the government, it doesn't include the Greens. They're middle of the road neither for or against the government, but of the government, it's a precarious position." While Taoiseach Simon Harris has struggled in the latter stages of the general election campaign, particularly after an exchange with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Mr Yates said he has done a good job overall. He pointed to Fine Gael's low popularity when Leo Varadkar stepped down as Taoiseach, adding that Mr Harris faced a huge challenge with 18 TDs retiring. "Two big albatrosses that Harris has around his neck, number one is 14 years of consecutive government. A fourth term is really hard, the Tories, [Tony] Blair or Bertie [Ahern], for anyone to get. "The 18 retirements are 390 years of constituency work, data bases, friendships, loyalties all flushed down the toilet. In areas like Mayo to replace Michael Ring, they're effectively running three candidates with Alan Dillon. Dillon is a safe seat but it's very hard to splinter the vote into three geographic areas, with unkown candidates two of which weren't elected in the local elections. Even on a good day where the brand holds up, it's just a logistical nightmare. "There's a big difference between Ballina and Ballinrobe. "I always predicted that Harris has been on a helter-skelter routine, the party has been relying on brand Simon Harris since May, and that after the care and family referendums they were looking down the barrel of 20 plus seats. I think he's done a remarkable job and it was inevitable that cracks would start to appear because of those two factors of legacy of 14 years and retirements. "If Harris has failed to do anything, he's failed to manage expectations." Ivan Yates said Taoiseach Simon Harris has done a good job overall, despite his struggles in the latter stages of the campaign. Sinn Fein has tried to propose an alternative government made up with parties of the left, but Mr Yates said the numbers of such a coalition make it unlikely. "In my figures, I can't get past the mid-60s for people who call themselves left. Between Independents, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail there doesn't seem to be that volume of votes for the left, therefore I just don't think it's possible." In political circles, some people have speculated this may be Mary Lou McDonald's last election as Sinn Fein leader. Mr Yates said this is an "open question" but may ultimatley come down to what she decides. "I did notice, and it was very striking, that there were no Mary Lou posters nationwide, whereas there was 'new energy' with Harris and 'moving forward together' with Martin. "People rang me to say they drove through the whole of Sligo/Leitrim and they saw no Mary Lou posters. There have been signs from west Belfast that she was getting some blame for the situation of having gone from 36 per cent and the entitlement to being the largest party, within a year to a really poor local election performance with 12 per cent of the vote. "There were many factors, migration, they were on the wrong side of the referendum debate for a lot of people, the 300,000 Dublin homes pledge cost them some support, and they generally had hubris in their approach to entitlement for being in government. "Mistakes have been made by Sinn Fein, they've had seirous conseqeunces. "I do think there will be a review within Sinn Fein, I think it will depend on firstly what she wants, I think it's an open question about her position. "The considerations for Sinn Fein will be they will need a Dublin and city based leader, I don't see Pearse Doherty being the replacement, although he's the obvious deputy leader. "It's an open question I think, it's not a slam dunk that she will lead Sinn Fein in the next election if it's four years away." An Irish mother whose children were abducted by their father in Egypt nearly three years ago has praised the Taoiseach for his engagement with her, saying "I had another experience of Simon Harris" after he was criticised for an interaction with a care worker in Cork. Mandy Kelly from Dundalk in Co Louth was on holiday in Egypt in 2022 when her husband Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed locked her in an apartment and took the children away in a car. Advertisement Three-year-old Kareem and his five-year-old brother Zayn Mohammed were both born in Ireland and have had no contact with their mother since June 2022, three months after they were kidnapped. Both the High Court of Ireland and the family courts of Egypt have awarded Ms Kelly custody. However, this "is no consolation given that my estranged husband has fled from house-to-house to avoid authorities in Egypt". After Mr Harris' interaction with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork went viral, leading to heavy criticism, Ms Kelly contacted BreakingNews.ie to share her experience with the Taoiseach. Advertisement Speaking from Egypt, Ms Kelly said: "I have followed the news coverage of criticism of Taoiseach Simon Harris by a care worker. "I can only imagine her pain given what she faces every day. I would not blame her for her disappointment. "Still, I had another experience of Simon Harris. Despite a demanding campaign schedule, Mr Harris took time out specifically to meet with me in private, away from the cameras and glare of the media, because he was very concerned about Kareem, Zayn and I. "He pledged his support to me and I have every reason to believe him because he didnt do it publicly for votes, but privately to reassure me of Governments commitment to every Irish citizen even my two, vulnerable boys. Advertisement "Simon Harris may have made a poor choice in Cork when dealing with that carer. It was unacceptable. He has said so, himself. But I have had another experience of Mr Harris one in which he took time with me privately, listened intently and pledged his support. "I look forward to him continuing his efforts on behalf of my sons, including continuing to raise their fate with the highest levels of the Egyptian government as his government has already done." Ms Kelly is returning to Ireland on election day, where she hopes to raise the issue of her sons' abduction again. A Mountjoy prisoner has been convicted of murdering a fellow inmate after a jury agreed with the prosecution case that he had "lured" him into his cell, knocked him to the ground and stamped on his head in a "vicious and unprovoked" assault. The jury of nine men and three women at the Central Criminal Court took a little less than three hours to return a unanimous verdict of guilty of murder against David Dunne (40), with a last address in Summerhill, Dublin 1. Advertisement Dunne had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert OConnor on the 29th of July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison, North Circular Road, Dublin 7. He claimed he did not intend to kill Mr O'Connor and the jury was asked to consider whether he had an honest belief that he was acting in self-defence when he caused multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the deceased's head, torso, arms and legs. A pathologist's report and neuropathology exam revealed that the blows to Mr O'Connor's head caused his brain to rotate, which led to the tearing of nerve cells. The injuries were consistent with stamping, punching or kicking. Members of Mr O'Connor's family broke down in tears and embraced one another when the verdict was revealed. Dunne will face the mandatory term of life imprisonment when he is sentenced on December 16th, after Mr O'Connor's family have had a chance to speak about the impact the murder has had on their lives. In a brief statement following the jury's verdict, a garda involved in the investigation told the court that Mr O'Connor was born in the UK to an Irish father and English mother. The family returned to Ireland when Mr O'Connor was a small child. He has one half-brother and a half-sister, while his mother died in 2008. Advertisement When he died, Mr O'Connor had been in a relationship for one year. His death, the garda said, has had a "dramatic and serious" effect on his girlfriend's health. Netizens were amused by the usage of second-gen K-pop songs for the Malaysian prime minister's posts on Instagram. On November 25, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim uploaded several posts on his official Instagram account, which recounted his meeting with Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) and OCI Holdings in Seoul. While the meeting made headlines due to Malaysia's investment support and Hyundai's expansion to the country's automotive ecosystem, netizens were instead focused on the account's usage of K-pop songs for its background music. The Prime Minister has included songs such as Girls' Generation's "Gee," which was the pinnacle song of second-gen K-pop back then and propelled the "Nation's Girl Group" to stardom and success. Meanwhile, other posts also included 2NE1's "Come Back Home," a nostalgic throwback for many longtime K-pop fans. The latest post also used the band CNBLUE's "Love," furthering the amusement of netizens. An earlier reel also included BIGBANG G-Dragon's newest single "Power," which the BIGBANG leader released on October 31, and performed live at the 2024 MAMA Awards. Another post also featured BTS' 2020 hit "Dynamite," the group's second breakthrough song in their career that further catapulted them into global success and fortified their already-flourishing worldwide recognition. Some reels also featured Zico's viral "Any Song" and Super Junior's "Sorry, Sorry." Here's how netizens reacted to the posts: The wife of boom-time developer Paddy Kelly has failed in her appeal against an order of termination of tenancy made by the Residential Tenancies Board. The board, in deciding against Maureen Kelly, further ordered that she must pay rent arrears of 60,000 to a landlord that told her the property, which she was also to vacate, was to be sold. Advertisement Last January, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) made a determination against Ms Kelly, who rented a property on leafy Morehampton Road, Dublin 4, from notice party Miracove Holdings Ltd, from November 2019. The RTB ruled that the notice of termination of tenancy served by the landlord, Miracove, on Ms Kelly in June 2021 with an end date of January 2022 was valid. The RTB, the respondent in Ms Kelly's appeal, made further orders directing Ms Kelly to vacate the property within 42 days of the determination order and directed the appellant to pay 60,000, the maximum the RTB can award, in rent arrears to Miracove. Ms Kelly appealed the RTB decision on termination of tenancy on grounds that the RTB erred in law in finding that there was sufficient evidence to meet the statutory criteria for termination. Advertisement The criteria in question is that the landlord intends to enter into an enforceable agreement for the transfer to another, for full consideration, of the whole of its interest in the property. Ms Kelly registered a lis pendens regarding the property. A lis pendens puts any third party on notice that there is a pending legal challenge regarding land or property. The landlord submitted that a lis pendens was not a bar to sale but rather a factor that had to be disclosed to any potential buyer, making a sale more difficult. Miracove told the RTB that they could not sell the property in circumstances where they could not get vacant possession. Advertisement Ms Kelly had argued that Miracove directors who gave oral evidence in the RTB case were not in situ at the time of the declaration and therefore did not have direct knowledge of the intention to sell the property within nine months of the termination. The appellant submitted that the pertinent question was whether there was a bona fide intention to sell. The RTB had found that on the balance of probabilities, it was satisfied that the landlord had the intention to enter into an enforceable agreement to sell the property within nine months of the January 2022 termination date. The RTB said it was "not persuaded by the submission that as time passed and the property was not sold, the intention to sell has not been made out". Advertisement In his High Court judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Conleth Bradley dismissed Ms Kellys appeal and upheld the RTBs decision on the termination declaration. Mr Justice Bradley said that the RTB was entitled to come to the conclusion that there was sufficient evidence in the case that Miracove did intend to sell the property within nine months when it served the notice of termination in June 2021 through the then written declaration of Brian Goulding, a director of Miracove. Ireland Former property developer secures court approval f... Read More Ms Justice Bradley said Miracove had decided not to market the property until it was secured and vacant possession had been established. I consider that there was sufficient evidence in this case to establish that Miracove Holdings Ltd intended, within nine months after the termination of the tenancy, to enter into an enforceable agreement for the transfer to another, for full consideration, of the whole of its interest in the property, said the judge. Advertisement Accordingly, I refuse the orders sought in the appellants originating notice of motion. I shall, therefore, make an order dismissing the appellants appeal, said Mr Justice Bradley. At the height of the boom, Mr Kelly, one of the country's biggest property developers, was said to be worth 350 million, but in 2010 he told the Irish Times that he actually owed 350 million. The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade marched, soared and roared into its second century in New York on Thursday despite a drenching rain and a brief disruption from pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Performers lead the Tom Turkey float down Central Park West at the start of the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade (Jeenah Moon/AP) The Spider-Man balloon floats in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Jimmy Fallon rides a float in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) New York City police said they arrested 21 people after protesters jumped barricades and sat down on the parade route with Palestinian flags and a Dont Celebrate Genocide banner. Advertisement Spectators watch from an apartment balcony as Disneys Minnie Mouse balloon floats by on Central Park West during the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade (Yuki Iwamura/AP) The Macys Great American Marching Band plays as it heads down Sixth Avenue (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Thanks to the wet weather, ponchos and umbrellas were part of the festivities, along with the usual giant balloons, floats and star-studded performances. The Wednesdays Feast float moves down Sixth Avenue (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) T-Pain rides on a float during the parade (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Sixth Avenue during the parade (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) A performer dressed as a candy cane walks down Sixth Avenue (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) The Marshall from Paw Patrol balloon floats in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) A performer dressed as a Christmas tree walks down Sixth Avenue (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Parade performers march down Central Park West (Yuki Iwamura/AP) Handlers guide the Pillsbury Doughboy balloon down Sixth Avenue (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) The Israeli military said its warplanes fired on southern Lebanon after detecting Hezbollah activity at a rocket storage facility, the first Israeli airstrike a day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took hold. There was no immediate word on casualties from Israels aerial attack, which came hours after the Israeli military said it fired on people trying to return to certain areas in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Israel said they were violating the ceasefire agreement, without providing details. The truce began earlier this week (Leo Correa/AP) Lebanons state-run National News Agency said two people were wounded. The back-to-back incidents stirred unease about the agreement, brokered by the US and France, which includes an initial two-month ceasefire in which Hezbollah militants are to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. The buffer zone would be patrolled by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers. Advertisement On Thursday, the second day of a ceasefire after more than a year of bloody conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanons state news agency reported that Israeli fire targeted civilians in Markaba, close to the border, without providing further details. Israel said it fired artillery in three other locations near the border. There were no immediate reports of casualties. An Associated Press reporter in northern Israel near the border heard Israeli drones buzzing overhead and the sound of artillery strikes from the Lebanese side. Displaced residents have returned to Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon (Bassam Hatoum/AP) The Israeli military said in a statement that several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. Advertisement It said troops opened fire toward them and would actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials have said forces will be withdrawn gradually as it ensures that the agreement is being enforced. Israel has warned people not to return to areas where troops are deployed, and says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah if it violates the terms of the truce. A Lebanese military official said Lebanese troops would gradually deploy in the south as Israeli troops withdraw. Advertisement The ceasefire agreement announced late on Tuesday ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began a day after Hamas October 7 2023 attack out of Gaza, when the Lebanese militant group began firing rockets, drones and missiles in solidarity. A person stands next to remains of his family home after he returned to Chehabiyeh village, southern Lebanon (Hussein Malla/PA) Israel retaliated with airstrikes, and the conflict steadily intensified for nearly a year before boiling over into all-out war in mid-September. The war in Gaza is still raging with no end in sight. More than 3,760 people were killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. Advertisement The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel over half of them civilians as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon. Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon, and thousands began streaming back to their homes on Wednesday despite warnings from the Lebanese military and the Israeli army to stay out of certain areas. Some 50,000 people were displaced on the Israeli side, but few have returned and the communities near the northern border are still largely deserted. In Menara, an Israeli community on the border with views into Lebanon, around three quarters of homes are damaged, some with collapsed roofs and burnt-out interiors. A few residents could be seen gathering their belongings on Thursday before leaving again. The family of British teenager Jay Slater have turned off donations from a fundraising page set up after his disappearance in Tenerife, saying our journey of trauma and grief will continue forever. Mr Slater died after sustaining multiple injuries consistent with a fall in a rocky area. Advertisement His remains were found near the village of Masca in July after he went missing following the Spanish islands NRG music festival the previous month. The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater (19), from Lancashire in England, could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was found. A GoFundMe page titled Get Jay Slater Home received 87,500 before it was closed on November 21st. The final message posted on the page explained how the donations were spent. They included a search team from the Dutch non-profit organisation Signi Zoekhonden and his familys stay in Tenerife while efforts to locate Mr Slater continued. Advertisement Mr Slaters family also said in the post that they were able to give him a truly deserved send-off at his funeral in August. Jay Slaters remains were found in a steep and inaccessible area near Masca in July (James Manning/PA) The message, signed off by Mr Slaters family and friends, read: With your support we were able to stay in Tenerife until we got our beautiful boy back to the UK. We were able to fund the Signi search team from the Netherlands who supported us throughout the days when Jay was found. Jay truly deserved the send-off we were able to give him and we thank you all for that. Advertisement We have been overwhelmed with messages of support from all over the globe and will be eternally grateful to all of you. Our journey of trauma and grief will continue forever and we will never recover. The message continued: We lost our beautiful boy in extremely tragic circumstances whilst the world watched. We do not and will never understand how Jays story reached every corner of the globe. Advertisement Our journey is far from over but the burdens eased with your support. We would also like to thank the person who looked after Jays fundraiser page whom we have been in constant contact with, especially whilst in Tenerife the support and advice you gave will not be forgotten. Donations will be turned off with this final message. Jays family and friends are trying to come to terms and process this tragic loss and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Russia is engaged in a massive missile and drone attack against Ukraines energy infrastructure, officials said, as fears mount about Moscows intentions to devastate the countrys power generation capacity before winter. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko posted on Facebook: Attacks on energy facilities are happening all over Ukraine. Advertisement He added that emergency power outages are being implemented nationwide. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and many other cities in central and western Ukraine. The head of Ukraines presidential office, Andrii Yermak, said in a Telegram post that Russia had stockpiled missiles to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and wage war against civilians during the cold season. They were helped by their crazy allies, including from North Korea, he wrote. Advertisement One strike happened in the northern Volyn region. Power supply has been limited there, said Ivan Rudnytskyi, the regional military head. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles, presumably for another pre-winter aerial campaign against Ukraines power grid. Ukrainian officials have in the past accused Russia of weaponising winter. Around half of Ukraines energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the almost three years of war with Russia, and rolling electricity blackouts are common. Kyivs Western allies have sought to help Ukraine protect power generation with air defence systems and funds for rebuilding. Advertisement Leading actor Petro Velykiy, 48, was killed in a battle with the Russian troops in Russias Kursk region (AP) In previous years, Russia has targeted Ukraines electricity generation, aiming to deny civilians critical heating and drinking water supplies during the bitter winter months and break Ukrainian spirits. The attacks also seek to hobble Ukraines defence industry as it seeks to produce missiles, drones and armoured vehicles, among other military assets. The war has been going in Russias favour in recent months as its bigger army uses its advantages in manpower and equipment to push Ukrainian forces backwards in eastern areas, though its offensive has been slow and costly. Western governments and South Korea say North Korea has intensified its military support for Russia in recent months. Advertisement The head of the Lviv region in western Ukraine, Maksym Kozytskyi, said the attack left more than half a million households without electricity. Over 280,000 households in the north-western Rivne region were without electricity because of the attack, according to regional governor Oleksandr Koval. Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian infrastructure as the typically bitter winter sets in (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP) Running water supplies were also patchy in affected areas. Some schools in Rivne city switched to online classes. There were also strikes on the bordering Volyn region, where 215,000 households had no electricity, regional head Ivan Rudnytskyi said. All critical infrastructure that lost power was switched to generators. Advertisement Energy infrastructure was also targeted in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, local officials said. Air defences were activated there, and emergency power outages were introduced. Local officials ordered the opening of points of invincibility shelter-type places where people can charge their phones and other electrical devices and get refreshments during blackouts. In Kyiv, where the air raid alert lasted over nine hours, missile debris fell in one neighbourhood, local officials said. No casualties were reported. Russia has conducted a massive attack against Ukraines energy infrastructure, firing nearly 200 missiles and drones and leaving more than a million households without power, Ukrainian officials said. Russias second major aerial attack on Ukraines power grid in less than two weeks amplified fears that the Kremlin aims to cripple the countrys power generation capacity before winter. Advertisement Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said on Facebook: Attacks on energy facilities are happening all over Ukraine. The Commander of the Air Force, along with the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Energy, provided reports regarding the aftermath of the latest Russian strike targeting our energy infrastructure. In total, approximately 100 strike drones and over 90 missiles of various types were pic.twitter.com/gClYnks7or Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 28, 2024 He added that emergency power outages were implemented nationwide. Russia in previous years has targeted Ukraines electricity generation, aiming to deny civilians critical heating and drinking water supplies during the bitter winter months and break Ukrainian spirits. The attacks also seek to hobble Ukraines defence industry as it produces missiles, drones and armoured vehicles, among other military assets. Advertisement In some regions on Thursday, Kalibr cruise missiles with cluster munitions smashed into civilian targets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, calling it an insidious escalation. Russia has made gains in recent weeks (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP) Cluster munitions release numerous small bombs over a wide area, making them dangerous to civilians both during and after an attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his forces struck 17 Ukrainian targets on Thursday, including military facilities and their support systems, with 100 drones and 90 missiles. But the Ukrainian air force claimed to have shot down 76 cruise missiles and three other types of missile as well as 32 drones. Advertisement It added that it lost track of 62 Russian drones, which were most likely jammed by electronic warfare. Ukrainian officials have warned recently that Russia was stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles, presumably for another pre-winter aerial campaign against Ukraines power grid. Ukrainian officials have in the past accused Russia of weaponising winter. Such massive attacks have been a regular feature of the war. Around half of Ukraines energy infrastructure has been destroyed during almost three years of war with Russia, and rolling electricity blackouts are common. Kyivs Western allies have sought to help Ukraine protect power generation with air defence systems and funds for rebuilding. Advertisement Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian infrastructure as the typically bitter winter sets in (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP) The war has been going in Russias favour in recent months as its bigger army uses its advantages in manpower and equipment to push Ukrainian forces backward in eastern areas, though its offensive has been slow and costly. Mr Putin said that over the past two days Russia had fired 100 missiles and 466 drones at Ukraine, saying they were a response to Ukraine using American-made missiles to hit targets on Russian soil after gaining permission to do so from President Joe Biden. Speaking at a summit in Kazakhstan of a security alliance of former Soviet nations, Mr Putin threatened to use a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, called Oreshnik, against decision-making centres in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. The missile launched for the first time at Ukraine last week has six warheads and flies at 10 times the speed of sound, according to Putin, who declared that it cant be intercepted by any modern air defence systems. Advertisement Explosions in Thursdays Russian attack were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and many other cities in central and western Ukraine. Mr Zelensky urged Western countries to accelerate delivery of promised air defence weaponry. Ukrainian officials in the past have grumbled that military aid is slow to arrive. Leading actor Petro Velykiy, 48, was killed in a battle with the Russian troops in Russias Kursk region (AP) Each such attack proves that air defence systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not at storage bases, Mr Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app. The head of Ukraines presidential office, Andrii Yermak, said in a Telegram post that Russia had stockpiled missiles to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and wage war against civilians during the cold season. They were helped by their crazy allies, including from North Korea, he wrote. Western governments and South Korea say North Korea in recent months has intensified its military support for Russia. The head of the Lviv region in western Ukraine, Maksym Kozytskyi, said the attack left more than half a million households without electricity. Over 280,000 households in the north-western Rivne region were without electricity because of the attack, according to regional governor Oleksandr Koval. Running water supplies were also patchy in affected areas. Some schools in Rivne city switched to online classes. There were also strikes on the bordering Volyn region, where 215,000 households had no electricity, regional head Ivan Rudnytskyi said. All critical infrastructure that lost power was switched to generators. Energy infrastructure was also targeted in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, local officials said. Air defences were activated there, and emergency power outages were introduced. Local officials ordered the opening of points of invincibility shelter-type places where people can charge their phones and other electrical devices and get refreshments during blackouts. In Kyiv, where the air raid alert lasted over nine hours, missile debris fell in one neighbourhood, local officials said. No casualties were reported. Sweden has formally asked China to cooperate in explaining the recent rupture of two data cables on the Baltic Sea bed in an area where a China-flagged vessel had been sighted. The two cables, one running from Finland to Germany and the other from Lithuania to Sweden, were both damaged in Swedish waters last week, in an area where the Yi Peng 3, a China-flagged bulk carrier, was seen. Advertisement The Yi Peng 3 has been moored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark. The bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 is anchored in the sea of Kattegat, near the city of Granaa in Jutland, Denmark (Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told a news conference in the town of Harpsund on Thursday that Sweden would like the vessel to move to its own waters to allow for an inspection within the ongoing international investigation. As I had said before, Sweden has expressed our desire for the ship to move to Swedish waters and we are in contact with China from Sweden, Mr Kristersson said. Today I can also tell you that in addition to that Sweden has also sent a formal request to China to cooperate with Swedish authorities in order to create clarity on what has happened. Advertisement He was speaking after a security meeting of government leaders of the Baltic Sea region. In the same news conference, Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed full solidarity and full support and trust in Swedens reliability as it acts in the interest of all countries in the Baltic region. Finnish, Swedish and German authorities have launched investigations into the rupture of the two cables. Germanys defence minister said that the damage appeared to have been caused by sabotage, although there is no proof at present. Advertisement Chinese authorities in Beijing said earlier this month they had no information about the ship but that China was ready to maintain communication with relevant parties. They called for the vessels rights to normal navigation to be protected. Last year Sweden announced a cable running from its coast under the Baltic Sea to Estonia had been deliberately ruptured. Syrian armed groups have launched a large-scale attack on areas controlled by government forces, setting off fierce clashes for a second day and seizing territory in Western Aleppo, government and opposition factions said. Syrias armed forces said the offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls much of north-west Syria and is a violation of a de-escalation agreement. Advertisement It said the attacks are ongoing and have targeted a number of villages and military bases. The army statement said: Our forces are confronting the terrorist organizations with different power and in collaboration with friendly forces to ensure the situation returns to how it was. Opposition factions launched the offensive early on Wednesday and claimed they have wrestled control of more than 15 villages from government forces, capturing a military base and hardware, and taking a number of soldiers hostage. The offensive follows simmering tensions in the area (AP) The opposition fighters said their offensive will allow the return of thousands of displaced people who were forced to flee government bombardment in recent weeks. Advertisement The offensive follows weeks of simmering violence in the area, where activists said government and allied Russian forces have stepped up their bombardment of parts of the last remaining stronghold of the opposition. It also comes as Iranian-linked groups, who had backed Syrian government forces since 2015, have been preoccupied with their own battle at home. Israel and Hezbollah, the lead group in the Iran-backed alliance, have been locked in a war that escalated since September. A ceasefire was announced on Wednesday, the day the Syrian opposition factions announced their offensive. Israel has also escalated its attacks against Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets in Syria during the last 70 days. Advertisement The move comes after the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah (AP) Formerly known as the Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of al-Qaida, HTS later changed its name several times and distanced itself from al-Qaida. Russia, along with Iran, backed Syrian government forces soon after the anti-government protests in 2011 turned into a war. Turkey has backed an array of opposition forces and established military presence in parts of north-western Syria. Meanwhile, the United States has supported Syrian Kurdish forces fighting so-called Islamic State militants largely in the east of the country. Advertisement The Turkish government said it is closely monitoring the offensive launched by the opposition groups in northern Syria. Unnamed defence ministry officials quoted in the state-run Anadolu Agency said the Turkish military had taken all kinds of measures to protect its troops in Syria. Complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) have been steadily rising over the years. There were more than 7300 complaints recorded in the last financial year, an increase of 5 per cent on the year before. A quarter of them were related to delayed claims handling. But even the data does not tell the full picture of what people have been going through. Even the increasing AFCA complaints dont tell the full picture, says Xavier OHalloran. Credit: Rhett Wyman While thousands take their grievances to AFCA each year, many more who are worn out by the protracted process give up on demanding accountability once they receive their entitlements, according to Super Consumers Australia director Xavier OHalloran. The system is really set up to put money in, but poorly set up to take money out, OHalloran says. As the super system has matured its become more important, and more people are hitting retirement with significant balances They have a similar [customer service] expectation of their super fund as they do from other financial institutions, but theyre finding its not the same at all. While retail funds, with $750 billion in assets today, were dragged through the Hayne royal commission that uncovered a raft of issues, including AMP charging dead customers fees, the industry funds, which dominate the sector with $1.3 trillion in assets, emerged largely unscathed. Five years on, industry funds now find themselves in the crosshairs of the corporate and financial regulators, which are increasingly piling on the pressure. They have called out super funds for not focusing enough on the retirement phase; questioned them over their $12 billion expenses bill; taken fund directors to court for corporate governance failures; and put the industry on notice over inadequate customer service. But it was the Australian Securities and Investments Commissions Federal Court action against the $94 billion superannuation giant Cbus this month that would have sent a shudder down the spine of the industry. ASIC alleged the fund failed to identify and prevent delays that affected 10,000 members claiming death and disability insurance payouts since August 2022 with the majority of them waiting for more than 12 months for a resolution and then warned there could be more enforcement action to follow, in a sign of how widespread and systemic the regulator believes the misconduct is. Less than a week later, AustralianSuper announced it would repay $4.2 million to the families of deceased members as compensation for taking too long to process their death benefit claims. As 3 million Australians over the next decade join 6 million retirees who are already drawing down their super accounts, and the industrys size poses a greater threat to the countrys financial stability, ASIC can neither afford nor is legally permitted to look away. Its not for us to tell trustees how to do their jobs ... but because super is now so important and complex ... our obligation with enforcing and holding to account in super is arguably even more important for consumers, ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant says. Whose job is it? About 70 per cent of Australians who have life and disability insurance have it taken it out through their super fund. The premiums tend to be cheaper and the costs more effective. Loading The funds own the insurance policy, meaning they can negotiate better deals and pass on the savings to members, who are third-party beneficiaries but the law mandates they do everything that is reasonable to pursue an insurance claim for the benefit of a beneficiary if the claim has a reasonable prospect of success. But somewhere along the way, disabled and bereaved Australians trying to make claims have been let down at their most vulnerable. The task of dealing with members, handling inquiries, submitting claims to insurers and then chasing them has often been outsourced to under-staffed third-party administrators. However, under the Corporations Act, super funds are ultimately responsible for failures and breaches of the law. ASICs case against Cbus, for instance, acknowledges the source of the hold-ups as the administrator, but alleges the fund failed to properly assess the scale of the delays and act promptly to redress them, despite being told very large numbers of death and disability claims were older than 90 days. The industry is now having a conversation about what the right mix of outsourcing and insourcing of administration looks like. Would customer experience vastly improve if member services were handled internally? Or would losing the economies of scale exacerbate the issues? There are also complex laws, as well as family situations, that funds are having to navigate, while managing that cultural and regulatory shift from accumulating funds to paying out members retirement savings. And most people just dont know what kind of customer service to expect from their superannuation. They deal with it either at retirement, or at a time of great stress and trauma when they have become permanently disabled or lost a loved one. There are the avoidable delays that super funds are being rapped over the knuckle for, including staff forgetting to request information or giving the wrong advice to insurers and members, and then there are the legal hoops and hurdles that the industry claims are exacerbating the issues. Obtaining a death certificate can take months, and then if you add estranged family members into the mix or disputes over the beneficiaries, that can further frustrate the process. Then there are members who dont have death nominations, or the ones who do dont have binding ones. Trustees are obligated to make sure the money is paid to the correct person. Simone Constant has ramped up the heat on super fund executives even more as the scandals engulfing the sector deepen. Credit: Louise Kennerley And then there is the raft of reforms the former Coalition government introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to improve the superannuation system. While the changes were long-awaited and welcome by consumer groups, there were other tweaks that meant people lost their insurance cover without realising. ASIC will publish a report early in the new year that it says will demonstrate the issues in the sector are systemic, and the complaints are not as a result of isolated, complicated cases. But Constant also pointed to a review the regulator published in May that found few funds provided accessible information to members about binding death nominations, and that the process could be simpler. I would say [to the funds], if you think this is complex, and you look after the biggest asset manager in Australia in some cases, and youre a really experienced CEO or trustee, think about how it feels for someone who is grieving, Constant says. Paul Watson, a superannuation and insurance lawyer at Berrill Watson, concedes the administrators are a big part of the problem, but says that should not distract from the core issue or minimise the culpability of super funds, whose job is to look after peoples money and make sure theyre sufficiently resourcing those systems. He points to the super funds walking away from a voluntary code of conduct in 2021 as evidence of the industry not taking its responsibilities seriously. Like ONeill and OHalloran, Watson believes the federal government must legislate a code of practice with teeth for the industry. I dont have a problem with fund administrators existing, but I do have a problem if super funds are not watching them there needs to be oversight, Watson says. If you want to get administrators to do it, you dont alleviate your responsibilities. Its still your problem, and you still need to make sure theyre doing their job. Assistant treasurer Stephen Jones said the federal government had passed laws requiring funds to have executives responsible for member services, but were considering further reforms. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said ASICs case against Cbus highlights the urgent need for better governance in the sector. The superannuation industry is adamant its working tirelessly to get members money out the door, sending case managers to homes and hospitals if a paraplegic member is unable to sign forms, trawling through social media accounts to find beneficiaries, at times hiring private investigators. Funds have made improving standards, including communicating better with members, a priority over the past 18 months, according to Mary Delahunty, the chief executive of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia. Mary Delahunty, chief executive officer of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia. Complex family arrangements, contested positions and all of those things will slow the process down that means we need to get better about communication and get better at our empathy because naturally [a person claiming a death benefit] is someone who has lost a loved one in an untimely manner. Theyre in grief, and we need to be more responsive to that, she says. While the stories are genuinely heartbreaking, and we know we need to improve, super funds look after 22 million people, answer over 5 million calls a year switch 167,000 accumulation accounts into pension funds and the majority of this is done well. We have to make improvements for people who are asking us to help them in a time of need, but we need to remember this is a well-functioning system thats served the country well. Loading But ASIC and consumer groups dont believe the industry has gone far enough. Over the years, William Johns, the founder of Claim Right, has helped thousands of disabled and bereaved people navigate the bureaucratic labyrinth, the bizarre requests and the endless back-and-forth to claim their insurance benefits. He tells stories of staff at the third-party administrator not being aware of a specific plan someone may be on; a member being told they have insurance and then later told by someone else they dont; or funds claiming Australia Post lost the application forms. Some cases border on tragicomic. The company is now assessing possible locations for the plant, including Onslow in WAs northwest coastal region and Estonia under the terms of an MOU with the Estonian government. Alternatively, Hastings may look at undertaking the HM processing in Saudi Arabia. The final decision on the location will be subject to further analysis of possible avenues of finance and the potential to evolve a workable mine-to-magnet supply chain. Hastings MOU with Saudi Arabia opens up the possibility that the kingdom could also be a likely site for its stage two plant, ahead of further funding discussions with possible Saudi joint venture partners. Hastings says rare earths magnet products produced in Saudi Arabia are well positioned to supply components into original equipment manufacturers and other Tier 1 suppliers in Europe, the United States and Middle East markets. Under the terms of the MOU and collaboration, Saudis Ministry of Investment will support Hastings to refresh its bankable feasibility study subject to the HM plant being located in the kingdom. The ministry would also help secure joint venture partners to facilitate the development and signing of an agreement to develop the stage two plant in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the ministry will assist with access to possible Saudi-based funding and identify suitable local partners for all stages of business establishment. This could include the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, which has the capacity to lend up to 75 per cent of the project cost and provide further assistance to Hastings as required, including easing its pathway through the various licensing, legal, compliance and regulatory matters in the kingdom. Hastings executive chairman Charles Lew said:Hastings is pleased to have signed the MOU with MISA as the company continues to progress its two-stage development strategy at Yangibana as part of our vision to create an integrated mine-to-magnet supply chain. Hastings looks forward to working with the Saudi Government to assess plans for the construction of a hydrometallurgical plant and downstream facilities in the KSA as well as working to secure KSA JV partners and development financing support. Hastings says it obtained the required industrial investment licence from the Saudi Ministry of Industry in October, enabling it to kick off its required due diligence work in Saudi Arabia. The companys collaboration with the ministry involves four phases to be put in place with its joint venture partners. The first phase involves construction and management of an HM to produce a mixed rare earth carbonate at an annual production capacity of 15,000 tonnes which would employ Hastings HM plant, currently sitting in storage in Perth, in Western Australia. The second phase includes construction of a solvent extraction plant to produce rare earth oxides, while the third stage would establish a refining and downstream processing facility. The final phase would involve setting up a rare earths concentrate supply from local Saudi mines. Inside the structure of the MOU, JL Mag Rare-Earth Company (JL Mag) is the designated off-take entity for downstream products from the third phase. Notably, JL Mag is the worlds leading producer of rare earths permanent magnets by volume and is acknowledged as the world leader in the application of grain boundary diffusion technology for magnets. The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has a market capitalisation of HK$27.8 billion (A$5.5 billion). JL Mag will become a 9.8 per cent investor in Hastings with the vice president (international) of JL Mag, Han Yu, becoming JL Mags nominee on the Hastings board. JL Mags global customer base includes the worlds top 10 new energy vehicle manufacturers, eight of the worlds top 10 variable-frequency air-conditioner compressor manufacturers and five of the worlds top 10 wind turbine generators. Hastings says it has been approached about opportunities to relocate its stage two plant to Saudi Arabia over the past 12 months. It recently appointed Mohammed Mugaibel as the kingdoms country representative to accelerate its joint venture company formation in the kingdom and help update the bankable feasibility study and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. Mr Mugaibel has more than 20 years experience and has worked previously with Saudi groups and government entities such as Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Maaden and Dussur within their business development teams. Mr Mugaibel holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University, in the US, and a Masters in Business Administration from Kennesaw State University, in the US State of Georgia. Hastings new MOU with Saudi Arabia offers a multitude of advantages practical, financial, technological and social - that appear to offer myriad avenues of assistance to enable the company to realise its primary objective of getting its Yangibana rare earths-niobium project off the ground and its products into the marketplace. Combined, the four development phases represent a strategic opportunity for Saudi Arabia to realise its Vision 2030 industrial diversification and to become a major participant in the global rare earths magnets supply chain, which could also fulfill Hastings mine to magnet objective. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au K-pop fans are comparing the lineups between the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon and the 2024 MAMA Awards. The recently-held MAMA Awards had its three-day run from November 21 to 23. The first day of the 2024 MAMA took place in the United States for the first time, at the Dolby Theatre, in Los Angeles, California. This was then followed by the second and third days, which were both held at the Kyocera Dome, in Osaka, Japan. Many K-pop artists were awarded at the event, as well as showcased their energetic stage performances. However, some were left unsatisfied by MAMA's artist lineup. On X (formerly Twitter), fans compared the MAMA Awards artist lineup to the ongoing list unveiling of 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon, an annual music festival for K-pop artists. The first performer lineup was announced way back on November 13, with NewJeans, ITZY, Stray Kids, TXT, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, and TWS all scheduled to perform at the exciting event. On November 26, SBS Gayo Daejeon declared its second lineup of performers. According to the list, the event will also include LE SSERAFIM, aespa, SHINee Key, NCT 127, ILLIT, BOYNEXTDOOR, NMIXX, and ATEEZ. Fans then shared their thoughts on Gayo Daejeon's amazing lineup, which they claimed was "better than MAMA." Read their reactions below: the lineup are crazy even better than MAMA pic.twitter.com/5hnHjwwgvN (@pradahypen) November 26, 2024 We got everyone in the house shai is daydreaming (@shailificent) November 26, 2024 Illit, Aespa, Newjeans, and Lsf in the same house???? Were about to be healed https://t.co/euqQVnCFoz Kwo (@Kwooluvsu) November 27, 2024 gayo daejeon never disappoints. such good memories from when i went. hope one day i can go again https://t.co/EnZP1svhYs Paige (@KimLipaige) November 27, 2024 gayo dajeon ALWAYS goes way crazier than mama yall have to be there fr https://t.co/NQpDJNBNVR |in this multistan sh- for life| 7 (@staytinyroha) November 27, 2024 The 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon will be held on December 25, at the INSPIRE Arena, in Incheon, South Korea. Australias competition and consumer watchdog has launched Federal Court action against Webjet, accusing the online travel booking site of misleading consumers about flight prices and bookings. The ACCC alleges Webjet breached consumer law in statements made in its app, marketing emails and social media about the minimum price of airfares, which omitted compulsory fees. The posts, between November 2018 to November 2023, included flights from $x but excluded Webjets fees, which were up to $54.90 per booking. An example of a Webjet offer that the ACCC highlighted. Credit: We know how much Australian consumers value air travel to stay connected for work, leisure or to visit family, ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said in a statement. Since 2019, China has created an unreliable entity list to penalise companies that undermine national interests, introduced rules to punish firms that comply with US restrictions on Chinese entities, and expanded its export-control laws. The broader reach of these laws enables Beijing to potentially choke global access to critical materials such as rare earths and lithium essential components in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. The new tools are part of what one Communist Party publication described as an effort to provide legal support for countering hegemonism and power politics and safeguarding the interests of the country and the people. Collectively, the strategy marks a calculated shift to counter Trumps expected policies when he takes office. The fallout could significantly disrupt operations for American companies. The Skydio factory in California. The US company has been hit hard by Chinese sanctions. Credit: NYT That raises the stakes for businesses and the economy as the new US administration readies its first salvo in what could become a more ruthless second round of trade conflict between the United States and China. Washingtons relationship with Beijing was already fraught. President Joe Biden has largely continued Trumps confrontational policies, sanctioning some Chinese companies and restricting others from the US market. This month, the US government announced a ban on 29 Chinese companies over connections to forced labour in the countrys western province of Xinjiang. Loading On Monday, Trump went further. The president-elect said he would impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on all products coming into the country from China. China has given a preview of the lengths it is willing to go to counter US government sanctions. In September, Chinese authorities accused PVH, the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, of discriminating against products in Xinjiang, putting it onto its unreliable entities list. It was the first time that Beijing had punished a foreign company for removing Xinjiang cotton from its supply chain to meet US trade rules. A few weeks later, a think tank with ties to Chinas internet regulatory agency called for a review of Intel, an American chip company, for selling products that constantly harmed Chinas national security and interests. The last company subject to a cybersecurity review, American chipmaker Micron, was ultimately cut off from supplying chips to a significant portion of the Chinese market. The Chinese rules leave both PVH and Intel stuck in the tussle between the two global superpowers. Other companies might soon find themselves in a similar position. The conundrum for firms is whether and how to follow US trade restrictions, when doing so could trigger Chinese reprisals. Forcing companies to question their business practices might be Chinas intention, experts say. At the same time, Chinese officials need to strike a balance in their punishments. If they go too far in penalising foreign companies, they could scare away investors when financial markets are worried about Chinas economy. And in some cases, Chinese companies still need what the United States offers, including microchips in electronic devices or soybeans that Chinese farmers feed their cattle. Many of Chinas state-owned enterprises still use computers powered by Intel chips. They have this dilemma where they want to signal to the US government, but they dont want to scare foreign investors and companies too much, said Andrew Gilholm, a China expert at consulting firm Control Risks. They want companies to know that there is a cost to being too enthusiastic about complying with US and other regulations. Loading The strategy, he said, is evolving into one that looks more like supply chain warfare. Still, for the many companies that rely more on China than China does on them, Beijing has can exact major pain. Skydio spent years building a supply chain outside China, but it remained reliant on the country for one crucial item: batteries. After the sanctions by China, there is no quick fix. It can take months to make the necessary design changes and secure new suppliers. In a statement, Skydio said it would be forced to ration batteries. That means its customers, which include fire departments, can only get one battery per drone, severely limiting how long a craft can fly. The company said it planned to have new supplies by the northern spring. If there was ever any doubt, this action makes clear that the Chinese government will use supply chains as a weapon to advance their interests over ours, Skydio wrote. Advertisement Review Eating outMelbourne This hole-in-the-wall is one of the cutest (and cheapest) food spots in Melbourne Thai noodle takeaway Eek Charm is wedged between an escape room and a hairdresser in a city laneway. Dani Valent November 28, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the Melbourne hit list for December 2024. See all stories . 1 / 5 Eek Charm is a hole-in-the-wall noodle shop. Joe Armao 2 / 5 Noodles with the original soy sauce flavour (and condiments). Joe Armao 3 / 5 The tofu version has a pinky colour. Joe Armao 4 / 5 Noodles with the crispy pork crackling. Joe Armao 5 / 5 The takeaway kiosk is cute, cheap and convenient. Joe Armao Previous Slide Next Slide Thai$$$$ In a narrow pedestrian-only laneway, wedged between an escape room and a hairdresser, theres a tiny hole-in-the-wall kiosk selling Thai noodles for less than $12. The offering is necessarily simple: the space is closet-sized, with just enough room for a compact boiler and one person to assemble the meals. Four different styles of noodles are served in takeaway boxes and there are a few tables in the laneway where you can perch to eat your spoils. While youre waiting, theres an urn with free chicken broth for help-yourself soothing sips in paper cups. You can also add broth to your noodles. Im easily overwhelmed by choice, so I appreciate the simplicity here. Step one is to select your noodles, either egg, thin rice noodles, or even thinner vermicelli. Step two is to choose your flavour: theres original soy sauce, fermented tofu, tom yam or chilli pork. Shredded chicken, chicken meatball, fried wonton and quail egg are included with all. Advertisement Noodles with the original soy sauce flavour (and condiments). Joe Armao The soy sauce flavour is made with soy, palm sugar, vinegar and fish sauce, simmered to a salty, comforting slurry. The tofu version is a Thai street-food staple called yen ta fo that relies on red beancurd for its pink colour: its spicy, sour and a little funky. Tom yam is a hot and sour soup-free version of the famous Thai broth, and the crispy pork, well, thats another version of the original, but with crackling sprinkles. Its not unknown for restaurants to be founded because their owners miss certain dishes and bet that others are suffering the same culinary homesickness. Eek Charm is one such place. Advertisement Advertisement Much of the prep for Eek Charm happens by day. Jean Hrair Wehbe is actually quite the entrepreneur with four other outlets around the city: Mamao is a Thai restaurant on Queen Street, Pak Soi is a snack bar on Sutherland Street, Mamao Club is a late-night venue with music on Bourke Street, and theres Lampalong, a street food outlet and dark kitchen in Docklands. Eek Charm is the tiniest, and has the most restricted offering, but its a gem, definitely one of the cutest food spots in Melbourne. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Its time: Legendary Golden Century restaurant to reopen, this time with harbour views The much-missed Chinatown stalwart is making a glitzy comeback at Crown Barangaroo. And theyll have an equally iconic new neighbour. Bianca Hrovat November 28, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share When Chinatown restaurant Golden Century announced its closure after 32 years of operation, Sydney went into mourning. It was the loss of a culinary institution, where multiple generations of diners, chefs, celebrities and politicians gathered over peking duck and bowls of pipis in XO sauce to celebrate, commiserate and kick on. But on Thursday, an almost-Christmas miracle: restaurateur family Eric, Linda and Billy Wong announced Golden Century will rise again, reopening at Crown Barangaroo in January with its signature Cantonese dishes, a wall of live seafood tanks and harbour views. Crown will also welcome Bondis Icebergs Dining Room & Bar for a summer residency at The Waiting Room, which theyre calling Icebergs Harbour Bar. Golden Century owners (L-R) Eric, Linda and Billy Wong with Icebergs Dining Room & Bar owner Maurice Terzini (second from right). Louise Kennerley Golden Century will take over the former site of now-closed Chinese restaurant Silks, on the third floor of Crown. It will seat about 150 people (notably smaller than its 600-seat Sussex Street location) and open for lunch and dinner. Advertisement It was time for Golden Century to come back, says Billy Wong, who will lead restaurant operations with ongoing input from his parents. Elements of the new Golden Century will stay true to the original: parents Eric and Linda Wong will often be there (Its in their blood, says son Billy); the wine list will be varied and lengthy (though $1.15 million of their wine collection was sold after the closure); and a significant portion of the menu will focus on comforting Cantonese classics, cooked by a team of chefs who have worked at the Wongs other restaurants, XOPP (Darling Harbour) and The Century (Pyrmont). The opening menu will include signature dishes such as XO pipis, live lobster cooked two ways, abalone steamboats, Peking duck, and a lunchtime yum cha offering. Thats the sort of legacy I want to continue. I want Golden Century to be there for the next generation. Restaurant owner Billy Wong The announcement follows reports of a food and beverage overhaul across Crown Resorts in Melbourne and Sydney as US private equity giant Blackstone (which acquired the casino operator in 2022) works to overcome a steep decline in Crown Resorts annual earnings this financial year, and a $450 million penalty by AUSTRAC for breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws issued last July. Advertisement A spokesperson for Crown said the AUSTRAC penalties related to breaches under previous Crown owners and management. Blackstone managing director Craig Newman said: Blackstone is delighted to work with the Crown team and talented chefs and creators to bring exciting new dining options to guests and visitors. The famous seafood tanks at Golden Century in 2016. Dominic Lorrimer Wong says support for the familys restaurant encouraged them to seek another venue after debts of more than $1 million plunged Golden Century Seafood Restaurant into administration during a lease impasse at the Sussex Street site in 2021. Creditors later voted to clear the debt. We were overwhelmed by the support we received, says Wong. Many of our customers reached out to share stories of dining with their grandparents, their parents, and eventually their own children at the restaurant. It was like a rite of passage. Advertisement Thats the sort of legacy I want to continue. I want Golden Century to be there for the next generation. Golden Centurys signature dish, pipis in XO sauce, will make a comeback. Christopher Pearce The family has spent the past three years reviewing potential sites, but nothing checked all the boxes until Crown. The new site was too good to refuse, Wong says: a convenient, bustling location, impressive harbour views, and a community of well-respected in-house restaurants including aMare and Oncore by Clare Smyth. [At Crown], well have an opportunity to elevate what we do, Wong says. Linda and Eric Wong (right) outside Golden Century in 1989 with Siuwah Wong, one of the original owners. Supplied Advertisement Wong says its important for Golden Century to continue offering various price points, accommodating grand celebratory feasts alongside drop-in visits for dim sum and fried rice. But this time, there will be eight private dining rooms, a selection of new dishes to elevate the culinary offering, and an earlier closing time of about 10pm or 11pm at least initially. Golden Century was once known as the go-to spot for late-night dining in Sydney, especially among chefs. Wong says it could happen again, depending on demand and Crown regulations. Bookings for Golden Century will open in December. XOPP and Golden Century BBQ will continue to trade, but The Century at Star will close by the end of December. Its last day of service is yet to be determined. Advertisement Icebergs Dining Room & Bar will open Icebergs Harbour Bar at Crown in January. Jennifer Soo Icebergs Harbour Bar will open every day, taking inspiration from European hotel bars while offering a menu of casual Icebergs classics such as the Iceburger and fried gamberetti (school prawns). I have always had a love affair with great hotel bars; theyre transient and fun, says Icebergs restaurateur Maurice Terzini. This evolution of the Icebergs Bar will bring classic drinks and our signature bar food offering to Crown Sydney. While Crown Resorts was sold to Blackstone for $8.9 billion in 2022, it now has an estimated worth of less than $300 million. In July, Crown sold its 20 per cent stake in acclaimed Japanese restaurant and hotel chain Nobu, worth $266 million A spokesperson for Crown said Nobu Barangaroo will continue to operate as normal. The NSW Department of Education has stripped key performance targets from its annual report, removing specific goals for lifting academic results, attendance and the number of public school students finishing year 12. It is the first time in almost 20 years that education officials have failed to include achievement targets, many of which they had recently failed to meet, in the report. The NSW Education Department has not published specific achievement targets in its latest annual report. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The department, which runs one of the worlds largest public school systems, has previously published a suite of ambitious targets for boosting the proportion of students who feel a sense of belonging at school, as well as lifting attendance, HSC results and students finishing school. Surveys released this year show that almost half of NSW public high school students feel like they do not belong at school, with girls more likely to struggle and feel disconnected. About a third of all public school students drop out of school before reaching year 12, last years figures show. Sydneys multibillion-dollar metro line must be extended to the outer suburbs within 15 years to leverage the potential of the regions new international airport and soaring population, NSW and federal governments have been urged. The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue lobby group will on Friday launch a campaign for the NSW government to delay a potential extension of the $25 billion Metro West line to inner-city Zetland in favour of north-west and south-west Sydney extensions before 2040. The call follows a secret report that canvassed options for building future rail lines to Macarthur and Tallawong after the Metro West line between Parramatta and central Sydney opens in 2032. The dialogues chief executive, Adam Leto, said the extensions would fill missing pieces of the metro rail network, improving transport routes for one of the most disconnected parts of Sydney. A two-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car during pick-up time at a school in Brisbanes south-west. The child is believed to have been in the Durack State School carpark when he was struck around 3.30pm. Paramedics rushed to the school but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman was reportedly assisting police with their investigation on Thursday night. Queensland Health is warning Brisbane residents to monitor symptoms after someone with measles visited sites in the citys south between November 21 and 26. In an alert, the department confirmed the case of the very infectious disease on Wednesday, and that the carrier had unknowingly created several exposure sites in the community before his or her diagnosis. They included an after-school care centre, a convenience store and a chemist. The department warned the disease could be spread by coughs and sneezes, and advised anyone who had visited the sites at the same time as the infected individual to monitor their condition. The documents show multiple residents had also contacted Seqwater after the tests were conducted asking for any available data and whether they should consider investing in a home water filter to protect their family. Are you able to share any recent test results? one homeowner from Ashgrove asked Seqwater. The [Australian guidelines] are significantly higher than the safety limits imposed in the USA for PFAS, and Im trying to decide what sort of water filtration system I need to install in my home to protect my family. The residents were given almost the same answer as this masthead received before it lodged an RTI request for more. Providing clean, safe drinking water is Seqwaters number one priority and our water continues to meet the standards set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, the response said in part. Western Sydney University water scientist Dr Ian Wright said it appeared Seqwater took steps to avoid transparency. Any water group that holds back data I think has questionable ethics, Wright said. Water scientist Ian Wright from Western Sydney University. Credit: File Im disappointed by Seqwater that its taken an [RTI] to release this sort of pretty basic, fundamental information you cant hold back the tide. This is going to come out. Wright said he was particularly concerned for people with serious health conditions who may have wanted to take additional precautions. If it complies with the guidelines, why wouldnt you publish it and provide reassurance? Loading It appears the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) may have also been unaware of the Seqwater test results. In a fact sheet on the bodys website, the NHMRC says the highest PFOA reading it knows of across the country is 9.7 parts per trillion. But Seqwater has recorded higher rates on at least 10 occasions since 2023, some more than four times that level, according to the documents. Given national standards were not breached, Seqwater took the decision not to even brief the responsible minister. Government talking points were prepped to ensure consistent messaging. Seqwater Mount Crosby EastBank. In a statement requested by Brisbane Times, to clarify its position, Seqwater reiterated it was not obliged to release any test results that did not breach local standards. It has since published more recent test results showing no type of PFAS had been detected. Seqwater recognises the public health interest in PFAS, the statement said. Seqwater reports to the Queensland water supply regulator on water quality and complies with all reporting obligations under relevant legislation. We also proactively publish PFAS data on our website. Loading Seqwater strongly refutes any suggestion that it deliberately withholds information about its water quality testing, which includes testing for PFAS. While concerned by the lack of transparency, Wright defended Seqwaters performance overall, saying in many ways, the water industry is a victim of this. Just be open and honest, he suggested. Youre suffering, your industry and your reputation is suffering because of it and youre not providing useful advice that people can act on. Its almost like a shattering of democracy when theres hazardous chemicals coming out of your tap water and youre not being given the full story. The documents show that, in mid-2023, insurers began asking Seqwater about its risk of exposure to PFAS. Anecdotally, the insurance industry sees the PFAS [firefighting foam issue] as the new asbestos. one staff member said at the time. The documents suggest testing has increased, and Seqwater has taken the risks seriously, however in some instances staff questioned the need to go further. Im not sure we want to go looking into fauna concentrations as it will likely be present, and then what? one employee asked on August 22, 2024. Loading All the docos have already shown it has been found in people/animals on every continent. Dr Nick Chartres is a senior research fellow at The University of Sydney, with an expertise in the health effects of chemicals. He said consumers needed to be empowered with information. The Australian public should be provided with accurate and timely information from utilities that are funded by the taxpayer, Chartres said. The public should then be able to make informed decisions on what is best for their health and their families, and if necessary, ask the government to intervene and protect them. Suppressing information like this when it has been explicitly requested sets a concerning precedent and will erode the publics trust, unnecessarily. High-profile environmental campaigner and former NSW Australian of the Year Jon Dee said the apparent cover-up warranted an inquiry and heads should roll. This will rock the publics trust in its drinking water, Dee said, urging Premier David Crisafulli to take steps to assure the public it was being taken seriously. Ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Dee also questioned whether American athletes would be comfortable consuming and competing in water that contained chemicals at higher levels than allowed back home. Police Minister Paul Papalia has used parliamentary privilege in his second last question in parliament today to launch an extraordinary attack on Basil Zempilas former (as of today) Churchlands campaign manager Cam Sinclair. The attack was over his involvement in an anti-gun reform group. Papalia said Sinclairs marketing agency Ammo Marketing helped build the WA Firearms Community Alliance website and accused him of being an architect of the campaign to actively attack firearms reform. Minister Paul Papalia. Credit: AFR He is also the person who helped architect the campaign to actively attack firearms reform at the outset, firstly, spreading false rumours about me online. He is the person who designed that, he said. Sinclair is the WA Liberal partys digital marketing strategist and through Ammo Marketing he helped facilitate the poll for a mystery businessman that triggered a failed leadership challenge of Libby Mettam earlier this week. He declined to comment but earlier this week told WAtoday Ammo marketing worked for a range of conservative groups around WA. On Thursday Sinclair confirmed he had stepped aside from the role as Zempilas campaign manager but the Liberal HQ backed him to remain at the wheel of their 2025 digital election strategy after he issued an apology to state director Simon Morgan for not alerting him to the potential conflicts of interest by facilitating the poll. Papalia then turned his attention to Zempilas, challenging him to publicly support the Cook governments gun reforms, particularly given he was seeking to represent Churchlands where Jenny Petelczyc, 59, and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl were shot dead by Mark Bombara in May. Zempilas declined to comment. The gun reforms were due to be implemented next year after the release of a suite of regulations. Ammo Marketing has made no secret of their relationship with the firearms group, spruiking their work on their Facebook pages. Theres a place for politicians to do their shouting. Its not in the press gallery, as Senator Lidia Thorpe undoubtedly knows, which is why, we might assume, she chose it for her latest attention-seeking performance. The gallery is a series of benches reserved for journalists to silently do their recording of the so-called debates that occur in the pits below, which is to say either the Senate or the House of Representatives. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe outside Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Those pits are where politicians do their bawling, screeching and yawping, and where they usually get away with it. Suspended senator Lidia Thorpe has entered the press gallery viewing area of the Senate yelling pro-Palestinian slogans, putting officials on edge and prompting a large security response at Parliament House a day after she was barred from the chamber for throwing papers at One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Thorpes Senate gallery stunt on Thursday was a second breach of parliamentary rules as nobody is allowed to disrupt proceedings and she was already barred from the chamber. Her statements earlier in the day that Hanson was a convicted racist also prompted legal letters from the One Nation leader. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe protests inside the Marble Foyer at Parliament House on Thursday. Credit: AAP Parliaments final scheduled sitting day of the year had begun when at 9.45am, Thorpe entered the gallery that is typically restricted to media use and calmly asked Whats going on? to attract attention. The moment when many politicians finally gave up on Lidia Thorpe came a few days before the Senates most outrageous stuntwoman launched the tirade that got her suspended from the upper house on the final, exhausting day of federal parliament for the year. Thorpe, the independent and Indigenous senator for Victoria, angered her colleagues with a flippant interjection in the Senate on Monday during a debate on a motion she moved about racism in parliament. In a vote that should have unified the chamber, Thorpe goaded her fellow Indigenous senators because they did not agree with everything she said. Senator Lidia Thorpe protests in the marble foyer at Parliament House on Thursday. Credit: AAP Weve got the native police sitting there. Shame! she called out. It was an ugly taunt. Thorpe was likening the other senators people like Liberal frontbencher Kerrynne Liddle and Labor cabinet minister Malarndirri McCarthy to people who turned on their fellow First Australians to do the bidding of colonial authorities. Nobody was surprised that Thorpe went too far because she always goes too far. But her remark tipped senators over the edge in the conversations about whether she should be suspended. They were sure that Thorpe would keep blowing up until she was booted out. And they were right. Officials initially resisted such a move, citing escalation concerns and uncertainty over how Putin would respond. Some of those officials, including in the White House, the Pentagon and the State Department, feared lethal retaliation against US military and diplomatic personnel and attacks on NATO allies. Others were specifically worried about nuclear escalation. Biden changed his mind because of North Koreas entry into the war before the US presidential election, US officials have said. German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl expects Moscow to further step up its hybrid warfare. Credit: X/DGAP Hybrid warfare Some officials now believe the escalation concerns, including the nuclear fears, were overblown but stress that the overall situation in Ukraine remains dangerous and that nuclear escalation is not out of the question. Russias ability to find other covert ways of retaliating against the West remains a worry. NATO and Western intelligence services have warned that Russia is behind a growing number of hostile activities across the Euro-Atlantic area, ranging from repeated cyberattacks to Moscow-linked arson all of which Russia denies. Russias acts of sabotage against Western targets may eventually prompt NATO to consider invoking the alliances Article 5 mutual defence clause, the head of Germanys foreign intelligence service said on Wednesday. Loading In Berlin on Wednesday, Federal Intelligence Service chief Bruno Kahl said he expected Moscow to further step up its hybrid warfare and that the Kremlin sees Germany as an enemy. At the same time, the increasing ramp-up of the Russian military potential means a direct military confrontation with NATO becomes one possible option for the Kremlin. Under Article 5, if a NATO member comes under attack, the other members of the alliance are obliged to help it respond. Should Russia attack one or several NATO allies, it would not do so to grab massive swathes of land, Kahl said, but rather to test red lines set by the West with the aim of defeating Western unity and NATO as a defensive alliance. In Russias view, this goal would be reached if Article 5 were to remain without effect in case of a Russian attack, he said. Loading To meet this target, you dont need to send tank armies westwards, it is enough to dispatch little green men to the Baltics to protect allegedly threatened Russian minorities or adjust borders on Svalbard. Russias hybrid response is a concern, said Angela Stent, director of Eurasian, Russian and East European studies at Georgetown University, referring to Russias sabotage in Europe. The chance of escalation was never not there. The concern now is greater. The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the intelligence assessments. Russian servicemen jump off a T-90M Proryv tank during combat training, in a photo released by the Russian military. Credit: AP Reaction and counter-reaction Since August, when Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region, Moscow and Kyiv have been locked in a cycle of escalating moves and counter-moves. Russia has enlisted help from North Korea, which sent between 11,000 and 12,000 soldiers to help its war effort, according to the United States. The same day as Ukraines first strike under the relaxed US policy, Russia changed its nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike. Loading Fear of nuclear escalation has been a factor in US officials thinking since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. CIA director William Burns has said there was a real risk in late 2022 that Russia could use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Even so, the White House moved forward with Ukraine aid, sending billions of dollars worth of military assistance. Some officials concerns faded as Putin did not act on his threats, but they remained central to how many in the administration weighed decisions on how the US should support Kyiv. In May, the White House allowed Ukraine to use American missiles in limited circumstances to strike across the border but not deep inside Russia, citing the risk of escalation by Moscow, marginal tactical benefit and a limited supply of ATACMS. One of the intelligence assessments from early summer, drawn up at the White Houses request, explained that strikes across the border from the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv would have limited impact because 90 per cent of Russian aircraft had been moved back from the border out of reach of the short-range missiles. But the assessments also noted while Putin often threatens to use nuclear weapons, Moscow is unlikely to take such a step in part because they do not provide a clear military benefit. Intelligence officials described the nuclear option as a last resort for Russia and that Putin would resort to other means of reprisal first, noting Russia was already engaged in sabotage and cyberattacks. Still, some officials inside the White House and Pentagon argued that allowing Kyiv to use the missiles to strike inside Russia would put Kyiv, the US and American allies in unprecedented danger, provoking Putin to retaliate either through nuclear force or other deadly tactics outside the war zone. Pentagon officials worried about attacks on US military bases. Kim Jong-un poses with troops at an undisclosed location in North Korea. The North Korea factor The introduction of North Korean troops convinced the administration, particularly a group of officials at the White House and the Pentagon concerned about escalation, to allow the long-range strikes, a senior US official said. Russia was making battlefield gains, and the North Korean troops were viewed internally as an escalation by Moscow, necessitating a response from Washington, the official said. Loading Given the early intelligence assessments downplaying the risk of nuclear escalation, the nuclear fears were overstated, and the decision to allow wider use of ATACMS came too late, said a senior US official and a lawmaker, citing Russias recent advances. Intelligence sources say Moscows most robust and successful reprisal operations are likely to come through sabotage. Russian intelligence services have launched a massive international effort in Europe to intimidate countries who support Ukraine, one European diplomat said. A US official added Moscow was actively looking to advance its grey-zone warfare against the West and that Russia has an extensive network of agents and was exploring options for using them. Belgium Belgium legalised medically assisted dying in 2002 for the terminally ill and for people experiencing unbearable suffering, which includes patients with psychiatric conditions. Since 2014, those under the age of 18 who are terminally ill are covered by the law as long as they have parental permission. Luxembourg Euthanasia and assisted dying has been legal in Luxembourg since 2009, provided the patient has no way out of a medical situation and reports constant and unbearable physical or psychological suffering; is conscious and capable at the time of the request to a doctor, consults another physician, and the request is recorded in writing. Canada Canada introduced medical assistance in dying in 2016 for those whose death was deemed to be reasonably foreseeable. Five years later, the law was extended to permit people with a grievous and irremediable medical condition to request assisted dying. The country has delayed until 2027 a plan to extend medical assistance in dying to include those with a mental illness. Courts in several countries have ruled self-determination includes a persons right to die. Credit: Getty Images Australia Voluntary assisted dying for the terminally ill or those with a condition that is causing intolerable suffering is legal in all Australian states and the ACT, but illegal in the Northern Territory, where Australian Dr Philip Nitschke, founder of pro-euthanasia group Exit International, began his campaign for the right to die in 1996. Voluntary assisted dying was first introduced in Victoria in 2019. To qualify, adult patients must be state residents, of sound mind, and have six months or less to live in most cases. Similar criteria apply in NSW. Doctors can administer the medication or prescribe it for self-administration. New Zealand New Zealands End of Life Choice legislation was enacted in 2021, after passing parliament in 2019 and being approved by voters in a binding referendum conducted at the same time as the 2020 general election. Adult patients must be permanent residents, be suffering from a terminal illness that is likely to end their life within six months, be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability, and experiencing unbearable suffering. They also must be competent to make an informed decision about assisted dying, although a mental illness does not disqualify them. Spain Spain approved a law in 2021 that allows euthanasia and medically assisted suicide for people with incurable or debilitating diseases who want to end their life. Austria Assisted suicide in Austria was strictly prohibited, as was any help Austrians could give other citizens seeking the service abroad. But in 2022 a court ruled the prohibition denied people the right to self-determination and a new law was passed allowing the practice when those willing to die are ill, and capable of making the decision (to be confirmed by two doctors). They need to wait 12 months before seeking a death order at a notary or patient advocate. This prescription is then fulfilled by a pharmacy and noted in a register. Those with little time to live can seek the prescription after two weeks. A patient with an incurable or terminal illness can specify their wishes in a death will provided the decision is made while they were mentally capable. Portugal It took four approvals by parliament before Portugals Assistance in Dying bill became law in 2023. It gives access to assistance in dying for citizens and legal residents over the age of 18, who are terminally ill, and suffering intolerably. Allowed but yet to be legislated Italy According to Politico, Italys Constitutional Court ruled in 2019 that assisted suicide was permissible when patients are able to make decisions and in overwhelming pain, legalising it in practice. The first patient to die by medically assisted suicide was a 44-year-old man in 2022. Lawmakers are yet to legislate the practice. Germany Assisted dying had been legal in Germany until 2015, when the country outlawed its provision on an organised or commercial basis, effectively banning it in many cases. In 2020, the countrys top court ruled that a persons right to freedom includes the right to self-determine life and death, and ruled in favour of groups providing terminally ill adults with assisted suicide services, but lawmakers are yet to finalise new rules Colombia Colombia became the first Latin American country to decriminalise medically assisted suicide in May 2022, by allowing doctors to supply the drugs for patients to self-administer if they have a terminal or chronic illness that prevents them from living a dignified life. The 2022 ruling by the Supreme Court has yet to be followed up with legislation. Under consideration or unclear France Doctors in France have since 2016 been allowed to put a person who is close to death and in great pain into deep sedation, but not to administer life-ending medication. President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year backed new legislation which would allow assisted dying for those with incurable conditions, and a bill was introduced in April, but elections in June and July interrupted the proposed laws progress. Loading England and Wales A bill to allow terminally ill adults with six months or less left to live the right to end their lives was introduced to parliament earlier in October and will be debated on November 29. It is modelled on a 23-year-old law in Oregon, US, adopted by 10 other American states, three Australian states and New Zealand. Two independent doctors and a High Court judge would have to assess each request. If granted, it would enable a terminally ill person to die in a manner, time and place of their choosing in England and Wales. Assistant dying is already legal on the Isle of Man and Jersey, and illegal in Northern Ireland. Scotland Scotland is allowed to determine its own healthcare laws, although it is part of the UK. A bill was introduced to its parliament in March, but it is yet to come to a vote. Ireland A cross-party Irish parliamentary committee recommended this year that the government should legalise assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances. A majority of MPs voted in favour of noting the committees findings in October. With a national election due on November 29, it will be up to the next government to decide whether to consider proposing a new law. South Korea In July 2024, a new proposal to legislate assisted dying was introduced in the South Korean parliament, according to the World Federation of Right to Die Societies. Other countries where legal developments are under way include Iceland, Argentina and Uruguay. A note on terminology The British Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology briefing note on assisted dying defines the term and other variations as follows: Assisted dying refers here to the involvement of healthcare professionals in the provision of lethal drugs intended to end a patients life at their voluntary request, subject to eligibility criteria and safeguards. It includes healthcare professionals prescribing lethal drugs for the patient to self-administer (physician-assisted suicide) and healthcare professionals administering lethal drugs (euthanasia). The festive season is shaping up to be a lucrative period for Australian small businesses, with data from the Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) suggesting that businesses could see an 11% increase in revenue during November and December compared to average monthly turnover. Even if you could afford to buy it, you have to be able to afford to keep it, and thats why people are selling, Li said. About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabis growth and enabling the emirates economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on supporting tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabis economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. For more information, visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.ae. About Maison Piaget Piaget epitomizes daring creativity a quality that has continued to permeate through the Maison since its beginnings in 1874. From his first workshop in La Cote-aux-Fees, Georges-Edouard Piaget devoted himself to crafting high-precision movements in a feat that formed the very foundations of our pioneering name. In the late 1950s, Piaget unveiled the ultra-thin movements that would later become the Maisons trademark and the cornerstone of the Altiplano collection. As a true innovator of the watch and jewellery world, Piaget strongly believed in creativity and artistic values. It is within the walls of our Ateliers de LExtraordinaire where master artisans continue to harness rare skills that have been preserved and perfected from generation to generation, transforming gold, stones and precious gems into dazzling works of art. Through its pursuit of masterful craftsmanship, the Maison has created emblems of daring excellence channelled into its collections including Altiplano, Piaget Polo, Limelight Gala, Possession, Piaget Sunlight, Piaget Rose and Extremely Piaget. piaget.com Accra, Ghana (PANA) - The National Peace Council (NPC), in collaboration with the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), has scheduled to meet here Thursday all political party leaders taking part in the 7 December general election to sign a Peace Pact to ensure peace before, during and after the presidential and parliamentary elections Durex's The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), an impactful life skills program by Reckitt, a global leader in health and hygiene, proudly marks its third consecutive year as the official Health Partner of Northeast India's most iconic cultural celebrationthe Hornbill Festival. As the festival celebrates its milestone 25th edition, TBBT is set to launch Asia's first Consent Cafe, a pioneering initiative designed to spark meaningful conversations around consent, equity, and healthy relationships. The Hornbill Festival, expected to welcome over 150,000 visitors from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, offers a unique platform to blend traditional heritage with modern values. In 2023 alone, over 28,811 gender-based complaints were reported, including cases of rape, sexual harassment, outraging modesty, stalking, cybercrimes, and other violations, as per the National Commission for Women. The TBBT Consent Cafe aims to provide an immersive space combining light, music, and art to help attendees reflect on the meaning of consent and its role in fostering healthy connections. This initiative is focused on addressing the pressing need for consent education, especially in light of increasing incidents of gender-based crimes in India. The first Consent Cafe will be inaugurated by Shri Temjen Imna Along, Honorable Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland at the festival ground. Durex TBBT's dynamic participation at Hornbill Festival 2024 will also include: TBBT Music Carnival at Imagiland: Featuring electrifying performances by celebrated local talents like Moko Koza, Eva Rongmei, and Keneisenuo, the event will also mark the launch of a new rap album. The carnival will be inaugurated by Mr. Thalavaseelan K (IAS), Principal Director, Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland. Featuring electrifying performances by celebrated local talents like Moko Koza, Eva Rongmei, and Keneisenuo, the event will also mark the launch of a new rap album. The carnival will be inaugurated by Mr. Thalavaseelan K (IAS), Principal Director, Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland. AI-Powered WhatsApp Chatbot: To further TBBTs mission, an AI-based conversational chatbot will be launched to equip young individuals with essential knowledge on consent and growing-up skills. The bot adheres to UNESCO's eight global standards on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and aims to offer accurate and scientifically reliable content to foster informed decision-making among adolescents. To further TBBTs mission, an AI-based conversational chatbot will be launched to equip young individuals with essential knowledge on consent and growing-up skills. The bot adheres to UNESCO's eight global standards on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and aims to offer accurate and scientifically reliable content to foster informed decision-making among adolescents. 2nd Edition of the Painting Competition: Empowering young artists to express their creativity around the five key themesInclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness, and Equity. Judged by Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, and Mr. Yanger, a renowned craftsman and artist from Nagaland, the competition celebrates art as a powerful tool for social change. Empowering young artists to express their creativity around the five key themesInclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness, and Equity. Judged by Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, and Mr. Yanger, a renowned craftsman and artist from Nagaland, the competition celebrates art as a powerful tool for social change. Durex TBBT Arena: The festival's largest Health Pavilion, featuring interactive sessions on life skills, TBBT's comic characters inspired by the five Nagaland tribesAngami, Sumi, Chakhesang, Ao, and Lothabringing key conversations to life in a culturally relevant way. Mr. Veyielo Duolo, Director, Tourism Department, expressed his enthusiasm, "The 25th Hornbill Festival stands as a beacon of cultural pride, and we are thrilled to have Durex's The Birds and Bees Talk implemented by Reckitt and Plan India as our official Health Partner. This remarkable initiative empowers adolescents with critical life skills, enabling them to grow into informed, responsible individuals. Together, we celebrate inclusion, awareness, and equitymilestones of progress and well-being." Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt South Asia, remarked, "At Reckitt, we believe that knowledge is the foundation of empowerment. Our continued partnership with the Hornbill Festival exemplifies our belief as we honor Northeast India's cultural legacy while addressing critical societal issues like consent and inclusion. Together, we are shaping a generation of informed, inclusive, and empowered youth." Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, Reckitt South Asia, echoed this vision, "Durex TBBT's partnership with the Hornbill Festival reflects our unwavering commitment to integrating critical conversations into cultural celebrations. By focusing on consent, we aim to inspire young minds to embrace progressive values. We are creating a platform for transformative conversations that can shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Initiatives like the Consent Cafe and Music Carnival highlight the power of culture to drive meaningful change, and we are honored to play a role in empowering the next generation." Implemented by Plan India, Durex TBBT blends offline and digital platforms to deliver culturally tailored life skills education. Having reached over 4 million young people across 10 states, including six in Northeast India, it exemplifies how integrating traditional practices with modern values can transform lives and inspire progressive learning. As the Hornbill Festival 2024 gears up to captivate attendees, Durex TBBT leads the charge, blending tradition with transformation to create a more inclusive, informed, and empowered future. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code In 1621 the Pilgrim colonists of Plymouth, Mass., celebrated their first harvest in the New World with a three-day feast, an extended dinner party that is the origin of our modern Thanksgiving observance. Days of thanksgiving were common in early America, being held in appreciation for a communitys deliverance from drought, disease, famine and other hardships associated with life on the frontier. The Pilgrims barely survived their first winter in New England on meager rations left from their Atlantic crossing, supplemented by what food they could hunt themselves or borrow from their Indian neighbors. So in November they gave thanks to God that their bountiful harvest would spare them the privations of the previous winter. While the tradition of the feast endures, it seems sometimes that as a society we have become less thankful. In the midst of so much, we forget the human effort and divine miracle that produces such bounty. The American Farm Bureau Federation, which each year conducts a market survey of the retail cost of a typical Thanksgiving dinner, reports this years feast cost American consumers 5% less than last years. In a completely unscientific survey, the AFBF found dinner for 10 that includes turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables, rolls and pie costs just $58.08. The National Farmers Union says that farmers get only 14.3 cents on every food dollar spent, or just $8.30 on that dinner for 10. The rest goes to packing, processing, transporting, marketing and retailing those foodstuffs. But, its a good deal for consumers. When the AFBF did its first Thanksgiving survey in 1986, the same meal for 10 guests cost $28.74. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, thats $82.45 in todays dollars. When adjusted for inflation, the cost of our feast has gone down. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that households across the country have seen their grocery bills increase over the last four years, and because of inflation many are having a hard time making ends meet. Nonetheless, for less than $6 a head, we stuffed ourselves and have leftovers to boot. Who do we thank? Our thoughts naturally turn to the farmers and ranchers. They take each season on spec, not knowing whether prices will cover expenses. Yet, year after year they work harder and longer to produce more food on less ground to feed an ever growing population. But those who tend the land know that there is more at work. They provide the sweat and the tears, the miracle comes from somewhere else. A 23-year-old college student in Texas has died after she unknowingly ate peanuts while eating out at a restaurant. Alison Pickering, 23, died just days before she was set to graduate from Tarleton State University in Stephenville in May last year. She decided to go out on a first date at a restaurant she had been to before. Alison ordered the restaurant's Mahi-Mahi, which she had also previously eaten. "She would repeatedly go to the same restaurants and order the same dishes, you know. And that was a common thing," her father, Grover Pickering, said, as quoted by CBS News. However, Alison did not know the recipe for her favorite dish had been changed, and peanut sauce was added. The changes were not disclosed on the restaurant's menu. The wait staff had also been unaware that the recipe had changed. Did Alison Not Get Medical Attention? After eating the Mahi-Mahi, Grover said Alison did her Epipen. An ambulance was also called, and Alison had even talked to the emergency responders. But "somewhere along the way, things went downhill," her father said. The 23-year-old experienced "severe anaphylactic shock," a life-threatening allergic reaction where the patient experiences difficulty breathing, swollen throat or tongue, chest tightness, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and a loss of consciousness. The college student fainted and never woke up, according to her obituary. Her family did not name the restaurant. Becoming Advocates Following Alison's death, the Pickerings became strong advocates of the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, a law enacted in September this year in response to the death of Sergio Alexander Lopez, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction to peanut butter despite inquiring about the safety o his meal. Under the law, all retail food establishments in Texas are required to display a food allergy awareness poster accessible to all employees. The poster must include any risks of allergic reactions to food allergens, symptoms of allergic reactions, and appropriate responses for assisting individuals experiencing allergic reactions. In addition, restaurants must also train their staff members on food allergen safety. Apart from advocating for the law, the Pickerings are also interested in working with the Texas Restaurant Association to help "determine" what "guidelines" should be put in place that would assist restaurants in communicating the ingredients in their dishes to customers. The Hyundai Tucson has made its mark in being the upgrade of choice for people who want to transition from a sedan to a higher vehicle. Not ... By Rhiannon James, PA Political Staff Hezbollahs reported claim of victory over Israel, following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, is reminiscent of IRA supporters in Belfast, a DUP MP has said. In the UK House of Commons, Gregory Campbell argued that peace is welcome but not people trying to turn peace into a victory parade. The truce between Israel and Hezbollah was announced on Tuesday night and will see hostilities suspended for 60 days, with both sides withdrawing from southern Lebanon. Israel has said it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah should the Iran-backed militants violate the terms of the deal. On Thursday, the MP for East Derry said: Will the Leader look at a general debate in Government time on attitudes to ceasefires following the welcomed ceasefire in the Middle East but Hezbollah supporters there trying to claim a victory yesterday, reminiscent of IRA supporters in West Belfast doing likewise in order to ensure the general public know peace is welcome but not people trying to turn peace into a victory parade. During business questions, Commons Leader Lucy Powell replied: I think we can all welcome the ceasefire in Lebanon and hope that efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza are successful quickly too because at the end of the day what we all want is a peaceful solution in this area. We do need a political solution to a two-state solution as well. So a ceasefire is only (the) beginning of a process and its really important that trust is maintained and that we can work towards that long-term sustainable peace. James Cox An Irish mother whose children were abducted by their father in Egypt nearly three years ago has praised the Taoiseach for his engagement with her, saying "I had another experience of Simon Harris" after he was criticised for an interaction with a care worker in Cork. Mandy Kelly from Dundalk in Co Louth was on holiday in Egypt in 2022 when her husband Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed locked her in an apartment and took the children away in a car. Three-year-old Kareem and his five-year-old brother Zayn Mohammed were both born in Ireland and have had no contact with their mother since June 2022, three months after they were kidnapped. Both the High Court of Ireland and the family courts of Egypt have awarded Ms Kelly custody. However, this "is no consolation given that my estranged husband has fled from house-to-house to avoid authorities in Egypt". After Mr Harris' interaction with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork went viral, leading to heavy criticism, Ms Kelly contacted BreakingNews.ie to share her experience with the Taoiseach. Speaking from Egypt, Ms Kelly said: "I have followed the news coverage of criticism of Taoiseach Simon Harris by a care worker. "I can only imagine her pain given what she faces every day. I would not blame her for her disappointment. "Still, I had another experience of Simon Harris. Despite a demanding campaign schedule, Mr Harris took time out specifically to meet with me in private, away from the cameras and glare of the media, because he was very concerned about Kareem, Zayn and I. "He pledged his support to me and I have every reason to believe him because he didnt do it publicly for votes, but privately to reassure me of Governments commitment to every Irish citizen even my two, vulnerable boys. "Simon Harris may have made a poor choice in Cork when dealing with that carer. It was unacceptable. He has said so, himself. But I have had another experience of Mr Harris one in which he took time with me privately, listened intently and pledged his support. "I look forward to him continuing his efforts on behalf of my sons, including continuing to raise their fate with the highest levels of the Egyptian government as his government has already done." Ms Kelly is returning to Ireland on election day, where she hopes to raise the issue of her sons' abduction again. By Cate McCurry, Grainne Ni Aodha and Claudia Savage, PA Fine Gael has been dealt a blow in the final hours of campaigning after the Labour Party described a push by Simon Harris to transfer votes to parties like Fianna Fail and Labour as desperation. Labour leader Ivana Bacik criticised the comments made by Mr Harris, appealing to the public to vote for radical change and centre-left parties. The public will go to the polls on Friday and decide the political landscape for the next few years. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald urged the public to transfer their vote to left parties including Social Democrats and People Before Profit. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the media with candidates Eoin O Broin (centre left), Matt Carthy (centre right) and supporters outside Government Buildings, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Speaking outside Government Buildings, Ms McDonald said: Ive said that I want people to transfer to other parties that are interested in change. I think each constituency will differ but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats that we would share ideas on housing and other policies on. People Before Profit candidates of the left, some independent candidates. It depends. It varies from constituency to constituency, and its not for me to tell people how to vote, bar to ask them in the first instance to vote for Sinn Fein. Earlier, the Taoiseach said he wants the public to consider who will form a stable government when they are voting, asking whether the country would want to have 50 or 60 independent TDs in the Dail. Mr Harris said it is not his place to tell people who to transfer their vote to, but urged them to consider the make-up of the government after the election. Labour leader Ivana Bacik with supporters at St Stephens Green, Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Speaking to the PA news agency on Thursday, Mr Harris said he was asking people to consider carefully which candidates they would give a preference to on the ballot paper on Friday. The point I am making is of course I am asking people to vote for my party, to vote Fine Gael, and in the areas where we are running more than one candidate, to continue your vote for the rest of the Fine Gael candidates, he said. But I am also very conscious that, when the election is over, whatever people decide is the decision, it is important that a stable government can be formed, and I have been making the point to people that my party has shown the ability to work well with other parties and Im hoping that people would transfer their votes to other parties. There has been many good independent TDs in this country I dont make a pejorative comment at all in relation to any independent TD but I do make the point, do we want to make up the Dail with 40 or 50, 60 independent TDs and how do we form a stable government if that is the backdrop? That is very much the point I am making. I am not going to tell people it is not my place as to who to transfer to, but I would hope people would consider, in their vote, who would form a government at the end of all of this. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said that forming a coherent, stable government that would last the next four-and-a-half years was an important consideration. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) But ultimately it is a matter for the people. I would never be over-prescriptive in saying to people who are exercising their democratic rights, its up to people to do that, he said. Speaking in Greystones, Co Wicklow, ahead of a canvass with Fianna Fail minister Stephen Donnelly, Mr Martin described the election campaign as competitive and fragmented. Transfers are going to be crucial and Im saying to our candidates, campaign for the number ones, but campaign for the twos, threes, fours and fives as well. Theyre going to be crucial in terms of the destination of final seats in constituencies across the country. So were going into this final two days positive but really understanding the competitive nature of this election. The latest opinion poll ahead of Fridays General Election shows the countrys three largest parties remain in a tight race. The Red C-Business Post survey shows support for Fianna Fail unchanged at 21 per cent, only slightly ahead of its coalition partner, Fine Gael, which is down two percentage points at 20 per cent and now neck and neck with the largest opposition party, Sinn Fein, which has gained two. Mr Harris has said that his preference would be for a coalition. He said in an interview with the Irish Examiner that he would be voting for Fine Gael and transferring to Fianna Fail and Labour, while urging voters to vote for centrist parties. People walk through Cork city centre ahead of the General Election on Friday (Jacob King/PA) Speaking about the comments, Ms Bacik said: I saw the Taoiseachs comments today and frankly I think they smacked of desperation in the last few days of his campaign. Ive consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I would do if I am re-elected, after the people have spoken, is go to the leaders of other parties and other groupings who share a centre-left, green vision and those values that we hold dear in the Labour Party, because we want to ensure that that vision, those values, will shape the next government. Ms Bacik said there was an appetite for Labours positive message of constructive change among the electorate and said she was the only leader of a left party that had set out a clear vision. We are anticipating an increase in the number of Labour TDs will return to the next Dail, she said. Mr Harris also admitted his party faced a couple of bumps during the election campaign. We hit a couple of bumps along the way and Ive been honest in relation to to err is to be human and its how you respond to that is important, he said in Dublin on Thursday. This election is about issues. This election is about what we are going to do to make life better for people, what are we going to do to keep the economy safe, how are we going to help with the cost of living, how are we going to build more homes? He said that he had discussed and debated the issues and spoken to people across the country over the past three weeks. This is all to play for, he said. Best of luck to everyone. As President (Barack) Obama said to Sarah Palin when he rang her up when she was put on John McCains ticket as vice president, I wish you luck, but not too much. By Cate McCurry, PA The Sinn Fein leader has accused Simon Harris of scaremongering over his warnings about future economic shocks. Mary Lou McDonald said comments made by the Taoiseach in recent times, particularly in the wake of Donald Trumps presidential election victory in the US, were a mark of desperation. Ms McDonald is spending the final hours on the campaign trail in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown before she returns to her consistency, where she will attend the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in Ballybough before ending the evening by calling the numbers at her local bingo hall. Speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Ms McDonald was asked about comments from Mr Harris about the future of the economy. I think its scaremongering, she said. I think its a mark of desperation. I think he, like us, recognises that momentum for change. He recognises that the momentum for change is behind Sinn Fein. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke to the media outside Government Buildings, Dublin, on the last day of campaigning ahead of the General Election on Friday. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. He knows that to change the government, Sinn Fein has to drive that. We are encouraging people, asking people to vote for us, to lend us your vote, to allow us, for the first time, to have a government led by Sinn Fein beyond Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. I think the numbers reflect the fact now in Irish political life that there is a world beyond Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Describing the election campaign as very eventful, the Dublin Central candidate said it has been sub-optimal for the government parties. We started off with the big two establishment parties, assuming that they had a home run, assuming that they would simply waltz back into government buildings, she added. We never thought that was going to happen. Why? Because we were acutely aware of the reality for people out on the ground, people who arent getting disability services and respite and carers who feel disrespected and left behind and not heard. Young people who cant afford their rent, a generation of people with no prospect of affording or owning their own home, rural communities that feel not just left behind but utterly disrespected by the outgoing government. We always knew that there was a conversation to be had, a campaign to be run, and that people given the option, the real option, of a viable choice, that people would respond to that. I think weve been proven correct. For us, this has been actually a very lively campaign. Its been interesting. Its been, shall we say, sub-optimal for the parties of government. If they thought they were just going to waltz back in here, no, they shouldnt assume that. The people now will make the decision. I think its evident to anybody observing Irish society and politics objectively speaking, that after 100 years of Fianna Fail Fine Gael, the Tweedledum and Tweedledee, as I call them, now is the time for a new government. Now is the time for change, and the momentum for changes is behind us. As regards the Labour Party or any other individual, were going to talk to everybody. I believe in talking to people, what we all need to do first is gather our own mandate. Advertisement The Tariff Commission of the Philippines has announced the commencement of an investigation into the potential expansion of anti-dumping duties on cement imports from Vietnam. The probe, which began on 27 November, was initiated following requests from domestic manufacturers to extend the measure to include additional types of cement and manufacturers. A preliminary conference is scheduled for 6 December. The investigation focusses on the anti-dumping duties currently applied to imports of ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement Type 1P from Vietnam. Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc, Holcim Philippines, Inc, and CEMEX Holdings Philippines, Inc have jointly requested an interim review of the scope of these duties. Specifically, the industry has asked to include Blended Cement Type 1T under the anti-dumping measure. In addition, NCL Trading Joint Stock Co, a foreign exporter, has requested a review of the anti-dumping duty imposed on ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 from Vietnam. The Tariff Commission noted in its official notice that the requests for review raised overlapping legal and factual questions. As a result, the commission will consolidate the requests into a single interim review, with the domestic industry designated as the petitioner. Anti-dumping duties on ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement Type 1P imports from Vietnam were first imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in December 2022 and later updated in February 2023. The measures are set to remain in effect for five years. In March 2023, the Bureau of Customs issued Customs Memorandum Order 05-2023, enforcing definitive anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese cement imports. The duties range from 2.33 per cent to 23.33 per cent, depending on the exporting company. The outcome of the current review will determine whether the anti-dumping duties will be expanded to additional cement types and manufacturers, as sought by the domestic industry. A jury in New Hampshire on Tuesday found a former house leader of a youth detention center guilty of aiding in a crime after he held down a teen while he was being raped by staffers in 1998. The jury found Bradley Asbury, 70, guilty of two counts of abating and being an accomplice to aggravated sexual assault. The verdict was made after the jury deliberated over three days. Asbury will now face a maximum of 20 years in prison on every count---which means he could be sentenced to a total of 40 years. His trial stretched out over four days, according to HuffPost. What Was the Crime? In the 90's, Asbury was the house leader at Manchester's Sununu Youth Services Center---formerly known as the Youth Detention Center (YDC). During his work there, he and an unnamed colleague were accused of holding down then-14-year-old Michael Gilpatrick on a stairwell of what was the East Cottage at the former YDC. A second unidentified staffer raped Gilpatrick, while a third staff member had him perform sexual acts. Gilpatrick, now 41, said he struggled after the attack. During his testimony in court, he said talking about the incident is part of his healing process. Abuse Allegations in the YDC The YDC was established to keep children, typically between the ages of 13 and 17, out of adult jails and prisons, much like juvenile detention facilities in the United States. The facility, however, is the subject of complaints from nearly 1,300 former residents. Allegations included hundreds of cases of sexual assault and rape over the center's 60-year history, per NPR. Despite the large number of complaints, only one other lawsuit has gone to trial so far. David Meehan was incarcerated at the youth detention center in the 1990s when he was 15 years old. He claimed he was raped "on an almost daily basis" during the last year of his stay at the YDC. He also said he was beaten during the raping and had contracted gonorrhea from one of the assaults. Moreover, Meehan said he was routinely kept in solitary confinement and was not permitted to receive education while he was staying in the facility. Meehan's allegations led authorities to launch a broader criminal investigation, which exposed decades of abuse at the facility. A jury later awarded Meehan $38 million for the abuse, though the state said the amount would be reduced to $475,000 due to a law that caps damages, AP News reported. A 19-year-old teen in California has been arrested and charged after he allegedly murdered four people sleeping at his ex's home and then set the house on fire in an attempt to hide the murders. Miguel Sandoval, the 19-year-old, was accused of fatally shooting Matthew Montebello, 21; his partner Janvi Maquindang, 21; Maquindang's sister, Christine Aca-ac, 26; and her fiancee Edwin Garcia, 24, while they were sleeping inside a home in Lancaster on November 16. In addition, Sandoval shot three dogs before he set the house on fire to cover his crimes, the LA District Attorney's Office said in a news release. Did Anyone Survive the Shooting? Only one person survived the murders, specifically Aca-ac and Maquindang's 16-year-old sister. She was home at the time of the crime but hid in a closet and called authorities when she heard gunshots around 1:30 a.m. "The family member we have at the station heard the gunshots around 1:27 this morning... she stayed in her room because she was scared, and that's when deputies were able to locate her and extract her," LASD Lt. Steve Dejong said, as quoted by ABC 7 Eyewitness News. Firefighters responded to the scene at 1:43 a.m. and were able to put the fire out nearly an hour later. Three of the shooting victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Montebello was rescued and rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The 16-year-old survivor was rescued unharmed. What Was the Motive Behind the Shooting? In an interview with ABC 7, Montebello's mother said she recognized Sandoval as an ex-boyfriend of one of the younger siblings at the home. It was not clear whether the ex was one of those murdered by the 19-year-old. Sandoval was arrested on November 21 and is being held without bail. He is facing six counts of felony for murder and arson, which could have a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole. His arraignment is scheduled for January 27. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Aca-ac and Maquindang to raise money for their funerals. The Tennessee State Veterinarian is reporting a suspected detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in West Tennessee. This occurrence affects a commercial chicken facility in Gibson County. Following a sudden spike in deaths in the flock, testing at the Breathitt Veterinary Center Laboratory in Hopkinsville, Ky. determined the cause is likely a form of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Sequencing to determine the specific influenza strain is pending. Although we are awaiting final confirmation, we are confident the illness affecting this flock is HPAI, Dr. Samantha Beaty said. HPAI continues to circulate in our environment, particularly in the wild bird population. As always, we strongly encourage people who own birds to practice strong biosecurity to protect their flock. HPAI is a highly transmissible disease known to be deadly for domesticated fowl. Fowl can be exposed to HPAI through human interactions and through contact with wild birds. Animal health officials have established a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) control zone surrounding the affected facility. Within the zone, poultry will be tested and monitored for illness and poultry movement requires permitting until the zone is released. Animal Health staff members are reaching out to poultry owners within the control zone to explain the situation, answer questions, and provide information. If you have concerns about your location, please email Animal.Health@tn.gov or call (615) 837-5120 and staff will help determine if your flock is within the zone. Although HPAI does not pose a food safety risk, no infected poultry will be allowed to enter the food supply. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. The risk of human infection with avian influenza during poultry outbreaks is very low. In fact, no transmission to humans was reported during the outbreak that affected backyard and commercial poultry farms in Tennessee in 2022. Guidance for Bird Owners Wash your hands thoroughly before and after interacting with domesticated birds. Dedicate a pair of shoes to only be worn in coops or poultry houses and clean those shoes after each visit. Regularly disinfect any equipment used in coops or poultry houses. Deter wild birds from interacting with domesticated birds. Consider hanging pie pans or other noisemakers in trees or, if local rules allow, set off firecrackers intermittently or when you see vultures or geese on your property. Look for signs of illness and report a sudden increase in the number of sick birds or bird deaths to the Tennessee State Veterinarians office at (615) 837-5120 and/or USDA at 1-866-536-7593. Find more biosecurity tips and HPAI resources online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/ animals/animal-health- resources/animal-disease/ avian-influenza.html . State officials and partners have extensive experience in effectively containing the virus. Control of avian influenza includes coordination of resources and response, and protocols for quarantine, testing, disposal, cleaning, disinfection, and monitoring. In Tennessee, more than 500 family farms contribute to the commercial poultry industry. The state is a global leader for primary breeders, and an estimated 45 percent of the chicken consumed worldwide traces to genetics from Tennessee operations. Broiler chickens are among the state's top agricultural commodities, generating $972.6 million in cash receipts in 2022. In November 2023, Palestinian women are walking beside the ruins of collapsed buildings in the Gaza Strip. | photo credit: UNRWA/ Ashraf Amra Israel and the Lebanese, Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah have reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement, facilitated by the United States and France. If adhered to, the ceasefire is expected to last for 60 days. The agreement is set to take effect early Wednesday morning, having quickly received approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, according to The Associated Press. During a speech on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated, The length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. He emphasized Israel's commitment to enforcing the agreement and warned of a forceful response to any violations, declaring, We will continue united until victory. He also asserted that, With the United States' full understanding, we maintain full freedom of military action. He outlined several scenarios that would provoke a military response from Israel, including Hezbollah's attempts to arm itself, rebuild terrorist infrastructure near the border, or launch rockets. Netanyahu's motivations for seeking the ceasefire included the need to focus on the Iranian threat, allow Israeli forces a chance to regroup, and separate the fronts and isolate Hamas. However, a senior official from Hezbollah noted that their leaders had yet to see the final written version of the agreement. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah's political council, stated, After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials. He added, We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state of Lebanon, asserting that any violation of sovereignty is refused. The escalating regional unrest has placed Israel in conflict with Iranian-backed terror groups following Hamas' unprovoked attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 1,200 deaths, primarily among civilians, including 40 Americans. In retaliation, Israel conducted multiple air strikes in Gaza alongside a ground offensive, aiming to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages, who numbered around 250. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza since the onset of the conflict; however, these figures do not specify the distinction between unarmed civilians and armed combatants. Since October 2023, Israel has also been engaged in rocket exchanges with Hezbollah, with fighting intensifying this September as Israel conducted a limited ground offensive and increased its bombardments. The ceasefire arrives amidst heightened border attacks, with Hezbollah reportedly firing thousands of rockets into northern Israel, causing many residents to flee south. Lebanese officials report that over 3,000 people have been killed during this recent surge in violence, with hundreds of thousands displaced, marking the deadliest conflict for Lebanon in decades. Volunteers from Rust City Church in Niles, Ohio, gather to pray together before delivering groceries in April 2024. | photo credit: Rust City Church/ Amber Lee An Ohio church is set to give away 20,000 pounds of food, including 300 turkeys, to needy families this Thanksgiving. Rust City Church, located in Niles will host the event on Wednesday evening as part of their initiative called Give Back Before You Kick Back. The church has an average weekly worship attendance of 1,000 people. In addition to the food, church volunteers will provide essential items for Families in need, including diapers for parents with babies, according to Pastor Karl Wendel of Rust City Church. The food distribution will take place at the Eastwood Mall parking lot, which is on the church's campus, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors can look forward to hot cocoa and a hot dog cart while they wait, and volunteers will offer prayers to those receiving free food. Last year, the church helped around 350 local families during the Give Back Before You Kick Back event, and organizers anticipate that number will increase to 400 this year. Wendel noted, The scale has grown significantly, reflecting our churchs deepened commitment to serving the community and addressing food insecurity, highlighting the impact of the Thanksgiving giveaway compared to previous years. We hope to convey Gods love and care through this outreach, reminding people they are seen, valued, and not alone, Wendel added. This is about more than meeting physical needs its about fostering hope and connection. Beyond the annual Thanksgiving food giveaway, Rust City Church also conducts a Midweek Outreach, providing weekly assistance to the needy in the community by delivering groceries to as many as 150 families each week. photo credit: Unsplash/ Diana Polekhina A study conducted by Barna and Gloo revealed that politics is among the top three topics Americans are least interested in hearing pastors mention. According to the Baptist Press, the study found that when given a choice of nine topics to avoid, 25 percent of participants chose perspectives on social and political issues, tied with dating, while 19 percent selected singleness. These findings are part of the latest release in the State of the Church 2025 initiative, which Barna Group researchers and the technology platform Gloo launched in October. Among pastors, 45 percent admitted they do not feel equipped to address politics and civic engagement, while an even larger number, 52 percent, said they felt ill-prepared to tackle social justice and equality as well as multiculturalism and diversity. The November release from the State of the Church 2025 primarily focuses on leadership trends, identifying six key trends that indicate a pivotal change in church leadership following the COVID-19 pandemic era. Research found that both Christians and non-Christians over the age of 13 are reluctant to hear pastors address political issues, yet this topic remains significant in pastoral work. One-third of pastors(33%) reported that political division has negatively impacted their credibility. During the peak of pastoral burnout in 2022, current political divisions were cited as the third most common reason (38 percent) pastors considered quitting. Today, a mere one-fifth of pastors feel equipped to lead discussions on politics and civic engagement. Researchers noted that pastors are dealing with the fallout of political polarization and pressure to be a guiding voice on tough topics all while feeling ill-equipped for the task. Among practicing Christians, two-thirds give their church high ratings for having trusted leaders and clear communication, according to the research. Notably, Only 8 percent of pastors consider attendance and membership as indicators of church success, while 92 percent focus on the depth of engagement and commitment of attendees. In 2015, more than half of pastors felt their skills and gifts matched their roles, but now only 38 percent believe their tasks closely align with their giftedness. Only 28 percent of pastors under 45 often felt energized by their jobs, compared to 56 percent of older pastors. Moreover, only 49 percent of younger pastors felt supported by their communities, compared to 59 percent of older pastors. Nevertheless, 51 percent of younger pastors expressed a desire to become better leaders, trailing older pastors by only 2 percentage points. According to Barna's 2017 findings, only 13 percent of Protestant senior pastors are 40 years old or younger, with the average pastor being 52 years old. This result suggests that the number of young individuals entering the pastorate is not sufficient to compensate for those aging out of the ministry. Barna and Gloo plan to continue providing monthly findings from this research, which is based on several studies. These include 523 online interviews with Protestant senior pastors conducted between August 28 and September 18, 2023, and 584 online interviews with Protestant senior pastors from September 6-16, 2022. Home News Man accused of entering Texas church with tactical rifle charged with federal firearm crime A 25-year-old man has been charged with a federal firearm crime after prosecutors say he attempted to enter a Texas church while armed with a tactical rifle. Russell Alan Ragsdale was arrested on Nov. 22 and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver on Monday morning, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas. According to court documents, on Nov. 2, 2023, Ragsdale entered a Dallas-area church at approximately 5:05 p.m. during a Mass attended by about 100 parishioners. After attending the service, he returned to his vehicle and allegedly retrieved a rifle from his trunk, according to prosecutors, who say he then proceeded to close the three gates to the parking lot. 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 At 5:35 p.m., Ragsdale allegedly attempted to re-enter the church with his rifle but was unable to gain access because the parishioners had locked the door, according to prosecutors. The investigation into the church incident also revealed what authorities say is a link to a previous shooting involving Ragsdale. In February 2022, Ragsdale was arrested in the Dallas suburb of Seagoville for the felony murder of his roommate. Although the murder case was later dismissed, Ragsdale told law enforcement that his roommate had attacked him, and he shot him "many times" in self-defense, according to prosecutors. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered three firearms, including a 10mm Glock and an AR-15 rifle, along with nearly two grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Authorities say an analysis of Ragsdale's phone revealed a history of drug use dating back to November 2021, including evidence of purchasing and using hallucinogenic mushrooms in early 2022. Prosecutors say the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm is based on Ragsdale's known drug use. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorneys office did not identify the church where the incident occurred. Under a 2019 state law following an attack on First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs that left 26 dead and 20 wounded, handguns are now legal on the premises of churches and other places of worship. In 2022, a church in New York state filed a lawsuit over a new law banning guns in houses of worship amid rising concerns about church security. The law firm First Liberty Institute filed a lawsuit on behalf of His Tabernacle Family Church and Pastor Micheal Spencer challenging the states newly enacted Senate Bill S51001, which prohibits carrying firearms in sensitive locations, including houses of worship. A principal of a high school in Oregon has been arrested and charged with a felony after she allegedly failed to protect students from two teachers accused of grooming kids, authorities said. St. Helens High School Katy Wagner was charged with multiple counts of felony first-degree criminal mistreatment and first- and second-degree official misconduct and misdemeanors for letting two "pedophile" teachers groom and sexually abuse teenage girls. Wagner was arrested shortly after choir teacher Eric Stearns, 46, and recently retired teacher Mark Collins, 64, were also arrested for sex crimes that spanned nearly 10 years, according to NBC 16. How Were the Sex Crimes Uncovered? The investigation into sex crimes at St. Helens began in September when 36-year-old Doug Weaver, a former student at the high school, posted on TikTok videos where he accused school officials of protecting "a collection" of male teachers who preyed on students in the '00s. Current students commented on his videos and said the inappropriate behavior was still going on. Some also shared their own stories, accusing Collins and Stearns of making lewd comments and inappropriately touching them. In one case, a 14-year-old student said Stearns often hounded her in the classrooms during lunch, kissing her on the head and hugging her. That child's mother raised concerns about Stearns' behavior but said Wagner refused to intervene, per the New York Post. Additionally, victims who spoke up were ignored or punished by Wagner and other school officials at a school board meeting held after Collins and Stearns were arrested. Furthermore, Wagner was accused of failing to report the inappropriate behavior to law enforcement but also allowing Stearns to stay in the classroom even after police launched their investigation into the allegations. What Happens Now? Wagner is currently in jail with a bail set for $55,000. She will be investigated by the Oregon Department of Human Services for failing to report safety issues. Stearns is facing sexual abuse charges against six minors between 2015 and 2024. Collins, on the other hand, is facing charges of abusing three female students between 2017 and 2023. Superintendent Scot Stockwell has been placed on administrative leave and may also be investigated by Human Services for failing to report the students' complaints to law enforcement, according to the Oregon Public Broadcasting. Home Opinion 7 things God may mention if He sits at Thanksgiving table God has given us many things for which we should give Him thanks. Whether these are physical or spiritual provisions, we have no shortage of blessings for which to praise the Lord. Theres a verse in 1 Corinthians 4 that highlights this theme of praise and thanksgiving though the origination of the praise is not from man, but from the Lord Himself: And then each mans praise will come to Him from God (1 Corinthians 4:5). Here is our great God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, praising His faithful servants. Like many reading this, Im looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday and meals with family and friends. Many households have a tradition of sharing testimonies of gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. Being careful not to push the analogy too far, we see that God in this passage, in some incomprehensible way, praises those who faithfully served Him. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe This passage isnt the only place in Scripture where this theme of praise from the Lord appears. Jesus condemned religious leaders for seeking mans adoration rather than Gods approval (John 5:44). In Romans, Paul wrote that the individual who has been circumcised by the Holy Spirit receives his praise from God (Romans 2:29). Peter said that believers who persevere in faith will receive praise, glory, and honor when Jesus returns (1 Peter 1:6-7). This theme from the New Testament writers, then, raises a significant question, What does God praise? We must first state that what God praises in us is only what He has worked in us. These things we are about to see are not things we do in our own strength that make God indebted to us. Rather, these are things God has done within and through us; these actions and qualities are by His grace, not by our merits. So, as we look at what God praises, we might ultimately say He praises the Spirits work in our lives because of Jesus Christ. Yet at the same time, the Lord does praise His servants. In fact, we find God praising various churches in the book of Revelation (chapters 2-3). Embedded within each letter to these churches is something Christ commends in His servants. The first is tireless, toilsome discernment (Revelation 2:2-3). The church at Ephesus was faithful in tireless, toilsome discernment. They tested every doctrine and teacher that came along. In all of this, they did not grow weary. There was no sense of, We have rejected so many false teachers, maybe we should ease up a bit on our standards. Not at all! They were passionate about truth, and their desire was a church with pure doctrine. Now, the Ephesians had problems, but we should note Christ praises discernment in His people. Christians should then strive to be discerning. We must test what people say to ensure it conforms to the standard of Gods Word and we should not get tired of doing so. The second is endurance (Revelation 2:9). Next, we have the church in Smyrna, one of two churches where we do not find a rebuke from the Lord. These believers suffered greatly, and Jesus was intimately acquainted with their suffering. However, the Lord does not promise to stop their suffering or help them avoid their trials. Instead, He tells them to be faithful. Christ praises His servants who endure suffering for His names sake. The third is resistance to the devil (Revelation 2:13). The church in Pergamum was in a difficult location because there was a strong Satanic influence in this community. These Christians are praised because they resisted Satan by holding fast to the name of Jesus. They clung to all Christs glorious attributes (His love, grace, faithfulness, holiness, righteousness, judgment, wrath, omnipotence, and others). They kept believing in Jesus, and when Satan came to pressure them and one of their number was even martyred they found the strength to stand against the devil in the name of the Lord. Christ praises those who resist the evil one by holding fast to His powerful name. The fourth is spiritual growth (Revelation 2:19). We come to the church in Thyatira, where Jesus praises these believers spiritual growth. These individuals works are greater now than when they first believed the Gospel. They have grown spiritually. Their faith is stronger. Their love has increased. They are serving more faithfully and earnestly. They are growing in service to the Lord every day. Even with all the problems in the Church, Jesus still praises these Christians for their spiritual growth. The fifth is purity (Revelation 3:4). There isnt much to commend when the Lord focuses on Sardis. Its a vibrant community in the eyes of the world, but its a spiritual graveyard to Christ. However, there is one thing Jesus praises in this church: purity among a few genuine believers. These believers, though small in number, are not stained by the culture around them, nor are they marked by friendship with the world. Instead, they are set apart for Christ, keeping their hearts free from sin and the love of the world. Our Lord commends their purity, and He delights to see such purity in all of His children. The sixth is obedience to Gods Word (Revelation 3:8). Here is a faithful church with just a little power in the world. Notice that its not great power Jesus praises. He isnt impressed by earthly systems, financial or political power, or social influence. What does result in Christs praise, though, is obedience to His Word. This church kept Gods Word, and they were faithful to the teaching of Scripture. As a result, they had an immense opportunity for ministry even though they only had a little power because they had the power of God in His Word. The Lord praises those who keep His Word. The final quality Jesus praises is an earnest, teachable heart (Revelation 3:19). The lukewarm Laodicean church was filled with members who were arrogant, self-deceived, and useless for any good work. Some of them still appear to be believers, though, because Jesus says He is disciplining them, which God only does to His children. They had a plethora of problems and nothing much the Lord could praise. We do learn what God praises in what He tells them to do about their spiritual problems be zealous and repent. The Lord wants His Word to confront our sin, causing true believers to do whatever is necessary to kill it. God praises humble repentance that comes from an earnest, teachable heart. These are the seven things God might mention if He were to sit at the Thanksgiving table seven things He commends in His servants: discernment, endurance, resistance against the devil, spiritual growth, purity, keeping His Word, and earnest and teachable hearts. As we think about Thanksgiving, these truths leave us with two thoughts. First, we should want the honor and praise that comes from God rather than that which comes from men. We should live lives that God would praise. So, are these things true of us? If these divine commendations are true of us, then we have much to be thankful for every day of the year, because God is the one who has worked them in us. Not only do we seek praise that comes from God, but, secondly, we praise Him for His work in our own hearts. This Thanksgiving may our worship and gratitude please the Lord as we fervently thank Him for what He has done. Home Opinion In Israel, giving thanks amid the darkness More than 160 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that all Americans should observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And so was born the cherished American holiday, Thanksgiving. It has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I have many fond memories of our Thanksgiving table growing up in America. While Thanksgiving isnt observed in Israel, the theme of giving thanks is intricately woven throughout Jewish life and holidays which has paradoxically been felt exceptionally intensely, during this past year of heartbreak and war. But what strikes me most about President Lincolns proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving was when it was issued. In 1863, the nation Lincoln led was involved in the Civil War, the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history. Yet in the midst of this struggle which pitted brother against brother, President Lincoln called upon his countrymen to set aside time to give thanks to God in effect, declaring to the nation: even in the toughest of times, we must appreciate our blessings. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe This message particularly resonates with me this year as we in Israel recently marked the somber one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks. More than 1,200 lives were lost sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, and friends brutally murdered, some in their own homes in the greatest loss of Jewish lives in a single day since the Holocaust. More than two hundred innocent Israelis were taken as hostage. As I write this, nearly 100 Israelis remain hostages, somewhere in the Hamas terror tunnels deep beneath Gaza. For over a year, families have lived with the anxiety of not knowing whether they will see the faces of their loved ones ever again. Today, over 400 days later, the fight continues as our enemies wage war on tiny Israel, from seven different fronts. We are fighting for our right to live, and for the survival of our beloved Jewish homeland. For all of us here in the Holy Land, this war is personal. There is not a household in Israel that hasnt been impacted by this fight. Nearly everyone has or knows of loved ones who are bravely serving on the front lines, whose safe return is not a given. Nearly everyone knows a family who has made the ultimate sacrifice and lost a daughter, son, father, mother, relative, or friend. Nearly everyone has run to the bomb shelter countless times as the 'incoming rocket' sirens sounded and prayed with all of their hearts as rockets exploded nearby. And yet, as President Lincoln reminded his war-torn country, even in the midst of such darkness, we must appreciate our blessings. We must practice gratitude and find ways to give thanks. As I look around my own situation and circle of family and friends, I see so much thanksgiving woven into every facet of daily life in Israel, which is even stronger than the fear. I think of my youngest cousin, who I grew up with in Chicago and with whom I share so many happy childhood memories. When he turned 18, he surprised many in the family when he decided to move to Israel and help defend his biblical homeland. At that time, no one imagined that at age 35, with four young children at home, he would be called to defend his country once again. No one could have foreseen that he would be called to join the IDF forces fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon just days before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, leaving his family and children behind to celebrate the High Holy Days without him. Recently, we celebrated with the family when my cousin returned home. The tears of joy, the release from fear, was so overwhelming. Our hearts were filled with thanksgiving and gratitude to God. "I put my husband's life in the hands of God," his brave wife said. "I will never again take for granted the blessing of having my husband walk through the front door." I also think of my eldest sons high school principal. Hes a well-known professional educator in Israel. He also happens to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a paratrooper. At the very beginning of the war, he was called up to serve in Gaza and was injured while on the front lines. His students response was amazing. They dropped everything to help the family and care for him. And now that he is fully recovered, he actually went back into Gaza again. The entire country is in awe by our brave warriors. Mothers and children spend much of their days cooking food and delivering it to army bases, just to express how grateful they are for the service of men and women, who are willing to sacrifice everything to defend the country they love. Every time the siren sounds, and my family and I have to run to the bomb shelter, I am grateful that we have one. I am grateful for the moments of normalcy going out to coffee with friends, dancing with my children, taking care of our new pup. Yes, there is hardship and sadness and heartbreak. But at the same time, we are sustained by our faith in the God of Israel, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, and in the daily miracles that He continues to perform on our behalf. It's with hearts of thanksgiving, that we are able to leave our bomb shelters and go straight to the ice cream store to enjoy life. We take nothing as a given and everything as a gift. I am so grateful that in these moments of darkness, the people of Israel have been able to see the light shine even brighter than ever. For the first time in its history, Israel is not alone. As antisemitism is on a terrifying rise, the Jewish people are more grateful than ever to see how we are joined in this fight by millions of Christians in America and around the world, who have steadfastly stood with Israel and the Jewish people and have remained committed to Israels right to exist. So many Christians have learned from history, have read their Scriptures, and have committed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. So, as you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, my hope and prayer is that even in the darkness, you will see the light. During these difficult times, I know that you join with me and thousands of Israelis in thanking God, for the abundant blessings he has sent our way. When we praise Him for the 'small things', the big problems seem to lose their power. Gratefulness is the weapon God gave us, to combat the evil that surrounds us. Home Opinion Thanksgiving 2024: Grateful to be a Christian and an American Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. As a child, I preferred it even over Christmas. As I approach my 78th Thanksgiving, I am full of gratitude that I have so much to be thankful for as a Christian and as an American. It is appropriate that Thanksgiving appears on the calendar in such close proximity to Advent on the Christian calendar. Advent signals the four Sundays preceding Christmas as Christians the world over celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, the greatest gift ever given. As the Apostle John reminds us, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Nothing can exceed or surpass the Gospel good news that God has provided a way to rescue us from our guilt and sin and provide us with eternal life if we will believe in Him and accept Jesus as our Savior. I cannot comprehend our Heavenly Fathers love for each of us, but I am grateful beyond measure that it is so and I embrace it with alacrity! 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 I am thankful beyond measure that Jesus is my Savior and Lord and that my eternal destiny is safely in His hands. I am thankful that God has called me into His ministry to preach and share the Gospel of salvation with the world. It has been an indescribable joy to preach and teach the "good news" of the Gospel. I am further grateful that in the providence and plan of God, I was born in America to parents who were Christians and raised me in a Christian home. Of all the places in the world one could be born, I cannot imagine a better place than the United States, especially if you are not part of a privileged class. There is no other country in the world where the average man or woman has the opportunity through hard work to flourish to the fullest extent of their abilities. When I hear people criticizing America as racist and sexist, I wonder why such critics never ask themselves why it is so many people want to immigrate here, most of them people of color. Why do they come? Because they have the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families here that they would never have in their countries of origin. I am grateful that America is a country of laws where the people have rights which are guaranteed, rather than granted by the government. As I have pondered the results of the 2024 elections, I have been encouraged by the apparent extent to which rank-and-file American voters have rejected the insidiousness of critical race theory and wokeness. It appears the vast majority of Americans of various ethnicities perceive themselves first and foremost as Americans rather than as Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, Native Americans or Anglos. When I was a Princeton undergraduate back in 1968, I had a very engaging and gifted sociology professor named Marvin Bressler. As a consequence of his influence, I applied to, and was accepted, into a special honors program in American Civilization that studied American culture from the various disciplines of economics, history, literature, politics, psychology and sociology. It was truly a privilege to have been chosen to participate in this remarkable program. As a consequence of having experienced this course of study, I believe I came to a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of our country than I otherwise could have achieved. One day in class, Dr. Bressler said, Gentlemen, the political future of the United States will ultimately be determined by whether Hispanics behave like Italians or Jews. Dr. Bressler, who was Jewish, pointed out that demographic evidence revealed that Jews continued to vote overwhelmingly liberal no matter how many generations they had been in America, whereas Italian-Americans tended to vote more conservatively the more generations they had resided in America. It appears that increasingly Hispanics are indeed behaving like Italian-Americans, politically, the longer they have resided in America. One dramatic indication that ethnicity in dominant ethnic groups is receding as a determinative factor in voting patterns is, According to NBC news, since 2012 there has been a 15-point shift toward Republicans among black voters, a 32-point shift among Asians, and a 38-point shift among Latinos, according to The Wall Street Journal. At an even more elemental level, a recent Pew Research Center study revealed that among people who married in 2022, 32% of Asian Americans married outside their ethnic group, as did 30% of Hispanics, 23% of black people and 15% of white people, writes David Brooks in the Times. I pray that these are indications that we are edging ever closer to Dr. Kings dream of a country where people are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Home News Elon Musk, RFK Jr. praise Trump's pick of Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director Billionaire Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were among those who praised President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Stanford University medical professor and economist Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Tuesday. "I am thrilled to nominate Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bhattacharya will work in cooperation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to direct the Nation's Medical Research, and to make important discoveries that will improve Health, and save lives," Trump announced. Bhattacharya was co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration in 2020, which condemned COVID-19 lockdowns as ineffective and harmful to public health. Signed by more than 15,000 medical and public health professionals, the document called for schools and universities to be open for in-person instruction and for low-risk young adults to work normally instead of from home. 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 Bhattacharya welcomed the nomination, tweeting: "I am honored and humbled by President [Trump's] nomination of me to be the next [NIH] director. We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again!" I am honored and humbled by President @realDonaldTrump's nomination of me to be the next @NIH director. We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again! https://t.co/FrLmYznhfw Jay Bhattacharya (@DrJBhattacharya) November 27, 2024 Bhattacharya and Kennedy, whom Trump nominated to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, had a meeting this week regarding their plans to reform the federal health bureaucracy, according to The Washington Post. "I'm so grateful to President Trump for this spectacular appointment," Kennedy tweeted. "Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is the ideal leader to restore NIH as the international template for gold-standard science and evidence-based medicine." Bhattacharya penned an op-ed earlier this month for UnHerd defending Kennedy and blasting the NIH leadership of Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins for what he described as "a massive suppression of scientific debate and research" despite their $45 million budget. Bhattacharya suggested that Trump's decisive electoral victory was in part because of a political realignment that took place in the wake of the pandemic, which he said led to "a coalition that included disenchanted Left-liberals who rejected the centralized power of scientific bureaucrats and found an ally in Kennedy." Bhattacharya has also been working closely with Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon whom Trump tapped to head the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as internist and former Florida congressman Dave Weldon, whom Trump chose to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to The Washington Post. Musk, who Trump was tasked with helping lead the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, praised Bhattacharya's nomination, tweeting two American flag emojis under his announcement, accepting the nomination. After Musk purchased Twitter in 2022, journalist Bari Weiss revealed that Bhattacharya had been secretly blacklisted by the social media company because of his views, noting that his tweets were prevented from trending. "How the tides have turned," Musk tweeted Tuesday in response to an X user who noted that both Fauci and Collins once conspired to plot a "devastating published take down" of the premises of the Great Barrington Declaration, according to their emails. How the tides have turned https://t.co/ecs93KZSwX Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 27, 2024 Home News Most citizens fear being 'coerced into assisted dying,' half don't know it doesn't offer life-prolonging treatment: poll Fresh polling has revealed widespread concern about plans to legalize assisted suicide ahead of a debate in Parliament on Friday on changing the law. Asked about the statement, "Before parliament considers introducing assisted dying, there should be a Royal Commission to examine the future of palliative and end of life care," seven in 10 agreed. The survey of over 5,000 British adults also noted skepticism about promised protections, with a majority (59%) saying that it was "impossible to create safeguards that would always prevent people from being coerced into assisted dying." Only a quarter (24%) disagreed. 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 Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would require two doctors and a High Court judge to sign off on applications for assisted suicide. Applicants would have to be terminally ill and have the mental capacity to make the decision. The survey, carried out by Focaldata on behalf of the Care Not Killing coalition, found that three quarters of respondents (73%) supported a change to the law. However, after they were presented with 10 arguments against assisted suicide, the proportion who did not change their mind to oppose assisted suicide or answer "don't know" fell to only 11%. It also revealed confusion about what the term "assisted dying" means, with one in six (17%) wrongly thinking it included hospice care and around half (52%) thinking it involved "life-prolonging treatment." There was also concern about people being put at risk with over half (58%) saying it was "inevitable that some of the most vulnerable people in society, such as the elderly, people with disabilities or mental health conditions would feel pressured into an assisted death." Over half (56%) felt that if assisted suicide were legalized, the NHS would likely push some people into assisted suicide, while a similar proportion (57%) agreed that its lower cost compared to palliative care would put pressure on the NHS to offer it. Dr. Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, said the findings showed that the British public "want parliamentarians to fix the NHS, properly funding palliative and social care, not introduce a dangerous and ideological policy that would pressure the vulnerable, the elderly and disabled people into ending their lives prematurely." "This major new poll blows apart the arguments so often advanced by advocates of state-assisted killing that the public backs changing the law. But this support is based on a superficial question that relies on the public's understandable lack of knowledge about what happens in the small number of countries that have legalized assisted suicide or euthanasia," he said. "When members of the public hear that some countries have extended laws on assisted dying to include children under 12; that some people have felt pressure to opt for assisted suicide or euthanasia because they feel they are a burden on loved ones and how, in the U.K., a clear majority of palliative care doctors oppose changing the law, support drastically deteriorates." He added, "The message could not be clearer, we need care, not killing." This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Willie Robertson tells Tucker Carlson he 'stayed out of' 2024 election for fear of 'gumming up' Gospel message Willie Robertson, star of the hit reality show "Duck Dynasty," reflected on his unlikely rise to fame, his relationship with President-elect Donald Trump and the enduring influence of his Christian faith on his life and career in a wide-ranging interview with Tucker Carlson. Robertson, who endorsed Trump in 2016, told Carlson he stayed out of the 2024 election amid concerns it would distract from the Gospel message in his new book, Gospeler: Turning Darkness into Light One Conversation at a Time. In the book, Robertson encourages people to share their faith with others in transformational, one-on-one conversations. The 52-year-old told Carlson that he has friends who supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, people he largely knows from his many years in reality TV. 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 I've done tons of TV, he said. I've got friends all over. We had great debates, but it's the way it should be; we debate, we love each other, we're friends. I can certainly look at Trump and call them, like, That doesn't make sense, or That's not how I feel, or That's not right, I would say, or 'That's ugly, or That's unkind, or whatever it is." This year, I was staying out of it," he said. "I really was, because of the book. When I wrote this book I said, I don't want to get pulled in. I want this message to come out. I want the message of the Gospel, and I don't want it to get gummed up [] because I was involved, I was the first speaker in the 2016 convention. Robertson recounted his first meeting with Trump in 2015 during a rally at the Oklahoma State Fair: I thought, This is cool. We need a business guy, someone outside of politics, Robertson said, recalling his initial impression of Trumps candidacy. In November, Robertson said he called the race between Trump and Harris at 8:33 Central time when he saw North Carolina and Virginia sitting sober. I had a good sense about it. It just felt like it did in 2016, he said. I was just kind of looking at the culture and looking at what people are saying and its like, hes got a lot of people that are, you know, 'cause it wasnt as weird as it was before. Now, its kind of cool. You werent ostracized as much. Robertson noted that in 2020, people did not like Trump amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the overall tenor changed significantly in the 2024 election. Reflecting on his prediction for the 2020 election, Robertson said Trump would win reelection unless something really weird happens, adding: I said that like, and they manufacture a virus in China, and then the weird thing happened, and there you go. Carlson then asked Robertson if he knew of anyone in Louisiana, Robertsons home state, who had questions about the legitimacy of the 2020 election. We all got questions, Robertson replied. But I understand what it is like. I was like, I've listened to people over time. There are tons of people who question that stuff [] it seems strange. Though interested in politics, Robertson stressed that his mission is to fulfill the Great Commission as described in Matthew 28. The term gospeler, Robertson explained, is an old word for laypeople known for spreading the Gospel, a practice he lamented has become rare in modern times. I think we get so lethargic, even in churches, he said. I take my mission from Matthew 28, which is labeled as the Great Commission. Then Jesus says, Go out, make disciples of all nations, baptize people, teach people. Three things, three specific ideas: make disciples, baptize people, teach people. So those are the last things He said before He left, like, 'Make sure you do this.'" You just think about what you got to do to accomplish those three things, he continued. You probably are going to have to have conversations with people. If youre going to baptize them, if youre going to disciple them, if you're gonna teach them, you're going to have to have some sort of conversation [] those three things Jesus said were outward, it's other people, not just you. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Robertson shared how the books opening chapter focuses on his father, Phil Robertson, and his transformation from a life of addiction and violence to becoming a devout Christian. In the late 1960s, Phil abandoned his family, living in the woods to evade arrest after a violent bar fight. His life turned around after a preacher confronted him at a bar in Arkansas a pivotal moment that planted the seed for his eventual conversion. Dad had not become a Christian. He'd already kicked us out, so we knew where it was headed. It was heading towards divorce for sure, split up family. When you take that out of the mix, there would have been no Duck Commander, there would have been no company, there would have been no 'Duck Dynasty.' I don't even know if I would be a believer today, he told CP at the time. Every day of my life, someone has been impacted by what happened 50 years ago, he continued. Because of what was able to come out of that, when you start thinking about the television show that reached hundreds of millions of people, still does every day [] all the books, the movies, the podcast, all the things that have pointed people in some way to the Gospel, to the light, I can trace all that back. The Robertson family gained fame with the 2012 debut of "Duck Dynasty" on A&E, a reality series chronicling their family business and lifestyle in rural Louisiana. The show, which ended in 2017, became one of the most popular reality programs in history, known for its humor, family values and weekly prayer. We made it clear from the start that our faith was non-negotiable, Robertson told Carlson. We ended every show with a prayer, and surprisingly, there was no resistance to that. While the shows success brought business growth and widespread recognition, Robertson said it also served as a platform to share the Gospel with a broader audience. Seven years after the end of "Duck Dynasty," the Robertsons are returning to television with a new series focused on the next generation, Robertson told Tucker: Were getting back into production, he said. The project will follow the familys lives as their children and grandchildren take on new roles in the business and beyond. Weve grown a lot since the show ended, Robertson said. The familys larger, and the kids are older. Its the right time to come back. (Photo: Getty/iStock) Dear Member of Parliament, I realise that you are probably being bombarded with letters, whether pro forma or individual, on the subject of euthanasia. It is a complex issue, and it is good to see that many MPs seem to be taking it seriously - although I have to say that it is disappointing that the government has limited the time for this bill to be scrutinised. Why the rush? The bill is 38 pages long and MPs will only have 5 hours to scrutinise it! I find it fascinating to see such diversity in the people who support this legislation, with politicians such as Keir Starmer, Ed Miliband, Lisa Nandy and Liz Kendall all in favour, and likewise in those who are opposed: Sadiq Khan, Gordon Brown, Ed Davey, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahood, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner, Bridget Phillipson, Dianne Abbott are against. How will you as an MP make up your mind? Perhaps you will justify supporting the bill because opinion polls tell us that this is what your constituents want? But surely by now you must recognise the frailty of opinion polls especially those paid for by those with a strong agenda like the wealthy campaign group Dignity in Dying. It's amazing how pollsters find what their sponsors want them to find. I suggest you read this article by Kevin Yuill in Spiked pointing out the flaws in the polls. Besides which, as an MP, would you vote for Capital Punishment if the majority of people in opinion polls said they were for it? I once participated in a debate on this subject in a Scottish university where a vote was taken before and after the debate. It was one of the few debates I have taken part in where there was a significant change of view. The overwhelming majority before the debate were in favour of being "allowed to die in dignity at a place and time of your own choosing" (see how the motion, like the polls, was skewed). Afterwards the pro-euthanasia position was still the most popular but by a very narrow majority. One of the lecturers complained to me afterwards that the students changed their mind because they had never heard the opposite case be put to them! Of course, when this is discussed on the BBC and in other media, it is usually focused around a particular individual or story often very emotional. Who could argue against that? But there are personal stories on both sides. I have direct experience of many especially as a pastor. I myself was seriously ill in hospital, with a great deal of pain, and with a limited chance of living. To be honest if I had been offered euthanasia at that point I might have taken it especially if I was told that I would be relieving my family. My faith in God would have prevented it, but I could understand the temptation. Another friend who faced the same situation said that it was precisely because he could understand the pressures and the temptations that it should not be left to the individual to decide. It should not be an option. So, what are my main reasons against? I realise your time is valuable so I will just mention three: Coercion When Victoria Derbyshire asked Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine on BBC Newsnight how anyone would know if someone was being coerced, the MP was unable to answer. That is because there is no answer. There is no legitimate safeguard. There are many different ways to coerce people. For example, elderly people often feel that they are a burden. The Labour sponsor of the bill, Kim Leadbeater, even argued that feeling a burden was a legitimate reason to seek assisted suicide. But we are all burdens. I am a burden (as well as a blessing) to my family. We bear one another's burdens gladly. My elderly mother, now in her 80s, should not feel under any pressure at all to be euthanised in order to protect the inheritance of her children. When euthanasia is not an option, there is no pressure. An extraordinary glimpse into the future, if this bill is passed, was seen this week on the London Tube. An advert, created by Let Us Choose, shows a woman dressed in her pyjamas, dancing in a kitchen with the slogan "My dying wish is my family won't see me suffer. And I won't have to." How strange that the Tube may soon not be allowed to display adverts for junk food, yet can advertise suicide when hundreds of people attempt suicide on the Tube every year! When The Economist called assisted suicide a 'fundamental liberty', Andy Crouch answered succinctly, "You will have 'the right to die' for approximately 15 minutes before you start to feel 'the obligation to die'," which will be approximately 15 minutes before you are informed that (for the greater good, to be sure) you are "required to die". The journalist Kevin McKenna in The Herald takes this one step further by pointing out that euthanasia can easily become a tool to get rid of the weak, the disabled, the poor and other 'economically unproductive' members of society. He cites the case of a physician who'd been the main organiser of euthanasia provision at a hospital in Calgary but was now a passionate opponent of euthanasia because he'd been appalled at how it was being used to target the weak and the vulnerable including children and those who had made "advanced requests". And lest you think this is an exaggeration, why not look at Matthew Parris's column in The Times a few months ago where he said the unthinkable out loud: "Social and cultural pressure will grow on the terminally ill to hasten their own deaths so as 'not to be a burden' on others or themselves. I believe this will indeed come to pass. And I would welcome it." Mission creep, or the slippery slope AC Grayling, a patron of Dignity in Dying, in a podcast for the National Secular Society said that those who are confined to wheelchairs or the clinically depressed should also have the facility of assisted suicide. But he went further: why not have assisted suicide for any reason? It is, after all, the ultimate in human autonomy. The writer Rupert Shortt, in The Eclipse of Christianity and Why it Matters, points out that, "In countries that allow either PAS [physician-assisted suicide] or voluntary euthanasia (lethal injections at the patient's request), it is striking how often patients access them for reasons other than pain and suffering. The most common reasons in the US state of Oregon are 'loss of autonomy' and 'a decreasing ability to engage in activities that make life enjoyable'. In 2016, the Dutch government, which legalised euthanasia in 1984, proposed extending its law to elderly people who have a 'completed life'. This naturally led pro-life campaigners to ask about the kind of signal such a change would send to the elderly. By legalising euthanasia and PAS in 2016, Canada moved even faster than the Netherlands." What guarantee can you give that despite Leadbeater's promise of "the strongest safeguards in the world", the UK will not end up going the Dutch route, where last year 138 Dutch citizens with psychological conditions were allowed to kill themselves? Which brings me on to my last point. The Death Culture This new law would not be a mild change to the law, enabling a compassionate approach to a few suffering people who need it. This would be a fundamental change in society, written into law. It would change, perhaps forever, the basic principle of the sanctity of life which is the foundation of both law and medicine in the UK. It would be a further step in the advance to what I call 'the death culture' of the progressives. Speaking of which, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips says that this is 'progress'. It is not. It is regress - a regression to the pre-Christian Greco/Roman/Pagan view of the world. A world in which the weak, vulnerable 'burdens' to society are just removed. You can call it compassion if you wish, but such Orwellian use of language doesn't take away from the fact that this is a regressive step back into a darkness where compassion was considered to be the ultimate weakness. Why would you vote for such a hellish society? I, and many of your constituents, who have thought about this deeply, would echo the plea of the former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who urged that resources, time and energy be put into palliative care not killing people. Care not killing. Doesn't that sound like something worth voting for? Yours etc David A Robertson (Photo: Getty/iStock) Haitian bishops are appealing for peace after months of violence and a sharp deterioration in the situation as gangs deepen their control of the capital Port-au-Prince. Archbishop Max Leroys Mesidor of Port-au-Prince, President of the Haitian Bishops' Conference, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the violence "has taken a serious turn" since the start of the month. The UN reports that tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in recent weeks and that supply chains are collapsing. Children are especially vulnerable, as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that they account for over half of Haiti's 700,000 internally displaced people. According to UNICEF, gang recruitment of children has risen by 70 per cent in the last year. In response to the escalation in violence, the UN has evacuated some staff from the country. The bishops are calling for those in power to restore peace to the country. "Everyone is on their guard we all feel threatened," said Archbishop Mesidor, who is based in Port-au-Prince. The bishops said in a statement that "Toussaint Louverture Airport is closed, cutting us off from the rest of the world", and that the capital is "paralysed". "We cannot hope to reap peace by sowing violence," it said. "Peace is above all a gift of God, but it equally demands the efforts of all people of goodwill." They continued: "We appeal to those who are in charge of governing the city to act with determination to re-establish security and guarantee the protection of citizens, in line with their primary mission of serving the common good." "We also invite members of the government, members of civil society and protagonists from all sides, armed or unarmed, to recognise that it is time to resolve this problem of ongoing violence. "Something must be done." 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(Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- It is hoped that the Kansai business community of Japan will continue to seize China's development opportunities for mutual benefit and win-win results, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Wednesday. He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting in Beijing with a delegation from Japan's Kansai business community. Noting China and Japan's deep integration in terms of industrial and supply chains and their broad common interests and cooperation space, He encouraged Japan's Kansai business community to continue to grasp China's development opportunities, and deepen practical cooperation for mutual success and win-win outcomes. Leaders of the delegation expressed their appreciation for China's achievements in economic and social development -- and their willingness to contribute more to achieving mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) As the art market shows signs of slowing, London is looking to attract a new generation of art buyers and showcase young emerging artists in the process. Global art sales slid 4% year-on-year in 2023, according to the Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report 2024, falling to $65 billion after two years of growth. It has led industry professionals such as Elio D'Anna, co-founder and CEO of the House of Fine Art (HOFA) gallery in London's Mayfair district to shift their focus toward both younger collectors and younger artists. "Five years ago ... our target was more in the 35- to 45-year-old buyers, almost 50/50 men and women. But now we are seeing more the 25- to 35-[year-old] buyers," he told CNBC's "The Art of Appreciation." This increase in younger collectors comes as artificial intelligence and how it can be used to create work remains a hot topic in the art world. It's certainly a focus for D'Anna. HOFA represents artist Sougwen Chung, who uses a robot Chung designed to co-create work. Chung, who uses the pronoun they, calls the machine a drawing operations unit, or DOUG. "I work primarily these days with robotic performance and artifacts, which means translating the digital in terms of data, movement data, spatial data, into really tangible works that can be experienced by an audience," Chung told CNBC. Chung, who is a former researcher at MIT Media Lab, said they trained the robot on 20 years of data from their own drawings. "It was really, really interesting, because we could see my own stylistic input, my own decision making transferred and translated into a machine system," they said. Cranberries are a Thanksgiving staple in many U.S. households and scientists hope AI can help keep it that way. Americans typically consume 80 million pounds of the bright red fruit around the holidays, according to the Ocean Spray agricultural cooperative. With climate change and rising temperatures already creating challenges for U.S. cranberry farmers, researchers like U.S. Department of Agriculture geneticist Dr. Jeffrey Neyhart are turning to artificial intelligence to ensure that supplies of the holiday staple remain abundant and affordable in the years to come. "Cranberry production is challenging [and] growers are really concerned about heat stress events," Neyhart says. Best suited to colder environments, cranberries are a particularly sensitive crop and can be easily damaged by temperature jumps that can cause rot and other issues that result in lower crop yields, research shows. That makes cranberries one of many agricultural crops with uncertain futures, thanks to the effects of climate change. Higher average temperatures already create challenges for cranberry growers across the country. While cranberry production in the U.S. is up 2% this year compared to the previous five-year average, according to the USDA, growers have already had to implement new strategies like improving irrigation systems to counteract increased drought conditions to keep producing more of the popular fruit. As global temperatures rise each year, that added heat will continue to create risk for the estimated $2 billion global cranberry market and future Thanksgiving meals. If rising temperatures make it more difficult for cranberry growers to keep up with consumer demand in the future, then that could result in less supply and higher prices for shoppers, especially around the holidays, Neyhart notes. "We're trying to address the concerns of not only growers but also processors and then, eventually, consumers," he says. AI could help shave years off the process Researchers like Neyhart work to identify which cranberry varieties are most resistant to extreme heat, so they can share those findings with farmers and ensure that crops are given the best chance to survive increasingly common heat waves. The problem: It's extremely "time consuming [and] laborious." They must sort through thousands of cranberry varieties, or cultivars, to find those with the best combination of heat-resistance and quality taking into account traits like taste, coloring, fruit yield and the ability to withstand disease before they can try selectively breeding new varieties using the most desirable traits, Neyhart says. "We use AI to assist us with this, because normally breeding is a numbers game," he adds. "It takes hundreds or thousands, or tens of thousands, of new offspring to screen through before we find that one or two gem strains or varieties that may make it to a grower's field." At Neyhart's lab in Chatsworth, New Jersey, AI programs use thermal imaging to measure temperatures across canopies of countless different cranberry varieties to determine their ability to resist extreme temperatures. The programs use computer vision and image analysis to estimate crop yields, or the number and size of berries each plant produces, which would otherwise consume a lot of time and effort. "We have to measure yield on all of these new offspring over several years," Neyhart says. "And the normal way of measuring yield is to get on our hands and knees and harvest fruit from small plots [which] takes days." Denmark's navy said on Nov. 20, 2024 it was shadowing a Chinese cargo vessel in the Baltic Sea, a day after Finland and Sweden opened investigations into suspected sabotage of two severed undersea telecoms cables. Mikkel Berg Pedersen | Ritzau Scanpix | Afp via Getty Images Geopolitical tensions are brewing globally over the cutting of subsea cables critical infrastructure powering cross-border internet connectivity in the Baltic Sea. The severing of the cables prompted warnings of "sabotage" and potential "hybrid" warfare targeting key infrastructure in the West amid further escalations in the ongoing war in Ukraine. CNBC explains all you need to know about the undersea incident and why it's ratcheting up global geopolitical tensions. What happened, exactly? Last week, two undersea cables were severed in the Baltic Sea, raising suspicions that subsea communication systems may be the latest target of sabotage against the West, as it clashes with Russia over the country's invasion of Ukraine. One of the cables disrupted was C-Lion1, which links Finland and Germany and is owned by Cinia, a Finnish state-controlled IT firm. Spanning nearly 1,200 kilometers (730 miles), it is the only direct connection of its kind between Finland and Central Europe. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards A data visualization map showing the C-Lion1 undersea cable which connected Finland and Germany. CNBC graphic using data from Telegeography The other cable damaged was one connecting Lithuania and Sweden, BCS East West Interlink. Arelion, the company which owns it, told CNBC data traffic was rerouted to alternative links as it worked to repair the cable. Data traffic flowing through the cable is carried by Telia Lithuania. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Telia Lithuania said that the BCS East West Interlink cable had been "restored," with traffic flows resuming. "This incident reminded us of the importance of not taking internet connectivity for granted," Andrius Semeskevicius, Telia's chief technology officer, said in a statement. Repairing subsea cables is no mean feat, according to Andy Champagne, senior vice president and chief technology officer of Akamai Labs. "While we're linked together with a complex physical web of fiber optic cables over land, the topology becomes more challenging once we plunge into the oceans," he told CNBC. "It's really complex to install subsea cables. And, when there is an issue with a subsea cable, repairing it is a non-trivial job." What are subsea cables? Subsea cables are massive fiber-optic cables laid on the seabed, which carry data like webpages, email, and video calls between continents. They are the backbone of the global internet, delivering 99% of the world's intercontinental data traffic. "Undersea cables are part of critical national infrastructure carrying telecommunications between nations and continents," Martin Lee, EMEA lead at Cisco Talos, told CNBC. "Their physical location exposes them to many natural threats such as salt water corrosion and landslides, as well as man-made threats, which may be accidental due to fishing activity or malicious in nature." watch now Lee said businesses "need to understand their exposure to risks such as these." While, for some firms a temporary slowdown in international traffic caused by rerouting might not be an issue, others can't afford that disruption. "Businesses that rely on fast, instantaneous connections, such as anyone requiring video conferencing or transferring large amounts of data, are massively exposed to the consequences of cable disruption," Lee said. Who is to blame? An investigation is under way, with authorities look to determine the perpetrator. The attack has so far not been attributed to a single entity or country. On Thursday, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" that the country is "in close contact with China." watch now Authorities in several EU countries are tracking a Chinese vessel. On Wednesday, a Wall Street Journal report said investigators suspect the crew of the ship deliberately severed the cables by dragging its anchor along the Baltic seabed. CNBC was unable to independently verify the report. The Chinese embassy in London was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. Valtonen said the incident highlights how EU nations need to "focus a lot more on the resilience of the overall connectivity, which is so important, both when comes to data [and] energy infrastructure." "If this was a deliberate attack, then it would have also implications for the foreign education policy," she added. Germany, without naming a specific potential suspect, said it believes the cable cut was an act of "sabotage" and possible "hybrid" warfare. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Finland and Germany said the incident "immediately raises suspicions of intentional damage," adding that a "thorough investigation" is being carried out. "Our European security is not only under threat from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, but also from hybrid warfare by malicious actors. Safeguarding our shared critical infrastructure is vital to our security and the resilience of our societies," they added. watch now Lebanon's foreign minister on Thursday defended Hezbollah's presence in the region, but said his country had "no say in the decision to go to war" with Israel. Speaking to CNBC's Dan Murphy, Abdallah Bou Habib vowed to uphold a U.S.-France brokered cease-fire that is already showing signs of strain, and said he will seek foreign funding to assist in the reconstruction of Lebanon. "We support Hezbollah, but we don't support the war as Lebanese, and the government had no say in the decision to go to war, we have to admit that," he said. Hezbollah, which operates as both a political party and a paramilitary group, has been accused of dragging Lebanon, a country of over 5 million, into a war it did not want to fight with Israel. The Iran-backed militia, which holds 13 seats officially but has a wider alliance that makes up 62 seats in Lebanon's 128-member parliament, also controls much of Lebanon's borders and its airport. "Iran has influence through Hezbollah on Lebanon," Bou Habib told CNBC, "but Hezbollah does not run Lebanon" he added. "This government is not under the influence of Iran, Iran has allies in Lebanon, no doubt about that." Will the cease-fire hold? Hezbollah "will implement" the cease-fire agreement "faithfully," Bou Habib, said after the French and American-brokered deal, which took effect Wednesday, allowed displaced Israelis and Lebanese to return home after 14 months of intense conflict. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of breaching the cease-fire agreement less than 48 hours after it was agreed. Lebanon is "ready, willing and determined" to implement UN resolution 1701, Bou Habib said, which aims to ensure Israeli withdrawal from the south and move Hezbollah north of the Litani River. The area, under 1701, would fall under Lebanese Armed Forces control and a U.N. peacekeeping force. Under the current cease-fire agreement, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hezbollah from southern Lebanon would occur gradually over the next 60 days, which U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein told CNBC on Wednesday he hopes will become permanent. watch now The Lebanese Cabinet also reaffirmed their commitment to 1701, which, under previous UN Security Council resolutions, calls for the "disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon," including Hezbollah. The foreign minister caveated this statement by saying that "as long as we have occupied land, it is not difficult, probably impossible, not to have resistance, and I mean military resistance. So we have got to fix our borders with Israel. We have got to fix them once and for good." Lebanese political analyst Ronnie Chatah told CNBC, "the occupation the foreign minister is referring to is the Shebaa farms. This disputed, limited zone that Syria considers Lebanese and that Israel considers occupied, or now annexed. Golan Heights, Lebanon, of course, back then, took the Syrian line. This is not a raison d'etre, to have the largest paramilitary force on the planet." Political deadlock The country has been in political deadlock long before the war began. Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun left the post in 2022, and the current government exists in a caretaker format. Lebanon's political system is held together by a sectarian power-sharing agreement, guaranteeing the representation of the country's diverse religious groups, but has often been blamed for contributing to its deadlock. "I'm not claiming that this government has the trust of all Lebanese, but it has the trust of most Lebanese," Bou Habib told CNBC. Rebuilding Lebanon The World Bank estimates a total of $8.5 billion in damages to the Lebanese economy, resulting from the conflict which includes physical damage and economic loss. Lebanon's Economy Minister Amin Salam told CNBC earlier this month the costs could be much greater, and would stand at around $20 billion in accumulated losses to not only the economy, but infrastructure and employment losses. The World Bank also estimates the current conflict could "cut Lebanon's real GDP growth by at least 6.6% in 2024." Salam added that the country's embattled economy could contract by as much as 8% to 12% within the next year. watch now A view shows the logo of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) during the United Nations climate change conference COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan November 13, 2024. The OPEC+ oil alliance postponed a meeting to decide the next steps of its crude production strategy to Dec. 5, two delegate sources told CNBC. The sources did not want to be named given the sensitivity of discussions. The coalition, made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, was initially scheduled to meet on Dec. 1. They will now confer virtually next week. The OPEC+ coalition is currently operating three sets of separate oil production cuts, in response to an uncertain demand outlook. Under its formal output strategy, member nations are curtailing their combined production to 39.725 million barrels per day (bpd) into next year. Eight OPEC+ members are meanwhile voluntarily reducing by 1.7 million barrels per day throughout 2025, along with a second set of 2.2 million bpd of cuts that they are currently due to begin phasing out in December. The OPEC Secretariat later in the session said that the meeting was rescheduled as several ministers of member nations will be attending the Dec. 1 Gulf Summit in Kuwait City, Kuwait. In this article DP4A-FF MAERSK.B-DK Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT The container ship Gunde Maersk docked at the Port of Oakland on June 24, 2024, in Oakland, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images SINGAPORE Denmark-based shipping and logistics giant Maersk unveiled its latest dual-fuel methanol vessel in the Southeast Asian country on Thursday as the industry ramps up decarbonization efforts. The newly named A.P. Mller is a 350-meter-long ship that adds to a growing fleet of Maersk vessels that are able to run on methanol as well as traditional marine fuels. Speaking to CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia," Maersk's Asia-Pacific president, Ditlev Blicher, said the vessels represent the latest technology that is ready to decarbonize shipping. "[This technology] allows the industry to shift from black fuels or fossil fuels into what we call e-methanol, or green methanol, significantly reducing the carbon outlets of normal shipping," he said. Maersk broadly defines green fuels as fuels with a minimum 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis compared with fossil reference fuels. watch now Although largely produced from fossil fuels, methanol can also be made from sustainable, renewable-based energy sources, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Maersk says ships running on green methanol can save up to about 280 tons of CO2 per day, making it a key step in the company's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. Green methanol also has a lower sulfur content, reducing emissions of sulfur oxides, which contribute to air pollution and acid rain, according to the World Economic Forum. Blicher said the A.P. Mller is Maersk's ninth dual-fuel vessel out of an order of 25 planned to be completed by 2027. According to the company, replacing just 12 of its "normal" vessels with large dual-fuel methanol vessels like the A.P. Mller could save 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 almost double the CO2 emissions that the Municipality of Copenhagen produced in 2022. The future of shipping? People enter LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on one of the busiest travel days of the year on November 26, 2024 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images With Thanksgiving holiday travel well underway, many have reached their destinations but for everyone else, a storm tracking from the Rockies to the Midwest and Northeast into Thursday will bring rain and snow, likely impacting flights and packed roads. Just shy of 3 million people were expected to be screened by the Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday, and a record 71.7 million were expected travel by car over Thanksgiving over 1 million more than last year. The storm, which dropped snow over the Rockies Wednesday morning and slowed by the afternoon, is forecast to race east throughout Wednesday to the Midwest and Northeast through Thanksgiving. It'll bring rain, with the possibility of ice and snow, that will intensify in the evening from St. Louis to Indianapolis and into Pittsburgh. Overnight, the storm will continue to move eastward, bringing cold rain along the I-95 corridor, from Richmond to Boston, in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning. As of Wednesday night, there were nearly 4,000 delays and 45 cancelled flights within, into or out of the U.S., according to FlightAware. American Airlines said it operated nearly 6,400 mainline and regional flights on Tuesday and expected more than 650,000 customers to travel Wednesday across nearly 6,400 flights that's almost 4.5 American flights departing every minute of the day. A ground delay at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, was in place Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. ET to 2 a.m. Thursday. A woman stands near a screen showing the timetable at the Newark Liberty International Airport during the busiest travel day, the day before the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., November 27, 2024. Eduardo Munoz | Reuters There were more than 300 delays in total out of Newark on Wednesday, with some at least 95 minutes long. The FAA said on X Wednesday afternoon that delays were expected in Denver and Salt Lake City due to snow and ice. In those cities, airport officials were deicing planes to get them ready for departure. Denver was leading the pack with 600 flight delays Wednesday. Delays were also common in Boston, Dallas and Las Vegas, where delays were in the triple digits, according to FlightAware. Fog in Tampa was affecting departures Wednesday, with Tampa International Airport reporting 37 outbound delays, according to FlightAware. Delays were also an issue in Seattle and Los Angeles, where low ceilings were expected to cause some impacts on operations, the FAA said earlier Wednesday. More from NBC News: Parts of U.S. may get a glimpse of northern lights this Thanksgiving For some, politics isn't off the table at Thanksgiving. It's just not welcome. NASA astronaut Suni Williams shares her Thanksgiving plans in space and says she's not 'stranded' For road travelers, I-80, I-64, I-75 were impacted by rain Wednesday, and I-25 and I-70 by snow in the Rockies. Thanksgiving Day will bring a mess of rain for the I-95 corridor from Florida to Maine, and heavy snow for the interior Northeast and New England. Points north of the Hudson Valley in upstate New York and interior New England can expect 1 to 3 inches of wet snow, with localized totals of over 6 inches at highest mountain peaks. From northeast Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, 3 to 6 inches of snow and potentially even more is possible, with windy conditions potentially leading to power outages in the area. The iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on rain or shine, as the Big Apple is forecast to see soaking rain with temperatures in the 40s. Winds are forecast to be less than 10 mph, which will allow balloons to fly. The parade's beloved balloons cannot fly if maximum sustained winds hit 23 mph or greater or if gusts exceed 34 mph. East Coast cities including Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New York, Hartford and Boston can expect a cold rain, with rainfall totals between .50 to 1 inch. Road travel will be slick as far south as Virginia and Maryland, including through the I-95 corridor into Maine. By the overnight hours into Friday morning, travel will settle to mostly normal conditions as the system pushes out of the New England area. However, cold winds in New England and a lake effect snow event around the Great Lakes will take hold and will continue through Sunday. Airport hubs to watch Thursday include Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, NYC, Boston, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. On Sunday typically the busiest travel day of Thanksgiving week, as people return home from holiday trips the cold will continue across swaths of the country, as well as lake effect snow around the Great Lakes and Northeast. A total of 3 million people are predicted to pass through TSA on Sunday, nearing the record of 3.01 million that was set the Sunday following the Fourth of July holiday this year. Travelers line up at the security checkpoint at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on November 22, 2024, ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Kamil Krzaczynski | AFP | Getty Images Can artificial intelligence be so transformative as to solve one of the U.S. economy's biggest problems: its skyrocketing fiscal deficit? According to three economists at the Brookings Institution, the answer is yes AI could prove a positive "critical shock" for the country's fiscal health. A working paper released last month by the Center on Regulation and Markets at Brookings projects that under the most optimistic scenario, AI could reduce the annual U.S. budget deficit by as much as 1.5% of gross domestic product by 2044, or about $900 billion in nominal terms, lowering annual budget deficits by roughly one fifth at the end of the 20-year span. "The use of AI presents the rare possibly unique opportunity to expand access to health care information and services while simultaneously reducing the burden on the conventional health care system," the paper's authors, Ben Harris, Neil Mehotra and Eric So, wrote. While the authors name various channels through which AI can increase productivity, they highlight AI's potential to dramatically improve health care services and public health. Not only could AI make American health care more efficient, it might also "democratize" access to the system by giving people more options for preventative medical care "changing the 'who' and 'where' of health care," the economists wrote. AI could ease deficit pressure The economic impacts of a more efficient health care system, and giving individuals more paths to manage their own health, could ease pressure on the government's yawning fiscal deficit, which topped $1.8 trillion in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30. The national debt stands at $36 trillion. But adopting AI in health care services isn't a sure thing. Plenty of impediments stand in the way of widely implementing AI, largely tied to regulation and incentives. Economists' outlook on AI and health care is "a mix of enthusiasm and despair," said Ajay Agrawal, a professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management ,where he researches the economics of artificial intelligence. "Enthusiasm because there's probably no sector that stands to benefit more from AI than health care. But there's friction due to regulation, due to incentives because of the way things are structured and how people are paid for things and friction due to the associated risks and liabilities," Agrawal said. "So yes, there's lots of implementation challenges, and at the same time, the prize for succeeding at this is very big," Agrawal said. Health care and the deficit The federal government spent an estimated $1.8 trillion on health insurance in 2023, or around 7% of GDP, according to the Congressional Budget Office. From 2024 to 2033, the CBO forecasts federal subsidies for health care will total $25 trillion, or 8.3% of GDP. The problem is that so much health care spending in the U.S. isn't tied to treatment or patient outcomes. Instead, about a quarter of all spending, public and private, is estimated to go toward administrative functions. "Nearly every industry in the U.S. has experienced substantial improvements in productivity over the last 50 years, with 1 major exception: health care," according to a report by McKinsey analysts. This is one area where AI could improve operations, according to the Brookings Institution economists. Basic tasks such as appointment scheduling can be automated, while tasks such as patient flow management and preliminary data analysis can also be done by AI programs. While the three economists acknowledge that the impact of AI on federal spending is still "highly uncertain," the coauthors believe it could ultimately be more transformative for the economy than past technological leaps, such as the use of personal computers in the 1990s. The current AI shock "feels different. This isn't your typical technological shock," Harris told CNBC. AI is affecting "how people receive health care," how the drug industry discovers new products and how researchers make medicine more precise, Harris said. Disease and death rates In particular, Harris underscored AI's impact not just on productivity, but also its potential to transform the cost of care and the rates of illness, disease and death. "Such changes could have profound impacts on Social Security and public health program outlays," he and his coauthors wrote. To be sure, there is also the potential that AI advancements could counterintuitively increase federal spending if the average lifespan increases as a result of the technology. Not only could improved technology lead people to seek more medical care, longer lifespans might also result in a larger retired population. But the Brookings paper takes a more optimistic tack, predicting one of AI's largest benefits will result from accelerating the efficacy of preventative care and disease detection. This will create a healthier population that will need less medical intervention, the authors wrote and might also increase labor force participation rates if a healthier workforce stays employed for more years. "AI's ability to improve diagnostic accuracy can not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce wasteful spending on inappropriate treatments," the economists said. "From a more optimistic perspective, existing AI systems may lower expenditures on all health spending, including Medicare, with cost reductions occurring through several channelswith personalized medicine being a prominent example." Evaluating whether AI can ultimately translate into a positive or negative shock on fiscal policy will depend on what stage of the age distribution it affects, Agrawal said. Whether AI is "having its bigger impact on retired people, or around working people," will answer how the numbers play out, Agrawal said. AI proliferating already So far, diagnostics has shown the most advances and greatest potential in applying AI in health care. Agrawal cited AI's influence throughout almost all the steps of diagnostic care, from receiving input data, medical imagery such as X-rays and MRIs, as well as doctor notes, charts. "In almost every area of diagnosis, AI has, in some cases, already demonstrated what they call 'superhuman performance' better than than most docs," Agrawal said. AI has also shown "significant promise" in better optimizing treatment plans for patients through data analysis. Machine intelligence can develop more effective and less costly plans for individual patients, according to the authors of the paper. Agrawal believes it's too early to say whether public or private health systems will take better advantage of AI. In the U.S., private insurers have generally been more keen on AI technology associated with preventative treatment, he said. There's been less interest in using AI in diagnostic applications, possibly that might lead to a rise in cases and more treatment, he said. "There aren't clear economic incentives for the private sector to [implement] that," said Agrawal. "In the public sector, even though there are incentives, there are a lot of frictions associated with privacy on the data side." He believes public-private partnerships will be key in driving the rollout of AI across health care. The public health care sector "will need very strong incentives in order to drive change, because otherwise, everybody is in their routine. There's a lot of resistance to change," Agrawal said. "So to get over that resistance, you need a very strong motivator, and the private sector generally provides a much stronger motivator, either because the users are trying to reduce cost, or the creators of the technology are trying to generate profit," he continued. Large tech companies have already pushed forward in developing large language models specifically for health care services. Google's AI system, Articulate Medical Intelligence Explore (AMIE), mimics diagnostic dialogue. Its Med-Gemini platform uses AI to aid in diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical decision support. Amazon and Microsoft have their own projects underway to expand the application of AI programs in health services. Outlook under Trump President-elect Donald Trump's second term could alter the rollout of AI in health care, and ultimately, its economic impact. Trump has vowed to reduce government spending and formed an outside panel called the Department of Government Efficiency designed to "dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies." Public health funding is one area that could reduced funding, frustrating the ability to roll out AI applications. "Now, it is possible that if you do see a retreat in the federal government's role in providing health care to people, that more efficient AI could help compensate for the cost of that retreat," said Harris. "If AI means that each dollar goes farther, then I think we've timed everything in a sort of lucky way." There's also the chance that rolling back regulations under a second Trump administration could expedite the implementation of AI across health care. "Many people are fearful of reducing regulation because they don't want technologies that are immature to be brought into the health care system and harm people," Agrawal said. "And that's a very legitimate concern. But very often what they fail to also put into their equation is the harm we're causing people by not bringing" in new technologies, he added. "Some areas need a lot more technical development, but there are some domains in diagnosis that are already ready to go, and it's just regulation that's preventing them from being used," Agrawal said. As investors prepare their portfolios for 2025, two Wall Street banks have identified European stocks they believe offer significant growth potential despite market uncertainties. Morgan Stanley downgraded European equities to neutral earlier this year, and now say it's a "stock picker's market" as equities on the continent have begun to diverge from each other in terms of performance. While many stocks are expected to underperform, the Wall Street bank said there is "material scope for alpha generation" if investors buy the right ones. The investment bank named payment technology company Adyen , food nutrition firm Glanbia , energy engineering firm Saipem , and British housebuilder Barratt Redrow among its "top stock picks" going into 2025, in a note to clients on Nov 27. Meanwhile, investment firm Bernstein named several mid-cap stocks, including Saipem , market research firm Ipsos , France's auto firm Trigano and engineering group Duerr , among its favorite stocks. The equity research house's top 10 picks have outperformed the MSCI Europe Small index by 5 percentage points since the end of October. Adyen The payments service provider reported 21% revenue growth in the third quarter of 2024 and Morgan Stanley expects growth to accelerate to around 24% in 2025, making it a strong player in the global payments market. Morgan Stanley expects Adyen shares to rise 40% over the next 12 months. Ipsos Bernstein gives the market research company Ipsos 78% upside potential, primarily driven by an expected rebound in its U.S. business. The company stands out among Bernstein's picks as one of the few stocks with strong U.S. exposure, but with a low tariff risk post-election. Glanbia Morgan Stanley said Glanbia shares are significantly undervalued, trading at 11 times expected 2025 earnings, calling it the "cheapest" stock in the consumer staples sector. The bank highlighted Glanbia's position as a market leader in protein nutrition and projects 10% earnings growth annually. Shares are expected to rise 42% over the next year, according to Morgan Stanley's estimates. Saipem Both Morgan Stanley and Bernstein recommended Saipem, with Morgan Stanley giving it over 40% upside potential. Bernstein particularly likes Saipem's solid environmental credentials and alignment with their "green leadership" theme. It added that the stock has delivered a 19% return since their initial recommendation. Barratt Redrow Morgan Stanley pointed to the recent approval of the merger between Barrat and Redrow, both among the largest house builders in the U.K., as a positive catalyst that should send the stock higher. The bank noted that the stock trades at a 40% discount to its 10-year median price-to-book value, making it attractively valued despite its year-to-date underperformance. Durr The German engineering firm Durr has consistently featured in Bernstein's top picks this year. The company, which provides automation and energy efficiency services, is expected to benefit from several industry trends, including the shift to electric vehicles and increasing demand for sustainable construction materials. Bernstein believes the stock is likely to rise by 75% in 2025 after this year's lackluster performance. Trigano French motorhome maker Trigano stands out for its exceptional cash-generating ability, according to Bernstein. Trigano shares have suffered alongside the wider rout in France's stock market due to political uncertainty this year, but Bernstein believes that's about to change and expects the stock to rise by 75% in 2025. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting. Correction: This story was updated to correct the spelling of a brokerage's name. Workers transporting soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China, Oct. 31, 2010. Stringer | Reuters BEIJING China will start limiting exports of critical metal tungsten this weekend, just as alternatives to Chinese suppliers of the metal are reopening. It's a reversal of past decades, during which, according to analysts, Chinese businesses poured cheap tungsten into the global market to put competitors out of business eventually controlling 80% of the supply chain, according to Argus. Tungsten is an extremely hard metal used in weapons and semiconductors. As part of new rules limiting exports of "dual use" goods which can be used for military or civilian purposes China's Ministry of Commerce earlier this month released a list indicating that businesses wanting to export a range of tungsten and critical mineral products would need to apply for licenses. The latest measures will take effect Dec. 1. The move comes as escalating U.S.-China tensions boost demand for non-China tungsten. The U.S. Defense Department has banned its contractors from buying China-mined tungsten starting Jan. 1, 2027. "It's a bit late for the Chinese on tungsten," said Christopher Ecclestone, principal and mining strategist at Hallgarten & Company. "Everybody needs more tungsten. That's the message out there right now," he said. "The thing that'll prompt more tungsten is not a Chinese ban. It's a Chinese ban causing [it to become more] profitable to mine tungsten." watch now Ecclestone pointed out that tungsten prices have not reacted much to China's announcement. For mining the metal to be significantly profitable, he estimates prices would need to trade $50 higher than their current price of around $335 measured by the industry in per metric ton units of ammonium para tungstate, in which one metric ton unit is 10 kilograms. Higher prices in the U.S. alone could encourage more tungsten production. While China restricts tungsten exports, the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese tungsten by 25% in September. The majority of public comments on the U.S. tungsten tariffs supported the duties, noting benefits for domestic manufacturing. Some even requested the duties rise to 50%. It may take years to open a mine, but more tariffs, expected under a Trump administration, could make it "more commercially viable" for some U.S. mining projects to reopen, said Cullen S. Hendrix, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. 'Friendshoring' tungsten The U.S. has not commercially mined tungsten since 2015, according to official records. But this year, one of the world's largest mines for the metal is moving close to resuming production in South Korea. Canada-based Almonty Industries said last week it came one step closer to fully reopening the Sangdong mine and processing plant with the installation of grinding equipment. The mine, more than 10 hours east of Seoul by bus, closed in 1994. Almonty aims to restore Sangdong to around 50% of its potential output by summer 2025, CEO Lewis Black told CNBC last month, after a ceremony that highlighted cooperation with the local government. He noted that 90% of South Korea's tungsten comes from China, and that Chinese companies might invest in other businesses to maintain their market share indirectly. Jeong Kwang-yeol, the vice governor for economic affairs in Gangwon where Sangdong is located, said the region is willing to offer foreign investors incentives as he hopes the mine can become an anchor for other industrial companies to expand in the region. He cited estimates that the first phase of the mine would create 250 jobs and 1,500 indirect positions. Almonty currently operates a tungsten mine in Portugal. In 2015, the company completed an acquisition that gave it the mining rights to Sangdong, and in 2021 it obtained $75.1 million for project financing from German state bank KfW IPEX-Bank. Almonty said overall investment in Sangdong so far has exceeded $130 million. "In the medium-term, the U.S. will need to rely on friendshoring" for tungsten, said Gracelin Baskaran, director of the critical minerals security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She noted that Almonty has committed 45% of the South Korea Sangdong mine to the U.S. through a long-term supply contract. Several members of the U.S. Geological Survey, a government agency which analyzes the availability of natural resources, visited Sangdong earlier this year to assess its capacity. China was the largest source of U.S. tungsten imports in June at 45%, according to the agency. Demand for tungsten in and outside China is expected to rise, keeping tungsten prices elevated in the near term, said Emre Uzun, ferro-alloys and steel analyst at Fastmarkets. But starting late next year, he expects increased non-China supply to help stabilize raw tungsten prices. "Outside China, demand will also rise, but supply is expected to grow when operations expand and projects progress," he said, pointing to the Sangdong mine and tungsten projects in Kazakhstan, Australia and Spain. U.S. tungsten deposits Olivia Alatorre, here with her grandchildren in San Jose, fell behind on rent amid medical bills to treat severe stomach cancer. The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund helped Alatorre get back on her feet and ready for turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Olivia Alatorre loves seafood. Lobster, shrimp, oysters she could eat seafood all day and be happy as a clam. But since she was diagnosed with aggressive stomach cancer in 2021, Alatorre, 67, has struggled to keep most food down. The diagnosis came two years into Alatorres retirement, and it shattered her. When they say something like that, the whole world is like ... she said, trailing off. I dont even want to talk to nobody. I said, Im gonna die pretty soon oh, my God and I dont have nothing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In February 2022, Alatorre had surgery. Doctors told her they would remove 20% of her stomach to cut out the tumor. But when she woke up after the operation, doctors broke the news: Her stomach cancer was so aggressive they had removed the entire organ to stem its tide. Alatorres esophagus was now connected directly to her small intestine. For months, Alatorre could barely drink water without throwing up. Weight fell off, about nine pounds a week. She choked down four huge chemotherapy pills every morning and night. Five times doctors had to dilate her esophagus to help her swallow. Olivia Alatorre serves a plate of food during a surprise birthday party for her son on Nov. 17 at her daughter Xochils home in San Jose. Soon after retiring, Alatorre thought her life was over when she was diagnosed with aggressive stomach cancer in 2021. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle I was very stressed. It was bad for me, Alatorre said, fighting back tears. I cant even eat, I cant swallow water, nothing. Just a few years earlier, Alatorre had been a sought-after senior employee at DuPont making a good income. After immigrating from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Los Angeles in 1975, Alatorre worked as a seamstress while teaching herself English she brought a dictionary on the bus every day and learned one word on her commute to work and one word on her commute home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Then she moved to San Jose and was employed at DuPont for 39 years, working in purchasing and as a designated trainer. Before she retired in 2019, Alatorre was managing a staff of seven men. She could estimate how much something weighed just by looking at it. She loved her job, and her team loved her. More about Season of Sharing Since its inception in 1986, the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has raised and distributed $206 million to help house, care for and nourish Bay Area residents. All administrative costs are covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, so 100% of donations go directly to help people facing crises. For more information or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org/donate. But two years later, Alatorres hard-earned retirement checks werent enough to keep up with her endless medical bills a $250 co-payment for every visit. And then there were the rent payments for her San Jose home, where she lives with her son, daughter and two grandchildren. After her son lost his job during the pandemic, Alatorres retirement money was the households only income. With her landlord threatening eviction, Alatorre tried everything. She started a GoFundMe, borrowed money from relatives in Mexico, even pawned almost all of her jewelry, including the diamond bracelet her children gave her one Christmas. Olivia Alatorre, here with three of her daughters, emigrated from Guadalajara to Los Angeles in 1975, taught herself English, and worked for 39 years at DuPont. Still, her hard-earned retirement checks werent enough to keep up with her medical bills. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle When relatives stopped sending checks, Alatorres children started taking out payday loans. Still, Alatorre couldnt keep up with the bills. She could barely sleep, waking in tears at 2 in the morning at the prospect of eviction. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Finally, with the help of social worker Shannon Clark from Havensafe, Alatorre applied for the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund and received enough money to cover several rent payments. Season of Sharing works throughout the year to prevent homelessness and hunger in the Bay Areas nine counties. All donations directly help people in need. That took away from me a couple of months of stress, Alatorre said. Im very grateful, very grateful for this help. Alatorres family still has bills to pay, but the cloud of despair has lifted. Alatorres 21-year-old grandson Robert is working at a grocery store to help pay the bills, and Havensafe is helping Alatorres son, Octavio, find a job. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ati, Alatorres 15-year-old granddaughter, is studying hard to fulfill her dream of studying marine biology at UC Berkeley or maybe at UC Santa Barbara, though Alatorre thinks thats much too far away. And three years after her diagnosis, Alatorre is finally cancer-free. Three years after her diagnosis, Olivia Alatorre, seen hugging her son, is finally cancer-free. She can eat again and looks forward to making her slow-cooked beef barbacoa and special Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle I never want to see (cancer) again because I went through a lot, a lot, Alatorre said. They say, You are very strong. And I say, I have to be. After her surgery, Alatorre could hardly lift a pot, but now shes back to cooking her family breakfast scrambled eggs, bacon, and Italian sausage are go-tos. Her appetite is mostly back and she can eat normally, although in smaller portions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Next on the culinary horizon is her slow-cooked beef barbacoa and her special Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, scrutinizing its cloud computing, software licensing, cybersecurity, and AI businesses. The inquiry follows over a year of informal interviews with competitors and business partners, Bloomberg reported. FTC antitrust lawyers have sent Microsoft a detailed information demand, spanning hundreds of pages, after receiving approval from FTC Chair Lina Khan, the report said quoting sources familiar with the matter. In the second week of November, Computer World reported that the FTC was preparing to investigate the business practices of Microsoft. The allegations were on whether Microsoft is abusing its market dominance by deploying restrictive licensing terms, which is not a fair practice. For comedy legend David Cross, starring in three films for the Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise was a supposedly fun thing hell never do again. When the Mr. Show star and co-creator first signed on for a half-live-action, half-animated film featuring the novelty song sensations Alvin and the Chipmunks, he earned significant ridicule from the ironic Gen-X alt-comedy scene that he was supposed to represent respectfully in the mainstream. In a blog post, Patton Oswalt claimed that 20th Century Fox offered both him and Brian Posehn the role of the greedy JETT Records executive Ian Hawke in the 2007 movie Alvin and the Chipmunks, but we both threw the script across the room in disgust. David Cross caught it. Don't Miss Well, two Alvin and the Chipmunks movies later, the disgust caught up to Cross, as he would go on to describe the making of the tropical 2011 sequel film Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked as literally without question, the most unpleasant experience Ive ever had in my professional life. Thats a fair assessment, considering that losing $150,000 would be the low point of most peoples careers. While Cross completed the first two Chipmunks films without complaint (and despite the mockery he faced from his peers for doing so), the ridiculous circumstances of the production for Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked caused the comedian to go overboard with his hate for the trite, festive, cash-in films that filled his own pockets. During a 2019 appearance on The Jim and Sam Show, Cross said of the making of the film, There were a handful of producers (who were) just inexplicably shitty and took measures to make my life miserable. According to Cross, right before he had to shoot Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, he had been in London working on the second series of his show The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Cross said that he had been calling the Alvin and the Chipmunk makers for months to find out whether or not they would need him for the third film, as he was contractually obligated to appear in it if asked. Despite his pleading, the filmmakers declined to give Cross a straight answer until he was already in pre-production for Todd Margaret. Then, out of the blue, Cross got a call notifying him that he was expected to be on set in Hawaii in two weeks. Cross was furious that he would have to tell the hundred-plus professionals working on Todd Margaret that the show would have to wait for him to film a Christmas cruise jukebox musical about singing rodents, but his anger would only grow when he realized what shooting Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked would entail. Once he reached Hawaii, Cross learned that he would have to spend two weeks on a cruise ship disguised in a pelican costume in all but one scene of the film. When Cross begged the producers to let him return to London and have someone else film the scenes in the pelican costume, they refused, claiming that he had a distinctive walk that couldnt be replicated. Advertisement Cross (and everyone working on Todd Margaret) felt chained by the contract he had signed, but the terms of his agreement with Alvin and the Chipmunks would only get worse once the press tour started. Twentieth Century Fox promised Cross a $150,000 bonus to do promotion for Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, but when it came time for Cross to put his money where his mouth was, he unloaded on the unprofessional producers and the dogshit movie they made together. In an infamous appearance on CONAN, Cross said of the making of the film, All I wanted was to get the fuck out of there as soon as possible and buy a summer home with the check. Advertisement Cross then revealed that he had been forced at legal gunpoint to make Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked and begged the CONAN audience, Do not see this film! And, just like that, Cross bonus check disappeared, and the bridge between him and the big-budget, creatively bankrupt slop series was burned permanently. Im guessing that the summer home turned out to be a condo. Noe Valleys only bookstore reopened ahead of Thanksgiving after a successful crowdfunding campaign that brought in more than $150,000 in donations. Nora Mishanec/The Chronicle Noe Valleys only bookstore reopened ahead of Thanksgiving after a successful crowdfunding campaign that brought in more than $150,000 in donations. Nora Mishanec/The Chronicle When Noe Valleys only bookstore, Folio Books, shuttered 10 months ago, co-owner Katerina Argyres promised to reopen in some shape or form. She didnt anticipate it would be so soon. But the beloved 24th Street shop reopened ahead of Thanksgiving after a successful crowdfunding campaign that brought in more than $150,000 in donations. Argyres used the money to secure the lease, rehire three former staff members and transform the space into her dream bookstore, she said. I was completely blown away, Argyres said of the donations. I was like, this isnt real. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She credited the campaigns success to the tenacity of Noe Valley residents, who she said were dedicated to her vision for the bookstore and have supported local small businesses time and time again. That community spirit was on display Wednesday as a steady stream of customers entered the newly refurbished space, some visiting the store in its latest iteration for the first time since Folio Books unexpectedly closed its doors in February. Four of Folios five previous owners voted earlier this year to close the shop and liquidate its merchandise for what they said were personal reasons. The closure saddened many longtime patrons and left a conspicuous gap in the center of the neighborhoods main commercial corridor. The stores employees rallied around Argyres, urging her to forge ahead as the sole proprietor. Soon after the closure was announced, they approached her, telling her, We are behind you 100%, she said. For Argyres, a voracious reader whose first job was stocking shelves at Barnes & Noble in Corte Madera, the choice was clear. We had built this amazing community with Noe Valley customers who would come in daily to make us laugh or dog friends who would come in for a treat, she said. I wanted to figure out how to bring back a home for us. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the path to reopening was less certain. First there was the question of the lease. Argyres worried that another proprietor would outbid her while she negotiated with the building managers. By May, however, she had secured the lease, and turned her attention to an even more pressing issue: funding the project. Argyres decided to launch an online fundraiser. She pressed send on May 21 and then tried to stop herself from obsessively checking the page, she said. The response was overwhelming. Within days, the fundraiser had ricocheted across social media, eventually garnering more than 700 donations. Several people gave more than $5,000. With funding in place, Argyres vision was in motion. Former staff members volunteered to collect donated books, which they resold from behind a folding table outside the shuttered store. Bonnie Stuppin, one of the owners of the now-closed Alexander Book Co., offered to donate small card racks and other bookstore fixtures. Argyres uncles, who run Adelphia Design, completely revamped the space, patching up walls and building new shelves before covering everything in a fresh coat of paint. As a final touch, Tiffany Claflin, a local author and longtime customer, created a celestial-themed mural on the ceiling. It was a really quick turnaround, Argyres said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After four months of renovations, the overhauled bookstore was ready to welcome its first customers. Argyres envisioned a soft launch period in which she and the employees could settle in and work out any bugs ahead of the holiday deluge. Instead, she said, they were once again surprised by the neighborhoods enthusiasm. As soon as the doors opened, customers flooded in. Hannah Walcher, executive director of the California Independent Booksellers Alliance, said the store, now called Noe Valley Books, is an example of the industrys resilience after a punishing pandemic. Bookstores are hubs of connection in an increasingly digital world, she said. In hard times, bookstores are a place for the community to go, Walcher said. Argyres is hopeful that the store will have a lasting place in the heart of Noe Valley. The neighborhoods patrons are a dream clientele, she said, open to genre fiction and challenging experimental works. She understands the community through its literary tastes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Oakland International Airport workers rally for better pay and benefits outside the airport on Wednesday. Michael Cabantuan/The Chronicle A man wearing a turkey costume led about 45 sign-waving workers in a brief but lively rally outside Oakland International Airport on Wednesday one of the busiest travel days of the year calling for higher wages and better benefits for airport workers as a handful of passengers wove around the crowd. The workers, who clean planes, handle baggage and take passengers in wheelchairs to and from their flights, are employed by contractors who provide the services for airlines, including Southwest, and the airport. As the airports largest carrier, Southwest was the main target of the protest. Circling in front of the airports Terminal 1 around noon, the workers chanted Whats outrageous? Southwest wages and waved signs urging the airline to support quality jobs at OAK. Dont let Southwest be a turkey this Thanksgiving. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rally, watched over by two Alameda County sheriffs deputies, didnt seem to disrupt travelers headed in or out of the terminal or airport operations. Oakland City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, recently elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and Alameda County labor officials gave brief speeches supporting the airport workers. Union official Sanjay Garla, dressed in a turkey costume, called on Southwest Airlines officials not to be turkeys during a rally at Oakland International Airport on Wednesday. Michael Cabantuan/The Chronicle The man in the turkey suit, Sanjay Garla, is a vice president of the Service Employees International Union local, which organized the rally. The Port of Oakland, which owns and operates the airport, recently approved a step toward a massive expansion that, Garla said, will benefit Southwest but that will leave airport workers behind. Southwest has created an environment where most of the jobs are contracted out and the contracted workers make poverty wages, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Average workers are paid just under $20 a hour, he said, in keeping with the ports living wage ordinance, and receive unaffordable health care benefits if any. We have workers in the building who make just the legal minimum the least the law allows, he said. Can anybody live on $20 in the Bay Area? No, the crowd shouted in response. Marta Chavez, an aircraft cabin cleaner for 25 years, said she has to travel to Mexico to buy affordable medications she needs for respiratory problems developed on the job, where she inhales airplane exhaust and fumes from cleaning and disinfecting chemicals. An Oakland resident, Chavez said shes stuck with the job because she likes the work and its close to her home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its a secure job the airport isnt going away, she said. But Ive spent so many years working here to be paid $19.95 an hour is not fair. Some but not all of the contract workers at the Oakland airport are members of the union, Garla said, and the union has not been in negotiations over pay and benefits with their airlines or contractors. Stephen Boardman, a union spokesman, said it hopes to convince the Port of Oaklands governing board to impose a minimum standard for wages and benefits for all airport workers. While that wouldnt be required for the airport expansion to move forward, he said, he hopes the ports desire to get the expansion built and enjoy community support will lead port officials to adopt a standard. Oakland has some of the worst compensated airport jobs in California, he said. Wednesdays rally was not a strike, and workers werent asking flyers to boycott the airport, Boardman said. But the campaign for better pay and benefits is just starting, he said, and those tactics are possible in the future. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kaley Skantz, a spokesperson for Oakland International Airport, said officials were aware of the rally, which she called a free speech gathering. While the airport hears their concerns, we also recognize that this issue is between airlines and their contracted employees, she said. We are working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that airport operations remain uninterrupted for Thanksgiving holiday travelers. Southwest Airlines spokesperson Dan Landson said the airline had no comment but noted that all 12 of Southwests union-represented employee groups have had ratified contracts since October 2022. Air passengers did not seem perturbed by the rally and the few in the area where it was held simply walked around the picket line. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Why is this Government so breathtakingly bad that even many who voted Labour are now regretting it? This is a question I often ask myself. It is baffling that a party that has had 14 years to prepare for office, and enjoys an enormous majority, should be making such a hash of things. There are so many examples of incompetence that one hardly knows where to begin. The latest evidence of a lack of joined-up government has to do with taxes on business. Earlier this week, Rachel Reeves assured business leaders at the CBI conference that she was not going to come back for more. Yet within 24 hours Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds contradicted the Chancellor by saying that the Government was only committed to ensuring that future tax rises wouldnt be comparable to those in the recent Budget. Two senior ministers saying opposing things in public. That doesnt happen often in a normal government. Which of them is right? Very possibly neither. Before this crew has finished with us, I expect business will suffer far higher taxes. On Tuesday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told the Commons that sickness benefit will be reformed to encourage people back to work. But nothing will happen immediately. Good God, no! A review will not take place until next spring, after which the Government will come up with some policies. Meanwhile, state handouts to people in poor health 2.8 million of them, and rising, at the latest count are ballooning at a rate of 266 million a month as an average extra 17,000 claimants sign on. This Government is in love with reviews. It promised 14 of them in its election manifesto. They offer a way of kicking the can down the road, and postponing difficult decisions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves told business leaders at this week's CBI conference that she was not going to come back for more. Yet within 24 hours was contradicted by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, writes Stephen Glover There is a war in Europe. Russia is mounting cyber attacks against British businesses and official bodies. What is the Governments response? To conduct a Strategic Defence Review to consider the threats facing us, and what we should do. Last month, Defence Secretary John Healey admitted that British armed forces are not ready to fight a war. What a disgrace for which the Tories should take much blame. But instead of matching the last governments belated pledge to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence, and going further as it should do, Labour has deferred a decision until its review completes its deliberations, probably next spring. If Putin had a sense of humour, he would die laughing. Sometimes, of course, the Government does make up its mind, though often without thinking through the consequences. Its two most ham-fisted policies illustrate the point. Rachel Reeves announced in the early weeks of this horror show that the winter fuel allowance would be abolished for all but the very poorest pensioners. This will cause widespread distress while saving the Treasury some 1.5 billion a year, about one eight hundredth of annual public spending. Then, for an even smaller gain, came the Chancellors assault on farmers in the Budget, subjecting them to an inheritance tax rate of 20 per cent over 1 million. This unjust and petty measure has appalled many voters, especially in the countryside. An intelligent government would have deprived only the wealthy of their winter fuel allowance. An intelligent government would have targeted speculators who avoid inheritance tax by buying large tracts of land. Instead of which, the Chancellor clobbered family farms. We can, and should, blame the cackhanded Rachel Reeves, who has recently chosen to amend her CV to remove a claim that she worked as an economist for Halifax Bank of Scotland before entering politics. But the man ultimately responsible is Sir Keir Starmer. I dont only mean that the buck stops with him. I also mean that his lack of consistent political beliefs his want of conviction infuses the entire Government, and helps to explain why it is all over the place. Keir Starmer has 'dropped most of the policies, such as the abolition of tuition fees and the renationalisation of utility companies' that he campaigned on before the General Election On Tuesday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told the Commons that sickness benefit will be reformed to encourage people back to work - but nothing will happen immediately Here is someone who campaigned to be leader of the Labour Party in 2020 on a Hard Left, Corbynista platform. Gradually he dropped most of the policies, such as the abolition of tuition fees and the renationalisation of utility companies. He then endlessly proclaimed that he has changed Labour. But had he? In two areas at least a Green New Deal and enhanced workers rights he hasnt shed his extreme 2020 positions. Its instructive that Ed Miliband with net zero measures and Angela Rayner with new workers rights (estimated to cost business up to 5 billion a year) are the two ministers who have been given the freest range. Until, in Mr Milibands case, car manufacturers complain that theyre being driven out of business in Britain by official targets (enforced by fines) to sell an impossibly large proportion of electric vehicles. The Government is suddenly frightened that it is killing off Britains car industry. Another example of its inability to work out sensible priorities. What kind of man is Sir Keir Starmer? What does he really believe in? Is he pro-Israel or anti-Israel? In favour of getting along with Donald Trump or against? Does he believe in higher taxes for businesses, or not? I strongly suspect that on many issues Starmer doesnt know what he thinks, though the old class warrior lurking inside his head intermittently offers some guidance, as when it comes to applying VAT on private school fees or impoverishing family farms. One thing is clear. He adores getting away. The Prime Minister has made 15 trips abroad, most of them unnecessary, since entering No 10 in early July. As his administration has rocked and spluttered, he has spent the best part of a month out of the country. The Governments lack of direction stems from the man at the top. It appears confused and incoherent because Sir Keir is confused and incoherent. I wouldnt object so much if he were a competent pragmatist, but hes not even that. One worthwhile review would be into the mind of Sir Keir Starmer. It would find a man tragically miscast who is leading the most incompetent government in recent British history, which is saying something. This is what Starmer said about the Tories at Prime Ministers Questions yesterday: They dont know what theyre doing from one day to the next. Living in this fantasy world where everything was fine apparently, for 14 years. But the country is fed up with those fantasies... Were going to take the hard decisions. Theyre jumping on every bandwagon thats passing. Were taking the country forward. Isnt Sir Keir, a man seemingly without any self-knowledge, describing himself? Im not saying theres a better person waiting in the wings say Wes Streeting. With or without Starmer, Labours whole project is doomed because it doesnt have a sensible fixed policy. Not far short of three million optimistic souls have signed a petition calling for an election. They might as well bay at the moon. We are stuck with this lot for the next four and a half years, and I tremble at the thought of the further harm they are going to do. 1) Russell Brand claims that on April 28 something happened to him which changed his life. What? a) He was arrested and formally charged at Henley-on-Thames b) He nearly drowned in the Thames c) He flew over the Thames, using the power of thought d) He was baptised in the Thames Russell Brand claims that on April 28 something happened to him which changed his life. What? 2) The Russian presidential elections were held in March, after the prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, had died in prison the previous month. What percentage of the vote did Vladimir Putin win? a) 51 b) 68 c) 88 d) 99 The Russian presidential elections were held in March, after the prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, had died in prison the previous month. What percentage of the vote did Vladimir Putin win? 3) In his keynote speech to the Labour Conference in September, Keir Starmer mixed up his words and forcefully called for the immediate return of: a) Scotch eggs b) Baked beans c) Sausages d) Porridge In his keynote speech to the Labour Conference in September, Keir Starmer mixed up his words and forcefully called for the immediate return of 4) At the beginning of this month, Katie Price flew to Turkey for her sixth facelift, emerging with my biggest lips ever. In 2023, she underwent a procedure in Brussels to enlarge her bosoms. How many breast operations has she had so far? a) 3 b) 7 c) 12 d) 17 5) Back in 2019, John Prescott, who died last week, said: When I die, after 50 years in politics, all they will show on the news is 60 seconds of me... a) ...mixing up my metaphoricals b) ...thumping a fellow in Wales c) ...having some crazy pop star pouring iced water over me d) ... playing croquet on a posh lawn. Back in 2019, John Prescott, who died last week, said: When I die, after 50 years in politics, all they will show on the news is 60 seconds of me... 6) In a tribute to Lord Prescott, to which Beatle did former home secretary Alan Johnson compare him? a) John b) Paul c) George d) Ringo. 7) What do a film about Hitlers last days, a 2024 memoir by Nadine Dorries, a film about a plane crash, and a history of Rangers FC all have in common? a) They were written, or ghost-written, by Lee Child b) They are narrated on audiobook by Dawn French c) They are all called Downfall d) They feature a surprise appearance by Paddington Bear 8) Pair the title of the 2024 autobiography with its author: a) Al Pacino b) Katie Price c) Boris Johnson d) Miranda Hart. i) I Havent Been Entirely Honest With You ii) Unleashed iii) Sonny Boy iv) This Is Me 9) What was the title of Liz Trusss memoir? a) Ten Years To Save The West b) Twenty Four Hours To Call It A Day c) Two Minutes To Midnight d) Seven Seconds To Freedom. What was the title of Liz Trusss memoir? 10) In her memoir, Truss recalled the words of advice the late Queen offered her. What were they? a) Pace yourself b) Save yourself c) Help yourself d) Speak for yourself. 11) From the moment our conversation began, I was captivated by his charm and easygoing nature. Who wrote this, in her 2024 memoir, about her first meeting with her future husband? a) Angelina Jolie b) Melania Trump c) Lady Anne Glenconner d) Coleen Rooney. 12) In May, who asked who: There were so many forks in the road but you always took the wrong path, didnt you? a) Andrew Neil asked Liz Truss b) Edward Henry KC asked Paula Vennells c) Keir Starmer asked Rishi Sunak d) Louis Theroux asked Russell Brand Answers: 1d; 2c; 3c (he meant to say hostages; 4d; 5b; 6c; 7c; 8: aiii; biv; cii; di; 9a; 10a; 11b; 12b. Forty years ago, when I was covering the miners strike, I spent half my life drinking with the provisional wing of the TUC general council in downstairs members only boozers, before the relaxation of the licensing laws (think The Winchester in Minder). If someone had told me then that one day the Labour Party would deliberately put tens, nay hundreds, of thousands of working people out of, er, work, Id have thought theyd spent too long on the laughing juice, even by the thirsty standards of the 1980s. Who would have believed that the Labour Party or as Neil Kinnock called it, the Lay-ber Party would, in our lifetime, be in favour of shutting down coal mines, power stations, steel works, oil rigs, refineries, car factories? Leave it out, Brian. One for the strasse, then Ill call you a cab. Not only that, but the dopey bird who until recently ran the TUC once the hairy-arsed domain of the Vic Feathers and Len Murrays of this world actually reckons working from home is a way to behave and the sooner we shut down whats left of British industry the better... And to think, I once dubbed my old mate and sparring partner Ron Todd, then leader of the Transport and General Workers Union when it had the best part of two million members the Toddausaurus. Ron, a patriotic, tough former Royal Marine, cut his teeth as the former convener at Fords Essex car works spiritual home of the Grey Cortina, Transit, White Van Man and the Made In Dagenham women machinists strike, subsequently turned into a hit movie starring Bob Hoskins and Jaime Winston. If someone had told me 40 years ago that one day the Labour Party would deliberately put working people out of work, Id have thought theyd spent too long in the boozer This week alone we learned that the once thriving Vauxhall plant in Luton is to close as a direct result of Ed Frank Spencer Milibands lunatic Net-Zero obsession Today the movie would star Ed Miliband as Frank Spencer (Ill pay for any damage) and Donald Pleasance as Keir Starmer, the Angel of Death, blowing up the Dagenham factory with laser beams from a Chinese satellite in space and carpeting Canvey Island with solar panels. None of the old school TUC bosses could ever have imagined that the Labour Party their unions created, and they bankrolled would, in the not too distant, actively conspire to make hundreds of thousands of their own members redundant. Even the sensible wing of the trades union movement, the likes of Eric Hammond of the electricians, and Terry Duffy of the engineers, would have been horrified at the policies of the modern Labour party. Im old enough to remember the 1970s when a Labour government poured taxpayers millions into car manufacturing, bailed out everything from steelmaking to coal mining and rejoiced in spending the North Sea Oil bounty. Come to think of it, it wasnt that long ago when Labour Chancellor Gordon Brown was encouraging us all to switch our cars from dirty petrol to green diesel. You couldnt, etc... Today, the party of the workers is busting a gut to bankrupt the country by closing any last vestige of industrial endeavour. This week alone we learned that the once thriving Vauxhall plant in Luton is to close as a direct result of Ed Frank Spencer Milibands lunatic Net Zero obsession. (Some mothers really do have em. And dont forget Labours fall-back when Starmer inevitably implodes is the Prince Across the Water, Mister Eds equally gormless big brother Dave, last spotted running Thunderbird Three in New York.) The party which once stood side-by-side with Barmy Arthur Scargills attempted Communist-putsch-cum-civil war, disguised as a last-ditch campaign to keep open loss-making coal mines, now views fossil fuels as a vampire contemplates garlic Labour is prepared to sacrifice jobs in home-grown energy production on the altar of the false god of being world leader in cutting carbon emissions. Pictured, Net-Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves at a manufacturing facility in Chester The party which once stood side-by-side with Barmy Arthur Scargills attempted Communist-putsch-cum-civil war, disguised as a last-ditch campaign to keep open loss-making coal mines, now views fossil fuels as a vampire contemplates garlic. Labour is prepared to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of jobs in home-grown energy production on the altar of the false god of being world leader in cutting carbon emissions. And to hell with any hope of prosperity in any of the so-called Red Wall seats in the North of England, which prospered in the age of coal and could now be Britains own self-sufficient energy powerhouse if fracking hadnt been pole-axed to keep the dwindling number of losers who read The Guardian happy. As for the Labour revival in Scotland, where did they get the idea that banning further North Sea oil exploration was in the best interests of the estimated 200,000 people in the Aberdeen area and beyond whose jobs depend on it? Our steel industry is dead as a dodo, too, beyond hope, because of Net Zero nonsense which, to be honest, the Tories under Boris and Mother Theresa are equally culpable. But this column is about the extraordinary transformation of the Labour Party through the Looking Glass in my career. They have trashed everything they once held dear, whether you agreed with it or not. The clue is in the name. They call themselves the Labour Party, but today they are no longer the party of organised, honest labour, which they were in my days as an industrial correspondent. In fact, they give every indication of despising industry, unless it is windmills made in China. The car workers of Luton, the steel workers of Wales, the oil workers of Aberdeenshire are all collateral damage on their crusade to create a broke, ideologically correct, new world, fit for public sector parasites and taxpayer-funded yuman rites lawyers in their overpriced North London slums. The working people they once allegedly represented are being burned on the bonfire of their Kentish Town vanities. If I sound sour, forgive me. But 40-odd years ago I played a small walk-on part helping the Rons, Brians, Bills and Terrys reclaim Labour from the Scargills and their assorted headcases in Militant etc. Look how thats turned out. If you want me, Ill be down The Winchester, drinking with ghosts. Its 3am, trebles all round! Rule One of columning is that by and large you dont write about fellow columnists. But since Ive mentioned Quentin, I might as well tip my hat to Peter Hitchenss fabulous piece on Smithfield Market in yesterdays Mail. I followed Peter to Fleet Street from the Midlands and hence to Smithfield. On Day One, after filing a rail strike threat story for the Evening Standards racing edition at 7.30am it was off to the Fox & Anchor in Charterhouse Street for steak, egg and chips and a pint of Guinness. Rumour was that, because of the all-night drinking licence, the only people youd find in the pub wearing blood-stained white coats were meat porters. surgeons from nearby Barts hospital and the overnight reporter from Her Majestys Daily Telegraph, who kept one handy in case he fancied a large scotch at 3am, which he always did. Quentin Letts spotted Roger Daltrey in the gallery at the Commons on Wednesday applauding the wee baldy bloke from the SNP taking the proverbial out of Starmer. As Del Boy Trotter once observed: You cant whack The OOO. My guess is that Roger was working on an update of the Who classic on behalf of everybody who was daft enough to vote Labour in July: We wont get fooled again. Sometimes nicknames work, sometimes not. Two Jags and Call Me Dave stuck, but Im abandoning Martha Reeves, which only a few of us old Motown headcases get. I love Reform MP Lee Andersons inspired Rachel From Accounts. Actually, maybe that should be Rachel From Complaints. The House of Commons votes on Friday on whether the State should give some of its citizens the right to kill themselves and actively participate in their deaths. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill also sets out a legal and medical framework for when that right may be exercised, as well as the cold mechanics of how life would be extinguished. There could hardly be a more profound moral issue, or a heavier responsibility on our elected representatives to examine every detail. Yet this Bill was published only three weeks ago, and MPs are being allowed just five hours of debate before voting on it. While that may be nothing unusual for a private members Bill, of which this is an example, is it really enough time to deal with a subject of such magnitude? At least 160 MPs wish to speak, giving them no more than a couple of minutes each if all are called. Scarcely time to clear the throat. Emotions are running high. The Bills supporters say it champions basic humanity and freedom of choice. Labours Kim Leadbeater, who tabled it, argues: We should all have the right to a good life and, where possible, a good death. Anyone who has seen loved ones suffer pain and distress towards the end of their days will understand the sentiment behind Ms Leadbeaters words, and there is no doubting her sincerity. Labours Kim Leadbeater, who tabled the Bill, argues: We should all have the right to a good life and, where possible, a good death.' However, on the other side of the divide, there are deep concerns that by conceding the principle that some people in our society would be better off dead than alive, we cross a moral Rubicon. There would be no going back but equally, no certainty about where the path would lead. Evidence from other countries shows how quickly the boundaries of a law intended to apply only to the terminally ill, can creep outwards. Assisted suicide was introduced in Holland in 2002 for patients whose suffering was deemed by doctors to be unbearable with no prospect of improvement. Over the first five years, annual deaths averaged around 1,900. By 2023, as the definition of unbearable grew ever looser, it had risen to 9,068 more than 5 per cent of all deaths. They ranged from young people suffering from depression and autism to the elderly who felt they had become a burden on their family. Last November, a new Bill was drafted in Holland to give over-75s the option of medical euthanasia if they simply felt they had completed life. Ms Leadbeater says there are adequate legal safeguards against a similar expansion of the criteria here, and against the risk of older people feeling under pressure real or imagined to end their lives. Religious leaders and some very senior politicians from across the party spectrum disagree. As Vincent Nichols, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, puts it: The right to die can become a duty to die. There are also deep-seated judicial concerns. The Bill states that mentally competent adults with less than six months to live and expressing a clear, settled and informed wish to die may ask for assistance. Campaigners near Parliament Square last month put up tombstones bearing facts about assisted dying in other countries Even in the hands of a competent government, a law allowing the State to sanction killing the sick would be troubling enough. Under this callow and ham-fisted administration, it is a frightening prospect indeed... If two doctors and a High Court judge agree, the patient would be given an approved substance with which to end their life. But Sir James Munby, former head of the High Courts Family Division, believes effectively rubber-stamping someones right to commit suicide should not be a judicial matter. Judges are meant to weigh up all the facts of a case before delivering their judgment. Yet they would not be required to question the patient or interview their family. There is no right of appeal for relatives, no contingency for the approved substance failing to work and the whole process is shrouded in secrecy. In short, the bill is defective, Sir James said. And what of the potentially altered relationship between the public and the NHS? The primary function of doctors is to heal the sick. Here, instead of saving or improving lives, they would be being paid to end them. Might that make elderly and infirm patients feel a little less secure in their hospital beds? To bolster her case, Ms Leadbeater cites a series of opinion polls showing the public to be broadly in favour of assisted suicide. But one survey this week showed 62 per cent believe her Bill is too complex and polarised to be rushed through. Statistics can tell many stories, not all of them true. What is Sir Keir Starmers role in this debate? He has long made clear his backing for the right to assisted suicide and promised terminally ill TV personality Esther Rantzen in March that, if elected, he would make parliamentary time for a debate and vote on the issue. Pro-assisted dying posters on the London Underground. The Bill was published three weeks ago, and MPs are being allowed just five hours of debate before voting on it He is said to have encouraged Ms Leadbeater to table her Bill and has given Labour MPs a free vote. But if he is so committed, why did he not bring forward a government White Paper, which could have been prepared, crafted and debated at much greater length before an informed decision was arrived at? Like so much of what his Government has done since coming to power, this is a messy, amateurish and wholly unsatisfactory fudge. Ministers were asked to remain neutral to avoid infighting, but that was never going to happen on an issue of such importance. Health Secretary Wes Streeting was the first to cast doubt on the Bill, fearing an adverse effect on already stretched palliative care and warning that it would bring significant cost to the NHS. He also worried that it was the beginning of a chilling slippery slope. He was roundly rebuked first, directly by Ms Leadbeater, and later, behind closed doors, by Sir Keir. But if he feels strongly that the Bill holds hidden dangers, isnt Mr Streeting entitled even obliged to say so? He has at least as much right to his opinion as Esther Rantzen, arguably much more. Several other Cabinet ministers have since indicated their opposition, exposing the very public division their leader was so desperate to avoid. But this is a conscience vote. What did he expect? Even in the hands of a competent, mature government, a law allowing the State to sanction killing the sick would be troubling enough. Under this callow and ham-fisted administration, which seems to lurch from one blunder to the next, it is a frightening prospect indeed. Leaving aside moral judgments on such things as the sanctity of life and role of the medical profession, this Bill is being rushed through far too quickly. It is a once-and-for-all decision on a matter of great social import. Even those who support assisted suicide in principle must see that. So, whats the rush? Unreasonable haste, said French dramatist Moliere, is the direct road to error. With that in mind, its surely time to press the pause button on this ill-thought-out and undercooked Bill. Graveyard Lakes sit below Graveyard Peak in the John Muir Wilderness, within the Sierra National Forest. A proposal to designate a new Range of Light National Monument includes this area. Kurtis Alexander/The Chronicle Little Medicine Lake and Medicine Lake, northeast of Mount Shasta, are the centerpiece of a bid to create a new Sattitla National Monument. Bob Wick Before leaving office, President Joe Biden could act on two bids for new national monuments in Northern California: one in the rugged Sierra Nevada south of Yosemite and another in the volcanic highlands northeast of Mount Shasta. Doubts are emerging, though, that Biden will offer the protective and prestigious status to either of the properties. Not only is time running out for the administration, but opposition to the initiatives has recently surfaced, shattering any notion that a proposed Range of Light Monument in the Sierra or Sattitla National Monument near Shasta would be universally popular. Also, Donald Trumps return to the White House could be a deterrent. The president-elect, during his first term, worked to undo several monuments, which he could do again at new sites. This would create administrative confusion thats probably best avoided. Already, the agenda that many conservatives expect Trump to pursue, Project 2025, calls for downsizing the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, along the California-Oregon border. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Conversely, some say Trumps threat to public lands is even more reason for Biden to move forward. The current administration has not spoken publicly about its monument plans. Under the 1906 Antiquities Act, presidents can unilaterally designate new monuments, and Biden hasnt held back from doing so. Hes so far established six monuments and restored or expanded four others, including Californias Berryessa Snow Mountain and San Gabriel Mountains. Its hard to speculate whats going to happen, said Jonathan Jarvis, former director of the National Park Service and co-author of the book The Future of Conservation in America. Every president looks for legacy. Large monument designations are a form of legacy. Im sure theres some analysis going on right now about which one is important enough to move forward with. I wouldnt be surprised if he does a few more. The creation of the Sattitla monument, also known as Medicine Lake Highlands, is widely viewed as the most likely of the Northern California monument bids. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Advanced by the Pit River Tribe, the proposal presented to the Biden administration calls for roughly 200,000 acres of geologically distinct lands in Siskiyou and Modoc counties to be designated a national monument. The remote site is characterized by striking lava flows, outcroppings of obsidian and rhyolite and the signature Medicine Lake, which sits in the crater of a giant volcano. Loading... The area has long been used for prayer and ritual by the Pit River Tribe and other Native American groups in the region. These are healing places that we need, said Brandy McDaniels, cultural representative for the Pit River Tribes Madesi Band and the tribes lead on the monument campaign. Even to this day we continue to dance our dances, sing our songs, have our ceremonies at our ancestral homelands. For decades, the Indigenous community has fought off geothermal development in the area, and its hope is that the creation of a national monument would end this battle. While the U.S. Forest Service currently manages the property, and would continue to do so if it becomes a monument, the designation would halt industrial activities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Recently, groups representing the timber industry wrote a letter to the White House to protest the monument drive. Not only could new restrictions hurt commercial logging, they contend, the rules could make it harder for the Forest Service to thin trees and ensure wildfire safety. We share a lot of the conservation values with the proponents of this, said Travis Joseph, president of the American Forest Resource Council. But just coming in and designating the national monument cripples the land management agencies. The Forest Service would still have options for preventing and suppressing wildfires with a monument designation. The Sattitla proposal has won support from tribes and environmental groups as well as the Newsom administration and several lawmakers, including U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler and Sen.-elect. Adam Schiff. The larger, perhaps more complicated Range of Light Monument proposal may be a tougher sell. It was spearheaded a decade ago by Deanna Lynn Wulff, executive director of the conservation group Unite the Parks, in hope of linking Yosemite National Park with Kings Canyon National Park through a corridor of protected mountains. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... The area encompasses some of the most scenic spans of the High Sierra, with boundless forests, alpine lakes, glacially carved canyons and snow-topped peaks. The name Range of Light is borrowed from John Muirs famous description of the range. The Unite the Parks monument plan, which was codified in stalled federal legislation, calls for the National Park Service to take charge of 1.4 million protected acres now overseen by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Most of the land currently constitutes the Sierra National Forest. The change in management would likely be cumbersome and unpopular in government ranks, though Biden could opt to keep the existing operators should he proceed with a new monument. Much of the area is already designated wilderness, meaning no industrial uses are permitted. However, logging, mineral extraction and grazing have long occurred on the federal lands, which Unite the Parks says are inappropriate for such a prized landscape. These activities would be phased out with a new monument. Management by the National Park Service would go furthest to protect natural resources and accommodate recreation. Many of the regions residents have started coming out against the proposal. One recent online petition has drawn more than 11,000 signatures, and counting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Opponents cite concerns about economic losses for the established timber and mining industries as well as fears about what a monument might mean for public access. While the designation, as proposed, would not prohibit fishing, hunting or off-road vehicle use, and people who have cabins or own land within the boundaries of the monument could keep using them, some worry that the federal government would later change this. Its like a child. You give them an area to play in, and they dont play there. Theyre going to start wandering, said Derek Dicks, who lives in nearby Bass Lake and started the protest petition. Maybe it wont happen in my generation, maybe it wont happen in my sons generation, but they will try to get people out. Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig is concerned about fire safety, much like the critics of the proposed Sattitla monument. Magsig has joined supervisors from Madera and Mariposa counties in writing a letter to the president, urging a thumbs down on the Range of Light proposal. If a monument was created, efforts to reduce the fuel in the forest would be limited, he said. We have to be in there to actively remove the fuel. On the flip side, several state and federal lawmakers have endorsed the initiative, as have dozens of environmental groups, noting benefits for wildlife, watersheds and recreation. Jackie Speier, the recently retired Congress member from San Mateo, authored the 2022 legislation seeking the designation. While it comes with some controversy, any significant and important change requires that we act with courage and boldness, said Wulff, the architect of the plan. In addition to Range of Light and Sattitla, two monument proposals in Southern California are being pitched to the president: Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree and Kwtsan National Monument on the California-Mexico border. Supporters of all four bids note that Biden still has time to make the designations before his term ends Jan. 20. Many presidents have waited until their final months to push forward with such high-profile legacy moves. The actions would further the administrations commitment to 30 by 30, the effort to conserve 30% of the nations land and waters by 2030, and mark another show of support by the president for climate and Native American causes. Nine words. That's all it took to take my breath away. Even after everything we'd heard in court about how UFC star Conor McGregor defiled a young woman in a hotel room six years ago, those nine words shocked me to my core. Despite every harrowing detail seared into my mind, it's those words I won't forget. 'My sons will be warned women like you exist.' Those words formed part of a statement made by Dee Devlin, McGregor's fiancee and mother of their four children, three sons and one daughter, after he was found civilly liable of sexual assault by an Irish High Court on Friday. They were directed at Nikita Hand, the courageous woman whom the jury found McGregor had assaulted on December 9, 2018, in a Dublin hotel room. Nikita took on one of the most powerful men in Ireland - certainly the toughest - and won. Now the world can call him a rapist. McGregor said he will appeal the decision, claiming it was 'consensual', despite the jury taking just a day to decide it was - on the balance of probabilities - rape. Amanda Goff (pictured) is disgusted by Dee Devlin's defence of her partner Conor McGregor after he was found civilly liable of sexual assault by an Irish High Court jury last week Dee Devlin was pictured arriving hand-in-hand with the mixed martial arts star to his civil court case. On Wednesday, she took to Instagram to post a long rant in staunch defence of her fiance Women worldwide silently cheered - I say silently because, as we've seen on social media, McGregor's supporters can be women-hating thugs. The outcome reminded us that survivors of sexual assault still have a voice - even if their abuser is rich and powerful, and even if justice comes in the form of winning damages in a civil case, instead of seeing them convicted and locked up. And you can't get more powerful than McGregor. He's a celebrated martial arts champion, the star of an aptly named Netflix documentary, Notorious, and perhaps the most famous Irishman of the twenty-first century. Women are talking about this case. Even women who don't have the slightest interest in UFC. And, in my circle, everyone supported Nikita in her David vs Goliath battle against McGregor, who used her body like it was nothing then tried to shame her into submission. But there is one woman who is steadfastly supporting him - and this is perhaps the saddest part of this whole sorry spectacle. Dee Devlin - McGregor's long-time fiancee who loved him when he was jobless and broke - is standing by her man. A man who still hasn't got round to marrying her, by the way. I studied those infamous photos of Dee and McGregor walking to court, Dee dressed in sombre black, scanning her face for emotion. I saw pain and anxiety etched in her eyes, and at first I felt sympathy. Now I recognise that look for what it really was: fury. Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, took on one of the most powerful men in Ireland - certainly the toughest - and won. Now the world can call him a rapist Dee's unshakable faith in her fiance - either that or the allure of a $160million wedding - has convinced her McGregor is the real victim in all this She wasn't agonising over what her fiance had done. She was seething with rage that Nikita, his victim, had dared to stand up to him and shatter the facade of their perfect lives. Foolishly, I had been waiting for Dee to put out a statement announcing her split from McGregor, followed by a polite commitment to be 'the best co-parents we can be'. I even imagined the painful conversations with their four innocent children. Daddy did a bad thing. Well, it turns out her unshakable faith in her fiance - either that or the allure of a $160million wedding - has convinced her McGregor is the real victim in all this. Dee hasn't walked out. And not only is she standing by him, she has aimed poisonous vitriol at Nikita saying, in so many words, 'He did nothing wrong. This is all your fault.' Let's have a look at her statement shall we? Not only did she say she was going to warn her sons about women 'like her' - the most cutting twist of the knife - but she went on to to ask 'what sort of woman are you?' - referring to Nikita being drunk and dancing in a car park. What are you saying, Dee? That Nikita asked for it? You see, it's 2024 and the rest of us don't think like that anymore. And we expect the men in our lives to feel the same. I suppose there are two types of women in the world: the ones who believe women when they make credible, evidenced rape allegations, and the ones who don't. I know which side I'm on. In another recent statement on Instagram, Dee gushed: 'My man and I have created a beautiful life together. I love him, I trust him and I BELIEVE him!...Nothing or nobody will change that.' Christ, you really have drunk the Kool-Aid, haven't you? You have let women down. Every single one of us. Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin have been together for 15 years McGregor proposed to Devlin back in 2020 but the pair are yet to tie the knot After reading Dee's statement dozens of times, it's time for some facts. In Australia, 22 per cent of women have experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15 - and that's just the women who report it. I don't know what the statistics are in Ireland, Dee, but I can't imagine they are much better. Nikita is one of those statistics now, by the way, thanks to the 'man you love'. We all know the law is brutal - it doesn't matter if it's a civil or criminal court. So many women decide against going to court because recounting what happened to them, and being cross-examined by defence lawyers, will only add to their trauma. We just didn't think you, a woman, would be part of the 'we don't believe you' gang. You have your reasons, Dee, I'm sure of that. I don't know what goes on in your relationship. Maybe there's fighting, slamming of doors, tears, shame. I suspect that deep down you must feel ashamed of Conor. But maybe there's a tinge of pride, too, in being known as the loyal wife - sorry, fiancee - who stands by her man through thick and thin, no matter what. You may think she's lower than the dirt on your shoe, but, trust me, there are so many women out there celebrating Nikita and how she triumphed over your fiance. Many of those women now feel emboldened to fight for justice for themselves. Others are doing it for the girls who didn't make it out of the hotel rooms alive. And as for those nine words - 'my sons will be warned women like you exist' - out of everything you've said in the last week, perhaps they were the most shocking. The misogynists who worship McGregor may have lapped your statement up, but the good news is a growing number of men - good men, not losers on the internet - are standing up for women and educating each other on how to be better. Dee, you may want to take us back decades, but you're fighting a losing battle. I have only two words for you now: good luck. A jockey who was told she would never walk again after a horrific showjumping accident left her paralysed from the waist down is miraculously back on horseback. Maija Vance, now 33, had been a jockey for seven years when the horse she was riding suddenly slipped and fell on top of her - crushing her under its weight. Maija, who is from New Zealand, spent 10 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, after suffering a T8 spinal cord injury which left her unable to move her body below the waist. Doctors told her she would likely need a wheelchair for the rest of her life but within her first month of rehabilitation, Maija amazingly began to wiggle her left big toe. And with every passing week, she could move another centimetre of her feet and legs and, after six gruelling years of physiotherapy, Maija can now walk completely unaided - despite still being numb from the waist down. In what has been nothing short of a miracle, she has even been able to take up showjumping again and has won trophies for it in the last few years - while the horse she fell on is also still competing. Maija, a content creator and former jockey, from Cambridge, New Zealand, said: 'I was told by doctors I'd never walk again - now, I can walk unaided, pretty much all day. 'I'm back to competing as well - I could actually ride my horse before I could walk. Maija Vance, now 33, had been a jockey for seven years when the horse she was riding suddenly slipped and fell on top of her Maija, who is from New Zealand , spent 10 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, after suffering a T8 spinal cord injury which left her unable to move her body below the waist She was then sent to ICU for 10 days to recuperate, with Maija now recalling some of the 'worst pain I'd ever experienced'. Pictured: Maija in hospital in 2018 'I have bits of gear to help me, like magnetic stirrups to attach to my shoes and keep my feet in. 'It feels amazing when I'm competing and I win - we don't have para showjumping in New Zealand, so I compete with non-disabled people.' On September 16, 2018, Maija was involved in a showjumping competition, based in Rotorua, New Zealand. She was competing with another jockey's horse, Zedsational, on their fourth race of the day. But the white Thoroughbred took off too early, and one of his legs straggled behind the jump. He slipped and tumbled over, pulling Maija beneath him - breaking his fall. 'I got knocked out immediately,' she said. 'An ambulance follows jockeys around the course, so it was with me within eight seconds. In six years, Maija has managed to build on her work in the unit - and can now move around unaided 'I remember waking up to a whole lot of people staring down at me.' The ambulance rushed Maija to a nearby hospital, where doctors needed to drain blood out of her 'drowning' lungs. Two days later, she was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, and underwent a procedure to put two rods and 14 screws into eight broken vertebrae within her spine. She was then sent to ICU for 10 days to recuperate, with Maija now recalling some of the 'worst pain I'd ever experienced'. 'My lungs were still draining blood the whole time I was there,' Maija explained. 'I needed the draining tube, a catheter, a feeding tube, a breathing tube, needles in my arm - it felt like the movies. 'I had to lie back on my fractured back, then be turned to lay on my side, where my tubes were. 'It was the worst pain I'd ever experienced.' In what has been nothing short of a miracle, she has even been able to take up showjumping again and has won trophies for it in the last few years - while the horse she fell on is also still competing Numb from the waist down, Maija was told by doctors she would likely never walk again. She was then sent to a spinal rehabilitation unit for three months, and has been in physiotherapy ever since. Maija says she was in denial at first - and completely convinced she had the ability to move and wiggle her feet. She added: 'It's really hard when someone's telling you, you have no movement. 'I kept telling them: "I'm moving my feet right now!" 'They took the blanket off my feet, looked at them and said: "No, you're not." 'But in my head, I was convinced.' During her first month at the spinal unit, however, Maija regained movement in her left big toe. Each week thereafter, she was able to move another centimetre of her left foot and leg, then her right foot and leg. Maija with her childhood horse Panda Before long, she was able to take a few steps using a walker. 'Everyone in the room gasped when I made that first move with my toe,' she said. 'By the end of my three months, I was taking steps with a walking frame. 'Not functional steps - I couldn't exactly get up in the night to go to the toilet - but steps, nonetheless.' In six years, Maija has managed to build on her work in the unit - and can now move around unaided. She struggles with her balance and dizziness but she can walk all around the paddock and practice on a treadmill on most days. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say 80 per cent of incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients may learn to walk again - but mostly non-functionally. Maija is one of the few who can walkwithout assistance. The former jockey is competing in showjumping again - as well as riding her childhood horse, Panda, as a hobby. 'My legs get tired more than a normal person's - but I'm not complaining,' she said. 'I still can't feel a lot - but I've looked into it, and I guess I was lucky. 'I think I damaged the feeling part of my spinal cord - but not the movement part.' Maija also says she wants to address concerns for Zedsational - who came away from the accident unscathed. 'Everyone thought Zedsational died - but he was completely fine,' she added. 'No broken bones - he walked away unscathed.' A mum with a side hustle as a 'professional Christmas tree decorator' is taking bookings for her services one year in advance. Bristol-based Janine Ralph, 31, decided to launch a side hustle decorating Christmas trees in late 2022. Two years on, her services are more popular than ever - with the stay-at-home mother opening her books as early as January for the following Christmas. Janine already has 19 clients booked in for her services this year, with the mother-of-two charging 60 to decorate a small tree. She has already completed quite a few but has a busy December ahead of her - with Janine on track to earn 1.6k in profit this year - doing a job that she adores. And she's already got happy customers queueing to get in her books for Christmas 2025. Janine, from Withywood, Bristol, said: 'I love Christmas so much - it's my season! 'I've got three trees in my own home in different styles. Bristol-based Janine Ralph, 31, decided to launch a side hustle decorating Christmas trees in late 2022 Two years on her services are more popular than ever - with the stay-at-home mother opening her books as early as January for the following Christmas. Pictured: One of Janine's creations Janine took bookings from January this year - and started tackling her first clients' trees from the start of November. Pictured: one of Janine's professionally decorated trees 'I get inspiration for my own trees and my clients' on Instagram. 'But I never know exactly what tree and decorations I'll have to work with until I get there! 'I love seeing the end result and knowing it was what I created.' Janine took bookings from January this year - and started tackling her first clients' trees from the start of November. Her prices start from 60 to decorate a pre-assembled tree under seven feet, which has already been wrapped with lights. A tree over seven feet, which Janine also needs to assemble and add lights to, will cost 95 to decorate. Clients pay for Janine's time and travel costs as well as provide their own decorations, although often Janine will instruct them on which to buy if they want a certain look for their tree. This year, Janine has so many people from all over the country express interest in her pro tree decorating services, she had to turn some of the requests down. Her prices start from 60 to decorate a pre-assembled tree under seven feet, which has already been wrapped with lights. Pictured: A black-and-gold Christmas tree A tree over seven feet, which Janine also needs to assemble and add lights to, will cost 95 to decorate. Pictured: One of Janine's famous Christmas trees Clients pay for Janine's time and travel costs as well as provide their own decorations, although often Janine will instruct them on which to buy if they want a certain look for their tree This year, Janine has so many people from all over the country express interest in her pro tree decorating services, she had to turn some of the requests down Last year, Janine's profits allowed her to take her husband and two kids to Hyde Park in London to go to the Winter Wonderland but she isn't sure what she'll spend it on this year. Pictured: another Christmas tree decorated by Janine Janine said her designs are inspired by the trees she puts up at home as well as Instagram designs She said: 'This year, I've been trying new bits and styles of decoration. 'I've tried a different type of ribbon and bauble clusters. 'I love people asking for bookings but I couldn't fit them all in! 'I had people asking to book me who live as far away as Scotland - but I didn't want to be travelling that far! 'The furthest I've travelled was to Salisbury, which was about an hour and 40 minutes.' Among her clients are three generations of one family who, Janine said, all get their trees decorated by her. She said: 'I have this elderly lady, and then I did her daughter's tree, and now I've done her granddaughter's tree!' By the end of her booking period in mid-December, she anticipates having made around 1.6k in profit. Last year her profits allowed her to take her husband and two kids to Hyde Park in London to go to the Winter Wonderland but she isn't sure what she'll spend it on this year. She added: 'I've not opened my books for 2025 yet but I already have a list of clients wanting to book in when they open in January!' Lady Lola Bute looked bleary-eyed as she was spotted attending Kate Moss' party for her new Zara collection in London last night. The 25-year-old daughter of the late John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute, and fashion designer Serena Bute, appeared to be guided by pal Tish Weinstock, contributing beauty editor at British Vogue, while walking in Mayfair. Lola, who has been described by society bible Tatler as one of the nation's 'ultimate it-girls', took to private members club Oswald's with her stylish friend to attend supermodel Kate's celebration for her upcoming party range with the High Street store. Looking typically glamorous, the aristocrat showed off her sense of style in a figure-hugging leopard print jumpsuit that highlighted her toned frame. Commanding attention in the sensational backless garment, Lola's attire boasted flared trousers, cut-out details at the waist and thigh-high slits. She bundled up against the chilly weather in the British capital by teaming her patterned jumpsuit with a tan fur coat. Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, she donned an array of shimmering gold rings and sported a smattering of glamorous makeup, whilst keeping her blonde locks straight. The socialite appeared tired as she was pictured in Mayfair, compared to an earlier photograph she posted to Instagram when on her way to the event, in which she seemed fresh-faced and ready to celebrate. Lady Lola Bute appeared to be guided by pal Tish Weinstock, contributing beauty editor at British Vogue, while walking in Mayfair Supermodel Kate, 50, made a triumphant appearance to celebrate her new collection with Zara on Wednesday evening as she gathered a group of her coolest pals to honour the launch at Oswald's. She was joined by her daughter Lila, 22, and a selection of her nineties posse including Courtney Love and Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie as well as selection of other famous faces. Kate looked incredible during the celebratory evening in a plunging black sparkly dress, which she styled with a selection of gold accessories including bangles and a pair of towering platform heels. The mother-of-one wore a black satin trench slung over her shoulders and styled her blonde locks in soft waves, while showing off a smooth complexion which was enhanced with a bronze pallet of make-up. Kate's model daughter Lila followed in her footsteps as she stepped out in a glitzy black mini dress which flaunted her long legs, teamed with a black cape-style jacket. Earlier in the summer, Lady Lola was photographed being carried out of London celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse by American model Fai Khadra, 32, who is a close friend of Kendall Jenner. Lady Lola had donned a typically daring outfit, complete with black leather boots and a matching jacket. As the evening came to an end, she sat slumped against a dustbin and appeared to fall asleep while accompanied by a friend. Lola, who has been described by society bible Tatler as one of the nation's 'ultimate it-girls', took to private members club Oswald's with her stylish friend to attend supermodel Kate's celebration for her upcoming party range with the High Street store The socialite appeared tired as she was pictured in Mayfair, compared to an earlier photograph she posted to Instagram when on her way to the event, in which she seemed fresh-faced and ready to celebrate She later took to Instagram to share a series of snaps from the night out, including one of Fai Khadra and boyfriend, Dutch Jean Paul Gaultier model Parker van Noord, 26, in the taxi. The model and socialite has faced her fair share of controversy. In December 2020 at the height of the coronavirus restrictions Lola posted a video which appeared to show her travelling from London to her ancestral home on the Isle of Bute - despite the UK-wide travel ban. In an online clip captioned 'Tier 4 journey' in reference to the 'stay at home' order imposed by the government she was seen riding in a speedboat while giving a thumbs-up. As a result Lady Lola and a group of her friends and family were reported to the Scottish prosecution service and charged. Although the intervening three years have seen fines for lockdown breaches issued to public figures including Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak prosecutors decided not to take action against Lady Lola. It was claimed that she made the 360-mile journey from London to Mount Stuart, her family's stately home, just after the English capital was plunged into Tier 4 lockdown after high numbers of infections from a new strain of the virus. Last year, Lady Lola made public her relationship with Dutch model Parker van Noord, 26, who is an ambassador for Jean Paul Gaultier. Sharing a snap kissing him at a party, Lola captioned the post: 'Happy new year from me and mine,' in January 2023. Parker, who looked dapper in a tailored black suit, is the son of the late celebrated male model Andre van Noord. Lola looked typically chic in a fitted satin gown featuring diamante straps, which she paired with a black pendant necklace. Viewers said that the inflatable looks 'more Thursday than Wednesday' A new float based off Jenna Ortega's Netflix character was unveiled earlier today Macy's Thanksgiving Parade's new Wednesday Addams float has been torn apart by armchair critics after it made its debut at the 2024 celebrations. Based off Jenna Ortega's character in the hit Netflix drama, the latest edition was among the 17 giant, helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, and 15 novelty and heritage inflatables in rainy New York City on Thursday morning. But according to social media users, the figurine looks 'more like Thursday than Wednesday.' Viewers didn't hold back their brutal criticism online, with many also comparing it to fellow Netflix show, Squid Game. Taking to X, one remarked: 'I don't know what day of the week that is but it's not Wednesday.' 'Squid Games vibe haha,' added another. A third observed: 'She isn't in the mood for Thanksgiving... Halloween instead?' 'Not my Wednesday,' said a fourth. Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has introduced a new Wednesday Addams float The strange edition was based off Jenna Ortega's likeness in the Netflix drama 'It looks weird, if you don't mind me being honest,' a fifth added. A sixth continued: 'I legit thought this was an ad for the new Squid Game.' Echoing a similar sentiment, another wrote: 'Now we just need a Squid Games float to look like Wednesday and we in business.' Coming-of-age supernatural drama Wednesday premiered on Netflix in 2022. Starring Jenna in the lead role, the television series follows the troubled teen as she attempts to adjust to her new high school while also realizing she has inherited her mother's psychic abilities, which allow her to solve a local murder mystery. Netflix has slated Wednesday season two for release in 2025. Besides the new Wednesday balloon, this year's celebration has welcomed a float to honor Rao's food brand, which featured a knight and a dragon in battle made with actual pasta elements. Another marked the Bronx Zoo's 125th anniversary with representations of a tiger, giraffe, zebra and gorilla. Spectators were in hysterics by the float, which was supposed to be based off Jenna The Tom Turkey float rides during the 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City The Stuart the Minion balloon flies through the streets of Manhattan 'The work that we do, the opportunity to impact millions of people and bring a bit of joy for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving morning, is what motivates us every day,' said Will Coss, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer. This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, which marks 100 years, began at 8.30am on Manhattan's Upper West Side. It is scheduled to end 2.5 miles (four kilometers) away around noon at Macy's Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances. Rain has been falling across the northeast this morning, but the parade will continue. It has only been cancelled three times, from 1942 to 1944 during World War II - but organizers will be monitoring wind speeds throughout the festivities to make sure it's safe for the big balloons to fly. So far, the forecast calls for rain with temperatures in the upper-40s and winds around 10 mph (16 kph), well within the acceptable range for letting Snoopy, Bluey and their friends soar. The pair seem to have endured an on-off friendship over the last 20 years After spending nearly two decades presenting Britain's best-loved cooking show together, the legacy of famed duo Gregg Wallace and John Torode appears to have come crashing down in just a matter of months. Today, BBC presenter Gregg, 60, stepped down from MasterChef after it was revealed that 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, have accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. As Gregg takes his leave from the cooking show, many fans have been left wondering who will replace him in MasterChef. Though the pair always appeared to have strong chemistry onscreen, admissions from both parties may suggest that John, 59, won't be feeling too hard done by once his former co-star leaves the show. Amid rows, weddings, and onscreen spats, John and Gregg appear to have endured a tumultuous friendship behind the scenes of their 19-year tenure of the show. Though John was Gregg's best man for his fourth wedding to Anne Marie in 2016, the duo have in the past admitted they had a spat so awful that filming for MasterChef had to be called off, while John has said they've 'never really' been friends. And their relationship will surely have been made even more difficult after John's wife Lisa Faulkner claimed Gregg made 'rude joke after rude joke' while MasterChef was being filmed. Here, FEMAIL takes a look inside the relationship between the MasterChef stars - as one faces up to sexual misconduct allegations and the other prepares to introduce a new host on the cooking show. Amid rows, weddings, and onscreen spats, John Torode (right) and Gregg Wallace (left) appear have endured a tumultuous relationship over the years (pictured in 2017) Since allegations made against Gregg, his TV aide has failed to address the ongoing dispute and axing of his cohost from the show After over 10 years working, filming and eating together, John shocked the nation when in 2017, he revealed that, despite their onscreen rapport, he was 'not actually friends' with his co-star. Having attended Gregg's fourth wedding to Anne Marie, 37, as his best man just a year earlier in 2016, just a year later John said they'd 'never actually been friends'. During filming, the pair appeared to enjoy a close bond, sharing jokes, laughing and joining forces to make decisions on contestants. But speaking to The Mirror he said: 'Its funny, weve never been friends. We've not been to each other's houses...' Even when travelling abroad for work, the two have always kept their distance, avoiding each other at mealtimes. He continued: 'If we go away to somewhere like South Africa, we do things separately... If we do go out for a drink, I'll invariably be at one end of a big old table and he'll be at the other.' And when the two do come together, things don't always play out as smoothly as they appear on camera, as John previously admitted to booze-fuelled spats with his co-host in the past. 'Once, we had a bit too much to drink and filming got called off,' admitted John. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival earlier this year, John jibed that have sampled bountiful dishes together but that the two had never spent the time together to have developed each other's own culinary skills After over 10 years working, filming and eating together, John shocked the nation when in 2017, he revealed that despite their onscreen rapport, he was 'not actually friends' with his co-star Gregg previously insisted to Lorraine Kelly that the duo were close. Pictured on This Morning together earlier this year And when the two do come together, things don't always play out as smoothly as they appear on camera, as John previously admitted to booze fuelled spats with his cohost in the past. Gregg and John are pictured at MasterChef Live in 2009 'We ended up having a massive fight about one of the contestants, and he got really stubborn it was ridiculous. We've had a couple of standoffs over the years, about contestants, and I've just had to walk away from him.' But only a year earlier in 2016, John was best man at Gregg's wedding to Anne-Marie, suggesting the pair enjoyed a closer bond than they care to admit. Later in 2018, a joint interview with The Mirror painted the view of a picture perfect friendship, with the two sharing in a number of personal jokes and offering support in times of need. During the interview, the pair were asked what the most thoughtful thing had done for each other was, to which Gregg said his co-host has supported him with his mental health. 'I was suffering from anxiety recently and John sat me down for a good chat to assure me things never turn out as badly as I imagine they will. That was so sweet,' he said. Referring to him as 'The Wallace', John described Gregg as having 'kindness and big heart', adding that he appreciated even the 'little things' from his onscreen pal, such as sending texts while the other was on holiday. When asked if the other had any annoying habits, both answered jovially, as though old time pals. John answered: 'The worst thing about Gregg are the appalling, cheesy jokes he's constantly cracking. The MasterChef set just gets sillier and sillier, we act like a bunch of naughty school kids.' The pair gave the impression of a long and close friendship, with each reciting each other's habits, such as Greg's early morning rises to workout and enjoy a hotel breakfast, and John's blase attitude to flying. In 2017, The pair gave the impression of a long and close friendship, with each reciting each other's habits, such as Greg's early morning rises to workout and enjoy a hotel breakfast, and John's blase attitude to flying However, a more recent admission revealed that the cookery duo 'don't socialise' outside of the show, throwing further speculation onto the question of the pair's friendship And when the two do come together, things don't always play out as smoothly as they appear on camera, as John previously admitted to booze fuelled spats with his cohost in the past Last year, the two shared further insight into their relationship, saying they had learned to make the relationship work for them - even if it wasn't conventional. Gregg told The Radio Times: 'As far as I know, nobody's written a bestselling pamphlet on how to be a successful TV couple, which is what we are. 'People are amazed we can be close and not be round at each other's houses. We've found a way for it to work for us.' While they may not be in each other's pockets away from the show, they insist they do have fun while filming. On who's funnier, John, said: 'I mean, his jokes are s***, but every now and then he does come out with something very funny. It makes work joyous.' Gregg added: 'I just constantly crack jokes. When John does it can be hilarious, because he's normally in serious chef and judge mode. But I'm funnier.' Gregg has also previously insisted to Lorraine Kelly that the duo were close - despite John's claims that they've never really been friends. During an appearance on the show in April earlier this year he told the ITV presenter: 'I film with John six or seven months of the year, so we are very close to each other physically, and emotionally we are very close to each other. The pair have always put on a united show on screen, but behind the scenes, things have seemed much more fractious (pictured in 2022) 'What's great about having a partnership is that if one of you is a bit off, a bit down, the other one naturally steps up, so I rely on John a lot.' Gregg said: 'People say that John and I don't get on We've been working together face-to-face for 20 years. We knew each other for 10 years before that John bought fruit and veg off me and he was best man at my wedding He wasn't best man at every wedding, but he was at the last one! 'You make your mind up what's going on there between me and Mr Torode.' Meanwhile, his cohost said that one of the 'joys' of working together was that their differing 'identities and opinions' have 'morphed' together over the years, painting a much bright picture of an intimate friendship. But then in the summer, the picture painted by John was a somewhat different. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival earlier this year, John contradictorily jibed that they have sampled bountiful dishes together but that the two had never spent the time together to have developed each other's own culinary skills. John - who previously enjoyed a career of his own in the kitchen working as a sous chef for the Conran Group under Terence Conran and opening his own restaurant - was asked during the festival if he had ever offered any cooking tips to his co-host - to which he said the pair had never spent the time together to. He said: 'Well we dont really socialise Gregg and I, so not under my guidance, the man has tasted as many plates of food as I have in twenty-one years and I think it must be reaching over 20,000 plates of food weve eaten over that time. 'Hes got a pretty good palate, whether he cooks or not, Im not quite sure,' The Express reported. In October Wallace vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women. Torode and Wallace are pictured with Terry Wogan in 2009 Since the allegations made against Gregg, his TV aide has failed to address the ongoing dispute and axing of his cohost from the show. Hours after the news broke that Gregg was stepping down from his position on the show, the TV presenter posted to his Instagram story, sharing a selfie after a spin class at his local David Lloyd club. Meanwhile - though failing to comment on the situation - at the time of the announcement this afternoon, Gregg took the time on to Instagram where he shared his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. Since the allegations were made, Gregg has 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. Already recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, which is currently on BBC One and featuring Wallace, will transmit as planned into December. In October Wallace vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. In a statement, Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.' In October, Wallace admitted he was feeling stressed amid allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments towards women - and his fellow judge John Torode's wife alleged he 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. Wallace took to Instagram with a live video as he offered tips on healthy eating while also alluding to new allegations made against him this week. He told viewers he was 'a little bit distracted at the moment', but said he 'wanted to check in and say hello'. His social media riposte came as it emerged his MasterChef co-host John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as he apparently delivered punchlines to crew of the BBC's flagship cookery show. Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy Reaching to unzip the dog carrier, my hands were shaking. It had been 16 grief-filled months since my beloved Pomeranian Ponchik died. Now, as I cuddled this new, gorgeous puppy, my heart finally felt like it was healing. Because this wasnt a replacement for Ponchik it was Ponchik. Thanks to the miracle of cloning, my best friend in the world was back in my arms. And not just in body. For I firmly believe that by recreating his physical form, I had allowed Ponchiks soul to come back too. Ive always adored animals. When I started dating my now husband Adham at university, he soon knew all about my dream of having a dog of my own. As we started planning our future, there was always a puppy right there beside the marriage, house and children. To balance the stress of studying for my masters, Id daydream about my future dog, which was always a Pomeranian. Id even picked a name, Ponchik, which is Russian for doughnut. Then, after my graduation in 2015 aged 24, Adham bought me the best gift of all: a Pomeranian of my own. At eight weeks old he was tiny and fluffy, with beautiful eyes and a smell like hay. It was love at first sight. But I had no idea this instant bond would grow into something so much more. Like a new mother, I poured all my love and attention into him. Ponchik had the best nutrition and toys and we were never apart. On holiday we always booked rooms with the floor-to-ceiling windows Ponchik loved looking out of. If a restaurant couldnt accommodate him, wed order room service so we could all eat together. After she graduation in 2015, Mandana's husband Adham surprised her with a Pomeranian Like a new mother, Mandana poured all her love and attention into Ponchik After marrying in 2017, we built our own home in Washington DC designing it with Ponchik in mind. Friends would tell me: Mandana, youve become obsessed with him. Hes just a dog! But to me he was so much more. Then, in July 2022 when Ponchik was seven, I was returning home from my parents house next door when Ponchik sped over to greet me. Somehow he escaped onto the busy street. Frantically running after him, I watched in horror as he was hit by a speeding car. Cradling his tiny body, whispering Mamas got you, I felt like I was in a waking nightmare. Adham was abroad with work, so I ran screaming to my mum, who rushed us to the veterinary hospital. Pacing the waiting room, shaking with sobs, I refused to believe Ponchik might be gone. When the vet told me hed died on impact, I collapsed to the floor. My heart felt like it was physically breaking. How could my precious Ponchik be gone forever? Eventually, through my tears, I realised that mum was trying to tell me something. I called dad to tell him what happened and hes been researching pet cloning, she said. Hes found a company that can do it. Cloning? I knew it was possible had even made jokes in the past about cloning Ponchik so we could be together forever. Now, amid my agony, it was like a tiny shard of light. This doesnt have to be goodbye, I thought. Ponchik was hit by a car aged seven and sadly died on impact A year after losing Ponchik, the dog cloning clinic told Mandana that they had successfully implanted not one, but two embryos containing Ponchik's DNA into a surrogate mother In that moment I didnt know any of the details about how pet cloning which is legal in the US, but not in the UK worked, nor that it would cost me 40,000 ($50,000), but it was irrelevant; if we did this, then Ponchik and I could be reunited. That was all that mattered. Dad told me that the clinic, ViaGen Pets, would need a small tissue biopsy from Ponchik, from which theyd reproduce new living cells. Theyd then use the nucleus of one of those cells to replace the nucleus of a female dogs egg and turn it into an embryo. Then the embryo would be transferred into a surrogate mother dog, who would give birth to Ponchiks clone, a dog who shared 100 per cent of his DNA. My head was a mess but there wasnt a second to lose. We needed to find a vet who could take a tissue sample as soon as possible, as the hospital werent able to do it. In the meantime, Ponchik needed to be refrigerated at exactly the right temperature. Mum cleared out her fridge and placed Ponchik inside, while I frantically called local vets. Once the sample had been taken and sent off to the clinics lab, Adham and I buried Ponchik at home. The weeks that followed were horrendous. Haunted by flashbacks of the accident I couldnt sleep. The house was so empty without Ponchik, and my arms ached from wanting to hold him. I had days where I felt that my life was over and I even struggled with suicidal ideas. Cloning was a lifeboat to cling to. It didnt lessen my grief, but it gave me something to hope for. The couple called one of the cloned puppies Ponchik and the other Nuggett, which was a nickname they had given the original Ponchik While theyre definitely individuals, between them the cloned dogs have so many similarities to Ponchik As a spiritual person I believe in reincarnation, that our bodies are a capsule that allow our soul to exist in the physical realm. By cloning Ponchiks body, I was giving his soul a vessel to return to and finish the full life he should have had with us. I know that cloning is controversial. Some people believe that cloning a pet is just creepy, a slippery slope to cloning a human, or that somehow, youre playing God. Others see it as a waste of money when you could rescue a shelter dog. But for me it was about giving Ponchik the chance to live the life that was so cruelly cut short. Though almost all of our friends and family supported our decision, one relative asked me: Mandana, why dont you let his soul just rest in peace? I didnt let it upset me; this was a choice that Adham and I had made. A month passed as I waited for news from the clinic. The first three attempts didnt result in a successful pregnancy, and though I knew the clinic would keep trying until we got our clone without it costing us any extra money it was hard. Finally, a year after losing Ponchik, the clinic told us that they had successfully implanted not one, but two embryos into the surrogate mother. I knew this was a possibility, but still, hearing it I felt a wave of confusion. How could they both possibly be Ponchik? Though I agreed to give both puppies a chance at life, I was struggling with the implications, so I found a spiritual yogi to talk to. I asked if one soul can reincarnate in two bodies? The answer was yes. Three months later, in September last year, Adham and I flew to New York to pick up the puppies. I was so anxious I could barely sit still. Would it all be worth it? Would it really feel like being with Ponchik again? When the puppies were placed in our arms, all my fears melted away. As they licked and nuzzled us it felt just like a reunion, like they were saying: Hi mum and dad, we missed you. Were ready to go home now. In floods of tears, I knew that Ponchik had come back to me. We called one of the puppies Ponchik and the other Nuggett, which was a nickname wed given the original Ponchik. It felt incredible to bring them home, to see them run and play in the places Ponchik had loved. Of course, everyone wants to know how similar they are to the original Ponchik. While theyre definitely individuals, between them they have so many similarities to him. They sleep on my chest in the same way and have his adorable hopping dance when they get a treat. Theyre just as anxious when we leave as he was, and pick the same spots in the house to curl up and nap. But while those specific moments are magical, its more about the feeling I get from the puppies, the incredible bond we share that feels like the connection I had with Ponchik. Having them has healed my heart, and they were worth every penny. They will never completely replace Ponchik, my soul dog and best friend. But today when I cuddle my puppies, I feel such joy and peace knowing that his spirit is with me again. Follow Ponchik and Nuggett on TikTok @clonedogs Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been turning heads for weeks after a series of bizarre interviews during the Wicked press tour - and now yet another cringeworthy moment has caught fans' attention. In another bizarre clip, which went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cynthia broke down in tears over wearing her character Elphaba's green makeup on set. The two women sat down with a reporter for Pink News last week to promote their highly-anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. During the interview, Cynthia, 37, appeared visually emotional as she explained that removing the green makeup everyday made her feel more comfortable in her own appearance. The clip showed Ariana, 31, who also appeared emotional over the comment, clutching Cynthia's hand and breathlessly praising her beauty. Film fans had a lot to say about the clip, with some joking the interview looked like 'an emotional support group', while others said the uncomfortable press tour has turned them off going to see the movie. Cynthia said: 'I am a person and I feel, and I have feelings, and I can share them.' Ariana interjected saying: 'And if you need to cry right now, you cry.' The actor continued: 'Someone said to me once that the green was what I loved the most about Elphaba and I would want to stay green, but actually being green, yes, I loved playing this character but every time I took the makeup off I loved who I was even more. Wicked's Cynthia Erivo (left) broke down in tears over wearing her character Elphaba's green makeup on set, in yet another cringeworthy interview during the Wicked press tour Through tears she added: 'So I have come away feeling really beautiful.' Ariana added: 'You f***ing are! Holy sh**, you know?' At the end of the clip the reporter explained it was her first junket and the pair praised her efforts. Ariana said: 'Well you have been the light of the day, you have been a gift.' Cynthia added: 'You brought such light into the room, thank you very much for coming into this room today, we needed you to come in.' Taking to social media, movie fans claimed the awkward interaction turned them off seeing the flick in the cinema. One person wrote: 'Im old enough to remember when press junkets made you want to go see the film. Another added: 'I'm so turned off by the advertising of this film. I refuse to see it.' Another said: 'Wow.Im going to not watch this even more than I was planning on not watching it.' Someone else added: 'Youd think these two idiots had just worked out a cure for cancer.' In another cringeworthy moment, which went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter , Cynthia broke down in tears over wearing her character Elphaba's green makeup on set Many film fans rushed to the comments with some saying the interview looked like 'an emotional support group', while others said the uncomfortable press tour has turned them off going to see the movie A fifth said: 'Is there such thing as an anti-ad? Didn't know much about this before but after seeing this interview I know 100% that I have no interest in seeing it.' It comes after Ariana and Cynthia were mocked again online over a bizarre interaction with a reporter for Out.com last week. At one point during the interview, Ariana was seen holding onto one of Cynthia's fingers - and the intimate moment has now gone viral on X, formerly Twitter. During the sit-down, journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist told Cynthia that she had seen some people on social media discussing the 'lyrics of Defying Gravity,' a song she sings in the film, and 'feeling power' from the track. Cynthia, 37, appeared visually shocked and honored by the revelation, as she replied, 'I didn't know that was happening. That's really powerful. That's what I wanted.' As she spoke, Ariana, 31, who also appeared emotional over the comment, reached over and grabbed her costar's pointer finger in what appeared to be a display of support - and many people poked fun at the exchange online. 'What was this?' one person wrote on X alongside a screenshot of Ariana's hand wrapped around Cynthia's finger. 'Is this a sketch comedy show or something?' asked someone else. Another user added, 'The finger grab,' along with a skull emoji. For some fans, the tear-jerking moments have been a little too much Another viral clip is the latest in an emotional press tour from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, saw them repeatedly break down in tears while discussing the film Fans of the much-anticipated 'Wicked' film have been left baffled by an 'uncomfortable' interview with its two stars In the interview, for Out Magazine, journalist Tracey E Gilchrist mentions the film's closing number - 'Defying Gravity' - and claims people are 'taking the lyrics' and 'really holding space with that' 'Watching this makes me feel like I'm huffing gasoline, it's so surreal, like why is Ariana holding her singular finger like that?' read a fourth tweet. A fifth said, 'The part that gets me is Ariana just grabbing one of Cynthia's fingers and holding and shaking it for comfort. 'Like not even her hand? Just her finger?' 'Ariana Grande holding Cynthia Erivo's finger has made me laugh out loud three separate times,' announced a different person. Elsewhere in the same interview the journalist mentions the film's closing number - 'Defying Gravity' - and claims people are 'taking the lyrics' and 'really holding space with that'. Erivo holds her hand to her chest, and says: 'I didn't know that was happening. That's really powerful. That's what I wanted.' The exchange quickly gained traction on social media, with fans of the film baffled by what the conversation even means - and the fact it relates to a 20-year-old song. One person said: 'I'm holding space for the video about holding space for the Defying Gravity lyrics. I don't understand what holding space means or why it's so powerful but I'm holding space for the potential to understand the space I'm holding.' Another added: 'I've watched this like 30 times, and I still can't parse a single thing going on here.' Wicked: Part One - which opened in cinemas on 22 November - is an adaptation of the much-loved stage musical, that first debuted on Broadway more than 20 years ago A third asked if the cast of 'Wicked' are okay. She said: 'I am obsessed with whatever on Earth is going on with the cast of Wicked. Every press interview I've seen has been bizarre. 'Are they okay? What is happening?' Another person said the interview in general had 'weird and uncomfortable vibes'. Ariana and Cynthia have been traveling the globe together over the last few weeks to promote their roles in the long-awaited flick, which hit theaters on Friday, November 22. They have participated in a slew of interviews and red carpet events in the lead-up to the film's release, but have continuously faced scrutiny over their behavior throughout the press. In particular, many social media users have commented on the fact that the women often break down in tears while discussing the movie. During an appearance on the Heart Breakfast show this week, Cynthia explained why they often become emotional. 'Every interview I've read of you and Ariana, it just says that you end up in tears all the time,' host Amanda Holden said to Cynthia. 'We do. And I think it's because people have come in with such energy and they come in, their responses, their emotional responses come into the room with us, it's the first time we've been able to talk about it, so we're both reliving and rehashing all the things we've been through and the journey we've been on,' Cynthia responded. 'We can't help it, we get very emotional about it.' A minimalist wardrobe, organised lifestyle and neutrals galore... it's hardly a formula that you'd think would warrant a legal battle. Yet influencers Sydney Nicole Gifford, now based in Minnesota after moving from Texas, and Alyssa Sheil, from Austin, are fighting over exactly that, with both likely hoping to prove that their version of the 'clean-girl aesthetic' vibe is uniquely their own. Gifford, 24, who has 298,000 followers on Instagram, and another 599.6k on TikTok, has filed what is being dubbed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit accusing fellow content creator Sheil, 21, of copying her TikTok, Instagram and Amazon Storefront posts. She claims Sheil duplicated her 'neutral, beige and cream aesthetics', promoted the same Amazon products and used similar language, according to Texas court records, reported The New York Post. Gifford also alleges in her lawsuit that her rival copied her specific frames in videos, her manner of speaking, appearance and even tattoos. This resemblance between their pages apparently cut into Gifford's influencer earnings. But opening up in an interview with The Verge this week, Sheil, who has under 440,000 followers on the two social media platforms, insisted: 'There are hundreds of people with the exact same aesthetic, and Im the only one thats having to go through this. 'Its coming across very gatekeep-y Like, "Im the only one thats allowed to be successful in this program, Im the only one thats allowed to put my foot in the door." 'I do think that theres space and definitely enough money for everyone thats in [the Amazon influencer] program.' Sydney Nicole Gifford (pictured left), now based in Minnesota after moving from Texas, and Alyssa Sheil (pictured right), from Austin, are two influencers The two women met in Austin in December 2022, with the goal of supporting one another's businesses. However, after a joint photoshoot in January 2023 (with opinions on both sides differing in terms of how well this went), Sheil blocked Gifford online. She says it's because she didn't feel the need to keep up the relationship online if it wasn't all that brilliant in real life. While Gifford wasn't offended, she later discovered from her followers that Sheil's content had started to allegedly resemble her own. A scroll through both their pages does perhaps reveal similar Amazon products, outfits and decor, with both fitting into the trendy 'clean-girl aesthetic', with creams, greys and beiges proving to be the most popular colour choices for most items. According to court papers filed in the Western District of Texas this spring, at least 30 posts across Sheils platforms reportedly featured 'identical styling, tone, camera angle and/or text' to Giffords. Giffords legal team sent cease and desist letters warning Sheil to stop, court papers are reported to have said, while the influencer also successfully lobbied social platforms to remove some of her rival's allegedly infringing posts. Then in April, Gifford sued Sheil after she carried on apparently copying her content. She is reportedly being sued for damages that could end up into the millions. In November, a judge ruled that Gifford's case could proceed. Gifford (pictured left), 24, who has 298,000 followers on Instagram, and another 599.6k on TikTok , has filed what is being dubbed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit accusing fellow content creator Shei (pictured right), 21, of copying her TikTok, Instagram and Amazon Storefront posts Gifford (pictured left) claims Sheil (pictured right) duplicated her 'neutral, beige and cream aesthetics', promoted the same Amazon products and used similar language, according to Texas court records, reported The New York Post The influencers, who are like online personal shoppers as they suggest and review various products for their hundreds of thousands of followers, have bought homes thanks to their jobs. Gifford, who now goes by Sydney Nicole Slone on social media following her wedding, told The Verge how the amount she earns has now largely returned to what it apparently was. The TikTok star, who is currently pregnant with a baby boy, claims this is because Sheil is allegedly making less posts that look like her 'vibe' and because she has changed how she films her footage; she has stopped using similar decor found in her rival's clips and shows her face more. Gifford is asking a judge to bar her counterpart from duplicating her content, along with unspecified damages. Sheil 'vigorously denies all the allegations', her attorney Jason McManis has said. Amazon, meanwhile, declined to comment on the lawsuit, according to The Verge. Mr McManis added in a statement to FEMAIL: 'Ms. Gifford's lawsuit is based on the misguided notion that she can claim she owns the rights to fashion concepts that she didn't create and that have been popular in the industry for years. She didnt invent beige or neutral colors. Frankly, her claim otherwise is absurd. 'It is a frivolous lawsuit and the Court has already begun dismissing some of her claims. We look forward to a complete victory and to letting Ms. Sheil put these false allegations behind her.' MailOnline has contacted Gifford and Amazon for comment. Emma Weymouth looked dazzling this evening as she stepped out in London to attend an immersive show hosted by Vogue. The Marchioness of Bath, 38, stunned in a stylish ensemble as she arrived at The Lightroom at Kings Cross on Thursday for Vogue: Inventing The Runway. The mother-of-two, who appeared to be in attendance without the company of her husband Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth, 50, showed off her fashion expertise in an all black look featuring a long black blazer with a transparent train and a silk collar. Joining her at the glittering event was global director of Vogue, Anna Wintour and former editor of British Vogue, Edward Enninful as well as A-listers including Cate Blanchett, who was hosting the event. Emma slipped into a sultry outfit for the glamorous event, wearing a figure-hugging corset beneath a lace-hemmed blazer. The sheer ensemble showed off Emma's sleek and toned pins, which were perfectly fitted with a pair of bow tipped heels. She wore fittingly glam makeup for the event with eyeliner, nude lips and a glass-like glow to her perfect skin. Looking every inch the sleek socialite, Emma finished the look with her brunette tresses down around her shoulder. Emma Weymouth (pictured) look dazzling this evening as she stepped out in London to attend an immersive show hosted by Vogue The Marchioness of Bath, 50, stunned in a stylish ensemble as she arrived at The Lightroom at Kings Cross on Thursday Emma attended the Vogue: Inventing the Runway, an immersive new exhibition which explore the history of the runways. The show, which is narrated by the actress Cate Blanchett, will delve into fashion history, the intimate couture salons of the early 20th century to events popular in the modern day. Vogue's global director, Anna Wintour, wrote on the publication's website: 'At Vogue weve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves. 'This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.' It comes just a day after Emma showed off her fashion expertise during the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards on Wednesday night, where she was joined by Prince William and countless A-listers. Emma stunned in a chic ensemble as she arrived at The Savoy Hotel, looking radiant in a glittering gown as hit the red carpet alongside her husband, Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth. The Prince of Wales was also in attendance on Wednesday, having been a patron of charity since 2005. She sported a full-length sequinned dress with a flower detailing running up the side. Known for her well regimented fitness routine, Emma flaunted her delicate necklace and toned arms in the off the shoulder frock. Joining her at the glittering event was global director of Vogue, Anna Wintour (pictured right) and former editor of British Vogue, Edward Enninful. Pictured next to Sir Nicholas Hytner and Cate Blanchett (left) Pictured: Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief at British Vogue Accessorising the look, she carried a small glittering handbag between a set of bright red fingernails. Proving she is more than just a fashion pro, Emma wore her hair expertly scrapped up in a laid-back bun with her glossy fringe out elegantly framing her face. Prepared for the most glamorous of events, she wore a full face of makeup with winged eyeliner, poreless glowing skin and crushed-velvet coated lips. Seamlessly pulling the look together, Emma added a set of stunning silver drop earrings and a stylish black watch with a diamond crusted face. Meanwhile, her husband of 13 years Ceawlin looked dashing in a navy suit and polished black brogues. He wore his silver hair swept out from in front of his face . The pair flashed gorgeous smiles as they posed elegantly for the camera. Meanwhile Prince William looked smart in a navy suit while also sporting his fan-favourite beard, which has grown even more prominent in recent weeks. The two were also joined by A-listers of the likes of Idris Elba, Mark Knopfler and Ronnie and Sally Wood ahead of the ceremony, with whom he was spotted having an animated conversation. Emma Weymouth (pictured on Wednesday) proved her fashion prowess this evening as she stepped out in London to attend the the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards Emma looked radiant in a glittering gown as hit the red carpet alongside her husband, Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth (left) The Tusk Conservation Awards is an annual event which recognises conservation leaders for their pioneering work protecting wildlife and supporting communities across Africa. The awards first took place more than a decade ago in 2013, thanks to the collaborative efforts between the Prince of Wales and investors, Ninety One. The ceremony, which is held at the world-famous Savoy hotel this evening, awarded two victors for their work in the field. The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, which recognises an emerging trailblazer in the arena, was presented to Edward Aruna, working in Sierra Leone for his dedication to conservation in Africa over a number of year. The Tusk Wildlife Ranger, recognises the bravery of individuals working on the front lines of African conservation sites who work tirelessly to protect increasingly endangered wildlife. This year was given to was given to Claver Ntoyinkima, working in Rwanda. Hosting the award was Liz Bonnin, a notorious wild animal biologist and natural history broadcaster. The awards have recognised 58 leaders in conversation in Africa across 23 countries over the last 12 years, helping to protect endangered wildlife on the continent. San Francisco police said they found this weapon in the Daly City home of the suspect in the shooting of a pregnant woman in Hunters Point. San Francisco Police Department Police said they arrested a man accused of shooting a pregnant woman in the stomach in San Franciscos Hunters Point neighborhood this month. Officers arrested Khiri Roberson, 30, in Daly City last Thursday, the San Francisco Police Department said Wednesday. Officers also searched Robersons home on the 200 block of South Mayfair Avenue in Daly City and seized a firearm, police said. Roberson was booked into county jail on two counts of attempted homicide and one count of discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, the SFPD said. He is being held without bail, and his next court date is scheduled for Monday, according to jail records. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At approximately 2:13 p.m. on Nov. 19, officers responded to the 1100 block of Hollister Avenue and found a pregnant woman suffering from a gunshot wound, SFPD said. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. The woman was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, SFPD said, and her condition was not immediately known Wednesday. Roberson shot the woman while she was inside her home with her daughter and other occupants, SFPD said. Police did not say whether Roberson knew the woman. Anyone with information related to the ongoing investigation is asked to call the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411. This year, Thanksgiving falls on Red Planet Day, when all things Mars are celebrated. Since Mars can represent anger and competition, how does it work with the traditional themes of kindness and gratitude? Actually, even though family gatherings are great, they can make us hot under the collar! As Mars slows to turn retrograde, by honouring our true feelings, we can find ways to share warmth and generosity. Need to know your more? These spookily accurate birth charts, based on your unique birth placements will tell you everything you need to know. Simply enter your birth details and receive a completely personal Personal Birth Chart made just for you. Read more horoscopes from MailOnline. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Everyone has the power to change other people's lives for the better. We can all make someone's dreams come true. There's always something we can do for those around us. And there's always something we can share. But, when we're all struggling to meet our own needs, why should we bother to make the effort? Because somehow, mysteriously, we get back what we give. As your ruler, Mars, harmonises with the Sun today, if there's something you want, the way to get it is to be generous with someone else. Reveal the astrological secrets of the coming year, today. For a complete set of totally personal predictions download 'Your Guide to the Future'. Oscar Cainer (pictured) points out that this year, Thanksgiving falls on Red Planet Day, when all things Mars are celebrated TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Imagine you're a physicist researching a difficult problem. You've invested huge amounts of time into solving it. Then, one day, ta-dah! A light bulb flash of brilliance, and the answer pops into your mind. You note it down. Then your mind wanders onto other things, and you forget all about it. That would be weird! You've worked long and hard; and that formula needs and deserves to be put to good use. You're being reminded of a great idea which you put on the back-burner. It needs refreshing. But it's time to put it into practice. To find out what the planets have in store for you over the coming, critical next few months, download your Guide to the Future, now. GEMINI (May 22 - June 22) There are certain people with whom we struggle to communicate. No matter how hard we try to explain ourselves, we don't feel understood. It's possible, of course, that they feel the same way about us! In an ideal world, intelligent, sensitive people would find it easy to share information; but, as we know, that's not always the case. So, what can we do to enhance understanding of one another? Your ruler moving retrograde is making you more aware of a misunderstanding. But it's also giving you the ability to resolve it. Patience is key. Want to know what the coming year has in store? Let me calculate your full personal horoscope from your exact date, time and place of birth. Click here! CANCER (June 23 - July 23) You're only one of eight billion humans inhabiting this ball of rock. So, what's the point of all those other people? What are they all meant to be doing with their time here? And what are the chances of you bumping into someone who sees the world the same way as you? More than you think. You're finding it hard to make yourself understood right now. But if you're tolerant of someone's different views today, you'll find surprising areas of shared interest and understanding. An unlikely, mutually appreciative relationship can develop. A powerful cosmic climate is working in your favour right now. You can make a positive transformation and achieve what youve been hoping for. A personal birth-chart report will tell you whats really possible... and when and how. Download yours now! LEO (July 24 - August 23) It's all very well knowing that there's hope on the horizon. But the problem with horizons is that they're always a distance away. No matter how hard we try we can't reach them. In your world now you know how things 'should' be. You can even see how it's theoretically possible to make them that way. But you're struggling to make progress. Today, as your ruler, the Sun, harmonises with Mars (the power planet), you'll find it easier to make changes that lead to tangible results. With enthusiasm, you can make a real difference. Discover your inner light, the one that shines regardless of the weather in your 'Guide to the Future'. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) When TV and movies were in black and white, there was better understanding of the nuances of different shades of grey. Nowadays, with neon lighting and everything so brightly coloured, we're less aware of subtleties. We expect everything to be clearly expressed, both visually and audibly. We like short, sharp soundbites. Ruled by the planet of the intellect, which is retrograde, you're thinking deeply about an issue that no one else seems bothered by. It will lead to a realisation that helps you make an important decision. Learn the hidden secrets of the planets and how they affect your life and shape your future. Start your journey of self-discovery here! LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) We're aware of the need to conserve energy. But although the planet is running out of certain resources, other commodities are more abundant than we think. Like kindness, inspiration, and compassion. With so much negativity around it's easy to think they're in short supply. But they're not. And there's an easy way to experience more of them; it's by demonstrating them in our lives. Have faith in the inherent goodness of the cosmos today and you'll see clear evidence that it's looking after you. Think positive. Now, do you want to know more about whats going to happen to you, when its going to happen and why? Get yourself a full, spookily accurate horoscope birth-chart report, and youll find out. Download your Birth Chart report here! SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You're dealing with a sensitive situation that needs to be delicately adjusted. It's so carefully balanced that if you shift your weight, it will swing to an extreme. From your current position you're focusing on an inequality which you feel the need to address. And you're tempted to throw your weight onto the 'other' side of an argument. But the risk is that you'll skew matters in a less-than satisfactory way. Help! You're right to take action. But with Mars slowing to turn retrograde, make sure your moves are small and gentle. There are powerful changes in store for you soon. What are they? How can you best prepare for them? Find out in a full horoscope birth-chart. It's full of amazing predictions about you and your future. Get yours now. As Mars slows to turn retrograde, by honouring our true feelings, we can find ways to share warmth and generosity SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Your ruler, Jupiter, is known as the 'explorer of the truth'. It's why you constantly try to expand your worldview; with your adventurous spirit, you're always open to new experiences. You understand that truth is, to some extent, subjective. So, if you're suspicious of someone's version of events and wary of trusting them, just remember that some truths are relative. You're dealing with a complex issue. Emotions are involved. Be gentle in your response (rather than critical) and you'll open up to an inspiring insight. Wish you could fulfil more of your potential? A Personal Profile, based on your exact date of birth, reveals your secret gifts and blessings. Click here! CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Suppose you could hypnotise people into doing your bidding? That by lowering your voice and speaking softly you could cast a spell so that instead of disagreeing with you, they bent over backwards to enable you to do whatever you want? Without being manipulative, you've got access to this kind of power right now. Venus in your sign is blessing you with the ability to express yourself in ways that garner support. But to use these skills you need to be sure you're focusing on issues that will benefit others, as well as yourself. Give me your date of birth and I will tell you something wonderful about your future. Download your personal horoscope here. AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) We've all watched action movies where actors perform death-defying feats. Like abseiling down skyscrapers, driving at breakneck speed, and fighting with antiheroes. Often, of course, the footage is skillfully shot in a way that deceives our eyes; stunt doubles perform these daring activities. You're being called to do something that takes mental courage. In a way, it would be easier if someone else stepped in and relieved you of this responsibility. But it's your life. Not only can you do this... once you start, it will be fun. Find out what the planets have in store for you. Instantly download your Year Ahead chart. Now! Click here! PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Our ability to succeed depends on the goals we set for ourselves. Which doesn't mean that if we dream big, we'll get everything we want. But if our objective is clear in our mind, we stand a much better chance of taking steps towards achieving it. And when we're secretly worried that we've chosen the wrong target, self-doubts arise - which manifest as obstacles along the path to success. Check your responses today. Just because an option doesn't seem ideal doesn't mean that it's second best. If it's your only option, it's perfect. Now is the right time for you to take an in-depth, up close and personal look at your life. To get your full horoscope based on your date, time and place of birth, click here. WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT It's the sort of horrible, undignified death usually only seen in retirement homes. But Roy Webster saw it happen to his 56-year-old wife Trish. He was sleeping next to her in bed on the night of January 16, 2023, when he woke to the violent sound of her choking on the contents of her bowels, which had been forced up into her lungs. Roy remembers frantically trying to save his wife while on the phone to emergency services - but nothing could be done to save her. 'She had this brown stuff coming out of her mouth and I realised she wasn't breathing,' he recalls. Roy knew how to perform CPR, but his wife's head kept 'bouncing everywhere' on the bed so he had no choice but to drag her to the floor. 'When I pulled her off the bed, her head turned to the side and all this brown stuff was coming out of her nose. It poured out. 'I thought she was choking on a drink or something, but we found out it was her bowels coming out through her lungs.' He continued doing compressions 'but her chest was like sponges'. She was getting no oxygen to the brain and was declared dead when paramedics arrived. Roy, who now lives with post-traumatic stress disorder, believes that Ozempic - the 'miracle' weight-loss drug Trish had started taking seven months earlier - and its sister drug Saxenda contributed to his wife's death. Trish Webster (seen with her daughter) died from what a coroner described as 'gastrointestinal issues' while on Ozempic and Saxenda. Her husband says the weight loss drugs are to blame Trish Webster (pictured before and after using Ozempic) became seriously ill while taking the prescription drug. Her husband Roy now looks at photos of her during her Ozempic usage and believes 'you can see her getting sicker' Trish was first prescribed Ozempic, a diabetes drug with the appealing side effect of weight loss, by a doctor in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, in May 2022. She had been self-conscious about her body for a long time and wanted to lose weight before her daughter's wedding. She had heard glowing reviews of Ozempic, and saw the drug as a way to get her life back. Trish's doctor apparently had no qualms about writing her a script for the injections. She would end up losing 16kg (35lbs or 2.5st) in five months but became increasingly ill from suspected side effects. When she returned to the practice to report them, she was told the consistent vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea were 'normal'. Roy believes the doctor's dismissal of his wife's side effects when she first reported them was what ultimately cost Trish her life. 'Doctors shouldn't be prescribing you something that makes you sick,' he tells me. 'You don't go to the doctor to get sick.' Trish started feeling nauseous within days of her first Ozempic injection. 'She lost a bit of weight on it but she kept getting sick all the time,' Roy says. 'It was nearly every second month she was getting sick - diarrhoea and throwing up all the time.' Trish would use Ozempic and Saxenda interchangeably, but never at the same time, on the recommendation of a doctor. Roy claims both medications would cause Trish stomach problems. Trish died on January 16, 2023, after choking on the contents of her bowels. Police became involved in Trish's death because faecal vomiting at her age is uncommon, leading to suspicions she had been poisoned. Her husband Roy was under investigation as soon as officers arrived at the scene, but was later cleared. '[The police] had no empathy,' Roy says Rather than taking her off the medication, Trish's doctor prescribed her Ondansetron, a drug typically prescribed to cancer patients suffering nausea from chemotherapy, to cope with her symptoms. 'She kept going back to the doctor saying she's really sick and he kept prescribing eight milligrams of Ondansetron,' Roy says. 'He didn't connect the dots that it could be Ozempic that was making her sick.' Trish's symptoms would typically worsen for two days before she would 'come good'. 'That's what the normal pattern was,' Roy explains. 'Now, looking through photos over the time she was on Ozempic, you can see her getting sicker. 'I didn't see it because I saw her every day. I didn't pick up on it.' Police became involved from the day Trish died because faecal vomiting in her age group is uncommon, leading some officers to suspect she had been poisoned. Roy suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from the night he desperately tried to save his wife's life, only to be interrogated by police after her death (pictured: Trish's casket) What's the difference between Saxenda and Ozempic? Ozempic and Saxenda have different active ingredients but both work to mimic a hormone, GLP-1, which controls appetite and blood sugar. Ozempic, which uses semaglutide, is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes but is often prescribed for its 'off label' weight loss effect. Saxenda, which uses liraglutide, is primarily prescribed for weight loss. Ozempic requires weekly injections while Saxenda is injected daily. Both are owned by Novo Nordisk, founded in Denmark. Advertisement Roy says he was under investigation as soon as officers arrived at the scene. 'The police weren't very nice about it at all. They had no empathy,' he tells me. 'There were inside taking photos of Trish's body, turning it over and all that.' After being cleared by police, Roy began the difficult process of grieving the love of his life without definite answers as to what killed her. 'She was my rock, you know. She was my life partner and she's done everything for me,' he says. 'I know she's gone and I can't bring her back but there's people now still thinking about using this stuff who don't know the hazards of it. 'It's not worth it. It's not worth the risk.' Roy wants to see Ozempic, and similar drugs, removed from the Australian market or, at the very least, he wants to see stricter monitoring of patients. 'I want to help but I've been slacking off a bit because every time I think about it, it reminds me of the night Trish died,' he says. 'I've had to live like that for a long time. I just see it over and over.' The only time Roy heard from Trish's prescribing doctor was when her autopsy results were delivered. Roy describes Trish as the love of his life. 'She was my rock, you know... my life partner,' he says The coroner found Trish had choked to death when faeces entered her lungs and attributed several other health factors to her passing. 'They said she had high blood pressure, hypertension and sleep apnoea,' Roy says. 'I said, "Mate, I've got high blood pressure and sleep apnoea but I'm not dead". That's got nothing to do with it.' The only explanation Roy has been given for how the contents of Trish's bowels entered her lungs is 'gastrointestinal issues'. When he asked for there to be a proper investigation into the cause of her stomach problems - which he believes were the result of taking Ozempic - Roy was told by someone at the coroner's department to seek mental health help. 'People don't just die of a stomach bug,' he says. 'When the doctor told me about the pathology, all they said to me was that her potassium levels were down because she was dehydrated. 'Of course she was dehydrated, she was throwing up all day. I got thrown around from here to there and told to see the counsellor. 'I don't want to see a counsellor; I want to see results.' Without the ability to bring back his own loved one, Roy has pleaded with those considering Ozempic to avoid it and similar drugs. And as for those who doubt whether Ozempic was the true cause of Trish's death, Roy poses the question: 'Would she still be here today if she wasn't taking this drug? 'Yes, she definitely would be here today... She would be here today if she wasn't taking that stuff because she wouldn't have been sick. 'She wouldn't have been sick on that day and she wouldn't have been throwing up. She would not have choked on [the contents of] her bowels like that. 'That's why I say it's responsible for how she died.' When he asked for there to be a proper investigation into the cause of his wife's stomach problems - which he believes were the result of Ozempic - Roy (pictured with Trish on their wedding day) was told by someone at the coroner's department to seek mental health help The coroner disagrees. Trish' death certificate states the cause of death was 'acute gastrointestinal illness', with no mention of drug side effects. The Coroners Court of NSW told Daily Mail Australia it concluded its investigation into Trish's death on January 20, 2023, and there were no plans to reopen her case. Dr Jessica Pace, from the University of Sydney, while unable to comment directly on Trish's case, notes Ozempic is known to cause stomach issues. 'It does have some gastrointestinal side effects. In particular, you tend to see nausea and vomiting, especially when people first start treatment,' she says. 'People can get some things like diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn, potentially some abdominal pain, and perhaps some pancreatic or liver issues. 'The pancreatic and liver issues are much rarer side effects.' Dr Pace also explains Ozempic partially works by slowing how quickly food is moved through the bowels, which has the potential to cause blockages. 'Ozempic mimics a naturally occurring hormone that we have in our body. Those hormones are called incretins,' she says. 'When we eat, those hormones have effects such as controlling how much insulin is created to help manage our blood sugar levels. 'It also helps with gastric emptying, so it can decrease appetite as well.' When contacted for comment, a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) spokesperson said it is 'currently working with Novo Nordisk (the creator of Ozempic and Saxenda) to include safety-related updates in the product information documents for semaglutide products, including Ozempic'. 'The TGA monitors the safety of medicines, medical devices and other therapeutic products in Australia, and takes action to address confirmed safety issues,' they said. 'The TGA applies scientific and clinical expertise to its decision-making to ensure that the benefits of a product, when used for the approved indications and in the intended population, outweigh any risks.' A Novo Nordisk spokesperson similarly defended the product. 'At Novo Nordisk, patient safety is a top priority, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously,' they said. 'We work closely with the TGA and other regulatory bodies around the world to continuously monitor the safety profile of our medicines. 'Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and efficacy of Ozempic, Saxenda and all of our medicines when used consistent with the product labelling and the approved indications.' Without the ability to bring back his own loved one, Roy has pleaded with those considering Ozempic to avoid it and similar drugs. (Trish and her daughter are pictured) For anyone considering using Ozempic or Saxenda, Dr Pace recommends closely monitoring your body's reaction. 'Any unusual or new stomach pain, or stomach symptoms, is potentially a side effect,' she tells me. 'It would be worth having some blood tests as well. 'That wouldn't necessarily be for the gastrointestinal effects, but it can affect kidney function so that could show up on a blood test. 'Other potential side effects are things like injection site reactions, so you'd be looking out for any changes at the injection site, like any redness, bruising, lumps.' Have you experienced a side effect to a weight-loss drug? Email tips@dailymail.com Research has confirmed that shoe size bears no relation to penis size. But there is a lot a penis can tell a man about his overall wellbeing. Erectile dysfunction, for example, which affects around half of all men aged 40 to 70 in the UK, is often described as the canary in the coal mine for men's health - an early signal that there might be a risk of other problems, such as heart disease. While some ailments that affect the penis are relatively minor and don't require treatment, others can be fatal if ignored. Here, then, is everything that can go wrong with the penis and testicles - and what you need to do about it If cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving doesn't appeal, then this ice cream rendition of the festive bird might get your vote. Baskin-Robbins announced its popular turkey-shaped ice cream cake would be back on the menu this year, costing just under $50. The hefty creation features sugar cones as turkey legs, a shiny caramel praline topping in lieu of turkey skin, and any choice of ice cream flavor inside. Serving from 12 to 16 people, the entire cake contains more than 4,800 calories according to DailyMail.com's estimates. Thanks to its quirky guise, content creators have flocked to get a slice of the Baskin-Robbins turkey cake, and Chrissy Teigen even demonstrates how to 'carve' it in an Instagram video. She explains: 'I like to do the legs first... Take a super sharp knife... I like to go in at an angle so that your turkey leg has a nice roundness to it.' The DailyMail.com health team treated ourselves to the iconic Baskin-Robbins turkey cake to investigate if it lives up to the hype. One of our taste testers was concerned about its food colorings, but more often than not, our team enjoyed the sweet take on a holiday classic. Baskin-Robbins announced its popular turkey-shaped ice cream cake would be back on the menu this year, with it costing just under $50 Thanks to its quirky guise, content creators have flocked to get a slice of the Baskin-Robbins turkey cake and Chrissy Teigen even demonstrates in an Instagram video how to carve it Your browser does not support iframes. Baskin-Robbins does not disclose the cake's ingredients or nutrition value, but DailyMail.com did our best to estimate based on what we knew was in the turkey, including Oreo Cookies 'n Cream ice cream, waffle cones, caramel praline sauce, and cake frosting. A spokesperson told this website: 'Because all our cakes our customizable with your favorite ice cream flavor, it will vary based on the guest selections.' Most of Baskin-Robbins' ice cream flavors contain more than 250 calories per scoop. Meanwhile, one spoonful of caramel praline topping adds another 120 calories to the load. Our bird came stuffed with Oreo Cookies 'n Cream, which contains up to 280 calories per scoop. Based on the size of the cake and how big one scoop of ice cream, it contains around 15 portions. When it came time to carve our ice cream bird, we weren't sure how to first dig in. While it's recommended to first separate the leg from the thigh on an actual Thanksgiving turkey, we wondered if we should split it down the middle like we would a normal cake. Maybe watching Chrissy Teigen's instructional would have been beneficial, as the cake's density and sticky consistency made it a little tricky to tackle. Chrissy Teigen starts with separating the legs, then she likes to tackle the breasts. Serving from 12 to 16 people, the entire cake contains more than 4,800 calories according to DailyMail.com's estimates Chrissy Teigen says after removing the legs from the turkey cake, she likes to tackle the breasts In her video, she shows how she cuts straight down the middle of the 'bird' and then cuts into the sides 'right over the wing.' 'You have a beautiful breast right there,' she exclaims, as she holds a slice of the creamy dessert up to the camera. She then goes about cutting up the rest of the 'turkey meat,' while telling the viewers she treats it as though she's carving a traditional bird. We agreed, and decided the ice cream cone legs were probably the easiest part to dismantle, as they simply detach from the body of the 'bird.' Then we split it down the middle and dug in. We were pleasantly surprised. Connor Boyd, head of Health and Science at DailyMail.com, exclaimed it was the best turkey he had ever had, with the 'skin' being his favorite part. He explained: 'The thick chewy Oreo ice cream was lovely though more cookie bits would've taken it to the next level. Just like with a real turkey, the skin was one of the most delicious parts. 'Instead of crispy salty goodness you get from the animal's skin, the slightly burnt caramel flavor in the cake's outer layer complimented the more traditional vanilla-cookie sweetness of the ice cream perfectly.' Deputy Health editor Alexa Lardieri, the vegetarian of our group, said: Given that I'm a vegetarian, this cake is the only turkey Ill be eating this Thanksgiving holiday. 'While its been some time since Ive had actual turkey, I have to say, I prefer the Oreo cookies and caramel skin of the cake as opposed to the innards and oily coating of a real bird.' And despite being lactose intolerant, Stacy Liberatore, the science and tech editor, couldn't resist giving the 'skin' a taste. She deemed it 'delicious' with a 'chocolatey-yet-not-too-sweet taste.' I have to say, the ice cream turkey was very moreish and I went in for seconds. My favorite part was the faux grass cake frosting and caramelized skin. The perfect combination for an afternoon pick-me-up. However, the garish color of the trimmings concerned health reporter Luke Andrews. Fearing they could contain a hotchpotch of food dyes and additives, he wasn't as enthused about giving the sweet treat a whirl. He admitted: 'I find this cake extremely concerning because it likely contains Green Dye No. 3. 'It sits atop a bubonicly toxic-colored bright green nest, suggesting use of the dye - which has been banned in Europe after studies linked it to neurobehavioral problems in children. 'I did ask Baskin-Robbins for the ingredients list, but they were not forthcoming. Curious.' Baskin-Robbins says its wacky dessert will 'make anyone do a double take' and 'its a show stopping non-traditional tradition' designed to look 'like its fresh out of the oven'. Women doctors in Britain are set to outnumber their male counterparts, the professions regulator predicts. A General Medical Council report reveals that the workforce is close to reaching parity between male and female medics. Some 49 per cent of licensed doctors in the UK last year were women and the profession is likely to become majority female soon, the report said. There are also now more doctors from an ethnic minority background on the register than white doctors. A slightly larger proportion of new joiners in 2023 were women (52 per cent), while men accounted for a higher rate of those leaving (54 per cent). From 2019 to 2023, Wales had the highest growth in female doctors at 26 per cent, followed by England with 23 per cent, Northern Ireland (18 per cent) and Scotland (14 per cent). The medical student intake grew slightly in 2023, the report said, with women accounting for 60 per cent of students. The GMC report says: The gradual shift towards gender parity in the doctor workforce has continued. Some 49 per cent of licensed doctors in the UK last year were women and the profession is likely to become majority female soon (file image) 'In the coming years it is likely that the balance will shift further and there will be slightly more female than male doctors. It adds: It is imperative that any forms of discrimination or unfairness in doctors working lives are uncovered, confronted, and removed to ensure all doctors are able to reach their full potential. All parties have a role to play in this. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of licensed doctors grew at the fastest rate since GMC records started in 2011. The 6 per cent increase was more than double the average year-on-year growth since 2011 (2.6 per cent), which the GMC said was driven by joiners from abroad taking up locally employed roles. Locally employed doctors work for trusts on local contracts in non-training, and usually non-permanent roles, with no nationally agreed terms and conditions. In England and Wales, the number of locally employed doctors increased by 75 per cent between 2019 and 2023 from 21,000 to 36,831. Locally employed doctors work for trusts on local contracts in non-training, and usually non-permanent roles, with no nationally agreed terms and conditions (file image) The proportion of doctors leaving the profession in the UK is stable at 4 per cent, the GMC said, although it warned there are signs more doctors intend to leave in the future. The top reason for leaving was the desire to practise abroad, with Australia remaining the most popular destination. Suzie Bailey, of The Kings Fund think-tank, said: It is encouraging that the number of doctors on the register has been growing at the fastest speed in the past decade. It is also clear that hiring new doctors on its own is not enough, there needs to be adequate training and support in place, all of which can be in short supply in a stretched healthcare system. Millions of asthma patients could see their lives transformed within three years by a game-changing new treatment, UK scientists have said. Test studies found that an antibody injection was significantly more effective at stopping attacks than current steroid treatments, given to patients when blue response inhalers are insufficient. Known as Benralizumab, it reduced the need for further treatment in those having serious asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attacks by almost a third (30 per cent). Experts say the treatment - which could be given at home or in GP surgeries at the point of attack - could slash hospital admissions as well as reduce the four asthma and 85 COPD deaths every day in the UK. They estimate the treatment, which targets specific white blood cells to reduce lung inflammation, could be rolled out in the next two to three years if larger, planned trials are successful. Led by Kings College London, the trial involved 158 people needing A&E treatment for an attack at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust. They were given a quick blood test to see they were having an eosinophilic exacerbation which involves a type of white blood cell and is responsible for half of asthma and 30 per cent of COPD attacks. Patients were split into three random groups and given the benralizumab injection and dummy tablets, the standard care of prednisolone steroids 30mg daily for five days and a dummy injection, or both the benralizumab injection and steroids. Experts say the treatment - which could be given at home or in GP surgeries at the point of attack - could slash hospital admissions as well as reduce the four asthma and 85 COPD deaths every day in the UK (file image) After 28 days, respiratory symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness and sputum were found to be better in people on benralizumab. And after 90 days, there were four times fewer people in the benralizumab group who failed treatment - classed requiring another treatment to get better, having further attacks or - dying compared with those receiving steroids. Treatment with the benralizumab injection also took longer to stop working, meaning fewer visits to a GP or hospital for patients, according to the findings published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Dr Richard Russell, of Kings College London, who co-authored the study, said: I think this is this has the opportunity to completely change the landscape. We do have to do it kind of bigger scale, but were looking at a reasonable timescale here with we certainly could be in a position in two and a half to three years, and I do mean that whereby weve got these drugs available.. While steroids such as prednisolone can reduce inflammation in the lungs, they can have severe side-effects such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Benralizumab is currently given as a repeat treatment for severe asthma at a low dose but the results show larger single doses during attacks is an effective treatment. Lead investigator Professor Mona Bafadhel, from Kings, said: This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD. After 28 days, respiratory symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness and sputum were found to be better in people on benralizumab (file image) Treatment for asthma and COPD exacerbations have not changed in 50 years, despite causing 3.8 million deaths worldwide a year combined. Benralizumab is a safe and effective drug already used to manage severe asthma. Weve used the drug in a different way - at the point of an exacerbation - to show that its more effective than steroid tablets, which is the only treatment currently available. AstraZeneca provided the drug for the study and funded the research, but had no input into trial design, delivery, analysis or interpretation. Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, welcomed the findings but said: Its appalling that this is the first new treatment for those suffering from asthma and COPD attacks in 50 years, indicating how desperately underfunded lung health research is. When Liz Hatton's mother saw her 16 year-old daughter losing weight and experiencing stomach issues, her first assumption was that her child had developed an eating disorder. But the real culprit was a form of cancer so rare is that just 12 cases are diagnosed in England each year, and it has no standard treatment. Now Liz, who captured the hearts of the nation during a touching meeting with the Princess of Wales, has died less than a year after her diagnosis of a desmoplastic small round cell tumour. The hugely talented photographer slipped away in the early hours of yesterday at her home in Harrogate. The teenager's disease is an incredibly rare form of cancer that develops in the connective tissue, muscles, fat, nerves and blood vessels that surround organs in the abdomen and pelvis. Symptoms of this kind of cancer are known to vary widely depending exactly where in the connective tissue the tumour emerges and how quickly it grows. In Liz's case the first sign of any trouble at all was innocuous a simple shoulder pain in the autumn of 2023 which she dismissed as a consequence of lugging a heavy bag around each day. Then came bloating, and it was then that her mother Vicky Robayna, a specialist autism teacher, started to get worried. Liz Hatton (centre), from Harrogate, Yorkshire, was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour a rare and extremely aggressive form of the disease in January. Her mother Vicky (right) initially thought some of the early symptoms could be a sign of anorexia. Pictured here Liz and her family with the Prince and Princess of Wales But these concerns were centred on Liz's mental wellbeing. Vicky had observed her daughter lose weight over the previous months, and now with a seeming digestive issue, feared her daughter could have an eating disorder. I was worried about anorexia to be honest, shed lost so much weight over the summer with her GCSEs she was anxious and wanted to do well that I said youre just putting a little weight back on,' she recalled. Liz, 16 at the time, had already made a GP appointment in January this year for the bloating when her health woes escalated with devastating speed. The bloating became a very visible swelling in her abdomen and pain, which Liz initially had put down to her period. It just didnt make sense, Liz recalled earlier this year. Am I still on my period, am I not? It was excruciating, I didnt sleep for the entire night. Calling NHS 111 Liz was given an urgent non-emergency hospital appointment where staff there said the teenager could have an ovarian cyst, a relatively common condition that can be painful but usually resolves on its own without treatment. Medics then advised her to contact her GP to arrange a scan. The Princess of Wales pictured sharing a tender hug with Liz when they met at Windsor Castle in October and bonding over their shared love of photography But the next day the pain became so agonising the family decided to go to A&E. She was in so much pain, it was ridiculous, Vicky said. Then, at midnight, after a barrage of tests and scans the true seriousness of the young girl's condition came to light. Doctors told the family Liz had masses on her liver and ovaries. At this stage medics couldn't say for certain these were cancer but the following day the family were given the grim news that it was indeed the disease. This was devastating, but the family were buoyed by the fact that 85 per cent of childhood cancer patients survive their disease for five years or more. Then three days later further tests revealed Liz's cancer was the incredibly rare desmoplastic small round cell tumour and that five-year survival was 15 per cent. Liz remembered bluntly asking doctors, am I f*****?, before apologising to her mother for swearing. Liz was the star of the show as she attended an exhibition in her name last week The answer from medics at the time was 'no' given her age and general health, but they didn't shy from the fact that treatment would be gruelling. It was at this time Liz was told she had somewhere between six months and three years to live. Even at 15 per cent, I was like "shes never been off school ill, shes got an amazing immune system, she has a good chance", Vicky recalled of that time. What followed was 10 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, some 50 pills a day before Liz made the decision to stop treatment in September after the tumours stopped responding to the treatment. She chose instead to spend her remaining time with her family, explaining that she wanted to enjoy what time I have left, instead of spending it stuck in hospital and feeling even more terrible and ill with side-effects. As part of this she complied a 'bucket list' of things she wanted to do in her last months of life, which eventually reached the ears of the future king and queen. Liz was invited by them to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture William was holding and, to her surprise, asked to have tea with the couple afterwards. Catherine, who has gone through her own cancer journey this year, was pictured giving Liz an emotional hug, although the pair pointedly didn't discuss their respective experiences but focused on their shared love of photography. Liz, who fell in love with photography as a young girl, would have 'loved nothing more' than her photographs being 'seen one more time'. In honour of this, the Daily Mail is publishing this picture she took of her beloved Mateo As a result of their meeting, the teenager was inundated with offers of support and was able to complete almost all of her bucket list, including photographing a London film premiere, holding her own exhibition and more. The family have now started a Just Giving page saying they are making it their mission to raise money to fund research into desmoplastic small round cell tumour in Liz's memory. Speaking last night following Liz's death, Vicky said the family were taking comfort from the fact that she had blazed such a trail in such a short space of time. She said: 'Our lovely Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to her last. 'Even yesterday she was telling me that I had better get nurses sorted so she could do more things. 'She went out in a blaze of glory with almost everyone she cared out seeing her for the last time at her exhibition last week. 'I could not be prouder of her. She has faced every day with unbelievable bravery. And now it's our turn to do her proud and give her brother the life she expects us to. 'She was never scared of dying but she was terrified of leaving him behind. It's our job to make that a little easier for her.' Vicky added that Liz, who fell in love with photography as a young girl, would have 'loved nothing more' than her photographs being 'seen one more time'. In honour of this, the Mail is publishing a picture she took of her beloved brother Mateo. A top lung health specialist has warned against dismissing a common winter health problem as it could indicate underlying cancer. Lung cancer is the UK's biggest cancer killer, responsible for a fifth of the nation's cancer deaths, according to Cancer Research UK. While many associate a persistent cough with the disease, Dr MeiLan Han, Professor of pulmonary care at the University of Michigan, advises watching out for a lesser-known throat problem a hoarse voice. Writing in her book, Breathing Lessons: A Doctors Guide to Lung Health, she explained: 'This is due to the cancer impinging on or invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which travels down into the chest cavity, under the arch of the aorta and back to the larynx [the voice box]. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation also warns of this symptom. 'In most instances, the problem will go away on its own after a short period,' the charity states. 'However, if you are experiencing longer episodes of hoarseness, you should contact your GP practice.' The charity warns of other less common signs of the disease to watch out for, such as chest or shoulder pain, difficulty swallowing and even back pain. According to the UK Lung Cancer Coalition, around 40 per cent of patients are only diagnosed when the disease becomes so severe they have to visit A&E which usually means the cancer has spread. Struggling with a hoarse voice for a long period of time could be a sign of underlying lung cancer, experts have warned Once the disease is in other parts of the body, patients have only a 15 per cent chance of surviving for more than five years after their diagnosis. Cancer Research UK figures show that just one in 10 of those told they have the disease will live out a decade. Experts say this is precisely why spotting early signs is crucial. Patients who find lung cancer at early stages have a 65 per cent chance of living for five years. The charity adds: 'The type of cancer can also affect your survival. The type means which type of cell the cancer started from. 'Your general health and fitness also affect survival. The fitter you are, the better you may be able to cope with your cancer and treatment.' Other, more common signs of lung cancer include a persistent cough, feeling breathlessness and repeat chest infections. Previous UK screening programmes have shown that early identification of the disease can dramatically improve survival of lung cancer. In 2016, doctors from the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Papworth Hospital and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital conducted a pioneering trial that involved performing X-rays on people at 2,000 people at high-risk of lung cancer. Top lung cancer expert Dr MeiLan Han has previously warned about the 'increased impact' of the disease on women, compared to men. The results of the study found that checking up on this group of patients increased survival rate by 73 per cent. The study triggered action by the Conservative government, who pledged to introduce a national targeted lung screening programme in England, involving people aged 55-74 with a history of smoking. According to Cancer Research UK, the rollout is still scheduled to go ahead, with the programme planning to reach 40 per cent of the eligible population by 2025 and achieve 100 per cent coverage by March 2030. However, experts have raised some concern that the screening will not benefit younger people with the disease, numbers of which are rising. Lung cancer in UK never-smokers doubled between 2008 and 2014, according to one 2017 study. Another 2023 report by the American Cancer Society found more women between the ages of 35 and 54 are now diagnosed with lung cancer than men of the same age. Meanwhile, lung cancer doctors in the US have reported an increasingly younger case load. One theory for the increase in cases in the young relates to exposure to pollutants. A recent Canadian study found that those who were exposed to high levels of pollution throughout their lives are more likely to develop genetic mutations known to raise the risk of aggressive lung cancers. Commenting on their findings the authors, from The British Columbia Cancer Research Institute in Vancouver, said: 'This suggests a potential impact of recent exposure to PM2.5 [pollutant particles] on lung cancer in people who never smoked, particularly among women.' An asthma drug taken by hundreds of thousands of Brits could increase the risk of suicide, American research suggests. Montelukast, sold under the brand name Singulair, is a commonly prescribed medication in Britain being dished out over 4million times in England last year, NHS backed data suggests. But new US-Government backed research has found it can cross the blood-brain barrier a membrane designed to protect the brain and attach to cells governing our mood and impulse control. The study was prompted by concerning reports of children taking or attempting to take their own lives while on the medication, some as young as five. Now there are concerns that the estimated 350,000 Brits who take the drug, including 35,000 children, could be living with a similar risk. Given as a daily pill montelukast works by blocking chemicals released by the body that cause the airways to swell and constrict during an asthma attack. Available since the 90s it's typically prescribed to asthma patients whose condition can't be brought under control by the usual treatment. Controversy surrounding the drug and its potential for prompting suicidal ideation has circulated for years. Montelukast, sold under the brand name Singulair, is a commonly prescribed drug in Britain being dished out over 4million times in England last year, NHS backed data suggests Campaigners have repeatedly called for more to be done to make patients and parents aware of the potential risk. These calls have now been amplified after the results of an investigation into the drug and its impact on the brain were revealed in the US. Presented at the American College of Toxicology's annual meeting earlier this month, representatives from the US Food and Drug Administration National Center for Toxicological Research confirmed there is a link between the drug and psychiatric conditions. They said laboratory tests had shown 'significant binding' of montelukast to multiple receptor cells found in the brain and is highest in cells known to be involved with psychiatric effects. However, the experts didn't suggest the drug needs to removed from sale or banned, adding that its studies are still ongoing, and results have not yet been finalised. Patient safety leaflets distributed with montelukast in Britain have described the risk of suicidal thoughts as 'very rare' only occurring in one in every 10,000 patients. The UK's drugs regulator, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said this year more prominent warnings would be added to information leaflets distributed with the drug. These are similar to those the US equivalent of the MHRA has added. They have highlighted the potential risk of 'serious neuropsychiatric events' while taking montelukast since 2020. Yael's mother Le'at, 41 (right), a graphic designer, noticed a change in her daughter's behaviour and attitude and began researching all her daughter's asthma medication. Ms Borger was shocked to discover montelukast noted 'suicidal thoughts' as a side effect The MHRA has consistently stated the benefits of montelukast outweigh the risks for most patients. Drug safety incident reports submitted to the regulator have recorded five reports of suicide among patients taking montelukast three of these among people between the age of 10 and 19. Such reports, which can be made by the public or medics, aren't a guarantee that a particular drug is linked to a side effect. Such events can potentially just be coincidences. The MHRA has also previously stated it has received over 1,200 reports of suspected neuropsychiatric reactions to montelukast since the drug was approved in the UK in 1998. Some 500 of these were among children under 10. Brits who have lost children to suicide, or have had near misses, while they were on the drug have insisted there is a link. One case is that of Harry Miller, from London, who died by suicide aged 14 in 2018 after taking the drug. Available since the 90s montelukast is typically prescribed to asthma patients whose condition can't be brought under control by the usual treatment, inhalers James Burke from Leeds, who died by suicide in April 2017, aged 21, after suffering years of anxiety and depression is another, whose death has been linked to the drug. His mother Sharon, speaking in the aftermath said: 'James took the final decision to kill himself, but that drug [montelukast] put him in the frame of mind to do it.' Another was from London, England, who was 14 when he died by suicide in 2018 after taking the asthma drug. And in 2019, the Mail on Sunday, shared the story of Yael Borger who, at 16, was gripped by suicidal thoughts she believes were brought on by the drug. Graham, Harry Miller's father, said he welcomed the MHRA's new commitment to make warnings on the drug's potential risks clearer earlier this year. 'We feel it brings some meaning to Harrys death because it alerts other kids to the dangers,' he told The Guardian. Estimates on the number of patients taking montelukast have come from a UK action group concerned about the drug's potential health impacts. Montelukast was originally developed by the German pharmaceutical company Merck. Organon, a Merck spinoff that now markets Singulair, said in a statement following news of the American research last week it is confident in the drug's safety profile. 'The product label for Singulair contains appropriate information regarding Singulair benefits, risks and reported adverse reactions,' the company said. Florida remained America's abortion hotspot in the first months after Roe v Wade was overturned, new CDC data shows. The Sunshine State recorded the most abortions in the nation in 2022, with 82,581, according to the first annual report on abortions nationwide since abortion access was axed federally in June of that year. This was nearly 50 percent higher than the number in deep-blue Illinois, which registered 56,457 abortions, and New York City, which recorded 46,373 and above that in similar red states like Texas, which recorded 17,514 in the same year. New York state overall recorded 72,710 abortions. When broken down by rate, which accounts for population size, New Mexico was the top state in the nation followed by Illinois and Kansas. Florida came fourth. The report showed that the total number of abortions fell two percent in 2022 compared to the previous year, and was down five percent on nearly a decade ago. More than 92.8 percent of abortions were carried out on or before week-13 of pregnancy, and 78.6 percent were carried out on or before week-9. Only 1.1 percent of abortions were recorded after 21 weeks gestation, totalling 4,896. Every age group saw a decline within the year, except for women aged 30 to 34 years old among whom abortions rose slightly. Doctors say a fetus is only viable outside the womb after around 24 weeks. The above map shows the abortion rate by state. It reveals that New Mexico has the highest rate. By total number of abortions, Florida is the nation's hotspot Your browser does not support iframes. The CDC contacted all 50 states in the US and requested data on the number of abortions recorded in their area for the year 2022. Several states did not provide data for the report including California, the nation's most populous state, Maryland and New Jersey. Florida has been America's abortion hotspot since 2020 when it overtook New York state, and allowed abortions up to the 26th week of pregnancy until June 2022, when Roe v Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court. The following month the state passed a ban on abortions past week-15 of pregnancy, and in May 2024 a six-week abortion ban was brought into effect. In 2022 and 2023, the 15-week limit made the state a key access point for abortions in the South where many other states adopted more restrictive bans. Its neighbor Alabama, for example, has banned abortions at all stages of pregnancy. Attempts to shift Florida's ban to 24 weeks were defeated at the ballot box this month after only 57 percent of Floridians voted in favor below the 60 percent threshold needed to pass the measure. Donald Trump has previously described Florida's abortion ban, which kicks in before many women realize they are pregnant, as a 'terrible mistake'. Comparing the states by abortion rate, which takes into account differences in population size, New Mexico has the highest abortion rate in the country at 28.8 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 years old. In second place was Illinois, at 22.8 per 1,000, and Kansas was in third place, at 21.6 per 1,000. By rate, Florida was ranked fourth at 20.5 per 1,000. The above graph shows the total number of abortions over time. They dropped two percent between 2021 and 2022 Your browser does not support iframes. At the other end of the scale, Missouri had the lowest abortion rate of any state at 0.1 per 1,000 or 88 abortions in 2022. South Dakota had the second lowest, at 0.8 per 1,000, and West Virginia, Oklahoma and Idaho had the third lowest at 2.7 per 1,000. States with the highest abortion rates were often also administering abortions to women from outside the state, as well as residents. In New Mexico, 62 percent of abortions were for women who came from out of state, and in Illinois about 30 percent of abortions were done for this group. New Mexico borders Texas and Oklahoma, which have some of the strictest limits on abortion in the country, not allowing abortion after six weeks including in instances of rape or incest. Your browser does not support iframes. Missouri was the first state to make virtually all abortions illegal in the US after banning all except for those that were medically necessary in June 2022. This month, however, the ban was overturned at the ballot box by 52 to 48 percent, with the state now shifting to permitting abortions up to 24 weeks, when a fetus is viable outside the womb. South Dakota passed a similarly restrictive abortion ban in June 2022, and a measure to overturn it was defeated this month after only 39 percent of residents voted in favor of it being expanded. Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, told the Guardian: '[This data] really speaks to a [split] of access. 'On the one hand, you have many states where abortion has gotten incredibly difficult to access states with total bans, states with six-week bans. 'And then, on the other hand... we estimate that in 2023 around 168,000 [women] traveled across state lines to access abortion care, which is more than double the number of people who traveled in 2019 or 2020.' He added: 'It speaks to the way that [women] are going to really great lengths often with a lot of support from a lot of other organizations in order to be able to access abortion care when they need it.' CDC data also showed that, in 2022, the highest percentage of abortions were performed as an early medical abortion at before 9 weeks at more than 53.3 percent. Surgical abortion before 13 weeks was the second most common method, at 35.5 percent, while 6.9 percent of abortions were carried out surgicall post the 13-week mark. Donald Trump has appointed Dr Dave Weldon to lead the CDC, who co-authored the 'Weldon Amendment' which barred the Department of Health and Human Services from 'discriminating' against health insurance plans that did not cover abortions. The Lincoln Memorial honors President Abraham Lincoln. He signed the act that established Thanksgiving as a U.S. holiday. Samuel Corum/Getty Images 2021 Regarding Thanksgiving on streaming: Explore Lincolns legacy on the holiday he invented (Movies & TV, SFChronicle.com, Nov. 20): Kudos to the Chronicle for providing readers with suggestions to learn more about Abraham Lincoln. Writer Jef Rouner listed many great ideas for readers to explore while reminding us that it was President Lincoln who signed the proclamation that designated Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday. We all have much to thank Lincoln for. In addition to winning the Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery, he signed the Homestead Act, the Pacific Railway Act and the Morrill Act (which granted land to states for public colleges). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lincoln also signed a bill that gave full accreditation to a college for deaf students (now Gallaudet University). It was the first college for deaf students in the world. We also have Lincoln to thank for Yosemite National Park and eventually the National Park System. On June 30, 1864, he signed the Yosemite Grant Act. Pete Campbell, San Jose Stop exploiting hotel workers Regarding 2,500 S.F. hotel workers now on strike as more employees walk off job (Bay Area, SFChronicle.com, Nov. 24): The strike by hotel workers in San Francisco highlights a stark and disgraceful truth: Billionaire greed deepens while workers struggle to survive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These hotel housekeepers, cooks and bellhops are not asking for luxuries they are demanding fair wages and humane workloads. They often sacrifice their health for their job. These workers are being exploited, but at what cost? While hotels boast about their ability to operate and take care of guests during the strike, they are dismissing the humanity of the people who keep their businesses running. Arresting striking workers as happened in October only exacerbates injustice, punishing those who dare to demand dignity and fair treatment. Its time to hold billion-dollar hotel corporations and billionaires accountable for exploitative practices that enrich the few. Jules Pizano, San Francisco Help S.F. community hub For decades, the Jug Shop has been a place where the threads of San Francisco life weave together. The family-owned business turned the simple act of choosing a bottle of wine into an art form of community building. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now this treasured institution faces possible closure. After surviving the COVID pandemic, it was forced to move from its iconic location at the corner of Polk Street and Pacific Avenue. Though the shop relocated just a block away, that short distance severed vital connections built over generations. The diverse crowd that once filled the shops legendary wine tastings students discovering their first Burgundy, tech workers unwinding over Napa reds, artists debating natural wines, longtime locals sharing stories of the citys past is struggling to find its way back. The Jug Shop isnt just losing foot traffic, its losing the spontaneous discoveries that kept its community alive. 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 The Jug Shop needs support to stay open and ensure future generations can experience this quintessential piece of San Francisco culture as I did before moving away this summer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Visit the new location. Spread the word. Join its wine club. Help save one of the last places in the city where you can walk in as a stranger and leave as part of a community. An art teacher in California has died of rabies after being bitten by a bat in her classroom. Leah Seneng, 60, was at work when she noticed that a bat was trapped in her classroom at Byrant Middle School in Dos Palos, which is around an hour's drive to Fresno. But as she tried to rescue it and set it free, it suddenly bit her. Around a month later she fell ill and was put into a medically induced coma. Four days later, on November 22, the married mother-of-one passed away. Detailing the chain of events, Ms Seneng's longtime friend Laura Splotch told ABC30 News: 'I don't know if she thought it was dead or what cause it was laying around her classroom and she was trying to scoop it up and take it outside. 'She didn't wanna harm it. But that's when, I guess it woke up or saw the light or whatever it swooped around a bit and it took off.' Ms Splotch said Ms Seneng didn't display any rabies symptoms in the days following the attack. The initial symptoms of the viral disease include fever, headache, malaise, decreased appetite, or vomiting. It was only several weeks later that Ms Seneng's condition worsened and her daughter took her to hospital. Ms Splotch said it was 'devastating' to see Ms Seneng's condition deteriorate, 'with all the machines hooked up and everything, it was pretty upsetting and scary.' Leah Seneng, 60, who taught art at Byrant Middle School in Dos Palos, tried to rescue a bat in mid-October but it bit her The rabies virus is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Ms Seneng did not think much of the bite, though, and did not seek medical advice following the incident. Rabies has one of the highest mortality rates of all viruses - nearly 100 percent without a vaccine - with fewer than 20 documented survivors. Your browser does not support iframes. The Fresno County Department of Public Health worked with California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate rabies as a possible cause of Ms Seneng's illness when she was taken to hospital. Samples collected were submitted to the state's Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) where evidence of rabies was confirmed. Following the incident, California Department of Public Health director and state public health officer Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, said: 'Bites from bats can be incredibly small and difficult to see or to detect. It is important to wash your hands and look for any open wounds after touching a wild animal, and to seek immediate medical care if bitten. 'It is always safest to leave wild animals alone. Do not approach, touch, or try to feed any animals that you don't know.' A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Ms Seneng's family during this time. Rabies kills around 70,000 people worldwide every year, though most deaths are concentrated in countries with inadequate public health resources, such as wide-reaching vaccination programs for people and animals. In the US, fewer than 10 cases of rabies occur each year. That rate was once more than 100 before the arrival of vaccines for people and pets in the late 19th century. The vaccine can be given after a person is exposed and is 100 percent effective if administered within 48 hours of exposure. A bat's fangs are incredibly small and someone bit by the animal may not be able to see the mark, so doctors recommend anyone who has come into contact with a bat receive a rabies vaccine. While common beliefs about rabies may lead people to think all infected animals are aggressive or show signs of frothing at the mouth, any changes in an animal's usual behavior can be early indicators of rabies. A bat that is active during the day, found on the ground, or seems unable to fly should be treated with caution. Large swathes of California's bat population have been wiped out since the arrival of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease first identified in New York in 2006. It causes a white fungal growth on the bats causing their skin to disintegrate over time. It disrupts their ability to hibernate. When they wake up early, their metabolism revs up and uses up fat reserves stored for winter as they struggle to find food, leaving them malnourished and depleted of energy. But bats are essential to the environment, keeping insect populations under control, which helps maintain an area's ecosystem, protect against diseases, and shield crops from pests. Large swathes of California'ss bat population have been wiped out since the arrival of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease first identified in New York in 2006 Rabies affects bats similarly to how it affects humans. Once the virus reaches the brain, it binds to nerve cells where it can replicate uncontrollably and rapidly, erupting in a constellation of symptoms starting with fever, fatigue, and headache. As the infection advances, it leads to respiratory spasms that cause gasping, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. It also causes spasms in the throat while swallowing when trying to drink water, causing someone anxiety about drinking water, also called hydrophobia. People with rabies typically die severely dehydrated. Rabies changes a person's mental status, causing confusion, agitation, and aggression, as well as seizures in some cases. As the disease worsens, paralysis sets in, starting with the limbs. The infection almost always results in coma and death within a few weeks after the onset if a vaccine is not administered promptly. Worldwide, dogs are the leading carriers of rabies. But in the US, around 70 percent of rabies infections arise from exposure to bats. The California Department of Public Health is reminding Californians to be cautious around wild or unfamiliar animals following Ms Senengs death. If they suspect they might have been exposed to rabies through a bite from wild or unfamiliar animals (especially bats and skunks), they are urged to seek medical attention immediately. If youre any older than 25, you might raise an eyebrow on learning that the mob wife aesthetic is currently trending but it makes more sense once you learn this is TikTok parlance for a look that incorporates leopard print coats, masses of gold jewellery and a killer blow dry. Thats right, the leopard print coat is extremely covetable right now, with Google searches for the item shooting up 106% in the last few weeks. Chances are, you already have one lurking round in your wardrobe, given that leopard print in general has been popping up on the catwalks, high street and celebrities a lot in recent years. Kate Moss has numerous leopard print coats in her wardrobe. Take Kate Moss, for example, who recently caused a stir by announcing her new line of partywear with Zara. The model is well-known for her love of leopard, and has been seen sporting numerous leopard print coats over the years (theres even a leopard print jacket in the collection, which launches November 30th). The high street also has plenty of great leopard print outerwear, from Primark's 38 faux fur number, to a chic leopard trench from John Lewis. Here are some of our favourite coats right now, with tips on how to style them. Where to buy the best leopard print coats Lana leopard duster 248, Free People Leopard Faux Fur Midaxi Coat 110, Simply Be Omnes trench coat 110, John Lewis Short animal print collared coat 249, Massimo Dutti Leopard print longline coat 79, Marks & Spencer Brown Leopard Print Jacquard Coat 95, River Island Animal print faux fur coat 79.99, Zara Jacquard smoking robe 850, Hayley Menzies Dora leopard coat 395, Wyse London Leopard Faux Fur Coat 38, Primark Animal Cord Trench Coat 199, Albaray Threadbare Brown Leopard Print Hooded Puffer Coat 45, Next Urban Bliss Leopard Print Trench Coat 68, New Look How to style the leopard print coat As for how to style a leopard print coat, take some tips from street stylers and fashion week attendees, who have finessed the outfitting to a tee. Milan Fashion Week, January 2024 Leopard print and an all-black outfit is a sleek combination. The eye-catching print provides enough of a statement that you can counterpoint it beautifully by keeping everything else understated, without too much thinking required. Karin Teigl in a H&M Studio coat If you want to go maximal, then consider leopard print with red. This could either be in the form of a red dress or, if that's too out there for your liking, a red bag or lipstick looks fabulous with a leopard coat. Paris Fashion Week, September 2024 Brown and camel tones have been hugely fashionable this year, and they look excellent underneath a leopard print coat. Opting for various shades of brown in your clothing, shoes and bag looks extremely chic, and elevates a leopard print coat brilliantly. Copenhagen Fashion Week, 2024 Of course, you can never go wrong with the good old leopard and denim combination - they're basically both neutrals these days, after all. We love the silver shoes in this look, but trainers would work well if you're after that extra injection of comfort. Tullow Oil shares plunged on Thursday morning after the energy firm reduced its free cash flow forecast. The West Africa-focused energy producer now expects to achieve between $150million and $200million in free cash flow this year, compared to previous guidance of $200million to $300million due to payment delays. It now anticipates incremental payments from its Jubilee field to arrive in January 2025, while Ghana's government currently owes around $40million in overdue gas payments to the firm. The London-based company's shares slumped by 9.4 per cent to 20.7p just after 11am, making them the FTSE All-Share Index's second-biggest faller behind Ithaca Energy. Tullow further revealed that oil production at the Jubilee field in Ghana averaged around 89,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) up to the end of October, which was below forecasts. It said this was caused by the underperformance of a well, power cuts hitting water injection levels, and 'unplanned downtime' at an onshore gas processing plant. Forecast: West Africa-focused energy producer Tullow Oil now expects to achieve between $150million and $200million in free cash flow this year By comparison, oil production surpassed expectations at its TEN development, totalling about 19,000 boepd. In addition, the group said non-operated production was set to average about 10,500 barrels per day in 2024, which is in line with predictions. Rahul Dhir, chief executive of Tullow, said: 'Our cash-generative business enables us to continue our deleveraging progress. 'This has been achieved despite underperformance at the Jubilee field, which has been offset in part by strong performance at TEN.' He added: 'We are well positioned to optimise our capital structure and look forward to progressing plans to address our remaining debt maturities.' Tullow expects its net debt to equal about $1.4billion at the end of 2024, meaning it will have halved over the past five years. The company has partly accomplished this by cutting capital expenditure, selling assets in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and offloading a stake in some Ugandan onshore oil fields. Its finances have also benefited from a surge in oil prices caused by loosening pandemic-related travel restrictions, OPEC+ countries limiting production output, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Under its current strategy, the group aims to have less than $1billion in net debt by 2025 and cash gearing below 1x in the near term. The Czech billionaire bidding for Royal Mail could win approval for the deal from ministers in the next two weeks raising fears over further stamp price rises. Daniel Kretinsky, who swooped with a 3.6billion offer, has agreed extra concessions for the deal to be waved through. But it is feared these will not cover stamp prices, leaving him free to put them up. The price of a first-class stamp has risen five times in three years and is now 1.65. The deal is being scrutinised under the National Security and Investment Act, which gives ministers the power to block foreign takeovers if they believe are a risk to UK security. Hikes: The price of a first-class stamp has risen five times over the past three years and now stands at 1.65 The billionaires advisers have also met the Communication Workers Union, which represents around 100,000 posties. Talks have been constructive although union bosses say they remain wary of the tycoons ambitions, the BBC reported. Kretinsky, who controls nearly 28 per cent of Royal Mails parent company IDS, has agreed to maintain the post carriers universal service obligation, which requires it to deliver letters six days a week. Other commitments include not touching the surplus in Royal Mails pension scheme. It was reported that the new guarantees may last longer than previously agreed. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds appeared to shrug off fears about Kretinsky, telling MPs he was a legitimate business figure. Direct Line shares soared yesterday after a shock 3.3billion takeover offer from rival Aviva raised the prospect of a Yuletide bidding war for the troubled insurer. The stock soared by 41.4 per cent, or 65.7p, to 224.4p, an eight-month high, as traders reacted to the disclosure that it had rejected an approach. One investor said Aviva may have to go up to 3.9billion to get the deal over the line amid speculation that Belgian insurer Ageas, a previous suitor, could re-enter the fray. Aviva is now directly contacting shareholders in an apparent attempt to pave the way for a hostile takeover. It came as a flurry of deal activity engulfed the City, with cafe bar group Loungers accepting a 338million offer from US investment group Fortress and waste management firm Renewi succumbing to a 701million bid from Australian bank Macquarie. Takeover activity was red-hot on the UK market, said Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell. Direct Line stock soared by 41% after the insurer, led by boss Adam Winslow, (right) had rejected an approach from rival Aviva, led by Amanda Blanc (left Avivas 250p-a-share offer, comprising a mix of cash and stock, was disclosed late on Wednesday. That was at a premium of nearly 60 per cent to Direct Lines share price. Aviva said it was highly attractive but Direct Line said it was highly opportunistic and substantially undervalued the company. Under put up or shut up takeover rules, Aviva now has until 5pm on Christmas Day to announce a firm bid or walk away. Aviva said that after the rejection of its offer this week, Direct Line had declined to engage further with it. However, it emerged that Aviva chair George Culmer met Direct Line chair Danuta Gray to discuss the offer, appearing to suggest that the latter was open to a deal of some sort. Yesterday, Direct Lines management was in talks with shareholders. Some, including Redwheel and Schroders, are also major investors in Aviva. One top-20 shareholder in the target company told the Financial Times that most investors would probably accept a bid at 300p. Analysts at investment bank KBW also suggested Aviva could make a 300p valuation. Analysts at Peel Hunt put a lower target on it, suggesting that if Aviva was able to sweeten the deal to something like 250p-265p that may help satisfy the Direct Line board. 'They said that struggling Direct Lines turnaround path may prove bumpier than anticipated, adding that exploring Avivas offer in more detail would make sense in our view. Avivas approach is the second takeover offer that Direct Line boss Adam Winslow has had to deal with since taking over this spring. It rejected a 239p-a-share approach from Ageas in March. Analysts at Barclays yesterday suggested Ageas could now come back. In our recent conversations with Ageas management, the CEO has reiterated strategic interest to the UK personal lines (home and motor) market, including Direct Line as a fitting asset, although clearly ruling out a hostile approach, they said in a note. Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Direct Line was playing hard to get again. He added: Theres a case to be made that Aviva is a better suitor, given it already shares markets with Direct Line in the UK, but itll need to up its game, and offer, if it wants Direct Line to take the proposal seriously. Around 150,000 pension credit claims have been submitted in just 16 weeks since Rachel Reeves announced Winter Fuel Payments will be means-tested. The number of applications jumped 145 per cent following the statement - up from 61,300 applications made in the 16 weeks prior to the announcement, official data shows. Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said: 'Rachel Reeves' decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment has caused fury among retirees and campaigners with the benefit, worth up to 300, now only available to low-income pensioners who qualify for pension credit top-ups. 'The decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment means it's even more important those who could qualify for pension credit make a claim.' According to the Department for Work and Pensions, of the 161,800 pension credit claims cleared since April this year, just 81,000 were granted, with a similar number being turned down. Some 53,000 people are currently waiting for an outcome on their application. Still waiting: More than 50,000 people have yet to find out if they will receive pension credit 'Because the process of applying for pension credit requires you to fill in a relatively comprehensive form you wouldn't bother unless you really need the money, so these statistics also reflect the acute concern felt by many older people at the loss of their Winter Fuel Payment,' Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said. Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper called the latest figures a 'damning indictment of the Government's failure to protect pensioners this winter.' The Liberal Democrats called for the Government to 'recognise their mistake, scrap this unfair cut and avoid older people being forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.' The surge in applications following the Chancellor's decision comes as many fear having to tighten their purse strings in order to pay for heating costs this winter. With vast numbers of eligible retirees failing to claim pension credit, this could prove a way of helping tide themselves over the colder months. Rosie Hooper, chartered financial planner at Quilter Cheviot said: 'The last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit to receive the Winter Fuel Payment is now less than a month away, so it is vitally important that pensioners on low incomes check their eligibility. In order to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment retirees must apply for pension credit by 21 December. Pension credit gives a weekly income of at least 218.15 for single people or 332.95 for couples. The Winter Fuel Payment offers between 100 and 300 per year on top of this to help cover the costs of heating your home. In the past, pension credit has not been claimed by as many as a third of those eligible each year. According to the Government, some 880,000 households could be missing out on more than 3,900 per year in pension credit payments. Those who receive pension credit are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments. Stephen Lowe, of Just Group, said: 'They may be failing to claim for a number of reasons they may simply be unaware of the benefit, assume they are not eligible or not know how to claim. 'Our own research among over-65s found that nearly two in five homeowners and one in seven renters had never checked their benefit entitlement.' How to apply for pension credit and get help with claims If you are elderly and not well off, pension credit tops up weekly income to a minimum of 218.15 for single people and 332.95 for couples. On average it is worth around 4,000 a year on its own, but pension credit also opens the door to a lot of additional help with household bills. You can gain thousands of pounds on top including help with housing costs, heating, council tax and a TV licence if you are over 75, and other bills. Find out more about pension credit here and about the rules on who is eligible here. You can apply yourself by phone on 0800 99 1234, claim pension credit online or get a form to do it by post. A friend or family member can apply on behalf of an elderly person. In Scotland, a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will eventually replace the Winter Fuel Payment. But for this winter, people over state pension age who qualify will receive a payment in line with the Winter Fuel Payment, and this will be means-tested. Check here if you live in Scotland and here for Northern Ireland. Age UK staff provide help with applications. Any older person struggling with bills, or friends and family who are concerned about them, can call 0800 169 6565. This line is open every day of the year between 8am and 7pm, or you can visit Age UK's help page here. It also has a free, anonymous benefits calculator which can provide an estimate of what you could be entitled to if you want to find out this information privately. Age UK notes that the Household Support Fund has been extended to help struggling households with bills and essential costs over winter. Money should be specifically set aside for older people, so it says they should contact their local council to see if they're entitled to any support. Independent Age, a charity focused on improving the lives of older people in financial hardship, offers help on its free phoneline 0800 319 6789. Advisers from the charity carry out welfare benefit checks to ensure callers are accessing all available support, including pension credit and the Winter Fuel Payment. What does the Government say? 'We are committed to supporting pensioners with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to 1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock,' says a spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions. 'Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take-up has already seen a 152 per cent increase in claims. 'Many others will also benefit from the 150 Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments this winter, while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.' A British soldier who escaped from prison by clinging to the bottom of a food truck has been found guilty of spying for Iran. Daniel Khalife, 23, dramatically changed his plea midway through his trial to admit escaping HMP Wandsworth and going on the run for three days in September last year. Now, following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, he has been further convicted of three charges linked to two years he spent passing sensitive information to agents of Iran. Jurors rejected Khalife's story that he had actually been undertaking a one-man 'double agent' mission after being told his Iranian heritage would stop him getting his dream role in British intelligence. Even Khalife's own lawyer accepted the 'hapless' operation bore more resemblance to Scooby Doo than James Bond. Wearing a blue shirt and pale trousers, Khalife calmly replaced his glasses as the verdicts were read out and did not show any emotion. He now faces decades behind bars. Daniel Khalife, 23, who escaped from prison by clinging to the bottom of a food truck, was today found guilty of spying for Iran. He is seen today in a new mugshot Khalife appeared in court today wearing a blue shirt and pale trousers. He calmly replaced his glasses as the verdicts were read out and did not show any emotion Khalife is pictured here (wearing a light-coloured T-shirt, and shorts) in police bodycam footage during his arrest Downing Street said today that Sir Keir Starmer 'welcomes the verdict and that justice has been served'. The Prime Minister's official spokesman added: 'It was obviously a complex case, and we thank our security partners, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, for their work to uncover this individual's crimes and bring them to justice.' Asked whether the Prime Minister was concerned Iran had managed to recruit a British soldier, the spokesman added: 'We've always been very clear that the behaviour of the Iranian regime poses a threat to the safety and security of the UK and our allies. 'This was an isolated incident, but we take these incidents extremely seriously, and more broadly, it is why we continue to take strong action and hold the Iranian regime to account. 'We have sanctioned more than 450 Iranian individuals and entities, including the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) in its entirety, as well as individual commanders.' Meanwhile, one of the country's most senior counter-terrorism officers said Khalife was 'the ultimate Walter Mitty character', but one whose crimes had an 'extremely significant impact in the real world'. Khalife had joined the Army at 16, but was left 'devastated' when he was told halfway through his training that his heritage would stop him getting the security clearance required to work in intelligence at 'the sharp end' of the military. He almost immediately set about trying to make contact with agents of Iran - which he eventually managed after sending a message to a sanctioned Iranian on Facebook. Over the months that followed, he passed bogus secret documents he wrote on his laptop to an agent calling himself 'David Smith'. The Iranians were pleased with his work - despite many of the documents being littered with typos - and Khalife collected 1,500 in a dog poo bag from them in a north London park in 2019. Even though the documents were fake, he was accused in court of 'endangering' British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe with a fictious Government dossier written while she was still be 'cynically' detained by the regime in Tehran. His willingness to betray his country, however, appeared to escalate when he joined the Royal Corps of Signals in Staffordshire. Once there, he started giving his handler sensitive information relating to his work - including pictures of military equipment and classified documents. He tried to email MI6 twice to tell them what he was doing, but was ignored. He continued to operate under the radar until two years later when he rang MI5 twice to volunteer himself as a double agent. Khalife is seen here after his arrest on a canal towpath on September 9 last year after being caught by police Jurors rejected Khalife's story that he had actually been undertaking a one-man 'double agent' mission after being told his Iranian heritage would stop him getting his dream role in British intelligence An asterisk and the word 'failed' next to the date of August 21 in Daniel Khalife's prison diary, the date of his 'fake' escape attempt A photo issued by Metropolitan Police showing an asterisk next to the date of September 6 in Khalife's prison diary, the date of his escape 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 CCTV image of the lorry Khalife was on during his escape from HMP Wandsworth prison The sling under the truck used in the prison escape by Khalife. This image was shown to the jury during his trial Khalife walking along George Street in Richmond, London, on September 6 2023 Khalife walking past the White Cross Pub in Richmond, London, on September 6 2023 MI5 passed the information to the police who were able to identify Khalife and arrest him by tracing the number he had used to ring the intelligence agency. During a year spent on bail between January 2022 and January 2023, Khalife claimed he hatched a new plan - inspired by the TV series Homeland on Netflix - to stage a 'pretend defection' to Iran. In the series, he said, a US intelligence agent appears to defect to Iran but is still loyal to her own country and continues passing information back to the West. Khalife visited the Iranian embassy on two occasions during the course of that year to try to get an Iranian passport, before absconding from his barracks in January 2023. For around 20 days, Khalife lived in the back of a van with around 20,000 in cash and the apparent intention of leaving the country for a glorious future in Iran. His plan came unstuck, however, when he was spotted by an Army colleague in a leisure centre in Stone, Staffordshire, and promptly arrested by the police. Khalife was charged and remanded in custody at HMP Wandsworth where, eight months later, he escaped while awaiting trial - triggering a huge nationwide manhunt. He was able to slip out of the prison estate by exploiting his role as a kitchen chef to attach a sling made from torn kitchen trousers to the bottom of a food delivery lorry. Khalife was captured on CCTV at a Mountain Warehouse store placing a blue cap into his Waitrose bag Khalife pictured on September 7 2023 walking past a security guard at a Sainsbury's store in King's Street, Hammersmith Khalife purchasing items on September 7 2023 at a Sainsbury's store in King's Street, Hammersmith Khalife is seen exiting the Marks and Spencer's store in Kew, London on September 7 Khalife at a branch of McDonald's branch in Uxbridge Road, Southall, London, on September 9 Messages on a phone screen between Khalife and 'David Smith'. In one exchange Smith says he looks forward to seeing the soldier in 'Tehran... pal' The above two images show the false documents (some contents blurred) sent by Khalife to Iranian contacts On the morning of September 6 last year, the oblivious driver climbed into his vehicle after dropping off a delivery and whisked the stowaway to freedom. Although spectacularly audacious, his escape below the lorry did not allow much time for enjoyment. He later said: 'Oh my god, even 10 miles an hour youyou feel it. 'You see the floor going faster and faster and faster. And the lorry shakes, and it's hot and steaming and you're banging your head. 'It's unbelievably dangerous.' But Khalife insisted he had no intention of remaining on the run for good. His motivation for escaping was entirely linked to his desire for a cushty new cell once recaptured, he claimed. He told jurors he wanted to be caught so he could be moved to a high-security unit (HSU) away from sex offenders and terrorists in HMP Belmarsh. Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC suggested during cross-examination that this was nonsense, and Khalife had actually hoped to be spirited away with the help of the Iranians. This was supported, he said, by a message to his Iranian handler that had been recovered from a cheap smartphone he bought while on the run, which said simply: 'I wait.' Khalife is seen here at a McDonald's in London on September 9 Khalife is seen in the CCTV image above at a McDonald's branch in Uxbridge Road, Southall, London Khalife at a branch of McDonald's branch in Uxbridge Road, Southall, London, on September 9 Khalife has been convicted of three charges linked to two years he spent passing sensitive information to agents of Iran Khalife at a branch of Marks and Spencer's in Kew, London, on September 7 A M&S receipt showing items of clothing totalling 35.60 which were paid for in cash An image of Khalife's passport showing a stamp with a return date from Istanbul, in Turkey Khalife is seen here at a newsagents in Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London, following his escape from prison Khalife bought a Samsung phone for 89 from a shop in King Street, Hammersmith, after he escaped from prison Daniel Khalife went shopping in M&S while on the run Khalife at a newsagents in Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London, on September 8 2023 A photo of a blue cap found with Daniel Khalife when he was arrested The interior of Khalife's room at his barracks at MoD Stafford. Items including an iron, honey nut cereal and a smoothie maker can be seen messily arranged on shelving Mr Heywood told Khalife: '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 was eventually arrested on September 9 by a plain clothes police officer after he was spotted riding a stolen bicycle northbound out of central London. After being wrestled to the floor, Khalife was said to have congratulated the officer for catching him. Giving evidence during the trial, Khalife spent several hours describing in detail how he had escaped, while preposterously still pleading not guilty to escaping lawful custody. The exasperated prosecutor demanded that the judge put the charge to him again and, when she did, he changed his plea to guilty mid-trial. Following the verdicts, Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met Police's counter-terror command, said of Khalife: 'He is, I think, the ultimate Walter Mitty character. The problem is, he's a Walter Mitty character that was having an extremely significant impact in the real world. 'The reality is, he provided highly sensitive, protectively marked information to the Iranian state. We know very well the threat the Iranian government poses to the United Kingdom's national security. 'Only he will know why he was doing this, I do believe there is some of this that fitted into his own fantasies, but he caused a substantial amount of damage in doing so.' The police investigation into Khalife's escape from prison is said to be 'ongoing', with a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman arrested earlier this year on suspicion of assisting an offender. The trial heard that after escaping, Khalife used the landline of a pub in Richmond, west London, to ring several numbers of contacts he had made while in custody. Later that evening, he was met by an individual who gave him 400 in cash. The disgraced soldier was convicted by a jury of committing an act prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state and eliciting information about members of the armed forces. He was found not guilty of perpetrating a bomb hoax. Items of clothing and a blue cap can be seen stuffed inside Khalife's Waitrose bag A red T-shirt branded with the logo of Turkish hotel Delphin. The item of clothing was found with Khalife when he was arrested A Mountain Warehouse sleeping bag that was in Khalife's possession at the time of his arrest The bicycle Khalife was riding that a plains-clothes police officer pushed him off before he was arrested Khalife's bike and Waitrose bag at the Grand Union Canal towpath near Rowdell Road, Northolt, London, where the soldier was arrested Bethan David, Head of the Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'As a serving soldier of the British Army Daniel Khalife was employed and entrusted to uphold and protect the national security of this country. But, for purposes of his own, Daniel Khalife, used his employment to undermine national security. 'He surreptitiously sought out and obtained copies of secret and sensitive information which he knew were protected and passed these on to individuals he believed to be acting on behalf of the Iranian state. The sharing of the information could have exposed military personnel to serious harm, or a risk to life, and prejudiced the safety and security of the United Kingdom. 'The prosecution was able to use mobile phone evidence, notes written by Khalife himself and CCTV footage to piece together and demonstrate that Khalife had gathered and shared much of this classified information, accepted hundreds of pounds for his efforts and even travelled to Turkey as part of his unlawful conduct. 'It is against the law to collate and share secret and sensitive information for a purpose against the interests of the United Kingdom. Such hostile and illegal activities jeopardise the national security of the United Kingdom, and the CPS will always seek to prosecute anyone that carries out counter state threats.' A Government spokeswoman said: 'We welcome today's verdict. This was an incredibly complex case. 'We thank our security partners, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work to uncover this individual's crimes and bring them to justice.' How Wandsworth Prison escape lifted lid on 'shocking' level of chaos at scandal-hit jail Daniel Khalife's jail break shone a light on the 'shocking' level of chaos at HMP Wandsworth and brought the crisis in prisons across England and Wales to the fore. The prisons watchdog described the scandal-hit Victorian jail as 'symbolic of the problems that characterise what is worst about the English prison system'. Khalife made his escape in September last year, while being held on remand over spy charges, by strapping himself underneath a food delivery lorry. It emerged in court that two guards checked the truck with a torch and mirror and, with no apparent lockdown already in place, allowed it to leave the prison, despite telling the driver someone was missing. Earlier this year inspectors said the turmoil they found at the category B south-west London prison was the result of 'sustained decline permitted to happen in plain view of leaders' and warned how prison guards did not always know where prisoners on their wings were, despite an investment of almost 900,000 since the escape. HMP Wandsworth in London, where Khalife has pleaded guilty to escaping custody at the prison The jail was 'severely overcrowded' when inspectors visited between April and May, holding more than 1,500 men when it only had capacity for 979. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor was so concerned at the 'systemic' problems found, and the fears that the prison was not cutting the risk of reoffending as a result, that he called for HMP Wandsworth to be put into emergency measures. Writing to then justice secretary Alex Chalk to issue a so-called urgent notification, Mr Taylor, who previously suggested the jail should be closed, said the prison was 'still reeling' from Khalife's 'very high-profile' escape and that security remained a 'serious concern'. At the time, the Prison Governors' Association (PGA) union said the development would be 'of no surprise to the Government', as the governor Katie Price resigned during the inspection and staff at the jail were in an 'almost impossible situation'. Detailed inspection findings, published in August, described how record keeping at the jail was 'so poor', with staff displaying an 'inability to account for prisoners during the working day'. More than half of the men inspectors spoke to said it was easy to get hold of drugs, while the watchdog's report said the smell of cannabis was 'ubiquitous'. The findings concluded that 'inexperience' across every grade of staff was preventing them from 'bringing about much needed change'. While the overcrowding crisis 'compounded the pressures', Mr Taylor said troubled Wandsworth's problems 'did not appear overnight'. Although hard-working staff 'persevered', the prison had clearly been identified as 'struggling', he said as he called for 'comprehensive, long-term solutions'. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said this was the 'reality of a prison system in crisis'. She stressed the Government's determination to tackle the problems and set out how the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) would send in specialist staff and redirect 100 million from across the prison service to spend over five years to 'deliver urgent improvements' at the jail. Since November 2022, the prisons watchdog has issued an urgent notification on nine jails, including Wandsworth. Government figures published in July showed the performance of more than 40% of adult prisons in England and Wales were rated of 'concern', as levels of violence and self-harm soared. Out of the 119 adult prisons, just over four in 10 (42% or 50) were rated of 'concern' or 'serious concern', according to PA news agency analysis of the data for the year to March. Wandsworth was among 15 prisons considered to be of serious concern. The number of prisons given this rating increased by six since the previous 12-month period. An audit carried out in the wake of Khalife's escape found a raft of security failings at the jail, another report published in August said. HMP Wandsworth's Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), made up of volunteers tasked by ministers with scrutinising conditions in custody, said '81 points of failure' were identified in the review carried out in November last year, and resulted in 'long overdue' upgrades being made to CCTV cameras which had not worked for more than a year. The incident led to multiple reviews and action, including 'previously unavailable funding' being found for security improvements and 'significant investment' in a bid to stop 'illicit items' being taken into the prison, according to the IMB. Another internal review completed in December made 39 recommendations for improvement, according to the IMB. The MoJ is yet to publish those documents, outline their findings or confirm whether any disciplinary action against staff at the prison has been taken. Mr Chalk previously committed to detailing the findings of the MoJ's investigations, ordered in the wake of Khalife's escape, once his trial concluded. But the government department is yet to confirm whether Ms Mahmood has agreed to do the same now she is in post. Daniel Khalife candidly told jurors, 'I was thinking I could be James Bond.' The trouble was that whenever the young soldier contacted MI6 offering his services, no one ever called back. And so the 23-year-old embarked on an extraordinary spy mission of his own making. For over two years he flogged Iran secrets, including the names of SAS soldiers, snatched pictures of military encryption systems and other classified material in return for payments of 1,500 left by his mysterious handlers in dog poo bags at various London parks. In a scheme that even his lawyer called 'harebrained', the self-described narcissist inflated his own importance by fabricating documents from MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore, sensitive nuclear plans and he even faked a briefing about negotiations over the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe which could have endangered her life. When police swooped in January 2022, Khalife's capers continued. Immersed in his spy fantasies, Khalife plotted his great escape while on bail. He left a fake bomb on his desk in barracks before hiding out in a stolen van he fitted with insulation, a camp bed, and a portable toilet in a makeover worthy of the A-team's B. A. Baracus. When he was re-captured at a leisure centre three weeks later, Khalife was hellbent on one more 007 adventure. Daniel Khalife is seen here after his arrest on a canal towpath on September 9 last year after being caught by police Khalife appeared in court today wearing a blue shirt and pale trousers. He calmly replaced his glasses as the verdicts were read out and did not show any emotion HMP Wandsworth in London, where Daniel Khalife has pleaded guilty to escaping custody at the prison Daniel Khalife candidly told jurors, 'I was thinking I could be James Bond' (pictured is Sean Connery in his role as 007) He escaped Wandsworth Prison spending four days on the run after making a sling from prison trousers to attach himself to the underside of a catering lorry. Gul Nawaz Hussain, KC, defending, compared his escapades to SAS founder Colonel David Stirling, saying he 'dared to win'. But ultimately Khalife lost when he was convicted of spying for Iran after a month-long trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Now the real story of the soldier who spied for the enemy to fuel his own ego can be told for the first time. Born in Westminster, Khalife and his twin sister were raised singlehandedly by their mother Farnaz, 48, a nurse from Iran who had high expectations for their future. But while his sister excelled at their Teddington school securing a place at Imperial College, London, Khalife felt embarrassed by his relative poverty in the wealthy suburb, yearning for what he described as a 'Gucci' life. 'We were a poor family living in relatively wealthy area so the relationships I formed were essentially fake. 'There was a level of shame,' he said. At 14, Khalife was caught shoplifting but pretended he was just experimenting with magnets he'd learned about at school which he hypothesised could unlock security tags. Khalife pictured today in a new mugshot released by police During Khalife's trial, the jury heard how he faked a briefing about negotiations over the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe (pictured in June 2023) which could have endangered her life. The fake bomb that Khalife left on the table at his army barracks after he went absent without leave from Beacon Barracks in Stafford A handwritten note that was left near to the fake device which said: 'You can say with certainty that you will go to prison for a very long time. Your options are suicide or absconding' An image taken on 24 October 2021 of a Mausoleum in Kensal Green where Khalife is alleged to have collected a drop After passing 10 GCSEs, Khalife joined the army two weeks before his 17th birthday, later admitting: 'I had to get away from home' In the weeks after he enlisted in September 2018, Khalife fought not to cry during gruelling training and spent hours on the phone to his mother daily Khalife is pictured here (wearing a light-coloured T-shirt, and shorts) in police bodycam footage during his arrest Khalife walking along George Street in Richmond, London, on September 6 2023 Khalife walking past the White Cross Pub in Richmond, London, on September 6 2023 He told jurors: 'My mother was very strict with our upbringing. I think to do with her upbringing in Iran. 'My father wasn't really in the picture. He would sometimes pop in and out, do some damage and then leave. 'It would affect me more than anyone. My mother always said after my father came to visit she would notice a negative change at school in my behaviour.' Khalife wasn't to see his father for a decade until he appeared at court on the first day of his trial. After the shoplifting arrest, Khalife's mother took him on a trip to her homeland, sparking a fervent devotion to the country. After passing 10 GCSEs, Khalife joined the army two weeks before his 17th birthday, later admitting: 'I had to get away from home. I mean my family was so academic and I wasn't like my sister. 'So I said do you know what, I can't hack this any more. 'I'll join the army at 16, get away from it, I can do something Gucci there.' In the weeks after he enlisted in September 2018, Khalife fought not to cry during gruelling training and spent hours on the phone to his mother daily. But he went on to enjoy a meteoric rise within the British Army while passing on secrets. The above two images show the false documents (some contents blurred) sent by Khalife to Iranian contacts An asterisk and the word 'failed' next to the date of August 21 in Daniel Khalife's prison diary, the date of his 'fake' escape attempt A photo issued by Metropolitan Police showing an asterisk next to the date of September 6 in Khalife's prison diary, the date of his escape Khalife is seen here at a newsagents in Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London, following his escape from prison An image of Khalife's passport showing a stamp with a return date from Istanbul, in Turkey Khalife flogged national secrets to the Iranians for about two years before he was caught Within months of being handpicked to join a regiment dealing with secret military communications, Khalife begun offering information to Iran in 2019, later meeting seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the UK and Istanbul. By the age of 19, he had a NATO level of security clearance, which is the second highest level of security clearance enabling him to see secret material. In a staggering lapse of security, Khalife was able to take his phone into secure areas to photograph encrypted military communications and he researched Ministry of Defence HR systems for the names of 15 Special Forces soldiers after asking his handlers what units they were interested in. Delighted, an agent known as 'David Smith' said: 'We will pay you what you want in our country. We look forward to seeing you in Tehran pal.' Khalife promised: 'I won't leave the military until you tell me to. 25 plus years.' He added: 'I'm one of the most intelligent people. I am more intelligent than anyone here.' On August 11, 2019, Khalife went to Mill Hill park in North London to collect 1,500 dropped in a dog poo bag by an Iranian agent who has still never been traced. Days later, Khalife enacted the next stage of his plan to become a double agent, emailing MI6 bragging that he had been paid for fake documents. In an error that James Bond wouldn't have made, the soldier got his spy agencies muddled, telling MI6 he wanted to work for the 'security service' which is MI5. Despite boasting to jurors of his intellect, Khalife couldn't even spell 'intelligence' correctly and his phoney spy dossier was littered with errors. If they spotted them, the Iranians were prepared to overlook it in their eagerness to meet Khalife - inviting him to the five-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel in 2020, where he excitedly posed for selfies after being told: 'Don't worry about expenses.' In taped conversations with Iranian spies, Khalife put on a foreign accent. Then days later he would call MI5 boasting of his exploits in a clipped British tone. The trophy won by Daniel Khalife when he was awarded junior soldier of the year in 2020 Messages on a phone screen between Khalife and 'David Smith'. In one exchange Smith says he looks forward to seeing the soldier in 'Tehran... pal' Khalife pictured on September 7 2023 walking past a security guard at a Sainsbury's store in King's Street, Hammersmith Khalife purchasing items on September 7 2023 at a Sainsbury's store in King's Street, Hammersmith Khalife is seen here at a McDonald's in London on September 9 Khalife is seen in the CCTV image above at a McDonald's branch in Uxbridge Road, Southall, London Khalife at a branch of McDonald's branch in Uxbridge Road, Southall, London, on September 9 Khalife at a branch of Marks and Spencer's in Kew, London, on September 7 Khalife is seen exiting the Marks and Spencer's store in Kew, London on September 7 A M&S receipt showing items of clothing totalling 35.60 which were paid for in cash On August 11, 2019, Khalife went to Mill Hill park in Barnet, North London to collect 1,500 When he was arrested five weeks later after MI5 traced the calls, Khalife attempted to fob off officers by adopting a sweary squaddie persona claiming the whole thing was just one big game. 'It was a bit of thrill', he would later say. Khalife appeared more preoccupied with his appearance, complaining: 'I'm in a police station and I haven't got my retainer or my Finasteride (hair loss lotion) or my spot cream.' Prison officers recalled: 'I found him vain, he was often in the mirror.' During his trial Khalife continued the 007 charade, changing outfits from cream chinos and a waistcoat one day, to a mustard shirt and gold rim glasses the next. It had such an effect on the public gallery that one woman travelled from Newcastle just to gaze at the 'hot felon' in the dock. In order to make his escape, Khalife used his good looks to his advantage parading around his cell in his underwear in order to befriend a sex offender who got him a job in the prison kitchen unloading food. On September 6 last year, Khalife was last seen flirting with his new friend, telling him that he was 'still a virgin', before he disappeared under a catering lorry securing his homemade sling with carabiner clips taken from a changing room locker to keep out rats. British soldier Khalife who escaped from prison by clinging to the bottom of a food truck has been found guilty of spying for Iran Pictured is a video grab of Khalife outside the Hilton Hotel in Istanbul were it was claimed he was meant to meet one of his Iranian handlers A CCTV image of the lorry Khalife was on during his escape from HMP Wandsworth prison Khalife is seen on CCTV preparing to slip out of custody while working in the kitchens at HMP Wandsworth - triggering a huge nationwide manhunt Khalife bought a Samsung phone for 89 from a shop in King Street, Hammersmith, after he escaped from prison A receipt for a 10 mobile phone voucher from a newsagents in Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London A Mountain Warehouse sleeping bag that was in Khalife's possession at the time of his arrest The bicycle Khalife was riding that a plains-clothes police officer pushed him off before he was arrested A red T-shirt branded with the logo of Turkish hotel Delphin. The item of clothing was found with Khalife when he was arrested Items of clothing and a blue cap can be seen stuffed inside Khalife's Waitrose bag Khalife's bike and Waitrose bag at the Grand Union Canal towpath near Rowdell Road, Northolt, London, where the soldier was arrested Khalife at a newsagents in Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London, on September 8 2023 Khalife is seen in an artist's sketch at Woolwich Crown Court after his prison escape In a shocking blunder, prison officers let the lorry leave Wandsworth even after the alarm had been raised about a missing inmate. CCTV footage showed an officer waving at the unsuspecting driver as he left at 7.32am. Eleven minutes later when the lorry stopped at a dual carriageway less than a mile away, Khalife rolled out from underneath and slunk off. But not before he had paused to arrange his hair. For the next four days, Khalife wandered around Richmond and Chiswick, mooching around shops including Mountain Warehouse and M&S for changes of clothing. Far from hiding, he went into a pub asking to use their phone before purchasing a mobile. He messaged his handlers saying, 'I wait' but it seems that Iran had no intention of rescuing Britain's most wanted fugitive. Although a mysterious helper who gave him 400 has never been identified. Unable to resist reading about his exploits, Khalife entered a newsagent to check the coverage before buying a copy of the Daily Mail as a souvenir. When he was recognised by a police officer in Northolt, Khalife appeared 'jovial' congratulating the detective on the capture, saying: 'Show's over.' He said of the perilous lorry escape: 'I don't know how the immigrants do it'. When asked why he didn't hand himself in, Khalife said: 'That's not my style, no way. That's boring.' The officer asked: 'So it was a game?' 'At the end yeah', Khalife replied, shrugging: 'I was in prison and now I'm in prison.' It is a place he will have to get used to. Eric Vance's family has been in turmoil since the 16-year-old went missing in Ohio last month. His grandmother Roseann Vidovic said she 'can't sleep, can't eat' as she wonders why Vance disappeared. He was last seen on Janette Avenue in eastern Cleveland, wearing white socks and black jogging pants. His family has handed out flyers across the neighborhood and Vidovic told News 5 Cleveland the despair was 'pure hell' as she tried not 'to think the worst' about the fate of a teen with mental health problems. Still, Vance's tragic disappearance is far from an aberration. Since late 2014, at least 43 children 24 girls and 19 boys have vanished from East Cleveland, a once-prosperous community left battered by decades of urban decay. With a population of 13,792, that means 3.1 kids per 1,000 residents have gone missing in just 10 years a worse rate than in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and other cities in the Buckeye State. An investigation by The Columbus Dispatch attributed these shocking numbers to the area's rampant crime, poverty, and a local police force that's too crooked and understaffed to focus on stray youths. Among the missing are kids of all ages, such as a nine-year-old girl who vanished five years ago wearing a denim shirt and purple leggings; and a 17-year-old boy last seen in a red and black hoodie in 2014. In most cases, it's hard to establish whether the youngsters reported missing ended up dead, or victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation rings or indeed went back home and officials never learned about it. Eric Vance went missing from eastern Cleveland in October, leaving his family in agony Tracy Jones Jr (top left), 17, disappeared from Dayton, Ohio, on November 20: one of many missing kids in the Buckeye State Roughly 30 percent of the 365,000 US children reported missing each year are the victims of sex trafficking, according to Saved In America, a California nonprofit that focuses on the plight of missing kids. East Cleveland is a classic American story of Rust Belt decay. It is today marked by abandoned neighborhoods with crumbling properties, boarded windows, broken glass and graffiti scrawled on brickwork. Art McKoy, a local barbershop owner and racial justice campaigner, says it's no surprise so many youths disappear from a mostly-black neighborhood of pothole-covered roads that reeks of despair. 'You can see how a lot of children would go missing in a place like this,' McKoy told the Dispatch. 'It's devastated. People take advantage.' It's a far cry from the city's former grandeur, when oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller and other powerful and influential leaders resided on the bustling section of Euclid Avenue known as 'Millionaires' Row.' As the area's iron, steel and other industries dried up, East Cleveland's population collapsed, shedding a staggering 58 percent of residents from 33,000 in 1990 to 13,792 by 2020, Census Bureau data show. Those working in child protection in East Cleveland say some youths have run away from a local residential behavioral health center for boys, while others have likely become victims of human trafficking. Many children who go missing hang out at the intersection of Superior Avenue and Euclid Avenue, where they are vulnerable to traffickers, which is worse in Ohio than elsewhere, experts told the Dispatch. There is also a history of underage sex work at several hotels throughout the city. The problem is made worse by a local police force that's been dogged by controversy and incompetence, it is claimed. At least 43 children have vanished this past decade from East Cleveland, a once-prosperous community battered by urban decay The Cleveland area has among the worst rates of missing children in Ohio Parts of East Cleveland are marred by crumbling properties, boarded windows, and broken glass More than a dozen East Cleveland police officers have faced some 50 criminal charges these past two years, ranging from civil rights violations to assault, dereliction of duty, and tampering with evidence, court records show. The indictments saw the department lose more than half of its 40 officers. In June, Mayor Brandon King asked Gov. Mike DeWine for help from the Ohio National Guard. He deployed additional state troopers to help patrol the city, which has been in a state of fiscal crisis for most of the past 35 years. Even so, the city does not have enough police officers to search for missing children. They are too busy battling pressing concerns such as gun violence and human trafficking, advocates for missing persons say. The city's problems are not just among low ranking officers. Former police chief Scott Gardner in March pleaded guilty to tax violations. Mayor King was last month indicted for theft in office after he authorized payments from the city to a business he and his family own. Race may also play a role. Some 37 of East Cleveland's 43 missing children are black. Four are white and two have a race listed as 'unknown,' according to the state Attorney General's report. The Attorney General's office and East Cleveland police did not answer DailyMail.com's requests for comment. East Cleveland is ground zero for a wider problem that stretches across Ohio, where the number of missing persons shot by nearly 18 percent in just three years. On any given day, some 1,000 Ohioans are listed as missing by the Attorney General's office. At least 689 Ohioans including 366 children remained missing more than a year after they vanished. Families with unsolved cases describe living in an agonizing limbo for weeks, months, and even years after a loved one goes missing. They complain of not knowing whether the child is alive or dead, or whether detectives are actively trying to find them. The number of missing children in Ohio has been rising steadily since 2021 Maria Gomez-Perez went missing from Georgia in May, and was found outside Cleveland, Ohio, in July The 12-year-old had been communicating with a Guatemalan man online, who drove to collect her While they are always tragic stories, some have happier endings than others. A 12-year-old girl who had disappeared from her Georgia community was found in Dover, Ohio, some 70 miles south of Cleveland, in July, nearly two months after she disappeared from her dad's home. Maria Gomez-Perez reportedly communicated online with a Guatemalan man in his thirties, who had driven to Gainesville to collect her by arrangement. He was arrested and indicted for rape and other offenses. Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon said he was 'proud' of how his Georgia community rallied to find the missing girl, while urging parents to keep tabs on whether children are communicating with strangers online. 'They're our most vulnerable and our most valuable citizens, and it is our duty to take care of them,' Couvillon said. It was a method of identity theft used by the KGB, the IRA, a disgraced MP and even the very man who showed ordinary people how to do it. So-called Day of the Jackal Fraud had long been an open secret amongst the criminal underworld and members of the Soviet Union's feared secret service. But in 1971, Frederick Forsyth's debut about an expert assassin's bid to kill French president Charles de Gaulle hit the shelves, and then the film version starring Edward Fox was released in 1973. And so millions of people were shown how to steal a dead child's identity and use it to get a new birth certificate and passport - a method which Forsyth admitted he had tested out himself. He scoured a graveyard to find the name of a child who died around the year of his own birth and then successfully applied for a passport using the identity. Rogue Labour MP John Stonehouse used a similar technique when he faked his own death in 1974 and then fled to Australia under a false name. And undercover officers in the Metropolitan Police scandalously used the identities of dead children dozens of times to infiltrate protest groups, with the practice becoming known as the 'Jackal run'. Eddie Redmayne is currently starring as the Jackal in Sky's loose TV adaptation of Forsyth's novel. Eddie Redmayne is currently starring as an expert assassin in in Sky's loose TV adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's novel The Day of the Jackal In 1971, Frederick Forsyth's debut novel The Day of the Jackal made him a household name In the original work, the assassin takes on the identity of dead child Alexander James Quentin Duggan to get a false passport so he can flit undetected between countries. It was reminiscent of the name of the boy who Forsyth found when he was carrying out his own version of the fraud. 'I did exactly what the Jackal did,' the 86-year-old told the Mail in 2021. 'I found the grave of this little boy James Oliver Duggan in a churchyard in the Home Counties.' Forsyth also gave a fake witness to support his application. He said: 'I just invented a church minister in North Wales somewhere where I thought the Passport Office wouldn't bother to check. 'All of it went into the package, along with the fee and the birth certificate for a person who no longer existed because he'd died as a child. 'I used a local newsagent as a poste restante, asking him if he'd be so kind, for a very small fee, to take in my mail while I was away abroad.' Then Forsyth waited. 'About two weeks later, there it was. A fat package with a passport in it in the name of James Oliver Duggan,' he said. Edward Fox as the Jackal in the 1973 film adaptation of Forsyth's bestselling novel The Daily Mail's 1974 report on a woman who used the method outlined in the Day of the Jackal to get passports 'I never used it internationally. I just tested the system and it worked.' Forsyth was told about the method while reporting on the Biafran War in West Africa as a journalist. He said he was told about it by a 'white mercenary who was there on false papers.' The method became so prevalent among criminals that it was given its famous name. Shortly after his book's release, the author had warned that fraudsters might attempt copycat crimes, but it was not until the film came out that officials started to take heed. However, the loophole was still exploited by dozens of criminals for decades afterwards. In February 1974, the Daily Mail told how a private detective's secretary got three passports in the names of people who had died by using the method outlined in Forsyth's book. Rogue Labour MP John Stonehouse used a similar technique when he faked his own death in 1974 and then fled to Australia under a false name Marilyn Harrison first obtained birth certificates in the names of people of her age who had died, and then went to get passports in their names. In 1986, the Mail's front page the 'Jackal trick of spy pair' when it emerged that husband and wife spies Reinhard and Sonja Schulze had taken on false identities to get to Britain and carry out espionage. They were jailed for ten years. And the Met scandalously carried out operations using dead children's names for more than 30 years, with at least 42 officers using the identities to go undercover. They would spend hours trawling through birth and death certificates to find the right people to impersonate. Officers would receive fake driving licences and passports with the name of the dead children, and even visited their graves and home towns. To make their identity convincing, the police spies even researched the family members of the dead children. The undercover cops would typically use the identity of the children for around four years in what MPs labelled a 'ghoulish and disrespectful' tactic in 2013. In 2009, former clinical psychologist David Pinnell was jailed for two years for stealing a dead baby's identity in a manner likened to the Day of the Jackal. In 1986, the Mail's front page the 'Jackal trick of spy pair' when it emerged that husband and wife spies Reinhard and Sonja Schulze had taken on false identities to get to Britain and carry out espionage. They were jailed for ten years Pinnell, from Southport, stole the identity of baby David Robertson, who died when he was just six months old in the 1950s, Liverpool Crown Court heard. He then used the baby's identity to obtain a passport, driving licence and open a bank account, where he stashed more than 60,000 he had swindled from the benefits system. It was not until 2012 that officials fully cracked down on Day of the Jackal fraud. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) set up a system to snare phoney applicants and quickly uncovered 1,200 cases involving the use of dead people's identities. There is now an electronic database of infant and child deaths up to the age of 18 and it is kept up to date. Native American Indian Dakota men on horseback, one dismounted, as photographed by Edward Curtis in 1908. Universal History Archive/Getty Images Many years ago, on the eve of Thanksgiving, I found myself at the kitchen table in my apartment in a triplex in Berkeley, near Shattuck Avenue and Cedar Street, thinking of my yet-to-be-born children. What wisdom could I share with them about what it means to be Native American? In stories told by my fathers Dakota people, an evil person always keeps his or her heart in a secret place separate from the body. The hero must find that secret place and destroy the heart to stop the evil. I saw in the First Thanksgiving story a hidden Pilgrim heart that lingered on and needed to be killed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The more I thought about the holiday, the more I was forced to confront all the ways being Native American is intrinsically tied to the American tradition of Thanksgiving. There is the story of the Wampanoag people sharing their food with the Pilgrims, of course. But Thanksgiving is also the story of a shifting power dynamic one most forcefully underlined by the obvious fact of which groups story became a holiday fable. It wasnt the Wampanoag but the descendants of the English settlers who disseminated the stories of their interaction. This allowed the evil heart to remain hidden. In the years since that Thanksgiving in Berkeley, Ive become a mother. The question of what to tell my children about being Native in America has not gotten any easier. In 2017, I addressed my then-teenage daughters dismay over Donald Trumps impact on our communities by reading a chapter from my great-great aunts 1944 book, Speaking of Indians. The chapter was titled A Scheme of Life That Worked: Kinships Role in Dakota Life. It described the harmonious communal life of the Dakota people, which stood in stark contrast to Trumps bleak portrayal of America as a place of carnage. These words soothed my daughter 73 years after they were published. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My aunt opened the chapter by saying: All peoples who live communally must first find some way to get along harmoniously and with a measure of decency in order. This is a universal problem The Dakota people found a way: it was through kinship. Now, at Thanksgiving time once more, as we stand poised to navigate through four more years of a Trump presidency, I find myself revisiting those same concerns. Trump has repeatedly promised tariffs and the deportation of hundreds of thousands of people, which is an attack on dreams, the American Dream. In my book Standoff: Standing Rock, the Bundy Movement, and the American Story of Sacred Lands, which was published after Trumps first term, I delved into the settler colonial mindset that the Pilgrims landed with on these shores, and contrasted it with the perspective of the Indigenous people of the United States. Origin stories define people by articulating the terms of their relationships with our Mother, the Earth, as well as other living beings, and each other. In my book, I proposed that these stories could act as algorithms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The origin story algorithm for settler colonists was straightforward; they came to other peoples lands, occupied them and sent the wealth back to their ruling 1%. Based on that origin story, you can predict what Trump and his base will do next. Meanwhile, my grandmothers cousin, the historian Vine Deloria Jr., offers what I believe to be a suitable definition for Native peoples. He defined Native People, with a capital P, as having an origin story based on their meetings with sacred beings who are a representation of the land itself. In that meeting, agreements were made, and a People was born. An example of such a story would be the Lakota/Dakota meeting with the White Buffalo Calf Woman, a sacred being who was a manifestation of the Great Plains. She came to us and brought the sacred pipe. When we smoked, we accepted the relationship with her and that of other life, including the buffalo whose leg bone comprised the pipestem of the canunpa (pipe) that she offered to us. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My grandmothers cousin, Phil Lane Sr., who was raised in Wakpala, S.D., on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, used to tell me, We were not Lakota until we met the White Buffalo Calf woman. Before that, we were something else. But when we met her, then we became Lakota. 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 My Mothers Dine (also known as Navajo) people share in their origin story a similar emphasis on connection. They, too received instructions and made agreements with sacred beings, the Holy People, that define them as a People to this day. Unlike the story of Eden, which describes being banished from a perfect state, harmony is the goal of life. It is achievable through songs and prayers. At Thanksgiving, we give thanks to the Holy People, the Diyin Dinee, who gave them to us. Female Uber Eats delivery drivers are renting out their accounts for thousands of pounds to illegal immigrant men who want to get around criminal record and employment checks - and a legal loophole means they are getting away with it. Users of the popular food delivery app have complained of drivers not matching their profile picture, with many promised a female driver only for a man to turn up instead. Employment experts have said the practice is commonly exploited by people who have entered Britain illegally or who don't have the right to work in the UK. Account holders must verify their age, right to work, insurance and undergo a background check, including a criminal record check, before they can begin delivering for Uber Eats. But some successful applicants go on to charge large amounts of money for access to their accounts for total strangers - who may have a criminal record or be unable to work illegally in the UK - raking in as much as 5,720 per year. Employment lawyer Sejal Raja told MailOnline the practice 'creates a dangerous grey market that exploits loopholes in the system and places all parties, especially workers, companies, and even customers at risk'. Third party sites offer account rentals for several hundred pounds a month and require clients to provide all the necessary legal documentation. However many account holders are using platforms such as Facebook Marketplace to quickly earn cash by offering access at cut prices from just 50 per month. MailOnline found one seller offering their account for 110 per month - or 5,720 per year. Unvetted Uber Eats delivery drivers are renting other people's accounts online for as much as 5,720 per year, allowing them to circumvent criminal record and employment checks (stock image) MailOnline found some Uber Eats accounts being rented for 110 per week - or 5,720 per year Dozens of Facebook groups have been set up specifically for people to rent or sell accounts - which breaks Meta's terms of use Facebook groups, some of which have tens of thousands of members, set up specifically for the renting of accounts frequently have posts from 'anonymous participants' either asking for accounts or offering their own to rent. There is no way of knowing whether these anonymous profiles offer any information or documentation to sellers before being permitted access to the account. Facebook says the online sale of accounts from delivery companies including Uber Eats is not permitted - but they are easily accessible on the social media platform. Uber Eats does allow account holders to appoint 'substitute' drivers to deliver food on their behalf - but do not carry out all the same checks. Uber's website states: 'At any point during the delivery process, you may choose to have someone else deliver on your behalf, provided they meet the safety conditions. 'If you choose to do this, you should keep in mind that you are still fully responsible for all activities performed on your account, either by you or by your substitute.' Its conditions include that any substitute is over 18, have the right to work in the UK, pass a criminal background check and insurance. And it relies on delivery drivers officially registering the substitutes online - while some rent out their account without performing any checks. Usually if a firm employs someone who does not have the right to work in the UK and failed to ensure they do, they can be fined up to 60,000 per worker. People looking to rent accounts from registered Uber Eats deliverers use platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Facebook groups What is the legal loophole? It is illegal for any business to employ illegal workers - those without a right to work in the UK - with hefty fines of up to 60,000 per employee if a firm fails to make appropriate checks. But because all of Uber's drivers are self-employed, they are not legally liable for any substitute driver who may not meet these conditions. Equally the account holders themselves are self-employed deliverers for Uber - and are therefore not legally liable under employment law. Even if an account holder is caught knowingly renting their account to an illegal worker, they will only face a ban from Uber Eats - while the workers could face deportation. Advertisement But because Uber Eats drivers are self-employed, neither Uber nor the account holders are liable to any penalties if people working illegally are subject to penalty under employment legislation. Instead, if an account holder is found to be using a substitute without the right to work, all that happens is their account may be closed. Partner at UK law firm Freeths Emma Booksbrank, which specialises in immigration employment law, said delivery firms are coming under increasing pressure due to the rise of people accessing accounts despite not having the right to work in the UK. 'Firms such as Uber Eats are allowed to offer access to a substitute but the companies have been under increasing amounts of pressure because there has been this rise in illegal immigrants gaining access. 'They have always maintained workers are self-employed, and when challenges have been brought against them for employment rights, they've gone all the way up to the supreme court. 'Uber are not actually employing the substitutes as all delivery personnel are self-employed. 'The account holders are also not liable under right to work legislation. Companies can be fined anywhere from 45,000 to 60,000, but the account holders are not acting as employers because substitute drivers are also self-employed. 'It is a gap, a loophole in the law, and that's why it's happening.' Uber Eats customers have said they feel 'unsafe' after 'random men' who don't match the profile turn up to deliver their food There are also serious concerns about customer safety through the use of unregistered substitute drivers. Women have previously reported feeling unsafe after being matched with a female Uber driver, sometimes late at night, before opening their door to find a man instead. Uber Eats has no direct customer service helpline, instead offering an online contact form. Customers have complained online of being unable to contact Uber to report their concerns, or of filling in the contact form and hearing nothing back. Employment lawyer Sejal Raja, from Weightmans, said: 'This trend often stems from the dual pressures of opportunity and desperation. For those locked out of formal employment due to visa restrictions or past background issues, renting an account may seem like their only route to earning a livelihood. 'On the flip side, some account holders see this as an easy way to profit from their verified profiles without doing the work themselves. 'This creates a dangerous grey market that exploits loopholes in the system and places all parties, especially workers, companies, and even customers at risk. 'Addressing this requires not just stricter monitoring and enforcement by gig platforms but also a hard look at the barriers that lead individuals to consider these practices in the first place.' Criminologist Dr Emma Cunningham and hospitality lecturer Zoe Adjey from the University of East London blamed a lack of accountability at Uber Eats and called for better customer service and improved reporting procedures. They said: 'Food outlets that use Uber Eats for delivery rely on the Uber Eats drivers to represent their brand well to customers. 'In a restaurant or bar, if there is an issue with the server, the establishment itself is responsible for resolving the problem and reassuring the customer of their high service standards. 'However, when an Uber Eats delivery driver provides poor service, it reflects poorly on the original food outlet's brand. 'The first complaint from the customer will typically go to the restaurant, not Uber Eats, which could cause the outlet to lose business and suffer reputational damage. 'Uber Eats does not currently provide a direct customer service phone number or easy method for customers to report drivers who are not meeting the expectations of the food outlet. 'To address this, it is suggested that Uber Eats become more customer-focused, caring about the end-users they deliver to and not just the restaurants they collect fees from. 'This would help improve both customer safety, especially for female customers, as well as protect the reputations of the food outlets. 'Implementing better customer service and driver reporting systems would be beneficial for Uber Eats, their restaurant partners, and their mutual customers.' In April Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat all signed up to a voluntary code of conduct which pledged they would carry out identity checks on substitute workers in a bid to tackle illegal workers. An Uber Eats spokesperson said at the time: 'At Uber Eats we are going to roll out identity verification checks to help ensure only those who legitimately use someone else's account to earn with us are able to, and we are pleased to be working with government to find a solution.' But little appears to have changed to prevent the company's accounts being exploited. An Uber Eats spokesperson spokesperson told MailOnline today: 'All couriers who use the Uber Eats app must undergo checks to ensure they are over eighteen and have a legal right to work in the UK, and pass criminal background checks. 'Uber Eats has worked with the Home Office to launch additional identity verification checks to help ensure only those who legitimately use someone else's account to deliver on the platform are able to. 'We are constantly reviewing these processes to ensure they are as robust as possible and if we receive reports that this is not the case we will investigate and take appropriate action.' A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are partnering with the three leading food delivery platforms in the gig economy to stamp out abuse in this sector. 'Our mission is to eliminate the unacceptable practice of account holders transferring work to others without verifying their eligibility, ensuring everyone involved remains safe and protected.' Meta has been contacted for comment. At first glance, it looked as though the mom-of-two had lost control of her car late at night and swerved off the snow-covered road in the bitter cold down a steep embankment. The vehicle burst into flames, killing Ashley Schwalm, nee Milnes, 40, in a seemingly tragic accident that shocked friends, family and community. Her husband of 10 years, James Schwalm - a firefighter - was inconsolable, left to raise their two children, aged six and nine, on his own. The heartbroken trio moved in with his deceased wifes family as they picked up the pieces of their shattered lives. Except Schwalms grief was a savage lie. Police eventually determined he had strangled his wife at their three-bedroom home in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, while his children were sleeping. He then staged the entire crash site as part of an elaborate murder plot. A captain with the Brampton fire department, Schwalm first dressed his dead wife in hiking clothes after the murder. Ashley and James Schwalm married at Craigleith Ski Club, in Ontario, with the bride arriving by horse and carriage Schwalm was a captain with the Brampton fire department. He and his wife shared two young children aged six and nine He then left his sleeping children at home alone and drove the body in her 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV to a quiet area near Alpine Ski Club in the Blue Mountains. At around 6am on January 26, 2023, he doused the vehicle in gasoline and torched it with the body inside using a lighter with his own initials on - JWS - which he left amid the flaming wreckage. Surveillance footage captured a person with a large backpack running from the scene. Schwalm, 40, then methodically embarked on an elaborate cover-up to hide his tracks. He used his mothers car, which hed parked nearby, as a getaway vehicle after staging the fake crash. He also sent a series of texts to himself from his wifes phone to pretend she was still alive. In one text, he asked her to fill up gas cans for a snowblower. Then, pretending to be her, he wrote: Ok Im going to zip out I think kids will be fine their sleeping. In another, as the woman he had just killed in cold blood, he texted: Eww I left the gas cans in my car and it smells. One more said: Oh, I have vertigo. Im going to rush home. Later, as he took them to school, he told his two children their mother had left to go on a hike. Ashley Schwalm, a project manager, was identified using dental records. A post-mortem revealed she had been killed by strangulation and that she was dead before the fire. Two days after the death, Schwalm gave a statement to officers from Ontario Provincial Police, saying he had been walking the family dog in the neighborhood when his wife had apparently crashed her car. He handed over surveillance footage from their homes security camera which he claimed showed him leaving the property with their pet - but police later determined the film had been deliberately manufactured. Schwalm had discovered his wifes affair with her boss in 2022. She changed jobs and the couple tried marital counselling, hoping to save the marriage In the days leading up to the murder, Schwalm searched online the word alimony. He also typed in questions can you see iPhone history after deleted and does a road flare completely burn Schwalm was eventually arrested on February 3, 2023. The fairytale marriage began when the couple wed at Craigleith Ski Club in the Blue Mountains of Ontario, the bride arriving by horse and carriage. Ive been picturing that moment since I was a little girl, she told Wedding Bells magazine in 2012. I truly felt like a princess and isnt that how youre supposed to feel on your wedding day? A misspelled 2013 Valentines Day tweet to his wife read: Lots of people can say your pretty when they meet you Guys at the bar say your hot but I get to call you beautiful every day. But the fairytale began crumbling. Schwalm had discovered his wifes affair with her boss in 2022. She changed jobs and the couple tried marital counselling, hoping to save their relationship. But he was secretly nurturing an affair with her former boss ex-wife. Days before the killing, he had told the woman he had strong feelings for her and the woman replied she felt the same about him. In January 2023, a court heard, he also told a woman friend that he would do whatever it took to make himself happy regardless of Ashley still wanting to make their marriage work. Eventually, they were heading for divorce and overnight on the evening of January 26 last year, they had a furious row. In the days leading up to the murder, Schwalm searched online for alimony. He also typed in the questions can you see iPhone history after deleted and does a road flare completely burn. Schwalm told investigators he had been worried about the potential cost of divorce. During a social gathering, he asked a doctor present if it was possible to kill someone by snapping their neck like actor Steven Seagals character does in his movies. It emerged that his wife had a $1 million ($712,000 USD) life insurance policy of which he was the sole beneficiary. There was also a $250,000 policy for their children in the event of her death. During a November 25 court hearing, family and friends provided 21 impact statements before sentencing. They said AJ was a beloved role model, incredible mother, friend and confidant for many. Her sister described how the family had supported him when he moved into their home following the so-called accident. James deceived us. No amount of justice will ever be enough for the monstrous act he has committed, she said. He sat here broken and grieving while we consoled him, even though he knew what hed done. Schwalm dressed his dead wife in hiking clothes after the murder. He then left his sleeping children at home alone and drove the body in her 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV to a quiet area near Alpine Ski Club in the Blue Mountains Her father labelled Schwalm a pure narcissist, adding: 'This selfish act only benefited you, Jamie. This was perpetrated by a smart man, a leader, a first responder.' A family friend said: How on earth could he do this to his own children? A cousin said Ashley was murdered by the one person who was supposed to protect her. A family friend described how her four-year-old son happily hugged Schwalm after his wifes death because the youngster trusted firefighter Jamie. Then Schwalm picked him up and gave him a long, tight embrace. This image will haunt us for the rest of our lives. We allowed the hands that just murdered our friend to hold our child. I cant wrap my head around how he could do this to anyone, let alone the mother of his children, a beautiful soul who was loved by so, so many people. In June this year, Schwalm pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, instead admitting second-degree murder. Prosecuting attorney Lynne Saunders told the court it was an 'exceedingly' brutal murder, 'thought about, considered, weighed and executed.' Schwalm is facing an automatic life sentence. In February, Justice Michelle Fuerst will determine how long Schwalm will have to be behind bars before he is eligible to apply for parole, which could be up to 25 years. Weeping, Schwalm said in written statement: I despise my actions and am haunted that they continue to hurt the people I loved and cared for the most. I am ashamed. This is where I need to be, deserve to be. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the bereaved children. It says Ashley was 'an amazing mother, friend, sister and daughter. She was as treasured resident of Collingwood and a special member of the Brampton firefighter community. 'Her greatest joy was her beautiful children. Both of their worlds have been turned upside down and they now need our support, stability, and nurturing more than ever.' Her brother and his wife are now their legal guardians as 'they pick up the pieces in the wake of the devastation.' President Bill Clinton was so enraged by the treatment of his wife, Hillary, during her failed presidential bid that he couldn't sleep for two years, he now admits or stop complaining about the shock defeat. Writing in his new memoir, an emotional Clinton issues an apology to all those who found him hard going in the years following the 2016 contest, won by Donald Trump, which he describes as 'the darkest election possible in the United States'. Clinton, president from 1993-2001, still blames Hillary's defeat on a toxic combination of Russian propaganda, an unprecedented investigation into her use of emails by James Comey, then director of the FBI, and a supine political press which, he says, took more interest in the email controversy than the merits of the candidates. 'The whole thing is hard for me to write,' he says in Citizen My Life After The White House. 'I couldn't sleep for two years after the election. I was so angry, I wasn't fit to be around. 'I apologize to all those who endured my outbursts of rage, which lasted for years and bothered or bored people who thought it pointless to rehash things that couldn't be changed.' Pointing to his wife's calamitous loss of a six-point polling lead, he writes that: 'Almost two years after the election, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a highly regarded social scientist said Russia's cyber attacks piled on top of Comey's interventions were effective enough to persuade voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to vote for third parties or stay at home. 'If so, Putin's enablers were Comey and the political press.' Clinton makes a series of admissions in the memoir, including remarks about his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his affair with Monica Lewinksy, which led to his 1996 impeachment by the House of Representatives. Bill and Hillary Clinton pictured in Washington DC during the State Dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto's official State Visit to the United States In his new book Citizen, which is scheduled to come out next week, Clinton, now 78, described his interactions with the convicted pedophile He also addresses a bizarre claim his staff deliberately tore the letter 'W' from White House keyboards to hinder his successor, President George W Bush - and admits that the long-running allegation might be true. Clinton, 78, recalls how a media 'feeding frenzy' marred the handover to Bush in 2001 amid claims departing staff had vandalized the West Wing. At the time, it was said that filing cabinets were glued shut, obscene messages left on answering machines and pornographic pictures placed on office printers. The presidential entourage was accused of smashing up crockery on Airforce One. Bill and Hillary Clinton themselves were in the frame for pilfering bedroom furniture. But nothing caught the public imagination like the claim that official keyboards were systematically disfigured to remove the letter 'W' - the middle initial of the incoming president and the name by which he was often known. On 26 January 1998, Bill Clinton addressed his affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, famously saying: 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.' Clinton claims in his memoir that Epstein, seen here with associate Ghislaine Maxwell, had offered the plane in support of his foundation A photograph showing former White House intern Monica Lewinsky meeting President Bill Clinton at a White House function submitted as evidence in documents by the Starr investigation and released by the House Judicary committee September 21, 1998 'There are dozens, if not hundreds of keyboards with these missing keys,' a White House source said at the time. 'In some cases, the 'W' keys have been taped on top of the doorways, which are 12 feet tall. In other cases, they were glued on with Superglue, right way up or upside down.' Clinton states in the new book that: 'The White House staff asked me to take the tables saying they didn't want to keep or store them. And no one on Airforce One destroyed government merchandise.' But were the keyboards defaced? 'Within a few days some people finally went on the record to say that either no damage had occurred or that the allegations of 'W' mischief were greatly exaggerated,' he concludes, an open-ended remark that most will take as an admission that the claims were in fact true. A year-long investigation by the General Accounting Committee later found Clinton's staff had caused about $15000-worth of 'damage, theft, vandalism and pranks' although there were no prosecutions. Clinton's new memoir was published in November Clinton has long faced questions about his associate with Jeffrey Epstein, who took his own life in 2009 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors. In his book he admits to flying on Epstein's private jet, the Lolita Express, in 2002 and 2003 but dismisses allegations he ever visited the disgraced financier's private island, Little Saint James, in the US Virgin Islands. Clinton claims Epstein had offered the plane in support of his foundation and that they spoke about economics and politics. He writes: 'The bottom line is, even though it allowed me to visit the work of my foundation, traveling on Epstein's plane was not worth the years of questioning afterward. I wish I had never met him.' Clinton adds: 'I had always thought Epstein was odd but had no inkling of the crimes he was committing. 'He hurt a lot of people, but I knew nothing about it, and by the time he was first arrested in 2005, I had stopped contact with him. I've never visited his island.' The former president also opened up about his affair with Monica Lewinsky. In his book he recalled an NBC 'Today Show' interview in 2018 where he was asked if he had ever apologized to Lewinsky. Clinton writes: 'I said, 'No, I felt terrible then.'' ''Did you ever apologize to her?' I said that I had apologized to her and everybody else I wronged. I was caught off guard by what came next. ''But you didn't apologize to her, at least according to folks that we've talked to.' 'I fought to contain my frustration as I replied that while I'd never talked to her directly, I did say publicly on more than [one] occasion I was sorry.'' The 42nd president went on to admit the interview 'was not my finest hour'. The national speed limit is set to be slashed to 50 miles per hour on all of Scotlands single carriageway roads under nanny state proposals by SNP ministers. Motorists will be forced to cut their maximum speed by ten miles per hour as part of the biggest overhaul of driving laws in years. The move will result in significant differences in speeding laws on either side of the Border. Ministers claim it will save 170 lives over the next 60 years and prevent 720 serious accidents. Critics have blasted the ludicrous proposals and said the Nationalists failure to fully dual key roads such as the A9, between Perth and Inverness, the A96, which links Aberdeen and Inverness, and the A75 between Stranraer and Gretna, has compromised road safety. North East Scotland Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden said: This is a ludicrous measure which seeks to demonise motorists in rural areas who rely on using a car. Unlike the Central Belt, the North and North East dont have the luxury of motorways connecting locations across the region. The SNP government should be prioritising the upgrade of our single carriageway roads, like the A96 and A90 north of Ellon, instead of implementing ridiculous schemes like this to cover their failings. The move would see the national speed limit in Scotland cut from 60mph to 50mph (file image) The measure was set out in a national speed management review consultation published by Transport Scotland yesterday. It claimed the move could significantly reduce the number of accidents which cause injuries. The document said that, after the first year, there could be four fewer fatal accidents, while the number of serious injury collisions could reduce by 14 and slight injury accidents by six. Over a 60-year period, it said fatalities would decline by 170, serious injuries by 720 and slight injuries by 378. It ruled out cutting the speed on motorways and dual carriageways because they are regarded as Scotlands safest roads and reducing speeds could significantly impact journey times. Ian Taylor of the Alliance of British Drivers said: There is very little evidence that perpetually lowering speed limits has a beneficial effect on accidents. Speed is the primary cause of a minority of accidents, and less than people not being able to judge properly, drink and drug driving and inattention. The people asking for this are trying to take us back to the fuel crisis of the 1970s, when there was a temporary 50mph speed limit. It is extremely nanny state and it is asking to be disobeyed. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has attempted to defend the move, saying it could lead to a reduction in the number of injuries and claiming journey times would stay the same As well as reducing the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph for general traffic, the consultation proposes increasing the limit for lorries and HGVs over 7.5 tons by 10mph to 50mph on single carriageway roads and to 60mph on dual carriageways. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said ministers should bear in mind the public reaction to the Welsh governments introduction of a default 20mph limit. It will be important to convince Scottish road users that the changes are necessary and proportionate, he said. This change needs to be seen in the context of broader road safety measures, not least those around engineering Scottish roads to be safer this might include better road surfaces, improved junction layouts and appropriate lighting. Scottish Tory transport spokesman Sue Webber said: The SNP are only trying to slow down drivers because theyve been so slow to deliver vital infrastructure projects across Scotland. The consultation was published ahead of ministers giving a statement to parliament today on the A96 corridor review. The Scottish Greens said that there is no economic or environmental case for dualling every square inch of the A96 and the SNP must accept this and halt the project. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: Evidence from the national speed management review indicates that revising speed limits could lead to a significant reduction in the number of injury collisions on our roads while maintaining journey times and enhancing journey time reliability. Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw complained about his low salary as a member of Congress and a new proposed law that would ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks. Crenshaw was asked about the proposal to ban members from stock trading on The Free Press podcast on Tuesday with hosts Michael Moynihan and Batya Ungar-Sargon. Yeah. This is like number 1000 on my priority list of things to care about,' Crenshaw said dismissing the idea. The former US Navy SEAL officer lost an eye in combat and was first elected in 2019 as the representative of the second congressional district in Texas. 'You know how much f***ing money I have ever had in the stock market? About $20,000,' he said. Crenshaw appeared cynical when he asked if he would support the legislation, but ultimately said he would. 'We'll just keep whipping ourselves,' he said. 'How about we don't make any money either? How about, just cut our paychecks; haven't gotten a pay raise since 2008.' U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) griped about his congressional salary in a podcast interview Members of Congress make $174,000 a year salary, which includes additional funds for travel and housing, but it did not appear to be enough for Crenshaw. 'It doesnt matter to me because I dont have any f***ing money to put in the stock market, unlike the bullshit headlines that have been written about me,' he complained. Video of Crenshaw's remarks sparked interest from the social media account Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker, a group that tracks stock trades from politicians. His remarks were flagged with a community note on X to offer more context to his net worth. Crenshaws estimated net worth is $1.47 million, and his estimated trade volume is $313,000,' according to data from Quiver Quantitative, a speculative tracker, not $20,000 as he claimed. Michael Moynihan and Batya Ungar-Sargon of the Free Press podcast Dan Crenshaw on The Free Press podcast In 2018, Crenshaw had an estimated net worth of $2,459,016 according to OpenSecrets.org, which tracks money in politics. The message also estimated that Crenshaw's stocks were up 44 percent in 2024. But Crenshaw has repeatedly protested claims that he is somehow benefiting in the stock market because he is a member of Congress. 'This is one of those stupid things that Ive been dragged through the mud on,' he said. Crenshaw recalled when in January he blew up at Fox News host Jesse Watters who aired a segment highlighting the uncanny success of members of Congress in the stock market, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 'Im sitting here trying to feed my 3 month old and this dirt bag millionaire at Fox is accusing me of being a criminal with zero evidence,' he said at the time. Crenshaw has not purchased stock since March 2023. 'Of course, its not true,' he said. A proposed ban on stock trading by members of congress and members of their families is supported by a wide margin of Americans of both parties. A 2023 poll on the issue conducted by the University of Maryland showed that 86 percent of Americans favored the ban, including 87 percent of Republicans, 88 percent of Democrats and 81 percent of Independents. New York City was treated to an extraordinary sight on Monday when a whale was spotted swimming in the East River. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the sighting to Gothamist on Tuesday but couldn't definitively identify the species, though it was likely either a humpback or an endangered North Atlantic right whale. While humpbacks are more common, a significant number of right whales were seen off Long Island's coast this summer. Footage captured by Fox News shows the majestic creature spouting water beneath the iconic Williamsburg Bridge at sunset, as onlookers gasped in awe. Gotham Whale, a local marine life organization, described the event as 'somewhat unusual.' Danielle Brown, the organization's research director, told Fox News Digital. 'It is not clear whether the whale is still in [the New York City] area,' Gotham Whale research director Danielle Brown told Fox News Digital. 'Due to busy holiday travel, it is very possible that the whale was still in the area today but has just not been reported yet.' While Brown estimates that dozens of humpback whales are currently swimming off the New York and New Jersey coasts, Gotham Whale has documented a more specific sighting; A mother and calf humpback whale pair were seen in just 30 feet of water near Spring Lake, New Jersey on Sunday. New York City was treated to an extraordinary sight on Monday when a whale was spotted swimming in the East River 'Most calves are weaning and getting ready to separate from their mothers this time of year, so it is a vulnerable time for them,' the organization advised in a Facebook post. 'PLEASE WATCH OUT for this little whale as it learns to feed!' 'Always keep a distance of at least 100 feet from all whales, but give mothers and calves extra space!' This isn't the first time a whale has been spotted near New York City. In 2020, a humpback whale was seen in the Hudson River. Additionally, several dead humpback whales have washed ashore in the area in recent years, including three between December 2022 and February 2023. New Yorkers have revealed their biggest Thanksgiving hot takes - including what food should be booted from the dinner table and topics they refuse to bring up with family. During interviews on the streets of Manhattan with DailyMail.com, Big Apple residents expressed some controversial - and relatable - opinions on what they plan to avoid this holiday while feasting with their families. When asked what conversation they definitely won't be bringing up at the table, most of the answers throughout were the same - politics. 'Anything to do with politics or religion,' 34-year-old Macy said. 'Around my family especially.' Will, 22, another resident, agreed and said: 'With my family it's just something you shouldn't touch. Even though we're all on the same page, it just gets too infuriating.' 'Nobody needs to be getting into any arguments about politics,' 23-year-old Charlie added. A few were hoping to avoid other topics pressing them - including their love life. 'Probably my current relationship,' 20-year-old Eric said. 'As in like... there isn't one.' Yet residents aren't planning to just avoid uncomfortable arguments, but food as well - including the traditional cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and most shockingly - turkey. New Yorkers revealed their biggest - and most controversial - Thanksgiving hot takes during street interviews with DailyMail.com The sexual assault sudden and menacing had happened abroad in a unisex toilet at a restaurant more than three decades earlier. It was buried, almost subliminally, in Sarah Holmans memory, but the awful potential of it returned in a flashback last year. Sarah, 56, married mum to a grown-up son and daughter, was then a middle manager with Bracknell Forest Council, Berkshire. She had gone to the previously female toilets on the ground floor of the council offices a bank of cubicles off a narrow corridor with communal basins along it only to discover a sign announcing they were now gender-neutral. I was startled by the sign on the door that they were no longer for females only, but were now mixed toilets, she says. Memories of being assaulted in one came flooding back. That sudden, opportunistic incident occurred when she was 20, and on holiday with a friend. Id walked into the cubicle and a man followed me and stood in the doorway blocking me and gesturing with his hands that he wanted to have sex with me. I was cornered. He lunged at me, putting his hands on me. I was too startled to fight back. He only stopped because another man walked past. I hadnt given it much thought for 36 years, but knowing men would be sharing the toilets at work triggered an anxiety attack. I had palpitations. I could feel my thudding heart. Back home, I woke in the middle of the night, my head whirring. I could not stop thinking about it. I couldnt switch off. It was the first time Id felt unsafe at work. This was just the start. Five months ago Sarah, who loved her job regenerating land for housing, felt compelled to resign from the council she had served diligently for 12 years, when her employer, under its Trans and Non-Binary Policy, effectively removed all single-sex toilets from its offices. Sarah Holman was a manager with Bracknell Forest Council, Berkshire, but felt her fear about gender-neutral toilets was not taken seriously Sarah, who believes that biological sex cannot be changed, felt harassed for her gender critical views. Now she is taking the council to an employment tribunal crowd-funding and dipping into her savings to pay legal fees which could rise to 50,000 on grounds of discrimination against her and other staff who share her belief that womens dignity, privacy and safety are compromised if they are forced to share lavatories with biological males who have either transitioned, are thinking about doing so or are in the process of transitioning. I feel exasperated, tired, undervalued, angry, she says, speaking with quiet conviction from the immaculate sitting room of her Berkshire home. Im not a radical feminist, just an ordinary woman with strong opinions and values. I stand up for what I believe and I would never do something unprincipled because it is easier. Her husband of 25 years and children support her; messages of solidarity have, she says, been overwhelming. She has raised thousands for her campaign and speaks for many when she says that women-only spaces like toilets should be inviolable. Effectively all a male has to say is, Im going through gender reassignment and they can have access to the womens toilets. This is really insulting to women. The council says it supports equality, diversity and inclusion, but actually its policy is misogynistic. By respecting trans rights it isnt considering womens rights at all. She has endured deeply upsetting experiences that give special validity to her views. Aside from the sexual assault, in 2000 Sarah suffered a miscarriage at nine or ten weeks in a toilet cubicle at work. Sarah, who believes that biological sex cannot be changed, is taking her former bosses to an industrial tribunal as she says she felt harassed for her views There can be few experiences more harrowing and personal. Some 24 years and two successful pregnancies later her mind does not often turn to the ordeal until she begins to think about how much worse it would have been had it happened in a toilet shared by men. I dont think Im special in any way. One in eight pregnancies ends in miscarriage, so Im sure it has happened to other women at work, she stresses. She was working for another company at the time. I remember how my stomach started to cramp. I rushed to the toilet and sat there for an hour, crying and in a lot of pain. Then I cleaned myself up and rushed straight out of the building to my doctor, and then to hospital. It was very personal and distressing and I can imagine what it would be like for a woman walking out of a toilet cubicle after such an experience, having to wash herself in a row of sinks shared by men. Because of our biological sex, women might take longer in the toilet than men. We have periods and they are intimate and personal. You dont want to announce the fact to men. Only women understand. Sometimes women use toilets as an escape from work. If youve had a bad day, you go there to gather yourself, have a cry if you need to. They are used as safe, female-only spaces. If you are forced to share them with men, your dignity and privacy is sacrificed. She raised her concerns with the head of human resources in January 2023, but was told a decision had already been taken: it was a fait accompli. It was not about me, Sarah says. I knew many other women were also concerned about safeguarding, privacy and dignity. For six months, she was able to use the single-sex staff toilets on other floors of the building. Then in July 2023, with minimal discussion, the council rubber-stamped a policy allowing trans and non-binary employees to use whatever toilets they felt comfortable with throughout the offices. Sarah was distraught: There was no consultation, no EIA (an assessment of its wider impact); no legal advice was taken. A lot of women didnt even know it had happened. Her objections were given short shrift by the council: They said sharing toilets with males was no different from being in a lift or meeting with them. They were equating the intimacy of being in a toilet with getting in a lift. And I was told if people raised objections they would be directed to counselling. I was outraged, tearful. I cried during a video meeting with a member of the HR team. I said, I literally cant share a toilet with a man and she said she was really sorry I was upset. But again the answer was: did I need counselling? This was not about being anti-trans. It was the lack of thought about womens rights that made me so angry. I also pointed out that some religions do not permit men and women to share a toilet. The attitude seemed to be, tough. The council said the risk of harm was low and staff would be held accountable for unacceptable behaviour. So if you challenged a male who had come into a female toilet, you would be liable to disciplinary action. A flurry of emails went back and forth, but Sarah was told the policy was set in stone. Meanwhile, she was also concerned that the Progress Pride flag was being used disproportionately by the council. It was being used as a screensaver, as background for online Teams meetings and flown outside the council offices long after national Pride month. To me they should have been treating everyone with respect and fairness rather than celebrating one group. Her employer, under its Trans and Non-Binary Policy, effectively removed all single-sex toilets from its offices It was just virtue signalling. I was concerned about the message of the flag and the fact that it made anyone who was gender critical uncomfortable. I said, What about other flags? I was being slightly facetious, but I said, What about a Menopause flag? A Suffragette flag? A Disability Awareness flag? I fully support equality, diversity and inclusion, but I felt the Progress Pride flag was highly misogynistic because it values trans rights above womens rights, and it was being overused. And I questioned whether they had planning permission to fly it outside the council offices. The flag was taken down soon afterwards. Meanwhile, her anxiety was heightened because her elderly father, who had a heart condition, was diagnosed as terminally ill and she had become his main carer. I sent an email to my boss and to the head of HR saying I believed the council was guilty of sex discrimination. I said I would be mainly working from home and would use the disabled toilet when I came into the office. I got no response. In June this year, by now simmering with anger she finally handed in her notice after a letter was sent by council chiefs to all staff. It said they were disappointed to have to take the Progress Pride flag down after a member of staff raised a complaint about it, but were determined to seek planning permission to fly it. This was a clear message to women, especially gender critical women: Dont complain, dont raise issues. For me it was harassment and sex discrimination. At no point did I say anything that discriminated against another group. I was just raising concerns about how the council was acting. It is really important that councils do not get away with gas-lighting women and brushing aside our concerns. This is happening at councils throughout the country. She regrets that everything could have been solved so easily: by providing toilet cubicles with wash basins within them; by giving due weight to all protected groups. But instead the council was captured by ideology. I was sad to resign. I really enjoyed my job. I liked my colleagues. There was no question of my capability. I think I was very good at my job but I was prepared to sacrifice it for a principle I believed in. She has, she says, been deluged by supportive messages from staff who agree with her stance. The human rights charity Sex Matters has buoyed her with its backing. Solicitor Liz McGlone of Didlaw, acting for Sarah, says her case demonstrates the need for employers to show balance in terms of its approach to inclusion and ensure that on endeavouring to include one minority group, it does not exclude any other, or employees who may hold different, but equally protected, views. Defending its use of the Progress Pride flag, Bracknell Forest Councils chief executive Susan Halliwell states: The flag includes stripes to represent the experiences of people of colour, as well as stripes to represent people who identify as transgender, gender nonconforming and/or undefined. One of our values is Inclusive and, as such, it is appropriate for us to use the most inclusive pride flag so that everyone is represented, valued and heard. The council is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment for all staff and visitors. We take the safeguarding and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously and have robust policies in place to promote equality and diversity. We continuously review and improve our practices to ensure every employee feels valued and supported and we maintain an environment of dignity, courtesy and respect. On its staff toilets, Ms Halliwell confirms: We have single-sex toilets and an accessible toilet available on floors one to four, which are only available to staff. Additionally, the toilets on the ground floor are unisex. However, the councils trans and non-binary policy states: Staff who have notified their line manager that they are due to undergo, are undergoing or have undergone a process to reassign their gender can use the facilities (like toilets) they feel most comfortable using. We regularly review the provision of facilities to ensure they meet the needs of all staff groups. Sarah takes scant comfort from this. She believes in its efforts to include minorities, the one staff group the council has overlooked is women. Councils all over the country are failing to take womens concerns seriously, she says. They feel equality, diversity and inclusion is all about allowing trans people into its single-sex spaces. But in their efforts to be inclusive, they are actually excluding women. To contribute to Sarahs crowd justice campaign, go to: crowdjustice.com/case/sex-discrimination-by-local-authority UK-bound Aussies will need to register and pay for a new digital pre-travel screening document before getting on the plane from early next year. The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries required to have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA is not a visa, but a digital permission to travel to the UK for visitors who previously did not require a visa. It had previously only been required for travellers arriving from several Middle Eastern countries. The measure has been expanded to other countries including Australia, New Zealand, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Norway and Mexico. Aussie travellers will need to apply on the UK Government website or the UK ETA mobile app, available on Apple and Android smartphones. The fee is 10 (approximately AUD$20) and the ETA will be valid for two years or until passport expiration. Applications for an ETA opened on Wednesday, but will only be needed for Aussie travellers arriving in the UK from January 8. The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries required to have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (stock image) An ETA allows multiple journeys to the UK and permits stays of up to six months per trip. The ETA must be approved before boarding a flight to the UK, and most applicants receive a response within three working days. The requirements for an ETA are a valid Australian passport, digital photo, and a credit or debit card for payment. Applicants will also need to answer a set of personal questions. Australians with dual British or Irish citizenship don't need an ETA if they are travelling using their British passport, Irish passport or other passport that contains a certificate of entitlement. In 2023, visitors from Australia, USA and Canada contributed 8.8billion (AUD$17billion) to the UK economy. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, said: 'This expansion of ETA is a significant step forward in delivering a border thats efficient and fit for the digital age.' 'Through light-touch screening before people step foot in the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring visitors have a smooth travel experience.' The Education Secretary last night urged teachers not to take part in pro-Palestine demonstrations at schools today. Bridget Phillipson said the action would make British Jews feel intimidated and that taking part would be completely unacceptable. Militant union bosses have been accused of trying to create a hostile atmosphere for Jewish people by organising the demonstrations across the public sector. Thousands of teachers, NHS staff and civil servants are expected to take part in the workplace day of action today in protest at the war in Gaza. They have been encouraged to turn up to work wearing red, green and black clothing - the colours of the Palestinian flag - and badges in support of the Palestinian cause. But Ms Phillipson told the Daily Mail that the demos were ill-advised and divisive and that teachers should leave their political views at the school gate. She said: I would urge the minority of teachers considering taking part in protests on Thursday to think very carefully about the message they are sending to children and young people, and in particular Jewish students. Many Jewish young people, including in schools and in universities, have experienced abhorrent anti-Semitism, particularly over the past year. Education Minister Bridget Phillipson (Pictured leaving 10 Downing Street on November 5) has urged teachers not to take part in pro-Palestine demonstrations She said it would be 'completely unacceptable' as the action would make Jewish students feel 'intimidated (Pictured: A bowl of badges at a pro-Palestinian student protest) For any pupil to feel unwelcome or intimidated in their school is completely unacceptable. Political impartiality in our schools matters; the safety and belonging of Jewish students matters; and as Education Secretary the interests of children and young people will always come first. Ms Phillipson is understood to be very concerned by the potential impact of the protest on Jewish pupils - and by the risk that it could breach strict rules on political impartiality in the classroom. These state that schools should not promote partisan political views in teaching and offer a balanced presentation of opposing views when political issues are brought to the attention of pupils. A Whitehall source added: Schools have very clear guidance about the requirement for political impartiality. It should be abundantly clear to them what their obligations are. Any discussion of these issues in school has to be balanced - there can be no perception of political partiality at all. The protests are being organised by Trades Union Congress (TUC), Unison, National Education Union (NEU), along with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and Stop The War Coalition (SWC). Many workers are expected to attend rallies outside NHS hospitals, public schools and councils during their lunch breaks. Protests and vigils are being planned outside at least six NHS hospitals, including St Marys Hospital in London, the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Bristol Royal Infirmary in what organisers are describing as the biggest day of action yet. Ms Phillipson (Pictured on Novembers 26) has told the Daily Mail that the demos were ill-advised and divisive She also stated that teachers should leave their political views at the school gate (Pictured: Free palestine badges during the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Group protest) NEU members working at scores of Sixth Form colleges are also expected to demonstrate their support for Palestine while striking as part of a separate pay dispute. Ahead of the protests, Jewish groups wrote to Ms Phillipson to highlight the damaging impact they believe the demonstrations will have on community cohesion. Lawyers have also contacted headteachers around the country to remind them of their legal obligation to ensure that pupils are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views in schools. A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said: This [workplace day of action] represents a continued failure of unions to support workers if they are Jewish. It is time for these unions to decide, are they there to support workers or to play student politics on a conflict on whose facts they appear to be plainly ignorant. China welcomes ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon Xinhua) 09:10, November 28, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China has been closely following the situation between Lebanon and Israel, and welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached by relevant parties, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the Israeli security cabinet has approved a ceasefire in Lebanon. The Lebanese government has welcomed this decision. When asked about China's comment on this matter, spokesperson Mao Ning said China has been closely following the situation between Lebanon and Israel and has consistently called on all parties to abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Mao said China supports all efforts that contribute to easing tensions and achieving peace, and welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached by relevant parties. At the same time, China believes that the failure to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza is the root cause of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. All parties should work together to promote an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, Mao added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Ear Hustle co-hosts Earlonne Woods, left, and Nigel Poor record a podcast in 2019. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally pardoned Woods. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle 2019 California Gov. Jerry Brown is interviewed by Earlonne Woods and the "Ear Hustle" podcast team in Sacramento in 2019. Brown commuted Woods prison sentence in 2018. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom pardoned Woods. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle 2019 Earlonne Woods, who co-founded the unique Ear Hustle podcast on prison life while serving 22 years behind bars, has seen his show downloaded by 80 million listeners and has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. On Wednesday, Woods gained another reward a pardon from Gov. Gavin Newsom for the assault and attempted-robbery convictions that sent him to prison. Woods, now 53, has provided evidence that he is living an upright life and deserves to be recognized for the work he has done to transform himself, Newsom said in announcing the pardon, which makes it easier for former prisoners to find employment. Woods was first convicted of kidnapping and robbing a drug dealer in Los Angeles at age 17 and spent six years in prison. In 1995, two years after his release, he was arrested on charges of assault and attempted robbery. Because of his previous convictions, he was sentenced under the states three strikes law to 31 years to life. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He took educational courses in prison and was enrolled in the Prison University Project at San Quentin when he met artist Nigel Poor, who was teaching photography to inmates. She proposed a project to inform outsiders about life behind bars, and in 2016 the Radiotopia network chose them from more than 1,500 applicants for a podcast, which they titled Ear Hustle, prison-speak for eavesdropping. The podcast the first ever entirely recorded and produced inside a prison was made available to prisoners elsewhere and has drawn listeners from around the world. It attracted another fan in then-Gov. Jerry Brown, who commuted Woods prison sentence in November 2018. Woods has clearly shown that he is no longer the man he was when he committed this crime and has set a positive example for his peers and, through his podcast, has shared meaningful stories from those inside prison, the then-governor said. Woods lives in the East Bay and has continued to produce the podcast, with new episodes every few weeks. In 2020, he, Poor and co-host Rahsaan Thomas were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for audio reporting. In 2021, Woods and Poor published a book titled This Is Ear Hustle. In response to the pardon, Woods thanked Newsom and others who have supported him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many of us who have transformed our mindsets and lives and who are working to help others, continue to encounter negative stigma and barriers based on things associated with our past, Woods said in a statement. This type of thinking can prevent someone from getting a job or traveling freely. This pardon eliminates those judgments on me, and makes it easier for me to do more effective work in the community. The company behind the Miss America pageant has filed for bankruptcy as two top leaders within the organization feud over who is the rightful owner of the 103-year-old beauty competition. Robin Fleming, who became president and CEO of Miss America Competition LLC last year, and real-estate developer Glenn Straub both filed documents in court earlier this year claiming to have sole ownership. On Friday, Straub sent a chapter 11 filing to the US Bankruptcy Court in West Palm Beach, Florida, arguing that the company owes creditors $4 million, Bloomberg reported. Fleming filed with the court Monday saying the exact opposite. According to her, the company isn't in dire financial straits and that this a 'bad faith' attempt by Straub to wrest control of the pageant. Fleming asked the court to dismiss the case on the grounds that Straub doesn't actually own the company, which would make it impossible for him to file for bankruptcy, The Wall Street Journal reported. Furthermore, Fleming accused Straub of deliberately sabotaging the upcoming 2025 Miss America contest set to kick off on January 1. 'In approximately four weeks, thousands of people will head to Orlando, with hopeful young ladies and their families in attendance from across the country, to fulfill the chance of a lifetime to compete for the title of Miss America, a title recognized across America and beyond for more than 100 years,' Fleming's motion with the court stated. 'The bad-faith bankruptcy filing for MAC orchestrated by Straub is designed solely to prevent the 2025 Miss America Competition from going forward and succeeding.' The ownership dispute of Miss America is heating up between Robin Fleming, left, and Glenn Straub. Both parties filed complaints in bankruptcy court Miss Colorado Madison Marsh is crowned the New Miss America 2024 in Orlando, Florida, on January 14, 2024 Straub argued that it was Fleming who instigated this dispute by not turning over financial information and refusing to give up operational control of the business. A state court judge in Florida ordered Fleming in October to provide Straub access to the company's financials and other key documents. Fleming has said she bought Miss America's assets through various legal entities in December 2022. It seems that the pageant itself will be safe either way, since the court has said it can continue as scheduled while the legal battle plays out. Straub also wrote a letter to Miss America board members and volunteers Tuesday pledging that the pageant will still happen even if he has to fund it himself, the Journal reported. As part of a separate lawsuit, he alleged last week that Fleming is misappropriating Miss America assets to pay for her legal fees. Robin Fleming, who became president and CEO of Miss America Competition LLC last year, and real-estate developer Glenn Straub both filed documents claiming to have sole ownership (pictured: Miss New York Nia Franklin, center, reacting after being named Miss America 2019) Straub also said he tried to fire Fleming but she allegedly refused to leave. 'This reckless practice is putting Miss America in financial and legal jeopardy and I will not allow this to destroy all that you and I have worked so hard to accomplish,' Straub wrote in his letter. 'They have forced me to take this legally proper step to [e]nsure the long term survival of the organization.' As of May, Miss America's board was on Fleming's side. They voted unanimously to transfer the company's assets to her. Judge Erik P. Kimball will be presiding over the case and could ultimately decide who the rightful owner of the company is. The Miss America pageant began in 1921 and was originally a beauty contest that took place on the boardwalk of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Over the decades, it expanded so that each US state and the District of Columbia hold their own local pageants. The winner of those contests are then sent to the national competition. College student Brian Nguyen, 19, poses with other local Miss America contestants following her landmark win. The aspiring model is the first transgender woman to win a local title In last decade, the Miss America pageant has been facing a consistent decline in viewership. In a bid to make the event more inclusive and 'empowering,' the mostly female leadership got rid of the swimsuit competition in 2018. Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News host and the winner of Miss America in 1989, was instrumental in making this happen after she became a board member. She resigned from her post in 2019. Miss America has also become more accepting of trans people, with the first ever transgender woman winning a local title in November 2022. Brian Nguyen, then 19 years old, won the Miss Greater Derry title in New Hampshire, sparking outrage among critics who accused the competition of going woke. The parents of a little girl who died after being left inside a car on a hot day have been described as a 'loving family'. The two-year-old girl was found by emergency services in a vehicle in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council car park at Innisfail, Far North Queensland, on Monday afternoon. They were called out by worried locals as temperatures soared to 30.4C. Paramedics treated the girl at the scene and then rushed her to Innisfail Hospital where staff continued CPR, but she could not be revived. The girl's parents have been identified as council employee Jason Hemingway and Yoanywe Diaz, and have not been accused of any wrongdoing by police. Father Kerry Crowley from the Mother of Good Counsel parish has confirmed the family were members of the church community. 'Ive had so many families come to me and ask how can we help Jason and Yoanywe, they have no words, they dont know what to say, but they want to help,' he told the Courier Mail. 'A lot of people see themselves in the same light, and think "What if that was my child?" Cassowary Coast Regional Council employee Jason Hemingway has been identified as the father of the toddler, and has not been accused of any wrongdoing Queensland Police have described their investigation as 'complex and detailed' 'Its certainly a community that wants to help, and my answer right now is prayer pray for them. 'They are a loving family, a well-respected family and a family of faith. Their daughter was full of life and charm, and shes not with them anymore, but she will be their angel.' Mr Hemingway works within the Information, Communication and Technology department at the local council. Queensland Police superintendent Mick Searle on Tuesday described the investigation as 'complex and detailed' and said the toddler had been there for a 'significant period of time'. 'Were being assisted by the family and other specialist police and that investigation will continue for quite some time,' he said. 'Support is being provided to the family and friends and the Innisfail community, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the people involved in this matter.' Mayor Teresa Millwood expressed her sympathies for the toddler's family. 'The Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to extend our condolences to the family involved and if there's anything we can do, we are happy to help them,' Ms Millwood said. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli gave his condolences. 'Our hearts are with the Innisfail community as they grapple with this tragedy,' he said. Disturbing body camera footage caught the moment the mother of a two-month-old baby lunged at police officers, prompting one cop to pull out a gun. Maria Pike, 34, and her daughter, Destinii Hope, sustained fatal injuries in the police-involved shooting in Independence, Missouri on November 7. The incident reportedly began after Pike got into a physical altercation with Destinii's paternal grandmother, Talisa Coombs, amid concerns about the baby's welfare, according to the Kansas City Star. Coombs claimed Pike threw things at her and pulled her hair, and even attempted to push her down the stairs when she went to go check on her grandchild that day. She then called the Children's Division of the Missouri Department for Social Services and the Independence police, with family members claiming they thought Pike would just be arrested and given the help she needed for postpartum depression, KCTV reports. But body camera footage released on Wednesday showed Independence officers approaching Coombs, looking visibly distraught, and her husband, Brian Coombs, outside a building at the Opal Springs Apartment at around 1.45pm. Police then determined that a domestic assault had taken place, and got permission from the apartment manager to enter Pike's home, where they found her clutching her infant inside a closet. Independence police said they spoke with her for 11 minutes, only part of which was shown in the body camera footage released Wednesday, in which an officer asked her if she is OK or whether she had been hurt. Maria Pike, 34, and her daughter, Destinii Hope, sustained fatal injuries in the police-involved shooting in Independence, Missouri on November 7 Pike only responded by shaking and nodding her head as she rocked her baby, but did not say anything at any point when she is on camera in the footage. Independence police said they then tried to convince her to release her daughter, but she refused. Instead, officers say, she walked past the cops to sit on a bed next to a nightstand, where there was a large knife. The video even shows Pike sitting on the bed with the baby's dad, Mitchell Holder, at the foot of the bed. She could then be seen picking up the knife while still clutching her baby and raising it over her head before charging at an officer. The footage released Wednesday stops before any shots were fired and it is unclear how many times the officer fired his gun. All three of the officers who responded to the apartment that day are now on administrative leave amid a Police-Involved Incident Team investigation into the shooting. But family members are calling for justice. Body camera footage released Wednesday shows Pike clutching her daughter inside a closet She then walked past police officers, sat on a bed and grabbed a large knife as she lunged at one of the cops The video cuts out before the cop fired any shots, and it is unclear how many shots were fired 'I want accountability. I want responsibility on the cop,' Nina Book, Pike's twin sister, told Fox 4 KC. She said she and her sister would discuss growing old together. 'I never thought a cop would take their lives,' Book said of the mother-of-three, whom she described as 'very talented,' 'bright and intelligent' and a 'great' cook who was 'proud of her Russian' heritage. 'She loved all children,' Book continued. 'It didn't matter if they were close to her or not. She would light up in the room with other people's kids. She was good with kids.' In fact, Book said, during the last phone call she had with her sister, 'she was really excited to tell me about her baby. 'She told me she believed God was giving her another chance to have a child. She was going to anything and everything she could to not be separated from her child.' But Pike had been suffering from severe postpartum depression, her family says, and in the moments after she gave birth to Destinii on August 22, she reportedly told hospital staff that she was homeless and she 'felt like hurting herself,' Talisa Coombs told the Star. Police said they repeatedly asked Pike to put the baby down Family members say Pike was suffering from postpartum depression She said staff then tried to get Pike and her daughter some help, with someone from the Children's Division asking Holder whether Pike and the baby could stay there. Coombs noted that she also offered to let Pike and Destinii stay at her house, in an upstairs bedroom, but she didn't want to. So the grandma said she ultimately told a Children's Division worker she would go to the apartment and 'check up on Destinii as many times as I can.' She claimed that in her granddaughters just two-and-a-half months of life, she visited her son's apartment 'like three times a day.' Coombs also said the Children's Division ordered Pike and Holder - who is reportedly living with dissociative identity disorder and is collecting disability checks - to go to therapy and counseling. But when asked whether they ever did, Coombs replied, 'not that I know of.' She and her daughter were living with the baby's father, Mitchell Holder, after Pike reportedly told hospital staff she was homeless and was concerned about the welfare of her daughter The grandmother went on to claim that social services was called on the couple again at the end of October, when Pike allegedly tried to smother her child in the woods. She said Destinii was taken to a local hospital, and Pike checked herself into a mental hospital for an evaluation three days later. When Destinii was later released from the hospital, Coombs said, a Children's Division employee brought her back to Holder's apartment and told Holder and Coombs - who was at the apartment at the time - that Pike could no longer be left alone with the baby. 'They did not ask me to take Destinii at all,' Coombs recounted. 'When they gave that baby to Mitchell, they didn't give him no papers at all, saying anything about him having, you know, temporary custody until a hearing or nothing. 'And usually, they're supposed to give you this paperwork saying, "This is the plan right here and you need to follow this plan." They didn't give him one inch [of] a piece of paper at all,' she claimed. Hours before the police-involved shooting, the child's grandmother said she was called to check on the baby's condition, which is when she and Pike got into a physical altercation Coombs also claimed that the couple would repeatedly ignore the Department of Social Services phone calls and any attempts to help them, even cursing out a social services worker at one point. Social Services eventually requested the couple and their child attend a meeting on November 6 - just one day before the fatal shooting, and Coombs said one of the social services workers she had been communicating with told her to accompany them to the meeting after they missed a previous one. When the couple then refused to answer calls from the department on the day of the meeting, Brian said the Children's Division worker told them he and his wife would get custody of the baby. 'They said they were going to take that baby and give it to us to take care of until Mitchell and Maria got some help,' he told the Star. The Children's Division employee also reportedly asked the grandma to check on the couple that day because they weren't answering the phone. 'They wouldn't even open the door for me,' she said. 'I knocked on the door and I kept calling out the names. They didn't open the door.' A state worker then responded to the home, but their knocks also went unanswered, which led to police officers getting the same treatment when they were called, she said. The police ultimately left that day, saying they could not act without a court order. Talisa Coombs said she was asked to check on the baby's welfare the day of the shooting Coombs said the couple later called her and voiced their dismissal of state intervention. '[Their] exact words they said to me and my husband [were] "I don't want the CPS in my life and I am going to get rid of them, if I have to call the police on them." The following day, just hours before the police-involved shooting, Coombs said she received a call from the Children's Division employee, who asked her if she could check whether Destinii was still alive - which is when Coombs said Pike attacked her. 'They should have done that themselves,' Brian argued. 'If they thought that baby was in danger, that's their job. They should have went up there.' 'If they would have went over there, done their job, the outcome would have been different, I know it would have. It wouldn't have escalated to this.' One of Australia's worst paedophiles is due to begin two days of sentencing for more than 300 sexual offences committed while he was employed at childcare centres. Ashley Paul Griffith, 46, in September pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court to 28 counts of rape against young girls as well as ongoing sexual abuse and making child exploitation material. Griffith is due to return to court on Thursday following an adjournment to obtain pre-sentence and psychiatric reports. He has also pleaded guilty to 190 counts of indecent treatment of children aged under 12 while a carer, 67 counts of taking indecent photos and videos of children, and 15 counts of repeated sexual abuse of a child. Crown prosecutor Stephanie Gallagher had requested a two-day sentencing to conclude on Friday. 'There is a large number of victims in this case and family members who I suspect will be interested in providing impact statements,' Ms Gallagher previously told Judge Anthony Rafter. Griffith committed the crimes at childcare centres in multiple Brisbane suburbs over a span of almost 20 years. The Gold Coast resident stood in the dock during his previous arraignment for two hours while hundreds of charges were read to Judge Rafter in a courtroom overflowing with victims' families and police detectives. Former childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith, 46, (pictured) will face a two-day hearing in Brisbane District Court this week after pleading guilty to hundreds of child sex offences The Gold Coast resident stood in the dock during his previous arraignment for two hours while hundreds of charges were read to Judge Rafter in a courtroom overflowing with victims' families and police detectives (pictured is a court sketch) He replied 'guilty' after each charge was read out. Griffith was arrested in August 2022 by Australian Federal Police and originally charged with more than 1000 offences against 91 young girls, but hundreds of charges were later dropped. After the September arraignment, a mother of one of the victims said the evidence against Griffith was overwhelming and she was thankful not to have the added trauma of a trial. 'The idea of him being able to see the pictures of all these children again (at trial) would be heartbreaking,' she said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) Casey Anthony - who was once dubbed 'America's most hated woman' - has reportedly split from her aerospace engineer boyfriend after he separated from his wife for her. The 38-year-old, who was sensationally acquitted of murdering her two-year-old daughter in 2011, had been dating Tyson Ray Rhodes, 49, since January - when they were spotted at a South Florida bar together 'holding hands and kissing.' Anthony and Rhodes apparently met at a local gym they were both members of, after joining a group chat with other gym members and hitting it off. Soon, the pair began messaging one-on-one, and when Rhodes moved his family to Tennessee, Anthony got an apartment near his home. They were then spotted in September collecting belongings from her apartment in Murfreesboro in Rhodes's pick-up truck, before heading to the house that he briefly shared with his devastated wife of 22 years - who by then had changed her relationship status on Facebook to 'It's complicated.' But those close to Anthony say she has since grew bored of the affair. 'She gets bored easily,' a friend told the New York Post. 'It was very exciting when he was married because he was the forbidden fruit,' the friend explained. 'But once she had him, there was nowhere to go. Casey Anthony, 38, has reportedly separated from her boyfriend, Tyson Ray Rhodes, 49. They are pictured moving in together in September 'What was she going to do with him?' the source asked, rhetorically. 'She grew tired and restless, so it was time to move on.' Meanwhile, a family source claimed that Rhodes now feels he made a mistake by leaving his wife, Sandy, for the notorious tot mom. 'He regrets leaving his marriage for her,' the source said of the father-of-two. 'He wasn't thinking clearly. 'He has a lot of repairs to make,' they added. 'I wouldn't want to be him right now.' The source noted that since Sandy, was left 'blindsided' by the revelation her husband was dating Anthony, who first gained widespread notoriety in 2008 after her two-year-old daughter, Caylee vanished. An ensuing investigation revealed that Caylee had been missing for a month before Anthony's mother, Cindy, filed a missing person report. The mother was instead seen partying in nightclubs and hanging out with friends. Caylee's skeletal remains were eventually found wrapped in a blanket inside a laundry bag in a wooded area near Anthony's home in Orlando, Florida, in December 2008. Rhodes' wife of 22 years, Sandy, was said to have been left 'blindsided' by her husband's relationship with the notorious tot mom Anthony gained widespread notoriety in 2008 after her two-year-old daughter, Caylee vanished, and she was charged with her murder Anthony, then 21, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, with police claiming she killed her daughter to party with friends and her boyfriend. But she was sensationally acquitted of first-degree murder three years later in a trial that transfixed America. For years afterward, Anthony kept out of the spotlight. However, in a Peacock docuseries in 2022, Anthony spoke out about what she said happened to her daughter. She claimed she was 'working - not partying' when she was pictured taking part in a hot body contest and in nightclubs during the search for her daughter. She then went on to blame her father, George, for Caylee's death - a claim he has strongly denied. She was sensationally acquitted of first-degree murder three years later in a trial that transfixed America in 2011 Still, Anthony maintained throughout the docuseries that she thought Caylee was alive, that her father was holding her captive and that he was instructing her to pretend everything was OK. 'I just tried to be as normal as I could...that was part of the main instruction from my dad be as normal as possible. I couldn't show that there was anything going on,' she said. 'All of the photos that people show of me out in those 31 days, I wasn't partying. You don't see drinks in my hand. I was there actually working. I was helping Tony [the boyfriend] promote. 'During the 31 says, I genuinely believed Caylee was alive. My father kept telling me she was OK. I just had to keep following his instructions. 'I just knew I had to do what he wanted me to do. Just do what he wants. It worked before, do it now. I did what I needed to do to survive.' Anthony's father was never arrested in connection with the child's disappearance and death. He instead testified for the State of Florida during her trial, telling a jury how he smelled the odor of a dead body in Casey's car weeks after Caylee vanished. Britons have be warned that thick 'freezing' fog is expected to set in overnight, causing difficult driving conditions and a chance of traffic delays. A yellow weather warning has been issued for northern Ireland and parts of England as patches of fog form with temperatures plummeting below zero. Both warnings are currently in place until 10am. Ice on roads is expected, with the Met Office urging drivers to take care and set off early in affected areas from Manchester through Birmingham, Bath and Salisbury. Forecasters say the fog could cause travel chaos as the thick fog could impact rail and bus services - and potentially delay and cancel flights. It comes after Storm Conall buffeted the UK with two weeks' worth of rain in the space of just 24 hours on Wednesday, and Storm Bert continues to batter Britain. The Isle of Wight was the worst hit, with 43.3mm (1.7in) in the 24 hours up to 10am yesterday, with rush-hour rail services also affected in south-east England. Last night, there were 80 weather warnings, meaning people should be prepared for flooding across the Midlands and South, and 154 lower-level flood alerts, where flooding is possible. A yellow weather warning has been issued for northern Ireland and parts of England as patches of fog form overnight with temperatures plummeting below zero Fog and freezing temperatures are expected to set in overnight as Britain reels from Storm Bert Northern Ireland and parts of western England are expected to be caught in the fog Flooded caravans at Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park in Northampton on November 26 A business owner clears flood water from his property at Billing Wharf, near the River Nene, Northamptonshire, on November 26 A truck driving through flood water in Northampton on Tuesday, November 26 At least five people have died amid devastating flooding brought by Storm Bert, with strong winds and power cuts causing major delays around the British Isles. Nearly 240 flood alerts or warnings remained in place by Wednesday afternoon as Environment Agency teams are hampered in their recovery efforts. The Met Office has urged caution with fog across parts of western England expected to hinder visibility from just after midnight until 10am. Visibility could fall below 100 metres (328ft) in some of the worst-affected areas, and delays to public services could follow. Which areas will be affected? Northamptonshire Buckinghamshire Hampshire Oxfordshire Southampton West Berkshire Blackburn with Darwen Blackpool Cheshire East Cheshire West and Chester Greater Manchester Halton Lancashire Merseyside Warrington Bath and NE Somerset Bristol Dorset Gloucestershire North Somerset Somerset South Gloucestershire Swindon Wiltshire Flintshire Monmouthshire Newport Wrexham Herefordshire Shropshire Staffordshire Stoke-on-Trent Telford and Wrekin Warwickshire West Midlands Conurbation Worcestershire Source: Met Office Advertisement With temperatures falling below freezing, icy patches will be an additional hazard on untreated surfaces, the Met Office notes. The majority of flights to and from Belfast City Airport have already been cancelled amid the fog warning. Disruption is expected to continue through tomorrow morning. A five day forecast warns of frost, fog and icy stretches developing widely across the UK. Wednesday night is expected to see some coastal showers in the east as a widespread frost forms, with dense fog in some areas. Frost and fog will slowly clear from most areas through Thursday for a dry but chilly afternoon. Patchy rain can be expected to appear in some parts of western England. Forecasters are predicting a cold and rainy Friday before a mild weekend with intervals of rain. The Environment Agency warned that ongoing flooding impacts would continue through Wednesday as river levels remain high from sustained rainfall from Storm Bert last weekend. Storm Conall has since brought more rainfall to the south and southeast of England, slowing the recovery. Secretary of State Steve Reed held a meeting with Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy on Monday to discuss the response and plans to protect communities. The Government is also investing 2.4bn until March 2026 to improve resilience to flooding and better protect communities nationwide. Several people died as Storm Bert swept through the UK and brought powerful winds and flooding. Thousands of homes have been left without power and public services delayed by the impact. A body was found in a search for 75-year-old Brian Perry on Sunday afternoon after he went missing in north Wales on Saturday. A man in his 60s died after a tree fell on a car on the A34 near Winchester, police said. A man in his 80s died in hospital after he was rescued from a car that had driven into a ford on Saturday. A 34-year-old man died in a single-vehicle collision early on Saturday, police reported. It was unclear if the tragedy was linked to the storm, but conditions were icy. A man in his 40s also died in a crash on the A45. It was not clear if the incident was linked to the storm. Flooded fields and roads near Upton-upon-Severn on Wednesday Flooded fields and roads near Upton upon Severn, on November 27 Vehicles drive through floodwater on Victoria Embankment in central London on Wednesday Homeowners and businesses said they 'have lost everything' as flash floods and strong winds wreaked havoc over the weekend. Hundreds of homes were flooded, roads were turned to rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across the UK during the height of the storm. What is a yellow weather warning? Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. Many are issued when it is likely that the weather will cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places. Many people may be able to continue with their daily routine, but there will be some that will be directly impacted and so it is important to assess if you could be affected. Other yellow warnings are issued when the weather could bring much more severe impacts to the majority of people but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower. It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the yellow warning. Advertisement Some residents and business owners have had to appeal to the public for help amid fears they will not be able to clear the devastation by Christmas. Lynn Bridgeman, who lives in a caravan park in Taunton, Somerset, said she went through an 'absolutely terrifying experience' in the early hours of Sunday when strong winds caused her awning to collapse. She said: 'At three o'clock in the morning, my caravan went up on one wheel and that was the most horrifying thing I have ever experienced. 'I thought the caravan was going to topple over. I literally screamed. 'When I got up in the morning, I couldn't get out of the caravan because the awning had come down and the pole got pushed into the door.' Ms Bridgeman, who kept her clothes, food, and electrics in the awning, said her neighbours had to cut out what was left of the canopy to get her out of the caravan. The 53-year-old mother of three, who had already lost her home 18 months prior after deteriorating health prevented her from working, set up a GoFundMe page hoping to raise enough money to replace her lost possessions - and assist other residents of the park who have been affected by the storm. So far, 355 has been raised out of a 12,000 target. 'I have lost everything,' Ms Bridgeman said. 'I had everything in that awning, from my food to my clothes to my electrics. 'We had been preparing for the winter and it's all gone, and all the money that we put into it. 'I just absolutely feel destroyed. Every time I open up my caravan door at the moment, I burst into tears. 'Losing things that you have worked for is very hard. It's absolutely heartbreaking, to have to stand there and just rebuild again.' She added: 'Luckily, we are all family here in this site. This is why I did this GoFundMe - so hopefully I can not only help myself, but them too.' Storm Conall is the third of the season and was named by the Dutch Weather Service, which along with the Met Office and Met Eireann in Ireland, names storms so communication about severe weather is easier. More flood warnings were issued through Wednesday, but Environment Secretary Steve Reed assured the impact 'should be less severe'. Children younger than 16 are set to be banned from social media, with federal parliament poised to enact the world-first legislation. The Senate is expected on Thursday to pass the laws that would ban young people from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with the bill having bipartisan support. However, there has been concern the proposal has been rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny, given Australia would be the first country to implement such a ban. The ban would come into effect one year after the laws pass the parliament, with trials of age-verification technology still being carried out. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would keep children safe online. 'We know parents are concerned about the harms to children and we have taken a decision to support them,' she told parliament. 'Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanese government is delivering exactly that.' An inquiry into the laws ran for just three hours, with people only given one day to hand in submissions, while critics said there was a lack of consultation with young people themselves. The ban, which would see children under 16-years-old from accessing social media, would come into effect one year after the laws pass the parliament Minister Michelle Rowland has defended the laws, saying the government is supporting parents Suicide Prevention Australia executive director Christopher Stone said the laws had been rushed and would not address the issues of bullying and predation as the government had claimed. 'The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation,' he said. 'It has bypassed the rigorous consultation and scrutiny needed for such a far-reaching decision. 'Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste. 'This legislation fails to consider the positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health and sense of connection.' While the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support, several Coalition members have broken ranks on the issues over concerns that bans on social media were an unjustified restriction on speech and communication, and paved the way to broader censorship. Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer crossed the floor to vote against the ban in the House of Representatives, while Senator Matt Canavan has also criticised the laws. Millions of Aussies on the east coast will be smashed by severe thunderstorms and 'triple digit' rain after being gripped by a stifling heatwave. A massive 4,000km cloud band extending from the Top End to Tasmania will bring intense rainfall and potential flash flooding to large swathes of the east coast. The arrival of the rain will bring some much-needed relief in NSW following the longest run of hot spring days in parts of western Sydney. Weatherzone meteorologist Quincy Tut told Daily Mail Australia a pair of surface troughs were moving in from western NSW in the wake of the heatwave. 'That trough is going to be lingering into the weekend, and that's what's going to be enhancing this instability and moisture and kicking off these storms that we're going to be seeing pretty much every afternoon into the weekend,' he said. 'We could see damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall is likely to accompany these storms pretty much right up towards the central coast and in the Sydney Basin. '[Heavy rainfall] will be stretching from Sydney up towards the Central Coast.' Large parts of the Australia's east coast are set to experience rainfall totals of between 30-60mm this week with the Murray-Darling Basin and tropics in Queensland face potential falls of over 100mm. Millions of Aussies on the east coast will be smashed by severe thunderstorms and 'triple digit' rain after being gripped by a stifling heatwave (pictured, rain in Melbourne) Severe storms are predicted for central and eastern NSW. Western parts of NSW have also been warned to brace for possible heavy rainfall. Parts of South Australia, Victoria and NSW's southwest have already been lashed by heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. Western parts of NSW have also been warned to brace for heavy rainfall. Sydney, along with the Hunter and Illawarra regions, will again be in the firing line of severe thunderstorms for Thursday afternoon and evening. Central and eastern NSW will also be battered by damaging winds on Thursday afternoon. The NSW State Emergency Service has warned millions of residents to prepare for 'potentially severe storms with heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail' for much of the state, including Sydney, the NSW mid north coast, the Hunter and Illawarra. Mr Tut said a high pressure ridge is going to stabilise conditions in Victoria until Saturday, when the low pressure system moves across the state. 'From Saturday we're going to start to see some of those storm chances increasing, including Melbourne,' the forecaster said. Meanwhile, the mercury will reach tops of 37C in Perth on Friday as firefighters fight a bushfire threatening several communities north of the city. Two large air tankers from NSW have been sent to the west coast to tackle the blaze. A massive 4,000km cloud band extending from the Top End to Tasmania will bring intense rainfall and potential flash flooding to large swathes of the east coast (pictured) The rains arrival will bring some relief in NSW following the sweltering heatwave, that saw people flocking to beaches to cool off Brisbane Friday: Shower or two. Min 23C Max 29C. Saturday: Showers. Min 22C Max 27C. Sunday: Showers. Min 22C Max 28C. Sydney Friday: Showers. Min 21C Max 25C. Saturday: Rain. Min 21C Max 23C. Sunday: Shower or two. Min 20C Max 30C. Canberra Friday: Showers. Possible storm. Min 15C Max 25C. Saturday: Rain. Possible heavy showers. Min 15C Max 20C. Sunday: Shower or two. Min 15C Max 26C. Temperatures soared to a sizzling 40 degrees across the Sydney's western suburbs on Wednesday (pictured visitors at Bondi Beach) Melbourne Friday: Partly cloudy. Min 17C Max 27C. Saturday: Showers. Possible heavy falls. Min 17C Max 22C. Sunday: Shower or two. Min 17C Max 23C. Hobart Friday: Possible shower. Min 11C Max 19C. Saturday: Showers, tending rain. Min 12C Max 19C. Sunday: Rain. Possible heavy falls. Min 14C Max 22. Adelaide Friday: Possible late shower. Min 13C Max 25C. Saturday: Possible shower. Min 15C Max 24C. Sunday: Cloud clearing. Min 15C Max 26C. The damaging heatwave has put pressure on Australia's power systems with households urged to consume less power (pictured weather map) Perth Friday: Mostly sunny. Min 21C Max 37C. Saturday: Sunny. Min 21C Max 30C. Sunday: Shower or two. Min 17C Max 24C. Darwin Friday: Shower or two. Min 26C Max 33C. Saturday: Shower or two. Min 25C Max 32C. Sunday: Shower or two. Possible storm. Min 26C Max 33C. Tomorrow, immigration figures will be released that should show a drop in net migration. This is because of the changes we made in the last year of the Conservative government. The figures we saw for 2023 were astonishing. They highlighted a big problem we must be honest about. Even if we see a decline in tomorrows data, the fact is immigration, both legal and illegal, is too high. Migration affects all of our lives in different ways. It certainly affected mine, and that is why I am happy to speak about it without fear. I believe our country is a beacon of light that shines all over the world - a place of security, opportunity, and prosperity, where people are treated equally. Millions want to come here, but we as politicians have to do right by the citizens of this country, before anyone else. Our country cannot sustain the numbers we have seen. We are reducing the quality of life for people already here. Because immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services, and at a rate, where it is next to impossible to integrate those from radically different cultures. It is time to tell the truth. For decades the entire political class in this country has presided over mass migration. Since 1994, every year has seen more people arrive in this country than leave. Numbers climbed and climbed. During the last Conservative administration, we promised to bring numbers down. We did not deliver that promise. We ended Free Movement, but the system that replaced it is not working. Some of the increase in migration was for humanitarian reasons that few would disagree with - taking in refugees from Ukraine and British overseas nationals from Hong Kong. But that was not the whole story. We may have tried to control numbers, but overall we did not deliver. Under my leadership, we are learning from our mistakes, and it is time for a new approach. We need to change. Lets break it down. First: if immigration is too quick, there is no integration. The ties that bind us start to fray. It doesnt matter whether you are massively for immigration, or massively against it, without a shared national identity our country will suffer. When people come here they must buy into the values, customs, and institutions that attracted them here in the first place. Second: the political class cannot pretend that immigration comes only with benefits and no costs when we can all see the pressure on housing, roads, GPs, and wages. We must be honest. The failure of politics over the last thirty years has been to gloss over it or make it a fringe issue. That has to stop. Third: we can no longer be naive. Its nonsense that we have allowed a situation where judges deem safe countries to be unsafe. Where loopholes are wilfully exploited by opportunists. Where the latest legal ruses and wheezes are sent around the world on social media. Now, as I have said, tomorrows figures will likely show a reduction in net immigration, and no doubt the new Government will try to take credit for that reduction. But that change is due to the reforms that the Conservatives made in our final months in power. For example, over the last 18 months, income thresholds for work visas increased by 50%. Restrictions were placed on care workers and students bringing family members into the country. Labour may criticise our record on immigration, but remember, throughout the last 14 years, the Labour party were urging us to relax controls upon immigration. Even though those figures tomorrow are likely to be a start in the right direction its not enough. We remain a world away from where we need to be. Labour wont get us there. Under a Labour government, immigration will remain far too high. We are already seeing the signs. For example, the last Conservative Government committed to increasing the income threshold which a family must earn to bring relatives to the UK. This reform alone was estimated to cut net migration dramatically, but the Labour Government have suspended that change. The Home Secretary wants a returns agreement with the EU, but thats the exact kind of agreement that saw us take more asylum seekers than were returned to the continent. So Labour wont change anything. The Prime Minister himself once said that there is a racist undercurrent which permeates all immigration law. And, of course, he and his Cabinet fought against the end of Free Movement. They scrapped the Rwanda deterrent before it had even started. And we are already seeing the inevitable result as more and more people cross the Channel, with significantly more arriving than last year. Labour have no serious plan for ending illegal migration. As the former head of the Border Force has pointed out, enforcement on its own will never solve the problem. People know that if they can make it to the UK, they will be able to stay/ We must end that. The result of Labours policies will be consistently high illegal immigration throughout this Parliament and insufficient action on legal migration. But we are not in Government now, we are the Opposition, and our role now is to hold the Government to account. Our Governments primary responsibility must be to its own citizens. Yes economists sometimes argue that immigration can increase a countrys wealth, but they are not thinking about the effect on individual people. In Government theres little detailed analysis about the impact of different types of immigration on living standards or on wage levels. Theres even less analysis on the pressure on public services, or housing, or the welfare system, as a result of mass migration. Sometimes theres even a squeamishness about discussing the negative aspects of immigration. This is not just a question of money. Its a question of fairness. And perhaps most importantly, most British citizens dont want to change whats good about our country. Even those who have recently arrived dont want to change these things. They came here because of what our country is - a secure and free society. Most people want to preserve that. So we need a new approach. We will not accept the claim that we can only deliver growth by accepting mass migration. We need a new approach, which will mean that young people can build their lives in a country which does not have these pressures on housing and public services. And a new approach that starts by asking why government doesnt seem to be able to deliver that. The answer is because the system is broken, and until you accept that, any politician, all politicians, are doomed to fail. We have to get the diagnosis right. So we will review every policy, treaty and part of our legal framework - including the ECHR and the Human Rights Act. And in designing our detailed policies, we will put the following elements at the core: A strict numerical cap, with visas only for those who will make a substantial and clear overall contribution. A fully transparent approach, publishing all the data, so that for the first time everyone can see the real costs and benefits of different types of migration. A reconsidered approach to citizenship and settlement - making the path to a British passport a privilege to be earned not an automatic right. Zero tolerance for foreign criminals remaining in the UK. And, of course, an effective deterrent for illegal migration. Overall our plans will look at all immigration routes - family, study, asylum, and work - and at all ways people can enter the UK. We will look at the access of migrants and any dependents to welfare and public services. And we will need to improve the data and economic modelling that decision makers rely on. But I want to end on something very simple. We can argue about the effects of migration on the economy. We can discuss the impact on public services and housing, and we havent done that enough. But fundamentally - this country is not a dormitory or a hotel, it is our home. We need to look after it. I want to rebuild the trust between the Conservative Party and the British people, I know we have got a lot of work to do, but the first step is to accept that mistakes were made, and to learn from them. As the new Party Leader I want to acknowledge that we made mistakes. Yes, some of these problems are long standing - this is a collective failure of political leaders from all parties over decades - but on behalf of the Conservative Party it is right that I as the new Leader accept responsibility, and say truthfully we got this wrong. I more than understand the public anger on this issue. I share it. The Conservatives will develop a detailed plan for immigration to put before the British public before the next election. They will have a clear choice. The policies of Labour, which are doomed to fail, or a new coherent plan. Its time to tell the truth on immigration. And over the coming months, thats exactly what Im going to do. An Illinois mother was slammed with a hefty hospital bill of $445 for her toddler who never made it past the waiting room of their local emergency room. Maggi Wettstein was forced to rush her daughter Ryan Wettstein Nauman, 3, to Carle Health Methodist Hospital at around 10.30pm on December 19 over fears of an infection after hours of crying. On arrival, the frantic mom noticed that the emergency room was mostly empty and quickly got the child checked in. Medical records state that Maggi had explained Ryan's symptoms, which included an intermittent fever to hospital staff at the time. The toddler was triaged and given a nasal swab test to check for Covid-19 and influenza A and B, according to KFF Health News. The mother and daughter then sat down in the hall, and waited to be called upon for hours. At one point, Maggi realized that the toddler had stopped crying and seemed to be happily enjoying herself in the room's playing area. A little more at ease, Maggi decided to drive her daughter home and monitor her symptoms which would come with the benefit of avoiding a lengthy ER bill. Maggi Wettstein (pictured) feared her daughter might be coming down with an infection when she made the call to get her checked out at her local emergency room on December 19 Maggi says there was no staff member present at the check-in desk to inform that they were leaving. But in October 2024, Maggi was shocked to receive a bill of a staggering $445 for the combined Covid-19 and flu test form the hospital. After insurance coverage, the bill fell to $298.15 but the price seemed remarkably high considering at no point during their short visit did they see a doctor. Maggi, who was unable to remember whether Ryan had been tested, quickly asked for her child's records and discovered that she had tested negative for all infections. She said: 'The fact that I never saw a provider and the fact that it was just for a Covid-19 test is mind-blowing to me'. In contrast, an at-home Covid-19 test and/or influenza A/B rapid test from Walgreens costs anywhere between $25 to $30. Similarly, a Flowflex Plus Covid-19 and Flu A/B home test from CVS costs $12.99. Soon enough, Maggi contacted the hospital's billing department to confirm the amount and spoke to a hospital representative, who was left as shocked as her after hearing the story. 'Don't pay this until you hear from me,' Maggi recalled being told. In October 2024, the mom received a bill for $445 for the combined Covid-19 and flu test form the hospital After insurance coverage, the bill fell to $298.15. At no point during their short visit did they see a doctor But shortly after, she received a letter from the hospital stating that the charges were correct and supported by documentation. While Maggi had assumed that she was avoiding any big charges by taking Ryan home without being seen, she instead received a bill 'that they have verified that I have to pay'. 'Like I said, it's mind-blowing to me. Im not going to create a habit out of going to the emergency room,' she further told KFF. Loren Adler, a fellow and associate director of the Brookings Institution Center on Health Policy, told KFF Health News: 'Thats a pretty healthy markup the hospital is making on it. '[The hospital] is utilizing their market power to make as much money as possible and the insurance companies are not all that good at pushing back'. Brittany Simon, a public relations manager for Carle Health Methodist Hospital told the outlet in a statement: 'We follow policies that support the safety and wellbeing of our patients, which includes the initial triage of symptomatic patients to the Emergency Department.' The pair arrived at Carle Health Methodist Hospital (pictured) where her young daughter was given a nasal swab test to check for Covid-19 and influenza A and B This comes amid concerns about a healthcare trend causing a ten-fold rise in some patient's medical bills. Danielle Ofri, a primary care doctor at Bellevue Hospital in New York took her daughter to what she thought was an urgent care center in Chicago, hoping to get a quick X-ray after a bicycle accident. Weeks later she received a bill for $1,168 and discovered that the clinic was owned by a hospital that tagged on hundreds of dollars for 'facility fees'. 'It turns out that I'd stumbled into a lucrative corner of the health care market called hospital outpatient departments, or HOPDs,' she told the NY Times. 'Since these facilities don't necessarily look like hospitals, patients can be easily deceived and end up with hefty financial surprises. The hospital-owned clinics carry out the same routine procedures as independents but are allowed to charge higher prices. The average charge for a colonoscopy is $1,383 at a HOPD, compared $625 at a doctor's office according to a study by the National Institute for Health Care Reform. Delete CFPB. There are too many duplicative regulatory agencies, Musk posted to X Wednesday. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Rohit Chopra is director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency targeted by Republicans for years and most recently by Elon Musk. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press Elon Musk called for the abolishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency created to protect consumers from predatory financial practices following the 2008 financial crisis. But experts say killing the agency would be extremely difficult and could cause another financial crisis. Delete CFPB. There are too many duplicative regulatory agencies, Musk posted to X Wednesday. His comment set off a panic in the financial industry because Musk is expected to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a new advisory commission President-elect Donald Trump plans to create in his second term that will suggest ways to streamline the federal government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a video that received Musks attention, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen told Joe Rogan that the agency terrorizes financial institutions and prevents start-ups from competing with big banks. Republicans and some members of the financial industry have long argued the CFPBs authority is too vast and that it is unaccountable to Congress. Both Musk and Andreessen have beef with the agency, too. Andreessens firm, Andreessen Horowitz, was an investor in the payday lending company LendUp, which agreed to stop making new loans and eventually closed after the CFPB fined it for deceptive marketing and fair lending violations during both the Trump and Biden administrations. The CFPB has also proposed regulating how payday lenders disclose fees and costs associated with their products. Another company Andreessen Horowitz has invested in, EarnIn, would likely be subject to that regulation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musk could also be facing regulation by the CFPB. He has said he wants everyone to use X, the social media platform he owns, as their bank and has received licenses in 38 states to transmit money on the platform. The CFPB finalized a regulation Nov. 21 that would allow it to supervise digital payment platforms run by technology companies like Venmo, Apple Pay and Zelle a regulation that would likely apply to X if users are allowed to send money to one another. The CFPB is really, at this point, baked into the financial system. So it would be, in my view, utterly insane and destructive to take it out, said Helaine Olen, managing editor of the American Economic Liberties Project, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on addressing the concentration of corporate power. The agency has made the financial world inherently fairer to us little people, basically. It's given us some power that we did not have before and this has been perceived as incredibly threatening by a huge number of interests from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, and youre seeing the results of that, Olen said. If the agency was gone, there would be a short-term increase in profits by financial firms, Rutgers Law School professor David Noll said, however, the historical pattern is that leads to financial crisis. The CFPB was created under the Dodd-Frank Act, passed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to consolidate the regulation of consumer financial products housed within many other agencies and enforce regulation of those products. That means any attempt to get rid of the agency would require an act of Congress. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republicans have repeatedly attempted to pass legislation to reverse the CFPBs creation, but no effort has succeeded in the Senate. Any legislation to delete the agency would require 60 votes in the Senate, and its unlikely any Democrats would support it. Congress could target an agencys funding, but the CFPB is insulated there, too. The agency receives its funding from the Federal Reserve, which lawmakers cant touch. It turns out you cannot eliminate a government agency by tweeting about it. It would require an act of Congress, and I think it's an act that Congress has no intention of taking, Robert Weissman, co-president of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, told the Chronicle. The agency has twice survived lawsuits challenging its constitutionality. The most recent ruling came in May protecting the unique mechanism used to fund the agency. Project 2025, a collection of Republican policy proposals written by former Trump administration officials and advisers during the election, calls for abolishing the agency and reversing the portion of the law that created it, returning some of its functions to the prior regulators. One of the agencies that previously held some of the CFPBs functions, the Office of Thrift Supervision, was dissolved by the Dodd-Frank Act, however. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Experts argue the destruction of the CFPB would be catastrophic to the financial industry and markets, however. In a 2019 amicus brief, the Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Home Builders and National Association of Realtors said the agencys demise would result in disruptive uncertainty around millions of past home mortgage transactions, mortgage markets likely grinding to a halt because of a lack of confidence by lenders, and undo the time and money spent to comply with the agencys laws, all of which could result in consumers being largely unable to buy or sell their homes. The CFPB was created precisely because financial regulatory agencies werent working to protect consumers, Weissman said. Without the CFPB, essentially a lot of regulated firms would have carte blanche to engage in deceptive and abusive practices, Noll said. Energy and Climate Change minister Chris Bowen has been slammed for blaming coal-fired power stations for power outages while defending the reliability of renewable energy. The minister, who was dubbed 'Blackout Bowen' over the outages, pointed to ageing fossil fuel stations as the cause of New South Wales' blackout woes. 'This is about what I've been saying for some time, that the biggest threat to reliability in our energy systems is coal-fired power stations,' he told Sky News on Thursday. 'The least reliable part of our energy grid at the moment is coal-fired power. 'That's just a statement of fact. There hasn't been a day in the last 18 months when we haven't had a breakdown in a coal-fired power station. 'Renewables are the cheapest form of energy available to Australians. It would be a disaster for emissions, for reliability and prices, to pause that renewable investment and wait for nuclear to come on in the late 2030s or 2040s.' However the opposition says the lack of investment in coal powered stations has been the result of government's shift in energy supply toward renewables, not the cause of it. There were three expected outages in NSW on Wednesday in preparation for summer, Mr Bowen said, but then two other power stations that simply broke down. 'That means we've got to get more (renewables) investment on earlier. That's what we're doing,' he said. Chris Bowen pointed to ageing fossil fuel stations as the cause of the state's blackout woes But critics have questioned whether green energy projects are capable of carrying the entire energy-generating load once coal is phased out. 'The irony of yesterday's energy shortfall in NSW is that renewables couldn't fill the gap when several coal and gas fired plants were out of service because of scheduled maintenance,' one wrote on social media platform X. 'This has all to do with ministerial incompetence and nothing to do with coal.' 'I'm sure that if more of the general public truly understood the science and engineering involved in the generation and transmission of electricity there is no way they would be so tolerant or ambivalent to the economy-destroying policies and rantings of Chris Bowen,' another said. A third pointed to Australian Energy Market Operator data which showed on Thursday morning that coal was providing nearly 60 per cent of NSW's electricity, while solar was generating 27 per cent, and wind one per cent. 'Oh sure Chris Bowen, who needs coal?' they wrote. Parts of Sydney experienced a blackout on Tuesday afternoon as temperatures soared to the mid to high 30s, while regions in southern NSW were also hit with outages early on Wednesday morning, leaving 6,000 homes without electricity. NSW Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday urged residents not to use their dishwashers or washing machines during the afternoon peak, demonstrating how insufficient and temperamental Australia's energy supply has become despite vast resources. There were more outages on Thursday morning, with parts of Sydney's CBD hit with a major blackout that caused disruption to thousands of workers due to flooding at the substation. More than 1,000 AusGrid customers lost power in Barangaroo, Wynyard, and Martin Place, which include apartment blocks and major office buildings. The outage also knocked out traffic lights in Barangaroo and Wynyard, leading to significant traffic delays for commuters entering the city. Energy market analyst Saul Kavonic has claimed the winding down of coal-fired electricity plants as they reach their expiry dates has failed to be met with adequate replacements. 'The government and regulator has been asleep at the wheel and have only addressed this once it got to crisis mode,' he said. A Massachusetts man who killed his girlfriend's jilted ex-lover when he broke into the couple's house in a violent home invasion breathed a sigh of relief as he was acquitted on manslaughter charges. Brian Camp, 24, was charged over the death of Johnathan Letendre, 27, on December 27, 2022, after Letendre broke into the home Camp shared with girlfriend Brooke Janik, where the couple's two children were asleep. Camp testified at his trial that Letendre attacked him while he was naked in bed and asleep, and he fought off the home invader for around 10 minutes before shooting him as he feared for his and his family's lives. The home invasion came after Camp and his girlfriend split earlier in 2022, and Janik briefly dated Letendre before ending things to get back together with Camp. Janik testified that he took it badly, and the court was shown text messages showing Letendre was increasingly unhinged and angry at her for getting back together with Camp. When Camp took the stand in his own defense, he said that if he ever acted like Letendre had that night 'I hope somebody would put me down.' At the conclusion of his trial on Monday, jurors found that Camp acted in self defense and acquitted him on voluntary manslaughter charges. Brian Camp, 24, pictured testifying in his own defense, was acquitted on Monday on voluntary manslaughter charges, two years after he shot his girlfriend's ex in a violent home invasion The home invasion came after Camp and his girlfriend Brooke Janik broke up earlier in 2022, and Janik briefly dated the home invader Johnathan Letendre before ending things to get back together with Camp - the father of her two children (pictured together) The court heard how Johnathan Letendre, 27, was irate at Janik for breaking up their brief relationship for Camp, and broke into their home on the night of December 27, 2022 to attack him Most of the trial revolved around a 20 minute phone call Janik made to 911 on the night of the shooting, as it captured audio of Camp and Letendre fighting before the home invader was shot dead. In the call, a hysterical Janik told dispatchers that the two men were fighting and grappling over a shotgun, before a first gunshot is heard as Letendre was shot in the stomach. Around eight minutes later, with Janik still on the phone, a second gunshot was heard. Camp claimed that Letendre was still a threat and was trying to fight while bleeding out on the floor, while prosecutors argued the second shot was 'unnecessary' and 'more force than reasonably needed to defend himself.' Prosecutors added in their opening statements that Camp's first shot 'clearly' fell within the lawful bounds of self defense, and the crux of the case relied on the second shot. Camp's defense also brought up that Camp was at a significant physical disadvantage in the fight, as Letendre was 6-feet-tall and 190lbs, while Camp stands at 5-feet-9 and 145lbs. The father-of-two testified that he and Letendre were struggling over a shotgun inside the home, before he eventually shot him with a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun. Most of the trial revolved around a 20 minute phone call Janik (pictured) made to 911 on the night of the shooting, as it captured audio of Camp and Letendre fighting before the home invader was shot dead The court saw text messages showing Letendre was increasingly upset over the breakup Prosecutor Steven Gagne argued that Letendre was no longer a threat and had been neutralized by the first shot to his stomach, and Camp was motivated by anger towards his girlfriend's ex in the heat of the moment. Gagne and the district attorney's office faced backlash for charging Camp as his supporters said he was protecting his family. At the conclusion of the trial, he admitted to the Daily Hampshire Gazette: 'We knew from the start it would be a difficult case.' 'Nevertheless, we felt it was the right thing to do,' he added, of bringing charges against Camp. The case also centered around the police interview Camp gave hours after the shooting, where he told detectives he fired 'one, maybe two' shots into Letendre. Prosecutors claimed the interview showed inconsistencies in his story as it was implied that the shots were fired consecutively, instead of the eight minute gap between the first and fatal shot. The case also centered around footage (pictured) of the police interview Camp gave hours after the shooting, where he told detectives he fired 'one, maybe two' shots into Letendre Under cross examination from Gagne, Camp countered that he gave the account to police while still processing the traumatic events and his memory was hazy. Footage of the interview also played moments where Camp struggled to piece together the events of the fateful night. 'I was having a hard time processing what just happened,' he testified. 'My mental state was blurry, and jumbled up at best.' After Camp first shot Letendre, he reportedly called his boss, who his defense referred to as more of a 'father figure.' The boss ordered him to take pictures of the scene with his phone as evidence to help his case. One image shown in court after the first shot showed Letendre in a different position to when police arrived, proving Letendre was moving around the room in between shots. 'Thank goodness that for a couple of minutes, Brian Camp was a self-employed evidence collector,' Camp's attorney Tom Kokonowski said in his closing argument. Camp pictured alongside his attorney Tom Kokonowski at the moment the jury delivered a not guilty verdict, when he breathed a sigh of relief while his loved ones cheered from the gallery If he had been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, Camp would have faced up to 20 years in prison. But the jury acquitted him, with footage of the moment capturing cheers and sighs of relief from the gallery as Camp's family celebrated. Gagne said he was 'disappointed' in the verdict, but admitted that he saw the jury's perspective. 'A lot of them probably thought, What would I do in that situation?' he questioned. In a Facebook post after the trial, Janik said her family 'can finally start what life will be a life long healing process', describing Camp's two-year ordeal since the shooting as 'immensely painful.' She shared a GoFundMe to help pay Camp's mounting legal costs, as she said the trial and legal ordeal had drained her young family's finances. President-elect Donald Trump announced a major breakthrough on border talks, claiming Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has vowed to stop illegal migration into the U.S. 'effective immediately.' The huge shift in policy would help the U.S. stem the flow of historic levels of illegal immigration through the border the two countries share - the number one political issue Trump vowed to address on the campaign trail. 'Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately,' the president-elect posted on Truth Social. 'This will go a long way toward stopping the illegal invasion of the USA. Thank you!' In another post, Trump writes more about the agreements the two made. 'Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo,' the Republican posted. 'She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.' 'We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation!' Sheinbaum confirmed that she would be immediately addressing migration, including a caravan of migrants that was headed for the U.S. Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he and the Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have reached a major immigration deal 'effective immediately' 'Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately,' the President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social. 'This will go a long way toward stopping the illegal invasion of the USA. Thank you!' Tuve una excelente conversacion con el presidente Donald Trump. Abordamos la estrategia mexicana sobre el fenomeno de la migracion y comparti que no estan llegando caravanas a la frontera norte porque son atendidas en Mexico. Tambien hablamos de reforzar la colaboracion en pic.twitter.com/PlGS5w3ZpC Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) November 27, 2024 'I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump,' she posted on X. 'We addressed Mexico's strategy regarding the migration phenomenon, and I shared that caravans are no longer reaching the northern border as they are being addressed within Mexico.' Should the Mexican president do as Trump say and shut the border down, the massive yearly inflows of migrants from Mexico, which come from countries across the globe to cross there, should decrease dramatically. Since FY 2021 there have been nearly 11 million migrants encounters, meaning those who crossed illegally, according to federal data. In a separate post, Trump also announced a new endeavor aimed at cracking down on the 100,000+ fentanyl overdose deaths that have occurred in the U.S. in the past four years. 'I will be working on a large scale United States Advertising Campaign, explaining how bad Fentanyl is for people to use - Millions of lives being so needlessly destroyed,' another post said. 'By the time the Campaign is over, everyone will know how really bad the horror of this Drug is.' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico 26 November 2024 Migrants cross back and forth between the United States and Mexico at the Rio Grande in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 Sheinbaum's agreement with Trump comes just days after the president-elect took to social media to threaten her country with a 25 percent tariff should immigration issues not be addressed. The Mexican president responded to Trump's threat at her daily press conference in Mexico City on Tuesday where she read from a letter she plans to send to the president-elect. 'One tariff will be followed by another in response, and so on until we put common companies at risk,' Sheinbaum said. She even called out specific American companies that could be threatened by Trump's plan. 'The main exporters from Mexico to the U.S. are General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford Motor Company, which arrived 80 years ago. Why put in place a tariff that puts them in risk?' she asked. But on Wednesday evening she called the conversation between her and the Republican 'wonderful' and 'productive.' The father of one of the five survivors of the Egyptian yacht tragedy has shared how his son courageously sent out a distress signal before the boat sank. Hossam Al-Farmawi told the Times how his son, Youssef, along with Captain Alaa Hussein bravely 'rushed to help a man and a woman' after calling for help. 'Youssef was their diving instructor and they were trapped in a cabin but the water flooded the boat,' he said. He said his son found 'about 20cm' of the cabin was still not flooding, allowing them to breathe 'and stay alive until the rescue teams arrived'. Elsewhere, he said, two more survivors remained in 'complete darkness and cold water for about 30 hours' until rescue teams arrived - from 5.30am until around 11am. Authorities are still searching for seven people yet to be found on the Sea Story. The yacht is understood to have been carrying 31 tourists and 13 staff when it was hit by a large wave near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt on Monday, causing it to capsize. MailOnline understands that Colin Sharratt, 65 from London, and Sally Jones, 58, were rescued with 28 of the 44 on board on Monday. Four people have died, while 33 have been rescued. Two Britons are among those still missing as of Thursday morning. They have not been identified. Medics wait for possible survivors after a boat sank at a harbour in Marsa Alam, November 25 Rescuers and medics are seen on a pontoon after the boat capsized early yesterday morning The Sea Story is a 144ft pleasure craft built in 2022, which can carry up to 36 passengers One British survivor told the Times that they were helpless to swim as the boat capsized in pitch black darkness. 'What saved me was my life jacket, which kept me on the surface until the rescue teams arrived,' they said. The 144ft vessel sank in around five minutes after being hit. Waves in the region climbed to four metres amid turbulent weather. Survivors of the incident are believed to have spent 30 hours trapped in small air bubbles as the vessel went down. The horror echoed the tragic sinking of the Bayesian superyacht in September. Victims are feared to have suffocated to death in air bubbles that filled with carbon dioxide as air ran out, based on their autopsies. Survivors of the 'Sea Story' sinking were reportedly found inside the overturned vessel after rescuers broke into a room not yet filled with water, an official revealed earlier this week. A government source close to rescue operations said the five survivors were found on Tuesday morning inside the boat, which the governor said had been thrown on its side by an early morning wave but had not completely sunk. 'They were found inside one of the rooms which had not filled with water,' the government source told the AFP news agency, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media. The group had spent at least 24 hours in the overturned vessel after authorities first received distress calls at 5:30 AM local time on Monday, initial reports said. A military-led team rescued two Belgians, one Swiss national, one Finnish tourist and one Egyptian, the governor said, bringing the total number of survivors from the accident to 33. The four bodies recovered on Tuesday were also located inside the stricken vessel. Those killed in the wreck have not yet been formally identified. Rescuers acted quickly to pull 28 of the 44 on board to safety on Monday. Two Britons were listed among the rescued. According to a source at a hospital in Marsa Alam, six tourists and three Egyptians were admitted with minor injuries and discharged on Monday. The tourists included 'two Germans, two Britons, one Spaniard and one Swiss national,' the hospital administrator told AFP, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. According to the governor's office, the boat was carrying tourists from Belgium, Britain, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. Among the missing are two Polish tourists and one from Finland, according to both countries' foreign ministries. A file photo dated November 20, 2024 shows an aerial view of the Red Sea pier where Sea Story was docked Medics and people wait for possible survivors after a boat sank at a harbour in Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, in Egypt, 25 November 2024 The boat had embarked on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and had been due to dock on Friday at the town of Hurghada, 200 kilometres (124 miles) north. The governor on Monday said it capsized 'suddenly and quickly within 5-7 minutes' of the impact with the wave, leaving some passengers - among them European, Chinese and American tourists - unable to set out of their cabins in time. The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority reporting wave heights of 10-13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area on Sunday, leading to the closure of maritime traffic. A surviving crew member said the boat was 'hit by a wave in the middle of the night, throwing the vessel on its side', according to a manager of a diving resort close to the rescue operations. Survivors earlier described their horror as the boat capsized and filled with water, with one of the British tourists who made it out alive detailing how he got free. An experienced diver who was on the tour reportedly said: 'I heard screams coming from the cabins, but many could not get out because the doors were closed and the room was filled with water.' Another of the survivors, a British tourist, added: 'It was dark and the water suddenly surrounded us on all sides. I tried to swim to the surface, but the current was very strong and I felt like I was about to suffocate.' The man credited his life jacket with saving him by keeping him buoyant before the first rescue teams arrived. Some of the survivors were reportedly flown back to shore by a helicopter to receive medical care, while others were transported via another boat. The search was reportedly made more difficult due to bad weather, which comes after authorities in the Red Sea capital of Hurghada on Sunday shut down marine activities and the city's port - also due to 'bad weather conditions'. But winds around Marsa Alam had remained favourable until Sunday night, the diving manager told AFP, before calming again by morning. The firm that operates the yacht, Dive Pro Liveaboard in Hurghada, Egypt, said yesterday it had no information on the matter. The boat had reportedly passed its last safety inspection in March 2024, with no technical issues reported. The boat, owned by an Egyptian national, was 34 meters long and had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. The boat named Sea Story (pictured) had 31 tourists of different nationalities as well as 13 crew members on board when it sank Survivors of the sinking boat rest at a harbor in Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, in Egypt, 25 November 2024 The boat was carrying 31 tourists of various nationalities - among them four Britons and two Americans - as well as 13 Egyptian crew members on board, according to local media outlet Masrawy (pictured: people waiting on the beach for survivors) Medics wait for possible survivors after a boat sank at a harbour in Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, in Egypt, 25 November 2024 Ship tracking website Marine Traffic showed the last location shared by the boat as somewhere off Hurghada Ship tracking website Marine Traffic showed the last location shared by the boat as somewhere off Hurghada. The Sea Story is a 144ft, four-deck pleasure craft built in 2022, which can carry up to 36 passengers. The boat has a total of 18 twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms on board, which are used for tourists on diving trips hoping to explore the Red Sea reefs. Authorities have not confirmed the nationalities of the tourists and it is unclear who is among the rescued and who is still missing. The Chinese embassy in Egypt said Monday two of its nationals were 'in good health' after being 'rescued in the cruise ship sinking accident in the Red Sea', Chinese state media reported. Polish foreign ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski said authorities 'have information that two of the tourists may have had Polish citizenship'. The Finnish foreign ministry confirmed to AFP news agency that one of its nationals is also among the missing. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told MailOnline: 'We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Egypt and are in contact with the local authorities.' It is not the first time this year a diving tour boat sank in the Red Sea. Earlier this month, 30 people were rescued from a sinking dive boat near the Red Sea's famous Deadalus reef. In June, two dozen French tourists were safely evacuated before their boat sank in a similar accident. Coffee lovers were last night warned their daily caffeine fix will get more expensive after the price of beans hit the highest level in nearly 50 years. The price of arabica coffee on global commodity markets jumped to $3.18 a pound (2.50) - the highest since 1977. Prices are up nearly 70 per cent so far this year - with experts warning the rise will feed through to what coffee drinkers are charged in the UK. Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, said: Its almost certain that this increase will eventually filter through to consumers. While a 5 latte is commonplace in parts of the UK, high street customers are still being warned that a lid hasnt been put on prices just yet. The price of coffee beans has been driven higher by extreme heat and a poor harvest in Vietnam and Brazil. Nestle, the worlds biggest coffee maker behind brands including Nescafe and Nespresso, warned earlier this month that it will continue raising prices and make packs smaller. We are not immune to the price of coffee, far from it, said David Rennie, head of coffee brands at Nestle. But we have priced and we will price. The price of Arabica coffee on global commodity markets jumped to $3.18 a pound (2.50) - the highest since 1977 In a further blow, supply in Vietnam has been hit as coffee farmers switch to growing durian, the worlds smelliest fruit, to meet booming demand from China. Beans only make up 10 per cent of the price for a cup of coffee with packaging, wages and shop rents also contributing to the creeping costs. Trish Caddy, associate director at market research group Mintel, said: The global coffee market faces volatility, with prices of arabica and robusta beans nearing record highs. Rising labour and production costs, including higher wages and environmental issues, are also driving the price increases. Prices are up nearly 70 per cent so far this year - with experts warning the rise will feed through to what coffee drinkers are charged in the UK Affordability remains a key driver for nearly half of UK coffee shop consumers who prioritise price when selecting a coffee shop. Robusta coffee prices have risen by 85 per cent this year after feeling the effects of the poor harvest. Mr Hansen said: With coffee production heavily reliant on Brazil and Vietnam-both grappling with adverse weather and reduced output-theres a high risk that we could face even higher prices ahead. Paul Rooke, executive director of the British Coffee Association, said: Climate-related issues are likely to become more prominent than previously seen, and of course when you see tighter supply with continued demand, the market price will react to that. 'Along with new rules and regulations, these factors will form part of the considerations businesses will be making when setting their pricing - but lets not forget that higher prices do mean a better return for coffee farmers around the world. A prison worker caught with class A drugs after investigators discovered she was in a relationship with a gangster inmate has avoided jail. Ashley Malloy worked as a carer at HMP Shotts, Lanarkshire, which houses some of the countrys most notorious criminals. The 33-year-old was put under investigation after police received a tip-off that she was bringing illicit items into the maximum security facility. Detectives had information she was in a relationship with inmate John Mack, 37, who was serving a four-year sentence for drug offences. Malloys locker was raided by officers in March last year, and cocaine with a street value of 1,200 and 400 of heroin was discovered in a bag. Macks cell was searched and a SIM card was found. Malloy, of Shotts, and Mack, of Glasgow, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court where she pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs while he admitted having the illicit SIM card. Sheriff John Hamilton, KC, ordered Malloy to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and put her under supervision for a year. Father-of-three Mack was jailed for four months. The pair had faced allegations of supplying drugs inside HMP Shotts but the claims were dropped by prosecutors. Ashley Malloy worked as a carer at HMP Shotts, which houses some of Scotlands most notorious prisoners John Mack who was caught with an illicit SIM card in HMP Shotts, Lanarkshire. Police executed a search of Malloy's locker at HMP Shotts Ian Scott, defending Malloy, said: She certainly isnt someone who has come through the criminal ranks. She had been given a package and had put her handbag and other items in her locker, which is not in a secure area of the prison, and she had no interaction with any convicted prisoners during the time she was in possession of these drugs. Linda Findlay, defending Mack, said: He had this SIM card to keep in contact with his family. Sheriff Hamilton told Malloy: It is significant that it was possession of a substantial amount of heroin and cocaine but you have no record and are somewhat vulnerable and Im persuaded that it will not need to be a custodial sentence. The sheriff said to Mack: Possession of phones in prison is a serious matter and given the circumstances, it being your second time doing it, the custodial threshold has been crossed. The Scottish Prison Service said Malloy was employed by an agency and had not worked at the prison since the incident. An Australian cop who unlawfully killed an elderly woman with a Taser shot faces the prospect of being jailed in protective custody to shield him from attacks by fellow inmates. Senior Constable Kristian White, 34, was on Wednesday found guilty of manslaughter following the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland at her nursing home in Cooma in the NSW Snowy Mountains in May 2023. Prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC said the jury had found White's use of force was not reasonably necessary and a jail sentence was now 'realistically inevitable'. The grandmother, who had symptoms of dementia and weighed less than 48kg, was holding a steak knife when White attended with another officer. A court heard White pointed his stun gun at the woman for a minute before he said 'nah, bugger it' and discharged the weapon, causing Ms Nowland to fell back and strike her head on the floor and she died in hospital a week later. White remains on bail despite the guilty verdict and intends to appeal to the court to allow him to avoid any period behind bars, though prosecutors argued this was 'inevitable'. Criminal psychologist Dr Tim Watson-Munro said police officers who end up in jail were often targeted by criminals who disliked law enforcement. He added that risk would be compounded for White by an unwritten 'code' behind prison walls that 'crimes against kids and crimes against the elderly are viewed very poorly by prisoners'. 'A person in his position will be terrified of the prospect of incarceration,' Dr Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia. A top criminal psychologist has claimed a police officer found guilty of manslaughter like Senior Constable Kristian White (pictured) would be 'terrified' about going to prison Of the more than 30,000 inmates Dr Watson-Munro has assessed in prison, he said every police officer has been placed into high security protective custody for their safety. 'People want to either bash them, kill them, or both,' he said. He explained protective custody was designed to lock prisoners away safely by separating them in different cells, holding yards and restricting their movements, there is still a 'hierarchy' involved. 'In a case like this, where you've got a policeman convicted of manslaughter, they would give the highest level of protection because of the danger that even being in a normal protection yard could pose for them,' Dr Watson-Munro said. 'Their life would be in danger, not only because they're a policeman, but because they've been convicted of killing an elderly woman using a Taser. 'It's a cumulative double whammy and the danger for them would be quite intense for the duration of their sentence, whatever that may be.' While believing it to be 'highly unusual' for someone guilty of White's crimes to dodge jail, Dr Watson-Munro said it would be possible if the court sees the risk to his life as an 'exceptional circumstance'. He added that White being released on bail awaiting sentencing is already an exception to the general procedure for those 'guilty of manslaughter or murder'. If he were to receive bail, the conditions imposed on someone guilty of manslaughter would most likely be heavily restrictive to his movements and freedoms. A jury found White guilty of manslaughter for using his Taser on 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland (pictured) which led to her death in May 2023 'I would imagine it would only be under very strict conditions that might include house arrest and daily reporting to the police,' Dr Watson-Munro said. 'In general principles, these people have very restricted freedoms of movement and so on. It'll be an interesting sentence hearing in terms of exploring those dynamics. 'But just because you're a former policeman doesn't mean that you get official kind of consideration in these situations.' On Thursday, Justice Ian Harrison heard an application by crown prosecutors that White be placed behind bars one day after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter. He noted he had not come across a similar case during his 18 years as a Supreme Court judge. 'Most cases that come to me in the criminal sphere involve the commission of offences that are associated with some form of intent,' Justice Harrison said. 'That intent is nearly always coupled with one or other of emotions such as greed or punishment or revenge or passion.' White's actions came because he failed to consider the realities of what was going on at the time, the judge said. 'They weren't associated with an intention to cause harm or serious injury, even though that was the outcome,' Justice Harrison said. An officer in White's position would be subject to a 'double whammy' of risks to his safety in prison as a former police officer and a killer of an elderly person, the psychologist said White would be assessed for risks to his safety if held in custody ahead of his sentence, NSW Justice Department official Jeremy Tucker wrote to the court. 'Due to his occupation as a serving police officer, (NSW Corrective Services) considers that Mr White will require special management in custody,' he said. 'I can advise that Mr White will be placed in protective custody.' During the hearing, defence barrister Troy Edwards SC argued a jail sentence for the 34-year-old officer was not inevitable. 'A sentence of full-time imprisonment is not a certainty as a consequence of the nature of the type of charge,' he said. White met the criteria for the discharge of the Taser, which meant the objective seriousness of the offence was at the lower end, Mr Edwards said. Mr Edwards acknowledged the officer did not consider the exceptional circumstances test, which dictated when a Taser could be fired by police at certain groups such as the elderly or disabled. He said White was only told of this rule on one slide during training completed several years before the incident. A sentence hearing is expected to be held in February. The charge of manslaughter carries a maximum jail term of 25 years. A former suspect in the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence has found himself behind bars after displaying a 'flagrant disregard' for the law and breaching a court order. Jamie Acourt, 48, refused to answer questions about the murder of 18-year-old Mr Lawrence, who was stabbed to death in Eltham, south-east London, 30 years ago, on April 22 1993. Having been released last November, Acourt was put back in prison in October after breaching a serious criminal behaviour order, The Mirror reports. Acourt was one of five men arrested over the racially-motivated attack. Two of them, Gary Dobson and David Norris, were handed life sentences in 2012 after being found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. Acourt, who spent more than two years on the run living in Spain under the alias Simon Alfonzo, was released from prison last November after serving half of his nine-year sentence over the drugs plot. His brother Neil Acourt, who was also arrested over Mr Lawrence's murder, was jailed for more than six years over the same conspiracy, which saw some 750kg of cannabis resin, with an estimated street value of about 3 million moved between London and South Shields, Tyne and Wear. The fifth suspect in Mr Lawrence's murder, Luke Knight, has remained free. Jamie Acourt, 48, a former suspect in the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence has found himself behind bars after displaying a 'flagrant disregard' for the law and breaching a court order Jamie Acourt, 48, refused to answer questions about the murder of 18-year-old Mr Lawrence, who was stabbed to death in Eltham, south-east London, 30 years ago, on April 22 1993 In January 2021 Acourt was ordered to pay back 90,000 or face another year added to his jail sentence, by a judge at Kingston Crown Court. In October 2022 police asked a judge to impose a default prison sentence over his failure to pay the confiscation order. Pc David Bracken said at the time: 'Mr Acourt has not paid anything or shown any willingness to pay anything. 'Obviously, he's going to be released soon and there has been no goodwill on his part.' In regards to his latest offences, Acourt had failed to tell police he was driving a white transit van on 12 separate occasions between 11 August and 21 October in Hounslow, West London. Acourt pleaded guilty, along with driving without insurance at Westminster Magistrates' Court and was jailed for six months. He also had six points put on his licence, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed. Acourt was handed a jail sentence for the offences 'because the defendant has a flagrant disregard for court orders', court documents seen by Sky News show. Jamie Acourt pictured in 2023 at the City of London Magistrates' Court for a proceeds of crime act hearing (POCA) over his failure to pay back 90,000 he made from a 3 million drugs plot Last June, Acourt and his brother Neil were confronted by a BBC journalist over allegations by a sixth suspect, Matthew White, of their involvement in the racist killing that shocked Britain. Stephen Lawrence: The racist murder that marked Britain Jamie Acourt and his brother Neil were teenagers when Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death at a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993. Two of the other suspects, Gary Dobson and David Norris, were convicted of murder in 2012 and jailed for life following a DNA breakthrough. But the Acourt brothers have never been convicted. At the time of Stephen's death, the Acourts described themselves as the Krays, modelling themselves on the brothers who dominated London's criminal underworld in the 1960s. The gang they were in is believed to have been responsible for a string of violent attacks, invariably featuring knives. Luke Knight was named as the fifth suspect by the Daily Mail. He has never been charged and denies being involved. The case has brought great shame on the Metropolitan Police. Stephen's parents Doreen and Neville Lawrence have continued to campaign for justice for their son and have shone a light on racism and corruption in the Met. Advertisement Footage shows Neil Acourt initially responding with 'f*** off' to reporter Daniel De Simone, who asks him: 'Why did Matthew White say he saw you attack Stephen Lawrence?' Mr De Simone continues: 'Matthew White says you actually stabbed Stephen Lawrence. Did you stab Stephen Lawrence? Have you got no comment at all? Did he lead you across the road that night?' In a second clip, Jamie Acourt is asked: 'Are you part of the group that attacked Stephen Lawrence?' and 'Where you there when Stephen Lawrence was attacked?' Both men can be seen hurriedly walking away from the reporter, who continues to follow them with his camera and ends the clip by saying: 'Neil Acourt fleeing rather than answering questions. Absolutely no comment at all. It's 30 years since Stephen Lawrence was killed and he is still out, and he is still not answering questions.' Only two of the five suspects have been brought to justice - but after the 2012 murder trial of Dobson and Norris, trial judge Mr Justice Treacy said: 'On the evidence before the court, there are still three or four other killers of Stephen Lawrence at large.' Stephen's friend Duwayne Brooks was clear that he saw a group of six white youths cross the road and 'engulf' Stephen, who was hit on the head with a bat and stabbed, leaving a ten-inch knife wound in his neck. Dobson and Norris were finally convicted in 2012 of murdering Stephen, 18, at a bus stop in south-east London in April 1993. Dobson was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years and two months, while Norris received a minimum of 14 years and three months and will be eligible for parole next year. Two of the other gang members, brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt, have served time in prison for drug dealing in the intervening years but the final suspect, Luke Knight, has not been convicted of any offence. All five men were named by The Daily Mail as Stephen's killers. In regards to his latest offences, Acourt had failed to tell police he was driving a white transit van on 12 separate occasions between 11 August and 21 October in Hounslow, West London. Pictured: Acourt in 2023 The betrayal of Stephen 30 years ago and how Scotland Yard has spent years and 50million trying to put them right Scotland Yard spent years battling to right the wrongs committed in the first months of the inquiry into Stephen Lawrence's murder. More than 50million was spent as seven investigations and countless reviews poured over every possible lead, clue and piece of evidence. Meanwhile, a landmark public inquiry led to changes in 'double jeopardy' laws which barred suspects being tried for the same crime twice. In the 1993 murder inquiry detectives failed to act quickly on tip-offs made within days identifying the key five suspects. Four days after the stabbing surveillance officers stood by as a young man left the Acourts' family home carrying clothing covered in a black bin liner. Over the next six years, police faced a private prosecution, inquest and public inquiry into their failure to bring the men to justice. Two further murder inquiries were launched, however in 2004 prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to put anyone in the dock. A bold decision two years later to submit every exhibit for a full forensic review by a private firm led to a breakthrough. In 2007 experts at LGC Forensics began working through 30 items of clothing seized from the homes of the suspects. The discovery of tiny flakes of Stephen's blood and fibres from his clothes ultimately led to Gary Dobson and David Norris being arrested in 2011 and charged with his murder. On January 3, 2012, they were found guilty and jailed for life. Police vowed to continue fighting to bring the remaining three suspects to justice. In 2016 police released CCTV of a man seen close to the murder scene and appealed for help identifying a woman whose bag strap was found nearby. It led to 30 calls from the public but despite extensive inquiries any new leads came to nothing. If there's one thing Marcus Casey loved more than anything else, it was spinning a yarn be it in the pub over a beer or in the pages of Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper. What's more, with a keen interest in every facet of life and an unrivalled contact book, the popular reporter usually had all the best ones with all the juiciest details. Sadly, the media industry lost one of its most gregarious writers at the weekend when Casey died of a sudden heart attack in Newtown, in Sydney's inner west, at the age of 58. Casey cut his teeth in journalism as a copy kid after joining the Telegraph in 1984 before earning a cadetship and going on to be one of the paper's most dogged and determined newshounds. His natural talents ultimately saw him rewarded with a stint covering global news as a U.S. correspondent in New York before going on to focus on television and celebrity reporting on his return to Sydney. A country kid from Ballina, on the NSW north coast, he never lost touch with his humble roots even when he wined and dined with the biggest names in the country as one of the paper's best-connected journalists. His boundless energy and willingness to help anyone from the editors to the newly appointed cadets get the scoop on a big story made him a firm favourite among colleagues in the newsroom. Former Daily Telegraph journalist Peter Holder remembers with great fondness his two stints working alongside the larger-than-life figure at the Telegraph, between 1993-98 and 2000-2003. Popular former Daily Telegraph journalist Marcus Casey has died at 58 'Marcus was a fearless reporter with a big heart and an equally large ego - the two often didn't always work hand in hand, but when they did, the results could be spectacular,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'I remember he once bravely stood his ground against a very angry Kerry Packer during a press conference at the beginning of the Super League war, so much so I heard from reliable sources that Packer respected him, albeit begrudgingly. 'But when his time on the paper came to an end, he lost the anchor that came with wielding a notepad and a pen. 'His passing is just so terribly sad.' Phil Koch competed against Casey for years as celebrity editor at the Daily Telegraph's sister paper the Sunday Telegraph, in the days when the mastheads boasted separate newsrooms and fiercely vied for exclusives. He remembered Casey for his irrepressible lust for life and journalism. 'Marcus was the ultimate journo's journo,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Technically, we were rivals, but it was a friendly rivalry and it was always fun covering red carpets and big news events when he was around. A talented storyteller, Casey has been remember for his inner curiosity and lust for life 'He loved the craft of journalism and chasing a great story and built up an amazing network of contacts and knowledge. 'The thing about Marcus was he had this inner curiosity about the world and a certain charm that allowed him to connect with anyone. 'When we were covering David Gyngell's wedding [to Leila McKinnon], he knew absolutely everyone going in it didn't get him through the door, but it certainly got him all the details.' Personally, I also worked alongside Casey at the Telegraph and spoke with him through until his final years and agree the world of storytelling is lessened by his loss. Georgetown Law School came under fire for its blistering response to a pregnant student to who asked to take one of her exams early to avoid clashing with her scheduled due date. Brittany Lovely says school administrators told her on a call 'motherhood is not for the faint of heart ' as she asked for accommodations while preparing to give birth. Lovely enrolled at Georgetown in Washington D.C. last year and is set to graduate from the rigorous program in 2026. This year, she and her partner, Tyler Zirker, who is also a Georgetown Law student, found out she was pregnant with a boy. 'When I found out, I was like "Oh my God." By the time he's here, I would still have a year and a half in law school,' Lovely told The Washington Post. Little did she know, the problems would start before her first son would be born, when she said school officials denied her request to take her criminal law exam early or from home because it would be unfair to other students. The exam was scheduled on December 13, more than a week after her December 2 due date. The law school's fall semester exam schedule runs from December 6-13, with a December 16-18 serving as dates that students can defer their exams to. Brittany Lovely, along with her partner Tyler Zirker, were outraged that Georgetown Law School was allegedly refusing to accommodate Lovely's accommodation requests Georgetown Law didn't confirm Lovely's side of the story, only revealing that it had reached 'a mutually agreeable solution' after months of pressure from Lovely and the student body Students have the right to defer their exams if they get sick, if there's a death in the family, or if a student gives birth to a child during or right before the exam period, according to the university website. When news of the university's denial spread across campus, students circulated a petition that called on the administration to grant Lovely's request to take her exam before her due date. It got thousands of signatures. But long before schoolwide pressure came down on university leadership, Lovely was shouldering the burden of getting her accommodations approved all on her own. She had been trying to find a workaround since the fall semester began in September. On September 11, she reached out to her school's Title IX coordinator, who asked the law school's registrar and office of academic affairs if Lovely could take the test early or at home. Lovely was willing to take the test at home on the scheduled date of December 13 or on the deferral dates of December 16-18. That's when she got a denial from school officials, who stated it would be unfair to her classmates. Lovely then requested a meeting with them and hoped to change their minds. Lovely's last ditch effort to get her demands met was through writing a legal memo to the dean. She said this didn't do anything to help her 'The meeting was horrible,' Lovely told CNN. 'They said that I had to come in person no matter what, to take this exam, and the only times that I could take it were between the 13th and the 18th, with the possibility with emergency circumstance to extend it to the morning of the 20th.' If she couldn't make this happen, she was allegedly told she would fail the class. Lovely also said one of the participants told her she 'should have planned better' and that 'motherhood is not for the faint of heart.' The school administrators Lovely said she spoke with allegedly suggested that Lovely could have someone sit outside the exam room with her newborn baby so she could take breaks to breastfeed him. With none of her demands met by early November, Lovely revisited the issue. She drafted and sent a legal memo to the dean describing what she'd been through and citing relevant case law, including Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She said the dean responded by saying he didn't deal with pregnancy scheduling adjustments and pointed her back to the Title IX official she had already been working with to no avail. The university didn't confirm Lovely's account of events, including the controversial call she said she had with school officials. Lovely said Georgetown agreed to extend the period to defer exams, from mid-December into January 'Georgetown is committed to providing a caring, supportive environment for pregnant and parenting students. We have reached a mutually agreeable solution with the student who raised concerns,' a university spokesperson said in a statement that was circulated to numerous media outlets. This 'mutually agreeable solution' was only reached, Lovely said, after the 'public outcry' from her friends and fellow students. Lovely said Georgetown agreed to extend the period to defer exams, from mid-December into January. 'That's great that they figured out a way to do that,' Lovely said, 'But why have I been fighting them for months?' She also asked the university to update its policies around how it handles accommodation requests. She said she was told an official would follow up with her. 'That hardly feels satisfactory or meaningful, really,' Zirker said. The U.S. Secret Service detained a Fairmont San Francisco employee who tried to enter the hotel with a loaded gun during Vice President Kamala Harris visit, police said. Rafe Swan/Getty Images Police arrested an employee at the Fairmont San Francisco on Tuesday morning after they said he brought a loaded firearm to work while Vice President Kamala Harris was staying there, ABC News reported. At approximately 7 a.m., the U.S. Secret Service detained a man who tried to enter the hotel while in possession of a loaded firearm during a dignitarys visit, according to the San Francisco Police Department. The man, a hotel employee, was found to have an arrest warrant out of the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office in Texas, a county just west of Dallas. Police seized the firearm and arrested him on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and carrying a loaded firearm in public, the SFPD said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The dignitary in question was Harris, who was staying at the hotel with her husband, Doug Emhoff, after a vacation in Hawaii, according to ABC News. The couple checked out Tuesday afternoon, and the reason for their visit was unclear, ABC reported. Police do not believe the man posed any credible threat, the SFPD said. Police declined to release the mans name. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411. A man accused of murder had a long-standing problem controlling his anger and a deep resentment against two men, a court has heard. The High Court in Edinburgh was told yesterday that Finlay MacDonald had begun to take steps to prepare for a violent attack using a gun against one or both men. Advocate depute Liam Ewing, KC, said: In the period before he murdered John MacKinnon the accuseds health deteriorated. He was depressed and anxious about his job and his marriage. The prosecutor added in his closing speech to the jury: He had a deep-rooted resentment against two men. He began to take steps to prepare for a violent attack, using a firearm, against one or both of them. Mr Ewing said MacDonald initially carried out a frenzied knife attack on his wife Rowena, 34, but acted in a controlled way as he took a gun and ammunition to the location of further shooting targets, his brother-in-law and a retired osteopath. The prosecutor argued that the way the 41-year-old acted before the attack on Mr MacKinnon demonstrated that the appropriate verdict for the jury to return was one of murder, rather than the lesser offence of culpable homicide. Mr Ewing said that to return a verdict of culpable homicide the jury would have to be satisfied that MacDonalds ability to control and determine his conduct was significantly impaired. Mr Ewing told jurors: It is for the accused to prove diminished responsibility. If he does not, it is murder. John MacKinnon (pictured) was shot dead by a gunman on August 10, 2022. His brother-in-law Finlay MacDonald is accused of murder MacDonald is also accused of the attempted murder of his wife, Rowena MacDonald, 32, who suffered 'serious' stab injuries in an attack at her home He is further alleged to have attempted to murder retired osteopath John MacKenzie and his wife Fay, both 65 He continued: There must be something far wrong with him, which affects the way he acts. The prosecutor said that after the knife attack on his wife, MacDonald set off with a pump-action shotgun, more than 400 cartridges and a further knife. Mr Ewing said that if jurors looked at his actions they would see a man whose ability to control and determine his actions was not in any way impaired. MacDonald denies murdering Mr MacKinnon on August 10, 2022, by shooting him at his home at Teangue, on the Isle of Skye. He has lodged a special defence maintaining that at the time of the alleged offence his ability to determine and control his conduct was substantially impaired by abnormality of mind. MacDonald denies attempting to murder his wife at their home in Tarskavaig on the same date. He also denies attempting to murder retired osteopath John MacKenzie and his wife Fay, both 65, that day at their home in Dornie, Ross-shire, by discharging a shotgun at them. The trial continues before judge Lady Drummond. She was charged with her husband's murder last month A Greenacre woman alleged to have murdered and dismembered her husband, before placing his body parts in 20 to 30 rubbish bags and dumping them in bins across southwest Sydney will remain behind bars on remand. Nirmeen Noufl, 54, appeared in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday in a bid to be released on bail after she was last month charged with the murder of her husband Mamdouh. Mr Noufl, 62, was reported missing from their Greenacre home in July last year and was initially treated as a missing person before homicide detectives took charge of the investigation. Police have alleged Ms Noufl killed her husband and cut up his body using knives and a power saw before disposing of his remains in rubbish bins. The court heard on Thursday that it's alleged that his body parts were placed in 20 to 30 rubbish bags and placed in residential and industrial bins across southwest Sydney. Police say it's believed Mr Noufl was murdered in May, but they do not know exactly how he was killed. His body parts have not been located, and police have said they did not expect to recover his remains. Mr Noufl was reported missing by family friends in July last year and it was initially reported to police that he had travelled back to his native Egypt. Nirmeen Noufl (pictured) is alleged to have murdered her husband Mamdouh Noufl in May Mr Noufl, 62, was reported missing from their Greenacre home in July last year and was initially treated as a missing person before homicide detectives took charge of the investigation However when his family in Egypt said they did not know where he was, it sparked alarm and police escalated their investigation, which also included assistance from the NSW Crime Commission It has been alleged that Ms Noufl was involved in a physical altercation with her husband when he was killed, the court heard on Thursday. 'The Crown case statement says that there were minor facial injuries suffered by Ms Noufl during the alleged physical altercation with the deceased,' Justice Sweeney said. Justice Sweeney added that her injuries 'may give rise to issues of self defence or provocation'. The court was also told that Ms Noufl reported that Mr Noufl was abusive and that in 2012 she told a medical practitioner that she was a victim of domestic violence. Police were also called in 2008 and 2009, the court heard, following reports of domestic violence. Her barrister Greg James KC applied for bail, attacking the strength of the Crown case, arguing she could not prepare for trial in custody and that any trial would not go ahead before 2026. He proposed bail conditions that Ms Noufl wear an electronic ankle monitor and either live with family in Greenacre or to reside at a mental health facility at Bankstown Hospital. Forensic officers are seen examining flooring at the couple's Greenacre home (pictured) Police have further alleged that Ms Noufl took control of his mobile phone and social media accounts to impersonate him in order to make out that he was still alive. It has been alleged their Juno Parade home was extensively cleaned and the floorboards ripped up after his killing. Detectives in October arrested Ms Noufl at Bankstown Hospital, where she had checked herself in as a mental health inpatient. The court was told that Ms Noufl had been diagnosed with a depressive disorder and PTSD, and a forensic psychiatrist had observed she had possible psychotic symptoms. Justice Sweeney said that Ms Noufl had 'told people about receiving communications from an angel'. It has been alleged that she had financial motives for the alleged murder. The Crown has alleged that on the day that Mr Noufl was killed, he went to the Egyptian embassy and signed over power of attorney with respect to an overseas property. Justice Sweeney on Thursday denied her bail application. She has yet to enter a plea and will appear in court again on December 11. Britain looked increasingly isolated over its backing for a controversial arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu after France joined other countries in dismissing it yesterday. Last night Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave the clearest signal yet that the Israeli PM would be arrested if he stepped foot in Britain. He said there is an obligation on me to ask the courts to issue the warrants should the Israeli PM or his former defence minister Yoav Gallant enter the UK. But the French foreign ministry said Mr Netanyahu benefits from immunity because Israel is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued the warrants. It said this would be taken into consideration if the ICC was to ask us for their arrest and handing over. Last week the ICC accused Mr Netanyahu, Mr Gallant and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. The US has branded the ICCs decision outrageous, with president Joe Biden saying that whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence - none - between Israel and Hamas. Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban invited Mr Netanyahu to visit Hungary, guaranteeing that if he comes, the ICC ruling will have no effect in Hungary. Last week the ICC accused Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured), Mr Gallant and Hamas' military chief Mohammed Deif of crimes against humanity Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave the clearest signal yet that the Israeli PM would be arrested if he stepped foot in Britain And the German government said legal questions had to be clarified regarding the ICCs warrant. I find it hard to imagine that we would make arrests on this basis, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said last week. Israel has also denounced the ICCs decision, with Mr Netanyahu saying his country rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions. Last night Mr Lammy was asked by MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee if he and officials would continue to meet and engage with a man who is now wanted for war crimes. He replied: There are two things that I am holding at the same time. One is our obligations under the Statute of Rome and our powerful belief both in the rule of law and humanitarian law. We have to wait in the coming days, weeks for what they call a Notes Verbale to make its way to our embassy so that we get an instruction that we are to enforce these warrants, were they to arise. Under our legislation, Section 2 of the International Criminal Courts legislation, there is an obligation on me to transmit to the courts, should those named seek to come into our country. That doesnt allow me any discretion, I will issue that, transmit that to the courts and then the courts will make their determination under our law, recognising that we are signatories to the Statute of Rome and that these are very, very serious issues indeed. Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban invited Mr Netanyahu to visit Hungary, guaranteeing that if he comes, the ICC ruling will have no effect in Hungary Pressed on whether he would he still engage with Mr Netanyahu, Mr Lammy said it would hugely problematic if the UK could not discuss issues such as humanitarian aid with Israel. I cant see circumstances under which I would not be speaking to the elected representatives of the Israeli government. The Prime Ministers official spokesman also said the Government would respect the process that is set out under our domestic legislation. When it comes to the ICC judgment, as weve said previously, were not going to comment on specific cases, but we have a domestic legal process in the UK that follows the ICC Act of 2001 that includes various considerations as part of that process, including immunities, the spokesman said. And thats exactly why... we arent going to pre-empt the domestic legal process, which... has not been used in the UK before, as an ICC indictee has never travelled to the UK. Last night Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it was right and proper for Mr Netanyahu to appeal against the ICC arrest warrant against him. She told Times Radio: We respect the independence of the ICC. They are an independent court and we respect the rule of law. And its perfectly right and proper and within the rights of a democratically elected government in Israel to appeal that decision. I wouldnt want to prejudice it so I dont think its appropriate for me to make any further comment. Two bodies have been found inside a home in a beachside Melbourne suburb. The man and woman were discovered in a property on James Street in Mordialloc, in the city's southeast, just before 11am on Thursday. Photos from the scene show SES crews assisting police as a crime scene was established on the residential street. The pair have not yet been formally identified. Neighbour Jade Lindsay said she heard a 'blood curdling scream' from a 'very distressed' woman who had discovered the bodies. 'It was a really distressing, blood curdling scream that really scared me because it was so prolonged,' she told the Herald Sun. 'It's a pretty distressing thing to hear obviously that lady who screamed was very distressed.' Ms Lindsay said a man and a woman, believed to be in their 30s, were pacing up and down the pavement outside the home. A neighbour said she heard a 'blood curdling scream' after a woman discovered the bodies just before 11am on Thursday (pictured, detectives arrive at the scene in Mordialloc) Forensics, police and SES crews were at the taped-off scene on Thursday The man and woman were discovered in a property on James Sreet in Mordialloc in Melbourne's southeast (police and SES crews are pictured at the scene) She saw the man stop and put his head in his hands. Victoria Police said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths. 'The circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be determined,' police said. 'Officers have cordoned off the area and a crime scene has been established.' There is no threat to the community. Mark Zuckerberg traveled to Florida on Wednesday to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago compound. The Meta chief, 40, said he was 'grateful' for the opportunity to dine with Trump in an attempt to get into his good graces ahead of his return to the White House, following years of hostilities between the two moguls. Trump has previously launched several public attacks against Zuckerberg over his perception that he and other conservatives have been unfairly censored by Meta. This included claims in Trump's book Save America earlier this year, where he claimed Zuckerberg plotted against him in the 2020 election, and vowed Zuckerberg would 'spend the rest of his life in prison' if he did so again. But the billionaires appeared to have put their differences aside this week in Florida, with a Meta spokesperson saying in a statement Zuckerberg was invited for the meeting by Trump. 'Its an important time for the future of American Innovation,' the statement read. 'Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration.' Trump has not yet commented on his meeting with Zuckerberg, however it came the same day he announced he had a 'wonderful' conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding closing the southern border. Mark Zuckerberg traveled to Florida on Wednesday to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago compound Sources told the New York Times that Zuckerberg flew into West Palm Beach on Tuesday evening before joining Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday. The two men reportedly 'exchanged pleasantries' and Zuckerberg congratulated Trump on securing a second term in the White House. The met for an early afternoon meeting and made plans to dine together later that night at Trump's hotel, sources added. Shortly after Zuckerberg's appearance at Mar-a-Lago circulated on social media, incoming White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller told Fox News that it marks a drastic turnaround in the Meta chief's approach. Speaking on The Ingraham Angle, Miller said: 'Mark Zuckerberg has been very clear about his desire to be a supporter of and a participant in in this change that were seeing all around America, all around the world, with this reform movement that Donald Trump is leading. 'Mark Zuckerberg, like so many business leaders, understands that President Trump is an agent of change, an agent of prosperity. 'And so business leaders and CEOs everywhere want to be an element, a supporter, a booster of making our economy prosperous, delivering for American workers, and making sure that America is the most powerful, wealthiest, freest nation on the face of the earth.' Donald Trump made no secret for his disdain for Zuckerberg in the past, and threatened to jail him 'for the rest of his life' earlier this year after accusing him of meddling in the 2020 election Miller loosely referenced Zuckerberg's past difficulties with Trump through Meta and its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, but said we will 'have to see what comes' out of the meeting. 'Mark obviously has his own interests and his own company and his own agenda,' Miller said. 'But he has made clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under President Trump's leadership.' Host Bryan Kilmeade added that the meeting may be a sign that Trump 'might be getting over the fact that Zuckerbucks really impacted the 2020 election.' The 'Zuckerbucks' nickname was one previously used by Trump in his attacks on Zuckerberg. In one post to Truth Social in July, Trump vowed: 'If I'm elected President, we will pursue election fraudsters at levels never seen before, and they will be sent to prison for long periods of time. 'We already know you you are. DON'T DO IT! ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!' A Meta spokesperson said Zuckerberg was 'grateful' to be offered the meeting with the president-elect, which comes after years of hostility between the pair In one post to Truth Social in July, Trump branded Zuckerberg 'Zuckerbucks' and vowed to jail him if he meddled in the election Sources told the Times that Zuckerberg's inner circle came to understand Trump's likely election win early in election season, and he showed a marked shift in approach soon after. Zuckerberg reportedly had at least two private phone calls with Trump over the summer, one of which came just a week after the 'Zuckerbucks' post when Trump was shot in the ear in a near-assassination. At the time, Zuckerberg reportedly told Trump he was 'praying' for him after the attempt on his life. In public, Zuckerberg followed a similar message as he said in an interview at the time that Trump's iconic raised-fight 'fight' reaction to the assassination attempt was 'badass.' An entrepreneur who founded one of the world's most popular websites was mysteriously found dead in his university office just hours after sending an email accusing officials at the school of trying to sabotage him. Marshall Brain II, 63, an educator and founder of HowStuffWorks, was found dead in his office at North Carolina State University at around 7am on November 20, after his wife, Leigh Ann, called for a welfare check, according to the Technician, the university's student-run newspaper. Authorities have not yet released a cause of death. But just a few hours before, at around 4.30am, Brain sent an email to colleagues at the school saying two university department heads retaliated against him after he filed a number of ethics complaints. 'If you are receiving this email, you are a friend and colleague of mine,' he wrote, the News & Observer reports. 'Today, I would like to ask for a few minutes of your time so that I can tell you a story.' Brain went on to claim that he was not actually planning to retire, as Stephen Markham, the executive director of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, insinuated in a November 6 internal email. 'I have just been through one of the most demoralizing, depressing, humiliating, unjust processes possible with the University,' the beloved professor wrote. 'The fact is that I am not "retiring." Instead, NC State terminated me on October 29.' Brain founded HowStuffWorks.com in the early 1990s, and it soon became one of the 1,000-most visited websites in the world He had earlier written an email to colleagues at the school saying two university department heads retaliated against him after he filed a number of ethics complaints He wrote that after he submitted ethics complaints about Veena Misra, the head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and brought his concerns to her directly, Misra retaliated against him. Brain's email contained allegations that Misra engaged in wrongdoing such as lies, incompetence, hiding information, bad faith and unethical behavior following a disagreement in August about repurposing the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program meeting space to accommodate a new hire, the Technician reports. 'What came back was a sickening nuclear bomb of retaliation, the likes of which could not be believed,' the professor continued. '[Misra] ex-communicated me from my department for reporting my concerns to her.' He said he received an email a few weeks after submitting his ethics complaints from Srinath Ekkad, the head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, saying the department would no longer recommend students participate in his Engineering Entrepreneurs Program. When he then responded to Ekkad, Brain claimed that Markham informed him he would be taking disciplinary action against him for 'unacceptable behavior.' Brain continued to say he believed the university's ethics complaint system's framework was not being properly used to address his concerns. His former student, Brandon Kashani, who was one of the recipients of the email, noted he had submitted numerous complaints through the university's EthicsPoint system, and claimed the tensions in the department arose because Brain didn't 'play the political game.' Brain claimed that after he filed ethics complaints against Veena Misra, the head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Srinath Ekkad, the head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said the department would no longer recommend students participate in his Engineering Entrepreneurs Program. When Brain then responded to Ekkad, Brain claimed that Stephen Markham, the executive director of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, informed him he would be taking disciplinary action against him for 'unacceptable behavior' and later sent an internal email saying Brain had retired 'Marshall was caught in an imbalanced group of people with more power than him and they didn't like him calling them out,' Kashani told the student newspaper. '...He was keeping people accountable. He didn't understand that political aspect of it and they just wanted to get rid of him.' Kevin Barry, another alumnae of Brain's program who now serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for NC State's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Leadership program, also said his former professor was pivotal in the lives of many students throughout the years. 'Marshall was a cornerstone of entrepreneurship at NC State, and a very key person who dedicated himself and was a real entrepreneur, and really dedicated himself to the students,' he said. 'And he, through and through, down to the bone, had the love and desire to help students. 'So to see what's going on with him is just absolutely devastating and disgusting.' Brain was born in Santa Monica, California, and was heavily influenced as a child by his father's work designing components for NASA's lunar lander and his later development of Atlanta's MARTA system, according to an online obituary. Marshall Brain II, 63, an educator and founder of HowStuffWorks, was found dead in his office at North Carolina State University at around 7am on November 20 He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and later a Master of Science in Computer Science from NC State, where he first met Leigh Ann. The two would go on to raise four children together, David, Irena, Jonny and Ian, and Brain took a position as a computer science professor. He worked in that position up until 1992, when he founded a software company called Interface Technologies, after finding success creating a website with his wife on which he posted easy-to-understand scientific explanations about how basic gadgets functioned. Early entries on HowStuffWorks.com included research on VCRs, airplanes and car engines, and it soon became one of the 1,000-most visited websites in the world, the News & Observer reports. It grew to 10,000 visitors a day in 1998, and then to 33,000 by early 2000. 'People get on the site and they can finally understand the technology all around them,' he told the newspaper in 1999. 'And they can realize that it's fairly simple at its core,' he said, adding that it is 'pretty comforting and reassuring to know that they can understand it all.' By the early 2000s, HowStuffWorks became a major brand with 20 employees, and it started publishing a free Stuff Works magazine that was sent to 10,000 schools. Family members said Brain would do anything for them, and 'will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him' Brain ultimately sold his company in 2002 to the investment firm Convex Group, and five years later, Discovery Communications bought it for $250million. In the years that followed, Brain continued to work in education media, producing a series for The National Geographic Channel called Factory Floor, which showed behind-the-scenes manufacturing of everyday items, and appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2006 to explain how television worked. He also authored more than a dozen books and contributed articles to the News & Observer on a range of topics like dividends and humidifiers. But in 2012, Brain returned to NC State, where he helped students launch startups. 'Anytime I had an issue, he would sit down with me for hours and just write, write, write in his iPad,' Kashani recounted. 'Then he would go home and at night send me an email with a million suggestions and scenarios and different things when he had time to digest it.' Barry, who founded the startup FilterEasy as an undergraduate, also said a lot of people thought his business was a 'cool idea. 'But Marshall is one of the people who would dive in and ask you every question and every problem and help you work towards solutions.' In his personal life, the obituary says, Brain 'would do anything for his family, including building a duck pond with an excavator because his future wife said she wanted ducks, or jumping in the car to drive hours to deliver a set of keys to his daughter who had left them at home.' He also dreamed of one day building his own helicopter, and often spoke about walking down the Appalachian Trail. 'Through his work, teaching and boundless curiosity, Marshall touched countless lives, inspiring others to explore, learn and better understand the world around them,' the obituary says. 'He will be greatly missed, but will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.' DailyMail.com has reached out to North Carolina State University for comment. Horrifying cell phone footage captured a man climbing out of his seat on a roller coaster when he realized his safety bar unlatched. The incident happened at Castles N' Coasters amusement park in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday. The man, who identified himself only as Ricky, was seen making his daring exit from the Desert Storm roller coaster right at the top of the ride, moments before its huge drop. Ricky, who was at the park with his family, told TODAY the person operating the coaster didn't check the lap bars before sending the riders up. As they were ascending, he heard his bar click, then felt it unlatch. 'We were right about to the top when that happened, so I had a split decision to either decide to stay on the roller coaster and hope I stay in or get out,' he said. Ricky chose to vault himself from his seat onto the catwalk to his left moments before the coaster plunged down into the two 360 degree loops ahead. He then climbed down stairs to get back to the ground. 'I'm thankful it was me, because if it was one of the 10 or 11 year olds that were going through that, I don't know that they would have jumped out of a moving roller coaster to save themselves,' Ricky said. Ricky is seen on video as the Desert Storm nears the edge of the drop At the last second, he jumps out of his seat onto the catwalk and descends down stairs to safety Pictured: A loop in the Desert Storm ride Ricky would have had to endure if he hadn't escaped before the drop 'Luckily, I'm here to tell my story, and the only thing that I can do is just try to spread awareness,' Ricky added. DailyMail.com approached Castles N' Coasters for comment. The company is yet to address the incident. This same ride at the same amusement park malfunctioned three years ago in May 2021. The coaster stalled, leaving 22 passengers hanging 20 feet above the ground for two hours after it got stuck on its horizontal loop. The Phoenix Fire Department had to be called and rescue crews were able to escort the riders to safety using a 30 foot ladder. Terrifying images showed passengers being carried to safety down ladders resting against the tracks. This photo provided shows responders rescuing people stuck on a roller coaster at Castles N' Coasters on Saturday The Phoenix Fire Department said the ride got stuck Saturday, with riders perched 20 feet off the ground One state over in California, a similar incident happened a little over a week ago at the Knott's Berry Farm amusement park. The Sol Spin ride was brought to a screeching halt at around 2pm on a Monday, with thrill seekers being left to dangle until the were evacuated at 4:30pm. A total of 22 people were stuck in mid-air. While some were left on their side, no one was left upside down. The Sol Spin ride is made up of six swinging arms that go as high as six stories, and rotate 360 degrees. After they were rescued, riders were seen stretching their backs and limbs after being stuck in uncomfortable positions for hours. Some were hunched over and struggled to walk, others were placed in to wheelchairs after they exited the ride. The Sol Spin ride at Knott's Berry Farm was brought to a screeching halt at around 2pm on Monday, with thrill seekers being left to dangle After they were rescued, riders were seen stretching their backs and limbs after being stuck in uncomfortable positions for hours Three teens, two brothers and their cousin, were visiting the park for a birthday celebration were among those trapped on the ride. 'It spun two times around and then when we hit the top, it stopped,' Yandel Espinoza, 14, told KABC. 'Then it shut down and we got stuck up there and we started panicking. We felt like we were gonna die.' Espinoza's 13-year-old cousin, Jaedyn Cannon, said: 'We were in a weird position. We were like, sideways.' Cannon's mother told the local news station that Knott's Berry Farm offered them free passes to make up for the incident but that they turned them down. 'I feel like workers should've let us know like "hey, I would go check and see if you have any extra kids to make sure they are safe," and they didn't do none of that,' Monique Cannon said. A second man has been charged after more than 10 cars and several homes and businesses were defaced with anti-Israel slurs in an elite Sydney suburb. Celebrity chef Matt Moran's Chiswick restaurant was among the three premises that were vandalised at Woollahra during the attack at 12.35am on Thursday. Multiple cars were covered in white spray paint that read 'f**k Israel' while a vehicle was set alight leaving behind a trail of $70,000 worth of damages. The damage to the buildings is estimated to be between $20,000 to $30,000. On Thursday, a 19-year-old man was arrested at a home on Queen Street in Arncliffe over his alleged role in the incident, NSW Police said in a statement. He was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged with 21 offences. The teenager was refused bail and was scheduled to appear before Sutherland Local Court on Thursday. It comes just days after a 20-year-old man was arrested at Sydney Airport in Mascot. A man has been charged after more than 10 cars and several buildings were defaced with anti-Israel slurs in one of Sydney's wealthiest suburbs He was taken to a police station and charged with 21 offences that include 14 counts of destroy or damage property. Three counts enter building with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of destroy property in company use fire, face blackened/disguised to commit indictable offence and behave in an offensive manner in public place were among the other charges. He was refused bail and appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday. Chiswick is co-owned by Mr Moran and Elliot Solomon, the Jewish CEO of Solotel Group. The letters 'PKK' were also seen on multiple cars and the windows of Chiswick. PKK could refer to the Kurdistan Workers' Party which some countries, including Australia, have designated a terrorist organisation. Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory told Daily Mail Australia the government has not taken its concerns seriously. 'It is absolutely shocking to see political violence like this play out in the streets of Australia,' he said. Multiple cars were covered in spray paint that read 'f**k Israel' while a vehicle was set alight NSW Police launched a manhunt for two people following the vandalism (pictured) 'There is no justification for targeting Jews and other Australians over a conflict on the other side of the world. 'Labor has looked on as an increasingly violent anti-Israel movement has taken over Australian streets. 'The Jewish community has been begging authorities to take this seriously. 'Many feel that Labor refuses to act because it is too focused on winning votes in Western Sydney. 'When Australians are being prevented from taking their children to see the Myer Christmas windows or told to stay at home for their own safety because the Opera House steps were taken over by an anti-Semitic mob, it's clear we have a problem. 'It's time for decent Australians to reclaim our streets from this 'Free Palestine' hate movement.' Dr Dvir Abramovich from the Anti-Defamation Commission said the 'cowardly' attack was a 'frontal assault on our values and on decency' and would only 'ignite the resolve' of the Jewish community. 'This hate crime is the direct result of the unrelenting incitement against Israel and the explosion of anti-Semitism we are witnessing around the nation,' he said. 'Words have real-world consequences, and this is proof of what happens when rhetoric becomes violence. 'To those responsible, hear this: your hatred has no place here. You may think you can silence us with fire and venom, but you've only ignited our resolve. 'The Jewish community has faced darkness before, and each time we have risen stronger.' ABC chair Kim Williams has admitted he just 'doesn't get it' after receiving enormous global backlash following his brutal criticism of Joe Rogan. Williams, 72, claimed the world's most popular podcaster 'preys on people's vulnerability' and told the National Press Club on Wednesday that he was 'not a consumer or enthusiast' of Rogan's work. 'People like Mr Rogan prey on people's vulnerabilities. They prey on fear,' he said. 'They prey on anxiety. They prey on all of the elements that contribute to uncertainty in society, and they entrepreneur fantasy outcomes and conspiracy outcomes as being a normal part of social narrative. 'I personally find it deeply repulsive, to think that someone has such remarkable power.' A clip of Williams' comments was shared to social media platform X, where Rogan replied 'LOL WUT' in a post seen more than 20million times. The owner of the platform, Elon Musk, similarly denounced the ABC boss. 'From the head of Australian government-funded media, their Pravda,' Musk said. Kim Williams (pictured), 72, claimed the world's most popular podcaster 'preys on people's vulnerability' and told the National Press Club on Wednesday that he was 'not a consumer or enthusiast' of Rogan's work Pravda is the former official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which still operates in the Russian Federation. On Thursday morning, Williams addressed the hurricane of worldwide criticism his comments had stirred up. 'What fascinates me is you say something negative about Joe Rogan and I have been swarmed with the most unbelievably vicious responses,' Williams told ABC radio Melbourne host Raf Epstein. 'I got one this morning that said that I should stay in my lane and watch out, and you read it and you think, "What are you saying to me?" 'Where is this super sensitivity deriving from? You make a comment in response to a legitimate question from a journalist. 'You answer it concisely and give an honest answer in terms of what your own perception of Mr Rogan is. 'And suddenly I get this huge pile-on from people in the most aggressive way, saying that I have a warped outlook on the world, that I am an embarrassment to our nation, that I am in some way unhinged, that that I am a supreme example of arrogance and disconnection with Australian society. 'I have to say to you, Raf, I just don't get it.' A clip of Williams' comments was shared to social media platform X, where Rogan (pictured) replied 'LOL WUT' in a post seen more than 20 million times Williams was asked whether he thought the popularity of podcasts posed a 'threat' to the ABC. 'Of course they're a threat to the ABC. I think they're a threat to all views that are contrary into their own,' he responded. 'If they represent the newfound mainstream, our society has deep troubles, and the only response that is available is to back education and knowledge. 'Knowledge is the is the antidote to this kind of hysterical rubbish.' His main issue with Rogan was the podcaster's scepticism towards the Covid-19 vaccines. 'I mean, Joe Rogan did an enormous, in my view, an enormous amount of damage back in 2020 and 2021, when he was particularly virulent in many of his remarks about vaccinations,' Williams said. He added: 'I don't think people have unlimited license to say what they want, simply because they believe something to be so. 'We must perform to higher standards. We must perform to standards that have regard to facts. We have to perform the standards that actually have scientific validity. 'I think Joe Rogan at times, not uniformly, but at times, breaks those rules.' Daily Mail Australia previously contacted the ABC for comment. The Joe Rogan Experience is the most popular podcast on Spotify with 14.5million followers. Rogan signed a $200million deal with the streaming giant in 2020. A Labor MP has copped criticism for seemingly suggesting Australia was to blame for worsening tensions with China under Scott Morrison's government. Jason Yat-Sen Li, a former businessman turned MP in the NSW Parliament, appeared on Q+A on Monday night, where he was accused of 'rewriting history' over his comments on China-Australian relations. 'What would happen if, God forbid, the Coalition were to win the Federal election next year?', Mr Li asked. 'It's very hard to say. My gut instinct is that it's hard for a leopard to change its spots. As a Chinese Australian, I think back to the dark days of the China-Australia relationship. 'That was an awful, awful time for Chinese Australians. Not only were we vilified because the People's Republic of China was seen as extremely unfriendly to Australia and we look Chinese so we really copped it in Covid. 'And we certainly don't want to go back to those days.' Mr Li, who was born in Sydney but lived and worked in China for eight years, went on to praise Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's approach to Australian-Chinese relations. 'It is certainly one of the best achievements of the Albanese government to bring that relationship back on track,' he added. Jason Yat-Sen Li (pictured), a former businessman and state MP appeared on Q+A this week, where he was accused of 'rewriting history' over his comments on China-Australian relations Until Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) visited China in November last year, an Australian Prime Minister had not been to the country since 2016. He's pictured shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) on the sidelines of the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last week Mr Li's comments were slammed by prominent China hawk Drew Pavlou, who said that 'this version of history basically erases the CCP's (Chinese Communist Party's) aggression towards Australia under the previous government'. 'The Chinese Embassy infamously issued a list of '14 Demands'' which commanded Australia to shut down independent think tanks and 'negative media reporting' on the CCP,' he said. 'They demanded the repeal of counter foreign-interference legislation and commanded Australia to drop calls for an independent inquiry into COVID-19 and human rights concerns on Uyghurs, Hong Kong and Taiwan. 'Jason Yat-Sen Li basically erases this history and pretends that the only reason Xi Jinping sanctioned Australia was that the Liberals were undiplomatic.' Until Mr Albanese visited China in November last year, an Australian Prime Minister had not been to the country since 2016. The relationship frayed for multiple reasons, with the Coalition government highlighting concerns about foreign interference and alleged Chinese-sponsored cyber attacks in 2017. But the big flashpoint came in April 2020 when then-PM Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of Covid-19. In retaliation, China imposed swingeing tariffs on Australian exports which affected $20 billion of Australian goods, including barley, beef, wine, coal, timber and lobster. Mr Li's comments were slammed by prominent China hawk Drew Pavlou who said that 'this version of history basically erases the CCP's (Chinese Communist Party's) aggression towards Australia under the previous government' (pictured: Mr Li and Mr Alabense with other Labor party figures pose for a photo during Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney this year) The embittered relationship reached fever pitch when a list of '14 grievances', which Mr Pavlou referenced, was leaked to Australian journalists in November 2020. The Chinese government accused the Morrison administration of 'poisoning bilateral relations' by, among other things, publishing negative and critical media reports, banning Huawei from the 5G network in 2018, funding 'anti-China research' and blocking Chinese investment deals. The deep freeze between the two countries has begun to thaw under Mr Albanese's government, with both nations striking tentative trade deals for goods such as lobster and barley. Indeed, the pair are more positively chummy, with a Chinese state-owned newspaper recently describing Mr Albanese as a world leader that others from the West should strive to emulate. On the ABC program, Mr Li had originally been asked for his thoughts on whether the election of US President Donald Trump will alter Australia's relationship with China. 'We are not a superpower. We are not in a superpower competition with China, except maybe in the swimming pool,' Mr Li joked. 'I don't think a Trump Presidency will impact how we relate to China. We will need to continue to walk that line. The Prime Minister puts it very well: we collaborate where we can, we disagree where we must ... in our national interest.' Mr Li, who has a law degree, worked for a number of insurance and investment companies in China before moving back to Australia in 2013. He has long been outspoken on the issue of anti-Chinese sentiment in Australia. 'To distrust, disenfranchise and vilify our fellow citizens would eat us from within it is not only fundamentally contrary to the Australian values we seek to uphold, but would do more damage to our democracy than any foreign power ever could,' he wrote in The Guardian in April 2020. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum quickly poured cold water on Donald Trump's claim he secured the 'immediate' end of migrants crossing the southern border - insisting instead that her country will 'not close borders.' Sheinbaum contradicted the president-elect just hours after he announced on Truth Social the two world leaders had a 'wonderful' conversation that resulted in 'effectively closing our Southern Border.' She countered: 'In our conversation with President Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights. 'Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are assisted before they reach the border,' she said. 'We reiterate that Mexico's position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples.' Sheinbaum's statement contradicting Trump came just after nemesis Maggie Haberman predicted Trump's claim of a huge immigration victory may have been more bluster than actual diplomacy. Haberman said during an appearance on CNN that she was left puzzled by the president-elect's announcement. 'I have no idea what that actually means,' Haberman responded to his closed border claim. 'He has made statements like that before when he was president, and it didnt actually amount to the closure of a border.' Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday he and the Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reached a major immigration deal 'effective immediately' - before she claimed they had not just hours later Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted her country 'will not close borders' and was focused on 'respecting human rights' in a retort to Trump's claim about their deal Her scathing assessment came one day after Trump branded her with a vile nickname in response to a critical story about aide Natalie Harp. Sheinbaum's conversation with Trump followed a two day back-and-forth of hardball tactics between the two leaders over immigration, fentanyl, and trade sanctions. On Monday, Trump threatened to impose a crippling 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico 'until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!' After Trump's tariff threat, Sheinbaum fired back: 'Seventy percent of the illegal weapons seized from criminals in Mexico come from your country.' But a day later, Trump appeared delighted after the two had a 'wonderful' discussion, offering details about their supposed agreement. 'Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo,' the Republican posted. 'She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.' 'We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation!' Sheinbaum's initially agreed that the two leaders had an 'excellent' conversation. 'I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump,' she posted on X at the time. 'We addressed Mexico's strategy regarding the migration phenomenon, and I shared that caravans are no longer reaching the northern border as they are being addressed within Mexico.' But she denied Trump's claim that she would close the border 'immediately.' If Sheinbaum had followed Trump's original claim and closed the border, it would have marked a significant early victory for the President-elect after making illegal immigration one of the key planks of his 2024 platform. Since FY 2021 there have been nearly 11 million migrants encounters, meaning those who crossed illegally, according to federal data. Although the two leaders were not on the same page on Wednesday over their plans for the border, Sheinbaum also pointed out in her response that since last December, 'encounters at the MexicoUnited States border have decreased by 75%.' Migrants cross back and forth between the United States and Mexico at the Rio Grande in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 The Mexican president responded to Trump's threat at her daily press conference in Mexico City on Tuesday where she read from a letter she plans to send to the president-elect. 'One tariff will be followed by another in response, and so on until we put common companies at risk,' Sheinbaum said. She even called out specific American companies that could be threatened by Trump's plan. 'The main exporters from Mexico to the U.S. are General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford Motor Company, which arrived 80 years ago. Why put in place a tariff that puts them in risk?' she asked. But on Wednesday evening she called the conversation between her and the Republican 'wonderful' and 'productive.' In a separate post, Trump also announced a new endeavor aimed at cracking down on the 100,000+ fentanyl overdose deaths that have occurred in the U.S. in the past four years. 'I will be working on a large scale United States Advertising Campaign, explaining how bad Fentanyl is for people to use - Millions of lives being so needlessly destroyed,' another post said. 'By the time the Campaign is over, everyone will know how really bad the horror of this Drug is.' One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has issued defamation warnings to Lidia Thorpe and Channel Nine's Today show after the senator labelled her 'a convicted racist' on national television. Senator Hanson's top legal team, which is also managing her racism case against Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, fired off the legal letters following Senator Thorpe's appearance on Thursday morning's program. The letters, titled 'urgent defamation', demanded Ms Thorpe apologise for calling Ms Hanson a 'convicted racist' or face legal action. 'This morning, you gave an interview broadcast on the Nine Network during the Today Show in which you referred to our client,' the letter from solicitors Gillis Delaney read. 'You alleged during that interview that Senator Hanson has been convicted of racism. That never occurred. 'No such criminal offence was raised against our client and no such conviction exists. 'It is highly irresponsible of you to have used this language on national television. It cannot have occurred innocently given how self-evidently false your claim is.' The letter continued: 'We require you to immediately and publicly withdraw the allegation that our client stands convicted of a criminal offence and to apologise to her for your inappropriate conduct. Lidia Thorpe (pictured) called Pauline Hanson a 'convicted racist' on national TV on Thursday morning Ms Hanson (pictured) issued Ms Thorpe and the Nine Network a defamation warning over the sledge Fatima Payman (pictured) slammed Ms Hanson as 'racist' for tabling a document questioning her right to sit in parliament due to her Afghan background 'You are a public servant who has a platform that should be used responsibly. Part of that involves urgently correcting yourself when you speak in error. 'We look forward to your prompt response.' A statement from Ms Hanson added: 'Media outlets repeating the false claim by Lidia Thorpe that Senator Pauline Hanson has been "convicted of racism" have been put on notice they may face court proceedings.' A Federal Court on November 1 found Ms Hanson had racially vilified Ms Faruqi by telling her to 'p*ss off back to Pakistan' in a message on X, formerly Twitter. Ms Hanson's legal team has filed an appeal on the judgement, saying her sledge wasn't racist as she previously told another senator to 'go back' to New Zealand. Her team also claimed Ms Hanson's comment couldn't be considered racial vilification as she didn't mention Ms Mehreen's skin colour. Ms Hanson is using nearly $700,000 donated by supporters to help fund her legal team. She will be represented by leading barrister Sue Chrysathanou and her solicitor Anthony Jeffries, who also represents Lisa Wilkinson in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial. Justice Angus Stewart's findings handed down on November 1 found Ms Hanson's post of X, formerly Twitter, broke section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and was an 'angry personal attack' and conveyed a 'strong form of racism'. However, Ms Hanson's attack wasn't racist as 'it only targeted Ms Faruqi, there is no explicit or implicit reference to colour', the judge found. A Federal Court on November 1 found Ms Hanson (pictured) had racially vilified Mehreen Faruqi by telling her to 'p*ss off back to Pakistan' in a message on X, formerly Twitter Ms Hanson's legal team claimed her comment about Ms Faruqi (pictured) wasn't racist as she'd previously told another senator to 'go back to' New Zealand Tensions between Ms Hanson and Ms Thorpe escalated after the controversial Indigenous politician yelled that Ms Hanson was a 'convicted racist' following a furious spray from independent senator Fatima Payman. Ms Payman, who left Labor to set up her own party earlier this year, unleashed on the One Nation leader, accusing her of racism and claiming she spread hatred and division. Their dispute was triggered by a document Ms Hanson tabled in which she questioned whether Ms Payman's Afghan citizenship disqualified her from serving in parliament. Section 44c of the Australian constitution prevents anyone who holds citizenship of another country from sitting in parliament. Ms Payman was born in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, but gained Australian citizenship in 2005. This, however, did not automatically revoke her Afghanistan citizenship, therefore raising questions over her eligibility to sit in the senate. Ms Thorpe (pictured) told the Today show on Thursday that she had 'no regrets' about 'standing up' against racism On Wednesday, Ms Payman lashed out at the One Nation leader in parliament, suggesting she 'go to Afghanistan and talk to the Taliban about this'. 'All that Senator Hanson has done in this place is spread hatred, spread division,' Ms Payman seethed. 'I am very honoured that I live rent free in Senator Hanson's mind, but I think you've got better things to do than worry about Section 44.' Ms Hanson called on Ms Payman to provide a 'lot more evidence' of her attempts to revoke her Afghanistan citizenship, arguing that to fail to to do so would set a 'dangerous precedent'. 'There's a very good reason why the architects of our Constitution required that our elected representatives have undivided loyalties,' Ms Hanson said. 'It's also the expectation of the Australian people that no foreign citizen or dual citizen be permitted to sit in the seat of our democracy.' Her comments came after Ms Payman had accused her of racism by listing previous comments made by Ms Hanson, including her first speech in which she said Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians' and that 'Aboriginality would no longer exist' if her party were in power. 'If that is not racist, what is it?' Ms Payman yelled as she slammed her fist down on the table in the Senate. 'Somebody bring the dictionary because Senator Hanson does not know the definition of racism. 'The fact that you would say just weeks ago to Senator Faruqi, "piss off back to Pakistan"; you're not just vindictive, mean, nasty, you bring disgrace to the human race. No dignity whatsoever as a senator in this prestigious place.' Ms Thorpe could be heard repeatedly shouting 'You are a convicted racist!'. Ms Thorpe (left) could be heard repeatedly shouting 'You are a convicted racist!' to Ms Hanson (right) on Wednesday In a speech outside parliament on Thursday, following her suspension from the chamber for the rest of the sitting year, Ms Thorpe labelled the whole of Australia 'racist' and cited her activism as the reason for her ban. 'This is a very racist, divided country,' she told reporters. 'But that's not what we want, we want peace, we want liberation, we want self determination. We want to decide our own destinies, not this place with the native police.' Ms Thorpe earlier told the Today show that she had 'no regrets' about 'standing up' against racism. Anthony Albanese's plan to double taxes on super balances above $3million has been dealt a severe blow with the Greens declining to pass it on the last day of parliament for the year. The Greens, whose support Labor needs in the Senate to get legislation passed, are continuing to block Labor's Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures Bill 2023. This was despite leader Adam Bandt on Thursday listing 10 other Labor items related to economic policy that it would pass - including Reserve Bank reforms. The failure to pass this controversial superannuation bill could mean the policy is dead if Labor fails to win the next election due by May, or if the Senate continues to obstruct the legislation early next year before parliament is dissolved. Labor had hoped to finish the year with a plan to punish the top 0.5 per cent or 80,000 retirement savers with a new 30 per cent tax on nest eggs with more than $3million - from July 2025. This would be double the usual super contributions and earnings tax rate of 15 per cent. But the Greens are opposed because they want the threshold reduced to $1.9million to cover 104,141 people, or 0.6 per cent of the population. Labor's super policy also includes a plan to tax unrealised gains above $3million. Anthony Albanese 's plan to double taxes on super balances above $3million has been dealt a severe blow with the Greens declining to pass it on the last day of parliament for the year (he is pictured right with fiancee Jodie Haydon) This would see self-managed super funds taxed on assets that have yet to be sold. That is a radical breakaway from the usual capital gains tax practice of taxing assets after they have been sold, and the value is realised. The bill is creating uncertainty for self-managed super funds that own real estate and farms, as Labor's proposed law would require a valuation of assets above a $3million threshold. No other country in the world has taxed unrealised gains on superannuation, with the likes of Sweden only applying that approach to overall wealth. The Coalition is opposed to Labor's super policy while teal crossbenchers Allegra Spender, Kylea Tink and David Pocock have raised concerns about taxing unrealised gains. The SMSF Association, which represents self-managed super funds, was relieved Labor's super bill had stalled, with chief executive Peter Burgess lobbying against taxing unrealised gains - known as tax division 296. 'By the end of the day what became evident, to me at least, is that it is highly unlikely this tax will be passed in the current sitting week and, assuming the election is not called beforehand, its passage during the scheduled February 2025 sitting days also seems improbable,' he said. 'Suggestions the bill could be passed during the February 2025 Senate sitting days seems at odds with the considerable reservations voiced by the crossbench. The Greens, whose support Labor needs in the Senate to get legislation passed, are yet to back Labor's Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023 (pictured is leader Adam Bandt with his deputy Mehreen Faruqi) 'Concerns about the design of this tax appear insurmountable without a substantial overhaul of the bill.' Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor has also slammed the bill for only targeting accumulated superannuation but ignoring defined benefit super. This would exempt members of parliament elected before October 2004, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton who would be entitled to a guaranteed lump sum payout based on their time in parliament. 'This regime proposes a different approach for a farmer or a small business owner, than a public servant, a judge, or a politician,' Mr Taylor told Daily Mail Australia. 'Those like the Prime Minister, lucky enough to have a defined benefits scheme, will enjoy deferred payments and rates of tax set entirely by regulation not legislation. 'This is a wealth tax, plain and simple. But the Prime Minister has exempted himself.' But a Treasury paper explained the bill would in fact target defined benefit superannuation. 'It is the Governments intent to ensure broadly commensurate treatment for defined benefit interests,' it said. 'Treasury will consult further on the appropriate treatment for defined benefit interests.' Treasurer Jim Chalmers and other Labor cabinet ministers are yet to publicly accuse the Coalition of spreading false information, even though the Opposition has since May slammed Labor's proposed laws for excluding defined benefit super. The Opposition first raised the issue six months ago in a dissenting report to a Senate economics committee tasked with examining Labor's super bill. A man has been rushed to hospital with serious burns after he jumped from the balcony of an apartment block following a barbecue gas bottle explosion. Emergency services were called to Meredith Street, in Bankstown, in Sydney's south-west, just after 3pm on Thursday after the man in his 30s fell from a second floor unit. He was treated at the scene for serious burns to his arms, leg and face and rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry told Daily Mail Australia that the man had been cooking on a barbecue on the balcony at the time. Fire crews were called to the scene following reports of a gas leak. 'He suffered serious burns. The scene was cleared at 4.10pm,' he said. Photos of the scene showed the man being assisted by paramedics outside the complex. He was seen lying on a stretcher covered in bandages on his upper arm and shoulder. The man in his 30s was treated at the scene (pictured) and was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition Emergency services (pictured) were called to the Bankstown unit shortly after 3pm Thursday The explosion at the apartment block in Bankstown (pictured) was caused by a barbecue gas bottle explosion Paramedics administered treatment before the man was wheeled into an ambulance. Several police vehicles lined the street while officers interviewed Police were also seen inspecting several balconies at the complex. Discarded rubbish was seen strewn on the grass outside apartment building. A gas cylinder was also seen unattended outside the unit block with parts of the exterior burnt out. Images from the scene showed the man being assisted by paramedics outside the unit block Several police vehicles lined the street as officers spoke to locals (pictured) Police and paramedics (pictured) were among several emergency service workers, who were called to scene, including Fire and Rescue NSW A gas cylinder was also seen unattended outside the unit block with parts of the exterior burnt out (pictured) A woman, who was visiting her sister at unit block, said she heard a loud bang before emergency services arrived at the scene. '[The injured man] hurt his shoulder and his leg,' she told the Daily Telegraph. '[I was told] it was a gas explosion.' The latest incident comes after authorities issued several warnings about the use of gas cylinders during the summer months. Supt Dewberry previously told Daily Mail people should exercise caution when they are using the object to cook food. Discarded rubbish was seen strewn on the grass outside apartment building (pictured) Police were also seen inspecting several balconies at the unit block (pictured) Authorities have issued several warnings about the use of gas cylinders during the summer months to avoid similar incidents (pictured ambulance vehicles driving to the scene) 'Due to the number of barbecue fires, particularly on balconies, we're just asking people to be really careful with them, make sure you turn off the gas once you're finished with it,' Supt Dewberry said. 'The main thing is to make sure the gas isn't leaking and check the connection and make sure you've got a bit of separation or distance between the barbeque or any hotplates around.' Barbecue mishaps can be avoided through regular checks and maintenance. Supt Dewberry also advised people to have a garden hose or a continuous supply of water at all times when using a barbecue to cook outdoors. 'If a gas leak does occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate,' he said. Aussies are also advised to check the date stamp on the gas cylinder, which are valid for 10 years. A family grieving the loss of a teen who tragically swept away by floodwaters almost three years ago can finally lay her to rest after her remains were found. Krystal Cain,14, from Victoria, was travelling with her father Lenny to visit family in Agnes Water, Queensland, when their vehicle became trapped in floodwaters on the Burnett Highway, near Gympie, on January 8 2022. The pair managed to escape from their submerged car before Krystal was eventually swept away after surviving for hours with her dad clinging to tree branches. The heartbroken father told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday night that human remains discovered six weeks ago have now been confirmed to be Krystal's after forensic testing The teen's body is now at a funeral home as her family organise arrangements for a fitting farewell to be held on January 10 in Bundaberg. Theres happiness, sadness, contentment,' Mr Cain said. 'Theres all sorts of mixed emotions at the moment.' He said the discovery of her remains was bittersweet but expressed relief that the family can finally to give Krystal the farewell she deserves. Krystal Cain, 14, (right) was travelling with her dad Lenny (left) in January 2022 when their car became stranded by floodwaters The year nine student (pictured) was pulled from the car by her dad, who tied an extension chord around them. They clung to one tree for six hours, before the branches snapped and they were swept to another tree. They were then swept to a third tree where the father was trapped under water - and when he resurfaced his daughter was gone Thats been the main thing for me over the last few years,' he said. 'I had a lot of jealousy, a lot of hatred towards people who were able to do something I wasnt able to do.' At the time the Year Nine student went missing, 10km of farms and bushland were searched by emergency services for two weeks before the effort was scaled back. Mr Cain said it was pig hunters who made the discovery of skeletal remains at Booubyjan in late October, just 500m away from the original search zone. Krystal's clothing was found by the authorities - which helped the forensic team match to his daughter's remains. Mr Cain described Krystal as an 'amazing and kind-hearted girl' who was also a talented artist. 'She loved English at school, she was very good at all of her subjects but she wasnt one of these people who big noted herself. She was a quiet achiever,' the proud dad said. 'Whenever new children came to the school, she would be the one who walked them around and spend time with them. Krystal's remains were found by pig hunters six weeks ago. The teen is pictured with her dad Krystal Cain (pictured) was a 'kind hearted', 'amazing' teen and a talented artist 'Some of the children were less fortunate than us and didnt have food and she would share her lunch with them.' Her school, near Ballarat, has named an academic award after her, the Krystal Cain Quiet Achievers Award. After Krystal went missing, Mr Cain remained in Agnes Water because of the support of family and friends and the 'kind locals'. It has been impossible for him to return to work after the harrowing loss, prompting his sister to set up a GoFundMe to help pay his medical expenses. 'Theres reports going around that say that we were separated and thats not true,' Mr Cain said. 'As the water was rising I got both of us out of the window of the car and I had an extension lead that I managed to get. 'I tied myself and Krystal together. 'I got Krystal up the tree and I had a heart attack. I also snapped my elbow in half at that time, but I managed to get up and we stayed in the first tree for about six hours.' The father's right elbow has never recovered. Mr Cain also suffered broken ribs. Mr Cain said it was bittersweet news that the remains are Krystal's but is relieved to finally give her the send off she deserves (pictured Krystal Cain) Mr Cain created a memorial for his beloved daughter (pictured) at the site of the first tree that 'saved' them The 56-year-old also had most of his teeth knocked out, had a tooth lodged in his lung, and was at one stage pinned under water for a minute a half. 'What I went through was absolute hell,' he said. Making Agnes Water his home has helped him feel close to Krystal and the father created a memorial to his beloved daughter. 'I go out to the site quite a bit, ' he said. 'I tidy up out there and put fresh flowers there and make a path way to the tree. 'Because that tree was the first tree that saved our lives. And thats where Krystal is, so thats my place to go to to spend time with her.' The sister of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi revealed that the cryptic messages her family received from Hannah's phone may have been sent by someone else. Sydni Kobayashi told NewsNation that the messages 'feel like someone was controlling her', amid speculation the 31-year-old aspiring photographer was abducted. 'The text messages that she last sent, in my mind someone was controlling her, they might not have even been her,' she said. 'So I want to believe law enforcement are doing their jobs.' Hannah disappeared from the streets of downtown Los Angeles after missing a connecting flight from her native Maui in Hawaii en-route to New York City on November 8. Her family, which faced yet another blow as Hannah's father Ryan committed suicide on Sunday, fears she has since been taken out of California. Sydni continued: 'Intuitively knowing her and being so close to her my entire life, I just know this is absolutely not like her.' She said her family have received thousands of tips and remain hopeful of finding Hannah, and she said she is convinced Hannah wouldn't have ran away and was 'an amazing and beautiful person.' 'We ask that you just give our family some grace,' she added. Sydni Kobayashi, the sister of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi revealed cryptic text messages her family received may have been sent by someone else Hannah Kobayashi (pictured) disappeared from the streets of downtown Los Angeles after missing a connecting flight from her native Maui in Hawaii en-route to New York City on November 8 The development comes as police are hunting down a man and a woman who missing Hawaiian woman Hannah Kobayashi sent money to via Venmo after she missed her flight to New York from LAX in a major twist in her disappearance. It remains unclear why she left LAs LAX airport and ventured out into the city 15 miles away but she sent a text to a friend saying she had had a spiritual awakening, and was later seen in the company of a mystery man on November 11. Her family revealed that on November 9, the day after she was meant to arrive in New York, she made two payments using Venmo. One was at 6:25pm to a person called Veronica Almendarez for an unknown amount, with the description of the payment only showing a drawn bow and arrow emoji. The second was made less than an hour later to someone called Jonathan Taylor, also for an undisclosed amount, with the description only saying: 'Reading.' According to her sister Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah sent these payments to people whose names have not been recognized by the family. Their relationship with Hannah is not currently known, but the missing woman's family told the Sun that the LAPD is investigating the matter. Her father Ryan (pictured) tragically took his own life on Sunday after flying into LA to search for her Hannah sent two people money on Venmo after missing her flight to New York Timeline of disappearance November 8 - Kobayashi was spotted at The Grove shopping mall between midday and 3pm. November 9 - Kobayashi was spotted at The Grove shopping mall between midday and 3pm November 10 - She appeared in the background of a video outside a Nike event featuring LeBron James at 3:30pm November 11 - Kobayashi was spotted boarding an LAX Metro C line at Aviation/Century Station Advertisement Hannah's aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told the Sun: 'We have been made aware and so have the LAPD. It's in their hands. 'We are still focused on Downtown LA. Even though it's been 15 [days] we still have hope.' Pidgeon admitted she and the family fears she may have been taken out of California. 'We are also now encouraging people from across the nation to keep an eye in case she has been taken outside of California. 'We are looking at all possibilities, hotels, metros, bus, train stations.' The circumstances surrounding Hannah's disappearance are murky, made murkier still by the suicide of her father Ryan, who committed suicide and was found dead at the bottom of a parking lot near LAX on Sunday after flying in to search for his daughter. She sent a series of eerie texts to her loved ones, claiming she had recently undergone a 'spiritual awakening, after she was due to meet family in New York. Kobayashi had flown from Hawaii to LAX on the same flight as her ex-boyfriend, who had booked tickets for the two of them before they split up. One of Hannah's friends received strange texts from Kobayashi's phone - indicating that she may be in trouble Her family received strange texts from her phone number, leading them to believe they had not been sent by Hanna He continued to New York, and is 'cooperating with police', after a mystery final text was sent from Hannah's phone, talking about her having a 'spiritual awakening.' The young traveler was captured by a security camera disembarking the plane just before 10pm on November 8. The aspiring photographer was seen wearing a black hoodie and colorful sweatpants as she walked through LAX while wearing a pair of headphones. She was due to take a connecting flight at 11pm, however she never made it. Kobayashi was spotted at The Grove shopping mall between midday and 3pm the following day, on November 9. She spent a considerable amount of time at Taschen Books, where she stopped to charge her phone. At 2:43 she snapped a picture and sent it to her aunt, before returning to the airport where she is believed to have spent the night. In a separate YouTube video outside of an event in Los Angeles on November 10, Hannah can be seen wearing the same clothing. She was spotted at a Nike event featuring LeBron James in LA, where she was wearing the same dark hoodie and headphones she wore at the airport, at around 3:30pm. Her final post was shared on November 11. It is understood she was attending an event in Los Angeles at the time Hannah Kobayashi (pictured) went missing after missing her connecting flight to New York from LAX on November 8 Kobayashi also shared a post on her Instagram from the event with an eye emoji as the caption. She was next spotted talking to a ticketing agent at LAX at around 5pm. That same day, a missing-persons report was filed by her family amid what they described as uncharacteristic correspondence from Kobayashi. One of her text messages read: 'Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday.' Kobayashi's mother, Brandi Yee, also sent her a text message asking if she made it to New York. She responded simply: 'Not yet.' Another early-morning text mentioned how she was in the midst of a 'spiritual awakening.' On a missing-persons poster sent out immediately after, police wrote: 'Prior to going missing, [Kobayashi] sent a message on November 10, mentioning feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity. She hasn't been heard from since.' The next day, November 11, Kobayashi was spotted boarding an LAX Metro C line at Aviation/Century Station. She got on board at 9:02pm, before transferring to a different train at the Rosa Parks Station. Missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi's sister has shared details of every last known sighting as her family continue their agonizing search Kobayashi was finally seen leaving the Metro Pico Station with the unidentified person at 10:03pm While mother Brandi Yee and sister Sydni Kobayashi think Hannah left the airport and attended an event based on a series of texts suggesting she 'had a spiritual awakening and was heading back to the airport', a friend believes otherwise. The anonymous concerned companion said she received strange texts from Kobayashi's phone - indicating that she may be in trouble. 'I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds. For someone I thought I loved,' the messages read. The family also noted that the young artist's phone has been off since November 11 and her last pinned location was at the Los Angeles Airport. 'She heard from Hannah. She was at LAX, and she said that she was scared,' Yee said. Sydni further added: 'She texted her that she was scared and that she couldn't come back home or something. It was just really weird texts.' This is the last known image of her leaving LAX, after she missed her connecting flight to New York to visit family Both Hannah's mother and sister also believe that the messages 'did not sound like her' and wonder if it was Hannah who sent them. Yee remarked, 'Yeah, we share location' to which Sydni added: 'And we know her phone's off because it goes straight to voicemail. 'We've been trying to call and call and call, text. None of the texts are getting delivered. We can't locate her phone.' The family has filed a missing person's report with the Los Angeles Police Department, but have since revealed their frustrations with the investigation. Russia's acts of sabotage against Western targets may eventually prompt NATO to consider invoking the alliance's Article 5 mutual defence clause, the head of Germany's foreign intelligence service said. Bundesnachrichtendienst chief Bruno Kahl said during an event of the DGAP think tank in Berlin on Wednesday that he expected Moscow to further step up its hybrid warfare, which could eventually trigger the NATO clause. 'The extensive use of hybrid measures by Russia increases the risk that NATO will eventually consider invoking its Article 5 mutual defence clause,' Kahl noted. 'At the same time, the increasing ramp up of the Russian military potential means a direct military confrontation with NATO becomes one possible option for the Kremlin.' Under Article 5, if a NATO member comes under attack, the other members of the alliance are obliged to help it respond. Kahl said that Russia's military would likely be capable of attacking NATO by the end of the decade. The intelligence chief's comments have sparked renewed fears that the Ukraine war could escalate into WW3 after a report claimed that a Chinese cargo ship deliberately severed two critical data cables in the Baltic Sea in an attack orchestrated by the Kremlin. The ship allegedly dragged an anchor across the sea floor over 110miles while off-radar, with a senior investigator indicating that the ship's path must've been deliberate. 'It's extremely unlikely that the captain would not have noticed that his ship dropped and dragged its anchor, losing speed for hours and cutting cables on the way,' they said. European officials were apoplectic after key cables running from Lithuania and Sweden, and Finland and Germany, were cut on November 17 and 18. Germany's defence minister Boris Pistorius said he believed it was likely sabotage, with ministers from other nations warning the attack was likely part of hybrid warfare, which experts have said Europe is 'totally unprepared for.' Russian servicemen jump off a T-90M Proryv tank during a combat training for assault units in an undisclosed location Ukrainian servicemen of the 43 Artillery Brigade fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon towards Russian positions at a front line in the Donetsk region Ukrainian troops survey the site of a Russian missile strike on the city's Kyivskyi, November 25 European investigators told the Wall Street Journal that the massive Yi Peng 3 bulk carrier - 225 meters long, 32 meters wide and loaded with Russian fertilizer - turned off its radar system and dropped its anchor as it glided through Swedish waters to cut the Sweden-Lithuania cable at around 9pm local time on November 17. Six hours later, the Ying Peng 3, owned and operated by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping, is alleged to have cut the Germany-Lithuania cable, having travelled around 110 miles. It then began zigzagging, before it raised its anchor and carried on sailing. Danish Navy ships pursued the ship and forced it to anchor in the Kattegat Strait, which connects the Baltic and the North seas. An initial investigation revealed the ship's anchor and hull was damaged in a manner consistent with damage suffered from deliberate dragging. NATO ships are now guarding the vessel, with Swedish and German authorities negotiating with the ship's owner to get access to the vessel and the ship's crew for further investigation. A former senior European official told the Guardian that the EU is 'totally unprepared' to confront Moscow in its campaign of 'hybrid' warfare, lacking the resources to effectively counter sabotage, arson, assassination and attacks on infrastructure. NATO and Western intelligence services have already warned that Russia is behind a growing number of hostile activities across the Euro-Atlantic area, ranging from repeated cyber attacks to Moscow-linked arson - all of which Russia denies. Kahl said that Moscow's war on Ukraine meant that it had battle-proven troops under its command which raised the threat emanating from its conventional forces, while it also mastered modern drone warfare. But according to the assessment of his experts, high-ranking officials in the Russian defence ministry doubt whether NATO's Article 5 including US protective measures for Europe would actually be invoked in case of an emergency, the intel chief said. US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is seen in action An aerial view shows the destroyed city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Region near the border with Russia The moment Russia used the Oreshnik for the first time to strike Dnipro, on November 21 'We don't have any indication yet that Russia intends to go to war, but if such sentiments gain the upper hand in the government in Moscow, then the risk for a military confrontation will grow over the coming years.' Should Russia attack one or several NATO allies, it would not do so to grab massive swathes of land, Kahl said, but rather to test red lines set by the West with the aim of defeating Western unity and NATO as a defensive alliance. 'In Russia's view, this goal would be reached if Article 5 were to remain without effect in case of a Russian attack,' he said. 'To meet this target, you don't need to send tank armies westwards, it is enough to dispatch little green men to the Baltics to protect allegedly threatened Russian minorities or adjust borders on Svalbard'. It comes as sources familiar with US intelligence said that a nuclear attack was unlikely, despite Vladimir Putin's increasingly threatening statements. The recent decision to allow Ukraine to fire US-supplied missiles deeper into Russia has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack, the sources added. A series of intelligence assessments over the past seven months have concluded nuclear escalation was unlikely to result from a decision to loosen restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-supplied weapons. That view has not changed following President Joe Biden's changed US stance this month on weapons, said the sources, who were granted anonymity to speak freely about sensitive intelligence. 'The assessments were consistent: The ATACMs weren't going to change Russia's nuclear calculus,' said one congressional aide briefed on the intelligence, referring to American missiles with a range of up to 190 miles. Vladimir Putin's (pictured) Russia is believed to be behind the cable attacks Russian T90M tank firing towards Ukrainian positions, at an undisclosed location in Russia Russia's launch of new ballistic missile Oreshnik last week, which analysts say was meant as a warning to Washington and its European allies, has not changed that conclusion. One of the five US officials who spoke to Reuters said while Washington assessed that Russia would not seek to escalate with its nuclear forces, it would try to match what it views as US escalation. The official said fielding the new missile was part of that effort. The comments follow a bombshell report on a Russian deserter who worked at a top-secret nuclear base revealing how close Putin was to launching his deadliest weapons on the first day of the Ukraine invasion. Anton, whose name was changed for safety reasons, said the top-secret nuclear weapons facility he was serving at was on full alert on February 24, 2022, as Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine. 'Before that, we had only exercises. But on the day the war started, the weapons were fully in place,' the Russian deserter told the BBC.'We were ready to launch the forces into the sea and air and, in theory, carry out a nuclear strike.' This aligns with Putin's statement at the end of February 2022, when the Russian president said his nuclear deterrence forces had been ordered into a 'special mode of combat service'. Jason Manford has revealed that he asked the BBC to change the storyline in Waterloo Road after an intervention from his daughters. The 43-year-old appeared in series 14 of the hit show this year playing the new headteacher, Steve Savage, who has an affair with one of the lunch ladies, Nicky Walters, played by Kym Marsh who is also in her 40s. However, it has now been revealed that the original plot had Manford falling in love with another teacher who was in her 20s. But after discussing it with his daughters who labeled the plot 'weird' and 'not right in today's society', the comedian asked producers for it to be changed before he accepted the role. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Manford said: 'It's very of its time I suppose, so one of the storylines they mentioned was that my teacher, he's a widower, and he was going to have this romance with this teacher. 'They mentioned the teacher who it was, and I mentioned it to my girls, who loved the show, and they were like, 'you can't do that, you weirdo, she's about 24 and you're 43, that's weird'. Jason Manford has revealed that he asked the BBC to change the storyline in Waterloo Road after an intervention from his daughters Speaking on ITV 's Good Morning Britain , Manford said: 'It's very of its time I suppose, so one of the storylines they mentioned was that my teacher, he's a widower, and he was going to have this romance with this teacher' For the next series of Waterloo Road, Manford's character will be replaced by a new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake, played by Lindsey Coulson 'I didn't know the character, so I rang the producer and I said, look, I'd love to be in it, what a privilege to be the headteacher, but I said, I can't have this storyline, it's just weird, it's just not right in today's society, and certainly my daughters were not happy with it. 'So I said, is there another more age-appropriate member of staff who maybe he could have this romance with? They said, what about Kim Marsh? And I said, I'll see you Monday.' For the next series of Waterloo Road, Manford's character will be replaced by a new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake, played by Lindsey Coulson. Speaking about joining the cast back in February, Jason said: 'What an absolute treat it is to join the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester. 'My kids and I binged the show on iPlayer during lockdown. Its such a brilliant, iconic show, so Im dead proud to now be part of its history. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and now becoming a headteacher, I know I would have been terrible!' He has also announced a further 89 dates for his A Manford All Seasons 2025 stand-up tour running from February to November. Jason is the parent to six children. He shares twin daughters and a daughter and son with his first wife Catherine and a girl and boy, with his current wife producer Lucy Dyke. The star tied the knot with Lucy in a ceremony in Manchester in 2017. Lucy also works in TV as a producer and has worked on Black Mirror, The Split and Ripper Street as well as many more shows. Gisele Pelicot's rapist husband who drugged her so dozens of other men could have sex with her was 'a good husband and father', a French trial has heard. Dominique Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro kicked off the closing arguments in the mass rape trial, in which the depraved 72-year-old has admitted to enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his wife while she was drugged and unconscious. Prosecutors have called for a maximum 20-year jail term for Dominique, who has been on trial in the southern city of Avignon since September with 49 other men for organising the repeated rape and sexual abuse of Gisele Pelicot. Zavarro told the court that Dominique had been a 'good husband, father and grandfather' according to all who knew him and that he turned to 'perversity' following his traumatic childhood, which the defendant claims included sexual abuse. 'People aren't born perverted, they become it,' Zavarro said, repeating her client's own words from his first courtroom questioning. He has been described as the 'conductor' behind the decade-long sexual abuse of his former wife at the hands of dozens of men, the details of which have shocked France. Prosecutors are seeking jail terms of between 10 and 18 years for most of the co-defendants accused of raping incapacitated Gisele Pelicot, with a four-year punishment requested in only one case. 'With your verdict you will make clear that there is no such thing as ordinary rape,' lead prosecutor, Laure Chabaud, told the court on Wednesday. 'You will deliver a message of hope to the victims of sexual violence' and 'return a part of humanity to Gisele Pelicot that she was robbed of.' Gisele Pelicot is pictured above walking next to journalists at the Avignon courthouse on November 27, 2024 This court sketch created at the Avignon courthouse, south-eastern France, on November 27, 2024, shows Beatrice Zavarro (right), lawyer of defendant Dominique Pelicot (centre), addressing the audience during the trial Dominique Pelicot is accused of allowing multiple men to rape his wife while she was sedated Zavarro started the closing arguments as the first of some 30 defence lawyers - scheduled to last until December 13. 'Dominique Pelicot has accepted and admitted the harm of which he is accused,' Zavarro said after addressing her 'deep respect' for Gisele Pelicot. But Zavarro insisted that Dominique was not the 'conductor' many of the other defendants painted him as, some claiming they were under his domination or even themselves drugged. 'What comes next is of course the sentence you will issue, perhaps distancing yourselves a little from the strongest requested by prosecutors,' she told judges. 'He has been hoping to apologise 1,000 times, I don't know if you will listen to him, Madame, but he's saying it again,' Zavarro added to Gisele Pelicot. 'Keep in mind the first Dominique, the one you cherished, hugged and loved deeply,' she told Gisele and her children, who are co-plaintiffs in the case. Earlier in the hearings, the court had heard how Gisele Pelicot told police her then-husband was a 'super guy' before learning of the abuse. Dominique Pelicot's decade-long abuse was only uncovered after he was arrested for filming up women's skirts in public. Gisele Pelicot (right) is congratulated by women outside the Avignon courthouse on November 27 for her bravery after waiving her right to anonymity Dominique Pelicot (top right) during his trial in which he is accused of drugging his wife Gisele Pelicot (bottom centre) on November 25 The probe led investigators to his meticulously-kept records of the visitors to the family home in the town of Mazan. Their trial has made Gisele Pelicot, who insisted the hearings be held in public, a feminist icon in women's fight against sexual abuse. Pelicot is the only one of the 50 men to have fully confessed to the the crimes he is accused of. Observers say his lawyer Zavarro has an impossible task on her hands. If convicted, her client would be considered one of France's worst-ever sex offenders. But Zavarro has refused to describe her client as a 'monster', insisting instead that she represents a man who has committed 'monstrous' crimes. 'I have become the devil's advocate against my will... as I have often told you, it's the two of us against the whole world,' she told her client in court. Lawyers for Pelicot's co-defendants are to lay out their closing arguments starting Thursday. Most are expected to argue that their clients were manipulated by Dominique Pelicot to sexually abuse his wife. Some have already argued that they assumed Pelicot had his wife's consent, and that they were playing a part in a libertine sex game. The verdicts in the case are expected by December 20. A number of BBC journalists have quit their union after they were urged to wear the colours of the Palestinian flag or a keffiyeh to mark a 'Day of Action For Palestine'. Jewish staff members at the Corporation were left shocked after being invited to take part in the protest set up by the umbrella union organisation Trades Union Congress. The event, taking place on Thursday, is calling for a permanent ceasefire, the cessation of violence in Gaza and the release of all hostages. It was shared with the members of the National Union of Journalists as it condemned the Israeli government's attacks, which it said has led to the deaths of at least 135 Palestinian journalists since October 7 2023. Participants were encouraged to 'wear something red, green, black or a Palestinian keffiyeh to visibly show solidarity' to their workplace. But colleagues felt that journalists dressed in Palestinian-themed clothing compromised the broadcaster's strict impartiality guidelines and would upset other members of staff. And according to Jewish News, the union is now said to be panicking as at least a dozen journalists were preparing to hand in their NUJ membership cards. One journalist told The Times that they 'dreaded the thought of walking past anyone' who was taking part in the protest. The event, umbrella union organisation Trades Union Congress, is calling for a permanent ceasefire, the cessation of violence in Gaza and the release of all hostages Some colleagues in the BBC felt that journalists dressed in Palestinian-themed clothing compromised the broadcaster's strict impartiality guidelines Another said they were reconsidering their NUJ membership after the 'hypocritical and antisemitic' action. They added: 'BBC journalists, who pride themselves on impartiality and who fought to keep their NUJ free of politics, are being encouraged to break the BBC's editorial guidelines by supporting a political cause. 'It is also a shocking attack on Jews. Where is the day of action to support the journalists being killed by their own governments across the Middle East, including by Hamas? 'Where is the NUJ support for Russian journalists that are being held behind bars on trumped up charges by Putin's regime, those dying or working in perilous conditions in Ukraine?' Charlotte Henry, a freelance journalist who runs The Addition, a media and tech newsletter, went one step further and announced she was leaving the union, adding that the industry had become a 'hostile environment for Jews'. After receiving a number of queries from BBC staff members about the proposed action, NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet wrote back and reminded journalists of the importance of impartiality. She also suggested that they make a donation to the International Federation of Journalists' safety fund to express their solidarity. One BBC staff member told the Times they 'dreaded the thought of walking past anyone' who was taking part in the protest The TUC has an estimated 5.5 million members in 48 trade unions which represent workers in a range of sectors including healthcare and education. Its actions were criticised by The Board of Deputies of British Jews for continually failing to support Jewish workers. In a statement, the board said: 'It is time for these unions to decide, are they there to support workers or to play student politics on a conflict on whose facts they appear to be plainly ignorant. 'Whatever the stated intent, attempts to bring this issue into the workplace in such a fashion will undoubtedly add to the belligerent atmosphere which many Jewish staff have been facing.' A TUC spokesman said: 'The day of action is focused on the TUC's call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and the release of all hostages and political prisoners. 'We are advising trade union members to undertake the action respectfully, and to discuss with colleagues what action is best suited to their workplace.' EQS-Ad-hoc: LEG Immobilien SE / Key word(s): Bond/Bond LEG Immobilien SE: LEG upsizes its convertible bonds due 2030 through launch of a EUR 200 million tap issue 28-Nov-2024 / 07:38 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING THE INFORMATION INCLUDED HEREIN, IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH, OR TO PERSONS IN ANY JURISDICTION TO WHOM, SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER OF SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION. AD-HOC RELEASE Disclosure of an inside information according to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by DGAP a service of EQS Group AG. The company is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. LEG upsizes its convertible bonds due 2030 through launch of a EUR 200 million tap issue Dusseldorf, November 28, 2024 The Management Board of LEG Immobilien SE (LEG or the Company) resolved today, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to launch a tap offering of guaranteed senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2030 in an aggregate principal amount of EUR 200 million (the New Bonds) (the Offering). The New Bonds will be issued by LEG Properties B.V. (the Issuer), a wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary of LEG, will be guaranteed by LEG, and will be convertible into new and/or existing ordinary registered shares of the Company (the Shares). The pre-emptive rights of the Companys shareholders (Bezugsrechte) will be excluded. The New Bonds will be issued on the same terms (save for the issue date and the issue price) as the Issuers EUR 500 million convertible bonds issued on September 4, 2024 (the Original Bonds) and will form a single series (Gesamtemission) with the Original Bonds (the Original Bonds and the New Bonds together, the Bonds) from the settlement date of the New Bonds. The final issue price of the New Bonds (which will be no less than 100% of par) will be determined on the basis of an accelerated bookbuilding procedure and is expected to be announced through a separate ad hoc release in the course of today. The New Bonds will be offered only to institutional investors in certain jurisdictions outside the United States via private placements. Settlement of the New Bonds is expected to take place on or around December 5, 2024. LEG intends to arrange for the New Bonds to be included in the trading of the Original Bonds on the Open Market segment (Freiverkehr) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. To permit the Offering, the Joint Global Coordinators have waived, with regard to the issue of the New Bonds, the 90-day lock-up undertaking that was agreed in connection with the issuance of the Original Bonds undertaken by LEG in August 2024. As part of the Offering, the Issuer and the Company have agreed to a lock-up period of 90 days, subject to customary exemptions and waiver by the Joint Global Coordinators. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the New Bonds to refinance indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. Contact: Frank Kopfinger, CFA Head of Investor Relations & Strategy Tel. +49 2 11 / 45 68 550 Mob. +49 1 72 / 173 9339 ****** IMPORTANT NOTICE This announcement and the information contained herein is restricted and may not be published, distributed or released, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America (including its territories and possessions), Australia, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where such publication, distribution or release would be unlawful. The publication, distribution or release of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons who are in possession of this document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Further, this announcement is for information purposes only and is not an offer of, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, securities in any jurisdiction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement has not been approved by the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy or completeness. No prospectus will be prepared in connection with the offering of, or solicitation of an offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, the securities referred to herein. The securities referred to herein may not be offered, and no solicitation of an offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, such securities may be made, to the public in any jurisdiction in circumstances which would require the preparation or registration of any prospectus or offering document relating to the securities referred to herein in such jurisdiction. In the UK, this announcement is only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the UK Prospectus Regulation who (i) are investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the Order) or (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc. (all such persons together being referred to as Relevant Persons)). This document must not be acted on, or relied upon, by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. In member states of the European Economic Area the placement of, and invitation to submit any offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, any securities described in this announcement is directed exclusively at persons who are qualified investors within the meaning of the EU Prospectus Regulation. Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended (MiFID II); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any manufacturer (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the New Bonds have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that: (i) the target market for the New Bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the New Bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the New Bonds (a distributor) should take into consideration the manufacturers target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the New Bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels. The target market assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual or legal selling restrictions in relation to any offering of the New Bonds and/or the underlying Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, the target market assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any action whatsoever with respect to the New Bonds. The New Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK. For these purposes, a retail investor means (a) in the EEA, a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the Insurance Distribution Directive), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of article 4(1) of MiFID II, and (b) in the UK, a person who is one (or more) of (i) a retail client within the meaning of Regulation (EU) no 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the UK (the FSMA) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (the EU PRIIPs Regulation) or the EU PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the UK PRIIPS Regulation) for offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation and/or the UK PRIIPS Regulation. No action has been taken that would permit an offering or an acquisition of, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, the securities or a distribution of this announcement in any jurisdiction where such action would be unlawful. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation or advice concerning the placement of, or invitation to submit any offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, any securities. Investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the placement of, or invitation to submit any offer to purchase, sell or subscribe for, any securities for the person concerned. This announcement may contain forward looking statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of the Company (forward-looking statements). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms targets, plans, aims, projects, believes, estimates, anticipates, expects, intends, may, will, would, could or should or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current views, expectations and assumptions of the management of the Company and involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements included herein only speak as at the date of this release. We undertake no obligation, and do not expect to publicly update, or publicly revise, any of the information, forward-looking statements or the conclusions contained herein or to reflect new events or circumstances or to correct any inaccuracies which may become apparent subsequent to the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We accept no liability whatsoever in respect of the achievement of such forward-looking statements and assumptions. The Joint Global Coordinators are acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein. In connection with the Offering of the New Bonds, the Joint Global Coordinators and any of their affiliates may take up a portion of the New Bonds in the Offering and/or may acquire ordinary shares as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such New Bonds, ordinary shares and other securities of the Company or its group or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. In addition the Joint Global Coordinators and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the Joint Global Coordinators and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of New Bonds ordinary shares and/or other securities or derivate positions in such securities. The Joint Global Coordinators and their affiliates do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so. None of the Joint Global Coordinators or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, affiliates, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Issuer, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. 28-Nov-2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com 2039929 28-Nov-2024 CET/CEST 2039929 28-Nov-2024 CET/CEST A woman is assisting police with their inquiries A two-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a car in a school carpark. The horror incident unfolded at Durack State School, at Inala Avenue, in Brisbane's south-west about 3.30pm on Thursday. Emergency services rushed to the scene after the boy suffered serious injuries, but despite the best efforts of paramedics, he could not be saved. Queensland Police said in a statement they are at the scene and are conducting inquiries into the incident. 'An investigation has commenced, and a woman is assisting police with their inquiries,' the statement read. A coronial van arrived at the school at 6.22pm, the Courier Mail reported. Parents of students were allowed to pick their children up after hours. Emergency services rushed to the scene after the boy suffered serious injuries, but despite the best efforts of paramedics he could not be saved (pictured emergency services at the scene) Police are at the scene of the incident and are speaking with a woman (pictured emergency services at the scene) The tragedy occurred at Durack State School (pictured) The Forensic Crash Unit remained at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact police. Images from the scene showed multiple police vehicles and an ambulance parked inside the school grounds. A woman was seen being comforted by another woman next to an ambulance. Durack State School was opened in 1960 under the name Serviceton State School before it was renamed in 2001. The school is known for its multiculturalism among students, who speak many languages. The crew of a Second World War bomber thought lost over the North Sea may actually be buried beneath a sleepy German town, incredible new evidence suggests. Lancaster RA508 was one of more than 1,100 planes dispatched to bomb Dortmund on March 12, 1945 and one of just two aircraft lost during the raid. Her seven crew were never seen again, and her final resting place remains a mystery, with official records saying she was lost over the North Sea. But now her true fate may have been uncovered, after partially-burnt RAF maps were recovered from a crash site in rural Germany. Cologne-based researcher Manfred Weichert said he was '99.9 per cent sure' that RA508 crashed some 20 miles south of Dortmund. He said: 'At the height of Cologne/Dusseldorf, the aircraft was most likely hit by flak. 'It veered off the approach route on the right while on fire, and crashed into a meadow in Ulfe 2, a district of Radevormwald, and exploded.' Witness testimonies describe a four-engine plane coming down in the town that fateful day. The crew of a Second World War bomber thought lost over the North Sea may actually be buried beneath a sleepy German town, incredible new evidence suggests. Above: Flight Sergeant Kenneth Robert Haw on his wedding day. He died on Lancaster RA508 Cologne-based researcher Manfred Weichert said he was '99.9 per cent sure' that RA508 crashed some 20 miles south of Dortmund. Abov: Photo shows a map recovered from the wreck site, with RAF markings and annotations highlighted Local historian Friedhelm Brack, who collected the testimonies, had himself inspected the crash site as a teenager, recovering some maps from the wreckage a day after its loss. The partially-burnt maps, one of which is marked 'RAF', show Britain and mainland Europe, and include a flight path over Dortmund, with the city itself highlighted. Mr Brack later recalled how he and other local boys scavenged the wreckage under the noses of the Luftwaffe, taking ammunition and signal cartridges. He wrote: 'Something white was peeking out from under a piece of the fuselage: navigation charts, printed in bright colors! They had survived the impact fire. 'We ripped them out, each of us boys trying to get as big a piece of them as possible.' Before his death in 2015, Mr Brack submitted the maps to the Radevormwald town archives, where Mr Weichert would later find them. Mr Brack always assumed that the plane was the PB187, the only other aircraft lost in the raid. But PB187 actually crashed some 30 miles away in Duisburg, and with no other candidates, Mr Weichert believes the plane must have been RA508. Frank Baker, the pilot of the lost Lancaster bomber RA508 Photo shows the crash site (highlighted) in the town of Radevormwald in 1959 Photo from October 1942 shows a Lancaster bomber from the same squadron as RA508, and with the same tail number. It might not be the same plane however; some have identified it as R5573, which was lost in July 1943 Cologne-based researcher Manfred Weichert said he was '99.9 per cent sure' that RA508 crashed some 20 miles south of Dortmund Ken Haw holding up photos of his uncle, Flight Sergeant Ken Haw, who was killed when RA508 crashed in 1945 He said: 'The wreckage of the plane, which had exploded on the ground, was probably scrapped after the war, but there are no records of this. 'The burnt remains of the crew were buried in a wooden box in a bomb crater and then the crater was filled in. 'Since Bomber Command never searched for the aircraft, the mortal remains stayed there. 'And if they were not accidentally excavated over the decades, they are still there today.' Final confirmation of the final resting place of RA508 is now tantalisingly close. One of the maps was annotated by hand, perhaps by Herbert George Harding, navigator of the RA508. Mr Weichert said: 'If I could only get hold of a handwritten document a letter or similar from Harding, I could use this for a graphological analysis. 'I could compare the handwriting and thus prove the crash site 100%. 'Therefore, I am hoping to find descendants who might be able to help me then I could solve a mystery that has remained unsolved for 80 years.' For descendants of other members of the crew, the discovery offers the hope of closure. Ken Haw, 74, is the nephew and namesake of Flight Sergeant Kenneth Robert Haw. He described how his aunt, Queenie, tried and failed to catch up with the young airman, her half-brother, as he raced off to RAF Metheringham on a bicycle for his final mission. A radar map fragment from the plane that was recovered from the wreck site Photo shows the annotations on a map recovered from the wreck site Photo shows a map of the Netherlands recovered from the wreck site Photo shows a map recovered from the wreck site with RAF markings and annotations Photo shows a map recovered from the wreck site, showing a flight path over Dortmund, with the city highlighted A 1935 map of Radevormwald. The town is believed to be final resting place of the missing Lancaster bomber crew A logbook account of the Dortmund bombing raid. The March 12, 1945, raid on Dortmund was intended to destroy the city's worth as a transport hub 'That was the last a family member saw of him,' said Ken. 'They were all heroes in their own way, at the end of the day, who went out to do a job.' John Fricker, nephew of pilot Frank Baker, shared Mr Weichert's confidence that the true crash site had been found, but thought it was a bittersweet discovery. He said: 'I have mixed feelings about what is almost certainly the crash site of RA508 now being known. 'It is something that has puzzled me for twenty years but my hope had been that graves for my uncle and the other crew members would be found. 'The crew of RA508 sacrificed their lives in a bombing raid which deprived the Germans of supplies to fight the Russians on the Eastern Front. 'But I have mixed feelings about the loss of civilian lives.' The March 12, 1945, raid on Dortmund was intended to destroy the city's worth as a transport hub. One logbook called it 'the largest daylight raid ever carried out by the RAF' and said 'the stream of bombers was over 125 miles long'. The crash site is now an industrial estate. The RAF was contacted for comment. Net migration is expected to have tumbled in new figures being released today - as Tories claim their crackdown was working. Official data covering the year to June is widely predicted to show a sharp reduction on the 685,000 recorded across 2023. That was down from an eye-watering peak of 764,000 in 2022. The previous dip was driven by fewer foreign students arriving as well as more people emigrating. And the latest update will reflect more restrictions on students and migrants bringing family members to live with them. The scale of the inflow is poised to spark a fresh political row, after Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The scale of the inflow is poised to spark a fresh political row, after Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants Warning that immigration levels are 'a world away from where we need to be', she promised a 'strict numerical cap' on arrivals, with only those able to make a 'substantial and clear contribution' to Britain allowed in. She will review Britain's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the continuation of Labour's Human Rights Act, which have both been blamed for blocking past attempts to get tough. The Tory leader said there would be 'zero tolerance for foreign criminals remaining in the UK'. Tory ministers originally predicted their changes would cut numbers by 300,000, but the full effect will not be seen until next year's figures. The Treasury's OBR watchdog has forecast that net annual migration will subside to 315,000 a year over the 'medium term'. Touring broadcast studios this morning, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra declined to say what level of net migration would be acceptable. Ms Malhotra repeatedly dodged, insisting policy must be based on 'a credible and serious plan' and the Government should not 'just pull figures out of the air'. She told BBC Breakfast: 'My point is this, we want to see net migration coming down, but we have to do so in a way that is tackling the causes of net migration, because if much of net migration has been driven by recruiting workers from overseas, you also have to look at what the impact on the economy would be.' The OBR assessment published last month pointed to Home Office visa data covering the second quarter of 2024 showing a 'sharp' fall. The OBR assessment published last month pointed to Home Office visa data covering the second quarter of 2024 showing a 'sharp' fall 'This largely reflects government restrictions coming into force in the first half of this year, which we now expect to have a slightly larger impact than we anticipated in March,' the report released alongside the Budget said. 'We judge the stronger outturn and larger policy impact to be broadly offsetting, and therefore project net migration will continue to fall in line with our March forecast.' In her first major policy speech as Conservative Party leader yesterday, Mrs Badenoch said it was time to stop being 'squeamish' about the negative impacts of mass immigration and act to halt it. She said that the UK could not cope with the 'millions want to come' to this country. The former US Army General tapped to be Donald Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia warned last week 'we're on the precipice of World War III' as he outlined a plan to end the war by forcing both sides to the negotiating table. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, 80, told Fox News of the precarious geopolitical circumstances after Vladimir Putin launched a never-before-seen hypersonic missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The retired general, who also served as a national security adviser in Trump's previous administration, said: 'I don't think World War III has begun, but we're right on the precipice.' 'When you look at what's happening... with an alliance that President Trump kept apart. You know, he had North Korea over here, he had China over here, he had Iran here and Russia over here. 'What you've seen now is they've all joined. You've got an axis together, and they're feeding off one another.' Kellogg's plan to force a ceasefire in Ukraine was laid out in a policy paper for conservative US think tank America First published earlier this year that is likely to form the backbone of the incoming Trump administration's approach to managing the conflict. In it, Kellogg along with co-author Fred Fleitz lambasted the Biden administration's handling of the Ukraine war and said the US' economic and military might should be used to leverage Kyiv and Moscow into talks. The retired general advocated for pushing Ukraine into ceasefire negotiations by threatening to pull US aid, while simultaneously telling Moscow that Washington would boost support to Kyiv should Putin not agree to a diplomatic solution. Under Kellogg's plan, Ukraine would have to cede a considerable chunk of occupied territory to Russia and agree with Western countries not to attempt to join NATO for an extended period of time. In return, the US would help Ukraine to develop a 'long-term security architecture' to reinforce its defensive capabilities for the future - and levies would be placed on Russian energy sales to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said we are 'on the precipice of WWIII' after Vladimir Putin launched a never-before-seen hypersonic missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro President Donald Trump, center, sits with retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, right Ukrainian servicemen of the 43 Artillery Brigade fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon towards Russian positions at a front line in the Donetsk region Trump has famously said that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started had he been president and claimed he could bring the conflict to an abrupt halt - without ever revealing his plans for doing so. 'I can't give you those plans because if I give you those plans, I'm not going to be able to use them.' That was Trump's response during his campaign when pressed to reveal how exactly he intended to stop the conflict, which by the time he enters office will be seven weeks shy of its third year. But Kellogg's plan to end the war is expected to provide the foundations for Trump's approach, particularly now that the retired general has been tapped as special envoy. In his April paper, Kellogg recognised the solution would be a bitter pill to swallow but would ultimately be the quickest way to end the bloodshed. 'The Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people will have trouble accepting a negotiated peace that does not give them back all of their territory or, at least for now, hold Russia responsible for the carnage it inflicted on Ukraine. 'But as Donald Trump said at the CNN town hall in 2023, I want everyone to stop dying. Thats our view, too,' the paper concluded. Other members of Trump's inner circle have also put forward similar suggestions. In September, Vice President-elect JD Vance offered former US Navy Seal Shawn Ryan an outline of how peace may be brought about in Ukraine under Trump. 'What it probably looks like is something like the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine becomes like a demilitarised zone, heavily fortified for the Russians don't invade again,' Vance told the former Seal on his podcast. 'Ukraine remains an independent sovereign. Russia gets the guarantee of neutrality from Ukraine. 'It does not join NATO and some other allied institutions. Germans and other nations have to fund Ukraine's reconstruction,' Vance added. That telling, albeit vague, description of what a Trump-negotiated end to war in Ukraine could look like was subsequently echoed by a Wall Street Journal report that emerged days after the election. Citing three sources 'close to the president-elect', the WSJ claimed Trump's transition office is considering one proposal that would prevent Kyiv from joining NATO for at least 20 years in exchange for lucrative arms deals. Nov. 27, 2024, Russian servicemen jump off a T-90M Proryv tank during a combat training for assault units in an undisclosed location Trump and his supporters have roundly criticised the scale of US military and financial support for Kyiv, and he previously labelled Zelensky 'the greatest salesman on Earth' FILE - President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, July 7, 2017 Firefighters remove debris after Russian missile attack on November 26, 2024 in Sumy, Ukraine Rescuers search for survivors in the rubble next to damaged residential buildings in Uman, south of Kyiv, following Russian missile strikes In the meantime, the conflict would be halted by the implementation of a large demilitarised zone (DMZ) that would effectively freeze the fighting in place and force Kyiv to relinquish up to 20% of its territory. But the sources offered no insight into how such a buffer zone between Russia's border and unoccupied Ukraine would be monitored or managed, other than to say it would not be staffed by American peacekeepers. This suggests troops from other NATO nations, including the UK, would be tasked with manning the DMZ. 'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European... and we are not paying for it,' one source was quoted as saying. 'We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine... Get the Poles, Germans, British and French to do it.' The proposal draws comparisons with the DMZ that has divided North and South Korea since the armistice agreement that brought the Korean War to an end in 1953. But the Russia-Ukraine conflict is vastly different, leading observers and analysts to warn that implementing a DMZ in Eastern Ukraine would face huge resistance. Several obstacles must be circumvented before the conflict can be frozen and a ceasefire introduced - starting with the evident lack of enthusiasm from those expected to agree to and uphold the proposal. Days before Trump secured his election victory, Volodymyr Zelensky openly declared that making any concessions to Putin would be 'unacceptable for Ukraine' and 'suicidal for Europe'. The Ukrainian President has made countless similar declarations since Russia's February 2022 invasion. In addition, Zelensky's foremost European partners Britain, France and Germany have already vowed to support Ukraine's armed forces in their fight against Moscow's troops 'for as long as it takes'. Those sentiments were echoed by the European Union's designated foreign policy chief, former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who is expected to succeed Josep Borrell as the EU's top diplomat. An ardent critic of Russia, Kallas told a confirmation hearing earlier this month: 'The situation on the battlefield is difficult. 'That's why we must keep working every day. Today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes and with as much military, financial and humanitarian help as needed.' Britain, France and Germany have already vowed to support Ukraine 'for as long as it takes' and Zelensky is adamantly against relinquishing territory to Vladimir Putin Keir Starmer was warmly welcomed by Emmanuel Macron as he arrived in Paris today - with the looming handover in the US high on the agenda President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the House GOP conference, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington This messaging suggests that most European leaders - with the notable exception of a few individuals such as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban - are united behind the Ukrainian war effort. They would not be enthused by the prospect of shouldering the responsibility of funding, staffing and managing a demilitarised zone that is proposed but not backed by the White House. Implementing this so-called buffer zone would also be extremely difficult from a logistical standpoint. Firstly, the DMZ would need to span the 800-mile length of Ukraine's eastern border with Russia and the frontline in disputed territory, from the northernmost Ukraine-Russia border town of Senkivka in Chernihiv to the city of Kherson in the south, from which Putin's forces withdrew across the Dnieper River in late 2022. Secondly, the conflict in Ukraine is very much in a state of flux, with frontlines being redrawn almost daily. Moscow's men are pushing back Zelensky's defensive lines in Donetsk, while Ukraine's armed forces continue to hold a considerable pocket of Russian soil in the western Kursk region. Various reports suggest North Korean troops have been drafted in to fight alongside Putin's soldiers there. Both sides are likely to make a push to maximise the territory held in an effort to improve their bargaining position ahead of negotiations. By contrast, the DMZ that split the Korean peninsula in half measures just 155 miles - a much smaller buffer zone that was only made possible by the US deploying boots on the ground and maintaining a military presence there long after the conflict had subsided. Prior to the armistice deal, South Korea enjoyed full Western military support in the conflict and a ceasefire was reached only after millions of troops and civilians had been massacred. A member of Ukraine's 72nd Brigade Anti-air unit fires at a Russian Zala reconnaissance drone over head on February 23, 2024 near Marinka, Ukraine A mortar platoon soldier with an 82mm mortar performs a combat mission as Ukrainian soldiers hold their positions in the snow-covered Serebryan Forest in temperatures of -15C, on January 10, 2024 in Kreminna, Ukraine View of a bridge, destroyed by the war, in Bohorodychne, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine Given Ukraine's disdain for the prospect of ceding any territory to Russia and Europe's apparent commitment to backing Kyiv for the long haul, it is difficult to see how a ceasefire deal as outlined by Kellogg, Vance and the WSJ could be pushed through. Failing an exceptional feat of diplomacy by the Trump administration, the only remaining option looks to be strong-arming Kyiv into making a deal with threats of withholding sorely needed US military aid. This would force Kyiv to capitulate - unless European partners, along with the likes of Australia, Japan and Canada - agree to maintain an adequate supply of arms to Ukraine's armed forces. This seems nigh on impossible, with many analysts arguing that the current flow of military aid even with US support is not enough to hold back the Russian onslaught. 'Trump does have a legitimate point about European allies having underperformed in defence and over-relied on Uncle Sam to protect them for too long, and this is a huge wake-up call to the West,' Dr Russell Foster, Senior Lecturer in British and International Politics at King's College London, told MailOnline. 'But Europe, Canada, and Australasia have let their defence spending stagnate for so long, they have nowhere near the industrial base and military infrastructure to help defend Ukraine and themselves from further aggression without American help. 'We are likely to see major calls for defence spending and investment across NATO - but this will take years to build up and be hugely expensive at a time of economic stagnation. The future of Western defence is now looking very bleak.' Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow for European Security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, added: 'The immediate crisis within Europe will be how to continue diplomatic, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine without the US. 'Whichever mechanism it comes through NATO, the EU, or bilaterally it will be incredibly expensive.' Beyond the sheer economic toll, an effort by the Trump administration to force Ukraine into accepting a peace deal would dramatically undermine Washington's relations with all of Europe and call into question the legitimacy of NATO. Some analysts and politicians have cautioned such a move could even embolden the likes of China to capitalise on the West's perceived disunity and seek to expand its influence in the Pacific. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks as he attends a Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting on September 6, 2024 at the US air base in Ramstein Military experts operate at the site of a Russian aerial bombing of a high-rise residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district on March 27, 2024 in Kharkiv Roughly 3.2 million Ukrainians are living in occupied territory Finally, in terms of the human cost, forcing Ukraine to squander territory to Russia will seal the fate of millions of Ukrainians currently living under Russian occupation. A study published in September by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) estimated that in January 2022, nearly 6.4 million people were living in territory now occupied by Russia following the full-scale invasion. Around 2.9 million people are believed to have fled the region, either to seek refuge in Western Ukraine or to gain asylum in Europe. But that still leaves roughly 3.2 million people living in occupied territory, the SWP concluded. Russia's Interior Ministry reported that by September 2023, around 2.8 million passports had been issued to residents of occupied territories as Moscow continues its efforts to assimilate residents into the Federation. While some citizens living in the occupied territory may have accepted their predicament, freezing the conflict and implementing a DMZ would leave untold numbers of Ukrainians trapped under Putin's rule. Jay Slater's mother has thanked well-wishers for their kind donations as a GoFundMe page set up following his disappearance has been closed, raising 72,821 in total. The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer went missing after he attended the NRG Festival rave at Papagayo, in Playa de las Americas, on June 17. His disappearance sparked a month-long search effort, which garnered world-wide attention, but it came to a tragic end in the mountainous area of north-west of the island when his body was discovered down a deep and treacherous ravine. A GoFundMe page was set up by Jay's best friend Lucy Mae to aid in the search efforts she was the last person to speak to Jay before he went missing. Now, the fundraiser has been closed and Jay's mother Debbie Duncan, 56, posted a final message to thank all those who donated, saying 'our journey is far from over but the burden has been eased with your support.' She also revealed what the money had been spent on, which included giving the teenager the 'send off he deserved'. His funeral took place at Accrington Cemetery Chapel in Lancashire on August 10. Ms Duncan's post on November 21 read: 'We would like to thank all you beautiful people who supported us throughout this heartbreaking time. Jay really did touch the hearts of the nation and it truly showed us how much love you all shared with us. 'With your support we were able to stay in Tenerife until we got our beautiful boy back to the UK. Jay Slater pictured with his mother Debbie Duncan - the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer went missing after he attended the NRG Festival rave at Papagayo, in Playa de las Americas Jay Slater's mother has thanked well-wishers for their kind donations as a GoFundMe page set up following his disappearance has been closed, raising 72,821 in total The GoFundMe page set up on behalf of Jay Slater's family has now been closed, totalling 72,821 'We were able to fund the the Signi search team from the Netherlands who supported us throughout the days when Jay was found. 'Jay truly deserved the send off we were able to give him and we thank you all for that. We have been overwhelmed with messages of support from all over the globe and will be eternally grateful to all of you. 'Our journey of trauma and grief will continue for ever and we will never recover. We lost our beautiful boy in extremely tragic circumstances whilst the world watched. 'We do not and will never understand how Jay's story reached every corner of the globe. 'Our journey is far from over but the burdens eased with your support. We would also like to thank the person who looked after Jay's fundraiser page whom we have been in constant contact with, especially whilst in Tenerife, the support and advice you gave will not be forgotten. 'Donations will be turned off with this final message. Jay's family and friends are trying to come to terms and process this tragic loss and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' Ms Duncan previously revealed that Jay was due to sit his driving test once he was back home in the UK and that he had a good job and so much to live for, before his life was tragically cut short. She told The Sun: 'Jay was 19 with the world at his feet. He was coming back to a good job and was about to take his driving test. He was just a lovely boy with a massive personality and everybody just loved Jay being in his company - family, friends and work.' Flowers and messages left by the family of Jay Slater by the roadside near the spot he was found on July 17 Pictured: Jay Slater's parents Warren Slater and Debbie Duncan seen leaving the Guardia Civil in Playa de las Americas The spot where Jay Slater was found when he plunged to his death in Tenerife The Masca forest area where Spanish Civil Guard located Jay's body in a ravine - he is believed to lost his footing and fallen while desperately trying to climb through the ravine to try and return to his hotel Jay went missing after he attended the NRG Festival rave at Papagayo, in Playa de las Americas, on June 17. The teenager got separated from his friends and went back to an AirBnB holiday cottage in the remote village of Masca with two British men he met. He was last seen trying to walk the 10-hour journey home from a night out after missing a bus back. Jay is believed to have lost his footing and fallen while desperately trying to climb through the ravine to try and return to his hotel. An autopsy later found he suffered broken bones but died of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height, and his death would have been instantaneous. But Ms Duncan later received a devastating call from Jay's pal Lucy Mae Law telling her he was missing the next day on June 17. Footage of the inhospitable terrain in Tenerife which Jay clambered over shows a series of ridges and rocky outcrops with sheer drops of up to 300ft either side. The volcanic landscape is considered to be almost inaccessible by people on foot apart from by experienced mountaineers with ropes and climbing equipment. Some of the gaps between the cliffs are only a few feet wide and hidden in shadows, possibly explaining how the 19-year-old's body was missed by earlier aerial searches. Ms Duncan had paid for his room at the Paloma Beach apartments in Los Cristianos, where he and friend Bradley Hargreaves planned to stay for four days. She said he called her and said they were 'chilling' at their rooms and he'd burnt his shoulder, so she said to apply Aloe Vera she'd given him for the trip. Speaking about the night out, he told her he wasn't going 'mad' and only planned to have a 'few drinks', his mother said. A message from Jay's mother attached with a blue peg to one of the bouquets at his funeral Jay's father Warren and brother Zak hiked through the mountain track where Jay's phone was last located during the search which lasted up to a month The Guardia Civil released video footage of the search efforts undertaken to find Jay Ms Duncan slammed the cruel trolls who posted comments and conspiracy theories on social media when she was searching for her son. The grieving mother also revealed she was sent thousands of messages, pictures and videos including mock-ups of Jay being tortured - blasting them as 'sick'. She was sent two sick videos of people, meant to be Jay, being beaten up and one clip was labelled: 'We have your son'. His funeral was even targeted by online scammers who wrongly claimed people could pay to watch it streaming live. She reported some messages to the police and vowed to campaign for tougher laws on trolling which 'terrorised' her family. The Slater family received a torrent of abuse online when they were searching for Jay as well as in the weeks after his tragic death. Trolls accused them of stealing money from a GoFundMe page they didn't even set up. Jay's friend Lucy-Mae Law started the fundraiser on behalf of the family. Ms Duncan said even though trolls attacked her about the fundraiser, she had no clue what it was and barely used any of the money, save for some accommodation costs, a search dog team and Jay's repatriation. Jay's older brother Zak (left) wipes away a tear as he holds his mother's arm at the funeral The order of service for Jay's funeral featured a picture of the teenager smiling with the words 'Forever 19' Jay has been laid to rest in a bright blue coffin, with his name embossed on the side She also confirmed she had been speaking to a liaison officer at GoFundMe 'virtually everyday' who knows the 'money has not been misused'. Ms Duncan and Jay's older brother Zak, 24, said he 'deserved every bit' of the tributes given as hundreds attended his funeral on August 10. Her 'smiling' boy had a 'good job' and was about to take his driving test upon his return home. Hundreds of mourners braved the drizzle at Accrington Crematorium Chapel in Lancashire to attend the teenager's funeral. The farewell was a sea of blue, as this was Jay's favourite colour. People were seen carrying blue flowers, wearing blue wristbands and ribbons, even blue smoke bombs were let off outside. Jay's body was brought to the chapel by horse-drawn carriage in a blue coffin, with 'JAY' embossed on the side. His mother and father Warren Slater, 58, both wiped away tears as they led a procession of mourners. The Slater family has endured conspiracy theories and vitriolic comments online since the teenager went missing - including hoax hostage videos. Slamming the trolls, Jay's grieving mother said: 'The people saying stuff about him didn't know Jay and they don't know us. 'He hasn't been here to defend himself against all these horrible stories that were going on around the world about him.' The UK's net immigration record has been smashed again with 906,000 now thought to have been added to the population in a single year. Huge revisions to official data show the extraordinary mark was hit in the year to June 2023 - and the figures remain at historically unprecedented levels. Official data covering the 12 months to June this year show long-term immigration was 728,000 higher than those leaving the country. In itself that was almost as much as the previous record. But the bar has been dramatically shifted upwards by the Office for National Statistics, with net migration for the year to June 2023 now thought to have been 166,000 above the initial estimate of 740,000. A similar revision has been made for net migration in the year to December 2023, which was initially believed to be 685,000 and is now put at 866,000, an increase of 181,000. The ONS attributed the radical shift to more complete data and improvements in how it estimates the behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the EU. However, the latest revisions will fuel criticism of the stats body - which is already under intense fire for faulty jobs market numbers. The scale of the inflows - with the peak roughly equivalent to adding two cities the same size as Leicester in a year - immediately sparked a fresh political row. Numbers from outside the EU have exploded since 2021, after the Brexit deal took effect. The five biggest sources of immigration have been India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China and Zimbabwe. In the year to June 2023, 268,000 arrivals came from India alone. Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants. But Labour claimed it is 'clearing up the mess' left by the former government. In other developments today: The cost of the UK's asylum system has risen to 5 billion, the highest level of spending on record and up by more than a third in a year, according to separate Home Office data; Some 25,244 migrants have arrived on Channel boats in the year to September, slightly ahead of the figures for 2023; Some 66 per cent of small boats arrivals who received an initial decision in the year ending September were granted asylum. That was down from 86 per cent in the previous 12 months; The number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels was 35,651 at the end of September - up from 29,585 at the end of June despite the Labour government pledging to stop using the facilities. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The scale of the inflow is poised to spark a fresh political row, after Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants Of the 1.2million people who came to live in the UK in the 12 months to June this year, around 86 per cent - a million - from outside the EU. Indian was the most common nationality in that group for for both work-related - 116,000 - and study-related - 127,000 - reasons. Some 845,000 were of working age and 179,000 were children. The ONS revised long-term immigration up by 82,000 in the year to June 2023, while emigration was shifted down by 84,000 - giving an overall net increase to the headline figure of 166,000. The net migration total for 2023 as a whole was increased by 181,000. The ONS said it now thought 43,000 more Ukrainians had come to the UK in the year to June 2023, and 30,000 more in the year to December. The body is also estimating that fewer EU nationals departed the country, and more students from outside the EU stay after finishing courses. The ONS said that while remaining high by 'historic standards', net migration is now 'beginning to fall'. Director Mary Gregory said: 'Since 2021, long-term international migration to the UK has been at unprecedented levels. This has been driven by a variety of factors, including the war in Ukraine and the effects of the post-Brexit immigration system. Pent-up demand for study-related immigration because of travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic also had an impact. 'While remaining high by historic standards, net migration is now beginning to fall and is provisionally down 20 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024. 'Over that period we have seen a fall in immigration, driven by declining numbers of dependants on study visas coming from outside the EU. 'Over the first six months of 2024, we are also seeing decreases in the number of people arriving for work-related reasons. This is partly related to policy changes earlier this year and is consistent with visa data published by Home Office. 'We are also starting to see increases in emigration, most notably for those who came to the UK on study-related visas. This is likely to be a consequence of the higher numbers of students coming to the UK post pandemic who are now reaching the end of their courses.' Migration Watch Chairman Alp Mehmet said net migration is 'still far too high and unsustainable'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Moreover, the modest fall has little to do with anything that Sir Keir Starmer and his Home Secretary have done. 'It is now essential that net migration is quickly reduced as close as possible to zero, if we are to avoid further tensions in the housing sector, the NHS and other services already in crisis. 'Meanwhile, the changing nature of society that inevitably follows rapid mass immigration will put the cohesion we have long enjoyed at ever greater risk.' The revisions come as the ONS has continued to review its net migration figures as more complete data becomes available and has improved how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the European Union. Ms Badenoch warned yesterday that immigration levels are 'a world away from where we need to be'. She promised a 'strict numerical cap' on arrivals, with only those able to make a 'substantial and clear contribution' to Britain allowed in. She will review Britain's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the continuation of Labour's Human Rights Act, which have both been blamed for blocking past attempts to get tough. The Tory leader said there would be 'zero tolerance for foreign criminals remaining in the UK'. Tory ministers originally predicted their changes would cut numbers by 300,000, but the full effect will not be seen until next year's figures. The Treasury's OBR watchdog has forecast that net annual migration will subside to 315,000 a year over the 'medium term' - although that estimate now looks in serious doubt. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: 'Today's figures confirm what we've been warning about: immigration remains far too high, and Labour was wrong to suspend further restrictions on family visas. 'Such high numbers place mounting pressure on housing, public services, and damage social cohesion, causing a real impact felt by communities across the UK. 'We need immediate action to enforce stricter controls on the border, get these numbers down, and put the needs of British workers and families front and centre.' The Prime Minister's official spokesman laid the blame squarely on the 'policies and decisions taken by the last government'. 'This Government has been elected on a mandate to change the country and put the people's priorities at the heart of delivery, and that means bringing down these record high levels of legal migration and tackling the root causes behind it,' the spokesman said. The spokesman would not be drawn into saying whether the Government's approach would be tougher than that of the Tories, but claimed the Conservatives had allowed employers to 'become hooked on cheap foreign labour'. He told reporters that ministers had set out a 'different approach, one that links migration skills and labour market policy so that overseas recruitment does not remain the default for filling shortages here at home'. Labour claimed the Tories had 'broken the immigration system'. 'On their watch, net migration quadrupled in four years to a record high of nearly one million, despite saying they'd lower it to 100,000. They are an open borders party who lied time and again to the public. This is the chaos Labour inherited and any crowing from the Tories should be seen in that light,' a spokesman said. 'Over the summer, the Government started the hard graft. We hired more caseworkers to tackle the asylum backlog and we're now interviewing 10,000 people per month, compared to 2,000 under the Tories, so we can get people out of asylum hotels and save the taxpayers billions. 'We've also ramped up the removal of those with no right to be in the UK by a fifth. Without this action, thousands more would remain in the UK illegally.' Nigel Farage called the migration statistics 'horrendous'. The Reform UK leader said: 'Horrendous if you want to get a GP appointment, horrendous if you want to travel around Britain's motorways, horrendous if you want your kids or grandkids to ever get a foot onto the housing ladder. 'Horrendous in terms of producing very disjointed societies and communities.' He added: 'And you might have noticed, the quicker the population rises, the poorer the average family in Britain becomes.' CPS Research Director Karl Williams said: 'Today's net migration figures from the ONS are astonishing. Not only is the figure of 728,000 for 2023-4 far higher than expected, but numbers for 2022-3 have been revised upwards by 166,000 to a new record of 906,000. The scale of this adjustment raises a serious question mark over the quality of our migration data, which drives crucial policy decisions. 'More broadly, net migration in the last four years now stands at over 2.5 million, which represents population growth of 3.8 per cent - equivalent to the combined populations of Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester and Bristol.' Touring broadcast studios this morning, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra declined to say what level of net migration would be acceptable. Ms Malhotra repeatedly dodged, insisting policy must be based on 'a credible and serious plan' and the Government should not 'just pull figures out of the air'. She told BBC Breakfast: 'My point is this, we want to see net migration coming down, but we have to do so in a way that is tackling the causes of net migration, because if much of net migration has been driven by recruiting workers from overseas, you also have to look at what the impact on the economy would be.' The OBR assessment published last month pointed to Home Office visa data covering the second quarter of 2024 showing a 'sharp' fall The OBR assessment published last month pointed to Home Office visa data covering the second quarter of 2024 showing a 'sharp' fall. 'This largely reflects government restrictions coming into force in the first half of this year, which we now expect to have a slightly larger impact than we anticipated in March,' the report released alongside the Budget said. 'We judge the stronger outturn and larger policy impact to be broadly offsetting, and therefore project net migration will continue to fall in line with our March forecast.' A Ukrainian sniper dubbed 'Ghost' has revealed how he is responsible for the deaths of 147 Russian soldiers by firing deadly shots from up to 1.5km away. The unnamed sniper, and commander of the 'Ghosts of Bakhmut', also claimed that alongside his elite unit, he had exceeded a staggering 1,200 targets eliminated in just 17 months. Speaking to Corriere, Ghost said simply that 'killing an enemy soldier is like a normal job' explaining how he takes aim, makes sure he is in range, and that he can't be spotted. 'The cleanest job is to finish him with a single, precise shot. Afterwards I have no second thoughts: woe betide me, if I don't kill the Russians, they kill me,' he said. Kills made by the squad are recorded electronically using the sights of their rifles, and the unit will stay in their positions for three to five hours afterwards to make sure their quarry has been taken out. The Bakhmut Ghosts are made up of some 20 expert snipers and are currently deployed on the frontlines of Pokrovsk, in the heart of Donbass, where every day the Ukrainians lose ground to the pressure of Russian offensives. They are all professional soldiers and have fought for their country in some of the most crucial battles since the war broke out in February 2022. The squad have been stationed in Bucha, Irpin, the Mariupol area, Sumy and the Northern front, and then on to Kharkiv, the clashes in Bakhmut and Avdiivka. An elite sniper known as Ghost (right) has revealed he has killed 147 Russian soldiers with shots fired from up to 1.5km away The unnamed commander also claims that his unit has exceeded a staggering 1,200 targets eliminated in just 17 months The elite squad needed 10 months of training before they were deployed in Bakhmut. Ghost, who keeps his face hidden from the public eye, explained this is an attempt to keep his daughter Vladislava, 13, safe as the 'Russians could look for her and harm her to punish me' - given his status as one of the best Ukrainian snipers. He told the Italian newspaper 'The secret of a good sniper is to have the patience to wait. Shooting a lot is useless, in fact, it can be very dangerous'. The Ghost felled a Russian soldier at an impressive distance of 1.5km - his personal best, although the majority of his shots are between 300 and 500 metres. He also claims his team has one of the furthest sniper kills in history, with a confirmed target being 1.5 miles away, or three times the length of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The commander explained that on missions, squads usually head out in patrols of eight people - made up of two snipers, two communications and drone officers, three with machine guns for cover, and one who takes charge of rapid evacuation. Throughout the 48-hour missions, on their backs they carry bags that weigh 30kg and can get even heavier in the winter due to the heating equipment. 'We leave the jeeps five-to-six kilometers from the operational area and march in silence, spaced out, often going well beyond the Russian front lines,' he said. He and his team said they typically hunt high-value Russian targets from a typical distance of around 230ft and are often thrown into 'hot spots' as the vanguard for Ukraine's counteroffensive actions. 'When there is an offensive or a counteroffensive planned, our task is to go in first and clear the area,' the anonymous commander told Insider last year. The unit's snipers often have to wait in one position for up to 16 hours a day, and have to be very well camouflaged. The unit's snipers often have to wait in one position for up to 16 hours a day, and have to be very well camouflaged The unit are known to use the UAR-10, a Ukrainian rifle Their primary weapon is the American Barrett M107A1, though members will also use the Barrett MRAD as well as some Ukrainian rifles, including the UAR-10 and the Snipex Alligator. The effective range of the Barrett M107A1, understood to be the most powerful weapon the Ghosts use, is 1.14 miles, according to its owner's manual, while its maximum range is 2.49 miles. Speaking of the gruelling work - Ghost previously said 'It's nothing like American films that romanticise the work of snipers and show it as very glamorous.' He said that most of the work the unit does is survival-based. 'You learn how to calculate, you do the maths. You learn how to camouflage yourself, you learn about the environment. You can shoot perfectly well, but if you can't survive, there is no value in that.' 'We work 24 hours a day, we don't differentiate between day or night. There are no weekends. You're totally exhausted, all the juices are squeezed out of you, and when you come back from a mission, you're a complete mess.' Ghost, an entrepreneur in another life, said he's been working as a sniper since 2014, signing up for military service after Russia illegally annexed Crimea and receiving sniper training from British, American, Canadian and Lithuanian instructors in 2016. He confirmed the squad's training has been put to good use, as not a single member of his team has died. Kills made by the squad, which is named after their leader, are recorded electronically using the sights of their rifles The sniper said that only he and another shooter have so far been wounded, during a mission in which a mine exploded near him, sending shrapnel into his leg. This injury left him in hospital for 12 days. He said that the key to the unit's success is that they are a tight-knit and self-sufficient group who all wholeheartedly believe in Ukraine's cause. 'I am absolutely confident in each and every man who works with me. 'We are absolutely self-reliant. Every element of our task is fulfilled by our own members we have our own drivers, we have our own truck repairers, everything that we do, we are doing ourselves. 'We are not relying on anyone outside of our unit. Which is probably why we are all still alive and together.' 'Bravery is something that can be nurtured. One has to be sturdy, one has to be very resilient, very focused, psychologically very resilient, and obviously patriotic. 'This aspect of patriotism is very important because a person has to understand what he or she is doing it for.' But despite the group's success and skill, Ghost warned that things are not going well in Pokrosk. 'The Russians are constantly attacking. They seem to have an infinite number of drones, almost all of them superior to ours. I dont know how it will end,' he said. A mother had to pay 250 in Ulez fees to take her little boy to hospital for cancer treatment and slammed the system for making the situation more stressful. Cancer patients and their families have been hit by Ulez fines when visiting hospital, leaving some struggling to afford rent and forced to miss appointments to avoid the added cost. Hundreds of hospitals were dragged into the net after Sadiq Khan expanded the scheme last summer, but the Mayor of London reassured patients there would be an exemption. If a patient can't get to their appointment on public transport, have a compromised immune system, need regular therapy, assessments or surgical intervention, they can get a refund from TfL. But many have reported jumping through hoops to get the money back - and some don't even know this was a possibility. Mother-of-three Jasmin Sarll has spent the last two years bringing her young son to Great Ormond Street Hospital and King's College Hospital for treatment. Hugo, who is now four, was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 when he was just two years old. Ms Sarll, 30, said she has to shell out nearly 100 for parking each time he needed to stay in hospital for three days. And on top of that, she was forced to spend over 250 on Ulez fees - which she didn't know she could claim back. She ended up getting a new car which was compliant to avoid the crippling charges. Little Hugo Sarll, from Southminster, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma but managed to fight back against the disease and has been in remission for over a year During Hugo's chemotherapy, his mother said she was 'never once' told she could claim back the Ulez fees from TfL To reclaim the 12.50 ULEZ fee, patients need to go through a multi-step process to get a reimbursement from the hospital who then claim the money back from TfL She slammed the system as being 'ridiculous' and told MailOnline that at first, she had no idea she could claim the money back. Her story echoes the sentiments of many families navigating a similar battle who say the healthcare system should work in their favour, not add financial strain to an already stressful situation. Some patients have been fighting for their money back since at least Spring. This is on top of other fees such as parking, with research showing 65 per cent of young people with cancer and families are having to pay for parking when going through treatment. During Hugo's chemotherapy, Ms Sarll said she was 'never once' told she could claim back the Ulez fees from TfL. Hugo, from Southminster, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma but managed to fight back against the disease and has been in remission for over a year. He received ten rounds of chemotherapy treatment followed by a liver transplant and spent months in and out of hospital in London, miles away from home. His parents would drive from their home in Essex, costing them hundreds on fuel every month. His parents Jasmin and Michael struggled to afford their rent for a time due to the huge costs. Speaking to MailOnline, his mother said: 'We were never told that we could claim back Ulez charges from either King's Hospital or Great Ormond Street - it would have been nice to know when Hugo was going through treatment! 'Paying for parking and Ulez added on to the stress of everything else as it was never a guarantee how long we'd be at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 'If he spiked a temperature when we were due to go home, we then had to stay, which did happen. Which then obviously doubled the cost of parking! 'Ulez was awful to have to pay every time. I always worried if I forget to pay it, trips to hospital work out expensive enough, without that added on top. 'I think [there should be] a system you could upload proof of a hospital appointment or something. 'You shouldn't have to pay it in the first place, not pay it and claim it back. There should be something in place to make you exempt. 'I've since got a newer car so I don't have to pay Ulez, but that shouldn't have to be the case in my opinion.' He received ten rounds of chemotherapy treatment followed by a liver transplant and spent months in and out of hospital in London, miles away from home Hugo's family even had to miss or re-schedule some check-ups because they couldn't afford to travel up to London every week Ms Sarll said previously: 'If you go in the middle of the night, it's about one and a half hours, if you go during the day with traffic, it's about three hours [to get to hospital]. 'It was costing us about 350 a month just to get there and that's before you've bought hospital food, extra nappies or anything else. At the beginning we didn't have a blue badge, so it was congestion and Ulez each time we went up there as well. 'There was one time that I forgot to pay the Ulez charge, and when I remembered they wouldn't let me pay after the deadline, so I got fined 90 which seems ridiculous. 'If you're already struggling with money, how are you meant to afford these things? A travel fund that covered all of this would mean a big weight off our minds so we don't have to worry about finances and can focus on our son's treatment.' Hugo's family even had to miss or re-schedule some check-ups because they couldn't afford to travel up to London every week. 'He has regular hearing tests because the chemo affects his hearing - I've had to cancel a few because I can't afford to keep coming up every single week.' A TfL spokesman said: 'We are very sorry for the distress that Ms Sarll has experienced. 'We had already accepted the representation she made and cancelled the penalty charges she incurred during these challenging circumstances. 'We are also in contact with Ms Sarll about the ULEZ charges she paid during visits to the hospital, and will refund these as a gesture of goodwill.' Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: 'When a family is given the news their child has cancer, the last thing on their minds should be how they are going to afford to get to hospital. 'Yet, we know young people and families face an extra 250 a month on average to travel to treatment - treatment which is frequent and can often last years. Hugo, who is now four, was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 when he was just two years old 'These costs are causing many families to struggle, and for some, it can mean struggling to pay for rent, to put food on the table, or pay their bills all while facing the stress of childhood cancer. 'While young people with cancer and their families are able to claim their ULEZ charges back, there is a lack of communication about what families can claim back. 'Our research shows 59 per cent of families are unaware that such schemes exist. 'We believe every young person with cancer and families should be made clearly aware of what support is available to them. 'This is why we're calling on the UK Government to take action and introduce a dedicated Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund, which would make sure every young person with cancer and their family gets the support they need to face all costs associated with travelling to hospital for treatment.' Another patient, also attending appointments at the King's College Hospital Trust, said TfL has refused to repay his Ulez costs for months. Westerdam local R.C suffers from Crohn's disease and has been treated for blood cancer since 2016. He told This is Money last week: 'Each month I send off the relevant paperwork to King's. It worked fine until the TfL repayments stopped in April. I am owed about 530, and I wonder if others are too.' A TfL spokesman said: 'We are very sorry for the difficulties R.C. has experienced using the NHS Ulez charge reimbursement scheme and any distress caused. 'We have returned the funds to him and are in contact with King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to help them with the process for refund requests to ensure claims are properly submitted.' A King's College spokesman said: 'We have continued to submit monthly claims to TfL for patients eligible for Ulez reimbursement. A total of 35 hospitals now fall within the expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone Patients face a 'red tape nightmare' to go to the doctor after a Ulez camera was installed within 100 yards from The Royal Marsden Hospital 'However, since spring 2024, we have experienced difficulty in getting some claims processed. 'We have raised this with the TfL complaints team.' She added that its records show that all outstanding claims have now been processed by TfL. At the world-leading Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey, there is a similar issue. Those being treated there branded the London Mayor 'cruel and heartless' after a camera was installed just 100 yards from the entrance. Parents of children receiving life-saving care at the hospital say the despised scheme is leaving them engulfed in 'a tidal wave' of bureaucracy. Families whose vehicles fall foul of the scheme say they are having to fork out 12.50 to pay the daily charge - then have to 'jump through hoops' to claim the money back. A spokesman for the Taxpayer's Alliance said: 'As well as making cash cows of motorists, Ulez is yet another complication to our labyrinthine tax system.' The Royal Marsden is one of 35 hospitals which now fall into the expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone. And thousands of patients will be left out of pocket because not all hospitals are processing every claim. Critics say 'the elderly and vulnerable' are among poorer people most likely to be hit by crippling charges. Transport for London agreed to refund eligible patients who arrive for appointments in cars that fail to meet their emissions standards. But the way the complex scheme has been set up means patients must claim the levy back from the NHS before the money is refunded to hospitals by TfL. Some hospital trusts will only pay refunds to patients who have a TfL account set up to make payments automatically - leaving others out of pocket. The Royal Marsden - which has another site within the ULEZ zone in Chelsea, West London - treats 60,000 patients every year Under TfL's reimbursement scheme, patients who are too weak, ill or disabled to use public transport can claim a refund It means pensioners, who are more likely to run older cars on their fixed incomes and may have limited access to technology, are most likely to miss out. One hospital source said previously: 'It's a lottery as to whether you get your money back or not. 'The way it is set up, it's easy for TfL to take your cash but claiming it back is another matter. 'The onus is on patients and NHS organisations, already facing a tidal wave of red tape, to sort it out between them.' The Royal Marsden - which has another site within the Ulez zone in Chelsea, West London - treats 60,000 patients every year. Under the system, patients who can prove they have a Ulez charge receipt must fill in a claim form when they arrive in the department for their appointment. They need to ask their doctor or clinician to complete the paperwork then take their documents to the cashier's office in the hope that it is open after their appointment has ended. The 35 main hospitals in the expanded Ulez zone Barnet Hospital, Barnet Central Middlesex hospital, park royal Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Chelsea and Westminster , Chelsea Croydon Hospital, Thornton Heath Chase Farm, Enfield Ealing Hospital, Ealing Finchley, Hospital, Finchley Guy's Hospital, Southwark Great Ormond Street, Marylebone Hammersmith Hospital, Hammersmith Harefield Hospital, Harfield Hillingdon Hospital, Hillingdon Kings College, Dulwich Kingston Hospital, Kingston upon Thames Mount Vernon Northwood Northwick Park, Harrow Queen Charlotte's Hospital, Hammersmith Queen Mary, Sidcup Queen Elizabeth, Woolwich Orpington, Orpington Royal Free, Hampstead Royal Marsden, Chelsea Marsden, Sutton Moorfield's, City of London Mile End, Mile End St Barts, City of London St George's, Tooting St Helier, Sutton St Thomas's, Waterloo Teddington Hospital, Teddington University College, Camden University Hospital, Lewisham West Middlesex, Isleworth Whipps Cross, Leytonstone Patients must pay the 12.50 fee if their car is not compliant with the emission standard. They are told to inform staff when checking in for an appointment that they have paid Staff hand a form to fill in, and if eligible a doctor will confirm they qualify for reimbursement. The hospital reimburses the patient, and the relevant NHS Trust claims the money back from TfL. Advertisement Hospital staff and visitors are not eligible for a refund and families, who have to pay expensive car park charges, say they are being unfairly forced to reach into their pockets to comfort loved ones. Arin Ghosh travels to the hospital from his home in Kent every day so his daughter can receive chemotherapy. He described claiming back the daily charge as a 'bureaucratic burden' saying the process was 'unclear, confusing and lengthy'. He said the fee was 'the last thing you should have to think about when attending critical appointments and caring for an unwell child'. David Millerick, who was visiting his granddaughter at the hospital, told MailOnline: 'It makes me sick to my stomach that this is happening to people when they are already very fragile. 'Anyone who is having lifesaving cancer treatment does not need to have to wade through loads of paperwork just to come here. It is a sickening ploy to get more money. 'The scheme should be scrapped immediately as it's basically demanding money with menaces.' Mr Millerick, from Oxted, Surrey, said he had to borrow a friend's petrol car as his diesel vehicle would have fallen foul of the Ulez rules. He said: 'This just makes it more inconvenient for everyone. Why should someone coming to visit a sick granddaughter have to pay for the privilege. 'If I want to come every day I either have to borrow a car or pay the 12.50.' Nicola Riley, who had arrived at the hospital from her home in Chislehurst in southeast London, said: 'When you are coming here for treatment the last thing you are thinking about is filling out some form to get the 12.50 back. 'There is no way that patients should have to be doing that. It is just silly bureaucracy and not something anyone with cancer should have to do. 'Everyone I talk to agrees that the Ulez scheme is just a way for Mayor Khan to make money and has nothing really to do with air pollution.' Minister for London Paul Scully who is the local MP, called for the Ulez scheme to be scrapped but suggested that moving the camera or the boundary by just 100 yards would resolve the problem. He wrote to the London mayor at the time saying: 'My constituents and I in Sutton are appalled that this camera is still operational with the express intention of catching motorists venturing little more than a hundred metres into the Ulez boundary to visit their loved ones, receive treatment or attend their place of work. 'I therefore implore you to reconsider your stance on this particular camera.'It is currently serving as a prominent lightning rod towards those who are willing to take the law into their own hands and its removal is the best outcome for all concerned.' A spokesman for TfL said previously: 'We're sorry to hear of anyone finding the process around NHS exemptions difficult. 'The exemptions are in place to help people at difficult times, and we're doing everything possible to help and to make the process easier. 'We would encourage any families affected, who are finding the process difficult, to contact us and we will offer support to make sure that things are made as easy for them as possible.' Police are on high alert for a white van after a second child abduction attempt in Melbourne in broad daylight within a fortnight. A schoolgirl, 14, was forced to flee to a nearby park after a stranger pulled up beside her on Spring Street in Tullamarine, in the city's west, about 5.45pm on Wednesday. The man reportedly asked the girl where she lived before telling her to get into his white van. She ran to a nearby park packed with families and the man drove away. It's understood the man drove west along Spring Street before performing a U-turn and driving east on Broadmeadows Road. Police were alerted after the girl told her mother about the terrifying ordeal when she arrived home. The girl was left shaken after the attempted kidnapping, according to detectives. A man attempted to abduct a 14-year-old girl in Melbourne on Wednesday (pictured, a computer-generated image of the man police wish to speak to) The man reportedly asked the young girl where she lived before telling her to get into his white van 'It's very distressing, an alarming incident, and I won't go to specifics of how she is going emotionally at this time, but understandably, she's a young woman, and this is quite frightening for her,' Detective Leading Senior Constable Grace Botterill told The Herald Sun. The teen's ordeal follows a similar incident where a man also driving a white van reportedly tried to attempt to kidnap an 11-year-old boy. He was walking home from school along Halley Street in Blackburn in Melbourne's east when he was approached by the man about 3.45pm on November 18. The man told the boy his mother had asked him to pick him up. The boy refused to enter the van and fled. Police don't believe the two incidents are related. Detectives have released a computer-generated photo of a man officers want to speak with in relation to the girl's attempted abduction on Wednesday. He is described as Middle Eastern, aged 50, and spoke with a thick accent. Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage or witnessed either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Two fugitives who allegedly kidnapped and shot a man before leaving him for dead have been arrested on the other side of the country in dramatic scenes. A woman, 38, and a man, 25, whose alleged crimes took place in NSW, were taken into custody in the remote community of Balladonia in Western Australia last week. Their Holden Trax was surrounded by heavily armed police 500km west of the South Australian border five days after the alleged kidnapping, 7 News reported. The pair, along with another woman, are accused of kidnapping a 32-year-old man at gunpoint at a Port Macquarie home on the NSW mid north coast. The trio allegedly then drove the man to Bago Bluff National Park 40km away, where they shot him several times and then left him for dead, according to police. The injured man was discovered by a trail runner 'naked and bleeding'. 'It was apparent hed been shot on a number of occasions,' NSW Police Inspector Peter OReilly told Seven News. The man was treated by paramedics before he was rushed to hospital in a serious condition. The moment police surrounded the vehicle of two alleged kidnappers who police claim shot a man multiple times before leaving him for dead The 'high-risk arrest' saw one policeman suffer minor facial injuries (pictured police approach the driver) The man remains in hospital and has since been interviewed by police Police allege two of alleged kidnappers travelled in a 2014-model Holden SUV to the other side of the country. After authorities received a tip-off by their NSW counterparts that the pair had crossed the border, Western Australia Police assembled a team to search for the vehicle. The police also understood that the SUV was having mechanical issues. It was eventually located in scrubland, about 100m from Balladonia Roadhouse. Western Australia Police described the pair as 'dangerous' and made sure the SUV was surrounded by officers with firearms drawn before the arrests were made. Classified as a 'high-risk arrest', the police allegedly found a loaded sawn-off rifle during a search of the vehicle. A 38-year-old officer received minor facial injuries during the arrest. Police allegedly found a sawn-off rifle when they searched the vehicle. Pictured is the arrest The pair were described as 'dangerous' and have since been extradited to NSW The pair, both from Port Macquarie were extradited back to NSW this week, where they will face kidnapping and attempted murder charges. Both have been denied bail. Police do not know why they travelled to Western Australia after their alleged crimes. The third person, a 27-year-old woman, remains on the run Police believe the injured man and the alleged trio are known to each other. The Israeli prison guard who executed the Nazi mass murderer Adolf Eichmann has died aged 86. Shalom Nagar performed the hanging of the war criminal after he was convicted over his role in organising the Holocaust, in which around six million Jews were murdered. For months after the execution, Nagar was haunted by Eichmann's swollen face and the sound that trapped air had made when it escaped from his body as he was removed from the noose. Eichmann had fled to Argentina after Germany's defeat in the Second World War but was captured by Mossad, the feared Israeli secret service, in 1960. After being secretly taken to Israel in an operation that involved him being sedated and smuggled onto a commercial flight while dressed in a pilot's uniform, he was put on trial in Jerusalem and then hanged on June 1, 1962, after an appeal bid failed. Nagar was among 22 carefully chosen prison staff who watched over the Nazi for six months during his trial and became known as 'Eichmann guards' as a result. The Israeli prison guard who executed the Nazi mass murderer Adolf Eichmann has died aged 86. Above: Adolf Eichmann in his SS uniform and at his trial in Jerusalem in 1961 Shalom Nagar oversaw the hanging of the war criminal after he was convicted over his role in organising the Holocaust, in which around six million Jews were murdered The guards were selected to ensure that none of them had a personal motive to kill Eichmann. He was executed at Ayalon Prison in Ramla, central Israel. Nagar did not want to be the man to hang Eichmann but was convinced to do so after being shown photos of atrocities committed against children in the Holocaust, according to the Times of Israel. Speaking in a 2005 interview with Jewish magazine Mishpacha, he said: 'It so appalled me that I agreed to do what needed to be done.' It was reported at the time that Eichmann's final words were: 'Long live Germany, long live Argentina, long live Austria... I had to bey the laws of the war and my flag. 'I am ready. Remember me to my wife, family and friends.' He is said to have then added after a pause: 'After a short while, gentlemen, we shall meet again - so is the fate of all men. I have been believing in God all my life and I die a believer in God.' After Eichmann's body was left hanging for an hour, it fell to Nagar to cut him down. He later described the war criminal's 'nightmarish' appearance, with his eyes bulging and his tongue sticking out. As he was lifted down, a 'terrible noise came from his mouth' when the air inside his body was allowed to escape, Nagar said. Nagar was then tasked with loading Eichmann's body into an oven to be cremated - the same method that was used to dispose of the corpses of murdered Holocaust victims. He described in an interview how he struggled to walk as a result of the shock from the ordeal immediately afterwards. The guard had nightmares about the experience for months. Eichmann's ashes were then scattered at sea. Nagar was among 22 carefully chosen prison staff who watched over the Nazi for six months during his trial Adolf Eichmann seen standing in his bullet proof glass cage to hear Israel's supreme court unanimously reject his appeal against his death sentence Adolf Eichmann listens in the prisoner's dock at the left, as presiding Judge Moishe Landau, (center on judge rostrum at right), gives the verdict, at the conclusion of his trial Nagar was born in Yemen and came to Israel at the age of 12 as an orphan, shortly after the founding of the Jewish state. He served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and then joined the Israel Prison Service. After retiring from the prison service, he returned to the faith of his youth and became a kosher ritual slaughterer. For decades he swore to keep his silence about his role in Eichmann's killing, over fears that neo-Nazis may seek revenge. But the former guard then changed his mind. He later said: 'What did I have to be afraid of?' Under Adolf Hitler, Eichmann, an officer in the murderous SS, was in charge of deporting millions of Jews to their deaths in the Nazis' network of camps in occupied Poland. At the end of the Second World War, Eichmann was captured and interned in prisoner of war camps. The Daily Mail's coverage when Eichmann was hanged in May 1962 But, with guards unaware of his real identity, he escaped while on a work detail and obtained new identity papers under the name of Otto Heninger. He then fled to Argentina in 1948 and obtained work in a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Buenos Aires. Celebrated Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal had a key role in confirming that he had fled to Argentina. Eichmann's capture was depicted in 2018 film Operation Finale, in which he was portrayed by British star Ben Kingsley. A Massachusetts man who was wrongly convicted of murder and forced to spend nearly 30 years behind bars has been awarded $13 million in compensation. During his time in prison, Michael Sullivan's mother and four siblings died, his girlfriend moved on with her life and he was badly beaten in several prison attacks. Sullivan, now 64, was convicted in 1987 for the murder and robbery of Wilfred McGrath, a crime he long insisted he never committed. In 2013, he was released after a new trial and new DNA technology proved his innocence, and earlier this month he was awarded a degree of justice when a Massachusetts jury ruled that he was innocent in the 1986 murder and robbery. As part of his compensation he was given $13 million this month - though state regulations cap rewards at $1 million for wrongful convictions. The jury also found a state police chemist falsely testified at the trial though his testimony isn't what guaranteed Sullivan's conviction. It's the latest in a string of convictions that have been overturned in the state in recent years. 'The most important thing is finding me innocent of the murder, expunging it from my record,' said Sullivan, speaking at the Framingham, Massachusetts, office of his lead attorney Michael Heineman. 'The money, of course, will be very helpful to me.' Michael Sullivan, 64, of Lowell, Mass., who was convicted of murder and armed robbery in 1987 and spend years in jail before being ruled innocent, holds his six-year-old Yorkshire terrier 'Buddy', Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in Framingham, Mass Sullivan has now been awarded $13 million for his wrongful conviction - though state regulations cap rewards at $1 million Sullivan now lives with his sister Donna Faria (pictured). Image shows Sullivan with his sister and his Yorkshire Terrier A spokesman for the Massachusetts attorney general said, 'We respect the jurys verdict and are evaluating whether an appeal is appropriate.' Sullivan was convicted of murder and armed robbery in 1987 after McGrath was robbed and beaten and his body dumped behind an abandoned supermarket. Authorities zeroed in on Sullivan after they learned his sister had been out with McGrath the night before the murder and the two had gone to the apartment she shared with Sullivan. Another suspect in the murder, Gary Grace, implicated Sullivan and had his murder charges dropped. Grace testified at the trial that Sullivan was wearing a purple jacket the night of the murder and a former State Police chemist testified that he found blood on the jacket and a hair consistent with McGrath, not Sullivan's. Sullivan was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Grace, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to accessory after a murder, and was sentenced to 6 years. Emil Petrla, who beat McGrath and helped dispose of his body, pleaded to second-degree murder. Sullivan lost his mother and four of his siblings while incarcerated, and says he was unable to attend their funeral Sullivan says he left prison with no job prospects and little hope of finding work. He still can't use a computer and mostly helps his sister with odd jobs Sullivan says he is a 'loner' and spends much of his time with his Yorkshire terrier Buddy and pigeons that he keeps at his sister's house He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole but he died in prison. 'I couldn't believe I was convicted of murder,' Sullivan said, recalling prosecutors mentioned the purple jacket five times in their closing argument. 'My mother was crying in the courtroom, my brother was crying. I was crying. It was very hard for me and my family.' Prison would prove a nightmare for Sullivan. He had his nose almost bitten off in one attack and nearly lost an ear in another. And because he was a lifer, the prison system didn't allow him to take any classes to gain much-needed skills 'It's very hard on a person, especially when you know youre innocent,' Sullivan said. 'And prison is a bad life, you know. Prison is a tough life.' But in 2011, Sullivan's fortunes changed dramatically. Sullivan's attorney requested DNA testing - which had not been available for the first trial - that found no blood on the coat. The testing also found substances on the coat did not contain McGrath's DNA and could not determine if the hair found on a jacket belonged to him. Dana Curhan, a Boston attorney who represented Sullivan from 1992 until 2014 and pushed for the DNA testing, said Sullivan had always told him McGrath's blood wasn't on the jacket. But he was surprised to learn there wasn't any blood, which undermined the prosecutor's argument that Sullivan had beaten McGrath into a 'blood pulp.' 'At the prosecutor's closing, he essentially said, 'Hey, if he wasnt the one who did it, why did they find blood on both of cuffs of the jacket?'' Curhan said. 'He kept repeating that. Now, we dont have any blood nor a DNA match. You would expect someone doing what he was alleged to have done to be covered in blood. There is no blood. That really was the case.' A new trial was ordered in 2012 and Sullivan was released in 2013. He spent the first six months on home confinement and had to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet for years. 'When I walked out the front door, I was in an emotional state, he said. In 2014, the Supreme Judicial Court upheld a decision to grant Sullivan a new trial and, in 2019, the state decided against retrying the case. At the time, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said it was virtually impossible for her office to successfully retry the case against Sullivan given the deaths of some witnesses, and a diminishment of the memories of other potential witnesses. Sullivan admits he 'shut down' after he was released and, to this day, struggles to function in a world that changed dramatically while he was in prison. Before he was arrested, he had worked at a peanut factory and had planned to go to school to become a truck driver and eventually work for his brother who owned a trucking company. Instead, he left prison with no job prospects and little hope of finding work. He still can't use a computer and mostly helps his sister with odd jobs. His girlfriend, whom he had known since he was 12, would visit him for a decade in prison but eventually 'had to go on with her life.' 'Im still really not adjusted to the outside world,' Sullivan said, adding that he spends much of his time with his Yorkshire terrier Buddy and pigeons that he keeps at his sister's house. 'It's hard for me,' he said. 'I dont go nowhere. I'm scared all the time ... I'm pretty much a loner.' Sullivan's sister, Donna Faria, said the family 'never for a minute' believed that he killed McGrath. They were at the trial in support and would talk with Sullivan twice a week while he was in prison and visit him every few months. But Faria laments all that Sullivan lost while in prison, noting he 'never had kids, never married like the rest of us did.' 'If he didnt have me, my brother would have been walking the streets like a lot of the homeless people,' Faria said. 'It's almost like he don't trust people. If he is around his family, he feels safe. If he is not, he doesnt.' These days, Sullivan spends most of his time at Faria's house in Billerica, Massachusetts, and often does her familys laundry like he did for fellow inmates while in prison. Despite the jury award, Sullivan doesn't expect that his life will change all that much. Sullivan will treat himself to a new truck but said he wants to save most of the money to ensure his nieces and nephews have what they need when they turn 21. Sullivan hasn't been getting any therapy for the hardship he endured but his attorney Heineman said he plans to ask the court, as part of the judgment, to provide him with therapy and educational services. 'They'll have money. That will make me very happy,' he said. 'The most important thing is my nieces and nephews - taking care of them.' Gladiator star Russell Crowe has donated 5,000 to a stuntman on the original film for limb-saving surgery after he suffered a horror fall. Hollywood stuntman Charlie Allan had been building the front entrance of his garage when he slipped, causing his leg to give way, 'crunching' down on his left ankle. At first, the 61-year-old - who worked on both Gladiator and Robin Hood with Crowe - thought he'd be able to manage the injury and tried to push through the pain. But when his calf began to 'seize up' and blood clots developed in his lower leg, the father-of-two knew something was wrong. After initially being sent home from A&E, Mr Allan, from Edinburgh, was admitted to University Hairmyres Hospital in Glasgow where he spent three days waiting for a vein bypass after his leg turned white and went numb. But 24 hours before the operation, the actor and stuntman claims he was told the surgery could not go ahead due to previous blunt-force trauma in his right leg. As a result he was sent home with painkillers and blood thinners and reportedly told no other procedure was available for him under the NHS. Following the devastating news, his wife Chara Gallos-Allan, 33, began to search for alternative treatment in hopes of saving her husband's leg ahead of Christmas. Gladiator star Russell Crowe has donated 5,000 to a stuntman on the original film for limb-saving surgery Charlie Allan had been building the front entrance of his garage when he slipped causing his leg to give way The 61-year-old stuntman has worked on Gladiator and Robin Hood with Crowe A GoFundMe page has now been set up to raise 25,000 euros to undergo an endovascular thrombectomy outside of the UK to help him walk again. Over the years, Mr Allan has starred in four Ridley Scott films including Gladiator and, after setting up the fundraiser, good friend Russell Crowe has donated 5,000 to the cause. Mr Allan said: 'At the moment I can only walk about 20 feet before stopping as the pain becomes unbearable. 'I'm on my feet all the time. I run an events charity and I teach lads sword work to get on TV. 'I'm an actor, stuntman and combat stuntman and it's severely impacted my life. I can't chase after my son at the moment as he gets older and it's ruined my quality of life. '[When the injury happened], I was working on my house and building the entrance to my garage which has a 12-15 foot ditch around it because it's a three-storey thing. 'I was stepping off the platform that I was building and as I stepped off it, my leg gave way and went off at a weird angle and I came down heavily on my left ankle. It made this awful crunching sound. 'It swelled up quite badly the next day. I took some anti-inflammatory so it kind of got better but the following Sunday I was at a country fair and my calf started to seize up on me. 'I thought it was cramp at first and it got really painful and I had to stop on the way back to the car. It started to throb really heavily and this is when I went to A&E. 'The next thing it went numb, white and discoloured. I went to the doctors and they checked it and they couldn't find a pulse in my leg so I went to hospital. Mr Allan said: 'It feels awesome and makes me feel very humble that Russell Crowe has donated. Me and Russell go back to Gladiator' Following the devastating news, his wife Chara Gallos-Allan (pictured), 33, began to search for alternative treatment in hopes of saving her husband's leg ahead of Christmas A GoFundMe page has now been set up to raise 25,000 euros to undergo an endovascular thrombectomy outside of the UK to help him walk again Wen his calf began to 'seize up' and blood clots developed in his lower leg, the father-of-two knew something was wrong 'They put me straight on a drip and I had lots of scans. They told me it was difficult to operate on and then 24 hours before the operation they said they weren't going to operate and sent me home with blood thinners and pain relief. 'They booked me in for a vein mapping a couple of month's later but I only had a consultation on this day and they told me there was nothing more they could do. They couldn't do this because they found damage in this leg too. 'My wife is from Germany and they seem to have a more high tech medical system and were adamant that there was something we could do but they said they don't do this procedure in the UK.' Charlie's severe injury has led to complete arterial thrombosis in his left leg which has placed him in a critical condition due to the inadequate blood supply to his limb. According to the NHS, arterial thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in an artery and is dangerous as it can obstruct or stop the flow of blood to major organs, such as the heart or brain. The GoFundMe page currently stands at more than 23,000 and Charlie says it was 'humbling' to see Crowe, who he calls a good friend, donate to his cause. He said it would be amazing to reach the target ahead of Christmas as the sooner he gets the procedure done the better chances there are of saving his leg. The actor and stuntman said: 'At the moment I can only walk about 20 feet before stopping as the pain becomes unbearable' The stuntman said: 'I was on Robin Hood with Russell. I've been in four movies by Ridley Scott. He knows me well' Mr Allan said: 'It feels awesome and makes me feel very humble that Russell Crowe has donated. Me and Russell go back to Gladiator. 'In Gladiator I was a stuntman and actor. I'm the guy that shouts at Russell Crowe with a severed head in my hand at the beginning of the movie. 'It always raises a hair on the back after seeing this scene. There were 15,000 men on set that day and it took three weeks to film the first 10 minutes of the film. 'This is how me and Russell became friends on Gladiator. We have been friends for years. 'I have been to Australia, invited by him. He has invited me to Istanbul to perform as an actor in his first directorial debut called The Water Diviner. 'I was on Robin Hood with Russell. I've been in four movies by Ridley Scott. He knows me well. I've not seen the new Gladiator yet. I will be going to see it when I can. 'I'm very humbled and excited at the prospect of actually being able to get the procedure done. 'If I'm able to get it done before Christmas it will be a very active and outdoorsy festive period. I'm a fit guy for my age. I ride bikes and horses. You've got to keep fit.' To donate to Mr Allan's GoFundMe page, follow the link here: https://gofund.me/1454ce3f A bus driver has issued a stark warning for Black Friday shoppers after his house was devastated by an e-bike batter that sparked a house fire. Don Hettiarachchi was left in sheltered housing for months after his son's converted bike created a devastating blaze. The 49-year-old, from New Malden, had left the vehicle charging in the conservatory at the back of his house when it burst into flames. He has only just been able to return to his home, which was wrecked by the flames in September. It comes as a new survey reveals one in five Londoners say they would consider taking advantage of cut-price deals Black Friday to get a bargain e-bike or e-scooter. Mr Hettiarachchi said: 'I work night shifts and when I heard the smoke alarm, I initially thought it was some car alarms in the street outside. 'Disorientated, I went to have a look and found the whole of the bottom floor of my home filled with smoke. My son's converted e-bike was charging inside the conservatory, had caught fire and the kitchen was full of thick black smoke. 'Luckily the smoke alarms alerted us to get out of the house. I woke my wife and son and we escaped outside.' Don Hettiarachchi was left in sheltered housing for months after his son's converted bike created a devastating blaze The 49-year-old, from New Malden, had left the vehicle charging in the conservatory at the back of his house when it burst into flames He and his wife have only just been able to return to their home, which was wrecked by the flames in September The home was completely devastated by the blaze, which sparked from the e-bike and left the house a charred ruin The bike had been bought second hand by his son, and he had only been using it for two months. It had been charging for more than five hours when it ignited, leaving them without a home. Experts are particularly worried about the dangers of modified electric bikes or conversion kits, which can catch fire if installed to a poor standard, if they use sub-standard parts or are charged incorrectly. The kits, when bought online, come with a motor, controls and wiring but it is common for them to lack a battery and a charger, so the shopper will often need to purchase these items separately, leaving them at risk of purchasing an incompatible pair. He continued: 'My wife is still suffering from shock at the moment. We both went to the doctor and took a month off work due to the stress. We stayed in emergency accommodation that the Council provided because our home was inhabitable. 'My house insurance expired in the summer. My father-in-law was ill and due to being preoccupied with his illness, I missed paying the house insurance renewal - we lost everything in the fire. 'For anyone thinking of buying a bargain this Black Friday, my advice is to really do your homework before you buy. Make sure the e-bike battery and the charger are compatible with one another. Make sure you buy from a reputable seller that you know and trust. 'Never leave them on charge unattended, in particular overnight, as you need to react should anything go wrong. Don't think it won't happen to you because it happened to us and my whole house was destroyed in less than ten minutes by an exploding battery.' The bike had been charging for more than five hours when it ignited, leaving them without a home The bike had been bought second hand by his son, and he had only been using it for two months Experts are particularly worried about the dangers of modified electric bikes or conversion kits, which can catch fire if installed to a poor standard E-bike battery fires increased by 70 per cent in 2023, with 270 lithium-powered machines burning in the last year. Fire and rescue services responded to 48 per cent more blazes from all lithium ion battery-powered devices last year than in 2022. Just two weeks ago, two died in a house fire after a converted e-bike burst into flames while people were sleeping at home. West Midlands Fire Service said the blaze involved a peddle bike that had been converted into an electric bike, which was stored in the hallway of the property. 'Buying from a reputable manufacturer or retailer has never been so vital when it comes to electrically powered bikes and conversion kits,' Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First said. 'These devices are useful purchases when they are compliant and safe and purchased from a reputable manufacturer, but if they are either substandard, charged incorrectly or conversion kits are installed poorly, they present a risk of a ferocious fire in the event of a catastrophic battery failure. 'With Londoners looking to bag an e-bike bargain this Black Friday, remember that safety starts with where you shop. Unknowingly buying a substandard e-bike, charger or conversion kit online could have serious consequences.' London Fire Brigade's Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection, Richard Field added: 'We understand that people are trying to save money, but if you spot a deal this week that looks too be good to be true, it probably is. 'When shopping from third-party sellers via online marketplaces or auction sites, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters compared to buying from high street shops, so you can't be confident that your purchases will meet the correct safety standards. 'We are urging anyone looking to buy an e-bike or e-scooter, or the batteries, chargers or conversion kits, do so from a reputable seller.' An ISIS fighter was blown up by an RAF drone because European human rights laws meant troops were barred from capturing him, a report has claimed. A Reaper drone is said to have fired two hellfire missiles at an ISIS biological weapons engineer in a village in northern Syria in December 2022. The man's phone and computer were thought to contain plans for a potential ISIS attack or names of others in his network - but if troops seized his devices, they would have had to let the ISIS fighter go even if he surrendered, the Spectator reports. Under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), it is illegal to hand over terrorist suspects to Syria, because of the risk of torture, and it is also illegal to take them to Britain because there's no extradition treaty. Therefore, it was reportedly decided to send the RAF drone to kill the Yemeni man. Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, said that SAS soldiers were forced to kill terrorists rather than capture them as the 'European Court will set them free'. Former defence secretary Ben Wallace said he ordered many strikes like this, but he would have preferred a UK trial 'rather than making those who seek to do us harm into martyrs'. This comes as SAS members are scrutinised following an inquiry into allegations that they killed innocent people in Afghanistan and planted weapons on them during the war. A Reaper drone (pictured) reportedly fired two hellfire missiles at an ISIS biological weapons engineer in a village in northern Syria in December 2022 Robert Jenrick (pictured), the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, said that SAS soldiers were forced to killed terrorists rather than capture them as the 'European Court will set them free' Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, said that SAS soldiers were forced to killed terrorists rather than capture them as the 'European Court will set them free (file image of special forces soldiers during military maneuver) Investigations like this have been criticised by former SAS commanding officer Colonel Richard Williams, since they were not 'mad dog' assassins. 'Special Forces are not above the law. Full stop,' he told the Spectator, but said that they needed to have 'the freedoms to execute important actions on behalf of the state'. The investigations go as far back as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, with one former soldier telling the Spectator that he had tried to kill himself after he was left in legal 'limbo' for two decades after his squad killed four members of the IRA's East Tyrone 'brigade' in 1992. Soldier M, who was part of the SAS for 34 years, said he had to give statements about that night several times, including at an inquest convened under the ECHR's Article 2, which protects 'everyone's right to life'. 'We are being scapegoated [...] and are subject to the whims of successive governments [...] when this latest inquiry began, I found myself spiralling downward,' Soldier M said. Another former SAS member, George Simm, said that the mood at SAS base Hereford was 'dark'. The former regimental sergeant major added that while soldiers usually serve in the SAS for ten to 15 years, 'the rest of your life is being chased by lawyers' for actions soldiers took while part of the forces. A British beautician accused of smuggling 15million worth of cocaine in her suitcases, has said she accepted a free holiday to Cancun because it would be a 'breath of fresh air' during a difficult time at home as she faces 60 years in jail. Kim Hall, 28, from Middlesbrough, was stopped at Chicago's O'Hare airport as she prepared to board a connecting flight to Manchester on August 18. Homeland Security investigators found 43kg of cocaine packed in two suitcases and detained the young woman, who is being held in a safe house before her trial. Ms Hall is facing 60 years in a US prison, but has insisted 'I am not guilty of what they're saying that I am'. She claims she agreed to bring a suitcase home for a pair of British men under the belief it contained only cash. After meeting the pair on an earlier break to Portugal, Ms Hall claims they offered her a free holiday to Mexico and asked her to take the money back home to their family because 'one of them had lost their passport and they were in trouble'. Speaking to ITV's This Morning today, Kim said she accepted the free holiday because she needed 'a bit of breathing space'. 'I just had a lot going on at home at the time and I just needed a bit of breathing space so it was a breath of fresh air really to go there,' she said. 'I spent the holiday alone really for the whole week, I just met them briefly at the beginning and then I spent a lot of time on my own.' Kim Hall, 28, from Middlesbrough, (pictured) was stopped at Chicago 's O'Hare airport as she prepared to board a connecting flight to Manchester on August 18 Speaking to ITV's This Morning today Ms Hall said 'I am not guilty of what they're saying that I am' Ms Hall added: 'They just said that one of them had lost their passport and they were in trouble and needed to get some money home to their family. 'It just seemed really legit and straight forward[...]I was going to go as a holiday, take a break and just do them a favour by bringing back this money to give to a member of their family.' When her week-long trip to Cancun was coming to an end, Ms Hall claimed the men asked her to take two suitcases back with her, which they said contained $250,000 in cash. Ms Hall claims she raised concerns with the two men about the money being seized at the airport but they allegedly told her she had nothing to worry about and that the money could be justified. 'They certainly didn't come across as being criminals,' Ms Hall added. Ms Hall added: 'At the end of my trip they said was you give us your suitcase...we will send that back to the UK for you because you've got two suitcases to carry.' The beautician claimed she missed her first flight due to a mix up with timings, after which point 'things changed dramatically'. She said: 'I went from staying in a nice hotel, just enjoying the sun and having a nice holiday to being taken to a converted warehouse in the middle of Cancun which was surrounded by nothing.' Kim Hall, 28, (pictured) is accused of smuggling 15million worth of cocaine in her suitcases Kim is pictured with her mother Tracy. Kim's parents have both insisted she is innocent Ms Hall has since been diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar her father revealed on This Morning today An aerial of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where Ms Hall was searched and detained Ms Hall said she did not look inside the suitcase because she 'didn't want to make the situation worse' if any money were to go missing. When Ms Hall finally caught a flight home, she landed at Chicago's O'Hare airport for a connection to London, which is when officials carried out a random bag check as they were suspicious of her having two suitcases. The young woman collapsed in tears as she was handcuffed and taken to prison. Ms Hall is now on house arrest and is only allowed out two days a week, with two electronic tags attached to her. She told This Morning today she would not name the men involved and did not intend to out of safety for herself and for her family, saying 'that's just not something that's possible'. Since being in house arrest, Ms Hall's father John who appeared with her on the show today, said she has since been diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar. Ms Hall claims she agreed to bring two suitcases home for a pair of British men under the belief the bags contained only cash Cook County Jail in South Lawndale, a Chicago community on the West Side Mr Hall, 59, previously defended his daughter, saying all she is guilty of is 'stupidity and naivety'. He told the Sun: 'She's not a drug smuggler. She was told that it would be money she was carrying. 'They got her phone and threatened her family and that's why she did it. 'She'd been to Portugal with a friend and met people over there who contacted her when she was back saying they were into real estate in Mexico and she could go for a free holiday.' He added that she is 'petrified' after telling him that 'you don't understand what they were threatening me with'. After her arrest in August, Ms Hall was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver after her arrest in August. Due to the amount of drugs seized, the offence is in the top bracket for sentencing, with Class X Felony which carries 15-60 years in prison. Israel's military said that the ceasefire with Hezbollah had been violated after it detected several 'suspects' in southern Lebanon. Israeli tank fire hit six areas in southern Lebanon on Thursday and the IDF said its ceasefire with Hezbollah was breached after what it called suspects, some in vehicles, arrived at several areas in the southern zone. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday under a deal brokered by the US and France, intended to allow people in both countries to start returning to homes in border areas shattered by 14 months of fighting. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah has accused Israel of attacking displaced people returning to their villages near the southern border who tried to return to check on their properties. The IDF had previously urged residents of towns along the border strip not to come back yet for their own safety and on Thursday morning, Israeli tank fire hit six areas within that border strip, state media and Lebanese security sources said. The rounds struck Markaba, Wazzani and Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all of which lie about a mile of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel. One of the security sources said two people were wounded in Markaba. Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border and surveillance drones were heard flying over parts of southern Lebanon. An Israeli soldier stands on a military vehicle waiting in position near a road close to the Israel-Lebanon border November 28, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military not to allow residents back to villages near the border Israeli soldiers walk in southern Lebanon, as seen from Israel's side of the border, in northern Israel, November 28, 2024 There was no immediate comment on the tank rounds from Hezbollah or Israel, who had been fighting for over a year in parallel with the Gaza war. The agreement, a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict, ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group in years. But Israel is still fighting its other arch foe, the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon but neither side can launch offensive operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military not to allow residents back to villages near the border. Lebanon's speaker of parliament Nabih Berri, the top interlocutor for Lebanon in negotiating the deal, had said on Wednesday that residents could return home. Hezbollah has said its fighters 'remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy.' Its forces will monitor Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon 'with their hands on the trigger'. The group has been weakened by casualties and the killing of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders by Israel. US President Joe Biden hailed the ceasefire as 'good news', while stressing that Israel 'retains the right to self defence' if Hezbollah breaks the terms of agreement. A view of destroyed buildings in Adaisseh village, southern Lebanon, as seen from Israel's side of the border, in northern Israel, November 28, 2024 Lebanese army soldiers manning a checkpoint, use a military vehicle to block a road in southern Lebanon's Marjayoun area, on November 28, 2024 Residents inspect a destroyed neighbourhood in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, November 28, 2024 A woman reacts after recovering a photo of her father from the rubble of her destroyed house in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, November 28, 2024 He said it 'heralds a new start for Lebanon', beleaguered by months of bombardment and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. But Netanyahu had stressed on Wednesday that the deal would depend on 'what happens' and said Israel would maintain 'full' freedom to act in Lebanon, pushing back on cynicism over the terms. The truce ended a war that began a day after Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing thousands in Lebanon and sparking mass displacements in both Lebanon and Israel. Israel shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a series of staggering blows. Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers were to become the only armed presence in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway. A Lebanese army source said its forces were 'conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints' south of the Litani River without advancing into areas where Israeli forces were still present. Since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, tens of thousands of Lebanese who fled their homes have headed back to their towns and villages, only to find scenes of devastation. 'Despite all the destruction and the sorrow, we are happy to be back,' said Umm Mohammed Bzeih, a widow who fled with her four children from the southern village of Zibqin two months ago. 'I feel as if our souls have returned,' she said, visibly exhausted as she swept up the shattered glass and pieces of stones that carpeted the floor. Sir Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure over his handover of the Chagos Islands amid claims he is trying to rush through a treaty before Donald Trump returns as US president. The Prime Minister is currently scrambling to save his controversial deal to surrender control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius, which is viewed as an ally of China. Serious doubt has been cast over the deal's future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Mr Trump. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who was elected a fortnight ago, said he had 'reservations' about the agreement struck with the previous Mauritian administration. During his election campaign, Mr Ramgoolam and his allies accused the then-PM of 'high treason' and described the deal as a 'sell-out' motivated by desperation ahead of the vote. The agreement also faces an additional hurdle as it has been condemned by Marco Rubio, who has been lined up by Mr Trump as the new US secretary of state. He last month labelled the Chagos Islands deal 'a serious threat' to national security that 'threatens critical US military posture in the region'. According to the Telegraph, the UK Government is trying to convert an initial agreement into a signed-off legal text before Mr Trump takes office on 20 January. American support is crucial for the deal as there is a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in what is formally known as the British Indian Ocean Territory. Sir Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure over his handover of the Chagos Islands amid claims he is trying to rush through a treaty before Donald Trump returns as US president Serious doubt has been cast over the deal's future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Mr Trump The Prime Minister is currently scrambling to save his controversial deal to surrender control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius, which is viewed as an ally of China Labour made the shock announcement in October that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years. As part of the arrangement, the Diego Garcia base will remain operational for at least 99 years. But the president of Mauritius who agreed it, Pravind Jugnauth, was ousted in the election and the deal has yet to be officially signed. Opponents of the handover are hopeful that Mr Trump will force Labour to scrap the deal when he returns to the White House. Labour has insisted it had to strike a deal to protect the Diego Garcia base after the International Court of Justice ruled the UK's administration of the islands was 'unlawful'. Sir Keir has dispatched Jonathan Powell, his incoming national security adviser, to Mauritius and then Washington DC in an attempt to prevent the agreement from collapsing. Former PM Boris Johnson last night claimed giving up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands was akin to 'spectacularly shooting ourselves in the foot'. 'Its driven by pure Lefty politics and its a tragedy that Starmer has bought into this nonsense,' he told a podcast. 'I dont know what the Trump administration will do with it now, but perhaps they will find a way of impeding it.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is close to Mr Trump, claimed the president-elect's team were 'horrified' by the deal. 'Because they know China has extraordinary naval ambitions,' he told BBC Newsnight. 'We see that literally every month in the South China Sea as they encroach on new territories, they try and reclaim atolls. 'The trouble with this deal is... it's totally unecessary and there is no basis in international law that we have to do this. 'The worry is that it's a 99-year lease and that sounds great, but we had a 50-year deal with China over Hong Kong. That unravelled.' Downing Street today denied there was a mid-January deadline for ratifying the Chagos Island agreement. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'We haven't set a timeline to ratify the deal and we don't intend to put a timeline on it. 'Obviously it's in everyone's interests to progress the deal as quickly as possible. We're continuing to engage with the Mauritian government to finalise the terms of the deal. 'We'll provide any updates, as relevant, in due course.' David Lammy last night hit out at 'politicking' over Labour's agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius Newly-elected Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam met with Jonathan Powell, who is Labour's incoming national security adviser and the UK envoy behind the agreement Foreign Secretary David Lammy last night hit out at 'politicking' over Labour's agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He insisted the sovereignty pact was a 'very good deal' as he played down claims it was on the verge of an embarrassing collapse. Speaking to MPs on the House of Commons' foreign affairs committee, Mr Lammy dismissed growing criticism of the agreement. 'I'm very, very confident that this is a deal that the Mauritians will see, in a cross-party sense, as a good deal for them,' the Foreign Secretary said. Tory former Cabinet minister Sir John Whittingdale, a member of the committee, said the Mauritian leader had described the agreement as 'high treason and a sellout'. But Mr Lammy replied: 'Both you and I have said things during an election in order to get elected. He did not say that yesterday.' The Foreign Secretary also pushed back at criticism from Mr Trump's allies, saying: 'This is incredibly sad. I know and I'm sad that there's been so much politicking about this. 'This process begun under the last government and there were ministers who understand entirely why this is so important for our national security and global national security. 'The agencies in the US think this is a good deal. The State Department in the US thinks this is a good deal. 'And most important of all, the Pentagon and the White House think this is a good deal. And that's not just the principal politicians in those in those areas, it is the system.' Mr Lammy said the agreement was a 'very good deal' for 'our national security' because it secured the legal basis of the Diego Garcia military base. He added: 'I'm really reassured about that, and I think an incoming (US) administration will be reassured about that. 'And I'm confident that the Mauritians are still sure about that, despite politicking that we all know goes on.' Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, branded the legal case against UK sovereignty as 'phoney' and expressed his hope than Mr Trump and Mr Rubio 'shoot this agreement down'. He told Sky News: 'The Chagos Islands are strategically, really important. 'The Mauritian claim to these islands, which are a thousand miles away from (Mauritian capital) Port Louis, well, the case is weak. 'The case is based on a UN vote. So the international law case for surrendering sovereignty seems to me, to be completely phoney.' He added: 'I think they have to realise that this is not in the interests of the United States. It's not in the interests of the UK from the point view of our national security.' The Tories renewed a demand for answers from the Government about the cost to the taxpayer and when full details of the agreement will be made public. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel told the Mail: 'While Keir Starmer's special envoy has been sent to beg Donald Trump for his support, ministers refuse to disclose details of negotiations taking place. 'They remain unable to answer basic questions about cost of this deal and the implications it might have on our national security and defence. 'What we do know is that these plans go against our national interests and the views of the Chagossians have been ignored. 'The fact that the new Mauritian prime minister wants more time to consider the deal gives the Government a chance to reflect on their plans and to start providing answers to the serious questions posed.' Former defence secretary Grant Shapps added: 'Now even Mauritius's new prime minister believes Labour's Chagos sovereignty sell-out is a dud. 'It's time for Starmer to scrap the deal and defend British military interests around the world.' Downing Street yesterday insisted the Government's position 'remains unchanged' on the Chagos Islands deal. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The UK's position on this remains unchanged. 'We have always said that we look forward to engaging with the new Mauritian government and that's exactly what we're doing in order to progress the deal. 'We are now finalising the details of legal texts, the treaty, and will be coming forward for parliamentary scrutiny as part of the ratification process next year.' Moscow could soon begin to strike 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv if Ukraine continues to hit targets in Russia with US and UK missiles, Vladimir Putin has declared. The Kremlin chief's stark warning follows hours after Russian forces pounded Ukraine with dozens of missiles and drones overnight in an attempt to degrade the energy network as a bitter winter approaches. Putin also announced that Russia's production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the NATO military alliance by 10 times, adding that Moscow plans to ramp up production yet further. Russian attacks have not yet struck government buildings in the Ukrainian capital which is heavily protected by air defences. But Putin claims Russia's new 'Oreshnik' hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last week in response to the first ATACMS and Storm Shadow strikes in Russia, is incapable of being intercepted. 'Of course, we will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory with long-range Western-made missiles, as has already been said, including by possibly continuing to test the Oreshnik in combat conditions, as was done on November 21,' Putin told a meeting of a security alliance of ex-Soviet countries in Kazakhstan. 'At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory. These could be military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centres in Kyiv,' he said. The latest warning comes as Russian forces are advancing westward in Ukraine at a rate faster than any other time after the initial days of the 2022 invasion, taking an area half the size of London over the past month as the return of Donald Trump to the White House looms large. Residents stand next to their house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire at an energy infrastructure facility following a missile attack in Lutsk A resident looks at his house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 People with their pet take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Rescuers work at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine, in this handout picture released November 26, 2024 Russia could soon begin to strike 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv if Ukraine continues to hit targets in Russia with US and UK missiles, Vladimir Putin has declared This morning's barrage, in which Ukraine downed 79 missiles and 35 drones, left over a million Ukrainians without electricity in freezing cold temperatures. 'This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics,' Volodymyr Zelensky said. The Ukrainian President also alleged that Russia fired cluster munitions in the attack, though that claim is yet to be verified. Cluster munitions can be dropped from planes or fired from artillery and missiles, exploding mid-air and scattering bomblets over a wide area. Experts say both Kyiv and Moscow have used them in the almost three-year war. 'In several regions, strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, and they targeted civilian infrastructure,' Zelensky said on social media. Cluster munitions have killed or wounded over 1,000 people in Ukraine since Russia launched its war in February 2022, the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) said in its annual report in September. They also pose a long-term risk since many fail to explode on impact, effectively acting as landmines that can explode years later, the CMC noted. Catriona Murdoch, Director of Global Rights Compliance's Humanitarian Crisis Division said of the strikes on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure: 'Russia's systematic attacks are not just acts of war - they are crimes that deliberately target and terrify the civilian population, leaving millions vulnerable. 'These assaults disrupt every facet of life, from access to clean water and food, to essential mobility for the elderly and persons with disabilities, to healthcare and education.' Neither Russia nor Ukraine is among the 112 states that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs. The United States, also not a party to the treaty, had agreed to transfer cluster munitions to Kyiv in July 2023, a move that was criticised even by the two countries' allies. Residents stand next to their houses damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Ukrainian service personnel use searchlights as they search for drones in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv Burnt cars lie near a residential apartment building heavily damaged by a Russian kamikaze drone's strike ussian servicemen jump off a T-90M Proryv tank during a combat training for assault units in an undisclosed location Putin's troops swept through swathes of Ukraine in early 2022 and were bearing down on Kyiv in a matter of days, but they were held on the outskirts of the capital before being pushed back and retreating further east. Since then, the 1,000 km (620-mile) front line remained largely static save for some minor offensives one way or the other - that is until Ukraine launched a lightning incursion into Russia's Kursk region this summer. Now though, Ukraine's valiant defenders are wilting under incessant pressure from Russian troops which have sustained a fearsome rate of artillery fire matched with glide bomb attacks and full-frontal assaults. 'Russia has set new weekly and monthly records for the size of the occupied territory in Ukraine,' independent Russian news group Agentstvo said in a report this week. The Russian army captured almost 235 square kilometres (91 square miles) in Ukraine over the past week - a weekly record for 2024 - and had taken roughly 600 square kilometres (232 square miles) in November, the report claimed. Those figures were largely supported by the US-based Institute for the Study of War, which put the amount of territory gained since November 1 at 574 square kilometres (221 square miles) - an average rate of 22 square kilometres per day. The war is now entering what some Russian and Western officials say could be its most dangerous phase weeks before Trump returns to the Oval Office amid fears he could dramatically reduce aid to Ukraine as he seeks to force a ceasefire deal. North Korean troops are reported to be bolstering Moscow's forces and Kyiv is now using Western-supplied missiles to strike back inside Russia - a development that prompted Putin to unleash a never-before-seen 'Oreshnik' hypersonic missile last week. Ukrainian servicemen of the 43 Artillery Brigade fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon towards Russian positions at a front line in the Donetsk region Firefighters remove debris after Russian missile attack on November 26, 2024 in Sumy, Ukraine The picture captures the moment Russia used the Oreshnik for the first time to strike Dnipro, Ukraine, on 21 November 2024 A handout photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry's official Telegram channel on 26 November 2024 shows the debris of the US made long-range ATACMS missile, reportedly used in attacks by Ukrainian forces and shot down in Russia's Kursk region This photograph taken in Borodyanka, Kyiv region, on November 7, 2024, shows destroyed residential buildings, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine The thrust of the Russian advance has been in Ukraine's Donetsk region, with Moscow's forces pushing towards the town of Pokrovsk and into the town of Kurakhove. Pokrovsk is widely cited as a key strategic location given that it serves as a vital logistics hub for Ukraine's Armed Forces. Russian war bloggers say that if Russia can pierce the Ukrainian defences around Kurakhove, they will be able to push westwards towards the city of Zaporizhzhia while securing their rear to allow a swing towards Pokrovsk. Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia's SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, said on Tuesday that Russia held the complete strategic initiative on the battlefield. He also added that Russia is open to negotiations but stated that the Kremlin would 'categorically reject' any 'freezing' of the current frontline, demanding that Ukraine relinquish areas of the four Ukrainian regions - Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson - that the Kremlin has illegally annexed without fully occupying. The past days have seen Russia launch some of the largest drone attacks of the war so far, cutting power to much of the western region of Ternopil and damaging residential buildings in the Kyiv region. But for all the fanfare over Putin's latest hypersonic missile and the devastation caused by large-scale drone attacks, most analysts argue the main driver preventing Kyiv's troops from successfully defending their territory is a lack of ammunition. Russia has increasingly encircled territory and then pummelled Ukrainian forces with artillery and glide bombs, according to Russian analysts, with the sheer numerical superiority of Moscow's artillery batteries and ammunition affording Putin's troops a significant advantage. Russian artillery divisions can be deployed in more locations and can sustain a much higher rate of fire than their Ukrainian counterparts, helping to scupper Kyiv's counterattacks while softening up defensive positions. A recent report published by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank and Open Source Centre estimated that Russian artillery attacks are responsible for some 70 per cent of Ukrainian casualties. Their research revealed that Russia's rate of artillery fire has averaged roughly 10,000 rounds per day since the early months of the war which saw peaks as high as 36,000 rounds per day. By contrast, Ukrainian fire rarely exceeded 6,000 and dropped below 1,800 rounds per day by early 2024. The RUSI report also surmised that sustaining such an outsized artillery and ammunition advantage is central to Russia's path to victory, concluding that it is essential for Western countries to provide Ukraine with considerably more ammunition to prevent Russia's advance. 'As of August 2024, the Russian theory of victory does not centre on major breakthroughs, but rather on the destruction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) as a force capable of defending the breadth (of the frontline),' the RUSI report read. 'The Russian leadership likely believes it can kill its way out of the war, and artillery will be key to doing that. 'So long as Russia maintains a substantial advantage in artillery systems, it can use tactics that will, over time, deplete the AFU of reserves a critical vulnerability for Ukraine.' An aerial view shows the destroyed city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Region near the border with Russia A Ukrainian wounded serviceman who was brought back from positions is being treated by Ukrainian military doctors is prepared to be transported to a hospital, at a stabilisation point of the 33rd Mechanised Brigade, near the Kurakhove town's frontline Security camera footage out of the central-eastern city of Dnipro showed several projectiles streaking in and detonating after Russia launched a new hypersonic missile yesterday A grab taken from handout footage released by Russia's Defence Ministry on March 1 purports to show the test firing of an ICBM belonging to the country's nuclear deterrence forces Though satellite imagery and intelligence reports allow researchers and analysts to assess the Russian advance with relative accuracy, battlefield reports from both sides consistently contradict one another. This morning, Russia's Defence Ministry reported the capture by its forces of another village, Kopanky, in Kharkiv region, another focus of Russian military activity north of the main theatre of fighting in Donetsk region. But Ukraine's third separate assault brigade said it had cleared the village of Russian soldiers in a post on Telegram on Monday. Ukrainian media quoted Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Khortytsya group of troops, as saying Kyiv's forces had repelled a Russian advance on the logistical centre of Kupiansk, also in Kharkiv region. It was the second time this month that the Ukrainian military reported rebuffing an attack on Kupiansk, even after Russian commanders said they had invaded the city two weeks ago. Putin has repeatedly said that Russian forces are advancing much more effectively now than earlier in the war and insisted that Russia will 'achieve all its aims' in Ukraine without specifying exactly what those are. Militarily, the goals of the so-called special military operation are generally seen as securing the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions and ousting Ukrainian troops from Kursk. Russia controls 18% of Ukraine including all of Crimea and almost all of the Luhansk region. However, Ukraine has managed to retain roughly 30-35% of the Donetsk region, as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in the south. A source on Ukraine's General Staff on Sunday said that Ukraine now held around 800 of the 1,376 square kilometres of Kursk that they held initially and would hold it 'for as long as is militarily appropriate'. Putin is also adamant that Ukraine must remain a 'neutral state' that is not part of NATO. He claims that Western powers - particularly the US and UK - are fighting a war with Russia through Ukraine which he sees as a vassal state. A member of Ukraine's 72nd Brigade Anti-air unit fires at a Russian Zala reconnaissance drone over head on February 23, 2024 near Marinka, Ukraine A view of destruction of the city of besieged Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine Ukrainian servicemen operate a Soviet-made T-72 tank in the Sumy region near the border with Russia Injured Ukrainian soldiers are transferred on stretchers from ambulances to a military evacuation train to transport Ukrainian servicemen wounded in frontline areas to hospitals, in an undisclosed location A mortar platoon soldier with an 82mm mortar performs a combat mission as Ukrainian soldiers hold their positions in bitter conditions Neither Russia nor Ukraine publishes accurate data on their losses, though Western intelligence estimates casualties to number hundreds of thousands killed or injured, while swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine have turned into wastelands. Ukraine has been struggling with deepening manpower shortages and is embroiled in an unpopular debate about how to bolster the military's ranks amid outrage over brutal incidents of civilians being press-ganged on the streets of Kyiv and other cities. Secretary of Ukraine's National Security Council Oleksandr Lytvynenko told Parliament in late October that the army planned to recruit another 160,000 people in the coming months. But Ukrainian military officials acknowledge the situation in the east is the worst now that it has been all year. In an interview with former Ukrainian MP Borislav Bereza last month, Col-Gen Dmytro Marchenko said: 'I won't be revealing a military secret if I say that our front has crumbled.' He went on to cast doubt on Volodymyr Zelensky's 'victory plan' for being too reliant on political, economic and military support from Western allies. 'This plan lacks any points addressing Ukraine or our needs,' Gen Marchenko added. Zelensky has blamed the difficulties of his armed forces on several factors, including delays of up to a year in equipping brigades, partly because of the long time the US Congress took to sign off on a major Ukraine assistance package. A missing 20-year-old hiker has been found after he disappeared for over 50 days in the Rockies. Sam Benastick was reported missing on October 19 after he did not return from a 10-day fishing and hiking trip in Redfern-Keily Park in the northern Rocky Mountains, in Canada's British Columbia With temperatures in the mountain region dropping to a bitterly cold -20C, authorities were forced to call off their search in late October. But two workers who were heading down a trail on Tuesday spotted Benastick, recognising him as he walked towards them with two walking sticks and a cut-up sleeping bag wrapped around his legs for warmth. After being taken to safety, he told cops that he initially stayed in his car for a few days, before walking to a creek near a mountain, where he camped for around two weeks. After his time at the creek, he moved further down the valley and built a shelter in a creek bed. Announcing his safe return to civilisation, his mother Sandra Crocker told hunters and fishers on a local Facebook group: 'Sam Benastick is alive, it's TRUE. 'Recovering in hospital. Complained he hadn't caught one fish. He will make recovery, just needs some time.' Sam Benastick, 20, (pictured) has been found after he spent 50 days lost in the Rocky Mountains in Canada He was reported missing on October 19 after he did not return from a 10-day fishing and hiking trip in Redfern-Keily Park in the northern Rocky Mountains Little is known about Sam's condition, but along with the post, Sandra shared a photo of Sam smiling with his thumb up while wearing a medical eyemask. Benastick's uncle, Al, said his nephew os an avid outdoorsman who was suffering from 'frostbite and some smoke inhalation' in an interview with CBC News. It was 'kind of unbelievable' his nephew survived, he said. 'Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long.' Mike Reid, the general manager of the inn Sam's family stayed in for nearly three weeks while searching for him told CNN: 'He was in pretty bad shape but he's alive.' Reid added that he gave the family free meals out of sympathy for their plight. 'I've got three kids and five grandkids. So I know what they were going through,' he said. Experts said Sam's survival was nothing short of miraculous. 'Those are very difficult conditions for really anyone to survive in, especially [with] limited supplies and equipment and food,' Prince George Search and Rescue search manager Adam Hawkins told the BBC. Experts said Sam's survival was nothing short of miraculous Authorities called off their search in late October, but Sam miraculously survived despite this 'Even someone with quite a bit of experience would find that challenging.' The search, conducted by the Canadian Rangers, the RCMP, and family and friends, saw organisations trawl through 'a pretty huge amount of terrain', Hawkins said. The area he went missing in is several hours from any towns, and featured difficult terrain including low-lying hills, steep alpine cliffsides, and 'even glaciated terrain', he said. 'Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this was would not be the outcome said Cpl Madonna Saunderson of British Columbia's Royal Canadian Mounted Police force. The force added that 'many local volunteers with extensive back country knowledge of the area' provided assistance in their search for him. November 27, 2024: The American military, industrial and political leadership are slow to adapt to the unexpected and revolutionary drone warfare that emerged since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. This is not unusual in the United States, and most other nations, threatened with being drawn into a war. One reason to fear involvement is that nations at war rapidly develop new weapons and tactics. For nations not at war, as the United States is in 2024, adapting to operations in a new war should be simple. Just implement all that has been learned from the Ukrainian war, especially the widespread use of drones and the need for tanks to move cautiously, if at all and stay hidden. A few thousand dollars worth of drones can destroy a $4.5 million M1 tank. The U.S. has over 5,000 M1s available for use. The Americans are not trying to develop and build cheap air-defense drones, which are already being used in Ukraine. The United States could buy them from Ukraine or build them under license in the United States. This would require some Ukrainian drone production engineers to come to the U.S. to oversee the construction and operation of a drone production facility. There are some other problems. In wartime drone designs evolve rapidly. Stockpiling thousands of drones produced in 2024 and 2025 would create a problem when using them a year or more after 2025. The enemy may have built more advanced drones in anticipation of offing them in a surprise attack. The American stockpiled drones would then be less useful because they are older designs. This is especially true with anti-drone drones, a recent development that is still evolving. Meanwhile American defense manufacturers will resist converting to drone production. There is less profit in cheap drones compared to multi-million dollar aircraft, tanks and air defense systems. It would take a wartime situation to force the defense firms to adapt to producing a lot of cheap drones. Meanwhile American attempts to adopt the new drone tactics and technology developed, and still developing, in Ukraine have encountered problems. First, the U.S. is not at war and the military bureaucracy has a peacetime attitude towards any new technology. This includes the use of drones in Ukraine and the flood of practical experience and solutions passed by Ukraine. Current U.S. Army drones, when used in Ukraine, often encounter problems the Ukrainian drones dont. In a wartime situation, Ukrainians have been quick to make changes until they get the results they need. The American military may want to implement the lessons of drone use in Ukraine, but American defense contractors and manufacturers feel compelled to modify and improve what the Ukrainians have done while they adapt Ukrainian drone tech to something new which United States forces can use and Congress will pay for. This process tends to lower the effectiveness of what the Ukrainians have created, while delaying the product and enriching the contractors and manufacturers. The lesser effectiveness is usually revealed the first time American troops use the U.S. version of Ukrainian drone tech. Something is lost in the tech translation. This is nothing new. Its been happening for over a century. The U.S. is currently adapting and adopting Ukrainian drone technology. There will be modifications and upgrades for as long as the fighting in Ukraine lasts. These changes come quickly in wartime, and always have. In Ukraine, drone designs can be changed in less than a week. This is usually because the Russians have gained an edge with one of their recent tweaks. While Ukraine has been in the forefront of developing and upgrading drone technology, the Russians have kept up. In war time you either keep up or become an inept underdog that falls farther and farther behind. The Russians have kept most of the time and when they fail to keep up, they suffer heavy losses. The peacetime American military has no such wartime feedback loop. If someone in the defense procurement establishment says the current American drone tech is good, it is officially adequate. Sending U.S. drone adaptations to Ukraine for testing is done, but often over the objections of some U.S. manufacturers. When tested in combat, some of the U.S. drones fail to deliver. When the Ukraine war ends, there will be no way to adequately test American drones. There may be other wars where American troops are involved and able to test the new drones. But it wont be in the intensely competitive atmosphere the Ukrainians and Russians have created. Ukraine has been writing the book on drone technology since 2023, with Russia contributing edits in real time. When that atmosphere is not present, the speed of developing new tech or maintaining current drones slows down a lot. This process is at work now as the U.S. Army orders drones based on Ukrainian designs. The American military procurement bureaucracy is infamously slow in adopting and manufacturing new weapons. It is feared that the Ukrainian drone revolution will be equally slow in actually reaching Americans soldiers and marines. Many military and Defense Department civilians are aware of this problem and see the drone development and procurement program as an opportunity to show that the United States can do it right and quickly. In early 2024 Ukraine created a new branch of their military, the USF/Unmanned Systems Force. This is in addition to the Ukrainian Air Force that consists of manned aircraft. The USF does not control the drones which Ukrainian forces use regularly, but instead contributes to developing new drone models and organizing mass production for those new models that are successful. The U.S. military took note of this but acting on it takes a lot longer for a peacetime military. Drones were an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles in Ukraine's current war are fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable. Modifications and upgrades could be implemented quickly and cheaply. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces were soon using cheap, under a thousand dollars, quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers a few kilometers distant using FPV/First Person Viewing goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the drone can see. Adding night vision is available when needed, at a higher cost per drone. Most of these drones carry half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. Some drones carry more explosives depending on what is needed to deal with a target. These drones are awesome and debilitating weapons when used in large numbers. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the drones can supply, one of the drone operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Larger, fixed wing drones are used for long range, often over a thousand kilometers, operations against targets deep inside Russia. A major limitation to the expansion of drone operations is the need for trained drone operators. These operators need over a hundred hours of training before they are able to operate these drones at peak effectiveness. As operators spend more hours operating drones in combat, the number of new lessons learned and applied increases. The small drones are difficult to shoot down until they get close to the ground and the shooter is close enough, as in less than a few hundred meters, away to successfully target a drone with a bullet or two and bring it down. Troops are rarely in position to do this, so most of these drones are able to complete their mission, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the drone to be reused. All these drones are constantly performing surveillance, which means that both sides commit enough drones to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line, to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers. This massive use of FPV-armed drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Russia initially produced its own drones now after briefly using imported Iranian Shahed-136 drones that cost over $100,000 each. Ukraine demonstrated that you could design and build drones with similar capabilities at less than a tenth of that. The Iranian drone was more complex than it needed to be and even the Russians soon realized this and turned from the Shahed-136 for more capable drones they copied from Ukrainian designs or ones Russians designed. Ukrainian drone proliferation began when many individual Ukrainians or small teams designed and built drones. The drones served as potential candidates for widespread use and mass production. This proliferation of designers and manufacturers led to rapid evolution of drone capabilities and uses. Those who could not keep up were less successful in combat and suffered higher losses. Military leaders in other nations have noted this and are scrambling to equip their own forces with the most effective drones. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These drones are still evolving in terms of design and use and are becoming more effective and essential. One countermeasure that can work for a while is electronic jamming of the drones control signal. Drone guidance systems are constantly modified or upgraded to cope with this. Most drones have flight control software that sends drones with jammed control signals back to where they took off from to land for later use. The jammers are on the ground and can be attacked by drones programmed to home in on the jamming signal. Countermeasures can be overcome and the side that can do this more quickly and completely has an advantage. That advantage is usually temporary because both sides are putting a lot of effort into keeping their combat drones effective on the battlefield. The emergence of drones as a new, novel, and decisive form of air power is the most recent of similar events that took place during the last century. During the last century the U.S. Air Force has advocated military victory achieved mainly with air power. This attitude took root after the 1914-18 World War I when the Army Air Corps, predecessor of the USAF, got rid of most of its numerous reconnaissance aircraft and concentrated on bombers and fighters. Then came the popular belief that larger bomber aircraft would dominate future wars. This never came to pass and, every time there was a war, the air force had to scramble to expand its meager peacetime reconnaissance force to meet the realities of war. This was not so bad during World War II because the air force was still part of the army but, after World War II, the Army Air Force became the independent U.S. Air Force and sought to control everything that flew over land. That meant army attempts to retain small reconnaissance aircraft and cargo aircraft were constantly opposed by the air force. The army valued prolific and prompt aerial reconnaissance more than the air force and this led to a dispute that was not settled until quite recently. Since the late 1990s, when the army re-started flying its own armed aircraft in the form of large armed drones, in addition to the armed helicopters it has always had, the air force began to notice. The army argument was that these larger drones work better for them if they are under the direct control of army combat brigades. The air force saw that as inefficient and preferred to have one large pool of larger drones which are deployed as needed. This difference of opinion reflects basic differences in how the army and air force deploy and use their combat forces. The army has found that a critical factor in battlefield success is teamwork among members of a unit, and subordinate units in a brigade. While the air force accepts this as a critical performance issue for their aircraft squadrons, they deem it irrelevant for army use of drones. One thing the army acquisition of thousands of reconnaissance drones did not change was the air force loss of interest in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance after each war. Air force reluctance to develop, build and maintain a large strategic reconnaissance force led the CIA to use its considerable clout and budget developing strategic reconnaissance aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 manned aircraft and surveillance satellites. The CIA also pioneered the use of larger drones like the 1.1-ton Predator and armed them. This helped the army win permission from the Department of Defense to expand its force of armed aircraft beyond helicopter gunships. Air force attitudes have hurt the army in several ways. When it comes to influencing the war on the ground the air force is much less dominant. This is despite air force efforts to maintain its ability to bomb targets in direct support of ground operations. The air force blind spot when it comes to air reconnaissance has hurt its overall effectiveness. Blame this on a bad attitude towards BDA/Bomb Damage Assessment. This is the business of figuring out what to bomb, and what the impact on the enemy is after you bomb. The problem of the air force leaders being deceived by the people on the ground being bombed began during World War II. This was when air forces used large scale aerial bombing for the first time. Right after that conflict, the U.S. did a thorough survey of the impact of strategic bombing on Germany and Japan. It was discovered that the impact was far different from what air force BDA during the war had indicated. The air force vowed to do better next time. But as experience in Korea/1950-3, Vietnam/1965-72, Kuwait/1991, Kosovo/1999, and Iraq/2003, the war on terror and in Ukraine demonstrated, the enemy on the ground continued to have an edge when it came to deceiving the most energetic BDA efforts. The only proven technique for beating the BDA problem was to have people on the ground, up close, checking on targets, while the fighting was going on. Those with powerful air forces do not want to do this because of the risk of some of their commandos getting killed or captured, and because the intel and air force people were sure that they knew what enemy was up to down there. The people on the ground have consistently demonstrated an ability to deceive aerial surveillance. Even during the early 21st century, when the U.S. developed persistent drone surveillance, the irregular forces they were facing proved capable of reducing the effectiveness of the drone effort. This spotlights another useful fact; airpower can be useful on the ground but that happens over time and not quickly. The army and air force have a different outlook on planning and risk. The air force sees warfare as a much tidier, and predictable, affair than the army experiences regularly. In this respect, the air force and navy are closely aligned. Both are technical services, who are used to exercising more control over their forces than do army generals. The army sees warfare as more unpredictable and has adapted to that unpredictability. The army generals are usually skeptical of the air force's ability to take down foes from the air and the army was usually right. Despite being a successful high-tech operation, American air forces, especially the Navy and USAF, frequently have trouble adjusting to changes they do not agree with. When the Cold War ended in 1991 the air force was still largely thinking about continuing to operate as they had done in the Cold War, but the technology and tactics of warfare were changing. The post-Cold War enemy no longer consisted of large, organized forces spread over huge areas. The enemy was increasingly irregulars who were harder to spot from the air. The air force reluctantly adapted, in part because the army and CIA adopted new reconnaissance and surveillance techniques like drones and persistent surveillance. This pattern is returning as the air force reorganizes after the decade of heavy combat and big budgets the war on terror produced. Now the air force is turning its attention to a near-peer opponent in the form of a rapidly expanding and modernizing China's military. Unexpectedly the Ukraine War emerged first with Russia and Ukraine fighting each other. Ukrainians had the advantage of material and intellectual support from NATO countries. In the end the winner of any stage of the war was the side that was the most resourceful and innovative. This process has been present in warfare for centuries but during the last century the changes and innovations came so quickly that the process was visible. This disrupted the long-established missions each of the military services had established. For example, as successful as these new air reconnaissance tools were, they did not seem like a suitable long-term job for the air force. The other services disagreed, and it took the better part of a decade after 2001 to get the air force to come around. In 2005 the air force deployed its first Predator drone unit and in 2009 it put its first Reapers to work. They were following the CIA in this area, which caused some misgivings among senior air force leadership. But the army and Congress were calling for more of what the CIA was doing with armed drones for surveillance and attack and the air force joined in. What the CIA pioneered was persistent surveillance with armed drones. The 24/7 observation by the drones enabled CIA and air force intel analysts to compile information about the target and order one or more missiles fired as soon as a suitable target was identified and located. This led to an ever-growing list of terrorist leaders and their key subordinates killed in this way. At the same time, this use of surveillance and precision weapons led to lower collateral, as in nearby civilian casualties, which plummeted to historical, and remarkable, lows. Air force traditionalists warned that in a conventional war this sort of thing would not work. Where the enemy had modern air defense systems and jet fighters the Predator and Reaper drones would be impractical because they would be quickly shot down. But that was not the type of war being waged thirty years ago and it was pointed out to the air force that the military has to deal with what they are faced with, not just with what they prefer. Moreover, even in a conventional war there is still work for these new tactics and the tech that makes it possible. The air force still disagreed but did not have a persuasive alternative. The air force still wanted more money for their stealthy F-35 fighter and a new stealth bomber. This is despite the fact that other nations were developing more and more sensors that could nullify stealth. The air force has been in this position before. This was seen during the 1960s when the air force and navy aviation suffered unexpectedly high aircraft losses over Vietnam because their aircraft and pilots were not prepared for the lower-tech Russian aircraft used against them by the Vietnamese. This led aircraft to be again equipped with cannon because the new air-to-air missiles were not yet reliable enough to replace the old fashioned cannon. Then came the concept of using your own aircraft for aggressor, or dissimilar tactics, training. This began in 1969 when the U.S. Navy established the original Top Gun fighter pilot school. This was done in response to the poor performance of its pilots against North Vietnamese pilots flying Russian fighters. What made the Top Gun operation different was that the training emphasized how the enemy aircraft and pilots operated. This was called dissimilar training. In the past, American pilots practiced against American pilots, with everyone flying American aircraft and using American tactics. It worked in World War II because the enemy pilots were not getting a lot of practice and were using similar aircraft and tactics anyway. Most importantly, there was a lot of aerial combat going on, providing ample opportunity for on-the-job training. Not so in Vietnam, where the quite different Russian-trained North Vietnamese were giving U.S. aviators a difficult time. The four week Top Gun program solved the problem. The air force followed shortly with its similar Red Flag school. In the early 1980s, the Russians established a dissimilar air combat school, and the Chinese followed in 1987. There will be a need for a drone-based Top Gun when the Ukraine war is over. Drone developers and operators are always eager to test their tech and skills against similar opponents. Yet, after a century of trying, the ground forces and non-aviation naval forces still cannot get the people up there to come down and get a much needed reality check on what is happening down below where battles and wars are still decided. That changed in Ukraine when the proliferation of surveillance and armed drones often replaced conventional air and artillery forces, at least for operations close to the ground and requiring more urgency to find and attack targets. This was the ultimate solution to obtaining constant close surveillance of the combat zone. With drones you not only know what goes on in the combat zone, but can quickly, often within minutes, bring in an armed drone to attack the newly discovered target. Combat drones operated by an FPV controller have offered many new opportunities on the battlefield. This includes dealing with individual enemy soldiers and persuading them to surrender to nearby Ukrainian soldiers or else. How one of these events played out was captured on video and the video was released to the media. Home Office spending on asylum has surged by more than a third in a year to nearly 5.4billion to hit the highest figure since records began - with 66 per cent arriving on small boats being granted leave to remain. The eyewatering bill includes all the department's costs related to asylum, including direct cash support and accommodation, but excludes costs relating to the interception of migrants in the Channel. One factor fuelling it is the number of asylum seekers staying in hotels while they wait for their claims to be processed. An additional 6,000 migrants are in hotels since Labour entered government, with the total reaching 35,651 by the end of September. The asylum grant rate for migrants who have crossed the Channel currently stands at 66 per cent, ranging from 99 per cent from those fleeing Syria to just two per cent for Albanians. Downing Street said the Government could not solve the small boats crisis overnight but was taking action, when asked when it expected crossings to start coming down. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The Home Office has spent nearly 5.4billion in a year on asylum cost, including housing asylum seekers in hotels like this one in Greater Manchester The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: 'The Government inherited the worst start to a year on record for small boats arrivals, higher even than the record year in 2022 and the scale of that challenge means we can't solve this overnight, but we are working at pace to dismantle the business model that drives this dangerous trade.' When put to him that the number of migrants housed in hotels had gone up by 6,000 under Labour, the spokesman said ministers had taken 'immediate action' to start clearing the asylum backlog, which would help reduce the number of people accommodated in hotels. He added: 'But restoring order to the system we inherited will take time. We constantly review our use of accommodation. As the manifesto set out the Government is committed to ending the use of asylum hotels and saving the taxpayer millions of pounds. The total asylum bill for 2023-24 stood at 5.38bn in 2023/24, up 36 per cent from 3.95bn in 2022/23 and the largest total since comparable data began in 2010/11. By way of comparison, the most recent bill is nearly half the 10.4bn spent on the Ministry of Justice, which runs the country's legal system, and more than the total annual spend on all the UK's intelligence services. Home Office statistics show that there were 97,170 asylum claims awaiting an initial decision as of 30 September 2024, relating to 133,409 people. This is a 19 per cent decrease compared to the same point in 2023, but a 12 per cent increase in the last quarter. It comes as the UK's net immigration record was smashed again with 906,000 now thought to have been added to the population in a single year. Huge revisions to official data show the extraordinary mark was hit in the year to June 2023 - and the figures remain at historically unprecedented levels. Official data covering the 12 months to June this year show long-term immigration was 728,000 higher than those leaving the country. That is almost as high as the previous record. But the bar has been shifted upwards by the Office for National Statistics, with net migration for the year to June 2023 skyrocketing upwards by 166,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000. A similar revision has been made for net migration in the year to December 2023, which was initially believed to be 685,000 and is now put at 866,000, an increase of 181,000. Residents of an asylum hotel. Labour has admitted to opening seven more since it came to power The bumper bill does not include the cost of intercepting people crossing the Channel. Pictured are new arrivals earlier this month Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The ONS said it now has more complete data and has also improved how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the EU. However, the latest extraordinary revisions will fuel criticism of the stats body - which is already under intense fire for faulty labour force numbers. The scale of the inflows - with the peak roughly equivalent to adding two cities the same size as Leicester in a year - is poised to spark a fresh political row. Numbers from outside the EU have exploded since 2021, after the Brexit deal took effect. Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants. Director Mary Gregory said: 'Since 2021, long-term international migration to the UK has been at unprecedented levels. This has been driven by a variety of factors, including the war in Ukraine and the effects of the post-Brexit immigration system. Pent-up demand for study-related immigration because of travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic also had an impact. 'While remaining high by historic standards, net migration is now beginning to fall and is provisionally down 20 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024. 'Over that period we have seen a fall in immigration, driven by declining numbers of dependants on study visas coming from outside the EU. 'Over the first six months of 2024, we are also seeing decreases in the number of people arriving for work-related reasons. This is partly related to policy changes earlier this year and is consistent with visa data published by Home Office. 'We are also starting to see increases in emigration, most notably for those who came to the UK on study-related visas. This is likely to be a consequence of the higher numbers of students coming to the UK post pandemic who are now reaching the end of their courses.' Your browser does not support iframes. Migration Watch Chairman Alp Mehmet said net migration is 'still far too high and unsustainable'. 'Moreover, the modest fall has little to do with anything that Sir Keir Starmer and his Home Secretary have done. 'It is now essential that net migration is quickly reduced as close as possible to zero, if we are to avoid further tensions in the housing sector, the NHS and other services already in crisis. 'Meanwhile, the changing nature of society that inevitably follows rapid mass immigration will put the cohesion we have long enjoyed at ever greater risk.' The revisions come as the ONS has continued to review its net migration figures as more complete data becomes available and has improved how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the European Union. Ms Badenoch warned yesterday that immigration levels are 'a world away from where we need to be'. She promised a 'strict numerical cap' on arrivals, with only those able to make a 'substantial and clear contribution' to Britain allowed in. Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants She will review Britain's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the continuation of Labour's Human Rights Act, which have both been blamed for blocking past attempts to get tough. The Tory leader said there would be 'zero tolerance for foreign criminals remaining in the UK'. Tory ministers originally predicted their changes would cut numbers by 300,000, but the full effect will not be seen until next year's figures. A kind-hearted Good Samaritan has helped dozens of struggling families pay off their children's Christmas gifts after he generously footed the bill for every single lay-by payment at a popular toy store. The mystery man picked up the tab on hundreds of toys that had been reserved by 40 customers at the Mr Toys Toyworld in Helensvale, on the Gold Coast. Customers were left stunned when they received a call on Wednesday to inform them that the outstanding amounts on purchases had all been care of. Brooklyn Manu, who was paying off several presents for her children thought the kind gesture was too good to be true when she was first told. '[I got a call saying] someone's paid for your lay-bys, can you come and collect it and I thought someone was pranking me,' the grateful mum told Seven News. 'It's beyond kindness, it's really amazing that someone would do that.' Other customers took to social media to express their appreciation to the 'incredible gentleman' for the selfless act. One shopper Brooklyn Manu (pictured), who was paying off several presents for her children, said she thought the kind gesture was too good to be true The mystery man picked up the tab on hundreds of toys that had been reserved by dozens of customers at the Mr Toys Toyworld (pictured), in Helensvale, on the Gold Coast 'I instantly balled my eyes out and cried for a good 5-10 minutes. Nothing like this has ever happened to us,' one mum wrote. 'I cannot express how much joy, happiness ... I have been feeling for the last few hours. Thank you.' Store manager Aleka Riggs described the mystery shopper as 'lovely' and 'humble'. She aid many customers would have been scrambling to finalise outstanding amounts on purchases with Christmas less than a month away. 'I can only imagine there are a lot of families that might be struggling to pay those lay-bys off,' she said. Another staff member told Nine News they didn't recognise the man, who paid off the lay-bys. It's understood he has never been seen in the store before. Families were left in tears when they received a call on Wednesday to inform them that their bills worth thousands of dollars had been taken care of (pictured Toyworld store in Helensvale) The latest act of kindness comes after a woman made a similar contribution at another Toyworld store in nearby Burleigh Waters four years ago. The woman footed the bill for 80 gifts lay-by gifts worth a combined $16,000. The unknown woman said she wanted to help others doing it tough. A year later, an elderly Victorian couple paid off 82 lay-by gifts at a Toyworld store in Bendigo, in the state's north. Terrifying footage has captured the moment a massive shark clamped its jaws around a diver's head in a surprise attack off a paradise island. The clip, filmed in the idyllic Maldives, shows a swimmer innocently drifting in the blue waters while facing the camera. But out of nowhere, and with shocking speed, the shadowy figure of an enormous shark appears behind the diver. In a heart-stopping moment, the sneaky shark swiftly opens its jaws before engulfing the diver's head. For a few seconds, the swimmer's head remains in the mouth of the predator as it shakes the sea explorer around in an attempt to gnaw off their head. The diver can be seen kicking their feet and spreading their arms, desperately trying to flee the hungry shark. Miraculously, the swimmer made a lucky escape as the beastly fish unlocked its jaws and swam away, freeing the diver of the chilling attack. The diver then scrambled away to the surface of the water, waving their hands at the brave cameraman in a warning for them to flee the scene too. Terrifying footage captured the moment a diver was approach by a shark while swimming in the Maldives The shark can be seen clamping down its jaws around the diver's head The swimmer tried frantically to flee the jaws of the beast by kicking their feet and waving their arms The heart-stopping footage saw the diver's head completely engulfed in the shark's mouth The diver made a miraculously lucky escape as the shark swam off Both swimmers could be seen quickly working their way up and out of the dangerous waters, until the hair-raising footage ends. The Maldives is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, but it is also home to around 30 types of shark, according to Samudra Maldives. These include scalloped hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks, and grey reef sharks - it is not immediately clear which species of shark appeared in the footage. Many hotels and resorts on the island offer guests the swimming with sharks experience as a guided activity. 'Most sharks near Maldives are friendly, and incidents of shark attacks are rare. But encounters with Maldives tiger sharks and nurse sharks might turn deadly if precautions arent taken,' the holiday website explains. Diving and snorkelling with the animals is also a popular activity among tourists, but 'not all friendly sharks swim near the surface, so youll need to book an experience allowing you to dive in the sea, and explore sharks like grey reef sharks or whitetip reef shark'. It comes after a surfer's leg was completely severed during a vicious shark attack in the waters of Hawaii earlier this month. Kenji Nonoka, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park in Maui but as he sat on his board in the clear waters around 7am, a shark swam up and bit his leg - severing it from the knee down. The surfer, who was still alert after the attack, was able to swim back to shore with the help of others before the Maui Police Department responded to the scene. But immediately after his surgery, he was said to have told his loved ones, 'I still love the ocean!' according to his GoFundMe page. In September, a woman died after being attacked by a shark on a British-flagged catamaran as she was rushed to a hospital in the Canary Islands. She was said to have had her leg bitten off by the animal as she was on a catamaran in international waters. And in August, a teenager was decapitated in a horror shark attack after he went swimming off the Jamaican coast. Jahmari Reid's body was reportedly found with his head missing and his left arm bitten off. Former Tory minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK and will run as a candidate in next year's local elections. The former skills minister, who lost her Morley and Outwood seat in Yorkshire in the Labour landslide in July, will stand to be mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in May. She was unveiled at a London press conference today in which Mr Farage revealed that the party had passed 100,000 paying members for the first time. Dame Andrea has long been linked with a defection to Reform. In June she issued an election campaign leaflet with a prominent photo of her posing with Mr Farage, but no clear mention of the Conservative Party she was representing. In September she attended the Reform UK conference, telling her X followers she was there in a journalistic capacity, adding: 'I'm a former Tory MP, I'm not defecting'. She admitted this morning she has been 'tempted' to defect before losing her seat, and accused the Conservatives of having 'lost their way'. The former skills minister, who lost her Morley and Outwood seat in Yorkshire in the Labour landslide, will stand to be mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in May. She was unveiled at a London press conference today in which Mr Farage revealed that the party had passed 100,000 paying members for the first time. Dame Andrea has long been linked with a defection to Reform. In June she issued an election campaign leaflet with a prominent photo of her posing with Mr Farage, but no clear mention of the Conservative Party she was representing. Dame Andrea said that she had joined 'the party of the brave' and lashed out at the decision to jail people sharing racist views online. 'Leaving the Conservative Party, a party I have cherished for decades, was not an easy decision,' she said. 'I have long believed in conservatism and the principles it should stand for. I stayed loyal and fought to the bitter end in the general election, going down with the proverbial ship. 'But the truth is undeniable, the ship is sinking and perhaps, sadly, beyond salvage. Enough is enough.' Asked how long she had been thinking about defecting, she said she has 'always respected' Nigel Farage and noted her work with Richard Tice during Brexit. 'We are politically aligned. And how long have I been thinking about it? Well, I mean, I was tempted before the general election, but I am a loyal person to a party. 'I might not be loyal to prime ministers, as we've seen in the past, but I'm loyal to parties, and I believed, as I said, in going down with that ship fighting. 'I was elected as a Conservative, and I got knocked out as a Conservative, but I feel, unfortunately, the party has become tired.' Dame Andrea said that she had joined 'the party of the brave' and lashed out at the decision to jail people sharing racist views online. A stowaway has managed to fly from New York to Paris for free by switching from one toilet to another during the flight. The unidentified woman reportedly boarded Delta airlines flight 264 after passing two security checkpoints at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport Tuesday night - despite not having a boarding pass. She was only caught shortly before arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport around 12pm on Wednesday after more than seven hours in the air. She reportedly spent the whole flight walking back and forth between the four toilets on board, which made some passengers suspicious who said they initially thought she was just ill. Cabin crew realized she wasn't one of the 375 passengers when she failed to show them a boarding pass. The woman was removed from the aircraft by local police as soon as the plane landed, NBC reports. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that the woman had completed a full security screening at a checkpoint before boarding the flight as she was not carrying any prohibited items. Authorities confirmed to CNN that she bypassed two identity verifications and boarding status stations to board the plane, but it is unclear how she managed to get past these checkpoints. An unidentified woman reportedly boarded Delta airlines flight 264 after passing two security checkpoints at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday night - despite not having a boarding pass She was only caught shortly before arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport around 12pm on Wednesday after more than seven hours in the air. She reportedly spent the whole flight walking back and forth between the four toilets on board When they arrived to the gate, the pilot got on the intercom to tell passengers to stay in their seats while they dealt with an unwanted passenger. It forced the flyers to stay onboard an extra 40 minutes People on board were only told about the stowaway once the plane had landed in Paris, according to Rob Jackson, who was a passenger on the Delta flight. When they arrived to the gate, the pilot got on the intercom to tell passengers to stay in their seats. 'I fly a lot, and it was unusual for that to be happening just as we were landing,' Jackson told The New York Times. Moments later, the pilot told passengers: 'Were just waiting for the police to come on board.' The captain reportedly told passengers that they had to wait on board until the issue with the 'extra passenger' was 'sorted out.' According to Jackson, the flight was fully booked and there were no extra seats where the woman could have sat down. 'We somehow flew all the way from New York to Paris with a stowaway. This woman somehow got on the plane and hid in a lavatory during takeoff and wasnt detected until we were about to land,' Jackson wrote on his Instagram story. Six or seven officers arrived on board to remove the woman, causing passengers to be stuck on board for an extra 40 minutes, according to The Times. It is unclear if the woman was arrested or not. Delta Airlines said in a statement that it was conducting an 'exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end' after promising that nothing was 'of greater importance than matters of safety and security.' Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Queens District Attorney's Office in New York are looking into the matter, according to The Times. NATO and the US are now at 'full war' with Russia after the West crossed 'all red lines' allowing Ukraine to strike targets across the border with Western missiles, former Russian president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev has declared. Medvedev, a close Putin ally who now serves as the Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, said that every Ukrainian strike on Russian territory with Western weapons would be met with a response. 'It's not going to go unnoticed... It will change the rules of engagement - it's proof that NATO and Washington and other participants in the alliance are not just participating in a hybrid war, but a war in every sense of the word against our country. 'Negotiations are a long way off, events like this could push those negotiations back even further,' he told Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya. 'Any strikes on Russia are unequivocally unacceptable. What happened was a crossing of all red lines.' It comes as the ex-chief of MI6 admitted Britain must 'face up to the fact' the Kremlin feels it is fighting a war with the West, rather than just Ukraine. Sir Richard Dearlove, who led Britain's secret intelligence service from 1999 - 2004, told Sky News this week: '(Polish Prime Minister) Donald Tusk has referred to it as a pre-war situation. I think he's wrong. I think it's an actual war.' He went on to justify his statement by referring to examples of Russian hybrid warfare on countries across Europe involving sabotage plots, cyber-attacks and 'very aggressive moves'. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now a senior Kremlin security official, pictured with Vladimir Putin A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired as part of Russia's nuclear drills from a launch site in Plesetsk, northwestern Russia Residents stand next to their house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Russia could soon begin to strike 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv if Ukraine continues to hit targets in Russia with US and UK missiles, Vladimir Putin has declared Medvedev's alarming comments came as Putin warned that Russia could soon begin to strike 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv if Ukraine continues to hit targets across the border with US and UK missiles. The Kremlin chief's stark warning, delivered this morning, followed hours after Russian forces pounded Ukraine with dozens of missiles and drones overnight in an attempt to degrade the energy network as a bitter winter approaches. Putin also announced that Russia's production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the NATO military alliance by 10 times, adding that Moscow plans to ramp up production yet further. Russian attacks have not yet struck government buildings in the Ukrainian capital which is heavily protected by air defences. But Putin claims Russia's new 'Oreshnik' hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last week in response to the first ATACMS and Storm Shadow strikes in Russia, is incapable of being intercepted. 'Of course, we will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory with long-range Western-made missiles, as has already been said, including by possibly continuing to test the Oreshnik in combat conditions, as was done on November 21,' Putin told a meeting of a security alliance of ex-Soviet countries in Kazakhstan. 'At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory. These could be military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centres in Kyiv,' he said. This morning's barrage, in which Ukraine downed 79 missiles and 35 drones, left over a million Ukrainians without electricity in freezing cold temperatures. 'This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics,' Volodymyr Zelensky said. Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire at an energy infrastructure facility following a missile attack in Lutsk A resident looks at his house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 People with their pet take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Rescuers work at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine, in this handout picture released November 26, 2024 Russian and British warnings of war followed days after the former US Army General tapped to be Donald Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia declared last week 'we're on the precipice of World War III' as he outlined a plan to end the war by forcing both sides to the negotiating table. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, 80, told Fox News of the precarious geopolitical circumstances after Putin launched the Oreshnik missile for the first time. The retired general, who also served as a national security adviser in Trump's previous administration, said: 'I don't think World War III has begun, but we're right on the precipice.' 'When you look at what's happening... with an alliance that President Trump kept apart. You know, he had North Korea over here, he had China over here, he had Iran here and Russia over here. 'What you've seen now is they've all joined. You've got an axis together, and they're feeding off one another.' Kellogg's plan to force a ceasefire in Ukraine was laid out in a policy paper for conservative US think tank America First published earlier this year that is likely to form the backbone of the incoming Trump administration's approach to managing the conflict. In it, Kellogg along with co-author Fred Fleitz lambasted the Biden administration's handling of the Ukraine war and said the US' economic and military might should be used to leverage Kyiv and Moscow into talks. The retired general advocated for pushing Ukraine into ceasefire negotiations by threatening to pull US aid, while simultaneously telling Moscow that Washington would boost support to Kyiv should Putin not agree to a diplomatic solution. Under Kellogg's plan, Ukraine would have to cede a considerable chunk of occupied territory to Russia and agree with Western countries not to attempt to join NATO for an extended period of time. In return, the US would help Ukraine to develop a 'long-term security architecture' to reinforce its defensive capabilities for the future - and levies would be placed on Russian energy sales to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said we are 'on the precipice of WWIII' after Vladimir Putin launched a never-before-seen hypersonic missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro President Donald Trump, center, sits with retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, right Ukrainian servicemen of the 43 Artillery Brigade fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon towards Russian positions at a front line in the Donetsk region Trump has famously said that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started had he been president and claimed he could bring the conflict to an abrupt halt - without ever revealing his plans for doing so. 'I can't give you those plans because if I give you those plans, I'm not going to be able to use them.' That was Trump's response during his campaign when pressed to reveal how exactly he intended to stop the conflict, which by the time he enters office will be seven weeks shy of its third year. But Kellogg's plan to end the war is expected to provide the foundations for Trump's approach, particularly now that the retired general has been tapped as special envoy. In his April paper, Kellogg recognised the solution would be a bitter pill to swallow but would ultimately be the quickest way to end the bloodshed. 'The Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people will have trouble accepting a negotiated peace that does not give them back all of their territory or, at least for now, hold Russia responsible for the carnage it inflicted on Ukraine. 'But as Donald Trump said at the CNN town hall in 2023, I want everyone to stop dying. Thats our view, too,' the paper concluded. Other members of Trump's inner circle have also put forward similar suggestions. In September, Vice President-elect JD Vance offered former US Navy Seal Shawn Ryan an outline of how peace may be brought about in Ukraine under Trump. 'What it probably looks like is something like the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine becomes like a demilitarised zone, heavily fortified for the Russians don't invade again,' Vance told the former Seal on his podcast. 'Ukraine remains an independent sovereign. Russia gets the guarantee of neutrality from Ukraine. 'It does not join NATO and some other allied institutions. Germans and other nations have to fund Ukraine's reconstruction,' Vance added. Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary has ripped into Kamala Harris' candidacy as a 'mistake' made by Democratic Party bosses who foisted a week vice president on voters to avoid a primary and instead left Americans no choice but to reject the 'faulted, broken' presidential candidate. Speaking on a post-mortem roundtable on CNN's NewsNight, O'Leary eviscerated Harris for running a poor campaign from the get-go, but also laid blame for the Democrat's loss on the party that propped her up. 'The root of this mistake actually came very early on. They didn't run a [primary] process', said O'Leary, referring to the fact Harris was made the Democrats' nominee without a normal vetting. He added: 'They made an excuse to $317 million in the kitty. They kept the same campaign manager and said "we will anoint this faulted, broken candidate who was inconsequential in her vice-presidency, lost the 2019 [primary race and was a] complete loser in 2020.' The Canadian investor also slammed Harris for her inability to communicate and connect with ordinary voters: '[Harris] never could articulate anything, had no compassion for people.' O'Leary added that her media apparatus around her was weak, and didn't give her a chance to differentiate herself from Joe Biden. 'She went onto The View, all those women wanted her to win - they threw her a softball. They threw her a second softball. 'She was so weak as a candidate, she couldn't even answer that she would do something different [to Joe Biden]. It ricocheted around the world, she was finished.' Speaking on a post-mortem roundtable on CNN's NewsNight, Kevin O'Leary (pictured, centre-right) eviscerated Harris for running a poor campaign from the get-go Since her loss, Harris has rarely been seen in public, though broke her silence for the first time since conceding the election Following the release of the election results, O'Leary publicly celebrated Trump's victory over Harris. He told Fox News: 'What's happened here is the system self-corrected. When you try to break the American model, it fixes itself, and I think people should give credit, within the Democratic party, Donald Trump saved them tonight too. 'When it gets too crazy, it fixes itself. Whether you love Trump or you hate him, every Democrat owes him a thank you very much, Mr. President!' Since her loss, Harris has rarely been seen in public, though was recently roasted for crowing how her presidential campaign raised more than $1.4billion through grass roots funds after splashing it on celebrity appearances and an ad on the Las Vegas sphere. The Vice President boasted in a video message to her supporters that her campaign received a 'historic $1.4billion, almost $1.5billion' from grass roots supporters, which Harris said was 'the most in presidential campaign history'. 'Nearly eight million donors contributed an average donation of about $56 to fuel our people-powered campaign,' she added. But she has been criticised for how her campaign blowing through a billion dollars - with fingers being pointed at the celebrity-filled concert rallies in swing states that took place in the final days of the campaign as well as expensive ad campaigns. Top Democratic megadonor John Morgan, a wealthy trial lawyer, fumed about the spending spree in an appearance on Chris Cuomo's show 'CUOMO' on NewsNation. Linda O'Leary and Kevin O'Leary are seen during the Cincoro Tequila National Margarita Day celebration and intimate dinner with Haute Living at ZZ's Club on February 22, 2024 in Miami, Florida Kamala Harris advisors Quentin Fulks and Stephanie Cutter 'All of a sudden, everybody's got the keys to the candy store, ad buyers, talent consultants. There's 100 days to do it, and the money started pouring in, pouring in,' he said. O'Leary's criticisms come after the team of Democratic political consultants that ran Kamala Harris' losing campaign claimed that the 'political environment sucked', leading to Harris' loss. 'We were dealing with ferocious headwinds', said David Plouffe, who ran Obama's 2008 campaign and then served as a White House advisor. Plouffe also insisted that Biden was so unpopular when he dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris that it was a difficult task to improve her ratings. He noted that Harris began the race with approval ratings only in the 33-35 percent range and although they improved her numbers by 15 points, they did not have enough time to sell her to voters. And Plouffe complained about how difficult it was for Democrats to win support from independents in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania - despite that being the job at hand, and one the team assured Democrats across the country they were capable of doing. 'It's really hard for Democrats to win battleground states,' Plouffe maintained, noting that those states were more conservative than the average blue state and that even the moderates there tended to lean right. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage as she concedes the election, at Howard University on November 06, 2024 in Washington, DC Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida Campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon talks about the failed Kamala Harris campaign Meanwhile, campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon repeatedly complained about the lack of time they had to make Harris a winner in the 107-day campaign that began in July when Biden finally dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris. She defended their approach of highlighting how Harris was 'different' than both Biden and Trump and a candidate for the 'future' instead of trying to differentiate herself from Biden, whose approval rating were epically low. Campaign advisor Stephanie Cutter confirmed that Harris was 'unwilling' to separate herself from Biden. She had a huge deficit in favorability, because either people didnt know about her or what they did know about her was because of negative media, she said. A terminally ill former nurse used her last words to issue a passionate plea on assisted dying - saying simply: 'I need to be able to die'. Elaine Hudson had been ravaged by brutal motor neurone disease and was no longer able to speak when she realised her message, pointing to letters on a keyboard as her only way to communicate. On the same day, the 68-year-old started to refuse food and drink - the only option she felt was left for people who want to die in the UK, which her heartbroken family branded 'barbaric'. Tomorrow, MPs will vote on allowing assisted dying for the first time in almost a decade. Under the Bill, terminally-ill adults with less than six months to live and a wish to die would be eligible for an assisted death if signed off by two doctors and a High Court judge. Writing to The Times, she said: 'I need to be able to die having lived with this for nearly three years not able to do anything this is not living on any level. 'Mentally I have been strong but now I have to be told by government to put up with negative living. Natalie Cheshire strokes the head of her mother Elaine in the last hours of her life as she lies in a bed in a hospice Earlier that morning she had refused food and water after suffering from the terminal stages of Motor neurone disease Elaine Hudson (pictured on her 60th birthday) had been ravaged by brutal motor neurone disease and was no longer able to speak when she realised her message, pointing to letters on a keyboard as her only way to communicate 'I would like to be seen for 24 hours as an example of why I want to die, it is not pretty but if I have to live it then it should be an example to government of why I want to go.' Ms Hudson was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in July last year and has since moved into a hospice. The disease sees the nerves controlling your muscles gradually stop working. She died on November 25. She bravely insisted pictures were taken of her on her death bed, capturing her final days. Her daughter, Natalie Cheshire, said that she was screaming out in pain on the morning she stopped eating and drinking. The 43-year-old branded her mother's death 'barbaric', saying she could have passed away months ago had assisted dying been an option. She said: 'I dont even know if these words are doing her justice. But she was just special and brave and strong and an absolute rock for everybody. It will be a massive hole in our family when she finally dies.' Her son, Bruce Thew, said she was in 'excruciating pain', and her jaw had locked leaving her 'choking on saliva' for her final days. He said her eventual death was 'a brutal way to die' - adding that politicians have been 'getting this one tragically wrong' as they focus on people who may be coerced, rather than the people who need the bill. A series of recent polls have put public support for legalising assisted dying at between 60 per cent and 73 per cent in favour. Natalie Cheshire, said that she was screaming out in pain on the morning she stopped eating and drinking Dignity in Dying campaigners gather in Parliament Square last month in support of the 'assisted dying bill' Under the Bill, terminally-ill adults with less than six months to live and a wish to die would be eligible for an assisted death if signed off by two doctors and a High Court judge The vote on the Assisted Dying Bill will not be whipped by the main political parties, meaning MPs are free to vote with their conscience rather than facing pressure to follow a certain party line. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has branded the policy a 'slippery slope towards death on demand' in a letter to her constituents. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also been critical, but Keir Starmer has hinted he will back the plan - which gained momentum after a campaign by terminally ill TV star Esther Rantzen. As politicians wrestle with their positions, polls have suggested that the public supports the principle of assisted dying - although there are doubts about how it would be implemented in practice. Research by More in Common has found nearly two thirds favour the idea, with just 13 per cent opposed and 22 per cent unsure. The poll found the majority of Brits regard strict safeguards as 'essential' to an assisted dying law. However, 71 per cent said it was possible to create policy with the right protections, against 29 per cent who thought it was not. The bill was seen as happening at about the right pace by 51 per cent, while a further 13 per cent said it was too slow. Nearly a fifth said it was happening too quickly. Furious farmers have blockaded one of Britain's busiest ferry ports with tractors in an overnight protest against Government inheritance tax plans. They held up lorries at Holyhead in Anglesey as anger mounts and tensions reach boiling point following Labour's proposals. High-profile Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones claimed: 'Even lorry drivers stuck in queue at port are supporting the farmers.' On social media he warned: 'Don't p*** off the farmers. We need both Governments in Westminster and Senedd to listen.' Mr Wyn Jones said it was a peaceful demonstration. He added: 'Governments in all our different nations are asking farmers to do more for less and it's virtually impossible. 'You can't keep pushing us down. It's death from a thousand cuts.' It comes after farmers warned the landmark London march was 'just the warm-up act' and vowed to continue protesting until their voices were heard. Furious farmers have blockaded one of Britain's busiest ferry ports with tractors in an overnight protest against Government inheritance tax plans. Pictured: tractors causing congestion at Holyhead port in Anglesey Gareth Wyn Jones (pictured) said it was a peaceful demonstration. He claimed: 'Even lorry drivers stuck in queue at port are supporting the farmers' The government has insisted that the majority of farms would be unaffected by the changes and up to 3million can be passed on by two people free of inheritance tax. Pictured: Tractors blocking Holyhead port in Anglesey They held up lorries at Holyhead in Anglesey as anger mounts and tensions reach boiling point following Labour 's proposals. Here a line of tractors can be seen driving towards the lorries On Wednesday more than 100 tractors rumbled through Dover in another rally opposing Keir Starmer's inheritance tax grab. Farmers from across Kent and Sussex joined the demonstration calling on the government to reverse its plans impose a 20% inheritance tax (IHT) on farm assets worth 1 million or more from April 2026. The government has insisted that the majority of farms would be unaffected by the changes and up to 3million can be passed on by two people free of inheritance tax. But the National Farmers Union has said many British farmers are under threat. Farmers Weekly reported the protest today had been organised by Save British Farming (SBF) and the Farmers for Farmers of Kent groups. Tractors were adorned with British flags and placards which read, 'No farmers. No food. No future,' 'Back British Farming and 'Protect UK food security'. Both of the groups are angry about the government's 'abject failure' to deliver on its pre-manifesto promise to 'provide a fair deal for British farmers', Farmers Weekly reported. One of the organisers is Matt Cullen, a beef farmer, based near Canterbury. He told Farmers Weekly: 'It's time for farmers to stand up and fight back and it's time to show the government that things will escalate more if they don't sit down and talk to us.' Video footage showed the tractors travelling around farmland and onto the A2 before ending up in the coastal town itself. They were spotted taking up two lanes of a main road in the go-slow protest. Save British Farming accused Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer of 'betraying farmers' with their 'disastrous Budget' which they said delivered a 'poisonous cocktail and a hammer blow to farming,' The Telegraph reported. On Wednesday more than 100 tractors rumbled through Dover in another rally opposing Keir Starmer's inheritance tax grab. Pictured: Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover, Kent, to show their unhappiness at the Labour government Farmers protest in central London over the changes to inheritance tax rules in the recent budget which introduce new taxes on farms worth more than 1 million Vast crowds gathering in Whitehall to express their opposition to Labour's policy It comes as thousands of irate farmers also descended on London earlier this month to voice their objections to the inheritance tax measures. The braved sleet and chilly temperatures to partake in the rally outside the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall. Among those addressing the crowds assembled from all corners of the UK were Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson and Labour peer Baroness Mallalieu. Placards and banners included attacks on Chancellor Rachel Reeves Rachel Thieves...and Lies on her CVs, a picture of Keir Starmer as a pig labelled Pig Ignorant and You Reap What We Sow. Clive Bailye was one of the organisers of the demonstration, which ran alongside a separate rally of 1,800 farmers in Westminster orchestrated by the National Farmers Union. Attendees at the mass rally carried a banner reading 'stop killing the people who feed you' Protesting farmers fill Whitehall opposite Downing Street in central London Jeremy Clarkson waving at fans as he holds a sign reading 'With our farmers' The Staffordshire farmer said he and the other organisers of the event - Merseyside farmer Olly Harrison, Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones and Andrew Ward of Lincolnshire - were waiting for the dust to settle before they decided their next move. Mr Bailye told the Daily Mail: We cant rule out anything. Weve been focused on this event today and proved this is affecting more people than they [the government] think. I hope there were politicians sitting in different parts of Whitehall thinking What if they do organise more tractors on the streets? We are not anarchists, we are four farmers with day jobs, and we organised that in a week. I dont know what will happen next but I know that farmers will not give up until we get a better outcome that we are happy with. We are not going to go quietly. This could just be the warm-up act for what could be organised if they dont come to the table. They need to know this is just a warm up act. Top Gear presenter turned farmer Jeremy Clarkson , 64, also attended the London march alongside his Clarkson's Farm co-stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland - defying the advice of his doctor to 'avoid stress' while he recovers from a heart operation. Mr Clarkson, who runs Diddly Squat farm in Chipping Norton, was holding a sign reading 'With our farmers'. A gang of military clerks at a counter-terrorism base who stole nearly 1million from the Ministry of Defence are facing jail. Corporal Aaron Stelmach-Purdie, 33, ran the expenses scam, with the help of five others including his boss Alan O'Neil, 47, from London's Regent's Park Barracks. Stelmach-Purdie had a love for the good life and openly flaunted his wealth, flying to Turkey for teeth-whitening and abdominal implants as well as undergoing hair transplants. Officers searched Stelmach-Purdie's home and found nine pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes, a Louis Vuitton luggage set and three Patek Philippe watches which turned out to be fake. Stelmach-Purdie was known to drive around in luxury motors and owned a 285,000 Range Rover Overfinch. The corporal, of Oldham, along with O'Neil, 47, of Droitwich, Worcestershire, movements clerk Anthony Sharwood, 38, and Sgt Peter Wilson, 55, and another serving soldier, 37, who cannot be named, all admitted fraud. Roger Clerice, 47, who served in the Household Cavalry Regiment, also admitted money laundering. It can now be revealed Lance sergeant Lee Richards, 41, was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and transferring criminal property last week after a three week trial. Corporal Aaron Stelmach-Purdie (pictured), 33, ran the expenses scam, with the help of five others including his boss Alan O'Neil, 47 The gang of military clerks at a counter-terrorism base who stole nearly 1million from the Ministry of Defence are now facing jail. File image of Ministry of Defence The jury took 11 hours and 27 minutes to reach its verdicts. Judge Philip Bartle announced today that he will sentence the gang on April 15 next year. Lance corporal Amy Sheldon, 37, denied and was cleared of the charges by the jury last week. She sobbed and said 'thank you' to the jury after they acquitted her. Simon Lees, 31, a plumber from Oldham, denied laundering 270,000 through his bank accounts within six months but the jury failed to reach a verdict against him. Dominic Connolly, prosecuting, said the Crown would not seek a retrial against Lees today: 'It is no longer in the public interest to seek a retrial. In those circumstances I propose to offer no evidence against him.' The clerks used the MoD's Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system to carry out the fraud, Southwark Crown Court heard. Jurors heard the fraud ran between December 2014 and January 2016 and involved 221 bogus expense claims totalling 911,608. Military personel can claim for 'operational allowances' such as air fares when they were serving abroad. Mr Connolly had said the case concerned 'a series of frauds carried out by employees of the MoD who were employed at their administrative headquarters at the Regents Park Barracks. 'Put simply a number of military personnel employed at that location made a series of fictitious claims to expenses and allowances that they were not entitled to,' Mr Connolly said. The military clerks ran the expenses scam from London 's Regent's Park Barracks, pictured here 'As you will see, a considerable sum of money was thereby obtained.' A soldier, referred to only as 'Soldier R', told the two week trial 500,000 went through his bank account in six months. Giving evidence from behind a screen he said he had 'no reason' to question Stelmach-Purdie's integrity, adding: 'He was always willing to go that extra mile.' Lees, who worked for the fashion company Mulberry, said in his police interview he had known Stelmach-Purdie since they were close friends at school. He said Stelmach-Purdie asked for access to his Nationwide bank account and he agreed. Lees said Stelmach-Purdie had told him that he had fallen out with his bank and that he was being deployed to Iraq. Asked why he agreed to give Stelmach-Purdie access to his account, he said: 'I'd just known him a long time. I wouldn't have had him down as someone who was money laundering. 'He told me he was going overseas. That they had shut his bank account down, he'd had a massive falling out with his bank. 'They weren't giving him what he needed. He had withdrawn all his money and had nowhere to put it. He said "Can I transfer it to yours". I never even batted an eyelid about the money.' Lees said 250,000 was paid into his bank account in the space of six months. Asked about Stelmach-Purdie, he added: 'He always lived a comfortable life. He always had money, he always had nice cars. He had expensive food, expensive clothes, he always shopped in the most expensive places.' The clerks used the MoD's Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system to carry out the fraud, Southwark Crown Court heard. File image of Ministry of Defence He said that he eventually got tired of Stelmach-Purdie constantly contacting him to ask if a transfer had been made to his account. He claimed Stelmach-Purdie then told him to transfer the money to his mother's account, which he did, but he could transfer no more than 10,000 at a time. Lees told the police that he never knew exactly what Stelmach-Purdie did at the MoD. 'All I know is that he works at the MoD. I don't know what he does, I don't know what he does at the MoD. All I know is that he works at the MoD, that's all he ever told me. He just told me he works in the MoD in intelligence, that's it.' Richards, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, denied conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and concealing, disguising or transferring criminal property between 1 March 2015 and 31 January 2016. Sheldon, of Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, denied and was cleared of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and transferring criminal property between 1 February and 1 March 2015. Lees denies concealing, disguising or transferring criminal property between 1 December 2014 and 31 January 2016. Stelmach-Purdie admitted seven counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of disguising or transferring criminal property. Sharwood admitted one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of transferring criminal property, while O'Neil admitted disguising or transferring criminal property. Wilson admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and transferring criminal property. Sharwood admitted one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of transferring criminal property. November 28, 2024: Russian efforts to provide enough soldiers to continue the war in Ukraine have proved to be something of a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. This describes the war in Ukraine as well. The war is stalled because there are few Russians willing to fight, or even wear a uniform, carry a gun and pretend to fight in Ukraine. Evading military service has become a widespread activity in Russia. The government calls it treason and threatens prison for the resisters. The Threat of imprisonment is considered preferable to service in Ukraine. Russians call Putins Special Operation in Ukraine a form of mass murder against Russian men. Currently, Russian military operations in Ukraine are at a standstill. There are some random Russian soldiers who will fire their weapons into the air. Russian officers are ordered to keep their men from getting too close to Ukrainian forces because of the growing incidents of Russian soldiers surrendering. The war in Ukraine, the first modern war for Russia since 1945, soon devolved into a multitude of problems. There has been a lot of resistance to the war among soldiers, as well as civilians. Efforts to evade military service continue to grow. In turn, Russian recruitment efforts have become more ruthless. Young men are seized, arrested, coerced or manipulated into serving in the military. If all these efforts worked, Russia would have over a million soldiers headed for Ukraine. The reality is that Russia can barely get enough new troops for Ukraine to cover monthly losses. These casualties are as high as 30,000 a month and Russians back home know it. Men seized, duped or taken from prison to be soldiers resist. There have been some major insurrections among soldiers headed for Ukraine. Threatening these men with imprisonment does not work because that gets them safely out of the way. The morale of Russian troops already in Ukraine continues to plummet. The 350,000 dead Russia has suffered in Ukraine has been demoralizing. Since late 2023 Ukrainian troops have increasingly encountered Russian soldiers who surrendered at the first opportunity. Sometimes Russian troops were encountered who had already dropped their weapons and were looking for someone to surrender to. While troops can be motivated or compelled to fight, they are often ineffective. That means they suffer a lot of casualties while still unable to gain much ground. Russian commanders were aware of this and had orders to do something to prevent these surrenders and efforts to avoid combat. That proved to be an impossible order to comply with. Physical punishments did not improve morale and willingness to fight. The main problem was that troops had no confidence in their scarce commanders (there are few company-grade officers). These officers were often just as dismayed at the situations they faced on the battlefield. Frequently there was not enough food, ammunition, or medical care. It is now winter in Ukraine and once more the government has not supplied enough cold weather clothing and equipment for the troops. Worse, the clothes and equipment were often almost useless cheap imitations instead of standard issue. This lack of support is the only thing the troops can depend on. Much of that is caused by government corruption. The government may have appropriated money to purchase essential items, but corrupt officials steal the money or divert the supplies to black market dealers who will resell the goods and share the profits with their corrupt partners. This process often involves Russian criminal organizations, which do not hesitate to kill anyone who tries to disrupt their bad behavior. This is encouraged by the corruption of Russian military leadership down to company and field-grade officers who sell narcotics and other illegal drugs to their enlisted men. Russias leadership, especially supreme leader Vladimir Putin, was delusional about the continuing lack of progress in Ukraine or the reasons for that. Even Russians who thought restoring independence, since 1991, Ukraine to Russian control was a good thing and worth fighting for began losing confidence in Putins ability to make that happen. Each time failure in Ukraine became obvious, Putin would come up with a new reason why Russia was winning, and each of these was soon shown to be false. Putin now believes he can eventually prevail because of disagreements among NATO members about whether or how Ukraine can win against the Russian invaders. NATO members agree about Russias inability to win in Ukraine but many politicians in some of the larger, and more distant from the fighting nations like the United States, Germany, France, and Italy, openly doubt Ukraines ability to regain control of lost territory. Putin supports this attitude by continuing to threaten use of nuclear weapons if Russia is faced with losing all its seized territory in Ukraine. Such a move is also unpopular in Russia and one of the growing number of reasons Russians are losing faith in Putin's promises that Russia will win in Ukraine. An increasing number of Russians now openly oppose the war even though Putin quickly created laws to make such public dissent illegal. The failure of such laws soon became obvious in many ways. Anti-war demonstrations and physical attacks on military facilities, especially recruiting stations, are more frequent. Refusing to report when conscripted became more common. Another form of defiance is veterans of the Ukraine fighting providing details, based on personal experience, of why Russian forces are failing. Numerous veterans are no longer in the military because they refused to renew their contracts. Many more soldiers remained in the army but refused to return to Ukraine and got away with it. Putin ordered that these soldiers be officially described, in their military records and military ID, as unreliable and unwilling to fight. In any other country a soldier who refuses to fight during wartime is subject to severe punishment, often execution. That still happens to reluctant Russian soldiers inside Ukraine where officers have the authority to shoot reluctant troops. Initially, as Russian casualties grew and progress was nonexistent, some officers did shoot troops refusing to fight. That soon changed as the troops threatened to and sometimes did shoot back or, in at least one known case, ran over an insistent officer with a tank. Not to mention troops sometimes shooting undesirable officers first. Ukrainian forces have provided additional confirmation of this violence and collapsing morale within Russian units. Many Russian troops will surrender to the Ukrainians at the first opportunity and admit it to Ukrainian, Russian, and foreign journalists. This prompted Ukraine to equip some of its quadcopters to notify and lead surrendering Russian troops safely to Ukrainian front-line forces. The number of Russian military personnel is declining because of combat losses and veterans refusing to stay in, even though being a contract, or volunteer soldier is one of the few jobs Russians can get because of high unemployment rates caused by Western economic sanctions. Russia responded by lowering recruiting standards and accepting recruits or conscripts with physical, mental, legal, or psychological problems that would normally make them ineligible for military service. Russia has also dropped age limits for volunteers and is willing to accept non-Russians as long as they can speak some Russian and are willing to fight. Recently Russia rented 12,000 North Korean soldiers to fight in Ukraine. These men did fight, as part of the effort to get Ukrainian forces out of Russia. Ukrainian troops entered Kursk province in August and are still there, despite the aggressive North Korean troops. Meanwhile Russian recruiting efforts are not producing enough new troops to be immediately useful because most of them have no military training and at least two months are required to produce useful troops for combat, so new recruits get only one to three weeks. Conscripts require less training and are often used for support operations outside Ukraine during their one year in uniform. Many conscripts are now refusing to show up at army induction centers and Russian soldiers sent to get these men often encounter mobs of civilians who oppose the war. More than 28,000 prosecutions brought by two rail firms for alleged fare evasions have been quashed. Northern Rail, which covers large swathes of northern England, brought 28,631 prosecutions against passengers using the single justice procedure (SJP) between August 6, 2020 and May 21 2024, despite not being permitted to do so. TransPennine Express, which operates in the North of England and in Scotland, brought 41 prosecutions in January 2024. They were all declared null and void by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring during a two-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court today Mr Goldspring ruled in August that six 'test cases' of prosecutions for alleged fare evasion brought by train companies should be declared a 'nullity', adding that others would be dealt with in the same way. Earlier this year, the rail firm was hyper-vigilantly policing the use of the 16-25 Railcard 33 per cent discount on 'anytime' tickets used before 10am on weekdays - which is only valid when the fare costs 12 or more. Confusing rules around when the discount cards can be used in the mornings - such as during July and August and on weekends - meant wayfarers were being caught out without realising the tickets they have bought were invalid. Passengers said staff refused to let them buy a correct ticket and insisted on issuing them with fines and later the court cases. Northern has been accused of taking an unnecessarily heavy-handed approach to people using railcards on tickets they did not realise were invalidated as result Chief Magistrate Paul Golding threw out 28,000 cases at Winchester Magistrates' Court today Northern and TransPennine Express welcomed Thursday's outcome and apologised for the 'errors'. A spokesman said: 'Customers affected by the issues raised in court will be contacted directly by HM Courts and Tribunal Service. We are unable to respond to individual queries at this time. 'Northern remains committed to ensuring that all our customers are treated fairly, which means ensuring all passengers who board our trains have a valid ticket.' TransPennine Express issued the same statement. The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court. Rail companies were permitted to use the SJP in 2016 to privately prosecute fare evaders, but many have been brought under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, which is not allowed under the procedure. Further hearings will take place regarding thousands of other train fare prosecutions. Affected cases were also prosecuted by Avanti West Coast, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Arriva Rail Northern, Merseyrail and C2C, the Courts and Tribunals Service said. The department said those affected by the ruling were prosecuted after 2018, with the 'vast majority' of cases prosecuted from 2020, under either section 5(1) or section 5(3) of the Regulation of Railways Act 1889. Those affected should wait to be contacted directly by the Courts and Tribunals Service about their case, including if they have paid a financial penalty. A Government spokesperson said: 'While fare evasion should be tackled, the right process should be followed at all times. HMCTS will contact people affected to resolve their case in accordance with the Chief Magistrate's judgment. 'A consultation examining the Single Justice Procedure and regulation of private prosecutors will drive up standards.' Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said: 'We welcome the Government's commitment to review the Single Justice Procedure as we are aware concerns have been raised for some time about how fairly the fast-track system operates, particularly in regard to vulnerable people.' In August, Mr Goldspring, said that six 'test cases' should be declared 'void', adding that thousands of cases could be dealt with in the same way over the coming months. The judge said the Courts Service, the Department for Transport and the train operating companies - two of which have not yet been identified - would work to identify those affected. Travellers caught out by the obscure rule said Northern has refused to let them pay the difference in their fare - as National Rail rules state they should He added that 'a team will be put in place to begin the work of recovering the money paid and refund the money to individuals' by November. 'There are discussions ongoing with all the parties about how that may be paid,' he added. Neither the amount of money to be refunded nor the number of people affected has been confirmed, but Judge Goldspring said 'over 74,000' people is a 'best guess at the moment'. The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court. Rail companies were permitted to use the SJP in 2016 to privately prosecute fare evaders, but many have been brought under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, which is not allowed under the procedure. In June, Judge Goldspring said those convictions were 'probably unlawful', with lawyers for rail companies telling a further hearing last month they were 'in agreement' the prosecutions should be thrown out. Northern initially took a hardline stance on fare evasion but has now apologised for the errors In his ruling, the judge declared the test cases a 'nullity', so it was 'as if as though the proceedings never existed'. He said: 'Parliament did not envisage these offences being prosecuted through the SJP. They should never have been brought through that process.' 'I'm satisfied that the correct approach is to declare each of the prosecutions void and a nullity,' he continued. He added that it was hoped that a list of those affected could be compiled by the end of September, with the cases listed as a 'bulk' hearing 'by the end of October' and declared void by a 'similar direction' so that 'everybody is in the same position'. Following the ruling, the Ministry of Justice, the Courts and Tribunals Service and the Department for Transport said that the seven companies who had privately prosecuted fare evaders under the SJP were Northern, TransPennine, Avanti West Coast, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Arriva Rail North and Merseyrail BBC presenter Gregg Wallace has stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming, it was revealed today. Wallace, 60, has been accused of taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' and talking about his sex life to others. On one occasion he allegedly told a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. The BBC has revealed that 13 people, including Kirsty Wark, have complained about his conduct while working with him over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. Ms Wark claims that on two occasions Wallace told stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants and crew while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. She said his gags and comments were 'really, really in the wrong place'. 'There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen', she said. Today Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir shared a picture of herself during the 2017 Celebrity MasterChef series with the cryptic message: 'Always keep your receipts'. It is not yet known if she has also complained. The BBC claims that Wallace walked away from MasterChef today after BBC News sent a letter to his agent on Tuesday, setting out allegations from 13 people and giving him a right of reply. They say he was warned after a complaint was raised in 2018, but new historical claims emerged over the summer of 2024. Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. But he will be on BBC One as usual tonight because MasterChef: The Professionals, which is already recorded, will transmit as planned and into December. MasterChef's Christmas specials will also still be broadcast. Mr Wallace is yet to comment today - but at the time of the announcement this afternoon he did take to Instagram to share his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. But in October Gregg vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and saying: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. Gregg Wallace will step away from presenting MasterChef while complaints made to the BBC from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated. Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments she heard filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 (right) Kirsty would make the final of the sixth series of Celebrity MasterChef Gregg looked stressed as Ms Wark struggled with her gravy in 2011 in October, Gregg denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show, saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman Wallace (pictured with John Torode), 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said The BBC has said that it will take the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations. What has Gregg Wallace been accused of? 13 people who have told the BBC of what they consider inappropriate sexual comments made by Wallace across a range of shows over a 17-year period. These include: Kirsty Wark says that on two occasions Wallace relayed stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants on Celebrity MasterChef and crew and that she felt they were 'really, really in the wrong place'. Talking openly about his sex life on set Taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' Telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans' Advertisement In a statement to the PA news agency Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. 'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. 'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.' The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.' The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. 'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. 'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.' In October Mr Wallace admitted he was feeling stressed amid allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments towards women - and his fellow judge John Torode's wife alleged he 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. Wallace took to Instagram with a live video as he offered tips on healthy eating while also alluding to new allegations made against him this week. He told viewers he was 'a little bit distracted at the moment', but said he 'wanted to check in and say hello'. His social media riposte came as it emerged his MasterChef co-host John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as he apparently delivered punchlines to crew of the BBC's flagship cookery show. Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy - and has opened up about her time on the show. MasterChef co-present Gregg Wallace filmed a live video message admitting he was feeling some 'stress' as newly-emerged allegations were made against him in October Actress Lisa Faulkner (centre) has said Gregg Wallace (left) repeatedly made rude jokes to MasterChef crew members - she is married to his co-host John Torode (right) Gregg Wallace has said in another Instagram video message that he has always been true to his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini - the couple are pictured here at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019 Brookside and Holby City star Faulkner told the Cheltenham Literature Festival how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was prepping her dishes. She said: 'Gregg was telling I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew. 'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, 'I've got ten minutes left', and he's saying, 'So this girl walked into a bar' 'And I'm going, 'Please, I don't want to hear this joke'.' Her husband John, 59, who was also on stage with her to promote their new book, told her: 'It's changed quite a lot really' Gregg, 60, absolutely denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show - saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour'. An insider claims Gregg brushed it off as 'just banter', having been reported for making 'consistent inappropriate comments' to the member of the production team while working on game show Impossible Celebrities. Lisa Faulkner has said Gregg Wallace would tell 'rude joke after rude joke' on MasterChef But taking to Instagram, Wallace hit back at the allegations in an emotional video saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna. He said: 'The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC. 'And the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. 'Despite what the newspapers are suggesting nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody. 'And the reason I say this is because of my wife Anna. I have always been true to my wife Anna and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years [since] I met her and fell in love with her. 'And it's important that, so that people don't misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife.' Wallace, who has previously spoken of losing 5st with an exercise regime, told viewers: 'I've had a fair bit of stress over the last few days, but my healthy lifestyle choices have stayed the same because that's my lifestyle. That's what I do without thinking'. 'Does that make sense to people? I really, really hope it does. I'm a little bit distracted at the moment, you can probably tell.' Wallace went on to say: 'There are so many benefits of upping your levels of activity, so many healthy benefits. 'I'm not going to mention the newspapers at the moment I've got that coming at me left, right and centre.' He also responded to commenters including one who spoke of loving chocolate buttons, with Wallace saying: 'Chocolate buttons are lovely right now, that sugar hit, I get it. I understand.' But he added: 'I really like a mango. I really like a pineapple. I really like a bowl of blueberries. And fruit isn't full of sugar and fat. Here's the saying love food that loves you back.' The TV presenter then signed off by saying: 'I've got a really, really busy day I wanted to check in and say hello. 'If you want to make a difference to your life, really consider the choices you make.' The allegations of inappropriate comments have only now emerged as the BBC this week launched a probe into workplace culture as bosses aim to crack down on the 'abuse of power'. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour' The insider who made the claims against Wallace, which his team says are 'inaccurate', raised questions as to why he was allowed to continue presenting MasterChef. They told the Sun: 'He is said to have been boasting about his sex life with his partner at the time. At one point, Wallace was also accused of taking his top off in front of the woman which felt inappropriate. The team working on the show were said to have gone to BBC bosses to complain after being left 'mortified' by Wallace's alleged behaviour. A spokesman for the BBC told The Sun: 'Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. 'We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.' It was previously reported by the Times back in May last year that he had allegedly offended female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation. Wallace then denied that he left the BBC show Inside The Factory in March that year due to inappropriate comments made towards female staff. Gregg Wallace hit back at the latest allegations in a response on Instagram, saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna Wallace quit BBC show Inside The Factory in March last year after allegations that he had been 'rude towards staff' and spoke to them in a 'derogatory manner, especially to women' Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims 'inaccurate'. The newspaper had quoted a source as saying: 'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.' The comments were reportedly non-sexual but deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show. When asked on GMB by Richard Madeley about his departure from the programme, Wallace responded by saying: 'There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn't accurate. 'There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.' 'Offending people? No, no - if you look at the headlines, you can't see a story that matches those headlines.' Gregg also revealed that he also wanted to leave to help care for his son Sid, born in 2019, who is autistic. Explaining his home situation, he said: 'I've got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies, he's got learning difficulties. Mum needed help there.' Gregg Wallace was accompanied by his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini when he received an MBE honour for services to food and charity, at Windsor Castle in February 2022 Gregg Wallace (left) and John Torode (right) have co-presented MasterChef since 2005 He revealed that the demanding nature of the filming around the different factories across the country meant that it made sense to give it up. Wallace added: 'It's completely inaccurate, I didn't challenge it. There was an issue, I don't want to discuss the issue but it wasn't what the papers said it was. 'There was nothing offensive to anybody that's just people guessing. It was a decent time to come out, I think.' Wallace wed Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years younger than him, at Hever Castle in Kent in August 2016, having met three years earlier. All pregnant prisoners should be supported - including trans men and non-binary criminals, the jails watchdog has said. A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) said the body acknowledges the importance of including all people who give birth. This includes trans men and non-binary prisoners - who it said should receive the same level of care and support equitable to that available in the community. The report follows a row over transgender inmates in high-profile cases including that of Adam Graham, who began identifying as Isla Bryson while waiting to stand trial accused of two rapes. Bryson was convicted of rape in February 2023 and jailed for eight years, initially being sent to the all-female Cornton Vale prison outside Stirling, before being transferred to a male prison after the case sparked public uproar. The new report on HMP & YOI Grampian by Stephen Sandham, interim HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, states: NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire HSCP [Health and Social Care Partnership] should ensure all pregnant women have a written personalised care plan jointly developed between the individual and NHS staff which is consistently reviewed by NHS and Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff who work with or support the woman. It said all pregnant women, and those caring for babies and young children, [should] receive care and support equitable to that available in the community, and are supported with their wellbeing throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. While the HMIPS report uses the terms women and mother, HMIPS acknowledges the importance of including all people who give birth, including trans men and non-binary people. The report follows a row over transgender inmates in high-profile cases including that of Adam Graham, who began identifying as Isla Bryson while waiting to stand trial accused of two rapes The case involving Bryson led to furious debate in the Scottish Parliament The report said all women at the prison who are pregnant or have a child with them, also had access to health visits and other services, such as perinatal mental health, comparable to women out with prison, and rated HMP & YOI Grampian as generally acceptable. Scottish Tory equalities spokesman Tess White said: This is yet another example of the SNPs reckless self-ID policy taking root in Scotlands public services. The public will be shocked that this issue is still consuming the time and resources of the Prison Service. In the week where SNP ministers have railroaded plans through the Scottish parliament to release hundreds more dangerous prisoners, this simply shouldnt be a priority. HMP Grampian, which opened in 2014, consists of Banff Hall for female prisoners, Ellon Hall for male prisoners and Cruden Hall which at the time of inspection held no prisoners, as well as Dyce Hall which is the separation and reintegration unit, and two community integration units, one for men and one for women. Earlier this year, the SNP Government said transgender prisoners must not be publicly named to prevent harmful consequences to their privacy. Officials said politicians were putting inmates who have changed gender at risk by discussing their cases in parliament, or in media interviews. A United Nations report disclosed that Scottish civil servants had voiced concern about the potential threat to the privacy of transgender criminals of naming them in public. Meanwhile, the HMIPS report also said HMP & YOI Grampian suffered from the same malaise as several other Scottish prisons with almost 40 per cent of the population in our pre-inspection survey claiming that they had less than two hours out of cell each day. It said: In addition, the regime could be restricted further due to staff shortages. The pressure on regime provision was exacerbated by the critical balance of experience versus inexperience as well as the potential for staff redeployment due to the shortcomings of the prisoner transport service. When the inspection took place, HMP & YOI Grampian which also houses young offenders - was one of seven SPS establishments assessed as the highest status regarding risk associated with overpopulation and other issues such as staffing vacancies and absence level. The Scottish Prison Service referred enquiries on HMIPSs remarks about transgender prisoners to HMIPs, which was contacted for comment. Responding to the report overall, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: The Scottish Government welcomes the Inspectorates report and the finding that HMP & YOI Grampian is a stable, forward-looking prison. The report has identified a number of good practices in relation to both prisoners and staff highlighting the prison library, strong multi-agency and partnership working, and the excellent person-centred work of the Outreach Team. Inspectors praised the good work in relation to supporting staff development and wellbeing. It is clear, however, that there is still room for improvement, and the Scottish Prison Service will respond to all of the HMIPS recommendations and are taking steps to reintroduce a more productive regime and address challenges around staffing. We have increased investment in our vital prison service by 10 per cent to 436.5million in 2024/25 to enable SPS to continue to provide a safe and secure prison estate. Scottish Tory equalities spokesman Tess White said: This is yet another example of the SNPs reckless self-ID policy taking root in Scotlands public services. The public will be shocked that this issue is still consuming the time and resources of the Prison Service. In the week where SNP ministers have railroaded plans through the Scottish parliament to release hundreds more dangerous prisoners, this simply shouldnt be a priority. A beloved former California mayor has been killed and his wife left seriously injured following a horror car crash on the way to visit their children for Thanksgiving. Michael and Donna Morgan were on their way to Reno, Nevada on Tuesday when the tragedy struck. Their car was involved in a collision on the highway which killed Morgan, 77, and hospitalized his wife, 73, with 'severe' injuries. Further details of her condition or the exact nature of her wounds were not released. Morgan has served the city of Camarillo since 1980, when he was first elected as a councilman. He was in office over the next four decades, including six mayoral terms before losing a re-election bid in 2018. 'Mike Morgan spent many years serving our community in both an elected capacity and several nonprofit and church-related activities,' Camarillo Mayor Tony Trembley said. 'He made a significant contribution to our city through his leadership and devotion to Camarillo.' Beloved former California mayor Michael Morgan has been killed and his wife Donna left seriously injured following a horror car crash on the way to visit their children for Thanksgiving. Pictured: The couple with their daughter Angela Morgan was born in Vernon, Texas before moving to the city in 1961. He and his wife share two children. He graduated Camarillo High School before attending Ventura College. He received a psychology degree from California State University, before obtaining a masters in public administration from the University of Southern California. Morgan went on to work as a probation officer and was employed by the US Department of Probation until his retirement in 1998. He was involved in more than a dozen nonprofits and community groups, including the Ventura County Cancer Society, Camarillo Arts Council, Rotary Club and the Disaster Assistance Response Team among others. 'The Camarillo Ranch Foundation mourns the tragic loss of board member Mike Morgan,' the heritage organization said in a post. 'Mike dedicated his life to enriching our community and to making Camarillo the special place it is to live. Morgan was on his way from his home in Camarillo to Reno when he got into a crash on a Nevada highway The couple share two children together. Details on Donna Morgans exact injuries have not been released 'The Camarillo Ranch and Camarillo as a whole have benefited greatly from the work Mike and Donna have contributed over the decades. 'We are thinking of the Morgan Family during this difficult time and will forever be grateful for their service.' Morgan cited a desire to slow the rapid development in Camarillo as the reason for his initial bid for office. During his tenure, the city swelled in size from 37,000 residents in 1980 to 70,000 in 2018. He named an ordinance that limited Camarillo to 400 new homes per year and measures to preserve agricultural land as two of his best achievements, the Camarillo Acorn reports. But he was also instrumental in overseeing the construction of several notable public buildings including a new police station and library. 'People don't realize we have the city we have today because of all the efforts of [Morgan], who gave 38 years of his life' to the city, Camarillo Fiesta Assn. board member Bev Lusk told the Camarillo Acorn. Morgan served the city of Camarillo in office for almost four decades He was first elected as a councilman in 2018 before becoming mayor and maintaining an involvement in several community groups Morgan is pictured on the campaign trail in 2000 Morgan told a council meeting in 2018 that his goal was to make Camarillo one of the best places in the world to live in. He pointed to a 2015 report that named the city as the 23rd best to live in of US cities under 300,000 as evidence of the progress made. Morgan was also an active church goer and served as an usher for Padre Serra Parish. His former colleague of 22 years Kevin Kildee said a public memorial would be forthcoming, but no details are available yet. 'Mike was a big part of the fabric of our community here, and he's really going to be missed,' he told the Ventura County Star. 'We're all in a state of shock over what happened. I'm still trying to process it. You lose a community member of that magnitude, and it's going to take some time.' An iconic Hollywood sign may soon be replaced by a modern fast food chain's logo, causing locals to be furious. Norms coffee shop on La Cienega Boulevard has been a staple to Angelenos since 1957 with its recognizable Googies-style architecture created by Armet & Davis and its sawtooth sign out front. But the sign may go under renovations as chicken finger chain, Raising Cane's, plans to move in in 2027 when Norms' lease is up, according to The Los Angeles Times. 'The idea of transforming Norms from a sit-down restaurant, family-friendly, affordable to a place to go to get fried chicken is astonishing to me,' Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles writer Kim Cooper told The Times. Cooper was the one to discover that Cane's was planning on changing the space when she was perusing the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission's upcoming agenda. Due to the site's historical status, Cane's has to get permission to change the building. The restaurant chain told The Times it 'plans to keep the legacy of Norms alive and maintain forever the iconic Googie-style architecture made famous by Armet & Davis when we begin improvements to restore the property.' In a rendering of the new sign shared with The Times, Cane's is proposing simply replacing Norms with Cane's, using the same font, while keeping the rest of the structure identical. Norms coffee shop on La Cienega Boulevard has been a staple to Angelenos since 1957 with its recognizable Googies-style architecture created by Armet & Davis and its sawtooth sign out front. But the sign may go under renovations as chicken finger chain, Raising Cane's, plans to move in in 2027 The restaurant chain said it 'plans to keep the legacy of Norms alive and maintain forever the iconic Googie-style architecture made famous by Armet & Davis when we begin improvements to restore the property.' A rendering (pictured) shows they plan to replace Norms with Canes on the sign But that isn't stopping the push back from Angelenos at Cane's occupying the space at all, even with the promise of keeping the architectural integrity. 'It is so much more than a building,' Cooper said. 'This is a place that has been open 24 hours a day... 'Norms is part of peoples lives and has been for 67 years, which in L.A. is basically a millennium.' Television producer, Damian Sullivan, agreed, telling The Times: 'Norms is in the same realm as the Manns Chinese Theater and Panns and the Hollywood Sign. 'Its so iconic to Los Angeles.' The La Cienega Boulevard location is so memorable to locals that it was the subject of Ed Ruscha's painting Norms, La Cienega, On Fire The first Norms opened in 1949 by Norm Roybark. The owner sold the company to CapitalSpring in 2015, according to The Times The La Cienega Boulevard location is so memorable to locals that it was the subject of Ed Ruscha's painting Norms, La Cienega, On Fire. The first Norms opened in 1949 by Norm Roybark. He sold the company to CapitalSpring in 2015, according to The Times. The other two dozen locations will still be in operation after 2027. Young Aussies aged under 16 will be banned from social media by the end of next year after federal parliament passed world-first legislation. The Senate passed laws to block under-16s from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to protect their mental health late on Thursday night. The bill passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 on the final parliament sitting day for 2024. It will return to the House of Representatives - where Anthony Albanese's government has a majority. The move comes despite concerns that the proposal was rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny and that Australia would be the first country to implement such a ban. The new laws raising the social media age limit are regarded as the strictest in the world. Communications minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would keep children and teenagers safe online. 'We know parents are concerned about the harms to children and we have taken a decision to support them,' she told parliament. Under-16s will be banned from social media platforms by the end of next year 'Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanese government is delivering exactly that.' Prime Minister Albanese added: Social media is doing social harm to our children and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs. Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them. An inquiry into the new laws ran for just three hours, with Australians only given one day to lodge submissions. Critics claimed there was little consultation with those who would be directly affected by the new laws. Under the new laws, social media giants will face fines up to $50million if they fail to take 'reasonable steps' to keep children under the age of 16 away from their platforms. There are no penalties for parents or children who break the age restrictions. Messaging apps, online gaming services and 'services with the primary purpose of supporting the health and education of end-users' are not included in the ban. YouTube has also been omitted. New laws to enforce age limits on social media were passed by the Senate late on Thursday night. Pictured: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Many critics have questioned how the ban will work, while others have raised concerns about social connection. The billionaire owner of X, Elon Musk, is among those who have warned that Australia's new laws will not work. 'Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians,' he recently captioned a retweet of Mr Albanese speaking about the age-limit reforms. The federal government will rely on age-verification technology to implement the restrictions. However, many details remain unclear and the technology has not been finalised. Under the new laws, social media giants will face fines up to $50million for failing to take 'reasonable steps' to keep children under the age of 16 away from their platforms While the bill enjoyed bipartisan support, several Coalition members broke ranks on the issues over concerns that bans on social media were an unjustified restriction on speech and communication and paved the way to broader censorship. Coalition senators Matt Canavan and Alex Antic crossed the floor to vote with the entire crossbench against the laws on Thursday night, while Liberal Richard Colbeck abstained. Liberal MP Bridget Archer broke from her party earlier this week to vote against the bill on Wednesday. The decision to pass the bill followed an hour-long debate with crossbenchers questioning the major parties over the controversial rule. Suicide Prevention Australia executive director Christopher Stone said the laws had been rushed and would not address the issues of bullying and predation as the government had claimed. 'The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation,' he said. 'It has bypassed the rigorous consultation and scrutiny needed for such a far-reaching decision. 'Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste. 'This legislation fails to consider the positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health and sense of connection.' An iconic British tea brand has called in administrators as the company scrambles to find a buyer to rescue the firm. Typhoo Tea has found itself 70 million in debt and facing multiple setbacks including increased competition and a high-profile break-in. Founded in 1903 by Birmingham grocer John Summer, the brand has now officially appointed administrators from Kroll, a risk and financial advisory company, after attempting to find creditors to pay its debts for two weeks. Despite formerly being one of the UK's best selling tea brands, the company's sales declined from 34million in 2022 to 25million last year and losses rose from 9.7million in 2022 to 38million in 2023. A spokesperson for Typhoo Tea said: 'The company has experienced significant cash flow constraints as a result of supply chain disruptions and subsequent service issues. 'The company has been exploring a sale of the business and assets, which is in the process of concluding. 'The administration process provides Typhoo Tea with protection, allowing the Joint Administrators to finalise the sale in order to rescue the business.' An iconic British tea brand has called in administrators as the company scrambles to strike a deal to rescue the company The future of Typhoo Tea is currently hanging in the balance as it attempts to find a buyer Tea sales fell by 4.3 percent last year - and are set to fall further by 2028 (Pictured: Chef Nigella Lawson in an advert for Typhoo) Typhoo Tea is now run by CEO Dave McNulty, who used to run the snack brand Burt's crisps. Earlier this month, it was revealed that it has struggled with a decline in sales, attributed to customers switching brands or drinks altogether, instead opting for coffee, energy drinks or bubble tea alternatives. It comes amid nationwide forecasts which show Brits will continue to cut down on tea consumption in the coming years. The tea brand has also been hit by a series of setbacks in recent years and rising costs as it seeks to become a more ethical brand. Typhoo suffered after a break-in at one of its factories in Merseyside, which was used to store expensive equipment and tea stock. The raid caused 'extensive damage' to both, with Typhoo having to spend 24 million to repair the damage and boost stocks. The planned sale of the factory was also delayed by the incident, although was completed by June this year. Amid the cost of living crisis, shoppers are also increasingly switching from brands such as Typhoo, PG Tips and Twinings for cheaper supermarket alternatives. Typhoo is now run by CEO Dave McNulty (pictured), who used to run the snack brand Burt's crisps Typhoo tea has been on shop shelves for more than a century after being founded in 1903 And tea sales fell by 4.3 percent last year - although Typhoo's sales actually rose due to its prices being cheaper than most other brands. Typhoo's debts reached 73 million in September 2023. Overall its tea sales are still in decline and tea consumption is expected to fall by eight percent by 2028. Further afield, Typhoo has recently gone from working with 300 tea plantations in East Africa to just three. It's part of a push launched as the new CEO took over to overhaul its supply chain and stop sexual violence against women at the plantations. Typhoo has warned prices could rise as a result. Dave McNulty, chief executive of Typhoo, said: 'This action has been taken to enable us to pursue a sale of the business. A further statement will be issued in due course with further information.' From a quip about 'salty balls' to an egg tart innuendo, MasterChef has never been a show that has shied away from suggestive jokes. But as star presenter Gregg Wallace steps away amid a misconduct probe, resurfaced clips have shown outlandish outbursts from both him and co-judge John Tororde littered across the show's history. The BBC has revealed that 13 people, including Kirsty Wark, complained about Wallace's conduct while working with him over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. Celebrities to complain about his behaviour so far are TV presenter and model Ulrika Jonsson, Rod Stewart, Wark, Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir, Aggie McKenzie, Katy Brand and Charlotte Crosby. One shocking video from the 2013 series of Celebrity MasterChef shows Wallace telling comedian Brand 'I'll munch the living daylights out of your little tart' as she presents him with an egg dish. Wallace tells her: 'I find this quite pleasant. Left to my own devices, I'd probably munch the living daylights out of your little tart.' The grocer turned broadcaster, 60, has been accused of taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and talking about his sex life to others. On one occasion he allegedly told a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. Greg Wallace (right) with his MasterChef co-host John Torode (left) in 2021 One video from the 2013 series of Celebrity MasterChef shows Wallace telling comedian Brand 'I'll munch the living daylights out of your little tart' as she presents him with an egg dish Wallace tells Katy Brand (pictured): 'I find this quite pleasant. Left to my own devices, I'd probably munch the living daylights out of your little tart' Wallace has previously denied making any sexual comments and MasterChef's production company, Banijay UK, saying he is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process'. One memorable quip occurred during a 2016 episode of MasterChef: The Professionals and saw Wallace tell one contestant: 'It's just missing that sauce that is going to bring the whole thing together. I'm desperate to dip that pork into something wet!' Torode meanwhile made his own quip in 2012 when he asked a female contestant if she considered herself to be 'a conservative cook or an experimental cook'. 'I'm experimental at home with my husband,' replied the contestant, to which a laughing Torode told her: 'I'm not asking what you do at home.' Then, in 2015 while tasting a female contestant's dessert, Wallace declared: 'I want to take my shirt off and dive in!' Wallace's comments haven't been limited to the main series. A 2011 episode of Celebrity MasterChef saw the judge tell actress Margi Clarke: 'In here needs to be a bit wetter. It's like a diamond ring in a carrier bag!' Back in 2023, viewers were shocked by another Wallace innuendo as he sent contestant Diya Kotecha-Lodhia packing. The judges were left 'underwhelmed' by her starter and said that her main dish 'didn't quite work'. But it was Gregg's accidental innuendo that left fans at home in stitches, when reflecting on the starter he simply said: 'I found those balls really quite salty.' Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner spoke out on the jokes earlier this year, admitting that during her time on the show she would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as Wallace delivered punchlines to crew members. Whilst the innuendos are now coming up for debate, Wallace and Torode's outlandish brand have helped the BBC show set itself apart in October, Gregg denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show, saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman Torode meanwhile made his own quip in 2012 when he asked a female contestant if she considered herself to be 'a conservative cook or an experimental cook.' Resurfaced clips have shown outlandish outbursts from both Wallace (right) and co-judge Tororde littered across MasterChef's history Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 when she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy - and has now opened up about her time on the show. She told Cheltenham Literature Festival last weekend how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was chopping away, reported The Sun. 'Gregg was telling I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew,' Lisa told the audience. 'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, 'I've got ten minutes left', and he's saying, 'So this girl walked into a bar' 'And I'm going, ''Please, I don't want to hear this joke''.' Her husband John who was on stage with her to promote their new book, told her: 'It's changed quite a lot really' But John was caught up in a joke furore of his own earlier this year when plating up a dish of toad in the hole during a cooking segment of This Morning, leaving host Cat Deeley grimacing. John joked: 'I never thought I'd say to Cat Deeley, 'Here's a little sausage for you darling'.' The BBC has said that it will take the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' Torode 's own wife Lisa Faulkner has spoken out on the jokes this week, admitting that during her time on the show she would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as Wallace delivered punchlines to crew Cat, 47, tapped him on the back and replied: 'Oh I like it, thank you,' before she turned to make a face at the camera. Viewers took to social media to point out the unfortunate timing of John's comment in the light of the scandal affecting his co-presenter. 'Why is John Torode's co-star the bald one getting in trouble for sexual innuendos when he said today live on ITV with Cat Deeley,' the social media user wrote. 'Make sure he is sacked as well.. women shouldn't put up with these disgusting sexual comments any longer!' The BBC claims that Wallace walked away from MasterChef today after BBC News sent a letter to his agent on Tuesday, setting out allegations from 13 people and giving him a right of reply. They say he was warned after a complaint was raised in 2018, but new historical claims emerged over the summer of 2024. Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. But he will be on BBC One as usual tonight because MasterChef: The Professionals, which is already recorded, will transmit as planned and into December. MasterChef's Christmas specials will also be broadcast. Mr Wallace is yet to comment today - but at the time of the announcement this afternoon he did take to Instagram to share his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. But in October Gregg vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and saying: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. Cat was then seen grimacing towards the camera after Torode made a comment when plating up a dish of toad in the hole during a cooking segment of This Morning BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations, but last month it was claimed the grocer turned TV star had boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her. It was previously reported by the Times back in May last year that he had allegedly offended female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation. Wallace then denied that he left the BBC show Inside The Factory in March that year due to inappropriate comments made towards female staff. Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims 'inaccurate'. The newspaper had quoted a source as saying: 'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.' The comments were reportedly non-sexual but deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show. When asked on GMB by Richard Madeley about his departure from the programme, Wallace responded by saying: 'There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn't accurate. Actress Lisa Faulkner (centre) has said Gregg Wallace (left) repeatedly made rude jokes to MasterChef crew members - she is married to his co-host John Torode (right) 'There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.' 'Offending people? No, no - if you look at the headlines, you can't see a story that matches those headlines.' Gregg also revealed that he also wanted to leave to help care for his son Sid, born in 2019, who is autistic. Explaining his home situation, he said: 'I've got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies, he's got learning difficulties. Mum needed help there.' He revealed that the demanding nature of the filming around the different factories across the country meant that it made sense to give it up. Wallace added: 'It's completely inaccurate, I didn't challenge it. There was an issue, I don't want to discuss the issue but it wasn't what the papers said it was. 'There was nothing offensive to anybody that's just people guessing. It was a decent time to come out, I think.' Wallace wed Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years younger than him, at Hever Castle in Kent in August 2016, having met three years earlier. Gregg Wallace has said in another Instagram video message that he has always been true to his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini - the couple are pictured here at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019 In a statement to the PA news agency, Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. 'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. 'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.' The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.' The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. 'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. 'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.' British businesses and farmers should be using more robots rather than relying on cheap foreign labour, Tory frontbencher Chris Philp said today. The shadow home secretary lashed out after new net migration figures showed an astonishing under-estimate of the crisis facing the country under the previous government. The record has been smashed again with 906,000 now thought to have been added to the population in the year to June 23. Official data covering the 12 months to June this year show long-term immigration was 728,000 higher than those leaving the country. In itself that was almost as much as the previous record. This morning Mr Philp, who was a senior minister at the Home Office at the time, called for more investment in technology and automation. 'In some other countries they use a lot more automation, a lot more technology rather than simply importing a lot of low wage migrant labour,' he told BBC Breakfast. The shadow home secretary lashed out after new net migration figures showed an astonishing under-estimate of the crisis facing the country under the previous government. 'In some other countries they use a lot more automation, a lot more technology rather than simply importing a lot of low wage migrant labour,' he told BBC Breakfast. 'So, to give an example, in Australia and New Zealand they are rolling out robotic and automated fruit and vegetable picking equipment, in South Korea they use nine times the number of robots in manufacturing processes compared to us, in America they use a lot more modular construction which is much faster and much more efficient.' 'So, to give an example, in Australia and New Zealand they are rolling out robotic and automated fruit and vegetable picking equipment, in South Korea they use nine times the number of robots in manufacturing processes compared to us, in America they use a lot more modular construction which is much faster and much more efficient. 'There's a lot of things British industry can do to grow without needing to import large numbers of low wage migrants.' Official data covering the 12 months to June this year show long-term immigration was 728,000 higher than those leaving the country. In itself that was almost as much as the previous record. But the bar has been dramatically shifted upwards by the Office for National Statistics, with net migration for the year to June 2023 now thought to have been 166,000 above the initial estimate of 740,000. The ONS attributed the radical shift to more complete data and improvements in how it estimates the behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the EU. The scale of the inflows - with the peak roughly equivalent to adding two cities the same size as Leicester in a year - immediately sparked a fresh political row. Numbers from outside the EU have exploded since 2021, after the Brexit deal took effect. The five biggest sources of immigration have been India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China and Zimbabwe. In the year to June 2023, 268,000 arrivals came from India alone. Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants. But Labour claimed it is 'clearing up the mess' left by the former government. Mr Philp declined to put a figure on Conservative proposals for a cap on immigration today, but said net migration figures of 350,000 would be 'much too high'. Speaking before the figures were released, he said: 'The OBR forecast in the Budget a couple of weeks ago was about 300,000 or I think 350,000, somewhere around there, and I think that is too high, significantly too high as well. 'So you're beginning to get a flavour of where we're coming from, 350,000 is much too high as well, but what I'm not going to do is sort of continue to go down until you hit the number because we do need to do the work properly to understand exactly how many high skilled, high wage people we need, how many people are coming here to do proper degree courses, not using degree courses as a sort of parallel migration system which has been happening to an extent so far. 'So we do need to do that work in detail, I'm not going to shoot from the hip, but I have given you a sense of two of those numbers that are definitely too high and we'll be coming in significantly below those.' Natalie Wood screamed for her life while hurling accusations at her A-list actor husband, one of the last people to see the 'West Side Story' star alive has claimed. That fresh account of one of Hollywood's most shocking and scandalous deaths - along with one from a dying 80-year-old woman - was given to author Marti Rulli, who shared them with RadarOnline.com. Wood and Wagner were a nearly unparalleled Hollywood power couple when the 'Splendor in the Grass' actress shockingly drowned to death on Thanksgiving weekend 1981. Now, the stunning revelations from two new witnesses have potentially painted Wood's 'Hart to Hart' TV star husband Robert Wagner as her alleged killer, after the case was reopened years ago. Rulli told Radar she believes the new accounts could warrant a fresh grand jury investigation of Wood's death in the dark waters near their yacht 'Splendour' off California's Catalina Island at about 11 p.m. on Nov. 28, 1981. She described one of the witnesses as a California man who was just 17 at the time of Wood's drowning death, which, after 43 years, remains mired in mystery. The teen, Rulli said, had been a worker on a fishing boat moored near the yacht owned by her husband, Wagner, where the 'Rebel Without a Cause' star was last seen alive. Contacting Rulli last year, he recalled hearing Wood's screams - as well as an argument. Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner are pictured in 1970. The actress drowned in 1981, and some of the last people to see her alive are now airing bombshell claims some say could result in fresh charges being filed in the long cold case 'It still bothers him and he wanted to tell me what he knew,' Rulli told radar of the then-young witness. 'He heard an argument, and he told me he heard Natalie's screams that made him feel uncomfortable. But he didn't report it to police because he thought it was an open-and-shut drowning case.' Both accounts, Rulli said, coincided with ones given to police by the boat's captain, Dennis Davern - one of only four aboard the 'Splendour' that night. He was joined by Wood, Wagner, and a then 38-year-old Christopher Walken - each part an alleged love triangle said to have sent Wagner into a rage. The man's claim supports testimony by Davern, who told police the Thanksgiving weekend cruise turned violent when Wagner accused Wood, 43, of having an affair with her 'Brainstorm' co-star Walken. Davern has claimed an irate Wagner, then 51, allegedly smashed a bottle of wine on a table and began brawling with Wood just before she vanished. At one point Davern claims he heard Wagner scream: 'Get off my f***ing boat!' Wagner, now 94, has repeatedly denied and denounced the claims. Wagner, now 94, was named as a person of interest amid a renewed probe into the case in 2018, but was cleared in 2022. Both of the new witness accounts appear to paint him as Wood's killer Wood's drowning death occurred on November 29, 1981, after she vanished from Wagner's boat the 'Splendour,' seen here the day after the incident 'The case will remain open as long as Robert Wagner is alive because he is the suspect,' claimed Rulli, who is currently compiling evidence against the aging Hart to Hart star after the 1981 case was reopened in 2011. The next year, Wood's cause of death was changed from 'accidental drowning' to 'drowning and other undetermined factors' - decades after cops had cut Wagner loose as a suspect. 'I still hold hope the Los Angeles DA will see fit to let the strong previous evidence, and the new evidence I have gathered, bring justice for Natalie's murder,' Rulli explained, keeping the names and details of the witnesses under wraps. 'It still bothers him and he wanted to tell me what he knew,' she said of the then-17-year-old. 'He heard an argument, and he told me he heard Natalie's screams that made him feel uncomfortable. But he didn't report it to police.' Rulli added how she also was contacted by an elderly woman who said she worked with Wood as an up-and-coming actress in the 1960s, but today is close to death. Her account also indicated alleged abuse from Wagner, who she claimed put his hands on Wood in their dress room "She said she saw Wagner come into their dressing room [before the incident],' Rulli said of the woman's claims, calling them 'additional evidence of [the] abuse.' The case was reopened in 2011. The next year, Wood's cause of death was changed from 'accidental drowning' to 'drowning and other undetermined factors' - decades after cops cut Wagner loose as a suspect. The pair are seen together on their wedding day in 1957 The two were joined by Christopher Walken on the boat that night. One of the witnesses, a fishing boat worker who had been on a boat moored near the 'Splendour' - recalled hearing Wood's screams as well as an argument with Wagner Rulli went on to ask the publication that it keep the names of both witnesses concealed for now, as she hopes the new accounts will soon spur a grand jury investigation that will see Wagner - who was recently cleared again after being declared a person of interest in 2018 - indicted. Davern, meanwhile, has repeatedly claimed the Thanksgiving weekend cruise with the three stars took a turn when Wagner accused his then 43-year-old bride of engaging in an affair with Walken. Watching them fight it out on the boat, Davern saw Wagner smash a bottle of wine on a table before the spat got physical. At one point, Davern - who maintains Wagner is Wood's alleged killer - says he heard Wagner scream: 'Get off my f**king boat!' She would go on to vanish later that night, after which Davern has claimed Wagner stopped him from turning on the searchlights or phoning for help for a four full hours. Wood's body was found the next morning, washed up on the shore of Catalina. Her death was subsequently ruled to be an accidental drowning. RadarOnline further reported how another witness phoned LA cops sometime after Wood's death, claiming he lived next door to the high-profile couple in the 50s. The claims coincided with ones given by the boat's captain, Dennis Davern - the final person on the boat. He said it was a love triangle said to have sent Wagner off the rails Now reopened, the cold case could now give way to a grand jury investigation with the man and another unnamed witnesses new allegations against Wagner The couple spent almost all their weekends on the Splendor often with friends Wagner, seen here an on-camera interview for the HBO documentary Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind four years ago. has maintained Wood went off in a dinghy on her own accord and never returned. He did not respond when he was named a person of interest in 2018 'He remembers Natalie banging on the door in the middle of the night', Rulli told the publication, as she plans to also compile the new claims in an upcoming book. 'She was asking for a place to stay for the night because [Wagner] was going to kill her.' Wagner, who was cleared by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department in its renewed probe back in 2022, has maintained Wood went off in a dinghy on her own accord and never returned. Lana Wood, Natalie's sister, has claimed in the past that Wagner does not want to be interviewed because she says he cannot rely on his memory any longer. He also did not respond when he was named a person of interest by the LAPD in 2018. Wagner's 95th birthday is in February. NBC means Nuclear, Biological, Chemical November 28, 2024: While the Russian army falls apart in Ukraine, the air force and navy worry that their ability to maintain their aircraft and ships is at risk, as well as the viability of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. Some air force aircraft can carry missiles armed with nuclear weapons. The navy has seven Borei class SSBNs. These nuclear powered submarines are armed with sixteen missiles carrying nuclear warheads. Russias mysterious special purpose 14,000 ton nuclear submarine Belgorod has showed up again in 2033 . Commercial satellite photos showed the Belgorod on the surface off the northeastern Russian coast, where several ports used by the Northern Fleet are located. Russia reported that Belgorod was testing mockups of its primary weapon, the Poseidon torpedo, to make sure they could be carried and launched from Belgorod. These tests also confirmed that the nuclear propulsion system worked as expected. Belgorod is a larger and heavier Oscar class sub but it still uses the same power plant as the other Oscars. Poseidon torpedoes are too large to be carried inside Belgorod for launch from a torpedo tube and are instead affixed to the underside of the sub and released by the submarine captain. The dummy Poseidon is the same size and weight of the real one. The size and weight of the Poseidon attached to the bottom of the Belgorod changes the performance characteristics of the Belgorod and tests were done to note and fix any problems. The actual Poseidon torpedoes, which are described as a doomsday weapon, are being built and not expected to be ready until 2025 or later. Belgorod was launched in 2019 and entered service in mid-2022. After that, nothing that could be detected happened. Between 2019 and 2022 Belgorod had special equipment installed and tested before this modified Oscar class SSGN/nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine was ready for service. Belgorod wont work for the navy like other subs, but for the GUGI/Main Department of Deep-Water Researches which works for the intelligence services and is attached to the Navy for ship and crew support. Belgorod has come a long way since construction began in 1982. At one point the sub was canceled while still under construction. In 2006 Russia announced it would not finish construction of the Belgorod, the last of nine Type 949A SSGNs. Known in the West as the Oscar II class, these boats began entering service just as the Cold War ended. Three were in commission when the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991. Construction continued on six more, and by 1997, eight were in service. But, at that point the navy had run out of the money, with the Belgorod not quite complete. Another $100 million was needed to complete Belgorod and the government, although not the navy, felt it wasn't worth it. Seven Oscar IIs remain in service, as the Kursk was lost in 2000, to a well-publicized accident. Work then resumed on Belgorod. That did not last long because the money was not there and not likely to be in the immediate future. Then in 2012 it was announced that the Belgorod, which had not been scrapped but put in storage, was once more scheduled for completion. This time there would be some major revisions that turned Belgorod into something more than an SSGN. The original Oscars were designed as carrier destroyers with long-range cruise missiles that could, in theory, take out an American aircraft carrier. The Oscar II class boats have a surface displacement of 14,000 tons. They have eight torpedo tubes, and 24 SS-N-19/P-700 Shipwreck missiles. These anti-ship missiles have a range of 550 kilometers, a speed of 1600 kilometers an hour, and a 750 kg high-explosive warhead. A nuclear warhead of 350 or 500 kilotons as an option. The Oscar's crew of 107 contains 48 officers. That's because of the high degree of automation, and the need to offer officers pay and accommodations to attract the technical talent required to keep these boats going. The new Belgorod was 11 meters long, at 184 meters and several tons heavier than the other Oscars. It no longer carried the 24 cruise missiles but instead was equipped to handle a number of new systems. These included four to eight Poseidon AUVs/autonomous underwater vehicles that are armed with very powerful Cobalt nuclear warheads designed to release both more radiation than normal, and longer-lasting radiation. Poseidons are also nuclear-powered and purportedly programmed to travel autonomously to enemy coastal cities, detonate underwater and somehow create large waves that cause enormous damage and spread radioactivity along the nearby coasts. The Poseidon can travel thousands of kilometers underwater on its own, at very high speed for a torpedo because it has its own nuclear reactor before detonating the two-megaton warhead while on the seabed of the continental shelf. Such doomsday weapons would allegedly be used only if Russia lost a nuclear war in order to punish its opponents even more. In that sense Poseidon is a psychological terror weapon, something the Russians have long been fond of. Its an expensive obsession because creating the Belgorod and Poseidon torpedoes and their Cobalt radiation warheads cost billions of dollars for a weapon that may never be used and if it does get used, may not work as expected. After all, how do you test the Cobalt super bomb to confirm that it works? With that in mind, Belgorod also can transport a new, since 2003, smaller 65 meters long and nuclear-powered Losharik mini sub underneath it. This mini sub can perform various operations using remotely controlled arms. It carries a crew of 25 to great depths of up to 6,000 meters)and has a top speed of 72 kilometers an hour. Losharik is believed to be for checking Russian underwater data cables for bugs or damage in general and tampering with underwater cables and other equipment belonging to the United States and other Western states. American nuclear submarines often did such things to Russian underwater cables during the Cold War. Because Losharik can dive deeper than any other sub and is quite large for a deep-diving sub, it can find and retrieve useful items that end up in very deep waters like electronics from Western aircraft or ships. Losharik can also survey very deep sea-bottoms for suitable sites for placing various electronic devices. Belgorod can also transport a Shelf nuclear power plant that can be placed on the ocean floor to power the Harmony system of underwater sensors or any other new tech that needs to be powered for a long time. Power supplies similar to Shelf have been used in space satellites that require a lot of power. Belgorod is also equipped to carry combat divers similar to U.S. SEALS and Harpsichord AUVs that are the size of standard torpedoes but contain side-scan sonar and other sensors that can operate while up to 2,000 meters underwater. Belgorod is also designed to tow objects behind it. These can be a towed array sonar or other items. Russia already has some specialized subs equipped for special operations. These are conversions of existing subs while Belgorod was custom designed and built for the special operations tasks. In late 2016 Russia finally sent its second special operations SSN, the Podmoskovie, to sea for trials. This sub is actually a Delta IV class SSBN/nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine that began its career in 1986 as K64 Podmoskovie. Since 1999, K64 has been undergoing conversion to BS64, which appears to be something similar to customized U.S. SSNs that have been in service since the 1970s. The current American example of this is the USS Carter, a Seawolf-class SSN converted while under construction to be 30 percent longer and 20 percent heavier than the other two Seawolfs. The additional space was to hold mini subs for the fifty SEALs it can carry, or to tap into underwater communications cables and perform other intelligence gathering tasks. The Carter entered service in 2005 and replaced Parche, an older Sturgeon class SSN that entered service in 1991 and was retired in 2004. The Parche replaced earlier SSNs that had performed these intel missions throughout the Cold War. The 13,500-ton Podmoskovie had its 16 ballistic missile silos replaced with facilities for launching remotely controlled mini-subs for intelligence missions. The renovations resulted in the sub becoming about five percent longer. This meant that the converted Podmoskovie was somewhat lighter at about 12,000 tons. The first Russian SSBN to undergo a similar conversion was the K129 Orenberg, a Delta III class SSBN whose conversion to BS136 began in 1994 and entered service in 2008. The Delta III is about the same size and displacement as the Delta IV but the Podmoskovie conversion seems to be more extensive than the Orenberg. Both the Orenberg and Podmoskovie carry the Losharik minisub beneath it. The United States has also converted four SSBNs, but not for intelligence work. In early 2011 the USS Florida, an American Ohio class SSGN, fired its Tomahawk TLAM-E cruise missiles in combat for the first time off Libya. Most of the hundred or so Tomahawks launched that day were fired by the Ohio. This was not the first-time nuclear subs have fired cruise missiles in wartime as U.S. SSNs have fired Tomahawks several times. But the Ohio class SSGNs carry 154 cruise missiles, more than ten times the number carried by some SSNs. The four Ohio class SSGNs are SSBNs converted to cruise missile submarines (SSGN) and these first entered service in 2006. Each of these Ohio class boats now carries cruise missiles as well as many as 66 SEAL commandos and their equipment. The idea of converting ballistic missile subs, that would have to be scrapped to fulfill disarmament agreements, has been bouncing around since the 1990s. After September 11, 2001, the idea got some traction. The navy submariners love this one because they lost a lot of their reason for being with the end of the Cold War. The United States had built a powerful nuclear submarine force during the Cold War, but with the rapid disappearance of the Soviet navy in the 1990s, there was little reason to keep over a hundred nuclear subs in commission. These boats are expensive, costing over a billion each to build and over a million dollars a week to operate. The four Ohio class SSBN being converted each have at least twenty years of life left in them. The idea of a sub, armed with 154 highly accurate cruise missiles, and capable of rapidly traveling underwater (ignoring weather, or observation) at a speed of over 1,200 kilometers a day to a far off hotspot, had great appeal in the post-Cold War world. The ability to carry a large force of commandos as well was also attractive. In one sub you have your choice of hammer or scalpel. More capable cruise missiles are in the works as well. Whether or not this multi-billion dollar investment will pay off remains to be seen, but it certainly worked off Libya. More recently an SSGN launched cruise missiles at targets in Yemen. The SSGNs are carrying a new version of Tomahawk, the RGM-109E Block IV Surface Ship Vertical Launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. Each of these weighs 1.2 tons, has a range of 1,600 kilometers and travels at 600-900 kilometers an hour. Flying at an altitude of 17-32 meters, they will hit within 10 meters of their aim point. The Block IV Tomahawk can be reprogrammed in flight to hit another target and carry a vidcam to allow a missile to check on prospective targets. The Russian special operations boats are certainly special with their nuclear-powered mini subs and AUV nuclear-armed mini-subs as well as the sensor equipped smaller mini-subs. Charities today vented their fury as figures showed more than half of pension credit claims are being rejected amid a surge in applications after Labour slashed winter fuel payments. Government data showed there were around 150,000 pension credit applications in the 16 weeks since Rachel Reeves announced she was means-testing the help with energy bills. This compared to around 61,300 applications in the 16 weeks before the Chancellor revealed around 10 million pensioners were being stripped of the payments - worth up to 300. On 29 July, Ms Reeves announced - from this winter - retirees in England and Wales will only get winter fuel payments if they receive pension credit or certain other benefits. The Chancellor insisted the move was necessary to help fill a 22billion 'black hole' she claimed the previous Tory government left in this year's spending plans. But Whitehall estimates have suggested that 100,000 extra pensioners will be pushed into poverty as a result, while critics claimed the 'cruel' move will force some pensioners to go cold this winter. Ministers vowed to boost the take-up of pension credit with an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim. But although the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, published today, showed a significant increase in applications, they also showed less than half were being approved. The figures also showed, since the beginning of April to 17 November, there were 53,400 people still waiting for a decision on whether they are eligible for pension credit. Government data showed there were around 150,000 pension credit applications in the 16 weeks since Rachel Reeves announced she was means-testing winter fuel payments Critics have claimed the 'cruel' move will force some pensioners to go cold this winter as temperatures plunge In a comparison between the 16-week periods before and after the Chancellor's announcement, the number of pension credit claims awarded rose from 36,400 to 42,500. But the number of pension credit claims not awarded rose from 27,100 to 53,100 in the same 16-week periods. The 42,500 claims approved in the 16 weeks since Ms Reeves' announcement is less than 5 per cent of the estimated 880,000 households the Government previously said were eligible for pension credit but had yet to claim. Charities accused the Government of 'struggling to keep up' with the number of pension credit claims, which were leading to 'long delays' for retirees as temperatures plunge. Caroline Abrahams, of AgeUK, said: 'It's a massive disappointment to see so many older people applying for pension credit and being turned down because they are ineligible. 'In fact, more than half of the claims processed during the period covered by these statistics were unsuccessful, an astonishingly high figure. 'Because the process of applying for pension credit requires you to fill in a relatively comprehensive form you wouldn't bother unless you really need the money. 'So these statistics also reflect the acute concern felt by many older people at the loss of their winter fuel payment something Age UK research fully bears out. 'Another conclusion to be drawn from these statistics is, try as they might, DWP has been struggling to keep up with the volume of incoming claims, leading to some long delays. 'The system was not designed to deal with so many applications all at once a situation which is a direct result of the Government's disastrous decision to severely ration the winter fuel payment with little notice. 'There's still time for the Treasury to soften the blow on pensioners living on low and modest incomes before the worst consequences of its policy change play out this winter, but only just.' Unite General secretary Sharon Graham said the decision to 'pick the pockets of pensioners was wrong on every level' Whitehall estimates have suggested that 100,000 extra pensioners will be pushed into poverty as a result Tory MP Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said: 'The Government has said publicly that it wants everyone eligible for pension credit to sign up. But Labour knew all along that wouldn't happen. 'The figures out today show us that three-quarters of a million of the poorest pensioners are likely to miss out on winter fuel payments this winter. 'This is the stark reality of Labour's political choice to cut the winter fuel payment. Pensioners are asking - is this Government choosing to be this cruel or are they just incompetent?' Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper, the party's Treasury spokesperson, said: 'These figures are a damning indictment of the Government's failure to protect pensioners this winter. 'Millions of vulnerable pensioners are still set to lose their winter fuel payment just as the cold weather bites. 'Ministers rushed through these unfair changes and now vulnerable pensioners are set to pay the price. 'We are now reaching the point of no return for the Government to recognise their mistake, scrap this unfair cut and avoid older people being forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.' The Government has also been left facing a court battle with a major trade union over claims the winter fuel payment axe was illegal. Unite, which donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to Labour candidates at the election, has declared it will go ahead with a judicial review of the controversial policy. General secretary Sharon Graham said the decision to 'pick the pockets of pensioners was wrong on every level'. The union has accused the Government of breaching its legal duties by not referring the cut to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) and by failing to consider the impact on disabled people, among other grounds. Ministers are not required to refer regulations on benefits to the SSAC if they are a matter of 'urgency', something the Government relied on when implementing the winter fuel cut. The Government also conducted an 'equalities analysis', which was released under the Freedom of Information Act, but has been criticised for not carrying out a full impact assessment of the policy. Unite says it is acting on behalf retired members who are struggling to get by. The union made a formal application to the High Court for leave to go forward with a full Judicial Review last week. But Ms Graham said: 'Labour's decision to pick the pocket of pensioners was wrong on every level. The government has been given every opportunity to reverse its decision and it has failed to do so. 'This is a rushed, ill-thought out policy and the government clearly failed to follow the proper legal measures before executing it. With winter approaching the courts must now hold the government to account and reverse this cruel cut as quickly as possible.' Unite previously donated millions of pounds to Labour, but has scaled back its funding more recently as it criticised Sir Keir's leadership. Downing Street defended efforts to increase the number of pension credit claimants. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'We clearly want to see every pensioner who's entitled to pension credit claim it. 'We're working hard to ensure as many pensioners as possible take up the support they're entitled to. 'DWP have surged hundreds of additional staff to process claims. They've written to 120,000 pensioner households which are in receipt of housing benefit but are not claiming the pension credit they are likely to be entitled to. 'Today's figures show that the average weekly number of applicants has doubled, we are seeing an average of 5,000 more pension credit applications per week.' An Oregon mom who shot her three children killing one of them and seriously injuring the others is now demanding to be released from prison. Elizabeth Diane Downs, 69, has spent the last 40 years behind bars over the brutal 1983 shootings she carried out to impress a man she lusted after who didn't like children. The killer has long maintained her innocence, despite her own daughter identifying her as the culprit at the time. Having exhausted all her appeal options, Downs is now arguing that she should be released on a technicality linked to non-unanimous verdicts in the case, The Register-Guard reports. The mom was unanimously convicted of the murder of her daughter Cheryl, seven, who died after being shot at point blank range alongside her siblings. Prosecutors said she carried out the unthinkable act after becoming obsessed with an unnamed man who did not want children. However, verdicts linked to assault and attempted murder against her other children Christie, then aged eight, and Danny, three, were split court records show. Elizabeth Diane Downs, 69, who shot her three children killing one of them and seriously injuring the others is demanding to be released from prison Downs has been serving life in jail for the murder of Cheryl, seven, and attempted murder of Christie, then aged eight, and Danny, then aged three Downs is seeking freedom through post-conviction relief based on rulings on split-jury decisions by the US and Oregon Supreme Courts. Downs has been incarcerated at a California for much of the past four decades following her grisly crimes. She has never accepted responsibility for her actions and claimed her children were shot by a 'bushy haired stranger' who approached their vehicle and opened fire. A pregnant Downs arrived at the emergency room with Cheryl already dead and Chrissy and Danny, who was paralyzed, suffering from gunshot wounds. She had also been shot in the arm. She recounted the story of the unknown assailant, but investigators were immediately suspicious of the outlandish tale. The discovery of a diary detailing her obsession with a married man only further confirmed their doubts. At her trial, nine-year-old Christie testified to say that it was her mom who shot her. Ultimately, a jury also saw through Downs' lies and she was handed a whole life sentence plus 50 years in 1984, while nine months pregnant. She gave birth behind bars to a girl named Becky who was adopted. Christie and Danny went on to be adopted by the lead prosecutor in their mother's case. Downs is now arguing that she should be released on a technicality linked to non-unanimous verdicts in the case She was unanimously convicted of Cheryl's murder, but the jury was split on assault and attempted murder charges Downs was sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years after being convicted of the crimes despite claiming she and her children were attacked by an unknown man at the side of a rural Oregon road Downs has never stopped protesting her innocence and even attempted a prison break. In July, 1988 she managed to scale an 18-foot razor wire fence and escape from her Oregon cell. Her disappearance sparked a two-week manhunt before she was recaptured and sent to prison in New Jersey. Shortly after the jail break, Downs appeared on Oprah via satellite phone where she continued to insist on her original story, that an unknown man had attacked her while on her way home from a friend's house. 'A stranger was in the road. I stopped because he was flagging me, and I thought he was in trouble or thought that he was hurt,' Downs told Oprah. 'When I stopped, he approached the car, and by the time I got out of the car, he was standing beside the car, and he assaulted us. 'He asked for my car, and I made a smart remark and perhaps I shouldn't have.' Her improbable story went on to be written about by true-crime writer Ann Rule, who published 'Small Sacrifices' about the case. Downs has long maintained her innocence and once attempted to break out of jail, which she discussed in an interview with Oprah not long after she was recaptured She was in love with a married man and believed she could win him over if she got rid of her children, prosecutors said Downs' story was adapted into a TV movie starring Farrah Fawcett, pictured The book was adapted into a TV film starring Farah Fawcett in 1989. Downs' daughter Becky Babcock has previously spoken about her horror at finding out about her roots. 'It was gut-wrenching. It changed me. My innocence was gone,' she said. Babcock said she started taking drugs, dating a lot of people and eventually dropped out of school when she was 16. She said her relationship with her adopted parents also started to deteriorate. 'It was very scary to have any relation to that woman... That's what really scared me... To feel any sort of connection to such a monster. A part of me was afraid that that's where I came from, does that mean where I'm going?' she said. 'For so long I ran from the fact that I was her daughter. The reality set in that that's who gave birth to me.' A fitness influencer has been banned from gyms after she filmed and posted a video where she rubs her private parts against the seat of an exercise bike and other equipment. Indianara Jung, who has 234,000 followers on Instagram and another 168,000 on TikTok, has been banned from gyms in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil over her controversial clips. Indianara has recorded dozens of videos at various gyms in recent months. While some of her posts are of her showing off her workout routine and muscular body, in others she appears to be grinding against the equipment with her privates. In one video, posted on TikTok on 19th November, she appears to be rubbing her crotch on the bike seat as she climbs on top while giggling. Indianara, who also creates content for OnlyFans, performs similar acts in other TikTok videos, where she also provocatively glances at the camera. The clips appear to be filmed while other people were using the gym as well. Some of Indianara's followers seeme enjoy the raunchy content, with followers commenting love hearts on her video and telling her telling her to 'post more'. Brazilian fitness influencer Indianara Jung was reportedly banned from gyms after filming herself rubbing her genitals on exercise equipment Several of the videos have been met with outrage from viewers Influencer Indianara Jung poses in undated photo Others, however, weren't so pleased, with the influencer's performances, with one TikTok user writing: 'Lol can we un-see this?', while another said: 'I was happy until a minute ago'. Gym bosses were also outraged and decided to ban her as a result. The Wave gym chain, which has six locations in the state of Santa Catarina, where Indianara lives, confirmed that the influencers membership was cancelled. The Physical gym in Sarapiranga, in the state of Rio Grade do Sul, did the same, local media reported on 27th November. Indianara also used well-known gyms, such as the international chain Planet Fitness, which has more than 2,500 units in several countries, including the USA, Canada and Australia, although they have not officially commented on the case. Gym bosses were outraged by her performance and decided to ban her as a result So far, the influencer has not commented on the matter So far, the influencer has not commented on the matter. Wave reported that it is investigating which of their gyms the videos were recorded at. The social media star went viral last year after a video of her was shared online that showed her in an outfit that risked a serious wardrobe malfunction. The adult content was filmed in a floor-length black dress that exposed one entire side of her body. One wrong move would mean that the adult content star risked exposing her genitals to those around her. The ex-chief of MI6 today declared that Britain must 'face up to the fact' that Russia believes it is fighting an 'actual' war with the West, rather than just Ukraine. Sir Richard Dearlove, who led Britain's secret intelligence service from 1999 to 2004, told Sky News: 'I don't think there's any point in beating about the bush,' adding that the US and Europe are in a 'very dangerous situation'. '(Polish Prime Minister) Donald Tusk has referred to it as a pre-war situation. I think he's wrong. I think it's an actual war,' he said. He went on to justify his statement by referring to examples of Russian hybrid warfare on countries across Europe involving sabotage plots, cyber-attacks and 'very aggressive moves'. 'You've had the heads of the intelligence agencies - of the CIA, of my former service - actually standing up publicly and talking about the Russians going ''feral''. 'We have got a major, contained, war on the continent... Things could go badly wrong very quickly.' Sir Richard's alarming comments follow comments by Ukraine's former military chief who last week declared that World War Three is already underway given the support for Moscow's armed forces from North Korea, Iran and China. Valery Zaluzhny, who is now Ukraine's envoy to the United Kingdom, told the UP100 award ceremony in Kyiv: 'I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely believe that the Third World War has begun.' The General said that as of this year, 'Ukraine is no longer facing Russia. Soldiers from North Korea are standing in front of Ukraine.' He made the comments after reports emerged that around 10,000 soldiers had been sent by Pyongyang to fight alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region, as Moscow aims to replenish its forces and reclaim the territory taken from it three months ago. A man films a crater that appeared after a Russian missile strike at residential area, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Nov. 27, 2024, Russian servicemen ride a T-90M Proryv tank during a combat training for assault units in an undisclosed location Residents stand next to their house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Sir Richard Dearlove, who led Britain's secret intelligence service from 1999 - 2004, told Sky News : 'I don't think there's any point in beating about the bush,' adding that the US and Europe are in a 'very dangerous situation' Zaluzhny went on to highlight the support Putin's armies had received from Tehran, which has sent thousands of Shahed attack drones to Moscow and also assisted it with the technology to build the drones itself, according to reports. More than 8,000 Iran-developed drones have been launched since the war began more than two-and-a-half years ago, Kyiv said in September, with many targeting civilian homes as well as military targets. 'Let's be honest. Already in Ukraine, the Iranian 'Shahedis' are killing civilians absolutely openly, without any shame,' Zaluzhny said, adding that Chinese and North Korean weapons were also being used against his country. It comes after Moscow's ambassador to the UK declared that Britain is now 'directly involved' in the war after Kyiv's Storm Shadow attack on Russian territory. Asked if the UK is 'at war', the PM told BBC local radio: 'We're not at war, but Ukraine certainly is.' Sir Keir slammed Putin's 'irresponsible rhetoric'. 'Russia is the aggressor,' he said. 'This war could end today if Putin stopped being the aggressor.' Meanwhile, a top military official declared the British Army would be ready to fight Vladimir Putin's forces 'tonight' if Russia were to invade another European nation in addition to Ukraine. Lt. Gen Sir Rob Magowan, the deputy chief of the British defence staff, told the House of Commons defence committee last week: 'If the British Army was asked to fight tonight, it would fight tonight. 'I don't think anybody in this room should be under any illusion that if the Russians invaded Eastern Europe tonight, then we would meet them in that fight.' However, Magowan's declaration belies the state of the UK's military capabilities. In May, he acknowledged that Britain's soldiers would run out of ammunition and equipment in a war against Putin's Russia in less than two months. A still image taken from an undated video released by the Russian Defence Ministry Press-Service on 22 November 2024 shows a Russian T90M tank firing towards Ukrainian positions Valery Zaluzhny, who is now Ukraine's envoy to the United Kingdom, told a ceremony in Kyiv : 'I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely believe that the Third World War has begun.' A Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Security camera footage out of the central-eastern city of Dnipro showed several projectiles streaking in and detonating in a series of violent, fiery explosions after Russia launched a new hypersonic missile yesterday As Russia continues to draw on support from its allies in terms of weaponry and manpower, Kyiv continues to press its western backers for military aid. An attack on Kursk earlier this week is believed to be the first time Ukraine has used British Storm Shadows to strike into Russia, after the US set precedent with permission for use of ATACMS long-range missiles against Russian targets. While the outlook of the war remains bleak, Zaluzhny urged Ukraine's allies to redouble their support to decide its course. 'It is still possible to stop it here, on the territory of Ukraine,' he said. 'But for some reason our partners do not want to understand this. 'It is obvious that Ukraine already has too many enemies. Ukraine will survive with technology, but it is not clear whether it can win this battle alone,' he said. Zaluzhny was removed as the head of Ukraine's armed forces in February after weeks of rumours that President Volodymyr Zelensky was planning a major shakeup of top military brass. Known as the Iron General, Zaluzhny was credited with halting and pushing back Russia's surprise invasion on February 24, 2022. An aerial view shows the destroyed city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Region near the border with Russia, on October 2, 2024 in Vovchansk, Ukraine Zelensky said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was using Ukraine as a weapons-testing ground Rescue workers put out a fire of a building which was heavily damaged by a Russian strike on Dnipro, Ukraine His popularity was dampened by the failure of last year's counteroffensive, and he is said to have fallen out with Zelensky over differing opinions on how to boost numbers in the army, as it has struggled for months to fill its ranks. Zelensky also reportedly took umbrage with an interview given by Zaluzhny to The Economist in which he admitted the fight had ground to a stalemate like World War I. The Ukrainian President reportedly feared that such a statement could turn allies off the idea of sending more aid. He is also said to have seen Zaluzhny as a potential political rival due to his enduring popularity among the armed forces and others. The now-former commander-in-chief acknowledged Zelensky's decision in a brief statement, saying: 'The tasks of 2022 are different from those of 2024. Therefore, everyone must change and adapt to the new realities as well. In order to win together.' Zaluzhny was replaced by the commander of Ukraine's ground forces Oleksandr Syrsky, who is said to have a close relationship with Zelensky. The former army chief's warning comes after British and European leaders decried a 'clear and deeply concerning escalation' in conflict when Russian forces struck the city of Dnipro with an advanced hypersonic missile last week. Ukraine's air force initially reported Russia had deployed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with shocking footage showing how multiple warheads rained down over the plants of state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer Yuzmash. But Putin later on Thursday said Russia had launched an 'Oreshnik', one of its newest intermediate-range missiles. He said it travelled at 10 times the speed of sound, rendering Ukrainian air defences powerless to shoot it down. Russian sources said the range was 5,000km (3,100 miles), allowing Russia to strike most of Europe and the west coast of the United States. The bombardment came a day after Kyiv launched UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles at targets in Kursk. Fragments of the missiles that struck a military facility in the Russian town of Marino were recovered by military bloggers last Wednesday afternoon, with unverified pictures shared widely on social media. The Mail understands the attacks, which followed Ukraine firing US-supplied ATACMS missiles, were personally approved by Sir Keir Starmer. Russia officially acknowledged the strikes, saying its air defences shot down two of the projectiles along with six HIMARS rockets and 67 drones. Russian military bloggers said 18 Russian and North Korean servicemen were killed in that attack with dozens more injured, though Russia's defence ministry has not commented. One of those killed was said to be a top North Korean general. Western officials confirmed that a high-ranking military officer from North Korea had become a casualty of the war in Ukraine for the first time yesterday, after Kim Jong Un sent some 10,000 troops to reinforce Putin's advancing lines in the region. The officials did not name the officer or say how he was wounded. Col. Gen. Kim Yong Bok was recently deployed to Russia to coordinate troop movements with Putin's forces, the WSJ reported. Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer has described the UK's net immigration reaching a new record as a 'different order of failure' as he accused the previous Conservative government of 'running an open borders experiment' in Britain. The Prime Minister held a Downing Street press conference in which he responded to shock data showing an extra 906,000 people have been added to the population in a year. Sir Keir said the previous government presided over a 'complete loss of control' and vowed to bring down the numbers by stopping an 'overreliance' on foreign workers through building up the skills of British ones. Our live coverage has now ended but for a full recap see below This is the moment a father-of-five was found alive under the rubble after a landslide crushed two residences in the northeaster Brazilian city of Salvador on Wednesday. Dramatic footage showed Adriano dos Santos, 30, sticking the upper half of this body through the debris as residents in the Saramandaia neighborhood rushed to pull him out. Dos Santos had walked into his home to retrieve an umbrella when it collapsed around 9am local time. He was removed from the rubble around 4 pm local time and taken to State General Hospital, where he received treatment for a pelvic displacement, Brazilian news outlet Correio reported. The fire department attributed the collapse to heavy rain that fell since the weekend in Bahia, particularly in Saramandaia and the nearby neighborhood of Pernambues. The city recorded 12.7 inches of rain in the first 27 days of November, including 8.6 inches of rain last week. Its previous monthly average was just 4.3 inches. The landslide destroyed the home of dos Santos' neighbors and trapped a family-of-three. The first person rescued was six-year-old Marcelo Heitor around 12:30 pm. The boy suffered a fractured pelvis and was airlifted to Suburbio Hospital. Adriano dos Santos spent seven and a half hours trapped under the rubble after his home was crushed by a landslide that also destroyed his neighbors home in the northeast Brazilian city of Salvador on Wednesday First responders were able to rescue three people from two homes that were flattened Wednesday morning by a landslide in Salvador, a city in the northeast Brazilian state of Bahia. Authorities attributed the landslide to heavy rain in the city since last week His mother, Diane Andrade, 33, who runs a hairdressing business out of the residence, was rescued around 4:30 pm and taken by ambulance to Bahia State General Hospital, where she underwent leg surgery. First responders were unable to locate Andrade's elder son, Paulo Andrade, 18, who was about to walk out of the residence to go to work when the home collapsed over him. Fire department lieutenant colonel, Jadilson Merces, who is leading the search efforts told Correio that they have been focusing on the area where the living room is located on the property, which is where he was last seen by his family. 'We continued the same search that was being carried out yesterday, in the same rooms of the house,' Merces said. 'There was progress, because we were able to reach some rooms, but there are still rooms to be freed of all the rubble and mud that has accumulated there.' Orlean de Souza, 30, was removing water from his home when he saw the roof at the Andrade residence collapse. 'I saw the embankment go down, layer by layer. When it went down, it took all the houses below with it,' he said. 'There was a parking lot up there, but there were no cars there at the time there. For a moment, I thought I was going to make it all the way down here.' Rescue workers resume the search on Thursday for Paulo Andrade, who is trapped at a home that was destroyed by a landslide Wednesday morning in Salvador, Brazil Paramedics airlifted six-year-old Marcelo Heitor to an area hospital, where he received treatment for a fractured pelvis Putin has vowed to use all means of destruction available to Russia if the West supplies nuclear weapons to Kyiv in his strongest threat against nuking Ukraine yet. The Russian President asked on Thursday: 'If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do?' It comes after the New York Times reported last week that a number of unidentified Western officials had suggested outgoing US President Joe Biden could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office. 'In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia,' Putin continued during the press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan. 'Everything: we will not allow it. We'll be watching their every move. 'If officially someone were to transfer something, then that would mean a violation of all the non-proliferation commitments they have made,' Putin concluded. Putin also said it was practically impossible for Ukraine to produce a nuclear weapon, but that it might be able to make some kind of 'dirty bomb', a conventional bomb laced with radioactive material in order to spread contamination. In that case, Russia would respond appropriately, he said. The Russian President warned Thursday: 'We will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia' if the West supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons Russian T90M tank firing towards Ukrainian positions, at an undisclosed location in Russia Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire at an energy infrastructure facility following a missile attack in Lutsk on November 28 Rescuers work at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine, on November 26, 2024 Russia has repeatedly said, without providing evidence, that Ukraine might use such a device. It comes as Putin made a direct threat to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he warned Moscow could soon begin to strike 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv if Ukraine continues to hit targets in Russia with US and UK missiles. The Kremlin chief's stark warning follows hours after Russian forces pounded Ukraine with dozens of missiles and drones overnight in an attempt to degrade the energy network as a bitter winter approaches. Putin also announced that Russia's production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the NATO military alliance by 10 times, adding that Moscow plans to ramp up production yet further - adding fuel to the WW3 fire. Russian attacks have not yet struck government buildings in the Ukrainian capital which is heavily protected by air defences. But Putin claims Russia's new 'Oreshnik' hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last week in response to the first ATACMS and Storm Shadow strikes in Russia, is incapable of being intercepted. The debris from the medium-range ballistic missile that was fired at Dnipro on November 21 is now being studied by Ukrainian investigators as it historically became the first time such a powerful weapon has been used in the war. Ukraine said the weapon reached a top speed of more than 8,000mph as it headed towards Dnipro. The moment Russia used the Oreshnik for the first time to strike Dnipro, on November 21 Fragments of a rocket which struck Dnipro on November 21 are seen at a center for forensic analysis in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, November 24 US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is seen in action Zelensky called the use of the weapon, which is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, a severe escalation and urged his allies to respond. 'Of course, we will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory with long-range Western-made missiles, as has already been said, including by possibly continuing to test the Oreshnik in combat conditions, as was done on November 21,' Putin told the meeting of a security alliance of ex-Soviet countries in Kazakhstan. 'At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory. These could be military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centres in Kyiv,' he said. It follows the former Russian president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev declaring NATO and the US are now at 'full war' with Russia after the West crossed 'all red lines' allowing Ukraine to strike targets across the border with Western missiles. Medvedev, a close Putin ally who now serves as the Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, said that every Ukrainian strike on Russian territory with Western weapons would be met with a response. 'It's not going to go unnoticed... It will change the rules of engagement - it's proof that NATO and Washington and other participants in the alliance are not just participating in a hybrid war, but a war in every sense of the word against our country. 'Negotiations are a long way off, events like this could push those negotiations back even further,' he told Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya. 'Any strikes on Russia are unequivocally unacceptable. What happened was a crossing of all red lines.' Residents stand next to their house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 People with their pet take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 28, 2024 A resident looks at his house damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine November 28, 2024 Russia is meanwhile continuing its work on the 'unstoppable' Satan II intercontinental ballistic missile - part of its terrifying strategic nuclear arsenal - on combat duty, Moscow's state media revealed yesterday. The missile - also referred to as the RS-28 Sarmat, is designed to deliver nuclear warheads to strike targets thousands of miles away in the United States or Europe, but its development has been dogged by delays and testing setbacks. Ukraine today faced an attack by Russia in which the war-torn country downed 79 missiles and 35 drones, leaving over a million Ukrainians without electricity in freezing cold temperatures. 'This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics,' Volodymyr Zelensky said. The Ukrainian President also alleged that Russia fired cluster munitions in the attack, though that claim is yet to be verified. Cluster munitions can be dropped from planes or fired from artillery and missiles, exploding mid-air and scattering bomblets over a wide area. Experts say both Kyiv and Moscow have used them in the almost three-year war. 'In several regions, strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, and they targeted civilian infrastructure,' Zelensky said on social media. Cluster munitions have killed or wounded over 1,000 people in Ukraine since Russia launched its war in February 2022, the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) said in its annual report in September. A firm has been fined 1.6million after a 'happy-go-lucky' man was crushed to death in a 'wholly avoidable' industrial accident. Jack Phillips was killed when heavy temporary platform sections fell on him from a lorry-mounted crane. This happened after an out-of-date lifting sling being used to carry the load snapped, a court was told. A probe by the the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services UK Ltd failed to properly plan the lifting of the platform at South Cliff Tower in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Mr Phillips' parents said they were 'devastated' they would never get to see the only son get married, raise a family or grow old. They added: ''Our child, our only son, is dead. Our life, our family's life has now changed forever.' After admitting to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services UK Ltd were fined 1.6million at Brighton Magistrates Court. The court heard that in the summer of 2019, Jack had been assisting whilst temporary Mast Climber Work Platform sections were being lifted by a lorry-mounted crane with an out-of-date lifting sling. Mr Phillips' parents said they would were 'devastated' they would never get to see the only son get married, raise a family or grow old This happened after an out-of-date lifting sling being used to carry the load snapped, a court was told. The sling snapped, causing the heavy load to fall on top of Jack. A subsequent investigation by the HSE and Sussex Police found Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services UK Ltd - trading as Lyndon SGB - failed to properly plan the lifting operation. The company, who provide temporary access equipment, failed to identify safe exclusion zones and also failed to have a suitable robust system in place to ensure all accessories had been thoroughly examined or disposed of when expired, resulting in the worn slings being used. HSE principal inspector Ross Carter said the incident, and Mr Phillips' death, could 'easily' have been prevented if his employer had properly managed the risks of the operation. 'This tragic incident led to the wholly avoidable death of a young man,' he said. 'This death could so easily have been prevented if Jack's employer had fulfilled its statutory duty to plan and manage the risks associated with lifting equipment and lifting operations. 'Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services UK Ltd failed in its duty of care to all its operatives, including Jack, in the way it planned and implemented the lifting operations and the slack customs and practices it allowed to become part of the safety culture with regard to lifting.' In a statement, the heartbroken parents said their lives would never be complete following the tragic death. 'How do you put into words the utter devastation you feel?' they said. 'Our child, our only son, is dead. Our life, our family's life has now changed forever. 'We are no longer complete without Jack, we will never see our baby boy, the boy we nurtured and helped grow into a young man, get married, raise a family, or grow old. 'His sisters will never have the honour of him being an uncle to their children. We will never have the honour of seeing or meeting his children. 'Jack was a happy-go-lucky 'Jack the lad'. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him loved him.' Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services UK Ltd, of Leatherhead in Surrey, admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and were fined 1,600,000 and ordered to pay additional costs of 23,193.60. A subsequent investigation by the HSE and Sussex Police found Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services UK Ltd - trading as Lyndon SGB - failed to properly plan the lifting operation. Centin Baxter, Vice President, Europe at Lyndon SGB said: 'We deeply regret that this accident occurred, and our condolences and sympathies remain with Jack Phillips's family and friends. While this was a rare and tragic accident, one incident is too many. 'We are committed to constantly improving our safety procedures and practices, and ensuring they are rigorously followed at all our sites. We respect the HSE's final decision and have already taken steps to address its recommendations. 'Safety remains our core value and an integral part of all that we do it guides us every day throughout all levels of our organisation, and we remain committed to continuously improving.' Keir Starmer admitted he must bring down immigration today after shock figures showed the annual record has been smashed again. The PM insisted Britain can no longer be a 'soft touch' after huge revisions to official data showed net inflows were 906,000 in the year to June 2023. Arrivals in the 12 months to June this year were 728,000 higher than those leaving the country. In itself that was almost as much as the previous long-term immigration record. But the bar has been dramatically shifted upwards by the Office for National Statistics, with net migration for the year to June 2023 now thought to have been 166,000 above the initial estimate of 740,000. A similar revision has been made for net migration in the year to December 2023, which was initially believed to be 685,000 and is now put at 866,000, an increase of 181,000. At a hastily-arranged press conference in No10, Sir Keir accused the Tories of using Brexit to pursue an 'open borders experiment' saying they had failed 'time and again' to get the system under control. He said he had done a 'double take' on seeing the numbers, branding them 'far too high' and must reduce 'significantly'. 'We will get them down,' he said. 'It is off the scale what has happened in four short years. 'It is our job to turn it around and we will.' However, Sir Keir refused to set any target - saying that had been proved not to succeed with the Conservatives having repeatedly committed to 'tens of thousands'. The ONS attributed the radical shift to more complete data and improvements in how it estimates the behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the EU. However, the latest revisions will fuel criticism of the stats body - which is already under intense fire for faulty jobs market numbers. The scale of the inflows - with the peak roughly equivalent to adding two cities the same size as Leicester in a year - immediately sparked a fresh political row. Numbers from outside the EU have exploded since 2021, after the Brexit deal took effect. The five biggest sources of immigration have been India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China and Zimbabwe. In the year to June 2023, 268,000 arrivals came from India alone. Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants. But Labour claimed it is 'clearing up the mess' left by the former government. In other developments today: The cost of the UK's asylum system has risen to 5 billion, the highest level of spending on record and up by more than a third in a year, according to separate Home Office data; Some 25,244 migrants have arrived on Channel boats in the year to September, slightly ahead of the figures for 2023; Some 66 per cent of small boats arrivals who received an initial decision in the year ending September were granted asylum. That was down from 86 per cent in the previous 12 months; The number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels was 35,651 at the end of September - up from 29,585 at the end of June despite the Labour government pledging to stop using the facilities; Yvette Cooper has announced a 'landmark' deal with Iraq, which will see the UK provide up to 300,000 for law enforcement training in border security, with money to tackle organised crime and a new irregular migration and border security taskforce. At a hastily-arranged press conference in No10, Keir Starmer accused the Tories of using Brexit to pursue an 'open borders experiment' saying they had failed 'time and again' to get the system under control Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The scale of the inflow is poised to spark a fresh political row, after Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants Of the 1.2million people who came to live in the UK in the 12 months to June this year, around 86 per cent - a million - from outside the EU. Indian was the most common nationality in that group for for both work-related - 116,000 - and study-related - 127,000 - reasons. Some 845,000 were of working age and 179,000 were children. The ONS revised long-term immigration up by 82,000 in the year to June 2023, while emigration was shifted down by 84,000 - giving an overall net increase to the headline figure of 166,000. In that period 1.3million arrived and 414,000 left. The net migration total for 2023 as a whole was increased by 181,000. The ONS said it now thought 43,000 more Ukrainians had come to the UK in the year to June 2023, and 30,000 more in the year to December. The body is also estimating that fewer EU nationals departed the country, and more students from outside the EU stay after finishing courses. The ONS said that while remaining high by 'historic standards', net migration is now 'beginning to fall'. Director Mary Gregory said: 'Since 2021, long-term international migration to the UK has been at unprecedented levels. This has been driven by a variety of factors, including the war in Ukraine and the effects of the post-Brexit immigration system. Pent-up demand for study-related immigration because of travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic also had an impact. 'While remaining high by historic standards, net migration is now beginning to fall and is provisionally down 20 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024. 'Over that period we have seen a fall in immigration, driven by declining numbers of dependants on study visas coming from outside the EU. 'Over the first six months of 2024, we are also seeing decreases in the number of people arriving for work-related reasons. This is partly related to policy changes earlier this year and is consistent with visa data published by Home Office. 'We are also starting to see increases in emigration, most notably for those who came to the UK on study-related visas. This is likely to be a consequence of the higher numbers of students coming to the UK post pandemic who are now reaching the end of their courses.' Sir Keir said the Tories were guilty of a 'different order of failure' that happened 'by design not accident'. 'Time and again the Conservative Party promised they would get the numbers down. Time and again they failed, and now the chorus of excuses has begun.' He added: 'A failure on this scale isn't just bad luck, it isn't a global trend or taking your eye off the ball, no this is a different order of failure. 'This happened by design not accident. 'Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration, Brexit was used for that purpose to turn Britain into a one nation experiment in open borders.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'In the space of four years net migration rose by almost five times to a record high - that shows the serious damage that was done to the immigration system, the lack of proper controls in place, and the over reliance on a big increase in overseas recruitment. 'Net migration is still four times higher than it was at the beginning of the last Parliament and we are clear that it needs to come down. That is why we are continuing with visa controls and setting out new plans to link them to the system for training and skills here in the UK to tackle the big increase in overseas recruitment over the last few years. Migration Watch Chairman Alp Mehmet said net migration is 'still far too high and unsustainable'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Moreover, the modest fall has little to do with anything that Sir Keir Starmer and his Home Secretary have done. 'It is now essential that net migration is quickly reduced as close as possible to zero, if we are to avoid further tensions in the housing sector, the NHS and other services already in crisis. 'Meanwhile, the changing nature of society that inevitably follows rapid mass immigration will put the cohesion we have long enjoyed at ever greater risk.' The revisions come as the ONS has continued to review its net migration figures as more complete data becomes available and has improved how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the European Union. Ms Badenoch warned yesterday that immigration levels are 'a world away from where we need to be'. She promised a 'strict numerical cap' on arrivals, with only those able to make a 'substantial and clear contribution' to Britain allowed in. She will review Britain's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the continuation of Labour's Human Rights Act, which have both been blamed for blocking past attempts to get tough. The Tory leader said there would be 'zero tolerance for foreign criminals remaining in the UK'. Tory ministers originally predicted their changes would cut numbers by 300,000, but the full effect will not be seen until next year's figures. The Treasury's OBR watchdog has forecast that net annual migration will subside to 315,000 a year over the 'medium term' - although that estimate now looks in serious doubt. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: 'Today's figures confirm what we've been warning about: immigration remains far too high, and Labour was wrong to suspend further restrictions on family visas. 'Such high numbers place mounting pressure on housing, public services, and damage social cohesion, causing a real impact felt by communities across the UK. 'We need immediate action to enforce stricter controls on the border, get these numbers down, and put the needs of British workers and families front and centre.' The Prime Minister's official spokesman laid the blame squarely on the 'policies and decisions taken by the last government'. 'This Government has been elected on a mandate to change the country and put the people's priorities at the heart of delivery, and that means bringing down these record high levels of legal migration and tackling the root causes behind it,' the spokesman said. The spokesman would not be drawn into saying whether the Government's approach would be tougher than that of the Tories, but claimed the Conservatives had allowed employers to 'become hooked on cheap foreign labour'. He told reporters that ministers had set out a 'different approach, one that links migration skills and labour market policy so that overseas recruitment does not remain the default for filling shortages here at home'. Labour claimed the Tories had 'broken the immigration system'. 'On their watch, net migration quadrupled in four years to a record high of nearly one million, despite saying they'd lower it to 100,000. They are an open borders party who lied time and again to the public. This is the chaos Labour inherited and any crowing from the Tories should be seen in that light,' a spokesman said. 'Over the summer, the Government started the hard graft. We hired more caseworkers to tackle the asylum backlog and we're now interviewing 10,000 people per month, compared to 2,000 under the Tories, so we can get people out of asylum hotels and save the taxpayers billions. 'We've also ramped up the removal of those with no right to be in the UK by a fifth. Without this action, thousands more would remain in the UK illegally.' Nigel Farage called the migration statistics 'horrendous'. The Reform UK leader said: 'Horrendous if you want to get a GP appointment, horrendous if you want to travel around Britain's motorways, horrendous if you want your kids or grandkids to ever get a foot onto the housing ladder. 'Horrendous in terms of producing very disjointed societies and communities.' He added: 'And you might have noticed, the quicker the population rises, the poorer the average family in Britain becomes.' CPS think-tank Research Director Karl Williams said: 'Today's net migration figures from the ONS are astonishing. Not only is the figure of 728,000 for 2023-4 far higher than expected, but numbers for 2022-3 have been revised upwards by 166,000 to a new record of 906,000. The scale of this adjustment raises a serious question mark over the quality of our migration data, which drives crucial policy decisions. 'More broadly, net migration in the last four years now stands at over 2.5 million, which represents population growth of 3.8 per cent - equivalent to the combined populations of Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester and Bristol.' Touring broadcast studios this morning, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra declined to say what level of net migration would be acceptable. Ms Malhotra repeatedly dodged, insisting policy must be based on 'a credible and serious plan' and the Government should not 'just pull figures out of the air'. She told BBC Breakfast: 'My point is this, we want to see net migration coming down, but we have to do so in a way that is tackling the causes of net migration, because if much of net migration has been driven by recruiting workers from overseas, you also have to look at what the impact on the economy would be.' The OBR assessment published last month pointed to Home Office visa data covering the second quarter of 2024 showing a 'sharp' fall The OBR assessment published last month pointed to Home Office visa data covering the second quarter of 2024 showing a 'sharp' fall. 'This largely reflects government restrictions coming into force in the first half of this year, which we now expect to have a slightly larger impact than we anticipated in March,' the report released alongside the Budget said. 'We judge the stronger outturn and larger policy impact to be broadly offsetting, and therefore project net migration will continue to fall in line with our March forecast.' A senior software engineer has been awarded almost 90,000 in a race claim after his boss described someone in his village as 'Indian Bill'. Heerendra Gohil, who is of Indian descent, also accused managing director Paul Jennings of saying that ethnic minorities 'deserved Covid' during a heated discussion about the pandemic, an employment tribunal heard. The engineer said he felt 'sick in his mouth' after hearing Mr Jenning's remarks and alleged that 'degrading' use of 'Indian Bill' is a 'constant reminder of being seen differently'. It was heard Mr Jenning's used the reference four times to describe one of his neighbour's in Warwickshire and despite trying to argue that Indian was 'just a title', later claimed he 'shouldn't be called this' and said 'I call him Bill'. After Mr Gohil was sacked, he sued the automotive company and has now been awarded compensation from an employment judge who ruled the managing director's comments were 'inherently racist'. The tribunal, held in Birmingham, heard Mr Gohil started working as a senior software engineer at Continental Automotive Trading UK in January 2008. In July 2020, Mr Gohil visited the Birmingham office to collect a new laptop and return a signed copy of his furlough letter. During the visit, the engineer chatted to Mr Jennings, who told him he 'could be better if people stopped spreading bloody Covid'. The tribunal heard Mr Gohil started working as a senior software engineer at Continental Automotive Trading UK (pictured) in January 2008 In the 'heated discussion', Mr Gohil alleged that the director shared his views on the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic [BAME] society, and 'why we deserved COVID'. He claimed that Mr Jenning's said that it was the 'blatant arrogance, ignorance, inability to follow basic instructions' from such communities, with 'generations living together', which had led to the disease 'spreading'. Mr Gohil alleged that his boss told him he had discussed this with someone in his village, who he referred to as 'Indian Bill'. The tribunal heard Mr Gohil felt 'shocked, offended, degraded and disgusted' at the comments and as if he were a 'like a vulnerable, lower class person'. But, the managing director's recollection of the conversation differed. He told the tribunal that they discussed media coverage that said ethnic minority people were more 'susceptible to catching Covid-19' and claimed Mr Gohil said this was because 'Britain was a racist country'. Employment Judge Geraldine Flood said Mr Jennings - who was accused of having a 'reputation for saying offensive things' - did use the phrase 'Indian Bill' as part of a conversation about the spread of Covid 19. The following month, Mr Gohil met with his line manager to report the conversation, who told him he would 'speak to senior management but he had to be careful'. 'You don't bring easy things to me do you,' the engineer was told. After multiple attempts to chase the complaint, Mr Gohil raised a formal grievance in May 2021. The complaints contained many topics, including allegations of fear, bullying, intimidation, discrimination and racism. Heerendra Gohil, who is of Indian descent, accused managing director Paul Jennings of saying that ethnic minorities 'deserved Covid', an employment tribunal (pictured) in Birmingham heard He said he was fearful of 'repercussions or reprisals' from raising concerns and said that he knows Mr Jenning's will 'try to make it difficult for me after this'. The engineer told a grievance meeting - which was dealt with by the company's Germany office - that he was 'shocked' and felt 'sick in the mouth' after hearing the director's comments in July. Mr Gohil spoke of another incident, in which he claimed Mr Jenning's said a pair of criminals who carjacked a colleague 'must be black or Indian'. During investigation meetings, Mr Gohil asked his bosses whether they thought it would be 'acceptable' to call people 'Jamaican Bob', Chinese Jiang', 'Pakistani Mo'. The engineer alleged bosses - who described him as 'antagonistic' - said it would be, but this was later dismissed by the panel. An investigation meeting with Mr Jenning's was held later that month, in which the director was asked whether he had ever referred to someone as 'Indian Bill'. The boss said that there was someone who lived in his village and that people did refer to him as 'Indian Bill', stating however that 'it is wrong and you don't refer to someone as that'. He said that this individual, in his village in Warwickshire, 'shouldn't be called this' and said 'I call him Bill', and said Indian is 'just a title'. But, Mr Gohil said 'being labelled Indian is a constant reminder of being seen differently'. The panel noted that Mr Jenning's used the expression four times in front of people who were of Indian or Asian heritage and on one occasion, another senior colleague 'laughed' at what was said. After Mr Gohil was sacked, he sued Continental Automotive Trading and has now been awarded compensation from an employment judge. Stock image of a Continental tyre In the summer of 2021, the business began to undergo a 'reorganisation' and a 'Redundancy Selection Matrix' was used to identify employees who were 'at risk'. Mr Gohil wrote to colleagues, informing them that he would be 'targeted' because of the 'treatment I have been subjected to'. He was informed that his grievance had not been successful and was sacked in December 2021. It was heard that bosses concluded Mr Jenning's had used the term 'Indian Bill' - but 'not in an offensive way' and whilst it was 'inappropriate', it was 'not racist'. After suing the manufacturer, Mr Gohil's claims of racial harassment, victimisation and unfair dismissal have been upheld and he has been awarded 89,125 in compensation. He also won claims relating to being subjected to detriment for making protected disclosures. EJ Flood ruled the phrase 'Indian Bill' is 'inherently racist' as it involves 'labelling someone in relation to their race, nationality or cultural background'. The panel said that Mr Gohil was 'clearly upset and affected' as his managers were 'effectively condoning the use of a racist phrase' by not upholding his grievance. However, they noted it was 'not used deliberately' to cause offence. Of his comments which said BAME individuals 'deserved Covid', the panel ruled that they were 'highly inappropriate' and violated Mr Gohil's dignity. 'We conclude that whilst the restructuring itself was genuine and unconnected to the protected acts, it was a convenient and timely opportunity for the decision makers to ensure that [Mr Gohil] was selected for redundancy and ultimately dismissed,' they said. Other claims made by Mr Gohil were dismissed. The massive claims by Evolv Technology regarding its AI scanner capabilities caught up to them thanks to the help of the UK's British Broadcasting Company (BBC) that the US Federal Trade Commission picked up on. It was revealed that Evolv Technology made false claims regarding their technology's competence, with the BBC exposing them, and the federal agency claiming that they "deceived" the public. Multiple controversies have already been faced by Evolv Technology concerning their AI scanners that could allegedly detect all kinds of weapons, but several use cases served as examples that proved them wrong. Evolv Technology's AI Scanners Made False Claims Says FTC The FTC recently shared that Evolv Technology has "deceived" users about their claims saying that their AI scanners are capable of detecting "all weapons" with the mere use of their cameras and machine learning. After several months of the regulatory agency's investigation, the case now concluded with a settlement order imposed against Evolv that would prevent the company from making "unsupported claims." According to the FTC, Evolv may only make claims about its product's capabilities should there be sufficient backing from legitimate studies or survey results, with the company banned from making such statements. That being said, selected K-12 school customers are now given the chance to cancel their contracts with Evolv Technology as part of the settlement order, and it does not matter if they are locked behind a "multi-year deal." According to the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection director, Samuel Levine, "The FTC has been clear that claims about technology including artificial intelligence need to be backed up, and that is especially important when these claims involve the safety of children." BBC Helped Expose Evolv Technology's AI Scanner According to the BBC, its previous reports helped the US FTC take notice of Evolv Technology's claims after exposing certain details that dispel their AI scanners' capabilities that were applied to schools in New York and Utica. Evolv also shared before that the UK government had already tested and given its approval to their AI-based security technology, which the BBC said was false. Evolv Technology's Security Controversies Infusing AI with security measures and technologies has been explored by many companies, including startups, to help make the world a better place by using machine learning for detection and prevention. However, there was one prominent company from Massachusetts that made significant claims regarding its technology, and the FTC took notice of their wild assertions. However, New York City still continued adopting the technology and enforcing it around its subways during a test earlier this year, with NYC Mayor, Eric Adams, known for integrating tech into the city. However, NYC's trust in Evolv's scanners faced significant backlash from the public, highlighting that its previous deployment at the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx saw 85 percent of the alarms to be false positives. Despite Evolv Technology giving a bad reputation to AI's adoption of security measures, following other controversial technologies like Clearview AI, countries like South Korea are making headway in their AI-based programs for public safety. After years of claiming that Evolv scanners can detect all weapons, their claims caught up to them in the form of a settlement with the FTC, and the BBC helped significantly in exposing them. A car crash victim woke up from a month-long coma unable to speak, but amazingly she could sing an Adele song word-for-word. Georgia Scully was coming back from a night out with a friend on August 27, 2022, when she was involved in a car crash in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. She was cut free from the wreckage by firefighters and doctors discovered she had broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, damaged lungs. Georgia, who was 23 at the time of the collision, also suffered from a brain bleed and her mother Sharon, 51, was told to 'prepare for the worst.' Her family were told that she could never wake up again and if she did, then she might not be able to walk or talk. When Georgia woke up four weeks later, she couldn't speak and thought she was 16-years-old - still at school. Her sister Nicole was encouraged to make a playlist of her favourite songs to help her recovery. She then surprised everyone by singing Adele's 'Someone Like You' word for word and then she was also able to sing 'Bodak Yellow' by rapper Cardi B. Georgia Scully was coming back from a night out with a friend on August 27, 2022, when she was involved in a car crash in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire Georgia, who was 23 at the time of the collision, also suffered from a brain bleed Georgia is pictured at home with her sister Nicole Georgia Scully is pictured in hospital after she woke up from her coma Georgia said: 'When I woke up, I was confused. 'I thought I was 16 years old and still at school. I was 23 and had a job. 'My right side would not work and I couldn't communicate with my worried parents. 'To everyone's surprise I could sing. I sang an entire Adele song - word perfect. 'Music became my solace and I would sing along to a playlist my sister put together for me. She even wrote me a song.' Georgia, who worked as an office administrator before the crash, said: 'I had been on a night out with my friend, when we accepted a lift home. 'We were on our way home when their car crashed. 'I don't remember anything about that night but have been told I was cut free by firefighters. 'While I was in a coma my family were told I had a life-changing brain injury. 'They had to prepare for the worst. I might not wake up after my operation, and if I did, I might not walk or talk again.' When Georgia woke up four weeks later, she couldn't speak and thought she was 16-years-old She was cut free from the wreckage by firefighters and doctors discovered she had broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, damaged lungs Darren, Georgia and Sharon Scully are pictured out for a walk together Georgia, of Elland, West Yorkshire, eventually regained the use of the speech, but thought she was 16-years-old and still at school. She is still unable to remember anything about the day and night leading up to the crash and was in hospital for four months, learning how to walk and talk again. Georgia was fitted with a titanium plate in her skull just before Christmas 2022 and has no sense of smell or taste. She said: 'The biggest impact on me and my family was my brain injury. Surgery meant I had parts of my skull missing. 'I had a titanium plate fitted a few days before Christmas. This resulted in swelling and I couldn't see out of one eye. 'The Christmas before my crash I was hardly at home as I met friends and spent time celebrating. 'Suddenly I was reliant on my parents again. Stuck at home, with a swollen head, unsure of my future.' Georgia and her family were supported by Leeds based charity Day One Trauma, who support anyone in the UK who had had a major traumatic injury. She is now supporting the charity's 2024 Christmas appeal, which aims to raise 75,000 so it can support people who've suffered a catastrophic injury. She said: 'People don't realise the family need support as much as the patient. 'I still get very confused and muddled. But I think positively about the future now. I have a bus pass, like an old lady, and am starting to go back to the gym. Georgia and her family were supported by Leeds based charity Day One Trauma, who support anyone in the UK who had had a major traumatic injury Georgia Scully, Sharon Scully, Amanda Booth and Darren Scully 'It's taken two years to get this far and I know I have a long way to go. 'But I have my family, friends and Day One by my side to tackle whatever the future holds. 'I don't know what we would have done without Day One Trauma Support in our lives, they were our lifeline in our time of need.' Lucy Nickson, CEO of Day One Trauma Support, said: 'We're so grateful to Georgia and her family for sharing their inspiring story to support this year's appeal. 'We know many people are struggling financially. 'The impact is only compounded when a family member suffers a sudden catastrophic injury and faces a long recovery journey, often with a disability and reduced income. 'We see the reality of this every day in the hospitals we operate and through our national support offer. 'That's why our appeal is so important so that we can reach everyone who needs our help. 'If you can, please donate and give the gift of hope and recovery this Christmas so we can help even more people like Georgia and her family.' A police investigation into the crash is ongoing, but currently nobody has been charged. Robert F Kennedy Jr. claimed heroin made him smarter and a better student during a candid discussion about his addiction issues. The former presidential candidate opened up during an appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show podcast while he was still on the campaign trail. 'I did very, very poorly in school, until I started doing narcotics,' Kennedy, 70, said on the podcast. 'Then I went to the top of my class because my mind was so restless and turbulent and I could not sit still. It worked for me and if it still worked, I'd still be doing it.' Kennedy made the shocking claims back in July, while he was still in the race for the White House as an independent. They have resurfaced since his decision to withdraw in order to endorse Donald Trump, who recently named him as his pick to oversee the health department. Kennedy has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and in particular his use of cocaine and heroin. In 1983, he was arrested for possession of narcotics while on his way to a detox program in Minnesota. Robert F Kennedy Jr. claimed heroin made him smarter and a better student during a discussion about his addiction issues He described the incident as the 'the best thing that could have happened to me' as the embarrassment led to him becoming sober. 'The most demoralizing feature of that disease was my incapacity to keep contracts with myself,' he said of his struggle to get clean. The former independent candidate described his addiction as a 'compulsion' which 'hollows out your life'. A former Harvard University classmate accused Kennedy of selling cocaine as a student. The bombshell claim came from author Kurt Andersen in scathing column for The Atlantic on the same day Kennedy suspended his presidential election bid. Andersen claimed as a Harvard student in the 1970s he purchased cocaine from Kennedy and his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II for $40 in a dorm room. Kennedy will need the support of the Republican-controlled Senate in order to be confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy was arrested in 1983 for narcotics possession while on his way to a detox program in Minnesota. He's pictured in 1982 while battling his addiction issues He has been frank about his addiction struggles, which plagued him throughout college in the 1970s. The political heir is pictured in NYC during the disco years However, his selection by Trump has already proved controversial due to some of his unorthodox health views. Kennedy is an anti-vaccine campaigner who thinks fluoride in the public water system is causing a myriad of health problems. He claimed, without evidence, that the mineral is, 'associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease'. Dentists widely regard the addition of fluoride to the water supply as one of the greatest medical benefits of the 20th century. Kennedy has also expressed concerns that common chemicals could be triggering gender dysphoria in children, denies that HIV causes aids and suggested cancer could be caused by WiFi. He would also like to restrict the use of weight loss management drugs such as Ozempic saying users are 'hooked' and 'addicted'. Keir Starmer defended the 'good deal' done to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius today amid claims he wants to get it done and dusted before January to prevent Donald Trump cancelling the handover. The Prime Minister is under fresh pressure over his 'surrender' of the archipelago, formally the British Indian Ocean territory, to a nation viewed as an ally of China while it is home to a major western airbase. Serious doubt has been cast over the deal's future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Mr Trump. Hopes have risen among opponents of the handover that the incoming president will tear up the proposal approved by Joe Biden. However, at a press conference today Sir Keir told reporters: 'The Chagos deal is a good deal. It secures the base that's in the vital interests of the US and the UK. 'And we are already engaging with the new administration in Mauritius as to how we take that forward.' Sir Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure over his handover of the Chagos Islands amid claims he is trying to rush through a treaty before Donald Trump returns as US president Serious doubt has been cast over the deal's future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Mr Trump The Prime Minister is currently scrambling to save his controversial deal to surrender control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius, which is viewed as an ally of China Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who was elected PM of Mauritius a fortnight ago, said he had 'reservations' about the agreement struck with the previous Mauritian administration. During his election campaign, Mr Ramgoolam and his allies accused the then-PM of 'high treason' and described the deal as a 'sell-out' motivated by desperation ahead of the vote. The agreement also faces an additional hurdle as it has been condemned by Marco Rubio, who has been lined up by Mr Trump as the new US secretary of state. He last month labelled the Chagos Islands deal 'a serious threat' to national security that 'threatens critical US military posture in the region'. According to the Telegraph, the UK Government is trying to convert an initial agreement into a signed-off legal text before Mr Trump takes office on 20 January. American support is crucial for the deal as there is a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in what is formally known as the British Indian Ocean Territory. Labour made the shock announcement in October that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years. As part of the arrangement, the Diego Garcia base will remain operational for at least 99 years. But the president of Mauritius who agreed it, Pravind Jugnauth, was ousted in the election and the deal has yet to be officially signed. Opponents of the handover are hopeful that Mr Trump will force Labour to scrap the deal when he returns to the White House. Labour has insisted it had to strike a deal to protect the Diego Garcia base after the International Court of Justice ruled the UK's administration of the islands was 'unlawful'. Sir Keir has dispatched Jonathan Powell, his incoming national security adviser, to Mauritius and then Washington DC in an attempt to prevent the agreement from collapsing. Former PM Boris Johnson last night claimed giving up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands was akin to 'spectacularly shooting ourselves in the foot'. 'It's driven by pure Lefty politics and it's a tragedy that Starmer has bought into this nonsense,' he told a podcast. 'I don't know what the Trump administration will do with it now, but perhaps they will find a way of impeding it.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is close to Mr Trump, claimed the president-elect's team were 'horrified' by the deal. 'Because they know China has extraordinary naval ambitions,' he told BBC Newsnight. 'We see that literally every month in the South China Sea as they encroach on new territories, they try and reclaim atolls. 'The trouble with this deal is... it's totally unecessary and there is no basis in international law that we have to do this. 'The worry is that it's a 99-year lease and that sounds great, but we had a 50-year deal with China over Hong Kong. That unravelled.' Downing Street today denied there was a mid-January deadline for ratifying the Chagos Island agreement. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'We haven't set a timeline to ratify the deal and we don't intend to put a timeline on it. 'Obviously it's in everyone's interests to progress the deal as quickly as possible. We're continuing to engage with the Mauritian government to finalise the terms of the deal. 'We'll provide any updates, as relevant, in due course.' David Lammy last night hit out at 'politicking' over Labour's agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius Newly-elected Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam met with Jonathan Powell, who is Labour's incoming national security adviser and the UK envoy behind the agreement Foreign Secretary David Lammy last night hit out at 'politicking' over Labour's agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He insisted the sovereignty pact was a 'very good deal' as he played down claims it was on the verge of an embarrassing collapse. Speaking to MPs on the House of Commons' foreign affairs committee, Mr Lammy dismissed growing criticism of the agreement. 'I'm very, very confident that this is a deal that the Mauritians will see, in a cross-party sense, as a good deal for them,' the Foreign Secretary said. Tory former Cabinet minister Sir John Whittingdale, a member of the committee, said the Mauritian leader had described the agreement as 'high treason and a sellout'. But Mr Lammy replied: 'Both you and I have said things during an election in order to get elected. He did not say that yesterday.' The Foreign Secretary also pushed back at criticism from Mr Trump's allies, saying: 'This is incredibly sad. I know and I'm sad that there's been so much politicking about this. 'This process begun under the last government and there were ministers who understand entirely why this is so important for our national security and global national security. 'The agencies in the US think this is a good deal. The State Department in the US thinks this is a good deal. 'And most important of all, the Pentagon and the White House think this is a good deal. And that's not just the principal politicians in those in those areas, it is the system.' Mr Lammy said the agreement was a 'very good deal' for 'our national security' because it secured the legal basis of the Diego Garcia military base. He added: 'I'm really reassured about that, and I think an incoming (US) administration will be reassured about that. 'And I'm confident that the Mauritians are still sure about that, despite politicking that we all know goes on.' Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, branded the legal case against UK sovereignty as 'phoney' and expressed his hope than Mr Trump and Mr Rubio 'shoot this agreement down'. He told Sky News: 'The Chagos Islands are strategically, really important. 'The Mauritian claim to these islands, which are a thousand miles away from (Mauritian capital) Port Louis, well, the case is weak. 'The case is based on a UN vote. So the international law case for surrendering sovereignty seems to me, to be completely phoney.' He added: 'I think they have to realise that this is not in the interests of the United States. It's not in the interests of the UK from the point view of our national security.' The Tories renewed a demand for answers from the Government about the cost to the taxpayer and when full details of the agreement will be made public. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel told the Mail: 'While Keir Starmer's special envoy has been sent to beg Donald Trump for his support, ministers refuse to disclose details of negotiations taking place. 'They remain unable to answer basic questions about cost of this deal and the implications it might have on our national security and defence. 'What we do know is that these plans go against our national interests and the views of the Chagossians have been ignored. 'The fact that the new Mauritian prime minister wants more time to consider the deal gives the Government a chance to reflect on their plans and to start providing answers to the serious questions posed.' Former defence secretary Grant Shapps added: 'Now even Mauritius's new prime minister believes Labour's Chagos sovereignty sell-out is a dud. 'It's time for Starmer to scrap the deal and defend British military interests around the world.' Downing Street yesterday insisted the Government's position 'remains unchanged' on the Chagos Islands deal. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The UK's position on this remains unchanged. 'We have always said that we look forward to engaging with the new Mauritian government and that's exactly what we're doing in order to progress the deal. 'We are now finalising the details of legal texts, the treaty, and will be coming forward for parliamentary scrutiny as part of the ratification process next year.' Gregg Wallace allegedly wandered into the MasterChef studio 'completely naked' apart from a 'sock pulled over his penis' before throwing himself into a 'silly dance', a report claims. Wallace, 60, is also accused mimicking a sex act in front of a member of the show's production staff who was kneeling down to clean his trousers during filming, according to the lurid and so-far unsubstantiated allegations. The Daily Telegraph says it has spoken to a witness who claims to have seen both these alleged incidents. Gregg was also 'very touchy feely', the newspaper quotes the witness as saying. The grocer turned presenter is also accused of making 'disgusting sex-related jokes', including one about an 'aunt' while tasting a contestant's dish during the show. It came as Sir Rod Stewart accused Wallace of bullying his wife Penny Lancaster on the show in 2021. 'Good riddance Wallace... You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn't you? You're a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya', he said on Instagram. MailOnline has asked Mr Wallace to comment on the claims, which if proven would likely end the BBC career of one its biggest names in yet another sex-related crisis to grip the corporation. Today the star stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. Ms Walk claims that on two occasions Wallace told stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants and crew while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. She said his gags and comments were 'really, really in the wrong place'. 'There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen', she said. Today Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir shared a picture of herself during the 2017 Celebrity MasterChef series with the cryptic message: 'Always keep your receipts'. It is not yet known if she has also complained. Gregg Wallace (pictured today) is accused of dancing naked in the MasterChef studio with only a sock to cover his modesty, according to one report Mr Wallace was at home in Kent today as it emerged he was under investigation Kirsty Wark and Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef 2011 Wallace, pictured with wife Anne-Marie Sterpini in October, has stepped away from MasterChef while he is investigated Wallace has been accused of taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' and talking about his sex life to others. On one occasion he allegedly told a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. The BBC has revealed that 13 people, including Ms Wark, have complained about his conduct while working with him over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. The BBC claims that Wallace walked away from MasterChef today after BBC News sent a letter to his agent on Tuesday, setting out allegations from 13 people and giving him a right of reply. They say he was warned after a complaint was raised in 2018, but new historical claims emerged over the summer of 2024. Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. But he will be on BBC One as usual tonight because MasterChef: The Professionals, which is already recorded, will transmit as planned and into December. MasterChef's Christmas specials will also still be broadcast. Mr Wallace is yet to comment today - but at the time of the announcement this afternoon he did take to Instagram to share his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. But in October Gregg vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and saying: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. Gregg Wallace will step away from presenting MasterChef while complaints made to the BBC from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated. Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments she heard filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 (right) Kirsty would make the final of the sixth series of Celebrity MasterChef Gregg looked stressed as Ms Wark struggled with her gravy in 2011 In October, Gregg denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show, saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman Wallace (pictured with John Torode), 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said The BBC has said that it will take the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. What has Gregg Wallace been accused of? 13 people who have told the BBC of what they consider inappropriate sexual comments made by Wallace across a range of shows over a 17-year period. These include: Kirsty Wark says that on two occasions Wallace relayed stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants on Celebrity MasterChef and crew and that she felt they were 'really, really in the wrong place'. Gregg would allegedly openly talk about his sex life on set Taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' Telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans' Allegedly entering the studio naked with his genitals covered with a sock and doing a 'silly dance' Mimicking a sex act close to a member of production staff He told 'disgusting sex-related jokes', including one while tasting a contestant's unusual dish; Advertisement Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations, but last month it was claimed the grocer turned TV star had boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her. In a statement to the PA news agency Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. 'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. 'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.' The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.' The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. 'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. 'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.' In October Mr Wallace admitted he was feeling stressed amid allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments towards women - and his fellow judge John Torode's wife alleged he 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. Wallace took to Instagram with a live video as he offered tips on healthy eating while also alluding to new allegations made against him this week. He told viewers he was 'a little bit distracted at the moment', but said he 'wanted to check in and say hello'. His social media riposte came as it emerged his MasterChef co-host John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as he apparently delivered punchlines to crew of the BBC's flagship cookery show. Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy - and has opened up about her time on the show. MasterChef co-presenter Gregg Wallace filmed a live video message admitting he was feeling some 'stress' as newly-emerged allegations were made against him in October Actress Lisa Faulkner (centre) has said Gregg Wallace (left) repeatedly made rude jokes to MasterChef crew members - she is married to his co-host John Torode (right) Gregg Wallace has said in another Instagram video message that he has always been true to his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini - the couple are pictured here at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019 Brookside and Holby City star Faulkner told the Cheltenham Literature Festival how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was prepping her dishes. She said: 'Gregg was telling I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew. 'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, 'I've got ten minutes left', and he's saying, 'So this girl walked into a bar' 'And I'm going, 'Please, I don't want to hear this joke'.' Her husband John, 59, who was also on stage with her to promote their new book, told her: 'It's changed quite a lot really' Gregg, 60, absolutely denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show - saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour'. An insider claims Gregg brushed it off as 'just banter', having been reported for making 'consistent inappropriate comments' to the member of the production team while working on game show Impossible Celebrities. Lisa Faulkner has said Gregg Wallace would tell 'rude joke after rude joke' on MasterChef But taking to Instagram, Wallace hit back at the allegations in an emotional video saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna. He said: 'The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC. 'And the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. 'Despite what the newspapers are suggesting nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody. 'And the reason I say this is because of my wife Anna. I have always been true to my wife Anna and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years [since] I met her and fell in love with her. 'And it's important that, so that people don't misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife.' Wallace, who has previously spoken of losing 5st with an exercise regime, told viewers: 'I've had a fair bit of stress over the last few days, but my healthy lifestyle choices have stayed the same because that's my lifestyle. That's what I do without thinking'. 'Does that make sense to people? I really, really hope it does. I'm a little bit distracted at the moment, you can probably tell.' Wallace went on to say: 'There are so many benefits of upping your levels of activity, so many healthy benefits. 'I'm not going to mention the newspapers at the moment I've got that coming at me left, right and centre.' He also responded to commenters including one who spoke of loving chocolate buttons, with Wallace saying: 'Chocolate buttons are lovely right now, that sugar hit, I get it. I understand.' But he added: 'I really like a mango. I really like a pineapple. I really like a bowl of blueberries. And fruit isn't full of sugar and fat. Here's the saying love food that loves you back.' The TV presenter then signed off by saying: 'I've got a really, really busy day I wanted to check in and say hello. 'If you want to make a difference to your life, really consider the choices you make.' The allegations of inappropriate comments have only now emerged amid the BBC this week launching a probe into workplace culture as bosses aim to crack down on the 'abuse of power'. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour' The insider who made the claims against Wallace, which his team says are 'inaccurate', raised questions as to why he was allowed to continue presenting MasterChef. They told The Sun: 'He is said to have been boasting about his sex life with his partner at the time. At one point, Wallace was also accused of taking his top off in front of the woman which felt inappropriate. The team working on the show were said to have gone to BBC bosses to complain after being left 'mortified' by Wallace's alleged behaviour. A spokesman for the BBC told The Sun: 'Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. 'We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.' It was previously reported by The Times back in May last year that he had allegedly offended female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation. Wallace then denied that he left the BBC show Inside The Factory in March that year due to inappropriate comments made towards female staff. Gregg Wallace hit back at the latest allegations in a response on Instagram, saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna Wallace quit BBC show Inside The Factory in March last year after allegations that he had been 'rude towards staff' and spoke to them in a 'derogatory manner, especially to women' Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims 'inaccurate'. The newspaper had quoted a source as saying: 'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.' The comments were reportedly non-sexual but deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show. When asked on GMB by Richard Madeley about his departure from the programme, Wallace responded by saying: 'There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn't accurate. 'There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.' 'Offending people? No, no - if you look at the headlines, you can't see a story that matches those headlines.' Gregg also revealed that he also wanted to leave to help care for his son Sid, born in 2019, who is autistic. Explaining his home situation, he said: 'I've got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies, he's got learning difficulties. Mum needed help there.' Gregg Wallace was accompanied by his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini when he received an MBE honour for services to food and charity, at Windsor Castle in February 2022 Gregg Wallace (left) and John Torode (right) have co-presented MasterChef since 2005 He revealed that the demanding nature of the filming around the different factories across the country meant that it made sense to give it up. Wallace added: 'It's completely inaccurate, I didn't challenge it. There was an issue, I don't want to discuss the issue but it wasn't what the papers said it was. 'There was nothing offensive to anybody that's just people guessing. It was a decent time to come out, I think.' Wallace wed Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years younger than him, at Hever Castle in Kent in August 2016, having met three years earlier. Mark Zuckerberg's sudden meeting with Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago Wednesday incited a firestorm of speculation on social media. Onlookers are already accusing the Meta boss of pandering to the president-elect, after he threatened to throw him in jail earlier this year. The promise for prosecution was aired in anticipation of interference in the then-looming election, which went overwhelmingly Trump's way. Four years ago, the 40-year-old Facebook founder famously banned Trump, 78, from the platform over claims the 2020 election was stolen. That spawned several instances of censorship, leading Trump to paint Zuckerberg as part of a plot against him to rig the race. He later vowed Zuckerberg would 'spend the rest of his life in prison' if he did so this time around - setting the proverbial table for the pre-Thanksgiving, post-election meal. Since confirmed by Meta, the meeting itself remains a mystery - but quickly gave way to discourse online about what may have occurred. Most portrayed Zuckerberg as using the meet to sing for his supper, seeing what's at stake. Mark Zuckerberg's sudden meeting with Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago Wednesday has spawned a firestorm of speculation on social media. The two are pictured together at the White House in 2019, before the Facebook founder barred Trump from the platform. He was reinstated last year Onlookers are accusing the Meta boss of using the meet to pander to the president-elect - with this one referencing claims of censorship during the 2020 election, which Trump said was 'stolen' 'Zuckerberg went to [M]ar-a-largo[sic] to tell Trump he has changed his ways and wants to work with Trump?' one X user wrote. 'Hell no[.] He needs to be investigated for censorship and election interference!' 'No, Trump should not pay [K]amala's debt, Trump should not pardon Hunter, and Trump should show no mercy to Zuckerberg,' wrote another, referencing in part how Trump has teased paying of the reported $20 million racked up by the campaign of Kamala Harris. The tweet also honed in on the federal case surrounding President Joe Biden's son Hunter, pleaded guilty in September to a four-year scheme that saw him purposely circumvent $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes owed from 2016 through 2019 The political scion also owned up to another instance of tax evasion in 2018, when he filed false returns. At his sentencing next month, he faces a max penalty of 17 years in prison. He also faces felony federal firearms sentencing in Delaware the very same month publishable by up to 25 years - spurring speculation about a last-minute pardon from his dad, who could, in theory, commute any prospective sentence as well, as a show of mercy. Leniency was not on the mind of one X user observing the situation with Zuckerberg, who restricted a story about Biden's son laptop during the 2020 election based on FBI misinformation warnings. 'So Mark Zuckerberg censored conservatives and Trump lets[sic] this guy come over to Mar-a-Lago to have dinner?' they wrote Thursday, before labeling Trump's decision to take in the tech CEO as 'a joke.' A spokesperson for Meta confirmed the dinner between Zuckerberg and Trump on Wednesday, saying he and other members of his team had been invited to talk about the incoming administration. More specific details behind the talks remain unknown 'Seems like a slap in the face to his supporters,' they concluded, referring to Trump's fanbase. 'Zuckerberg realizes that he backed the wrong camp,' added another. 'Now he is groveling on his belly, slithering like a snake! 'Trump must not trust Zuckerberg,' the account went on to insist - calling Zuckerberg 'a fair weather friend.' Others posted memes poking fun at what many framed as a show of weakness from the Harvard-educated billionaire, whose estimated $200billion net worth has him safely at fourth on Forbes' billionaire list. Someone else sniped: [T]heres not many thats going to forgive Mark Zuckerberg. He has messed with... MAGA one too many times. 'We the people dont like it when somebody messes with our President Trump,' he concluded, paving the way for personalities like Laura Loomer - the Republican Florida Congressional nominee who lost to Democrat Lois Frankel in 2020 - to weigh in. Calling the meeting's greater connotations 'disturbing', she accused Zuckerberg of using Facebook and Instagram to censor posts surrounding Trump's first assassination attempt earlier this year. 'As an American and a die hard Trump supporter, I am never going to forget how Mark Zuckerberg censored the assassination attempt pictures of President Trump and then programmed Facebook to hide and censor all mentions of the attempted assassination,' Loomer, 31, wrote. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer, pictured with the president-elect, called the meeting's connotations 'disturbing', while accusing Zuckerberg of using Facebook and Instagram to censor posts surrounding Trump's first assassination attempt earlier this year it was 'very disturbing' that a figure with a history such as Zuckerber was allowed to have dinner with the president-elect, as a parade of progressive journalists and CEOs continue to travel to Mar-a-Lago to meet with him She added how it was 'very disturbing' that a figure with a history such as Zuckerberg was 'allowed' to have dinner with the president-elect, as a parade of progressive journalists and CEOs continue to travel their to kiss the ring. 'Donald Trump was blessed with a miracle that day in Butler, and Zuckerberg wants to push revisionist history so no trace of the assassination attempt can be seen on Facebook and Instagram. That is EVIL. 'Doesnt get more evil than that. I cannot stay silent about that,' the far-right commentator concluded, calling Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan 'anti-American lunatics. At another point, the right-winged influencer said the social network chief 'stole' her family photos when she was kicked off Facebook for anti-Muslim rhetoric and conspiracy theories like that the 9/11 attacks were an 'inside job' carried out by the federal government. Back in JUly, Meta Public Affairs Director Dani Lever confirmed instances of censorship from Facebook when it came to the assassination attempt, but revealed it had been an error that put the clamp on posts show the now-iconic image of Trump's fist raised in the air. "This was an error. This fact check was initially applied to a doctored photo showing the secret service agents smiling, and in some cases our systems incorrectly applied that fact check to the real photo,' Lever wrote at the time. 'This has been fixed, and we apologize for the mistake.' The 40-year-old Meta CEO declined to offer his opinion on the matter Friday during an interview on 'The Circuit with Emily Chang' at Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, California, but did praise Trump for surviving his widely seen assassination attempt a few days before Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Meta confirmed the dinner between Zuckerberg and Trump on Wednesday, saying he and other members of his team had been invited to talk about the incoming administration. During the race, Zuckerberg notably did not offer any endorsement - but he did label Trump's response to the Butler assassination attempt as 'badass' when asked about giving one. 'Seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things I've ever seen in my life,' Zuckerberg, 40, said during an interview at Meta HQ in Menlo Park, California, in July. 'On some level as an American, it's like hard to not get kind of emotional about that spirit and that fight,' the Facebook founder added. 'And I think that that's why a lot of people like the guy.' He also complained how senior Biden administration officials pressured Facebook to 'censor' certain COVID-19 content during the pandemic - something he said he regrets. 'We made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn't make today,' Zuckerberg said in August. 'I feel strongly that we should not compromise our content standards due to pressure from any administration in either direction - and we're ready to push back if something like this happens again.' Sir Keir Starmer suffered embarassment today after the Scottish Government announced it is reinstating universal energy bills help for the elderly. The SNP-led administration at Holyrood said every pensioner in Scotland will receive a winter heating payment next year. It has taken the action after Chancellor Rachel Reeves axed winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners across England and Wales by announcing Labour would means-test the benefit from this winter. The Scottish Government said it had been forced to 'mitigate' decisions made by Labour at Westminster, despite 'significant pressures' on its own budget in Edinburgh. Those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits and who have received a 200 or 300 payment this year will get the same next year through the SNP's new devolved scheme. All other pensioners will receive a reduced payment of 100. In August, the Scottish Government scrapped its own winter fuel payment for all pensioners. It said the move had been forced by Ms Reeves' action at Westminster leaving a 160million funding shortfall for Scotland's equivalent benefit. An estimated 900,000 people in Scotland were set to be cut off from accessing the winter fuel payment, which used to be universal. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, the SNP's Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the replacement scheme. The PM and Ms Reeves had already been left red-faced after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar vowed to reinstate the winter fuel payment for thousands of pensioners north of the border. Sir Keir Starmer suffered embarassment today after the Scottish Government announced it is reinstating universal energy bills help for the elderly The SNP-led administration has taken the action after Chancellor Rachel Reeves axed winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners across England and Wales In a statement to the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, the SNP's Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the replacement scheme Ms Somerville also used her Holyrood statement to announce a further 20million for the Scottish Welfare Fund and the same amount for Warmer Homes Scotland this financial year. 'There has been change, but that change is that we are now mitigating against a Labour Government and not a Tory one,' she said. 'We have not taken this decision lightly, given the significant pressures on the Scottish Government's budget, but this Scottish Government is determined to stay true to our values. 'On our watch, we will treat people in this country with fairness, dignity and respect. 'We will not abandon older people this winter, or indeed any winter, and we will continue to protect our pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour Government.' Ms Somerville was accused by Scottish Conservative social security spokeswoman Liz Smith of 'hoodwinking' pensioners by making the announcement seem like a return to the full payment. But Ms Somerville said: 'We have returned to a universal payment for pensioners, and that is an important principle we are determined to hold to.' The minister added that Scots will see the benefit as 'an investment in our people'. She also sparred with Labour social justice spokesman Paul O'Kane, who asked if the increase in spending coming to Scotland through the Barnett formula as a result of UK Government decisions had allowed the change. 'I think as well as asking some questions, which he is obviously right to do, Mr O'Kane and his party should come here with a bit of humility and a bit of an apology for Scotland's pensioners for putting us in this position in the first place,' the minister said. Earlier this month, Mr Sarwar called for redesigned payments and said Scottish Labour would lower the bar for getting them if it wins the 2026 Holyrood election. On 29 July, Ms Reeves announced - from this winter - retirees in England and Wales will only get winter fuel payments if they receive pension credit or certain other benefits. The Chancellor insisted the move was necessary to help fill a 22billion 'black hole' she claimed the previous Tory government left in this year's spending plans. But Whitehall estimates have suggested that 100,000 extra pensioners will be pushed into poverty as a result, while critics claimed the 'cruel' move will force some pensioners to go cold this winter. BBC presenter Gregg Wallace has been seen for the first time since quitting Masterchef while an investigation into inappropriate behaviour is carried out by TV chiefs. The 60-year-old managed a brief smile as he walked from his car back to his 1.2m Kent farmhouse. He ignored shouted questions and only told photographers 'You must be cold' as he grabbed some belongings from the boot of the Mini car. Wearing a black fleece top and khaki trousers and trainers, he nodded and smiled as he returned to the five-bedroom house set in five acres of land. Earlier, a spokesman for Mr Wallace said he would not be adding to a statement made earlier when the allegations were first made. Neighbours of the TV presenter leapt to his defence today, with one saying: 'He is a lovely man and will not have a word said against him.' Wallace has stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. He has been accused of taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' and talking about his sex life to others. BBC presenter Gregg Wallace has been seen for the first time since quitting Masterchef The 60-year-old managed a brief smile as he walked from his car back to his 1.2m Kent farmhouse On one occasion he allegedly told a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. The BBC has revealed that 13 people, including Kirsty Wark, have complained about his conduct while working with him over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. Ms Walk claims that on two occasions Wallace told stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants and crew while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. She said his gags and comments were 'really, really in the wrong place'. 'There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen', she said. Today Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir shared a picture of herself during the 2017 Celebrity MasterChef series with the cryptic message: 'Always keep your receipts'. It is not yet known if she has also complained. The BBC claims that Wallace walked away from MasterChef today after BBC News sent a letter to his agent on Tuesday, setting out allegations from 13 people and giving him a right of reply. They say he was warned after a complaint was raised in 2018, but new historical claims emerged over the summer of 2024. Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. But he will be on BBC One as usual tonight because MasterChef: The Professionals, which is already recorded, will transmit as planned and into December. MasterChef's Christmas specials will also still be broadcast. Mr Wallace is yet to comment today - but at the time of the announcement this afternoon he did take to Instagram to share his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. Gregg Wallace will step away from presenting MasterChef while complaints made to the BBC from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated. Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments she heard filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 (right) Kirsty would make the final of the sixth series of Celebrity MasterChef Gregg looked stressed as Ms Wark struggled with her gravy in 2011 in October, Gregg denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show, saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman Wallace (pictured with John Torode), 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said The BBC has said that it will take the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' But in October Gregg vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and saying: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations, but last month it was claimed the grocer turned TV star had boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her. What has Gregg Wallace been accused of? 13 people who have told the BBC of what they consider inappropriate sexual comments made by Wallace across a range of shows over a 17-year period. These include: Kirsty Wark says that on two occasions Wallace relayed stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants on Celebrity MasterChef and crew and that she felt they were 'really, really in the wrong place'. Talking openly about his sex life on set Taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' Telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans' Advertisement In a statement to the PA news agency Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. 'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. 'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.' The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.' The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. 'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. 'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.' In October Mr Wallace admitted he was feeling stressed amid allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments towards women - and his fellow judge John Torode's wife alleged he 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. Wallace took to Instagram with a live video as he offered tips on healthy eating while also alluding to new allegations made against him this week. He told viewers he was 'a little bit distracted at the moment', but said he 'wanted to check in and say hello'. His social media riposte came as it emerged his MasterChef co-host John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as he apparently delivered punchlines to crew of the BBC's flagship cookery show. Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy - and has opened up about her time on the show. MasterChef co-present Gregg Wallace filmed a live video message admitting he was feeling some 'stress' as newly-emerged allegations were made against him in October Actress Lisa Faulkner (centre) has said Gregg Wallace (left) repeatedly made rude jokes to MasterChef crew members - she is married to his co-host John Torode (right) Gregg Wallace has said in another Instagram video message that he has always been true to his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini - the couple are pictured here at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019 Brookside and Holby City star Faulkner told the Cheltenham Literature Festival how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was prepping her dishes. She said: 'Gregg was telling I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew. 'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, 'I've got ten minutes left', and he's saying, 'So this girl walked into a bar' 'And I'm going, 'Please, I don't want to hear this joke'.' Her husband John, 59, who was also on stage with her to promote their new book, told her: 'It's changed quite a lot really' Gregg, 60, absolutely denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show - saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour'. An insider claims Gregg brushed it off as 'just banter', having been reported for making 'consistent inappropriate comments' to the member of the production team while working on game show Impossible Celebrities. Lisa Faulkner has said Gregg Wallace would tell 'rude joke after rude joke' on MasterChef But taking to Instagram, Wallace hit back at the allegations in an emotional video saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna. He said: 'The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC. 'And the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. 'Despite what the newspapers are suggesting nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody. 'And the reason I say this is because of my wife Anna. I have always been true to my wife Anna and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years [since] I met her and fell in love with her. 'And it's important that, so that people don't misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife.' Wallace, who has previously spoken of losing 5st with an exercise regime, told viewers: 'I've had a fair bit of stress over the last few days, but my healthy lifestyle choices have stayed the same because that's my lifestyle. That's what I do without thinking'. 'Does that make sense to people? I really, really hope it does. I'm a little bit distracted at the moment, you can probably tell.' Wallace went on to say: 'There are so many benefits of upping your levels of activity, so many healthy benefits. 'I'm not going to mention the newspapers at the moment I've got that coming at me left, right and centre.' He also responded to commenters including one who spoke of loving chocolate buttons, with Wallace saying: 'Chocolate buttons are lovely right now, that sugar hit, I get it. I understand.' But he added: 'I really like a mango. I really like a pineapple. I really like a bowl of blueberries. And fruit isn't full of sugar and fat. Here's the saying love food that loves you back.' The TV presenter then signed off by saying: 'I've got a really, really busy day I wanted to check in and say hello. 'If you want to make a difference to your life, really consider the choices you make.' The allegations of inappropriate comments have only now emerged amid the BBC this week launching a probe into workplace culture as bosses aim to crack down on the 'abuse of power'. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour' The insider who made the claims against Wallace, which his team says are 'inaccurate', raised questions as to why he was allowed to continue presenting MasterChef. They told the Sun: 'He is said to have been boasting about his sex life with his partner at the time. At one point, Wallace was also accused of taking his top off in front of the woman which felt inappropriate. The team working on the show were said to have gone to BBC bosses to complain after being left 'mortified' by Wallace's alleged behaviour. A spokesman for the BBC told The Sun: 'Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. 'We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.' It was previously reported by the Times back in May last year that he had allegedly offended female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation. Wallace then denied that he left the BBC show Inside The Factory in March that year due to inappropriate comments made towards female staff. Gregg Wallace hit back at the latest allegations in a response on Instagram, saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna Wallace quit BBC show Inside The Factory in March last year after allegations that he had been 'rude towards staff' and spoke to them in a 'derogatory manner, especially to women' Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims 'inaccurate'. The newspaper had quoted a source as saying: 'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.' The comments were reportedly non-sexual but deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show. When asked on GMB by Richard Madeley about his departure from the programme, Wallace responded by saying: 'There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn't accurate. 'There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.' 'Offending people? No, no - if you look at the headlines, you can't see a story that matches those headlines.' Gregg also revealed that he also wanted to leave to help care for his son Sid, born in 2019, who is autistic. Explaining his home situation, he said: 'I've got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies, he's got learning difficulties. Mum needed help there.' Gregg Wallace was accompanied by his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini when he received an MBE honour for services to food and charity, at Windsor Castle in February 2022 Gregg Wallace (left) and John Torode (right) have co-presented MasterChef since 2005 He revealed that the demanding nature of the filming around the different factories across the country meant that it made sense to give it up. Wallace added: 'It's completely inaccurate, I didn't challenge it. There was an issue, I don't want to discuss the issue but it wasn't what the papers said it was. 'There was nothing offensive to anybody that's just people guessing. It was a decent time to come out, I think.' Wallace wed Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years younger than him, at Hever Castle in Kent in August 2016, having met three years earlier. Eerie new photos show the personal belongings of a wealthy couple who vanished almost 45 years ago after their car and bodies were found submerged in a pond. A purse, jewelry, toothpaste with Colgate still visible on the tube, and high-heel shoes were some of the belongings frozen in time when the pond was dredged. Crusted with mud, muck, and rust, they were painstakingly retrieved and laid out on sheets next to the pond off Interstate 95 near Brunswick, Georgia. The bodies of retired Sinclair Oil executive Charles Romer, 73, and his wife Catherine, 75, who suddenly disappeared on April 8, 1980, were believed to also be in the pond. They were found inside the rotted remains of the black custom model 1979 Lincoln Continental they were driving, which also disappeared on the same day. Charles and Catherine were longtime friends who got married in 1974. They were on their way home to Scarsdale, New York from Miami, Florida before they vanished. Catherine and Charles Romer went missing in 1980 while stopping in Georgia on their way home from Miami They were found inside the black custom model 1979 Lincoln Continental they were driving, which also disappeared on the same day A purse, jewellery, and toothpaste with Colgate still visible on the tube, were some of the beongings frozen in time when the pond was dredged. A pair of high-heel shoes, covered in mud and muck, were also recovered after 44 years A car submerged in a Georgia pond with a human bone inside had been linked to the Romer's cold case They stopped along their route on I-95 at a Holiday Inn in Brunswick, Georgia, on April 8 - one of the last places the couple was seen. They checked in at 3.51pm and took their belongings into Room 149, and by about 5pm, a Georgia Highway Patrol officer saw the car south of Brunswick near some restaurants. Hotel staffers raised alarm on April 11 and reported the Romers missing when they noticed their bed had not been slept in. Employees found unpacked bags, tax returns and a bottle of scotch inside the vacant room, but no sign of them or their car. Catherine was wearing $81,000 in jewelry when she disappeared with her husband, according to the Associated Press. Catherine was reportedly wearing $81,000 in jewelry when the couple vanished They were found inside the black custom model 1979 Lincoln Continental they were driving, which also disappeared on the same day Overhead view of the high-end car that was found buried in the mud for decades Sunshine State Sonar made the discovery about 10am after a tip about a submerged vehicle, which was later identified as a 1970s Ford sedan The belingings were painstakingly retrieved and laid out on sheets next to the pond off Interstate 95 near Brunswick, Georgia Parts of the car, including this wheel and axel, were brought out separately, having fallen off the rest of the vehicle over time Sunshine State Sonar divers haul pieces of the car from the depths of the pond But on Friday, the decades old dead-end case was resurfaced when a Florida Sound Navigation and Ranging (Sonar) search team found a car believed to be theirs submerged in a pond off of the Interstate 95 in Brunswick. 'Ultimately a match must be determined by the VIN number and it has not been possible yet to get that from the vehicle found in the pond,' the Glynn County Police Department said. Sunshine State Sonar made the discovery about 10am after a tip about a submerged vehicle, which was later identified as a 1970s Ford sedan. 'Further investigation led to the discovery of an additional vehicle, ultimately determined to be the vehicle belonging to Charles and Catherine Romer,' it said. 'We promptly notified the Glynn County Police Detectives of the discovery, including the 1970s Ford sedan.' Taking a deeper look, one human bone was found inside of the car, but DNA results to confirm they belong to the missing couple are pending. Charles and Catherine's disappearances have baffled family members and investigators for decades The couple drove a black custom model 1979 Lincoln Continental, which resembled the car dug up on Friday The couple got married in 1974 - just six years before they were last seen - after being longtime friends 'At this time there is no conclusion about the identity of the remains that were found,' police said. 'The pond is being drained and special equipment is being utilized to allow for a thorough investigation by GCPD and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.' Although no solid conclusion has been drawn about the circumstances surrounding the vanished wealthy couple, investigators, Brunswick locals and family members have speculated over the years. 'We all felt with our experience that these people had been kidnapped and killed for her jewelry, and the vehicle and the bodies were hidden in the water,' rescue diver George Baker, who searched for the car over the years, told the AP in 1998. Former Holiday Inn employee Andy Mavromat told Action News Jax: 'He was in the oil industry; he was worth a bunch of money. When I worked at Holiday Inn, it was the big thing, and we never knew happened to them. 'We figured with all the money they had, someone followed them and robbed them.' Given the discovery, Mavromat said maybe the couple lost control of their car and fell into the lake. Charles was officially declared dead in 1985, leaving his two sons with a $1.2 million estate. Catherine's nine grandchildren took the discovery to heart and reflected on their late grandmother. People have thought about what may have happened for years. The car's discovery has shed new light on the circumstances for family members The Sonar team from Florida was searching the pond for another car when they discovered the Lincoln 'All the investigations and psychics and everything, the police, they worked so hard, and Blackwater divers have been searching for years. And they thought it was foul play,' Christine Seaman Heller, Catherine's granddaughter, told ABC7. Heller said she found some comfort in the discovery and is hoping to gain some final closure. 'I was talking about it yesterday with a friend of mine because it's always been such a mystery. So, it would be so wonderful to find out, just have some peace. You know maybe it wasn't a horrible ending, maybe it was just an accident,' she said. A vape firm has emerged as the likely new buyer of iconic British tea brand Typhoo who has fallen into administration for the first time in more than 120 years to 'protect' itself. After finding itself in 70million of debt, the historic drinks business filed a notice to appoint administrators on Wednesday, according to official filings. The collapse follows several years of declining sales, mounting debts - close to 70million - and even a break-in at its Wirral factory last year. Insolvency specialists at Kroll have been appointed to oversee the administration process and are hoping to strike a rescue deal for the business. It is understood the business has fewer than 100 employees. Now, it has been revealed that Supreme - the London-listed vaping products and drinks manufacturer - told shareholders on Thursday that rescue talks are at 'an advanced stage' but it is not certain an acquisition deal will be completed. The move would be part of efforts by Supreme to grow its drinks and nutrition operations, as it reduces its focus on vaping ahead of a Government clampdown on disposable vapes due next year. A spokesman for Kroll said: 'As reported recently, the company has experienced significant cash flow constraints as a result of supply chain disruptions and subsequent service issues. 'The company has been exploring a sale of the business and assets which is in the process of concluding. The future of Typhoo Tea is currently hanging in the balance as it attempts to find a buyer Supreme - the London-listed vaping products and drinks manufacturer - told shareholders on Thursday that rescue talks are at 'an advanced stage'. File image of vaping Tea sales fell by 4.3 percent last year - and are set to fall further by 2028 (Pictured: Chef Nigella Lawson in an advert for Typhoo) 'The administration process provides Typhoo Tea with protection, allowing the joint administrators to finalise the sale in order to rescue the business.' Typhoo Tea is now run by CEO Dave McNulty, who used to run the snack brand Burt's crisps. Since 2021, private equity firm Zetland Capital has also been its majority shareholder. Despite formerly being one of the UK's best selling tea brands, the company's sales declined from 34million in 2022 to 25million last year and losses rose from 9.7million in 2022 to 38million in 2023. Its struggles have been attributed to customers switching brands or drinks altogether, instead opting for coffee, energy drinks or bubble tea alternatives. It comes amid nationwide forecasts which show Brits will continue to cut down on tea consumption in the coming years. The tea brand has also been hit by a series of setbacks in recent years and rising costs as it seeks to become a more ethical brand. Typhoo suffered after a break-in at one of its factories in Merseyside, which was used to store expensive equipment and tea stock. The raid caused 'extensive damage' to both, with Typhoo having to spend 24 million to repair the damage and boost stocks. Typhoo is now run by CEO Dave McNulty (pictured), who used to run the snack brand Burt's crisps Typhoo tea has been on shop shelves for more than a century after being founded in 1903 The planned sale of the factory was also delayed by the incident, although was completed by June this year. Amid the cost of living crisis, shoppers are also increasingly switching from brands such as Typhoo, PG Tips and Twinings for cheaper supermarket alternatives. Founded in 1903, Typhoo has long been one of Britain's best-known tea brands, but the decline in recent years has pushed it to the brink of going out of business. To add to this, tea sales fell by 4.3 percent last year - although Typhoo's sales actually rose due to its prices being cheaper than most other brands. Typhoo's debts reached 73 million in September 2023. Overall its tea sales are still in decline and tea consumption is expected to fall by eight percent by 2028. Further afield, Typhoo has recently gone from working with 300 tea plantations in East Africa to just three. It's part of a push launched as the new CEO took over to overhaul its supply chain and stop sexual violence against women at the plantations. Typhoo has warned prices could rise as a result. Dave McNulty, chief executive of Typhoo, said: 'This action has been taken to enable us to pursue a sale of the business. A further statement will be issued in due course with further information.' Gregg Wallace 'hated' his time on Strictly Come Dancing and said he would have done better if he was with 'somebody who liked me'. The grocer-turned-presenter appeared in the 2014 series of the BBC show where he was paired with pro dancer Aliona Vilani. He was the first celebrity to be voted off and previously told how he was crying after just two weeks on the show. Last year he opened up about his experience on Strictly and how he 'hated it'. The 60-year-old also previously took a swipe at his dance partner and appeared to blame her for his early exit. At one point he was so stressed he couldn't bring himself to dance in front of a live audience with concerned show bosses recommending he got professional help. Wallace told The Mirror's Men In Mind podcast how his therapist jumped in a car to be at his side in his dressing room and 'had me in floods of tears'. Gregg Wallace 'hated' his time on Strictly Come Dancing and said he would have done better if he was with 'somebody who liked me'. The grocer-turned-presenter appeared in the 2014 series of the BBC show where he was paired with pro dancer Aliona Vilani The 60-year-old also previously took a swipe at his dance partner and appeared to blame her for his early exit 'But I went out and danced,' he said. He said the stress caused rashes to break out on the side of his face and he was 'having a really tough time'. Speaking to OK! magazine in 2021, Wallace said he 'absolutely hated' Strictly and the only time he enjoyed it was the last day on the final. And he moaned: 'I love dancing, but if I were paired with somebody who liked me then I would have done better.' Kazakhstan beauty Aliona, who left the show after the 2015 series, also hinted of her dissatisfaction with their partnership after she retweeted 62 Twitter comments from fans claiming she should have been given a better partner. Wallace admitted to being so racked with fear and anxiety ahead of his Strictly Come Dancing performance that he sought the help of a hypnotherapist. He told The Express in 2014: 'I was suffering from so much stage-fright and severe anxiety that, on Saturday morning, I cried out of fear and desperation. It was absolute terror that I couldn't overcome.' In a bid just to keep going, he met with a psychological professional, who helped him focus on positive thinking. But the main problem for Wallace was his fear of being judged. 'All that kept going through my head was, "I am going to look stupid." I just couldn't control that fear,' he said. 'I can empathise with MasterChef contestants now. I never knew what they were suffering. I now know it's OK to mess up, it's OK to be scared.' MailOnline has contacted representatives of Strictly Come Dancing for comment. Gregg Wallace (pictured today) has stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming Mr Wallace was at home in Kent today as it emerged he was under investigation Wallace (pictured with John Torode), 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said On Thursday Wallace stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. Ms Walk claims that on two occasions Wallace told stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants and crew while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. She said his gags and comments were 'really, really in the wrong place'. 'There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen', she said. Today Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir shared a picture of herself during the 2017 Celebrity MasterChef series with the cryptic message: 'Always keep your receipts'. It is not yet known if she has also complained. Wallace is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. He is yet to comment today, but in October he vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and saying: 'I didn't say anything sexual.' China urges G7 to stop indulging in geopolitical games Xinhua) 09:31, November 28, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Group of Seven (G7) countries to stop indulging in geopolitical games, abandon the zero-sum mentality and make tangible contributions to the solidarity and cooperation of the international community, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday. "China has reiterated its firm stance on G7's false China-related remarks this year," said Mao at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on a statement adopted recently by the G7 foreign ministers. Since the G7 countries seek to establish constructive and stable relations with China to jointly tackle global challenges, they should act on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, instead of smearing China, said Mao. On the Ukraine crisis issue, China's position has always been fair and square, said Mao. China has worked to promote peace talks and never provided weapons to either party in the conflict, strictly controlled the export of dual-use items and even civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and has opposed the use of UAV for military purposes, Mao said. At the same time, normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia should not be interfered with or coerced by any third party, Mao added. The so-called "overcapacity" narrative has been proved false by many facts and figures, Mao noted, adding that relevant countries should keep an open mind and adhere to fair competition. On issues relating to the East China Sea, South China Sea, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong, among others, China's stance is consistent and clear, Mao said. "We firmly oppose the G7 undermining China's sovereignty and interfering in China's internal affairs, and urge the group to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms governing international relations, and mind their own business," she added. Mao said that at present, global peace and development are facing unprecedented challenges. "As a responsible major country, China remains committed to fairness, morality, openness and inclusiveness, benefiting the world through its own development," she added. "China urges the G7 countries to stop indulging in geopolitical games, abandon narrow-minded zero-sum thinking and make tangible contributions to the solidarity and cooperation of the international community," Mao said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The massive promise by Microsoft to deliver an Xbox game storefront for the Android platform is already done and ready to offer the experience for users to enjoy on mobile, after previously facing significant hurdles from the Play Store. However, it is not exactly available for users yet as Microsoft cannot launch it for the public to access because of the temporary stay that Google requested. After Epic Games won its antitrust lawsuit against Google, the federal judge's decision was to crack open the Play Store by allowing third-party app marketplaces to distribute games and experiences on Android. Microsoft's Xbox Game Store For Android is Ready Xbox President Sarah Bond recently shared via a thread post on Bluesky that it is not Microsoft's fault why the Xbox Game Store which it promised to the world remains unavailable for the public. The executive claimed that Microsoft is not to blame for this unprecedented delay particularly as the company has already built the new platform that would allow users to buy games. Bond also shared that the platform is "ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision," particularly as the said Epic Games and Google case saw a standstill after a recent appeal. The latest update by Bond regarding the Xbox Game Store for Android stems from her previous promise to its fans that come the start of November, the platform would already be available to the public. Google's Stay Hinders Xbox Game Store Launch While Bond did not exactly blame Google for the delay, the Xbox president claimed that the recent "temporary administrative stay" that the courts granted is the reason behind its inability to launch the new storefront. However, it is widely known that Google was the one who filed for a stay to delay the Play Store changes which the court mandated. For now, Bond and Microsoft will have to wait alongside fans awaiting this experience, as the court decides on the next steps for Google and Android's fate. Epic's Massive Win Against Google's Monopoly The many antitrust complaints and monopoly claims against Google have hit the company from almost all sides, and while the most recent US DOJ case is being appealed, there were other battles that already concluded. Among the most popular was the Epic Games v. Google case where the renowned game developer fought against Android's restrictions for third-party app platforms which prioritized the Play Store. After the case's conclusion and the judge deliberating on what are the next steps for Google, the company successfully hindered the ruling that granted the company a temporary stay. However, this stay is only a small setback for the massive changes as it is inevitably taking effect against them, and one of the company's solutions against this is to appeal against this ruling. The judge originally ruled that Google should open up the Play Store come November 1, 2024, with the company given eight months to apply the massive changes or face significant repercussions for holding out. However, Google's stay does not only affect Epic Games' marketplace from being available on Android in the present, as Microsoft is also facing a delay in launching the Xbox Game Store, despite it being ready for launch on the mobile platform. A Colombian school bus driver has been arrested after a girl he allegedly kidnapped 12 years ago managed to escape captivity. The girl was only seven years old when she was reported missing and is said to have been moved between addresses in Medellin and nearby Bello. Her captor allegedly changed her name, kept her out of sight, and school. She was also allegedly raped on camera, the statement said. In February the girl escaped her reported abuser, with him being arrested in Medellin in the northeastern Antioquia last week. The suspect faces charges of raping a minor and producing child pornography. The prosecutor's office said the man had 'psychologically manipulated' the girl 'into making her believe that this type of behaviour is normal.' When she was 16, the alleged victim confronted her captor, which prompted him to lock her in a house from which she escaped earlier this year, the statement said. The man appeared in court last week and denied all charges. He has since been held in pre-trial detention. A Colombian school bus driver has been arrested after a girl he allegedly kidnapped 12 years ago managed to escape captivity, the prosecutors office have said (Pictured: Medellin, Colombia) Recently exposed cases of child sex abuse in Medellin, including by foreign tourists, has prompted a wave of indignation in Colombia. The city of 2.5 million people recorded 139 cases of child sexual exploitation between January and August this year, according to municipal data. Fourteen foreigners have been arrested in Medellin for child sex abuse this year alone. In April, the mayor of Medellin Federico Gutierrez issued a six-month ban on prostitution in two of the city's neighbourhoods - Provenza and El Poblado. The ban on prositution came only days after an American tourist was found in a hotel room with two girls aged 12 and 13. The 36-year-old man was taken into police custody but released 12 hours later, while authorities investigated the incident. According to local media, he had left Colombia and had travelled to Florida, USA. A woman who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 and held captive for 54 days has announced her engagement. Mia Schem shared a kiss with her fiance today as she took to social media to announce her news. Her engagement comes just two days before the one year-anniversary of her release from captivity in Gaza. The 22-year-old was freed alongside eight other hostages on November 30, 2023 during a temporary ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Taking to Instagram, Ms Schem announced her betrothal with a picture of her engagement ring. She was also congratulated on the Israeli government's official X account. In a post on the platform they wrote: 'Mazal Tov to Mia Schem and her partner Yinon who got engaged today! 'Mia is an incredibly brave woman who was held hostage by Hamas for 54 days. Mia, you deserve all the happiness in the world. We love you.' Mia Schem's engagement comes just two days before the one year anniversary of her release from captivity in Gaza Ms Schem being released to the Red Cross in November last year. She was among the most high-profile captees after Hamas released a video in the early days of the war showing her recovering from surgery Taking to Instagram, Ms Schem announced her betrothal with a picture of her engagement ring Ms Schem was among the most high-profile captees after Hamas released a video in the early days of the war showing her recovering from surgery. While she was prisoner, a vet operated on her arm leaving the French-Israeli citizen with a visible scar. Since her release, Ms Schem has recalled the harrowing conditions she was kept in which included being locked in 5ft-high cage 200ft underground 'without air and without light' for five days with several other women. She also described being marched to the cage for two hours through Gaza's infamous tunnels, with 'an armed terrorist in front [and] armed terrorists in back' after spending 50 days in captivity. Speaking outside the United Nations National Security Council on November 6, the tattoo artist called on the UN to do more to resolve the hostage crisis. Ms Schem said: 'For 50 days, I was kept alone, suffering from an unbearable pain in my hand without any treatment. 'A Hamas terrorist sat in front of me in a dark room with a gun pointed at my head. 'Not a single humanitarian agency saw me or treated me even as my arm got worse. Where was the Red Cross? Where was the UN demanding that we have access to us?' Mia is seen walking with family members at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel after her release She was also congratulated on the Israeli government's official X account. In a post on the platform they wrote: 'Mazal Tov to Mia Schem and her partner Yinon who got engaged today!' She continued: 'In this moment, 60 meters underground with no air, no light, no hope, my friends are still being held by monsters. 'My heart is still with them, captive in Gaza. I stand here and demand that you bring all of them home now!' 'It's been over a year, and the UN has not lifted the finger to free the hostages, she added. Ms Schem previously opened up about her experience of being held in the 5ft-high cage as she spoke outside the Israeli consulate in New York in October. Referring to the moment she was locked up, she said: 'There I met five young women, each with their own horrific abduction story. 'We spent five days in that dark cage, with two armed guards changing shifts every 12 hours.' While the 22-year-old was freed in the first round of hostage releases five days later, now more than a year on, the other women are still being held in Gaza. Terrifying footage showed Ms Schem being surrounded by a screaming mob as she was walked from a car and handed over to Red Cross operatives on November 30 last year. A person, believed to be a male relative, was seen kissing her forehead after not seeing her for seven weeks. In the 54 days she was held in Gaza, she was forced to film a propaganda video which showed her receiving treatment for injuries she sustained in her kidnapping from the Nova Festival. Upon her arrival in Gaza, Ms Schem was bundled into a building where someone operated on her hand. Her family members claimed she had been operated on by a vet. The 22-year-old said she was locked in a 5ft-high cage 200ft underground 'without air and without light' for five days with several other women 'There was no anaesthesia, no nothing... I choked up from the pain, and [the person performing the operation] looks at me and says, ''Stop it! Or I'll send you to the tunnels'', she said in a previous interview. Some 240 hostages were taken from southern Israel into Gaza when Hamas launched its sudden assault on October 7. More than 1,200 were also killed in the attack as armed gunmen struck residential kibbutzim and the Nova music festival near Re'im. Hamas released more than 100 hostages during a week-long ceasefire at the end of November last year, most of them agreed as part of a deal with Israel However, now more than a year on, more than 90 remain unaccounted for. There are thought to be more than 60 hostages still alive and the bodies of a further 35 held by Hamas. This is the chilling moment a grinning paedophile said 'we're enjoying ourselves' as a young boy sits on his lap during a holiday in Thailand. David Marsh, 74, was jailed today for 27 years for grooming and sexually abusing boys between the ages of six and nine in the 1980s and 1990s. His trial was shown the shocking clip filmed by a bare-chested Marsh after he approached a group of boys on a trip to Thailand. He can be heard saying 'we are all enjoying ourselves' as he takes one of the children onto his lap. He and fellow paedophile, Anthony Whitehead, 72, were found guilty of 35 historic sex offences in October after brave survivors spoke out. The pair preyed on six vulnerable boys in Rochdale, Bolton and Manchester in the 1980s and 1990s - grooming them with cigarettes, alcohol and money. Marsh and Whitehead 'discarded' the abused boys leaving them to deal with years of trauma and pain, as they carried on with their seemingly 'ordinary' lives. One of the victims spoke of feeling 'knee deep in shame', with most if not all having a mistrust of authority, including police. David Marsh, now 74, filmed himself with a young boy on his lap in Thailand Marsh (right) and fellow paedophile, Anthony Whitehead, 72, have now been found guilty of 35 historic sex offences Marsh was today sentenced to 27 years at Manchester Crown Court, whereas Whitehead received a seven-year jail term. Both men, who did not know each other and carried out separate campaigns of abuse, must serve at least two thirds of their sentence before they are eligible for parole. Their conviction is the result of a pain-staking five-year investigation that began back in 2019, after one of the survivors, confided in a person of authority that he had been sexually abused by Marsh as boy. Detectives from Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale's Complex Safeguarding Team then worked meticulously to identify any other survivors. Detective Constable Andrea Richards, who has worked on this case from the start, said: 'I want to commend the male survivors who have played a crucial role in bringing these abhorrent abusers to long-awaited justice. 'It was incredibly brave of them to speak about their abuse in what was a difficult and painful process for them to have to go through. 'These depraved men are exactly where they should be, in jail, away from causing our communities and those within it any further harm. He can be heard saying 'we are all enjoying ourselves' as he takes one of the children onto his lap Pictured: Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court where the pair were jailed 'There may be others affected by Marsh and Whitehead's separate campaigns of offending, and we would like to let all survivors of sexual abuse know that we are here to listen to them when they are ready, at a pace they feel comfortable with. 'There are also several agencies, that are not the police, who we work closely with to support survivors for those who would feel more comfortable taking this approach. 'We continue to be on an upward improvement journey in how we tackle CSE whether it be the abuse of children yesterday or today. 'We hope that this conviction, and our continuously improving outcomes for victims, give survivors that we will ensure time is no barrier to justice.' EasyJet will slash its domestic flights after being hit by Rachel Reeves' hike to air passenger duty (APD). The budget airline is cutting down its schedule of flights within the UK, which will especially hit services between London, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Its incoming CEO Kenton Jarvis said the company would absorb 13million from the Chancellor's increase to employers' National Insurance contributions. Ms Reeves confirmed in her Budget that the Government would hike air passenger duty (APD) by 2 to 16 for the standard rate or 32 for a return journey between two airports within the UK. Calling the move 'disappointing', Mr Jarvis said Labour was doing exactly what it had said it didn't want to do in hitting working people, the Telegraph reported. He said: 'We were really happy when the Government said they were pro-growth and I understand why they want to increase things like the minimum wage.' 'Were an island and were taxing what gets the economy moving. Its at loggerheads with being pro-growth. I dont think its a smart move', he added. It comes after EasyJet's largest rival, Irish carrier Ryanair announced last month it would cut UK capacity by 10 per cent next year - the equivalent of five million passengers. EasyJet has said it will slash its UK domestic flights following the Government's decision to hike Air Passenger Duty Rachel Reeves announced in her Budget that the air travel levy would increase by 2 for short-haul flights from the 2026/27 financial year The standard rate for domestic flights will jump up from 14 to 16 from 2026 Its chief executive Michael O'Leary said: 'This week's anti-growth air tax increase shows that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has no clue how to deliver growth in the UK economy. 'This short-sighted tax grab will make air travel much more expensive for ordinary UK families going on holidays abroad and will make the UK a less competitive destination compared to Ireland, Sweden, Hungary and Italy where these Govt's are abolishing travel taxes to stimulate traffic, tourism, and jobs growth in their economies. 'Reeves has damaged the UK's growth prospects and made air travel much more expensive for UK families travelling abroad on holidays or to visit friends and family.' The Chancellor's hike to APD will take effect from the 2026/27 financial year. As well as hitting short-haul air travel, with long-haul economy passengers to destinations like the Caribbean, South Africa and the Far East, the levy will be hiked by 12 to 106. Users of private jets will see their tax jump by 50 per cent. Air Passenger Duty was initially introduce in 1994 by then Tory chancellor Ken Clarke. The levy has since been increased, while other European countries, including Sweden and Ireland, have abolished air travel taxes. Duty rates are based on the length of the flight and the class of cabin. John F. Kennedy's progressive grandson appeared to take yet another shot at cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while making a sarcastic demand of the president-elect's cabinet nominees. Jack Schlossberg, 31, asked that his grandfather's nephew and other Donald Trump appointees 'be required to submit a stool sample' before assuming power on Thursday - before getting his actual point across with a lewd pun. 'If they don't give a shit about bodily autonomy, why not ask for one,' he wrote, before tagging Trump's newly tapped health secretary specifically. 'Lots to spare, much to be revealed,' he joked - further enflaming political tensions seen in his blue-blooded family. Back in May, he called his then-Presidential candidate cousin 'a prick' - before going on to appear at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). President Kennedy's only grandson, he's made it clear he supports the party his grandfather once belonged to - the one opposed to the upcoming administration. Moreover, the political scion will be 35 years old by the time of the next race - making him eligible for a prospective run. For now, he works as Vogue's political correspondent - while putting out tongue-in-cheek social media posts for all to see. Scroll down for video Jack Schlossberg , 31, asked that his grandfather's nephew and other Donald Trump appointees 'be required to submit a stool sample' before assuming power on Thursday - before getting his actual point across with a lewd pun 'If they don't give a shit about bodily autonomy, why not ask for one,' he asked, before taking a shot at cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was tapped by Trump to be the US's health secretary 'I dont think people who disagree with me suck or are idiots!' the New York City resident wrote in his most recent offering, posted Thanksgiving morning. 'This is my [T]hanksigivng[sic] message! Trump voters = unreasonable. Wanna laugh. I care a lot, have my boundaries. 'But @TuckerCarlson sometimes I agree with you and think youre funny ! Others too.' He capped the caption with a laughing emoji. In an accompanying video, he wished his more than 130,000 followers on the platform a happy holiday. The minute-long clip was filmed during what appeared to be his morning jog along the Hudson River amid some light rain. 'I'm thankful this year for everybody on either side who got engaged in politics,' he said. And I wanna take this opportunity on Thanksgiving, this amazing holiday, to say to anyone who assumes that because of the views that I hold, that I think people who disagree with me are stupid or bad, that Trump is an idiot - I don't think that. 'I don't think that people who voted that way are unreasonable at all. I look forward to a new chapter where we can laugh about our differences. RFK Jr, who ran for president as an Independent after first running as a Democrat, was picked to be the US' next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services two weeks ago Schlossberg, currently the political correspondent at Vogue, regularly posts sarcastic, pointed to social media, and in recent months has repeatedly honed in on his not-so-likeminded relative The eventual heir to the blue-blooded family, Schlossberg, a Yale and Harvard Law School graduate who is a spitting image of the John F. Kennedy, was enlisted by the publication to keep tabs on the election back in July 'I have my views and you have yours... I think there's so much we can come together on,' he continued, eventually declaring, 'I really care about my country.' The video was posted exactly a half-hour after his 'stool sample' joke, which, as of 3pm, has been viewed nearly 300,000 times. He previously said voters would be throwing away their vote if they cast a ballot for his Independent candidate cousin, who first ran as a Democrat. He was picked to be the US' next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services two weeks ago - one of a field of 15 that also included names like Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and Kristi Noem. Tapped to serve as the secretary of state, defense, and homeland security, respectively, the three - and others like WWE co-founder Linda McMahon - are now poised to assume powerful roles within the federal government. Such is the case with Kennedy Jr, whose White House bid was met with criticism from the 31-uyear-old son of US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy. He called Kennedys candidacy is 'an embarrassment', saying 'the issues in this election are way too important for any of us to be distracted.' He's also sang songs of praise for outgoing Joe Biden - saying recently he was 'the greatest progressive president weve ever had'. 'I am inspired by my familys legacy of public service,' he told Vogue. 'I take that very seriously, and I want to contribute in my own way.'I have big dreams' Jack (seen in 2022) has long shown an interest in politics, mingling with top officials at a young age alongside his famous mom and delivering numerous politically-driven speeches Jack is the son of JFK and his wife, Jackie Kennedy Onassis' (pictured) only surviving child, Caroline Kennedy, and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg Meanwhile, the political scion who was hired by Vogue just this past July has experienced some push pack for his stream of consciousness style videos - often filmed from beachside and tropical paradises that fully demonstrate the divide from most watching. Undeterred, he continues to post criticisms of Trump, his cousin, and anyone he sees fit - often doing so in various characters, like a Jewish man named Joshua or a Long Island Man named Anthony In the spring, he assumed the identity of a Massachusetts man named Jimmy to tear into Kennedy Jr. 'A lot of people, a lot of people talking about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,' Schlossberg said in another self-made video at the time. 'You know, Im a fan of his father. And you know his uncle? Rest in peace. I remember where I was the day he was killed; I mean, it was a tragic day, the entire country wept. But listen, that guy, hes a prick. The new guy, the young guy, hes a friggin prick.' Meanwhile, Schlossberg - a graduate of Yale and Harvard Law has also shown an interest in potentially following in his family's, mingling with top officials at a young age alongside his famous mom and delivering numerous politically-driven speeches. He was photographed meeting Biden in 2022. 'I am inspired by my familys legacy of public service,' he told Vogue after accepting his new role in July. 'I take that very seriously, and I want to contribute in my own way. 'I have big dreams'. Masterchef host Gregg Wallace has reassured his mother he is 'fine' after the announcement of an inquiry into misconduct allegations against him today. The broadcaster told 81-year-old Mary Pettman he was coping well after stepping back from his star role on the hit BBC One cooking show. Mrs Pettman said today: 'He's fine. I speak to my son quite regularly and he is fine. ' She said she had no idea when he would be back on the show, and added: 'I have no idea what it's about. You will have to speak to him.' Wallace, 60, has stepped away from MasterChef after being accused of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming, it was revealed today. It is claimed he took his top off in front of a female worker and said he wanted to 'give her a fashion show'. On one occasion he allegedly told a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. The BBC has revealed that 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused him of 'inappropriate behaviour' while working with him over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. Gregg Wallace's mother, Mary Pettman, 81, has been reassured by her son that he is 'fine' following misconduct allegations that emerged today Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments Kirsty Wark pictured on the sixth series of Celebrity MasterChef Ms Wark claims that on two occasions Wallace told stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants and crew while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. She said his gags and comments were 'really, really in the wrong place'. 'There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen', she said. Today Scottish broadcaster Aasmah Mir shared a picture of herself during the 2017 Celebrity MasterChef series with the cryptic message: 'Always keep your receipts'. It is not yet known if she has also complained. The BBC claims that Wallace walked away from MasterChef today after BBC News sent a letter to his agent on Tuesday, setting out allegations from 13 people and giving him a right of reply. They say he was warned after a complaint was raised in 2018, but new historical claims emerged over the summer of 2024. Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. But he will be on BBC One as usual tonight because MasterChef: The Professionals, which is already recorded, will transmit as planned and into December. MasterChef's Christmas specials will also still be broadcast. Mr Wallace is yet to comment today - but at the time of the announcement this afternoon he did take to Instagram to share his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. But in October Gregg vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and saying: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. Gregg looked stressed as Ms Wark struggled with her gravy in 2011 in October, Gregg denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show, saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman Wallace (pictured with John Torode), 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said The BBC has said that it will take the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations. What has Gregg Wallace been accused of? 13 people who have told the BBC of what they consider inappropriate sexual comments made by Wallace across a range of shows over a 17-year period. These include: Kirsty Wark says that on two occasions Wallace relayed stories and jokes of a 'sexualised nature' in front of contestants on Celebrity MasterChef and crew and that she felt they were 'really, really in the wrong place'. Talking openly about his sex life on set Taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show' Telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans' Advertisement In a statement to the PA news agency Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. 'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. 'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.' The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.' The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. 'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. 'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.' In October Mr Wallace admitted he was feeling stressed amid allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments towards women - and his fellow judge John Torode's wife alleged he 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. Wallace took to Instagram with a live video as he offered tips on healthy eating while also alluding to new allegations made against him this week. He told viewers he was 'a little bit distracted at the moment', but said he 'wanted to check in and say hello'. His social media riposte came as it emerged his MasterChef co-host John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as he apparently delivered punchlines to crew of the BBC's flagship cookery show. Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy - and has opened up about her time on the show. MasterChef co-present Gregg Wallace filmed a live video message admitting he was feeling some 'stress' as newly-emerged allegations were made against him in October Actress Lisa Faulkner (centre) has said Gregg Wallace (left) repeatedly made rude jokes to MasterChef crew members - she is married to his co-host John Torode (right) Gregg Wallace has said in another Instagram video message that he has always been true to his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini - the couple are pictured here at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019 Brookside and Holby City star Faulkner told the Cheltenham Literature Festival how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was prepping her dishes. She said: 'Gregg was telling I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew. 'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, 'I've got ten minutes left', and he's saying, 'So this girl walked into a bar' 'And I'm going, 'Please, I don't want to hear this joke'.' Her husband John, 59, who was also on stage with her to promote their new book, told her: 'It's changed quite a lot really' Gregg, 60, absolutely denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show - saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour'. An insider claims Gregg brushed it off as 'just banter', having been reported for making 'consistent inappropriate comments' to the member of the production team while working on game show Impossible Celebrities. Lisa Faulkner has said Gregg Wallace would tell 'rude joke after rude joke' on MasterChef But taking to Instagram, Wallace hit back at the allegations in an emotional video saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna. He said: 'The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC. 'And the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. 'Despite what the newspapers are suggesting nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody. 'And the reason I say this is because of my wife Anna. I have always been true to my wife Anna and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years [since] I met her and fell in love with her. 'And it's important that, so that people don't misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife.' Wallace, who has previously spoken of losing 5st with an exercise regime, told viewers: 'I've had a fair bit of stress over the last few days, but my healthy lifestyle choices have stayed the same because that's my lifestyle. That's what I do without thinking'. 'Does that make sense to people? I really, really hope it does. I'm a little bit distracted at the moment, you can probably tell.' Wallace went on to say: 'There are so many benefits of upping your levels of activity, so many healthy benefits. 'I'm not going to mention the newspapers at the moment I've got that coming at me left, right and centre.' He also responded to commenters including one who spoke of loving chocolate buttons, with Wallace saying: 'Chocolate buttons are lovely right now, that sugar hit, I get it. I understand.' But he added: 'I really like a mango. I really like a pineapple. I really like a bowl of blueberries. And fruit isn't full of sugar and fat. Here's the saying love food that loves you back.' The TV presenter then signed off by saying: 'I've got a really, really busy day I wanted to check in and say hello. 'If you want to make a difference to your life, really consider the choices you make.' The allegations of inappropriate comments have only now emerged as the BBC this week launched a probe into workplace culture as bosses aim to crack down on the 'abuse of power'. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour' The insider who made the claims against Wallace, which his team says are 'inaccurate', raised questions as to why he was allowed to continue presenting MasterChef. They told the Sun: 'He is said to have been boasting about his sex life with his partner at the time. At one point, Wallace was also accused of taking his top off in front of the woman which felt inappropriate. The team working on the show were said to have gone to BBC bosses to complain after being left 'mortified' by Wallace's alleged behaviour. A spokesman for the BBC told The Sun: 'Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. 'We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.' It was previously reported by the Times back in May last year that he had allegedly offended female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation. Wallace then denied that he left the BBC show Inside The Factory in March that year due to inappropriate comments made towards female staff. Gregg Wallace hit back at the latest allegations in a response on Instagram, saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna Wallace quit BBC show Inside The Factory in March last year after allegations that he had been 'rude towards staff' and spoke to them in a 'derogatory manner, especially to women' Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims 'inaccurate'. The newspaper had quoted a source as saying: 'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.' The comments were reportedly non-sexual but deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show. When asked on GMB by Richard Madeley about his departure from the programme, Wallace responded by saying: 'There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn't accurate. 'There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.' 'Offending people? No, no - if you look at the headlines, you can't see a story that matches those headlines.' Gregg also revealed that he also wanted to leave to help care for his son Sid, born in 2019, who is autistic. Explaining his home situation, he said: 'I've got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies, he's got learning difficulties. Mum needed help there.' Gregg Wallace was accompanied by his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini when he received an MBE honour for services to food and charity, at Windsor Castle in February 2022 Gregg Wallace (left) and John Torode (right) have co-presented MasterChef since 2005 He revealed that the demanding nature of the filming around the different factories across the country meant that it made sense to give it up. Wallace added: 'It's completely inaccurate, I didn't challenge it. There was an issue, I don't want to discuss the issue but it wasn't what the papers said it was. 'There was nothing offensive to anybody that's just people guessing. It was a decent time to come out, I think.' Wallace wed Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years younger than him, at Hever Castle in Kent in August 2016, having met three years earlier. A shamed police lawyer embezzled 8,000 from her employer to help fund a shopping trip to Harrods. Asma Ali swindled the cash in her role as a solicitor for the Scottish Police Muslim Association (SPMA) between March 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019. The 47-year-old - who was appointed SPMA chair in December 2016 - received her ill gotten gains from a number of locations in Scotland and England, including the organisations base at Glasgows Maryhill Police Station. The SPMA is a body who provide information, support and training to police officers in relation to Islam. Founding member Ali carried out her cross Border operation at a bank in London and an office in Edinburgh. She used some of the money to fund her lavish lifestyle which included a holiday to the UK capital with a shopping trip to Harrods. Her previous roles included the branch co-ordinator for the Islamic Society of Britain and she also led Islam Awareness Week Scotland. The ex-Police Scotland lawyer was also part of Mosaic Scotland which was associated with the Princes Trust. Asma Ali swindled the cash in her role as a lawyer for the Scottish Police Muslim Association Ali pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to embezzlement. Sheriff Louise Arrol KC ordered the mum to do 160 hours of unpaid work at yesterdays (Thu) sentencing. There was also a compensation order put in place for her to pay back 8,000 to the SPMA. The sheriff said: This was an offence which occurred over a period in excess of two years. This required planning to the extent that at the very least you proposed and implemented a changed single signature to embezzle 8,000 from the Scottish Police Muslim Association. This was an organisation which received annual funding to assist its members. You may have been living outwith your means and this was due in part to the lavish lifestyle which you engaged in. There were trips to London and a shopping trip to Harrods. While I cannot underestimate the impact this offence had on others, you are an intelligent person and an accomplished individual. It is regrettable that you lost your role as a lawyer and that your difficulties were not resolved in a legitimate way. You stood to lose very much and youve now done so. I have considered the difficulties in the years leading up to and after the offence and the remorse you demonstrated is genuine. I am pleased to note that you have managed in the face of real adversity to turn your life around. I am satisfied that there is an alternative to custody which is a direct alternative to custody. Euan Dow, defending, told the sentencing that the stolen cash - which had not been paid back - will be returned to the Association by her new employers. Two charges of attempting to obtain 2,000 and 1,000 by fraud as well as a 500 fraud charge had not guilty pleas accepted by the Crown. A member of the famous Rothschild family is understood to have died in a housefire in the Hollywood Hills last night. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a blaze the 8500 block of Lookout Mountain Avenue in the Hollywood Hills around 4:40 p.m. PT on Wednesday. Approximately 45 firefighters took just 33 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish the fire within the two-story ascending hillside home. The flames were confined to the first floor of the two-story hillside home, and prevented from extending to vegetation or nearby residential structures, the department said. Upon arrival, fire fighters discovered a deceased elder adult male on the premises whose cause of death is under investigation by the Los Angles County Medical Examiner's Office. Neighbors told KABC he was Will Rothschild, a member of the prominent British German banking family. Rothschild was described as reclusive millionaire who multiple properties and dozens of expensive cars. Some neighbors said they assumed the house was vacant because they had never seen him, and those who did know him were sadden by the news. A family member of the famous banking Rothschild family reportedly died in a tragic California house fire The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a blaze the 8500 block of Lookout Mountain Avenue in the Hollywood Hills around 4:40 p.m. PT on Wednesday 'It is very sad,' neighbor Jim Moore told the local news station. 'He was a good guy. A good neighbor.' The two bedroom, one bath room house is worth an estimated $1,076,000, according to Zillow. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. The Rothschild family built their fortune establishing banks in Europe and is worth an estimated $1 billion, according to Business Insider. Lord Jacob Rothschild - the financier and member of the Rothschild banking family - died at the age of 87 in February. Lord Rothschild - who had four children including the financier Nat Rothschild - started his career in the family bank in 1963 and founded Windmill Hill Asset Management to manage the family's philanthropic portfolio. He then went on to co-found the then J Rothschild Assurance Group, now St James's Place, with Sir Mark Weinberg in 1980. Upon arrival, fire fighters discovered a deceased elder adult male on the premises whose cause of death is under investigation by the Los Angles County Medical Examiner's Office During his career, Lord Rothschild held roles such as deputy chairman at the then BSkyB Television and was also chairman of trustees at The National Gallery. In 1992 he also became president of the then-Institute of Jewish Affairs, now known as the Institute for Jewish Policy Research. The family said in a statement: 'Our father Jacob was a towering presence in many people's lives, a superbly accomplished financier, a champion of the arts and culture, a devoted public servant, a passionate supporter of charitable causes in Israel and Jewish culture, a keen environmentalist and much-loved friend, father and grandfather. 'He will be buried in accordance with Jewish custom in a small family ceremony and there will be a memorial at a later date to celebrate his life.' The SNP has been accused of trying to hoodwink pensioners after using shameless spin to claim it was bringing in a universal winter fuel payment. Despite promising a devolved universal benefit to match the previous UK version, ministers yesterday announced a two-tier system giving most people 100 instead of 300. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told MSPs that from winter 2025/26 the money would support Scotlands older people as we had always intended. But the SNP originally promised all pensioners would receive up to 300 from this winter. The Scottish Government then ditched the plan rather than find as much as 160million to pay for it, following the lead set by the UK Labour government. Last night Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Liz Smith said: This is some shameless spin from the SNP to disguise a con trick. Despite trying to talk this decision up to pensioners, the reality is this will be a cut for many of them and help still wont be coming this winter. SNP ministers are trying to hoodwink people into believing they are on their side when they havent delivered the support they need. They would like them to forget they were prepared to shamefully follow Labours lead, and shouldnt act like they have delivered an early Christmas present for pensioners. Nationalist minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said the money would support Scotlands older people as we had always intended. Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith accused the government led by John Swinney, above, of 'shameless spin...to disguise a con trick' Despite promising a devolved universal benefit to match the previous UK version, SNP ministers have announced a two-tier system giving most people 100 instead of 300 In May, the SNP said it would bring in a like-for-like replacement for the UK-wide Winter Fuel Payment (WFP), starting this month. Known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, the devolved version was to be paid to all pensioners at the same level of support as the WFP 100, 150, 200 or 300. But after Chancellor Rachel Reevess announcement in the summer that universal provision of the WFP was to end, the SNP Cabinet followed suit and accepted means- testing rather than find extra cash to keep the benefit for all OAPs in move that saw around 900,000 Scots pensioners lose out. SNP ministers also delayed the start of the fully devolved benefit for a year. But with Scottish Labour proposing to reverse some of the cut if it wins power at Holyrood in 2026, the SNP yesterday moved to regain the political initiative. In a statement to parliament, Ms Somerville said the Treasury cutting 147million from Holyroods budget after the WFP change had a profound impact. She said: Unfortunately, that means, once again, we are in a position where the Scottish Government is having to mitigate the impact of the UK Governments damaging decision. However, I can announce that pensioners in Scotland in receipt of qualifying benefits, such as pension credit, and who will this winter receive payments of 200 or 300 dependent on their age, will continue to receive those payments automatically next winter. Additionally, we will introduce universal payments to every other pensioner household of 100. She added: This universal benefit will deliver support for all pensioner households as we had always intended to do before the UK Government decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments. We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter. Ms Somerville also announced an extra 20million for the Scottish Welfare Fund to help people with bills, 20million for the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme to improve energy efficiency and 1million for social landlords to reduce homelessness. But she refused to say how much the main fuel payment change would cost or how it would be paid for, telling MSPs to wait for more detail in next weeks Scottish Budget. Labour MSP Paul OKane reminded Ms Somerville the UK Government had given an extra 1.5billion to Holyrood this year and 3.4billion in 2025/26 and asked: Isnt it as a result of that spending that she is able to announce she will bring forward regulations on winter heating payments, which she said previously was impossible because she did not have the money? Ms Somerville said Labour should show some humility and apologise after they whipped away money from pensioners. Her statement was cut down after parts were leaked to the media yesterday morning, forcing Ms Somerville to apologise to Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. Age Scotland said some level of help for all would be a huge relief for older people. But chief executive Katherine Crawford warned: Were concerned 100 wont be enough for those on low and modest incomes. Advice Direct Scotland chief executive Andrew Bartlett added: It will not begin until next year which means thousands are still facing the terrible reality of another winter where they must choose between putting the heating on and having a hot meal. Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition said: This is a crisis that cannot wait and ministers must use all the funding available to help people stay warm this winter. Two British adventurers missing presumed drowned in a yacht disaster in the Red Sea are an engaged couple, it emerged last night. Jenny Cawson, 36, and Tarig Sinada, 49, who were enjoying a reef safari holiday off Egypt, have both worked as scuba diving instructors. But little could have prepared them for the moment on Monday morning when their yacht was capsized and rapidly sunk by a giant wave. There were 31 tourists and 13 Egyptian crew aboard the 144ft, four-deck Sea Story. Four bodies have been found in the boat on the bottom of the Red Sea, with seven still unaccounted for. Twenty-eight of the survivors including British tourists Colin Sharratt, 65, and partner Sally Jones, 58 were picked up close to the scene on Monday, while five were later miraculously found in a tiny air pocket in a cabin. Jenny Cawson and Tarig Sinada have been missing since the tourist dive boat capsized The Sea Story is a 144ft pleasure craft built in 2022, which can carry up to 36 passengers Last night one of them told the Daily Mail how, with only their mouths and noses out of the water, they desperately prayed for rescue before they were saved after 30 hours. And last night the identities of the two missing Britons were revealed. Miss Cawson and Mr Sinada, an IT consultant and astrophysics graduate of Imperial College, have lived together for some years in Ashburton, near Newton Abbot, Devon. As well as mountain climbing and snowboarding, they both love diving, with Mr Sinada who works for Tata Consultancy Services having worked as a scuba instructor in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, with Miss Cawson sometimes working alongside him. An official source said they were among those missing, presumed drowned. The Sea Story set off on Sunday for a six-day voyage despite a warning of bad weather, and a ban on marine activities. It was hit by a large wave before dawn on Monday. The yacht is said to have sunk, plummeting to the bottom of the Red Sea, 40 feet down, in as little as five minutes. When Egyptian frogmen dived to the boat on Tuesday, they found four bodies and five survivors. A spokesman for Mr Sidanas employers said: We hope for his safe return, along with all other passengers. Miss Cawsons relatives were too upset to comment. One of those miraculously saved from the tragedy a scuba instructor working on board, Youssef Al-Faramawy, 23 told the Mail last night of his ordeal. He said when the boat set off from near Marsa Alam at 6am Sunday, the weather was fine. But after a diving stop that afternoon, strong winds brought a halt to sea activity. Anchored out at sea overnight, however, a party was staged until 1am. Rescuers and medics are seen on a pontoon after the boat capsized early on November 25 Rescuers work near the site where a boat sank in the Red Sea, in Marsa Alam, on November 25 Mr Al-Faramawy said: At 5am on Monday strong winds woke many passengers, and they rushed out to the deck. I heard screaming then the boat capsized on its right side, and we couldnt open the door because of the water pressure. In maybe five minutes, it sank, and I was shocked when water started filling the cabin. Just a small air pocket remained, about eight inches high. I was on the verge of falling into a coma, but tried to hold on. We couldnt scream because we had no strength left. By then, we had surrendered. We all kept praying to God. Then we heard something from outside... and screamed at the top of our lungs and tried to knock on the door. Minutes passed before a man with a crowbar was trying to open it the water pressure meant we had to work together to force it. Then my own uncle Khattab was one of the divers who pulled us out and saved us. Australians have been warned to brace for a wet and stormy weekend and the risk of flash flooding, with no real break from the rainy conditions expected anytime soon. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said a burst of moisture moving across the country's east is set to increase the risk of heavy rainfall. 'Once again, cloudy skies, rain areas and embedded thunderstorms will be widespread, impacting Queensland, NSW, Victoria, southeast South Australia as well,' Ms Bradbury said. 'Severe storms may bring heavy falls and the risk of flash flooding to much of central and southern Queensland, inland NSW, and the ACT including Canberra, and northern Victoria, including the northern suburbs of Melbourne.' Brisbane, Sydney, the NSW east coast, Adelaide and Melbourne could also experience storms heading into the weekend. 'Rain is likely to turn to patchy showers through most areas on Sunday, but there will be no real break from the wet weather until sometime next week,' Ms Bradbury said. A cloud band is set to extend across Australia's east on Friday, bringing humidity, scattered showers and thunderstorms. Widespread storms are forecast for Queensland, however Brisbane is tipped for just a shower or two. A cloud band is set to extend across Australia's east on Friday, bringing humidity, scattered showers and thunderstorms. Sydney can expect severe storms with a risk of flash flooding, while Canberra is likely to have non-severe thunderstorms. 'The highest totals we see across NSW today will be tied to where those thunderstorms move, and could be quite hit and miss,' Ms Bradbury said. Minor flood warnings have been issued in NSW for the Colo River, Macdonald River, Castlereagh River, Macquarie River to Bathurst, Macquarie River downstream Burrendong Dam, Bogan River, Lachlan River to Cotton's Weir, Mandagery Creek, Tumut River, Upper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck, Dam and Cooma Ck, Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers. However a minor to moderate flood warning has been issued for the Belubula River. Storms are possible through Victoria on Friday 'but should remain isolated and non-severe,' however heavy falls and flash flooding remains a risk in the Kiewa River and Mitta Mitta River. Moderate flood warnings are in place in Queensland across the Bulloo River, Moonie River and Warrego River, while minor warnings are in place across the Lower Barcoo River, Paroo River, Upper Balonne River and Weir River. A minor flood warning has been issued for the North Esk River in Tasmania, while flooding is also possible in the Northern Territory's Barkly District. There's a risk of flash flooding across NSW as a result of the heavy rainfalls. Picture: NewsWire / Glen Campbell Tasmania is set to experience showers on Friday with a cloudy day tipped for Hobart. Sydney is set to reach a high of 26C on Saturday despite rain, while Melbourne is tipped to reach 23C on Sunday. Brisbane is forecast to hit 28C across the weekend while Perth could reach 30C on Saturday. Adelaide could hit 26C on Sunday, with Hobart tipped for 22C on Sunday. Canberra is expected to reach a high of 27C on Sunday while Darwin is set to hit 32C. The top doctor at the hospital where Lucy Letby killed babies attended a fundraising meeting rather than see worried consultants days after two newborn triplets died. Retired orthopaedic surgeon Ian Harvey, 65, was the 175,000-a-year medical director at the Countess of Chester Hospital when the neo-natal nurse murdered seven babies and tried to murder another seven between June 2015 and June 2016. Yesterday he told the public inquiry investigating her crimes that Dr Stephen Brearey, the head of the neo-natal unit, invited him to meet all seven consultants on June 27, 2016 three days after the second triplet, Baby P, died. Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, said: Why didnt you attend that meeting? Two babies have just died on consecutive days. Its hard to imagine anything more serious in the hospital. Mr Harvey said he was aware there was a separate prearranged meeting for a hospital fundraising campaign around the same time, so decided to attend that instead. Retired orthopaedic surgeon Ian Harvey, 65, was the 175,000-a-year medical director at the Countess of Chester Hospital at the time when Letby murdered multiple babies The top doctor at the hospital where Lucy Letby killed babies attended a fundraising meeting rather than see worried consultants days after two newborn triplets died Countess of Chester Hospital where murdered seven babies The executives eventually met the consultants two days later. Mr Harvey said he listened to the concerns of the consultants and that the way the worries were phrased didnt lead anyone to perceive it was the sort of risk that would become catastrophic. Mr Harvey began his testimony at the Thirlwall Inquiry in Liverpool by saying: I am sorry for the hurt that has been caused to the parents and the families of the babies. Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders. The inquiry is expected to finish early next year with findings published next autumn. Vladimir Putin's sabre-rattling threat to unleash nuclear Armageddon is causing Prince William concern about the safety of his children George, Charlotte and Louis, whispers my source. Under Operation Candid, should Putin press the button, the King and Queen would be whisked away to a bunker alongside Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary. With limited space, William and Kate would be incarcerated with Sir Keir Starmer. What vexes William is the absence of provisions for saving his three heirs. If push came to shove, says my mole, Kate and William would almost certainly refuse to go anywhere without them. With the rules under constant review, what's the betting on William having some Whitehall mandarins jettisoned to make room for his children? My sources tell me that Prince William is concerned for the safety of his three children following Putin's sabre-rattling threats The moment Russia used the experimental Oreshnik for the first time to strike Dnipro on November 21 Under Operation Candid, should Putin press the button, William and Kate would be hidden away with Sir Keir Starmer, but there are no provisions for the Prince's three heirs The King had to sit through Gladiator II at this month's Royal Film Performance, prompting recollection of the late Queen's irritation in 1954 when she attended the premiere of Beau Brummell starring Liz Taylor, pictured in her prime. HM complained to her PM Winston Churchill, and his private secretary wrote to the Board of Trade. 'The Queen had told the Prime Minister what a bad film it was and he, on his own initiative, wanted to see what could be done about it for the future,' wrote the secretary. Changes were instantly made and a new way of selecting the film instituted. The following year the Queen was delighted to see Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief. The King arriving at the global premiere of Gladiator II in Leicester Square on November 13 The selection of an official biographer of the late Queen has been delayed indefinitely by the sheer scale of her personal papers and diaries. They are currently being read and collated by her former page, Paul Whybrew. Known as 'Tall Paul', who featured in the Queen's London 2012 James Bond skit, he has to decide what should and shouldn't see the light of day. It will be up to him what material future biographers will have access to when they are placed in the Royal Archives. That work is ongoing. Thankfully, Whybrew is more methodical than Princess Margaret. Concerned that a lot of material relating to the King and Princess Diana in the Queen Mother's keeping might fall into the wrong hands, she gathered it together and burnt it. The selection of an official biographer for the late Queen Elizabeth II has been delayed indefinitely due to the sheer scale of her personal papers A year after Shane MacGowan's death, fellow Irishman Sir Bob Geldof tells a Radio 4 documentary tomorrow that he wasn't initially impressed by Shane or his band The Pogues. 'I actually thought that they were taking the p***. I thought it was more Paddywhackery.' Sir Bob later relented: 'But it was only really when I tuned into the attitude and the lyrics that I understood the otherness. The lyrics are so good and they sound to the core like you're Irish.' Gary Lineker's agent Jon Holmes ordered radio silence when an email leaked about Gary leaving Match of the Day. He said: 'I messaged with clumsy fingers and the help of autocorrect. Let's keep shrimp,' followed by: 'Apologies. shtum.' Taxpayers are shelling out almost 15million per day to fund the asylum system. Home Office figures confirm that spending hit 5.38billion in 2023-24 most of which went on hotels and other accommodation for asylum seekers. The bill equates to an average of 14,734,223 every single day, the highest level of spending on record and up by more than a third in a year annual spending was running at a comparatively modest 450million only a decade ago. By comparison, Labour's controversial decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners is projected to save just 1.4billion a year. The massive extent of asylum spending emerged as separate data revealed a huge surge in general migration levels. Figures from the Office for National Statistics confirmed net migration the difference between those arriving in Britain and those emigrating was 2.2million over the past three years, peaking at a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023. And the Home Office published data which revealed that just 4,420 small boat migrants have been removed from Britain since the Channel crisis began in 2018. That amounted to 3 per cent of the 139,500 small boat migrants who had arrived by the end of September this year. Government figures also confirmed the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels has risen by more than a fifth since Labour came to power. The bumper bill does not include the cost of intercepting people crossing the Channel. Pictured are new arrivals earlier this month Labour 's controversial decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners is projected to save just 1.4billion a year There were 35,361 migrants housed in hotels at the end of September, up 21 per cent on the end of June. The total remains below the peak of just over 56,000 last autumn, however. Under Labour, the Home Office has begun to re-open asylum hotels previously returned to normal use under the Tories. Ministers concede that although Labour made a manifesto pledge to end the use of hotels, more rooms are required as Channel numbers rise. There have already been nearly 33,600 arrivals by small boat this year, some 4,000 more than the total number seen last year. Yesterday's data also revealed the number of asylum seekers receiving taxpayer-funded support has jumped since Labour took office. The total, which includes those in other types of accommodation such as self-catering, was just over 109,000 up 8 per cent in three months. A total of 133,409 asylum seekers were waiting for an initial decision on their claim at the end of September. That's up 12 per cent from 118,882 at the end of June, but down about a fifth year-on-year. The Home Office's figure on asylum costs covers direct cash support and accommodation, plus wider staffing and other related migration and border activity. But it does not include the cost of operations responding to Channel crossings, as Border Force intercepts migrants making the journey to the UK and delivers them to Dover. The total number of asylum claims lodged in the year to September was 99,790, up one per cent year-on-year. In other Home Office data on legal migration, also published yesterday, the number of family visas for spouses and other relatives was up 31 per cent across the same period. The Home Office has spent nearly 5.4billion in a year on asylum cost, including housing asylum seekers in hotels like this one in Greater Manchester Kemi Badenoch used a major speech last night to insist the Tories would not allow Britain to be treated like a 'hotel' for migrants The number of sponsored study visas fell 19 per cent to just under 393,000 for main applicants, while the number of visas granted to student dependents fell 69 per cent in the year to just under 50,000 in the wake of restrictions brought in by the last Conservative government. The Tories tightened the rules so that only students on research-based post-graduate courses could bring family members with them to Britain. In the first nine months of the new rules being in force, student dependent visas plummeted 84 per cent to under 18,000. There were just under 242,000 work visas granted, not including dependants, down 28 per cent on the previous year. But 268,481 foreign nationals were granted British citizenship up more than 82,000 on the previous 12 months. So how on earth did they manage to lose over 300,000 people? The most important question in the wake of yesterday's immigration data is this: How do you lose more than 300,000 people? The Office for National Statistics dropped a bombshell into the already heated debate about migration, as it admitted its earlier figures were way, way out. In sweeping revisions to figures it published just six months ago, the ONS said that over the last three years net migration was 307,000 higher than previously thought. Your browser does not support iframes. Net migration across 2021, 2022 and last year was, in fact, more than 2.2million rather than the 1.9million its estimates suggested in May. Within those three years, net migration peaked at 906,000 in the 12-month period to June last year 166,000 higher than previously thought. An overlapping period the 2023 calendar year saw an even higher revision of 181,000. To be clear on the terminology, net migration is the difference between the number of migrants arriving in Britain and those emigrating. And yesterday the ONS has confirmed its previous data on both components of that sum were wrong. Immigration levels have been higher than previously thought and levels of emigration were over-estimated. In 2023, 450,000 emigrated rather than the ONS' estimate of 532,000 so more people are staying here. The nub of the error is this: ONS statisticians had been assuming large numbers of foreign nationals whose original UK visas had expired and who had obtained a new visa were leaving the country. This assumption was incorrect or, at least, was applied too broadly. It turns out many of those foreign nationals were remaining in Britain. The ONS now has access to additional Home Office data which digs deeper into the numbers, leading it to unveil its revisions to migration data. Its adjustments 'did not go far enough in reducing emigration estimates' and 'failed to fully adjust for these populations', ONS documents say. The ONS privately admitted to me yesterday that its previous assumptions were 'too generous'. Director Mary Gregory insisted net migration is 'beginning to fall', as latest figures show a dip from the 906,000 peak to 728,000 in the 12 months to June this year. But the sheer scale of the recalculations has done nothing to reassure critics. One Conservative backbencher, Neil O'Brien, told me there needs to be a 'total overhaul' in the wake of the 'incredible' figures. Residents of an asylum hotel. Labour has admitted to opening seven more since it came to power ONS officials suggested the kind of seismic increases in their data which we saw yesterday will not be repeated. The trouble is, the ONS have given similar assurance in the past. It is far from certain that we won't see large revisions in these 'falling' net migration figures, too. Successive governments have been pledging to improve Britain's border control systems so that everyone is 'counted in and out'. This, of course, is the only way to ensure the Home Office knows how many foreign nationals are here, and particularly how many have overstayed their visas. But the technology is still not in place. An electronic travel authorisation system is being introduced, which ministers said will allow a full tally to be compiled as part of a 'fully digital border'. Whether it works or not will be another matter. The government's long-standing failure to produce reliable figures grows more intolerable by the day. Legitimate concerns about pressures on housing, the NHS, benefits, education and other public services cannot be measured without the full facts. It really is time, as Mr O'Brien suggested to me, for a complete 're-boot' of the stats. Only then can there be a proper, informed debate and ministers can draw up policies that will respond to the real situation on Britain's streets. Households face paying even more council tax after cash-strapped town halls were given the freedom to hike bills more than usually allowed. Local authorities must normally hold a referendum if they want to increase rates by more than 5 per cent the equivalent to 110 more for most families next year. But under reforms announced yesterday which the Tories warned also see more money given to Labour strongholds councils in dire financial straits will be able to impose higher annual rises without giving residents a vote. Local Government Minister Jim McMahon said: Where a council in need of exceptional financial support views additional council tax increases as critical to maintaining their financial sustainability, the Government will continue to consider requests for bespoke referendum principles. Last year four councils that had effectively declared bankruptcy were allowed to raise rates in excess of the usual 5 per cent limit under bespoke arrangements. Birmingham and Woking eventually went for 10 per cent rises while Slough settled on 8.5 per cent and Thurrock 8. Under the new rules, more town halls will be entitled to ask to breach the cap as 19 have been given exceptional financial support this year, a type of bailout that lets them sell off assets and borrow money to balance the books. Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers Alliance, said last night: The lifting of referendum caps for certain councils has taken its toll on millions of residents across England. For too long, irresponsible town halls have been bailed out without the need for proper democratic accountability. The Tories pointed out that, when in opposition last year, Sir Keir Starmer had called for a freeze on council tax Last year Birmingham and Woking eventually went for 10 per cent rises while Slough (pictured) settled on 8.5 per cent and Thurrock 8 per cent Ministers should be insisting that if local authorities want to go cap in hand to taxpayers they are asking for more money, not demanding it. Sources insisted the Government is taking the same approach as previous administrations. The Tories pointed out that, when in opposition last year, Sir Keir Starmer had called for a freeze on council tax. Tory Communities spokesman Kevin Hollinrake said: Labour has broken yet another promise, this time that they would freeze council tax. First they have raised National Insurance contributions, which mean higher costs for councils and lower wages for their staff, and now they are allowing councils to increase council tax by around 110 per year, a direct breach of Keir Starmers pledge not to increase it by a single penny. If you thought Labour had finished taxing you, think again. Fears are also being raised about a shake-up of how council funding is distributed that will see people in the countryside lose out to those in cities. The rural services grant, worth 104million last year, is being scrapped by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. A 600million recovery grant will instead be given to deprived areas of England, with wealthier ones missing out. Local authorities must normally hold a referendum if they want to increase rates by more than 5 per cent the equivalent to 110 more for most families next year The ministry said in its local government finance policy statement: The grant is intended to be highly targeted, meaning that not all authorities will receive an allocation. It will tackle head-on the combination of rocketing demand... and the fact that many of these councils have weakened resilience after substantial central government funding cuts during the 2010s. Council services in England will get 4billion from Whitehall in 2025-26, 1.3billion of which will come via the Local Government Finance Settlement. Vladimir Putin threatened last night to turn Kyiv into dust if Ukraine fires more UK and US rockets into Russia. He pledged to unleash his hypersonic Oreshnik missiles on the capital as his forces conducted another devastating attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure. In the past two days, Russia has launched 100 missiles and 466 drones at Ukraine, killing civilians and causing blackouts that have left more than a million people without power. Putin, during a visit to Kazakhstan, said the onslaught was in retaliation for ongoing strikes on Russian territory with long-range Western-made missiles which include the British Storm Shadows. And he added: As I have said many times, there will always be a response from our side. His threat to destroy targets in Kyiv would represent a dramatic escalation of the conflict. Putin went on to say: The Defence Ministry and General Staff are selecting targets. These may include decision-making centres in Kyiv, military facilities and defence industry enterprises. It will be up to us to choose the means of destruction, including possible continuation of Oreshnik tests in combat conditions. The temperature of the striking elements reaches 4,000 degrees. Everything at the epicentre of the [Oreshnik] blasts disintegrates into fractions and elementary particles. Essentially, it turns to dust. Vladimir Putin threatened last night to turn Kyiv into dust if Ukraine fires more UK and US rockets into Russia Homes damaged by a Russian missile in Odesa. In the past two days, Russia has launched 100 missiles and 466 drones at Ukraine, killing civilians and causing blackouts that have left more than a million people without power n this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry of a Russian air force jet dropping bombs on Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location People take shelter in a metro station in Kyiv. Putin pledged to unleash his hypersonic Oreshnik missiles on the capital as his forces conducted another devastating attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure The nuclear-capable Oreshnik, which could reach London as it has a range of up to 3,000 miles, was first used on November 21 when it struck a cruise missile assembly plant in Dnipro. Putin also boasted Russia has begun serial production of the Oreshnik, which has a top speed of 7,610mph and is undetectable in flight. He claimed his forces struck 17 Ukrainian targets while Kyiv said it intercepted 76 cruise missiles and 32 drones. Sir Keir Starmer described as depraved Russias attacks and threats. The Prime Minister spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday and pledged to put the country in the best possible position ahead of another challenging winter of conflict. Russias ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin boasted last night about the progress of Kremlin troops, stating: Our liberation of the territories is proceeding quicker and quicker. He dashed hope of a peace deal based on freezing the battlefield by which both sides retain the territory they currently occupy. Schiller is now set to be freed from jail for IVF Schiller is now set to be freed from jail for IVF The family of a young mum stabbed to death in a row over $50 have lashed out after her killer was set to be let out of jail for IVF treatment so she can have a baby behind bars. Alicia Schiller, then aged 26, murdered mother-of-three Tyrelle Evertson-Mostert, 31, in a drug-fuelled rage in Geelong, Victoria, on November 9, 2014. But Corrections Victoria has now given the green light for Schiller to be released from a Victorian maximum security prison to undergo IVF treatment. If she becomes pregnant, she will be allowed to raise the child behind bars for its first five years before being handed over to the killer's parents. The move has disgusted the grandparents of Ms Evertson-Mostert's children, who branded her release 'bizarre'. ' I'm just angry, you know, really angry,' Yvonne Gentle, from Pearcedale, south of Melbourne, told Nine's Today show. 'This woman has committed a cold-blooded, calculated murder. She laid in wait for her, and this is what she did. She has done a diabolical crime. 'She can have another chance when Tyrelle doesn't get a second chance? It's just wrong. The people in positions of power can make such stupid, uncaring, and ridiculous decisions. Alicia Schiller is being allowed to get IVF to have a baby behind bars 'She's taken the rights of other people away. Isn't this why you're in jail? You're in jail to pay for the crime? And what's she getting? She's getting good time out from the normal jail routine. 'She's going to be looked after, pampered, you know - and it goes on and on and on.' 'The prison system or the government of our state says even a person in jail has rights. Well, not for a crime such as that. 'If you've committed a crime such as that you do have rights. Your rights should be taken away from you. 'Just because someone has a legal right doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.' At her murder trial, the court heard Schiller had shown off a collection of box cutters, steak knives and pocket knives before the deadly attack. She said she would 'gut' anyone who took money from her, the court was told, but Ms Evertson-Mostert was said to have borrowed $50 from her housemate's room. 'I don't care if she took it or not, I'll gut her,' Schiller said before the attack, the court heard. Her victim's four-year-old son was in the house when his mother was murdered, and still lives with the horror he witnessed. 'It's something that's never going to leave him,' added Ms Gentle. 'To see something so brutal right in front of your eyes. 'And it's your own mother. It's just unbelievable - I don't know what someone could be thinking. I don't know how someone could be so callous to do such a thing.' The court heard Ms Evertson-Mostert had taken the money from her housemate's room to buy drugs which she intended to sell - and was planning to replace the money. Her older son, Tobias Evertsen-Mostert, who was 12 when his mum was murdered, has now branded his mum's killer 'an animal' and told the Herald Sun he was heartbroken by the loss of his mum. The court heard Ms Evertson-Mostert (pictured) had taken the money from her housemate's room to buy drugs which she intended to sell 'I was an orphan, when this b***h did this, my dad died a year earlier, so all my milestones as a kid, I had nobody to celebrate them, I had no parents,' he said. 'You left three kids motherless, you animal. You stabbed your friend. I stand strongly against this (the IVF treatment).' On Wednesday, the Victorian Government insisted taxpayers would not be forced to pay for any of the staffing, security or transportation costs between the prison and the external IVF clinic. But it refused to say if the treatment was successful, how much it would cost to care for the child in the specialist parent ward or if taxpayers would bear the costs. Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan attempted to deflect responsibility, saying it was a court decision to allow Schiller to undergo treatment. The minister said there were many questions that needed to be asked about the 'appropriateness and necessary nature of this treatment'. 'In terms of access to treatment, its a Supreme Court decision,' he said. 'But I think ethical questions about these kinds of treatments, especially when someone is serving such a long sentence, I think the medical professionals need to consider those.' The Supreme Court of Victoria jury that convicted Schiller had heard a witness to the crime had gone to the house to collect methamphetamine, known as ice, from the victim. Schiller and her supporters wept as the verdict was handed down. The young woman had pleaded not guilty to murder He was watching the young mother weighing the drugs through her bedroom door when he saw Schiller jump on the bed, grab her by the hair and punch her repeatedly. The punching action the witness saw was in fact the mother being fatally stabbed by her house guest. Ms Evertsen-Mostert's partner Jason Gentle cleared the room following the attack and said his dying partner asked him to call for help before he even realised she had been stabbed. He told the court his partner said 'you better ring an ambulance she got me three good ones.' A man and woman found dead inside a home in a beachside Melbourne suburb were seen arguing outside before the tragedy. Witnesses have told reporters at the scene they approached the feuding pair around 11am on Thursday in an effort to 'ease the tension'. It remains unclear how the pair died, with Detective Inspector Scott Dwyer revealing little more than declaring the deceased were known to each other. Other witnesses claimed to have seen and heard a vehicle tearing away from the scene shortly after the pair are believed to have died. Ange Notta told the Herald Sun he heard a car speed from the street moments before the grim discovery. 'I heard a car, it just fanged off, which was unusual, I just thought it was someone leaving the street in a distressed manner,' he said. 'Just heard the car and screeching wheels.' Mr Notta claimed detectives had asked neighbours if they had noticed a yellow Volkswagen in the area. A neighbour said she heard a 'blood-curdling scream' after a woman discovered the bodies just before 11am on Thursday (pictured, detectives arrive at the scene in Mordialloc) Forensics, police and SES crews were at the taped-off scene on Thursday The man and woman were discovered in a property on James Sreet in Mordialloc in Melbourne's southeast (police and SES crews are pictured at the scene) However they later said the car is not believed to have been involved in the tragedy. The pair were discovered in a property on James Street in Mordialloc, in the city's southeast, just before 11am on Thursday. Photos from the scene show SES crews assisting police as a crime scene was established on the residential street. The pair have not yet been formally identified. Neighbour Jade Lindsay said she heard a 'blood curdling scream' from a 'very distressed' woman who had discovered the bodies. 'It was a really distressing, blood curdling scream that really scared me because it was so prolonged,' she told the Herald Sun. 'It's a pretty distressing thing to hear obviously that lady who screamed was very distressed.' Ms Lindsay said a man and a woman, believed to be in their 30s, were pacing up and down the pavement outside the home. She saw the man stop and put his head in his hands. Victoria Police said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths. 'The circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be determined,' police said. 'Officers have cordoned off the area and a crime scene has been established.' There is no threat to the community. From glittering galas to red carpet premieres, the world's royals have mastered the art of making an entrance - and their footwear often steals the show. Whether it's a dazzling pair of embellished pumps, sleek slingbacks or fashion-forward stilettos, the shoes they choose tell a story of elegance, individuality and sometimes even practicality. But there's a twist - instead of revealing which royal wore which fabulous footwear, we're letting you play detective. Can you guess who stepped out in shimmering silver court shoes or bold snakeskin heels? Get ready to put your royal style knowledge to the test as we take you through the most memorable high-heel moments in history. All you have to do is match the shoe to the royal... 1. Dazzling in glitter Clue: This royal has a penchant for Jimmy Choo footwear and has worn her dazzling 'Vamp' stilettos on seven occasions since July 2011. 2. Soft elegance Clue: This royal made an elegant entrance at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in July 2014, wearing Jerome C. Rousseau sandals. 3. Ultimate glam Clue: At The Lion King premiere in Leicester Square in July 2019, all eyes were on this royal's footwear choice: Aquazzura's 'Portrait of a Lady' slingback pumps. 4. Metallic magic Clue: Crowned best dressed at Royal Ascot, this royal wowed onlookers with her metallic Dune 'Belaire' court shoes. 5. Wild at heart Clue: This Danish royal showcased her distinctive Gianvito Rossi snakeskin court shoes for the 19th time last month. 6. Sleek sophistication Clue: During a recent trip to Berlin, this royal sported a tonal ensemble, complete with a coveted pair of Gianvito Rossi court shoes. 7. Effortless chic Clue: For the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebration in 2018, one royal completed her outfit with Aquazzura's 'Cherry' pumps, featuring delicate ankle lacing. 8. Bold and luxe Clue: On a 2018 trip to Indonesia, royal watchers noticed this royal's stunning embroidered Gianvito Rossi sandals. 9. Classic neutrals Clue: Though she rarely wears heels due to metatarsalgia - pain in the ball of the foot - this royal has worn Carolina Herrera navy suede slingback pumps 21 times. 10. Glam in green Clue: These eye-catching green suede heels are from this royal's go-brand, Natan. ANSWERS 1. Catherine, Princess of Wales. 2. Princess Beatrice. 3. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. 4. Zara Tindall. 5. Queen Mary of Denmark. 6. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. 7. Princess Eugenie. 8. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. 9. Queen Letizia of Spain. 10. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Netflix released its trailer for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's tacky-sounding series about polo last week, with the royals' favourite pastime breathlessly described as 'a sexy sport dirty, sweaty boys riding'. A world away, the Duchess of Edinburgh had an announcement of her own that she had become the royal patron of Plan International UK, a global children's charity of which the late Prince Philip was formerly patron. Separately, Sophie later met survivors of the Yazidi genocide in Iraq at their photography exhibition, The Women Who Beat ISIS, in London. There is no denying that Harry and Meghan have done admirable work for charity particularly through their Archewell Foundation. But the contrast between Sophie's heartfelt work and the Sussexes' latest unregal, money-making project highlights the markedly different paths their lives have taken. However, Palace sources have made clear to me that Sophie and her husband Prince Edward could point the way for Prince Harry and Meghan to return to royal duties. Courtiers are increasingly convinced that Harry wants to resume his old way of life, when he felt he was using his privileged position to make a difference for worthwhile causes. 'Harry's heart is not in the TV stuff anyone can see that,' one source told me. Indeed, the Prince himself made clear in his and Meghan's infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey back in 2021 that they had signed multi-million-dollar deals with media giants Netflix and Spotify only because they had been cut off financially by the Royal Family. The trailer for Harry and Meghan's new docuseries Polo, has just dropped on Netflix. The couple are pictured at a match in Windsor in 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh could hold the key for the Sussexes to return to the royal fold and the funding that goes with it, says Richard Eden It's notable that Harry does not seem to feature much in the polo series himself, even though he is a keen player. In the trailer, only his name appears, in a production credit alongside that of his wife. After King Charles's cancer treatment was announced in February, Harry let it be known via friends that he was willing to take on a temporary royal role in support of his father. His offer was never taken up, but the California-based Prince is understood to be keen to spend more time in his homeland. Meghan's lifestyle business, American Riviera Orchard, is yet to sell a single product almost nine months after it was launched online amid great fanfare. The couple's deal with audio giant Spotify was ended unceremoniously and their contract with Netflix comes up for renewal next year, so their thoughts may well be turning to how to return to royal roles and the funding that goes with it. And that's where Edward and Sophie come in. Although most people have long forgotten, Queen's Elizabeth's youngest son and his wife were caught up in controversies of their own after they tried to combine business with royal duties. Edward was forced to close his TV production company, Ardent, in 2002 after it was caught filming Prince William at St Andrews University breaching agreements with the media to leave the future king alone while he was a student. The former Sophie Rhys-Jones, meanwhile, was encouraged by an undercover News of the World reporter posing as a wealthy Arab businessman to make embarrassing comments about the royals and the then prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie. Many thought Sophie and Edward would never recover from the 'fake sheikh' scandal in 2001. Yet the couple decided to abandon their paid work and concentrate on royal duties. In return, the late Queen Elizabeth stuck by them and they have gone on to become much-loved and respected stalwarts of 'The Firm' over the past 20 years. True, they will never be paid millions by foreign firms, but they live a privileged and rewarding life. 'If the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are prepared to give up their private work and return to royal life, they would be welcomed back,' one courtier tells me. 'Certainly, as long as King Charles is monarch.' Therein lies a warning to the Sussexes: Prince William is unlikely to be as forgiving as his father. And, given Harry and Meghan's disgraceful attacks on the Princess of Wales, in particular, I can fully understand why. Texas officials found yet another abandoned and crying child wandering alone near the US-Mexico border in Texas after ruthless smugglers ditched him. Footage of the young boy shows him in tears holding nothing more than a cell phone in his hands, as he's approached by a state trooper near Maverick County, Texas. 'They abandoned me,' he tells the cop in Spanish in a video posted by Texas DPS spokesman Lt. Chris Olivarez Thursday. 'They don't want to guide me.' Through tears, the 10-year-old Salvadoran told the officer he was traveling alone and that his mom was in the United States. The officer assures the boy he's made it to America and tells him he will call Border Patrol to come get him. 'As many of us are celebrating Thanksgiving with our families & friends, lets not forget many children will not get to enjoy the holidays or see their families because they have been placed in a dire situation due to open border conditions,' Olivarez posted online. Children traveling without a legal guardian, what the US government considers 'unaccompanied minors' gain automatic admission into the country, regardless of how they come in. Unlike adult migrants, they will not be returned to their home countries. The ten-year-old boy presented himself to a CBP Agent in tears. He told him he was all alone after being 'left' by smugglers Legal protocol states that the minor be taken in by the US Border Patrol, medically evaluated and then turned over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement until they can be reunited with either a family member in the US or placed in foster care. The boy is the second high-profile case of children being dumped over the border by smugglers this week. Sunday, a two-year-old girl who could barely speak was discovered holding a yellow Post-it with information on her relatives in the US It's become a heart-wrenching norm during the Biden Administration as children with names and address written on their clothing or safety-pinned where found alone and defenseless. Also this week, another 31 unaccompanied minors were found in the same area, according to Texas DPS. A group of 166 illegal immigrants were apprehended Wednesday, including the kids and five Special Interest Aliens from Iran and Turkey. In the month of October alone, 125 unaccompanied minors cross the US-Mexico border, according to federal statics from US Customs and Border Protection. Since 2022, at least 7,294 children traveling alone have been taken into custody on the southern border. Heartless traffickers tell parents their child will be in safe and guided to authorities, but in reality, the helpless littles are often deserted as soon as they make it over the international boundary. Often migrant parents who are already in the US work and save up enough to pay smugglers to sneak their children across the border. However, they place their child in the hands of criminals who sexually abuse the child or worse. As DailyMail.com reported in September, migrants will use more desperate measures to get into the country before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Texas officials are preparing for a surge of migrants at the border, as Trump has promised to seal off all entry once he takes office. A new study has revealed exactly how much time the average Briton spends scrolling on their phone each day. But the results show that there are big differences between how long men and women spend online and what they do with their devices. Ofcom's Online Nation report shows that the average Briton spends four hours and 20 minutes online each day around a quarter of their waking lives. However, it is women who are the most avid internet users, clocking up 33 minutes more than men on average. In total, women spend four hours and 36 minutes online per day, while men spend four hours and 3 minutes online per day, the new report reveals. This difference is most pronounced among phone-obsessed Gen Z women, who spend more than an hour longer online than their male counterparts. Women aged 18-24 spend a staggering six hours and 36 minutes online, compared to five hours and 28 minutes for men of the same age. However, the study also found that men spend much more time accessing generative AI, using online dating, and watching pornography. Ofcom's latest report on Britain's internet habits found that women spend 33 minutes longer online each day than men. In 2024, the average woman spent four hours and 36 minutes on their devices (stock photo) An Ofcom spokesperson told MailOnline: 'This report is a real deep dive into what people are doing online, and we were struck by the differences between the sexes in the data and by womens different experiences of life online.' Ofcom's latest edition of the annual Online Nation report gathers data from all around the country to see exactly how people are spending their time online. The results show that Gen Z (18-24) spend the most time online of any age demographic, using the internet for an hour longer than those aged 25-34. The average person aged 18-24 spent just over six hours online in 2024, compared to just four hours and three minutes for someone aged 45-54. A large chunk of Gen Z's online time was dominated by TikTok which is used by three-quarters of 18-25s. The average woman aged 18-25 spent one hour and 17 minutes on the short-form video app each day, while men of the same age spent 35 minutes less. Overall, those over 65 were the UK's least enthusiastic internet users, spending only three hours and ten minutes online each day. However, women spent more time online than men no matter how old they are. Gen Z spent more time online than any other generation, spending over six hours on smartphones, tablets, and computers each day. TikTok was one of the most popular internet services, with the average woman aged 16-25 spending more than an hour on the app each day Previous studies have found that many young adults in the UK now struggle to go an hour without looking at their phone How much time do the different generations spend online? Gen Z (18-24): 6h 01m Millennials (25-34): 4h 51m Gen X (35-44): 4h 43m Older Gen X (45-54): 4h 03m Boomers (55-64): 3h 47m Older Boomers (65+): 3h 10m Advertisement Three-quarters of Brits' time online is spent on smartphones, with the average person spending three hours and 15 minutes on their phone each day. Tablets and computers each accounted for half an hour of the average internet user's remaining screen time. Additionally, the study found that there is a growing divide in the kinds of content and sites that men and women access online. When it comes to the top 10 social media sites, women make up the majority of users for Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. On Pinterest in particular, 79 per cent of all time spent on the site was accounted for by female users. On the other hand, men account for most of the time spent on Quora, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Men are also by far the most enthusiastic consumers of internet pornography in the UK, making up 73 per cent of the total adult audience. In May 2024, 13.8 million UK adults accessed a pornographic content service with the average person spending one hour and 33 minutes per month. Ofcom found that Pornhub continued to be the most popular pornographic content service, having been visited by 18 per cent of UK online adults. Ofcom's study found that people aged 18-25 were the most active internet users. Previous research has found that almost 100 per cent of young people now have a phone by the the time they turn 18 Men of all ages spent less time online but were much more active users of AI, online dating services, and pornography (stock photo) An Ofcom spokesperson says: 'Although women in general engage more heavily with the online world, theyre more likely than men to feel they have a good balance between their screen time and real-world activities. 'But theyre also more sceptical about the internets personal and societal value, given theyre less likely than men to think that the benefits of the online world outweigh the risks and less likely to believe that the internet is a good thing for society.' When it came to actual experience online, Ofcom found that women were more likely to receive unwelcome friend requests and to encounter misogynistic content. Teenage girls in particular were more likely than boys to experience content promoting unhealthy exercise or eating habits and eating-disorder-related content. An Ofcom spokesperson says: 'It is not right that women and girls are targeted by online harassment, misogynistic abuse and disturbing threats. 'They feel less confident about their online safety than men, and less able to have a voice online or to share opinions. In February, Ofcom will publish detailed guidance on how it expects tech firms to take action to protect women and girls online. The spokesperson added: 'We want to see a concerted focus by the whole industry on making online life safer for women and girls.' Scientists have uncovered the shocking truth about 12 severed hands buried in ancient Egyptian burial pits. They determined that the remains all right hands were mostly from men, with possibly one female, and may provide evidence of the grisly 'gold of honor' ritual. The discovery offers physical proof of an ancient practice in which Pharaoh's warriors presented the severed right hands of their enemies in exchange for a prestigious reward: a collar of golden beads. Before the unearthing of these cleanly severed hands, the 'gold of honor' ritual was known only through Egyptian tomb inscriptions and temple reliefs dating back to 15501077 BC. However, the hands suggest the ritual may have been practiced nearly a century earlier, as they were found at the Hyksos palace, the seat of power for Egypt's 15th Dynasty (16401530 BC), invaders from West Asia. 'It's delicate work,' French anthropologist Dr. Isabelle Crevecoeur said. 'That, for me, is a good argument they did it for a ritual.' 'No signs of rough cutting suggest it was done very carefully,' Dr. Crevecoeur elaborated, noting she was not directly involved in the bone study. 'Not with an ax or something.' The hands were discovered in three pits within the courtyard ruins of the decaying Hyksos palace, located at Tell el-Dab'a, the modern name for the ancient city of Avaris. 'After removing any attached forearm parts, the hands were placed in the ground with wide-splayed fingers, mainly on their palmar sides,' the team reported of these 'trophies.' Archeologists and other scientists now believe that the 12 hands found in Hyksos palace are physical evidence of an ancient ritual practice, 'gold of honor,' in which the Pharaoh's warriors would offer up the severed right hands of their enemies in exchange for a prestigious award The hands cleanly separated from the victim's body , which experts said was a sign that the remains were trophies The careful bone anatomy analysis was performed by the German-Austrian team helped determine the approximate age and sex of those whose hands were ritually chopped off. This osteological work, they said, included a 'taphonomic' study of the burial, decay, and preservation processes that would also impact the shape of these skeletal remains, to help rule out other causes for the shape of the bones on display. But more straightforward biological analyses of the bones were also conducted. Because male index fingers are known to be longer than their ring fingers, as compared to women's fingers, 11 of the hands were determined to be male. But, it could not be ruled out that the twelfth hand was that of a female, the researchers said. They estimated a minimum age at time of each hand's dismemberment to be somewhere between 14 to 21 years, as the bones were fully formed and post adolescent. A string of seven fly amulets (above), made between 1600 and 1070 BC, represented strength and tenacity to the ancient Egyptians. These Golden Fly adornments served as an award for bravery bestowed upon soldiers who demonstrated exceptional courage in battle, like the 'gold of honor' Above, a relief of Horemheb - the last pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of Egypt - receiving the 'gold of honor' collar from king Tutankhamun. Before unearthing the 12 severed hands, this 'gold of honor' ritual was only known to Egyptian scholars as hearsay, detailed in temple reliefs like this The macabre severed hands were found in the forecourt of Hyksos palace in northeast Egypt's ancient city of Avaris - once territory of the invading Hyksos dynasty, now a archeological site The upper age range was estimated to be under 60, given that the hands show no signs of age-related degeneration. 'This evidence,' as the team put it in their study, 'adds more detail regarding trophy-taking practices in Ancient Egypt.' They hypothesized that the ancient Hyksos people had 'recurring propagandist motives' for placing the severed hands where they were found in this Hyksos palace courtyard. But the researchers pointed out that it is still 'unclear if the hands were taken from dead or living individuals', although they 'must have been soft and flexible when they were placed into the pit', before rigor mortis set in or after it had ended. The most likely scenario is they were placed into the pit somewhere between 24 and 48 hours after being removed from the rest of the body. Above, an aerial view of the Hyksos palace courtyard - where the grisly remains of 12 young victims' hands were laid, over three millennia ago, likely as part of a ceremony to honor warriors. Iconographic evidence of severed hands (pictured) is shown an inscription in the tomb of Ahmose at El-Kab depicting a very realistic representation of an outstretched palm Four universities, including Germany's Gottingen University Medical School and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, collaborated on the study of the severed ancient hands. Austrian archaeologist Dr Manfred Bietak told the news desk of the journal Science that he believes the 'gold of honor' ritual was probably introduced to Egypt by the invading Hyksos. The Hyksos, who ruled Egypt for roughly a century, likely arrive from the eastern Mediterranean, introducing chariots and new types of weapons to this civilization in north Africa. That said, the researchers remain humble about the vast gap in information on these ancient practices that hinder absolute confidence in their conclusions. 'Much information on the lives, habits, and history of the Ancient Egyptians is depicted on temple and tomb walls, as well as recorded on papyri, etc.,' the wrote in their study. 'Like today, information can create certain ideas, exert political influence, and also present facts in a different and not necessarily realistic light,' they admitted. 'Unfortunately, in history and even more so in prehistory, we are limited to a few sources, sometimes only to one.' A strange natural phenomenon could unravel the mystery of Loch Ness Monster sightings, according to an expert researcher. Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), believes elusive 'standing waves' might explain sightings of the mythical monster. He said: 'A standing wave occurs when two boat wakes of the exact same frequency and amplitude are moving in opposite directions on the loch surface. 'When the two boat wakes finally meet and interfere with one another the results have the potential to create a standing wave.' The peaks of these standing waves, rising above the otherwise calm waters, could be mistaken for 'humps' above the surface. Footage captured by Mr McKenna shows the phenomenon occurring where a river meets the loch on its southern shore, at Fort Augustus. But capturing a standing wave caused by boat wakes out on the open water is a greater challenge. Alan said: 'The waves and the boat wake need to be identical. A strange natural phenomenon could unravel the mystery of Loch Ness Monster sightings, according to an expert researcher Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), believes elusive 'standing waves' might explain sightings of the mythical monster 'So with all that in mind, there's now a lot more to consider here such as the boat itself, its size, the direction of travel and its current speed. 'A small boat with a smaller engine will most definitely produce a wake different from a much larger boat. 'It's a complex procedure, especially in open water, but it can happen.' Mr McKenna now hopes to record the phenomenon happening out over the deep heart of the loch. He said: 'Ali Matheson, skipper of Deepscan, frequently reports standing waves, but more so in the small marina within Urquhart Bay also known as Temple Pier. 'That's all fine and well, but it's more difficult to capture a standing wave in open water. 'We know that standing waves exist and they have been reported but what we don't have is the footage showing a natural standing wave in motion.' He continued: 'Since launching LNE, it's always been my hope to capture as much natural phenomena as possible. Peaks of standing waves, rising above the otherwise calm waters, could be mistaken for 'humps' above the surface Mr McKenna now hopes to record the phenomenon happening out over the deep heart of the loch Nessie sightings might just be 'standing waves' Mr McKenna says 'standing waves' might explain sightings of the mythical monster. He said: 'A standing wave occurs when two boat wakes of the exact same frequency and amplitude are moving in opposite directions on the loch surface. When the two boat wakes finally meet and interfere with one another the results have the potential to create a standing wave.' The peaks of standing waves, rising above the calm waters, could be mistaken for 'humps' above the surface. Advertisement 'It's a process of elimination, in my mind, as most potential 'Nessie' reports can be explained. 'Without being disrespectful, I tend to follow the reports made by the locals and the reason being is that they see Loch Ness everyday. 'I dare say that they are more knowledgeable than tourists. 'If you are unfamiliar with Loch Ness and its natural behaviour then I do believe that many people will be fooled by the water and certain illusions it's easily done!' When it comes to the existence of the fabled beast, however, Alan is keeping an open mind. The 37-year-old said: 'If there are any unknown animals in Loch Ness then they certainly don't play by the rules. 'It's the perfect habitat for a shy animal with 23 miles of cold dark water and around 750ft deep. 'You could be swimming next to a 200ft submarine below the surface and not even notice it right in front of you, it's that dark!' He continued: 'When I was a youngster and throughout my childhood, I fully believed the Plesiosaur theory. 'But the more you explore the story of Loch Ness the more unlikely that theory becomes sorry folks. 'We've had many potential candidates over the years for 'Nessie' such as giant eels, long-necked seals, Greenland shark, large sturgeon, catfish and many others. 'But truth be told, none of us have the correct answer and that's what keeps this mystery going.' LNE is an independent voluntary research group focused on Loch Ness, its natural environment, and its ecology, as well as the mythical monster. Mr McKenna said: 'We invite everyone to join this group who has a genuine interest in the loch. It's not just about 'Nessie' as Loch Ness is far more than that. 'We have a great mixture of individuals in the LNE group and I believe it to be diverse.' If you are a Sudoku ace or a cryptic crossword champ, you might feel like there is no puzzle you couldn't crack. But there are some hidden messages which have baffled even the brainiest code breakers. Despite massive advances in cryptographic techniques, six codes have stubbornly held onto their secrets for hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. From the ancient Phaistos Disk to the CIA's own Kryptos challenge, generations of experts have tried and failed to unlock the mysteries of these lost letters. However, there is more than just intellectual curiosity on the line. Cracking the morbid code of the Tamam Shud Case could help police solve a decades-old unsolved murder. Meanwhile, tackling the mystery of the enigmatic Beale Papers could lead you to millions of pounds in buried treasure. So, if the Sunday paper's puzzles don't feel like enough of a challenge, why not try your hand at some of history's hardest puzzles? These six codes have baffled experts for hundreds or thousands of years. Do you think you have what it takes to crack them? The Phaistos Disk The Phaistos Disk is a fired clay tablet inscribed with a ring of unknown symbols believed to originate from the ancient Minoan civilisation on the island of Crete. Archaeologists believe this strange artifact was made more than 3,000 years ago but its purpose or meaning is a mystery. When the disk was first discovered in 1908 some scholars believed it was a forgery but most experts now accept that it is a real artefact. The disk is stamped with 241 prints showing 45 different symbols. Some appear to portray people or objects such as animals, plants and tools while others are only shapes. The symbols are grouped into 'words' by vertical lines but experts have not been able to figure out what these might mean. Early interpretations suggested that the symbols might have something to do with an animal sacrifice carried out by a temple on the Island. The 3,000-year-old Phaistos Disk (pictured) is believed to have been made by the Minoan civilisation on the island of Crete. It contains 241 prints showing 45 different symbols divided into 'words' but no translation has yet been found History's 6 unsolved codes The Phaistos Disk: Circa 1000 BC The Rohonc Codex: 1500-1600 The Shuborough Inscription: 1763 The Beale Papers: 1885 The Tamam Shud Code: 1948 Kryptos: 1990 Advertisement Later experts disagreed, with one 2004 study suggesting that the disk could detail a land dispute written in the ancient Luwian language. However, no interpretation of the symbols is universally accepted and the symbols don't match any known language on Earth. This makes the Phaistos Disks one of the oldest unsolved codes in existence. The Rohonc Codex The Rohonc Codex is a 448-page illustrated book which has baffled scholars and historians since its discovery. The story of the Rohonc Codex began in 1838 when a mysterious manuscript was found in the collection of Count Gusztav Batthyany of Hungary. Nobody knows who made the book or why but it appears to have been produced in Northern Italy sometime around the 16th century. Every page has been penned in an unknown script which appears alongside 87 crude religious illustrations. The Rohonc codex was discovered in 1838 when Count Gusztav Batthyany of Hungary donated his collection of rare books to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences The 448-page book contains an unknown alphabet of 800 symbols alongside 87 crude religious illustrations What makes cracking the Rohonc Codex so challenging is that the alphabet used is extremely long. The book contains 800 symbols of which about 100 appear with any frequency, far more than in any known language. This might suggest that the code contains a syllabic language or an entirely artificial language of the author's own creations. Interpretations range from a censored religious text to a book of magic spells, or simply an elaborate medieval joke. However, no one has yet been able to use modern cryptographic techniques to translate any of the text. This means that historians can only speculate as to why this bizarre manuscript might have been made and what its secret language might contain. The Shugbourgh Inscription In the grounds of Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, an 18th-century monument contains one of England's most baffling codes. On the grounds of Shubborough Hall (left), an 18th-century structure known as the Shephard Monument (right) contains a 10-letter code which has baffled generations of code-breakers The structure, known as the Shephard Monument, contains a 10-letter cypher which has stumped historians and cryptographers for hundreds of years. The mysterious code consists of the letters 'O U O S V A V V', framed by the letters 'D' and 'M' at a slightly lower level. Above is a mirrored relief of a painting by Nicolas Poussin entitled 'The Shepherds of Arcadia', which depicts a woman and three shepherds, with two shepherds pointing towards a tomb. Above the tomb is the Latin phrase 'et in Arcadia ego', meaning 'I am even in Arcadia'. The Shepard Monument was built between 1748 and 1763 by Flemish sculptor Peter Schee at the request of British MP Thomas Anson. However, nobody knows what the letters stand for or whether the monument has a greater symbolic meaning. Some theorists have tried matching the letters on the monument to the first letters of an acrostic phrase. For example, some have suggested that the message could be a coded dedication to George Anson's deceased wife. The monument bears the mysterious message 'O U O S V A V V' framed by the letters 'D' and 'M'. So far, no one has been able to decipher what these could mean It has been proposed that the letters could stand for: 'Optimae Uxoris Optimae Sororis Viduus Amantissimus Vovit Virtutibus'. Which translates to: 'Best of wives, best of sisters, a most devoted widower dedicates [this] to your virtues'. However, this theory doesn't explain the letters 'D' and 'M' and any number of phrases could be found to fit the letters. Without any further evidence, it is likely that the mystery of the Shugbourgh Inscription may never be solved. The Beale Papers The so-called 'Beale Papers' first emerged in an 1885 pamphlet of the same name published by prominent Lynchburg citizen James Ward. The Beale Papers are believed to be the last known clue to a horde of treasure believed to be worth more than $60 million. As Ward's story goes, around 1819 a crew of treasure hunters led by Thomas Jefferson Beale uncovered an astonishing haul of 1,360kg (3,000 lbs) of gold and 2,300kg (5,100 lbs) of silver. In 1885 a prominent Lynchburg citizen named James Ward published a pamphlet called 'The Beale Papers' (left) which supposedly contained a code (right) sharing the location of treasure buried by Thomas Jefferson Beale in 1820 Rather than hiding the gold where they found it, the crew shuttled it in wagons over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Virginia, where they buried it in 1820. Before setting out West on a second expedition, Beale supposedly left an iron strongbox with a Lynchburg tavern keeper, giving him instructions to open the box if he had not returned in a decade. After 23 years of waiting, the tavern keeper eventually cracked open the box to reveal two letters alongside three pages of unintelligible code. These pages, which would eventually become the Beale Papers, contain rows upon rows of numbers which modern code breakers recognised as a cypher. A cypher is a type of code which substitutes letters in a message according to a set of rules usually determined by a specific word or phrase. When the codes were published, Ward showed how a copy of the Declaration of Independence could be used as a key to crack one of the letters. However, the key for the last two letters which give away the location of the treasure have not been found, leaving their contents a mystery. The Tamam Shud Code The Tamam Shud Code (pictured) was found written on the back of a book of Persian poetry believed to belong to a mysterious man found dead on Somerton Beach, Australia in 1948 Can you crack the Tamam Shud Code? W [or M] RGOABABD MLIAOI [crossed out] WTBIMPANETP X MLIABOAIAQC ITTMTSAMSTGAB Advertisement On December 1, 1948, Australian authorities found the body of a well-dressed man slumped against the sea wall at Somerton Beach near Adelaide. The 'Somerton Man' had no identifying documents and the labels had been cut from his clothes. The only evidence detectives could find was a scrap of paper in his pocket bearing the Persian words 'Tamam Shud', meaning 'It is done' or 'it is finished'. This was recognised to be the final line of a collection of a rare collection of Persian poetry called The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. The police asked the public if anyone had a copy of the book with the last page torn out and, bizarrely, a man came forward saying he had found a copy thrown into the back seat of his car near where Somerton Man had been found. Not only was the book missing its last page but it was also covered with incoherent writing believed to be some kind of code. But despite the best efforts of analysts and code breakers, nobody has been able to decipher what this message might mean. The bizarre details of the case fueled speculation that the Somerton Man may have been a spy or a victim of organised crime. The Somerton Man (pictured) was found on the beach with nothing in his pockets except a page torn from a book bearing the phrase 'tamam shud', meaning 'it is finished' in Persian The final Kryptos code Since it was created in 1990, no one has been able to solve the final 97 characters of the CIA's Kryptos code. The last untranslated section reads as follows: OBKRUOXOGHULBSOLIFBBWFLRVQQPRNGKSSOTWTQSJQSSEKZZWATJKLUDIAWINFBNYPVTTMZFPKWGDKZXTJCDIGKUHUAUEKCAR Advertisement However, despite countless theories emerging over the years, nobody has been able to decrypt this vital clue which could help crack this 70-year-old cold case. Kryptos When it came time for the CIA to build its New Headquarters Building in Washington during the 1990s, the agency found itself with a little extra cash in the budget. That money was set aside for the creation of a sculpture known as 'Kryptos' - a large pillar of petrified wood into which an S-shaped copper screen was fitted. Into this screen, the sculptor James Sanbor carved 1,735 alphabetic letters to create four devious codes. When looked at from the centre of the CIA's courtyard, the right of the sculpture reveals four encoded messages while the left shows a 'chart' which was used to encrypt the messages. According to the CIA, Kryptos' first three messages use a type of code called a Vigeneries Tableaux developed by 16th-century French cryptographer Blaise de Vigenere. This fairly simple code shifts each letter of the alphabet by a certain amount determined by the contents of the chart. The sculpture Kryptos was installed in the courtyard of the CIA's New Headquarters Building in Washington. The monument contains four codes, only three of which have been cracked since the sculpture was erected in 1990 The first two messages using this code are considered to be relatively straightforward and can be solved by beginner cryptographers. But the last two are significantly more challenging. So far, three of the passages have been translated revealing a poem of Sanbor's own creation, an allusion to something buried, and a passage from archaeologist Howard Carter's diary describing the opening of a door in King Tut's tomb. However, the CIA says that the fourth section has been created with a significantly harder cryptographic method. So far, even the agency's best code-breakers have been unable to decypher the final 97-character message. However, in 2020, Sanborn offered would-be translators a final clue - the word: NORTHEAST. Uber has been slammed across social media over its decision to launch teen accounts. 'Uber for Teens' is a new tool in the UK that allows children as young as 13 to order rides independently. Uber claims that the tool will 'empower teens' while 'providing parents with peace of mind'. However, many users have been quick to raise their concerns over the idea of children travelling alone in Ubers. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) when the tool was launched in the US earlier this year, one user wrote: 'Yeah thats gonna be a no from me dawg. Teens should not be getting in cars with strangers.' Another added: 'This is a horrible idea just on paper.' And one ominously tweeted: 'This will turn out well...' Here's how the new Uber for Teens tool works as it rolls out in the UK. Uber has been slammed across social media over its decision to launch teen accounts in the UK (stock image) 'Uber for Teens' is a new tool in the UK, which allows children as young as 13 to order rides independently Many users have been quick to raise their concerns over the idea of children travelling alone in Ubers. One user claimed that the idea of teen accounts on Uber 'just doesn't sit well with me' Uber Teens is aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds and was first piloted in Canada back in 2022, before rolling out in several US cities the following year. Now, Uber has announced that it is set to the roll the tool out in UK cities 'in the coming months'. 'Uber is thrilled to help busy families across the UK get around safely and easily,' said Andrew Brem, UK General Manager. 'Teen accounts were developed to be incredibly simple to use and provide total peace of mind for parents, teens, and drivers.' Parents can activate the tool by adding their teen to their own Uber account and sending them an invite. The teen will then be prompted to download the Uber app and set up their teen account. Once they're all set up, teens willl be able to order their own Ubers, and ride alone. Uber highlights that the tool includes several safety measures to put parents' minds at ease, such as live trip tracking. Uber Teens is aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds and was first piloted in Canada back in 2022, before rolling out in several US cities the following year (stock image) 'Whenever your teen requests a ride, you can follow their location directly in the app and get status updates with live trip tracking,' Uber explained One concerned user called Uber Teen a 'horrible idea just on paper' Safety features in Uber Teen Live trip tracking lets parents monitor each ride from start to finish Pin verification ensures teens are matched with their correect driver Ride check detects anomalies like unexpected route changes Advertisement 'Whenever your teen requests a ride, you can follow their location directly in the app and get status updates with live trip tracking,' Uber explained. 'Teen trips are destination-locked, meaning that drivers cant change the destination of the triponly your teen can.' Uber Teen also includes mandatory pin verification which ensures teens are matched with the correct driver. 'Before a teen gets in the car, theyll have to give their driver a unique PIN,' Uber explained. 'Drivers are unable to start a trip until they enter the correct code into the Driver app.' In addition, if their ride goes unusually off-course, stops unexpectedly, or ends early, Uber will alert the teen and message them to ask if they need help. In the US, teens have the option to set up Audio Recording for their trips, although this is not available in the UK. Uber also reassures that it only selects highly-rated drivers for teen trips. One user claimed that teens 'should not be getting in cars with strangers' Despite this slew of safety features, several users have raised concerns about Uber Teen One user dubbed Uber Teen 'weird and creepy' 'With only experienced, highly-rated drivers assigned to teen riders, and options for parents to contact the driver or Ubers safety line anytime, Uber for Teens makes it easier for families to manage busy schedules safely,' Uber added. Despite this slew of safety features, several users have raised concerns about Uber Teen. 'Uber is now advertising teen accounts and something about that just doesnt sit well with me,' one user tweeted. Another added: 'Uber Teen is weird and creepy.' And one wrote: 'am i the only one that thinks the whole uber teen thing is extremely scary and dangerous??' In response to this backlash, an Uber spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Uber for Teens was developed in partnership with Parent Zone to ensure safety is absolutely the top priority. 'The key safety features built into the experience can't be turned off by the teen, driver or parent. 'Additionally, only highly rated drivers are eligible to receive trip requests from teens.' NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) have been pictured with their Thanksgiving Day meals - amid growing concerns about their health. Sunita Williams, 59, and Butch Wilmore, 61, who have been stuck in space for 175 days, revealed they will be feasting on brussels sprouts, butternut squash and smoked turkey that was dehydrated before heading to the ISS. 'Our crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us,' Williams said in a video. The NASA astronauts have drawn concern from both the public and officials within the space agency over their dramatic weight loss during their extended stay in orbit. Williams sparked fears about her weight in an image from September, with doctors telling DailyMail.com that she looked 'gaunt.' And NASA insiders revealed last month that their medical team was monitoring Wilmore for similar reasons. Williams and Wilmore were joined by astronauts Nick Hague and Don Pettit in the video to share their holiday menu with friends and family back home. 'Our meal may look a little bit different,' Hague admitted as roughly half a dozen, sealed white packages floated upward into microgravity, containing 'all the things that we're going to enjoy on Thanksgiving.' 'Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, apples and spice, and smoked turkey,' NASA astronaut Nick Hague (bottom left), now on his third tour aboard the ISS, explained as he let the sealed white packages of the space crew's orbital feast float into microgravity. 'It's going to be delicious' Smiling behind Hague (bottom left) in the space station's holiday transmission were the two NASA astronauts (top row) who have been stuck on the ISS since June - after the inaugural crewed flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft faced malfunctions and gas leaks ISS astronauts subsist mainly on dehydrated foods in vacuum-packed pouches that need to be rehydrated and if needed to be warmed in an plane-style machine before consumption. As a byproduct of the orbiting laboratory's fuel cells, water is a plentiful source, but dehydrated food also helps reduce weight on the space station, NASA has said. Williams offered more details on the crew's orbital Thanksgiving menu Wednesday, including green beans, mushrooms, mashed potatoes and a dessert of apple cobbler. 'Our flight control teams gave us tomorrow off, so our plans are, as usual, get up and workout, do the Turkey trot, watch a little Macy's [Thanksgiving] Day Parade,' she told NBC News. Williams, however, emphasized that she does not consider herself 'stranded' in space, adding that NASA has a plan in place in the event that she or any other astronaut aboard the ISS needs to get back to Earth. 'Our mission control team and our management has always had an option for us to come home,' she said. 'So yeah, we came up here on Starliner. Above the stranded NASA astronauts during a September 24, 2024 pizza meal. One doctor at the time raised concerns about Sunita's health, claiming this image showed her looking 'gaunt.' Williams claims she has actually gained muscle on board the ISS, blaming the look on 'fluid shift' 'We're coming back on a Dragon, but theres always been a plan of how we would get home.' Williams and Willmore have been stuck on the ISS since Starliner brought them there on June 6. While Starliner has returned back to Earth without a crew on September 7, the duo continue to wait for SpaceX's Crew-9 mission that will pick them up at the ISS and bring them home no earlier than February 2025. However, many studies have shown that extended stays in space can lead to dramatic weight lost. During long-term ISS missions, crews can typically lose about five percent of their original body mass, due primarily to muscle and bone density loss that occurs naturally due to microgravity. Wilmore, according to one NASA official who declined to be named, 'had a lot more mass at the start,' coming in at six feet tall and over 210 pounds. 'So, it's not as big of a deal,' this employee told the New York Post. Despite what seemed apparent to observers watching NASA's video feeds, Williams came forward earlier this month to deny 'rumors' that she had lost weight while on her unexpectedly long stay in on the ISS. Williams claimed that she has actually gained muscle on board the ISS, and pointed to 'fluid shift' to explain her appearance in the concerning photos. A burst of energy from the sun is set to hit Earth on Thanksgiving, triggering stunning northern lights in the night sky. Most of Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine are positioned for potential auroras. And northern regions of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may also see the phenomena. Americans should step outside between 10pm ET and 1am ET to captured the best views, ideally away from bright city lights. Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that are not visible to the naked eye. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned a geomagnetic storm is expected Thursday that could impact radios, satellites and GPS, which will linger into Black Friday. 'Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms,' NOAA shared. 'Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.' Americans are expected to see stunning northern lights on Thanksgiving after the sun released a burst of energy Sunday Pale auroras may be seen across many northern states Thursday and Friday, but they may be brief and seeing them will depend on how intense the solar storms get, NOAA meteorologist Mike Bettwy said. Both the northern lights and geomagnetic storm are due to a coronal mass ejection (CEM). Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation that stem from a release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots, and are the largest explosive events in the solar system. THIS IS PAST TENSE, ARE WE REFERRING TO ONE THATS ALREADY HAPPENED? After the solar flare erupted, a second blast of high energy particles and solar plasma made a direct line for Earth - that was the CME. Northern lights - also known as the aurora borealis - are a natural light show that occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field. Most of Washington, Montana , the Dakotas, Minnesota , Wisconsin , Michigan and Maine are positioned for potential auroras. And northern regions of Idaho , Wyoming , New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may also see the colored lights Aurora are most commonly seen in the auroral zone - a region within 1,550 miles of the North Pole. Typically, the lights can only be seen in areas including Scandinavia, Alaska and Iceland. But geomagnetic storms can make them appear further south. The sun unleashed a powerful stream of plasma late Sunday evening that is heading toward Earth. NOAA's warnings show the worst of the geomagnetic storm is expected Saturday. The storm is a major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field caused by a burst of energy from the sun,. 'A G1 (Minor) watch has been issued for 28 Nov and a G2 (Moderate) watch was issued for 29 Nov due to the arrival of a CME associated with a filament eruption that took off the sun late on 25 Nov,' NOAA shared. The sun is currently at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, making solar surges and northern lights more frequent. The sun released 20 flares over the last 24 hours, with one causing blackouts over the Indian Ocean. The active period is expected to last for at least another year, though scientists won't know when solar activity peaked until months after the fact, according to NASA. While geomagnetic storms can cause radio blackouts, experts do not expect major communication disruptions from this week's solar storm. An ominous quartet of gleaming lights above the United States Capitol building have left some afraid the alien invasion has finally arrived. The photo taken at night just outside of Congress, with the dome of Capitol Hill in full view was taken by US Air Force veteran Dennis Diggins who now works as a licensed tour guide in the Washington DC area, as well as a professional travel director. The eerie triangular formation of lights that Diggins captured in his photo seems to hover just feet over the 'Statue of Freedom' at the top of the Capitol dome. 'Thats absolutely insane,' one spectator said of the strange glowing orbs, which looked like landing lights on some otherworldly craft. The image comes just weeks after a pair of stunning public hearings in both the US Senate and the House of Representatives, where lawmakers probed current and retired Pentagon officials over the state of intelligence on what used to be called 'flying saucers.' The House's hearing included a first look at a bizarre, unsettling report alleging that an illegal 'Unacknowledged Special Access Program' named 'Immaculate Constellation' had been set up to 'detect, quarantine, and transfer' UFO data away from public view. But while some were clamoring for video that might link this new sighting to this wider UFO debate on the Hill, others pushed back on the speculative furor over these strange lights. An ominous quartet of gleaming lights above the US Capitol building, like landing lights on some otherworldly craft, have left some afraid the alien invasion has finally arrived. The photo (above) was taken by US Air Force veteran Dennis Diggins, now a licensed tour guide in Washington DC Bizarre, unidentified craft above Langley Air Force base - home to at least half the USAF fleet of stealth F-22 Raptor fighter jets (pictured) - lead to two weeks of emergency White House meetings last year. The 17-day episode has put government officials on high alert about UFOs Above, a military witness testifies to the drones displaying 'flashing red, green, and white lights.' This testimony was released via the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), along with 50 pages of Air Force records on the December 2023 wave of 'drone swarms' over Langley 'The picture is clearly a glare reflection off of the lens of the camera of the street lights below it,' argued a former paranormal investigator, who now goes by the moniker Average Chris. 'Same spacing, just inverted pattern.' Other eyewitnesses in the DC area, however, believed they had caught similar UFOs on video during the same evening, November 26, 2024. 'My partner and I have spotted a mix of multiple stationary/hovering and slow moving lights from her apartment rooftop in Washington DC,' the anonymous witness who taped this video said. 'Appears that they are hovering over [Capitol] Hill, Navy Yard, or south of there.' The witness, who posted the UFO video to Reddit, stated that the 'hovering' lights had been appearing for over a week, since at least November 15. A spokesperson replying on behalf of the Pentagon and its UFO-hunting unit, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), told DailyMail.com that it has no idea what these UFOs over our nation's capital might be. 'I dont have anything for you on this,' said Susan Gough with the military's Defense Press Operations via email. 'Have you checked with the DC Police Department or Arlington County Police Department?' While these recent cases above DC might have perfectly ordinary causes, Pentagon officials and the US intelligence community are nevertheless increasingly concerned about the troubling rise of 'drone swarm' UFOs encroaching on restricted US airspace. Senior ex-Pentagon security official Chris Mellon told DailyMail.com that a 17-day wave of UFO sightings above Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia was 'part of a much larger pattern affecting numerous national security installations.' 'Two of the notable aspects,' he said, 'are the fact our drone signal-jamming devices have proven ineffective and these craft are making no effort to remain concealed.' 'The picture is clearly a glare reflection off of the lens of the camera of the street lights below it,' argued that former paranormal investigator, who now goes by the moniker Average Chris. 'Same spacing, just inverted pattern.' He accused others on social media of promoting the pics for clout Average Chris also accused UFO influencers of suppressing explanations for a citizen video that appears to depict UFOs swarming above Washington DC (below). 'My post (above) shows that these are commercial airplanes lining up to land at the several airports in the area,' he noted 'In fact, in some instances,' Mellon took pains to emphasize, 'it is clear they want to be seen as though taunting us.' And now, dozens of British troops are fanning out in cooperation with the US Air Force (USAF) in an effort to track down the parties responsible for still more UFO swarms spotted over three air bases in England, amid fears it all could be linked to a 'sinister' plot. The craft, possibly unmanned drones, were spotted overnight above Royal Air Force (RAF) base Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, USAF confirmed. While Lakenheath is technically an RAF base, it currently houses mainly American aircraft and military personnel, officials noted. A former British Army intelligence officer told DailyMail.com that these strange UFOs over England may prove to be Russian spy craft agency, although US military sources say the UAVs were 'not identified as hostile.' Nevertheless, it remains unclear if the recent sightings in DC bear any relationship to the events over Langley, or over the USAF operations in the UK. Average Chris made the case that the video posted to Reddit, shows nothing more than 'commercial airplanes lining up to land at the several airports in the area.' But the witnesses who posted the video remain unconvinced: 'I dont believe these are planes waiting to land at Reagan airport as many of them do not appear to be moving at all, and we watched for quite a while, maybe 15-20 minutes.' 'Also some of the lights seem to turn on and off,' the witness continued. 'Can anyone rule these out as police drones, military helos, balloons, or other mundane technology?' Apple fans are shocked after learning a device sold by the tech giant contains chemicals known to cause birth defects and cancer. The $100 Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Charging Power Bank features a warning on Apple's page for the accessory, hidden at the bottom, that is required by California state regulators due to its hazardous content. California has mandated that the product carry a warning alerting consumers that this wireless charger can 'expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A (BPA).' BPA, a chemical commonly used to help harden plastics, is known to disrupt hormones in the body, causing fertility issues, sexual development and other problems. The warning is due to California's Proposition 65, passed in 1986, which has long required companies to alert consumers to the risks of BPA in their products. The warning has left nervous Apple fans asking: 'Should I be worried about this?' Belkin's Apple-approved wireless charger joins the growing ranks of consumer goods tainted by this hormone-mimicking chemical, including everything from water bottles and trash bags, to tableware, carpeting and more. 'Holding the case with sweaty hands could lead to absorbing some,' one consumer advocate warned a nervous Apple customer online. While Prop65 is the strongest such law in the US, the legislation is a modest step compared to regulations in the European Union, where BPA is banned in food packaging marketed for use by young children with a total ban now up for debate on the continent. California regulators have mandated that the product, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Charging Power Bank (pictured), carry a warning alerting consumers that this wireless charger can 'expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A (BPA)' BPA, a chemical commonly used to help harden plastics, is known to disrupt hormones in the body, causing fertility issues, sexual development and other problems. The charger joins the growing ranks of consumer goods tainted by the BPA, including water bottles and trash bags Studies since at least 2018 using cultures of human skin cells have, in fact, shown that as much as 1620 percent of BPA shedded from a consumer product can become absorbed and biologically available via contact with human skin. 'BPA is potentially capable of causing adverse health effects following skin contact,' according to an analysis by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Other Apple accessories, including plastic iPhone cases, have also concerned consumers over identical notices warning of BPA content. 'I'm looking for a new iPhone case and I came across one I really liked,' one user told the r/Chemistry forum on Reddit, 'but looking at the specs in the bottom of the page it noted that the product contained Bisphenol A.' 'Should I be worried about this or find another case without that chemical?' the user asked. Nervous consumers have hotly debated the issue with some dismissing the California regulation as overhyped and others claiming it does not go far enough. 'You can absolutely absorb BPA through your skin,' one said, 'If you dont know what youre talking about please just dont say anything.' Apple's product page for the wireless Belkin charger pack, designed to work with MagSafe-compatible iPhones, shows the device secured in a charcoal black plastic shell. Two of the most widely-used alternatives - bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) - actually behave almost identically to the hazardous chemical they were designed to replace Apple's product page for the wireless Belkin charger pack, designed to work with MagSafe-compatible iPhones, shows the device secured in a charcoal black plastic shell (above) The device, about four inches long and three inches wide, houses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery used to extend the life of an iPhone's battery out in the world. Even industry's suggested alternatives for BPA bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) behave almost identically to the hazardous chemical they were designed to replace, according to scientists who have investigated the issue. 'The use of these bisphenols should be discontinued due to the risks they may pose to human and animal health,' said biochemist Jose Villalain, a professor with Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche in Spain. Villalain published his findings in the Journal of Xenobiotics this past September. Some Apple users and others debating how best to react to California's warnings have been up in arms about the gulf between US regulations on these chemicals and more strict consumer and public protections overseas. 'Most countries would ban potential carcinogens but in America all you have to do is slap a cancer warning on it,' another Reddit user, who goes by Old_Impact_3818, lamented. 'Often times itll be in fine print on the bottom of the box something comes in and youll never even see it.' Madam, Its unbelievable that the men and women we choose to look after our interest are now the same people making our lives even worst. How can one in his right mind approve such tariffs when our state of socio-economy spells poverty in all the corners of the country? The problems with such people is that they think that what they throw out into the world, will not catch up with them, like they will forever be in authority and yet one day, whatever decision they take today, which they feel makes them look good, will catch up with them sooner than later. I think it would have been better that for the year 2025/26 there is no tariff increase for both the water services and electricity, since they have the financial muscle, based on the profits made. The profits that they have made should be used to finance the projects that they want to venture into. Category EWSC has made a profit of E354 million in the last four years, EEC a category A state-owned enterprise in terms of the public enterprise control and monitoring Act No. 8 of 1989, the power utility companys objectives are to generate, transmit, distribute and supply electricity and also import and export it into and out of Eswatini. The company posted impressive earnings, amounting to a total of E2.297 billion, what buffles me is, what happened to all that money? Government being the major shareholder received a whooping E19 million in respect of profits for the year ended march 31, 2021. This state-owned enterprise in 2023 alone made a profit of E83 million, following a E211 million profit in 2022, E379 million in 2021 and E438 million in 2020. We consumers are going to bear the brunt of EECs pursuit for greater revenue. Enterprises Our decent work country programme for the years 2022-2025 says: Leaving no one behind. But the way these State-owned enterprises are going, we, the citizens, will be left behind. EEC says it needs the tariff increase in order to cater for its expansion plans and to ensure the sustainability of its operations as per the 10-year master plan to 2031. I suggest that they use the profits made to cater for this expansion, because the money is there. Instead of us poverty-stricken citizens funding this massive expansion of a plan. With our wish to attain the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, that future looks bleak. The question remains: Why should the electrification of the country come at such a high cost to us consumers, especially when the company appears to be doing quite well, with a stable financial position? Should this burden of these projects fall primarily on us consumers, especially when the company is already profitable? I think it must consider how to fund these initiatives without putting to much pressure on us consumers. The companys strategic vision is essential for Eswatinis future, but it is equally important to ensure that the journey towards the achievement of this strategy takes into account the socio-economic situation of population. We must walk rapidly, but not run. We must not be opportunists, nor allow our enthusiasms to make us lose the vision of concrete reality- Amilcar Cabral. You then have a duly voted member of Parliament saying that: The tariff should have been implemented in April this year. This is a someone who thinks that whatever he is getting now will continue to cushion him even after the 5-year term. He has truly lost the vision of concrete reality. What goes up must come down and what goes around surely comes around. The reality I talk of will hit him when he is no longer an MP with no lucrative benefits. In the words of Samora Machel, The State must be the first to be organised and totally committed to serving the interests of the people. While people feast on turkey this Christmas, many have questioned why the bird's eggs are not on the menu - and it all comes down to the cost. Unlike chickens that produce one egg every 24 hours or so, turkeys drop maybe two a week. 'Turkeys have a longer life cycle so they need to get to about seven months before they are able to produce laying eggs,' said Kimmon Williams of the National Turkey Federation Chickens only have to reach about five months before they can start laying eggs. Experts have also noted that turkeys need more food and larger housing, adding more costs to consumers. Farmers would have to sell each turkey egg for at least $3.00 (2.39), making a full dozen $36 (28.67). The larger bird's eggs also contain twice as many calories, grams of fat and three times the cholesterol as those from hens. Farmers would have to sell each turkey egg for at least $3.00 (2.39), making a full dozen $36 (28.67) Some cooking professionals have said that turkey eggs are better for sauces because their yolks are creamier and richer, Slate reported. But the recommendations are not enough to get them on menus. Turkeys are indigenous to North America, making them a staple among Native American tribes, and chickens did not arrive in the US until the 1500s., Native Americans introduced turkeys to early European settlers in the 1600s. The large, wild birds were exotic animals to Europeans who became instant fans. Early Spanish explorers to the New World even returned home with turkeys, but rumors quickly spready that the eggs were linked to outbreaks of leprosy. The suspicions were largely among the French, who were wary about the birds' foreign origins. In medieval Europe, diseases like leprosy were often seen as divine punishment or the result of moral failings. And new foods from a land deemed dangers did not align with the established norms of the time. But back in the US, the new settlers viewed the eggs as a luxury. Today, turkey eggs are a rarity, sought mainly by food enthusiasts or farmers looking to meet the demand for Thanksgiving By the 18th century, their popularity in the US had grown so much that domestication of turkeys became widespread. New York's iconic Delmonico's restaurant, for instance, served turkey eggs scrambled or poached, as well as in frittatas and omelets. However, the rise of industrial poultry farming during the 20th century changed the landscape of American food. Technological advancements allowed farmers to specialize chickens for egg production or meat, making chicken eggs more cost-efficient and readily available. As a result, turkey eggs began to lose favor, and even Delmonico's eventually removed them from their menu. Today, turkey eggs are a rarity, sought mainly by food enthusiasts or farmers looking to meet America's demand for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a shortage of turkey eggs. As of June 1, 2024, inventories of turkey eggs in incubators fell to their lowest level since 1988, with just 22.8 million eggs. This shortage, attributed to outbreaks of avian influenza and the loss of breeding flocks, contributed to a 6% decrease in turkey production this year compared to 2023. Americans paid, on average, about $2.08 per pound, which is about $31 per bird that feeds 15 people. And at even at Thanksgiving there was a low number of turkeys - the price was down 12 percent compared with last year. Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. If you're on the hunt for comfy undies, The Knicker could be just what you're looking for. The Australian lingerie brand has wowed thousands of women with its 'most comfortable undies ever', with many raving, 'It's like wearing no knickers at all'. If the glowing reviews are anything to go by, the underwear label has certainly delivered on their promise: 'No ride up, no visible panty lines, just pure comfort.' And the best part? The Knicker has launched a huge Black Friday sale, offering 20 per cent off everything, including the new Classic Comfort collection - perfect for shoppers looking to stock up on their favourite briefs for less. The briefs typically cost $10 to $25 each, depending on the style and material, with sizes ranging from 8 (XS) to 24 (5XL). With the bonus sale, you can get them for much less, with prices starting as low as $8. The Knicker rarely goes on sale, so if you've had your eye on your favourite briefs or are looking to replace your worn-out underwear, now's your chance to bag a bargain. Aussie brand The Knicker behind 'most comfortable undies' launches rare sale on everything Hailed as their stretchiest knickers yet, the brand describes the new Classic Comfort range as 'fitting like a second skin'. The new collection is available in sizes 8 to 20 in various shapes including a cheeky bikini, g-string, hi cut brief and a full brief. They are now on sale for $12 each, normally $15 a pair. 'With the launch of Classic Comfort, we saw an opportunity to create something truly special for women who value quality, comfort, and thoughtful design,' co-founder of The Knicker Helen Anderson said. 'We wanted to craft a collection that ensures no compromise - comfort for every body shape.' Fans are buzzing over the new barely-there collection, with fashion blogger Natalie Angel raving: 'These are a must-buy. The stretch is insane - girls, I cant feel them.' Many customers couldn't agree more. 'Best undies ever. Ive tossed out all my others because nothing compares,' one said. 'Ive finally found my perfect undies,' another shared. 'Replacing all my old pairs with these. Im obsessed,' one added. The briefs typically cost $10 to $25 each, depending on the style and material, with sizes ranging from 8 (XS) to 24 (5XL) Designed by women for women, the brand's Classics collection features a unique gusset design, precision stitching and lightweight fabrics designed to stretch with your body. There is also the Classic Cotton range made from super fine Prima cotton which feels extra soft against the skin and the popular Bliss range which features sexy Brazilian cut pieces and lace panels. The Classic Smooth range are perfect for wearing under skin-tight dresses or pants and includes the hugely popular Anti Chafing Short, now $20, normally $25. The Bamboo pieces have been dubbed 'miraculous' as you can 'barely feel them' and they are antibacterial, anti-fungal, more breathable than cotton, odour resistant and moisture wicking so they keep you cool and dry. They quite literally 'hug' your body so it's no surprise these are one of the best-sellers. 'They are nice and gentle around the leg. They stay in place no rolling down. I have a tummy shelf that is often a problem, these stay in place all day long. Moisture wicking and perfect for any weather or activity,' one shopper said. 'Best fitted underwear I've ever tried. And they last,' another raved. The Knicker rarely goes on sale, so if you've had your eye on your favourite briefs or are looking to replace your worn-out underwear, now's your chance to bag a bargain. Over the year, loyal fans of the brand have been sharing their rave reviews, with one customer listing her favourite briefs purchased from The Knicker. 'I have been looking for undies with a seam down the back for years as I find they cover my rear and don't ride up,' she explained. 'I bought the Bamboo & Lace Full Brief as well as the Classic Cotton Hi Cut and Classic Smooth Hi Cut. They are all very light and comfortable and hardly feels like you're wearing undies at all. 'My favourite is the Classic Smooth with the lace top which doesn't dig in at all. These are absolutely fantastic, well done.' Friends Helen Anderson and Lara Brockhurst started the brand in 2016 after working in the lingerie industry for many years. The pair saw a gap in the market for affordable, comfortable knickers after gaining a deeper understanding of the issues many women face with underwear. Their mission? To design knickers that blend comfort, innovation, and style for women of all shapes and sizes - starting from just $10. So, they set out to solve those problems and The Knicker was born. The rare sale runs until Sunday, December 8. To shop The Knicker range, click here. Netflix has confirmed another Harlan Coben thriller before his new series Missing You has even hit screens. The streaming service is set to bring the American writer's novel I Will Find You to the platform in what will be his first U.S. scripted series. The eight-episode limited run will follow 'an innocent father serving life in prison for murdering his own son,' Netflix states. 'He receives evidence that his child may actually still be alive - and must break out of prison to find the truth.' Harlan will executive produce the sereis alongside showrunner Robert Hull, Bryan Wynbrandt, Steven Lilien, and John Weber. Peter Friedlander, Netflixs vice president told Variety: 'There is no one like Harlan, and his first U.S. scripted series with Netflix will be no exception.' Netflix has confirmed another Harlan Coben thriller before his new series Missing You has even hit screens (pictured this month) The streaming service is set to bring the American writer's novel I Will Find You to the platform as part of his five-year deal (Rosalind Elezar as Kat, Brigid Zengeni as Odette, Jo Martin as Tessie in Missing You) He added: 'We know he and Robby will deliver the same thrilling experience that audiences have come to expect and which sets it apart as a must-watch event.' The American writer's latest programme, Missing You, will premiere on New Year's Day, with the first trailer being released earlier this week. The all-star cast is led by Slow Horses actress Rosalind Eleazar, who plays Missing Persons detective Kat Donovan. The official synopsis reads: 'Eleven years ago Detective Kat Donovan's fiance Josh - the love of her life - disappeared and she's never heard from him since. 'Now, swiping profiles on a dating app, she suddenly sees his face and her world explodes all over again. 'Josh's reappearance will force her to dive back into the mystery surrounding her father's murder and uncover long-buried secrets from her past.' Harlan seems to favour British actors and continues to champion them in his screen adaptations. Top Boy's Ashley Walters is playing Josh, while other cast members include Sir Lenny Henry, James Nesbitt, Fool Me Once star Richard Armitage, EastEnders actor Jessica Plummer and Happy Valley's Steve Pemberton. The eight-episode limited run will follow 'an innocent father serving life in prison for murdering his own son,' Netflix states (Harlan pictured in December 2023) The American writer's latest programme, Missing You, will premiere on New Year's Day, with the first trailer being released earlier this week The all-star cast is led by Slow Horses actress Rosalind Eleazar, who plays Missing Persons detective Kat Donovan (pictured with Oscar Kennedy as Brendan) The series is produced by Quay Street Productions (a division of ITV Studios), with Coben serving as an executive producer. Nimer Rashed, the director of Fool Me Once, has returned once again to direct episodes alongside Isher Sahota, known for Ridley and Grace. Victoria Asare-Archer, who co-wrote the 2021 Coben thriller Stay Close, was in charge of screenwriting. The series will comprise of five hour-long episodes and is set to be a huge hit for Netflix. The full length trailer shows Rosalind Eleazar character Kat with her fiance Josh, played by Ashley Walters, before he went missing. It then jumps forward 11 years to show her friend, played by Jessica Plummer, suggesting she looks for Josh on a dating app. Choppy clips show the Missing Persons detective appealing for information about a missing man by the name of Rishi Magari and being asked to help find a man's mother. The trailer's editing then appears to suggest that the man his missing mother was last seen with was Kat's missing fiance Josh, as we see her find his profile on the dating app. The rest of the video shows Kat struggling with leads on the investigation and being confronted with the idea that Josh was perhaps not the person she thought he was. Teasing what viewers can expect from Missing You during a recent interview with Digital Spy, Coben said: 'I think it may be my most gripping, and the ending will not only surprise you. 'In fact, [when] I recently re-watched it, I was completely fooled by the ending and I wrote it.' 'But I think you'll genuinely be moved,' he added. 'Tell me if you shed a tear at the last episode of Missing You.' Jessica Plummer as Stacey and Mary Malone as Aqua in the five part series which airs on New Year's Day The series will comprise of five hour-long episodes and is set to be a huge hit for Netflix Happy Valley's Steve Pemberton as his character Titus in Harlan Coben's Missing You Ashley Walters as his character Josh who went missing 11 years ago but has reappeared on a dating app Hot off the heels of the huge success of Michelle Keegan 's Fool Me Once, the crime author has signed a five-year deal to bring more of his novels to the streaming service Missing You follows the success of Fool Me Once, which released on the streaming platform last New Year's Day and thrust Michelle Keegan back into the spotlight. Fool Me Once became the most-watched series for the first half of the year, racking up an impressive 108 million views. Michelle, who plays the main character Maya Burkett, was completely starstuck after the series hit number one worldwide. She thanked fans in disbelief of the popularity it has gained with a slew of snaps of her on set, with the caption: 'Number 1 in the world & in more than 60 countries. I feel like I'm in a dream right now. 'Thank you to every single person who has reached out or messaged me re Fool Me Once i promise you I read them all. 'Over the moon that youve enjoyed the show as much as we enjoyed making it. Its been a very very special week.' Fool Me Once was released as a novel in 2016, and follows the likes of The Stranger and Stay Close to become the eighth member of Netflix's Harlan Coben Collection. Missing You arrives on Netflix on January 1, 2025. This Morning could see the return of three fan favourite hosts after the show's editor, Martin Frizell, announced he was standing down from the role after 10 years. Martin, 65, will be leaving his role in spring next year, with his replacement still to be announced. And with a new editor in charge, there is speculation Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark and Ruth Langsford could be back on the sofa again - especially if Associate Editor Vivek Sharma fills the role. Sources claim Rylan could be given a regular slot, while Amanda, 53, and Ruth, 64, will make their comeback for the first time since their feuds with ex-host Phillip Schofield. 'Despite being sidelined on the show by Phillip and Martin, Rylan, Amanda and Ruth are still incredibly popular at ITV,' a source told The Sun. 'They are all hugely successful and experienced presenters and the viewers have always loved them - they are also huge favourites of Vivek. This Morning could see the return of three fan favourite hosts after the show's editor, Martin Frizell, announced he was standing down (pictured Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley) Martin, 65, will be leaving his role in spring next year, with his replacement still to be announced (pictured with host Phillip Schofield) 'It wouldn't surprise anyone if those three return to the This Morning studio when Martin leaves - they should never have left in the first place. Fans will be over the moon if they return.' MailOnline has contacted ITV, Rylan, Amanda and Ruth's representatives for comment. Earlier this month, Amanda addressed the rumours she is set to take over from Cat Deeley on This Morning. Cat, 48, and Ben Shephard, 49, replaced Holly Willoughby, 43, and Phillip Schofield, 62, in March. There was speculation Amanda - who filled in for Holly during her maternity leave and appeared on the show from 2014 to 2019 - might take over. However, the Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, shut it down on her Heart Breakfast show. 'First of all, I absolutely love Cat Deeley,' Amanda said. 'Shes super successful, Ive always admired her, shes brilliant, and shes a real laugh. I hate seeing headlines that say, "Im taking over from Cat Deeley" when I think shes doing such a good job on This Morning.' Sources claim Rylan Clark could be given a regular slot, while Amanda Holden, 53, and Ruth Langsford , 64, will make their comeback for the first time since their feuds with ex-host Phillip Ruth and Eamonn were controversially axed from This Morning after 15 years in 2022, having been a fixture on the Friday show - now hosted by Dermot OLeary and Alison Hammond With a new editor in charge, there is speculation Amanda, Rylan and Ruth could be back on the sofa again - especially if Associate Editor Vivek Sharma (pictured) fills the role Cat and Ben were were announced as the new hosts of This Morning back in February following Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's [pictured last year] departures Cat and Ben, who were were announced as the new hosts of This Morning back in February following Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's departures, will remain fronting the daytime programme. ITV insiders say the pair have the 'full support' of the channel's director of television Kevin Lygo, who is said to 'adore' Cat. A source told MailOnline: 'Kevin was very much behind hiring Cat, along with Martin, they pulled out the stops to get her and there were lots of obstacles. 'She is loved at ITV and they don't want her to go anywhere. As for Ben, he is loved by ITV's viewers. Martin has known that he would be going for some time now, even when he hired Cat and Ben. 'Everyone at ITV is thrilled with how things have calmed down since they have taken over, they have steadied the ship and the show is no longer making headlines for the wrong reasons.' The duo were locked in talks for months while a whole host of presenters including Craig Doyle, Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson temporarily took over hosting duties following the exit of Holly Willoughby, 43, and Phillip Schofield, 62. Phillip resigned in disgrace after more than 20 years on the programme in May 2023 after lying about an affair with a younger colleague. ITV bosses were forced to deny 'turning a blind eye' to the affair before it came out in public, prompting a huge public spat between Phillip and his former friend Holly - who herself resigned five months later after being informed by police of a horrific plot to kill her. Amanda's feud with Phil erupted after she reportedly accused him of costing her a job alongside him on This Morning. Sources told The Sun in June 2019 that Phillip allegedly branded Amanda 'difficult to manage' and 'actively campaigned' for Rochelle Humes to fill the slot instead. 'Phillip actively campaigned for Rochelle Humes to get the job despite Amanda being more experienced - and having been told privately shed got the gig,' a former daytime executive said at the time. Amanda reportedly accused Phillip of costing her a job alongside him on This Morning. Amanda filled in for Holly when she was on maternity leave (pictured in 2014) Despite obvious tension between Ruth, Eamonn and Phil, the now ex couple presented This Morning for a segment which saw Phillip come out (pictured in 2020) Martin announced he was stepping down on Wednesday, revealing his departure was due to 'family priorities changing' (pictured with wife Fiona Phillips in 2016) 'She feels Phil unfairly used his powers of persuasion. She was told hed chosen Rochelle because she was easier to manage on air - and understandably that incensed her.' Amanda reportedly took the issue to ITV chief Kevin Lygo at the time. Meanwhile in 2019, Ruth filed an official complaint against Phillip. While working on Loose Women, Ruth was cut off mid-link by Phillip as she was explaining what was coming up on the show during a mini-segment on This Morning Phil said: 'Guys, we're going to have to jump in there and stop you I'm afraid because we're a bit tight for time at this end. Thank you, Ruth.' A clearly unimpressed Ruth responded: 'Well I only had about two more words to say,' and looked away from the camera. Speaking about the incident in the Daily Mails Weekend magazine in February 2022, Eamonn went public in his condemnation of Phillip, saying Ruth is one of many people in the industry to be snubbed by the presenter. He said: 'Phillip is renowned for snubbing people. Hes very passive-aggressive. Its up to Ruth to say how she felt, but I was feeling hurt for her. No one would have snubbed me like that.' He added. 'I don't go for presenters who think they have a special privilege or aura or influence.' The uncomfortable relationship between Eamonn and Ruth and Phil spilled out in front of a live television audience during the 2020 NTAs, when Phillip passed a trophy won by This Morning to Ruth during an acceptance speech, giving her the chance to say a few words. And in the press room afterwards when the This Morning team posed up with their trophy, Eamonn attempted to take the gong off Phillip, suggesting he was taking all the glory. Despite obvious tension between the trio, the following month Eamonn and Ruth presented This Morning for a segment which saw Phillip come out. Phillip, sitting down alongside Holly on the sofa, hugged Ruth and Eamonn several times, saying thank you to his co-hosts over and over again. After being commended for his bravery by Ruth, Eammon added: 'Phillip, nobody should be embarrassed about their sexuality. 'Its fantastic that so many people will be strengthened by what you said.' Two years later, Ruth and Eamonn were controversially axed from This Morning after 15 years, having been a fixture on the Friday show - now hosted by Dermot OLeary and Alison Hammond. Eamonn was particularly aggrieved about being let go by ITV, claiming he was never given an accurate reason. His culling was made even more frustrating by his belief Phillip had been given unwavering support by ITV, despite his behaviour off set, a belief shared by Phillips former co-host Fern Britton and Amanda. Eamonn and Loose Women star Ruth announced their plans to divorce in June after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together. Martin announced he was stepping down on Wednesday, revealing his departure was due to 'family priorities changing'. The editor, 65, who is married to former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips, joined the broadcaster in 2014 as editor of Loose Women before taking over at This Morning. Fiona, 63, revealed in July 2023 that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's the previous year. Martin said in a statement: 'Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change so I need to free up time for them. 'I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly but it's an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment and I won't be able to do both.' Our Yorkshire Farm star Amanda Owen has got fans all saying the same thing after she posted a cryptic message to social media on Tuesday. The mum-of-nine, 50, appeared to drop a pointed hint about farmers and Inheritance Tax as she took to Twitter with a snap of her brood getting stuck into the farming. She captioned the post: 'The farmy army hard at it. Just some of the formidable bunch, the next generation of doers.' It comes after The Chancellor Rachel Reeves slapped death duties on landowners who pass agricultural land on to their children in the Budget, prompting fears it will spell the end of family farms. The writer and shepherdess returned to screens last month with her new Channel 4 show Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids. Amanda and Clive are separated, announcing their split in June 2022 after 22 years of marriage and welcoming nine children together. Amanda Owen fans have all said the same thing as Our Yorkshire Farm star posts snap of 'formidable army' of children hard at work - after new show 'disappears' from screens The mum-of-nine, 50, appeared to drop a pointed hint about farmers and Inheritance Tax as she took to Twitter with a snap of her brood getting stuck into the farming In the new show, they are joined by their nine children, eldest daughter Raven, eldest son Reuben, Sydney, Clemmy, Nancy, Annas, Violet, Miles and Edith as the family chronicle their attempts to create their dream home by renovating a derelict farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales. Fans loved seeing an insight into farm life after Amanda's post as they took to the comments to share their love. They wrote: 'A real credit to you and Clive.'; 'They all amazing'; 'Lovely pictures,really made my day happier'; 'Great to see they are enthusiastic over all things farmy!!' 'Lovely to see, they are always happy to be involved and get stuck in. Getting so grown up now x'; 'Loved watching Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids its amazing seeing how theyve all grown up over the years.' It comes after Amanda was grilled by her fans after her new show Our Farm Next Door 'disappeared' from screens halfway through the series. Viewers watched on every Monday for five episodes as the family chronicled their attempts to create their dream home renovation. However, More 4 has not aired any further episodes or uploaded them to Channel 4 on demand since November 11. With two episodes missing, fans started to worry and took to Instagram to quiz Amanda under a new picture of her and one of her children. It comes after Amanda was grilled by her fans after her new show Our Farm Next Door 'disappeared' from screens halfway through the series In the new show, Amanda and Clive are joined by their nine children, eldest daughter Raven, eldest son Reuben, Sydney , Clemmy, Nancy, Annas, Violet, Miles and Edith Amanda and Clive are separated, announcing their split in June 2022 after 22 years of marriage and welcoming nine children together One commented: 'Love your show but hasn't been on More 4 the last two Mondays when is it back on the TV?' Another asked: 'Will we have more of Our Farm Next Door? Loved it.' 'Why have they only shown 5 episodes of your new show?', a third wrote. 'When is the next episode on TV?', yet another said. Clarifying the situation, one replied: 'I think in the new year there will be new episodes.1-5 just finished recently and I read that they have to go to episodes 6-10 in the coming future.' To the relief of the show's fans, the comment was correct. Channel 4 ordered 10 episodes of the show to be broadcast in two blocks of five episodes. However, it is understandable why fans were worried as it comes two years after Channel 5 cancelled the show which shot the family to fame - Our Yorkshire Farm - following Amanda and Clive's separation. Amanda recently opened up about her 'not very separated' split from Clive. Amanda told The Sunday Times: 'We're just getting on with it. We bicker. We argue. There's no romance. But we're all right with each other. And that's a blessing.' Reflecting on their shared priorities, she added: 'We're here and we've got a joint mission. It's about securing the future of the farm, the children.' Yet, fans who were hoping Amanda and Clive, who met when Amanda was just 21, might reconcile, will almost certainly be disappointed. She commented: 'If you've gone through a separation, there's a reason you separated. And it's usually because you're not getting on. Who wants that?' Our Farm Next Door is available to stream on Channel 4.com. Vanderpump Rules personality Peter Madrigal has hinted at what the future of the reality series could look like amid news of a recasting. The longtime SUR employee who has made appearances on the Bravo television show throughout its 12 years on air suggested he might still be seen on TV screens, despite the cast shakeup. According to TMZ, the 40-year-old restaurant manager has insinuated that he is the one familiar face that could remain in future seasons. He told the publication: 'I'm very grateful for all the time that I spent with everybody on the show for 10 seasons. That's a lot of television. I'm grateful for what we had together for those 10 seasons.' Peter then teased with a smile, 'I don't think it's going to be an entirely new cast. I think you're gonna see a familiar face.' 'You never know; it might be yours truly. There's going to be an entirely somewhat new cast, but there might be a familiar face,' he repeated. It comes weeks after Madrigal spoke to The US Sun and supported the idea of a reboot. 'Of course, why not? Lets do it. If thats what it takes to get another show up and running,' he told the publication. He had only one condition as he emphasized, 'Lets do it. Just pay Peter.' Vanderpump Rules personality Peter Madrigal has hinted at what the future of the reality series could look like amid news of a recasting; pictured November 15 The longtime SUR employee, who has made appearances on the Bravo television show throughout its 12 years on air, suggested he might still be seen on TV screens, despite the cast shakeup Madrigal continues to work at Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant while the original cast has moved on from their bartending, hosting, and serving jobs. The new cast consists of 'close-knit SUR-vers who are as complicatedly involved with one another as their iconic predecessor,' the network said this week. Lisa will be returning and the upcoming season will begin filming in 2025, with the new cast and premiere date to be announced at a later time. DailyMail.com has contacted a representative for NBCUniversal, Bravo's parent company, for comment. Last season's fixtures included Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, James Kennedy and Scheana Shay. 'What a thrill it is to build on the legacy of this series by doing it all over again,' executive producer Alex Baskin said in a statement. 'With profound appreciation for the original group and their iconic run, we cant wait for the audience to see a dynamic new group of co-workers and friends make their way through life together,' he added. The official press release noted, 'Under Lisa Vanderpumps watchful eye, the West Hollywood mainstay SUR welcomes the next batch of servers, hosts and bartenders rife with plenty of drama, situationships and frenemies.' According to TMZ, the 40-year-old restaurant manager has insinuated that he is the one familiar face that could remain in future seasons Madrigal continues to work at Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant while the original cast has moved on Lisa said in the announcement: 'The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears and everything in between. I cant thank enough those who have shared their lives. 'How I love you all. In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules.' The show 'will celebrate the past decade of heartbreaks, friendship rifts and scandals with a retrospective special highlighting the past 11 seasons', the release also stated. TMZ reported that the original cast only learned about the show's new direction the evening before the news broke. And it was noted by the outlet that most of the original stars were not surprised by the shake-up, given the show's recent hiatus. She stunned the world when she proudly declared that her vagina is 'juicy like a peach' since menopause. But now Halle Berry is speaking out about a deeper concern: that she 'wishes' someone would say something other than 'you're so pretty'. In an interview with Fortune Magazine, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about her frustration with being reduced to her looks, and her mission to embrace ageing naturally. She said: 'Men get sexy, they get grey hair, they're silver foxes. We're just old, and we're haggard.' At 58, the Catwoman star is on a crusade to change the narrative around ageing for women. She stunned the world when she proudly declared that her vagina is 'juicy like a peach' since menopause But now Halle Berry is speaking out about a deeper concern: that she 'wishes' someone would say something other than 'you're so pretty' (Pictured: Halle Berry wearing a catsuit in the 2004 film Catwoman) In an interview with Fortune Magazine, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about her frustration with being reduced to her looks, and her mission to embrace ageing naturally. (Pictured: Berry as Jinx, from the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day) 'I have always known that I am more than this shell that I walk around in,' she explained. 'I have longed for someone to say something to me other than 'Oh gosh you're so pretty!', I would've longed to hear other words. I know I'm more than this.' 'Society tells us, or has told us, that our time is up,' she continued. 'Well, I know that we're just getting our groove.' Speaking on women attempting to defy ageing, the Hollywood actress declared that 'unfortunately we're turning ourselves into monsters.' But it seems that Berry does not merely speak about these issues. And the Monster's Ball star, who became the first and only Black actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002, has never shied away from breaking barriers. In May, the A-lister joined a group of bipartisan senators to push for legislation that would allocate $275 million toward research and education for menopause. Screaming, 'I'm in menopause!' on the steps of the US Capitol at the rally, Berry showcased her determination to age 'gracefully' and naturally. This advocacy, it seems, stems from a deeply personal experience, as the actress revealed she thought she 'was going to skip the whole thing', and 'thought you could skip it if you ate well and exercised.' But according to Fortune Magazine, it was a night of intimacy which left the Academy-award-winning actress feeling as though she was being attacked by razor blades, which prompted her to investigate what would later be revealed as her menopause symptoms. This doctor, the star revealed, initially mistook her symptoms for 'the worst case of herpes he had ever seen.' The actress has since launched a midlife women's wellness business, Respin, which focuses on supporting women through midlife and menopause. A winner of a Jacob Elordi impersonator competition has claimed he doesn't actually look like the Hollywood hunk. Celebrity lookalike competitions have been sweeping the globe and finally made an arrival in Australia in recent weeks. After Timothee Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White's doppelgangers were recently crowned in the United States, and a heap of Heath Ledgers descended on Sydney, Melbourne played host to a Jacob Elordi competition over the weekend. The winner, a young man by the name of Maxie, attended the competition outside the State Library in the Melbourne CBD and initially had no intention of entering. Eventually, he was convinced to throw his hat in the ring due to a small number of entrants. After his win, he told The Guardian, 'Id say it feels flattering, but I know its not real. I know I dont look like him at all, Im just tall.' A winner of a Jacob Elordi impersonator competition has claimed he doesn't actually look like the Hollywood hunk. Pictured: Jacob Elordi The winner, a young man by the name of Maxie, The Guardian, 'Id say it feels flattering, but I know its not real. I know I dont look like him at all, Im just tall.' Pictured: Maxie and a Jacob Elordi fan Earlier this month, more than 50 Jeremy Allen White lookalikes descended on Humboldt Park in Chicago to show off their resemblance to The Bear actor. Ben Shabad, 37, was officially crowned as the most convincing lookalike in front of the hundreds of attendees who watched the competition. Video footage captured the massive crowd chanting the actor's name and hoisting Ben up into the air upon his victory. 'I'm so happy,' Ben, a mental health therapist said. 'This is the coolest thing I've done all week.' Just weeks earlier, Timothee Chalamet sparked pandemonium among his fans in New York by unexpectedly showing up to his own lookalike contest. Earlier this month, more than 50 Jeremy Allen White lookalikes descended on Humboldt Park in Chicago to show off their resemblance to The Bear actor. Pictured: Winner Ben Shabad Just weeks earlier, Timothee Chalamet had sparked pandemonium among his fans in New York by unexpectedly showing up to his own lookalike contest Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island college senior, was ultimately crowned the winner and tossed candy from a briefcase while dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit upon his victory Flanked by bodyguards, the actor posed for photographs with his curly-haired doppelgangers - some of whom had dressed as his characters, including Willy Wonka and Dune protagonist Paul Atreides. Fans had traveled from as far as St Louis, Missouri and River Falls, Wisconsin for the wacky competition, where the best lookalike won $50. Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island college senior, was ultimately crowned the winner and tossed candy from a briefcase while dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit upon his victory. The frenzied event, advertised on flyers around New York, was one of several doppelganger competitions hosted by YouTube personality Anthony Po. Minutes after the competition began - and before the real Timothee made his entrance - police ordered the large group to disperse from Washington Square Park. Organisers were slapped with a $500 fine for an 'unpermitted costume contest', and at least one doppelganger was dragged away in handcuffs as the crowd screamed: 'Let him go!' Witnesses and competitors told DailyMail.com the scenes that unfolded were 'insane'. 'The people filming it and the people reacting to the cops became another layer of spectacle. It was just absurd,' one said. Robert Irwin gave the A-List guests a huge fright at the 2024 TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, when he brought out his huge python. The celebrity conservationist, who was hosting the event at the Hordern Pavillion, had guests looking worried when he brought out an enormous non-venomous snake and showed it to the crowd. The 20-year-old switched out of the dapper all-black getup he wore onstage into his trademark khakis, as he hopped onto the floor and introduced the reptile to the celebrity guests. 'My snake is nice and chill and smooth! Isn't she gorgeous? It's Tinker Bell, give it up for her everyone!' Robert told the terrified audience. 'I'm going to get my snake back to where it belongs, while we check out another award. Or are you good if I leave her here with you?' he then asked a frightened guest. 'Okay... Maybe not,' Robert responded, upon seeing her frightened reaction. Robert Irwin (pictured) gave the A-List guests a huge fright at the 2024 TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday, when he brought out his huge python Robert, Indy Clinton and Kat Clark took on hosting duties on the night, which celebrates TikTok's most iconic and viral moments of the year. TikTokers Bridey Drake, Maddy Macrae, Jojo ASMR, Elle Ray and Josh and Matt Design were among the social media stars in attendance. The exclusive event presented 13 awards in 2024, including Creator of the Year which went to Bride Drake, Music Artist of the Year which was snapped up by Roel Otis and Video of the Year, won by Leah Halton. Attendees were also treated to a performance by US pop star Jojo Siwa. Influencers Taz Zammit and Alessia Allfree beat out creators for Rad Rolled Ice Cream (Cameron Thomas, Cristel Thomas, Angus Thomas, Gracie Thomas), Christine Williams, Matthew Walker, and Seb Gower to take out the Live Creator Of The Year. Alessia looked stunning in a black evening gown with a bouquet of white florals on the bust. She broke down on social media, just hours before her big win. Alessia, alongside partner Taz Zammit, is one half of the TikTok account Taz and Alessia, which took out top honours in the Live Creator of the Year category. The celebrity conservationist, who was hosting the event at the Hordern Pavillion, had his guests looking worried when he brought out a non-venomous snake and showed it to the crowd The 20-year-old switched out of the dapper all-black getup he wore onstage into his trademark khakis, as he hopped onto the floor and introduced the reptile to the celebrity guests But before the auspicious moment, an emotional Alessia shared a video to her and Taz's 938,000 TikTok followers and further 31,000 Instagram fans admitting she had been 'overwhelmed' by the outpouring of love in the lead-up to the awards. 'I just wanted to sit down and make this video because Taz and I are nominated for an award which is so cool in itself,' she began, already tearing up. 'But I'm crying for a few reasons. And one of them is because I'm super grateful. Like this whole experience is so surreal.' Alessia added she was also emotional before her first TikTok Awards back in 2021, admitting she experienced imposter syndrome. 'I remember my first TikTok Awards. I was crying for a completely different reason, because I felt like why have I been invited to this? Is everybody going to be looking at me weird?' she said. 'It's a very overwhelming time for your first awards, like, you're new in the creator world or whatever.' Three years on and Alessia said her and Taz's nomination had her reflecting on how far the couple have come as creators. 'It's so cool because I feel really confident and proud of myself - how far Taz and I have come, she said. Alessia added she had been overwhelmed but the outpouring of love and support from friends and family in the lead up to the glittering event. Kat Clark and Georgia Murray suffered a fashion dilemma as they attended the 2024 TikTok Awards on Wednesday night. The influencers were seen arriving to the star-studded award ceremony wearing the exact same dress. Kat, who hosted an event alongside Robert Irwin, put on a busty display in the sequin mint green dress. She accessorised the halter neck gown which featured a corset bodice with a silver clutch and clear heels. Meanwhile, Love Island star Georgia accentuated her features in the same dress which she completed with a black bag. The former reality star curled her long brunette locks and wore gold earrings to the event. Kat Clark (left) and Georgia Murray (right) suffered a fashion dilemma as they attended the 2024 TikTok Awards on Wednesday night in the same dress Georgia shared a video of her arrival to her social media, when fans quickly pointed out she was in the same dress as Kat. 'That's the same dress as Kat Clark,' one person. Another asked: 'Did everyone just shop at the same stores?' It comes after Kat faced backlash earlier this month for wearing an eye-catching dress to a friend's wedding, with fans labelling the look as 'rude' and 'disrespectful.' She couldn't contain her excitement when showing her 6.6million TikTok followers her wedding guest outfit for a friend's nuptials. The dress was a white strapless mid-length frock adorned with colourful floral prints. She paired the dress with $690 Dior pearl earrings, a gold pearl necklace, and a knock-off Van Cleef bracelet. In her TikTok video, Kat asked her followers to weigh in on the etiquette of wearing white to a wedding a tradition that is often frowned upon in many cultures. Kat, who recently hosted an event alongside Robert Irwin, put on a busty display in the sequin mint green dress 'You know when they say you can't wear white to a wedding, this is OK, right?' she asked in the video. 'I hope so, because I have no other option.' Despite the dress featuring vibrant displays of red, blue, green, and peach-coloured flowers, several fans criticised the TikTok creator for choosing to wear a white dress. 'Kat why [are you] wearing a white dress when the bride is having a white dress isn't that a bit disrespectful but ily Kat don't take this as hate,' someone commented. 'I would be annoyed if someone had that much white it's a stunning dress though,' added another. 'I agree, any white shouldn't even be in question. There [are] so many colours out there,' one noted. 'Completely agree!! It's rude to wear ANY white to a wedding UNLESS stated by the bride to wear white!' another penned. The mother-of-two hit back at the criticism on her Instagram Story, before asking her followers to weigh in. It comes after Kat faced backlash earlier this month for wearing an eye-catching dress to a friend's wedding, with fans labelling the look as 'rude' and 'disrespectful' 'I'm actually shook. Apparently my dress was rude for a wedding because it had too much white?' she wrote. Meanwhile, several other fans praised Kat and complemented her choice of outfit for the celebration. 'As long as it's not an actual wedding dress, it should never be a problem,' someone said. 'People are just superstitious.' MBABANE Tension erupted at Sifundzani Primary School after the Ministry of Education and Training officially introduced the schools new head teacher, Barbara Mamba. Following the head teachers speech, ministry officials and Mamba abruptly left the meeting room, leaving some parents and staff members behind. The formal introduction was made by the Hhohho Regional Education Officer (REO), Dr Nkosinathi Nkambule, on behalf of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education and Training. Nkambule stated that the TSC had appointed Mamba to the position on November 21, 2024. During the REOs introduction, some murmurs could be heard from parents and staff members present at the meeting. Nkambule urged the staff to cooperate with the new head teacher and seek assistance from the ministry when needed. He assured them that the ministry had already handed over all necessary information to Mamba and that their jobs were secure. Addressing allegations raised by some staff members, Nkambule clarified that the schools operations would remain unchanged and its unique character would be preserved. In her first speech as head teacher, Mamba expressed gratitude for the support she had received and emphasised the importance of teamwork and communication. She also stressed the significance of trusting in God, referencing the schools motto, Tsemba Nkulunkulu usebente kakhulu. However, after her brief speech, Mamba left with the officials, leaving parents and staff members feeling frustrated and concerned. The situation escalated to the point where police intervention was required to calm some of the parents. Concerns Parents and staff members demanded a meeting with the head teacher to address their concerns, including the lack of communication regarding the schools upcoming speech and prize-giving day and the uncertainty surrounding the school Board. They also questioned the ministrys decision to appoint a new head teacher without proper consultation. The REO apologised for the abrupt departure and acknowledged the validity of the parents concerns. He suggested that a formal meeting be held to address these issues, but emphasised the importance of following the schools established procedures. Nkambule further explained that some of the issues raised were beyond his authority and would need to be addressed by the Principal Secretarys Office. He assured parents that the ministry is committed to listening to their concerns and working towards resolving them. Despite the REOs assurances, parents remained sceptical and expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from the ministry. They demanded a prompt meeting to address their concerns and ensure the future of the school. Brittney Saunders says she was 'robbed' at the 2024 TikTok Awards after she missed out on taking home one of the top gongs. The millionaire entrepreneur had been nominated for TikTok Business of the Year at the annual ceremony, which was held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night. However, the CEO and founder of the Fayt fashion label didn't take home the award, which was ultimately handed to influencer Kat Clark, the co-founder of skincare brand Kalade. Brittney took to Instagram after the glitzy ceremony, where Bridey Drake was also named TikTok Creator of the Year, to jokingly comment that she was 'robbed' of her victory. Sharing a meme-worthy close-up shot of her disappointed expression, she penned in a caption: 'Robbed twice in a week xx.' Brittney also took to her Stories to share a video of herself discussing her loss after arriving home, saying she was 'disappointed' not to have given a victory speech. Brittney Saunders has complained that she was 'robbed' at the 2024 TikTok Awards after she missed out on taking home one of the top gongs 'I'm just going to take off my jewellery in absolute disappointment now, just kidding,' she said. 'We are the real winners, I'll tell you why, because we've got a whole cheese platter that we didn't have before we left, so who's really winning? We are.' Brittney admitted she had prepared a speech in case of her victory, but insisted she was just happy to be nominated as she insisted her earlier Instagram post had been a 'joke'. 'It was an honour to be nominated, there were only five people nominated in each category, so the fact that we were up there was an honour,' she continued. 'I would also like to say I'm genuinely not bummed and there's no hard feelings, I know I did that post before [...]. 'The awards, they are fun and they're grand and whatever, but at the end of the day, nothing changes to anyone who wins or loses an award, everything is still the same.' 'I am bummed because I had a nice little speech planned, but I can just do a speech on here everyday anyway,' she quipped. In the Business of the Year category, Brittney had also been up against jewellery business owner Jasmine Hand, blogger Brooke Saward and Chebbo's Burgers owner Ali Chebbani. The millionaire entrepreneur had been nominated for TikTok Business of the Year at the annual ceremony but missed out on the award, and shared a video discussing her disappointment Brittney (pictured) has become a multimillionaire after starting her size-inclusive fashion label Fayt back in 2017 The category recognised 'business that made big moves on TikTok, built a loyal customer base, and grew sales in 2024'. Brittney has become a multimillionaire after starting her size-inclusive fashion label Fayt back in 2017. Fayt offers clothing in a wide variety of sizes and high-quality fabrics, with sizes ranging from 6 to 24. Brittney is also the proud CEO of Staple Swim, Form Active, Fayt The Store, Outdo Collective and Outdo Espresso. She is originally from Newcastle but now spends most of her time in Sydney, tending to her businesses and speaking on podcasts. Sandra Bullock's ex Jesse James is being sued over a $90K custom gun amid divorce from his fifth wife and abuse allegations. The 55-year-old television personality is being taken to court over a custom firearm he made for a customer, however, Jesse claims the man taking him to court is refusing to pay the rest of the bill and is trying to back out of the deal according to TMZ on Wednesday. A man named David Chace alleges to have had a verbal agreement with Jesse and his company Jesse James Firearms Unlimited in 2018 for the construction and purchase of a custom-made pistol set according to documents. The man claims that he had given the West Coast Customs owner a $5K deposit and has paid him $75K to date and has yet to receive the gun in addition to any information on when it would potentially be finished. David is now suing to get his money back in addition to other damages. Jesse told TMZ, however, that he had been in constant contact with David throughout the process as the gun has been finished but the customer refuses to pay the final bill and owes him $90K. Sandra Bullock's ex Jesse James is being sued over a $90K custom gun amid divorce from his fifth wife and abuse allegations; Pictured 2010 The 55-year-old television personality is being taken to court over a custom firearm he made for a customer, however, Jesse claims the man taking him to court is refusing to pay the rest of the bill and is trying to back out of the deal according to TMZ on Wednesday David had claimed that he had put the custom firearm plans on hold in 2020 and tried to change his order from a whole set of pistols to a single custom and that Jesse had agreed to the switch-up in April 2020. It has been six years since the original agreement as the customer claims that the gun hasn't been finished to his satisfaction as Jesse claims he is being 'hostile and inappropriate.' Jesse told TMZ that it took almost a year just to make the parts of the weapon which is valued around $250K which he gave David a discounted price for. The Monster Garage star alleges that David doesn't want to pay him the money and is suing in order to get his money back. The lawsuit news comes as Jesse's wife of two years Bonnie Rotten - real name Alaina Hicks - has once again filed for divorce from the reality TV star after she filed twice in late 2022. This time both have accused each other of domestic abuse. James even filed for the restraining order on Wednesday after Rotten's divorce petition. She also had her own restraining order request. He is asking the court to keep Rotten '100 feet from him and their child until a custody hearing can be held,' according to a Friday report from TMZ. A man named David Chace alleges to have had a verbal agreement with Jesse and his company Jesse James Firearms Unlimited in 2018 for the construction and purchase of a custom-made pistol set according to documents The man claims that he had given the West Coast Customs owner a $5K deposit and has paid him $75K to date and has yet to receive the gun in addition to any information on when it would potentially be finished David is now suing to get his money back in addition to other damages Jesse told TMZ, however, that he had been in constant contact with David throughout the process as the gun has been finished but the customer refuses to pay the final bill and owes him $90K Former porn star Rotten, 30, became 55-year-old James' fifth wife in June 2022. They welcomed a son named Bishop in 2023. James famously cheated on his A-list movie star wife Sandra Bullock which led to their 2010 divorce. He also dated tattoo artist Kat Von D. DailyMail.com has contacted Jesse James' representative for comment. In court documents, James said that in early 2022 before they even wed she attacked him and tried to break his finger. But he married her anyhow. And he added that she was violent many times after that. His examples are when Bonnie allegedly tried to poke a hole in his neck with her nail when she was pregnant with their son. James also said that she kicked him from behind, breaking his wrist and dislocating his thumb. She argued that she slammed the door on him and he fell. He also accused her of abusing their cats and dogs. This comes as Jesse's wife of two years Bonnie Rotten - real name Alaina Hicks - has once again filed for divorce from the star after she filed twice in late 2022. This time both have accused each other of domestic abuse He was also engaged to famous tattoo artist Kat Von D in January 2011. They had an on-off relationship before ultimately splitting in September 2011 as she later accused him of cheating with multiple women; Pictured 2011 Bonnie claimed that Jesse slapped her in the face once and punched her in the throat. TMZ claimed to have spoken with Bonnie. She told the site she moved out of the house with Jesse and took their son with her 'to protect them.' She also claimed that Jesse is trying to 'gaslight' her. Rotten told the site: 'For the safety and well-being of our child, I will not engage in litigating this matter in the press. I trust the legal process to address these issues appropriately and respectfully ask for privacy during this time.' This comes after she filed for divorce twice in 2022. In December 2022 she accused her husband of cheating and branding him 'disgusting'. One day later, Rotten revealed the pair had reconciled. In 2022 the two were at each other's throats. Rotten seen in a 2018 pin-up photo on Instagram James even filed for the restraining order on Wednesday after Rotten's divorce petition. She also had her own restraining order request He is asking the court to keep Rotten '100 feet from him and their child until a custody hearing can be held,' according to a Friday report from TMZ Rotten announced her pregnancy with a sonogram photo in November 2022, with the caption: 'Jesse is busy trying to f*** other women while I'm pregnant.' This comes after James took to Instagram to deny the cheating accusations and share an array of snaps of the couple in happier times. He wrote: 'Baby I didnt cheat on you I swear!! Im sorry we got into a fight. Im sorry I called you a r****d when we were fighting. 'I know that just made you more mad, and didnt do anything to make the situation better. It was out of line and childish and immature. Im sorry I did that. James, who has a long history of infidelity, added: 'In the whole time we have been together, I have never texted or sent inappropriate DMs to anyone. Former porn star Rotten, 30, became 55-year-old James' fifth wife in June 2022 'Please know. Ive never thought about cheating on you. Ive never tried to cheat on you. Ive never had the urge to cheat on you. You are the only one I want, forever. 'Every chick that was hanging around back then got told I was in love with you and I couldnt see them anymore, he wrote. This was me making efforts to secure your trust and do things the right way. (What a Man does). James admitted that he had texted an ex 'out of spite' after his row with Rotten, saying: 'I really thought we were done, and I was so mad and acted out of anger and spite. 'I know this hurt you and Im sorry. I unfollowed her and wont contact again.' 'I know youre pregnant, and I know you are having a rough time right now. I want to make things better and do everything possible to make your life the best. 'I want to be a positive and fix everything with us. Ive learned from my past mistakes and I will do whatever it takes to make you happy, and gain your love and trust. Please come home. I love you.' He later changed the caption on the post to: '2022 a love story in 9 pictures' and tagged his estranged wife. In December 2022 he said: 'Ok I think you guys have had enough.. I'm sorry you guys had to endure my little social experiment this week, but it was necessary, For StartersI love my wife. Like really love her.' Here they are seen in happier times with no clothing on Rotten branded the famed mechanic a 'truly disgusting human being' and said, 'I'm so hurt by everything he has done to me.' She also accused him on following his ex and other girls on Instagram: 'I see his page he's following his ex and a bunch of girls. 'Im his pregnant wife and he chooses to act like this. THATS NOT A MAN.' 'Im so hurt by everything he has done to me. He doesnt give a f*** about anyone but himself. Hes a truly disgusting human being,' she went on. The former porn star shared a photo of her sonogram as she announced her pregnancy in 2022, writing: 'Jesse is busy trying to f*** other women while I'm pregnant' She also addressed those who warned her about James. 'Everyone can laugh at me make fun of me whatever you want to say. Nothing will make me feel worse than how I truly feel right now. I should've known better you're all right,' she added. The duo looked happy in the summer of 2022 while celebrating their honeymoon in August at the Little Palm Island in Florida Keys. The couple wed in a small backyard wedding in Texas back in late June 2022. It was Rotten's second marriage, and James' fifth. The duo looked happy while celebrating their honeymoon in August 2022 at the Little Palm Island in Florida Keys The couple wed in a small backyard wedding in Texas back in late June 2022. It was Rotten's second marriage, and James' fifth Bonnie had her eight-year-old daughter in attendance from her first marriage to celebrate the nuptials. This isn't the first time James has been accused of cheating by a spouse. His marriage to Oscar winning actress Sandra Bullock imploded following news of his infidelity in 2010. His fourth wife was professional drag racer Alexis DeJoria. They were wed for seven years but split in March 2020. Pictured 2019 Sandra and Jesse got married in 2005, and together they adopted a child named Louis. However, soon after the couple took that big step, news of his infidelity with tattooed model Michelle 'Bombshell' McGee swept over. In April 2010, Jesse checked himself into a rehab facility in Arizona for sex addiction after apologizing profusely to Bullock, although that wasn't enough to save the marriage they divorced the following June. Jesse has three children: Chandler James and Jesse James Jr. with his first wife, Karla James, to whom he was married from 1991 to 2002. He also shares daughter Sunny James with his second wife, retired porn actress Janine Lindemulder, to whom he was married from 2002 to 2004. His fourth wife was professional drag racer Alexis DeJoria. They married in March 2013 and went on to separate in March 2020, after he allegedly cheated with 'at least 20 women' and would 'sneak his mistresses into the marital home in Austin, Texas for sex while his wife was away on race meets or at family functions.' He was also engaged to famous tattoo artist Kat Von D in January 2011. They had an on-off relationship before ultimately splitting in September 2011 as she later accused him of cheating with multiple women. Sources claimed the rapper also assaulted two more people as he tried to leave Security reportedly tried to detain Lil Xan, 28, but he escaped before police arrived Police are searching for the rapper Lil Xan after he was seen on video apparently punching and kicking a man last week. The 28-year-old rapper had just wrapped up a show in Boston at the Royale nightclub when things went south while he was stopping to chat with audience members from the stage in the early morning hours of Saturday, according to TMZ. Video shows Lil Xan (real name: Nicholas Diego Leanos) reaching down and apparently swinging a microphone at a man standing at the front of the stage, before he kicks the same man in the head. DailyMail.com has reached out to Lil Xan's representative for comment. It's unclear what led to the violent outburst, but it's not the first for the SoundCloud rapper, who previously pointed a gun at a man and called him the N-word at a gas station during a dispute about the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Other audiences members looked shocked by Lil Xan's actions, as they can be seen smiling and laughing up at him just seconds before he reaches down to hit the man. Police are searching for the rapper Lil Xan after he was seen on video apparently punching and kicking a man last week The 28-year-old rapper had just wrapped up a show in Boston at the Royale nightclub when things went south while he was stopping to chat with audience members from the stage in the early morning hours of Saturday, according to TMZ The man, who is holding a beer in the video, looks similarly shocked after the first blow. He stumbles to the side and then falls down below the edge of the stage out of view. The man struggles to his feet, and he's still looking down and away from the stage when the rapper kicks him in the head. He hobbles to the side away from the rapper but manages to stay on his feet before walking away from the stage through the crowd. Lil Xan appears to be shouting at him angrily, though his words aren't audible in the video, as music in the club and shocked screams from other audience members drown it out. Other members of the crowd gesticulate at him as if trying to calm him down, while others look visibly outraged. Another man the steps out on stage and gently ushers Lil Xan off stage once he finishes shouting. One man in a black shirt appears to be arguing with the rapper in the final moments of the video, and just after walking away, Lil Xan turns back around toward the man and yells, 'Hey, f*** you,' though the video cuts off at that point. Video shows Lil Xan (real name: Nicholas Diego Leanos) apparently reaching down and swinging a microphone at a man standing at the front of the stage, before he kicks the same man in the head Other audiences members looked shocked by Lil Xan's actions, as they can be seen smiling and laughing up at him just seconds before he reaches down to apparently hit the man The man, who is holding a beer in the video, looks similarly shocked after the first blow He stumbles to the side and then falls down below the edge of the stage out of view The man struggles to his feet, and he's still looking down and away from the stage when the rapper kicks him in the head He stumbles to the side but manages to stay on his feet, and he begins walking away from the stage through the crowd Lil Xan appears to be shouting at him angrily, though his words aren't audible in the video, as music in the club and shocked screams from other audience members drown it out Other members of the crowd gesticulate at him as if trying to calm him down, and another man steps out on stage and gently ushers Lil Xan off stage once he finishes shouting One man in a black shirt appears to be arguing with the rapper in the final moments of the video Just after walking away, Lil Xan turns back around toward the man and yells, 'Hey, f*** you,' though the video cuts off at that point The angle of the video makes it difficult to see what kind of confrontation happened between the injured man in the audience and the rapper The angle of the video makes it difficult to see what kind of confrontation happened between the injured man in the audience and the rapper. However, another video taken from another angle in the club reportedly shows the man who was kicked flipping his middle finger at Lil Xan, according to TMZ. Sources told the publication that security at the club tried to apprehend the rapper, but he cut a quick exit before they could nab him. Police were reportedly called about the apparent assault around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, according to law enforcement sources. They said the call described the incident as a case of assault and battery. According to the sources, a person who witnessed the attack described it as being unprovoked. The man who was hit and kicked by Lil Xan reportedly turned down any medical attention while still at the club. The event seems to have been even more serious than the video indicates, as police were told that the performer assaulted two other people as he tried to leave the venue. Police are reportedly investigating the altercation at the club and are searching for Lil Xan. The rapper, who hails from Redlands, California, began to gain popular in the mid-2010s after establishing himself with songs posted to YouTube and SoundCloud. Xan has previously spoken about his past struggles with addiction to opiates and benzodiazepines including his namesake, Xanax though he was able to kick the drugs and has urged his fans to steer clear of the substances. In 2019, he was caught on video brandishing a handgun at a man at a gas station and calling him the N-word. He had allegedly been confronted over an earlier video in which he confessed to find Tupac Shakur's music 'boring,' and having the sentiment critiqued apparently set off the dangerous confrontation. The rapper later claimed that he pulled the gun in 'self-defense,' and the man he pointed it at later filed a complaint with police. It's unclear what happened with the resulting police investigation, but the man subsequently sued Lil Xan for the confrontation. In October, the man was awarded nearly $28,000 by a judge in a default judgement after the rapper never responded to the lawsuit, according to TMZ. Lil Xan, who previously dated Noah Cyrus, was hospitalized in 2018 for eating 'too many [Flamin'] Hot Cheetos.' Paris Hilton fans have gone wild over an iconic photo from the 2000s that the star uploaded to her main Instagram page on Wednesday to honor its 18th anniversary. The TV personality, 42 - who was recently mocked after claiming she has never had plastic surgery - shared the snaps that were taken back in November 2006 with Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. At the time, the memorable pictures were taken as Hilton sat in the driver's seat of a vehicle as both she and the pop star left a party. Lohan, who was in the midst of a public feud with Paris at the time, suddenly appeared and also jumped in the car - which was notably caught on camera. The Mean Girls actress could be seen in the passenger seat while the Baby One More Time songstress was in the middle. In the caption of the throwback post, Hilton penned to her followers, '18 years ago today, this photo became the moment that defined an era.' Paris Hilton, 42, fans went wild over an iconic photo from the 2000s that the star uploaded to her main Instagram page to honor the image's 18th anniversary; seen in September in New York The TV personality shared the snaps that were taken back in November 2006 with Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears She continued, '@BritneySpears @LindsayLohan and me - the Holy Trinity. Instantly iconic #LovesIt #Sliving #Y2K.' Social media users and celebrities jumped to the comment section to share their thoughts on the iconic snaps, with one typing, 'The holy trio of pop culture.' Another wrote, 'BEYONG ICONIC! You, Britney and Lindsay raised an entire generation!' while one added, 'Stamped in our minds until the end of time!' 'Defining moments in my life lol,' one follower shared, while another typed, 'Bowing down to the icons thats hot .' Snooki from Jersey Shore also shared her thoughts in the comments and added, 'To be in that car.' The official Instagram account for Bratz penned, 'This needs to be in the history books!' while one fan wrote, 'Original It Girls!' Fashion designer Betsey Johnson wrote, 'A historical moment,' and Rachel Zoe then shared, 'Remember like yesterday.' Hilton has previously commemorated the memorable pictures and in 2022, jumped to X (formerly known as Twitter) as she uploaded the throwback snaps to her fans. Lohan, who was in the midst of 'drama' with Paris, suddenly appeared and also jumped in the car - with the moment caught on camera Social media users and celebrities jumped to the comment section to share their thoughts on the iconic snaps, with one typing, 'The holy trio of pop culture' Snooki from Jersey Shore also shared her thoughts in the comments and added, 'To be in that car' The official Instagram account for Bratz penned, 'This needs to be in the history books!' while one fan wrote, 'Original It Girls!' The Simple Life star notably gave the backstory behind the images during an episode of her This Is Paris podcast in 2021 - which has since been relaunched with the new title I Am Paris. The pictures had been taken when both she and Spears were leaving a bash that was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. At the time, Paris and Lindsay had been in the middle of 'drama' over rumors that Hilton had hit and spilled a drink on the Freaky Friday star. 'Just as we got to the car, that's when Lindsay came up. It was kind of awkward because we were having some drama,' the mother-of-two recalled. Just as Paris was preparing to drive away from the hotel with Britney, Lohan had approached the car - prompting Paris to ask nearby paparazzi to question the actress about the rumors. 'Lindsay said, "No, Paris would never hit me, I've known her since I was 15." It was basically just not admitting what she did.' Hilton added, 'It was quite awkward to be asked that question, and it was just weird how that whole thing happened. All of a sudden, I look over, and she's in my car. We weren't getting along, but I was polite.' However, Paris and Lindsay are now on good terms since the public feud - with Hilton revealing that the pair 'reconnected' earlier this year at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars party. 'Just as we got to the car, that's when Lindsay came up. It was kind of awkward because we were having some drama,' the mother-of-two recalled; Hilton and Lohan seen in 2005 in L.A. During a TalkShopLive in August, per Page Six, Paris expressed that she 'reconnected' with the actress 'a few months' earlier at the post-Oscars bash. The star shared that they were 'just talking about being moms' while adding, '[It was] so good to see her. She looks so beautiful. [Im] so happy for her.' Lindsay welcomed her first child - a son named Luai, one, in July 2023 - with husband, Bader Shammas. Hilton is mom to son Phoenix, one, as well as daughter London, also one - who were both born via surrogacy. The media personality's latest Instagram post comes shortly after she was mocked by fans after claiming that she has never undergone plastic surgery, including Botox. During an appearance on the Zach Sang Show podcast last week, Paris stated, 'I feel really proud that I'm all natural.' Hilton is mom to son Phoenix, one, as well as daughter London, also one - who were both born via surrogacy The media personality's latest Instagram post comes shortly after she was mocked by fans after claiming that she has never undergone plastic surgery, including Botox; seen earlier this month in Las Vegas The star - who is married to Carter Reum - then added she has 'never done any Botox, injectables, no surgery, [or] nothing.' However, some fans speculated the opposite, with one penning on social media, 'If she didn't have Botox, she needs to go to doctor. Her eyebrows don't move. She might be having a stroke.' Another shared, 'I am convinced @parishilton is actually doing a bit here and this is pure comedy, and sarcasm at its finest.' However, one came to her defense and added, 'People she's not that old, it's probably true, the fact that she didn't do botox or injectables doesn't mean she's not doing many other things to her skin.' Veteran radio star Simon Marnie has confirmed he has been sacked from his long-running weekend show in the latest shake-up to the ABC's fast-changing radio division. Marnie took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share the 'shock' news that the network is cutting his role presenting the NSW Weekend Mornings programs. The announcement has come as a huge surprise to Marnie's fans as he has worked with the national broadcaster for more than 25 years. Marnie is a fan favourite on the ABC's Sydney weekend airwaves and fronts the Saturday morning slot from 6am until 12pm, as well as the Sunday show from 10am until 12pm. Confirming his axing, he wrote in an emotional message: 'After a week or so of speculation I can confirm that the ABC has looked at its Weekend Structure in 2025 and informed me they do not have a role for me in that structure. 'This came as a shock and I am still processing what it means for me. Veteran radio star Simon Marnie (pictured) has confirmed he has been sacked from his long-running weekend show 'If you're in Sydney on Sunday I'd love you to join me one last time for the Weekend Show Christmas Picnic Outside Broadcast at Jazz @ The House on the grounds of Government House. 'Please come along. Sunday 1st Dec 10 - midday the broadcast. Jazz at the House all day.' Marnie's unexpected announcement comes just days after the ABC denied reports that Marnie was not going to have his contract renewed, according to the Daily Telegraph. ABC declined to comment when approached by Daily Mail Australia. His fans were quick to share their devastation over his axing, arguing that he is irreplaceable as they lauded him as the definition of weekend radio in Sydney. Taking to the comments section of his post, one wrote: 'I'm so sorry Simon - you have been the soundtrack to every weekend for years and you'll be greatly missed. 'Really don't understand why the heart has been ripped out of the station. I really hope you get to keep doing what you do best in some capacity. Love and respect.' Another said: 'So sorry Simon! Your presence on the ABC will be missed!' A third remarked: 'Thank you for all your support over the years especially the Hawkesbury!! You will be missed by so many. Bad decision @abcsydney!!' Marnie is a fan favourite on the ABC's Sydney weekend airwaves and fronts the Saturday morning slot from 6am until 12pm, as well as the Sunday show from 10am until 12pm While a fourth penned: 'Oh my I am so sorry. What is going on at the ABC? They have no understanding of their audience at all. We will miss you so much.' And another added: 'A huge loss... What will our weekends be like without you? Hope you're okay and sending all best. As they say, ''one door closes, another opens...''. There will be lots of exciting new things out there for you!' Just four days before confirming his axing, Marnie shared a cryptic post to social media confirming he was in 'discussions' to change his employment with the ABC next year. He wrote at the time: 'I'm sorry for the vagueness of my posts and also for not replying or 'liking' all of your amazing comments. 'It's taken four days to mutually agree on the wording but the ABC has given me permission to issue this statement: ''I'm in discussions with the ABC about changes to my role and employment next year. There is nothing else I can confirm at this stage''.' Marnie kicked off his radio career as the blue kangaroo mascot for radio station 2UW in the 1980s and has since had a highly-successful nearly three decades on Australian airwaves. After taking part in the inaugural Radio Course at the Australian Film TV and Radio School, Marnie started work experience with Triple J and went on to secure himself a full-time role. Marnie took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share the 'shock' news that the network is cutting his role presenting the NSW Weekend Mornings programs Marnie, who lives in Maroubra with his violinist partner Amanda Brown, briefly stepped back from radio to work in community and commercial broadcasting, and famously conceived and produced SBS TV's music show, Nomad. The veteran presenter later returned to airwaves with a full-time role on ABC Radio's NightLife and then became a firm fan favourite on the NSW Weekend Mornings team. He previously said of his role: 'Sydney weekends are about leisure, relaxing and fun and this city is one of the best in Australia - we cover as many events as possible to show the diversity of cultures, people and regions that make up the Greater Sydney Region.' Marnie's departure comes amid a turbulent period on ABC's radio desks after a string of high-profile stars have been let go in recent weeks amid a major hosting upheaval. Last week, popular radio host Sarah Macdonald told listeners she was axed as ABC Radio Sydney's mornings host after more than three decades with the broadcaster. ABC boss Kim Williams, who succeeded Ita Buttrose as the national broadcaster's chair in March, has since said he fully supported Macdonald's exit as the ABC looks to revitalise its radio division under audio director Ben Latimer. 'Changes in media are part of life,' he told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday. 'They are part of the programming fabric of all organisations.' ABC staffers were shocked by the move when it was announced alongside a raft of sweeping changes at the taxpayer-funded service last Thursday, greeting the news with a round of boos in their Sydney headquarters. Marnie's departure comes amid a turbulent period on ABC's radio desks after a string of high-profile stars have been let go in recent weeks, including popular host Sarah Macdonald However, Williams was adamant Macdonald, who is well-liked and highly regarded throughout the industry, was not fired - just that her job has been given to someone else. 'It's inaccurate to say that Sarah Macdonald has been sacked,' he said. 'Her role has not been renewed. They are different conceptually. 'In a similar way, management has determined that it wishes to take that service in a different direction. 'That decision is a management decision, and I fully support our management in making relevant decisions as to the direction and content of the services that the ABC provides. 'So, yes, I do support that decision, I do support the notion of refreshment in the various services that the ABC offers.' The ABC has reportedly been inundated with complaints since Macdonald revealed she had been given the boot live on-air on her show on Thursday morning. 'Well, here's the news from me in terms of disappointment,' she told her listeners. ABC boss Kim Williams, who succeeded Ita Buttrose as the broadcaster's chair in March, has since said he fully supported Macdonald's exit as the ABC looks to revitalise its radio division 'I'm not going to be on the radio with you next year, the ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings. I am proud of what I've done. The ratings are up.' Antoinette Lattouff was also axed by the ABC midway through a week of casual radio presenting shifts last December. Lattouf is suing the ABC in the federal court and claims the broadcaster breached its employee enterprise agreement by 'sacking her without a proper basis and without due process'. However, Williams insists she was not sacked either. 'Matters with Ms Latouff are, of course, the subject of legal disputation currently, and we have been impeccably silent about the matter, unlike Ms Latouff and her representatives, who seem to have been devoted to sharing on a regular basis with the media,' he said. 'On that matter...we will continue to persist in aiming for that to be capable of respectful, constructive resolution between the ABC and Ms Latouff. 'But I must correct you - Ms Latouff was not dismissed. 'She was on a five-day contract and...the contract was brought to a close at the end of the third day. Antoinette Lattouff was also axed by the ABC midway through a week of casual radio presenting shifts last December, and is suing the ABC for unlawful dismissal 'So it affected the final two days of that contract which, of course, were paid. 'It keeps on coming up, saying that she was 'sacked'. 'I don't know where that leaves us? She was not sacked.' The media executive's claim is at odds with a decision by the Fair Work Commission that found in June that Lattouf had been sacked, rejecting the argument she was not terminated because she was paid for the full five days. Ant and Dec have revealed a major change to I'm A Celebrity that could see campmates banned from using the toilet. On Wednesday's episode of Unpacked, the hosting duo announced the campmates would be split into teams of four and each given a cash card. From this week on, the celebrities will have to pay for everything using this card - including basic essentials such as shower gel or even using the dunny [the camp toilet]. And another catch is that cash will only be added onto the card as campmates compete in games to earn money. Speaking to Joel Dommett, Dec revealed: 'They're getting split into three teams of four and they're coming down to the rank bank. Now the first three are coming to play against each other to win cash, or to win money to put on a cash card. Ant and Dec revealed a major change to I'm A Celebrity during the spin-off show Unpacked that could see campmates banned from using the toilet From this week on, the celebrities will have to pay for everything using this card - including basic essentials such as shower gel or even using the dunny [the camp toilet] 'So each team is getting one of these. Now everything will cost them from hereon in.' Ant added: 'So essentials, any little treats or anything they've got to pay for it with money they've put on the cash card.' Dec revealed that this will be introduced over the next few days as Joel joked: 'We've finally gone cashless.' 'But they're going to have to pay for everything,' Dec clarified. 'Like if you want to use the dunny, that's going to cost you. Essentials, everything.' Guests on the show gasped as they realised going to the toilet would cost campmates - implying that they might be banned from using the dunny if their card declines. Ant said: So you've got to weigh up "Do I have a lovely treat here" or do I need to stick with you know, shower gel?' There have been many curious rules in the I'm A Celebrity jungle over the years, with some a constant each series. Among the other rules of camp are that the celebrities have to wear red socks. Another catch is that cash will only be added onto the card as campmates compete in games to earn money Speaking to Joel Dommett , Dec revealed: 'They're getting split into three teams of four and they're coming down to the rank bank' Guests on the show gasped as they realised going to the toilet would cost campmates - implying that they might be banned from using the dunny if their card declines The jungle uniform has remained largely unchanged over the past two decades, with campmates issued with the famous red and navy t-shirts and khaki separates. Whilst most viewers would assume the red socks are simply to match the colour scheme, there's a very good reason why that particular shade was chosen. Former show medic Bob McCarron spilled all to Woman's Own, explaining that the cast are highly likely to tread on and be bitten by creepy crawlies, including leeches, which can leave traces of blood on the celebs' skin and clothes. The red socks are to hide blood splatters from the blood sucking critters. On the subject of uniform, the kit list permitted in camp is minimal. Each campmate brings in three sets of underwear and three sets of swimwear everything else is provided. The show's co-creator Natalka Znak was ruthless when first setting out plans for the series and wanted the pampered stars to only bring one pair of underwear in, the ones they turned up wearing. 'They'd have to wash them every day or go commando,' she explained to the Radio Times. 'In the end, after months of discussion, we settled on three pairs each. I still think one pair would have been plenty. There have been many curious rules in the I'm A Celebrity jungle over the years, with some a constant each series: among the other rules of camp are that the celebrities have to wear red socks Show hosts Ant and Dec wear covers over their watches when they enter the camp every day so the celebs can't get any cheeky glimpses There are also no clocks in camp. And there's a good reason as it means the celebs are completely detached from the real world and immersed in life in camp. Show hosts Ant and Dec even wear covers over their watches when they enter the camp every day so the celebs can't get any cheeky glimpses. Smoking was another catch, with the celebrities being granted an area to do so - but it is off-camera due to Ofcom guidelines. However in the first series smoking campmates were forgotten about. 'We tried to think about absolutely everything when we were creating that first series, but inevitably a couple of details slipped through the net,' explains former executive producer Alexander Gardiner. 'The biggest one by far was cigarettes. We hadn't given smokers any thought at all. Our failure to provide fags goes some way to explaining just how bad-tempered the cast were'. Since then celebrities have been allowed to smoke but they have a specific area to go to which is off-camera and does not feature in the nightly edit. Taylor Swift fans are going ballistic on social media after learning that Billboard ranked her the second greatest pop star of the 21st century. After bestowing her the covetable title, the outlet recognized that the inevitable controversy that would 'tear through the internet over her being just one small space below No. 1 is just another testament to her power.' While defending their decision not to give Swift, 34, the top spot, which will presumably go to musical powerhouse Beyonce, Billboard reminded readers that Swift got a 'much later' start in the millennium in both 'the genre and music in general.' Still, Swifties were, as expected, enraged by the editorial decision made by Billboard's staff, who undertook the difficult task of ranking the top 25 greatest pop stars of the 21st century. Underneath the announcement on Instagram, a number of Swift fans expressed their outrage as they referred to the list as a 'joke' and firmly insisted the Fortnight hitmaker had been 'robbed.' 'This is pathetic and should ACTUALLY be corrected,' one commented. 'Who approved this list? First of all, yalls bs lists are always unbelievably inaccurate.' Taylor Swift fans are going ballistic on social media after learning that Billboard ranked her the second greatest pop stars of the 21st century; seen in 2022 Another wrote: 'She deserved #1 dont even lie she is the biggest artist of all time not just of the century.' 'How according to Billboard was Taylor the 8th on thr "greatest artist of all time list" but she isnt the greatest artist of this century???? Beyonce isn't even top 10 AND It was before folklore, evermore, all the tvs, midnights, the eras tour, TTPD????' a third asked. A fourth referred to putting Swift as #2 as a 'crime' while dozens argued that Swift, who is the richest female musician, as the entire 'music industry.' Others attempted to remind Swifties of Beyonce's 'cultural impact, sales, numbers, awards.' 'Something the white privileged Swifties need to understand is that, being repetitive with your records and having them be streamed a lot, doesnt make an artist great. When your work is repetitive and every record sounds the same, you cant be #1 artist of the 21st century,' one fired. 'Specially if youre competing with an artists who has done it all from R&B to country to Dance. Cmon.' Another Beyonce fan reminded Swifties that 'this list is based of the last 24 years not just current.' This did not stop Swifties from leaping to their favorite artist's defense by sharing a number of her greatest a achievements from her 14 Grammy wins to having the highest-grossing concert tour in history. 'Beyonce has had major impact on the industry. Shes the reason so many artists is here doing their thing today. yall either too young to know her actual impact or too delusional to see it and just wanna think of the sales,' they stated. While bestowing her the covetable title, the outlet recognized that the inevitable controversy that would 'likely tear through the internet over her being just one small space below No. 1 is just another testament to her power' (seen in 2024) While defending their decision not to give Swift, 34, the top spot, which will presumably go to musical powerhouse Beyonce, Billboard reminded readers that Swift got a 'much later' start in the millennium in both 'the genre and music in general' One X user pleaded with Swift and Beyonce's fandoms to stop pitting the superstars against each other as they reminded other social media users of their close friendship. The fan shared an Instagram post, uploaded by Swift last year, in which the pop star gushed that she was 'glad' that she would 'never know what' life 'wouldve been like without @beyonces influence.' 'The way shes taught me and every artist out here to break rules and defy industry norms. Her generosity of spirit. Her resilience and versatility. Shes been a guiding light throughout my career and the fact that she showed up tonight was like an actual fairytale,' Swift gushed after Beyonce attended the premiere of Swifts Eras Tour concert film in Los Angeles. Beyonce and Taylor have shown public support for one another in the years following Kanye West's infamous stage takeover at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, where he interrupted Taylor's Video Of The Year acceptance speech to declare Beyonce as the 'true' winner. Swift has credited Beyonce for having 'paved the road that every female artist is walking down now,' while Beyonce praised Taylor in 2021 for 'always being so supportive' of her. Still, Swifties were, as expected, enraged by the editorial decision made by Billboard's staff, who undertook the difficult task of ranking the top 25 greatest pop stars of the 21st century Underneath the announcement on Instagram, a number of Swift fans expressed their outrage as they referred to the list as a 'joke' and firmly insisted the Fortnight hitmaker had been 'robbed' 'This is pathetic and should ACTUALLY be corrected,' one commented. 'Who approved this list? First of all, yalls bs lists are always unbelievably inaccurate' Another wrote: 'She deserved #1 dont even lie she is the biggest artist of all time not just of the century' Their bond was born unexpectedly through a typical Kanye tantrum after he stormed the 2009 MTV VMAs shouting for Bey to win Best Female Video. Taylor, who was 20 at the time, and Beyonce were both nominated for Best Female Video for 'You Belong With Me' and 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)'. But after Taylor was announced as the winner, Kanye jumped on stage and took the singing star's mic while giving her acceptance speech. He said: 'Yo, Taylor, I'm really happy for you. I'mma let you finish. But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time! One of the best videos of all time!' 'How according to Billboard was Taylor the 8th on thr "greatest artist of all time list" but she isnt the greatest artist of this century???? Beyonce isn't even top 10 AND It was before folklore, evermore, all the tvs, midnights, the eras tour, TTPD????' a third asked A fourth referred to putting Swift as #2 as a 'crime' while dozens argued that Swift, who is the richest female musician, as the entire 'music industry' Others attempted to remind Swifties of Beyonce's 'cultural impact, sales, numbers, awards' 'Something the white privileged Swifties need to understand is that, being repetitive with your records and having them be streamed a lot, doesnt make an artist great. When your work is repetitive and every record sounds the same, you cant be #1 artist of the 21st century,' one fired. 'Specially if youre competing with an artists who has done it all from R&B to country to Dance. Cmon' Another Beyonce fan reminded Swifties that 'this list is based of the last 24 years not just current' This did not stop Swifties from leaping to their favorite artist's defense by sharing a number of her greatest a achievements from her 14 Grammy wins to having the highest-grossing concert tour in history One X user pleaded with Swift and Beyonce's fandoms to stop pitting the superstars against each other as they reminded other social media users of their close friendship Some even speculated that Beyonce's husband's 'wallet got a bit tinier' as if to outrageously imply he paid off the outlet His rude comments were met with gasps from the audience, who rightly booed the rapper, and a mortifying look from Beyonce. When she was later awarded her own award, she did the noble thing and called Swifty back up to finish her speech. In 2023, Swift attended Beyonce's Renaissance premiere in London. At the time, a source close to Taylor told DailyMail.com: 'Taylor and Beyonce have been chatting a lot since Beyonce surprised her at her Eras film premiere. Swift has credited Beyonce for having 'paved the road that every female artist is walking down now,' while Beyonce praised Taylor in 2021 for 'always being so supportive' of her Their bond was born unexpectedly through a typical Kanye tantrum after he stormed the 2009 MTV VMAs shouting for Bey to win Best Female Video; seen in 2009 'They would seem like unlikely friends, but the two of them truly get each other. In a world of copycats and wannabes, both are at the top of their game. 'Beyonce cemented such a special place in Taylor's heart in 2009 when she shut Kanye down. They both know now that karma took care of Kanye exactly as they believed it would. 'At the time, Taylor was not the powerhouse she is today. It was just so showing of who Beyonce really is and ever since that moment the two of them have celebrated each other's successes. Their music is very different. Their fans are very different, and their lives are so different. 'But one thing that they can both relate to is that they are a master of their craft. There is nothing that Taylor would not do for Beyonce, and she will go to bat form this woman until the day she dies.' The biggest Australian names on social media came together for the TikTok Awards on Wednesday night. But many viewers were left unimpressed by the 2024 ceremony, calling it the 'most cringe thing ever'. 'The TikTok Awards has got to be the most ridiculous thing ever sorry,' one person wrote on X during the live broadcast. 'Tiktok awards are the most cringe thing but I am so entertained at the same time,' another commented. 'The Australian TikTok awards are a joke,' one added before asking: 'And why is JoJo Siwa performing?' 'TikTok awards... this has to be a joke,' another agreed. The TikTok Awards 2024 have been labelled the 'most ridiculous and cringe thing ever' - as social media stars gathered in Sydney on Wednesday night. Pictured JoJo Siwa Bridey Drake won TikTok Creator of the Year at the 2024 Awards in Sydney. The 23-year-old has racked up more than 3.2 million followers on TikTok by documenting her hilariously relatable experiences of navigating young adulthood in Australia. Her videos detail the highs and lows of starting up her own small business, Night Sweet Thing, fresh out of high school with her best friend Jiny Maeng during the height of the pandemic, as well as the duo's move from New South Wales to the outback. Now Bridey's decidedly ordinary escapades including going viral for her lack of cooking skills in videos like 'What the hell is an ounce?' has snagged her the coveted award. True to form, the petite blonde detailed her experience of getting ready for the awards show on social media whilst suffering from a gnarly pink sunburn. 'So turns out I won,' she began her video montage of the day's events. 'I started off by going on the pink carpet and doing a bunch of interviews. I was not feeling the best. I felt like I wasn't on my A-game because I have a burn and a strapless dress.' 'At this stage in the day I had no idea I was going to win at all,' Bridey narrated footage of herself sweltering through Sydney's heatwave. Many viewers were left unimpressed by the 2024 ceremony and took to X to express their disappointment 'I got this white top and I shoved it underneath,' she explained, as she pulled on a long-sleeve lace shirt to hide her fresh sunburn lines. 'My best friend Jiny, she knows everyone, she's the best. I love the TikTok awards, I've been four years in a row now. Also, Robert [Irwin] came out with a snake and freaked everyone out.' Her camera panned to show Robert surprising and delighting the crowd of influencers with a live python, which he escorted around the dinner tables for a meet and greet. 'And then there was the moment where they announced my name [as the winner]. Jiny cried. I cried. My cousin cried. It was the wildest experience of my life. I actually blanked out on stage, I have no idea what I said during my speech, I was so nervous.' Bridey is the fourth Aussie to have earned TikTok's top gong since the social media awards first began in 2021, following in the footsteps of Mille Ford, Kat Clark and most recently, 'chaotic' mum-of-three Indy Clinton. 'This is such a huge honour, winning this award means so much, as TikTok has played a huge role in where I am today. Everything I have achieved as a creator and a business owner has been made possible thanks to this incredible platform,' Bridey said in her speech. 'Im also so grateful to my amazing TikTok community who have been by my side since this journey began. 'I cant wait to keep creating, connecting, and sharing. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.' Daisy Lowe and Hana Cross lead the glamour in animal print and black leather as they arrived at the launch of IKEA's new luxury pop-up store Hus of FRAKTA on Thursday. The model, 35, looked incredible as she graced the carpet in an ankle-length leopard print coat which featured a feather trim around the sleeves and hem. Adding inches to her frame, she finished her ensemble with a pair of black leather chunky heeled boots. To accessorise, Daisy kept it simple with a gold love heart necklace and a silver ring. Meanwhile Brooklyn Beckham's ex Hana Cross, 27, looked trendy in a creased white shirt which she paired with black leather trousers. She finished her look with a pair of black leather cowboy boots, a black leather bag and a chunk belt to match. Daisy Lowe and Hana Cross lead the glamour in animal print and black leather as they arrived at the launch of IKEA's new luxury pop-up store Hus of FRAKTA on Thursday Brooklyn Beckham's ex Hana Cross, 27, looked trendy in a creased white shirt which she paired with black leather trousers Hana slicked her brunette tresses back into a sleek bun as she accessorised with a pair of brown hoop earrings. TV presenter Alex Jones, 47, looked chic as she stepped out in a bright white top which featured dramatic bell sleeves. She kept it classy with a pair of black trousers and added height to her frame with a pair of black leather boots. TV personality, Hugo Taylor, 38, also stepped out in animal print as he posed for a snap in a leopard-print trench coat which he paired with black and pink trainers. S Club 7's Rachel Stevens, 46, looked classy in a pair of wide leg black trousers and a matching oversized trench coat. DJ Harriet Rose showcased her unique fashion sense in a white shirt layered under a grey jumper and black denim jacket. On the decks for the glitzy evening, Josh Parkinson appeared in top spirits as he stepped out in an all white ensemble. Hus of FRAKTA is a pop-up experience on Londons Oxford Circus, dedicated to one of the most iconic symbols of the IKEA brand, the blue FRAKTA bag. Meanwhile model Daisy, 35, looked incredible as she graced the carpet in an ankle-length leopard print coat which featured a feather trim around the sleeves and hem Hana finished her look with a pair of black leather cowboy boots, a black leather bag and a chunk belt to match Hana slicked her brunette tresses back into a sleek bun as she accessorised with a pair of brown hoop earrings TV presenter Alex Jones, 47, looked chic as she stepped out in a bright white top which featured dramatic bell sleeves She kept it classy with a pair of black trousers and added height to her frame with a pair of black leather boots TV personality, Hugo Taylor, 38, also stepped out in animal print as he posed for a snap in a leopard-print trench coat which he paired with black and pink trainers S Club 7's Rachel Stevens, 46, looked classy in a pair of wide leg black trousers and a matching oversized trench coat DJ Harriet Rose showcased her unique fashion sense in a white shirt layered under a grey jumper and black denim jacket On the decks for the glitzy evening, Josh Parkinson appeared in top spirits as he stepped out in an all white ensemble Hus of FRAKTA is a pop-up experience on Londons Oxford Circus, dedicated to one of the most iconic symbols of the IKEA brand, the blue FRAKTA bag Meaning to freight in Swedish, the FRAKTA bag was originally designed over three decades ago to help customers carry their purchases. Today it has become a cultural icon reimagined by iconic designers including Zandra Rhodes and Marimekko along the way. According to IKEA: 'Its not just a bag; its a symbol of resourcefulness and adaptability; reused by many in so many different ways. 'From laundry basket to beach bag and even a trusty companion for city commuters, the FRAKTA has proven its versatility in countless ways, becoming part of the stories we live every day. Rooted in the five democratic design principles of IKEA function, form, quality, sustainability, and affordability the FRAKTA is available for 75p. Nearly half of UK households (45 percent) own one, with many (31percent) keeping theirs for over five years, proving that its not just a bag its a part of their journey. Indy Clinton surprised fans when she stepped out solo for the 2024 TikTok Awards at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday. The social media star, 27, looked stunning in a dazzling gold dress as she co-hosted the annual awards night alongside Robert Irwin, Kat Clark, and Jojo Siwa. However, her husband, Ben Azar, was nowhere to be seen on the red carpet. Indy later told Daily Mail Australia that he didn't have a ticket and would have to jump the fence to get inside. 'I don't have a ticket for him, so I need to somehow sneak him over the fence,' she said. 'I told him to wear his Akubra so I could spot him!' Indy Clinton surprised fans when she stepped out solo for the 2024 TikTok Awards at Sydney 's Hordern Pavilion on Wednsday The social media star, 27, looked stunning in a dazzling gold dress as she co-hosted the annual awards night alongside Robert Irwin , Kat Clark, and Jojo Siwa Ben was later seen inside the event wearing his wide-brimmed Akubra hat and even managed to score a last-minute photo with his wife on the red carpet. Indy was not afraid to put on a leggy display for the event, arriving in a very short gold backless dress. The shimmering garment, that finished at the top of the brunette beauty's thighs, showed off her perfectly toned pins. Indy also flaunted ample cleavage in the racy dress, that was finished with a floral bow at the neck. She matched her outfit with a pair of strappy, bone coloured heels and some chunky bling on her wrists. She also accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings. She left her hair to cascade freely down her well-toned back for the occasion, opting for a light rose shade on her lip, a sculpted brow and a healthy application of blush to accentuate her enviable cheekbones. The 'Chaotic' mum-of-three exuded an air of aloof cool as she flaunted her outfit for photographers. Ben was later seen inside the event and even managed to score a last-minute photo with his wife on the red carpet Indy won last year's Creator of the Year award and announced this year's winner onstage alongside fellow TikTok star Anna Paul. Her comments about her husband Ben come after the couple were slammed over a video that racked up four million views in a matter of days. The video, which divided her fans, saw the influencer filming herself getting dressed with the assistance of her husband in the family kitchen. 'Humbled by my husband's laziness,' the TikToker captioned her latest piece of outrage bait. Ben expressed his frustration over not being able to fasten the zipper on the extremely tight dress. 'I don't know if you think you're that size. Whatever size that is, you're not that size,' Ben tells her angrily in the video, after failing to get the zipper to close on Indy's sequined mini dress. 'I'm sorry, you're just not.' Indy, who recently had breast implant surgery, laughed as he snaps and storms off. Indy and Ben were slammed over a video that racked up four million views in a matter of days. The clip saw the influencer getting dressed with the assistance of her husband in the family kitchen as Ben expressed his frustration over not being able to fasten the dress zipper The comments section on the video was flooded with people accusing the influencer's husband of being a 'red flag' and 'aggressive'. 'But what happened next...' one person wrote, with Indy shooting back a tongue-in-cheek reply: 'We divorced.' Others took to Reddit to blast the mummy blogger for her behaviour in staging the argument as a scene. 'She likes to wind him up. There's been videos where he's racing out the door to get to work and she's pulling him back in with nonsense to purposely make him late and fluster him,' one person explained. 'There's been videos where he's racing out the door to get to work and she's pulling him back in with nonsense to purposely make him late and fluster him.' 'He's impatient and rude but she's immature and annoying,' added another. 'She is the biggest narcissist on TikTok,' said a third. 'He is probably fed up with her and I can't blame him, then again everything is fake with them.' Indy shares three children with husband Ben - son Navy, three, daughter Bambi, one, and daughter Soul, eight months. A subscription to the influencer's private TikTok community will set you back $9.90 a month for further content of the family. Indy began her social media career on Instagram at the age of 15, while she was still in high school in Palm Beach. Within two years, she had more than 50,000 followers and was making up to $750 per Instagram post. Kiev loses up to 465 soldiers in battles with Russia's Tsentr group 15 Mar 2025 | 4:10 PM Moscow, Mar 15 (UNI) Ukraine has lost up to 465 soldiers and a Bradley infantry fighting vehicle in battles with Russia's Tsentr (Center) group of forces over the 24 hours, Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. see more.. NZ PM calls for action against hate on mosque attack anniversary 15 Mar 2025 | 2:35 PM Wellington, Mar 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday called on New Zealanders to continue confronting the forces that led to the 2019 Christchurch Mosque attacks, stressing that there was no place for Islamophobia in New Zealand. see more.. U S mulls new travel bans against over 40 countries: media reports 15 Mar 2025 | 2:18 PM Washington, Mar 15 (UNI) The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is mulling new travel bans against 43 countries, including a possible pause of processing visa applications from Afghanistan, Iran and Syria, U.S. media reported Friday. see more.. Japan's NHK Party leader Tachibana attacked in Tokyo 15 Mar 2025 | 1:50 PM Tokyo, Mar 15 (UNI) The leader of a Japanese political group, Takashi Tachibana, has been slashed in an attack while campaigning in central Tokyo, although his injuries were not life-threatening, the Tokyo police said. see more.. Kate Ritchie was left 'put off her breakfast' during a wild conversation about sex with her radio co-hosts on Thursday morning. The former Home and Away star, 46, was left red-faced during a candid sex confessions segment from listeners on her Nova radio show, Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie. Her co-hosts Michael Wippa and Ryan Fitzgerald read out a wild story from one listener who revealed they had seen two people having sex on the busy Coogee Beach. The eager couple apparently couldn't wait to get home as they undressed in the middle of the beach on a busy Sunday afternoon, much to the shock of passersby. Kate then said it would be her nightmare to see anyone having sex as she admitted even the thought of either of her co-hosts Fitzy or Wippa doing the deed disgusted her. 'We know everyone does it, a high percentage of people doing it, but the idea of thinking of anyone in this room of doing it just puts me off my breakfast,' she said. Kate Ritchie was left 'put off her breakfast' during a wild conversation about sex with her radio co-hosts on Thursday morning Fitzy then sent them all into hysterics as he joked that he felt quite the opposite, saying: 'I've got some quite clear visuals in my mind.' During the listener confession, Wippa also hilariously admitted he could understand why some people might have the urge to start getting intimate in a public space. 'I can understand why, it's a beautiful day down at the beach,' he said. He read out the wild story from a listener, who claimed they had seen a couple having sex 'right next to families' in the middle of Coogee Beach. He read out: 'I can't believe they did that right next to families walking by in a crowded area, they were just going for it in plain-sight. 'When they were finished, more passersby stopped and walked the pair get up and start to dress, the man was seen brushing sand off his body. 'It's not the first time I've seen this at Coogee Beach though, it happens regularly.' The three radio hosts were left shocked by the tale, in particular Eastern Suburbs local Kate. After hearing a wild story about someone who saw two people having sex on Coogee Beach, Kate admitted the thought of seeing anyone - particularly her colleagues Fitzy or Wippa - doing the deed would disgust her Often seen around the Eastern beaches, Kate was allegedly involved in a multi-vehicle collision in the area earlier this month. She was allegedly behind the wheel of her black BMW X5 xDrive40i 2023 when the incident unfolded on Dudley Street, Randwick, on Wednesday November 6. According to eyewitness accounts, Kate's BMW collided with a parked Mitsubishi Pajero, forcefully pushing it off the road and into a parked Kia. She exchanged details with the driver before quickly leaving to pick up her nine-year-old daughter, Mae, who she shares with ex-husband Stuart Webb. No roadside sobriety test was administered and NSW Police did not attend the scene. It appears the drivers will handle the matter privately and Kate may be charged a hefty repair bill. The owner of the Kia, who wished to remain anonymous, explained Kate said her personal assistant would follow up on the matter. All three vehicles involved suffered substantial damage and were later towed away from the suburban street. Kate's luxury BMW suffered significant damage on the driver's side. Often seen around the Eastern beaches, Kate (pictured in August) was allegedly involved in a multi-vehicle collision in the area earlier this month The hood was left visibly mangled following the accident, as was the right front wheel, bumper and radiator grill. The car's engine also appeared to be visible, and both airbags in the vehicle were deployed. NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia: 'About 5.10pm on Wednesday (6 November 2024) emergency services were called to Dudley Street, Randwick, following reports of a crash,' it began. 'Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident. 'Inquiries revealed a BMW SUV crashed into a parked car. 'The 46-year-old female driver of the SUV and the owner of the parked car exchanged details. No injuries were reported. No police action was required.' Daily Mail Australia also reached out to Kate's representatives for comment at the time of the incident. Richard Gere spent his Thanksgiving holiday in his new overseas home with his wife Alejandra Silver, both hitting the red carpet at the Elle for Future Awards in Madrid. The 75-year-old actor and his 41-year-old wife were spotted rocking black ensembles at the photocall, held at the Four Seasons in Madrid. The couple's outing is their first time seen in public since they both moved to Madrid, bringing his wife back to her home country of Spain. The Emmy-nominated actor was spotted donning a classic black tuxedo with a black coat, white shirt, black bowtie, black pants and black shoes. His wife opted for a stunning strapless black dress with colorful pink and blue encrusted embellishments all over the gown. Richard Gere spent his Thanksgiving holiday in his new overseas home with his wife Alejandra Silver, both hitting the red carpet at the Elle for Future Awards in Madrid The couple's outing is their first time seen in public since they both moved to Madrid, bringing his wife back to her home country of Spain She accessorized with gold hoop earrings, a stunning gold necklace with encrusted diamonds and matching gold and diamond bracelets. She also accessorized with a number of gold and diamond rings for her time on the red carpet. Her long flowing gown obscured her footwear for the evening as she walked the red carpet with her husband of five years. They sold their Connecticut ranch earlier this month for $10.75 million, ahead of the couple's move to Spain with their two sons, Alexander, five, and James, four. He revealed the move back in April in an interview with Vanity Fair Espana, revealing they plan on spending at least six years there. 'She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers,' he told the magazine. Prior to moving to Connecticut, Gere owned an estate in the celebrity-favored area of Pound Ridge, New York, roughly an hour from Manhattan. In May 2022, he sold that property for $28 million, according to Mansion Global, just two months before purchasing his New Canaan home. She accessorized with gold hoop earrings, a stunning gold necklace with encrusted diamonds and matching gold and diamond bracelets She also accessorized with a number of gold and diamond rings for her time on the red carpet They sold their Connecticut ranch earlier this month for $10.75 million, ahead of the couple's move to Spain with their two sons, Alexander, five, and James, four 'She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers,' he told the magazine Richard and Alejandra's romance began in 2014, when they reconnected in Italy after first meeting years earlier through a mutual friend. Despite their 34-year age difference, the two quickly bonded over their shared passions for humanitarian work and spirituality. They married in a private ceremony at Gere's estate in upstate New York in 2018. Gere most recently starred in Longing with Diane Kruger and he will next be seen in Showtime's The Agency, debuting November 29. Jocelyne Wildenstein, dubbed the 'catwoman', has claimed that she has 'never had plastic surgery and hates Botox'. The Swiss socialite, 84, was famed for her dramatic transformation - but always claimed her looks were natural. And she has reiterated that claim in a new interview with The Sun on Tuesday, stating that not only has she not had work done, but she doesn't like Botox and fillers made her swell up. She said: 'I haven't had plastic surgery, I am scared of what can happen and I don't like to have something heavy, sometimes it is a bit heavy and terrible.' Jocelyne also said she has never had any fillers, and revealed friends of hers who have were not happy with them. Jocelyne Wildenstein, dubbed the 'catwoman', has claimed to The Sun that she has 'never had plastic surgery and hates Botox' The Swiss socialite, 84, was famed for her dramatic transformation - but always claimed her looks were natural 'I don't like the Botox,' she added. 'Everyone has a different reaction to it. I have had Botox only twice. I don't know if I am allergic, but when I had it, it did not go well with me. 'It was not a good result, my face swelled up.' She regularly shocks fans when she shares stunning throwback photos showcasing her beauty. Jocelyn rose to notoriety in the '90s during her high-profile divorce from art dealer Alec Wildenstein - and they reportedly received his-and-hers eye-lifts after only a year of marriage, according to a Vanity Fair article from 1998. In the same VF story, friends mused that she was trying to look more feline and like a 'jungle cat,' as she and her then-husband were both fascinated by the creatures. At the time, Alec accused, 'She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way. But she wouldn't listen.' The Swiss socialite, 84, frequently denied getting work done over the years and told DailyMail.com in 2018, 'I've always looked like Brigitte Bardot.' Last month, Utah-based Dr. Jerry Chidester, or 'Dr. Chiddy,' weighed in on claims she had work done, explaining the procedures Jocelyn could have potentially underwent - as well as possible complications. And she has reiterated that claim in a new interview with The Sun on Tuesday, stating that not only has she not had work done, but she doesn't like Botox and fillers made her swell up She said: 'I haven't had plastic surgery, I am scared of what can happen and I don't like to have something heavy, sometimes it is a bit heavy and terrible' 'When a patient undergoes multiple or excessive procedures, especially to the face, it can lead to complications that may have both physical and psychological impacts in the short and long term,' Dr. Chiddy warned. While Dr. Chiddy has not treated her personally, based on her visible transformation he believes she may have received repeated facelifts, as well as eyelid surgeries, also known as blepharoplasty, cheek and chin implants, and repeated dermal filler injections. At one point, Jocelyn admitted to getting a facelift because her then-husband Alec 'hates to be with old people,' although she later said he told her 'that I look very young.' Dr. Chiddy also believes she's had an upper lip lift, as well as rhinoplasty surgery. 'These repeated alterations can eventually disrupt a person's natural facial proportions, as evidenced by her early photos prior to plastic surgery,' Dr. Chiddy said. Jocelyne also said she has never had any fillers, and revealed friends of hers who have were not happy with them She regularly shocks fans when she shares stunning throwback photos showcasing her beauty 'Additionally, each of these procedures carries its own risks, and performing them repeatedly or in combination can compound those risks, affecting both overall appearance and health.' 'While advancements in plastic surgery have made incredible transformations possible, it's vital to recognise limits and respect the body's natural structures to avoid complications,' Dr. Chiddy said. He explained that his role as a surgeon is 'not just to enhance but also to advise responsibly, ensuring patients understand the long-term implications of any procedure.' Sean 'Diddy' Combs' son Justin Dior Combs has reportedly been blacklisted from renting party homes in Los Angeles. Justin, 30, has a habit of renting out mansions in Southern California and leaving them a mess at the end of his stay, a broker who specializes in mansions claimed to the New York Post on Wednesday. 'The company that I work with rented houses to Justin,' said a source described as an 'LA-based facilitator' for wealthy and famous clients. 'He would say, "Im having 20 people over." But there would be 200 and then they would wreck the house.' 'Its gotten to the point where nobody will rent to him,' they continued, adding that Justin had allegedly 'called' them with a request to rent a house. 'I said no,' the source claimed. The report on the consequences of Justin's allegedly wild partying comes after his rap mogul father, 55, was denied bail for a third time ahead of his sex trafficking trial. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' son Justin Dior Combs has reportedly been blacklisted from renting party homes in Los Angeles after 'wrecking' multiple properties, according to the New York Post A broker claimed Justin would through raucous parties with many more guests than initially stipulated; Justin (L) is pictured with (LR) father Sean 'Diddy' Combs and brothers Christian Combs and Quincy Taylor Brown in 2020 in Beverly Hills The publication clarified that there's no indication of any of the disturbing behaviors alleged to have happened at his father's debauched 'freak off' parties. However, Justin appears to paint a picture of himself as someone who knows how to have a good time, as his Instagram account is peppered with pictures and videos of him taking shots of DeLeon tequila. Diddy and the liquor giant Diageo had formed a joint venture to purchase the tequila brand back in 2013, but in May of last year the rapper sued Diageo for allegedly failing to properly promote the tequila label, which he attributed to racism. In January of this year, Diageo settled the lawsuit with Combs and took full ownership of DeLeon tequila. Justin's posts with the liquor appear to predate the legal action between his father and the liquor conglomerate. In a statement to the post, Justin's attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, clarified that 'Justin has not been charged with a crime or sued civilly regarding any of these accusations for a reason he did nothing wrong.' In the indictment against Justin's father, Diddy is accused of flying sex workers from around the globe to his drug-fueled orgies, which could last for days. He allegedly arranged and directed the sex parties, while masturbating throughout the performance and supplied women drugs such as ecstasy, ketamine and BHB to keep them energized, federal prosecutors said. They source claimed they had personally turned down Justin after he allegedly messed up party mansions. His attorney said he had done 'nothing wrong' and noted Justin had never been sued or criminally charged Justin (seen attending his dad's bail hearing in September in NYC with brother Christian Combs) is also being sued for allegedly failing to pay for a leased Bentley, according to InTouch. His lawyer said it was a misunderstanding after bills were allegedly sent to the wrong address Although Justin's parties were allegedly wild, there's no indication that they included any of the sordid behaviors his father Diddy is accused of engaging in at his 'freak off' parties; pictured in 2022 in Las Vegas The document added: 'After freak offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use'. Prosecutors said that the music mogul's employees covertly booked hotel rooms for the 'freak offs,' while stocking them with baby oil, lubricant and extra bed sheets. Authorities allegedly discovered over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant in his homes while searching them earlier this year. Agents also uncovered three AR-15 rifles with defaced serial numbers in his Miami bedroom closet, but the weapons has been 'broken down into parts, along with magazines with ammunition loaded in them.' It comes after Combs was involved in the gunpoint kidnapping of someone in 2011. Prosecutors also claimed that Diddy would pay male sex workers hired for the parties, but not female participants, whom he allegedly beat and threatened with financial ruin if they refused to participate in his sordid parties. Diddy's son Justin has also has legal issues related to automobiles. According to InTouch, Porsche Leasing LTD filed suit against him for $190,000 after he allegedly failed to pay the bills for a Bentley he had leased from the organization. Lichtman described the lawsuit as the result of a mixup, as the bills were allegedly sent to the wrong address and never made their way to Justin 'The outstanding balance will be paid and the lawsuit will be dropped,' Lichtman said. Although a source said the case could be dismissed in a matter of days, Porsche Leasing appears to be continuing for now, and it says it has the right to repossess the car. Susie O'Neill had an emotional farewell on Thursday morning as she hosted her final ever episode of Nova's Brisbane breakfast show. The Olympic swimmer-turned presenter appeared live from a special riverside venue for her final day on Ash, Luttsy & Susie after announcing she would be quitting the show. In footage shared to Instagram, Susie, 51, became tearful as she read the weather one final time over the airwaves alongside her co-stars Ashley Bradnam and David 'Luttsy' Lutteral. Susie, who has been a DJ at Nova for more than 10 years, told her colleagues how much she was going to miss them as she became overwhelmed with emotion. She also revealed her exciting new career plans as she teased that she has some exciting projects in the pipeline. 'I said I wanted to stay with the Nova family and yes, I will be. I'm still going to have a gap year,' Susie began. Susie O'Neill had an emotional farewell on Thursday morning as she hosted her final ever episode of Nova's Brisbane breakfast show The Olympic swimmer-turned presenter appeared live for her final day on Ash, Luttsy & Susie at a special riverside venue alongside co-stars Ashley Bradnam and David 'Luttsy' Lutteral 'But I've signed up to do some podcasts and fill-in work.' After her emotional farewell, Susie managed to put on a brave face as she got to work operating the DJ deck at the event. She rocked her best angles in a black Nova tee and white sunglasses as she made the most of her final ever episode of the program. Nova have already revealed who will be replacing fan favourite Susie on the breakfast program. On Wednesday, the radio network announced that controversial comedian Nikki Osborne will be a new addition to the Nova 106.9 Brisbane breakfast team. The brand new show, titled Ash, Luttsy & Nikki Osborne, will see the popular writer and comedian join Ash Bradnam and David 'Luttsy' Lutteral in 2025. The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star, 43, said she has 'big flippers to fill', referencing Susie's career in the pool, but said she was 'confident' Brisbane will embrace her. 'Sure, I get in trouble a bit, but Ive got two big brothers in Ash and Luttsy and I have no doubt theyll steer me even further off course,' she said. She also revealed her exciting new career plans as she teased that she has some exciting projects in the pipeline and hopes to stay working with Nova Last month, Susie broke down in tears as she announced her shock resignation from her Brisbane breakfast show. The presenter tearfully told her Ash, Luttsy & Susie listeners she was immediately stepping down. 'I do this with a heavy heart, the decision wasn't easy. It's hard for me to articulate exactly why I'm leaving,' Susie began. 'Turning 50 last year, I realised I'm at a whole new stage in my life. The next chapter will see me pursue other goals, professionally and personally.' Susie added that she already had some ideas about what the future holds for her. 'I want to get back to the grassroots of sport and involve myself in the wider community. It's going to be an emotional final day, saying goodbye to everyone,' she said. 'Whatever this next chapter brings, my Nova family won't be far away.' She went on to praise her co-hosts Ash and Luttsy for being so encouraging over the years. Since 2013, she has been a regular on Nova, first as a sportscaster and later as a host alongside breakfast team Ashley Bradnam, Kip Wightman and David Lutteral. A gifted swimmer, Susie rose to fame at 14, joining the Olympic team and going on to score 35 Australian titles. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson have been confronted with a host of lookalikes. The radio hosts met a lineup of people who resembled Jackie, 49, and Kyle, 53, on Thursday's episode of The Kyle and Jackie O Show. The breakfast radio show was taking part in a trend of celebrity impersonation that has gone viral recently. However, Kyle was surprised at how beautiful all the different Jackies were. 'I was thinking there would be fat Jackie from 2022, or drug addicted Jackie? But no, I think they're all quite lovely. A parade of Jackie O Henderson clones of different ages streamed into the studio, surprising the hosts with how closely they resembled the radio queen. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson have been confronted with a host of lookalikes. The radio hosts met a lineup of people who resembled Jackie, 49, and Kyle, 53, on Thursday's episode of the Kyle and Jackie O Show. Both pictured with their lookalikes However, Kyle was disappointed that there were more Jackie than Kyle doppelgangers. 'Only two blokes look like me. I suppose when you're plain like Jackie, every b***h looks like you, but when you're rocking around like me, it's few and far between,' the shock jock joked However, Kyle was disappointed that there were more Jackie than Kyle doppelgangers. 'Only two blokes look like me. I suppose when you're plain like Jackie, every b***h looks like you, but when you're rocking around like me, it's few and far between,' the shock jock joked. Of the two Kyle impersonators, a man named Jaime won the $1000 prize money, while a woman named Chloe won the Jackie category. The breakfast radio hosts lookalike contest comes as a trend for celebrity impersonators sweeps the globe. Earlier this month, more than 50 Jeremy Allen White lookalikes descended on Humboldt Park in Chicago to show off their resemblance to The Bear actor. Ben Shabad, 37, was officially crowned as the most convincing lookalike in front of the hundreds of attendees who watched the competition. Video footage captured the massive crowd chanting the actor's name and hoisting Ben up into the air upon his victory. Earlier this month, more than 50 Jeremy Allen White lookalikes descended on Humboldt Park in Chicago to show off their resemblance to The Bear actor. Pictured: Winner Ben Shabad Just weeks earlier, Timothee Chalamet had sparked pandemonium among his fans in New York by unexpectedly showing up to his own lookalike contest Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island college senior, was ultimately crowned the winner and tossed candy from a briefcase while dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit upon his victory 'I'm so happy,' Ben, a mental health therapist said. 'This is the coolest thing I've done all week.' Just weeks earlier, Timothee Chalamet sparked pandemonium among his fans in New York by unexpectedly showing up to his own lookalike contest. Flanked by bodyguards, the actor posed for photographs with his curly-haired doppelgangers - some of whom had dressed as his characters, including Willy Wonka and Dune protagonist Paul Atreides. Fans had traveled from as far as St Louis, Missouri and River Falls, Wisconsin for the wacky competition, where the best lookalike won $50. Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island college senior, was ultimately crowned the winner and tossed candy from a briefcase while dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit upon his victory. The frenzied event, advertised on flyers around New York, was one of several doppelganger competitions hosted by YouTube personality Anthony Po. Minutes after the competition began - and before the real Timothee made his entrance - police ordered the large group to disperse from Washington Square Park. Organisers were slapped with a $500 fine for an 'unpermitted costume contest', and at least one doppelganger was dragged away in handcuffs as the crowd screamed: 'Let him go!' Witnesses and competitors told DailyMail.com the scenes that unfolded were 'insane'. 'The people filming it and the people reacting to the cops became another layer of spectacle. It was just absurd,' one said. Jackie O Henderson and Pip Edwards have started the festive season early. The two besties were seen stepping out for a holiday celebration at an upscale venue with a group of friends this week. Jackie, 49, looked smart in a white Prada sleeveless shift dress, while Pip 44, showed off her slim legs in a short skirt she matched with a cream crew neck top. The radio queen shared photos of the pre-Christmas get together to her stories. One snap features the P.E Nation founder's arms around Jackie, while the KIIS FM star rests a hand on Pip's shoulder. Another picture shows the two pals sitting together in a restaurant at a large table surrounded by friends. Jackie O Henderson and Pip Edwards have started the festive season early. (Both pictured) The radio queen shared photos of the pre-Christmas get together to her stories 'Thank you for the best Christmas dinner Sonos,' Jackie shared in the caption. It comes after Pip shared how she stood by Jackie after she revealed her battles with addiction. The radio host spoke about her years-long battle with drug and alcohol addiction for the first time in her memoir, The Whole Truth, last month. The activewear entrepreneur, 44, told Stellar Magazine that Jackie's honesty inspired her. 'I think for her it was extremely healing and it was time for her to stand in her truth. It's nothing to be ashamed of. And to all the critics out there, f*ck off. Sorry,' Pip said. 'The night Jackie released the story on radio, I went to her house to be with her and give her a big hug'. Pip says that the women are 'spiritually aligned' and share an incredibly close friendship. 'Jackie O is one of the most humble, interested, invested females I've ever met. Who she is and how she speaks, she's that on the street,' she said. Pip Edwards recently shared to Stellar Magazine how Jackie's honesty inspired her 'We're spiritually aligned, emotionally connected. It's honest. I think that really shines through in how we interact, even if it's on Instagram. I just will forever have her back.' Jackie revealed how she plans to celebrate her two years of sobriety as she marks the milestone just weeks after detailing her addiction publicly. She told how she spent 28 days in the famous rehab clinic, The Betty Ford Center, in November 2022 after struggling with addiction during the Covid lockdown. In a candid extract, Jackie revealed that at the height of her addiction, she took around 10-12 Stilnox/Ambien sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte painkillers a day. After overcoming her addiction struggles, Jackie has now told how she is marking her two years of sobriety on Thursday, November 14, in a milestone achievement. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at Marie Claire's Women of the Year Awards, Jackie revealed how she spends to mark the occasion with her friends. 'I think we will go out for dinner and celebrate, for sure,' Jackie proudly shared. Sarah's Day has confirmed she booked her newborn son Harlow in for a controversial surgery, one month after his birth. The lifestyle YouTuber, 32, whose real name is Sarah Stevenson, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the news with her 1.2million followers. 'Thank you to everyone who checked in on me last night,' she wrote in a caption over a short video of her family inside their car. 'Last night was one of our worst nights with almost zero sleep.' Sarah gave birth to her third child with her husband Kurt Tilse in late October. She already shares sons Fox, five, and Malakai, two, with Kurt, and the happy couple welcomed their newborn with an at-home labour which they documented in polaroid photographs. Influencer Sarah's Day has confirmed she booked her newborn son Harlow in for a controversial surgery, one month after his birth Sarah gave birth to her third child, baby Harlow, with her husband Kurt Tilse in late October The lifestyle Youtuber, who is religious, said she is praying to God for her son during the surgery, which she rushed him to on Thursday afternoon Sarah wrote that she had booked her baby Harlow in for a controversial lip/tongue tie surgery in three weeks' time. 'But miraculously, the surgeon contacted me and said that if we could get there within two hours then he could do it this afternoon.' A tongue-tie is when the tissue under the tongue restricts its movements and functions. Tongue-ties occur in about three per cent of babies and is a condition that can run in families. It is more commonly found in boys. In young babies it can impact their latch and ability to suck when breastfeeding, which may lead to low weight gain, according to Queensland Health. A GP can suggest a frenotomy, a surgical procedure where the lingual frenulum under the tongue the tie is released, so that the tongue can move more easily. 'Please pray for god's hand over this entire situation and this is the answer to this really challenging time and Harlow's suffering,' Sarah continued in her emotional caption. 'Things are getting worse and none of us are coping very well.' The mother-of-three, pictured giving birth to Harlow, posted to Instagram at 2.39am on Thursday saying she is at 'breaking point' because of her newborn son's bad sleep Tongue-ties occur in about three per cent of babies and is a condition that can run in families. It is more commonly found in boys. Pictured: Sarah Day's newborn She already shares sons Fox, five, and Malakai, two, with Kurt, and the happy couple welcomed their newborn with an at-home labour which they documented in film photographs In a post made on Wednesday night, Sarah confirmed that she'd taken her baby Harlow to see an osteopath, recommended by her sister, who had confirmed that he has lip and tongue ties. 'She believes this is the cause of his severe reflux, unsettled temperament, and bad sleep,' she wrote on her Stories. The influencer said she was 'crying just thinking about' the four-hourly stretches the osteopath said will need to be done on Harlow's wounds post-operation. 'I feel so overwhelmed and anxious with what to do,' she wrote. In a follow-up post made at 2.39am on Thursday morning, she said she'd been up since 11.40pm with her baby and that 'Mummy is at breaking point.' The mother-of-three confirmed in her post that she'd relied on her fans' comments and messages to ultimately make her decision to go ahead with the surgery. 'Thank you so much for all of your comments and positive experiences with all of your bubs' lip and tongue tie releases,' she wrote. 'I think I'll go ahead with the lip-tongue tie release procedure I booked for in three weeks' time. I'm at breaking point and need solutions now. ' GPs and researchers believe there is a 'serious problem' In a bizarre conclusion, she wrote, 'Gosh this is not enjoyable right now and makes me so sad I am wishing his newborn life away.' In 2020, the Australian College of Midwives, the Australian Dental Association and 12 other medical associations made a joint statement urging families to seek professional advice to 'ensure a restricted frenum is actually causing a baby's problems'. That's because of a sharp increase in the rate of claims for Medicare frenotomy items, which doctors and researchers say has outstripped the two to 10 per cent of the population affected by the issue. According to Medicare data, there were nearly 53,000 frenectomies in Australia from 2006 to 2016, with the rate rising from 1.22 per 1000 to 6.35 per 1000 children in that decade. The real number is likely higher because these figures don't include procedures in public hospitals or those by dentists. Douglas, who contributed to researching the increase in claims, believes there are 'serious problems with overdiagnosis and overtreatment' of tongue-ties in Australia. Samantha Armytage has hinted that she may be ready for another four legged friend. The incoming Channel Nine star tragically lost her faithful companion Banjo in February after he was bitten by a snake. And it appears Sam, 48, may be in puppy love again after spending a dog day afternoon with sister Georgina in Sydney. Sam took to her Instagram stories on Thursday to share a series aof adorable images that showed the sisters palling around with a playful pooch at a Guide Dogs NSW pop up shop in Paddington. One photo showed Sam, beaming broadly with a twinkle in her eye, resting her head on the adorable pooch, called Ginger, as Georgina cuddled the dog tightly. It appeared that Georgina was keen to take Ginger home, making Sam a dog aunt, with the television host captioning the image: 'Georgie Armytage, home!' Samantha Armytage has hinted that she may be ready for another four legged friend after tragically losing her beloved dog Banjo in February And it appears Sam, 48, may be in puppy love again after spending a dog day afternoon with sister Georgina in Sydney A second image showed Georgina clearly bonding with the cute critter, holding the dog tight as she smiled blissfuly with her eyes closed. And judging by the look in Sam's eye, a new, four legged addition to her family could be in the not-too-distant future. Sam took to Instagram in February to share the heartbreaking news that Banjo died. She said the family believed the adorable pooch was bitten by a snake while staying with her father near Wagga Wagga. She shared a gallery of pictures of herself posing with the six-year-old Labrador Retriever as she looked back on her precious memories with the him. In a caption, she shared a quote from Winnie the Pooh as she paid tribute to her pet. 'How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,' she wrote. 'Three weeks ago yesterday, I said goodbye to my darling boy, Banjo. My heart is completely broken. Sam took to her Instagram stories on Thursday to share a series aof adorable images that showed the sisters palling around with a playful pooch at a Guide Dogs NSW pop up shop in Paddington One photo showed Sam, beaming broadly with a twinkle in her eye, resting her head on the adorable pooch, called Ginger, as Georgina cuddled the dog tightly 'He was my best mate, my baby & my shadow.. & I don't know what I'm going to do without him. 'He has gone before his time - he was staying with dad near Wagga, & we think he may have been bitten by a snake. 'It was very sudden and I want to thank our vet who fought so, so hard to save him. We are all so sad. 'There is another star in heaven these days. Vale Banjo.' Her fans were quick to take to the comments section to share their condolences with the TV star. The former Sunrise co-host - who is married to equestrian businessman Richard Lavender - first brought Banjo home back in 2016. Samantha often shared glimpses at her life with her beloved pooch to her Instagram page. The television veteran announced she was leaving Channel Seven in August after 21 years at the network. Sam took to Instagram in February to share the heartbreaking news that Banjo died Samantha often shared glimpses at her life with her beloved pooch to her Instagram page The former Farmer Wants A Wife star has since moved to Nine where she will host the network's Aussie Bachelor spin-off series The Golden Bachelor. In her new position at Nine, she will also become a 'fill in' presenter on Today while regular hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo go on leave over the summer. Once the host of Seven's rival breakfast show Sunrise, Sam will be co-hosting with Weekend Today star Clint Stanaway, according to The Daily Telegraph. The journalist will 'wake up with Today' for a week and a half, putting her eight years anchor experience at Sunrise from 2013 until 2021 to good use in the rival hot seat. Opening up about the shock move to the Kyle and Jackie O Show earlier this month, the former Sunrise star said Nine have been 'very welcoming'. Shock jock host Kyle Sandilands kicked off the interview with a very direct question: 'What was that like when you cheated [on Seven]? Was it hard to cheat?' As Sam laughed off the comment, Kyle, 53, added: 'Did Channel Nine take you out and romance you with the dinners and the limousines?' The TV personality smoothly side-stepped the question and responded: 'Channel Nine, they have been very welcoming. Very welcoming indeed. 'It's been a really nice move for me and a very good fresh start at this age.' Indy Clinton has shared a shock family health scare that threatened to derail her appearance at the 2024 TikTok Awards. The influencer, 27, co-hosted the glittering event in Sydney on Wednesday alongside Robert Irwin, Kat Clark, and Jojo Siwa. However, a last-minute medical malady almost kept Indy at home and off the red carpet. Taking to TikTok on the eve of the awards, Indy shared a video revealing that she, husband Ben Azar, and children Navy, three, Bambi, one, and Soul, ten months, had all been struck down with a nasty case of worms. The video, that showed the young family going about their day-to-day domestic business, opened with Indy's revealing admission. 'We had a really bad sleep last night,' Indy said as she held baby Soul, before taking a breath. 'Because we all had bum worms'. Indy Clinton has shared a shock family health scare that threatened to derail her appearance at the 2024 TikTok Awards Taking to TikTok on the eve of the awards, Indy shared a video revealing that she, husband Ben Azar, and children Navy, three, Bambi, one, and Soul, ten months, had all been struck down with a nasty case of worms Continuing, Indy admitted that the entire family had trouble sleeping the previous night due to cramping. 'I had to bum worm everyone last night and now we all have cramps because the worms were...I don't know what they were doing,' Indy said before Ben interjected with: 'We've been busy.' Holding up a box of Combantrin worming medication, Indy added: 'The kids think this is Cadbury chocolate,' she said. It's a misconception she was keen to continue, too with the influencer captioning the video: 'telling my kids this is Cadbury chocolate until they're at least 12.' However, Indy pushed through her intestinal distress, eventually making it to the TikTok Awards. Speaking to Popsugar on the red carpet, she said that everyone had pulled through the ordeal unscathed. 'Everyone is happy, everyone is sleeping better,' Indy revealed. 'I was thinking on the Uber here, maybe my husband isn't grumpy. It was just the bum worms.' Despite her unfortunate pre-event circumstance, Indy was not afraid to put on a leggy display for the awards, arriving in a very short gold backless dress. 'We had a really bad sleep last night,' Indy said as she held baby Soul, before taking a breath. 'Because we all had bum worms' 'I had to bum worm everyone last night and now we all have cramps because the worms were...I don't know what they were doing,' Indy said before Ben interjected with: 'We've been busy.' Despite her unfortunate pre-event circumstance, Indy was not afraid to put on a leggy display for the awards, arriving in a very short gold backless dress. The shimmering garment, that finished at the top of the brunette beauty's thighs, showed off her perfectly toned pins. Indy also flaunted ample cleavage in the racy dress, that was finished with a floral bow at the neck. She matched her outfit with a pair of strappy, bone coloured heels and some chunky bling on her wrists. She also accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings. She left her hair to cascade freely down her well-toned back for the occasion, opting for a light rose shade on her lip, a sculpted brow and a healthy application of blush to accentuate her enviable cheekbones. The Tik Tok star exuded an air of aloof cool as she flaunted her outfit for photographers. While she managed to pose for a a couple of photos with husband Ben Azar, Indy revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she had to sneak him into the event. However, Indy pushed through her intestinal distress, eventually making itto the TikTok Awards. Despite her unfortunate pre-event circumstance, Indy was not afraid to put on a leggy display for the awards, arriving in a very short gold backless dress 'I don't have a ticket for him, so I need to somehow sneak him over the fence,' she said. 'I told him to wear his Akubra so I could spot him! Indy has more than 1.5million followers on TikTok and was crowned Australia's TikTok creator of the year in 2023. She shares three children with husband Ben Azar - son Navy, three, daughter Bambi, one, and daughter Soul, ten months. Bengaluru, Nov 28 (UNI) IBMs inaugural 'State of Sustainability Readiness Report 2024, on Thursday, revealed that nearly all Indian business leaders (98%) are planning to increase their IT investments in sustainability over the next year. The research underscores a growing recognition of the role technology plays in fostering not only environmental responsibility but also long-term business resilience (61%) and brand reputation (64%). Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India/South Asia, highlighted the significance of AI in driving sustainability, stating, "As sustainability becomes central to business growth strategies, AI is proving to be a game-changer in responsible growth." He further noted that India is emerging as a leader in AI-driven sustainability, with local businesses increasingly leveraging these technologies to meet their environmental goals. The report found overwhelming support for AIs role in achieving sustainability objectives, with 96% of Indian executives believing that AI could positively impact their sustainability efforts. This enthusiasm is reflected in the fact that 64% of Indian companies are already deploying AI technologies in their sustainability initiatives. However, the report pointed to specific challenges facing Indian businesses, particularly around water usage. Despite these hurdles, brand reputation (64%) and long-term resilience (61%) remain key drivers behind IT investments in sustainability. The study also highlighted Indias proactive stance on climate resilience, with 81% of Indian leaders adopting forward-thinking strategies. Additionally, 79% of Indian companies have established mature systems for tracking their sustainability goals through data. The report offers actionable recommendations for businesses seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Key suggestions include investing in AI tools tailored to organisational needs, such as generative AI, to reduce carbon emissions and develop sustainable business practices. It also advises organisations to use data analysis tools to bridge the perception gap between senior executives and lower-level decision-makers, ensuring alignment and visibility across sustainability initiatives. Conducted by Morning Consult between April and May 2024, the report surveyed 2,790 business leaders across 15 industries and nine countries, including India. UNI BDN SSP Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's daughter Dream Kardashian has reportedly been clashing at her elementary school with a fellow nepo baby. The eight-year-old reality star allegedly argued with the daughter of The Challenge star Cory Wharton over which of them is 'more famous,' he revealed recently on MTV's Official Challenge Podcast. According to Cory, 33, he had to 'humble' his daughter Ryder, seven, when he tried to defuse the situation. Cory, who shares Ryder with his ex, Teen Mom star Cheyenne Floyd, explained that 'All [Ryder has] known is television.' 'Some more tea,' he continued. 'Ryder's in class with Dream Kardashian. And Dream and Ryder were getting into an argument about who is more famous.' He stopped to emphasize that both girls were only in 'second grade.' Dream Kardashian, eight, has been feuding at school with Cory Wharton's daughter, the Challenge star revealed on MTV's Official Challenge Podcast; Dream is pictured in September at the Zeus and Lexi Kids fashion show in NYC Dream is the daughter of Rob Kardashian (pictured) and Blac Chyna Cory wisely didn't try to determine which reality-star child was more famous, and instead urged his daughter to try to avoid the conflict in the first place. 'I'm like, "Ryder, don't you ever argue with a Kardashian,"' he joked. 'We're gonna step to the side on this argument next time.' Cory is best known for appearing on MTV's Real World and multiple seasons of its spinoff series The Challenge, as well as Teen Mom OG, on which he appeared with Ryder's mother Cheyenne Floyd. He also shares two younger daughters Mila Mae, four, and Maya Grace, two with his girlfriend Taylor Selfridge, 30. Although Dream's father Rob has largely eschewed the spotlight in recent years after his appearances on his family's first reality series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, dried up, she has remained a strong presence on social media thanks to her own Instagram account. Dream also regularly spends time with her famous aunts Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian and Kendall and Kyle Jenner and their internet-famous children. Rob's relationship with Dream's mother Blac Chyna (real name: Angela White) began in January 2016. The couple announced they were engaged in April of that year, and a month later they revealed that they were expecting a child together. Cory claimed seven-year-old Ryder (R) had been arguing with Dream at school about who was more famous. 'I'm like, "Ryder, don't you ever argue with a Kardashian,"' he joked Dream's mom Blac Chyna (L) began dating Rob in January 2016 and got engaged in April. Dream was born in November 2016, but the two split a month later and were onoff for much of 2017 before splitting for good; seen in May in LA Dream arrived in November 2016, but the couple had split by the following month. Rob and Chyna had a tumultuous 2017 with multiple apparent reunions and altercations, including one incident in which she allegedly held a loaded gun near him. Later in 2017, Rob posted nude photos of his ex as part of a social media post in which he also accused her of infidelities and drug use. Chyna later sued Rob's mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney, Kim and Khloe (though Kim was eventually dropped from the lawsuit) for allegedly harming her reputation and leading to the cancellation of her reality series Rob & Chyna. A jury eventually ruled against Blac Chyna in 2022, though she vowed to appeal the decision. Elyse Knowles was the picture of radiant motherhood when she stepped out in Byron Bay on Thursday. The Block star is just days away from welcoming her third child with fiance Josh Barker, with the couple already sharing two sons Sunny, three, and Zali, one. But it appeared that Elyse was keen for some alone time before the impending arrival, enjoying the sunny Byron Bay climate solo. Stepping out to grab a quick coffee, Elyse's growing baby bump was on full display. She wore a plain black singlet that barely concealed her precious cargo while also showing off her svelte and well toned arms. She also wore a pair of elastic-waisted black shorts that also gave her trim pins a proper airing. Elyse Knowles was the picture of radiant motherhood when she stepped out in Byron Bay on Thursday The Block star is just days away from welcoming her third child with fiance Josh Barker, with the couple already sharing two sons Sunny, three, and Zali, one Elyse had previously revealed that she was suffering from painful varicose veins during the pregnancy, but there were no signs of the condition as she happily strolled in the Byron Bay sun. Elyse finished her day trip ensemble with a pair of comfortable looking white slides and a pair of black sunglasses which sat perched on her head. Going makeup-free for the outing, Elyse also opted to tie her long blonde locks back for the 'me date.' Josh and Elyse, who rose to fame when they were crowned winners of The Block in 2017, welcomed Sunny in February 2021. They announced the birth of their first child shortly after revealing they had secretly become engaged. The former reality stars moved from Melbourne to Byron Bay in 2019 seeking a quieter life. In May 2020, they purchased a $2.3million beach house in the New South Wales coastal town, which they renovated. Elyse revealed to Stellar magazine that she was crippled by anxiety following the birth of her son, Sunny. Stepping out to grab a quick coffee, Elyse wore a plain black singlet that barely concealed her precious cargo while also showing off her svelte and well toned arms. 'I got quite anxious leaving home for the first time. My heart was racing. I didn't know if I could do it,' she told the publication. 'Having [Sunny], having our dogs and getting out there... And Sunny was screaming in the car and it made me quite scared.' 'I found it hard to breathe and I had to tell myself, "It's fine, what could go wrong? Everyone has babies... you just have to go for it," she added. 'It took a couple of times to feel confident. But I'm not going to lie, it was hard at the start.' She also told Body+Soul Magazine that she and Josh avoid using mobile phones around Sunny. 'I don't want him picking it up. I don't want him playing on it at all,' the media personality said. Josh and Elyse have been together for nine years, and engaged for two, but are yet to marry. The reality star shared the exciting announcement that she was expecting for the third time in June, sharing a series of snaps from a recent family holiday in Fiji. Josh and Elyse have been together for nine years, and engaged for two, but are yet to marry The reality star shared the exciting announcement that she was expecting for the third time in June, sharing a series of snaps from a recent family holiday in Fiji Elyse displayed her growing baby bump in a series of bikini photos with her two sons. 'Omg Wowowow. You do it so effortlessly!' MAFS star Martha Kalifatidis added. Another follower wrote: 'Such a beautiful growing tribe you are!!! Happy for you guys.' 'I cannot wait for another little human to join the fammmmm,' one fan mentioned. Guy Ritchie's big-budget TV set in London has been robbed a second time, with thieves said to have stolen 1million worth of camera kit. The British director, 56, is said to be furious that robbers came back again on set of his Paramount+ project The Associate, starring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. Guy has reportedly brought in different security to 'tighten things up' after sacking the previous firm, to ensure another break in will be prevented. An insider told The Sun: 'These guys are scum and after the first robbery they came back and did it all over again. The second time around they made off with camera lenses and some kit that was worth massive money. 'They'll be making a lot of cash if they can somehow sell it on. The fact the production has been caught out twice makes a total mockery of the security firm and they have been given their marching orders. 'The Associate is being filmed in and around the city streets and naturally there are risks, but this is hugely embarrassing. Guy is confident it won't throw filming off but it's been a hard lesson for everyone involved.' Guy Ritchie's, 56, big-budget TV set in London, for his Paramount+ project The Associate, has been robbed a second time, with thieves said to have stolen 1million worth of camera kit Guy has reportedly brought in different security to 'tighten things up' after sacking the previous firm, to ensure another break in will be prevented MailOnline have contacted Guy's representatives for a comment. The first robbery took place while production crew and security were on site in London. Two men in Toyota Prius supposedly distracted people by asking for directions before speeding off with the expensive equipment. Speaking about the incident, a source told The Sun: 'Their questions distracted people and at that moment, the other bloke jumped out and grabbed a bag of camera equipment that was on the side of the road. 'He jumped back in the car and they sped off. The security guards started going bananas because they'd basically been robbed in broad daylight. It was pretty embarrassing and a costly mistake. The kit on those films isn't cheap.' Plans for Guy's new series were first revealed this year, with the Lock Stock director signing up Helen and Pierce to star in it. The synopsis says it will follow the story of 'two generations of gangsters, the businesses they run, the complex relationships they weave, and the man they call upon to fix their problems'. Guy will be counting on the show to be a hit following the success of his drama The Gentleman, which was released earlier this year. The upcoming series stars Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan Guy will be counting on the show to be a hit following the success of his drama The Gentleman, which was released earlier this year (pictured Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass and Theo James as Eddie Horniman) Back in July, he broke record views on Netflix with the hit series after it reached 44million views in just four weeks. It seems Netflix bosses are eager to bring a sequel to screens - potentially reuniting the main stars which include Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Ray Winstone, as well as Daniel Ings and Vinnie Jones. The action comedy show is reportedly 'already in talks to deliver a second series' - as 'Netflix chiefs are keen for a sequel'. 'It's going to be quite a challenge getting the same actors back together, but Netflix chiefs are keen for a sequel,' a source told The Sun. 'Another hurdle will be securing Guy for the series as he already has several movie projects in the pipeline this year. But the success of series one has already convinced them there's huge potential for a follow-up.' Amber Gill has shared her devastation following the funeral of her best friend Irene Roozbayani who died after being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. The former Love Island star, 27, said she 'doesn't know if she will ever recover' from the loss of her close friend, who she said was 'one of her inner circle' in a heartbreaking tribute shared to her Instagram page on Wednesday evening. Hundreds of mourners turned out at a Newcastle crematorium on Monday to pay tribute to 'inspirational' make-up artist and influencer Irene. Sharing her thoughts following the service, Amber chose to speak publicly about the 'hole in her world' that Amber has left behind. She said: 'I usually keep my personal life relatively private. But this has left a huge hole in my world. Irene is one of my inner circle. 'One of very few people that knows every single thing about me. I don't even have any nice words because I'm still heartbroken. I'm not even sure if any of what I'm writing will make sense. Amber Gill has shared her devastation following the funeral of her best friend Irene Roozbayani who died after being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer Hundreds of mourners turned out at a Newcastle crematorium on Monday to pay tribute to 'inspirational' make-up artist and influencer Irene The former Love Island star, 27, said she 'doesn't know if she will ever recover' from the loss of her close friends who she said was 'one of her inner circle', in a heartbreaking tribute shared to her Instagram page on Wednesday evening 'We said our final goodbyes to Irene yesterday. I'm not sure if I'll ever recover. What a reality check to value the people you love whilst they are here.' Irene, from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, passed away on November 7 after being diagnosed with the disease back in April. Tributes poured in following the death of the beloved make-up artist, described as a 'loyal friend' and 'always happy' by loved ones. Irene's heartbroken father, Yousef Rouzbayani, described his daughter as 'very generous, happy, and always liked to make people laugh'. He said: 'Everybody loved her and she was so friendly, always introducing me to new friends that she had made as she grew up. 'She had expensive taste, I remember that, but I think this really helped her in her career. I have lost the person that was always in my heart, and I will never forget her.' On the night Irene passed away, Mr Rouzbayani 'cuddled and spoke' to his daughter. He added: 'Even though she couldn't speak back to me, I saw a tear in her eye. I want the people who knew here to remember her for the person that she was, and I miss her so much.' Irene, from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, passed away on November 7 aged just 41 after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at the beginning of the year The influencer and make-up artist had worked with the likes of Charlotte Tilbury (pictured) Tributes have poured in following the death of the beloved make-up artist (pictured, centre), described as a 'loyal friend' and 'always happy' by loved ones Speaking to Chronicle Live, Irene's friend Helena Ganley said: 'Irene always had time to make you feel special, and she always treated you like you were the only person in the room. 'She loved children so much, giving them attention and putting some lip gloss on the little girls, and she was loved and adored by everyone.' Born in Scotland to Iranian parents, Irene later moved to South Shields at the age of five. In the years that followed, Irene would put her skills and passion for make-up to incredible use as she began wielding an impressive career from the moment she took on her first make-up job at MAC. She later went on to work in the wedding industry by specialising in bridal make-up, before leaving to join Charlotte Tilbury at Fenwick in Newcastle, just as the now-global brand was on the rise. It wasn't long before Irene built up an extraordinary career that enabled her to travel the globe and work with a host of notable designers, including Vivienne Westwood, while gaining thousands of followers online. Helena said: 'Her name was a brand, she was very highly regarded and when people booked her, they weren't just getting make-up, they were getting her as a whole person. 'She did so much to make people feel comfortable, and she was kind and funny which put people at ease on their big day.' Irene worked in the wedding industry by specialising in bridal make-up, before leaving to join Charlotte Tilbury Despite undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, brave Irene continued to work throughout treatment Irene's heartbroken father, Yousef Rouzbayani, described his daughter as 'very generous, happy, and always liked to make people laugh' Irene built up an extraordinary career that enabled her to travel the globe and work with a host of notable designers, including Vivienne Westwood, while gaining thousands of followers online Sadly, Irene's high-flying life took a tragic turn when she was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at the start of the year. By the time she was diagnosed, the disease had already spread throughout her body. Posting on Instagram, Irene's friend Alex said she received the devastating news of her diagnosis while they were staying in the Marriott Hotel. Alex said Irene put up 'one hell of a fight' throughout the seven-month battle, in which she 'maintained a positive outlook and took on every challenge with such grace'. On finding out, Helena said the pair 'looked at each other and burst out crying' when she visited Irene for the first time time in hospital. She added: 'She was so positive throughout, taking everything in her stride, and she is the bravest person for dealing with it all.' Despite undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, brave Irene continued to work throughout treatment because she didn't want to upset or let her customers down. Helena explained how Irene 'adored going to work,' and the make-up artist would often arrive to bookings earlier than arranged so she'd 'get a chance to speak to everyone.' She continued: 'Right at the end, she spent eight days at Marie Curie, and even there she remained positive, and the staff were amazing with her.' Described by Helena as a 'loyal friend, so receptive and insightful,' Irene quickly cemented her place in friendship groups as the one who would arrive fashionably late to gettogethers, but nobody would mind as 'that was just her.' She added: 'We could just talk on the phone for hours, effortlessly. When my little girl was born, she showered her with gifts and kisses, and she was the greatest godmother you could ask for.' Robert Irwin has debuted a surprising new look. The Australian wildlife warrior has ditched his Australia Zoo khakis and turned up the heat on the latest cover of Stellar magazine. In the striking cover shot, Irwin, 20, dons a deep burgundy button-up shirt, left partially unbuttoned to reveal a hint of his chest He pairs the look with high-waisted black trousers and a polished leather belt. His blond hair was styled in a tousled, carefree manner, while his intense gaze added to the smouldering vibe of the shoot. The transformation showcased a grown-up and confident side of the I'm A Celebrity host, signalling his readiness to step into a broader spotlight. Robert Irwin has debuted a surprising new look. The Australian wildlife warrior has ditched his Australia Zoo khakis and turned up the heat on the latest cover of Stellar magazine In the striking cover shot, Irwin, 20, dons a deep burgundy button-up shirt, left partially unbuttoned to reveal a hint of his chest The accompanying cover line reads: 'A grown up conversation with Robert Irwin'. The cover sparked a wave of admiration on social media, with fans quick to comment on Irwin's newfound sophistication. 'Great to see this look for him !,' one user wrote, while another declared, 'Hot with a bit of Glen Powell vibes'. It comes as Robert gave A-List guests a huge fright at the 2024 TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, when he unleashed his huge python. The celebrity conservationist, who was hosting the event at the Hordern Pavillion, had guests looking worried when he brought out an enormous non-venomous snake and showed it to the crowd. Robert switched out of the dapper all-black getup he wore onstage into his trademark khakis, as he hopped onto the floor and introduced the reptile to the celebrity guests. 'My snake is nice and chill and smooth! Isn't she gorgeous? It's Tinker Bell, give it up for her everyone!' Robert told the terrified audience. 'I'm going to get my snake back to where it belongs, while we check out another award. Or are you good if I leave her here with you?' he then asked a frightened guest. 'Okay... Maybe not,' Robert responded, upon seeing her frightened reaction. It comes as Robert gave A-List guests a huge fright at the 2024 TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, when he unleashed his huge python Robert, Indy Clinton and Kat Clark took on hosting duties on the night, which celebrates TikTok's most iconic and viral moments of the year. TikTokers Bridey Drake, Maddy Macrae, Jojo ASMR, Elle Ray and Josh and Matt Design were among the social media stars in attendance. The exclusive event presented 13 awards in 2024, including Creator of the Year which went to Bride Drake, Music Artist of the Year which was snapped up by Roel Otis and Video of the Year, won by Leah Halton. Attendees were also treated to a performance by US pop star Jojo Siwa. Martine McCutcheon has taken a brutal swipe at her ex Jack McManus in a series of cryptic Instagram post, after the couple ended their 18-year marriage earlier this year. The EastEnders star, 48, shared a series of quotes on her Stories, and captioned one by vowing to 'keep the faith and look forward' in the wake of her marital split. In one pointed post, Martine re-shared a quote which read: 'Sometimes, healing means telling people to f**k off,' with the caption: 'Absobloodylutely!' She went onto share a poem, which said: 'And all this time, you thought you were falling apart, you didn't realise you were actually putting yourself back together.' Alongside it she wrote: 'For anyone who needs this, keep the faith. Look forward - not back... and smile... you WILL be OK... Maybe even better than OK.' Martine recently revealed she lost her sense of self during her relationship and opened up about how she is learning to love herself again. Martine McCutcheon has taken a brutal swipe at her ex Jack McManus in a series of cryptic Instagram post, after the couple ended their 18-year marriage earlier this year In August, the EastEnders star revealed she'd been dumped by her husband Jack after 18 years together She explained that she was trying to remind herself that she was enough after a difficult year. The Love Actually star also explained that she had previously felt pressured to live up to other people's standards and was now much happier 'saying no' and being herself. Speaking on The Showercast podcast, Martine said: 'I was always enough, I was always loveable, I didn't have to be all those things I thought needed to be. 'I definitely think that everybody thinks that their version of you is the right version of you and that's not just something that happens when you're well known or you're in the public eye. It can happen within families.' The star went on to explain that she had felt molded by other people's expectations of her and had previously been branded 'difficult'. She said: 'They can project onto you that you're the difficult one, or you're the black sheep of the family, or you're the star, or you're the one that keeps everything together. 'And I would just say to myself and to anybody that I loved that you're more than anybody else's projections of you, any lazy labels. 'That might be their favourite part of you or favourite version of you but you're more than one thing. You're complex, you're complicated, you're multi-faceted and you owe it to yourself to be all of you, no apologies.' In one pointed post, Martine re-shared a quote which read: 'Sometimes, healing means telling people to f**k off,' with the caption: 'Absobloodylutely!' She went onto share a cryptic poem, alongside a caption vowing that she was 'looking forward, not back' Martine's comments come after she revealed her husband Jack had left her after 18 years together - days after she wrote a heartfelt birthday tribute for him in August. Discussing her struggles in the wake of the split, Martine admitted anxiety made her a 'recluse'. She recalled she was feeling as if she was 'losing her mind' as she was overcome by 'huge fear' while dealing with perimenopause symptoms. Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Womans Hour, Martine revealed: 'I didnt want to answer my phone. 'I didnt want to answer the front door, go outside and I would panic out of nowhere and have to pull over when I was driving because I felt this huge fear and couldnt breathe. 'I genuinely felt I was losing my mind. I didnt know if I really was or if it was something that was perimenopausal.' She added: 'It would just come on out of nowhere and when I spoke to my specialist about it she said, "You know this is sadly the case for many women".' The couple married in 2012 in Italy's picturesque Lake Como, five years after they started dating. Martine's comments come after she revealed her husband Jack had left her after 18 years together - days after she wrote a heartfelt birthday tribute for him in August Elsewhere in the podcast Martine revealed she was 'told I would never be able to have children' as she opened up about becoming a mother to her son Rafferty. Martine said holding Rafferty for the first time 'topped everything' she had ever done in her career or life before that moment. The actress explained how she 'always felt like being a mother would be the making of her' and after meeting her bundle of joy for the first time she felt 'no love like it'. Speaking on the wellness podcast, Martine said: 'The thing that topped everything was holding my son for the first time. I was told I would never be able to have children and I always felt like being a mother would be the making of me.' Great British Bake Off runner up Dylan Bachelet has wowed his new bosses at a Michelin star fine dining restaurant with his humble and down-to-earth approach. The pastry prodigy was a firm favourite to win this years competition but lost out to Welsh paedriatic nurse Georgie Grasso after cracking under the pressure in the final challenges. But fans of the show were relieved to find out yesterday that the 20-year-old had landed his dream job as a chef at a trendy restaurant The Five Fields in west London's exclusive Chelsea area. Dylan started the job just weeks ago after wrapping up filming for Bake Off and simply told colleagues he had been a contestant - giving no indication of how well he had done. Restaurant manager Matthew told MailOnline: 'We were very shocked. We had no idea when he applied how well he had done, all he listed was that he was a Great British Bake Off contestant, he didnt say how well he had done. 'He started working here a few weeks ago and he has kept his cards very close to his chest and none of us had any idea how far along he had gone. Great British Bake Off runner up Dylan Bachelet, 20, has wowed his new bosses at a Michelin star fine dining restaurant with his humble and down-to-earth approach The pastry prodigy was a firm favourite to win this years competition but lost out to Welsh paedriatic nurse Georgie Grasso after cracking under the pressure in the final challenges But fans of the show were relieved to find out yesterday that he had landed his dream job as a chef at a trendy restaurant The Five Fields in west London's exclusive Chelsea area The manager added that he is very charming and the restaurant had been overwhelmed by the reaction to Dylans success. The Five Fields is a cosy modern British restaurant with around a dozen tables that has been operating from the heart of Chelsea since 2013. Using ingredients sourced from their own farm in East Sussex, menus change week on week depending on what seasonal produce is available. The upmarket restaurant, with an extensive wine list, offers a set menu for 80 per head. Starters this week included oysters, scallops or lobster, while mains include duck, deer and cod. Diners were then offered a pear tart to finish alongside a creme fraiche ice cream. A tasting menu for 170 per person is also available offering 12 different dishes, which can be served with a wine pairing. Over the last decade it has won countless awards for its innovative approach, including Squaremeals Restaurant of the Year, four AA Rosettes and its one Michelin star. Bake Off viewers were relieved to learn Dylan landed his dream job following a disastrous final episode. Following a near perfect run on the show including two star baker awards, Dylan crumbled during the show's grand finale on Tuesday night. Dylan started the job just weeks ago after wrapping up filming for Bake Off and simply told colleagues he had been a contestant - giving no indication of how well he had done The Five Fields is a cosy modern British restaurant with around a dozen tables that has been operating from the heart of Chelsea since 2013 After Dylan secured his place in the final, the restaurant shared a post about the budding chef, and wrote: 'Huge congratulations to our own @DylanBachelet_ for making it through to Great British Bake Off 2024 finals this week! Restaurant manager Matthew told MailOnline: 'We were very shocked. We had no idea when he applied how well he had done, all he listed was that he was a Great British Bake Off contestant, he didnt say how well he had done' 'He started working here a few weeks ago and he has kept his cards very close to his chest and none of us had any idea how far along he had gone' Dylan was lauded by the judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, throughout the series for his innovative flavours and flawless presentation The pressure of the final proved too much for the retail assistant who delivered less than impressive scones and came in last place in the technical Dylan was lauded by the judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, throughout the series for his innovative flavours and flawless presentation. However, the pressure of the final proved too much for the former retail assistant, who delivered less than impressive scones and came in last place in the technical. Fans admitted they were watching the last episode from behind their hands as Dylan and the other finalists approached the final showstopper. But it wasn't meant to be for Dylan, as he failed to impress with his 'gravity defying' floating cake inspired by the Italian town of Murano, as he delivered a 'lumpy' and 'concertinaed' sponge. After Dylan secured his place in the final, the restaurant shared a post about the budding chef, and wrote: 'Huge congratulations to our own @DylanBachelet_ for making it through to Great British Bake Off 2024 finals this week! 'Dylan has been very good at not letting on how well he has done so we are all cheering him on each episode. We couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments!! Delighted fans shared their thoughts on Dylan's new job following his disappointing run in the final.' They said: 'ARE YOU JOKING THAT BAKE OFF FINAL WAS SO CUTE AND DYLAN BECOMING A MICHELIN STAR CHEF?!! THANK YOU ALL'; 'Bitterly disappointed Dylan didn't win, we think the pressure was too much for a 20yr old, but then to read he's got a job in a Michelin Star restaurant was the icing on the Bake Off cake'; 'Dylan in a Michelin star restaurant? Who really won?'; 'Just catching up on Bake Off, no way did they give it to Georgie. Her final bake looked stunning but genuinely surprised she even made the final. Dylan was my champion for sure - such a shame he had a shocker of a final, he's been amazing throughout'; Lorraine viewers were left appalled when she flirted with Pete Wicks during an interview on Thursday's show which was branded 'pathetic, lewd and embarrassing.' The presenter, 64, even went as far as to sniff the TOWIE star, 36, and joked that she was now 'going out' with him. Joining Lorraine on her daytime TV programme, Pete and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Pryzstal, 30, were questioned over rumours of a romance between them. The reality TV personality has kept fans guessing over his love life in recent weeks, having been both linked to the professional dancer 30, and Maura Higgins, 34. Pete explained: 'Yeah, I don't think everyone thinks it. I think the press says that and they have run with it. But we have a very strong friendship and are friends for life. Flirting with him Lorraine joked that anyone he is seen near he is then thought to be 'dating'. Lorraine viewers were left appalled when she flirted with Pete Wicks during an interview on Thursday's show which was branded 'pathetic, lewd and embarrassing' Joining Lorraine on her daytime TV programme, Pete and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Pryzstal, 30, were questioned over rumours of a romance between them She exclaimed: 'You smell amazing, I am going to come and sniff you. Oh but now I have sniffed you I will be going out with you. Pete replied: 'I would love to be going out with you Lorraine. I will take you out for your birthday.' Sharing their thoughts to X, fans wrote: 'Pathetic and embarrassing to see how simpering and flirting Lorraine is with Pete Wicks. Rather than talk about his dancing, makes lewd innuendo about how well he fitted into the pink trousers. Imagine if a man went up to a woman on live TV to sniff her?' Others added: 'Imagine a male host sniffing a female guest and then saying it means theyre now dating'; 'Wedging herself firmly up Pete's arse there!'; 'Lorraine is so nauseous.' Earlier this week, the reality star revealed he has been on the receiving end of nasty death threats during his time on Strictly. He told Jowita on his Staying Relevant podcast that he had been the subject of trolling and even death threats, confessing: 'Since Strictly, there have been some real crackers. 'Someone actually wished death upon me on the dance floor the other day.' Strictly fans were shocked by Sunday's dance off as they questioned why Pete and Jowita weren't in the bottom two, with even the duo looking shocked as they sailed through to the quarter finals for Musicals week. The presenter, 64, even went as far as to sniff the TOWIE star, 36, and joked that she was now 'going out' with him Joining Lorraine on her daytime TV programme, Pete and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Pryzstal, 30, were questioned over rumours of a romance between them Flirting with him Lorraine joked that anyone he is seen near he is then thought to be 'dating' before leaning in to sniff him Sharing their thoughts to X, fans wrote: 'Pathetic and embarrassing to see how simpering and flirting Lorraine is with Pete Wicks' The reality TV personality has kept fans guessing over his love life in recent weeks, having been both linked to the professional dancer 30, and Maura Higgins, 34 The TOWIE star and his partner finished bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night, but made it through on the public vote. Instead Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas and Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe faced off in the dance off, with Jamie ultimately being sent home by the judges. The results of Sunday's show saw fans criticise the judges' decisions to 'constantly down-mark' the actor. Their closeness was also noticed by fans, with Jowita clinging onto Pete's arm after they were saved by the public. But then Pete commented on Maura's post of her eating trial: 'What a woman'. The clip was posted to Instagram by Maura's friends and family, who are running her account while she's Down Under. They edited in the viral video of Maura in Love Island, where she overhears Tom Walker, who she was coupled up with at the time on the show, making a suggestive comment before they went into the hideaway. The funny clip saw Tom quip: 'It will be interesting to see whether she's all mouth or not,' followed by Maura getting stuck into the eating challenge and joking: 'I don't think I can swallow it. First time I've said that.' Maura insisted she was still single as she prepared to make her I'm A Celebrity debut after they were pictured kissing on several occasions. When asked if she is in a relationship with Pete, Maura said: 'I'm not. I've been on dates with many people. I mean, I date, but I'm very much single. Everyone goes on dates.' Over the weekend, He wrote a smitten comment under Maura's Instagram post as she made her I'm A Celebrity arrival, sparking further speculation the two are dating After watching a clip of her doing an eating challenge in the latest Bushtucker Trial, as he took to the comments to write: 'WHAT A WOMAN' Jowita and Pete have been competing on Strictly together since September, and in recent weeks, sources have claimed they have been secretly seeing each other away from the show She added: 'It is quite scary going in later. They have all met and got to know each other. 'It's never easy being the newbie, but I am not a shy person, so I feel like I will be fine. It will be nice to bring some energy to the camp. 'I am single at the moment, but honestly no-one is going to fancy me in the jungle. Trust me!' Jowita and Pete have been competing on Strictly together since September, and in recent weeks, sources have claimed they have been secretly seeing each other away from the show and have been spotted looking cosy on car rides together. 'The chemistry between them has been pretty clear since the moment they met but the last few weeks something has changed and theyve started seeing each other away from the show,' a source told The Sun. 'Theyve tried to keep it low-key but they often travel together rather than getting separate cars to different locations. 'And theyre so tactile backstage it has become pretty obvious something is going on. Everyone is talking about the fact they seem closer than ever.' For years Lindsay Lohan was best known to most for a string of personal woes, whether it be her short-lived stints behind bars, drug arrests, or ill-fated stays in rehab. But in a move that's already been dubbed the Lohan-aissance, the actress has kickstarted her comeback in spectacular fashion, with a tactic that may come as a surprise to some - tapping into the cheesy Netflix rom-com market. The Mean Girls star, 38, has cashed in with a two-picture deal with the streaming service, after previously starring in the 2022 effort Falling For Christmas, with one critic branding it her 'best work in years.' The film's success led to Lindsay signing her new Netflix deal, beginning earlier this year with her first film Irish Wish, and continuing with another festive offering, Our Little Secret. The film, which was released on Wednesday, sees her star opposite Ian Harding and Kristin Chenoweth, and follows two contentious exes who are forced to spend Christmas together after discovering their new significant others are siblings. While her newest effort has only been available on Netflix for a matter of hours, and earned mixed reviews from critics, it has gone down a storm with die-hard fans. Lindsay Lohan has kickstarted her comeback in spectacular fashion, with a tactic that may come as a surprise to some - tapping into the cheesy Netlfix rom-com market The Mean Girls star has cashed in with a two-picture deal with the streaming service, most recently starring in the festive effort Our Little Secret Posts on X included: '#OurLittleSecret was *fantastic*. Absolutely adored it!' #OurLittleSecret I loved this movie, its. Must see. #LINDSAYLOHAN excellent performance, plus all the cast! 'Did I mention I love Christmas??? #OurLittleSecret , the 4th for the festivities, was so cute and funny. I loved the chemistry between the leads and the whole assembling cast did their job so well. Lindsay Lohan is our Movie Queen of Christmas, it's officially official now.' Lindsay went from being America's sweetheart as a Disney star to experiencing many turbulent years in the public eye - becoming a tabloid regular for her party girl ways. Headlines about her on-screen prowess and never-before-seen talent soon turned to tabloid front pages filled with less-than-savory photos of Lindsay partying alongside her industry peers and stumbling out of night clubs, while rumors about substance abuse began to emerge. Ultimately, the redhaired beauty would spend years battling addiction - leading to her own run-ins with the law, as well as numerous rehab visits - and her partying soon impacted her acting career. She was thrown off movie sets, kicked out of roles, and forced to cancel appearances, casting doubt on whether her career would ever recover. Throughout 2006 and 2007, Lindsay was often photographed enjoying wild and boozy nights out, with photographers catching her looking bleary eyed while leaving clubs in the early hours on many occasions. Then, while filming the movie Georgia Rule in early 2007, reports emerged that the actress had been sent to the hospital for 'overheating and dehydration,' but rumors quickly started to spread that her partying had actually lead to the incident. The actress spent years in and out of rehab and was plagued by legal troubles, but she is now sober and looking better than ever After a string of personal troubles, Lindsay disappeared from the limelight to start a new life in Dubai with her husband, financier Bader Shammas But she kickstarted her return to acting in 2022 with a role in Falling For Christmas, and after its success, signed a two-film deal with the streaming service In January 2007, the actress attended a 30-day rehab program. While in treatment, Lindsay continued to film the movie I Know Who Killed Me - a bizarre and creepy psychological thriller about a pair of twins (both played by Lindsay) who didn't know the other exists. By March of that year, Lindsay was arrested for drinking and driving after she crashed her Mercedes-Benz into a curb in Beverly Hills, California. She then checked herself into a treatment center, where she stayed for 45 days. However, two weeks after leaving the facility, she was arrested again for a DUI, as well as cocaine possession and driving with a suspended license. Over the course of the next four years, Lindsay spent more than 250 days in rehab and was arrested 20 different times - including four times for breaking her probation. However, she spent less than two weeks in jail in total, and was put on house arrest for 35 days from all of her legal troubles. After a string of critically-panned roles, she decided to pursue other endeavors instead. She opened a nightclub in Athens, Greece, in 2016, followed by a successful beach resort on the Greek island Mykonos. Around that time, she also decided to give up her life in Hollywood and relocate to Dubai, which she called a 'fresh start' to Emirates Women in a 2018 interview. 'Moving here was a fresh start,' she said. 'You hear more about real current events rather than celebrity gossip, which I really appreciate.' The former child star added that her lifestyle in Dubai was quite the opposite of that in LA, and that she was thoroughly enjoying stepping away from the spotlight to live a 'normal life.' She also told W: 'There's a certain calmness that I find [in Dubai]. There's no paparazzi, no cameras - that's a big deal for me.' Alongside her move to the Middle East, Lindsay also tied the knot with financier Bader Shammas, and they welcomed their first child together last year. In 2022, Lindsay kickstarted her return to acting with her role in Falling For Christmas, and it was then revealed she'd signed a new deal with Netflix to star in two more films for the streaming service. The first in Lindsay's two-picture deal, Irish Wish, hit Netflix earlier this year, and despite mixed reviews, her performance was praised for 'lighting up a scene' Our Little Secret sees Lindsay star opposite Ian Harding and Kristin Chenoweth , and follows two contentious exes who are forced to spend Christmas together While attending the premiere of Our Little Secret, Lindsay also stunned fans with her fresh-faced new transformation 'We're so happy with our collaboration with Lindsay to date, and we're thrilled to continue our partnership with her,' Netflix's Director of Independent Film Christina Rogers said. 'We look forward to bringing more of her films to our members around the world.' The first in Lindsay's two-picture deal, Irish Wish, hit Netflix earlier this year, and saw her star opposite English actor Ed Speleers and Alexander Vlahos. The film saw Lindsay star as Maddie, a book editor whose world crumbles when her secret crush gets engaged to her closest friend. After reluctantly accepting the role of bridesmaid for the wedding in Ireland, Maddie soon realizes her heart's true desire lies elsewhere. While the film earned negative reviews from critics, and was described as 'a scattering of rom-com cliches,' Variety noted that Lindsay 'hasn't lost her ability to light up a scene.' Lindsay has also filmed a sequel to Freaky Friday, called Freakier Friday, this summer with Jamie Lee Curtis who called the now-sober star 'a revelation'. While attending the premiere of Our Little Secret, Lindsay also stunned fans with her fresh-faced new transformation. Taking to X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote about Lindsay on Monday night: 'I'm obsessed with Lindsay Lohan's glowup. Another person agreed that the star was 'glowing tonight.' And someone else playfully added, 'I need to drink whatever Lindsay Lohan is drinking,' adding a heart eyes emoji. There was also a spectator who remarked, 'Ok but seriously who was the surgeon that did Lindsay Lohan's face. She looks fantastic.' Board-certified surgeon Dr. Jonathan Sykes weighed in on what cosmetic tweaks the actress might have made. He suggested that she may have treated 'pigmentary and some textural issues' in her skin to achieve her new look. 'Her skin has no dyschromias, which are pigmented areas on the skin, round spots and so forth,' he observed. Dr. Sykes also said that she may have had some Botox, but stressed that it had been done in a subtle way and not 'overdone.' And he said that it's 'likely' that Lohan had some form of rhinoplasty procedure done to get the 'perfect' nose: 'Although her nose was not unattractive, the fact that it looks perfect in recent photos suggests that she's had something done to it.' Notting Hill writer Richard Curtis has revealed that Julia Roberts refused to take part in a sequel to the 1999 beloved rom-com because her character was supposed to get divorced. The Four Weddings and a Funeral filmmaker, 68, shared that he initially proposed a storyline where her character, Anna Scott and Hugh Grant's character, William Thacker were separated, but Roberts was not keen on the idea. 'I tried doing one with Notting Hill where they were going to get divorced,' Richard said. 'Julia [Roberts] thought that was a very poor idea.' When asked about revisiting any of his previous films, the About Time director said he was satisfied with his work on Red Nose Day and Comic Relief, where he wrote mini-sequels to Love Actually. Notting Hill writer Richard Curtis has revealed that Julia Roberts refused to take part in a sequel to the 1999 beloved rom-com because her character was supposed to get divorced The actress said she was initially reluctant to accept the part because she felt 'uncomfortable' playing the hot-tempered American movie star Anna Scott 'I don't think so,' he told IndieWire. 'We did those mini-sequels to Love Actually, and those satisfied me.' The revelation follows the Pretty Woman star's admission that she was initially uncomfortable with the role of Anna Scott, almost turning it down entirely. Earlier this year, the Eat, Pray, Love actress shared her initial reluctance to take on the iconic role in Notting Hill, admitting that she almost turned down the part due to discomfort with playing a famous movie star. The Oscar winner, 57, told Vogue that she struggled with the character, who is a hot-tempered Hollywood actress. Speaking to Curtis, for Vogue's February issue, Julia said: 'Honestly, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do was [Notting Hill], playing a movie actress. I was so uncomfortable! 'I mean, we've talked about this so many times, but I almost didn't take the part because it just seemedoh, it just seemed so awkward. I didn't even know how to play that person.' Her discomfort with the character went beyond the acting, as Roberts also had issues with her costume. She said that she 'loathed' being dressed as a glamorous movie star and even took matters into her own hands for one key scene. The writer behind the beloved 1999 rom-com explained that Roberts was not fond of the initial sequel script, which involved her character divorcing Hugh Grant's character, William Thacker Julia Roberts revealed that she even asked her driver to go back to her flat and pick out an outfit from her own wardrobe for her to wear in the iconic 'I'm Just A Girl' scene (pictured) In the iconic moment where Anna rushes back to William and confesses, 'I'm just a girl,' the mother-of-three wore her own clothes instead of the movie's wardrobe. 'My driver, lovely Tommy, I sent him back to my flat that morning,' she recalled. 'I said, 'Go into my bedroom and grab this, this, and this out of my closet.' It was my own flip-flops, my cute little blue velvet skirt, a T-shirt, and my cardigan.' Despite these initial struggles, both Roberts and her co-star Hugh Grant received Golden Globe nominations for their performances. Nicole Kidman, who was also eager to take on the role of Anna Scott, admitted in 2021 that she was devastated to lose out to Roberts. 'I really wanted the role that Julia Roberts played in Notting Hill,' Kidman revealed in an interview with Marie Claire. 'But I wasn't well known enough, and I wasn't talented enough.' US colleges warn international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. The warning pertains more to changes in immigration policy that could deter students who are undocumented or have visas from being allowed to re-enter the country if they travel abroad. According to BBC, emails and advisories have been sent out, targeting especially students who are undocumented or hold visas. Many universities, such as the University of Massachusetts, MIT, and Wesleyan, have been advising their students to return from winter break early so they do not get caught up in any complications. Currently, more than 400,000 undocumented students are enrolled in US higher education, and many more attend with visas. Trump's Education Policies on International Students Trump has promised the largest deportation operation in history and has hinted that he will be strict on immigration. In his previous presidency, Trump imposed travel bans on several predominantly Muslim countries and proposed limits on student visas. Even though his new administration said that deportation of criminals and security threats are the primary focuses, students and universities are concerned about its impact on international education. Some fear that their visas would put them at risk of being denied entry back into the country or even deported. NDTV reported that universities like Yale have led webinars, while others issue advisories "out of an abundance of caution." Students from China and Japan, in particular, have been anxious, amid frayed relations with the US, asking themselves if they will be able to complete their education in the country. The same issue has been raised by students who were brought to the country as children, under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which Trump previously tried to end. But now, universities are encouraging these students to prepare for possible program changes, considering that most of the Congress are Republicans. While the exact changes in immigration policies toward Trump are vague, universities seem to take the initiative to prepare international students for this change. Returning to campus before the new policy implementation could avoid complications and safeguard the continuation of their academic journey. John Torode failed to address his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace's exit from the show as she brushed off his announcement by posting a sweaty selfie. Hours after the news broke that Gregg was stepping down from his position on the show, the TV presenter, 59, posted to his Instagram Stories on Thursday. But rather than sharing a statement about Gregg's exit, Torode instead posted a picture after a spin class at his local David Lloyd club. Torode, who was wearing a white T-shirt and with a grey towel thrown over his shoulder, smiled for the camera as he posed just moments after the gym session. He wrote: 'Another bloody great class... thank you!' John Torode failed to address his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace's exit from the show as she brushed off his announcement by posting a sweaty selfie Hours after the news broke that Gregg was stepping down from his position on the show, the TV presenter, 59, posted to his Instagram Stories on Thursday The photo came hours after it was revealed Gregg will be stepping away from MasterChef while complaints from 13 people about historical allegations of misconduct including alleged inappropriate sexual comments and jokes are investigated. Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said. Already recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, which is currently on BBC One and featuring Wallace, will transmit as planned into December. Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations, but last month it was claimed the grocer turned TV star had boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her. Wallace is yet to comment today - but at the time of the announcement this afternoon he did take to Instagram to share his recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa. In October Wallace vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman and: 'I didn't say anything sexual'. In a statement to the PA news agency, Banijay UK said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. 'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. Wallace will step away from presenting MasterChef while complaints made to the BBC from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated In October, Gregg denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show, saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman Wallace (pictured with Torode) is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said The BBC has said that it will take the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' 'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. 'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.' The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.' The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. 'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. 'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.' In October, Wallace admitted he was feeling stressed amid allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments towards women - and his fellow judge John Torode's wife alleged he 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. Wallace took to Instagram with a live video as he offered tips on healthy eating while also alluding to new allegations made against him this week. He told viewers he was 'a little bit distracted at the moment', but said he 'wanted to check in and say hello'. His social media riposte came as it emerged his MasterChef co-host John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner would think, 'I don't want to hear this', as he apparently delivered punchlines to crew of the BBC's flagship cookery show. Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy - and has opened up about her time on the show. Wallace filmed a live video message admitting he was feeling some 'stress' as newly-emerged allegations were made against him in October Actress Lisa Faulkner (centre) has said Wallace (left) repeatedly made rude jokes to MasterChef crew members - she is married to his co-host John Torode (right) Wallace has said in another Instagram video message that he has always been true to his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini - the couple are pictured here at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019 Brookside and Holby City star Faulkner told the Cheltenham Literature Festival how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was prepping her dishes. She said: 'Gregg was telling I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew. 'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, "I've got ten minutes left", and he's saying, "So this girl walked into a bar" 'And I'm going, "Please, I don't want to hear this joke".' Her husband Wallace, who was also on stage with her to promote their new book, told her: 'It's changed quite a lot really' Wallace absolutely denied claims he boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her while filming a game show - saying he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour'. An insider claims he brushed it off as 'just banter', having been reported for making 'consistent inappropriate comments' to the member of the production team while working on game show Impossible Celebrities. Faulkner has said Wallace would tell 'rude joke after rude joke' on MasterChef But taking to Instagram, Wallace hit back at the allegations in an emotional video saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna. He said: 'The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC. 'And the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. 'Despite what the newspapers are suggesting nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody. 'And the reason I say this is because of my wife Anna. I have always been true to my wife Anna and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years [since] I met her and fell in love with her. 'And it's important that, so that people don't misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife.' Wallace, who has previously spoken of losing 5st with an exercise regime, told viewers: 'I've had a fair bit of stress over the last few days, but my healthy lifestyle choices have stayed the same because that's my lifestyle. Thats what I do without thinking'. 'Does that make sense to people? I really, really hope it does. I'm a little bit distracted at the moment, you can probably tell.' Wallace went on to say: 'There are so many benefits of upping your levels of activity, so many healthy benefits. 'I'm not going to mention the newspapers at the moment I've got that coming at me left, right and centre.' He also responded to commenters including one who spoke of loving chocolate buttons, with Wallace saying: 'Chocolate buttons are lovely right now, that sugar hit, I get it. I understand.' But he added: 'I really like a mango. I really like a pineapple. I really like a bowl of blueberries. And fruit isnt full of sugar and fat. Here's the saying love food that loves you back.' The TV presenter then signed off by saying: 'I've got a really, really busy day I wanted to check in and say hello. 'If you want to make a difference to your life, really consider the choices you make.' The allegations of inappropriate comments have only now emerged amid the BBC this week launching a probe into workplace culture as bosses aim to crack down on the 'abuse of power'. Bosses at the corporation are said to have hauled the MasterChef co-host into a meeting in 2018 following allegations of 'inappropriate sexual comments' and told him to 'change his behaviour' The insider who made the claims against Wallace, which his team says are 'inaccurate', raised questions as to why he was allowed to continue presenting MasterChef. They told the Sun: 'He is said to have been boasting about his sex life with his partner at the time. At one point, Wallace was also accused of taking his top off in front of the woman which felt inappropriate. The team working on the show were said to have gone to BBC bosses to complain after being left 'mortified' by Wallace's alleged behaviour. A spokesman for the BBC told The Sun: 'Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. 'We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.' It was previously reported by the Times back in May last year that he had allegedly offended female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation. Wallace then denied that he left the BBC show Inside The Factory in March that year due to inappropriate comments made towards female staff. Gregg Wallace hit back at the latest allegations in a response on Instagram, saying he was 'madly in love' with his wife Anna Wallace quit BBC show Inside The Factory in March last year after allegations that he had been 'rude towards staff' and spoke to them in a 'derogatory manner, especially to women' Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims 'inaccurate'. The newspaper had quoted a source as saying: 'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.' The comments were reportedly non-sexual but deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show. When asked on GMB by Richard Madeley about his departure from the programme, Wallace responded by saying: 'There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn't accurate. 'There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.' 'Offending people? No, no - if you look at the headlines, you can't see a story that matches those headlines.' Gregg also revealed that he also wanted to leave to help care for his son Sid, born in 2019, who is autistic. Explaining his home situation, he said: 'I've got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies, he's got learning difficulties. Mum needed help there.' Gregg Wallace was accompanied by his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini when he received an MBE honour for services to food and charity, at Windsor Castle in February 2022 Gregg Wallace (left) and John Torode (right) have co-presented MasterChef since 2005 He revealed that the demanding nature of the filming around the different factories across the country meant that it made sense to give it up. Wallace added: 'It's completely inaccurate, I didn't challenge it. There was an issue, I don't want to discuss the issue but it wasn't what the papers said it was. 'There was nothing offensive to anybody that's just people guessing. It was a decent time to come out, I think.' Wallace wed Anne-Marie Sterpini, 22 years younger than him, at Hever Castle in Kent in August 2016, having met three years earlier. Even before his scandalous exit from BBC's MasterChef, Gregg Wallace has endured his fair share of turbulence in his love life. It's been announced that the former greengrocer, 60, will be stepping back from the show after an investigation was launched into historical allegations of misconduct, including alleged inappropriate sexual comments. Gregg has often hit the headlines with his somewhat chequered love life and has spoken candidly about his relationships over the years. Most recently, Gregg has spoken candidly about life with his fourth wife Anne-Marie and their son Sid, after a lengthy journey to conceive. He endured a short-lived union with his third spouse Heidi, which he previously branded a 'huge mistake'. As Gregg steps down from MasterChef, MailOnline takes a look at his colourful love life... Gregg Wallace has often hit the headlines with his somewhat chequered love life and has spoken candidly about his relationships over the years (pictured with his fourth wife Anna) It's been announced that the former greengrocer has stepped down from MasterChef after an investigation was launched into historical allegations of misconduct Christine Gregg's first wife, Christine, walked out after just six weeks of marriage in 1991. The pair tied the knot in an impromptu wedding ceremony, followed by a meal in a pie and mash shop. The TV personality, who was only 24-years-old when they met, opened up about their romance in his autobiography. He joked how their marriage was 'possibly the shortest marriage in the world', and admitted he knew it was a mistake even before they tied the knot. Denise Lovall Gregg's second wife was pastry chef Denise, with whom he had two children, but the marriage ended when it was revealed he'd had an affair with an employee Gregg has two grown-up children from his second marriage, son Tom and daughter Libby (pictured) While the children stayed with Denise at first following their split, Gregg battled for full custody when her alcoholism got worse (Tom Wallace pictured right) Next he was married to pastry chef Denise, with whom he had children Tom and Libby, now 27 and 24. The couple met in 1993 and went on to tie the knot in 1999 and were married for five years. In 2004, they ended up divorcing after Denise discovered Gregg was allegedly having an affair with one of his employees. Denise furiously ranted he would "never change" in an explosive interview with People in 2009 - around the time he met his third wife, Heidi. While the children stayed with Denise at first following their split, Gregg battled for full custody when her alcoholism got worse. Sadly, in 2017, Denise died following a tough battle with alcohol addiction. Heidi Brown Gregg met his third wife Heidi Brown on Twitter in 2009, and they endured a short-lived marriage that lasted just 14 months, and separated in 2012 (pictured in 2009) Wife number three was Heidi, who he met via Twitter, but they separated in 2012 - just 14 months after their lavish wedding ceremony. The biology teacher exchanged messages with Gregg on the social media site, and things quickly turned romantic. 'The third one was a huge mistake,' Gregg confessed. 'Probably the unhappiest I have ever been in my life but she was a teacher and was really good with the kids.' Following split from Heidi, Gregg dated beautiful women who made him feel, he told the Daily Mail, 'like riding in my Jag with the roof down' when he walked into restaurants with them. His shrink told him he was never going to find happiness if he kept picking women like he picked cars. 'The reason I had so many girlfriends was that I was always looking for somebody,' he said in an interview last year. 'I think it's an absolute game of chance. What are the chances of finding somebody who you're not only attracted to and makes you feel comfortable and happy, but is actually looking for what you have to offer? What is the chance of that happening?' Anne-Marie Anne-Marie, who goes by Anna, is a caterer who first met Gregg on Twitter, just months after his divorce from Heidi in 2013 Anne-Marie, who goes by Anna, is a caterer who first met Gregg on Twitter, just months after his divorce from Heidi in 2013. Querying one of his TV recipes, she asked the former greengrocer if rhubarb really went with duck, as she saw him demonstrate on a cooking show. Gregg recalled the interaction in 2015 to HELLO! Magazine : 'I just looked at Anna's photo and thought, "Wow, she's pretty". So yes, rhubarb, which was considered an aphrodisiac in medieval times, brought us together.' That initial exchange came in 2013 - but Anna wasn't sure if the TV chef was the one at first. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Gregg said: 'I sent her a message and we started sending messages. Then I sent her my phone number. 'She came down to London to have dinner with me, and she said it wasn't until we got to the restaurant, that she was comfortable it was really me and not an impostor. 'I think it's just luck, and I got very lucky this time. Very lucky.' Gregg admitted he was worried about the age gap, but said it never seemed to bother Anna - 21 years his junior. Nevertheless he said he sometimes felt uncomfortable when people saw him holding his partner's hand. 'People look at you anyway and I felt really conscious because she was younger,' he explained, 'and I didn't want people to judge her harshly. It was doing the ordinary things.' The pair were engaged in December 2014 and said 'I do' at Hever Castle in Kent, on August 6, 2016 - with fellow MasterChef judge John Torode as his co-star's best man. The couple welcomed son Sid in 2019, despite Gregg's initial hesitations about becoming a father for the third time in his 50s Anna is the foodie's fourth wife, telling Lorraine that each of his previous marriages taught him something. The couple welcomed son Sid in 2019, despite Gregg's initial hesitations about becoming a father for the third time in his 50s. 'I said, 'I wouldn't, at my age, choose to have children, but I am in love with you and if that's what you want I will do it happily with you',' Gregg recalled last year. 'But I had two conditions. 'I said, 'I am not happy swapping my young, fun, sexy girlfriend for an exhausted mum, but if that's what you want I want to get help in. The other condition was, 'I want to have a fortnight's holiday with you every year without a baby'. 'Normally at my age, your children are grown up and you get your wife back. I'm going to be in my 70s by the time our son Sid is 20. It makes me smile now, the two conditions I had.' Speaking in The Telegraph's My Saturday column recently, Gregg shared: 'Im a much better father now Im older, although another child isnt something that I would have chosen at my age. 'I was always very honest with Anna, but its what she wanted and I love her. I just requested two things that we had help in the house (so her mum moved in), and secondly that we had at least one week a year when we holidayed just the two of us.' A-listers are celebrating Thanksgiving near and far with loved ones. Sofia Vergara kicked off the festive holiday from her island home of Casa Chipichi, wishing followers early Thursday morning a great day. 'Happy thanksgiving (turkey emoji) from Casa Chipichipi!!!' the star, 52, posted along with an aerial shot of her beachfront retreat. . She also posted several snaps from her Thanksgiving beach day, including one of her basking in the sunshine in a black bikini. Ciara, 39, and her husband Russell Wilson, 35, were feeling especially grateful as they marked the day on Instagram. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback shared a slew of sweet family photos, including a cute couples shot, as he gushed, 'So much to be thankful for (prayer hands emoji). Happy Thanksgiving!!' Sofia Vergara kicked off the festive holiday from her island home of Casa Chipichi, wishing followers early Thursday morning a great day Ciara, 39, and her husband Russell Wilson, 35, were feeling especially grateful as they marked the day on Instagram Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar and her husband Freddie Prinze Jr. are spending the holiday in Australia Brooklyn Beckham and NIcola Peltz shared sweet snaps at their Thanksgiving celebration Kate Beckinsale celebrated Thanksgiving sharing a message of 'gratitude for the mighty men, both two and four legged I have loved and been loved by , all of whom I watched die' His wife, who was tagged in the caption, left this heartfelt response in the comments: 'Truly so thankful for you and our babies! God is good!' She also uploaded the post to her Instagram Stories, writing with three heart emojis, 'Thankful.' Ciara and Russell have three children together - daughters Amora, nearly one, Sienna, seven, and son Win, four. Russell is also stepfather to the son Ciara shares with her ex Future, 10-year-old Future. Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. are celebrating Thanksgiving Down Under. Sarah posted snaps from their current travels to Sydney, which included a snap with son Rocky, 12, as they did visited the BridgeClimb. 'Thanksgiving looks a little different this year. Yet one thing doesnt change, Im still extremely grateful. Also since Im basically in the future. The Black Friday sales are (two fire emojis),' she captioned the snaps. Lindsay Lohan started off the day with a festive snap of a white pumpkin nestled beside a sunflower. 'Happy Thanksgiving!' the actress, 38, wrote in the Instagram Story post. Gigi Hadid, meanwhile, showed off her Thanksgiving 'offering' - a tasty baked good topped off with caramel drizzle. Olivia Munn enjoyed some quality time with her son Malcolm, three, on Thanksgiving morning. The youngster, whom she shares with husband John Mulaney, snuggled next to the coach as he munched on some snacks. Munn, who also has daughter Mei with John, wished her followers a happy Thanksgiving in the snap. Lily Collins marked the special day with snaps of her husband Charlie McDowell and their dog Redford. Ciara with Amora, nearly one, Sienna, seven, Win, four, and Future, 10 Russell shared a snap of Ciara enjoying a day at the zoo with their kids Gigi Hadid shared a snap of her Thanksgiving 'offering' - a tasty pastry with caramel drizzle Campbell 'Pookie' Puckett and husband Jett celebrate their first Thanksgiving with baby Paloma 'Grateful for my boys, today and every day. Thank you for making every day an adventure. Love you beyond' she wrote in the post. Meanwhile, Teddi Mellencamp, 43, said she was thankful to be spending the holiday with her family. She shared a painting of her family, which featured her father John Mellencamp. Bethenny Frankel, 54, started off the day expressing gratitude for her 'babies' - her daughter Bryn Hoppy, 14, and her dogs. 'Grateful, thankful and happiest with my babies,' she said. 'Wishing you and yours a very #happythanksgiving!' She included several sweet shots with her daughter along with photos of her dogs, and a photo of Bryn cuddling one of the pooches on a flight. His wife, who was tagged in the caption, left this heartfelt response in the comments: 'Truly so thankful for you and our babies! God is good!' Lindsay Lohan started off the day with a festive snap of a white pumpkin nestled beside a sunflower. 'Happy Thanksgiving!' she wrote in the Instagram Story post Olivia Munn enjoyed some quality time with her son Malcolm, three, on Thanksgiving morning Lily Collins marked the special day with snaps of her husband Charlie McDowell and their dog Redford She cuddled her rescue dog Redford Meanwhile, Teddi Mellencamp said she was thankful to be spending the holiday with her family Bethenny Frankel shared a string of snaps marking the holiday, including one of daughter Bryn Hoppy with one of their dogs Mark Wahlberg reposted a selfie with his brothers Donnie and Paul that was first shared by their restaurant the Wahlburgers in honor of Thanksgiving Sofia Richie shared a glimpse of her Thanksgiving festivities She included a snap of her adorable daughter Eloise, whom she referred to as 'little lady' P!nk shared a selfie with her brother Jason Moore as she gushed, 'so many reasons for gratitude' Kate Bosworth and her husband Justin Long wished fans a happy Thanksgiving from the film set Bruce Willis celebrated the holiday with his family amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia Paris Hilton also celebrated the holiday with a video montage of her family Mark Wahlberg reposted a selfie with his brothers Donnie and Paul that was first shared by their restaurant the Wahlburgers in honor of Thanksgiving. The photo captured the trio posing in chef uniforms as they posed outside the Bellagio in Las Vegas. 'Everyones got a little bit of chef in them today!' the restaurant captioned the post. 'Giving thanks for family (prayer hands emoji) Happy Thanksgiving (green heart emoji).' Sofia Richie gave a glimpse of her Thanksgiving table layout along with her daughter Eloise. She also shared a snap looking effortlessly chic in her elegant holiday dress, paired with dangling gold earrings, as she posed gracefully in a luxurious home. 'Little lady,' she wrote in the photo of her daughter, whom she shares husband husband Elliot Grainge. Pink shared a selfie with her brother Jason Moore as she gushed in the caption 'so many reasons for gratitude'. Jessica Alba celebrated Thanksgiving with her husband, Cash Warren, and their three children: daughters Honor, 16, and Haven, 12, along with their son Hayes, 6. Selena Gomez cuddled up with her boyfriend Benny Blanco in an adorable Instagram snap, where they wrapped their arms around each other and posed playfully for the camera. Cardi B and her daughter Kulture twinned in stylish brown coats, striking fashionable poses in the mirror like true trendsetters. Demi Lovato shared a stunning selfie, expressing her gratitude to all her fans for their support. Sofia Richie looked effortlessly chic in her elegant holiday dress, paired with dangling gold earrings, as she posed gracefully in a luxurious home Jessica Alba celebrated Thanksgiving with her husband, Cash Warren, and their three children: daughters Honor, 16, and Haven, 12, along with their son Hayes, 6 Selena Gomez cuddled up with her boyfriend Benny Blanco in an adorable Instagram snap, where they wrapped their arms around each other and posed playfully for the camera Cardi B and her daughter Kulture twinned in stylish brown coats, striking fashionable poses in the mirror like true trendsetters Demi Lovato shared a stunning selfie, expressing her gratitude to all her fans for their support Khloe Kardashian shared heartwarming photos of her two kids, True, 6, and Tatum, 1, on Thanksgiving, capturing the joy of the holiday season with her family Khloe also showcased a beautifully arranged holiday dinner table, perfectly set for the occasion Hailey Bieber channeled her inner supermodel for a holiday selfie, rocking a chic knit ensemble that perfectly showcased her style Camila Cabello shared a heartfelt snapshot of her volunteering at a women's homeless shelter in Miami for Thanksgiving, highlighting her commitment to giving back during the holiday season Kendall Jenner posted a glimpse of her own stunning dinner table setup, highlighting the family's flair for elegant holiday decor Camila Cabello shared a heartfelt snapshot of her volunteering at a women's homeless shelter in Miami for Thanksgiving. Hailey Bieber channeled her inner supermodel for a holiday selfie, rocking a chic knit ensemble that perfectly showcased her style. Khloe Kardashian shared heartwarming photos of her two kids, True, 6, and Tatum, 1, on Thanksgiving, capturing the joy of the holiday season with her family. The Good American designer also showcased a beautifully arranged holiday dinner table, perfectly set for the occasion. Meanwhile, her sister Kendall Jenner posted a glimpse of her own stunning dinner table setup, highlighting the family's flair for elegant holiday decor. Lorraine Kelly recently left viewers stunned when she made a savage swipe at ITV colleague Richard Madeley while hosting BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You. The chirpy Scottish presenter, 64, made the quip while humorous news clips played on the show, with Lorraine reading on the autocue: 'In other news, Rachel Reeves has been accused of lying on her CV. 'But we've all done that, haven't we, for work purposes. For years I've claimed to be friends with Richard Madeley.' The harsh remark may come as a shock to some seeing as Lorraine is known for her very friendly persona and warm, welcoming smiles - especially on her eponymous daytime chat show. However, it hasn't always been sweetness and light from Lorraine, with the Glasgow-born presenter having showcased her feisty side when expressing her dislike for someone. From an expletive-laden rant at Rita Ora, to a long-running feud with a former GMTV colleague, MailOnline takes a look at Lorraine's past run-ins with celebrities. As Lorraine Kelly takes a savage swipe at Richard Madeley, MailOnine takes a look back at her past run-ins with celebrities Lorraine recently left viewers stunned when she made a savage swipe at ITV colleague Richard Madeley [pictured] while hosting BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You. She said: 'In other news, Rachel Reeves has been accused of lying on her CV. 'But we've all done that, haven't we, for work purposes. For years I've claimed to be friends with Richard Madeley' Rita Ora and Kay Burley Back in 2020, Lorraine took aim at Rita Ora and Kay Burley who brazenly flouted the COVID-19 lockdown during in her expletive-laden version of the Queen's Christmas message. The usually mild-mannered presenter stepped in to host The Last Leg, and brazenly claimed that stars who had broken the rules could 'go f**k themselves,' as she wished the nation a Merry Christmas. Rita was forced to apologise in November that year after it emerged she'd thrown a star-studded party with 30 friends to celebrate her 30th birthday at a London restaurant, despite the rest of England being in a strict lockdown. Meanwhile Sky News presenter Kay was suspended from the channel for six months after it emerged she'd thrown a party to celebrate her 60th birthday which broke tier 2 rules, which ban different households from mixing indoors. Back in 2020, Lorraine took aim at Rita Ora and Kay Burley who brazenly flouted the COVID-19 lockdown during in her expletive-laden version of the Queen's Christmas message Rita was forced to apologise in November that year after it emerged she'd thrown a star-studded party with 30 friends to celebrate her 30th birthday at a London restaurant, despite the rest of England being in a strict lockdown [Rita pictured at her birthday party this month] Meanwhile Sky News presenter Kay was suspended from the channel for six months after it emerged she'd thrown a party to celebrate her 60th birthday As the so-called 'Queen of Daytime TV', she delivered her version of the annual Christmas message, and quickly took the chance to blast stars such as Rita and Kay who broke the rules. She began: 'Well as we come to the end of what's been a troubled year, not so much Annus horribilis but more of an annus s**t stormas. 'With rows over Brexit, coronavirus, Dundee United losing to Livingstone 2-0 last week, we're reminded more than ever of what's important, friends and family, and Christmas is a time to celebrate both.' Poking fun at usual host Adam Hills' lengthy isolation in a Melbourne hotel, Lorraine added: 'Whether it's social distancing, wearing masks, shielding, or flying to the other side of the world to spend 2 weeks in a five star hotel with 24 hour room service, w**king yourself stupid let's do it together. She concluded: 'So to all of us who sacrificed so much this year, I wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous 2021, unless of course you are a celebrity who broke the rules of lockdown, in that case you can go f**k yourself!' Lorraine's use of the F bomb sparked a cheer from the show's crew, while presenters were stunned to see the host use such strong language. Esther McVey Lorraine has had a long-running feud with MP Esther, which stems back from when they both worked on the now defunct morning show GMTV, with it being said that Esther had claimed she'd been promoted above Lorraine. Lorraine said back in 2019 that she is 'baffled' by any suggestion McVey was chosen to host GMTV alongside Eamonn Holmes above her as she had her own show. Lorraine has had a long-running feud with MP Esther, which stems back from when they both worked on the now defunct morning show GMTV, with it being said that Esther had claimed she'd been promoted above Lorraine Esther McVey (right) presented old ITV programme GMTV with Eamonn Holmes (centre) and covered for Fiona Phillips (left) while she was on maternity leave. They are pictured in 1999 Esther was criticised in May of that year when she said parents should be free to withdraw their child from lessons at school where they are taught about LGBT relationships. Lorraine disputed the Tory leadership hopeful's claims that their awkward TV exchange the day before was down to her getting to co-host GMTV with Eamonn Holmes in the 1990s. She said she cannot remember ever interacting with the politician because lots of people were put in the same dressing room - while she had a separate show. The daytime TV star shook her head and looked shocked as she watched a clip of the Tory leadership hopeful telling a press conference that the pair used to share a dressing room. She said: 'There is no battle! I'm baffled [by what McVey said]. I have had my own show since 1992 and I don't think she joined until five years later. 'As far as dressing rooms go... It was just a little room that everyone shared and we got ready in. It wasn't a dressing room with couches - it wasn't palatial at all.' Prodding her further, Lorraine said, exasperated: 'I'll be genuinely honest with you, I don't remember, It was such a long time ago. I had my own show so there was no interaction. 'Yesterday I just got sick to the back teeth of the whole toxic political atmosphere and I thought I've had enough of this. I strongly disagree with her on LGBT rights. 'And they've been going round in circles on Brexit for two years and it's got to stop.' Kevin Spacey Lorraine has in the past named Kevin Spacey as one of the worst celebrities she has ever interviewed Lorraine has in the past named Kevin Spacey as one of the worst celebrities she has ever interviewed. Speaking ahead of his much-publicised court case in which he was accused of sexual assault against four men, Lorraine made her thoughts clear on the actor as she branded him an 'a**e'. She told You magazine: 'The worst was Kevin Spacey. This was before the scandal. The interview was about his series House Of Cards, which I loved. 'Isnt it disappointing when you meet somebody whose work you really admire and you think, 'Hes being an a***?' 'He didnt want to be there. One word answers. Snapping at people. You think, 'Och, dont do that'.' Oliver Hudson and his sister Kate might have been known by a different name, if they had taken up their step-dad on his kind offer. The siblings, who are featured in a Skims holiday campaign, were discussing the issue on their Sibling Revelry podcast on Tuesday. Oliver, 48, explained why he and Kate, 45, turned down Kurt Russell's offer to adopt them. 'I only say this because my dad he was around for a little bit, then he bailed,' The Cleaning Lady star said of his father Bill Hudson, 75, to whom their mom Goldie Hawn, 79, was marred from 1976-1982. 'We have a good relationship now, but it took a long, long, long, long time, but were there,' he explained. 'Kurt came into my life when I was six, five or six and essentially he raised me. I'm the man I am today because of him, right?' Oliver stated. Oliver Hudson, 49, and his sister Kate, 45, might have been known by a different name, if they had taken up their step-dad on his kind offer (Pictured in Los Angeles in January 2022) There was a moment when he asked us, myself and Kate, if we wanted to be adopted, and we said no.' 'Not that we were you know, very aware of probably what it even fking meant,' he continued. 'We were six and 12 or however, I dont remember the age, but we just said, "Well, we don't need it. The love is right there."' Russell, 72, began seeing Hawn in 1983 while they were working on the film Swing Shift. They welcomed their son Wyatt, 38, in 1986. The couple, who have been together for more than 40 years never married. In an appearance on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace, the Oscar winner explained it was because neither of them wanted to get divorced again. Russell was married to actress Season Hubley from 1979-1983, and they share a son, Boston, 44. On his and Kate's Sibling Revelry podcast, Oliver revealed that he and Kate turned down step-dad Kurt Russell's offer to adopt them when they were kids (Pictured in Los Angeles in February 2003) Oliver explained he and Kate were young when Russell made the offer. 'We were six and 12 or however, I dont remember the age, but we just said, "Well, we don't need it. The love is right there"' (Pictured in Los Angeles in May 2004) Goldie Hawn was married to Oliver and Kate's father Bill Hudson, 75, from from 1976-1982. Oliver said the musician 'bailed' when they were kids, although Oliver said he has a good relationship with Bill now (Pictured November 1976) 'When it doesnt work out, it ends up to be big business,' Hawn told the interviewer. 'It's always ugly. Somebody actually has to take a look and say, "How many divorces actually are fun? How many divorces actually dont cost money? How many divorces actually make you hate the person more than you did before? How many divorces have hurt children?"' The Christmas Chronicles star said she likes making the choice to be in a relationship. Hawn and Russell got together in 1983 while working on Swing Shift. They couple have never married. 'I like the idea that I can wake up in the morning and make decisions every day if I want to be here,' Hawn explained on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace (Pictured in Beverly Hills in September 2024) The couple are parents to son Wyatt, 38, who is also an actor. Kurt is also dad to son Boston Russell, 44, whom he shares with former wife Season Hubley (Pictured in Los Angeles in December 2015) 'I like the idea that I can wake up in the morning and make decisions every day if I want to be here,' Hawn explained. 'I mean relationships are hard,' she stated. 'They're not always easy. There's all kinds of hurdles we go through. There's things that we believe in, things we don't believe in, we agree on.' 'So I think ultimately staying independent with independent thinking is important, so you can hold on to yourself, and you can actually have that feeling.' Nick Cannon has opened up about his Thanksgiving plans as a father to 11 young children with six women. The 44-year-old media personality chatted with People ahead of the holiday as he volunteered at a LA Mission charity event in downtown Los Angeles. He told the outlet, 'It's very complicated. I'm a busy man on Thanksgiving,' adding that he has 'a bunch of dinners' he has 'got to go to.' The Drumline actor added in regard to the holiday menu: 'I'm going to be full by the end of the day, but everybody specializes in certain things.' 'Some people got good sweet potato pie, some people got amazing fried turkey,' he explained. 'So I know every house that needs to have the things that I really like,' Nick emphasized.. Nick Cannon has opened up about his Thanksgiving plans as a father to 11 young children with five women; pictured in September He went on to father sons Golden, seven, Rise, two, and daughter Powerful, three, with Brittany Bell; pictured November 25 Cannon welcomed 13-year-old fraternal twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey in 2011 Cannon welcomed 13-year-old fraternal twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey in 2011. He went on to father sons Golden, seven, Rise, two, and daughter Powerful, three, with Brittany Bell. The former Nickelodeon star has three-year-old twins Zion and Zillion, plus daughter Beautiful, two, with Abby De La Rosa. He shares son Legendary, two, with Bre Tiesi and daughter Onyx, two, with LaNisha Cole. Cannon is also dad to two children with Alyssa Scott son Zen, who died from brain cancer at five months old in December 2021, and daughter Halo, two on December 14. Other celebrity volunteers at Wednesday's giving back event included Joe Manganiello and Tom Sandoval. Per People, the group served more than 4,000 complimentary meals. Additionally, more than 2,000 clothing items were gifted, as well as haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. The former Nickelodeon star has three-year-old twins Zion and Zillion, plus daughter Beautiful, two, with Abby De La Rosa Cannon is also dad to two children with Alyssa Scott - son Zen, who died from brain cancer at five months old in December 2021, and daughter Halo, two on December 14; Alyssa with Halo He shares son Legendary, two, with Bre Tiesi Nick told the outlet that his spirit of giving comes from his grandmother, who taught him that 'to whom much is given, much is required.' He stressed, 'The best part about any holiday is to be able to be of service. And that's what I feel like life is really about. 'When you can get to a space where you have more fun being of service and doing for others, I think that's when you reach the zenith of what life is all about.' Tiesi, who stars on the Netflix series Selling Sunset, previously praised the TV host for being a 'good and present' dad who is able to balance the needs of all in his brood. And despite his busy schedule, she said he finds time to be present for each one. Aisling Bea looked chic in a dog toothed pant suit as she arrived at the Rolling Stone UK Awards at the Roundhouse on Thursday. The Irish comedienne, 40, went topless on the red carpet as she wore a white, beige and brown double breasted blazer. She paired her tailored jacket with a pair of match flared trousers and added a pop of colour with teal stilettos. To accessorise, Aisling added a hint of glam with two pairs of think gold hoop earrings and a chunky gold ring. Commanding attention at the glitzy event, she finished her outfit with a thick ruby red lip. Aisling's stunning appearance comes just months after she welcomed her first child with her boyfriend Jack Freeman. Aisling Bea looked chic in a dog toothed pant suit as she arrived at the Rolling Stone UK Awards at the Roundhouse on Thursday The Irish comedienne, 40, went topless on the red carpet as she wore a white, beige and brown double breasted blazer She announced the happy news on Monday as she shared an adorable photo of their 'little gift' - but gave her pregnancy a 'one star' review. Aisling was glowing as she smiled for the Instagram update, with her newborn baby laid on her chest. She wrote: 'Trip advisor review of Pregnancy: One star,' before going on to joke that no breakfast was included and the drinks menu was 'limited'. Listing off the negatives, the actress added: 'UTIs, bleeding, depression, cramps, insomnia, nosebleeds, sinus blockage, migraines, vomiting and being randomly touched by people without asking.' She continued: 'Bones mushing, organs moving, skin stretching, being told that youll forget all the pain/that its a privilege / that it will all be worth it in the end, heightened awareness of climate change & worst of all- boredom- all described as normal and was repeatedly recommended a nice bath as a fix to all of the above.' Adding a short list of positives, Aisling wrote: 'Bath quite nice. Lots of help with bags at end of stay. 'Before checking out, nearby kebab shop man provided free extra chips and quite a flirty wink, which I appreciated. 'Was given a little gift at check out which is, admittedly, quite cute.' Aisling's stunning appearance comes just months after she welcomed her first child with her boyfriend Jack Freeman She announced the happy news on Monday as she shared an adorable photo of their 'little gift' - but gave her pregnancy a 'one star' review Aisling revealed that she was pregnant with her first child back in June with a hilarious post after debuting her bump at the Big Slick '24 event. Showing off her tummy, Aisling shared funny videos and snaps of a cartoon face painted onto her bare tummy after performing a back-up dance with comic Seth Herzog. In the caption of her post, Aisling also shared that she was expecting her baby with her boyfriend, producer Jack. She wrote: 'Dignity Intact. Got pregnant so I could try & put something beside Paul Rudd's face to make him look older.' 'Thanks to the @bigslickkc , Paul, @sethherzog super boy @travisKelce & mostly our angel @sherylcrow for helping me show off my bump in the most dignified & classy way possible.' 'Sheryl said myself & Seth could be her very professional back up dancers with our ridiculous idea, how on brand!She really does just wanna have some fun, yawl.' She wrote: 'Trip advisor review of Pregnancy: One star,' before going on to joke that no breakfast was included and the drinks menu was 'limited' Aisling revealed that she is pregnant with her first child back in June The comedian shared the news in a fun Instagram post after debuting her bump at the Big Slick '24 event over the weekend Showing off her tummy, Aisling shared funny videos and snaps of a cartoon face painted onto her bare tummy after performing a back-up dance with comic Seth Herzog She added: 'And thanks to @jackoby.freeman & @elsie for doing full bump glam & to one of them in particular for getting me pregaroo in the first place.' 'Just to note if you use sharpie pen on your skin, it will be there for about two days. Just if you are weighing up what a commitment to a joke is worth. Gentle dermatitis is the answer.' Aisling's post showed a slew of snaps of the moment she unveiled her bump while dancing on-stage at the charity event. The star previously dated actor Michael Sheen in 2018 for less than a year, before his ex Sarah Silverman confirmed their romance was over. The following year she then sparked dating rumours with Spiderman star Andrew Garfield, after they were pictured together during a night out at the theatre. Aisling is thought to have been dating Jack for two years, and he marked their first anniversary on Instagram last year, writing: 'To 1 whole year with m'lady @weemissbea.' Frail Bruce Willis was seen in a rare snap as he marked Thanksgiving with his family on Thursday amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The retired actor, 69, was seen smiling at his daughter Scout, 33, while sat on a couch while daughter Tallulah, 30, looked up at him from the floor. He shares the girls and eldest daughter Rumer, 36, with ex-wife Demi Moore, 63. Die Hard star Willis clutched onto a 'Best Dad Ever' plaque as Scout hugged him, before the pair touched noses. Tallulah captioned the snap: 'Grateful.' The Hollywood icon's family revealed his diagnosis of FTD in February 2023 shortly after he retired from acting due to his struggle with a brain disorder known as aphasia - which affects speech and understanding of language. Willis has since received a flood of love and support from loved ones and family members amid his health struggles. Frail Bruce Willis was seen in a rare snap as he marked Thanksgiving with his family on Thursday amid his battle with frontal-temporal dementia (FTD) Last month in October, his wife Emma Heming opened up about his dementia battle and expressed that she doesn't 'shield' her daughters from the diagnosis. Bruce tied the knot with Heming in 2009 - and the pair share two daughters: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. During an interview with Town & Country Magazine, Heming explained, 'This disease is misdiagnosed, it's missed, it's misunderstood.' 'So finally getting to a diagnosis was key so that I could learn what frontotemporal dementia is and I could educate our children.' Emma added, 'I've never tried to sugarcoat anything for them. They've grown up with Bruce declining over the years. I'm not trying to shield them from it.' 'What I learned from our therapist was that if children ask questions, they're ready to know the answer. If we could see that Bruce was struggling, I would address it with the kids so they could understand, but this disease is chronic, progressive and terminal.' Heming told the outlet that their children don't tend 'to speak about the terminal side of this with them, nor have they asked.' The retired actor, 69 , was seen smiling at his daughter Scout, 33, while sat on a couch while daughter Tallulah, 30, looked up at him from the floor The Die Hard star's family revealed his diagnosis of (FTD) in February 2023 shortly after he retired from acting due to his struggle with a brain disorder known as aphasia - which affects speech and understanding of language Last month in October, his wife Emma Heming opened up about his dementia battle and expressed that she doesn't 'shield' their two daughters from the diagnosis The actor is father to Mabel Ray, 12, (L) and Evelyn, 10, with wife Emma However, she expressed that Mabel and Evelyn 'know that Daddy's not going to get better.' Emma said that she was not going to let 'FTD to take our whole family down. Bruce wouldn't want that,' while adding that she hopes to help the 'next family out there.' While talking to the publication, she also revealed that the return of Bruce's childhood stutter initially masked his cognitive decline before being diagnosed with dementia. 'As his language started changing, it [seemed like it] was just a part of a stutter, it was just Bruce.' She then admitted, 'Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young.' Amid his health battle, his loved ones have continuously given his fans updates - including Demi Moore. Last month, The Substance actress expressed that his condition was 'stable' while attending the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival in New York. 'You know, I've said this before. The disease is what the disease is. And I think you have to be in real deep acceptance of what that is. But for where he's at, he is stable,' she stated during a panel, per People. 'What I always encourage is to just meet them where they're at. When you're holding on to what was, I think it's a losing game.' Moore added, 'But when you show up to meet them where they're at, there is great beauty and sweetness.' And amid his aphasia and dementia battle, his daughter Tallulah expressed on Today in September that the retired actor is surrounded by 'so much love.' 'He's doing stable, which in this situation is good. And it's hard; there's painful days but there's so much love.' She continued, 'And it really shown me to not take any moment for granted and I really do think that we'd be best friends. I really do think that he is very proud of me.' In an August 22 post, Rumer shared an image of herself holding her father's hand while answering a question about how the actor has been doing amid his health woes The actor's family took to Instagram March of 2022 to reveal he was stepping away from acting following his diagnosis with aphasia In February, Bruce's family issued a statement on Instagram to reveal his FTD diagnosis. At the time, they explained that it is the 'most common form of dementia' but added there are currently 'no treatments for the disease.' 'As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.' 'Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,' they added. 'We know in our hearts that - if he could today - he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.' A former Neighbours star who married her stepbrother has revealed they are close to welcoming a child together. Scarlet Vas, best known for her role as policewoman Mishti Sharma on the soap, and her husband Tayo Ricci are set to welcome a baby girl next month. The couple met as teenagers in Melbourne, but they eventually became 'family' when their parents started dating. Despite the relationship, Scarlett and Tayo fell in love and tied the knot on the Greek island of Mykonos in September last year. They recently shared their exciting pregnancy news with a sweet Instagram video showing the moment they received a positive test. The couple also shared ultrasound scans where they heard their baby's heartbeat. A former Neighbours star who married her stepbrother has revealed they are expecting to welcome a child together Scarlet Vas and her husband Tayo Ricci are set to welcome a baby girl next month 'Baby Ricci. Our Christmas Miracle,' the video was captioned. Scarlet told news.com.au that despite some backlash over their relationship, it doesn't 'affect us'. 'I don't really read our comments section, but if I do, I actually laugh. We find trolls very entertaining,' she said. 'If something's really negative, we might comment back, we find it is quite a good disarming tactic.' Scarlet looked stunning when she wedded her stepbrother last year. She wore a gorgeous white boho-inspired BERTA gown and her hair was styled up and then later down in loose curls with a diamond headpiece. But the couple's big day also left fans wincing, after a video was shared to Instagram of her and Tayo exchanging vows. They recently shared their exciting pregnancy news with a sweet Instagram video Scarlet tied the knot with TikTok star Tayo in Mykonos, Greece last year In the footage, Tayo asks his new wife to rate his kiss 'out of 10'. 'Okay,' Scarlet says in a baby voice. 'You may kiss the bride.' The pair lean in for a sweet kiss before Scarlet speaks again with the same squeaky voice. 'Oh my gosh... One thousand!' she answers. 'Just one thousand?' her husband asks, before she replies, 'One thousand million trillion out of 10!' The pair then put on a risque display for their guests, as Tayo performed a strip-style dance for his wife which ended with her being pinned to the floor. Fans took to the comments section to poke fun at the awkward video and the voice Scarlet used in the video. 'Cringe,' another simply added, while one commented, 'Clout chasers. I predict divorce in less than 2 years.' Scarlet's starred on Neighbours from 2017 to 2018. She played the role of policewoman Mishti Sharma on the soap 'Serious question. Does she really talk & laugh like that in real life or is it just for the camera? Having to listen to that as her friend would make me cringe,' someone else added. Another clip showed the newlyweds dancing up a storm to Psy's hit K-Pop song Gangnam Style. Scarlet's starred on Neighbours from 2017 to 2018. She's since become a successful OnlyFans model. She recently revealed she's now earning a fortune by sharing sexy snaps with Tayo on OnlyFans. 'I'm in the 0.01%, like the lowest you can go on OF. But every month's been getting better. Like last month was my best month. I hit almost $200k and then this month I'm going to do well over $200k,' she said on Uncensored Podcast with Mario Adrion. 'I mean the fans love us as like a thing or not a thing. He's my stepbrother and Australian and we've known each other for a very long time.' The stunner appears to be living her best life after leaving Australia for the US several years ago. She now boasts an impressive 2.4million followers on Instagram and has appeared in a number of viral TikTok videos. She has 6.2million followers on TikTok. Stephen Mulhern was taken to hospital after he collapsed while eating at a Pizza Express on Wednesday. The TV presenter, 47, who is mourning the death of his father Christopher, reacted to an anesthetic he had earlier in the day while having a drink. According to The Sun, an ambulance was called for Stephen after staff became concerned for him at around 8pm. As a precaution, he was taken from Sunningdale, Berks, to nearby Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey after being checked over by paramedics. A source said: 'Stephen has been going through an incredibly tough time of late. He is grieving the loss of his dad to whom he was so, so close. 'He's also been battling several well-documented health problems, and on Wednesday morning had a procedure requiring a local anaesthetic. Stephen Mulhern was taken to hospital after he collapsed while eating at a Pizza Express The TV presenter, 47, who is mourning the death of his father Christopher, reacted to an anesthetic he had earlier in the day while having a drink (pictured with his father in 2018) 'He took himself off for a quiet, solo dinner that evening, had a few drinks and just reacted incredibly badly. He's only human, and his dad's death has hit him hard.' After paramedics helped Stephen, he was put on the phone to his mother to assure her that he was OK. He is now at home resting up and is mortified to have had such a public reaction to the anesthetic. A spokeserspon for Stephen told MailOnline: 'Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful. 'In addition he had a procedure which took place yesterday (Wednesday). Following the anaesthetic that was administered, he had a few drinks which made him unwell and he was.' Stephen has been receiving continuous support from his team, ITV bosses and long-term friend and colleague Holly Willoughby. The Deal Or No Deal star was born in east London in 1977 to market trader parents Christopher and Maureen. He started off as a magician before going on to become one of Britain's most popular TV presenters. A spokesperson said: 'Stephen has had a tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful' Stephen collapsed while having a meal at the Pizza Express in Sunningdaley, Berkshire As a precaution, he was taken from Sunningdale, Berks, to nearby Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey after being checked over by paramedics' Stephen has been receiving continuous support from his team, ITV bosses and long-term friend and colleague Holly Willoughby (pictured with Holly on Dancing On Ice in February, 2024) He has credited his success to his parents saying: 'I don't mean to sound soppy, but they worked so incredibly hard to bring up me and my two brothers and sister.' He has credited his success to his parents saying: 'I don't mean to sound soppy, but they worked so incredibly hard to bring up me and my two brothers and sister.' Stephen began his career on CITV in 1998, working on children's TV show Finger Tips with Fearne Cotton. He also enjoyed a solo presenting stint with children's show Tricky TV from 2005 to 2010 and co-hosted Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown (originally called Ministry of Mayhem) with Holly Willoughby in the Noughties. He made the leap to adults TV in 2006 when he presented the ITV2 spin-off Dancing on Ice: Defrosted, while former co-host Holly and Phillip Schofield hosted the main show. He also worked alongside the pair when he presented inside The Hub, a small segment on This Morning. Stephen landed another spin-off the following year, hosting ITV2 spin-off Britain's Got More Talent, while the main show was presented by Ant & Dec. His first primetime hosting gig came in 2010 when he fronted Magic Numbers on ITV and three years later he landed the revived version of ITV game show Catchphrase. Other notable shows helmed by Stephen include ITV's Big Star's Little Star, Sunday Side Up, Get Your Act Together and ITV2 panel show Reality Bites. He nabbed more work alongside Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly in 2016 when he took over Ashley Robert's role as the presenter of the Ant vs Dec segment on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. Another segment he hosted on the show, In For A Penny, went on to land its own stand alone show, with Stephen at the helm. As well as TV work, Stephen hosted Sunday Mornings on Heart Radio with Emma Willis for six years until 2018 and is a regular stand-in on Virgin Radio UK. A former Chinese student in a Chicago college, who was previously convicted of espionage-related charges in the US, is now back in his homeland. The student, Ji Chaoqun, has been serving an eight-year prison sentence for providing sensitive background information on eight American citizens who are defense contractors to Chinese intelligence officials. With the recent prisoner exchange deal, China released three Americans who have been held in China for years. While Ji, along with another convicted Chinese spy, Yanjun Xu, was swapped for the Americans in a trade worked out by the White House, according to ABC 7 Chicago. Chinese Spy from Illinois Tech Swapped in Prisoner Exchange Deal of US and China In 2013, Ji set foot in the United States on a student visa. From there, he attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and enrolled in a college program for electrical engineering. Turns out, he was secretly working for China as an unregistered agent, leading to his espionage charges. His handler, Xu, was convicted of stealing trade secrets from GE Aviation and had been imprisoned for 20 years of espionage. The three other Americans detained in the crackdown were exchanged: Mark Swidan, Kai Lee, and John Leung, who all received very harsh sentences for convictions on phony charges related to possession of heroin or spying against China. The swap caught Ji's defense attorney, Damon Cheronis, off guard. He had scheduled a meeting with Ji at the federal prison in Indiana just days ago. However, the surprise motion filed by prosecutors on Wednesday revealed that Ji was being released from US custody. Cheronis said such diplomatic exchanges are common between countries and is relieved that the American detainees are reunited with their families just before Thanksgiving. Reuters reported that the US State Department had previously characterized the three Americans as wrongfully detained. But this swap is a diplomatic bargain, set against the backdrop of the State Department relaxing its travel advisory against Americans visiting China. The new advice now cautions for increased caution rather than warning of the risk of wrongful detention. The released Americans were eagerly welcomed back by their families as they were due to arrive in San Antonio, Texas. Butterball turkeys are being sold for as little as just over $3 in Walmart amid a sex abuse controversy over an unearthed video. Customers have boycotted the brand in the run up to Thanksgiving after PETA released a shocking video showing animal abuse inside the company's factory. Butterball has hit back to say that the video, which showed workers sitting on turkeys, smacking, humping and sexually abusing the birds at an Arkansas plant, was from 2006. That was years before Butterball was privatized and certified by American Humane, the company said. But despite this, Americans have still pulled away from the brand in the run up to the holiday, and some have even been trolling the company's Thanksgiving cooking tips phone line. And now birds from the company, which is the largest producer of turkey products in the US, are being sold for a huge discount in some stores. A TikTok video posted on Wednesday shows the turkeys going for just $0.25 a pound in an unknown Walmart location - down 80 percent from $1.28 a pound. In the video from user Tiffany, who uses the handle @flippymama, the turkeys are priced around $3.50, with one 12lb bird costing just $3.10. 'I have never seen turkeys this cheap,' she says in the video, which has over 1 million views and thousands of comments. A TikTok video posted on Wednesday shows the turkeys going for just 25 cents a pound in an unknown Walmart location - down 80 percent from $1.28 a pound The video, which was reported on Daily Dot, shows a store refrigerator fully stocked with the unsold turkeys. 'Y'all could be getting some turkeys hella cheap right now over a claim that is over 18 years old,' Tiffany says while filming. 'That's crazy.' She continued: 'I've never seen turkeys this cheap. That's crazy because these could be going to a family in need. 'This is such a waste.' Other turkeys from different brands are still selling for a much higher price on Walmart's website. For example, a Shady Brook Farms turkey, which is between 10 and 16 lbs, is priced at $19.80 on average. While some individual consumer choices may have been influenced by the PETA video, it is not clear how much influence it has had on the market as a whole. Turkey sales are down this year, according to Bloomberg, but this is in keeping with a downward trend that has been observed in the market for years. Turkey sales struggled in 2020 when large gatherings were discouraged during the Covid-19 pandemic, and an outbreak of bird flu killed millions of turkeys in 2022. Now years later, despite those issues being under control, Americans are worried about the cost of food, which is causing a slump in demand. Pew Research shows three quarters of Americans are very concerned about the price of food and consumer goods. Butterball turkeys are being sold for as little as just over $3 in Walmart amid a sex abuse controversy over an unearthed video In the video from user Tiffany, who uses the handle @flippymama, the turkeys are priced around $3.50 Other brands of turkeys are being sold for $19.80 on average for a similar size Butterball has faced a social media frenzy since PETA resurfaced the disturbing footage. In the video an undercover investigator claimed he saw a Butterball employee shoving his finger up a turkey's cloaca, or vagina, for 'fun' and witnessed another worker humping a turkey while it was restrained, according to the animal rights group. He also recalled seeing a 'worker... taunting another worker by holding a bird by the legs and jerking her back and forth.' Footage included in the video also showed employees manhandling multiple birds - striking, throwing and hanging them to death. 'Do you know what happened to your Butterball turkey before they were killed?' PETA wrote in the caption, without specifying that the content was filmed 18 years ago. 'The video is not current and was taken prior to Butterball becoming a private company and prior to engagement certification through American Humane,' the company said in response. 'Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our flocks,' a spokesperson added. Costco has issued a warning after eggs were recalled in five states across the country over a potential salmonella contamination. On November 27, Handsome Brook Farms issued a recall notice of 10,800 units of Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name. The eggs were sold at 25 Costco stores across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee beginning on November 22 2024. The recall was initiated after the company found that eggs not intended for distribution were packaged and distributed in retail packaging by mistake. Shauna Grob, head of operations and finance at Handsome Brook Farms, told Newsweek: 'No illnesses have been reported at all. We have received a number of consumer calls to confirm whether the units they had in their possession were recall-able, but that has been the only interactions we have had with consumers thus far since releasing press release and notice to Costco consumers.' Salmonella can cause serious or sometimes fatal infections in frail or elderly people, young children, or those with compromised immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella may often experience fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare instances, salmonella infections can lead to more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. On November 27, Handsome Brook Farms issued a recall notice of 10,800 units of Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name Salmonella is the most common cause of food poisoning in the US. Eating contaminated food can trigger an infection known as salmonellosis, which can strike from six hours to six days following consumption, according to the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service. The affected Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs have the UPC number 9661910680 and are packaged in plastic egg cartons labeled with Kirkland Signature on the top. The recall only applies to products with the Julian code 327 and a use by date of January 5, 2025, which can be found printed on the side of the plastic egg carton. No other products are impacted by this recall. The Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs with the UPC number 9661910680 are packaged in plastic egg cartons labeled with Kirkland Signature on the top The recall only applies to products with the Julian code 327 and a use by date of January 5, 2025, which can be found printed on the side of the plastic egg carton. No other products are impacted by this recall In order to prevent the incident happening again, the company has implemented additional supply chain controls and retraining. To date there are no illness complaints. This recall is being done in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Impacted consumers should stop consuming the product. They should dispose of the products, or return the identified units to their local Costco store for a full refund. For any additional questions, customers may contact Handsome Brook Farms on the phone at 646-733-4532, ext. 1, Monday through Friday, 9am 6pm EST, or email recall@hbfeggs.com. It comes after an urgent warning was also issued to dog owners about dog treats which could be contaminated with salmonella. The Food and Drug Administration announced that Carolina Prime Pet Inc. has recalled bags of dog treats across 19 states. The North Carolina company initiated the recall of 400 of its' 16-ounce bag 'Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips' treats on November 22. The treats were sold from Hollywood Feed stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. They were also available through the company's website. Prime Minister Modis visit to Nigeria highlights Indias bid to rejuvenate ties with the African nation and counter Chinas growing influence through partnerships A little over two months after Chinas assiduous wooing of Nigeria, India sought to do the same during PM Narendra Modis recent visit to the African nation. The prime ministerial visit, coming after a gap of 17 years, should inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties. It should also, hopefully, help a bit in countering Beijings growing influence in Nigeria, a country with whom India has enjoyed close and robust ties for decades but now finds itself in competition with China. While India and Nigeria have a strategic partnership, the African nation and China elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership this year. The courting of Nigeria as well as dozens of other African countries was done bilaterally as well collectively at the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in early September in Beijing. These summits have been held regularly since the first one in 2006, with one even being held virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. India, however, has floundered in not being able to organise an African summit since the last one in 2015, ostensibly due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, but amounts to a lack of strategic foresight. China is making deeper inroads into the African continent for both strategic as well as economic reasons. Strategically, it can project itself as a geopolitical force countering arch foe US. Moreover, strengthening its foothold in the worlds second most populous continent comes with the lucrative advantage of having access to the huge market as well as the rich mineral resources there. For many cash-strapped African nations, China has been a pivotal lender of loans for much-needed infrastructure construction, but it comes with the perils of running up huge debts. Africa is a vital part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with 53 nations having signed onto the endeavour that India views with deep suspicion given Beijings hegemonic intentions. Under the BRI, China is assisting Nigeria in its connectivity efforts by building railway lines and a deep sea port in Lagos. China is also Nigerias biggest bilateral lender and the two sides decided to forge close economic ties when Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met in Beijing ahead of the FOCAC Summit. Its in the backdrop of all this that PM Modis recent visit to Nigeria assumes even greater significance. While he made it clear that India gives high priority to its strategic partnership with Nigeria, the visit yielded only three pacts on survey cooperation, cooperation in customs matters and culture exchange programmes. India will have to do some real heavy lifting in the coming years if the 14 areas of bilateral cooperation identified in the joint statement are to come to fruition. Among these are the Bilateral Investment Treaty, the Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty and the Agreement on repurposed Line of Credits. Indias outreach to Nigeria at the highest level was required given that Africas most populous nation enjoys much heft in the region and beyond. Its a founding member of the African Union (AU), which India helped bring into the G-20s fold last year. Nigeria is now also a BRICS partner state. The country is also a member of OPEC, with President Tinubu also being the current chair of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). A fresh push to boost bilateral trade and investments by Indian companies in Nigeria is imperative. There are already over 200 Indian companies in the manufacturing sector with investments worth $27 billion in Nigeria. While India remains among the top 5 trading partners of Nigeria, bilateral trade unfortunately decreased to $7.89 billion in 2023-24 from $14.95 billion in 2021-22. This is attributed to a reduction in Indian oil imports from Nigeria as it chose to import oil from Russia, taking advantage of the cheaper rates being offered due to the conflict with Ukraine. With the joint statement with Nigeria talking about Indias willingness to go in for long-term contracts for crude and LNG purchases, bilateral trade might pick up once again. Significantly, India has also evinced interest in investing in Nigerias oil and gas sector. Terrorism and piracy also figured as areas of cooperation in the joint statement. Nigeria for many years has been battling the Islamic radical group Boko Haram, which has also been attacking oil and gas infrastructure in the country. India, interestingly, has offered technical know-how on security for pipelines in Nigeria. Maritime domain cooperation is also of crucial importance to combat piracy. Nigeria abuts the Gulf of Guinea through which passes crucial sea lanes for transporting crude oil. India had deployed at least two warships, INS Sumedha in 2023 and INS Tarkash in 2022, in the piracy-prone Gulf of Guinea. With Chinese vessels on the prowl across the oceans, these deployments were not without strategic significance. Overall, India needs to move and move fast, delivering on its promises made during PM Modis visit to Nigeria. It has no time to lose in majorly upscaling its traditional robust ties with African nations, especially with China increasingly grabbing strategic space in the continent.The writer is a senior journalist who writes on foreign affairs. (The writer is a senior journalist who writes on strategic affairs; views are personal) Holding up a copy of the Constitution, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday took oath as a Lok Sabha Member Parliament, to begin her journey as an elected representative of the people five years after she joined active politics. Dressed in a cream Kasavu saree from Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi rose to take oath amid cheers of Jodo Jodo, Bharat Jodo from the Congress benches. Priyanka entered into Lok Sabha with her brother and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other Congress MPs. The MP from Wayanad in Kerala held up a red and black bound copy of the Constitution, which Rahul Gandhi has been displaying at his public meetings, as she took her oath. She took the oath with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, her mother and Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief Sonia Gandhi, husband Robert Vadra, son Raihan and daughter Miraya watching from the galleries. The 52-year-old, who joins her mother Sonia and brother Rahul as an MP in what is a rare instance of three members of a family together in Parliament, took affirmation in Hindi. Congress MPs earlier met at the CPP office in the Parliament premises where Priyanka Gandhi was greeted and congratulated by leaders. After taking oath, Priyanka completed the formalities and then shared a warm hug with Rahul Gandhi. She then went and sat in the fourth row with fellow Congress MPs. Ravindra Chavan (Congress), who won the Nanded by-poll also took oath in Marathi in the name of God. The House was adjourned after the oaths as opposition members came to the Well of the House and raised slogans, demanding a discussion on the Adani issue and the Sambhal violence. As MPs exited the House, leaders made a beeline to congratulate Priyanka Gandhi and on the steps of the Makar Dwar. Congress MPs gathered as Rahul Gandhi clicked a photograph of Priyanka Gandhi with the Samvidhan Sadan in the background. It will strengthen Rahul Gandhi, the party and the principles of the Constitution because we are fighting for that, she told reporters when asked about the impact of her entering Parliament. Asked about taking the oath holding up the Constitution, Priyanka Gandhi said it signifies that nothing is above the Constitution for us and we will continue to fight for it. Priyanka Gandhi also met the Congress president after taking oath and took his blessings. Posting pictures of him blessing Priyanka Gandhi, Kharge said on X, I am confident that Priyanka Gandhi will become a strong voice of the people of the country, especially women, in Parliament. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed happiness over Priyanka Gandhi taking oath as an MP, saying we are all proud. Sharing a photograph with his mother Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi posted in Hindi on his WhatsApp channel, Of the people, by the people, for the people - Jai Hind. Liking, sharing, or following social media posts or profiles, associated with gangsters and criminals can now put you at risk, as the Delhi Police have intensified their monitoring of such online activities. According to police sources, the social media profiles of bad-character elements will be continuously scanned to zero-in on them. In police terms, bad-character elements are those who are arrested or apprehended multiple times for crimes they commit and were sent to jail or correctional homes, but they again involve themselves in criminal activities. A senior police official said, We have directed all the police stations and posts in different districts of Delhi to keep a strict vigil on the social media activities of bad-characters. He added that a list will be prepared of gangsters which these bad-characters are following. Police of all the 15 districts and all units like Special Cell, Crime Branch, Railways and Metro were asked to prepare a list of those criminals who are following any gangsters on social media, liking or sharing their posts on social media to know their associations with the gangsters, he said. The officer further said that many of the bad-characters were arrested in the past for posing pictures or videos with firearms on social media. During their interrogation, we got to know that they are doing such activities to increase followers on their social media profiles, he said. Another officer said that the social media monitoring team of the Delhi Police will keep an eye on different profiles who are sharing videos or reels of gangsters. Even the gangsters are looking for juveniles and young people as their potential target, the officer said. Local associates of the gangsters keep an eye on youths who are either posting their pictures with weapons on social media or involved in any petty crime. These associates share their profile with the gangsters; later the gangsters provide money and weapons to these youths to commit crimes, he added, suggesting that parents must track their childrens activities on a daily basis. In a major breakthrough for Punjabs border communities, Cabinet Minister for NRI Affairs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday announced that the Army has agreed to widen the crucial 72-kilometer Ajnala road. Currently 5.5 meters wide, the road will be expanded to seven meters, easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the border region. During a meeting at the 11 Corps Headquarters in Jalandhar Cantt, Minister Dhaliwal held discussions with Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria and his team, resulting in this long-awaited decision. The road, falling under Army jurisdiction, has long been a bottleneck, particularly during the cane harvesting season, when overloaded trolleys create persistent traffic snarls. The Minister highlighted that he had raised the matter with the Ministry of Defence, leading to todays on-the-spot review by Army officials. The widening project is expected to commence in 2025, with further discussions underway to extend specific stretches to 10 meters in high-traffic zones like the cane belts. This project will significantly enhance connectivity, benefiting farmers, residents, and troops stationed along this critical border belt, said Dhaliwal. The development also brings the possibility of constructing an Ajnala Bypass to further strengthen regional connectivity. The Minister expressed gratitude to the Army for their positive response, emphasizing how the project aligns with the Punjab Governments commitment to border residents' welfare. Spanning key towns including Ajnala, Lopoke, Sohal, Talwandi Raidadu, and Bhindi Saida, the upgraded road will particularly ease traffic during procurement seasons, providing much-needed relief to the region's farmers. Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT Mesra) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) jointly organized a seminar titled Aerospace Technologies in the Defence Sector An Overview to mark BIT's 70th anniversary. Held at the BIT Mesra campus, the seminar showcased the latest developments in aerospace technology and their significance in the defence sector. The event brought together leading experts from the aerospace and defence industries, academia, and the scientific community. Senior officials from DRDO and BIT Mesra addressed a gathering of students, researchers, and industry professionals, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in aerospace technology, especially as they relate to India's defence capabilities. The seminar was organized by the Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry at BIT Mesra. Dr. Priyank Kumar, Professor and In-charge of the department, spearheaded the event. This one-day seminar explored recent developments at DRDO and discussed funding aids for faculty members. Dr. Reena Sharma, a retired DRDO scientist and current Chairperson of the Systems and System Engineering panel at ARDB, provided an overview of the panel and its focus areas. She talked about the promotion of research and development related to Aircraft systems such as avionic, flight control, utility, sensors, communication etc. Dr. S.K. Pandey, Scientist-F at DRDO HQ/AR&DB, shed light on research opportunities with AR&DB. He said that AR&DB treat academic institutions as an extended arm. He suggested scholars to focus on the research problems and not the funding. He concluded his speech with the quote, Together we will do better. Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor of BIT Mesra, addressed the audience and emphasized the significant advancements in aerospace technology. He highlighted the different academic units of BIT and also discussed the vast number of labs of DRDO. Dr. Bishakh Bhattacharya, a Professor at IIT Kanpur, delved into the futuristic design of intelligent autonomous systems from a mechanical engineering perspective. He virtually explored the field of mechanical engineering and highlighted its potential for students. Dr. A.K. Singh, Scientist-F at DMSRDE, Kanpur, discussed the use of advanced polymer composites in aerospace applications. Amandeep Garg, a SC-F at LRDE, Bengaluru, shared insights on airborne radars for surveillance and fire control The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and defence research organizations to drive innovation. BIT Mesra's aerospace engineering department showcased its ongoing research and development projects. The event provided students with valuable insights into real-world defence sector challenges. The interactive session was well-received by all attendees. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the statue of Veerangana Rani Durgavati at the main entrance of the medical college in Banda during his one-day visit to the district on Thursday. The chief minister praised Rani Durgavati as a legendary warrior in Indian history who laid down her life to defend the motherland. He emphasised that the statue will stand as a symbol of her valor and sacrifice, serving as a lasting source of inspiration for future generations. During his interaction with Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, the chief minister reaffirmed the governments commitment to accelerating development projects in Banda. He announced plans to revisit the district soon to inaugurate several new initiatives. He also instructed public representatives and officials to ensure that all development projects are completed maintaining high quality and within the stipulated timelines. Additionally, the chief minister visited the ancestral home of Telangana states BJP general secretary Chandrashekhar in Mahua village. There, he paid tribute to Chandrashekhars late mother, offering prayers for her departed soul and extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. During this, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Ramkesh Nishad, district panchayat chairperson Sunil Singh Patel, MLA from Sadar Prakash Dwivedi , MLA from Naraini Om Mani Verma, BJP district president Sanjay Singh, Chitrakoot Dham Divisional Commissioner Bal Krishna Tripathi, District Magistrate Nagendra Pratap, Superintendent of Police Ankur Agarwal and other public representatives and officials were present. Veerangana Durgavati, one of Indias most revered warrior queens, was born in 1524 in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh. She was the daughter-in-law of King Sangram Shah of the Gondwana Empire. After the death of her husband, Raja Dalpat Shah, Rani Durgavati ascended the throne and led the kingdom to greater prosperity and strength. When Mughal Emperor Akbars commander Asaf Khan launched an attack on her kingdom, Rani Durgavati demonstrated unmatched courage and commanded her forces with valour. In the Battle of 1564, she fiercely resisted the invaders, but when defeat seemed inevitable, she chose to embrace martyrdom rather than surrender. Her legacy of bravery, sacrifice and dignity continues to inspire generations. Ludhiana witnessed a dramatic escalation in the ongoing farmers protest as tensions erupted outside Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) on Thursday. A group of farmers gathered to meet their leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been detained and hospitalized since Tuesday. Their demands to meet Dallewal were met with a heavy police presence, culminating in a heated confrontation that resulted in the detention of two protesting farmers. The agitated farmers staged a dharna outside the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of the hospital, raising slogans against the Punjab Government for what they termed as suppressing their democratic movement. The protests stemmed from the refusal of authorities to grant access to Dallewal, whose detention has become a flashpoint for the larger farmer agitation. Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, was taken into police custody 58 hours ago to prevent him from starting a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border on November 26. He was later transferred to DMCH for medical observation. Farmers alleged that Dallewal has been kept incommunicado, with neither visitors allowed nor any communication permitted with him since his detention. It has been learnt that Dallewal has been continuing his fast under detention. The situation outside DMCH remained tense throughout Thursday. Farmers demanded clarity on who ordered Dallewals detention and insisted on his immediate release. Police officials, however, stood firm, citing directives from higher authorities. An altercation ensued, with farmers questioning the legality of the detention and demanding the presence of senior officials on the spot. When their demands went unmet, they intensified their protests, leading to a temporary shutdown of hospital services. Police ultimately detained two farmers to diffuse the situation, though many protesters remained stationed outside DMCH, vowing not to leave without meeting their leader. A video message by Dallewals grandson, Jigarjot Singh, added fuel to the fire. My grandfather is a man of resolve who wont bow to any pressure, he said, urging the farmers to intensify the protests. This call resonated strongly, as groups of farmers from various districts, including a contingent of over 100 farmers from Amritsars Pandher Kalan village, moved towards Khanauri to strengthen the ongoing agitation. The protests have been fueled by unresolved issues, including the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees and other agricultural reforms. Farmer leaders have accused the Punjab Government of betraying their cause, claiming that it has adopted oppressive tactics similar to those of the Central Government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann once claimed to be the farmers advocate, yet his actions now mirror those of the BJP-led Central Government, said Sarwan Singh Pandher, a senior farmer leader, leading the current agitation along with Dallewal. At the Khanauri border, a meeting of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) outlined the next steps. The farmers announced a demonstration against Chief Minister Mann in Sangrur on December 2 and issued a 10-day ultimatum for meaningful dialogue. If no resolution is achieved, they plan to march to Delhi on December 6, this time without tractors, opting for a symbolic foot march. As the Dallewal-led movement enters its third day, the Punjab Government appears to be scrambling to contain the fallout. Emergency meetings with police and farmer representatives have yet to yield tangible results. Meanwhile, farmers have categorically stated that negotiations will only proceed if Dallewal is brought back to the protest site at Shambhu border. IIM Bodh Gaya signed an MoU with PSI India on 26th November to strengthen the public health domain through the 2-year full-time MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) started by the institute in 2023. The MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) programme is designed to provide a holistic appreciation of the entire healthcare industry including large corporate hospitals, public health, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, digital health, health insurance and healthcare consulting. Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya and Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sinha, Executive Director of PSI India, emphasized the strategic and futuristic nature of this collaboration, stating that the MoU aims to foster academic excellence and drive social impact. Prof. Swapnarag Swain, Chairperson of the MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) programme at IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted the collaboration as a significant opportunity for students to gain exposure to public health issues and develop potential solutions for project implementations. Under this MoU, subject matter experts from PSI India will deliver lectures on relevant topics and PSI India will provide opportunities for community immersion, internship and final placements to the students of MBA-HHM. It is to be noted that the summer internship under the MBA-HHM programme is of a 4-month duration which brings uniqueness to the programme. In addition, IIM Bodh Gaya and PSI India have agreed to conduct joint research, and events such as round table discussions, seminars, workshops and conferences aiming to foster knowledge-sharing, innovation and discussions on pertinent issues in the public health domain. The institute is constantly taking strategic steps to make a significant contribution to the healthcare industry and is committed to establishing itself as a centre of excellence for healthcare management education and research. The MoU helps the institute make strides in academic excellence in healthcare management education by bridging the gap between industry and academia. The Faculty of Commerce at Karim City College, Sakchi, Jamshedpur, in collaboration with the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Kolkata, under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, is set to host the 2nd Apprentice Cum Job Mela on 12th and 13th December 2024. This event is open to Diploma Engineering graduates, BE (Bachelor of Engineering) graduates, and General Graduates, including BA, B.Sc., B.Com, and BBA, who completed their studies between 2020 and 2024. Eligible candidates can register for free by visiting [https://apprenticeship.bopter.org/Registration (https://apprenticeship.bopter.org/Registration) before 7th December 2024. For further inquiries, aspirants can reach out via mobile at 9507223359 or 9873529978 or email at osdjhrkhand.bopter@gmail.com or osdjh.bopter@gmail.com. Over 60 reputed companies, including Tata Motors Ltd., Tata Steel Ltd., Ramkrishna Forgings Ltd., Narsingh Ispat Ltd., Metmore Technology, Tata Bluescope Steel, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd., and Central Mine Planning & Design Institute, have confirmed their participation. These companies are offering a substantial number of job opportunities across various sectors, making this a promising platform for job seekers. Eyeing on the upcoming assembly polls and slum votes, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday approved major changes in slums and Jhuggi-Jhopri policy modifying it in situ rehabilitation including in terms of density relaxation, revised apportionment of land area for remunerative and non-remunerative component, Floor Area Ratio, clubbing of clusters for redevelopment spread across a radius of 0.05 kms. The modification, apart from providing right to dignified housing to the slum dwellers of the city, will also create affordable housing stock as well as commercial space for Delhi residents. As of September 2022, Delhi has 675 JJ clusters and an estimated population of about 21.6 lakh people. The decision to modify the slum and jj policy was taken at the meeting of the Delhi Development Authority on Thursday. After the approval, the authority will send the proposal to Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for further notification. According to DDA, the medication will allow make projects more viable and more players to come for in situ slum projects and thereby more houses to be built. In a bid to woo the slum dwellers in the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, the leaders of ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition BJP and the Congress are visiting the jhuggi clusters, meeting people and spending nights with them. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal termed the BJP leaders visit as jhuggis tourism. The AAP is hoping that Muslim and slum votes will help them to win the national capital while the Congress and BJP are hoping to dent AAPs vote bank. As per the modifications, an increased FAR of 500 has been allowed both for the residential as well as remunerative components in the In-Situ Rehabilitation Projects on plots measuring 2000 sqm and above. This is a significant increase from 300 FAR to 500 FAR for the commercial component, while for the rehab component, FAR has been increased from 400 to 500. Under the new modifications, at least 40% of the total plot area will be utilized for residential purposes while the remaining area could be utilized for remunerative / commercial purposes. Further, any unutilized FAR in rehabilitation component, will also be allowed to be availed by the developers in the remunerative / commercial plot area. According to a statement issued by the authority, this decision will ensure more number of dwelling units for the slum dwellers as well as more commercial space to make the project financially viable for the developers. This will also ensure that 100 percent of the beneficiaries (slum dwellers) will be accommodated in-situ. In terms of allowing clubbing of plots over an area spread over 05 kms, the developer will be able to redevelop a particular site only for the rehabilitation of the slum dwellers in modern multi-storey complexes, while the other site could be utilized exclusively for development of residential / commercial complexes for remunerative use by the developer. This initiative will provide eligible residents of informal JJ clusters with modern housing, along with essential public amenities. This comes as a major step towards social empowerment, as the programme offers ownership titles to residents, giving them a sense of security and stability. By upgrading housing and infrastructure, the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation (ISR) programme supports the integration of slum dwellers into the formal urban fabric, contributing to social mobility and improving the overall quality of life for the urban poor. The High Court here on Thursday refused to pass a suo motu order on banning ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh after it was informed that the government authorities have taken necessary measures, The Daily Star said. Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin placed some newspaper reports about International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) before the HC bench on Wednesday and had prayed for a suo motu (voluntary) order to the government to ban the organisation and impose Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur and Dinajpur. The court had asked the attorney general to inform the steps taken by the government regarding ISKCON's recent activities. When the proceedings started on Thursday, the attorney general's office placed the information before the HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury. The bench hoped that the government must remain cautious about protecting the law and order situation and lives and properties of the people of Bangladesh, The Daily Star added. They came up with the remark after Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin informed the HC bench that three separate cases have been filed in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON's activities, and 33 accused have been arrested in these cases. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed concern over the current situation in neighbouring Bangladesh but emphasised that she preferred not to comment on the matter, as it pertains to another country. Speaking in the assembly, Banerjee clarified that the issue was for the central government to address, and her state government would abide by its decision. "Bangladesh is a different country. The government of India will look into it. It does not come under our jurisdiction. We are not supposed to talk about it or interfere. While we feel sorry inside, we follow the policies set by the Centre," Banerjee said. The Bengal CM also mentioned that she had spoken with representatives of ISKCON on the matter, but did not elaborate further. Hemant Soren is set to take oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony here on Thursday, which will be attended by several top political leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Soren at 4 pm. This will be the 49-year-old JMM leader's fourth stint as chief minister. Soren retained the Barhait seat, defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes in the recent assembly polls. The JMM-led alliance stormed to victory, securing 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, while the BJP-led NDA managed 24 seats. Posters for the event can be seen across the city, while security has been strengthened and traffic regulations put in place. Schools in Ranchi city are shut on Thursday in view of the swearing in of the Hemant Soren government. Jharkhand in-charge and Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said Soren is likely to take oath alone, and expansion of the cabinet will be held after a vote of confidence in the assembly. Hours before taking oath, Soren took to X, asserting that unity is the biggest weapon of people of the state, who can neither be divided nor silenced. In an apparent attack on the BJP-led central government, Soren also said whenever "they try to silence us", the revolution grows louder. "Let there be no doubt about it - our unity is our biggest weapon. We can neither be divided nor silenced. Whenever they push us back, we move forward. Whenever they try to silence us, our voice of rebellion, revolution grows louder because we are Jharkhandis, and Jharkhandis do not bow down," Soren posted on X in Hindi. "Our fight is firm and unceasing. The struggle continues and will continue till the last breath," he asserted. Terming the day as historic, he said it will further strengthen "our collective struggle", the spirit of love and brotherhood and the commitment of Jharkhandis towards justice. When deep cracks are emerging in the social structure, there is a need to resolve for unity, the acting CM said. Soren appealed to people to attend his swearing in ceremony, and also shared the link for live streaming of the event. Other senior political leaders likely to be in attendance are NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, a JMM leader said. CPI(ML)L general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav are also likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony. "It's heartening to have such esteemed leaders join us for this important occasion," Soren had said on Wednesday, as he paid a visit to the Morabadi ground to take stock of the arrangements. On Tuesday, Soren had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, in his first visit to the national capital after leading the alliance to an unprecedented second consecutive term. The JMM achieved its highest-ever tally in the elections, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested. The Congress secured 16, RJD four, and CPI(ML)L managed two seats in the INDIA bloc. Rwanda extradited to India on Thursday a member of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) facing an Interpol Red Notice in an operation coordinated by the NIA and the CBI, officials said here. Salman Rehman Khan, an alleged member of the internationally proscribed terrorist organisation, had assisted in providing arms, ammunition and explosives to further terrorist activities in Bengaluru, they said. "The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closely coordinated with the NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau - Kigali for the return to India from Rwanda of Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had lodged a case in 2023 related to criminal conspiracy to spread terror in Bengaluru, they said. An FIR was also registered at Hebbal Police Station, Bengaluru. Khan, who was previously imprisoned in a POCSO case (20182022), had allegedly facilitated the collection and distribution of explosives for other terror accused after being radicalised and recruited during his incarceration by T Naseer, a life convict in a terror case, according to the NIA probe. Naseer had allegedly orchestrated the radicalisation and subsequent criminal activities to further LeT operations in the country besides plotting his escape en route to the court from the prison, the agency said. When the terror module was busted, Khan managed to give agencies a slip and escaped from the country, it said. NIA chargesheeted him in stringent anti-terror law and Indian Penal Code and court declared him a fugitive," it said. "The CBI on request of the NIA had got a Red Notice issued against the subject from Interpol on August 2, 2024. It was circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking of the wanted criminal," the CBI statement said. Based on the Red Notice, he was apprehended by authorities in Kigali, Rwanda. The information was passed on to the CBI which is the designated agency for coordination of Interpol affairs in India and the NIA. After legal proceedings, he was extradited to India. "He was returned to India on 28.11.2024 by a security team from NIA," the CBI statement said. The return of Khan comes soon after similar operations in coordination with Interpol wherein two accused -- one wanted by the CBI and another by the Kerala Police -- were brought back from Saudi Arabia. Barkat Ali Khan, who had an Interpol Red Notice, was wanted in a 2012 case of rioting and use of explosive substances. He was brought back from Saudi Arabia on November 14. Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, who also had an Interpol Red Notice against him and was wanted by police in Pattambi, Kerala for committing rape and sexual offences against a minor, was brought from Saudi Arabia on November 10. "The CBI, as National Central Bureau for Interpol in India, coordinates closely with all Law Enforcement Agencies in India for cooperation over Interpol channels. Since 2021, as many as 100 wanted criminals, including 26 this year, have been returned to India through coordination via Interpol channels," the statement said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as anti-secular, claiming that it would snatch the rights of Muslims. Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter. The bill is anti-federal and anti-secular; it is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section. It will snatch the rights of Muslims... The Centre did not consult with us on the Waqf Bill, she said. The chief minister added that if any religion was attacked, she would wholeheartedly condemn it. Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims. The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable. A parliamentary committee has been constituted to scrutinise the contentious bill. Over 800 Chinese medical workers aid Zanzibar in six decades Xinhua) 09:39, November 28, 2024 NANJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Since 1964, when east China's Jiangsu Province dispatched its first medical team to Zanzibar in East Africa's Tanzania, 847 medical workers in 34 batches have provided diagnoses and treatments for some 8.3 million locals so far, according to the Jiangsu Commission of Health on Wednesday. In the past 60 years, Jiangsu medical professionals have performed over 240,000 different kinds of surgeries and saved about 40,000 seriously ill patients in Zanzibar. Jiangsu also donated many medical imaging devices, such as MRI, CT and X-ray machines, to Zanzibar Mnazi Mmoja Hospital. Since 2009, Jiangsu has also helped Zanzibar establish eight technical centers for laparoscopic surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and maternal and infant treatment, with proven technologically advanced and effective medical treatments. In Zanzibar, cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women of reproductive age. Since 2018, Jiangsu has launched a project on cervical cancer screening and sent seven teams of medical professionals to Zanzibar to conduct on-site screenings. The project's target of 32,000 screenings is estimated to be completed this year. Over the years, Jiangsu's medical teams and experts have been at the forefront of combating regional diseases and major public health crises. From 2016 to 2019, the Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases led a three-year project to help control and eliminate Zanzibar schistosomiasis, helping reduce its morbidity rate from 8.92 percent to 0.64 percent within the project's demonstration area. In August, Tanzania's Zanzibar authorities praised the Chinese aid project for the control of schistosomiasis, saying it has helped eliminate the disease in the Indian Ocean islands. Currently, the Chinese medical teams in Zanzibar have shifted their focus from offering short-term aid to sharing their expertise and introducing the latest treatment methods to local doctors. The medical workers also guide them in conducting clinical diagnoses, examining patients, and interacting with patients more effectively. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) by Claire Chambers Continuing my previous 3QD post about Pamela Sneeds Funeral Diva, and an earlier piece contextualizing literary representations of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, today I want to discuss the work of Sindiwe Magona. She is one of South Africas most renowned Black women writers, and her autobiography To My Childrens Children (1990) is required reading about apartheid in the 1950s and 1960s. Magona went on to publish Beautys Gift in 2008, a novel dealing with the devastation of AIDS in South Africa during the early twenty-first century. The protagonist is called Beauty and she lives up to that name, being beautiful inside and out. But she exists off-stage, so to speak, since the novel narrates in a non-linear manner some events from August to December 2002. These are recounted from the perspectives of Beautys four closest friends, Amanda, Edith, Cordelia, and Doris, all women in their early to mid-thirties. The novel opens on Beautys funeral, described in free indirect discourse through her oldest friend Amandas focalization. We find out quickly that Amanda hates Beautys surviving husband, Hamilton, as a silent message of loathing is exchanged by the two. The reason for this hatred, readers discover, is that the suave man of substance Hamilton had conducted multiple love affairs. As a consequence he had infected his wife with HIV, which in her case leads to rapid physical deterioration and death from AIDS soon afterwards. In her Introduction to the ten-year anniversary edition of the novel, Magona writes of the raging fire in the country of my birth a veritable catastrophe that was laying waste to all life especially young life. Absolute devastation. She also explores the initial assumption that this was a plague affecting gay men, and her horror on realizing that hardly a home in South Africa would be unaffected by the disease. Accordingly, even as they mourn her, Beautys friends start looking at their own marriages, discovering husbands infidelities, and worrying about tests and HIV status. Early on, Magona presents readers of Beautys Gift with a startling image: the beautiful and beloved Beauty laid to rest in an opulent casket, which is then fixed in the earth with cement to prevent theft. Her friends memories of Beautys charisma and kindness are concretized by the weight of her death from AIDS. From the outset, funerals emerge not merely as a plot point but a structuring device for understanding the social and political implications of the AIDS crisis in South Africa. After opening her novel with Beautys funeral, Magona continues with vignettes about various stages of illness, death, and grief. These include a wake, the mourning period, Beautys posthumous ceremony of drinking water and the spade-washing rite, followed by other peoples funerals. Through this framework, Magona creates a narrative of gendered suffering and resilience. She uses ritual, mourning, and friendship to critique the systemic neglect and betrayal of South African women. The novel tells the story of the Five Firm Friends or FFF, each grappling with the impact of Beautys death in different ways. Beauty remains an aporia for much of the text, although we encounter her in occasional analepses, such as when she faces her friends for the first time after the illness has ravaged her looks. Now deceased, the figure haunts the lives of her family, friends, and the community. Beautys funeral is a weeping sore that opens up even deeper wounds. In the flashbacks detailing Beautys physical deterioration due to AIDS, Magona deploys grotesque imagery whereby her body is both a symbol of her personal suffering and a broader metaphor for the AIDS epidemic. Beautys gaunt wasteland of [a] face, contrasted with her once lustrous hair, evokes the frightening transformation that the disease visits upon its victims, stripping them of health, vibrancy, and, ultimately, dignity. Magona thus uses Beautys body to speak to a larger issue: the crisis of care and responsibility toward those impacted by AIDS in a society fraught with racial and gender inequities. So many funerals are being held, including consecutive ones for members of the same family, that the graveyards are overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate any more burials. Undertaker businesses are South Africas only growth industry in a stagnant economy. Yet, despite the pandemics extensive reach, HIV still carries the freight of stigma. Incest and homosexuality are joked about by one group of crude youngsters, but Cordelia challenges them sarcastically: Because heterosexual people dont die of Aids?. Magona puts colourful language in characters mouths. Cordelia speaks of Africans dying like flies from the HIV virus, and she goes on to speculate that they were all walking corpses. The diseases racialized impact is brought out when the FFF talk about how even though Aids is not a black disease, it has killed more Black people in South Africa than the other ethnicities put together. This is a genocide of the poor that had it occurred during apartheid South Africa would have been roundly condemned. The best guardrails against HIV are shown to be tests and condoms. If this embarrasses many of the novels menfolk, then the elder Mrs Mazwi is not ashamed to pronounce: There is no stigma to illness. Relatedly, not only does Beauty have a gift for the FFF, about which I shall have more to say later on, but she also has a request. She asks Amanda to tackle taboos head on by tell[ing] the others it was AIDS that caused her death. Beautys Gift shows that combatting HIV requires confronting prejudice and prioritizing widespread education and prevention. At Beautys funeral, Amanda seethes with anger directed towards Hamilton. Despite his reputable appearance, his cheating led to his wifes infection. Hamiltons personal betrayal is thus metonymic for a larger betrayal of South African women, who often bear the brunt of their husbands indiscretions without any awareness or protection. Magona presents men as the primary transgressors, while women are depicted as steadfast but ultimately hurt. This at times leans into judgment, perhaps reflecting gender roles in South Africa since, as the late British feminist Tamsin Wilton observed, there is a global invisibility of the heterosexual male norm in AIDS discourse [ whereby] it is precisely mens behaviour which puts women at risk. As the narrative unfolds, we learn that Beauty, like most if not all of her friends, had little agency in her relationship. Hamiltons decisions impacted her life and, ultimately, caused her death. The widowers conspicuously grand display at the funeral seems to showcase what Magona in one of many phrases that remain untranslated from the isiZulu calls umngcwabo womhlaba, or a burial of the world. Yet this bears tragic irony because, rather than last rites replete with worldly love, the phrasing actually points to the worlds complicity in and burial of Beautys suffering. This hollow embrace bespeaks the communal silence and failure that enabled Hamiltons behaviour. Magona emphasizes that AIDS is not merely a personal crisis but a structural one, exacerbated by social norms that prioritize so-called tradition and male power while silencing female suffering. Thus, Beautys funeral operates as a microcosm of the institutional failures that have allowed the epidemic to decimate communities with limited intervention, particularly in marginalized populations. The structuring device of funerals in Beautys Gift allows Magona to bind together multiple threads concerning personal grief, systemic inequality, and the need for collective responsibility. As Amanda and her group mourn a friend and investigate their own relationships, their shared anxiety highlights the relational vulnerability of women. In South African society, as Cordelia bitterly notes, men who refuse to use condoms kill women. This sentiment reflects the dangerous intersection of patriarchy and AIDS, where male privilege becomes a deadly weapon that endangers the lives of women. The metaphor of men as armed enem[ies] stresses the power dynamics at play, positioning women as casualties of a system that values male desire over female autonomy. Magonas narrative structure draws attention to the routine, almost numbing prevalence of funerals in South Africa during the AIDS crisis. The idea that not only are parents burying their children but also the same family has to arrange consecutive rites for its members highlights the frequency of the funerals and the emotional toll they take on communities. Funerals punctuate the lives of those left behind, compelling them to address not only personal loss but the socio-political realities of their nation. Last rites were a tricky affair, frets one character, but as a device the funeral works seamlessly. It allows for the inclusion of rousing rhetoric from eulogies and panegyrics without undue authorial didacticism. Mrs Mazwi, a retired teacher and something of a mouthpiece for Magonas own views, warns from the graveside that there will not be one family left untouched, foreshadowing the devastation that AIDS would bring across South Africa. Her words underline the collective impact of the disease and the sense of powerlessness that communities feel facing a pandemic largely ignored by institutions. This neglect was especially fostered during Thabo Mbekes government which, being in power from 1999 to 2008, encompasses both the novels events and its date of publication. Mrs Mazwi asks a rhetorical question of the mourners assembled to pay their last respects to the teacher and rugby player Lungile Sonti: Where is the government, with our children dying? (86). Through Mrs Mazwis oration, Magona highlights the systemic neglect felt in the deprived township of Gugulethu near Cape Town during the crisis. In the pages of Beautys Gift, funerals are more than just a ritual of mourning they become a site of political and social commentary. The image of the shovel, which eats the ground with such ferocious frequency, encapsulates the relentless pace of death in South Africa during the AIDS crisis. Small wonder that the spade-washing ceremony is popularly held after a burial as a sign of the removal of deaths lingering presence. The novels structure, as it moves non-sequentially through phases of illness, death, funeral, and mourning, mirrors the recurrent and cyclical nature of grief. Magonas narrative suggests that these funerals, while necessary for commemorating deaths, are also a call to action, a demand for systemic reform in a society that has failed its most vulnerable members. Through Beautys death, Magona brings attention to the ways in which AIDS has destabilized social structures in South Africa. Magona uses Foucauldian language appropriately given that Michel Foucault had earlier died of AIDS in describing an inversion of the order of things. Parents are forced to bury their children in a crisis that upends normative family roles and signifies a collapse of stability because of the pandemic. Indeed, AIDS is depicted as the disease of the children and young people are addressed directly by Mrs Mazwi when she says: My children, [] this is your funeral. This is your disease. Magona drives home the profound generational disruption caused by HIV, illustrating the viruss impact on youth and families. The fleeting presence of Njongonkulu Ndungane (1941) in the text reinforces this point, as the Archbishop condemns a culture of inordinately costly ceremonies. Financial resources are poured into elaborate mourning rituals rather than going to preventive or supportive measures for those living with HIV/AIDS. To provide some mitigation against the expenses of all these ceremonies, monthly payments to a burial society act as an insurance. Yet Ndunganes critique highlights a tension between ancestral customs and the essential nature of practical interventions, suggesting that the cultural emphasis on funerals may inadvertently hinder collective efforts to address the virus at its root. The friends mourning process also opens up ideas around beauty and mortality, juxtaposing the idealized image of Beauty with her physical deterioration due to AIDS. This tension is evident in Amandas reflections on Beautys body, which Magona describes in unflinching detail. Her friends think that Hamiltons abuse has caused her raw-steak lips and shrunken gums, and in a way they are correct. The contrast between Beautys appearance in life and her skeletal form in death speak viscerally to the diseases impact, prompting readers to reckon with the physical and emotional devastation wrought by AIDS. The grotesque face that appears in place of Beautys and her enormous head on a tiny skeleton call to mind the figure of Kurtz. Describing this characters death in Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad writes that the thin arm extended commandingly, the lower jaw moving, the eyes of that apparition shining darkly far in its bony head that nodded with grotesque jerks. Kurtzs physical decay symbolizes moral corruption, whereas Beautys diminishment reveals the social and ethical decay in the way the South African authorities responded to AIDS. Magona intersperses isiXhosa and isiZulu phrases throughout the novel, infusing Beautys Gift with cultural specificity while also underscoring the linguistic divisions that further isolate marginalized voices. The isiXhosa phrase Ziyaphel iititshala, which translates to The teachers are disappearing!, stands as a metaphor for the generational loss inflicted by HIV, as the virus decimates communities, leaving gaps that cannot be easily filled. The absence of translation for many phrases spotlights the particularity of the AIDS crisis in this part of South Africa, resisting the homogenizing tendencies and single story of Western narratives about the epidemic. By refusing to translate many of the isiXhosa and isiZulu words that pepper the narrative, in addition to refusing italicization of non-English words, Magona pushes non-isiXhosa-speaking readers to examine their own outsider status. Womens solidarity emerges as a counterforce to the forces of betrayal and death that permeate the novel. Amanda and Beauty call each other sithandwa, meaning You are loved. The use of the term of endearment reflects an emotional bond that transcends romantic relationships. Beauty and Amanda were friends before meeting the others, and their closeness is almost that of lovers, replete with tiffs as well as affection. Magona positions female friendship as a form of chosen family that is especially important in the time of AIDS. The FFF construct a support network that stands in stark contrast to the betrayal and silence of the men in their lives. For instance, after the funeral the four surviving women decide to spend the rest of the day honouring her and consoling one another as best as they knew how. No men (they could take care of themselves). The novel thus invites readers to interpret the relationship between its female characters as a form of sisterhood, a concept that carries complex and debated meanings within feminist thought. Unlike second-wave representations that sometimes romanticize womens unity based on shared experiences of oppression, intersectional feminists like bell hooks and Nira Yuval-Davis have critiqued the simplistic notion of a universal sisterhood. In her essay on female solidarity, hooks stresses that unity should stem from political commitment rather than assumed similarities. Yuval-Davis adumbrates a feminist transversal politics grounded in shared emancipatory goals rather than victimhood. This perspective meshes with Beautys Gifts portrayal of solidarity, as four women are brought together via a shared ideal of liberation given to them by their fifth, absent friend Beauty. Magona recognizes that responses to crises, such as disease, act as a catalyst for this solidarity. Moreover, the novel underscores that the fragile sisterhood is frequently threatened, particularly by male influence, with sexual relationships often depicted as a source of disruption. The multicultural fabric needed for a lasting solidarity is implied in the phrase ukusezwa amanzi for a water drinking ritual that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the collective strength of the community. This ceremony, in which participants drink water from a shared vessel, symbolizes both purification and resilience, functioning as a reminder that the fight against AIDS is not an individual struggle but a communal one. The novels concluding scenes, where the FFF leave their inadequate male partners behind to go on a group holiday, indicate Beautys lasting impact. Her gift to her friends is Ukhule, a word expressing hope her friends will grow old. This wish, simple yet profound, encapsulates a desire for a future in which women are free from the fears of public humiliation, coercive control, sexual violence, and disease. When they formulate their rule No test, no sex, Cordelias husband beats her badly and then abandons her. Doriss fiance is so relieved by a negative HIV result for a test he undergoes reluctantly that it becomes clear he has been unfaithful. Amandas husband has been discovered to have had secret children with two different women, and after Amanda leaves him he suffers a fatal road accident while drunk. In the novels most disturbing scene described in Chapter 30, Ediths husband rapes her. By inspiring the four to remain steadfast despite these stark circumstances, Beautys legacy is not merely one of loss but of resilience. This is a reminder that the fight against AIDS requires not only medical intervention but a transformation of social structures that perpetuate gendered violence and inequality. Magona spins out the symbolism of funerals so as to interrogate the intersections of gender, systemic inequality, and the AIDS crisis. The shared commitment of the FFF also signals a crucial shift away from the traditional passivity often expected of women within patriarchal structures. Rather than accepting their roles as silent victims or resigned mourners, Amanda, Edith, Cordelia, and Doris challenge these archetypes. Keeping Beautys tragedy in mind, they reject the cultural expectations that would bind them to submissive, vulnerable positions within their marriages. Instead, they seek out active agency, demanding autonomy over their bodies and choices. Magona illustrates this defiance through the repeated word, which ends the novel and articulates a fierce vow to live as Beauty would have wanted: Ukhule! [Amanda] said to each in turn, Ukhule. This pronouncement that you are growing or you have grown stages a form of feminist revolt. It shows that within the loss of one life, others may find the courage to forge new paths for themselves. Womens bonds of kinship and friendship are vital resources of survival, resistance, and wellbeing within oppressive systems. The vacation which the women initiate in Beautys memory features as narrative closure and gestures to a future of hope and healing. Magona suggests that while the funeral marks an ending, it also denotes a beginning. Opening with a death and ending with a female-only road trip, Beautys Gift reframes the act of mourning, showing it not as a passive acceptance of fate but as an active, communal stance against systemic injustice. In sum, Magonas Beautys Gift uses funerals as a complex symbol through which the intersections of gender, systemic inequality, and the AIDS epidemic are explored. Beautys death, alongside the funerals that ripple through the community, functions as a searing indictment of the patriarchal and governmental failures that exacerbate the AIDS crisis in South Africa. But within this condemnation lies a message of sisterhood. Magona reminds readers that even as communities are fractured by loss, they are also bound together by shared grief, collective strength, and the relentless pursuit of justice and dignity. Beautys memory endures, not just as a symbol of suffering, but as a gift of awareness and empowerment for those left behind. Through their mourning, her friends find a path forward, emboldened to seek a life of safety, autonomy, and solidarity. In a world marred by funerals and loss, Magonas women emerge as bearers of a new kind of strength. It is one that honours the dead by fighting fiercely for the living. Work on a green infrastructure enhancement project at Claudy Country Park has been officially opened by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr and Infrastructure Minister John ODowd. The green projects provide improvements to the Play Area and safety and access works in the wider park and were made possible by funding from the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme. Attending the official opening, Infrastructure Minister John ODowd welcomed the completion of the project. He said: The Small Settlements Regeneration Programme is a great example of Departments working together to deliver real change in how people live and work bringing tangible benefits to our rural communities by supporting initiatives on the ground. I am delighted that my department was able to contribute 140,500 to this project at Claudy. This is a fantastic outdoor space where locals and visitors can take some time to relax and enjoy the natural environment." Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the projects official opening. This project is an excellent example of three departments working together with local Councils to regenerate towns and villages across Northern Ireland, he said. The Small Settlements programme, led by my department, enables green spaces to be developed for the benefit of the rural community. Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir added: The Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme has allowed three government departments to work in partnership with local councils to fund locally identified initiatives that address the needs of the rural communities. This bottom up approach to addressing rural issues will benefit everyone involved. Greenspace is vital for community quality of life and this project in Claudy Country Park is welcomed. Also speaking at the opening, Mayor Barr said the enhancements will improve community life in the Claudy area. High quality greenspaces in rural areas can make a huge contribution to peoples mental and physical health, as well as being a focus for community pride and social interaction. We are delighted to be working with the funding Departments to further enhance these popular greenspaces. The schemes have been made possible through funding from the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme, a collaboration between the Department for Communities (DfC), Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), working closely with local Councils to identify priority projects for delivery on the ground. The programme aims to support a range of regeneration and active travel interventions targeting small settlements (with a population of less than 5,000 people) that will attract investors and visitors and create vital and viable villages that meet the needs of local citizens and the surrounding areas. Out of the close to 2.5m in funding secured by Council for the programme, 1m has been allocated towards the three greenspace projects, with the remaining budget committed to a commercial facade painting scheme and associated environmental improvements within eight settlements. The three green infrastructure (GI) projects have been drawn up to meet community requests as identified through the Green Infrastructure Plan. Other GI projects in the scheme include Learmount Forest, Park village, which will include path improvements, new seats, picnic benches and better signage and Vaughans Holm, Newtownstewart, including new paths, widening of riverside path and additional seats and signage. Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt, has announced the roll out of a Pharmacy First for Sore Throat' service, from community pharmacies across Derry, and the rest of Northern Ireland, this winter. The service will offer advice, a clinical assessment, and appropriate treatment, to anyone aged five years and over in these pharmacies from December 1. This follows on from the positive evaluation of a pilot service delivered in 43 pharmacies in 2023. Between November 2023, and March 2024, over 6,700 people have accessed the service, which in turn, helps to relieve pressure on other urgent care services. Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, said, The Pharmacy First for Sore Throat service has been proven to offer a high-quality, efficient, and, effective clinical pathway for people aged five years old and over to receive assessment and necessary treatment for sore throats, helping to free up GP time for management of other complex and urgent cases, The 'Pharmacy First' initiative provides an easily accessible way for people to receive clinical care for common winter illnesses close to their homes, or on our high streets, without the need for a GP appointment. I have no doubt the extension of the Pharmacy First service to include sore throat will be a welcome addition to the range of clinical care that people can receive in the heart of their own communities from local pharmacy teams. I would encourage the public to avail of these services to help keep well over the winter period, he added. Pharmacists will offer a confidential consultation in a private area of the pharmacy, where they will assess the sore throat symptoms, and provide management, advice, and treatment, if required. As part of the clinical assessment, the pharmacist may carry out a test, usually a throat swab, to help determine the cause of the throat irritation, and help to decide on the best treatment to provide, if needed. READ MORE: Rural Support offers help to the farming community during challenging times Sore throats are normally caused by viral infections. Symptoms usually last around a week and will normally go away by themselves. Antibiotics are not normally needed for sore throat as they will not usually relieve symptoms or speed up recovery, however community pharmacists will provide advice and treatment where appropriate should a bacterial sore throat be diagnosed. Pharmacists may also offer treatment to help alleviate symptoms such as pain or fever. Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Professor Cathy Harrison said, All community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals, and are uniquely placed to provide much valued and accessible clinical care in the community setting. Our health service will also benefit as these consultations will create capacity that will help to alleviate some of the pressures across the sector. I very much welcome the wider rollout of the Pharmacy First for Sore Throat service. Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said, Community pharmacists are increasingly playing a greater role in the delivery of clinical services, and this is to be welcomed. Through the expansion of this service, patients across Northern Ireland will benefit from being seen, assessed, and if necessary, treated close to home, "Community pharmacies continue to be very busy, especially over the winter period, and we would ask that people accessing pharmacy services continue to be patient with staff as they deliver these much utilised services. Pharmacy First services are available at most community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, and provide a range of treatments for common illnesses, urinary tract infection, emergency contraception and now, sore throats. More information about Pharmacy First services can be found here. At the recent AGM of the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) held in Mid Ulster District Council Chamber in Dungannon, Councillor Eugene McConnell from Mid Ulster District Council was elected as the new Chairperson for 2024/25, and Cavan County Councillor Sarah OReilly was elected as Vice-Chair. ICBAN was established as a network of councillors from the Ireland/Northern Ireland border area in 1995 with the aim of responding to the unique economic and social needs of the Central Border Region. The eight member Councils in the network are Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon, Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh and Omagh, Leitrim, Mid Ulster, Monaghan, and Sligo. The new Chairperson, Councillor McConnell, has been an elected representative since 2023, and a member of the ICBAN Management Board since then also. In his acceptance statement, he thanked his proposers and said that it was a privilege to have been elected to the role of leading ICBAN into 2025. Remarking on his focus for the next year Councillor McConnell said: ICBAN has been an advocate for the border communities of the Central Border Region since 1995 and will be celebrating 30 years of cross-border cooperation next year. ICBAN is still delivering for our communities and there are a number of new projects in the pipeline being readied for delivery and which will have a positive impact on our Region in the coming years. Councillor McConnell also thanked the outgoing Chair Councillor Seamus Coyle for his commitment to cross-border cooperation. A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and theft from a number of shops. Ahmed Yaasiin Andikariim (35), originally from Somalia and currently of Bowling Green in Strabane was charged with, on November 26, stealing a Derry City jacket from O'Neill's. He was also charged with, on November 27, damaging a number of electrical items in Tesco in Quayside. On November 25, he was charged with stealing a number of bottles of vodka from Lidl in Strabane and, on November 26, stealing a number of bottles of Malibu from Supervalue in Strabane. He was subsequently arrested on November 26 after police received a report from staff in O'Neill's regarding the theft of the jacket, with staff telling police that he took the jacket off it's hanger and replaced it with his own before walking out of the shop. When talking to police, he denied the theft in Lidl and claimed to have paid 75 in O'Neill's for the jacket. All of the incidents were seen by police on CCTV. Police objected to bail as he already has a number of charges from between April and September this year, including arrests for drug possession, criminal damage and disorderly behavior. He also has seven breaches of bail since 2023 and police say he is at clear risk of reoffending. Defence Barrister Sinead Rogan said that he is an asylum seeker that initially came to Bangor before moving to Strabane, adding that he may have issues with alcohol. Bail was denied and he will appear again on December 19. Members of the Dungiven community and Mid Ulster Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (ISPC) have staged a protest outside the new McDonalds in Magherafelt, County Derry. Speaking to The County Post, a spokesperson for Mid Ulster IPSC said the protest on Friday night was planned to coincide with the opening weekend of McDonalds in the town. The spokesperson added: "We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to international humanitarian law and to call for our politicians to comply with the order of the International Criminal Court and take action in line with advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. Pictured are some of those who staged the protest in Magherafelt. "This week, the international Criminal court has made it clear that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Benjamin Netanyahu [Israel's prime minister] and his former defence minister have committed war crimes. "McDonalds in Israel has shown support for the Israeli military and their campaign led by Netanyahu. This inhumane, genocidal campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 44,000 people, 70% of them women and children according to the UN "It is clear that there can be no support, financial, political or military for the Israeli genocidal campaign and unlawful occupation," added the spokesperson, who said that "ending all state, corporate and institutional complicity with Israels genocidal regime is more urgent than ever". The spokesperson said that "people of conscience" around the world were "rightfully shattered, enraged, and sometimes feeling powerless about the genocide in Gaza". They added: "People can make a difference by boycotting products and services of companies that operate in the occupied territories or support the current politicians to comply with the order of the International Criminal Court and take action in line with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. "It is clear that there can be no support, financial, political or military for the Israeli genocidal campaign and illegal occupation. "Additionally, we wanted to convey to workers that we stand with them and wish to be an ally to them. The BDS movement aims to empower workers, and we encourage them, and all local people, to take inspiration from the Dunnes Stores workers whose strike led to the dismantling of the apartheid South African regime. "At our peaceful protest this evening in Magherafelt, we were joined by people of conscience from across Mid Ulster and we welcomed the women of Dungiven who have been holding a vigil every week for over a year now. "As Bernadette McAliskey said recently at a solidarity protest for Palestine: 'If children knew what McDonalds were supporting, they would make the decision not to eat there'. "We would ask people to support the BDS movement and do everything they can to bring an end to the genocide. A heartbroken Derry mother said she felt compelled to speak out about the high number of anonymity orders being granted locally in drugs-related prosecutions. Leanne McLaughlin, whose daughter Caitlin (16) collapsed at the Belsonic music festival in Belfast in June 2023, described the anonymity orders as an open invitation for drug dealers to come to Derry. Caitlin, who had just finished her GCSEs at St Cecilias College. was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she died shortly after. Speaking to The Derry News, Leanne said she would like a face-to-face meeting with District Judge Barney McElhom who said this week he would continue to grant anonymity orders to alleged drug-dealers until he was told the threat against them was lifted. At her inquest on July 1, coroner Anne-Louise Toal said Caitlins death was as a result of going into cardiac arrest after taking ecstasy, cocaine and synthetic amphetamine. Ms Toal warned illegal drugs were often mixed with other substances, including rat poison, and even one ecstasy tablet could be enough to kill someone. I would just like to meet Mr McElhom to tell him in person about the devastation illegal drugs and the people who deal them have caused to my family, said Leanne. There have been days I have been so low I just want to die, that is how I have been left as a parent. It is not fair. I cannot put into words how Caitlins death has affected me. I am a prisoner in my own mind. Trapped and consumed by this nightmare. I can do nothing to bring her back. I am helpless and feel so alone and abandoned. I am at the stage in my grief where I am consumed by anger at the loss of my beautiful Caitlin, who was robbed of the life she should have had, said Leanne. Mr Elhoms comments followed revelations more drug-case anonymity orders were granted in Derry in the last five years than in the rest of the North. Figures showed almost 90% of the 374 anonymity orders in drugs-related prosecutions were granted in the city. As a result of these anonymity orders there is a perception Derry has become the go-to place for drug dealers, that they can walk around freely, deal drugs and kill people, added Leanne. Why does the legal system appear to be protecting drug dealers but letting our children die, literally on the streets? There were 12 paramilitary attacks in Northern Ireland last year linked to drugs, and only three of those took place in Derry, so why is the number of anonymity orders granted here so high? The identity of drug dealers needs to be known so our teenagers can be protected, said Leanne. According to Leanne, following Caitlins death she had received no support from the PSNI in the form of a family liaison officer or from Victim Support NI. She also revealed she had recently become aware of the fact the PSNI had recorded Caitlin as having no next of kin in her file. This omission meant the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had not assigned leanne a support worker from its Victim and Witness Care Unit - a single point of contact who could keep her informed about the progress of the court case. When contacted by The Derry News, a spokesperson for Victim Support NI said the organisation did not comment on individual cases. She added: We support victims of all crime types, in accordance with the Victim Charter, whether or not the crime has been reported to police. Victims can also self-refer for support and if the victim's mother would like to avail of our services we would ask her to call our Foyle Hub on 02871 370086 so that we may offer her support to help her through this difficult time. A PPS spokeswoman said: It is normal process for police to identify relevant next of kin to the PPS when reporting a suspect for consideration, at which point contact via the Victim and Witness Care Unit can begin. In this case, no next of kin was identified on the file. On enquiry, police indicated that the victims mother would be formally added as next of kin on the file. In light of the concerns about communication raised by the victims mother, a senior prosecutor has made contact directly to answer any questions she may have around the case. The PPS spokeswoman added it was awaiting the submission of a full investigation file from the PSNI in relation to this matter. No decisions as to prosecution can be taken by the PPS until receipt of the full file and the defendant remains on police charges. "A police file was submitted to the PPS in September 2024, however it is not categorised as a full file because some essential evidence remains outstanding. "Additional evidence was requested. Once all requested evidence has been received, the PPS will be in a position to make a prosecutorial decision." A PSNI spokesperson said Family Liasion Officers would not normally be assigned in a drugs-related death. The spokesperson added: Detectives have charged a woman to court in connection with the sudden death of a teenage girl in the Belfast area on 25th June 2023. The 20-year-old has been charged with supplying a Class A controlled drug and was due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 10th July. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Archbishop Eamon Martin has urged the North's MPs to reject the assisted suicide bill when it comes before the House of Commons. Archbishop Martin's call comes after Foyle MP confirmed that he will be voting in favour of the bill. Mr Eastwood said that his decision was influenced by "all the people that I have known who have had difficult, bad deaths". The former SDLP leader added that he was confident that "there are enough safeguards in this law". On Friday MPs will vote on a private members bill to give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life. Assisted dying is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. Archbishop Martin said the passing of the bill would facilitate a change in the law to permit assisted suicide in Northern Ireland. He said: For all those who cherish a culture of life across these islands, the introduction of law to permit assisted suicide is an affront to a safe and protective society. Today, I am strongly appealing to MPs from Northern Ireland to appose this assisted suicide Bill when they vote on it tomorrow in the House of Commons. "As a society we are defined by the extent to which we care for our most vulnerable persons including those suffering from disabilities, terminal illness or otherwise nearing the end of life. "While this is a Gospel imperative, it is noteworthy that medical and healthcare professionals are also gravely concerned at an evolving political ideology which would interfere with their calling to do no harm and which would legally erode the right to life at all stages. How could the law change on assisted dying? The majority of UK medics could soon be women, according to the professions regulator. The workforce was close to reaching parity between male and female doctors, a new report by the General Medical Council (GMC) said. Some 49% of licensed doctors in the UK last year were women and although the trend had slowed in recent years, the GMC said it was likely it would become majority female soon. This was because a slightly larger proportion of new joiners in 2023 some 52% were women, while 54% of those leaving the profession last year were men. From 2019 to 2023, Wales had the highest growth in female doctors at 26%, followed by England with 23%, Northern Ireland with 18% and Scotland with 14%. Medical student intake grew slightly in 2023, the report said, with women accounting for 60% of intake across the four nations. It comes as figures showed there were now more doctors from an ethnic minority background on the register than white doctors. The GMC report said: It is imperative that any forms of discrimination or unfairness in doctors working lives are uncovered, confronted, and removed to ensure all doctors are able to reach their full potential. All parties have a role to play in this. Overall, between 2022 and 2023 the number of licensed doctors in the UK grew at the fastest rate since GMC records started in 2011. There was a 6% increase during the period, more than double the average year-on-year growth since 2011 (2.6%), which the GMC said was driven by joiners from abroad taking up locally employed roles. Locally employed doctors are medics working for trusts on local contracts in non-training, and usually non-permanent roles, with no nationally agreed terms and conditions. In England and Wales, the number of locally employed doctors increased by 75% between 2019 and 2023 from 21,000 to 36,831. This is compared to a 13% growth in medics on the specialist register and 9% on the GP register over the same period. Charlie Massey, chief executive of the GMC, said: Locally employed doctors have a lot to offer our health services. But too often they find themselves in roles without proper access to the education and training they need to develop their skills. Without changing the way we think about training, the UK risks sleepwalking into a situation where these doctors are overlooked and undervalued, to the detriment of good patient care. Responding to the report, Suzie Bailey, director of leadership and organisational development at think tank The Kings Fund, said: As patients still struggle to access appointments and with the waiting list for planned hospital care standing at 7.6 million, it is encouraging that the number of doctors on the register has been growing at the fastest speed in the past decade. It is also clear from this new data that hiring new doctors on its own is not enough, there needs to be adequate training and support in place, all of which can be in short supply in a stretched healthcare system. Ms Bailey also called for an examination of why the number of locally employed doctors is rising. Reasons may include flexible working, potentially better choices around work-life balance, as well as avoiding yearly transfers between different hospitals that may involve moving to different areas, she added. However, we know these doctors also experience racism, inadequate inductions, lack of recognition, poor access to training and career development. The proportion of doctors leaving the profession in the UK is stable at 4%, the GMC said, although it warned there are signs more doctors intend to leave in the future or reduce their working hours. The top reason for leaving was the desire to practice abroad, with Australia remaining the most popular destination for UK doctors. The Agriculture Minister has made clear he will not shy away from difficult decisions when tackling bovine TB in Northern Ireland. Andrew Muir was commenting as he outlined findings of a review of the regions approach to the disease. Mr Muir had asked chief veterinary officer (CVO) Brian Dooher to carry out the exercise into the departments bovine TB (bTB) programme and policies. Mr Dooher has made 40 recommendations to the minister. On the contentious issue of badger culling, Mr Dooher said a one size fits all strategy will not work in Northern Ireland, as he highlighted the potential for an approach that combined badger vaccination with selective culls. A decision by former agriculture minister Edwin Poots to order a limited cull of badgers was quashed by Belfast High Court last year. The minister and the CVO appeared before the Assemblys Agriculture Committee on Thursday to field questions on the review. Herd incidence and animal incidence rates of bTB in Northern Ireland continue to rise, the committee heard. In the 2023/24 financial year, total departmental expenditure on its bTB programme was 55.7 million of which 36.5 million was paid in compensation this marked a rise of 39% from 2020/21. Mr Muir said action was needed. I actually see this as a real, positive opportunity to move forward, he said of the review. Im not going to shy away from some difficult decisions on this and on other issues, because I think our politics has been failed in the past where weve done that. The minister said a collective approach was required. We need to do this together, because this is a collective problem, he said. Its not just government, its not just farming, its not individual farmers. Were all collectively affected by this. It affects the wider industry. You speak to the processors around it all. If this report today does not provide an opportunity for a reset, then I dont know what will. The review outlines actions aimed at changing culture; protecting uninfected herds from disease; detecting and removing infection effectively and efficiently; reducing transmission to other herds and wildlife; development of a wildlife intervention strategy; changes to compensation and proposals for further research; and a new approach to regionalisation. The minister has asked officials to draw up options for the establishment of a new industry/government partnership body to produce a delivery plan. He said he wanted the body to commence its work by January next year, with the plan and accompanying communications strategy completed by March. This is a pivotal report giving us a detailed and Northern Ireland-specific overview of current challenges which has the potential to help put us on a much better course towards aim of bTB eradication, he said. Collaboration and partnership working is key to help turn the situation around, it is of fundamental importance that industry, stakeholders and government work closer together. The status quo is not an option, change over short, medium and long term is essential. The mental health impact upon farmers is of deep personal concern to me and the significant financial burden upon both the industry and borne by government cannot continue. Mr Dooher added: This review has provided a stark picture of the particular challenges we face in the fight to control bTB, challenges which must be overcome if we are to finally set NI on a path to eradication. The urgency with which this now must be addressed is a direct response to the significant deterioration in the national bTB situation in NI, with a concurrent increase in expenditure. These proposals are, I hope, the start of a new journey on our path to control and eradicate this disease from NI. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Foxconn reportedly secures land in Tamil Nadu for new battery plant Foxconn has reportedly secured 200 acres of land in Tamil Nadu for a battery manufacturing plant, aligning with the company's strategic focus on AI and EV as growth engines. The Tamil Nadu government has allocated approximately 200 acres to Foxconn, India's largest contract manufacturer, for its proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) unit. If realized, this facility would become Foxconn's second BESS unit globally. According to sources familiar with the matter cited by the Economic Times, the Tamil Nadu government has included an incentive package with the land offer. While Foxconn has not finalized the deal, negotiations are in their final stages, and the project is likely to proceed at the designated location, as indicated by Chairman Young Liu during his India visit. On November 19, the company announced an investment of NT$15.9 billion (US$490 million) in a flagship headquarters in Kaohsiung. The headquarters is intended to connect with Foxconn's existing Kaohsiung facilities, including its software R&D center, electric bus factory, battery plant, and the Kaohsiung Software Park. This expansion follows Foxconn's initiation of construction on its battery cell plant in Kaohsiung, where the company aims to establish a comprehensive battery supply chain ecosystem. Liu has indicated this will serve as a crucial base for the company's global EV expansion. After identifying growth opportunities in AI and EV in June, Foxconn achieved a milestone with its subsidiary Foxtron Vehicle Technologies going public in November 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, the company plans to begin Model C EV deliveries and prepare for Model B mass production by the fourth quarter of 2024. The company's roadmap includes expanding its electric vehicle portfolio into overseas markets by 2025. In terms of EV components, Foxconn's battery center, which began mass production in June, is projected to reach an annual capacity of 1.2 million kilowatt-hours by the third quarter of 2025, with an additional battery plant scheduled to commence mass production in 2025. The company has also entered the powertrain chassis system market by acquiring a 50% stake in ZF Chassis Modules GmbH, marking its first venture into this segment. The Taoiseach has said he wants the public to consider who will form a stable government when they are voting, asking whether the country would want to have 50 or 60 independent TDs in the Dail. Simon Harris said it is not his place to tell people who to transfer their vote to but urged them to consider the make-up of the government after the election. The Labour Party also said Mr Harriss call for voters to transfer to centrist parties, where he named Fianna Fail and Labour, smacked of desperation. The public will go to the polls on Friday and decide the political landscape for the next few years. Speaking to the PA news agency on Thursday, Mr Harris said he was asking people to consider carefully which candidates they would give a preference to on the ballot paper on Friday. The point I am making is of course I am asking people to vote for my party, to vote Fine Gael, and in the areas where we are running more than one candidate, to continue your vote for the rest of the Fine Gael candidates, he said. But I am also very conscious that, when the election is over, whatever people decide is the decision, it is important that a stable government can be formed, and I have been making the point to people that my party has shown the ability to work well with other parties and Im hoping that people would transfer their votes to other parties. There has been many good independent TDs in this country I dont make a pejorative comment at all in relation to any independent TD but I do make the point, do we want to make up the Dail with 40 or 50, 60 independent TDs and how do we form a stable government if that is the backdrop? That is very much the point I am making. I am not going to tell people it is not my place as to who to transfer to, but I would hope people would consider, in their vote, who you would form a government at the end of all of this. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said that forming a coherent, stable government that would last the next four-and-a-half years was an important consideration. But ultimately it is a matter for the people. I would never be over-prescriptive in saying to people who are exercising their democratic rights, its up to people to do that, he said. Speaking in Greystones, Co Wicklow, ahead of a canvass with Fianna Fail minister Stephen Donnelly, Mr Martin described the election campaign as competitive and fragmented. Transfers are going to be crucial and Im saying to our candidates, campaign for the number ones, but campaign for the twos, threes, fours and fives as well. Theyre going to be crucial in terms of the destination of final seats in constituencies across the country. So were going into this final two days positive but really understanding the competitive nature of this election. The latest opinion poll ahead of Fridays General Election shows the countrys three largest parties remain in a tight race. The Red C-Business Post survey shows support for Fianna Fail unchanged at 21%, only slightly ahead of its coalition partner, Fine Gael, which is down two percentage points at 20% and now neck and neck with the largest opposition party, Sinn Fein, which has gained two. Mr Harris has said that his preference would be for a coalition. He also said in an interview with the Irish Examiner that he would be voting for Fine Gael and transferring to Fianna Fail and Labour, while urging voters to vote for centrist parties. Labour leader Ivana Bacik criticised the remarks as she appealed to voters to vote for radical change and centre-left parties. She said: I saw the Taoiseachs comments today, and frankly, I think they smacked of desperation in the last few days of his campaign. Ive consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I would do if I am re-elected, after the people have spoken, is go to the leaders of other parties and other groupings who share a centre-left, green vision and those values that we hold dear in the Labour Party, because we want to ensure that that vision, those values, will shape the next government. Ms Bacik said there was an appetite for Labours positive message of constructive change among the electorate and said she was the only leader of a left party that had set out a clear vision. We are anticipating an increase in the number of Labour TDs will return to the next Dail, she said. Earlier, Mr Harris said there are too many young adults living at home with their parents. He said: I meet them right across the country and know they want to move out and buy their own home. And that is why we are prioritising 303,000 more homes, 40 billion euro investment in housing. But it is also the reason why we are refusing to pull the rug from under first-time buyers. The Help to Buy scheme may not be perfect, the First Home scheme may not be perfect, but it has helped so many thousands of people and we are committed to keeping that for the next five years. On Thursday, Mr Harris was asked on Newstalks The Pat Kenny Show about an apparent drop in his partys support in the opinion polls. He said it was down to a couple of things, including that he has had to rejuvenate my party in real time. Mr Harris added: I feel really good about tomorrow, I feel really hopeful about tomorrow, that people will lend us their votes so that I can continue my job as Taoiseach and so that we can really put together a stable government for the next five years. 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. "I grew up in one of many diverse working class housing estates in Dundalk and experienced how weve been continuously neglected by successive governments. That significantly shaped my politics so Ill run for a platform to speak up for our areas. The deep levels of solidarity but also the violence of poverty and austerity existing side by side. "There is a crisis in housing, healthcare, climate, a multitude of crises that seem incapable of being resolved. These issues seem unresolvable by the other parties as they all support an economic system that creates these conditions. "The housing crisis makes money for landlords, the healthcare crisis makes money for private health companies, the climate crisis makes money for oil companies. This is exactly how the capitalist system is meant to work, artificial scarcity, brutal exploitation and profound alienation. "A small few with enough wealth to last hundreds of lifetimes whilst the majority work and toil away their entire lives and barely have enough to sustain their miserable existence. I am the only candidate willing to fight against a system that doesnt serve in our interests. "Two policies I want to implement is firstly, a ban on foreign military use of our airports to no longer facilitate wars of plunder and conquest. Secondly, abolish the 1990 Industrial Relations Act, its an anti-worker piece of legislation and we need to rebuild a fighting labour movement. With three outgoing TDs not seeking re-election; a boundary change that sees Louth having some areas transferred to the Meath East constituency that will result in the loss of around 11,500 voters in Louth; and what is seen by some as a further disillusionment with what would be seen as establishment parties in favour of Independent politicians, there is a lot of uncertainty as to who will take the five seats in Louth in General Election 2024. The boundary change are a result of the 2023 Dail Constituency Review produced by An Coimisiun Toghchain, the Electoral Commission. An Coimisiun Toghchai was established after the Electoral Reform Act 2022 was passed by the Oireachtas following the 2022 Census. The changes for General Election 2024 have come about due to the increase in the population, and are aimed at upholding Article 16.2.2 of the Constitution of Ireland, Bunreacht na hEireann, that says one TD should speak on behalf of between 20,000 and 30,000 people. As a result of the constituency review, Louth has seen some areas transferred to Meath East, but it will still maintain its five seats. The 2020 general election saw Sinn Fein top the poll and see its two candidates elected on the first count. The quota was 11,778 votes, and with 17,203 first preference votes, Imelda Munster not only was elected on the first count, she took 24.34% of the first preference vote share in Louth and had almost an extra half quota to spare. Her Sinn Fein colleague, Ruairi O Murchu was also elected on the first count with 12,491 votes and 17.68% of the first preference vote share. Between them they had over 42% of the first preference votes. The other three candidates to be elected in Louth in 2020 were Fine Gael's Fergus O'Dowd, who received 6,380 first preference votes; Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick, who received 6,085 first preference votes; and Labour's Ged Nash, who received 5,824 first preference votes. The three outgoing TDs who are not seeking re-election in 2024 are Fergus O'Dowd, Imelda Munster and Peter Fitzpatrick, with just Ruairi O Murchu and Ged Nash looking to hold their seats. So what are their chances of holding their seats and if they do, who will take the remaining three? While it is seen as easier for a sitting TD to hold their seat, there is no guarantee this time around. There are 24 candidates confirmed for Louth, both party politicians and Independent candidates. They are: David Bradley (Independent), David Brennan (Independent), Marianne Butler (Green Party), Paula Butterly (Fine Gael), Albert David Byrne (Independent), Joanna Byrne (Sinn Fein), Kevin Callan (Independent), David Carroll (Independent), Thomas Clare (Independent), Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail), Alan Fagan (Independent), Hermann Kelly (Irish Freedom Party), Derek McElearney (Irish People), John McGahon (Fine Gael), Niall McCreanor (Social Democrats), Derek McElearney (Irish People), Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail), Ryan McKeown (Independent Ireland), Ged Nash (Labour Party), Peter James Nugent (Independent), Michael O'Dowd (Aontu), Tracy Marie O'Hanlon (Independent), Ruairi O Murchu (Sinn Fein), James Renaghan (People Before Profit-Solidarity), Antoin Watters (Sinn Fein). If polls are to be believed, Sinn Fein has lost some popularity, its performance in this year's local and European elections suggest that this is the case. It should be noted however that Sinn Fein did not do as well as hoped in the 2019 local elections but rebounded in the 2020 general election winning 37 seats, and the party has grown a significat following in Louth. This time around the party is running three candidates Ruairi O Murchu, along with Cllr Joanna Byrne who is seeking to take Imelda Munster's seat, and Cllr Antoin Watters, who is seeking to take a third seat for the party. On the face of it, it looks like an uphill task for the party. However, were Joanna Byrne to take even two-thirds of the first preference votes Imelda Munster received, she would be almost assured of taking the seat. As a sitting TD, the party would be hopeful that Ruairi O Murchu would hold his seat, so the question would be could Antoin Watters take a third? As a councillor he topped the poll in the last two local elections. He is well liked across the board and acknowledged as one of the most proactive councillors in north Louth. So while Sinn Fein's popularity seems to have dipped overall in the past year or so, on a good day for the party, one might expect that they would at least hold onto their two seats. With most recent polls indicating a rise in support for Sinn Fein, do not be surprised if the party sees all three of its candidates elected. With Fergus O'Dowd not seeking re-election, Senator John McGahon and Cllr Paula Butterly are flying the flag for Fine Gael this time around. This will be John McGahon's second run in a general election. He took in 4,442 first preference votes in 2020 and would be very hopeful of taking a seat for the party this time around. He has been very active canvassing for some time now and the party has been up to recently, quite bullish about his prospects. Recent press however, regarding Senator McGahon's 2022 acquittal in the Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting a man outside the Rum House in 2018, and subsequently found 65% civilly liable by a High Court jury earlier this year, after being sued by the man, may have damaged his prospects. Should this be the case, Fine Gael voters may choose to vote for its second candidate, Cllr Paula Butterly. Paula Butterly will be hoping to take a second seat for the party, but while an active councillor who would be expected to do well in mid Louth and the south of the county, she might lose votes to candidates like Aontu's Michael O'Dowd and Independent candidate Kevin Callan, who would both be expected to perform well in south Louth. It might still be expected however that Fine Gael could still take one seat in the county. Fianna Fail will be looking to take back the seat in Louth that it lost in 2020, when Declan Breathnach failed to be re-elected. The party is running two candidates, Senator Erin McGreehan and Alison Comyn. It is understood Erin McGreehan was selected by Michael Martin in 2020 to be a Senator with the aim of raising her profile for a run in the general election. Alison Comyn might be seen by some locally as a celebrity candidate. A well known local journalist in Drogheda, she has also worked on television with networks including Sky News. This could be another challenging election for Fianna Fail in Louth however. While both competent candidates, they would need transfers from other candidates to get through, and it is diffiult to see where they will come from. There are also fears that while Senator McGreehan has been active perhaps nationally during her term as Senator, her profile locally might not be as well known. For Labour, Ged Nash is hoping to retain the seat he won in 2020, when he took 5,824 first preference votes. Labour has a big following in the south of the county, and while the boundary change may see him lose some votes, should the party agree a pact with the Green Party, one which they are understood to have agreed in the 2020 election, transfers could help see him hold his seat. One of the most interesting things to watch in Louth this year will be to see if an Independent candidate can take a seat. Outgoing Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick took in 6,085 first preference votes last time around, and Independent candidate, Cllr Kevin Callan will be hoping he can do at least as well. A popular councillor in south Louth, he stood in both Drogheda Rural and Urban in the 2019 local elections, winning a seat in both. He was re-elected in 2024 and was also elected as Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council. He has been very active the past number of months raising his profile in the rest of the county, and would be seen as a transfer-friendly candidate. With a growing disillusionment of what might be seen as establishment political parties by some sectors of the electorate in the past few years, Cllr Callan could well capitalise on this and take a seat in Louth. So, a prediction for Louth? Sinn Fein to take two seats, Fine Gael to take one seat, Ged Nash for Labour to hold his seat, and Independent candiate Kevin Callan to take the remaining seat. The expansion of CAMHS to cover people up to the age of 25 and the establishment of a four-day working week are among the goals in the Social Democrats Mental Health and Workers Rights policies, launched by Cork candidates. The partys mental-health policy, launched on Tuesday by Liam Quaide, councillor and Cork East general-election candidate and clinical psychologist, outlines how they will be allocating 10% of the health budget to mental health by the end of 2030, if they are elected to government. Staffing taskforce The party will aim for all primary and secondary schools to have at least one specialist counsellor/therapist as a permanent staff member by the end of the next government term and introduce a staffing taskforce. Their policy also recognises the importance of the first three years of life to later mental health and development, by supporting the specialist perinatal and infant mental-health services. Mr Quaide said: Our priorities include the immediate lifting of HSE recruitment restrictions currently in force, through the Governments pay-and-numbers strategy to address critical staffing needs in primary care psychology services, where waiting-lists have escalated to the thousands. What we need is each level of mental-health service provision properly resourced, so that shortfalls are not impacting at other levels, he said, explaining that early intervention psychosis services can prevent the development of chronic mental-health difficulties and properly resourced primary care would reduce the amount of children requiring CAMHS. The mental-health policy will be kept under constant review, through consultation with professionals, to ensure it is meeting the needs of service users. Worker' rights policy The partys workers rights policy was also launched in Cork on Tuesday, by councillor Padraig Rice, Cork South-Central candidate, and Catherine Murphy, the partys justice spokesperson. They propose the introduction of a statutory right to collective bargaining, ensuring that union officials can access workplaces to communicate with both their members and unorganised workers. The party would also replace the minimum wage with a living wage in two years and establish a commission to research, trial, and set out a pathway for the introduction of a four-day working week. They also aim to legislate to protect workers from being penalised for trade-union membership, create a regular review of the new living-wage benchmark, and expand the scope of bans on zero-hour contracts. Cork water workers handed in 1,000 signed postcards to the office of Tanaiste Micheal Martin on Tuesday calling for a referendum to keep water public. James Coughlan, a SIPTU representative for local authority workers, told The Echo that the petition was a joint effort between Siptu, Unite, Forsa, Connect, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Postcard campaign With their Keep Water Public Name The Date postcard campaign, Mr Coughlan said: We are calling on the Government to name a date for a referendum in keeping water in public ownership. We had stalls in Cork City centre over two weekends and gathered close to 1,000 signatures. One woman came all the way up from Dunmanway to sign, as her area has had major problems with their water recently. As a trade unionist and a socialist, Ive been involved in every referendum repeal the 8th, marriage equality and this is a major referendum that must be held for the future of our children. Mr Coughlan added: I was heavily involved in the water-charges campaign 10 years ago, and I think what we saw then was the range in the age profile of people on the streets, a lot of people at pension age came out, people whod never been involved in political campaigns previously. Anger There was a lot of anger out there, so were trying to reach out to these people and explain that the water issue has not gone away. If theres not a referendum put to people, then the idea of charging for water will undoubtedly come up again. People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said: Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are strong supporters of the privatisation of water services. We saw that here in Cork, with the commissioning of a private company to design, build, and operate the new Lee Road Waterworks. I think the general public have had their say on whether they think that move was a success or not. I dont want to see any further such privatisations and I support the call for a date to be set for a referendum to keep water in public ownership. Healthcare unions have balloted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, with a Cork representative saying that the HSE is placing financial controls over the delivery of safe patient care. Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) voted 95.6% in favour of industrial action following a six-week, in-person ballot. Nurses and midwives were balloted on the non-filling and the delayed-filling of vacant and suppressed posts. Corks Colm Porter, INMO assistant director of industrial relations, told The Echo: The industrial action is over the pay-and-numbers strategy, which, in our view, is a recruitment embargo by another name. Vacancies As a result of that, were seeing vacancies across the board in both acute and community settings that just arent being filled. We also have the issue that significant numbers of nurses and midwives have gone for posts, been successful in getting those posts, but, due to the new strategy, the jobs they were promised have more or less been removed. Mr Porter explained that the union is very concerned about the strategy going forward, because if a nurse or midwife leaves their job or retires, their position might not be replaced. The HSE is placing financial controls over the delivery of safe patient care, Mr Porter said. Particularly in acute hospitals, theres evidence to say you need X number of nurses to deliver safe care, according to the acuity of the patient, the ward theyre in, etc. The pay-and-numbers strategy undermines this framework, which is supposed to be in place. Overwhelming Commenting on the result of the ballot, he said: The overwhelming majority of members have voted in favour of industrial action, which really shows the strength of feeling around this. The INMO executive will now meet to consider the outcome of the ballot, before making a decision on what action to take next, he said. This shows that whoever is in the next government really needs to have a rethink about staffing and their approach to staffing, said Mr Porter. There has been an overall increase in staffing. I dont think any of the agencies involved have denied that, but the fact of the matter is that it simply hasnt kept up with the pace needed. The rising population, the acuity of the patients coming in the doors with complex comorbidities: All these issues have placed an increased demand on services, and you cant just point to an increase in staffing. Its not reflective of the situation on the ground. The decision comes as there were 64 patients on trolleys in Cork on Wednesday, 43 in CUH, 18 in the Mercy, and three in Bantry. Record number Though these numbers are below the record number of 97 in CUH seen in September, Mr Porter said: One patient on a trolley is still too many, so theyre still too high. Overall, 15,560 patients have been treated on trolleys in Cork so far in 2024 12,007 of them in CUH, which has the second-worst overcrowding record in Ireland this year, behind University Hospital Limerick. Members of Forsa trade union working for the HSE and Section 38 voluntary hospitals have also voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action: Their ballot, which was conducted simultaneously with other health unions, was returned with 93.6% in favour. A HSE spokesperson told The Echo: The HSE will consider the results of the union ballots in the context of the public-service agreement, once we receive detail on the type of action proposed. The HSE engage with all trade unions to resolve issues, and will continue to do so, utilising the industrial relations mechanisms of the State, should it be required. Gardai responded to a call to Oliver Plunkett Street at around 10pm on Tuesday in relation to allegations that a man wielding a knife was abusive to members of the public. Garda James OConnell testified today at Cork District Court that members of An Garda Siochana, including members of the armed response unit, arrived at the scene and that Trevor Connolly was quickly located. He was searched. Found in the waistband of his tracksuit pants was a black-handled knife. Asked to account for it he said: It is for my own protection. He was extremely abusive to members of the public and the gardai. Gardai are concerned he will continue to carry offensive weapons and will commit further offences if granted bail, Garda OConnell said. The charge sheets for the accused gave his address at Cork Simon Community. But at Cork District Court he said he had an address at Mayfield, Cork. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke asked him about telling the guards he was at Simon, and the defendant replied: If I did say I was living at Simon, it was because I was drunk. Mr Burke said: The guards are concerned you wont turn up in court if granted bail and that you will commit further offences. The defendant rejected this. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the problem was that he was already on bail conditions and did not keep them. Judge Mary Dorgan said: It is hugely concerning that there was a report of male in possession of a knife on Oliver Plunkett Street last night. Apparently, he was caught red-handed. He was on bail. The situation is that the bail was that he was not to use intoxicants. Guards say he has not stayed free of intoxicants. The fact that he was very drunk and abusive to the public, I am not satisfied that any bail conditions would be sufficient and effectively keep society safe. It is only an allegation at this time. The judge remanded him in custody until November 28. Trevor Connolly, aged 36, faces three charges, possession of a knife, being threatening and abusive and being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others. A pre-election war of words has broken out over a proposal to open a GP surgery and pharmacy on the site of a long disused northside pub. Sandra Murphy Kelleher, a Fianna Fail candidate for Cork North Central in tomorrows general election, on Tuesday announced that plans were under way for MyCorkGP to open a GP and pharmacy at the Hollyhill Inn site, which has been vacant for almost a decade. This was despite there being no change-of-use planning permission for the site. Ms Murphy Kelleher said the development would greatly benefit the local community, offering progress in community healthcare. I am very happy to work with Dr Nick Flynn and his dedicated team and have witnessed first-hand their commitment to improving healthcare for the people of Cork, she said. Delighted In a video posted on social media by Ms Murphy Kelleher, Dr Nick Flynn of MyCorkGP said that with space becoming limited at the nearby St Marys campus, he was delighted that thanks to a lot of hard work from Sandra behind the scenes a new premises had been secured. Were going to have an expanded medical GP practice here, with a pharmacy, to serve the people of the northside of Cork City, Dr Flynn said. MyCorkGP was founded in 1989 by Dr George OMahony and currently has four premises, in the St Marys Primary Care Centre in Hollyhill, Douglas Road, North Main Street Shopping Centre, and Grenagh. Dr Flynn said the new development would help his practice to meet its patients needs for years to come. An additional six-room GP clinic on the site of the Hollyhill Inn will mean we can employ three more doctors and three more nurses to provide the care that the ageing community in this area of Cork city requires, he said. Responding, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said his party had mounted an extensive campaign calling for the compulsory purchase of the old Hollyhill Inn site, which is owned by a Dublin-based company called Certhia Ltd and has been on Cork City Councils derelict sites register since September of this year. Noting that there was no change-of-use planning permission for the site, Mr Gould said he hoped the announcement wasnt a cynical attempt by Fianna Fail to win votes on the northside because they know theyve been found out in this election. Describing current services as on their knees, he added that a new GP facility was absolutely needed in the area. Convenient It seems very convenient that this announcement was made three days before a general election, Mr Gould said. I am calling on Fianna Fail to now explain how they can make an announcement like this when no change-of-use planning permission has even been sought. Asked by The Echo about the lack of planning permission for the proposed GP surgery and pharmacy, Dr Flynn said he had a reputation for getting things done and would not have become involved unless the development could be completed. I am confident I can deliver a GP practice on the Hollyhill site, he said. Disappointed Ms Murphy Kelleher said she was disappointed to see Sinn Feins typical response to the announcement: Rather than resorting to negativity, it is important to focus on what this development represents a significant investment in a much-needed healthcare facility for the northside. Draft plans for 350 new affordable homes at a site in Wilton have been published by the Land Development Agency (LDA). The proposed development will include 154 one-bed apartments, 180 two-bed apartments and 16 three-bed townhouses, as well as a creche, landscaped open spaces and new pedestrian and cycle greenway links. The homes will be a mix of cost rental and affordable purchase, the latter delivered through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. An agreement was made on the transfer of the site on Sarsfield Rd between the LDA and ESB earlier this year. The LDA is encouraging local residents, businesses and community groups to contribute to this initial consultation process, to help inform and shape the proposals. A development brochure has been created, which outlines the initial design plan, and a public drop-in clinic will be held on Tuesday, December 3 from 2pm 7pm in the SMA Wilton Parish Community Centre. We are pleased to be moving to the next stage of the process to deliver these much-needed affordable homes in Cork, Phelim ONeill, head of property at the LDA said. The draft plans outline our vision for this development with connectivity, sustainability and affordability at its core. The LDA is acutely aware of the importance of meaningful community engagement and wants to ensure that local people have an opportunity to meet with us and contribute to the design process to deliver a housing development that caters for families, first time buyers and older people in a key Cork suburb. A planning application will be submitted in early 2025, and subject to planning approval, construction could start in early 2026, with the first homes being delivered in late 2028. Communication channels including a dedicated email address, wilton@lda.ie, are now active. Information on the development is available at www.lda.ie/projects/wilton. A four-year jail term was imposed on a Cork man accused of burgling a funeral home and also carrying out burglaries at two neighbouring properties in the Boreenmanna Rd area. Judge Helen Boyle imposed a jail term of six years, with the last two suspended, on 34-year-old Daniel Jackson of Cork Simon Community at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and one count of possession of a knife. Detective Garda Maurice Hickey outlined the allegations against Jackson, who burgled AJ Tyres on Boreenmanna Rd at 10.40pm on April 22 and tried to get into three cars parked outside. The second burglary offence related to a break-in at Jeremiah OConnors funeral home on Boreenmanna Rd about 20 minutes later. Finally, there was a burglary at a house at Bellfield Abbey nearby half an hour after that, while armed with a knife. In the course of that burglary, he confronted two young Spanish men who were living at the house. A decision to refuse planning for the development of an agricultural fertiliser facility in Cork Harbour, which will have a knock-on effect of indefinitely delaying the building of 1,300 homes in the city, has been described as very disappointing and a major setback to the regeneration of the Docklands. On Monday, An Bord Pleanala refused planning permission for a new port facility on the site of the former Irish Fertiliser Industries (IFI) plant at Marino Point in Cork Harbour. Planning had initially been granted in 2020 by Cork County Council to Goulding Soil Nutrition to construct an agricultural fertiliser facility and develop the existing jetty at Marino Point to better facilitate cargo vessels. However, An Bord Pleanala has overturned that decision following concerns from Passage West residents about the impact the facility would have regarding increased traffic and noise pollution. In its decision, the appeals board said the R624 Cobh road and its capacity would not be sufficient to cater for any traffic-intensive use, port-related or otherwise. Last year, OCallaghan Properties was granted planning for 1,325 apartments at the current Goulding site at Centre Park Road and Monahan Road, the largest residential development plan seen to date in the city. With those plans dependent on a positive decision on the former IFI site from An Bord Pleanala, the OCallaghan development is now on indefinite hold as Goulding has said it will continue to operate from its Centre Park Road facility. Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer, who is running for a Dail Eireann seat in Cork South Central in Fridays general election, said that while he was cognisant of the legitimate concerns made by some locals, the decision by An Bord Pleanala has baffled him. Its very disappointing for the redevelopment of the city and it poses serious question marks about the development of the Docklands and the impact that it will have on the development of housing in the city, Mr Buttimer said. It also poses questions around the development of the port, but for me the decision by An Bord Pleanala poses a huge question around making the redevelopment of the Docklands the centrepiece of the city. Mr Buttimer said the decision was even more amazing given the previous planning decision by Cork County Council. I just am baffled by the decision of An Bord Pleanala in the overall scheme of things, especially when you look at the National Development Plan, the City Development Plan, this decision is just really inexplicable. In a statement, OCallaghan Properties said the decision, which it described as two years overdue, had major negative implications for the provision of housing in Cork and for the development of Docklands. Its immediate impact is to prevent the development of 1,325 apartments for which OCallaghan Properties secured planning permission in 2023. It also prevents the development of a further 500 apartments envisaged for the remaining portion of the Goulding site, the company said. OCallaghan said the infrastructure deficit referenced in the decision must be urgently resolved if the Docklands were to be developed. Describing the decision as a setback to the regeneration of the Docklands, the chief executive of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy, said critical infrastructure, such as the R624, must be prioritised to facilitate the Port of Corks move to the lower harbour, opening up lands for the Docklands development. The regeneration of the Docklands is of national strategic importance and is a vital project for Cork city and county, particularly as the population of the city region is expected to grow by 50% in the years to 2040, he said. Under current plans, Mr Healy said, the upgrade of the R624 road was likely to take anywhere up to nine years; this needs to be accelerated in local and national development plans. It is vital that the road upgrade is prioritised, alongside the appropriate rail infrastructure and rail freight facilities, he said. The tragedy of the drunken drive which saw a woman causing the death of her best friend in Glanmire was that it was entirely preventable, the judge said as she jailed the driver for four years. It is not a crime to go out with your friend (and have a few drinks) but it is a crime to get behind wheel of the car. You could have had a designated driver or taxi or a bus or walked. Unfortunately, you sealed the fate of the passenger in that car, Ms Sheila Dunne. Alcohol is an aggravating factor and the sustained period of poor driving including a request from one person who knocked on your window and indicated you should pull in and park, Judge Helen Boyle said. Tragically, that advice to stop driving was not heeded and the fatal collision occurred soon afterwards. The judge noted that the deceased was not wearing a seatbelt on this journey while Ms Thomas did wear a seatbelt. There was evidence at the sentencing hearing that not wearing a seatbelt put a person at 600% greater risk of injury. 46-year-old Jennifer Thomas of 10 Oakfield View, Glanmire, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge that on February 11 at L2973, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, she drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of 50-year-old Sheila Dunne. Jennifer Thomas leaving the courthouse on Anglesea Street, Cork, in October. Picture Dan Linehan Judge Helen Boyle imposed a sentence of five years with the last year suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court today. We hope this sends a powerful message actions have consequences. If your story can stop another family from suffering this kind of heartbreak, maybe it will have meant something. No amount of defence can change what happened to my Mom. Accountability matters. A guilty plea is a step toward holding them responsible, even if it feels empty. But its not enough. Its not the justice my Mom deserves, said Lilley Dunne. I wont let my moms memory be confined to the outcome of this court case or the way we were treated. Im standing up for her and for every victim in a system that often feels unjust. What matters now is that my words reach those who truly care about justice the courts, the judges and anyone listening. Ive shared my pain, my love for my Mom and the lifelong impact this tragedy has had on myself, TJ (her younger brother) and our family. We love you Mom. And though too short, you gave us a life full of memories that we will treasure for ever. Judge Boyle thanked the deceased womans mother and daughter for their victim impact statements and described Lilley Dunne as an amazingly brave person. The judge said that upsetting content of social media commentaries were a feature of the case but were not something that could impact sentencing. There were a number of untrue stories on social media, perhaps reflected in mainstream media reporting on social media. I do accept they added to the grief of all the parties here but this court sentences on the basis of evidence, Judge Boyle said. As well as referring to the victim impact statements, the judge noted background reports on the accused woman and the fact that she made a verified, serious attempt to take her own life on October 24. And the judge noted her remorse on causing the death of her friend. An aggravating factor in the case where Jennifer Thomass dangerous driving caused her best friends death was the fact that she told a garda at the scene that it was the deceased who had been driving. Evidence The evidence was that at the scene of the single vehicle crash Jennifer Thomas said to at least three first responders from the fire service that she (Jennifer Thomas) was the driver but that soon afterwards she told Garda Eric Stafford that Sheila Dunne had been driving. Judge Boyle said in consideration of aggravating factors: The conduct at the scene is that you told a number of people you were the driver. But it is the fact that when lawful demand was made of you, you named Ms Dunne as the driver. Asked why, you said, she had more control. I do accept it was in the context of a road traffic collision and you were on a spinal board and you were intoxicated at the time (when this was said). But on the second lawful demand you accepted you were the driver. Evidence was also given that at the scene of the single vehicle crash, Jennifer Thomas was heard hysterically repeating, Please wake up. How can I live without her? Judge Boyle referred to evidence of a witness seeing her asleep at the wheel a short time before the 7.30pm crash. She was stopped in traffic but failed to drive on for eight minutes. Cars beeped and drove around her. There was a similar incident which lasted five minutes again in the half hour before the fatal crash into an embankment which turned the car on to its drivers side at 7.30pm that Sunday evening. Detective Garda Durcan said that ten minutes before this, there was a text to Ms Dunne from her daughter to bring home a pizza. And a minute after the collision there was a call to Ms Thomass phone, also from Ms Dunnes daughter, Lilley. This was discovered in the garda analysis of phones in the investigation. Detective Garda Durcan testified that on Sunday February 11 this year at around 7.30 pm the jeep driven by Jennifer Thomas, after drinking 12 alcoholic beverages in the course of the day, crashed and turned over causing injuries to her friend and front seat passenger, Sheila Dunne, as a result of which she died. The two women had gone to the 12 Tables restaurant in Douglas for lunch, followed by the Pier Head in Blackrock and The Castle Bar in Glanmire that day. Ms Thomas drove a number of times during that day until she drove after 7pm that evening with Ms Dunne her front seat passenger. On the journey home after being stopped in traffic she failed to drive off for over eight minutes, causing traffic from behind to beep and pass her. One motorist looked into the vehicle and said Jennifer Thomas was asleep at the wheel and it was clear that both driver and passenger were intoxicated, Det Garda Durcan said. At a later point in the journey the vehicle was seen going on to the incorrect side of the road and later stopping for five minutes. The jeep then hit a number of traffic cones, knocking them over. One citizen was so concerned they drove after the car. The detective said Ms Thomas narrowly missed two pedestrians correcting the vehicle at the last moment. Jennifer Thomas then drove around a left bend, failed to straighten the vehicle, (went on to a grass verge, mounted a walled kerb) and overturned on to the drivers side... Her phone was on Bluetooth and auto-contacted emergency services by 999, he said. The detective said that Ms Dunne fell down on top of Ms Thomas in the drivers seat when the jeep-type vehicle landed on the drivers side. He said Ms Thomas was agitated and upset, repeatedly asking how Ms Dunne was. When fire officers at the scene asked who was driving Ms Thomas told them she was driving. A short time later she told Garda Eric Stafford in response to the same question, that Sheila Dunne was driving because she had more control. Tom Creed defence senior counsel said Ms Thomas admitted she was driving and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He said she also apologised to the family of the late Sheila Dunne and hoped they would find the space to heal. I am totally sorry in more ways than I can express, she said in a letter. Victim impact statements The deceased womans mother, Esther OBrien, 74, said in her victim impact statement: This loss has not only shattered my life but has also left two precious grandchildren without their mother. My daughter was my biggest support. We shared a deep bond, she was my confidante, my source of strength. Lilley Dunne spoke on behalf of herself and her younger brother TJ about the impact that losing their mother in this way has had on them. As a 23-year-old girl, I have already faced the unbearable loss of my Dad and now to experience the agonising loss of my Mom feels like a cruel twist of fate that I cannot comprehend This experience is what I can only describe as hell on earth and something that I wish no one would ever have to go through. After the four-year sentence was imposed on Jennifer Thomas, Lilley Dunne, said outside the courthouse: I carry a life sentence of love, loss and shattered lives. What happened to my Mom was senseless and preventable and haunts me every day. Drink driving is a choice. A choice that ruins lives. When someone pleads guilty, the focus shifts from the harm they caused to their excuses and mitigation. I feel like the system cares more about the defendants story than the pain and injustice weve suffered. A guilty plea doesnt heal the wounds or acknowledge the depths of our loss. The system might prioritise the defendants rights but its wrong. She felt that the victims voice was lost in the proceedings and also complained that it took the gardai weeks to tell her formally that her mother was not the driver of the car. Concluding her judgement and pausing briefly just before she measured the sentence at five years with the last year suspended, Judge Boyle offered the cautionary words, No sentence can really bring justice to people who have lost family members. Prostate cancer has a major impact on our lives. One in seven Irish men will develop it in their lifetime, and in men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk can be as high as one in four. Movember aims to raise health awareness and proactivity among men in relation to prostate cancer. Lack of health proactivity, and/or ignoring new symptoms, is almost always due to anxiety about having to face prostate cancer diagnosis and the sexual implications associated with treatment, which is perfectly understandable. There is also a misconception that prostate cancer is a cancer you die with rather than from. Therefore, it is imperative that we realise it is not one disease but rather a spectrum. On one end, there is the low-risk cancer that can be monitored using an active surveillance protocol, and on the other end there is the high-risk cancer that needs early and aggressive intervention. This naturally underscores the importance of early detection. So, if you are over 50, have a recent change in your waterworks (frequency, waking up at night to urinate, or difficulty starting or stopping micturition), or have a family history of prostate cancer, it is worth discussing with your GP about doing a simple blood test, the PSA (Prostate-Specific-Antigen) which can help detect this cancer earlier. If there are abnormal blood test findings, your GP will often refer you to a urologist (surgeon) who will arrange scans and biopsies as required. If you are diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, surveillance is often recommended with no invasive treatment required. Active surveillance allows men to avoid the side effects associated with active treatment while still monitoring the disease closely. Dr. Mazen El Bassiouni, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Mater Private Network. Pic Sean Curtin. If you are diagnosed with an aggressive but localised prostate cancer both surgery (to remove the whole prostate) or radiation are excellent and equivalent treatment options with curative intent. So, in this situation your urologist would discuss the surgical option and refer you to a radiation oncologist to discuss the radiotherapy option. The difficult choice that men usually have is deciding which treatment to choose. It is therefore important they understand that the outcomes are generally excellent, that patients undergoing surgery or radiation have the same chance of cure and will live just as long. So, I always finish my consultation with a reassuring statement and a comparison: Since the chances of cure are the same, you will make the right decision whether you choose surgery or radiotherapy, so choose the treatment that puts your mind more at ease, and the set of side effects that you are happier dealing with. Surgery is invasive but it is done in one go, radiotherapy is non-invasive, but it is protracted over a few weeks. The main side effect with surgery is incontinence (urine leakage), while the main side effect with radiotherapy is bleeding from the backside, and in most cases both side effects are short to medium-term in duration and very manageable. So, what is radiotherapy? It is a non-invasive, non-surgical way of successfully curing prostate cancer. There are different ways of delivering radiotherapy. External beam radiation treatment (EBRT), stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) and Brachytherapy. Brachytherapy can be done in a single minimally invasive theatre procedure with excellent preservation of sexual function compared to other modalities (treatment types). SBRT can be delivered over five days, and EBRT can be delivered over 4 to 8 weeks (Monday to Friday). Delivering the radiation requires the patient to lie flat on a bed and remain still - it is similar to getting a CT scan. You cannot feel or see the radiation, and there is no radiation in your body afterwards. Fiducial markers (tiny gold seeds) can be placed in the prostate to further improve precision of the radiation treatment, and rectal spacers (biodegradable gel) can further reduce the chances of rectal bleeding when treating prostate cancer. There has been a steady growth in the radiation services in Ireland across the country which has significantly improved access to radiation treatment. In addition, the Irish cancer society provides invaluable information and support to prostate cancer patients and their partners during diagnosis, treatment and post treatment as well. Film-maker Colin Hickey, who was born and raised in Ballincollig, has been creating low-budget films for more than 20 years. He moved to West Cork 14 years ago, where he filmed Perennial Light, a black-and-white movie set to open in cinemas this week. This is a significant milestone for Hickey, as it marks his first film to be screened in cinemas. Ive been making micro-budget films for almost 20 years, he said. Ive always been on the outskirts of the film business, working my way up bit by bit. To finally get something into cinemas and knowing it will be in Cork cinemas at the Arc and Omniplex means so much to me. Hickey, who has been a fan of cinema from a young age, recalls his first visit to the cinema almost 40 years ago. I remember my first trip to the cinema in Cork down by the old McDonalds. I was five, and it was 1987. We went to see Harry And The Hendersons, but it was full, so we went to see Inner Space instead. My love of cinema began then, so its a really great feeling to have something out there and for an audience to see it. Perennial Light, which just screened at the Irish Film Festival London, is a black-and-white film with no dialogue that mixes animation with traditional film footage. It is non-linear, but follows the story of a boy from birth to adulthood, facing the trauma of losing his boyhood friend along the way. Hickey works without a script, allowing his actors to improvise. An image from Colin Hickeys debut film, Perennial Lights. Its all improvised and there is no structure as such, he said. The concept was intrusive thoughts or obsessive thinking. That is where it all started. I knew I wanted to use animation to reflect the inner world and thoughts of the characters, so I spent six months working with the animation artist Paolo Chianta to create the cartoon aspect of the film. Without a script to guide him, Hickey sent Chianta drawings to use as inspiration, giving him free rein to interpret the images. I would send him ideas, drawings I drew myself or found online, and then he would interpret them in his own way. Weve been friends for a long time, so theres trust and understanding there. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, so its a great feeling to have someone there that you know you can bounce off and respect. The earlier animation is stylistically simple, which Hickey says represents childhood. The film is a journey from birth to death, so the early animation had to be simplistic and childlike. Everything after that is a progression. Once the animation was in place, Hickey began shooting live-action footage around West Cork. All the kids in the film are part of my family, including my nephews, nieces, and daughter, he said. They were all very excited and, because they are family, they were freely available to film whenever I needed them. The other actors are friends and neighbours; I also have a part. I like to think of it as guerrilla-style film-making. Hickey also applies his guerilla-style approach to location scouting, often spotting suitable places while he is driving. An image from Colin Hickeys debut film, Perennial Lights. Because I dont have any scripts, I have a lot of freedom. A lot of the films locations and ideas are literally figured out when I am in the car driving around West Cork, said Hickey. There is no shortage of beautiful locations. We are spoiled for choice in this part of the country. Hickey works alone, which he says gives him creative freedom. I dont have any crew. I am writing, directing, editing and shooting it, he said. This all gives me the freedom to figure things out in my own time, and I enjoy working this way. It gives me a great creative freedom. Perennial Light places a strong emphasis on nature, reinforcing Hickeys theme of the cycle of life. However, he admits that he doesnt particularly enjoy the outdoors as an adult. Despite this, Hickey finds himself reminiscing about his childhood, which influences the significant presence of nature in the film. There is a lot of emphasis on nature, but the funny thing as an adult is that I dont like walking through fields in case my shoes get dirty. Im not too fond of forests. As an adult, nothing about nature appeals to me, but as a kid, I spent a lot of time at the back of our estate in Ballincollig, where there were fields and forests. In the 1090s, we didnt have iPads or any of the stuff kids have now. I remember vividly being in the forest, building camps and climbing trees. Somehow, that all came out in the film. It brought me back to a different time in my life. As the cycle of life continues, a central plot in Perennial Light point hinges on the sea and time spent at the harbours of West Cork, where Hickey filmed real-life fishermen in action. It was late at night, pitch black and rainy, with just a bit of light on the pier, but when the boat came, it had these lights which looked great in the fog. It created an atmosphere. I filmed it as it unfolded. I never stopped and asked for a second take. Its documentary style. I stood in the background and filmed them as they did their work. I let an event unfold. Its a very organic approach and my favourite way to make films. Perennial Light is in cinemas from November 29. Cert: PG. Ann O'Loughlin Debt acquisition and credit servicing firm, Cabot, has been the target of a cyberattack and 394,000 files of data has been stolen, including material related to its direct customers and its loan book, the High Court has heard. Cabot Financial (Ireland) Ltd, Cookstown Court, Old Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin, claims there are "persons unknown" behind the attack along with a UK incorporated web hosting provider called Aeza International Ltd. Last month, Cabot was granted an injunction requiring Aeza and the "persons unknown" to deliver up some 356 GB of data initially removed from Cabot's IT system between September 17th and 18th last. Cabot was also granted an anonymisation order and its initial application was heard in private (in camera) by Mr Justice Brian Cregan. Cabot successfully argued that this was to prevent the alleged cyber attackers seeking a ransom for the return of the data. It also argued that if the alleged attackers were given notice of the making of any order by the court, this could lead to widespread dissemination of the material. Cabot has more than 100,000 current customers and if the data stolen includes historic customers, it could be multiples of that figure, Cabot director Sean Webb said in an affidavit. When the case again came before the court later in October, Mr Justice Oisin Quinn lifted the anonymisation and in camera order. On Thursday, when it then came before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, Johnathan Newman SC, for Cabot, said following the initial one-side only represented application before Mr Justice Cregan on October 9 last the known defendant (Aeza) had been served with the court papers by registered post. However, there had been no appearance before the court by Aeza. Counsel said when the matter was before Mr Justice Quinn, that judge had concerns about service of the papers on persons unknown who are only identified by an IP (internet protocol) address. The judge made certain orders in relation to them but it had not been possible to serve the order and counsel sought to continue the order in order that this could be done. Mr Justice Sanfey directed that as well as serving them with the papers by post they could also be informed by email of the making of the court order. He said the case could come back next month when the court will hear an application for the extension of the injunction until the full case is heard. In his affidavit grounding the injunction application, Cabot director Mr Webb said the firm holds personal and corporate information on its IT system along with identification documentation, corporate, commercial and employee data. In the last two weeks of September, Cabot became concerned at suspicious activity on its systems and a number of technical steps were taken to respond, he said. It then engaged an incident response team to commence a thorough investigation supported by cyberattack expert Mandiant and external counsel. On October 4th, Mandiant reported a data theft. It was discovered that on September 17th, a command was made to back up files to an external IP address. Mr Webb said that between September 17th and 18th, "event logging" on its system recorded the backup utility accessing 393,984 files. He said the "threat actors" had accessed the system and removed around 356.65 of data to the external IP address. Cabot says it notified the Central Bank and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau of the matter. Mr Webb said the impacted data includes information relating to direct customers' debt acquired by Cabot and customers of financial institutions that Cabot provides credit servicing activities to. It includes loan book data relating to loans it purchased and contact details. There is a risk it could contain material relating to health or marital relationship in instances where a customer writes explaining the circumstances giving rise to repayment arrears, he said. There was also sensitive data relating to employees as well as data relating to pricing, redundancies, business opportunities and internal corporate confidential data. Mr Web said Mandiant had concluded that the IP address is associated with Aeza which has an address in Barking Road, London. From a Google Street View search, it appears to be the office of another firm that merely provides secretarial services to Aeza, he said. The only director of Aeza is Mr Marat Timurov with an address in Uralsk, Kazakhstan. Aeza's website describes it as a web hosting provider and it has a UK contact number and an email address. Frankie Muniz is reflecting on the major sacrifices his family made for him to be a successful child actor. While appearing on Smallville alum Michael Rosenbaum's podcast Inside of You, the former Malcolm in the Middle star shared that his parents got divorced when he was a preteen after he moved with his mom to follow his acting career. Muniz explained that he was raised in North Carolina and started acting there at 8 years old. But when it was time to expand the scope of his career, he and his mother, Denise, began traveling while school was out to New York City for auditions. He noted that those trips "separated [his] family for the first time," as his sister, Cristina, stayed with his dad while he and his mother made the trek. "I started booking things and never went back to North Carolina," he explained. "I remember that we tried to get my sister to move up, but she was going to school at the time and didn't really want to come." The actor remembered that his mom and dad "always fought," to the point where he was relieved when his parents announced they were getting divorced and even "encouraged" it. However, he admitted that splitting his parents apart through his career "potentially" caused their divorce. Read More: Frankie Muniz Stroke; Actor Tweeted About His 'Mini Stroke' Muniz explained that he and his moved to New Jersey, where he was born and his extended family on his mother's side lived and had asked Cristina to move with them. When she eventually decided to join them, the family received the news that Muniz booked the starring role in Malcolm in the Middle, forcing him to relocate to Los Angeles. "She stayed with my grandparents in New Jersey; we moved to LA. So it's kind of this really weird dynamic to look at now," he said. "It actually makes me a little bit sad to realize that us following [...] my dream and the things that I got to do affected every single member of my family." He shared that now, as adults, he and Cristina have "talked about that a lot" because as a child, he hadn't realized "the sacrifice that every single person is making for you." This includes his grandparents, who he says were in their 70s or 80s while they were "raising" his sister, all so he could "do what [he] needed to do." Muniz admitted that reflecting on this recently made him "really sad" and allowed him to realize that "without that support, probably none" of those opportunities would have happened. The 38-year-old went on to receive an Emmy nomination for his role in the hit sitcom and became one of the biggest child stars of the 2000s, with roles in Agent Cody Banks, Big Fat Liar, Racing Stripes, My Dog Skip and Miracle on Lane 2. Currently, Muniz has shifted gears from acting to competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Read More: 'Malcolm In the Middle' Star Frankie Muniz Announces He Will Now Be a Full-Time NASCAR Driver Cassie Randolph has recently announced her engagement to musician Brighton Reinhardt. The "Bachelor Nation" star recounted the romantic sunset proposal during a pre-dinner stroll at the Crystal Cove in Newport Beach, California in an interview with PEOPLE magazine. "When Brighton dropped to a knee and asked, 'Will you marry me?,' as he opened the boxmy reaction immediately, my reaction was immediately, 'Oh my gosh, yes!'" Randolph was presented with a stunning 5.04-carat engagement ring adorned with her initial and birthstone, which is a diamond. The 26-year-old celebrity revealed to the publication that she was "caught off guard" and didn't have any idea a marriage proposal was happening. However, Randolph revealed one thing she wished she had done for the heartfelt moment, telling PEOPLE, "the only thing I would have changed is, I wish I did my hair." Her close friend Krissy secretly documented Reinhardt's proposal from a short distance away, capturing the joyous moment in photographs before revealing her presence to congratulate the couple. After the proposal, Randolph and Reinhardt's families gathered together to celebration the occasion. Randolph expressed that the evening could not have been "more perfect and special." Despite having started dating in 2020, the couple had been close friends for about five years prior to their romantic relationship. In 2021, Randolph shared with PEOPLE how their close bond contributed to the strength of their relationship now. During that time, she even referred to Reinhardt as her "best friend," and that was the key to their happy relationship. "I feel like we get each other on a different level, especially being friends for so long before. It just made it really natural and easy. I love everything about him." The news comes four years after her breakup with Colton Underwood, who came out as gay back in April 2021 and has welcomed a son with husband Jordan C. Brown through a surrogate. Viewers were introduced to Randolph as she competed for the affection of Underwood on the 23rd season of "The Bachelor." Thursday, November 28, 2024 Nearly every country in the world claims to have institutions. However, in many places, because those institutions are built on weak foundations, they exist in name only. In too many parts of the globe, presidents and prime ministers, and their enablers, are able to capture state machineries easily and use them to pursue their nefarious interests, often with few mechanisms available to stop the abuses. America is unlike any other country in the world. Political power is so broadly distributed here that it will be next to impossible for any president to have the kind of complete control over government that autocrats elsewhere enjoy. And, our institutions have withstood the test of time. In spite of all that, large numbers of Americans have expressed grave concerns that considering some of their stated intentions, President-elect Donald Trump and his closest associates could do a lot of damage to our institutions. Those fears are quite real. The president-elect has done nothing thus far to assuage those worries. Instead, he has stoked them by nominating avowed loyalists to his cabinet and other key national agencies. By that, he is clearly telegraphing his determination to dismantle some of the guardrails that kept him in check during his first term in office. Such chipping away at the institutional architecture is precisely how illiberal democracies are formed. The best way to prevent long-term damage to institutional structures from such illiberal tendencies is to stop the slide quickly before it gets out of hand. Worryingly, it appeared as though the required bulwark was nonexistent, due to the reluctance of Republicans to confront Mr. Trump in recent years. That is why I was tremendously heartened by what happened when his attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz, visited Congress last week to meet with Senators. That nomination had caused such a huge outcry across the country that it threatened to inflame an already tense national atmosphere. According to reports, at least a few Republican Senators told Mr. Gaetz that due to the multiple controversies swirling around him, it was highly unlikely that he could successfully make it through confirmation hearings. They therefore quietly advised him to bow out, which he did shortly after his visit. It clearly demonstrates that those Senators properly see themselves as institutionalists, and are not willing to abdicate their advice-and-consent responsibility. Earlier this month, there were other reports saying that the president-elect and his close associates preferred Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott as Majority Leader when Republicans take control of the chamber in January. Senator Scott is said to be a Trump loyalist. Instead, his colleagues chose South Dakota Senator John Thune. That, to me, was another show of independence that I was highly pleased to see. I have observed Senator Thune for many years. I have disagreed with some of his views, but I have always admired the way he carries himself, particularly the measured tone of his voice. Its still early days, and there is likely to be a good bit of turbulence ahead in the coming weeks and months. But I take comfort in the fact that there are at least some Republicans in the Senate who appear to be unwilling to hand Mr. Trump and his team the type of blank check that they perhaps expected after the election. That has sent an important message to the president-elect, and will serve as a check on some of his worst impulses. For that, I am extremely thankful on this Thanksgiving Day. Those few Republican Senators deserve a great deal of credit for acting in such a crucial way to sustain the credibility of our institutions. Their conduct should cheer every American. HOWARD, Ohio East Knox FFA members Ava Page, Peyton Harris and Rhyan Williams placed 12th as a team in the State Animal Management Career Development Event on Nov. 11 at the Ohio Exposition Center. Individually, Page finished second place in the state. This is the fourth time East Knox FFA has had a team in the State Animal Management CDE finals.Additionally, Harris finished 32nd overall and Williams placed 78th out of 150 individuals. East Knox FFA members Zayne Grennell, Hayden Garman, John Chadwick and John Schillinger also placed 25th in the State Aquarium Management Career Development Event. To qualify for state finals, the participants had to complete a online general knowledge test on fish characteristics. The top four scorers from the preliminaries moved on to the state finals. At the final, members had to a number of aquatic species and perform four practicums. This is the first time that East Knox FFA has ever had an Aquarium Management team. WEST SALEM, Ohio Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter hosted its annual Fall Meeting on Nov. 2 at FHJ Farms owned by the Hershey family. During the meeting, officers discussed events that have taken placed throughout the school year. Afterward, members were divided into groups and formed committees including Earning and Savings, Community Service, Public Relations, Skills/CDE, Recreation, Middle School Engagement, High School Engagement and Ag in the Classroom. Members also were given dinner and played activities. The chapter would like to thank the Hershey family for allowing the chapter to use its barn. MILLERSBURG, Ohio Two West Holmes FFA teams competed in the Fall Trap Shoot on Oct. 5 at the Silver Dollar Sportsman Club. Team one, consisting of Andi Schuch, Logan Horn, Carson Horn, Keston McKinney and Nate Sprang, placed second overall with a score of 193. Team 2 placed eighth with a score of 107 and was made up of Billy Patten, Deacon Clemens and Zander Croskey. Individually, Andi Schuch finished second overall and was the top female shooter with a score of 46. Additionally, Deacon Clemens placed fourth overall with a 45. There were 10 teams in total and 42 participants WATERFORD, Ohio Waterford FFA members Dylan Hartline, Emma Hartline and Madison Hiener were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo on Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each awardee received a gold American FFA Degree Key to celebrate the achievement. Dylan and Emma are the children of Matt and Missy Hartline, and currently attending Ohio University. Dylan Hartline is studying in physical education and Emma Hartline is studying elementary education. Hiener is the daughter of Nathan and Carolyn Hiener. She studies agribusiness at Ohio State University. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio Zane Trace FFA members Jada Boltenhouse and Kaylee Spillane will receive FFA jackets through the Ohio FFA Foundations Blue Jacket Program. The students will receive the jackets in December and will wear them at FFA events throughout the year. The Zane Trace FFA team also delivered trail mix bags to local fire departments on Oct. 28 to show their appreciation for local first responders on National First Responder Appreciation Day. FFA members Isaac Detty, Mariska Wax and Brooklynn Fisher-Rie visited the Green Township, Springfield Township and Chillicothe City Fire Departments and the Ross County Sheriffs office. A representative of the fire department will speak at one of Zane Traces upcoming meetings. SULLIVAN, Ohio Black River FFA recently finished second place in the Sub-District Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event at Smithville High School. The team consisted of Colton Roberts, Leah Coffman, Olivia Bailey, Rylee Howard, Adyline Coffman, Caleb Howard, Jayden Young and Emma Macfarlane. Members conducted an FFA mock meeting in front of a panel of judges and completed a written evaluation that tested their knowledge on parliamentary procedure rules. CALEDONIA, Ohio The River Valley FFA Officer Team made and delivered meals to 50 local farmers on Sept. 18. The meals included BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, cornbread muffins, macaroni salad and a cookie. This is the second year the chapter has hosted the event. Chapter President Sidney Street came up with the idea for the event. If there is one November event that stands out to me here in northeast Ohio, it is the steelhead run. As soon as a significant rain event occurs, as if on cue, these behemoth trout begin making their way out of Lake Erie and up into the many tributary streams that empty into the lake in an effort to spawn. For the angler community here in the Great Lakes region, this event is one of the most anticipated of the year, and I have spent many an autumn traversing the local steams with rod in hand. When I was but a tiny tot, my dad introduced me to the sport of fishing. Throughout most of my childhood, this consisted of a bamboo rod with some fishing line terminating in a large red and white bobber. He taught me how to bait the hook with worms, and told me that if I left one end of the worm free, it would appear as a finger, beckoning to the fish to come here beneath the surface. I waited patiently for that bobber to disappear downward, then gave a quick heave. How I loved catching bluegills, their iridescence gleaming in the sun as I hauled them up above the water. And those powerful largemouth bass, a dark stripe on either side, left me screaming with delight as they gave me a memorable fight, emerging from the pond with the largest chops Id ever seen on a fish. My dad instructed me how to grab the fish firmly, making sure those sharp dorsal fins were lying flat along its back, and how to carefully remove the hook, so as not to do any lasting damage. At a very early age, he taught me the conservation practice of catch and release. When I was in high school, dad bought his first fishing boat and presented me with a fancy, new rod and reel. We headed out to try our luck on Lake Erie. It was quite a ritual, rising at the crack of dawn and gathering up all of our fishing equipment, tackle boxes and a lunch box filled with goodies packed by my mom. We would make our usual stop at the bait shop for a couple containers of night crawlers and several dozen minnows for our bucket. Then we would head out to our desired launch location and get the boat into the water. Dad and I were quite a team! We were also either quite talented fishermen or very lucky, because most days we had much success nabbing perch with our minnows or trolling for walleye. Unfortunately, it didnt take long for me to realize that if the lake wasnt like glass, with little or no wind, I would end up with such severe motion sickness, Id be green. My dad got seasick too, but only when the waves were more active. I remember one day when large waves unexpectedly kicked up. We were over a mile out and as the boat rocked and pitched, the movement that was created in our lines drove the walleye crazy. We started hauling them in one after another until we both ended up so sick, we each hauled in one final fish, cut the lines and headed back. All I remember was hanging off the back of the boat while my dad hung off the side while he piloted the boat along. It seemed like forever until we were finally on terra firma again and even longer until we felt like we were actually going to live. In those days, we always brought home a cooler of fish for the freezer, and my dad taught me the art of filleting. When I met the love of my life, I found out that he, too, was a fisherman. Phil introduced me to the art of flyfishing. The style opened my eyes like never before and I was completely hooked. This angling technique uses lures, referred to as artificial flies, which mimic both aquatic and flying invertebrates to attract the fish. Being an insect lover, I was overjoyed to study the type of insects that might be found at the location where I was fishing and their timing of emergence from the streams. Matching the hatch was crucial for success. I even dabbled in the art of fly tying, as there is nothing like landing a fish on your very own hand tied fly. Phil and I were married in Grayling, Michigan, where he presented me with a gorgeous Orvis flyrod for a wedding present. We spent our honeymoon flyfishing the Au Sable River, nabbing some of the most beautiful trout I had ever seen. Our vacations centered around areas where great fishing could be found. We spent time out west, fishing in the Bighorn Mountains of Montana, the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. We also headed east, fishing our way throughout New England. The dog we had at the time went with us. No matter how cold the water, she would stand out in the river beside my husband as he fished, anxiously waiting to see what he would pull in next. Pennsylvania, which is a hop-skip-and-a-jump from our door, has also offered some great trout fishing opportunities over the years. I dont do much steelhead fishing anymore. It has become such a popular event for anglers that sometimes it is difficult just to carve out a spot to call your own along the stream. One thing I have come to realize over the years is that fishing really isnt all about catching the fish, it is about the experience. For me, the solitude and seclusion of my fishing location means more than anything else. Flyfishing gives me a reason to relax, clear my mind and convene with nature. It enables me the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility and to allow my mind to drift back to the days when my dad first taught me the art of the sport. These days, Id like to think he is looking down upon me when I fish, continuing to bestow some of that fishing luck we had from years ago. The government has confirmed it will temporarily close new applications to capital grants due to 'unprecedented demand'. A total of 76 grant items will be removed "so that funding can be prioritised to where it is most needed". The suspension was first revealed by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) earlier this week but only now confirmed by Defra. Grants to temporarily close include those for silage clamps, slurry stores, dry stone walls, fencing, and new hedges. The grants have been integral in helping farmers meet environmental standards and daily working practices. For those who have applied already, if an application relates to the grants that are temporarily withdrawn, it will be on hold for now, Defra confirmed. Farmers will be contacted in early 2025 with information about what happens next, it explained. A spokesperson said: "As a result of unprecedented demand some of the capital grants offer for farmers will temporarily close to new applications. "Agreements that have already been signed will be met, with further funding prioritised to help build a sustainable farming sector." The government will continue to accept new applications in this period for Woodland Tree Health grants, which help protect tree health against pests and diseases. Capital grant plans and management plans will still be open to help support the development of new CS Higher Tier agreements. And protection and infrastructure grants and Higher Tier capital grants will remain open for applications. Farmers and farm workers are being encouraged to 'act quickly' on signs of the lung disease COPD due to respiratory exposures encountered on the farm. Studies on lung diseases in agriculture have shown evidence that farmers are at an increased risk of developing COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. This term covers the lung diseases better known as emphysema and bronchitis, with both conditions causing a gradual but permanent loss of lung function. Worldwide, COPD is now the fourth most common cause of death and the second most common cause for an emergency admission to hospital. At least 75% of cases are linked to long-term tobacco smoking and in some parts of the world the disease is linked to air pollution. However, various on-farm hazards have been implicated, including organic and inorganic dusts, spores, bacteria, chemicals such as pesticides and toxic gases like ammonia. Urging farmers to get checked out if they have symptoms, farming charity RSABI said early diagnosis for this overlooked condition is 'very important'. "It should not be forgotten that many other occupational lung diseases are associated with farming, especially asthma, and can present with similar symptoms which should not be ignored," RABI said. "This highlights the importance of robust health and safety measures for you and your employees when it comes to these potential hazards around the farm." A diagnosis is usually suspected if there is a history of chronic cough, tiredness and breathlessness, the charity explained, adding that once a person has developed COPD, there is no way to reverse or cure this. Early diagnosis and treatment of this disease can improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of developing other associated conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung cancer. However, it is a diagnosis often made at a late stage, mostly because in the early stages of COPD, symptoms may not be obvious and can be dismissed. RABI said the importance of an early diagnosis in this disease is clear: "If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, especially if you are a smoker or ex-smoker, dont just dismiss them as a part of getting older. "Please seek advice from your local practice nurse or GP. An earlier diagnosis means that you may stay fitter and active for longer." The next RSABI Health Huts for farmers to get health advice and free check ups will be at Caithness Mart and Ayr on 3 December. The government has confirmed it has paid out 57 million to farmers affected by flooding last winter, following delays in rolling out the funds. More than 12,700 payments were issued to support on-farm recovery from last winters wet weather, Defra said today (28 November). The majority of payments arrived in bank accounts from 21 November following letters to eligible farmers. Payments ranging from were made to around 13,000 farmers impacted by Storms Henk and Babet, between October and March last year. The one off recovery payments aim to support land recovery activities such as soil remediation, recultivation and the removal of any debris caused by flooding. Defra said the vast majority (95%) of eligible farm businesses received their payments, adding that outstanding payments would continue to be made. Last winter, the UK saw its wettest 18 months since records began, leaving thousands of acres of productive farmland under water. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: We have paid over 57m to farms affected by devastating flooding 10m more than the previous government. However, we are going further by investing 5 billion for the farming budget over two years with the largest ever directed at sustainable food production in our countrys history." The government also said that 50m would be distributed to internal drainage boards (IDBs), responsible for managing water levels for farming needs in a particular area. What is the eligibility? Eligible farmers received an email or letter from the RPA with details of the area of land considered to be eligible for the recovery payment based on one or both of the eligibility criteria: Flooding from rivers Data from the Environment Agency was used to track high river levels during Storm Babet (1925 October 2023) and Storm Henk (212 January 2024). Satellite imagery was used to confirm the land where the river flooding impacts were most severe. Exceptional rainfall Rainfall data from the Met Office identified local authority areas in England where at least half of the area experienced exceptional rainfall (more than 70% above the 30-year average rainfall) from October 2023 to March 2024. Farmers whose land is engineered as a flood storage area were not eligible for recovery payments. More than 100 tractors took part in a go-slow protest through Dover as farmers displayed their anger and concern over inheritance tax changes. Farmers called on the Labour government to 'stop betraying' British farming and rural communities as many were dealt a 'hammer blow' following the budget. At the rally, anger was mainly centred on controversial plans to impose a 20% inheritance tax (IHT) on farm assets worth 1 million or more from April 2026. However, the issues of sub-standard food imports, the carbon tax on fertiliser and the pick-up tax were also highlighted. Organised by Save British Farming and Fairness for Farmers campaign groups, the event saw farmers across Kent and Sussex join forces to voice their concern. Tractors at the protest on Wednesday (27 November) held placards which read, 'No farmers. No food. No future,' 'back British farming and 'stop sub-standard imports'. We were promised a new deal by @Keir_Starmer to improve food security with a new EU Veterinary agreement to ensure protection from lower standard imports. But @RachelReevesMP instead betrayed farmers with disastrous budget which delivered a poisonous cocktail and a hammer blow pic.twitter.com/tU1DERWVfz Liz Webster (@LizWebsterSBF) November 27, 2024 Save British Farming founder Liz Webster told the BBC that the government had "unleashed a really nasty culture war with their budget". She asked: Are they hoping to motivate envy to back destruction of our farms which produce healthy and sustainable food and care for our countryside to sign a deal with Trump which delivers chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef? From today Farmers will continue to build rallies to demand Govt: Axe Inheritance Tax Get an EU veterinary agreement RULE OUT a USA FTA and sell off to BlackRock Reverse fast-track removal of BPS U-turn on pick-up tax Scrab carbon tax on fertiliser Stop pic.twitter.com/7cUMnjNBiL Liz Webster (@LizWebsterSBF) November 27, 2024 Scottish farmers are set to descend on central Edinburgh today (28 November) to signify the anger and frustration built up in rural Scotland. It follows a major demonstration in Westminster last week, where over 10,000 farmers gathered to demand the government "backs down" over its inheritance tax proposals. Elsewhere in the UK, thousands of farmers in Northern Ireland recently attended a rally at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn to oppose the changes. The White House has announced that US President Joe Biden would not implement a tariff rate quota on imports of fine-denier polyester staple fiber (PSF) in response to a section 201 safeguard case filed by US-based fibre producers. Biden announced an import quota only on imports of fine-denier PSF under the temporary importation under bond (TIB) programme which is predominately used in woven textiles and apparel and is not expected to impact nonwovens. US President Joe Biden has decided not to implement a tariff rate quota on fine-denier polyester staple fibre (PSF) imports, following a section 201 safeguard case by US fibre producers. Instead, a quota will apply only to PSF imports under the temporary importation under bond (TIB) programme, primarily affecting woven textiles and apparel. He opted not to implement a tariff rate quote or other measures that were recommended by the US International Trade Commission citing that other industries, including nonwoven manufacturers, would be negatively impacted by such actions, INDA said in a press release. While the USITC Commissioners recommended that I impose a tariff-rate quota on fine denier PSF imports, I have determined not to do so therefore, I have decided to tailor this safeguard remedy to TIB entries of fine denier PSF. Furthermore, I have determined not to impose a tariff-rate quota on imports of fine denier PSF in the interest of balancing the competing interests of domestic fine denier PSF manufacturers and the impact of the safeguard remedy on downstream United States producers, including manufacturers of textiles, defense products, and consumer products that rely on fine denier PSF, said President Biden. This decision comes after several US-based nonwovens producers commented to the White House Trade Policy Staff Committee and the USITC that the nonwovens industry would be harmed by actions that would raise the costs of fine-denier PSF. INDA submitted comments outlining the concerns of many nonwovens producers. Government affairs director Wes Fisher testified before the Trade Policy Staff Committee at the Office of the US Trade Representative hearing on September 30. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR) Canton, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2024) - Infantry Tree Service has announced the official launch of a new website designed to provide residential and commercial clients a streamlined way of exploring the company's services. This new digital platform is tailored to simplify client access to expert tree service in Canton, GA, offering detailed information, an intuitive interface, and accessibility while enhancing open communication. The new Infantry Tree Service website has a clear, responsive layout that functions on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Thus, visitors can browse the company's tree removal, pruning, trimming, and stump grinding and removal services. Each has detailed descriptions for homes and businesses, helping property owners make informed decisions. The inclusion of an online quote request feature further simplifies the process of booking a service. Clients can receive timely assistance once they enter their details, select the services they need, choose the property type, highlight their budget, and include any personalized/tailored information/request they require for a project. In addition, this new website has integrated a project gallery under each service the team offers, showcasing the company's commitment to quality and creativity in tree care. As a company prioritizing safety, Infantry Tree Service details each protocol, including insurance coverage, strict techniques, emergency services, and valuable insight in the newly launched website. Clients can also learn about long-term planning for their property's tree health and ensure their landscape remains beautiful for years. The new website maintains clear communication and facilitates the team's professional service from the initial consultation to the final walk-through. Beyond that, clients can find reasons to choose the team, whether flexible office hours, prompt responses, elite-level craftsmanship, or value. Their website offers a centralized platform where clients can understand the company's offerings, eliminating guesswork and influencing first impressions. Infantry Tree Service's new website is more than just a digital platform; it's a vital resource for the community, positioning the company as a trusted partner in improving the quality of life and maintaining the natural beauty of landscapes. About Infantry Tree Service: Infantry Tree Service brings military precision and dedication to each tree care project in Canton and surrounding areas throughout Cherokee County in Georgia. The team of skilled tree service technicians combines years of experience with a commitment to excellence in handling hazardous tree emergencies, routine maintenance, or property transformations. The company utilizes efficient equipment and processes to complete projects on time without cutting corners. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231709 SOURCE: GetFeatured Shareholders may face significant delays in receiving physical meeting materials due to Canada Post labour disruption For questions or assistance with voting, call Kingsdale Advisors at 1-866-581-1489 (toll-free in North America), text or call 1-416-623-2517, email contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com, or visit www.WEDfuture.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2024) - The Westaim Corporation (TSXV: WED) ("Westaim" or the "Company") today announces that it has filed and is in the process of delivering its management information circular (the "Circular"), form of proxy, voting instruction form and letter of transmittal (together with the Circular, the "Meeting Materials") in respect of its special meeting (the "Meeting") of Westaim shareholders (the "Shareholders") to approve various matters in connection with its previously announced transaction with CC Capital Partners. The Meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern time) at Vantage Venues, 150 King Street West, 27th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1J9. In light of the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption, Shareholders may experience significant delays in receiving physical copies of the Meeting Materials. As such, Shareholders are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials electronically under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, or on the Company's corporate website at www.westaim.com or at www.WEDfuture.com. In addition, Shareholders may also obtain copies of the Meeting Materials by email or by courier upon request at info@westaim.com. Shareholder Questions and Assistance Shareholders who have questions about voting at or attending the Meeting, including in light of the ongoing disruption to Canadian postal delivery, are encouraged to contact the Company's strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent, Kingsdale Advisors, by telephone at 1-866-581-1489 (toll-free in North America) or at 1-416-623-2517 (collect call and text enabled outside North America), or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com or chat with an advisor on www.WEDfuture.com. The deadline to vote your proxy or voting instruction form is Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM (Eastern time). For further details concerning attending and voting at the Meeting, see "Details of the Meeting" and "Voting" below. Matters to be Approved at Meeting The Meeting has been called for Shareholders to consider, and, if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation: a special resolution (the "Arrangement Resolution") to approve a statutory plan of arrangement under section 193 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the "Arrangement") whereby, among other things, the Company will complete a consolidation of its common shares (the "Common Shares") on the basis of one post-consolidation Common Share for every six pre-consolidation Common Shares and change its jurisdiction of incorporation from the Province of Alberta in Canada to the State of Delaware in the United States of America; an ordinary resolution (the "Private Placement Resolution") to approve the US$250 million strategic investment in the Company via a private placement offering (the "Private Placement") by Wembley Group Partners, LP (the "Investor"), an affiliate of CC Capital Partners; an ordinary resolution (the "Arena Reorganization Resolution") approving the restructuring of Arena Investors Group Holdings, LLC (the "Arena Reorganization"); and an ordinary resolution (the "New Equity Incentive Plan Resolution" and collectively, with the Arrangement Resolution, Private Placement Resolution and Arena Reorganization Resolution, the "Approval Resolutions") to approve the adoption of an amended and restated equity incentive plan of the Company (the "New Equity Incentive Plan"). Approval Requirements In accordance with the terms of the interim order granted by the Court of the King's Bench of Alberta on November 19, 2024, providing for, among other things, the calling and holding of the Meeting and the conduct of the Meeting, the Arrangement can only proceed if, among other conditions, the Arrangement Resolution receives the approval of not less than 662/3% of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting. The Private Placement Resolution, to be effective, must be approved by not less than a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting (excluding the votes cast by the Investor and any other Shareholders that are required to be excluded in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV")). The Arena Reorganization Resolution, to be effective, must be approved by not less than a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting (excluding the votes cast by Daniel Zwirn, Lawrence Cutler and any other Shareholders that are required to be excluded in accordance with Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions). The New Equity Incentive Plan Resolution, to be effective, must be approved by not less than a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting. Details of the Meeting Shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 11, 2024 (the "Record Date") are entitled to receive notice of, to participate in and to vote their Common Shares at the Meeting. The Company is in the process of delivering the Meeting Materials to Shareholders as of the Record Date. Due to the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption, Shareholders may experience significant delays in receiving physical copies of the Meeting Materials. As such, Shareholders are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials electronically under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on the Company's corporate website at www.westaim.com or at www.WEDfuture.com. In addition, Shareholders may also obtain copies of the Meeting Materials by email or by courier upon request by contacting info@westaim.com. The Circular contains, among other things, details regarding the Arrangement, the Private Placement, the Arena Reorganization and the New Equity Incentive Plan (collectively, the "Transactions"), the background to and reasons for favourable recommendation by both the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") and its special committee of unconflicted directors (the "Special Committee") and includes additional information to assist Shareholders in considering how to vote at the Meeting. Shareholders are urged to read the Circular in its entirety and, if they require assistance, should consult their financial, legal, tax or other professional advisors. The Circular includes disclosure that, among other things, Westaim may be characterized as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. U.S. Shareholders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to the impact of PFIC status on owning and disposing of shares, and about the advisability, procedure and timing of their making any of the available tax elections. Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Company Board of Directors The Special Committee, after having received legal and financial advice (including a written fairness opinion of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (the "Fairness Opinion")), amongst other things, unanimously determined that the Transactions are in the best interests of the Company and unanimously recommended that the Board recommend that the Shareholders vote FOR the Approval Resolutions. The Board, after receiving legal and financial advice (including the Fairness Opinion) and the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, unanimously determined that the Transactions are in the best interests of the Company and unanimously recommends that the Shareholders vote FOR the Approval Resolutions. The reasons for the recommendations of the Board and Special Committee are further detailed in the Circular under the heading "Business of the Special Meeting - Recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board". Voting Details of how Shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders can attend, access and participate in the Meeting, are set out in the Meeting Materials. Registered Shareholders can attend and vote in person at the Meeting. Registered Shareholders also have the option of voting: (i) by completing signing and dating their form of proxy and returning it to Computershare Trust Company of Canada ("Computershare"), Attention: Proxy Department, 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 in the envelope provided; (ii) through the Internet at https://www.investorvote.com; or (iii) by contacting Computershare by telephone at 1-800-564-6253 (toll-free in North America) or 1-514-982-7555 (outside of North America), and following the instructions. To vote by telephone or the Internet, registered Shareholders will need to provide their 15-digit control number found on their form of proxy. Registered Shareholders are encouraged to complete and return letters of transmittal by hand or by courier at 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, North Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 to ensure the appropriate documents are received in a timely manner. Non-registered Shareholders are entitled to vote their Common Shares: (i) by completing, signing and dating their voting instruction form and returning it by mail in the envelope provided (although we caution that mail may face significant delays due to the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption); (ii) via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com; or (iii) by calling the applicable number listed on the voting instruction form. Non-registered Shareholders who have not received their control numbers as a result of the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption may contact their brokers in order to obtain their control numbers in order to vote their Common Shares. Non-registered Shareholders are also encouraged to contact the Company's strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent, Kingsdale Advisors, by telephone at 1-866-581-1489 (toll-free in North America) or at 1-416-623-2517 (collect call and text enabled outside North America), or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com if they require any assistance in obtaining their control numbers. If any such Shareholder desires, the Shareholder can also request that Kingsdale Advisors assist with the exercise of their right to vote and/or appoint proxyholders other than the Company management nominees, in the event that delivery of physical copies of the Meeting Materials is delayed. As a result of the Canada Post labour disruption, all Shareholders are encouraged to vote in person, by telephone or online, as per the instructions provided in the form of proxy or voting instruction form. It is recommended that any physical forms of proxy or voting instruction forms be delivered via hand or courier (other than Canada Post) to ensure that they are received in a timely manner. Exercise of Dissent Rights In light of the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption, the Company will permit Registered Shareholders who wish to exercise their dissent rights in respect of the Arrangement Resolution to deliver their written notice of objection to Westaim by email at info@westaim.com to ensure that it is received by the Company in a timely manner. Notwithstanding that such notice of objection may delivered by email, such notice of objection must otherwise be delivered in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Circular, and Shareholders desiring to exercise their dissent rights will be required to otherwise strictly comply with the dissent procedures described in the Circular. About Westaim Westaim is a Canadian investment company specializing in providing long-term capital to businesses operating primarily within the global financial services industry. The Company invests, directly and indirectly, through acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements, with the objective of providing its shareholders with capital appreciation and real wealth preservation. Westaim's strategy is to pursue investment opportunities with a focus towards the financial services industry and grow shareholder value over the long term. Westaim's investments include significant interests in Arena and the Arena FINCOs. Arena and the Arena FINCOs are defined in the notes to Westaim's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and the related MD&A. The Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSXV under the trading symbol "WED". Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, growth, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always using words or phrases such as "expects", "does not expect", "is expected", "seeks", "endeavours", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "positioned", "confident", "plans", "advantaged", "estimates", "believes", "does not believe" or "intends", "does not intend" or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken, or achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Transactions and the terms thereof, the Meeting including the anticipated date of the Meeting, the delivery of Meeting Materials, and Westaim's anticipated status as a PFIC for 2024. The Transactions are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Westaim's actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those in the specific projections, goals, assumptions and statements herein including, but not limited to: (i) that the parties may be unable to complete or satisfy some or all of the Transactions because, among other reasons, conditions to the completion of the Transactions may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to obtain requisite Shareholder approval for some or all of the Transactions or that a governmental authority such as the TSXV may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of some or all of the Transactions on acceptable terms; (ii) uncertainty as to the timing of completion of the Transactions; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the investment agreement entered into between, among others, the Company and the Investor, or other documents entered into by the parties in connection with the Transactions; (iv) risks related to disruption of management's attention from Westaim's ongoing business operations due to the Transactions; (v) the effect of the announcement of the Transactions on Westaim's relationships with its clients, employees, regulators and customers; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings to the extent initiated against Westaim or others following the announcement of the Transactions and (vii) risks related to delays in Shareholders receiving the Meeting Materials in light of the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption, as well as Westaim management's response to any of the aforementioned factors. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions, variables and projections as well as other relevant factors at the time the statements are made that are inherently uncertain, involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. These include, but are not limited to, the risk factors discussed in the Circular and in Westaim's Annual Information Form for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as same may be supplemented, modified or superseded by a subsequently filed annual information form or management information circular. Except as required by law, Westaim does not have any obligation to advise any person if it becomes aware of any inaccuracy in or omission from any forward-looking statement or to update such forward-looking statement. Although management of Westaim 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 and there can be no guarantee that any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, including the estimates or projections (including projections of revenue, expense and earnings) set forth herein, will be achieved to any extent. Completion of the Transactions are subject to the satisfaction of certain regulatory requirements and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, Shareholder approval and the approval of the TSXV. There can be no certainty, nor can Westaim provide any assurance, that these conditions will be satisfied or, if satisfied, when they will be satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Transactions described in this press release, or the anticipated benefits therefrom, will occur on the terms as proposed and described herein or at all. 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. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to past or future performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon for any reason. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained herein. Forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release, and Westaim hereby expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement, forward looking information or financial information contained herein to reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231721 SOURCE: The Westaim Corporation The Commerzbank stock experienced a significant decline on Wednesday, closing at 14.13, marking a 2.0% decrease. The trading session demonstrated notable volatility, with shares hitting a daily low of 13.90. This downturn places the stock approximately 20% below its 52-week high of 16.97, reflecting broader concerns in the European banking sector. The market's reaction comes amid growing economic uncertainties that are particularly affecting major banks' fundamental indicators. Trading volume exceeded 3 million shares, underscoring the heightened market activity and investor concerns. Market Outlook and Dividend Prospects Despite recent challenges, analysts maintain an average price target of 17.01 for Commerzbank shares, though this target has seen recent downward revisions. A bright spot emerges in the dividend outlook, with expectations for an increased payout of 0.516 per share for the current year, representing a substantial rise from the previous year's 0.350. However, the situation remains complex, particularly given the French budget crisis, which has led to a significant widening of yield spreads between German and French government bonds, reaching levels reminiscent of the Eurozone financial crisis with a spread exceeding 80 basis points. Ad Fresh Commerzbank information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Commerzbank analysis... LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / November 27, 2024 / Geekflare, an independent publishing platform for business software review and comparison, recently announced the launch of Geekflare Assist. This AI-powered assistant aims to empower businesses with resources and software suggestions. Geekflare Assist can recommend the most suitable software for any particular industry, purpose, or scenario, help understand complex technology in easy language, and compare products to suggest the most appropriate one for a business. It spares users from reading the whole article and saves them time by instantly providing the necessary information. Since Geekflare Assist is trained on Geekflare data, businesses and professionals can trust it without any doubt. The key features of Geekflare Assist are: Generate expert advice and personalized solutions for business software needs Share insights and resources from Geekflare's knowledge base of over 10,000 articles Recommend software, products, and devices integrating relevant suggestions when appropriate Provide accurate, professional, and actionable information to help users make informed decisions The best thing about Geekflare Assist is its reference section. While answering user queries, it even shares reference articles on Geekflare that it used to generate the answers. Thus, users can check out the references to learn more. On the occasion of the launch of Geekflare Assist, Chandan Kumar, the founder of Geekflare, said, "We, at Geekflare, always look for ways to improve how we present business software reviews, software listicles, software comparisons, buying guides, and other resources in an easily consumable format. Since AI is dominating the technology world, we have decided not to stay behind and to offer our users access to Geekflare resources using Geekflare Assist in a quick and conversational manner. Users can ask their queries about software and technology; Geekflare Assist will provide them with answers from the Geekflare database. I invite everyone to try this tool and share their feedback with us. Your response will inspire us to bring new tools in the future." About Geekflare: Geekflare is a trusted online publisher that empowers businesses with software suggestions and resources. It also offers free tools, SEO software and APIs for businesses and tech professionals. Media Contact Geekflare hello@geekflare.com SOURCE: Geekflare View the original press release on accesswire.com EQS-Media / 28.11.2024 / 02:00 CET/CEST Norwegian Proof of Concept conducted successfully Millions of kilometers of trips processed System scalability makes it viable for nationwide deployment New Delhi, India, November 28, 2024 - Kapsch TrafficCom reports findings of Road User Charging (RUC) Proof of Concept (PoC) in Oslo, Norway. The initiative tested innovative solutions for distance-based road pricing with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuel taxes. This approach aims to address the decline in fuel tax revenues resulting from the shift to electric vehicles while ensuring fairness and accessibility for all road users. Carolin Treichl, EVP EMENA at Kapsch TrafficCom, highlighted the project's innovation: "With this PoC, we are bringing together satellite tolling technology and Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems in a way that has not been done before in Europe. With over 2 million kilometers of trips processed and a rate accuracy exceeding 99%, the PoC demonstrated the viability of a low-cost, flexible, and scalable RUC system that is based on GNSS technology." As countries worldwide, including Norway, advance their transition to electric vehicles (EVs), governments face significant challenges in maintaining infrastructure funding. Fuel tax revenues - a primary source of road maintenance funding - are projected to decline by more than 85% in Norway by 2050. Recognizing this issue, the Norwegian government has prioritized studying and implementing sustainable road usage charges based on the "polluter pays" principle. The PoC leveraged a smartphone-based application paired with the GNSS tolling technology developed by Kapsch TrafficCom. The cloud-based, device-agnostic approach of Kapsch TrafficCom processes road usage data, calculates charges based on predefined tariffs, and delivers results with maximum accuracy, even in Norway's challenging road environments. Results and Insights The PoC encompassed: Over 2 million kilometers of real and simulated trips 80 million position data points processed, achieving a 99.5% rate accuracy Successful adaptation to diverse conditions, including urban congestion, tunnels, and remote areas These results underscore the system's scalability, making it a sustainable solution for nationwide implementation. The PoC also aligns with broader trends in mobility, including demand management and connected vehicles. Its cloud-based architecture reduces CO2 emissions by 85% compared to traditional systems, supporting global sustainability goals. More information: Press | Kapsch TrafficCom Sandra Bijelic Head of Corporate Communications Kapsch TrafficCom AG sandra.bijelic@kapsch.net End of Media Release Issuer: Kapsch TrafficCom AG Key word(s): Traffic 28.11.2024 CET/CEST This Press Release was distributed by EQS Group AG. www.eqs.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2024) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company or "Doubleview") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a financing by way of a non-brokered private placement for aggregate proceeds of $76,000 comprised of 200,000 Units. Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") at a price of $0.38 per Unit. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.48 per Warrant Share for a period of 6 months following the closing date and thereafter at an exercise price of $0.55 per Warrant Share for a period of 18 months. The Warrants are subject to early termination if the underlying shares trade at a volume weighted average price equal to or greater than $0.65 for 5 consecutive days in the 24 month period from the date of issuance. The proceeds of the sale of the shares will be used for contribution and maintenance of the Company's exploration work on its BC projects, particularly for the polymetallic Hat Project, located in northwestern BC. This work includes drilling, geological advisory and analytical services as well as other development work and general working capital purposes. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and in accordance with the Exchange policies, all securities issued under this Private Placement will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under applicable securities laws and to the Exchange hold period. The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange. About Doubleview Gold Corp A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: LA1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques. Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development, and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector. About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region's significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company's July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below: Open Pit Model Hat Resource Category Tonnage Average Grade Metal Content CuEq Cu Co Au Ag CuEq Cu Co Au Ag Mt % % % g/t g/t million lb million lb million lb thousand oz thousand oz In Pit Indicated 150 0.408 0.221 0.008 0.19 0.42 1,353 733 28 929 2,045 Inferred 477 0.344 0.185 0.009 0.15 0.49 3,619 1,945 91 2,328 7,575 Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3. For further details, please refer to the Company's July 25, 2024 news release. Qualified Person: Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the written technical disclosure contained in the news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: 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. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231718 SOURCE: Doubleview Gold Corp. Volkswagen AG has made a pivotal strategic move by selling its controversial production facility in China's Xinjiang region to SMVIC, a state-owned enterprise specializing in used vehicles. This divestment includes test tracks in Turpan and Anting, marking a significant shift in the company's Chinese operations. The decision comes at a challenging time for the automotive giant, reflected in its current stock price of approximately 80 euros, substantially below its 52-week high of 128.60 euros. The Urumqi facility, which had ceased vehicle production in 2019, represents a strategic realignment of Volkswagen's Chinese market presence. Future Growth Strategy The German automaker is reinforcing its "In China, for China" approach by extending its partnership with SAIC until 2040. This collaboration includes an ambitious product offensive starting in 2026, featuring 18 new models. Volkswagen aims to capture a 15% market share by 2030, with a particular emphasis on electric vehicle production. This comprehensive repositioning strategy demonstrates the company's commitment to strengthening its foothold in the crucial Chinese market through focused expansion and technological advancement. Ad Fresh Volkswagen information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Volkswagen analysis... SHANGHAI, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from russian.shanghai.gov.cn: Shanghai presented its annual Magnolia Silver Award to 50 outstanding expats from 18 countries on Nov 23, recognizing their significant contributions to the city's development and international exchanges. The ceremony took place at the Grand Halls on the northern end of the Bund, with Kong Fu'an, director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government, conferring the medals and certificates to the recipients. In his address, Kong emphasized Shanghai's status as an international, innovative, and inclusive city that has taken the lead in achieving Chinese-style modernization. He highlighted the vital roles that expats, foreign-invested enterprises, and foreign institutions play in the city, noting that they have been "not only witnesses, but also active participants and contributors." This year's award recipients come from diverse fields such as trade, finance, technology, shipping, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and agriculture. Among those honored was Pietro Brambilla from Italy, North Asia chief financial officer at L'Oreal China. Brambilla has spearheaded L'Oreal's investment and development in Shanghai, helping the Chinese market become the company's largest globally. He has also contributed to creating a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment in the city. Professor Marc Delpech from France, a representative of the awardees, shared his experiences contributing to Sino-French medical cooperation over three decades. As the coordinator of the French-language training program for medical students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and currently vice-dean of the Sino-French School of Medicine at the university, Delpech emphasized the enduring and expanding friendship between China and France. He noted that his predecessor, Professor Guy Vincendon, received the Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award in 2003, highlighting the continuity and strength of their bilateral medical and educational relationship. Another awardee, Carlo D'Andrea, chief representative of Studio Legale DAndrea, has helped many foreign companies settle in China, particularly in Shanghai. The Italian lawyer praised Shanghai as "the best location to do business in China", especially in the fields of new technology and high tech. He highlighted Shanghai's commitment to deepening reform and opening-up, which gives the city "a lot of potentials to be unleashed". D'Andrea valued the direct access to the city's leadership, noting that each year, the Shanghai mayor meets with international business leaders to seek advice, feedback, and ideas for better development of the city. "I had the opportunity to meet many times with the mayor and the vice-mayor to discuss how we can attract more European investment into Shanghai," he said. "I like this kind of opportunities where you have direct access to the leadership, because the exchange of ideas and exchange of opinion is the best way in order to have a better future together." Shanghai began awarding the Magnolia Silver Award to expats in 1989, later introducing the Magnolia Gold Award and Honorary Citizenship in 1992 and 1997, respectively. Over the past 35 years, 1,877 expats have received these honors, underscoring the city's appreciation for their contributions. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shanghai-honors-50-expats-with-magnolia-silver-awards-302318026.html QINGDAO, China, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 26, the China Hotel Overseas Investment Conference, hosted by Sunmei Hotels Group, was successfully held at Movenpick by Accor Qingdao Sunmei. During the conference, Sunmei Hotels Group announced the establishment of Sunmei Group International (SGI) and launched three overseas core brands: SHANKEE, PENRO, and LANOU, marking a new chapter in the UAE market. Distinguished guests attending included Mr Budi Hansyah, Trade Attache of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI Beijing), Mrs. Evita SANDA, Director of Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) Beijing, and representative from Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan. Ma Yingyao, Chairman and CEO of Sunmei Hotels Group, has high hopes for the UAE market, stating that the country requires the presence of leading Chinese digital hotels. As a leading smart economy hotel brand, SHANKEE Hotel aims to bring China's advanced hotel industry intelligence and warm hospitality to broader international markets. Currently, Sunmei Hotels Group's signed SHANKEE Hotel Dubai Longcheng is about to open. Zhang Gang, SVP of Sunmei Hotels Group and CEO of SGI, states that SGI is strategically focusing on cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, which are pivotal to the economic and tourism growth in the Middle East. As of 2023, the average hotel occupancy rate in the UAE is 72%, with Dubai at 78% and Abu Dhabi at 75%. The UAE hotel market has seen unprecedented growth due to substantial government investment in tourism and finance. For its overseas operations, the company sees potential in mergers & acquisition and brand co-creation alongside traditional models like direct operations and franchising. Building on over a decade of digital and intelligent operational experience, SGI strategically focuses on four core competencies: "smart marketing platform, smart site selection and development, modular renovation, and intelligent operations". In operations, SGI empowers overseas hotels with a 57.63% guest contribution rate through the "Xinlimei" direct booking platform for hotel members; it uses big data and AI to precisely target prime locations; reduces construction time with modular renovation; and enhances service efficiency and quality through intelligent operation. For users, it focuses on seamless check-in, smart spaces, and intelligent experiences, using room automation and smart robots to offer a next-generation smart accommodation experience globally. Speaking about the overseas expansion plans for the next decade, The Group's Chairman and CEO Ma Yingyao stated: "We are committed to steadily opening 100 hotels that earn twice the revenue of the Chinese market, rigorously managing 1,000 outstanding and high-quality hotels, covering 30 countries, and establishing an international image for Chinese brands." In recent years, the strong tourism demand, stable room rates, and high occupancy rates have made the UAE a focal point for global investors. SGI will continue to export its smart operational models and innovative service concepts, providing UAE consumers with superior, convenient, and personalized accommodation experiences, enhancing the overall service level of the UAE hotel industry, and further driving the growth of UAE tourism. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569069/3.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sunmei-hotels-group-ventures-into-the-uae-shankee-to-open-in-dubai-302318033.html BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Zai Lab Limited (ZLAB) announced the inclusion of AUGTYRO (repotrectinib) in China's National Reimbursement Drug List for ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC. The company also shared additional updates regarding the reimbursement list.The company said it looks forward to launching AUGTYRO by the end of 2024. The company now has six products included in the National Reimbursement Drug List.AUGTYRO (repotrectinib) is included in the NRDL for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).NUZYRA (omadacycline) is renewed for its intravenous (IV) formulation for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI).QINLOCK (ripretinib) is renewed for advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients who have received prior treatment with three or more kinase inhibitors in the all-comer setting.For More Such Health News, 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. SAN FRANCISCO, CA & MUMBAI, Nov 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Niyo, India's leading fintech startup, teamed up with CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform, to improve customer experiences through personalized engagement and real-time interactions. Since its founding in 2015, Niyo has been revolutionizing financial services in India, particularly with its international travel cards and app-based financial services, catering to the evolving needs of its users.In its almost decade-long journey, Niyo recognized the challenges that modern Indian travellers face at every touchpoint while venturing abroad. It sought a feature-rich user engagement platform that would effectively deliver the right solutions to its customers and found the ideal partner in CleverTap. By leveraging CleverTap's advanced automation tools, Niyo enhanced its onboarding processes, while ensuring compliance with regulations, and streamlining customer experiences. This collaboration empowered Niyo to reduce drop-offs during the customer journey, automate personalized messages, and re-engage dormant users.By deploying CleverTap's integrated platform, Niyo achieved:- 2x increase in click through rates, leveraging Clever.AI for emotionally intelligent content.- 40% optimized conversion rate through pinpoint targeting, ensuring personalized and relevant communication at every step.- 12% re-engagement of dormant users through targeted campaigns, highlighting Niyo's success in winning back inactive customers.Sushanth Ravikumar, SVP - Head of Marketing, Niyo, said - "At Niyo, delivering a seamless and personalized experience for our customers is a top priority. CleverTap has been instrumental in elevating this experience. Its robust automation and communication tools have streamlined our onboarding process while maintaining compliance in the highly regulated sector. What started as a tool to streamline everyday operations has become a key force in helping us preserve customer trust, even during challenging times. Its ability to adapt to real-time shifts in customer engagement offers us a definitive edge in an ever-changing dynamic, solidifying our long-term confidence in the platform."Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer, CleverTap, said - "We are excited to collaborate with Niyo as they continue to innovate in the travel fintech space. Through our partnership, we've been able to enhance Niyo's customer engagement by focusing on delivering personalized and timely experiences. This has not only streamlined their processes but also improved customer satisfaction, particularly in key areas like onboarding and transaction management. We look forward to supporting Niyo as they scale and evolve their offerings in this dynamic market."About NiyoNiyo is India's leading banking fintech that has revolutionized "travel banking" for Indians. The company was co-founded by banking veteran Vinay Bagri (currently, CEO) and technology veteran Virender Bisht (currently, CTO) in 2015. Niyo offers zero forex debit and credit cards, which provides the best banking experience and value for international travellers. This unique solution was invented by Niyo in 2015 and has helped over 2 million Indians by saving more up to 5% on their international transactions with Zero Forex offering. In this last Series-C round in 2022, Niyo raised $130 million, which was led by global VC and PE firms, Accel, Lightrock, and Multiples. Its other investors include Prime Venture Partners, Horizons Ventures, Tencent, JS Capital, Social Capital, and Beams Fintech Fund. Niyo operates out of a corporate office in Bengaluru and has a sales presence in more than 20 states and union territories.Website: https://goniyo.com/About CleverTapCleverTap is the leading all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value. CleverTap is trusted by over 2000 brands like Decathlon, Domino's, Levis, Jio, Emirates NBD, Puma, Croma (A Tata Enterprise), Swiggy, SonyLIV, Axis Bank, AirAsia, TD Bank, Ooredoo, and Tesco, to help build personalized experiences for all their customers. The platform is powered by TesseractDB - the world's first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering speed and cost efficiency at scale.Backed by top-tier investors such as Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, with presence across Seattle, London, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Mexico, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, Vietnam, and Jakarta.For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/X: https://twitter.com/CleverTapForward-Looking StatementsSome of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.For more information:SONY SHETTYDirector, Communications and CSR, CleverTap+91 9820900036sony@clevertap.comASHMIT CHAUDHARYAssociate Consultant, Archetype+91 8850752121ashmit.chaudhary@archetype.coSource: CleverTapCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Car manufacturer Renault, smart charging solutions provider We Drive Solar and the Netherlands' leading car sharing platform MyWheels are teaming up to launch a car-sharing service in the city of Utrecht. The vehicles will utilize vehicle-to-grid technology, running on clean energy and feeding power back to the grid during high demand periods. The Dutch city of Utrecht is set to become the first in Europe to launch a large-scale car-sharing service that utilizes vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The city has joined forces with French automobile manufacturer Renault Group and We Drive Solar, a ... 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. TALLINN, Estonia, Nov. 28, 2024is a manufacturer of some of the most unique, handcrafted cabins and saunas on the market today. Combining ancient shingling techniques with modern design, Iglucraft offers handcrafted Igluhuts and Iglusaunas that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, offering guests a truly immersive experience in nature. These extraordinary creations are redefining the way travellers experience hospitality, turning every stay into something unforgettable. Crafting Experiences That Stand Out In an increasingly competitive travel industry, Iglucraft stands out by offering products that allow businesses to create memorable experiences in unique settings, whether on land or at harbors. These one-of-a-kind creations are designed not only for beauty but also for functionality - rustic on the outside, 5-star experience on the inside. Whether it's a cozy night in an Igluhut or a relaxing session in an Iglusauna, Iglucraft's handcrafted products provide a tranquil retreat for those seeking something they've never experienced before. Iglucraft isn't just changing the travel experience for guests-it's also transforming the way businesses operate. The company owns Iglupark, a unique hospitality resort by the sea, which features a full range of Igluhuts and Iglusaunas . With its remarkable location and stunning architecture, Iglupark is almost always fully booked, proving the popularity and profitability of Iglucraft's designs. It was recently recognized as the Best Tourism Product of 2024 by the tourism community at this year's tourism awards. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Partnering for Profitability Other hospitality businesses have followed suit, installing multiple Iglucraft units. Ree Safari Park in Denmark has installed multiple Igluhuts, offering guests the extraordinary experience of wildlife roaming near their cabins, while a project in Pfarrwerfen, Austria, integrates Igluhuts into a breathtaking Alpine setting. These businesses have reported significant increases in guest engagement, repeat visits, and premium pricing as a result. "Travelers today want authenticity and comfort," says Priit Kallas, CEO of Iglucraft. "Our products help businesses meet these demands. For the business owner, it makes financial sense." Looking to 2025, Iglucraft helps your hospitality business position itself to take advantage of the growing interest in unique travel experiences. As travelers seek nature-based accommodations, Iglucraft's extraordinary, one-of-a-kind cabins and saunas are more appealing than ever. JINAN, China, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, as well as the Year of Cultural and Tourism Exchange between the two countries. On Nov. 26, the Inauguration of the Jinan Overseas International Communication Center & Opportunities China "Springs" in Jinan Cultural Exhibition took place in Paris, France. This event showcases the beautiful scene and cultural landscape of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature through the vivid imagery of springs and their connection to the city. It aims to promote cultural exchange between China and France and enhance mutual understanding of civilizations. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Sun Shihui, deputy director-general of the Publicity Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee and director of the Jinan Civilization Office, noted in his speech that despite the vast distance between Jinan and Paris, the bond between the two cities is strong. Jinan is built around springs and thrives alongside them; it is known as the "City of Springs." The springs are not only the soul of the city but also its most iconic feature. By establishing the Overseas International Communication Center in Paris, Jinan seeks to strengthen Sino-French friendship, deepen cultural exchanges, and present the city's story to the world, thereby highlighting the unique allure of its spring culture. Lyazid Benhami, vice president of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship, praised Jinan for its deep historical roots and cultural heritage, where springs and the city are integrated, and humans coexist harmoniously with nature. He emphasized that the spring culture exhibition, along with the establishment of the Jinan Overseas International Communication Center, offers the French public a chance to gain deeper insights into Jinan's natural landscapes, historical culture, and economic development, further strengthening Sino-French friendship and exchanges. At the opening of the Opportunities China "Springs" in Jinan Cultural Exhibition, distinguished guests from the French government, business, and arts communities gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on the protection, inheritance, and innovation of spring culture. The exhibition featured several thematic sections, including "Spring Landscapes," "Spring Culture," "Formation of Springs," "Spring Conservation," and "Spring Aesthetics," providing a multi-dimensional exploration of the geographical, historical, and cultural conditions that shape Jinan's famous springs. The immersive audio-visual effects of "Every home has spring, every household has willows" gave visitors a vivid sense as if they were transported to Jinan to experience firsthand the memories and emotions of generations of Jinan people carried by the springs. Source: The Publicity Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee Viral K-Beauty Favorites on Sale and Available on Amazon! LONDON, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viral K-Beauty brand, COSRX announces unbeatable Black Friday & Cyber Monday (BFCM) deals on must-have skincare duos! During this highly anticipated sale, COSRX favorites will be up to 56% off offering skincare lovers the opportunity to enjoy huge discounts on some of the most popular and TikTok-viral products, including the best-selling Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream (both jar and tube type). Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence The TikTok viral COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is formulated with snail mucin to protect the skin barrier from losing moisture. Skincare influencers and Amazon reviewers rave about the product for revitalizing and hydrating the skin without irritation. One shopper calls it "the VIP ticket to hydration town," since it will "keep your skin plump and moist, the perfect combination for fighting aging." The shopper also says it helps diminish the look of scars, spots and wrinkles, as well as provide a protection boost. "Snail mucin fortifies your skin's barrier, defending against pollution and other irritants," she says. Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream This daily face moisturizer is infused with 92% snail mucin to build a moisture barrier that plumps, hydrates, and soothes skin. This everyday multi-solution cream glides onto the skin and revives radiance without leaving a greasy residue. One Amazon reviewer raved that "I love this product and this is my 5th time repurchasing. Will definitely buy again. Always have to have an extra container so I never run out. SUPER hydrating and soothing. I'm a tretinoin girl and this stuff helps my face recover when I have those dry peely/flakey sensitive days. It's a staple in my skincare routine. No fragrance no stinging or burning, just simple, pure and lasting hydration." Social Media Buzz: Real Users Demonstrating Real Results The popularity of COSRX's Advanced Snail Duo has surged on social media platforms like TikTok, where licensed cosmetologist @jilllegsfordays showcased the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream in a video demonstrating its multiple uses. From soothing sunburn and irritation to doubling as a primer, Jill offers practical tips on incorporating this skincare gem into everyday routines. Additionally, she highlights how mixing the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence with foundation creates a glowing, natural finish - perfect for achieving the trending MirrorSkin look. Promotional Products: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - Up to56% Off - Up to56% Off Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream 100g - Up to 56% Off - Up to 56% Off Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream 200g (Tube type) - Up to 28% Off - Up to 28% Off The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum - Up to 23% Off - Up to 23% Off Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask - Up to 51% Off The Vitamin C 23 Serum - Up to 33% Off Up to 33% Off The Retinol 0.1 Cream - Up to 36% Off - Up to 36% Off The Retinol 0.5 Oil - Up to 22% Off - Up to 22% Off The Niacinamide 15 Serum - Up to 23% Off For more information, please visit the COSRX store on Amazon. About COSRX: With its powerful yet affordable skincare solutions, COSRX has quickly become one of America's favorite skincare brands. Using a minimal number of highly effective natural extracts in concentrated doses, COSRX products deliver visible results by treating the skin with only the essentials it needs and nothing it doesn't. Find its best-selling skincare solutions at retailers nationwide, including Amazon, Boosts, Lookfantastic, and TikTok UK store. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosrx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosrx_uk COSRX Official Website: https://www.cosrx.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569234/Time_s_Running_Out_Get_Up_56__Off_COSRX_s_Black_Friday.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dont-miss-out--times-running-out-to-get-up-to-56-off-in-cosrxs-black-fridaycyber-monday-sale-302318174.html TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov 28, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that the humanized anti- soluble aggregated amyloid-beta (Abeta) monoclonal antibody "LEQEMBI" has been launched in South Korea. LEQEMBI received the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approval in May 2024 for treatment in adult patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild AD dementia (early AD).LEQEMBI selectively binds to soluble Abeta aggregates (protofibrils*), as well as insoluble Abeta aggregates (fibrils) which are a major component of Abeta plaques in AD, thereby reducing both Abeta protofibrils and Abeta plaques in the brain. LEQEMBI is the first approved treatment shown to reduce the rate of disease progression and to slow cognitive and functional decline through this mechanism.It is estimated there were approximately 900,000 dementia patients in South Korea in 2021,1 with one in ten people over the age of 65 suffering from dementia,1 and one in five from mild cognitive impairment (MCI).2 It is reported that Alzheimer's dementia patients account for about 70% of all dementia patients.2 The average annual nursing care/medical costs per dementia patient is estimated to be 21.1 million South Korean Won (KRW), while the cost for patients with severe dementia reaches 33.1 million KRW.1Eisai serves as the lead of LEQEMBI development and regulatory submissions globally with both Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority. In South Korea, Eisai Korea Inc. will distribute the product and conduct information provision activities.Eisai Korea Inc. has been a pioneer in the field of dementia for many years, focusing on activities such as raising disease awareness. In recent years, Eisai Korea Inc. has been working with various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, academic societies, patient groups, care centers, health checkup companies, and diagnostic companies, to create a dementia ecosystem that promotes AD awareness and early diagnosis/treatment. Eisai Korea Inc. will first launch this drug in the private market, including the establishment of a Patient Assistance Program, to deliver lecanemab to patients awaiting the treatment, aiming to make an impact not only on patients but also on their caregiving families and South Korean society.* Protofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of Abeta, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.3 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Abeta plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.4About LecanemabLecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Abeta).Lecanemab is approved in the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Great Britain for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD). The treatment's approvals in these countries was based on Phase 3 data from Eisai's global Clarity AD clinical trial, in which it met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints with statistically significant results. The most common adverse events (>10%) in the lecanemab group were infusion reactions, ARIA-H (combined cerebral microhemorrhages, cerebral macrohemorrhages, and superficial siderosis), ARIA-E (edema/effusion), headache, and fall.Lecanemab is marketed in the U.S., Japan, China, Great Britain and others, and is under regulatory review in 17 countries and regions, including the European Union. In November 2024, the treatment received positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommending approval.Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for ADEisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for ADSince 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody back-up was signed in May 2015.About Eisai Co., Ltd.Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology."In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.About BiogenFounded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients' lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at www.biogen.com.Follow Biogen on social media - Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube.Biogen Safe HarborThis news release contains forward-looking statements, about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof; the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen's collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen's commercial business and pipeline programs, including lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These statements may be identified by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "will," "would" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical studies may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical studies and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements.These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including without limitation unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data, analysis or results obtained during clinical studies; the occurrence of adverse safety events; risks of unexpected costs or delays; the risk of other unexpected hurdles; regulatory submissions may take longer or be more difficult to complete than expected; regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail or refuse to approve or may delay approval of Biogen's drug candidates, including lecanemab; actual timing and content of submissions to and decisions made by the regulatory authorities regarding lecanemab; uncertainty of success in the development and potential commercialization of lecanemab; failure to protect and enforce Biogen's data, intellectual property and other proprietary rights and uncertainties relating to intellectual property claims and challenges; product liability claims; and third party collaboration risks, results of operations and financial condition. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from Biogen's expectations in any forward-looking statement. Investors should consider this cautionary statement as well as the risk factors identified in Biogen's most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports Biogen has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Biogen does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.References(1) Korean dementia observatory 2022: National Institute of Dementia (Korean)(2) Korean dementia observatory 2021: National Institute of Dementia (Korean)(3) Amin L, Harris DA. Abeta receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021;12:3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z(4) Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-beta are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706.MEDIA CONTACTSEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Eisai Inc. (U.S.)Julie Edelman+1 201-753-1945INVESTOR CONTACTSEisai Co., Ltd.Investor Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)70-8688-9685Biogen Inc.Jack Cox+1781-464-3260public.affairs@biogen.comBiogen Inc.Stephen Amato+1 781-464-2442IR@biogen.comSource: EisaiCopyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European shares rebounded on Thursday, with technology stocks rising after reports emerged that U.S. restrictions on sales of semiconductor technology and AI memory chips to China would not be as severe as previously expected.The upside remained capped somewhat amid worries that a French budget standoff may topple the government.The pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.6 percent at 508.06 after falling 0.2 percent on Wednesday.The German DAX and France's CAC 40 both jumped around 0.7 percent, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 edged up by 0.2 percent.In the tech space, Infineon Technologies rose about 1 percent and ASM International surged over 3 percent.Volkswagen rose about 1 percent after the German car giant said that it would sell its factory and test track in Xinjiang for 'economic reasons.'Heidelberg Materials added 0.6 percent after it struck a deal to buy U.S. company Giant Cement Holding and its subsidiaries for $600 million.U.K.'s Direct Line Insurance jumped 39 percent after rejecting Aviva's massive takeover bid.British Airways owner IAG advanced 1.7 percent as the insurance giant agreed to buy 90 percent of Royal Automobile Club of Queensland's (RACQ's) existing insurance underwriting business.Air France KLM gained 1.4 percent on reports the airline is considering acquiring 20 percent of Air Europa.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. 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. Silverstone, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Celebrating the artistry of motorsport and precision engineering, British designer Ben Rousseau has unveiled the Tempus Grand Prix Edition timepiece - a handcrafted masterpiece merging motorsport heritage, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Tempus Grand Prix Edition To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/231773_6184272914c5a863_001full.jpg The Tempus takes center stage at Escapade Silverstone, the world-renowned destination for racing enthusiasts. Rousseau's latest creation redefines luxury timekeeping with hand-applied 23-carat gold details, a carbon fiber-textured glass surface, and programmable LED lighting - all inspired by the dynamic beauty of motorsport design. The centerpiece is a striking outline of the iconic Silverstone track, rendered in 23-carat gold. Each numbered timepiece utilizes Rousseau's signature light pattern technology, combining precision and artistry to mark hours and minutes with race car-inspired engineering. "I'm a total petrol head at heart. Motorsport has always been a source of inspiration for me," explains Rousseau. "Its precision, dynamic shapes, and the mesmerizing motion of motorsport's designs influenced every detail of this timepiece, so I'm thrilled to unveil it here at Escapade Silverstone, set within the iconic home of the British Grand Prix." With programmable LED lighting, the Tempus Grand Prix Edition adapts to any brand, including the patriotic hues of red, white, and blue. The light apertures even mimic the revs of an engine, a nod to the speed and energy of the racetrack. Crafted in the UK by skilled artisans, each piece embodies the quality and exclusivity that discerning collectors value. Every element pays homage to motorsport engineering, from carbon fiber finishes to the lightweight aluminum frame. Delivered in a custom flight case with a signed certificate of authenticity, Rousseau believes his handmade-to-order timepiece is a collector's dream. "We aim to create a legacy for owners, ensuring the Grand Prix Edition holds and grows in value over time," Rousseau concludes. Curated by Renata Fernandes, art director of Escapade Silverstone, the Tempus Grand Prix Edition represents a collaboration born from two decades of automotive art and design expertise. Renata said: "Escapade Silverstone stands as a premier destination for motorsport excellence, combining high-end hospitality with racing heritage at Britain's most iconic racing venue. As such, we are always keen to partner with artists who share our passion, our vision, and our creative drive, and Ben is an artist who is totally in touch with our values, our heritage, and our experience. His work is breathtaking and will be something that motorsport fans will absolutely love. We look forward to sharing it with all of our visitors." The highly limited Tempus collection is available to order. To enquire about the Grand Prix Edition or commission a bespoke design, visit https://studio.benrousseau.com/tempus-grandprix. About Ben Rousseau Studio Ben Rousseau has built a reputation for design innovation, seamlessly blending artistry, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of light. Known for bespoke timepieces, luxury interiors, and iconic installations, the studio delivers tailored solutions that embody elegance, precision, and creativity. From the celebrated Tempus collection to custom refurbishments in the UK, California, and beyond, every creation reflects a commitment to collaboration and meticulous attention to detail. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, Ben Rousseau Studio is trusted by collectors, designers, and brands to shape extraordinary contemporary design experiences. https://benrousseau.com/ About Escapade Silverstone Escapade Silverstone stands as a premier destination for motorsport excellence, combining high-end hospitality with racing heritage at Britain's most iconic racing venue. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231773 SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Garde-Malade has introduced a range of scrubs designed to address the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals across Canada. These scrubs prioritize comfort and flexibility, offering essential support for individuals working long hours in demanding medical environments. Constructed from lightweight fabrics such as cotton and polyester blends, the scrubs provide breathability and freedom of movement, ensuring healthcare workers remain comfortable throughout their shifts. Healthcare professionals require uniforms that accommodate the physical demands of their roles while maintaining a professional appearance. Garde-Malade's scrubs focus on providing practical solutions to these needs. The materials are carefully selected for durability, allowing the scrubs to withstand frequent use and rigorous washing. This approach ensures that the uniforms retain their quality while supporting the daily routines of those working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Comfort is a key factor for professionals who spend extended periods on their feet and engage in tasks that demand mobility and agility. Garde-Malade's scrubs are specifically designed to reduce discomfort and enhance efficiency during long shifts. The lightweight fabrics allow for unrestricted movement, an essential feature in fast-paced environments where adaptability and quick action are necessary. Functionality is another critical aspect of the design. The scrubs incorporate practical features, such as multiple pockets, allowing healthcare professionals to carry essential tools and personal items conveniently. This focus on practicality supports time-sensitive tasks by ensuring medical personnel have easy access to their instruments and supplies. From stethoscopes and pens to small medical devices, the design helps streamline workflows and enhance productivity. In healthcare environments, maintaining hygiene and infection control is paramount. Garde-Malade's scrubs are crafted from materials that are easy to clean and resilient to frequent washing. This ensures that the uniforms remain hygienic and free from contaminants, supporting efforts to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. The fabric's durability also helps maintain a professional appearance, even in challenging situations where exposure to spills and stains is common. Garde-Malade's Women's Scrubs are available exclusively online, providing convenient access for healthcare professionals across Canada. This accessibility ensures that individuals in urban and rural areas can easily obtain high-quality scrubs delivered directly to their doorsteps. The online platform simplifies the process of finding and purchasing reliable workwear tailored to the needs of healthcare workers. The scrubs are designed to meet the needs of diverse medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and lab technicians. The focus on versatility ensures that the uniforms are suitable for various healthcare roles, supporting workers across multiple fields. By offering a reliable and functional uniform option, Garde-Malade seeks to contribute to the daily success of Canada's healthcare workforce. Through a commitment to comfort, practicality, and hygiene, Garde-Malade continues to provide scrubs that align with the demands of modern healthcare. The company's focus remains on supporting the needs of professionals in environments where efficiency, flexibility, and reliability are essential. Garde-Malade's Women's Scrubs stand as a testament to the importance of high-quality uniforms in delivering effective patient care. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231575 SOURCE: Media Feature WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S.Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on 21 security and cabinet-level officials aligned with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This includes 15 leaders of the Bolivarian National Guard, Bolivarian National Police, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service, Bolivarian militia, and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence.These are part of Maduro's security apparatus and are responsible for violently repressing peaceful protesters and carrying out arbitrary detentions, the White House said.The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control said these officials have carried out Maduro's orders to repress civil society in his efforts to fraudulently declare himself the winner of Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, thus ignoring the will of the overwhelming majority of Venezuelan voters who elected Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as their next president.Concurrently, the Department of State imposed new visa restrictions on a significant number of Maduro alliance officials who have undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and are responsible for acts of repression.The United States has so far sanctioned 180 Venezuelan officials and 100 Venezuelan companies to hold them accountable for undermining democracy in Venezuela and for violating human rights.Following the election, Venezuelan security forces have arrested democratic opposition supporters en masse, violently suppressed protests, and denied individuals the right to assemble peacefully without backlash. President-elect Urrutia has fled the country after the government issued an arrest warrant against him.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, or ICC, has filed an application for issuing an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing, the Acting President and the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces, alleging his involvement in crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya population.The move, announced on Wednesday, follows a comprehensive investigation by the ICC into the 2016 and 2017 waves of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine province targeting the minority Muslim Rohingya community.'My Office has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing bears criminal responsibility for the crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution of the Rohingya, committed in Myanmar, and in part in Bangladesh,' ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said in a statement.The charges stem from alleged crimes committed between 2017 August 25 and December 31 by Myanmar's armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, in coordination with police forces, border guards and some non-Rohingya civilians.Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been in power since February 2021, when the military overthrew the elected government in Myanmar arresting hundreds of officials, political leaders and activists.In addition to driving more than one million Rohingya to flee their homes and seek refuge in Bangladesh, there were countless accounts of atrocities, including systematic killings of some 10,000 Rohingya men, women, children and newborns.There were also horrific reports of gender-based violence against women and girls, including rape and sexual violence. More than 300 villages were burnt to the ground.The then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, called the brutal campaign a 'textbook example of ethnic cleansing.'Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX First-of-its-kind environmental initiative addresses the critical data shortage for MEP products needed to decarbonize building services. RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and One Click LCA, the leading sustainability software platform for construction and manufacturing, have today announced a partnership to improve the accuracy of environmental assessments in electrification. As buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, and 50% of today's buildings will still be in use by 2050, Schneider Electric proposes that the industry should focus on retrofitting existing buildings, which can reduce their lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 83%. The partnership addresses a persistent challenge in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry: the gaps in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) environmental data. Initially focusing on new building projects in Europe, this initiative allows One Click LCA users to access detailed environmental data for Schneider Electric products, enabling more accurate calculations of building environmental impacts. It marks the first time that comprehensive manufacturer MEP environmental data is made accessible at this scale. "The building industry needs reliable environmental data to make informed decisions," says Sorouch Kheradmand, Global Head of Sustainability at Schneider Electric. "By making our MEP product data publicly available through One Click LCA's platform, we aim to set a new standard for transparency in our industry." "Access to manufacturer MEP product data has been a significant gap in building life-cycle assessments," says Panu Pasanen, CEO & Founder, of One Click LCA. "This first-of-its-kind partnership with Schneider Electric marks an important step toward closing that gap. By integrating detailed electrical products data into our platform, we're enabling AEC companies to perform more precise environmental impact calculations." The Schneider Electric & One Click LCA collaboration includes: Integration of Schneider Electric's environmental product data into the One Click LCA platform Focus on supporting new building projects in pilot markets Enhanced product selection capabilities for sustainable building design Related resources: About One Click LCA Used in 170+ countries, One Click LCA is the world-leading end-to-end sustainability platform for construction and manufacturing. The AI-powered software decarbonizes and drives sustainability across the construction value chain with scientific, easy-to-use, automated life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to calculate and reduce the environmental impacts of building, infrastructure, and renovation projects and products. The platform also allows assessment of circularity, life-cycle cost, and biodiversity. One Click LCA is used by blue-chip enterprises like Skanska, WSP, Foster+Partners, LafargeHolcim, ArcelorMittal, Arcadis, ARUP, Geberit, and Saint-Gobain, among others. It offers a unique global database with +250,000 LCA datasets; supports +80 standards and certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, GRESB and other national regulations; and seamlessly integrates with +20 of the most widely used BIM software tools, including Autodesk Revit, Tekla Structures and Bentley iTwin. One Click LCA was founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2001, with a team of +200 people on all continents. Learn more at: oneclicklca.com About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all. www.se.com Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567637/Schneider_Electric_One_Click_LCA_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/schneider-electric-advances-environmental-impact-transparency-in-mep-by-sharing-product-data-through-one-click-lca-302318243.html Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSXV:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC PINK:MWSNF) announces Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("Southern Cross Gold" or "SXG") has made another significant discovery at its 100%-owned Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, located an hour's drive north of Melbourne. High Level Take Away: Southern Cross Gold's Sunday Creek Project Continues to Validate Its Position as One of the Most Significant Global Gold-Antimony Discoveries in Recent Years SXG's latest drilling has revealed exceptional gold grades at depth at the historic Golden Dyke mine area, supporting the growth potential of this zone, with key highlights including: Hole SDDSC141 intercepted 5.5 metres at 25.4 g/t gold, including a very high-grade zone of 1.4 metre at 101.1 g/t gold , extending known mineralisation 100 metres to 200 metres deeper than previous drilling. The breakthrough came from a drill hole SDDSC0141 that extended nearly 550 metres below the surface, discovering multiple zones of high-grade gold and antimony mineralisation . This discovery is particularly significant as it extends the known mineralised area by up to 200 metres below previous drilling, demonstrating that the high-grade gold vein sets continue to depth. Mineralisation follows a distinct "ladder" structure, where the main host extends between the side rails deep into the earth, with multiple cross-cutting vein sets that host the gold forming the rungs. At least 66 such "rungs" have been identified to date. The critical metal component adds another compelling dimension to this story. Sunday Creek's antimony content (approximately 20% of in-situ recoverable value) positions it as one of the few high-quality antimony projects in the Western world at a time when China's recent export restrictions are pressuring Western defence supply chains. SXG's systematic exploration approach is paying off, with five drill rigs currently operating at the site and a sixth scheduled to arrive in December 2024. This bold exploration program, which plans to complete 60 km of drilling over the next year, reflects SXG's confidence in Sunday Creek's potential. Current global uncertainty adds a compelling overlay to Sunday Creek as it is driving interest in both gold and critical minerals such as antimony. At the same time Sunday Creek offers exposure to these metals through a single, high-grade asset in a tier-one jurisdiction . We expect the next 12 months of drilling to prove transformative in revealing the deposit's true scale. Mawson owns 96,590,910 shares of SXG (48.7%), valuing its stake at A$272.4 million (C$247.9 million) based on SXG's closing price on November 27, 2024 AEDT. For Those Who Like the Details: Results announced from drill hole SDDSC141 at the Golden Dyke prospect, at the 100%-owned Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project in Victoria (Figure 4). SDDSC141 , drilled up to 550 m below surface, confirmed eight high-grade vein sets underneath Golden Dyke. The hole included 9 intercepts of Au > 20 g/t (up to 196 g/t) and 5 intercepts of Sb > 2% (up to 4.1%) . Selected highlights include: 1.8 m @ 15.3 g/t AuEq (10.0 g/t Au, 2.8% Sb) from 525.1 m 4.1 m @ 9.0 g/t AuEq (8.3 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 534.0 m, including: 0.6 m @ 13.2 g/t AuEq (13.0 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 534.0 m 1.0 m @ 26.4 g/t AuEq (25.3 g/t Au, 0.6% Sb) from 536.6 m 5.5 m @ 26.1 g/t AuEq (25.4 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 589.3 m, including: 1.4 m @ 101.6 g/t AuEq (101.1 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 592.4 m 6.3 m @ 5.0 g/t AuEq (4.8 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 613.0 m, including: 0.6 m @ 24.3 g/t AuEq (24.0 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 613.0 m 1.7 m @ 9.0 g/t AuEq (8.7 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 617.5 m 2.8 m @ 11.4 g/t AuEq (10.0 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 621.3 m, including: 0.1 m @ 188.2 g/t AuEq (188.0 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 621.3 m The discovery extends known mineralisation 100 m to 200 m deeper than previous drilling in Golden Dyke Results include nine separate zones grading over 20 g/t gold , with peak values up to 196 g/t and five intercepts of antimony over 2% (up to 4.1%) . Ongoing Exploration: SXG has 60 km of drilling planned at Sunday Creek over the next year. Sixteen holes are currently being processed and analysed with an additional five holes in progress. Five rigs are operating with a sixth rig due at site December 2024. Michael Hudson, Mawson Interim CEO and Executive Chairman, states: "These results from Golden Dyke continue to validate our conviction that Sunday Creek represents one of the most significant global gold discoveries in recent years. The consistency and grade of mineralisation we're seeing at depth matches or exceeds what we've found closer to surface, and importantly, these results fall entirely outside our January 2024 exploration target area. "Our systematic exploration approach has delivered 48 holes above 100 gram-metres gold equivalent, and we're seeing consistent high-grade mineralisation from surface to depths exceeding 1,100 meters at Apollo and Rising Sun. With five rigs currently drilling and extremely high and consistent gold and antimony grades, we believe we're still in the early stages of revealing Sunday Creek's true scale. The next 12 months of drilling will be transformative as we push to define the full extent of this remarkable mineral system." Mineralisation follows a distinct "ladder" structure, where the main host (100 m to 200 m wide) extends between the side rails deep into the earth, with multiple cross-cutting vein sets that host the gold forming the rungs. Each of these "rungs" carries the potential for high-grade gold and antimony mineralisation with at least 66 defined to date. The latest drill hole, SDDSC141, was strategically positioned to test the system at depth, drilling parallel to the main structure. It successfully intercepted eight distinct mineralised zones, each representing one of these ladder "rungs." The hole was drilled 65 m to 100 m below a previous successful hole (SDDSC132) and intersected multiple high-grade intervals, including an impressive zone of 5.5 m grading 26.1 g/t gold equivalent from 589.3 m depth while testing a prospective corridor of 283 m (cumulative downhole length of dyke and sericite/carbonate altered sediment). SDDSC141 included 9 intercepts of Au > 20 g/t (up to 196 g/t) and 5 intercepts of Sb > 2% (up to 4.1%) . This hole is the fourth in a program testing high-grade mineralisation at depth underneath the prolific Golden Dyke Mine. Highlights from drillhole SDDSC141 include: 2.3 m @ 4.3 g/t AuEq (3.4 g/t Au, 0.5% Sb) from 448.8 m, including: 1.6 m @ 4.7 g/t AuEq (3.4 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 448.8 m 2.8 m @ 2.3 g/t AuEq (1.4 g/t Au, 0.5% Sb) from 458.2 m 1.2 m @ 1.9 g/t AuEq (1.3 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 505.9 m 1.8 m @ 15.3 g/t AuEq (10.0 g/t Au, 2.8% Sb) from 525.1 m 4.1 m @ 9.0 g/t AuEq (8.3 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 534.0 m, including: 0.6 m @ 13.2 g/t AuEq (13.0 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 534.0 m 1.0 m @ 26.4 g/t AuEq (25.3 g/t Au, 0.6% Sb) from 536.6 m 1.6 m @ 5.9 g/t AuEq (4.5 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 549.8 m, including: 0.8 m @ 9.3 g/t AuEq (7.5 g/t Au, 1.0% Sb) from 550.6 m 5.5 m @ 26.1 g/t AuEq (25.4 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 589.3 m, including: 1.4 m @ 101.6 g/t AuEq (101.1 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 592.4 m 1.5 m @ 2.0 g/t AuEq (1.7 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 603.8 m 6.3 m @ 5.0 g/t AuEq (4.8 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 613.0 m, including: 0.6 m @ 24.3 g/t AuEq (24.0 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 613.0 m 1.7 m @ 9.0 g/t AuEq (8.7 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 617.5 m 2.8 m @ 11.4 g/t AuEq (10.0 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 621.3 m, including: 0.1 m @ 188.2 g/t AuEq (188.0 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 621.3 m 2.4 m @ 1.8 g/t AuEq (1.4 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 634.7 m 1.5 m @ 2.2 g/t AuEq (2.2 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 650.3 m 0.2 m @ 10.5 g/t AuEq (2.8 g/t Au, 4.1 Pending Results and Update SXG has 60 km of drilling planned at Sunday Creek over the next year. Sixteen holes (SDDSC129, 133, 136, 139-140, 142-150, 146W1, 149W1, 120W1) are currently being processed and analyzed, with five holes (SDDSC149W1, 151, 152, 153, 154) 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 4 show project location, plan and longitudinal views of drill results reported here and Tables 2 to 4 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 16,900 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. At Golden Dyke and Christina the individual 'rungs' have been defined up to 320 m in vertical extent and up to 520 m from surface. Cumulatively, 147 drill holes for 64,849.19 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-eight (48) >100 g/t AuEq x m and fifty-six (56) >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 66 '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)(OTC PINK: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 project in Victoria and Mt Isa project in Queensland, the Redcastle joint venture in Victoria, 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 hole SDDSC141 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 hole SDDSC141 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: 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 4: 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 SDDSC120W1 1088.5 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 977.15 Golden Dyke 330809 5867842 301 278 -57 SDDSC148 563.6 Christina 330073 5867611 274 278 -57.2 SDDSC149 970.8 Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC149W1 In progress plan 990 m Apollo 331594 5867955 344 266 -47 SDDSC150 638.8 Christina 330340 5867865 277 244 -65 SDDSC151 In progress plan 750 m Golden Dyke 330809 5867842 301 273.8 -56.5 SDDSC152 In progress plan 1100 m Rising Sun 330815.9 5867599 295.8 328 -65 SDDSC153 In progress plan 690 m Christina 330333.4 5867860.2 276.9 244.8 -52.5 SDDSC154 In progress plan 280 m Christina 330075.1 5867611.7 273.6 273.8 -26.5 Table 2: Table of mineralised drill hole intersections reported from SDDSC141 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 SDDSC141 448.8 451.1 2.3 3.4 0.5 4.3 Including 448.8 450.4 1.6 3.4 0.7 4.7 SDDSC141 458.2 461.0 2.8 1.4 0.5 2.3 SDDSC141 505.9 507.1 1.2 1.3 0.3 1.9 SDDSC141 525.1 526.9 1.8 10.0 2.8 15.3 SDDSC141 534.0 538.1 4.1 8.3 0.4 9.0 Including 534.0 534.6 0.6 13.0 0.1 13.2 Including 536.6 537.6 1.0 25.3 0.6 26.4 SDDSC141 549.8 551.4 1.6 4.5 0.7 5.9 Including 550.6 551.4 0.8 7.5 1.0 9.3 SDDSC141 589.3 594.8 5.5 25.4 0.4 26.1 Including 592.4 593.8 1.4 101.1 0.3 101.6 SDDSC141 603.8 605.3 1.5 1.7 0.2 2.0 SDDSC141 613.0 619.3 6.3 4.8 0.1 5.0 Including 613.0 613.6 0.6 24.0 0.2 24.3 Including 617.5 619.2 1.7 8.7 0.2 9.0 SDDSC141 621.3 624.1 2.8 10.0 0.7 11.4 Including 621.3 621.4 0.1 188.0 0.1 188.2 SDDSC141 634.7 637.1 2.4 1.4 0.2 1.8 SDDSC141 650.3 651.8 1.5 2.2 0.0 2.2 SDDSC141 670.3 670.5 0.2 2.8 4.1 10.5 Table 4: All individual assays reported from SDDSC141 reported here >0.1g/t AuEq.. Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au ppm Sb% AuEq (g/t) SDDSC141 16.0 16.6 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC141 79.3 80.1 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 80.1 80.7 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 341.1 341.7 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 358.8 359.3 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC141 379.2 380.0 0.8 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC141 382.5 382.9 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 387.0 387.7 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 442.0 442.6 0.6 1.2 0.0 1.2 SDDSC141 443.1 444.1 1.1 0.4 0.0 0.5 SDDSC141 445.1 445.5 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 447.7 448.8 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC141 448.8 449.0 0.2 0.1 3.0 5.7 SDDSC141 449.0 449.5 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 449.5 449.9 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 449.9 450.4 0.5 10.3 1.0 12.2 SDDSC141 450.4 451.0 0.7 3.2 0.1 3.3 SDDSC141 451.0 451.7 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 451.7 452.3 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 453.3 453.8 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 456.1 457.0 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 457.7 458.2 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 458.2 458.6 0.4 3.0 0.4 3.7 SDDSC141 458.6 459.5 0.9 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC141 459.5 460.2 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC141 460.2 460.7 0.6 1.3 1.8 4.7 SDDSC141 460.7 461.0 0.3 3.4 0.1 3.6 SDDSC141 461.0 461.5 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 461.5 462.1 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.4 SDDSC141 464.6 464.8 0.2 0.6 1.6 3.6 SDDSC141 465.8 466.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 SDDSC141 468.7 469.1 0.4 1.1 0.5 2.0 SDDSC141 475.3 475.5 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 482.6 482.8 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 482.8 483.0 0.3 1.4 0.0 1.4 SDDSC141 485.6 486.2 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 486.2 487.1 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 499.4 500.4 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 500.4 500.9 0.5 1.0 0.0 1.0 SDDSC141 500.9 501.7 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 504.7 505.3 0.6 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 505.3 505.7 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 505.7 505.9 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 505.9 507.0 1.2 1.3 0.3 1.9 SDDSC141 507.0 508.2 1.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC141 510.6 511.8 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 517.1 518.1 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 520.6 520.9 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 523.0 523.9 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 523.9 524.5 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 524.5 525.1 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.8 SDDSC141 525.1 526.0 1.0 2.6 3.2 8.7 SDDSC141 526.0 526.4 0.4 24.0 3.6 30.7 SDDSC141 526.4 526.9 0.5 13.9 1.4 16.5 SDDSC141 533.2 533.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 SDDSC141 534.0 534.6 0.6 13.0 0.1 13.2 SDDSC141 534.6 534.8 0.2 0.7 0.8 2.2 SDDSC141 534.8 535.7 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 535.7 536.6 0.9 0.5 0.9 2.2 SDDSC141 536.6 537.3 0.7 12.4 0.7 13.7 SDDSC141 537.3 537.6 0.3 59.7 0.3 60.2 SDDSC141 537.6 538.0 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.5 SDDSC141 538.0 538.1 0.1 1.9 0.5 2.7 SDDSC141 538.1 538.6 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 538.6 538.9 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.5 SDDSC141 545.9 546.8 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 549.3 549.8 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 549.8 550.1 0.3 2.1 0.8 3.6 SDDSC141 550.1 550.6 0.5 1.0 0.3 1.7 SDDSC141 550.6 551.4 0.8 7.5 1.0 9.3 SDDSC141 551.4 552.7 1.3 0.2 0.1 0.4 SDDSC141 554.2 554.7 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 556.9 557.6 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 558.3 559.1 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 559.1 559.4 0.3 1.2 0.0 1.2 SDDSC141 559.4 559.5 0.1 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC141 559.5 559.9 0.4 0.9 0.1 1.0 SDDSC141 559.9 561.2 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 566.7 567.2 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 567.2 568.0 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.9 SDDSC141 568.5 568.6 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 577.0 577.4 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 577.4 577.8 0.4 1.2 0.0 1.3 SDDSC141 577.8 578.3 0.5 1.2 0.1 1.3 SDDSC141 578.3 579.1 0.8 0.4 0.0 0.5 SDDSC141 582.4 582.7 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC141 582.7 583.3 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 583.3 583.8 0.5 1.1 0.1 1.3 SDDSC141 583.8 584.5 0.7 0.8 0.0 0.9 SDDSC141 584.5 584.7 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC141 584.7 585.5 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 587.1 587.4 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 587.4 587.7 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.5 SDDSC141 589.0 589.3 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.6 SDDSC141 589.3 590.1 0.7 1.4 0.6 2.4 SDDSC141 590.1 590.4 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 590.4 591.6 1.2 0.5 0.4 1.2 SDDSC141 591.6 592.4 0.8 0.5 0.3 1.1 SDDSC141 592.4 592.5 0.1 84.8 0.2 85.2 SDDSC141 592.5 593.1 0.5 196.0 0.3 196.6 SDDSC141 593.1 593.6 0.5 36.1 0.2 36.5 SDDSC141 593.6 593.7 0.2 16.0 0.5 16.9 SDDSC141 593.7 594.1 0.4 0.6 0.5 1.6 SDDSC141 594.1 594.4 0.3 0.4 0.9 2.0 SDDSC141 594.4 594.8 0.4 1.2 0.0 1.3 SDDSC141 594.8 595.7 0.9 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC141 598.5 598.7 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.9 SDDSC141 598.7 600.0 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 600.4 600.9 0.5 0.8 0.0 0.9 SDDSC141 601.5 601.9 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 601.9 602.5 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 603.8 604.6 0.8 1.5 0.1 1.7 SDDSC141 604.6 605.2 0.7 2.0 0.3 2.4 SDDSC141 607.6 607.9 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 607.9 608.6 0.6 0.6 0.0 0.7 SDDSC141 609.2 609.6 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 610.1 610.7 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC141 613.0 613.5 0.6 24.0 0.2 24.3 SDDSC141 613.5 614.2 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.4 SDDSC141 614.2 614.6 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC141 614.6 615.0 0.4 0.9 0.1 1.1 SDDSC141 616.5 617.1 0.6 1.5 0.1 1.6 SDDSC141 617.1 617.5 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 617.5 617.8 0.3 25.3 0.8 26.9 SDDSC141 617.8 617.9 0.2 1.9 0.0 2.0 SDDSC141 617.9 618.3 0.4 6.4 0.1 6.6 SDDSC141 618.6 618.7 0.2 22.7 0.0 22.8 SDDSC141 619.1 619.2 0.2 12.4 0.0 12.4 SDDSC141 619.6 619.8 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC141 621.3 621.5 0.1 188.0 0.1 188.2 SDDSC141 621.5 621.6 0.1 0.8 0.1 0.9 SDDSC141 621.6 622.2 0.6 4.8 0.0 4.9 SDDSC141 622.2 622.5 0.3 3.5 0.0 3.6 SDDSC141 622.5 623.2 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 623.2 623.6 0.4 2.6 4.1 10.2 SDDSC141 623.6 624.1 0.6 0.2 0.5 1.2 SDDSC141 627.3 628.5 1.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 SDDSC141 628.5 629.2 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 633.8 634.7 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 634.7 635.0 0.4 4.7 1.4 7.4 SDDSC141 635.0 636.0 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 636.0 637.0 1.0 1.4 0.0 1.5 SDDSC141 637.8 638.7 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.8 SDDSC141 640.6 641.1 0.5 0.4 0.9 2.2 SDDSC141 643.5 644.5 1.0 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC141 646.8 647.8 1.0 0.9 0.0 0.9 SDDSC141 650.3 650.8 0.5 3.7 0.0 3.7 SDDSC141 650.8 651.4 0.6 1.5 0.0 1.5 SDDSC141 651.4 651.8 0.4 1.1 0.1 1.3 SDDSC141 653.0 653.4 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.3 SDDSC141 657.6 657.8 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 657.8 659.0 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 659.0 659.6 0.6 0.0 0.2 0.4 SDDSC141 659.9 660.3 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 664.8 664.9 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 665.6 666.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 668.9 669.2 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC141 670.3 670.5 0.2 2.8 4.1 10.5 SDDSC141 670.5 670.7 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.5 SDDSC141 685.4 685.5 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 690.0 690.7 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC141 693.7 694.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 694.0 694.5 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 694.5 694.8 0.3 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC141 694.8 694.9 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 694.9 695.4 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 696.4 696.7 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC141 696.7 697.4 0.6 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC141 700.7 701.3 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 701.3 701.5 0.2 1.2 0.0 1.3 SDDSC141 701.5 702.2 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC141 707.1 708.2 1.1 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC141 708.2 709.2 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC141 715.0 715.3 0.3 0.9 0.0 0.9 SDDSC141 805.5 805.6 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com WENZHOU, China, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the year of 2024 approaching its end, the Maritime Silk Road will see another landmark chapter to its prosperous development over the past year, as the 2024 Mayors Exchange Conference on Maritime Silk Road City Influence is set to be held in the time-honored port city of Wenzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province from November 29 to December 1. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. As an important platform for promoting the Silk Road Spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, learning from each other, mutual benefits and win-win results, the conference will unveil the annual list of 2024 top 10 influential cities along the Maritime Silk Road. This list aims to showcase the achievements and charm of Chinese cities along the Maritime Silk Road over the past year. Situated along the central section of China's eastern coastline and blessed with excellent port conditions where rivers meet the sea, Wenzhou has enjoyed a thriving commercial and logistical sector since its establishment over 2,200 years ago during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The Shuomen Ancient Port site, discovered through archaeological excavations in 2021, stands as a remarkable testament to Wenzhou's integral role in the ancient Maritime Silk Road. With its integrated system of city, port, and waterways, this site represents a unique and rare archaeological wonder in China and the world, providing solid evidence of the prosperity and continuity of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. The development of the Maritime Silk Road has not only facilitated economic and trade exchanges between Wenzhou and the world but has also fostered cultural and technological exchanges. Following in the footsteps of monks and merchants, exquisite crafts such as lacquerware and porcelain, as well as printed materials like Buddhist paintings and poetry collections, have traversed the seas and reached the global stage. These exchanges have played a significant role in promoting cultural and technological interactions. Today, Wenzhou continues to play a vital role as a bridge for the flow of goods, culture, and technology between the East and the West, while actively engaging in the innovative exploration of urban development. The conference will feature various events, including an academic exchange and research results presentation on the Shuomen Ancient Port site, a Maritime Silk Road intangible cultural heritage exhibition, a seminar and exhibition on innovative approaches in arts and crafts, a world city tourism IP roadshow, the "Night of Wenzhou," and the Song Dynasty-style and Wenzhou characteristic fair. These activities aim to establish a new international platform for communication and cooperation, with the Maritime Silk Road cities as the carrier, to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, arts, science education, healthcare, sports, and tourism. Through these endeavors, the conference aims to promote deeper and broader mutual learning and mutual benefit among Maritime Silk Road cities, extending beyond the realm of economic and trade exchanges. As the Maritime Silk Road experiences a revival in the 21st century, the thousand-year-old commercial port of Wenzhou continues to drive urban development through innovation. In this new era, Wenzhou is committed to exploring more open development, broader exchanges, and deeper levels of cooperation. In terms of urban development, Wenzhou has introduced high-level innovation platforms such as Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Striving to enhance connectivity, Wenzhou has been advancing transportation infrastructure and is building a comprehensive national transportation hub and a regional international shipping center. When it comes to international exchanges, Wenzhou has developed 30 friendly cities or cities with friendly exchange relationships, many of which are located along the Maritime Silk Road. Wenzhou's outstanding efforts in building international sister cities have earned it the highest honor in China's international sister city relations -- the "International Friendship City Award for Outstanding Contribution." During this year's conference, Wenzhou will continue to invite officials from selected representative cities along the Maritime Silk Road to share their experiences in urban development through roundtable discussions, aiming to explore new opportunities for international cooperation. In addition, the conference will release a consensus on cultural exchange and innovative cooperation among Maritime Silk Road Cities based on in-depth discussions among attending delegates. The consensus seeks to promote a wider dissemination of the Silk Road spirit and promote its increasingly significant role in the new century. Shared Maritim Silk Road and development goals bring opportunities for cooperation for win-win outcomes. Wenzhou will take the conference as an opportunity to strengthen communication and cooperation with cities along the Maritime Silk Road in a bid to create a more brilliant future for Maritime Silk Road cities in the new millennium. Source: The 2024 Mayors Exchange Conference on Maritime Silk Road City Influence Executive Committee COP16 in Riyadh to host first dual-track dialogue at UNCCD COP to accelerate action on pressing environmental issues RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The programme for the upcoming UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh has been unveiled, for the first time featuring the dual approach of a Negotiation Track and Action Agenda to foster international solutions to the urgent global crises caused by land degradation, desertification and drought. The Negotiation Track will focus on crucial decisions and political declarations from Parties to the Convention that can advance global land and drought resilience. Simultaneously, the so-called Action Agenda will encourage and showcase voluntary initiatives, innovation and tangible solutions across a range of thematic days vital to restoring land and tackling drought. The high-level segment of COP16 in Riyadh, scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd, will feature ministerial dialogues on drought resilience, finance, and the impact of land degradation and drought on forced migration, security and prosperity. This will provide a crucial platform for high-level discussion and collaboration, in a bid to help deliver multilateral action. "COP16 in Riyadh is a critical moment for the international community to address land degradation, drought and desertification. From food and water insecurity to climate change, conflict, instability, and forced migration, how we treat our land has a profound impact on lives and livelihoods around the world," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency.? "As the hosts, we are presiding over the first ever Green Zone at a UNCCD COP to mobilize the scientific community, businesses, financial institutions, NGOs, and the public to deliver lasting change. At the same time, we are engaging policymakers from around the world in a range of high-profile discussions to deliver decisive multilateral action. This dual-pronged approach is vital to accelerating the land restoration and drought resilience initiatives our planet and its people so desperately need." Alongside the Negotiation Track, an Action Agenda will take place throughout COP16 in Riyadh, featuring dedicated days to hone discussion and outcomes. A total of seven thematic days will take place in both the Green and Blue Zone, including Land Day (December 4th) Agri-food System Day (December 5th), Governance Day (December 6th), People's Day (December 7th), Science, Technology and Innovation Day (December 9th), Resilience Day (December 10th), and Finance Day (December 11th). Land degradation affects nearly 40% of the planet and impacts the lives of over 3.2 billion people, according to the UNCCD. Data strongly indicates action is urgently needed, with issues surrounding land degradation, desertification and drought only worsening. Every year 100 million hectares of land are degraded based on UNCCD findings, and drought frequency and intensity has increased by nearly a third since 2000. Meanwhile, land restoration and drought resilience initiatives continue to suffer from a significant lack of funding, with COP16 in Riyadh set to prioritize the mobilization of public and private sector finance to accelerate corrective actions. About COP16 Riyadh: The UNCCD COP16 conference will take place from December 2-13, 2024, near Riyadh Boulevard World, 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).? For more information about UNCCD COP16, or to register your interest in attending the Green Zone please visit UNCCDCOP16.org. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569345/COP16_Blue_Zone.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556588/5024165/UNCCD_COP16__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ministerial-dialogues-to-address-global-land-degradation-announced-for-unccd-cop16-302318272.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - S2 Minerals Inc. (CSE: STWO) ("S2" or the "Company") announces that the Company's board of directors has approved consolidating (the "Consolidation") its common shares ("Common Shares") on the basis of one post-Consolidation Common Share for every two pre-Consolidation Common Shares, effective December 5, 2024 (the "Effective Date"). The Consolidation was one of the items of business approved by the Company's shareholders at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on November 27, 2024. As a result of the Consolidation, the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares will be reduced from 37,937,649 to approximately 18,968,824. Each shareholder's percentage ownership in the Company and proportional voting power will remain unchanged, except for minor adjustments resulting from the treatment of fractional shares. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Consolidation. If a holder of Common Shares would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share, then the number of post-Consolidation Common Shares issuable to such shareholder shall be rounded down to the next lower whole number. No cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional shares. The Common Shares will continue to trade on the CSE under the symbol "STWO" on a post-Consolidation basis, under a new CUSIP number - 78485F205. The Common Shares are expected to begin trading on a post-Consolidation basis on the CSE when markets open on December 5, 2024. A letter of transmittal with respect to the Consolidation was mailed to registered shareholders of the Company as of October 28, 2024, along with the Company's management information circular dated October 28, 2024. All registered shareholders with physical certificates or direct registration statements ("DRS") will be required to send their respective certificates and/or DRS representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares, along with a completed letter of transmittal, to the Company's transfer agent, TSX Trust Company (the "Transfer Agent"), in accordance with the instructions provided in the letter of transmittal. A copy of the letter of transmittal is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at sedarplus.ca. All shareholders who submit a duly completed letter of transmittal along with their respective pre-Consolidation Common Share certificate(s)/DRS to the Transfer Agent, will receive a post-Consolidation Common Share certificate or DRS. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker or other intermediary and who do not have Common Shares registered in their name, will not need to complete a letter of transmittal. Until surrendered, each share certificate representing pre-Consolidation shares will represent the number of whole post-Consolidation shares to which the holder is entitled as a result of the Consolidation. About S2 Minerals Inc. S2 Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company and holds the Sandy Lake project in Ontario. The Sandy Lake project comprises approximately 167,000 acres of contiguous mineral claims in the Sandy Lake Archean Greenstone Belt, located approximately 140 miles north of Red Lake, Ontario. S2 beneficially holds a 100% interest in the mineral rights to approximately 137,000 acres, and holds a 50.1% interest in the approximately 15,000 acres of the "Weebigee Joint Venture" claims and a 50% interest in a further 15,000 acres of the Southern Block claims in joint ventures with Goldeye Explorations Limited, now part of NexGold Mining Corp. It is expected that over time, S2 may add new Canadian-focused exploration stage projects to its portfolio. Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include statements regarding: the timing of the Consolidation, including the Effective Date; the effect of the Consolidation on the Company's capital structure, including the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Consolidation; the treatment of fractional shares; and the expected trading date of the post-Consolidation Common Shares on the CSE. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks relating to general business, economic, competitive, policy and social uncertainties, and risks relating to the failure to receive all requisite regulatory approvals. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231658 SOURCE: S2 Minerals Inc. China plans to retrieve Martian samples around 2031: laboratory Xinhua) 09:50, November 28, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is poised to collect Martian samples and return them to Earth around 2031, with its foremost scientific goal being the search for life signatures on the red planet, according to the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory on Wednesday. China plans to carry out its Tianwen-3 mission through two launches around 2028. The mission aims to land, collect samples and return them in one integrated operation, with the landing site also serving as the sampling location. The lab scientists, including the mission's chief scientist Hou Zengqian and its chief designer Liu Jizhong, outlined their exploration strategy in a brief article published in the November's edition of journal National Science Review. Their strategy includes considerations such as "where to sample," "what to choose", "how to sample," and "how to utilize" the collected materials. They have proposed 86 potential landing sites, primarily concentrated in the ancient Chryse Planitia region and Utopia Planitia region, which encompass diverse geological environments, such as ancient coastlines, deltas, ancient lakes and canyon systems, providing favorable conditions for the origin and preservation of potential ancient life, according to the article. The team vowed to investigate how to identify, where to find and how to preserve biosignatures, utilizing both surface and drilling sampling techniques. They also highlighted in the article the necessity of developing new instruments specifically designed for the detection of biosignatures. The Tianwen-3 mission will carry payloads developed through international cooperation, and China will collaborate with scientists from around the world to conduct joint research on Mars samples and detection data. The country also plans to probe the Jovian system to investigate Jupiter's and its moons' evolutionary history during its Tianwen-4 mission. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) LONDON, Nov. 28, 2024, a pioneering human rights activist and advocate for climate action, former President of the Maldives and the current Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 Global Citizen Award. This annual tribute, presented by leading international residence and citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partnersin partnership with the Swiss non-profit humanitarian organization Andan Foundation, recognizes his impactful leadership in advancing human rights and climate resilience on a global scale. The prestigious award, which honors an individual who shows exceptional courage and commitment towards improving and supporting the global community, was presented at a gala reception during the 18th annual Global Citizenship Conferencein Singapore, which brought together presidents and prime ministers, other senior government ministers and officials, and leading academics, as well as top-tier private client advisors and wealth management professionals. President Nasheed received the Global Citizen Award for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and humanitarian causes, particularly championing climate resilience for vulnerable countries. Since his tenure as the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, he has been instrumental in addressing the global climate crisis. In his current role as Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, representing 70 countries, he leads broad advocacy efforts. He has championed renewable energy and led climate resilience projects in the Maldives and internationally. His initiatives have significantly shaped global climate policy, particularly for vulnerable nations most at risk from the impacts of climate change, improving lives worldwide. Chairman of Henley & Partners and Founder of the Andan Foundation, Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, remarked on Nasheed's deserving recognition. "President Nasheed's dedication to humanitarian work and climate action for vulnerable communities is truly extraordinary. As a steadfast advocate for our planet and its most at-risk populations, he has elevated the urgent call for climate resilience and social equity worldwide. Nasheed embodies the spirit of global citizenship, bridging divides and championing a sustainable future for those most vulnerable. We are honored to recognize a leader whose vision resonates across borders and generations." The Global Citizen Awardselection process is based on a majority decision of the Global Citizen Award Committee. The award itself consists of a bespoke sculptural medaldesigned by leading Italian artist Antonio Nocera, an award certificate signed by the Chairman of the Global Citizen Award Committee, and a monetary prize of USD 20,000, which goes towards supporting the awardee's humanitarian efforts. In addition, Henley & Partners commits to working closely with the awardee for a period of one year, raising awareness of their work and supporting through the firm's network of more than 60 offices worldwide. Since its inception, the Global Citizen Award has honored many remarkable individuals. The first laureate was German entrepreneur Harald Hoppner, who set up the refugee humanitarian aid project Sea-Watch. Other previous recipients are Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the GiversFoundation, Africa's largest disaster relief organization, and Monique Morrow, Co-Founder of The Humanized Internet, a digital identity project that aims to bring hope to the estimated 1.1 billion individuals in the world who cannot prove their legal identity. Diep Vuong, Co-Founder and President of the Pacific Links Foundation, was awarded for her work in Southeast Asia, campaigning for the rights of those enslaved by human trafficking, and Prof. Dr. Padraig O'Malley received his Global Citizen Award in recognition of his efforts around conflict resolution and reconciliation in Iraq, Northern Ireland, and South Africa. Last year the award went to humanitarian, philanthropist, and Founder of the Future ProwessFoundation School for orphans and less privileged children, Zannah Bukar Mustaphafor his critical role in mediating the release of over 100 of the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Islamic insurgency group Boko Haram in Nigeria in April 2014, giving rise to the international BringBackOurGirls campaign. Thanking Henley & Partners and the Andan Foundation for their recognition of his work, Nasheed said, "I am deeply honored to accept this award, which underscores our collective commitment to addressing the climate crisis and protecting those most at risk. Real change begins with unity, and together, our shared humanity can overcome the challenges that shape our future." Media Contact: Sarah Nicklin Group Head of PR sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com +27 72 464 8965 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6656c0dc-fc12-4ebd-b19d-841562a91067 BlackRock American Income Trust Plc - Portfolio Update PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 28 BLACKROCK AMERICAN INCOME TRUST PLC (LEI:549300WWOCXSC241W468) All information is at 31 October 2024 and unaudited. Performance at month end with net income reinvested One Month Three Months Six Months One Year Three Years Five Years Net asset value 1.9 -2.0 0.8 16.0 17.6 45.8 Share price -2.1 -5.5 -1.8 13.8 8.3 26.5 Russell 1000 Value Index 3.2 2.9 7.7 23.6 30.0 63.1 At month end Net asset value - capital only: 215.48p Net asset value - cum income: 216.17p Share price: 190.00p Discount to cum income NAV: 12.1% Net yield1: 4.2% Total assets including current year revenue: 155.0m Net gearing: 0.4% Ordinary shares in issue2: 71,708,970 Ongoing charges3: 1.03% 1 Based on one quarterly dividend of 2.00p per share declared on 2 November 2023 for the year ended 31 October 2023 and three quarterly dividends of 2.00p per share declared on 14 March 2024, 29 May 2024 and 1 August 2024, for the year ended 31 October 2024 and based on the share price as at close of business on 31 October 2024. Excluding 28,652,335 ordinary shares held in treasury. The Company's ongoing charges calculated as a percentage of average daily net assets and using the management fee and all other operating expenses excluding finance costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation and certain non-recurring items for the year ended 31 October 2023. Sector Analysis Total Assets (%) Health Care 18.0 Information Technology 16.5 Financials 16.1 Consumer Discretionary 10.2 Communication Services 7.9 Materials 6.6 Energy 6.0 Industrials 5.9 Consumer Staples 5.8 Utilities 5.1 Real Estate 2.1 Net Current Liabilities -0.2 ----- 100.0 ===== Country Analysis Total Assets (%) United States 90.4 United Kingdom 3.4 France 2.2 South Korea 1.9 Ireland 1.3 Canada 1.0 Net Current Liabilities -0.2 ----- 100.0 ===== # Top 10 Holdings Country % Total Assets Citigroup United States 3.5 Cardinal Health United States 3.0 Comcast United States 2.9 CVS Health United States 2.8 Wells Fargo United States 2.6 American International United States 2.5 Willis Towers Watson United States 2.5 First Citizens BancShares United States 2.4 Electronic Arts United States 2.4 Baxter International United States 2.4 Tony DeSpirito, David Zhao and Lisa Yang, representing the Investment Manager, noted: For the one-month period ended 31 October 2024, the Company's NAV increased by 1.9% and the share price decreased by 2.1% (all in sterling). The Company's reference index, the Russell 1000 Value Index, returned +3.2% for the period. At the sector level, the largest contributor to relative performance stemmed from stock selection in communication services, with an overweight position in media boosting relative performance. Relative performance was also boosted by security selection in financials, specifically being overweight in banks. Other modest contributors during the period at the sector level included selection decisions in utilities and an underweight allocation to energy. The largest detractor from relative performance stemmed from stock selection in health care, most notably an overweight position in health care providers and services. Selection decisions in consumer discretionary also detracted from relative performance, with an overweight position in automobile components dragging on relative performance. Other modest detractors at the sector level included selection decisions in information technology and consumer staples. Transactions During the month, the Company's largest purchases included Air Products and Chemicals and Walt Disney. The Company exited its positions in Prudential and Woodside Energy Group. Positioning As of the period end, the Company's largest overweight positions relative to the reference index were in the information technology, communication services and health care sectors. The Company's largest underweight positions relative to the reference index were in the industrials, financials and real estate sectors. Source: BlackRock. 28 November 2024 Latest information is available by typing blackrock.com/uk/brai on the internet, "BLRKINDEX" on Reuters, "BLRK" on Bloomberg or "8800" on Topic 3 (ICV terminal). Neither the contents of the Manager's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Manager's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement. 219.1% increase in advertising revenue as compared to Q3 2023 with advertising revenue of $4,265,753 for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 (178.9% increase); 46.1% increase in subscriptions revenue as compared to Q3 2023 with subscription revenue of $914,697 for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 (41.7% increase); Ended the quarter with total cash, cash equivalents, and investments of $44,224,651. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) ("EarthLabs" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the unaudited consolidated financial results for three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 of the Company (the "Financial Results"). Highlights for the three-months period ended September 30, 2024: Advertising revenue of $1,405,283 as compared to $440,430 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 219.1%; Subscription revenue of $310,090 as compared to $212,268 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 46.1%; Net investment gains of $944,686 from our investment portfolio as compared to net investment losses of $3,749,013 for the three months ended September 30, 2023; Net loss and comprehensive loss of $871,536 (basic loss per share of $0.01) as compared to $5,867,847 (basic loss per share of $0.04) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Highlights for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024: Completed the nine-month period with total cash and cash equivalents, due from brokers, investments and equity investments of $44,224,651 as compared to $42,943,109 as at December 31, 2023; Advertising revenue of $4,265,753 as compared to $1,529,244 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 178.9%; Subscription revenue of $914,697 as compared to $645,291 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 41.7%; Net investment gains of $3,827,914 from our investment portfolio as compared to net investment losses $1,014,059 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023; Net loss and comprehensive loss of $1,228,107 (basic loss per share of $0.01) as compared to $5,403,056 (basic loss per share of $0.04) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. "Our third quarter results demonstrate EarthLabs' continued strong execution and growth trajectory, with advertising revenue up 219% year-over-year and subscription revenue increasing by 46%," said Denis Laviolette, Executive Chairman and CEO of EarthLabs. "The significant improvement in our investment portfolio performance, combined with our robust cash position of over $44 million, positions us well to continue investing in our data-driven media and technology solutions for the metals and mining sector. We're particularly encouraged by the sustained growth across our media platforms, reflecting the increasing value we're delivering to our users and advertising partners." Q3 2024 Business Highlights: CEO.CA Platform Advancing Towards the New CEO.CA Website Launch: Scheduled for release in Q4, the new CEO.CA platform is progressing steadily. A dedicated staging environment has been established to ensure thorough testing and quality control, with the team completing a substantial volume of tasks to ensure a seamless and enhanced user experience upon launch. Expanded Digital Footprint with Original Shows: Launched new shows like Inside the Boardroom, Mel on the Street, The Chairman's Briefing, and The Corner Office, hosted on CEO.CA and YouTube. These initiatives, along with daily content from subsidiaries, now reach over 615,000 social media followers and millions of web users, strengthening CEO.CA's industry leadership. Enhanced CEO.CA PRO: Upgraded with new ATS feeds, including CSE2 (CS2) data, providing users with more comprehensive market insights and data. The Northern Miner Group Revenue Growth: Year-to-date sales for TNM Group (including TNM, TNM Symposiums, Canadian Mining Journal, and MINING.com) increased by 4%, reaching $2.43M compared to $2.33M for the same period last year. Subscription Growth: Exceeded the aggressive sales growth target of 24% for 2024, with subscription sales hitting $284K by the end of Q3, 3% ahead of target. Website Traffic: The Northern Miner Site : Traffic from April to September rose by 154% over the comparable period, with total users surpassing 1M and views reaching 2M+ . MINING.COM: Achieved a 95% year-over-year increase in website traffic, with 8M+ total sessions, 4.1M+ total users, and 10.1M+ views. DigiGeoData Expanded Global Database: Integrated ASX-listed companies, now covering 828 companies with over 1,200 properties and 1,350 assets. Added Private and Public Data: Included 500+ new companies with 1,400 global properties and 1,800 assets. Data Integration for TNM Maps: Successfully launched The Northern Miner Maps powered by DigiGeoData's extensive database. Technical Reports Migration: Added 10,000+ technical reports for streamlined search. Expanded Global Claim Data: Added claim data for 20 additional countries. Explore DigiGeoData's offerings and detailed mapping tools here. Summary of financial results The following are selected interim condensed consolidated financial results as at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, with comparatives: Interim condensed consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss highlights Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Advertising revenue $ 1,405,283 $ 440,430 $ 4,265,753 $ 1,529,244 Subscriptions revenue 310,090 212,268 914,697 645,291 Sales of exploration maps 35,027 49,929 140,108 189,428 Net investment gains (losses) 944,686 (3,749,013 ) 3,827,914 (1,014,059 ) Other income 98,654 234,629 575,882 735,380 Operating, general and administrative (2,776,548 ) (3,380,167 ) (8,099,814 ) (7,101,915 ) Research and development expenses (840,751 ) (394,078 ) (2,430,756 ) (1,246,097 ) Total expenses (3,653,424 ) (3,778,379 ) (10,640,481 ) (8,361,843 ) Loss from equity investment (13,874 ) (14,821 ) (30,385 ) (90,854 ) Income tax recovery (expense) 2,022 737,110 (281,595 ) 964,357 Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period (871,536 ) (5,867,847 ) (1,228,017 ) (5,403,056 ) Loss per common share for the period - basic and diluted (0.01 ) (0.04 ) (0.01 ) (0.04 ) Interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position highlights September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,827,676 $ 5,227,657 Due from brokers 554,255 485,949 Accounts receivable, net of expected credit losses 394,406 120,253 Investments, at fair value 36,734,753 35,091,151 Equity investment 2,107,967 2,138,352 Income tax receivable 263,994 854,023 Property, equipment and right-of-use assets 1,175,154 1,252,737 Intangible Assets 2,882,807 3,127,000 Goodwill 624,290 624,290 Total assets 49,972,510 49,251,445 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,432,273 1,287,021 Deferred revenue 2,915,271 1,921,102 Total promissory note 1,035,648 980,971 Total lease liabilities 1,064,179 1,155,154 Deferred tax liabilities 663,156 204,690 Total liabilities 7,222,637 5,589,812 Share capital, contributed surplus, and warrants 52,540,704 52,224,357 Deficit (9,790,831 ) (8,562,724 ) About EarthLabs Inc. EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) is a mining investment, technology, and media company that aims to provide strategic leverage to the metals and mining sector through investments, royalties and a full suite of data-driven media SaaS tools and services including CEO.CA, The Northern Miner, MINING.COM, Canadian Mining Journal and DigiGeoData. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), OTC Best Market ("OTCQX") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231671 SOURCE: EarthLabs Inc. Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company" or "NCMI") (TSXV:NMI)(OTCQB:NMREF) today announced it has closed the non-brokered private placement announced on November 1, 2024. A total of 12,857,143 units were issued at a price of $0.035 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at a price of $0.05 until November 28, 2025. A maximum of 19,285,714 common shares of Namibia Critical Metals will be issued pursuant to the Private Placement (assuming full exercise of all warrants). The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used primarily to fund general corporate purposes. The common shares and warrants of the Company issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period expiring March 29, 2025. A total of $1,260 in finder's fee was paid to one arm's length finder in respect of this financing. Two insiders of the Company acquired $266,495 of the Private Placement. Participation by these insiders in the Private Placement was exempt from the formal valuation and shareholder approval requirements contained in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions as the fair market value of their investments did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Namibia Critical Metals Inc. NCMI is developing the Tier-1 Heavy Rare Earth Project, Lofdal, a globally significant deposit of the heavy rare earth metals dysprosium and terbium. Demand for these critical metals used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other electronics is driven by innovations linked to energy and technology transformations. The geopolitical risks associated with sourcing many of these metals has become a repeated concern for manufacturers and end users. Namibia is a proven and stable mining jurisdiction. The Lofdal Project is fully permitted with a 25-year Mining License and is under a Joint Venture Agreement with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The Company filed a robust updated PEA for "Lofdal 2B-4" on November 14, 2022, with a post-tax NPV of USD$391 million and an annual IRR of 28% with a capital expenditure of USD$207 million. The project is projected to generate a life of mine nominal cash flow of USD$698 million post-tax over a 16-year mine life. About Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and the JV JOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative agency which seeks to secure stable resource supplies for Japan. JOGMEC has a strong reputation as a long term, strategic partner in mineral projects globally. JOGMEC facilitates opportunities with Japanese private companies to secure supplies of natural resources for the benefit of the country's economic development. Rare earth elements are of critical importance to Japanese industrial interests and JOGMEC has extensive experience with all aspects of the sector. JOGMEC provided Lynas with USD$250,000,000 in loans and equity in 2011 to ensure supplies of the Light Rare Earths metals suite to the Japanese industry. Namibia Critical Metals owns a 95% interest in the Lofdal project with the remaining 5% held for the benefit of historically disadvantaged Namibians. The terms of the JOGMEC joint venture agreement with the Company stipulate that JOGMEC provides C$3,000,000 in Term 1 and C$7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further C$10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. JOGMEC can also purchase another 1% for C$5,000,000 and has first right of refusal to fully fund the project through to commercial production and to purchase all production at market prices. The collective interests of NCMI and historically disadvantaged Namibians cannot be diluted below a 26% carried working interest upon payment of C$5,000,000 to JOGMEC for the dilution protection. NMI may elect to participate up to a maximum of 44% by funding pro rata after the earn in period is completed. To date, JOGMEC has completed Term 2 and earned a 40% interest by reaching the C$10 million expenditure requirement. Total approved project funding to date is C$14,541,000 of the $20,000,000 Earn-In requirement to reach 50% interest. Other exploration projects: The Company's Exclusive Prospecting Licenses ("EPLs") prospective for gold are located in the Central Namibian Gold Belt which hosts a number of significant orogenic gold deposits including the Navachab Gold Mine, the Otjikoto Gold Mine and the Twin Hills deposit. At the Erongo Gold Project, stratigraphic equivalents to the meta-sediments hosting the Osino gold discovery at Twin Hills have been identified and exploration is progressing over this highly prospective area. The Grootfontein Base Metal and Gold Project has potential for magmatic copper-nickel mineralization, Mississippi Valley-type zinc-lead-vanadium mineralization and Otjikoto-style gold mineralization. The common shares of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NMI" and the OTCQB Market under the symbol "NMREF". 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. For more information please contact - Namibia Critical Metals Inc. Darrin Campbell, President Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760 Email: Info@NamibiaCMI.com Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Verification Fee Revenue increased by 29% over the same period year prior. Operating Expenses decreased by 11% over the same period. Continued strong progress towards cashflow breakeven. Inverite's AI financial database has surpassed 22 billion data points from over 5.5 million Canadian consumer transactions. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: INVRF) (FSE: 2V00) ("Inverite"), is a leading AI-driven software provider utilizing real-time financial data to empower businesses to transact more effectively with consumers. Inverite announces its six-month financial results for the period ended September 30, 2024, compared to September 30, 2023. The Company achieved strong revenue growth and lowering costs, thus made strong progress in continuing towards financial sustainability. Key financial highlights for the six-month period ended September 30, 2024, include: During the six-month period ending September 30, 2024, Inverite saw continued revenue growth with its opening banking platform and continued cost reductions in both operating expenses and financing costs. The Company increased verification fee revenue by 29% to $616,449 (September 30, 2023 - $478,949). Inverite continues to see its transaction volumes increase which contributed to the increase in verification fee revenues over the comparative period in 2023. The Company saw operating expenses decrease by 11% or $239,583 to $1,846,153 (September 30, 2023 - $2,085,736) as the Company continues improve efficiencies. The Company saw administration costs decrease by 24% or $25,829 to $83,965 (September 30, 2023 - $109,794) due to ongoing cost management measures. Bad debts expense and allowance for loan impairment of $23,294 (September 30, 2023 - $49,117) decreased by $25,823 or 53% due to lower balance of loan portfolio. The Company saw consulting fees decrease by 29% or $112,153 to $277,235 (September 30, 2023 - $389,388) due to the lower use of outside consultants. The Company saw salaries and benefits costs decrease by 13% or $91,659 to $621,935 (September 30, 2023 - $713,594) due to reduction of employees. Software and platform technology services of $279,172 (September 30, 2023 - $326,450) decreased by $47,278 or 14% related to technology and software costs with Inverite Verification transactions. Investor relations expense of $59,312 (September 30, 2023 - $54,695) an increase of $4,617 or 8% due to the Company increasing its investor relations activities. The Company saw marketing expenses decrease by 57% or $81,816 to $61,808 (September 30, 2023 - $143,624), due to the Company discontinuing Accumulate.ai marketing services. the Company incurred interest expense of $89,279 (September 30, 2023- $95,218) a decrease of $5,939 or 6%, related to convertible debentures and loans. Professional fees of $71,102 (September 30, 2023 - $120,316) decreased by $49,214 or 41% related to legal and audit fees. Karim Nanji, CEO of Inverite, adds, "Our focus towards cashflow break even and profitability for Inverite is our number one priority. Our fiscal Q2-2025 continues to show we are on the right path with our verification fee revenue growing by 29% and our operating expenses have decreased by 11% over the same period last year. "With the Federal Government's commitment to introducing Canada's inaugural open banking framework, Inverite continues to see strong interest from all financial sectors (lenders) in our proprietary open banking platform. Our ongoing focus on financial sustainability and operational excellence underscores our commitment to delivering long-term value to our shareholders and customers." A comprehensive discussion of Inverite's financial position and results of operations is provided in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the six-month period ended September 30, 2024, are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About Inverite Insights Inc. Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: INVRF) (FSE: 2V00) ("Inverite") is a Vancouver-based, AI-driven software provider specializing in real-time financial data. With a vast database of over 22 billion financial data points from more than 5.5 million unique Canadian consumers transactions, Inverite empowers businesses to transact more effectively with consumers through innovative solutions for data enrichment, identity, risk management and compliance. For further information about Inverite, please visit: inverite.com. LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider/Market Maker (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, nor has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction nor approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the CSE. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231724 SOURCE: Inverite Insights Inc. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Record Resources Inc. (TSXV: REC) reports that the company is increasing the total size of its financing it is presently undertaking via a LIFE offering by adding a separate private placement. Under the terms of the newly announced private placement, the company is offering up to 5,000,000 Units. Each Unit consists of a $0.03 common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 36 months. The private placement is expected to raise gross proceeds of up to $150,000. As previously reported in its November 21, 2024 news release, the company is raising $330,000 through a LIFE Offering. Combined with the new private placement, the company will raise up to an aggregate of $480,00 through the issuance of 16,000,000 units assuming the completion of the LIFE Offering and the private placement in the maximum amount of $150,000. The company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and evaluation of the company's properties, including the newly acquired Beauchamp Property, and for general working capital. The company also reports that it has filed today an amended and restated offering document regarding its LIFE Offering. The original closing date of on or around November 29, 2024 has been extended to become on or around December 30, 2024. On November 8, 2024, Record entered into a loan agreement, which was amended and restated as of November 27, 2024, with Trading Bay Oil & Gas LLC, Anchorage, Alaska. Trading Bay agreed to provide the company with a loan facility in the amount of C$550,000. As yet, Record has not drawn down on this facility. Trading Bay is owned Paul Craig, a director and shareholder of Record Resources Inc. Any drawdown under the loan agreement would be considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The related party transaction will however be exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements pursuant to the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, exceeds 25% of Record's market capitalization. The amended and restated offering document related to the Offering can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.recordgoldcorp.com. Prospective investors should read this amended and restated offering document before making an investment decision. In connection with the new private placement, the company may pay finder's fees and issue finder shares and finder warrants to EMD Financial Inc. as well as any other registrants participating in the Offering, consisting of: (i) cash finder's fees of up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the private placement; (ii) finder shares in an amount equal to up to 4% of the number of Units issued pursuant to the private placement; and (iii) finder warrants in an amount equal to up to 4% of the number of Units issued pursuant to the private placement, exercisable at a price of $0.05 per common share for a period of 36 months following the closing of the private placement. Both the LIFE Offering and the Private Placement, are expected to close on or before December 30, 2024, however the company may close the LIFE Offering beforehand. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", an or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would" , "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: approval of the Private Placement and obtaining a full revocation order. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of the Private Placement; the ability of the Company to obtain a full revocation order and the receipt of all required approvals in connection with the foregoing. 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. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market price for securities; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. 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 that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Units and the securities comprising the Units have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in the Unites States, or any other jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231780 SOURCE: Record Resources Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Cumberland Resources Nickel Corp. (CSE: LAND) (the "Company" or "Cumberland") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated November 12th, 2024 (the "November 12th Release"), the Company has closed its non-brokered private placement financing (the "LIFE Offering") pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") for gross proceeds of $749,919.45 Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings attributed to them in the November 12th Release. Pursuant to the LIFE Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 24,997,315 Units at a price of $0.03 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of 12 months following the closing of the Life Offering ("Closing Date"). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the LIFE Offering for property development, general working capital purposes, subject to compliance with the polices of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). In connection the LIFE Offering, the Company: (i) paid an aggregate of $40,944.36 and (ii) issued an aggregate of 1,364,812 non-transferrable finder's units (each, a "Finder's Unit") to eligible finders. Each Finder's Unit entitles the holder to acquire on Unit at an exercise price of $0.03 for a period of 12 months. In accordance with Part 5A of NI 45-106 and applicable Canadian securities laws, the securities issued pursuant to the LIFE Offering are not subject to any statutory hold period. None of the securities have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws. Accordingly, the Units may not be offered or sold within the United States, its territories or possessions, any state of the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any Units within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons. About Cumberland Resources. Cumberland Resources Nickel Corp. is committed to acquiring, exploring, and advancing mineral properties that address critical resource needs in North America. The company holds a 100% interest in the St. Anthony Property, a prospective mineral asset located in Newfoundland, Canada, strategically positioned in a region known for its rich mineral potential. Recently, Cumberland expanded its portfolio by staking land in Darling Township, southeastern Ontario, approximately 300 km east-northeast of Toronto. This new property is focused on critical mineral exploration, with an emphasis on antimony. The area boasts excellent infrastructure, including hydroelectric power, well-developed road networks, and access to a highly skilled workforce, creating an optimal environment for exploration and development. Forward-Looking Statement Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable 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," "should," "anticipate," "expect," "potential," "believe," "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-Looking statements in this news release include statements relating to: the exploration and development of the Company's claims and properties, including the Company's St. Anthony Property, and the potential value of such properties to the Company and its shareholders. Forward-Looking information in this press release is based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to carry out exploration and development of the Company's claims and properties, including the St. Anthony Property, and the Company's ability to realize on the potential value of such properties for the Company and its shareholders. 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 Company's inability to carry out exploration and development of the Company's claims and properties, including the St. Anthony Property, and the Company's inability to realize on the potential value of such properties for the Company and its shareholders. 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 press 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. Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231735 SOURCE: Cumberland Resources Nickel Corp. Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSXV:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company") is providing an update to its shareholders regarding the potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on the Company's ability to comply with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to shareholders in connection with its upcoming annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on December 19, 2024 (the "Meeting"). The Company has delivered the completed Notice of Meeting, Information Circular and related proxy materials (the "Meeting Materials") to the appropriate parties for mailing to registered and unregistered shareholders prior to the Meeting, but due the postal strike, it is possible that the Meeting Materials will not be delivered to shareholders prior to the Meeting. The Meeting Materials have been filed on SEDAR and are available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. Shareholders will still be able to vote their shares either directly by proxy (for registered shareholders) or indirectly through their intermediary (for unregistered shareholders who hold their shares through brokerage firms or other intermediaries). Instructions respecting voting can be obtained as outlined below. The Company will provide copies of the Meeting Materials by email to each entitled shareholder who requests them while the strike is ongoing, at no charge. Shareholders can direct requests for copies of the Meeting Materials to Tim Coupland, President and CEO, at the contact details below or to Computershare's Shareholder Services Call Center at 1-800-564-6253 (toll-free in Canada and the United States) between 8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time or 514-982-7555 (international direct dial). If you are a registered shareholder, please contact at Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-800-564-6253 to obtain your proxy form control number to cast your vote for the upcoming AGM. If you hold shares through an intermediary such as a brokerage firm, please contact your intermediary directly for a copy of the proxy form and instructions for voting. The deadline for voting by proxy for the Meeting is 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on December 17, 2024. 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 Klondike Gold Corp. (TSXV:KG)(FRA:LBDP)(OTCQB:KDKGF) ("Klondike Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce six exploration drill hole results testing for gold potential on both sides of the Eldorado Fault during the 2024 drill campaign within the Company's 100% owned 727 km2 Klondike District Property (the "Property") in the Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada. (see Figure 1). The Company since 2015 has discovered significant bedrock gold mineralization on the east side of the Eldorado Fault at the Stander Zone, Nugget Showing, Gay Gulch Showing and others and outlined a first-ever Mineral Resource there. In 2024, new prospecting discoveries on the west side of the Eldorado Fault included significant outcropping high-grade gold mineralization along 5km at the Archy, Wasp, and DJ showings (see NR October 2, 2024). Six core holes reported here (EC24-544 to EC24-549) tested a small portion of the west and east sides of the Eldorado Fault zone. The drill area near the Gay Gulch gold showing was chosen because previous drilling provided constraint on location and geometry, dip and orientation of the Eldorado fault. HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY Three holes testing the west side of the Eldorado Fault in a new area with no known mineralization and no previous drilling have all intersected significant gold-bearing quartz vein zones. EC24-544 intersected a quartz vein averaging 6.41 g/t Au over 1.0 meter from 68.5 meters. EC24-546 intersected a quartz vein averaging 8.25 g/t Au over 1.0m from 146.0m Two of three holes testing the east side of the Eldorado Fault intersected significant lateral extensions of gold mineralization to the Gay Gulch and DJ Showings. Peter Tallman, Klondike Gold's President & CEO states; "Local placer miners have long known that the most valuable claims in the Klondike goldfields with the coarsest gold nuggets are along a certain stretch of Eldorado Creek. Our final phase of drilling this year was intended to explore the economic potential of these areas adjacent to both sides of our newly mapped Eldorado Fault as a source control of bedrock gold mineral resources. This test was a success and in addition we have determined the quartz vein zones are stacked, with repetitions to depth, and the results we report today show the prospectivity of the Eldorado Fault as a primary locus of gold. Importantly our work continues to demonstrate the considerable unrealized economic potential of the Klondike District Property as we unlock and derisk the value for our shareholders." DISCUSSION The Eldorado Fault is newly recognized as a major crustal structure controlling emplacement of orogenic gold mineralization in the Klondike District. Crustal erosion has exposed orogenic gold veins to the current surface from this fault network resulting in concentration into the historic Klondike Goldfields surface placer gold deposits of ~20 million ounces of placer gold estimated total to date1 first discovered in 1896. Work in 2024 for the first time has identified and traced the "Eldorado Fault" associated with bedrock gold mineralization through drill holes, geophysics, trenching and mapping over a 5km distance. The Company has mapped the Eldorado Fault as a west-dipping graphitic thrust fault zone separating granite to the west from a variety of 'Klondike Schist' lithologies to the east. The Eldorado Fault structure with associated splay faults is inferred to transect the 50km length of the property. 2024 DRILLING WEST SIDE ELDORADO FAULT: Drill holes EC24-544 to EC24-546 tested the west side of the Eldorado Fault in an area with no previous drilling and no known gold mineralization. Holes were drilled in a north-easterly direction (030o azimuth). All three holes intersected gold-mineralized quartz vein zones. West Side Highlights include: Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) EC24-544 68.50 69.50 1.00 6.41 EC24-545 72.00 79.00 7.00 0.37 EC24-546 146.00 147.00 1.00 8.25 EAST SIDE ELDORADO FAULT: Drill holes EC24-547 to EC24-549 tested for gold mineralization along the east side of the Eldorado Fault. Drill holes EC24-547 and EC24-548 drilled were in a southwesterly direction (210o azimuth). Drill hole EC24-549 drilled westerly (085o azimuth). Hole EC24-547 targeted a 300 meter along-strike step-out from the DJ Showing. A new outcropping 3-meter wide quartz vein zone discovered earlier in 2024 at the "DJ Showing" assayed 7.9 g/t Au and 8.6 g/t Au in prospecting grab samples. EC24-547 intersected a gold bearing quartz vein zone between 244.0 to 250.5 meters downhole including individual quartz vein assays up to 6.86 g/t Au over 0.5 meters which is interpreted to be correlative to the DJ Showing mineralization. Hole EC24-548 was lost in the Eldorado Fault with no significant result. Hole EC24-549 tested for the eastern limit of the Gay Gulch mineralization envelope as the distance away from the Eldorado Fault increased. The hole was successful as the gold-bearing quartz veining persisted to a distance of ~150 meters from the Eldorado Fault where the hole ends in mineralization. Summary results of all significant gold intervals are shown in Table 1 and drill hole collar locations and hole traces are shown in Figure 1. Table 1: Summary of Significant Gold Intervals from West and East Eldorado Fault Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) EC24-544 68.50 69.50 1.00 6.41 EC24-544 68.50 70.50 2.00 4.23 EC24-544 117.00 118.00 1.00 1.11 EC24-544 132.00 132.50 0.50 1.13 EC24-544 154.00 156.00 2.00 0.58 EC24-545 72.00 79.00 7.00 0.37 EC24-546 15.00 16.00 1.00 0.81 EC24-546 133.00 137.00 4.00 0.17 EC24-546 146.00 147.00 1.00 8.25 EC24-546 150.50 151.79 1.29 1.47 EC24-547 48.00 65.50 17.50 0.39 EC24-547 244.00 245.00 1.00 0.85 EC24-547 249.00 250.50 1.50 2.65 EC24-547 250.00 250.50 0.50 6.86 EC24-548 No significant assay EC24-549 43.00 47.00 4.00 0.40 EC24-549 53.00 59.00 6.00 0.30 EC24-549 69.50 70.50 1.00 0.81 EC24-549 77.00 80.00 3.00 0.54 EC24-549 82.50 84.50 2.00 0.47 EC24-549 88.00 89.00 1.00 1.14 EC24-549 92.00 94.00 2.00 0.34 EC24-549 96.00 103.00 7.00 0.19 EC24-549 105.50 106.50 1.00 0.58 EC24-549 114.00 121.00 7.00 0.09 EC24-549 125.50 126.50 1.00 0.58 EC24-549 142.50 143.00 0.50 1.59 Only the intersection lengths of mineralization are reported here. Insufficient drilling has been done to constrain and map volumes of mineralized zones or adequately determine vein orientations from core measurements to determine estimated true widths ("ETW")2. Figure 1: 2024 Eldorado Fault drill hole location map. Drill holes in this release are labelled. Figure 2: Location of Eldorado Fault drill area (purple box) and Stander Zone MRE area with other significant nearby gold showings along the Eldorado Fault. Figure 3: Klondike District Property extent with location of Gay Gulch / Stander Zone / Eldorado Fault exploration area (purple outline) near Dawson. QUALIFIED PERSON The technical and scientific information contained within this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Tallman, P.Geo., President and CEO of Klondike Gold and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 policy. Detailed technical information, specifications, analytical information and procedures can be found on the Company's website. GRANT OF COMPENSATION SECURITIES The Company announces the granting of stock options, restricted share units ("RSUs") and deferred share units ("DSUs") in accordance with the its stock option plan, and its RSU and DSU plan. An aggregate of 5,600,000 stock options were granted to certain Directors, Officers, employees and consultants of the Company at an exercise price of $0.07 and will be exercisable for a 5 year period. In addition, an aggregate of 1,200,000 RSUs were granted to certain Officers, employees and consultants of the Company and 600,000 DSUs were granted to non-executive Directors. The RSUs will vest over three years in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date and DSUs will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. The grant of stock options, RSUs, and DSUs, are subject to regulatory acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. ABOUT KLONDIKE GOLD CORP. Klondike Gold is a Vancouver based gold exploration company advancing its 100%-owned Klondike District Gold Project located at Dawson City, Yukon, one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world. The Klondike District Gold Project targets gold associated with district scale orogenic faults along the 55-kilometer length of the famous Klondike Goldfields placer district. Multi-kilometer gold mineralization has been identified at both the Lone Star Zone and Stander Zone, among other targets. The Company has identified a Mineral Resource Estimate of 469,000 Indicated and 112,000 Inferred gold ounces3, a milestone first for the Klondike District. The Stander Zone ("MRE") was published November 10, 2022 based upon 40 initial holes completed from 2015 through 2021 using a gold price of $1,700 USD and a 0.2 g/t Au cut-off. The Company is focused on exploration and development of its 727 square kilometer property accessible by scheduled airline and government-maintained roads located on the outskirts of Dawson City, Yukon, within the Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation traditional territory. ON BEHALF OF KLONDIKE GOLD CORP. "Peter Tallman" Peter Tallman, President and CEO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Telephone: (604) 609-6138 E-mail: info@klondikegoldcorp.com Website: www.klondikegoldcorp.com 1 The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Klondike District Property was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. The technical report supporting the Mineral Resource Estimate entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Klondike District Gold Project, Yukon Territory, Canada" has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca effective November 10, 2022. Refer to news release of December 16, 2022. 2 Estimated True Widths for reported vein intercepts are based on oriented core measurements of individual veins where available or measured angles perpendicular to vein margins, and/or 3D models of vein intercepts. The measured and model average "sheeted extensional vein" dip is 35o north-easterly, and typical drill hole dip angle is 55o southwesterly. Other potentially oblique gold-mineralized veins (eg. "quartz breccia veins") may be present. Differences between individual ETWs and down-hole interval lengths may vary between drill holes depending on drill hole azimuth and inclination, variations in vein zone strike and dip, and overall geometries of the different vein systems. 3 The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Klondike District Property was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. The technical report supporting the Mineral Resource Estimate entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Klondike District Gold Project, Yukon Territory, Canada" has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca effective November 10, 2022. Refer to news release of December 16, 2022. 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. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management, however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. Klondike Gold does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in the Company's business plans.In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. 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. The Company seeks safe harbor. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: Klondike Gold Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Camino Minerals Corporation (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF) ("Camino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated October 7, 2024 regarding the Company's proposed joint acquisition of the Puquios copper project ("Puquios") in Chile and the financing referenced therein, it is arranging a non-brokered private placement to raise total gross proceeds of up to CAD$2,000,000 (the "Financing"). The Financing will consist of the issue of up to 57,142,857 common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") at a price per Share of CAD$0.035. The Company may pay finders' fees in connection with the Financing, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Financing does not include any discount to the latest closing price of the Company's common shares or any attached warrants. The gross proceeds from the Financing will be allocated towards corporate working capital, legal expenses, engineering studies, and general administrative expenses and other expenses associated with closing the Puquios acquisition. Denham Capital has committed CAD$500,000 as the lead order for this Financing. Separate Denham Capital-advised funds hold a shareholder interest in Camino of approximately 15% and Justin Machin, a Managing Director of Denham Capital, is also a member of the Camino board of directors. Additional commitments include CAD$200,000 from institutional investors and indicative orders of CAD$300,000 from other investors. Furthermore, the Company anticipates a strategic investment of up to CAD$1,000,000 from a prospective investor. The Company may receive commitments as part of the Financing from management, directors, and existing shareholders of Camino. The participation in the Financing by related parties constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, the Company is exempt from obtaining a formal valuation and minority approval of the Company's shareholders in respect of the related party participation in the Financing due to the fair market value of the related party participation being below 25% of the Company's market capitalization for the purposes of MI 61-101. All securities issued and sold under the Financing will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance. Completion of the Financing remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available. About Camino Camino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. On October 7, 2024, Camino signed a Definitive Agreement to purchase the construction-ready Puquios copper mine in Chile. Camino is focused on developing copper producing assets such as Puquios, and advancing its IOCG Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru through to resource delineation and development, and to add new discoveries. Camino has also permitted the Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project for exploration discovery drilling to add to its NI43-101 resources. In addition, Camino has increased its land position at its copper and silver Plata Dorada project. Camino seeks to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminocorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD For further information, please contact: /S/ "Jay Chmelauskas" Camino Investor Relations President and CEO info@caminocorp.com Tel: (604) 493-2058 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the release includes the terms and conditions of the Financing, subscription commitments to the Financing, the use of proceeds of the Financing, the timing and ability of the Company to obtain final approval of the Financing from the TSX Venture Exchange, and an exemption being available under MI 61-101 and Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange from the minority shareholder approval and valuation requirements. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release is subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company's exploration activities may be different than those expected by management, that the Financing may not be fully subscribed or completed on the terms described herein, that the Company may be unable to obtain or will experience delays in obtaining any required authorizations and approvals and the state of equity and commodity markets. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Camino Minerals Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) ("FRG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Camilo Cordovez Amador as Vice President of Finance, and Patrick Bonner as Special Advisor to the Company. Appointment of VP of Finance The Company has appointed Camilo Cordovez Amador as Vice President of Finance for the Company. Camilo brings a wealth of experience in both the financial and mining sectors. Camilo brings over 16 years of experience in investment banking, asset management, capital markets, and project development across sectors such as mining, infrastructure, real estate, and energy. Beyond financial advisory, he excels at executing complex projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and driving strategic decisions to deliver impactful results. As co-founder and executive at multiple firms, he has advised on projects exceeding $100M with international investment groups, worked for funds managing assets of over $700M in previous roles, and played a key role in securing a $78M public listing on the ISDX London Stock Exchange. For the past two years, he has served as Vice President of Finance for Aion Mining Corp. and is now scaling up in his role as Vice President of Finance for Forge Resources Corp. Camilo has a Bachelor of Business and Finance (Cum Laude) from the European University Business School of Barcelona, with specializations in International Corporate Finance from Columbia Business School and private equity funds from EAFIT University. He has been certified as an Advisor in Private Equity Funds, Mutual Funds, Equities, and Fixed Income instruments by Colombia's regulatory entity, AMV. Appointment of Advisor The Company has also appointed Patrick Bonner as a Special Advisor to the Company. Patrick Bonner is a seasoned investor with a strong history of success in the junior mining sector, equity markets, and real estate. With over 25 years of leadership experience across direct marketing, healthcare, and energy sectors, he offers exceptional management and strategic decision making skills, along with an extensive investment network. Bonner has spearheaded numerous successful real estate transactions, demonstrating his ability to identify and maximize value investments. His 8% stake in our company demonstrates his deep commitment and enthusiasm for the Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University and an MBA from Saint Mary's University. About Forge Resources Corp. Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and advancing the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. The Company holds a 40% interest, with an LOI in place to acquire up to 60% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. The project contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal. Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-Looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231754 SOURCE: Forge Resources Corp. Surrey, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Desert Gold Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DAU) (FSE: QXR2) (OTCQB: DAUGF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce results from its 2nd phase drill program that was carried out in Q2, 2024. A total of 3,892 meters of exploration drilling in 65 holes was completed on its SMSZ Project in Mali, West Africa (see Figure 1 for regional setting). Company CEO Jared Scharf commented: "During the 2024 work season, the company successfully completed all geotechnical and metallurgical drilling as well as some exploration drilling to advance and enhance our ongoing PEA for the phase 1 mining study at the SMSZ project. The most recent drill results continue to advance the larger exploration goal which is to crack the 2 million ounce gold mineral resource threshold. We look forward to publishing the results of the PEA in early 2025 as well as following up with continued drilling at our best targets." Highlights of the Phase 2 Exploration Program* Mogoyafara South - 3.81 g/t Au over 2.7 m from 74.0 m in hole KO-24-DD-001 - 60 m downdip extension Mogoyafara South - 5.64 g/t Au over 1.9 m from 249.4 m in hole KO-24-DD-001 - new lens Mogoyafara South - 0.86 g/t Au over 6.7 m from 170.2 m in hole KO-24-DD-002 - known zone Mogoyafara South - 2.00 g/t Au over 7 m from 25 m in hole KO-24-RC-007 - better than expected Mogoyafara South - 0.80 g/t Au over 9 m from 93 m in hole KO-24-RC-009 - 35 m downdip extension Frikidi - 6.35 g/t Au over 9.5 metres in hole FAW-24-DD-001 from 26.9 m, known zone Frikidi - 0.5 g/t Au over 6.85 metres, 0.5 g/t Au over 3.5 metres and 0.5 g/t over 5.25 m in hole FAW-24-DD-002 from 35.35 m, 65 and 129.5 m, respectively, historic target Barani Gap - 1.11 g/t Au over 8 m in hole FA-24-AC-059 from 9.0 m Barani Gap - 0.77 g/t Au over 9 m in hole FA-24-AC-057 from 28 m New Zone - 3.35 g/t Au over 3 m from 43 m in hole FA-24-AC-047 - Auger anomaly Kolon - 0.74 g/t Au over 9 m and 1.91 g/t Au over 3 m from 19 m and 33 m, respectively in hole SW-24-AC-021 - 100 m step-out from 3.68 g/t Au over 3 m * Complete results are presented in Table 1 at end. Estimated true widths are 85-95% of drilled length at Mogoyafara South, 70-85% of drilled length at Kolon and unknown at the 'New' Zone. Technical Details of the Phase 2 Drill Program The company tested for extensions of the gold mineralization at Mogoyafara South, Barani Gap, Frikidi, Kolon and Soa Zones (see Figure 2 for locations). Mineral resources have been estimated at Mogoyafara South and Barani East (includes Barani Gap). Mogoyafara South The Mogoyafara Deposit comprises an inferred mineral resource of 412,800 ounces grading 1.05 g/t Au**. It consists of at least 56 shallow east- or west-dipping, dominantly sandstone- and felsic intrusion-hosted lenses of gold mineralization within a ~4 km by 1.8km structural window on the west side of the Senegal Mali Shear Zone. Gold mineralization is associated with pyritic, silicified and albitized zones in the host rocks. Generally, the alteration halo is larger than the anomalous gold mineralization. A total of 11 holes totaling 1,647 m were completed over Mogoyafara South comprising nine RC holes totaling 1,108 metres and 2 oriented core holes totaling 539 metres (see Figure 3). The core holes were designed to both validate and extend mineralization to depth. The RC holes tested for extensions to existing gold lenses, validation of gold mineralization and the testing of new targets. The two core holes intersected wide intervals of silica-albite-pyrite altered sandstone. A 287-metre-long core hole, KO-24-DD-001, was drilled as an 80 metre stepout, to an in-resource pit hole that returned 1.22 g/t Au over 41 metres. The mineralized zone was intersected where expected but was lower grade and broken up with intercepts of 1.51 g/t Au over 1.2 m, 0.77 g/t Au over 2.9 m and 0.96 g/t Au over 4.7 m. New zones of gold mineralization intersected to depth returned 0.9 g/t over 2.7 m, 5.64 g/t Au over 1.9 m and 1.21 g/t Au over 2.3 m with the latter intercept, 95 metres vertically below the previous gold-bearing intercept on this section. One other intersection of note is a mid-hole intercept of 3.82 g/t Au over 2.7 metres, which is materially better than an intercept on the same lens, located 50 metres to the east. Core hole KO-24-DD-002, demonstrated good continuity with the previously interpreted gold zones with mix of better and weaker intercepts across the modelled gold-bearing lenses with intersections of 0.71 g/t over 3.4 metres, 0.42 g/t Au over 7.9 metres, 0.86 g/t Au over 7.0 metres and 1.16 g/t Au over 2.6 metres. This hole was drilled within the resource pit outline and will likely result in modest volume additions to the mineralization model. Of the nine RC holes, intercepts of 2.00 g/t Au over 7 metres in hole KO-24-RC-007 and 1.26 g/t Au over 5 metres in hole KO-24-RC-009, either extended the zone down dip (RC-009) or returned a wider and higher grade intercept than expected (RC-007). Holes KO-24-RC-004, -006 and -008 intersected the mineralized zones where expected, but had lower grades. Hole KO-24-RC-003, a 35 metre up-dip step-out, did not intersect the expected zone. Holes KO-24-RC-004 and -005, where drilled to test the southerly extension of the western set of lenses. Both holes intersected gold alteration with a best interval grading 0.20 g/t Au over 12.0 metres. The final two RC holes tested a 2,680 ppb Au-in-auger anomaly and returned a best intercept of 0.19 g/t Au over 3.0 metres. Additional drilling is required over the Mogoyafara Deposit area to continue to define the mineralized zone, test for extensions to known zones, test strong Au-in-auger anomalies and to test artisanal mine areas that returned good gold values (Figure 3), especially to the south of the resource area as there is a good correlation between open-pit constrained resources and the location of artisanal mine workings at Mogoyafara South. Figure 3. Mogoyafara South plan map with drilling summary To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_2d40832154ce2a2e_001full.jpg Frikidi A total of 17 AC (315 metres) and 2 oriented diamond drill holes (190 metres) totaling 505 m were completed over the Frikidi area in 2024 (see Figure 4). Rocks in the Frikidi area are likely part of the same rock package that hosts the gold mineralization at the Mogoyarafa South, Gourbassi West and Gourbassi West North Zones, The two core holes tested two areas of gold mineralization. Hole FAW-24-DD-001 was a vertical hole drilled to test for flat-lying zones adjacent to a previously drilled structure that had returned 6.67 g/t over 4 metres. The new hole, representing an approximate 9 m step-out to the south, returned 6.35 g/t Au over 9.5 metres. True width is estimated at ~4 metres. No significant flat-lying mineralization was intersected. The 2nd core hole was drilled to follow up on a historic intercept of 1.07 g/t Au over 26 metres located near a NW-trending magnetic break. This hole intersected numerous lower grade gold zones including 0.50 g/t au over 7.85 metres, 0.50 over 3.5 metres, 0.5 g/t Au over 5.25 metres and six additional, narrow intercepts grading > 0.3 g/t Au (see Table 1 at end for summary). Oriented core data suggest that the zones trend northwest, which supports an inferred NW-trending host structure as evident in the magnetic data. Additional holes are required along the NW trend to determine the potential of this zone. True widths are unknown. The AC holes tested two areas along interpreted NW-trending structures that returned Au-in-auger anomalies of up to 8,650 ppb Au and 462 ppb Au (see Figure 3). Low gold values, intersected in both areas likely explain the anomalous auger results with the best interval returning 0.68 g/t Au over 3 metres from hole FAW-24-AC-010. More work needs to be completed over the Frikidi area to determine if there are sufficient volumes of mineralized rock to delineate a mineral resource. Barani Gap Area A total of 24 AC holes totaling 789 metres were completed in the Barani Gap area (see Figure 5). This work results in the discovery of a new zone of gold mineralization and modest extensions to the Barani Gap mineralization. Six of the holes were drilled to test auger anomalies of 1,527 ppb Au, 633 ppb Au and 408 ppb Au. Hole FA-24-AC-047, which tested a 1,527 ppb Au-in-auger anomaly, returned 4 intervals grading 0.57 g/t Au over 5.0 metres, 0.83 g/t Au over 6.0 metres, 1.11 g/t Au over 4 metres and 3.35 g/t Au over 3 metres. This target is believed to be a NE-trending zone of mineralization within a larger northerly-trending shear zone system. Additional drilling is required in this area. This is a new discovery. Holes FA-24-AC-54, -57, -58 and -59, all drilled in the Barani Gap area, returned oxide gold intercepts of 0.49 g/t Au over 6.0 metres, 0.77 g/t Au over 9.0 metres, 0.44 g/t Au over 8.0 metres and 1.11 g/t Au over 8.0 metres, respectively, which resulted in extensions to one of the resource zones of 120 m and extended a non-modelled lens of gold mineralization by 100 metres to 270 metres. More drilling will be carried out into this area with a goal to expand and discover new mineral resources. True widths are estimated to be 70-90% of true widths. Figure 4. Frikidi Area 2024 Drill Summary Plan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_2d40832154ce2a2e_002full.jpg Figure 5. Barani Gap 2024 Drill Summary Plan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_2d40832154ce2a2e_003full.jpg Kolon to Soa Area The Kolon to Soa area lies northeast, along strike of the Barani East Deposit and is likely controlled, in part, by the same northeast-trending structure that is related to the Barani East Deposit. In 2024, 21 holes, including 3 RC holes (328 metres) totaling 951 metres were completed over this area (see Figure 6 for locations). The best results were returned from the Kolon (1.91 g/t Au over 3 metres) and Soa South (0.16 g/t Au over 28 metres) areas, where drilling extended the mineralized zones by 100 and 200 metres, respectively. Unfortunately, the RC holes did not return any significant results as they are interpreted as having been drilled mostly down-dip. Follow-up drilling is required to validate this interpretation. The Kolon to Soa area lies along the northeast strike extension of the Barani East Zone, which is subject to a current PEA. Both magnetic and induced polarization surveys show clear breaks in the stratigraphy, which are interpreted to represent northeast-trending shear zones and/or faults. Northerly-trending mineralization appears to be stronger close to the interpreted structural breaks. Future drilling will focus on those areas proximal to the shear zones. Figure 6. Kolon to Soa 2024 Drill Summary Plan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_2d40832154ce2a2e_004full.jpg Technical Study Update (The "PEA") Figure 1 - SMSZ Project Location and Major Deposits in Western Mali and Eastern Senegal (* see deposit resources disclosures at end) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_2d40832154ce2a2e_005full.jpg Figure 2. SMSZ Property scale Summary and Zone location plan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_2d40832154ce2a2e_006full.jpg PEA Update Metallurgical test work is continuing for samples from the Barani East, Gourbassi West and Gourbassi West North deposits. Test work results will be released in due course. This press release contains certain scientific and technical information. The Company is solely responsible for the contents and accuracy of any scientific and technical information related to it. Don Dudek, P.Geo. a director of Desert Gold and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release. On Behalf of the Board "Jared Scharf" ___________________________ Jared Scharf President & Director About Desert Gold Desert Gold Ventures Inc. is a gold exploration and development company which controls the 440 km2 SMSZ Project in Western Mali containing Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 8.47 million tonnes grading 1.14 g/t gold totaling 310,300 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources of 20.7 million tonnes grading 1.16 g/t gold totaling 769,200 ounces. For further information please visit www.SEDARPLUS.ca under the company's profile. Website: www.desertgold.ca. This news release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements entail various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations, are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such statements. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the capital markets, the price of gold; operational, funding, liquidity risks, the degree to which Mineral Resource estimates are reflective of actual Mineral Resources, the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable, and the risks and hazards associated with mining operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such statements unless required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States securities act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to the account or benefit of a U.S. person absent an exemption from the registration requirements of such act. * Figure 1 disclosure Figure 1 Disclosure To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/231781_fig1disclosure.jpg TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF DRILL HOLE INTERCEPTS >0.3 g/t Au BHID FROM m) TO (m) LENGTH (m) Au_g/t FA-24-AC-047 3 8 5 0.57 FA-24-AC-047 29 35 6 0.83 Incl. 30 34 4 1.11 FA-24-AC-047 43 46 3 3.35 FA-24-AC-048 NSV FA-24-AC-049 NSV FA-24-AC-050 NSV FA-24-AC-051 NSV FA-24-AC-052 NSV FA-24-AC-053 30 32 2 NSV FA-24-AC-054 3 16 13 0.3 FA-24-AC-054 6 12 6 0.49 FA-24-AC-055 23 24 1 0.47 FA-24-AC-056 NSV FA-24-AC-057 28 37 9 0.77 FA-24-AC-058 14 25 11 0.38 FA-24-AC-058 16 24 8 0.44 FA-24-AC-059 6 7 1 1.57 FA-24-AC-059 9 17 8 1.11 Incl. 10 16 6 1.41 FA-24-AC-059 34 40 6 0.52 FA-24-AC-059 35 37 2 1.12 FA-24-AC-060 NSV FA-24-AC-061 NSV FA-24-AC-062 10 11 1 0.29 FA-24-AC-062 25 32 7 0.13 FA-24-AC-063 NSV FA-24-AC-064 NSV FA-24-AC-065 11 12 1 0.22 FA-24-AC-066 NSV FA-24-AC-067 NSV FA-24-AC-068 5 6 1 0.23 FAW-24-AC-002 NSV FAW-24-AC-003 NSV FAW-24-AC-004 NSV FAW-24-AC-004 22 23 1 0.3 FAW-24-AC-005 NSV FAW-24-AC-006 12 13 1 0.45 FAW-24-AC-007 NSV FAW-24-AC-008 8 9 1 1.1 FAW-24-AC-008 13 15 2 0.57 FAW-24-AC-009 NSV FAW-24-AC-010 8 11 3 0.68 FAW-24-AC-011 NSV FAW-24-AC-012 10 11 1 0.36 FAW-24-AC-014 16 17 1 0.95 FAW-24-AC-015 NSV FAW-24-AC-016 NSV FAW-24-DD-001 0 1 1 0.74 FAW-24-DD-001 14.4 15 0.6 0.4 FAW-24-DD-001 26.9 36.5 9.6 6.35 FAW-24-DD-001 37.5 38 0.5 0.44 FAW-24-DD-002 14.7 15.3 0.6 0.31 FAW-24-DD-002 35.35 43.2 7.85 0.5 Incl. 39.4 42.1 2.7 0.96 FAW-24-DD-002 52.7 53.4 0.7 0.75 FAW-24-DD-002 58.4 59.65 1.25 0.54 FAW-24-DD-002 65 68.5 3.5 0.5 FAW-24-DD-002 82.4 83.15 0.75 0.42 FAW-24-DD-002 91.95 92.4 0.45 0.37 FAW-24-DD-002 105.6 106.1 0.5 0.52 FAW-24-DD-002 122 122.7 0.7 0.35 FAW-24-DD-002 129.5 134.75 5.25 0.5 KO-24-DD-001 60.4 62.2 1.8 0.36 KO-24-DD-001 70 71 1 0.35 KO-24-DD-001 74 76.7 2.7 3.81 KO-24-DD-001 144.2 145 0.8 0.67 KO-24-DD-001 157.5 160.8 3.3 0.47 KO-24-DD-001 184.2 184.6 0.4 0.4 KO-24-DD-001 191.8 193 1.2 1.51 KO-24-DD-001 194.5 197.4 2.9 0.77 KO-24-DD-001 223 227.7 4.7 0.96 KO-24-DD-001 243 245.7 2.7 0.9 KO-24-DD-001 249.4 251.3 1.9 5.64 KO-24-DD-001 265 267.3 2.3 1.21 KO-24-DD-002 77.5 78.5 1 0.53 KO-24-DD-002 79.8 83.2 3.4 0.71 KO-24-DD-002 90.2 91.1 0.9 0.65 KO-24-DD-002 100.4 101.4 1 1.25 KO-24-DD-002 105 106 1 2.27 KO-24-DD-002 116.5 124.4 7.9 0.42 KO-24-DD-002 131.1 131.8 0.7 0.83 KO-24-DD-002 170.2 176.9 6.7 0.86 KO-24-DD-002 179.85 187.2 7.35 0.51 KO-24-DD-002 192.8 195.45 2.65 1.16 KO-24-DD-002 201 203 2 0.29 KO-24-DD-003 NSV KO-24-RC-004 20 25 5 0.27 KO-24-RC-004 20 32 12 0.2 KO-24-RC-005 NSV KO-24-RC-006 NSV KO-24-RC-007 1 12 11 0.32 KO-24-RC-007 25 32 7 2.0 KO-24-RC-008 10 13 3 0.4 KO-24-RC-008 22 29 7 0.45 KO-24-RC-008 33 34 1 0.58 KO-24-RC-008 73 74 1 0.3 KO-24-RC-008 114 115 1 0.35 KO-24-RC-009 27 29 2 0.93 KO-24-RC-009 93 102 9 0.8 Incl. 93 98 5 1.26 KO-24-RC-009 106 109 3 0.53 KO-24-RC-010 NSV KO-24-RC-011 NSV SBS-24-AC-025 NSV SBS-24-AC-026 16 21 5 NSV SBS-24-AC-027 NSV SBS-24-AC-028 0 2 2 NSV SBS-24-AC-028 23 24 1 0.18 SBS-24-AC-032 NSV SBS-24-AC-032 32 36 4 0.53 SBS-24-AC-033 NSV SBS-24-AC-034 33 36 3 0.69 SBS-24-RC-001 102 103 1 0.61 SBS-24-RC-002 18 25 7 0.39 SBS-24-RC-002 63 64 1 0.45 SBS-24-RC-002 78 79 1 0.53 SBS-24-RC-003 52 55 3 0.29 SW-24-AC-012 1 2 1 0.7 SW-24-AC-013 2 4 2 0.34 SW-24-AC-013 7 8 1 0.39 SW-24-AC-014 30 33 3 0.32 SW-24-AC-015 4 5 1 1.01 SW-24-AC-015 NSV SW-24-AC-016 NSV SW-24-AC-017 20 22 2 0.31 SW-24-AC-018 9 38 29 0.16 SW-24-AC-019 NSV SW-24-AC-020 NSV SW-24-AC-021 19 28 9 0.74 SW-24-AC-021 33 36 3 1.91 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231781 SOURCE: Desert Gold Ventures Inc. HELSINKI, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blastr Green Steel (Blastr) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with INTERFER Edelstahl Group, a leading European steel trading company, for the annual supply of 150,000 tonnes of ultra-low CO2 steel products. This is the second offtake agreement announced in just over a month, covering a combined 10% of the planned capacity at Blastr's green steel plant under development at Inkoo, Finland. "INTERFER is one of Blastr's shareholders and we are very pleased to expand our partnership to also include delivery of low-carbon steel products. The agreement demonstrates continued customer demand for decarbonised steel products at a market premium reflecting the need for new investments in Europe's steel industry. It also underpins our joint commitment to enabling material climate change impact by bringing green steel to the market at scale," says Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr. Blastr is creating a low-carbon steel value chain with lower C02 emissions compared to conventional steelmaking by using hydrogen instead of coal in the production process and feedstock made with clean energy. This includes the Inkoo steel plant, set to produce 2.5 million tonnes of ultra-low CO2 steel annually and the development of a green DR pellet plant in the UK to meet growing European demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial solutions. The agreement with INTERFER covers the supply of ultra-low CO2 steel products from the Inkoo plant over a long-term period. Blastr expects to supply HRC grade steel with CO2 total embodied emissions of less than 500 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne, including Scope 1, 2 and 3. This compares to emissions of ~2,200 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne in conventional steelmaking. Deliveries are planned to start by the end of 2029. Both parties intend to start discussions on a binding agreement in the beginning of 2025. Gerold Lorenz, CEO of INTERFER Edelstahl Group, commented: "Entering into this MoU and thus resulting in the offtake of ultra-low CO2 HRC grade steel is the next and consequential step for INTERFER Edelstahl Group, following the investment taken by our affiliate INTERFER Austria GmbH. The aim to support the green transition and build a sustainable future is the key driver for us to invest in and promote green steel. Blastr's ultralow CO2 HRC grade steel will be an excellent addition to our product portfolio, and we are looking forward to offering this high grade material to our customers." For further information, contact: media@blastr.no +358 50 465 4767 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/blastr-green-steel/r/blastr-green-steel-expands-interfer-collaboration--signing-low-carbon-steel-offtake-agreement,c4073101 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/blastr-green-steel/i/blastr,c3356148 Blastr View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/blastr-green-steel-expands-interfer-collaboration-signing-low-carbon-steel-offtake-agreement-302318326.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Mineral Road Discovery Inc. (CSE: ROAD) (the "Company" or "Mineral Road") announces it has acquired the remaining 33% of the Atlin-Ruffner Polymetallic Project. The Atlin-Ruffner Project consists of 28 crown granted mineral claims totaling 412.5 hectares in northwestern British Columbia, approximately 23 kilometres northeast of the community of Atlin. Atlin-Ruffner was the subject of intermittent small-scale mining for gold, silver and lead-zinc from 1916 through 1981 and has several small underground workings developed on the property. The only drilling reported to date on the Number 2 and 4 veins occurred in 1951 and again between 1967-8 and totaled approximately 4,000 metres, mostly from underground workings. The Project is located approximately 2 kilometres from the border with the advanced Ruby Creek Molybdenum Deposit, also known as the Adanac Molybdenum Deposit where the former operator, Adanac Molybdenum Corporation, advanced the historical molybdenum asset through feasibility, permitting, and funding and then into mine construction. Since 1968 other than intermittent production only surface geological, geochemical and geophysical work has been conducted on the Atlin-Ruffner property. The most recent work conducted by Pacific Harbour Resources in 1996-7 consisted of an extensive grid geochemical survey, and VLF and induced polarization geophysical surveys. Jason Cubitt, CEO of Mineral Road noted, "the Atlin-Ruffner camp remains one of the few historic mining districts in BC with little modern-day exploration. With the continued focus on Critical Minerals within the newly-elected BC government and around the world, Mineral Road believes high-grade underground targets such as Atlin-Ruffner represent an attractive path forward for all stakeholders." Field work at Atlin-Ruffner is planned for the summer of 2025 and will include geological mapping, prospecting and sampling as well as locating the documented historic workings. Mineral Road Discovery will issue 500,000 shares to complete the consolidation of its Atlin-Ruffner ownership, subject to regulatory approvals. Additionally, Mineral Road announces that, in accordance with the Company's stock option plan, it has granted to certain of its officers and consultants, incentive stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,250,000 common shares exercisable on or before November 28, 2029 at a price of $0.075 per share. About Mineral Road Discovery Mineral Road Discovery is an investor in exploration. By focusing on a combination of top-down thematics and significant technical and financial expertise, we can manage risks better to provide exceptional shareholder value. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231731 SOURCE: Mineral Road Discovery Inc. LONDON, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT DATA Business Solutions is set to bring its game changing 'ZERO Cost Move' to the UKISUG Connect 2024 Conference in Birmingham from 01 - 03 December 2024. This independent offering from NTT DATA Business Solutions is designed to eliminate the financial barriers associated with transitioning to the RISE with SAP solution, offering a fully funded technical migration so that organisations can focus their investment on transformative projects that deliver real business value. In a competitive landscape where innovation is crucial, the ZERO Cost Move redefines SAP software migration as a strategic advantage rather than a financial burden. By covering all technical migration costs, NTT DATA enables businesses to allocate budgets toward initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and overall growth. "We're helping our customers unlock new potential by removing the SAP software migration costs that have historically held them back," says Jon Gregory, Director - Business Development & Advisory Services, NTT DATA Business Solutions. "The ZERO Cost Move is a commitment to our clients' success, allowing them to deploy RISE with SAP confidently while refocusing their budgets from the technical move to their priority initiatives that really unlock business value." Key Benefits of the ZERO Cost Move: No-Cost Technical Migration: NTT DATA manages the complete migration from SAP ERP Central Component or SAP S/4HANA on-premise to RISE with SAP, freeing up resources for innovation and growth. Proven SAP Expertise: With extensive global experience in projects involving SAP S/4HANA, our team ensures a seamless, efficient transition, reducing risks and accelerating time to value. Fast, Risk-Free Transition: Our Technical Conversion Centre of Excellence for SAP S/4HANA streamlines the migration process, providing a rapid, low-risk pathway to RISE with SAP. Focus on Strategic Business Value: Businesses invest saved migration costs into initiatives that align with their highest priorities - from Artificial Intelligence and GenAI, to automation, organisational change management, testing, analytics and more. "We are excited to redefine what a migration can mean for businesses," states Christopher Gabriel, Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Innovation, NTT DATA Business Solutions. "With a ZERO Cost Move to RISE with SAP, we remove consulting fees for your technical migration, breaking down barriers to transformation and enabling valuable resources to be redirected toward game-changing digital innovation." Meet with Us at UKISUG Connect 2024 As a Gold sponsor, NTT DATA Business Solutions will be at Stand G12 throughout the conference to discuss the benefits of the ZERO Cost Move offer. Delegates are also invited to attend our presentation, "RISE to Innovation with NTT DATA Business Solutions," delivered by Jon Gregory on Monday 2nd December, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM in the Cloud ERP Stream (Exec 1). The session will explore how the ZERO Cost Move can help businesses achieve a seamless transition to RISE with SAP and unlock new opportunities for digital innovation. About NTT DATA Business Solutions NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider focused on SAP with a powerful ecosystem of partners. With more than 35 years of in-depth experience, we enable companies worldwide to become Intelligent Enterprises. We deliver end-to-end solutions that accelerate sustainable growth and success - from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and leverage the latest technologies to support our customers individually and across all industries. Our more than 15,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries work passionately every day to make it happen. NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA, a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services headquartered in Tokyo. As One NTT DATA we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping customers innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group. Press Contact NTT DATA Business Solutions Local: Carl Adams Marketing Director UK&I NTT DATA Business Solutions UK&I 12 Gough Sq, London, EC4A 3DW T: +44 (0) 0207 832 1800 E-mail: carl.adams@nttdata.com Global: Jasmin Straeter Head of Global Communications NTT DATA Business Solutions AG Konigsbreede 1, 33605 Bielefeld, Germany T: +49 521 9 14 48 108 Email: Jasmin.Straeter@nttdata.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569346/NTT_DATA_Business_Solutions_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/transform-without-the-cost-ntt-data-business-solutions-brings-zero-cost-move-to-ukisug-connect-2024-302318296.html TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2024 / Northern Superior Resources Inc. ("Northern Superior" or the "Company") (TSXV:SUP)(OTCQB:NSUPF)(GR:D9M1) announces that, due to the ongoing Canadian postal strike, the information circular and related materials for its upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024, have been posted under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca ("SEDAR+") and on the Company's website. Shareholders of the Company are encouraged to access the meeting materials directly through the above-mentioned websites. Alternatively, they may contact Katrina Damouni, the Company's Director of Corporate Development, at +44 7795 128583, including text and WhatsApp messages, or via email at kdamouni@nsuperior.com to request electronic copies of the materials. In the event that the postal strike concludes prior to the meeting, the Company will send the materials by regular mail; however, there is no assurance that the meeting materials will be received by the shareholders prior to the meeting. Voting Information Registered Shareholders: Emails containing the voting control number and instructions have been sent by the Company's transfer agent, Computershare, to registered shareholders with an email address on file. Shareholders who have not received these emails should contact Computershare's Investor Centre at 1-800-564-6253 (available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST) to request their voting control numbers. Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners ("NOBOs"): NOBOs can also contact Computershare at 1-800-564-6253 to request their voting control numbers and instructions. Objecting Beneficial Owners ("OBOs"): OBOs should reach out to their brokers to obtain their Voter Instruction Forms (VIFs), voting control numbers, and detailed voting instructions. Copies of the Company's financial statements and related management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website. If paper copies of the financial statements and MD&A have been requested but not yet delivered, the documents will be mailed once the postal strike is resolved. Corporate Matters The Company wishes to announce the granting of 424,946 Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") under its 2022 Equity Incentive Plan to certain directors of the Company. The DSUs were granted at a deemed price of $0.51 per underlying share and shall vest on November 28, 2025, subject to regulatory approval. About Northern Superior Resources Inc. Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns 72% of ONGold Resources Ltd. (TSXV:ONAU)(OTCQX:ONGRF) which is advancing promising exploration assets in Northern Ontario, including the district scale TPK Project. Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSXV under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or the Company's profile on SEDAR+. Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer Contact Information Katrina Damouni Director - Corporate Development Tel: +44 7795 128583 (Mobile/WhatsApp) info@nsuperior.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 press release. SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - BrandPilot AI Inc., (CSE: BPAI) (OTCQB: BPAIF) ("BPAI" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the common shares in the capital of BPAI (the "Common Shares") are now eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC eligibility is expected to simplify the process of trading and enhance the liquidity of the Common Shares in the United States. The Common Shares recently began trading on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the ticker symbol "BPAIF". DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a U.S. company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC are considered to be "DTC eligible". This electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, and accelerates the settlement process for investors and brokers, enabling the stock to be traded over a much wider selection of brokerage firms by coming into compliance with their requirements. The Common Shares now trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "BPAI" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "BPAIF". Exclusive Investor Webinar To provide shareholders and potential investors with a comprehensive overview of the Company's products and services, BPAI will host an investor webinar on December 5, 2024 at 12:00PM EST. The event, Inside BrandPilot: An Exclusive Product Showcase for Investors, will be led by CEO Brandon Mina and CRO John Beresford, who will discuss recent developments, strategic direction and provide a live demonstration of the Company's platform and capabilities. This webinar will offer investors a unique opportunity to engage directly with BPAI's leadership and gain insight into the company's strategic initiatives. If you would like to attend the webinar, please Register Here. About BrandPilot AI Inc. BPAI is an adtech platform that leverages artificial intelligence to optimize brand engagement and performance for enterprise clients in regulated markets. The Company's flagship product, Spectrum IQ, enables marketers to harness the power of micro-influencers to unlock ROI across digital campaigns. The Company also provides software solutions to brands and agencies that are looking to enhance their search engine marketing, influencer marketing and social media marketing campaigns. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the business of BPAI. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the benefits of DTC eligibility and hosting an investor webinar, BPAI's strategic plans, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur, are all considered forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. BPAI assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the financial markets generally, the possibility of increased liquidity and accessibility to of BPAI's shares following DTC eligibility, the benefits of hosting an investor webinar, and the ability of the Company to achieve its proposed business objectives. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231784 SOURCE: BrandPilot AI Inc. TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Nov 28, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501; hereafter Hitachi), today announced that Hitachi Yungtay Elevator Co., Ltd. , a Taiwan-based subsidiary of Hitachi engaged in the manufacturing, sales, installation, and maintenance of elevators and escalators, has received an order for all 147 elevators and escalators from Department of Rapid Transit Systems, Taipei City Government for the second phase of the Taipei Rapid Transit System (hereafter Taipei MRT*1) Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, which is scheduled to complete in 2031. This order is the largest-ever one for elevators and escalators for the Hitachi Group in Taiwan and also the largest-ever one thatHitachi Yungtay Elevator has received since it was established in 1966 as Yungtay Engineering Co., Ltd. (hereafterYungtay).Hitachi Yungtay Elevator will install 41 large-capacity machine-room-less elevators with load capacities of 1,600 kg and 2,000 kg, and 106 escalators at all 13 stations and one substation to be constructed in the second phase of theWanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line. All elevators will be equipped with the earthquake emergency operation function*2 toensure safety and security for users.Koji Ide, Chairman of Hitachi Yungtay Elevator said, "We are committed to a safety-first philosophy aiming to provide high quality products and services by adopting the meticulous management methods that Hitachi has developed in Japan. Hitachi Yungtay Elevator will continue to focus on large, high-grade projects providing safe and diverse services."Outline of the Taipei Metro Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin LineIn the Taipei metropolitan area, centered on Taipei City, the Taipei MRT and other railroads have developed rapidly inrecent years to meet the high population density and transportation demand, and many line expansion plans are under consideration. The Taipei MRT Wanda- Zhonghe-Shulin Line spans Taipei City, New Taipei City. The project consists of two phases. The first phase involves 9 stations with a total length of 9.5 km and the second phase involves 13 stations (2 underground and 11 elevated) with a total length of 13.3 km. The entire line is scheduled to be completed in 2031.Characteristics of the Elevators and Escalators OrderedHitachi Yungtay Elevator received an order for all elevators and escalators to be installed at all 13 stations and onesubstation to be constructed in the second phase of the Wanda-Zhonghe- Shulin Line.The earthquake that struck off the coast of eastern Taiwan on April 3, 2024, and the multiple aftershocks that followed have heightened interest in the safety of elevator users during earthquakes in Taiwan. All elevators to be delivered this time will be equipped with an earthquake emergency operation function, which is not mandatory in Taiwan. Theelevator car will stop at the nearest floor when it detects an earthquake of a certain strength or more, opening the cardoors to prevent users from being trapped. Escalators are also equipped with a function that smoothly stops the operation when an earthquake occurs.Hitachi's Elevators and Escalators Business in TaiwanHitachi Yungtay Elevator is the largest elevator and escalator company in Taiwan, leading the Taiwanese elevator andescalator industry since its establishment as Yungtay in 1966. Hitachi formed a business alliance with Yungtay shortly after its establishment and invested in the company in 1968. After more than 50 years of continuous collaboration, it became a consolidated subsidiary in 2020*3 and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2022, changing its name to Hitachi Yungtay Elevator*4.(1) MRT: Mass Rapid Transit(2) This function stops the elevator at the nearest floor and opens the door when it detects an earthquake of a certain strength or more.(3) News release dated October 15, 2020 titled Hitachi Acquired Additional Shares to Hold Majority of Shares of Yungtay,"Elevator Company Based in Taiwan"www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2020/10/201015.html(4) News release dated April 21, 2022 titled Yungtay Becomes a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, to Be Renamed Hitachi Yungtay Elevator www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2022/04/220421.html(5) A type of elevator in which the elevator car has two exits, and different exits are used depending on the floor on which the elevator stops.Hitachi Yungtay Elevator Websitehttps://en.hitachi-yungtay.com.tw/Hitachi Elevators and Escalators Websitewww.hitachi.com/businesses/elevator/Hitachi Building Systems Brand Channelwww.youtube.com/channel/UCfOgxcLRk3NHm2WrqHeQ6MAAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railwaysystems, and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in variousindustries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Cairo Amman Bank and Jordan Islamic Bank have signed joint cooperation agreements with Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to support the 2024/2025 phase of the country's subsidy scheme for residential solar panels and solar water heaters. The scheme covers 30% of the cost of installations. A subsidy scheme for residential solar panel systems and solar water heaters in Jordan has received support from two major banks. The household sector support program, which offers up to 30% of the costs of household solar panel and solar water heater installations, is implemented by the Renewable ... 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 QKS Group SPARK Matrix provides competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Digital Forensics and Incident Response Services vendors. provides competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Digital Forensics and Incident Response Services vendors. Kaspersky, with its comprehensive technology and customer experience management, has received strong ratings across the parameters of service excellence and customer impact. MIDDLETON, Mass., Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- QKS Group has named Kaspersky as a technology leader in their 2024 SPARK Matrix: Digital Forensics and Incident Response Services, analysis of market. The QKS Group SPARK Matrix evaluates vendors based on service excellence and customer impact. It offers an in-depth analysis of global market dynamics, major trends, vendor landscapes, and competitive positioning. By providing a competitive analysis and ranking of leading technology vendors, the SPARK MatrixTM delivers strategic insights that help users access provider capabilities, differentiate competitively, and understand market positions. Kaspersky was chosen as a leader in the 2024 SPARK MatrixTM: Digital Forensics and Incident Response Services due to its outstanding capabilities in providing robust security features, seamless integration with existing systems, and comprehensive management tools that ensure secure and efficient identity verification and access control for resources. QKS Group defines Digital Forensics and Incident Response Services as a "Set of cybersecurity services that are aimed at identifying, mitigating, and investigating cybersecurity incidents. It is a cybersecurity approach that merges two key disciplines, digital forensics involves investigating cyber threats to collect digital evidence for legal action against cybercriminals. On the other hand, incident response focuses on detecting and mitigating ongoing cyberattacks. These services involve proactive measures such as threat detection, containment, and recovery in the face of a security breach, as well as reactive digital forensics investigations that include evidence collection, analysis, and reporting". "Kaspersky's Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) offering provides comprehensive tools and services for detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It combines advanced threat intelligence together with forensic capabilities, allowing organizations to manage and mitigate cyber threats effectively. The solution provides real-time monitoring, detailed forensic analysis, and actionable strategies to help further enhance the organizations' security postures." "We are grateful for the recognition our Incident Response and Digital Forensics have received from QKS Group. We participate in thorough evaluations like these to independently validate that our services have the strong capabilities needed to predict, prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks, thereby enabling businesses to comprehensively protect all their resources," comments Veniamin Levtsov, Vice President, Center of Business Expertise, Kaspersky. The Digital Forensics and Incident Response Services market has become an essential part of today's cybersecurity strategies. With cyber-attacks on the rise in number and increasing sophistication, this service provides an absolutely necessary feature for every entity looking to add a core component of cybersecurity to its strategy. Current drivers behind this growth include mounting data breaches, compliance requirements by regulatory bodies, and necessity to quickly detect and mitigate threats. Such alarming activities from the enemies of IT prompted an upsurge in demand for specialized DFIR services among organizations who have been facing ransomware attacks, phishing tactics, and insider threats. Organizations want not just to respond but also to try and build overall resilience by using expert forensic analysis and strategy for incident response. Additional Resources: For more information about KASPERSKY About KASPERSKY: Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com . Media Contact: Kaspersky Olga Shokhonova, Corporate Communications Manager, Technology & Product PR Olga.Shokhonova@kaspersky.com About QKS Group: QKS Group is a global advisory and consulting firm focused on helping clients achieve business transformation goals with Strategic Business and Growth advisory services. At QKS Group, our vision is to become an integral part of our client's business as a strategic knowledge partner. Our research and consulting deliverables are designed to provide comprehensive information and strategic insights to help clients formulate growth strategies to survive and thrive in ever-changing business environments. For more available research, please visit https://qksgroup.com/ Media Contact: QKS Group Shraddha Roy PR & Media Relations QKS Group Regus Business Center 35 Village Road, Suite 100, Middleton Massachusetts 01949 United States Email: shraddha.r@qksgroup.com Content Source: https://qksgroup.com/newsroom/kaspersky-positioned-as-the-leader-in-the-2024-spark-matrix-for-digital-forensics-and-incident-response-services-by-qks-group-884 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qksgroup Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501519/QKS_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kaspersky-positioned-as-the-leader-in-the-2024-spark-matrixtm-for-digital-forensics-and-incident-response-services-by-qks-group-302318254.html DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global smoke detectors market is expected to grow from USD 2.68 billion in 2024 to USD 3.76 billion in 2029, with a CAGR of approximately 7.0% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The main reason for its growth is the increased awareness related to fire safety and enhanced regulations on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. More frequent occurrences of fire result in upward demand from highly efficient smoke detection systems. This has been further enhanced with smart and IoT-enabled smoke detectors. The technological advancement improves the performance and functionality of the system. Smoke detection solutions are increasingly implemented by industries as building codes change and sustainability initiatives get more attention. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=162940771 Browse in-depth TOC on "Smoke Detector Market" 150 - Tables 60 - Figures 250 - Pages Smoke Detector Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 2.68 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $ 3.76 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Detector Type, Power Source, Service, End-Use Industry and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Difficulties in disposing of smoke detectors Key Market Opportunities Increasing installation of smoke detectors Key Market Drivers Growing population and rapid urbanization Wireless smoke detectors are projected to hold the highest CAGR in the global smoke detectors market during the forecast period. Wireless smoke detectors are anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period, as they can be installed easily and offer improved functionality. These devices do not have complex wiring and can be installed anywhere, so they are very appealing to homeowners and businesses seeking DIY solutions. With stringent regulations and increased fire risks awareness, the market is likely to increase the demand for wireless smoke detectors. Newer technologies on battery and sensors have also improved their reliability and efficiency, which adds to the product's market stronghold. Wireless smoke detectors are very well poised for healthy growth as the need for convenience and automation in fire safety solutions develops in smoke detectors. Dual smoke detectors to capture significant market share during the forecast period. Dual-sensor smoke detectors will hold a considerable share in the smoke detector market during the forecast period. Combining the power of both ionization and photoelectric sensors, these smoke detectors are superior to others in detecting a large percentage of fires. Ionization sensors are more effective on fast-burning fires, while photoelectric sensors are more effective on slow-burning smoldering fires. Using a combination of the two technologies, dual-sensor detectors will enhance fire safety in several different aspects, and consumer demand along with commercial application of advanced smoke detection, like the one discussed, will always continue to be in trend. Commercial sector is expected to grow with a significant CAGR in the smoke detector market during the forecast period. The commercial smoke detector market will likely experience a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is mainly due to increasing urbanization and the rising need for better fire safety measures at workplaces. Stricter regulatory compliance and improving employee safety awareness are also driving this trend ahead. Besides, advances in smoke atmosphere detection technologies such as smart detectors with Internet of Things integration are making the system increasingly popular for commercial purposes and hence speeding up the expansion of the market in that space. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=162940771 Asia Pacific smoke detector market is anticipated to experience highest CAGR fueled by urbanization and technological innovations. The Asia Pacific smoke detector industry is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the rapid urbanization and industrialization of countries such as China, India, and Japan. Government measures toward raising fire safety standards help propel the demand for smoke detectors across various sectors. Increased awareness about fire hazards and the ever-growing requirement for reliable detection solutions have been contributing factors to growth. Smoke detection systems with innovative IoT features, in synergy with smart home technologies, will also define the shape of the market landscape across the region. Major companies operating in the smoke detectors companies include Johnson Controls (Ireland), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Hochiki Corporation (Japan), Siemens (Germany), and Honeywell International Inc. (US). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=162940771 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: Fire Protection System Market by Fire Suppression, Smoke Detector (Photoelectric, Ionization, Beam), Flame Detector (IR, UV), Heat Detector, Sprinkler (Wet, Dry, Deluge), Fire Response & Analysis, Service, Vertical and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 Fire Protection System Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) Market by Service Type (Testing, Inspection, Certification), System Type (Fire Alarm Devices, Fire Detection Systems, Sprinkler Systems), Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/smoke-detector-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/smoke-detector.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smoke-detector-market-worth-3-76-billion-in-2029---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302318073.html DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global capnography equipment market is estimated to grow from USD 374.2 in 2024 to USD 458.8 million by 2029, a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. The factors driving the capnography market include increased prevalence of respiratory diseases, technological advancements in the capnography devices, and favourable government initiatives. There is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality sensors in patients to ensure safety and aid in clinical decision-making, which also fuels growth. Minimally invasive procedures are increasingly prominent in the healthcare sector, where capnography becomes a must for monitoring respiration with anaesthesia. Another factor is the increase in surgical procedures and the growing use of capnography in emergency medical services. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=236876330 Browse in-depth TOC on "Capnography Equipment Market" 150 - Tables 50 - Figures 245 - Pages Capnography accessories & disposables segment accounted for the largest share of the Capnography equipment market. Based on the product segment, the capnography accessories & disposable is segmented into CO2 sensors, sampling lines, Nasal cannulas, Filters, Adapters and connectors, among others. In 2023, the largest market share within the capnography equipment market is by capnography accessories & disposables. Capnography accessories and disposables make up the largest share of market demand for capnography largely due to their guarantee of precision, hygiene, and functionality of monitoring systems for CO2. Widespread use in critical care, anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and even routine monitoring ensures constant demand. Disposable parts also reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination and infections-a key requirement in infection control protocols by healthcare facilities, thus further cementing their market leadership. High turnover, increasing patient safety and infection prevention concerns, and the wider acceptance of non-invasive monitoring techniques account for a large market share of capnography accessories and disposables. By technology for the largest share in 2023 Mainstream technology takes the lead in capnography market share since it is highly used in clinical and emergency settings. This has been majorly due to the reason that mainstreaming technology is the most effective, easy to use, and most now prioritized in patient safety and monitoring. More precise, non-invasive technologies that allow for real-time, continuous data are preferred by many healthcare facilities. For instance, mainstream infrared sensors measure exhaled CO2 directly at the airway. This technology is integrated into many of the machines that are mostly used in the setting-such as the anaesthesia machine and the ventilator-and also found in portable monitoring systems used in multiple healthcare environments. By application clinical diagnostics accounts for the largest share in 2023 By application segment consist of cardiac care, trauma and emergency care, respiratory monitoring and other applications. The market for capnography is largest in cardiac care as this is an essential monitoring procedure for patients with heart diseases, especially those who are subjected to anaesthesia, intensive care, or emergency treatment. Aesthetic and intensive care as well as prehospital treatment for critical patients benefit from real-time insight into a patient's respiratory status and circulatory function through the measurement of levels of end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), which are closely related to cardiac output, ventilation, and general circulatory health. Capnography is highly practiced in cardiac surgeries, post-operative recovery, and even emergencies such as cardiac arrest, where ventilation and circulation need to be quickly assessed. By end user hospitals accounts for the largest share in 2023 A market for capnography can be primarily dominated by hospitals, considering the urgent requirement to continuously monitor patients in multiple clinical settings on a real-time basis. Wide applications of capnography are noted in hospitals like in surgery of anaesthesiology monitoring, critical care units, emergency departments, and post-surgical recovery. Its role in the early detection of respiratory or circulatory issues by measuring end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) makes it critical in managing patients suffering from any form of respiratory or cardiac condition or on mechanical ventilation. North America dominates the Capnography equipment market in 2023. The largest share is held by North America in the capnography market; the region is characterized by an advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of medical technologies, and increased focus on patient safety and monitoring. The region-United States and Canada-is established in its health care system with the use of capnography highly important in hospitals, emergency departments, and critical care. The increasing incidence of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, combined with demographic changes in the market as it becomes older, is demanding more advanced monitoring solutions such as capnography for proper patient care. Beneficial health care policies, regulatory support, and vast investment in medical technology further fuel the adoption of capnography systems in North America. Due to strong research and development activities and high healthcare spending, this region also holds a strong position in the global capnography market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=236876330 The capnography equipment market is consolidated with few players, continuous innovations, and technological advancements. Development of automated and high-throughput systems integrated molecular and genomic technologies, and improvement in the accuracy and turnaround time of the tests are the key competitive factors. Moreover, the market players are investing in research and development to improve their products and sustain the competition in the capnography equipment market, hence keeping it lively and one of the rapidly growing sectors. Here are some of the key players in the Capnography equipment market: Becton, Dickinson and company (US), Medtronic (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V.(Netherlands), GE Healthcare (US), Dragerwerk AG (Germany) and others are of the prominent companies in the Capnography equipment market. Medtronic (US): Medtronic, provides solution in medical technology, with its breakthrough products, therapies, and services that people need. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, the company is everywhere its medicine, science, and technologies are absorbed into practice around the world. As a global leader in medical technology, Medtronic strives to take healthcare Further, Together-empowering clinicians to create meaningful innovations. Advances healthcare through cutting-edge technology, patient-centered solutions, and a focus on improving lives at every stage of care, now available in more than 150 countries. Becton, dickinson and company (US): BD, is a medical technology company with a wide-ranging expertise in designing new innovations in medication management, diagnostic systems, and medical technology. It has a strong presence in the following key sectors: biosciences, diagnostics, and medical devices. BD develops products and technologies that help improve patient safety, support clinical decision-making, and enable more efficient healthcare delivery worldwide. BD is focused on creating solutions that enhance the quality of care, expand access to healthcare, address critical needs in both developed and emerging markets, all with strong emphasis on innovation and global healthcare challenges. Koninklijke Philips N.V.(Netherland): Philips is a technological firm that focus on making life healthier and easier by innovative solutions in health technologies, consumer electronics, and lighting. It has a dominant share in the global market for medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, personal healthcare products, and connected lighting solutions. The company aims for meaningful innovations that bring health care closer to people's lives, improve outcomes for patients, and help in the quality of life. The company offers solutions in capnography, including portable and integrated devices, to meet the diverse needs of health professionals. GE Healthcare (US): GE Healthcare offers products in medical technologies and digital solutions provider, positioning it to help healthcare professionals with improving patient care and healthcare delivery. Based in Chicago, Illinois, GE Healthcare runs its operations across more than 100 countries and provides some of the broadest ranges of solutions and services in medical imaging. Innovations of the company are directed toward improved clinical decision-making, outcomes for patients, and reduced cost of care. GE Healthcare is focusing on precise medicine to offer advanced technological supports to healthcare professionals and drive innovation in health care so that it creates an even healthier future for one and all. Dragerwerk AG (Germany): Drager is one of the manufacturers of safety and medical technology. With its headquarters in Lubeck, Germany, the company offers innovative solutions for hospitals, emergency services, industrial operations, and firefighters. The company portfolio ranges over crucial medical devices such as anaesthetics, ventilators, and patient monitors. Furthermore, Drager offers personal protective equipment and safety technology solutions, including hazardous substance detection equipment. The company's medical portfolio includes anaesthetics, ventilation devices, patient monitoring equipment, and respiratory care devices. Its safety technology portfolio includes hazardous substance detection equipment, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protective equipment. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Clinical Alarm Management Market Cardiac Monitoring & Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices Market Patient Monitoring Devices Market Diagnostic Electrocardiograph Market Vascular Stent Market Get access to the latest updates on Capnography Equipment Companies and Capnography Equipment Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/capnography-equipment-market-to-hit-usd-458-8-million-by-2029-with-4-2-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302318067.html Masdar has successfully completed the acquisition of 70% of the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY to become majority shareholder of the Greek clean energy champion Following the closing of the transaction, Masdar will seek regulatory approvals for launch of an all-cash mandatory tender offer to acquire all the remaining shares Masdar will bring long-term capital and global expertise to supercharge TERNA ENERGY's growth plans as it targets 6GW of renewable energy operational capacity by 2029, supporting the energy transition in Greece and Eastern Europe The acquisition will play an important role in growing Masdar's portfolio in Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030 ABU DHABI, UAE and ATHENS, Greece , Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar ("Masdar"), the UAE's clean energy leader, announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of 70% of the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY SA (TENERGY.AT) from GEK TERNA SA (GEKTERNA.AT) and other shareholders, and received all regulatory approvals. The deal, agreed at a price of 20 euros per share, valued TERNA ENERGY at an enterprise value of 3.2bn euros, representing the largest ever energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange, and one of the largest in the EU renewables industry. Following the closing of the transaction, Masdar will seek regulatory approvals from the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission (HCNC), for the launch of an all-cash mandatory tender offer ("MTO") to acquire the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY. TERNA ENERGY has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio in Greece, as well as projects in Bulgaria and Poland. The company owns and operates clean energy projects across wind, solar, biomass and hydro technologies - Greece's renewable energy leader is also building one of the largest pumped hydro projects in Europe, the 680MW Amfilochia project. With TERNA ENERGY currently operating a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW), the acquisition reflects Masdar's confidence in the company's impressive growth potential, targeting 6GW by 2029. TERNA ENERGY will play an important role in enhancing Masdar's portfolio across Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030 in support of the energy transition. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, commented: "Masdar is proud to become the majority shareholder of TERNA ENERGY, bringing together two energy champions. Our committed vision and long-term capital will unlock significant opportunities for further growth in TERNA ENERGY's expansion as it executes on its strategy to support Greece's renewable energy goals. "Masdar's acquisition strategy has focused on acquiring not just assets, but investing in exceptional teams. Our ambition is to establish TERNA ENERGY as one of our core regional platforms that will help us deliver on our ambitious targets. I look forward to working with Executive Chairman, Georgios Peristeris, and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Maragoudakis, in support of the energy transition in Greece and Europe." Georgios Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA, and Executive Chairman of TERNA ENERGY, said: "Our agreement with Masdar is a reflection of TERNA ENERGY's unparalleled leading role in the green energy transition in Greece as well as in southeastern Europe, a result of our consistent and tireless efforts over the last 25 years to create the largest and fastest growing clean energy platform in our country. Sharing the same vision with Masdar for clean, affordable and domestically produced energy, we look forward to working together towards a future of endless growth possibilities for TERNA ENERGY". Masdar has retained Rothschild & Co. as sole financial advisor, and Simmons & Simmons, Bernitsas Law, Latham & Watkins as legal advisors, in connection with the transaction and financing. GEK TERNA Group was supported by Reed Smith LLP and Potamitis Vekris, who were the international and Greek legal advisors for the transaction respectively, while Morgan Stanley has been acting as sole financial advisor to TERNA ENERGY. For more information please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar 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. About TERNA ENERGY TERNA ENERGY, has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio of projects in Greece, with 2,500 MW in operation, under construction and ready for construction. TERNA ENERGY's installed capacity currently stands at 1,224 MW, while TERNA ENERGY is continuing seamlessly with its investment plan, aiming to approach a total installed capacity of 6 GW by 2029. TERNA ENERGY (www.terna-energy.com) is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569464/Masdar_Agios_Georgios_Wind_Farm.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2514011/4930165/MASDAR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/masdar-closes-deal-to-acquire-terna-energy-announces-goal-to-supercharge-growth-in-greece-and-eastern-europe-302318386.html Festi hf. and the Icelandic Competition Authority have entered into the attached settlement as a result of an investigation by the Authority in connection with the company's alleged breach of the commitments in a settlement concluded on 30 July 2018 regarding the merger of N1 hf. and Festi hf. The investigation period dates back to that time. With the settlement the company acknowledges that certain provisions of the settlement from 30 July 2018 and covers the following in limited periods of time: A new party was initially refused an offer for wholesale trade in marine fuel and that the inquiries of the relevant party were later not answered. Wholesale price of car fuel to Dlan was not in accordance with the cost assumptions of the settlement at all times and that other actions were taken that were likely to affect its competitive position and the value of assets. It was not satisfactorily ensured that the wholesale contact person and his/her work fulfilled the conditions of the settlement at all times. A retail store in South Iceland was not sold until after the time limit to carry out the sale had expired by the terms of the settlement. Festi did not make sufficient efforts early enough to ensure that negotiations on the revision of the contract with a competitor would be initiated and concluded within the time limit of the settlement and that the registration of communications in the communication log was in accordance with the requirements of the settlement. An independent expert was not provided with the necessary information and assistance in monitoring the settlement. Furthermore, Festi hf. admits that it has violated the provisions of the Competition Act on the duty of disclosure by failing to provide necessary and satisfactory data in a timely manner for the purpose of investigating the merger in question and by not having provided the Competition Authority with a satisfactory account of the company's views when the settlement was concluded in 2018, which covers limited periods within the investigation period. As a result of the above, an agreement has been reached to conclude the case by Festi hf. paying an administrative fine in the amount of ISK 750 million, which will be expensed in Q4 and will reduce the company's EBITDA for the year 2024. The financial results for October are available and the forecast for November and December has been updated. It is the opinion of the management that the results will be better than expected without the effect of the fine imposed by the Competition Authority. In light of this, the company's EBITDA forecast for the year 2024 is updated and decreases by ISK 550 million and is now ISK 12,200 - 12,500 million. With the signing of the settlement, the case is finally closed with respect to Festi hf. and there will be no further investigation or proceedings against the company, employees or other individuals on part of the Competition Authority. Asta S. Fjeldsted, CEO: "In connection with the merger of N1 hf. and Festi hf., a settlement was reached with the Icelandic Competition Authority in July 2018, which included various commitments intended to avert competition restrictions due to the merger. The Competition Authority has been investigating Festi's possible violations of the settlement from December 2020 when the opening of the investigation was announced. The signing of the settlement between Festi hf. and the Icelandic Competition Authority today constitutes the final conclusion of the case. Festi hf. thereby admits that it has breached certain conditions of the settlement and timely disclosure of information according to the Competition Act and agrees to pay a fine of ISK 750 million, which is approximately 0.54% of the total turnover for the year 2023. It was the opinion of the company that it was appropriate to conclude this matter with a settlement and look ahead. We will learn from the case and look to the future", says Asta S. Fjeldsted This announcement is published by Festi hf. and contains information that was considered inside information within the meaning of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Market Abuse (MAR), cf. Act No. 60/2021, on Measures Against Market Abuse, regarding Festi's settlement with the Competition Authority described above. This announcement is made by Solvi Davisson, Compliance Officer at Festi hf., in accordance with the company's disclosure obligations according to MAR and Article 2 of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055. The European Commission unveils the 2025 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, recognising their outstanding achievements in accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural heritage & creativity as exceptional tourism destinations. BRUSSELS, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Torino (Italy) and Benidorm (Spain) have been selected as the winners of the EU's 2025 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition, following a European Jury meeting in Brussels on 26-27 November 2024. In total, 37 destinations from across 16 countries competed for the European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism titles. Fourteen destinations were shortlisted and invited to present their candidatures in front of the European Jury. Torino impressed the European Jury not only with its remarkable achievements across all four categories of the competition, but also with the outstanding programmes of activities they intend to execute during 2025. Benidorm stood out as a pioneer in sustainable tourism, showcasing its capacity to act as a role model for other destinations. Both winners will receive a purpose-built sculpture to be prominently displayed throughout their year as 2025 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. Furthermore, the winners will receive promotional support and become a part of the growing network of smart and sustainable tourism destinations in Europe. The network is facilitating knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices, via a series of workshops and publication of a best practices guide. The 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism will become a role model for digital, accessible, sustainable and creative tourism in Europe and beyond, showcasing innovative tourism measures. The 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism will be given a prominent role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in the European tourism industry and actively participate in making a large impact on an international stage. The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition aims to promote smart tourism in the EU by rewarding cities for their pioneering smart tourism approaches in accessibility, digitalisation, sustainability, and cultural heritage and creativity. Built on the successful experience of a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament, the initiative seeks to foster innovative, sustainable, and inclusive tourism development, as well as spread and facilitate the exchange of best practices. The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is the successor of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition. It aims to recognise and reward smaller destinations that have put in place successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices. The competition is founded upon the principle of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in destinations which brings value to the economy, the planet and people. Smart tourism practices in Europe implemented by the applicants of the 2024 competition can be found in the 'Leading Examples of Smart Tourism Practices in Europe' report and the 'Leading examples of Smart and Sustainable Tourism Practices in Europe' report Likewise, delegates from the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition winners, shortlisted cities, and EU Commission's representatives discuss in the EU Smart Tourism Podcast series the role of smart tourism innovation and examine tourism practices that are shaping the future in Europe. For the latest updates on the European Capital of Smart Tourism, follow us on our website, Facebook, or X, and subscribe to our podcast series. For further press information, contact: EU Smart Tourism Secretariat: Sandra Bumbar-Malchow info@SmartTourismCapital.eu, +49 (0) 30 70 01 86 390 Notes to Editors: The 2025 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions were open to submissions from 6 March 2024 to 31 May 2024. Terms and conditions are available at https://smarttourismcapital.eu. In the first stage of the competition, a panel of independent experts evaluated the applications. As the result of the evaluation, two shortlists of seven Capital and Green Pioneer finalists were established. All finalist Capital cities demonstrated excellence across the four competition categories combined and the finalists Green Pioneer destinations stood out for their green transition practices. In the second stage, representatives of all finalists presented their candidatures and the programme of activities planned for 2025 in front of the European Jury. The European Jury met on 26-27 November 2024 in Brussels and selected two destinations to hold the titles of the European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism in 2025. Smart tourism responds to new challenges and demands in a fast-changing sector, including the expectation of digital information, products, and services; equal opportunities and access for all visitors; sustainable development of the local area; and support to creative industries and local talent. In 2023, from 29 applicant cities, Dublin was selected as the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism. In 2022, from amongst 29 EU cities which applied, Pafos and Seville were selected as the European Capitals of Smart Tourism in 2023. 2021, from 30 EU cities which applied, Bordeaux and Valencia won the title of European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2022. In 2019, amongst 35 EU cities which applied, Malaga and Gothenburg stood out and were selected as the European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2020. In 2018, amongst 38 EU cities, Helsinki and Lyon stood out and were selected the European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2019. Grosseto was selected as the 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, while previous winners of European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) include Kranj in 2023 and Middelfart in 2022. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/torino-and-benidorm-selected-as-2025-european-capital-and-green-pioneer-of-smart-tourism-302318400.html QUEBEC, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2024 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR)(OTCQB:NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024: Highlights of the Company's financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024, include the following: Revenue of $1,563,061 compared to $797,067 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 96%, largely attributed to the Network as a Service ("NaaS") revenue growth including the billing of revenue in Cameroon related to 2023 and 2024 and not yet invoiced. Gross profit of $765,737 compared to $(93,225) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an improvement of 61%. At 49% for the quarter, the results support the company's trajectory on gross margin for its operations. The GP % was less than Q2 2024 mainly due to IFRS 15 adjustments related to new build during the quarter. Total expenses of $4,185,595 compared to $3,208,937 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 30%, largely attributed to an increase in financial expenses related to short term borrowings. Net Loss of $3,220,575 compared to $3,302,317 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Highlights of the Company's financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, include the following: Revenue of $3,688,827 compared to $2,068,365, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 87%, directly attributable to the increase in live NaaS sites and CAPEX sales including partial delivery of the Marshall Islands project and other direct sales. Gross profit of $2,028,747 compared to $(63,349) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an improvement of 58% to reach 55%. Total expenses of $11,135,470 compared to $8,989,255 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 23.8%. Net Loss of $8,131,565 compared to $9,475,448 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of 14%. "Revenue and gross profit continue to trend in the right direction largely attributed to our expanding operations in Cameroon. Short-term financial expenses are weighing on our financial performance, yet we remain confident that we will be able to address this in the short term as we move towards positive EBITDA in 2025. Our sites continue to perform with key performance metrics continuously improving beyond expectations with Cameroon leading the way. We remain focused on building more sites as quickly as possible and diversifying our site builds in multiple countries as we demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our business model", stated Francis Letourneau, President and CEO of NuRAN Wireless Inc. Highlights from the Quarter and Recent Highlights Include: On July 16, 2024, NuRAN announced a US$ 32.2 million NaaS agreement for up to 200 sites with MTN Benin (JSE: MTN) for the deployment of rural 2G, 3G and 4G sites under the Network-as-a-Service ("NaaS") business model in Benin, West Africa. The 5-year agreement with MTN Benin now places NuRAN in 8 countries for 5092 sites throughout Sub-Saharan Africa with NaaS agreements signed. The contract includes a renewal for an additional 5 years at the end of the initial term. This agreement has been signed under the MTN Framework Agreement announced on July 21, 2022, serving as further evidence of the strong partnership between MTN and NuRAN both dedicated to empowering lives in rural communities across Africa; On July 16, 2024, the Company announced that the initial US$ 2.5M drawdown from the Facility for Energy Inclusion ("FEI") has been received allowing for the resumption of site construction; On August 19, 2024, NuRAN announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible debenture (the "Debenture") for aggregate gross proceeds of US$ 1.6M. The Debenture has a two-year term and accrues interest at a rate of 15% per annum until the Maturity Date. The principal amount of Debenture is US$2,194,772 after application of an original issuance discount of 25% and including all applicable fees. The Debenture may be converted into units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a conversion price of CDN$ 0.225 per Unit (the "Conversion Price") with each Unit consisting of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CDN$ 0.25. Under the terms of the Debenture, the Company also granted a participation right in future equity financings up to a 9.9% equity interest in the Company. About NuRAN Wireless: NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information: For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Letourneau, Director and CEO Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com Tel: (418) 264-1337 Frank Candido Investor relations Frank.candido@nuranwireless.com Tel: (514) 969-5530 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should" or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes. Forward looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Nuran, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Nuran to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements, including but not limited to management's business strategy for 2024. Although Nuran has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Nuran's actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, neither Nuran assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis that is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: Nuran Wireless Inc View the original press release on accesswire.com Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV:LG)(OTCQB:LGCXF) (the "Company" or "Lahontan") is pleased to announce that the Company has filed on SEDAR+ an independent Technical Report and updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") titled "Santa Fe Project Technical Report," effective October 9, 2024, and dated November 27, 2024, for Lahontan's Santa Fe Mine gold and silver project, Santa Fe District, Mineral County, Nevada. The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and supports the disclosure made by the Company in its October 15, 2024, news release announcing the updated Mineral Resource Estimate. There are no material differences in the Technical Report from the information disclosed in the October 15, 2024, news release. The Technical Report is available for download under the company's profile on SEDAR+ and is also available on the company's website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com. The Company expects to release the results of its Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the Santa Fe Mine project, utilizing the updated MRE, in December 2024. About Lahontan Gold Corp. Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mine development and mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, four top-tier gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining friendly Nevada. Lahontan's flagship property, the 26.4km2 Santa Fe Mine project, had past production of 356,000 ounces of gold and 784,000 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing (Nevada Division of Minerals, www.ndomdata.com). The Santa Fe Mine has a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 oz Au Eq(grading 0.99 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 oz Au Eq (grading 0.76 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report*). For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com * Please see the Santa Fe Project Technical Report, Authors: Trevor Rabb, P. Geo, Darcy Baker, PhD, P. Geo., and Kenji Umeno, P. Eng., Effective Date: October 9, 2024, Report Date: November 27, 2024. The Technical Report is available on the Company's website and SEDAR+. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kimberly Ann Founder, CEO, President, and Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Lahontan Gold Corp. Kimberly Ann Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director Phone: 1-530-414-4400 Email: Kimberly.ann@lahontangoldcorp.com Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com SOURCE: Lahontan Gold Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Cambridge House International is thrilled to announce the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2025, taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on January 19-20, 2025. Known as the epicenter for junior mining investment and a must-attend for investors, this annual gathering brings together over 5,000 investors and 120 keynote speakers, offering an exclusive opportunity to explore the latest strategies, trends, and innovations in the commodities sector. Over two power-packed days, attendees will gain direct insights from some of the sharpest minds in resource investment and the chance to connect with industry leaders. This conference will feature a lineup of expert speakers and presentations focused on precious metals, energy, critical minerals, and more. Highlights of the 2025 Conference: Exclusive Keynote Sessions : Hear from over 120 prominent speakers, including top executives, influential investors, and commodity market analysts, each offering invaluable insights. Networking Opportunities : Engage with over 5,000 industry professionals and investors, with numerous chances to form new connections and partnerships. Interactive Exhibits: Discover innovations and developments across the resource sector through exhibits by leading companies and emerging innovators. Don't miss the opportunity to gain insider knowledge, expand your professional network, and position yourself strategically in the ever-evolving commodities landscape. Tickets are now available, and we encourage early registration to secure your spot. For more details and to register, visit www.CambridgeHouse.com. Join us for an unforgettable event that could shape your investment strategy for years to come. --- --- To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231828 SOURCE: Cambridge House International Vonore, Tennessee--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - LeafTEK, a trusted provider of US-made gutter protection systems, introduces its DIY gutter guards that combine durability, easy installation, and roof warranty-friendly design. The brand's features include its unique vented ridge design, premium aluminum construction, and easy Do-It-Yourself (DIY) installation. American home improvement show host and blogger Bob Vila regards LeafTek as the best for shingle warranty in one of his blog entries with its 35-year warranty. LeafTEK Introduces DIY Gutter Guards To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10926/231473_72ee0747243cf807_002full.jpg LeafTEK is US-made with contractor-grade material, ensuring long-term durability. Its hi-tech vented ridge design promotes air circulation, keeping gutters dry and free from debris like pine needles, maple seeds, bird nests, leaves, seed pods, roof sediments, roots, twigs, and animal droppings. The product's raised ridge design prevents debris buildup, ensuring efficient rainwater flow, even during the heaviest storms. "We designed LeafTEK to bring peace of mind to homeowners. We understand how having an efficient and easy-to-maintain gutter system is crucial with or without heavy storms, so we developed a product that reduces the time and effort of climbing up the roof to clean debris out of their gutter system," said LeafTEK CEO and founder Dan Cash. Benefits of LeafTEK's DIY gutter guards Aside from its physical features and capabilities, LeafTEK's DIY gutter guards also provide other key benefits, including: Easy handling and shipping: Each panel is 4 feet long, making it easy to handle and ship. The ends of the sections have a small 1/2-inch tab that allows the pieces to fit together, without gaps creating a seamless finish. Cutting the corners or end pieces with basic tin snips is easy. A magnetic hex drive is included to make installation even easier. The product is also double-boxed and foamed-packaged for shipping. Pest prevention: LeafTEK's proprietary design enables rainwater to pass through gutters while preventing leaves and other debris from clogging the gutter system. Dry out unwanted debris with LeafTek's raised vented ridge design that promotes air circulation through the gutter system. The raised ridged design allows the breeze to blow off leaves and debris so there's no need to climb the ladder to do a manual, regular gutter checking and cleaning. Eco-friendliness: Water in the gutters is dried out with LeafTek's down-draft design, reducing the chances of pest breeding, like mosquitoes. The product also fully covers gutters to prevent birds, squirrels, and insects from nesting. With dry gutters, mosquito breeding is discouraged, reducing environmental concerns. Shingle warranty safety: LeafTEK preserves roof warranties by avoiding installations under shingles. No overflow: LeafTek has 404 holes per square foot. Each hole is 1/8" in diameter designed to handle massive rainfalls while stopping leaves and debris from entering gutters. The hole also prevents "shingle sediment" and other granular unwanted waste from clogging the gutter system. LeafTek's gutter guards are available in white and black. For more information about the company, visit http://www.GetLeafTek.com. The company also has a support staff located in the US that assists by phone or email seven days a week. About LeafTEK LeafTEK is a privately held, family-owned company established in 2015 in Vonore, Tennessee. It started manufacturing DIY gutter guards in 2017. The company's product, the DIY gutter guards, was developed to provide Americans with a durable gutter guard system with easy installation, less maintenance, and quality gauge aluminum. Apart from its DIY gutter guards, the company also offers US-made accessories for gutter installation and maintenance. With a 35-year warranty on its gutter guards, the company has proven to be one of the country's most reliable brands in gutter guard systems. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231473 SOURCE: Brand Featured Vancouver, British Columbia and Boise, Idaho--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. (TSXV: THM) (OTCQB: THMG) (the "Company" or "Thunder Mountain") is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a non-brokered private placement of up to 13,400,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of US$0.05 (CAD0.07) per Unit for gross proceeds of up to US$670,000 (CAD$938,000) (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will consist of one share of the Company's common stock (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional share of common stock of the Company at a price of US$0.10 (CAD$0.14) for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. Subject to regulatory approval, the Company may close the Private Placement in one or more tranches. The proceeds raised pursuant to the Private Placement will be used for exploration and for general working capital. The Private Placement remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Private Placement will be made on a private placement basis to accredited investors only pursuant to exemptions from prospectus and registration requirements of applicable securities laws. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States or to "U.S. persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. The securities issued in the Private Placement will be "restricted securities" under the U.S. Securities Act. The securities issued in the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Regarding Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. Thunder Mountain Gold Inc., a junior exploration company founded in 1935, owns interests in base and precious metals projects in the western U.S. The Company's principal asset is The South Mountain Mine, a historic former Anaconda Mining development of zinc, silver, gold, lead, and copper, located on private land in Owyhee County Idaho. Thunder Mountain Gold also owns 100% of the Trout Creek Project - a gold exploration project located along the western flank of the Shoshone Mountain Range in the Reese River Valley, adjacent to and surrounded by Nevada Gold Mines, a Barrick and Newmont Gold, Inc. joint venture. For more information on Thunder Mountain Gold, please visit the Company's website at www.Thundermountaingold.com. The South Mountain Project The South Mountain Mine is a polymetallic development project containing high-grade zinc, silver, gold, and copper, and is located on private land approximately 70 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho (See Figure 1 above). The Project is on private land, permitting has been, and should continue to be a clear-cut process. The Project was intermittently mined from the late from 1940s to the late 1960s, most notably by Anaconda Mining, with over 4,000 feet of underground developmental workings that that have been rehabilitated, re-engineered, and MSHA compliant. Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. purchased and advanced the project from 2007 through Present, with expenditures into the project of approximately US$25 million. Historic test mining and processing at the Project has mostly come from high-grade CRD and skarn zones that remain open at depth and along strike. According to historical smelter records, approximately 53,642 tons of mineralized material have been mined and direct shipped to the smelter, with average grades; 14.5% Zn, 10.6 o.p.t. Ag (363.42 g/t Ag), 0.058 o.p.t. Au (1.98 g/t Au), 1.4% Cu, and 2.4% Pb were realized (See SK-1300 Technical Resource Statement, and NI 43-101 Technical Report: Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the South Mountain Project, dated December 31, 2023, and December 15, 2023, respectively. More details are available on the Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. website and at www.SEC.gov, and www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, which could change materially in the future. By their nature, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Cautionary Note to Investors 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/231843 SOURCE: Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Kovo+ Holdings Inc. (TSXV: KOVO) ("Kovo" or the "Company") announces that in connection with the ongoing Canada Post labour strike, the notice of meeting, management information circular, and form of proxy (the "Meeting Materials") for the upcoming annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of holders (the "Shareholders") of Common shares ("Common Shares") of the Company, can be accessed under Kovo's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca and through Kovo's website at www.kovo.co/agm. Registered Shareholders The Company is encouraging Registered Shareholders to access the Meeting Materials electronically and vote their Common Shares online. Registered Shareholders can request copies of the Meeting Materials delivered via email by contacting Computershare Trust Company of Canada ("Computershare"), Kovo's registrar and transfer agent, at 1-800-564-6253 (Toll-Free North America) or 1-514-982-7555 (Toll-Free International). Beneficial Shareholders Beneficial Shareholders should contact their broker/intermediary to obtain a copy of their voting instruction form or other proxy-related materials if not already provided. Proxies and Questions In all cases, Shareholders' votes must be received not later than 10:00 a.m. (MST) on December 12, 2024 or not less than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time for the holding of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Shareholders with questions on voting may contact Computershare at 1-800-564-6253 (Toll-Free North America) or 1-514-982-7555 (Toll-Free International), or the Company at investors@kovo.co. About Kovo+ Holdings Inc. Kovo+ is a versatile technology company leading the charge in AI initiatives to drive impact and innovation across diverse industries. Kovo+ remains committed to its core business-model of strategic growth opportunities within mid-market Medical Billing firms, where exploitive business optimization synergies exist. Moving forward, Kovo+ will integrate accretive broader healthcare sector additions to its portfolio and opportunities beyond in multiple new markets. Dedicated to revolutionizing business processes optimization through technological advancements and evolving AI applied methods, Kovo+ embodies a commitment to ensured and enduring profitability. To learn more about Kovo+ and to keep up to date on Kovo+ news, visit www.kovoplus.co. Contact Information 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 of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231849 SOURCE: Kovo+ Holdings Inc. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2024 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") announces that the Company has applied for TSX Venture Exchange approval to extend the expiry date on certain share purchase warrants (the "Warrants"). Per the application, 4,800,000 Warrants that were originally issued as part of a private placement transaction on June 8, 2022 (see June 9, 2022 news release) exercisable at $0.50 per warrant and expiring December 8, 2024 will now be extended to an expiry date of June 8, 2025. In addition, the Company proposes to extend the expiry date for 735,500 warrants issued pursuant to a private placement transaction on June 30, 2022 (see June 17, 2022 news release) exercisable at $0.50 per warrant and expiring on December 30, 2024 will now be extended to June 30, 2025. All other terms and conditions of the Warrants remain unchanged. About Metallic Minerals Metallic Minerals Corp. is a resource-stage mineral exploration company, focused on copper, silver, gold, and platinum group elements in top North American jurisdictions. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development. At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate highlights a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.2 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver1, with numerous additional targets showing potential for a district-scale porphyry system. The Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment focused on La Plata by Newmont Corporation in May 2023 with two subsequent top up investments in 2024. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified the La Plata mining district as a critical minerals resource area under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative program and has completed significant geologic and geophysical studies to enhance understanding of the critical mineral potential in the district. The La Plata project is located between the communities of Mancos and Durango, Colorado, north of Highway 160. In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla's operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. The inaugural Resource Estimate at the Company's Keno Silver project added 18.2 Moz silver equivalent2 to the Company's total resources in 2024. Hecla is the largest primary silver producer in the USA and soon to be Canada's largest with full production at its Keno Hill operations in 2024. The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in North America, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development and has worked closely with Canadian First Nation groups, US Tribal/Native Corporations, and local communities to support successful project development. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Website: www.mmgsilver.com, Phone: 604-629-7800 Email: cackerman@mmgsilver.com, Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420 Footnotes 1.) As documented by www.juniormininghub.com; 2.) see news release dated July 23, 2023; 3.) see news release dated February 26, 2024 Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals 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 or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.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: Metallic Minerals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - (Block Height: 872,350) - Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. (TSXV: CBIT) (OTCQB: CBTTF) ("Cathedra," the "Company," or "we"), a bitcoin company that develops and operates digital infrastructure assets with the goal of maximizing its per-share bitcoin holdings, today announces its third quarter ("Q3") financial results for 2024: Q3 2024 Highlights Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024, of C$5.9 million, compared C$4.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of 20%. (Please refer to the "Management Commentary" section herein for a note regarding the presentation of our results and the historical comparisons included in our financial statements and MD&A.) Completed its previously announced business combination with Kungsleden, Inc., (the " Kungsleden Merger ") on July 23, 2024, creating a developer and operator of high-density compute infrastructure and adding 45 megawatts of owned bitcoin mining data center capacity. Relocated approximately 1,129 of its machines from a third-party facility to a Cathedra-owned and -operated data center in Tennessee, resulting in a greater than 30% improvement in cash operating margins for the machines. Entered into multiple new profit-sharing agreements with institutional hosting clients, with the intent of increasing Cathedra's exposure to bitcoin in a rising hash price environment. Among these agreements is a new partnership with Compass Mining (" Compass "), whereby Cathedra hosts 10 megawatts of Compass's bitcoin mining machines at one of its data centers in Kentucky. Under the agreement, Compass pays pass-through power costs plus 50% of net profits (defined as net mining revenue less cost of power) to Cathedra. Cathedra and Compass share the intent of expanding this partnership beyond the initial 10 megawatts to future sites. Renegotiated an existing agreement with the owner of one of its leased data centers in Washington to reduce Cathedra's fixed lease cost. Under the amended terms, the Company pays a rate of US$50.00 per megawatt-hour plus a profit share equal to 35% of the cash operating margin of Cathedra's machines at the site. The contract expiration date has also been revised to February 28, 2025, subject to renewal at Cathedra's discretion. Enrolled three of its data centers in a new demand-response program in the Tennessee Valley Authority. Under this program, Cathedra will be compensated for curtailing its 30 megawatts of data center load for up to 1% of the year. The compensation will consist of a fixed credit of approximately US$10 per megawatt-hour for participating in the program plus additional compensation for each curtailment event. Subsequent to quarter end, Cathedra completed the construction of its 60-megawatt data center in North Dakota, in which Cathedra owns a 25% interest through a joint venture. The full 60-megawatt capacity is contracted to third-party hosting clients under a combination of fixed-rate and profit-sharing agreements. Subsequent to quarter-end, Cathedra's shares resumed trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker CBTTF. Cathedra also continues its preparations to list its shares on a major U.S. stock exchange, which it hopes to achieve in early 2025. Cathedra holds approximately C$0.2 million of cash and C$6.5 million of bitcoin (48.1 bitcoin) for total liquidity of C$6.7 million as of November 27, 2024. Management Commentary "Historically, our industry has moved in four-year cycles," remarked AJ Scalia, CEO of Cathedra. "Following the Halving of Bitcoin's block subsidy in April, we saw new cycle lows in hash price-and consequently, the least profitable period in the history of our industry. During Q2 and Q3, we took steps to reduce our all-in bitcoin mining costs and to reorient our business toward a more predictable, stable hosting model through our merger with Kungsleden-all with an eye toward increasing the Company's per-share bitcoin holdings. With bitcoin surging to new all-time highs in recent weeks and nearing a price of US$100,000, we appear to be entering the 'upswing' part of the cycle. And with several large, non-recurring expenses associated with the Kungsleden Merger behind us, we are well positioned to increase our cash balance and, more importantly, our bitcoin holdings. "As noted in our September memo to shareholders, we also continue to evaluate capital market conditions and may issue securities if and when we believe doing so will be accretive to our long-term per-share bitcoin holdings. That said, with our relatively stable hosting business and the improving margins in our mining operations, we are also capable of growing our data center portfolio without relying on dilution or external financing. We believe this flexibility distinguishes Cathedra from pure-play bitcoin mining companies and will allow us to make capital allocation decisions that are in the best long-term interests of shareholders. "We are as optimistic as we have ever been about the future of Bitcoin and our industry and look forward to what the next 12 months bring. "A clarification is in order regarding the presentation of our results and the historical comparisons included in our financial statements and MD&A: because Kungsleden was deemed the acquirer in our merger for accounting purposes, our Q3 2024 financial statements are presented in comparison to Kungsleden's Q3 2023 results, at which time Kungsleden was a private company and had not yet combined with Cathedra. These comparisons may be of limited use to investors; we have therefore included several comparison tables (see page 13 of the accompanying MD&A) which illustrate how our Q3 2024 results would have compared to Q3 and year-end 2023, as appropriate, had Cathedra and Kungsleden combined prior to the start of Q3 2023. (Note these tables do not eliminate transactions and related balances between Cathedra and Kungsleden, but we believe they are a useful reference for investors nonetheless.) We will continue to include these (or similar) tables in our quarterly MD&A until this comparison issue is resolved with the passage of time." About Cathedra Bitcoin Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. develops and operates digital infrastructure assets across North America with the goal of maximizing its per-share bitcoin holdings. The Company hosts bitcoin mining clients across its portfolio of three data centers (30 megawatts total) in Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as a 60-megawatt data center in North Dakota, a joint venture in which Cathedra is a 25% partner. Cathedra also operates a fleet of proprietary bitcoin mining machines at its own and third-party data centers, producing approximately 400 PH/s of hash rate. Cathedra is headquartered in Vancouver and its shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol CBIT and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol CBTTF. For more information about Cathedra, visit cathedra.com or follow Company news on Twitter at @CathedraBitcoin or on Telegram at @CathedraBitcoin. Cautionary Statement Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. 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 certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this release about future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes but is not limited to information concerning: the potential for and merits of the Kungsleden acquisition; the benefits of the strategy to become a developer and operator of high-density compute infrastructure for bitcoin mining and/or other potential end markets; and other statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of its normal course of business. Additionally, these forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Cathedra and general market conditions. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Cathedra's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Cathedra believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: an inability successfully integrate the Kungsleden business on terms which are economic or at all; a failure to realize the expected benefits of the business plan to develop and operate high-density compute infrastructure for bitcoin mining and/or other potential end markets; the risks of an increase in the Company's electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the potential adverse impact on the Company's profitability; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, as well as capital market conditions in general; volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions; compliance with extensive government regulation and the costs associated with compliance; unanticipated costs; changes in market conditions impacting the average revenue per MWh; and the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets. Additionally, the forward-looking statements contained herein may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Cathedra and general market conditions. Please see the Company's management information circular dated June 18, 2024 which is available for view the Company's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca. 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 herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. 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 and such changes could be material. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231851 SOURCE: Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") announces it intends to complete a non-brokered flow-through private placement offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $800,000 (the "Offering"). Under the Offering, the Company will issue up to 5,333,334 flow-through units (each a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.15 per FT Unit. Each FT Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") that qualifies as a "flow-through share" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one (1/2) non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at $0.25 for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the Offering for expenditures which qualify as Canadian Exploration Expenses, within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), to run drill programs on its properties. In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay finder's fee in cash equal to 6% of the gross proceeds raised, and issue Warrants equal to 6% of the total number of FT Units sold, to qualified non-related parties, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). All securities issued under the Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, will be subject to a hold period expiring 4 months and 1 day after issuance, in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. Grant of Equity Incentives The Company has approved, subject to acceptance by the Exchange, the grant of 3,350,000 stock options (the "Options") to officers, directors and a consultant of the Company. The Options are non-transferable and exercisable into Common Shares until November 28, 2029, at $0.125 per Option, subject to vesting provisions, with one-third vesting on the date of grant and one-third vesting ever anniversary thereafter. Advertising Services Agreement The Company also announces it has entered into an agreement with Ceo.ca Technologies Ltd. (the "Service Provider"), subject to approval by the Exchange. The Service Provider's scope of work will include, but not be limited to, providing advertising services, planning content creation and assisting in enhancing awareness of the Company. The agreement is for a term of three months commencing in December. To the knowledge of the Company, the Service Provider does not currently hold a security position in Tower and there was no relationship prior to the agreement. About Tower Resources Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, all in B.C., are the Rabbit North copper-gold porphyry project located between the New Afton copper-gold and Highland Valley copper mines in the Kamloops mining district, the Nechako porphyry-associated gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the More Creek epithermal gold project on the critical "red line" structural zone connecting the mineral deposits of the Golden Triangle. On behalf of the Board of Directors Tower Resources Ltd. Reader Advisory This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may," "would," "could," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favourable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statements, the proposed use of the proceeds of the Offering, is forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FORDISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITEDSTATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATIONOF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231852 SOURCE: Tower Resources Ltd. Aurwest Resources Corporation ("Aurwest" or the "Company") (CSE:AWR) today reports the Company's financial and operational results for the three and nine months period ending September 30, 2024. For further information please see the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's profile. Further to filing the Company's Financial Statements and MD&A, the Company is pleased to provide an update on our quarterly operating highlights as set out below: Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights Reduced operating costs by 61% to $62,752 during the third quarter, when comparing the same period in the prior year. Net loss for the first quarter was $62,752 or ($0.00) per share. Cash used in operating activities, before changes in working capital for the nine months was negative $83,962. Cash flows used in investing activities was negative $4,816 for the nine months, associated with exploration and evaluation expenditures. Consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $11,853 as at September 30, 2024. Significant Announcements Subsequent to Quarter End On October 7, 2024 the Company press released it has entered into a Purchase & Sale Agreement dated October 4, 2024 with Interra Copper Corp. (CSE:IMCX) (OTCQB:IMIMF)(FRA:3MX) pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement, the Company would sell 100% of its rights, title and interest in the Stars Property (the "Property") for an aggregate cash and equity consideration of approximately $1.1 million (1). The acquisition will be subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders. The Company is pleased to confirm that the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular of the Company dated November 6, 2024 the related form of proxy (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") have been mailed to shareholders of record as at November 5, 2024. The Company also confirms that the Meeting Materials can be accessed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com), on the Company's website at www.aurwestresources.com. The Meeting Materials are being distributed in connection with the special meeting of the shareholders of the Company to approve: (i) a special resolution whereby Aurwest will sell all or substantially all of its assets of the Corporation, specifically the Stars property to Interra Copper Corp. ("Interra") (the "Transaction") as announced on October 7, 2024, all as described in the Information Circular. This meeting has been set for 10:00 a.m. (MST) on December 10, 2024. In light of the Canada Post labour strike, the Company is encouraging shareholders to access the Meeting Materials electronically as noted above, and that registered shareholders vote online or deliver proxies by courier, and registered shareholders with physical share certificates to complete and return letters of transmittal by hand or courier to ensure the appropriate documents are received in a timely manner. Aurwest shareholders are encouraged to vote using the internet, telephone or fax numbers provided in the Information Circular to ensure their vote is received prior to the voting cut off 48 hours before the time of the meeting. Further details relating to the amended notice of annual general and special meeting of its shareholders is available on the Company's website. For Additional Information Please Contact Cameron MacDonald Telephone: (403) 585-9875 Email: cmacdonald@aurwestresources.com Website: www.aurwestresources.com About Aurwest Resources Corporation Aurwest is a Canadian-based junior resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in Canada. The Company currently holds a 100% interest in 3,762 hectares of contiguous claims at the Stars projects located approximately 65 kilometers southwest of Houston British Columbia. Forward-Looking Information Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation: additional exploration of the properties may not locate significant gold mineralization, the exploration program may not be completed as planned or at all; the Company may not be able to assemble a seasoned exploration team, the path finder elements may not be indicative of gold mineralization; the western margin of the Dunnage zone may not be located within the Property; the structural elements of the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt may not be similar to the Abitibi and Fosterville gold camps; the Company's ability to raise additional funding to conduct exploration; receipt of permits to conduct the exploration plans and matters relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects; certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with the applicable laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Aurwest Resources Corporation View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2024) - Aftermath Silver Ltd. (TSXV: AAG) (OTCQX: AAGFF) (FSE: FLM1) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") whereby the Company completed the issuance of 22,222,222 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.45 per Unit for gross proceeds of $10,000,000. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable by the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance at a price of $0.70 per Warrant Share. The Company intends to use the net proceeds to complete geological, metallurgical and engineering studies at the Company's Berenguela Silver-Copper-Manganese project in southern Peru ("Berenguela") and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued pursuant to Private Placement are subject to a hold period expiring on March 29, 2025. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company paid an aggregate cash commission of $300,000 to certain finders. None of the securities sold in connection with the Private Placement have been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Mr. Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a corporation which is beneficially owned by him, acquired all 22,222,222 Units for $0.45 per Unit or a total consideration of $10,000,000. The acquisition of 22,222,222 Units resulted in an increase of holdings of approximately 7.2% of the outstanding Common Shares on a partially diluted basis (assuming exercise of all 2176423 Ontario Ltd.'s Warrants) from what was reported in 2176423 Ontario Ltd.'s last early warning report. Prior to the Private Placement, Mr. Sprott beneficially owned and controlled 49,745,408 Shares and 9,142,857 Warrants representing approximately 18.7% of the outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 21.5% on a partially diluted basis assuming the exercise of such Warrants. Following the completion of the Private Placement, Mr. Sprott beneficially owns and controls 71,967,630 Shares and 20,253,968 Warrants representing approximately 25.0% of the outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 30.0% on a partially diluted basis assuming the exercise of such Warrants. The Units were acquired by Sprott for investment purposes. Mr. Sprott has a long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional securities of the Company including on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell securities of the Company including on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors. The participation by 2176423 Ontario Ltd. is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities issued to 2176423 Ontario Ltd. nor the consideration for such securities will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. A copy of Mr. Sprott's early warning report will appear on Aftermath Silver's profile on SEDAR+ and may also be obtained by calling Mr. Sprott's office at (416) 945-3294 (1106-7 King Street East, Toronto, ON, M5C 3C5). Berenguela Project: Background The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in Berenguela through a binding agreement with SSR Mining. Berenguela hosts a potentially open- pittable silver-copper-manganese Mineral Resource close to Santa Lucia in Puno province, southern Peru. Silver, copper and manganese have crucial industrial applications in the clean energy and battery spaces. Copper and manganese have been designated critical metals by the US government and the European Union. The project is less than 6km from road, rail and power lines and 4 hours from Arequipa by sealed road. Aftermath published a resource estimate in March 2023 based on over 300 core and RC holes. Metallurgical test work is underway adding to historic work, with the goal of producing silver and copper metal and a commercial battery-grade or fertilizer-grade manganese product. Qualified person Michael Parker, a fellow of the AusIMM and a non-independent director of Aftermath, is a non-independent qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Parker has reviewed the technical content of this news release and consents to the information provided in the form and context in which it appears. About Aftermath Silver Ltd. Aftermath Silver Ltd. is a leading Canadian junior exploration company focused on silver, and aims to deliver shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of quality silver projects in stable jurisdictions. Aftermath has developed a pipeline of projects at various stages of advancement. The Company's projects have been selected based on growth and development potential. Challacollo Silver-Gold project. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Challacollo silver-gold project. A NI 43-101 Mineral Resource was released on December 15, 2020 (available on SEDAR+ and the Company's web page). The Company is currently completing environmental permitting in anticipation of an upcoming drill program. Cachinal Silver-Gold project. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Cachinal Ag-Au project, located 2.5 hours south of Antofagasta. On September 16, 2020, the Company released a CIM compliant Mineral Resource and accompanying NI 43-101 Technical Report (available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's web page). ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Ralph Rushton" Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the completion and anticipated results of planned exploration activities and the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated, risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, and regulatory changes. 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 or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231856 SOURCE: Aftermath Silver Ltd. Advances in immunotherapy have ushered in a new era of treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL), particularly for patients who have experienced relapse after conventional chemotherapy regimens. This paradigm shift is characterized by the emergence of innovative therapies like CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, which have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in targeting and eradicating lymphoma cells. CAR T-cell therapy represents a groundbreaking approach where a patient's own T-cells are genetically engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells. This personalized treatment has shown significant promise, especially for individuals who have undergone extensive previous therapies. One notable example is Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta), a CAR T-cell therapy approved for use in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. Clinical trials have highlighted its ability to induce durable remissions, with some patients experiencing long-term remission even after multiple prior therapies. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's ' Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Insight 2024 ' report provides comprehensive global coverage of pipeline follicular lymphoma therapies in various stages of clinical development, major pharmaceutical companies are working to advance the pipeline space and future growth potential of the follicular lymphoma pipeline domain. Key Takeaways from the Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Report DelveInsight's follicular lymphoma pipeline report depicts a robust space with 50+ active players working to develop 55+ pipeline therapies for follicular lymphoma treatment. active players working to develop pipeline therapies for follicular lymphoma treatment. Key follicular lymphoma companies such as Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Incyte Corporation, Mabworks, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Nektar Therapeutics, Xynomic Pharmaceuticals, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd., ADC Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Zhejiang DTRM Biopharma, Immpact Bio, Galapagos, Immunitas Therapeutics, Enterome, CRISPR Therapeutics, CHO Pharma, Shanghai Blueray Biopharma, BeiGene, AstraZeneca, AVM Biotechnology, Mustang Bio, Merck, Pell Bio-Med Technology, Schrodinger Inc., Sana Biotechnology, Poseida Therapeutics, OncoNano Medicine, Inc., Nurix Therapeutics, Inc., NovalGen, Pfizer, Xencor, Wellington Zhaotai Therapies, MEI Pharma, Sutro Biopharma, Synthekine, Verismo Therapeutics, Vincerx Pharma, Novartis, Century Therapeutics, Newave Pharmaceuticals, Bio-Path Holdings, Affimed GmbH, Iksuda Therapeutics, Allogene Therapeutics, Adicet Bio, Carna Biosciences, Inc., BeiGene, Boryung Pharmaceutical, Accutar Biotechnology, Atara Biotherapeutics, AbbVie, InnoCare Pharma, NeoImmuneTech, and others are evaluating new follicular lymphoma drugs to improve the treatment landscape. and others are evaluating new follicular lymphoma drugs to improve the treatment landscape. Promising follicular lymphoma pipeline therapies such as Parsaclisib, TQ-B3525, Tafasitamab, MIL62, Ibrutinib, AZD0486, NKTR-255, Abexinostat, Acalabrutinib, Zilovertamab vedotin, SHR2554, Nivolumab, Loncastuximab tesirine, Golcadomide, Emapalumab, DTRM-555, Capivasertib, IMPT 314, GLPG5101, IMT-009, EO2463, CTX112, CHO-H01, BR1733, BGB-16673, BGB-10188, AZD5492, AVM0703, MB106, MK-1026, PL001, SGR-1505, SC291, SC262, P-CD19CD20-ALLO1, ONM 501, NX-5948, NX 2127, NVG-111, Mevrometostat, Plamotamab, WZTL-002, Voruciclib, STRO001, SYNCAR-001 + STK-009, SynKIR-310, VIP-152, VAY736, CNTY-101, LP-168, BP1002, IOA-244, IKS 03, ALLO-501, ADI-001, AS-1763, BGB-21447, BR101801, AC676, ATA3219, ABBV-319, ABBV-101, ICP-B02, ICP-B05, C-CAR039, Efineptakin Alfa, and others are under different phases of follicular lymphoma clinical trials. and others are under different phases of follicular lymphoma clinical trials. In August 2024, the company expects to file a supplemental Biologics License Application for tafasitamab for the treatment of patients with FL who have failed at least one prior systemic anti-CD20 immunotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy by the end of 2024 based on the positive Phase III results. In June 2024, a consortium of Eugene Private Equity and Korea Development Bank Private Equity announced that they would acquire 80% of South Korean vaccine maker Boryung Biopharma Co. for 320 billion won (USD 231 million). In February 2024, Incyte announced that it had entered into an asset purchase agreement with MorphoSys AG, which gives Incyte exclusive global rights for tafasitamab. Incyte will now recognize revenue and cost for all US commercialization and clinical development and MorphoSys will no longer be eligible to receive future milestone, profit split and royalty payments. In September 2023, OncoNano Medicine, Inc. announced a clinical trial supply agreement with Regeneron for the use of Libtayo (cemiplimab), a PD-1 inhibitor, in the combination stage of the first human trial of ONM-501, a dual-activating STING (STimulator of INterferon Genes) agonist and lead therapeutic development candidate. The ONM-501 first-in-human trial is a multicenter Phase Ia/b dose escalation and dose expansion study of intratumoral ONM-501 as monotherapy and in combination with Libtayo in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. OncoNano is the sponsor of the clinical trial, and Regeneron will supply cemiplimab. In May 2023, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced that it had entered into a worldwide collaboration and license agreement with Cellular Biomedicine Group Inc. (CBMG) to develop, manufacture, and commercialize next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Under the terms of the agreement, CBMG will grant Janssen a worldwide license to develop and commercialize the CAR-T assets, except in Greater China. Janssen and CBMG will negotiate an option for Janssen to commercialize the products in the Chinese territory. Janssen will make an upfront payment of USD 245 million that will be accounted for in the second quarter as a research and development expense. Additional future payments will be based upon achieving certain development, regulatory, and sales milestones, as well as tiered royalty payments on worldwide net trade sales, excluding Greater China. Request a sample and discover the recent advances in follicular lymphoma treatment drugs @ Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Report The follicular lymphoma pipeline report provides detailed profiles of pipeline assets, a comparative analysis of clinical and non-clinical stage follicular lymphoma drugs, inactive and dormant assets, a comprehensive assessment of driving and restraining factors, and an assessment of opportunities and risks in the follicular lymphoma clinical trial landscape. Follicular Lymphoma Overview Follicular lymphoma is a common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that originates from B-cells, a kind of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. This cancer is characterized by the growth of abnormal lymphoid follicles, which can disrupt normal lymphatic function. While the exact causes of follicular lymphoma are not fully understood, certain factors may increase the risk, including age (most commonly affecting adults over 60), a family history of lymphoma, and potential environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides or chemicals. Symptoms of follicular lymphoma can vary widely but may include painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and fever. Some patients may remain asymptomatic for extended periods, as this type of lymphoma can progress slowly. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies (like CT scans), and a biopsy of affected lymph nodes. The biopsy helps determine the subtype and stage of the lymphoma, which is crucial for planning treatment. Treatment for follicular lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Options may include watchful waiting for asymptomatic cases, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (such as monoclonal antibodies), and targeted therapies. In some cases, stem cell transplants may be considered for patients with more aggressive forms or those who do not respond to initial treatments. Given the indolent nature of follicular lymphoma, ongoing management, and regular monitoring are vital for achieving the best possible outcomes. Find out more about follicular lymphoma treatment drugs @ Drugs for Follicular Lymphoma Treatment A snapshot of the Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Drugs mentioned in the report: Drugs Company Phase MoA RoA TQ-B3525 Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Pre-Registration Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase delta inhibitors; Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase gamma inhibitors Oral Tafasitamab Incyte Corporation Phase III Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity; T lymphocyte stimulants Intravenous MIL62 Mabworks Phase III Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity Intravenous Ibrutinib AbbVie/ Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Phase III Agammaglobulinaemia tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Emt protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors Oral AZD0486 AstraZeneca Phase III Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity; T lymphocyte stimulants Intravenous NKTR-255 Nektar Therapeutics Phase II/III Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity; Interleukin 15 receptor agonists Intravenous Abexinostat Xynomic Pharmaceuticals Phase II Histone deacetylase inhibitors; Rad51 recombinase inhibitors Oral Acalabrutinib AstraZeneca Phase II Agammaglobulinaemia tyrosine kinase inhibitors Oral Zilovertamab vedotin Merck Sharp & Dohme Phase II Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 inhibitor Intravenous SHR2554 Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd. Phase II Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 protein inhibitors Oral Nivolumab Bristol-Myers Squibb Phase II Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity; Programmed cell death 1 receptor antagonists; T lymphocyte stimulants Intravenous Loncastuximab tesirine ADC Therapeutics Phase II Alkylating agents; DNA cross-linking agents Intravenous Learn more about the emerging follicular lymphoma pipeline therapies @ Follicular Lymphoma Clinical Trials Follicular Lymphoma Therapeutics Assessment The follicular lymphoma pipeline report proffers an integral view of the follicular lymphoma emerging novel therapies segmented by stage, product type, molecule type, mechanism of action, and route of administration. Scope of the Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Report Coverage : Global : Global Therapeutic Assessment By Product Type: Mono, Combination, Mono/Combination Mono, Combination, Mono/Combination Therapeutic Assessment By Clinical Stages: Discovery, Pre-clinical, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III Discovery, Pre-clinical, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III Therapeutics Assessment By Route of Administration: Intra-articular, Intraocular, Intrathecal, Intravenous, Oral, Parenteral, Subcutaneous, Topical, Transdermal Intra-articular, Intraocular, Intrathecal, Intravenous, Oral, Parenteral, Subcutaneous, Topical, Transdermal Therapeutics Assessment By Molecule Type : Oligonucleotide, Peptide, Small molecule : Oligonucleotide, Peptide, Small molecule Therapeutics Assessment By Mechanism of Action: Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase delta inhibitors, Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase gamma inhibitors, Emt protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Interleukin 15 receptor agonists, Histone deacetylase inhibitors, Rad51 recombinase inhibitors, Agammaglobulinaemia tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Apoptosis stimulants, Cell cycle inhibitors, Tubulin inhibitors, Tubulin polymerisation inhibitors, Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 protein inhibitors, Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, Programmed cell death 1 receptor antagonists, T lymphocyte stimulants, Alkylating agents, DNA cross-linking agents Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase delta inhibitors, Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase gamma inhibitors, Emt protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Interleukin 15 receptor agonists, Histone deacetylase inhibitors, Rad51 recombinase inhibitors, Agammaglobulinaemia tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Apoptosis stimulants, Cell cycle inhibitors, Tubulin inhibitors, Tubulin polymerisation inhibitors, Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 protein inhibitors, Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, Programmed cell death 1 receptor antagonists, T lymphocyte stimulants, Alkylating agents, DNA cross-linking agents Key Follicular Lymphoma Companies : Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Incyte Corporation, Mabworks, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Nektar Therapeutics, Xynomic Pharmaceuticals, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd., ADC Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Zhejiang DTRM Biopharma, Immpact Bio, Galapagos, Immunitas Therapeutics, Enterome, CRISPR Therapeutics, CHO Pharma, Shanghai Blueray Biopharma, BeiGene, AstraZeneca, AVM Biotechnology, Mustang Bio, Merck, Pell Bio-Med Technology, Schrodinger Inc., Sana Biotechnology, Poseida Therapeutics, OncoNano Medicine, Inc., Nurix Therapeutics, Inc., NovalGen, Pfizer, Xencor, Wellington Zhaotai Therapies, MEI Pharma, Sutro Biopharma, Synthekine, Verismo Therapeutics, Vincerx Pharma, Novartis, Century Therapeutics, Newave Pharmaceuticals, Bio-Path Holdings, Affimed GmbH, Iksuda Therapeutics, Allogene Therapeutics, Adicet Bio, Carna Biosciences, Inc., BeiGene, Boryung Pharmaceutical, Accutar Biotechnology, Atara Biotherapeutics, AbbVie, InnoCare Pharma, NeoImmuneTech, and others. : Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Incyte Corporation, Mabworks, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Nektar Therapeutics, Xynomic Pharmaceuticals, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd., ADC Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Zhejiang DTRM Biopharma, Immpact Bio, Galapagos, Immunitas Therapeutics, Enterome, CRISPR Therapeutics, CHO Pharma, Shanghai Blueray Biopharma, BeiGene, AstraZeneca, AVM Biotechnology, Mustang Bio, Merck, Pell Bio-Med Technology, Schrodinger Inc., Sana Biotechnology, Poseida Therapeutics, OncoNano Medicine, Inc., Nurix Therapeutics, Inc., NovalGen, Pfizer, Xencor, Wellington Zhaotai Therapies, MEI Pharma, Sutro Biopharma, Synthekine, Verismo Therapeutics, Vincerx Pharma, Novartis, Century Therapeutics, Newave Pharmaceuticals, Bio-Path Holdings, Affimed GmbH, Iksuda Therapeutics, Allogene Therapeutics, Adicet Bio, Carna Biosciences, Inc., BeiGene, Boryung Pharmaceutical, Accutar Biotechnology, Atara Biotherapeutics, AbbVie, InnoCare Pharma, NeoImmuneTech, and others. Key Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Therapies: Parsaclisib, TQ-B3525, Tafasitamab, MIL62, Ibrutinib, AZD0486, NKTR-255, Abexinostat, Acalabrutinib, Zilovertamab vedotin, SHR2554, Nivolumab, Loncastuximab tesirine, Golcadomide, Emapalumab, DTRM-555, Capivasertib, IMPT 314, GLPG5101, IMT-009, EO2463, CTX112, CHO-H01, BR1733, BGB-16673, BGB-10188, AZD5492, AVM0703, MB106, MK-1026, PL001, SGR-1505, SC291, SC262, P-CD19CD20-ALLO1, ONM 501, NX-5948, NX 2127, NVG-111, Mevrometostat, Plamotamab, WZTL-002, Voruciclib, STRO001, SYNCAR-001 + STK-009, SynKIR-310, VIP-152, VAY736, CNTY-101, LP-168, BP1002, IOA-244, IKS 03, ALLO-501, ADI-001, AS-1763, BGB-21447, BR101801, AC676, ATA3219, ABBV-319, ABBV-101, ICP-B02, ICP-B05, C-CAR039, Efineptakin Alfa, and others. Dive deep into rich insights for new drugs for follicular lymphoma treatment, visit @ Follicular Lymphoma Drugs Table of Contents 1. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Report Introduction 2. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Report Executive Summary 3. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline: Overview 4. Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5. Follicular Lymphoma Clinical Trial Therapeutics 6. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline: Late-Stage Products (Pre-registration) 7. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline: Late-Stage Products (Phase III) 8. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline: Mid-Stage Products (Phase II) 9. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline: Early-Stage Products (Phase I) 10. Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline Therapeutics Assessment 11. Inactive Products in the Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline 12. Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Analysis 13. Key Companies 14. Key Products in the Follicular Lymphoma Pipeline 15. Unmet Needs 16. Market Drivers and Barriers 17. Future Perspectives and Conclusion 18. Analyst Views 19. Appendix For further information on the follicular lymphoma pipeline therapeutics, reach out @ Follicular Lymphoma Treatment Drugs Related Reports Follicular Lymphoma Market Follicular Lymphoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key follicular lymphoma companies including Epizyme, Eisai, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Verastem Oncology, Gilead Sciences, TG Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Roche, Incyte Corporation, Bristol Myers Squibb, ADC Therapeutics, MorphoSys, Nordic Nanovector, AbbVie, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Research & Development, Novartis, MEI Pharma, and BeiGene, among others. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Market Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key Non-Hodgkin lymphoma companies, including Roche, Pfizer, Amgen, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, ACD Therapeutics, among others. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Pipeline Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Pipeline Insight - 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key Non-Hodgkin lymphoma companies, including Novartis, AstraZeneca, Genentech, BioInvent, Genmab, SystImmune, Nordic Nanovector, Pacylex Pharmaceuticals, Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc., Chipscreen Biosciences, Ltd., Timmune Biotech Inc., Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Gilead Sciences, Acerta Pharma BV, Adagene Inc, Conjupro Biotherapeutics, Inc., Rhizen Pharmaceuticals, Juventas Cell Therapy Ltd., Incyte Corporation, HUYA Bioscience International, SecuraBio, Genor Biopharma Co., Ltd., Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Antengene Therapeutics Limited, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd., Xynomic Pharmaceuticals, Inc., BioTheryX, Inc., UWELL Biopharma, Kronos Bio, Bio-Thera Solutions, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Aptose Biosciences Inc., Miltenyi Biomedicine GmbH, Precision BioSciences, Inc., Teneobio, Inc., TCR2 Therapeutics, IGM Biosciences, Inc, among others. Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Market Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key DLBCL companies, including AbbVie, Genmab, Merck, Roche, Xencor, Janssen, Denovo Biopharma, Calithera Biosciences IMV, Biogen, Autolus Therapeutics, Allogene Therapeutics, Novartis, Miltenyi Biomedicine, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Debiopharm, Seagen, Takeda, AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/follicular-lymphoma-clinical-trial-pipeline-appears-robust-with-50-key-pharma-companies-actively-working-in-the-therapeutics-segment--delveinsight-302318084.html Veteran actress Zarina Wahab, who featured in movies like Chitchor and the latest being Agneepath and Dil Dhadakne Do, recently made a shocking claim in connection with Jiah Khan death case. The late actress was reportedly dating Zarina and Aditya Pancholis son Sooraj Pancholi. Zarina claimed that Jiah Khan attempted suicide 5 times before meeting her son. Before that, she had tried 4-5 times, but it was destiny that when my sons turn came, it happened," Zarina told Lehren. Naseeb aisi thi ki jab mere bete ka turn aaya toh woh hua (When my son met her, all of that happened)," she added. Advertisement Zarina further stated, this connection gave tough time to his son and affected her personal life. If you spoil someones life with lies, its like a loan that will come back with interest," she said Jiah Khans mother Rabia claimed that Jiah, who was found dead in 2013 in her Mumbai home, was verbally, and physically tortured by Pancholi, Jiahs boyfriend at the time of her death. Rabia also claimed that her daughter was murdered. In her conversation with The Times of India, Zarina Wahab said that although Rabia is not in the country, the case has been getting delayed for 9 years. Adding that while the Pancholi familys sympathy is with Rabia, as she has lost her daughter, Zarina said that whatever she has been doing to the kids is wrong. TOI quoted Zarina as saying, Sometimes people try to blame someone else to hide their own mistakes. This could have happened 9 years ago. She has been delaying the judgment intentionally. The Dil Dhadakne Do actress said, She knows the truth. She should come out of it and not punish an innocent child. She knows from the beginning that it is not Soorajs fault. Despite that, she is doing all this. Further, the actress pointed out that whenever the court is about to pass the verdict, Rabia is absent from the country. Claiming that Rabia is making Sooraj look like a villain, she revealed that the Hero actor is hopeful because he is not guilty at all. Zarina concluded by saying, But making an innocent boy look like a villain in peoples eyes is not correct. Sooraj will find good work if it is in his destiny but this is not the way to call someone guilty when he is innocent. Eknath Shinde has hinted that he is out of the race for the Maharashtra CM post, saying he will abide by PM Narendra Modis and Union Home Minister Amit Shahs decision on the matter. This means the path is clear for the BJP to appoint its own face for the top job. Heres what its Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and NCP could get read more Eknath Shinde has indicated that he is out of the Maharashtra CM race. File Photo/PTI After Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hinted at ceding his claim to the top job, all eyes are now on who will occupy the post. The Shiv Sena chief said on Wednesday (November 27) that he would not be a hurdle in government formation. His announcement is seen as an end to the deadlock on the Maharashtra chief minister post four days after the Mahayuti romped home with 230 of the 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Of this, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 132 seats, while its allies Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) got 57 and 41 seats respectively. Advertisement Shindes indication that he is out of the race has paved the way for a BJP leader to become the next Maharashtra CM, with Devendra Fadnavis considered the frontrunner. Lets take a closer look. What Eknath Shinde said Shinde has said his Shiv Sena would support the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the next Maharashtra CM. Addressing a press conference at his residence in Thane on Wednesday, the caretaker CM said, I spoke to the prime minister and the home minister and said that there will be no obstacle from our side in government formation. Modi ji is the leader of the NDA [National Democratic Alliance] and I said that whatever their decision is and whoever their CM candidate is, the Shiv Sena will fully support him. His remarks come amid Shiv Sena leaders pushing for Shindes comeback as the Maharashtra chief minister, with some even citing the Bihar model. Shinde rubbished reports that he was unhappy over being asked to drop his claim over the top job. I am not disappointed. We fight and dont cry, he said. #WATCH | Thane: Maharashtra caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde says, "For the past 2-4 days you must have seen rumours that someone is miffed. We are not people who get miffed...I spoke with the PM yesterday and told him that there is no obstruction from our end in pic.twitter.com/IvFlgD5WQI ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2024 Advertisement His comments indicate that he has bowed out of the Maharashtra CM race, which clears the decks for the BJP leadership to pick any candidate of its choice. Responding to Shindes announcement, Fadnavis said that the BJPs top brass will take a call on the CM face. After Eknath Shinde jis media conference, there are no doubts in anybodys mind. A decision on government formation will be taken by the central leadership after due deliberation with state leaders from the three parties. Just as we had decided before the election, all decisions are being taken amicably, he said in Nagpur. Advertisement VIDEO | "There is no difference of opinion among Mahayuti partners. Even before the elections, we had said that we will make a decision (over the CM) together. Today, Eknath Shinde ji has cleared all doubts that were there among some people. We will soon sit together and make a pic.twitter.com/KZM6VFOiNE Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2024 Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule thanked Shinde for saying that he will abide by the BJP leaderships decision. I want to thank Shinde. He made clear his stand on the chief ministers post. He has taken an important stand. I am proud of him, he was quoted as saying by PTI. Shinde, Fadnavis and NCPs Ajit Pawar will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the power-sharing deal between the three Mahayuti parties. Who will get what? The BJP is likely to retain the CM post, while the formula of two deputies could continue one from NCP and the other from Shiv Sena. Shinde, who publicly hinted at giving up his claim to the Maharashtra CM post, would have done so only after securing plum portfolios for his party, noted Indian Express. Sources told the newspaper that Shinde could have even bagged an additional berth in the Union Cabinet for Shiv Sena. Advertisement Maharashtra has 43 Cabinet berths. As per Hindustan Times (HT), the BJP is likely to keep 22 berths including the CM post, while the Shiv Sena could get 12 portfolios and the NCP nine. Shiv Sena could get three key ministries Urban Development, Public Works Department (PWD) and Water Resources in the Maharashtra Cabinet, NDTVs sources said. Fadnavis, who is being projected as the next CM, is likely to retain the home department. The NCP could get the finance portfolio. Home, finance, UDD [urban development department] and revenue are considered the three most critical departments. Of these, two will go to the BJP and one each to the two allies. Fadnavis is keen on the home portfolio as policing, which falls under the home department, is directly linked to the image of the government, a senior BJP leader told HT. When is the Maharashtra CMs oath-taking ceremony? The swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra CM could take place either on November 30 or December 1, Ajit Pawar told reporters. He also confirmed the government will have two deputy chief ministers, PTI reported. Besides the CM and his deputies, 20 MLAs are also likely to take oath as Cabinet Ministers, sources told Indian Express. This will include 10 MLAs from the BJP, six from Shindes Sena and four from the NCP. However, as per an HT report, the oath ceremony is expected to be held on Monday (December 2) due to PM Modi and Amit Shahs busy schedule this week. With inputs from agencies JMM leader Hemant Soren will take oath as the chief minister of Jharkhand while Nepals Foreign Minister Deuba will head to China. Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated across the United States and Canada read more It is set to be a busy Thursday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, JMM leader Hemant Soren is set to take oath as Jharkhand chief minister in Ranchi. Meanwhile, Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba is set to visit China ahead of PM Olis visit. Delhi court to hear Arvind Kejriwals plea over sanction copy in ED case today while President Murmu will be on a four-day visit to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated in the United States. Advertisement Here is all that is set to take place today. Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM Jharkhand Chief Minister designate Hemant Soren is set to take oath as the next chief minister of the state today. This will mark his second consecutive term as the chief minister. Just a day earlier, Soren, along with his wife Kalpana, visited his ancestral Nemra village in Ramgarh district to pay tribute to his grandfather Sobaran Soren on his 67th death anniversary, observed as Sahid Diwas, reported news agency PTI. On Saturday (November 23), Hemant Sorens JMM-led alliance secured a decisive victory in Jharkhand claiming 56 out of 81 assembly seats while the NDA garnered only 24 seats despite an aggressive campaign. NDA meet to discuss Maharashtra CM Leaders from the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP (Mahayuti) will meet Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi to discuss who shall lead the state. The meeting comes as suspense mounts over the top post in the Mahayuti government following the recently declared results of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP won over 131 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Yesterday, Eknath Shinde had spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the chief ministers position and assured them that he would accept any decision made, stressing there would be no resentment regarding the selection. Nepals foreign minister to visit China Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba will travel to China to finalise the agenda and itinerary of Prime Minister K P Sharma Olis official visit to the northern neighbour, reported PTI. On Monday (November 25), the council of ministers endorsed Deubas visit and finalised the members that would be part of her entourage. The Cabinet has endorsed her visit to China where she would lead a high-level delegation from November 28 to 30 to make necessary preparations for the scheduled visit of PM Oli to China, Minister for Information and Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung said. Advertisement Delhi court to hear Kejriwals plea in ED case A Delhi court is set to hear a plea today filed by former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, who has claimed that he has not received a copy of the sanction order in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case against him. Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi HC, challenging the trial courts decision to take cognizance of the EDs prosecution complaints in the excise policy case, citing lack of sanction. File image/PTI Special Judge Kaveri Baweja granted the ED additional time to file its reply and fixed the matter for a detailed hearing on the scheduled date. In his plea, Kejriwal pointed out that during a recent hearing in the Delhi High Court, the Solicitor General representing the ED stated that the required sanction had been obtained when the charge sheet was filed, reported news agency ANI. President Murmu to visit Tamil Nadu President Droupadi Murmu will be on a four-day visit to Tamil Nadu. She will address the faculty and student officers of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington today. She will also interact with the members of the tribal womens Self-Help Groups and prominent members of the tribal community at the Raj Bhavan. On Saturday (November 30), she will attend the convocation ceremony of the Central University of Tamil Nadu at Thiruvarur. Advertisement Thanksgiving celebrations to begin The day that marks the holiday season in the United States and Canada is scheduled to take place today. This is the time when friends and family come together to enjoy festive meals, spend time with each other and express gratitude for the blessings. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, it falls on November 28. The festival dates back to 1621 when a harvest feast was shared between the Wampanoag, the lands original inhabitants and newly settled English colonists in America. On this day Birth anniversary of poet William Blake Birth anniversary of TV personality Jon Stewart Birth anniversary of actress Esha Gupta Death anniversary of Jyotirao Phule The Times in London became the first newspaper to be printed by automatic, steam-powered presses in 1814 William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway paid 40 for their marriage licence at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1582 US President Franklin D Roosevelt, British PM Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin met in Tehran in 1943 to discuss war strategy during World War II With inputs from agencies The ceasefire in Lebanon with Hezbollah has given momentum to an Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza. US President Joe Biden is now pushing for an elusive deal in Gaza, with Hamas reportedly also wanting to negotiate an agreement. But will the Jewish nation settle for such a pact? read more Palestinian children queue for donated food in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. Some hope that the Lebanon ceasefire will bring about a change in Gaza too. AP In West Asia and across the world, people heaved a sigh of relief when US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (November 27) announced that Israel accepted a ceasefire in Lebanon for a period of 60 days, effectively putting an end to the fighting with Hezbollah. In Gaza, the news of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon brought hope to some whereas for many others it gave them a sense of abandonment. Some speaking to Al Jazeera said that while they were pleased for their brothers in Lebanon for reaching a truce, they were waiting for their own ceasefire. Advertisement But it seems that their wait may not be too long; thats because US President Joe Biden said that the US will make another push for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Moreover, Hamas has also shown signs that it is ready for a truce in Gaza. We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners, a senior Hamas official told the AFP news agency, at the same time accusing Israel of obstructing an agreement. The question then is can a truce be negotiated? Will peace return to the area? We analyse the situation. A truce in Lebanon After almost 14 months of fighting, Israel agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon a move aimed at reducing tensions in the region more than a year into a multi-front conflict. Under the terms of the deal, Israel would gradually withdraw its forces from Lebanon, and Hezbollah would fully withdraw north of the Litani River. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army would deploy and take control over their own territory, US President Joe Biden said, adding that the United States, France and other allies have pledged to support the deal. Shortly after the announcement was made, tens of thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war headed back to their devastated towns and villages. Renewed push for ceasefire in Gaza Shortly after the ceasefire in Lebanon came into effect, eyes turned towards Gaza, with many wondering if a similar move could be possible there. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that Biden would now push for an elusive ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking to MSNBC, Sullivan said, President Biden intends to begin that work today by having his envoys engage with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and other actors in the region. US President Joe Biden, with his fingers crossed, speaks to reporters after being asked a question about a Gaza ceasefire, at the White House in Washington. AP We believe that this is the beginning of an opportunity for a more stable Middle East in which Israels security is assured and US interests are secured, he added. On X, Biden reiterated the same stance, saying that over the coming days the United States will make another push for a Gaza deal. Advertisement Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza with the hostages released and an end to the war without Hamas in power. President Biden (@POTUS) November 27, 2024 And its not just the US that is renewing their efforts to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Reuters reports that an Egyptian security delegation will travel to Israel on Thursday in an effort to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal. Advertisement Hamas calls for a ceasefire Israels archenemy, Hamas, too, indicated that it was ready to discuss a ceasefire after the Lebanon truce. We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners, a senior Hamas official told the AFP news agency. Later, Sami Abu Zuhri speaking to Reuters blamed Israel for the delay in a deal. Hamas showed high flexibility to reach an agreement and it is still committed to that position and is interested in reaching an agreement that ends the war in Gaza, Abu Zuhri said. The problem was always with (Israel PM Benjamin) Netanyahu who has always escaped from reaching an agreement, he claimed. Palestinian children walk at the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Gaza City. Reuters A Gaza ceasefire deal wont be easy However, it seems that Israel is in no mood to negotiate with Hamas, as Israeli leaders show no signs of wanting to ease up on the militant group. Some ministers have also made it clear their war aims for Gaza are very different than those for Lebanon. For instance, Israels Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter said, Gaza will never be a threat to the state of Israel againWe will reach a decisive victory there. Lebanon is different. Are we at the beginning of the end (of the Gaza campaign)? Definitely not. We still have a lot to do. Advertisement Even experts noted that a Gaza deal was far tougher to push owing to Israels different aims. Mairav Zonszein, an expert at the International Crisis Group, told AFP, Because Hezbollahs capacities are stronger than Hamas, Israel had no interest in expanding its ground operations to cover all of Lebanon. It was clear to the (Israeli) army from the minute that they escalated against Hezbollah that it wanted to limit the operation because the cost could be much higher than the utility, she said. Ofer Shelah, a senior researcher at Tel Aviv Universitys Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) think tank, noted that a ceasefire in Gaza would not serve Netanyahus purposes, as it could tear apart his government, which is packed with war hawks some of whom have denounced the Lebanon deal and want to take over Gaza. Advertisement I think its in his political interest for the war to go on because the end of the war in Gaza could really threaten this coalition, said Shelah to Reuters. What comes next for Gaza The ceasefire in Lebanon will now allow for Israel to resupply and refocus on Hamas. Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum think tank, said that if all goes well in Lebanon, Israel would shift its units back to Gaza. The (Israeli army) will be able to move more units back to Gaza, and definitely this might bring a change, he said, hoping it would push Hamas to release the hostages. This doesnt bode well for the thousands who continue to suffer in Gaza. As Mamdouh Yonis, who is currently living in Khan Younis after being displaced from the southern city of Rafah, told AP, The situation will be worse because the pressure will be more on Gaza. With inputs from agencies The six-week global naval operation dubbed Orion resulted in the seizure of 1,400 tonnes of drugs including a massive 225-tonne haul of cocaine from a narco sub. The massive bust led by Colombia involved the security agencies of the United States, Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands and several other nations, as well as multiple international organisation read more A Colombia-led operation has busted six narco subs carrying 1,400 tonnes of drugs including one with a massive 225 tonnes of cocaine. The drug operation involved 62 countries and spanned more than six weeks, authorities said. The submersible carrying 225 tonnes of cocaine was headed to Australia from Colombia. But what happened? What do we know? Lets take a closer look: What happened? The six week global naval operation was dubbed Orion. It resulted in the seizure of more than 1,400 tons of drugs, including 225 tonnes of cocaine and 128 tonnes of marijuana, Colombian Navy official Orlando Enrique Grisales told reporters. Advertisement CNN reported that the narco sub was the third such vessel authorities nabbed in the Pacific. As per The Guardian, the sub was intercepted south-west of Clipperton Island a small, uninhabited French coral reef in the Pacific. Five people on board have been detained. The interception revealing a new route of trafficking with sophisticated boats that can cover the distance of some 16,000 kilometres without needing to refuel. The first was discovered in Colombian waters, and thanks to the maps it carried, we identified the route. Thats when we began working with Australian authorities, Grisales told CNN. Grisales said officials also seized a semisubmersible wood-and-fiber glass vessel on its way to Australia with five tonnes of Colombian cocaine. A kilogram of cocaine is sold for up to $240,000 in Australia, said Grisales about six times more than the price in the United States. It is a route that is becoming increasingly profitable because prices are much higher in Australia, a security source told AFP. Initially, these boats were used mainly to take the drugs out of the country and move them off the coast of Colombia and then transfer them to ships, added the source. Advertisement It has been found that these semisubmersibles, sometimes even submersibles, are now increasingly sophisticated, with very fine engineering. The operation also uncovered previously-unknown alliances between cartels from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru with groups from Europe and Oceania. It is not just a pyramid structure as the cartels once were. Today they are organized crime networks joined together, said Grisales. Colombia is the worlds biggest cocaine producer and exporter, mainly to the United States and Europe. Last year, the South American country set a new record for cocaine production and cultivation of the coca leaf it is made from. More than 400 people were arrested in the operation targeting oceans, coasts, rivers and ports around the globe in October and November. Advertisement The seizure deprived drug cartels of more than $8.4 billion dollars, according to a statement from the Colombian Navy. Massive haul The 225 tonnes of cocaine is a massive haul. The Guardian quoted the UN as estimating that the cartels produce around 2,700 tonnes of cocaine every year. Colombias record for annual seizures came in 2022 when 671 tonnes were confiscated. This is an important chunk of the cocaine trade, even when you consider the high amounts of the drug leaving the region, Captain Manuel Rodriguez, director of the Colombian navys anti-narcotics unit, told the newspaper. This will prevent thousands of deaths from overdoses and $8.5bn from reaching the cartels which definitely makes a hole in the profits of these criminal organisations. Advertisement As per CNN, the use of such narco subs is nothing new. Drug traffickers first began using these vessels in the late 1990s as a way of trying to avoid authorities. Most of these vessels which are between 10 and 25 metres long usually sit low in the water and hard to spot, as per The Guardian. The massive bust involved the security agencies of the United States, Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands and several other nations, as well as multiple international organisations. The operation also halted illegal shipments of weapons and caught migrant traffickers, and involved agencies from the US, the EU and Australia. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Disturbing details have emerged from the autopsy reports of six family members whose bodies were recovered from the Barak River in Manipurs Jiribam district on November 17. The report revealed a 10-month-old infant suffered a bullet injury to the left knee joint, had both eyeballs missing, and multiple lacerations read more Violence erupted in the restive state of Manipur following the discovery of 6 dead bodies. PTI Disturbing details have emerged from the autopsy reports of six family members whose bodies were recovered from the Barak River in Manipurs Jiribam district on November 17. The reports showed brutal injuries, multiple bullet wounds and severe trauma. The victims, identified as members of a Meitei family, were allegedly kidnapped and killed by Kuki-Zo militants. Disclaimer: This article mentions graphic details that may be distressing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised. The new autopsy report The latest report of the post-mortem examination conducted at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assams Cachar district revealed that a 10-month-old infant, named Laishram Lamnganba, suffered a bullet injury to the left knee joint and had both eyeballs missing from the sockets. The report said there were multiple lacerations, including wounds over the front chest wall, blunt weapon injury over the right lower jaw to the chin and back of the head, hard blunt trauma over the right shoulder fracturing the head of the humerus and a wound on the left loin. Advertisement According to NDTV, the chop wound on his chest fractured the ribs. His body was brought to SMCH on November 17 and the approximate time of death was three to five days before that, as per the report. The body of the infant, who was found wearing a T-shirt and vest, was in a state of decomposition, officials said. Vehicles burn as demonstrators stand during a protest against the recent killings, in Imphal West, in the northeastern state of Manipur. Reuters Another victim, a 31-year-old woman, identified as Telem Thoibi, suffered three bullet injuries to the chest and one to the abdomen. Her skull was crushed with a blunt object, causing severe fractures and missing cranial membranes. Her eyes were dislodged out of the socket and her left and right forearm were severely damaged by blunt trauma, the officials said, quoting the report, adding a vaginal smear showed absence of spermatozoa. Besides, Thoibis eight-year-old daughter, Telen Thajanganbi Devi, also died from a fatal bullet wound. Vaginal swaps were collected and showed negative for spermatozoa, the officials said. She also suffered severe abdominal injuries, the report stated. Opinions regarding the cause of death are kept pending till receipt of the chemical analysis report of viscera from the Directorate of Forensic Sciences in Guwahati. The disturbing details of the woman, the girl and the infant were made public on Wednesday, two days after the autopsy report of three other members of the same family was released. Advertisement Previous report As per the earlier autopsy report of the three other members of the family, three-year-old Chingkhei Nganba Singh, Laishram Heitombi Devi (25), and Yurembam Rani Devi (60) bore multiple penetrating and lacerated injuries. The report of Singh showed that his right eye was missing, and he had a bullet wound in the skull. Lacerated injury, 4 centimetres x 3 centimetres, muscle deep, present over the right anterior chest wall, the report noted, indicating stab wounds, according to The New Indian Express. The report also talked about injuries suffered by Singhs mother, L Heitonbi Devi, who had three bullet wounds in the chest and one in the buttock. Her body was received by SMCH on November 18, seven days after her death. According to the report, the childs mother was probably killed at least two days before he and his grandmother. Advertisement Y Rani Devi, the childs grandmother, suffered five bullet wounds, one in the skull, two in the chest, one in the abdomen, and one in the arm. The approximate time since her death was similar to that of the baby, three to five days before the body was received for autopsy. The autopsy report of two elderly men Apart from the six family members, the latest autopsy reports also included details of two elderly men killed during the attack on November 11 by suspected Kuki militants. Their bodies were found in a charred state on November 12. Charred remains of goods after demonstrations following bodies, suspected to be of six missing people from Jiribam district, were found near the Manipur-Assam border on Friday night. Source: PTI. Maibam Kesho Meitei (72) suffered blunt trauma, burns, and missing body parts, while Laishram Baren Meitei (64) was found severely charred, the reports said. According to Maibam Keshos autopsy report, he had a mixed flame burn that peeled off the flesh of his right hand and forearm. According to India Today, a greenish bruise with skin damage was also discovered across the right buttocks lateral region. Advertisement According to Laishram Baren Meiteis report, the entire body front and back was deeply burned, and the soft tissue, abdominal, and thoracic viscera, as well as the spinal cord and vertebral column, appeared to have been cooked. The report showed that the entire face and the inside portion of the mouth cavity were charred, and that the skull bones had been burnt and found separated into pieces. Also read: MLAs houses burnt, curfew imposed: Why is Manipur burning again? Meitei familys abduction and killings The six persons belonging to the Meitei community had gone missing from a relief camp in Jiribam after a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants that resulted in the deaths of 11 insurgents on November 11. Their bodies were found in Jiri river in the Jiribam district and the nearby Barak River in Assams Cachar over the next few days. Advertisement The Imphal Valley saw massive protests in response to the killings. The lawmakers were criticised by the protesters for not doing enough to stop the increasing violence. In response, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said massive combing operations were launched in Jiribam and its surrounding areas to apprehend the perpetrators. He assured that the operations will continue until those responsible are booked under the rule of law. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into three cases of violence in Manipur, including the abduction and killing of six women and children. The agency re-registered three cases afresh on November 13 after the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to hand over the cases to it considering the gravity of the offences amid escalating violence. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year. With inputs from agencies After three days of violence, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters ended their protests, making a hasty retreat. The Imran Khan-founded party has alleged that the countrys security forces used brutal force to stop the demonstrators, including firing at them with live ammunition. Amid these claims, emerged footage of a demonstrator being thrown off a cargo container on the street. But whats the truth? read more Paramilitary soldiers try to detain a supporter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on top of a shipping container during a protest demanding the release Imran Khan, at the Red Zone area in Islamabad. AFP After pitched battles between security forces and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party protesters, an eerie calm returned to Islamabad in Pakistan on Wednesday when supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan made a hasty retreat. Imran Khans wife, Bushra Bibi, who was leading the protest, and other demonstrators fled in vehicles when police pushed back against the protesters following clashes in which at least seven people were killed. As PTI supporters left the protest site, came complaints of brutality by Pakistans army and police, including one incident in which security forces were accused of pushing a man off a stack of cargo containers on Tuesday (November 26). Advertisement Whats the truth? Thrown off a container The PTI has accused the Pakistan security forces of throwing a man off a stack of cargo containers on Tuesday in Islamabad, where crowds demanded the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The man had been praying on top of a container when armed officers approached him and brutally pushed him off from a height equivalent to three storeys, PTI said. Unverified video footage of the protests shows security forces approaching a man sitting in prayer on top of a pile of three shipping containers. A riot-gear-clad officer then pushes him over the edge of the platform, where he clings on briefly with his fingers before a further shove sends him head-first toward the pavement. When Pak rangers throw a Muslim off the container when he was offering Namaz in Pakistan's capital, it's for law & order. When a policeman in Delhi kicked a Namazi offering Namaz in middle of the road, it was gen0cide of Muslims by Hindu India under Mudi.pic.twitter.com/LO5aBE532D Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) November 27, 2024 The condition of the man remains unknown. BBC later confirmed that such an incident did take place on Tuesday at the corner of Jinnah and Attaturk avenues in Islamabad, where protesters had gathered. However, it stopped short of confirming if Pakistan Rangers had, in fact, pushed the man down from the container. Advertisement Complaints of brutality Following their retreat from the protest site, PTI alleged that the security forces had indiscriminately opened fire on protesters. The former PMs aides claimed dozens of people died and hundreds were injured during chaotic scenes on Tuesday night in the heart of the capital city. They further alleged that hospitals were being told to cover up casualties by the countrys powerful army. The centre of the city, known as D-Chowk, was the scene of violent clashes as protesters who had travelled from across the country came up against security forces. Protesters set shipping containers ablaze while riot police and army officers fired teargas and rubber bullets and were also accused of using live ammunition. PTI later claimed it was suspending its protest in view of the governments brutality and the governments plan to turn the capital into a slaughterhouse. However, Pakistan government disputed these claims made by PTI, saying that 600 arrests had been made but nobody had been killed. Ali Rizvi, Islamabads police chief, denied that live ammunition was used during the operation, which he said was conducted alongside paramilitary forces. Advertisement Attaullah Tarar, Pakistans minister for information and broadcasting, also said that there had been no firing and no fatalities. Similarly, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that officers had bravely repulsed the protesters. Security force personnel fire tear gas shells to prevent an anti-government rally by supporters of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khans party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad. Reuters But medical staff at hospitals seemed to be echoing what PTI said about shooting at protesters. Doctors were quoted as telling The Guardian that they had received multiple patients with gunshot wounds. A doctor who was on duty in the emergency ward on Tuesday night said he had treated more than 40 injured patients, several of whom had been shot. At least seven have died and four are in critical condition in the hospital, he told The Guardian. Eight more have been admitted to the hospital with bullet wounds. Advertisement The doctor also claimed there had been an attempt to cover up any fatalities. All records of dead and injured have been confiscated by authorities. We are not allowed to talk. Senior government officials are visiting the hospital to hide the records, he said. A worker clears the road, with damaged vehicles in the background, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Reuters Pakistans three days of unrest The unrest in Islamabad began on Sunday when a convoy of vehicles carrying protesters set off from the city of Peshawar. These protesters led by Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders were demanding the release of Imran Khan who has been in jail since last May. They also want the repeal of a new constitutional amendment, which has increased the governments power to select superior court justices and pick those judges to hear political cases. Khans supporters also believe February elections were not free or fair, calling it a stolen mandate. Supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, gather to remove shipping container to clear way for their rally demanding Khans release, in Islamabad, Pakistan. AP Khan has repeatedly urged his supporters to take to the streets demanding his release, and violence has broken out in several cities. Advertisement Now, the Pakistan protesters have returned home. But it remains to be seen if they stay there or return to agitating. With inputs from agencies China is seeing a shrinkflation the sizes of sanitary pads are smaller than advertised. This has resulted in angry women, who are now taking to social media to vent their ire read more Are Chinese companies shortchanging their women customers by shrinking the size of sanitary pads? Representational image/AFP Theres an interesting row thats broken out on Chinas social media networks, Weibo and Xiaohongshu, with many women alleging that several major companies were reducing the size and quality of their sanitary pads. The numerous posts on the matter have resulted in a huge rumpus, with major sanitary pad makers now apologising for it. The uproar has also spread to bigger grievances some are complaining about the lack of feminine hygiene products in public spaces. Advertisement So, whats exactly going on? Whats the big hubbub all about? Honey, I shrunk the pads The row began in late November when a woman in a social media post pointed out that the 10 sanitary pads she measured with a measuring tape were five to 20 millimetres shorter than the length indicated on their packaging. Is it really that difficult to make standard pads about 200 mm long these days? the woman said on lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu. It is now time to reject these companies skimping on womens items. Other women jumped on the bandwagon, complaining that the companies manufacturing these sanitary pads were being deceitful. One wrote on Weibo, The inflated sanitary pad length is just like the insoles under mens feet. Another wrote, Sanitary pads are already incredibly expensive, and now theyre even falsifying the length. Do these people have no morals, trying to make money off women like this? Amid this uproar, local news outlet The Paper carried a report in which they analysed the size of 20 different sanitary pads and found that nearly 90 per cent of the products were shrunken, measuring at least 10 mm shorter than claimed on their packaging. The situation soon snowballed larger with sanitary pads becoming a hot topic on Chinas social media. Between November 23 and 24, sanitary products became one of the hottest topics on Weibo. On the Hot Search list on Weibo, the topic what to use after sanitary pad scandal jumped to number 11. Advertisement A local media report said that nearly 90 per cent of the pads were shrunken, measuring at least 10 mm shorter than claimed on their packaging. Representational image/Reuters Fuelling the fire The situation went from bad to worse when popular Chinese brand ABC shrugged off the complaints from the women with one customer service reportedly responding to a complaint by saying if you cannot accept the length difference then you can choose not to buy it. Others also tried to justify the shrinking of the pads, saying that minor variations in product sizes were the norm and accepted by law. Chinese law, in fact, allows for size discrepancy. As per the rules, a four per cent discrepancy, which equates to about 10-15 millimetres, is permissible. But women in China are not happy, slamming the companies and continuing their outrage. The situation became such that ABC then issued a proper apology, saying the earlier response was inappropriate and promised zero deviation in its products. Deng Jingheng, founder of ABC, said as per China Daily, We solemnly promise here that we will eliminate negative deviations for some products in December and make all products meet the national standard squarely without any deviations by March of next year. Advertisement We plead for some time to make adjustments, he said. Netizens are right in that we companies should hold ourselves to higher standards and serve females with higher quality products. Other brands such as Shecare and Beishute have also issued their own apologies over recent days. China is still quite conservative when it comes to topics of menstruation. Representational image/Pixabay Past sanitary pad rows in China The shrinking of sanitary pads isnt the first time that controversy has broken out about feminine products and menstruation in the country. Last year, many women activists rallied against high levels of tax on period-related products, such as tampons and sanitary towels, using social media. In China, sanitary pads attract a whopping 13 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), the highest level of taxation and are on a par with the tax rate applied to imported goods. Then in 2021, came the horrific case of a well-known Chinese sanitary pad company coming under fire after a needle was found inside one of their products. Space 7, the company, later apologised for the issue. Advertisement In 2016, Chinese authorities busted a massive fake sanitary towel operation in southeast China, where millions of sanitary pads were manufactured in a factory without proper hygiene measures and packaged as popular brands. China is still quite conservative when it comes to topics of menstruation. For instance, there was a huge debate in 2022 about whether or not high-speed trains should sell pads. Even today, some argue whether stores should keep using black bags when selling them. With inputs from agencies Thanksgiving, traditionally reserved for unity and gratitude, has become a battleground for many American families after Donald Trumps re-election. From cancelled dinners to emotional boycotts, political rifts are leaving relatives estranged and holiday tables emptier read more Thanksgiving in America has emerged as a time when the broader family's contradictory political opinions come out on in the open, leading to often intense arguments. Representational Image/GilletteBlog The re-election of Donald Trump has created ripple effects across American households. Thanksgiving, traditionally a time of unity, has instead highlighted deep-seated tensions as families grapple with stark ideological differences. From cancelled gatherings to emotional boycotts, this years holiday landscape paints a picture of a nation struggling to reconcile its political divides. Thanksgiving in America began as a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the preceding year. Representational Image/Pixabay For some, Thanksgiving is no longer about turkey and togetherness. Jeff, a 59-year-old real estate agent in Washington, has found himself ostracised from his family due to both his sexuality and his opposition to Trump. They dont want to speak with us, Jeff shared with AFP, referring to himself and his husband. Advertisement His brother, a staunch MAGA supporter, has not spoken to him for five years, believing, in Jeffs words, gay people should be sentenced to death. Similar stories are emerging nationwide. Ana, a 31-year-old from Philadelphia, opted out of her familys Thanksgiving dinner, citing her uncles unwavering support for Trump. I dont want to see my cousins being raised this way, she told AFP, admitting she lied about being sick to avoid the event. Instead, she planned a quiet celebration with friends in New York, reflecting that the holiday came too soon after the election. Psychology expert Laurie Kramer highlights that such political divides strain family bonds. We have to accept that everyone is different and find ways to preserve important relationships, she tells AFP. Are holiday boycotts becoming a form of protest? For others, skipping Thanksgiving is a deliberate act of resistance. Andrea Tate, in a viral essay in HuffPost, explained why she cancelled both Thanksgiving and Christmas after discovering her husband voted for Trump while she supported Kamala Harris. Upon seeing his celebratory social media post, she texted him: Tell your family I love them, but I will not be coming for Thanksgiving, and I wont be hosting Christmas. I need space. Also Read | What is MATGA movement, where US women are suggesting poisoning men? While her husband apologised, Tate maintained minimal contact. She noted, Somewhere inside, he must understand what this election outcome means to me. I will hold onto this like a life raft as I figure out how we move forward with our marriage. Similarly, Anna Gantt, a 26-year-old mother, took to TikTok to share her decision to boycott family holidays with Trump-supporting relatives. Its not the fact that they are Republicans; its the fact that they voted for Donald Trump knowing who he is and what he is capable of, she said, adding, Im mourning the fact that my family is educated white people, and they still voted for him. Advertisement What do the numbers tell us? A CBS News poll revealed that 71 per cent of Americans plan to avoid discussing politics during Thanksgiving, pointing out the widespread discomfort surrounding political conversations. However, some gatherings may be more politically homogenous. Many Harris voters report spending the holiday with like-minded individuals, while Trump supporters are doing the same, allowing for less contentious discussions. Despite this, only 10 per cent of Americans have explicitly changed plans to avoid those who voted for a different presidential candidate. Gratitude for family and friends remains a common thread, cited as a top reason for thankfulness across all demographics, even as politics rank at the bottom of Americans concerns this holiday season. Why is Trumps re-election a concern for women? Trumps re-election has heightened anxieties among women, with 53 per cent voting for Harris compared to 45 per cent for Trump, according to CNN exit polls. Concerns about abortion rights and womens health have driven some to boycott family gatherings altogether. Online misogyny has also surged, with mentions of your body, my choice increasing by an astonishing 5,150 per cent in the days following the election. Advertisement The backlash has spurred movements like 4B, where women abstain from relationships with men and protest in other symbolic ways, including shaving their heads. While the nation grapples with these divides, experts urge Americans to focus on understanding and compromise. As Kramer noted, In our society, we all think that family should be joyous, but when that is not the case, people feel depressed, alone, isolated. Also Watch: For some families, this Thanksgiving may serve as a somber reminder of political divisions. For others, it is an opportunity to find common ground. With inputs from agencies Ukraine has accused Russia of firing cluster munitions at its energy facilities in what it called a despicable escalation. But what are they? Why are they so controversial? Why have over 100 countries including the UK, France and Germany signed a treaty outlawing their use? read more A Ukrainian military sapper places red flags next to a part of a Russian cluster bomb while demining a field. Reuters Ukraine has accused Russia of firing cluster munitions at its energy facilities. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said the attacks came overnight, called it a despicable escalation by Moscow. In several regions, strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, and they targeted civilian infrastructure, Zelensky said in a post on Telegram. This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics. The US in July 2023 had sent cluster bombs to Ukraine as part of an $800 million package. Advertisement But what happened? What are cluster munitions? Why are they controversial? Lets take a closer look: What happened? Russia unleashed its second big attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure this month on Thursday, cutting power to more than 1 million people in the west, south, and center of the country, officials said. Damage to the energy and other critical infrastructure was reported by officials in Lviv, Volyn, Rivne and Khmelnytskyi regions in the west, the Mykolayiv and Kherson regions in the south, and Zhytomyr region in the centre. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used cruise missiles with cluster munitions in Thursdays attack, calling it a despicable escalation. In several regions, Kalibr strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, specifically on civilian infrastructure. These cluster parts make it much more difficult for our rescuers and energy workers to eliminate the consequences of the impact, and this is a very vile escalation of Russian terrorist tactics, Zelenskyy was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. Each such attack proves that air defence systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not in storage bases. This is especially important in the winter, when we have to protect our infrastructure from targeted Russian strikes. We are constantly working with partners to have more power to defend and timely delivery now and full implementation of agreements particularly on air defence is what is most needed, Zelenskyy added. Ukrainian air defence shot down 79 out of 91 Russian missiles and downed 35 drones, the air force said. A source in the energy sector source said Ukraine disconnected several nuclear power units from the network amid the Russian attack. Ukraine relies on nuclear generation for more than 50 per cent of its electricity supplies. Advertisement The capital Kyiv was targeted but all missiles or drones were downed, officials said. The attack reinforced fears of long power cuts during the winter months as temperatures across Ukraine hover around zero. Another Russian missile and drone barrage, targeting civilians and energy grid, causing power outages across Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X. Ukrainian officials said it was the 11th major strike on the Ukrainian energy system since March. Russia had knocked out about half of Ukraines available generating capacity, damaged the distribution system and forced long blackouts. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. File Image/Reuters Lviv governor Maksym Kozytskyi said Thursdays Russian strikes cut off electricity to about 523,000 people in the western region on Ukraines border with Poland. Advertisement Power supplies were also cut to nearly 500,000 people in the Volyn and Rivne regions, the governors said. Electricity supplies were also disrupted in Khmelnytskyi and Zhytomyr regions, officials said. Regional officials across the country said they were turning on generators to ensure emergency heat and water supplies to hospitals, schools and other critical facilities during bitter winter weather. The loud hum of generators was also heard in Kyiv city as many Ukrainian small and medium businesses rely on generators for their electricity supplies during the blackouts. What are cluster munitions? The international Convention on Cluster Munitions defines a cluster munition as a conventional munition that is designed to disperse or release explosive submunitions, each weighing less than 20 kilograms. According to CSIS, cluster munitions can be of three types artillery shells, rockets, or bombs. In simple terms, it is a bomb that breaks apart while in the air and releases smaller bomblets also known as submunitions over a large area. Advertisement They can carry dozens of even hundreds of bomblets. As per CSIS, the standard US submunition is called dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM). A 155 mm artillery shell carries 88 submunitions (M483A1) or 76 in the longer-range M864. They are designed to target tanks, equipment and troops, as per Al Jazeera. According to The New York Times, they were first used during World War II. They are particularly effective against dug-in ground troops in trenches and fortified positions, as per BBC. Ukraine had been asking the US for them as they are extremely effective against infantry, artillery, and vehicle convoys, as per CSIS. Why are they controversial? Because of their impact on the civilian populace. Cluster munitions are designed to explode on impact. Advertisement Unfortunately, they have what is known as a high dud rate. Many of them simply dont go off when they land. As per BBC, this happens when the bomblets hit wet or soft ground. Cluster bombs are controversial as they can harm civilians even years after their use. Reuters File Photo The outlet reported that Russian cluster munitions have a dud rate of 40 per cent compared to the overall dud rate of 20 per cent. The Pentagon claims its own cluster bomblets have a paltry dud rate of less than 3 per cent. Regardless, on the whole they are said to historically have the highest failure rate of all weapons, according to The New York Times. So many of the bomblets just lay there on the ground. For years in some instances. Just waiting to be moved or picked up which they sometimes are by children, who mistake them for toys. Cluster munitions are banned in over 100 countries, as per Al Jaazera. Many nations, including UK, France and Germany signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2010 which outlawed their use. However, major powers like US and Russia are not signatories to this treaty. Washington claims it wants to keep the right to use them in combat emergencies, as per CSIS. The US last used cluster munitions during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as per Al Jazeera. Washington stopped their production in 2008. With inputs from agencies Admiral Miao Hua, a member of Chinas powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), has become just the latest top official to be caught up in Xi Jinpings sweep of the top ranks of the military. The development comes a day after a report that Chinas Defence Minister Dong Jun is being investigated for corruption. But why is this happening? What do we know? read more Miao Hua, China's director of the political affairs department of the Central Military Commission, is under investigation for corruption. AP China is purging its top military officials. A member of the countrys top military body with close ties to Xi Jinping has been suspended and is being investigated for corruption. Admiral Miao Hua is just the latest top official to fall prey to Xis sweep of the military and top officials. The development comes just a day after a report that Chinas Defense Minister Dong Jun is being investigated for corruption. But what happened? What do we know about the purge? Advertisement Lets take a closer look:ss What happened? First, lets take a brief look at Miao. Miao is a member of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC) the countrys top military body. According to CNN, the 69-year-old is chief of the countrys Political Work Department. Miao is thought to be an ally of Xi. He was in the army in Chinas Fujian province in the 1990s and 2000s where Xi spent time as a senior official. A native of Fujian, Miao came up through the militarys political departments. In 2014, he was appointed the political commissar of the PLA Navy. In 2017, Miao was promoted to the director of the CMCs Political Work Department. Beijing has removed top military official Miao from office pending a probe into serious violations of discipline a common euphemism for corruption. According to Bloomberg, the CMC has a dedicated team of graft busters to conduct such probes. They conduct the investigation and send the report to the CMC of which Xi is the chair Xi is seconded by two vice-chairmen as well as three members who look after political work and discipline. This tiny is the nucleus of military operations and oversight in China, Asia Society Policy Institute analysis says, as per Bloomberg. Advertisement As per Bloomberg, the CMC manages the administration of the armed forces as well as strategic planning, audits and political education. It is one of the most powerful institutions in China. Miao is just the latest high-ranking military figure to face the heat. British newspaper the Financial Times this week reported that defence minister Dong Jun who is thought to be the protege of Miao was under investigation The newspaper quoted current and former US officials familiar with the situation who preferred to stay anonymous. China has dismissed reports of Defence Minister Dong Jun being investigated. Reuters China has dismissed the report as pure fabrications. Those rumour mongers harbour evil motives. China expresses strong dissatisfaction over such smears, the defence ministry said as per CNN. Advertisement Xis sweep Since 2023, nearly two dozen military officials including Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu both former defence ministers have been purged in a sweeping crackdown. Wei and Li have been expelled from the ruling Communist Party and are under corruption investigations, according to state media. Al Jazeera quoted a Communist Party statement at the time as saying they betrayed the trust of the party and the Central Military Commission, seriously polluted the political environment of the military, and caused great damage to the image of its senior leaders. As per CNN, Li was removed just months into his term as defence minister without any reason being given. Advertisement Li was then replaced by Dong. Analysts linked the purge to a wider investigation into the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) Rocket Force, which oversees Chinas nuclear and conventional missiles and would likely be Beijings first line of attack in the event of a major conflict. Both former defence ministers had links to the force Wei previously headed the unit and Li Shangfu led a department that developed weapons including missiles. The units chief, Li Yuchao, and chief of staff, Sun Jinming, were expelled from the party and investigated for corruption in July. Three senior officials were also removed from their posts at state-owned missile defence organisations in December 2023. Advertisement According to Al Jazeera, at least nine Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) generals and several defence industry executives have been purged from the national legislative body. But Miao and Dongs removal, if confirmed, could suggest the graft purge is widening. Its certainly a blow because one would imagine they will be super careful to have someone very clean in this role, Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at Singapores Nanyang Technological University, told the AFP news agency. Graft probes are very commonly targeted at the military because of the long historical ties between the business world and the PLA, he said. Miao had no clear ties to the rocket force, climbing the ranks in the army and then being promoted to admiral in the navy in 2015. Similarly, the defence minister appointed in December forged his career in the navy and eventually became its commander. What do experts say? That say corruption may have eroded Chinese combat readiness raising fears in Beijing as it conducts its largest military build-up in decades. Chinese President Xi Jinping has waged a sweeping campaign against deep-seated official corruption since coming to power over a decade ago. Proponents say the policy promotes clean governance, while critics say it helps Xi purge political rivals. Chinas Xi Jinping has waged war against corruption since coming to power. Reuters Xi appears to be chronically distrustful of his most prominent military officials, Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told AFP. Reports of Dongs fall suggested the rot in Chinas military remains even deeper than previously suspected, Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society, told AFP. The crackdown has come as China has increased military pressure on Taiwan and repeatedly pushed up against its neighbours over disputed territory in the South China Sea. But analysts say graft in the military may be raising worries that the army isnt up to the job. Corruption in the Chinese military rightly should raise questions about its ability to achieve military objectives and reach the great rejuvenation envisioned by Xi, Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues at Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote. Bloomberg, citing US intelligence, reported this year that rampant corruption in the Rocket Force had led to malfunctioning equipment like missile silos with malfunctioning lids and missile fuel being replaced with water. Officials say that so rampant is corruption that Xi is less likely to take major military action in the years ahead, the outlet report. If true, these flaws would compromise missile operations, calling into question Chinas nuclear force readiness and overall capabilities, the Federation of American Scientists wrote in an open letter in response to the claims. Xi has vowed that the reunification of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan is inevitable and pledged to take all measures necessary to achieve that goal. The recent crackdown raises the question of who Xi has left that he can trust and how deep the scandals run that have taken down these key officials, said Joel Wuthnow, senior research fellow at National Defense University in the US. It has to be a huge distraction as he presses the PLA to be ready for a war with Taiwan by 2027. This month, Xi visited members of the countrys air force in central Hubei province, urging them to root out corruption and unhealthy tendencies. (We) must keep firmly in mind our duties and missions, increase our sense of war preparedness and tighten our preparations for military struggles, Xi told soldiers. But with Miaos removal, analysts expect the corruption crackdown to continue to distract from that goal. Competition for top positions is so fierce that there might be some mutual recriminations between officers which would lead to endless cycles of arrests, new appointments and recriminations, Victor Shih, an expert on elite Chinese politics, told AFP. With inputs from agenciese The name of the next Maharashtra Chief Minister is expected to be announced today. Top leaders of winning Mahayuti alliance will be in Delhi to hold a discussion with Amit Shah. Ahead of this, Shiv Senas Eknath Shinde made statements which indicated that BJPs Devendra Fadnavis will return as the CM read more BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is expected to be named as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra anytime soon. As the confirmation is still awaited on his name, the clarity came after outgoing CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde hinted that he would not be an obstacle and accept the decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as final. The remarks by Shinde has almost confirmed that Fadnavis would return as a chief minister after BJPs stellar performance in the 2024 Maharashtra election and also in the Mahayuti. Advertisement 10 things Shinde said which hints Fadnavis will be next Maharashtra CM 1 - Addressing the media at his residence in Thane on Wednesday, Shinde said that he spoke with PM Modi and Amit Shah and told them that there will be no obstacle from his party in government formation in the state. 2 - Shinde said that during his conversation with the two leaders, he conveyed to them to also not consider him as an obstacle while deciding the next Maharashtra Chief Minister. 3 - There is no speed-breaker from our side, he told the top NDA leaders over the call. 4 - Shinde said in a call with PM Modi, he conveyed that he should not think Eknath Shinde is a hurdle. 5 - Modi ji is the leader of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and I said that whatever their decision is and whoever their CM candidate is, the Shiv Sena will fully support him, he said. 6 - I told them Shiv Sena will wholeheartedly support their decision even if they choose a BJP candidate or anyone else from the Mahayuti, Shinde said. 7 - I am saying this openly, I am not holding anything back. I told PM Modi not to bring it to his mind that there is any issue in forming the government because of me. The decision you take is final for BJP, as it is final for us, Shinde said. Advertisement 8 - They gave us the opportunity to lead the state and helped us while we were in office. They are the senior-most leaders in the NDA and Mahayuti and their decision will be considered final for us, he said. 9 - I am an open-minded person. For me, ladla (dear) brother post is bigger than any other position. I am not someone who is withholding the process of government formation, Shinde said. 10 - I am satisfied with my tenure of 2.5 years, Shinde said. When Shinde was asked if he was disappointed that he would not get a second term as the chief minister, he said: There is no such thing. You must remember BJP supported my tenure as CM. Advertisement When will the Maharashtra CM name be announced? Shinde informed Fadnavis, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and he would be attending a meeting with Shah in Delhi on Thursday where all related decisions will be taken. He also said that the power-sharing formula would be concluded after a meeting between him, Fadnavis and Pawar in New Delhi. A total of 13 blocks will be auctioned as part of the first tranche, including three for construction sand and another three for lime mud read more India will auction its first tranche of offshore minerals, which is worth more than 1.5 trillion rupees ($17.8 billion), a government source directly involved in the decision making told Reuters on Thursday. A total of 13 blocks will be auctioned as part of the first tranche, including three for construction sand and another three for lime mud. Seven out of the 13 blocks will be polymetallic nodules and have not been valued yet, the source said. Advertisement The source did not want to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media. The federal mines ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking comment. The ministry is expected to shortly announce the details of the auction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed the rising unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh following the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday afternoon to discuss the escalating tensions in Bangladesh following the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and the increasing attacks on religious minorities, including Hindus in the neighbouring country. Sources to CNN News18 said that Jaishankar is expected to make a statement in both houses of Parliament on Friday (November 29) if the proceedings are not disrupted by the Opposition. Advertisement Protests intensified in Bangladesh again this week after police arrested Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu on November 25 from Dhaka airport. Das faces sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting Bangladeshs national flag during a rally in October. On Tuesday, a day after his arrest, he was produced before a court in Chittagong which denied his bail. The denial of bail fuelled more protests by the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which constitutes only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, complaining of rising atrocities against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Earlier, India condemned Dass arrest and expressed concern over attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs, also urged that those responsible for the violence against minorities be brought to justice. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials will brief the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on the situation in Bangladesh on December 11, panels chairperson Shashi Tharoor said on Thursday. It is not only the foreign ministry that is keeping an eye on the situation, all concerned Indians are worried about some of the reports coming in from Bangladesh. So, we will follow it very closely, Tharoor, who was a former of state for external affairs told reporters outside Parliament. Union Minister seeks UN intervention On Wednesday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh reflects that the Yunus-led interim government was in the clutches of fundamentalists" and sought the United Nations intervention in the matter. The caretaker prime minister of Bangladesh is in the clutches of fundamentalists. The way Hindus are being attacked is against humanity. The United Nations should intervene in this matter, the minister told reporters in the Parliament complex. Advertisement Indian-American body urges Biden, Trump to launch probe Meanwhile, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), an Indian-American body, condemned the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. It also urged US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for an independent inquiry into the rising incidents of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. FIIDS also raised apprehensions that Bangladesh is turning into a radicalised Islamic state and even urged Biden and Trump to address the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks against Hindus and other minorities. Bangladesh is rapidly descending into a radicalised Islamic state, all under the watch of the US, the State Department, and the UN who must act now to restore democracy and protect minorities. I request not only President Biden but would urge President Trump and his transition team to give priority to the restoration of peace and protect minorities in Bangladesh, Khanderao Kand, FIIDS president, said in a letter to Trump on Wednesday. Advertisement In a separate letter to Biden, Kand said: Bangladeshs progress as a democratic and inclusive society depends on safeguarding the rights of all its citizens, including its most vulnerable populations. We trust that your leadership will champion these values and help restore hope for those who continue to face oppression and displacement. As per reports, Hindus in Bangladesh have faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government on August 5. After Hasina fled Dhaka, the Bangladeshi Army took control of the countrys government before giving the charge to an interim administration, headed by Yunus. With inputs from agencies. Advertisement With Delhi air quality continuing to remain poor, a debate has ensued about shifting Indias national capital to escape pollution. Where should that capital be located? read more Women walk on a road near India Gate as the sky is enveloped with smog after Delhi's air quality worsened due to air pollution. November 19, 2024. Source: Reuters. Its been almost a month, Indias capital Delhi and neighbouring areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, have been breathing toxic air. Almost every day post Diwali, people in Delhi-NCR have been witnessing thick smog a toxic blend of smoke and fog and pollution blanket, exposing them to a host of respiratory issues. With improvement in air quality not in sight, there has been a debate going around on whether India should shift its capital out of Delhi. Advertisement Barely livable.. Should Delhi remain Indias capital? Last week, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor triggered the debate with a social media post, saying that Delhi ranked on top among the most polluted cities along with those in neighbouring Bangladesh and Pakistan. Tharoor wrote on X (formerly Twitter), This city (Delhi) is essentially uninhabitable from November to January inclusive and barely livable the rest of the year. Should it even remain the nations capital? In the social media post, Tharoor said, Delhi is officially the most polluted city in the world, 4x Hazardous levels and nearly five times as bad as the second most polluted city, Dhaka. It is unconscionable that our government has been witnessing this nightmare for years and does nothing about it. I have run an Air Quality Round Table for experts and stakeholders, including MPs, since 2015 but gave up last year because nothing seemed to change and no one seemed to care. Delhi is officially the most polluted city in the world, 4x Hazardous levels and nearly five times as bad as the second most polluted city, Dhaka. It is unconscionable that our government has been witnessing this nightmare for years and does nothing about it. I have run an Air pic.twitter.com/sLZhfeo722 Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 18, 2024 By the mid of November this year, the Indian capitals worsening toxic smog surged past 60 times the World Health Organisations (WHO) recommended daily maximum. Advertisement Millions living in Delhi and the NCR breathe dirty air, with air quality index showing alarming situations at several places. Air quality worsens every winter with cold air trapping construction dust, emissions and smoke factories, vehicles and stubble burning in farms in and around Delhi. Delhis AQI on Wednesday (November 27) is 225, which is considered unhealthy. The capital city recorded its cleanest air of this year in August with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52. Despite this, it did not qualify for a good air day as for that, the AQI has to be below 50. No good air day for Delhi in 2024, a first since 2018 For the first time since 2018, Delhi has failed to record a single good air day this year. A similar situation occurred in 2016. During the nationwide Covid induced lockdown in 2020 there was a brief respite with five good air days. In the following years, the number of clean-air days has decreased: only one was recorded in October 2021, and three between September and October in 2022. Advertisement In 2023, just one good air day was recorded in September. A vehicle sprays water to curb dust and pollution as the sky is enveloped with smog after Delhis air quality turned hazardous, in New Delhi, India, November 18, 2024. Source: Reuters. Delhi generally experiences its best air quality during the monsoon months of August to October, when meteorological conditions help disperse pollutants. However, this improvement is often short-lived as winter sets in, bringing stagnant air and escalating pollution levels. If AQI is the criterion for choosing the national capital, which city is eligible? India did not choose its national capital based on its air quality index. Air pollution was anyway not a prime concern during those years. A number of factors, however, influence a countrys decision on choosing the capital. This includes strategic location, infrastructure, connectivity and law-and-order situation with the rest of the country. But if India decides to make AQI a criterion for shifting its capital, as argued by Tharoor and backed by several others, which cities may qualify to have that honour? The pollution crisis has not just hit Delhi, but has affected several tier-II and tier-III cities in the Indo-Gangetic plain. The geography and anthropogenic factors are behind the toxic haze that has been claiming lives of thousands of people every year. Advertisement A woman works on the fields next to a construction site of a bridge on the field on the Yamuna floodplains on a smoggy day in New Delhi, India, November 9, 2023. Source: Reuters. Tharoor has, in a way, sparked the debate of moving out the capital outside Delhi and a number of people came up with suggestions and recommendations of their choice for the national capital. City AQI data There are a few cities which qualify, but do these cities have the infrastructure and support base to host Indias national capital? According to the latest data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi AQI on Wednesday (November 27) was 303. Air quality in Kolkata stood at 224, while in Mumbai it was 137, the CPCB data highlighted. Ahmedabads AQI was 182, while Chennais air quality stood at 133. Pune AQI was 149, while Hyderabads was 100. Gurugrams air quality on Wednesday was 217, while Noidas was 207 and Greater Noidas was 230. Ghaziabads air quality was in poor catergory at 215. Advertisement Good AQI was only in 12 places in India with Aizawl being the best at 28, Bagalkot (42), Chamarajanagar (43), Kalaburagi (43), Madikeri (30), Madurai (46), Ramanathapuram (36), Shillong (37), Sivasagar (48), Thoothukudi (29), Thrissur (47), Vijayapura (37). As per CPCB, the AQI between 0-50 falls under Good category, 51-100 in Satisfactory, 101-200 in Moderate, 201-300 Poor, 301-400 in very poor and 401-500 in severe category. A dog crosses a road on a smoggy morning in New Delhi, India, November 13, 2023. Source: Reuters. How Delhi became Indias capital? India has been the birthplace of several empires, which emerged from all parts of the country east, south, north and west. Patna in Bihar became the foundation of one of the greatest empires ever seen in ancient times the Nanda dynasty rulers, who was feared by even the forces of Alexander the Great. Delhi and Agra became capitals during the medieval era. The British made Calcutta as its summer capital and Shimla as its winter capital before shifting the colonial capital to Delhi in 1911, formally inaugurating it in 1931. It was on December 12, 1911, the foundation of Indias new capital as Delhi was laid by King George V during New Delhi durbar (a pompous royal ceremony). The formal inauguration of Delhi as the capital of India happened on February 13, 1931 by Lord Irwin after the construction of the city was completed. One of the reasons for declaring Delhi the capital was that it was the financial and political centre of many empires that had earlier ruled India. Also, Delhi, being situated in the northern part of the country, worked in its favour as Calcutta was situated in the eastern coastal part. Back then, the British government believed that ruling India from Delhi would be easier and convenient than from Kolkata. But there have been arguments earlier as well about shifting Indias national capital out of Delhi. Ambedkar favoured Hyderabad Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly, in his book titled, Thoughts of Linguistic States, suggested the need of a second capital. Ambedkar ruled out Kolkata because of its proximity with Tibet and said he found Mumbai unsafe due to its coastline. He then zeroed in on Hyderabad. I find Hyderabad to be a better location for the second capital. Hyderabad-Secunderabad and Bolarum should be constituted into a chief commissioners province and made the second capital of India, he said. Hyderabad fulfills all the requirements of a capital for India Fortunately, it can be very easily done with satisfaction to the whole of South India, to Maharashtra and to the Andhras. This is another remedy for easing the tension between the North and the South, he said. Ambedkar also said, The feeling of the Southern people is that the Capital (Delhi) of their Country is far away from them and that they are being ruled by the people of Northern India. He argued against Delhis case as Indias national capital, saying, Delhi is a vulnerable place. It is within bombing distance of the neighbouring countries. Although India is trying to live in peace with its neighbours, it cannot be assumed that India will not have to face war sometime or other, and if war comes, the Government of India will have to leave Delhi and find another place for its location. Which is the place to which the Government of India can migrate? Other capital candidates have also been suggested in the past. Nagpur as Indias second capital In 2009, Congress leader Vilas Muttemwar argued in the Lok Sabha, Considering the centrality and safety of the place, the then Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru shifted all the four defence production factories to Nagpur after the Chinese invasion. Therefore, there is no denying the fact that Nagpur is the only city in the country which can vouch safe as the second capital of the country. Number of offices of Government and Public Sector Undertakings can easily be shifted from Delhi to Nagpur. This will not only release the pressure on Delhi but also homogeneously create a well-developed place for naming the second Capital of India viz. Nagpur. In 2013, Muttemwar reiterated his demand in the Lower House of Parliament, arguing against continuing with New Delhi as Indias capital. The problems of Delhi include a wide spectrum of socio-economic, political and physical problems. The severity of the problems are the declining environmental quality and inadequate urban infrastructural facilities including electricity, water, roads, transport, housing etc. The population of Delhi has shown tremendous growth during the past few years and has posed enough problems for city planning and governance, he had said. Bengaluru also entered the fray In 2018, then Karnataka minister for large and medium industries RV Deshpande wrote to PM Modi urging him to make Bengaluru Indias second capital. India needs a second capital very urgently and Bengaluru is the best place to fulfill that role. A country the size and scale of India cannot be managed from one location, especially when the government is gearing up for a paradigmatic and radical change in terms of depth of governance, structural reforms, national reconstruction and international partnerships," Deshpande had said. Mamata Banerjees 4-capital demand Addressing a rally in Delhi in 2021, West Bengal Chief Minister and a veteran politician, Mamata Banerjee said, I believe that India must have four rotating capitals. Why should Delhi decide all things? We should have four different capitals at the four corners of the country. And Parliament sessions should be held in different places in the country. She even wanted the central government to declare Kolkata as the National Capital of Bengal citing its position during colonial times under the British. Hindus in Bangladesh need attention now or never. Before they thin down to mere microscopic or invisible minority, something must be done to protect them read more Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who faces several charges, is escorted by the police at the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, in Chattogram, Bangladesh on November 26, 2024. Reuters The recent arrest of the Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das for his leadership role in demanding minority rights in Bangladesh illustrates the entrenched Hinduphobia of the interim government under Muhammad Yunus. What do the Hindus of Bangladesh demand? It is an eight-point demand and nothing else in a peaceful manner: (1) a special tribunal for swift trial, rehabilitation and compensation for the atrocities done against the minority, which includes all minorities, Hindu, Buddhist, Christians and others; (2) minority protection law for the security and rights of minorities; (3) a ministry of minority affairs to effectively represent and address their issues; (4) upgradation of the Hindu Welfare Trust to a Hindu Foundation and similar upgradation for Buddhists and Christians; (5) legal protection of temple properties; (6) minority religious practices in educational institutions; (7) modernising Pali and Sanskrit education boards; and, (8) five-day Durga Puja holidays. Is it too much of a vulnerable minority to demand from a government? For a Muslim-majority Bangladesh, it is. Therefore, this is nothing short of a Hinduphobia. This is the time to call a spade a spade. Since Sheikh Hasinas ouster from Bangladesh under a political impasse, the makeshift government under Muhammad Yunus has intensified radicalism and fundamentalism. Minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, have felt more insecure. The Hindus have been reduced to a vulnerable minority. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, the spokesperson of Bangladeshs Sanatan Jagaran Manch and the head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, has resurfaced the plight of the Hindus. He led the movement, which foregrounded an eight-point demand for minorities, as mentioned above. He was detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka and subsequently arrested. A sedition charge was slapped on him for hoisting a saffron flag. He was sent to jail, and the entire course of events that followed also witnessed the reactions and protests from the Hindus in Chittagong. The Hindus demand his immediate release. Yunus government throws sedition charges against him, concealing the ulterior motive of suppressing Hindu agitation for atrocities against minorities. For Yunus government, the desecration of Mujibur Rahmans statues, which symbolise Bangladeshs Liberation, is not sedition. How many arrests have been made for the destruction and disrespect done to the father of the nation in broad daylight with a howling mob demanding the grounding of Rahmans statues? The leaders of the so-called revolution were showered adulation in the US for carrying out the regime change unconstitutionally in Bangladesh. The street veto and mob justice dethroned Hasina. Constitutional procedures were not followed, and the apex court was not reached out for the removal of an elected leader. The US, which wears democracy and human rights on its sleeves and tutors the global south of democracy and its importance, received the anarchists and fundamentalists, who despise democracy, with great enthusiasm and laudatory words on Yunus maiden visit after becoming the advisor of the interim government. The death of democracy was celebrated in that land, which always brags about its greatness in developing democratic culture and polity. The paragon of democracy ensured its end in Bangladesh. Hindus pin their hope on Donald Trump for the difference from the vicious status quo the Democrats have done in Bangladesh under the leadership of Joe Biden. They eagerly wait for January 2025, when Trump officially comes to the helm. The mess needs to be cleaned up. The stench is unbearable. The suffocation of Hindus under majoritarian weight in Bangladesh is unendurable. Falsehood and concocted narratives were slapped on the Hindus for speaking out about their tragedy and anguish. They were deliberately misconstrued as sympathisers of Hasina. Peaceful protests were portrayed as seditious. The Indian government has expressed its concern for the plight of the Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The Hindus in West Bengal have also expressed their solidarity and support for their co-religionists from the other side of the border. For Nobel laureate Yunus, who flaunts the ideas of liberalism, social justice and equality, vandalism of public offices and vulgarity against a democratically elected woman Prime Minister were not sedition. Hoisting a saffron flag and demanding rights for minorities is sedition. The octogenarians love for power and political relevance undergirds the suspension of all liberal values and democratic principles. Today, in Bangladesh, Hindu hatred is no longer an undercurrent. It is open and abrasive. The fanatics, under the leadership of a pseudo-liberal who weaponises Nobel laureateship to support anti-minority jibes and aggressions, hit the street and suspend all sanity or refinement to unleash violence against the minority. The objective is to make the minorities rudderless through fear and coercion. The state mechanism is seemingly hand in glove with the fundamentalists. It is reported that media censorship in Bangladesh is rigorous. Any slippage is taken note of and punished. Surveillance is equally intense. The government allegedly regulates their content. Social media looks scary. Systematic atrocities against the Hindus coupled with anti-India animus have increased the communal temperature. The Western liberal media has supposedly feigned ignorance or brushed them as insignificant or sporadic, covered them in the margins or sidelines, or obscured them in fine lines. It never recognises the pattern, its consistency and continuity. Silence is paradoxically deafening. Hindu suffering has no weight or global impact to raise a few eyebrows and restrict Bangladesh from rekindling the communal flame. However, it is difficult to determine which form or scale the current protest by the Hindus in Chittagong, Dhaka, and other areas will take. The protest for the monk Chinmoy Krishna Das release is gaining strength. Repressive measures, both overt and covert, may follow soon. If this cannot be called Hinduphobia, what else can it be? Hindus in Bangladesh need attention now or never. Before they thin down to mere microscopic or invisible minorities, something must be done to protect them. Before it becomes irreparable, urgent repair is required today to keep the Hindu heritage alive in Bangladesh. Dr. Jajati K Pattnaik teaches at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Dr. Chandan K Panda teaches at Rajiv Gandhi University (A Central University), Itanagar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Shehbaz Sharif and Gen Asim Munir handled Imran Khans challenge with skill and flexibility. This will bolster their alliance which has been strengthened by the 26th Amendment. Will they now tighten the noose hard around PTIs neck? read more Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan from his jail cell, where he has remained since August last year, gave a final call around two weeks ago to his supporters to march to Islamabad, occupy its famous D-Chowk and sit in dharna, till his partys demands were met by the government. These demands, according to a well-respected Pakistan newspaper were release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan, reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoration of democracy and Constitution in the country, and return of allegedly stolen mandate. Advertisement Khan, who remains popular in Punjab but more importantly, the PTI runs the provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, expected that his final call would result in a tsunami of his supporters converging on the Pakistani capital. That tsunami would cause the Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led coalition government of Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir who really controls the Pakistani political process to panic and give in to Khans demands. Khans supporters, from KP who were in convoys, some led by KP chief minister Sardar Amin Ali Khan Gandapur and the PTI leaders wife, Bushra Bibi, crossed into Punjab on the November 25 night after breaking the security cordons placed in their path. By the 26th morning they managed to breach the defences of the capital city and going down its wide avenues also reached D-Chowk. All of Pakistan watched in wonder as Bushra Bibi many times addressed the convoy, of which she was a part, exhorting Khans supporters to move on and not to abandon their endeavour until her husband was with them. The Pakistani people also wondered at the reluctance of the Shehbaz Sharif government to take decisive action against the agitators, especially in Islamabad. This was especially as the Islamabad High Court had ruled against the march breaking the law and order situation of Islamabad. For the major part of November 26 the government and the Army Chief, who remained in the background, seemed to be on the back foot. Despite all the arrangements made to stop the convoys, at different places, Khans supporters were able to break them and accomplish their objective of reaching Islamabad and remaining for a brief while even at D-Chowk. On its part, the Shehbaz Sharif government repeatedly claimed on November 25 and more so on November 26 that it was acting patiently because it did not want to fall into Khans trap. According to them, the trap was to make the government resort to disproportionate use of lethal force leading to a large number of deaths of Khans supporters. Khan would use these deaths to garner greater support. Advertisement The government also claimed that while it could not allow a dharna at D-Chowk, it was willing to allot a space in Islamabad to Khans supporters so that they could sit there in a dharna. The PTIs senior leadership met Khan in jail on November 25 night. It remained tight-lipped but the government claimed that a split had occurred between these PTI leaders and Bushra Bibi who was not willing to give in. She remained firm on the D-Chowk dharna. Amidst all this the government was officially hosting the Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. That too put constraints on the government. As Pakistan began to witness the virtual breakdown of law and order in parts of Islamabad which led to the death of six security personnel, Khans supporters sensed the governments weakness and some of them began to laud the courage and leadership being shown by Bushra Bibi. Indeed, one of them on a prominent Pakistani TV channel compared her to Jhansi ki Rani. All this while the Shahbaz Sharif government and the Army Chief continued to exercise patience. Advertisement Gen Asim Munir kept himself in the background but made it obvious that he was with the government because along with Shehbaz Sharif he took part in the funeral of the security personnel. This was shown on Pakistani TV, making it clear to Pakistan that the Army stood firmly behind the government. Meanwhile, the government invoked Article 245 of the Pakistan constitution which permits it to seek the Armys help to maintain law and order. Once that was done army personnel began to move in to sensitive places in Islamabad to augment the presence of the Islamabad police and the Pakistani Rangers. Advertisement By late night of November 26, the Pakistani authorities decided that they had given enough rope to Khan and Bushra Bibi. It was also clear by then that the senior leadership of the PTI and also the chief minister of KP were not on the same page as Khan and his begum. Clearly, a behind-the-scenes engagement was on between the government representatives and Khans senior leaders. The government was showing flexibility publicly because it had not fired upon the agitators along the road blocks, it had allowed them to enter Islamabad and had also agreed to give them a place to go on a dharna. It was therefore giving the PTI an opportunity to claim success. Advertisement However, Bushra Bibi wanted all or nothing, but the Army Chiefbecause there can be no doubt that the Shehbaz Sharif government would have been consulting him all through these crucial two dayscould not have given in to Khan; the real contest in Pakistan, thus, is between Munir and Khan. Once security personnel had died, the Pakistan Peoples Party, which is part of the coalition but not within the government, also came out in open condemnation of the agitation. With its political flanks secured, security forces moved in late on November 26 and in the early hours of this morning to begin arresting Khans supporters. Reports indicate that 1000 of them have been taken into custody and more arrests are likely to take place. With the government cracking down the KP chief minister and Bushra Bibi left the container in which they were travelling/occupying and decamped. The container was set on fire by their supporters because, the government claimed, it contained incriminating evidence of the criminal support given by the KP government to the agitators. The government also claimed that many Afghan nationals were part of the KP convoys. With the disappearance of Bushra Bibi and the KP chief minister this agitation has been deftly neutralized by the army chief and the Shehbaz Sharif government. Gandapur surfaced on the 27th evening in Mansehra but, as I write these lines, Bushra Bibi has not been seen in public. This constitutes a definite set back to Imran Khan. During a recent interaction with a Khan supporter who held high office during his administration this author was told that Khans popularity was growing. The supporter said that the chances of a Bangladesh like popular agitation which threw out Sheikh Hasinas government or a movement like that which took place in Arab countries during the so-called Arab spring and led to regime change were present. When I said that it was unlikely with the armys prestige and power in Pakistan he did not respond. But his comments did show that Imran Khans supporters are getting fairly desperate now. These persons, my Pakistani interlocutor included, must have been enthused by the Rani of Jhansi leading from the front. But today their enthusiasm would have waned as Imran Khans final call was foiled by the government. The agitation has now been called off. Two last points: One, while some of Khans supporters reached Islamabad from Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, the governments there, doubtless aided by the army, did not allow the movement of any convoys from these provinces. This shows that while there is support for Khan there are not many who are willing to give their lives for him by storming the barricades. Two, the Shehbaz Sharif government and Munir handled Khans challenge with skill and flexibility. This will bolster their alliance which has been strengthened by the 26th Amendment. And they will now tighten the noose hard around the PTIs neck. The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. At the heart of this finding is Adity-L1s Velc instrument, a coronagraph designed to simulate the effects of a total solar eclipse. While ground-based observers typically see the Sun as an orange blaze, Velc blocks out its brightest layer, the photosphere, to reveal the faint yet critical solar corona read more Indias Aditya-L1 solar mission has notched up its first major achievement, unveiling data that could safeguard Earths infrastructure from intense solar activity in the future. Launched earlier this year by ISRO, the observatorys cutting-edge equipment has already demonstrated its value by pinpointing the start time of a coronal mass ejection (CME), an explosive burst of charged particles from the Sun. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate early warnings for solar storms, which are known to disrupt power grids, satellites, and communication systems. Advertisement Aditya-L1, named after the Sun god in the Hindu pantheon, has joined an elite club of solar missions operated by global space agencies like NASA and ESA. From its unique vantage point, the spacecraft continuously monitors the Sun, unhindered by eclipses or Earthly interruptions. Decoding solar explosions: The role of CMEs A CME is no small matter its a colossal eruption that can weigh up to a trillion kilograms and zoom through space at speeds of up to 3,000 km per second. Scientists explain that these fiery space cannonballs can cover the 150-million-kilometre gap between the Sun and Earth in as little as 15 hours. Depending on its trajectory, a CME can wreak havoc on Earths magnetic field, with potential knock-on effects for modern technology. Aditya-L1s data captured during a recent CME event has already proven its capability to track such phenomena with unprecedented precision. Velcs eclipse-like advantage At the heart of this finding is the Velc instrument, a coronagraph designed to simulate the effects of a total solar eclipse. While ground-based observers typically see the Sun as an orange blaze, Velc blocks out its brightest layer, the photosphere, to reveal the faint yet critical solar corona. This unique design allows Aditya-L1 to continuously monitor the Suns outermost layer, spotting CMEs as they originate something larger instruments on other missions sometimes miss. Scientists have highlighted Velcs ability to provide a clear and uninterrupted view of the solar corona. This constant observation ensures that no CME goes undetected, giving Earth-bound infrastructure a vital head start against potential disruptions. Bigger picture with ground observatories India is also strengthening its solar research with ground-based observatories in Kodaikanal, Gauribidanur, and Udaipur. Together with Aditya-L1s space-based observations, these facilities create a comprehensive framework for understanding solar activity. The synergy between ground and space data promises to unlock deeper insights into the Suns behaviour, making Earths systems more resilient to solar outbursts. With this early success, Aditya-L1 has firmly established itself as a key player in the global effort to monitor and understand our closest star. BYDs aggressive pricing strategy appears to be paying off the Chinese EV maker recently overtook Tesla in revenue for the first time, reporting a gross margin of 21.9 per cent, its highest in a year read more Unlike some of its rivals, BYD has not only weathered the price war but emerged stronger. Earlier this year, it initiated a fresh wave of price reductions, successfully boosting its market share while squeezing weaker competitors. Image credit: Reuters If some auto experts are to be believed, BYD, is the only EV company that Teslas Elon Musk is afraid of. If that is the case, the eccentric billionaire CEO has more reasons to be worried about Chinas, and possibly the worlds largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. BYD is preparing to escalate the already intense price war in the worlds largest auto market. A leaked email circulating on social media suggests the company is negotiating for a 10 per cent price reduction from suppliers starting January, a move seen as strategic positioning for another year of aggressive market competition. Advertisement Negotiations or pressure? In response to the email leak, BYDs public relations and branding director, Li Yunfei, clarified on social media that annual negotiations with suppliers are standard in the automotive industry. He noted that while BYD has set price reduction targets, these are not mandatory and remain open for negotiation. The leaked email highlights BYDs readiness to further tighten its costs, a critical move as price cuts continue to dominate Chinas auto market. The price war, now in its third year, has reshaped the industry, forcing smaller players out and encouraging partnerships between Western automakers like Volkswagen AG and Chinese EV specialists such as Xpeng Inc. BYDs resilience amid industry turmoil Unlike some of its rivals, BYD has not only weathered the price war but emerged stronger. Earlier this year, it initiated a fresh wave of price reductions, successfully boosting its market share while squeezing weaker competitors. The strategy appears to be paying off BYD recently overtook Tesla in revenue for the first time, reporting a gross margin of 21.9 per cent, its highest in a year. As other Chinese EV brands like HiPhi and WM Motor face bankruptcy, BYD continues to expand its dominance. The companys ability to adapt and innovate has cemented its status as the best-selling car brand in China, with sales of approximately 3.2 million plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles this year. October alone saw a record-breaking half-million cars sold, putting BYD on track to exceed 4 million units by year-end. The road ahead for the worlds largest EV maker BYDs aggressive cost-cutting measures signal that the price war is far from over. The move could deepen industry consolidation, challenging smaller automakers while intensifying competition for international players looking to carve out a slice of Chinas EV market. As the EV market matures and competition sharpens, BYDs strategy of leveraging scale, cutting costs, and capitalising on market momentum positions it as a formidable force. The coming year will test how effectively BYD and its competitors can navigate an increasingly cutthroat landscape. At the centre of the investigation is Microsofts bundling strategy, particularly the integration of productivity tools like Word, Excel, and Teams with its cloud and cybersecurity offerings. Competitors argue it undercuts their ability to compete fairly read more This investigation marks one of the final moves by Lina Khan, who has led an aggressive campaign against corporate consolidation during her tenure as FTC Chair. With a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump, it remains unclear how regulatory priorities will shift. Image Credit: Reuters Microsoft is once again in the spotlight of a major antitrust investigation, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launching an expansive probe into its business practices. The inquiry spans Microsofts cloud computing, software licensing, cybersecurity products, and artificial intelligence (AI) offerings. This marks a return to intense regulatory scrutiny for the tech giant, reminiscent of the governments failed attempt to break it up over two decades ago. A deep dive into Microsofts power The FTCs investigation has gained traction after over a year of informal interviews with competitors and partners. Now formalised, the agency has sent Microsoft a detailed request for information, said to be hundreds of pages long, following approval from FTC Chair Lina Khan. As part of its efforts, FTC lawyers will meet with Microsofts competitors next week to gather additional insights into the companys practices. At the centre of the investigation is Microsofts bundling strategy, particularly the integration of productivity tools like Word, Excel, and Teams with its cloud and cybersecurity offerings. Competitors, including Salesforces Slack and Zoom, have long criticised this practice, arguing it undercuts their ability to compete fairly. Security software like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), which is bundled with its cloud services, is also under scrutiny, with rivals claiming these terms stifle competition in the cybersecurity space. Advertisement Concerns over cybersecurity and cloud computing Microsofts cybersecurity record, especially as a major government contractor, has raised alarms. A series of high-profile cybersecurity incidents linked to Microsoft products has drawn attention to the risks of concentrated market power. For instance, the CrowdStrike crash earlier this year, which impacted millions of devices using Microsoft Windows systems, highlighted the ripple effects of disruptions in such a dominant ecosystem. The FTC has voiced concerns that the cloud computing markets concentration could pose significant risks to the economy. A November 2023 report noted that outages or degraded services from major providers like Microsoft could have a cascading effect across sectors, exacerbating fears of overreliance on a few dominant players. Regulatory shifts and Microsofts future This investigation marks one of the final moves by Lina Khan, who has led an aggressive campaign against corporate consolidation during her tenure as FTC Chair. With a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump, it remains unclear how regulatory priorities will shift. Business leaders anticipate a lighter regulatory touch, but the decision to advance the case will fall to Trumps yet-to-be-named FTC Chair. The renewed focus on Microsofts business practices underscores the enduring concerns over its influence in tech markets. As the probe unfolds, its outcome could have far-reaching implications for competition in cloud computing, software licensing, and cybersecurity, potentially reshaping the landscape of the tech industry. Syrian and allied Russian forces have launched airstrikes in rebel-held northwestern Syria after rebel forces launched a major offensive near Aleppo this week read more Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters fire missiles during the Aviadarts competition, as part of the International Army Games 2021, at the Dubrovichi range outside Ryazan, Russia August 27, 2021. (Representative Image, Credit: Reuters) The Russian and Syrian air forces bombed rebel-held northwest Syria near the border with Turkey on Thursday to push back a rebel offensive that captured territory for the first time in years, Syrian army and rebel sources said. Rebels led by Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on Wednesday launched an incursion into a dozen towns and villages in northwest Aleppo province controlled by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The attack was the biggest since March 2020 when Russia, which backs Assad, and Turkey, which supports the rebels, agreed to a ceasefire that ended years of fighting that uprooted millions of Syrians opposed to Assads rule. Advertisement In its first statement since the surprise campaign, the Syrian army said it had inflicted heavy losses on terrorists who had launched a large attack on a wide front. The army said it was cooperating with Russia and unnamed friendly forces to regain ground and restore the situation to what it was. Rebels advanced almost 10 km (6 miles) from the outskirts of Aleppo city and a few kilometres away from Nubl and Zahra, two Shiite towns where Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah has a strong militia presence, an army source said. They attacked al-Nayrab airport east of Aleppo, where pro-Iranian militias have outposts. Rebels say the campaign was in response to stepped-up strikes in recent weeks against civilians by the Russian and Syrian air forces on areas in southern Idlib, and to preempt any attacks by the Syrian army, which they said was building up troops near front lines with rebels. Turkish security sources said on Thursday that the rebels initially launched a limited operation after attacks by Syrian government forces, and expanded the operation after government forces abandoned their positions. The Turkish sources said that the rebels movements remained within the boundaries of a de-escalation zone in Idlib, which was agreed in 2019 by Russia, Iran and Turkey with the aim of reducing hostilities between the rebels and government forces. Advertisement A Turkish defence ministry source said Turkey was following recent developments in northern Syria closely, and had taken precautions to ensure the security of Turkish troops there. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States and Turkey, has long been targeted by Syrian government and Russian forces. It competes with more mainstream rebel groups backed by Turkey that also control swathes of territory along the Turkish border. The rebels say over 80 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the start of the year in drone strikes on rebel-held villages. Damascus says it is waging a war against al Qaeda-inspired militants and denies targeting civilians indiscriminately. Advertisement Rebels say Damascus is taking advantage of wider conflict in the region to try to seize control of Syrias last major rebel-held territory near the border with Turkey, where over three million people live. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Images from the 2007 meeting show Merkel seated with a nervous smile as the Labrador sniffed around, while Putin appeared at ease. Merkel recounted in her memoir how she tried to remain calm read more An image from the 2007 meeting between then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin. File image/AP Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a rare public apology to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday (November 28), addressing an incident during their 2007 meeting in Sochi that Merkel later described in her memoir. Speaking at a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin expressed regret over what he called an unintended offense. I once again appeal to her via the media and say: Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache, Putin said. He added that his actions were meant to create a favourable atmosphere for their conversation, not discomfort. Advertisement The comments came after Merkel revealed details of the 2007 encounter, which she described as deeply unsettling. During the meeting, Putin allowed his black Labrador, Konni, to approach Merkel during a photo session. Merkel recounted in her memoir how she tried to remain calm as the dog moved close to her. She disclosed that German officials had explicitly informed their Russian counterparts about her fear of dogs before the meeting. Despite this, the Labradors presence appeared deliberate. I interpreted Putins facial expressions as meaning that he was enjoying the situation, Merkel wrote. Was this a small demonstration of power? I just thought stay calm, concentrate on the photographers, it will pass. The event stirred speculation at the time about whether Putin had used the dog to intimidate Merkel. Merkels memoir also recounts a separate incident in 2006 when Putin presented her with a stuffed dog in Moscow, reportedly commenting that it did not bite. Addressing the controversy, Putin denied any malicious intent, saying he was unaware of Merkels phobia. If you everthough I know it is unlikelycome again, I will not do it under any circumstances, he said. Images from the 2007 meeting show Merkel seated with a nervous smile as the Labrador sniffed around, while Putin appeared at ease. The dog, Konni, was a gift to Putin from Sergei Shoigu, who later became Russias defense minister. Advertisement Merkel has not publicly responded to Putins apology. With inputs from AFP A petition urging to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh alleges that it has been involved in radical activities that threaten national security and stir communal violence read more Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), who faces several charges, is escorted by the police at the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, in Chattogram, Bangladesh, November 26, 2024. Reuters A High Court in Bangladesh on Thursday refused to pass an order to ban ISKCON in the country after it came to know that authorities have taken necessary actions to address the matter. Yesterday, a Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin presented newspaper reports before a high court bench and urged to issue a suo motu (voluntary) ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) activities in Bangladesh. The development comes as Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das remains in detention after his bail plea was denied earlier this week. Das faces charges of sedition for allegedly desecrating the Bangladeshi flag. Advertisement What does the petition say? The petition alleges that ISKCON has been involved in radical activities that threaten national security and stir communal violence, according to a report by Dhaka Tribune. The legal notice, addressed to Bangladeshs Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Police, also claims the organisations involvement in the death of a lawyer who was killed during protests triggered by Das arrest. Accusing ISKCON of blatantly disregarding law and order, the petition also claims that the organisation forcibly recruits members imposes Hindu beliefs and even destroys mosques. What did the HC say? During the hearing, the high court noted, We must consider the constitutional implications before taking any decision. That is why I believe it is premature. Let us see how the govt addresses this issue. EAM Jaishankar to address issue in Parl Meanwhile, India has constantly slammed Bangladeshs interim government for its treatment of minorities, especially Hindus, in the wake of recent protests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday afternoon to discuss the escalating tensions in Bangladesh following the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and the increasing attacks on religious minorities, including Hindus in the neighbouring country. Sources to CNN News18 said that Jaishankar is expected to make a statement in both houses of Parliament on Friday (November 29) if the proceedings are not disrupted by the Opposition. Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, issued a statement saying that mosques, temples and churches have fallen target to extremist attacks in Bangladesh after the Yunus government usurped the administration after her ouster read more Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday slammed the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus over the arrest of Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das earlier this week. According to IANS, Hasina, who is currently in India, published a statement saying, A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately. She added that mosques, temples and churches have fallen target to extremist attacks in Bangladesh after the Yunus government usurped the administration after her ouster. Advertisement The current power grabbers are showing failure in all areas. Failed to control the prices of daily necessities, failed to provide security for peoples lives. Strongly condemn these tortures directly and indirectly on common people, the former prime minister added. A lawyer was killed earlier this week after a scuffle broke out between protestors and security forces over the denial of bail to Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. Reacting to the incident, Hasina said, Those involved in this murder should be found and punished quickly. Human rights have been grossly violated through this incident. A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death were terrorists. Whoever they are must be punished. She added, If the unconstitutionally usurped Yunus govt fails to punish these terrorists, it will also face punishment for human rights violations. I appeal to the people of the country to stand united against this kind of terrorism and militancy. It is important to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the common people. Meanwhile, a High Court in Bangladesh on Thursday refused to pass an order to ban ISKCON in the country after it came to know that authorities have taken necessary actions to address the matter, adding that the interim government should take a call on the matter. Yesterday, a Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin presented newspaper reports before a high court bench and urged to issue a suo motu (voluntary) ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) activities in Bangladesh. Advertisement Black Friday sales offer customers lots of opportunities to get products at cheaper rates. However, one has to remain vigilant to prevent themselves from getting scammed. Heres how to be cautious read more As the world is all set to start the holiday shopping period with the Black Friday sale, there have been growing concerns about misleading sales and scams. What started off as an American consumerist tradition takes the world by storm every year before Thanksgiving and Christmas. What makes Black Friday special is the fact that consumers get to buy products at heavy discounts, making the event a heaven for shopaholics! A day before Black Friday, Gregory Caret, the director of UFC-Que Choisir, the consumer observatory of Frances leading consumer association, warned customers to beware as there will be more misleading sales than real discounts. An investigation conducted by UFC-Que Choisir showed that false promotions are proliferating so much so that it is exceptional to find real discounts. Advertisement In light of this, the European directive Omnibus stated that retailers will have to display the lowest price within the last 30 days since the implementation of it. The directive has been designed to improve customer protection, a measure some retailers bypass. Here are some of the warnings that are issued within the directives for the customers. While Omnibus is being implemented in Europe, these warnings can help customers from around the world. Manipulated reference price The experts warned that sometimes, retailers manipulate the reference price of a product to make a discount look bigger. If you see a 50 per cent, 40 per cent discount, you need to understand that its probably a fake promotion: the retailer is manipulating the reference price to fool people into thinking theyre buying at the best selling price with a gigantic promotion, Caret added. He noted that the retailers may increase the reference price before the Black Friday sale. Take this washing machine for example: The 349.99 price was only applied from October 18, for a promotion that took place on November 13, not quite 30 days later. The merchant could therefore not take this price as a reference, UFC-Que Choisir said in its report. Online scams: The main evil The experts said that consumers often fall prey to online scams very easily during the Black Friday sale. Sometimes, fraudsters can sell products that dont even exist. Theres an overactivity of scams during Black Friday as scammers have a higher success rate, Jerome Notin, head of Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, the French platform that assists victims of cyber malware, observed. Earlier this month, Barclay issued an urgent warning that there has been a 22 per cent increase in money lost to purchase scams during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales last year. In the report, the company stated that victims lost an average of 970. Some experts warned that the rise of AI has eased pirates access to your bank account. Following are the three tips to avoid being ripped off: Stay calm: Stay vigilant the next time you are shopping on a website and making any payments. Check twice when dealing with an unknown website. Dont believe in false deals: Always compare the prices of the product with other websites. Copy the reference of the product and type it into a search engine to see how much this product is being sold by competitors. Dont click on unsolicited links: Sometimes scammers can send malicious links to get access to your data. Hence, think twice before clicking on any links. Overall, Black Friday sales offer customers a host of opportunities to get products at cheaper rates. However, one has to remain vigilant to prevent themselves from getting scammed. The US Chamber of Commerce informed members last week that the administration is considering adding up to 200 Chinese semiconductor firms to a trade blacklist, which would block most US suppliers from shipping goods to them read more US is considering export curbs on chips aimed at China. Reuters On Thursday (November 27), China cautioned that it would take necessary actions to protect its companies if the United States escalated restrictions on chip exports. The warning came amid reports the Biden administration could introduce new measures as early as this week. The US Chamber of Commerce informed members last week that the administration is considering adding up to 200 Chinese semiconductor firms to a trade blacklist, which would block most US suppliers from shipping goods to them. Advertisement Asked about the reports at a regular news conference, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong criticised the US for what he described as the abuse of national security measures targeting Chinese companies. These actions severely disrupt the international economic and trade order, destabilise global industrial security, and harm the cooperative efforts between China and the US, as well as the global semiconductor industry, He said, adding that if Washington insists on escalating control measures, China will take necessary actions to resolutely protect the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises. Why is China concerned? The US has been tightening controls on semiconductor technology exports amid concerns Beijing could use advanced chips to bolster its military capabilities. Bloomberg reported Thursday that the new US measures could include restrictions on semiconductor equipment and AI memory chip sales to China. The proposal reportedly focuses on more than 100 Chinese companies involved in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and targets two chip factories owned by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., a Huawei partner. However, it notably excludes ChangXin Memory Technologies, which is working to develop AI memory chips. Tariff tensions still lurking Adding to trade tensions, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to implement a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of failing to curb illicit drug trafficking into the US from Mexico. Chinas Commerce Ministry responded Thursday, saying the tariffs would not address Americas internal challenges. Trumps comments have raised fears of a renewed trade war as Biden prepares to leave office in January. With inputs from agencies Chinas Defence Minister Dong Jun became the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defence minister to be investigated for alleged corruption, indicating the problems within the countrys military read more China's newly appointed Defence Minister Dong Jun inspects honour guards as part of the third Singapore-China Defence Minister's Dialogue at the Ministry of Defence in Singapore on 30 May, 2024. File Image/ Reuters The fate of Chinas Defence Minister Dong Jun remains unclear after reports emerged that he is being investigated for corruption. The Financial Times first reported that Dong was placed under investigation as part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption probe that has reached the top ranks of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). A US official, on condition of anonymity, gave an insight into the investigation. He told Reuters that a Chinese investigation into its strategic rocket forces had spilled over to other issues in the military and procurement. The official mentioned that the investigation into Dongs business is significant because he was appointed to the post by Chinese President Xi Jinping himself. Advertisement With this, Dong became the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defence minister to be investigated for alleged corruption, indicating the problems within the Xi administration. Amid the chaos, when asked about media reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said it was chasing shadows. Meanwhile, the Chinese Defence Ministry did not comment on the matter. China struggles to fight corruption It is pertinent to note Chinas military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge since 2023. At least nine PLA generals and a handful of defence industry executives have been removed from the national legislative body to date. Dong, who has served as the former PLA Navy chief, was appointed as the countrys defence minister in December last year. His predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed after seven months into the job. Interestingly, the investigation is also coming to light a week after Dong declined to meet US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defence ministers in Laos. At that time, the Chinese Defence Ministry cited US actions over Taiwan, a move the Pentagon chief said on Nov. 27 was unfortunate. Amid the chaos, the US officials maintained that they were not concerned about military-to-military relations between Washington and Beijing if Dong was removed. They told Reuters that China would be able to quickly put a successor in place, in case of such an event. It is important to note that Dong oversaw a recent thaw in US-China military-to-military ties, with both nations holding theatre-level commander talks in September for the first time. Dongs two immediate predecessors, Li and Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party for serious violations of discipline, a euphemism for corruption. Advertisement At that time, a communist party statement said that the pair betrayed the trust of the party and the Central Military Commission, seriously polluted the political environment of the military and caused great damage to the image of its senior leaders. With inputs from agencies. Researchers from the University of South Carolina and the National Human Genome Research Institute have started analysing the DNA of 302 feral dogs living in or near the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to explore how radiation might have impacted their genetic makeup, according to a report read more Recent research found distinct genetic differences between dogs living near the Chernobyl power plant and those just 10 miles away in Chernobyl city. Image Courtesy: Getty A recent study has revealed that dogs living in the vicinity of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site are experiencing rapid evolutionary changes, outpacing the development of dog populations in other regions. The Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor in northern Ukraine then part of the Soviet Union exploded on April 26, 1986, sending a massive plume of radiation into the sky. Nearly four decades later, the Chernobyl Power Plant and many parts of the surrounding area remain uninhabited by humans, at least. Advertisement According to a Popular Mechanics magazine report, in the decades since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, animals of all kinds have flourished in the absence of humans. Among the thriving wildlife are thousands of feral dogs, many of which are descendants of pets abandoned during the hasty evacuation of the area. Now, as the 40th anniversary of the worlds worst nuclear accident approaches, biologists are turning their attention to the creatures living within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) an area roughly the size of Yosemite National Park to study how prolonged exposure to radiation may have impacted their genetic makeup and potentially accelerated their evolution, added the report. Researchers from the University of South Carolina and the National Human Genome Research Institute have started analysing the DNA of 302 feral dogs living in or near the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to explore how radiation might have impacted their genetic makeup, reported Popular Mechanics. Their findings were recently published in Science Advances. Do they have mutations that theyve acquired that allow them to live and breed successfully in this region? What challenges do they face and how have they coped genetically? were some of the questions before the scientists, Popular Mechanics quoted co-author Elaine Ostrander, a dog genomics expert at the National Human Genome Research Institute, as saying to The New York Times. Advertisement The notion that radiation can accelerate natural evolution isnt new. The practice of purposefully irradiating seeds in outer space to induce advantageous mutations, for example, is now a well-worn method for developing crops well-suited for a warming world. Scientists have studied various animals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) for years, including bacteria, rodents, and birds. A 2016 study noted that Eastern tree frogs (Hyla orientalis), typically green, were more often black in the CEZ. Researchers believed this colour change was due to a mutation in melanin, which helped the frogs better manage radiation exposure. This raised the question: could Chernobyls feral dogs be experiencing similar genetic shifts? Advertisement Recent research found distinct genetic differences between dogs living near the Chernobyl power plant and those just 10 miles away in Chernobyl city. While these findings suggest rapid evolutionary changes due to radiation exposure, they are only an initial step toward confirming this theory, reported Popular Mechanics An environmental scientist told Science News that identifying radiation-induced mutations is challenging, given the potential for confounding factors like inbreeding. Still, this study lays the groundwork for more research into how radiation affects larger mammals. By comparing the DNA of Chernobyls dogs to those from non-irradiated areas, scientists can better understand the impact of radiation on evolution. Advertisement While no definitive conclusions have been drawn yet, Chernobyl once considered a wasteland continues to offer a rare opportunity to study the effects of radiation on natural adaptation. With inputs from agencies US President-elect Donald Trump could potentially ban traditional media journalists from press briefings in White House and could instead open the room to podcasters and independent journalists. Read to find what his son has revealed read more In a recent discussion on his podcast Triggered with Donald Trump Jr., the president-elects son revealed that his father had considered banning mainstream media journalists from the White House press briefing room. Trump Jr. shared insights from a conversation he had with his father during a recent flight, suggesting that the White House could potentially open the briefing room to podcasters and independent journalists, including figures like Joe Rogan. The topic came up when Daily Wire political commentator Michael Knowles posed the question of whether it was time to take away the seats traditionally held by mainstream media in the briefing room. I wonder now, as your father is assembling his team, as maybe (the incoming White House press secretary) Karoline Leavitt is looking at the new press briefing room chart, maybe its time to reorder that chart and maybe take away some peoples seats, Knowles said, as per a report in the Independent. Advertisement Trump Jr. responded, breaking what he called some news. We had the conversation about opening up the press room to a lot of these independent journalists, he said. If the New York Times has lied, theyve been averse to everything, theyre functioning as the marketing arm to the Democrat party, why not open it up to people who have larger viewerhips, stronger followings? Trump Jr. went on to elaborate that this idea came up during a conversation with his father while flying back from a SpaceX launch with Elon Musk. We were talking about the podcast world and some of our friends and Rogan and guys like you, he explained. The potential shift in who occupies the briefing room was tied to frustration with how the mainstream media has treated the Trump family. Given how the media has behaved, Trump Jr. said, were thinking about different options. However, logistical concerns remain. While the concept of allowing podcasters with large followings into the White House press room is being considered, Trump Jr. acknowledged that the feasibility of podcasters like Rogan attending daily briefingsespecially given his base in Austin, Texaswas still uncertain. This conversation is part of a broader pattern where Trump and his allies have repeatedly criticized traditional media outlets, particularly The New York Times, which he has referred to as failing. In a Truth Social post, Trump called for an apology from The New York Times for what he called its junk coverage, singling out correspondent Maggie Haberman. Advertisement The report further pointed out that the Trump campaign has historically courted young male voters through engagement with YouTubers and bro podcasters, many of whom are highly popular with Gen Z and supportive of Trumps MAGA movement. During the 2024 campaign, Trump appeared on several podcasts, including those of the Nelk Boys, Theo Von, and Logan Paul. His appearance on Rogans podcast, which reached nearly 40 million people, further cemented his connection with younger, tech-savvy voters. Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office on January 20, with the inauguration scheduled to take place at the US Capitol. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are expected to attend the ceremony. Advertisement Georgian Dream, the party that won the election, has denied allegations that have ranged from voter intimidation to ballot stuffing read more The European Parliament on Thursday (November 28) passed a resolution urging Georgia to hold new elections, declaring the results of the South Caucasus countrys recent parliamentary vote invalid due to irregularities. The motion, adopted by a 444-72 margin during a session in Strasbourg, called for the election to be re-run within a year under international supervision. Lawmakers argued that the election did not serve as a reliable representation of the will of the Georgian people, Politico reported. Advertisement International observers raised concerns about the election process, including reports of voter intimidation, vote buying, and ballot stuffing. The European Parliament stated the voting was neither free nor fair. The resolution also urged the European Commission and other EU institutions to suspend engagement with Georgias government, which is dominated by the Georgian Dream party. The ruling party has faced criticism for passing controversial laws targeting NGOs and the LGBTQ+ community, which critics compare to Russian tactics used to suppress dissent. The motion included support for sanctions against senior Georgian politicians accused of undermining democratic standards. MEPs from major political groups, including the European Peoples Party, Socialists and Democrats, Renew Europe, European Conservatives and Reformists, and the Greens, had jointly negotiated the resolution ahead of the vote on Thursday. Georgias prospects for European integration are now on the line, said Lithuanian MEP Rasa Jukneviciene, the Parliaments rapporteur on Georgia. The electoral process must be investigated to restore faith in Georgias democratic institutions. Georgias application for EU membership was frozen earlier this year after Georgian Dream advanced legislation to label foreign-supported media and civil society groups as foreign agents, a move widely criticized as echoing Kremlin policies. Advertisement Georgian Dream has denied allegations of election rigging. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili dismissed the European Parliaments resolution as based on inaccurate information and reiterated the governments goal of joining the EU by 2030 despite escalating tensions with Brussels. For the first time since 2020, Syrian opposition forces have launched an offensive against longtime ruler Bashar al-Assads forces near Aleppo read more Syrian opposition forces' personnel walk carrying their weapons on the outskirts of the northern Syrian town of Al-Bab, Syria, January 15, 2017. (Photo: Reuters) For the first time in nearly four years, Syrian opposition forces have launched an offensive against longtime ruler Bashar al-Assads regime. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and media organisations reported that opposition forces, including Islamists linked to Al-Qaeda, launched an offensive against Assads forces near Aleppo on Wednesday and took control of a military base and several villages. This is the first major offensive in the Syrian Civil War in four years, which had not seen much action since 2020 when Russia and Turkey reached a ceasefire for Syria Russia supports Assads regime and Turkey supports opposition forces. Advertisement The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 when pro-democracy protests erupted across the country in opposition to decades of dictatorial rule by Assad family, which has ruled Syria since 1971. In 2022, the United Nations (UN) estimated that around 300,000 people had been killed in the decadelong conflict. In the attack on Wednesday, Syrian opposition forces said they seized control of 13 villages, two towns, and a military base known as Base 46 in western Aleppo, according to CNN. The opposition forces said the offensive, which they have dubbed Deterrence of Aggression, is in retaliation to artillery shelling in recent days from regime forces, as per the report. The Base 46 is the largest government base in the area, according to The New York Times. The newspaper further quoted opposition forces as saying that they captured weapons and tanks of regime forces as well. Charles Lister, the Director of Middle East Institutes Syria and Counterterrorism programmes, told the newspaper that the fact that opposition forces comprising a wide spectrum of armed opposition groups manged to get within 4-5 kilometres of Aleppo is of gigantic significance. Previously, such an offensive would have been pushed back by the regime but opposition forces like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is linked to Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra front, have invested heavily in resources and training in recent years and that basically levels the playing field, said Lister. Advertisement Moreover, allies of Assads regime, such as Iran-backed militias and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, have been weakened in recent months by incessant Israeli bombardment. As they have been battered by Israel, they are not in shape to provide support to Assads regime at the moment. Reuters reported a source as saying that Syrian opposition forces have reached near two Shia towns of Nubl and Zahra where Hezbollah has a strong presence. France appeared to have changed its stance on the ICC arrest warrants against Israels PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Paris argued that the Israeli leaders have immunity from arrests since Israel is not a member of the international tribunal read more France appeared to have changed its stance on the looming arrest warrants against Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, which were issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this month. The French government on Wednesday stated that both Israeli leaders have immunity from the arrest warrants since Israel is not an ICC member. Interestingly, Frances assertion came soon after the Netanyahu cabinet agreed to a French-backed ceasefire in Lebanon. However, it was in contrast to Pariss attitude last year when the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Russias President Vladimir Putin and another leader of a non-member country. Advertisement France had initially hinted that it would fulfil its obligation as a signatory to the Rome Statute, the ICCs founding document, if either visited the country. However, the countrys foreign ministry changed its tone on Wednesday, insisting that both Netanyahu and Gallant have immunity since Israel is not a signatory to the statute. What did France say on the matter? In the statement, the French authorities referenced Article 98 of the Rome Statute, which states that a country cannot act inconsistently with its obligations under international law with respect to the diplomatic immunity of a person, The Guardian reported. However, Article 27 of the same statute states that the immunity of high office shall not bar the court from exercising its jurisdiction over such a person. The French authorities seemed to ignore Article 27 while putting its argument forward. A state cannot be held to act in a way that is incompatible with its obligations in terms of international law with regard to immunities granted to states which are not party to the ICC, the French statement said. Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other ministers in question, and must be taken into consideration should the ICC ask us to arrest them and hand them over, the statement further reads. Meanwhile, in 2019, the ICC ruled that Article 98 was not a fountain of immunity but rather a procedural rule that guided how the court should ask for a warrant to be carried out. Last month, the court ruled that Mongolia had violated its obligations as a party to the ICC by failing to arrest Putin when he visited the country in August. The court made it clear that Article 98 did not provide immunity from the war crimes charges against the Russian leader. At that time, the French foreign ministry fully supported the international tribunal. However, after the Wednesday statement, Amnesty International France pointed out that the French position on Netanyahu runs counter to Frances fundamental obligations as a member state of the ICC. Advertisement A cornerstone principle of the ICC statute is that no one is above the law, including heads of state, sought for arrest, such as Vladimir Putin or Benjamin Netanyahu, the human rights group said. This has been confirmed in a decision by the courts appeals chamber in jurisprudence which is binding on all member states. It is pertinent to note that France is not the only country to go easy on Netanyahu. David Lammy, the UK foreign secretary, said he would continue to engage with Netanyahu despite the arrest warrant. However, Lammy emphasised that the UK is under an obligation to refer the Israeli leader to the domestic court system if he came to the UK. Advertisement Should those named seek to come into our country that doesnt allow me any discretion, I will issue that, transmit that to the courts, and then the courts will make their determination under our law, Lammy told parliaments foreign affairs committee. With inputs from agencies. In its first response since a ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, Hezbollah on Thursday pledged to continue resisting Israel and said that it is watching the Israeli militarys withdrawal from southern Lebanon with (our) hands on the trigger read more Israeli soldiers stand atop army armoured vehicles outside the agricultural settlement of Avivim, next to the Lebanese border in upper Galilee, Israel, on Thursday. AP In its first response since a ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, Hezbollah on Thursday pledged to continue resisting Israel and said that it is watching the Israeli militarys withdrawal from southern Lebanon with (our) hands on the trigger. While a tense calm has settled over southern Lebanon, Israel has intensified its operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to The Guardian report, hospital officials reported that airstrikes over the past 24 hours have killed at least 21 people in Gaza, with Israeli ground forces advancing further into the northern and southern parts of the territory. Advertisement The Israeli military said its forces were continuing to strike terror targets as part of the operational activity in the Gaza Strip. In a statement from its operations centre late on Wednesday, Hezbollah said its fighters remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy without directly mentioning the truce. A 60-day phased withdrawal began at 4 am local time on Wednesday, during which Israel will pull its forces out of Lebanon, and Hezbollah will relocate its fighters and heavy weaponry from a 16-mile (25km) buffer zone. This truce aims to facilitate a permanent resolution to 14 months of conflict, with violations to be monitored by a US-led oversight body. However, tensions remain high on the ground. On Thursday, the Israeli military reported that its air force targeted a Hezbollah facility used to store mid-range rockets, marking the first airstrike since the ceasefire was implemented. Initial reports indicated that the strike occurred north of the Litani River, an area not covered by the truce, reported The Guardian. Lebanese security sources and state media reported that Israeli tank fire hit six locations along the UN-demarcated Blue Line on Thursday morning, injuring two people. Several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire, The Guardian quoted Israels military as saying in a statement. Advertisement The statement added that troops opened fire toward them and the army would actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement. Thousands of displaced people in Lebanon have begun packing their belongings and trying to return to their deserted homes in the south, despite conflicting statements from officials. Lebanons parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, who has been a key negotiator for the country, stated that residents could go back to their homes, while Israel has cautioned against it. On Wednesday, Israeli forces also fired upon several cars that tried to enter what they designated as a restricted area. The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages, The Guardian quoted the Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah as telling reporters on Thursday. Advertisement There are violations today by Israel, even in this form, Fadlallah added. The fighting has displaced around 1.2 million people in Lebanon and 60,000 in Israel, with Israelis near the border still barred from returning home. Lebanons health ministry reported 3,823 deaths and 15,859 injuries from Israeli fire since October 2023, without distinguishing between civilians and militants. Israeli figures indicate 45 civilian and 73 soldier deaths from Hezbollah attacks. Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones, and missiles in support of Hamas on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas attacked Israel. The two sides exchanged fire for a year until Israel escalated with airstrikes and ground troops in late September. Advertisement During truce negotiations, Hezbollah withdrew its demand for a ceasefire contingent on halting Gaza fighting. The Israeli military imposed a curfew in southern Lebanon from 5pm Wednesday to 7am Thursday, with another curfew on Thursday night, preventing displaced Lebanese from returning home as Israeli forces remain in several areas. We do not want to harm you but our forces will not hesitate to engage with any forbidden movements in this zone, The Guardian quoted Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee as saying. The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a significant step to ease Middle East tensions since October 2023, is not connected to the Gaza conflict. Advertisement Efforts to end violence in Gaza have failed repeatedly. Qatar, a key mediator, recently withdrew, citing a lack of commitment from both sides. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire and vowed to push for Gaza truce talks, but the separation of fronts has bolstered Israels position against Hamas. Theres little chance this will influence Gazas fighting, as neither side has shown readiness to amend their conditions for peace. Gaza faces a dire humanitarian crisis. Israel has been accused of blocking aid and displacing residents, claims it denies. Many believe Israel aims to annex parts of the territory. Over a year of conflict has left approximately 44,300 Palestinians dead, according to local health officials, whose numbers are recognized by the UN. On October 7, 2023, 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 captured; Israel reports 63 hostages are still alive. With inputs from agencies Out of 59 arrest warrants that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued so far, only 21 arrests have been made as member-states frequently defy warrants and the ICC lacks any enforcement mechanism of its own read more After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, the International Criminal Court (ICC) appears to be in the process of issuing an arrest warrant for Myanmars military ruler Min Aung Hlaing. Previously, the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine in the war he started. However, the chances of ICC securing the custody of Netanyahu, Gallant, Hlaing, and Putin are bleak as Israel, Russia, and Myanmar are not members of ICC. Moreover, their closest partners are also not members of the ICC and are therefore not bound to arrest them. Advertisement Even nations that are members of the ICC have frequently defied arrest warrants. There are a number of reasons that make ICCs warrants ineffective, ranging from the fact that the court has no enforcement mechanism of its own to geopolitical and ideological factors that sway the behaviour of member-states. 59 warrants, 29 detentions ICCs poor track record Even though the warrant for Netanyahus arrest has made most headlines, he is far from being the only leader wanted by ICC. Just last year, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin over his war on Ukraine for alleged war crimes against Ukrainian children. Issuing the warrant, the ICC said there were reasonable grounds to believe that Putin was responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of children from Russia-occupied Ukrainian territory to Russia. Overall, the ICC has issued 59 arrest warrants over the years in 32 cases that it has heard, according to information on its website. However, only 21 people have been detained and 30 remain at large. Moreover, charges against seven persons were dropped due to their deaths, including Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. Overall, there have been just 11 convictions while four persons have also been acquitted. Is ICC toothless tiger? Outside of Europe, most of the major powers of the world are not member-states of the ICC, such as the United States, China, Russia, and India. As some of the worlds most powerful nations are not ICC members, the potency of the institution is limited at the onset. Advertisement Moreover, even ICCs member-states have frequently defied warrants and have invented rationales to not arrest wanted persons. Former Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir has had an arrest warrant by the ICC since 2009, but he continues to remain at large. By 2018, Al-Bashir had made around 150 foreign visits, including to ICC member-states South Africa, Jordan, and Uganda, but none of the countries arrested him. Similarly, Putin has travelled to several countries with impunity since warrant was issued against him, including to ICC member-state Mongolia, but no action was taken against him. There is also the issue of duplicity by member-states as they have lent support to warrants against some leaders while ignoring warrants against others. Advertisement For example, even though South Africa welcomed the warrant against Netanyahu of Israel, it has sought an exception for Russias Putin. Similarly, while France urged Mongolia to arrest Putin, it has said that Netanyahu could be immune from arrest in France as Israel is not a member-state of the ICC. As per the French rationale, Putin should also be immune from arrest in Mongolia as Russia is also not a member-state of ICC. Similarly, if South Africa welcomes the warrant against Netanyahu, it should also not seek an exception for Putin. However, geopolitical compulsions and ideological affinities mean that nations favour warrants against some leaders while ignoring warrants against others. Advertisement Moreover, at times, nations have also defied ICC warrants with the false rationale that heads of state have immunity from arrest. This exception was raised by Jordan when Sudanese dictator Al-Bashir visited the country for a multilateral meeting. The ICC as well as a host of jurists have clarified repeatedly over the years that heads of state do not have any immunity from arrest warrants. Such a state of affairs related to the ICC, along with the fact that the ICC does not have any police of its own, leads to the question whether the ICC is a toothless tiger. Mark Zuckerberg joined Donald Trump for dinner at Mar-a-Lago, signalling support for a national renewal of America under Trumps leadership read more Mark Zuckerberg joined Donald Trump for dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate Wednesday, with an advisor to the president-elect saying the tech billionaire wants to support the national renewal of America. The 40-year-old chief executive of Meta - which owns Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp - has been carefully trying to mend ties with Trump. Both men have had a strained relationship over the years, with Facebook being among social media networks that banned Trump after the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Advertisement But on Wednesday, a Meta spokesperson said: Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration. In a statement, the spokesperson added that it was an important time for the future of American innovation. It was not immediately clear if billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally who previously challenged Zuckerberg to a cage match fight, also attended the dinner, though he has frequently been present at Mar-a-Lago since the election. Stephen Miller, Trumps incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, told Fox News on Wednesday that Zuckerberg has been very clear about his desire to be a supporter of, and a participant in, this change that were seeing all around America. Hes made clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under President Trumps leadership, Miller said in a televised interview. While treading cautiously in Trumps first term, tech titans were quick to laud the Republicans election victory this time - with Zuckerberg among those who offered his congratulations. Before the election, Zuckerberg stopped election-related philanthropy and Meta modified its algorithms to reduce political content. Advertisement Zuckerberg had previously contributed large sums to fund nonprofits working to support US electoral infrastructure during the Covid pandemic. The donations had been seized upon by Trump after his 2020 loss to Joe Biden, falsely alleging that they were part of a plot to swing the election. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Iran will hold nuclear talks with the UK, France, and Germany following a recent UN censure and amid rising tensions over its nuclear programme read more Iran is set to meet with Britain, France and Germany for talks Friday on its nuclear programme after the three governments joined with the United States to have Tehran censured by the UN atomic watchdog. Last weeks chiding prompted a defiant response from Tehran, but its officials have since signalled willingness to engage with others ahead of the return of US president-elect Donald Trump, whose last administration pursued a policy of maximum pressure against the Islamic republic. Advertisement Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who serves as the political deputy to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is scheduled to represent Iran in Fridays talks. He will meet beforehand with Enrique Mora, deputy secretary general of the European Unions foreign affairs arm, according to the IRNA state news agency. Last week, the 35-nation board of governors of the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution condemning Iran for its lack of cooperation on nuclear issues. Iran described as politically motivated the resolution brought by Britain, France, Germany and the United States. In response, Tehran announced the launch of new advanced centrifuges designed to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium. Tehrans willingness to sit down with the three European countries so soon after the censure comes just weeks before Trump is set to return to the White House. During his first term, Trump focused on re-imposing heavy sanctions on Iran following the United States unilateral withdrawal from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal three years after it was established. That agreement between Tehran and major powers aimed to give Iran relief from crippling Western sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear programme to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Tehran has consistently denied any intentions of pursuing atomic weapons. In retaliation for the US withdrawal, Tehran has reduced its compliance with the deal, raising its uranium enrichment levels to 60 per cent - close to the 90 per cent required for a nuclear bomb. For Tehran, the goal of the talks on Friday is to avoid a double disaster scenario, in which it would face renewed pressures from both Trump and European nations, according to political analyst Mostafa Shirmohammadi. He noted that Irans support among European nations had been eroded by allegations it offered military assistance for Russias invasion of Ukraine. Iran has denied these accusations and hopes to mend relations with Europe, while also maintaining a firm stance. Advertisement Legal obligations The IAEAs censure resolution urged Iran to fulfil its legal obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ratified in 1970, which requires member states to declare and maintain their nuclear materials under IAEA supervision. In response, Foreign Minister Araghchi, who was instrumental in the nuclear negotiations in 2015, said Iran was commissioning several thousand advanced centrifuges. The head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, said Wednesday that they had begun inserting gas into the centrifuges. Centrifuges work by rapidly spinning uranium gas to increase the proportion of the fissile isotope U-235. Iran insists on its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but according to the IAEA, it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60 per cent. Advertisement Under the 2015 accord - which will expire in October 2025 - Irans enrichment was capped at 3.67 per cent. In an interview published on the eve of the talks, Araghchi warned frustration in Tehran over unmet commitments, such as lifting sanctions, was fuelling debate on whether the country should alter its nuclear policy. We have no intention to go further than 60 per cent for the time being, and this is our determination right now, he told Britains The Guardian newspaper. But, he added, there is this debate going on in Iran, and mostly among the elites whether we should change our nuclear doctrine as so far it has proven to be insufficient in practice. Advertisement Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final authority in Irans decision-making, has issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting the use of atomic weapons. Irans nuclear programme dates back to the late 1950s when the United States, then an ally, signed a civil cooperation agreement with Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) The Israeli attacks struck Markaba, Wazzani and Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all of which lie within two kilometres of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel read more Men gesture in front of buildings damaged in Israeli strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. Reuters Israel on Thursday claimed that Hezbollah breached the ceasefire after suspects arrived at several areas in the southern zone. The Israeli military launched an attack targeting six areas in southern Lebanon after they accused the Iran-backed group of violating the ceasefire terms. Israel and Hezbollah reached a truce on Wednesday brokered by the US and France, allowing thousands of displaced people to head back home after months of intense fighting. However, the military urged residents of towns along the border strip not to return yet for their own safety. Advertisement Which areas have been attacked? The Israeli attacks struck Markaba, Wazzani and Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all of which lie within two kilometres of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel. One of the security sources said two people were wounded in Markaba. As Lebanese families have been trying to check on their properties, the Israeli army has refused to budge from Lebanese territories in towns along the border and Reuters reporters heard surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon. Displaced people started packing their bags after Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri gave a go-ahead to them to return home. Lebanon deploys army Meanwhile, Lebanons military deployed troops and tanks across the countrys south on Thursday as a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war largely held for a second day. Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers were to become the only armed presence in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway. A Lebanese army source said its forces were conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints south of the Litani River without advancing into areas where Israeli forces were still present. With inputs from agencies The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) said that it also carried out the airstrikes in southern Lebanon after identifying activity there. The IDF is deployed in southern Lebanon, acting and thwarting any violation of the ceasefire agreement, the military said in a statement read more A woman walks past damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, amid the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Lebanon on Tuesday. Reuters Israel on Thursday announced a nighttime curfew for people in south Lebanon hours after it launched attacks targeting a number of towns in the region. It is strictly forbidden to move or travel south of the Litani River starting from 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) until 7:00 am tomorrow (Friday). Those south of the Litani River must remain where they are, military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X. Earlier today, the Israeli Army accused Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire deal as they saw suspects entering the southern zone that it has declared off limits. Advertisement The Israeli attacks struck Markaba, Wazzani and Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all of which lie within two kilometres of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel. One of the security sources said two people were wounded in Markaba. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) said that it also carried out the airstrikes in southern Lebanon after identifying activity there. The IDF is deployed in southern Lebanon, acting and thwarting any violation of the ceasefire agreement, the military said in a statement. Israel and Hezbollahs ceasefire deal came into effect on Wednesday and as per the terms of the truce Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days as Lebanons army takes control of territory near its border with Israel to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there after a costly war. Meanwhile, Lebanons military deployed troops and tanks across the countrys south on Thursday as a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war largely held for a second day. Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers were to become the only armed presence in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway. A Lebanese army source said its forces were conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints south of the Litani River without advancing into areas where Israeli forces were still present. Advertisement With inputs from agencies In the first statment after the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal was put into effect, Hezbollah claimed victory over Tel Aviv and vowed to keep on fighting any form of aggression from the Jewish nation read more In its first statement after the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect, Hezbollah vowed to continue resistance, claiming victory over Israel. The Iran-backed militant group reaffirmed its readiness to confront any future aggression from Israel while the world welcomes the ceasefire deal. The statement also became concerning since it came hours after thousands of Lebanese returned home after fleeing the region amid Israeli attacks. Our forces will remain fully ready to address the Israeli enemys ambitions and aggressions, the statement read 17 hours after the ceasefire deal took effect. The Lebanese group went on to pledge to closely monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, claiming victory over the Jewish nation. Our fighters eyes will remain fixed on the enemys movements and withdrawals beyond the borders, and their hands will stay on the trigger to defend Lebanons sovereignty, the statement added. Advertisement On Wednesday, a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon took into effect, marking the end of more than 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, which started soon after Hamas October 7 attack in Israel. Thousands displaced in the conflict return home Per the ceasefire deal, the Israeli forces are obligated to withdraw forces south of the Blue Line in a phased manner. The Israeli official noted that the whole process needed to be completed within 60 days. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army will be deployed in southern Lebanon within that period, and Hezbollah was pushed further from the Israel-Lebanon border. The ceasefire deal was brokered by the United States and France and ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and Iran in years. Hours after the deal came into effect, US President Joe Biden said that the proposal to end the conflict was reached amid hopes it would stop Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese towns and cities and end the year-long cross-border fighting. More than 3,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since October 2023. After the deal was put into effect, thousands of people displaced from war-torn southern Lebanon have begun returning home. Lebanons motorways were thronged with packed vehicles carrying families and their belongings returning south despite warnings from the Israeli military that they should stay away while its forces remained in the area. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army asked the displaced locals to stay away from villages and towns near the UN-drawn blue line that separates the two countries. In the midst of all this, fear looms over how long both sides will be able to hold the truce. On Tuesday, Israel heavily bombed the capital, Beirut, and the south of the country, killing 42 people. The attacks continued until the truce began at 4 am local time. Meanwhile, Hezbollah retaliated against the Israeli attacks by firing rockets into the Jewish nation, triggering air raid sirens. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. The crackdown is in line with the broader agenda of Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis right-wing government, which has prioritised efforts to combat human trafficking and irregular migration read more Italian police said Thursday (November 28) they had blocked and revoked 3,339 applications for non-EU workers as part of an investigation into migrant smuggling by organised crime. The false requests for hiring non-EU labourers were submitted by 142 companies in agriculture, construction, and home care sectors, according to a joint statement by the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza police forces. Anti-Mafia prosecutors in Salerno, southern Italy, uncovered that these companies were being used by local criminal groups to facilitate illegal immigration. Authorities seized 1 million ($1.05 million) in cash from the groups in July, the statement said, according to Reuters. Advertisement Police measures have halted the issuance of permits in 29 provinces involved in the investigation, and those already granted have been revoked, officials said. The crackdown is in line with the broader agenda of Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis right-wing government, which has prioritised efforts to combat human trafficking and irregular migration. Italy, currently holding the G7s rotating presidency, is pushing for international cooperation, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announcing plans last month to create specialised G7 police units to investigate migrant trafficking networks. How Italys crackdown on immigration is going Meloni has also sought partnerships with the European Union and African nations to address migration. Last year, her government signed a controversial agreement with Albania to establish migrant reception centers in the Balkan country. However, Italian courts have complicated its implementation, ruling that asylum seekers in Albanian camps must be processed in Italy. Public response, too, has been mixed. Supporters argue that these policies are necessary to maintain national security and uphold legal immigration channels. Critics, however, contend that such measures may violate human rights and international asylum obligations. There is an economic angle, too. Italys economy remains reliant on immigrant labor, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, and caregiving. In 2023, 34 per cent of new hires for cooks and pizza makers were foreign nationals, highlighting the essential role of immigrants in the workforce. With inputs from agencies Lebanon has been functioning without a president for over two years after former president Michel Aouns term ended in 2022. Since then, neither of the two main blocs the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents have secured a majority required to elect a president read more Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati meets with members of his cabinet in Beirut on November 27, 2024, to discuss the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. AFP Day after Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire, Lebanon will convene a parliamentary meeting next year to discuss electing a new president to end a two-year-long vacancy in the post. Speaker Nabih Berri called a parliament session to elect a president of the republic on January 9, the official National News Agency reported. Lebanon has been functioning without a president for over two years after former president Michel Aouns term ended in 2022. Since then, neither of the two main blocs the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents have secured a majority required to elect a president. Advertisement Quickly elect a president Berri, who led ceasefire talks on behalf of ally Hezbollah, also called Wednesday for the country to quickly elect a president. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech earlier this month that after the war, Hezbollah would bring an effective contribution to the election of a president. By convention, the presidency goes to a Maronite Christian, the premiership is reserved for a Sunni Muslim and the post of parliament speaker goes to a Shiite Muslim. Why cant Lebanon elect a president? Michel Aoun, a close ally of Iran-backed Hezbollah, concluded his six-year presidency on October 30. Since then, Lebanons sharply divided parliament has convened nine times to elect a new leader, but each attempt has ended in failure. This prolonged political deadlock has intensified the countrys paralysis, delaying crucial reforms needed to address a severe economic crisis that has left three-quarters of the population in poverty. In order to elect a president in Lebanon, you first need to find a consensual figure who is not vetoed by major Lebanese players, and who is vetted and okayed by regional powers, said Karim Emile Bitar, Professor of International Relations at Beiruts Saint Joseph University. So far you have a tug-of-war between the Iranian-Syrian axis backing Hezbollah and on the other hand the alliance that is closer to the United States and Saudi Arabia. With inputs from agencies The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024 marks a century of tradition, bringing joy with its iconic balloons, floats, and performances to millions of viewers read more The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024 will be a major celebration, marking a century of tradition. It first began in 1924 and has become major tradition in American culture. The parade is organised by Macys department store and showcases a spectacular display of giant balloons, floats, marching bands, performers, and musical acts. The parade stretches over 2.5 miles and travels from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to Macys flagship store in Herald Square. One of the most exciting parts of the parade is the massive, colourful balloons shaped like popular cartoon characters, animals, and other figures. Advertisement The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is not only a lively celebration of the holiday season but also a television spectacle, with millions of viewers watching the event on TV across the country. It marks the beginning of the holiday season for many Americans with its festive atmosphere and iconic performances setting the tone for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Whats the parade route and can I watch it in person? The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade this year will start at 8:30 (local time) am on Thursday, November 28, 2024. It will last for about three hours and will end at noon. The parade will begin at West 77th Street and Central Park West in Manhattan. From there, the massive balloons and vibrant floats will travel along Central Park South, turn onto 6th Avenue, and will end at Macys Herald Square. Its a fascinating route for seeing the huge balloons floating high above the crowd. How can I watch the parade and is it available to stream? For those who cant make it to New York City in person, the 2024 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade will be telecasted on NBC from 8:30 (local time) am to noon with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. An encore on NBC will follow at 2 pm. For those who prefer to stream the event online, the parade will also be available for viewing on networks Peacock service ensuring that the parade is accessible to a global audience. The broadcast will include a mix of parade coverage, performances and interviews. Will there be any special guests and performers? The event will also include performances by varios artists, making it more festive and star studded. The stars who are going to perform at this years Thanksgiving Day Parade are Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Loud Luxury, Cynthia Erivo, Cole Escola, Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, Chloe, Dan & Shay, Dasha, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, Ariana Madix, Joey McIntyre, Idina Menzel, Natti Natasha, T-Pain, Rachel Platten, Lea Salonga, The Temptations, The War and Treaty, Alex Warren, Sebastian Yatra, Charli DAmelio, Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. A century of tradition Over the last century, it has grown from a modest celebration into a global event that captures the hearts of millions. In 1924, the inaugural Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade was held. Store employees, many of whom were immigrants from Europe marched to Herald Square in colourful costumes. Professional bands, floats, and animals from the Central Park Zoo accompanied them. Over 250,000 people attended the inaugural event, and when Santa Claus made his first appearance, he was crowned King of the Kiddies on the Macys balcony. Despite minimal media coverage, the event proved so successful that it became an annual tradition. In 2024, Macys will commemorate this milestone by honouring the parades history while continuing to innovate and surprise audiences with new floats, balloons, and performances. The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is a reminder of the joy and magic of the holiday season, a tradition that brings families together, celebrates cultural diversity, and spreads the spirit of Thanksgiving to all. Opponents also fear that legalising assisted dying could erode societal protections for those at risk. Supporters of the bill argue it offers dignity to those nearing the end of life and alleviates unnecessary suffering read more The assisted dying bill in the UK has led to a heated debate. Representational Image/Pixabay British lawmakers are set to vote on Friday (November 29) on a controversial bill that could allow terminally ill adults to seek assistance in ending their lives. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposes permitting individuals in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to request assisted dying, provided they meet strict safeguards. This marks the first parliamentary debate on the issue since 2015, with lawmakers from across the political spectrum weighing the deeply personal and ethical implications. Advertisement Key points expected in the debate Supporters of the bill argue it offers dignity to those nearing the end of life and alleviates unnecessary suffering. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who proposed the legislation, said the bill incorporates three layers of scrutiny to protect against abuse. Two independent doctors and a High Court judge must approve requests, ensuring decisions are voluntary and informed. Patients must self-administer life-ending medication, with no obligation on healthcare professionals to participate. Critics express concerns about potential risks to vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and disabled, who might feel pressured to end their lives to avoid being a burden. Opponents also fear that legalising assisted dying could erode societal protections for those at risk. Former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Theresa May have voiced opposition, though David Cameron has publicly supported the measure. The debate also touches on inequality, with advocates noting that wealthier individuals can travel to Switzerland, where assisted dying is legal, while others risk prosecution for helping loved ones. Public figures like broadcaster Esther Rantzen, who is battling lung cancer, have called on MPs to support the bill to provide more equitable options. What happens to this bill next? The bills outcome hinges on a free vote, with no party lines or government pressure influencing MPs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged neutrality, though he has previously expressed support for assisted dying. A vote in favour of the bill will advance it to further hearings and scrutiny in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Advertisement If approved through the legislative process, any law is unlikely to take effect for at least two to three years, according to supporters. For now, the five-hour debate and expected close vote will determine whether the contentious issue progresses or is shelved once more. With inputs from agencies In his first interview since the Lebanon ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday warned that any failure by Hezbollah to comply with the ceasefire terms would lead to an intensive war read more Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Israel, on Oct. 27, 2024. AP File In his first interview since the Lebanon ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday warned that any failure by Hezbollah to comply with the ceasefire terms would lead to an intensive war. I gave the IDF instructions, The Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying to the right-wing Channel 14. If there is a massive violation of the agreement, not only will we operate surgically like we are doing now, and with force, every time. I said, if there is a massive violation of the agreement, I instructed the IDF to prepare for an intensive war, Netanyahu was quoted as saying. Advertisement Netanyahu gathered advisors for a meeting on the ongoing war efforts across various fronts, according to Channel 13. In the interview with Channel 14, Netanyahu described the Lebanon ceasefire as potentially brief, stating that Israel enforced it on its first day. Asked why Israel is not establishing a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu explained that the threat of a ground invasion has been removed. He said the IDF had destroyed both the aboveground border infrastructure and the underground bunkers and tunnels. He added that residents in the north would return gradually, once they feel confident in the situation. Regarding Irans nuclear ambitions, Netanyahu refrained from promising that Iran would not acquire a nuclear weapon, asserting, I will do everything to prevent Iran from becoming nuclear. The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon commenced at 4 am (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, amid uncertainty about its durability and the potential for a permanent end to the conflict between Israels military and Hezbollah. Under the ceasefire terms, Israel is set to gradually withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days, with the Lebanese army taking control of the area. Advertisement The conflict began on October 8, 2023, when Lebanon launched strikes against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Cross-border violence continued for months, culminating in an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon last month. Since the start of the war in Gaza last October, at least 3,823 people have died and 15,859 have been injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Meanwhile, despite Israeli military warnings to stay away until troops completed their withdrawal, tens of thousands of displaced civilians began returning to southern Lebanon. With inputs from agencies Vladimir Putin wants to pressure the US over Ukraine in the same way as Nikita Khrushchev pressured JFK over Cuba in 1962 read more Around six decades ago, the world was on the precipice of a nuclear Armageddonso the world believed. It was the Cold War. The US deployed the nuclear hypersonic PGM-10 Jupiter missiles in NATO members Italy and Turkey in 1958 and 1959, respectively, as a forward strike capability. The 30 Jupiters in Italy were a direct nuclear threat to the Soviet Union and its satellite states while 15 others in Turkey could hit Moscow and other major Russian cities. Advertisement America further ratcheted up tension with the USSR with the CIAs Bay of Pigs Invasion and Operation Mongoose in Cuba. Nikita Khrushchev was alarmed. The Soviet premier wanted to prevent further American hegemony and aggression, especially against its ally Cuba. Khrushchev dispatched the first consignment of the thermonuclear hypersonic R-12 Dvina MRBMs on September 8, 1962, and the second batch on September 16. The Soviets also started building six sites for the R-12s and another three for the thermonuclear hypersonic R-14 Chusovaya IRBMs. The Soviet missiles could target much of the eastern US within a few minutes. On this day in 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis reaches its climax as the U.S. warns its allies that war with the Soviet Union "may be necessary." pic.twitter.com/zzyFkIqrTX Military History Now (@MilHistNow) October 27, 2022 When the US placed a naval blockade on Cuba to prevent further delivery of Soviet missiles, President John F Kennedy and Khrushchev exchanged messages that ended the crisis. Khrushchev removed the R-12s and didnt deploy the R-14s and Kennedy withdrew the Jupiters from Italy and Turkey. Advertisement The 13-day Cuban Missile Crisis (October 16-28, 1962) was the closest the USSR-US confrontation came to escalating into a nuclear war. The big question was would Kennedy have launched the Jupiters against the USSR and risked Doomsday by triggering an equally devastating retaliation from Khrushchev? No. It was plain nuclear muscle flexing. Theory of Reflexive Control Though Khrushchev was the first to relent, Kennedy finally withdrew the Jupiters. The USSR had only 75 ICBMs and 3,600 nuclear warheads compared to Americas 170 and 27,000yet Khrushchev challenged Kennedy. Knowing that Kennedy wouldnt launch nukes at the USSR, Khrushchev used the old Soviet psychological manipulation theory of Reflexive Control, which affected his opponents decision-making processes. Advertisement Unlike traditional military strategies, Reflexive Control combines psychological and information manipulation, pressure tactics and geopolitical strategy to influence the enemys decision(s). Its asymmetric warfare that changes the adversarys perception of the situation and forces it to act accordingly to further Russian objectives. According to Sergey Komov, a leading Russian thinker on information warfare, Reflexive Control can include one or more or a combination of the following tactics: distraction, overload, paralysis, exhaustion, deception, division, pacification, deterrence, provocation, suggestion and pressure. Reflexive Control is a means of conveying to a partner or an opponent specially prepared information to incline him to voluntarily make the predetermined decision desired by the initiator of the action, says Timothy Thomas, a leading American expert on Russias information warfare. Advertisement Basically, Russia escalates the situation to force the adversary to de-escalate. In the process, Russia portrays itself as an irresponsible nuclear powera bold yet restrained strategywhich either forces the enemy to change its course of action or end the conflict. According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Escalation is a deliberate action taken primarily for the purpose of ending a conflict without any further increase in the intensity or level of fighting. In a nutshell, the enemy isnt aware of being manipulated and decides in Russias favour. Khrushchevs strategic ambiguity and his psychological pressure on Kennedy obfuscated his real intentions and forced the US to avoid targeting Cuba in future. Using Reflexive Control, he established the military strategy of mutual assured destructionif Kennedy launched a nuke against the USSR, he would launch a retaliatory nuclear strike against the US. Advertisement Oreshnik missile and reflexive control On November 21, a terrifying spectacle unfolded in the Russia-Ukraine War with President Vladimir Putin ordering the use of the hypersonic, non-nuclear Oreshnik missile against Ukrainian missile and space rocket company Pivdenmash (known as Yuzhmash), in Dnipro city. The Western media, which often exaggerates Russian military manoeuvres and downplays NATOs eastward expansion, went into overdrive. Moscow launches ICBM at Ukraine one day after British Storm Shadows strike Russiahttps://t.co/iBMiGMt9jU Daily Express (@Daily_Express) November 21, 2024 Initial reports suggested the missile was an ICBM called RS-26 Rubezh, which has a nuclear warhead and can be equipped with a thermonuclear multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) or a manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle and even the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. Even Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russia attacked Ukraine with an ICBM launched from the Kapustin Yar test site, in Astrakhan Oblast. If the reports and Zelenskys claim were right, then an ICBM was used in war for the first time. However, there are four types of ballistic missiles: SRBM (range less than 1,000 km), MRBM (1,000-3,000 km), IRBM (3,000-5,500 km) and ICBM (more than 5,500 km). When Rubezh was successfully tested on May 26, 2012, it hit its target 5,800 km away. Therefore, it is barely classified as an ICBM. Moreover, Rubezhs development was suspended from 2018 to 2027 as it violated the 1987 US-Soviet Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles in the 500-5,500 km range of both countries but excluded air- or sea-launched missiles. The US and Russia withdrew from the treaty in 2019. A few hours after the attack, Putin said that Russia had struck Ukraine with a new hypersonic IRBM that has a speed of Mach 10 and cant be intercepted. Is the Oreshnik completely new as claimed by Putin? Theres no clarity. The Pentagon said the missile was based on the Rubezh, which wasnt new but a shorter version of the thermonuclear, MIRV-equipped hypersonic RS-24 Yars. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also said that the missile was a modified RS-26 Rubezh IRBM. On the other hand, Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) claimed that the missile was Kedr, a research project based on the Yars that was tested in Astrakhanthe same site from where Oreshnik was launchedin 2023 and early 2024. The HURs claim makes sense as the Rubezh project, based on the Yars, was shelved in 2018. According to HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov, Kedrs mass production hasnt startedwhich again makes sense after Putin said that Russia would begin mass production of Oreshnik. There are several reasons why Oreshniks use was nothing but Reflexive Control by Putin. First, Russia doesnt need an ICBM or an IRBM to target a neighbouring country when an MRBM or an SRBM can do the job. ICBMs or IRBMs are used for nuclear strikes on targets thousands of kilometres away. What purpose will it serve when Russia already has used missiles that can carry nuclear warheads against Ukraine? The Mach 5.9 9K720 Iskander is a mobile SRBM that can carry nuclear, conventional, cluster munitions, fuel-air explosive fragmentation, bunker-busting and electromagnetic warheads. The Mach 9 3M22 Zircon is a scramjet-powered, nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile. The Mach 10 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a Russian hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile that can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. Neither the Oreshnik ballistic missile strike nor Putins November 21 statement represents a significant inflection in Russian strike capabilities or likeliness to use a nuclear weapon. Russian forces fire nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable Kh-101 cruise missiles against Ukraine on a regular basis, the ISW said. NEW: Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified his reflexive control campaign aimed at Ukraine and its Western partners by conducting an ostentatious ballistic missile strike against Ukraine that used multiple reentry vehicles on November 21. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K5L43oQVku Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 22, 2024 Ukrainian air defence systems have shot down several such missiles with the most recent interception on November 17. One difference between these missiles and Oreshnik/Kedr is that they arent equipped with MIRVs. That could explain the missile launch, the first time such a system was used in war. The missile had six warheads each carrying six submunitions. Pictures/videos showed six flashes each comprising a cluster of six individual projectiles. Intercepting an MIRV-equipped missile is daunting, especially for Ukraine, as it has multiple warheads that can overwhelm the enemys air defence and strike different targets. Second, satellite imagery showed little damage to the Ukrainian missile and space rocket plant after the attack. Though Russian propaganda channels claimed that the plant was destroyed, Russian Z-channel Romanov Light released satellite images showing very little damage. According to Julian Ropcke, a senior editor with the German tabloid Bild, the missile didnt have explosives. We dont see explosions [in the videos of the attack], only kinetic energy from a fall from a height of several hundred kilometres, he said. Two senior Ukrainian government sources also told Reuters that the warheads didnt contain explosives. Third, a day after the attack, Putin claimed that several Oreshniks had the destructive power of a nuke and the missile couldnt be intercepted. Due to its striking power, especially when used en masse and in combination with other long-range precision systems that Russia also has, using it against enemy targets will be comparable in effect and power to using strategic weapons, he told a meeting of military officials, defence industry representatives and missile system developers in Moscow. However, American missile defence systems like the THAAD and Aegis can counter fast-moving missiles, including some hypersonic ones. Systems like SM-3 from Aegis or Aegis Ashore as well as most likely Arrow 3 and THAAD can absolutely deal with this type of threat, Fabian Hoffmann, a doctoral research fellow at the Oslo Nuclear Project, told CNN. Though a large number of interceptors would be needed to shoot the multiple warheads, he added. Theodore Postol, a leading US missile technology expert and retired MIT professor emeritus of science, technology and national security policy differs. Theres nothing available that can engage that system [Oreshnik] and offer any meaningful defence against it, he told the Russian news agency TASS. According to him, the THAAD, Aegis and Patriot are fundamentally flawed in their concept. However, Putin made similar claims about the Kinzhal and Zircon earlier, saying they were unstoppable. However, some of these missiles were shot down by Ukraine. In January, Ukraine claimed to have shot down all the 10 Kinzhals fired by Russia. In March, two Zircons were intercepted. In June 2023, Ukraine shot down seven Kinzhals using the American MIM-104 Patriot missile defence system. Every time NATO, particularly the US, arms Ukraine with new weapons, Putin either threatens the use of tactical nukes or puts his nuclear forces on high combat alert. The Oreshnik retaliation was in response to Ukraines attack deep inside Russian territories with the American MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Franco-British long-range, air-launched Storm Shadow cruise missile. Though Putin slammed the ATACMS and Storm Shadow strikes, Ukraine has already struck Crimea, which Russia considers its territory, several times with the same missiles. The incident was another example of Putins Reflexive Control campaign, which triggered the expected shock and fears of a nuclear attack on Ukraine. If Putin wanted to use a tactical nuke, he would have done it by now using the Iskander, Kinzhal or Zircon missiles. Putin intensified his Reflexive Control campaign aimed at Ukraine and its Western partners by conducting an ostentatious ballistic missile strike against Ukraine that used multiple re-entry vehicles on November 21, the ISW said. Putins rhetoric is consistent with prior official Kremlin statements defining red lines that the Kremlin has attempted to use to deter Western states from supporting Ukraine. The Oreshnik strike was pure propaganda and a political move to deter the West from assisting Ukraine. However, Putin has failed to prevent the West from arming Ukraine. Changed Russian N-doctrine and reflexive control Two days before the Oreshnik attack, Putin changed the nuclear doctrine by lowering the threshold after Ukraine fired six ATACMS missiles at an arms depot in the Bryansk region, around 110 km inside Russia. According to the revised doctrine, a conventional attack by a non-nuclear nation [Ukraine] against Russia supported by a nuclear power [the US, UK or France] will be treated as a joint attack by both. Now, the danger of a direct armed clash between nuclear powers cannot be underestimated. What is happening has no analogues in the past. We are moving through unexplored military and political territory, Russias deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said. Similarly, when a new American ballistic defence base that is part of a broader NATO missile shield dubbed Aegis Ashorethat can intercept SRBMs, MRBMs and IRBMSwas inaugurated at Redzikowo, Poland, Russia said that it increased strategic risks and the overall level of nuclear danger. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the missile defence base has long been added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction, which, if necessary, can be executed with a wide range of advanced weapons. Since the start of the war, Putin has raised the spectre of a nuclear strike around 10 times. While Putin managed to cause global fear and concern by revising the nuclear doctrine, it already contains several scenarios in which Russia can use a nuke against Ukraine or NATO. According to the earlier doctrine, Moscow can use nuclear weapons if a state(s) that considers the Russian Federation as a potential enemy deploys missile defence systems and means, medium- and shorter-range cruise and ballistic missiles, high-precision non-nuclear and hypersonic weapons, attack unmanned aerial vehicles [drones] and directed energy weapons. Ukraine uses the Patriot missile defence system, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and drones to attack Russian troops. The earlier nuclear doctrine also states that Russia can use nuclear weapons against the adversary in a conventional war to prevent the escalation of hostilities and their cessation on terms acceptable to it. Putin consistently escalates the war on his own without regard to Western decisions and has consistently declined to retaliate every time Western states have deepened their support of Ukraine. Putin previously threatened severe retaliation if Western states provided Ukraine with rocket artillery, tanks, warplanes and the ability to strike into Russia, and Putin has constantly shifted the goalposts every time the West has called Putins bluff, the ISW said. A significant feature of the earlier doctrine was that Russia could use nukes if nuclear weapons were placed on the territories of non-nuclear states and the means of their delivery. US deploys around 480 nukes at eight bases in six European countries, including non-nuclear nations. These weapons are gravity bombs of the B61-3, -4 and -10 types with Germany hosting the most (150), followed by the UK (110) and Italy and Turkey (90 bombs each). Therefore, the earlier Russian nuclear doctrine was powerful enough to necessitate the use of a nuke. However, some of Putins nuclear threats, part of Reflexive Control, have worked. When he put his nuclear forces on high combat alert on February 27, 2022, the US postponed the test launch of the Minuteman III ICBM in March of that year. Then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO [or] has Russia been under threat from Ukraine. Putin has increased the rhetoric and threatening manoeuvres knowing that the next US president, Donald Trump, wants to end the war. He wants to negotiate with Ukraine from a position of strength without making any significant territorial concessions and Kyiv abandoning its NATO ambitions. Russia controls 18 per cent of Ukraine (110,000 sq km), including Crimea, 80 per cent of Donetsk and Luhansk and more than 70 per cent of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. The writer is a freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. In Pakistan, at least 10 more people have been killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during sporadic clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes that continue despite ceasefire read more Relatives transport the body of a victim of a gunmen firing incident, after collecting it from a hospital, in Parachinar, the main town of Kurram district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on November 22, 2024. Source: AP. At least 10 more people have been killed, and 21 others injured as sporadic clashes continued between Sunni and Shia tribes despite a ceasefire brokered between the two warring communities in Pakistans restive northwest, police said on Wednesday. The latest violence took place on Tuesday in Kurram district, bordering Afghanistan, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. At least 10 people died and 21 others injured in the sporadic tribal sectarian violence, police said. An agreement has been reached for an extension of the cease-fire for another 10 days, Deputy Commissioner of Kurram Javedullah Mehsud said. Advertisement The deputy commissioner stated that during the past week, 100 people have lost their lives, and 180 others have been injured in the clashes. He further mentioned that all parties will vacate their positions starting tomorrow, adding that both police and army personnel will remain deployed in Kurram. The clashes between Alizai and Bagan tribes in Kurram district started on Friday last week following Thursdays attack on a convoy of passenger vans near Parachinar in which 47 people were killed. At least 37 people were killed and several others injured in the tribal sectarian violence over Friday and Saturday, police said. Nobody has claimed responsibility for Thursdays convoy attack. Also Read: 82 killed in 3 days in Pakistans Kurram: How Sunni vs Shia clashes have left a bloody trail A seven-day cease-fire was brokered between the Shia and Sunni communities on Sunday following meetings between a provincial government delegation and elders from both sects. However, despite the ceasefire, sporadic clashes are continuing, police said. There was sporadic fighting on Tuesday in Ghozaghari, Matasanagar and Kunj Alizai areas. Kurram Deputy Commissioner Mehsud said that a grand jirga (tribal council) comprising elders from Hangu, Orakzai and Kohat districts will visit Kurram for fresh mediation to end hostilities. Kohat division Commissioner will lead the peace delegation, he said. Advertisement Meanwhile, Dr Mir Hassan Khan, Superintendent of the Kurram district headquarters hospital, said the closure of roads leading to Parachinar following Thursdays attack has resulted in a shortage of medicines. Also Read: US issues Do Not Travel advisory for Americans going to Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa It is becoming difficult for doctors to treat people due to a shortage of medicines and people are losing their lives, he said. Shiite Muslims make up about 15 per cent of the 240 million people in Sunni-majority Pakistan. Although the two groups generally live together peacefully, tensions remain, especially in Kurram. Although the area has a history of sectarian conflict, with militant groups previously targeting the Shiite minority, the current violence is connected to a land dispute. Advertisement Pakistans interior ministry announced that Afghan refugees in Islamabad wont be able to live in the capital without permission from December 1 after clashes between authorities and PTI supporters left the country in shock read more Supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, gather to remove shipping containers to clear way for their rally demanding Khan's release, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo: AP) Following the violent clashes between Pakistani authorities and former Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the federal government announced that Afghan nationals will not be allowed to stay in Islamabad. The Pakistani government issued the warning to Afghan nationals residing in the country without legal documents, and the deadline set up by the government is December 31. According to Pakistani news outlet Geo News, the development came after the Islamabad police arrested 37 Afghan nationals, who were reportedly part of the PTIs do-or-die protest". A number of Afghan nationals were also taken into custody in Punjab and were accused of taking part in the PTI protests. Advertisement In light of these incidents, the Pakistani interior ministry said that the measures are being taken as a precaution. The authorities have also started geofencing of Afghan refugee camps in Islamabad and other cities earlier this month to take strict action against those involved in wrongdoing. Cant stay in Islamabad without permission: Pakistan to Afghan refugees While addressing a press briefing on Wednesday, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that Afghan nationals will not be allowed to stay in Islamabad without permission after the end of the next month. Naqvi maintained that the Afghan nationals who intend to stay in the capital will have to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Islamabad deputy commissioners office. No Afghan citizen will be able to live in the federal capital without having proper permission from the district administration of Islamabad, the interior minister averred. When asked about the security measures that are in place following the clashes with PTI supporters, Naqvi said that the majority of roads have been reopened for the general public. [The governments] sole priority is the resumption of normal life [in Islamabad], he said, adding that things would get back to routine by this evening. The remarks from the Pakistani Interior Minister came after the Imran Khan-founded party announced a temporary suspension of its do-or-die protest following a midnight crackdown by the law enforcers, which effectively dispersed the PTI workers, Geo News reported. PTIs miscreants are looking for dead bodies Naqvi During the press briefing, the Pakistani interior minister also rejected the reports claiming that 33 bodies were brought to a hospital, calling it propaganda. He went on to challenge the party to name all the deceased they are claiming to be killed in the protests. PTIs miscreants are looking for dead bodies in hospitals, he remarked. Naqvi also asked the former ruling party to name any policemen who had a gun during protests. The minister said that they would present a report on the PTIs protest in the cabinet meeting and to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Geo News reported. Meanwhile, Islamabad IG Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said that at least five security personnel, including three jawans of Rangers, were martyred in the clashes. 12 to 13 vehicles of police were set on fire [during PTIs protesters], he said. In addition to this, the police noted that miscreants damaged 161 CCTV cameras of Safe City so that their activities could not be recorded. Advertisement 37 Afghan nationals among 954 people were arrested during the past three days. A Kalashnikov among 39 weapons were seized, he said, adding that 71 law enforcers have been injured in the clashes. With inputs from agencies. Putin said that the decision-making centres in Kyiv could fall target to Russias new Oreshnik missiles that have the capacity to travel around three kilometres per second read more Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that launching a barrage of missile attacks against Ukraine was Moscows way of responding to Kyivs use of Western weapons. The presidents comments came during his visit to Kazakhstan as he tries to bolster Russias relations with the country as the war drags on for over two years. We carried out a comprehensive strike, Putin told allies. The Russian leader has previously railed at Ukraines allies granting permission for Kyiv to use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets on Russian territory, warning of retaliation. Advertisement He added, It was a response to continued attacks on our territory by (US) ATACMS missiles. Darkness plunged in Ukraine after overnight Russian attacks hit its energy sector. Over a million people were left without power with authorities ordering the introduction of emergency power cuts amid the attack. In a rare move, Putin presented the exact number of missiles and drones used in the recent attack against Ukraine. Russia launched more than 90 missiles and 100 drones that hit 117 targets in Ukraine. Russia to target decision-making centres Putin warned that Russia will next target Ukraines decision-making centres in Kyiv adding that the deployment of US-made weaponry is forcing Moscow to test its new Oreshnik ballistic missile on Ukraine. He said Kyiv had tried to strike buildings of state importance in Saint Petersburg and Moscow throughout the conflict. The Kremlin chief boasted that the Oreshnik could turn anything it hit into dust and that several of the weapons fired together would be comparable to a nuclear strike. New ballistic missiles could be used The president also said that the decision-making centres could fall target to the Oreshnik missiles that have the capacity to travel around three kilometres per second and that its attacking elements reach a temperature almost like the surface of the Sun. If there are more strikes on Russian territory using Western long-range missiles we will be responding, including with possible continued testing of Oreshniks in combat conditions, Putin said. With inputs from agencies Romanias top court ordered a vote recount in the first round of the presidential election, it said on Thursday, in a ruling observers said risked tarnishing the credibility of state institutions ahead of two more ballots read more News about the presidential election are broadcasted on TV at a restaurant in Bucharest, Romania, on November 25, 2024. Reuters File Romanias top court ordered a vote recount in the first round of the presidential election, it said on Thursday, in a ruling observers said risked tarnishing the credibility of state institutions ahead of two more ballots. The Court unanimously ordered the re-verification and recounting of the voting ballots for the Nov. 24 presidential election, it said in a statement. Having polled in single digits before Sundays vote, independent far-right politician Calin Georgescu, 62, surged to a victory that raised questions over how such a surprise had been possible in the European Union and NATO member state. Advertisement The decision adds to the turmoil surrounding the electoral process in Romania, which is scheduled to hold three ballots in as many weeks, votes which are crucial to the direction of a country that has been pro-Western and a staunch ally of Ukraine. Georgescu has previously praised 1930s Romanian fascist politicians as national heroes and martyrs, has been critical of NATO and Romanias srance on Ukraine, and has said the country should engage, not challenge Russia. He will face centrist contender Elena Lasconi in a run-off on December 8. Meanwhile parliamentary elections are scheduled for Sunday. There were 9.46 million votes cast in the election. Recount The decision to call for a recount was made after conservative presidential candidate Cristian Terhes, who got 1% of the votes on Sunday, challenged the ballots result. Terhes has asked that the Court annul the election outcome. The court postponed a ruling for Nov. 29 but also asked for a recount. The head of the countrys election authority Toni Grebla said once the official request is received it would take days to recount the votes. Social Democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu ranked third on Sunday, only 2,740 votes behind runner-up Lasconi. Georgescu gained many votes from young voters and Romanians living abroad, and his campaign relied heavily on video sharing platform TikTok. Advertisement On Wednesday, a senior official at Romanias telecoms regulator called for TikTok to be suspended pending an investigation into the platforms potential role in the election. TikTok has dismissed such concerns and says most candidates campaigned on its platform as well as on other social media sites. The countrys top security body meets on Thursday to discuss potential national security risks stemming from cyber state and non-state entities. In October, the Constitutional Court banned a far-right politician from running in the presidential election in a ruling analysts, civil rights groups and some parties said overstepped its powers. The aid comes at a critical time for Ukraine as questions grow about the future of US assistance when Donald Trump returns to power read more The European Union on Thursday (November 28) confirmed it will provide Ukraine with 18.1 billion ($19 billion) as part of a larger $50 billion Group of Seven loan aimed at supporting Kyiv amid its fight against Russias invasion. The G7 agreement, finalised last month, includes a $20 billion commitment from the United States, with additional contributions from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. The funds will help prop up Ukraines economy and war effort as the conflict nears its third year. Advertisement The EU had initially offered up to $38 billion before its G7 partners announced their shares. The loan is backed in part by profits from frozen Russian assets. Uncertainty over US support The aid comes at a critical time for Ukraine as questions grow about the future of US assistance when Donald Trump returns to power. The Republicans victory in the recent US election has raised concerns in Kyiv about whether it can sustain its defense against Moscow without continued American support. Ukraine relies heavily on tens of billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid from Western allies to counter Russias superior resources. Ballooning defence budgets Facing an advancing Russian army, Kyiv has ramped up defence spending, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signing off on a 2025 budget allocating $54 billion about 60 per cent of the countrys total expenditure to defence and security. The spending will cover soldier salaries and arms production, according to Ukraines finance ministry. Russia, however, plans to spend more than double that amount on its own defence and security next year. Moscows draft budget allocates 13.5 trillion rubles ($125 billion) to defense and an additional 3.5 trillion rubles ($32 billion) for domestic security. Ukraines defense spending for 2025 is only slightly higher than this years allocation, following a one-third increase in its 2024 budget. As Ukraine prepares for another year of war, the EUs latest aid package underscores the financial and military pressures faced by Kyiv, which remains outgunned and outspent by Moscow despite Western backing. With inputs from AFP If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia. Everything: we will not allow it. Well be watching their every move, said Putin in Kazakhstan read more A week after a New York Times report suggested that US President Joe Biden could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Russia would use all weapons at its disposal against Ukraine if Kyiv were to acquire nuclear arms. If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia. Everything: we will not allow it. Well be watching their every move, Reuters quoted Putin as saying during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan. Advertisement If officially someone were to transfer something, then that would mean a violation of all the non-proliferation commitments they have made, Putin added. Putin also said it would be nearly impossible for Ukraine to develop a nuclear weapon, but suggested that the country could potentially create a dirty bomb a conventional explosive mixed with radioactive material to spread contamination. He warned that Russia would respond accordingly if such an event occurred. Russia has often claimed, without evidence, that Ukraine might use such a device. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine inherited nuclear weapons but agreed to relinquish them under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has frequently pointed out that giving up these weapons left Ukraine vulnerable, arguing that this is one of the reasons the country should join NATO a move strongly opposed by Moscow. With inputs from agencies Switzerlands Federal Council said the group could not be banned as a threat to security under the countrys intelligence act because the existing law required sanctions or a ban by the United Nations to be in place in order for such a move to be applied read more People walk past a billboard with a picture of the late Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a street in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. Reuters The Swiss government on Thursday said that it is not going to ban Hezbollah after it drafted a law to ban Hamas. The parliamentary security committee had called for a ban on all activities of the Lebanese terror outfit but the federal government did not go through with it saying that certain conditions had not been met. Switzerlands Federal Council said the group could not be banned as a threat to security under the countrys intelligence act because the existing law required sanctions or a ban by the United Nations to be in place in order for such a move to be applied. Advertisement Bans on organisations must continue to follow this political line, it said, judging that it was not appropriate to create a new law to ban Hezbollah. Why does the Swiss govt want to ban Hamas? After Hamas October 7 attack, the Swiss government drafted a law banning the Palestinian terror group over its unprecedented terrorist attacks based on the practice of prescribing organisations on a case-by-case basis only for extremely serious reasons. Why does the security committee want to ban Hezbollah? The lower house of parliaments security committee had said that like Hamas, Hezbollah is a radical Islamic terrorist organisation responsible for numerous acts of violence and human rights violations which represents a threat to the stability of the entire region. It demanded that the government issue a comprehensive ban on Hezbollah. Parliament will consider the governments position during its December 2-20 session, and will also vote on the law to ban Hamas, Swiss news agency Keystone-ATS reported. The draft law provides for a five-year ban on Hamas. With inputs from AFP President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum narrated different accounts of how their talks on immigration went down. While Trump called the talks a win for US, Sheinbaum made it clear that Mexico wont close its border to its northern neighbour read more US President-elect Donald Trump and Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum offered conflicting accounts over how their conversation about the US border crisis went down. While Trump declared the conversation a win on stopping illegal immigration through Mexico, Sheinbaum maintained that the country would not close its border to the United States. The two leaders held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday afternoon and both of them later described their discussion as positive. However, both of them provided different descriptions of what Mexico would be doing to deal with the immigration crisis and tariff wars. Advertisement Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border, Trump wrote on TruthSocial shortly after the talks. We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation! he added. What the Mexican President has to say over the meeting While Sheinbaum said that the meeting between the two leaders was excellent, she made it clear that Mexico wont be closing the border. Before speaking to Trump, the Mexican president maintained that her country would impose retaliatory tariffs in response to similar measures threatened by the US president-elect. I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump. We discussed Mexicos strategy on the migration phenomenon and I shared that caravans are not arriving at the northern border because they are being taken care of in Mexico, she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Tuve una excelente conversacion con el presidente Donald Trump. Abordamos la estrategia mexicana sobre el fenomeno de la migracion y comparti que no estan llegando caravanas a la frontera norte porque son atendidas en Mexico. Tambien hablamos de reforzar la colaboracion en pic.twitter.com/PlGS5w3ZpC Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) November 27, 2024 We also discussed strengthening collaboration on security issues within the framework of our sovereignty and the campaign we are carrying out in the country to prevent the consumption of fentanyl, she added. She later noted that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples. Advertisement The update from the Mexican president came after Trump jolted the trade relations between the two nations after he said that he would impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods from the country unless Mexican authorities stopped migrants and drugs, such as fentanyl, from coming across the border. The announcement posed a major threat to the Mexican economy which heavily relies on trade with the United States. In response to this Sheinbaum said earlier on Wednesday, If there are US tariffs, Mexico would also raise tariffs making clear her stance on Mexicos potential response. Meanwhile, Mexicos Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard pointed out that about 400,000 jobs could be lost in the United States if Trump imposed the tariffs, calling the move a shot in the foot. Advertisement In an emergency meeting on Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial and territorial leaders said the government will boost spending on the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) read more Commercial trucks head towards the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pacific Highway Port of Entry from south Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, November 26, 2024. Reuters Canada has announced that it will allocate more funds to border security days after US President-elect Donald Trump pledged to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods unless it clamps down on drugs, particularly fentanyl, and migrants crossing the border. In an emergency meeting on Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial and territorial leaders said the government will boost spending on the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Advertisement Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said after the meeting, We believe that there is a circumstance where we can make additional investments to reassure Canadians that all of the measures necessary are in place and will continue to be in place. We need to reassure Canadians and Americans that we are very much on top of this, he added. Trudeau govt pushed for better measures Noting that things might get difficult for Canada once Trump formally takes charge in January, several premiers addressed their urgency saying that the government should start taking serious steps to respond to Washingtons economic and security concerns. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that during the meeting with Trudeau, he complained about Ottawas slow reaction and that the federal government is stuck on its backfoot. I expressed my hope that this evenings meeting is the start of a more pro-active approach from the federal government, including by showing that it takes the security of our border seriously by cracking down on illegal border crossings and stopping the transport of guns and illegal and illicit drugs like fentanyl, or risk the economic chaos of Trump tariffs, he said. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her province will act urgently and decisively to patrol our own shared border with Montana, with more details to be announced soon in that regard. We know that the problem is much more serious at the Mexican-U. S. border, however, that does not diminish the need for the federal government and every province bordering the United States to take immediate steps to crack down heavily on these illegal border activities, she said. Canada pumps money into ads Canada is ready to do whatever it takes to maintain its relationship with the US amid Trumps threats. The Ontario government has unveiled plans to launch a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign in the United States, emphasizing the strong economic ties between the province and its southern neighbour. The campaign, set to begin on Monday, aims to highlight the potential for future collaboration and trade opportunities. Advertisement A senior Ontario government source told Global and Mail, that the advertisements were filmed before the US election to proactively address concerns over a potential increase in protectionist trade policies, regardless of the elections outcome. This strategic move reflects the provinces commitment to preserving and strengthening cross-border economic relationships. Russias overnight strikes on energy infrastructure impacted Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, according to Ukraines top private power company DTEK read more A window is illuminated in a residential building during a power outage after a morning Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 21, 2024. Reuters Over a million people were reported without power across Ukraine on Thursday after Russia launched a massive on the countrys energy infrastructure. Several parts of Ukraine plunged into darkness in the aftermath of the Russian strike. This is the second time Russia has targeted Ukraines energy sector this month. The attack has cut power for Ukrainians at a time when winters are getting harsher. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said, Energy infrastructure is once again targeted by the enemys massive strike, adding that the countrys national grid operator Ukrenergo introduced emergency power cuts amid the attack. Advertisement Which regions were affected? Russias overnight strikes on energy infrastructure impacted Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, according to Ukraines top private power company DTEK. The governor of the western Rivne region, Oleksandr Koval, said 280,000 consumers experienced power cuts owing to Russias attacks. The mayor of the western town of Lutsk reported power cuts after several strikes, adding that the services were working to connect water and heating infrastructure to alternative power sources. Harshest winter since start of war The strikes, which came as temperatures hit 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in many Ukrainian cities, are the latest in two weeks of a dramatic escalation in the nearly three-year war. A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned that Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure may make this winter the harshest since the start of the war. On the war front Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said that it has destroyed 25 Ukrainian drones overnight in four regions, including the Moscow-annexed Crimea. On the other hand, Ukraine says downed 79 missiles, and 35 drones in an overnight Russian attack. With inputs from agencies President-elect Donald Trump picked 80-year-old retired US Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. In the past, Kellogg has urged both Russia and Ukraine to sit at the negotiation table and end the ongoing war read more President-elect Donald Trump nominated Keith Kellogg to serve as a special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, a newly conceived role to deal with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Wednesday. Kellogg is an 80-year-old retired US Army lieutenant general and has previously served as a national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence. The retired general has been appointed to the role as Russias invasion of Ukraine continues into its third year. I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration, the president-elect wrote in the post. Advertisement He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN! he added. In 2017, Kellogg was promoted to become the acting security adviser to Trump himself after Michael Flynn resigned. Whats his take on the Russia-Ukraine war? In the past, Kellogg mentioned that one of the ways to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is to get both parties on the negotiation table. We tell the Ukrainians: Youve got to come to the table, and if you dont come to the table, support from the United States will dry up, Kellogg told Reuters in June. And you tell [Vladimir] Putin [that] hes got to come to the table and if you dont come to the table, then well give Ukrainians everything they need to kill you in the field, he added. Kelloggs nomination might not sit well with the Ukrainians. Oleh Shamshur, a former Ukrainian ambassador to the US, told The Hill that he was pessimistic about Kelloggs potential appointment. As I understand, he totally accepts the logic of Trumps peace plan as related by [vice-president-elect JD] Vance, said Shamshur, referring to Vances support of ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia and rejecting plans for Ukraine to join NATO. Kelloggs nomination came at a time when Trumps upcoming presidency has prompted questions about the ongoing war, which has escalated to a great extent in recent months. Before being elected as the president for the second time, Trump pledged to bring the war to an end in 24 hours. However, he never elaborated on how he will do so. In April Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed into law legislation to lower the mobilization age for combat duty from 27 to 25, expanding the number of civilians the army could mobilize to fight under martial law read more Ukraine should consider lowering the age of military service for its soldiers to 18 from 25, a senior U.S. administration official said on Wednesday, putting pressure on Kyiv to bolster its fighting forces in the countrys war with Russia. Speaking to reporters, the official said Ukraine was not mobilizing or training enough new soldiers to replace those lost on the battlefield. The need right now is manpower, he said. The Russians are in fact making progress, steady progress, in the east, and they are beginning to push back Ukrainian lines in Kursk Mobilization and more manpower could make a significant difference at this time as we look at the battlefield today. Advertisement Russian forces are making gains in Ukraine at the fastest rate since the early days of the 2022 invasion, taking an area half the size of London over the past month, analysts and war bloggers said this week. In April Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed into law legislation to lower the mobilization age for combat duty from 27 to 25, expanding the number of civilians the army could mobilize to fight under martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. U.S. President Joe Bidens administration has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, but that backing may diminish when President-elect Donald Trump comes to power in January. Trump has tapped Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war in Ukraine, to serve as a special envoy for the conflict. A source in Zelenskiys office said the country did not have what it needed to equip the troops it was mobilizing now. Right now, with our current mobilization efforts, we dont have enough equipment, for example armored vehicles, to support all the troops we are calling up, the source said. We cannot compensate for our partners delays in decision-making and supply chains with the lives of our soldiers and of the youngest of our guys. U.S. officials recognize getting younger troops is politically fraught for Zelenskiys government and Ukraine has discussed the option of offering incentives for younger people to sign up in a non-mandatory recruitment drive, another official said. Behind closed doors, Germany also has been calling on Ukraine to lower its conscription age, according to a German defense ministry source. Advertisement While Biden is still in office, the United States will continue to provide Kyiv with hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets of various ranges, hundreds of vehicles and weapons systems to support combat operations as well as air defense interceptors, the first U.S. senior administration official said. Ammunition and vehicle shortages are not the most critical issue facing Ukraine. They now have healthy stockpiles of the vital tools, munitions and weapons that they need to succeed on the battlefield, he said. Without a pipeline of new troops, the existing units who are fighting heroically on the front lines, cannot rotate out to rest, refit, train and reequip. Advertisement China and the US have each released three citizens both governments said were wrongfully detained in the other country, concluding years of diplomacy as leaders of both nations work to repair strained ties read more A chartered Omni Air International jet awaits refueling after it arrived carrying three US citizens Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung who were released from detention in China, in San Antonio, Texas, US, on Wednesday. Reuters China and the US have each released three citizens both governments said were wrongfully detained in the other country, concluding years of diplomacy as leaders of both nations work to repair strained ties. The White House said on Wednesday that China released US citizens Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung, and the US changed its travel advisory for China lowering its risk warning, a move long sought by Beijing that US officials have tied to Chinas detention of American nationals. Advertisement The National Security Council said in a statement the three mens release meant all Americans it deemed wrongfully detained in China had now been released. Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years, it said. Politico, which first reported the release, said a number of Chinese citizens detained in the United States would also be released. Chinas embassy in Washington declined to comment. Beijing says such cases are handled according to law. When asked at a Thursday press briefing, Chinas foreign ministry said three Chinese citizens who were wrongfully detained by the U.S. government have returned to their motherland safely. I want to stress that China firmly opposes U.S. oppression and persecution of Chinese citizens for political purposes, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. Mao said a Chinese fugitive had also been repatriated from the U.S., showing that no place can be a permanent safe haven for criminals. She added that the Chinese government would continue to pursue fugitives. China did not reveal the identities of those released and repatriated. Returning home Kai Lis son, Harrison Li, said in a statement that his father was expected to land at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas late on Wednesday, and thanked Biden administration officials for working on the release. They delivered just in time for the holidays, he said, referring to Thanksgiving on Thursday. Li had been detained in China since 2016 on espionage charges he denied. Texas-based businessman Mark Swidan was imprisoned for 12 years in China on drug-related charges and in 2019 was given a death sentence with reprieve, despite a lack of evidence. Advertisement John Leung was sentenced to life in 2023 and accused of being an American spy. Senior U.S. officials had raised the issue of the detainees in talks with Chinese counterparts over the years, but families feared their cases were overshadowed by other considerations in the complex and fraught U.S.-China relationship. A U.S. official said President Joe Biden had pressed for the return of the three when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping this month at a regional summit in Peru. Biden and Xi have worked to lower tensions in recent months by holding phone calls and meetings aimed at identifying areas they can work on together while still managing national security risks. Advertisement In September, China freed U.S. pastor David Lin, who had been in jail since 2006 and was also considered wrongfully detained. U.S. officials declined to confirm reports at the time that a Chinese national was released in exchange for Lin. Bidens successor, President-elect Donald Trump, has signaled a more hawkish approach, including proposing vast new tariffs on goods from China. Travel advisory Biden, whose four-year term ends on Jan. 20, has secured the release of more than 70 Americans detained overseas, in some cases swapping them for prisoners in the United States. In 2022, China was one of six countries the State Department slapped with a D warning to its travel advisory to indicate the risk of US citizens being detained and used as bargaining chips. U.S. officials said they told Chinese officials that the detention of American citizens had to be addressed before the travel advisory would be changed. Advertisement On Wednesday, that warning was removed and the U.S. advice to travelers to mainland China was changed from Level 3, reconsider travel, to Level 2, exercise increased caution, although the advisory still warned that US citizens in China may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law. Mao called the move conducive. We always oppose creating chilling effects and we hope the US will provide more facilitation for the culture and people-to-people exchange between the two countries, she said. Three Americans detained in China were released under a surprise prisoner swap deal between Beijing and Washington. The deal came less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump assumed the Oval Office read more In a major turn of events, the United States and China conducted a prisoner swap deal in which three Americans detained in the Asian nation for years were released. According to CNN, the three US nationals were freed in exchange for unidentified Chinese citizens who were in American custody. Following the prisoner swap deal, Washington also lowered its travel advisory level to Level 2: Exercise increased caution for mainland China. We are pleased to announce the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung from detention in the Peoples Republic of China, a US National Security Council spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday. Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years," he added. Advertisement The US official went on to laud US President Joe Bidens administration and diplomacy, which enabled the country to achieve this feat. Thanks to this Administrations efforts and diplomacy with the PRC, all of the wrongfully detained Americans in the PRC are home, the spokesperson averred. Interestingly, the prisoner swap deal came less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. The families of the American prisoners express gratitude Out of the three Americans detained, Li and Swidan had been designated as wrongfully detained by the US State Department. In a separate statement on Wednesday, Kai Lis son, Harrison Li, said his family enthusiastically welcomes the news that Kai has been released from captivity after just over 3,000 days of wrongful detention. We express our deepest gratitude to the many agencies, individuals, and non-governmental organizations that made this day possible, Harrison Li wrote, expressing particular gratitude to Biden, the National Security Council and the State Department. It is pertinent to note that the prisoner swap deal followed the years of diplomatic efforts made by Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan and other US officials engaging with their counterparts on the matter. Even without the pressure of a looming election, they delivered just in time for the holidays, Harrison added. He went on to thank US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns for visiting his father three times and the US Consulate in Shanghai for ensuring Kais physical and mental well-being throughout his detention. We urge President Joe Biden to use the remaining days in his administration to bring home the remaining Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, Lis son furthered. Biden administrations tryst with securing American nationals detained abroad In September this year, China freed American national David Lin who was wrongfully detained in the country. In the course of four years, the Biden administration has secured the release of dozens of Americans detained or held hostage abroad. However, the prisoner swap deal between China and the US was kept under wraps so as to not derail the sensitive negotiation. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers lauded the news of Swidan, Li, and Leung returning home. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, normally a Biden administration critic, praised the administrations work to secure the release of the three Americans from China. Swidans mother lives in Texas and belongs to Cruzs constituency. Advertisement President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Carstens, Ambassador Burns, and their teams have for years worked tirelessly to secure this achievement, and I am deeply grateful for all their efforts," the Texas Senator said in a statement. Negotiations aimed at securing the release of unjustly held Americans are among the most difficult and wrenching tasks that our diplomats face, and they have shown unceasing dedication culminating in todays release. This joyous news would not have occurred, and these families would not have been reunited, without their work and commitment," he concluded. Journalists experience oil paintings in Dafen Village, China's oil painting hub 10:09, November 28, 2024 By Cai Hairuo, Chu Mengqi, Michael Kurtagh ( People's Daily Online Recently, a group of Chinese and foreign journalists from People's Daily Online visited Dafen Oil Painting Village in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, to explore an art oasis in the urban metropolis. While visiting the village, the journalists were able to paint their own oil paintings under the guidance of local artists. They were also able to browse the village's many art studios and paintings on display. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang) Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) on Wednesday announced its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of two models: ACTIVA e and QC1. Both electric vehicles will be manufactured at HMSIs Narsapura plant near Bengaluru, Karnataka. The company emphasized that these launches represent a significant step towards promoting sustainable mobility in India. ACTIVA e The ACTIVA e combines Hondas iconic design with modern electric technology. It features a sleek, contemporary look with all-LED headlights, tail lamps, and signature DRLs. Notable design elements include a dual-tone seat, a flat footboard, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a robust grab rail. Offered in two different variants: ACTIVA e ACTIVA e Honda RoadSync Duo It will be offered in five colors: Pearl Shallow Blue Pearl Misty White Pearl Serenity Blue Matt Foggy Silver Metallic Pearl Igneous Black A 7.0-inch TFT screen provides connectivity through the Honda RoadSync Duo app, enabling calls and navigation via Bluetooth. The screen features day and night modes that automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light. It can be controlled using handlebar switches. The ACTIVA e is powered by swappable battery technology, with two Honda Mobile Power Pack e batteries, each with a 1.5 kWh capacity and a range of 102 km per full charge. These batteries can be exchanged at Honda Power Pack Exchanger e stations in Bengaluru and Delhi, with plans for expansion to Mumbai. Powered by a 6 kW electric motor, the ACTIVA e delivers 22 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 80 km/h. Riders can choose between three driving modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport. QC1 The Honda QC1 is designed for personal mobility, featuring a seamless, fluidic design with LED headlights and clear indicators. The QC1 will be available in five color options: Pearl Serenity Blue Pearl Misty White Matt Foggy Silver Metallic Pearl Igneous Black Pearl Shallow Blue It includes a 5.0-inch LCD screen that shows essential information and a USB Type-C outlet for device charging. The QC1 also offers 26 liters of storage space under the seat, making it ideal for daily use. Powered by a 1.5 kWh fixed battery, the QC1 offers a range of 80 km on a full charge. The battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in 4 hours and 30 minutes and fully charged in 6 hours and 50 minutes using a 330-watt off-board home charger. The QC1s motor delivers a peak power of 1.8 kW and 77 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 50 km/h. It also features two riding modes: Standard and Eco. Battery Swap Service HMSI has introduced a battery swap service for the ACTIVA e through Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd. (HEID). Customers can register through the HEID app to access battery swap stations. The service will expand to Mumbai by April 2025, with 250 stations planned in Bengaluru, 150 in Delhi, and 100 in Mumbai by March 2026. HEID aims to create Indias largest battery swap network, partnering with HPCL, BMRCL, DMRC, Adani Electricity, and HMSI dealerships. The Honda Power Pack Cloud system will monitor all batteries to ensure safety and efficiency. Pricing and Availability ACTIVA e: Available from February 2025 in Bengaluru, with expansion to Delhi and Mumbai by April 2025. QC1: Available from February 2025 in select cities. As per the announcement, pricing will be revealed during the rollout. Both models come with a 3-year/50,000 km warranty and three free services in the first year. Customers will also benefit from free roadside assistance for the first year. Speaking about the launch of Hondas first electric vehicles for the Indian market, Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, Today marks a significant milestone as HMSI enters the electric mobility space. The introduction of ACTIVA e: and QC1 is a defining moment in our commitment to sustainable mobility in India. This move aligns with Hondas global Triple Action to ZERO initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on three pillars: carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. With our EV roadmap now in action, HMSI is dedicated to building one of Indias leading EV ecosystems. This is a key step in Hondas electrification journey, and with each move forward, we remain focused on creating a safer, more sustainable future that meets the evolving needs of society. Speaking about the future of Honda Power Pack Energy India, Takuya Taniguchi, President & CMD, said, Image: Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto via Getty Images Despite being the fastest-growing economy, India has not been able to become a global manufacturing powerhouse. While this national goal is now renewed with astute decision-making, enabling policies and corresponding incentives, a number of aspects need to be looked at to decipher the current metrics. There are a number of stated criteria for a thriving manufacturing ecosystem. They can be adequately summarised as infrastructure, skilled workforce, labour laws, power grids and their availability, logistics and communication network, ease of doing business by regulatory mechanisms and oversight, taxation, customs, certification, warehousing, and so many more. While a clear, segmented approach may appear very simplistic, juxtaposing several variables as part of a manufacturing ecosystem makes it esoteric. While ancient India had a strong manufacturing base that included the artisanal production of goods, textiles, shipbuilding, and many other sectors in addition to trade centricity, the twentieth century was different. The Industrial Revolution in India was essentially delayed due to colonial rule and a complicated political and economic landscape. While many manufacturing entities were set up post-independence, there was scant emphasis on import substitution and scales of production. The system largely remained inefficient and failed to match global manufacturing standards due to state control, low metrics of skill development and lower domestic demand and consumption. The economy opened with liberalisation in 1991 but not with corresponding political stability, which is the bedrock of any complex industrial endeavour. Unlike the services sector, the manufacturing sector cannot grow organically but requires hard political will in terms of land acquisition, labour laws, skilling initiatives, investment policies and incentives, which can be provided by sound political leadership. Ideally, this has to be a continuous process with policy centricity as the focus, regardless of the ideology and political dispensation, which is bound to change as per the democratic structure. In chronicling this major aspect, it is notable that in the period preceding the economic reforms and beyond, we had six Prime Ministers at the helm between December 1989 and March 1998. It is of importance that the time periodicity of the associated governments less one, during this period was in months and not in years. On a comparative note, China opened its economy in 1978, and continuity was achieved due to a more centralised and different governmental structure. China's manufacturing industry was the first to open to foreign investors with competitive pricing and coordinated industrial division of labour. As per open-source data, the manufacturing sector in China contributes to around 27 percent of GDP, whereas it is 15 percent in India. It is significant that more than 45 percent of manufacturing output is achieved from the MSME sector in India. To energise this segment, which is the backbone of the Indian industry, will therefore be a game changer, and this aspect has been given adequate focus since 2007 when a separate ministry of MSME was instituted. While China has launched the strategic "Made in China 2025" with a central theme to move beyond labour-intensive manufacturing to cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors, robotics and aerospace, we need to focus on the same lines in this globalised and digitalised scenario. While India has carved out its unique position in manufacturing automotive, pharmaceutical, steel, textiles and petroleum products, there needs to be a strong impetus in the digital domain, especially in the backdrop of the ITA-1 agreement, signed in 1996, which impacted competitiveness in the electronics sector with increased imports. This sector is the very core of all emerging technologies, and possibly the extent of the unfolding of technology was not appreciated by the majority of stakeholders in that time and space. Therefore, only some countries are net exporters of ITA products, and India is one of the biggest digital markets. India not joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) may have been a step in the right direction at this juncture in this context. The government of India has initiated various schemes to cover the entire canvas of this critical sector since 2020, including Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, changes in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), launching National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, availability of industrial power, creation of special economic zones, improvement in road and rail infrastructure, National education policy to cater for vocational training etc to name a few. There still needs to be more investment in infrastructure, which consumes a mere 3 percent of the national GDP compared to nearly 20 percent of China's GDP. Manufacturing schemes do not require relying on too much foreign capital, and dynamic state policies in addition to the centre will be a game changer. India has the required political stability, superior leadership with pathbreaking policy reforms since 2014 and an enviable demographic dividend with the potential to be the 'Talent Powerhouse" for the world. A thriving manufacturing sector will serve as the lynchpin for India's economic growth and prosperity in the coming decade. There is a silent rebalancing of global supply chains all over the world, with diversification and de-risking as the core focus. These global value chains are crucial for manufacturing. Does India need to plug into these, especially in conjunction with the digital domain? The answer is undeniably affirmative, but there will be some time before our manufacturing sector can match the scale of our services sector dynamics, both in internal aspects and export. India needs to leverage its vast market advantage, focus on high-technology manufacturing, and create "Products" as its core focus to become a global power. The author is a former Colonel and a policy specialist in Semiconductors and Critical Electronics. Views are personal. Image: Shutterstock Imagine a researcher with a groundbreaking hypothesis, but the journey from validation to publication can be long and arduous, often taking months or even years. The traditional research cycle, with its time-consuming literature review, data collection, and multiple rounds of editing, can be overwhelming. Now, envision an alternative scenario: AI tools accelerating every stage of the research process, freeing up the researchers valuable time for deeper thinking and innovation. This is not a far-off future. AI is already transforming how researchers approach their work, reducing the time from hypothesis generation to publication and pushing the boundaries of possibility. From scanning vast amounts of literature in minutes to providing post-publication support, AI is revolutionising how researchers work. However, as these tools become indispensable to scientific progress, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of research becomes a top priority. Accelerating literature search and hypothesis generation Literature search is one of the most onerous stages of research. Traditionally, researchers would spend months identifying relevant papers and insights. However, AI-based tools can accelerate the literature search process, offering researchers more time to focus on formulating hypotheses. Advanced AI algorithms can be trained to scan vast academic research databases to identify and prioritise the top reads for the user based on their topic of interest. These tools allow users to search by paper title, abstract, or keywords and filter results by publication type, date, access type, journals, authors, or relevance, streamlining the literature search process and offering more precise results. Manuscript editing and AI AI plays a significant role in enhancing the manuscript editing process by improving the clarity, structure and overall quality of research. Tools that can assist researchers, especially non-native English speakers, in refining their writing to make their findings more accessible and professional are already a reality. This AI-powered writing assistant uses advanced algorithms to analyse text for grammar, syntax, structure and style without altering references, equations, technical terms, and non-English words. Additionally, AI tools offer submission readiness checks to ensure manuscripts meet the journal standards and submission guidelines, streamlining the entire process for efficiency and accuracy. Aiding journal editors and publishers The rise in papermill activities, plagiarism, fabrication, and data manipulation is posing a serious threat to the reliability of scholarly work. Sophisticated misconduct is making it difficult for traditional peer review processes to detect fraudulent research. In response to the growing need to detect fraudulent activity at scale, AI solutions are being developed to identify markers of compromised research integrity early on. AI tools can flag suspicious manuscripts, enabling editorial desks to decide which manuscripts to reject outright, which ones to focus on for further investigation, and which ones to take forward for peer review. By streamlining this process, AI helps maintain the integrity and credibility of academic publishing. While AI presents many advantages, it also raises ethical concerns. Issues related to data privacy, plagiarism, and bias in AI-generated results need to be addressed. AI may inadvertently amplify existing biases in data, resulting in inaccurate research outcomes. Ethical considerations regarding intellectual property rights, manipulation, and plagiarism must be thoroughly scrutinised. A practical solution to these challenges is a hybrid approach that combines AI with human oversight. By integrating human judgment with AI tools, researchers and publishers can uphold the highest standards of integrity and foster scientific discovery. With responsible use, AI can become a powerful asset, helping researchers achieve publication success. The author is the Chief Technology Officer and Head of AI Products at Cactus Communications. Washington, D.C., Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed our opening brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to reverse a lower courts denial of costs and attorneys fees that Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Lemelson incurred in successfully defending himself against outrageously excessive sanctions demands by the Securities and Exchange Commission. A Massachusetts federal jury in 2021 rejected nearly all of the SECs baseless charges against Fr. Lemelson, a Greek Orthodox Priest and activist investor, including its false and incendiary allegations that he engaged in a scheme to defraud the market and even his own fund investors. Despite the jurys rebuke, SEC demanded as sanctions a permanent, lifetime prior restraint on Fr. Lemelson and more than $2 million in surrendered profits, interest, and civil penalties. The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts saw right through SECs overreach and granted only a small fraction of what SEC demanded. Yet despite acknowledging the large disparity between SECs demands and the final judgment, the court nevertheless ruled that Fr. Lemelson was not entitled to recover any of his defense costs and fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). The EAJA, a law originally passed in 1980 and amended in 1996both times with overwhelming bipartisan support in both houses of Congresswas specifically designed to deter powerful government agencies like SEC from making excessive demands to intimidate the private citizens and small businesses they sue in court, forcing them either to capitulate to unfair settlements or to incur costs and legal fees to defend themselves. NCLA asks the First Circuit to correct the District Courts error and rule that SECs demanded sanctions against Fr. Lemelson were excessive and unreasonable within the meaning of the EAJA. NCLA released the following statement: Excessive demands are too often made to intimidate agency targets and thereby coerce them into unfair settlements or force them to spend a small fortune defending themselves. SECs demands against Father Lemelson in this case were a textbook example of what the Equal Access to Justice Act was intended to prevent, and SEC should be held accountable for its overreach. Russ Ryan, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA For more information visit the case 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. ### NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Paragon 28, Inc. (NYSE: FNA) between May 5, 2023 and September 20, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), and those who purchased Paragon 28 call options or sold put options during the Class Period, of the November 29, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Paragon 28 securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Paragon 28 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27557 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 29, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Paragon 28 understated its Adjusted EBITDA losses, required provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, cost of goods sold, operating loss; (2) Paragon 28 overstated its net inventories and gross profit; (3) Paragon 28 lacked adequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (4) Paragon 28 would be required to restate its financial statements to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, and; (5) as a result, defendants statements about Paragon 28s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Paragon 28 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27557 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or 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 SANDY, Utah, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) recently honored Mountain America Credit Unions Jared DeVroom with its first annual 7(a) Industry AwardsOrigination Excellence Award. The awards honor excellence in leadership, innovation, and dedication to the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan program, supporting small businesses across the nation. The honorees were announced at the NAGGL Annual Conference on November 6, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. The Origination Excellence Award celebrates an individual specializing in loan origination who emulates an unwavering commitment to excellence, goes the extra mile to ensure borrower success, and builds and nurtures strong relationships within their community, furthering the mission of the 7(a) loan program. As the top credit union SBA lender in the nation, we rely on our loan officers to provide personal and exceptional service to our small business members. Jared consistently exceeds expectations, guiding members through the lending process, said Michael Griffiths, senior vice president of business lending at Mountain America. Congratulations and thank you to Jared for his exceptional contributions and invaluable work ethic. The 7(a) program is the SBAs most common loan program, helping small businesses with a variety of needs such as real estate, equipment, working capital, and business debt refinancing. NAGGL is the sole national trade association representing private-sector lenders who provide essential capital to small businesses, the backbone of the nations economy and job creation. The association supports participants in the SBA 7(a) business loan program, which offers credit to small businesses unable to secure conventional financing. Private-sector lenders issue 7(a) loans, partially guaranteed by the SBA, to these small businesses. This public-private partnership offers small businesses an additional chance for success beyond traditional financing options. To learn more about Mountain Americas resources for small businesses, visit macu.com/business. Disclaimer: Loans on approved credit. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- amana, a leading neobroker in the MENA region, introduces amanainvest, an automated wealth-building product designed for all experience levels. It allows clients to invest effortlessly in line with individual financial goals and risk preferences in a true set it and forget it model. With zero management or subscription fees, amanainvest sets a new standard in the MENA investment landscape, ensuring that every dollar invested directly benefits the client. With amanainvest, whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned trader, you can start building your wealth immediately and without complexity. amanainvest offers options tailored to every investment strategy, including: Pre-built plans with curated portfolios organized by asset class or risk level. with curated portfolios organized by asset class or risk level. Customizable plans that allow investors to modify existing plans to align with personal financial goals. that allow investors to modify existing plans to align with personal financial goals. Build-Your-Own plans enabling users to create a unique portfolio with up to 20 assets, including stocks, ETFs, and crypto. With its range of flexible plans and straightforward management, amanainvest offers the control, convenience, and customization that all modern investors need. Our mission is to make investing accessible and seamless, said Muhammad Rasoul, CEO of amana. With amanainvest, clients benefit from sophisticated but simplified tools that keep investing easy, automated, transparent, and rewardingand entirely free of fees. This launch strengthens our position as the go-to partner for investment and trading in the MENA region. Key benefits of amanainvest include: Zero fees : No management, subscription, or exit fees100% of returns go to the investor. : No management, subscription, or exit fees100% of returns go to the investor. Flexible recurring deposits : Choose from weekly, monthly, or one-time options with no lockup periods. : Choose from weekly, monthly, or one-time options with no lockup periods. Pause or adjust anytime : Investors retain complete control over their funds. : Investors retain complete control over their funds. Sharia-compliant choices: Accessible investment options to suit diverse needs. amanainvest is an extension of amanas mission to democratize access to financial markets. By launching amanainvest, amana cements its role as a trusted broker with one of the most comprehensive ranges of investment and trading solutions in the MENA region. Explore amanainvest at www.amana.app. About amana amana is a leading neobroker. It provides retail investors and active traders with direct access to the global financial markets, serving clients across MENA. It operates multiple offices across Dubai, London, Limassol, and Beirut. CONTACT: Contact: Karolina Slowikowska, Director of Communications, at karolina.slowikowska@amanacapital.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fdbeac6a-7775-4c95-9185-eed801037881 NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Via ESG News) ESG News announces that the 2nd Edition of the Middle East ESG Reporting & Data Summit will convene today, 28th November 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, bringing together thought leaders and professionals at the forefront of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. The event is set to address critical trends, regulatory developments, and innovative solutions shaping sustainable business strategies across the region. Registration Link: The 2nd Edition of the Middle East ESG Reporting & Data Summit This summit will feature an impressive line-up of speakers representing renowned organizations committed to advancing sustainability. Among the distinguished speakers are Kelly Timmins from Atlantis Dubai, Sameera Fernandes from Century Financial, and Majd Fayyad of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. Other notable speakers include Dr. Jacinta Dsiva of SEE Global Research, Maali Khader from Schema Sustainability Advisory, and Zeina AlHashmi of Expo City Dubai, all contributing their unique perspectives on responsible business practices and ESG integration. In support of the event, numerous partners and sponsors have come forward, reflecting the growing interest in and commitment to sustainable practices in the Middle East. StepChange, My ESG Planet by RGBSi and Innova Beyond ESGEO are key sponsors who share a vision of enhancing ESG frameworks in the region. Additionally, supporting partners such as Cognitud, Fanda, Chiltern TMC, and Sustainable Square provide invaluable backing to ensure the success of the summit. The events academic and media partnerships, including SP Jain School of Global Management. Adding to the summits value, ESG News joins as the exclusive media partner. With its dedication to highlighting pivotal environmental and governance efforts, ESG News ensures global visibility for the summits discourse. This partnership underscores the summits mission to amplify innovative solutions and foster collaboration among key stakeholders in the ESG ecosystem. As ESG strategies become imperative for sustainable growth, the Middle East ESG Reporting & Data Summit 2024 offers an unparalleled platform for learning, networking, and shaping the region's future sustainability agenda. Secure your participation today to be part of this transformative journey. *Special consideration to event producer Clerisy Global For more information or partnership inquiries, contact: events@esgnews.com More Coverage on the Middle East ESG Reporting & Data Summit Stay up to date with the latest ESG trends, events, and news at ESG News A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a90a440-854f-4da0-83c6-097779df38ca Marketing Communication Virtual currencies, real risks. The only guarantee in crypto is risk. Warning The value of your virtual currencies can rise or fall sharply, and your initial investment may be lost completely; Virtual currencies are not covered by the guarantee funds that cover bank deposits; There is no legal mechanism on the virtual currencies market to prevent market manipulation or insider dealing; Virtual currencies depend entirely on a specific computer technology and infrastructure, which in certain cases may be very recent and not yet adequately tested; If one loses the identification code or password giving access to the virtual wallet in which the virtual currency is stored, the currency held therein will be irretrievably lost; Virtual currencies are currently accepted as a means of payment to a limited extent, and in most countries there is no legal obligation to accept them; For more information about the risks associated with an investment in virtual currencies, we advise you to read the Wikifin page What is a cryptocurrency? | Wikifin . 200+ cryptocurrencies, 60+ crypto-euro pairs, spot, convert, and earn services are available on the exchange Belgian customers can use Bancontact, the country's leading payment system for instant and free Euro deposits after seamlessly registering an account through itsme BRUSSELS, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKX, a leading global crypto exchange and Web3 technology company, today announced the official launch of OKX Exchange and OKX Wallet in Belgium. Belgian customers can now access spot trading and convert services for over 200 cryptocurrencies including more than 60 crypto-euro pairs, all with seamless Euro deposits and withdrawals. Through the OKX exchange, Belgian residents can access spot trading, convert and earn services, and customer support in Dutch and French through its app and website. OKX is integrated with Bancontact, Belgium's most popular online payment system, allowing customers to instantly deposit funds into their accounts for free. Additionally, deposits and withdrawals through SEPA are available to Belgian customers free of charge. Itsme, Belgium's most popular identification app, can be used to register an account, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new customers, after which users can access our products at competitive rates. OKX Europe General Manager Erald Ghoos said: "Our ambition is an easy-to-use and affordable platform for Belgian residents to build a portfolio of crypto assets. The launch of our centralized exchange and OKX Wallet in Belgium is a significant step in our ongoing commitment to this goal and to growth in the region. We assembled a skilled local team, led by our Benelux Regional Manager Roy Van Krimpen, and tailored our product to meet local needs. The result is a comprehensive suite of crypto products and services designed for the Belgian community, emphasizing convenience, low trading fees, and effortless Euro transactions." The user-friendly OKX Wallet offers Belgian customers a gateway to Web3, enabling them to maintain full custody of their own crypto assets. To celebrate the launch, OKX is offering a bonus of 20 in bitcoin for new customers signing up from today until February 28. A new user has to purchase at least 10 worth of crypto in a single transaction within 14 days of registration to receive 20 in Bitcoin. The mechanism works on a 'first come, first served' basis, up to 50,000 users subject to terms & conditions. OKX's launch in Belgium is part of the company's strategic initiative to invest in building local presence and tailored products in European countries. In June 2024, OKX launched its exchange in the Netherlands, and in July 2024 announced its intention to establish its regulatory hub for the EU in Malta where we obtained our Class 4 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Service Provider license in 2021. Belgian residents interested in signing up for OKX are invited to visit the OKX website or download the OKX app via the App Store or Google Play and complete the verification process. Additional tokens will be listed for Belgian customers on an ongoing basis; check here for the latest list of tokens offered. Learn more at okx.com For further information, please contact: Media@okx.com About OKX OKX is a technology company with a mission to organize the world's blockchains and make them more accessible and useful. We want to create a future that makes our world more efficient, transparent and connected. OKX began as a crypto exchange giving millions of people access to trading and over time became among the largest platforms in the world. In recent years, we have developed one of the most connected onchain wallets used by millions to access decentralized applications (dApps). OKX is a brand used by hundreds of large institutional customers seeking access to crypto markets on a platform that seamlessly connects with global banking and payments. Our most well-known products include: The OKX Exchange, OKX Wallet, OKX Marketplace, OKX Explorer, OKX Chain and OS for developers, OKX Ventures and OKX Institutional Services. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com OKX is the trading name of OKCoin Europe Ltd, a Malta registered company licensed by the MFSA as a Virtual Financial Assets Service Provider. Disclaimer This announcement is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide (i) investment advice or an investment recommendation, or (ii), financial, accounting, legal or tax advice. Digital assets, including stablecoins and NFTs, are subject to market volatility, involve a high degree of risk, and can lose value. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital assets is suitable for you in light of your financial condition and risk tolerance. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances. Not all products are offered in all regions. For more details, please refer to the OKX Terms of Service and Risk & Compliance Disclosure. OKX Web3 Wallet and its ancillary services are subject to separate terms of service. Press Release Nokia upgrades Cloudbear network to offer customized hosting services in Europe Nokia to provide complete data center networking solution including fabric switching, interconnection and peering. Dutch hosting provider praises Nokias community-driven approach from discord server channels to open source projects and tools. Partnership lays groundwork for future data center expansion. 28 November 2024 Espoo, Finland Nokia has been selected by Cloudbear, a growing hosting services provider in the Netherlands, to implement its state-of-the-art data center networking infrastructure. This complete data center deployment is implemented on the Kuberbetes-based CBWS hosting environment. Nokias deployment includes an ultra-reliable data center fabric switching, and data center gateway routers that provider IP data center interconnection, and IP peering. With this implementation, Cloudbear will further enhance its ability to provide customized hosting services to meet very specific customer requirements with maximum efficiency. In addition, Cloudbears ability to deliver fast, reliable, and secure hosting services to its customers across Europe is augmented. As part of the partnership, Cloudbear has benefited from having access to Nokias community. For instance, the SR Linux Discord channel has provided them with quick access to questions about Cloudbears implementation. The Dutch provider has also used Nokias open source project Containerlab for its CI/CD pipeline implementation. Marlin Cremers, co-founder of Cloudbear, said: The flexibility and reliability of Nokias networking solutions allow us to bring services faster to market and with great efficiency, ensuring our customers benefit from high-quality, secure services. Working with Nokia, we were able to satisfy all our data center networking requirements from a single vendor. This includes ultra reliable DC fabric switching, world class IP data center interconnection, and highly scalable IP Peering. Other than a reputation of high-quality products, Nokia's personal touch and community-driven approach has been a key differentiator and has stood out from day one, showing Nokias true commitment to this partnership. Matthieu Bourguignon, Senior Vice-President and Head of Europe for Network Infrastructure business at Nokia, commented: This partnership highlights how Nokias complete data center solution from fabric switching to other essential IP networking capabilities can be leveraged to unlock the next generation of hosting services delivered by companies like Cloudbear. Our tailored approach and commitment to customer success ensures that businesses of all sizes can benefit from Nokias comprehensive range of data center solutions and ongoing support. We are dedicated to empowering companies through every phase of their journey, from pre-purchase to deployment and ongoing operations, ensuring customers like Cloudbear have the resources they need to thrive. Cloudbear is laying the groundwork for future growth and has deployed a complete data center networking solution from Nokia. This includes Nokias 7220 IXR-D series platforms for data center leaf, and spine roles, while also leveraging these platforms as a Data Center Gateway to connect to upcoming data center locations within their infrastructure. As part of this deployment Cloudbear has deployed Nokias SR Linux Network Operating System (NOS) offering a new level of openness, telemetry, and programmability conducive to network automation. Additionally, Cloudbear has deployed Nokias flagship 7750 SR-1 router, enabling Cloudbear to peer with the internet and other networks with massive scale. Resources and additional information Product page: 7220 Interconnect Router for Data Center Fabrics | Nokia Product page: Service Router Linux (SR Linux) | Nokia Product page: Nokia 7750 Service Router About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. About Cloudbear Cloudbear is revolutionising managed cloud services by empowering businesses to focus solely on developing their SaaS applications or supporting agencies that create (SaaS) applications for their clients. While customers concentrate on innovation, Cloudbear takes care of the heavy liftingdesigning and managing infrastructure, Continuous Deployment pipelines, monitoring, and dashboarding. At the heart of their services is CBWS, Cloudbears state-of-the-art cloud environment based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Powered by Nokias advanced networking technology, CBWS delivers low-latency, high-throughput solutions optimised for the needs of SaaS businesses and development agencies. With a focus on scalability, security, and performance, Cloudbear enables companies and agencies to streamline operations, speed up deployment cycles, and bring transformative applications to market with confidence. Whether youre developing your own SaaS product or helping others build theirs, Cloudbear is the trusted partner for a reliable, cutting-edge cloud foundation. Media inquiries Nokia Press Office Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow us on social media LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube Dublin, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Industrial Robotics Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Type of Robot, Type of Traditional Industrial Robot, by Payload, by Mobility, by Application Area, by End-User, by Geography and Key Players" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Industrial Robotics Market is valued at USD 17.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.49% during the forecast period till 2035. Over the years, global demand for consumer electronics and automobiles has surged, prompting manufacturers to increasingly rely on industrial robots to automate tasks that require consistent process replicability. These robots, designed for heavy-duty operations, accelerate production by automating processes that would otherwise be time-consuming or hazardous. Each industrial robot typically features at least one robotic arm capable of performing dangerous or repetitive tasks in factories. Industrial robots offer the flexibility to function in strenuous conditions, such as high-pressure vacuum chambers or radiation environments, where human exposure would be risky. Additionally, these robotic arms can be equipped with specialized grippers, enabling them to handle delicate materials or lift loads weighing several tons. Currently, over three million industrial robots are in operation worldwide, delivering higher efficiency compared to human labor. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), companies focused on automation of labor have seen an increase in productivity by more than 5%. Consumers are now demanding more versatile robots capable of handling a broader range of payloads. For instance, KUKA industrial robots can lift up to 500 kg, with an arm reach exceeding 2,500 mm. As industrial robots continue to prove their ability to deliver optimal results in shorter timeframes, the demand for these machines is expected to rise in the coming years. Key Benefits of Buying this Report Leading Market Players ABB FANUC Kawasaki Heavy Industries KUKA Yasakawa Nachi-Fujikoshi Complimentary Excel Data Packs Market Landscape of Leading Players Startup Ecosystem Analysis Patent Analysis Demand Analysis Market Sizing an Opportunity Analysis Key Companies Profiled in the Industrial Robotics Market include: ABB Daihen FANUC Kawasaki Heavy Industries KUKA Mitsubishi Electric Nachi-Fujikoshi Yamaha Motor Comau Denso Epson America Omron Siasun Staubli Yaskawa Hirata Nordson Key Market Segments Type of Robot Traditional Industrial Robots Collaborative Robots Type of Traditional Industrial Robot Articulated Robots Cartesian Robots SCARA Robots Delta Robots Other Robots Payload Low Payloads (<20 Kgs) Medium Payloads (20 to 150 Kgs) High Payloads (>150 Kgs) Mobility Stationary Robots Mobile Robots Application Area Handling Welding Assembling Cleanroom Dispensing Processing Other Application Areas End-User Electronics Industry Automotive Industry Metal and Machinery Industry Plastics Industry Food and Beverages Industry Other Industries Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa and the Rest of the World Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Economic And Other Project Specific Considerations 4. Macro-Economic Indicators 5. Executive Summary 6. Industrial Robotics Market: Megatrends 7. Introduction 8. Competitive Landscape: Leading Players In The Industrial Robotics Market 9. Startup Ecosystem Analysis In The Industrial Robotics Market 10. Patent Analysis 11. Market Impact Analysis: Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities And Challenges 12. Global Industrial Robotics Market 13. Industrial Robotics Market, By Type Of Robot 14. Industrial Robotics Market, By Type Of Traditional Industrial Robot 15. Industrial Robotics Market, By Payload 16. Industrial Robotics Market, By Mobility 17. Industrial Robotics Market, By Application Area 18. Industrial Robotics Market, By End-User 19. Industrial Robotics Market, By Geography 20. Industrial Robotics Market, By Key Players 21. Company Profiles 22. Global Policy Analysis 23. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 24. Executive Insights 25. Appendix 1: Tabulated Data 26. Appendix 2: List Of Companies And Organizations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/49vwet About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Lithium-Ion Battery Market Report Forecast by Components, Product Type, Application, Countries and Company Analysis 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global lithium-ion battery market is expected to reach US$ 55.22 billion by 2032 up to US$ 55.22 billion in 2023, expressing a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 13.80% between 2024 and 2032 Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most reusable batteries in modern electronics due to their high capacity, extended life span, and lightweight during charging and charging, lithium ions are transferred to batteries between the positive and negative electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries are needed to power devices and technologies. It is commonly found in consumer electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable devices. In addition, they play an important role in the electric vehicle industry, where they power a growing number of electric cars, buses and bicycles. Lithium-ion batteries are also an important part of renewable energy storage, helping to store solar and wind energy for later use. It is also used in medical devices, electrical equipment and aerospace applications, making it one of the most versatile and important energy storage technologies worldwide. Driving Forces of the Lithium-Ion Battery Market Rising Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption Increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is a major driver of the lithium-ion battery market. Governments around the world are pushing to reduce carbon emissions, leading to a transition to electricity transmission. For EVs, lithium-ion batteries are important because of their high capacity and efficiency. As automakers scale up EVs, demand for lithium-ion batteries has increased. A global push for zero-emission vehicles, improved battery technologies and falling costs are expected to fuel this trend further, making lithium-ion batteries the mainstay of transportation. In July 2024, Spanish manufacturing and energy group Acciona Focuses on: managing price and driving too much. Growth in Renewable Energy Storage The global foray towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind has made adequate energy storage of paramount importance. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in energy storage systems because they store large amounts of energy and discharge them efficiently. As the renewable energy sector grows, so does the demand for lithium-ion batteries to store the excess energy produced by solar panels or wind turbines. These batteries help stabilize the energy supply by ensuring that electricity is available even when renewable sources are unable to provide power. Technological Advancements and Cost Reduction Continuous advancement in lithium-ion battery technology is driving the market growth. New designs for stronger energy density, faster charging times and longer life, make these batteries more attractive for a variety of applications while simultaneously economic growth and technological advances reduce costs cost on manufacturing, making lithium-ion batteries more expensive. Cost reduction in particular is needed, where cheaper, more efficient batteries can lead to more widespread adoption, greater demand for fuel, and expand market. By 2024, advances in materials science are bringing Li-S batteries closer to widespread use, especially electric vehicles, aircraft, large energy -in areas such as storage. Europe Lithium-Ion Battery Market The European lithium-ion battery market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage and advances in portable electronics. A strong EU push the strong move towards carbon neutrality by 2050 has accelerated the adoption of EVs, which rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, government incentives and investments in renewable energy are increasing the need for efficient energy storage systems. Major countries such as Germany, France and the UK lead the way in battery production, advances in battery technology and cost reductions are further expanding the fuel market across Europe This sector is crucial for European energy security reduce changes. Germany Lithium-Ion Battery Market The German lithium-ion battery market is expanding rapidly, thanks to the country's focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. As a hub for automobile manufacturing, Germany is rapidly making the transition to EVs, driving demand for lithium-ion batteries. Large German automakers such as Volkswagen and BMW are investing heavily in battery development and research, aiming to lead the global EV market. The country's push for renewable energy has also increased the need for energy storage solutions, driving demand for lithium-ion batteries. Government subsidies, investments in green technologies and advancements in battery efficiency are key factors shaping this booming market. In June 2024, the first production line is currently under construction at Neuenheim, near Elwangen, Baden-Wurttemberg, with delivery of modularly expandable DC high-voltage storage systems by mid-July. Middle East Lithium-Ion Battery Market The Middle East lithium-ion battery market is growing, driven by the growing demand for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles (EVs). Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly investing in clean energy projects, increasing the need for efficient energy storage powered by lithium-ion batteries Government policies promote growth sustainability, EV adoption and encouraging technological advancements are going to drive the market. In addition, advances in battery technology and lower manufacturing costs support the project's transition to green energy solutions. Saudi Arabia Lithium-Ion Battery Market The Saudi Arabian lithium-ion battery market is expanding rapidly, driven by the country's Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasizes renewable energy adoption and sustainable development as Saudi Arabia diversifies its solar and wind mix. Lithium-ion batteries play an important role in energy storage in industry. In addition, growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is fuelling demand for lithium-ion batteries in transportation. Government support for market development, including investment in green technologies and infrastructure. Technological advances and partnerships with global battery manufacturers continue to drive acceptance of lithium-ion batteries in various regions of the kingdom In June 2024, NextSource Materials Inc. will launch a new 100-year-old manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries updated its global anode expansion strategy, with positive results from the technical economic evaluation of a proposed battery anode plant in Saudi Arabia. Global Lithium-Ion Battery Company Analysis The key players in Lithium-Ion Battery industry are BYD Company Ltd., Samsung SDI Company Limited, GS Yuasa Corporation, Johnsons Controls Inc. and Exide Technologies. Global Lithium-Ion Battery Company News May 2024 - In Paradip, Odisha, the JSW Group declared its intention to build a 60,000-ton lithium-ion refinery and cell production plant. A technological collaboration with a top Chinese company will enable this. This action is in line with the growing trend of Indian and international businesses looking to capitalize on China's leadership in electric vehicle battery technology. By allocating ?40,000 crore, JSW hopes to gain a substantial portion of the Indian electric vehicle industry, signifying a deliberate shift in strategy towards environmentally friendly and independent auto manufacturing. January 2024 - Prior to the end of 2025, Amara Raja Batteries Ltd., a manufacturer of automotive batteries, declared its intention to run a gigafactory. In the Indian state of Telangana, in the Mahbubnagar area, the business started construction on one of its first gigafactories. Up to 16 GWh of lithium cells and 5 GWh of battery packs, respectively, are anticipated to be produced at the factory. August 2023 - By 2026, Reliance Industries Limited intended to build a gigafactory for lithium-ion batteries in India. It is anticipated that the battery production facility will be located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, near the Dhirubhai Green Energy Giga Complex. It's probably going to be built to make battery chemistries, packs, cells, and containerized energy storage systems, among other things. Key Players Analysis: Business Overview, Key Personnel, Recent Development & Strategies, Financial Insights BYD Company Ltd. Samsung SDI Company Limited GS Yuasa Corporation Johnsons Controls Inc. Exide Technologies Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $55.22 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $176.75 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.8% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research & Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenge 5 Global Lithium-Ion Battery Market 6 Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Components 6.2 By Product Type 6.3 By Application 6.4 By Countries 7 Components 7.1 Cathode 7.2 Anode 7.3 Electrolytic Solution 7.4 Others 8 Product Type 8.1 Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) 8.2 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 8.3 Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA) 8.4 Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) 8.5 Lithium Titanate 8.6 Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt 9 Application 9.1 Passenger EVs 9.2 Commercial EVs 9.3 Electric two/three-wheelers 9.4 E-buses 9.5 Stationary Storage 9.6 Consumer Electronics 10 Countries 10.1 North America 10.1.1 United States 10.1.2 Canada 10.2 Europe 10.2.1 France 10.2.2 Germany 10.2.3 Italy 10.2.4 Spain 10.2.5 United Kingdom 10.2.6 Belgium 10.2.7 Netherland 10.2.8 Turkey 10.3 Asia Pacific 10.3.1 China 10.3.2 Japan 10.3.3 India 10.3.4 Australia 10.3.5 South Korea 10.3.6 Thailand 10.3.7 Malaysia 10.3.8 Indonesia 10.3.9 New Zealand 10.4 Latin America 10.4.1 Brazil 10.4.2 Mexico 10.4.3 Argentina 10.5 Middle East & Africa 10.5.1 South Africa 10.5.2 Saudi Arabia 10.5.3 UAE 11 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Rivalry 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12 SWOT Analysis 12.1.1 Strength 12.1.2 Weakness 12.1.3 Opportunity 12.1.4 Threat For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t77nfg About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to announce Prem Watsa, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, as the recipient of the 2024 Nation Builder Award. This prestigious honour will be presented to Mr. Watsa at a special ceremony on January 28, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto. "From his incredible work ethic and business success to his commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism and opportunity creation, Prem Watsa is an inspiring leader who represents the best of our country. The Empire Club of Canada is delighted to celebrate his contributions and impact, said Jenna Donelson, Board Chair of the Empire Club of Canada. The Nation Builder award is presented annually to a distinguished Canadian leader or group who has made a positive, timely and lasting contribution to Canadian society and is an inspiring role model for Canadians. Mr. Watsa joins an outstanding and diverse group of prior recipients recognized for their role in shaping Canadas national identity including Wes Hall, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Perry Bellegarde and Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors. "I am deeply honoured to receive the 2024 Nation Builder Award from the Empire Club of Canada. This recognition is not just for me, but for the teams and communities Ive had the privilege to work with. It highlights the collective efforts that shape our nation's growth and prosperity, and I look forward to continuing our shared journey towards a strong and vibrant future," said Prem Watsa, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings. Prem Watsa: A Nation Builder Prem Watsas story is both inspiring and impressive embodying resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in business. As a newcomer to Canada, he supported himself through an MBA program at Western University and began his career as an investment analyst. Mr. Watsa went on to found Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, today a leading Canadian company in the global insurance sector with a market capitalization of more than $40 billion. His commitment to philanthropy has been longstanding, with a focus on education and healthcare initiatives and on investments that uplift communities across the country. He has brought his passion and expertise to support a wide range of organizations including SickKids Hospital, the University of Waterloo, Huron University, the Royal Ontario Museum and St. Pauls Anglican Church. A Rare Opportunity to hear Prem Watsas Insights and Reflections The January awards ceremony will offer attendees the unique opportunity to hear directly from Mr. Watsa as he reflects on his remarkable journey and the milestones that have defined his career. Following Mr. Watsa's address, Andrew Willis, Business Columnist for The Globe and Mail, will engage Mr. Watsa in a fireside chat. The event will also feature important testimonials from esteemed colleagues, such as The Right Honourable David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada and Kathleen Taylor, Chair of the SickKids Foundation Board of Trustees. For more information and to register for this event, visit https://empireclubofcanada.com/event/2024-nation-builder-award/ About the Empire Club of Canada Established in 1903, the Empire Club of Canada, a non-profit organization, is celebrating its 121st Season. As Canada's go-to forum for conversations that matter, the Empire Club produces more than 40 thought leadership events annually that connect people to ideas and each other. For media inquiries, please contact: Megan Ip | Sr. Manager, Communications and Marketing Empire Club of Canada meganmay.ip@empireclub.org T: 416-473-1487 Dublin, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Application Programming Interface Logistics Market by Infrastructure, Pricing Model, Technology, Security, Integration, Functionality - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Application Programming Interface Logistics Market grew from USD 1.50 billion in 2023 to USD 1.78 billion in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 19.80%, reaching USD 5.32 billion by 2030. Key growth factors influencing this market include the rapid digital transformation of logistics, increasing demand for efficient supply chain solutions, and the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Emerging opportunities arise from the growing e-commerce sector, cross-border trade, and partnerships for technology solutions in logistics. However, challenges such as data security concerns, integration complexities, and varying standards can impede growth. Businesses can capitalize on these opportunities by investing in data security measures, standardizing API integrations, and fostering strategic collaborations with technology providers. The market's nature is dynamic and competitive, with continuous advancements in technology. Innovative areas include real-time tracking solutions, predictive analytics for demand forecasting, and blockchain for enhanced transparency and security. For business growth, companies should focus on customization of API solutions to cater to specific logistical needs and explore partnerships to expand service offerings. Additionally, ongoing research into AI-driven logistics solutions could provide a competitive edge. Overall, understanding these factors and implementing strategic actions based on them will be crucial for sustained growth and success in the API logistics market. Key Company Profiles The report delves into recent significant developments in the Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include C.H. Robinson, Convoy, DHL, DSV, EasyPost, Expeditors, FedEx, Flexport, Geodis, J.B. Hunt, Kuehne + Nagel, MuleSoft, Nippon Express, Postmen, Project44, Schenker, Shippo, Twilio, UPS, and XPO Logistics. The report provides a detailed overview of the market, exploring several key areas: Market Penetration: A thorough examination of the current market landscape, featuring comprehensive data from leading industry players and analyzing their reach and influence across the market. Market Development: The report identifies significant growth opportunities in emerging markets and assesses expansion potential within established segments, providing a roadmap for future development. Market Diversification: In-depth coverage of recent product launches, untapped geographic regions, significant industry developments, and strategic investments reshaping the market landscape. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: A detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, covering market share, business strategies, product portfolios, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent trends, technological advancements, and innovations in manufacturing by key market players. Product Development & Innovation: Insight into groundbreaking technologies, R&D efforts, and product innovations that will drive the market in future. Additionally, the report addresses key questions to assist stakeholders in making informed decisions: What is the current size of the market, and how is it expected to grow? Which products, segments, and regions present the most attractive investment opportunities? What are the prevailing technology trends and regulatory factors influencing the market? How do top vendors rank regarding market share and competitive positioning? What revenue sources and strategic opportunities guide vendors' market entry or exit decisions? Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 198 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.78 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $5.32 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 19.8% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 2.1. Define: Research Objective 2.2. Determine: Research Design 2.3. Prepare: Research Instrument 2.4. Collect: Data Source 2.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation 2.6. Formulate: Data Verification 2.7. Publish: Research Report 2.8. Repeat: Report Update 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.1.1. Drivers 5.1.1.1. Rising adoption of digital transformation strategies across the logistics industry 5.1.1.2. Increased need for real-time visibility and transparency in supply chain operations 5.1.1.3. Growing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in logistics automation 5.1.1.4. E-commerce growth spurring demand for advanced logistics and transportation solutions 5.1.2. Restraints 5.1.2.1. Scarcity of skilled developers proficient in API integration and management across logistics platforms 5.1.2.2. High implementation costs associated with custom API solutions for complex logistics operations 5.1.3. Opportunities 5.1.3.1. Expansion of cross-border e-commerce driving demand for localized logistics APIs to enhance delivery efficiency 5.1.3.2. Rising adoption of IoT and big data analytics creating opportunities for advanced API logistics solutions 5.1.3.3. Growing integration of blockchain technology in supply chain management necessitating secure and transparent API interfaces 5.1.4. Challenges 5.1.4.1. Scalability issues in logistics APIs due to fluctuating and unpredictable demand in the logistics market 5.1.4.2. Difficulty in real-time data synchronization across different systems using logistics APIs 5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis 5.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.3.1. Threat of New Entrants 5.3.2. Threat of Substitutes 5.3.3. Bargaining Power of Customers 5.3.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.3.5. Industry Rivalry 5.4. PESTLE Analysis 5.4.1. Political 5.4.2. Economic 5.4.3. Social 5.4.4. Technological 5.4.5. Legal 5.4.6. Environmental 6. Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, by Infrastructure 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Hybrid Cloud 6.3. Private Cloud 6.4. Public Cloud 7. Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, by Pricing Model 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Perpetual Licensing 7.3. Subscription-based 7.4. Tiered Pricing 7.5. Usage-based 8. Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, by Technology 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Artificial Intelligence 8.2.1. Chatbots 8.2.2. Predictive Maintenance 8.3. Big Data 8.3.1. Data Analytics 8.4. Blockchain 8.4.1. Supply Chain Finance 8.5. Internet of Things 8.5.1. Standalone IoT 8.6. Robotics 8.6.1. Automated Warehousing 9. Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, by Security 9.1. Introduction 9.2. API Gateway 9.3. Data Encryption 9.4. Identity and Access Management 9.5. Security Testing 10. Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, by Integration 10.1. Introduction 10.2. B2B Integration 10.3. Data Integration 10.4. Enterprise Application Integration 11. Application Programming Interface Logistics Market, by Functionality 11.1. Introduction 11.2. Data Exchange 11.3. Event Management 11.4. Workflow Automation 12. Americas Application Programming Interface Logistics Market 12.1. Introduction 12.2. Argentina 12.3. Brazil 12.4. Canada 12.5. Mexico 12.6. United States 13. Asia-Pacific Application Programming Interface Logistics Market 13.1. Introduction 13.2. Australia 13.3. China 13.4. India 13.5. Indonesia 13.6. Japan 13.7. Malaysia 13.8. Philippines 13.9. Singapore 13.10. South Korea 13.11. Taiwan 13.12. Thailand 13.13. Vietnam 14. Europe, Middle East & Africa Application Programming Interface Logistics Market 14.1. Introduction 14.2. Denmark 14.3. Egypt 14.4. Finland 14.5. France 14.6. Germany 14.7. Israel 14.8. Italy 14.9. Netherlands 14.10. Nigeria 14.11. Norway 14.12. Poland 14.13. Qatar 14.14. Russia 14.15. Saudi Arabia 14.16. South Africa 14.17. Spain 14.18. Sweden 14.19. Switzerland 14.20. Turkey 14.21. United Arab Emirates 14.22. United Kingdom 15. Competitive Landscape 15.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023 15.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023 15.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis 15.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a69woc About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VR Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: VRR, FSE: 5VR; OTCBB: VRRCF), the "Company", or VR, is pleased to announce the completion of two, state-of-the-art DCIP geophysical surveys at its Empire and Silverback projects in northwestern Ontario, with inversions underway, preliminary results under review, and drill planning underway. A field photo highlighting road-accessible logistics is shown below in Photo 1A. The surveys were completed as planned; on time and on budget, as described in NR-24-26 from November 12th. Data quality for both surveys is good, with minimal EM coupling at surface, low noise, and strong correlation to conductivity in previously collected airborne EM data. Details include: Empire Project : roughly 7km of 2D DCIP readings were completed along 3 lines across the Westwood target, a 3km long magnetic anomaly, with a survey depth penetration of 500m. : roughly 7km of 2D DCIP readings were completed along 3 lines across the Westwood target, a 3km long magnetic anomaly, with a survey depth penetration of 500m. Silverback Project : A 4 x 4 km 3D-array DCIP grid was completed, generating 90,000 unique dipoles, with 500 m depth penetration. As shown in Figure 1, the grid is centred on a shear zone with 9.5g/t gold, 5.6% copper, and 52 g/t silver, and it covers the recently announced gold-enriched porphyry intrusion, and as shown in Photo 2, quartz vein stockworks discovered in outcrop during the survey, near a 6-channel EM anomaly from an OGS survey in 1980. Surface mineralization near the Trans Canada highway at the Westwood target averages 0.2% Cu, 0.54 g/t Pt+Pd, and 0.14 g/t Au in disseminated sulfide. A new outcrop of iron-stained ultra-mafic rock with disseminated and vein sulfide was discovered during the survey (see Photo 1B). Overall, the three DCIP lines are designed to outline the areas of strongest conductivity and chargeability related to this sulfide mineralization, aided by detailed magnetic data already in hand. From VR's CEO Justin Daley: "The results of both DCIP surveys have already exceeded expectations, giving us robust and integrated exploration targets across the various geophysical data sets acquired to date. We look forward to providing further details as we work with DIAS to complete survey inversions, and work internally to refine drill targets. I would like to thank the DIAS field crew for their hard work completing these surveys as winter arrived quickly in Upsala this past week. Photo 1. (A) DIAS crew member spooling reference wire across the main access road at Silverback over the main gold showing at the centre of the 4 by 4 km 3D-array DCIP survey block. (B) Newly discovered outcrop during the DCIP survey on the Westwood grid, Empire Project. Pervasively altered mafic/ultramafic rock with quartz-carbonate veining, disseminated and vein-related copper sulfide. The DCIP survey is designed to delineate the center of this copper-nickel hydrothermal-magmatic mineral system. About the Empire and Silverback Projects The Silverback project consists of 71 mineral claims in 1 contiguous block covering 4,442 hectares and Empire consists of 313 mineral claims in 1 contiguous blocks covering 10,254 hectares. The projects are located on Federal crown land, with mineral rights administered by the Ontario Ministry of Mines. There is a 2% net smelter royalty on the claims. There are no annual payments, but the Ministry requires certain annual exploration expenditures and reporting (ie. mineral assessment reports) in order to maintain a mineral claim in good standing. The projects fall within the Lac de Mille Lac First Nation traditional territories. Technical Information Surface grab samples and drill core samples were submitted for geochemical analysis to the AGAT laboratory in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Drill core was logged, cut and sampled at the Holbik Exploration warehouse in Upsala, Ontario, with sample preparation completed by AGAT in Thunder Bay alongside gold and PGE determination by atomic absorption assay. ICP-MS analyses for base metals, whole rock, and trace elements is performed at AGATs laboratory in Calgary, AB. Analytical results are subject to industry-standard and NI 43-101 compliant QAQC sample procedures, including the systematic insertion of sample duplicates, blanks and certified reference material (CRM) done both externally and internally at the laboratory by AGAT, as described by AGAT. Technical information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101. Justin Daley, P.Geo., President & CEO at VR and a non-independent Qualified Person oversees and/or participates in all aspects of the Companys mineral exploration projects, and the content of this news release has been reviewed on behalf of the Company by the Executive Chairman, Dr. Michael Gunning, P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person. About VR Resources Ltd. VR is an established junior exploration company based in Vancouver (TSX.V: VRR; Frankfurt: 5VR; OTCQB: VRRCF). VR evaluates, explores and advances opportunities in copper, gold and critical metals in Nevada, USA, and Ontario, Canada. VR applies modern exploration technologies, in-house experience, and expertise in greenfields exploration to large-footprint systems in underexplored areas/districts. The foundation of VR is the proven track record of its Board in early-stage exploration, discovery and M&A. The Company is financed for its mineral exploration and corporate obligations. VR owns its projects outright and evaluates new opportunities on an ongoing basis, whether by staking or acquisition. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Justin Daley Justin Daley, MSc, P.Geo President & CEO For general information please use the following: Forward Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements concerning VRs plans for near-term drilling on the properties this fall, and all other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Companys ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. This news release may also contain statements and/or information with respect to mineral properties and/or deposits which are adjacent to and/or potentially similar to the Companys mineral properties, but which the Company has no interest in nor rights to explore. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on similar properties are not necessarily indicative of mineral deposits on the Companys properties. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Companys public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review them. 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 Figure 1. Simplified geophysical targeting map with DCIP grid design for the Silverback project. Spring 2023 drilling tested two smaller conductors from the DIGEM survey, shown in purple (deeper) and red (shallower). An untested 6-channel EM anomaly from 1980 OGS survey Map 80534 coincides with a 2-line DIGEM conductor, adjacent to the mafic intrusion, and near a 99th percentile gold in lake sediment anomaly. The new DCIP data is expected to refine all of the conductors along the 2 km trend of known mineralization. Photo 2. Newly discovered outcrop of quartz vein stockworks with sulfide in gabbro at Silverback, with location shown in Figure 1 above, in the northeast corner of the DCIP grid. This is very similar to the style of gold mineralization seen 3km to the southwest in drill Hole 2. The outcrop was discovered by the DIAS crew during the DCIP survey, and nearby the 1980 6-channel EM anomaly from OGS Map 80534. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e9c61f8-9ee7-4e80-86b1-befe5bfd6480 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b53efb07-2091-4ff5-8a59-ac04bc5b96d7 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/478ce1be-4e62-467b-b775-da44813b8866 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bybit , the worlds second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, invites users to test their conviction in the classic human vs machine debate in a new Copy Trading Face-Off trading competition. With a 200,000 USDT prize pool for top traders and lucky voters, the competition gives traders a chance to be rewarded for living by their trading style. As the science of trading evolves with the abundance of data, tools, and new trading solutions, traders are increasingly combining intuition and data-driven insights, as well as human judgement and AI-powered precision. With Bybit Copy Trading, users may choose between both options or craft their own trading strategies in mixed models. The competition offers multiple ways to access the prize pool for traders on either side of the battle, and of all skill levels: Master Traders have the chance to prove natural intelligence can outperform the artificial brain of Bot Squads by leading a Human Squad to victory. have the chance to prove natural intelligence can outperform the artificial brain of Bot Squads by leading a Human Squad to victory. Copy Trading Beginners have two options to win from the prize pool. Users new to copy trading may either follow a Master Trader of either a Human or a Bot Squad, or cast a vote for a winning squad. Out of the 200,000 USDT prize pool, 60% will go to winning members of three squad leaderboards, including top performers by Master Traders' PnL (%), Followers' PnL (%), and Average Followers' PnL (%). To ring in an auspicious new trading year, users will still stand a chance to unlock 20% of the total prize pool if they have joined a losing squad. Another 15% of the prize pool will go to the top 100 traders by trading volume. Algorithmic and automated trading is prized for their efficiency and accuracy while the human mind has unlimited potential. As a leading crypto trading platform, Bybit is dedicated to facilitating both solutions to meet the diverse needs of the traders community. In this competition, we are leaving it up to the crypto community to decide which one is the crowd favorite, said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director of Bybit. Eligible users may sign up for the event from Nov. 28, 2024 to Jan. 8, 2025, and the competition stage officially starts on Dec. 9, 2024 until Jan. 8, 2025. Registration is required in order to secure a spot in the human vs. bot showdown in Crypto Trading on Bybit. For more information on the competition and terms and conditions, users may visit: Copy Trading Face-Off: Human vs. Bot . #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the worlds second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula Ones reigning Constructors and Drivers champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube Contact Head of PR Tony Au Bybit tony.au@bybit.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/17687487-2bf6-45cd-a8b6-9328ac7aeabc KEY HIGHLIGHTS: ALJ-24-014 intersected three new high-grade intervals 200 metres (m) northwest of the Aljo mine, returning 9.94 grams of gold per tonne (g/t Au) over 2.9 m, 10.4 g/t Au over 0.7 m and 6.41 g/t Au over 1.1 m, confirming strong proximal discovery potential. ALJ-24-013 returned nine distinct vein intervals including 2.48 g/t Au over 1.3 m and 2.55 g/t Au over 1.5 m, extending the Main Zone 100 m to the southwest and confirming the stacked nature of the vein systems. ALJ-24-016 drilled 200 m east of the Aljo mine, intersected quartz-carbonate veinlets with assays of 1.02 g/t Au over 1.2 m, 1.70 g/t Au over 2.0 m, and 3.19 g/t Au over 0.6 m, extending the strike length of the Aljo system to 600 m and supporting an extension to the east. An aggressive follow-up drill program at Aljo has been launched with a 2,500 m (11 holes) program focused on targeting the depth extensions of the Footwall, Main and Hangingwall Zones. SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GFG Resources Inc. (TSXV: GFG) (OTCQB: GFGSF) (GFG or the Company) reports the remaining assay results from its Phase 1 drill program at the Aljo Mine Target (Aljo) and launches an expanded Phase 2 program. Aljo is located on GFGs Goldarm Property in the world-class Timmins Gold District of Ontario, Canada. Brian Skanderbeg, CEO and President of GFG stated, We are excited to report significant progress in expanding the Aljo system, which now extends 800 m along strike and encompasses multiple vein sets across four distinct zones. Our team has successfully extended the Main Zone to the southwest, identified new vein sets in the northwest, and expanded the system eastward across the Kingswood Shear to the east. Notably, Hole 14 intersected three high-grade vein systems in the Northwest Zone, with assays of 9.94 g/t Au over 2.9 m, 6.41 g/t Au over 1.1 m, and 10.4 g/t Au over 0.7 m. Hole 13 extended the Main Zone veins approximately 100 m to the southwest, revealing nine distinct intervals and demonstrating the stacked nature of the veins with significant widths. We are also encouraged by Hole 16, which confirmed the eastern continuity of the Main and Hangingwall Zones. Building on this momentum, we are launching an aggressive drill program, planning 11 new holes (2,500 m) to target deeper extensions of the Main, Hangingwall and Footwall systems down to 250-400 m while also following up on the high-grade veins discovered to the northwest and east. Importantly, all zones remain open at depth, as our initial drill programs have only tested depths of 100-250 m. We are confident that these on-going efforts will continue to unlock the full potential of the Aljo system. Commentary on Assay Results (See Figure 3) Anders Carlson, Vice President of Exploration at GFG, stated, The high-grade intercept west of the Aljo workings marks the discovery of a new zone for GFG, demonstrating the strong exploration potential. We are excited to continue expanding the mineralized footprint below 200 vertical metres with our on-going drilling efforts. ALJ-24-013 was drilled to test the down-dip and lateral extension of gold mineralization beneath the westernmost underground workings of the Aljo Mine, where historical high-grade intercepts, such as 137.00 g/t Au over 0.22 m were reported. The hole intersected nine gold zones, each assaying between 1-3 g/t Au, with a peak of 2.48 g/t Au over 1.3 m (within 0.53 g/t Au over 9.3 m) and 2.55 g/t Au over 1.5 m (within 0.71 g/t Au over 7.5 m) in veined and altered mafic volcanic rocks near feldspar porphyry dykes. Mineralization between 217-238.5 m correlates with high-grade results reported earlier this year, including 23.08 g/t Au over 7.6 m. The Aljo Footwall Zone was also intersected, returning 1.20 g/t Au over 2.2 m, supporting its structural and grade continuity. ALJ-24-014 was drilled 200 m northwest of the Aljo mine workings, where limited prior drilling had occurred. It intersected three new high-grade veins with visible gold, yielding 9.94 g/t Au over 2.9 m, 10.4 g/t Au over 0.7 m and 6.41 g/t Au over 1.1 m. The shallower zone is hosted in sulphide-bearing quartz-carbonate veinlets within altered mafic volcanics, with a peak assay of 22.8 g/t Au over 1.0 m. Previous drilling by GFG in 2023 further to the west returned multiple intervals of bulk tonnage gold mineralization in mafic volcanics with visible gold including 1.39 g/t Au over 19.0 m and 1.86 g/t Au over 17.5 m including 4.98 g/t Au over 3.6 m. These intercepts highlight the potential of the Northwest target area. ALJ-24-015, drilled west of ALJ-24-014, encountered 1.36 g/t Au over 2.9 m, including 3.57 g/t Au over 1.0 m, in quartz-carbonate veinlets that correlate with the high-grade zone in ALJ-24-014 along a west-northwest trend. ALJ-24-016 was drilled 200 m east of the Aljo workings and across the Kingswood Shear and intersected quartz-carbonate veinlets with assays of 1.02 g/t Au over 1.2 m, 1.70 g/t Au over 2.0 m, and 3.19 g/t Au over 0.6 m, supporting an extension of the Aljo system to the east. Gold mineralization is associated with structural corridors near felsic and mafic porphyry dyke margins and minerals such as chalcopyrite, telluride, sphalerite, molybdenum, and galena. Alteration is commonly seen associated with faulted or sheared intervals, or associated with fractured veins. Previously Announced Assay Results ALJ-24-012 was drilled to test the down-dip and lateral extension of gold mineralization below historical underground workings of the Aljo Mine and to follow-up on high-grade intercepts in ALJ-23-004 which yielded several high-grade zones with significant visible gold (see release dated February 15, 2024). ALJ-24-012 yielded 23.08 g/t Au over 7.6 m in addition to 13.94 g/t Au over 7.1 m (see release dated August 19, 2024). The new high-grade intercepts also occurred down-dip from the historical high-grade intercept of 9.86 g/t Au over 8.0 m drilled in 1988(1). The presence of this high-grade zone points to a much higher endowment of the Aljo Main Zone than was previously seen in shallower historical drill intercepts. In addition, the visible gold logged with significant sulphide and veining in the Aljo Footwall Zones demonstrated continuity of this zone approximately 100 m down-dip from 2023 results of 13.35 g/t Au over 3.6 m, leaving it open for further drill testing down-dip and along strike. Outlook As a follow up from these high-grade drill intercepts from Aljo (see news releases dated August 19, 2024 and September 5, 2024), the Company has resumed drilling with a budgeted program of 2,500 m from 11 holes. The current drill program will be focused on testing both depth and strike extensions at Aljo. Drilling is expected to be completed before year end and results are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2025 Table 1: Phase 1 Aljo Mine Target Assay Results 2024 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone Visible Gold ALJ-24-012 8.0 16.0 8.0 0.86 Aljo HW VG and 19.2 27.5 8.4 0.81 Aljo HW VG and 72.3 79.3 7.1 13.94 Aljo HW VG incl. 73.3 79.3 6.0 15.92 Aljo HW VG and 100.0 113.3 13.3 1.71 Aljo HW VG incl. 112.4 113.3 0.9 19.20 Aljo HW VG and 223.9 231.5 7.6 23.08 Aljo Main VG incl. 225.3 226.1 0.8 215.00 Aljo Main VG and 251.4 265.8 14.5 0.40 Aljo Main VG and 440.6 444.0 3.4 0.81 Aljo FW VG November 28, 2024 Press Release ALJ-24-013 103.0 107.7 4.7 0.72 Aljo Main and 165.5 174.9 9.3 0.53 Aljo Main and 217.0 227.4 10.4 0.52 Aljo Main and 231.0 238.5 7.5 0.71 Aljo Main and 258.1 259.0 0.9 2.03 Aljo Main and 266.5 269.5 3.0 0.53 Aljo Main and 369.9 377.5 7.6 0.41 Aljo Main and 393.8 400.0 6.3 0.53 Aljo Main and 409.1 411.3 2.2 1.20 Aljo Main ALJ-24-014 46.5 47.5 1.0 3.83 Aljo (New) and 86.8 87.8 1.0 2.57 Aljo (New) and 91.7 94.6 2.9 9.94 Aljo (New) VG and 177.6 183.2 5.6 2.07 Aljo West incl. 182.1 183.2 1.1 6.41 Aljo West and 229.6 236.8 7.2 1.31 Aljo West incl. 236.1 236.8 0.7 10.40 Aljo West and 279.0 280.0 1.0 2.14 Aljo West ALJ-24-015 170.1 173.0 2.9 1.36 Aljo West incl. 172.0 173.0 1.0 3.57 Aljo West and 181.5 188.0 6.5 0.50 Aljo West and 229.9 233.6 3.7 0.38 Aljo West ALJ-24-016 88.8 90.0 1.2 1.02 Aljo East and 163.7 165.7 2.0 1.70 Aljo East incl. 163.7 164.3 0.6 3.19 Aljo East *Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length with a minimum 1 gram-metre product. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.20 g/t Au. Included intervals are calculated using a 3 g/t cut-off at a minimum 1 gram-metre product unless otherwise stated. True width is estimated to be 30 to 90% drilled length. Figure 1: Regional Map of GFG Gold Projects in the Timmins Gold District Figure 2: Goldarm Property Plan View Map Figure 3: Aljo Target Plan View Map About GFG Resources Inc. GFG is a North American precious metals exploration company focused on district scale gold projects in tier one mining jurisdictions, Ontario and Wyoming. In Ontario, the Company operates three gold projects, each large and highly prospective gold properties within the prolific gold district of Timmins, Ontario, Canada. The projects have similar geological settings that host most of the gold deposits found in the Timmins Gold Camp which have produced over 70 million ounces of gold. The Company also owns 100% of the Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project (RSH), a district scale gold exploration project located approximately 100 km southwest of Casper, Wyoming, U.S. On August 15, 2024, the Company signed a definitive agreement with Patriot Gold Vault Ltd. (Patriot). Under the terms of the Agreement, Patriot will purchase RSH by paying GFG an aggregate consideration of approximately C$3.3 million. The transaction with Patriot is expected to close in December. For further information, please contact: Brian Skanderbeg, President & CEO or Marc Lepage, Vice President, Business Development Phone: (306) 931-0930 Email: info@gfgresources.com Website: www.gfgresources.com Stay Connected with Us X (Twitter): @GFGResources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfgresources/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GFGResourcesInc/ Footnote: (1) Historical drill intercepts are referenced from the 1989 Kingswood Explorations Ltd. assessment report # 42A09NW0568 authored by Ken Lapierre. (2) Drill intercepts are historical and GFGs QP has not verified the laboratory accreditation, analytical method, sample size or QA/QC procedures utilized for the historic drill results. True widths have not been estimated. Sampling and Quality Control All scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Anders Carlson, P.Geo. and Vice President, Exploration of GFG, a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Drill core samples are being analyzed for gold by Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Timmins, Ontario. Gold analysis consists of the preparation of a 500-gram pulp and an assay of a 50-gram aliquot by Pb collection fire assay with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry finish (Package 1A2-50. Samples assaying above 5 ppm Au are routinely re-run using a gravimetric finish (Package 1A3-50). Selected samples are also undergoing multi-element analysis for 59 other elements using a four-acid digestion and an ICP-MS finish (Package MA250) by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Vancouver, British Columbia. Quality control and assurance measures include the monitoring of results for inserted certified reference materials, coarse blanks and preparation duplicates of drill core. Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. True width is estimated to be 30 to 90% of drilled length. Sampling protocols, quality control and assurance measures and geochemical results related to historic drill core samples quoted in this news release have not been verified by the Qualified Person and therefore must be regarded as estimates. 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. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Companys future exploration plans with respect to its property interests and the timing thereof, the prospective nature of the projects, future price of gold, success of exploration activities and metallurgical test work, permitting time lines, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of exploration work, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these 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 the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results, may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof. All forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price of gold, that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights, that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour, and that the political environment within Canada and the United States will continue to support the development of mining projects in Canada and the United States. In addition, the similarity or proximity of other gold deposits to the Companys projects is not necessary indicative of the geological setting, alteration and mineralization of the Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project, the Goldarm Property, the Pen Gold Project and the Dore Gold Project. 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 GFG to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the mining industry; availability of capital, delays in obtaining government approvals or financing; and other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and the additional risks described in the Companys most recently filed annual and interim MD&A are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive. Although GFG has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There 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. In addition, forward-looking statements are provided solely for the purpose of providing information about managements current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and GFG assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec62d5ef-330f-469b-afa5-6b245554c36a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12d49e52-84e9-4485-a08f-8d40ff7e357a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a33fc9b-666a-407a-af67-f45de3e24173 MONTREAL, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation is thrilled to announce that Dr. Renzo Cecere, Cardiac Surgeon at the MUHC and Director of the Myocardial Regeneration Lab at the Research Institute of the MUHC (RI-MUHC) has been recognized by the Trottier Family Foundation and the R. Howard Webster Foundation, who have awarded him with this years prestigious Trottier Webster Innovation Award. Established in 2019, both Foundations generously pledged a gift of $3 million to the MUHC Foundation to support outstanding research projects at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. The competition offers a $100,000 annual prize to advance the most innovative research project, recognizing its transformative potential and impact on patient care. This prestigious award highlights Dr. Ceceres innovative work in advancing personalized heart care using stem cell research, with a particular focus on addressing complex arrhythmias. I want to thank the Trottier Family Foundation and the R. Howard Webster Foundation for this incredible recognition, which I consider among the highest honours of my career. Philanthropy funds vital ideas in the early stageand this is what changes the course of medicine. Dr. Renzo Cecere, Cardiac Surgeon, MUHC Cardiac arrhythmias disrupt the heart's rhythm, and while some respond to standard treatments, complex cases like ventricular tachycardia carry higher risks, including sudden cardiac arrest. These cases are often difficult to manage with medication or defibrillators alone, which is what motivated me to explore new solutions, says Dr. Cecere. This stem cell research translates directly into patient careand not in generations, but in the short term. The Trottier Webster Innovation Award will help realize this big dream for heart care even sooner. Inspired by an unexpected link between radiation therapy and reduced arrhythmias in cancer patients, Dr. Ceceres team is investigating radiation as a treatment for ventricular tachycardia. Using stem cells derived from a patients blood, the team creates heart muscle cells to test the effects of radiation in real-time. This innovative platform enables non-invasive testing to determine optimal radiation doses and personalized outcomes for each patient. Supporting bold innovation is central to our mission at the Trottier Family Foundation. We are proud to champion Dr. Ceceres groundbreaking heart research, which holds tremendous potential to improve patients lives. His work reinforces the MUHCs role as a leader in transformative cardiac research." Claire Trottier, Trottier Family Foundation Over the past five years, the Trottier Family Foundation and the R. Howard Webster Foundation have partnered with the MUHC Foundation to advance cutting-edge research with the potential to transform diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. This competition acts as a catalyst for securing larger funding opportunities, providing RI-MUHC researchers with the resources needed to bring their innovative ideas to life. Dr. Ceceres dedication to advancing personalized heart care is what sets his work apart. At the R. Howard Webster Foundation, our mission is to fuel scientific innovation that will revolutionize the standard of health care. Were thrilled to honour Dr. Cecere, whose research illustrates that tomorrows care is actively being worked onand will benefit all Quebecers. Lucy Riddell, R. Howard Webster Foundation Dr. Ceceres research has already shown promising results in the lab, and Dr. Ceceres teamconsisting of electrophysiologists, radiation oncologists, and nuclear physicistsis now working to understand the underlying mechanisms of how radiation affects heart muscle cells and which patients are most likely to benefit. With personalized heart care at the forefront, this innovative approach could enable patients to avoid medications that have limited effectiveness and harmful side effects. Dr. Ceceres research is a model for how innovative therapies are tested and refined. This award celebrates his commitment to advancing heart care through cutting-edge science and we couldnt be happier to be able to be shining a light of whats possible, and the profound impact this work could have on patient care. Dr. Rhian Touz, Executive Director of the MUHC The MUHC Foundation is especially proud to partner with the Trottier Family Foundation and the R. Howard Webster Foundation to promote medical innovation that will transform the standard of heart care for Quebecers. Dr. Cecere's innovative work reflects the very heart of the MUHC Foundations missionwhich is to drive forward cutting-edge research that translates into more lives saved. His dedication and multidisciplinary approach to solving complex heart issues is an inspiration to all. Marie-Helene Laramee, President & CEO of the MUHC Foundation About the McGill University Health Centre Foundation The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care, research and teaching at the McGill University Health Centre, one of the top university hospitals in Canada. Our Dream Big Campaign to change the course of lives and medicine is raising millions of dollars to solve humanitys deadliest puzzles: infectious diseases; end cancer as a life-threatening illness; fix broken hearts through innovative cardiac care; detect the silent killersovarian and endometrial cancersearly; create the best skilled health care teams in Canada; and much more. We are rallying our entire community to solve the worlds most complex health care challenges. https://muhcfoundation.com Tarah Schwartz Vice-President, Communications & Marketing McGill University Health Centre Foundation tarah.schwartz@muhc.mcgill.ca Vanessa Angell Social Media Strategist McGill University Health Centre Foundation vanessa.angell@muhc.mcgill.ca A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da4795ee-d486-4a6e-8981-deddc07deedc OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In advance of Giving Tuesday, Canadians will have the opportunity to double their impact for conservation by donating to the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF). Every day, our wildlife must navigate shrinking habitats, polluted waterways, and fragmented ecosystems. They cannot stand up for their right to exist as their homes are being destroyed by the effects of climate change, brought on by human activity. But you have the power to speak for them. Your voice and support give them a fighting chance at survival, said Dean McJannet, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer of CWF. Leading up to Giving Tuesday Dec. 3, every donation will be matched, doubling the impact to help CWF address critical conservation issues. The facts are alarming: Canada is home to nearly 80,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are in decline. Twenty per cent of Canadian species are at risk of extinction. Climate change has intensified natural disasters like wildfires, floods and droughts, making it harder for wildlife to survive and adapt. In addition to the Giving Tuesday promotion, CWF provides many other ongoing opportunities for charitable giving. With this support, CWF conservation programs make a real difference. CWF has created pollinator-friendly habitats across Ontario and Quebec to support crucial species like bees and butterflies. CWF is partnering with the fishing industry to introduce on-demand fishing gear in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, reducing entanglement risks for North Atlantic Right Whales. CWF has restored access to more than 3.3 million square metres of habitat at 26 sites throughout British Columbia, giving fish and other aquatic species a fighting chance. For more information and to make a contribution, visit GiveAGiftToWildlife.ca . About the Canadian Wildlife Federation The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to conserving Canadas wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment of all. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on wildlife and the environment, carrying out actions to conserve and restore species and habitats, developing and delivering conservation education programs, advocating for changes to government policy and programs, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca. Contact: media@cwf-fcf.org Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ef15991a-94fc-497b-ae3d-9c163194a822 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5130ea26-0510-4c7c-8c74-e85694e40295 TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seneca Polytechnic will be creating a series of financial aid awards for students through a new donation from Sony Electronics and the Sony Global Social Justice Fund, aimed at supporting social justice initiatives and educational opportunities worldwide that foster equal rights. This generous donation will fund 20 new financial aid awards of $2,000 each, spanning the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Students across four programs within the Seneca Film Institute and Senecas School of Media (Creative Advertising, Broadcasting - Television, Journalism, Event & Media Production) will be eligible to receive the awards. We send our thanks and immense gratitude to Sony Electronics for their support of this important initiative, says Kurt Muller, Dean, Faculty of Communication, Art & Design at Seneca Polytechnic. These awards will provide crucial financial support to our students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without the burden of financial stress. We are particularly pleased that these awards will prioritize students from equity-deserving groups, aligning with our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Sony is extremely proud to be partnering with Seneca Polytechnic to provide awards to support new talent within the Seneca Film Institute and School of Media, says Mark Saddleton, Country Head and Director of Sales and Marketing, Sony Canada. The 20 awards will be split amongst four categories with five students receiving $2,000 in each category. Sony Canada Seneca Film Institute CAB Award - Awarded to a student in the full-time Creative Advertising diploma program. The recipient will demonstrate financial need and be successfully progressing through their program. Preference will be given to students who are part of an equity-deserving group. Sony Canada Seneca Film Institute TV Media Award - Awarded to a student in the full-time Broadcasting Television College diploma program. The recipient will demonstrate financial need and be successfully progressing through their program. Preference will be given to students who are part of an equity-deserving group. Sony Canada Seneca Film Institute Journalism Award - Awarded to a student in the full-time Journalism diploma program. The recipient will demonstrate financial need and be successfully progressing through their program. Preference will be given to students who are part of an equity-deserving group. Sony Canada Seneca Film Institute EMP Award - Awarded to a student in the full-time Event & Media Production diploma program. The recipient will demonstrate financial need and be successfully progressing through their program. Preference will be given to students who are part of an equity-deserving group. Seneca Polytechnic has identified four priority equity-deserving groups for these awards: First Nations, Inuit or Metis students, Black students, students who are part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and students with a permanent disability. The establishment of these awards underscores Senecas dedication to fostering equal opportunities to education. By supporting students in need, Seneca is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable future. About Seneca Polytechnic: Seneca Polytechnic provides a great education to prepare our students for great careers. Combining academic rigour with practical, professional and career-focused learning, we offer our students a seamless transition from education to employment. Expert faculty, excellent staff, outstanding campuses, awesome technology, deep connections with industry: thats Seneca Polytechnic. Learn more: senecapolytechnic.ca Contacts: Cam Gordon 647.615.1756 media.relations@senecapolytechnic.ca Director, Communications A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/961cb38c-dacb-47da-a52b-df9a4ecc1e65 TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- White Gold Corp. (TSX.V: WGO, OTCQX: WHGOF, FRA: 29W) (the "Company") is pleased to provide an overview and strategy update on its critical minerals portfolio including copper, molybdenum, tungsten, antimony, zinc, bismuth and other critical mineral targets on its district scale land package in the White Gold District (the District) located in west-central Yukon, Canada. The Companys ongoing gold exploration program has been very successful in delineating significant gold resources and discovering multiple additional prospective gold targets. Our systematic and extensive exploration in the District has also identified numerous critical mineral opportunities. The Company is currently evaluating accretive strategies to advance these projects to unlock further value for all stakeholders. Additional information and exploration results on priority critical mineral targets are outlined below. White Gold Corps Yukon property portfolio includes 15,876 quartz claims across 26 properties covering 315,000 hectares (3,150 km2), representing approximately 40% of the District and hosts the Companys flagship White Gold Project which was recently updated to include 17.6 million tonnes averaging 2.12 g/t Au for 1,203,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated Resource category and 24.4 million tonnes averaging 1.42 g/t Au for 1,116,600 ounces of gold in the Inferred Resource category (1) and remains open for further expansion. Additional increases to the size of the resource may also be possible through an ongoing analysis of the resource block model and by capturing additional ounces hosted within the Target for Further Exploration area, which hosts an additional estimated 10 12 million tonnes grading between 1 2 g/t Au. Shawn Ryan, Chief Technical Advisor & Director stated, One of the strengths of the White Gold property portfolio is the significant critical mineral potential, which nicely compliments the existing gold ounces and gold exploration potential. We have many very exciting targets, such as Bridget target on our Pedlar property, which remains one of the best (based on soils) untested copper-molybdenum porphyry targets in the district. It sits just north of the enormous Casino copper-gold porphyry deposit and has never been diamond drilled. Our technical team has continued to advance these critical mineral targets as part of our ongoing regional exploration program, and we are equally excited to explore them further and strategies to maximizer their value. White Gold Corp. is a gold-focused exploration company and has been very successful delineating significant gold resources at our flagship White Gold Project, which is now one of the highest-grade open pit gold resources in Canada of such significant size owned by an exploration company. The Companys deposits are also complimented by several new gold discoveries and prospective targets creating a very robust gold exploration pipeline in a highly prolific and underexplored area of the Yukon. Our exploration efforts have also identified numerous critical mineral opportunities which we believe to be quite prospective based on their size, the work done to date, underlying geology and how they compare to other targets and deposits. Yukon is widely viewed as one of the most geologically prospective and underexplored areas in Canada, so it came as no real surprise that our exploration produced such strong results in this regard as well. We look forward to further assessing value-accretive exploration and corporate opportunities on these critical mineral projects alongside the continued advancement of our robust gold exploration pipeline to build additional value, stated David DOnofrio, CEO. Highlights Exploration database on district-scale land package (Figure 1) including large soil geochemical database (280,000+ samples) includes several large-scale critical minerals anomalies (Cu, Mo, W, Sb, Zn, Bi) which have been unevaluated and largely undrilled. Underlying geology is prospective for several critical minerals, including copper, molybdenum, tungsten, antimony and bismuth. Existing critical mineral targets include but are not limited to the Bridget, Isaac, Mascot, Aries, Mount Hart, and Guilder targets Several of the Companys critical mineral targets (Bridget, Isaac, Mascot) are located in the Dawson Range, an east-southeast trending mountain range which hosts several significant copper-gold porphyry deposits including the Casino deposit, the Minto Mine, and the Carmacks Project. Middle to Late Cretaceous aged intrusions are prospective for porphyry deposits containing primary sources of copper, molybdenum tungsten. Potential for antimony and bismuth as secondary metals also exists in several mineral deposit types on the properties including orogenic gold, intrusion-related gold, epithermal and porphyry (Bi) deposits. The Company is evaluating accretive opportunities to unlock the potential value of its critical mineral projects. Results from the Companys 2024 exploration program to be released in due course. The geology underlying the Companys land package is prospective for several critical minerals, including copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), antimony (Sb) and bismuth (Bi) amongst others. Middle to Late Cretaceous aged intrusions are prospective for porphyry deposits containing primary sources of copper, molybdenum tungsten. The best example in the region is Western Copper and Gold Corporations (TSX: WRN, NYSE American: WRN) Casino copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry deposit, which contains Measured and Indicated Resources of 7.6 Billion lbs copper and 14.5 Moz gold and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Billion lbs copper and 6.6 Moz gold. Potential for antimony and bismuth as secondary metals also exists in several mineral deposit types including orogenic gold, intrusion-related gold, epithermal and porphyry deposits. The company also welcomes government support for the development of Yukons critical minerals opportunity including the recent announcement by Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan"), conditionally approving $40 million in federal funding to undertake pre-feasibility activities to advance a high-voltage transmission line network connecting the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in British Columbia. This funding would be provided through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund ("CMIF"). The announcement was made by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, with the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia's Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Yukon Premier the Honourable Ranj Pillai. This recent announcement along with other initiatives continue to demonstrate the importance of investments in critical minerals infrastructure to enable Canada to capitalize on the country's rich critical minerals and other resources. A summary of select critical minerals targets identified to date on the Companys claims is provided below. Maps and images accompanying this news release can be found at http://whitegoldcorp.ca/investors/exploration-highlights/. Additional information on the various projects will be provided in due course. Figure 1 - District Map Critical Minerals Target Overview Bridget Target, Pedlar Property The Bridget target (Figure 2) is a large 3 km NW-SE by 3.5 km NE-SW Copper-Molybdenum porphyry target geochemically zoned with a molybdenum-copper-bismuth core and a silver-zinc-lead-tungsten halo (see Company News Release dated March 27, 2024). It is situated in the north-central part of the Pedlar property 28 km northeast of the Casino deposit, and represents one of the most significant molybdenum anomalies in the region which has never been diamond drill tested. Based on the geochemical anomaly size, intensity, and geological and geophysical features, Bridget is considered by the Company as a high priority porphyry target. Geologically, the target is underlain by hornblende gneiss, biotite schists, and calc-silicate altered marble (skarn), intruded by quartz eye granite and aplite dikes. The soil geochemical footprint of the anomaly is characterized by Mo-in-soil values as high as 321.9 ppm Mo, including 278.9 ppm Mo, 265.4 ppm Mo, 263.5 ppm Mo, 257.2 ppm Mo, and 253.3 ppm Mo with over 400 additional samples returning values greater than 20 ppm Mo. Across the target, anomalous Cu-in-soil values exceeding 100 ppm Cu are common with the most significant enrichment occurring at the core with values as high as 710.1 ppm Cu, including 662.6 ppm Cu, 594.7 ppm Cu, 492.9 ppm Cu, 406 ppm Cu observed over a roughly 900 m x 900 m area. Other notably enriched critical minerals include tungsten (W), with the highest concentrations observed in the northern half of the target area, where soil sampling has yielded values up to 101 ppm W, with values exceeding 30 ppm W common. Other anomalous metals including Pb, Bi, As, Zn, and Ag are typically observed over two large northwest-southeast oriented fault systems which cut the target in the north and in the south. In 2023 a single deep-penetrating Induced Polarization Resistivity survey line was completed over the Bridget target with five chargeability anomalies identified. The chargeability anomalies generally correspond with a zone of low resistivity which underlies a large molybdenum-copper soil anomaly. The newly identified chargeability anomalies are completely untested. The Company is currently planning its 2025 exploration programs and has prioritized the Bridget porphyry target for an early season Induced Polarization (IP) Resistivity geophysical survey. Maiden diamond drilling will be planned to test the highest ranked anomalies. Figure 2 - Bridget Soil Geochemistry Isaac Target, Hayes Property The Isaac target (Figure 3) measures approximately 2 km E-W by 1.5 km N-S with a central bismuth-arsenic enriched core measuring from 750 m to 1,000 m which is surrounded by a > 400 m wide halo of anomalous silver, lead and zinc. Anomalous copper occurs in the southern portion of the core, and a relatively small area of anomalous molybdenum occurs near the cores northern margin. The target is located in the central part of the Hayes property 38 km east of the Casino deposit and is a geochemically zoned multi-element soil anomaly associated with a mapped unit of Late Cretaceous Prospector Mountain suite intrusive rocks. (see Company News Release dated March 27, 2024). Anomalous copper-in-soils occurs in the southern portion of the core, and a relatively small area of anomalous molybdenum occurs near the cores northern margin. Within the peripheral halo, silver-in-soil values range from 1 ppm Ag to as high as 16.9 ppm Ag, including 12.3 ppm Ag, 12.2 ppm Ag, 11 ppm Ag, 10.2 ppm Ag, 9.8 ppm Ag, while values > 3 ppm Ag are very common. Also, within this halo, lead-in-soil values occur as high as 3310.4 ppb Pb including 957.5 ppm Pb, 832.8 ppb Pb, 748 ppm Pb, 689.1 ppb Pb, with associated zinc-in-soil values as high as 1747 ppb Zn including 1360 ppm Zn, 1137 ppm Zn, 941 ppm Zn, 763 ppm Zn, 729 ppm Zn, and 713 ppm Zn. A limited 2022 prospecting and mapping program included the collection of 19 rock grab samples returning values as high as 1269.2 ppm Cu, 106.02 ppm Mo, 27.265 ppm Ag, 3100.1 ppm Zn, 2624.78 ppm Pb, 378.52 ppm Bi, and two samples returning over-limit values for Li (> 2000 ppm Li). The geochemical zonation seen in soils and supporting hyperspectral analysis of rock samples indicate that the anomaly may represent the surface expression of a copper-molybdenum porphyry core surrounded by distal or epithermal style silver-lead-zinc mineralization. In 2023 two deep-penetrating Induced Polarization Resistivity survey lines were completed over the Isaac target with a total of eight chargeability anomalies identified. The bismuth soil anomaly appears to be controlled by faults interpreted from the IP resistivity data. The bismuth and copper core of the soil anomaly is underlain by multiple chargeability anomalies which sit above a resistivity low that is interpreted as a fault structure. Lead, zinc, and silver, which form a halo around the core, are coincident with fault structures on the south side and north side of the survey area which trend NE (065) and NW (290) respectively. Isaac is a recently recognized (2021) target and has never been drilled tested. Figure 3 - Isaac Soil Geochemistry Mascot Target, Betty Property The Mascot target (Figure 4) on the Betty property covers a large cluster of gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies which include significant anomalous silver-zinc-lead-bismuth-antimony values measuring 4 km E-W x 4 km N-S interpreted as intrusion-related to epithermal style mineralization, indicating a sizeable mineralized system that appears to be controlled by structures measuring between 1-5 m in downhole width. The Betty property is strategically located approximately 15 km northeast of the Casino deposit and 40 km east of Newmont Corporations (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT) Coffee gold deposit (Measured and Indicated Resources of 2.1 Moz gold at 1.28 g/t Au and Inferred Resources of 0.2 Moz gold at 1.04 g/t Au). The property is transected by the east-west striking Coffee Creek Fault which exerts important structural controls on the Coffee deposit. The property hosts several gold-in-soil anomalies, including the Betty Ford, Betty White, White East, Black Betty, and Mascot targets. Geologically the northern half of the Betty property is underlain by a folded package of quartzite, biotite gneiss, augen gneiss, minor marble, and hornblende gneiss of the Snowcap assemblage along with granodiorite, monzogranite, quartz diorite, and diorite from the Simpson Range. The southern portion of the property is underlain by Middle Cretaceous granite, granodiorite, quartz diorite and diorite of the Dawson Range Batholith of the Whitehorse Plutonic Suite, which hosts the Mascot target. To date the focus of hard rock exploration on the property has been for gold, however potential for critical minerals also exists. In 2012, the previous operator Ethos Gold Corp. (now Prospector Metals Corp.) carried out an RC drilling program at Mascot, completing 61 holes totalling 7,132 m and in 2022 the Company carried out a limited RC and diamond drilling program following up on three of the known mineralized zones - Davis, Page and Boop (see Company news release dated November 28, 2022). Highlights of the 2022 diamond and RC drilling at the Davis zone included 1.48 g/t Au over 9.14 m in hole BETMAS22RC004, 1.14 g/t Au over 27.43 m in BETMAS22RC005, 7.42 g/t Au over 1.6 m in BETMASD007 and 2.02 g/t Au over 8.6 m and 1.25 g/t Au over 17.35 m in BETMAS22D008. At the Page zone, gold mineralization is associated with polymetallic (Au-Ag-Zn-Pb) veins and moderately clay altered, weakly oxidized northwest-striking structures with gouge hosted sulphides. Sulphide minerals comprise pyrite, sphalerite and galena. Previous drilling has been quite shallow to a vertical depth of only 125 m, and potential for more significant mineralization at depth exists. In addition to the Mascot, porphyry targets with critical minerals potential also exists to the north in the Isaac Creek area, and along the southern margin of the property along an intrusive contact. These areas remain completely untested. Figure 4 - Mascot Soil Geochemistry Aries Target, Wolf Property The Aries target (Figure 5) on Wolf property is an interpreted porphyry system that is characterized by a central zone of copper and molybdenum anomalies, surrounded by a large peripheral zone enriched in bismuth, arsenic, lead, and zinc. This forms a footprint measuring approximately 4 km in length (NE-SW) and 3 km in width (NW-SE). To the northeast, the Aries target transitions from a gold-dominant system into a potential porphyry system. This areas molybdenum-in-soil values reach as high as 51.4 ppm, with the bulk of the anomaly showing values above 5 ppm. Copper-in-soil values peak at 923.9 ppm, with notable results such as 637.8 ppm, 630.8 ppm, and 600.6 ppm Cu, located near areas enriched in arsenic and bismuth. Previous drilling on the property has been gold-focused and the property remains largely untested and highly prospective for several critical minerals including Mo and Cu. The Wolf property is located east of the White River, approximately 120 km south-southwest of Dawson City and 35 km west of the White Gold Project. Two main target areas have been identified on the property, the Aries and Taurus targets. The area is predominantly underlain by hornblende-biotite diorite intruded by medium-grained and megacrystic K-feldspar granites. These intrusions are associated with widespread biotite and potassic alteration, which are key indicators of potential porphyry mineralization. To the north and northeast, the property is underlain by Late Cretaceous Carmacks volcanic units, including andesite and basalt flows, and siliciclastic basal conglomerates. Cu-Mo enrichment appears to be localized along the contact between these volcanic units and the adjacent granites while gold mineralization is concentrated in the southwestern part of the property (Taurus target) in shreddy biotite and k-spar altered hornblende-biotite diorites. The Taurus target features a gold-in-soil anomaly that spans approximately 2 km long by 0.5 km wide, with maximum gold values reaching 358 ppb Au. The anomaly has an arcuate shape, trending east-west in the southwest and curving northeast-southwest to the east. GT Probe bedrock sampling returned gold values up to 1.22 g/t Au, with several samples exceeding 0.5 g/t Au. In 2023 RAB drilling of the target returned gold values of up to 0.81 g/t Au over 15.24m from 19.81m (hole WLFTRS23RAB002) including 6.55 g/t Au over 1.52m, along with 0.32 g/t Au over 30.47m) from 13.72m in hole WLFTRS23RAB002. Figure 5 - Aries Soil Geochemistry Mount Hart Target, Nolan Property The Mount Hart target (Figure 6) is a large, multi-element soil geochemistry anomaly measuring 5 km N-S and up to 3.5 km E-W with values of up to 1120 ppb gold, 14.8 ppm silver, 1543 ppm arsenic, 81 ppm antimony, 42.2 ppm bismuth and 1677 ppm lead. Several areas are anomalous in gold only, while elsewhere there are strongly coincident Ag, As, Sb, Bi and Pb anomalies. Anomalous copper and molybdenum in the Mount Hart area, combined with observed porphyry-style hydrothermal alteration, indicate the potential for buried porphyry Cu-Mo-Au mineralization. The majority of anomalous soil samples are underlain by rocks of the Late Cretaceous Carmacks Group and coeval intrusions of the Late Cretaceous Prospector Mountain Suite which underly the west-central portion of the Mount Hart soil grid, suggesting a link to a Late Cretaceous mineralizing event. The Mount Hart target is located in the southern part of the Nolan property approximately 50 km west of Dawson City and 15 km east of the Alaska border. Figure 6 - Mount Hart Soil Geochemistry Guilder Target, Loonie Property The Guilder target (Figure 7) hosts a copper-gold soil anomaly that measures approximately 3.5 km long NW-SE with an arcuate shaped soil geochemical trend which extends to the SE towards the Lucky Joe copper prospect (not held by White Gold). The target is located in the north-central region of the Loonie property, approximately 50 km south of Dawson City. The soil geochemistry displays a copper-gold-lead-zinc metal zonation. The northwesternmost portion of the soil anomaly displays a gold primary anomaly, which gradually transitions to copper primary to the southeast towards Lucky Joe. Lead and zinc appear to form a halo surrounding the copper core of the target. Prospecting on the Guilder target has uncovered malachite and chalcocite, hosted by quartz-feldspar-biotite schist, near an outcrop of augen gneiss. Samples from this showing returned 1114.8 ppm Cu and 6.1 g/t Ag. Figure 7 - Guilder Soil Geochemistry QA/QC Analytical work for the 2023 RAB and diamond drill programs was performed by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd., an internationally recognized analytical services provider, at its Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. Sample preparation was carried out at its Whitehorse, Yukon facility. Samples were prepared using the PRP70-250 package, where samples were weighed, dried, and crushed to greater than 70% passing a 2mm sieve, then pulverized to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were then analyzed in accordance with BVs FA430 and MA250 packages, for both gold analysis by fire assay (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and ultra-trace multi-element ICP analysis (0.25 g, 4 acid digestion and ICP-MS analysis). About White Gold Corp. The Company owns a portfolio of 15,876 quartz claims across 26 properties covering approximately 315,000 hectares (3,150 km2) representing approximately 40% of the Yukons emerging White Gold District. The Companys flagship White Gold project hosts four near-surface gold deposits which collectively contain an estimated 1,203,000 ounces of gold in Indicated Resources and 1,116,600 ounces of gold in Inferred Resources(1). Regional exploration work has also produced several other new discoveries and prospective targets on the Companys claim packages which border sizable gold discoveries including the Coffee project owned by Newmont Corporation with Measured and Indicated Resources of 2.1 Moz at 1.28 g/t gold and Inferred Resources of 0.2 Moz at 1.04 g/t gold(2), and Western Copper and Gold Corporations Casino project which has Measured and Indicated Resources of 7.6 Blb copper and 14.5 Moz gold and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Blb copper and 6.6 Moz gold(3). For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca. (1) See White Gold Corp. press release dated November 19, 2024, available on SEDAR+. (2) See Newmont Corporation Form 10-K: Annual report for the year ending December 31, 2023, in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources section, dated February 29, 2024, available on EDGAR. Reserves and resources disclosed in this Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with the Regulation S-K 1300, and do not indicate NI43-101 compliance. (3) See Western Copper and Gold Corporation technical report titled Casino project, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Yukon Canada, Effective Date June 13, 2022, Issue Date August 8, 2022, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Daniel Roth, PE, P.Eng., Mike Hester, F Aus IMM, John M. Marek, P.E., Laurie M. Tahija, MMSA-QP, Carl Schulze, P.Geo., Daniel Friedman, P.Eng., Scott Weston, P.Geo., available on SEDAR+. Qualified Person Terry Brace, P.Geo. and Vice President of Exploration for the Company is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, proposed, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, the Companys objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Companys properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Companys properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: The expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the White Gold properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Companys properties; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; ongoing uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; and those factors described under the heading Risks Factors in the Companys annual information form dated July 29, 2020 available on SEDAR+. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. For Further Information, Please Contact: Contact Information: David DOnofrio Chief Executive Officer White Gold Corp. (647) 930-1880 ir@whitegoldcorp.ca Request Meeting: https://calendly.com/meet-with-wgo/15min Figures accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78b63931-4e6b-4ac2-8162-ace006f7848c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3706242c-174a-48f0-9259-9b137e387b57 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ee95ef3-d181-4e71-8f6c-e02c49911741 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ea3741f-223d-41d3-b18f-370582668d5f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ba3d8af-b947-4556-98c8-25a9344f3450 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/caa62fac-6ded-468b-99fc-94e7c45a5d76 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/590f15f4-dbbd-498a-9f4c-d305d8630d2e Dublin, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Periodontal Treatment Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Japan Periodontal Treatment Market was valued at USD 33.97 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.70% through 2030 The Japan Periodontal Treatment Market is primarily driven by several key factors. An increasing awareness of oral health and hygiene among the population has led to greater demand for periodontal treatments. This awareness is supported by educational campaigns and initiatives promoting preventive dental care. Advancements in dental technologies and treatment methods have enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of periodontal procedures, attracting more patients seeking minimally invasive and pain-free treatments. A growing elderly population in Japan, prone to periodontal diseases, contributes to the market growth as more individuals require specialized periodontal care. Favorable healthcare policies and reimbursement schemes for dental treatments encourage accessibility and affordability, further bolstering the market expansion for periodontal treatments in Japan. Therapy Insights Based on the Therapy, non-surgical treatment methods currently dominate over surgical devices, reflecting a preference for conservative and minimally invasive approaches to manage periodontal diseases. Non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), are widely favored for their effectiveness in removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline, which is crucial for controlling bacterial infections and preventing disease progression. These procedures involve thorough cleaning of the tooth roots to promote gum reattachment and reduce pocket depths, thereby improving overall periodontal health. One of the key reasons for the dominance of non-surgical treatments is their proven efficacy in treating early to moderate stages of periodontitis without the need for invasive surgical procedures. Dental professionals often recommend non-surgical methods as the first line of defense against gum diseases due to their ability to achieve significant clinical improvements with minimal discomfort and shorter recovery times compared to surgery. This approach aligns with patient preferences for treatments that preserve natural teeth and minimize procedural risks. Advancements in non-surgical periodontal therapies, such as the use of ultrasonic scalers and laser technology, have further enhanced treatment outcomes by improving precision, reducing treatment duration, and promoting faster healing. Ultrasonic scalers utilize high-frequency vibrations to remove calculus deposits and plaque efficiently, while lasers offer targeted therapy to eliminate bacteria and stimulate gum tissue regeneration. End User Insights Based on End User, hospitals and clinics significantly dominate over ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), primarily due to the nature of periodontal care and patient preferences for comprehensive, ongoing treatment in established healthcare settings. Hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of periodontal services, from routine dental check-ups and non-surgical treatments to complex surgical interventions, catering to diverse patient needs across different stages of periodontal diseases. Hospitals and clinics are preferred by patients seeking continuity of care and access to multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including periodontists, general dentists, oral surgeons, and dental hygienists. These facilities provide a comprehensive spectrum of dental services under one roof, facilitating coordinated treatment plans and seamless referral pathways for specialized periodontal procedures. Patients benefit from integrated care environments that prioritize patient comfort, safety, and personalized treatment approaches tailored to their oral health needs. Hospitals and clinics in Japan are equipped with state-of-the-art dental technologies, diagnostic imaging systems, and treatment modalities essential for delivering advanced periodontal care. From digital radiography and intraoral cameras to laser-assisted periodontal therapies and computer-aided treatment planning, these facilities leverage technological innovations to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision, and patient outcomes in periodontal management. Regional Insights Among the regions in Japan, Kanto, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, emerges as a dominant force in the periodontal treatment market. Kanto, as the most populous and economically vibrant region in Japan, boasts a dense concentration of hospitals, clinics, and dental care facilities equipped to provide a wide range of periodontal services. Tokyo, the capital city located within the Kanto region, serves as a hub for advanced healthcare services, research institutions, and specialized dental practices, attracting a diverse population seeking high-quality dental care. The dominance of Kanto in the periodontal treatment market is further reinforced by its extensive network of healthcare providers, including periodontists, oral surgeons, and general dentists trained in delivering comprehensive periodontal care. These professionals leverage state-of-the-art dental technologies, digital imaging systems, and innovative treatment modalities to diagnose and treat various periodontal conditions effectively. Kanto benefits from a robust infrastructure supporting dental education, research, and continuous professional development for dental professionals. Academic institutions and dental schools in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures contribute to the region's expertise in periodontal treatment, fostering collaboration between clinicians and researchers to advance clinical practices and treatment outcomes. The demographic profile of the Kanto region, characterized by a diverse population mix of urban residents, suburban communities, and surrounding prefectures, contributes to a steady demand for periodontal services. The region's economic prosperity, coupled with higher levels of healthcare expenditure and insurance coverage, enhances accessibility to specialized periodontal treatments for residents and visitors alike. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $33.97 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $49.14 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.7% Regions Covered Japan Report Scope: Key Market Players Medtronic Japan Co., Ltd. DENTSPLY Sirona K.K.. 3M Japan Limited Pfizer Japan Inc. Novartis Pharma K.K. Japan Periodontal Treatment Market, By Therapy: Non-surgical Treatment Surgical Devices Japan Periodontal Treatment Market, By End User: Hospitals & Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers Others Japan Periodontal Treatment Market, By Region: Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gmuc8c About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pharmaceutical Logistics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Pharmaceutical Logistics Market was valued at USD 93.23 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 140.83 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 7.09%. The Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient supply chain solutions to ensure the timely delivery of medications and healthcare products. With the rise of e-commerce, the logistics sector is adapting to meet the needs of both pharmaceutical companies and consumers, enhancing visibility and tracking capabilities throughout the supply chain. Regulatory compliance is paramount in this market, as pharmaceutical products are subject to stringent safety and quality standards. Logistics providers are investing in temperature-controlled transportation, advanced packaging solutions, and specialized handling processes to ensure product integrity from manufacturing to end-user delivery. The proliferation of biologics and biosimilars, which often require specific storage conditions, is further fueling demand for specialized logistics services. COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of resilient supply chains, leading to increased investment in logistics infrastructure and technology. Companies are increasingly utilizing automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize routes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. The market is also witnessing a shift towards sustainable practices, with logistics providers implementing eco-friendly solutions to minimize their carbon footprint. Geographically, North America dominates the pharmaceutical logistics market due to the presence of major pharmaceutical companies and advanced logistics infrastructure. Asia-Pacific region is emerging rapidly, driven by expanding healthcare sectors and rising disposable incomes. Collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturers and logistics service providers is crucial for navigating the complexities of global supply chains. As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, the logistics market must adapt to emerging trends, ensuring that patients receive essential medications promptly and safely while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the pharmaceutical logistics ecosystem. Type Insights Based on the type, Cold chain logistics has dominated the Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market due to the critical need for maintaining the integrity and efficacy of temperature-sensitive products. The increasing prevalence of biologics, vaccines, and specialty pharmaceuticals - many of which require strict temperature controls - has underscored the importance of reliable cold chain solutions. These products are often susceptible to degradation if not stored and transported within specific temperature ranges, making effective cold chain management essential for ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The recent global health crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the necessity of robust cold chain systems for vaccine distribution, which necessitated precise temperature management to maintain effectiveness. As a result, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly prioritizing partnerships with logistics providers that specialize in cold chain solutions, investing in advanced technologies such as real-time temperature monitoring, insulated packaging, and specialized refrigerated transport. Regional Insights North America dominated the Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market due to several key factors. The region is home to major pharmaceutical companies, which drive high demand for efficient logistics solutions. Advanced infrastructure, including well-developed transportation networks and state-of-the-art cold chain facilities, enhances logistical efficiency. The stringent regulatory requirements necessitate high compliance standards, prompting investments in specialized logistics services. The presence of a robust e-commerce framework further supports pharmaceutical distribution. The ongoing innovations in technology, such as automation and real-time tracking, position North America as a leader in pharmaceutical logistics, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of medications. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 180 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $93.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $140.83 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Global Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market. Agility United Parcel Service of America, Inc. VersaCold Logistics Services CEVA Logistics Air Canada DB SCHENKER Deutsche Post AG FedEx LifeConEx Report Scope: Pharmaceutical Logistics Market, By Type: Cold Chain Logistics Non-Cold Chain Logistics Pharmaceutical Logistics Market, By Component: Storage Transportation Monitoring components Pharmaceutical Logistics Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe France United Kingdom Italy Germany Spain Asia-Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea South America Brazil Argentina Colombia Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jtj40q About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Festi hf. and the Icelandic Competition Authority have entered into the attached settlement as a result of an investigation by the Authority in connection with the company's alleged breach of the commitments in a settlement concluded on 30 July 2018 regarding the merger of N1 hf. and Festi hf. The investigation period dates back to that time. With the settlement the company acknowledges that certain provisions of the settlement from 30 July 2018 and covers the following in limited periods of time: A new party was initially refused an offer for wholesale trade in marine fuel and that the inquiries of the relevant party were later not answered. Wholesale price of car fuel to Dlan was not in accordance with the cost assumptions of the settlement at all times and that other actions were taken that were likely to affect its competitive position and the value of assets. It was not satisfactorily ensured that the wholesale contact person and his/her work fulfilled the conditions of the settlement at all times. A retail store in South Iceland was not sold until after the time limit to carry out the sale had expired by the terms of the settlement. Festi did not make sufficient efforts early enough to ensure that negotiations on the revision of the contract with a competitor would be initiated and concluded within the time limit of the settlement and that the registration of communications in the communication log was in accordance with the requirements of the settlement. An independent expert was not provided with the necessary information and assistance in monitoring the settlement. Furthermore, Festi hf. admits that it has violated the provisions of the Competition Act on the duty of disclosure by failing to provide necessary and satisfactory data in a timely manner for the purpose of investigating the merger in question and by not having provided the Competition Authority with a satisfactory account of the company's views when the settlement was concluded in 2018, which covers limited periods within the investigation period. As a result of the above, an agreement has been reached to conclude the case by Festi hf. paying an administrative fine in the amount of ISK 750 million, which will be expensed in Q4 and will reduce the company's EBITDA for the year 2024. The financial results for October are available and the forecast for November and December has been updated. It is the opinion of the management that the results will be better than expected without the effect of the fine imposed by the Competition Authority. In light of this, the company's EBITDA forecast for the year 2024 is updated and decreases by ISK 550 million and is now ISK 12,200 12,500 million. With the signing of the settlement, the case is finally closed with respect to Festi hf. and there will be no further investigation or proceedings against the company, employees or other individuals on part of the Competition Authority. Asta S. Fjeldsted, CEO: "In connection with the merger of N1 hf. and Festi hf., a settlement was reached with the Icelandic Competition Authority in July 2018, which included various commitments intended to avert competition restrictions due to the merger. The Competition Authority has been investigating Festi's possible violations of the settlement from December 2020 when the opening of the investigation was announced. The signing of the settlement between Festi hf. and the Icelandic Competition Authority today constitutes the final conclusion of the case. Festi hf. thereby admits that it has breached certain conditions of the settlement and timely disclosure of information according to the Competition Act and agrees to pay a fine of ISK 750 million, which is approximately 0.54% of the total turnover for the year 2023. It was the opinion of the company that it was appropriate to conclude this matter with a settlement and look ahead. We will learn from the case and look to the future", says Asta S. Fjeldsted This announcement is published by Festi hf. and contains information that was considered inside information within the meaning of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Market Abuse (MAR), cf. Act No. 60/2021, on Measures Against Market Abuse, regarding Festi's settlement with the Competition Authority described above. This announcement is made by Solvi Davisson, Compliance Officer at Festi hf., in accordance with the company's disclosure obligations according to MAR and Article 2 of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055. Attachment NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 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. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stallion Uranium Corp. (the Company, the Optionor or Stallion Uranium) (TSX-V: STUD; OTCQB: STLNF; FSE: FE0) announces that, further to its news releases dated October 9, 2024, October 30, 2024 and November 8, 2024, the Company has received prior acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) of the definitive option agreement (the Option Agreement) with 1503571 B.C. Ltd. (the Optionee), an arms-length party, on revised terms pursuant to which the Company has granted the Optionee the option to acquire a 100% interest (the Option) in its Horse Heaven Gold and Antimony project consisting of 699 mineral claims covering 5,817 ha located in Idaho, United States (the Property). Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, the Optionee may acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares (the Horse Heaven Parent Shares) of 1262446 B.C. Ltd. (Horse Heaven Parent), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Optionor, which holds an undivided 100% legal and beneficial interest in the Property, in consideration of the following to the Optionor: $200,000 in cash on the signing of the binding letter of intent (paid on October 9, 2024); $200,000 in cash on the effective date of the Option Agreement (paid on November 18, 2024); $2,000,000 in common shares of the Optionee at a deemed price of $0.18 per share on the effective date of the Option Agreement (issued on November 8, 2024); and $200,000 in cash on the first anniversary of the effective date of the Option Agreement. During the option period, the Optionee will be the operator of the Property. The Optionor is not required to incur any exploration expenditures to advance the Property. The Property has three separate existing royalties on the Property that will continue with the Property. The Option remains subject to final acceptance by the Exchange. Management Update The Company also announces the resignation of William Breen, President and VP of Exploration US. Mr. Breens resignation is in connection with the Companys divestiture of its US exploration assets. On behalf of the Company I want to thank Mr. Breen for his many contributions during his time at the Company and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors, stated Drew Zimmerman, CEO. About Stallion Uranium Stallion Uranium is working to Fuel the Future with Uranium through the exploration of roughly 3,000 sq/km in the Athabasca Basin, home to the largest high-grade uranium deposits in the world. The company, with JV partner Atha Energy holds the largest contiguous project in the Western Athabasca Basin adjacent to multiple high-grade discovery zones. Our leadership and advisory teams are comprised of uranium and precious metals exploration experts with the capital markets experience and the technical talent for acquiring and exploring early-stage properties. Stallion offers optionality with the Horse Heaven gold project in Idaho that neighbours the world class Stibnite Gold deposit held by Perpetua Resources, offering exposure to upside potential from district advancement with limited capital expenditures. For more information visit stallionuranium.com or contact: Drew Zimmerman Chief Executive Officer 778-686-0973 info@stallionuranium.com Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or expects, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, exercise of the Option and the receipt of final approval from the Exchange. These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the Company will not receive Exchange acceptance and that the Option will not be exercised. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive Exchange acceptance and that the Option will be exercised. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. Vancouver, November 27, 2024 - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company or "Doubleview") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a financing by way of a non-brokered private placement for aggregate proceeds of $76,000 comprised of 200,000 Units. Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") at a price of $0.38 per Unit. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.48 per Warrant Share for a period of 6 months following the closing date and thereafter at an exercise price of $0.55 per Warrant Share for a period of 18 months. The Warrants are subject to early termination if the underlying shares trade at a volume weighted average price equal to or greater than $0.65 for 5 consecutive days in the 24 month period from the date of issuance. The proceeds of the sale of the shares will be used for contribution and maintenance of the Company's exploration work on its BC projects, particularly for the polymetallic Hat Project, located in northwestern BC. This work includes drilling, geological advisory and analytical services as well as other development work and general working capital purposes. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and in accordance with the Exchange policies, all securities issued under this Private Placement will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under applicable securities laws and to the Exchange hold period. The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange. About Doubleview Gold Corp A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: LA1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques. Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development, and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector. About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region's significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company's July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below: Open Pit Model Hat Resource Category Tonnage Average Grade Metal Content CuEq Cu Co Au Ag CuEq Cu Co Au Ag Mt % % % g/t g/t million lb million lb million lb thousand oz thousand oz In Pit Indicated 150 0.408 0.221 0.008 0.19 0.42 1,353 733 28 929 2,045 Inferred 477 0.344 0.185 0.009 0.15 0.49 3,619 1,945 91 2,328 7,575 Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3. For further details, please refer to the Company's July 25, 2024 news release. Qualified Person: Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the written technical disclosure contained in the news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: 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. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231718 November 27th, 2024 - Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) (the "Company" or "Bedford") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Condor North Consulting to undertake advanced geophysical modeling of VTEM, MegaTEM EM, and magnetic data for the Company's Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. The project is located on the southern margin of the Athabasca Basin, approximately 100 kilometers west of the Key Lake Mine, in northern Saskatchewan. This advanced geophysical investigation will focus on identifying and mapping zones with electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic signatures to further refine exploration targets. These refined targets will enhance the company's ongoing and future exploration efforts in one of the world's most prolific uranium regions. Condor North Consulting, headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, is an established geophysical consulting firm with over two decades of experience in uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin. The firm has an extensive track record of successfully assisting companies in identifying and advancing high-potential targets using cutting-edge geophysical technologies and methodologies. Peter Born, President of Bedford, commented, "Engaging Condor North Consulting represents another important step forward for our Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. Their expertise in advanced geophysical modeling, combined with their deep knowledge of the Athabasca Basin, will significantly enhance our ability to refine and prioritize exploration targets. We are excited about the insights this work will provide and look forward to incorporating the results into our ongoing exploration programs." Bedford remains committed to conducting all exploration activities in an environmentally responsible manner. The Company prioritizes minimizing its environmental footprint while ensuring that all operations are sustainable and respectful of the natural environment. Additionally, Bedford values collaboration with local indigenous groups and stakeholders, ensuring that its activities are carried out transparently and with mutual benefit in mind. The Company will provide updates on the progress of the geophysical modeling as results become available and further exploration plans are developed. Qualified Person Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and the President of the Company and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release. For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company's website at www.bedfordmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Bedford Metals Corp. "Peter Born" President 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 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statements that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward -looking statements relate, among other things to: the likelihood of completion of the Offering, the use of proceeds from sales from the Offering, the closing of the Offering and the ability to obtain the necessary regulatory authorizations and approvals. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Perth, Nov. 28, 2024 - Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX) (TSX: WGX) (OTCQX: WGXRF) - (Westgold or the Company) advises that Mr Leigh Junk has today resigned as a Non-Executive Director of Westgold. Mr Junk was previously Karora Resources' Managing Director in Australia, and was appointed to Westgold's Board upon the successful merger of Westgold and Karora on 1 August this year. Westgold Chair, Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AM, thanked Mr Junk for his guidance and counsel throughout the merger process. "On behalf of our Board and leadership team I would like to acknowledge and thank Leigh for his part in delivering the merger of Westgold and Karora. His guidance and wise counsel in the months leading up to and following the merger, has been instrumental in setting us up for success. We are deeply grateful to Leigh, and wish him well in his future endeavours." This announcement is authorised for release by the Board of Directors. SOURCE Westgold Resources Limited Contact Investor and media relations enquiries: Investor Relations - Australia, Annette Ellis | Investor Relations Manager, investor.relations@westgold.com.au, +61 458 200 039; Investor Relations - North America, Rob Buchanan | CPIR, Rob.Buchanan@westgold.com.au, +1 416-309-0600 VANCOUVER, November 28, 2024 - Silver X Mining Corp. (TSXV:AGX) (OTCQB:AGXPF) (F:AGX) ("Silver X" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 for the Nueva Recuperada Project (the "Project") in Central Peru. Q3 2024 Financial Highlights Revenues of $5.0 million (3Q24) vs. $2.1 million (3Q23), an increase of $2.9 million. Significant EBITDA improvement: Adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.1M (3Q24) vs. Adjusted EBITDA of negative $1.0M (3Q23). Cash costs of $21.5 per AgEq ounce produced and AISC of $26.2 per AgEq ounce produced, reflective of the sustaining capital expenditure invested in the development of the Tangana mining unit ($1.0 million adding $3.9 per AgEq ounce produced to the AISC). (1)(2) Cash cost per tonne was $100 in 3Q24 compared to $148 per tonne in 3Q23, a reduction of 32.3%. Jose Garcia, Silver X Mining's CEO, commented: "I am pleased to see our mine developing in the right way, accessing new ore-shoots, expanding the orebody both horizontally and at depth, and opening up the terrific potential of our Tangana veins. The team is making significant improvements at the operation and despite some of our challenges, we manage to compete with much larger operations. This is especially notable when comparing year-to-date results with the same period last year. We are convinced our performance will improve substantially in 2025." Notes: Cash costs per Silver Equivalent ounce (AgEq) ounce produced and All-In-Sustaining Cost (AISC) per AgEq ounce produced are non-IFRS financial ratios. These are based on non- IFRS financial measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. Please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release for further information. AgEq ounce produced was calculated using the average sales prices of each metal for each month, and revenues from concentrate sales does not consider metallurgical recoveries in the calculations as the metal recoveries are built into the sales amounts. Summary of Selected Financial Results The information provided below are excerpts from the Company's unaudited interim Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), which can be found on the Company's website at www.silverxmining.com/investor#report or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Note: EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA per share are non-IFRS ratios with no standardized meaning under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information, including detailed reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see "Non-IFRS Measures" in this news release and the MD&A. Three months ended September 30, 2024 vs. 2023 For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded: Net loss before tax of $1.9M, compared to a net loss before tax of $2.3M in the three months ended September 30, 2023. EBITDA loss of $0.5M, compared to an EBITDA loss of $1.7M in the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.09M, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.0M in the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in losses in the current period was primarily due to increased operating revenues from the sale of mineral production of $5.0M compared to $2.1M in the prior period (increase of $2.9M), decrease in foreign exchange losses of $0.2M compared to $0.8M in the same period last year (decrease of $0.5M), and partially offset with the increase in of cost of sales of $5.7M compared to $2.9M in the prior period (increase of $2.8M). Nine months ended September 30, 2024 vs. 2023 For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded: Net loss before tax of $2.5M, compared to a net loss before tax of $4.2M in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a $1.7M improvement. EBITDA income of $1.7M, compared to an EBITDA loss of $2.9M in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a $4.6M improvement. Adjusted EBITDA income of $1.1M, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.5M in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a $3.6M improvement. The increase in income in the current period was primarily due to increased operating revenues from the sale of mineral production of $16.0M compared to $11.3M in the prior period (increase of $4.7M), and gain on debt settlement of $1.1M compared to $Nil in the prior period, net with increase of cost of sales of $16.2M compared to $12.9M in the prior period (increase of $3.3M). The following table reconciles the Net Loss to the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: Financial Position The available cash during the period decreased by $0.2 million due to the outflow from the continuing development of the Tangana mine unit partially offset by the completed non-brokered private placement in April 2024. Operational Results Notes: Average Realized Price, production cost per tonne processed, AgEq sold, cash cost per AgEq ounce produced and AISC per AgEq ounce produced are non-IFRS ratios with no standardized meaning under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information, including detailed reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see "Non-IFRS Measures" in this news release and the MD&A. AgEq ounces processed and produced were calculated based on all metals processed and produced using the average sales prices of each metal for each month during the period. Revenues from concentrate sales does not consider metallurgical recoveries in the calculations as the metal recoveries are built into the sales amounts. Average realized price corresponds to the average prices for each metal on the following month after delivery, used to calculate the final value of the concentrate delivered in a given month before any deductions. Non-IFRS Measures The Company has included certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios in this news release, as discussed below. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The non-IFRS measures and ratios are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures and ratios do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. Cash Costs, All-In Sustaining Cost, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA The Company uses cash costs, cash cost per AgEq ounce produced, AISC, AISC per AgEq ounce produced, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to manage and evaluate its operating performance in addition to IFRS measure because the Company believes that conventional measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS do not fully illustrate the ability of its operations to generate cash flows. The Company understands that certain investors use these measures to determine the Company's ability to generate earnings and cash flows for use in investing and other activities. Management and certain investors also use this information to evaluate the Company's performance relative to peers who present this measure on a similar basis. Cash costs is calculated by starting with cost of sales, and then adding treatment and refining charges, and changes in depreciation and amortization. Total cash production costs include cost of sales, changes in concentrate inventory, changes in amortization, less transportation and other selling costs and royalties. Cash costs per AgEq ounce produced is calculated by dividing cash costs by the AgEq ounces produced. AISC and AISC per AgEq ounce produced are calculated based on guidance published by the World Gold Council (and used as a standard of the Silver Institute). The Company presents AISC on the basis of AgEq ounces produced. AISC is calculated by taking the cash costs and adding sustaining costs. Sustaining costs are defined as capital expenditures and other expenditures that are necessary to maintain current production. Management has exercised judgment in making this determination. The following table reconciles cash costs, cash costs per AgEq ounce, AISC and AISC per AgEq ounce produced to cost of sales, the most directly comparable IFRS measure: The following table shows the calculation of the cash costs and AISC per AgEq ounce produced: To improve the accuracy and presentation of AISC calculations, Silver X refined the composition of General & Administrative Expense in sustaining cost, excluding discretionary costs for business development, investor relations and share-based compensation. For comparative purposes the prior period were also recalculated based on the revised methodology, resulting in AISC of $26.2 for the three months period ending September 30, 2024, compared to $37.9 for the same period in 2023 (30.7% decrease) and $23.0 for the nine months period ending September 30, 2024, compared to $28.2 for the same period in 2023 (18.4% decrease). Production Cost Per Tonne Processed A reconciliation between production cost per tonne (excluding amortization and changes in inventories) and the cost of sales is provided below. Changes in inventories are excluded from the calculation of Production Cost per Tonne Processed. Changes in inventories reflect the net cost of concentrate inventory (i) sold during the current period but produced in a previous period or (ii) produced but not sold in the current period. The Company uses Production Cost Per Tonne Processed to evaluate its operating performance in addition to IFRS measure because Company believes that conventional measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS do not fully illustrate the ability of its operations to generate cash flows. Management and certain investors also use this information to evaluate the Company's performance relative to peers who present this measure on a similar basis. During the period, cash cost per tonne decreased with the increase of the level of tonnage of ore processed, amounting to 46,624 tonnes for 3Q24 compared to 15,716 tonnes for 3Q23. Overall operating efficiencies improved resulting in a lower production cash cost per tonne of $100 in 3Q24 compared to $148 per tonne in 3Q23, a reduction of 32.3%. The capital expenditure deployed in the development of the Tangana mining unit during the period was the main cost contributor to AISC. Investment in sustainable CAPEX will enable the Company to access new production fronts and transition to higher head-grade areas. Average Realized Price Average realized price is a non-IFRS financial measure. The Company uses "average realized price per ounce of silver", "average realized price per ounce of gold", "average realized price per ounce of zinc" and "average realized price per ounce of lead" because it understands that in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company's performance as compared with "average market prices" of metals for the period. Average realized metal prices represent the sale price of the metal. Average realized price corresponds to the average prices for each metal on the following month after delivery, used to calculate the final value of the concentrate delivered in a given month before any deductions: Non-IFRS Measures Cash costs ($ per Oz sold) and AISC ($ per Oz sold) are non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios in this press release. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. Please refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section of the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for full details on these measures, which is incorporated by reference into this press release. Please see "Cautionary Note regarding Production without Mineral Reserves" at the end of this news release. Qualified Person Mr. A. David Heyl, B.Sc., C.P.G who is a qualified person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release for Silver X. Heyl is a consultant for Silver X. Cautionary Note regarding Production without Mineral Reserves The decision to commence production at the Nueva Recuperada Project and the Company's ongoing mining operations as referenced herein (the "Production Decision and Operations") are based on economic models prepared by the Company in conjunction with management's knowledge of the property and the existing estimate of mineral resources on the property. The Production Decision and Operations are not based on a preliminary economic assessment, a pre-feasibility study or a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the Production Decision and Operations, in particular: the risk that mineral grades will be lower than expected; the risk that additional construction or ongoing mining operations are more difficult or more expensive than expected; and production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a detailed economic and technical analysis in accordance with NI 43-101. About Silver X Silver X is a rapidly expanding silver producer and developer. The Company owns the 20,472-hectare Nueva Recuperada Silver Project in Central Peru and produces silver, gold, lead and zinc from its Tangana Mining Unit. We are building a premier silver company that aims to deliver outstanding value to all stakeholders, consolidating and developing undervalued assets, adding resources, and increasing production while aspiring to sustain the communities that support us and stewarding the environment. Current production, paired with immediate development and brownfield expansion opportunities, presents investors with the opportunity to invest in the early stages of a silver producer with strong growth prospects. For more information visit our website at www.silverxmining.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jose M. Garcia, CEO and Director For further information, please contact: Susan Xu Investor Relations ir@silverxmining.com +1 778 323 0959 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". All information contained in this press release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation, exploration plans, results of operations, expected performance at the Project, the Company's belief that the Tangana system will provide considerable resource expansion potential, that the Company will be able to mine the Tangana Mining Unit in an economic manner, and the expected financial performance of the Company. The following are some of the assumptions upon which forward-looking information is based: that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; demand for, and stable or improving price for the commodities we produce; receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, permits and renewals in a timely manner; that the Company will not experience any material accident, labourdispute or failure of plant or equipment or other material disruption in the Company's operations at the Project and Nueva Recuperada Plant; the availability of financing for operations and development; the Company's ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; that the estimates of the resources at the Project and the geological, operational and price assumptions on which these and the Company's operations are based are within reasonable bounds of accuracy (including with respect to size, grade and recovery); the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel and directors; and the ability of management to execute strategic goals. 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, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to those risks described in the Company's annual and interim MD&As and in its public documents filed on www.sedarplus.ca from time to time. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of 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 forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. (All dollar amounts expressed in US dollars unless otherwise noted) SOURCE: Silver X Mining Corp. Banks lead standalone ESG reporting among listed firms Emmanuel Bruce Business News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 17:28 More than half of the companies (52%) listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) report on sustainability, a new report by auditing firm KPMG has indicated. Out of these, 75 per cent report through their parent or group companies, while a quarter (25 per cent) report as standalone entities. This signifies a recognition of sustainability disclosure within the Ghanaian business environment. The report, however, highlighted that only banks were reporting on ESG as a standalone entity, a situation influenced by the early implementation of the Sustainable Banking Principles by the Bank of Ghana in 2019. Advertisement All listed companies in the beverages, mobile telecommunications, oil & gas and personal goods industries report on sustainability; and more than half of entities in the banking and food producers industry report on sustainability, with reporting rates of 80 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. In recent years, Ghana has made significant progress in promoting sustainable business practices among its financial institutions and publicly listed companies. The introduction of the Sustainable Banking Principles (SBP) in November 2019 marked a key moment in the journey toward sustainability. Developed collaboratively by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), these principles established a strong foundation for responsible banking. Building on this momentum, in 2022, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), in collaboration with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), introduced the GSE ESG Disclosure Guidelines. These guidelines encourage listed companies to adopt sustainable practices and transparently report their environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities. Investor decision-making The report, titled ESG Reporting in Ghana: Are Listed Companies Meeting Expectations?, further noted that the 48 per cent of listed companies who were not reporting on ESG created a gap in transparency and accountability, as well as hindered investor decision-making. It said investors were unable to access the impact of resources invested through sustainability performance, potentially impacting their investment decisions. It also emphasises the need for stronger regulatory incentives to encourage greater ESG reporting among Ghanaian businesses, the report added. Insightful findings The Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Abena Amoah, said the insights gathered from this survey offer a nuanced view into the evolving ESG and sustainability reporting landscape among listed entities. She said it sheds light on key industry trends, the current progress and the critical areas that require attention as companies in Ghana embrace sustainability reporting. The findings of this report are both insightful and promising. A significant portion of companies listed on the GSE are now actively reporting on their ESG practices, a testament to the growing emphasis on transparency, accountability and sustainable business practices. This shift reflects the increasing expectations of stakeholders, from investors to regulators, and highlights the need for businesses to integrate ESG considerations into their strategic decision-making, she stated. Ms Amoah said the report also emphasises the importance of aligning these disclosures with globally recognised standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), which are essential for improving the comparability and credibility of ESG data across industries. She said the GSE was committed to supporting listed companies on their ESG journeys, adding that the launch of the GSE ESG Disclosure Guidelines marked a significant milestone in its efforts to promote comprehensive and transparent ESG reporting. By providing a structured framework, these guidelines will enable companies to report on ESG matters more effectively, ensuring that they remain aligned with both local regulatory requirements and international best practices. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across the ecosystem, including investors, regulators and sustainability experts, to drive further improvements in ESG reporting, she said. Driving sustainability Partner and Head of Advisory of KPMG, Andy Akoto, also said the firm was committed to driving sustainability reporting forward and helping businesses integrate ESG practices into their core strategies. He said the report reflects its continued efforts to assess and improve sustainability standards across the Ghanaian market. While our findings indicate that many listed companies are taking steps towards ESG compliance, there remains a significant opportunity for others. We stand ready to support our clients on their ESG journey, ensuring they not only comply with regulations but also create long-term value, he said. Ugandan Central Bank loses $16Million to hackers in alleged insider collusion GraphicOnline Business News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 20:21 Ugandas central bank has fallen victim to a massive cyber theft, with hackers reportedly siphoning off 62 billion Ugandan shillings ($16.8 million). Authorities suspect insider collusion in the high-profile breach, which has raised serious concerns about the nations banking security measures. The hacking group, identifying itself as Waste, infiltrated the Bank of Ugandas IT systems earlier this month, transferring funds to offshore accounts, including some reportedly in Japan. The group is believed to operate out of Southeast Asia, according to sources cited by the New Vision, a state-owned newspaper. Advertisement In a partial recovery, the central bank has managed to reclaim over half of the stolen funds, while efforts to retrieve the remaining money continue. President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Auditor General to launch an investigation into the incident to ascertain the level of collusion, if any, and recommend measures to prevent such breaches in the future. Insider collusion under scrutiny Independent audits and preliminary findings by security agencies suggest that the theft could have been facilitated by insiders within the Bank of Uganda, the Ministry of Finances Treasury Department, and the Accountant Generals Office. Sources quoted in the Daily Monitor described the breach as likely an inside job, an angle reinforced by the ongoing investigations. The incident is not an isolated case in Uganda, as cyber thefts targeting banks, financial service providers, and telecom firms have become increasingly common. However, experts note that banks are often reluctant to publicise such incidents due to fears of damaging customer confidence. Call for enhanced security measures This latest breach underscores the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity measures across Ugandas financial institutions. President Museveni instructed the Auditor General to investigate the matter, reported PMIdaily.com. The findings are expected to determine the total financial loss and assign criminal liability where necessary. With over half of the stolen money recovered and investigations underway, this incident highlights vulnerabilities in Ugandas financial systems and the critical need for robust safeguards to prevent future breaches. For now, the Ugandan government and financial authorities face the challenge of restoring public trust in the banking system amidst concerns about systemic security flaws. Well done but more work ahead Daily Graphic Editorials Nov - 28 - 2024 , 09:57 4 minutes read The inauguration of 80 new educational facilities in about 60 municipalities and districts across the country last Thursday by the government deserves mention. The infrastructure, which range from two-unit Kindergarten blocks to three; and 18-unit classroom blocks for basic and second cycle schools, as well as two E-Blocks completed from the previous administration, are classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, dining halls, kitchens, education offices and ancillary facilities. The projects, which are part of efforts by the government to transform the delivery of education in the country, should be welcome news, particularly in the senior high schools, where inadequate infrastructure remains a challenge as more junior high school leavers seek secondary education. The lack of adequate classrooms, dormitories and dining halls, among others, becomes even more pronounced with the introduction of the free senior high school, which gave birth to the double track system. Advertisement So, since 2017, a lot of work has been done in the provision of classrooms, dormitories, science, and information and communications technology (ICT) laboratories; accommodation facilities for teachers, among others. The issue of the lack of infrastructure, especially classrooms, at the basic level equally remains a major challenge in the rural areas where some pupils still study under trees or in deplorable structures. Indeed, the infrastructural challenges pre-date our independence era, when the first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, rolled out the Education Act 1961(Act 87), which made six years of primary school followed by four years of middle school fee-free and compulsory. That move led to the children being divided into morning and afternoon sessions, popularly called the shift system, because the children outnumbered the classrooms available at the time. The shift system continued until the early parts of the year 2000, when efforts were made to phase it out, which also brought into being the classrooms under trees until the 2010s when the government made it a policy to eliminate schools under trees. Obviously, therefore, it is the expectation of the public that the facilities inaugurated would be used to ease the infrastructural challenges in the schools they are located. At the inauguration ceremony, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said it was the vision of his government that every child in Ghana had access to an environment that inspired learning and ambition. Indeed, the Daily Graphic is of the conviction that education is a right and not a privilege and as stated by President Akufo-Addo, irrespective of the situation of a child, that child should not be denied the environment that inspired learning and ambition. It is a fact most children dropped out of school because of their school environment. In some schools, teaching and learning end whenever the clouds gather, because either their classrooms are not safe or classes are held under trees. So, it is heartwarming that the projects that had been inaugurated covered all levels of pre-tertiary education across the country. It is the expectation of the Daily Graphic that these projects would serve as incentive to entice learners not just to go to school, but to remain in school. Some of the projects are completely new, while others have been renovated to give them a facelift as is the case of Saint Barnabas Anglican School, where the President did the symbolic simultaneous inauguration ceremony. According to the President, for over six decades, St Barnabas Anglican School which stands in the heart of Accra as a beacon of education, suffered from neglect. The classrooms before their transformation had broken windows, leaky roofs and learning spaces unfit for children. While commending the government for this effort, we wish to remind the government that the case at St Barnabas Anglican School is not an isolated one but a reflection of the situation countrywide, especially with public basic schools. The Daily Graphic urges the government through the Ghana Education Service to audit the structures of public basic schools across the country in order to rehabilitate them to make them suitable for learning. The pupils in all schools also deserve to learn in equally congenial environments that facilitate better learning outcomes. We expect then, that the rehabilitation of basic schools should not end with the inauguration of these 80, which are not only basic schools but those at the entire pre-tertiary education level. The paper looks forward to the day when schoolchildren are not only in refurbished rehabilitated structures but that every school-age child everywhere in the country is in a decent classroom. Actress Kyeiwaa says she regrets not being educated GraphicOnline Showbiz News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 07:17 1 minute read Ghanaian actress Rose Mensah, widely known as Kyeiwaa, has encouraged young people to prioritise education, emphasising its long-term benefits. In a recent video shared on her Instagram page, the celebrated actress reflected on her personal struggles due to limited educational opportunities, particularly after relocating to the United States. She recounted how challenges with communication in English affected her and urged young people to take their studies seriously, noting that the repercussions of neglecting education may become evident in the future, especially in a global context. Kyeiwaa, renowned for her roles in popular Ghanaian films such as Akurasi Burgers, The Code of Money and Death, and Akonoba, used her experience to highlight the importance of education in overcoming barriers and thriving in diverse environments. Advertisement The actresss message has resonated widely, drawing attention to the role of education in personal and professional growth, particularly for young people aspiring to succeed both locally and internationally. Previous article: Youth orchestra set to thrill audience at the National Theatre of Ghana Centre for National Culture's Sekondi Amphitheatre project takes off after 35 years break George Folley, Sekondi Showbiz News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 17:45 2 minutes read Works on the Sekondi amphitheatre of the Centre for National Culture has begun after being stalled for 35years. The project started in 1988 but faced a lot of challenges and was abandoned until recently. However, about three months ago, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts started working on the project again which is now estimated at the cost of Ghc 45 million The project consist of a 2000.- seater auditorium, a craft village, a two - storey administration block, hostel and a fenced wall among others. Advertisement Inspecting progress of work on the project in Sekondi on Tuesday the Minister of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, said before the Centre Tender Review Committee conducted integrity test on the facility before it was rewarded on contract. He said a number of amphitheatres were to be constructed in the northern and middle belts of the country to host events. He lamented about the countrys lack of commitment to host global events hence the construction of a 20,000 - seater conference hall at the Ghana Trade Fair Centre in Accra in the Greater Accra Region According to Mr Mercer, despite negative comments by detractors, the government was committed to working for the betterment of the country. For his part, the deputy Tourism Minister, Mark Okraku Mantey, enumerated the potentials of the creative arts industry, entreating Ghanaians to support the government in its efforts to develop the country. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, commended Mercer for his support in towards the tourism industry. The acting Western Regional Director of the CNC, Reverend Stephen Ebo Kessie, regretted that the initial 23 - acre land designated had been encroached over the years and thanked government for commencing work on the project. Next article: Actress Kyeiwaa says she regrets not being educated EDITORS LENS: Kweku Ananse the hero Editor, Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 08:12 2 minutes read AS a nation, we often find ourselves looking outward for inspiration, idolising foreign characters and heroes while neglecting our rich cultural heritage. This phenomenon is particularly evident among our youth who take a lot of pride in foreign materials and domination, and are more likely to know about Superman than our beloved Ananse, the wise spider trickster in our folklore. At a ceremony to announce winners of its Script Bank Project recently, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority (NFA), Juliet Asante, suggested the need for Ghana to be deliberate about promoting its heroes and characters. She explained that it was time for us to reclaim our cultural identity and promote our own heroes, starting with the cunning and wise spider trickster, Kweku Ananse. Advertisement She lamented how Ghanaian children were more familiar with foreign characters than Kweku Ananse, a character deeply rooted in our folklore. Graphic Showbiz couldn't agree more. Interestingly, a number of people have expressed divergent opinions, arguing that Ananse is not a good role model because of his cunning and trickster character. As Ms Asante said in her presentation, it behoves us as a nation to project Ananse in a positive light despite the intense negativity about his cunning nature. Graphic Showbiz believes Ananse is more than just a character; he embodies the values of wisdom and resourcefulness that are essential for our youth to emulate. Theres a way we can put him in a positive light to empower young people with a sense of pride and identity in their cultural heritage By promoting Kweku Ananse as a hero, we can provide our young people with a positive role model who reflects our cultural heritage and values. Graphic Showbiz is certain this is not only important for preserving our cultural identity but also for empowering our youth with a sense of pride and belonging. Let not this be another Kweku Ananse story, lets take action now. Shaping future: NCAs strategic plan, impact on evolving industry Daily Graphic Opinion Nov - 28 - 2024 , 09:57 6 minutes read The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector continues to play an important role in supporting rapid and sustainable economic growth, equitable social development and job creation. It is in this vein that development of strategies has become crucial in the bid to seize new opportunities and effectively overcome challenges. In an era of rapid technological advancements, where industries are constantly evolving, earlier this year, the National Communications Authority (NCA) unveiled its transformative Five-Year Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2028. The launch of the plan marked a significant milestone in the Authority's journey and it was unveiled at a time when the telecommunications and digital landscape was not only evolving but becoming central to the nation's economic growth. Advertisement It is apparent that the leadership of the Authority understands the necessity of continuous innovation and strategic foresight to navigate this fast-paced industry. This is relevant because without a laid down action plan, it is very easy for the most driven individual to get side-tracked. It is for this reason that the NCAs Five-Year Strategic Plan presents a forward-thinking roadmap to navigating the complexities of Ghana's rapidly evolving ICT landscape. By anchoring its vision on innovation, collaboration and inclusivity, the Plan has the potential to drive transformative growth. Added to this, emphasising the roles of diverse stakeholders and outlining a collaborative roadmap will ensure that every sector has a vested interest in the Plan's success. The Plan is not just a roadmap; it is a blueprint that will guide the NCA to move from being a good Regulator to a Great Regulator over the next five years; it will serve as a guide for subsequent boards irrespective of political leanings. Additionally, it positions the Authority to push the digital agenda, encouraging innovation, and providing fair access to ICT for all citizens. It also sets out ambitious goals to propel Ghana's communications sector to new heights, ensuring that the NCA remains at the forefront of regulatory excellence, innovation and consumer welfare. Strategic Plan The Authority, in a quest to achieve its long-term obligation, between December 2022 and April 2023 embarked on an assignment to produce a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will detail the NCAs goals, objectives and strategies for a five-year period spanning 2024 to 2028. It employed a wide consultative approach by bringing on board the combined expectations of all internal and external stakeholders, and taking into consideration the need for the Authority to re-invent itself in the light of new and developing digital electronic communications globally, meet the needs of consumers and to sustain the existence of the NCA. It is important to note that this is the very first ever Strategic Plan that the NCA has developed under its own steam. Integrating regional, international strategies The development of the Plan was not done in a vacuum. However, it took inspiration from the key deliverables of the current Board Strategy. It also took into consideration prescriptions and strategies of the national, regional and international development agenda. At the national level, this Strategic Plan ensured that it is in sync with Ghanas Development Plan, namely: the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies 2021-2025 (CPESDP); National Digital Economy Policy; and the Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A). At the international level, the Plan aligns with the Mission of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 9 and 12). Transformational mission The Strategic Plan is not just about regulatory excellence; it is about transforming the NCA into a more impactful force within the communications sector. As a forward-looking institution, the NCA aims to elevate its status from a "Good Regulator" to a "Great Regulator" over the next five years. This ambitious vision is embedded in the updated Mission Statement of the Authority, which reflects a commitment to professional and proactive regulation that aligns with global best practices. It is worth noting that while the NCA maintained its vision, it has recast its Mission Statement for the next five years as: Moving from Good to a Great Regulator: An innovative, agile, professional and proactive regulator, adaptive to emerging changes in the communication and digital eco-system, and delivering optimally to all its stakeholders. This goal will be achieved by the implementation of strategic activities under four strategic pillars. Core pillars As the Regulator reviews the evolving nature of the industry and looks at the expectations of its stakeholders, it cannot stay complacent. It requires audacious goals to drive it into the future. These audacious goals are enshrined in the four strategic pillars outlined below: I. Research, innovation, process improvement: The communications sector is fast-paced, with new technologies and business models emerging continuously. The NCA considers research as a crucial driver to reducing the gap between the industrys technological leaps and regulation. The NCA is therefore committed to fostering a culture of innovation by prioritising research and improving internal processes to stay ahead of industry trends. This will include efforts to adopt cutting-edge technologies while improving regulatory frameworks to support emerging digital ecosystems. Fostering innovation in an industry that is constantly changing and evolving such as the telecom and digitalisation space is more important now than ever. Consequently, the Regulator that can innovate effectively is able to devise new policies, products, services and regulatory models that can assist them to be abreast with the industry. II. Stakeholder coordination, engagement: Collaboration is central to the NCA's strategic vision. The Plan emphasizes strengthening partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector players. This collaborative approach will ensure the effective implementation of policies that benefit all sectors of the communications industry. The overall purpose of this pillar is to ensure that a consistent, comprehensive and coordinated approach is taken for stakeholder engagement internally and externally. To ensure that this achieved, the Authority will engage in relationships and partnerships building and the stakeholder map will form the basis of this stakeholder engagement. Also, information and knowledge sharing platforms in the form of dialogue forums, virtual pages and dedicated software dashboards will be developed to facilitate work, demonstrate transparency and ensure understanding and compliance among stakeholders. III. Human Resource Strengthening: One of the most significant pillars of the Strategic Plan is focused on empowering the Authority's workforce since a solid human resource base will be crucial in driving the success of the other strategic pillars. By enhancing staff welfare, boosting morale, reducing attrition, and providing professional development opportunities, the NCA seeks to create a highly motivated, skilled and productive team. Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division, National Communications Authority (NCA), Airport City, Accra. Previous article: Nowhere else on Earth are so many children fleeing war Interpol arrests 1,000 cybercrime suspects in 19 African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa Graphic.com.gh International News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 06:36 3 minutes read More than 1,000 people suspected of cybercrimes were arrested in 19 African countries between September and October, Interpol announced Tuesday. Operation Serengeti led by Interpol and Afripol, the African Unions policing organisation targeted people suspected of cybercrimes, including those using ransomware, digital extortion, online scams and phishing schemes. More than 35,000 victims were identified, with cases linked to nearly $193 million in financial losses worldwide, Interpol said. The 'Operation Serengeti', which started on September 2 to October 31 targeted criminals behind ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion and online scams - all identified as prominent threats in the 2024 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report. Advertisement More than 35,000 victims were identified during the operation, with cases linked to nearly USD 193 million in financial losses worldwide. The 19 African countries in the operation were Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Information provided by participating countries of ongoing cases with INTERPOL fed into 65 Cyber Analytical Reports that were produced to ensure actions on the ground were intelligence-led and focused on the most significant actors. Private sector partners, including Internet Service Providers, also played a vital role by sharing intelligence, supporting analysis and disrupting criminal activities. They provided on-site support and offered round-the-clock remote assistance to patch vulnerabilities and secure critical infrastructure for the participating member countries. Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, said: From multi-level marketing scams to credit card fraud on an industrial scale, the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks is of serious concern. Operation Serengeti shows what we can achieve by working together, and these arrests alone will save countless potential future victims from real personal and financial pain. We know that this is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will continue targeting these criminal groups worldwide. Ambassador Jalel Chelba, AFRIPOLs Executive Director said: Through Serengeti, AFRIPOL has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States. Weve facilitated key arrests and deepened insights into cybercrime trends. Our focus now includes emerging threats like AI-driven malware and advanced attack techniques. National case studies In Kenya, officers cracked a case of online credit card fraud linked to losses of USD 8.6 million. The funds, stolen through fraudulent scripts run after altering the banking systems security protocol, were promptly redistributed by the group via SWIFT to companies in the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and China and subsequently, to digital asset institutions offering trading and financial services regulated in multiple jurisdictions. Nearly two dozen arrests have been made so far. Eight people, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested in Senegal for a USD 6 million online Ponzi scheme affecting 1,811 victims. A search of their apartment uncovered over 900 SIM cards, USD 11,000 in cash, phones, laptops, and copies of victims ID cards. Nigerian authorities arrested a man accused of running online investment scams. He is believed to have made upwards of USD 300,000 by luring victims through messaging platforms with false promises of cryptocurrency returns. In Cameroon, authorities arrested a group suspected of trafficking victims from seven different countries to run a multi-level marketing scam. After paying a membership fee, victims were promised employment opportunities or training but once in Cameroon, they were held captive and obliged to lure others into the scheme to gain their freedom. Initial estimates show that the group had already pocketed at least USD 150,000 in fees. Angolan investigators dismantled an international criminal group running a virtual casino in Luanda. The group, which primarily targeted Brazilian and Nigerian gamblers, defrauded hundreds through its online platform, offering a percentage of winnings to members who recruited new subscribers. Some 150 arrests were made, with officers seizing 200 computers and more than 100 mobile phones. Operation Serengeti was carried out with funding of the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the German Federal Foreign Office and the Council of Europe. The operational partners were Cybercrime Atlas, Fortinet, Group-IB, Kaspersky, Team Cymru, Trend Micro, Uppsala Security. Nowhere else on Earth are so many children fleeing war BBC International News Nov - 28 - 2024 , 06:54 5 minutes read Mahmoud is a cheeky teenager who beams the biggest of smiles even though he lost his front teeth in the rough and tumble of kids play. He is a Sudanese orphan abandoned twice, and displaced twice in his countrys grievous war - one of nearly five million Sudanese children who have lost almost everything as they are pushed from one place to the next in what is now the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Nowhere else on Earth are so many children on the run, so many people living with such acute hunger. Famine has already been declared in one area - many others subsist on the brink of starvation not knowing where their next meal will come from. Advertisement "Its an invisible crisis," emphasises the UNs new humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher. "Twenty-five million Sudanese, more than half the country, need help now," he adds. In a time of all too many unprecedented crises, where devastating wars in places like Gaza and Ukraine dominate the worlds aid and attention, Mr Fletcher chose Sudan for his first field mission to highlight its plight. "This crisis is not invisible to the UN, to our humanitarians on the front line risking and losing their lives to help the Sudanese people," he told the BBC, as we travelled with him on his week-long trip. Most of the people on his team working on the ground are also Sudanese who have lost their homes, their old lives, in this brutal struggle for power between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Mr Fletcher's first field visit took him to Mahmouds Maygoma orphanage in Kassala in eastern Sudan, now home to nearly 100 children in a crumbling three-storey school-turned-shelter. They lived with their carers in the capital, Khartoum, until the army and RSF turned their guns on each other in April 2023, trapping the orphanage as they dragged their country into a vortex of horrific violence, systematic looting and shocking abuse. When fighting spread to the orphans new shelter in Wad Madani, in central Sudan, those who survived fled to Kassala. When I asked 13-year-old Mahmoud to make a wish, he immediately broke into a big gap-toothed grin. "I want to be a state governor so I can be in charge and rebuild destroyed homes," he replied. For 11 million Sudanese driven from one refuge to the next, returning to what is left of their homes and rebuilding their lives would be the biggest gift of all. For now, even finding food to survive is a daily battle. And for aid agencies, including the UN, getting it to them is a titanic task. After Mr Fletchers four days of high-level meetings in Port Sudan, army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced on the X social media site that he had given the UN permission to establish more supply hubs and to use three more regional airports to deliver assistance. Some of the permissions had been granted before but some marked a step forward. The new announcement also came as the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) secured a green light to reach stricken communities behind lines controlled by the RSF, including the Zamzam camp in Darfur housing about half a million people where famine was recently confirmed. "Weve been pushing for months to get to these communities," says Alex Marianelli, who heads WFPs operations in Port Sudan. Behind us in a WFP warehouse, Sudanese labourers sing as they load trucks with boxes of food heading for the worst of the worst areas. Mr Marianelli reflects that he has never worked in such a difficult and dangerous environment. Within the aid community, some criticise the UN, saying that its hands have been tied by recognising Gen Burhan as the de facto ruler of Sudan. "Gen Burhan and his authorities control those checkpoints and the system of permits and access," Mr Fletcher says in response. "If we want to go into those areas we need to deal with them." He hopes the rival RSF will also put the people first. "Ill go anywhere, talk to anyone, to get this aid through, and to save lives," Mr Fletcher adds. In Sudans merciless war, all warring parties have been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war. So too sexual violence, which the UN describes as "an epidemic" in Sudan. The UN visit coincided with the "16 days of activism" marked globally as a campaign to stop gender-based violence. In Port Sudan, the event in a displaced camp, the first to be set up when war flared, was especially poignant. "We have to do better, we must do better," vowed Mr Fletcher, who cast aside his prepared speech when he stood under a canopy facing rows of Sudanese women and children, clapping and ululating. I asked some of the women listening what they made of his visit. "We really need help but the major job should be from the Sudanese themselves," reflects Romissa, who works for a local aid group and recounts her own harrowing journey from Khartoum at the start of the war. "This is the time for the Sudanese people to stand together." The Sudanese have been trying to do a lot with a little. In a simple two-room shelter, a safe house called Shamaa, or "Candle", brings some light to the lives of abused single women and orphaned children. Its founder, Nour Hussein al-Sewaty, known as Mama Nour, also started life in the Maygoma orphanage. She also had to flee Khartoum to protect those in her care. One woman now sheltering with her was raped before the war, then abducted and raped again. Even the formidable Mama Nour is now at breaking-point. "We are so exhausted. We need help," she declares. "We want to smell the fresh air. We want to feel there are still people in the world who care about us, the people of Sudan." credit: BBC Inclusive education: Breaking barriers, building futures Philomena Esi Agudu Education Nov - 28 - 2024 , 09:57 5 minutes read Inclusive education is vital to civilization and a global strategy for harnessing human potential. Article 25 of the 1992 constitution affirms the access to educational opportunities and infrastructure as a basic right of all persons. For the sake of context, let us assume inclusive education is this anticipated bowl of spicy, light soup from the opening anecdote. Simply by virtue of the fact that this delicacy has been paid for, our access to the entirety of the meal is legitimate. Imagine being served second-rate, bland soup you have paid for, simply because your dressing is perceived to be shabby and unsophisticated. Advertisement Barriers to inclusive education Imagine indigenous marginalized groups like girls and persons with disabilities unable to access education because of the limitations of stigma and other barriers to inclusive education. Once inclusivity is trivialized, rights are violated. Stifled rights inevitably limit the growth potential of individuals, and by extension, societies. Inclusive education provides a thriving context to contemporary education. It is a rights-based education which emphasizes equity in access and participation, with a proactive response to the varied needs and learning competencies of all. This article explores the sustenance of inclusive education in Ghana from the perspective of a two-pronged approach: Breaking barriers and building futures. Breaking barriers to inclusive education represent the targeted efforts which objectively identify and demystify factors that exclude marginalized groups. It is a reactive strategy to curb the prevailing damage opposing a rights-based education. The gusto to break barriers, first admits that there is an existing problem. The 2015 Inclusive Education Policy delineates a number of antagonists to inclusive education. Challenges of negative societal attitudes and limited resources are the most pressing of these hindrances. The barrier of negative societal attitudes consists mainly of stigma and discrimination. For too long the financial cost of education has been overrated. We underrate the cost of stigma and discrimination in inclusive education. Stigma is costly. It robs a society of the exceptional value of the marginalized. Stigma control The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) reports that about 240 million children with disability have been denied basic rights. Out of this figure, 49 per cent of them have never been to school, and stigma is a primary contributor to this menace. These numbers look abstract, until they are juxtaposed to names and faces. If potential Ghanaian presidents and leaders were captured in those numbers, what would we do differently? Stigma control strengthens the esteem of marginalized groups and creates an enabling environment for them to be educated. Through awareness campaigns and public education, attempts have been made to vitiate negative perspectives with regards to the socio-economically unfortunate, persons with disabilities, girls and other neglected groups. Limited resources Limited resources significantly decrease the quality of inclusive education. Side-lined groups have distinct needs and competencies. Persons with disabilities require assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids to ease everyday living and learning. Adolescent girls in deprived communities are usually in dire need of affordable sanitary materials to handle their menstruation safely. When basic logistics are unavailable, there is a tangible premise for marginalized groups to exclude themselves from educational pursuits. Many educational facilities are still not disability-friendly. Persons with walking disabilities are often gaslighted into exercising in settings where staircases are the only structures of access to venues. Furthermore, there is a need for targeted training of professionals for guiding persons with special needs in schools. The panacea to limited resources in inclusive education is not entirely capital dependent. Innovation and improvision can equally suffice in the face of financial constraints. Teachers and professionals for persons with special needs can participate in free training programmes organized by philanthropic foundations and NGOs. Architects and property developers can be more proactive in the design of educational facilities, so as to make them more disability friendly. Building futures Building futures in inclusive education is the coordinated attempt to maximize available resources in unleashing the potential of disregarded groups. It is a proactive strategy to achieve optimum output from prudently invested input. Effective governance, is a pivotal gamechanger in building the future of anything- from a thriving national educational climate to satisfactory livelihoods. There could be all the right ingredients for a bowl of indigenous light soup, but if the chef is poorly skilled, the overall taste of the soup is compromised. An abundance of resources and effective strategies for inclusive education is useless if the leadership of a nation is incompetent. Good governance and leadership would significantly maximize available resources for maximum impact. What should a robust leadership body do differently to augment prevailing efforts in inclusive education? First, there should be a restructuring of the educational curriculum. Inclusive education would require a unique skillset that conventional education may lack. Priority must be given to skillsets that are globally relevant, easily accessible and student-centered. A healthy educational climate should never relegate the responsibility of teaching and learning entirely to the student. Education is a partnership. Secondly, there should be functional legislation and policies that govern inclusive education. These policies and legislative provisions should be consistently reviewed to ensure that they are relevant in supporting the uniqueness of this educational revolution. Thirdly, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and philanthropic foundations also play an important role in the sponsorship and support of this costly programme. Through effective collaboration with these powerhouses, the burdens of inclusive education are not borne by the government alone. Finally, there should be periodic monitoring and evaluation. It is important to set measurable and observable criteria for inclusive education in order to assess progress objectively. Lapses and setbacks can then be easily identified and managed accordingly. Inclusive education in Ghana is a partnered, targeted effort. There must be both breaking and building, if we intend to establish an inclusive education revolution that stands. The synergy of these two constructive approaches is expedient in leadership and governance. The writer is a Level 500 Medical student of the university of Cape Cost Email: aguduphilomena@gmail.com Previous article: From reactive to proactive: How data-driven insights are redefining risk assessment in insurance - Coronation Insurance Bawumia celebrates Kayayei graduates as professional bus drivers GraphicOnline Nov - 27 - 2024 , 20:37 2 minutes read Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday celebrated a significant milestone in the empowerment of female head porters, popularly known as Kayayei. At a graduation ceremony in Accra, 22 former Kayayei received certificates as professional bus drivers under the Kayayei Empowerment Programme. The initiative, championed by Dr. Bawumia, provides training opportunities to Kayayei in fields such as beads making, fashion design, soap making, and now professional driving. The programme, which aims to empower 5,000 Kayayei, is transforming lives across the country. "Today is a happy day for 22 young ladies who were formerly Kayayei but today, they are professional Aayalolo drivers," Dr. Bawumia remarked at the event. "I am happy for their transformation and happy to formally acknowledge them and hand them their certificates." Advertisement Dr. Bawumia explained that while some stakeholders offered head pans to Kayayei to continue carrying loads, his administration pursued a "bold solution" to tackle the challenges they faced. "We were very much concerned and thought of what we could do to help them," he said. "Some people were giving them head pans to continue what they were doing. We came with bold solutions to transform them. The Kayayeis have as much intellect as anyone." From promise to reality Dr. Bawumia reflected on his earlier promise to provide hostels and training opportunities for Kayayei during a visit to Agbogbloshie, a prominent market in Accra. "Many doubted it and said it was not possible, but I said it is possible," he emphasised, celebrating the fulfilment of his pledge and the tangible transformation of lives. Mr. Charles Annan, Managing Director of the Greater Accra Private Transport Executives (GAPTE), which oversaw the training, praised Dr. Bawumias vision. "You gave us a task to train Kayayeis to drive buses, and we have delivered," Annan said. "Today, we have 22 young women who have moved from being Kayayei to qualified drivers." He announced that the graduates would immediately be employed by Aayalolo Bus Service, receiving salaries and social security benefits, marking the beginning of a secure and dignified future. The 22 women expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Bawumia for the life-changing opportunity. Next article: 2024 Ghana Elections will be best ever: 97% Eligible citizens on voters register - EC Springfield Afina Field appraisal confirms oil flow Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Nov - 28 - 2024 , 11:27 3 minutes read Ghanaian International Oil and Gas Company, Springfield Exploration and Production (E&P) Ltd, has successfully completed the appraisal of its deep offshore oil block, Afina Field, in the West Cape Three Points (WCTP). In conjunction with its partners, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and GNPC EXPLORCO, the appraisal confirmed that the Afina oilfield indeed had gas condensate and an estimated oil flow that had the potential to hit 12,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd). The appraisal was conducted by a team of experts led by international drilling contractor, Northern Ocean Limited (NOL), using the world tested Deepsea Bollsta rig. Appraisal involves activities carried out on oil wells after exploration to determine the accumulation of petroleum and estimate the quantity of recoverable petroleum to help determine the commercialisation of the discovery. Advertisement Milestone The completion of the appraisal by Springfield E&P is a significant milestone in the countrys oil industry as it finalises the completion of the unitisation of Afina, which forms part of WCTP, with Springfield as the lead operator, and Sankofa Field, part of the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP), with ENI Ghana E&P and its partner, Vitol Upstream Ghana, as the lead operator. The unitisation of the Afina and Sankofa oilfields is expected to significantly boost the countrys oil industry, setting the stage for the two operators to harness their expertise and resources, creating value for the country. The appraisal by Springfield E&P followed a ruling by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) that appraisal was an important element for unitisation under the laws of the country and, therefore, Springfield ought to do further work to achieve that purpose. Appraisal process Springfield E&P, in a statement, indicated that the company complied with internationally accepted standards in conducting the appraisal. It said it involved drilling to a depth of 4,085 metres where it encountered light oil with a gross thickness of 65 metres, with 50 metres light net oil pay in good quality Cenomanian sandstones. Again, it said, a secondary target drilled at the edge of the structure and contained in Turonian age sands encountered 10 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing sands consisting of gas/condensate. A mini-DST conducted on the Turonian sandstone confirmed the presence of gas/condensate and indicated an estimated flow rate potential of up to 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). Pressure transient analysis from this reservoir showed the pressures consistent with the pressures collected in 2019, the statement added. Success story The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Springfield E&P, Kevin Okyere, expressed excitement about the appraisal result, describing it as a confirmation of the commercial viability of the Afina Oil Field. We are extremely happy with the results of the appraisal programme which has further confirmed our understanding of our geological, geophysical, reservoir models and demonstrated our operational capacity, he said. Afina-1x is a vertical well; we are confident that a horizontal well or other well completion options that maximise reservoir exposure in the fields would deliver much higher production rates, he added. Mr Okyere said the new development was a testament to the commitment of Springfield E&P to help improve the countrys oil and gas industry. With the successful completion of this appraisal well-test activity, Springfield continues to make history as the first independent Ghanaian and African energy company to operate a deep-water asset and find hydrocarbons, the CEO of Springfield E&P said. Writers email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh 2024 Ghana Elections will be best ever: 97% Eligible citizens on voters register - EC Timothy Ngnenbe Nov - 28 - 2024 , 11:18 6 minutes read The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured Ghanaians that it will conduct the best polls in the countrys history in the 2024 general election. It said with more than 18.7 million eligible Ghanaians, representing 97 per cent of all those eligible to register as voters, captured in the current voters register, the EC had compiled one of the most comprehensive electoral registers anywhere in the world. At the fourth edition of the Graphic National Development Series 2024 in Accra yesterday, the Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Eric Bossman Asare, said various mechanisms put in place by the commission would ensure that the elections were peaceful, fair and transparent in order for all parties to accept the outcome. "The over 18.7 million registered voters on the register constitute about 55 per cent of the countrys population, and this gives a clear indication that the EC is committed to ensuring that any qualified person has the opportunity to vote during the election," he said. Advertisement Dr Asare said those mechanisms included the provision of a credible voters register, transparent printing and distribution processes of ballot papers, adequate training for electoral officers, collaboration with the security agencies for election security and the opening up of the entire electoral process for observation by key stakeholders, particularly the political parties and the media. "The EC has no interest whatsoever in this election, except to ensure that we have a transparent process to elect a President and 276 Members of Parliament (MPs). We are well poised for a peaceful election on December 7, and we urge political parties to also educate their agents to conduct themselves well so that we can keep the peace of this country intact before, during and after the elections, Dr Asare stressed. Graphic Dialogue The event, held on the theme: Sustaining civic and democratic governance system for development: Mandate of all citizens", brought together key stakeholders in the electoral system, including the EC, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), security agencies and traditional authorities. Dr Bossman Asare (left), Deputy Chairman of EC in charge of Corporate Services, addressing participants in the forum. Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY The series is a forum that discusses key national development issues ranging from education, agriculture, sanitation, economy, to democratic governance. Previous editions of the series delved into pertinent issues in the agriculture, education, natural resource management, and sanitation sectors. Consolidating gains Dr Asare said crucial as the December 7 polls were, he was optimistic that the initiatives the EC had implemented since the 2020 elections and the current electoral process would ensure that the country had its best elections in the Fourth Republic. Participants in the forum Again, Dr Asare said, throughout this year's voters register compilation process, the EC had been transparent and carried all stakeholders along to ensure that the final poll book was credible. He added that it was part of the process to get a credible register to be the foundation of credible elections that the EC re-exhibited the voters register for the first time in the countrys history. Additionally, the Deputy EC Chairperson said, it was in the spirit of transparency that political parties were given the opportunity for the first time to observe the voter transfer process at the district offices of the commission. He also said maintaining the filing fees for presidential and parliamentary candidates at GH100,000 and GH10,000 respectively also fit into the grand objective of the EC to make the elections accessible to all. Dr Asare further said the initiative by the EC to open up the ballot printing process to the media had demonstrated amply that it was ready to deliver free, fair and transparent elections. He added that in the interest of transparency, the EC had also widened the scope of accreditation for election observers, and that "we will record the largest number of election observers in this year's elections". Security Dr Asare said the EC was working closely with the Ghana Police Service and the Election Security Task Force to ensure that eligible voters exercised their franchise in a conducive environment. He stressed that although the real mandate of maintaining peace and security during the elections was the responsibility of the security agencies, the EC was collaborating with the security task force to ensure that the electoral process was not disrupted by violent activities. He urged political parties to prioritise the peace of the nation above all other interests by making sure that they did not engage in violence for electoral gains. He also called on all stakeholders to work hard to improve the 79 per cent voter turnout that was recorded in 2020. "With the voter population now increased to over 18.7 million, we need to work to improve the turnout. Even if we cannot go beyond the 79 per cent turnout, we should maintain it," he said. Media accreditation Dr Asare said the commission had put on hold its earlier decision to restrict media coverage at the collation centres during the December 7 polls. He said the EC was currently engaging the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) on the best way forward on the matter. "We put out a memo to our regional and district officers on limited access to the media at collation centres. We wanted to ensure that there is orderliness at the collation centres and not to restrict media coverage of the collation process, but the memo got out to the public. "We have listened to the concerns that have been raised about the decision, so we are having a discussion with the GJA and GIBA to see the way forward," he said. "We want to assure everyone that the EC will not do anything to hinder the media's work in the electoral process; so, we will communicate new measures on this matter soon," he added. Civic responsibility A principal civic education officer at the NCCE, Hagar Ampah, commended the GCGL for creating the platform to discuss issues related to the December 7 polls. She said the credibility and transparency of the elections required the collaboration of all stakeholders, for which reason all citizens must play active parts in the upcoming polls. Ms Ampah said the December polls were crucial because the quality of leaders who would be elected would define the next phase of the countrys development. It is our duty as citizens to participate in the democratic process, hold our leaders accountable and contribute to the countrys development, she said. While giving the assurance that the NCCE would step up its awareness creation drive ahead of the elections, she called on all eligible voters to go out in their numbers and vote as a civic responsibility. Ms Ampah also underscored the need for actors in the electoral process to stay away from acts that could lead to violence during the elections. CSOs, faith-based organisations call for peaceful polls Emmanuel Bonney Nov - 28 - 2024 , 12:57 3 minutes read Civil society and faith-based organisations have been called upon to work towards strengthening democratic governance and the sustenance of peace in the country, especially during the December 7 general election. They said improving the governance system was key to strengthening democracy and the accelerated development of the nation. The organisations included the Institute of Democratic Governance, the National Peace Council, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) and the Office of the National Chief Imam. They made the call at the Graphic National Development Series (GNDS) held at the British Council in Accra yesterday, on the theme: Sustaining civic & democratic governance system for development, mandate of all of all citizens. Advertisement The GNDS is a platform offered by the nations foremost media organisation, Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), to discuss issues of national interest and also propose solutions for accelerated development. Commitment A member of the NPC, Numo Blafo, said the council was doing a lot to maintain the peace in the country before, during and after the elections. In line with that, he said, the council had mapped out what it considered hotspots in the country where it was carrying out sensitisation programmes. For instance, in the Odododiodioo Constituency in Accra, the parties had been made to sign a peace pact. We believe that with what we are doing, we will not experience what happened in previous elections, Numo Blafo said. The Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Armyiyawo Shaibu, said the electorate needed to understand that elections were not about war, but political contests. He added that elections were about change or continuation, and that should there be a change, peace must be guaranteed. Our peace, your peace, my peace, the peace of our nation-state must remain untouched after every election. May Ghana and citizens be so rich in peace that we are there to support peace as a commodity. Let's work it together, the spokesperson said. Collaboration In a message read on his behalf, the President of the GCBC, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, admonished political leaders to prioritise the most vulnerable and marginalised in society and not engage in violent activities, adding we must work together to address the challenges of poverty, inequality and injustice. As a people of faith, he said sustaining civic and democratic governance systems was not only a civic duty but also morally imperative. We must work together to build a more just, equitable and peaceful society where every citizen can thrive and reach their full potential. No one must be left behind, the president said. Most Rev.Gyamfi, however, said sustaining civic and democratic governance required the collective effort of all stakeholders. The Executive Director of IDEG, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, highlighted the role CSOs played in ensuring good governance. He, therefore, said it was necessary to enhance the capacity of CSOs and include them in the policy-making process of the government. Development Bank, AGI sign MoU to bolster garments and textile industry Nana Konadu Agyeman Nov - 28 - 2024 , 12:57 3 minutes read The Development Bank of Ghana (DBG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to promote the growth of the garments and textile industry in the country. Under the agreement, the DBG will commit at least GH100 million annually to provide long-term financing and also support capacity-building for selected small and medium enterprises over the next three years on a pilot basis. This is expected to empower the beneficiary SMEs to overcome challenges undermining their capacity and also enhance the countrys competitiveness in global and regional markets. The Chief Executive Officer of DBG, Kwamina Duker, signed on behalf of the bank while the President of the AGI, Dr Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke, penned down his signature on behalf of the association. Advertisement Significance Mr Duker described the partnership agreement as a significant milestone, saying it reinforced the banks commitment to impact growth, by catalysing economic transformation and fostering a competitive private sector. He said over the past three years, the bank had demonstrated such commitment, leading disbursement of GH1.58 billion to SMEs across 13 regions in the country, comprised of 500 direct MSMEs beneficiaries, 5,000 indirect beneficiaries and creating and sustaining over 17,000 jobs. The CEO said 16 partnering national institutions would be working with the bank in a trusted relationship to be able to deliver their mandate. We have about GH360.9 million for the manufacturing sector, agriculture GH308 million, ICT investment of GH26.6 million, and high-value services about GH684.7 million. We have also committed to the SDGs by ensuring that 51 per cent of DBG loans are disbursed to women-led or owned businesses, while 334 women-led businesses have received direct funding amounting to GH806 million, he added. Tailored financing Mr Duker added that 5,815 female entrepreneurs had been financed directly and indirectly through off-taker pre-financing arrangements. So, todays MoU is just the next stage of targeted interventions and in this respect, we want to be very intentional, he said. Mr Duker explained that the agreement was part of the banks SME goal initiative that began in July, this year, by the Minister of Finance to revitalise the countrys textile and garment industry. We will ensure that businesses receive the financial support and guidance needed to succeed and this will enhance competitiveness and innovation. We seek to close the GH5 billion MSME financing gap and scale up support for women-led enterprises to GH1 billion by the end of next year, he said. Appreciation Dr Darke described the DBGs support for the garments and textile industry as purposeful and intentional. He praised the bank for demonstrating courage to tackle the joblessness in the economy and for seeking to correct the curve with the partnership and promote an enterprising economy where competition and associated factors would be the hallmark of engagement. Historically, one could attest to the fact that developed economies once had such courageous interventions that supported the private sector to turn around and we welcome this opportunity wholeheartedly, Dr Darke said. He called on members who would benefit from such interventions to adhere to the terms and the fidelity of the engagement to support the cause of creating jobs and an enterprising economy. Next article: Two jailed 30 years for robbing banker of vehicle, personal belongings Gender Ministry launches 16 Days of Activism Diana Mensah Nov - 28 - 2024 , 06:59 3 minutes read The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has launched this years 16 Days of Activism campaign to raise awareness and fight gender-based violence (GBV) in the transport sector. The 16 Routes, 16 Stations: Transport Unions Unite Against GBV was held on the theme: 30 Years After the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Ghana. It aims to mobilise the transport sector to create a safer and more equitable environment through daily dialogues, information sharing, and grass-roots engagement about GBV and its impact on women and girls. It is also in collaboration with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) under the Trade Union Congress; MTN Ghana ; and other stakeholders. Advertisement As part of the launch, stakeholders and participants joined a symbolic walk to demonstrate their solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence and reaffirm their commitment to ending GBV. The Minister of MoGCSP, Dakoa Newman, called for urgent and collective action to address the menace, saying, reports of women being killed in their matrimonial homes or public spaces are troubling and entirely unacceptable. She said the ministry in collaboration with UNFPA had established Orange Support Centre to provide counselling, legal advice and medical support and operate on a toll-free hotline 080-0111222. Since its inception in 2021 the centre has handled 718 cases, resolving and closing 547, with 171 cases still ongoing, she added. She said over 180 market executives have been trained as paralegals in six markets across Accra and four regions, while 105 service providers were trained in essential services for survivors in 2024. She said, The Victims of Domestic Violence Fund will soon be operationalised so we call on organisations and individuals to contribute to this fund to expand support for survivors. Research A Representative from the UNFPA, Dr Wilfred Ochain, said there was no specific data on GBV within the transport sector, hence expressed the belief that action-oriented research would help to better inform decisions. He said: Since the transport system is operated predominantly by men, this movement also brings a call for them to act as allies and champions for a violence-free environment. Dr Ochain called on policymakers, transport operators and community leaders to take decisive steps against GBV. Let us raise awareness among thousandsif not millionsof gender-based violence and how we can contribute to its eradication. Let us challenge harmful norms and stand in solidarity with survivors, he added. The General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Godfred Abilbire, underscored the unions unique capacity to disseminate critical messages to a wide audience through extensive transport network. He described the campaign as an opportunity for transport unions to champion behaviour change and create a ripple effect that reaches drivers, passengers and the general public. He said: If all drivers in our union and other unions spread this message, we can help end gender-based violence. Its about ensuring issues within our lorry parks and domestic homes are addressed without resorting to violence. Commendation The UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, lauded the partnership between the stakeholders and urged all to continue advocating to end GBV. He expressed concern over the prevalence of verbal, physical and sexual violence in public transport space, which often targeted vulnerable women and girls. He said: Let us unite and ensure the next generation inherits a world of safety, dignity and opportunity for all. Prioritise peace, devt in upcoming elections - Graphic MD to political parties Samuel Duodu Nov - 28 - 2024 , 09:57 4 minutes read The Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), Ato Afful, has underscored the need for the countrys political actors to prioritise the interests of the people and the nations democratic process above party interests. He said that political actors must maintain power through consent, not coercion, and respect the rights of every voter, adding that they must participate in the electoral process with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. "Without these ingredients, elections alone do not, and cannot make true democracy," Afful noted, adding that Political actors cannot measure one's own faith by the rejection of somebody else's faith in the process, and in the electoral system." Graphic series Speaking at the fourth edition of the Graphic National Development Series (GNDS) 2024 in Accra yesterday, Mr Afful noted that the event's theme, "Sustaining Civic & Democratic Governance System for Development, Mandate of All Citizens," is crucial in shaping well-thought-through ideas and building national consensus on issues. Advertisement He stated that the GNDS was a forum designed to focus on strategic issues of national character, ultimately influencing policy and behaviour sets on behalf of the people. He emphasised that as a national character brand, the Graphic Communications Group Ltd's commitment to the country and its audience went beyond an accurate and independent media. Electoral outcome "Our duty of care to the people of Ghana should bring us together. We should turn dialogue into inter-party and Electoral Commission (EC) cooperation and collaboration so that bridges between peoples lead to action - and a successful electoral outcome," Mr Afful said. With just nine days to the December 7 elections, Mr Afful urged citizens, especially the youth, to participate in the electoral process. I want to particularly say this to the young people of every grouping, in and across every electoral area, district, region in this country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to reimagine Ghana, to remake this the place we want it to be. Live, work and thrive in, he said. "Go out and vote. Remember, in God we trust, all others, we verify," he stated. He said the GCGL did not presume to know what was best for everyone, and it was not in its place to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. However, he expressed his unwavering belief that all Ghanaians yearned for certain fundamental rights, including the ability to speak their minds, confidence in the rule of law, and a representative and accountable government. Commendation A governance expert and the Chief Executive Officer of the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, who chaired the event, commended the EC for its transparency and expansiveness in the lead-up to the country's elections. He said the EC had made significant strides in ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process. "The task falls on all of us to ensure that the elections become very successful, and more importantly, very peaceful." Security However, Prof. Agyeman-Duah also expressed concern about election security, warning against the possibility of "disguised vigilantes" who might attempt to subvert the process by impersonating official security agencies. He emphasised the need for the police and other security agencies to be vigilant and take steps to identify and prevent such incidents. Participants Some participants in the event stressed the need for Ghanaians to work together to ensure a peaceful poll for the country to continue to uphold its accolade as the beacon of democracy, peace and stability in the subregion. Background The GNDS on elections is the last in the series for this year. The earlier ones focused on agriculture, health and education. The development series is a thought leadership national platform of the GCGL, carefully structured to steer strategic national discourse away from a partisan stance to reach outcomes of a national character behind which the country can rally for development. The event brought together key stakeholders, including political parties, the leadership and other officials of the EC, national security officials, local authorities, traditional leaders and religious figures to provide updates on measures being taken to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible elections. Pursue actions that will sustain nations peace - Togbe Afede XIV tells stakeholders Augustina Tawiah Nov - 28 - 2024 , 10:57 4 minutes read The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has called on the major actors in the December 7 elections to pursue actions that will sustain the peace in the country after the elections, insisting that they should stick to truth in everything they do. Describing the role of the Electoral Commission (EC), especially, as crucial, Togbe Afede advised the commission to ensure that its conduct was above board to engender confidence among the electorate. The traditional ruler said each stage of the electoral process was important and required diligence, transparency and honesty, hence the need for the election management body to adhere to the highest standards during the compilation and declaration of results. He said the commission held the key to whether the country would have peaceful elections or not, and that if the processes were not seen to be fair, it could throw society into chaos. Advertisement Elaborating on secret, transparent voting, he said the voter must be seen throughout the voting process, thus, the voting booth must be open to observers while a voter was in the booth to ensure that nobody brought extra ballot papers from home. Togbe Afede also charged the security services to perform their roles in a manner that would convince the electorate that they were independent and non-partisan. I urge our security agencies, our security personnel, our men in uniform to do their best in the interest of Ghana. The effect of violence does not discriminate between people. If you are a soldier, you might be free because you are secure in your barracks but your relatives are not in the barracks. Similarly, if you are a police person, you have relatives who are civilians, he pointed out. Consequences He stressed that the upcoming election would have consequences on the countrys efforts to emerge from the current economic situation. He explained that presently, many Ghanaians were desperate to see development and the direction the country would go, and that depended on the outcome of the election. For the first time in our history, government has defaulted on its debt payments, with serious consequences for many of us. We've seen pensioners lose their savings, we've watched so many things happen, some of the worst things I could not have imagined. The destruction of our lands, water bodies, and all of that. These are serious. For once, Ghanaians want a change in their living circumstances; the stakes are very high, he added. He was, however, quick to add that life must go on after December 7 since the election could not be a do-or-die affair, adding that the most important thing was for Ghanaians to continue to enjoy the peace that had become part of their national character. Togbe Afede XIV gave the advice during an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic ahead of the general election. He said what was important to calm Ghanaians down was their belief in the processes leading up to the elections, including voting, collating results and transmission. He added that when all these were done fairly, people would be reasonably calm. Traditional rulers Togbe Afede XIV, who is a former member of the Council of State, urged traditional leaders to educate their people to understand the importance of peaceful elections, the dos and donts of an election, and also emphasise that the development they desired would not be achieved in the absence of peace. He urged youth groups to insist on the right things being done before, during and after the elections, adding that they must not allow themselves to be used by politicians to cheat in the elections or foment any form of trouble. He said any politician who would offer them money to cheat in the elections or foment trouble had stolen the money so they should not encourage politicians to steal the peoples money. Describing monetisation in the countrys politics as one of the bad experiences in the countrys democracy, the Agbogbomefia said it had bastardised the election process whereby the highest bidder won. The youth must be at the forefront in fighting this because the future belongs to them and secondly, because they are the ones who are typically used. All these money bags are our money and they use that to buy their way to power and to continue to take our money, he said. The statesman urged all Ghanaians to stay united before, during and after the elections to maintain the country's image for its relative peace across the sub-region and Africa. Meet the first female to obtain PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana Ug.edu.gh Nov - 28 - 2024 , 15:13 10 minutes read In a historic milestone for the University of Ghana, Dr. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway has become the first woman to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana, shattering barriers, overcoming gender-based perceptions and inspiring future generations of female Mathematicians in a field long dominated by men. Dr. Botchway's journey from the village of Akaa Buem in the Oti region to becoming the first female to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana, Legon, is a demonstration of her resilience and determination. Born into a family of four, she is the second child of her parents. When her family moved to Accra for her mothers education, they faced significant hardships, living with an aunt who struggled to make ends meet while living in a crowded compound where the challenges of life were evident. Her childhood years were not without challenges. At just seven years old, Dr. Botchway began hawking goods to help make ends meet. Advertisement I remember selling pure water and foodstuffs like yam and fish. It was tough, but I enjoyed it because I loved anything that had to do with business and accounting, she recounted during an interview with the Public Affairs Directorate News Desk. Despite her mothers concerns about the dangers of selling by the roadside, she embraced the experience. Her school life was equally challenging. While her classmates brought a variety of foods to school, Dr. Botchway often packed leftover banku, which she and her brother would hide to avoid teasing. We do the pepper in the morning. Usually, there was no fish. So, we hide behind the staircase because we didn't want anybody to see what we were eating. I would starve myself just to buy food for my younger brother. I felt responsible for him, she reflected, highlighting the sacrifices she made during those difficult years. After four years in Accra, the family moved to Asamankese, where she attended Life Preparatory School. Following another move to Winneba, she continued her education at University Primary on North Campus. These frequent relocations, a total of six schools during her basic education, forced her to adapt to diverse teaching styles and curricula, posing unique challenges and making her not like science because different topics were treated in all the schools she went to. The familys living conditions were difficult, often sharing a small room with numerous relatives. She recalls living in a single room in Winneba with her mother and siblings, squeezed into a space that offered little privacy. We made do with what we had, but it was tough, she said. Her experiences in Accra were marked by crime and instability, where gunshots from nearby gang members and police conflicts were a common occurrence. The police used to raid that area. You hear gunshots. And because the rooms are very small, there were a lot of people in it. So, in the evening, everybody comes out and we sleep outside on the compound. Everybody lays a mat in front of their room and when the raids come like that, it's running, helter-skelter. Sometimes you can even enter someone's room. Yes, because it's at night and you don't know. You may not see and then you may enter someone's room., she recounted. Despite these hardships, Dr. Botchway's determination never declined. She completed her basic education wearing the same uniform from class four through to junior high school, as financial constraints made it impossible to buy new clothes. Life hasnt been rosy; its been difficult, she admitted. Yet through it all, her mother remained a steadfast source of support, ensuring that Dr. Botchway could continue her education against all odds. "My mom too has been there for me. During the PhD she was still working. She wasn't on retirement, but she made time for me and encouraged me a lot", she said. Transitioning to secondary school at Accra Girls, Gloria initially focused on Business subjects but soon discovered her true passion for Mathematics. Ive always loved Maths. It challenges me, and I wanted to be in a field where few people ventured, she said. Her secondary school math teacher recognised her potential and urged her to pursue a career in academia. "He just told me that, Gloria, you have to be a Lecturer," she remembers. This encouragement, coupled with her innate love for the subject, set Dr. Botchway on a path that would ultimately lead her to make history. It was this passion that led her to the University of Ghana, where she not only excelled academically but also forged a path for future generations of female mathematicians. When she began her studies at the University of Ghana, she initially opted for a Business Administration course but quickly chose Mathematics. Inspired by mentors like Prof. Elsie Kaufmann and Dr. Adu Gyamfi, who advised her on the advantages of a mathematics degree, she ultimately committed to the subject. I wanted a challenging field where few people ventured, she explained. I realised that with a Math degree, I could still pursue Accounting if I wanted, she added. As she progressed through her undergraduate and graduate studies, she faced numerous challenges, both academic and personal. "Math is challenging. It's not easy," she admits. "But if you love it, you would do it." One of the most significant challenges was the lack of female role models in her field. "People do not expect that you would go on with the Math," Gloria explains. "Sometimes they were very discouraging." However, these doubts only fueled her determination to succeed. In an interview with Dr. Botchways colleague, Justine Johnson, he described her as a dedicated and ambitious individual who is practical and determined. He mentioned her leadership skills and how she helped set up a Maths study group, which helped him become proficient in Math. He also praised her determination, stating that nothing is impossible, and she always strives to solve problems. Mr. Johnson described her motivational approach to group work. According to him, she encouraged everyone to play a role by spread different questions for each person to focus on and then providing the solution if needed. Balancing her academic pursuits with her personal life presented another set of challenges. Dr. Botchway got married during her master's programme and had her two children before graduation. She went on to have two more children during her PhD studies. "Life has to go on," she says, crediting her supportive husband and family for helping her manage her multiple roles. "My husband has been extremely supportive. In fact, countless times he would ask, what have you done? Even though he doesn't have any idea about what I'm doing, he would ask, today, what did you do?" Mrs. Margaret Aduam, mother of Dr. Botchway, recounts how she and other family members provided support to her throughout her journey. In fact, I was always there for her because I noticed that the PhD was not an easy thing at all. So sometimes I take all her children to my house just so she could have time to study. We also provided her with prayer and emotional support. Sometimes she's worn out and then I tell her, Gloria, you can do it, she said. The family is excited and proud of Gloria's achievement, with everyone in Jasikan, congratulating her and even wanting her to return home. They feel proud of her accomplishment and the excitement it has brought to the community, Mrs. Aduam added. In 2024, Dr. Botchway's perseverance paid off when she became the first woman to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana. This achievement is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for gender representation in STEM fields in Ghana. Now with her PhD, she is focused on making a lasting impact in her field and inspiring the next generation of female Mathematicians. Dr. Botchway is involved in a project called "Enhancing M in STEM," which aims to improve Mathematics education for girls in secondary schools. "I want to be able to see Math being applied to something relevant," she says of her research goals. "It's not just a theoretical thing, but we are solving real problems." Her ambitions extend beyond research. "I'm definitely aiming for professorship," she declares, setting her sights on becoming the first female Professor of Mathematics at the University of Ghana. To young women considering a career in Mathematics, she offers this advice: "Don't let what people say stop you. Don't let the environment stop you. In fact, don't let yourself stop yourself. Professor Deborah Atobrah, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) at the University of Ghana, underscores the importance of Gloria's achievement. This is a very big achievement. It's a huge feat in gender work for STEM. However, you know, we think this has taken too long for us to get here. But nevertheless, we still celebrate this very important achievement, she said. She also highlighted the challenges faced by girls in STEM fields with rural areas experiencing less appreciation due to lower education levels. The perception of women in STEM fields has worsened due to limited job opportunities and a drop in education value. To address issues regarding women education especially in STEM, she suggested financial aid should be designed to cater to the specific needs of female students. Additionally, guaranteed opportunities for Ph.D. holders could encourage more women to pursue these fields, promoting gender equality and career growth. Speaking to the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Dr. Chisara Peace Ogbogbo, she showered praises on Dr. Botchway and applauded her work ethics. She's a very serious lady, very serious-minded. She takes whatever she has to do very seriously, I must say. She's one of the people that I can rely on here in this Department. If I ask Gloria to do anything, you know, I am rest assured that she will do it, she said. Dr. Ogbogbo also called on government to be intentional in encouraging girls to pursue careers in Math by providing scholarships to female teachers to study Mathematics. She added that the government needs to consult with the Department to make a bold step towards achieving the M in the STEM project which will help change the status quo and encourage girls to pursue careers in math. Through her academic journey, Dr. Botchway has shown determination and persistence, setting the stage for her groundbreaking achievement. Her story is one of perseverance, representing the spirit of a woman who rose above her circumstances to achieve groundbreaking success. She's a unique person, because being the first lady to earn a PhD in Mathematics from UG is a wild achievement, because she could have gone anywhere, but she decided to stay in her home country. So, this inspires a lot of people to not just run, causing brain drain, but stay here and do your best, JisLord Naaa Ablorh, a level 200 Mathematics student said about Dr. Botchways achievement. Dr. Botchway in her appreciation remarks thanks God for seeing her through it all. She also acknowledged her supervisor, Professor Anthony Yaw Aidoo of Eastern Connecticut State University, for being supportive throughout her PhD journey. She extended appreciation to her Department and the University of Ghana for providing an enabling environment with waived fees. She also acknowledged Dr. Twum, Professor Seba and Dr. Ogbogbo, for being instrumental in the journey. Carnegie Corporation, through Professor Yaa Ntimoa-Baidu, supported her through the Carnegie Next Generation of Academics, Africa and Banga project. Dr. Botchway also thanked their family, especially her mother, Madam Margaret Aduam and husband for their encouragement. She also thanked her friends for their selfless support throughout their journey. As Ghana strives to increase female participation in STEM fields, stories like Dr. Botchway's serve as both inspiration and a call to action. Her journey from the market stalls of Teshie to the lecture halls of the University of Ghana demonstrates that with determination, support and access to education, barriers can be broken and new paths created. Next article: Development Bank, AGI sign MoU to bolster garments and textile industry Previous article: Meet the first female to obtain PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana President Akufo-Addo inaugurates New Akim Oda Market GraphicOnline Nov - 28 - 2024 , 14:28 2 minutes read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated a newly constructed market complex in Akim Oda, located in the Birim Central Municipality of Ghanas Eastern Region. The commissioning ceremony, marked by jubilant celebrations from the Chiefs and residents, showcased the regions progress toward modernised trading infrastructure. The new facility replaces the old Akim Oda market, which was devastated by a fire in September 2021. The blaze destroyed hundreds of sheds, displaced numerous traders, and caused significant losses. Constructed under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as part of the $100 million Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), the project received funding through the World Banks Urban Development Grant (UDG). Advertisement Features of the market The market complex boasts a range of modern facilities, including: - Over 250 lockable stores. - A clinic to provide healthcare services. - A banking hall to facilitate financial transactions. - A creche to cater to the needs of traders with young children. The markets innovative design incorporates storey buildings strategically positioned around the complex, providing a safer and more efficient trading environment. Presidential commendation President Akufo-Addo praised the District Assemblies Common Fund Secretariat and its Administrator, Irene Naa Torshie Addo, for their effective implementation of the project. He highlighted the importance of the market in revitalising economic activities in Akim Oda and providing traders with a dignified space to conduct business. The Akim Oda market project is one of several initiatives being undertaken in 25 municipalities across Ghana under the GSCSP, aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The community now anticipates that the new market will not only restore livelihoods but also attract increased trade and investment to the area. Next article: From reactive to proactive: How data-driven insights are redefining risk assessment in insurance - Coronation Insurance Two jailed 30 years for robbing banker of vehicle, personal belongings GraphicOnline Nov - 28 - 2024 , 06:57 4 minutes read An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced two persons to a total of 30 years imprisonment for robbing a banker of her vehicle at East Legon Christian Centre. Peter Amuzu, also known as Master Pee, and Issac Brena Eshun aka Young, took away the bankers money in various currencies and other cards. Amuzu and Eshun earlier denied the charges of conspiracy and robbery. When the matter was called, the accused persons, through their counsel, told the court they wanted to change their plea from not guilty to guilty. Advertisement The court, presided over by Mr Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, retook their pleas. The court convicted each of the accused persons on their own pleas and sentenced them accordingly. On the charge of conspiracy, each was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. On the charge of robbery, each received 15 years imprisonment. Both sentences are to run concurrently. A third accomplice, Ibrahim Mohammed, will stand trial for charges of abetment of crime and dishonestly receiving. Police say Mohammed bought a pistol for the two convicts to commit the crime and he received the complainants vehicle. He has denied the offences. Prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah, said the complainant (name withheld), was a bunker residing at East Legon Christian Centre. The first accused person, Amuzu, claimed to be a steel bunder, was a resident of American House, East Legon, he said, while the second accused, Eshun, was a driver residing at Takoradi. The third accused, Mohammed, aka King Dawa, was a businessman residing at Gururgu,Tamale. Prosecution said in March 2024. Amuzu, while on remand in the police cell at Madina for another robbery offence, recruited Eshun, who was also in the cell for an offence of stealing. The court heard that they planned to embark on a robbery expedition when they got out. On August 19, 2024, Amuzu and Eshun, armed with a pistol, attacked the complainant at the entrance of her residence at East Legon Christian Centre. Prosecution said Amuzu ordered the complainant at gunpoint to come down from her vehicle, a Mercedes Benz C180, with registration number AA 1991-21, valued at 60,000 Euros, equivalent to GHC1,045, 738. The complainant obliged for fear of losing her life. Eshun, the prosecution said, quickly took over the steering wheel and they drove the car to an unknown destination. The complainant had her handbag containing a German passport, three iPhones, valued at GHC 44.629.43, a Ghana card, ATM cards, health insurance card, cash in the sum of $1500, GHC16,000 and unspecified amount of Jamaican dollars. Prosecution said the same day, Eshun took the car to Tamale on the instructions of Amuzu to sell it to Mohammed, who also agreed to buy it. Mohammed made a cash transfer of GHC10,000 to Eshuns mobile money wallet No. 0550571605 as part payment. Mohammed then removed the registered number plate off the car to conceal its identity. On August 22, 2024, Eshun was arrested at Dansoman and a search conducted on him led to the retrieval of one gold coloured iPhone 14promax. Samsung Galaxy A15, air pods, cash in the sum of GHC18,000. $101 4000 Uganda shillings, 400 Rwanda franc, 550 Jamaican dollars and other personal effects of the complainant. Eshun admitted the offence and mentioned Amuzu as his accomplice. Prosecution said on August 23, 2024, Amuzu was arrested at American House, East Legon, where an iPhone 13 pro belonging to the complainants friend, Mansour Inusah, a witness in the case, was retrieved. Amuzu admitted the offence and mentioned Mohammed as his old friend in Tamale whom he instructed Eshun to send the car to. On August 24, 2024, Mohammed was arrested in Tamale in possession of the complainants Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Fortuner 4X4 with registration Number GX 2735-19. He told the police that he bought the Toyota Fortuner 4X4 also from Amuzu and his friend Kwame in February 2024. Investigations later revealed that the owner of the Toyota Fortuner 4X4 was shot and robbed by Amuzu and his accomplice, Kwame, in another robbery case at Lakeside Estate. During the investigations, Mohammed admitted that he gave Amuzu an amount of GHC7,000 to be used to procure a gun, which was used in the robbery, and four days later, he was offered the stolen Mercedes Benz at the cost of GHC300.000, out of which he made the part payment of GHC10,000. Prosecution said on August 31, 2024, Eshun and Mohammed led the police to a location at Techiman where they had dumped the complainants personal effects. The German passport, ATM Cards, Ghana Card and other documents belonging to the complainant were retrieved from the scene. Efforts were being made to apprehend Kwame, who is said to be in possession of the weapon used in committing the crime. Bawumia criticises Mahama over economic claims GraphicOnline Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 13:43 3 minutes read Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged former President John Mahamas assessment of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, branding his claims as lacking a grasp of economic data. Dr. Bawumias remarks came during an address to supporters in the Krowor Constituency of the Greater Accra Region, where he detailed what he called the NPPs superior performance across various sectors. Responding to Mr. Mahamas social media posts labelling the current administration as a failed government, Dr. Bawumia dismissed the criticisms as baseless, stating, He either does not read the data or does not understand it. Comparing economic performance Dr. Bawumia outlined comparative statistics across economic indicators, asserting that the NPP has outperformed the Mahama administration in areas such as GDP growth, agriculture, industry, budget deficit, and international reserves. He also highlighted a lower depreciation rate of the cedi under the NPP, despite global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which he said did not exist during Mahamas tenure. Advertisement Under the NDC, the rate of cedi depreciation was 74% without a global crisis. Under the NPP, it is 72% even with a global crisis, he said, refuting claims that his government has mismanaged the currency. Development achievements The Vice President touted the NPPs record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and digitalisation. From road construction to the introduction of the Ghana Card, mobile money interoperability, and the restoration of teacher and nursing training allowances, he argued that the NPP had achieved more than its predecessor. We have built more roads, airports, hospitals, and schools than him, Dr. Bawumia asserted, listing a wide range of completed projects. He also highlighted the introduction of flagship policies like Free Senior High School Education and TVET programmes, which he said have transformed access to education. Failures the NPP avoided Turning Mr. Mahamas failed government accusation on its head, Dr. Bawumia sarcastically noted that the NPP has failed to replicate what he described as Mahamas policy missteps, such as four years of dumsor, the cancellation of teacher and nursing training allowances, and the collapse of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He also took a swipe at the former Presidents SADA guinea fowl project, saying, We have failed in the SADA guinea fowl project. We have failed in collapsing the NHIS. He collapsed it; we resuscitated it. Call for a debate Dr. Bawumia concluded by renewing his challenge for a one-on-one debate with Mr Mahama, urging him to come and debate me, one on one, to settle the matter of governance records and economic management. The Vice Presidents remarks are expected to further ignite the political discourse as Ghana inches closer to the 2024 elections. Control your followers during your campaigns - Fanteakwa North NCCE Director to candidates Ezekiel E. Sottie Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 20:03 3 minutes read Parliamentary candidates have been advised to control their followers and educate them on issues of the elections as the days drew closer for us to have peaceful polls this year. As the days draw closer for the election and as you also intensify your campaigns as parliamentary candidates, advise your followers to be very careful with what they say and do as your supporters in order to have violent free election this year. You are very much aware that whoever wins in Fanteakwa North Constituency, we all belong to the same constituency? The Fanteakwa North District Director of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Cynthia Essel gave the advice in her welcome address at the Parliamentary Candidates Dialogue held at Begoro St. Paul Anglican Church on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The NCCE Director said, as a Commission, one of its roles was to formulate for consideration of Ghana, programmes aimed at realising the objectives of the constitution of Ghana, hence the formation of Inter Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) made up of members from political parties, party affiliates, security service, Civil Society Organisations, Faith-Based Groups, Identifiable Groups among others in all the constituencies in the country. Advertisement Platform She said the programme was a platform for the candidates to articulate their vision, policies and engage with the constituents on issues of concern to the constituency as well as to the nation. She mentioned the issues of concern to the constituents and Ghanaians in general as education, employment, roads infrastructure, the economy and agriculture. She, therefore, emphasised the need for the candidates to ensure that they responded to the issues on the table for the dialogue. Out of the two candidates from National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) invited for the programme, it was the NPP candidate, Kwame Kodua, who is also the incumbent Member of Parliament for Fanteakwa North who honoured the invitation. The Moderator of the programme, Very Reverend Daniel Osae Addo at the beginning of the programme set the tone by giving out the rules governing the programme and appealed to both the NPP candidate present and the participants to cooperate in both asking and answering of questions in order to clear the doubts on the minds of all participants. The programme which was made up of four sessions were all covered with both questions and answers by the participants and the NPP candidates. Answering a question on agriculture, Mr. Kodua stated that, the Fanteakwa North Constituency is one of the constituencies with large farm lands, and therefore when given the chance to represent them again he would advice the youth to go into farming after senior high school. He said his party, the NPP would bring machines to help the farmers in order to farm more and produce more. More so, he would supply Agro chemicals to farmers to support them. When he was asked why the President did not assent to the LGBT even though the parliament had passed the law, he said he was sure that it was because the case was in court, hence the Presidents failure to assent to it and therefore he was sure that when the case before the court was cleared the President would assent to it. On development projects in the district, he said he would ensure that he used his share of the MPs Common Fund to work on projects in the constituency when given the nod as their MP again. The NPP candidate who attempted and answered all the questions posed before him expressed his gratitude to all the participants and all constituency leaders as well as the leadership of the NCCE, the organisers of the programme and pledged for peace before, during and after the election. Unity The Moderator of the programme, Very Rev. Osae-Addo thanked all the participants for the successful programme most, especially with the attendance and their patience in asking questions and answering of the questions. He also drummed home the need to maintain peace in the incoming election so as to remain united as a constituency and as a country after the elections. Former President Kufuor defends endorsement of Dr Bawumia ahead of 2024 Elections GraphicOnline Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 06:30 1 minute read Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has dismissed criticisms over his endorsement of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, urging Ghanaians to rally behind the Vice President for the upcoming 2024 general elections. Speaking at a campaign event held at the Ofori Panin Palace in Abuakwa South on November 27, Mr Kufuor reaffirmed his commitment to the NPP, citing his affiliation as a foundational part of his political identity. The former presidents public endorsement has drawn backlash, with critics, including Movement for Change flagbearer Alan Kyerematen, suggesting that his status as a statesman requires neutrality in political endorsements. Mr Kufuor defended his stance, emphasising the importance of experience and wisdom in guiding his political decisions. Advertisement Reflecting on Dr Bawumias contributions during his tenure as President, Mr Kufuor lauded his expertise, particularly in navigating economic challenges. He credited Dr Bawumias work as part of the Bank of Ghana team for playing a significant role in stabilising the countrys economy during difficult times. Highlighting the upcoming elections as pivotal for Ghanas progress, Mr Kufuor encouraged voters to support the NPP, portraying Dr Bawumias leadership as vital to advancing the nations development. This latest development has sparked discussions on the role of former statesmen in active political discourse and their influence on Ghanas political landscape. Ghana Elections 2024: Bawumia, Mahama and other presidential candidates sign peace pact Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 15:26 5 minutes read The presidential candidates in Election 2024 met in Accra on Thursday to sign a peace pact. The two leading candidates Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama for the National Democratic Congress were personally at the Kempinski Hotel to sign the peace pact towards the general election. The 4th Peace Pact is under the auspices of National Peace Council and the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG). All 12 presidential candidates were present to sign the peace pact. They are Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP), Daniel Augustus Lartey (GCPP), Christian Kwabena Andrews (GUM), Kofi Akpaloo (LPG), Mohammed Frimpong (NDP), Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma (CPP), John Dramani Mahama (NDC), Hassan Ayariga (APC), Kofi Koranteng (Independent), George Twum-Barima-Adu (independent), Nana Kwame Bediako (Independent) and Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng (Independent) Advertisement Also present at the event are the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Imam, Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu, former ECOWAS President, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas , Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa , and other presidential aspirants. Also signing the peace pact were the other 10 presidential candidates or their representatives. The signing of the peace pact by the presidential candidates or their representatives supervised by the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, yesterday served as an undertaking by the presidential candidates to uphold and promote peace. Dr Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), before signing the pact, expressed his commitment to conduct his affairs in a manner that respected the laws of the country. I wholeheartedly pledge my commitment to work within the rules and collaborate with all to ensure a peaceful election. I am full of hope that all of us leaders and our followers will live up to the peace pact, he said. Former President Mahama, who is the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said, he would collaborate with all stakeholders to promote peace. Let us pledge to promote peace. Let us work together to create an environment that is conducive to free, fair and peaceful elections. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to preserve the peace that we have enjoyed for so long, he said. Peace pact The Presidential Election Peace Pact, organised under the auspices of the National Peace Council (NPC) and the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), was on the theme: Pursuing Peaceful Elections, Non-Violence and Justice. Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (right) exchanging pleasantries with some flag bearers of political parties at the signing of the Peace Pact in Accra. Pictures: SAMUEL TEI ADANO This is the fourth time the NPC and IDEG have organised the signing of the Presidential Peace Pact after similar ones were held in 2020, 2016 and 2012. Notable personalities who attended the event included the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa; the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare; the Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas. Bedrock of progress Dr Bawumia described peace as the bedrock of development and national progress, adding that as a shining example of democracy in the sub-region, there was a need for the country to continue to maintain its peace to sustain and enhance democracy. He said despite the competitive nature of elections and major differences, the country had always stood tall, rising above the differences as a united entity. The stakes in every general election are always high but we have never turned our backs to democracy because that is the path we have chosen, which is the right way to go, he said. Vacuum Former President Mahama, while endorsing peace and encouraging all to embrace peace, however, said peace could not be achieved in a vacuum or through mere talk but through a consistent effort to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability. Former President John Dramani Mahama (right) exchanging pleasantries with some flag bearers of political parties at the signing of the Peace Pact in Accra. It is all well and good for us to commit to peace and recite beautiful platitudes. All efforts at building peace before, during and after the 2024 elections will be undermined if there is mistrust and insincerity. There is reason to be concerned that the signing of this pact, though well-intentioned, will amount to nothing if it is not followed by concrete action by the stakeholders and government, he said. He said events such as the violence that characterised the Ayawaso Wuogon by-election in 2019 and the killing of some people during the 2020 elections left much to be desired when it came to peace. The refusal by the government to act on the Emile Short Committees Report does not inspire confidence that the government truly believed in peace, he added. Assurances The event was also used by critical stakeholders such as the EC, the judiciary and the police to assure the nation of their commitment to work towards promoting peace in the country. The Chief Justice said the Judiciary was committed to the stability of the country and the protection of the democratic process. I wish to assure all political parties that to the best of the ability of the justice sector and within the requisite constitutional directions, substantive rules on electoral disputes, the rules of court and the laws of evidence, the Judiciary will administer all processes of dispute management with efficiency and effectiveness and discharge our constitutional obligations to the good people of Ghana, Justice Torkornoo said. With regard to the EC, the Chairperson, Mrs Jean Mensa, said the commission, in the processes leading up to the elections, had always employed the cardinal principles of transparency, responsiveness and inclusiveness. The approach, she said, had gone a long way to reduce the tension in the country and build confidence in the electoral process. As a Commission, we will continue to apply the ingredients of transparency, responsiveness and inclusiveness in all our activities through to the election day and beyond, she said. For his part, the IGP said the Police Service had developed a blueprint for election security, which included comprehensive security arrangements during and after elections and beyond the inauguration of a new President. Writers email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh Nurturing democracy: Imperative of peaceful elections, informed voting Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 09:57 5 minutes read As Ghana approaches the December 7 elections, the need for peaceful elections and informed voting becomes increasingly crucial. These themes echo powerfully in Debbie Worlds poignant poem, Let the Elections Rain Fall. Her words remind us that peaceful elections are not just a nice idea; they are essential to maintaining Ghanas hard-won democracy. In a country where democracy has been achieved through significant struggle, we must continue to uphold the principles that support it. Ghanas journey to independence was filled with challenges and sacrifices, emphasising the importance of respectful electoral processes. The hard work of those who fought for our independence must not be forgotten. Advertisement It is our responsibility to ensure that elections respect the voices of all citizens. This includes allowing for different opinions and fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to express their views. Elections free from intimidation are crucial; when voters feel threatened, they may withdraw from the process altogether. This erosion of trust can weaken our democracy. Politicians, therefore, have a crucial duty to respect the choices of voters and to stay away from bribery or coercive tactics that could skew the electoral outcome. Peaceful elections The importance of peaceful elections cannot be overstated. They provide the foundation for true democracy, allowing citizens to choose their leaders without fear. Recently, several organisations have launched initiatives to promote peace during elections. For instance, the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has run Civic Education Campaigns and Peace Dialogues and Workshops. These efforts are vital as they educate citizens about the importance of participating peacefully in elections. Similarly, the National Peace Council has engaged in Civic Education and Voter Awareness programmes, as well as signing a Peace Pact to promote a harmonious atmosphere during the electoral period. Such initiatives play a significant role in ensuring that individuals and communities understand the value of civil discourse, even among opposing political views. As citizens prepare to cast their votes, it is important to look beyond party affiliation. Voters should consider candidates based on their abilities, qualifications and visions for the future of the country. When we rely solely on party loyalty, we risk choosing leaders who may not serve the best interests of Ghana. Instead, we should focus on the candidates track records and policies regarding pressing issues like the economy, unemployment, healthcare and education. Informed voters will more likely select leaders who are committed to making meaningful changes. This shift towards evaluating candidates on merit rather than party lines illustrates a maturing democracy, where the electorate is empowered to make considered choices. Young voters Another crucial aspect of this electoral process is the active involvement of young people. Ghana boasts a youthful population, making their engagement in elections essential. The NCCE has recognised this need with its Engaging Youth Activists initiative. This programme aims to educate young people about the importance of peace, tolerance and the risks associated with violent extremism. Rather than allowing their energies to be directed toward violence negative behaviour they can channel their enthusiasm into positive civic engagement. Young voters not only have the potential to impact election results, but they also possess fresh perspectives on pressing issues that directly affect their lives. Issues such as job creation and educational reforms matter greatly to them. Initiatives like Youth Vote Count encourage young individuals to register and become well-informed advocates for their future. By participating in elections, they can voice their concerns and push for policies that genuinely reflect their needs. This grassroots involvement is crucial for enriching the democratic landscape, ensuring that candidates pay more attention to youth-driven policies. As we approach the elections, organisations involved in voter education should increase their outreach efforts. Workshops and community forums are effective ways to empower citizens with the knowledge to navigate the election process. These platforms can clarify voting procedures, explain electoral rights and foster discussions about the consequences of the choices we face. By demystifying the voting process, we create a more informed electorate. The more we know, the better equipped we are to make decisions that align with our goals and values. Misinformation Tackling misinformation is another essential element in our efforts to promote informed voting. In this digital age, false information can spread rapidly, creating confusion and distrust. Thus, credible sources of information must be readily available and accessible to the public. Media literacy initiatives should be included in civic education to educate citizens on how to evaluate the information they encounter. This equips voters to discern between facts and misleading narratives, ensuring they make choices based on truth rather than fear or deception. As we anticipate the upcoming elections, we must draw inspiration from Debbie Worlds poem. Her call to action inspires us to uphold peaceful electoral processes and make informed decisions. Let us make our voices heard, educate ourselves and others and safeguard the democracy we cherish. The upcoming elections are a pivotal moment for our nation. With collective effort and dedication, we can ensure that these elections not only reflect our values but also represent a significant step towards a prosperous and unified Ghana. Together, we can nurture our democratic ideals into a thriving reality for generations to come. The writer is a political scientist. Mahama warns against mistrust in peace commitments ahead of Ghana's Election 2024 GraphicOnline Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 17:19 2 minutes read The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of peace agreements signed ahead of Ghanas 2024 general elections, warning that mistrust and insincerity among stakeholders could render such commitments meaningless. Speaking at a peace pact signing event on Thursday, November 28, Mr. Mahama emphasised the importance of translating declarations into actions to ensure lasting peace. There is reason to be concerned that the signing of this pact, though well-intentioned, could amount to nothing if not followed by concrete actions to guarantee the peace by the stakeholders and government, he stated. Concerns over sincerity Mr. Mahama pointed to a disconnect between words and actions, particularly by those in positions of authority, as a significant challenge to maintaining peace. Advertisement It is all well and good for us to commit to peace and recite beautiful platitudes. However, all efforts to build peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections would be futile if mistrust and insincerity persist. Mistrust arises when there is a disconnect between words and actions, compounded by gaslighting from those in authority, he remarked. Reflection on past incidents The former president referenced incidents during the 2020 elections and the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election as examples that cast doubt on the sincerity of commitments to peace. We all recall the appalling spectacle of masked men acting on the orders of operatives of the government, shooting indiscriminately at innocent Ghanaians going about their legitimate electoral activity during that by-election. Some of the victims of that shooting incident remain incapacitated till now, he recounted. He criticised the governments refusal to act on the recommendations of the Emile Short Commission, suggesting that such inaction undermines public trust in its commitment to peace. The inaction of the government in the face of the murder of the eight of our citizens during the last election casts a shadow of doubt on government commitment to maintain the peace. How are we to believe that such killings would not reoccur? Mr Mahama questioned. Call to action Mr. Mahama urged all stakeholders, particularly the government, to match their words with deeds to ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in 2024. The peace pact event serves as a platform for political leaders and stakeholders to pledge their commitment to maintaining peace during Ghanas electoral process, a critical aspect of the countrys democratic stability. Political party youth activist forum ends at Kadjebi Emmanuel Modey Politics Nov - 28 - 2024 , 20:08 3 minutes read The National Commission for Civic Education ( NCCE) has taken a two-year awareness creation campaign on the prevention and containment of violent extremism (PCVE), which is threatening the West African sub-region to the Oti Region. At a political party youth activist forum at Kadjebi last Thursday, the District Director of NCCE, Daniel Agbesi Latsu, noted that the campaign on the PCVE was launched in the five northern regions in November 2022 and extended to three other regions bordering them, which included the Oti Region. Mr Agbesi Latsu noted that the campaign, being funded by the European Union (EU), was originally meant for 18 months and was supposed to end in May 2024 but was extended to November this year. He noted that with all the countries bordering Ghana engulfed by the violence, it was necessary to educate the people to be aware and take precautionary measures to guard against it. Advertisement He named the five northern regions as the Northern, North-East, Upper West, Upper East, Savannah and the three regions bordering them as Oti, Bono and Bono East. The forum was attended by 40 participants who were selected from the New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress, National Democratic Party, Liberal Party of Ghana, Persons with Disabilities and students. It seeks to improve their knowledge and attitudes on the culture of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and nonviolence. Educating the people, the Oti Deputy Regional Director of NCCE Setriakor Gagakuma said violent extremism could come about when the people, especially the youth, allowed themselves to be swayed through various subtle influences. With such subtle influences, Mr Gagakuma said could be easily enhanced by such triggers like marginalisation and poverty. By marginalisation, he said, people who felt they were excluded in society could look for comfort wherever they could find it and poverty, he said, lured people into dangerous associations. Such people, he said, are the targets of the violent extremist groups that are on the lookout to recruit more people into their fold. He, therefore, called for vigilance to detect people who are likely to fall victim and those suspicious characters who are in their midst to cause trouble. He asked the people to be alert and report such people to the security agencies or traditional authorities for the necessary actions to be taken. Mr Gagakuma pointed out that since such extremists preferred crowded places to unleash their violence, he asked them to be extra vigilant in their churches, mosques, and markets. The Kadjebi District Director of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice ( CHRAJ), Eric Arthur Fynn, informed them that with the 2024 elections around the corner, the youth must be wary of people and politicians who might come doling cash freely. Mr Arthur Fynn asked them to resist such gifts since they do not know where the money came from. He advised the people that the more they refused such gifts, the politicians would be compelled to use the money to develop their communities, towns and cities since that would rather encourage the voters to vote for them. He further advised the people to resist politicians who came to lure them into violent confrontation. Ghana, Mr Arthur Fynn, said was the only country we have and we cannot be happily accepted when we go to any other country when we put our country into flames. HarmonyOS Next is a new operating system by Huawei, and for the first time ever it is built on an in-house kernel, completely independent from AOSP. The first devices that ship with the OS are the recently launched Mate 70 family, Mate X6 foldable, and the new MatePad Pro tablet. Richard Yu, company CEO, revealed that this is only the beginning all Huawei devices the company will launch in 2025 will be powered by HarmonyOS Next. However, he omitted one major detail the change applies only to phones and tablets launched in China, as the company struggles to roll out the OS overseas. Richard Yu South China Morning Post spoke with several analysts, and they all agree that the main hurdle Huawei faces is the availability of apps. Rich Bishop, CEO of AppInChina, said that engaging international developers to build apps for the Chinese markets is hard because they would make little money. The executive also added that even if one frequently used app is unavailable, this would put the user off from buying a Next device. Another challenge that Next adopters will face is the inability to use apps abroad. Richard Yu, who is Chairman of the Consumer Business Group, revealed during the event on Tuesday that users can pick whether their phone comes with HarmonyOS 4.3 or HarmonyOS Next. We checked Huawei stores, and customers really do have a choice the phones are sold with different SKU numbers (stock-keeping unit, the number used for tracking inventory of different products). The report by SCMP reveals that HarmonyOS held a 17% market share in China, ahead of iOS with 16%. However, Android remains a clear leader with 68%, which is two-thirds of the biggest smartphone market in the world. Globally, the picture is even darker Huawei's OS has a mere 4% share, while Android has 80% and iOS is second with 16%. Huawei flagship store in Shenzhen, China The lack of Google Mobile Services definitely hurt Huawei, which was once aiming to be the best-selling smartphone maker in the world and now doesn't even make the Top 5. However, the company still tries to stay in the user's field of vision one testament is the launch of the Pura 70 series in April. Clearly, we will have to wait a bit more to see globally available HarmonyOS Next devices. SCMP pointed out that Huawei already has international partners, including the ride-hailing platform Grab, which is from Singapore, and Emirates the Dubai state-owned airline. They both have apps, and Huawei hopes others will follow suit soon. Source As people celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Public Health and Social Services wants to share some tips to prepare one's holiday turkey safely. Thanksgiving foods such as turkey may contain germs, such as Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter, which can make people sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Thus, special care must be taken to ensure safe food handling practices. Public Health urges everyone to make Thanksgiving memorable for all the right reasons. The following tips can also be applied when preparing other raw meats and foods any day of the year. Clean and separate Keep everything clean and prevent cross-contamination. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after handling any food. Washing turkey, or other raw meats and poultry, can spread germs to other food; so, it is not recommended, but if you decide to wash raw turkey, immediately clean and thoroughly sanitize the sink and surrounding area. Keep raw eggs, turkey, and their juices away from foods that won't be cooked. Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing raw turkey and before you prepare the next item. Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked (such as raw turkey) and another one for foods that will not be cooked (such as fruits and vegetables). Thaw turkey the safe way Never thaw your turkey, or other meats, by leaving it out on the counter. Use one of the following methods instead: Refrigerator thawing: Keep the turkey in its original wrapping, place it in a container to catch any juices, and allow about 24 hours of thawing for every 4 to 5 pounds. It can remain in the refrigerator for one to two days after thawing (be sure it is at the bottom of the refrigerator to ensure the juices dont leak onto other items, and to help in preventing cross contamination). Cold water thawing: Use a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent juice leakage and water absorption. Submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes of thawing per pound. Cook immediately after thawing. Microwave thawing: Follow the manufacturers instructions and cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Use care with stuffing For a delicious and safe Thanksgiving feast, make sure your stuffing reaches a minimum temperature of 165F. Cook stuffing in a casserole dish instead of inside your turkey to ensure that it is thoroughly cooked. Ready to roast the perfect turkey? Preheat your oven to at least 325F and place your fully thawed turkey in a roasting pan that is 2 to 2.5 inches deep. Cooking times will vary based on the turkeys weight and whether it's stuffed. You may refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-farm-table#20 for approximate cooking times. To ensure safety, use a food thermometer to check that your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Insert the thermometer in three key spots: the thickest part of the breast, where the body and thigh meet, and where the body and wing connect. Even if your turkey has a pop-up timer, a thermometer is your best bet for a perfectly cooked bird. Take care of leftovers Refrigerate leftovers at 40F or colder within two hours of cooking. If you are refrigerating a big cut of meat, such as a turkey or roast, cut it into smaller pieces so they cool quickly. Eat cooked turkey and dishes made with it, such as soup or a casserole, within three to four days. Freeze leftovers to store them for longer. Reheat all leftovers to at least 165F before serving or eating. For more information, follow the DEH on Facebook at GuamDEH and/or on Instagram at guam_deh. You may also contact the DEHs Food Safety Program at (671) 300-9579 or visit their website at www.dphss.guam.gov. The nominee for the Guam Fire Department chief position, Daren D. Burrier, told senators on Wednesday that GFDs critical ambulance shortage last month of just four operable units has since been addressed. During his confirmation hearing at the Legislature, Burrier told members of the committee that has oversight of GFD that a total of six ambulances are now back in service. Thats still short of the minimum eight needed to fulfill medical response criteria, but still better than the only four working last month. Burrier also said a bid announcement will go out on Monday for the acquisition of four new ambulances. The lack of ambulances had prompted the introduction of Bill 362-37, seeking to provide special crisis procurement authority to GFD. Senators passed it during an Oct. 23 emergency session but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero later vetoed it, saying it lacked provisions ensuring accountability for procurements, and would not assist with the purchase of new ambulances due to its limited contract duration. Sen. Joanne Brown, a co-sponsor of Bill 326-37 with Sens. Frank Blas Jr. and Jesse Lujan, reminded Burrier that he had testified against the emergency procurement measure during the session. But Brown said when the Legislature convenes for what is expected to be the final session of the term next week, were probably going to move to override (the governors veto) and give it to you anyway because you may not realize it but these concerns came from your own people. Burrier said lawmakers may have misunderstood what he said. Im not satisfied with anything except eight ambulances, anything but eight would be unacceptable, he said. Burrier said at the time it wasnt going to get me through the process of getting the ambulances repaired that Im having repaired now. He said GFD has agreements with other local ambulance service providers to be able to achieve what we need to get those people who need it the most to the hospital. Separately, Speaker Therese Terlaje said GFDs firefighter recruitment list is typically very long and asked if Burrier believed the selection process was fair. Burrier said GFD had worked with the Department of Administration on recruitment. We improved it by adjusting our physical agility test and changed it to a fire recruit aptitude test, he said, adding that it also requires recruits to score at least 85% on written exams. Burrier said GFD currently has 230 personnel out of a required 314 that would help to minimize overtime and stress. GFD currently has a cycle of 33 recruits that is expected to graduate in March 2025, but Burrier said they hope to start a new cycle soon after to further bolster the ranks that will be depleted due to anticipated retirements. In his opening statement, Burrier said he came to Guam in 1985 with the U.S. Air Force, but extended his stay and later joined GFD in 1989. During his more than 36 years with GFD, one of the highlights of Burriers career was to help establish the first advanced life support unit. It was a challenging task that took years to complete, Burrier said. Burrier was the first permanent Fire Chief nominee since Daniel Stone was appointed by Leon Guerrero during her first term in 2019. Stone resigned in January 2023 after four years in the position and was replaced by acting Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas, who served for some 18 months until Burrier took over as acting chief earlier this year. Public Health Director Theresa Arriola said none of the nine investigated restaurants on Guam that served food to Japanese tourists who reportedly showed symptoms of food poisoning when they came back to Japan early this month needed to be temporarily closed. The nine restaurants were based on a narrative survey that the Department of Public Health and Social Services, through its Division of Environmental Health, got from Holiday Tours Micronesia, the tour agency that handled the group of tourists. The good news is all nine facilities did not warrant any means of closure, Arriola told the Pacific Daily News. That means the people of the nine establishments are still passing sanitation standards, and we didnt have to close them. While the investigation is still ongoing, the Public Health director reassured the public that based on findings so far, Guams restaurants remain safe. I dont have the list with me, but for the people of Guam, our restaurants are safe, Arriola said. After we left the establishments and conducted re-inspections, we know that theyre good to open for consumption, for the people of Guam. These are the nine restaurants that Public Health investigated, along with the dates they were inspected: The Magellan, Tumon: Nov. 12 TGI Fridays Guam, Tumon: Nov. 13 IHOP Tumon-Main Kitchen, Tumon: Nov. 13 Meskla Dos, Upper Tumon: Nov. 14 Sbarro #2, Dededo: Nov. 15 Taco Bell-Micronesia Mall, Dededo: Nov. 15 The Beach, Tumon: Nov. 18 Chamorro Island Bar B Q, Hagatna: Nov. 18 Meskla Dos (Lower Tumon), Tumon: Nov. 21 Arriola added that if food poisoning had occurred at local restaurants, there would likely be a rise in reports of illness from local residents. People are eating there, and we have not heard of a cluster of illnesses, Arriola said. Outside of the students illness, if an establishment was the cause, then we should be seeing or hearing of local people getting sick. This comes weeks after then acting Gov. Josh Tenorio tasked Public Health and the Guam Visitors Bureau to investigate the suspected food poisoning of 34 Japanese tourists. Japanese media outlets reported that 34 passengers, including high school students and their teachers, fell ill with suspected food poisoning symptoms after two flights from Guam arrived in Japan. Sixteen of the passengers were on Japan Airlines Flight 942, and 18 were on United Airlines Flight 873. Japanese officials suspected the illness was contracted while the group was on Guam, as passengers on both flights, traveling separately, reported similar symptoms. Arriola noted that the illness experienced by the Japanese tourists during their visit to Guam remains undetermined due to the lack of laboratory results from their doctor visits in Japan. Despite multiple requests, Public Health has not yet received the necessary lab results to identify the cause of the illness, she said. Its really up to the students, and in this case, their parents, because theyre minors, to give us their laboratory results from their doctor visits in Japan, Arriola said. Until we get that, theres no conclusion of what actually made the kids sick. Speculation continues about the cause of the illness, but there is no conclusive evidence linking it to any specific food or establishments. Theres no conclusion that everybody ate at the same place or the same dish, Arriola added. Nobody will be sure until we get more data. Interview: Zimbabwe to harness China's manufacturing prowess to develop value chains Xinhua) 10:20, November 28, 2024 HARARE, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe seeks to leverage China's manufacturing expertise to develop value chains rooted in the southern African country's vast mineral wealth, a senior official from Zimbabwe's ruling party has said. Christopher Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party Politburo member and the party's secretary for information and publicity, told Xinhua in a recent interview that China has played a pivotal role in bolstering Zimbabwe's industrial ambitions. He noted that Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector has gained significant momentum following a major investment in the iron and steel industry by China's Tsingshan Holding Group, a company specialized in nickel and stainless steel production. Through its local subsidiary, Dinson Iron and Steel Company, Tsingshan began pig iron production in June at the plant in Manhize, located in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. This milestone marks a critical step in reviving the African nation's once-thriving steel industry. With abundant iron ore, rich chrome deposits, and high-grade coking coal, Zimbabwe is now positioned to become one of the region's leading producers and exporters of steel products, Mutsvangwa said. "The future of the steel industry is one of the very brightest in the world, and we see China's experience, China's prowess in steel production coming to Zimbabwe." By leveraging Chinese investments, Zimbabwe aims to shift from exporting unprocessed or semi-processed minerals to producing steel and value-added products for the global market, said Mutsvangwa, who emphasized Zimbabwe's potential role in the global green transition, driven by Zimbabwe's lithium reserves and China's advancements in manufacturing new energy vehicles. "This is a very, very big opportunity, and we expect big Chinese companies to bring their latest technology in battery making, in electric vehicle making, in steel fabrication, to come to Zimbabwe and the region so that the region can help the world, save the world by supplying carbon-free mobility to the global populace," he said. Mutsvangwa underscored the ripple effects of mining sector investments, which he said would bolster other industries, including transportation. "The scope is wide, we just want more Chinese investment, and the disadvantage, of course, was that we are a little bit far from the sea. But now, with the investment in mining, a lot of infrastructure is going to be built to satisfy the mining industry," he said. Chinese equipment has already transformed Zimbabwe's gold mining sector, creating a model that Mutsvangwa believes can be replicated in other industries, saying that the success Zimbabwe has seen in gold mining, powered by Chinese machinery, drives prosperity for young miners. This success can be extended to other sectors. He said Zimbabwe is also exploring the supply of irrigation equipment from China to enhance the African country's agricultural sector. "China is a world leader now in drip irrigation and water saving. So, there is a lot of scope for Chinese agricultural equipment to find its way into the Zimbabwe market. Chinese mining equipment has changed the gold industry of Zimbabwe. So, we can do the same now with agriculture," added Mutsvangwa. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A Delta Air Lines flight attendant has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after being accused of slashing a coworker and a security guard in a violent, drunken rampage, authorities said. According to witnesses, 36-year-old Joshua Smith was walking back to his New Orleans hotel in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 25, alongside a group of coworkers, when he began acting strange. They work for Delta Air Lines and were spending the night in the Big Easy for a layover. When the group reached their destination on Poydras Street, near the French Quarter, Smith reportedly began bickering with the female victim. The victim escorted the suspect to his room at which time an argument ensued and the suspect cut the victim twice on the arm and once to the neck, police records state. According to authorities, the victim was able to escape the assailants room and flee to another floor for help, but Smith followed her. Police say that when a security guard tried to intervene, the suspect cut him on the thumb. Both victims are in stable condition, and as of Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27, Smith is still locked up in an Orleans Parish jail. The suspects defense lawyer, Thomas Calogero, told NBC News that he doubts his client will be returning to the skies as a flight attendant any time soon. I dont think so. I mean, Im sure hes going to lose his job at Delta, Calogero said. I expect him to. The lawyer also told NBC that the bloody incident occurred after a night of heavy partying, and that Smith blacked out. He has no memory of the incident at all, nothing. The airlines has not yet released a public statement. Haiti - Politic : The Minister of Defense at the FAdH General Headquarters On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Jean-Michel Moise, the new Minister of Defense, visited the Grand Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H). The purpose of this visit was to inquire about the functioning of the institution and the working conditions of the soldiers assigned there. During this visit, Minister Moise met with members of the FAd'H High Staff, including the Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant-General Derby Guerrier. The discussions focused on the problems facing the military as well as the efforts to be made to strengthen the capacities of the FAd'H. After a guided tour of the Grand Headquarters, the Minister addressed the soldiers, thanking them for their patriotism and the crucial role they play in the fight against insecurity in the country. Furthermore, the Minister of Defense reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the capacities of the Haitian Armed Forces and improving the well-being of "soldiers who serve the Nation with exemplary dedication and courage." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Displaced persons : At the initiative of the PM, 335,622 hot meals are being distributed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime launched an initiative to assist more than 23,000 displaced persons in 4 strategic sites in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince : Ecole Nationale Republique de Colombie (Road of Bourdon); Local OPC (Road of Bourdon); Field ACRA (Delmas 30); Permises KID (Road of Bourdon). This operation is being carried out by the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) over a period of 14 days with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). To this end, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been selected as the service provider for the provision of catering services. This distribution, which began on November 23, will continue until December 6, 2024 (14 days). That is a hot meal daily for 23,973 displaced people for a total of 335,622 hot meals over the period. The General Directorate of FAES expresses its deep gratitude to the IDB for its responsiveness to this emergency situation. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Food insecurity intensifies in Haiti In its latest update of the Haiti Food Security Outlook, the International Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) forecasts that Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) conditions will persist and intensify in Haiti, November 2024 Key points from the bulletin : "- The resurgence of violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area (ZMPP) and in Artibonite continues to displace part of the population and disrupt income-generating activities and market supplies. Poor urban households, who rely on markets for their food source, face challenges in accessing food due to increased insecurity, higher prices of basic foodstuffs compared to the five-year average, and declining incomes, particularly petty trade, casual labor, and other income-generating activities in urban areas of Port-au-Prince, which are affected by restricted movement due to gang violence. Widespread acute food insecurity in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) persists, and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) is maintained in Cite Soleil. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) hosted in ZMPP sites, as well as pockets of households in Port-au-Prince, Croix-des-Bouquets, GrandAnse, and Nord-Ouest are also in Emergency (IPC Phase 4). - The ZMPP remains the area of greatest concern, where gang attacks have increased since October 2024, particularly in the communes of Port-au-Prince, Tabarre and Bas Delmas, where 40,965 people after the attacks of November 11 (Source : International Organization for Migration - IOM) were displacedhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43721-haiti-flash-more-than-41-000-people-displaced-in-10-days-in-port-au-prince.html . The number of security incidents increased by 107% during the first two weeks of November compared to the same period in October, due to gang attacks that are expanding their areas of control in the neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince and in other regions outside the capital (Source : Data on locations and events of armed conflicts - ACLED). In addition, attacks are also observed in Archaie and Artibonite, which have led to an increase in the displacement of populations abandoning their lands and increasingly reducing the cultivated areas in this agricultural basin of the country. The deterioration of insecurity in the ZMPP, in Artibonite and on the main roads linking the capital with the departments, has limited the movement of people and goods, hindering the supply of markets in the capital and other departments. In addition, the persistence of political instability, illustrated by the replacement of the Prime Minister on November 11, 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43616-haiti-politic-speech-of-the-new-prime-minister-videos.html , would have benefited the gangs to increase their acts of violence, reinforced by the announcements of the gangs of 'Viv Ansanm' to resume the attacks and of the leader of the gang of Canaan to call on the populations of the departments of the North, the Central Plateau, the Artibonite and the West not to travel to Port-au-Prince, because they were going to block the access roads (Source: Partnership Liaison Security Operation - PLSO). - International transport was also complicated. Worsening insecurity in the capital triggered the temporary closure of the capital's international airport after attacks on commercial aircraft https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43623-icihaiti-insecurity-the-ministry-of-justice-condemns-the-shootings-on-planes.html . UNHAS humanitarian flights were also temporarily suspended for a week, but have resumed. For maritime transport, the Port-au-Prince APN port remains open, but access roads are not secure, limiting its operation. However, despite these disruptions resulting from growing insecurity, food prices remain stable, but still above the five-year average. In addition, since July 2024, the exchange rate has also shown stability, at around 131 Gourdes for one US dollar (Source : Bank of the Republic of Haiti - BRH). - Insecurity continues to hamper and limit humanitarian access, affecting food assistance distribution activities. However, food assistance distribution continues in the ZMPP and other departments of the country, including to people deported from the Dominican Republic, at low levels. WFP plans to distribute hot meals to 135,000 displaced people before the end of November. In a single day, 17 November 2024, WFP has distributed hot meals to more than 38,000 internally displaced people in 26 sites in Port-au-Prince and Arcahaie. The beneficiaries of this food aid are able to reduce consumption gaps, but its limited and irregular distribution is insufficient to mitigate the effects on the food security of the entire affected population." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Savane Boulee attacked by the "Gran Grif" gang: On Wednesday, November 27 in the morning, heavily armed men from Savien's "Gran Grif" gang carried out a deadly attack in Savane Boulee in the 4th communal section of Dessalines (Dept. Artibonite). At least 3 people were killed, including a young woman, 6 others were injured, houses were looted and burned, and dozens of cattle were stolen. La Paix Hospital : 90 people injured by gunshots in 15 days: The La Paix University Hospital in Delmas 33 treated 90 people injured by gunshots from November 11 to 26, 2024, reports Dr. Paul Junior Fontilus, Executive Director. Petion-ville requests the cancellation of religious activities Due to the increase in insecurity and in order to protect everyone's life in the face of current threats, Kesnel Normil, the Mayor of the commune of Petion-ville, in a letter sent to Reverend Father Frantzy Petit Homme, Priest of the Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, asks him to cancel all religious activities related to the novena and feast of the Holy Immaculate Conception which should take place at the Sainte Therese park from November 27 to December 7, 2024. Council of Ministers postponed On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the Council of Ministers was postponed to a date sine die without an official explanation. The appointment of some Directors General and the establishment of the control body of government action among others were on the agenda... 19 new sites for displaced persons With 19 new sites for displaced persons created in Port-au-Prince in just a few days, inadequate shelters leave minors and babies exposed to rain and cold. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with the support of the Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid of the European Union, the Humanitarian Assistance Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID-Haiti) and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is stepping up its efforts to improve living conditions and ensure their safety. Ambassador Gandy Thomas : Important Discussion On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Ambassador Gandy Thomas, Acting Representative of Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS), met with Ms. Alison August Trepel, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE). Discussions focused on strengthening the capacities of Haitian security forces, particularly the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH), the fight against cybercrime, border control and security, the fight against the financing of terrorism, the prevention of the proliferation of weapons and criminal groups, as well as training and technical assistance programs. HL/ HaitiLibre European police authorities have busted an international gang of streaming pirates whose IPTV platforms were visited by more than 22 million users. According to the police, the illegally copied video streams from well-known TV channels and major streaming services generated over 250 million euros per month. However, a large number of websites and servers have now been confiscated and several suspects arrested in Croatia. Anzeige This was reported by the Polizia Postale, the special department of the Italian police responsible for cybercrime. The operation, known as "Taken Down", was carried out in cooperation with Europol and Eurojust as well as other European countries and is the biggest strike against streaming pirates both in Italy and internationally. Television piracy is becoming an ever-increasing problem for the media. At the beginning of 2023, for example, it was reported that 5.9 million Germans were watching TV illegally. Pay TV and streaming services copied and distributed It is not clear from the Polizia Postale statement which platforms and websites have now been closed and which domains have been used for this purpose. Copied IPTV content, live broadcasts and streaming services from major broadcasters such as Sky, DAZN, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+ and Paramount were offered there. A total of 2,500 illegal channels and servers were confiscated, including nine servers in Romania and Hong Kong. "Over 270 Polizia Postale employees, in collaboration with foreign police forces, carried out 89 searches in fifteen Italian regions, including 14 searches in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Romania, Croatia and China, involving 102 people," the Italian authority writes about the two-year investigation. Arrests and crypto seizures in Croatia International cooperation has also led to the Croatian police being able to take eleven people into custody. "In addition, three higher-level administrators of the investigated IT structure and 80 streaming flow control panels for the various channels (IPTV) available to the suspects throughout the national territory were located in England and Holland," it continues. Anzeige In addition to the servers, cryptocurrencies worth over 1.65 million euros and 40,000 euros in cash were seized. According to Polizia Postale, even the monthly income of these streaming pirates of more than 250 million euros is only a small part of the overall damage caused by TV piracy. This is because pay-TV providers complain of losses of 10 billion euros due to illegal streaming. The arrested suspects are accused of illegal streaming of audiovisual content via IPTV, unauthorized system access, computer fraud and money laundering. Just under a month ago, the Stuttgart Regional Court sentenced pay-TV pirates to long prison terms. The four operators of a large IPTV piracy platform were convicted of serious copyright infringement and gang fraud. (fds) The Schleswig-Holstein government is continuing to work on implementing its claim to "take a holistic view of digital sovereignty" and switch to free software throughout the administration. To this end, it published a strategy for "open innovation and open source" on Monday. The black-green coalition gave the go-ahead in April by switching to LibreOffice as the standard solution for office software for around 25,000 IT workstations. The new strategy now describes the further measures towards the envisaged "digitally sovereign IT workplace". This includes switching to the +1.Linux operating system on the computers. This is a distribution that is "suitable and professionally supported for use by the authorities" with a modern, easily customizable user interface. Anzeige Other measures described by the government in the paper include the switch to the open standard ODF (Open Document Format), an open collaboration platform based on Nextcloud and the groupware Open Xchange with email, calendar and address book. The plan also includes "digitally sovereign basic services, specialist procedures" and a matching telephony system called Oskar (open source communication architecture). "As smooth as possible" Microsoft Windows, Office, Teams & Co. should then be a thing of the past. "The prerequisite for the widespread use of open source products is that the familiar functionalities work reliably with at least the same quality," emphasizes Digital Minister Dirk Schrodter (CDU). "We will make the transition as smooth as possible for employees and support the well-planned migration process with training." "Without smoothly functioning digital systems, public administration would not be able to work today," says Schrodter, promoting the migration. Authorities need "reliable IT components whose acquisition guarantees freedom of choice, customization options, competition and control over their own digital infrastructure". Ensuring digital sovereignty is "at least as important as energy sovereignty". It is also important to avoid strong dependencies on proprietary providers. "Fundamental change in working culture" The state government is also hoping for improved IT security, lower costs, more data protection and simpler interaction between different systems. The previous black-green-yellow government had set itself the goal of "completely replacing" Microsoft & Co. in 2017. The black-green government backed off somewhat in 2022, but stuck to the plan in principle. The conditions for a changeover could hardly be better now, says Schrodter: "The clear trend towards collaborative, location-independent working in the cloud offers a unique opportunity to embark on the path to digital sovereignty at a time when a fundamental change in working culture is imminent anyway." Anzeige Schleswig-Holstein sees the promotion of the regional digital economy as a modern form of industrial policy. "Instead of investing our IT funding in license fees, we use it to finance development and support contracts," explains Schrodter. This strengthens Schleswig-Holstein as a business location overall. Other fields of action include the establishment of an Open Source Program Office (OSPO) in the state administration, strengthening the DigitalHub.SH, which is intended to connect public offices and companies, as well as a stronger focus on more participation via open government with independently verifiable hardware and software. The state also wants to participate in the German Administration Cloud in order to join the Center for Digital Sovereignty (Zendis). The federal government is also promoting its own open-source office suite, openDesk. (nie) In a cyber attack, criminals from South East Asia have succeeded in stealing the equivalent of around 16 million euros from Uganda's central bank. This was reported by the Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor, but according to other media reports, "Benki Kuu ya Uganda" has already managed to recover more than half of the loot. According to the Daily Monitor, the gang, which calls itself "Waste", infiltrated the bank's IT infrastructure and transferred 62.4 billion Ugandan shillings from an account. It is not known whether the money was the actual target or whether the unknown criminals simply stole what they found. Anzeige Indications of help from insiders According to the report, the theft took place two weeks ago, after which even President Yoweri Museveni dealt with the case. The police were initially tasked with the investigation, but the Central African country's secret services later took over. The central bank itself tried to keep the matter under wraps as much as possible. There was concern that the theft could draw attention to the fact that the central bank has not had a single head responsible for this for almost three years. In addition, anonymous sources had spoken of indications that the cyber criminals had received help from insiders. There are no further details about the thieves' actions so far; according to the Daily Monitor, an external company has been commissioned to carry out an investigation. The news agency Reuters also explains that banks and other financial institutions in Uganda are repeatedly the victims of similar cyber attacks. However, the police say that some of the victims are reluctant to admit this publicly. The fear is that this would alienate customers. However, central banks of states are rarely victims. Eight and a half years ago, tens of millions of US dollars were stolen from Bangladesh's central bank, and it was only by chance that the thieves did not manage to steal almost a billion. (mho) Chinese online giants have rapidly expanded their footprint in the EU. Simultaneously many of them are neglecting their important, statutory obligations, Tiina Vermaete , a senior officer at the Pirkanmaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre), stated on Monday. THE SOARING POPULARITY of Chinese online retail giants has sparked concerns among authorities and lawmakers in Finland. Data from Finnish Customs reveal that the number of shipments from online retailers based outside the 27-country bloc have grown sixfold from the previous year, from roughly four million in 2023 to 25 million between January and November in 2024. Chinese e-commerce giants have dominated the space especially in low-cost items, accounting for 87 per cent of shipments with a value of less than 150 euros. The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre highlighted that orders from Chinese retailers also generate concerns about the safety and sustainability of the items, as well as about the possibility that waste disposal charges are neglected. Producer responsibility is a statutory obligation imposed on companies regardless of domicile to ensure, for example, the proper disposal of products, the ability of consumers to recycle products for free, and the ability to recover the raw materials at the end of the product life cycle. The responsibility has been neglected by the majority of overseas online retailers. Vermaete reminded that non-compliant companies are effectively passing their obligations to others and making others foot the bill for waste disposal once their items have reached the end of their life cycle. Monitoring overseas online retailers is very challenging, and we are duly co-operating closely with authorities in other EU countries in search of means to make producers accountable, she emphasised in the press release. It is equally important, however, that we all make responsible choices as consumers. Temu, a Chinese low-cost, ultra-fast retailer, has emerged as the most popular online store in rural parts of Finland, revealed a survey published earlier in November by Postnord. The Nordic postal service provider revealed that about a third of rural residents have placed an order with the online retailer in the past three months. Based on the survey, Temu seems to have become the corner shop for rural regions, Linda Nyberg, the director of sales at Postnord Finland, summarised in a press release on 19 November. Out of all adult respondents, a quarter stated that they have placed an order with Temu, which offers everything from cosmetics to clothing and furniture to technology gadgets sourced directly in China. Conducted between September and October 2024, the survey drew responses from 1,000 1879-year-olds in Finland. Temu emerged as the most popular online store among over 50-year-olds in the country also in the previous iteration of the survey, published in May 2024. The retailer has only cemented its leading position among the age group, according to the more recent survey. The EU in October initiated formal proceedings against the online retailer under the digital services act, citing widespread concerns about counterfeit products, aggressive sales tactics and addictive design with game-like rewards. Antti Kaikkonen, the chairperson of the Centre, floated the idea of imposing higher taxes on ultra-fast fashion and ultra-cheap goods in making the case for a new approach to tax policy to address irresponsible consumption in Oulu on Saturday. We need measures that limit the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment and our national economy. Otherwise the world will drown in ultra-fast fashion and other junk. Correspondingly we should cut the value-added tax on reusable commodities, such as repair services and second-hand products, he was quoted saying by Helsingin Sanomat. In Espoo, the newspaper has also reported, two councillors have expressed their concern about the high number of low-cost, ultra-fast items found in kindergartens across the city. The Green Leagues Saara Hyrkko and Peppi Seppala on 20 November announced they have submitted a written question to the city council to initiate debate about ways to curb the proliferation of such items in kindergartens, referring specifically to Temu and Shein, a Chinese ultra-fast fashion online retailer that has come under fire for violating copyrights, trampling on employee rights and placing a massive burden on the environment. Seppala reminded in a press release that products from the retailers have been found to contain excessive amounts of toxins. Because EU regulation does not extend to these items, we have no information about their safety, she said. Business of Fashion in August reported that Sheins emissions rose last year at nearly double the rate of its revenue, making it the highest emitting company in the fashion industry. Aleksi Teivainen HT The Finnish Chamber of Commerce has called for the removal of labour market tests and income thresholds for spouses of foreign workers in Finland. This would align the rights of work permit holders spouses with those of individuals arriving through family reunification. A separate study by the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (Etla) revealed shortcomings in Finlands ability to retain foreign talent. It identified family integration as the most effective factor in encouraging long-term settlement. The report also stressed the importance of societal attitudes and workplace receptiveness in retaining skilled workers. Suvi Pulkkinen, Senior Adviser at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, noted that current policies disproportionately burden foreign workers with families. The income thresholds for family reunification are already too high. On top of this, spouses of foreign workers face delays due to labour market tests and income thresholds that do not apply to those arriving through family reunification, she said. Additionally, the bureaucracy involved in the process can take months to navigate. Currently, bringing a spouse and two children to Finland requires a monthly gross income of approximately 3,900, a threshold recently raised by the Finnish Immigration Service. Pulkkinen explained that these requirements are unrealistic for most families. Few can meet the required income levels, including many Finnish citizens. As a result, workers arriving on permits often have to leave their spouses and children behind due to bureaucratic barriers. The Chamber of Commerce has proposed that total family income, rather than individual earnings, be considered for work permit income thresholds. It also suggested eliminating labour market tests for spouses, providing them with the same employment opportunities as those who enter Finland through family reunification. Finland faces a chronic labour shortage and persistently low birth rates, making immediate solutions essential, Pulkkinen said. She also emphasised the need to consider regional cost-of-living differences. Living expenses vary greatly between locations like Helsinki and smaller municipalities such as Siikalatva, and this should be reflected in policy decisions. While the Finnish Immigration Service has successfully reduced processing times for work permits in recent years, Pulkkinen argued that attention must now turn to residence permits for family members. A faster, more efficient process would send a strong message to skilled workers that they are welcome in Finland not just as employees but as family members and individuals, she said. The Chamber of Commerces recommendations aim to create a more inclusive and competitive environment for foreign workers and their families, helping address Finlands labour shortages while improving its appeal as a destination for global talent. HT County's newest park pays tribute to 'Chief Bell' SALUDA A new Henderson County park has opened in Saluda, offering 1.8 miles of walking trails and an observation deck beside a rushing waterfall. View the Slideshow Related Stories The park is named Bell Park in honor of local summer camp pioneers Frank and Calla Bell, who headed Camp Mondamin and Camp Green Cove. Bell Park continues their legacy by providing opportunities for people to connect with nature. Bell Park forms a key link in an expansive corridor of natural habitat. The 69-acre park extends from the High Bridge near Lake Summit, following the banks of the Green River, until it reaches the 14,000-acre Green River Game Lands. Conserving Carolina acquired the land in 2015 and then worked with Henderson County to make it a public park. At a time when many trails are closed after Helene, were glad to announce that there are now new trails to explore in Bell Park, says Conserving Carolinas Kieran Roe. This is a part of the county where there arent as many places to get out in the woods, so we see Bell Park as a valuable addition to our local parks and trail systems. Its a place where people can go for a run, walk their dogs, or enjoy some peaceful time sitting by a waterfall. We are excited to partner with Conserving Carolina and add the Bell Park Trail to our list of great hiking trails in Henderson County," county Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Gilliam said. "The Bell family has played an important role in our community, and we are honored to open this new park here in Saluda. A lot of hard work has gone into the design and build of this beautiful parkland for our community to enjoy for many years to come. Bell Park is located in Saluda on Spartanburg Highway (U.S. 176) just south of the bridge over the Green River Gorge. There is a small parking area on the north side of the road. From the parking area, a short walk and several flights of stairs lead to an observation deck with a bench next to the waterfall. The park also offers 1.8 miles of rolling, forested trails that are open to walking, hiking and running. Conserving Carolina acquired the land as a generous bargain sale from Yorke and Barbara Pharr, who asked that the park be named in honor of Frank and Calla Bell. Frank Chief Bell Sr. founded Camp Mondamin, a boys camp, one of the first summer camps in Western North Carolina, more than 100 years ago, in 1922. He went on to found Camp Green Cove for girls in 1945. His wife, Calla Bell, became the director of Camp Green Cove starting in 1952. Both camps remain in the Bell family and are located near Bell Park on the shores of Lake Summit. Frank Bell is also known for a legendary canoe trip in 1923 when he led a group of young people on a paddling trip from Henderson County all the way to the Mississippi River. Along the way, he made the first known run of a Class IV rapid near Hot Springs, now known as Frank Bells Rapid. He was passionate about his lifelong calling of connecting children and teens with the outdoors. The wilderness can be a magnificent playground and a great university, he said. Bell Park is located near numerous local landmarks, which showcase local history, marvels of engineering, and spectacular natural features. Signage celebrates the park as a Gateway to Henderson County and offers information on Cherokee history, the Kingdom of the Happy Land, the Saluda Grade, the High Bridge, Lake Summit dam, the historic cypress flume and the Green River. Funding to purchase the land for Bell Park came from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Local donors made it possible to develop the trails and parking area, with major contributions coming from the Henderson County Community Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Henderson County Tourism and Development Authority, Northbrook Tuxedo LLC, James G. K. McClure Educational and Development Fund, Robert and Julie Medefindt and the Perry N. Rudnick Endowment. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible to open this new Henderson County park," Roe said. "Their generosity allowed us to expand a protected natural corridor along the Green River Gorge and work with the county to create an inviting space to get outdoors. Conserving Carolina is a local land trust that has helped protect almost 49,000 acres, including farmland, forests, rivers, wetlands, parks, and trails. Its mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world. To learn more visit conservingcarolina.org. China follows people-centered approach, turns visions into reality 10:41, November 28, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily "China's story is proof that developing countries can eliminate poverty, and that a weaker bird can start early and fly high, when there is the endurance, perseverance, and striving spirit that enables water drops to penetrate rocks over time and turns blueprints into reality." The remarks were made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in a speech at Session I of the 19th G20 Summit under the title "Building a Just World of Common Development" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during which he profoundly explained what China's battle against poverty says to the world, triggering strong responses from the international community. Photo taken on Oct. 14, 2023 shows a pocket park in Zhengding county, Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei province. (People's Daily Online/Wu Zhiwei) China's experience in poverty alleviation has garnered worldwide attention as the country has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, and met the poverty reduction target of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule. China's experience is worth learning from because its story has proved that developing countries can eliminate poverty as well. In today's world, around 733 million people are facing hunger, and the population suffering from high levels of acute food insecurity has increased for five consecutive years. Many countries are eager to learn from China's poverty alleviation experience to achieve development and revitalization. "Bringing benefit to the people is the fundamental principle of governance." The ancient Chinese saying that Xi quoted on many occasions exactly mirrors the unbreakable commitment of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to bring the people a happy life. Everything China does, it always places the people front and center, and it solemnly declares that "not a single poor region or person should be left behind." That's why the country has been successful in the fight against poverty and has set an example for global poverty reduction. The CPC has always put people first and is always committed to seeking happiness for people. In Liangjiahe village, northwest China's Shaanxi province, Xi, as the village Party secretary, guided by the belief of "bringing tangible benefits to the people," led the villagers in digging wells, building terraces and sediment storage dams, and setting up the province's first methane-generating pit. In Zhengding county, north China's Hebei province, he visited over 200 villages riding a bicycle, to explore the path of rural reform and poverty alleviation. In Ningde, southeast China's Fujian province, he left his footprints on almost every county and township, seeking ways to "allow a weaker bird to start early and fly high." Starting from a Party secretary in Liangjiahe village, Xi worked his way up through almost every level of the Party's hierarchy. He has always been deeply aware of people's expectations, keeping the people in mind and constantly thinking about the people. He has made poverty alleviation an important part of his work and a great cause he is determined to accomplish. Photo taken on Nov. 22, 2024 shows an offshore marine ranch in the waters of Qixing village, Jiaocheng district, Ningde, southeast China's Fujian province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Wangwang) President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, after a visit to Liangjiahe village, said that Xi is deeply rooted in the people, always standing with the people and serving the people. Only a ruling party that always prioritizes people's interests can provide strong political and organizational support for poverty alleviation efforts. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi has presided over seven seminars on poverty elimination, made over 50 fact-finding trips on poverty reduction, and visited every one of the 14 contiguous poor areas across the country. China's poverty alleviation achievement is the fruit of the strenuous, unified efforts of the Chinese government and people. In the fight against poverty, China has made targeted policies tailored to each village, each household and each person; facilitated growth by vigorously channeling talent, funds and technologies to underdeveloped regions; helped localities generate growth by fostering industries with distinctive features and upgrading infrastructure, all in light of their own conditions; and promoted common prosperity by pairing up well-off regions with less developed ones. It has succeeded in the most extensive and aggressive anti-poverty campaign in human history, creating a miracle in poverty reduction. From vowing that "a moderately prosperous society is to be enjoyed by each and every one of us," to promising that "on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind," China, while striving to improve the well-being of its own people, has also been committed to promoting the world's common development to ensure a better life for people in all countries. During his remarks at Session 1 of the 19th G20 Summit, Xi stressed: "A single flower does not make spring. China wants to see a hundred flowers in full blossom and will go hand in hand with fellow developing countries toward modernization." He also outlined China's eight actions for global development, including pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, implementing the Global Development Initiative, and supporting international cooperation on poverty reduction and food security. These actions have charted the course for global development and demonstrated a broad vision for common prosperity of all countries. Drawing on its rich practical experience, China provides strong support for the development of other developing countries. It is called "a positive force driving global development" by international observers. With a focus on the common well-being of all humanity, China will always be a doer and go-getter working for the cause of global development. It will continue to follow a people-centered approach and continuously enhance people's sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security. It is ready to take steps together with all parties to build a just world of common development, leave poverty in the past, and turn the vision into reality. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that Moscow launched 100 drones and 90 missiles at Ukraine over the past two days, "in response to strikes deep" within its own territory. During a security alliance meeting of former Soviet nations in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, Putin also threatened to target Kyiv with a new missile, following Ukrainian reports that Russian attacks had struck the country's power infrastructure. Putin highlighted Russia's recent deployment of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro during his address at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit. He announced that serial production of the nuclear-capable missile was underway and revealed that the Ministry of Defence was selecting new targets in Ukraine for future strikes. These targets, he warned, could include "decision-making centres" in Kyiv, a potential response to Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian territory carried out with Western-supplied weapons. Putin also said that Moscow will use "all means of destruction at Russia's disposal" to stop Ukraine from ever getting hold of nuclear weapons, according to Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti. "We will not allow this." Ukraine's Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, announced Thursday that the country's power infrastructure had suffered a "massive enemy attack," forcing the national power grid operator to impose emergency power cuts. The strikes come as Ukraine faces freezing temperatures, further exacerbating the challenges for civilians and critical services. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack a "despicable escalation", adding that Russia was using cluster munitions. "In several regions, strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, and they targeted civilian infrastructure," he said in a post on Telegram. "This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics." Cluster munitions have caused over 1,000 casualties in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, according to the Cluster Munition Coalition's (CMC) annual report released in September. IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karakoy, - marking the brand's debut in Turkiye. The converted property, owned by Cortex Turizm, will become the 16th IHG hotel in the city once it opens in the second half of 2025. Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karakoy represents a continuation of IHG's growth momentum across Turkiye, taking the total of opened and signed properties in Turkiye to 45 hotels. The latest signing also joins a growing portfolio of Vignette Collection properties around the world, which is set to reach 100 hotels in 10 years, bolstering IHG's luxury and lifestyle portfolio, one of the world's largest, with nearly 900 open and signed hotels globally. Vignette Collection is IHG's luxury conversion brand and allows owners to retain the independent identity and character of their hotels, whilst providing guests with a one-of-a-kind stay in destinations to remember. Staying true to the brand's ethos, Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karakoy will be underpinned by its own "A Means for Good" initiative, highlighting the hotel's partnerships with local non-profit organisations to spearhead positive contributions to the communities in which it operates. Situated in the historic Tutun Han building, the hotel will feature 51 unique, stylish guest rooms and an all-day artisan bakery and specialty food restaurant, as well as premium wellness facilities including a spa. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "It is great to see the momentum Vignette Collection, IHG's very first collection brand, is having across Europe since its launch in 2021. Today, across the region, we have more than 14 open and signed Vignette Collection properties all in some of the most sought-after destinations. This is a testament to the trust new and existing owners have in IHG, our brands and global enterprise - including our leading loyalty offer and powerful technology and revenue systems - to deliver for them. I'm incredibly proud of the growth we have seen across Turkiye in recent years, which is due to the dedication and drive from our in-market team, who have established strong relationships with our partners. We look forward to working alongside Cortex Turizm to bring the hotel to life and welcome guests to Turkiye's first Vignette Collection property in 2025." Cortex Team said: "It is incredibly exciting that our first property with IHG Hotels & Resorts also marks the debut of the Vignette Collection brand in Turkiye. We are confident IHG's trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer will make the hotel the leading choice for domestic and international travellers alike who are looking for a unique and immersive experience." IHG Hotels & Resorts has 32 hotels currently in operation across the Turkiye and an additional 13 in development spanning right across its brand portfolio. Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karakoy joins other notable signings from this year, including the first Garner hotel in the country which will be located close to the new International Istanbul Airport, and InterContinental Ankara which is set to open in 2025. *Numbers as of 30 September 2024 Hotel website Tokyo, Japan IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of the iconic The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa to its Vignette Collection brand the second property in Japan for IHGs newest luxury & lifestyle brand and first collection brand. This strategic partnership with The Windsor Hotels International Co., Ltd., signals IHGs entry into the renowned Lake Toya region of Hokkaido, the countrys second largest island a prime destination for domestic and international travellers. A traditional and prestigious landmark, the picturesque 386-key property owned by the Meiji Shipping Group will join as The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection in the coming months. IHGs Vignette Collection brand, known for its distinctive hotels that celebrate local culture and offer unique experiences, aligns perfectly with the propertys legacy and commitment to providing exceptional hospitality. Guests will enjoy its stunning location overlooking Lake Toya and range of world-class facilities, while appreciating its rich and storied history that dates back to 1993 and includes hosting the 34th G8 Summit. Abhijay Sandilya, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, and Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, said: We are delighted to welcome The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa to the IHG estate. This strengthens our presence in Hokkaido and further enhances the reputation of Vignette Collection, which features a set of proudly independent hotels with distinct outlooks and unique stories to tell that embody luxury in a different way. We are confident that the Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection will deliver an even stronger performance and attract new guests through IHGs powerful global enterprise systems, including our loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards. The transformation of The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa is part of IHG's ongoing strategy to expand our portfolio of Luxury & Lifestyle hotels in key markets around the world. The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection will be the fifth IHG hotel in Hokkaido after three ANA Crowne Plaza properties in Sapporo, Kushiro and Chitose, and one ANA Holiday Inn hotel in Susukino. Were also opening the first internationally branded luxury hotel in Sapporo, InterContinental Sapporo, in 2025. By partnering with highly respected owners, we continue to offer guests a diverse range of exceptional experiences in this wonderful country. The island of Hokkaido is an idyllic location renowned for its scenic beauty, hot springs and nature-focused activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Enjoying a unique mountaintop vantage point, The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection will be the only hotel to offer guests views of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Toya a volcanic caldera lake located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Featuring eight conference and meeting rooms, nine food and beverage outlets, three retail concessions, a wedding chapel, and health and recreation facilities comprising a gymnasium, salon and hot spring bath, the hotel will attract a diverse range of visitors, including leisure guests, business travellers, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups. IHG's global reach and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme will further enhance its appeal in domestic and international markets. There are 13 Vignette Collection hotels (2,452 rooms) open around the world and 34 properties in the brands pipeline. The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection, will be IHGs second Vignette Collection in Japan joining RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka which is already in IHGs system. Vignette Collection offers guests an inspiring new choice. A family of one-off hotels where visitors can indulge a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and considerate. They share a commitment to a succinct set of standards that discerning guests seek out and love. Weaving responsibility, community and locality together, the collection exists to make a positive impact in every way. Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has won the Tech Hero Award at CIODAY2024. The award is presented to companies that have built their business around a digital core, allowing them to continually adapt to industry changes and lead the way with innovations. Bernhard van Oranje, Chairman of the Jury and founder of Levi9, had this to say: "It feels surprising that a relatively new company like Mews can make such a big difference in such an established industry. To optimize operations so that users have a return on investment in just seven months is a huge achievement and one that deserves to be recognized." The ceremony took place at the NBC Nieuwegein in front of a crowd of technology leaders. Mews was praised for its innovative, user-friendly and scalable platform that empowers hoteliers to provide frictionless stays for their guests. Our growth journey over the last 12 years has been incredible, said Matt Welle, CEO of Mews. A decade ago, it was only a handful of us putting in the hard hours in a basement, and now we have over 1,200 incredibly talented people working from all over the world. Its an amazing feeling to see the whole company get this kind of recognition and its only going to inspire us to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries to transform hospitality. The selection process was partly based on the Digital Acceleration Index devised by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a digital capability assessment tool that compares digital performance with peers, the industry average and digital leaders. There were also interviews, pitches and discussions with the candidates and jury members. The award is not the first Mews has won this year. It was also named Best PMS at the HotelTechAwards 2024, Worlds Best Independent PMS at the World Travel Tech Awards 2024, Best Hotel Technology Company 2024 Europe at the LuxLife Awards, and the Top 250 Golden Scaler Award, to name a few. About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality, designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report, and won the Tech Hero 2024 Award at CIODAY. Mews has previously raised $335 million from investors including Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Notion to transform hospitality. www.mews.com Katie Halfhead Senior Communications Manager The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the inclusion of The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa into its Vignette Collection brand. This marks the second property in Japan under IHG's luxury and lifestyle brand. The move also signifies IHG's expansion into the Lake Toya region of Hokkaido, a popular destination for domestic and international travelers. The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa, owned by the Meiji Shipping Group, is a well-known landmark featuring 386 rooms. The hotel, which will be renamed "The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection," is known for its impressive location overlooking Lake Toya and its history dating back to 1993, including hosting the 34th G8 Summit. In addition to the unique location, guests can look forward to world-class facilities and a commitment to exceptional hospitality that aligns with IHG's Vignette Collection brand. The brand is recognized for its distinct hotels that offer unique experiences while celebrating local culture. Abhijay Sandilya, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen IHG's presence in Hokkaido and enhance the reputation of Vignette Collection. The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection, will be the fifth IHG hotel in Hokkaido, following three ANA Crowne Plaza properties and one ANA Holiday Inn hotel. An InterContinental in Sapporo is also planned for 2025. The Windsor Hotel TOYA, Vignette Collection, is the only hotel in the area to offer guests views of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Toya from a mountaintop location. The hotel features eight conference and meeting rooms, nine food and beverage outlets, a wedding chapel, and various health and recreation facilities. It is expected to attract a diverse range of visitors, with IHG's global reach and IHG One Rewards loyalty program expected to boost its appeal. The Windsor Hotel TOYA is the second property in Japan to join the Vignette Collection, following the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka. The Vignette Collection currently comprises 13 hotels worldwide, with 34 more in the pipeline. Google's 'Blue Link' Results for Hotel Searches: A Test in EU Market Compliance - Image Credit Unsplash+ Google will test a change to its search result display in three EU markets, using plain 'blue link' style results for hotel searches, in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. The company claims that the changes made in response to the DMA have reduced direct booking clicks for airlines, hotel operators, and small retailers by around 30%. In response to ongoing criticisms of non-compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), Google has announced further changes to its search result displays in the EU. These alterations will specifically impact hotel searches in Belgium, Estonia, and Germany, where a "short test" of plain 'blue link' search results will be introduced. This change is reflective of Google's original search engine display style. The DMA carries significant penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover. Google's parent company, Alphabet, has been under investigation since March for new features introduced in response to the DMA that competitors argue undermine the regulation's ban on self-preferencing. Travel comparison sites have been particularly vocal in their accusations that Google is attempting to circumvent its obligations. This latest round of changes, announced in a blog post by Oliver Bethell, Google's Director of Legal, will extend beyond the travel vertical and impact product searches and restaurants. Bethell suggests that the changes are the "right way to balance the difficult trade-offs that the DMA involves," hoping to achieve a solution that complies with the law while still providing European users and businesses access to useful technology. The changes include displaying what Google claims will be "expanded and equally formatted" units in search results. This will allow users to choose between Google rivals (comparison sites, meta-search engines, review sites, etc.) or direct supplier or retailer websites when searching for products, restaurants, flights, or hotels. In another move, Google will introduce "other new formats" that enable comparison sites and suppliers to display more detailed information from their websites, such as prices and pictures. Google will also launch new ad units specifically for comparison sites. A key complaint from travel aggregators is that Google's search results now display rich features for hotel searches, including a map view of hotels in the chosen location, pricing information, and links to featured hotels' websites. However, Google claims these changes have reduced direct booking clicks to airlines, hotel operators, and small retailers by around 30%. Despite the changes, travel aggregators continue to complain. The European Commission is currently assessing Google's compliance proposals, while Google's privacy-focused rival, DuckDuckGo, has urged the commission to widen its investigation of the tech giant. Discover more at TechCrunch. Rendering of Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karakoy - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to introduce the first Turkish location of its Vignette Collection hotel line in Istanbul's Union Han, Karakoy district. The property, currently owned by Cortex Turizm, will open in the second half of 2025 and will be the 16th IHG hotel in the city. This addition continues the expansion of IHG's presence in Turkey, bringing the total number of existing and planned properties to 45. The Vignette Collection, IHG's luxury conversion brand, is on track to reach 100 hotels worldwide in ten years, contributing to IHG's extensive luxury and lifestyle portfolio of nearly 900 hotels. The Vignette Collection model allows property owners to maintain their hotels' unique identity and character while offering guests distinctive experiences in memorable destinations. In line with this, the Union Han, Istanbul Karakoy property will support local non-profit organizations through the "A Means for Good" initiative. The new hotel, located in the historic Tutun Han building, will offer 51 guest rooms, an artisan bakery, a specialty food restaurant, and exclusive wellness facilities, including a spa. Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development in Europe for IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm for the brand's growth since its 2021 launch and credited strong partnerships and dedicated teams for the company's success in Turkey. Cortex Turizm echoed this sentiment, acknowledging their confidence in IHG's reputation and guest loyalty programs. Currently, IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 32 hotels in Turkey and has 13 more in development, including the first Garner hotel near the new International Istanbul Airport and the InterContinental Ankara, both scheduled to open in 2025. Europe Sets Pace in Hotel Pricing, Outperforms Asia and Americas - Image Credit Pexels According to the World Parity Monitor by 123Compare.me, European hotels are taking the lead in the global pricing parity race, achieving more aggressive pricing compared to OTAs and Metasearch engines. This trend is particularly noticeable during the peak season, between October 2023 and October 2024. Compared to other global markets, such as Asia and America, Europe significantly improved its pricing strategy. Over 48% of direct rates were better than those offered by third-party channels, a stark increase from 2023. This progress is evident in Paris and Lisbon, which had the best direct rates globally in October 2024. However, not all cities are performing as well. Macau, Las Vegas, Zurich, and Ho Chi Minh City have experienced increased competition from OTAs, with Ho Chi Minh City losing 54.8% of rates to OTAs. Global hotel brands are also changing their pricing strategies. Eurostars, for instance, secured the highest room rate for direct bookings, up by 39 percentage points from 2023. Meanwhile, Radisson Hotel Group demonstrated the strongest rate parity among hotel chains, but IHG saw its pricing controls slip from 2023. Jordi Serra, CEO and founder of 123Compare, suggests that the EU's Digital Marketing Act (DMA) regulation has given hotels more opportunities to beat OTAs on rates. This appears to result in a more equal price distribution with higher price parity, and better tactics for stronger direct rates. Despite hotels' improving performance, OTA Booking.com continues to dominate the market, appearing in over 90% of offers. However, hotels' direct prices beat Booking.coms rates 47.4% of the time. For a full report on hotel pricing strategies in October 2024, visit 123Compare.net. Jadran Hotel in Rijeka, Croatia - Image Credit PKF The Jadran Hotel in Rijeka, Croatia, is set to rebrand as a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a part of Marriott International. This move follows an agreement between the hotel's current owner, Jadran Hotel Rijeka, and Marriott International. This rebranding marks the first Tribute Portfolio hotel in Croatia. Rijeka is a gateway to the Croatian islands located on the Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic. Jadran Hoteli Rijeka, majority-owned by Gold Tree Hospitality, owns and manages the hotel property in the Setaliste XIII division. The Jadran Hotel has been serving guests since 1914. Under the new brand, the hotel will feature 70 rooms, a unique food and beverage concept, an expanded fitness area, and a beach bar. The renovation and rebranding process is expected to be completed by early 2025. Stefan Catic, Head of Operator Search at the PKF hospitality group, the rebranding partner, stated that the Tribute Portfolio brand would significantly enhance the hotel. He noted that international travelers increasingly seek hotels with international standards that retain the charm of individual boutique hotels. Kristian Sustar, CEO of Jadran Hoteli Rijeka, views the contract signing as the start of a new journey. He highlighted their plans to enrich Rijeka's tourist offerings with a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and authentic experiences. Silvija Lovreta, Vice President of Development for Central and South Eastern Europe at Marriott International, expressed excitement about working with Jadran Hotel Rijeka on opening the first Tribute Portfolio hotel in Croatia. Marriott International's Tribute Portfolio brand operates over 120 hotels in more than 25 countries. Holiday Inn Express & Suites to Open in Wiener Neustadt in 2026 A new Holiday Inn Express & Suites is set to open in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, in 2026. The hotel will be operated by Tristar Austria GmbH as part of a development project by the OFV Group. Tristar has entered into a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for this property. The hotel will be located at the junction of Wienerstrae-Werkstrae and Doktor-Alexander-Scharf-Strae. It will feature 136 rooms, including 32 suites, conference areas and food and beverage outlets. Wiener Neustadt, with a population of approximately 47,900, is the second-largest city in Lower Austria. It is roughly 50 kilometers south of Vienna and serves as the administrative center of the Wiener Neustadt-Land district. Stefan Catic, Head of Operator Search at PKF hospitality group, expressed his delight over the hotel's introduction to the city. Christina Locher, Managing Director at Tristar Austria GmbH, highlighted the goal to provide a hotel tailored to the needs of Nova City and Wiener Neustadt, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Omer Vargun, Managing Director at the OFV Group, stated the company's excitement to venture into hotel construction. He emphasized their commitment to providing affordable housing and their dedication to innovative construction projects. Tristar Austria GmbH is a hotel group that operates 44 hotels across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the OFV Group is a property developer, construction company, and real estate company. IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with over 6,300 open hotels in over 100 countries. Big Y in Providing Meals to Those in Need This Holiday Season PITTSFIELD, Mass. Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for the four food banks within their two-state marketing area. In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, day care centers and many others through 2100-member agencies that they assist every day. Their goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources to help ensure food security for those at risk of hunger. These four food banks are The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Food Share. For a $5 donation, customers can support Sack Hunger from any register at Big Y's supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors or online at https://www.bigy.com/community/sackhunger from now through Dec. 11 Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need. Additionally, Big Y has added even more ways to boost this year's efforts. They will donate a portion of the proceeds from Produce and Floral department purchases from Nov. 14 through Nov. 20 Big Y has pledged a portion of every private label brand that they sell throughout the store from Nov. 29 through Dec. 4. These private label brands include Food Club, Crav'n Flavor, Culinary Tours, Full Circle Market, Basket & Bushel, Wide Awake Coffee, Sweet P's Bake Shop, Cape Covelle Seafood Market, Simply Done, Paws, Pure Harmony, Tippy Toes and Top Care. From Dec. 5 through Dec. 11. Big Y will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the Meat Department. Hoosac Valley Kindergartners on 'How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey' ADAMS, Mass. Hoosac Valley elementary kindergartners tapped into their inner culinary genius to share some tips on how to properly cook a Thanksgiving turkey. Cooking times ranged from "some minutes" to a couple of days. Although some students recommended using a microwave, most gave detailed instructions on how to cook a turkey in the oven. Recommendations for cooking temperatures were between 2 degrees Fahrenheit, warm, very hot and 20 percent heat. Some students offered some insight on where to find a turkey (the store, bookstore, the park, farm, forest, etc.) while others provided some welcome additions to the recipe including milk, chicken, chips, hot sauce and bacon. Students recommend that you take a nap after you finish your Thanksgiving meal. Nickole Halvorsen's Kindergarten Class Emma: Find a turkey from the woods, bring it home and put it in the oven and cook it for 5 minutes at hot. Sawyer: I find the turkey at the farm, then I bring it home and cook it in the oven for ten minutes and cook it at warm. I eat it my turkey with chicken nuggets and other meat. Griffin: I find a turkey at a school and then I bake it with flour for ten minutes at warm and eat it with chicken and mashed potatoes. Alan: I cook my turkey with hamburger and with turkey fries. I cook it in the Krusty Crab for 5 minutes at 10 miles for temperature. Ariah: I find a turkey at a barn and I slice the head off so I can cook it and I cook it for ten hours on very hot until it's done and then I take the feathers off to eat it. Marley: I buy a turkey and cook it on very hot. Connor: I find a turkey at the supermarket and then I put it in the oven with butter for 15 minutes at 40,000 degrees. Anita: I pick it at the store, I put it in the microwave for 3 minutes, then we put warm sauce on it. Yuliana: I find a turkey at the store for $5 and bring it home and I stuff it with a unicorn and put it in the oven and cook it for like 3 hours at 2 degrees. AJ: I find a turkey at my school then cook it by itself for 13 minutes at warm. We will eat the turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy and that's it. Rose: I find a turkey at the store, and I put it in the oven for a short time at a very hot temperature. Noah: I find a turkey at a farm and cook it in the oven for 5 minutes at hot. Steven: I cook the turkey with stuffing at home in a oven at 3 degrees for 25 hours. Mommy will cook it. Turkey will be smothered in mashed potatoes and a giant cake cooked in a box. Alex: You find a turkey in the park and I get two and keep one for my pet and the other for cooking. I cook the one for 9 minutes at 8 degrees and eat it with my other turkey. Eli: I find a turkey at Walmart, I take it home and stuff it with chicken and cook it 5 degrees for 10 minutes. I eat carrots and green beans with my turkey. Jamie: You get turkeys from a farm and you cook it in a microwave for 6 minutes at 30 degrees hot and I make sure it's not too hot and not too cold. Everleigh: I go to the store and get a turkey. It is stuffed with stuffing and mashed potatoes. It then gets cooked in the oven at 8 degrees for 60 hours. Lyla: I get a turkey from a farm, then I cook it in a pan at home in the oven for 50 minutes at 5 degrees. Then we eat it! Lainey: I find a turkey at a farm, then we go get it and then we bring it to our home to cook it. We put it on the stove for 20 minutes and then we put it in the oven for 20 more minutes at hot. Then we cut it up on a plate and we give it to the Thanksgiving kids. Jordan Dupont's Kindergarten Class Arturo: I would buy a turkey at a bookstore, and cook it with a chicken in the oven for hours on warm. Ava: I would get a turkey from Walmart, and cook it in the oven for 10 minutes on hot hot! Cian: I don't know where I would get a turkey, but I would cook it in the oven for 40 minutes on cold. When it was done, I would eat it with milk and chicken. Ciel: My mom buys a turkey that is like a chicken from a shop, and then she burns it and cooks it in the oven for 4 minutes at 20 percent heat. Declan: My parents cook my turkey when it gets dark out. Elliott: I've never cooked a turkey, and I do not know how! Erik: I would probably get a turkey from the grocery store. I would cook it in the microwave for maybe 8 minutes. Then I would eat it! Julianna: I would buy the turkey from Walmart, I would cook it on the stove for 5 minutes. Mi'amor: I would get a turkey from a restaurant, and I would put it in a pan for 50 minutes at 6 degrees. Oliver: I would buy a turkey at a store in North Adams and put it in the oven for some minutes and then take it out. But only grownups can do that. Orlen: I would buy my turkey from Walmart, I would put it in the oven with some beans and cook it for 19 hours and 19 minutes at 50 degrees. When it is done, I take it out of the oven and let it cool down. Then I would put things on it to go with it. Owen: I would get a turkey from a grocery store. I would stick my hand in it and pull something out. Then I would cook it on the stove for 4 minutes. I would then chop it up when it is done, then we eat it for Thanksgiving! Ruby: I would get a turkey from the store, I would bring it home to cook in the oven for as long as it says. When it is done, I would cut it up and put it on plates with eggs and bacon. Savannah: I would get a turkey from the turkey house. Then I would drive home and eat the turkey. Then I would go to sleep, wake up in the morning and eat some more. Star: My dad hunts the turkeys down. We first get all the guts out, then we put it in the oven for 10 minutes at 11 degrees. When it is done, we cut it and then serve our plates with mashed potatoes, eggs, and macaroni. For dessert, we have PIE! Tucker: I don't need to get the turkey, it is already in my oven. While it is in the oven it turns brown. You cook it for 3 hours. When it's done I would take it out of the oven and put it on a plate. Jade Schnauber's Kindergarten Class Carter: Go to the store, get a turkey and drive it home. Put it naked in the oven, for 15 seconds. Take it out on foil and put it on your plate. George: Get turkey at the store and bring it home. Put it in the oven, i think, for like 10 or 11 minutes. Then you take it out of the oven and you can eat it. Ava: Get the turkey at the store. Put it in the oven for 20 minutes. Take it out and eat it. Kate: I get the turkey at the store. I put it in my car to take it home, and bring it into the house. I cook it in the oven for alittle time, with leaves around it. Then we eat it. Ronan: Get the turkey from the farm, drive it home. You have to cut it up first, then you put in the frying pan. If you make it two hot just put it in the fridge 5 minutes. Then you can eat it. Raelyn : I get the turkey from the farm. I cook it for 8 minutes in the oven and then I eat it. Amelia: You can buy some turkey, or buy some living turkey. Then cut it up, then put it in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes. Then you can eat it for dinner. Luna: Get the turkey from the store. Then put it on the stove for 24 hours and 15 minutes. Take it out at 30 o'clock, You have to set the table, with napkins, plates and forks before you eat it. Then we can eat it! Axton: You get the turkey from the farm. Just put in the oven for a couple of minutes and then ding ding, then you are all done. Put it on a plate and nom, nom, nom. Oliver: Get the turkey from the store. You can use a bag to get them home. You can cook it, maybe in the oven or the mircowave for three seconds and it will be ready. Then you eat it before it gets too cold. Caleb: Get it from a restaurant. Put on some pepper, sweet and sour sauce, and some nice bacon with it. Then bake it, and make a sandwich with it. That's how you make a turkey. Liam: You go to the store, Walmart. Get a turkey from turkey aisle. Put it in the car and drive to your house. You cook it in the oven or mircowave for 100 minutes. After that you cut it in half and your family eats it. Michael: Get the turkey from the farm. Put it a box and go home. Put it in the oven to cook it for one hour. Then you eat it. Georgia: I get the turkey from the store. Then I put alot prinkles on the turkey, and hot sauce and chips. Then I throw it in the garbage, then I put water on it and throw it right in the oven for 8 minutes. Then it burns on fire and we cannot eat it. So we eat chicken. Callie Rose: First get the turkey from the farmer. Then turn on the stove, then put the turkey in the stove. Then take it out, and blow on it because it is too hot. Then you eat it. Former employee of the Kuwait refinery in Naples deceased from pleural mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure: a massive compensation of one and a half million euros awarded to the worker's family. The Rome Tribunal has determined the responsibility of the Kuwait refinery in Naples for the death of V.T., who passed away at 70 due to pleural mesothelioma. The company has been ordered to compensate the worker's family with the sum of 444,787 euros and, for individual damages, an amount of approximately 300,000 euros each to the widow and the three children, totaling over one and a half million euros. The man worked for 22 years under the employment of Kuwait, formerly Mobil Oil Italiana, at the Naples refinery, initially as a pump operator and later as a boiler and production plant operator at the thermal power plant. Based on the investigation by the Labor Court Judge and the technical and medical-legal expert report, the company's clear responsibilities emerged for using the 'killer fiber' without restrictions, and the worker's exposure, both direct, indirect, and through environmental contamination to asbestos dust and fibers in the absence of precautionary measures. The family was assisted by lawyer Ezio Bonanni, President of the National Asbestos Observatory, who emphasizes: 'This is an important ruling because it confirms the asbestos risk even in the petrochemical sector, which has seen a high epidemiological incidence of mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and all others caused by asbestos. This necessitates an acceleration in the remediation and securing of the Sin related to Naples, as we have repeatedly requested.' ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated Thursday 28 November 2024, 13:41 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated Smiling face while posing in front of the mirror. Next to it, the words: 'Five days without alcohol, without weed, and without drugs.' This is how Achille Costacurta appears, who wanted to share a snapshot on Instagram to update on the milestones achieved thanks to the detoxification process. The son of former Miss Italy Martina Colombari and Billy Costacurta left for Spain towards the end of the summer, with the aim of removing drugs from his lifestyle. His family, during this phase, tries to support him, and the young man shared a photo of himself outside the clinic, heading to Milan to be with his loved ones. Achille Costacurta: 'A very tough addiction, I saw mom and dad as enemies. They didn't deserve to suffer for me.' Milestones and the return home Achille Costacurta (20 years old) decided to start a detoxification program at a clinic in Marbella, Spain. During the last summer, the young man was at the center of criticism and tabloid pages for posting photos of drug packages and money on Instagram. Moreover, he himself had written some provocative comments under the photos of his mother, Martina Colombari (49 years old). Thus, he began a rehabilitation program abroad, from which he already perceives improvements. For a few days, he returned home to his family in Milan, as evidenced by a photo posted on social media showing him in an elevator with a suitcase. Then he went to Rimini to visit his great-grandmother, where he appears smiling and relaxed, happy to be with his family. Thursday 28 November 2024, 15:01 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated The 2024 tour dedicated to eye health by the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Italy concludes in Ostia, having started in January with the stop in Catanzaro, covering eleven cities in twelve months. The initiative has provided sustainable access to eye examinations for the most disadvantaged people. The Foundation performs eye examinations free of charge, donating prescription glasses to those in need. The initiative is aimed at vulnerable people identified by local associations involved in the project. The stop on the Lazio coast, under the patronage of the Chamber of Deputies, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, the Lazio Region, the Municipality of Rome, District X, takes place from November 27 to December 10 at the Casa dell'Amicizia in via Domenico Baffigo 7, provided by the Community of Sant'Egidio, the main partner in all the clinics and initiatives organized by the Foundation. The clinic was inaugurated in the presence of the President of District X Mario Falconi, the Social Policies Councillor of District X, Denise Lancia, the CEO of the Community of Sant'Egidio, Stefano Carmenati, the head of institutional relations of the Community of Sant'Egidio, Sergio Rivabene, Father Riccardo Mensuali, Rector of the Church of Santa Maria Stella Maris in Ostia, and Stefano Natali, coordinator for Ostia of the Community of Sant'Egidio. An eye clinic was set up with the technical equipment provided by Essilor for the occasion, thanks to which, with the support of important associations such as the Community of Sant'Egidio, Caritas, the Social Cooperative Society La Nuova Arca, Family Center, over 600 people will be examined. The choice of the city of Ostia highlights the importance of being present in an area where new poverty is unfortunately a very significant reality and is often depicted as a cinematic and folkloric set. The suburbs, in reality, present and amplify all the problems of the country Italy to which the Foundation tries to contribute by doing its part regarding the vision of the most vulnerable. For the occasion, some excellences of Roman ophthalmology have joined to form a highly professional and competent medical team: the team includes the collaboration of Dr. Domenico Schiano, IRCCS Fondazione G.B. Bietti, Prof. Leopoldo Spadea, Director of the U.O.C. Ophthalmology Eye Clinic of Policlinico Umberto I in Rome, and Prof. Gianluca Manni, Head of the Glaucoma Treatment Program at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Immediately after the medical examination, the opticians of GrandVision and Salmoiraghi & Vigano will identify the best visual solution based on the prescription. "We are once again happy to support the Vision Days," says Stefano Carmenati, Administrator of the Community of Sant'Egidio. "In this difficult time of economic crisis, which sees a general impoverishment of many Italian families, there is really a need to promote solidarity networks that support those who are poorer and in difficulty. The right to health and care is a fundamental right that must always be made possible. Since October 2023, a permanent eye care station of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Italy has been present within the Health Hub managed by Sant'Egidio located in Trastevere in via di San Gallicano 25, a reality of concrete proximity to those who are more vulnerable. Only thanks to the collaboration of different realities can hope be returned to many and a better present be built." "For us, the critical success factor is networking, building a solidarity network dedicated to the vision of the most disadvantaged people," says Andrea Rendina, Secretary General of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Italy. "Our proposal, our initiatives are aimed at vision professionals, the third sector world, political and religious institutions, and consist of inviting them to network and realize them together, because without a systemic intervention, vulnerable people will increasingly be unable to access visits, exams, aids, and will inevitably see their lives and social inclusion capacity worsen, paradoxically with an increasing collective social cost. We consider it very important," continues Rendina, "to have created and continue to develop a solidarity network that in its first two years of activity has seen the collaboration of over 600 ophthalmologists and orthoptists, hundreds of opticians, and nearly 900 volunteers. EssilorLuxottica together have conducted 14,000 visits and donated 31,000 glasses. This is our contribution so that more and more vulnerable people can access the fundamental right to good vision and therefore see better and live better. In 2024, the Vision Days have already made stops in Catanzaro, Florence, Trieste, Turin, Pescara, Cagliari, Caivano, Palermo, Milan, and Belluno. OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation operates worldwide, bringing together the Group's main advocacy and philanthropic actions and aggregating under one roof the long tradition of sustainable initiatives by Essilor and Luxottica. It is the largest foundation in the world dedicated to eye care, in terms of size and ability to make a difference, and aims to support the creation of sustainable eye care through philanthropy, working alongside key partners to translate the United Nations resolution "Vision for all" into action, contributing to eliminating visual defects affecting about 2.7 billion poor people worldwide by 2050. Since 2013, with the support of governments, NGOs, and a vast network of partners, the Foundation has provided permanent access to eye care to over 961 million people and provided glasses to over 84 million individuals. Many of them have discovered the benefits of vision correction for the first time in their lives. In the 2023-2025 period, it is expected to donate over 100 million pairs of glasses. Key associations involved in Ostia COMMUNITY OF SANT'EGIDIO: Founded in Rome in 1968 by then high school student Andrea Riccardi, the Community of Sant'Egidio is known worldwide for helping the poor, working for peace and dialogue, welcoming refugees with humanitarian corridors, and campaigning for rights, such as health in Africa and the abolition of the death penalty. Today Sant'Egidio is present in more than 70 countries worldwide with over 60,000 members, men and women of all ages and conditions united by voluntary and free commitment, and a wider circle of sympathizers and friends who actively collaborate in various initiatives (https://www.santegidio.org). CARITAS: Caritas Italiana is the pastoral body of the Italian Episcopal Conference responsible for promoting the testimony of charity, which means concrete love for others. The dimension of charity permeates and enriches the life of communities. For over 50 years, Caritas Italiana has accompanied diocesan Caritas with interventions supporting the testimony of men and women of good will, carried out "in forms appropriate to the times and needs" (art.1 of the Statute). Charity is not static but attentive to the journey of History and society. In the perspective of the testimony of charity, Caritas Italiana performs its pedagogical function, aimed at the integral development of man, social justice, and peace, with particular attention to the most vulnerable people and realities. FAMILY CENTER: Association born in Ostia to help families in need of home assistance (caregivers, nurses, physiotherapists, OSS). We collaborate with various professionals to best assist each type of patient. In addition, the association provides information and support to all family members who need guidance regarding bureaucratic practices related to disability/accompaniment and hospitalization in RSA and specialized structures. When it comes to manufacturing, there should be a balance of speed, quality, efficiency, and sustainability. It is not enough to prioritize one or two components alonea manufacturer should be able to produce maximum quality output in a short period of time while being a responsible environmental citizen. For a manufacturer to thrive, the four pillars must co-exist. With global technology giant Epson, manufacturing companies can speed up and take better control of their processes, maximizing efficiency while minimizing costs and their environmental footprint. From industrial printers, back-office equipment, or even precision robots, Epson has a suite of products built to optimize every stage of the production process with sustainability in mind. It is this dedication to excellence that makes Epson the trusted partner of manufacturing companies, including electronics businesses that are scaling digital transformation and automation, said Noelle Gonzalez, Marketing Division Head at Epson Philippines. With technology ever evolving, it is crucial for manufacturing companies to partner with those who know how to drive innovation while ensuring environmental responsibility. Epsons brand campaign, Engineered For Good, aligns with the goals of manufacturers making a meaningful impact, added Gonzales. Some of Epsons manufacturing solu.options include the SurePress L-4733AW Digital Label Press, Epsons on-demand label printer that produces product, industrial, packaging, prime, and promotional labels, among many others. Manufacturers can bring their label printing in-house with the SurePress L-4733AW, which is automated, and simple to use. Colors are accurate and stunning thanks to the SurePress L-4733AW's premium Aqueous Ink technology. For even more demanding color requirements, the SurePress L-4733AW can be integrated with the optional AS-4000 spectrophotometer. For document printing requirements, the Epson WorkForce AM-C5000 Printer and Epson WorkForce DS-970 Scanner stand out. The WorkForce AM-C5000 comes with multiple functions such as printing, scanning, and copying, and is ideal for compact offices. Manufacturing companies can also save more with fewer replacement parts and consumables. Powered by Heat-Free Technology, this eco-conscious business inkjet printer delivers a print speed of 50 pages per minute, all while consuming up to 85% less power versus laser printers. Meanwhile, the WorkForce DS-970 brings efficiency and versatility into one scanning solution with scan speeds of up to 85 pages per minute and 170 images per minute, as well as a One-Pass Duplex Scanning feature allowing both sides of a document to be scanned simultaneously. The WorkForce DS-970 comes with a 1.44 color LCD panel display and allows user to easily view up to 30 jobs at a time. With a flatbed dock, it provides the versatility and reliability to meet the scanning demands of the manufacturing industry. In terms of the environment, Epson sets an exemplary standard for sustainability in manufacturing. As of December 2023, Epson Group sites around the world have transitioned to 100% renewable energy. Epsons sustainability commitments are solidified further by its Environmental Vision 2050, which ensures that the company is consistently meeting environmental standards and goals across its operations globally. Epson lives up to its promise of manufacturing excellence by embodying it in our operations. As a global technology giant, we are equipped to produce high quantities of quality products with fast turnaround times, while minimizing our environmental impact. We provide the same for manufacturers that partner with us, said Gonzalez. By integrating Epson's manufacturing solutions, companies take their workflow into the fast lane, with all the details and points of operation working together to accelerate production. To learn more about Epson industrial robots, you may visit the Epson website for more details. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An oil painting of a Maori elder by New Zealand painter Charles Frederick Goldie was sold at an auction for a record 1.7m, becoming the most valuable work in New Zealands art history. Thoughts of a Tohunga is a portrait of Wharekauri Tahuna, a priest believed to be one of the last tattooed men of his generation. It was painted by Goldie in 1938, and has been called his best work by several art critics and experts. In 2016 we sold a Goldie for $1,175,000 which was the first Goldie to sell for more than $1m. Since then we have sold 15 Goldies for more than $1m, said Richard Thomson, International Art Centre director. Goldie is probably the most sought-after painter of Maori elders because of his artistic skill and ability, particularly with Maori subjects. His works are quite simply unmatched. He regularly brings record prices and this painting is now one of his most sought-after works. It is the finest portrait of a Maori elder we have seen in the many years we have been handling Goldie paintings. We had an incredibly wide interest in the painting before it was even included in our catalogue, Thomson said. The painting, sold for NZ$3.75m (1.7m), was first shown in Paris, France, in 1939 and shows a kaumatua (tribe elder) with an elaborate moko, which is the traditional Maori system of tattooing, and wearing a large pounamu tiki (a carved human figure made usually from New Zealand greenstone) pendant around his neck, according to The New Zealand Herald. open image in gallery Thoughts of a Tohunga by New Zealand painter Charles Frederick Goldie ( International Art Centre ) Purchased by an undisclosed buyer, Thoughts of a Tohungas auction price has made it the most valuable Maori portrait in New Zealand art history, and is also the highest amount paid for any Goldie work. Wharekauri Tahuna was believed to be 103 when he died, and was one of Goldies favourite subjects to paint. News of the sale comes amid racial tensions in New Zealand after a law that would redefine New Zealands founding treaty between the British Crown and Maori chiefs was proposed by the government. New Zealands parliament was temporarily halted by Maori politicians performing a haka in protest earlier this month. New Zealand MPs disrupt parliament with haka to protest treaty bill Introduced by the libertarian ACT New Zealand party, the bill aims to narrow the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational agreement signed in 1840 between the British Crown and the Maori chiefs. Over 35,000 people marched on the streets in New Zealands capital Wellington to protest against the bill last week, following a Maori tradition called hikoi, or walking, to bring attention to breaches of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cynthia Erivo has shared her thoughts about proper theater etiquette for fans when they go to see Wicked: Part One. During an interview with Todays hosts at Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 37-year-old actor spoke candidly about playing Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande who stars as Glinda in the hit film. TV host Hoda Kotb specifically asked Erivo if she thinks its appropriate to sing in the theaters during the movie musical, noting that a lot of fans had already done this. In response, Erivo said that she actually thought it was good that people were singing in their seats. Im OK with it, she explained. We spent this long singing it ourselves. Its time for everyone else to join in. Its wonderful. Cythia Erivo says she thinks its wonderful when fans sing along to Wicked in theaters ( Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. ) In the theme of the holiday, Erivo then shared that she has so much to be thankful for this year, including celebrating the recent release of Wicked. This has been a dream come true, to be able to share it with my family and friends., she said. People sharing their own experiences and feeling different. And them being comfortable enough to share that with me. Im really thankful for that. Earlier in the conversation, she described how she felt now that the Wicked was out, after years of working on it. Its the most wonderful, unbelievable experience ever, she said. This is such a wonderful thing to be able to share with everyone. Weve been keeping it to ourselves, and now everyone else can watch it! Im so pleased. Im so overwhelmed by the wonderful reactions weve been getting. Before Erivo showed her approval of fans singing during the Wicked, some theaters previously urged viewers not to do this. In a short Wicked-themed preshow advisory video, AMC Theaters tells movie-goers they arent allowed to sing along tosongs at any point during the film. Speaking to IndyStar, AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan previously explained that the no-singing rule has always been a part of the theaters long-standing policy, to prevent disruptive behavior. However, the company wanted to emphasize these rules before the musical debuted in theaters with time-honored songs like Defying Gravity and Popular. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free When Wicked hit theaters on November 22, fans also urged each other to stop taking pictures and videos of scenes from the film, to prevent spoilers from popping up on social media. On X/Twitter, one person shared a photo of the opening credits and asked others to show ur wicked part 1 photosss, prompting a debate over movie theater etiquette. Wicked: Part One brought in $114 million at U.S. and Canadian theaters within the first weekend. The first part of the Universal Pictures film grossed $50.2 million in international markets, for a combined global total of $164.2 million. The film also became the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation, as Into the Woods, which opened to $31 million in 2014, was the previous record holder. However, the double premiere of Wicked and Gladiator 2 failed to surpass the success of Barbenheimer last summers dual release of Barbie and Oppenheimer on opening weekend, coming in at $169.5 million domestically compared to $244 million. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk used an insensitive slur to ridicule Ben Stiller for his support of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. On Wednesday (November 27), a tweet from former investment banker and author John LeFevre went viral. In the post, he included a screenshot of a headline, which read: Ben Stiller says woke America killed edgier comedy, alongside a photo of Stillers Tropic Thunder character. In the controversial 2008 satirical comedy, Stiller plays Tugg Speedman, a method actor known for his portrayal of an autistic farmer called Simple Jack. Says this.... Endorsed Harris..., LeFevre tweeted, referring to the headline. Fervent Trump supporter Musk, who the President-elect has hinted will play a role in his cabinet, reshared the post hours later, adding: Damn he went full r*****. Musks remark is likely a reference to a line from the movie said by Robert Downey Jr.s character when hes talking to Tugg about Simple Jack. Everybody knows you never go full r*****, Downey Jr.s Kirk Lazarus tells him. The article shared by LeFevre was based on Stillers recent interview with Collider, in which the actor was asked if he thought the controversial 2008 movie, which also featured Downey Jr. in blackface, could be made today. open image in gallery Elon Musk uses slur to mock Ben Stiller ( Elon Musk on X/Twitter ) I doubt it, Stiller said. Obviously, in this environment, edgier comedy is just harder to do. Definitely not at the scale we made it at, too, in terms of the economics of the business. Even at the time, of course, it was dicey too, he continued. The only reason we attempted it was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on actors trying to do anything to win awards. But now, in this environment, I dont even know if I would have ventured to do it, to tell you the truth. Im being honest. Although Stiller acknowledged the problematic nature of the Noughties film, he still remains proud of it. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Ben Stiller previously endorsed Kamala Harris ( Getty Images ) I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder, he tweeted in 2023 in response to a fan who told him to stop apologizing for making the film. Dont know who told you that. Its always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Proud of it and the work that everyone did on it. Downey Jr., who earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role, has also defended the movie as well as his use of blackface. [Ben] knew exactly what the vision for this was, he executed it, it was impossible to not have it be an offensive nightmare of a movie. And 90 percent of my Black friends were like, Dude, that was great, the Marvel star said on an episode of Joe Rogans eponymous podcast. I cant disagree with them, but I know where my heart lies. I think that its never an excuse to do something thats out of place and out of its time, but to me, it was a blasting cap on [the issue] I think having a moral psychology is job one. Sometimes, you just gotta go, Yeah I effed up. In my defense, Tropic Thunder is about how wrong [blackface] is, so I take exception. This past summer, both Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. were among a slew of Hollywood stars to come out in support of Harris. Very excited about moving forward and all the energy and excitement thats around this movement right now, Stiller said in a video interview posted by journalist Nicholas A. Ballasy in August. Thats why Im here, because its time for change, and it seems like its happening. Meanwhile, Downey Jr. and his Avengers co-stars backed Harris and Tim Walz on Instagram using the hashtag #AssembleForDemocracy. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Richard Curtis has revealed that Notting Hill couldve had a sequel but Julia Roberts was not a fan of the script. The 1999 romantic comedy was written by Curtis and starred Julia Roberts as Hollywood film star Anna Scott, who walks into a bookshop in Notting Hill owned by William Thacker, played by Hugh Grant. In an interview, Curtis was asked if he wanted to ever make a sequel to any of his past films, and he brought up Notting Hill, saying Roberts rejected the poor idea because the script saw her character divorce Grants. I dont think so. I actually did four Red Nose Days and Comic Relief. We did those mini sequels to Love Actually, and those satisfied me, Curtis told IndieWire, referring to Red Nose Day Actually, a 2017 short film Curtis wrote the script for which brought back a dozen characters from Love Actually 14 years after the film ended. I tried doing one with Notting Hill where they were going to get divorced, and Julia [Roberts] thought that was a very poor idea. The Independent has reached out to Roberts for comment. open image in gallery Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in 1999s Notting Hill ( Getty Images ) Even though Roberts seemed to disagree that Scott and Thacker would get a divorce, her costar clearly agreed with Curtis. In 2020, Grant said that he thought their characters would end up going through the ugliest imaginable divorce. Im sure that my character in Notting Hill and Julia Roberts character have been through the ugliest imaginable divorce with really expensive, nasty lawyers, he told Collider. He later added as part of a Q&A with HBOs Twitter account that he would like to film a sequel charting the hideous divorce thats ensued. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Grant said it would feature children involved in tug of love, floods of tears, psychologically scarred forever. Id love to do that film, he added. Last year, Grant divulged a subtle in-joke hidden away in the nauseating final scene of Notting Hill, where Thacker and Scott can be seen cosied up together on a park bench, with Grants character reading a book. open image in gallery Hugh Grant revealed that the book he was reading in the final scene in Notting Hill was an in-joke placed by director Roger Michell ( Netflix ) Grant said that the book he was reading was an in-joke placed there by director Roger Michell, who died in 2021. In that nauseating moment on the bench at the end, Im reading Captain Corellis Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres, which was going to be his next film, Grant said, adding: So its a little in-joke from Roger Michell, God rest his soul. Earlier this year, in a conversation with Curtis, Roberts explained that she loathed being dressed as a movie star for Notting Hill, and that the clothes she ended up wearing for the famous Im just a girl scene were her own shed worn that day. Honestly, one of the hardest things Ive ever had to do was your movie, playing a movie actress. I was so uncomfortable! she told Curtis of Notting Hill. I mean, weve talked about this so many times, but I almost didnt take the part because it just seemed oh, it just seemed so awkward. I didnt even know how to play that person. My driver, lovely Tommy, I sent him back to my flat that morning, she recalled. I said, Go into my bedroom and grab this, this and this out of my closet. And it was my own flip-flops and my cute little blue velvet skirt and a T-shirt and my cardigan I mean, it was a great scene. But who knew that that would become the line. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It must feel especially cruel to be lonely in Mumbai. Its true of every metropolis, every place with a 24/7 clang that were told leaves no room for quiet and disconnection. To be lonely there is to be plagued by silence in a storm, and anyone whos experienced it will find that Payal Kapadias fiction debut All We Imagine as Light glows with an all-too-familiar ache. Its a film that feels like a long exhale, the moment of unburdening after a tight embrace. Its beautiful. All We Imagine as Light is a portrait not only of a place, and all the social and political forces that drive it, but of the intensity of feeling it coughs up. Kapadias previous work, 2021s A Night of Knowing Nothing, was a documentary about a real relationship torn apart by the caste system; in All We Imagine as Light, the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, its as if a hundred unknown experiences have been distilled into the characters of Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha). Theyre nurses and roommates, outsiders whove arrived in the city because, eventually, it seems as if everyone has to. Prabhas husband, bonded to her by an arranged marriage, left years ago for Germany. When a portentous red rice cooker arrives unannounced in the post, she crawls out of bed at night to embrace it like a lover. Shes held still by ghostly hands that stretch across the ocean, which prevents her from pursuing any kind of romance with a smitten colleague (Azees Nedumangad). Another woman at the hospital, Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), is about to be evicted from her home, all because her now-dead husband never passed on any papers with proof of residence. Were the same, you and I, Parvaty tells Prabha. Were better off alone. Its certainly the story Prabha tells the world but despite her severity she flinches, as if in pain, when Anu tenderly sucks on her stove-scorched finger Kusrutis performance is deeply felt. Prabhas yearning has its own orbit. Shes the lone woman swallowed up by the city, as it rattles away behind her, or maps out across her face in a windows reflection. Anu is younger and so, we presume, more liberated. Shes the dominant partner in her relationship, dragging her timid little boyfriend Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon) into secluded spaces so they can feverishly kiss. Yet hes Muslim, and the ever-rising Islamophobia of prime minister Narendra Modis rule is pushing Anu towards a harsh and perhaps inevitable future in which theyre torn apart and shes powerless to pursue her desires. But theres gentleness here. Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrous rhythmic piano composition, The Homeless Wanderer, dances along like a stray dream; cinematographer Ranabir Das finds poetry in the imperfect, in half-obstructed shots, the viewpoint of a hidden observer. In the films second half, all three women depart for Parvatys village in Ratnagiri, and its here that Kapadias film drifts into a dream space. Freed from the citys relentlessness, they finally have the chance to breathe and to think. Divya Prabha in All We Imagine as Light ( BFI ) Anu discovers what appears to be her own face etched into the wall of a cave, her features expectant as if shes waiting for something to happen. Prabha encounters someone who, real or not, forces her to confront what shes always avoided. The women emerge from their experiences with an unspoken solidarity. As they discover, loneliness isnt something to cure. Its existence is but a powerful illusion. And, together, they can clear away its spell. Dir: Payal Kapadia. Starring: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon. Cert 15, 115 mins All We Imagine as Light is in cinemas from 29 November Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy What makes an album cover controversial? In the classic 1984 rock mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, record industry executive Bobbi Flekman (played by the great Fran Drescher) finds herself embroiled in an argument with band manager Ian Faith about exactly that, while discussing the proposed artwork for new record Smell The Glove. You put a greased naked woman on all fours with a dog collar around her neck, and a leash, and a mans arm extended out up to here, holding onto the leash, and pushing a black glove in her face to sniff it, points out Flekman. You dont find that offensive? You dont find that sexist? Faith cant see the problem: Well you shoulda seen the cover they wanted to do, he shoots back. It wasnt a glove, believe me. The answer, of course, is always going to be subjective. One persons amusing provocation is anothers shocking outrage. Even in the anything-goes world of rocknroll, there have been plenty of album covers that have either been banned or censored due to their scandalous nature. Featuring the Sex Pistols, Guns N Roses and Scorpions, here are the 13 most controversial album covers of all time. 13. The Beatles Yesterday and Today In 1966, between the release of Rubber Soul and Revolver, Capitol Records put out a compilation album of Beatles music for the American market, titled Yesterday and Today. Its mostly remembered for its startling cover photograph by Robert Whitaker, which showed the Fab Four dressed as butchers while covered in decapitated dolls and raw meat. The band claimed it was an oblique statement against the war in Vietnam, while some fans believed it was intended as a cheeky protest about Capitol butchering their records. Either way, record shops complained and the album was soon withdrawn and reissued with a much quainter image of the band. 12. Blind Faith Blind Faith In 1969, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker of Cream formed a supergroup with the Spencer Davis Groups Steve Winwood and Familys Ric Grech. They released just one album together, Blind Faith, which takes its name from the photograph adorning its cover, by artist and photographer Bob Seidemann. A former flatmate of Claptons, Seidemann conceived the image of a young girl holding a spaceship as a representation of human achievement through technology. However, the fact that it includes a topless 11-year-old girl, Mariora Goschen, proved too controversial for the supergroups American label, who replaced it with a photograph of the band. 11. NOFX Heavy Petting Zoo The cover of California punks NOFXs 1996 record Heavy Petting Zoo takes that titular pun and brings it vividly to life. Mark deSalvos illustration of a man doing more than just giving a sheep a cuddle was used for the CD version, while the vinyl release pushed things even further by featuring the same pair 69ing, and the new title Eating Lamb. 10. Sex Pistols Never Mind The Bollocks, Heres The Sex Pistols open image in gallery The cover of the Sex Pistols album Never Mind the Bollocks ( Virgin Records ) Some album covers prove controversial due to their titles alone. When the Sex Pistols released Never Mind The Bollocks in 1977, a record shop owner in Nottingham named Chris Searle was arrested for displaying the records and charged with contravening the Indecent Advertisement Act 1889. He was eventually found not guilty in a high-profile court case. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up 9. Moms Apple Pie Moms Apple Pie Moms Apple Pie, a 10-piece Ohio rock band, are best remembered not for their musical exploits but for the cover of their self-titled 1972 debut record. The illustration of the titular pie by Nick Caruso included a subtle depiction of female genitalia, causing it to be banned and replaced shortly after it was released. The original version is now a highly sought-after collectors item. 8. John Lennon and Yoko Ono Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins To shoot the cover art of this experimental record from 1968, Lennon and Ono photographed themselves naked using a time-delay camera. Lennon commented that the cover just seemed natural for us. Were all naked really. Record label EMI werent quite so free-spirited and refused to distribute it. When the album was eventually released, it was sold clandestinely inside brown paper bags. 7. Guns N Roses Appetite for Destruction open image in gallery Guns N Roses replaced their original artwork with their now-iconic Celtic Cross logo ( Geffen ) The debut album from LA rockers Guns N Roses takes its name from Appetite for Destruction, a painting by the cartoonist Robert Williams. Originally the plan had been for the artwork to appear on the record sleeve, but the image of a robotic rapist being descended on by an avenging metallic beast proved too much for record shops. After several refused to stock the album, the cover image was replaced with the bands now-iconic skull-studded Celtic cross logo. 6. Cannibal Corpse Eaten Back To Life After the American death metal band Cannibal Corpse released their debut album Eaten Back To Life in 1990, it was banned from being sold or displayed in Germany because of its graphic cover art and extreme lyrics. The band werent even allowed to perform songs from the record in the country until the ban was lifted in 2006. Not everyone finds the cover art by graphic gore artist Vincent Locke so offensive: last September, Kourtney Kardashian was photographed wearing a long-sleeved Eaten Back To Life shirt. While her outfit choice raised the eyebrows of many a metal fan, it made more sense when you remembered shes engaged to Blink-182 frontman and producer, Travis Barker. Her stylist later revealed she did indeed borrow the shirt from his wardrobe. 5. Chumbawumba Anarchy Three years before releasing their accidental mega-hit Tubthumping in 1997, Lancashire anarcho-punks Chumbawamba put out their sixth album, Anarchy. The cover is memorably graphic, featuring a close-up of a babys head at the very moment of birth. Some shops refused to sell it, and today streaming services such as Spotify replace the baby picture with an illustration of some nice flowers. 4. Scorpions Virgin Killer German rockers Scorpions knew exactly how provocative they were being with the Steffan Bohle-designed cover for 1976s Virgin Killer, which depicts a naked 10-year-old girl with only a superimposed shattered glass effect covering her genitalia. Were using this only to get attention, admitted rhythm guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Thats what we do. The cover was highly controversial and remains so: in 2008, the albums Wikipedia page was placed on a blacklist by the Internet Watch Foundation as they believed the image could be regarded as child pornography. (They reversed their decision four days later.) 3. Nirvana Nevermind open image in gallery The cover of Nirvanas album, Nevermind ( DGC ) In the Nirvana exhibition at Seattles Museum of Pop Culture, Kirk Weddles photograph of a baby swimming underwater is displayed along with a note from Geffen art director Robert Fisher, which reads: If anyone has a problem with his dick we can remove it. Kurt Cobain pushed back against any attempted censorship, maintaining that the only compromise hed agree to would be a sticker covering the penis reading: If youre offended by this, you must be a closet pedophile. Controversy over the album cover reemerged last year when Spencer Elden, the now-adult baby in question, filed a lawsuit against the band claiming that the use of his likeness was done without his consent or that of his legal guardians, and that it violated federal child pornography statutes. The suit was dismissed by a judge last week. 2. Death Grips No Love Deep Web Given how phallocentric so much of rocknroll is, its sort of surprising that it took until 2012 before some bloke decided that all they really needed for an album cover was a photo of their own erect penis with the title written on it in sharpie. The penis in question belongs to Death Grips drummer Zach Hill, who has said that the band saw it as tribal, as spiritual, as primal. His d**k pic appears heavily pixelated on streaming services. 1. The Coup Party Music In June 2001, Oakland hip-hop group The Coup wanted to create cover art for their forthcoming album Party Music which would illustrate their belief that their music could help destroy capitalism. To visualise this idea, they came up with an image of band members DJ Pam the Funktress and Boots Riley posing in front of an exploding World Trade Center. Riley is holding what looks like a detonator, but is in fact a guitar tuner. Looking at the cover now, it is eerie quite how much the image resembles the events of September 11, so its little surprise that by the time the record was actually released in November, it had been replaced with a flaming martini glass. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Drakes fellow rappers are calling his credibility into question after the Canadian artist sensationally filed two legal actions against record label Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamars not Like Us. The One Dance star, 38, alleges that UMG conspired to inflate the popularity of Lamars 2024 track, widely believed to be the final smack-down in his feud with Drake, amid their ongoing rivalry. In allegations that UMG branded offensive and untrue, the filing said that UMG launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves with a song, Not Like Us, in order to make that song go viral, including by using bots and pay-to-play agreements. It said the company and streaming giant Spotify have a long-standing, symbiotic business relationship and alleges that UMG offered special licensing rates to Spotify for the song. The petition also accused UMG of firing employees seen as loyal to Drake in an apparent effort to conceal its schemes. While Drakes grievance is seemingly with UMG, which owns the subsidiary Republic Records to which he is signed, the legal action is raising eyebrows on the hip-hop scene. open image in gallery Drake sent two legal filings to UMG over Kendrick Lamars song Not Like Us' ( Getty ) [Lamar][ said squabble up, not lawyer up, Charlamagne Tha God joked on social media. Billboard reports that Grammy-nominated artist Rapsody, who featured on Lamars critically adored 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, tweeted: Legal action over losing a rap beef. My my my. Not like us at all. #Cultureovereverything. On his podcast, rapper Joe Budden didnt hold back, calling Drake selfish and manipulative in an expletive-laden rant. Elsewhere on social media, hip-hop fans are also laying into Drake for his decision. Suing your opponent in a RAP beef??? Girl one music fan wrote. You cant even defend Drake at this point he really filed a lawsuit over a rap beef that he started, another fan said. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up One person wrote: I think this lawsuit is the single most embarrassing thing Drake couldve done. The Independent has contacted Drakes representatives for comment. open image in gallery Kendrick Lamar was widely viewed to have won the feud after releasing his diss track ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Lamar and Drake were once on relatively friendly terms, with the Canadian artist inviting Lamar out on his Club Paradise headline tour. Lamar said in an early career interview that he and Drake clicked immediately, describing the fellow rapper as a genuine soul and revealing that Drake was the first person outside of his immediate team to hear his debut album Section 80. However, around the release of Lamars critically acclaimed second album, Good Kid, MAAD City, on which Drake featured, tension appeared to begin brewing between the pair, seemingly in part due to their differing attitudes towards wealth and fame. Drake has said that UMG should have refused to let Lamar release Not Like Us, which he said attacked his character. Earlier this year, [Lamar] presented UMG with a new song called Not Like Us, the Texas filing stated. Before it approved the release of the song, UMG knew that the song itself, as well as its accompanying album art and music video, attacked the character of another one of UMGs most prominent artists, Drake, by falsely accusing him of being a sex offender, engaging in paedophilic acts, harboring sex offenders, and committing other criminal sexual acts. Specifically, the song calls Drake a certified pedophile, a predator, and someone whose name should be registered and placed on neighborhood watch. open image in gallery Drake is doubling down on his claims against Universal Music Group ( Getty Images ) However, the filing continues, UMG has exclusive control over the licensing of Not Like Us and could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited and/or removed. But UMG chose to do the opposite, it contended. UMG designed, financed, and then executed a plan to turn Not Like Us into a viral mega-hit with the intent of using the spectacle of harm to Drake and his businesses to drive consumer hysteria and, of course, massive revenues. That plan succeeded, likely beyond UMGs wildest expectations. Universal Music Group said in a statement in response to Drakes legal filings that the suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. It continued: We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Liam Gallagher has hit back after Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock branded his band Oasis boring. Gallagher and his brother Noel made headlines around the world earlier this year when they announced that they will reunite Oasis next year for their first tour in 15 years. This week, Matlock, 68, weighed in on the reunion announcement, telling NME that he didnt really understand what all the fuss was about. If youre a fan, its understandable, he said. Theyve got lots of fans. Ive always seen Oasis as a bit Status Quo. [With Quo], to hear one song once was enough. Its a bit like that with Oasis: to hear one song once is enough. I just find them kind of samey. I know the guys. Nice blokes. Ive gotta be careful what I say because I bump into Noel [Gallagher] quite a lot. He lives around the corner from me. I think Liam is fantastic. He sings great hes like Johnny Rotten but can carry a tune. Hes got a magnetic stage personality: he can just stand there and its riveting. The rest of the guys? No. I think theyre boring live. Id never go to see em. Matlock went on to reveal that hed been approached about joining the Britpop band in the mid-1990s, but that it hadnt worked out. There was a bit of talk about me helping them out with bass a long time ago in 95, 96 and then they sorted out the problem they had with the bloke who was doing it, he said. I got invited to see em at Earls Court. I left. It was boring. I went again to see em in upstate New York with [Blondies] Clem Burke. Nah I couldnt wait to go. Liam Gallagher of Oasis (left) and Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols ( Getty ) The bass player went on to confirm that hed have no interest in joining the Oasis reunion himself, explaining: The reason they didnt want me in the first place is because they wanted someone whod stand still. Alan McGee asked me. So I went to see em and I thought: the last thing they need is someone else standing still. On X/Twitter, Gallagher was asked about Matlocks comments and responded: F*** HIM SID WAS THE PISTOLS. Matlock was the original bassist in the Sex Pistols, but left the band in 1977 early in the recording of their seminal album Never Mind The Bollocks. He was replaced by Sid Vicious, who went on to become an iconic figure in the punk scene before his death in 1979. Matlock has resumed bass duties for subsequent Sex Pistols reunion shows and tours. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Charli XCX is not your friend. Tonight, at Manchesters once-beleaguered Co-op Live arena, she will wear her sunglasses indoors, smoke a cigarette on stage and not only spit on the ground but drop down on all-fours to lick up the mess. Its a performance, of course how else would Britains most exciting pop star kick off the UK leg of her Brat tour, with its built-in brazenness and sewage-dump-green merch? But part of Charlis mean swagger also feels genuine: here is a woman fiercely uninterested in the milquetoast relatability demanded of her peers. Instead, she embodies stroppy chaos and cocaine-fuelled bravado, feral club-sweat rather than pristine poise. All of this contributed to her cultural ubiquity this year, which lifted her out of the lower rungs of pop fame shes called home for more than a decade. Brat her sixth album wasnt just a collection of songs about sex, parties and insecurity, but a mood, a lifestyle, an entire season (Who here had a Brat summer? Charli asks, somewhat inevitably, between songs tonight). This tour, then, is a victory lap and something of a finale. The last gasp of a moment in time that was unexpected, mystifying and curiously amorphous: what was Brat if it could both adequately soundtrack a drug binge and inspire the early online aesthetic of the Kamala Harris presidential campaign? Will we ever know? Are we all too done with it to probe further? Within the walls of the Co-op Live, at least, the songs themselves still pop. Charli has always been a live act who treats the bulk of her past material like unwanted toys, so this is a Brat-heavy setlist, with only the repetitive techno of B2B, the snarling problematic fave Mean Girls and the likely-too-confessional-for-this I Think About It All the Time left off. Original versions of the tracks tend to bleed into the versions released on Brats remix album, like a web of frenetic dance music being endlessly stretched, distorted and reimagined. Underwear-themed bop Guess, her collaboration with Billie Eilish, and the chugging, honest Girl, So Confusing, her track with Lorde, are the biggest crowd-pleasers the former sees an on-stage cameraman shooting up Charlis skirt as she crawls across a glass-bottomed runway. Charli herself is not an out-of-this-world performer. Her vocals are concealed behind thick layers of autotune, her movement more or less oscillating between static poses, Naomi Campbell-style struts, and floor-based gyration. But her limitations are oddly fascinating her dancing seems improvised and unstudied, with lots of finger-pistols and arm-throwing. It might look awkward if someone less cool was doing it. One of the major questions going into Charlis arena tour was how well shed translate to a bigger crowd. Her safe space has long been the dingy nightclub set, or the mid-size venue (The first time I played Manchester 10 people came, she tells the crowd at one point). As if not wanting to veer too far into big-pop-show territory how deeply unchic there are few bells or whistles in terms of staging. Curtains read brat in drab typeface; the word GIRL decorates the floor. A long rope hangs from the ceiling and lights up like a glow worm. An enormous shower at the bottom of a runway leaves Charli drenched and pawing at her clothes; a cage under the stage is there for her to writhe around in. The crowd loves it. The floor is the most raucous spot in the arena, young bodies slamming into one another, not unlike Charli shows of yore. But a party atmosphere is fostered even in the stalls no one seems to stay seated, and few dare to ignore Charlis demands to jump up and scream. Its unclear where Charli goes from here. Shes spoken for a few months now about the bubble bursting, that you cant be omnipresent forever. Her attitude on stage that nasty, scowling, you-cant-sit-with-us glamour suggests that a full embrace of the mainstream was never on the cards. Instead shell bend commercial success to her will, twist it into new shapes to quote an old song of hers. The fringes remain her home, no matter how many cultural moments bear her fingerprints. On the way out, I pass a Manchester tramline employee informing her colleague that the woman playing the Co-op Live tonight is that girl Charli SCS, blending the name of one of Britains greatest modern artists with a sofa company youve probably seen advertised on daytime TV. Never heard of her, they reply. Even after a Brat summer, some things never change. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Wildlife and photography lovers have been invited to have their say and vote as 25 incredible images compete to be best in class. From mating monkeys to a beluga whale exfoliating its skin, the pictures, vying to win the Wildlife Photographer Peoples Choice Award of the Year, offer intriguing perspectives into the remarkable world of wild animals and nature. The shortlisted photographs were chosen from 59,228 entries from 117 countries, and depict the critical challenges facing wildlife today. Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said: The Peoples Choice Award allows members of the public from across the globe to join the jury and vote for their winning image, inspiring everyone to connect with the natural world. Among this years selection is the moment a European roller bird defends its territory from a bemused-looking little owl and heartbreaking image of a young cheetah cub waiting to be sold in Ethiopia. You can vote online for the winner of the Peoples Choice Award here or via digital screens at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London. Voting closes on Wednesday 29 January 2025. Scanning the Realm by Aaron Baggenstos (USA) A puma stands on a windswept outcrop in the rugged mountain terrain of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. open image in gallery Scanning the Realm by Aaron Baggenstos (USA) ( Aaron Baggenstos, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Wolf Pack by Arvind Ramamurthy (India) Members of an Indian wolf pack pause briefly as they play in fields in Bhigwan, India. Indian wolves were once found all across India. Now, their number has dwindled to as few as 3,000. open image in gallery Wolf Pack by Arvind Ramamurthy (India) ( Arvind Ramamurthy, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Annoying Neighbour by Bence Mate (Hungary) A European roller defends its territory from a bemused-looking little owl in Kiskunsag National Park, Hungary. The little owl and the European roller are very different birds, but their nests and feeding requirements are similar. open image in gallery Annoying Neighbour by Bence Mate (Hungary) ( Bence Mate, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) The Arrival by Brad Leue (Australia) Floodwaters that have travelled for months surge towards an enormous salt lake in South Australia. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australias largest inland lake and one of the worlds largest salt lakes. open image in gallery The Arrival by Brad Leue (Australia) ( Brad Leue, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Fallen from the Sky by Carlo DAurizio (Italy) A collage of dead butterflies and moths trapped by the surface tension of the water floats in a stream in Italy. It was a summer morning in the San Bartolomeo valley, in the Majella National Park, Italy. open image in gallery Fallen from the Sky by Carlo DAurizio (Italy) ( Carlo DAurizio, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Evening Song by Christian Brinkmann (Germany) A singing Eurasian songbird is silhouetted against a backdrop of colourful fairground lights in Munster, Germany. open image in gallery Evening Song by Christian Brinkmann (Germany) ( Christian Brinkmann, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Spiked by David Northall (UK) A bloodied yet determined honey badger returns to finish off a Cape porcupine, which earlier had tried to defend itself. The badger grabbed the porcupines right leg. In defence, the porcupine repeatedly backed into its attacker, piercing it with many quills. open image in gallery Spiked by David Northall (UK) ( David Northall, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Aspen Shadows by Devon Pradhuman (USA) Four grey wolves cross a minimalist landscape of naked aspens and snow in Yellowstone National Park, USA. It was early spring in the Lamar Valley, and this pack was in search of its next meal. open image in gallery Aspen Shadows by Devon Pradhuman (USA) ( Devon Pradhuman, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Sneak Attack by Erlend Haarberg (Norway) A polar bear cub attempts an underwater surprise attack on a northern fulmar. open image in gallery Sneak Attack by Erlend Haarberg (Norway) ( Erlend Haarberg, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Earth and Sky by Francisco Negroni (Chile) A double lenticular cloud is illuminated at nightfall by the lava emitted from the Villarrica volcano, Chile. Villarica is in the town of Pucon in the south of Chile. Its one of the countrys most active volcanoes and last erupted in 2015. open image in gallery Earth and Sky by Francisco Negroni (Chile) ( Francisco Negroni, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) No Access by Ian Wood (UK) An ambling Eurasian badger appears to glance up at badger graffiti on a quiet road in St Leonards-on-Sea, England, UK. Residents had been leaving food scraps on the pavement for foxes. But Ian noticed that badgers from a nearby sett were also coming to forage. open image in gallery No Access by Ian Wood (UK) ( Ian Wood, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Togetherness by Ivan Ivanek (Czech Republic) A striking pair of red-shanked douc langurs are seen mating in the forests of the Son Tra peninsula in Vietnam. Known for their bright red stockings, these primates are found only in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. open image in gallery Togetherness by Ivan Ivanek (Czech Republic) ( Ivan Ivanek, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Edge of Night by Jess Findlay (Canada) A ghostly barn owl exits the hayloft window of a derelict barn to hunt in fields outside Vancouver, Canada. open image in gallery Edge of Night by Jess Findlay (Canada) ( Jess Findlay, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Unsold by Jose Fragozo (Portugal) A young cheetah cub hisses while waiting to be sold in Ethiopia. Captured from her home plains in the Somali Region, she was transported for several days on the back of a camel to the northern coast of Somaliland. open image in gallery Unsold by Jose Fragozo (Portugal) ( Jose Fragozo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) A Good Scratch by Mark Williams (UK/Canada) A beluga whale rubs its underside on a shallow river bottom to exfoliate its skin. Hundreds of beluga whales come here to socialise and exfoliate in the shallow water. The passage is also a safe haven, away from the predatory orcas. open image in gallery A Good Scratch by Mark Williams (UK/Canada) ( Mark Williams, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.jpg ) Meeting in the Marsh by Michael Forsberg (USA) A disguised biologist approaches an endangered whooping crane in Louisiana, USA. open image in gallery Meeting in the Marsh by Michael Forsberg (USA) ( Michael Forsberg, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Whiteout by Michel dOultremont (Belgium) A stoat sits up and observes its territory as it blends perfectly into a snowy landscape in Belgium. Michel had been looking for stoats in the snow for many years. open image in gallery Whiteout by Michel dOultremont (Belgium) ( Michel dOultremont, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Drifting Dinner by Noam Kortler (Israel) A decorator crab perches on top of a sea squirt to comb the water for drifting plankton. open image in gallery Drifting Dinner by Noam Kortler (Israel) ( Noam Kortler, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Curious Connection by Nora Milligan (USA) A chimpanzee pauses and looks down as its family moves across the forest floor of Loango National Park, Gabon. open image in gallery Curious Connection by Nora Milligan (USA) ( Nora Milligan, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Snuffling Sengi by Piotr Naskrecki (Poland) A rarely seen four-toed sengi forages for food among the leaf litter in Mozambique. open image in gallery Snuffling Sengi by Piotr Naskrecki (Poland ( Piotr Naskrecki, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Forest of Dreams by Samuel Bloch (France) A northern giant petrel sits on its nest at the edge of a rata tree forest on Enderby Island, New Zealand. open image in gallery Forest of Dreams by Samuel Bloch (France) ( Samuel Bloch, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Slap Shot by Savannah Rose (USA) A beaver cocks its tail before slapping it down on the water to alert its family to a newcomer. open image in gallery Slap Shot by Savannah Rose (USA) ( Savannah Rose, Wildlife Photographer of the Year. ) Icy Repose by Sue Flood (UK) A dramatic blue-grey sky highlights the soft greys of a Weddell seal as it rests on an ice floe. open image in gallery Icy Repose by Sue Flood (UK) ( Sue Flood, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) Concert in the Forest by Vincent Premel (France) A Surinam golden-eyed tree frog puffs out its cheeks as it prepares to call for a mate. open image in gallery Concert in the Forest by Vincent Premel (France) ( Vincent Premel, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) The Brave Gecko by Willie Burger van Schalkwyk (South Africa) A giant ground gecko stands fast against a pale chanting goshawk in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa. One hunting strategy of the southern pale chanting goshawk is to walk or run on the ground in pursuit of prey. open image in gallery The Brave Gecko by Willie Burger van Schalkwyk (South Africa) ( Willie Burger van Schalkwyk, Wildlife Photographer of the Year ) You can vote online for the winner of the Peoples Choice Award here or via digital screens at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London. Voting closes on Wednesday 29 January 2025. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Gregg Wallace is to step away from presenting MasterChef while complaints made by individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated. Wallace, 60, has hosted the BBC cooking show alongside John Torode since 2005 and has also fronted other programmes including Inside the Factory, Big Weekends Away and Supermarket Secrets. Among the complainants is former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who alleged he told jokes of a sexualised nature when she was competing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. Wark described her overall experience on the show as joyous but said: The fly in the ointment, on occasion, was Gregg Wallace. She added: I think people were uncomfortable. We were essentially a captive audience. People looked embarrassed and just got on with their work. I was actually more angry than anything else, because I thought it was so inappropriate. And in a sense what I thought was it was about power more than anything else, that he felt he could. Sir Rod Stewart added to the allegations, claiming Wallace had humiliated his wife, Penny Lancaster, during filming of the show three years ago. Writing on social media, he called Wallace a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. The Telegraph also reported on a claim by Ulrika Jonsson that Wallace was forced to apologise to a female contestant on Celebrity Masterchef after making an offensive joke. On Thursday evening, Wallace posted a video on his Instagram account: I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support. Thats good of you, thank you very much. Banijay UK, the production company behind Masterchef, has launched an investigation and said that Wallace is cooperating. The company said in a statement: Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free A BBC spokesperson said: We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them. Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will be broadcast as planned. open image in gallery Greg Wallace on MasterChef ( BBC/Shine TV ) Banijay UK said: Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. BBC News sent a letter to Wallaces representatives on Tuesday detailing allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period. Wallaces lawyers have said it is entirely false Wallace engages in behaviours of a sexually harassing nature, the outlet reported. open image in gallery Presenter Kirsty Wark has claimed Wallace made inappropriate comments while she was a Celebrity Masterchef contestant ( BBC via Getty Images ) In October, Wallace hit back at reports he made sexually inappropriate comments to a female colleague at the BBC in 2018. Wallace was accused of bragging about his sex life with wife Anna Wallace, and taking his top off in front of the employee, according to The Sun. The TV personality vehemently denied the accusations in a video he shared to Instagram, saying the allegations had been investigated by the BBC six years ago. open image in gallery Wallace and John Torode on MasterChef ( BBC/Shine TV ) My comments were found to be not sexual, he said. I repeat not sexual. Thank you. Wallace, who says he is madly in love with his wife Anna, 37, said it was his priority to ensure that it was clear that he was not flirting with anybody who is not his wife. Something else that I feel very strongly about strong enough to be on [Instagram] nobody six years ago or since has accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody, he added. open image in gallery Gregg and Anna Wallace with their son Sid ( PA ) And thats important to me and I say this for my wife Anna, who Ive been true to and madly in love with since the day I met her. I dont want anybody to misunderstand this and make it look like I was flirting with somebody. Nobody accused me of that and I never have. Last year the presenter was forced to quit Inside the Factory over inappropriate comments allegedly made to female staff. Wallace quit his role fronting the BBC2 series in March 2023 after serving as presenter for seven seasons, stating that he wanted to spend more time with his three-year-old son. open image in gallery Wallace on Inside the Factory ( BBC ) The Times, however, reported that an incident at a Nestle factory in York at the start of the year also contributed to his decision to quit. During the visit in question, Wallace allegedly made comments to staff that were considered inappropriate. The publication understands that the remarks were related to the weight of female staff members and were not sexual. In response to the allegations, a representative for Wallace told The Independent at the time: We refer to you the original statement which makes clear his reasons for not continuing filming the series. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy GK Barry and Richard Coles have once again captivated viewers with their surprising conversation topics in the Im a Celeb camp. Since entering the jungle, the influencer, 25, and former vicar, 62, have discussed a range of subjects including religious camps, sex before marriage and Coles experience of being a gay reverend. Barry continued to entertain fans by asking the vicar another niche question on Wednesday nights (27 November) installment of the ITV series. Do you wish that you could go and watch your funeral just to see what people say? the influencer asked, to which Coles replied: My funeral at the moment is coming in at 17 hours. Discussing funeral arrangements, Barry said she was very against having a quiche at a wake and revealed she wants Staying Alive by the Bee Gees playing as her casket enters the church. Reflecting on Coles own funeral demands, Barry said: Rev wants a funeral that lasts 17 hours, feels excessive but I do understand. Ill be there, I hope Ill at least be in the sixth row. Meanwhile, the reverend reciprocated Barrys fondness of him, saying: She [Barry] just makes me laugh all the time and I think were on each others wavelength. open image in gallery GK Barry and Reverend Richard Coles chatting on Im a Celeb ( ITV ) The duos conversation quickly changed topics, with the influencer asking Coles whether he thought his frontal lobe was fully developed. Coles joked that his brain was so developed his frontal lobe was sticking out of his head like a pair of breasts before disclosing that his own nipples are concave. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Never thought Id hear Rev Richard say resting nipple position, one surprised viewer wrote on X/Twitter. If Rev Richard was my vicar, Id go to church every day and Im an Atheist, another fan added. Others praised Barry and Coles candid chatter, with one person writing: We truly need their own podcast when they talk about what they do when they wake up, their favourite takeaways/what shows they like. open image in gallery Coles and Oti Mabuse on Im a Celeb ( ITV ) Earlier this week, Im a Celeb viewers were left similarily shocked by another risque chat between Barry and Rev Richard. Barry, who earlier in the series opened up about her sexuality and coming out, recalled going to a religious camp when she was younger and being told not to have sex before marriage. She said that even at 13, she thought: Well, thats not gonna happen. I see my future and it involves scissoring. Coles then asked Barry what scissoring is. She chose not to explain the sexual act in detail, but did inform him that it was something lesbians do. He then started making jokes about the sizzling scissoring sisterhood, and the pair collapsed into laughter. New episodes of Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! air on ITV1 and ITVX every night at 9pm. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy NBC appeared to mistakingly identify a young Sesame Street actor as Broadway icon Lea Salonga during its live broadcast of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. During the networks annual holiday event on Thursday, co-anchors Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie introduced Sesame Streets float, where Tony Award-winning actor Lea Salonga was performing alongside the cast of the PBS staple. However, when the cameras panned to the side of the float where young child actor Olivia Perez was singing and dancing a title card for Salonga appeared. open image in gallery Sesame Street child star Olivia Perez sings during Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade ( NBC ) Salonga, 53, was later shown singing at the front of the float with the correct title card identifying her. Several viewers have since responded to the telecasts flub, making light of the situation. Oh god. Lea Salonga took The Substance, one person tweeted in reference to Demi Moores latest sci-fi thriller, which sees her character inject herself with a substance to youthify herself. Do do they think this is Lea Salonga?! a second asked in disbelief, while a third wrote: Someone tell the cameraman that that little girl isnt Lea Salonga. Cannot get over NBC disrespecting Lea Salonga by mislabeling some random other person on the float as her, another added. open image in gallery Lea Salonga performs during rehearsals for Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade ( Getty Images for Macy's ) The Independent has contacted NBC for comment. Salonga is best known for her Tony-winning portrayal of Kim in Broadways 1991 production of Miss Saigon. The Filipino actor previously originated the role of Kim in West Ends production in 1989, for which she earned an Olivier Award. She became the first Asian actor to star as Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway in 1993. She later returned for the 2006 revival in the role of Fantine. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Salongas gone on to portray lead characters in other musicals, including Grizabella in the 2010 Phillippines tour of Cats and Aurora Aquino in Broadways 2023 run of Here Lies Love. This years Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, which was backdropped by rainy weather, featured several other performances from the likes of Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, country star Dasha, indie-pop artist Bishop Briggs and rapper T-Pain. Meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson closed out the event by ringing in the holiday season with performances of Jingle Bells, Let There Be Joy and The Gift of Love from her debut Christmas album. It was approaching the height of summer and work at Huang Shuofus factory was also heating up, with more than 20 employees rushing to fill orders for his local specialty product Chinese tuanshan fans. The task at hand was particularly pressing this time because they were making tuanshan exports for an international luxury fashion brand, which specifically requested about 7,000 custom-made versions of the traditional handicraft. Our fans have always symbolised Chinese culture and heritage, prized as works of art, said Huang, 78. The popularity of tuanshan can be traced to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220). The round fans resemble a full moon, signifying auspicious union and happiness. Their use extended beyond being tools for dealing with scorching summers to reflect high status and taste. Huang himself is a fourth-generation master craftsman of the fans, which are traditionally made with bamboo that grow abundantly in his hometown in Guilin city of South Chinas Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He has won major accolades at home and abroad for his work in preserving and promoting tuanshan as intangible cultural heritage. In 2013, he was asked to craft two fans adorned with ethnic Zhuang embroidery to be presented to then-UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, who was visiting China at that time. Huangs fans are still made the traditional way, with bamboo strips and sticks for frames and handles assembled by hand. Paper, silk and cloth on which paintings, calligraphy, embroidery and other designs complete the product. He is also constantly innovating and adding features to his creations, such as a distinctive ring-ribbed base to connect the fan frame to its handle. We need to keep up with new trends and incorporate these into the traditional elements as much as possible while retaining the original essence, to continue sharing this heritage with people at home and abroad, Huang said. Fourth-generation master craftsman Huang Shuofu in his tuanshan fan studio ( PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY ) He added that his factory has obtained more than 30 national patents and exported products to major overseas markets including South Korea, Japan and Singapore. His daughter Huang Keren, 40, who helps run the familys business operations, such as its marketing and outreach, said daily production can hit 5,000 pieces, with about one-fifth of that amount for export. Latest digital trends such as livestreaming have helped e-commerce make up a major part of the business, she said. The guochao trend of recent years to showcase traditional Chinese cultural elements in a variety of fields such as clothing has also contributed significantly to growth, she said. Many of our customers include parents buying fans that showcase the best of Chinese traditional culture, like copies of famous paintings, poetry and calligraphy, for their children, she said, adding that mini DIY kits for their young customers to put together their own fans are also very popular. Huang Shuofu said that, as part of his responsibility in passing down the intangible cultural heritage to future generations, he also runs workshops and classes for children and adults, as well as collaborations with cultural institutions like museums, to make sure the tuanshan tradition survives and thrives. Similarly, sustainable, green practices are a priority, he said, especially since his creations rely on natural bamboo as a major material. We minimise our waste and discard as little as possible, Huang said. I recycle the bamboo strips, cloth, paper and try to come up with new ways to use them, such as for bookmarks, stationery and other smaller-sized, related products. In line with sustainable, inclusive development, the tuanshan production also ropes in local rural communities. For villager Zheng Ming, harvesting bamboo through cooperatives and other production channels to provide the raw material for Huangs fans in the past three decades has helped improve his familys previously subsistence livelihood in line with rural revitalisation. We help provide 600,000 to 700,000 pieces of bamboo every year and our income has increased significantly, three to four times higher than before, said Zheng, who is in his 70s. An opera based on a book by Chinese author Hong Ying received its world premiere in London on 1 November, with the help of two British musicians who have a long and close connection with Chinas classical music scene. The performance, by the Arcadian Opera company at Londons Bloomsbury Theatre, consisted of two pieces inspired by a series of books with Sangsang as the central character. The first was a narrated piece, The Girl from the French Fort, which was created for the China pavilion at the Milan Expo in 2015, and the second a new work, The Stone God, which was based on the story New Moon Rising, both composed by Nicholas Michael Smith. The stories, set in Chongqing in Southwest China, have their roots in Hong Yings childhood memories. I told my daughter traditional Chinese stories when she was growing up, so I wanted to make a contribution to the library of childrens stories, and created a series of stories for her and her age range, she said, admitting that she was surprised but delighted that someone else saw the wider artistic potential in her writing. Ive been an artist in many media a poet, a photographer, a director, its all interconnected, so for me, they have always been more than just words on a page. Its a lovely surprise that someone wanted to put them to music. The Girl from the French Fort is a time-travel fantasy about a boy who meets a mysterious girl in an old barracks building on the banks of the Yangzte River. I used to walk past it when I was younger. When I was older, I got to go inside and I wanted to turn it into a tale, she explained. The piece proved so popular, it was performed as the Shanghai Oriental Art Centres 2019 Childrens Day Concert by the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra. The Stone God comes out of my childhood memory of strange figures, monsters and folk tales that I used to hear about, she said. Its about the human condition, with themes of loss, forgiveness, and kindness, so I hope anyone at any age can embrace it, and that it will find a wide audience. Composer Smiths relationship with China goes back more than three decades. He studied music at Cambridge University before going to a country about which he admits he knew nothing, to teach English. He soon became part of its music scene. But his involvement with The Stone God came via an indirect route. Previously Id been a translator and I was asked by my friend Adam Williams, Hong Yings husband, if I could help translate her books as the translator they had wasnt very good, which meant the books illustrator, Cherry Denman, was drawing the wrong pictures, because she was given the wrong details, he said. Translating the third book, Smith said its musical potential was obvious. I hope Ive created something that conjures up the image of being in China. Its set in China and I think it would be very popular if it was staged there. It has a Chinese flavour, but underneath its just a great story that I think anyone can enjoy. Arcadian Operas Musical Director Justin Lavender conducted the orchestra for the performance. Like Smith, he has a long relationship with China which includes learning the language, which he said was one of the hardest things Ive ever done. I performed the role of Lieutenant Pinkerton in Giacomo Puccinis Madam Butterfly a lot, he said. It was not uncommon to be the only Westerner in the company, so I realised I needed to learn basic Chinese. And when I came home, I went to evening classes and learned it up to A Level (pre-university) standard. To be allowed to oversee the pieces premiere was, he said, a real honour and privilege. Its a wonderfully stimulating project with a lot of pentatonic melody running through it, said Lavender. If anyone is happy about giant panda Ying Ying successfully giving birth to twin cubs in August after years of futile mating attempts and a miscarriage, its Janet Long Shun-kwan. Long began looking after Ying Ying in 2009, and was close by during the giant pandas decade-long efforts to give birth, which started in 2011. Ying Ying and male panda Le Le were gifted by the central government to Hong Kong in 2007, but several mating attempts had failed to produce cubs. In 2015, Long accompanied Ying Ying to the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in southwest Sichuan province, where the giant panda was to take part in a natural breeding programme. Long and Ying Ying stayed at the base for six months. The giant panda was able to conceive, but miscarried. However, the trip was romantically fortuitous for Long. At the base she met Dong Chao, a senior caretaker involved in giant panda breeding since 2003, who later became her husband. Long returned to Hong Kong, but the budding romance with Dong grew stronger, with their shared passion for giant pandas bringing them closer together. In 2018, Long, after much soul searching, resigned from her job in Hong Kong and moved to Wolong to start a family with Dong. The marriage of Long and Dong, thanks in no small part to Ying Ying, embodies the strong bonds between Hong Kong and Sichuan developed through panda connections. Before Ying Ying and Le Les arrival, the central government sent the first pair of pandas An An and Jia Jia to the city in 1999 to mark the two-year anniversary of Hong Kongs return to the motherland. The 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Wenchuan of Sichuan on 12 May, 2008, also brought Hong Kong and the province closer together. The quake severely damaged the Wolong National Nature Reserve, located less than 13 miles from the epicentre of the temblor in Yingxiu town. In no time, Hong Kong raced to provide aid to reconstruct Wenchuan. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government provided HK$10 billion (1.01 billion) for 190 projects over eight years. Twenty-three of them were in the Wolong National Nature Reserve, including Dujiangyan Base and Shenshuping Base the two panda bases of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda. The rebuilt Shenshuping Base is the worlds largest giant panda breeding, rearing, and research base. It is also the only training centre in the world for the reintroduction of pandas into the wild. Ocean Park staff hold up signs and wear panda headgear to welcome An An and Ke Ke on 26 September ( PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY ) The base covers an area of about 370 acres, and has 30 panda habitats, a panda hospital, labs and a science education centre. Hong Kongs Ocean Park had a significant role in the reconstruction of Wolong. The theme parks conservation arm, The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, established the Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund, which offered financial support for recovery work at 12 panda reserves in Sichuan. Paulo Pong Kin-yee, chairman of the Ocean Park Corporation, said the birth of Ying Yings twin cubs was further testament to the collaboration between teams in Sichuan and Hong Kong. When Ying Ying began showing signs she was ready to give birth in late July, the giant panda centre in Sichuan promptly arranged for breeding expert Dong Li and cub-rearing expert Zhang Yahui to travel to Hong Kong. With the support of the parks animal care team and the centres experts, Ying Ying gave birth to the panda cubs on 15 August, after a difficult five-hour labour. With the arrival of the twins and the third pair of pandas An An and Ke Ke gifted by the central government in September, Ocean Park now has six pandas. The twins are expected to meet the public in the first quarter of next year when they will be about six months old, Ocean Park caretakers said. During an event themed Vulnerable Cities under Climate Impact on the sidelines of COP29, a pair of Chinese twin brothers delivered a speech via video in which they called on youth to contribute more to efforts to combat climate change. Li Bingchen and Li Bingheng, also known by their English names Arthur and Carter, respectively, discussed Chinese youths concerns about climate change at COP28 last year. At this years conference, formally known as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the brothers from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, detailed efforts they had made in the past year to encourage their peers to take action on climate issues, emphasising how small steps can result in massive progress. The side event the brothers spoke at highlighted the challenges facing developing cities and brought together young leaders, UNICEF representatives, global climate education organisations and sustainable business leaders. The discussion centred on how young peoples perspectives and innovative approaches can strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable cities. With humour and creativity, the 13-year-olds talked about their efforts to raise climate awareness among their peers. Last year, they began conducting climate awareness surveys at their school and later presented their findings at COP28, where they pledged to help their classmates become some of the most climate-conscious youths in Shenzhen. In their speech this year, they reflected on their journey to fulfil that promise their thoughts, efforts, challenges and successes. Over the past year, the brothers have organised various activities, including inviting a COP28 expert to speak with their classmates about climate issues and organising a field trip to a zero-carbon community in Shenzhen. By engaging in hands-on activities, they were able to help their peers better understand how carbon neutrality and sustainability are key to everyday life. They also created fun climate-themed quizzes to keep classmates engaged. As they wrapped up their presentation, the twins explained their plans to improve their survey response rate by collecting feedback, and they hope to share their findings at COP30 next year. In another event held on the sidelines of COP29, Gao Shiqing, a 15-year-old student at Keystone Academy in Beijing, talked about the years he has devoted to the protection of the North China leopard. A species native to Beijing, it fled the city due to habitat destruction in the 1990s, partly driven by climate change. Shiqing began working as a volunteer to protect the species in 2016. That year, the Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, a nonprofit organisation, initiated a programme to assess the biodiversity of mountainous areas in North China and evaluate the potential for reintroducing the animal to the Chinese capital. One of the teens key tasks was to conduct fieldwork for the alliance, and he devoted much of his free time to that work after school. Navigating rugged terrain and enduring physical challenges, Shiqing and other volunteers aimed to ensure that the regions ecosystem, including its food chain and ecological corridors, could support the natural return of the leopards, he noted. Back then, the closest known habitat of the big cat was in Heshun county, Shanxi province, about 248 miles away from Beijing. Shiqings consistent engagement has seen positive progress. The shy creature was first spotted in a location 186 miles from Beijing in 2020, and then last year, it was seen in Baoding, which is only about 124 miles from the capital, he said during his speech. Despite these promising signs, no leopards have been found in the mountains surrounding Beijing yet, but his dedicated observation in two points near the capital with the help of infrared cameras has indicated consistent ecological improvement. Shiqing said he has spotted quite a few varieties of wild animals, including pheasants, badgers and wild boars. Some animals strut solo in front of the infrared camera, others crowd together in a chaotic jumble, and some move with disciplined precision, like an army, he said. The sightings are evidence that the ecological situation near the capital is improving, the teen said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Several Chinese brands have apologised to women in the country after it was found that their sanitary pads were often smaller than advertised. Earlier this month, viral videos and investigations revealed discrepancies between listed and actual pad lengths, with some products being at least 10mm shorter, the local media said. After the scandal, amplified by the hashtag sanitary pad length fraud on Weibo, Chinese women are now demanding accurate labelling for the usable absorbent length of the pads. An investigation by the Chinese outlet The Paper earlier found that nearly 90 per cent of sanitary pads were at least 10mm shorter than advertised, with even smaller absorbent layers inside. While national standards allow a 4 per cent size discrepancy, they dont regulate absorbent layer lengths. In one viral clip, an influencer measured the absorbent pads inside products from top Chinese brands, including ABC, revealing that the listed sizes on the packaging reflect total pad lengths, not the usable absorbent area. In an early video posted on 3 November on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, a user measured nine sanitary pad brands with a tape measure, revealing that all were shorter than the lengths stated on their packaging. Earlier this month, ABC said in a statement that it was deeply sorry and promised to improve its products to achieve zero deviation. Other brands like Shecare and Beishute have also issued public apologies. Following the widespread outrage, authorities announced plans to revise national standards on sanitary pads. ABC had also earlier fuelled further outrage when its customer service dismissively told a complainant to choose not to buy if they were unhappy with length discrepancies. The brand later apologised for the inappropriate response. Sanitary pads are already incredibly expensive, and now theyre even falsifying the length, read one post on Weibo. Do these people have no morals, trying to make money off women like this? For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo does not use cotton from the Xinjiang region in northwest China, the company's boss said. Fast Retailing's chief executive Tadashi Yanai broke his silence on the supply of fabric for his brand's clothing for the first time amid allegations of human rights violations in the supply chain and concerns over forced labour in Xinjiang, which produces some of the worlds best cotton. Companies that buy clothing, cotton, tomatoes and other goods from Xinjiang have come under pressure from Western consumers over the alleged genocide of the minority Uyghurs and Hui Muslims under the Xi Jinping administration over the past decade. Beijing has routinely denied allegations of crimes against humanity, calling them the lie of the century. open image in gallery People walk outside Uniqlo store in Warsaw ( REUTERS ) The violations have prompted Western nations, led by the US, to impose tough regulations on the import of goods from Xinjiang in 2022. Several global brands, such as H&M, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas have faced backlash in China for removing products using Xinjiang cotton from their shelves expressing concern for the alleged use of forced labour. Uniqlo, which has 2,500 stores worldwide, had remained neutral "between the US and China" over the Xinjiang row to keep the business floating in the Asian country with the second-largest population in the world. "Were not using [cotton from Xinjiang]," Mr Yanai told BBC in Tokyo. "By mentioning which cotton were using ... actually, it gets too political if I say anymore so let's stop here," he said without adding further details. A US federal report published in 2022 estimated that cotton from Xinjiang accounted for roughly 87 per cent of Chinas production and 23 per cent of the global supply in 2020 and 2021. Mr Yanai said Uniqlo "was not a known brand globally" and China and the Asian subcontinent were still the brand's biggest market. In November this year, he told the Associated Press that "there is more potential for growth in Europe and the US, as well as China and India, given the 1.4 billion population in each country. open image in gallery File: An SAIC Volkswagen plant is seen in the outskirts of Urumqi in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Thursday, 22 April 2021 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He told the BBC that there were only 900 to 1000 stores for China's mammoth population. "I think we can increase that to 3,000, Uniqlo's parent company Fast Retailing had earlier in 2021 claimed that the company does not use any materials linked to human rights violations. Meanwhile, Volkswagen on Wednesday said it will sell all its operations in China's Xinjiang after years of mounting pressure to abandon its presence in the region. The carmaker announced the decision at the same time as saying it would extend its partnership with Chinese partner SAIC by a decade to 2040. Rights groups hailed Volkswagen's decision to exit Xinjiang as a "positive step, albeit long overdue". "Car companies should map their supply chains and disengage from any supplier sourcing material directly or indirectly from Xinjiang, said Jim Wormington, senior researcher and advocate in the Economic Justice and Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Indian authorities are investigating Google Maps and local government officials following the deaths of three men whose car fell off a broken bridge in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The men, identified as Amit Kumar, Vivek Kumar and Ajit Kumar were reportedly using the navigation app while driving to a wedding when their vehicle plunged into the Ramganga River, according to police reports. The accident occurred in Badaun district around 10am on Sunday, when the group was travelling from Bareilly to Dataganj. According to police, the GPS displayed the route as operational near Dataganj in Badaun, as the bridge had been in use until a section collapsed during floods in 2023. However, the route was neither closed, nor were any signs installed. Earlier this year, floods had caused the front portion of the bridge to collapse into the river, but this change had not been updated in the system, officer Ashutosh Shivam said at the time. Mr Shivam noted that the absence of safety barriers or warning signs on the approach to the bridge contributed to the fatal accident. The driver, relying on navigation, was unaware of the danger and drove off the damaged section. Authorities have since questioned a representative from Google Maps and interviewed officials from the Public Works Department. Police in Dataganj have booked four engineers of the public works department as well as some unknown person, police officer Gaurav Bishnoi told the Press Trust of India. A regional officer of Google Maps is also being investigated in the case. However, he is yet to be named in the police complaint. Police are also investigating both the navigation systems failure to provide accurate information and the lack of proper precautions at the site. A Google spokesperson expressed their condolences, stating, "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. Were working closely with the authorities and providing our support to investigate the issue, the company told AFP. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police arrested a man accused of strangling and butchering his cohabiting partner in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, according to reports. Naresh Bhengra, 25, was arrested by the police after he admitted to chopping up the woman into pieces over a feud earlier this month, reported news agency Press Trust of India. Police officials learnt of the incident and recovered her remains upon finding a stray dog with human body parts near Jariagarh police station in eastern Indias Jordag village. According to a senior police official, Mr Bhengra, who was already married to someone else, did not wish to take his cohabiting partner home, causing an argument. Instead, he took her to a forest near his house at Jordag village and chopped her body into pieces, superintendent of police Aman Kumar said, reported PTI. The accused worked as a butcher in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, investigating officer inspector Ashok Singh said. He was in a so-called live-in relationship with his now deceased partner in Tamil Nadu for the past few years, but when he returned to Jharkhand sometime back, he married another woman without telling his partner, Mr Singh said. After his marriage, Mr Bhengra went back to Tamil Nadu without his wife to his partner, the reports said. The woman was not aware of Mr Bhengras marital status and pressured him to return to her district of Khunti in Jharkhand. After reaching Ranchi, they boarded a train on 24 November and headed to the mans village, police said. "Under a plan, the man took her to Khunti in an autorickshaw near his home and asked her to wait. He returned with sharp weapons and strangled her with her dupatta after raping her, he said. He then cut up the body and left for his home to live with his wife, Mr Singh said. Police officials recovered several of her body parts, and her belongings, including an identity card. The victims mother, who was aware of her daughters plans of returning to Khunti with Mr Bhengra, identified her belongings. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Love mayo and cant get enough of it? You might be interested in the latest food thats made its way to Japans convenience stores drinkable mayonnaise. Convenience-store chain Lawson has launched Nomu mayo, or drinkable mayonnaise, which comes packed in a sleek, upmarket cup adorned with a whimsical squeeze-bottle illustration. Priced at 198 (1.04) for 200ml, Lawson describes it as the chilled drink mayo fanatics have long been waiting for, according to Sora News24. Mayo is used heavily in sandwiches and pizzas in the country, as well as in traditional Japanese food like sushi and onigiri (rice balls). The only catch for pedantic mayonnaise lovers is that the label clarifies that Nomu mayo is a mayonnaise-style drink and not mayonnaise. Currently in a test sale period, it still remains to be seen if Nomu mayo actually appeals to Japanese customers, who are used to the thicker and richer taste of Japanese mayo, as opposed to more Western varieties. Reviews on social media suggest it tastes exactly like mayonnaise, and Gigazines review clarified that it has foods whose main ingredient is milk, mayonnaise-flavored seasoning, and processed whole eggs. Drinkable mayo?! Its unbelievably bad! Avoid at all costs! No true mayo lover would enjoy this! Why the heck did they make this??? posted one customer on X. I dont mind mayonnaise but this is a step too far. Necessity is not always the mother of invention, posted another. A customer who tried it posted a review on Reddit, writing: I just tried it and its awful, just like youd expect. Liquid mayo, salty, mayo-y, maybe a bit dilly? Not sure about the last one, but I couldnt handle more than one sip. Another posted on Reddit: As much as I cringeingly love Japanese mayo This made me gag just thinking of it. Convenience stores in Japan, known as konbini, are almost an institution unto themselves, selling not just a wide range of food, beverages, daily groceries, but also function as multipurpose terminals for tickets and other services. It is not uncommon to see tourists inside Japanese convenience stores posing for photos in front of the neatly lined stacks of instant ramen and onigiri, and many people know the iconic Lawsons konbini in front of Mount Fuji that influencers love. With over 56,000 konbini spread across Japan, the different chains are in near-constant competition to woo customers by trying to maintain a diverse and creative inventory. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Japan is prosecuting a teenager who fell from the rooftop of a shopping centre and landed on a pedestrian below, resulting in the death of both people. A 17-year-old high school student fell from the roof of a shopping mall in Yokohama on 31 August and hit a woman who was walking with three of her friends, reports said. Both were rushed to a hospital, where the pedestrian, identified as 32-year-old Chikako Chiba, succumbed about three hours after the teenager's death. An initial investigation suggested that the student died by suicide, although the motive was unclear. The dead teenager has been charged with "gross negligence resulting in death", according to state broadcaster NHK. Yokohama police said the teenager was old enough to understand that she could be at risk of hitting pedestrians walking below. The law enforcement have reportedly pressed for an indictment to be officially recorded. The decision to prosecute the dead teenager has triggered a debate, with some calling the move pointless and a "waste of resources". "Prosecuting a dead girl is peak government ridiculousness bureaucrats so obsessed with following their rigid, outdated rules that theyve completely lost touch with common sense and human decency," read a comment on Japan Today. Another person wrote: "It appears as though they are trying to discourage the behavior in a country known for a high suicide rate." Japan is the only G7 country where suicide is the leading cause of death for teenagers and records more suicides by minors on 1 September than on any other day in the calendar year. At least 513 children took their lives on this day in 2023, data released by the health ministry in March showed, while there were 514 in 2022. Officials have connected the phenomenon to the impending start of the new academic year, with school problems recorded as being associated with 261 cases last year, followed by health problems with 147 cases, and family problems with 116 cases. Legal experts believe the proceeding could help Chiba's family with civil claims and prevent such incidents in the future. Japans government and media organisations have been working to raise awareness about the challenges that students face, particularly at the start of the new school term. Last year, at least 21,800 people in Japan died by suicide, according to the government. The government in 2021 appointed a minister for loneliness following a recent rise in the number of suicides and the coronavirus pandemics exacerbation of the issue. Japan has made nationwide efforts to promote a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy. From 2006 to 2022, the suicide rate has fallen by more than 35 per cent "reflecting, in part, the impact of the national suicide prevention strategy", the World Health Organisation said in September. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Security forces in Pakistan were seen pushing a protester off a 25ft-tall tower of shipping containers during a demonstration that saw nearly 1,000 people arrested. The incident captured on camera and widely circulated on social media happened as thousands of supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan converged in Islamabad to demand his release from prison. Top aides of Mr Khan claimed security forces launched a brutal crackdown on protesters and opened live fire, leading to the deaths of dozens of people and scores were injured as war-like scenes emerged from the heart of the capital. One of the dramatic videos showed a man seemingly praying on top of a huge wall of containers erected to block protesters from reaching their destination. Forces in riot gear are seen following him to the top, surrounding him, and then pushing him off the edge. The man is seeing hanging on to the edge of the container before falling. Mr Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said: An innocent, unarmed protester was seen praying on a container when an armed paramilitary officer brutally pushed him off from a height equivalent to three stories. open image in gallery A supporter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party offers prayers on top of a shipping container as a paramilitary soldier chases him ( AFP via Getty Images ) The condition of the man after his fall from the containers remains unknown. A PTI source said the party was still investigating what happened to him, and eyewitness reports that he died at the scene could not be verified. The Independent has reached out to the Ministry of Interior for a comment. On Wednesday, police in Islamabad said 600 protesters had been arrested following Tuesdays operation, bringing the total since the protest sit-in began on Sunday to 954. Mr Khans aides alleged, without providing evidence, that hundreds had suffered gunshot wounds during chaotic scenes overnight in the heart of Islamabad as police dispersed protesters led by Mr Khans wife Bushra Bibi who had broken through security barricades. open image in gallery Bushra Bibi, center, wife of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan and leaders of Khan's party lead their supporters during a rally demanding Khan's release ( AP ) However, Islamabads police chief, Ali Rizvi, denied that live ammunition had been used during the operation, which he said police had conducted alongside paramilitary forces. He added that the police seized weapons, including automatic rifles and tear gas guns, from the protest site where thousands had gathered. Ali Amin Gandapur, a top Khan aide and chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, who was a part of the protests, accused the authorities of using excessive force against protesters who he said were peaceful. Mr Gandapur who was part of the convoy that had Bushra Bibi said they were directly attacked. The PTI officials said the truck in which she was travelling was set on fire but both Bushra Bibi and Mr Gandapur were removed from the convoy and taken to the PTI stronghold Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. open image in gallery Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party march towards Islamabad after clearing shipping containers placed by authorities ( AFP via Getty Images ) Both Imran Khans wife and I were attacked directly, Mr Gandapur told a press conference in the city of Mansehra, in the province he rules. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said earlier that the protest seeking Mr Khans release had been called off, citing what he called the massacre. But Mr Gandapur said the protest would continue until Mr Khan himself called it off. Mr Khan who has been in jail for the last year has called his supporters to fight till the end in what he dubbed as final call for his release. The former leader is facing more than 150 cases many of which have been overturned or scrapped. He has called the charges against him a political vendetta after he accused the army of his ouster in 2022 in a no-confidence vote at the behest of the US. The army and the US have both denied the allegations. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Consumer confidence remains weak as Christmas approaches in a blow to retailers amid declining expectations for the wider economy, a survey suggests. Consumer expectations for their personal finances over the next three months improved slightly to minus three in November, up from minus four last month, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor. Expectations of personal retail spending remained positive, edging up a point to positive three, although this was to be expected as consumers prepared for the festive season, the BRC said. Within this, expectations of spending on products other than food remained low, though expectations of eating out improved the most out of all categories, as people prepare for Christmas catch-ups with friends and relatives. However, confidence in the state of the economy worsened by two points to minus 19. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: There was little shift in consumer confidence since the Chancellors Budget, with many worried about the economy in the lead up to Christmas. While there was a very slight improvement in peoples expectations of their personal financial situation, this was offset by declining expectations of the wider economy. The last month clearly did little to shift the dial for households either positively or negatively, however, the same cannot be said for the retail industry. With over 7 billion in additional costs in 2025 resulting from the Budget, retailers will have little choice but to raise prices or reduce investment in jobs and shops. Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has sacked F1s leading steward Tim Mayer in another shock dismissal. Just three weeks after former F1 race director Niels Wittich was axed, before the final three races of the 2024 season, Ben Sulayem has wielded the axe once again in dismissing one of motor racings most distinguished figures. Mayer spent 15 years as an unpaid steward in motor racing but has not been called up since last months Mexican Grand Prix. The 58-year-old also worked for the organisers of the US Grand Prix in Austin, who were summoned after fans invaded the track after the race. According to the Daily Mail, comments made by the US promoters upset Emirati executive Ben Sulayem. The FIA have been approached for comment. Mayer is the latest figure to lose his job under the tenure of Ben Sulayem. Sporting director Steve Nielsen quit last December with Deborah Mayer the former head of the FIA Commission for Women also leaving her role. Tim Goss, the single-seater technical director, left in January to join RB, while CEO Natalie Robyn left her role after 18 months in May. Wittich, who claimed he was sacked after the FIA stated he resigned, has been replaced by Rui Marques. open image in gallery Niels Wittich was sacked as F1 race director a few weeks ago ( Getty Images ) Ben Sulayem, who took over as FIA president from Jean Todt in December 2021, has seen his tenure overshadowed by a number of controversies. He had to deal with the aftermath of the controversial ending to the 2021 F1 season in Abu Dhabi, with Michael Masi sacked as race director, and he was also embroiled in a row with Lewis Hamilton over jewellery. More recently, his comments on drivers swearing received an angry response from the grid, who urged the president to treat them like adults. Ben Sulayem is likely to be present at the final two F1 races of the 2024 season, in Qatar this weekend and Abu Dhabi next week. China releases action plan to speed up digitalization of finance sector Global Times) 10:51, November 28, 2024 The People's Bank of China, together with six other departments, released a development action plan on Wednesday to promote the high-quality development of digital finance, aiming to establish a financial system that highly adapts to the development of the digital economy by the end of 2027. The action plan vows to accelerate the digital transformation of financial institutions, improve the convenience and competitiveness of financial services, implement the digital yuan, and contribute to the country's construction of a strong financial sector, along with the development of relevant fields. Efforts will be made to systematically promote the digital transformation of financial institutions, elevate financial services through digital technologies, and strengthen the foundation for digital finance development as well as improve the digital financial governance system. For instance, the action plan proposes guiding financial institutions to integrate financial services into digital scenarios such as industrial internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and industry, and supporting the development and upgrading of core industries involved in the digital sector. At the same time, it also encourages financial institutions to set up cross-border digital platforms and support the digitalization of maritime trade. As for enhancing the construction of new infrastructure related to digital finance, the plan says that the deployment of advanced and efficient computing power systems would be expanded, such as accelerating the standardized application of cloud computing, AI, and other technologies. In addition, it will also explore the use of cutting-edge computing and quantum technology to break through the existing arithmetic bottleneck and provide accurate and efficient arithmetic support for financial digital transformation. Regarding optimizing the governance system for digital finance, the plan calls for active participation in international cooperation on digital financial regulations organized by global institutions such as IMF. In a recent move, the innovative digital yuan visual hard wallet was launched at the 18th Shenzhen International Financial Expo earlier in November, introducing a safer and more accessible way to use digital currency. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cafe bar business Loungers has agreed to be bought by a US investment group in a deal which values it at about 338m. The company currently operates 262 sites in England and Wales across three brands: Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside. Fortress Investment Group said it has made an offer for the UK hospitality group through a newly formed investment vehicle. It marks the latest London-listed firm to strike a deal with an international private equity group. Fortress has offered 310p for each Loungers share, which represents a premium of about 30% to its closing price on Wednesday. The deal values the entire share capital of Loungers at about 338.3m, the firms said. Fortress said it thinks Loungers has a strong and differentiated position, having grown its locations and sales in recent years in spite of the recent challenges faced by the wider hospitality sector. open image in gallery The Cosy Club in Norwich city centre ( PA ) The groups managing director, Domnall Tait, said: This growth, and managements continued commitment to the business, give us confidence in the companys growth potential and in the opportunity to increase value. Fortress has previously invested in British firms including Majestic Wines and Peach Pubs & Co. Loungers opened its first site in Bristol in 2002, and now runs its cafe bars primarily in suburban high streets and small town centres, and Cosy Club restaurants in city centres. Loungers chairman Alex Reilley said the group has come a long way since first opening, adding: We are more ambitious than ever and we see Fortress as being an ideal partner to help us take Loungers into the next phase of its growth journey. Loungers needs the approval of its shareholders for the acquisition to go ahead. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Matthew McConaughey are impressed after the Hollywood actor and his wife Camila unveiled a special Thanksgiving dish: Tequila Turkey. Camila took to her brands, Woman of Today, Instagram on Wednesday to share a video of herself preparing the dish, which she made using a recipe from Laurence Agnew, the executive chef at The Grand Marlin Pensacola Beach. The clip began with her pouring her and her husbands brand of tequila Pantalones Organic Tequila into a large bowl with brine and a large turkey in it. open image in gallery Matthew McConaugheys wife says she made a picture-perfect turkey with tequila ( womenoftoday / Instgram ) Matthew then appeared in the video, telling his wife to pour more tequila into the bowl, which she said no to doing. However, someone off-camera, presumably Matthew, then added more tequila to the mixture. Camila then laughed and stopped the pouring, before adding: Hey thats good, but save some for us! She then showcased a bowl of apple slices that she was putting into her bowl. She then showcased her cooked, golden-brown bird, which had been soaked in the tequila mixture before it was put in the oven. Oh look how beautiful this is! Camila said. We just made picture-perfect turkey with Pantalones. This is beautiful. Ive never made a turkey so beautiful before. After expressing her gratitude to Agnew, who won her Tequila Turkey Recipe contest, she shared how shell be having the turkey with the perfect beverage on the side. Now Im going to enjoy some tequila turkey with my Pantalones Tequila, she added, before blowing a kiss at the camera. Enjoy, Happy Thanksgiving. open image in gallery McConaughey and his wife and model Camila Alves at an Oscars party earlier this year ( AFP via Getty Images ) She gushed over the results of her turkey in the caption, writing: No jokeit came out sooo good!!! As she once again congratulated Agnew on winning her contest, she emphasized how grateful she was to be working with such a unique recipe, which is available on her website, Women of Today. And thank you for making me now comfortable on Thanksgiving turkey something I was so afraid of it before!! she wrote to the executive chef. In the comments, many fans expressed how impressed they were by Camilas turkey. This looks amazing! one person wrote, while another added: That is a beautiful looking turkey. Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving blessings. A third quipped: Add tequila to the turkey, and Ill add cinnamon sugar and cloves to the kettle. Matthew and Camila, who share three children, first announced the release of Pantalones Tequila in October 2023. For their campaign earlier this month, they even re-created the poster for Matthews hit movie, How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. In the image, Camila posed in the lead Andie Andersons (played by Kate Hudson) signature yellow dress, as she had her back turned from her husband. While Matthew was wearing a dress jacket, shirt, and tie, he wasnt wearing any pants, as the poster instead read: How to Lose Your Pants in 10 Ways. Earlier this month, Matthew also recalled how his wife shaped his career after they moved to a ranch in Texas. He also noted that he was at a point where he was saying no to certain projects, so he could stop being known as the dude who does rom-coms. That was my lane, and I liked that lane. That lane paid well and it was working. I was so strong in that lane that anything outside of that lane, dramas, and stuff that I wanted to do, were like, No, no, no, no, no McConaughey, he explained, during an episode of the Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast. I made a pact with my wife and said, Im not going back to work unless I get offered roles I want to do. He also noted that there were a wobbly two years when he stuck to this rule. However, he later went on to work on acclaimed films including The Lincoln Lawyer, Bernie, Mud, Interstellar, Magic Mike, and Dallas Buyers Club for which he won a Best Actor Oscar. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you may be building your grocery list for the food-filled event. Of course, this includes the usual star of the meal, the turkey. As you walk through the aisles of your local store, you may be going back and forth on whether to buy a fresh or frozen turkey. While it doesnt necessarily matter which bird you pick for Thanksgiving, there is a significant difference between the two. When you buy a turkey thats labeled frozen, that means it has been cooled at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Meanwhile, a turkey with the fresh label has never been chilled below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The main difference between the two turkeys is when you buy them. A frozen turkey can be bought weeks before the holiday, as long as you give it enough time to thaw. However, fresh turkeys are chilled at a higher temperature, so they should be bought only a few days before Thanksgiving. While theres no issue with buying a frozen turkey, there could be some downsides. Heres how to know whether the turkey you purchase this year is perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. Are there benefits to buying a frozen turkey? Frozen turkeys can be bought weeks before Thanskgiving ( Getty Images ) The major benefit of buying a frozen turkey is how long it lasts, meaning you can store it in your freezer for weeks before Thanksgiving. That way, you can spend the days before the holiday buying other ingredients for beloved side dishes. While planning ahead, its important to leave enough time for your turkey to thaw. According to the USDA, you should place your turkey in the fridge and let it thaw for about 24 hours for every four pounds. So, if you have a 12-pound turkey, it will take three days to thaw. Since frozen turkeys are fed on corn and grains, these tend to be sweeter and more tender than fresh ones, according to Southern Living. Typically, youd pay more for a fresh turkey than a frozen one. Since fresh birds tend to be free-range and organic, there are most costs involved in raising them, Southern Living reported. Are there cons to buying a frozen turkey? The downsides of purchasing a frozen turkey are based on personal preference. If youre not thrilled about thawing a turkey for several days before Thanksgiving, then the frozen option may not be for you. For those who wish to prepare their dinner closer to Thanksgiving, it may be better to purchase a fresh turkey. The USDA recommends purchasing a non-frozen bird at least two days before Thanksgiving and storing it in your refridgerator. Once the holiday arrives, you can take it out the fridge, season and stuff it as you please, and put it in the oven on Thanksgiving day. Although fresh turkeys have a tougher texture than frozen ones, they also retain more moisture, which means more flavor, per Southern Living. Is a fresh turkey better than a frozen one? Ultimately, theres no right or wrong decision when it comes to what kind of turkey you buy. The option is entirely up to you, depending on your holiday schedule and taste preferences. However, one brand recently launched a frozen turkey line that makes an expectation to the thawing rule. Last month, Butterball announced the arrival of its Cook From Frozen whole turkey, which can be stored in your freezer. Instead of thawing the turkey in the fridge for days before Thanksgiving, you can take it out the day of and prepare it yourself before putting it in the oven. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A British tea company has fallen into administration after more than 120 years. The historic drinks business Typhoon Tea filed a notice to appoint administrators on Wednesday, according to official filings. Vapes and batteries maker Supreme has said it is in talks over a potential rescue deal to snap up Typhoo. Founded in 1903, Typhoo has long been one of Britains best-known tea brands, but the decline in recent years has pushed it to the brink of going out of business. The collapse follows several years of declining sales, mounting debts and even a break-in at its Wirral factory last year. Insolvency specialists at Kroll have been appointed to oversee the administration process and are hoping to strike a rescue deal for the business. It is understood the business has fewer than 100 employees. Supreme the London-listed vaping products and drinks manufacturer told shareholders on Thursday that rescue talks are at an advanced stage but it is not certain an acquisition deal will be completed. The move would be part of efforts by Supreme to grow its drinks and nutrition operations, as it reduces its focus on vaping ahead of a Government clampdown on disposable vapes due next year. A spokesman for Kroll said: As reported recently, the company has experienced significant cash flow constraints as a result of supply chain disruptions and subsequent service issues. The company has been exploring a sale of the business and assets which is in the process of concluding. The administration process provides Typhoo Tea with protection, allowing the joint administrators to finalise the sale in order to rescue the business. open image in gallery Typhoo tea has filed to appoint administrators (Martin Keene/PA) ( PA Archive ) Typhoos latest company filings showed that it made a 38 million loss last year, while sales fell by a quarter to 25.3 million. In August 2023, Typhoo suffered a blow when trespassers broke into the companys former factory in Merseyside and occupied the site for several days. Typhoo said at the time that they caused extensive damage and made the site inaccessible. The company had been trying to sell the factory, in a deal which eventually went through in June 2024. But Typhoo said the incident made up the bulk of 24 million of exceptional costs that year, and that it had materially affected its day-to-day running. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jennifer Garner has made an emotional announcement on social media ahead of Thanksgiving. The 13 Going on 30 actor, 52, announced the death of her dog, a golden retriever named Birdie, who she welcomed into her life just after her break up from Ben Affleck in 2015. Garner admitted she thought it seemed nuts to mourn a pet given the world but wanted to share Birdies passing with her followers and she had always posted about their life online. Birdie let us know on Thursday that she wasnt feeling herself (a renowned foodie, Birdie never missed a meal), she wrote. We were surprised to learn that, not only was she very ill, she was at the end of her life. The news came shortly after Garners daughter Violet, who she shares with Affleck, returned from college for the Thanksgiving break. The vet told us that dogs often hang on until their person comes home from college, Garner explained. We believe Birdie did just that, so that we could pet her soft ears together and thank her for being the worlds best dog. Birdie had trained as a therapy dog in order to visit the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Speaking of her pets gentle temperament, Garner added: Birdie loved to read. You knew just how to give people what they neededShe lived a happy dog life and is now in the role she was born to play: angel girl. Its a gift to love and be loved by such a creature as Birdie the Doggie. Fans rushed to offer their condolences to Garner in the comments. Dont apologize for your grief. Our fur babies are our family, one person wrote in response to the stars caption. Thank you for sharing Birdie with us. Losing a pet is tough. Sorry for your loss, another follower added in support. So hard losing your best friend, a third person said. Sending so much strength your way. Garner welcomed Birdie when she separated from Affleck in 2015 after ten years together before officially divorcing in 2018. At the time, many people criticised Affleck after he partially blamed his struggles with alcoholism on his marriage to Garner when speaking on The Howard Stern Show in 2021. We had a marriage that didnt work, Affleck told Stern. This happens. It was somebody I love and respect but to whom I shouldnt be married any longer... what I did was [I] drank a bottle of scotch and fell asleep on the couch, which turned out not to be the solution. Part of why I started drinking alcohol was because I felt trapped, he added, although Affleck later clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that his behavior was his responsibility. Ben Affleck and Garner in 2014 ( Getty Images ) Garner remained offline as the media storm erupted around her split from Affleck. A year later, she told Vanity Fair the Mutant star was the love of her life. Hes the most brilliant person in any room, the most charismatic, the most generous, she said. Hes just a complicated guy. I always say, When his sun shines on you, you feel it. But when the sun is shining elsewhere, its cold. He can cast quite a shadow. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As if to prove a point, I am sitting in front of my computer, typing with one hand and dipping chicken nuggets into mayonnaise with the other. Admittedly, its not even the good stuff its M&S-branded mayonnaise, which is fine but certainly no substitute for a delicious Hellmans. But my love for the condiment runs so deep that very few mayonnaise products sound genuinely revolting to me. This might come as a surprise. As a food writer, Im often expected to rise above the simple condiments. The circles I run in, usually full of food lovers and taste-makers, tend to decry mayonnaise, which pains me. God, I hate mayo, some of them proclaim. This happened to me not long ago while getting chips at Wetherspoons, as if we were even eating at some sort of paragon of British cuisine. Mayonnaise is boring! they shout. Its got no flavour! It looks gross! I cringe because I was about to help myself to the squeezy bottle. Ive often felt embarrassed by my love for this apparently bland condiment. When the people around me make announcements about the awfulness of mayonnaise, I wonder if my reputation as a gastronome will be tarnished by the sizeable dollop I like to add to the side of my plate. I must say, however, that the launch of a recent product in Japan sounds so truly heinous that even the most ardent mayonnaise-lover (AKA me) gags at the thought. Japanese convenience store chain Lawson has summoned an apparently drinkable mayonnaise into existence, words that make me grimace just to write. The company described it as a chilled drink mayo fanatics have long been waiting for, but I think it can be summed up in just one word: abomination. Drinkable mayonnaise aside (shudder), Ive noticed a pattern of late, and its time to address it: the people who shout obnoxiously about hating mayonnaise are usually self-described foodies, which is perhaps one of the most cringeworthy words of the 21st century. And Ive had it. Mayo has been unfairly vilified as plain and dull for too long. Its one of the UKs favourite condiments second only to ketchup for good reason, and has far more potential than we give it credit for. How do I love thee, mayonnaise? Let me count the ways. Firstly, the way its made is pure magic. Eggs? Oil? White vinegar? Lemon? As they are, they dont really make any sense. But blending them somehow creates a smooth, thick, creamy emulsion. Who on earth discovered this? There are numerous legends about how mayonnaise was first invented; some food historians say it was the French, others point to the Spanish. The sauce can be traced back to 1756, and has gone through many iterations before arriving as the eggy, almost jelly-like substance we know today. open image in gallery The dutch revere their unique take on mayonnaise, a perfect partner to chips ( Alamy ) The other thing I love about mayonnaise is how versatile it is. You can mix it with just about anything this is something Heinz does with abandon, selling varieties like Mayomust (mayo and mustard) and Mayocue (mayo and barbecue sauce). I draw the line at some of the brands more Frankenstein-esque creations monstrosities such as Creme Egg mayo and hot cross bun mayo. Some things are better left alone. But mayonnaise mixed with other savoury condiments is revelatory, one of my favourites being sriracha mayo. I would highly recommend making your own mixes, as this lets you decide on a ratio that works for you and means you wont have to stoop so low as to buy anything labelled Mayoracha. Mayonnaise also has far more uses than just dipping. You could mix it with ketchup to make a thousand island dressing for salad (although maybe dont check any calorie counts if you do this I certainly dont). One of the best tips Ive ever been given is to spread a thin layer of mayonnaise instead of butter over the outside of your cheese toasties before grilling them the fat in the mayonnaise and its uber-spreadable texture will help you achieve an even browning all over the bread. It has non-food uses, too. You can use mayonnaise, for example, to marinade chicken, which yields tender, juicy meat with loads of flavour. open image in gallery My love for mayonnaise knows no bounds ( iStock ) Finally, trying different types of mayonnaise from other countries has been quite an adventure for me. Japanese mayonnaise my utmost favourite is tangier due to the use of rice vinegar, as well as more unctuous in texture than regular mayonnaise. I squeeze squiggles of it over scrambled eggs, freshly steamed rice, fried chicken, anything. Dutch mayonnaise is richer and more flavourful, which makes dipping chips into it feel quite luxurious. While I have yet to try Russian mayonnaise, I imagine it is just wonderful, considering Russia is the only market in Europe that sells more mayonnaise than ketchup. My love for mayonnaise knows no bounds. Well, there are some bounds. I wouldnt choose to emulate Kingsman star Taron Egerton, who once told the Off Menu podcast that he spreads mayonnaise on his pizza like butter on a slice of bread. Thats taking things a bit too far. And I wont touch any sweet mayonnaise atrocities. But I urge anyone whos ever uttered the words I hate mayonnaise to give it another chance. Im done with being embarrassed about loving mayo. In fact, Im off to buy more. If not the drinkable stuff. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A pregnant meteorologist has hit back at criticism over her form-fitting outfits while shes on the air. In a video posted to TikTok earlier this month, Claire Anderson a meteorologist for Fox 13 in Seattle, Washington shared a screenshot of an email she received from someone named Kathy. Please, PLEASE, pack away the form-fitting dresses until after the baby comes, Anderson read, noting she was seven months into her pregnancy. Your mommy bump has gotten so big that your overall appearance distracts from your presentation. Something loose and flowing would be best. The critic claimed in the email that since Anderson gives some of the best presentations on TV, she deserves the undistracted attention of the viewers. Anderson directly sent a message to the body-shamer, as she responded to the camera: I appreciate that, but remember we are not supposed to comment on what women wear and look like, especially when were pregnant. open image in gallery Pregnant meteorologist urges viewers to never comment on what women wear amid criticism of her form-fitting clothing ( @callmemetclaire / TikTok ) She then showed an image of her broadcast from that day, as she was seen wearing a white, turtleneck dress. Anderson showed another angle of her outfit, before acknowledging that shes not necessarily changing how she dresses during her pregnancy. I dont know, heres the thing, shes still got two months of this, she said, in response to Kathys criticism. However, the meterologist then sarcastically thanked Kathy in the caption for watching her weather broadcast. Reminder: Pregnant women do NOT need to hear your thoughts on what we wear or how we should dress! she wrote. In the comments of the video, multiple people praised Anderson for showing off her baby bump and hitting back at anyone telling women to avoid doing so. When I was pregnant was the first time I really felt comfortable and confident wearing form-fitting clothes. I loved showing off the bump. Keep it up you look great! one TikTok user wrote. It took me so long to get pregnant I was SO proud of my body. It was BIIIIIIG, even bigger the second time, but I felt so beautiful and happy for me. I love seeing baby bumps, another agreed. A third wrote: My mom always makes judgy comments about pregnant women wearing tight clothing too. I think its a generational thing, but I think baby bumps should be shown off. Speaking to Today, Anderson said that when she first picked out her white dress, she didnt think anything of it being offensive to viewers. Instead, she was feeling great about her appearance before receiving that email. I come back, and I see that email, and I was like, Oh man. Like, really? Bad stuff, she said, recalling her reaction to the email. Although shed received similar criticism before, her friends encouraged her to make the now-viral video about Kathys message. She further explained that while shes seen so much conversation encouraging women to support women in 2024, she still receives some of the nastiest emails from women. My message was just like, Guys, remember, we are in a time, in place, in the world, where we dont need to be commenting on someones body unless you think it looks amazing, Anderson added. Unless someone asks you how they look, we dont need to be commenting. While she understands that people have different opinions regarding maternity clothes, Anderson said she doesnt plan on changing who she is just because shes pregnant. We are in a time when we are healthy. We can have kids, and we can work full time. We are... professional women, and we can be sexy, we can look good, she explained. Just because we are pregnant does not mean we have to put on frumpy clothes anymore. The Independent has contacted Anderson for comment. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy On Thursday November 28, Americans will be hard at work to prepare their Thanksgiving dinner, with foods on the menus ranging from a roasted turkey to a green bean casserole. Aside from the dishes served in the lavish feast, which can vary based on families cultures and traditions, Thanksgiving is also the annual holiday for people to commemorate all that theyre grateful for. While planning the big meal, theres also a huge range of ingredients that need to be purchased at your local grocery store. However, since Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the US, some stores will be completely shut down on the holiday. For example, both Target and Walmart announced permanent closures on the holiday in 2020, with the policy remaining in place ever since. The outbreak of the pandemic had initially pushed these chains to close their doors on Thanksgiving, in order to limit crowding and spread out the shopping season. However, that doesnt mean that all grocery stores will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. In fact, there are some retailers that you could make your way to on the morning of the holiday, in preparation for your annual feast. Once Thanksgiving Day comes to a close, many stores will be reopening on Friday. From there, shops be operating during their earlier or usual business hours, in preparation for some of the biggest sales of the year. Here are when stores open and close on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday in the US. Whole Foods If youre looking for some fresh produce to cook up a storm, then youre in luck, as Whole Foods is set to be open during the holiday season. However, they will run on a limited schedule, and hours of operation may vary, so be sure to check your local store. Whole Foods stores will be open on Black Friday, with hours of operation depending on location. Costco All Costco stores in the US will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, as noted by the retailers official site. Costco Warehouses will reopen on Friday, with hours depending on store locations. However, the retailer will of course re-open the next day, with a slew of Black Friday sales planned. Walmart The retail giant will be closed on the holiday, before reopening the next day for Black Friday, an annual shopping occasion filled with store deals. Walmarts usual hours are from 6am to 11pm every day, but opening times on Black Friday are based on stores locations. Target The beloved retail store will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day before reopening the next day for Black Friday. Hours of operation for the day after Thanksgiving vary based on the stores location. Trader Joes Stores will be closed on November 28 in observance of the federal holiday. Trader Joes stores will reopen on Black Friday, with hours of operation depending on each store. Wegmans While Wegamans will be open on Thanksgiving, hours of operation are limited. For example, one Wegmans store in Brooklyn, New York, will be closed at 4pm, instead of at 11pm like it usually does. Opening and closing times for Wegmans can vary based on the location of the store. Although most Wegmans stores are expected to reopen at 7am on Black Friday, specific opening and closing times vary for each location. Starbucks Starbucks will be open on Thanksgiving Day. While its usual hours of operation are from 6am to 9pm, stores opening and closing times on the holiday vary based on location. Although Starbucks is expected to operate from 6am to 9pm on Black Friday, specific hours vary for each store. Aldi According to Aldis official website, all stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Aldi will be reopening on Black Friday, as its hours of operation are usually from 8.30am to 9pm. However, specific opening and closing hours vary for each location. Dollar General The low-priced retailer is expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day. However, exact hours of operation depend on each location. You can find out more on the day by heading over to the stores website. Dollar General is expected to be open during its usual hours during Black Friday, with specific closing and opening times based on location. CVS CVS locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Some stores will be operating will modified hours, so you can see specific opening times for your local store on CVS website. On Black Friday, CVS locations will be open during its regular hours. Dunkin Donuts The beloved coffee chain will be open on Thanksgiving Day but with limited hours. Opening and closing times of stores on the holiday vary based on location. Dunkin Donuts with reopen on Black Friday, with its usual hour of operation based on each store. Walgreens Nearly all Walgreens stores will be closed on Thanksgiving this year, according to a press release. However, the brand noted that 24-hour locations will remain open to meet customer and patient healthcare needs. Walgreens stores that are closed on Thanksgiving will reopen on November 29, with opening and closing times depending on the location of the store. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Illinois appellate court ruled Wednesday that a former deputy sheriff charged with the death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman shot in her home after she called police for help, should be released from jail pending his first-degree murder trial. The 4th District Appellate Court's unanimous decision found that a circuit court ruling in July that Sean Grayson should be detained was improper. It said prosecutors failed to supply sufficient evidence that there were no conditions the court could set that would that no combination of conditions would lessen the danger Grayson posed to the community. In his opinion for the court, Justice Eugene Doherty found fault with prosecutors for basing their arguments against release on the way Grayson acted during the shooting. When the question before the court is whether defendant can be safely released prior to trial on appropriate conditions, it is inappropriate to dwell on whether he fell short of the high expectations society rightly has for its law enforcement officers, Doherty wrote. A defendants conduct may be reprehensible and deserving of punishment, but that is an inappropriate basis for imposing pretrial detention. The opinion ordered a court hearing for Grayson at which suitable conditions for his release be set. Grayson's next court hearing is scheduled for Monday. A telephone message was left for his attorney. The 30-year-old Sangamon County sheriff's deputy is charged with first-degree murder in the July 6 shooting of Massey, who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. During a conversation in her living room, Grayson ordered a pot of water on the stove be removed. Massey, who had dealt with mental health issues, joked with Grayson over the pan, then inexplicably told Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson yelled at her to drop the pot, and as she ducked, he fired three shots, striking her just below the left eye. The case has drawn national attention as an example of police shooting Black people in their homes. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Muddy footprints left on a Kenyan lakeside suggest two of our early human ancestors were nearby neighbors some 1.5 million years ago. The footprints were left in the mud by two different species within a matter of hours, or at most days, said paleontologist Louise Leakey, co-author of the research published Thursday in the journal Science. Scientists previously knew from fossil remains that these two extinct branches of the human evolutionary tree called Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei lived about the same time in the Turkana Basin. But dating fossils is not exact. Its plus or minus a few thousand years, said paleontologist William Harcourt-Smith of Lehman College and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was not involved in the study. Yet with fossil footprints, theres an actual moment in time preserved, he said. Its an amazing discovery. The tracks of fossil footprints were uncovered in 2021 in what is today Koobi Fora, Kenya, said Leaky, who is based at New York's Stony Brook University. Whether the two individuals passed by the eastern side of Lake Turkana at the same time or a day or two apart they likely knew of each others existence, said study co-author Kevin Hatala, a paleoanthropologist at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. They probably saw each other, probably knew each other was there and probably influenced each other in some way, he said. Scientists were able to distinguish between the two species because of the shape of the footprints, which holds clues to the anatomy of the foot and how its being used. H. erectus appeared to be walking similar to how modern humans walk striking the ground heel first, then rolling weight over the ball of the foot and toes and pushing off again. The other species, which was also walking upright, was moving in a different way from anything else weve seen before, anywhere else, said co-author Erin Marie Williams-Hatala, a human evolutionary anatomist at Chatham. Among other details, the footprints suggest more mobility in their big toe, compared to H. erectus or modern humans, said Hatala. Our common primate ancestors probably had hands and feet adapted for grasping branches, but over time the feet of human ancestors evolved to enable walking upright, researchers say. The new study adds to a growing body of research that implies this transformation to bipedalism walking on two feet didnt happen at a single moment, in a single way. Rather, there may have been a variety of ways that early humans learned to walk, run, stumble and slide on prehistoric muddy slopes. It turns out, there are different gait mechanics different ways of being bipedal, said Harcourt-Smith. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy China has suspended a high-ranking military official while he is being investigated, its Defense Ministry announced Thursday. The official, Miao Hua, is director of the Political Work Department on the powerful Central Military Commission that oversees the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). He is one of five members of the body that oversees the worlds largest standing military, in addition to Chinas leader Xi Jinping, who heads the commission. Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said Miao is under investigation for serious violations of discipline, which usually alludes to issues of corruption. It is the third recent major shakeup for Chinas defense establishment. In June, China announced that former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe were accused of corruption and expelled from the party. They were being investigated for corruption and bribery, after initially facing suspension. Yet, the high-level investigation is not likely to have any significant consequences, given Xi's tight grip on power. Most countries would incur at least some reputational cost to their international reputation were such frequent, high-profile personnel purges to have happened in their own armed forces but the PRC is no ordinary country, James Char, a research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore, said in an email. These purges can go on so long as its commander-in-chief approves of them. In Xi's first term as Party Secretary, he was known for a multi-year campaign against corruption that has brought down numerous high-profile political rivals, and thousands of officials. This has led some to allege a widespread purge of officers suspected of conspiring with outside forces or simply being insufficiently loyal to Xi. Xi's dedication to his anti-corruption campaign has continued throughout his rule. High-ranking officers occupy an elevated position in Chinese politics and can command extensive privileges, official and unofficial. Miao being placed under investigation comes after the Financial Times reported that Defense Minister Dong Jun was under investigation for corruption. Miao's position on the commission, which is a Communist Party committee, outranks Dong and anyone who holds the position of defense minister, as Communist Party positions are more powerful than government institutions in China. Experts say a possible corruption investigation would not be a surprise, given the PLAs history. In the 1990s, the PLA was allowed to run businesses as the country opened up during the reform and opening up period, when the country stopped many of its planned economic policies and transitioned to a more market-based economy. Miao has come up through the political department in the military and had served as the political commissar of the PLAs Navy. He was already fairly senior before Xi came to power in 2012. If the investigation is about corruption, its not out of line with peoples expectations, said Tiehlin Yan, deputy director at the Taiwan Center for Security Studies, who studied the PLA. Its very difficult for anyone not to have have blemishes if you were a mid-level or senior cadre in the 1990s. Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu, said Dong was not under any investigation and called the newspaper report a sheer fabrication. In response to a question about who Chinas defense minister was, Wu smiled and raised his hands in a shrug. Why do you ask this nonsensical question? I just said this many times: Minister Dong Jun. ___ This version has corrected the official's name to Hua not Li. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Three Bulgarians were paid significant sums of money to spy on targets including journalists, political dissidents, and a US military base as part of a sophisticated Russian spy ring operating from Britain, a court has heard. Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, are standing trial accused of conspiring with a Russian agent to carry out high level espionage which included following targets on planes and discussions over whether to use the two women as sexual bait. The Old Bailey heard members of the spy ring were sophisticated and carried out surveillance on individuals and places, creating false identities and using advanced technology to acquire information. Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said they obtained imagery and compiled detailed reports on their targets, which included a journalist who investigated the 2018 Salisbury Novichok attack, and former Kazakh politician, the court heard. They were tasked to gather information about prominent individuals whose activities were of obvious interest to the Russian state, often because they were dissidents who had fled Russia for their own safety, Ms Morgan said. open image in gallery Court sketch of Bulgarian national Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev ( PA Archive ) The prosecution alleges their activity caused obvious and inevitable prejudice to the safety and interests of the UK. Opening the case against the trio on Thursday, Ms Morgan said their activities mostly took the form of surveillance operations, following people around and finding out information about their whereabouts, which was reported back to the Russian state. The jury heard two other members of the alleged ring, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazo, have already pleaded guilty to the espionage charges. However Ms Ivanova, Ms Gaberova, and Mr Ivanchev deny the charge of conspiracy to spy between 30 August 2020 and 8 February 2023. Ms Ivanova has denied a second charge of possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. The spying activities allegedly included locations in London, Vienna, Valencia, Montenegro and Stuttgart. At the time, Mr Ivanchev was living in Acton, west London, Ms Ivanova was living in Harrow, north-west London, and Ms Gaberova in Euston, north London. open image in gallery Court sketch of Bulgarian national Vanya Gaberova ( PA Archive ) Ms Morgan said messages showed they acted as a team, led by Mr Roussev, who received instructions from a Russian agent called Jan Marsalek who communicated under the alias Rupert Ticz. The spy ring is accused of carrying out operations on six different targets. Each one of the defendants is accused of playing a role in at least two of the operations. This activity was, as you will see, extremely risky for them personally. At any moment they could have been caught by the authorities, Ms Morgan told the jury. They were in positions of proximity to targets, following them on aircraft, even envisaging the possibility of direct contact with targets, for example by the female defendants being used as a honey trap, as sexual bait to capture information from the targets. Surveillance targets included journalist Christo Grozev, who investigated the 2018 Salisbury Novichok attack and the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny as part of his work for Bellingcat, the jury heard. As a result of his investigations he was placed on a wanted list by the Russian Interior Ministry. In messages exchanged between Mr Roussev and the Russian agent between July and September 2021, they discussed surveillance of the journalist, robbing his laptop, kidnapping or killing him and infiltrating Bellingcat, Ms Morgan said. The ring also targeted Russian dissident and founder of media outlet The Insider, Roman Dobrokhotov, the court heard. open image in gallery Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Bulgarian national Katrin Ivanova ( PA Archive ) Other alleged operations included surveillance of former politician Bergey Ryskaliyev, who fled Kazakhstan for the UK, and a false protest plot at the Kazakhstan embassy. Ms Morgan said the targeting of the political dissident in November 2021 would have helped cultivate relations between Russia and Kazakhstan. The fifth operation concerned Patch Barracks, a US military airbase in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2022. At the time, the defendants believed the base was being used to train Ukrainian soldiers, it was alleged. The sixth operation targeted Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur, designated a foreign agent by Russia in November 2023, when he was spending time in Montenegro between September 2021 and January 2022. Ms Morgan said the ring used law enforcement grade equipment and was in possession of recording devices, signal jammers, GPS trackers, 11 drones and three telephone eavesdropping devices known as ISMI-grabbers. They also had 221 mobile phones, 258 hard drives, 495 SIM cards, 91 bank cards and 75 passports or identity documents. The trial, scheduled to last until February, continues. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former soldier Daniel Khalife has been found guilty of spying for Iran, but cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax. The 23-year-old, who previously admitted to escaping from prison and going on the run for three days, was accused of collecting secret information and passing it to agents of the Middle Eastern country while serving in the Royal Corps of Signals. Prosecutors told the ex-soldiers trial he had played a cynical game, claiming he wanted a career as a double agent to help the British intelligence services, when in fact he had gathered a very large body of restricted and classified material while police described him as the ultimate Walter Mitty character but one that was having an extremely significant impact in the real world. open image in gallery The 23-year-old was accused of collecting secret information and passing it to agents of the Middle Eastern country while serving in the Royal Corps of Signals ( PA Media ) On Thursday, after 23 hours of deliberation, a jury at Woolwich Crown Court convicted Khalife of breaching the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act, but acquitted him on the charge of perpetrating a bomb hoax. The defendant, wearing a blue shirt and pale trousers, calmly replaced his glasses as the verdicts were read out, and did not show any emotion. He had pleaded guilty partway through his trial to escaping from HMP Wandsworth in southwest London in September 2023 by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck using a sling made from kitchen trousers. open image in gallery A police officer captured Daniel Khalife on a canal towpath in west London on 9 September 2023 ( PA Media ) Khalifes trial heard he had created and passed on fake documents supposedly from MPs, senior military officials and the security services but also sent genuine army documents and was paid in cash for the secret information gathered. Daniel Khalife, 23, was serving in the British Army when he exposed military personnel to serious harm by collecting sensitive information and passing it to agents of the Middle Eastern country. Having reached out to a middle man by sending him a Facebook message, Khalife told the Iranians he would stay undercover in the British army for 25-plus years for them, having joined in 2018 two weeks before his 17th birthday. open image in gallery The defendant had pleaded guilty partway through his trial to escaping from HMP Wandsworth in southwest London in September 2023 ( PA Wire ) In 2021, Khalife secretly gathered the names of serving soldiers, including those in the Special Forces. He took a photo of a handwritten list of 15 of them, having been sent an internal spreadsheet of promotions in June 2021. Prosecutors believe he sent the list to Iran before deleting any evidence. After his arrest, he told police he had wanted to offer himself to UK security agencies all along, having emailed MI6 as early as 2019. Khalife told jurors he wanted to prove bosses wrong after being told his Iranian heritage could stop him from working in military intelligence, and came up with his elaborate double agent plot after watching the TV spy thriller Homeland. open image in gallery A handwritten note that was shown to the jury during Khalifes trial ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) In November 2021, he made an anonymous call to the MI5 public reporting line, confessing to being in contact with Iran for more than two years. He offered to help the British security services, and said he wanted to return to his normal life. If Khalife had not contacted MI5 to tell them about his contact with Iran, neither they nor the police would ever have known, his barrister told the court. However, Gul Nawaz Hussain KC said Khalifes double agent plot was still hapless and sometimes bordering on the slapstick, more Scooby-Doo than James Bond or Homeland. open image in gallery A mausoleum in Kensal Green where Daniel Khalife is alleged to have collected a drop ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Prosecutors also alleged Khalife had prepared a bomb hoax at his Staffordshire barracks in January 2023. But the trial heard how a soldier who arrived in the room pulled wires out of the device to prove it was not real. A bomb disposal unit was only called after police attended and looked at the device several days later, the court was told. The former soldier pleaded guilty earlier this month to escaping from the category B prison HMP Wandsworth. While on the run, he bought clothes from Marks & Spencer and a coffee from McDonalds, while he stole a hat from a Mountain Warehouse store. He walked along the River Thames and started using a bicycle he found before being caught by police three days later. open image in gallery While on the run, Khalife bought clothes from Marks & Spencer and a coffee from McDonalds, while he stole a hat from a Mountain Warehouse store ( PA Wire ) The officer who captured Khalife, on a canal towpath in west London on 9 September 2023, described the prisoner as jovial and told jurors he congratulated me on catching him. Khalife made one last attempt to contact the Iranians before he was found, sending a Telegram message that said simply: I wait. Concern that he would try a similar stunt during his trial was so high that when he gave evidence, he was brought to and from the witness box in handcuffs. open image in gallery A hoax device that was shown to the jury during Khalifes trial ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Khalife told his trial that the reason he escaped was that he hoped he would be kept in a high-security unit (HSU) at a different prison, HMP Belmarsh, away from sex offenders and terrorists, after his recapture. Khalifes jailbreak shone a light on the shocking level of chaos at HMP Wandsworth, with the prisons watchdog describing it as symbolic of the problems that characterise what is worst about the English prison system. Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command, said of Khalifes crimes: Ego is a factor Ive got no doubt hes got an uncanny ability to manipulate others. I think he probably enjoyed the thrill of deception throughout. open image in gallery The sling under the truck used in Khalifes prison escape ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Khalifes actions could have put the lives of military personnel at risk and prejudiced the UKs national security, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. Bethan David, from the CPS, said: As a serving soldier of the British army, Daniel Khalife was employed and entrusted to uphold and protect the national security of this country. But, for purposes of his own, Daniel Khalife used his employment to undermine national security. It is against the law to collate and share secret and sensitive information for a purpose against the interests of the United Kingdom. Such hostile and illegal activities jeopardise the national security of the United Kingdom, and the CPS will always seek to prosecute anyone that carries out counter-state threats. open image in gallery Khalifes at room at MoD Stafford ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the verdict, Downing Street said. Asked whether he was concerned Iran had managed to recruit a British soldier, an official spokesman added: Weve always been very clear that the behaviour of the Iranian regime poses a threat to the safety and security of the UK and our allies. This was an isolated incident but we take these incidents extremely seriously and, more broadly, it is why we continue to take strong action and hold the Iranian regime to account. The former soldier will be sentenced early next year and faces a lengthy prison sentence. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 75-hour nationwide manhunt involving police dogs, scores of officers and search helicopters gripped the nation when Daniel Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth last year. Across the country and beyond, people intently followed the highly-publicised search as officers closed in on the former soldier, who shopped at Marks & Spencer, drank coffee at McDonalds, and stole a hat from Mountain Warehouse during his time on the run. The 23-year-old who even the Metropolitan Police acknowledged showed ingenuity was eventually captured by the River Thames in west London on 9 September 2023, when he jovially offered his congratulations to the arresting officer. open image in gallery Across the country and beyond, people intently followed the highly-publicised search as officers closed in on Daniel Khalife ( PA Media ) More details of Khalifes four days as a fugitive emerged during his trial at Woolwich Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the escape partway through proceedings. Khalife was also accused of collecting secret information and passing it to agents of Iran while serving in the Royal Corps of Signals. The jury on November convicted Khalife of breaching the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act, but he was acquitted of perpetrating a bomb hoax. On Monday, Khalife was sentenced to 14 years and three months at the same court by a judge who condemned him as a dangerous fool who was motivated by a selfish desire to show off. open image in gallery The 23-year-old was eventually captured by the River Thames in west London on 9 September 2023 ( PA Media ) It transpired over the seven weeks of his trial that Khalife snuck out of the Category B prison in south-west London by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck using a makeshift sling, which he had attached five days beforehand. Khalife revealed to the court that the main reason he fled was because he wanted to be kept in a high-security unit (HSU) at a different prison where he believed he would be safer, away from sex offenders and terrorists. He explained that he had planned a fake escape attempt for 21 August in the hope he would be moved to the HSU at HMP Belmarsh a prison within a prison holding some of the countrys most dangerous criminals but decided that a genuine escape was his only option after the incident was not reported to senior prison staff. open image in gallery Khalife is seen in HMP Wandsworth before his escape ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Shortly after 7am on 6 September, Khalife was escorted from his cell to the kitchen area of the prison where he worked. The lorry, driven by Balazs Werner, left the prison through a gate leading on to Heathfield Road at 7.32am, with Khalife clinging onto the sling made from kitchen trousers and carabiners between the chassis rails. A woman driving behind the lorry spotted a man emerge from under the vehicle after it stopped at traffic lights in Trinity Road. He then walked slowly and casually towards the nearest pavement, Skye Vokings said. open image in gallery The flight paths of police helicopters circling Richmond Park in the hunt for Khalife at the time ( Radarbox ) During a routine headcount, HMP Wandsworth staff were unable to find Khalife and realised he was missing, notifying police at 8.18am. More than 150 Met Police officers and staff, as well as colleagues from forces across the country, subsequently worked at pace around the clock in pursuit of the terror suspect, receiving over 100 calls from members of the public and offering a 20,000 reward for information. The Bidfood van was stopped and searched by police just after 8.30am on the Upper Richmond Road in Putney. Officers discovered the strapping used by Khalife in his escape on the bottom of the vehicle. open image in gallery More details of the former soldiers four days on the run have gradually been revealed as he stood trial at Woolwich Crown Court ( PA Wire ) When the tail lift raised it covered me entirely, Khalife told the court. If the makeshift sling wasnt noticed, theyre hardly going to notice me. CCTV footage seen by jurors showed Khalife that afternoon in Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, wearing an olive green shirt and shorts. He entered a Mountain Warehouse shop, picked up a blue cap and put it into his bag before walking out. Khalife later walked along next to the river and on a towpath towards Richmond Bridge. open image in gallery A mere 45-minute drive away from HMP Wandsworth, Khalife was arrested on a canal towpath in Northolt ( Metropolitan Police/PA ) Commander Dominic Murphy confirmed that on the evening of his escape, police had conducted an intelligence-led search at a residential property in the Richmond area. At 8am the following day, the escaped prisoner walked into a Marks & Spencer store in Kew and bought clothes using cash. Shortly after 10am, he walked into a shopping centre in Hammersmith and went into a Sainsburys wearing a face mask. At around 11.20am, Khalife then bought a mobile phone for 89 from a shop in King Street, Hammersmith. Richmond Park was scoured by police overnight and into the following day, with helicopters seen circling overhead and sirens blaring in the area for hours. On 8 September, the former soldier visited a newsagents in Chiswick and bought a newspaper soon after 8am. open image in gallery A blue cap found with Daniel Khalife when he was arrested ( PA Wire ) Police helicopters spent that night circling around the Thames in west London, with flight radar maps revealing one flying repeatedly over Chiswick House and Grove Park. The force then said that it would be focusing its search in Chiswick on 9 September after confirmed sightings in the area overnight. On the morning of his arrest, Khalife walked into a McDonalds and bought an espresso, before also going to the toilet where he changed his clothes. open image in gallery The scene at Grand Union Canal towpath near Rowdell Road in west London where Daniel Khalife was arrested ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) Just before 11am, a mere 45-minute drive from HMP Wandsworth, Khalife was arrested on a canal towpath in Northolt, with a mountain bike, a Waitrose bag with a phone, receipts, a diary and about 200 in notes, the jury was told. A plainclothes detective sergeant told the court he jumped out of his car and ran down an alleyway to the canal to find Khalife. Asked about his demeanour, the officer said: He was friendly towards me. Quite jovial. He was pleasant. He congratulated me on catching him. After four days and nights on the run, he was taken into custody. open image in gallery HMP Wandsworths Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said an audit found 81 security failings at the scandal-hit jail in the wake of the escape ( PA Archive ) It is understood that Khalife was never returned to Wandsworth prison but instead was locked up in a category A high-security prison in London as a consequence of his actions. On 21 September, he appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Belmarsh when he initially denied all charges. It was to be transferred to HMP Belmarsh that was the reason why he claimed he had escaped prison in the first place, suggesting that, despite his capture, he might still be viewed as having succeeded. In a report published last year, HMP Wandsworths Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said an audit found 81 security failings at the scandal-hit jail in the wake of the escape, while an internal review made 39 recommendations. The IMB said the incident led to multiple reviews and action, including previously unavailable funding being found for security improvements and significant investment in a bid to stop illicit items being taken into the prison. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A total of 111 women have accused Mohamed Al Fayed of abuse, with the youngest victim just 13, and police are investigating more than five people for allegedly enabling the late Harrods bosss offending. Police have revealed a further 90 alleged victims have come forward with allegations against the billionaire, who died last year aged 94, bringing the total number of complainant to 111. The allegations range from sexual assault to rape and span a 37-year period, from 1977 to 2014. A victims advocate appointed by Harrods said the scale of the abuse may turn out to be on a similar scale to Jimmy Saviles. The Metropolitan Police confirmed more than 150 people contacted them after they launched a renewed appeal for information following a BBC expose about the businessman, whose son Dodi died in a car crash with Princess Diana. The Complex Investigation Team (CIT), a dedicated unit within the Met, has also launched an investigation into a number of individuals associated with Fayed. Detectives are working to establish what roles those individuals may have played in assisting and facilitating Fayeds offending. open image in gallery Allegations made to police about Fayed span a 37-year period, from 1977 to 2014 ( Reuters ) The force is also reviewing all its previous investigations to identify any missed opportunities to stop the late businessman. The results of the internal review are due to be published next month. At least 21 women contacted the Met with separate allegations of abuse before his death, yet he was never charged or put on trial after the Crown Prosecution Service twice refused to press charges. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is assessing complaints from two women over the Mets handling of investigations into their 2008 complaints against the Egyptian tycoon. Although he never faced criminal charges, scores of women have launched legal claims against Harrods alleging abuse. The Knightsbridge retailer launched an internal review last year to see whether anyone involved in any allegations is still working there, but it is not known when this will be completed. The Met insists its past investigations into the businessman were extensive and conducted by specialist teams who sought charging decisions from the CPS on two occasions. However, the force has acknowledged that contact with and support for some victims at the time could have been improved. While these cases date back over a decade and we cannot change what happened in the past, we are committed to understanding, being open about any shortcomings and improving our response to survivors moving forward, the force said in a statement on Wednesday. open image in gallery Commander Stephen Clayman said police are pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in Fayeds offending ( PA ) Commander Stephen Clayman, of the Mets Specialist Crime Command, added: I recognise the bravery of every victim-survivor who has come forward to share their experiences, often after years of silence. This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohamed al-Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution. However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending, and we are committed to seeking justice. We are aware that past events may have impacted the publics trust and confidence in our approach, and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness. In a statement to broadcast journalists, Mr Clayman said the investigation would look at what role individuals may have played in facilitating or enabling his offending, and what opportunities they had to protect victims from his horrendous abuse. Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was appointed by Harrods as an independent advocate to address the needs of the late billionaires victims. Speaking to the BBC, Dame Jasvinder said she has seen evidence Fayeds tentacles went far and wide as she discussed the scale of the abuse. We could be talking about something on the scale of Jimmy Savile, she said. After Savilles death in 2011, hundreds of survivors came forward with stories of abuse by the DJ and TV presenter, who used his work at the BBC and at hospitals, prisons and charities to conceal his wrongdoings. And Dame Jasvinder believes Fayeds abuse went further than the department store. She said: If you look at the breadth of the abuse, this didnt just happen in Harrods. Im already hearing from survivors who are saying this happened in other areas. She said she had been told by a former pupil from a school for deaf children that Fayed had access to vulnerable young women from that school. She said: What we do know is that there are many people and survivors have said this to me already that were complicit [in Fayeds abuse]. They looked the other way. This could not have happened without people knowing about it, and he used his position of power and influence. The school told the BBC that as far as it was aware Fayed did not have access to the institution, and that it takes safeguarding very seriously. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Three years ago, British mother Dawn Voice-Cooper sipped champagne, had a cigarette and listened to her favourite song one last time. Her last words to those gathered at her bedside as she released a fatal dose of barbiturates into her bloodstream at a Swiss assisted dying centre were simply: Thank you, thank you everyone. The 76-year-old had spent her last years fighting for the right to die, in the hope that one day the UK may enact assisted dying laws of its own. She had asked me to report on her final moments to document the reality of an assisted death in the hope her story would help to inform debate at home. This week, Britains MPs are preparing to vote on the emotive issue in the House of Commons. Under the terms of the private members bill being debated on Friday, Dawn would never have been eligible for an assisted death. Without a terminal diagnosis but struggling with a litany of incurable illnesses including severe arthritis, repeated brain bleeds and epilepsy, she described the quality of her life as at times unbearable. open image in gallery Kim Leadbeaters Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will face a vote in the House of Commons on Friday ( PA Wire ) Dawn, from Sevenoaks, Kent, believed adamantly in the right for her to choose the time and place of her passing. To her, the idea that terminally ill Britons may one day have to beg a High Court judge for an assisted death was barbaric. She was clear in all our conversations that she felt the kind of safeguards in the bill being debated on Friday limiting assisted dying to those with six months to live with the approval of two doctors and a judge - were far too restrictive. What about Tony Nicklinson, the father with locked-in syndrome, who refused food after he lost a High Court case for the right to end his life? Or Omid T, another high-profile campaigner whose diagnosis of multiple system atrophy was debilitating, but not terminal? But she also said that she wanted parliamentarians to put party politics aside and have a free vote on the issue that she spent her final years campaigning so passionately for. open image in gallery Dame Esther Rantzen, who has terminal lung cancer, supports Ms Leadbeaters bill ( PA Media ) Before she died, Dawn paid her MP Laura Trott a visit. Ms Trott later described the constituency surgery as one that will stay with me forever as she told a Westminster Hall debate it was time for the country to properly debate the issue. Although this may not be the bill Dawn would have wanted, in the short years since her death, her hopes of an evidence-based inquiry into assisted dying and a free vote have both come to pass. With hours until the vote, the result appears to be on a knife-edge. It remains a complex issue and emotions inevitably run high. Much of the debate in recent weeks has felt instinctual. Many are understandably fearful of the consequences of an assisted death being abused and vulnerable people being coerced or feeling pressure to end their lives. open image in gallery Former prime minister Gordon Brown came out against addicted dying ahead of the vote ( PA Archive ) Last week, in a moving intervention, former prime minister Gordon Brown revealed he opposed assisted dying after spending 11 precious days at his newborn daughters bedside as her life slowly ebbed away. He would like to see better end-of-life care before the nation legislates to assist deaths. It is a view shared by health secretary Wes Streeting, who despite the requirement for the government to remain neutral on the issue said the palliative care system is not yet good enough and even ordered officials to investigate the cost of implementing assisted dying, hinting it could lead to cuts in other parts of the NHS. These are important issues which need to be discussed. But this is not a leap into the unknown and debate should be focussed on the wealth of evidence available to us from countries across the globe where 300 million people currently have the right to die in some form or other. These include nine US states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, where a Brit like Dawn travels on average every eight days for an assisted death. open image in gallery The assisted dying bill would allow terminally ill Britons with less than six months to live to end their lives, following assessments by two doctors and a High Court judge ( PA Wire ) A parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying, carried out by a cross-party committee of MPs who received more than 60,000 submissions, concluded in a report earlier this year that they had found no evidence of a deterioration in end-of-life care in countries where medically assisted deaths are legal. Indeed, they found the introduction of assisted dying had been linked to an improvement in palliative care in several jurisdictions and heard evidence from experts who acknowledged that even the best care is not able to relieve all suffering. MPs travelled to Oregon, where assisted dying has been legally available to terminally Americans with less than six months to live since 1997, whose legislation is the inspiration for Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeaters private members bill. There is no evidence of laws being abused to prematurely bump off nuisance grandparents or vulnerable people in more than 25 years of its use, according to Dignity in Dying. open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting has said he will vote against the bill ( PA Wire ) The inquiry found there is some hesitation among healthcare professionals about how to accurately assess capacity and safeguard patients making end of life decisions, but noted the same is true for those who legally opt to cease treatment in Britain. Frequently, debate returns to the permissive laws in Canada, where Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is offered not only to those terminally ill, but also those suffering from a grievous and irremediable condition. It is a model Dawn, a supporter of assisted dying campaign group My Death, My Decision, would have backed wholeheartedly. But that is a far cry from the legislation being debated in the House of Commons, which Ms Leadbeater rightly says has the strictest protections and safeguards of any legislation anywhere in the world. Despite fears any relaxation of the law would inevitably lead to a slippery slope of more and more people being able to request death on demand, the inquiry found this was not borne out by evidence either. We also conclude that jurisdictions which have introduced Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide on the basis of terminal illness have not changed the law to include eligibility on the basis of unbearable suffering, the report found. None of the jurisdictions which have introduced it have revoked the legislation. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A woman who arrived in Britain as part of the Windrush generation died after severely infected gangrene on her foot went untreated at a care home for more than a year, The Independent can reveal. Clementina Smith, 97, a resident at Murrayfield Care Home in north London, developed the painful condition which resulted in blood poisoning before relatives raised the alarm and she was rushed to hospital in November 2017. In a letter seen by The Independent, Murrayfield Care Home admits that the sepsis was likely caused by the gangrene, which developed from a pressure sore on her foot that staff had initially failed to identify. Mrs Smith died in June 2018, and an inquest found the care home partly responsible for her death due to negligent care. This negligence contributed to the development of gangrene the previous year while she was still a resident there. Having moved into the home in 2013, Mrs Smiths family first became concerned for her wellbeing after noticing changes in her behaviour and deteriorating hygiene, before discovering the rotting on her left foot. They lodged two police reports for neglect and alleged assault in 2014 and 2017 respectively. The home knew that we would go to see her on specific days. But on the occasions prior to the police reports, we visited outside of the time that they were used to us coming and we couldnt believe her condition, Claudia Smith, Clementinas granddaughter, said. Initially, we became concerned about her smell, the condition of her feet and its clear that she wasnt being looked after to the standard wed expect. As a family, we feel that our grandmother hasnt been able to rest in peace while questions have gone unanswered. We havent been able to heal. open image in gallery Clementina during her younger, happier years ( Family handout ) The grandmother, who was also diagnosed with dementia, died eight months after she left the care home. By the time of her death, she was also unable to eat due to a large abscess in her mouth, thrush in her mouth and severe dehydration which all developed while she was a resident in the care home, among other injuries, according to a draft safeguarding report. Mrs Smith also had thrush in her eye which caused her sight to become impaired, her family said. The official causes of death were erosive oesophagitis and a gangrenous foot ulceration, according to a coroners report. Born in Grenada, Mrs Smith migrated to Britain during the 1960s as part of the mass Windrush migration from the Caribbean. During visits to the care home, family members noticed that she became increasingly reclusive. Correspondence from the former management of the Murrayfield Care Home has acknowledged the flawed recording of details surrounding Mrs Smiths care. The home has since changed management and is now run by Gold Care Homes. Six years later, her family say that justice has not yet been served and theres been no accountability for her death. I feel emotionally drained, Claudia said. When my grandmother moved into the home, we expected that shed be looked after. She was paying for a service, and we relied on the system to support the family, as we were all working. So, to be in this situation is very damning, and to learn that this was her fate is very disheartening. After being discharged from the hospital in December 2017 after doctors said she would need palliative care, Mrs Smith moved into her daughters home where her family nursed her. Claudia told The Independent that she quit her job and devoted her time to her grandmothers care, before she died eight months later. It is imperative that the British public becomes aware of the mistreatment endured by the elderly in care homes, Claudia continued. There was no documentation about the severity of her injuries she had nine life-threatening conditions and broken toes. The system let her down. My grandmother died a very painful death and the memory of her will never feel the same. Im fighting for justice for her; you dont put an old person in a home to go through this. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that it is investigating following complaints from the family that its officers failed to act upon the previous concerns. According to the family, the police are also probing calls for care home staff members to be prosecuted for Mrs Smiths poor treatment. The family also say that they saw injuries, including a wound on Mrs Smiths right foot, suggesting their loved one had been physically assaulted by staff. Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines said: The death of a family member is always a difficult time for everyone, and this will only be made worse if there are concerns about the treatment they received in the final years of their life. We remain in contact with the family and are continuing to assess the allegations they have put to us. Following Mrs Smiths death, an inquest took place, and a coroner issued the care home with a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths report which outlines multiple failures on the organisations part. In addition to gangrene, it was established that her death was also caused by several underlying health conditions including pneumonia and frailty syndrome of the elderly. Mrs Smiths family is suing Four Seasons Health Care, which managed the home at the time of her death. A letter from Four Seasons, seen by The Independent, acknowledges failings in looking after the elderly resident. A spokesperson expressed regret over their staff members treatment of Mrs Smith and insist they have taken the matters raised by the coroner extremely seriously, adding that an action plan was immediately implemented and reporting system for similar instances were upgraded. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Five people have been taken to hospital after a fire destroyed a takeaway restaurant and damaged two flats in north London. Around 100 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze on Seven Sisters Road in Holloway in the early hours of Thursday. The ground floor restaurant was destroyed and the roof collapsed while two flats on the first and second floors of the building were damaged, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Five people were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital suffering with smoke inhalation. open image in gallery First emergency calls were made during the early hours of Thursday morning ( LFB ) A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said: We were called at 3.51am today to reports of a fire on Seven Sisters Road. We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team. LFB has urged members of the public to keep away from the area. Speaking at the scene, Station Commander Mike Watts said: There are road closures in place and we urge people to avoid the area, particularly during rush hour, due to congestion. The fire produced a lot of smoke in the vicinity and local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed while crews brought the fire under control. Control officers took the first calls at 3.45am with crews from Holloway, Kentish Town, Islington, Euston and surrounding fire stations at the scene. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the LFB and the Metropolitan Police. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of asylum seekers living in Home Office hotels has soared since Labour came to power, new government data shows. 35,651 asylum seekers were being housed in hotels as of 30 September this year, up from 29,585 just before the general election at the end of June. This is a rise of just over 20 per cent in three months. Migration minister Seema Malhotra was challenged on the increased use of hotels on LBC on Thursday, with presenter Nick Ferrari pointing out that seven more have opened since Labour took office. She said on Thursday: We need to make sure that we are bringing hotel use down...We have a credible plan for reducing numbers coming here. We will see hotels closing as we return those who have a no right to be here. She said that there has been an increase in returns of migrants from the UK since Labour came to power. In the year ending September 2024, there were 7,708 enforced returns - up 41 per cent on the previous year. open image in gallery A view of the scene outside the Comfort Inn hotel on Belgrave Road in Pimlico, central London, where the Home Office asked a group of refugees to be accommodated four to a room. ( PA ) New figures published on Thursday show there has also been a steady rise in the number of migrants living in dispersal accommodation, which is longer-term temporary housing used while someones asylum claim is still being processed. Over 65,000 people were being supported this way in September this year, an increase of nearly 7,000 on the same time last year. Despite an increase in the number of asylum seekers living in hotels since the election, the overall numbers are still lower than the highs of last year - where over 56,000 people were in hotels in September 2023. Meanwhile the UKs asylum system now costs 5bn - the highest level of spending on record and up by more than a third in a year. Home Office spending on asylum rose by 1.43 bn, up 36 per cent from 3.95 bn in 2022/23 to 5.38 bn in 2023/24. The latest figure is now the highest total since comparable data began in 2010/11. It is more than four times the equivalent figure for 2020/21 (1.34 bn) and nearly 12 times the total a decade ago in 2013/14 (0.45 bn). open image in gallery Migration minister Seema Malhotra ( PA ) The total covers all Home Office asylum costs, including direct cash support and accommodation, plus wider staffing and other related migration and border activity. The figure does not include the cost of operations responding to Channel crossings, intercepting migrants as they make the journey to the UK. Although the majority of migrants entering the UK in this manner do then end up in the asylum system, data suggests. While data shows that significantly more asylum decisions are now being made, following a boost in resources, the backlog of cases is still growing. There were still 97,170 asylum cases in the backlog in September, up 13 per cent since June. The Conservative government had stalled a lot of asylum decisions in the run up to the election, prompting home secretary Yvette Cooper to accuse the Tories of leaving her with asylum Hotel California where people arrive in the asylum system and they never leave. Commenting on the rising number of asylum seekers in hotels, the prime ministers official spokesperson said: The government inherited an asylum system in chaos, with tens of thousands of people stuck in a backlog of claims that werent being processed, and a record number of small boat crossings. What this government has done is take immediate action to actually start processing claims and return people, redeploying thousands of staff and aleady returning more than 9,400 individuals with no right to be here. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch again as Sir Keir Starmer held a news conference on net migration. The prime minister held a press conference at Downing Street at 3pm on Thursday (28 November). Sir Keir responded to the latest data, which revealed net migration to the UK hit a record 906,000 in 2023. The ONS figures indicate net migration has since dropped by 20 percent and stood at 728,000 in the latest period for the year to June 2024. A total of 133,409 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of September 2024. This is up 12 percent from 118,882 at the end of June 2024, but down year on year by 19% from 165,411 at the end of September 2023. The number peaked at 175,457 at the end of June 2023, which was the highest figure since current records began in 2010. The number of people waiting more than six months for an initial decision stood at 83,888 at the end of September, up from 76,268 at the end of June, but down year-on-year by 33% from 124,461. Home secretary Yvette Cooper said: In the space of four years net migration rose by almost five times to a record high that shows the serious damage that was done to the immigration system, the lack of proper controls in place, and the over-reliance on a big increase in overseas recruitment. Net migration is still four times higher than it was at the beginning of the last parliament and we are clear that it needs to come down. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch as King Charles III welcomes the Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani begins a two-day state visit to the UK on Tuesday, 3 December. Charles welcomed the leader and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during an extravagant ceremony staged in Whitehall. Queen Camilla was absent; On Monday, she pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride back to the palace due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection. The Prince and Princess of Wales took part in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, one of the few official appearances by Kate during a year in which she has been successfully treated for cancer. Camilla will later join the royal party for a private lunch with the Emir and his wife. She will also take part in all but one of the elements of the evening state banquet at Buckingham Palace, staged in honour of the Emir. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scammers pretending to work for online bank Monzo tricked a young professional into handing them her bank cards before stealing her life savings of more than 6,500. Earlier this month, Linjing Peng, a 31-year-old designer who lives in Seven Sisters, north London, spent hours on the phone with a scammer posing as a member of Monzos fraud and security team claiming he wanted to help her evade a group of hackers. The fraudster warned Linjing they had detected unauthorised payments on her account, which proved to be true and in turn helped gain her trust. He proceeded to explain she needed to act quickly as her phone had been compromised and hackers would be able to access all of personal information including photos and social media accounts. Terrified, Linjing followed his instructions, even handing over bank cards to a courier which arrived by car to her workplace under the pretext that they were required as evidence to arrest the hackers. open image in gallery Linjing was tricked into handing over her bank cards and PIN . After being bombarded with alleged security questions, she was tricked into taking out an overdraft and revealing her Pin before the scammer hung up the phone and cleared her account. Linjing, who has lived in the UK for more than 12 years, has reported the incident to police and launched a GoFundMe to recoup some of her 6,530 loss but she remains traumatised by the elaborate digital heist. I think it actually gave me PTSD because I had nightmares for three days in a row, every night, Linjing, who is originally from China, told PA Real Life. Its starting to get better, but the first week was really tough. He had a very well-educated, British accent like someone you hear on the news. open image in gallery Linjing holding up her Monzo bank card (Collect/PA Real Life) NOTE TO EDITORS: This image must only be used in conjunction with PA Real Life story REAL LIFE BankScam. All usage is subject to a fee or incorporated into your outlets agreed content package. Find the copy in full on PA Explore or contact PA Real Life at RealLife2@pamediagroup.com or on 020 7963 7175 for access or queries. He was very gentle and polite, saying things like I appreciate your concern, we are here to help. On November 9, Linjing was heading to her studio in Bethnal Green when she received a phone call from someone claiming to be Monzos fraud and security team, who warned her they had detected suspicious activity on her account. Linjing checked her Monzo account and indeed she saw 112 worth of unauthorised charges. From that moment on, I believed that person was legitimately calling from my bank, she said. They said we have reason to believe your account details have been stolen. open image in gallery Linjing was told she was being targeted by a group of hackers The scammer proceeded to explain they had identified a group of hackers operating around Liverpool and were working with police to stop them. He warned Linjing the hackers had almost certainly cloned her phone, therefore it was important she change all of her passwords as soon as possible. He said they have access to my iCloud, Gmail, social media accounts all my photos and contacts and could target my family and friends, explained Linjing. Hearing that, I was terrified, because I have so much private stuff on my phone. At that moment, I stopped suspecting anything and really believed that person was trying to help me. open image in gallery Linjing has lived in the UK for more than 12 years and works as a designer (Collect/PA Real Life) NOTE TO EDITORS: This image must only be used in conjunction with PA Real Life story REAL LIFE BankScam. All usage is subject to a fee or incorporated into your outlets agreed content package. Find the copy in full on PA Explore or contact PA Real Life at RealLife2@pamediagroup.com or on 020 7963 7175 for access or queries. Next, the swindler explained he needed to ask Linjing a few security questions, including whether she had any other banking apps on her phone. It might be that one of your other accounts has been jeopardised he told me, said Linjing who revealed she also had a Lloyds banking app. They asked me to confirm my balance in my current and savings accounts. Linjing had around 300 in her Monzo accounts and 3,500 in her Lloyds savings account. After reaching her studio, the scammer stayed on the phone while Linjing proceeded to change all of her passwords. open image in gallery Linjing lost her life savings after being scammed by someone pretending to work for Monzo (Collect/PA Real Life) NOTE TO EDITORS: This image must only be used in conjunction with PA Real Life story REAL LIFE BankScam. All usage is subject to a fee or incorporated into your outlets agreed content package. Find the copy in full on PA Explore or contact PA Real Life at RealLife2@pamediagroup.com or on 020 7963 7175 for access or queries. At the same time he was asking me all these questions about my cards, she said. This went on for a very long time. He then asked whether she wished to press charges and was willing to provide evidence. Linjing readily agreed. He said you will need to submit all your cards as evidence thats the physical evidence we need to prosecute them, explained Linjing. After pretending to speak with his supervisor, the scammer explained they would pay for a courier to collect the cards. open image in gallery Linjing was scammed out of more than 6,000 (Collect/PA Real Life) NOTE TO EDITORS: This image must only be used in conjunction with PA Real Life story REAL LIFE BankScam. All usage is subject to a fee or incorporated into your outlets agreed content package. Find the copy in full on PA Explore or contact PA Real Life at RealLife2@pamediagroup.com or on 020 7963 7175 for access or queries. A car pulled up outside the studio a few minutes later and Linjing handed over her bank cards. Just talking about it, I realise how silly it sounds but he sounded very trusting, she said. I now suspect they just ordered an Uber, because the driver was using his phone. The scammer then encouraged Linjing to transfer any savings to her Monzo account, claiming it was safer being in an internet bank. He said this will keep your money safe until we are able to secure your phone, continued Linjing. open image in gallery Linjing was headed to her design studio in Bethnal Green (Collect/PA Real Life) NOTE TO EDITORS: This image must only be used in conjunction with PA Real Life story REAL LIFE BankScam. All usage is subject to a fee or incorporated into your outlets agreed content package. Find the copy in full on PA Explore or contact PA Real Life at RealLife2@pamediagroup.com or on 020 7963 7175 for access or queries. He then created a sense of urgency, warning Linjing the hackers were attempting to take out a 20,000 loan. The only way to stop them, the scammer said, was for Linjing to cancel the application herself. I dont really know how the banking system works. I thought it made sense, so I followed, she said through tears. They were telling what buttons to click and I followed their steps. The scammer managed to trick Linjing into actually applying for a 20,000 loan and 500 overdraft. Fortunately, the former was refused, but this has now damaged Linjings credit score. open image in gallery Linjing has launched a GoFundMe to recoup some of her 6,530 loss (Collect/PA Real Life) NOTE TO EDITORS: This image must only be used in conjunction with PA Real Life story REAL LIFE BankScam. All usage is subject to a fee or incorporated into your outlets agreed content package. Find the copy in full on PA Explore or contact PA Real Life at RealLife2@pamediagroup.com or on 020 7963 7175 for access or queries. The final blow was convincing Linjing to share her Pin. He explained they needed my pin number in order to secure my account, otherwise they wouldnt be able to help me, she said. I even received a text message with a verification number that looked exactly like the ones I normally get from Monzo. He then asked Linjing to delete and re-install the Monzo app which he claimed had been updated. By the time she logged back in, her accounts had been cleared and her overdraft maxed out. I tried calling back but there was no answer, she said. In total Linjing lost 6,530, money which she needed to pay rent on her flat and studio. She later learned her funds had been withdrawn or spent at Westfield in Stratford, east London, including 3,000 at an Apple store. A few days later she received another phone call from someone claiming to be part of Monzos fraud and security team. But this time she did not fall for it and started shouting down the phone. Linjing has since reported the scam to police, as well as Monzo and Lloyds Bank. She also launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help recoup her loses, which has so far received 850 in donations. To support Linjing visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lj-recover-from-a-devastating-phone-scam Last year, Monzo launched a call status tool that lets customers verify whether Monzo is phoning them or if fraudsters are trying to scam them. If the customers call status shows that Monzo is not on the phone, they are told to hang up straight away. A Lloyds spokesperson said: We have a great deal of sympathy for Ms Peng as the victim of an impersonation scam. As no money was lost directly to fraudsters from her Lloyds account, we have advised she will need to contact Monzo to raise the scam claim. Its important to remember that your bank, the police nor any genuine organisation or company will ever ask you to move money to keep it safe. If youre ever in doubt, hang up and call back on a number you trust. A Monzo spokesperson said: Were sorry that this happened to our customer and can imagine how distressing it must have been. We are currently speaking to them to get the details here so we can investigate this case thoroughly. We are committed to fighting fraud at the source and have invested heavily in cutting-edge technology such as our call status tool which lets customers know in the app if theyre really talking to Monzo. We urge all customers to remain vigilant and end the conversation if something doesnt feel right. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of Vietnamese migrants arriving to the UK on small boats has jumped by 177 per cent year-on-year, according to new data on Channel crossings. Home Office figures published on Thursday showed that from January to September this year the two most common nationalities making perilous journeys across the Channel were Afghans and Vietnamese. Compared to the same nine-month period last year, the number of Afghan arrivals has decreased by 14 per cent, but the number of Vietnamese is up by a staggering 177 per cent. Some 3,132 Vietnamese small boat migrants made the journey from January to September this year - up from 1,306 in the whole of 2023. This is compared to just three Vietnamese nationals in 2019, and just four in 2018. The surge has been linked to a new visa agreement the southeast Asian country signed with Hungary that allows easier access into the EUs Schengen zone. Home Office sources told The Times that the route was being used as a backdoor into Europe, with Vietnamese nationals travellng from Hungary to northern France. They pointed to a high number of Vietnamese women arriving illegally in the UK, with Border Force officials saying they were worried about women being trafficked to the UK to work in the sex industry. Human trafficking experts believe that the spike in Vietnamese migrants resorting to small boat crossings may also be might also be because its become harder to hide in the back of lorries. Vietnamese people smugglers are also offering an elite small boat experience that is faster and more streamlined, a BBC investigation found. One smuggler told an undercover reporter that the small boat crossing would cost 2,600. He said that many migrants were flying from Vietnam to Hungary, before moving on to Paris and then Dunkirk. The Vietnamese smugglers were facilitating access and timings but the logistics of the Channel crossings were co-ordinated by Iraqi Kurdish gangs. A Border Force vessel carrying around 100 migrants, including several children arrives at Dover port on October 31, 2024 in Dover, England. ( Getty Images ) Vietnamese smugglers were also bringing their clients to northern France only when the weather looked good and a crossing was imminent, reducing the time waiting around at the make-shift camps, the investigation found. Home Office data showed that the total number of small boat arrivals for the year ending September 2024 was 29,851 - this was down 21 per cent compared to the previous year. However, when comparing the numbers annually, 2024 has already surpassed 2023 for small boat crossings. Responding to the figures on Thursday, a Downing Street spokesperson said the government could not solve the small boats crisis overnight but was taking action. The prime ministers official spokesman told reporters: The government inherited the worst start to a year on record for small boats arrivals, higher even than the record year in 2022 and the scale of that challenge means we cant solve this overnight, but we are working at pace to dismantle the business model that drives this dangerous trade. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An individual with a gender recognition certificate is seen as having changed sex in the eyes of the law, a lawyer representing the Scottish government has told the Supreme Court. Ruth Crawford KC made the arguments during the Supreme Courts hearing of a milestone legal challenge over the definition of what it means to be female. The landmark case - which began on Tuesday - follows an ongoing debate between the Scottish government and campaigners. The verdict will determine whether trans women should be considered female under the 2010 Equality Act as the case seeks to decide if sex amounts to the biological sex you are born with or your gender identity in the eyes of the law. Ms Crawford told the court an individual with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) - a document she described as legally recognising a change of sex and gender - is entitled to the protection afforded to their acquired gender as set out in the 2010 legislation. We submit there are only two sexes or genders, and a person whose sex becomes that of a man or woman in consequence of a GRC belongs to that sex, and will have the protection afforded under the Equality Act, she said. The could have far-reaching ramifications across the UK on how single-sex spaces operate and human rights campaigners have raised fears the case may impact trans womens rights and their ability to challenge discrimination. A change of legal status has been effected, so that person becomes recognised in law as belonging to, or becoming, the sex of their acquired gender. Ruth Crawford KC Ms Crawford said a woman with a gender recognition certificate which states she is female is entitled to those protections just as much as others enjoy those protections who are recorded as a woman at birth. She added the reverse also applies, and a person who has become a man would lose those same protections, explaining it would be strange for someone to retain them after meeting the onerous conditions required to qualify for a gender recognition certificate. These include, the court heard, living with gender dysphoria for two years, and an intention to continue living in the acquired gender until death. Ms Crawford told the court by effecting a change in legal status, a gender recognition certificate has far-reaching consequences and is more than just some legal fiction or of symbolic value. She said: A change of legal status has been effected, so that person becomes recognised in law as belonging to, or becoming, the sex of their acquired gender. She added a gender recognition certificate is no more a legal fiction than adoption, saying an adopted person is treated in law as the child of their adopter and nobody else. She also said the inevitable conclusion of the For Women Scotland challenge, if successful, is that trans women with gender recognition certificates would remain men until death for the purposes of the Equality Act. Ms Crawford told the court since the Gender Recognition Act was passed in 2004, 8,464 people in the UK had obtained a gender recognition certificate - which she said was an average of 420 people each year. She said this very small number should allay concerns about any impact on public sector equalities duty obligations. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former Conservative minister has defected to join the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage. In a blow to the new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, Dame Andrea Jenkyns said she was joining the party of the brave. The former education minister will run as the partys candidate for mayor of Lincolnshire. She hit the headlines in 2022 when she appeared to raise her middle finger at Downing Street protesters. A Boris Johnson loyalist, she later claimed she was provoked by a baying mob. In a statement, she said she should have shown more composure but declined to apologise, saying the incident came after she received multiple death threats. Reform insiders claimed she was symbolic of a wider move of Tories to the party that includes councillors and former staff from Conservative Party headquarters. Ms Jenkyns is a hardline Brexiteer who was the first to resign from Theresa Mays government over the issue. She later became one of the Spartans group of Tory MPs who held out until the end against Ms Mays plans for the deal with the European Union. open image in gallery Dame Andrea joined Farage at a press conference in London on Thursday ( EPA ) Mr Farage announced the defection at a press conference in central London where he said she had become the 100,000th member of his party and will run to be its candidate for the newly-created role of Greater Lincolnshire Mayor in the May local elections. Mr Farage, the MP for Clacton, said he had talked to other Tory MPs about joining Reform but said it was not his priority and that he is not chasing people. He said: This is not designed to be an alternative Conservative Party. This is a completely different, fresh political movement. There had been suspicions Dame Andrea was considering a defection for a while. She put a picture of the Reform UK leader on her leaflets during Julys general election and has previously described him as a true patriot and one of the most influential politicians of our generation. Earlier this year The Independent revealed that Dame Andrea and former Leave.EU communications director Andy Wigmore attempted to make a deal between the Tories and Reform. Sources have suggested that Mr Sunak was interested but ultimately convinced not to go ahead by his advisers. Dame Andrea also attended Mr Farages 60th birthday party, along with the former Tory Party leader Liz Truss. open image in gallery Dame Andrea said she always respected Farage ( Reuters ) After her defection, she said she was politically aligned with Reform UK. Asked how long she had been thinking about defecting, she said she had always respected Nigel Farage and noted her work with other party members during Brexit. We are politically aligned. And how long have I been thinking about it? Well, I mean, I was tempted before the general election, but I am a loyal person to a party. I might not be loyal to prime ministers, as weve seen in the past, but Im loyal to parties, and I believed, as I said, in going down with that ship fighting. I was elected as a Conservative, and I got knocked out as a Conservative, but I feel, unfortunately, the party has become tired. Meanwhile, the former Reform party deputy leader Ben Habib said he was leaving the party. Im saddened to share that I can no longer support Reform UK. Their decision to silence me from speaking to branches and reluctance to democratise have left me with no choice, he posted on X (formally Twitter). Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Matt Hancock has urged MPs to back Kim Leadbeaters assisted dying bill, recounting his experience with a constituent suffering from terminal cancer who begged him to change the law. The former health secretary told The Independent it is time for the law to change, saying it is wrong that some people are still forced to have very painful deaths. I can remember the moment that I changed my mind and became in favour of assisted dying when I was health secretary, Mr Hancock said, telling the story of David Minns, one of his Suffolk constituents, who died last year. Mr Minns nursed his daughter, who was diagnosed with cancer, through a very painful death. Months later, he himself fell ill with a very similar type of cancer. He knew what was coming, Mr Hancock said. Talking to him and his family was incredibly moving. He knew his death was inevitable and risked being painful, and he begged me to get the law changed and it didnt change him in time for him. He died last year. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham who served as health secretary from 2009 to 2010 - told The Independent he too would support the legislation, saying the bill has the potential to minimise considerable distress and suffering. open image in gallery Matt Hancock said he remembers the moment he changed his mind on assisted dying ( PA Wire ) It could actually take away some of the scarring that can come from a traumatic end of life situation... Theres a difference between discomfort, suffering and agony. An agonising situation for a person and the people witnessing that is what this is about changing, he said. However, he expressed concern about the state of palliative care in the UK, warning that hospices up and down England are funded in a haphazard, ad hoc way that is in some ways disrespectful to the vital role they play. The Labour mayor called for an independent review into the state of palliative care in the UK, adding: For us not to have put end of life care on a firm foundation before we introduce this bill thats where my concern is. If I was in parliament, I would seek to move an amendment that the enactment of this bill must come after an independent assessment of hospice care, to ensure it is in a stable and strong position. It shouldnt be the case that we leave people with inadequate care and then we introduce this change. Pointing to public support for the legislation, he added: Parliament cant be behind the people, I dont think. In an aging society, more and more families are having experiences where something wasnt right [during end of life care], and I think thats why public opinion is where it is. Opposition campaigners have expressed concerns around possible coercion and vulnerable people feeling pressured to take their own lives, instead urging a focus on improving palliative care. Mr Hancock said he is a strong supporter of palliative care, but believes there is some pain that cannot be mitigated in its entirety. While he himself previously had some unease about the possibility of coercion, he believes the safeguards in Ms Leadbeaters bill are strong enough to protect against it. They are very strong. Weve seen in other countries with strong safeguards like this, the change in the law for many people there is welcome. I previously was worried about undue pressure - but its well taken into account in this bill. The legislation would mean the process of assisted dying must involve two independent doctors being satisfied that the person is eligible. A person must be terminally ill and expected to die within six months. But it comes as the chair of Disability Labour has led a cross party effort to persuade MPs not to back the assisted dying bill tomorrow. Kathy Bole said: We are worried that the current proposals may not include sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion or undue pressure. Furthermore, there is apprehension that the criteria for eligibility could expand over time, as has been observed in other countries, potentially leading to unintended and harmful consequences for people with disabilities. Former Tory MP Tom Hunt, who chaired the all party group on special educational needs, added concerns about how people with autism will be affected. He said: If the right support isnt available neurodivergent people such as myself can often be taken to very dark places and self-doubt and depression can often kick in. It seems very wrong to me that were talking about introducing assisted suicide laws with weak safeguards before were still so far off being a society that is truly accessible and friendly for those with neurodiversity. On the eve of the historic vote, the result is on a knife-edge, with backers of the bill believing they have enough support and opponents confident they may be able to block it. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, health secretary Wes Streeting, education secretary Bridget Phillipson and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds have all said they will reject the bill. But culture secretary Lisa Nandy, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn, transport secretary Louise Haigh and energy secretary Ed Miliband have all expressed support for the legislation. open image in gallery Labour MP Kim Leadbeater in her office in the Houses of Parliament (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire ) Overnight on Wednesday, David Cameron became the first former UK prime minister to give his backing to moves to legalise assisted dying for terminally-ill adults. While he had previously opposed moves to change the law, in an article for the Times, he said he had been won over to supporting in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, set to be debated by MPs on Friday. Former prime ministers Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Baroness May and Gordon Brown have all said they are opposed to the Bill. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Parliament will vote on an assisted dying bill tomorrow for the first time in nearly a decade. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater proposed the Private Members Bill in mid-October, which will legalise assisted death under certain conditions for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. The bill would apply to those who are over 18 years old, have mental capacity, and have six months left to live, with the consent of two medical professionals. The bill has generated strong opinions from both sides of the assisted dying movement, while even some of those in favour have voiced concerns over the lack of safeguarding in the bill. A group of MPs have also pushed an amendment which may stop the bill from progressing to a vote this week. The Independent analysed public statements from all 650 MPs, in addition to news reports and other available information, to find which MPs will likely vote for or against the assisted dying bill this week. The analysis will be updated as more MPs come forward. The bill is open to a free vote, meaning that the party whips will not dictate whether to support or oppose the bill. Individual MPs are free to vote based on their own values and opinions of their constituents, regardless of whether they are Labour, Tory, or otherwise. Note: the voting intention of MPs is not final until the votes have been cast on Friday. As this is a sensitive issue, many MPs are still deciding and some could change their mind from previous positions. Our updated analysis has found that at least 104 MPs are likely to vote in favour of the bill, while at least 97 are likely to vote against it. Dozens of MPs have come out in the last few days alone in support or criticism of the bill, as political heavyweights on either side of the debate have published their thoughts in the papers. Some 477 MPs have either not made their opinion on assisted dying public, said they are still weighing up both possibilities or said they will abstain from the vote. Taking this into consideration, it will be difficult to say exactly whether the vote will pass. There is a significant degree of unknown, particularly among first-time MPs who are facing the issue for the first time. When including assumptions of how MPs might vote based on positions in the 2015 bill and previous statements, approximately 212 MPs may support the bill and 209 may vote against it, with the rest unknown. Meanwhile, when also including voting intentions shared privately off-record, The Times reports that 265 MPs are planning to vote for the assisted dying bill, and 217 plan to vote against it. Both our analysis and The Times analysis indicate that slightly more MPs are leaning in favour of the assisted dying bill than not. Within the parties, our analysis found MPs are divided between voting for and against the bill, according to public declarations, reports, and working group memberships. Labour MPs are more likely than Tories to lean towards supporting the assisted dying bill, which was proposed by a fellow Labour MP. However, influential Labour figure Gordon Brown penned an op-ed in opposition of assisted dying, which has been shared by several Labour MPs. At present, an estimated 66 Labour MPs will support the bill, while 55 will vote against it. Among those against the bill are some of Labours most prominent members, including health secretary Wes Streeting, and long-standing MP Diane Abbott. open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting has spoken out against the assisted dying bill ( Lucy North/PA ) Conservative MPs are more likely to vote against the bill, while only a third (at least 12 MPs) so far are likely to support assisted dying, including Kit Malthouse and former medical practitioner Neil Shastri-Hurst. In the final hour, both former Tory PM David Cameron and former health secretary Matt Hancock have come out in support of assisted dying legislation, as revealed by The Independent, and urged other MPs to join in support. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, whose son was born severely disabled and whose wife has MS, has said he will not back the assisted dying bill. Meanwhile, 19 of his fellow party members are likely to vote in favour. Even in smaller parties like Reform, the decision is highly individual. While leader Nigel Farage is against assisted dying, saying it gives him the shivers, deputy leader Richard Tice has come out strongly in favour, an Rupert Lowe said he will vote in favour following a mock referendum of constituents. We should be brave enough to try assisted dying, Mr Tice said on Jeremy Kyle earlier this month. open image in gallery Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood warned assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope towards death on demand ( PA Wire ) Several MPs voting against assisted dying have said they will do so due to the bill feeling rushed, and lack of adequate consultation over safeguarding. Others have warned of possible coercion as a reason they will not support the bill, including North Northumberland MP David Smith. In addition, some have cited moral or religious reasons as part of their decision, such as Muslim MP and justice secretary Shabana Mahmood and Christian MP Rachael Maskell. Lord Falconer has come under fire for criticising Ms Mahmood, saying that her religious beliefs shouldnt be imposed on everybody else. Meanwhile, Tory MP Danny Kruger an evangelical Christian who has been a vocal campaigner against assisted dying is under investigation for his role in a parliamentary group called Dying Well, which received 55,000 from lobbyists. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The biggest social change in Britain in five decades could be shepherded in by the closest of margins on Friday. A historic vote among MPs over whether or not to legalise assisted dying appears to be on a knife edge, with those in support thought to be narrowly in the lead. If passed, it could lead to the most significant reform in British society since the abolition of the death penalty in 1965 and the introduction of abortion two years later. open image in gallery Campaigners protest outside parliament ahead of a debate in the House of Commons on assisted dying ( PA Archive ) Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater has insisted her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is robust, with potentially the strictest protections against coercion anywhere in the world, requiring sign-off by two doctors and a High Court judge before a person was permitted to end their life. She has the support of the former prime minister David Cameron as well as two former health secretaries, Andy Burnham and Matt Hancock. But high-profile opponents include former Conservative prime ministers Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, and former Labour PM Gordon Brown, who last week said that the death of his newborn daughter in January 2002 had convinced him of the value and imperative of good end-of-life care. At the 11th hour, MPs were also warned by a regulator that parliament should be given more assurances that the bill is compatible with human rights. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, which says it holds a neutral position on assisted dying, warned that there had been insufficiently detailed analysis of human rights considerations. A leading consultant also told The Independent that coercion by doctors and other medical professionals poses one of the biggest dangers to vulnerable, elderly and disabled people if assisted dying becomes legal. open image in gallery Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has insisted her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is robust ( PA Wire ) Ilora Finlay, who is a consultant in palliative care as well as a member of the House of Lords, said that it is often almost impossible to detect when patients are subjected to coercion. It is understood that at least 175 MPs have asked to speak during a five-and-a-half-hour debate on the bill, which is scheduled to begin on Friday at 9.30am but the majority have not yet declared publicly which way they will vote. However, according to a spreadsheet belonging to one of the campaigns and seen by The Independent, the two camps are neck and neck, with 199 for to 196 against out of a total of 650. If the bill does pass by a small margin, it could draw comparison with Britains decision to leave the European Union in 2016 a vote that was won by 52 to 48 per cent. Sir Keir Starmers government is split on the issue of assisted dying, with MPs being given a free vote. Sir Keir has chosen not to reveal how he will vote. Speaking on Thursday, he said: Obviously the government is neutral on this, and it is a genuinely free vote for all members of parliament, and I dont want to put pressure on them. Ive obviously got a huge amount of interest and experience in this, having looked at every single case for five years that was ever investigated. But the health secretary, Wes Streeting, has been vocal in his opposition, as has the justice secretary Shabana Mahmood. open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting is opposed to the legislation ( PA Wire ) As well as Ms Mahmood and Mr Streeting, education secretary Bridget Phillipson and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds have said they will vote against the legislation. The culture secretary Lisa Nandy, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn, transport secretary Louise Haigh, and energy secretary Ed Miliband have all said they will back it. The bill, which covers England and Wales, states that only terminally ill adults with less than six months left to live and a settled wish to die would be eligible to be helped to die. If it passes its first parliamentary stage on Friday, civil servants and ministers will begin work on it. MPs would be able to vote twice more on the bill, including on any amendments, and again at its third and final Commons reading, after which it would go to the House of Lords. If passed by the Lords, the bill would then gain Royal Assent, bringing it into law. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer has accused the Conservatives of using Brexit to run a one-nation experiment in open borders after eye-watering migration figures revealed that more than 900,000 people entered the UK in 2023. The prime minister described the figures as shocking and pledged that his government would bring the numbers down with hard graft and by taking a tough approach with businesses. Sir Keir made clear his view that voters had been betrayed after they were persuaded to narrowly back Brexit in 2016 with a promise that it would bring down immigration. He accused the Tories of deliberately pursuing the opposite policy. In a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday, the prime minister said the Conservatives were responsible for a different order of failure that had happened by design, not accident. He highlighted how his government had inherited a crisis in Britains prisons and a 22bn black hole in the public finances, but said the migration figures were worse. The figures came less than 24 hours after new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch admitted that Brexit had failed and that her party had failed the country on immigration. Sir Keir said: Time and again the Conservative Party promised they would get the numbers down. Time and again they failed, and now the chorus of excuses has begun. open image in gallery Keir Starmer says the Conservatives were responsible for a different order of failure ( PA Wire ) He added: A failure on this scale isnt just bad luck, it isnt a global trend or taking your eye off the ball no, this is a different order of failure. This happened by design, not accident. Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration; Brexit was used for that purpose, to turn Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders. The prime minister revealed that home secretary Yvette Cooper was in Iraq to sign a deal to eliminate the people-smuggling gangs, and warned that the still-rising cost of hotel accommodation for illegal migrants was far too high. It came on a day when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the number of migrants entering the UK hit a record high in 2023 166,000 higher than previously thought. It fell to 728,000 in the year to June 2024, a decline of 20 per cent. But this came after net migration figures for the year to June 2023 were revised upwards to 906,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000. open image in gallery Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has admitted her party failed the country on immigration ( PA Wire ) A similar change has been made to the provisional data for the year to December 2023, in which the number was initially estimated to be 685,000 and is now thought to have been 866,000 an increase of 181,000. Meanwhile, the cost of the UKs asylum system has risen to 5bn, which represents the highest level of spending on record and is up by more than a third in a year, according to separate Home Office data published at the same time. In a week in which the Labour government clashed with business leaders over the national insurance increase, which has been dubbed a jobs tax, and the difficulties of getting people on benefits back into work, Sir Keir sent them a strong warning that he would not allow companies to continue to rely on cheap foreign labour. He told reporters: For too long weve had this over-reliance on the easy answer of recruiting from abroad, and thats got to change. And its a two-way street. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) We want to support employers. Of course we do. We want to grow the economy, and I dont want to make it more difficult for businesses. But at the same time, and as Ive said to them previously, they have to be involved in ensuring weve got the skills we need in this country, in the places that we need them. That will come partly by devolving skills, getting more employers and local representatives involved in the skills strategies that we need. The prime minister made it clear that he would ban businesses that did not play ball from hiring workers from abroad. However, he defended the ONS from criticism over the way that it collates its figures following the huge undercalculation of the migration figures for 2023. And he also resisted calls from the Tories and Reform UK for the introduction of a migration cap. The prime minister said: I want to see immigration come down significantly. I said that before the election, I said that during the election, I say it again here today. That means bearing down on the influences that have driven it up this high, with the measures that I set out a moment ago. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) We had a supposed cap in place for the best part of a decade, and it didnt have any meaningful impact on reducing immigration. So I dont think setting an arbitrary cap, which is what previous governments have done, is the way forward. But do I want it to significantly reduce? Yes, I do, and thats what our plan will achieve. The Tories hit back at his claims and questioned whether he was serious about bringing the numbers down. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: Keir Starmer has no credibility on this issue. He has ruled out a legal migration cap, and since he became prime minister, Channel boat crossings are up 23 per cent. And we learnt today that 6,000 more asylum seekers are in hotels despite Starmers promise to end hotel use. We know the numbers are too high, and that is why Kemi Badenoch has set out that under her leadership, we will learn from past mistakes and adopt a new approach to lower immigration. This means a strict cap on numbers, making citizenship a privilege not a right, zero tolerance for foreign criminals, and an effective legal deterrent for illegal migration. The one politician hoping to capitalise on the row over the figures was Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called them horrendous. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer is set to be invited to a meeting of EU leaders in what will be seen as a sign of success for his plans for a great Brexit reset. It will be the first time a British prime minister has been asked to attend such a gathering since the UKs exit from the European Union in 2020. And it will be seen as an early win for Sir Keirs plans to improve the UKs damaged relationship with the bloc in the wake of Brexit. The event will see EU leaders meet to discuss European security at an informal retreat in Belgium on 3 February. The PM will be asked to dine with the leaders of the 27 member states by Antonio Costa, the incoming president of the European Council, two EU officials told the Financial Times. Keir Starmer, with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, is set to be invited to a meeting of EU leaders ( PA Wire ) Earlier this week Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK minister in charge of the reset negotiations met Mr Costa in Brussels. Sir Keir is keen to develop a security pact with Brussels, which would cover defence alongside energy issues and migration, as he tries to reform the poor Brexit deal Labour believes was secured by the former Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson. On Wednesday, Sir Keir told MPs he was determined to reset the relationship and we have already begun that, with work already underway on trading, security and other cooperation. Setting out the scale of his ambition earlier this year, Sir Keir promised to fix Britains damaged relations with the EU for the benefit of generations to come. Like former PMs Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir has met EU leaders during his time in office as part of a wider grouping known as the European Political Community, which includes more than 40 countries. The FT also reported that Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte will attend lunch at the February meeting. Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group consultancy, told the paper: Costa is keen to engage the European Council in more strategically oriented discussions, and Rutte is going to be a key messenger of EU policies and ideas to Trump. The UK also has a key role to play given the focus on security and defence, but No 10 will be keen to avoid creating the perception of a binary choice between the US and EU, he added. The UK and EU are also working on plans for a summit in the first half of next year. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former prime minister Lord David Cameron has backed the move to legalise assisted dying for terminally-ill adults after previously opposing the legislation. The Private Members Bill is due for its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, in the first debate and vote of its kind in the House since 2015. MPs will be given a free vote on the issue, allowing them to decide according to their conscience rather than in line with party policy. The Bill, which covers England and Wales, says that only terminally ill adults with less than six months left to live and a settled wish to die would be eligible. Writing about the assisted dying bill in The Times, Lord Cameron said: As campaigners have convincingly argued, this proposal is not about ending life, it is about shortening death. Previously his main concern had been that vulnerable people could be pressured into hastening their own deaths, but he said he believed the current proposal contained sufficient safeguards to prevent this. open image in gallery Lord David Cameron has backed the move to legalise assisted dying for terminally-ill adults ( PA Wire ) Lord Cameron who opposed previous moves to legalise assisted dying added: Will this law lead to a meaningful reduction in human suffering? I find it very hard to argue that the answer to this question is anything other than yes. He continued: If this Bill makes it to the House of Lords, I will be voting for it. It comes as the Labour MP behind the motion, Kim Leadbeater, insisted the Bill is taking absolutely the right route through Parliament after it was criticised as an utterly inadequate way to deal with the controversial issue. She defended the level of scrutiny her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will get after a group of MPs mounted a bid to halt the plans going through the Commons. open image in gallery Labour MP Kim Leadbeater says her assisted dying Bill was taking the right route through Parliament in bringing in discussion and scrutiny ( PA Wire ) Ms Leadbeater said the debate on assisted dying generally has been going on for decades, and she believes this Bill will receive more scrutiny and more discussion and more debate, probably, than any piece of legislation. Meanwhile, former prime ministers Gordon Brown, Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and Baroness Theresa May have come out against the bill. Writing for The Independent, Dr Liam Fox, former shadow health secretary and a practising doctor, also voiced his opposition to the bill warning that it could turn the National Health Service into a national death service. Also on Wednesday, former president of the supreme court, David Neuberger, declared his support for the law change, according to the Guardian. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has declined to say which way he will vote, adding that he does not want to pressure other MPs. The Cabinet is split over the issue, with more members believed to be in favour than against. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn, transport secretary Louise Haigh and energy secretary Ed Miliband have all said they will back the law. Meanwhile, justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, health secretary Wes Streeting, education secretary Bridget Phillipson and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds have said they will reject the legislation. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nigel Farage has said parliament should debate imposing stricter limits on abortion for women, saying the current timeline may need to be shortened. The legal limit for a woman to have an abortion is 24 weeks gestation, but the Reform UK leader said that some babies are now saved after being born at 22 weeks, and questioned whether the current limit is set too late. Speaking to reporters after a Reform UK press conference, Mr Farage said: You know, is 24 weeks right for abortion, given that we now save babies at 22? That, to me, would be worthy of a debate in parliament. open image in gallery Nigel Farage questioned whether the current time limit for abortions is set too late ( PA Wire ) Abortions can be performed after 24 weeks in rare circumstances, including when the mothers life is at risk or the child would be born severely disabled. In France and Spain, the cut-off point for an abortion is 14 weeks. But Stella Creasy, a leading campaigner on abortion rights, who has backed proposals to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales, cautioned against politicians weaponising abortion for votes. The Labour MP told The Independent: Ninety per cent of abortions happen in this country before 10 weeks rare ones that do happen later are the most heartbreaking, as they often involve fatal conditions that mean much-longed-for children do not survive birth. Not forcing women to give birth to a baby that they know will die is why we have these limits, and why those who think abortion can be weaponised for votes need to think carefully before attacking them. open image in gallery Stella Creasy cautioned against politicians weaponising abortion ( PA Archive ) Ms Creasy has previously called for abortion to be decriminalised to stop women suspected of illegal terminations being harassed via police investigations and prosecutions. And Richy Thompson, director of public affairs and policy at Humanists UK, said: Foetal viability is generally 24 weeks, and therefore this remains the right time to set the time limit for abortions. Mr Farages intervention came as he was asked how he planned to vote on Kim Leadbeaters assisted dying bill, which comes before parliament on Friday. He compared the big social reform to the passing of the Abortion Act in 1967, saying that it could have consequences that were not perhaps intended. Mr Farage said he would be voting against the assisted dying bill, saying he had huge understanding and sympathy for those backing the change but that he was worried it would lead society along the road towards elderly people effectively being pushed into taking this decision. The Independent approached Reform UK for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nigel Farage has said a Reform UK MP who was jailed for repeatedly kicking his girlfriend deserves Christian forgiveness. The party leader said James McMurdock, who claimed after being elected that he had pushed a partner after a previous assault conviction was revealed, has been forgiven. It emerged that Mr McMurdock was jailed 18 years ago for repeatedly kicking his girlfriend, after The Times applied to the courts for information from the official record of his sentencing. He did not publicly disclose his conviction for assault before being elected and claimed he had pushed his partner when details were first revealed this summer. open image in gallery Nigel Farage said James McMurdock deserved Christian forgiveness ( Joe Giddens/PA Wire ) His sentencing record said he was detained in a young offenders institution for 21 days for kicking the victim around four times. The conviction came to light in July when the victims mother told Mail Online he had left marks on her body and it took two security guards to pull him off her during the attack outside a nightclub in Chelmsford, Essex. At the time, Mr McMurdock apologised for what he described as the biggest regret of my life but downplayed the assault as a teenage indiscretion and disputed the details of the mothers account. In a statement, he said: A generous person might call it a teenage indiscretion, but I do not expect everyone to be so kind. Nearly 20 years ago, at 19 years of age, at the end of a night out together, we argued and I pushed her. She fell over and she was hurt. Despite being 38 now and having lived a whole life again I still feel deeply ashamed of that moment and apologetic. Mr McMurdock pleaded guilty to assault by beating, according to the court records. The MPs sentence was not suspended in light of the serious nature of the offence, the records say. A pre-sentence report indicated a lack of willingness to comply. Asked about the revelation on Thursday, Mr Farage said the South Basildon and East Thurrock MP deserved a second chance. He said: I believe in Christian forgiveness. Christian forgiveness, the rehabilitation of Offenders Act. It was a long time ago. Hes been forgiven, all sorts of people might get second chances, but we are going to set a very very high standard (for candidates). open image in gallery Nadia Whittome said James McMurdock belongs nowhere near law-making and power ( Nadia Whittome/YouTube ) But, when the news of his sentencing came to light, Labour MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome said: Neither he nor his party disclosed the conviction at the election. This man belongs nowhere near law-making and power. The refusal to be properly accountable is disturbing The passive she fell over and she was hurt. Mr McMurdock won his seat by just 98 votes. He has been contacted for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer has been warned to expect more disruption from angry farmers after Holyhead port in North Wales became the second to be blockaded within 24 hours last night. Farmers turned up in a convoy of tractors at around 11pm and stayed until 3am in a stand-off to prevent access to one of the main ports serving Ireland. It followed a slow-drive protest at Dover ferry port on Wednesday as protests continue against the so-called family farm tax or tractor tax from the Budget. Last week more than 10,000 farmers and their supporters descended on Westminster to express their anger over changes in inheritance tax in chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget to include agricultural land. open image in gallery Farmers turned up in a convoy of tractors at around 11am and stayed until 3pm ( Gareth Wyn Jones Twitter ) Welsh farmer and popular Youtuber Gareth Wyn Jones, one of the leaders behind the protests, told The Independent: There will be more to come if the government dont listen. One of the videos he published on Twitter last night was tagged: Dont p**s off farmers. The protest forced heavy goods vehicles to queue for hours outside the port unable to board ferries across the Irish Sea. The congestion was cleared by 4am. The new inheritance tax laws will impact farms worth more than 1 million with a taxable rate of 20 per cent. The Treasury claims it only affects 28 per cent of farms, with ministers arguing that with tax allowances the real value will be 3 million before farms are affected. But Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) figures suggest up to 66 per cent could be affected. open image in gallery Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover ( PA Wire ) Ms Reeves has described her changes as fair and proportionate, with Labour arguing it would catch millionaires who they believe bought up agricultural land to avoid inheritance tax. National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw had suggested the government might soften on the family farm tax after a private meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. But in PMQs on Wednesday, Sir Keir made it clear that the government does not intend to back down. He said: We set out our position at the Budget, which was just set out. Were fixing the foundations. Were dealing with the 22 billion black hole that they left. Im not going to write the next five years of budgets here at this despatch box but we said we wouldnt hit the payslips of working people. Weve passed the Budget. Weve invested in the future, and weve kept that promise. He has previously said the vast majority of farms and farmers will be unaffected by the changes announced in the Budget. The prime minister has once again been urged to agree to a limited scheme to allow young people to travel freely between the UK and the EU for the purposes of work or study, and has once again signalled his refusal to consider it. Ignacio Garcia Bercero, the EUs former chief negotiator, called on Keir Starmer to agree to a deal on youth mobility and cultural exchange as part of the continuing negotiations under the framework set by the trade and cooperation agreement, which governs trade between the UK and the EU. A government spokesperson repeated the line that the prime minister has taken consistently since before the election: There are no plans for a youth mobility scheme and we will not return to freedom of movement. Stella Creasy, the Labour MP who is chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, points out that the EUs proposals for a youth mobility scheme would place strict restrictions on participants, so its very clearly not free movement, but Starmer appears to be unmoved. Why is the prime minister taking such a hard line on this? There are two possibilities. One is that it is a negotiating tactic: that Starmer does not want to allow any hint of possible movement on his part to reach the EU side in the discussions that are continuing about what he calls the reset of Britains relationship with the bloc. It may be that he is willing to concede a youth mobility scheme which the EU side very openly regards as highly desirable if the EU can offer some easing of trade rules. The other possibility is that Starmer regards taking a position that could be presented by the Conservatives as going back on Brexit as a non-starter. He focused his election campaign on hero voters identified by Deborah Mattinson, his former head of strategy. These are working-class voters who used to vote Labour but voted Leave in 2016 and voted Tory in 2019. He remains focused on retaining as many of them as possible at the next election. Supporters of a youth mobility scheme point to opinion-poll evidence that it has wide support, even among Leave voters, but some of the prime ministers advisers are wary of anything that could be used to construct a story about Labour trying to reverse Brexit. What does this reset consist of, then? The prime minister dodged a question about closer alignment of trade rules from Charlie Maynard, a Liberal Democrat MP, at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. Starmer said: I certainly agree that the deal we got under the last government is not the best deal that we can get. That is why we are determined to reset the relationship, and we have already begun that. Obviously, there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market, but beyond that we can increase and improve the situation, whether on trading, security or other cooperation, and we are actively working on that. Meanwhile, David Lammy, the foreign secretary, wrote to Emily Thornberry, the chair of the foreign affairs committee, to say that the UK-EU reset will be led by the Cabinet Office: Fifty members of staff moved from the Foreign Office to the Cabinet Office on 6 November. These officials, along with the existing EU National Security Secretariat and Windsor Framework teams, form the new European Union Relations Secretariat in the Cabinet Office. According to the letter, one of the main issues that the new unit will try to resolve is the status of Gibraltar, which it describes as the last piece of the EU exit jigsaw. Gibraltar was not covered by the UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement. The letter makes no reference to a youth mobility scheme. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy MPs have taken a historic step towards legalising assisted dying in England and Wales, by voting in favour of a bill that would support terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of six months or less to end their lives. After five hours of intense and heartfelt debate, in which some members of parliament were brought to tears, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was passed in the House of Commons with 330 voting in favour and 275 against. The result was a bigger majority than many were predicting, after similar legislation was roundly defeated in 2015. Under the terms of the bill, a terminally ill adult with a life expectancy of six months or less could seek assistance to end their life, provided that two doctors and a High Court judge approve their decision. open image in gallery Kim Leadbeater opens the debate for the second reading ( UK Parliament ) MPs were given a free vote on the issue, meaning they could vote according to their conscience and were not bound to follow a party line. While Sir Keir Starmer backed the bill, his government was split, with both of the cabinet ministers who would ultimately be responsible for implementing the legislation health secretary Wes Streeting and justice secretary Shabana Mahmood voting against. The bill has some way to go before it becomes law, with more than 200 amendments already tabled in the Commons and the House of Lords, meaning it will be subject to intense scrutiny. Added to that, a number of MPs only gave qualified support at the second reading, with the proviso that they would not vote for it without significant amendment at its third reading. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who put forward the bill, said it would give society a much better approach towards end of life, whereas Tory MP Danny Kruger argued that it would pave the way for a state suicide service. Mr Kruger, who led opposition to the bill, said following the vote that a lot of people are very worried about the lack of safeguards. He said there will be further opportunities to improve the bill, and if thats not possible, to reject it. Campaigners in favour of assisted dying hailed the outcome, saying: Thousands of people will be heartened by this result. But campaigners who had been fighting against it promised: This is not over. open image in gallery MPs gather to hear the result of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill ( PA Wire ) The bill will now go to the committee stage, where MPs can table amendments, before facing further votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Dame Esther Rantzen said she was absolutely thrilled at the result, but that it was unlikely to have an impact on her own life. The broadcaster, who is terminally ill, said minutes after the historic vote: Its going to take probably almost two years for it to change the law, and Id be astonished if the drug Im on manages to extend my life that far. open image in gallery The broadcaster Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill, has been a strong advocate of changing the law to allow dying adults to take their own lives in limited circumstances ( PA Media ) Trevor Moore, chair of the campaign group My Death, My Decision, said: Thousands of people will be heartened by this result. Every day, 20 people in the UK are suffering unbearable pain at the end of their lives, despite receiving the best possible care. For them, the choices are stark and harrowing: travel to Switzerland, and end their life by suicide, stop eating or drinking, or face an agonising natural death. These people deserve better. They deserve the dignity of choice at the end of their lives, and we are relieved to see MPs acknowledge this. Patricia Donoghue, 70, who is in favour of assisted dying after seeing her husband Kevans painful death in 2015, told The Independent that the result of the vote was amazing news. She added: Im a bit surprised but Im relieved. Im hopeful that it will become law and that people will have a choice. Its not for everybody, but for those who would like to have that choice it is an amazing day. Bryan Grayson, who saw his father-in-law refuse food and water at the age of 102 and wants a change to the law, said the vote was a significant first step. However, Merv Kenward, who has campaigned against assisted dying with his wife Nikki, said he was really disappointed. He added: Weve lost this particular battle, but the war certainly isnt over. His wife became a campaigner against assisted dying after being suddenly paralysed by Guillain-Barre syndrome aged 36. The Church of Englands lead bishop for healthcare, Dame Sarah Mullally, said that safeguarding the vulnerable must now be our priority. Bishop John Sherrington of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales called on Catholics to pray that members of parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said that today was a very Black Friday for the vulnerable in this country. In a five-hour debate in the Commons, MPs agonised over the pros and cons of such a dramatic change to the law, which former minister Robert Jenrick described as a cliff edge with no return. Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott has suggested that a better bill on assisted dying could come forward in the future, as she said she could not vote for legislation when she had doubts about the safeguards contained in it. She reminded the House that in 1969, MPs abolished the death penalty because they did not think the state should be responsible for ending peoples lives. Sir David Davis revealed that he would be backing the assisted dying bill at its second reading, but urged the government to give MPs more time to debate it in future. Sir David said he had changed his mind on assisted dying, describing himself as a believer in the sanctity of life but also in freedom from torture and misery, and confirmed he would support its continuation through parliament. In a direct message to Labour ministers, he said: This bill is more important than most of the bills in your manifesto. Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has warned that NHS trusts in areas with the weakest palliative care provision will have the highest uptake if the bill becomes law. The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale warned of the potential for self-coercion and said: My opposition to this bill is grounded in compassion. open image in gallery Campaigners react on hearing the result ( Getty ) A Labour MP who has lived with a disability all her life said she would support the assisted dying bill, but described the decision as one of the hardest that I have had to make. Marie Tidball, the MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, told the Commons: In my career in disability law and policy, I chose not to focus on debates about whether disabled people should be born, or whether we should die. Instead I focused on enabling disabled people to live better, more fulfilling lives. Today I find myself voting in a way that I thought I never would: I will be voting in favour of moving the bill to the next stage of the legislative process. But Conservative former minister Sir John Hayes warned: This bill changes the relationship between clinicians and patients for ever. It says to the NHS, your job is not only to protect and preserve life, it is sometimes to take life. While some, including Mr Streeting and former prime minister Gordon Brown, have argued that palliative care should be improved before assisted dying is legalised, Dr Simon Opher, a GP and the Labour MP for Stroud, suggested assisted dying is a tool in palliative care. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out calling a general election after a petition calling for another vote was signed by more than two million people. I would like there to be another general election, the petition reads. I believe the current Labour government have gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead-up to the last election. open image in gallery Sir Keir says hes not surprised many people want an election re-run ( PA Wire ) Asked about the petition on ITVs This Morning programme on Monday, Sir Keir dismissed calls for an election by saying that it is not how our system works. He said: Look, I remind myself that very many people didnt vote Labour at the last election. I am not surprised many of them want a re-run. The government must respond to all petitions with over 10,000 signatures, and petitions reaching 100,000 signatures are considered before parliament. The petition comes amid growing backlash over Labours budget, which has sparked controversy for hikes to national insurance and extension of inheritance tax to include farms, among other unpopular proposals which aim to fill the spending black hole. Among the famous faces to have shared the petition are billionaire Trump-ally Elon Musk, who has repeatedly criticised Sir Keir since he came to power, and British actor Michael Caine. Who wants to call a general election? The petition was only set up on November 20, but has already received over 2,184,000 signatures at the time of writing. The majority of signatories to the petition are concentrated in Conservatives or Reform safe seats. Many of the names in these seats may seem familiar, as vocal critics of the current Labour government. The MPs in constituencies where the petitions have received the most signatures include leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch, former leadership hopeful James Cleverly, and topping the list, Alex Burghart. The petition is highly popular among constituents of Reform leaders Richard Tice and Nigel Farage, with 9,550 signatures between the two constituencies. However, over a million signatures have come from constituencies with a Labour MP. The Labour MP representing the most constituents calling for a general election is Kevin McKenna, with 4,609 constituents signing the petition. Mr McKenna won his constituency of Sittingbourne and Sheppey by just 355 votes in July. The constituency had a low voter turnout of just 51.9 per cent and was historically Conservative. It is likely that his narrow win made many residents unhappy in an area with high Tory support; but even so, it is unclear whether those signing the petition would be able to oust Mr McKenna in another election. open image in gallery Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed the petition on ITVs This Morning today. ( ITV ) No Labour seat has seen more than 6 per cent of constituents sign the petition. However, this discontent may still cause some concern for Labour MPs with small majorities. In the Derbyshire Dales, Labour MP John Whitby won by 350 votes, and over 4,426 of his constituents have signed the petition to call an election. MPs in Ribble Valley, Middlesborough South, and Redditch face a similar dilemma. A high number of constituents in South Norfolk have also signed the petition in South Norfolk, where Terry Jermy is the Labour MP. Mr Jermy has faced recent pressure following the farmers protests, as his constituency is being eyed by the Tories and has 408 farm holdings. Even some constituents of Labour leaders have signed the petition calling for a new election, with over 3,000 signatures in Deputy PM Angela Rayners seat. Discontentment from abroad At least 14,276 of the signatures were from people based outside the United Kingdom, according to self-declared locations required in the petition forms. Thousands of signatures came from the United States, Spain, France and Australia. The petition has also received hundreds of signatures from Thailand, UAE and Cyprus. There are even five signatures reported from the Vatican City, where the Pope resides. Only British citizens and UK residents are allowed to sign this type of petition to be considered by Parliament. However, the rapid scale of the petition may make it more difficult to verify the identities of the two million-plus signatories. The Independent has reached out to the government to confirm how many of the signatures are verified. This is not helped by non-citizens such as billionaire Elon Musk promoting the petition, saying on X that the people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state. The name of this feature is Politics Explained, but there are some subjects that are so hard to explain that we could rename it, just for one day, to How Did That Happen? How was it possible, given that the British people overwhelmingly want less immigration, and voted to leave the European Union partly for that reason, that the British government responded to having the freedom to set its own immigration policy, granted by Brexit, by relaxing controls so that net immigration tripled? The figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday estimated net immigration in the year to June 2024 the last year for which the Conservative government was responsible to be 728,000. Isnt that higher than the previous figure? Yes, the last figure published by the ONS was 685,000 for the year to December 2023 (these estimates are made every six months, so the annual figure is updated by half a year each time). Everyone was expecting the figure to fall, because, very late in the day, the Conservative government changed the rules to restrict immigration. And immigration did fall, but it turns out that it had been running at a higher level than the ONS realised, so that 685,000 figure has now been revised up to 866,000. And the figure for the year to June 2023, to which the latest figure should be compared, has been revised from the previous estimate of 740,000 up to 906,000. So net immigration has actually fallen by 20 per cent, comparing the last full year with the year before that. And yet it is still running at a higher level than we thought it was six months ago, because it turns out that figure was wrong. How high is 700,000 a year anyway? It may be lower than 900,000, but it is still unprecedented. In the years before the EU referendum, net immigration was running at 300,000 a year, and most people thought that this was much too high. David Cameron, the prime minister at the time, had never actually renounced the policy of reducing it to tens of thousands, which was widely interpreted as an aspiration to get it below 100,000 a year. Ed Miliband got it in the neck from liberal party activists for allowing a Labour mug to be produced with Controls on Immigration printed on it, even though he refused to put any numbers on Labours policy. So the answer is that 700,000 is more than twice as high as the level before the referendum, when opinion polls showed that even Remainers wanted less immigration. How did it happen? The answer is Boris Johnson, mostly. He promised in his 2019 manifesto to get Brexit done, and then introduce a firmer and fairer Australian-style points-based immigration system, and said: Overall numbers will come down. But he was never very interested in either the subject of immigration or the policy detail, and had been liberal on immigration as London mayor. His points system allowed much higher immigration from outside the EU than before, although the effects of coronavirus lockdowns obscured the start of the rise when the transitional period of leaving the EU ended at the end of 2021. Additional numbers of migrants came from Hong Kong and Ukraine, but most of the increase came from those who arrived via work and study routes. What will happen now? The Office for Budget Responsibility was forecasting that net immigration would average about 350,000 a year during this parliament, but that is likely to be revised upwards in light of the latest ONS changes. Kemi Badenoch tried to disown the Tories recent past by holding a news conference at short notice on Wednesday, to try to put her gloss on the figures namely that the previous government did not deliver what the people wanted when they voted to end EU free movement. Keir Starmer tried to take advantage of the Tories embarrassment by holding a news conference of his own on Thursday to accuse the previous government of using Brexit as an experiment in open borders. He said: I want to see immigration come down significantly, knowing that the numbers are indeed likely to come down significantly, mainly because of policy changes made by the previous government in its dying months. But he also knows that people are worried about the more visible irregular immigration via small boats across the Channel hence his announcement of a returns deal with Iraq. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Dame Esther Rantzen has defended Sir Keir Starmer for staying silent on how he plans to vote on the assisted dying bill on Friday. With the vote teetering on a knife edge, the prime minister has faced criticism for refusing to reveal his stance - despite high profile interventions from ministers including Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood. Sir Keir has confirmed he will vote, but not yet whether he will support Kim Leadbeaters bill. But Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill and has argued strongly for a change in the law, has defended the prime minister;s decision not to reveal how he will vote. Asked whether she would have wanted to hear more from the PM, Dame Esther said: I think he did the right thing. I think he said this was not a political issue... This is a personal issue of conscience, and I think he is taking it very seriously. open image in gallery Dame Esther Rantzen said the PM has done the right thing ( PA Archive ) The broadcaster highlighted Sir Keirs previous support for assisted dying based on his experience as director of public prosecutions with families being investigated for helping relatives end their lives. She told LBC: I dont understand how anyone can support the current law, and I believe Sir Keir doesnt support it himself, but I think hes right to make sure that its a personal view and a personal decision. And she hit back at claims by 11-time Paralympic gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson, who told The Independent last week the assisted dying bill would open the floodgates to abuse. In an interview this month, the crossbench peer and disability rights campaigner said the laws could in time be stretched to include people with disabilities. I have been told in the building [Parliament], if my life was like yours I would kill myself. Im like wow! Ive had a really good life, she said. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has not revealed how he will vote on the bill ( PA Wire ) But Dame Esther said: Its terrible that disabled people should think, even for a moment, that this would make them qualify to ask for assisted dying or be pressured into it its dreadful, awful, tragic that disabled people should even consider that this applies to them. Discussing her own terminal illness and end of life plans, Dame Esther told LBC: I dont expect to live long enough to see a change in the law which would mean that I could die here in my home surrounded by loved ones. If my life gets unbearable, I will have to go to Switzerland alone without them to protect them from being investigated by the police. Her intervention came as David Cameron came out in favour of the assisted dying bill ahead of Fridays vote. Having previously opposed assisted dying legislation, Lord Cameron said Ms Leadbeaters proposal contained sufficient safeguards to prevent vulnerable people being pressured into taking their own lives. Lord Cameron who opposed previous moves to legalise assisted dying added: Will this law lead to a meaningful reduction in human suffering? I find it very hard to argue that the answer to this question is anything other than yes. He continued: If this Bill makes it to the House of Lords, I will be voting for it. Ms Leadbeater has described her bill as the most robust in the world, with three layers of scrutiny in the form of a sign-off by two doctors and a High Court judge. It would also make coercion an offence with a possible punishment of 14 years in jail. Under the legislation, which covers England and Wales, only terminally ill adults with under six months left to live and a settled wish to die would be eligible. Ms Leadbeater said that opponents of plans to legalise assisted dying mustnt be hearing the stories of the terminally ill. She called for the debate to focus on the problem we have to fix rather than who in the cabinet has fallen out with who else in the cabinet. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A social media ban for young children is a brilliant idea for tackling abuse, the chair of a domestic violence charity has said. Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, chair of Refuge charity, emphasised the link between an increase in schoolchildren experiencing sexual harassment and abuse and social media after she was made a CBE on Thursday. Speaking after the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Ms Barkworth-Nanton referenced the news that the Australian Senate had passed a social media ban for under 16s, saying it was absolutely the right way to go. Personally, I think its a brilliant idea, and I think it ties really neatly in with the work we do around tech abuse, she said. If you can do it in a way in which you dont isolate young people, which is the other challenge, and we can turn that into the norm, then I think its absolutely the right way to go, she added. Ms Barkworth-Nanton, who is also the co-founder and patron of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, was honoured by the Princess Royal for services to people affected by domestic abuse and homicide. She said: We are seeing something like well over 30% of young girls in schools are saying that they have experienced sexual harassment or abuse, and that is direct result of social media and often thats being done on social media so that images are being shared. Asked what could be done to prevent young people accessing harmful content, Ms Barkworth-Nanton said schools should be proactive in banning phones and that social media and technology companies need to work together to ensure algorithms do not specifically target dangerous content to young people. We are seeing something like well over 30% of young girls in schools are saying that they have experienced sexual harassment or abuse, and that is direct result of social media and often that's being done on social media so that images are being shared. Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, chair of domestic violence charity Refuge On ending domestic violence, she said: The most important thing would be absolutely the education situation today in our schools, brought on by influencers like Andrew Tate and ready access to pornography, where young boys are abusing young girls in our schools, and thats the generation thats growing up. An absolute overhaul of the criminal justice system is also needed, she added, as many survivors do not report abuse to police as they do not trust they will get the right response. One in five adults experiences domestic abuse in their lifetime, and it is estimated that around three women die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse every week. Every 30 seconds, someone calls 999 about domestic abuse, however it is estimated that less than 24% of the crime is reported to police. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Net migration to the UK has fallen this year, after reaching a record high of more than 900,000 in 2023 - 166,000 more than previously thought. It fell to 728,000 in the year to June 2024, a decline of 20 per cent. But this came after net migration figures for the year to June 2023 were revised upwards to 906,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000, provisional data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates. A similar change was made for the year to December 2023, which was initially estimated to be 685,000, and is now thought to be 866,000 an increase of 181,000. The figures, covering the previous Conservative governments administration prior to the general election, come as new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch admitted her party had failed on migration. In a speech on Wednesday, she said there had been a collective failure of political leaders from all parties over decades to grasp the issue, adding: On behalf of the Conservative Party, it is right that I as the new leader accept responsibility, and say truthfully we got this wrong. The prime ministers official spokesperson accused the previous government of having effectively run Britain as an experiment in open borders, saying the record high is a result of policies and decisions taken by the last government. This government has been elected on a mandate to change the country and put the peoples priorities at the heart of delivery, and that means bringing down these record high levels of legal migration and tackling the root causes behind it, he added. open image in gallery The total for the 12 months to June 2023 has been revised upwards by 166,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000 ( PA Wire ) The ONS said that while remaining high by historic standards, net migration is now beginning to fall. The organisations director, Mary Gregory, said the decrease in this years figures came as a result of a fall in the numbers of dependants on study visas coming from outside the EU, a decrease in the number of people arriving for work-related reasons, and increases in emigration. At the end of 2023, the previous Tory government announced an increase to the minimum earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50 per cent from its current position of 26,200 to 38,700, as well as ending the 20 per cent going-rate salary discount for shortage occupations. Meanwhile, changes to the student visa route restricted the ability of most international students to bring family members. The estimates show that non-EU immigration of people arriving as dependants on study visa applications stood at 80,000 in the year to June 2024, down from 115,000 in the previous 12 months. Last years figures were revised because the ONS now has more complete data for this period and has also improved how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the European Union. The Tories have claimed credit for the fall in net migration with former home secretaries Suella Braverman and James Cleverly saying the changes the party introduced turned the tide. Ms Braverman said: A 20 per cent drop in immigration since June 2023 is a result of the changes I fought for and introduced in May 2023 as home secretary. Thats when we started to turn the tide. But 1.2 million arrivals a year is still too high. This is unsustainable and why we need radical change. Mr Cleverly added: Todays migration figures are the first to show the impact of the changes that I brought in as home secretary. Numbers are still too high, but we see the first significant downward trend in years. Changes that Labour opposed and havent fully implemented. And pre-empting the publication of Thursdays figures, Ms Badenoch said: No doubt the new government will try to take credit for that reduction. But that change is due to the reforms that the Conservatives made during our final months in power. Speaking alongside shadow immigration minister Chris Philp, she pledged to introduce a hard cap on the number of arrivals in the UK, and a zero tolerance policy for illegal migration. Millions want to come here, but we as politicians have to do right by the citizens of this country before anyone else, the Tory leader said. Ms Gregory said long-term international migration to the UK has been at unprecedented levels since 2021, driven by a variety of factors, including the war in Ukraine and the effects of the post-Brexit immigration system. Pent-up demand for study-related immigration because of travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic also had an impact, she added. Commenting on the latest figures, the ONS director said: While remaining high by historic standards, net migration is now beginning to fall and is provisionally down 20 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024. Over that period we have seen a fall in immigration, driven by declining numbers of dependants on study visas coming from outside the EU. Over the first six months of 2024, we are also seeing decreases in the number of people arriving for work-related reasons. This is partly related to policy changes earlier this year and is consistent with visa data published by Home Office. We are also starting to see increases in emigration, most notably for those who came to the UK on study-related visas. This is likely to be a consequence of the higher numbers of students coming to the UK post-pandemic who are now reaching the end of their courses. Meanwhile, Marley Morris, the Institute for Public Policy Researchs associate director for migration, said the revised peak of 900,000 means the new Labour government faces a tough set of choices on immigration. Further cuts to numbers could be challenging for recruitment in key sectors such as social care, as well as university finances. It will need a clear framework to work through these choices and manage the potential impacts. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy MI6 chief Richard Moore is reportedly under consideration to be the UKs next ambassador in Washington, in a fresh upset for former Labour spinner Peter Mandelson, who has been widely rumoured to be tapped for the key diplomatic role. According to The Sun, Downing Street insiders say the spy chief is now in the running to be Keir Starmers representative to the US as Labour prepares for the incoming presidency of Donald Trump in January. Sir Richard, who in September warned alongside CIA head William Burns that both countries faced an unprecedented array of threats, previously served in the foreign office and was Britains ambassador to Turkey from 2014 to 2017. The development represents a new blow for Lord Mandelson after former Tory leader William Hague beat him to the prestigious chancellorship of the University of Oxford following a high-profile competition between the pair. Earlier this month Lord Hague, whose appointment was announced on Wednesday, warned Lord Mandelson could not be both the UKs next ambassador to the US and chancellor, telling the Independent that taking on both roles would be incompatible. open image in gallery MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore has been working closely with the CIA (FCO/PA) ( PA Media ) Lord Mandelson said he would be capable of holding both positions because the role of Oxford chancellor was merely a ceremonial figurehead. The Labour grandee, a key figure in Tony Blairs New Labour project, said recently it was time for a new relationship with the US following the re-election of Donald Trump earlier this month. Speaking recently on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Lord Mandelson said, I would be very interested indeed in giving advice about trade to whoever is appointed. His comments come amid fears about Mr Trumps approach to trade when he returns to the White House. He has threatened to levy a 10 per cent tariff on all imports to the US, rising to up to 60 per cent for goods from China. He also said during the interview that nobody had at that time approached him about the ambassadorship. I read about it in the papers but nobody has actually spoken to me about it, so lets put it to one side, he said. Sir Richard and Mr Burns jointly penned a piece in the Financial Times in September reflecting on decades of cooperation between the US and UK over the course of two world wars and in their fight against terrorism, warning: The challenges of the past are being accelerated in the present, and compounded by technological change. There is no question that the international world order the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunities and prosperity is under threat in a way we havent seen since the cold war, they wrote. They warned that staying the course in resisting Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine is more vital than ever, saying that Russia will not succeed in extinguishing Ukraines sovereignty and independence. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A worker suffered life-threatening injuries after being electrocuted while hanging lights on a Christmastree. The unidentified 22-year-old was hanging the lights in Wellesley, Massachusetts Wednesday morning. He was hanging lights using a pole that got too close to an electrical line, which shocked him, police said. The man, who works for the company NZ Power Wash in a neighboring town, was rushed to Mass General Hospital in Boston. He was in critical condition as of Wednesday night. He had been contracted by a resident to hang the lights, ABC News reports. Hell be pretty lucky if he survives, Wellesley Police Officer Tim Gover, who responded to the incident, said. He took a big hit. 911 received a call from a witness who said he wasnt breathing. His co-worker started CPR, and police took over when they arrived on the scene, CBS News reports. After firefighters arrived, they used a defibrillator to revive him. It took three tries, but he eventually regained a pulse, according to NBC. OSHA, local police and the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant are all investigating the incident. open image in gallery The 22-year-old is in critical condition after the big shock, police said ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Wellesley Police, Fire, and WMLP Departments extend our thoughts and prayers to the victim and his family during this tragic incident, a spokesperson for the Wellesley Police Department said in a statement. The Wellesley Municipal Light Plant has also determined the utility pole poses no danger to the public. The Independent has contacted NZ Power Wash for comment. Antonio Pascual of Escondido, California was also electrocuted while hanging Christmas lights last week, USA Today reports. The 24-year-old was hanging lights when he threw the string over a high voltage powerline. Paramedics found Pascual hanging upside down from a tree, the medical examiners office said. He died from his injuries on Thursday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two moms have been killed in separate hit-and-runs along Marylands infamous highway of death within the space of around 24 hours. The first incident unfolded at around 9pm on Thursday night when 52-year-old Sandra Abarca Orellana, of Temple Hills, was crossing the road to reach a bus stop following a shopping trip to Tanger Outlets National Harbor Mall on Oxon Hill Road. Prince Georges County Police said the victim was found in the road after being struck by a vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Almost exactly one day later at 10pm Friday, 40-year-old Loretta Canter-Andrews, of Accokeek, was struck by a vehicle in the northbound lanes of Route 210 near Farmington Road, police said. She was also pronounced dead at the scene. The two fatal incidents occurred around 16 kilometers (10 miles) apart along Highway 210, which has earned the grim nickname of Marylands highway of death. open image in gallery Sandra Abarca Orellana was crossing the road to reach a bus stop following a shopping trip when she was struck and killed ( WRC ) In 2024 alone, 21 pedestrian deaths have occurred along Prince Georges County roads 11 of them hit-and-runs, reported NBC Washington. Police told the outlet they are now looking for a burgundy, four-door Sedan in connection to Orellanas death. The vehicle was seen heading north on Oxon Hill Road toward the shopping mall at the time of the hit-and-run, police said. It is not clear if a vehicle has been identified in connection to the second death. open image in gallery Loretta Canter-Andrews was struck and killed around 16 kilometers away ( WRC ) Canter-Andrewss son TJ Andrews paid tribute to his mother. She was outgoing. She had no filter on her but she was a very caring person and would do anything for anyone if she had it, he told Fox5. Im blank-minded about it and hurt, mad, I just, for her sake, I just want justice done for her point of view. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This week, the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, agreed to the terms of a proposed $20m settlement to the family of Teresa Gomez, an unarmed 45-year-old killed in a 2023 police shooting. Gomez was sitting in a car outside a public housing complex in the early hours of October 3, 2023, when Felipe Hernandez, an officer on a bike patrol, told her she wasnt supposed to be outside the complex at that hour and questioned her. The policeman berated the woman, threatening to make her life a living hell, according to a lawsuit. As she backed slowly out of her parking space, the office fired three shots, one of which struck Gomezs lung, killing her. The proposed settlement, which the city called a reflection of its profound feeling of loss for the death of Gomez, is notable for a few reasons. Its reportedly the largest settlement Las Cruces has ever paid, and it comes as Hernandez, who was relieved of duty in May of this year, faces a second-degree murder trial in 2025 over the incident. While police prosecutions are rare in New Mexico and everywhere else in America officer-involved shootings are not. For years, New Mexico has been one of the places with the highest per capita rate of police shooting people. In 2024, the state has been the single deadliest place in the country for fatal police shootings, according to the Mapping Police Violence database, with 12.75 people per million killed by police. The violence disproportionately came down on people of color, with Black people 3.4 times more likely to get killed by police than white people, and Hispanic people 1.5 times more likely, according to the database. A variety of factors are influencing the high rate of police shootings in New Mexico. For one thing, there are a lot of guns in the state, amping up the tenor of police encounters. The state ranks in the upper half of gun ownership in the U.S. The state is "is rural, people rely on self protection, Maryam Ahranjani, a law professor at the University of New Mexico, told NPR last year, after police in Farmington mistakenly shot someone during a domestic violence call. "It makes sense from a personal safety standpoint that officers want to keep themselves safe too. While the state has recently enacted a suite of gun safety laws like background checks on sales and extreme risk laws, earning praise from groups like Everytown for Gun Safety, New Mexico had the third highest rate of gun deaths overall as of last year. Others have faulted poor accountability and individual police departments for the problem. Since 2015, the Albuquerque Police Department has been under federal oversight, in part because of its high rate of using force. Despite the extra scrutiny, in 2022, it shot 18 people, 10 fatally, a total higher than all but that of New York, Houston, and Los Angeles, cities with much larger populations. Between 2015 and 2021, Albuquerque had the second highest rate of fatal police shootings, behind only Las Vegas. Few officers involved in shootings in New Mexico get punished. A review found that between 2013 and 2022, a single incident out of hundreds of fatal and non-fatal shootings resulted in criminal charges for the officer involved. Another found that civilians won in less than 20 percent of their attempted complaints about police. Economic factors could play a role too. Studies show poverty helps create the conditions that both drive crime and police shootings. In 2023, New Mexico was the third-poorest state in the nation, and the single poorest state outside the South. In the face of all this police violence, New Mexico has also sought to pioneer new solutions as well. Albuquerque has one of the countrys most ambitious non-police emergency first responder programs, where non-armed personnel can respond to calls involving the homeless, mentally ill, and those on drugs and alcohol. The citys Albuquerque Community Safety department, created in 2020, takes a majority of non-violent calls involving mental and behavioral health crises. The state isnt the only one struggling though. Despite a decade of Black Lives Matter activism focused on reforming police departments, 2023 was the deadliest year since 2013 for officer-involved shootings. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A teen has been accused of stabbing her ex-boyfriend to death because he wouldnt let her go through his cellphone. Zoe Cooper, 18, a Texas Southern University student living in Houston, was taken into custody on November 15 by TSU police, according to KHOU 11. She was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 19-year-old Tadarius Massey. Investigators from the Orange County Sheriffs Office said that an altercation broke out at Coopers home at Florence Vista Boulevard, Florida, on August 14 after she became upset that Massey would not give her access to his phone. Massey was stabbed multiple times, according to the arrest report. Cooper took Massey to a hospital in Ocoee but dropped him off and didnt get out of the car, authorities said. While Masseys friend helped him inside, Cooper allegedly drove back home. Massey was pronounced dead at the hospital, with an autopsy report revealing he had been stabbed in the heart and left shoulder. He also had two healed stab wounds around his left shoulder. According to the arrest report, Cooper spoke of her regret over Masseys death in an Instagram reel on August 15. If I could take it back or trade place in a heartbeat, I would, she said, alongside a photo of the former couple. open image in gallery Tadarius Massey died in hospital after he was stabbed to death on August 14 ( WESH ) I love you always. Im truly sorry for what I did. It wasnt supposed to be this way. But, according to the arrest report, Cooper had previously attacked Massey over his cellphone at Ocoee high School in December 2023. She had also allegedly sent texts threatening to stab Massey to death in the past and expressed regret for not killing him previously. According to the arrest report, in March, Cooper had texted Massey saying: And Ima spit in yo grave. I wish you would have died that day. Seriously, I hope you die a very painful death. The manager of the Subway restaurant where Massey worked said he would come in looking like he had been beaten up and would confide that Cooper had attacked him, according to authorities. Cooper would also allegedly watch her boyfriend at work. An online obituary describes how Massey brought so much love into this world. He was a loving child who often demonstrated it by giving hugs to everyone. He was a handsome young man with a beautiful smile that melted your heart, it read. Masseys great aunt wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral costs that parents shouldnt have to bury their children. This has been a tremendous and unexpected loss, she added. The Independent has contacted the Orange County Sheriffs Office for more information. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Six months before the sensational case of JonBenet Ramseys murder hit the news along with the near ubiquitous presence of the tiny blonds beauty pageant glamor shots the documentary Paradise Lost premiered. The film by Joe Berlinger cast doubt on the guilt of a trio of Arkansas teens convicted in the killings of three local eight-year-olds. For Berlinger, whose films on the West Memphis Three not only earned him an Oscar nomination but also saw the prisoners walk free, a key element of his work has always centered on rooting out and hopefully correcting injustices. But JonBenets murder didnt immediately catch his eye as a possible example. After the 6-year-olds body was found on the day after Christmas in 1996, talk shows, tabloids and the barreling behemoth of 24-hour news grabbed the story and ran with it, usually relating details parceled out strategically by police in Boulder, Colorado. open image in gallery JonBenet Ramsey was just six years old when she was found murdered in the basement of her parents home in Boulder, Colorado ( Sipa/Shutterstock ) Back then I fell for it, Berlinger, 63, tells The Independent. And Im embarrassed that I fell for it, because I had just finished Paradise Lost, which is all about wrongful conviction but I had a two-year-old daughter at home, and I kind of bought into the media hype. And I thought to myself, Gee, my daughter, my two-year-old, is very cute, and I bet when shes six, shell be really cute; I would never put her into a beauty pageant and I had a bunch of judgment about that. He wasnt alone; even now, ask almost anyone about JonBenet Ramsey and theyll have strong opinions and a theory about who killed her. More often than not, theyll point to her parents or then-nine-year-old brother, all of whom were home in the familys tony, holiday-decorated mansion at the time of the JonBenets murder. Patsy Ramsey called 911 to report finding a ransom note for her daughter before dawn on December 26, 1996; hours after police first responded, another search of the property led by Patsys husband, John, uncovered their daughters body in a basement room. Over time, as I became more familiar with the case, it became illogical, says Berlinger, who did a deep dive into the murder and investigation that increased his skepticism resulting in his new Netflix three-part docuseries, Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey, which premieres on Monday. open image in gallery JonBenet, right, poses in a family photo with her father, John, mother, Patsy, and older brother, Burke ( John Ramsey ) Key to the directors research was the work of Lou Smit, a Colorado Springs detective who came out of retirement to assist the Boulder district attorneys office in the months after the killing. Smit quickly decided the Ramseys were not involved, putting him at odds with local police and launching a personal mission to uncover the truth. (His family and friends carry on that mission 14 years after his death.) After looking at Smits detective work, Berlinger says, thats when I had this a-ha! moment. The documentary highlights many of Smits points, such as his insistence that an intruder could easily have crept into the house and waited to snatch JonBenet before the plan went horribly wrong. The special investigator also believed that DNA would ultimately solve the case, and many viewers will likely be surprised to hear of the delays and lack of DNA testing by Boulder authorities persisting even today. The Netflix series outlines how a DNA report clearing the Ramseys was given to Boulder police by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in the months after the murder; the documentary posits that, since the familys innocence did not align with local polices theory, it was unnecessarily withheld while stories kept getting fed to the press painting the Ramseys as guilty. According to Smits notes, the CBI DNA report was not shared with Boulder prosecutors for months; despite the evidence, as well, city authorities continued to let suspicion focus on the Ramsey family, only clearing them publicly in 2008 a clearance which did little in changing public perception after decades of blame placement and innuendo. JonBenet was brutally sexually assaulted and tortured with a garrote (a knotted cord tied to the broken handle of a paintbrush taken from her mothers supplies) before she died. Unknown male DNA was found in her underwear, however that DNA has yet to be identified, and contamination concerns persist given lax crime scene securement at the time and other issues. Testing methods have exponentially evolved since the mid-1990s, however, the director tells The Independent. With the advances in DNA technology, I think this case can actually be solved, Berlinger says. And so I will be honest and say one of my goals of this show is to pressure Boulder police to finally do the right thing the Ramsey family has been pounding the table for several years for additional DNA testing. open image in gallery JonBenets mother called 911 on the day after Christmas in 1996, telling the operator shed found a ransom note; the childs body was only found hours later in the basement by her father ( AP1997 ) Hes talking about the surviving Ramsey family; JonBenets mother, Patsy, died in 2006 at age 49. The childs older half-sister, 22-year-old Beth, had been tragically killed in a car accident in 1992 when JonBenet was a toddler. I cant imagine a more brutalized family than the Ramsey family, Berlinger tells The Independent. John Ramsey who I think deserves a Purple Heart [or] five Purple Hearts he lost his daughter, Beth, from a previous marriage. As a parent, I cant think of anything more painful. JonBenet was the magic elixir that was going to help that family recover, and shes brutally murdered in the most horrific way imaginable and then theyre blamed for it. The mother, Patsy, is dealing with ovarian cancer, and no doubt the stress of that murder and being blamed for it, Im sure, contributed to it coming back. The then-Boulder DA cleared the Ramseys and her brother, Burke, in 2008, writing that she was deeply sorry. There have been myriad prosecutorial and police regime changes since the murder, and opinions differ. Suspicion within the wider arena has lingered to the point that CBS went ahead with a 2016 program theorizing that Burke accidentally killed JonBenet before their parents staged the scene. He sued CBS for $750 million and the case was settled in 2019. Burke doesnt speak in the docuseries, but it features interviews with John Ramsey and another adult son from his first marriage, in addition to Colorado reporters not all of whom come out looking great and law enforcement experts. The program also delves into the strange case of John Mark Karr, a pedophile extradited from Thailand who confessed to the killing but was ruled out by alibi and DNA, despite his knowledge of unreleased details. open image in gallery JonBenet Ramsey is buried Georgia, where her parents met and where she was born; her mother, Patsy Ramsey, was buried next to her upon her death in 2006 at the age of 49 ( Getty Images ) Berlinger says part of his motivation for making the docuseries was his desire always to shine a light on things that I think are wrong and need to be corrected. Im blessed that I can say that my work has been the catalyst for six people being released from prison, he says. So I am deep in the wrongful conviction space, and there are certain patterns that make wrongful convictions happen that I see in this case. Just like in the West Memphis case what you often see in wrongful conviction cases is kind of a small-town police force thats not experienced enough to handle the crime that gets locked into an idea early on and cant move that tunnel vision and this is what you see in this case, he says, though convictions here came in the court of public opinion rather than court of law. Its exacerbated by the fact that [the authorities] method was to feed false or incomplete stories to the press in an era where there was just exploding irresponsible journalism, and it just created this firestorm. For those who lived through the Nineties, it can be easy to forget just how far some cable programs and talk shows pushed matters and muddied agendas; for younger audiences, clips will be jaw-dropping. The new Netflix series includes footage from one mock trial held of the Ramseys on a daytime chat show which included input from an expert who made an explicit interpretation of JonBenets performance with a saxophone that Berlinger calls obscene. In another mind-boggling reality, the Ramseys went head-to-head on CNN with a former Boulder detective whod written a book accusing Patsy of the killing (this cop not only settled with the Ramseys after they sued for libel and defamation but also failed to exhibit a solid grasp of case detail in other recorded interviews.) The exploration particularly of the medias role was another motivating factor behind the JonBenet docuseries, Berlinger tells The Independent. I have always been very concerned about this decades-long march weve had towards the lessening of journalistic standards and the rise of opinion journalism, which has divided our country, Berlinger says, adding that he believes the deep division has arisen because we each tune in to different opinions on television, and the truth is somewhat ephemeral. open image in gallery Joe Berlinger attends the Truth Seekers Summit hosted by Variety and Rolling Stone at Second Floor on 25 August 2022 in New York City ( Cindy Ord/Getty Images ) And I think all of this began with not just the JonBenet Ramsey case, but JonBenet, OJ Simpson the early 90s gave birth to a whole new era of irresponsible journalism. All of a sudden there were 500 networks in a 24-hour news cycle, and everyone thought they could make money on telling real stories, and I think journalistic standards greatly declined and you can trace that to todays environment, where we have kind of the death of truth, and 50 percent of the population gets its news from TikTok. While he laments the state of the news landscape, Berlinger does have hopes that perhaps his project can prompt action from investigators in Colorado. A cold case review team of outside experts last year made recommendations to Boulder police about how best to proceed in the investigation, but the department only announced that the specific recommendations will not be made public at this time However, we are committed to following the recommendations generated from this cold case review. The release from December 2023 insisted that Boulder authorities were working with leading DNA experts from across the country to ensure the latest forensic techniques are used to analyze remaining DNA samples. The evidence has been preserved and will continue to be ready for testing when there is proven and validated technology that can accurately test forensic samples consistent with the evidence available in this case. Detectives are actively taking steps to prepare the evidence for testing when possible. When asked this week by The Independent for any updates about such testing along with detailed other questions a spokeswoman only continued to urge anyone with information to contact detectives but cited the open and ongoing nature of the investigation as the reason for no further comment. open image in gallery Lou Smit, a retired Colorado Springs detective, was asked to investigate the case by the Boulder district attorney; he resigned a year and a half later, insisting that evidence pointed to a killer outside of the Ramsey family ( Cindy Marra ) In a statement, Chief Steve Redfearn said: The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts. We are committed to following up on every lead and we are continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country until this tragic case is solved. This investigation will always be a priority for the Boulder Police Department. Boulder police wouldnt play ball with Berlingers team, either. They wouldnt officially sit down, and they wouldnt reveal any information; nor have they revealed much information to the Ramseys, Berlinger says. Our belief, until were told otherwise, is not much has been done, and there are advances in DNA technology that demand that they take action. And there is a good likelihood that this crime can be solved. There are old items that were tested that need to be retested. There were old items sent to the crime lab that were never tested. Putting it bluntly, Berlinger says: Lets get some action finally. Lets dismiss all these crazy conspiracy theories that defy logic. Lets focus on the fact that there can be some DNA tested, and it could possibly lead to finding out who the killer is. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The 50-year-old cold case of D.B. Cooper may have seen a new development after an amateur sleuth claims to have found the parachute used by the infamous, yet still unidentified plane hijacker. YouTuber Dan Gryder said that he found a modified device matching the one used in the 1971 hijacking on a property in North Carolina, and has handed it over to the FBI. Gryder, who has been looking into the case off and on for almost 20 years, said in a video series about his investigation that the rig was literally one in a billion. This is the rig he used... we just solved it, he says. open image in gallery YouTuber Dan Gryder pictured holding what he believes to be the parachute used by the infamous and unidentified plane hijacker D.B. Cooper ( Probable Cause: Dan Gryder/ YouTube ) D. B. Cooper, also known as Dan Cooper, hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 on November 24 1971. During the flight, Cooper told a flight attendant he had a bomb, demanding $200,000 in ransom and four parachutes upon landing in Seattle. However soon after taking off again with the intention of heading to Mexico, Cooper opened the aircrafts door and parachuted into the night over southwestern Washington. His true identity and whereabouts remain a mystery to this day. Gryder found what he claims is Coopers parachute on a property owned by the family of the late Richard McCoy Jr one of the men considered by the FBI to be a serious suspect in the case. open image in gallery FBI artist rendering of D.B. Cooper, who hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 on November 24, 1971 ( FBI ) McCoy staged a near identical hijacking in April 1972, after boarding a flight in Denver, Colorado, and demanding four parachutes and $500,000 while brandishing a weapon. He later also bailed out of the aircraft. McCoy was killed two years later in a shootout with FBI agents after he escaped from federal prison. Investigators have pointed out that his photo bears a striking resemblance to a sketch made of D.B. Cooper. Despite Gryders handing over of the parachute, the FBI has yet to update the case status on its website. The last update was made in July 2016, in which the agency said it would no longer be actively investigating the case. open image in gallery Gryder found the parachute rig on a property in North Carolina owned by the family of the late Richard McCoy, one of the men suspected to have been D.B. Cooper ( Probably Cause: Dan Gryder/ YouTube ) However, it added that should specific physical evidence emergerelated specifically to the parachutes or the money taken by the hijackerindividuals with those materials are asked to contact their local FBI field office. According to Cowboy State Daily, McCoys children, Chante and Richard III, have said they agree with Gryders discovery and have long suspected their father was the hijacker. In his series, Gryder said that FBI investigators told him a possible next step would be to exhume McCoys body and attempt to get a DNA match with evidence left behind. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Dickies clothing brand is moving from Texas to California, marking a rare corporate switch after several companies relocated from California to the southern state. The Los Angeles Times reported that the company will be moving from Fort Worth to Costa Mesa to share a space with its sister brand Vans. VF Corp., the brands parent owner also owns North Face, Timberland and JanSport, the outlet reported. Companies like Space X and Chevron previously chose to move their companies from California to Texas in search of lower real estate prices, better tax laws and fewer restrictions. Dickies move is due to impact 120 employees, the company told the outlet. This move allows VF to further consolidate its US real estate portfolio as part of its stated business turnaround strategy, a spokesperson for VF told the newspaper. The move should also foster a collaboration between Vans and Dickies employees to create an even more vibrant campus where creativity and best practice sharing can thrive through greater collaboration and connections, they added. The company hopes the relocation process will be completed by May. open image in gallery SpaceX Starbase facility in Brownsville, Texas ( SpaceX ) Chief Executive of RetailWire, Dominick Miserandino, told the outlet that the matter may have more to do with real estate ownership than anything else. Clearly, youre making a decision like this for operational efficiency, he said. Vans and Dickies have seen a decrease in revenue following the second fiscal quarter that ended in September 28, the outlet reported. Vans saw an 11 per cent decrease in revenue. Still, the number is an improvement from the last quarter, when the brand was down 22 per cent, according to the newspaper. Dickies was down 11 per cent during the second fiscal quarter and 14 per cent the previous quarter. VF President Bracken P Darrell blamed the decrease in revenue on a lack of attention given to youth audiences. We actually took our eye off ... the core youth audience that had been the lifeblood of Vans, said Darrell, according to the newspaper. The brand had to evolve, but rather than continue to respect and serve the youth audience that had built the brand, we only fed the trend that grew it rapidly. We largely withdrew marketing to the core youth, and instead focused on everyone else. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The sister of missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi has spoken out of the familys fears that someone is controlling her. The 30-year-old has been missing since November 8 when she stopped over at Los Angeles International Airport on her way from Hawaii to New York City. Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, told NewsNations Chris Cuomo on Wednesday that strange text messages friends and family members had received from Hannahs phone were absolutely not like her. One of the cryptic texts a friend received from Hannahs number said she had been tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds to someone I thought I loved, it was previously reported. Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f*** since Friday, another message said. Sydni described the texts as really weird. This is absolutely not like her, especially with the text messages that she last sent, she told the broadcaster. In my mind, it feels like someone was controlling her. Or it might not have even been her. open image in gallery Hannah Kobayashi, 30, vanished while traveling from Hawaii to New York City ( Sydni Kobayashi/Facebook ) This whole situation is bizarre, Sydni added. She would never have done anything like this to our family. The family is currently grappling with the double tragedy of the death of Ryan Kobayashi, Hannahs father, as they continue to search for the missing photographer. Ryan, 58, was found dead in a parking lot near LAX on Sunday while he was in the city looking for his daughter. The LA County medical examiner has since ruled his death as a suicide. Sydni told NewsNation that her father fought until his last breath to find Hannah. He deprived himself of sleep, he wasnt eating, Sydni said, with her voice cracking. And he pushed and he pushed and he fought for her like any loving parent would. Hannah had planned to meet her aunt Geordan Montalvo and her aunts husband Bob in New York to go to a concert together on November 12. The vacation was described as a bucket list trip. open image in gallery Surveillance footage of Hannah Kobayashi at LAX ( Facebook ) But she missed her connecting flight at LAX on November 8. The following day, she was spotted at a bookstore at The Grove, a popular outdoor mall in LA. One day later, she was seen at a LeBron James event. On November 11, surveillance video captured her at a downtown LA Metro stop with a person not known to her family. It was then that the Kobayashi family said they received a strange and cryptic text from the womans phone suggesting she was being intercepted while she was boarding a Metro train, and expressing fear that someone was trying to steal her identity. Once the family started pressing, she went dark, Hannahs aunt, Larie Pidgeon told the Associated Press on Saturday. She said the phone just went dead after November 11. Police are investigating payments Hannah made over Venmo to a man and woman on November 9, shortly before her disappearance. Its unclear exactly how much money she sent before she was last heard from on November 11. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A hiker has miraculously been found alive more than a month after he vanished in the Canadian wilderness. Sam Benastick, 20, had set off on a 10-day camping trip to Redfern-Keily Park in the Northern Rocky Mountains on October 7, reported CBC News. He was reported missing on October 19 when he failed to return home. At around 11.30am on Tuesday more than a month on from when he was last seen a pair of walkers spotted Benastick on the Redfern Lake trail while on their way to work, Royal Canadian Mounted Police said. The 20-year-old was walking with the support of two walking sticks and had a cut-up sleeping bag bundled around his legs for warmth, reported CBC. Benastick was taken to hospital where police identified him as the missing hiker. Benastick told authorities he had set off hiking to a creek in the mountains and camped out there for 10 to 15 days. open image in gallery Sam Benastick, 20, was found a month after going missing ( RCMP ) He then trekked down the valley and assembled a camp and shelter in a dried-out creek bed before making his way to the Redfern Lake trail where he finally managed to wave down the two walkers. Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome, RCMP Communications Corporal Madonna Saunderson said. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this would not be the outcome. The RCMP praised the efforts of search and rescue teams and local volunteers who had helped in the search. Benasticks miraculous survival comes as temperatures can plummet to roughly -4F in November in the Canadian Rockies. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A group of pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested after briefly disrupting the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The New York Police Department arrested 21 people in Manhattan on Thursday morning, local outlet ABC 7 NY reports, after the group ran in front of the Ronald McDonald float and briefly stopped the parade. The group locked arms and chanted, "Free, free Palestine! They also carried a banner that read, Dont celebrate genocide! Arms embargo now." The crowd booed as protesters took their spot in the middle of the parade, ABY 7 NY reports. Others reportedly chanted USA! USA! as police arrested the demonstrators. open image in gallery Pro-Palestinian protesters interrupt the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday ( REUTERS ) The parade was delayed for five minutes, according to ABC 7 NY. Pictures of the protest show police tussling with protesters over the banner before taking them off the parade route. open image in gallery Police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Around 21 people were arrested, according to local media reports ( REUTERS ) Footage showed police pulling some protesters off the street and flipping them onto their stomachs before handcuffing them. Other protesters appeared to go willingly with police. The New York Police Department said they did not yet have an official count of how many protesters were arrested when contacted by The Independent on Thursday morning. Mayor Eric Adams warned against protesters interrupting the parade on Wednesday after a similar incident last year. I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen, Adams said. open image in gallery Police hold a pro-Palestinian protester who disrupted the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. A similar demonstration happened last year, with some 30 protesters interrupting the parade ( REUTERS ) On November 23, 2023, around 30 pro-Palestinian protesters interrupted the parade, jumping the barricades, running into the street and reportedly gluing themselves to the ground. Theres an ongoing genocide and our planet is dying, they chanted. We need a ceasefire. Both years, the demonstrators were protesting the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The war began October 7 when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. Since then, more than 44,000 have been killed in Gaza, the Associated Press reports. More than half of them were women and children, the Gaza Health Ministry said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As Americans gather with families to celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday rooted in the countrys long, complicated history with its Indigenous people, a remarkable artifact has been on a complex journey of its own. A stunning eagle feather headdress that once belonged to Chief Spotted Tail (Sinte Gleska), an influential 19th-century Brule/Sicangu Lakota leader, has been returned to the chiefs descendants, who in turn are hoping to preserve the artifacts for public display. A different family, the Newells, first came to possess the artifacts, including the headdress, a bison horn, and a lock of braided hair, under unclear circumstances in the 1870s, when relative Major Cicero Newell, an Indian agent for the federal government, was serving in whats now South Dakota. A century and a half later, his descendants held onto the heirlooms, storing the headdress in a suitcase in a closet in smalltown Washington. In 2020, they set about trying to return the artifacts. James Newell, 77, connected with John Spotted Tail, a descendant of Chief Spotted Tail, and chief of staff to the tribal president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. John Spotted Tail drove across the country to reclaim the objects. It felt right, Newell told The New York Times. The headdress was formally transferred to the care of the South Dakota Historical Society in May of this year, with plans to fully display it in 2025. As custodians of our ancestral heritage, deeply rooted in Sicangu Lakota history, we are profoundly honored to oversee the return of these cherished artifacts belonging to our esteemed ancestor, Sinte Gleska, Chief John Spotted Tail and his wife, Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail, said in a statement at the time. It is our heartfelt belief that these items should be shared with all who wish to learn from and honor our shared history, ensuring that the legacy of our people endures for all present and future generations. The headdress is a reminder of the complicated, often violent history that accompanied U.S. colonization of North America. open image in gallery Chief Spotted Tail lived during tumultous late 19th century period of U.S. conquest of whats now South Dakota ( National Archives ) Spotted Tail was one of the signers of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, meant to end conflict between indigenous tribes and U.S. settlers as they continued their relentless expansion westward. Under the terms of the treaty, the tribes gave up thousands of acres of land that had been promised in earlier treaties but retained hunting and fishing rights, in exchange for the Great Sioux Reservation in whats now South Dakota, including the Black Hills. The U.S. nonetheless facilitated mining expeditions into the Black Hills. Once gold was discovered there, miners moved onto Sioux hunting grounds and sought protection from the U.S. Army, and the U.S. government eventually confiscated the Black Hills in 1877, according to the National Archives. Spotted Tail was also a signatory on a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1881 regarding the dismal state of the governments boarding schools for Indigenous children, institutions Indian agents like Cicero Newell helped convince tribes to send their children to. We cannot bear to hear of the sickness and deaths of our children and we want you to listen to our words, the letter to the commissioner reads. Subsequent historical investigations have revealed widespread abuse, disease, and death at such boarding schools, which the U.S. pursued to force the assimilation of indigenous tribes. Cicero Newell, for his part, admired Spotted Tail, once writing that in heaven, I hope that one of the first persons I may meet there will be my dear old friend Spotted Tail. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An eight-year-old boy has been left critically injured after a Solemn Sprite statue fell on him at a luxury resort in Arizona. The accident unfolded on Wednesday morning at the exclusive Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller told Arizona Family that pieces of concrete from the statue fell onto the child, causing him to suffer a serious head injury. The child was rushed to hospital in extremely critical condition and is now fighting for his life and breathing through a tube. Video footage captured the aftermath of the statues collapse on the grounds of the hotel. It is not clear what caused the statue to fall with an investigation into the incident now underway. open image in gallery It is not clear what caused the statue to fall ( Arizonas Family ) The resort is known for its 19 Solemn Sprite statues which are an ode to Greek mythology, according to the Biltmores website. Arizona Biltmore issued a statement following the incident: Our top priority is the safety of our guests, and our thoughts are with the family impacted by todays events. The Independent has contacted Phoenix Fire and Police Departments and Arizona Biltmore for further comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Three people have died and one is seriously injured after Tesla Cybertruck crashed and caught fire in Northern California. Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers said speed was likely a factor in the single-vehicle collision early on Wednesday, but he added that authorities would continue to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy. The Cybertruck's occupants had been driving back from a "function" around 3:10 a.m. Wednesday, but Bowers would not give additional details. Someone who also had been at the function, but was driving in a separate car, was able to pull the surviving victim out of the Cybertruck. The chief would not release any identifying details of the victims, citing family privacy. Police arrived minutes later after one of the victims iPhones sent an alert to the department about the crash. A member of the public also called 911 about the crash, Bowers explained. Although the police officers who responded were unable to douse the flames with their fire extinguishers, the fire department put the blaze out quickly. open image in gallery A Tesla Cybertruck is on display at Tesla in Buena Park, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 ( AP ) Piedmont Fire Chief Dave Brannigan said the speed in extinguishing the flames meant it was unlikely that the Cybertruck's large lithium-ion battery had caught fire. He called the incident "more along the lines of a typical car fire." Bowers, addressing a question about recent Cybertruck recalls, said "there's no indication that there were mechanical effects that were the primary cause for the collision." This is just a tragic loss of life, Bowers said. We dont know the cause of the collision and during the holiday season, our hearts go out to the families that are going to have to deal with this tragedy. The Cybertruck, which has been on sale for about a year, has been recalled six times for safety problems, most recently on Nov. 5 because a fault in an electric inverter can cause the drive wheels to lose power. Other recalls covered rearview camera images that don't activate immediately after shifting into reverse, trim pieces that can fall off, windshield wipers that can fail, and an incorrect font size on instrument panel warning lights. In April, the futuristic trucks were recalled to fix gas pedals that can get stuck in the interior trim. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday could get a little dicey this year, with winter weather forecast to impact a wide swath of the U.S. during the next few days. A record 80 million Americans are expected to hit the roads and and another 30 million in the skies over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, between today and and Monday, according to AAA. They may have to contend with snow in the Midwest, thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast, more precipitation pounding an already-saturated West Coast and the possibility of messy Thanksgiving travel in the eastern U.S. open image in gallery Snow and rain are set to impact larger portions of the U.S. this week as people begin to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday ( AP ) This unsettled weather is forecast before temperatures are projected to plummet during the last week of November and the first days of December. Heres a look at the holiday week weather forecast: Today open image in gallery Snow piles up on a statue during a storm last weekend in Mammoth Lakes, California. The state will see dry conditions after days of unsettled weather ( (Cody Mathison/Mammoth Mountain via AP) ) While snow is expected to end over the Rockies this morning, the low pressure system responsible for the snowfall will intensify and move through the Midwest and into the Northeast through Thanksgiving. One tricky travel area will be in and around the Denver area as snow spreads across the area on Wednesday, where 1-3 inches of snow is expected to fall, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Emma Belscher. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also expected across the Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and Tennessee Valley through the afternoon. The rain will move east through Thursday, as well. open image in gallery Motorists slowly navigate the southbound lanes of Pena Boulevard to leave Denver International Airport on Tuesday. Snow is expected to end over the Rockies this morning ( (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) ) Temperatures from the Southern Plains into the Gulf Coast will be above average, and the West Coast was forecast to see dry conditions after days of wet weather. Today will be the last day of above average temperatures throughout the South. Elsewhere, snow showers across the Upper Great Lakes may yield anywhere from 4-8 inches over the northern coastline of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as northern parts of the Lower Peninsula, the National Weather Service said. Thursday The weather will turn on Thursday, bringing some potentially severe thunderstorms across the Southeast and a significant arctic outbreak in the northern Plains. Rain could cause ponding on roadways and lightning delays are possible at airports in cities from Houston to Atlanta, AccuWeather forecasters stated. Thunderstorms Wednesday night into Thursday across the South can spell trouble for any last-minute travelers as they can be accompanied by flooding downpours, damaging wind gusts and even isolated tornadoes, warned Belscher. open image in gallery Travelers rush to their gate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday in Georgia. Millions of people are expected to travel during the holiday through airports ( (AP Photo/Olivia Bowdoin) ) To the north, the mid-Atlantic will have rain and snow in some areas. The western Great Lakes will continue to see snow showers, with dangerous wind chill temperatures and heavy lake effect snow likely downwind of the region. In the eastern U.S., FOX Weather said a Thanksgiving Day storm would cause last-minute travel troubles that will likely last until Black Friday and the start of the weekend. Rain is forecast in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C.. All of this comes as the National Weather Service alerted Americans about a significant arctic outbreak that would arrive in the northern Rockies and Plains on Thanksgiving into Friday. open image in gallery On Thanksgiving, the mid-Atlantic and the Great Lakes regions will see rain and snow ( AP ) A record number of people will be traveling, AAA predicted. The group projects that a record 71.7 million will head out by car, 5.84 million will fly domestically, and close to 2.3 million are expected to travel by modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains. The most weather-delayed airports during the holidays are San Francisco International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport, according to AccuWeather. Friday Travelers should expect significant delays, with major airports likely to see cancellations and delays in the early morning. Chilly air over the Great Lakes will bring lake-effect snow. open image in gallery Travelers walk through the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Monday in Maryland. Post-holiday travel will continue to be tricky with weather systems across the nation on Friday ( (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) ) Post-holiday travelers near the Great Lakes will not be in the clear as lake-effect snow will continue into the weekend, Belscher said. A swath of light to moderate snowfall is likely to develop across portions of the interior Northeast, with the Northern Appalachians forecast to receive 4-8 inches of snow by Friday morning, the National Weather Service noted. The arctic outbreak will move south and east through the Plains and Midwest this weekend. Dangerous wind chill temperatures are expected with a significant long duration lake effect snow event possible downwind of the Great Lakes, the National Weather Service said. The National Retail Foundation also expects a record number of in-store and online shoppers from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. This year should see 183.4 million, up from 182 million last year. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In some of the most hard-to-reach areas of America, folks want to enjoy Thanksgiving too. Thats where the Turkey Bomb comes in. In the remotest reaches of Alaska, theres no relying on DoorDash to have Thanksgiving dinner or any dinner delivered. But some residents living well off the grid nevertheless have turkeys this holiday, thanks to the Alaska Turkey Bomb. For the third straight year, a resident named Esther Keim has been flying low and slow in a small plane over rural parts of south-central Alaska, dropping frozen turkeys to those who can't simply run out to the grocery store. Alaska is mostly wilderness, with only about 20% of it accessible by road. In winter, many who live in remote areas rely on small planes or snowmobiles to travel any distance, and frozen rivers can act as makeshift roads. When Keim was growing up on an Alaska homestead, a family friend would airdrop turkeys to her family and others nearby for the holidays. Other times, the pilot would deliver newspapers, sometimes with a pack of gum inside for Keim. Her family moved to more urban Alaska nearly 25 years ago but still has the homestead. Using a small plane she had rebuilt with her father, Keim launched her turkey delivery mission a few years back after learning of a family living off the land nearby who had little for Thanksgiving dinner. They were telling me that a squirrel for dinner did not split very far between three people," Keim recalled. At that moment, I thought ... Im going to airdrop them a turkey.' open image in gallery Thanksgiving turkey bombs dropped from plane to off-grid residents ( Esther Keim ) She decided not to stop there. Her effort has grown by word of mouth and by social media posts. This year, she's delivering 32 frozen turkeys to people living year-round in cabins where there are no roads. All but two had been delivered by Tuesday, with delivery plans for the last two birds thwarted by Alaskas unpredictable weather. Among the beneficiaries are Dave and Christina Luce, who live on the Yentna River about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of Anchorage. They have stunning mountain views in every direction, including North America's tallest mountain, Denali, directly to the north. But in the winter it's a 90-minute snowmobile ride to the nearest town, which they do about once a month. Im 80 years old now, so we make fewer and fewer trips," Dave Luce said. The adventure has sort of gone out of it. They've known Keim since she was little. The 12-pound (5.44-kilogram) turkey she delivered will provide more than enough for them and a few neighbors. It makes a great Thanksgiving, Dave Luce said. Shes been a real sweetheart, and shes been a real good friend. Keim makes 30 to 40 turkey deliveries yearly, flying as far as 100 miles (161 kilometers) from her base north of Anchorage toward Denali's foothills. Sometimes she enlists the help of a turkey dropper to ride along and toss the birds out. Other times, shes the one dropping turkeys while her friend Heidi Hastings pilots her own plane. Keim buys about 20 turkeys at a time, with the help of donations, usually by people reaching out to her through Facebook. She wraps them in plastic garbage bags and lets them sit in the bed of her pickup until she can arrange a flight. Luckily its cold in Alaska, so I dont have to worry about freezers, she said. She contacts families on social media to let them know of impending deliveries, and then they buzz the house so the homeowners will come outside. We wont drop the turkey until we see them come out of the house or the cabin, because if they dont see it fall, theyre not going to know where to look, she said. open image in gallery Alaska Turkey Drop It can be especially difficult to find the turkey if theres deep snow. A turkey was once missing for five days before it was found, but the only casualty so far has been a lost ham, Keim said. Keim prefers to drop the turkey on a frozen lake if possible so it's easy to locate. As far as precision and hitting our target, I am definitely not the best aim, she joked. Ive gotten better, but I have never hit a house, a building, person or dog. Her reward is the great responses she gets from families, some who record her dropping the turkeys and send her videos and texts of appreciation. They just think its so awesome that we throw these things out of the plane, Keim said. Ultimately, she hopes to set up a nonprofit organization to solicit more donations and reach people across a bigger swath of the state. And it doesnt have to stop at turkeys. Theres so many kids out in the villages," she said. It would be cool to maybe add a stuffed animal or something they can hold. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Joe Biden has panned Donald Trumps plan to hit Americans with massive import taxes on goods from Mexico and Canada, hoping his successor will walk back the proposal. The president was asked about Trumps plan to hike the cost of Mexican and Canadian products by 25 percent via executive order if both countries did not take steps to curb what he described as unacceptable flows of drugs and migrants into the U.S. across their respective borders. Biden, who is in Nantucket for his familys annual Thanksgiving vacation, told reporters: I hope he rethinks it. I think its a counterproductive thing to do. open image in gallery President Joe Biden talks to the media during a visit to Nantucket fire department on Thanksgiving day in Nantucket Mass. ( AP ) Were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships, he added during the press call at a firehouse on the Massachusetts island where he is staying. Trump threatened to impose a massive consumption tax on Americans who import goods from both of the United Statess North American neighbors in a series of social media posts on Monday. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders, he wrote before adding a separate post threatening to raise existing tariffs on Chinese goods by an additional 10 percent. open image in gallery Biden briefly spoke with reporters from the White House pool ( AFP via Getty Images ) The president-elects social media post indicated that he believes incorrectly foreign governments pay tariffs for the privilege of engaging in cross-border trade with the U.S. But tariffs are actually import taxes that are paid by American companies that import foreign goods. Those companies pass the costs on to American consumers in the form of higher prices. But Biden stressed, despite his criticism of the tariffs plan, he wants to make sure the transition to Trump goes smoothly. All the talk about what (Trump) may do or not do - I think there may be an internal reckoning on his part.. so it remains to be seen, he said. The president also weighed in on US-China relations. He said Washington and Beijing had reached a relationship with a status quo following a series of meetings between him and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco last year and in Peru this year. We set up a hotline between President Xi and myself, as well as a military a direct line, he said. One thing Im confident about Xi is he doesnt want to make a mistake. I mean it sincerely. Biden was also asked at the top of the Q&A what he is thankful for - he responded my family, the peaceful transition of the presidency, and Im thankful by the grace of God we were able to make more progress in the Middle East, Im really thankful for being able to get the first peace done in Lebanon. He added that he was thankful to Americans. There is nothing beyond our capacity, he said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least five Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut received bomb threats on Thanksgiving, including one House lawmaker who was the target of a threatening email announcing a pipe bomb in her home mailbox. US Capitol Police and state and local police have cleared the threats, which followed a series of similar incidents and swatting threats targeting Republican nominees who are joining Donald Trumps incoming administration. Bomb threats were reported on Thursday at the homes of Senator Chris Murphy as well as Reps. Jahana Hayes, Joe Courtney, John Larson and Jim Himes, the top-ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, according to their offices. Police have responded to the incidents and determined that no evidence of any bombs was discovered, they said. In a statement, Hayes said police notified her at 7:47 a.m. that they had received a threatening email stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at her home, and after an investigation, no bomb or explosive materials were discovered and the scene was cleared. open image in gallery Senator Chris Murphy is among several Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut who received a hoax bomb threat on Thanksgiving ( AP ) At this time the investigation is ongoing, she said. I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter, their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence. A spokesperson for Senator Murphy told The Independent that the threat against his home appears to be part of a coordinated effort involving multiple members of Congress and public figures. Police quickly responded and determined there was no real threat, according to Murphys office. Himes said in a statement that he was similarly notified on Thursday morning about a bomb threat targeting my home where I was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. There is no place for political violence in this country, he said. A spokesperson for Courtney said the congressmans home was also targeted, and a responding bomb squad cleared the scene at 7 a.m. and found no evidence of a bomb at the property. Thursdays incidents follow a streak of bomb hoaxes and swatting calls in which law enforcement is deployed to someones home after a hoax threat targeting several nominees for Trumps administration, including Republican congress members Elise Stefanik, Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Lee Zeldin. Bomb threats were also reported by Matt Gaetz, Brooke Rollins, Pete Hegseth, John Ratcliffe and Howard Lutnick. A statement from the FBI on Wednesday said the agency is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement, the agency said. It is unclear whether Thursdays threats are connected. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After fantasizing about buying MSNBC and installing Alex Jones on the liberal media network, Elon Musk inserted himself into a legal battle to try to block The Onion from obtaining any X accounts belonging to the bankrupt conspiracy theorist. On Monday, attorneys for X which Musk owns filed a narrow objection to the sale of InfoWars that would prevent the satirical news outlet from taking ownership of Joness accounts on the social media platform. Xs terms of service make clear that it owns the X Accounts and that X merely grants its users a non-exclusive license to use their accounts, attorneys for the company wrote in a federal bankruptcy court filing in Texas. X Corp. is compelled to file this Objection to make clear that X Corp. does not consent to the sale or any other transfer of the non-assignable X Accounts, which in turn, means the X Accounts cannot be sold or transferred at this time, attorneys argued. Joness accounts may not be sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred as part of the Sale nor can any X account, including any maintained personally by Jones, including the Jones X Account, be sold to any third party, they wrote. Elon Musk is inserting his X platform into a legal fight between Alex Jones and control of InfoWars after satirical publication The Onion won a bid for the conspiracy theory website and its assets. ( REUTERS ) Days earlier, Donald Trump Jr. joked that Musk should buy MSNBC, to which the worlds wealthiest man replied, How much does it cost? Right-wing media figures have been frothing over the prospect of MSNBCs parent company Comcast spinning off its cable networks, including MSNBC and CNBC, with podcaster Joe Rogan vying for Rachel Maddows job. Musk then shared an image on X of a soldier labeled Elon Musk, dropping a grenade labeled Alex Jones, into a hole named MSNBC. Jones also jokingly congratulated Musk for officially buying MSNBC. The Onion and families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims announced the purchase of InfoWars properties earlier this month years after Sandy Hook families sued Jones for defamation for calling the massacre a hoax. A massive defamation verdict prompted Jones to file for bankruptcy; he faced a $1.5 billion defamation judgment related to his statements about the 2012 massacre, in which a gunman fatally shot 26 people, including children between six and seven years old. Following The Onions winning bid, Jones filed a complaint to challenge the sale, alleging a conspiratorial negotiation and agreement involving the courts bankruptcy trustee and a flagrantly non-compliant Frankenstein bid that was allowed to win, despite a competing offer. Jones alleges, without evidence, collusion and bad faith in an attempt to mislead the Court and disqualify its only competition in the auction, bankruptcy trustee Christopher R. Murray wrote in response. He called the motion a disappointed bidders improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process. The bankruptcy judge overseeing the transfer has scheduled a hearing on December 9 to hear arguments to disqualify The Onions bid or allow the company to move forward with its purchase. The long-running satire publication intends to re-launch InfoWars as a satirized version of itself. The joint bid from Global Tetrahedron and the Connecticut families has been selected as the winning bid for InfoWars, The Onions CEO Ben Collins told The Independent earlier this month. The sale is currently underway as part of the standard processes. But Musk a close ally of president-elect Donald Trump who is recommending steep cuts to the federal budget and mass firings of government workers is going to be very involved in this, Jones said on a broadcast earlier this month. The cavalry is here, he said. Trump is pissed. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened a childrens hospital with consequences after a doctor posted a viral TikTok telling patients theyre not legally obligated to tell a hospital their citizenship status. On November 1, a new executive order went into effect requiring Texas hospitals that accept Medicaid or Childrens Health Insurance Plan to ask patients if theyre US citizens. The question now appears on intake forms at hospitals across the state, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Dr. Tony Pastor, a cardiologist at Texas Childrens Hospital and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, went on to post a TikTok on November 11 telling patients theyre not obligated to answer the question. The video went viral, garnering more than one million views. As a result, the Republican governor said on Wednesday the hospitals state funding could be at risk. Hey Texas Childrens Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk, Abbott wrote on X, sharing a link to an Express-News article that reports on Pastors video. ou [sic] better think twice & have crystal clear records, he added. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order. A new executive order from Abbott went into effect on November 1 requiring Texas hospitals that accept Medicaid or Childrens Health Insurance Plan to ask patients if theyre US citizens ( Getty Images ) Pastor told his followers in the viral TikTok, which appears to be deleted as of Thursday, that people do not actually have to answer the question. So my proposal to everyone whos seeing this is, just know that you do not have to answer this question, Pastor said. The cardiologist posted another TikTok earlier this week expanding on his argument. This new law that's asking hospitals for immigration status is under the guise of trying to get data on how much money we're spending on undocumented patients, he said. Pastor also said hes going to keep advocating for our patients because thats why we went to medical school, and not to be ICE deportation people, according to local outlet KFOXTV. Pastor isnt the only one informing patients that they dont have to answer the question. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District released a flyer informing patients they do not have to tell the hospital their citizenship status. You do not have to answer the citizenship question if you dont want to. Your answer will not affect your care you will not be turned away, the flyer states. You have a right to life-saving care, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The American Civil Liberties Union has also said patients arent legally required to respond. A representative for Texas Childrens Hospital told KFOXTV that they intend to comply with the law. "Texas Childrens fully supports Governor Abbotts new Executive Order and is in full compliance, a hospital spokesperson said in a statement. We have worked closely with the Texas Hospital Association and our industry partners across the state to ensure compliance in advance of the effective date. While we recognize that individuals working at Texas Childrens hold their own personal views on many topics, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Childrens Hospital, the spokesperson added. We will continue to prioritize patient care while ensuring we are in full compliance with all laws and legal directives." The Independent has contacted Pastor for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jesse Watters is now trolling liberals for boycotting Thanksgiving with their MAGA in-laws after he revealed he wasnt invited to his moms house for the holidays. The Fox News anchor dedicated a segment to Kamala Harris supporters on Thanksgiving Eve where he mocked them for swerving their Donald Trump-voting relatives over the holidays. Its been three weeks, but can Democrats get it together for Thanksgiving? Watters asked. Instead of preparing a list of things theyre grateful for, Kamala supporters are getting ready to throw hooks while passing the stuffing. Watters aired a series of social media clips of Americans who have shared their reasons for boycotting Thanksgiving this year. One said: Its not in the best interest of my mental health this year. You do not need to spend Thanksgiving with your MAGA relatives, another told their followers. open image in gallery Jesse Watters mocked liberals who are boycotting Thanksgiving with their MAGA relatives ( FOX ) Watters cited YouGov polling which found that nearly a third of adults under 30 believe that their Thanksgiving dinner will end in political arguments over the election. I hope theyre here to see the next four Thanksgivings under Trump. The savings at the grocery store might change their minds, Watters mocked. Isnt there a better way to get through the holidays? Cant we all just get along? Earlier this month, the right-wing pundit revealed that his mother hadnt invited him to Thanksgiving following Trumps election victory. The staunch Trump supporter, who regularly shares details about clashes with his Democrat-voting mom, said: Since they cant stop us, were not invited to Thanksgiving. People are taking some space in the Watters household. Ill have you know that I wasnt invited to my mothers house for Thanksgiving. Apparently, there wasnt enough room. open image in gallery Nearly a third of adults under 30 believe their Thanksgiving dinner will end in a political argument, according to a survey ( Getty Images ) She said it was a scheduling situation, Watters huffed. And then at the last second invited me to come over on Black Friday. I told her, No thanks, Ill be at Best Buy. Trumps daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, then took pity on the Fox News anchor as she joined him as the next guest on his show. By the way, youre more than welcome to come to the Trump house for Thanksgiving, she said. I dont want you to be left out in the cold on this one. Well, that would make my mother even more upset, Watters replied. Its not clear where Watters has ended up for the holiday. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Democratic officials and voters have accused Kamala Harris and her top team of failing to realistically assess why her campaign collapsed. One Democratic National Committee adviser who participated in a recent call with top donors said she was stunned that there was no sort of postmortem or analysis of the disastrous campaign. It was just patting each other on the back, Lindy Li told NewsNation. They praised Harris as a visionary leader, and at one moment during the call, she was talking about her Thanksgiving recipe. open image in gallery Democratic officials, voters and commentators have slammed Kamala Harriss campaign for its self-congratulatory post-mortem in her loss to Donald Trump ( Getty Images ) A podcast appearance featuring top Harris aides failed to mention that hundreds of millions of dollars went to them and their friends right through these consulting firms, Li said. These consultants were the primary beneficiaries of the Harris campaign, not the American people, she added. A recent episode of Pod Save America, hosted by former aides for Barack Obama, featured top Harris advisers Stephanie Cutter, Quentin Fulks, Jen OMalley Dillon and David Plouffe, who have been accused of chasing scapegoats and a striking lack of self-reflection. An avalanche of comments on the podcasts YouTube channel accused the campaign of failing to listen to voters while self-aggrandizing over what worked despite a loss that is now ushering in Trumps retribution-fueled administration. Plouffes suggestion that Democratic candidates should try to dominate the moderate vote in future elections drew overwhelming backlash on social media. open image in gallery Harris conceded the 2024 election to Donald Trump in a speech from Howard University in Washington, DC, on November 6. ( Getty Images ) Is it too much to ask for a little humility and self-reflection from the people whose strategies failed badly? asked The Nations Jeet Heer. The New York Times political reporter Astead Herndon wrote that the episode was a good ad for the importance of independent media. Have you not gotten enough credit for breaking the news that Joe Biden is old? Pod Save America host Jon Favreau fired back. Youd think youd have more shame, but I understand this is just like a game of sims for you, Herndon replied. The Harris campaign folks are the most non-agentic people Ive encountered in a position of comparable decision-making authority, wrote polling analyst Nate Silver. They dont even see themselves as victims so much as Non-Player Characters with no will of their own. Former Democratic pollster Adam Carlson said talking about what happened for 100 min [and] not saying anything they wouldve done differently in hindsight is insane. It came across as extremely tone deaf and filled with self-absolution, he wrote. Maybe its too soon after the election for them to get there, but then maybe dont do a post-mortem so soon. open image in gallery Supporters cheer during a rally with Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on October 27 ( AP ) Harris filmed a 10-minute video message shared by the Democratic National Committee to thank donors and her supporters, whose work has had a lasting impact in a campaign that was about empowering people, despite her campaigns insistent message that a second Trump presidency would pose a significant threat to democracy. I am proud of the race we ran, and your role in this was critical, she said. What we did in 107 days was unprecedented. Think about the coalition that we built, and we were so intentional about that. You would hear me talk about it all the time. While she conceded that the race didnt turn out like we wanted, she highlighted her campaigns record-breaking $1.5 billion fundraising effort, although the campaign reportedly ended the race $20 million in debt while donors and supporters continue to receive fundraising messages weeks after her defeat. open image in gallery Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville has slammed snot-nosed Harris advisers who told her to avoid Joe Rogan ( Getty Images for Amazon Studios ) Democratic strategist and veteran political commentator James Carville criticized Harris aides who told the vice president to avoid Joe Rogans popular podcast. Trump gave a three-hour interview. Harris turned it down. If I were running a 2028 campaign and I had some little snot-nosed 23-year-old saying, Im going to resign if you dont do this, not only would I fire that mother***** on the spot, I would find out who hired them and fire that person on the spot, Carville said in a furious rant on social media. Im really not interested in your uninformed, stupid, jackass opinion as to whether you go on Joe Rogan or not. A more sober take on Harriss failures from a former campaign adviser addressed her reluctance to distance herself from Biden and if Harris embracing newer media and the right-wing-driven podcast universe could have helped her in the long run. Voters were looking for change, and we didnt represent that, Mike Nellis wrote. Popular progressive streamer Hasan Piker appeared on Pod Save America after Harriss team. I think that they need to change their policies, Piker told CNN this week. Its 100 percent a policy thing. Its a boring answer. Although it would be very self-serving for me to say, Im the lefts Joe Rogan; the Democratic Party should give me millions of dollars, thats not gonna solve this problem. What will solve this problem is if the Democratic Party actually adopts real left-wing economic populist messaging instead of purposefully avoiding that stuff because theyre terrified of upsetting their corporate donors. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Far-right personality and Donald Trump enthusiast Laura Loomer spent hours on X ranting about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's visit to Mar-a-Lago. Loomer posted at least 16 times on the social media platform in which she directly mentioned Zuckerberg, complaining that the Facebook founder allegedly "censored" the assassination attempt on Trump, according to the Daily Beast. As an American and a die hard Trump supporter, I am never going to forget how Mark Zuckerberg censored the assassination attempt pictures of President Trump and then programmed Facebook to hide and censor all mentions of the attempted assassination of President Trump, Loomer wrote on Wednesday night. She went on to say that Zuckerberg's "extremely un-American" acts are evidence that he "supports the man who tried to kill Donald Trump." That man was Thomas Crooks, who took several shots at Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, damaging the president-elects ear in the process. Loomer said it was "very disturbing" that Zuckerberg was "allowed" to dine with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Donald Trump was blessed with a miracle that day in Butler, and Zuckerberg wants to push revisionist history so no trace of the assassination attempt can be seen on Facebook and Instagram. That is EVIL. Doesnt get more evil than that. I cannot stay silent about that, she wrote. Donald Trump appeared in a video with Laura Loomer ( Screenshot / Twitter / Laura Loomer ) Loomer also claimed that Zuckerberg had the blood of Covid victims on his hands, asking "how many people died because Mark Zuckerberg censored information about ivermectin and HCQ?" Ivermectin, which can be used to treat or prevent parasites in animals, was never found to be an effective treatment for Covid, according to the FDA. Loomer also claimed that Zuckerberg "stole" her family photos after she was banned from Facebook. "I will never get some of my family photos back ever again because Mark Zuckerberg stole them from me when he banned me for life and refused to give them back when I asked Facebook for my photos," she complained. She did wish her followers a happy Thanksgiving on Thursday morning, before demanding for mass deportations for immigrants an hour-and-a-half later, the Daily Beast reported. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian President Vladimir Putin has heaped praised on Donald Trump and suggested the incoming administration will find a solution to end Russias war in Ukraine. As far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution, Putin said on Thursday. Putin also commended the president-elect as a real man after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump and suggested retaliatory missile strikes in Kyiv during a press conference in Kazakhstan on November 28 ( AP ) He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man, Putin said from remarks in Kazakhstan on Thursday. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election. Putin claimed that uncivilized means of struggle were used against Trump more than once and does not believe the president-elect is currently safe as he criticized the humiliating, unfounded judicial procedures to which Trump was subjected to throughout his 2024 campaign, including civil judgments and criminal verdicts and investigations. His remarks are in stark contrast to warnings from President Joe Bidens administration surrounding Putins regime, which has launched a major ground assault with an estimated 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, with a goal to retake Russian territory seized by Ukraine this summer. The Biden administration has also authorized Ukraines use of US-supplied long-range missiles inside of Russia. Domestically, federal law enforcement agencies have accused Russian intelligence operations and Kremlin-backed groups of attempting to interfere with American elections with long-running, coordinated disinformation campaigns. open image in gallery Trump, meeting Putin in 2018, has since repeatedly promised to end Russias war in Ukraine within 24 hours but has not publicly offered any plans ( AFP via Getty Images ) The escalation, at every turn, at every step, is coming from Russia, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters last week. Theyre the ones who are escalating this. Theyre the ones who started this war. It is because of their aggression into a sovereign territory: Ukraine. And this war can end today, and you hear us say this over and over again if Russia would stop, the war would stop, what theyre doing with their aggression. Putin has accused the Biden administration itself of escalating the war, but he also threatened to launch more medium-range ballistic missiles that were used in Ukraines Dnipro region last week. Those Oreshnik missiles, which are capable of firing multiple warheads at once, are also capable of delivering nuclear payloads. We will use the means at our disposal, he warned. We do not exclude the use of Oreshnik against [Ukraines] military, against military-industrial facilities, or against decision-making centers, including in Kyiv, bearing in mind that the Kyiv authorities today continue to attempt to strike our vital facilities. open image in gallery Trumps nominated US special envoy Keith Kellogg has warned we are on the precipice of World War 3 ( screengrab ) Asked whether those decision-making facilities are political, Putin replied: You know, in Soviet times there was a joke about weather forecasts? Heres the forecast: today, during the day, anything is possible. Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi called Putins remarks blackmail aimed at discouraging Kyivs partners while testing Trump. We expect those countries that have urged everyone to avert the expansion of the war to react to the statements voiced by Putin today, Tykhyi said. Trump has repeatedly claimed that he would bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours of his election and that the United States would be thrust into a third World War if his Democratic rival Kamala Harris defeated him. He has not yet revealed any details of his plan to end the war but has suggested Ukraine would be forced to make significant concessions to Russian aggression. I do not know what is going to happen now. I have no clue, Putin said on Thursday. Putins remarks follow Trumps announcement that General Keith Kellogg is nominated for a US special envoy to the warring countries. Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN! Trump announced on Wednesday. Asked whether he would have a response if Trump requested a meeting, Putin said he was ready to resume discussions with the president-elect. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vaccine skeptic Robert F Kennedy Jr compared medical institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to a Nazi death camp in resurfaced footage from autism conferences for parents. Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services also compared vaccinating children to sex abuse in the Catholic church during remarks at the events. The comments resurfaced in footage, first reported by NBC News, of RFK Jr speaking at a series of conferences put on by the group AutismOne, which has adopted the slogan Make our Children Healthy Again. At one of the conferences in 2013, RFK Jr was asked by a member of the audience: Why hasnt the CDC acknowledged autism? RFK Jr said it was not for him to say why someone else is doing something before launching into a conspiracy theory about secret vaccine letters and how institutions like the CDC go to the extremes. To me, this is like the Nazi death camps, he said. What happened to these kids, one in 31 boys in this country, is you know, their minds are being robbed. open image in gallery Robert F Kennedy Jr made the remarks at a series of autism conferences for parents (pictured here in 2013) ( AutismOne/YouTube ) His views on the CDC hadnt changed by 2019, when he spoke at the conference again and likened the federal agencys vaccine division to fascism. The word fascism in Italian means a bundle of sticks, and what it means is the bundle is more important than the sticks, RFK Jr said. The institution, CDC and the vaccine program, is more important than the children that its supposed to protect. The potential future health secretary also said that sex abuse within the Catholic Church was the perfect metaphor for whats happening to us in terms of vaccines. Its the same reason we had a pedophile scandal in the Catholic Church, he said. Because people were able to convince themselves that the institution, the church, was more important than these little boys and girls who were being raped. And everybody kept their mouth shut, he added. And you know, that is the perfect metaphor for whats happening to us. The Independent has contacted Trumps transition team and the CDC for comment. RFK Jr, who could soon be in charge of the nations health, has previously likened vaccinations to Nazi Germany. At a rally against Covid-19 mandates in January 2022, he compared US vaccine policies to the actions of an authoritarian state, suggesting that Anne Frank was in a better situation while hiding from the Nazis. Even in Hitler Germany, you could, you could cross the Alps into Switzerland. You could hide in an attic like Anne Frank did, he said at the Lincoln Memorial at the time. open image in gallery RFK Jr has been tapped by Trump to lead the nations Department of Health and Human Services ( REUTERS ) His organization, Childrens Health Defense, has advocated against vaccinations, and spread the baseless claim that vaccines cause autism. In his book, The Real Anthony Fauci, Kennedy also falsely claimed that Anthony Fauci colluded with Microsoft founder Bill Gates to exaggerate the extent of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 70-year-olds Instagram account was deactivated by Meta in 2021 after he kept spreading misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine. The Kennedy dynasty heir also spread a baseless, racist and antisemitic conspiracy theory about the virus last year, claiming the virus targets Caucasians and Black people while Ashkenazi Jews and [Chinese people] are the most immune. The claim that COVID-19 was a bioweapon created by the Chinese or Jews to attack Caucasians and Black people is deeply offensive and feeds into sinophobic and antisemitic conspiracy theories, according to a statement from the Anti-Defamation League at the time. Despite all this, RFK Jr has said hes fully vaccinated apart from against Covid-19, adding that his children are also fully vaccinated. Ive always said Im not anti-vaccine, he said in an interview with TV personality Dr. Phil. Im never going to take anybodys vaccine. If vaccines are working for you, God bless you. I believe in choice and liberty, that government shouldnt be ordering people to take a product, particularly one that is protected from liability. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump has unveiled a new strategy for dealing with the fentanyl crisis. I will be working on a large-scale United States Advertising Campaign explaining how bad fentanyl is for people to use Millions of lives being so needlessly destroyed, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. By the time the campaign is over, everyone will know how really bad the horror of this drug is. Trump did not provide further details about what the campaign would look like. On Monday, he vowed to impose tariffs on China and Mexico to get their governments to do more about the fentanyl crisis, which killed 73,838 people in the US in 2022, the year for which the most recent data is available. Trump raised concerns about the drug entering the US through Mexico. The countrys President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo responded in a written statement: Mexico has consistently expressed its willingness to help prevent the fentanyl epidemic in the United States from continuing. This is, after all, a public health and consumption problem within your society. So far this year, Mexican armed forces and prosecutors have seized tons of various types of drugs, 10,340 firearms, and have detained 15,640 individuals for violence related to drug trafficking. A person prepares to smoke fentany in June in Portland, Oregon. Trump has announced his intentions to lauch an advertising campaign against the drug ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Trumps social media post came out around the time he announced he had a productive conversation with Sheinbaum. He claimed the president agreed to stop migration. Sheinbaum said the two had an excellent conversation but disagreed with Trumps characterization of the call. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to maintain bridges between governments and people, she said on X. A majority of chemical precursors are produced in China. Trump has previously called on the countrys government to give the death penalty to drug dealers caught shipping the drug into the US. If they dont, Trump publicly said he would add 10 percent to tariffs already placed on the nation. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, Liu Pengyu, told The Hill: No one will win a trade war or a tariff war. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent. The illicit drug, which is primarily manufactured in foreign labs and smuggled into the US through Mexico among other routes, is being distributed across the country, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the US. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The incoming Trump administration border czar is blaming negative press coverage of him and other members of the president-elects team for a rash of threats against him and his colleagues. Nearly a dozen incoming White House staff and cabinet secretary-designates were targeted with what the FBI has described as numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents in a statement released on Wednesday. The FBI said they were investigating the incidents, which were unequivocally condemned by the White House. But Tom Homan, Trumps pick to oversee his proposed mass deportation program, said the coverage he and his colleagues have received is in part to blame. During an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday, Homan said he spoke about critical coverage of Trump and his team, and previous threats he has experienced. I was in the first administration and I had numerous death threats, I had a security detail with me all the time, Homan explained. Even after I retired, the death threats continued and even after I retired as ICE director I had US marshalls protection for a long time to protect me and my family. What doesnt help is all the negative press around the president [elect] and the people hes putting in his cabinet. Me, Im not in the cabinet but Ive read numerous hit pieces on me, Im a racist, Im the father of family separation and all this other stuff, so the hate media doesnt help at all because there are some nuts out there. Theyll take advantage. So that doesnt help. I thought we were beyond that now that the election is finished, he continued. But now I will take that more serious after I heard what happened in the last 24 hours. Ive always had the attitude lately that if you want some, come get some. open image in gallery Pete Hegseth was among the other nominees targeted by threats ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Trump picks targeted by the threats include Central Intelligence Agency nominee John Ratcliffe, Secretary of Defense-designate Pete Hegseth and New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who is Trumps United Nations Ambassador-designate. Agriculture Secretary-designate Brooke Rollins and Environmental Protection Agency administrator-designate Lee Zeldin also said they were subjected to threats. In a statement on Wednesday, Trump transition spokesperson and incoming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: Several of President Trumps Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them. These attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting. In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action. Swatting is when emergency responders are sent to someones home because of a fake call. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest man and President-elect Donald Trumps first buddy, took to his social media platform X to ominously accuse the key witness in Trumps first impeachment of treason while calling for him to pay the appropriate penalty. Musk, who has been tasked by Trump to lead an outside agency on government efficiency named after a meme, took issue on Wednesday with comments made by former National Security Council official Alexander Vindman during an appearance on MSNBC. Vindman, who testified in 2019 that Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation into then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, cited reports that Musk had been engaged in secret conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin dating back to 2022. He then expressed concerns that Musk, who has federal contracts through his SpaceX, Tesla and Starlink companies, may have shared state secrets with Putin. And [Putins] been using the richest man in the world to do his bidding. In some cases, thats encouraging him probably to support Donald Trump, Vindman told MSNBC. Thats not speculation. We see how far in Elon has gone. And then using Twitter as a disinformation platform. Reacting to a clip of Vindmans remarks, Musk tweeted: Vindman is on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs and has committed treason against the United States, for which he will pay the appropriate penalty. National Security Council Director for European Affairs Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is sworn in to testify before the House Intelligence Committee on November 19, 2019 ( Getty Images ) Vindman in turn responded on X, tweeting: Elon, here you go again making false and completely unfounded accusations without providing any specifics. Thats the kind of response one would expect from a conspiracy theorist. What oligarch? What treason? Let me help you out with the facts: I dont take/have never taken money from any money from oligarchs Ukrainian or other otherwise. He added: You, Elon, appear to believe you can act with impunity and are attempting to silence your critics. Im not intimidated. According to U.S. Code Title 18, the penalty for treason which is defined by the Constitution as levying war against the United States or adhering to the nations enemies is death, or no fewer than five years imprisonment. Anyone convicted of treason also forfeits their right to hold public office. Unsurprisingly, a number of political observers and journalists expressed outrage over Musks remarks, especially since he is so closely intertwined with the incoming administration. Oh nothing, just a person deeply integrated into the incoming administrations center of power calling for the execution of one of his critics, The Unpoulists senior editor Berny Belvedere noted on Bluesky. Lying about a private citizen and making a not-so-veiled threat that he will be executed, The Bulwarks executive editor Adam Keiper wrote. And the person doing it is the richest guy in the world, a major government contractor, who is new besties with the convicted-felon president-elect. Do I have that right? While Musk would later clarify his threat in a follow-up tweet, claiming that Vindman has committed treason and belongs behind bars, he still hasnt explained how Vindman is a traitor to the U.S. or what proof he has that the retired Army officer is on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs. The Independent has reached out to both Vindman and Musk for comment. Republicans and conservative media, meanwhile, have long accused Vindman of holding dual loyalty, citing the fact that his family fled Soviet-era Ukraine when he was 3 years old. After Vindman first testified before the House impeachment inquiry about Trumps actions towards Zelensky, Fox News hosts and GOP lawmakers said he has an affinity for Ukraine while suggesting he was simultaneously advancing Ukrainian interests while working in the White House. As reported by The Intercept at the time, the smear tactic leaned heavily on antisemitic tropes, especially since Vindman himself is Jewish. This also isnt the first time that Musk has questioned the loyalties of Vindman, who has been a frequent critic of both Trump and the X owner. Vindman is both puppet & puppeteer. Question is who pulls his strings, Musk wondered in 2022 after Vindman commented on Musks purchase of Twitter. Musks tweet deliberately or not evoked an antisemitic trope that Jews are puppeteers who secretly wield power over various institutions or that they are puppets of the Israeli government, The Jerusalem Post observed at the time. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After successfully delaying Donald Trumps chances of facing criminal consequences before he returns to the White House, his legal team is making another last-ditch effort to block a massive civil fraud judgment against him. Trump has appealed that judgment, but his attorney D. John Sauer the man Trump has nominated for the next solicitor general of the United States is urging the state of New York to drop the case entirely as necessary for the health of our Republic. Sauers letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James on November 26 invokes George Washingtons farewell remarks against the spirit of revenge and Abraham Lincolns Thanksgiving address during the Civil War. In the aftermath of his historic election victory, President Trump has called for our Nations partisan strife to end, and for the contending factions to join forces for the greater good of the country, Sauer wrote. This call for unity extends to the legal onslaught against him and his family that permeated the most recent election cycle. open image in gallery New York Attorney General Letitia James won a blockbuster civil fraud case against Donald Trump and his real-estate empire after a years-long investigaion into the Trump Organization and his associates ( AP ) In February, Trump lost a years-long blockbuster civil trial in a case in which a Manhattan judge found that the former president and his associates defrauded banks and investors by inflating the values of his assets in return for more favorable loans to benefit his real-estate empire. New York Justice Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay more than $350 million, plus interest, for so-called ill-gotten gains from his decade-long fraud scheme. Today, the president-elect and his co-defendants including his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and top Trump Organization associates owe nearly half a billion dollars, as interest continues to accrue as they appeal. As counsel for President Trump in this appeal and now as his nominee for Solicitor General of the United States I have had the opportunity to experience this partisan division personally, and I strongly believe that it is necessary for the health of our Republic for the strife and lawfare to end, Sauer wrote in his letter, which largely outlines previously rejected arguments in the case. You now have the singular opportunity to help cure this division, he added. Legal experts arent convinced. The letter is pitched as a gracious winners call for national unity as in [Lincolns] Second Inaugural and respecting the voters verdict. Its nauseating, wrote University of California law professor Harry Litman. open image in gallery Trumps attorney D. John Sauer, nominated to be the next solicitor general of the United States, is making a last-ditch plea for New York to throw out the $350 million fraud judgment against Trump and his associates ( AFP via Getty Images ) Whether Sauer was able to type this with a straight face is unclear, added MSNBCs Steve Benen, author of Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans War on the Recent Past. Sauer who argued in front of federal appeals court judges and the Supreme Court for Trumps immunity from criminal prosecution signalled in his letter that Trumps attorneys may file legal arguments that the fraud case unconstitutionally interferes with his duties as president. It is laughable. This is not a serious legal argument. Nothing in here is a serious legal argument, said former federal prosecutor Kristy Greenberg. Its more political rhetoric. Trump was criminally convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by a Manhattan jury earlier this year. But the special counsel overseeing two sweeping criminal investigations into election interference and mishandling of classified documents is effectively closing those cases in the aftermath of Trumps 2024 election. Unlike the federal cases, Trump, as president, cannot overturn state-level criminal and civil verdicts. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump and his team are reportedly debating how much to invade Mexico once he takes office, a new report claims. Trump and his transition team staff are discussing a soft invasion of the country, Rolling Stone reports. These conversations come after Trump promised to wage war on drug cartels in Mexico both during his first term and on the campaign trail. How much should we invade Mexico? a senior Trump transition member told Rolling Stone. That is the question. This soft invasion would involve American special forces assassinating cartel leaders in Mexico, another source close to the president-elect told Rolling Stone. Trump proposed a similar plan in private discussions earlier this year, Rolling Stone reported in May. Three sources familiar with those conversations told Rolling Stone that Trump said that the US has tougher killers than they do and is mulling a similar plot to that carried out when American forces killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. The deployment would be covert, the outlet reported, and would not rely on the Mexican governments consent. Donald Trump is reportedly weighing how much to invade Mexico when he takes office ( AP ) Trump alluded to a similar plan during and after his first term in office. In 2019, Trump suggested sending troops to Mexico for help in cleaning out drug cartels. If Mexico needs or requests help in cleaning out these monsters, the United States stands ready, willing & able to get involved and do the job quickly and effectively, Trump tweeted. The great new President of Mexico has made this a big issue, but the cartels have become so large and powerful that you sometimes need an army to defeat an army! Former defense secretary Mark Esper also told CBS in 2022 that Trump suggested the US shoot missiles into Mexico. When CBS contacted Trump about the remark, his team responded, no comment. Congressional lawmakers have also endorsed the idea. Senator Marco Rubio, Trumps pick for secretary of state, previously endorsed the idea of sending U.S. troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels, but under the condition that there is cooperation from the Mexican government, Rolling Stone reports. Fellow senator Tom Cotton said last year he supported sending US troops to Mexico without their governments permission, Politico reported. Representative Mike Waltz, who will now serve as Trumps national security adviser, said last year that the US needs to approach drug cartels like terrorist organizations. We need to start thinking about these groups more like ISIS than we do the mafia, Waltz said, according to Politico. The Independent has contacted Trumps transition team for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President-elect Donald Trump claims to have had a productive conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo a day after she published a scathing open letter to him about migration, fentanyl trafficking and tariffs. Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Trump wrote on Truth Social. She has agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our southern border. Trump continued: We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, US consumption of these drugs. It was very productive. Mexico will stop people from going to our southern border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!! On Monday, Trump announced his intentions to sign executive orders imposing tariffs on imported goods from Mexico, China and Canada. Mexico and Canada would see 25 per cent tariffs on goods, while China would face an additional 10 per cent tariff on merchandise. Trump announced the proposals in effort to get the countries to do more about the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the US. open image in gallery Trump visiting the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas in February ( REUTERS ) But Sheinbaum clapped back, explaining to Trump in her letter that half of the migrants arriving at the border do so through the CBP One program and called the drug crisis a public health and consumption problem within your society. President Trump, migration and drug consumption in the United States cannot be addressed through threats or tariffs, she wrote. What is needed is cooperation and mutual understanding to tackle these significant challenges. For every tariff, there will be a response in kind. She concluded by calling for a meeting between Mexico and the US to continue building joint solutions. Following Trumps Wednesday announcement, Sheinbaum issued her own statement on X. I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump, she said. We discussed Mexicos strategy on the migration phenomenon and I shared that caravans are not arriving at the northern border because they are being taken care of in Mexico. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to maintain bridges between governments and people. In October, US Customs and Border Protection announced the number of people who crossed the border without making contact with the agency dropped 60 per cent from 2023 to 2024. On the northern border, the agency has expanded enforcement efforts that lowered border patrol encounters by 50 percent from June to September. open image in gallery Trump speaks during a campaign event in front of the US-Mexico border in August ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The call between the leaders was reminiscent of a conversation Trump had a week after taking office for the first time with then-Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in 2017 in which he told him to stop telling the press Mexico would not be paying for a wall along the US southern border. Maggie Haberman, a New York Times reporter, who has covered Trump extensively told CNN she did not know what to make of the conversation on Wednesday. [Trump] has made statements like that before when he was president and it didnt actually amount to the closure of a border, she told the outlet. You know, it comes a day after he made some very aggressive tariff threat against Mexico and Canada. And so, I think thats probably not a coincidence, although who knows? Trump tends to hold unstructured and informal calls with world leaders, she said. So, who knows what actually happened in that call? she added. At some point, we may find out, but everything with him is the opening bid of a negotiation. And I look at this, plus the tariff threat, most likely as a combined push toward Mexico to try to get what he wants. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The CEO of the parent company that owns Twinkies and Uncrustables has declared that snacking will continue despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again agenda. On an earnings call with analysts Tuesday, J.M. Smucker CEO Mark Smucker responded to a question about whether Kennedys agenda could hurt the company, CNN reports. Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist who has decried harmful chemicals and food additives, is President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. As it relates to anything in the political domain, we believe very strongly that snacking continues, Smucker said. Consumers are going to continue to look for a way to reward themselves at different times throughout the day. Not everyone is as optimistic as Smucker. open image in gallery Trump has nominated Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services ( REUTERS ) The food industry ought to be quaking in its boots, but they dont think its going to happen, Marion Nestle, a nutrition and food policy expert at New York University, told CNN. Kennedy takes a more hostile view of food companies than previous secretaries of health and human services, Alexia Howard, an analyst at Bernstein, said in a report, according to CNN. Potential policy changes could impact the (food) sector, Howard added. Kennedy, a former independent presidential candidate who later endorsed Trump, has long advocated for banning food dye and pesticides. The 70-year-old has also claimed there are chemical poisons in every supermarket aisle. The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country, Trump wrote in a statement announcing Kennedys nomination. Meanwhile, Kennedy has made a series of baseless claims about COVID-19 and vaccines. Kennedys organization, Childrens Health Defense, has advocated against vaccinations and spread the baseless claim that vaccines cause autism. RFK Jr has also baselessly opposed the COVID-19 vaccine and has spread misinformation about its safety and efficacy. Spreading this misinformation resulted in Meta deactivating his Instagram account in 2021. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mark Zuckerberg has been spotted at Mar-a-Lago months after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to imprison him. Stephen Miller confirmed Zuckerbergs visit to Fox News. Yes, thats correct, Miller, who has been tapped to serve as Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy, told Fox News. Mark Zuckerberg has been very clear about his desire to be a supporter of and a participant in this change that were seeing all around America, all around the world, with this reform movement that Donald Trump is leading. Mark Zuckerberg, like so many business leaders, understands that President Trump is an agent of change, an agent of prosperity, and so business leaders, CEOs everywhere, they want to be an element, a supporter, a booster of making our economy prosperous, delivering for American workers and making sure that America is the most powerful, wealthiest, freest nation of the face of the earth. Politico first reported the news of Zuckerbergs visit on Wednesday. The Meta CEO was spotted with a large security and staff presence at Mar-a-Lago, a person with direct knowledge of the meeting told the outlet. Mark Zuckerberg testifies before a combined Senate Judiciary and Commerce committee hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in April 2018 ( Getty ) In a written statement, a Meta spokesperson told the outlet that Zuckerberg was grateful for an invitation to join Trump for dinner and meet with other members of the incoming administration. Its an important time for the future of American innovation, the spokesperson told Politico. Well see what comes of that, said Miller, who served as an adviser during Trumps first term. Mark, obviously, he has his own interests, he has his own company and he has his own agenda, but hes made clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under President Trumps leadership. Trump has previously called for Zuckerberg to be put behind bars for giving away hundreds of millions of dollars to election infrastructure in 2020. Trump claimed the action constituted election interference. Trump threatened to throw Zuckerberg in jail if he allocated similar funds to what he called election interference this year. In October, however, Trump appeared to change his tune on the social media kingpin, saying on a podcast it was nice Zuckerberg was staying out of the election. Zuckerberg called Trump after his assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania in July. He did not endorse a presidential candidate in 2024. Trump was kicked off Facebook after the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol. His account was restored in early 2023. Zuckerberg is not the first person on the receiving end of Trumps invective to make a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago following his election victory. Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, two of the hosts of MSNBC show Morning Joe, revealed that they had met with the president-elect at his Florida resort. The couple former friends of Trump turned bitter critics said it was a fence-mending exercise, although others speculated they had been concerned about retribution from the incoming president. Trump has previously linked Scarborough to unfounded conspiracy theories related to the death of an intern, 28-year-old intern Lori Klausutis, who died from complications from a heart condition in 2001. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The US conservative political influencer Candace Owens has been refused a visa to enter New Zealand. Owens was due at a speaking engagement but was barred because she had been banned from another country, immigration officials said on Thursday. News of the ruling came weeks after neighboring Australia also rejected her visa request, citing remarks in which she denied Nazi medical experimentation on Jews in concentration camps during World War II. From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [Nazi doctor Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction, Immigration Minister Tony Burke told Australian outlets at the time. Australias national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else. Tickets to these events are selling for $100, he added in The Sydney Morning Herald. I hope she has a good refunds policy. Local leaders began pushing for Australia to reject her visa this summer, after Owens described stories about Nazi medical experiments as propaganda. Owens is scheduled to speak at a series of events in several Australian cities and in Auckland, New Zealand, in February and March next year. Tickets remain on sale and there is no acknowledgement on the promoters website that she has been refused entry to both countries. The commentator, who has more than three million followers on YouTube, is accused by her detractors of promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitism and has ignited firestorms with her remarks opposing Black Lives Matter, feminism, vaccines and immigration. In March, Owens said she had parted ways with the Daily Wire, on which she had hosted an online talk show since 2021, after clashes with its founders over her remarks about Jews and her opposition to U.S. military support for Israel. She was widely criticized for comments in a YouTube video in July that minimized the Holocaust. open image in gallery New Zealand Candace Owens ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Owens had promised Australian and New Zealand audiences a discussion of free speech and her Christian faith when she announced the speaking tour in August. But Australian officials banned her from the country in October, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke telling reporters Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction, citing her remarks about the Holocaust and about Muslims. Australias national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else, Burke said. Australian Jewish groups had urged officials to bar her from the country. New Zealand officials did not refer to Owens political views in a statement on Thursday. She was refused an entertainers work permit for New Zealand on the ground that visas legally cannot be granted to those who have been excluded from another country, said Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for the immigration agency. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media after its senate approved what will become a world-first law. It is a move the Australian government argues is necessary to protect the mental health and wellbeing of children. The legislation does not specify which platforms will be banned as these decisions will be made later but communications minister Michelle Rowland has previously said that TikTok, X, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and Facebook are likely to be part of the ban. The law will impose fines of up to AU$50m (26m) on platforms for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. Gaming and messenger platforms are exempt, as are websites that can be accessed without an account, which should mean YouTube is unaffected. The ban will take effect a year after the bill becomes law, allowing platforms time to work out technological solutions that would also protect users privacy. A trial of methods to enforce it will start in January. The Senate passed the bill by 34 votes to 19, after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the legislation by 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday. It now goes back to the lower house where the government has a majority to approve amendments, before becoming law. This is a global problem and we want young Australians essentially to have a childhood, prime minister Anthony Albanese said when introducing the bill last week. We want parents to have peace of mind. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 sets Australia up as a test case for a growing number of governments which have legislated, or have said they plan to legislate, an age restriction on social media. Countries including France and some US states have passed laws to restrict access for children without parental permission, but the Australian ban is absolute. A full under-14s ban in Florida is being challenged in court on free speech grounds. Getting the law passed after a marathon last day of Australias parliamentary year marks a political win for centre-left Mr Albanese, who goes into next years election low in the opinion polls. The ban faced opposition from privacy advocates and some child rights groups, but 77 per cent of the population wanted it, according to the latest poll from YouGov released this week. That was up from 61 per cent in August. Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son Mac took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, had advocated for the age restriction and took pride in its passage. "I have always been a proud Australian, but for me subsequent to today's Senate decision, I am bursting with pride," Mr Holdsworth told the Associated Press. Critics of the legislation have said it was rushed through parliament without adequate scrutiny. They argue the law will not work and would take away parents authority to decide whats best for their children. It may also cause isolation among children and deprive them of the positive aspects of social media, such as keeping up with their friends. Last month, more than 140 Australian and international academics with expertise in fields related to technology and child welfare signed an open letter to the prime minister opposing a social media age limit as too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively. Jackie Hallan, a director at the youth mental health service ReachOut, opposed the ban. She said 73 per cent of young people across Australia accessing mental health support did so through social media. However, Mr Albanese has said there would be exclusions and exemptions in circumstances, such as a need to continue access to educational services. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation was inconsistent with what Australian parents have told us that they want, which is a simple and effective way for them to set controls and manage their teens online experience. Its cart before horse, Sunita Bose, managing director of Digital Industry Group, which has most social media companies as members, told Reuters. We have the bill but we dont have guidance from the Australian government around what are the right methods that a whole host of services subject to this law will need to employ. Reuters contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 37-year-old woman has been charged with attempting to drown her two young girls in Sydneys south-west in September last year. Emergency services were first called to Riverpark Drive, Liverpool, at about 10.30am, where the woman was found critically injured after falling from Light Horse Bridge on 11 September 2023. Later that day, two girls, aged 7 and 8, were rescued from Sydneys Georges River by a passerby and taken to the hospital for assessment. Police alleged she threw the children into the river. Paramedics treated the then 36-year-old woman before she was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Officers attended and were told two girls aged seven and eight had been rescued from the river by a passer-by, a statement from NSW Police read. Police established a crime scene and have been investigating the incident ever since. On Wednesday, the woman was arrested upon her release from the hospital and charged with two counts of attempted murder. She was taken to Liverpool police station, where she was charged with two counts of attempting to drown a person with intent to murder, police said. Police will allege in court the woman threw the two girls into the water, a police statement read. The 37-year-old was refused bail and appeared before Liverpool local court on Wednesday. In 2019, a woman identified as Tanja Ludwig and her two-year-old daughter died after going over a cliff at Robertson Lookout near Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia. Authorities investigated the incident as a potential murder-suicide. Kathleen Folbigg, once labelled Australias worst female serial killer, was exonerated last year two decades after her conviction for killing her four young children between 1989 and 1999. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vladimir Putin has threatened to strike Kyiv with Moscows new ballistic missile in the wake of his forces conducting a massive aerial assault on energy infrastructure across Ukraine. The Russian president claimed future targets could include "decision-making centres" in the Ukrainian capital, as he said the latest strikes by almost 200 drones and missiles were in response to Ukraine using long-range US- and UK-supplied missiles against Russia. Given that Moscow has repeatedly struck Ukraines energy sector during its almost three-year invasion and that this was the second large attack in a month Putins remarks have little credibility. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of a "despicable escalation", saying it had used cruise missiles with cluster munitions in its early morning strikes. More than one million people lost power in the immediate aftermath of the strikes, and millions more had their existing schedule of rolling power cuts intensified. Ukraine's air force said Russia used 91 missiles and 97 drones in Thursday's attack. It said 12 of those had hit their targets, most of which were energy and fuel facilities. "The enemy is using a large number of missiles and drones. Their massive use in certain areas often exceeds the number of means of (air defence) cover," the air force said in a statement. Infrastructure facilities were damaged in nine regions, Ukraine's Interior Ministry said. open image in gallery Putin boasted Moscows production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of Nato by 10 times ( Reuters ) The attack reinforced fears of long power cuts during the winter months as temperatures hover around zero. It was the 11th massive combined attack by Russia on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year, with around half of it having been destroyed over the course of the war. Explosions in Thursday's Russian attack were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and many other cities in central and western Ukraine. Ukraines air force said Russia was using thermal and radar decoys to trick Ukrainian air defences, and putting electronic warfare devices on its missiles. "All this significantly complicates the operation of Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile systems. Western systems work much more effectively in such conditions, but Ukraine does not have enough to reliably cover hundreds of critical infrastructure facilities," the air force said. It said foggy weather conditions also made it harder for machine gunners to spot drones. British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer called Putins strikes against the energy sector depraved. open image in gallery Russian missile strike on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine ( Reuters ) Russia says Ukraine fired US-supplied ATACMS missiles into western Russia for the first time on 19 November, prompting it to respond two days later by firing the experimental new Oreshnik intermediate-range missile on the city of Dnipro. British Storm Shadow missiles have also been used, after Washington dropped its objections to the missiles being fired into Russia after months of pleading by Kyiv. Putin has escalated his threats against Ukraine and its Western allies recently, and in his latest address has made a number of wild claims, including that Moscows production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the Nato military alliance by 10 times. Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Kazakhstan, Putin said: At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory. These could be military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centres in Kyiv. The Russian president boasted that the new Oreshnik was comparable to a nuclear weapon in terms of its destructive power but he said it would not carry a nuclear warhead. The missile used last week to strike Dnipro is believed to have carried dummy warheads and caused limited damage. "Putin does not want peace. We must force him into peace through strength," Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said, reiterating Kyiv's call for more air defence and long-range capabilities from Western allies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russia has unleashed another massive attack against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, firing nearly 200 missiles and drones and leaving more than a million households without power, Ukrainian officials said. Explosions were heard across the country as damage to the energy and other critical infrastructure was reported by officials in cities in the west, south and centre of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used cruise missiles with cluster munitions in Thursday's attack, calling it a vile escalation. Energy infrastructure is once again targeted by the enemys massive strike, Ukrainian energy minister Herman Halushchenko said on Facebook. Follow live updates on Russias war in Ukraine here Russia had knocked out about half of Ukraines available generating capacity, damaged the distribution system and forced long blackouts. It is Russia's second major aerial attack on Ukraine's power grid in less than two weeks as well as the 11th major strike on the Ukrainian energy system since March. Below, The Independent takes a look at why Russia is launching so many strikes and the likely impact of them on Ukraine. open image in gallery Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire at an energy infrastructure facility following a missile attack in Lutsk, Volyn region, on Thursday ( UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP ) Why is Russia launching the attacks? To hit Ukraines energy system ahead of winter with view to cripple morale As has been the case every year since it invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russia has started hitting power stations and other sites with force before winter sets in, bringing with it plunging temperatures. The latest attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure on Thursday the second big one this month has further amplified fears that the Kremlin again aims to cripple the countrys power generation capacity, bringing long power cuts during the winter months as temperatures across Ukraine hover around zero and below. Professor Mark Galeotti, academic and author of more than 20 books on Russia, suggested the strikes are all part of the same pattern intended to impact Ukrainians morale to the extent that they submit to Moscow. Putins strategy is to make the Ukrainians miserable enough to give up. The Russians are trying to systematically break apart Ukraines power grid because it could face a rough winter, he told The Independent. Once we get into October, temperatures tend to plummet. Thats when you suddenly get a lot more load on the grid and the problems will become clear. Ukrainians will at best have rationed power. open image in gallery People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian military strike in Kyiv on Thursday ( REUTERS ) Quest for revenge and winning information war after Kyiv struck Russian territory with advanced Western weapons The latest strike comes just days after Kyiv struck Russian territory with long-range US and UK-supplied missiles. Moscow says Ukraine fired US ATACMS ballistic missiles into western Russia for the first time on 19 November and UK Storm Shadow missiles later that week, prompting the Kremlin to respond firing the Oreshnik, a new experimental intermediate-range missile, at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Since then, Russia says Ukraine fired more ATACMS at its Kursk region on 23 and 25 November. Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russias overnight barrage of 90 missiles and 100 drones on Ukraine was launched in response to the ATACMS strikes, Marcel Plichta, former analyst at the US Department of Defense, told The Independent: These strikes usually come after some kind of Ukrainian success story. They are part of an information war. It is an attempt by the Kremlin to get back a narrative that shows Russia as the big strong actor in this war and Ukraine as weak and vulnerable. They are petty strikes and are about retribution. The targets have not had military value. They have hit apartment buildings or grain silos. It is an attack on the Ukrainian people, not Kyivs ability to wage war. open image in gallery Local residents take shelter in a metro station during an air strike alarm in Kyiv on Thursday ( AFP via Getty Images ) What likely impact will the strikes have on Ukraine? At least one million people in the west, south, and centre of Ukraine were left without power in Russias latest strike on the country, Ukrainian officials have said. Damage to the energy and other critical infrastructure was reported by officials in Lviv, Volyn, Rivne and Khmelnytskyi regions in the west, the Mykolayiv and Kherson regions in the south, and Zhytomyr region in the centre. A source in the energy sector source said Ukraine disconnected several nuclear power units from the network amid the Russian attack. Ukraine relies on nuclear generation for more than 50 per cent of its electricity supplies. Lviv governor Maksym Kozytskyi said Thursday's strikes cut off electricity to about 523,000 people in the western region on Ukraine's border with Poland. Power supplies were also cut to nearly 500,000 people in the Volyn and Rivne regions, the governors said. Electricity supplies were also disrupted in Khmelnytskyi and Zhytomyr regions, officials said. open image in gallery Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used cruise missiles with cluster munitions in Thursday's attack, calling it a vile escalation ( PA Wire ) Regional officials across the country said they were turning on generators to ensure emergency heat and water supplies to hospitals, schools and other critical facilities during bitter winter weather. The loud hum of generators was also heard in Kyiv city as many Ukrainian small and medium businesses rely on generators for their electricity supplies during the blackouts. However, Ukrainian air defence managed to shoot down 79 out of 91 Russian missiles and downed 35 drones, the air force said. And the capital Kyiv was targeted but all missiles or drones were downed, officials said. But Mr Plichta said: The biggest worry is the affect on the energy grid. If it is damaged enough, it might not be viable for Ukrainians to stay in big cities. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy They set off on Sunday morning, looking forward to a five-day diving trip in the Red Sea; a popular worldwide destination filled with beautiful coral reefs and plentiful marine life. But for the 31 tourists on the luxury Sea Story yacht, the dream excursion turned into a nightmare when the vessel was reportedly struck by high waves on Monday, sinking in less than seven minutes. In total, 44 people, including staff, were on the 44-metre boat when the distress signal was sent not far from the Egyptian town of Marsa Alam - of those, just 33 people have so far been rescued. They include Britons Colin Sharratt and Sally Jones, keen sailors, according to The Times. However, Egyptian authorities searching the sunken ship have also found four dead bodies. Seven people are still reported missing, including British couple Jenny Cawson, 36, and her husband Tariq Sinada, 49. Ms Cawsons family told the BBC on Saturday they are continuing to receive daily updates from the Foreign Office but voiced their frustration as there is still no news. For those rescued, their stories of survival are now emerging with some said to have spent 30 hours trapped in air pockets inside the yacht before being dramatically saved. open image in gallery Colin Sharratt and Sally Jones are believed to have been among the survivors on the Sea Story yacht ( Tim Postin/Facebook ) Its a sickening end to a diving trip the tourists onboard, who came from many different countries including UK, United States, Germany and Ireland for the trip operated by Dive Pro Liveaboard. Life on board the four-deck wooden boat was luxurious. The tourists enjoyed a plush lounge, complete with a bar and 18 air-conditioned en-suite rooms. But the trip took a turn for the worse after the boat departed Marsa Alam on Sunday despite weather warnings from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority. open image in gallery Rescue workers carry a survivor to safety ( Red Sea Governorate/AFP/Getty ) The authority warned of the possibility of large waves and advised boats against any maritime activity on Sunday and Monday. On Monday morning, at 5.30am, the distress signal was sent. Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi said the sinking began after a huge wave crashed into the vessel, and the ship went down in between five and seven minutes. open image in gallery Dive boat Sea Story as shown on Dive Pro Liveaboard website ( Dive Pro Liveaboard ) Within moments, water was gushing through the structure and passengers were screaming from inside the cabins as the boat was toppled over, the father of a survivor told The Times. One of the British survivors told investigators they tried to swim up but the current was too strong and I felt like I was choking. That tourist survived thanks to their life jacket, which kept them on the surface until rescue teams arrived, the outlet reported. open image in gallery The boat capsized near the popular resort town of Marsa Alam ( The Independent ) A major rescue operation ensued, led by Egyptian naval forces, the military and the Red Sea Governorate. On Monday, 28 people were rescued and brought to safety, images showing the moment the shocked group made it to safe ground. The search paused overnight, before resuming on Tuesday morning. Little news has come from authorities since. Khattab al-Faramawy, Youssefs uncle, who was part of the rescue operation, told the BBC: We dived 12m (40ft) underwater, describing it as a complicated mission, as they used torchlight to find their way into the darkness. open image in gallery 28 survivors were rescued on Monday and five on Tuesday ( AFP/Getty ) Incredibly, they reached five survivors still trapped in the boat - including Youssef - who had survived for 30 hours underwater thanks to a 20cm-large air pocket that allowed them to breathe. Its very nice to be back, one Belgian tourist told officials, as he thanked the Egyptian military for their rescue efforts, and for the warm shower after an ordeal which left him shaking with cold. On the same day, four bodies were recovered from the boat. They are yet to be officially identified. Some doubts have been raised over the cause of the boat sinking, despite conflicting with witness reports. Oceanographer Simon Boxall told Sky News that there was no evidence of a huge wave, arguing that the wind conditions werent that strong and wouldnt create these alleged three- to four-metre waves. He added: I still feel that this is probably not a wave that caused the capsize. We need to see an investigation coming out of this. Its still early days, but the information coming out from the Egyptian authorities is still very sparse. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In the early hours of Wednesday morning a breakthrough ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect after 13 months of almost daily fire exchanged across the Israeli-Lebanon border and weeks of a intense ground and airstrike operation. While residents of Beirut and southern Lebanon celebrated, returning to their neighbourhoods in droves hours after intense Israeli bombardments despite warnings from the Israeli military to stay clear the mood was different in Israel, with some northern communities fearful of going home and believing the deal didnt go far enough. The Lebanese health ministry says nearly 3,800 people have been killed in Lebanon since fighting erupted in the wake of Israels retaliatory war against Hamas an ally of Hezbollah, which is also backed by Iran in Gaza. The vast majority of deaths have come in the wake of the intensified bombing and ground campaign that began in September. At least 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed in northern Israel, in the Golan Heights, and in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities. International pressure is on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Najib Mikati, Lebanons caretaker prime minister, to maintain the peace. What is the ceasefire deal? Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces from Lebanon over a period of 60 days, with the Lebanese army then set to control territory near its border to ensure Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there. open image in gallery Women hug in Lebanon after returning to their neighbourhood ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All right reserved ) Thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. Lebanons Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said on Tuesday the Lebanese army was ready to deploy 5,000 troops into the region as Israeli forces withdraw. The US is expected to lead a five-country monitoring committee to enforce the truce, which US president Joe Biden said was designed to be permanent. Mr Biden and French president Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement in which they said France and the United States would both work to ensure that the ceasefire was fully implemented. Will it hold? Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations, but Lebanese officials rejected writing that into the proposal. Still, Mr Netanyahu said Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, did not enforce the deal. open image in gallery Rescuers in the Beirut rubble after an Israeli airstrike ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Israel's military said on Wednesday its forces were still on Lebanese territory and urged residents of southern Lebanese villages who had been ordered to evacuate in recent months to delay returning home until further notice from the Israeli military. Israeli troops have pushed around four miles (six kilometres) into Lebanon in a series of ground assaults. Israel said it identified Hezbollah operatives returning to areas near the border and had opened fire to prevent them from coming closer. There were no immediate signs that the incident would undermine the ceasefire. Defense Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the military to "act firmly and without compromise" should it happen again. Hezbollah has indicated it will give the pact a chance, but one of the groups leaders told Al Jazeera the groups support for the deal hinged on certainty that Israel would not renew its attacks. After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials, Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollahs political council, said. We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state [of Lebanon]. Rana Sahili, a media spokesperson for Hezbollah, told the Independent that the militant group does not trust the Israelis. The countries that support [the Israelis] must provide guarantees, Ms Sahili added. What about Gaza? The landing of an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah without a similar deal with Hamas in Gaza has left Palestinians feeling abandoned and fearful that Israel would now turn its focus squarely on the territory, with Mr Netanyahu said Israel would now concentrate on Hamas militants in Gaza along with his top security concern, Iran. Both the war inside Gaza and the Hezbollah-Isaraeli cross-border fire was triggered in 7 October last year, when Hamas launched a terror attack inside Israel. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took some 250 hostages into Gaza. In response, Israel launched a devastating air and ground offensive against Hamas, and Mr Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting until all hostages are freed. Some 100 remain, although about a third of those are believed to be dead. More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the largely devastated Gaza, according to local health officials, while around 90 per cent of the population of around 2.3 million have been forced from their homes. open image in gallery A child in Gaza injured in an Israeli strike ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Mr Biden said the US would now make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others, to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza with a hostage release. British prime minister Keir Starmer backed up his US counterpart in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the removal of restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Experiments conducted in space are directly relevant to peoples day-to-day lives on Earth, the UKs newest astronaut has said. European Space Agency astronaut Rosemary Coogan has just started a new phase in her training, which will have her spend six months at Nasa. The training will prepare Ms Coogan for space walks also known as extra vehicular activity and will include learning about the parts of the International Space Station (ISS), how to repair it, and how to operate in a spacesuit. One of the areas I'm particularly interested in is the human science, or the biological sciences side of things Rosemary Coogan Ms Coogan has not yet been assigned a mission, but the aim is for her to visit the ISS by 2030. One of the things she is looking forward to is taking part in the science that happens on board the station. Ms Coogan told the PA news agency: An astronaut will, on average, get involved with hundreds of different experiments. One of the areas Im particularly interested in is the human science, or the biological sciences side of things. Having an astronaut going into space, of course were the hands and eyes in space, but also we have our bodies in microgravity, and thats a great test bed for looking into lots of medical-based research. Ms Coogan explained that one of the things to look at is how microgravity affects bone and muscle loss in space, something which is important to understand because of the ageing population on Earth. She added: Theres a lot of medical research as well, which I find really interesting. It has this kind of basic basis in physics. So the material science, the crystal growth of proteins, is much better in microgravity, and you can grow these really big, clear crystals to understand whats causing a certain disease, and therefore how to make a medicine that will connect with that protein, and tackle that and bring all that information back. It's completely directly relevant to our day-to-day lives, and I think that is sometimes lost Rosemary Coogan The astronaut said that exploration and inspiration is a huge part of what space travel is about, as well as seeing where technology can take us, but that experiments in space can help tackle issues on Earth. She continued: It (technology) can take us off the Earth, to explore our surroundings, to put us in this bigger picture of where we came from and I do think thats really important but I think we look at the International Space Station that really is a laboratory, its science. And that science is not obscure. Its things that people on Earth want to know about, and the fact that you can do it in space is giving those answers. Its completely directly relevant to our day-to-day lives, and I think that is sometimes lost. Two of Ms Coogans astronaut classmates, Frances Sophie Adenot and Belgiums Raphael Liegeois, will embark on their maiden spaceflights in 2026. They are the first of the five astronauts from the European Space Agencys class of 2022 to be assigned long-duration missions to the space station. Ms Adenot is scheduled to fly first, followed by Mr Liegeois, the space agency said. Ms Coogan is among the others Spains Pablo Alvarez Fernandez and Switzerlands Marco Sieber waiting for spaceflight assignments. The European Space Agency has said it intends all five new astronauts to embark on missions to the space station by 2030. Two other astronauts are also gearing up for the next stage of their training, which will include spacewalk simulation and survival exercises. Meganne Christian and John McFall will begin their two-month training programme at the European Space Agencys European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, in January. The training will equip the members of the Astronaut Reserve with the skills needed to support Europes future space exploration and scientific research. Former Paralympian Mr McFall is part of a feasibility study to see if he can fly as a disabled astronaut, while Ms Christian is a reserve astronaut who could join the programme if someone else drops out. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Amazon workers are planning a massive day of action on Black Friday in an effort to draw attention to alleged exploitation on the part of the online retail giant. Protests and strikes in more than 20 countries will begin this Friday, 29 November and continue until Cyber Monday, covering what is expected to be the four busiest shopping days of the year for Amazon. The Make Amazon Pay campaign says it is a protest against the companys exploitation of workers, our communities and the planet. The two groups organising the action, UNI Global Union and Progressive International, are calling on Amazon to improve working conditions, pay more taxes and commit to greater environmental sustainability. Where are protests taking place? Protests will take place across more than 10 cities in the UK including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff and Edinburgh but there is currently no strike action planned. Similar protests will be taking place throughout Europe, with thousands of workers in Germany set to go on strike in Graben, Dortmund Werne, Bad Hersfeld, Leipzig, Koblenz and Rheinberg warehouses. open image in gallery Locations of planned strikes and protests around Europe on Black Friday, 29 November 2024 ( Make Amazon Pay ) Garment workers in Bangladesh are expected to take to the streets to protest pay and working conditions, while hundreds of workers in India have also reportedly expressed their intent to rally in New Delhi. Other countries where protests are planned include Brazil, Japan and the United States. Why are workers taking action against Amazon? It is the fifth year in a row that workers have taken action against Amazon on Black Friday, with previous Make Amazon Pay actions involving thousands of workers. Each year has focussed on different aspects of Amazons business practices, with some specifically targeting chief executive Jeff Bezos. Demonstrators have previously projected pandemic profiteer onto his mansion after his personal wealth grew by more than $65 billion during the covid pandemic. open image in gallery An activist from Extinction Rebellion, wearing a giant Jeff Bezos head, blocks the entrance to the Amazon fulfilment centre in Tilbury, Essex, in November 2021 ( PA ) This year, organisers say they hope to make Amazon accountable for labour abuses, environmental degradation and threats to democracy that the retail giant is accused of. Amazons relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment and democracy, said Christy Hoffman, general secretary of the joint organiser UNI Global Union. We stand united in demanding that Amazon treat its workers fairly, respect fundamental rights, and stop undermining the systems meant to protect us all. Make Amazon Pay Day is becoming a global act of resistance against Amazons abuse of power. Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla Progressive Internationals co-general coordinator, added: Amazon is everywhere, but so are we. By uniting our movements across borders, we can not only force Amazon to change its ways but lay the foundations of a world that prioritizes human dignity, not Jeff Bezos bank balance. What impact will the Black Friday strikes and protests have on shoppers? The global day of resistance will see protests in dozens of locations around the world, but the only strike action currently planned is in Germany. A spokesperson for Amazon told The Independent that customers in the UK would not be impacted by the protests. The union has not planned any industrial action for Black Friday in the UK, so no disruption, the spokesperson said. In a more general statement, the company said it was taking a proactive stance against climate change, and is now the worlds largest purchaser of renewable energy. The statement read: These groups represent a variety of interests, and while were always listening and looking at ways to improve, we remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police across 10 countries have taken part in a massive operation targeting what is believed to be the worlds largest piracy network. Properties were raided in the UK, as well as Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Romania as part of Operation Takendown. The criminal network was allegedly serving pirated content to over 22 million users in Europe, generating over 250 million euros in illegal revenue each month. The law enforcement operation, which was supported by the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), resulted in the seizure of 1.65 million in cryptocurrency and 11 arrests, while a further 102 people are under investigation. The scale of these multi-jurisdictional law enforcement actions highlights the considerable challenge our industry faces when dealing with such sophisticated international pirate networks, said Mark Mulready, co-president of AAPA. We are proud to have collaborated with our law enforcement partners to provide technical training and in-field support to assist them in successfully tackling the worlds largest pirate network. The operation follows a two-year investigation involving Europol, which involved monitoring social media platforms and illegal streaming forums. Europol said in a press release that beyond copyright infringement, there was evidence of other criminal activity, including money laundering and cyber crime. At least 29 computer servers were seized during the operation, as well as hundreds of IPTV devices, which were used to illegally distribute pirated movies, series and television channels. Around 100 websites and domains were also taken down, which were suspected of hosting illegal free streams. This sends a strong message that, alongside our partners, we are committed to dismantling pirate networks across borders and holding their ringleaders accountable, said Matt Hibbert, group director of anti-piracy at Sky. We will continue supporting efforts to end digital piracy and protect consumers from the risks of these illegal services. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Parents will soon be able to track their childrens Uber journeys. They can also be alerted every time a new trip is requested by their child, and only highly-rated and experienced drivers will be allowed to accept the bookings, the ride-hailing app company said. The Uber Teen product is being rolled out from Thursday and will be available in all UK cities served by Uber over the coming months. It has already been trialled in the US and Canada. Children aged 13-17 can be invited by their parents or guardians to set up an account which enables them to request trips. A survey commissioned by Uber indicated that, on average, parents of teenagers spent a total of nearly eight days every year driving their sons or daughters to activities. Some 59% said they had cancelled or changed their own plans to act as a parental taxi service. Uber Teen includes mandatory safety features including pin verification to ensure teenagers are matched with their correct driver, and a system which detects anomalies such as unexpected route changes. Parents are notified through their own app about bookings, and can also view the drivers details and track the progress of a journey. open image in gallery Children aged 13-17 can be invited by their parents or guardians to set up an account which enables them to request trips (Laura Dale/PA) ( PA Archive ) Uber spent more than a year developing the product, working with ParentZone, which seeks to boost online safety for families and children. Ubers UK general manager Andrew Brem said: Uber is thrilled to help busy families across the UK get around safely and easily. Teen accounts were developed to provide full transparency and peace of mind for parents, teens and drivers. ParentZone chief executive Vicki Shotbolt said the accounts would provide an efficient way for teens to travel independently. Uber is also introducing a discount scheme for students costing 2.49 per month, and a new ride-sharing XShare option to save up to 20% off fares will be trialled in Bristol. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A stowaway who allegedly boarded a Delta Air Lines flight without a boarding pass wasnt discovered until shortly before the plane touched down in Paris. The unidentified woman was caught onboard the fully booked Delta flight 264 on Wednesday (27 November) when a flight attendant became suspicious of the passengers long stints in the aircraft bathrooms. She had bypassed two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checks at New Yorks JFK without a ticket before boarding the Paris-bound plane, which departed at 10.37pm EST on Tuesday evening. Travellers are required to show an ID or passport and a boarding pass before they can go through airport security, and it is standard procedure for airlines to check boarding passes at the departure gate. The stowaway was reportedly found in the cabin just before 11pm local time over six hours into the almost seven-and-a-half-hour transatlantic journey to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Fellow passenger Rob Jackson wrote on Instagram: Sooo... we landed in Paris and the crew told us we had to remain seated while the French border police came onto the plane. We somehow flew all the way from New York to Paris with a stowaway. This woman somehow got on the plane and hid in a lavatory during takeoff and wasnt detected until we were about to land. A TSA spokesperson said: TSA can confirm that an individual without a boarding pass completed security screening (including on-person and bags) without any prohibited items. The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded the aircraft. The incident is being investigated by federal authorities. Delta said: Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. Thats why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end, reported the New York Post. Its not the first time a flyer has evaded airport security checks to gain access to the cabin. In February, a woman who boarded an American Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles LAX from Nashville Airport allegedly did so without a boarding pass or identification after jumping a barrier to bypass airport security measures. The unidentified female flyer slipped past an unattended section of a TSA checkpoint to take the five-hour flight on 7 February. American Airlines discovered the security breach during the flight to the US west coast, where the woman was arrested for questioning. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast A survivor of the Egypt tourist yacht that sank in the Red Sea off Egypt on Monday (26 November) thanked his rescuers in an emotional exchange on Tuesday. The Belgian tourist told officials "It's very nice to be back" as five people were rescued alive, bringing the total number of survivors to 33. Two British passengers remain among seven missing people as the search enters a critical third day. German and Polish nationals are believed to make up the others who are unaccounted for. Elon Musk schooled Donald Trump in rocket science after the president-elect awkwardly asked whether a rocket booster that crashed into the ocean could be re-used. The Republican joined the billionaire, who has been tapped to head up the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, to watch a SpaceX launch in Texas. Mr Trumps granddaughter, Kai Trump, posted their interactions in a vlog on her YouTube channel. Mr Musk appeared baffled when Mr Trump asked if the destroyed booster could be retrieved from the sea, before explaining the rockets SpaceX plans to launch in the future. Directors have warned in newly filed accounts of significant uncertainty about future funding of the business Irish broadband provider Imagine Communications says it is working closely with lenders as it tries to position itself for long-term survival. The company has taken a more than 32m impairment charge on its assets after it scaled back its business ambitions for the next five years. It has tempered its expectations due to few customer additions and the likely impact of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). Its directors have warned in newly-filed accounts that there is significant uncertainty surrounding the future funding of the business. Financial strain on the company saw it engage in detailed discussions with its bank lenders and its majority owner, Canadas Brookfield, to secure sufficient resources to continue in business. We continue to work closely with our shareholders and lenders to ensure Imagines long-term sustainability, said a spokesperson for Imagine. We remain committed to securing the necessary resources to position the company for success in 2025 and beyond. The 32.7m impairment in 2023 brought Imagines losses to 49.8m last year. Imagine said in accounts that were signed off by directors in May this year that it needs the continuing support of its parent in order to continue as a going concern. Excluding the impairment last year, Imagine still posted a 7.6m operating loss. That compared with a 3.9m loss the year before. Its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) declined to just under 3.6m last year from 4.8m in 2022. The group had bank debt of 26.6m at the end of 2023 that was due for repayment next month. In February this year, the banks confirmed a standstill agreement in relation to interest repayment until June 2024. Imagine was founded by the late Sean Bolger. Its fixed wireless broadband network was designed to bring high-speed services to rural parts of the country. But the NBP has now brought high-speed broadband to hundreds of thousands of premises in rural Ireland. Imagine restructured its business this year and laid off staff. It also introduced a price increase. The company also sold its Coolwave subsidiary earlier this year to UK-based Gamma. Imagine said the sale generated significant proceeds. It was agreed with the banks to ringfence the majority of these funds in escrow as the business works through its strategic review, notes the accounts. However, in order to fund the working capital of the business for the next 12 months, the directors intend to apply to drawdown some of the funds, currently held by the bank, a position they have been supportive of at time of writing. Despite the companys precarious financial position, the directors said that it continues to increase adjusted Ebitda and generate cash. To continue as a going concern, the directors will require support from their ultimate parent company and external lenders, the accounts note. In the short term, the directors are confident that the business can continue to fund its working capital via continued trading and drawdown of cash from the restricted monies. Whilst this has not been agreed with banks at this stage, the directors are of the belief that the banks will continue to support the group. American Chamber Thanksgiving lunch to be addressed by Finance Minister Jack Chambers today Nearly half of US companies operating in Ireland expect to hire more people in the coming 12 months even as Donald Trumps isolationist stance puts global trade into the spotlight. A survey from the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) shows US multinationals remain positive about Ireland as an investment location. But 46pc of its members say that a shortage of specialist skills is a barrier to filling vacancies here. Another 20pc say housing is an obstacle and 18pc say a general availability of talent is hindering hiring. Ireland is currently running at what is effectively full employment. In terms of general expansion in Ireland, the top two issues are cost competitiveness and housing. The survey found that 32pc and 30pc of members respectively cited those issues. According to 35pc of respondents in the survey, Irelands stable pro-enterprise eco-system is the main reason for their organisations confidence in the Irish economy. The findings, coming the day before the general election, serve as a reminder that the US multinational sector in Ireland employs 210,000 people. AmCham hosts its annual Thanksgiving lunch today in Dublin, where about 700 members and guests will be addressed by Finance Minister Jack Chambers. It is essential that Ireland maintains a pro-business, stable and competitive environment In the survey, 37pc of members said the top priority for the Government in relation to Irelands transport infrastructure should be to improve roads. A further 30pc said it should focus on enhancing public transport in Irelands regional cities and towns, while 24pc said it should be ensuring there is sufficient capacity at the countrys airports. Paul Sweetman, the chief executive of AmCham, said Ireland continues to be an important location for investment and growth. Longsighted policies, the tremendous work of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, the dogged efforts of the business community, and close collaboration with the US embassy and successive Irish governments have all resulted in phenomenal growth, he said. In a world where geopolitical shifts are becoming ever more prevalent, it is essential that Ireland maintains a pro-business, stable and competitive environment, all underpinned by being a leading advocate for open trade. Donald Trump has said that when he formally becomes president in January he will hit goods from Mexico and Canada with a 25pc tariff, while a 10pc tariff will be imposed on goods entering the US from China. The one-off grant was designed to help with the increased cost of doing business. Photo: Getty Almost 12m has been left on the table by hospitality and retail businesses, following the closure of applications to the Governments Power Up grant scheme. Critics say that anomalies in the terms and conditions are to blame, with many businesses blocked from applying by technicalities. Local authorities are administering the scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise. Announced in last months budget, the 4,000 one-off grant was designed to help shops, restaurants, beauty salons and pubs with the increased cost of doing business. The Government allocated 170m to the scheme. On November 7, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke extended the registration deadline to last Friday, after only 75pc of eligible businesses had applied. According to figures supplied by the Department of Enterprise to the Irish Independent, 38,619 submissions were received for Power Up grants by the closing date, covering 39,608 businesses. Discretion has been granted to the councils, and that has meant inconsistencies This has a maximum associated grant value of 158.4m once business information is verified and approved, the department said. This means 11.6m has gone unclaimed. Pa Daly, a Sinn Fein TD for Kerry, said he had received a number of representations from firms, who should be eligible on a plain English reading of the criteria. However, discretion has been granted to the councils, and that has meant inconsistencies across the State, he said. Sinn Feins position was every rateable business should be eligible, and that would have been the easiest way to support businesses and ensure no money was left on the table. In order to be eligible for Power Up, firms had to have received the second payment under the earlier Increased Cost of Business (Icob) scheme. The one-off grant was designed to help with the increased cost of doing business. Photo: Getty This was offered to businesses paying commercial rates of up to 30,000 but some found themselves ineligible, because their rates were included in their rent, and therefore paid by their landlords. Other businesses did not apply because they were in arrears on their rates. In his final contribution to the last Dail, Fine Gael TD David Stanton said the anomalies around Power Up were unfair, and he asked the Enterprise Minister to look at the scheme and see if there is a way of actually sorting that out. Icob paid out 244m to 75,000 SMEs this year, the department added He also asked the department to set up a helpline, so people can ring up if they run into these blockages. In a nod to the difficulties some firms have experienced, the department said work is ongoing to help another cohort that may be eligible to register. These were firms trading from a rateable premises who were unable to apply for Icob as they did not have a 2023 commercial rates bill because their property was not yet valued by Tailte Eireann. The department is also considering issues that have arisen regarding the classification of some businesses during the Icob process, it said. Icob paid out 244m to 75,000 SMEs this year, the department added, bringing the total support to over 400m. When he announced the extension of the Power Up deadline on November 7, Minister Burke said he had asked officials to consider how the scheme could be expanded within the allocated budget in order to accommodate some of the businesses that were ineligible. Asked to explain this, the department said a review process for Power Up, to examine particular cases, was under consideration but this could not begin until after the closing date of November 22. Emma Stone accepts the Oscar for Best Actress for 'Poor Things'. Photo: Reuters Post-tax profits at the multi-award-winning production company behind the screen adaptations of Sally Rooneys Normal People and Conversations with Friends last year decreased by 49pc to 2.32m. The 2.32m profit for the Dublin-headquartered Element Pictures Ltd last year resulted in accumulated profits rising from 7.99m to 10.32m. The post-tax profits of 2.32m for 2023 follow post-tax profits of 4.54m for 2022. The companys cash funds last year increased more than threefold from 857,129 to 3.3m. Last year, the conveyor belt of quality drama from Element Pictures continued with the release of Poor Things starring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo. The movie achieved worldwide box-office returns of $117.6m while Emma Stone won the Best Actress award at the Oscars in March. The film was nominated for 11 Oscars including Best Picture. The directors are confident of consolidating that position in the coming year In 2022, the firm which was co-founded by Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe confirmed that it sold a majority stake to global production and distribution giant Freemantle that will enable them to expand their capacity and continue producing television and film for international audiences. A note attached to the new accounts states that the directors are pleased to report a trading profit for the year and are confident of consolidating that position in the coming year. The company achieved the 2023 profits after taking account of non-cash depreciation costs of 176,361 and a loss on foreign currencies of 191,532. The accounts state that in the prior year, the company forgave connected company loans of 2.46m as the directors believe that there was no chance of recoverability on these loans. Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in 'Poor Things' The loans written off were 2.26m due from Picture Palace Cinema Ltd and 196,352 due from Light House Cinema Ltd. Picture Palace Cinema operates the art-house cinema Palas in Galway city. The most recent accounts for Picture Palace Cinema Ltd show it recorded a loss of 618,717 in 2023. Recent film releases by Element Pictures include Yorgos Lanthimos Kinds of Kindness, which starred Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe. Numbers employed by the business last year increased from 33 to 37. Andrew Lowe and Ed Guiney sit on the Element board along with Andrea Scrosati, Christian James Vesper and Stuart Jackson. Pay to directors last year totalled 503,000. Almost half of consumers surveyed said they would make an impulse buy in the upcoming Black Friday sales. Younger people are more likely to buy on impulse, according to research conducted by .ie, the national registry for almost 330,000 online domain names. Research for the registry, conducted by Core, shows that 48pc of respondents said they are likely to make an impulse buy on Black Friday. Women are more inclined to buy on impulse than men, the survey found. When it comes to those between the ages of 18 and 24, some three in four said they are likely to make an impulse buy. The research found that one in four of those surveyed said they have been a victim of online fraud, with financial loss the primary impact To avoid being scammed consumers try to use online sites that offer secure payment options and visible customer reviews when making an online purchase. Younger people are the most likely cohort to purchase from Irish websites only. One in four 18 to 24 year olds believe shopping on a mobile device is more secure than a desktop. This is because trusted app verification, frequent security updates and biometric payment options enhance security perceptions. Half of those surveyed said they are concerned about online safety when making purchases this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More than nine out of 10 respondents said price is the most important priority for them. Less than half ranked security among the top three priorities they look for when shopping on a website or eCommerce channel. The findings come as over 1.5 million Irish consumers are expected to make a Black Friday purchase, up from by a third since last year. Chief executive at .ie David Curtin said: Its a surprise but not entirely unexpected to see that most Irish shoppers would prioritise price over security features when shopping online. He urged shoppers to approach online offers with a measure of caution. Stay alert - if it seems too good to be true then it very likely is. Mr Curtin said that by shopping on a .ie domain, shoppers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they are protected by the robust security measures. He said .ie domains have considerably lower levels of cyber threats detected compared with international top-level domains including .com, .eu and .uk. Meanwhile, figures from AIB show that Black Friday last year broke all records for online spend. The bank said the indications are that this year will be no different as shoppers hunt for good value ahead of Christmas. AIBs Spend Trend survey reveals that Irish shoppers spent 105m spent online on Black Friday last year on almost one million transactions. It was the busiest day for online spend ever. Some 4.3m was spent every hour, 73,000 every minute or 1,200 every second. The busiest hours for spend was between 10am and 11am with over 57,000 transactions in that hour. The data was compiled from over 979,000 online card transactions carried out by AIB customers during Black Friday last year and has been anonymised and aggregated. The survey showed that Black Friday 2023 was the busiest day of the year for clothing retailers with AIB customers spending 15m buying clothes, with most of the spending online. Stripe faces boycott calls after Patrick Collison says great to be back in Israel CEO posted picture after he arrived in Tel Aviv Stripe CEO Patrick Collison. Photo: Getty John Burns Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 21:14 Irish entrepreneur Patrick Collison has been heavily criticised, while calls were made for a boycott of his company Stripe, after he posted a tweet seen as favourable to Israel. Dell Technologies and HP reported quarterly financial results that suggest a long-awaited recovery of the personal computer market is stalling. The shares of each company dropped in premarket trading. Revenue generated by Dell's PC business declined 1pc to $12.1bn (11.5bn) in the fiscal third quarter, falling short of estimates. While sales in HP's PC unit rose 2pc to $9.59bn in the similar three-month period, that too missed the average analyst estimate. "The PC refresh cycle is pushing into next year," Dell chief financial officer Yvonne McGill said after the results. HP chief executive officer Enrique Lores said the release of Microsoft's new edition of Windows software hasn't fuelled PC sales from corporate clients as quickly as in previous releases. The market had seen a historic decline in recent years after a burst of demand for new laptops in the early months of the pandemic when students and corporate employees were stuck at home. While signs of a rebound began to materialise this year, shipments again dipped in the third quarter, industry analyst IDC said in October. PC makers had hoped that new machines touted as better for artificial intelligence workloads would spur demand. But "buyers have yet to see clear benefits or business value", Mikako Kitagawa, an analyst at Gartner, said in report last month. Dell shares fell about 13pc in pre-market trading on Wednesday after closing at $141.74 in New York. The stock had gained 85pc this year through to Tuesday's close. HP shares declined about 10pc after closing at $39.10. HP stock had increased 30pc this year. Dell is best known for its computer business, but the Texas-based company has enjoyed a renaissance of investor interest due to its high-powered servers for artificial intelligence workloads. Earlier this month, Dell announced it was shipping servers with Nvidia's new Blackwell semiconductors to cloud infrastructure provider CoreWeave. Sales in Dell's infrastructure unit including servers rose 34pc to $11.4bn in the period ended November 1, the company said in a statement. That's just ahead of the $11.3bn anticipated by analysts. Total revenue increased 10pc to $24.4bn, missing the average analyst estimate of $24.6bn, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company shipped $2.9bn in AI-optimised servers in the quarter, executives said. The metric was a step down from the $3.1bn reported in the preceding period. "AI is a robust opportunity for us with no signs of slowing down," Dell chief operating officer Jeff Clarke said in the statement. He touted orders of AI servers in the quarter hitting $3.6bn and growth "across all customer types". For the quarter ending in February, Dell gave a revenue outlook of about $24.5bn. Analysts, on average, projected $25.4bn. Adjusted earnings will be $2.40 a share to $2.60, compared with the average estimate of $2.66. HP's outlook also failed to impress. Earnings, excluding some items, will be 70 cents to 76 cents a share in the period ending in January, the California-based company said. Analysts, on average, projected 86 cents. In cinemas; Cert 12A Theres nothing normal about this place. Rigid mores and etiquette persist from centuries ago. Elderly men genuflect to kiss the ringed hand of a patriarch, while women are kept in the background. So much extraordinary wealth and influence underpins every action, as does a heightened righteous zeal. It is where Edward Bergers political thriller based on the 2016 page-turner by Robert Harris holds its unique selling point. Were used to deceit and ruthless ambition in power struggles; but not, perhaps, in a cloistered realm where ritual, facade, and the suspension of rationale hold sway. The Vatican, to give it a name. Its not a revolutionary context for intrigue. Umberto Ecos monastic murder puzzle The Name of the Rose made unforgettable use of a setting where the daily order inside religious chambers was at odds with that on the outside. Certainly no one in this country needs to be told that the church is, at best, out-of-step with the world, and, at worst, a corrupt and flagrantly self-serving institution. Tightly wound but making room for arch notes, Conclave drops us into this arcane island of men during a seismic existential crisis, showing us what might happen when a cat is thrown amongst the papal pigeons. The feline in this instance is not the late Padre, who has succumbed suddenly to a heart attack. Nor is it Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), a diligent liberal who is left in charge to oversee the election of a successor among the College of Cardinals. The impending meow is a secret that will rock the very ground on which St Peters Basilica stands. Carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, Lawrences role morphs into that of a detective in a noir thriller, as he becomes privy to whispers, rumours, and power plays concealed among the gathering of would-be pontiffs. Lawrence moves through a delectable assortment of motivations jostling for power. Theres the hardline traditionalist (a bravura Sergio Castellitto); the urbane, impassioned reformist (Stanley Tucci); a Canadian moderate with conservative leanings (John Lithgow); the frontrunner, meanwhile, is a Nigerian candidate (Lucian Msamati) squarely aligned with conservative values whom no one would bet against. Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence and Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini in director Edward Berger's 'Conclave'. Photo: Focus Features The process is spaced out in a series of heats. Manners and decorum fail. Masks slip. Between rounds of voting, outbursts and revelations show what really lies in these mens hearts when you wipe away the piousness. Lawrence dispatches his right-hand man (Brian F OByrne) to look into shady secrets beyond the Curia threshold that remains sealed until a successor is chosen. It leads to some drastic realignments of the bookies favourites. As the clerics bicker with one another, a wild card watches from the back benches the fiercely principled Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) who has turned up last minute from Kabul, unannounced and with a shroud of mystery hanging over him. He will have his say, you feel. Every shot in Conclave is stunningly composed and pigmented The exacting, laser-cut look and tenor of Bergers direction working off screenwriting by Peter Straughan will be no surprise to those who were left astonished by the German filmmakers Oscar-winning rendition of All Quiet on the Western Front (2022). Every shot in Conclave is stunningly composed and pigmented. Berger can go right in close (as with a recurring motif of hands and what theyre doing in a given moment), and then pull back to take in figures moving past an ornate niche or Sistine fresco. Characters are established early and unmistakably. A hidden treat is how the tension of all that piety and ceremony is broken now and again by bemusing incongruities the Curia canteen, or the fancy new apparatus primed to spout the customary plume of white smoke when the conclave concludes. A lot rides on the elections result, but there is also an inherent ridiculousness about the whole endeavour. Fiennes has sometimes struggled with project choice, leading to a chequered screen career for an actor of his ability. But this will almost surely bring him into awards contention, as it will for Berger, Tucci, Isabella Rossellini (superb in a handful of impactful scenes) and a raft of technical categories. When the time comes to look back at his long career, a new high point has arrived in the form of this beleaguered papal gumshoe trying to solve a riddle. Five stars Intl journalists explore low-carbon practices in Shenzhen People's Daily Online) 10:51, November 28, 2024 Chinese and foreign journalists this week visited the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in south China's Guangdong Province to explore how technological innovations enable green and smart solutions. The development, covering 57 square kilometers, comprises a 1-square-kilometer core area, an expansion area and other zones. It is among the first eight national low-carbon city pilot projects. The Shenzhen International Low Carbon City has hosted numerous editions of the International Low Carbon City Forum since 2013, serving as a platform for showcasing China's green technology cooperation. Photo shows the convention and exhibition center at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) The city embraces energy conservation and environmental protection throughout. From green plants adorning building facades to innovative sound-controlled lighting and energy-efficient magnetic levitation air conditioning units, the city sets high standards for sustainable design. It features wind-solar complementary lights that harness daylight energy, storing it in batteries for nighttime illumination. Photo shows a wall of the convention and exhibition center at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) Photo shows solar panels atop the convention and exhibition center at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) Photo shows interactive devices that adjust the brightness through sound control at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) In the convention center's conference room, journalists learned about the microalgae oxygen bar, which uses microalgae to capture carbon and provide oxygen. A staff member explained that algae can capture carbon more effectively than trees, creating a natural oxygen-rich environment indoors through photosynthesis. Photo shows a microalgae oxygen bar system in the conference room of the convention and exhibition center at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) Not far from the convention center stands the 99.9-meter Future Complex, a pilot project in Shenzhen's low-carbon core area showcasing large-scale direct current (DC) technology. The building reduces energy consumption by eliminating alternating current conversion needs. Journalists take pictures of a model of the Future Complex at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) A convertible sandpit vehicle that doubles as a mobile stage at the Future Complex at the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (People's Daily Online/Song Ge) Kostas Papathanasiou, a People's Daily Online reporter hailing from Greece, said he was impressed by the green technology in the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City. He noted that every aspect of the park, from renewable energy systems to eco-friendly urban planning, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to climate change. Alvaro Lago Sanchez, a Spanish reporter with People's Daily Online, said, "Although Shenzhen is a rapidly developing city, it hasn't overlooked environmental issues. Nowadays, countries worldwide are focusing on low-carbon development, and the Shenzhen International Low Carbon City has shown me a unique Chinese low-carbon solution with significant value." (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday he hoped a trade deal between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc would be finalized by the end of this year, even as it faced opposition, mainly from France. "We will get it done," Lula told an event hosted by industry group CNI in Brasilia, shrugging off French opposition. The deal was being negotiated directly with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he said. "Von der Leyen has the mandate to make this agreement, and I intend to sign it this year," Lula said. Mercosur joins Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia in a market that is a sought-after destination for EU manufacturing exporters, though European farmers, especially in France, fear the competition it will bring. A deal between the EU and Mercosur has been in the works for some 25 years. The parties had announced an agreement in 2019, but it was never formally ratified due to EU demands for commitments on Amazonian deforestation and climate change. European negotiators arrived in Brazil on Tuesday for a new round of talks ahead of a Mercosur summit in Uruguay's capital Montevideo next week. A source familiar with the matter said there was "good will" from both parties to clinch an agreement. Despite the opposition from France and Poland, other EU countries such as Germany and Spain favor the deal. Argentina, whose President Javier Milei has said in the past that the South American common market served no purpose, on Wednesday also voiced support for the deal. "We support trade agreements, whether the one you refer to or any other that can benefit Argentines," presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni told a press conference when asked about the Mercosur-EU deal. Both Milei and Lula met with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month in South America. Macron reiterated France's opposition to a deal due to concerns over agricultural imports that do not meet European standards and said Milei had expressed dissatisfaction to him with the current terms of the trade accord. Reuters Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover, Kent, to show their unhappiness at the Labour government. Picture date: Wednesday November 27, 2024. (Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Images via Getty Images) Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover, Kent, to show their unhappiness at the Labour government. Picture date: Wednesday November 27, 2024. (Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Images via Getty Images) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been warned to expect more disruption from angry farmers after Holyhead port in North Wales became the second to be blockaded within 24 hours last night. Farmers turned up in a convoy of tractors at around 11pm and stayed until 3am in a stand-off to prevent access to one of the main ports serving Ireland. It followed a slow-drive protest at Dover ferry port on Wednesday as protests continue against the so-called family farm tax or tractor tax from the Budget. Last week more than 10,000 farmers and their supporters descended on Westminster to express their anger over changes in inheritance tax in chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget to include agricultural land. Welsh farmer and popular Youtuber Gareth Wyn Jones, one of the leaders behind the protests, told The Independent: There will be more to come if the government dont listen. Farmers take part in a go-slow protest in Dover, Kent, to show their unhappiness at the Labour government. Picture date: Wednesday November 27, 2024. (Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Images via Getty Images) One of the videos he published on Twitter last night was tagged: Dont p**s off farmers. The protest forced heavy goods vehicles to queue for hours outside the port unable to board ferries across the Irish Sea. The congestion was cleared by 4am. The new inheritance tax laws will impact farms worth more than 1 million with a taxable rate of 20 per cent. The Treasury claims it only affects 28 per cent of farms, with ministers arguing that with tax allowances the real value will be 3 million before farms are affected. But Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) figures suggest up to 66 per cent could be affected. Ms Reeves has described her changes as fair and proportionate, with Labour arguing it would catch millionaires who they believe bought up agricultural land to avoid inheritance tax. National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw had suggested the government might soften on the family farm tax after a private meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. But in PMQs on Wednesday, Sir Keir made it clear that the government does not intend to back down. He said: We set out our position at the Budget, which was just set out. Were fixing the foundations. Were dealing with the 22 billion black hole that they left. Im not going to write the next five years of budgets here at this despatch box but we said we wouldnt hit the payslips of working people. Weve passed the Budget. Weve invested in the future, and weve kept that promise. He has previously said the vast majority of farms and farmers will be unaffected by the changes announced in the Budget. Independent.co.uk Award-winning 18-year-old Sligo woman Sarah Kelly is running two businesses on her 22ac holding Still only 18, Sarah Kelly has years of experience of full-time farming, having taken control of the family business, South Sligo Stables, at 16 when her father suffered a stroke. I was involved from day dot really, before I could walk, up on a horse and everything that comes with it, cleaning out and taking care of them, says Sarah, who was recently named Best Young Entrant in the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has hit back at criticism of his handling of Irelands Nitrates Derogation negotiations with the European Commission. Fine Gael agriculture spokesperson Tim Lombard criticised the Minister, saying he dropped the ball. Similarly, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald took aim at Minister McConalogues Zoom call with EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius last September, instead of attending in person. Listen, if my manifesto was as weak as some of the opposition parties, I would be trying to deflect attention away as well, he told the Farming Independent. The public will see that Fianna Fail has delivered on our commitments over the course of the last four years. ...I think that it [criticism] is merely electioneering, and I've led out a national effort bringing everyone together, not just across government and across cabinet, but across the farming sector. I've put a national plan together in terms of how we seek to maintain our Nitrates Derogation and everyone is behind it. That's work that I want to continue with. Minister McConalogue also took aim at Fine Gaels spending commitments to agriculture and lack of support for the Nitrates Derogation from others. If you take as a comparison, for example, the Fianna Fail manifesto with Fine Gael, we've given total spending commitments to farmers of 317m and that compares to 87m from Fine Gael, he continued. The Sinn Fein manifesto doesn't give any commitment at all to maintaining the nitrates derogation The Social Democrats have outlined how they would actually get rid of the Derogation. That is concerning and I know that will be something that farmers need to and will look closely in the context of their vote in the election campaign. Fine Gael Minister of State, Martin Heydon has described Fianna Fails financial promises to farmers as auction politics. It just seems like one is making up a number and the others are matching it, and who can go the highest, he told the Farming Independent. ...Minister McConalogue is talking about extra money for farmers into a SCEP scheme that two thirds of farmers haven't signed up to. What Fianna Fail is proposing from the way I see it is, they would have a scheme that would have a big shiny figure at the end of it that no farmer could access unless they wanted to drown themselves in paperwork. It is more than three months since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, but to date Ireland has seen no cases of a new and more dangerous strain of the virus. No cases of clade Ia or Ib mpox have ever been detected in Ireland, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said. Cases of a milder strain IIb in Ireland remain low, with 17 reported so far this year. There were 13 cases of mpox confirmed in Ireland last year and 227 cases the year before. The type of mpox that is causing concern in Africa is caused by clade I mpox, both clade Ia and Ib. To date clade Ib has a lower case-fatality rate than clade Ia mpox, a HSPC report said. This is different to clade IIb, which caused the global outbreak in 2022-2023, mainly affecting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Mpox spreads through close contact, including with the skin rash of someone with the virus. People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes sexual partners, household members, and health and care workers, it also said. However, cases of the mutant strains have been detected outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the initial centre of concern, where over 25,000 cases of clade Ib and 1,000 deaths, mostly in children under 15, have been reported. It has spread to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda as well as Sweden, Thailand, Germany, India and the US. The report said that as of November 22 Canada confirmed the first case of clade I mpox there. This travel-related case is associated with the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in central and eastern Africa. The public is being urged to follow public health advice particularly if travelling to or from a country in Africa where mpox cases are occurring. Earlier this month, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of clade I mpox in the United States. The HPSC also said: The first UK case had travelled to countries in Africa that are seeing community cases of clade Ib mpox. Three cases occurred in household contacts of the case; this was not unexpected as spread can occur among close household contacts. Sporadic imported cases of mpox may occur among travellers arriving from places where cases are regularly being reported in the community. It said the HSE was monitoring the situation in Ireland and abroad and it said the risk to the Irish public was low. The public is being urged to follow public health advice particularly if travelling to or from a country in Africa where mpox cases are occurring. To protect yourself and others against mpox, know the signs and symptoms of mpox, how the virus spreads, what to do if you get sick, and the risk of mpox infection in the area that you are planning to travel to. Information on countries affected by mpox is available from the WHO, the HPSC has said. Mpox needs close or intimate contact to spread, so casual contact like you might have during travel is not likely to cause infection. The family of the late Maria Stanca, from left, Dufan, grandson, George, son, and Suzana, grandaughter, leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court. Photo: Collins A coroner has advised anyone considering travelling abroad for surgery to realise that follow-up care may often be necessary after a Kildare resident died from complications from a weight-loss procedure in Turkey. Drink-driving is a choice that ruins lives victim Sheila Dunnes daughter voices anger as ex-model jailed over killer crash Jennifer Thomas (46) initially claimed the victim Sheila Dunne (50) may have been drivingDriver had consumed prosecco, cocktails, wine and gin and tonicsMembers of public tried to persuade Thomas to pull over when they saw her erratic driving Lilley Dunne speaks outside Cork Courthouse Ralph Riegel Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 13:20 Lilley Dunne fought back tears as she said drunk driver Jennifer Thomass reckless disregard for her mothers safety had devastating and irreversible consequences for her entire family. Man charged over fatal hit-and-run outside school told gardai I feel like a murderer, court hears Court told Danny Connors drove at very high speed through a red light at a pedestrian crossing outside a primary school as parents gathered to collect their children Stock image David Raleigh Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 18:39 A man charged today with dangerous driving causing the death of a pedestrian outside a primary school in Limerick city, replied to the charge, I feel like a murderer, a court heard. Mountjoy prisoner found guilty of murdering Robert OConnor after luring him into cell The jury of nine men and three women at the Central Criminal Court took a little under three hours to return a unanimous verdict of guilty of murder against David Dunne Robert O'Connor died after suffering serious injuries in Mountjoy Prison Eoin Reynolds Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 18:44 A Mountjoy prisoner has been convicted of murdering a fellow inmate after a jury agreed with the prosecution case that he had "lured" him into his cell, knocked him to the ground and stamped on his head in a "vicious and unprovoked" assault. Gardai are investigating if an arson attack at a property in north Dublin is linked to the stab murder of a grandfather just hours earlier. There have been no arrests yet following the killing of Anthony 'Josh' Fowler, aged 63, on Tuesday. The Irish Independent has learned that the chief suspect for Fowlers murder has fled. The suspect was well known to Mr Fowler and gardai are working on the theory that he did not arrive at the victims Finglas home with the intention of stabbing the man. Conor McGregor outside the High Court, Dublin, last week. Photo: PA Conor McGregor and the Proper No. Twelve whiskey The National Wax Museum has removed its statue of Conor McGregor, becoming the latest organisation to cut links with the MMA fighter after a High Court jury found he had assaulted a woman who had accused him of rape. On Thursday, the National Wax Museum plus said it deemed it appropriate to remove the waxwork two weeks ago while the case was still being heard "as it was the right decision to make despite it being one of its most popular exhibits. The waxwork was unveiled in 2017 by the fighters father Tony. A spokesperson told RTE: We regularly review our exhibits to make sure they align with our values and the expectations of visitors and at the time we felt it was the right decision to make. The spokesperson added: If you look at most photos online taken by people visiting the museum, a lot would be with McGregor. "So it was one of our more popular ones, especially with tourists from various countries." McGregor has been hit with a series of blows, with the JD Wetherspoon pub chain pulling the fighters stout from its Irish pubs. The pub chain confirmed it is taking McGregors Forged Irish Stout off its taps at all seven locations in Ireland. In a short statement, a spokesman said: Wetherspoon has taken the decision to remove the product, Forged Stout, in its pubs in ROI. The number of retail outlets who have stopped selling alcohol brands associated with MMA fighter Conor McGregor continues to grow. It comes after a High Court jury last week found that McGregor assaulted hair colourist Nikita Hand. McGregor must now pay Ms Hand 248,603 in damages. DAA, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, confirmed it no longer sells whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve at duty-free shops at either airport. DAA can confirm that Proper No. Twelve whiskey was removed from sale in both Dublin and Cork airports over the weekend, DAA media relations manager Graeme McQueen said. We can confirm that none of the bars in Dublin or Cork airports sell either Proper No 12 or Forged Irish Stout. Conor McGregor and the Proper No. Twelve whiskey A Belfast-based pub that promoted Forged Irish Stout has told The Irish News it has stopped selling the drink and that a mural advertising it will be removed. Cease collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately Filthy McNastys on Dublin Road in the city hosted a launch event promoting the stout on November 30 last year. The promotion was branded the Forged Irish Stout Belfast City Takeover. A wall outside the bar features a mural showing a pint of the stout alongside the slogan Here To Take Over, a nod to one of McGregors post-fight interview quotes. The Irish Independent has contacted Filthy McNastys for comment. Conor McGregor outside the High Court, Dublin, last week. Photo: PA Scully Fitness, a gym based in Annaghdown, Co Galway, posted a video on social media on Tuesday showing a mural of McGregor inside the gym being painted over. Galway gym covers up Conor McGregor mural following Nikita Hands case A number of large retailers in Ireland have also announced the withdrawal of products linked to the MMA fighter from stores this week. Musgrave, the owner of SuperValu and Centra, was the first to announce Proper No. Twelve and Forged Irish Stout would be withdrawn from stores. This was followed by Tesco, Spar owners BWG Foods and the Barry Group, which operates of Costcutter and Carry Out off-licences. Forged Irish Stout, which is still owned by McGregor, was launched in July last year It came after the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) at the weekend urged retailers to stop selling the brands associated with McGregor following the High Court jurys decision last Friday. The Proper No. Twelve brand was bought from McGregor (36) by Proximo Spirits in 2021, though he continued to promote the whiskey brand on his social media accounts. The company announced on Tuesday it would no longer use his name or image on the drink. Conor McGregor outside the High Court, Dublin, last week. Photo: PA It also said it was ending its association with the MMA fighter. Forged Irish Stout, which is still owned by McGregor, was launched in July last year. Video game developer and publisher IO Interactive, which had partnered with McGregor to include his likeness in the most recent instalment of the Hitman game series, also confirmed in a post on X on Monday that it would cease collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately... in light of the recent court ruling. CORRECTION: This piece has been amended as it incorrectly stated Forged Irish Stout was previously sold in the duty free of Cork and Dublin airports. It was not sold in either. People could end up skint if Sinn Fein enter government, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said. In his final media doorstep before the polling stations open tomorrow, the Fine Gael leader warned voters that the economic headwinds are real. The comments come after Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Simon Harris of scaremongering over his warnings about future economic shocks. Sinn Fein are promising change. I think in the final hours of this campaign a lot of voters will be thinking, what does that mean for change in my pocket, Mr Harris said. A vote for Sinn Fein, you could end up skint. Dont end up with buyer's remorse in relation to this election, he added. Mr Harris said Ms McDonalds accusations of scaremongering was because the opposition leader couldnt come up with an answer to possible changes to Irelands economy. The economic headwinds are real. Weve seen that only this week and for Mary Lou McDonald, somebody who aspires to be Taoiseach, to describe that as scaremongering, just because she cant come up with a coherent answer to respond to that is dismissive of the economic reality of the world that we live in now, the Taoiseach said. The Fine Gael leader said that not one member of his party would be in favour of entering government with Sinn Fein, unlike other parties. While Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has ruled out entering government on numerous occasions throughout the campaign, a number of TDs from his party have previously said it should be considered. Theres some parties where a number of TDs have indicated that is an option for them. You wont find one Fine Gael TD ever, on or off the record who suggests that. You cant say that for all parties, Mr Harris said. Meanwhile the Taoiseach reacted to criticism from Labours Ivana Bacik after Mr Harris appealed to voters in an interview with the Irish Examiner, to transfer to other parties of the centre, noting Fianna Fail and Labour. Simon Harris urged voters to choose centrist parties (Brian Lawless/PA) Election 2024 daily update: Friday 29th of November 2024 I saw the Taoiseachs comments today and frankly I think they smack of desperation in the last few days of this campaign, Ms Bacik said in response. Mr Harris said Ms Baciks response was a peculiar tactic. I like Ivana Bacik, I think she is a good, constructive and decent politician but when one political party suggests that some supports might want to lend their preference to their party later on in their ballot, youd imagine people might graciously consider that, Mr Harris said. Its a peculiar tactic when Im basically saying maybe Fine Gael voters might like to vote for parties somewhere down the line who weve worked with before, he added. Mr Harris added that his party had worked well with other parties in government. I think the Labour party have played a constructive role in government in the past, I think the two parties were currently in coalition with have played constructive roles. The point Im making is Fine Gael have shown an ability to work with lots of different parties of in and around the centre. People can decide where they want to be on that spectrum, he added. Drug policy became an unlikely flashpoint between the two main coalition parties in the early days of the general election campaign, but what does each party commit to on drugs? Fianna Fail pledged to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use in its manifesto, though later clarified that this provision just referred to cannabis. The promise drew criticism from Taoiseach Simon Harris in the first week on the campaign trail, who said the approach was counterintuitive to Government initiatives on smoking and vaping and added: Do we really want to move to a point, does Irish society really want to move to a point where were decriminalising drug-taking? Not sure, and I certainly dont. The Fine Gael manifesto does not reference taking any legislative steps in regards to drug policy reform. Both positions are in fact at odds with the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use to decriminalise the personal use of all drugs, not just cannabis. It followed 36 recommendations put forward by the Citizens Assembly on Drugs Use, which was divided on the response to possession of cannabis for personal use in particular, settling narrowly in favour of a health-led response that would treat all drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue. Sinn Fein and Independent Ireland were the only parties to not include any reference to drug policy or reform in their manifestos, while the Green Party, Labour and the Social Democrats are all largely on board with decriminalisation. Aontu is staunchly against it. Dr Cian O Concubhair, an assistant professor in criminal justice at Maynooth University, said the reaction of Fine Gael to the Fianna Fail proposals on drug policy was surprising considering there had been a broad acceptance of the recommendations of the cross-party Committee on Drug Use. Meanwhile, the Sinn Fein manifesto was completely silent on drug policy despite previously publishing a standalone addiction and recovery strategy and voicing support for the Citizens Assembly. In order to decriminalise, you have to repeal Section 3 (of the the Misuse of Drugs Act, which criminalises possession). Its a simple legal change if you are just looking at the justice policy side of things that has nothing to do with health policy but if you accept the evidence that the criminal justice systems involvement in this area makes things worse, that by criminalising people for personal use of drugs, you make things worse, you create obstacles to accessing health services, Dr O Concubhair said. Many political parties have committed to a health-led approach to drug use in their manifestos, with very different definitions of what that this would involve. Among those calling on parties to commit to implementing the recommendations of the Committee on Drugs among other measures is the national CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign, with coordinator Anna Quigley saying the current approach has failed. Policies that are based on moral judgement of people as bad, or weak, or inadequate, have failed us miserably, she said, adding there is a need to focus on evidence and what it tells us about why some people end up in difficulty through using drugs and how broader social and economic circumstances have an impact. Many, including political parties like People Before Profit, believe decriminalisation allows for drug dependence to be treated as a medical issue rather than a policing issue. The position held by others, including Aontu, is that deregulating access to use, results in more use. Dr Bobby Smyth, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist who has works in adolescent addiction services in Dublin, describes drug-taking as a health risk behaviour that should remain prohibited in legislation. "Doctors, where we see that theres a risk associated with a behaviour, our advice usually is to tell people they are better off not to do that, he said. "Drug use is risky enough to use sanction as well as the advice, it invites risk into the persons life, and it also invites risk into other peoples lives, most particularly their family. If someone uses drugs, develops an addiction, its not going to be just them who pays the price for that. Dr Smyth said the debate around drug policy continues into the language that is used, believing there is too much focus on legislation in the conversation around drug policy rather than the reasons why we have drug policies, which is that drugs damage lives and we need a comprehensive drug strategy, which is largely built around prevention and treatment. My primary loyalty is to my patients who are teenagers who run into problems around drink and drugs mainly drugs to get back to try do things that help them. They recover in a context and if that context is getting more drug-friendly, its harder for them when they run into problems with drugs to exit that world. It was the issue of cannabis that tripped up two of the coalition parties during the election, and while medicinal use is permitted on a case-by-case basis in a system with varying levels of success, there are some who are tired of waiting for a different kind of change. Cannabis campaigner David Smullen founded the Major Group for Cannabis Reform around five years ago, hosting an annual Major Smoke Up and events where vendors sell their wares at secret locations to destigmatise cannabis use so that it is normal, like having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. We believe that we should just be acting as if cannabis is legal recreationally already. If youre waiting on the Government, youll never get it done. We do our own thing, we feel like thats the best way to make a stand, he said. Until its on paper, its not safe for everyone. The law will not stop the scene. Mr Smullen acknowledged that legalisation is a very large step and that perhaps the way society as its set up right now isnt ready for full blown legalisation yet. "Decriminalisation isnt ideal, but it gives a bit of freedom, a bit of space to operate in. Its a foot in the door but there are downsides, like the decriminalised market doesnt have a fully set up supply chain, that would still be illegal. What does each party manifesto promise on drug policy? Ahead of the general election, we guide you through the voting system with important advice on how to avoid spoiling your vote. How do I vote? Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. A polling card is not required to vote but voters may be asked for identification so it is important to have some with you. Voting under the PR-STV system is a straightforward process. Each voter will be given a ballot paper for their constituency. There is a lot of information on the ballot to help voters. A photograph of each candidate is included along with information on any political party affiliation, their address and occupation. Each voter ranks the candidates in order of their preference by placing 1, 2, 3. in the box alongside the candidate. The number of candidates on the ballot will vary from one constituency to the next. The great advantage of PR-STV is that it is an intuitive system allowing the voter to express an opinion on all of the candidates if they want to. It is often said, that whilst a person has one vote, they can offer many choices. How do I avoid spoiling my vote? Many voters choose to express only a few preferences, often voting from 1 to 5. The important thing is to express a clear preference. If you would like to vote for just one candidate, put the number 1 next to their name. Returning officers usually accept a single X next to a candidates name as a clear preference. But you should not put multiple Xs on the ballot as this will result in your vote being spoiled. The same would be true if you put the number 1 next to a few candidates. The vote cannot be counted as the returning officer cannot be sure about the order of the preferences and it will be deemed invalid. No selfies! There are no specific laws about taking selfies but it is an offence to reveal the content of your ballot in the polling station so no posing with it, no matter how much you want to. For the same reason, voters should not write any messages or slogans on their ballot. Again, it may reveal the identity of the voter and could result in the vote being deemed invalid and thus excluded during the counting process. Voters have sparked a big trend on social media by bringing their dogs with them to vote. The electoral law in Ireland does not cover dogs at polling stations but health and safety could strike so best to check whether your dog is welcome before you arrive together. Fine Gael says its calculation of the percentage of women running for Independent Ireland was based on the candidates who appear on the partys own website Independent Ireland has accused Fine Gael of spreading misinformation on the eve of the election by claiming the party had not reached its gender quota for women candidates. A press release in the name of Fine Gael candidate Grace Boland said the new party failed spectacularly in seeking to reach the mandatory 40pc gender quota. Ms Boland, a Fingal West candidate, said Independent Ireland was running just 20 candidatesc, of which seven were female. Why are Independent Ireland so against having women candidates? Are the three wise men of Independent IrelandMichael Collins, Richard ODonoghue, and Michael Fitzmauricethreatened by women? she said. However, Independent Ireland is running 28 candidates, of which 12 are female. This means Independent Irelands gender balance is 42.85pc female. Fine Gael's own is marginally less, on 41pc. In a statement posted on Independent Irelands social media, the party said: The assertion that we have failed to meet the 40pc gender quota is not only misleading but fundamentally inaccurate. It is both disheartening and incredible to witness a candidate from Fine Gael engage in such divisive commentary, especially when their own track record does not reflect the progress they claim to champion. Independent Ireland's gender balance is in fact higher than Fine Gaels, the party said. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the discourse on gender equality and representation For a party that is so intent on clamping down on free speech and misinformation we find the below press release both divisive and misleading and will be requesting a full apology, retraction and clarification from Ms Boland and Mr Harris. We urge voters to consider the facts and their implications as they prepare for the upcoming election. When it was noted online that Independent Irelands website had not been updated to show its full ticket of candidates, the party said Ms Boland's press release was a disgrace. If Ms Boland cared to do her due diligence she would have easily accessed the information, we have a very small team of volunteers, one of the team hadn't updated the website, it hardly warrants an attack such as Ms Boland issued today, the party added. In response, a spokesperson for Fine Gael said: This information was based entirely on Independent Irelands own website the day before the country votes. We note they were quick enough to remove their Dublin South Central candidate and Conor McGregor supporter, Cllr Philip Sutcliffe, following his appearance alongside McGregor at court last week. But they couldnt find the time to update the profiles of all their candidates despite nominations closing almost two weeks ago. The only misinformation is on the side of Independent Ireland. We note their website is still not updated. I believe Christmas is coming. Advertisement agencies dont seem to have noticed. Theyre calling it holiday season. Broadcast media presenters are too. Why have we taken on this Americanism? Have we lost all pride in ourselves? Happy Christmas, well in advance. Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan Thankfully this bout was one non-event that we didnt have to pay to watch Hyped as the most consequential leaders debate of our time, it ends up inconsequential. Ah well, thats television for you. At least it wasnt pay-per-view. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Too much faux empathy from Harris made him the least authentic in debate In Tuesdays leaders debate on RTE all the leaders were guarded, obviously afraid of making a mistake at this late stage of the campaign. However, Simon Harris came across as the least authentic. It seemed to me he was over-compensating in the empathy stakes with every difficult situation he was asked about, obviously an over-reaction to his walking away from a care worker in Kanturk. He certainly didnt win me over with his faux empathy. Mary Lou McDonald and Micheal Martin were more their usual selves. Whatever about policies, I like my leaders to be authentic, Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway Now is time for a strong left government to give people what they want For election after election, the only clear choice offered was a Fianna Fail or Fine Gael-led government. Now these parties have dictated to the electorate that Fine Gael-Fianna Fail in government together is our only option. The best option for themselves perhaps, but not for the rest of us. Stability, they say. Yes, I guess if you are happy with things getting worse steadily and the same faces telling you that they are going to do wonderful things the next time if you just give them one more chance. Fine Gael-Fianna Fail have run out of excuses and are almost about to say that the dog ate their homework. Tomorrow people have a chance to vote for real change, in particular in housing policy, and a different type of government, led by a strong left presence. Michael Brown, Greystones, Co Wicklow Senior hurling is no easy task for newcomers on the field or in government You are playing senior hurling now was how the late Seamus Brennan greeted the Green Party team as it arrived in Government Buildings for the 2007 talks on forming a government with Fianna Fail. Simon Harris is now learning on the job that playing senior hurling with some lads that have All-Ireland experience allied to the benefit of lifes proficiency behind them is no easy task. I am not one bit surprised to read and hear about a series of campaign gaffes by the taoiseach that have seen support for Fine Gael slide in recent days. When one juxtaposes the taoiseach to the tanaiste, one sees the experience and shrewdness of Micheal Martin shining through. I find the following words once uttered by the late Albert Einstein to be apposite to the above: The only source of knowledge is experience. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Election candidates ought to be asked about stance on dangerous euthanasia With just hours to go before the general election its so disheartening to think that one of the most important items for discussion has not been tackled yet: nobody is asking the hard questions on the right to life. Sadly the electorate dont seem to think that another great abomination is hitting us in the face, namely euthanasia and seemingly its not important to ask candidates where they stand on this issue. With our recent history on the abortion referendum, is it not necessary that candidates are questioned on which side they take on the sacredness of human life and the preservation of every life? We have a hospice team in Ireland second to none who go above and beyond to make those in their care comfortable with a dignified death. Any mention of euthanasia is insulting to this great service. Mary Haran, Aclare, Co Sligo For a change, how about a plan for the people who do not live in the capital? In the run-up to this election a number of political parties launched what has been termed a Dublin plan. I find it remarkable that any political entity thinks Dublin needs any more plans at all. With the north-west of the country having been so badly neglected by successive governments in terms of infrastructure and investment, a strategic, long-term, realistic plan to revitalise towns and villages in this part of the country would have been welcome. All political parties must end their obsessive Dublin-centric thinking. Stephen OHara, Carrowmore, Co Sligo Returning peacekeepers know colleagues will take their place in Lebanon Your happy front-page photograph (November 26) of a member of the Defence Forces returning from duty in Lebanon will be much appreciated by those in the Defence Forces. Amid the joy of the returning troops, let us not forget those who have replaced them as Christmas approaches. While the just-announced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah will be very welcome news, the reality for the wider Defence Forces family is that the worry and tension moves from one household to another for the next six months as the underestimated work of Irelands peacekeeping continues. Michael Gannon, Saint Thomass Square, Kilkenny city Use your vote tomorrow wisely and remember, not all countries are as lucky They have said their bit and some have taken a hit. But now its all down to the people to have their say. Be sure you use your vote. The franchise is not a right every country has. We keep it alive and well by exercising it. Ed Toal, Galway city Independent councillor Patsy OBrien has accused Fine Gael of seeking to damage his election chances by publishing details of the reason he was expelled from the party. In a statement published on Tuesday, Fine Gael said they expelled Mr OBrien because he repeatedly sent unsolicited pornographic material to a female Oireachtas staff member. Mr OBrien hit back saying he sent one viral message which claimed was workplace banter. On the eve of the election, the former Fine Gael councillor posted a message on Facebook claiming he was being targeted by his former party for electoral gains. The issues that have been brought into the public arena by Fine Gael have been deliberately timed, in an attempt to damage my good name and damage me politically, Mr OBrien said. I fought a Senate election campaign and a Council election campaign in the last few years as an Independent, and the party didnt see me as a threat, in either election. The support the people gave me in Junes election has winded Fine Gael and a recent opinion poll shows that I am in contention to win a seat, he added. Former Fine Gael member Patsy O'Brien Election 2024 daily update: Friday 29th of November 2024 Fine Gael has not responded to the accusation from Mr OBrien. The party expelled Mr OBrien in October 2020 but refused to say why he was forced out of Fine Gael. Mr OBrien also refused to answer questions about his exit from the party. The Irish Independent confirmed two weeks ago that Mr OBrien was expelled because he sent inappropriate messages to a Fine Gael staff member. Fine Gael subsequently released a statement saying Mr OBrien was expelled from the party after an internal committee found he was in breach of their code of conduct for repeatedly sending unsolicited pornographic material, which was degrading and graphic in nature, to the Oireachtas staff member. This caused serious upset, alarm and distress to her, Fine Gael said. Mr OBrien responded by telling his local radio station he sent one text message in error for which he apologised. "The Whatsapp, as sent, was generic and viral at the time and was not of myself. It was brought to my attention some three months afterwards, a lot of texts that are sent in the workplace environment, amount to workplace banter, he added. Meanwhile, Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton is still refusing to comment on claims she continued to campaign with Mr OBrien despite knowing about the messages he sent an Oireachtas staff member. She refused to comment when asked on two occasions by the Irish Independent if she did continue to support OBrien. Ms Naughton later appeared on her local radio station where she refused to answer the same question despite it being put to her a further three times. Mr OBrien confirmed in his statement that he sent a text in 2019. The Fine Gael staff member said she received a number of messages throughout the same year in a letter sent to Taoiseach Simon Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee. Ms Naughton posted photographs and videos of herself and Mr OBrien canvassing during the 2020 General Election campaign. Footage of Conor McGregor partying with member of Kinahan cartel murder squad viewed almost four million times online Video of UFC fighter with foot soldier Nathan Foley in Black Forge bar has resurfaced UFC fighter and owner of The Black Forge pub in Dublin Conor McGregor with Kinahan cartel foot soldier Nathan Foley in the footage Robin Schiller Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 03:30 A video recording that has gone viral in the wake of Conor McGregors civil rape case shows him partying with a convicted member of a Kinahan gang murder squad. Gardai released an image of the man taken from CCTV footage Gardai released an image of the man taken from CCTV footage Gardai have established the identify of a man whose body was taken from the water at Claddagh Quay in Galway city 11 days ago following a public appeal. The case had left investigators perplexed but following a public appeal issued at 11am on Wednesday they received a strong response. A source said that by 5pm yesterday, gardai had a strong idea who the deceased man was and through further enquiries confirmed his identity and informed his next-of-kin. One theory is that the deceased fell into the River Corrib accidentally, but investigators say it might never be known why the man entered the water. The mans body was recovered from the Claddagh Basin on Sunday, November 17, and to date nobody matching his description has been reported missing to gardai. Yesterday, gardai in Galway released a still image from CCTV footage recorded in a McDonalds restaurant of the man. The footage is believed to have captured the man on the day he entered the water. Gardai were able to track his movements from a number of venues that day and it is understood he had engaged a number of people in conversation. It is believed he spoke with an Irish accent and was dressed expensively, a source said. He is estimated to have been aged in his 60s and measured 5ft 7in in height, with a medium build, weighing between 78kg and 80kg. He had blue eyes and a full head of reddish-grey hair. He also had a grey beard and slightly red moustache and had black-rimmed glasses on his person. The man was wearing a grey tweed suit jacket and trousers, a blue and white striped shirt with a flowery print along the seams, buttons and inside the collar. He was wearing size 10 Asos black-laced dress shoes. Gardai released an image of the man taken from CCTV footage Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 28th Gardai canvassed businesses, including pubs, shops, hotels and B&Bs, in a bid to identify the man. It is not believed the man is from the Galway city area, as nobody who has been questioned by gardai recognised him. At this point in the investigation nothing points to the deceased intentionally taking his own life, a source said. It is understood the man entered the water at the Claddagh Basin which is a very popular spot in Galway city for walkers and where many take photos. Investigators suspect he may have just fallen in to the water accidentally. While drowning incidents in the River Corrib are tragically common, normally any remains recovered from the water are identified quickly. Joe Lynskey's niece Maria at the site of a previous dig for his body in Co Meath. Photo: Kyran O'Brien For the third time in nine years, the niece of Joe Lynskey is hopeful she can finally bring her only uncle home. Ive been disappointed before, so Im hoping Im not disappointed again, Maria Lynskey said. In 1972, her uncle, a former Cistercian monk from west Belfast who later joined the IRA, was abducted and murdered by the paramilitary organisation. It would be nearly 40 years in January 2010 before the republican group admitted responsibility. A statement issued on behalf of the IRA said he had been killed as part of an internal disciplinary process and his body had been buried in an unmarked grave. Subsequent searches for his remains proved unsuccessful, but on Tuesday it was announced that the group set up to find the Disappeared those who were shot and secretly buried during the Troubles had carried out an exhumation at a cemetery in Co Monaghan. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR) said it received information about suspicious activity during the 1970s at a grave in Annyalla cemetery. Both the timeframe and the location coincide with the disappearance of Joe Lynskey in 1972, the statement said. ICLVR lead investigator Jon Hill told BBC Radio Ulster that several sets of human remains had been recovered from the grave and DNA analysis was now being carried out to confirm the identities. It would be a process that would probably take some time, he added. Joe Lynskey's niece Maria at the site of a previous dig for his body in Co Meath. Photo: Kyran O'Brien If the body of Mr Lynskey is found, it would contradict the previous statement issued by the IRA. While there is cautious optimism, Ms Lynskey said she was nervous about getting her hopes up again. Two previous searches at sites in Co Meath ended in disappointment. In 2015, the ICLVR carried out a search in Coghalstown, but did not locate his remains. However, the bodies of two other members of the Disappeared, Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee, were recovered during the dig. A further search in 2018 at Oristown was also unsuccessful. These are long journeys for us, for all the families of the Disappeared that have had to go through this, she told BBCs Talkback programme. Her father died 30 years ago without ever knowing what happened to his brother, and she said finding his remains would finally bring closure. She described her uncle as quiet, gentle and shy. Whoever owns this grave, I thank them from the bottom of my heart that this has come out and hopefully its Joe. I hope to God its Joe and we can bring him home, she said. Mr Lynskey was the first person to be disappeared by the IRA. He previously studied at Bethlehem Abbey in Portglenone, Co Antrim, to be a Cistercian monk. The remains of 13 of the Disappeared have been recovered, while Mr Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Seamus Maguire and Robert Nairac are still missing. Mr McVeigh was kidnapped in 1975, British soldier Captain Nairac was abducted in south Armagh in 1977, and Mr Maguires disappearance was taken on as a new case by the ICLVR in 2022. He was around 26 when he disappeared from the Lurgan area of Armagh in or around 1973/1974. Mr Hill stressed that the identity of the body found at Annyalla, which is between Monaghan town and Castleblayney, will not be confirmed until DNA testing had been completed. Joe Lynskey Update on exhumation of a grave in the search for Disappeared victim Joe Lynskey In 2010, journalist Allison Morris broke the story about Mr Lynskeys death in the Irish News. It was only then that the IRA came forward to confirm its role in his murder. She revealed that a Monaghan man who was a member of a small IRA unit guarding Mr Lynskey in the days leading up to his death had later contacted her to give details about what happened. Dolours Price, an IRA member who was jailed for her role in injuring 200 people in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London, contacted The Irish News to say she had collected Mr Lynskey from a house in west Belfast and delivered him to a safe house in Monaghan, where an internal court martial was to be carried out. His death came after he had an affair with the wife of another IRA man. Ms Morris reported that acting without the sanction of the organisation, he ordered his love rival be shot. While the love rival survived the murder attempt, it led to tensions between the Provisional and Official IRA about who was responsible for ordering the shooting. The plight of the Disappeared has been highlighted in a new series on Disney+ called Say Nothing. It focuses on events during the Troubles, including the deaths of mother-of-10 Jean McConville, Kevin McKee and Mr Lynskey. Irish Rail has apologised to Dublin commuters who have been suffering delays due to a signalling issue. In a statement on the social media on Thursday evening, Irish Rail said that All Dart and Northern Commuter services are currently suspended due to a signalling issue. The company said that during the suspension of the line, Dublin Bus would be accepting valid rail tickets. The lines remain suspended although engineers have rectified the signalling issue. The signalling issue has been resolved, and we are working to move the trains onto platforms, Irish Rail said. Services resumed at approximately 8 pm on Thursday with considerable delays. Ianrod Eireann has said that Dart services are operating with delays of an hour and three quarters. Northern Commuter services are operating with delays of up to 87 minutes. Northern Irelands Translink has alerted passengers that the train scheduled for 7pm from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central will be running 18 minutes late and that the trains going through Newry and Dundalk are subject to delays. Sligo services are operating with delays of up to 69 minutes: Dart. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 28th Workers likely to start with work-to-rule, but stoppages are possible Forsa would have to give three weeks notice to the HSE and is not expected to act until the New Year. Stock image Hospital patients face the threat of strikes across the health service in the new year after thousands of staff voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. Nurses, social care workers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and clerical and administrative staff employed by the HSE are among the workers who have now backed action, which could include stoppages, in a dispute over an alleged staffing crisis. It is understood they are likely to start with a work-to-rule. Unions will make a final decision on the form of industrial action to be taken in the next fortnight, but must give three weeks notice of any potential action to employers. I think therell probably be a peaceful Christmas, but cant say the same about the new year, a union source said. It will probably be January before the ball is thrown in. However, the public service pay deal says no form of industrial action shall be taken by any party in furtherance of claims or proposals within or beyond this process. A HSE spokesman said it awaits the outcome of the ongoing ballots. Should there be a mandate for industrial action, we will consider the matter in the context of the public service agreement, once we receive detail on the type of action proposed. The spokesperson insisted the HSE had engaged with unions to resolve issues and that it would continue to do so, using the industrial relations mechanisms of the State if required. The HSE says there are 27,901 more staff working in the health service than there was at the beginning of 2020 a 23pc increase. Lunchtime protests have been held in the last few weeks and another is set to take place at St Vincents Hospital in Dublin today. Forsas ballot paper allowed a member to vote on industrial action up to strike action in response to the impact of the Pay and Numbers Strategy in the HSE. That impact being the suppressing of posts and failure to replace vacant posts within the HSE and the ongoing effect this has on the ability to deliver safe services across the country, it said. Forsa members backed industrial action by just under 94pc while members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) favoured it by just under 96pc. Unite members also voted to approve industrial action. An INMO spokesperson said members had been balloted on the non-filling and delayed filling of posts. She said more than 2,000 nursing and midwifery posts had been left unfilled in the public health system at the end of last year. INMO president Caroline Gourley said directors of nursing and midwifery had been stripped of all autonomy to recruit nurses and midwives, but were still expected to ensure a safe service. We cannot wait any longer, patients deserve a properly staffed health service that is not constantly dogged by crisis after crisis, she said. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said its executive council would work with other health-sector trade unions that balloted their members to decide on a united approach over the next two weeks. Our members are often the first point of contact many sick people have with the public health system, she said. In turn, they have to bear the brunt of the publics rightful frustration with the overcrowding crisis and long waiting lists that are exacerbated by short staffing. One of the first priorities of the next government must be to solve the staffing issues that exist right across the public sector. Health service unions have been holding lunchtime protests at hospitals in recent weeks after alleging that they were not consulted on the HSEs staffing plan, the Pay and Numbers Strategy. The unions claim the HSE has suppressed thousands of vacant posts that were not filled since a hiring ban was imposed. The hiring ban has since been lifted. Forsa said in a statement that the suppression of these jobs meant that health staff were being forced to cope with an insufficient complement of workers in most departments. It claimed this was adversely affecting services to older people, community, and mental health services. The union said current pressures on services were set to get worse as demand rose in the winter months. Head of Forsas Health and Welfare division, Ashley Connolly said the incoming government would need to tackle the staffing issue very quickly. Siptu has not balloted its members. The unions divisional head, Kevin Figgis said it was consulting with members in the HSE regions. Former TD Jim Daly to take up new role as chief of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association Jim Daly served as Fine Gael TD for Cork South-West between 2011 and 2020. Photo: Tom Burke The head of a powerful health lobby group is endorsing Fine Gael in the general election. The new chief executive of the hospital consultants body is backing the party candidate aiming to take the seat of Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Former Fine Gael minister Jim Daly has supported the partys new candidate Noel ODonovan in tomorrows election. Mr Daly is currently head of the Private Hospitals Association, the group representing the private healthcare providers. He will take up a new role in the new year as chief of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA), representing medics earning up to 300,000 a year. However, the body is supposed to be impartial politically because it has to work with whoever is in government as well as parties in opposition. Thats a question for them to answer, Mr Daly said when asked whether his public backing of Fine Gael was appropriate given his role. I dont have any comment and I wont be making any comment. Jim Daly served as Fine Gael TD for Cork South-West between 2011 and 2020. Photo: Tom Burke Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 28th Mr Daly served as TD for Cork South-West from 2011 to 2020. He was junior minister for mental health and older people from 2017 to 2020. The candidate he is endorsing, Fine Gaels Noel ODonovan, is targeting the seat the party lost to Ms Cairns in the 2020 general election. Greetings from Clonakilty. I am here with a simple message, thats to ask you, the voter, to please come out on Friday to vote number one Noel ODonovan, he says in a video circulated by Mr ODonovan. Cork South-West sees Fine Gael in competition with Fianna Fail, Independent Ireland, Sinn Fein and the Social Democrats for three seats. Ms Cairns is currently expecting the birth of her first child and has taken a step back from the partys national campaign. Mr Daly will be at the frontline of demonstrating to the next government that consultants are delivering on their new contracts and that more public patients are benefiting. Hospital consultants were offered a new contract in March of last year which provided for a yearly income of up to 300,000 in return for only treating public patients in public hospitals. They can still treat private patients outside of allocated hours. Announcing his appointment, the IHCA said Mr Daly would bring considerable experience and insights as a healthcare representative leader, policymaker and legislator. Young mother Chloe Coffey, 25, who is in homeless accommodation with her son Jackson (4). A total of 205 homeless families were supported by The Salvation Army across the capital in 2023, marking a record year for the charity. The charity provided emergency accommodation for an extra 32 homeless families in Dublin last year, its newly-released annual report has shown. The 205 families took refuge in The Salvation Armys three family hubs across the capital, compared to 173 in 2022. There are currently 14,760 people in the State who are homeless or relying on emergency accommodation, of which 4,561 are children, official figures show. The Salvation Army, funded by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE, is one of the largest providers of emergency accommodation in Dublin, providing more than 250,000 bed nights a year across its six lifehouses. The 2023 report revealed that in Houben House (Harolds Cross), Clonard Road (Crumlin) and Greencastle (Coolock), a combined 76,000 meals were served to parents and children. Young mother Chloe Coffey, 25, who appeared on RTEs Upfront programme on housing this month is among the new residents at Houben House. She was forced to leave her job when a problem arose with the creche attended by her son Jackson (4), who suffers from a life-limiting heart condition. Ms Coffey was unable to afford her 2,700 per monthly rent as a result and was forced into homelessness with her son. She outlined her plight directly to Housing Minister Darragh OBrien and party leaders during the live televised housing special I left my job and just could not sustain the rent and I had to declare myself homeless, she said. Im very grateful to have somewhere over my head but you cant cook a meal and supervise your child in a communal kitchen, you cant do both at once. I dont even want to get up in the mornings, Im constantly crying, then my son is wondering why is mammy always upset? Staff in the church and charitys three family and three adult-only hubs (Granby Centre, York House and Rease House) work to alleviate the pressure of homelessness through a wide range of activities organised for residents. These include programmes to prepare them for independent living, employment schemes, stress reduction activities, walking groups and support groups based on the Twelve Steps of Recovery programme. Despite the enormous difficulties, our families work hard to see beyond their current circumstances, engage with our services and work towards a better future for themselves and their children, said Marion Rouffet, the Salvation Armys Divisional Commander in Ireland. She stressed a lack of adequate housing options, financial difficulties, mental health challenges and language barriers as obstacles for those facing or in homelessness. Our dedicated staff work with housing agencies to find suitable accommodation and we also design and deliver several classes and workshops to help people learn about budgeting, healthy eating and other skills vital for life beyond the family hub, she said. The report also revealed that staff at some of the homeless family hubs are sometimes at risk of compassion fatigue, from working with individuals exposed to trauma. It stated that prolonged interactions can have a significant impact on mental and physical health. A Health and Wellbeing Policy for staff is in place as a result. The charity also runs an active chaplaincy service, which offers pastoral support to residents, staff and families. The latest housing figures for the country are due to be released by the Department of Housing on Friday, November 29. Sarah Dooley, from Debbycot, Mountmellick, Co. Laois, has been honoured as the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year 2024 at the awards ceremony in Dublins College Green Hotel. Pictured with Sarah Dooley are Family Carers Ireland patrons, Miriam O'Callaghan and Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey and Catherine Cox, Family Carers Ireland. PHOTO: Mark Stedman A mother who fought tirelessly for her autistic twin boys to go to school, while dealing with her older sons Leukaemia diagnosis, has been honoured as Irelands Carer of the Year. Sarah Dooley (37), from Mountmellick, Co Laois, received the accolade at the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Award 2024 at College Green Hotel in Dublin today. Ms Dooley was delighted with the national recognition for her extraordinary strength and dedication after she launched her own personal campaign in February 2023 to fight for a school place for her twins, John and Patrick (5). The mother-of-four fought to ensure her sons, who are autistic and non-verbal would go to school, despite there being zero places near the family home. Pictured are Family Carers Ireland patrons, Miriam O'Callaghan and Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey and Catherine Cox, Family Carers Ireland, with Netwatch Young Carers of the Year, from left, Dublin carer Senan Vaughan (12), Leinster carer Shannon Egan (16), Munster carer Ellen Gannon (11) and Ulster and Lucy Connor (14) at the awards ceremony in Dublins College Green Hotel. Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication of Irelands family carers. PHOTO: Mark Stedman The carer lobbied tirelessly on local radio and even had her case mentioned in the Dail. And after months of campaigning, she finally found her boys a place 40 minutes drive away. We had the option to home school the boys, Ms Dooley told the Irish Independent. Wed never have opted for that, the mother explained of her and her partner, Cathals decision to fight for a school. The boys home environment is their safe place and we wanted them to get out and have little friends. My sons were entitled to an education in a school, like every child. They started school this September and its a long drive but the change in them is unbelievable, she said. Before attending school, John had spent his days in the corner of the sitting room, with toys around him, a little sh ield from the outside world, Ms Dooley explained. John doesn't talk but hes now starting to bring out sounds, Ms Dooley said. He now hums songs, hes communicating. Now if my son, Owen (9) has friends around John wont leave his side. He wants to play on the trampoline, play tag. He involves himself more, hes not sitting back and watching, hes doing it with them. Thats a massive change. While campaigning, Ms Dooley and her partner, Cathal, along with the rest of the family, had to work together for her other child. Cathal (7), was diagnosed with Leukaemia in June 2021, two days before his fourth birthday. And he was still receiving treatment when the school fight was going on. Cathal had to spend his birthday in intensive care, Ms Dooley said. He was treated in Crumlin and Portlaoise. He was getting treatment when all this was going on. As stressful as it was looking for places for the boys, we had this on top of it. I managed it all, though it was tough, with family support. Thanks to my partner, daddy Cathal, the best daddy in the world and my parents, my best friends, my sister and my mother-in-law and all the extended family. Despite this huge accolade, Ms Dooley had already won a prize earlier this month that nothing else could touch. Cathal rang the bell in Crumlin three weeks ago, he finished his treatment, she said. Hell go for a check-up in January, then in three months, then six months, etc. That was incredible news. My family and I have been on a high since. This recognition is lovely but I was already so happy because this is what relief looks like after so much stress. And I know my son is going to be well. I remember the children I saw in Crumlin and I think of them and their families. It makes me emotional to know other families have struggled much more. Five young carers were recognised for their achievements at the awards. Shannon Egan (16) was announced as Leinster Netwatch Young Carer of the Year Recipient 2024. Shannon, from Athlone, Co Westmeath, helps care for her older sister, Alanna (24), who has Koolen de Vries Syndrome - a condition characterised by developmentally delay and mild to moderate intellectual disability. Alannah requires daily assistance and Shannons mother, Laura, says the schoolgirl is her "right hand woman. Shannon hopes to become a genetic counsellor when she grows up, a career goal based on her experience with her beloved sister. Alannah is more than a sister to me, shes my best friend, Shannon said. We both love 80s music and singing karaoke together. Shes obsessed with Disney and Stitch from the Lilo and Stitch movie. Being a young carer has made me grow up quicker. Im resilient and I dont worry about the small things other people my age might worry about. Alannahs amazing and we love her so much. I want to become a genetic counsellor when I am older to help other families when theyre dealing with genetic conditions. The girls mother Laura (43), who voluntarily co-founded charity Rare Ireland, said shes incredibly proud of Shannon and all she does for her sister. She hoped as the new Government is formed, carers would be placed top of the political agenda, along with disability issues. The mother wants the Carers Allowance means test to be axed to bring about equality for those who work round-the-clock and save the State billions. Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said of Ms Dooley: With tomorrows election, its crucial that all parties prioritise family carers and commit to tangible, meaningful support. Charity Ambassador and awards host Miriam OCallaghan, said of Ms Dooley: Its an honour to help shine a spotlight on her incredible work and the contributions of family carers across the country. Gaffes on campaign trail see Taoiseach Simon Harris being isolated as FG looks to push Fianna Fail candidates open to Sinn Fein coalition One of the most recent polls found that the majority of people who watched the final debate believed that Taoiseach Simon Harris lost. Photo: PA The three main parties are deadlocked as the country heads towards the polls, with Fianna Fail holding the most slender of leads over Fine Gael and Sinn Fein. While Micheal Martins party edged ahead with 21pc of support, the trend of Fine Gael support falling has continued in the latest Business Post/Red C poll. After a gaffe-filled campaign, Fine Gael now sits at 20pc, down two points and the lowest since Simon Harris took over as leader last March. Meanwhile, the feeling of momentum behind Sinn Fein and Mary Lou McDonald continues, with the party up two points to 20pc. Fine Gael has now had a series of bad polls, with the Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll showing the party dropping by four points and the Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll showing it down by six points. While last nights poll did not show a dramatic drop, it showed a continued trend. The Fine Gael campaign has been dogged by controversies, kicking off with Ryanairs Michael OLearys incendiary comments about teachers. This rocky start was compounded by Mr Harriss interaction with a disability worker in Co Cork. His performances in leaders debates also failed to hit the mark. Fine Gael has faced questions over its handling of Independent general election candidate Patsy OBrien, who was expelled from the party after sending pornographic material to a party staffer. In the latest poll last night, 14pc of respondents said they would give Independents their first-preference vote; while 6pc said they will give their Number 1 to the Social Democrats. Labour, the Greens, Aontu and Independent Ireland all rank at 4pc, while People Before Profit Solidarity comes in at 2pc. Twenty-one per cent of respondents said they would give their second preferences to Fianna Fail, while 17pc said Fine Gael and 13pc were for Sinn Fein. Red C interviewed a random sample of adults aged over 18 between November 20 and November 26. The margin of error in the Business Post/Red C poll is three points. The results came as political parties have just today left to campaign before tomorrows election. Mr Harriss path back to power took another blow last night as a separate opinion poll by Ireland Thinks showed the majority of voters believe he lost the last leaders debate of the campaign. The new research showed the majority of people believe Mr Martin (38pc) performed best in the debate, with the runner-up being Ms McDonald (36pc). Just 15pc of voters who watched the RTE Prime Time debate believed the Fine Gael leader was the winner. One in 10 people said they were not sure who performed best. The televised debate was the only one between the three main political party leaders. The only other debate featured 10 political leaders, including Mr Harris, Mr Martin and Ms McDonald. It comes as cabinet ministers appear to be abandoning Mr Harris in the final days of the campaign. Only Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe have featured prominently recently. Limerick TD Patrick ODonovan was supposed to participate in a launch on education on Tuesday in Munster, but this was called off. Instead, a social media clip was issued of him laying out the partys promises on education. In its latest election strategy, Fine Gael has moved to target Fianna Fail TDs who previously said they would have no problem entering into a coalition involving Sinn Fein. In a press release, Longford-Westmeath candidate Micheal Carrigy called on Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy to clarify previous comments he made about power sharing with Sinn Fein. With Mary Lou McDonald saying on RTE that shell talk to everyone, its even more critical that voters know where Fianna Fail candidates stand, the Fine Gael senator said. Similarly, Dublin South West TD Colm Brophy called on his Fianna Fail counterpart John Lahart to shut the door on forming a coalition with Sinn Fein. With potential global trade shocks set to hit Ireland, we need to ensure we have a stable economy and stability in government in the years ahead. A Sinn Fein government presents the opposite of this, he said. Mr Lahart told the Irish Independent he no longer supported going into coalition with Sinn Fein. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein is warning voters that a vote for Fianna Fail would mean a return of Mr Harris to government. In a statement, Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin said: Five years ago, Micheal Martin told voters that Fine Gael had been in power for too long and that they needed to come out of government. He then went and put them in. Mr Martin now wants to give Fine Gael five more years a fourth term. It is 12 months since the Dublin riots, which saw an eruption of violence, looting and vandalism some of the worst in living memory. The pretext was the stabbing of three young children and a care assistant outside their school on Parnell Street. The rioting that followed resulted in millions of euro of damage. Gardai and fire officers were attacked and 60 were injured. A year later, gardai continue to track down the perpetrators. A displaced Palestinian woman sits outside a flooded tent following rising sea levels and heavy rainfall in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters As we go to the polls peacefully tomorrow, we should spare a thought for the millions around the world whose lives are torn apart by violent conflict. As the people of Lebanon return to ruined homes, the people of Gaza might be forgiven for feeling a little aggrieved at the news Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Many Palestinians had hoped their nightmare could also end, if the deal had included their besieged homeland. But Israels prime minister is giving no quarter, despite the fact the war has claimed the lives of an estimated 44,300 people. Benjamin Netanyahu insists that Hamas must be completely destroyed and Israel must retain lasting control over parts of the territory. That means no end to the carnage and destruction. They agree to a ceasefire in one place and not in the other. Have mercy on the children, the elderly and the women, one person living in a tent in central Gaza was quoted as saying. Imagine what the people of Palestine would give to be going to the polls peacefully in their sovereign state Anxieties have been heightened by the fact that Israel can now redeploy divisions that had been fighting in Lebanon to the Gaza Strip once again. In Washington, US president Joe Biden said he would renew his push for an elusive agreement on Gaza. He urged both Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. However, there was no sign that Israeli leaders want to ease up. Are we at the beginning of the end [of the Gaza campaign]? Definitely not. We still have a lot to do, Israels agriculture minister Avi Dichter said. Of course, a respite for the people of Lebanon will be widely welcomed. Hopefully it can be built upon. More than 3,700 people, including an unknown number of combatants, were killed and more than one million were displaced from their homes. It is by no means too late for Mr Biden to belatedly use Washingtons full leverage with Tel Aviv and bring a stop to the death spiral in Gaza. Although few believe he will. In the event of such a deal, Israel might have to allow the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, while Mr Netanyahu could face a backlash for relinquishing the ultra-nationalist dream of resettling Gaza. Militarists can always find a mark to shoot at and a pretence to fire. Equally, a way can always be found to silence the guns, where there is a desire to. How many more must die before it understood a forever war is not sustainable? Lebanon has found some peace, but many feel its internal struggle may have only just begun. In the region as a whole, one fears without a credible path towards the creation of a Palestinian state, or a plan for the day after in Gaza, the end of the killing is far from over. And for those of us who take the right to vote for granted, or who could not be bothered to exercise it, imagine what the people of Palestine would give to be going to the polls peacefully in their sovereign state. There are 30 days until the new year rings in hotlists of upcoming ones-to-watch. But there are plenty of bright new Irish audio series to behold this side of 2025. The Horgans as in Bad Sisters Sharon and her rugby union/pundit brother Shane demonstrate yet more overachieving genes with their oldest sister Maria, whose Galway Film Fleadh-winning documentary Housewife of the Year was recently released, and youngest brother Mark, a producer, editor and Second Captains co-director who, following in the success of his true crime podcast Wheres George Gibney? now has Stakeknife (Apple, BBC Sounds, Spotify). Three years in the making, this 10-parter tightens the net around double agent Freddie Scappaticci whose roles as senior member of the IRA and spy for the British Army earned him the Stakeknife codename and a wide circle of silence, Scappaticci having been an enforcer in the Nutting Squad notorious for torture and executions. Horgan though has coaxed interviews with families of alleged informers murdered by the IRAs internal security unit, and with ex-British intelligence handlers, interwoven with covert and archival recordings. (Scappaticci denied being a double agent until his death in 2023.) Pat Sheedy wrote 'A Hundred to One' about his struggles with gambling. Photo: Mark Condren An enigmatic figure of a very different kind in The Gambler (Apple, Spotify; goloudplayer.com), a new eight-part true crime series hosted by Nicola Tallant and Ian Maleney. Limericks Pat Sheedy is convicted fraudster who masterminded cons to fund his gambling addiction. Sheedys story was laid bare in his memoir A Hundred to One released earlier this year. Tallant and Maleneys 18-month investigation goes deeper still; while including Sheedy himself it also interviews his victims and has input from experts to shine a stark light of how gambling happens in the first place and can spiral into criminality and how redemption can appear in unexpected ways and places. It might seem counterintuitive in these times of doom to choose Ten Apocalypses (Apple, Spotify; citeogpodcasts.com) but it really does offer real-world escapism. Its an anthology series of sorts from the same Citeog Podcasts stable as the immersive historical-fiction horror This House Will Devour You. Fans of small but perfectly formed stories, radio dramas and BBC TVs Inside Number 9 will enjoy these 10 time-hopping episodes set in Ireland and England, each one reframing end-of-days peril, from an asteroid on course to crash into the Earth in 1931 to a botanical body horror circa 1998 when a man wakes up to find lethal fungi growing underneath his fingernails. Wickedly inventive. A unique wetlands feature near Blarney is being develop into a visitor attraction by the City Council and local groups Clogheenmilcon Fen, located just outside Blarney village, is said to be a rare and significant habitat that requires careful management and conservation. Cork City Council has been awarded for the work it is carrying out alongside the community of Blarney to develop a visitor experience at a unique wetlands system in the locality. The city council was named the winner of a Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity award at last weeks Chambers of Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards for its work developing Clogheenmilcon Fen into a visitor and tourist-friendly attraction. Located outside Blarney village, Clogheenmilcon Fen is one of Irelands 512 fens, which are wetland systems with permanently high water levels at or just below the surface. The fen is a rare and significant habitat that requires careful management and conservation according to the council. Clogheenmilcon Fen covers an area of 100 acres and it is home to over 100 bird, wildlife and plant species. The project being carried out by the city council, in conjunction with local groups is aimed at preserving the unique alkaline wetland system while developing it as an amenity. Upgrades to picnic tables, benches and signage at the fen have been completed while an ecological and tourism plan was developed for the site three years ago. The plan recommended the design and costing of a looped boardwalk, amphitheatre and dipping pond. A platform to support viewing of wildlife is being constructed following the awarding of funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, said the preservation of the natural beauty of the local environment is of utmost importance to Cork City Council. We are seeking to create an engaging and educational experience for visitors through the enhancement of the bogs accessibility and promotion of its ecological importance, Mayor Boyle said. The project is grounded in co-operation and partnership between the community and Cork City Council, including organisations such as Brand Blarney, Blarney and District Chamber of Commerce, Meitheal Bhlarna and Mens Shed Blarney. The Chambers Ireland 2024 Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase and celebrate best practice in Irish local government. This year, Chambers Ireland celebrated its 21st year of hosting the awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of Irish local authorities across 16 categories. The Green Party in Cork have called for the right to vote in Dail elections to be extended to EU citizens resident in Ireland. Currently, only Irish and British citizens are entitled to vote. The right to vote in Dail elections was extended to British citizens in 1984. The Green Party says the referendum then also allows for EU citizens to vote now with just a small change to the law. The Central Statistics Office says there were almost 632,000 non-Irish citizens living in Ireland for Census 2022, which was 12% of the population. This compares with 11% of the population in Census 2016. Almost 313,000, or nearly half, were from other European Union (EU) countries, an increase of 2% since 2016. British citizens made up 13% of the non-Irish population (83,347 people). However, EU citizens living here are not entitled to vote in Dail elections under current legislation. Green Party councillor, Oliver Moran who raised the issue at the last meeting of Cork City Council before the election said the issue was causing a growing section of the population to become disenfranchised. "Someone from France, Germany, Spain or any other EU country can be living here, paying taxes, and affected by the same issues as everyone else from housing to childcare, but without a voice in national elections. Because they are EU citizens already, they have no reason to go through a long and expensive process of naturalising again as Irish citizens, and why should they? Cllr Moran continued: Every candidate, across all parties, will be meeting EU citizens in this circumstance while canvassing. They are one in every 20 people we meet. The legislation that's in place is easily amended. The referendum in 1984 was open-ended about not only British citizens then having the right to vote but potentially other nationalities too. It's forty years later and allowing EU citizens now the same rights as British citizens then makes sense today, he added. It was a harrowing experience, said Cork care worker Charlotte Fallon whose meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kanturk last Friday emerged as the dominant moment in the closing days of the general election campaign. The disability care worker who works in St Josephs Foundation in Charleville, made headlines when Mr Harris abruptly cut short a discussion with her about the pay and working conditions of care workers. The exchange was caught on an RTE video clip that subsequently went viral. Ms Fallon said all she wanted from the Taoiseach was a simple answer to a query on Section 39 care workers. That was not the political impact I was looking for. All I wanted was a simple answer and a nice conversation on what is going to be done. There is no voice being heard. Doors are being shut on people. They promise you the world and nothing is done. When was the last time you heard about the disability sector? It was a very tough experience, said Ms Fallon. I am a bit overwhelmed. I was in the chemist before that and people were saying the Taoiseach was around. When I saw him in the shop, I said this is my chance to raise a few issues. I even apologised to him as well when we were speaking. I said maybe I was abrupt and Im sorry If I came into your face. That is not me and who I am. I was just so frustrated. Reflecting on her encounter with Mr Harris, she acknowledged it was a harrowing experience. You have to remember as well that he had all his people around him. It is like a burning spotlight on you. When someone is dismissive and condescending towards you it is even worse. It was a harrowing experience. The fact when you are getting emotional and starting to cry. You are trying not to show weakness because you are a woman. That is worse. The care worker admitted to feeling a bit sorry for Mr Harris, who personally contacted Ms Fallon last Saturday morning. Did it show him and his party in a bad light? Not just Simon Harris, but every single one of them. What is getting to me is that they are all piggybacking off the whole experience. I feel a bit sorry for Simon Harris because they are all jumping on the bandwagon. I didnt expect it to go viral. That was not my intention. He rang me Saturday morning and apologised. He took full responsibility. We had a lovely conversation. He said he will visit me. There will be no media and cameras. It was good to get his feedback. At the same time the damage was done. You can forgive, but dont forget. I wont forget it overnight, she added. Ms Fallon reiterated her appeal for more positive changes to be made in the disability sector. A lot of changes in the sector definitely need to happen. Section 39 workers deserve pay parity. We worked through Covid. They held a clapping session for frontline staff and healthcare workers during Covid. That is just a slap into the face. Ms Fallon continued: More respite care is definitely needed. I meet so many families who have no respite. For the people who do, it is literally two or three hours. That time is spent getting the shopping and doing errands. That is not a break. There also needs to be more facilities and better care. I am only one voice. Ask the parents and guardians what is needed. They will let you know what needs to be done. The child sector is shocking. The mental health sector is shocking. All I want is more help for carers, for children and for the disability sector. More needs to be done. I want people to be listened to, she added. The care worker paid tribute to her work colleagues for their support in recent days. The CEO at St Josephs Foundation Michael Hegarty has been nothing but supportive. He has made a lot of changes for the better. My care staff have been brilliant and so supportive. They said I have been a good voice and an advocate. The nurses have also backed me 110% saying how brave I am. Michael Gilvarry, Head of R&D, Neurovascular and General Manager, Galway Johnson & Johnson MedTech; and Dinion Carton, WiSTEM2D Society Lead, University of Galway pictured with Miah OLeary. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography STEM students from Kanturk and Ballyhooly recently received scholarships as part of Johnson & Johnsons WiSTEM2D Award Programme. Miah O'Leary from Kanturk, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University of Galway, and Laura ODriscoll from Ballyhooly, a Microbiology student at University College Cork, were amongst 82 students awarded scholarships at its national event held in Thomond Park, Limerick. The award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines which includes science, technology, engineering, math, manufacturing and design. Each award recipient is set to embark on an inspiring journey. They will gain access to a student award, industry mentorship, leadership training, career workshops and Johnson & Johnson site visits. They will participate in WiSTEM2D events aimed at bolstering their future in STEM careers. Recipients of the WiSTEM2D Award were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork crafted by Fermoy-based artist Suzanne O'Sullivan, to mark their achievements. Colin Farrell has signed on as an executive producer for Room Taken. Pic: Scott Garfitt/AP Hollywood star Colin Farrell has joined the team behind the Dublin-based short film, Room Taken. The Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin actor has signed on as an executive producer for the film, directed by TJ OGrady-Peyton and produced by Colman Mac Cionnaith. Room Taken won Best Short Film at the 2024 Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) and the Gold Medal for Best Film at the Manhattan Short Film Festival, thereby qualifying it for consideration at the 2025 Academy Awards. Room Taken follows Isaac, newly arrived in Ireland and looking for a place to stay, who forms an unique bond with Victoria, an elderly blind woman. Room Taken is such a gentle cry to the power of human connection, Farrell said. It treats loneliness and grief and the struggle of the immigrant with such a gentle hand, bringing its character and narrative threads together beautifully. The film wears its compassion - along with its heart on its sleeve, with tender performances and a story that stayed with me long after viewing. For these reasons I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of helping Room Taken find as wide an audience as possible, he added. TJ O'Grady-Peyton, director of Room Taken Filmmaker TJ OGrady-Peytons work has been recognised at the Young Director Awards in Cannes and the Galway Film Fleadh. His films have been showcased at festivals like Tribeca, Clermont Ferrand, and BFI London. Room Taken tells the story of Isaac, who is part of the rapidly growing homeless population in Dublin. One day, while charging his phone in a coffee shop, he meets Victoria, an elderly blind woman. After forgetting her bag in the cafe, Isaac returns it to her. Once inside her home and in desperate need of a place to stay, he sneaks upstairs and begins to live there, unbeknownst to Victoria. He starts fixing things in the house, she doesnt realise hes sleeping there. Then an unusual friendship starts to build between the two, TJ previously told the Irish Independent. The film was written before a lot of asylum seekers were arriving in Ireland and sleeping rough. Those real stories happened more and more when we started production. We are privileged to have a stellar cast, including Tony Award-winning Brid Brennan in the role of the elderly blind woman and the incredibly talented Gabriel Adewusi portraying the homeless man. Their performances play a crucial role in conveying the themes of the film and bringing authenticity to the characters. In Ireland and many other countries, anti-immigrant sentiments are on the rise. Room Taken aims to ignite conversations and nurture empathy, all through a creative and original lens. I volunteered for the Simon Community for a year, so I understood that world. Im not an expert, but I met some characters in one of their social clubs. Dublin felt like an authentic place for this film to occur. Dublin is a big city, so its probably where the character would try to go. It felt like a natural fit for the story and character, he added. Callan Tanseys Joint Managing Partner Mr David OMalley was among lawyers recognised at the 2024 European Legal Awards in Budapest this week. Mr OMalley, Joint Managing Partner in Callan Tanseys medical Negligence Department was recognised in the Medical Law category. The judges noted in particular his contribution to working tirelessly for his clients who remain central to his endeavour. Now in their fifth year, the European Legal Awards were created to promote excellence and knowledge through teaching, research, and pro-active networking. David OMalley expressed his delight at the award noting it represents a big team effort from all at Callan Tansey and it is nice to be recognised. We shall keep striving to ensure access to Justice for our clients and fighting the good fight. Other winners on the night included Garret Farrelly, Matheson LLP and UK Lawyer Jason McCue Humans Rights Lawyer. Two Sligo businesses have been nominated for three the SFA National Business Awards 2025 which have been officially announced by Sue ONeill, Chair of the SFA Awards Judging Panel. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of small business in Ireland and to recognise the vital contribution of the small business sector to Irish industry. Lawrence Engineering in Lavagh received a nomination for the manufacturing category while VOYA Seaweed Baths in Strandhill received a nomination in the Manufacturing Category and the Workplace Well-being category. The strong response to the awards programme highlights the resilience of Irish small businesses, who continue to put their best foot forward in seeking recognition for their hard work," said Sue ONeill. "In addition to our nine award categories, we're also showcasing five outstanding Emerging New Businesses (established less than two years ago), and it's clear that entrepreneurship is thriving across Ireland." "The Small Firms Association remains committed to celebrating the achievements of small business owners. With 273,000 small businesses employing almost half of Ireland's private sector workforce, these awards shine a spotlight on excellence, innovation, and success across every sector and region of the country," she added. Speaking at the launch of the awards, Taoiseach, Simon Harris said: The SFA National Small Business Awards is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the countless examples of entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity across Irelands small business community. For over two decades it has been shining a spotlight on the companies that are the beating heart of our thriving cities, towns and villages throughout our country. The Government is deeply aware of their importance to our continued economic success and we are committed to ensuring that such businesses can continue to thrive and prosper long into the future. 44 companies have been selected as finalists, from 16 different counties, across ten categories. Colm Toibin's Long Island, the sequel to Brooklyn which took the literary and film world by storm, has been named as Waterstone's Irish Book of the Year. The novel reunites readers with Enniscorthy-native protagonist Eilis Lacey who decided to stay and marry her Italian plumber Tony Fiorello in Brooklyn despite her familys wishes for her to settle back in Ireland with a local man. However, when we meet Eilis again in Long Island, not everything is as happily ever after as it seems. Twenty years after the events of the first book, Eilis finds her marriage in crisis when a man appears on her doorstep accusing Tony of getting his wife pregnant. Unsure what to do, Eilis packs her things and takes her two teenage children back to Ireland for her mother's eightieth birthday. In her hometown of Enniscorthy, she is given the time to think about her next steps. "Today, we at Waterstones confirmed our Irish Book of the Year 2024 as Long Island by Colm Toibin. As the follow up to the magnificent and moving Brooklyn, Long Island arrived in late May with sky high expectations. It is a testament to Toibin's ability as a novelist that, for many readers, those expectations were surpassed, they wrote. Lily Keohane, Waterstones Irish commercial manager said they were blown-away by the high standard of Irish writing, including the works of Sally Rooney and Kevin Barry, but ultimately had to give the title to Toibins latest masterpiece. Colm Toibin is the current Laureate for Irish Fiction and has seen enormous success with three out of his 11 novels being nominated for the Booker Prize. A company headed by a Wexford native has been recognised by Deloitte as one of Irelands fastest growing tech companies. Data and analytics company Clear Strategy, headed by Wexford town native Julie Flanagan, has also managed to win the UKI Services Accelerator Partner of the Year 2024 award from the globally renowned data platform company Snowflake at a ceremony in London. A past pupil of the Loreto Secondary School in town, Julie now lives in Blackrock and is one of two data leaders at the helm of the company, alongside David Fitzpatrick. Founded in 2018, Clear Strategy has gained a sterling reputation has gained a reputation for transforming the way businesses leverage data, offering services such as data strategy consulting, advanced analytics, data governance, and digital transformation. Speaking on the companys notable achievements, Julie said: "It's been an extraordinary month for Clear Strategy. Being recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in Ireland and winning the prestigious Snowflake Partner of the Year award in London, underscores the impact our team is making both nationally and internationally. Julie remains a proud Wexford woman and says that the town played a major role in her success to date. "Growing up in Wexford, and my time at Loreto, instilled in me values of resilience and community, which have been foundational throughout my career, she said. These wins are a reflection of the amazing team weve built at Clear Strategy, and Im proud to bring this success back to my hometown." Renewable energy provider Energia have been helping OConnell Stores in Arklow to improve their energy efficiency and cut costs by switching to LED. The lighting upgrade has helped OConnells to reduce the energy consumption in their store by nearly 75pc, which has had a significant impact on the stores sustainability journey. As a family-run business that sells footwear, accessories, and sportswear, OConnells know first-hand how imperative good lighting is to effectively showcase their products to their valued customers. As an existing Energia customer, the LED lighting that has been installed will have huge benefits not only to their energy consumption but also on employee wellbeing. The new light fixtures improve the general environment for both staff and customers. Additionally, the lights themselves are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than fluorescent lighting. Deirdre Hurley from Energia said: We are excited to be supporting OConnells in their mission to reduce their energy consumption while also improving on their existing outdated lighting. As an energy supplier to retailers across Ireland, we know how important efficient and effective lighting is to how businesses operate. Helping OConnells to reduce their bills as well as their energy consumption will have a ripple of positive effects for their store and help them achieve their sustainability goals. Aine OConnell Kelly from OConnells Stores said: The lighting upgrade has helped the way we operate and has had a number of positive impacts for our staff. "As a local business we know how critical it is for our customers to have a good experience when they visit our store and with enhanced lighting it gives us a great opportunity to showcase our stock in the best way possible. Energia Group continues to align itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, take urgent action against climate change. Through the groups partnerships with various businesses across Ireland, the lighting upgrades, and services they provide have a strong sustainability aspect at the core of the projects. Bray firm Data Edge has announced the appointment of Himanshu Patel as its new chief technology officer. In his new role, Himanshu will be responsible for leading the companys technology strategy and ensuring a smooth delivery of its services to customers. He will also work with his team to drive innovation to enhance Data Edges current products and services, as well as exploring and developing new solutions which will open up further opportunities for the company. Through strengthening Data Edges technology offering, Himanshu is aiming to bring in new business which will ensure the company is able to maintain its strong position in Irelands digital landscape while also growing and succeeding in new markets. Himanshu joined Data Edge in 2019 and has progressed through the company, moving to pre-sales engineer and then sales engineer a position he held for nearly four years until his promotion. In that time, he developed a deep understanding of Data Edges business as well as its customers needs. Prior to joining Data Edge, Himanshu held roles at Accenture and International Travel Network. He possesses a Masters degree in Computer Science from Riga Technical University, Latvia, as well as a Bachelors degree in Computer Science & Engineering from Gujarat Technological University, India. Commenting on his new role, Himanshu said: My aim is to be flexible and innovative in not only building on what we already have but also in creating and developing new solutions which will help us to expand. Since I started with Data Edge five years ago, I have gained great support and insights on my career journey with the company and am confident that I can help take the business to the next level. My experience working directly with our technologies, partners and people will prove invaluable to leading the IT team and making informed decisions. My exposure to the sales side of the business also means I understand how to communicate with customers and meet their expectations. CEO Paul Phelen said Himanshu has consistently delivered high quality customer service and technical support, displaying a terrific work ethic over the course of his tenure with the company. His innovative ideas and understanding of Data Edge's technical development direction have led to this much-deserved promotion into the CTO leadership role. Established in 1989, Data Edge is Irelands largest network and application performance management company. Its headquarters are based in Bray. Christy Kavanagh said he would sleep better after learning Operation Hurdle will return this year CHRISTMAS TREE growers in Co Wicklow are anticipating a bumper season, as demand for festive firs in Ireland soars to record levels. Growers say demand for real Irish-grown Christmas trees has doubled over the past 15 years, as people increasingly turn away from plastic products. The increased demand means that many of the country's 50 growers could struggle to supply enough trees to both the domestic and export markets. Christy Kavanagh, a multi-award winning grower based in Newtownmountkennedy, said: "I've been in this business since 1978, and I would say this is looking like it's going to be our busiest season to date. Demand has been increasing all the time, particularly since Covid, and it's probably double what it was 15 years ago. "The public is more environmentally aware, and so people are moving away from plastic trees and want real ones instead. That's particularly the case with younger people." But it's not just the environmentally-conscious public's embracing of real festive firs which have fuelled demand, but also the "superior quality" of Irish-grown trees. Christy, a former chairman of the Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association, continued: "I think the trees grown in this country are the best quality you can get, and you see that with a huge increase in demand from the UK. They just can't get enough of our trees, and they're cheaper to import than ones from big tree-producing nations like Denmark and Germany." He added: "We've started harvesting our trees and the crop is looking excellent. Growing conditions have been perfect over the past year, with the just the right balance of sunlight and rainfall." Last year a long-running Garda operation to protect Christmas tree farms in Co Wicklow was axed. Operation Hurdle - a seasonal initiative involving air patrols, high-visibility checkpoints and armed support units - had been set up in 2012 in the county, which is home to Ireland's largest concentration of Christmas tree farms. But with thefts and raids on farms all but stamped out in recent years, the operation was stood down. The Nordmann Fir accounts for around 75 per cent of festive firs grown in this country, with another 15 per cent made up by the Noble Fir and the remaining 10 per cent by several other varieties. After Co Wicklow, Wexford and Carlow have the highest concentrations of Christmas tree farms. The Garden County was well represented at this years An Post Irish Book Awards, with three Wicklow writers emerging as winners for Childrens Book of the Year, Best Short Story and Young Adult Book of the Year. Considering herself both a Vermont and Wicklow writer, Eilish Fisher, who grew up in a 200-year-old haunted farmhouse in the Northeast Kingdom of the US, moved to Ireland in 1998 and said it was only a matter of time before local legends and tales of the otherworld began to creep out from the craggy hillsides, flowing and shapeshifting into my stories and poetry. Fia and the Last Snow Deer was the result when the Wicklow muses came calling, a book which won her the Specsavers Childrens Book of the Year Senior, at the awards held in the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Wednesday, November 27. Brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn, the book by the author who now calls Rathdrum her home, was described as a truly timeless verse novel set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, about hope, kindness and the power of friendship. The award for New Irish Writing Best Short Story, in association with the Irish Independent, went to another Wicklow scribe, Kathleen Macadam, for her piece, Valentines Day. Kathleen is a well-known face around Greystones, County Wicklow, as she works at award-winning childrens bookshop, Halfway Up the Stairs. She graduated with first-class honours from the MA in creative writing in DCU and is currently writing a novel set in New Zealand inspired by her time travelling there. She was chosen as winning short story for May 2024 by the Irish Independent. Finally, the International Education Services Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John Treacy, went to Sam Blake, the Wicklow writer familiar to many would-be authors as her real name is, Vanessa Fox OLoughlin, founder of Writing.ie, The Inkwell Group and Murder One. This is her second YA novel, following Something Terrible Happened Last Night, which was shortlisted for the Great Reads Awards and the Teen and YA Book of the Year Award. The overall An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year winner will be announced in a special programme hosted by Oliver Callan on RTE One on December 19. Joe Biden pressuring Kyiv to lower draft age for troops to just 18 to help badly outmanned Ukraine against Russia Pure maths of Ukraines situation now is that it needs more troops in the fight, Americans believe A Ukrainian serviceman prepares artillery shells at a position near a front line in Zaporizhzhia. Photo: Reuters/File Aamer Madhani Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 03:30 US president Joe Bidens administration has urged Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilisation laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. Rude children and long hours are causing a Santa shortage in France as men increasingly refuse to take on the role. As the festive season approaches, employment agencies have warned that cities, schools, businesses and shopping centres across the country were struggling to recruit actors and casual workers to play Father Christmas. Lebanon ceasefire holds as residents begin return to ruined homes People urged to avoid certain areas as Israeli forces remain in place A woman looks for her belongings amid the debris of a destroyed building in Tyre, Lebanon. Photo: Reuters Maya Gebeily Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 03:30 A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah held yesterday after the two sides struck a deal brokered by the US and France, but Israel warned local residents not to return to the border area yet or approach its troops. UK prime minister Keir Starmer has been warned that he faces total humiliation on the world stage, with his plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on the brink of collapse in the next 48 hours. With Mr Starmers national security adviser Jonathan Powell heading to the US in a late bid to dissuade Donald Trump from vetoing the controversial deal, doubts have now also been raised by the new prime minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has expressed doubts about the deal struck with his predecessor. Trump got away with January 6 and now hes plotting his revenge on the prosecutors Glaring questions remain over what exactly a president can get away with Trump supporters hold a 'stop the steal' rally in Washington in 2001. Photo: Getty Alex Woodward UK Independent Thu 28 Nov 2024 at 03:30 Before he is sworn in as US president on January 20, Donald Trump will likely walk through the same tunnel where a mob of hundreds of his supporters, wearing hats bearing his slogan, bore down on police for three hours with their fists, pepper spray, stolen police shields and flag poles with the American flag twisted around them. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. The decision comes after Ratnagiri refinery faced delays due to local resistance to land acquisition. (Photo courtesy: Unsplash) New Delhi: The Union government plans to relocate two massive oil refineries, each with an annual capacity of 10-15 million tonnes and integrated petrochemical facilities, from Maharashtras Ratnagiri to Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, according to The Times of India. This decision comes amid with progress in discussions with Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral energy ties. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is expected to collaborate with Saudi Aramco for the Gujarat project. At the same time, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) is likely to lead the Andhra Pradesh refinery. These facilities offer Saudi Arabia an opportunity to secure its position in Indias oil market, where its share in crude imports has been declining. Talks are set to intensify ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with Saudi leaders next month, where discussions will revisit Saudi Arabias earlier commitment to invest $100 billion in India. Progress on this pledge has been slow despite identifying sectors like railways, ports, and waterways for collaboration. The Ratnagiri refinery faced delays due to local resistance to land acquisition and concerns over the feasibility of the initially planned 60-million-tonne mega refinery in partnership with Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabis Adnoc. These challenges have positioned Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh as more viable alternatives. Gujarat, home to major refineries like Reliances Jamnagar and Indian Oils Vadodara facilities, is set to add another. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has sought a refinery since its 2014 bifurcation, with the state pushing for the Centre to fulfill its promise. Maharashtra has faced criticism for losing major industrial projects to Gujarat, raising concerns about the states economic prospects. Vedanta-Foxconn Semiconductor Project: A $20 billion project originally planned for Pune moved to Gujarat in 2022, triggering accusations of negligence by the Maharashtra government. Tata-Airbus C-295 Aircraft Facility: Initially intended for Nagpur, this project was also relocated to Gujarat, intensifying claims of favouritism. Although discussions are advancing, significant groundwork remains before the refinery projects in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh can proceed. Oil refineries take time, and the two proposed projects will require more detailed work before we progress on them, a source told The Times of India. Further, Saudi Arabia is seeking investment assurances through a revised bilateral investment treaty, a point of contention with Indias Finance Ministry. Alternative solutions are being explored in ongoing negotiations. If realized, these projects could bolster Indias energy security and deepen ties with Saudi Arabia, a key oil exporter. With growing domestic demand and refining capacity, these refineries aim to position India as a global energy hub, addressing both domestic needs and export opportunities. Israel voices support for Adani Group amid US indictments over bribery allegations. (Photo courtesy: Gautam Adani X page) New Delhi: Israel has reaffirmed its support for the Adani Group despite allegations of bribery against its founder in the United States. Reuven Azar, Israels envoy to India, said he was hopeful about the conglomerates continued engagement in Israel, Reuters reported on Thursday. We wish Adani and all Indian companies continue to invest in Israel, Azar stated in an interview, emphasizing that the allegations made by U.S. authorities were not something thats problematic from Israels perspective. The Adani Group, which owns a 70% stake in Haifa port in northern Israel, is also involved in projects such as military drone production and plans to manufacture commercial semiconductors. Abu Dhabis International Holding Company (IHC), a major investor in Adani, has also reiterated its trust in the group despite the recent controversies. Managing assets valued at nearly $100 billion, IHC emphasized its robust partnership with Adani. Our partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors, IHC said in a statment. IHC invested $500 million each in Adani Green Energy and Adani Transmission in 2022 and added $1 billion to Adani Enterprises. After portfolio restructuring, IHC retains a stake of over 5% in Adani Enterprises. Similarly, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has expressed confidence in Adanis involvement in enhancing the countrys port infrastructure. The groups $1 billion investment in the Colombo port terminal is the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lankas port sector. A Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe, chairman of the authority, confirmed the terminal would become operational soon, with no plans for cancellation. The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations in a U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) indictment as baseless and vowed to take legal action. While the indictment, filed in a New York court, alleges $265 million in bribes to secure solar power contracts, it does not name Gautam Adani or senior executives. The charges are related to securities fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, which typically carry lighter penalties than bribery. Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), the group company implicated in the allegations, stated in a regulatory filing that the charges lack merit and pledged to defend its interests in court. Mamata Banerjee reacts to arrest of ISKCON saint Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari | Photo courtesy: Mamata Banerjee Facebook page Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she will support whichever stand the central government takes in connection with the arrest of Hindu monk and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) saint Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh, media reports said. Mamata made the remark on the floor of state assembly days after the monk was arrested on several charges including sedition. "We do not want any religion to be harmed. I have spoken to ISKCON here. Since this concerns another country, the central government must take relevant action. We stand with them on this issue," the Chief Minister said as quoted by Hindustan Times. On Wednesday, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee spoke on the Bangladesh issue saying, "This is a matter of foreign affairs. Our party will stand by which decision the central government takes on such issues. But the incident (attack on Hindus) is condemnable and unfortunate." Bangladesh is a separate nation. Decisions regarding it will be made by the central government based on foreign policy. TMC will support that. However, what has happened is extremely condemnable and absolutely unacceptable. Hon'ble MP & National General Secretary of pic.twitter.com/GHufmFgVCy Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay (@SanghamitraLIVE) November 27, 2024 A Bangladeshi court on Tuesday sent Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari to prison after rejecting his bail plea, triggering protests from the minority community and his followers. Amid protests against his arrest, the Hindu minority leader was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. The Hindu leader was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while he was travelling to Chittagong. Bangladeshi minority community members have been protesting against the arrest of the Hindu priest. Eversince the Sheikh Hasina government fell, relentless attacks on Hindus were carried out in Bangladesh, which is now run by an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. India expresses deep concern India on Tuesday reacted to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar (L) and PM Modi (R) | Photo courtesy: IBNS File/PIB New Delhi/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid simmering concerns over the attacks on Hindus including the arrest of a monk in Bangladesh, media reports said. Reports claim Jaishankar might brief Parliament on the issue if both the houses function normally. Massive protests by the Hindus erupted in Bangladesh after Hindu monk and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) member Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested. A Bangladeshi court on Tuesday sent the Hindu priest to prison after rejecting his bail plea, triggering protests from the minority community and his followers. Amid protests against his arrest, the Hindu minority leader was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, who was defending Das, was hacked to death during the protests. The Hindu leader was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while he was travelling to Chittagong. Bangladeshi minority community members have been protesting against the arrest of the Hindu priest. Eversince the Sheikh Hasina government fell, relentless attacks on Hindus were carried out in Bangladesh, which is now run by an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. India's first reactions India on Tuesday reacted to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk. The blast was reported at 11.48 am on Thursday. New Delhi: An explosion occurred near a park boundary wall in Delhi's Prashant Vihar area on Thursday morning, just over a month after a similar blast had caused panic in the same locality, media reports said. According to a Reuters report, police are investigating a "white powder" found scattered at the scene. The Delhi Fire Service received a call about the explosion at 11:48 AM, and fire tenders were dispatched to the site. Teams from the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell, and Bomb Disposal Squad also arrived to investigate. #WATCH | Delhi | Teams of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell and Bomb Disposal Squad are present on the spot, where an explosion occurred in the Prashant Vihar area today. The area has been cordoned off. pic.twitter.com/GincnzmAJ9 ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 The area was cordoned off as part of the ongoing probe. This incident follows an explosion last month, which had damaged a wall at the CRPF school in the same area. That blast caused widespread alarm, prompting a high alert across the city and drawing top investigative agencies to the site. No injuries were reported in that case. Initial investigations into the earlier blast indicated a crude bomb may have caused it. However, further examination indicated that the explosion likely resulted from industrial waste in a garbage dump igniting after contact with cigarette butts discarded by a man walking his dog, according to an Indian Express report. The earlier blast, captured on CCTV, had shattered part of the school wall, broken windowpanes of nearby shops, and damaged several parked cars. The sound of the explosion was reportedly heard several hundred meters away. In response to the previous incident, teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Delhi Police cordoned off the area, and forensic experts collected evidence from the scene. After the conspiracy was exposed, Salman fled India, e vading Indian authorities until his arrest in Rwanda. (Photo courtesy: video grab) New Delhi: A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Salman Rehman Khan, implicated in the Bengaluru prisons terror conspiracy case and listed under an Interpol Red Notice, has been extradited from Rwanda. Salman, accused of aiding terror activities and supplying explosives, was arrested in Kigali on Wednesday with assistance from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Interpol, and National Central Bureaus (NCBs). The Bengaluru Prisons Terror Conspiracy case, taken over by the NIA in October last year, exposed Salmans role in a terror module led by convicted terrorist T Naseer, who had radicalised him during their time in Bengaluru Central Prison. Salman had been serving a sentence for a POCSO conviction between 2018 and 2022. Investigations revealed Salmans involvement in procuring arms, explosives, and plotting escape plans for Naseer. Following the conspiracy's discovery, Salman fled India, evading Indian authorities until his arrest in Rwanda. A Red Notice issued by Interpol on August 2 allowed his capture and eventual extradition. This is NIA's 17th extradition or deportation of a terror-linked fugitive since 2020. In 2024 alone, 26 fugitives have been returned to India, including those accused of terror and crimes against minors, such as Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, extradited from Saudi Arabia. Team Uddhav Thackeray blames Congress for Maharashtra decimation. Photo courtesy: Uddhav Thackeray Facebook Mumbai/IBNS: A senior leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has blamed the Congress party and its "overconfidence" for the Maha Vikas Aghadi's decimation in Maharashtra. Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council, said the Maha Vikas Aghadi should have projected Uddhav Thackeray as its Chief Minister face. "After the Lok Sabha election results, the Congress was overconfident in Maharashtra like in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. This was reflected in the results. Its attitude during seat-sharing negotiations hurt us. Uddhav ji should have been projected as the Chief Minister's face. Not doing so harmed our prospects. The results would have been different if this was done," Danve told the media. "They were getting ready with the suit and tie even before the results," he went on to say. The Mahayuti comprising Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Shinde camp) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) won a massive 230 of 288 seats. Out of 230, the BJP dominated with a tremendous strike rate, winning 132, the highest ever by the saffron party in the state. In the opposition camp, the Congress contested 103 seats but won only 16 while the Sena (UBT), which contested 89 seats, managed to win 20 seats. The third ally, Sharad Pawar's NCP, contested 87 seats and won 10. This comes amid talks between Mahayuti alliance partners, including caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Ajit Pawar, over the next chief minister of Maharashtra. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has presided over a meeting held to pick the chief minister. Eknath Shinde, who is in the race for the top post in Maharashtra, on Wednesday said he has left the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If media reports are to be believed, the politically crucial state of Maharashtra will have a BJP face as its next chief minister. Mahayuti's alliance partners will have deputy CMs from Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. The suspense over the CM's post started after the Mahayuti decimated the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the November 20 assembly elections. Massive protest erupts in Kolkata over ISKCON monk's arrest in Bangladesh. Photo courtesy: Rupak De Chowdhuri/IBNS Kolkata/IBNS: A massive protest rally was held in the streets of Kolkata on Thursday against the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh amid Hindu persecution in the neighbouring country. The rally, organised by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, was supposed to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission from Sealdah Station. However, they were stopped by the police on their way. The Bangladesh authorities arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das over sedition charges at Dhaka Airport on Monday as he was leaving the country and was taken to a police station. On Tuesday, the Bangladeshi court sent the monk to prison after rejecting his bail plea, triggering protests from the minority community and his followers. Amid protests against his arrest, the Hindu minority leader was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. India has reacted to the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country reeling under chaos since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. India has expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh," The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, demanding his immediate release. "A top leader of Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately. A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire," Hasina stated. "Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," she added. Hasina fled to India following violent student protests in August. Ever since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the Hindu community, which is a minority in Bangladesh constituting only about 8 percent of the 170 million population, has faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts. The heartbreaking saga surrounding Liam Paynes untimely death has taken a new twist as his family gears up for legal action. The former One Direction star tragically passed away on October 16 after a fatal fall from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But now, his family is determined to uncover the truthand seek justice. Page Six reports that the Payne family, represented by renowned music industry lawyer Richard Bray, has transferred their legal interests to a local law firm in Buenos Aires. This move sets the stage for private criminal action against those they believe contributed to Paynes demise. Staffs handling Liam Payne in new photos In a bombshell revelation, newly released photographs reportedly show hotel staff manhandling Payne and forcibly shutting him in his room shortly before his fall. Prosecutors have charged two hotel employees with allegedly supplying him drugs, while a friend is under scrutiny for failing to intervene. Criminal lawyer Nicolas Durrieu weighed in on the situation, stating that if staff abandoned Payne in a dangerous state, they could face aggravated abandonment charges, carrying sentences of up to 15 years. Meanwhile, charges for manslaughter could result in five years of prison, while drug distribution convictions could lead to 12 years behind bars. Adding fuel to the fire, footage from the police report shows Payne attempting to escape his hotel room moments before his fall. A source close to the investigation revealed that Payne was desperate to leave his room and head back downstairs, but staff used a master key to force him back inside. Liam Payne's fans shocked This shocking development has left fans and family alike grappling with questions. A source reportedly close to the Payne family claimed they were "100% sure" his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, along with his siblings, would pursue justice relentlessly. Argentinas legal system empowers victims families to lead private criminal investigations, potentially working independently from prosecutors. With the familys resolve and mounting evidence, this case is set to take a dramatic turn. For Paynes fans, his tragic end feels like a wound that keeps reopening. While the investigation continues, his loved ones are on a mission to ensure the stars legacy isnt overshadowed by unanswered questions and alleged negligence. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Rajinikanth is widely regarded as one of Indian cinemas biggest stars. The mass hero is loved by one and all because of his charismatic screen presence and humble nature. Here is some exciting news for his fans. According to reports, the makers of Jailer 2 a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer (2023)-- are set to shoot the films first promo in December. Moreover, the special video is likely to be released on Rajinikanths birthday (December 12). Jailer 2 mania is set to begin Jailer emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2023 and helped Nelson revive his career after the lacklustre response to Beast. Jailer 2 is now in the works with Thalaivar returning to reprise his role. EXCLUSIVE: #Jailer2 - Promo Shoot to Happen on Dec 5.. Set works happening at EVP.. Expecting the Promo as Superstar #Rajinikanth Birthday Special.. Look Test happened recently.. Also Expecting Something Special from Lokesh Kanagaraj's #Coolie as well.. Double Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) November 28, 2024 According to Laxmi Kanth, an industry tracker, the makers of the film will shoot its promo in Chennai on December 5. The video will be released on December 12 on the occasion of Rajinikanths birthday. Jailer was an action drama that featured Rajinikanth in the role of a retired cop and explored his relationship with his son. The film featured mass elements and a liberal dose of dark humour. The cast included Shivarajkumar, Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, Sunil, and Tamannaah. The films sequel is expected to be more action-packed than the first part. Shot on a budget of nearly Rs 200 crore, it earned Rs 600 crore globally to emerge as a sensational blockbuster. The sequel is expected to be more action-packed than the first part. Busy time for Rajinikanth Rajinikanth, meanwhile, is going through a busy phase on the work front. He was last seen in Vettaiyan The actioner featured Rajini as a cop and revolved around the sensitive issue of encounter killings. The cast included Amitabh Bachchan, Ritika Singh, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier. He will next be seen in Lokesh Kanagarajs Collie. The film features him in the role of a don and is said to revolve around gold snuggling. It features Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj in key roles. Coolie is set to hit the screens sometime in 2025. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Rashmika Mandanna is one of the most sought-after actresses in South cinema today. She has impressed fans with her stylish screen presence and sincere performances. While everyone is aware of her body of work, not everyone may know that she once landed in big trouble for her comments about KGF actor Yash. When Rashmika Mandanna upset Yash fans Rashmika Mandanna began her career with the 2016 Kannada campus drama Kirik Party and soon emerged as a force to reckon with. During the promotions of the Rakshit Shetty-led film, she participated in a rapid fire session. On being asked to name an actor who fit the tag Mr Show-off, she picked Yash. This upset the Rocking Stars fans and they trolled her on social media. Following this, she apologised for the remark and added that she looked up to Yash. The actress added that her comments had been taken out of context. I have no disrespect towards Yash sir or anyone. In fact, on several occasions, I am inspired by Yash sir, his talent, and how he is himself sadly, the media has overlooked that I mentioned Santhu Straight Forward as the film, which I enjoyed the most. When you edit and spin just two lines from the most non-serious part of the show, then the whole essence is lost its really sad, read her post Shortly after the controversy, Yash emerged as a pan-India star with KGF (2018). He then consolidated his standing with KGF 2. Rashmika, on the other hand, became the National Crush with her work in Geetha Govindam and Pushpa. On the work front Coming to the present, Yash is working on Toxic. The film is directed by Geethu Mohandas and features the mass hero in the role of a gangster. Rashmika, on the other hand, will next be seen in Pushpa 2. The actioner is set to hit the screens on December 5. She also has Vicky Kaushals Chhavva and the Dhanush-led Kubera in her kitty. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The ambitious Cheetah reintroduction project has suffered another setback after two newborn cubs were found dead on Wednesday in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP). The two cubs, born to Namibian cheetah Neerva on Monday, were found dead inside the enclosure. CREDIT: Unsplash/ Representational Image Cheetah cubs were born on Monday According to KNP officials, a monitoring team received radio signals indicating that Neerva was away from her den, after which they, along with veterinarians, rushed to the spot and found the mutilated carcasses of the two cubs inside. The team also failed to locate any more newborns in the den, leading them to conclude that Neerva had given birth to two cubs and not four as believed earlier. No other cheetah cubs were found inside the boma during the inspection, which reflects that Neerva gave birth to only two cubs. The carcasses of the two newborns will be cremated on Thursday as per norms, Project Cheetah Director Uttam Kumar Sharma said. CREDIT: MP TOURISM Other cheetahs are healthy: KNP While the reason for the death of the two newborns is unclear, officials said that the mother cheetah, Neerva, and other cubs in KNP are healthy. According to KNP officials, there are currently 24 cheetahs in Kuno, including 12 cubs. Cheetah Gamini with her 5 five cubs today morning enjoying the rain in Kuno National Park. Together, they weave a timeless tale of familial harmony amidst nature's seasonal embrace. pic.twitter.com/25ZUpLSLHd Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) July 5, 2024 Project Cheetah A total of twenty cheetahs, eight from Namibia and twelve from South Africa, were brought to India in September 2022 and February 2023 under Project Cheetah. The project was the first-of-its-kind transcontinental species reintroduction project in the world and aimed at bringing back cheetahs, which went extinct in India in 1952. Setbacks to Project Cheetah However, Project Cheetah has suffered multiple setbacks, with at least 11 deaths, including adults and cubs, in the more than two years since the reintroduction. CREDIT: BCCL Currently, all except one cheetah, Veera, a female from South Africa, are in captivity and held inside enclosures, with no timeline set for their release into the wild. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Mired in numerous controversies, 2024 has been a challenging year for BTS' Suga! From the drunk driving incident to the latest rumours about his moving history, the talented rapper has been facing the wrath of netizens. Just when fans thought he could breathe a sigh of relief after his DUI fiasco settled down, his alleged past conflicts with neighbours came haunting. BTS' Suga's moving history under a microscope! Suga's moving history is under scrutiny! Biz Hankook's exclusive report reveals that Suga bid farewell to his luxurious UN Village villa in May 2024 to a new abode. The BTS rapper had shifted to the posh neighbourhood in 2021 after a hasty exit from his previous residence. Suga moved out due to 'conflicts with neighbours' The report added that Suga was previously residing at Hannam Riverhill, a property he purchased in 2018 for a whopping 3.40 billion KRW ($2.43 million USD). However, his three-year stay came to an abrupt end in 2021 due to alleged conflicts with his neighbours. BIGHIT Music funded Suga's UN Village residence! After moving out of Hannam Riverhill, Suga settled into the Park Hannam residence in UN Village on a long-term lease. He moved out in May 2024. According to the Biz Hanbook report, BIGHIT MUSIC, BTS' label, fully covered the whopping 9.50 billion KRW (around $6.80 million USD) deposit. For the unversed, UN Village, an upscale residential area in Hannam-dong, Seoul, known for its high-end real estate houses many K-celebrities, including BLACKPINK's Jennie, BIGBANG's T.O.P, and HYBE boss Bang Si Hyuk. Suga's DUI Controversy On August 6, Suga caught the eye of Seoul Police after he failed to get up following a fall in the Hannam neighbourhood of Yongsan district. He was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.227 per cent, exceeding the 0.08 per cent threshold for license cancellation. He was taken to the police station, where he apologized for his actions and later shared a statement through BIGHIT MUSIC. After battling intense scrutiny for two months, the case was closed in September after the AGUST D rapper was f sentenced to a 15 million won ($11,491) fine. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Sean 'Diddy' Combs will have to spend Thanksgiving behind bars as his third bail request has been denied. The rapper's desperate attempts to get out of jail ahead of his 2025 trial for sex trafficking charges have gained significant attention due to his lucrative bail packages. This time around, his attorneys had offered a house arrest for him with no contact with women who were not family along with other stringent measures. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' third bail request denied A District Judge on Wednesday (November 27) denied Sean Combs' request to be released on bail before his trial for federal sex trafficking charges. Lawyers for Combs requested a $50 million bond for his release, proposing a strict monitoring plan. Under the terms, Combs would reside in a three-bedroom apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side, with 24/7 private security surveillance all at his own expense. Diddy has a history of 'violent behaviour' Quashing the music mogul's latest request, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled, "The Court finds that the government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community." He asserted that evidence "compellingly" suggests Diddy has a history of violent behaviour. Furthermore, the judge highlighted that his release while awaiting trial would pose a significant risk of witness tampering. Rapper to spend Thanksgiving behind bars With the current ruling, Combs's plans to spend the holiday season with his family have also gone for a toss. Despite his legal turmoil, Combs has found solace in the unwavering support of his mother, Janice Combs, and his children. They've been a constant presence at his court appearances, offering him strength and comfort. However, this Thanksgiving will be a difficult one for Combs, who will be forced to spend the holiday behind bars, separated from the family he holds dear. Diddy's Thanksgiving dinner Ahead of his highly-anticipated bail hearing, Diddy's Thanksgiving meal had gone viral. A People report shared what Combs, along with other inmates, will have on Thanksgiving Day. The report stated that inmates, including Combs, can expect a holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day. The breakfast, served at 6 am, will consist of fruit, cereal, and pastries. Lunch is served around 11 am, featuring a choice between a traditional turkey roast and hot and sour tofu, with side dishes including vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread rolls, and cranberry sauce. To top it off, holiday pie will be available for dessert. Later in the day, from 4 pm onwards, inmates will be served a lighter snack consisting of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, fruit, and bread, the report mentioned. Sean Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges Despite multiple lawsuits and ever-emerging allegations, Combs has denied any wrongdoing. He is currently locked up in a detention centre across the East River from Manhattan in Brooklyn, New York. His trial will begin on May 5, 2025. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The online dating and matchmaking industry is quickly developing around the world as people spend more time on their devices than in social settings. China, in particular, is one of the countries hardest hit by misleading activities in the online matchmaking industry. According to the South China Morning Post, police are investigating a ring of matching firms in southwestern China for cheating desperate single men out of large sums of money, with some women posing as potential brides in the scam. Some of these women made up to 300,000 yuan (Rs 35 lakh) within months. According to a statement issued in September by a court in Guiyang, Guizhou province, a police station in the Huaguoyuan area has received 180 reports of matchmaking fraud since March of last year. How do 'Flash' marriages and divorces work? According to SCMP, male clients consented to marry only days after meeting the women arranged by the agency. They were told to sign contracts with the agency and paid hundreds of thousands of yuan as bride price. Credit: Pexels These marriages are known as "flash weddings" because the brides would frequently escape, vanish, or coerce the men into divorce through a variety of tactics, including frequent disagreements after only a short time together. There are plenty of male consumers readily available Credit: Pexels According to a former customer service worker at one of the firms before the police raid, there were plenty of male consumers. "We are not concerned about the source of male customers at all. "There are many across the country," the employee was reported as saying. "We can select a male customer for blind dates from 40 to 50 candidates every day." He stated that, following the Guiyang authorities' heightened crackdown, some of these agencies had transferred to nearby Yunnan province. Also read: 'China is living in 2050': Pakistani man pays directly by palm at a China grocery store, video goes viral What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Today is a good day for Europe, the President of the European Commission said in a post on X regarding the approval over her proposed College of Commissioners The current political uncertainty, which is plaguing France , the eurozones second largest economy, seems to be having serious effects on the markets.The countrys borrowing cost has reached Greeces levels French bond yields surpass Greeces for first time amid political uncertainty - Two suspects have been taken into custody by the Kwara State Police Command after they were allegedly discovered in possession of a stolen Toyota Camry. The commands spokesperson DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the vehicle with the license plate APP 443 CX, reportedly stolen in Lagos State, had been recovered. According to the statement, the car was found last Friday at a spare parts dealers shop located in the Ipata-Oloje area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. Advertisement READ MORE: Suspect Arrested As Edo Police Recover Stolen NNPCL Staff Vehicle Acting on intelligence received from a motor spare parts dealer in Ipata-Oloje, Ilorin, detectives apprehended two suspects on 22nd November 2024 at about 1800 hours. The suspects, Gabiyu Lawal (M, 43) of Babasoja, Gambari, Ilorin, and Ademola Waheed (M, 45) of Sango Road, Ilorin, were intercepted with the vehicle. During a thorough search of the car, a GSM number linked to the owner, Mr. Ajibade Abel of Badagry Road, Lagos, was found. Upon contact, Mr. Abel confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from a parking lot in Lagos and that the case had been reported at Area C Police Command, Surulere, Lagos. The suspects admitted purchasing the vehicle for a suspiciously low price of 400,000 and intended to resell it in Ilorin for 1,000,000. Further investigations are underway to identify other accomplices and unravel the full extent of their criminal activities, the statement added. According to the PPRO, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya, praised members of the public for their vigilance and encouraged them to continue cooperating in providing timely intelligence to guarantee a safer state. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that it spent over N8.8 billion in 11 months to repair transmission towers vandalised across the country. According to Sule Abdulaziz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the TCN, 128 transmission towers have been destroyed by vandals or bandits from January 13 to date. Abdulaziz lamented that despite apprehending the vandals and handing them over to the police, they were bailed and continued with the vandalism. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use, he said in a Wednesday statement. Advertisement READ ALSO: Vandals Destroy Transmission Towers, Disrupt Countrys Power Supply TCN The TCN CEO also expressed frustration that the police often charged the vandals with theft instead of vandalism, allowing them to be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are, he said. Meanwhile, Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, disclosed that the federal government is collaborating with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by 2030. Adelabu said the power ministry is working with its finance counterpart to achieve this goal. Mission 300 is being driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans. Nigeria will benefit 50 million from this, he said. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) carried out two coordinated airstrikes targeting terrorists in Kukawa, Borno. On Wednesday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAFs director of public relations and information, stated that fighter jets destroyed a gun truck and killed numerous terrorists. Akinboyewa stated that the first operation was carried out in response to credible intelligence on the whereabouts of a terrorists gun truck, which was about five kilometres west of Kukawa. Advertisement NAF fighter jets swiftly responded, acquiring and attacking the target with precision, destroying the gun truck and crippling the terrorists capacity, he said. In the second operation, the AC OPHK responded to a distress call from ground troops in Kukawa, who were under intense attack by terrorists on motorcycles. The NAF air assets rapidly responded, engaging the terrorists at various intervals. The strike neutralized many terrorists, and our ground troops recovered over 20 abandoned motorcycles. READ MORE: Police Uncover Drug Warehouse In Delta, Detain Seven Suspects Ground troops took advantage of the momentum, pursuing wounded and fleeing militants, according to the statement. The spokesperson emphasised the NAFs commitment to restoring peace and security in the country. Akinboyewa noted that the NAF will continue to offer air assistance to ground forces and other security organisations. Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, will face repercussions for insulting former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo had described the 2023 general election as a travesty and criticized Nigerias failing state status, citing widespread corruption, poor leadership, and immorality as causes of insecurity and underdevelopment. Onanuga responded by saying Obasanjo left many unresolved problems for the country and presided over the most fraudulent election in Nigerias history. Advertisement READ ALSO: Democracy Suffered Mortal Wounds Under Obasanjos Corrupt Presidency Sunday Dare However, George, in a Wednesday statement, condemned Onanugas comments, noting that Yoruba culture does not condone insulting elders. George said,An old man who could be Bayo Onanugas father said something, and you took him on by blasting him right, left, and centre. That is his style because he did it to me before; he didnt meet me at Ijebu Ode Grammar School. George warned Onanuga that he would pay for his actions, saying, Someday he would pay back, because there would be a day after, and thats more important. He should be vigilant as he walks because its possible for him. Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has urged Northern leaders to prioritise national interests over regional concerns. Gowon also stressed the need to promote unity and cooperation among Nigerias various regions. In a speech delivered during a courtesy visit by the League of Northern Democrats in Abuja, on Wednesday, the former Head of State, reflected on his leadership era and discussed the groups vision for northern Nigeria. Advertisement He said: The north must ensure that its actions are in the best interest of Nigeria. My support for the creation of states was driven by the need to address fears of domination and to promote unity among all regions of the country. At that time, the fear of disintegration was palpable across all regions. My decision to advocate for state creation was to mitigate these fears and ensure a balanced federation. READ MORE: Northern Group Laments Economic Hardship, Says Tinubu Paying No Attention To Regions Plights The division of the north into multiple states was a sacrifice made to ensure no single region would overshadow the others. My allegiance has always been to Nigeria. I believe in putting the country first and avoiding the distractions of partisan politics. Differences in opinion should never hinder us from working together for the nations good. I see your efforts as a continuation of the legacy of leaders like Sir Tafawa Balewa, who was both a northerner and a national democrat, The North must always act in the interest of the nation. Whatever you do, prioritise the collective good of Nigeria. Collaboration among states is essential, but it should never undermine the nations unity. Your efforts give me hope for Nigerias future, and I remain at your service. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming amid controversial tax reform bill, which has generated reactions across the country. Some northern leaders believe that the bill is to cripple northerners and the region economy. Groups and some stakeholders have also kicked against it, urging National Assembly to reject the bill, submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The police, in collaboration with a joint task force in Anambra, have initiated a rescue operation for three individuals abducted on Tuesday at the Innoson showroom in the state. In a statement on Wednesday, the commands spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the victims were abducted in the evening at the Innoson motorcycle showroom on Owerri Road, Nnewi. READ MORE: Lagos Taskforce Busts Black Spots, Arrests 53 Drug Suspects Advertisement He said, the command had initiated a rescue operation and urged anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to come forward to the commands headquarters, Awka, or the nearest police station. The commands spokesman also stated that anyone with information about the kidnapping should contact the toll-free emergency number 112 or 07039194332. (NAN) The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, to walk freely on the streets of Benin City. This, the Party said, will receive a rousing welcome from residents, with a reward of N50 million. Prince Kassim Afegbua, a chieftain of the Party and member of the State Assets Verification Committee, made this challenge at a press briefing shortly after the inauguration of the Committee by Governor Monday Okpebholo at Government House in Benin City on Wednesday. Advertisement Afegbua also responded to allegations and criticism against the barely two-week-old administration of Governor Okpebholo in the state by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He stated that the people-oriented policies and steps taken by the new government had endeared it to the people. READ ALSO: Okpebholos Probe Of Obasekis Administration A Smokescreen To Hide Incompetence Aide The reason for the press briefing, just like the chairman said, is to respond to some insinuations out there. First, they said that the government of APC, that is barely 14 days old, has shut down the e-governance platform. That is very laughable and very incorrect. What they called e-governance is actually e-corruption, Afegbua said. According to him the immediate past Governor has hired some persons across the State to attack and cast aspersions on APC and its government in the State. However, he said this would not distract the government and the Party from providing credible projects to address the challenges facing the State. If the opposition is truly serious, they should please invite ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki to come to Edo for a street walk. We are ready to pay him N50 million for that particular exercise and let us see who the Edo people will embrace, Afegbua said. JoAnne A. Epps was serving as acting president in April 2023. She died suddenly in September 2023 after falling ill on stage at a Temple University event. Read more One thing that Phil Richards liked the most about the late JoAnne A. Epps, former president of Temple University, was her ability to unify people with vastly varying views. She could take different opinions and meld them together and have everybody walking out of the room feeling like they won, said Richards, vice chair of Temples board of trustees and a 1962 Temple alumnus. Thats a special skill. Advertisement He wanted to make sure that Epps who died unexpectedly in September 2023 while serving as Temples acting president and her talents were never forgotten. Richards told the board he was donating $500,000 to an undergraduate scholarship fund in Epps name and asked his other board colleagues to contribute. READ MORE: Hundreds gather to remember Temples JoAnne A. Epps during Temple vigil: We are her legacy A lot of them said, Count me in, Richards said. The board collectively has pledged over $1 million to the fund, which currently stands at $912,000. No insignificant gift was made, said Richards, who has been on the board for 14 years and is the executive chairman and founder of North Star Research Group, a financial planning firm based in Minneapolis. Mitchell L. Morgan, Temple board chair and founder and chairman of Morgan Properties, donated $105,000. I loved, loved, loved JoAnne Epps, Morgan said. READ MORE: Temples acting president, JoAnne A. Epps, has died after falling ill on stage at university event Richards, who lives in Arizona and Florida, said he didnt even have to call Jane Scaccetti, founding partner and CEO of Drucker & Scaccetti, an accounting firm that joined Armanino in 2022. She called him. She immediately stepped up and said Im going to give this much this year and this much next year, Richards said. Even emeritus trustees, including former board chair Patrick OConnor, contributed, Richards said. The willingness of the board to contribute really is a reflection of Epps. We have a lot of Joanne admirers, he said. When she passed, that was more significant and painful than the outside world knew. READ MORE: JoAnne Epps, named Temples acting president, says she can calm waters Epps stepped into the acting presidents role in April 2023 after Jason Wingard resigned less than two years into his tenure. She has been credited with restoring calm, smooth operations, and unity to the university after a tumultuous year that saw the resignation of a president, a graduate student worker strike, and the shooting death of a Temple police officer while on duty. A teacher, lawyer, administrator, and leader, Epps, a Cheltenham native, served Temple for nearly 40 years, starting as a law school professor, then dean, then provost. At a campus vigil following her death, those who knew her spoke of her keen financial stewardship, her caring and compassion, and her outspoken advocacy for equity and justice. She died after falling ill on stage at a ceremony in memory of historian and author Charles L. Blockson, who was the curator emeritus of the Blockson Afro-American Collection. The board posthumously removed the acting from her title, giving her a place in the universitys history as one of its presidents, with her photo now hung in the board room with all other prior presidents. READ MORE: Temple's law dean promoted to provost The scholarship is meant to go to undergraduate students who exhibit Epps values. Incoming or current students with financial need are eligible; students who have engaged in service, leadership and social justice work in their community or are pursuing careers aimed toward the public good are preferred, the school said. Board members said they hope her legacy is carried on through students who receive her scholarship. One student got the scholarship this year, Temple said. Amounts will vary depending on how much income the fund earns. Donations can be made to the undergraduate scholarship fund, as well as a separate scholarship fund for law school students. Its a grand remembrance of a woman who sadly we lost, who bled Temple University, Richards said. She had cherry in her veins. Actor Lisa Ann Walter, from "Abbott Elementary," waves to the crowd during the 105th 6abc Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. Read more Public schoolteacher Melissa Schemmenti was working on her day off. Aboard the pirate ship float at the 105th 6abc Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia was actor Lisa Ann Walter, who plays Schemmenti on ABCs hit show, Abbott Elementary. Not letting the rain dampen her style, Walter sported a leopard coat over a black sweater and paired it all with a pirate hat, as she drew a heart in the air and waved and blew kisses to the crowd along the Ben Franklin Parkway. Advertisement The coat quickly found a fan in 6abc anchor Alicia Vitarelli who said it was giving her life, as she stood in the rain, reporting on the parade. Standing right behind a pirate statue, Walter who Good Morning America weathercaster Sam Champion called hilarious and a lovely person was joined on the float by her children. This year I dont have to cook for them up because I am here. For the first time in 40 years, she said. Walter, a Maryland native, has long been embraced as an honorary Philadelphian. Not just because she carried a hip flask to the 2024 SAG Awards, but she is also a Dalessandros cheesesteak fan. You should have seen my hotel room it was disgusting. I had half-eaten cheesesteaks and hoagies all over the place, she told The Inquirer earlier this year. Thanks to her Abbott role, the actor has also perfected her South Philly accent, which she said she learned from studying Bradley Coopers interviews. I cant tell you the number of hours, days, and weeks I spent making sure the accent was perfect, she said. Inside the 6abc studio, Walter joined parade livecast hosts Cecily Tynan and Rick Williams. Ive never felt more at home, she said. Unsurprisingly, the comic came with her own quips. When introducing Dancin on Air host Eddie Bruces performances with the No Name Pops musicians, Walter said the 1980s television dance music reality show was definitely something a young Melissa Schemmenti would watch. Later when the Dunkin float with huge sculptures of their signature coffees rolled by, she said, My character on Abbott needs a coffee cup that size. Lisa [also] needs a coffee cup that size. Walters time inside the studio was an affectionate affair with Tynan and Williams thanking her for coming to Philly for the holiday. I am grateful to be part of this city and its celebration, Walter said, before heading to her hotel for some turkey and a nap. Ill be back anytime you want me, Philly, Walter said before signing off. Inquirer columnist Jenice Armstrong makes her way to the Cape Coast, Ghana, fort where enslaved Africans were held in dungeons before being sold and shipped off to the Americas. Read more CAPE COAST, Ghana Id been warned. Just about everyone who had visited one of the stone forts in Ghana where enslaved Africans were held before making the journey to the Americas told me to prepare myself for the wave of emotions that would wash over me. I wasnt ready. There was no way I could have been. Advertisement A guide led my husband and me into a dungeon specifically designed for male captives. It was dark and stifling. Sunlight shone through a lone, narrow window way overhead. I tried to imagine how it must have been as our tour guide described hundreds of men crammed into areas like this so tightly that people could barely move, their bodies simply lying atop one another. There were no bathroom facilities for those prisoners back then, which meant they would have to spend weeks or longer in their own waste. READ MORE: Ghana wants Black Americans to come home. Many are accepting the invitation. I went to find out why. | Jenice Armstrong Reading about it was one thing. But walking around the grounds of the 17th-century fort and exploring the actual dungeons where untold numbers of enslaved Africans were once held made the atrocities more real to me than Im probably able to describe. For me, making peace with those feelings was part of my experience in Ghana, whose government has extended an open invitation to Black Americans to come home urging them to visit and also immigrate to this deeply impoverished nation of nearly 35 million. The Africans were collaborators with the Europeans, but they didnt start the slave trade, said Molefi Kete Asante, the noted scholar of African American history at Temple University, when I reached out to him on Wednesday. And they did not know what was happening to the African people who were captured. But there were Africans who were captured by other Africans, brought down to these fortresses, and they were getting goods and trinkets for this. The buying and the selling of Africans was always in the hands of Europeans, added Asante, author of The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony. It was not the Africans who had the ships. It was not the Africans who had the insurance for the sailors. It was not the Africans who had the guns, the cannons. This was all a European business. And the fact that they had African collaborators today in American society we have Black people who are collaborating with [Donald] Trump, so you will have collaborators but they were not the initiators of the slave trade. At the castle in Cape Coast about 90 miles west of Ghanas capital, Accra I struggled through a 60-minute guided tour of the grounds. It wasnt lost on me that a castle first made of wood by the Portuguese in 1653 was a stark reminder of slaverys not-so-distant past. At one point, my husband and I visited what used to be a chapel. I paused for a moment to reflect on the inhumanity of churchgoers to attend religious services steps away from where so much misery was taking place. When we got to the female holding pens, I steeled myself once again to step back into the darkness, if only for a moment. I made it inside and was looking around when our guide, from African Roots Travel, handed me a beribboned funeral wreath. I had to choke back tears. On the front was an inscription in memory of our familys female ancestors who may have been held there. Like most who are descendants of enslaved Africans, I dont know much about my ancestors only that they were most likely born in West Africa and transported against their will to the United States and forced to work for free on plantations in the South. Next, we headed for the so-called Door of No Return a doorway that led the enslaved to awaiting ships for their journey to the Americas. A short time earlier, we had journeyed to the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Site, where the enslaved were encouraged to bathe not out of concern for their health and hygiene, I was told, but in the hope that they might fetch higher prices from their captors before being sold and making their journey to the Americas. I crouched over the waters and thought about the millions who took their last bath on the continent there. I thought about the words of Vice President Kamala Harris when she visited Ghana last year. The horror of what happened here must always be remembered, she said. It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned. As it so happens, my journey here began in the days after her defeat in the presidential election. Its unclear what will happen to the teaching about this chapter in American history once President-elect Trump takes office. During an appearance on Fox News in October, the president-elect said he would close the U.S. Department of Education and cut funding to schools that taught the full history of slavery. I take him at his word. Not acknowledging the impact of 400 years of chattel slavery, and even more of racial segregation, is a way to deny the countrys ugliest chapters and absolve the government of ever making amends, which it should have done long ago. Meanwhile, Ghana has dedicated much of its tourism efforts to encouraging Black people from throughout the African diaspora to return, either to visit or to live. It is a return Im glad I made and its one Id encourage anyone of African descent to make. We must always, as the vice president said, remember the horror that occurred here, both to honor the painful journeys made by our ancestors and to ensure that our descendants will prosper no matter what shores they call home. This column is the final installment of Blaxit a series by The Inquirers Jenice Armstrong about Black American expatriates who have moved to the African continent. Travel for the series was funded, in part, by the National Association of Black Journalists. Andre Johnson renovated this home in Kingsessing as his first investment property and sold it for $195,000 to a first-time homebuyer. Read more Mashia Quillen knows what its like to have to start over. Its what she did about five years ago after a series of setbacks, including the loss of her job and home and the serious illness of one of her sons. Now, Quillen and her children live in a newly renovated three-bedroom, 1-bathroom rowhouse in Kingsessing that she bought in early November for $195,000. Advertisement Buying her first home and creating generational wealth for her family was one of her biggest goals. And she wanted to set an example for her children: her daughter, who started at Pennsylvania State University this fall with a full scholarship, and her twin 14-year-old sons. I just wanted to show them hard work and dedication and being able to own something of your own and keep building from that, Quillen, 41, said. A lot of it, I give thanks to God, because I prayed every day that something was gonna come my way and things would work out for me. Quillen, a charge nurse at an assisted-living facility, didnt have to bring any of her own money to closing, thanks to a first-time homebuyer grant and funds thrown in by the seller a small developer who renovated the home as his first investment property. Andre Johnson hopes the once-blighted Kingsessing property is the first of many he can transform into the decent affordable housing for low-income families that Philadelphia needs. He sees his business as a way to pay forward the opportunities he has been able to seize. I just wanted to help somebody that looks like me, comes from my background who came from the same spot I was in a few years ago, said Johnson, a 36-year-old father of two. A stepping stone For most of his life, Johnson lived in the Richard Allen public housing development in North Philadelphia. But I always wanted more for myself, he said. Through a program for Philadelphia Housing Authority renters, Johnson was able to purchase his first home in 2019 in the Cobbs Creek area. He enrolled in programs offered by PHA and others and learned construction trades. Then he started his general-contracting business, Limitless Lifestyle Realty, in 2021. People dont know, but PHA is really like a stepping stone, Johnson said. He bought what is now Quillens home from PHA, which required that the property be sold to a buyer making at or below 80% of the area median income, or $91,750 for a household of four. That project right there is really special to me, Johnson said. Hes so happy, he said, that the property went to someone who is trying to go ahead and set up a good future for her family. Quillen said another home seller had rejected her offer because she was getting assistance from a first-time homebuyer program and worried she wouldnt have sufficient funds to close on the home. She said she fell in love with Johnsons house and its new appliances, finished basement, and central air-conditioning. A lot of people cant afford outrageous prices for a nice house, she said. I was grateful that Andre was able to work with me. Laying the foundation Johnson was looking to start a career when he decided to get into construction. I was always good with my hands and fixing things, he said. I liked taking things apart and putting them back together. He was introduced to the building trades as a teenager, when he helped renovate a North Philadelphia barbershop. Later, he learned how to do electrical and construction work thanks to PHA, the Electrical Association of Philadelphia, and Trades for a Difference, an organization based in East Mount Airy aiming to train people of color in construction trades. I was one of the people that took advantage of the resources, said Johnson, who also works in building maintenance at a Radnor Township elementary school. In 2020, he graduated from a training program offered by Jumpstart Germantown, which taught him about real estate development. The Philadelphia-based Jumpstart program also gives loans and support to aspiring developers. Ken Weinstein, the Northwest Philadelphia developer who founded Jumpstart, said he was glad to hear that Johnson had completed his first project. Its the first one thats always the hardest, he said. A majority of people who go through the Jumpstart program do not become real estate developers. But ones who do buy blighted properties, renovate them, and then either rent them to tenants or sell them. READ MORE: Philly residents who want to be real estate developers can now get Jumpstart loans citywide Weinstein said he wasnt surprised by Johnsons motivations. Paying it forward is very much part of our Jumpstart program, he said. The important thing is to realize someone helped you get where you are and you should turn around and do the same for someone else. Since Jumpstart began nearly a decade ago, the program has provided almost $60 million in loans for about 475 projects, Weinstein said. Jumpstart has expanded to 19 training programs across the country, with the majority in Pennsylvania. The city of Chester is starting a program, and Newark started one a few months ago as the first New Jersey location. Getting the home The 1,200-square-foot property in Kingsessing was in rough shape when Johnson got it from PHA. It had been sitting for a while, and squatters were living in it. Johnson said that in addition to his desire to provide housing at an affordable price, he really wanted to make that eyesore on the block go away. He had originally hoped to get a PHA property through a partnership between the housing authority and Jumpstart, but there werent enough available. Through lotteries in 2021, 2022, and 2023, small, new developers got PHA homes for $10 to help them get their businesses started. When Johnson didnt get a lottery property, he went directly to PHA. He was extremely persistent in making his case, said Kelvin Jeremiah, president and chief executive officer of PHA. We afforded him an opportunity, and he succeeded. Johnson bought the home from PHA last summer for $1. He then stripped it bare and built it back new. He held his first open house in September on the fourth anniversary of the day he lost his brother to gun violence, which he took as a sign he was doing what he was meant to do. Jeremiah said PHA would like to continue to work with Johnson as he grows his business. We want to provide opportunities for equitable, inclusive development that gives people an opportunity to build generational wealth, Jeremiah said. Johnson said hes looking for more properties to buy, and he wants to get into new construction and multifamily homes that he can hold onto as rental properties. Quillen, Johnsons first homeowner, said shes still soaking in the fact that she owns her home while also hoping to one day help house people experiencing homelessness. I knew that this would help me continue my dreams and aspirations to be able to do what I want to do to help people, she said. China issues action plan to cut national logistics costs 10:55, November 28, 2024 By Zhang Yiyi ( Global Times A container of China-Europe freight train is lifted at Horgos Port in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 15, 2024. (Bai Fengliang/Xinhua) The Chinese government has issued an action plan to cut logistics costs to boost economic efficiency, targeting a reduction in the ratio of social logistics costs to GDP to around 13.5 percent by 2027, the Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday. Key goals include breakthroughs in integrated transport reforms, optimizing freight transport structure, increasing the share of railway freight volume and railway freight turnover to 11 percent and 23 percent, and boosting growth in port container rail-water intermodal transport. The plan also seeks to foster globally competitive logistics firms, enhance the national logistics hub system, and establish a unified, efficient, and competitive logistics market. "The plan is crucial for building a unified national market by removing barriers and reducing transaction costs. It will play a key role in driving high-quality economic growth, especially in advancing high-end manufacturing," Li Chang'an, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics told the Global Times on Wednesday. Li noted that these actions are crucial for improving global supply chains and advancing China's high-quality opening-up. "It also plays a key role in optimizing China's international supply chain. For instance, by setting up warehouses and ports abroad and improving the operation of China-Europe freight trains, cross-border transport efficiency is significantly enhanced," said Li, adding that measures such as avoiding double taxation help Chinese products reach international markets faster. The plan highlights the need for open logistics data sharing, and integration of public resources from transport and customs sectors. It emphasizes interconnectivity, supports data integration for businesses, and will promote sustainable models. Additionally, it calls for stronger data security, improved authorization systems, and market-based circulation of enterprise logistics data. The plan outlines a logistics efficiency initiative for the "new three" exports: new-energy vehicles (NEVs), lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products. It emphasizes upgrading port storage facilities, facilitating smoother exports, and setting technical standards for large storage batteries and photovoltaic modules. Key measures include enhancing safety management protocols for lithium battery transport, expanding roll-on/roll-off ("ro-ro") port capabilities, promoting the development of river ro-ro vessels, and exploring containerized transport using electric vehicles to streamline domestic and cross-border logistics. The plan focuses on developing the international supply chain by supporting the establishment of logistics hubs in key regions to enhance trade in bulk goods, NEVs, and cold-chain products. It encourages large businesses to collaborate with logistics firms on shared overseas warehouses and services, while optimizing the scheduling and capacity of China-Europe freight trains. The plan also focuses on upgrading logistics infrastructure and advancing digital transformation. It calls for innovation in key technological areas like big data, 5G, and BeiDou navigation, while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into modern logistics. Priority will be given to modernizing traditional infrastructure and building smart highways, ports, hubs, and logistics parks, while promoting technologies such as autonomous vehicles, ships, drones, warehouses, and loading systems, and enhancing the integration of smart warehousing, distribution, and transport with digital twin technology. "Integrating AI with modern logistics not only enhances customs efficiency but also enables precise point-to-point delivery, reducing time costs and offering significant benefits," Li said. Li noted that the plan promotes emerging sectors such as platform economy, low-altitude economy, and autonomous driving. Developing the platform economy helps match supply with demand, easing market bottlenecks, while low-altitude and autonomous technologies improve logistics flow. On November 9, the Ministry of Transport and the National Development and Reform Commission issued a notice on the release of the action plan for reducing costs and improving efficiency in transportation and logistics. The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing reported at the end of October that total logistics costs in the first three quarters of 2024 reached 13.4 trillion yuan ($1.85 trillion), up 2.3 percent year-on-year. It also accounted for 14.1 percent of GDP, down 0.1 percentage points from the first half of the year and 0.2 percentage points year-on-year. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) The partnership with IAG contributes to our goal of building a truly resilient state, leaving no Queenslander behind. And we will invest together to ensure RACQ members, employees, and all Queenslanders continue to have access to leading insurance products serviced locally, to keep them safe in the long term, he said. The recommendations include calls for expansion of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to cover all natural disasters. Number eight calls for a levy on coal and gas companies to raise funds for disaster resilience measures and to offset the rising cost of insurance. The study found that male deaths from deaths of despair, such as suicide, are particularly concerning. In 2023, men were nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide, with a rate of approximately 23 per 100,000 compared to six per 100,000 for women. Sandra is another great addition to the Aon Reinsurance Solutions team and adds additional customer knowledge and client dedication. We are extremely happy Sandra has chosen to join our team and are all excited to get her started and introduce her to our clients, McCardie said. The trained personnel are called activators. We're trying to find that happy medium of just enough structure, control and capability at the heart of the organisation because, really, the value is in making this available to a really wide group of individuals, he said. With over 25 years of experience within the Allianz Group, Buttstedt transitions to his new role from Allianz Italy, where he served as CFO for four years. Prior to that, he was Chief Risk Officer for five years. Ho-ho-ho, yeah! Its that time of year again. As the countdown to The Late Late Toy Show begins, expect to see an exponential rise in the number of holiday jumpers doing the rounds. Whether Fair Isle, fair trade or fair game, prepare to embrace the yuletide spirit. Resistance is futile, folks. Your time starts now. Lets start as we mean to go onfull tiltwith a good old kitsch-mas slogan. Im partial to a pun (Fleece Navidad gets my vote), but you also cant go wrong with a classic like Nollaig from Irish brand Fukil. Loud and proud, check out their special edition line of sustainable unisex tees and sweatshirts. Etsy.com is also worth a scroll, especially if youre partial to a mince pie. For fans of quiet luxury, heritage prints hold clout without the Christmas commitment. We Norwegians, for example, take inspiration from modern basics and traditional knitting patterns like the woodworking designs of the national Sami. Crafted in Merino wool, their winter knits segue well into the New Year. Wear with knitted trousers and UGGs or pack for apres ski with leggings, snow boots and a hot chocolate. Cornish contender Seasalts Fair Isle knits offer similar festive nous. Colourful and cosy, these high-low heroes work equally well with jeans as they do with a leather skirt and kitten heels. Using responsibly sourced wool and recycled fibre blends, their commitment to people and planet-friendly practices adds to the feelgood factor. Come Friday, Ill be wearing my beloved vintage Icelandic cardigan. Perhaps a pair of reindeer slippers, too. Nollaig snowflakes t-shirt, Fukil, 30 1. Nollaig snowflakes t-shirt, Fukil, 30 The Sketch Christmas sweater, Sketch The Label, 95 2. The Sketch Christmas sweater, Sketch the Label, 95 Fleece Navidad Green Christmas Jumper, Joules Next, 71.95 3. Joules Fleece Navidad Christmas jumper, Next, 71.95 Spruce Frost Mohair-Blend Fair Isle Jumper, Seasalt Cornwall, 110 4. Spruce Frost mohair-blend Fair Isle jumper, Seasalt Cornwall, 110 Red Fairisle Knitted Christmas Jumper, Next, 50.50 5. Fair Isle knitted Christmas jumper, Next, 50.50 We Norwegians Hovden merino-wool turtleneck sweater, Net-a-Porter, 350 6. We Norwegians Hovden merino-wool sweater, Net-a-Porter, 350 Metallic crew neck Christmas jumper, M&S, 42 7. Metallic crew neck Christmas jumper, M&S, 42 Jacquard-knit jumper, H&M, 27.99 8. Jacquard-knit jumper, H&M, 27.99 Mince Pie Appreciation Society sweatshirt, Etsy AlphabetBags, 70.44 9. Mince Pie Appreciation Society sweatshirt, Etsy @ AlphabetBags, 70.44 It's that time of year again and our bumper Black Friday list is here. We've tried to include mostly Irish brands and businesses, with some international ones that we couldn't pass up. Happy shopping. Supermarkets Lidl Though it started last Thursday, Lidl brought a fresh round of deals to stores this week. From Emma mattresses worth 919 for 349.99; Tommy Hilfiger clothing, some with an RRP of 119 selling for 49.99 and under; as well as TVs, kitchen essentials and much more. There is also a massive warehouse clearance sale at Lidls Mullingar Regional Distribution Centre from Friday to Sunday. There are savings of up to 70 per cent on the likes of TVs, coffee machines, DIY gadgets, air fryers and more. Tesco Clubcard users can avail of a number of deals from Tesco this Black Friday, including half price headphones, speakers and printers. There are also reductions on kitchen appliances with the Clubcard. Tesco Mobile has a sale on a number of phones, with savings up to 250. In-store only offers include a Toshiba 50" VIDAA 4K HDR smart tv for 349 and a Salter 8L fuzion dual air fryer for 75. Dunnes Stores Pick up the Dolce Gusto and Tassimo Coffee Machine for 39.95, reduced from 79.95; an Oral B iO3 Power toothbrush for 70; and the Tefal 8.3 litre Dual Air Fryer for 99.95 as part of Dunnes Stores' Black Friday sale. Aldi The Big Toy Event includes the likes of a Bluey plush for 8.99 and plush chair for 29.99; a Barbie Jeep/Speed Boat for 19.99; a Gabby Dollhouse plush chair for 29.99; a Bobble Bike for 19.99; and much more. Travel Travel Department Bookings made up until December 2 can avail of a number of discounts, depending on the length of the trip. Theres 300pp off holidays of 14 nights or more using the code BF300; 125pp off holidays of 7-13 nights using the code BF125; and 35pp off holidays of 6 nights or less using the code BF35 on their website. TD Active Holidays For those looking for a walking or adventure holiday, there are deals available on tdactiveholidays.com. Get 150pp on explore holidays using the code BF150; 100pp on walking holidays using the code BF100; and 50pp off yoga and photography holidays using the code BF50 on bookings made before December 2. Aer Lingus Aer Linguss Black Friday deals kicked off earlier this week but are running right up until Tuesday. On the line-up are flights to North America for just 199 each way on trips from January 7 to April 10. There are 25 per cent off flights to Europe and the UK, including Aer Lingus Regional Services, for trips from December 9 to April 10 next year. Ryanair The airline has been running a different deal each day this week, right up until Monday. Ryanairs biggest promotion of the year, there are savings on flights, including special New Years, Easter and city break promotions. InterContinental Dublin The hotel is offering a 20 per cent discount on room-only rates booked before December 6 for stays from now until March 31, 2025. Check the website for information and bookings, call 01- 665 4000, or email reservations@icdublin.com. Midlands Park Hotel This Portlaoise hotel is giving an extra 20 per cent with every gift voucher up until December 3, meaning a 50 spend will bag you a 60 voucher while a 100 spend will secure a voucher worth 120 and so on. The vouchers can be used on overnight stays, treatments at the spa or dinner. Johnstown Estate Ending on Tuesday, this Meath hotel is giving a 10 per cent discount on gift vouchers, which can be used for overnight stays, spa treatments, afternoon tea or dining experiences. There is also a Black Friday Spa Experience for two for 99. It will include 90 minutes in their thermal suite with steam and sauna rooms, experience showers, a salt grotto, reflexology walk and relaxation areas along with a two-course lunch at the Spa Cafe. Guests can also unwind in the hydrotherapy pool, hot tub and heated pergola lounge. This deal is available for bookings from Sunday to Thursday until December 2025. Finally, there is a Black Friday package for 185 per couple for overnight accommodation, a full Irish breakfast and bottle of wine on arrival. Valid on bookings from Sunday to Thursday until March 31. The Imperial Hotel This historic Cork hotel is offering 20 per cent off bed and breakfast rates on selected dates from now until April 30, 2025. A 20 English Market voucher will also be included. Muckross Park Hotel Running until December 4, stays between now and December 31, 2025, can get 30 per cent off at this Killarney hotel. NYX Hotel Dublin Guests can avail of a 30 per cent discount on hotel room rates at both their Portobello and Christchurch locations. The promotion runs until Tuesday for Advantage Club members which you can sign up for during the booking process to avail of the deal. Beauty Sculpted by Aimee All through November, Sculpted by Aimee is running their Pink Friday event, with deals on a number of products. The main event takes place from this Friday to December 2. There is 15 per cent off every order, 25 per cent off orders over 70; and 30 per cent off orders over 100. BPerfect This cosmetics brand has had a number of discounts throughout November, but from the 28-29, there is up to 99 per cent off with early access available with a code. For Cyber Monday, there is 40 per cent off on the site. SoSu Cosmetics SoSu is offering up to a whopping 80 per cent off on their site as part of their main Black Friday event. Dripping Gold tanning mousse is half price, while Hydra Whip Clear tanning mouse is reduced to 6 from 24. There is makeup, lashes, nails, brushes and more to be snapped up. Bare by Vogue Williams There is 30 per cent sitewide on the Bare by Vogue website, with an extra 5 per cent when you sign up to their mailing list. Self tan foam is available for 17.50, while mitts are on sale at 6.30, among many other reductions. Bellamianta Tanning brand Bellamianta has 40 per cent off everything for four days, starting from November 29. Iconic Bronze Tanning & Cosmetics From Black Friday, everything on the site is 10 and under for the whole weekend. Ella & Jo Skincare Though there have already been savings on the site, it will increase to 25 per cent off full price items for 24 hours on Black Friday only. There is also free shipping. From November 30 to December 2, there is 20 per cent off full price items and a free full-size serum when spending 100 or more. Ultraceuticals This weekend, the limited-edition B2 Hydration Heroes kit is 79.50 (valued at 113.50), with a free Ultra B2 Micellar Water Solution with every purchase. South William Clinic This Dublin skincare clinic has savings on a number of gift vouchers, including 500 Gift Voucher for 299; 200 Gift Voucher for 99; and 50 Gift Voucher for 39. They are also running a number of once-off offers, such as a 30-minute HydraFacial for 99; Three courses of facials from 399 and a laser hair removal voucher worth 1,000 for 499. VOYA Organic beauty brand Voya has 20 per cent off when purchasing one; 25 per cent off two; 30 per cent off three. No discount codes are needed and the promotion runs until Monday. Therapie Clinic There is up to 70 per cent off laser hair treatments across the board at Therapie Clinic this Black Friday. Starting at 14.95, the clinic has offers for underarms, bikini, full leg, full body, chest, stomach, back, shoulders, full body and more. Anti-wrinkle injectables are also on offer, with three areas for the price of two. Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic Using code EBBF20 will get you 20 per cent off online purchases from Thursday onwards. Gifts Dylan Oaks Contemporary Jewellers On Friday, there is 40 per cent off sitewide on Dylan Oaks Contemporary Jewellers. The brands Script Initial Black Friday set will be reduced from 98 to 49, with complimentary gift-wrapping. Tipperary Crystal Tipperary Crystal has up to 70 per cent off, including necklaces, bags, candles, mugs, glasses, tea towels, decorations and much more. Standun Irish Heritage Store From Thursday to Monday, there is 20 per cent off with the code BF24, valid on items that are not already discounted. Somas This Irish business has up to 50 per cent select Black Friday items including candles, bags, jackets, scarves and more. There is also 15 per cent off everything else with code BF15. Carraig Donn In stores and online too there is 25 per cent off almost everything, plus 50 per cent off certain products. There are reductions on clothing, Christmas decorations, gifts, homeware and more. Carrols Irish Gifts There are in-store discounts of up to 50 per cent across all categories in Carrols Irish Gift shops. There are coats, jumpers, scarves, Guinness-themed products, Newbridge Silverware and much more on offer. Kilkenny Design Kilkenny Design is offering up to 50 per cent off in-store and online, with new deals added right up until Monday. Some bargains up for grabs include Kilkenny Crystal Trinity set of six Whiskey glasses for 25, down from 50; Galway Crystal Amber Glass and Brass stem lamp for 29.95, down from 59; and 30 per cent off Lennon Courtney and Kilkenny Design candle sticks. Current This brand is running its first ever Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, ending on Monday. Free shipping is available on discounted items using the code HIGHTIDE at checkout. For the sea swimmers in your life, there is a bundle deal for 90, which includes a clock for tracking the tide, a 1 per cent hourglass for mindful 15 minute pauses and a tidal tote bag. Smyths A number of toys have been reduced as part of Smyths' Black Friday sale, such as Barbie Dreamhouse Playset for 169.99; Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Chase's Deluxe Power Haulin' Rescue Cruiser for 24.99 and much more. Clothing Lifestyle Sports Discounts of up to 50 per cent can be found on the likes of Nike, New Balance, Adidas and much more in Lifestyle Sports Black Friday sale, ending on Cyber Monday. The Sweater Shop If 60 per cent off everything is not enough, the Sweater Shop is also offering an extra 15 per cent with the code 15OFF. Irish-made Fisherman Sweaters, Cardigans, Aran Knitwear, childrens gifts and more can all be snapped up. Regatta Great Outdoors Womens jackets are up to 70 per cent off, with different styles available. The Jaycee II Quilted jacket in warm taupe, dark khaki, navy and brown are on sale for 60, reduced from 120; the Arilie Quilted jacket in dark forest green and deep plum are also reduced to 60; and the Cambrie II Quilted jacket in dark khaki, light vanilla and dark brown is reduced from 150 to 75. There are also reductions on fleeces, rain jackets, beanies, trainers and more. Pamela Scott Online and in-stores, Pamela Scott is offering an extra 20 per cent off all sale items, with the discount automatically applied in your cart. Brown Thomas There is up to 25 per cent in Brown Thomas on clothing and bags, with 20 per cent off beauty sets and more. Tech and Gadgets HMD This Finnish smartphone brand has discounts of up to 100 off certain models, with the HMD XR21 6/128 reduced to 399 from 499. The Skyline 8/128 is reduced from 449 to 399 and the Skyline 12/256 reduced from 549 to 499. Other models are reduced to 299, 259, 129, 119 and 99. Whoop Customers in Ireland can avail of a 24 per cent discount on a 12 month subscription for smart watch Whoop 4.0 at just 199. There is also a 40 per cent discount on apparel on the website. Samsung Until Tuesday, Samsung have up to 300 off on mobile phones and tablets; up to 360 to claim back when purchasing OLED TVs and up to 1300 off on fridge freezers. Delonghi For the coffee lovers, Delonghi have a number of deals on different coffee machines including La Specialista Arte for 399; La Specialista Maestro for 899; Magnifica Plus for 649; Dinamica for 499; and Dedica Barista Bundle for 299. Kenwood Kenwoods Multipro One Touch food processor and blender is on sale for 199 while the Multipro Express is reduced to 89. Their kMix mixer is on sale for 299, and the Chef model is on sale for 249. Braun It may not be a great Christmas present but for anyone looking to replace their own appliances, Brauns CareStyle Compact Pro iron is on sale for 119, while the PowerBelnd7 blender is 99. Miscellaneous Blue Pet Co This pet nutrition brand has a buy one, get one free offer on its GoShine, GoActive and GoSmile supplement tubs, which 90 in each. The offer is valid from Friday to midnight on Monday. UCD Professional Academy There are savings of up to 500 on On Demand courses and 20 per cent on live courses in UCDs Professional Academy. Courses such as social media marketing, e-commerce and advanced artificial intelligence are available, to name but a few. Wander Wild Festival Irelands great outdoors festival in Killarney is holding a Green Friday deal, with the first 127 people to book an activity receiving a 10 per cent discount. Use the code greenfriday. Tipple This plant-based hangover defence supplement uses vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and probiotics to help combat hangover symptoms. There is 30 per cent off using code Black30. Over the weekend, code BLACK35 will give 35 per cent off and there is 50 per cent gift cards on Cyber Monday with the code GIFT50. The Catholic bishop who oversees chaplaincy in the States prisons has heavily criticised the closing of the chapel in Mountjoy Prison, as reported on Tuesday on the Irish Examiner. Bishop Martin Hayes also claims he was very much misled by prison authorities over what he was told was to be the repurposing of part of the building that houses the chapel. The bishop says the move has meant prisoners' rights in terms of expression of their religion have been suppressed by authorities. Noting that he is alarmed at the developments with the start of construction work to repurpose the chapel, he said this was being undertaken without appropriate consultation with prisoners or with the chaplains. This unilateral approach runs counter to maintaining harmonious and respectful relations in our prison community, he said. I can only conclude that, arising from the approach taken and speed of action, that prisoners rights in Mountjoy in terms of their freedom of religious expression have been suppressed by authorities. As the holy season of Advent leading up to Christmas begins this Sunday, the timing of this decision is particularly poignant. He confirmed there had been prior consultation with him in his capacity as liaison bishop to the prison service that some works would be undertaken involving the relocation of a bereavement suite but he says that at no point was he told that this would involve the cessation of use of the chapel to say mass. He was told that "while the chapel would be reduced in space, nonetheless it would still facilitate accommodation of 96 people to gather for the celebration of mass into the future". I was further informed that the prison chaplains had yet to be advised of these proposals which were, at that point, still at a scoping stage. In other words, at no point was it suggested that the chapel space would be closed off for worship. This is now the case. On Tuesday, the Irish Examiner reported that the chapel, which has been in existence for over 150 years, had been closed by the prison to be used for other purposes due to overcrowding. The closure was done without any consultation with the prison chaplaincy and effectively ends the saying of mass for any prisoners who wish to avail of it. A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) told the Irish Examiner that the work is due to commence on December 3, but sources in the prison confirmed it is already closed for the construction works. The spokesperson said the repurposing of the chapel was to meet a requirement for video link capacity in the prison but that the works are only being carried out to the rear of the building where a partition wall will be erected to isolate the construction area. He said that the rest of the chapel will remain undisturbed during the works with no impact on the altar or remaining space. The IPS intends the construction work will take eight weeks after which the chapel will again be available for masses, but a number of sources in the prison are highly sceptical that it will be possible to do so under the new conditions. Currently an average of 25 prisoners attend mass fortnightly in an arrangement with the Dublin archdiocese. I must emphasise that the exact starting date, and final details of the extent of these major works currently underway were not communicated to me, Bishop Hayes said. The prison chapel is consecrated ground and I intend to raise the Mountjoy Prison chapel case with the IPS Director General, Ms Caron McCaffrey, when we meet on Friday. A shortage of male therapists in Ireland is putting young men off going for help as they are reluctant to discuss some issues with women, a leading counsellor has warned. Geoffrey McCarthy, a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and CEO at Beacon of Light Counselling, said men aged 18 to 35 often prefer talking about their mental health with male therapists. His concerns follow calls for general election candidates to prioritise mental health especially services for children and young adults. This week an inquest into the death of Sinead O'Connor's son, Shane, heard the teenager found approaching his 18th birthday a very daunting experience as he would no longer have access to specialist health and welfare services provided for children. Mr McCarthy, a therapist for almost 20 years, said there are many reasons younger men are reluctant to seek help. We would see two-thirds more women than men presenting to our services, and particularly men of a certain age you dont see them present, he said. He added: (Thats) in the younger categories, the 18 to 35 age-group for various reasons. Sometimes, in terms of men, particularly younger men, they end up being paired with someone who is a generation older than them and a different gender, he said. And it doesnt necessarily work for them. They want to talk about mens issues and what its like to be a man and theres a bit of a discord there. In his experience predominantly 70% to 80% of therapists in this country would be female". He stressed he is not saying this is the only reason young men might be reluctant to go for help, but described it as a big barrier for many. It sometimes can be a barrier and sometimes its not, I think it is for a particular age-group. So, for men over 40 or over 50, it doesnt seem to be a barrier for them at all, he said. It can be a challenge for centres to address this, he acknowledged. We do have quite a lot of male therapists here, but they are like hens teeth really, he said. I actively recruit male therapists when I can. We have a faculty here of about 30 psychotherapists and about ten are men. Beacon of Light also offers a targeted programme with sports training and 1:1 psychotherapy to encourage men struggling with anger, depression or other challenges to get help. Olympian Kenneth Egan is a boxing coach on this. Were using boxing, using martial arts, using football and weve had some success with it, Mr McCarthy said. This gender-specific intervention is more attractive for younger men, he said saying it can be much more productive for them as shown in external evaluations of the unique programme. Its definitely something which could be replicated in other parts of the country, with investment, he said. The HSEs mens health action plan, published last week, focused on mental health as a particular concern. A father dropping children to a pre-school in Cork City believes he and his kids would not be alive but for the actions of gardai putting a stop to the reckless endangerment to life caused by a runaway driving escapade. Another parent who had just put her child into her parked car near New Horizons pre-school, had to jump over the bonnet of her car to avoid being struck on Wolfe Tone Street, Cork, on the day. John Forde of Killala Gardens, Knocknaheeny, Cork, had a four-year sentence imposed on him by Judge Dermot Sheehan with the last six months suspended. The judge also banned him from driving for a period of 15 years, before commenting on the fact that the accused was a disqualified driver even on the day in question. Judge Dermot Sheehan said: This man is not learning his lesson about not driving cars. Garda Conor Smiddy outlined the background to the incident which came to a head at Wolfe Tone Street. Jessica Kelleher, defence barrister, said: He is doing very well in prison where he addressed his addiction issues and is now an enhanced prisoner. This 41-year-old man has addiction issues. They form a backdrop to his offending behaviour. The death of his sister around this time sent him into a spiral. He will need to do a residential addiction treatment programme. Judge Sheehan reflected on the evidence in relation to the October 18, 2022, escapade of dangerous driving. The accused was driving around Killala Gardens in a Qashqai when he was disqualified from driving. Despite lights and sirens from two garda cars he failed to stop and took off onto Sun Valley Drive which is a very busy principal road on the north side of the city. He was driving on narrow Wolfe Tone Street. Ultimately he collided with a Renault car in which a parent had just placed her child. She had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck. "He ran away but was stopped by gardai. He has significant previous convictions. He was doing well in prison. He is remorseful for what he has done. He has written a letter to the court. This man was addicted to alcohol and went through a very stressful time owing to the death of his sister. But it is at the higher end of the scale for reckless endangerment. The Green Party leader has blamed a lack of action from Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien for a greater reliance on hotels to accommodate asylum seekers. Roderic O'Gorman claimed up to 15 large hotels would not have been required to house those seeking international protection if Mr O'Brien had fulfilled its responsibility. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr O'Gorman said he hopes his party will grow its number of seats and return to Government as no other political group will ensure climate targets are met. But he suggested that the two larger parties may not want to do a deal with the Greens after the general election and instead will chose "the path of least resistance". Mr O'Gorman also says he "regrets" the way in which survivors of mother and baby homes were dealt with at the beginning of his time in office. Venting frustration with a lack of action from the Housing Minister, Mr O'Gorman said: "We have about 32,000 people in the international protection system right now, about 6,000 of those are people with status, people who have been given a legal right to remain. They've gone through the process, and the process that said, 'yes, you're a refugee, you're entitled to stay'. "At that point, legal responsibility for them passes from our Department, and I think that's an area where that joined up approach across government hasn't worked as well as it should. "If those 6,000 beds in our system had been free, that's 12, 14, 15 large hotels that we wouldn't have had to bring into the system over that period of time. "I think we would have had less need to expand the amount of international protection accommodation we had, if the system for people with status was working better." Mr O'Gorman suggested that Mr O'Brien did not see the provision of accommodation for those exiting direct provision "as what the law says it is, which is the responsibility of the Department of Housing". Detailing the work that his own Department had carried out in finding accommodation for those arriving here from Ukraine and those seeking international protection, he said: "There hasn't been the focus on that group of people by the Department of Housing that was needed. "I recognise the Department of Housing has a huge job of work in terms of delivering Housing for All, but I found accommodation solutions for over 100,000 people over the last number of years. It's been difficult, it's been challenging, but we've been able to do it, and we've provided that humanitarian response Mr O'Gorman, who was elected to the Dail for the first time in 2020 and took up a role in Cabinet shortly after, admitted that he made mistakes early on in not listening fully to survivors of mother and baby homes. He also said he had relied too heavily on the advice of his civil servants in accepting controversial legislation to seal records for 30 years, a move which caused massive backlash at the time. "It was a huge learning curve, and it happened maybe three months into being a minister, and really only eight months into being a TD. As I was a first-time TD, I'd never really had the chance to learn the ropes of being a backbencher. "I regret my failure to initially engage with former residents, to understand the frustration that they were feeling at that point after what was then probably five and a half years of the Commission [of Investigation] ongoing." Asked if he had listened too carefully to his civil servants and not the survivors, he said: "No one had flagged to me at the time the sensitivity of the issue in terms of the Department's engagement with survivors. I wasn't aware of how poorly that relationship had, I suppose, deteriorated over the previous number of years and I was presented with what I was told was a small piece of legislation that would deal with with a technical issue." However, Mr O'Gorman said: "The information that we protected in that legislation is now has now being used by up to 11,000 former residents or adopted people, so they can get their birth and early life information. It is worth saying prior to the legislation I introduced, adopted people, thousands of them, had never been able to get their original birth cert, their original name." Alliances When asked about the fact that the two main parties now appear to be strongly courting the Labour party, Mr O'Gorman said it is important that his party remain in government to ensure our carbon reduction targets are met. "We do see some negativity, a lot of it kind of behind the scenes briefing. I think that's because we were effective," he said when asked about snipes and criticisms coming from Fine Gael and Fianna Fail members. "We fought every day to get our policies implemented and we got them implemented. I think it's natural that larger political parties look for the path of least resistance when it comes to a coalition they want, they want an easy life, and we didn't give them an easy life. "But we did give stability to this country over four and a half years through incredibly turbulent times, Covid, the cost of living crisis, the response to the war in Ukraine. "My concern is, if you have the more right wing independents or smaller parties, you have a government that will jettison the approach to climate, but you'll also have an unstable government. If you think back to the 2016 to 2020 coalition, that did nothing on climate, but it also was unstable." Mr O'Gorman says his party is "in this election to hold our seats and to grow our number of seats", but admits that his own constituency is challenging. "My read of it was a couple of days to go is that Jack [Chambers], Emer [Currie] and Paul Donnelly are all safe. The big three will get one seat each, and there'll be a battle for the final two seats. I'm very much in that battle. People know me, they know the work that I've done. It's 20 years since I first contested an election in Dublin West. I'm known all over the constituency." Fine Gael will not sign up to a programme for Government that includes a Fianna Fail pledge to decriminalise cannabis, the Taoiseach has said. Simon Harris has indicated that he wants a coalition with Fianna Fail and Labour after Friday's vote and is asking the public to support these parties to ensure a strong government is formed quickly. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Harris said he does not believe that a stint in opposition is best for Fine Gael and his predecessor Leo Varadkar was wrong to suggest this after the 2020 election. In a wide-ranging interview just hours ahead of the vote, Mr Harris admitted that he is "not proud" of his record on providing disability services, but rejected suggestions that he has brought his party further to the right or that he is obsessed with how he is perceived by the media. Mr Harris has made it clear that moving to decriminilise drugs, which is a key party of Fianna Fail's manifesto, is a red line issue which he would not accept. "I think my position is probably where a lot of people in Ireland's position is. "I am the health minister who brought in a health-led approach to drug addiction. But that's not decriminalisation. "This is a complex issue, but I do stop at the health-led approach to addiction rather than going to the next level. "I certainly wouldn't be able to commit to a programme for government to decriminalisation, because I'm not there in my own mind," he said. The Fine Gael leader said that he listens to the gardai and GPs on the issue and such a change would bring about a "normalisation of drugs". Acorn savings Meanwhile, Mr Harris suggested that his party would give more than the single lump sum of between 1,000 and 1,500 than has been promised at birth as part of an Acorn savings scheme for families which Fine Gael is proposing. "There's nothing to stop the government being able to top that up. "Like, if I was Taoiseach in times of a surplus, I'd love to say, 'Well, let's put a little bit more into each of the kids' accounts for the future too'." Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been privately briefing that Ivana Bacik's party would be a favoured partner, if the numbers are there to form a three-way coalition after Friday's vote. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris during the final TV leaders' debate. The Taoiseach indicated he will be voting for the Labour Party and Fianna Fail and wants the public to do the same to ensure a stable Government. "I'm asking people to vote Fine Gael in the election, but obviously that's not news. "But then I am asking people to transfer to other centrist parties." He said: "Certainly in terms of my own ballot paper, I'd be very much inclined to, obviously vote for myself, my running mate, but then I'll also be voting for other politicians in parties that we've either worked in government with or might work in government with in the future. "Fine Gael has worked well with Labour, Fine Gael has worked well with Fianna Fail. "We've worked well with the Greens on some issues, but again, I noticed they've taken a different approach, as is their right, in this election, in terms of saying they want to speak to other smaller parties first." Fine Gael party leader Simon Harris with candidates Linda Nelson Murray, right, and Sharon Nolan at Trim Castle Hotel while canvassing during the general election. Picture: Leah Farrell/ He said it is important that a new government is formed quickly, stating: "I'll be voting to try to play my part with my vote in terms of how you form a stable government." Mr Harris warned that "if you start getting into four or five-party coalitions that just becomes a hell of a lot more challenging. "That's just me being honest. It's up to the people of Ireland to decide." Immediately after the last election in 2020, the then Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar suggested that he would be leading his party into opposition. Asked if he agreed with this stance, Mr Harris said: "Truthfully, no, because I always want to try to be in a position to get things done again. "I didn't get involved in politics to sit on the opposition and point out to the government how they can do a better job." With controversy surrounding the selection of John McGahon in Louth and criticisms of his own interaction with a care worker in Kanturk, Mr Harris has conceded that the campaign has not gone as he had hoped, but said: "I'm not sure there's any election campaign that goes exactly as anybody plans, elections are dynamic." Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris during a rally at Trim Castle Hotel in Trim, Co Meath. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Harris told reporters that he is "not sure" if he would allow Mr McGahon to canvas with him. Mr McGahon was acquitted in 2022 of assaulting Breen White outside a Dundalk nightclub in 2018 but was subsequently found civilly liable. Footage which surfaced in recent weeks shows Mr McGahon on top of Mr White, striking him a number of times as two men intervene to stop the general election candidate. Asked whether he would canvass with his party candidate in Louth, Mr Harris said: "I'm not sure is the honest answer. "John McGann is a duly selected Fine Gael candidate. He's on the ticket, as is councillor Paula Butterly, and it's up to the people of Louth to decide if they wish to vote Fine Gael, and which candidate to support. "I've made it very clear my view in relation to violence, so I'd need to reflect on that so I'm not sure." Taoiseach Simon Harris will speak with the prime minister of Lebanon following the agreement of a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Mr Harris has previously welcomed the ceasefire which calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. Ahead of the conversation with Najib Mikati, Mr Harris said it will offer an opportunity to reflect on how the opportunity should be used by all parties to secure a permanent peace. The pair met when Mr Mikati visited Dublin on October 25. The Taoiseach will offer his sympathies to Mr Mikati and the people of Lebanon on the loss of civilian lives. "I will also assure him of Irelands solidarity and steadfast support as Lebanon looks to recovery and reconstruction," Mr Harris said. "It is important now that those displaced are allowed to return safely to their homes and that much needed humanitarian aid and assistance begins to flow unhindered." Ireland will stand ready to help the Lebanese government in any way it can and, working with the EU and the UN, will ensure the implementation of the ceasefire, Mr Harris will tell the Lebanese leader. "I will assure Prime Minister Mikati of Irelands continued commitment to Unifil and the vital work our peacekeepers are doing to secure the peace." On Monday, 200 members of the Defence Forces arrived home from a six-month deployment in war-ravaged Lebanon. Hundreds packed into the arrivals hall to welcome back 124th Infantry Battalion of Unifil, many of whom had been sheltering in protected bunkers in recent months due to the intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. It has been, as consensus would have it, a miserable old week for Fine Gael, and particularly for Taoiseach Simon Harris. A campaign strewn with gaffes and missteps has seen the party, hamstrung by poor optics, descend from clear election favourite in the polls to level pegging with Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein in little over a fortnight. It is somewhat ironic that Harris, known much to his chagrin as the TikTok Taoiseach given the importance he puts on social media communication, should be undone in this manner. Despite a ship-steadying performance by the Taoiseach at Tuesday nights three-way leaders debate, the fact remains that for Fine Gael, the success of their new leaders reign has been almost entirely wagered on the mans unquestionable Duracell Bunny-esque energy, on his perceived ability to jumpstart all and sundry within the party from the funk it had fallen into under Leo Varadkar. Despite those well-laid plans, somewhere in the past fortnight things have gone somewhat awry. The trick for Harris had always been to convince the more unengaged within the electorate that everything about him is shiny and new. As he noted repeatedly at this weeks debate, he has only been in the Taoiseachs job for the past seven months. He is still learning the ropes as it were, or so goes the narrative. In reality, Harris has been a TD since 2011, a minister since 2014, and has sat at Cabinet since 2016. People may not recognise him from before, and may like the cut of his engaging jib, but the fact is he has been around a long time. Irony again raises its head in the issue (and there have been a few) which has caused Harris the most trouble on the campaign trail his ill-fated encounter with carer Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk last Friday night. One of the problems has been with his teams apparent attempts to stop RTE from posting the video of the interaction for all to see the Streisand effect writ large: In trying to stage manage a situation theyve made it 10 times worse. I say ironic, however, given the issue has brought caring and disabilities to the fore of the campaign where they should always be in truth but not in practice. An interaction from five years ago between Harris and Paschal Donohoe then respectively ministers for health and finance/public expenditure shows in reality that historically in Government, Harriss chief weakness has not necessarily been a lack of empathy, but of economic cop-on. The letter in question, delivered to Harris from his colleague in July 2019 at the height of the uncertainty that was Brexit, has a distinctly exasperated tone. Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos In it, Donohoe stresses his deep concern that Harris has greenlit an additional 130m for the disabilities sector above his departments budget. He insists that the flow of money be stopped, and instead held centrally as a stopgap against new developments. No further budgetary overruns should be countenanced, Donohoe says, until we see credible plans and real traction on cost-reducing measures. Harris is told in no uncertain terms that in throwing such money around without approval he is making the minister for finances job to deliver a sustainable budget, regardless of Brexit implications, next to impossible. The Taoiseach was not the first minister for health to get it in the neck from the wild west of finance that is the HSE. His successor Stephen Donnelly has received similar letters in his time from his cabinet colleagues. But the letter does call to mind a talking point oft-whispered by politicians and civil servants alike that Harris is more comfortable with soundbites and approving budgetary asks than he is with dealing with the fallout from such actions. That same notion also springs to mind in considering Harriss dismissal of the idea at the first televised election debate that he was personally responsible for signing the contract for the 2.2bn National Childrens Hospital project, despite his having been minister for health at the time. Andrew McDowell, European Investment Bank vice president; president of the European Investment Bank, Werner Hoyer; An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar; Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe; and Minister for Health Simon Harris at the signing of documents for the EIB loan for the Children's Hospital at Government Buildings in 2017. File picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos But on the other hand, regarding his caring side, its well known that Harriss political origins swelled from his indignation at his familys struggle to access supports for his younger brother Adam, who has autism. His caring bona fides are genuine. And as we can see in the letter he received from Donohoe, the Taoiseach had no problem approving additional funds for the disabilities sector in his time as minister. Meanwhile, the word all week has been that it will be Donohoe himself who will be Fine Gaels go-to man for the final days of campaigning, the so-called adult in the room who will steer the debate back to where the party is most comfortable its stewardship of the economy. Yet if Donohoes 2019 letter to his now leader shows anything, its that there is generally scarce room in Ireland for carers and those living with disabilities in a sustainable budget. Election campaigns are full of contradictions it may be Simon Harriss misfortune that he is currently being blamed for the least of his failings. THE Land Development Agency (LDA) has published draft plans for 350 affordable homes in the Cork city suburb of Wilton, with the aim of delivering the first units in late 2028. The homes, which include apartments and townhouses, will be a mix of cost rental and affordable purchases - schemes designed to assist renters who cannot afford private rented accommodation, and to help would-be homeowners who cant afford to buy a house on the open market. Apartments, which will be spread across three large blocks, will dominate the Wilton scheme, accounting for 334 of the 350 homes, of which 180 will be two-bedroom apartments, while 154 will be one-bedroom units. Proposed apartments at the LDA's Wilton site The remaining 16 homes will be three-bedroom townhouses. Concept image of the proposed townhouses at the former ESB site in Wilton The two bedroom units will include three-person and four-person apartments with caps on income in order to qualify. A planning application will be submitted early next year, and subject to planning approval, construction could start in 2026, with the first homes delivered in late 2028. Its an ambitious development across 2.7ha (6.7a) of former ESB lands,with buildings ranging in height from two to seven storeys and including a creche, a new public open space or village green in a mature parkland setting, cycle and pedestrian paths through the site and car and bicycle parking. The draft plans are being launched now to give local residents, businesses and communities a chance to contribute to the initial consultation process, and to help shape the proposals. Phelim ONeill, Head of Property at the LDA said they were acutely aware of the importance of meaningful community engagement and that the LDA wants to ensure that local people have an opportunity to meet with us and contribute to the design process to deliver a housing development that caters for families, first time buyers and older people in a key Cork suburb. A development brochure has been created, which outlines the initial design plan, and a public drop-in clinic will be held on Tuesday December 3 from 2pm 7pm in the SMA Wilton Parish Community Centre, Sarsfield Road, Wilton. Communication channels including a dedicated email address, wilton@lda.ie, are now active. Information on the development is available at www.lda.ie/projects/wilton. The LDA is already building the biggest public housing project in Cork city since the 1980s at the site of the former St Kevins psychiatric hospital in Shanakiel where the construction of 267 homes is well underway. Construction of homes well underway at the former St Kevin's hospital site in Shanakiel. Picture: Larry Cummins The agency is also partnering with developers BAM/Clarendon at the North Docks on Horgans Quay where 302 apartments are under construction, mainly for the cost rental market. Progress on LDA-backed apartments at Horgan's Quay in Cork city. Picture: Larry Cummins The Wilton scheme will bring the LDA Cork city tally closer to 900, while further lands in the Marina Quarter are also being examined, with the potential for another 900 homes. At the Wilton scheme, on a largely undeveloped greenfield site, homes will run east to west, with apartment blocks facing south to take advantage of the southerly aspect.Townhouses will be to the west of the site, to minimise the impact on the existing homes at nearby Cardinal Court, while the seven-storey eastern apartment block, close to Sarsfield Road, is designed so as to preserve mature trees in this part of the site and to accommodate a new public open space in the form of a village green. The middle apartment block will range in height from four to seven storeys, while the western block, closest to the townhouses, will range from four-to-five storeys. The LDA said the site is strategically located to take advantage of core bus corridors and future cycle and light rail networks. Its next to Wilton Shopping Centre, across the road from Cork University Hospital and near Munster Technological University. Cork city centre is 4km away. Mr ONeill said the LDAs Wilton draft plan has connectivity, sustainability and affordability at its core The development site in Wilton was first identified for affordable housing in the Governments Housing for All strategy, published in September 2021. It was also included in the LDAs Report on Relevant Public Land, which was published in March 2023. In August this year, the ESB agreed to transfer the lands to the LDA for a reported 3.1m. The LDA, the States affordable housing delivery body, is in the process of delivering more than 10,000 homes on State-owned or acquired land and more than 8,000 through Project Tosaigh, where it partners with developers. Earlier this week, it appointed a design team for a 290-unit affordable home project in Limericks docklands, where construction is expected to start in 2027. The project builds on its ongoing activity in Limerick where it is due to launch its first cost rental homes at the Mills in Castletroy shortly. The LDA was established in 2018 amid an escalating housing crisis to repurpose unused State lands. Sinn Fein has pledged to scrap the agency pending a successful outcome for the party following next Fridays General Election. Russia is engaged in a massive missile and drone attack against Ukraines energy infrastructure, officials said, as fears mount about Moscows intentions to devastate the countrys power generation capacity before winter. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko posted on Facebook: Attacks on energy facilities are happening all over Ukraine. He added that emergency power outages are being implemented nationwide. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and many other cities in central and western Ukraine. The head of Ukraines presidential office, Andrii Yermak, said in a Telegram post that Russia had stockpiled missiles to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and wage war against civilians during the cold season. Today has been a very active day with numerous high-level meetings, including those held by Ukraines Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in the Republic of Korea, carried out at my instruction. The presence of not only missiles and shells from North Korea in Russias arsenal but pic.twitter.com/JK4XiIyZEA Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 27, 2024 They were helped by their crazy allies, including from North Korea, he wrote. One strike happened in the northern Volyn region. Power supply has been limited there, said Ivan Rudnytskyi, the regional military head. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles, presumably for another pre-winter aerial campaign against Ukraines power grid. Ukrainian officials have in the past accused Russia of weaponising winter. Around half of Ukraines energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the almost three years of war with Russia, and rolling electricity blackouts are common. Kyivs Western allies have sought to help Ukraine protect power generation with air defence systems and funds for rebuilding. Leading actor Petro Velykiy, 48, was killed in a battle with the Russian troops in Russias Kursk region (AP) In previous years, Russia has targeted Ukraines electricity generation, aiming to deny civilians critical heating and drinking water supplies during the bitter winter months and break Ukrainian spirits. The attacks also seek to hobble Ukraines defence industry as it seeks to produce missiles, drones and armoured vehicles, among other military assets. The war has been going in Russias favour in recent months as its bigger army uses its advantages in manpower and equipment to push Ukrainian forces backwards in eastern areas, though its offensive has been slow and costly. Western governments and South Korea say North Korea has intensified its military support for Russia in recent months. The head of the Lviv region in western Ukraine, Maksym Kozytskyi, said the attack left more than half a million households without electricity. Over 280,000 households in the north-western Rivne region were without electricity because of the attack, according to regional governor Oleksandr Koval. Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian infrastructure as the typically bitter winter sets in (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP) Running water supplies were also patchy in affected areas. Some schools in Rivne city switched to online classes. There were also strikes on the bordering Volyn region, where 215,000 households had no electricity, regional head Ivan Rudnytskyi said. All critical infrastructure that lost power was switched to generators. Energy infrastructure was also targeted in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, local officials said. Air defences were activated there, and emergency power outages were introduced. Local officials ordered the opening of points of invincibility shelter-type places where people can charge their phones and other electrical devices and get refreshments during blackouts. In Kyiv, where the air raid alert lasted over nine hours, missile debris fell in one neighbourhood, local officials said. No casualties were reported. The US conservative political commentor Candace Owens has been refused a visa to enter New Zealand for a speaking engagement because she had been banned from another country, immigration officials said. News of the ruling came weeks after neighbouring Australia also rejected her visa request, citing remarks in which she denied Nazi medical experimentation on Jews in concentration camps during the Second World War. Ms Owens is scheduled to speak at a series of events in several Australian cities and in Auckland, New Zealand, in February and March next year. Tickets remain on sale and there is no acknowledgement on the promoters website that she has been refused entry to both countries. The commentator, who has more than three million followers on YouTube, is accused by her detractors of promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitism and has ignited firestorms with her remarks opposing Black Lives Matter, feminism, vaccines and immigration. In March, Ms Owens said she had parted ways with the Daily Wire, on which she had hosted an online talk show since 2021, after clashes with its founders over her remarks about Jews and her opposition to US military support for Israel. She was widely criticised for comments in a YouTube video in July that minimised the Holocaust. Ms Owens had promised Australian and New Zealand audiences a discussion of free speech and her Christian faith when she announced the speaking tour in August. But Australian officials banned her from the country in October, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke telling reporters Ms Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction, citing her remarks about the Holocaust and about Muslims. Australias national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else, Mr Burke said. Australian Jewish groups had urged officials to bar her from the country. New Zealand officials did not refer to Ms Owens political views in a statement on Thursday. She was refused an entertainers work permit for New Zealand on the ground that visas legally cannot be granted to those who have been excluded from another country, said Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for the immigration agency. Ms Owens and the Australia-based promoter, Rocksman, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A top Romanian court has asked the official electoral authority to recount and verify all of the ballots cast in the first round of the presidential election. The Constitutional Court in Bucharest voted unanimously in favour of the recount, and said the decision is final. The Central Election Bureau is scheduled to meet on Thursday afternoon to discuss the request. Calin Georgescu, a little-known, far-right populist, won the first round in the election, beating the incumbent prime minister. Mr Georgescu, who ran independently, was due to face reformist Elena Lasconi in a December 8 run-off. Pre-election surveys predicted he would win less than 10% of the vote. Mr Georgescus unexpected win has sparked widespread protests (AP) Mr Georgescus unexpected success has prompted nightly protests by people who are concerned with previous remarks he has made in praise of Romanian fascist and nationalist leaders as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin, and believe he poses a threat to democracy. The vote recount was prompted by a complaint made by Cristian Terhes, a former presidential candidate of the Romanian National Conservative Party who obtained 1% of the vote, who alleged that the USR had urged people to vote before some diaspora polls had closed on Sunday, saying it violated electoral laws against campaign activities on polling day. After the CCRs ruling, Mr Terhes press office said in a statement on Facebook that the court ordered the recount due to indications of fraud, and alleged Mr Terhes had presented evidence suggesting that valid votes cast for Ludovic Orban = who had dropped out of the race but remained on the ballot had been reassigned to Ms Lasconi. It is the first time in Romanias 35-year post-communist history that the countrys most powerful party, the PSD, did not have a candidate in the second round of a presidential race. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned as PSD party leader after he narrowly lost to Ms Lasconi by just 2,740 votes. Ms Lasconi criticised the CCRs decision, saying Extremism is fought by voting, not backstage games. What the CCR is trying to do now is absolutely horrific for a democratic country, she said. I am here to defend democracy and call on the Central Election Bureau to handle the vote recount wisely. The law must be the same for all, not interpreted differently for some. Elena Lasconi of Save Romania Union had been due to contest the run-off (AP) Ms Lasconi, a former journalist, had told The Associated Press ahead of the first-round vote that she saw corruption as one of Romanias biggest issues and vowed to tackle it. Romania deserves better, not a group of old politicians who use institutions strictly for their personal interest, Ms Lasconi added on Thursday. The CCR also rejected a request by another unsuccessful first-round candidate, Sebastian Popescu, to annul the ballot. He alleged Mr Georgescu who declared zero campaign spending had not disclosed financing linked to a massive TikTok campaign, which many have credited for his success. Mr Popescu, who got 0.15% in the first round, also alleged in his appeal that Mr Georgescu had used widespread disinformation and defrauded the electoral law by illegally financing the entire electoral campaign, having support from outside the countrys borders, from state entities with the aim of destabilizing Romania. Mr Georgescu, who said a network of Romanian volunteers helped his campaign, has denied any wrongdoing. They want to ban the right of the Romanian people to speak freely, he told a local news channel, adding the first-round vote was perfectly democratic and legitimate. At least two people have been injured by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon, state media said. The Israeli military said it had fired at people trying to return to certain areas on the second day of a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, includes an initial two-month ceasefire in which Hezbollah militants are to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. The buffer zone would be patrolled by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers. Lebanons state-run National News Agency said two people were wounded by Israeli fire in Markaba, close to the border. It said Israel fired artillery in three other locations near the border. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The truce began earlier this week (AP) An Associated Press reporter in northern Israel near the border heard Israeli drones buzzing overhead and the sound of artillery strikes from the Lebanese side. The Israeli military said in a statement that several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. It said troops opened fire toward them and would actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials have said forces will be withdrawn gradually as it ensures that the agreement is being enforced. Israel has warned people not to return to areas where troops are deployed, and says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah if it violates the terms of the truce. A Lebanese military official said Lebanese troops would gradually deploy in the south as Israeli troops withdraw. The ceasefire agreement announced on Tuesday night ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began a day after Hamas October 7 2023 attack out of Gaza, when the Lebanese militant group began firing rockets, drones and missiles in solidarity. Israel retaliated with air strikes, and the conflict steadily intensified for nearly a year before boiling over into all-out war in mid-September. The war in Gaza is still raging with no end in sight. More than 3,760 people were killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel over half of them civilians as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon. Displaced residents have returned to Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon (AP) Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon, and thousands began streaming back to their homes on Wednesday despite warnings from the Lebanese military and the Israeli army to stay out of certain areas. Some 50,000 people were displaced on the Israeli side, but few have returned and the communities near the northern border are still largely deserted. In Menara, an Israeli community on the border with views into Lebanon, around three quarters of homes are damaged, some with collapsed roofs and burnt-out interiors. A few residents could be seen gathering their belongings on Thursday before leaving again. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in almost all areas of life. It offers significant opportunities for innovation and, at the same time, poses major challenges - an issue that transcends national borders and industries; this is also reflected in standardization. Standards and specifications help strengthen trust in AI systems, making them safer, more reliable and more resilient. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has prioritized this topic and is pleased to welcome Filiz Elmas-Arslan, Head of Strategic Development for Artificial Intelligence at DIN, the ISO member for Germany. Joining ISOs Fellowship Programme as AI lead, she will work closely with the ISO Central Secretariat, helping to position ISO as a global contact for AI standardization and promoting the creation of sustainable solutions using new technologies. Ms Elmas-Arslan will actively collaborate with ISO members and relevant stakeholders to elevate the strategic importance and visibility of AI standardization. Her responsibilities will include establishing an AI community, comprising ISO members, new partner organizations, and other relevant AI standardization entities. This initiative aims to expand the ISO ecosystem and introduce pertinent AI topics into standardization at an early stage. Drawing on her extensive experience and knowledge from her work at DIN, Ms Elmas-Arslan will support ISO in developing strategies for the safe and efficient use of AI and in facilitating the implementation of AI-capable applications. 17 Casualties Reported in Israeli Airstrikes in Central Gaza, According to Medics This morning, Israeli military strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians across Gaza, according to medical sources, as forces intensified their bombardments in central areas and advanced tanks further into the north and south of the enclave. Among those casualties, six individuals lost their lives in two distinct air strikes targeting a residential building and the vicinity of the Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya in the north, while four other fatalities occurred due to an Israeli strike in Khan Younis in the south. In Nuseirat, one of Gazas eight historic refugee camps, Israeli aircraft executed multiple air strikes, destroying a multi-story building and impacting roadways near mosques. Health officials reported that at least seven people were killed in some of those air strikes. Palestinians are seen searching for personal belongings amidst the rubble of buildings that were demolished in the Israeli attacks on Gaza City. Residents noted that in Rafah, close to the border with Egypt, tanks have advanced further into the north-west region of the city. As of now, there has been no Israeli response to the ongoing fighting in Gaza during the night and early morning hours. According to Gaza officials, Israels year-long campaign in the region, aimed at eliminating Hamas militants, has claimed nearly 44,200 lives and displaced almost the entire population of the enclave at least once. Massive areas of the territory are now in ruins. This conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken in Israel. Read more: Latest Middle East Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire over the past few months have seen minimal progress, and discussions are currently stalled. Mediator Qatar has paused its initiatives until both parties are willing to compromise. A ceasefire concerning the related conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Hamas ally in Lebanon, came into effect just before dawn yesterday, halting hostilities that had escalated considerably in recent months and eclipsed the situation in Gaza. When announcing the agreement in Lebanon on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden expressed his intention to renew attempts at reaching a difficult agreement in Gaza, encouraging both Israel and Hamas to take this opportunity seriously. Israel has announced that the ceasefire with Hezbollah was violated shortly after Lebanese security sources reported that Israeli tanks targeted six areas in southern Lebanon, raising doubts about a truce that had been established following over a year of conflict. A ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah was implemented yesterday following a deal facilitated by the US and France, aimed at enabling residents of both nations to return to their homes in border regions affected by 14 months of warfare. The Israeli military stated that the ceasefire was breached after what it described as suspects, some traveling in vehicles, arrived in several locations within the southern zone. Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of attacking individuals who were returning to their villages in southern Lebanon. Lebanese troops operate a checkpoint in the Marjayoun area of southern Lebanon. This morning, Israeli tank fire impacted six locations within that border area, hitting Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe, and the agricultural zones surrounding Marjayoun, according to reports from state media and Lebanese security sources. All affected areas are situated within two kilometers of the Blue Line, which marks the boundary between Lebanon and Israel. A security source reported that two individuals were injured in Markaba. Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have attempted to return to assess their properties. However, Israeli troops continue to maintain a presence within Lebanese territory in border towns, and reporters from Reuters noted the presence of surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon. No immediate response regarding the tank fire was received from Iran-backed Hezbollah or Israel, who have been engaged in conflict for over a year alongside the situation in Gaza. The agreement, a notable diplomatic achievement in a region fraught with conflict, concluded the most intense confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah in recent years. Nevertheless, Israel remains engaged in hostilities with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. According to the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces have up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, though neither side is permitted to initiate offensive operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated he had directed the military to prevent residents from returning to villages near the border. Lebanons parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who was the primary negotiator for Lebanon in the agreement, stated that residents could return to their homes. Hezbollah asserted that its fighters are fully prepared to address the ambitions and actions of the Israeli enemy. They also stated that their forces will oversee Israels withdrawal from Lebanon with readiness to act. The group has suffered setbacks due to casualties and the loss of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders at the hands of Israel. Individuals who fled Lebanon to seek refuge in Syria are now returning through the Al-Qaa-Jousieh border crossing in the northeast. Lebanon is set to elect a new president Lebanons parliament is scheduled to convene on 9 January to select a new president, aiming to resolve over two years of lacking a head of state, as reported by official media following the ceasefire. Speaker Nabih Berri has called for a parliamentary session on 9 January to elect a president of the republic, the official National News Agency reported. Since Michel Aouns presidential term ended in October 2022, Lebanon has been without a president, with neither of the main alliancesHezbollah backed by Iran and its adversariesholding the necessary majority to elect one or achieving consensus. After the ceasefire with Hezbollah was established, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope that this might signify a new chapter for Lebanon and that the upcoming days would result in the election of a president. Mr. Berri, who facilitated ceasefire discussions on behalf of Hezbollah, also urged the nation to swiftly elect a president. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem mentioned in a speech earlier this month that following the conflict, Hezbollah would play an active role in the presidential election. Traditionally, the presidency is designated for a Maronite Christian, the prime ministers role is reserved for a Sunni Muslim, and the position of parliament speaker is allocated to a Shiite Muslim. Latest stories from the Middle East Israel has conducted airstrikes along the Syrian border with Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, just hours before a ceasefire was announced in the conflict with Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, stating that he was playing with fire yesterday as he declared the truce with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. President Assad acts as a significant ally and supporter of Hezbollah, with Syria being the primary route for weapon transfers from Iran to the militant organization in Lebanon. Hezbollah deployed its fighters in Syria during the civil war and played an essential role in bolstering Assads regime amid the uprising that began in 2011. Syrias defense ministry reported earlier that six individuals were killed due to Israeli strikes on border crossings with Lebanon shortly after midnight. Syrian officials inspecting the damage on the Syrian side of the Al-Arida border crossing with Lebanon In recent years, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syrian targets, with an increase in operations since the year-long conflict with Hezbollah intensified in September. In Syria, we are systematically obstructing efforts by Iran, Hezbollah, and the Syrian army to transfer arms to Lebanon, Mr. Netanyahu stated. Assad needs to comprehend that he is playing with fire, he added. On Monday, the Israeli military accused Hezbollah and Iran of creating covert routes into Lebanon through Syrian territory and of using trucks and aircraft for weapon smuggling over the years. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel has carried out 89 strikes on targets in Syria since September 26. As long as there are vehicles transporting weapons or movements by Hezbollah or other pro-Iran groups, Israel will persist in targeting them, just as it did prior to the Lebanon war, Abdel Rahman informed AFP. As the ceasefire in Lebanon took effect today, Lebanese and Syrian authorities announced the commencement of repair efforts on the border crossings that had been targeted in recent weeks. Construction workhas started to rehabilitate and reopen the Masnaa road at the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing, stated Lebanons Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamie in a statement on X. Syrias official SANA news agency also reported that rehabilitation work was in progress at the crossing. The Damascus Countryside Governorate has initiated restoration work on the international road connecting the Jdeidet Yabous crossing and the Lebanese border, as well as filling in craters left by Israeli attacks, SANA reported. Situated by the Mediterranean Sea, with Israel to its south, Lebanons only land routes for entry and exit run through Syria. Lebanon depends on these crossings for the import and export of goods, in addition to travel. The Nordic and Baltic countries, along with Poland, have announced plans to enhance their support for Ukraine in the upcoming months, focusing on bolstering the nations defense industry and increasing the availability of ammunition. During a summit in Sweden, representatives from these nations expressed their willingness to intensify sanctions against Russia and its supporters of the invasion of Ukraine. Following the 2022 invasion, Russia faced significant sanctions, which also led Western countries to provide billions in assistance to help Ukraine safeguard itself. After their meeting, the leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions. Lithuania was absent from the summit as it is currently in the process of establishing a new government. We will take action to restrict, challenge, and oppose Russias aggressive maneuvers in the Baltic Sea, Ukraine, and beyond, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated during a press conference. Despite Russian propaganda, Western sanctions are effective; the Russian economy is descending deeper into an unmanageable situation, balancing escalating war spending with the rest of the economy struggling, Mr. Kristersson remarked, noting that their economic reserves cannot endure indefinitely. Stay updated with the latest developments regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The leaders convened at the Swedish governments country retreat in Harpsund, located southwest of Stockholm, to discuss transatlantic relations, regional security collaboration, and a unified stance on the war in Ukraine. The potential re-election of Donald Trump for a second term as President of the United States has raised concerns about Americas dedication to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and its role within NATO. These seven nations, all of which border or are near Russia and are members of NATO, highlighted that collectively, they account for the highest per capita military aid contributions to Ukraine. By Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, Arizona State University | (The Conversation) Is Iran poised for a succession in leadership? Well, that depends on what you read. For weeks, rumors have been swirling about the health of the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as a possible replacement. In late October 2024, the Jerusalem Post picked up a New York Times report that initially suggested the octogenarian leader, who has served in the role since 1989, was seriously ill. While the Times report was updated with a correction saying it had erroneously reported on what was known about his current health, it did say that a quiet battle had emerged over his succession, including that his second son, Mojtaba, could succeed him. The rumor mill again kicked into overdrive in late November, with various media outlets, including those in Israel, suggesting that Khamenei had fallen into a coma and that the race was on to appoint his successor should he remain incapacitated or worse. Iranian sources quickly refuted the speculation. Such conjecture is nothing new, with reports as far back as 2007 and more recently in 2022 pointing to the supreme leaders purportedly ill health. The truth of Khameneis health aside, the speculation points to an ever-present reality: The conflict between Iran on one side and Israel and the West on the other is not just about military might and threats there is also an information battle being waged. In that battle, the narrative of Khameneis poor health can be seen as a proxy for the health and stability of the Islamic Republic. One story has it that the Islamic Republic is unstable and just one major event away from wholesale change; the other, that the government in Tehran is well positioned to deal with both internal succession and external ideological foes. The war of words The speculation regarding Khameneis health comes amid a particularly tense moment in Israeli-Iranian relations. For the past year, the long-time foes have exchanged fiery rhetoric, which has been exacerbated by a series of escalatory events, including high-profile assassinations of Iran-alligned figures in Gaza, Lebanon and Tehran, and more lately direct military confrontation. Throughout, both sides have utilized media and online platforms to push opposing official narratives that then find digital echo chambers. Take the tit-for-tat missile strikes in October. Israel and Iran sought to downplay the impact of the respective strikes on their own territory by feeding media with statements suggesting little damage had been done. At the same time, media sources from inside both nations were quick to suggest that the strikes had fulfilled their goals. Iranian media suggested Iranian missiles hit about 90% of Israeli targets; Israeli media countered that major Iranian nuclear research facilities had been hit and severely impaired Irans research capabilities. Competition, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, Clip2Comic, IbisPaint, 2024 Such narratives are designed not only to send self-proclaimed messages of victory to the other side but also to appease domestic audiences. For Tehran, the messaging is intended to extend further, namely to regional partners suggesting that Israel had been weakened by Irans attack and that Tehran still has their back. Social media has played a key role in getting these counter messages across to a wider public. Since 2010, Iran has sought to distort the social media landscape through the establishment of pro-regime sock puppets that amplify pro-government propaganda. Former Iranian Intelligence Minister Heider Moslehi acknowledged back in 2011 that Tehran had made a large investment in heavy information warfare. Meanwhile, Israel and other opponents of the Iranian government utilize online platforms to carry messages directly to the people of Iran, too. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former Shah of Iran, have used YouTube and other platforms to encourage rebellion against the government in Tehran. Iran has used similar digital channels, with veteran diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif using the platform to highlight Irans culture and history and shared values with Jews, while at the same time slamming the Israeli government for its role in pushing the Trump administration to abandon the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. What does it all mean? The exchange of missile strikes by Iran and Israel in October prompted widespread speculation among media outlets, politicians and diplomats that the region was on the brink of a full-scale conventional war. Indeed, the rhetorical exchanges between Tehran and Tel Aviv include explicit threats of devastating retaliatory measures and warnings of significant escalation. Yet the cycle of reciprocal strikes has, to date, appeared to satisfy the strategic objectives of both sides military leadership. And for now, the information and messaging war is again seemingly taking precedence over actual hot war. After the last missile strike, carried out by Israel on Oct. 26, Iran stated that it retained the right to respond at a time and method of its choosing. But that, too, was perhaps an extension of the media narrative campaign. Rather, the current situation suggests to me a deliberate and calculated strategy by both Iranian and Israeli forces to conserve their respective military resources, while attempting to achieve domestic and regional objectives via the information war. For Israel, this means pushing the narrative that it has displayed the capability to reach critical Iranian infrastructure and sensitive security targets as desired. For Iran, it takes the form of saying it has reestablished sufficient deterrence against a stronger Israeli military. Having escalated into direct military confrontation, the Iran-Israel conflict appears to have entered a new transitional phase. Iranian state media continue to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, while simultaneously issuing statements from senior military commanders reaffirming Tehrans readiness to respond to perceived acts of aggression. But for now, at least, warfare is being conducted via information and disinformation rather than through conventional military weapons. Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, Graduate Teaching Associate, Arizona State University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The UN announced yesterday that Israel has blocked or obstructed all attempts to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to the northern Gaza Strip throughout November. Details were provided by Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN. Haq told a press briefing that the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) attempted 41 humanitarian missions to reach Palestinians in the besieged areas of northern Gaza this month. Our colleagues in OCHA report that none of the 41 attempts to reach Palestinians in besieged areas of northern Gaza with life-saving assistance this month has been facilitated by the Israeli authorities. He added that Israel blocked 37 of the attempts while four missions were approved, but then impeded on the ground and accomplished only partially. The spokesperson warned further that thousands of forcibly displaced Palestinians are even more vulnerable as winter approaches, with overcrowded conditions leading to severe sanitation issues. He noted that the build-up of sewage in densely populated areas is also a significant health threat. Moreover, Haq dismissed claims that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has evacuated its HQ building in occupied East Jerusalem. Such reports, he said, are unfounded. UNRWA said that it maintains its operation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip for the benefit of Palestine Refugees, noted Haq, adding the agency will continue to undertake its operations and programmes despite increased attempts to actively prevent it from implementing its mandate. The UN official also rejected claims by the Wall Street Journal that the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, was not reappointed due to her alleged refusal to classify the Gaza crisis as genocide. That is false, explained Haq. Ms. Nderitus contract is coming to an end today, but she has now fulfilled her full term and the secretary-general [Antonio Guterres] certainly appreciates the work she did as special advisor on the prevention of genocide. Regarding the definition of genocide, he added, any idea that the secretary-general wanted her term to end because of that is just false. Ms. Nderitu had a prevention mandate, and what she did under that prevention mandate is point out the risk factors for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and we appreciated that work. Haq said on Wednesday, The World Food Programme reported that all bakeries in central Gaza have shut down due to severe supply shortages, exacerbating the food crisis. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned of worsening malnutrition, with two-thirds of acute malnutrition cases among children recorded in the last five months. Aid efforts are ongoing, with stabilization centers for malnourished children operating under significant constraints. G7 foreign ministers said Tuesday they "will comply with our respective obligations" regarding the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Group of Seven industrialised nations brings together Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, host Italy and the United States. "We reiterate our commitment to International Humanitarian Law and will comply with our respective obligations," the ministers said in a joint statement issued following two days of talks near Rome. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last week, prompting outrage from Israel and its allies -- including the US, which is not a member of the ICC and has rejected its jurisdiction. All of the other G7 countries are members of the ICC -- meaning they would have to arrest Netanyahu if he travelled there. The ICC also issued warrants for Netanyahu's former defence minister and for Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif, whom Israel claimed was killed in an air strike in Gaza in July. Hamas has not confirmed his death. The G7 statement said the foreign ministers "underline that there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel". "In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including International Humanitarian Law," the statement said. The Hague-based ICC says the warrants for Netanyahu and his former minister were "for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024". - 'Legal doubts' - Italy had asked for a discussion on the ICC warrants at the G7, after apparent splits within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government over what it meant for Netanyahu. A diplomatic source said the discussion in Fiuggi was "much broader and more strategic" than what ended up in the final statement, without revealing details. "We found a common position that was what we had asked for," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told a press conference after the talks. He said there were "many legal doubts" regarding the warrant, saying "we need to understand the rules". "Can a head of state be arrested? Who is going to arrest him?" he asked. "Netanyahu will never go to a country where he could be arrested," he added. War has raged in Gaza since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,207 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 44,249 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. Bangladeshi supporters of an arrested Hindu leader clashed with security forces on Tuesday after the outspoken monk was denied bail on sedition charges, with one person killed, police said. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesman of a newly-formed Hindu group leading protests calling for the protection of the minority, was arrested on Monday afternoon. Religious relations have been turbulent in the mainly Muslim nation of 170 million people since a student-led August revolution forced long-time autocratic prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to neighbouring India. Brahmachari, of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group, was arrested as he travelled from the capital Dhaka to Chittagong on Monday. On Tuesday, supporters angry that bail was denied, surrounded the prison van carrying him away from court in Chittagong. Others hurled rocks. Security forces lobbed stun grenades and launched baton charges to break the crowd, and Brahmachari was eventually taken to prison in a police pickup truck. Nurul Alam, a police inspector posted at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said a public prosecutor had been killed, identifying him as Saiful Islam Alif, a Muslim. "He had deep injuries on his head", said hospital director Taslim Uddin. - 'Keep calm' - Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who took over as interim leader from Hasina, condemned the murder of the lawyer and ordered an investigation. Yunus "urged people to keep calm", vowing that the government "is committed to ensuring and upholding communal harmony in Bangladesh at any cost". In the immediate chaotic days following Hasina's ouster, there was a string of reprisals on Hindus -- seen by some as disproportionate supporters of her regime -- as well as attacks on Muslim Sufi shrines by Islamist hardliners. Islamist groups have been emboldened to take to the streets after years of being suppressed, and Hindu groups have rallied in counter-demonstrations. Hindus are the largest minority faith in Bangladesh, accounting for around eight percent of the population. The foreign ministry in neighbouring Hindu-majority India said they had "noted with deep concern" the arrest of Brahmachari. "This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh", New Delhi said in a statement. Ties between Dhaka and New Delhi have frayed, not least by India's hosting of their old ally Hasina -- wanted in Bangladesh to face charges of alleged crimes against humanity. Hasina's 15-year tenure saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents. The wars in the Mideast and Ukraine-Russia have dominated world headlines in 2024 but several other conflicts are ravaging countries and regions. Here we turn the spotlight on five of those: - Sudan - War has raged in Sudan since April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and some 26 million people -- around half of Sudan's population -- facing severe food insecurity. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid. The RSF specifically have been accused of ethnic cleansing, rampant looting and systematic sexual violence. In October the UN alerted the "staggering scale" of sexual violence rampant since the start of the conflict. - Haiti - The situation in Haiti, already dire after decades of chronic political instability, escalated further at the end of February when armed groups launched coordinated attacks in the capital, saying they wanted to overthrow then-prime minister Ariel Henry. Since then, gangs now control 80 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince and despite a Kenyan-led police support mission, backed by the US and UN, violence has continued to soar. In November the UN said the verified casualty toll of the gang violence so far this year was 4,544 dead and the real toll, it stressed, "is likely higher still". Particularly violent acts target women and girls, and victims have been mutilated with machetes, stoned, decapitated, burned or buried alive. More than 700,000 people have fled the horror, half of them children, according to the International Organization for Migration. - Democratic Republic of Congo - The mineral-rich region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, home to a string of rival rebel groups, has endured internal and cross-border violence for over 30 years. Since launching an offensive in 2021, a largely Tutsi militia known as the March 23 movement or M23 -- named after a previous peace agreement -- has seized large swathes of territory. The resurgence of M23 has intensified a decades-long humanitarian disaster in the region caused by conflicts, epidemics and poverty, notably in the province of North Kivu. Over half a million people have fled to camps surrounding the regional capital, Goma, pushing the total number of displaced in North Kivu to about 2.4 million, according to Human Rights Watch in September. M23 is backed by the Rwandan government which believes the presence in eastern DRC of a Hutu extremist group constitutes a threat to its borders. - Sahel - In Africa's volatile Sahel region, Islamist groups, rebel outfits and armed gangs rule the roost. In Nigeria in 2009 Boko Haram, one of the main jihadist organisations in the Sahel region, launched an insurgency that left more than 40,000 people dead and displaced two million. Boko Haram has since spread to neighbouring countries in West Africa. For example, the vast expanse of water and swamps in the Lake Chad region's countless islets serve as hideouts for Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), who carry out regular attacks on the country's army and civilians. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger also face persistent jihadist attacks, while any opposition to the military-led governments is repressed. Since January, jihadist attacks have caused nearly 7,000 civilian and military deaths in Burkina Faso, more than 1,500 in Niger and more than 3,600 in Mali, according to Acled -- an NGO which collects data on violent conflict. And in a further sign of the region's chronic instability, in July the West African bloc ECOWAS warned the Sahel faced "disintegration" after the military rulers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso cemented a breakaway union. - Myanmar - The Southeast Asian nation has been gripped in a bloody conflict since 2021 when the military ousted the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi, who has been detained by the junta since the coup. A bitter civil war has followed causing the death of more than 5,300 people and the displacement of some 3.3 million, according to the UN. The military have faced growing resistance from rebel groups across the country. In recent months rebels attacked Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, and took control of the key road linking Myanmar with China -- its main trading partner -- and in doing so deprived the junta of a key source of revenue. Some leaders could have immunity at the International Criminal Court under the Rome Statute that established the institution, France's foreign minister indicated Wednesday, after the ICC issued arrests warrants for Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister. Asked if France would arrest Netanyahu if he stepped on French territory, Jean-Noel Barrot did not give a specific answer in an interview with Franceinfo radio. He said France "is very committed to international justice and will apply international law based on its obligations to cooperate with the ICC." But he added that the court's statute "deals with questions of immunity for certain leaders". "It is ultimately up to the judicial authorities to decide," he added. The ICC this month issued warrants for Netanyahu, former defence minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Netanyahu has slammed the move. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said the arrest warrants are "binding" and should be implemented. However unlike some European states, France has so far taken a more cautious stance on the warrants, with officials repeating that Paris is committed to international justice. Barrot's comments marked the first time a top French official has evoked a possible immunity. Unconfirmed media reports have said that Netanyahu angrily raised the issue in telephone talks with President Emmanuel Macron and urged Paris not to enforce the decision. France has been instrumental in efforts to end fighting in the Middle East and, with the United States, helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that came into force Wednesday. Article 27 of the Rome Statute states that immunity "shall not bar the Court from exercising its jurisdiction over such a person." But article 98 says a state cannot "act inconsistently with its obligations under international law with respect to the... diplomatic immunity of a person." Barrot meanwhile hailed the ceasefire as a major success for France and expressed hope it would result in the "reform" of Lebanon after years of crisis. The ceasefire foresees "that the Israeli army withdraws from southern Lebanon during these 60 days and that it is replaced by a massive deployment of the Lebanese armed forces. "And in this context, France will play its full part," he said. The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor on Wednesday asked judges to grant an arrest warrant for Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing over alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims. Karim Khan's request to the court's Hague-based judges is the first application for an arrest warrant against a high-level Myanmar government official in connection with abuses against the Rohingya people. "After an extensive, independent and impartial investigation, my office has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing... bears criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity," Khan said in a statement. This included crimes of deportation and persecution, allegedly committed between 25 August and 31 December 2017, Khan added. Myanmar's junta rejected the prosecutor's move, saying that as the country is not a member of the court, "the statements of the ICC have never been recognised." The ICC prosecutor in 2019 opened a probe into suspected crimes committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar's restive Rakhine state in 2016 and 2017, that prompted the exodus of 750,000 of the Muslim minority in the southeast Asian country to neighbouring Bangladesh. About one million Rohingya now live in sprawling camps near the Bangladesh border city of Cox's Bazaar. Many of those who left accuse the Myanmar military of mass killings and rapes. 'More will follow' Khan said the alleged crimes were committed by Myanmar's armed forces, the Tatmadaw, supported by the national and border police "as well as non-Rohingya citizens." "This is the first application for an arrest warrant against a high-level Myanmar government official," Khan said. "More will follow," warned the prosecutor. Myanmar has been racked by conflict between the military and various armed groups opposed to its rule since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in February 2021. The junta is reeling from a major rebel offensive last year that seized a large area of territory, much of it near the border with China. Earlier this month, Min Aung Hlaing told China's Premier Li Qiang that the military was ready for peace if armed groups would engage, according to an account of the meeting in Myanmar state media. 'Cycle of abuses' A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 sent hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh, many with harrowing stories of murder, rape and arson. Rohingya who remain in Myanmar are denied citizenship and access to healthcare and require permission to travel outside their townships. Min Aung Hlaing -- who was head of the army during the crackdown -- has dismissed the term Rohingya as "imaginary". ICC judges must now decide whether to grant the arrest warrants. If granted, the 124 members of the ICC would theoretically be obliged to arrest the junta chief if he travelled to their country. China, a major ally and arms supplier of Myanmar's ruling junta, is not an ICC member. Khan's request comes just days after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his ex defence minister and a top Hamas leader over the war in Gaza. Rights groups applauded Khan's Myanmar move, saying it was "an important step toward breaking the cycle of abuses and impunity that has long been a key factor in fuelling the military's mass violations." "The judges will rule on the prosecutor's request, but ICC member countries should recognise this action as a reminder of the court's critical role when other doors to justice are closed," said Maria Elena Vignoli, a senior international lawyer Human Rights Watch. Opening its doors in 2002, the Hague-based ICC is an independent court, set up to investigate and prosecute those accused of the world's worst crimes. More than a million Serbians tuned in to watch reformist prime minister Zoran Djindjic killed by a sniper in the first episode of a dramatic television mini series that has had the country on the edge of its seats over the last month. The political-crime thriller "Operation Sabre" has been a smash hit, with bitter memories of the 2003 assassination still close to the surface for many who had pinned their hopes on the dynamic new leader after the dark years of Slobodan Milosevic. "I remember the incredible silence... you could feel the fear," actor Dragan Micanovic, who plays Djindjic in the series made by Serbia's public broadcaster, told AFP of his own memories of the murder's aftermath. Djindjic -- the first democratically elected leader of post-communist Serbia -- was killed in broad daylight on March 12, 2003 in front of a government building in the heart of the capital Belgrade. - 'Watershed moment' - His supporters saw him as a leader set on transforming the pariah nation, tainted by war crimes committed during the 1990s Balkan wars, into a prosperous one headed for EU membership. But to his enemies, he was a turncoat who oversaw the extradition of war-time leader Milosevic to The Hague, where he was tried by a UN tribunal for genocide and war crimes. That was the ultimate motive for his killer, Zvezdan Jovanovic -- his tense interrogation recreated in the eight-part series, which is also showing on HBO Max for international audiences. Jovanovic was a member of the so-called "Red Berets" -- a special unit formed by the State Security Service under Milosevic's regime. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in Djindjic's murder. Series co-writer Vladimir Tagic, who was just 16 when Djindjic was killed, described the assassination as a watershed moment in his own life. "From that moment on, I began to think about the world around me, realising that I was a part of it and couldn't live outside of it," Tagic told AFP. The series features archive footage of the dizzying events along with dramatic renderings of the murder and its aftermath when more than 11,000 people including militia leaders, crime bosses and police officers were rounded up during the frantic dragnet codenamed "Operation Sabre". "We felt it was necessary to remind people that this truly happened on our streets, in our city... I believe the archival material brought great emotional power to the story," said Tagic. - 'Horrible moments' - The formula has proven to be a powerful mix, with 70-year-old Belgrade resident Biljana Cubrilo saying the show brought back memories too painful to bear. "I couldn't bring myself to relive those horrible moments," she told AFP. The show's writers went through thousands of pages of court documents about Djindjic's murder, zeroing in on links between officials, security services and the criminal underworld. "Our goal was to present a version of events supported by clear evidence," said co-writer Goran Stankovic. "Reading their testimonies, often devoid of empathy, was deeply disturbing," he added. News coverage from the time is also a major focus of the series, showing its role as a key influence on events. For younger viewers with no memory of Djindjic or the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s -- a subject that remains taboo in many parts of Serbia -- the series has been an eye-opener. "I felt torn... he was a man who tried to set things right," Vuk Randjic, a 21-year-old student in Belgrade, told AFP. "But because of the entire system, he couldn't carry out the vision he had." Provisions for immunity from prosecution at the International Criminal Court apply to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the French foreign ministry said Wednesday. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to international justice after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, but also said that the Israeli leader was covered by immunity rules that apply to states which are not a party to the ICC. Israeli is not an ICC member. "A state cannot be held to act in a way that is incompatible with its obligations in terms of international law with regards to immunities granted to states which are not party to the ICC," the French statement said. "Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other ministers in question, and must be taken into consideration should the ICC ask us to arrest them and hand them over," it said. Earlier Wednesday, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had already said that France considered that some leaders could enjoy immunity from ICC prosecution. Asked if France would arrest Netanyahu if he stepped on French territory, Jean-Noel Barrot did not give a specific answer in an interview with Franceinfo radio. He said France "is very committed to international justice and will apply international law based on its obligations to cooperate with the ICC." But he added that the court's statute "deals with questions of immunity for certain leaders". "It is ultimately up to the judicial authorities to decide," he added. The ICC this month issued warrants for Netanyahu, former defence minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Netanyahu has slammed the move. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said the arrest warrants are "binding" and should be implemented. However unlike some European states, France has so far taken a more cautious stance on the warrants. Barrot's comments marked the first time a top French official has evoked a possible immunity. Unconfirmed media reports have said that Netanyahu angrily raised the issue in telephone talks with President Emmanuel Macron and urged Paris not to enforce the decision. France has been instrumental in efforts to end fighting in the Middle East and, with the United States, helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that came into force Wednesday. Article 27 of the Rome Statute -- the foundation of the ICC -- states that immunity "shall not bar the Court from exercising its jurisdiction over such a person." But article 98 says a state cannot "act inconsistently with its obligations under international law with respect to the... diplomatic immunity of a person." Barrot meanwhile hailed the ceasefire as a major success for France and expressed hope it would result in the "reform" of Lebanon after years of crisis. The ceasefire foresees "that the Israeli army withdraws from southern Lebanon during these 60 days and that it is replaced by a massive deployment of the Lebanese armed forces. "And in this context, France will play its full part," he said. For Rohingya refugees who fled brutal violence in Myanmar, the announcement Wednesday that the International Criminal Court prosecutor was seeking an arrest warrant for the junta chief sparked celebrations. "We are happy to hear about ICC issuing an arrest warrant against the Myanmar military commander Min Aung Hlaing," said Rohingya civil society leader Sayod Alam, living in the cramped refugee camps across the border in Bangladesh. "It's a success for us." Around a million members of the stateless and persecuted Muslim minority live in a sprawling patchwork of Bangladeshi relief camps of Cox's Bazar, after fleeing killings in their homeland next door in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing -- who was head of the army during the 2017 crackdown, now the subject of a UN genocide investigation -- has dismissed the term Rohingya as "imaginary". The Rohingya endured decades of discrimination in Myanmar, where successive governments classified them as illegal immigrants despite their long history in the country. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan on Wednesday requested the court's Hague-based judges to grant an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing for alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya. Rohingya community school teacher Senoara Khatun said she was "happy". "The Rohingya were waiting for this," she said. "I hope every criminal will be brought to justice by the ICC under the law... to take more steps to make them accountable and punish them." It is the first application for an arrest warrant against a high-level Myanmar government official in connection with abuses against the Rohingya people. - 'Still not safe' - "Issuing an arrest warrant is good news for us," said Maung Sayodullah, leader of a civil rights organisation in Cox's Bazar. "He is the key perpetrator of the 2017 genocide against the Rohingya people." But Sayodullah said the violence continued in his original home of Rakhine state, riven by war between Arakan Army (AA) forces and the junta troops. The region is spiralling towards famine, according to the United Nations. "We are still not safe in our homeland, Rakhine," he said, calling for action to stop fighting. ICC judges must now decide whether to grant the arrest warrants. If granted, the 124 members of the ICC would theoretically be obliged to arrest the junta chief if he travelled to their country. Alam, the civil society activist has more immediate concerns than the slow grinding cogs of international justice. "We want to go back home," he said. "The international community should work to return us to our home country, Myanmar... for our repatriation, security, and dignity." In Oslo, on Eidsvoll square outside of the Norwegian Storting, the Parliament of Norway, a Lavvo a traditional temporary Sami dwelling was put up on November 12, 2024. An unusual gesture by the Storting, which signified an opening to dialogue. During the day, the space was visited by indigenous and minority representatives, members of the Storting, and people passing by. Meanwhile inside the Storting, parliamentarians were debating how to follow up on the report and recommendations for reconciliation delivered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on June 1, 2023. And it was in conclusion of this debate that the Storting issued a formal apology to the Sami, Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns: With this the Storting apologizes for the active role that previous Stortings have taken in the Norwegianization politics, and recognizes its responsibility for the consequences which these policies have had for groups as well as individuals, Svein Harberg (Hyre/The Conservative Party) said on behalf of the Storting. The apology and the parliament debate were based on a report with recommendations by the Stortings Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs, which Harberg is a member of. The 98-page long report contains the Standing Committees reading of the TRC report and quite detailed deliberations on its recommendations. Contrary to the TRCs in Sweden and Finland, the Norwegian TRC had the status of a so-called granskingsreport an inquiry commissioned by the Storting, which means that the parliament is bound to follow up on it. Consequently, the Stortings Standing Committee over the past odd 17 months has conducted new hearings and consultations with various stakeholders in the reconciliation process, including representatives of the Sami people and national minorities. 17 decisions The apology was the first among 17 decisions passed by the Norwegian Parliament on November 12. Most of the Stortings decisions align with the Five Pillars of Reconciliation outlined by the TRC, namely Knowledge & Dissemination; Language; Culture; Prevention of Conflicts and Implementation of Laws and Regulations. The last pillar directly addresses the "implementation gap", which refers to the long-standing failures in implementing decisions related to the rights of the Sami people, the Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns in areas such as language, education, and culture. A failure that has resulted in distrust. The Standing Committee agrees with the TRC report that reconciliation in the Norwegian context is closely associated with trust between indigenous/minority groups and the state. Decision 14 thus explicitly calls on the government to ensure that civil servants are regularly informed and updated on the rights of indigenous and minority groups. The Storting generally agrees that a heightened and shared general knowledge of the injustices in question and their long-term effects is key to create reconciliation. The Norwegian TRC recommended the creation of a National Competency Centre on Norwegianization and Injustice. This is modelled after the Canadian National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. However, the Standing Committee proposes that this Competency Centre should rather be a network-based centre strengthening existing knowledge environments and institutions within Sami, Kven, Norwegian Finnish and Forrest Finnish communities rather than a physical institution. No matter its eventual form, this Competency Centre is to focus on research, documentation, but also dissemination as part of the reconciliation process. Nine decisions target the preservation and promotion of Sami and Kven languages, emphasizing teacher recruitment and ensuring that local municipalities have the necessary funding for language programs. The Standing Committee notes that new amendments of laws and regulations have already secured this area in 2023, but also stresses the need to make sure that the laws are in fact being implemented. It is worth mentioning here that since it is the municipal level that has the primary responsibility for kindergartens, primary education and for providing reasonable, high-quality health care and social services to everyone in need of them, the municipalities are at the forefront of the implementation of the decisions and need the economic resources to do so, something that the decisions also reflect. The special status of the Sami The Committee report also notes that the Sami have their own Parliament and hold a stronger position in the Norwegian constitution as an Indigenous people, while the Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns have the status of national minorities and do not have a democratic institution to represent them. While the Sami Parliament already has the political and bureaucratic infrastructure to secure some of the implementation work themselves, the Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns do not have the same infrastructure. One of the decisions deals with these issues, through encouraging national institutions to establish closer cooperation between Sami, Kven, Norwegian Finnish and Forest Finnish institutions, and contribute to the visibility, preservation and dissemination of the different languages and cultures. Three decisions focus on strengthening Sami and minority cultures. The decisions also include two proposed legal revisions on equal protection for Kven/Norwegian Finn and Forest Finn heritage sites alongside Sami sites, and on naming laws that help families reclaim family surnames lost due to the Norwegianization policies. The question of rights to land and resources Many speakers during the Storting debate noted that the apology was important and a necessary part of these decisions, but also that it was hollow if not followed up with appropriate actions to rectify injustices experienced by the Sami and national minorities. In March 2024, the Norwegian government finally acted on the Supreme case verdict that the Fosen windmills were a violation of rights of the Sami, referring to Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, by agreeing to finding new land for the Fosen reindeer herders. The same month, the Socialist Left Party called for an independent inquiry into the whole case. The Storting rejected the proposal in June 2024, but did call upon the government to learn from the Fosen case by strengthening knowledge of the importance of reindeer herding to Sami culture in local, regional and state administration and to report back to the Storting on progress in the case in the fall of 2024. It was also in this vein that some parliamentarians this November criticised that the new Storting decisions do not engage with Sami reindeer herding or land, resources, and fishing rights for the Sami. These issues, central to Sami livelihoods, remain unaddressed even though recommendations on these areas were part of the TRC report. In online media Nordnorsk Debat former TRC member Ivar Bjrklund calls these issues some of the most pressing questions in the current debate and argues that by not including them in the decisions passed, the Storting fails to follow up on the pillar Prevention of conflicts. Not surprisingly, the different parties in the Norwegian Storting have different views on the decisions. The Progress Party, the most right-wing party represented in the Storting, which is against having a Sami Parliament in Norway, voted against all the decisions, and stated that they did not see the need for an official apology to the Sami, Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns for something that happened a long time ago. From the Left, the critique was that the decisions were too few, and not concrete enough. The Socialist Party, that initially raised the need for a TRC in the Storting, said that the decisions should be more concrete as to how to lift lost language and lost culture. A Left-based minority in the Storting proposed 76 measures, many of which focused on land and resources rights. However, the majority coalition consisting of the Labour Party and the Conservative Party argued for a smaller, and what they termed more realistic package of 17 decisions. The majority coalition cited a lack of assessment and community support for many of the minority proposals an argument refuted by the parties proposing these measures, who claimed that many of these had already been investigated and had support in Sami and national minority communities. As in many important political decisions in Norway, the final 17 decisions were a compromise between different parties. The beginning of a reconciliation process Inside the Storting as well as in the Lavvo outside, many commented that they regarded November 12, 2024 as the first day in the nations reconciliation process. Both the current and future Norwegian governments, no matter their political orientation, are bound to follow up on the decisions passed by the Storting. The final decision emphasised the importance of monitoring how the reconciliation effort is progressing, ensuring the government follows through on reconciliation efforts in the years to come. This include both annual reports of how resources are spent on reconciliation efforts, and annual progress reports. As we have previously stressed, it is only in the long run that the reconciliation process can be evaluated. However, while the different parties in the Storting had different views on both the report and the decisions, the broad compromise between the parties that formed a majority in the Storting shows that there is a shared political understanding of the need for continued work regarding the Sami, Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forest Finns in Norway, to secure their language, culture and rights. Kyiv said on Thursday that Russian forces had shot dead five Ukrainian servicemen who had surrendered in the eastern Zaporizhzhia region, marking the latest war crimes allegations levied against Moscow. Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other's armies of committing atrocities since Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Prosecutors said the incident had taken place on November 24 near the village of Novodarivka in the Pologiv district of the Zaporizhzhia region. "Servicemen of the Russian armed forces shot dead five Ukrainian defenders out of six who had been taken prisoner," a statement read. There was no immediate response to the accusations from Moscow, which claimed to have annexed Zaporizhzhia along with three other partially occupied Ukrainian territories in late 2022. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said he had contacted the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) over the allegations. Kyiv earlier this month accused Russian forces of killing five other surrendered soldiers, this time in the eastern Donetsk region, which Moscow also claims. The UN has documented "numerous violations of international humanitarian law against prisoners of war, including cases of summary execution of both Russian and Ukrainian POWs", a spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office told AFP last year. Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Another serious matter has been brought to light concerning unethical behaviour in Mombasa branches of Quickmart Supermarket involving two supervisors whose actions are not only morally wrong but also violate company policies and labour laws. They have created a hostile and unsafe environment for job applicants and employees. One is notorious for demanding cash favours from male job applicants while the other, who is the Regional Supervisor, has been preying on ladies looking for jobs. Check out Cyprian Nyakundis post. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Blogger Aoko Otieno has launched a scathing attack on Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and exposed his alleged unethical behaviours. According to Aoko, Kingi has a special staff to scout for him beautiful girls on TikTok and Instagram. He allegedly prefers young ladies aged between 15-19 and must be tested. Aoko further alleges that Kingi pays the girls Ksh 5,000. Check out her post. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has proposed the removal of presidential term limits. Appearing on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) on Wednesday evening, Atwoli attributed the country's challenges to the five-year presidential term limit and advocated for its removal. The veteran trade unionist argued that removing the term limits would lead to more effective governance, stating that the current restrictions hinder long-term progress. Atwoli criticized the focus on politics, noting that it has become an industry where daily discussions overshadow important issues that directly affect the country. "If you asked me as Francis Atwoli, I would tell you to let us remove the term limit. This is what is causing a problem. Somebody is timing after 10 years they want to be a president...Every morning is politics, from morning to evening," Atwoli said. Atwoli pointed out that Uganda, with its long-serving president Kaguta Museveni, has not experienced the same crises as Kenya, suggesting that extended leadership may contribute to stability. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - The High Court of Kenya has banned President William Rutos government from further engaging the controversial Adani Group over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) takeover until a pending case is determined. The petition was filed by Tony Gachoka, Mt. Kenya Jurists, Wiper Party, Democratic Action Party (Kenya), and Jubilee Party who sought court orders to halt the JKIA takeover by Adani. Justice Bahati Mwamuye in his ruling, prohibited Adani from taking over management and assets at JKIA. Further, the Court ordered the government to table evidence to substantiate the cancellation of the contentious deal with Adani, which Ruto announced during the State of the Nation address last week. Through its legal team, Adani Group filed a request before the court to be removed from the case. Lawyer Ezra Makori representing the Indian Conglomerate argued that the company had not yet concluded an agreement with Kenyas government, and as such, there was nothing to cancel. According to Adani's legal representatives, the agreements with the government were still in the preliminary stages, and no binding contract had been signed. The governments lawyer, Dennis Mosota, informed the court that no formal notice or documentation regarding the cancellation of the Adani deal had been received. He further stated that no contract had been signed between the parties, and therefore, there was no contractual obligation to cancel. The next hearing was scheduled for January 2025. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Evangelical churches in Kenya have criticized President William Ruto for making additional promises to the public, accusing him of overpromising without delivering on previous commitments. In a statement, the clergymen urged Ruto to focus on delivering tangible results instead of making additional promises to the public. Led by Bishop Kepha Omae, the Kenya Coalition of Church Alliance and Ministries (KCCCAM) called on Ruto to prioritize delivering on his promises, especially on flagship projects. The clergymen emphasized the need for a scorecard to assess Ruto's achievements since taking office. Omae also criticized the government for failing to hold corrupt officials accountable, urging greater efforts to tackle the vice within the administration. "The government's failure to punish corrupt officials and recover stolen public funds is unacceptable. There seems to be a general feeling from Kenyans that the top leadership is involved in corruption, which is why it is condoning this evil," Omae said. Bishop Omae further stated that it is high time the Kenya Kwanza government walks the talk and fights corruption in the country. At the same time, Omae highlighted the growing challenges in the health sector following the introduction of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), calling for an urgent review of the system to address these issues. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga has caused confusion among party supporters by stating that the party is preparing to capture the presidency in 2027. Wanga made the comments on Wednesday, just a day after stating that the party would support President William Ruto's presidential bid in 2027. Wanga, speaking in Rangwe Constituency, explained that, like other political parties, ODM is conducting grassroots elections as part of its efforts to capture power in 2027. "That is what, that is what we were looking for. I want to say that with these grassroots elections, ODM is preparing to capture power in 2027 because the purpose of any political party is to capture power. "For us to capture power we have to be organized and vibrant at the very grassroots level where we come from," Wanga said. Wanga mentioned that ODM is the only party able to carry out peaceful grassroots elections, adding that it is also the only party that respects the Constitution. "ODM is the only party that is able to carry out this kind of election, other parties are not able to do this. "The Registrar of Political Parties also said that ODM is the only party that is fully following the Constitution of Kenya," she added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas push to clinch the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has gained significant momentum. This is after Mauritius withdrew its candidate and threw its support behind Raila. The announcement was made by Pauline Njoroge, a key member of Raila's campaign team. Njoroge revealed that Mauritius' new Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, conveyed his countrys decision during a phone call with President William Ruto. Mauritius, which had submitted a candidate for AUC chairmanship will now support Raila Odingas bid. This was communicated today by the new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, during a phone call with President Ruto," Njoroge stated. The decision represents a shift in strategy for Mauritius, whose previous candidate had been endorsed by former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. Ramgoolam's rise to power following a closely contested election has brought new priorities to Mauritius foreign policy, with a clear focus on aligning with Railas AUC bid. "The Mauritius candidate had been endorsed by the former PM Pravind Jugnauth, who lost to Navin in recently held elections," added Njoroge. The withdrawal of the Mauritius candidate is a significant boost for Raila, who has been rallying support from across the continent. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has challenged President William Ruto to come clean over the Adani deals which he cancelled after the Indian firm was indicted in the U.S. over corruption and bribery. Venting on his X account, Kalonzo urged Ruto to give Kenyans additional details about the amount of money Adani paid and who received the funds. In addition, the Wiper leader added that the Adani group deals have not only affected Kenya but the entire world. The Adani Group deals affects the entire world, not just Kenya. We are dealing with high-level corruption. We want additional details about who was paid what. "A large sum of money was given to Kenyan officials, Kalonzo said. We want additional details about who was paid what. A large sum of money was given to Kenyan officials, he added. Speaking during the State of the Nation address last Thursday, Ruto announced the cancellation of JKIA and the KETRACO energy transmission project deals involving Indian conglomerate Adani following revelations of potential integrity issues. During his speech, Ruto reiterated his stance, citing corruption concerns as the basis for terminating the agreements involving JKIA and KETRACO. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has warned that 24 banks in the country could collapse if a proposed law by the Central Bank of Kenya is passed. The Central Bank of Kenya has proposed an increase in banks' core capital from Sh 1 billion to Sh 10 billion in three years for all the banks. KBA warned that the planned increase in financial institutions' core capital would restrict loan availability, further slow down the economy, result in job losses, and lower government tax revenue. The bankers said the 24 lenders, with a core capital of less than Sh 10 billion, will need Sh 150 billion to reach the threshold. We should not ignore the 24 banks' contribution to real economic growth, employment creation, and enhanced governance revenue," KBA acting CEO Raymond Molenje said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli has claimed that Busia County Senator, Okiya Omtatah cannot be elected as President of the Republic of Kenya because he is very poor. Appearing on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) on Wednesday, Atwoli stated that running for president in Kenya requires a massive budget, and Omtatah cannot raise the billions needed because he is too poor. The veteran trade unionist insisted that political campaigns across the world are associated with wealth, especially when one is just emerging into the political space. If he came to me, the first thing I would ask him is let me see your budget and whether you are going to depend on well-wishers or what do you have as a person? When you are merging for a political position the first thing you must have the world over is wealth. Nobody wants to be associated with a poor person, Atwoli said. His remarks came a few days after Omtatah named a 10-member Presidential Exploratory Committee. In a Gazette Notice dated November 22, the Senator announced that the team would assess the viability of his candidacy for the upcoming General Election. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Kenyans have heavily criticized COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli for predicting an easy re-election for President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election. Appearing on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) on Wednesday evening, Atwoli predicted that Ruto would secure a landslide victory in 2027 due to his broad-based government formed in collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. I can tell you, here and now, with the direction President William Samoei has taken, that trajectory that he is now taking, he will be the president at 10:00 am 2027," Atwoli said. However, Atwoli's sentiments attracted criticism from most Kenyans, who disagreed with his prediction. According to netizens, Atwoli should have listed Ruto's achievements that would warrant his win in the 2027 presidential race. Others trolled Atwoli, saying he predicted Raila's win in 2022, which never came to pass. Mose Moh: "We know where you support, it is a losing team..."Thank God for answering our prayers Albanus Nzuki: "He is just afraid of telling the president the truth to safeguard his job...May God protect us from such leaders. "You are very right because you supported Raila and he is now the president of Kenya and Africa, Nicholas Gitonga. "Just trying to look relevant in the politics of the day, and the tides of purge happening to anti-Rutos in the government and those holding public positions be it in parastatals to NGOs due to Ruto's quest to conquer and dominate every corner of the country, Mburu Samuel. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Narc Kenya chairperson, Martha Karua has finally parted with Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, who is currently working with President William Ruto. Karua was Raila Odingas presidential running mate in the 2022 general election in which their coalition was defeated by President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). On Thursday, Karua led her party's National Delegates Convention in Nairobi to ratify the decision to pull out from the coalition. Her exit has widened the already existing rift within the opposition coalition. In a letter dated July 25, Karua notified Azimio of her partys decision to exit the coalition. Our stay in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is not tenable due to the prevailing political developments, the letter from Narc Kenya said. Karua, who was one of Odingas most loyal allies, protested his decision to have his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party join Ruto's administration. She has been accusing the President of using a section of opposition luminaries to clean up his mess in the face of nationwide protests against his government a few months ago. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Renowned political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has urged members of the Kikuyu community not to follow selfish leaders encouraging them to rebel against President William Ruto. In recent months, Ruto's popularity has declined in the Mt. Kenya region, with critics saying that anyone attempting to promote him in the vote-rich area is like trying to sell pork in Saudi Arabia. Ngunyi, who is an alleged National Intelligence Service (NIS) operative, told the Kikuyu community that they will be in opposition for many years if they continue rebelling against the Head of State. He also reminded the Kikuyu community that President William Ruto will be re-elected with or without their support in 2027. Dear Kikuyus: Those who DISAGREE with my TRUTH can SIT on a PIN. But those who HEAR what I am saying, YOU will be ISOLATED for many YEARS to come. "And those LEADING you to REBELLION are either FOOLISH or SELFISH. Ruto will be ELECTED in 2027 without you. "That is MY point, Mutahi wrote on his X Page on Wednesday. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli Atwoli has weighed in on Busia Senator Okiya Omtatahs 2027 presidential ambitions. Speaking during an interview yesterday, Atwoli downplayed Omtatah's presidential ambitions, saying the good senator is going nowhere. According to Atwoli, Omtatah is unfit to be Kenya's president because, in his view, no one wants to associate with a poor man. He instead urged Omtatah to focus on building alliances with regional leaders and ensuring financial readiness for the next elections if he was serious about his presidential ambitions. If Okiya Omtatah wants to be president, he should bring together the Western leaders. He must consult people Amos Wako, and Moses Wetangula and move closer to Musalia Mudavadi. If he came to me, the first thing Ill ask to see is his budget and whether he is going to depend on well-wishers or what he has as a person. You must have money when emerging for political leadership. No one wants to be associated with a poor person, Atwoli stated. He went on to assert that President William Ruto is not going anywhere and will easily win the 2027 elections. I can tell you here and now, with the direction President Williamson has takenthat direction he's now taking, that trajectory that he's now takinghe will be the president at 10 am in 2027, he asserted. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has predicted a landslide victory for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Speaking on the Jeff Koinange Live show, Atwoli stated that while many may declare their intention to run for president, none will be able to defeat Ruto. According to the COTU Boss, Ruto is a political genius, and his recent actions position him strongly for an easy victory in the next polls. I can tell you here and now, with the direction Ruto has takenthat direction he's now taking, that trajectory that he's now takinghe will be the president at 10 am in 2027, he asserted. Atwoli argued that Ruto has garnered support from key regions across the country. He highlighted that Ruto's decision to form a broad-based government in collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga enabled him to secure backing from Nyanza residents. He further noted that Ruto has consolidated support in the Western region by appointing Musalia Mudavadi as the prime Cabinet secretary, Moses Wetang'ula as the Speaker of the National Assembly, and Wycliffe Oparanya as a Cabinet secretary. "If now he does what he does in western Kenya, he has Musalia Mudavadi, you want to tell me somebody will defeat him. He has brought in Wycliffe Oparanya. "That area is covered others are noise makers. Then go to Nyanza, with Raila," he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 In what could appear as mockery to Kenyans, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for an end to presidential term limits. This is even as Kenyans have rejected the plans to increase President William Rutos term to 7 years. However, speaking during an interview yesterday, Atwoli blasted Kenyans for opposing the government's efforts to increase presidential term limits. Let us remove the term limit. This is what is causing us problems. Somebody is timing after 10 years, I want to be president. Are Ugandans experiencing the same problems we experience here? asserted Atwoli. People have made politics to be an industry. Every morning is politics from morning to evening. Because they know James term is almost ending, he added. Kenyans have recently been upset with UDA Senator Samson Cherargei, who is seeking to amend Article 136 of the Constitution to extend the term of the presidentas well as elected officialsfrom five to seven years. Under the law, a president is eligible to serve a maximum of two five-year terms. However, Cherargei, a close ally of President William Ruto, argued that the current period is not enough for an elected president, or other elected leaders, to fulfill their constitutional mandate. However, the Bill was shut down but the talks over the controversial proposal are not going away. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has sensationally claimed that President William Ruto is not in charge of Kenya anymore. In an interview, Maanzo stated that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga holds the real power in Kenya today. According to him, Raila is politically in charge, with President Ruto relying on him to manage the nation's affairs. Right now, Rutos government is hanging onto Railas lips. It is Raila who is in charge of this country right now, politically, Maanzo claimed. The Wiper Senator made these comments while condemning Rutos recent visit to Kondele, Kisumu on November 26, where he received a rousing reception from the area residents. Even so, Maanzo dismissed Rutos visit, claiming that the crowd was financially incentivized by people like Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda to turn up, adding that the funds could have been used to promote infrastructural development. Maanzo further challenged Ruto to do more for Railas African Union Chairmanship (AUC) bid by injecting more funds into the bid. He also called for Ruto to increase lobbying amongst other African presidents to aid Raila. The money that Ruto used in going to Kisumu if he really wanted to help Raila, he could have used it to go to West Africa where Raila currently is. "In the AUC race, the voters are presidents. Only President Ruto protocally can approach presidents of Africa to campaign for Raila, Maanzo affirmed. Now you find Raila going to these foreign countries to meet foreign ministers and prime ministers without meeting presidents wasting time and money, he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Former staff members of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) have been handed a lifeline in regard to their employment status. This is after acting Social Health Authority (SHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Ingasira announced that the former NHIF employees will be onboarded to SHA for the next six months as the authority gets its house in order. This comes after growing discontent amongst the 1,700 NHIF employees who mulled over the uncertainty of their futures amidst the transition into the Social Health Insurance Fund. The employees claimed that their interests should be looked after even as the government moved to the new health funding model. In an anonymous interview, an employee revealed that a majority of NHIF employees are currently experiencing anxiety, fear, and uncertainty due to the situation. SHA had initially promised to integrate them into the new structure, but recent developments indicated that the new health authority will only retain a limited number of employees and has imposed stringent conditions for their selection. However, Ingasira has now moved to reassure the NHIF staff about their futures for at least the next six months. According to the transitional clauses, the NHIF staff were accorded three options: To apply for SHA jobs, to be deployed into other government entities through the Public Service Commission (PSC) and early voluntary retirement. After six months, at that stage, those who will be interested in exercising the option to retire will now be given the opportunity to do so. Retirement is voluntary and will be subjected to other regulations, he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Renowned blogger Cyprian Nyakundi has raised the alarm after some unknown men were reportedly captured on camera being abducted in the Hamza area along the busy Jogoo Road. In the video shared on X his account, the victims are seen trying to fight back as some men attempt to bundle them into a Toyota Probox which was parked near the main road. A confrontation ensues as the victims desperately try to fight back the abductors. However, they are overpowered and bundled into the Probox which later speeds off. The incident happened amid heavy traffic on the busy road as other motorists were heading home during rush hour. However, the motorists were not aware of what was happening. The incident comes barely a week after President William Ruto maintained that forced disappearances and abductions have no place in Kenya. Speaking during the State of the Nation Address, Ruto noted that numerous allegations have been made about the disappearance of people. The head of state said a number of these cases have been resolved while others have been uncovered as fake news, undermining efforts to find genuine cases of missing persons. Watch the video. Some two guys abducted along Hamza Jogoo road. This is a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/3IWUuV1OUk Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) November 27, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Cambodian FM highly commends China's significant contributions to kingdom's development Xinhua) 11:10, November 28, 2024 PHNOM PENH, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has highly praised China for its significant contributions to socio-economic development in the Southeast Asian country, said a Cambodian foreign ministry's press release on Wednesday. Sokhonn, who is also a deputy prime minister, made the remarks during a meeting in Phnom Penh with Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin on Tuesday. "The Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated China's significant contributions to Cambodia's development, particularly in trade and investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure projects," the press release said. He also thanked China for providing exceptional health services and warm hospitality to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, a gesture that symbolizes the deep trust and strong ties between Cambodia and China. According to the press release, both sides affirmed their commitment to successfully implementing the consensus and commitments made by the leaders of the two countries to advance key projects, such as the "Fish and Rice Corridor," the "Industrial Development Corridor," the modern agricultural development project, and mixed energy project. They also expressed their commitment to promoting the building of a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era, serving as a model for mankind, it added. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, underlining the importance of dialogue and collaboration to address global and regional challenges, the press release said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A PROSPECT of significant growth in the home care services field as the population ages underpins the expansion in the Leinster region of the latest such business in the Kildare-West Wicklow area. Komfort Kare, which has just opened new offices in Kilcullen, comes with a five-year track record in the Dublin area. CEO of Komfort Kare Brenda Kavanagh with business owner Maggie Chan Kilcullen is familiar ground for Baltinglass-born Komfort Kare CEO Brenda Kavanagh she lived there while studying social care at the former IT Carlow, and worked part time in the local Bardons Bar and Restaurant to help with her expenses. After getting her degree she joined Nua Healthcare Services, and later worked with Caremark homecare in Naas where she eventually became a manager. In 2019, Dublin-based investor Maggie Chen established Komfort Kare and brought Brenda in as CEO. When the pandemic hit, the enterprise provided support to nursing homes, and quickly grew staff levels to some 90 people. Nathan Martin, Ireci Badru and Shauna Mooney. "After Covid calmed down, we moved into elder care," says Brenda. "Initially in Dublin from where we extended to Westmeath and Longford. In addition to Kildare and West Wicklow, from this office we will also be providing services in Laois and Offaly." The local manager is Laura Glynn. Komfort Kare offers clients a range of behaviour support, domestic assistance, personal care, complex care, ASD support, and 24-hour health care services. In addition to private clients, the company is an approved HSE provider and can also provide agency staff on a temporary or permanent basis. Regional Manager Laura Glynn with Darren Daly. Staff are all fully qualified to a minimum of QQI level 5 training in healthcare and are trained in Patient Manual Handling, Safeguarding, First Aid and CPR, and more. "We have also recently began working with Griffith College, with which we offer a two-year apprenticeship to a level 6, working alongside our staff who mentor them all the way and they get full hands-on experience as well as their qualification." A major expansion of companies in the sector over the last decade makes it highly competitive both in getting business and in recruiting qualified staff. To attract and retain staff, Komfort Kare is offering higher wage rates than many larger competitors. Brenda said. "We also offer a full healthcare package and guaranteed roster hours. Komfort Kare introduced themselves to Kilcullen with an open day which included demonstrations of chair yoga, a sensory room, the care staff training space, and a mobile unit offering people a sense of what it's like to have dementia. The business model is based on the fact that there are going to be more older people around who are in a position to stay in their own homes with the right supports. That's a key element of the Slainte Care programme looking forward, with primary care centres and home care together helping to keep people out of hospitals and nursing homes. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Ken Reid was loved by journalists and respected by politicians from across Northern Ireland and beyond, mourners at his funeral have been told. Hundreds of people packed into St Patricks Church in Ballymena, Co Antrim, for a service of thanksgiving for the former UTV political editor who died last week at the age of 69 after an illness. The death of Ken Reid was announced last week (Press Eye/PA) Politicians past and present were represented at the service. Stormont speaker Edwin Poots and Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt, a former colleague of Mr Reid at UTV, were among those who attended. Former MP Lady Sylvia Hermon and ex-Alliance Party leader David Ford were also in the church. Dozens of journalists who had worked with Mr Reid over several decades also attended the funeral. Former UTV journalists Ivan Little, Frank Mitchell and Fearghal McKinney were joined by current political editor Tracey Magee and presenters Paul Clark and Rose Neill. Lady Sylvia Hermon attends the funeral of veteran journalist and former UTV political editor Ken Reid (Mark Marlow/PA) BBC journalist Mark Simpson delivered the eulogy, stating that everyone who had worked with Mr Reid would treasure the time they had spent with him. He told the mourners: It is not often you hear Stormont and love in the same sentence, but the Stormont press pack loved Ken Reid. It was a cross-community love, UTV and BBC. He was also loved by RTE, Sky, Downtown, Irish Times, the Press Association, you name it, newspaper journalists, even the press officers at Stormont loved Ken Reid. We saw it in the Stormont chamber on Monday, and even at Westminster yesterday, just how much he was respected by politicians on all sides. There was harmony at Stormont on Monday and we all know how rare that is. If it catches on, many of us in this church will be out of a job soon. Rose Neil and Paul Clarke attend the funeral of veteran journalist and former UTV political editor Ken Reid (Mark Marlow/PA) Mr Simpson said despite Mr Reids professional achievements, he was a family man first and foremost. Addressing the family in the church, he said: You were his pride and joy. He had so much pride in all of you. He added: During 27 years at UTV Ken had to explain the complicated, tangled, complex world of Stormont politics on live television in front of a huge audience and he made it look easy. He really did. At UTV he didnt report the news, he was the news. ITV may have had their News at 10, but we had our News at Ken. Mike Nesbitt and Mark Devenport attend the funeral (Mark Marlow/PA Mr Simpson said when Ken Reid joined UTV in 1994, Albert Reynolds was taoiseach, Bill Clinton was in the White House and the UK prime minister was John Major. He added: Ken being Ken, it wasnt long before he had interviewed every one of them. And so it went on. Ken interviewed all the key players in London, Dublin, Washington and Belfast for almost three decades. Seven prime ministers in total. Mr Simpson said that although journalists were always in competition, Mr Reid had taken the time to build deep friendships at Stormont. Mr Reid is survived by his wife Liz and children Gareth, Sarah and Sophie. He will be cremated later following a private family service. A QUARTER of a century ago in Latvia, where the temperature ranges from zero to -30C at this time, in that dying winter of the 20th century a young family of five lost everything when an electrical fault saw their home burn to the ground. Desperate, the family moved to a former Soviet farmers cottage in the countryside to start again, only for a second fire which forced the family into one room in grandmas house which didnt even have running water at the time. Despite everything, the parents did what they could to try and make Christmas special for their three children, if only giving a small gift or a few sweets. Then, out of nowhere, three shoeboxes full of gifts and goodies found their way miraculously to the Straume familys third address that year. My brother was mad at me because I took the wrong box at first, said Signe Straume, now herself a mother. There were crayons, and markers, and a teddy bear, but I specifically remember the candy canes, because we never saw anything like that in Latvia before, said Signe. They came from Philadelphia, USA, and we tried to write a letter, but there was no response and it was returned, but my mother still has that card, she said. Then, 15 years later in 2014 Signe and her husband Marcin move to Newbridge where they live since in Moorefield Drive, when she saw posters in a window for the Christmas Shoebox Appeal. (The Shoebox Appeal was started in 1990 in north Wales by a man called Dave Cooke who was shocked at the plight of the Romanian Orphanages he had seen on TV. Nowadays, the present Appeal in Ireland is run by Team Hope who have provided 2.5m shoeboxes to kids in eight African and five European countries since 2010.) Straight away I remembered the candy canes in the one I got, so I started getting involved, she said. Signe started by putting together 10 boxes per gender each year, and now is able to double that on her own, but not satisfied, she got her family involved. My mother Inga has knitted over 250 teddy bears, and probably 170 hats by now, said the gelato barista from Ginos in the Whitewater. Her daughter Nicole (9) 3rd class in St Conleths and St Marys NS - has also got involved in helping with the Shoebox Appeal with her mam and granny, in what has proved to be her second exercise of her social conscience around Newbridge. Oh, shes been in the papers before, smiled Signe. She was helping Annie Morris with the yarn bombing for JuneFest, she revealed. Pictured is Signe in the foreground, her mother Inga with Nicole and her cousin Sara, and Marcin. This Christmas will be Signes 4th year as a Team Hope volunteer to help pack Shoeboxes in the Newbridge checking centre. This year were in a place opposite the Garda Station, but we change every year to somewhere thats empty for a few weeks, she said. There are 50 centres all over Ireland, its a big, big thing. I know exactly how those kids feel, Signe says. The impact of one box you remember it your whole life. Its a blessing to be able to help. This year, me, mam and my husband [Marcin] brought a van full of fillers, which would be something to wear, to write with, toys, hair accessories for the girls, she explained. However, no liquids, or chocolates, biscuits or crisps [which go to the Newbridge Dining Room]. The liquids can spill, the chocolate will melt in Africa, and the biscuits and crisps by the time they get there are literally powder in bags. But theres loads of jellies, lolly pops, boiled sweets, stuff that doesnt melt! Nicole is a big help with the boxes, my sister in Latvia is knitting hats and scarves and sending them here, I dont know if I would be able to help without my family. I dont need any thanks, I do it for the kids same as my mam, my husband, and my daughter. She loves coming to the checking Centre, loves to get inspiration from the boxes, to see what we can put in them next year. I think I will always have a soft spot for the kids to know the joy those boxes bring - because I can still remember the joy that single box brought me. It is our pleasure to do it, she concluded. While the deadline for dropping off shoeboxes has now passed, you have plenty of time - right up until 23 December - to build a shoebox online at teamhope.ie for delivery in time for Christmas. Vision Ireland celebrated two Kildare volunteers at its first-ever Vision Star Awards. Stephen Coleman from the Maynooth store received the Reliability Rockstar Award, while Ellen OSullivan from the Naas store was presented with a Special Recognition Award by Joe Neville, Mayor of Kildare for her exceptional service. Stephen Coleman The Reliability Rockstar Award celebrates volunteers who provide unwavering support and dedication to their teams. Stephens commitment to being a dependable resource for the Maynooth store, regardless of the challenges, made him a stand-out choice for the award. Stephen said: Volunteering at the Maynooth store has been an incredible experience, and it means a lot to be recognised for my contribution. Im proud to be part of the Vision Ireland team." Ellen OSullivan from the Naas store was awarded a Special Recognition Award for her long-standing service and dedication to the Vision Ireland community. Presented by cathaoirlecah of Kildare County Council Joe Neville, the award acknowledges Ellens remarkable contributions and the positive impact she has made over the years. Ellen said: "I am so grateful to receive this Special Recognition Award. Volunteering has always been close to my heart, and its been a joy to support Vision Ireland and be part of the Naas store team for so many years." Gerard Lyons, Kildare Area Manager, said: "Stephens reliability and dedication have been instrumental to the Maynooth stores success, and Ellens years of service in Naas have left a lasting legacy. Were extremely proud of both of them, and todays awards are a fitting tribute to their hard work and commitment." After months of speculation, and weeks of politicians wearing out shoe leather, the big day is finally here. On Friday, Ireland goes to the polls to elect its representatives for the 34th Dail. On Saturday, the Kilkenny People and Kilkenny Live team will be at the count from start to finish, bringing you all the news and updates as they happen, from when the ballot boxes open until we know the identity of the five TDs for Carlow-Kilkenny. FOR THE LATEST GENERAL ELECTION NEWS IN KILKENNY, CLICK HERE A total of 20 candidates are vying for those five seats. Traditionally, this constituency has been dominated by a strong Fianna Fail and Fine Gael vote, usually making up the lions share of its TDs. It has also tended to return four Kilkenny-based TDs and one Carlow-based. Could this be about to change? One of the big talking points coming into this election is the new constituency change - around 6,400 voters in North Kilkenny have been transferred into the new North Tipp-Northwest Kilkenny constituency. Theres no doubt, their absence will be felt by some of these Kilkenny-based candidates who have traditionally relied on a big vote there. There is also a big push in Carlow to Vote Carlow and get two TDs over the line, and with the constituency change, there may now be a strong opportunity. Stalwart John McGuinness (Fianna Fail) is aiming to retain his seat, held since 1997. If successful, he would be the longest-serving of the current group, with Fine Gaels John Paul Phelan deciding not to contest the election. Hoping to win Phelans seat is Rower/Inistioge-based local councillor Michael Doyle, first elected in 2014. Also on the Fine Gael ticket is Cllr David Fitzgerald, who unsuccessfully contested in 2016 but is now more established and may have a clearer field this time. In Carlow, the party is running Catherine Callaghan. Peter Chap Cleere is another Kilkenny councillor looking to make the step up to Dail Eireann. Fresh from a season managing the Kilkenny camogie team, it will be his first time to contest a General Election, after topping the poll in his area in the 2024 Local Elections. Jennifer Murnane OConnor has established a solid base in Carlow for the party and will be looking to continue her success. Malcolm Noonan of the Green Party won his first Dail election 2020, elected on the tenth count at the expense of the late Bobby Aylward (FF). He went on to be appointed a minister of state, and has made a number of significant funding announcements and innovations in his nature/heritage portfolio. Will he have done enough to hold the seat? Sinn Fein were the big story of the last election. Kathleen Funchion topped the poll with a massive 17,493 first preference votes. The scale of the vote could not have been predicted, and many voters were no doubt voicing anger at Government parties. Things have changed, however, and not only is Funchion now an MEP not running for a Dail seat, but Sinn Fein had a poor showing in the local elections six months previously. They returned just one of four candidates in Kilkenny, and elected two councillors in Carlow. Both candidates running - Aine Gladney Knox, and Natasha Newsome Drennan - are relative newcomers, with Newsome Drennan among those to miss out on a council seat in June. FOR THE LATEST GENERAL ELECTION NEWS IN KILKENNY, CLICK HERE Labours Sean O hArgain is hoping to make an impact in his general election outing, fresh from winning a seat on the council in June. Labour were wiped out in 2016 and failed to recover in 2020; O hArgain will be hoping the partys slow revival locally can continue. Patricia Stephenson is a new candidate for the Social Democrats. She brings youth and energy, and hopes to persuade constituents of the alternative voice she offers. Disruptor Eugene McGuinness, brother of sitting TD John McGuinness, has decided to throw his hat in the ring after successfully taking a seat in two different local elections. An outspoken independent candidate, he is hoping to make inroads in a wider area now. Hes joined by other independents, including John OLeary, economist Tom Healy, and Luke OConnor, who previously ran for the Irish Freedom Party but has since split from them; the IFP instead opting for Orla Donohoe. Aontu have put forward Gary ONeill, and David Egan from Johnstown, Bennekerry in Carlow is running for Liberty Republic. Noel G Walsh is also running as an independent candidate. FOR THE LATEST GENERAL ELECTION NEWS IN KILKENNY, CLICK HERE Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said he would like to see homelessness figures to fall within 12 months. The number of people accessing emergency accommodation has risen at a near consistent rate in recent years, repeatedly breaking new records. The housing portfolio is held by Fianna Fails Darragh OBrien. In the last of Virgin Medias Big Interviews with party leaders, Mr Martin said homelessness was his partys number one priority and the reason it sought the housing portfolio in the coalition. The official figures from the Department of Housing look at the number of people accessing emergency accommodation services over the last week of each month, and are published at 2pm on the last Friday of the following month. Octobers figures are due at on polling day, November 29. The latest figures for the end of September show there were 14,760 people accessing such services, including 4,561 children record highs for both metrics. The figures do not include people sleeping rough, those that may be couch surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, and those in a shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres. Mr Martin said his party would not interfere with the agreed process by publishing the figures in advance of polling day. However, he accepted that there are too many people homeless and said homelessness is very traumatic for families. Speaking on Wednesday night, he said there was a need to build more houses faster, prevent homelessness and reduce the amount of time people rely on emergency accommodation. The obligation is to get people out of emergency accommodation as quickly as we can, and get them a house as quickly as we can. That is why building 40,000 social houses is progress, and we need to build 12,000 social houses a year, I think, to deal with the homelessness issue. Asked if he was expecting the figures to be uncomfortable, he said: Were already uncomfortable with the homelessness figures, so next Friday isnt going to change that to any significant degree. Pressed on when he expected the figures to peak, Mr Martin said he did not have exact timelines and added supply needed to be increased. Asked when the figure would come down, he said: I would like to see that within the next 12 months but I cant give a guarantee on that. Population is growing, and that is a factor in all of this. But we have to get up to 50,000 houses per annum. Elsewhere, he doubled down on ruling out a Fianna Fail coalition with Sinn Fein. Mr Martin said Sinn Feins tax proposals would destroy Irelands enterprise economy, as he made an appeal to Irish voters before polling day on Friday. Asked how big the differences are between the two parties, he said: Theyre very substantial, fundamentally, in terms of the economic model that we have in this country. Mr Martin said the vast majority of Fianna Fail members agreed with his position. Pressed on Fianna Fails past history of entering into coalition with Fine Gael in 2020 after initially ruling it out, the party leader defended that decision. He said there were a number of factors, including the argument about obligations to elect a government. He said the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael-Green coalition was able to protect a pro-European, pro-Enterprise model. Mr Martin said the Government was also formed in the context of a one in 100-year pandemic. The Fianna Fail stalwart also refused to rule out a future bid for President of Ireland, but said: I havent considered it. By Park Han-sol JEJU ISLAND In what was once a movie theater on Jeju Island, artist Boo Ji-hyun invites visitors to experience the unexpectedly otherworldly: the physical sensation of sinking into an endless expanse of water, without a single drop of liquid in sight. Her perception-bending sensory installation, Ultimate Space, at Jeju Art Platform is built from an unassuming mix of fog, lasers, motors and repurposed fishing light attractors. Yet, what Boo achieves with these humble materials is nothing short of astounding. As you enter the pitch-black theater, youre compelled to pause, letting your eyes adjust to the enveloping darkness. Gradually, a surreal vision takes shape: a glowing expanse of green light and billowing smoke, stretching endlessly into the void. The scene evokes the undulating waves of the sea, but impossibly suspended in mid-air. Stepping into it requires a moment of courage, a willingness to briefly set aside your self-preservation instinct. Once inside, it no longer feels like youre surrounded by a sheet of lasers and fog; instead, its as if youre wading through an infinite, ethereal ocean. Ultimate Space is composed of intangible elements light and fog but what viewers experience feels remarkably tangible. Its an encounter that allows them to forget about the outside world for a moment and immerse themselves in an entirely new sensation, the artist remarked at Jeju Art Platform. Inspired by her own memories of the sea, Boo has showcased her atmospheric installation in several other cities before, but this marks the first time she has brought it to her hometown of Jeju, as part of this years Jeju Biennale. Now in its fourth edition, the biennale opened on Tuesday under the theme The Drift of Apagi: The Way of Water, Wind and Stars, touching on the islands distinct identity. Jeju is an island steeped in the history of drifting, said Lee Jong-hoo, executive director of the Jeju Biennale and director of the Jeju Museum of Art. The concept of drifting weaves through its ecological environment, culture, religion, politics and the histories of migration and refugees. I hope this biennial offers a chance to reinterpret, through art, the intersections both accidental and inevitable that drifting creates. Featuring 87 artists from 14 countries, including nine Jeju-based creatives, the event unfolds across five venues in the central and western regions of the island: Jeju Museum of Art, Jeju Art Platform, Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art, International Convention Center Jeju and the Folklore and Natural History Museum. Despite a substantial budget cut 550 million won ($394,000) less than the previous edition the biennale delivers a remarkably solid presentation, albeit one that feels tight-fitting at times due to inevitably limited venues. At the Jeju Museum of Art stands a striking 5-meter-tall sculptural totem, crafted from marine debris and driftwood that originated on Jeju but washed ashore on the Japanese island of Tsushima. The journey of these materials in Yang Kuras The Nameless Ones echoes a tragic chapter in Jeju Islands own history: the bodies of victims from the April 3 Jeju Massacre in 1948, carried away by ocean currents and ultimately ending up on Tsushima. The Japanese islands residents would bury these remains and erect a cenotaph to honor the lost souls. Not far from Yangs totem is Indonesian storyteller Agus Nur Amals LARUNG FESTIVAL. Drawing inspiration from Jejus ancient Yeongdeung shamanic ritual dedicated to the sea goddess, the artist presents his signature object theater performance alongside the islands children. The title evokes the Indonesian tradition of washing away various offerings into the sea as a gesture of gratitude toward nature, thus beautifully bridging the folk rites of two distinct cultures. Also worth exploring is a special exhibition held alongside the biennale at the museum, devoted to Pyongyang-born painter Chang Ree-suok (1916-2019). For over six decades, Chang captured the faces of the islands iconic haenyeo (female divers) with bold brushstrokes and thick impasto. The result is a compelling collection of portraits that celebrate these resilient women at leisure, radiating a raw, primal vitality. And at the International Convention Center Jeju, a 45-minute drive from the Jeju Museum of Art, an intriguing dialogue unfolds between the works of two photographers Koreas Kim Soo-nam (1949-2006) and Japans Higa Yasuo (1938-2000) both of whom documented the trance-like moments of ancient shamanic rites. The gut, or Korean shamanistic rituals, of Jeju Island and the Ryukyuan traditions of Okinawa reveal fascinating spiritual parallels. Unfortunately, the exhibition may be somewhat overlooked due to its distance from other venues and its placement in a nearly hidden corner of the convention center. Nonethelss, it sure offers insight into the cultural resonance of these rites in both regions. The Jeju Biennale runs through Feb. 16. K-pop girl group NewJeans announced Thursday that they will terminate their contract with their agency, Ador, in protest against the company's dispute with its former CEO. "Although today's work hours have ended, neither HYBE nor Ador have shown any willingness to improve the situation or accept our demands," the group said in a press conference in southern Seoul. "Ador lacks both the will and the ability to protect NewJeans," they said. The move comes amid a dispute between Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Ador, and the agency's parent company, HYBE, after HYBE's board removed Min from her position over what it called her attempts to seize control of Ador, one of HYBE's labels. Defending Min, NewJeans sent a demand letter to the agency earlier this month, warning that they would leave the company unless Min was reinstated as Ador's CEO. NewJeans has also claimed that other girl groups under HYBE's other labels copied their concepts and that they were told to "ignore" it when they raised the issue. Speculation had been mounting that NewJeans could seek to terminate their contract with Ador. In the letter, NewJeans stated that if their demands were not met within 14 days, they would end their contract. Debuted in July 2022, NewJeans became a K-pop sensation with their songs now loved by many fans around the world, including "Attention," "Hype Boy," "Ditto" and "Super Shy." (Yonhap) By Jun Ji-hye Dr. Suh Yoon-suck has been leading a clinic in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, to provide free medical services for foreign workers, international students and members of multicultural families. These services are offered every other Sunday at the Culture Bank located near Cheonan Station, launched by Hana Bank in April 2019 in response to the citys fast-expanding foreign community. Our primary aim is to provide care to those without adequate health insurance coverage, Suh said during a telephone interview with The Korea Times. Dental care is in high demand as many patients often cannot visit a clinic except on Sundays. Many of them also present with internal medicine issues such as chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, since a significant number of the patients are laborers, musculoskeletal conditions are a common focus of the clinics services. Suh, a pediatrician, noted that, once or twice a year, the clinic conducts health screenings, including blood tests, and performs indirect X-ray screenings and tuberculosis testing with support from the Korea National Tuberculosis Association. Mobile clinic buses, equipped with specialized instruments like ultrasound machines, are also in operation, allowing us to provide care for conditions requiring such equipment, including ophthalmology and gynecology services. These buses are used approximately once every three months to expand access to care for our patients, he said. According to Hana Bank, its Culture Bank serves as a global community center, aimed at fostering communication and harmony among foreign nationals. Hanas Cheonan Station branch, located on the same floor, caters to the unique needs of foreign workers by operating on Sundays, allowing them to access banking services that are otherwise difficult to use during weekdays. The free clinic there, led by Suh, operates in partnership with the Rafael Clinic, which offers free medical and dental services for migrants in Seoul. Each clinic session involves around 30 volunteers, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentists and dental hygienists. Many students from medical, nursing, pharmacy, dental and dental hygiene schools also participate as volunteers, Suh said. We are always deeply grateful for the opportunity to share and assist those facing difficulties. For patients experiencing financial hardship, Suh underscored that there is a secondary care support program. This program helps those diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer by assessing their financial situation and referring them to bigger hospitals for advanced treatment or surgeries. It brings us great joy to see patients with severe conditions receive the help they need through these support programs, he said. He said it is also highly meaningful for young medical students to find a sense of fulfillment through these activities. After participating in volunteer work, some students go on to pursue fields like social and public health, and others return as professional medical practitioners to volunteer at the clinic once they graduate, Suh said. The active involvement of young students allows for greater sharing and support. I hope that this spirit continues to grow, leading to a more compassionate society. Language barrier issues, the doctor noted, are resolved with the help of volunteer interpreters. These include not only Koreans fluent in foreign languages but also foreign volunteers who have lived in the country for a long time and are proficient in Korean. As the number of migrants continues to grow and many face challenges, I believe I will continue these activities for the foreseeable future, at least until society improves further, he said. U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg celebrated Thanksgiving in his host country, joined by a Korean YouTube celebrity for a cooking session blending the two countries' traditional cuisines, a video released by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul showed Thursday. The video showed Goldberg, wearing a dark apron and white cooking gloves, carefully adding toppings to a pizza-shaped "yakbap," a Korean dessert made with glutinous rice and sweetened soy sauce, using ingredients commonly found in Thanksgiving dishes. "Had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with Grandma Park Mak-rye, and making Thanksgiving-inspired yakbap, blending traditions with classic holiday flavors. A sweet symbol of our two cultures!" he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, uploaded alongside the video clip. Goldberg, who took office as the ambassador to Seoul in July 2022, will retire and leave Korea in January, following 35 years of service as a career diplomat, according to diplomatic sources. (Yonhap) North Korea's chief envoy to the United Nations has sidestepped a question confirming the country's troop deployment to Russia during a U.N. meeting, instead reiterating that his country will continue to develop relations with Russia. Kim Song, North Korea's permanent representative to the U.N., made the remarks while responding to a question from Robert Wood, the United States' alternate representative, during a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Wednesday in New York. "The deployment of DPRK troops to help Russia carry out its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine ... has fundamentally changed the nature of this war, posing ... an increasing threat to broader European security," Wood said during the session. The U.S. representative then shifted the focus to Kim, asking, "It's a very simple question ... Has DPRK deployed troops to Russia?" DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. South Korea and the U.S. said that North Korea has sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine, and some of them have already entered combat in Russia's western Kursk border region. Kim did not answer Wood's question with a simple yes or no, instead stating, "The treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the DPRK and Russian Federation fully conforms to international law and the U.N. Charter." He said that his country "therefore remains faithful to its obligation under that treaty," a remark interpreted as an effective acknowledgment of his country's troop deployment to Russia. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty in Pyongyang in June, which commits the two nations to providing military aid to each other in the event of war. The treaty elevated their military relations to a new level, regarded as similar to an alliance. In his earlier remarks to the UNSC meeting, the North Korean envoy said that his country and Russia are "developing bilateral relations in all fields, including politics, economy, military and culture" under the mutual treaty. "The DPRK will remain faithful to its obligation under the treaty and continue to strengthen and develop relations" with Russia to contribute to regional and global peace and security and realize international justice, he said. During the meeting, Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's permanent representative, accused Kim of "representing a criminal regime" that "helps another criminal regime," saying that he and his country's leadership will "end up in the dock." Additionally, the U.S. envoy revealed that North Korea is preparing to supply more ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. "We have information that a large number of DPRK-origin 170 millimeter long-range self-propelled artillery pieces and 240 mm long-range multiple rocket launchers are being introduced into the conflict," Wood noted. It is in addition to North Korea's transfer of over 18,000 containers of ammunition and ammunition-related materials, as well as more than 100 ballistic missiles to Russia, he added. In return, Russia supplied North Korea with air defense systems and other "substantial benefits," including fuel, and is selling dual-use technology and equipment to help the North Korean regime improve its military manufacturing and capabilities, Wood said. (Yonhap) By Kim Hyun-bin Ambassadors from key countries including Sweden, Finland and the European Union (EU) visited two of Koreas premier research institutes on Nov. 26, as part of Global R&D Friends Day. The event, hosted by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), aimed to showcase advanced research facilities and foster international collaboration. The visiting dignitaries commenced their tour at KAERI, where they explored the SMART Comprehensive Effect Test Facility and the ATLAS Comprehensive Thermal-Hydraulic Test Facility for pressurized water reactors. These state-of-the-art facilities are integral to Korea's advancements in nuclear research and technology. Following their visit to KAERI, the ambassadors moved to ETRI. Here, they were introduced to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence-driven cultural heritage transformation and the next-generation digital broadcasting standard ATSC 3.0. Additionally, the visitors had the opportunity to experience ETRIs autonomous driving technology firsthand by riding the AutoVe shuttle. It is an honor to introduce the research achievements and advanced facilities of Koreas leading institutes to global partners. We hope this opportunity will lead to new international cooperation and joint research endeavors, resulting in significant achievements, KAERI President Joo Han-kyu said. ETRIs history museum offered the ambassadors a glimpse into Koreas information and communications technology (ICT) evolution, showcasing significant milestones including the TDX electronic switching system, DRAM semiconductors, the CDMA digital mobile communication system and WiBro, a wireless broadband internet technology. In the ICT Experience Hall, the ambassadors encountered futuristic technologies, including 6G mobile communication capable of functioning in extreme environments, 360-degree digital holograms and digital portraits rendered in the style of Vincent van Gogh. The event facilitated dialogues between the ambassadors and Korean researchers about the accomplishments of government-funded research institutes and future plans for global research and development (R&D) collaboration. This initiative aligned with Koreas efforts to join Horizon Europe, the EUs flagship R&D program, as an associate member, thereby seeking to build beneficial international research partnerships. This occasion allowed us to showcase the dedication and efforts of our researchers to both ambassadors in Korea and the global community, while discussing future joint research initiatives. Collaborating with KAERI to host this meaningful event made it even more special, ETRI President Bang Seung-chan said. Officials from Korea and China met Thursday to discuss strategies for maintaining a stable supply chain between the two countries, the trade ministry said. The meeting, held in Yancheng, eastern China, focused on measures to establish a predictable environment for bilateral investment as well, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The latest event came as a follow-up to a Seoul meeting between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in May, during which Yoon emphasized the importance of working with Beijing to address rising economic uncertainties. At Thursday's meeting, the two countries also reviewed the operation of their joint industrial clusters in China and Korea, including Saemangeum, a 409-square-kilometer reclaimed area in Korea's North Jeolla Province. The countries also hosted a business forum on the sidelines of their meeting to explore potential areas of cooperation for companies. (Yonhap) South Korea and the United States will hold a discussion-based exercise simulating North Korea's use of a nuclear weapon next week, Seoul's defense ministry said Thursday, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen joint deterrence against the North's nuclear threats. Cho Chang-rae, South Korea's deputy defense minister for policy, and Cara Abercrombie, the U.S. acting deputy under secretary of defense for policy, will lead the tabletop exercise during a two-day meeting slated for Wednesday next week in Washington, D.C., the ministry said. The exercise, the first such military tabletop exercise to take place as part of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), will "enable a more advanced and cooperative policy coordination between the allies on nuclear and strategic planning in the event of a crisis or contingencies on the Korean Peninsula," it added. The NCG was established under the Washington Declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden adopted during their summit in Washington in April last year as part of efforts to enhance the credibility of extended deterrence in the face of the North's continued push to advance its weapons programs. Prior to the NCG launch, the allies held similar discussion-based drills, known as the Deterrence Strategy Committee tabletop exercise. Next week Cho and Abercrombie will also lead the fourth session of the NCG meeting, joined by security, defense and foreign policy officials from both sides, the ministry said. Both sides plan to review progress made through the NCG, in the areas of the security and intelligence-sharing process, nuclear consultations and strategic communications in the event of contingencies, conventional nuclear integration, and exercises and simulated drills, it added. The upcoming NGC session is expected to be the last such meeting to be held under the Biden administration. (Yonhap) Seoul to call on Tokyo to make sincere efforts to honor wartime forced laborers By Kwak Yeon-soo Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said Thursday that he takes full responsibility for a dispute surrounding Japans Sado mines memorial ceremony and added that the government will urge Japan to hold a sincere memorial next year to honor Korean forced laborers from the wartime period. He made the remarks during a parliamentary plenary meeting after facing intense questioning from lawmakers over the government's diplomatic failure to address Japan's lack of commitment to honoring Korean forced labor victims at the Sado mines memorial service. I take full responsibility for how things have turned out. We will continue to monitor Japans compliance with recommendations on Sado mines (which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in July). Separately, we have expressed regret to the U.N. cultural agency, Cho said. Holding a memorial ceremony was a condition for Seouls approval of the Sado mines' inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The minister said disagreement over the content of the ceremony's speech was the main reason behind Seoul's boycott of Sundays memorial event organized by Japan. Earlier, Koreas foreign ministry cited "irreconcilable disagreements" between the two governments as the reason they could not reach an agreement in time for the event. The content of the memorial ceremonys speech regarding references to Korean forced laborers at Sado mines fell short of our expectations, Cho said. As a result, Korea held a separate ceremony on Monday and the government expressed regret to Japan over the way Tokyo handled the memorial ceremony without reflecting the full history of the mine complex, where hundreds of Koreans were forced to work under brutal conditions during World War II, when Korea was under Japans 1910-45 colonial rule. At a plenary session of the National Assemblys foreign affairs and unification committee, opposition lawmakers bombarded Cho with questions about why the government was not more proactive in responding to Japans failure to acknowledge and express remorse for the forced labor victims of the Sado mines. Sundays ceremony looked like a memorial service on the surface, but it turned out to be a celebration of the mines addition to the UNESCO World Heritage list. This clearly reflects a failed negotiation between Korea and Japan, Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said. Ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers also expressed deep regret and disappointment over Tokyos attitude toward the memorial service. We were caught off guard by Japan for the second time following the dispute over Japans Hashima Island. Thats because we relied too heavily on Japans good will. On issues regarding history, Japan chose to spill a glass half filled by us, Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the PPP said. Earlier in the day, Japanese media reported that Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru may visit Korea next January for a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, a significant milestone in the history of both countries. The presidential office, however, said the visit has not been decided yet. "Nothing has been finalized. The two leaders have agreed to continue advancing shuttle diplomacy," Yoons office said. Yoon and Ishiba held meetings in October and November on the sidelines of multilateral summits in Laos and Peru, respectively, where they discussed strengthening bilateral ties. However, it remains to be seen how the two leaders will achieve a diplomatic breakthrough amid growing tensions following the recent controversy over the Sado mines. By Kim Hyun-bin Speaking at an event commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, Slovak Ambassador to Korea Marek Repovsky underscored the enduring values of democracy and freedom that Korea and Slovakia both cherish. The ambassador recalled the night before the Velvet Revolution when he attended a massive demonstration in the center of the city of Kosice, Slovakia, akin to those in other cities, where three-quarters of the population participated despite the cold. "This is one of the snapshots of my recollection of Nov. 27, when the so-called Velvet Revolution (was) started by our students. On Nov. 17, at the demonstration, the key slogan we shouted was 'The end of government of one party, democracy, freedom.' We jingled with the keys as a symbolic wake-up call." The Velvet Revolution was a peaceful, nonviolent transition of power in Czechoslovakia that took place from Nov. 17 to Dec. 29, 1989. This revolution led to the end of 41 years of communist rule. Repovsky emphasized that the values they fought for during the Velvet Revolution have become the very essence of Slovakia. "When Slovakia was born on Jan. 1, 1993, a totalitarian Czechoslovak Republic was divided into two democratic states. This is why the date of the fight for freedom and democracy holds equal importance in our history as the day of the establishment of the Slovak Republic." Drawing parallels to contemporary issues, Repovsky highlighted the ongoing global struggles for freedom, human rights and peace. "These values which we fought for are equally important in today's world as we see much suppression of human rights and religio(us) tensions, even ongoing wars. In such situations, it is appreciated that people, regions and states with similar value-based backgrounds stick together in addressing these challenges." He lauded the strong partnership between Korea and Slovakia, noting their shared experiences and values. "We in Europe, and particularly in Slovakia, are happy that we found such a friend and partner in the Republic of Korea, which has its own experience with the fight for freedom and democracy," Repovsky said. Reflecting on bilateral relations that span 31 years, Repovsky recounted the arrival of the first Korean companies, such as Hyundai Mobis, to Slovakia some 20 years ago. "Since then, our economic cooperation has steadily grown. Today, Slovakia has become a second home for more than a hundred Korean companies and numerous Korean families. Equally, our value-based partnership has grown to today's strategic partnership, as confirmed during Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Korea and his meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol in September of this year," he said. Repovsky also highlighted the broader scope of bilateral cooperation, extending beyond political and economic areas to include cultural exchanges and student programs. "We are looking forward to enhancing our partnership with the Republic of Korea in the years to come even further." President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics, held a summit Thursday to enhance cooperation in the bio and defense industries and address shared security concerns, Yoon's office said. The two leaders agreed to expand partnerships in the bio and pharmaceutical sectors, with Rinkevics highlighting Latvia as a strategic gateway for South Korean companies seeking to enter the European market, the office said in a release. Latvia is home to prominent pharmaceutical firms such as Pharmidea and OlainFarm. Yoon said South Korea can be a "reliable partner" in Latvia's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities, while Rinkevics expressed interest in collaborating in air defense systems and drone technologies, according to the statement. The leaders also shared concerns over growing threats from disinformation and cyberattacks utilizing artificial intelligence, pledging closer cooperation through the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence located in Latvia. Yoon and Rinkevics voiced "strong concerns" over North Korea's troop deployment to Russia, calling it "a threat to global security beyond the Korean Peninsula and Europe," and agreed to coordinate efforts to send a firm message against the move, the office said. Rinkevics also condemned North Korea's nuclear missile program and provocations, expressing support for Yoon's North Korea policy, it noted. (Yonhap) The National Assembly on Thursday approved the ratification of a new defense cost-sharing deal with the United States for hosting American troops, paving the way for the agreement to formally take effect. The Assembly passed the motion requesting parliamentary approval for the ratification of the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) at its plenary meeting, following the approval of the motion by the parliament's foreign affairs committee earlier in the day. The consent given at the plenary meeting brings the agreement into effect. No congressional approval is required in the U.S. Last month, Seoul and Washington inked the five-year deal on determining Seoul's share of its cost for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), just days before the U.S. held its presidential election on Nov. 5. Under the 12th SMA, which will last until 2030, Korea will pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.19 billion) in 2026, up 8.3 percent from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. The deal came amid speculation that Korea was seeking to strike an early deal to apparently avoid tough negotiations if former President Donald Trump returns to office. Trump had demanded a hefty rise in Seoul's share to as much as $50 billion during his term, calling the ally a free rider on U.S. military power. (Yonhap) Kim Soo-hyun's agency says he dated Kim Sae-ron for 1 year after she became adult Tens of thousands of workers vow to halt subway, KTX services next week By Jung Min-ho The government warned of stern action on Thursday as tens of thousands of rail workers plan to go on a strike that would paralyze train operations across Korea next week. Speaking to high-ranking officials at a meeting in Seoul, Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo urged unionized workers to retract their walkout plan, set to begin on Dec. 5, saying that he would strongly respond to any unlawful actions. Their fight, which would hold the economy and citizens daily lives hostage, will not be able to garner support from the public ... Their actions cannot be justified, he said. We will take stern measures against any unlawful actions with a zero-tolerance approach. Lee then called on the workers to return to the negotiating table. In cooperation with the transport ministry, the city government in Seoul and the education ministry, we will try our best to resolve the pending issues through talks," he said. "If they proceed to hold a strike, we will ensure to minimize the inconvenience to citizens with prompt action in response. This statement comes as employees at the Seoul subway and KTX operators threaten to halt all operations nationwide indefinitely if their demands are not met. One of their key demands is to hire more workers to handle safety-related work. They say a staff shortage has pushed many to work overtime and to do jobs they are unfamiliar with. They also demand that train operators directly hire workers to do such work instead of outsourcing it to subcontractors. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a militant umbrella union that represents them, vowed to fight on in a statement released later that day. Our strike is a justifiable one. It is a fight for the safety of the people. The rail operators say they will reduce the number of safety workers despite repeated accidents, the organization said. The labor minister, who is supposed to protect the rights of workers, is now trying to stifle them. He should step down. So far, there are no signs of compromise. If the talks collapse, the planned strike is expected to cause massive service disruptions. Since Nov. 18, train services have already been slower than usual, with workers holding a work-to-rule protest, causing delays on several subway lines and some other train services in the capital region. Work-to-rule refers to the practice of strictly following job descriptions, where workers perform only the minimum required tasks. It is a form of industrial action that can affect efficiency and productivity. President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Thursday to bolster support for the birth, treatment and care of premature babies to help lessen the burdens on their parents. Yoon made the pledge during his visit to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital to address concerns over a rising number of babies who were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or weighing below 2.5 kilograms. Such premature babies are at higher health risks. At a neonatal intensive care unit, he met with a parent of quintuplets born through natural conception in September, the first such case in Korea, and shared his personal story of being born as a preterm baby weighing 2.3 kg to a working mother. "Premature babies often require long-term hospitalization in intensive care units immediately after birth, placing a heavy burden on their parents," Yoon said. "The government will significantly enhance support across the entire process of childbirth, treatment and care for premature babies," he added. During the visit, Yoon announced plans to establish maternal and child health care centers that provide integrated care in phases and sharply raise the current cap of 10 million won ($7,165) for medical expense support for premature babies. The government will also change the eligibility criteria for support services by basing it on the expected delivery date rather than the birth date. "Premature babies often spend several months in hospital incubators, and by the time they are ready to go home, the eligibility period for support services is often over or nearly expired," he said. The plans also include increased financial support for intensive care units for newborns and high-risk pregnant women, along with better compensation for complex medical procedures, such as surgeries for extremely low birth weight infants. Approximately 28,000 babies were born prematurely in 2023, accounting for over 10 percent of newborns, according to government data. The initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to address the nation's record low birth rate, one of the lowest in the world. The country's total fertility rate, indicating the average number of births per woman over her lifetime, stood at 0.76 in the third quarter. (Yonhap) The Supreme Court on Thursday finalized a five-year prison term for a lobbyist in connection with a high-profile development corruption scandal linked to opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. The top court handed down the sentence to Kim In-seob, a former campaign policy chief for Lee during his bid for Seongnam mayorship, along with an order to forfeit 6.35 billion won ($4.5 million). The scandal centers on allegations that the municipal government of Seongnam gave special favors to a private developer in connection with an apartment construction project in the city's Baekhyeon-dong area in 2015-2016, when Lee was serving as the mayor. Kim was indicted on charges of taking 7.7 billion won and other business rights from the property development firm in return for helping secure administrative favors from 2014 to 2023. Prosecutors suspect Kim used his ties with Lee and his close aide, surnamed Jeong, to receive the money from the firm. The district and appellate courts found Kim guilty of the charges and sentenced him to five years in prison, but Kim appealed the ruling. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, citing no errors in the legal understanding of the previous rulings. (Yonhap) Lee Jae-myung aims to impress 14 million retail investors By Anna J. Park Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), pledged Thursday that his party would ensure the passage of a proposed revision to the Commercial Act. His remarks came as he joined a task force meeting held at the Korea Exchange (KRX) in Seoul, discussing ways to further boost the sluggish local stock markets. "Though (the government's) policy direction to revise the act is right, the passage of the revision is unlikely to happen," Lee said at the task force meeting. "The government and the ruling party initially spoke actively about it, but now, as they realize it might actually happen, they are making excuses and dragging their feet. There is a 99 percent chance that they will only discuss it until the end of the National Assembly's term." The DPK leader said he plans to pass the revision within this regular session of the National Assembly. "Directors' fiduciary duty to shareholders is the most important thing. To ensure equal rights for shareholders and prevent the abuse of controlling management rights, I will make sure the revision of the Commercial Act is passed during this regular session of the National Assembly," Lee stressed, as he described himself as a "former avid stock investor" who can no longer invest due to his current position. The financial authorities and the government have long been preparing the proposed revision, aiming to expand the duty of loyalty for corporate boards to include safeguarding the interests of shareholders. Yet, the government has been taking a cautious approach to the matter, as they faced vehement opposition to the proposed revision from interest groups comprised of major conglomerates over concerns that the passage of such a law would delay corporate decisions. As a result, the government is discussing a targeted regulation that would only apply to about 2,600 listed companies. Lee reaffirmed his strong commitment to pushing for the revision of the act, saying that "14 million stock investors (in Korea) are disappointed and frustrated." Lee pointed to four key factors behind the prolonged stagnation of the local stock market: a lack of proper economic policies, an unfair market, abuse of management rights by controlling shareholders and security crises facing the country. He added that he thinks the KOSPI Korea's benchmark stock market index can easily reach 4,000 points, "if the government clearly demonstrates its resolve and implements institutional improvements." He also called on the KRX to "actively investigate unfair practices occurring in the capital market," urging the state-run exchange to apply stricter procedures and standards for issues like corporate spinoffs and the simultaneous listing of parent and subsidiary companies. Furthermore, Lee brought up allegations of stock price manipulation involving Sambu Construction, stressing the need for appointing a special counsel over the case. Lee presented a stock chart of the construction company, claiming that the company's stock price movement showed evidence of stock manipulation. "Anyone who has done even a little bit of stock trading can see that it's manipulation," Lee said, emphasizing that the KRX should be able to investigate such suspicious cases on its own. "Acts of profiting from stock manipulation must never be tolerated," he said. The opposition-led National Assembly on Thursday passed a revision to parliamentary rules that removes the ruling party from the process to nominate a special prosecutor to investigate corruption involving the president or his family. The revised bill, which passed in a 179-102 vote during a plenary session, excludes the ruling party, currently the People's Power Party (PPP), from recommending two of the seven members of a recommendation committee for a permanent special prosecutor for investigations involving the president or his family. Under the new rules, minor opposition parties, such as the Rebuilding Korea Party and the Jinbo party, will instead have the right to recommend one member each. The revision comes after the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) earlier said it will address first lady Kim Keon Hee's controversies following President Yoon Suk Yeol's veto of a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into allegations against Kim. Kim has been accused of involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, illegally accepting a luxury bag and interfering with the PPP's candidate nominations ahead of last April's general elections, among other things. During the meeting, the DPK also unilaterally passed a revised bill requiring the government to take measures in case rice prices fall or rise sharply, including buying surplus rice or the releasing of government stocks. The PPP blasted the DP for pushing ahead with the revision of the rule and the bill's passage, calling it an uncontrolled legislative abuse. PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho said the party will ask Yoon to exercise his right to request parliamentary reconsideration of bills, a measure seen as an effective presidential veto on legislation. As for the revision of the rules regarding special counsel nomination, the PPP will file for an authority dispute and a constitutional appeal in objection to the amendment, Choo said. The Assembly also voted to ratify a new defense cost-sharing deal between Korea and the United States. Last month, Seoul and Washington inked the five-year deal on determining Seoul's share of its cost for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea, just days before the U.S. held its presidential election on Nov. 5. Under the 12th Special Measures Agreement, which will last until 2030, Korea will pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.19 billion) in 2026, up 8.3 percent from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. The deal came amid speculation that Korea was seeking to strike an early deal to apparently avoid tough negotiations if former President Donald Trump returns to office. Trump had demanded a hefty rise in Seoul's share to as much as $50 billion during his term, calling the ally a free rider on U.S. military power. (Yonhap) By Kim Sun-ae Even in Inje, one of the northernmost counties of Korea, it was still hot in the afternoon until mid-November. Some people wore short-sleeved T-shirts in late autumn, too. It is a little cooler in rural areas in Gangwon Province (the northeastern region of South Korea) than in other regions of the country. Nonetheless, also in Inje in the province, spring and autumn are getting shorter while summer is getting longer because of global warming. From October to November, I participated in a government-supported program named the Two-Month Stay in Inje. For two months, I lived in a rural village in the county. The room where I stayed had big windows, so I could always see beautiful mountains out of them. However, even in October and early November, it was too hot to be in the room in the afternoon due to the strong sunlight and heat coming through the windows. So I used other cool spaces in the accommodation during the time, like the meeting room of the building. I could feel the climate crisis. In the village, I stayed with other participants of the Two-Month Stay. Talking with us (the participants), the manager of the village once said, We farmers deeply feel the climate crisis. She said, Its difficult to grow corn and other vegetables because its so hot in summer. Have you felt that global warming is directly affecting your life? It may be hard for many urban people to directly experience the climate crisis. Those who stay indoors most of the time may take this issue lightly and think, If its hot, I can turn on the air conditioner. No problem. Nevertheless, there are people who do not have an air conditioner. Moreover, if we use more air conditioning, the Earth will become even hotter. And of course, those who work outdoors, including delivery people, street cleaners and construction workers, will feel that heat waves and heavy rains due to global warming can even threaten their lives. The climate crisis has been increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena such as droughts, heavy rains and heat waves. We need to take this problem seriously. One of the programs for the participants of the Two-Month Stay in Inje was to listen to a lecture on native Korean seeds. In the lecture, the speaker said, These days, its too hot due to the climate crisis. A lot of farmers are having difficulty growing Korean cabbage (which grows well in a cool climate). But I planted native Korean cabbage seeds this year, and they grew well. He showed us various native Korean seeds like mung beans, waxy corn and beans in diverse colors. White, brown and black beans were especially beautiful. It is urgent to respond to the climate crisis in a variety of areas including farming, and practice all methods of stopping the worsening of the crisis. Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) wrote Old Potato, New Potato and translated Little Lord Fauntleroy. Path forward for South Korea's role in peninsula security Reports suggest that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is considering a direct meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, sparking debate about the future of diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula. Such a meeting, especially before Trump assumes office, would mark a bold and unprecedented step. If realized, renewed talks between Washington and Pyongyang could indicate a shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea, emphasizing engagement over confrontation. However, before proceeding, Trump must coordinate closely with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to ensure a unified strategy for addressing the regions complex security issues. During his first term, Trump held two high-profile summits with Kim, along with multiple exchanges of personal letters. These efforts were aimed at addressing North Koreas nuclear program and reducing military tensions in the region. However, despite the dramatic imagery of the meetings and promises of cooperation, tangible progress on denuclearization and peace building remained elusive. Given this history, it is crucial that any future engagement with Kim be approached with careful consideration and a clear strategy to avoid repeating the failures of the past. Reports indicate that Trumps team is already prioritizing North Korea, with the appointment of Alex Wong as deputy national security adviser. Wong, who was instrumental in crafting the U.S. approach to North Korea during Trumps first term, will likely play a key role in any renewed efforts to engage Pyongyang. Trumps focus on North Korea contrasts with the current U.S. administration under President Joe Biden, which has taken a more cautious and measured approach. This shift in emphasis could lead to a more aggressive pursuit of dialogue, but it also carries the risk of overlooking the lessons learned from previous summits. One of the most significant lessons from Trumps past dealings with North Korea is the need for close consultation with South Korea. Seoul is the nation most directly affected by North Koreas provocations, including its missile tests and nuclear ambitions. South Koreas security concerns must be central to any discussions between the U.S. and North Korea. For this reason, it is imperative that Trump meet with Yoon before sitting down with Kim. This consultation will ensure that any potential summit with Kim is aligned with South Koreas strategic interests and that both countries are united in their approach to managing the North Korean threat. As the situation on the Korean Peninsula evolves, particularly in light of North Koreas increasing military collaboration with Russia, South Koreas role becomes even more crucial. North Koreas support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, coupled with Russias assistance to Pyongyang in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), raises the stakes for regional security. The growing nexus between North Korea and Russia, two nuclear-armed states, could complicate efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and create a more volatile security environment. As such, the U.S. and South Korea must work in lockstep to develop strategies that can deter potential nuclear threats from North Korea while simultaneously exploring avenues for diplomatic engagement. In preparation for a possible Trump-Kim summit, it is vital that the U.S. and South Korea discuss the meetings agenda in detail, particularly regarding North Koreas nuclear program. The denuclearization of North Korea remains a central goal, but it must be approached with caution. Past talks have faltered over disagreements on the specifics of denuclearization issues such as timelines, verification, and compensatory measures. Any future summit should focus on clear, actionable steps that can lead to meaningful progress. This is where South Koreas input is invaluable. As the nation most vulnerable to North Koreas nuclear threat, South Korea must be involved in every stage of the process, from setting goals to defining the parameters of any potential deal. Moreover, South Korea should take proactive steps to reduce tensions on the peninsula. The Yoon administration should consider proposing high-level military talks with Pyongyang to discuss measures that can reduce hostilities, such as halting provocative military exercises and ending hostile activities like balloon launches and loudspeaker broadcasts near the border. A shift in South Koreas North Korea policy, moving toward greater engagement, could help create the conditions for stability and peace. A potential summit between Trump and Kim could offer hope for easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, but it must be preceded by thorough preparation and close consultation with South Korea. The Yoon administration must play an active role in shaping the discussions and ensuring that any agreement reflects the security concerns of all parties involved. Only through close coordination between Washington and Seoul can a meaningful and sustainable solution be found to the North Korean threat. By Jason Lim Koreans often characterize their culture as a "pot" culture. No, I dont mean the kind of pot you smoke; Im referring to a pot as in pots and pans. This metaphor is used to describe a culture that quickly adopts the latest trends, ideas and outrages, only to discard them just as rapidly much like how a pot boils water and then loses heat. While this description is meant to be derisive, it often makes Korea useful as a prognosticator of global trends that might not become visible as quickly as they do in Korea. The growing political divergence between young men and women is a case in point. According to The Guardian, In 2024, men aged between 18 and 29 turned out in force for Trump, with the Republican winning the demographic by 14 points, overturning a generational trend that has for decades seen young people favor left-leaning candidates. This trend contrasts with recent polls whereby young women, particularly those under 30, overwhelmingly support progressive candidates who champion reproductive rights, climate action and social justice. South Koreas 2022 presidential election displayed strikingly similar patterns, underscoring how gender identity and generational shifts shape electoral outcomes in distinct cultural and political contexts. Young voters emerged as a decisive force, with gender playing an outsized role in determining preferences. Conservative candidate Yoon Suk Yeol secured a narrow victory, largely thanks to the support of young men, while his progressive opponent Lee Jae-myung garnered significant backing from young women. Much like in the U.S., this divide reflected fundamentally different worldviews and priorities. A major flashpoint in South Korea was feminism and gender equality. According to annual surveys, South Korea has one of the largest gender pay gaps among OECD countries and a persistent issue with workplace discrimination. Despite these challenges, many young men felt alienated by feminist movements and affirmative action policies, which they perceived as disadvantaging them in an already hyper-competitive society. Mandatory military service, which robs young men of two years of their most productive years fed into this grievance. Yoon tapped into this sentiment by pledging to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, framing it as unnecessary and unfair to men. On the other hand, young women rallied behind progressive policies that sought to address systemic sexism and violence against women. High-profile cases of digital sex crimes and gender-based violence, amplified by movements like #MeToo, had galvanized this demographic, who saw the progressive agenda as their best hope for structural reform. While these opposing trends reflect genuine grievances and aspirations, these divisions were not just about specific policies but about identity and survival in a rapidly changing world, especially for young men who face diminishing economic prospects. Rising costs of living, stagnant wages and housing crises have left many feeling disillusioned. In South Korea, Hell Joseon became a popular term among young people to describe the lack of upward mobility and the culture of giving up lifes rites of passage such as dating, marriage and kids as luxuries that they cant afford. At the same time, the traditional family value whereby men are supposed to provide for the family is persistent, creating a no-win situation for young men that hits them where it hurts the most: self-identity. In fact, according to Dan Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life at the American Enterprise Institute, The economic and employment picture for younger men without college degrees is significantly worse than previous generations These sort of traditional norms around masculinity and what it means to be a man and a husband are wrapped up in economic success, and that makes it really, really challenging when their economic outlook is not as bright. For young men, these struggles often manifest as resentment toward policies they perceive as prioritizing womens issues over broader economic concerns that affect young mens prospects the most. This resentment is worsened by dating apps. Previously, dating and mating were limited to meeting someone generally compatible within your geographic area. Dating apps eliminated that boundary to a large extent, but, ironically, apparently made dating options more limiting for a vast majority of men who dont belong in the top tier in terms of physical attractiveness and socioeconomic status. As a result, young men with decreasing economic prospects are facing ever-diminishing chances of even matching on a dating app, let alone actually physically meeting a woman for a date. Add to this the fact that women, as a group, have been outperforming men in education and the workplace for the past generation, making young mens prospects comparably worse since hypergamy is a factor when a woman chooses a partner. No money and no woman is tolerable if it can be counterbalanced with some kind of hope that the situation will get better. But combine that with no prospects and no hope, then you have young men looking for something different. Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not reflect The Korea Times editorial stance. By Lee Jong-eun Since Donald Trumps ascendency into national politics a decade ago, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on one political trend: an electoral realignment is taking place in U.S. politics. The two parties have, however, disagreed on which party would benefit more from the political realignment. Republicans pointed to Trumps appeal among traditionally Democratic-leaning voters, such as blue-collar, working-class white men. Heading into the 2024 election, the Republican Party predicted that Trumps appeal would expand further into blue-collar, working-class voters among ethnic minorities, particularly within Latino and African American communities. Democrats, along with some anti-Trump Republicans, have argued that a significant segment of traditionally Republican-leaning voters has shifted toward the Democratic Party due to their aversion to Trumps policies and personality. Specifically, suburban, college-educated, white-collar voters were seen as defecting from the Republican Party. Heading into the 2024 election, the Democratic Party anticipated that suburban white women, in particular, would be galvanized by the issue of abortion rights and drastically realign their votes in favor of their party. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, once remarked, For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two moderate Republicans in the suburbs of Philadelphia. For both parties, the key to winning the 2024 election was to use a South Korean analogy, keeping in the house rabbits while bringing over the mountain rabbits. In other words, minimize defections within their political base while expanding support among voters outside the base. And the 2024 election outcome revealed the Republican presidential candidate ultimately won more rabbits than his Democratic rival. According to national exit polls, Trump significantly expanded his support among traditionally Democratic-leaning voters, including African American and Latino men, union households, young voters and Muslim voters. Vice President Kamala Harris did expand support among several traditional Republican-leaning groups. Compared to Bidens performance in the 2020 election, Harris increased her margin over Trump among white voters with college degrees, voters aged 65 or older and voters in higher income levels. However, Harris gains (despite her campaigns touting of endorsements from prominent Republican figures such as Liz Chaney) were insufficient to offset the loss of votes within the Democratic-leaning electorate to Trump. Harris campaign also struggled with a decline in turnout among Democratic voters, which resulted in an electorate with a higher proportion of Trump-aligned demographics. Ultimately, Harris was unable to win enough mountain rabbits to compensate for the loss of house rabbits who either stayed home or voted for her opponent. It may appear simple then to conclude that the Republican Party achieved a larger electoral coalition from the political realignment. Republicans, in particular, might find reassurance in Trumps expansion of support among ethnic minority voters, which could provide their party with a competitive electoral base in an increasingly ethnically diverse U.S. society. However, there are two important caveats when analyzing the implications of this years presidential election. First, Trumps victory may not be a decisive indication of an electoral alignment toward the Republican Party. In several battleground states, Trump outperformed other Republican candidates. While Trump swept swing states in the Rust Belt (e.g., Michigan, Wisconsin) and the Sun Belt (e.g., Arizona, Nevada), the Republican Senate candidates, albeit by a narrow margin, lost in their races (some Trump voters split their tickets or did not vote in the down-ballot races). Republican candidates struggle in winning over Trump voters raises questions about whether voters who aligned with Trump in the presidential election have also aligned with the Republican Party as a whole. Without Trump on the ballot, the Republican Party may struggle to retain the voters he has brought into his coalition. Second, while the Democratic Party may appear to have drawn the shorter end of the stick in terms of political realignment, they have expanded support among demographic groups with higher political engagement. College-educated, white-collar and higher-income voters who have shifted toward the Democratic Party are often described as high-propensity voters, meaning they are more likely to participate regularly in elections. In contrast, blue-collar, lower-income voters without college degrees who align with Trump are often categorized as low-propensity voters, meaning they are less likely to vote in non-presidential election years. Even with Trumps reelection, the Democratic Party may hold turnout advantages in future congressional and statewide elections. In fact, Democrats have overperformed in recent special elections, where turnout is generally lower, and outcomes are more likely determined by higher-engaged voters. To be sure, this years presidential election was a narrow yet decisive win for Trump, who won both the electoral college and the popular vote. Losing some voters within the traditional party base yet also attracting new voters from outside the base, Trump ultimately succeeded, to quote one expert, in first breaking, then putting back together the Republican coalition. The challenge now for Trump and especially the Republican Party is to ensure not only to retain their new coalition but also to keep their electorate motivated, even in the post-Trump elections. And as for the Democrats, the beauty of American democracy may be that they will have another chance for a rabbit chase four years later. Lee Jong-eun is an assistant professor of political science at North Greenville University. By Nam Hyun-woo FILA Holdings announced its inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability management. The FTSE4Good Index, developed by global index provider FTSE Russell, evaluates companies on their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) practices, including health and safety, anticorruption and climate change efforts. Out of approximately 8,000 companies assessed in over 300 categories, only 1,119 firms made the index in 2024. FILA Holdings is among 24 firms in the Retailers category, excelling in all evaluation areas and outperforming the industry average. Notably, it achieved top marks for supply chain management, reflecting its commitment to transparency and compliance with the FILA Group Code of Conduct, addressing human rights, safety and environmental risks. FILA Holdings stands out as a leader in sustainability within the fashion industry. It was the first domestic fashion company to support the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, aligning its sustainability reporting with global standards such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. Since 2021, it has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact, further demonstrating its dedication to corporate social responsibility. The company's efforts have earned it a Low Risk rating from global ESG evaluation agency Sustainalytics, further validating its industry-leading sustainability initiatives. Our inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index is a significant step toward becoming a global model for sustainability management, a FILA Holdings official said. We remain committed to continuous innovation and investment in sustainability to create a better future with our stakeholders. By Park Jae-hyuk Renault Korea has focused on marketing fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles using both electricity and internal combustion engines amid the growing popularity of affordable eco-friendly cars among Korean drivers. In Korea, the sales volume of hybrid cars from January to November this year surpassed the entire annual sales volume of such vehicles in the previous year. The French car manufacturers Korean subsidiary said that its E-Tech hybrid system has also contributed to the sales growth. According to the company, the system enables its hybrid vehicles to run on 75 percent electrical power in cities, allowing drivers to feel like they are in fully electric vehicles. The E-Tech full hybrid system installed in the new Renault Grand Koleos E-Tech Hybrid, for example, facilitates a prompt and smooth response during acceleration, as the SUV can run on electrical power. Its 1.64-kilowatt-hour battery also improves fuel efficiency by allowing the car to go longer distances in electric mode. Another type of hybrid engine installed in the Arkana E-Tech Hybrid helps in dynamic driving, as the compact SUV is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine combined with two electric motors, as well as a dog-clutch used in Formula One cars. The Arkana is also capable of driving 17.4 kilometers per liter, but a YouTuber specializing in car reviews showed that its fuel efficiency can rise up to 30 kilometers per liter, according to Renault Korea. We expect the growth of our E-Tech hybrid system, which enables outstanding fuel efficiency, amid the popularity of hybrid vehicles, a Renault Korea official said. Group brings sweeping changes to chemical, retail unit CEOs By Nam Hyun-woo Lotte Group has recently been combating speculative rumors suggesting that Koreas sixth-largest conglomerate may face a serious financial crisis soon. The group is expressing its confidence in its cashable assets, but market anxiety is growing because the group is simultaneously striving to secure liquidity through various measures. According to industry sources, Thursday, Lotte Shopping recently selected Cushman & Wakefield as one of the lead managers for the sale of Lotte Department Store Centum City in Busan, and at least four firms, including asset management firms and developers, have participated in the bidding. Along with the Busan store, Lotte Shopping already shut down its store in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province, in June, and a number of other stores with sluggish sales are reportedly under review for possible sales. On Nov. 20, Lotte Rental, Koreas top car rental business, said in its regulatory filing that its largest shareholders Hotel Lotte and Busan Lotte Hotel have been proposed to sell their stakes in Lotte Rental, but no specific decisions have been made. Despite the explanations, industry officials said the sale is picking up momentum, with some reports saying that the company has already selected UBS as a lead manager. The stakes, approximately 60 percent, are valued at 1 trillion won ($717.88 million). Speculation is also growing that the group may consider selling its financial unit, Lotte Capital. While Lotte Group has sold most of its financial affiliates, including credit card and insurance units, during its restructuring in 2017, Lotte Capital has remained under the umbrella despite its strategic shift away from the financial industry. Against this backdrop, Lotte Group said on Wednesday that it has offered its key asset, Lotte World Tower, as collateral to banks to strengthen the creditworthiness of corporate bonds issued by its struggling chemical unit, Lotte Chemical. Though the group stated that the decision was made to reassure investors of its financial prudence, market anxiety is growing over whether the group is actually facing a crisis. Where it all began Lotte Group has been combating rumors that first spread through YouTube, with claims that the group will declare a moratorium next month and will be disbanded. When such rumors circulated on Nov. 18, the group's holding company, Lotte Corp., saw its share price drop 6.59 percent, while Lotte Chemical experienced a sharper decline of 10.22 percent. Given Lotte Groups explanation that it now holds 139 trillion won of assets, including 15.4 trillion won of cash and 56 trillion won of real estate property, industry officials mostly said the rumors are unrealistic. However, the current status of the groups two flagship businesses retail and chemical is stoking concerns that underlying risks may exist, prompting the group to prepare for potential impacts. Triggering those concerns is Lotte Chemicals fiscal status. Lotte Chemical revealed last week that it was in a position where creditors could declare an event of default and demand early repayment of its corporate bonds, valued at 2.05 trillion won. An event of default refers to a circumstance that allows creditors to demand full repayment before the bonds maturity, when the bond issuer fails to keep predetermined agreements. The agreement attached to the bonds required Lotte Chemical to maintain a certain level of profitability compared to interest expenses, but the company failed to keep it in the third quarter of this year because its operating profits plunged despite snowballing debts. Lotte Chemical, once the groups cash cow with annual operating profits exceeding 1 trillion won from 2015 to 2019, has seen a sharp decline in earnings due to intensified competition with Chinese rivals. The company reported an operating loss of 608.1 billion won in 2022, 212.1 billion won in 2023 and 660 billion won in the January-to-September period of this year. Despite the declining earnings, the company expanded its expenses during the period, investing 5.2 trillion won in building a massive petrochemical industrial complex in Indonesia and 2.7 trillion won to acquire Iljin Energy Materials, which is now Lotte Energy Materials. The companys bond agreement seems unusual, but assumed to be based on the companys robust profitability in the past, Samsung Securities Analyst Cho Hyun-ryul said. The recent sharp decline in profits and expanded investments have resulted in the breach of the agreement. Without these investments, the company would have maintained a net cash position. The groups other flagship business, retail, is also facing similar risks. According to Lotte Shoppings financial report, the companys outstanding corporate bonds amounted to 2.6 trillion won as of September, and those bonds are also attached with agreements on keeping the companys debt ratio below 400 percent. Of those bonds, 450 billion won are required to keep the debt ratio below 200 percent. Lotte Shopping kept its debt ratio at 155 percent in the third quarter, only 2 percentage points up from a year earlier. The companys operating profit has shown an uptrend in recent years, growing from 207.6 billion won in 2021 to 508.4 billion won last year. However, the company is set to make sizable investments. Last month, Lotte Shopping unveiled its plan to invest 7 trillion won by 2030 in the shopping mall business. At the time, Lotte Department Store CEO Jung Jun-ho said the company would be able to secure enough resources within the reasonable debt level, even though market watchers cast concerns that it may be a risky bet. This led rating houses to lower their credit outlook on not only those companies but also other Lotte companies. In June, Korea Investors Service lowered its credit outlook on Lotte Property & Development, Lotte Rental and Lotte Capital to negative, citing the slimmer chances of Lotte Groups support on those companies due to Lotte Chemicals weakened creditworthiness. NICE Investors Service also lowered its outlook on Lotte Corp., the groups holding company, citing a downward revision of Lotte Chemicals credit outlook and the companys elevated financial strain. The group on Thursday launched a reshuffle in its executives, replacing 21 CEOs of its affiliates to focus on restoring their competitiveness. This represents 36 percent of the companys CEOs. Of them, Lotte Chemical Co-CEO and Executive Vice President Lee Young-jun has been promoted to president and CEO, overseeing all of Lottes chemical businesses, replacing Lee Hun-ki. Along with the top leaders, 10 out of the groups 13 chemical unit CEOs were replaced in Thursdays reshuffle. Hotel Lotte, which also serves as the group's second holding firm, has made sweeping changes to its unit leadership, replacing all three CEOs of its business divisions hotel, duty-free and theme park. Meanwhile, Shin Yoo-yeol, the eldest son of Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, has been promoted to executive vice president of Lotte Corp.s future growth division. Mileage, job security remain concerns By Lee Min-hyung Korean Airs high-profile acquisition of Asiana Airlines is nearing completion after the European Union's (EU) competition authority granted approval for the deal, Thursday. According to the nations flag carrier, the European Commission (EC) concluded its review of Korean Airs fulfillment of all required conditions to acquire cash-strapped Asiana. The approval paves the way for the long-awaited launch of the mega carrier, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to conclude its review of the deal and grant approval in line with the EC's decision. Korean Air said it submitted the EC approval to U.S. authorities and plans to finalize the transaction by the end of December. Korean Air satisfied all conditions set by the EU competition authority, an official at the carrier said. In February, the EC granted conditional approval, requiring Korean Air to meet two preconditions: the operation of a replacement carrier on four overlapping European routes and the sale of Asianas cargo business. In response, Korean Air designated Tway Air as the replacement carrier for the four routes from Incheon to Barcelona, Frankfurt, Paris and Rome. Air Incheon was also picked as a preferred bidder to purchase Asianas cargo business. Korean Air plans to inject 800 billion won ($573 million) and secure a stake of 63.9 percent in Asiana on Dec. 20 to finalize the long-delayed acquisition. Asiana Airlines will then be incorporated as a subsidiary of Korean Air. The two airlines will be operated separately for the next two years, during which Korean Air will normalize Asianas financial condition and relocate workers. A combined entity will be launched later. The combined airline will become the worlds seventh-largest mega carrier in terms of passenger volume. As of the end of October, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines collectively operated 203 passenger jets, with a total of 35 cargo aircraft during the same period. The two airlines low-cost carriers (LCC) will be merged afterwards. Both carriers operate Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul as their LCC subsidiaries. When the three subsidiaries are integrated, the merged entity will rise to become the largest LCC here by sales. However, there are still a series of pending tasks for Korean Air to resolve. First, Asiana employees continue to express concerns about whether Korean Air will guarantee their job security after the deal. Earlier, Korean Air pledged not to implement any compulsory job cuts during the acquisition of Asiana. However, industry officials remain skeptical of this pledge, as many employees from both airlines will be performing similar duties redundantly following the acquisition. Korean Air is also facing a dilemma over how to merge the mileage points from both carriers. The mileage points of the two carriers are unlikely to be integrated at a one-to-one ratio, as Korean Airs points are generally valued higher in the market, an aviation industry official said. However, Asianas customers will likely complain if their mileage points are valued significantly less in the merger. It will be challenging to find a fair middle ground. Korean Air announced the acquisition plan in November 2020, and has since filed notifications regarding the deal to a group of 14 competition authorities abroad. The carrier said it will soon hold an event to share details on how to alleviate such lingering concerns after the acquisition. The combined operating profit of the two carriers surpassed 730 billion won in the third quarter. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday named staunch loyalist and retired general Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy, charged with ending the two-and-a-half-year Russian invasion. Trump campaigned on a platform of ushering a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. But his critics have warned that the incoming Republican will likely leverage U.S. military aid to pressure Kyiv into an agreement that left it ceding occupied territory permanently or agreeing not to join NATO. "I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia," Trump said in a statement on social media. "Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration." A fixture on the cable news circuit, the 80-year-old national security veteran co-authored a paper earlier this year calling for Washington to leverage military aid as a means of pushing for peace talks. Ukraine has received almost $60 billion from Washington for its armed forces since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, but with the more isolationist Trump taking over the White House, supporters fear the spigot will run dry. "The United States would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defenses to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a cease-fire or peace agreement," Kellogg's research paper for the Trumpist America First Policy Institute think tank said. "Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia." Kellogg served in several positions during Trump's first term, including as chief of staff on the White House national security council and national security advisor to then-vice president Mike Pence. Troop shortages Kellogg told Voice of America at the Republican convention in July that Ukraine's options were "quite clear." "If Ukraine doesn't want to negotiate, fine, but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities and accept the fact that you will have your children killed, accept the fact that you don't have 130,000 dead, you will have 230,000-250,000," he said. Trump's announcement came as the outgoing administration of Democrat Joe Biden was hosting a news conference to urge Ukraine to enlist more recruits by reducing the minimum age of conscription to 18 in line with the U.S. benchmark. Facing a much larger enemy with more advanced weapons and with stocks of volunteers dwindling, Ukraine is facing an "existential" recruitment crunch, a senior administration official told reporters. "The simple truth is that Ukraine is not currently mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace their battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. He added that an additional 160,000 troops would be "on the low end" to fill out Ukraine's ranks but "a good start." National Security Council spokesman John Kirby later clarified that the White House would not make the huge flow of U.S. military aid to Kyiv dependent on a conscription age change. "We're absolutely going to keep sending Ukraine weapons and equipment. We know that's vital. But so, too, is manpower at this point," he told reporters. The former Soviet republic's population has fallen by more than a quarter since its mid-1990s peak of 52 million, and authorities are desperate to shield the younger generation but a U.S. congressional report in June estimated the average Ukrainian soldier is 40. Zelenskyy signed a decree in April lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 but the move did not alleviate the chronic troop shortages, according to U.S. officials. (AFP) Angola, IN (46703) Today Windy. A mix of clouds and sun will give way to showers this afternoon. Thunder is possible. High 68F. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 41F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Among idol audition shows released in 2024, SBS' "Universe League" is showing signs of success for THESE reasons. On November 22, the survival program "Universe League" officially kicked off, which is the male counterpart of the "Universe Ticket" Season 1. The latter show formed UNIS. According to OSEN on the 27th, the premiere episode recorded a viewership rating of 0.7% the highest rating among the first broadcasts of idol audition shows released this year. In 2024, multiple shows were also launched such as "Make Mate 1," "SCOOL," "Starlight Boys," and more, but how did the new show earn this viewership rating amid competitors? The first reason is its unique format that shies away from the usual idol broadcast. Instead of focusing on individual contestants, the show made a league-based competition: dividing the 42 contestants into three teams (Groove, Rhythm, and Beat). The so-called Directors (judges), along with viewers, will help each other to form the final team who will win the "Prism Cup" their much-coveted debut. Through a series of rounds, the members can be traded between teams, still pushing each contestant to show their best skills while maintaining the team's harmony. READ ALSO: K-Netz Comment on Kim Sejeong's Remarks To 'Universe Ticket' Participants Was She Really Harsh? Secondly, not only the competition between the candidates but the intense battle among the judges is attracting attention. For the three teams, some of the best idols of all generations lead it including BTOB Changsub (Groove), GOT7 Yugyeom and VENDORS EL CAPITXN (Beat), as well as WayV Ten and YangYang (Rhythm). Jay Park also joined as the MC. Lastly, the show earned massive public interest by dropping its signal title song, "We Ready," ahead of the program. By posting videos on its official SNS, the trainees were promoted ahead and earned their fanbases even before Episode 1. Among the contestants, some of the fan favorites include JL Gaspar from the Philippines, Cha Woong Ki (former TO1), Park Han, Steven, Seo Jeong Woo, Kairi (former TFN), and more. RELATED ARTICLE: F&F CEO Reacts on UNIS Elisia Ranking #1 in 'Universe Ticket': 'It Was Unexpected...' 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. Commission takes action to ensure complete and timely transp The Commission is adopting a package of infringement decisions due to the absence of communication by Member States of measures taken to transpose EU directives into national law. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to those Member States who have failed to notify national measures transposing directives, whose transposition deadline expired recently. In this case, there are 26 Member States who have not yet notified full transposition measures for two EU directives in the field of digital economy and migration, home affairs and security union. Member States concerned now have two months to reply to the letters of formal notice and complete their transposition, or the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion. The Commission calls on 23 Member States to fully transpose the NIS2 Directive Today, the European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 23 Member States (Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden) for failing to fully transpose the NIS2 Directive (Directive 2022/2555). Member States had to transpose the NIS2 Directive into national law by 17 October 2024. The NIS2 Directive aims to ensure a high level of cybersecurity across the EU. It covers entities operating in critical sectors such as public electronic communications services, ICT service management, digital services, wastewater and waste management, space, health, energy, transport, manufacturing of critical products, postal and courier services, and public administration. Full implementation of the legislation is key to further improving the resilience and incident response capacities of public and private entities operating in these critical sectors and the EU as a whole. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the other 23 Member States concerned that now have two months to respond and to complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion. The Commission calls on Member States to transpose agreed rules ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and resilience of critical entities The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to 24 Member States for failing to notify national measures transposing the Directive (EU) 2022/2557 on the resilience of critical entities (CER Directive). Member States had to transpose the CER Directive by 17 October 2024. It repeals the Council Directive (2008/114/EC) on the identification and designation of European critical infrastructures and the assessment of the need to improve their protection. The new Directive shifts the approach from the protection of critical infrastructure to enhancing the resilience of the entities operating that infrastructure, while expanding the sectoral scope from 2 to 11 sectors. The Directive ensures the provision of vital services for our society and our economy in key sectors such as energy, transport, health, water, banking and digital infrastructure, by strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure and critical entities against a range of threats, including natural hazards, terrorist attacks, insider threats, or sabotage. Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden have not communicated to the Commission any national measures transposing this Directive by the set deadline of 17 October 2024. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to the concerned Member States, which now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion. Sean McCarthaigh A coroner has advised anyone considering travelling abroad for surgery to realise that follow-up care may often be necessary after a Kildare resident died from complications from a weight-loss procedure in Turkey. Dublin city coroner Crona Gallagher said arranging post-operative care, which could involve doctors, nutritionists and other medical professionals, could be more difficult in cases where bariatric surgery was performed outside Ireland. Her comments were made at an inquest into the death of a 64-year-old grandmother who died over two years ago after suffering complications from weight-loss surgery she had undergone in Turkey eight months earlier. A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday heard Maria Stanca from Fenton Green, Kilcock, Co Kildare was admitted to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown (CHB) in Dublin on March 22nd, 2022, with severe abdominal pain. Ms Stanca, who was originally from Romania, required emergency surgery due to a perforation in her stomach which was linked to complications from the weight-loss procedure she had in Istanbul the previous year. Although she made a recovery and was discharged from hospital on April 20th, 2022, Ms Stanca was returned to CHB nine days later after suffering a cardiac and respiratory arrest and died later that evening. A grandson of the deceased, Dufan Cirpaci, gave evidence that his grandmother had travelled to Istanbul in 2021 for the surgery to lose weight which she also hoped would reduce pains she had in her legs. Mr Cirpaci said there had been no problem with the procedure in Turkey and in the months afterwards until she became unwell when she was back in Ireland in March 2022. His sister, Suzana, said her grandmother had chosen to have the surgery in Turkey after becoming aware via Facebook of other Romanians who had gone there for similar procedures. In reply to questions from the coroner, she said the deceased had no medical consultations with anyone in Ireland before travelling to Istanbul. Ms Cirpaci, who with her father, George, had accompanied Ms Stanca to Turkey, said her grandmother had been assessed by doctors in Turkey and informed after three days that she was suitable for the surgery. She was allowed to return to Ireland four days after the procedure. Ms Cirpaci said the operation was performed in a big hospital which was similar in size to the one in Blanchardstown. She recalled that her grandmother was advised to eat small amounts but could gradually have larger meals. Asked if her family were pleased with the treatment she received in Turkey, Ms Cirpaci replied: We were happy it was something good for her. She also pointed out that Ms Stanca was very happy about losing weight which had decreased from 120kg prior to the surgery to 85kg after eight months. Ms Cirpaci said her grandmother had not visited any doctor on her return to Ireland as she had felt there was no need. A consultant surgeon at CHB, Achille Mastrosimone, gave evidence of having to perform an emergency operation on Ms Stanca after she presented with severe abdominal pain on March 22, 2022. Mr Mastrosimone described finding the patients stomach was full of bile, while the procedural work that had been carried out in Turkey was almost completely undone. He told the coroner that he was not totally sure about what exact procedure Ms Stanca had had in Turkey as it appeared a little bit unusual. The consultant said he believed the actual procedure was a combination of two of the most common types of bariatric surgery which had involved both the stomach and small intestine. Mr Mastrosimone said it was extremely rare that complications of weight-loss surgery would arise after several months as they normally occurred within a few days. Asked by Dr Gallagher why such complications might have arisen with Ms Stanca, he said it was extremely difficult to say. He also confirmed that he had carried out operations on other patients who had experienced complications after having surgery abroad. Asked if he felt all such patients needed follow-up care after such surgery, the consultant replied: 100 per cent. However, Mr Mastrosimone said he could not say if something technical had gone wrong with the surgery performed on the deceased in Turkey. Dr Jaipreet Singh, who carried out a postmortem on Ms Stancas body, concluded she had died as a result of acute bronchial pneumonia with heart disease and a fatty liver as contributory factors. The pathologist acknowledged that the complication related to the surgery in Turkey would have placed a lot of pressure on the deceaseds body. The coroner recorded a narrative verdict to reflect the fact that Ms Stancas death had occurred against a background of complications from weight-loss surgery which had arisen after she had appeared to have made a good recovery. Dr Gallagher admitted that it was something of a mystery why the complications had occurred after such a long period after the procedure. Offering her sympathy to relatives of Ms Stanca, the coroner said she believed it was important to highlight the need for follow-up care after any type of complex surgery abroad. She noted the demand for weight-loss surgery was not being met in Ireland. However, Dr Gallagher also stressed that she was not saying that such procedures when done abroad lead to a bad outcome. High Court reporters The High Court has not found any legal flaw in a decision to refuse to extend planning permission for the construction of 15 homes on a site in Dalkey, Co Dublin, on which a developer has so far carried out some 1.125 million worth of work. Mr Justice David Holland dismissed a request by developer Grassridge Limited to overturn Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils refusal to extend planning permission granted in 2018 and valid for six years. He said his decision to dismiss was not without appreciable sympathy for Grassridges position. Grassridge wanted a two-year planning permission extension and claimed the pandemic and high construction tenders had delayed it in commencing work on the site of a former nursing home on Ardbrugh Road. Work began in April this year five months before the permissions expiry with site preparation, levelling and demolition of the nursing home costing some 1.125 million, Grassridge said. The council said it was obliged to refuse Grassridges extension application as it was not satisfied substantial works had yet been carried out. In its High Court challenge, the company alleged the council misinterpreted the meaning of substantial works. Mr Justice Holland rejected this ground after concluding that the phrase is a relative rather than an absolute concept. He noted the council interpreted the phrase as connoting a substantial proportion of the overall works. Noting the work done is in excess of 1 million, the judge said he did not find or rule out that the council could have found that the work was substantial. He accepted there is a strong case for arguing the work is substantial. However, this was a matter for the council, rather than the court, to decide. Once a council determined work was not substantial, it has no discretion to refrain from refusing an extension, he said. Grassridge also claimed the extension refusal was disproportionate as the council knew about the expiry date when it accepted significant sums and a notice of intention to begin building last April. The developer said it has been put to significant expense and inconvenience. The council denied disproportionality and submitted that its acceptance of the developers commencement notice falls under Building Control Regulations, which are entirely separate from the planning code. Mr Justice Holland dismissed the claims, finding there was no lack of fair procedures or proportionality. He said there is no legal basis for asserting that acceptance of a building commencement notice requires an assessment of whether the relevant planning permission has enough time left on it to enable completion of substantial work. The judge dismissed Grassridges other complaints, including alleging the decision contained legal and factual errors. A Laois mother has been named Netwatch Family Carer of the Year 2024. Sarah Dooley from Debbycot, Mountmellick is a mother of four boys - John and Patrick (5), Cathal (7), and Eoin (9). Sarah has shown extraordinary strength and dedication in caring for her children, overcoming immense challenges to ensure they receive the love and support they need. Sarahs youngest boys, twins John and Patrick, are autistic and non-verbal, while her son Cathal has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia for the past three years, requiring constant hospital visits. Despite these significant demands, Sarah has fought tirelessly to secure school placements for John and Patrick and has put her career on hold to care for her children full-time. Her commitment and resilience embody the spirit of family carers across Ireland. This years awards also celebrated the outstanding contributions of five young carers from across Ireland. These remarkable young people have stepped up to support their families in extraordinary ways, balancing their own lives while caring for siblings and parents with additional needs. Their stories highlight the dedication, compassion, and maturity they bring to their roles, often providing vital support and comfort to their loved ones. Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, praised Sarahs exceptional dedication: Sarah exemplifies the incredible work of family carers across the country. Every day, family carers provide critical support, often with limited recognition or resources. They deserve more than acknowledgmentthey need meaningful support, including appropriate financial compensation, respite, and access to vital therapies. With tomorrows election, it is crucial that all parties prioritise family carers and commit to tangible, meaningful support. The next government must take decisive action to address their urgent needs and fully recognise their vital role in society. Throughout this campaign, family carers have voiced their frustration with empty promises and inactionthis election must be the moment for real, lasting change. Charity Ambassador and awards host Miriam OCallaghan also commended Sarahs efforts: Sarahs story is one of incredible determination and love. Family carers like her play a vital role in our communities, ensuring the most vulnerable among us receive the care they need. Its an honour to help shine a spotlight on her incredible work and the contributions of family carers across the country. Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey added: Sarahs dedication is truly remarkable. She represents the strength, compassion, and perseverance shown by family carers every day. Its a privilege to celebrate her and highlight the importance of the work family carers do in shaping a more caring society. The Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards, now in their 17th year, celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Irelands 500,000 family carers, who provide 19 million hours of unpaid care every week. Their contribution is invaluable, supporting loved ones with additional needs, chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health challenges, and saving the State an estimated 20 billion annually. Sarah Dooleys story, alongside those of the young carer recipients, underscores the critical role family carers play in society and the pressing need for the State to provide adequate financial support, access to therapies, and much-needed respite services. INDEPENDENT general election candidate Pauline Flanagan said: The falling numbers of taxis has serious implications for personal safety and businesses. We have to tackle the prohibitively high costs that taxi-drivers face and find better ways to support and encourage taxi-drivers. "They are a critical social resource who should not be left to the ravages of the market. The absence of taxis also has a crucial impact on businesses that depend on late-night customers, from rural restaurants to bustling city pubs, and stifling local economies that thrive on a vibrant nightlife. She said: The absence of taxis also has serious implications for customer and worker safety. It will be a priority for me to make it far easier for people in urban and rural areas to get a taxi and to make it easier for people to get into the taxi business. I will work closely with representatives to end a scenario where fewer taxis are now available for a growing population. One in seven taxi drivers leaving the market is not a sustainable situation. If there is a problem we need to solve it, not talk about it, said Ms Flanagan. A PORTLAOISE schoolboy whose life was transformed by his assistance dog will do a fundraising walk with his loyal four-legged friend at Christmas. Reilly Kinahan, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and autism, will bravely attempt the longest walk of his life on 24 December, when he sets out on a 3km route with his stability assistance dog Miller. The 12-year-old has already more than doubled his fundraising target for Irish Dogs for the Disabled, which provided him with the beautiful black Labrador three years ago. When Miller arrived, Reilly was unable to keep his balance when walking and suffered regular falls. Now the devoted duo walk 1km every day and falls are thankfully rare. A pupil at the Aoibhneas autism unit in Scoil Bhride NS, Reilly generously wanted to give something back to the charity that changed his life. The idonate fundraising page Reilly & Millers 3km walk for awareness and vital funds was set up with a target of 2,000. By 28 November the fund reached 4,275, with supportive messages and donations still pouring in. The page will remain open until 8 January 2025. Reilly was chosen as a county champion by Irish Dogs for the Disabled in October, in recognition of his amazing courage. Born 12 weeks early in 2012, he was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy in 2014 and with autism shortly afterwards, but he has continued to defy the odds throughout his young life. When she set up the fundraising page, his mother Yvonne Curtin highlighted Reillys indomitable spirit and positive outlook despite overwhelming challenges. She said: Reillys journey hasnt been easy but he is the hardest worker, who has never stopped beating the odds and owning his disability. He started off shuffling on his bottom and then moved to walking on his knees. A walking frame was introduced then and, when he was 4.5 years old, he let go and ran everywhere. Reilly's problem was that his balance was not there when he walked at a normal pace, meaning he kept falling every day. Even with a hand to hold, he just couldnt keep his balance when walking. Then, when Reilly was nine years old, we got the call from Dogs for the Disabled to say that there was a dog available that they felt really matched Reillys energy levels. In November 2021 he got to meet Miller, his stability assistance dog. They bonded straight away, snuggling and laughing around each other. Taking Miller home after training was a great day and just the start of the journey. Now, three years later, Reilly and Miller walk 1km daily. It's not much to most people, but for Reilly it has been massive. He no longer falls. He fell every walk before Miller and now its a rare occurrence. A lovely crossover benefit is that when Reilly is walking without Miller, he doesnt fall anymore either. Miller was the final piece of the puzzle that has tied all the hard work that Reilly has done together. Reilly is very proud to have been chosen as county champion for Laois and to help raise awareness and funds for the amazing charity that has been a huge part of changing his life for the better. Founded in 2007, the charity provides highly trained assistance dogs free of charge to children and adults with physical disabilities. Donations to Reillys fundraiser can be made at Reilly & Miller's 3km walk on idonate.ie All the focus in Thursday's papers is on the general election on Friday, with the latest poll showing there is nothing to separate the three biggest parties. The Irish Times leads with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail focusing on the economy, while Sinn Fein appealed for voters who have traditionally stayed away from the party. The Irish Examiner leads with Simon Harris urging transfers from people voting for centrist parties. The Echo leads with a war of words breaking out in Cork over plans to open a GP surgery and pharmacy on the site of a long-disused pub. The Irish Independent leads with the latest opinion poll which shows Fianna Fail on 21 per cent, one ahead of Sinn Fein who are up two, and Fine Gael who lose further ground. The Irish Daily Mail also leads with the poll, as Fianna Fail look to be the most transfer friendly party. The Irish Daily Mirror also leads with the poll, as leaders warn a Government will not be formed by Christmas if there is rise in suppport for independents. The Irish Daily Star leads with Circle K becoming the latest retailer to boycott products by Conor McGregor. The Herald also leads with Conor McGregor, as he was seen partying with a member of the Kinahan cartel. British papers Five unnamed people suspected of facilitating Mohamed Al Fayed amid abuse allegations lead Thursdays papers alongside the build-up to Fridays vote on the assisted dying bill. The Daily Mirror and The Guardian lead on the launch of a police investigation into those who may have helped former Harrods boss in his alleged sexual abuse of more than 111 women and girls. Thursdays GUARDIAN: Police investigate more than 100 claims of rape and abuse by Fayed #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/K6FZGFaBzP Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 27, 2024 The Times reports David Camerons change of heart on the assisted dying bill ahead of the vote. The is headline warns the early release of prisoners could put the public at risk from violent sex offenders. Thursdays i: Prisoner early release puts public at risk from violent sex offenders #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/UJHf4OgcOE Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 27, 2024 The Daily Express focuses on farmer Olly Harrisons words amid a backlash over the Governments inheritance tax changes. Thursdays Daily EXPRESS: You are stealing our childrens future and destroying the hard work of generations before us . #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ohzlAl795h Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 27, 2024 The Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph both lead on Tory leader Kemi Badenocjs words on migration. The Metro reports on a mystery winner of 177 million in the National Lottery. Financial Times splashes on tensions mounting in Paris as French prime minister Michael Barnier warns of fiscal turmoil. Thursdays FINANCIAL Times: Doubts over Barniers future prompt sell-off in French bonds and stocks #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/R1SBDQ0gFk Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 27, 2024 The Sun leads on the latest blow to ITVs This Morning programme with the departure of boss Martin Frizell. Lastly, the Daily Star splashes on the run of wet weather across the UK. New Delhi, November 28: India has expressed its concern over the escalating incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and desecration, and damage to their places of worship, and has also called on the interim government there to ensure the safety of minorities. In a response to question asked by RJD MP AD Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Kirit Vardhan Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, stated that the "primary responsibility" for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, "rests with the Government of Bangladesh." "Several incidents of desecration and damages to Hindu temples and deities in Bangladeshhave been reported in the past few months. The Government of India has expressed its concerns about such incidents, including the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024," MoS Singh stated in the written reply. This comes in wake of the spike in attacks against Hindu minorities and their temples since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government. Ban ISKCON Plea Dismissed: Bangladesh High Court Refuses To Ban ISKCON Amid Row Over Hindu Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmacharys Arrest. In the month of October, a crown of the Goddess Kali was stolen from the Jeshoreshwari temple in Satkhira's Shyamnagar. This crown was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the temple in March 2021, as reported by The Daily Star. "The Government has also called upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship," the reply further stated. "The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh," it added. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release. ISKCON Welcomes Bangladesh High Courts Decision To Reject Petition Seeking Ban on Organisations Activities, Calls It Great Relief. In another concerning development, a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a "radical organization" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): The cement industry in India is expected to witness a significant capacity expansion of 70-75 million metric tonnes (MT) over the next two years, according to the rating agency ICRA. Of this, around 33-37 million MT will come from clinker capacity, while the rest will be from grinding capacity. Also Read | Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 Live Streaming Link: Where To Watch the 98th Annual NYC Thanksgiving Parade? Know Date, Time and Online Platforms To Enjoy the Live Telecast. It said "Around 33-35 million MT capacity is likely to be added in FY2025 (FY2024: 32 million MT), while 37-39 million MT addition is expected in FY2026". The expansion is expected to be led by the eastern and southern regions, which together are projected to add 38-40 million MT during FY2025 and FY2026, with the additions equally distributed between these regions. Also Read | Spain Warehouse Blast: 3 Killed, 3 Seriously Injured in Explosion at Factory in Ibi. Despite the increase in capacity, the agency noted that the utilization rate is estimated to remain moderate. It is expected to improve slightly to 71 per cent in FY2025, compared to 70 per cent in FY2024, driven by higher cement production. However, ICRA has revised its growth forecast for cement volumes in FY2025, citing a slowdown in construction activities. The year-on-year (YoY) growth in cement volumes is now expected to be 4-5 per cent, reaching 445-450 million MT, lower than the earlier estimate of 7-8 per cent made in July 2024. This downward revision is due to slower-than-anticipated construction activity in the housing and infrastructure sectors after the General Elections. In the second half of FY2025 (H2 FY2025), the agency noted that the industry is likely to benefit from improved farm incomes due to healthy monsoons, strong kharif crop output, and high reservoir levels supporting rabi sowing. These factors are expected to boost rural consumption, which will drive demand for cement in rural housing. Meanwhile, steady demand for urban housing is likely to further support cement volumes. "Despite the likely improvement in H2 FY2025, the OPBITDA/MT of the cement companies in ICRA's sample set is estimated to remain under pressure for the full year FY2025, declining by 12-15 per cent on a YoY basis to Rs 820-850/MT," said Tushar Bharambe, Assistant Vice President and Sector Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA. The infrastructure sector is also expected to gain traction in H2 FY2025, aided by increased government spending on infrastructure projects. With significant headroom for the government to meet its FY2025 revised Budget Estimate, construction activity is anticipated to rise, positively impacting sectors like cement. However, profitability in the cement sector is expected to remain under pressure in FY2025. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Dont Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a family-like environment where professional growth and personal well-being go hand in hand. "At Hettich, we believe the magic isn't just in the interiors we create. Being certified as a Great Place to Work is a testament to our continuous efforts in building a high-performance ecosystem where trust, collaboration, and growth thrive," said Amit Prasad, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hettich India. "At Hettich India, we remain committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people to excel and succeed together," added Prasad. Also Read | Delhi Blast: Explosion Near PVR in Prashant Vihar, Says Fire Service (Watch Video). In the past two years, Hettich India has undergone a transformative journey to reinvent its work culture. From empowering initiatives like My Daughter, My Pride to programs that nurture leadership skills, such as the Akademie, the company continues to invest in its people, ensuring they succeed together. Andre Eckholt, Managing Director of Hettich India, steadfast support has been instrumental throughout this cultural transformation. His leadership has helped steer the company towards this remarkable achievement. Hettich India looks forward to not just building magical interiors but a great workplace, and to shaping a future where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed. About Hettich India Hettich is a 136-year-old family-owned German lifestyle brand, being one of the world's largest manufacturers of Furniture Fittings with a global turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros. In India, Hettich started operations at the dawn of the new millennium and within a short span of time gained an undisputed leadership position in the Indian furniture fittings and hardware industry. Hettich's product portfolio comprises a repertoire of Furniture Fittings & Door Hardware made with cutting-edge German quality complemented by Wire Products, Aluminum Profiles, Shelving Systems, Built-in Appliances and Furniture Lights, thereby providing holistic fitting solutions for all residential and commercial spaces. It is also the recipient of 'Best Brands 2022 & 2023' by the Economic Times and the 'Most Trusted Brands of India 2023 & 2024' by Marksmen Daily recognitions for its unwavering customer trust and strong brand equity. Media Contact Samina Zaidi+91 8655706940samina.zaidi@hettich.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569122/GPTW_Hettich.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437651/4935711/Hettich_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) A total of 141 Indian fishermen are in Sri Lankan custody, of whom 45 are under trial, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha, said with sustained diplomatic efforts, the government has secured the release and repatriation of 351 fishermen apprehended this year. Also Read | Australia Approves Ban on Social Media for Under-16s. Indian fishermen are arrested from time to time by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters, he said. "As per available information, as of 22 November 2024, 141 Indian fishermen are in Sri Lankan custody, of whom 45 fishermen are under trial while 96 are currently serving sentences," he said. Also Read | Australia Hikes Student Visa Fee: Fees for International Student Visas Set To Increase From AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 From July 1, Centre Informs Parliament. They have been provided with consular and legal assistance by our High Commission in Colombo and Consulate in Jaffna, the Union minister said. "With sustained diplomatic efforts, Government has secured the release and repatriation of 351 of the fishermen apprehended this year. An additional twelve (12) Indian fishermen have been released and are to be repatriated shortly," he added. The government of India attaches the "highest priority" to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen, Singh said. The government has been taking up the fishermen-related issues, including the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats, at the highest level. The matter was also raised recently by the External Affairs Minister during his meeting with the new political leadership of Sri Lanka during his visit to Colombo on October 4, 2024, he added. Regular meetings of bilateral Joint Working Group on fisheries, which includes representatives from the Government of Tamil Nadu, are held to discuss the entire gamut of issues related to fishermen. The last JWG on fisheries was held on October 29, 2024 during which both sides discussed issues related to fishermen. The government of India continues to engage the government of Sri Lanka at all levels on the issues faced by Indian fishermen, Singh said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jammu, Nov 28 (PTI) Police on Thursday arrested two terror associates allegedly conspiring to execute subversive activities in Doda and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. A police team arrested a hardcore terror associate named Firdous Ahmed Wani from the Dandi area in Doda district's Bhaderwah belt based on credible intelligence, they said. Also Read | Delhi Blast: AAP Slams BJP-Led Central Government Over Prashant Vihar Blast, Calls Out Centre for Law and Order Failure. The accused was reportedly in contact with terrorist handlers across the border through various social media platforms. He was actively working to revive militancy in Doda by establishing a foothold for anti-national elements in the area, officials said. A thorough search of the suspect and his residence led to the recovery of incriminating materials and documents, which have been seized for further investigation, they added. Also Read | Assam Shocker: 7 People Arrested for Raping 14-Year-Old Girl, Who Is Now 23 Weeks Pregnant. The accused was allegedly conspiring to execute subversive activities in and around Doda in collaboration with active terrorists and handlers operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK), police said. In another operation, police arrested a hardcore terror associate under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) in Udhampur, officials said. The accused has been identified as Abdul Satar from Ponara Soni, who was involved in multiple terror cases, working as an active guide and facilitator for terrorist organisations until his arrest, they added. Several FIRs were registered against him at the Basantgarh police station, police said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Thursday cited the Delhi High Court's sharp criticism of the Delhi government for not implementing the central government's Ayushman scheme to accuse the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of depriving the citizens of the national capital of the crucial health cover. Nadda, who is also the BJP president, said on X, "It pains me immensely when States like Delhi have deprived its population by willfully not adopting it. The AAP govt has denied this crucial health cover from more than 6.5 lakh eligible families and all citizens of the age 70 years and above in Delhi." Also Read | No Discussion Yet on Investments by Elon Musk-Owned Tesla, Starlink in India, Says Piyush Goyal. "Now the Delhi High Court has also rapped the state govt for not implementing this people-centric scheme. It has validated our stand that democratic govts should adopt schemes that provide support and services to the masses irrespective of political differences," he said, while sharing copy of a news report. Nadda said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's progressive and citizen-centric leadership, India is implementing the "hugely popular scheme", Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, that provides free health cover of Rs 5 Lakh to each beneficiary family and now to all senior citizens of 70 years and above. Also Read | Jalaun Horror: Nurse Allegedly Gang-Raped in Uttar Pradesh, Accused Insert Stick, Chilli Powder in Her Private Parts; Probe On. The Delhi High Court had on Wednesday expressed shock over the Delhi government reportedly not accepting financial aid through a Centre-funded health scheme. A bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said it was "strange" that the Delhi government was not accepting Centre's aid when there was "no money" with it for its healthcare system. "You may have difference of opinion but in this case you are refusing aid... None of your machines are working. The machines have to work but you have no money actually," it said. CJ Manmohan went ahead to remark, "Today you are refusing Rs 5 lakh for the citizens. I am shocked." Seven BJP MPs have moved the high court to direct the AAP government to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The lawmakers in their PIL said Delhi was the only Union Territory where the beneficial healthcare scheme for the underprivileged was yet to be implemented. In the process, the underprivileged are getting deprived of the essential health coverage of Rs 5 lakh. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 28 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Sambhal, Nawab Iqbal Mehmood, appealed to people of the Muslim community to offer prayers in their respective areas ahead of Friday prayers at Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district. His appeal comes days after a mob clashed with the police during a survey of a Mugal-era mosque under the directions of the court. Four people were killed and dozens, including policemen and officials, were injured in the violence that ensued hours after the survey. Also Read | Australia Approves Ban on Social Media for Under-16s. SP MLA Iqbal also said that the report of the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid will be presented before the court on Friday. "Tomorrow is Juma (Friday), and the report of the Shahi Jama Masjid Survey will be presented before the court also. Namaz will be offered peacefully tomorrow. I have appealed to everyone to offer Namaaz in the mosques of their area. There is no need to come, especially at the Shahi Jama Masjid...," Nawab Iqbal told ANI. Also Read | Donald Trump a Friend of India and PM Narendra Modi, Don't Foresee Any Problem Whatsoever, Says Piyush Goyal. "We want peace in our area. There was no (intention) of fighting or politics. It is about mutual coexistence," he asserted. Meanwhile, authorities in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, have deployed police as a precautionary measure ahead of Friday prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid, following the stone-pelting incident on November 24. An official stated that over 250 individuals have been identified in connection with the violence that erupted after a survey of the mosque. Police are releasing pictures of the accused to facilitate their identification. The Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad Division, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, told ANI, "The situation in Sambhal is normal now. As a precautionary measure, police forces have been deployed. So far, 28 people have been arrested, and three individuals who gathered the crowd have been detained. Based on investigations, we have identified more than 250 people involved. Their pictures are being released." He emphasised that police are prepared to handle any law and order situation during Friday prayers. "People will attend Friday prayers as usual. I don't foresee any issues, but if anyone attempts to create chaos, we are ready to respond," the official added. Addressing allegations of administrative failure in the November 24 incident, the official remarked, "Defending those involved in stone-pelting and calling it an administrative failure is baseless." Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a flag march on Thursday to reassure residents in the wake of the incident. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 28 (ANI): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between National Projects Construction Corporation (NPCC) and Army Institute of Nursing on Thursday for building the campus of the institute in Guwahati. As per a release, the MoU was signed by Major General RD Sharma, Chairman AIN (General-officer-Commanding, HQ 51 Sub Area) on behalf of the Army Institute of Nursing, Guwahati and Dr YL Singh, Group General Manager, NPCC, at HQ 51 Sub Area. Also Read | What is APAAR ID? All You Need to Know About 'One Nation, One Student ID Card' As Maharashtra Directs Schools to Register Students Ahead of November 30 Deadline. Earlier, the Indian Army played a pivotal role in ensuring that even the remotest and Naxal-affected areas of Maharashtra participated in the state's assembly elections held on November 20. The Indian Army, alongside other security forces, mobilised critical resources to enable voters in these challenging regions to cast their ballots, the release said. The Indian Army deployed two advanced light helicopters to augment the much-needed air effort to facilitate the movement of election officials and logistics, including electronic voting machines (EVMs), to areas lacking surface connectivity, especially those affected by Naxalism. This effort ensured that the election process was successfully carried out, even in the most difficult and remote locations. Also Read | 'Ban ISKCON' Plea Dismissed: Bangladesh High Court Refuses To Ban ISKCON Amid Row Over Hindu Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachary's Arrest. From November 17 to 20, the Indian Army, along with its partner forces, flew a total of 140 sorties over 77 hours, transporting 925 passengers and 8,385 kilograms of cargo. Of this, the Indian Army conducted 17 sorties, clocking approximately 22 hours of flight time and carrying 124 passengers. During the de-induction phase, from November 20 to 21, the forces collectively flew 56 sorties over 23 hours, moving 408 passengers and 6,980 kilograms of cargo. The Indian Army alone conducted 9 sorties, totalling 10 hours of flight time and carrying 73 passengers. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Italian politicians, scientists call for cooperation with China to address global challenges Xinhua) 13:04, November 28, 2024 NAPLES, Italy, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Italian politicians and experts have called for more cooperation with China in scientific and technological innovation areas to jointly tackle global challenges such as climate change. Addressing the opening ceremony of the 13th China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week here on Tuesday, Anna Maria Bernini, Italy's minister of universities and research, noted that scientific and technological innovation cooperation has always been a key driving force in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. She urged both sides to tap their respective strengths, enhance dialogue and sharing, and work together to tackle global challenges. Bernini told Xinhua that Italy is committed to improving sci-tech cooperation with China by sharing good practices, instead of imposing restrictions on Chinese universities or companies. Since its inception in 2010, the innovation week has been successfully held 12 times across various cities in both countries. It has become a key platform for collaboration between the governments, enterprises, and research institutions, facilitating over 6,200 technological matches in total. Riccardo Villari, president of the City of Science in Naples, highlighted the longstanding efforts of China and Italy in scientific and technological cooperation, noting that the two countries have managed to reach approximately 10 agreements each year during the annual Innovation Week, which was held on Nov. 26-28 this year. "Science has no borders and should benefit all of humanity," he said in an interview with Xinhua, "Climate change, sustainability and digitalization are potential areas that both countries can further enhance collaboration in the future." China's role in combating climate change is pivotal, according to Gianmaria Sannino, an expert from the Division for Climate Change and Air Quality at Italy's National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development. He stated that with its resources and strong mobilization capabilities, China could drive significant global progress in addressing climate change. "Both Italy and China have long coastlines and have conducted extensive oceanographic studies. We could collaborate to advance emission reductions through solutions like offshore energy," Sannino told Xinhua. "Sustainability is a very fruitful collaborative research area between Italy and China," said Alessandro Simeone, associate professor from the Department of Management and Production Engineering, Polytechnic of Turin (Politecnico di Torino). Both sides can also leverage technologies like digitalization and AI to develop human-centered products that improve life and work for older generations, as many countries, including China and Italy, are facing the challenge of an aging population, Simeone added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has received 28 proposals from 23 states for incubation of new cities, which are currently with the competent authority for examination, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. In February 2021, the ministry announced that the central government would develop eight new cities to meet the demand for expansion of urban areas. Also Read | First Case of Japanese Encephalitis Confirmed in Delhi After 13 Long Years: Know All About Viral Brain Infection. The 15th Finance Commission, set up by the government, has recommended an outlay of Rs 8,000 crore for developing new eight cities in eight states. A state may have only one new city through this fund. In a written response to a question, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said that the amount available for each proposed new city is Rs 1,000 crore. Also Read | Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Issues Threat Video To Disrupt High-Profile DG-IG Conference in Bhubaneswar. In line with the recommendations of 15th Finance Commission, the HUA ministry constituted an expert committee (EC) for finalisation of bid parameters for incubation of new cities, the minister said. The committee finalised minimum eligibility conditions and bid parameters, and a Request for Proposal (RfP) was circulated to all states. The ministry received 26 proposals from 21 states up to the last date, Sahu said in the written reply. "Due to non-receipt of qualitative proposals from North-Eastern States, fresh/revised proposals were sought from these states. Consequently, total 28 proposals from 23 States, including a proposal from the State of Uttar Pradesh, have been received. The proposals are with the competent authority for examination/scrutiny," he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kochi (Kerala) [India], November 28 (ANI): The 11th edition of the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise and Workshop (SAREX-24) began on Thursday, November 28, with an aim to create a real-life scenario on the high seas for practicing rescue operations. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who inaugurated the inaugural session of SAREX-24, said, "This is done once in two years by the Indian Coast Guard in collaboration with all national partners who are members of the National Maritime Assistance and Security Board. Also Read | Hemant Soren Sworn In As Jharkhand CM: JMM Leader Takes Oath As 14th Chief Minister Amid Presence of Galaxy of INDIA Bloc Leaders (Watch Video). "This time they intend to do both seminars and table-top exercises and they also want to take the various agency representatives and representatives of various foreign countries--28 of them--to create a real-life scenario on the high seas where some kind of emergency happens, involving both ships and aircraft and then carry out rescue scenarios in that situation, looking at real-life challenges...," he added. Response operations to large-scale contingencies at sea, termed 'Mass Rescue Operation' (MRO), will be the essence of the 11th edition of SAREX-24. Also Read | Delhi High Court Seeks Government Response After HIV Positive Sexual Assault Survivor Moves Court. The theme of the exercise is "Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities through Regional Collaboration" to signify ICG's commitment and resoluteness to provide succour during large-scale contingencies regardless of location, Nationality or circumstances in the ISRR and beyond. On the first day, various programs, including Table Top Exercise, Workshops, Seminars, etc., involving participation of senior officials from the government agencies, ministries and armed forces, as well as various stakeholders and foreign delegates, will be conducted. On the second day of the event, the sea exercise involving two large-scale contingencies will be carried out off Kochi coast with the participation of ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Indian Air Force, passenger vessels and tugs from the Cochin Port Authority and boats from the Customs. The first contingency will simulate distress on board a passenger vessel having 500 passengers on board, whereas the second scenario will depict the ditching of civil aircraft with 200 passengers. The response matrix in the sea exercise will involve various methodology to evacuate distressed passengers, wherein the advent of new-age technology using satellite-aided distress beacons, drones to deploy a life buoy, air-droppable life rafts, operation of remote-controlled life buoys, etc. will be demonstrated, the release added. The exercise is designed not only to evaluate efficiency of operations and coordination with national stakeholders but also to aptly focus on cooperative engagements with the littorals and Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 28 (ANI): Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Acharya Satyendra Das on Wednesday condemned the petition seeking to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh saying that such conspiracies were being orchestrated to break the Hindu community there. He further emphasised that unless the Modi government intervenes, the condition of Hindus will be worse in Bangladesh. Also Read | No Waqf Bill in Winter Session of Parliament, Joint Committee to Seek Term Extension to Consult More Stakeholders. Speaking to ANI, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das said "Their only intention is to somehow torture Hindus and Hindu outfits there. In such a situation, our government should think about it. ISKCON has seers and good people of ideology. It is managed by them...To break Hindus, such conspiracies are being hatched there... Unless the government intervenes, the Hindus there will suffer a bad fate..." Earlier on Wednesday, Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance General Secretary, Mrityunjay Kumar Roy, strongly condemned the petition demanding a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh and stressed that the Hindu organisation is 'peaceful' in nature and works for the welfare of poor. Also Read | Nuh Shocker: Man Booked for Raping 6-Year-Old Daughter Multiple Times, Accused Flees Home After His Wife Caught Him Red-Handed. This comes after a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in the country, calling it a "radical organisation" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. Speaking to ANI, Mrityunjay Kumar Roy said, "We strongly oppose this statement of those who are saying that Iskcon should be banned. What did Iskcon do? Iskcon is the international consciousness of Sri Krishna...it is a peaceful organisation which talks about Shri Krishna and works for the welfare of the poor." This comes amid the row over the arrest of the former priest of ISKCON Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also condemned the arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and the rise in attacks against minorities. Highlighting the recent attacks on Hindu temples and the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh since the political turnover, Majumdar said, "Chinmoy Prabhu's arrest and the attack on minorities in Bangladesh is concerning. We demand that he be released immediately because he was protesting peacefully. Since the political turnover in Bangladesh, Hindu temples have been destroyed and Hindus are being subjected to atrocities. Raising a voice against this cannot be called sedition." While condemning the detention of ISKCON leader, Union Minister Giriraj Singh also condemned the arrest, and also slammed Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over their 'silence' on the issue. "People are speaking of going to Sambhal today. But Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav are ignoring Bangladesh where Hindus are being subjected to a lot of violence. I suggest that Hindus should protest against this atrocity in Bangladesh," he said. The petition in Bangladesh has alleged that ISKCON has been promoting religious events with the intent of inciting sectarian violence, imposing its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly recruiting members from lower Hindu castes. It has accused ISKCON of taking over Sanatan temples, evicting members of the Sanatan community, and carrying out communal attacks on mosques. It has also accused ISKCON of "destabilizing" the country and "collaborating with Indian media" to promote communal discord, Dhaka Tribune reported. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. Das has been accused of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release. Notably, ISKCON Bangladesh issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and called upon the government authorities to promote peaceful coexistence. ISKCON Bangladesh also issued a list of demands to the government for subsequent violence and attacks against Sanatanis in various regions of Bangladesh. "We express our serious concern and strongly denounce the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the "Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot". We also condemn the subsequent violence and attacks against Sanatanis in various regions of Bangladesh. We urge the government authorities, to promote peaceful coexistence for the Sanatani community", the statement said. "As a representative of the "Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot" and a Bangladeshi citizen, Chinmoy Krishna Das has been a vocal advocate for the protection of minority groups in the nation. It is essential to uphold his right to free speech and to support his efforts to encourage others to defend this right. Ensuring justice and fair treatment for him is crucial", the statement added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): The fourth meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) concluded successfully in Moscow on Thursday. The meeting was co-chaired by Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff representing India and Lieutenant General Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence said in a release. Also Read | Delhi's Air Quality 'Very Poor' for 5th Day, City Records Coldest Night of Season; Check Temperature Here. The Working Group emphasised the importance of continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration in areas of strategic interest. It also agreed upon expanding joint exercises to further solidifying the operational synergy between the two forces. Both nations have conducted numerous joint exercises across land, air and sea domains. Exercises such as INDRA, AVIA INDRA and INDRA NAVY, have served as vital platforms for sharing best practices, refining joint operational tactics drills and procedures, and deepening mutual understanding. Also Read | Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Survey: Supreme Court to Hear on November 29 Plea Challenging Sambhal Mosque Survey Order. The Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership was signed in 2000, which was elevated to the level of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. The Working Group, a crucial forum for India-Russia defence cooperation, provides a platform to assess existing military engagements and identified new areas for collaboration to address evolving security challenges, the ministry added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], November 28 (ANI): Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat, the Gujarat government has launched transformative schemes under the 2024-25 Gujarat budget to enhance secondary and higher secondary education. According to an official release, these initiatives aim to equip students with future-ready skills, high-quality education, and promising career prospects during this Amrit Kaal. Among these is Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Also Read | Delhi Blast: 1 Injured in Explosion Near PVR Multiplex Cinema in Rohini's Prashant Vihar, Bomb Disposal Squad, Police Teams Begin Probe (Watch Video). This scheme motivates students to pursue science education in Classes 11 and 12 by providing a financial aid package of Rs 25,000 over two years. To ensure its successful execution, the state government has allocated Rs 250 crore in this year's budget. Also Read | Pune: Dhanori Woman Extorts INR 4.64 Lakh From Friend After Threatening To File Rape Case Against Him, Booked. Notably, the state government has disbursed over Rs 28.46 crore in assistance to more than 2.50 lakh students under this scheme. Students who obtain 50 per cent or more marks in the Class 10 board examination and enrol in the science stream for higher secondary education at government, grant-in-aid, or self-financed schools recognized by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) or the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are eligible for financial assistance under this scheme. The eligibility criteria include students who have studied in Classes 9 and 10 in government or grant-in-aid secondary schools in the state or students who have studied in one or both of Classes 9 and 10 in recognized self-financed secondary schools, with a family annual income of Rs 6 lakh or less. Under this scheme, students receive annual financial assistance of Rs 10,000 for Class 11 and Rs 15,000 for Class 12, totalling Rs 25,000 over two years. Of this amount, Rs 20,000 is disbursed during the academic years of Classes 11 and 12 at a rate of Rs 1,000 per month for 10 months each year. The remaining Rs 5,000 is provided upon successful completion of the Class 12 board examination. To ensure the efficient implementation of the Namo Saraswati Yojana in Gujarat schools, the Namo Saraswati Portal has been introduced. Schools register students enrolled in the science stream of higher secondary education through the Child Tracking System (CTS) portal under Vidya Samiksha Kendra. All details entered in the CTS portal are seamlessly integrated into the Namo Saraswati Portal, ensuring streamlined scheme management. Under the scheme, financial assistance is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the bank account of the student's mother. In cases where the mother is deceased, the amount is transferred to the student's bank account. Even if the student is benefiting from any other government scholarship scheme, they are still eligible to receive this assistance as an additional benefit under Namo Saraswati Yojana. As Gujarat progresses toward becoming a global hub for sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, and digital sciences, the demand for skilled technical professionals in these fields will continue to grow. To meet this need, it is crucial to inspire more students to pursue the science stream in Classes 11 and 12. The Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana is designed to encourage students to embrace science education during these pivotal years, guiding them toward promising careers in science and technology. Through this initiative, the government aims to provide access to high-quality education and create enhanced career opportunities in these dynamic fields, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], November 28 (ANI): Days after retaining power in Jharkhand beating anti-incumbency and opposition's allegations of 'corruption', Hemant Soren took oath as the 14th Chief Minister of the state and also assumed office on Thursday. After taking the oath, he also addressed a press conference and announced Stephen Marandi as the protem speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Also Read | Allahabad High Court Allows Alt News Co-Founder Mohammed Zubair's Amendment Application in Plea Challenging FIR. "Stephen Marandi has been chosen as the protem speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly session will commence from December 9-12. Benefits under the Maiya Samman Yojana will be provided from December... The reasons for the deaths of candidates during the physical test in the Jharkhand Police recruitment drive will be done," said CM Soren. He further said that the JMM-led government in the state will stand with the families of Agniveers who lost their lives. Also Read | 'Ladla Bhai Is a Designation Higher Than Anything Else for Me', Says Maharashtra Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde. "The central government has started a scheme like Agniveer for the security of the nation. There are many questions about the future of the youth... The state government had already decided that it would stand with the families of those Agniveers of Jharkhand who have lost their lives in any incidentm" Soren said. "Agniveer Arjun Mahto has recently sacrificed his life for the country... We have given an appointment letter to the brother of Agniveer Arjun Mahto, and an ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh has been provided to the family of martyr Agniveer Arjun Mahto," he added. After taking oath, he paid tributes to Santhal leaders Siddhu-Kanhu in Morhabadi. Meanwhile, several leaders from the political fraternity, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal and other prominent leaders poured in their congratulations and best wishes to the JMM executive president for being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. PM Modi congratulated Hemant Soren for taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He extended his best wishes for his upcoming tenure. "Congratulations to Hemant Soren on taking oath as Jharkhand CM. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead @HemantSorenJMM," PM Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1862115764196835341 Governor Santosh Gangwar also extended his wishes for the new government and said, "Best wishes for the new government. I believe that this state will make a good place for itself in the country and make good progress and development." Extending best wishes to Soren, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said that his victory is a symbol of the trust of the hardworking people of Jharkhand and his efficient leadership. He posted on X, "Many congratulations to @HemantSorenJMM on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Your victory is a symbol of the trust of the hardworking people of Jharkhand and your efficient leadership. We wish you all the best as you take Jharkhand to new heights." https://x.com/arvindkejriwal/status/1862099825346449565 Newly elected Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also congratulated Hemant Soren and the people of Jharkhand for electing the "Abua government." In a social media post on X, she wrote, "Many congratulations and best wishes to @HemantSorenJMM and my dear @JMMKalpanaSoren for taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have once again given INDIA and Hemant Soren a chance to serve. Many congratulations to the people of Jharkhand who elected the Abua government." https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1862119398258934199 Hemant Soren's wife and JMM leader Kalpana Soren said that Hemant Soren will fulfil all the aspirations to make Jharkhand a thriving state. CM's wife and JMM leader Kalpana Soren said, "It's a mandate that is given by the people of Jharkhand, and we happily accepted it. There are so many challenges still there. Being a brother and son of Jharkhand, I think that Hemant (Soren) will fulfil all the aspirations to have a thriving Jharkhand." Expressing her happiness, JMM leader Mahua Maji said, "What can be more delightful for Jharkhand that Hemant Soren has become the CM for the fourth time. In his tenure, he has made every effort to bring facilities to people. With that, I am fully confident that now Jharkhand will definitely become the number 1 state of the country." Soren took oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at a ceremony in Ranchi, following the victory of the JMM-led alliance in the Assembly elections. His oath was administered by the state's Governor Santosh Gangwar. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi with several prominent leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal from Congress, in attendance. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Deputy CM and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav also attended the ceremony. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, his wife Sunita Kejriwal, party MP Raghav Chadha and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also arrived at the event to witness the oath ceremony of Hemant Soren. Notably, this is the first time in Jharkhand that an incumbent government, which has completed five years in office, has returned to power. Soren himself won from the Barhait Assembly constituency of Jharkhand and took oath as the Chief Minister for the fourth time in Jharkhand. Soren tendered his resignation as Jharkhand CM to Governor Santosh Gangwar on Sunday, November 24 and staked a claim to form government at the Raj Bhawan. The JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, with its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U winning one seat each. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday launched an online learning platform for the Indian Army nicknamed as "Eklavya". This initiative aligns with the Indian Army propelling itself into the "Decade of Transformation" as envisioned by the COAS and also with Indian Army's theme for 2024 as the "Year of Technology Absorption," a release said. Also Read | Jharkhand: CM Hemant Soren Assumes Office After Taking Oath for 2nd Consecutive Term, Appoints Stephen Marandi As Pro-Tem Speaker (Watch Video). The Eklavya software platform has been developed under the aegis of Headquarters Army Training Command with Army War College as the sponsor agency. The platform has been developed at zero cost through "Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics" (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, along with support from Directorate General of Information Systems. This platform has been hosted on the Army Data Network and features a scalable architecture. This enables Headquarters Army Training Command to seamlessly integrate any number of training establishments of the Indian Army, each capable of hosting an extensive range of courses. Student officers are permitted to register for multiple courses simultaneously. A total of 96 courses by 17 Category 'A' Training Establishments of the Indian Army have already been hosted on the platform. Also Read | Delhi's Air Quality 'Very Poor' for 5th Day, City Records Coldest Night of Season; Check Temperature Here. There are three categories of courses hosted on the Eklavya platform. The first category is the 'Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules', which has study material for all offline physical courses being conducted at various Category 'A' training establishments. The aim is to shift the "basics" to the online courses so that physical courses have more and more contemporary content with a focus on the "application part". It will help to decongest the existing courses while generating time for adding emerging concepts as per the changing character of warfare, the release said. "An important aspect is that the students can register for any course at any point of their service. That is, registration for online courses has been delinked from nomination on the physical courses," it said. The second category of courses are the "appointment or specific assignment-related courses". Officers on getting posted to some of the specialist appointments have to learn the craft by getting on-the-job training (OJT) and therefore, it takes a finite amount of time for them to function with full efficiency in those appointments. Some of such appointments are in the domain of information warfare, defence land management, financial planning, discipline and vigilance, works, provost, veteran affairs etc. "Therefore, it will be beneficial for these officers to undergo an online capsule course in the respective domain as they receive their posting order. The courses in this category will also enable the officers to get domain specialisation in the field of their choice, which will further aid their employment planning," the release said. The third category of courses is the "Professonal Development Suite" to include courses on Strategy, Operational Art, Leadership, Organisational Behaviour, Finance, Art of Reading, Power Writing, Emerging Technology and related issues. The Eklavya also has the functionality of a searchable "Knowledge Highway", wherein various journals, research papers and articles are uploaded under a single window. The platform will go a long way in encouraging continuous professional military education in the officers, decongest and enrich the existing physical course, preparing officers for specialist appointments and encouraging domain specialisation," the release said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi, Nov 28 (PTI) Barely 25 days after requesting the Centre "with folded hands" to clear Rs 1.36 lakh-crore coal dues to the state, Hemant Soren who was sworn in as Jharkhand chief minister on Thursday announced that the state will take legal action to realise its dues. "Legal action will be initiated to realise Rs 1.36 lakh crore of the state pending with the Centre," Soren told the media while briefing the decisions of the maiden cabinet meeting of his present government. Also Read | Jharkhand: CM Hemant Soren Assumes Office After Taking Oath for 2nd Consecutive Term, Appoints Stephen Marandi As Pro-Tem Speaker (Watch Video). Though the CM said the decision was taken at the 'Cabinet meeting', no minister took oath during the day. Soren's first official meeting after his re-election was with PM Modi in Delhi on Tuesday, where they discussed state matters and Soren invited PM to his swearing-in ceremony. Also Read | Delhi's Air Quality 'Very Poor' for 5th Day, City Records Coldest Night of Season; Check Temperature Here. On November 2, he had posted on X: "The PM and the home minister are coming to Jharkhand. I once again request them with folded hands to clear the outstanding (coal dues) of Rs 1.36 lakh crore to Jharkhandis. This amount is crucial for Jharkhand." "I would also appeal to my BJP colleagues, especially the MPs, to help Jharkhandis in getting our dues," Soren had posted, sharing a copy of a letter to the prime minister. Soren emphasised that the dues with central PSUs, like Coal India, are "rightful" to the state and claimed that "non-clearance is causing irreparable harm to Jharkhand's development". A recent ruling by a nine-judge Supreme Court bench affirmed the state's right to collect its mining and royalty dues. Soren pointed out that the development of Jharkhand and essential socio-economic projects are getting hampered owing to the non-clearance of dues. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Thursday approved the redevelopment of slum areas under the "Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makaan" Scheme, an official statement said. The modification in policy will allow projects to be more viable and more players could come forward for in-situ slum projects and thereby more houses could be built, officials said. Also Read | Delhi's Air Quality 'Very Poor' for 5th Day, City Records Coldest Night of Season; Check Temperature Here. The move comes ahead of the Assembly elections due in Delhi early next year. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in its meeting chaired by Saxena, who is also the chairman of the department, approved major changes in slum and JJ policy to make in-situ rehabilitation, as envisioned by the prime minister under Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makaan Scheme, more viable and implementable, an official statement said. Also Read | Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Survey: Supreme Court to Hear on November 29 Plea Challenging Sambhal Mosque Survey Order. The modifications in terms of density relaxation, revised apportionment of land area for remunerative and non-remunerative components, floor area ratio (FAR), clubbing of clusters for redevelopment spread across a radius of five kilometres etc. were approved in the authority meeting, the statement said. This, apart from providing the right to dignified housing to the slum dwellers of the city, will also create affordable housing stock as well as commercial space for Delhi residents, it read. As per the modifications, an increased FAR of 500 has been allowed for the residential and remunerative components in the in-situ rehabilitation projects on plots measuring 2,000 square metres and above. This is a significant increase from 300 FAR to 500 FAR for the commercial component. For the rehab component, FAR has been increased from 400 to 500, it said. Under the new modifications, at least 40 per cent of the total plot area will be utilised for residential purposes while the remaining area could be utilised for remunerative or commercial purposes. Further, any unutilised FAR in the rehabilitation component will also be allowed to be availed by the developers in the remunerative or commercial plot area, the statement said. This decision will ensure more number of dwelling units for the slum dwellers as well as more commercial space to make the project financially viable for the developers. This will also ensure that 100 per cent of the beneficiaries (slum dwellers) will be accommodated in-situ, it said. In terms of allowing clubbing of plots over an area spread over five kilometres, the developer will be able to redevelop a particular site only for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers in modern multi-storey complexes. The other site could be utilised exclusively for the development of residential or commercial complexes for remunerative use by the developer, it said. This initiative will provide eligible residents of informal JJ clusters with modern housing, along with essential public amenities. This comes as a major step towards social empowerment, as the programme offers ownership titles to residents, giving them a sense of security and stability, it stated. By upgrading housing and infrastructure, the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation (ISR) programme supports the integration of slum dwellers into the formal urban fabric, contributing to social mobility and improving the overall quality of life for the urban poor. The approved proposal will now be sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India for issuance of final notification, it added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28 (ANI): Mumbai Police have arrested a man following the alleged suicide of his female friend during the night of November 24-25 in the Powai Police Station area, officials said. The deceased, identified as Srishti Tuli, was a pilot. After the incident, her relative, Vivek Kumar Tuli, filed a complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code. Subsequently, the accused, identified as Aditya Pandit, was arrested and remanded to police custody for four days. Also Read | No Discussion Yet on Investments by Elon Musk-Owned Tesla, Starlink in India, Says Piyush Goyal. According to the police, initial investigations reveal that the accused, a native of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has no prior criminal record. Commenting on the incident, ACP Pradeep Mirale said, "Srishti Tuli's body was brought to Seven Hills Hospital on November 25. Upon receiving the information, Powai officers investigated the scene and sent the body for a postmortem examination by a panel of expert doctors. Also Read | Jalaun Horror: Nurse Allegedly Gang-Raped in Uttar Pradesh, Accused Insert Stick, Chilli Powder in Her Private Parts; Probe On. "Following a complaint by her relative, Vivek Kumar Tuli, an FIR was registered under Section 108 of the IPC, naming Aditya Pandit as the accused. We arrested him on November 25, and the court has ordered his custody until November 29," the ACP added. Police Inspector Ganesh Patil is leading the investigation and gathering evidence. "We have not reached a conclusion yet. While there are no prior criminal cases registered against Pandit in Maharashtra, as he is originally from Gorakhpur, we are investigating this aspect as well," the ACP further stated. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): As an outcome of various safety measures taken over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents from 135 in 2014-15 to 40 in 2023-24, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw told Lok Sabha in a written reply. He said the consequential train accidents during the period 2004-14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 678 during the period 2014-24 (average 68 per annum). Also Read | No Waqf Bill in Winter Session of Parliament, Joint Committee to Seek Term Extension to Consult More Stakeholders. Another important index showing improved safety in train operations is Accidents per Million Train Kilometer (APMTKM) which has reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2023-24, indicating an improvement of approx 73 per cent during the said period. "Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,608 stations up to 31.10.2024 to eliminate accidents due to human failure. The interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 11,053 level Crossing Gates up to October 31 this year for enhancing safety at LC gates," the minister told Lok Sabha. Also Read | Nuh Shocker: Man Booked for Raping 6-Year-Old Daughter Multiple Times, Accused Flees Home After His Wife Caught Him Red-Handed. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,619 stations up to October 31 this year, he said. Kavach is a highly technology-intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order has already been deployed on 1548 RKm on South Central Railway and North Central Railway. Presently, the work is in progress on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors (approximately 3000 Route Km). Track side works on these routes have been completed on about 1081 RKm (705RKm on Delhi-Mumbai section and 376 RKm on Delhi-Howrah section). Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing etc. have been issued. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots, the minister said. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather. A GPS-based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog-affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates etc. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan-shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals, the minister said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Deoghar, November 28: The headmistress of a government school in Jharkhand's Deoghar district was shot at by a teacher in front of students inside a classroom on Thursday, police said. The incident took place at an upgraded middle school under Mohanpur police station area, they said. Deoghar SP Ambar Lakra said Chandni Kumari sustained a bullet wound in her hand. Jharkhand Shocker: Woman, Minor Son Strangled to Death by Husband in Seraikela-Kharsawan District, Suspect on the Run. She is undergoing treatment at Deoghar Sadar hospital and her condition is stable, doctors said. The accused assistant-teacher Shailesh Yadav, who absconded after committing the crime, was arrested from a nearby forest, the SP said. According to Kumari, the incident took place when she was teaching in the classroom. "Yadav entered the classroom with a gun and fired at her," they said. Police said prima facie it appeared there was some dispute between them. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) India must establish nationally accredited testing facilities for battery energy storage systems to support its ambitious clean energy transition goal, suggested NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat on Thursday. According to a statement, speaking at FICCI's Energy Storage Conference 2024, he highlighted the significant gap in testing and certification infrastructure as India aims to deploy over 238 gigawatt hours of battery storage capacity by 2030 to balance its expanding renewable energy network. Also Read | What is APAAR ID? All You Need to Know About 'One Nation, One Student ID Card' As Maharashtra Directs Schools to Register Students Ahead of November 30 Deadline. He called for authorising third-party testing and certification till the time the government sets up storage certification agencies. Saraswat underlined that India requires a universal standard for all types of energy storage systems. Also Read | From Subhadra Yojana in Odisha to Maharashtras Ladki Bahin Yojana and Karnatakas Gruha Lakshmi Yojana, Know All About Women-Centric Cash Schemes, Monthly Allowances, Status and Benefits. While the Bureau of Indian Standards has developed 17 specifications for energy storage systems, with more under development, he pointed out, the country lacks adequate facilities to verify compliance with these standards. He also underscored that coal will have a substantial presence in India's energy mix despite aggressive renewable energy targets, with a projected capacity of 150 gigawatts in 2047, down from the current level of 218 gigawatts. At the same time, solar capacity is expected to expand substantially by 2047, requiring extensive storage integration. Saraswat outlined various storage technologies under consideration, including pumped hydro which has identified the potential of 100 gigawatt capacities across 60 sites. Flow batteries, sodium-sulphur systems, and emerging technologies like aluminium-air batteries are being evaluated alongside conventional lithium-ion solutions, he said. The government is exploring multiple pathways to address these challenges, including promoting domestic manufacturing of critical components and developing technology-agnostic standards. Nuclear power, including small modular reactors, is considered a long-term solution for hard-to-abate sectors currently reliant on coal-based power. Speaking at the event, Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairman, Central Electricity Authority, noted that India will need to accelerate its pumped hydroelectric storage capacity to 51 gigawatts by 2032. The revised target represents a significant increase from the original goal of 22 GW, driven by the need to manage evening demand when solar generation, which now contributes about 56 GW to the grid, is unavailable. Prasad outlined several practical implementation approaches, including mandating storage components for solar and wind projects, integrating storage with coal plants operating at technical minimums, and optimising transmission infrastructure through time-stamped connectivity. Shivanand Nimbargi, Chair, FICCI Renewable Energy CEOs Committee and MD & CEO, Ayana Renewable Power, emphasised that while the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for battery cells was welcome, further steps were needed to develop local manufacturing capabilities. He called for an enhanced focus on research and development, proposing collaborations between premier institutions like IITs and IISc. Nimbargi advocated for dedicated testing facilities and laboratories supported by an energy transition levy, suggesting this could help India transition from being a technology follower to an innovator. He also highlighted the need for uniform policies across states for pumped storage development, recommending that the Central Electricity Authority take a leading role in resource mapping and capacity planning. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Nov 28 (PTI) Condemning attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, several Hindu American groups have sought that US aid for the South Asian country be made contingent on its government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Bangladesh's minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5. Also Read | Spain Warehouse Blast: 3 Killed, 3 Seriously Injured in Explosion at Factory in Ibi. Things took a turn for the worse this week after Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested in a sedition case. He was later denied bail by a court, triggering protests by community members in various locations, including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram. Das was a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and was recently expelled. Also Read | Earthquake in Tajikistan: Quake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Jolts Pamir Mountain Range, 8th Such Seismic Event in 30 Days. Vishva Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) president Ajay Shah said the news of Das' arrest, vandalism of Kali Mandir in Chittagong and the rising attacks on Hindus across Bangladesh are disconcerting. "Is this the human rights legacy the Biden administration wants to be remembered for," he asked. VHPA general secretary Amitabh Mittal said, "The silence of global media regarding the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh is deafening. The recent arrest of an ISKCON priest and the violent attacks on Hindu temples underscore the alarming rise in religious intolerance." These incidents are part of a "broader pattern of discrimination", he alleged. "The lack of international condemnation only further emboldens the perpetrators and threatens the safety and freedom of minority communities in Bangladesh," Mittal said. In an open letter to President-elect Donald Trump, Hindus for America First (HFAF) recommended halting US funding for projects in Bangladesh tied to Beijing's ambitions and prioritising initiatives that benefit America and its allies directly. "Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Bangladesh have faced systemic violence and discrimination. We humbly ask that your administration make US aid contingent on the Bangladeshi government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Taxpayer dollars should never support governments that fail to safeguard their most vulnerable citizens," said HFAF Founder and Chairman Utsav Sanduja. He claimed certain Bangladeshi officials have ties to extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, and these connections pose a threat to US security. "We respectfully recommend visa restrictions and tighter oversight to prevent these ideologies from taking root on American soil," Sanduja said in his letter. Observing that Bangladesh's garment exports rely heavily on US markets, he said that by imposing strategic tariffs, the Trump administration can prioritise American manufacturing and ensure that our workers, not foreign economies, benefit from American commerce. "Access to US defence technology and intelligence-sharing programmes should be reserved for nations aligned with America's security priorities. We recommend pausing defence cooperation with Bangladesh until it aligns with US interests," Sanduja said. A representative of Hindu temples across the USA, Tejal Shah, also condemned the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. "I very strongly condemn putting Shree Krishna Das Prabhu Ji in jail, vandalism and destruction of Hindu temples in major cities of Bangladesh," she said. "The minorities are living in constant fear, being harassed and the world is silently watching. This suffering must stop, the rights of Hindus, who are minorities, must be protected... the expectations of American Hindus... should not be undermined by the administration," she said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New York [US], November 28 (ANI): The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has expressed solidarity with former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. In a post on X, ISKCON, Inc. stated, "ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees." Also Read | Israel Launches First Airstrike on Lebanon Since Ceasefire, Accusing Hezbollah of Breaching Truce. https://x.com/iskconinc/status/1862133717776679209?s=48&t=WnjyJyC971ItJhbOMQlj-Q Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, which denied his bail plea and remanded him in custody. Also Read | Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: Indian Has Called To Ensure Safety of Hindus, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Tells Parliament. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release. In a related development, a lawyer filed a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, labelling it a "radical organisation" that engages in activities aimed at inciting communal unrest, according to local media reports. Earlier today, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina condemned the "unjust" arrest of Das and called for his immediate release. Hasina also voiced concerns about attacks on minorities and their places of worship, urging the authorities to ensure religious freedom and the safety of all communities. "A senior leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, and I demand his immediate release. Temples have been set ablaze in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and homes belonging to the Ahmadiyya community have been attacked, vandalised, looted, and burned. Religious freedom and the safety of all communities must be guaranteed," Sheikh Hasina said in a statement. Recently, a group of retired judges, bureaucrats, and a sitting MP sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and address the rising violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh. The arrest has further strained relations between the Bangladesh government and ISKCON, fuelling protests and unrest. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London, Nov 28 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's visit to Britain this week has resulted in a major boost for the state, following meetings and extensive dialogues with several companies expected to attract around Rs 60,000 crore worth of investments. As a precursor to the Invest Madhya Pradesh Global Investment Summit in February 2025, Yadav's three-day UK visit showcased the vast investment opportunities on offer in the investor-friendly state across all major sectors. Also Read | Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: Indian Has Called To Ensure Safety of Hindus, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Tells Parliament. "Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a prime investment destination for UK businesses and investors," Yadav said during his keynote address at an Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh interactive session in London on Tuesday. England and India have a shared legacy, which is democracy the pride in which we feel equally in both nations. Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has successfully established itself on the world stage... And in India, Madhya Pradesh is not just a destination for investment, but a partner in progress, offering limitless opportunities across sectors like agribusiness, renewable energy and logistics, he said. Also Read | ISKCON Welcomes Bangladesh High Court's Decision To Reject Petition Seeking Ban on Organisation's Activities, Calls It 'Great Relief'. Rajesh Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, highlighted the state's unique strengths in driving economic growth and attracting global investments. "Madhya Pradesh's strategic location, reliable power supply, rich natural resources, and abundant water availability have positioned it as a preferred destination for investors from around the world, he said. Raghwendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary in the state's Department of Industrial Policy & Investment Promotion, highlighted the CM's target for Madhya Pradesh to double its state economy in just four and a half years, targeting an increase in GDP from the current 4.6 per cent to over 7 per cent. Madhya Pradesh is embracing the power of science and technology to drive innovation, create opportunities, and shape a future that aligns with global advancements, said Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey. Pramod Mittal from Ispat International, Prakash Lohia from Indorama Group and Akash Paul from Caparo were among the UK-based industrialists who met with the chief minister to explore avenues for growth and collaboration with the state. Opportunities across information technology, renewable energy, engineering, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence (AI), food, electronics, skills development and healthcare emerged as the focus areas during the talks. "Madhya Pradesh today is among the top five states in the ease of doing business rankings in India. The simplest and obvious advantage it offers is its location, it is connected 360 degrees to every part of India. Madhya Pradesh has sought to be not just a state that connects up most of the rest of the country, but a state that takes advantage and leads in that, said Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami in his address at the investment summit. It was followed by sector-specific roundtable discussions around key areas such as electric vehicles (EVs), auto and renewable energy, education and food processing, as a platform for in-depth discussions with industry and sectoral experts. The UK leg of Yadav's Europe visit concluded in Coventry on Wednesday with a visit to the University of Warwick for a tour of the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and its successful tie-ups between academia and business. Yadav explored the campus and also interacted with Indian students enrolled at WMG on innovative programmes. We aim to conduct research activities and leverage this knowledge not only for industrial advancement but also for societal benefit, stated Yadav. His UK visit got underway on Monday with discussions and a tour of the British Parliament followed by floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Parliament Square. Other highlights included a massive diaspora gathering organised by the Friends of MP, tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on Constitution Day at Ambedkar House in north London, a commemorative event to mark the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the High Commission of India in London and a stopover at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, north London. The six-day European visit will conclude in Germany on Friday, where Yadav has a similarly packed agenda to explore investment and comprehensive collaborative opportunities. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Peshawar Nov 29 (PTI) Security forces killed four terrorists during an operation in Pakistan's Northwestern Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, Military Media Wing said. The operation was conducted on intelligence-based reports about presence of terrorists in the Bagh area of Khyber district bordering Afghanistan. Also Read | Israel Launches First Airstrike on Lebanon Since Ceasefire, Accusing Hezbollah of Breaching Truce. The four killed included their leader, 'Batoor'. Three terrorists were wounded in the operation. Also Read | Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: India Has Called To Ensure Safety of Hindus, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Tells Parliament. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Beirut, Nov 28 (AP) Syrian armed groups launched a large-scale attack on areas controlled by government forces and seized territory in northwestern Syria, opposition groups said Thursday. The government and its allies responded with airstrikes and shelling to ward off the insurgent advances, activists said. Also Read | Israel Launches First Airstrike on Lebanon Since Ceasefire, Accusing Hezbollah of Breaching Truce. The violence has displaced thousands of families, and forced aid groups to suspend some of their services. Volunteers with the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, said at least 18 people, including three children and two women, were killed in two different villages in western Aleppo following airstrikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said the airstrikes were from Russian warplanes. Syria's armed forces said Thursday the offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which controls much of northwest Syria and is a violation of a de-escalation agreement. It said the attacks are ongoing and have targeted a number of villages and military bases. Also Read | Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: India Has Called To Ensure Safety of Hindus, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Tells Parliament. Turkey, which backs Syrian opposition factions, and Russia and Iran, which have backed government forces, reached an agreement in late 2019 that effectively froze the line of the conflict and prevented government advances in Idlib province, which has been the last stronghold for a mix of radical groups and Turkey-backed Syrian forces. Our forces are confronting the terrorist organizations with different power and in collaboration with friendly forces to ensure the situation returns to how it was," the army statement said. Opposition factions launched the offensive early Wednesday and claimed in a series of statements on social media that they have wrestled control of over 15 villages from government forces in northwestern Aleppo, capturing a military base and hardware, and taking a number of soldiers hostage. The offensive expanded Thursday to reach the countryside of Idlib province, where government forces control a major highway and a strategic town that was previously held by the insurgents, the armed groups and the Syrian Observatory said. The Associated Press could not independently verify those claims. The opposition fighters said their offensive will allow the return of thousands of displaced people who were forced to flee government bombardment in recent weeks. The offensive follows weeks of simmering violence in the area, where activists said government and allied Russian forces have stepped up their bombardment of parts of the last remaining stronghold of the opposition. The International Rescue Committee said at least 7,000 families have been newly displaced by the escalating hostilities and some schools and health facilities have been forced to suspend services, including IRC's own field operations. The offensive also came as Iran-linked groups, who had backed Syrian government forces since 2015, have been preoccupied with their own battle at home. Israel and Hezbollah, the lead group in the Iran-backed alliance, have been locked in a war that escalated since September. A cease-fire was announced Wednesday, the day the Syrian opposition factions announced their offensive. Israel has also escalated its attacks against Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets in Syria during the last 70 days. Formerly known as the Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of al-Qaida, HTS later changed its name several times and distanced itself from al-Qaida. Russia, along with Iran, backed Syrian government forces soon after the anti-government protests in 2011 turned into a war. Turkey has backed an array of opposition forces and established military presence in parts of northwestern Syria. Meanwhile, the United States has supported Syrian Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State militants largely in the east of the country. Turkey said Thursday it was closely monitoring the offensive launched by the opposition groups in northern Syria. Unnamed defense ministry officials quoted in the state-run Anadolu Agency said Thursday the Turkish military had taken all kinds of measures to protect its troops in Syria. Turkish security officials said on Thursday that Syrian opposition groups initially launched a limited offensive towards Aleppo, from where attacks targeting civilians originated. However, the offensive expanded as Syrian government forces began to retreat from their positions. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said opposition groups in Idlib had long planned an offensive to expel Syrian government forces and militias from the area to protect civilians. Turkey had previously prevented these operations to avoid escalating tensions in the region, especially amid Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The officials indicated that the offensive proceeded after Turkish diplomatic efforts to prevent government attacks were unsuccessful. The aim of the offensive was to reestablish the boundaries of the de-escalation zone, according to the Turkish officials. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Taipei [Taiwan], November 28 (ANI): Taiwan's armed forces conducted a comprehensive air defence drill on Thursday as China reportedly prepares for its third large-scale military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near Taiwan. The drill, which involved air, naval, and missile defence units, was conducted to strengthen readiness against potential aerial and missile threats, Taiwan News reported. Also Read | Israel Launches First Airstrike on Lebanon Since Ceasefire, Accusing Hezbollah of Breaching Truce. The Air Force Command stated that the exercise took place from 5 am to 7 am, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defence missile systems. Aircraft such as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were utilised, along with ground-based air defence missile units. According to Newtalk, the drill focused on practicing responses to enemy attacks on critical positions while integrating air defence, cyber-electronic warfare, and inter-branch cooperation across Taiwan's armed forces. Also Read | Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: India Has Called To Ensure Safety of Hindus, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Tells Parliament. The exercise emphasised safeguarding the 24-nautical-mile (44 km) contiguous zone east of Taiwan, often referred to as the "air raid alert line." Forces tested their capability to respond to sorties from Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighter jets launched from aircraft carriers like the Liaoning, reported Taiwan News. The Liaoning had previously conducted exercises off Taiwan's east coast in October, heightening regional tensions. These quarterly drills, previously known as the Lien Hsiang joint military exercise, are a critical part of Taiwan's defence strategy to counter growing threats from China's military manoeuvres. Reuters cited a Taiwan security official on Wednesday as saying that Beijing is likely to use President Lai Ching-te's upcoming tour of South Pacific allies as justification for launching Joint Sword-2024C. The anticipated Chinese military exercise is expected to demonstrate power projection in areas near Taiwan, intensifying the pressure on the island, Taiwan News reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Taipei [Taiwan], November 28 (ANI): Taiwan has revised its air raid alert regulations, reducing the threshold distance for warnings, Defence Minister Wellington Koo confirmed on Monday. The decision was attributed to escalating military provocations from China, as reported by Taiwan News. According to a report by RW Media on Nov. 22, the Ministry of National Defence quietly amended the regulations at the end of 2022. Also Read | Israel Launches First Airstrike on Lebanon Since Ceasefire, Accusing Hezbollah of Breaching Truce. The revision shortens the air raid warning range from 70 nautical miles (129 kilometres) to 24 nautical miles (44 kilometres), effectively leaving citizens with only three minutes to prepare in the event of an aerial attack. The report also revealed that the revised Regulations for Air Raid Alert Implementation were classified as confidential and had not been publicised, leaving few aware of the change. Also Read | Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: India Has Called To Ensure Safety of Hindus, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Tells Parliament. Addressing the matter in the Legislative Yuan, Koo explained the reasoning behind the adjustment. "This is mainly due to enemy threats," he stated, Taiwan News qupting Liberty Times. He pointed to China's increasingly provocative military behaviour, including repeated crossings of the Taiwan Strait median line, which he said has heightened the threat level. Koo emphasised that China's actions are undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region. The military, he assured, is actively monitoring Chinese movements to assess their intentions and formulate appropriate responses. "We could not possibly allow the People's Liberation Army to operate unopposed, and necessary countermeasures will be taken," he affirmed. The revised air raid warning regulations come as Taiwan continues to navigate rising tensions with China. The shorter alert threshold reflects the growing urgency to respond to potential threats as Beijing's military manoeuvres near Taiwan's airspace have become more frequent and assertive, reported Taiwan News. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London, Nov 28 (AP) A court in London has heard how three Bulgarian nationals allegedly passed secrets to Russia for nearly three years after carrying out surveillance across Europe on individuals and places of interest to Moscow. Prosecutors at the at the Central Criminal Court on Thursday claimed Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were part of a spy ring between 2020 and 2023. Also Read | Australia Hikes Student Visa Fee: Fees for International Student Visas Set To Increase From AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 From July 1, Centre Informs Parliament. It is alleged much of their activity took place across Europe, but that the coordination took place in the UK. At the time of the alleged offenses, the three defendants lived in London. Between 2020 and 2023 these three defendants together with a number of other people spied for the benefit of Russia," prosecution lawyer Alison Morgan said. Their activity caused obvious and inevitable prejudice to the safety and interests of the United Kingdom. Also Read | Australia Social Media Ban: Australian Senate Passes Social Media Ban for Young Children That Will Soon Be World-First Law. Morgan said the defendants were sophisticated" with regard to their alleged surveillance, for which they were paid significant amounts of money." The defendants have denied a charge of conspiracy to spy between August 30, 2020 and February 8 2023. Ivanova has denied a second charge of possession of false identity documents with improper intention The trial is expected to run until February. The alleged spy ring also included two more defendants, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, who have pleaded guilty to espionage charges, the court was told. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) K-Pop girl group NewJeans has been grabbing the headlines for the past few days for all the wrong reasons. On Thursday, November 28, the five-member girl group announced that they are leaving ADOR. The shocking announcement comes just days after they sent a certification of contents to their agency, demanding rectifications in their exclusive contracts within 14 days. Additionally, their notice included a warning that they would terminate their contracts if their demands were not met. It seems the unfortunate day has arrived. NewJeans Hanni Workplace Harassment Case: South Koreas Labour Ministry Dismisses K-Pop Idols Bullying Claims for THIS Reason. NewJeans To Leave ADOR! On Thursday, the members of NewJeans called for an emergency press conference and officially announced their departure from ADOR. During the press meeting, member Hanni said that their agency, ADOR, "neither has the ability nor the will to protect the group. Staying at the agency will only prolong our psychological pain and waste our time." NewJeans on Their Future Plans for the Group we really wish to be able to release new music for bunnies next year asap whenever and we rlly hope that we have the opportunity to meet you guys from all around the world.. daily reminder newjeans is not disbanding but redebuting with better company! NJ NEVER D!E pic.twitter.com/MatBzJ7FoO (@_hannibunch) November 28, 2024 ADOR Rejects NewJeans Contract Termination However, just hours after the hastily made announcement, an official statement from ADOR was released that told a different story. According to the statement, "ADOR, as the contractual party, has not violated the terms of the agreement. A unilateral claim of a breach of trust does not constitute valid grounds for terminating the contract. The exclusive agreement between ADOR and the NewJeans members remains in full effect. Therefore, we respectfully request that the group continue its collaboration with ADOR on upcoming activities, as has been the practice to date." NewJeans Hanni Workplace Harassment Controversy: ADOR Supports K-Pop Girl Group, Urges BELIFT LAB To Address Unnecessary Controversies. At the press conference, Hanni, Minji, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein also assured fans that they would not give up on their group name. They said, "We will not give up on the NewJeans name. We will continue to fight for our name. Regardless of our name, NewJeans will never die." (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2024 10:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Popular stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das had the incredible honour of hosting the 52nd International Emmy Awards. This opportunity came a year after he won the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series. Unlike the Primetime Emmy Awards, the International Emmys dont receive a full-fledged televised broadcastyou can only watch them on their official website. However, Vir Das made sure his fans didnt miss out by sharing his entire opening monologue on social media. International Emmy Awards 2024: Vir Das Hosts in Bold East-West Fusion Look by Designer Shubangi Bajpai (View Pics). In his signature style, Das delivered a hilarious roast, taking jabs at topics like American elections and Elon Musk with his trademark tongue-in-cheek humour. Even the Will Smith-Chris Rock slapgate incident from the Oscars 2022 and Joe Rogan weren't spared in the series of biting jokes. Toward the end of the monologue, he added a desi touch by quoting Shah Rukh Khans iconic line from Baazigar (1993): "Haar ke jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain" ("The one who wins after losing is called a champion"). While reflecting on the themes of success and failure, he couldnt resist adding a cheeky remark, reminding everyone that the character delivering the line later went on to murder quite a few people in the film! International Emmy Awards 2024 Winners: Drops of God, Division Palermo and The Vow Earn Major Honours! See the Full Winners List Here. Watch Vir Das' Opening Monologue at the International Emmy Awards 2024 Here: I was so grateful to host the International Emmy Awards @iemmys Did a monologue to very formal, very beautiful people from across the world about...well... pic.twitter.com/JZoyhgN1Mg Vir Das (@thevirdas) November 28, 2024 After leaving the audience in splits with his hosting here, we do hope that Vir Das gets further hosting duties in the West. Maybe he will get to host the Primetime Emmy Awards or even the Oscars one day. What say? (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2024 12:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, November 28: The Municipal Health Department on Thursday reported the first case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) -- viral brain infection that can lead to serious illness and death -- in the national capital after 13 long years. The disease reportedly affected a 72-year-old man from Bindapur in West Delhi. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on November 3 following chest pain. A case of Japanese Encephalitis has been reported from the Bindapur area under the West zone recently, as per an order issued by the Municipal Health Office on Thursday. JE is a zoonotic viral disease which is caused by the JE virus. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of this disease is high and those who survive may suffer with various degrees of neurological sequelae, the MCD noted. The virus last hit Delhi in 2011, infecting 14 people. Delhi Reports Isolated Japanese Encephalitis Case; No Outbreak Detected: Officials. Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional professor, Centre for Community medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS that the vector born JE is transmitted by the bite of culex mosquito, which breeds on dirty water, artificial collection of water. The clinical symptoms include fever, myalgia, body ache, and headache. In severe cases, the disease can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and hospitalisation, he said, adding that children are more at risk. The high risk among kids is due to lack of immunity, Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS. The expert added that farmers, labourers, or individuals working in areas near rice paddies or pig farms are also at increased risk. In 2024, 1,548 JE cases were reported from 24 states and Union Territories, as per data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. About 925 cases were detected in Assam alone. Meanwhile, the MCD informed that it has started the containment measures. It has directed all the DHOs and epidemiologists to intensify vector control measures including larval source reduction and community-based initiatives including awareness campaigns for prevention and control of JE. The experts called for JE vaccination in two doses for children and for preventing mosquito bites using bed nets, mosquito repellent, etc. They also urged people to keep the surroundings clean to stop the breeding of mosquitoes; and to consult a doctor in case of unexplained fever with headache. Delhi Reports 'isolated' Case of Japanese Encephalitis. According to the central government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2024 04:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, November 28: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government on Thursday after a blast occurred near PVR in Delhi's Prashant Vihar area. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal criticised the central government and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to "wake up and fulfil his constitutional duty." In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, "The people of Delhi are already living in fear due to the rising cases of murder, extortion and loot, and now a blast has occurred as well. Everyone has the right to live peacefully and safely in Delhi. Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, please wake up and fulfil your responsibility." The Prashant Vihar blast has once again thrust Delhi's law and order issues into the spotlight, intensifying the ongoing feud between AAP and the BJP over public safety in the national capital ahead of assembly polls slated for February next year. Around the time of the blast, AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj were addressing a press conference over the law and order situation. They released a "Crime Map of Delhi", documenting incidents like rapes, murders, and extortions within a 30-kilometre radius of the Union Home Minister's residence. Delhi Blast: After Explosion at Prashant Vihar, Investigative Agencies Looking for Motive, White Powder Recovered From Spot. The map aimed to highlight the central government's failure in maintaining law and order. "If the home minister cannot ensure safety near his home, how can the rest of Delhi feel secure?" Kejriwal questioned. Kejriwal said, "It was our responsibility to educate our daughters, and we fulfilled it. But the responsibility of protecting our daughters was with Home Minister Amit Shah, and he failed them." AAP's official handle on X later commented, "While Arvind Kejriwal was holding a press conference on BJP's failure to maintain law and order, Delhi faced another blast in Prashant Vihar. Amit Shah's failure couldn't be more evident." Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also condemned the incident, calling it a "breakdown of law and order" in the national capital. Speaking at a press conference, she highlighted the failure of law enforcement and safety measures, pointing out the alarming recurrence of violent incidents. Atishi compared Delhi's situation to 1990s Mumbai, where underworld activities dictated public life. She said, "Just two months ago, a similar blast occurred near a CRPF school in this area. This second blast underscores the central government's neglect of Delhi's security." Senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and MP Sanjay Singh joined the criticism, labelling Delhi as 'the crime capital of India'. Sisodia highlighted a series of violent crimes, including gang rapes, murders, and shootings, and said, "Incidents like the Prashant Vihar blast have turned Delhi into a city of fear. If the Union Government cannot handle law and order, it should hand over the responsibility to someone who can." Delhi Blast: Explosion Reported Near PVR Cinema in Prashant Vihar, Fire Tenders Rushed to Spot. Sanjay Singh further underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "Delhi is where the prime minister and home minister reside, yet the capital is plagued by gang wars, extortion threats, and murders. Who will the citizens of Delhi turn to for safety?" Paris, November 28: A female stowaway managed to bypass multiple security checkpoints at New Yorks John F Kennedy International Airport and boarded a Delta Airlines flight to Paris on Tuesday without a boarding pass or identification. The unidentified woman exploited the busy holiday travel rush to bypass two identity verification stations and board the aircraft. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that the woman underwent a complete security screening, ensuring she did not pose an immediate threat, reported New York Post. An individual without a boarding pass completed security screening (including on-person and bags) without any prohibited items, a TSA spokesperson stated. US Man Asks Flight Attendant for Sex, Tries to Open Aircrafts Door Mid-Air; Arrested After His Unruly Behaviour Forces Plane to Make Emergency Landing. The woman remained undetected until the end of the seven-hour flight, when a flight attendant discovered her in the bathroom. Passengers were not informed of the breach during the flight, but upon landing in Paris, the captain announced that French police would board the plane to handle the situation. Australian Man Runs Naked Through Planes Aisle, Knocks Down Flight Attendant; Arrested. Folks, this is the captain. We are waiting for the police to sort out the extra passenger on board, the announcement stated. Details about how the woman bypassed the boarding stations remain unclear. Authorities have not disclosed whether she was arrested upon arrival. Delta Airlines issued a statement emphasising the importance of safety and security, noting that they are conducting an exhaustive investigation in collaboration with law enforcement and aviation stakeholders. The airline assured that measures are being reviewed to prevent future incidents. The investigation remains ongoing. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2024 07:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Athens, November 28: Four people, including two children, have died after a boat carrying migrants ran aground on a rocky shoreline on the eastern Greek island of Samos, officials said on Thursday. Sixteen people were rescued, but it remained unclear how many were aboard the boat. The Greek coast guard launched a search-and-rescue operation involving patrol vessels, lifeboats, and land teams to locate any potential missing passengers. Migrant Boat Sinks Near Greek Island of Samos, Killing 6 Children and 2 Adults. It marks the second deadly incident involving migrants on Samos this week. On Monday, eight migrants six children and two women died in a shipwreck off the island. Samos and other Greek islands in the eastern Aegean Sea are key transit points for migrants crossing from Turkiye to the European Union, with arrivals in recent months that Greek authorities say is linked to ongoing wars in the Middle East and parts of Africa. A large population students in Easton Area High School are fluent in Spanish. Two new Spanish courses will allow these students to study their language at an advanced level. The Easton Area School Board approved two Spanish courses tailored for native Spanish speakers at Easton Area High School. The courses, Spanish 2 Native Heritage and Spanish 3 Native Heritage, will be among the high schools course selections for the 2024-25 school year. The board voted Nov. 19. Director of Secondary Education Michael Koch said the courses will allow fluent Spanish speakers to connect the language with their communities and cultures. This also allows our students to develop a sense of importance in maintaining their native language, he said. Easton Area High Schools student body is largely Hispanic, and many students are proficient in Spanish when they enter high school, Koch said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28.2% of Eastons population is Hispanic. Koch said these courses will allow these students to engage with the language at an advanced level. Imagine sitting alongside individuals who are just learning the vocabulary words versus sitting next to a student who speaks the language fluently, Koch said. We need to be able to diversify those offerings for our students. The new courses will allow native and heritage speakers to explore more complex literature and cultural topics that are not covered in the standard Spanish 2 and 3 courses, Koch said. Spanish 2 Native Heritage will develop students literacy skills and introduce them to literature that connects the language to other academic disciplines. By the end of the course, the district aims for students to communicate effectively in social, academic, and career settings; analyze and evaluate various media, including literary and informational texts; appreciate their native culture and understand others; and progress in reading complex texts through the study of native language variations. Spanish 3 Native Heritage will dive deeper into cultural experiences and bilingualism. The big hope here is to broaden the personal histories with cultural experiences of Latinos, and also to develop a critical awareness of the social, political context of bilingualism in the United States, Koch said. One goal of these courses is to increase student engagement in advanced language classes like AP Spanish. Koch said the school hopes AP Spanish Literature will return as a result of these courses. It has not run due to low enrollment in recent years. He said there will be no additional costs to the budget for the 2024-25 school year. The necessary resources and teaching staff are already in place. Koch said neighboring school districts with similar demographics have courses like this in place. Its a long time coming, he said. Chelsea Kun can be reached at ckun@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on instagram at @chelsealehighvalley. Errill drama group is back this month, and have announced their new play, 'Strictly for the Birds', written by infamous playwright, Sam Cree. The comedy production follows the Glover family, Muriel, Herbie, and their daughter, Susan, your normal, typical family. However, things soon take an exciting turn when Muriel and her best friend, and neighbour, Lily Dodds, win big when they draw the favourite in the Irish sweepstake in an impending horse race and are likely to win a large sum of money. When word travels, Muriels mother, who lives in Cherry Valley, descends on the household with the threat that life will never be the same again for the hapless Herbie. READ MORE: 'Memory & History': Laois town to host talk on the Great Famine Blending timeless writing and comedy, which is typical of Cree's work, the audience are in for a treat, with a hilarious evening of chaos ahead. The play will take place on Thursday, November 28, Friday, November 29, and will conclude on Sunday, December 1. Please note, not show will take place on the Saturday. Curtains go up at 8pm, with admission costing 12 for adults, and 5 for children, making it a perfect night out for all the family. Booking is not required and can be purchased on the night. Ireland has a unique and some say complicated electoral system so it's important to know how to vote when going to your polling station. The Electoral Commission says you will firstly need to check if you are entitled to vote. You can find details on the Commission's voter eligibility page. It is too late to register for the 2024 General Election. Once you are registered to vote and you meet the eligibility criteria for voting, a polling information card will be posted to your registered home address before polling day. When voting in Irish elections you will be provided with a ballot paper for each election you are eligible to vote in. When you arrive at your polling station on polling day, you will be asked to say your name and address. You may be asked for identification so have your ID ready for inspection. If the polling staff are satisfied with your identity, and your name is on the Register of Electors, the Presiding Officer will stamp the necessary ballot paper(s) and give them to you. You should make sure your ballot papers are stamped. If they are not stamped they will not be valid. Take your ballot papers into the private voting compartment or booth. The Commission says that filling your ballot paper in correctly is vital to having your vote count. Ireland uses proportional representation (PR) for voting in elections with each voter having a single transferable vote (STV). It is used in General, Local, European, Presidential and Mayoral elections. The Commission says that using the PR-STV system means that voters can vote for as many or as few candidates in order of their preference. Each ballot paper contains short instructions on how to vote. Voters are urged to read and follow the instructions on your ballot paper carefully. Pencils will be provided, but you can bring your own pen or pencil if you wish. The ballot paper will show a list of names, in alphabetical order, party emblems and images of each candidate. There will be a box to the right of each candidate's name. You mark your preference for each candidate in the box to the right. You mark a 1 in the box beside your first choice candidate and, if you wish, a 2 in the box beside your second choice candidate, a 3 in the box beside your third choice candidate, and so on to as many candidates in the field if you wish. The Commission explains what this effectively means. MORE BELOW PICTURE. By marking a 1 beside a candidate you are saying: I wish to vote for this candidate. By marking a 2 beside a candidate you are saying: If my first choice candidate does not need my vote because they have already been elected or excluded from the count, I want my vote to go to this second candidate. By marking a 3 beside a candidate you are saying: If my first and second choice candidates do not need my vote, I want my vote to go to this third candidate, it says. The Commission explains the purpose of a preference approach. This system of voting gives you a wide variety of choice. You can choose many different candidates and mark them in order of your preference. You can mark your preferences for as many or as few candidates as you wish. This is your decision, it said. To ensure your vote is counted, the Commission advised that you make sure you mark your preferences as clearly as possible. It adds that if you do not want to fill out a preference for all candidates on the ballot paper, the box beside those you are not voting for must be left empty. Voters are cautioned not make any other mark on the ballot paper. If you do, the Commission says your vote may be considered invalid/spoilt and not counted. If you have a visual impairment, a Ballot Paper Template will be available at every polling station and you can use it to cast your vote. When you have voted you should fold your ballot paper, return and place it into the ballot box at the same station. The Returning Officer in each local authority is responsible for managing their local election. Each local authority pays the cost of running their own election. The Local Authority also manages the Electoral Register. Aspiring Laois TDs were left in no doubt that retaining Ireland's derogation from the EU Nitrates Directive is the top issue for local farmers voting in this General Election. They were told that its loss would have a hugely detrimental impact on the economy of Laois because of the value of agriculture to the county. Micheal Bergin backed up the argument to retain the derogation with figures at the Laois IFA General Election hustings in the Killeshin Hotel last week which was covered by the Leinster Express / Laois Live. Last year Tirlan paid almost 2 billion to dairy farmers for milk and the Laois share of that was 163 m. Just to put it into farmer context. If you were to divide that between all the farmers in Laois, it would equate to 65,000 each. A third of that income is retained by the person who milks the cows but the other two-thirds percolates into the wider economy to support the services that farmers require for production. It creates jobs and sustains jobs in the county, he said. Mr Bergin said a significant number of the Tirlan employees at its plant in Ballyragget are from Laois. He said all of this is under threat from the loss of the derogation. 58% of all the milk that goes into Tirlan comes from derogation farmers, he said. He said the scale of the income earned from milk as compared to schemes like ACRES puts into perspective the importance of dairy. We are very very worried about the future if we lose derogation, he said. David Fennelly farms in Emo. He said he does not expect water quality results to improve in 2024 due to the wet year. We know that the loss of the derogation from an economic point of view will be devastating for the whole agricultural sector, he said. He said farmers know from the agricultural catchments programme that there is no correlation to the farm stocking rate and the contribution of water. MORE BELOW PICTURE. He said the loss of the nitrate review represents economic cost with no environmental gain for the country. It might do something for the climate action targets but it will not solve one bit of the water quality issue, he said. Mr Fennelly made a suggestion to the candidates. Farmers and politicians need a full economic and environmental analysis by Teagasc on the nitrates going into next year. We don't fully know what it is going to cost farming as a whole, sectors or the counties, he said. From an environmental point of view, he believes it could be counterproductive. It could have a worse impact on water quality because you will probably see farmers change their systems to higher inputs or high nature land could be brought into production, he said. Laois IFA Chairman Burns also spoke on the issue he said some farmers feel it does not impact them but he was adamant that it will affect all farmers. It will damage the dairy farming definitely but the dairy farmer will try to resolve that by renting more land but the land is not available for rent, he said. Mr Burns added that in 2008 1 billion was invested by the Irish Government when the Derogation was first introduced. We spent 1 billion then as farmers and a further 4 billion has been spent since on farms but we are not seeing the improvement in water quality and we have to be worried. You couldn't overestimate the importance of this to Laois, he said. While the fate of derogation is in the hands of the EU, farmers believe TDs from Laois must work at every level to lobby to prevent its loss. The candidates were unanimous in the efforts to protect the derogation. Maria McCormack of Sinn Fein replied first from the panel of seven General Election candidates to attend. We (Sinn Fein) are going protect derogation at all costs. The future of Irish agriculture depends on it, she said. Independent candidate Brian Stanley said the view in Dublin was that water quality will be solved if derogation is given. He said there would be a domino impact if it is lost. He also believes that Teagasc should be enlisted. We have to retain what we have, he said. Fianna Fail candidate Sean Fleming said his party rejects the view that a strong agri- food sector is inconsistent with water quality. We will be strongly making the case that due to the farming system here, due to grass-based and soil type, it is different from other countries, he said. He said Fianna Fail is promising a scheme for individual farmers who want to enter an agricultural support scheme. He said there will also be a water quality investment scheme if elected. Cllr Willie Aird said he is concerned both as a farmer and public representative. I get a knot in my stomach about derogation. It is very delicate and we are all very nervous, he said. The Fine Gael candidate called for scrutiny in other areas where water quality is impacted by waste. He said questions need to be asked about the impact of new housing and infrastructure on water courses. I think we are scapegoats in all of this. We are very easy to blame. Governments have to stand up on this, he said. The other candidates present all supported the farmers. Pauline Flanagan, Independent, said the accepted narrative that blames farmers needs to be corrected. Austin Stack, Fianna Fail, said farmers have not got the message across that they are balancing the work. Jason Lynch, Independent, said they had learned a lot from listening to the debate. A Laois General Election candidate has hit out at the 'unbearable' stress on nurses and other hospital staff caused by the HSE's recruitment curtailment policy which was subject to a big protest at Portlaoise hospital as the General Election looms. Independent candidate Cllr Aisling Moran joined frontline hospital staff in Portlaoise on Wednesday, November 27 as they protested shortage of personnel and the risks that causes. The lunchtime demonstration was organised by SIPTU and the INMO to highlight the pressure on hospital workers caused by the HSE Pay and Numbers strategy which they say is a continuation of the controversial staff recruitment embargo. Cllr Moran said in a statement that she has repeatedly raised concerns for frontline staff throughout her campaign and even long before hand at numerous Laois County Council meetings. The stress and strain they are under is unbearable and unsafe both for staff and patients. I have time and time again spoken of how they are not in the frontline but rather the firing line, and the victims of poor management and failed government policies. There wasnt a penny, not a mention in the budget of nurses, no plan to recruit and retain them as they emigrate in their droves. The same can be seen in teaching and in the guards, so many other jobs where this Government repeatedly fail to take action to attract staff who cant afford a home or even pay rent. Meanwhile, in the workplace they are run off their feet and unable to cope safely with whats demanded of them, Moran maintained. Showing solidarity at todays protest at Portlaoise Hospital was Cllr Moran's wife, Fiona, herself a former nurse. I quit, I had to get out, I was a nurse, but we were underpaid, understaffed and undervalued, I just got sick of it and left, she explained as she spoke to the SIPTU and INMO members on the informal picket. MORE BELOW PICTURE. For her part Cllr Moran asserts there is a different way, a better way to treat nurses and healthcare workers, rather than insulting them with pious platitudes, broken agreements, and dangerously low staffing levels. Its infuriating to listen to the Taoiseach in the leaders debate last night talking about how he understands the problem; how hes glad that question was asked; how he understands peoples anger, as if it has nothing whatsoever to do with him. Simon Harris has been in Government since 2011, 14 years hes had to solve these issues. "Along with the Tanaiste, Micheal Martin they are both former Ministers for Health and they have the health service in a disastrous and dangerous state, even though the country is supposed to be awash with money. Now they are offering more sympathy when whats required is more staff and better pay and conditions. Hes talking about the Rainy Day Fund, well the rainy day is here in the health service, in housing, in childcare, in disability services, in special needs supports, and all he has to offer is tea and biscuits and I feel your pain. The public are sick of it, and hell get his answer on Friday, asserted Cllr Moran. Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is taking a project truth approach to calling out Sinn Feins spending pledges as fears over future economic threats took centre stage in the Irish General Election campaign. Election results on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean have set the background for the final stretch of campaigning for Irish parties ahead of polling day on Friday. Donald Trumps presidential election victory in the US has brought heightened concern that his administrations proposals around corporation tax and tariffs would significantly impact Irelands economic model. Mr Harris, leader of Fine Gael, has argued Ireland and other EU countries need to prepare for the possibility of trade shocks as he criticised the scale of Sinn Feins spending pledges as well as their saving plans. He said: I think that is irresponsible, I think it is dangerous and I think it is reckless. He accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of not being able to say what her party was prepared to do in the event of an economic crash, adding that Fine Gael would borrow and stop putting money towards a rainy-day fund. Asked if the party was engaging in project fear to dissuade voters against Sinn Fein, Mr Harris said: I call it project truth. Its telling people whats being discussed right across European capitals. Ms McDonald told an RTE interview on Wednesday morning that a Sinn Fein government would also be prepared to start borrowing in the event of an economic downturn. Both Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who were partners in the last coalition government in Ireland, have made clear they will not countenance Sinn Fein as a potential partner in the next administration in Dublin. One day after the only three-way debate featuring the leaders of the main parties, Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein of being dishonest about how they will fund their manifesto plans. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he is anxious to get clarity on the issue. I think Sinn Fein have been very dishonest, frankly, in terms of the funds, because if you go through their figures, and this is a matter of fact, not opinion, theyre predicting a surplus of a billion in 2026, a billion in 2027. Even in 2025, theyre talking about a mini budget, which would mean reducing the surplus that were anticipating in 2025. Theres a legislative obligation now on any new government to put 0.8% of GDP to one side, and into the funds. Theres no way you can do that with a surplus of a billion in 2026 or 2027, and we would argue they would not have enough funds next year either to put into the funds. He added: It means they have no room to manoeuvre if things go wrong, if theres headwinds come externally, or there are shocks internationally, Sinn Fein is not allowing any headroom at all in terms of room to respond or to move it. Ms McDonald accused the other two parties of conspiring to keep Sinn Fein out of government and prevent change in Ireland. She said the two men were now indistinguishable from each other as she claimed they were suffering acute amnesia in regard to their records in government. On a visit to Naas fire station in Co Kildare, she said: To listen to them, youd imagine they had just arrived on the scene and that they were going to come up with all of these solutions. They have had ample chances, ample opportunity, to make things better, and they have failed, and in between the two of them I make the case that now we ask for our chance, with our plans, with our team, to demonstrate how change can happen, how your community, your family, yourself, can be supported when the government is actually on your side. Mr Martins and Mr Harris coalition partner Roderic OGorman, the leader of the Greens, issued a warning to the public over a future government without his party. On Wednesday, he said it is looking likely that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be returned to government but cautioned they may not want the Greens to continue fighting hard on policies. He told reporters: My sense is certainly the mood music from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that theyd like an easier life in the next government and my concern is they use these small populist parties and right-wing independents. Mr OGorman argued that the Greens could continue to provide stability to government at a time when economic shocks may be around the corner. As the Green leader suggested that relying on independents would be unstable, Mr Martin has also argued that too much fragmentation would lead to incoherence in government. Reflecting on Tuesday nights debate, the Fianna Fail leader said the race remained too close to call while Mr Harris said it is all to play for. The leaders of Irelands three main political parties clashed on housing, healthcare and financial management in the last televised debate before Fridays General Election. The tetchy debate, which was marked by several interruptions, saw the parties set out their stalls in a broadcast that commentators said did little to move the dial before polling day. The latest opinion poll on Wednesday put the parties in a tight grouping, with Fianna Fail slightly ahead of Sinn Fein and Fine Gael in joint second. After the 2020 general election delivered an inconclusive result, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties forged from opposing sides of Irelands Civil War of the 1920s, agreed to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power with the Greens as a junior partner. From 2016 to 2020, Fianna Fail had supported Fine Gael in power through a confidence-and-supply arrangement from the Opposition benches in the Dail parliament. Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020 but a failure to run enough candidates meant it did not secure sufficient seats in the Dail to give it a realistic chance of forming a government. The Sinn Fein leader has accused Simon Harris of scaremongering over his warnings about future economic shocks. Mary Lou McDonald said comments made by the Taoiseach in recent times, particularly in the wake of Donald Trumps presidential election victory in the US, were a mark of desperation. Ms McDonald is spending the final hours on the campaign trail in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown before she returns to her consistency, where she will attend the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in Ballybough before ending the evening by calling the numbers at her local bingo hall. Speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Ms McDonald was asked about comments from Mr Harris about the future of the economy. I think its scaremongering, she said. I think its a mark of desperation. I think he, like us, recognises that momentum for change. He recognises that the momentum for change is behind Sinn Fein. He knows that to change the government, Sinn Fein has to drive that. We are encouraging people, asking people to vote for us, to lend us your vote, to allow us, for the first time, to have a government led by Sinn Fein beyond Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. I think the numbers reflect the fact now in Irish political life that there is a world beyond Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Describing the election campaign as very eventful, the Dublin Central candidate said it has been sub-optimal for the government parties. We started off with the big two establishment parties, assuming that they had a home run, assuming that they would simply waltz back into government buildings, she added. We never thought that was going to happen. Why? Because we were acutely aware of the reality for people out on the ground, people who arent getting disability services and respite and carers who feel disrespected and left behind and not heard. Young people who cant afford their rent, a generation of people with no prospect of affording or owning their own home, rural communities that feel not just left behind but utterly disrespected by the outgoing government. The only way to change the government is to vote for Sinn Fein. The momentum for change is now behind Sinn Fein. We have never been nearer to achieving change. Its now over to you the voters. If you want change, if you want these parties out of government, lend your vote pic.twitter.com/33E0sz0rCQ Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) November 28, 2024 We always knew that there was a conversation to be had, a campaign to be run, and that people given the option, the real option, of a viable choice, that people would respond to that. I think weve been proven correct. For us, this has been actually a very lively campaign. Its been interesting. Its been, shall we say, sub-optimal for the parties of government. If they thought they were just going to waltz back in here, no, they shouldnt assume that. The people now will make the decision. I think its evident to anybody observing Irish society and politics objectively speaking, that after 100 years of Fianna Fail Fine Gael, the Tweedledum and Tweedledee, as I call them, now is the time for a new government. Now is the time for change, and the momentum for changes is behind us. As regards the Labour Party or any other individual, were going to talk to everybody. I believe in talking to people, what we all need to do first is gather our own mandate. A new album featuring the work of the late Athy musician Dave Donohue has just been released. Donohoe was often found at the heart of many a traditional session around Ireland - from early days at Clancy's Athy to the good old days of Harcourt Sessions in Dublin, to Galways Tigh Coili and Crane Bar and the infamous Thomastown Trad Fest in Kilkenny. Although Dave's ambitions were never to pursue the life of a professional musician, he was a master of bringing friends and strangers together through stories and song, and in 2001 close friend Tony Davoran convinced Dave to record a collection of songs he loved. About Milestone Milestone was originally recorded in Hollywood, Co. Wicklow over twenty years ago with a wonderful host of friends and musicians including Niamh Parsons, Eamonn de Barra, Mick Kinsella and many more. A new journey for Milestone After losing Dave suddenly to a heart attack in 2021, musician and friend Frankie Lane reached out to Daves wife Jadzia Kaminska, with an idea to raise awareness about heart health and heart attacks through music and song. On Valentines day 2022 Counter Attack was born - an online campaign which saw many musicians, including Sharon Shannon, John Spillane, Susan O Neill and Fiachna O Braonain, contributing a song and lending their voices to inspire greater consciousness, conversation and action. Following the campaign, Jadzia and daughters Kasia and Liadain, established Keep Her Lit Folk and Trad festival in Daves memory, in Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. The Counter Attack concert became a fixture of this festival, continuing to spread awareness through free open air live concerts. This special edition re-release of Milestone to vinyl is a continuation of these efforts to remember and celebrate Dave and raise awareness of heart health through music. All proceeds of this limited run of vinyl will go towards the Counter Attack campaign. All purchases made on Bandcamp Friday - 6th December - will see Bandcamp fees being waived. We cherish every tune, song and story that Dave brought into all our lives and Milestone is a collection of some of his favourite songs to sing from his eclectic collection of traditional and contemporary folk songs, said Jadzia. Praise for Milestone: "What I notice most about Dave Donohoe and this new recording is that he simply loves to sing. He has a passion and sings from the heart. It's infectious!" - Excerpt from a tribute by Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. "Freed from the strain of trying to be heard above pub din, Daves voice displays a new level of subtlety and sensitivity here" - Hotpress Magazine, original album review Kildare County Councils Procurement Office, in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office, hosted a Public Procurement briefing on Wednesday, November 20 to equip local small medium enterprises (SMEs)with the knowledge to successfully engage in Ireland's public procurement process. This briefing highlighted Kildare County Councils procurement plans for 2025, providing Kildare-based SMEs with valuable insights into opportunities for business growth. Each year, Irelands public procurement process sees over 8.5 billion worth of contracts awarded, with numerous SMEs demonstrating high success rates in securing them. One of the most effective ways for County Kildare businesses to grow is by understanding how to bid for and win public sector contracts. The seminar was structured to assist attendees in navigating the formal and often complicated process and bid more effectively for public sector opportunities. Eoghan Ryan, Director of Services, Kildare County Council, opened the seminar by highlighting the importance of transparency and local engagement in the procurement process. He said, Our procurement policies and procedures ensure that we are transparent in our dealings with potential suppliers and the public. Kildare County Council is committed to encouraging more local SMEs to engage in the procurement process. Each year, we spend millions on goods and services that support our work for the people of Kildare, and this briefing is designed to help more local businesses access and compete for these commercial opportunities. The briefing also provided an overview of Kildare County Councils procurement plans across five key departments: roads/transport, housing, environment, corporate services and enterprise and economic development. Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Kildare County Council addressed the event on the significant importance of SMEs in public procurement. She stressed, The most important thing local SMEs must do is understand the procurement process and prepare themselves to bid effectively. We have seen many Kildare-based companies not only win bids with Kildare County Council but also secure national public sector contracts. The Local Enterprise Office Kildare will continue to support local businesses by running further procurement masterclass workshops to ensure they have the tools and training to bid successfully. The seminar closed with remarks from Sabrina Fogarty, Procurement Officer, Kildare County Council who announced that this inaugural event would become an annual event. This seminar will continue to be an annual event for Kildare County Council to share our spending and procurement plans for the coming year. We also aim to keep local suppliers updated on the latest developments and innovations in Irelands public procurement process. Our national guidelines fully support SME participation, and Kildare County Council looks forward to engaging with more local businesses in the future, Kildare County Council is committed to fostering economic development, local enterprise, and community growth. Through its procurement policies, the Council aims to support SMEs and ensure that the public sector marketplace remains accessible and fair to all eligible businesses. By Henry Bauress Retired Leinster Leader journalist "How will it go, I was asked recently about Kildare North? So it was off to the online search machine and the older paper files to jerk, and, fill out my memory. Some headline moments flashed by. I arrived in Kildare North in 1988 to live in Leixlip, a time which coincided, approximately, with the emergence, at local level, of outgoing and now retiring Social Democrat TD, Catherine Murphy, among others, and the arrival of Intel. Kildare North has been an unusual mix of (mostly) majority conservative voting and, extending quite far back, a progressive left wing tint. The latter embodied itself in the presence of Catherine Murphy and the late Emmet Stagg, who was laid to rest in Straffan in March of this year. Emmet had started out in politics with views to the left within left, you could say in summary, and the public here re-elected him for many years but not in 2016 and 2020. Catherine had been in both the Workers Party and the Democratic Left before joining and leaving the Labour party, where she had clashed with Emmet. In 2020, Reada Cronin took a seat for Sinn Fein, which will be regarded as a major landmark in the history of elections in Kildare North. Then there were TDs like Charlie McCreevy (Fianna Fail) and, of course, Bernard Durkan (Fine Gael). Bernard, born in Mayo in 1945, is now the Dails oldest TD, is running again. Elected in 1981 he lost his seat in February 1982 and was elected again in November 1982. In 2002, he nearly lost out to Fianna Fails Paul Kelly, now a District judge It was Charlie McCreevys elevation to a European Commission post, which led to the Kildare North By-Election in March 2005. Fianna Fails Aine Brady topped the poll but Catherine Murphy won the seat, her first Dail seat win, following transfers. Some dubbed her an overnight success but her husband, Derek, told the Irish Times: It took her 17 years to become an overnight success. The one time Leixlip Town Commissioner was to become one of the Dails best known TDs and became a founding co-leader of the Social Democrats with another former Labour member, Roisin Shortall. Catherine lost the seat in 2007 and was elected in 2011. So, how will it go? I am duty bound to state that my prediction abilities have failed me on many, but not all, occasions. So I always go back to the election maths of our proportional representation system (which every citizen should learn). At the time of writing (November 21) it looks that around 92,500, 13% more than 2020, will be registered to vote in the election in Kildare North (which has a population of 139,011). The electorate has increased by 30% since its 71,311 in 2007, 17 years ago. Traditionally, they do not all vote. In 2020, the turnout was around 63% of those registered to vote. The government parties (FF, FG and the Greens) took 54% of the total first preference vote and the Social Democrat, Sinn Fein, Labour and others took 46%. Fianna Fail led the field with 26%. Catherine Murphy, the one Social Democrat, took 19%, Sinn Fein 17% and Labour, just over 5%. Will these proportions hold? I just dont know. In 2020, for example, Fianna Fails Frank ORourke got a higher first preference vote than Bernard Durkan but lost out. Transfers will matter. So does the extent to which the electorate vote for people they like or parties they like. When the tally people, the unofficial volunteers, who count the votes as they come out of the boxes on Saturday morning, November 30, we shall get a fair idea of the direction. You can keep an eye on the Leinster Leader/Kildare Live website for info on that. First Preference votes Whatever the motivations, generally the top vote getters on the list get the seats but sometimes this does not happen because a candidate with fewer votes gets more transfers elected or eliminated candidates. Kildare North will have five seats instead of four this time. Around 16 candidates are running (twelve in 2020). Assuming a 63% turnout on polling day - no guarantees on that - the quota would be 9,700 approx. Judging by previous counts in 5 seat/16 candidate constituencies it is likely a candidate will need to get at least half a quota on the first count or over 4,900 to have a chance to be elected. It does take courage to run for election. And sometimes not to run. Four Kildare students were amongst 82 students from across seven Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of Johnson & Johnsons prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Awards at its national event held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick. The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design. 82 students from Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University of Galway, Munster Technology University, Atlantic Technological University and Maynooth University have received awards as part of the programme. This marks a 33% increase in recipients compared to 2023, highlighting the programmes growing impact and recognition of talented female students in STEM2D fields. READ MORE: Maynooth unveils 'Elephant in the Room' sculpture This is the ninth year of the annual awards programme in Ireland, highlighting Johnson & Johnsons dedication to promoting female excellence in STEM. A day-long event, carefully structured to foster their growth and development was hosted by the Company at Thomond Park stadium. Attendees availed of workshops and breakout sessions, gaining essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for successful careers. Research published by the Central Statistics Office in February 2024 positions Ireland as the EU leader in STEM graduate output, but with a notable gender distribution: 53.0 male STEM graduates per 1,000 persons, compared to 27.4 female graduates. This represents the largest gender differential among all EU member states, highlighting the continued importance of initiatives focused on STEM education participation. READ MORE: Naas Hospital warns of long waiting times at Emergency Department The four Kildare students selected to receive the award were Sarah Byrne from Naas and Saumya Kothiyal from Celbridge both attending Trinity College Dublin, Lilian Halpin from Colbinstown and attends University of Galway, and Angela Leonardo of Monasterevin, a student at Maynooth University. Anna Rafferty, WiSTEM2D University Sponsor and Senior Director, Government Affairs Supply Chain, Technical Operation and Risk, Johnson & Johnson EMEA, said: Reflecting on the remarkable growth of the WiSTEM2D programme in Ireland is truly inspiring. Since our launch in 2016, this initiative has grown to support nearly 600 students across seven universities, creating pathways for young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields. "Our commitment to empowering women in these critical areas is not just a business priority; it's a core value that drives our innovation and progress. By investing in their potential, we are not only shaping the future of health and technology but also fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce essential for tackling the challenges of tomorrow. "Together, we are igniting a new generation of leaders who will redefine whats possible in STEM, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all." Each award recipient is set to embark on an inspiring journey, gaining access to a student award, industry mentorship, leadership training, career workshops, Johnson & Johnson site visits, and participation in WiSTEM2D events aimed at bolstering their future in STEM careers. Recipients of the WiSTEM2D Award were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork crafted by Fermoy-based artist Suzanne O'Sullivan, to mark their achievements. To learn more about Johnson & Johnsons WiSTEM2D programme, click here. Blaithin Gallagher, your Green Party candidate, stands for real change, tough decisions, and true commitment. Raised in a farming family in Leitrim, Blaithins father worked as a vet. She has lived in Dublin and the North West, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural and urban communities. Blaithins priorities include affordable homes, sustainable living, improving public transport, and fostering thriving communities. Passionate about rural Ireland, she champions sustainable farming practices that protect the land and reward farmers for their role in combating climate change. She believes in empowering rural Ireland to lead the green transition while improving local infrastructure. A creative producer, researcher, and problem solver, Blaithin has worked to enhance lives through the arts, ageing, disability, and health services. She has served on national and international boards, tackling tough issues with honesty and integrity. Her commitment to fairness and community makes her a trusted advocate for change. Politics needs people with courage and a willingness to follow through on commitments, Blaithin says. Im ready to represent Sligo-Leitrim with the skills, experience, and dedication you deserve. I am asking for your Number 1 vote. Greens deliver. Together, we can build a better future for Sligo-Leitrim. READ MORE: Michael Feeney honoured as Leitrim person of the year I am very proud and deeply honoured to have the opportunity to represent the people of this constituency, as your Aontu candidate. Aontu personifies honesty, integrity and backbone, and is the only party demanding accountability for the financial wastage and damage of this government. Aontu is the only party which stood with the people in the Family and Care Referenda last March and defeated the government in both. My party has vision. We are leading on critical issues: the cost-of-living crisis, housing, health, crime and anti-social behaviour, and supporting farmers, as well as seeking a common-sense Immigration Policy. Like my party leader, Peadar Toibin, I'm not afraid to 'rock the boat' and will always speak out passionately, to represent your needs and priorities. I will fight for balanced regional development that we in the North-West need and deserve. I will not settle for the 'crumbs that fall from the table' in this Dublin-centric government and state. I am passionate about the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor, as an essential element of infrastructure, for the benefit of Sligo-Leitrim and the wider North-West region, and integrated transport provision. I will continue to vehemently oppose the practice of 'Fracking' in Leitrim and beyond. Votail Graham Monaghan, Aontu #1 READ MORE: Declan Nerney brings his iconic country sound to the Island Theatre Pictured are owner Derrick Forde from Corrandulla, Co Galway, and Johnny Burke, also from Galway, on the halter. Pic Gerry Faughnan. In a stunning moment at the Winter Fair in Carrick-on-Shannon on Nov.25, a Limousin cross heifer calf achieved a jaw-dropping sale price of 30,000. The 345kg calf, owned by Derrick Forde from Corrandulla, County Galway, became the highlight of the day, attracting significant attention from bidders and onlookers alike. The young heifer stole the spotlight at Sunday's pre-sale show, impressing the crowd with her impeccable style and undeniable presence. Born in May 2024, she boasts an impressive lineage, being sired by Dovea Genetics Milbrook Dartangan ET, with her dam descending from the prestigious Belgian Blue bull, Empire DOchain. The exceptional animal was led by Johnny Burke, also from Galway, who expertly showcased the heifer on the halter during the event. The sale marks one of the highest prices ever recorded for a Limousin cross heifer calf at the Winter Fair, an event renowned for its impressive livestock and record-breaking prices. The fair, held annually in Carrick-on-Shannon, is a centerpiece of the agricultural calendar, drawing breeders and buyers from across the country. The quality of livestock on display consistently attracts top prices, but today's sale stands out as an extraordinary highlight. Speaking after the sale, owner Derrick Forde expressed his delight at the result. "This is a fantastic day for us," he said. "We always knew she was special, but achieving a price like this is beyond our expectations." The heifer's sale underscores the value placed on premium livestock in Ireland's agricultural sector and further cements the Winter Fair's reputation as a premier marketplace for top-tier cattle. As the agricultural community reflects on the record-breaking sale, the 30,000 Limousin cross heifer calf is sure to remain a talking point for years to come. Johnny Burke from Galway halters this Limousin cross heifer calf (345kg) owned by Derrick Forde from Corrandulla, County Galway, which sold for 30,000 at the Winter Fair in Carrick-on-Shannon today (Monday). Pic: Gerry Faughnan A charity provided emergency accommodation for an extra 32 homeless families in Dublin last year, its annual report showed on Thursday. A record 205 families took refuge in The Salvation Armys three family hubs across the capital, compared to 173 in 2022. The 2023 report shows that in Houben House (Harolds Cross), Clonard Road (Crumlin) and Greencastle (Coolock), a combined 76,000 meals were served to parents and children. Young mother Chloe Coffey, 25, is among the new residents at Houben House. A problem with the creche attended by her four-year-old son Jackson, who suffers from a life-limiting heart condition, forced her to leave her job meaning she was unable to afford her 2,700 euro monthly rent. She recently outlined her plight directly to Housing Minister Darragh OBrien and party leaders during a housing special on RTE 1s Upfront programme. I left my job and just could not sustain the rent and I had to declare myself homeless, she said. Im very grateful to have somewhere over my head but you cant cook a meal and supervise your child in a communal kitchen, you cant do both at once. I dont even want to get up in the mornings, Im constantly crying, then (my son) is wondering why is mammy always upset? "I was privately renting a property for 2,700 a month issues came across with my boy's creche, I left my job and couldn't sustain the rent, and I had to declare myself homeless" Chloe speaks to Katie about facing Christmas while living in a homeless hub.#rteupfront pic.twitter.com/2LVFvFLyDJ Upfront with Katie Hannon (@RTEUpfront) November 11, 2024 Staff in the church and charitys three family and three adult-only hubs Granby Centre, York House and Rease House work to alleviate the pressure of homelessness through a wide range of activities organised for residents. These include programmes to prepare them for independent living, employment schemes, stress reduction activities, walking groups and support groups based on the Twelve Steps of Recovery programme. Despite the enormous difficulties, our families work hard to see beyond their current circumstances, engage with our services and work towards a better future for themselves and their children, said The Salvation Armys Divisional Commander in Ireland, Marion Rouffet. There are many different issues related to homelessness that will prevent people from living to their full potential lack of adequate housing options, financial difficulties, mental health challenges and language barriers. We work on all these issues to help people move forward in their lives. Our dedicated staff work with housing agencies to find suitable accommodation and we also design and deliver several classes and workshops to help people learn about budgeting, healthy eating and other skills vital for life beyond the family hub. The annual report also reveals that staff at some of the homeless family hubs are sometimes at risk of compassion fatigue, due to their work with individuals exposed to trauma. The charity operates a health and wellbeing policy for staff to help with the potential for prolonged interactions having a significant impact on mental and physical health. It also runs an active chaplaincy service, which offers pastoral support to residents, staff and families. The Salvation Army, funded by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE, is one of the largest providers of emergency accommodation in Dublin, providing more than 250,000 bed nights a year across its six lifehouses. Social Democrats Gary Gannon said his party has maintained a consistent message through the General Election campaign. The Dublin Central TD said appointing a senior minister for disability services will resolve the issues around disability infrastructure. Speaking on OConnell Street on Thursday, Mr Gannon said that while there are messages about a strong Irish economy, there is a failed health service, high childcare fees and expensive homes. He described the campaigning as tiring but inspiring. This is a campaign that started off with party leaders dancing, and three weeks since, theyre not dancing anymore, he said. Tomorrow, we have an opportunity to vote for a better future. Vote Social Democrats #1 for a more fair, equitable and livable Ireland.#DedicatedToDublin#GE24#Dublincentral#SocDems pic.twitter.com/be81agVqac Gary Gannon TD (@GaryGannonTD) November 28, 2024 The reason nobodys dancing is because you have to go knocking doors to meet the people whose lives are impacted by the decisions we take every single day. We have made it clear in this campaign and throughout our journey, it is that public services paid for through taxation are the cornerstone of any Republic, which is why we will not equivocate on that message. Our message is one that has been received well, it is one that has been consistent. Social Democrats have momentum. Our ideas are permeating throughout Irish society, with 26 amazing candidates, all with strong possibilities of taking seats. People are hearing every day about a strong economy, and after hearing about a strong economy, theyre telling me about the failed health service that we have, the fact that their children, their adult children, cant afford to leave their homes, the fact that the childcare infrastructure in this country is too expensive. Weve heard that every day. He added: Ourselves, were proud of the consistency of our message. You know, right from day one, party leader Holly Cairns made it very clear that for the Social Democrats to be brought to the negotiating table, what we needed was a senior minister for disabilities as a red line issue. But we didnt make that statement just for the headlines. We made it because were seeing every single day, because of the absence of the importance of disability infrastructure in this country, it is devastating today. We have momentum. I think what weve done has resonated. Were proud of the campaign weve run and were proud of what we have done. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close COALFACE, a data science and digital company based in Raheen has been acquired by Granite, a digital agency with bases in Dublin, Galway, Cork and New York. The tie-up will see Granites workforce grow to more than 145 digital specialists. Its revenues are expected to exceed 18m next year. A seven figure agreement, the deal is comprised of both cash and equity. READ MORE: Late Limerick student described by Dad as a 'beautiful, young woman' who made family proud Adrian Feane, the chief executive of Coalface joins the Granite team as part of the acquisition. Coalface manages more than 220m in annual online revenues across 68 countries. Coalface worked alongside 20 blue-chip clients including Aer Lingus, An Post, Allianz Care, Laya Healthcare and Continental. Granite digital chief executive Conor Buckley said: The acquisition of Coalface aligns with our vision of cementing Granite as a leader in the digital transformation space. Coalfaces advanced AI capabilities and innovative approach to data science boosts our service offerings, allowing us to deliver increased value to our clients. This partnership provides marketers with enhanced visibility into their marketing performance and a broader suite of tools to meet their business goals. Mr Feane added: Joining Granite is a very exciting step for the team and clients at Coalface. Having already worked closely together with Granite on multiple projects, we could clearly see the benefits of a full integration of our operations to deliver more complete solutions for our highly valued clients. This new venture creates further opportunities for us to shape a more data led approach to how marketers define their digital strategies. A COUNCIL official says he will discuss the possibility of allowing regular traffic along the OConnell Street bus lane for the Christmas period in an effort to help boost city centre trade. John Gannon, senior council engineer was responding to calls from council members and a business group to temporarily lift the restrictions on the bus lane after a trader complained of tailbacks as far as Corbally. The bus lane is licensed with the NTA (National Transport Authority), under licence with the NTA. We will have a discussion about that. Thats a discussion I will have with Brian Kennedy, the director, in relation to that, Mr Gannon said. Previously, another director of service Kieran Lehane said alterations like these on Limericks main thoroughfare I would imagine are costless. READ MORE: NCW Womens Shed break tradition and bring politics to the table ahead of General Election Its a difficulty which has to be negotiated with the NTA, he acknowledged. Owen Silke, of Catherine Street firm Silkes Stationary, initially spoke on the matter at the November metropolitan district meeting, after he was invited as part of a delegation from the Limerick City Centre Traders Association. Access to the city centre is a massive thing. Cars as we all know are being actively discouraged from coming into the city centre. Really at this present time, the public transport system is not where it needs to be. Until gets up to the level required, we still need cars getting into the city centre, he said. He claimed at the moment, traffic can sometimes be backed up to Corbally as a result. At the same time, there is an empty bus lane running up O'Connell Street on the left hand side which to me makes no sense until the buses are ready to go on it, Mr Silke added. Metropolitan district leader Kieran OHanlon said: I think opening the bus lane to traffic will be very helpful. It's a nightmare. I come in from Clare Street, I'm a native of Limerick born over 70 years ago, and I know most of the traders have Limerick at heart. If you cannot get into the city centre, people are going to go to the shopping centres outside. I think even for a specified period, over Christmas, let's open up the bus lane. He claimed some people are using the route anyway, and there is no law enforcement to stop this. All these cycle lanes and bus lanes are all very well. But when they are preventing people coming into the heart of the city, they are creating problems as well, Cllr OHanlon added. Labour councillor Joe Leddin agreed, saying: I think opening up the bus lanes is a very practical cost-free option and I would support the Cathaoirleach in this process. It should be done without delay. Meanwhile, Senator Maria Byrne has said if Fine Gael returns to government, Limerick will get a city centre taskforce. This would include Mayor John Moran, representatives of the Limerick Chamber, city centre traders and other stakeholders. Fine Gael is committed to ensuring Limerick becomes a city that is safer, stronger, and brimming with opportunity. To this end, public safety must be a priority. Everyone deserves to feel secure and proud in our streets and public spaces, she said. Mr Silke said: Weve been pushing for this for the last eight months. It's fantastic news for the city. GARDAI are investigating a break-in at one Limerick home, where the perpetrator rode off into the night in the family car. A thief broke into a house at the Hermitage, Mill Road, Limerick city at 1:52am on Tuesday, November 12 and made off with the familys car, a grey Ford Ranger Crew Cab. He forced the rear door to get inside the house, said garda John Finnerty of Henry St garda station. READ MORE: New nursing home to serve the wider south Limerick and north Cork area Once inside he stole the keys to the family vehicle. This is a Ford Ranger Crew Cab with a 211 Dublin registration. The thief used the keys to steal the Ford Ranger that was parked outside the house. Unfortunately, we dont know where the Ford Ranger was taken to. This vehicle is still missing and has not been located yet. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have seen this vehicle at any stage since November 12 to contact Mayorstone garda station on 061 456980. LIMERICK City and County Council has been shortlisted in the category of Public Space and Planning at the 2024 KPMG Property Industry Excellence Awards. This recognition is for the innovative and sustainable Go Green Routes Horizon 2020 project on the Castletroy Greenway in Limerick. The KPMG Property Industry Excellence Awards, in association with the Irish Independent, celebrate outstanding achievements in the property sector across Ireland. Limerick City and County Council chose the Castletroy Greenway as a brown site blank canvas to deliver a sustainable, inclusive, co-created design for both the community and nature. With a strong focus on natural play, the area has been remodelled to create what is said to be a space of interest for young and old. Existing trees on-site suffering from ash dieback have been recycled into play equipment, art features, insect hotels and ground cover. READ MORE: Final call for businesses to grow The landscape has been reshaped to create mounds covered in wildflowers and swales at low points and along paths. The project provided the opportunity to create linkages between fragmented (sub)urban greenspaces and implement nature-based solutions that focus on contributing to green infrastructure in keeping with the principles of European Green Infrastructure Strategy. Carmel Lynch, a senior executive engineer, environment and climate action at the Council, said: We are thrilled to be recognised for our efforts in transforming public spaces. The Go Green Routes Horizon 2020 project on Castletroy Greenway is a shining example of how we can create green, sustainable, and enjoyable environments for everyone. This shortlisting in the KPMG Property Industry Excellence Awards highlights the hard work and vision of our team. The winners of the 2024 KPMG Property Industry Excellence Awards will be announced at a gala event in the Convention Centre, Dublin on Thursday, November 28. THE DOOR to power in the next Dail will be unlocked in constituencies like Limerick City, where the major parties are hoping to gain an extra seat to put them on the path to victory. Four seats are up for grabs in this ultra-competitive urban constituency. And we can expect a battle royale for the fourth and final seat here, with a number of high-profile local politicians hoping to make their breakthrough to the Dail. Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and Fine Gael have all provided their more established candidates with running mates. No fewer than eight candidates running in the City constituency also contested the maiden election to be the first directly elected mayor - that experience clearly whetting their appetite for representative politics. Unlike at the 2020 General Election, where candidates were campaigning in both Limerick and parts of North Tipperary, it's an all-Treaty affair this time. The constituency is dominated by the city and its suburbs, but extends north-eastwards to the county boundary with Tipperary. The three areas of the Premier County formerly in Limerick City - Birdhill, Kilcomenty and Newport - have been returned to Tipperary North. Fianna Fail veteran Willie O'Dea - first elected in 1982 - will be hoping to return to the top of the poll, having sacrificed the mantle to Sinn Fein rival Maurice Quinlivan last time. Like in 2020, Fine Gael's Minister of State, Kieran O'Donnell, is joined on the ticket by Senator Maria Byrne. Labour councillor Conor Sheehan has his eyes on winning a seat, which had been held by the party since the days of the late Jim Kemmy, and only lost in 2020 when former Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan missed out. If there is to be a battleground area of the City constituency, it could, arguably, be Castleconnell. For there are three candidates on the ballot paper, based in the village. Former chief executive of Limerick Chamber, Dee Ryan, is Mr ODeas Fianna Fail running mate, having been the highest polling party candidate in last summers mayoral election. Senator Paul Gavan of Sinn Fein, whose addition alongside Mr Quinlivan has raised eyebrows, is also based in the area. And Dean Lillis, an Independent from Castleconnell is a late entry to the race. READ MORE: Gardai arrest 34 people in major operation in Limerick town Kieran ODonnell, FG, of Monaleen, has also traditionally polled very well in this part of Limerick. Independent councillor Frankie Daly was beaten to the final seat four years ago by Green TD Brian Leddin, and both men are running once again, having also faced one another in June in the contest to become Limerick's first directly elected mayor. Flying the flag for the Social Democrats is Cllr Elisa O'Donovan, and Cllr Sarah Beasley is representing Aontu, both candidates having contested the mayoral election. Independent Ireland is running Esther Aherne from Patrickswell, who missed out on election to City West in the summer by a whisker. Another candidate who missed out on a council seat, albeit in Cappamore/Kilmallock, is Glentworth Street solicitor Michelle Hayes, who is running as an Independent. With the overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick always a hot topic, Melanie Sheehan Cleary is running on behalf of the Mid-West Hospital Campaign. She is the mother of Eve Cleary, who died in 2019, aged just 21, only hours after being discharged from University Hospital Limerick. Elsewhere, city centre man Ruairi Fahy runs for People Before Profit, and Moyross man Dean Quinn is contesting for The Irish People. He ran in City North at the local elections as an Independent. LIMERICK CITY (FOUR SEATS) Esther Aherne, Independent Ireland Cllr Sarah Beasley, Aontu Senator Maria Byrne, Fine Gael Melanie Cleary, Mid-West Hospital Campaign Cllr Frankie Daly, Independent Ruairi Fahy, People Before Profit-Solidarity Senator Paul Gavan, Sinn Fein Michelle Hayes, Independent Deputy Brian Leddin, Green Party Dean Lillis, Independent Deputy Willie ODea, Fianna Fail Deputy Kieran ODonnell, Fine Gael Cllr Elisa ODonovan, Social Democrats Deputy Maurice Quinlivan, Sinn Fein Dean Quinn, National Alliance Dee Ryan, Fianna Fail Cllr Conor Sheehan, Labour THE HOTLY-contested final seat in Limerick City could be decided on peoples eighth, ninth and tenth preferences. Thats the view of Maura Adshead, Professor of Politics and Public Administration at University of Limerick (UL) who, like many others, has predicted a battle royale for fourth place. She has forecast, in no particular order, Willie ODea, Kieran ODonnell and Maurice Quinlivan taking the first three seats in Limerick City. But, after that, Prof Adshead says any number of candidates could prosper. In the past, left-wing voters in the former Limerick East constituency coalesced behind Labour big beasts, the late Jim Kemmy and former Education Minister Jan OSullivan. But Prof Adshead says due to the number of candidates on the left this time, the vote could scatter and let another candidate down the middle. There are a large cohort of people who have always voted to the left. Now they have to choose between Brian Leddin, Elisa ODonovan, Paul Gavan, Conor Sheehan and Ruairi Fahy. Where do they put their number ones? And what happens to their number twos and threes and fours? she asked. If that left vote is so dispersed across five candidates, there is a real danger they wont have enough first preferences to stay in the race to collect the second and third preferences, added the UL academic. READ MORE: Limerick homeowners face battle over pyrite home repair costs We could be looking at eighth, ninth and tenth preferences. Two candidates running in the City - Dean Quinn of Moyross and hospital campaigner Melanie Sheehan Cleary - she believes, will bring out voters who might not normally have their say at a General Election. Where will their second and third preferences go to? Its possible they might bring out little bits of the electorate which would make a difference when we are talking about this spread, added Prof Adshead. An interesting factor, she added, is Sinn Fein, who appear to be making some late gains in the crucial final hours before polling day. Back in 2020, the party confounded critics by winning almost a quarter of the vote. However, there was a feeling among the party faithful that many seats were left behind due to the fact they only ran one candidate in areas. Prof Adshead has used the Goldilocks and the porridge principle here. First they didn't do enough seats, then they did too many. You wonder if they will get it just right now, she said. Across in the county, Prof Adshead thinks it will be a case of as you were, with Niall Collins, Patrick O'Donovan and Richard O'Donoghue all being returned. She thinks Mr O'Donoghue, the Independent Ireland general secretary, will be the chief beneficiary of transfers from Independent and smaller party candidates. He will be presented as a change to the norm. The irony is even though [the smaller parties] might get a few protest votes, it's not going to change anything at all. As for how the next government will look, the UL academic believes it will be, once again, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail going into coalition. There will be a tidal wave of Independents, she predicts. Possibly enough of them to shore up a Fine Gael- Fianna Fail administration. One thing she does feel is that Fianna Fail will remain just ahead of Fine Gael. This, she says, is because there are so many high-profile Fine Gael TDs not contesting the election. It's interesting with Micheal Martin - even though he is Tanaiste - because he took over foreign affairs, you'd barely notice he'd been demoted. With all the stuff on Gaza, and Trump, he has maintained this statesmanlike position. He's been out of leadership for the bike shed and the recent disappointments, so I think this might leave him in a better position, she said. Two victims of a paedophile former teacher and principal have told how they have never been able to get over the abuse they suffered. Paul Dunleavy, 89, a former Christian Brother, was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday on 36 charges of historical sex offences dating from 1964 to 1991 while he worked at four schools in Northern Ireland. One of the victims from Belfast told the PA news agency how the abuse started at school when he was just five years old. He said: He was waiting when you arrived at school, always wanted to get kids into the car, sat you on his knee. Thats how it started. When you were five or six, you didnt know what is right or wrong. You didnt talk to anybody about it. It went on for a few years. Not only did it happen to me, but I witnessed it happening to other young boys. As I started to get older I started to realise things were wrong. People say time is a healer but this never goes away. There is always something to remind you. You can be watching TV and something will be a trigger. You are always fighting the battle in your head, there is no peace. The victim came forward to police after seeing a report on TV about other abuse carried out by Dunleavy. He said: I went to the police. I thought, how can I tell my story? It was too difficult. I gave them bits of the story, the rest is something that will stay with me. The man told of his emotions after seeing Dunleavy in person for the first time for decades during his trial at Belfast Crown Court. He said: I just wanted to kill him, I still want to. There was no sign of remorse. I dont want an apology from him, but if he would just admit what he has done, that would be something. Another victim from Co Down said Dunleavy began to abuse him in the late 1960s at primary school. He said it had a devastating impact on his life. He said: I have tried in the past to kill myself. I have done a lot of self-harming. I started drinking as a child. All I wanted to do was get drunk to numb the pain. I didnt care if I lived or died. The man said it took him decades to tell police about what had happened to him. He then had to face his abuser in court. He said: I didnt recognise him in court. He was an old man, he didnt have any power over me any longer. He looked old, frail. It was nerve-wracking having to give evidence. He wouldnt admit what he had done. I live with guilt because maybe if I had said something sooner, some of these people wouldnt have had to go through what they did. He added: You try to put it out of your head, but it always comes back. There is not a day goes past that you dont hear something which triggers it. There are a lot more victims out there. The reason I came forward is because I think there are hundreds more. Artificial intelligence could play a pivotal role in addressing the global climate crisis, according to Yann LeCun, Chief AI Scientist at Meta, in a compelling discussion with Nikhil Kamath on theWTF Podcast. The episode, part of the series WTF is Really A.I.?, delved into how AIs transformative power can be harnessed to combat climate change and drive sustainability. LeCun described AI as a "force multiplier for human intelligence," arguing that its ability to process complex datasets, simulate outcomes, and propose innovative solutions could revolutionise environmental policy and governance. AI as a Catalyst for Sustainability During the conversation, LeCun highlighted AIs potential to analyse intricate environmental patterns and deliver actionable insights. He pointed out that traditional methods of addressing climate challenges often fall short due to the complexity of the systems involved. AI, however, offers the tools to identify trends, predict outcomes, and optimise resource management at an unprecedented scale. The key to solving many of the worlds problems lies in making people smarter, and AI can be the catalyst for that transformation, LeCun explained. He emphasised the importance of combining technological advancements with informed governance to accelerate progress in tackling climate issues. Kamath echoed this sentiment, noting that AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible, allowing individuals and smaller organisations to contribute to global sustainability efforts. "The democratisation of AI means that we no longer need massive institutions to solve big problemsan individual with the right tools can drive meaningful change," he said. Also Read | Nikhil Kamath questions if real estate prices will ever crash; expert answers Opportunities for Indian Innovators LeCun also spotlighted Indias potential to lead in AI-driven sustainability solutions. With its diverse challenges and a vast pool of technical talent, India is uniquely positioned to pioneer innovations in areas like renewable energy, precision agriculture, and waste management. India has the talent, diversity, and challenges that make it the perfect testing ground for AI-driven solutions, LeCun remarked, encouraging young entrepreneurs to focus on scalable solutions that could benefit millions. Indian startups have a unique opportunity to create local solutions with global applications. With AI, the possibilities for driving environmental impact are endless, Kamath added. While optimistic about AIs potential, LeCun cautioned against ignoring the ethical considerations surrounding its use. He stressed the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and public discourse to ensure AI applications in climate action are equitable and free from bias. At Lords Mark Industries Limited, led by Sachidanand Upadhyay, we are committed to fostering positive change within the industries we operate in and actively contributing to the advancement of society as a whole. A dynamic and rapidly growing conglomerate with business units in Solar, Diagnostics and MedTech sectors, the group strives to drive innovation, quality and excellence in everything they do. Sachidanand H Upadhyay is the key promoter of Lords Mark Industries Ltd. A technocrat with a keen vision for growth, he leads the group from the front. Born on December 3, 1977, his educational foundation was laid at Vidya Mandir School in Dahisar. However his entrepreneurial aspirations were ignited by the likes of Shri. Ratan Tata. Commencing his professional journey with M/s Ion Exchange (I) Ltd, Upadhyay garnered extensive experience through pivotal roles in renowned corporations such as Nutrients Confectionery, Hindustan Lever Ltd. and Blue Dart, before he ventured out on his own in 1998 with Lords Mark Industries. Leveraging his expertise in the paper industry to find a firm footing in the business firmament, he has since then diversified into Solar/LED industry, Healthcare, Automotive and Pharmaceutical sectors. With a legacy spanning 25 years, the group has now established itself as a prominent player in the market. As part of their growth strategy, they have expanded their presence with subsidiaries in upcoming and growing sectors of the Indian market like EV, insurance, defence, biotech and MedTech. They are also actively exploring opportunities for expansion into the global market. Under Upadhyays leadership, Lords Mark Industries has grown exponentially in the past decade. Realizing the importance of technology and the need to keep abreast with the evolving needs of the consumers, he has developed an ecosystem that is always tuned in to the environment. This thinking is the core of the DNA of the group. Keeping value creation at the heart of every decision, the company has prudently spread itself across four business units including paper, renewable energy, healthcare, and diagnostic and EV infrastructure technologies. In the future, it plans a big foray into the Automotive, Insurance and Organic space. Its vision is to deliver value to all stakeholders and partners by creating sustainable businesses and becoming a globally recognized brand in conglomerate industries. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and social responsibility, Upadhyay is an excellent example of a leader who has worked continuously in the direction of fulfilling the companys vision of delivering value to each stakeholder and partner by creating sustainable businesses. Under Upadhyay, Lords and its subsidiaries have made a mark in Electric Vehicle, Genome Testing, Vitamin Industry and Healthcare. Growth through diversification has become the norm for them, emerging as the cornerstone of their success. The Lords Group has been engaged by the Government of India for its Smart City projects to provide solar lighting systems. The company has tied up with the worlds largest electronics conglomerate Philips, to provide solar lighting in Bihar, installing the smart solar street light system based on RMS (Remote Monitoring System). Lords has also joined hands with the Government of India in SAUBHAGYA to provide lights to every home in a village UPNEDA-UP, APDCL-Assam. Sachidanand Upadhyay certainly is lighting up a bright future for the country. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. New Delhi: Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Thursday ordered an investigation into Google's policies on download of apps from Google Play, its app store, and on advertisements, taking a first impression view on a reference by WinZO Games Pvt Ltd. alleging that the digital economy giant has abused its dominant position. Google denied the allegations in its response to CCIs queries, the order issued by the competition watchdog showed. The mobile gaming platform alleged that Google Play, which hosts third-party app developers, restricts download of apps offering real money games of skill and, therefore, these games have to be downloaded from their websites, known as sideloading. The gaming platform alleged that when users access their website for sideloading them on android devices, a disclaimer or malware warning is displayed. The gaming company claimed this warning tarnishes its reputation, resulting in loss of business. It also alleged that when a user makes a payment for playing skill-based games using Google Pay, another warning is shown. It also alleged that Google allowing seamless download of two real money games on its play store as part of a pilot programme while showing warnings during sideloading other apps on android devices will have the effect of eliminating level-playing field. Also read | CCI to move Supreme Court to break logjam in Amazon, Flipkart anti-trust case The investigation will cover Google LLC., Alphabet Inc., Google India Pvt. Ltd. and Google India Digital Services Pvt. Ltd., the opposite parties in the case. Queries emailed to Google on Thursday evening seeking comments for the story remained unanswered till press time. CCI said in its order that the payment warnings are purportedly presented by Google as part of its compliance with regulatory guidelines issued by authorities such as RBI and National Payments Corp. of India (NPCI). But, given WinZOs claim that these warnings are not displayed in the two game applications listed on the play store, CCI considered it appropriate to get to the bottom of it. The regulator asked its director general to investigate whether these warnings adversely affect the competitive landscape in online gaming. On a holistic consideration of the facts and circumstances of the present case, the Commission is of the prima facie view that Google appears to be in violation of three sections the Competition Act dealing with abuse of dominance, which warrants detailed investigation. Also read | Mint Explainer: Why is CCI worried about the impact of AI on competition? Real money games Google told CCI that if it offered online real money games on the play store, it may be viewed as an online gaming intermediary. Also, an online gaming intermediary can only offer real money games that have been allowed by a self-regulatory body, which are yet to be designated. Google also told CCI that there is potential for conflict between central and state regulations on online gaming. Given this fragmented regulatory framework, allowing all real money games to be distributed on play store would expose Google to legal risk under the gaming laws of some states and the amended IT Rules. It may also pose regulatory risks for users and developers alike, Google informed CCI, the watchdog said in its order. Google also told CCI that the legal and regulatory uncertainty in offering real money games in India has influenced its decision not to include India in the list of countries where these are allowed. It ran a short-term pilot project to study the landscape in India, Google said. Saumya Singh Rathore, co-founder of WinZO Games, told Mint that the CCI's order was a step towards restoring fairness in the digital ecosystem. Monopolistic practices stifle innovation and hinder competition, which are the lifeblood of any thriving industry, said Rathore. Also read | Competition regulator sets up panel to brainstorm conflict-of-interest norms This decision is a significant move to ensure equitable opportunities for all players, fostering innovation and creating a level-playing field that benefits both businesses and consumers, Rathore said. An underappreciated force behind great technological change is intenseand pettyrivalry. In the war of the currents" in the late 19th century, Thomas Edison electrocuted stray animals to discredit Nikola Tesla. A century later Steve Jobs traded insults with Bill Gates during a battle between Apple and Microsoft. Even Silicon Valley," a satirical HBO series, starts with a feudand the priceless quip: These are billionaires, Richard. Humiliating each other is worth more to them than we will make in a lifetime." In the world of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the scrap between Elon Musk and Sam Altman is in the same league. It is both silly and captivating. Silly because they insult each other, try to discredit each others chatbots and fight over who meant what almost a decade ago when they co-founded OpenAI . Captivating because, fuelled by grievance, Mr Musk has created xAI, maker of a series of large language models (LLMs) called Grok. It has its sights set on OpenAI, now run by Mr Altman, which became wildly successful with the release of ChatGPT two years ago. While OpenAI was last valued at $157bn, xAI, which is less than two years old, is already reported to be worth $50bn. xAI is desperate to catch up. In September it fired up the worlds biggest supercomputer in Memphis, built in record time with 100,000 of Nvidias graphics processing units (GPUs), at an estimated cost of $4.5bn. Mr Musk promised to double the size within a few months. xAI is raising money hand over fist: $5bn in its current round, according to the Wall Street Journal, on top of $6bn in May (OpenAI has raised $6.6bn this year). The cash and computing power will help train the third generation of Grok, which Mr Musk, with his usual rambunctiousness, has promised will be the worlds most powerful AI by every metric". Time is of the essence: as ChatGPT showed, the first model to display a superior level of intelligence can leave the rest in the dust. Mr Musks AI company has other advantages. The man attracts brilliant engineers; xAI recruits from the top LLM labs as well as from Tesla, his electric-vehicle maker. The LLMs are partly trained on data from X, Mr Musks social-media platform, which (for all its toxicity) provides up-to-the-minute information. xAI stands to benefit from familial ties with Tesla and SpaceX, Mr Musks rocket-and-satellite firm. Both generate valuable data on the real world: Tesla via the cameras that it hopes will support fully autonomous driving, and SpaceX via its view from space. Though some investors resent the way Mr Musk takes from one company to give to another, he argues that xAI will ultimately help him realise his dream of creating autonomous cars, robotaxis" and humanoid robots. Such ambitions may help xAI get its hands on scarce GPUs because Jensen Huang, Nvidias boss, shares Mr Musks sense of higher purpose. What Elon is doing is so cutting-edge. Jensen loves that," says Umesh Padval of Thomvest Ventures, a venture-capital (VC) firm. Yet compared with OpenAI, xAI is still an underdog. OpenAIs partnership with Microsoftthough strained at timesgives it access to infrastructure not even the worlds richest man can match: Microsofts capital expenditures, mostly on GPUs and data centres, are expected to exceed $150bn in 2024-25. Combining the products it sells directly to its customers with those sold via Microsoft gives OpenAI a roughly 70% share of the LLM market. That is still a big lead. The risk is that Mr Musk turns what should be robust corporate competition into a knife fight. Earlier in November he filed an amended lawsuitthe third version this yearagainst OpenAI and its backers, with xAI as a plaintiff and Microsoft as a defendant for the first time. It repeats accusations that Mr Altman and his co-defendants abandoned a non-profit, safety-first mission, partly funded by Mr Musk, in order to get rich. OpenAI disputes this. The suits latest allegations are that OpenAI and Microsoft hobbled competition by restricting OpenAIs investors from putting money into AI rivals and through what it calls a de facto merger. In January the Federal Trade Commission, an antitrust body, launched an inquiry into Microsofts ties with OpenAI, as part of a broad look at AI investments. Some OpenAI investors fear that Mr Musk could use his influence with President-elect Donald Trump to encourage the FTC to dig deeper. One of those investors, Alexandre Azoulay of SGH Capital, a VC firm, accuses Mr Musk of using lawfare" against OpenAI rather than fair competition. But for its part, OpenAIs defensive strategy veers worryingly near to wrapping the company in the flag. One person close to OpenAI portrays it as a champion in Americas tech war with China. Its innovation is foundational to US successnot just economic competitiveness but who prevails between the US and China," he says. In fact, Americas technological edge would be best served by both firms slugging it out in the marketplace, not by either of them pulling political and geopolitical strings. In the meantime, all the elements are in place for a blockbuster remake of Silicon Valley" for the AI era. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com When the Biden administration said in March that it supported legislation that could ban TikTok, Tony Sayegh jumped into action. Sayegh, the head of public affairs at one of TikToks biggest investors, had become an unofficial adviser to the Chinese-owned social-media giant as it navigates survival in the geopolitical crosshairs of the worlds two superpowers. He turned to a seemingly unlikely potential savior for TikTok: Donald Trump, then the presumptive Republican nominee for president, who had initiated the effort to ban TikTok in his first term. Sayegh started back-channeling to Trumps closest advisers, making the case that it was foolish to hand wins to both President Biden, who would appear tough on China, and Meta Platforms, which Trump believed had hurt his re-election bid in 2020. Hours after the White House indicated support for a TikTok ban, Trump came out in favor of TikTok. If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business," Trump posted on his social-media network Truth Social, referring to Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg with a Yiddish obscenity. At TikTok, executives celebrated. Their optimism grew when Trump was elected to a second term this month, raising the prospect that he could make good on his campaign pledge to undo the ban and give the app new life in its most important market. TikTok has reached out to Elon Musk in recent weeks for insight about the incoming administration, The Wall Street Journal reported. Musk is both owner of a rival social-media platform, X, and one of the president-elects closest confidants. It is still far from certain what will happen. The law requiring a sale or a ban passed with overwhelming bipartisan congressional support. TikTok filed a lawsuit in May, challenging the law, and a court decision is expected by early December. If TikTok loses that suit, it faces being banned or sold by Jan. 19, one day before Trump takes office. Trump would face constraints in trying to alter that course. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.), chair of a judiciary subcommittee, said last week the president-elect can try to change the law but cant ignore it. A spokeswoman for Trump said he plans to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver," she said. What is clear is that TikTok executives believe that Trumps victory gave the company its best shot at remaining in the U.S. And they credit this potential lifeline in part to Sayegh. This account of Sayeghs role in TikToks shifting fortunes is based on interviews with current and former executives at TikTok and parent company ByteDance, investors in the company, and current and former U.S. officials. The son of immigrants from Lebanon in the 1960s, Sayegh grew up in Brooklyn and then Westchester County, in a suburb of New York City. He was obsessed with becoming a child actor. I went to many, many an audition," he said in a podcast earlier this year. I didnt get called back a lot." He has said the experience taught him not to fear failure and encouraged him to pursue his other passion, politics. After graduating from George Washington University, he worked briefly for his familys stone-importing business before joining a prominent Republican consulting firm and, later, Fox News. He joined the Trump administration as the Treasury Departments assistant secretary for public affairs. A devout Catholic, he made the sign of the cross before entering the Treasury Department in part to thank God for the dream job. After that, he ran the impeachment-defense war room in the White House. In 2023, he became head of public affairs for Susquehanna International Group, one of the biggest investors in ByteDance. A Pennsylvania-based investment company, Susquehanna was an early investor in ByteDance and now holds a stake of roughly 15%, which based on recent share buybacks could be worth more than $45 billion on paper. Roughly half of that stake is personally owned by Susquehanna co-founder Jeff Yass, a Republican megadonor who supported many libertarian-leaning members of Congress opposed to banning TikTok. TikTok executives have long known their Chinese parent company could worry lawmakers who feared Beijing could lean on ByteDance for information about TikToks users or to influence the content TikTok serves. TikTok has said it wouldnt comply with such requests, but has simultaneously pursued strategies to distance itself from ByteDance. After Trump said he would ban TikTok in 2020, TikTok pitched a plan called Project Texas to try to wall off U.S. users data from China. Executives at TikTok believed Project Texas would have assuaged Trumps concerns had he won the 2020 election. Trump didnt win, and under Biden, momentum to ban TikTok in the U.S. accelerated. TikToks chief executive, Shou Chew, in early 2023 assembled a dream team of advisers to defend TikTok. Susquehanna often lends support to portfolio companies, and leadership believed TikToks predicament warranted close attention. Susquehanna sent Sayegh in to help. Sayegh is close to Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle, and maintains regular calls with people in Trumps orbit, according to people familiar with his outreach. Sayegh regularly attended the meetings of TikToks political advisers, who included former Obama administration advisers David Plouffe and Jim Messina. The sessions often focused on how to win support from leading Democrats and Republicans. Sayegh later indicated to the group he was trying to get Trump himself to join TikTok. TikTok had advantages over other social networks, including never having banned Trump from its platform. Before the April legislation to ban or sell TikTok, the platform had had what executives viewed as productive conversations with the Trump campaign about joining their app, and Sayegh told campaign executives that if Trump joined TikTok, it could help him court young voters. Trump eventually joined TikTok in June, saying in one of his first videos that he would save TikTok." Sayeghs boss, Yass, has also backed Republicans through conservative advocacy group Club for Growth that has rallied conservative opposition to a TikTok ban, and Trump spoke at a Club for Growth retreat earlier this year, saying he and the group were back in love." Meanwhile, Sayegh and other TikTok executives leaned on conservative influencers, including Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk, to help make their case. Throughout campaign, Sayegh kept Chew informed of his progress. TikTok also approached other Republicans to join their influence campaign. It hired one of the lobbying firms closest to Trump, Ballard Partners. Additionally, ByteDance board member and investor Bill Ford maintains contact with people close to Trump, and his wife donated more than $800,000 to Trump and other conservative groups in the past year. Since the election, Sayegh has continued to meet with members of Trumps inner circle. Executives at TikTok and its parent company say they hope that Trump will delay enforcement of the ban, and could find a way to negotiate a deal to keep it operating in the U.S. despite the difficulties of repealing the law. On election night, Sayegh watched the results come in at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, where Trump was also in attendance. When Trump won, Sayegh and other TikTok executives celebrated again. Raffaele Huang contributed to this article. Write to Georgia Wells at georgia.wells@wsj.com, Dana Mattioli at dana.mattioli@wsj.com and Stu Woo at Stu.Woo@wsj.com New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government has granted a second extension to Adani Green Energy Ltd for supplying renewable power after the company missed two earlier deadlines citing transmission unavailability, said three people aware of the development. Adani Greens original deadline of March was extended to September. It now has until 25 December to begin supplying renewable energy to the state. In one of the largest green energy supply agreements in India, Adani Green was contracted to supply 3,000 megawatts of renewable electricity to Andhra Pradesh starting in 2024, another 3,000 MW in 2025, and an additional 1,000 MW in 2026. To Mint's queries on the extension from the Andhra Pradesh government, a spokesperson for Adani Green said the scheduled completion date of the companys renewable power projects under power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) had been constrained by end-to-end evacuation availability and readiness". Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI), a government agency under the ministry of new and renewable energy, facilitates the development and implementation of solar energy projects in the country by issuing tenders. It also procures power from developers and sells it to state power distribution companies. In this particular case (for supply to Andhra Pradesh), the estimated availability of transmission system as updated on CTUIL (Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd) website is April 2025 and then in January 2026 for 1GW each. Recognizing the above delay, SECI has extended the (scheduled completion dates) for our project to match with above timelines and we are fully committed to supply energy under the PPAs," the Adani Green spokesperson said in an email reply. This extension for Adani Green in Andhra Pradesh comes even as the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led state government was considering suspending the power supply agreement with the company, according to a Reuters report. The report came after US authorities last week indicted the Adani groups founder-chairman, Gautam Adani, and other executives for allegedly bribing Indian government officials for solar power contracts. Adani has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless." A senior Andhra Pradesh government official said Naidu was examining the facts in the case. ... If he finds anything unlawful, the matter will be brought to the cabinet. The right decision will be taken in the best interest of the state," the official said, asking not to be identified. R.P. Gupta, chairman of Solar Energy Corporation, said he had no information" about the developments, in a reply to a text message from Mint. Spokespersons for SECI, the renewable energy ministry, Andhra Pradeshs energy department, Southern Power Distribution Company of A.P. Ltd, and Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Ltd, did not immediately reply to queries emailed on Wednesday. Media reports incorrect In a regulatory filing early on 27 November, Adani Green Energy said media reports of charges by US prosecutors against Gautam Adani, his nephew and Adani Green executive director Sagar Adani, and the companys chief executive Vneet Jaain, were incorrect". Gautam Adani is also the chairman of Adani Green. The US Department of Justices indictment does not include these three Adani executives in any corruption or bribery counts, Adani Green said in a statement. Media reports stating that Mr. Gautam Adani, Mr. Sagar Adani, and Mr. Vneet Jaain have been charged with violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) are incorrect," the company said. Adani Green has an operational capacity of 11.184 gigawatts and has plans to increase its green energy portfolio to 50 GW by 2030. The company, which also manufactures solar and wind power components, is developing the worlds largest renewable energy plant with 30 GW capacity at the Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat at a total investment of 1.5 trillion. Adani Green shares ended Wednesdays trading 10% higher at 988.40 apiece. Former Chief Minister of Andra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday strongly refuted the allegations that the Adani Group paid bribes to state officials for solar power purchases during his party-led government, reported PTI on November 28. Reddy also said that his name was not mentioned anywhere in a US court's indictment on the matter, as per the report. Earlier, after the controversy broke out over the allegations, Reddy said that he met the Adanis (Gautam Adani or any of his family members) multiple times during his tenure as the CM of Andhra Pradesh, which was not unusual. Nowhere it mentions that incentives were offered to me because there is no way anybody can offer incentives to me, first of all. And businessmen meeting heads of states is not unusual. This in fact is an ordinary practice, Reddy told reporters. He also said that the allegations of bribes are all hearsay, and nobody has said that he or somebody else has taken bribes. There was no mention of my name. Please go through whatever those people (in the US) have said. Somebody should be a fool to name me or anybody else because I never dealt with them, he said, reported the news agency. Reddy mentioned that the agreement was between the buyer, AP DISCOMS, and the seller Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and there were no third parties involved. And where is any third party there? If somebody is so foolish and so stupid and somebody goes by hearsay and speaks some kind of nonsense and stupidity, nobody can help, he said, reported the agency. What was the agreement? With the agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for the power supply deal at 2.49 per unit, the state would be saving over 1 lakh crore over 25 years, the former CM was quoted as saying in the report. According to the order of events, the former CM said the state received a letter from SECI offering 7,000 megawatts of solar power at 2.49 per unit, waiving the Inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges on September 15, 2021. The agreement was signed on December 1, 2021. Also Read | Kenya court blocks govt from concessioning airport after scrapping Adani deal He also mentioned that there were no interstate transmission charges as the power is produced within the western state itself, responding to the reports over Gujarat Discoms getting a cheaper price. Nobody is so insane to scrap this kind of deal, said Reddy according to the report. The current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, had earlier said that the state was in possession of the chargesheet reports filed in the US related to the alleged bribery and also promised to act on the claimed irregularities. Naidu earlier said that the allegations involving the YSRCP regime and the Adani group are a very sad development. On the other hand, Reddy said that he will file a defamation case for 100 crore against some regional newspapers for allegedly distorting the facts and publishing stories, if they do not apologise within 48 hours, as per the agency report. The YSRCP party last week said that the power procurement of 7,000 MW was approved by the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission in November 2021, after which the Power Sale Agreement (PSA) was signed on December 1, 2021, between SECI and AP Discoms. Mumbai: International Holding Company (IHC), the investment arm of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, emerged as the second major investor to affirm its faith in the Adani group after US federal prosecutors indicted Gautam Adani and others for allegedly bribing Indian government officials. "At IHC, our investment strategy is guided by a commitment to long-term growth and sustainability. We understand that matters involving individuals are distinct from the operations and potential of the businesses they represent," an IHC spokesperson said in an emailed response to Mint. IHC, which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, is the third-largest foreign investor in Adani, having put in $2.5 billion. Other large investors include French energy major TotalEnergies ($3.85 billion) and American investor GQG Partners ($3 billion). Last week, US-based GQG Partners backed the Ahmedabad-based ports to renewable energy conglomerate in a note to its investors. The current value of the firm's investments across seven listed Adani companies is more than $8 billion. Also read | Mint Explainer: What is the US indictment of Gautam Adani all about? The IHC spokesperson said, "Our partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors." While it continues to evaluate new information and developments, its outlook on the Adani group is unchanged, the spokesperson added. The Adani group has denied all the charges by the US prosecutors and said it would seek legal remedies. All of this is based on likelihoods and hearsay from former employees of Azure Power and CDPQ places the US DoJs and US SECs action against Adani on dangerously shaky ground both morally and legally," the Adani group said in a press statement Wednesday. The 11 listed Adani group companies had lost a combined $55 billion in market capitalisation as of Wednesday following the public intimation of the charges last week, the conglomerate said in a press statement. US charges Last week Gautam Adani, his nephew and Adani Green Energy executive director Sagar Adani, and Adani Green Energy managing director Vneet Jaain were charged by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission for alleged bribery. Prosecutors alleged the executives paid several Indian government officials a combined 2,029 crore in bribes for favourable power supply agreements, and charged them with three counts of alleged securities and wire fraud. Two former executives of Azure Power and three former executives of Canadian investor Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) were also implicated by the American prosecutors. Also read | Adani indictment: FCPA cases take long to conclude Adani bulls cut positions before indictment On Monday, Mint reported that two days before the US indictment, bulls on two of the group companies' derivatives counters slashed their long positions, saving them from massive losses that hit the group shares after the news broke. Certain traders holding futures positions in Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports squared off or closed out a substantial part of these on 19 November, two days ahead of the carnage. Wednesday (20 November) was a holiday for assembly elections in Maharashtra. Also read | Adani bribery case: Accused executives new company landed a $1.2 billion investment pact from REC in September On Adani Enterprises' active futures contract, traders squared off 16.27 lakh shares on 19 November, reducing outstanding positionsopen interest (OI)by 8% to 1.78 crore shares with the contract price closing down 0.25% to 2,819.55 a share, National Stock Exchange (NSE) data showed. On Thursday, after news of the indictment broke, the contract, which takes cues from the spot price, tanked 23% to 2,178.55. The crash was driven by bulls further liquidating their outstanding positive positions by 2.29 million shares or 13% to 15.5 million shares. New Delhi: The Committee of Creditors (CoC) of the bankrupt airline Go First has voted to appoint Dinkar Venkatasubramanian as the liquidator for the airlines liquidation proceedings. The resolution professional counsel submitted the CoCs recommendation to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for approval on Thursday. However, the NCLT did not pass the approval order on Thursday and deferred the decision, scheduling the next hearing for 6 December. It is expected that the tribunal will pass the liquidation order and may approve the CoCs proposed liquidator at that time. Venkatasubramanian is a Chartered Accountant and is registered as an Insolvency Professional with the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India. He is a partner at Ernst & Young Restructuring, specializing in crisis stabilization, liquidity management, and the restructuring and turnaround of distressed companies. He is an expert in sectors such as retail, industrial products, infrastructure, healthcare, and automotive components. Also read: Mint Explainer: The Cape Town connection to the Jet Airways, Go First insolvencies Venkatasubramanian's appointment was finalized after the NCLT rejected Go First's plea to appoint the current resolution professional, Shailendra Ajmera, as the liquidator. The tribunal clarified that Ajmera could not continue in the role, though he could still be involved in the liquidation process in another capacity. Go First filed for liquidation in September, citing the lack of viable assets or a revival plan. In its liquidation petition, the airline had requested that Ajmera be appointed as the liquidator. Third-party foreign funding In the case , the resolution professional (RP) had also requested the NCLTs approval for third-party funding from a US-based entity to support Go Firsts arbitration case against engine maker Pratt & Whitney at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). The airline is seeking $1 billion in claims against Pratt & Whitney over faulty engines that led to the grounding of its fleet and its voluntary insolvency in May 2023. Earlier, RP informed the NCLT that creditors had already spent around 160 crore on litigation since the insolvency filing and were unwilling to provide additional funds for the Singapore arbitration. The RP argued that third-party funding should be treated as a loan, repayable from the liquidation proceeds. However, the NCLT emphasized that under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), liquidation proceeds must first be distributed to operational creditors, not foreign third-party funders. Also read: Go Firsts foreign funding push to test Indias insolvency framework In response, the tribunal also pointed out that the government has not yet approved foreign third-party funding for insolvency cases under the IBC. It warned that allowing such funding could set a precedent, leading to more similar requests from corporate debtors. The RP highlighted that the arbitration claim was Go Firsts last significant asset, as all 54 of its leased aircraft had been deregistered and reclaimed by lessors following a Delhi High Court order in April 2024. Go First has engaged US-based litigation finance firm Burford Capital, which is prepared to provide $20 million in the first tranche to finance the arbitration. While litigation finance is a well-established practice in countries like Australia, the UK, and the US, it is still relatively new in India, with few reported cases. In these countries, litigation financiers cover legal costs in exchange for a portion of any successful settlement or award. Go Firsts lenders are relying on this arbitration as their final opportunity to recover dues. They are also separately pursuing recovery through land collateral pledged to them, along with other remaining assets such as aircraft parts and machinery, which could provide additional recovery avenues. The Delhi High Court on Thursday deferred the trademark infringement case between Elon Musks Tesla Inc and Gurugram-based Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd to April 2025 after both parties said they were still undergoing mediation at the Delhi Mediation and Conciliation Centre to settle the dispute. On 2 May, Tesla Inc filed its first lawsuit in India, accusing Tesla Power India of trademark infringement and misleading consumers by implying an association with its electric vehicles. Tesla Inc said this caused confusion among customers and could harm its reputation as it looked to enter the Indian market. The court then prohibited Tesla Power from promoting and selling products bearing the Tesla trademark. On 30 May, Tesla Power told the court it had instructed its partners and vendors to remove the Tesla logo from electric scooters made by e-Ashwa with which it had a marketing tie-up to comply with the 2 May order. On 4 June the court referred the case for mediation after both companies agreed to try and resolve their issues. Tesla Power said it had no intention of manufacturing and marketing electric scooters under the Tesla brand. It added, however, that 699 e-Ashwa scooters bearing the Tesla trademark had already been sold by its partners and dealers. The court told Tesla Power to take additional steps to comply with its orders and refrain from engaging in any electric-vehicle business using the Tesla trademark. Tesla Inc told the court that Tesla Power was still selling e-scooters with the Tesla logo, despite agreeing not to, and argued that this constituted a violation of the court's order. It claimed Tesla Power not only had a similar trademark but was also advertising itself as an EV company in newspapers, misleading consumers. It said customers had mistakenly purchased Tesla Power batteries in the belief that they were associated with the US company, and had sent complaints to Tesla Inc. Mumbai: Piyush Gupta, the former managing director of venture capital firm Peak XV, on Thursday launched Kenro Capital to target late-stage secondary deals, as demand for exit opportunities among early investors in startups rises. The fund will eye deals in financial services and consumer sectors with a focus on tech-led companies, Gupta told Mint. The firm plans to deploy $20-30 million per investment, with flexibility for larger amounts through co-investment opportunities, he added. This comes months after Gupta exited Peak XV to launch his own fund after identifying a gap in the market for secondary funds. Consider the hundreds of venture firms, founders, employees and corporate venture capitalists investing in startups. When they have to think about an exit, who do they turn to? Theres nobody. And thats the opportunity we are focusing on, he said. Gupta also said that Kenro is in discussions to raise funds, but did not divulge more details. Also read: Peak XV is far from the Sequoia tree. Can it retain its parents aura? Within the focus sectors, Kenro Capital will target minority stakes in growth companies that have achieved revenue scale, are profitable or are near profitability. The company will also prefer firms with the potential of a public listing in 2-3 years after its investment. Gupta believes that a secondary-only fund is essential in India today due to the maturing VC ecosystem, with some funds now 17-18 years old, creating demand for exits. He added that with the Indian IPO market opening, secondary funds have clearer and more reliable opportunities for liquidity. Capital markets have deepened a lot, and the IPO exit flywheel is working slowly, he added. Kenro Capital will focus its investments on growth secondaries in India and Southeast Asia's venture ecosystem. Gupta is joined by Norbert Fernandes, a private equity professional who has worked with Temasek, IvyCap Ventures and TR Capital. While Fernandes will be based out of Mumbai, Gupta will continue to be stationed in Singapore, with plans to build their team to five to six investment professionals in the fund. Also read: Why you should approach the SME IPO market with extreme caution The startup ecosystem in 2024 has started to see a resurgence in late-stage funding, particularly in pre-IPO rounds. At the same time, many companies that previously raised funds at sky-high valuations, and had shifted their focus toward profitability, may enter the funding queue once again after sitting quiet for the past two to three years. Kenro Capital sees this as an opportunity, too. There are rounds happening that are flat compared to the last round, and in some cases, some of them are even down rounds. Were not counting on it, but thats generally how valuations come into a comfort zonewhen the general market gets beaten down, including high-quality assets, said Fernandes. Mumbai: Godrej Enterprises Group, one of the two entities formed following the split of the 127-year-old Godrej Group earlier this year, adopted a new logo on Thursday in a bid to differentiate itself. The change is subtle. The new logo retains the stylized Godrej name in cursive - as required by an agreement between the two Godrej factions - but the tri-colour scheme has been dropped in favour of a solid purple. Godrej Industries Group, the other faction, so far has retained the original logo. To consumers, the change may be too insignificant to tell the two Godrej folds apart. But executives hope that investors can now easily differentiate between the two. "We have seen, for instance, that when we have done a press release on, say, an aerospace launch, people think it's done by Godrej Industries, and their share price goes up, joked 75-year-old Jamshyd Godrej, the chairman and managing director of the Godrej Enterprises Group. Also Read: No money given to Adani so far for Sri Lankan port project, says US development agency Godrej Enterprises consists of the unlisted company Godrej & Boyce, which has 14 lines of business including aerospace, defence, locks, consumer durables and furniture. The Nadir Godrej-led Godrej Industries, on the other hand, comprises listed companies Godrej Industries Ltd, Godrej Properties Ltd, Godrej Agrovet Ltd, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd and Astec Lifesciences Ltd. The Godrej group split earlier this year to accommodate the differing visions of the two factions for the future. The group's third-generation promoters - siblings Adi and Nadir and their first cousins Jamshyd and Smita - amicably split their businesses, keeping the units that they were already in charge of. The new logo is part of a brand repositioning at Godrej Enterprises Group, which is also going through succession. Executive director Nyrika Holkar, who is the niece of Jamshyd Godrej, will be the fourth-generation heir to look after the operations of the Godrej Enterprises faction. The new brand identity is more than just a change of colour, said Holkar. It embodies dynamism and blends authenticity with our ambition to redefine consumer experiences by leveraging design-led innovation and service differentiation. "The division of the group into two parts is entirely amicable so it makes sense to evolve the two identities," said Zia Patel, brand strategy director at Ochre Brand. Also Read: After GQG, Abu Dhabi's IHC backs Adani over US indictment "The differences in things like the choice of colour are there to signal change, but not complete separation. This is a logical move," she added. No listing on the cards Godrej & Boyce continues to remain one of the largest unlisted companies in India, with 2023 revenues of 14,574 crore, as per Crisil. The company will remain private for the time being. "Listing really depends on whether the business that we want to list needs huge amounts of capital, which we are not in a position to provide, the veteran Godrej said, adding that there are no immediate listing plans for either the holding company or any individual business. "If you look at our history, we have basically been able to fund all our growth, including new investments in new locations, he said. The company has no diversification plans on the cards either, Holkar said. It will stick to its 14 lines of business, the largest being consumer products. I think we are already quite diversified, so we will be looking at doubling down on the businesses that we have, she emphasized. In the real estate sector, Godrej & Boyce is one of the biggest landlords in the country, with 3,400 acres of land, including a 3,000-acre contiguous land parcel at Vikhroli in Mumbai. The family agreement allows the Godrej Enterprises Group to develop real estate only in the land parcels it owns for the coming six years. After six years, it may explore construction outside its captive land, but it will have to use a different brand, Holkar said. Kenyas High Court blocked the government from entering into a new concession for the nations main airport, a week after President William Ruto scrapped a deal with Indias Adani Group. The court issued the order on Wednesday after opponents of the Adani deal challenged the governments right to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi. It restrained the Kenyan authorities from entering into, approving or furthering any concession with Adani or any other party or entity, according to the ruling issued by Judge Bahati Mwamuye. Tata Group-owned aircraft carrier Air India's Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson, while talking about delays in aircraft maker Boeing's pipeline, said that there is a delay in getting all 50 white-tail aircraft, which were expected to join the fleet early December this year, PTI reported on Thursday, November 28. Fifty white tail aircraft, all of them were to come by December this year... They will stretch up to June next year and that in itself has a little bit of impact..., Wilson told the news agency, talking about the delays and labour strike issues at American aircraft maker Boeing. White-tail aircraft are planes which are built without any pre-existing customer. Out of the 50 white-tail Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, at least 35 have joined the company's fleet and are currently operated by Air India's low-cost flight arm, Air India Express. It is not clear for how long the impact will be. Six months is reasonable for some aircraft..., Wilson was quoted as saying in the report. Air India has merged its operations with Vistara under AIX Connect. The company also operates Air India Express under this wing. Also Read | Air India urination case: SC calls for revising guidelines for unruly passengers Air India's Growth The Tata-owned airline is set to see most of its growth from the domestic and short-haul international operation segment in 2025 as more narrow-body planes join the fleet, according to the Air India chief executive. We are also taking the aircraft for the refit programme. So, the number of wide-body aircraft available will shrink a little bit, said Wilson. The airline's legacy wide-body aircraft will be going to get retrofitted early next year, he said. Also Read | Over 100 Air India passengers stuck in Phuket since Nov 16, airline responds We had hoped to start retrofit of 787s and 777s by now. Unfortunately, the global supply chains in some areas are still recovering and seats in particular are a challenge... said Wilson. Once it (retrofit) starts in 2025, we will be doing 3-4 aircraft every month until the full legacy 40 wide-body aircraft are completed, he said. The company is on its five-year transformational journey and aims to have a 400-aircraft fleet by 2027. At this moment, Air India Group has a total of 300 aircraft, including that of Air India Express, as per the report. ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of the social media platform TikTok, sued a former intern for $1.1 million in compensation, alleging that the person attacked the company's artificial intelligence large language model (AI LLM) training infrastructure, reported Reuters, citing a govt-owned news portal Legal Weekly on Thursday, November 28. The intern vs. ByteDance case has drawn widespread attention in China amid a heated AI race. According to the report, the company is asking for 8 million yuan ($1.1 million) in damages from the former intern Tian Keyu, according to the lawsuit filed in Haidian District People's Court in Beijing. In China, lawsuits between companies and employees are common, but this one grabbed people's attention as it is against an intern for a relatively larger sum of money than usual. The case has also drawn attention due to its focus on AI LLM training. This technology has captured global interest amid the advancement of generative AI. According to the report, ByteDance refused to comment on the lawsuit on Thursday, and Tian Keyu did not immediately respond to the emailed media queries. What are the charges? Tian Keyu was an intern with ByteDance, who was fired in August this year due to an alleged charge of serious disciplinary violations, The Guardian reported on October 21. The company alleged that Tian Keyu maliciously interfered and sabotaged the training of artificial intelligence (AI) models through code manipulation and unauthorised modifications, as per media reports. The company commented on the firing of the intern after rumours circulated widely on Chinese social media. Fresh out of college, Nandan Nilekani, first met Narayana Murthy in 1978 at Patni Computer Systems in Pune, where he went seeking a job. The chance encounter could have set the stage for the future of revolution in India's IT sector. Nandan Nilekani, who became the co-founder of Infosys and a key figure in India's digital and economic transformation, was looking for direction in his career. Nilekani, an electrical engineer from IIT Bombay, had missed his graduate school entrance exam due to illness. Fascinated by the mini-computer company, he walked into Patni Computers' modest office, where he met Narayana Murthy, then the head of software there. I came at a time when computing was moving from mainframes to mini computers, Nilekani told LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky. When I heard about this mini computer company, I said, Wow, this sounds exciting. If he asked me to jump off the cliff, I would have jumped... Charmed by Murthys charisma, Nilekani said he was ambitious and "set great goals." I would have done anything. If he asked me to jump off the cliff, I would have jumped off the cliff. It was a great experience working with him, he added. Job at Patni Computers Recalling the job interview with Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani said the meeting was more than just a job interview; it was the beginning of a lifelong professional bond. The job offer itself was unconventional. He asked me some problem-solving questions, Nilekani shared. Fortunately, I managed to get them right, and he gave me a job. This choice not only secured Nilekani's place in the burgeoning computing industry but also set the stage for him to become one of the six co-founders of Infosys shortly after in 1981. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan took oath as Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha on November 28. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the third member of the Gandhi family to be in the Parliament at present. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat with a margin of 4,10,931 votes, defeating Sathyan Mokeri of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Priyanka's brother, Rahul Gandhi had won the seat in 2019 and 2024 general elections. Since Rahul chose to retain Raebareli, the seat in UP that he won along with Wayanad in 2024, Congress fielded Priyanka from the seat in Kerala. Apart from Rahul and Priyanka, their mother Sonia Gandhi is a Rajya Sabha MP. Congress party's Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan won the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in a by-election bagging 5,86,788 votes. The seat fell vacant following the death of the sitting Congress MP, Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan, necessitating the bypoll. Vadra recieved her certificate of election on Wednesday."My colleagues from Wayanad brought my certificate of election today. For me, it is not just a document; it is a symbol of your love, trust, and the values we are committed to. Thank you, Wayanad, for choosing me to take forward this journey to build a better future for yourselves," Priyanka posted on X. Govt should intervene in Chinmoy Krishna Das case A day before taking oath, Priyanka expressed concern over the arrest of ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh, and urged the Central Government to intervene and raise the issue of ensuring the safety of minorities before the Bangladesh Government. For me, it is not just a document; it is a symbol of your love, trust, and the values we are committed to. "The news of the arrest of the priest of ISKCON Temple in Bangladesh and the continuing violence against minority Hindus are extremely worrying," she wrote in a post on X. India's telecom sector is a critical pillar of the countrys digital economy. It provides services to over 1.2 billion people and contributes significantly to the country's GDP. While several reform measures have been taken by the government to help the sector, it seeks more enabling initiatives that it feels are necessary to drive growth, improve financial health, and enhance consumer services. Are more reforms still needed for the sector? Mint explains. Has the telecom sector's financial health improved relative to previous years? Yes, there have been improvements in the financial health of the telecom sector in recent years. The industry faced severe financial stress in the past due to high debt levels, the heavy burden of spectrum fees and high operational costs. The entry of Reliance Jio in 2016 made matters worse, as the company offered ultra-cheap data tariffs and made voice services free of cost, piling pressure on other telecom operators. However, over the past two to three years, a more stable business landscape has emerged. Major telecom operators, especially Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi), have been able to improve their financials with increased average revenue per user (ARPU), consolidation within the sector, and a reduced need for competitive price cuts. The sector as a whole has also seen a rise in ARPU, the average revenue they derive from each user that drives profitability, largely due to tariff hikes in 2019, 2021 and 2024. Yet, the industry still faces substantial debt burdens and needs to make continuous investment to expand and improve infrastructure, particularly for 5G services. Also read | Mint Explainer: The OpenAI case and whats at stake for AI & copyright in India How have earlier reforms, including those of September 2021, helped the industry? Several reforms have been introduced over the past few years, with the most significant being the telecom reforms announced in September 2021. These reforms were a turning point, aimed at providing relief to the cash-strapped telecom sector, improving the industrys financial health, and encouraging infrastructure investments. The government allowed telecom operators to defer spectrum auction payments for four years. This move eased the immediate cash flow burden on operators. It granted a four-year moratorium on spectrum payments, and bank guarantees for telecom operators were substantially reduced. The reforms provided for an easier spectrum auction process and a reduction in the number of required licenCes. The government agreed to exclude non-telecom related revenue in the calculation of ApGR, which it referred to as Applicable Gross Revenue, which was a crucial step to remove a large cost burden on the operators. The September 2021 reforms have helped stabilise the financial situation for operators like Vi, which was on the brink of collapse, and have allowed for smoother operations. With the govt recently waiving bank guarantees, what kind of capital does it unlock for telcos? Bank guarantees typically tie up large amounts of capital, as telecom companies must pledge funds with financial institutions. The removal of this requirement will free up capital that can be deployed into network expansion, 5G infrastructure, and other critical areas. This is especially vital for financially-strained operators like Vi that had to pay up 24,500 crore as bank guarantees. With this move, telecom operators now have the potential to increase their cash flow by channeling funds that were previously locked in guarantees. This gives them greater financial flexibility, more capital outlay towards building better infrastructure offering new services, especially in rural areas and in the 5G space, which requires significant upfront investment, and reduces their dependency on borrowing. Also read | Mint Explainer: Why urban India is spending less Will solutions to the industry's AGR demand and that of fair share with OTTs be enough as reform measures? Reducing and reviewing dues that telcos owe on account of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) - income from core services like mobile and internet that is used by the government to levy spectrum usage charge and licence fee - over the past many years has been one of the key demands of carriers, with operators arguing that the governments revenue-sharing model unfairly includes non-telecom services like content distribution. The Supreme Court ruling of 2019 on AGR, which imposed a massive financial burden on telecom operators, has been a major cause of their financial distress. Industry executives feel that continued efforts to rationalize AGR, ensuring fair taxation, will be necessary and carriers like Vi have started the discussions with the government on this. The issue assumes larger significance after the Supreme Court struck down in September a curative petition filed by the carriers to recalculate the AGR dues. On the other issue of fair-share, the rise of OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and WhatsApp has led to debates about whether telecom operators should receive a fair share" of the revenue generated by data usage attributed to these platforms. Some operators argue that OTT platforms are benefiting from telecom infrastructure without contributing financially to the telecom operators. Telcos are asking for a share of revenue from OTTs and are pushing for government intervention. What more reforms are needed to better services for consumers? While the government has made significant strides in reforming the Indian telecom sector, more is needed, especially to improve services for consumers and ensure long-term sector growth. India has one of the lowest data costs in the world, which surely helps consumers, but the service quality often lags behind global standards. Ensuring better coverage, not only in urban areas but also in rural and remote locations, and improving the reliability of networks, are a key priority for the government. The Indian government has taken steps to push telcos to roll out 5G service at what has been arguably the worlds fastest 5G roll-out, which helps in achieving these parameters. However, a larger focus on reducing spam and potential frauds through spam has also become a key priority for the government. This has percolated to telcos that are introducing their own solutions to counter the menace. For instance, Airtel introduced its anti-spam solution that is built into the service without the customer signing up for it. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has beefed up requirements to be met by telcos to ensure reduction of spam. The number of registered complaints against unregistered senders was 1.89 lakh in August 2024, falling to 1.63 lakh in September, and 1.51 lakh in October, government data showed. Trai is engaging with the Union ministry of consumer affairs, central and state governments departments, RBI, Sebi, PFRDA and Irdai, Nasscom, Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) and other organizations to increase awareness. Also read | Mint Explainer: The Adani bribery charges and the US legal process Its peak wedding season in India and airlines and operators of charter jets are rejoicing with the honeymooners. Indias peak wedding season spans from November to March, aligning with a higher number of dates deemed auspicious for matrimonial alliances. For airlines operating in India, thats expected to translate to more families, wedding guests and newly wedded couples taking to the skies. On 17 November, a Sunday, Indias daily air passenger traffic climbed to a record 505,412, per data from Indias ministry of civil aviation, although this is also attributed to the ongoing festive season. The previous record of about 499,000 passengers was reached a couple of days earlier, on 15 November. Tier 2 cities are powering the wedding season this year," said Aloke Bajpai, group chief executive, ixigo, a digital travel and hotels booking platform run by Le Travenues Technology Ltd. Travel (bookings) to tier 2 and 3 cities for November and December have seen a significant rise, with Varanasi bookings up by an impressive 265% and Gorakhpur by 109%. Amritsar, Chandigarh and Patna have also recorded an increase of over 70% in flight bookings." According to ixigo, more people are flying to small towns like Varanasi owing to a combination of factors: people travelling to their hometowns for weddings and others for religious tourism. Flight bookings to major metro hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai as well as leisure destinations such as Srinagar, Jaipur, and Goa are also seeing a strong 70-80% year-on-year increase for November-December, Bajpai said. International destinations are also in demand, as in any wedding season. Overseas honeymoon bookings to destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East have risen by 2x, marking this wedding season as one of the most dynamic and high-demand periods yet," said Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, another leading travel booking platform. Indians are increasingly making bookings for honeymoon travel, showcasing a shift in preferences toward destinations like Thailand, the Andaman Islands, and Vietnam, moving away from traditional spots like the Maldives and Kerala." Bajpai too highlighted Southeast Asia and West Asia, or the Middle East, as among the top overseas destinations for Indian honeymooners this season. ... Hotspots like Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur (are) seeing a 120-130% YoY rise in bookings for November and December." India typically registers about 10 million weddings every year, per industry estimates. And given the growing fondness for lavish Indian weddings, Prabhudas Lilladher estimates revenue generation of 4.25 trillion from around 3.5 million weddings in just November to mid-December this year. A wedding season boost Indias airline industry hopes the wedding season will make up for lower-than-anticipated flight bookings during Diwali in October. We have increasingly seen a lot of demand for travel during the marriage season, and this year seems to be similar in terms of demand," said a senior executive at Tata Groups Air India Express, declining to be identified. The booking trend is equally encouraging and we might see a strong third quarter supported by weddings." Per Indias Directorate General of Civil Aviation, domestic air traffic increased 4.7% on-year to 92.3 million in the first half of 2024 (January-July). The Centre for Aviation, or CAPA, a leading aviation industry research and advisory firm, expects Indias domestic air trafficin 2024to increase by 6-8% to 162-165 million. So far this wedding season, EaseMyTrip, operated by Easy Trip Planners Ltd, is seeing a 15% overall increase in travel bookings as compared with last years. While Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, Jaipur and Goa are witnessing a 40% year-on-year growth in bookings, tier 2 cities such as Varanasi and Gorakhpur are recording 90% and 75% increases, respectively, said Pittie, EaseMyTrips co-founded. As per ixigo data, Varanasi has recorded the highest jump in flight bookings so far for November-December, with a year-on-year surge of 265%, followed by Gorakhpur with a jump of 109%. Among international destinations, ixigo has registered a 270% year-on-year increase in flight bookings for Phuket in Thailand for November-December this year, followed by a 244% jump for Malaysias capital Kuala Lumpur and 205% rise for Kuwait. Private jets for the grand Indian wedding For uber-wealthy Indian families with more lavish budgets, charter planes make for a grand wedding accessory. For weddings, the demand is for business jets to fly the immediate family and VIP guests and bigger planes (an ATR or other aircraft) to fly (other) people," said Santosh Sharma, founder of Bookmyjet, an online platform for booking business jets. While a charter jet can seat 4-20 passengers, an ATR aircraft can carry fly 80 passengers. The charter cost depends on the type of aircraftfrom 1.50 lakh per hour and going up to 30 lakh per hour for larger jets. We are seeing demand from smaller cities like Indore, Rajkot, Raipur and also Kolkata, with flights going into Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur," said Sharma, adding that the company was seeing an interest in business jets also from foreigners and Indian diaspora families planning destination weddings in India. People from Middle East are getting married in India and they are booking flights from Delhi and Mumbai to marriage destinations to ferry their guests." New Delhi: Robust sales growth recorded by the Indian governments generic pharmacy model will put pressure on trade margins in the retail medicine market because of the affordability and quality of the drugs sold, a top official said. The quality certified generic medicines sold at kendras (centres) operating under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) help to moderate the prices of medicines and create a benchmarking effect, Arunish Chawla, secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, said in an interview toMint. The PMBJP is the flagship scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under which quality and affordable generic medicines are made available to citizens at Janaushadhi Kendras. The scheme, implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), is intended to reduce the medical expenses of consumers/patients and popularise generic drugs. Chawla said the sales target of 2,000 crore for the Janaushadhi Kendras will likely be exceeded this year, given the 40% annual growth. The target of 2,000 crore of actual sales, which means its value in the open-market equivalent is 10,000 crore, is likely to be exceeded. The Janaushadhi kendras are expanding their reach within the country. The prime minister inaugurated the 10,000th kendra in November last year and we have already crossed 14,000 kendras. By the end of this year, we will reach the target of 15,000. Our year-on-year growth is 40% and now we are going global," said Chawla, who is the chairperson of the PMBI. Global expansion The overseas expansion of the scheme comes as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Ghana, Suriname, Nicaragua, Mozambique, and the Solomon Islands recognised Indian standards for drugs and medicines. Burkina Faso, the Fiji Islands, and Saint Kitts and Nevis are in talks with the Indian government to replicate this model. This will encourage India's commitment to supporting the Global South with affordable healthcare solutions. We have opened our first international Janaushadhi kendra in Mauritius. The prime minister just announced the setting up of Janaushadi kendras in Guyana, and about a dozen countries are in discussions with us," said Chawla. He said reforms are under way in the Janaushadhi scheme to ensure full compliance with good manufacturing practices by drug makers. In addition, there will be surprise audits and source-tracing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. This means that for any drug that gets into the system, the PMBI gets the source of origin including a certificate of analysis. For anything that comes to our warehouse, our approach is: Respect all, suspect all. We take random samples from every batch and get them tested in accredited laboratories. Only then, these drugs allowed to go further. In addition, we have a minimum stock mandate for 200 drugs integrated within the system," said Chawla. The PMBJPs product basket comprises 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical devices covering all major therapeutic groups such as cardiovascular, cancer, diabetic, infection, allergy and gastrointestinal drugs and nutraceuticals. Almost 1 million people visit the Janaushadi kendras daily. The China market is reopening for Indian films after about five years with Vijay Sethupathis Maharaja set for release this weekend. While the Chinese market generated massive returns for Indian films with hits likePK,Dangal, andHindi Medium, especially from 2015 to 2019, the trend petered out as political tensions between the two countries escalated. Experts emphasised that while the reopening is good, the Chinese market is fraught with uncertainties such as a quota on foreign movies and the possibility of an overdose of repetitive Indian films. China works with a limited release calendar for foreign films, of which Hollywood takes a large chunk," film producer, trade and exhibition expert Girish Johar said. So, the effort to get past the selection committee itself and tie up with a local distributor in order to prove that your films are relevant to Chinese audiences is great." The Chinese film market, though lucrative, is unreliable and dicey, independent trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai said. Film studios look for stable markets," he added. While the process of making it to Chinese theatres was already tedious, strained border relations and political tensions only added to the crisis around 2020. Indian titles such as Sushant Singh RajputsChhichhore, Tamil filmKanaa and Ajay DevgnsDrishyam did release in the country after the covid-19 pandemic to fill the void left by its local film industry but failed to make waves.Maharaja, set to be showcased in 40,000 screens in China starting this weekend, could help turn the tide. Screen count The Bollywood success story in China began more than a decade ago with Aamir Khans3 Idiots, which made 16 crore there. Over the years, Khan emerged as a huge draw in the neighbouring country, following up withPK ( 123 crore),Dangal ( 1,200 crore) and his production,Secret Superstar ( 700 crore). Other hits came with Irrfan KhansHindi Medium ( 300 crore) and Ayushmann KhurranasAndhadhun ( 324 crore). Film trade experts said a large screen count helped Indian films manage impressive theatrical returns in China. The country has almost quadrupled its screen count from about 10,000 over the past few years. India, on the other hand, operates with a little over 9,700 screens. Further, the average ticket price in China is higher than in India. However, with Indian films likePadman,102 Not Out andBaahubali 2: The Conclusion managing unimpressive collections after the initial enthusiasm, trade experts had pointed out it is important to be selective about which films to take to China and that not every hit can manage similar traction in the neighbouring country. Further, as far as the revenue-sharing arrangements with Chinese distributors go, only about 20% of the films collections comes to the producer. A lot of otherwise average Indian films were being taken to China, for which there were no takers, and which wasnt required. Only a couple of tentpole films should be released there for audiences to remain interested," film producer and distributor Sunny Khanna said. While the success of a few Indian films released there had built a positive narrative, there is space for only a few Indian movies per year in China, said Rahul Puri, managing director of Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas. Only films that match the culture and storytelling of China can be released there. And given the quota on international films and other constraints, it can never be a guaranteed market," Puri added. Enviro Infra Engineers IPO: After the announcement of allotment status, lucky allottees eagerly await the declaration of the Enviro Infra Engineers IPO listing date. In the wake of the 'T+3' listing rule for the Indian primary market, the most likely Enviro Infra Engineers IPO listing date is 29th November 2024, i.e., tomorrow. Those who have applied for the public issue can check the Enviro Infra Engineers IPO allotment status online by logging in at the BSE website or at the official website of Bigshare Services the official registrar of the book build issue. Meanwhile, the grey market has gone bullish on the public issue ahead of the Enviro Infra Engineers IPO share listing date. According to stock market observers, the Enviro Infra Engineers Limited shares are available at a premium of 57 in the grey market today. Enviro Infra Engineers IPO GMP today As mentioned above, Enviro Infra Engineers IPO GMP (Grey Market Today) is 57, 7 higher than the early morning Enviro Infra Engineers' IPO GMP of 50. Market observers said the grey market sentiment has risen despite the stock market crash, which is praiseworthy. They said that a solid response by investors could be the reason for the bullish trend in the grey market regarding the Enviro Infra Engineers IPO. Infographic: Courtesy mintgenie Enviro Infra Engineers IPO listing price What does this Enviro Infra Engineers IPO GMP mean? The market observers said that Enviro Infra Engineers IPO GMP today is 57, which means the grey market is expecting that Enviro Infra Engineers IPO listing price would be around 205 ( 148 + 57). In other words, the grey market expects around a 39 per cent listing gain for the lucky allottees allotted Enviro Infra Engineers shares through the allotment process. However, stock market experts maintained that there are better indicators than grey market sentiment for assessing the potential listing gain from any public issue. They said that the grey market has no connection with the company's balance sheet and is non-regulated. So, one should stick with one's conviction, which one has developed after scanning the company's financials before making an investment decision in the public offer. Enviro Infra Engineers IPO allotment status check online As mentioned above, bidders can check their application status online by logging in at the BSE or the Bigshare Services website. For more convenience, they can log in at the direct BSE linkbseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspxor at the direct Bigshare Services linkipo.bigshareonline.com/ipo_status.html. Suraksha Diagnostic Limited raised 253 crore from anchor investors ahead of its public issue, according to an exchange filing by the company on Thursday, November 28. The company has allocated 57.56 lakh shares to the anchor investors at an allocation price of 441 per equity share with a face value of 2 apiece. The anchor investor pool for Suraksha Diagnostic's public issue comprises Carnelian Bharat Amritkaal Fund, Societe Generale, Integrated Core Strategies (Asia), Troo Capital, Tusk Investments and mutual funds like Aditya Birla Sunlife MF, Bandhan MF, JM Financial, Kotak MF, Mirae Asset MF, Nippon MF and Quant MF. According to the exchange filing by the company on Thursday, Nippon MF at 13.79 per cent, Kotak MF at 13.79 per cent, Carnelian Bharat Amritkaal Fund at 11.82 per cent, Aditya Birla Sunlife MF at 9.93 per cent, and Quant MF at 7.88 per cent were the top anchor investors. The company also said that 67.36 per cent of the allocation to anchor investors was allocated to seven domestic mutual funds through a total of 11 schemes. The diagnostic sector in which the company operates is highly competitive. Moreover, the company's operations are confined to the eastern part of India, limiting the scope of its market. We believe that the issue is richly priced and recommend Avoid rating to the IPO, said Anand Rathi Research Team in a research report for the public offer. The company aims to enhance its presence in its operating regions, focusing on Kolkata. Most of its diagnostic centres are situated in urban areas of Kolkata. In addition to focusing on its core geography, the company plans to expand and strengthen its presence in neighbouring regions of eastern and northeastern India, according to the report. Suraksha Diagnostic IPO Details Suraksha Diagnostic Limited is a radiology testing and medical consultancy service company. It has a central reference laboratory with 8 satellite laboratories and 215 customer touchpoints, including 49 diagnostic centres and 166 sample collection centres as of June 30, 2024, across West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Meghalaya, according to Chittorgarh data. The public offer opens for subscription on Friday, November 29, and closes on Tuesday, December 3. The company has set a price range of 420 to 441 per equity share, with a lot size of 34 equity shares per lot. The shares are expected to be listed on both domestic stock market indices on Friday, December 6. Stock Market Today: Multibagger stock Ceinsys Tech Ltd share price that has given 1900% returns in 5 years is trading close to 1 year or 52 week high which happens to be its record high too despite stock market crash. The Ceinsys Tech share price opened at 1452.80 on BSE on Thursday, lower than previous close of 1486.50. Ceinsys Tech share price however gained further to intraday highs of 1540, marking gains of close to 4% despite stock market crash, The Ceinsys Tech share price is also trading near its 52- week high of 1588.60, which also happens to be its record high. Ceinsys Tech share price that has gained 293% in last one year has gained more than 1900% in last 5 years , giving Multibagger returns to investors. One of the key suppliers of technological solutions in the IT-enabled industry is Ceinsys Tech Limited. Along with other technical services and solutions, it is widely known for its proficiency in geospatial engineering. It provides a wide range of geospatial intelligence services, such as enterprise web solutions, data analytics, data production, decision support For the quarter ended September 2024, Ceinsys Tech operational revenues grew by 54% year-on-year to 90 crores, Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation grew by 71% year on-year to Rs17 crores, with an Ebitda margin of 18.67%. Net profit was at 12 crores, which represents a growth of around 149% year-on-year, and net profit margins stood at 13%. Ceinsys Tech share price also remains in focus also as had received Certificate of Appreciation for its appreciable role and best services in project establishment and monitoring the project to supply safe and clean drinking water in the rural areas under the Jal Jeevan Mission by the State Water and Sanitation Mission of State of Uttar Pradesh. Stock trading involves multiple analysis methods to evaluate trends and make informed decisions. Traders and investors often rely on technical, fundamental, and derivative analyses to guide their choices. However, another often underrated form of analysis that can be particularly useful is seasonality analysis, especially for predicting potential best-performing stocks for December. Seasonality analysis uses historical patterns to predict how a stock or market will perform in a given timeframe, usually based on the time of yeara relevant technique now as we approach the year's final month. Profit Pulse explores the concept of seasonality analysis, how it works, and how to apply it to assess Nifty50 stocks to identify potential best-performing stocks for December. Why seasonality analysis Before we discuss how to apply seasonality analysis to identify potential best-performing stocks for December, lets analyse the current market environment. The Nifty50 has experienced a sharp reversal recently, moving from 23,300 points on 21 November to 24,300 points on 25 November, supported by the 200-day exponential moving average (200DEMA) and suggesting strong bullish momentum. The 200-day Exponential Moving Average is a key technical indicator used by chartists to assess the long-term trend of a stock. When an asset's price is above the 200DEMA, it suggests a bullish trend, indicating that the asset has been on an upward trajectory for a prolonged period. Conversely, when the price is below the 200DEMA, it may signal a bearish trend. This makes the 200DEMA an essential tool for determining market cycles. A seasonality analysis can help assess which stocks might outperform in December, considering both broader market trends and historical seasonal patterns. Seasonality analysis studies how certain assetsstocks, commodities, indices, etc.perform during specific months or seasons. The logic behind this analysis is simple: historical trends and patterns often repeat themselves and analysts can identify trends that occur consistently during certain months by looking at past performance data for a particular stock. Traders use seasonality analysis to forecast the likelihood of specific outcomes in the future based on the performance trends from past years. For example, December is traditionally considered a strong month for many global markets due to end-of-year rallies, the holiday seasons impact on consumer spending, and institutional portfolio adjustments. However, some stocks might be better positioned to benefit from this than others. Seasonality analysis can help pinpoint potential best-performing stocks for December. How seasonality analysis works Seasonality analysis typically works by evaluating the historical performance of a stock for each month since its listing date (or since 1996, for which data is available). These are the key elements to focus on when analysing stock performance through seasonality: 1. Monthly average performance This refers to a stocks average return in a particular month over a long period. If a stock has historically shown an average return of +5% in December, it could be a strong candidate for a positive performance in December, assuming other conditions remain favourable. (Note: Indias benchmark Nifty50 and Sensex indices have slumped since climbing to a record high in September.) 2. Positive ratio The positive ratio measures how often a stock has ended a month with higher returns. A higher positive ratio indicates that a stock has consistently performed well during a particular month. For example, if a stock has a 70% positive ratio for December, it suggests that in seven out of 10 years, the stock closed higher in the final month of the year. A high monthly average return and a high positive ratio make a stock an attractive candidate for seasonality-based investing. Stocks that exhibit both high returns and high success ratios for a certain month are more likely to perform well in that month in the following years as well, making them good prospects for trading. Applying seasonality analysis to Nifty50 stocks Applying seasonality analysis to the Nifty50 index helps identify potential best-performing stocks for December. The stocklist below has been sorted based on the best average performance for December. Seasonality analysis isnt foolproof Like any other form of analysis, seasonality analysis is not foolproof. Past performance does not guarantee future results. While historical trends can provide valuable insights, they should not be relied upon solely. The broader market trend plays a crucial role. If the market is experiencing a downturn or significant volatility, even historically strong December performers may not follow their usual pattern. For December, seasonality analysis offers a unique lens through which traders can assess potential top-performing stocks. Investors can enhance their decision-making process by focusing on stocks that have historically outperformed in December and combining this with an understanding of the current market trends. As always, seasonality analysis should be used alongside other forms of analysistechnical, fundamental, and market sentimentto create a well-rounded trading strategy. Note: The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only. Brijesh Bhatia has over 18 years of experience in Indias financial markets as a trader and technical analyst. He has worked with the likes of UTI, Asit C. Mehta, and Edelweiss Securities. Presently he is an analyst at Definedge. Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks discussed here. However, clients of Definedge may or may not own these securities. Stock market today: Insurance company shares, such as those of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd, HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd, and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd, fell in Thursday's session due to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) concerns over the Bancassurance policy. However, the state-owned insurance giant LIC's shares defied the sectoral downtrend and rose nearly 2 per cent in intraday dealings. HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd shares were down 5.95 per cent at 640.25 on November 28 as of 2:54 pm. SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd shares also fell 5.80 per cent to 1,418.20, compared to its previous close at 1,505.50. Also Read | Stock market crash: 5 reasons why Indian stock market is falling ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. shares fell during the day but later recovered to trade 1.54 per cent higher at 691.30, compared to the previous close of 680.80. The government-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) shares rose 4 per cent today and were last trading 1.94 per cent higher at 934. Why did LIC share price surge despite fall in other insurance stocks? Seema Srivastava, Senior Equity Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, said, Insurance stocks are falling today as the IRDAI has raised concerns about insurance companies' bancassurance business. The insurance regulator has reportedly asked insurers to reduce their business by up to 50 per cent when they enter bank tie-ups. This is negative for insurance companies, and the market is discounting this fresh development, said the stock market analyst explaining the fall behind insurance stocks. Advising investors to find opportunities in this challenging time, Srivastava advised medium to long-term investors to look at LIC shares as they would be the least affected by this move (if it gets implemented) due to the minimal business coming into the company through bank tie-ups. Echoing similar views, Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmi Shree Investment and Securities, said, The move is yet to get implemented and hence the impact will be short-lived, but IRDAI concern may impact a long-term investor. As LIC has the least exposure to the bankassurance business, chances are high that private insurance stockholders may switch money to LIC shares. What is the Bancassurance business? Bancassurance is an agreement between a bank and an insurance firm which allows these firms to sell their products to the bank's client circle. This partnership between the bank and the insurance companies can be profitable for both the company and the institutional lender. Banks, in exchange, earn additional revenue from this partnership by selling the insurance products, and at the same time, this gives the insurance companies an opportunity to expand their customer base without increasing their sales workforce. Also Read | Multibagger IT stock is close to record high despite the stock market crash IRDAI's mis-selling concerns Statements from the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and IRDAI Chairman Debasish Panda over potential mis-selling of insurance through banks have sparked concerns amongst insurance stakeholders. IRDAI believes that any potential risk to banks can disrupt the insurance business and negatively impact policyholders and shareholders of publicly-listed insurance companies, reported news portal CNBC TV-18, citing people aware of the development on Thursday. The insurance regulator has reportedly requested insurance companies to reduce the share of their business originating from banks to under 50 per cent of their total sales, as per the report. Stock to buy: Brokerage Yes Securities recently added Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to its buy list, maintaining a target price of 1,175 per share. In addition to LIC, the firm already has buy ratings on Max Financial and SBI Life, and add ratings on ICICI Prudential Life and HDFC Life within the insurance sector. LIC share price today surged nearly 4%; the stock opened at 920 apiece on the BSE. LIC share price today touched an intraday high of 952.50 and an intraday low of 916.40 per share. According to Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical and Derivative Analyst at Angel One, the LIC share price has experienced a strong bounce this week after finding support near the 89 WEMA. While there are some bullish reversal signals, the prices are currently approaching a key resistance zone around 950-960. A breakout above this level could lead to further movement towards the 1,050-1,100 range. On the other hand, prices have established a base around the 900 level, said Bhosale. Also Read | HDFC Bank market cap crosses 14 lakh crore for the first time Factors Behind Yes Securities' Bullish View Yes Securities outlined several reasons for including LIC in its life insurance sector portfolio, such as: Improvement in LIC's margin Although LIC's margins are currently lower than those of its listed peers, it has mechanisms in place to improve these margins and is showing the strongest growth potential in this area. Share of low-margin Par business in total APE stood at 50.1% in 2QFY25 for LIC compared with 5.9-12.7% for listed peers. We think LIC can reduce this share materially going forward and this process is already underway, with the share of Par declining 8.8% YoY, said the brokerage. LIC shows strongest VNB growth YoY The previous sluggishness in Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) growth is now behind, and together with margin expansion, LIC is demonstrating the highest year-over-year growth in Value of New Business (VNB). Coupled with VNB margin expansion, LIC has displayed the highest VNB growth on YoY basis, which has amounted to 46.9% YoY for LIC in 2QFY25, which is far higher than other listed peers, the brokerage said. Reasonable control over cost Based on the expense ratio, LIC appears to have effective control over its costs. LICs cost control is reasonably good as reflected in its opex ratio of 8.1% for 2QFY25 and, again, only SBIL has a lower opex ratio than LIC, said Yes Securities in its report. Stock Recommendations The brokerage prefers Max Financial and SBI Life in the life insurance sector, followed by LIC. In its report, Yes Securities believes that the pace of improvement in key metrics has increased and the expansion of Return on Embedded Value (RoEV) is promising. Also Read | Why is Indian stock market falling? Explained with five crucial reasons Pick a pie Thanksgiving weekend is here, and theres no better time to dig into a heartwarming pie. Mumbai-based baker Aditi Goel, who runs the brand Pie & Co., has introduced two new festive itemsRhubarb and Mulberry Custard Pie for those with a sweet tooth, and a good old meat pie with Goan chorizo. While these are festive specials, the regular menu features several pies, including vegetarian options, and an interesting DIY pie kit. To order, log into Swiggy, or contact 9653389952. Also read: Unveiling Bangkok's cocktail revolution A Bangkok bar in Bengaluru Bangkoks cocktail scene is brimming with innovative places. One such cocktail bar is Funkytown, and they have a guest shift at the Bengaluru bar Muro, on November 29 and 30. The two-day pop-up menu features their bar bites and special drinks. There will be dishes such as Scallop Crudo Tart with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaf, Mutton Sai Oua Corn Dog served with fermented chili mayo, Beef Tartare Cone with Thai wagyu and lumpfish caviar, among others. The cocktail selection has Mango Martini with lacto-fermented mango and pandan tea, Winter Melon Collins with chicken fat-washed gin, fun Disco Shots made with salted plum gin and ginger ale, to name a few. Raise a toast to a funky weekend. The template for political immunity from prosecution was set a year earlier, in June 2022, when the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government in Maharashtra was toppled after a dramatic coup staged by Eknath Shinde, a close aide of the Shiv Sena chieftain. An energetic political go-getter, seen sporting a flaming red tilak on his forehead and a well-trimmed beard, the short-statured Shinde, a senior minister in the MVA government, was eyeing the chief ministers chair while Uddhav Thackeray was convalescing in hospital after spinal surgery in December 2021. I am doing all the hard work for the party and the government, but the credit is going entirely to Uddhav ji and now to his son Aaditya. Why should I work under a kid like Aaditya? a frustrated Shinde complained to a party colleague. Matters came to a head when the partys Thane strongman was reportedly kept waiting in an anteroom for more than an hour at Varsha, the chief ministers official residence, only to be told that Uddhav ji was unwell but he could meet Aaditya or Thackerays wife, Rashmi, instead. That was the day I decided enough is enough, I will not compromise my self-respect any further, claimed Shinde. Also read: Manipur's artists channel their pain into theatre and poetry What absolute rubbish! countered Sanjay Raut, MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson. Uddhav ji gave Shinde ji a free hand in running his ministry and the party in Thane; he trusted him completely. There was no interference. According to Raut, Shindes rebellion was triggered by a discreet ED inquiry into two of his associates, including a prominent builder. He was worried that the inquiry would soon reach his doorstep, and he feared he would be sent to jail, asserted Raut. If the Uddhav camp is to be believed, a month before he quit the party, a tearful Shinde had pleaded with the Sena leadership to ally with the BJP, else he would be arrested. I am a grandfather now; I dont want to be jailed, he had cried. Sensing an ambitious Shindes restiveness was Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had a score to settle, having been checkmated by the Uddhav ThackeraySharad Pawar duo in 2019. Shah claimed that he had rung up Shinde in November 2019 itself, minutes after the Thackeray-led government was sworn in. I told him that whenever he felt suffocated by the Thackerays, he should call me, he revealed. The only other politician kept in the loop was Fadnavis, still seething at the manner in which the Sena had ditched him in 2019. When the ShahShindeFadnavis troika met in Delhi, Shah warmed up to the feisty Sena leader and assured him full support if he could break the party and form a government. It will not be easy, but I will try, promised Shinde, who was keenly aware of the clout of the Thackerays within the Sena rank and file. [] Imagine a fixed-income investment advisor who tried out crypto assets and then got converted. Thats what happened with New Delhi-based Shiv Pande, who worked closely with pension and provident funds and became curious about the stupendous rise of crypto assets in 2021. He spent a year researching it and invested in it for the first time in July 2022. "I started my research purely from the knowledge perspective so that I don't appear clueless when my clients talk to me about it. I felt I should understand all about it before I write it off or look at it as an investment option," said Pande. Initially, he allocated 1-2% of his monthly investment to crypto, taking it to 30% now. "My two-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) has been roughly 150%," said Pande. While Pande invested in crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Arbitrum and Uniswap, he continued his systematic investment plans in mutual funds, exchange traded funds and contributions to the National Pension System. For the young Pande's story is similar to many people who made good money from crypto. It is an asset class for the young generation that understands technology, Ashish Singhal, co-founder of CoinSwitch, a crypto exchange, said at the Mint Money Festival on 22 November. "At least 4-6% of the portfolio should be kept in crypto. But I emphasise it is a risky investment. They should diversify in other asset classes too," said Singhal. Data from CoinSwitch shows that Bitcoin has rallied 50% so far in 2024. It fell 64% in 2022. Its standard deviation, the variation from the average price, is too high at 155% compared with 13% for the S&P 500. The greater the standard deviation, the higher the volatility of an asset class, making it a riskier investment. Singhal said that as an engineering student who studied computer science, he could see the potential that blockchain holds. Blockchain is a decentralised, secure and transparent way to store and share data and transactions, especially in cryptocurrencies, across a network. "It fascinated me how blockchain can bring in transparency in the system. For example, if a middle-class person goes to a bank, he may not get the same treatment as a well-off person. Blockchain can replace people and their biases with technology. We should rely on facts and data to evolve the financial ecosystem," said Singhal. View Full Image Critics contend that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have no intrinsic value and are not backed by anything. However, on the underlying value of Bitcoin, Singhal said it is like digital gold. "Just as gold is valuable because it is precious and exists in a limited quantity, Bitcoin is scarce too. Only 21 million exist, which can be fractionalised up to eight decimal places. Its value comes from its usage. It has solved the biggest problem in mathematics, which is about the problem of trust in making transactions. Instead of banks, can a simple code running on thousands of computers establish trust between you and me? Instead of involving a third-party, can a peer-to-peer network facilitate transactions? Bitcoins have created this network," said Singhal. Bitcoins have other use-cases. US President-elect Donald Trump said he will create a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. "He wants to make the US the crypto capital of the planet. The country is discussing whether they should use Bitcoin as a treasury reserve along with gold. They want to start off with 5%. It is a big use-case. Since Bitcoin supply is limited, this move will reflect in prices," said Singhal. On diversification within the crypto space, Singhal said other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Lithium and Solana should also be looked into. "Every crypto is trying to solve a use-case and that is how the value is derived. Bitcoin dominates the market. Ethereum is like AWS (Amazon Web Services) in this space. I suggest keeping 80-90% of the crypto portfolio in Bitcoin/Ethereum and the rest in others," he said. Pande, a fan of passive indexes, invests in the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index (BGCI) for a diversified crypto portfolio. Cybersecurity in crypto assets Frequent hacking episodes and cyberattacks on crypto exchanges and platforms create mistrust among investors. Cryptocurrency exchange WazirX suffered a massive data breach in July 2024 that wiped out $230 million of users holdings amounting to about half of the platforms reserves. WazirX described it as a force majeure event" beyond its control. Centralised depositories that store stock market shares safely such as the National Security Depository Ltd and the Central Depository Services Ltd do not exist for cryptocurrencies. Crypto exchanges create their own custodial solutions. Talking about cybersecurity, Singhal said they have their own exchange where buyers and sellers meet and decide prices of crypto assets. "We provide custody solutions to ensure your cryptos are stored safely on our platform and CoinSwitch app is the broker app which uses the exchange in the backend to fulfil your order and use our custody providers to store your cryptos," said Singhal. Singhal said that even though the banking sector is regulated, digital frauds happen. "The new tech comes with its challenges. With the internet value that is being accrued into cryptos, hopefully we will have better solutions in the future to not have such incidents," he said. Cryptocurrencies in India Crypto assets are not regulated in India. The crypto space does not have a regulator like the Securities and Exchange Board of India or the Reserve Bank of India, which investors can approach for stock and banking-related issues. "India does not acknowledge cryptocurrencies as an asset class. Regulations are yet to come. Until it is done, innovation will not happen. People are moving to Dubai and Singapore to try out crypto innovation," Singhal said. Talking about use-cases in India, Singhal likened the crypto trade to fractional real estate buying and selling, which is a reality in the country with real estate investment trusts. "Fractionalisation can be handled directly by blockchain if the underlying chain exists. In Dubai, one can buy a house through blockchain. The entire chain can be seen on blockchain. It increases transparency because the data is unmodifiable and is stored on multiple computers, so it won't get deleted," he said. In India, one has to pay a 30% tax on profit from trading, selling or spending cryptocurrency. Additionally, a 1% tax deduction at source is applicable on the sale of crypto assets exceeding 50,000 ( 10,000 in certain cases) in a financial year. Note: Since crypto assets are not regulated in India and there is the risk of cybersecurity attacks, be careful before investing in it. Indias deep-rooted love affair with gold dates back centuries. In the bygone era ofrajas andmaharajas, gold coins were bestowed as rewards, andasharfis were used to trade for commodities. Even today, gold remains more than just an investment asset class; it is deeply ingrained in Indias cultural fabric and every auspicious occasion, from weddings and births to festivals is incomplete without gold, which is considered an auspicious and safe investment for families. As we transition to a digital era, gold has also metamorphosed into digi gold in the form of Gold Electronically Traded Funds (ETFs) or Gold Fund of Funds, which are fast gaining popularity amongst investors. Unlike physical gold, Digi gold comes with a promise of purity as it is backed by gold of the highest quality. Moreover, ETFs and Fund of Funds are held electronically in a Demat account making them easy to store and make for a liquid investment that offers complete transparency in price and performance. Gold ETFs also offer tax benefits such as long-term capital gains tax. In the latest episode of Mint Money Shots, presented by Invesco Mutual Fund, Assistant Editor at Mint, Aprajita Sharma, spoke about the tax impact of Gold ETFs and Gold Fund of Funds in Union Budget 2024 and tips on how to gain that extra edge on your investments. Watch the episode below, Budget 2024 has made significant changes to the tax treatment of Gold ETFs and Gold Fund of Funds. While both have their own benefits, the budget introduced a key distinction that could reshape how you invest in gold, she said. Old Tax Regime In the old tax regime, Gold ETFs and Gold Fund of Funds had similar tax structures. A 20 per cent Long Term Capital Gains tax was levied on Gold ETFs, with indexation benefits if held for over 36 months. The same applied to Gold Fund of Funds, but they were taxed as non equity Fund of Funds, which also had their own tax rules and classification. But post Budget 2024, things have changed. Now, for all redemptions made after March 2025, both Gold ETFs and Gold Fund of Funds will be taxed at slab rates in the short term and at a flat rate of 12.5% in the long term, Sharma explained. This is where the distinction comes in. The tenure for both categories of investments in gold to reach long term status are different. While Gold ETFs reach long term status after just 12 months, Gold Fund of Funds require a full 24 months of being invested in to qualify for the same tax benefits. Quicker Tax Advantages This difference in holding period is crucial. For those looking for quicker tax advantages, Gold ETFs allow investors to benefit from the lower long term tax rate in just a year, while Gold Fund of Funds require double that time. This makes gold ETFs a more tax efficient option, especially if you are someone who prefers flexibility and quicker turnover in your investments, Sharma further said. Gold ETFs or FoFs? Additionally, Gold ETFs offer investors an edge in liquidity and trading flexibility too. Unlike Gold Fund of Funds, which are tied to end of day NAV pricing, Gold ETFs are traded on the stock exchange throughout the day. So, in effect, you can make real time decisions to enter or exit the market during trading hours offering much greater liquidity on your investment. Pensioners are required to submit their life certificates annually to various disbursing agencies to continue receiving their pensions. Tracking the status of the life certificate after submission can help take prompt action in case of rejection. Let's understand the step-by-step process for checking the status of the life certificate. What is a life certificate? To continue receiving their pension, pensioners of the central government, state government, or any other government organisation are required to submit life certificates to authorised pension disbursing agencies like banks, post offices, etc. Also Read | Jeevan Pramaan Patra: Should EPS pensioners submit digital life certificate Pensioners can submit their life certificates using various methods, such as the Jeevan Pramaan Portal, a Doorstep Banking (DSB) agent, biometric devices at post offices, and physical life certificate forms at bank branches. What is a Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners 2024? To relieve senior citizens from the hassle of visiting pension disbursing agencies in person to submit life certificates, the government launched the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) for the pensioners scheme of the Government of India known as Jeevan Pramaan. By using DLC, pensioners can avoid going to disbursing agencies to submit a life certificate. Also Read | Life certificate: 7 ways in which pensioners can submit Jeevan Praman Patra Last date to submit the life certificate Pensioners under the age of 80 are required to submit their life certificates between November 1 and 30. Super-senior citizens can submit their life certificates from October 1 to November 30. How to Submit a Jeevan Pramaan Certificate Online Follow the below-mentioned steps to submit a Digital Life Certificate. -Make sure that your Aadhaar card number is registered with the pension disbursing authority (bank, post office, or others). -Download and install AadhaarFaceRD and Jeevan Pramaan Face App from Google Play Store on mobile with a functional front camera. -Enter the pensioner's details. -Take a photograph from the application and submit the information. -You will receive a message with a link on your registered mobile number. Open that link to download the Jeevan Pramaan Certificate. Also Read | Life Certificate: How super senior pensioners can submit via face authentication How to check the status of the online Jeevan Pramaan Certificate? According to Jeevan Pramaan's official website, pensioners do not need to submit their Digital Life Certificate to banks, post offices or other pension disbursing agencies. The DLC is automatically available to them electronically. Follow the below-mentioned steps to check whether your DLC has been accepted or rejected. -After submitting DLC, you will receive an SMS. It will also include a transaction ID. -You can download your DLC from the https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in portal to know the status. Australian National University forum discusses China's energy transformation Xinhua) 13:10, November 28, 2024 CANBERRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 24th annual China Update, a leading Australian forum for in-depth discussion and analysis of the Chinese economy, has discussed China's energy transformation, which was attended by leading academics, policymakers and government representatives. Participants shared their latest research on the theme of "The Great Energy Transformation in China" on Monday and Tuesday in Canberra, at the forum presented by the Australian National University College of Asia &the Pacific. Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian told the forum that China and Australia have a wide range of prospects for cooperation in the fields of green economy, energy transition and coping with climate change, and the two countries should actively build new growth poles for pragmatic cooperation, which will continue to benefit the people of China and Australia. A statement of the forum said China's energy transformation encompasses multifaceted strategies ranging from investment in renewable energy, development of low-emission technologies, to more stringent policy regulations on emissions. The forum aimed to identify new opportunities and challenges for deepening energy transformation in China, and for carrying out much needed international energy cooperation, it said. China has started the strive to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, setting in motion a new effort for the transition to a green, sustainable, and cleaner economy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Bengaluru prisons terror conspiracy case: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Thursday, secured the extradition of a key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fugitive, Salman Khan, from Rwanda. According to a report by the CBI, Salman Rehman Khan had assisted in providing of arms, ammunition and explosives to further terrorist activities in Bengaluru city. "The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closely coordinated with the NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau - Kigali for the return to India from Rwanda of Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement, reported PTI. Khan's return comes shortly after similar operations coordinated with Interpol, in which two accused individualsone wanted by the CBI and the other by the Kerala Policewere brought back from Saudi Arabia. Bengaluru prisons case The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a case in 2023 concerning a criminal conspiracy to spread terror in Bengaluru. An FIR was also registered at the Hebbal Police Station in the city. "At the request of the NIA, the CBI had issued a Red Notice against the individual through Interpol on August 2, 2024. This notice was circulated to law enforcement agencies worldwide to track the wanted criminal," the statement explained. Also Read | 15 mobiles, knives seized from Bengaluru prison holding actor Darshan Khan was located in Rwanda, where the CBI sought help from Interpol's National Central Bureau in Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda. He was returned to India on 28.11.2024 by a security team from the NIA, reported PTI. Other extraditions Barkat Ali Khan, who was under an Interpol Red Notice, was wanted in a 2012 case involving rioting and the use of explosive substances. He was brought back from Saudi Arabia on November 14. Also Read | Manipur News: NIA reopens 3 cases as hunt for Jiribam culprits intensifies Delhis Prashant Vihar area in Rohini witnessed a blast on November 28, nearly 40 days after an explosion took place at a CRPF school in the same area. An ANI report, quoting Forensic Science Laboratory sources, said that the material used in the blast resembled a crude bomb and the suspect used a garbage area to place explosives. How Cordtex works Cordtex, the detonation cord that burns slowly, can be set alight from a distance. Before setting off the blast, Cordtex burns slowly like the tip of a firecracker. During a raid in Delhi pertaining to a cyber fraud linked money laundering case, an Enforcement Directorate team was allegedly attacked at on Thursday, officials said. The agency filed a police FIR regarding the incident at a farmhouse raided by ED officials in the Bijwasan area, within the jurisdiction of the Kapashera police station in southwest Delhi. An Additional Director of ED suffered minor injuries during the attack. He is continuing with the searches after he was given first aid, officials said. According to news agency ANI, there were five people in the farmhouse at the time of attack, and one of them managed to run away. The alleged accused in the case, including Ashok Sharma and his brother, allegedly attacked the ED team. The situation is under control and searches are going on, news agency PTI reported citing sources. The probe pertains to a case against the PYYPL, a non-bank digital app, targeting top chartered accountants allegedly linked to a massive cybercrime network operating across India. The network, too, was being run by some Chartered Accountants (CAs), the PTI sources claimed. The search operations, according to PTI sources, were launched after the probing agency got inputs from the I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) about cyber crimes like phishing, QR code cheating, part time job fraud leading to fraud with many people. It was found that money earned through this cyber fraud was being layered through as many as 15,000 'mule' accounts and withdrawn using debit and credit cards. Using these cards, it was found, money was remitted to top up virtual accounts on UAE-based Pyypl payment aggregator and subsequently funds were used from Pyypl to buy crypto currency. Also Read | Delhi police arrest Chinese national in 100 crore stock trading scam New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Coworking firm Incuspaze, which provides managed flexible office spaces to corporates, is looking to raise USD 25 million (over 210 crore) to expand its business across major cities before planning to launch its Initial Public Offer (IPO). Established in 2016, Incuspaze has a presence in 44 locations across 18 cities with a total portfolio of 40 lakh square feet. "We plan to add another 2 million (20 lakh) square feet in our portfolio by the end of December 2025," Incuspaze founder and CEO Sanjay Choudhary told PTI. In view of the growing demand for flexible workspaces, he said the company intends to start new centres across Delhi-NCR, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. "We are looking to raise a pre-IPO round of USD 25 million," Choudhary said. He said the company has a plan to launch its IPO in the next few years. Earlier this year, Incuspaze raised USD 8 million from the India Inflection Opportunity Fund and other financial Institutions Choudhary said the demand for premium office space remains strong, especially from multinational companies looking to set up Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. In the past six months, he said the company has enhanced its portfolio with an addition of 2 million square feet of office space across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow and Bengaluru. In July this year, Incuspaze had taken on lease around 5.8 lakh square feet of office space from property owners in Gurugram to meet corporate demand. According to real estate consultant Vestian, flexible office space operators had a portfolio of 67 million sq ft of prime office space till June this year and the number is set to cross 100 million sq ft by 2026-end as they look to expand amid a rise in demand from corporates. The flexible office market has "witnessed a demand shift post-pandemic from startups and SMEs to large conglomerates owing to flexibility and cost advantages". A day after an Air India pilot from Uttar Pradesh committed suicide in Mumbai, her family members accused her boyfriend of harassing her for eating non-vegetarian food. Commercial pilot Shrishti Tuli took the drastic step after her boyfriend forced her to stop eating non-vegetarian food at an event, reported PTI, citing an official. Following her death, the police arrested Tuli's boyfriend, and the court remanded him to four-day police custody. Further investigation is underway. Also Read | Over 100 Air India passengers stuck in Phuket since Nov 16, airline responds In the jurisdiction of Powai Police, a woman named Srishti Tuli, who is said to be a pilot, committed suicide on the night of the 24th and 25th of November. After this, the police arrested her boyfriend Aditya Pandit under 108 BNS, ANI quoted Mumbai Police's statement. Air India pilot suicide in Mumbai As per PTI, Srishti Tuli, from Gorakhpur, hanged herself with a data cable late at night at her apartment in the Kanakia Rain Forest building in the Marol area. The tragic incident followed a fight with her boyfriend, Aaditya Pandit, who lived in Delhi. Also Read | IndiGo and Air India are taking the battle to each other like never before Air India Pilot's boyfriend had borrowed 65,000 from her Srishti Tuli's uncle also accused her boyfriend of extorting money and harassment. He also claimed that Shrishti had transferred around 65,000 to his family members during Diwali. We have managed to check only one month's statement so far. Around Diwali, about 65,000 was transferred to his family members. I am convinced that he was blackmailing her. I have now asked the bank for the whole year's statement. Maybe, she had refused him money and that became the cause of her death, NDTV quoted Shrishti Tuli's uncle Vivek Tuli Also Read | Air India limits halal meals to select routes as part of its merger with Vistara Shrishti Tuli was the first woman pilot from Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur Shrishti Tuli was the first woman pilot from Gorakhpur and was even felicitated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Shrishti Tuli's uncle Vivek Tuli told India Today in an interview. Tuli had been living in Mumbai for work since June last year. She and Punit met while pursuing a commercial pilot course in Delhi two years ago and began a relationship, reported PTI, citing an official from Powai police station. Before committing suicide, Tuli had a quarrel with Pandit, after which he left for Delhi by car. During the drive, Tuli called Pandit and told him that she would end her life. After that, Pandit immediately rushed to Mumbai and found the door of her flat locked from inside, official told PTI. Also Read | Air India limits halal meals to select routes as part of its merger with Vistara Later, he opened the door with the help of a keymaker and found Tuli hanging with a data cable. The woman was rushed to the Seven Hills Hospital, where she was declared brought dead. No suicide note was found in the house. The Dhaka High Court on Thursday refused to ban ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh, a local newspaper reported days after a lawyer was killed in a clash between security personnel and supporters of a Hindu leader arrested on sedition charges. Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested and then denied bail in Bangladesh in a sedition case. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that she would support Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government on the action taken to deal with the alleged attacks and targeting of Hindu minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh. Mamata Banerjee said she spoke with ISKCON in Bengal, but the matter was not within her jurisdiction. Also Read | Bangladesh to ban ISKCON? Petition filed in high court after Chinmoy Das arrest Addressing the issue in the legislative Assembly, Mamata Banerjee said, "We do not want any religion to be harmed. I have spoken to ISKCON here. Since this is a matter of another country, the Central government should take relevant action on this. We are with them [Central government] on this issue." What's the controversy around ISKON? Banerjee's comments came as the relations between the Bangladesh government and ISKCON continued to worsen since the arrest of ISKCON Bangladesh priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. Das was arrested over sedition charges, which led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh. Das was a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and was recently expelled. Also Read | Bangladesh to ban ISKCON? Petition filed in high court after Chinmoy Das arrest After the priest's arrest, a petition was filed in the Dhaka High Court, demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh. The petition called ISKON a "radical organisation" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. The petition sparked another political row in Bangladesh. However, the high court refused to pass a suo motu order on banning ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh on Thursday. The court was informed that the government authorities have taken necessary measures, The Daily Star said. Also Read | Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das? Why Bangladesh denied bail to Hindu leader What did the Indian govt say? The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also expressed "deep concern" and called on the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote," the MEA statement issued on Tuesday read. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 22 locations across six states on Thursday, November 28, as part of a major crackdown on human trafficking, ANI reported. The raids began early morning and were coordinated with local police forces. According to officials, the searches targeted individuals and organizations linked to an organized trafficking network. The NIA acted on specific intelligence inputs before launching the operation, as per the ANI report. The report did not specify in which states these raids are being held. Sources said the investigation focuses on trafficking activities involving vulnerable individuals, including cases of forced labour and exploitation, as per a report by ANI. The NIA is probing whether the network has links to cross-border syndicates, as per a report by ANI. The agency took over the case (RC-10/2024/NIA/DLI) from local police, suspecting a wider organized network. The case involves the trafficking of men, women, and children across state borders and possibly beyond, as per a report by ANI. Also Read | Why are banks issuing fewer credit cards? The operation aims to dismantle trafficking networks and disrupt their activities, an official source said, as quoted by ANI. Indias top investigative agency has intensified its efforts to combat human trafficking, with a focus on breaking the supply chains of traffickers, the report added. The raids are seen as a crucial step in rescuing victims and prosecuting offenders, as per a report by ANI. Human trafficking remains a significant problem in India, affecting thousands of people each year, particularly from economically vulnerable backgrounds. Despite strict laws and international agreements, traffickers continue to exploit gaps in enforcement, as per a report by ANI. The NIAs actions are part of a broader strategy to curb such networks and ensure justice for victims. Further updates on the investigation are awaited as the search operations continue, as per a report by ANI. New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): PwC India has announced a year-long collaboration with Masters' Union, a modern business school, to prepare the next generation of professionals with cutting-edge skills in emerging domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and healthcare. According to PwC, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with practical knowledge and real-world expertise. The partnership aligns with PwC India's vision of fostering a human-led, technology-enabled future to address critical challenges faced by businesses, communities, and the nation. Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC in India, said, "Our collaboration with institutions like Masters' Union, will bolster our mission of bridging the gap between industry and academia." He added, "PwC India's industry expertise, alongside Masters' Union's focus on offering practical learning, can enable students with the skills and knowledge that they need for a smooth transition from campus to corporate life and also to excel in an increasingly digital world." Through this collaboration, PwC India aims to impact over 1,000 students by offering curated workshops, seminars, live projects, and hands-on experiences led by PwC experts. These initiatives will provide students with practical insights into industry challenges, ensuring their classroom learning translates effectively into real-world problem-solving. As part of the collaboration, PwC India will establish an emerging technology centre on the Masters' Union campus. This innovative hub will serve as a collaborative space for students and industry professionals to explore and develop practical applications of AI and other technologies, focusing on areas like business analytics, blockchain, and digital transformation strategies. Pratham Mittal, Founder of Masters' Union, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This collaboration with PwC India is a landmark moment for Masters' Union and will enable our students to be at the forefront of technological innovation and entrepreneurial success in the domain of artificial intelligence." The Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the November 19 order passed by a trial court for the survey of the mosque which led to widespread chaos and violence in the area. The suit in the trial court had alleged that the mosque was built after destroying a temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar will hear the matter on November 29, according to legal news website LiveLaw. Also Read | Sambhal violence: UP Police release photos of accused involved in stone pelting Last week, Civil Judge (Senior Division) of Sambhal passed an ex-parte order for a survey of the mosque by an advocate commissioner. The plaintiffs claimed that the Shahi Jama Masjid at Chandausi was built by Mughal emperor Babar in 1526 after demolishing a temple that stood there. The survey triggered violence which left four persons killed. On Sunday, violence erupted at the site as a mob gathered outside the Mughal era-mosque to protest against a court-ordered survey. Four people were killed in the incident, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition parties who accused Chif Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of targeting minorities. 25 arrested so far Police have so far arrested 25 rioters in connection with the violence. The accused include Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Sohail Iqbal, son of the partys local MLA Iqbal Mehmood and over 2,750 unidentified individuals. In the petition before the Supreme Court, the Masjid Committee submitted that the "hot haste" in which the commission survey proceeded gave rise to apprehensions in the minds of the residents of the area, making them come out of their homes, Live Law said. It is argued that the suit is barred by the Places of Worship Act and the trial court erred in passing the order ex-parte without hearing the mosque side. The petitioner submitted that the mosque is an ancient monument protected by the ASI. The petitioner said that it approached the Supreme Court directly due to the extraordinary circumstances. The Masjid Committee said that ordering of surveys where belated claims on Mosques are made is emerging as a pattern. The hot haste in which the commission survey proceeded gave rise to apprehensions in the minds of the residents. The petition has sought directions that no such orders should be routinely passed without hearing the defendants. Jharkhand will witness Hemant Sorens swearing-in as chief minister for a second term, while a crucial meeting in Delhi will decide who will head the Maharashtras government. Meanwhile, Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba embarks on a key visit to China to pave the way for PM K.P. Sharma Olis upcoming trip. Hemant Soren to be sworn in as Jharkhand CM JMM leader Hemant Soren will take the oath as Jharkhands chief minister today in Ranchi, marking his second consecutive term. Soren recently paid tribute to his grandfather, Sobaran Soren, at his ancestral village. His JMM-led alliance won a decisive victory in the state elections, securing 56 of the 81 assembly seats. NDA leaders to meet over Maharashtra CM post A crucial meeting in Delhi will see BJP leaders, along with Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena faction and Ajit Pawars NCP, discuss who will be the next Maharashtra chief minister. The BJP emerged as the largest party in the recent elections, winning 131 seats. Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde, who held discussions with PM Modi and Amit Shah, assured support for any decision on the leadership issue. Also Read | No Waqf Bill in Parliament Winter Session, JPC to seek more time Nepals foreign minister to visit China Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is heading to China today to finalize preparations for Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Olis upcoming visit. Deuba will lead a high-level delegation, focusing on setting the agenda for bilateral talks. Delhi court to hear Kejriwal's plea in ED case Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals plea regarding a missing sanction copy in an ED case will be heard in court today. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja granted the ED more time to respond, setting todays date for detailed arguments. Kejriwal has challenged the agencys claims about securing proper sanctions in a related case. President Murmu to begin Tamil Nadu visit President Droupadi Murmu to begin a four-day visit to Tamil Nadu today. She will address officers at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and meet with tribal community leaders and self-help groups. Her itinerary includes attending the convocation ceremony at the Central University of Tamil Nadu on November 30. In a shocking incident, a 74-year-old retired bank worker in Maharashtra's Thane was duped of 3.57 crore. An official said the elderly man was threatened by a scammer impersonating a police officer during a video call, as reported by news agency PTI. Also Read | Maharashtra CM LIVE: Amit Shah to meet Mahayuti leaders today Here's what happened The victim is a resident of the Ulhasnagar area. According to the PTI report, the senior citizen received a WhatsApp video call from a person who made him talk to another person claiming to be a policeman. The imposter threatened the victim and made him transfer a sum of 3.57 crore into different bank accounts, the official from Central police station said, as quoted by PTI. Following the victim's complaint, the police filed an FIR on Tuesday against the unknown scammer under Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. However, the FIR did not detail the specific threats made to the victim. Also Read | Digital arrest scam: SBI staff saves senior citizen in Hyderabad from fraud Digital arrest fraud in Mumbai In another such incident, a 77-year-old woman from Mumbai was kept under "digital arrest" for a month by cyber fraudsters who posed as law enforcement officials and made her transfer 3.8 crore, claiming her Aadhaar card was used in a money laundering case. The woman's ordeal began a month ago when an unknown man made a WhatsApp call and told the victim that a parcel sent by her to Taiwan contained MDMA drugs, five passports, a bank card, and clothes. When the homemaker, who lives with her retired husband in south Mumbai, told the caller that she didn't send any parcel, the person said details of her Aadhaar card were used in the crime, a police official said on Wednesday. The caller then connected the woman to a "Mumbai Police officer" who told her that her Aadhaar card was linked to a money laundering case under investigation. The Mumbai Police detained a woman for allegedly making a call to police, threatening to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Thursday. An official, quoted by news agency PTI, said the Mumbai police control room received the threat call on Wednesday. According to the PTI report, the call was traced to Amboli in the western suburbs, and a case was subsequently registered. A Mumbai Police team tracked the woman caller and took her into custody for questioning, the official said. After the investigation, the woman was found to be mentally unstable, and the call was classified as a 'prank', he said. The woman did not have any previous criminal record. Further probe was on, he said. Earlier on November 12, Mumbai's Bandra police arrested one accused, Faizan Khan, from Chhattisgarh in connection with the case of threatening actor Shah Rukh Khan. Also Read | Mumbai Police arrests 24-year-old for sending threat messages to Salman Khan The Mumbai Police had received a call threatening Shah Rukh at the Bandra police station. The caller even demanded 50 lakh, after which the police registered a case and dispatched a team to Raipur for further investigation. The threat to Shah Rukh followed a series of threats issued to fellow friend and Bollywood star Salman Khan, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Earlier on October 24, Mumbai Police arrested a man from Jamshedpur who had threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and demanded a ransom of 5 crore. Also Read | Baba Siddique case: How Akashdeep contacted conspirators to avoid being tracked In October, NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot multiple times while he was leaving his son's Bandra office on October 12. The Nationalist Congress Party leader and former minister succumbed to injuries at the hospital shortly after the attack. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the attack. The demise of Baba Siddique and death threats to stars like Salman and SRK have raised concern among fans. Moana 2 release date in India: The sequel of one of the most celebrated Disney movies, Moana, has been released globally. The animated adventure movie has received a positive response and its Indian audience is keenly waiting for Moana 2 release in the country. The movie is also expected to be available on OTT platforms soon. When and where to watch Moana 2 in India? Moana was released globally in 2016. Its sequel was premiered in Hawai on November 21, 2024 and has been released in various countries since then on different dates. In India, the movie is set to be released on Friday, November 29. Where to watch Moana 2 in India? People can visit their nearest movie theatres to enjoy Disney's Moana 2. People can also book Moana 2's advance ticket on platforms like BookMyShow. Moana 2's OTT release Since the movie's official partner is Disney, Moana is likely to be available for streaming on Disney+Hotstar. So far there has been no official information about MOana 2's OTT release date. About Moana 2 The animated movie has been directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller and is the sequel to the blockbuster 2016 Disney animated film 'Moana'. The second edition of the movie is set to be released after almost eight years. Moana 2 has been produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. An Uber Eats driver in Washington Township, New Jersey, made a surprising discovery on Sunday (November 24) when she picked up what appeared to be a regular food delivery but turned out to be something far more suspicious. The driver, according to a report in abc6, was dispatched to deliver a package that appeared to contain a burrito meal, which included a box of soup mix, and a bottle of water. However, as she drove towards the delivery location, she became suspicious due to an unusual odor coming from the bag. As per the report, the driver suspected the smell resembled marijuana and decided to stop at Fries Mill Road to inspect the package further. Upon examination by local authorities, police confirmed, as per the report, that the contents were not food. Instead of a burrito, the package contained an ounce of marijuana. The burrito had no typical ingredients like meat, beans, or rice, and was found to be a cleverly disguised drug package. Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik confirmed that the package was seized as evidence and that an investigation was underway to identify the source and intended recipient. Authorities believe the delivery was likely part of a larger scheme to use Uber Eats as an illicit delivery service. An Uber spokesperson reportedly expressed concern over the incident, describing it as deeply disturbing. The company has urged its drivers to stay alert and report any suspicious packages or deliveries to local authorities. Also Read | Zomato to sell UAE food delivery business for $172 million Comedian Vir Das delivered a memorable monologue as the host of the 52nd Annual International Emmy Awards, blending humor, cultural commentary, and playful jabs at both Hollywood and American politics. His opening remarks set the tone for a lighthearted and cheeky evening as he greeted the star-studded audience of international TV professionals. Vir Das, who hails from Mumbai, started his monologue by making a tongue-in-cheek reference to immigration, quipping, "It is very good to be here completely legally. I'm not a citizen. It's a very quick visit, in and out. I was just here to vote." His comedic approach to cultural issues continued as he humorously acknowledged the stereotype of Indian actors being typecast in Hollywood, joking about being cast as Doctor Raj, Lawyer Raj, Engineer Raj in American productions. Vir Das also took aim at the Hollywood tendency to remake international films, joking, "We tell the original diverse international stories that Hollywood remakes into cash cows with Kevin Hart and Liam Neeson." Das didnt shy away from poking fun, referencing the infamous Will Smith Oscars slap and adding, What do you think? Who does Will Smith have to slap tonight for us to get some eyeballs, guys? Also Read | Hunger OTT: Emmy winning Thai film is streaming on THIS platform The comedians wit was on full display as he offered a cheeky warning about the 30-second speech limit for award winners, suggesting, If you win an award tonight, you only have 30 seconds on this stage, and that is more than enough time to congratulate the people that you love, if not pleasure them. Das also delivered cutting commentary on high-profile figures like tech mogul Elon Musk. Joking about Musks potential role in the US government, Das quipped, "You have picked someone to lead you, to make all of your decisions and be the most powerful person in the world, and I think you chose well. Yes, he says erratic things, but he's intelligent, successful, and an amazing businessperson. Guys, Elon Musk is a legend. Das humorously compared Musks leadership style to a self-driving Tesla. "Technically it's self-driving, but ultimately, I have control," Das' remarked. Also Read | 52nd International Emmy Awards 2024: Check full list of winners He further joked, Keep Elon Musk happy. Alright? He will buy your platform and turn it into a podcast. Das sarcastically warned the audience, Please do not come up on this platform and say anything divisive, offensive, or inflammatory because this is America, and you will be elected. Sorry. Ejected." Donald Trump has named retired General Keith Kellogg his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, signaling a shift in U.S. policy toward the conflict. The appointment highlights Trumps push for a quick resolution to the war, potentially by reducing U.S. military support to Ukraine, Bloomberg reported. Trump, who has long questioned continued aid to Kyiv, reiterated his goal of ending the war swiftly. Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Trump posted on Truth Social. Keith was with me right from the beginning," the post said. Who Is Keith Kellogg? Kellogg, 80, previously served as Vice President Mike Pences national security adviser and held roles in Trumps first administration. Known for his loyalty, he has backed strategies that blend diplomacy with pressure. In writings with the America First Policy Institute, Kellogg proposed encouraging Ukraine to negotiate by threatening to cut off arms supplies, while maintaining support if talks progress. He envisions a deal that could freeze current battle lines and delay Ukraines NATO membership, emphasizing diplomacy over prolonged conflict. A recent essay he co-wrote suggested offering Russia limited sanctions relief to broker peace," according to the Bloomberg report. Criticism of Bidens Approach Kellogg has been critical of President Joe Bidens handling of the war. He blames Bidens chaotic foreign policy for escalating the conflict. Bidens recent moves, including forgiving $5 billion in Ukrainian debt and supplying long-range missiles, have drawn both praise and criticism from Kellogg. Hes actually given President Trump more leverage, Kellogg said on Fox News, though he faulted Biden for delaying the missile shipments. Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take oath as Lok Sabha MP today Diplomatic Strategy vs. Military Support Kelloggs appointment reflects a broader debate over U.S. involvement in Ukraine. While Biden has increased aid, Trump and Kellogg advocate for a more strategic approach, emphasizing diplomacy. Their plan calls for bold diplomacy and warns against sending arms to a stalemate," as quoted by Bloomberg. Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take oath as Lok Sabha MP today Samuel Charap, a former State Department advisor, described Kelloggs ideas as diplomatic rather than a concession to Russia. It is not by any means a plan to kowtow, Charap noted. Also Read | Sunita Williams Thanksgiving in space: A sneak peek into her celebration plan A Veteran and Business Leader Kelloggs military career began in Vietnam, where he earned honours for valour. After retiring in 2003, he transitioned to leadership roles at Oracle and CACI International. Amid demands to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON ) in Bangladesh, the religious organisation distanced itself from the activities of monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on sedition charges. The Dhaka Tribune quoted ISKCON Bangladesh's general secretary, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, as saying that Chinmoy was removed from all positions within the organisation long ago due to a breach of organisational discipline. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee vows support to PM Modi govt on ISKCON issue in Bangladesh During a press conference on Thursday, Charu Chandra Das said, Several months ago, Leelaraj Gour Das, head of Prabartak Sri Krishna Mandir, Gaurang Das, and Chinmoy Krishna Das, head of Sri Sri Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, were removed from their positions and all organizational activities within Iskcon due to violations of discipline. It was clearly stated that their actions are not representative of ISKCON. Charu Chandra Das further criticised ongoing attempts to wrongly associate Iskcon Bangladesh with the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chittagong. Also Read | Bangladesh to ban ISKCON? Petition filed in high court after Chinmoy Das arrest He said, We want to make it clear that ISKCON Bangladesh has no involvement in this tragic event or the ongoing protests. This false narrative has even escalated to the point where road accidents are being attributed to Iskcon. He added, Regrettably, certain groups are intentionally spreading misinformation about our organization and are making unjustified demands to ban Iskcon. Who is Chinmoy Krishna? Chandan Kumar Dhar Prokash Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, popularly known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was a spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a former leader of the ISKCON. He managed an ISKCON religious site called Pundarik Dham in Chittagong. Chinmoy Krishna Das was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday in a sedition case. Also Read | Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das? Why Bangladesh denied bail to Hindu leader The case, filed by Md Feroze Khan at Chittagongs Kotwali police station, accused Chinmoy Krishna and 18 others of hoisting a saffron flag above the Bangladesh national flag during a rally organised by the Hindu community under the banner Sanatan Jagaran Mancha on October 25 at New Market intersection in Chittagong. The case alleges this act was desecration and contempt for the countrys sovereignty, describing it as treasonous activities aimed at destabilizing the nation by fostering an anarchic environment. Chinmoy Krishna's arrest led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh. A legal notice was also filed, demanding a ban on the ISCKON and the prosecution of those responsible for the murder of government legal officer Advocate Saiful Islam. The Israeli military said on Thursday that the air force struck a facility used by Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon. This is the first such attack since a ceasefire between the group and Israel took effect on Wednesday morning. "A short while ago, terrorist activity was identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon. The threat was thwarted by an [Israeli Air Force] aircraft. The [Israeli army] remains in southern Lebanon and acting to enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement," the military said in a statement according to news agency AFP. Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants began a ceasefire Wednesday in a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold, news agency Associated Press reported. Israel reportedly said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the agreement. An Israeli military spokesman, in an Arabic-language X post in the first half-hour of the ceasefire, warned evacuated residents of southern Lebanon to not head home yet, saying the military remained deployed there. Also Read | Israel moves closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Also Read | Missiles target Beirut as Israel escalates strike on Hezbollah strongholds The ceasefire began at 4 am Wednesday. This was a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. The ceasefire did not address the ongoing war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Results of the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand brought the incumbents back to power. Election outcomes are difficult to analyse, given the complexity of Indias electoral system, dynamics of rival parties and the role played by caste, class, religion and local factors. While psephologists and political scientists undertake that exercise, two important determinants have emerged. The first is the role of cash transfers and second is the emergence of women as a decisive class of voters. It is difficult to disentangle their roles in deciding poll outcomes, but the fact that these have been offered as explanations by experts, and in some cases by political parties themselves, necessitates a discussion. While the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in Maharashtra offered 1,500 per month to women aged 21 to 65 years, the Maiya Samman Yojana in Jharkhand offered 1,000 per month to women aged 21 to 49 years. Even in Haryana, the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government promised 2,100 per month to women. West Bengal governments Lakshmir Bhandar provides 1,200 to SC/ST women and 1,200 to all other women above age 18. The Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana of Madhya Pradesh offers 1,250 per month to women in the state. In almost all cases, the schemes were initiated just before elections and the incumbent governments returned to power. There are now 10 states that have either implemented or announced such schemes. The list includes Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Himachal Pradesh. On the point of women emerging as a separate category in themselves across caste, class, religion and region, there may be some truth to it. There is evidence, even though anecdotal and weak, that political parties or leaders seen espousing causes that appeal to women are favoured by female voters. It may be alcohol prohibition in Bihar or free bus rides in Delhi. That issues related to womens empowerment are getting political attention is a welcome sign in a society where women have largely been invisible in the political sphere and many other spaces. However, what is attracting attention now is the quick-fix of cash transfers. While this may be new in the case of women, such transfers have been a preferred option even earlier, most notably to farmers as a tool to reduce discontent. Started by Telangana and followed by Odisha, these went national with the PM-KISAN scheme announced just before the 2019 general elections. Cash transfers are preferred by the political class as they are tangible, reach beneficiaries directly and are easy to implement. Beneficiaries welcome them as they do not impose any requirements, are available for spending on whatever they want, and bypass the local and state-level bureaucracies. The principal issue, however, is not their ease of deployment as a tool, but their relative usefulness. Spending on most schemes that are essential for women has not increased or remains low. The Central governments contribution to widow pension has remained stagnant at 200 per month since its launch in 2006. Benefits as part of the maternity entitlement scheme have also stayed unchanged since its launch almost a decade ago. The majority of front-line workers in education and health are women, functioning as anganwadi workers and helpers, mid-day-meal cooks and ASHA workers, providing essential services to citizens. Millions of these workers get less than state or central minimum wages, and must suffer poor working conditions. The rural employment guarantee scheme, which has helped narrow the gender wage gap, is underfunded, with rather low wages. This is not to argue that cash transfers do not contribute to womens empowerment or welfare. Even a small amount adds to household welfare and the fact that women get the agency to spend the money leads to empowerment, even if its notional. But easily made transfers come at a cost, fiscal and otherwise. In states with poor fiscal health, the added expenditure burden has hurt investment and left little money for spending on health, education and social development. The electoral success of such schemes has also led to competitive populism, with political parties outdoing one another on handouts without evaluating the relative benefits. The emergence of womens issues in politics marks a significant moment. But throwing money at problems is unlikely to resolve a deep tangle of patriarchy, social exclusion and other disadvantages faced by women. Upskill. Upgrade. Retrain. Reskill. Words that are sprinkled liberally in the business updates of many listed firms of India Inc. While companies have begun to boast of their fast-increasing count of workers skilled in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, for us employees, the quickened pace of upskilling seems to be a race . A race that many did not volunteer to participate in, but cannot afford to watch from the sidelines. It is ironical that AI, which is expected to ease business complexities, may end up exhausting employees being pushed to Upskill, Upgrade and Retrain. The frenetic pace of AI adoption will probably extract its pound of flesh at some point, even if India Inc would rather talk about the productivity marvels of this new technology. According to a study, AI at Work Is Here. Now Comes the Hard Part, by Microsoft and LinkedIn , 75% of corporate Indias business leaders have refused to hire someone lacking in AI skills, out-scoring the global average of 66%. AI skills outweigh experience, with 80% of leaders in India preferring to hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced candidate without them," noted the study released in May this year. And 91% of the leaders in India believe that their firms need to adopt AI, versus 75% globally. To a global analyst or an investor, or a funder of startups, these statistics are comforting. They suggest that companies in India are surging ahead on technology adoption and that Indias demographic dividend of a youth bulge is paying off in terms of a quick embrace of AI. But if you are a campus graduate trained in a specific area, you will have to learn how AI tools operate in that field and how to master them. If you are already employed and do not find your name on a list of employees picked for upskilling sessions by your employer, you may wonder whether youve been judged less suitable for it. And if you are a hunting for a job and your experience lacks AI -related skills, you may find it harder to find employment. AI is fast changing prospects and hasnt been discussed enough. Although company representatives at panel discussions have assuaged fears of AI resulting in job losses as algorithms take over routine tasks, many top and higher-level executives are unsure of the impact of AI on modern workforces. So pacification is mostly futile. A senior executive of a large internet firm recently said in a meeting that firms are laying out road-maps for the bulk of office work to be taken over by AI. While many are confident that the complexity of their role and analytical skills mean their jobs will not be snatched away, AI is expected to get sophisticated enough for its shadow to fall even on better-paid jobs. The co-pilot model, with AI playing the role of an assistant, is reassuring, but not entirely. AI may impact genders differently. Women who have taken a career break may find large portions of their work expunged when they return to office. Women returning to a workforce after a break are easily accepted today, but the roles offered are often below their capabilities. Catching up can be exhausting. And some workers being asked to adopt still-evolving AI tools say its a breathless experience. AI tools claim to be user-friendly, but are often found to be overhyped on that count. In cases where processes cannot afford AI errors or any hallucinations, ensuring work accuracy can be time consuming. AI-driven exhaustion could put women at a disadvantage. That worry is accentuated by the fact that AI impacts all sectors and companies, regardless of type and size. According to media reports, AI is partly responsible for layoffs over the past year or so at companies like Google, Microsoft and Dropbox. But today, even newly hatched businesses that do not employ large numbers must adapt to AI. Just this month, social media influencer Sharan Hegde, founder of The 1% Club, laid off 28 from his 200-member team because of some mistakes" in hiring and the adoption of AI tools to shave costs. Its a sign of the times that online ads have been proliferating for training sessions on AI adoption for various tasks. An AI training industry has sprouted around IT-skilling centres. Ameerpet in Hyderabad, which bustles with makeshift classrooms and IT professionals imparting lessons, now has billboards that scream about the latest AI courses, even though its unclear if paying for these will improve a candidates chances of being recruited. The advent of artificial intelligence casts a huge pall of uncertainty as to its impact on workers across all skill levelslow, semi and high," the Economic Survey noted this year. This caution is based on the capacity of this new technology to throw spanners in the wheels of employment generation in a country that is short of jobs. We also need to worry about where large-scale AI adoption may leave businesses. They may end up more efficient, but also find their human staff too over-stretched and exhausted to check if AI is getting it right. Unlike humans, AI tools dont get burnt out. But can AI be trusted? The author writes on workplaces and education at Mint. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon could not have come a moment too soon, especially since Tel Aviv had seemed determined to pursue its war against the Iran-backed militia with the same intensity as its campaign against Hamas in Gaza. This couldve reduced even Lebanons urban landscape to rubble. The risk of such devastation has fallen, but only by a degree. While US President Joe spoke of a permanent cessation of hostilities" as an aim while announcing the deal and added that he hoped for the same in Gaza, whether this truce will last is uncertain. The agreement is for 60 days, within which Israel must withdraw troops from Lebanese territory and Hezbollah must retreat 40km from the border, assuring Israel a buffer zone. But, crucially, this period will see Biden replaced by Donald Trump in the White House, so peace prospects in West Asia will probably hinge on what the new US leader makes of the situation. Israels Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is seen as a reluctant peacemaker, while Trump is expected to back Israel even more strongly than Biden. Yet, on matters of war, Trump is yet to reveal his hand. Will he surprise us? Also read: Israeli forces push deeper into Lebanon in widening war campaign The Biden administration doesnt have enough time left to use the billions of dollars lawmakers have authorized to arm Ukraine, U.S. and congressional officials said, leaving in President-Elect Donald Trumps hands what to do with the remaining money. The administration still has more than $6.5 billion left in what is known as drawdown authority, which allows the Defense Department to transfer weapons and equipment to Ukraine from its own stocks, U.S. officials said. The Pentagon has reached the limit of the weapons it can send Ukraine each month without affecting its own fighting capability, however, and is facing logistical challenges in getting the arms to Kyivs forces, they said. The U.S. would have to ship more than $110 million worth of weapons a day, or just shy of $3 billion in December and January, to spend the remaining funds in time. I would say its impossible," one congressional official said. What Trump decides to do with the remaining money will have implications for the battlefield and could help determine how much leverage Kyiv has going into any potential peace negotiations with Russia. Trump has said he would end the war, and U.S. officials worry that his incoming administration could choose to withhold weapons to get Kyiv to the negotiating table. The remaining funds offer the next administration considerable leverage to stop or suspend shipments to Ukraine," said Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a U.S. think tank. The Trump administrations first order of business will be to decide what to do with remaining equipment and how best to pursue the next supplemental request to Congress." A spokesperson for the Trump transition team didnt respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon is now aiming to transfer $500 to $750 million worth of weapons per month from its stocks to Ukraine, said one senior defense official, an increase from the average amount in previous months. But any more than that would require the Pentagon to draw down U.S. inventories to levels that would affect the U.S. militarys own readiness to fight, which defense leaders are unwilling to do. We are scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of easy stuff to send off the shelf," the senior defense official said. The upcoming shipments are expected to be largely ammunition and artillery, in part, because they are easier to ship, U.S. defense officials said. Heavier equipment such as armored vehicles or tanks can take months to inspect, test and clean before it can be delivered. The White House, which until two weeks ago said it was confident it could send the full amount to Ukraine before the end of the administration, is now backing off that claim, but arguing that people, not arms, are the major challenge for Ukraine. The Ukrainians now have healthy stockpiles of the vital tools, ammunition and weapons that they need to succeed on the battlefield," a senior White House official told reporters Wednesday. Today, the most pressing challenge for Ukraine is manpower." Kyiv isnt mobilizing enough people to fight and needs, at minimum, an additional 160,000 troops to fill out their ranks and stabilize the front lines, the official said. Russia had made some of its biggest advancements of the war, pushing aggressively into the Donetsk region. In addition, overnight, Russia launched a record 188 drones across Ukraine in a nighttime blitz. Most of the drones were intercepted. Moscow also has mobilized North Korean troops to supplement Russian forces in Kursk. The U.S. also has another more than $2 billion remaining to fund long-term equipment contracts for Kyiv, officials said. The Pentagon is working to get as much of that money as possible on contract by January 20, the senior Defense Department official said. And there is still just under $5 billion in funding from Congress to buy new weapons to replenish U.S. stocks. While the pace at which the administration can spend the money is limited by how quickly the Defense Department can get weapons on contractand how quickly the industrial base can produce themU. S. officials said they are hopeful they will be able to exhaust that fund by the end of the term. Earlier this week, the Biden administration asked Congress for an additional $24 billion for weapons for Ukraine. Of that, $8 billion would go towards long-term contracts to supply weapons for Ukraine while the remaining $16 billion would pay to replenish U.S. stockpiles. The incoming Republican-controlled Congress has signaled that it will be reluctant to approve to sustain support at Kyiv at the levels provided during the Biden administration. During the presidential campaign, Trump said that he would end the war immediately upon taking office by calling the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. He didnt explain what a potential ceasefire deal could look like. The administration has tried to help Ukraine in other ways since the Nov. 5 presidential election, including allowing Kyiv to fire U.S. provided long-range missiles inside Russian territory and approved the delivery of anti-personnel mines to help stabilize the lines. The administration also has allowed American defense contractors to operate within Ukraine. But going forward, Kyiv still depends heavily on the regular supply of weapons from the U.S., said Kofman, who has frequently visited Ukrainian front-line units. Ukraine depends on regular shipments of ammunition from the United States along with other types of materiel assistance without which there could be a visible effect on the battlefield within weeks of suspension," Kofman said. Write to Lara Seligman at lara.seligman@wsj.com and Nancy A. Youssef at nancy.youssef@wsj.com WASHINGTONAs the Biden administration seeks to broker an end-of-term peace deal in the Middle East, it is bringing along a surprising back-seat partner: Donald Trump. Instead of slamming a White House-brokered Lebanon cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah announced Tuesday, Trump and his advisers have stayed largely quiet about the diplomatic breakthrough, while Biden administration officials shift their focus to a cease-fire in Gaza, a much tougher task. It is a rare sign of tacit agreement with President Bidens approach that could produce mutual benefits: for Biden, a legacy-defining foreign-policy win before he departs in January; for Trump, one less global crisis that he will have to handle. But the temporary alignment could also quickly fracture. U.S. officials concede that Hamas militants havent shown signs that they are ready for a Gaza cease-fire deal before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long shown a preference for Trump, could choose to wait out the Democrats presidency in hopes the new administration will give him even more latitude to continue the war against Hamas. Im skeptical that there will be a cease-fire deal in Gaza regardless of the coordination happening with the Trump transition team," because Netanyahu is reluctant to commit to a permanent halt in the fighting, said Michael Hanna, a Middle East expert at the International Crisis Group. Even if Netanyahu did want to move forward now, Netanyahus coalition partners dont want a deal, and Hamas doesnt want a deal," said Steven Cook, a senior fellow for the Middle East at the Council on Foreign Relations. If Biden manages to achieve an agreement between Israel and Hamas in coming weeks, Trump could claim credit for making it possible, as Mike Waltz, the president-elects choice for national security adviser, did Tuesday about the Lebanon cease-fire. Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump," he posted to X. Israels strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, a close Netanyahu confidant, briefed Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida earlier this month on the Lebanon talks. Trump, according to Israeli officials, signed off on the plan and expressed hope that a deal would get done before he entered the Oval Office on Jan. 20. Trump and Netanyahu have spoken at least three times since the Republicans election victory earlier this month. A spokeswoman for Trumps transition declined to comment on private conversations he and his team have had about Middle East diplomacy. Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Wednesday that he had kept Waltz apprised at every step" during the negotiations on the Israel-Hezbollah agreement. Biden envoy Amos Hochstein added that he had spoken with Waltz and other members of Trumps team about the agreement to ensure we get a seamless transition." A senior Biden administration official said that Trump aides agreed that completing the Lebanon cease-fire was good for Israel, Lebanon and for the U.S. Most important, doing it now versus later will save countless lives on both sides," the official said, referring to the Trump advisers view of the deal. Trump has previously sent mixed signals about his timetable for ending the war in Gaza. I want him to finish up and get it done quickly," he said of Netanyahu in July. In October, Trump expressed support for Israels offensives against Hamas and Hezbollah, telling Netanyahu in one call: Do what you have to do." Since winning the election, Trump appears to have come to recognize the benefit of winding down the Gaza crisis before his inaugurationjust like Biden. But it wont be easy. A flurry of diplomatic activity is already under way, Egyptian and Arab mediators said. An Egyptian negotiating team is in Tel Aviv for talks, while Qatars prime minister is in Cairo also pushing for a deal. Egyptian officials have been in touch with Trumps team, gauging if he could convince Israel to compromise some of its key sticking points, namely its desire for a buffer zone" between Israel and Gaza. Meanwhile, Cairo has let Hamas know that it is isolated, especially after Hezbollah struck the cease-fire deal with Israel, and that its demands for a full Israeli military withdrawal from the enclave are unlikely to be accepted by Netanyahu. Brett McGurk, the White Houses top Middle East official, met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday about the Lebanon deal, a Gaza cease-fire and the prospects of seeing the nearly 100 hostages held by Hamas released from captivity. The U.S. will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza with the hostages released and the end to the war without Hamas in power," Biden said Tuesday. Biden and Trump are in agreement on integrating Israel further into the Middle East by brokering a deal that would normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel in exchange for U.S.-provided security guarantees to Riyadh. Biden hasnt given up hope of completing such an agreement before leaving office, but Trump may be hoping to save that prize for himself. Summer Said contributed to this article. Write to Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com With a few hours remaining for Hemant Soren to take oath as the new Jharkhand Chief Minister, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader took a jibe at BJP, asserting that unity is the biggest weapon. The to-be 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand posted on X: Let there be no doubt about it - our unity is our biggest weapon. We can neither be divided nor silenced. Whenever they push us back, we move forward. Hemant Soren also seemingly poked fun at the BJP-led NDA alliance, saying, Whenever they try to silence us, our voice of rebellion and revolution grows louder because we are Jharkhandis, and Jharkhandis do not bow down. 'Amit Shah should give the job to us' Despite an aggressive campaign ahead of the Jharkhand polls, the BJP-led NDA lagged behind, leading in only 23 seats and falling short of its expectations. The saffron party's focus on infiltrators in Santhal Parganas couldn't counter the JMM's strong appeal to the Adivasi community and the sympathy wave for Soren following his arrest. Also Read | Jharkhand vs Manipur Highlights: Jharkhand beat Manipur by 88 runs A day before the second phase of Jharkhand's Assembly elections, Soren responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that it was the state government's responsibility to identify alleged infiltrators and that governing borders is challenging due to their porous nature. He said: 'Amit Shah should give the job to us. Jharkhand CM's swearing-in ceremony Hemant Soren will take oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand at a grand ceremony at Ranchi's Morhabadi Ground on Thursday. The oath will be administered to Hemant Soren by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at 4 PM. Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress general secretary and Jharkhand in-charge, stated that Hemant Soren would take the oath alone and would expand his cabinet following a vote of confidence in the assembly. Parliament Winter Session: Proceedings in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the third straight day amid protest by the opposition, minutes after the sessions began on Thursday, November 28. The sessions will now reconvene on November 29. The third day of Winter Session kicked off on Thursday at 11 am in both Houses. Soon after Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi took oath as a Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad, the opposition started protesting and raising slogans demanding a debate on Adani bribery case, Sambhal violence, Manipur and other issues. The house was adjourned for an hour. Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes oath as Lok Sabha MP When the house met again at 12 noon, the protests by opposition returned. The Presiding Offfice Krishna Prasad Tenneti requested the protesting members to allow the House to function. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju slammed the opposition, naming the Congress party for not letting the House function. Soon after the minister's remarks, Tenneti annouced the adjournment of Lok Sabha untill 11 am on November 29. The Winter Session of Parliament began on Monday. The proceedings were adjourned as opposition started protestings in both houses. There was no business on Tuesday on account of Constitution Day. The proceedings were adjourned in both bouses on Wednesday too for the same reason. Also Read | No Waqf Bill in Parliament Winter Session, JPC to seek more time The Congress and other opposition parties staged protests demanding a discussion on Manipur violence and bribery charges against the Adani Group. The INDIA bloc is demanding a JPC Probe into allegations against the Adani group. Opposition MPs in both Houses of Parliament raised slogans inside the Parliament. 18 notices rejected in RS In Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar rejected 18 notices submitted by Opposition MPs demanding a joint parlimentary committee (JPC) probe into Adani bribery charges in the US, Sambhal violence and an increase in crime in Delhi. Opposition MPs shouted slogans forcing adjournment of the Upper House for the day. Earlier this month, Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest men, and seven others were indicted for fraud by US prosecutors over their alleged roles in a $265 million scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure power-supply deals. The Adani Group has denied all allegations, calling them "baseless". Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has listed 16 bills, including the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, for the for the session, which ends on December 20. The opposition is demanding a debate on serious allegations, but the government is focused on pushing through its legislative agenda. Five bills have been listed for introduction, consideration and passage, while 10 are for consideration and passage, according to the bulletin of the Lok Sabha. The petroleum and natural gas ministry has recommended the inclusion of natural gas in the goods and services tax (GST) framework to the finance ministry, an official aware of the development said on Thursday. However, it has not yet been decided whether it will be part of the agenda of the GST Councils next meeting scheduled in December, the official said on the condition of anonymity. The petroleum ministry favours including natural gas in GST as it will make the taxation of the product more efficient, benefitting user industries like fertilizers and steel. Since natural gas is currently taxed under the regime of central excise duty and state-level value-added tax (VAT), businesses producing and using it are subject to two different taxation streams, as they have to pay GST on all other goods and services used in their operations. This makes the tax regime complex and breaks the chain of input tax credits for businesses. Long-standing demand The inclusion of natural gas, crude oil, petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in GST has been a long-standing demand from the industry as well as from the petroleum ministry. However, state governments have to agree to this proposal for it to get the GST Councils approval. The finance ministry typically refers indirect tax recommendations other than customs duty to the Council, which has different panels of central and state officials who assess legal and tax rate-related aspects. The political leadership makes decisions based on proposals from these committees. Including natural gas in GST could set the ball rolling for the inclusion of four other commodities, as it will set the template for this difficult-to-implement reform. The GST Council is expected to meet in Jaisalmer on 20 December to consider tax rate cuts on life and health insurance products and to discuss GST rate rationalization. Queries emailed to the GST Council and to the finance and petroleum ministries on Thursday seeking comments remained unanswered at the time of publishing this story. Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday expressed confidence in the resilience of India-US relations as Donald Trump gears up for another term in the White House. Goyal highlighted the strong bond between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while asserting he foresaw no challenges concerning trade tariffs. The US-president elect has often expressed his confidence in the India-US partnership during his tenure at the helm and referred to Modi as a good friend, Goyal said while addressing a press conference. "I think if you don't jump the gun, we should let the new government come and take charge and express their formal and official views." Also Read: India-China trade: An alarming $18 billion discrepancy "He's (Trump) a friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and I'm sure this friendship will only continue to blossom and grow further," he added. Interestingly, Trump, who takes office in January 2025, plans to impose steep tariff hikes of up to 25% on the US's top three trading partnersMexico, Canada, and Chinaon his first day in office to control the US's rising trade deficit, with its imports outpacing its exports. The US is one of the few countries with which India enjoys a trade surplus, recording a bilateral merchandise surplus of $35.33 billion in 2023-24, up from $27.69 billion in 2022-23. The total goods trade between the two nations stood at approximately $119.7 billion during 2023-24, down from $126.41 billion in the previous year. In comparison, India's overall merchandise trade deficit was $240.17 billion in 2023-24, down 9.33% from 2022-23's $264.90 billion. India's exports Meanwhile, Goyal said India's total exports, including merchandise and services, are expected to cross $800 billion in 2024-25 despite challenges related to the pandemic and geopolitical crises like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Red Sea crisis. Also Read: Mint Primer When the chips are down: A US-China trade war? "India has doubled its exports during Prime Minister Modi's tenure," he said. "I do see before my eyes a further rapid growth in our export income," he added. India's total exports, including goods and services, stood at $776.68 billion in value terms in 2023-24, up from $776.40 billion a year ago, according to the commerce ministry data. "The various policies that we have come up with, whether it's an effort to promote industrial corridors and industrial smart cities, whether it's an effort to reduce our logistics costs, our efforts to create the right ecosystem, to encourage greater exports, both of goods and services are all taken in the direction of making India self-sufficient and giving us a competitive edge in whichever areas we have a strength," Goyal said. "It is not necessary that India needs to do everything, but strategic sectors and sectors where we have a competitive edge will be our strength going forward, which we will continue to encourage and continue to grow," he added. India-UK FTA Meanwhile, about the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) talks, Goyal said the UK is ready to speak and take the talks forward after the elections, which saw a change in the government. Recently, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to relaunch trade talks with India early next year after a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The two leaders met last week in Rio de Janeiro, where Downing Street confirmed the UKs intention to pursue a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement. Also Read: India should reconsider its rejection of the RCEP trade bloc Negotiations for the India-UK FTA, which began in January 2022, had stalled after the 14th round of talks as both nations entered their respective general election cycles. The EU regulations Goyal termed the European Union's (EU) green economy regulations unfair and in violation of the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", and said he raised them with his European counterparts like France's Sophie Primas. "I strongly raised this issue with my French counterpart and did express India's deep disappointment on the unilateral regulations and many new regulations that the EU has come out with, which are not acceptable to anybody in the world, which have been opposed by developed countries as much as by developing and less developed countries," Goyal said. Under the proposed EUDR, or EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products, operators or traders placing specified commodities on the EU market or exporting them must prove their products do not come from recently deforested land or contribute to forest degradation. Also Read: India-US trade after Trump returns:Much to fret about but scope for optimism too Besides, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduces tariffs on energy-intensive goods imported into the EU. Sunita Williams is feeling good, working out, and eating right, amid her weight loss claims due to an extended stay in space because of a technical snag in Boeing Starliner. The Indian-origin NASA astronaut recently shared how she will celebrate Thanksgiving in space. In an interview with NBC News on November 27, Sunita Williams said that she, along with NASA astronaut team stationed at ISS, will watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sunita Williams' Thanksgiving feast in space | Watch After enjoying the parade, the astronaut will enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with her colleague Wilmore and SpaceX Crew-9 members Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov. Sharing details about her Thanksgiving feast, Sunita Williams told NBC news that the astronauts will be treated with some smoked turkey, some cranberry, apple cobbler, green beans and mushrooms and mashed potatoes. On Wednesday, NASA shared a video message from the astronauts stationed at the ISS. The astronauts in the video shared that they had been provided with food items like butternut squash, apples, sardines, and smoked turkey for the occasion. Also Read | Sunita Williams savours shrimp cocktail and pizzabut fresh food is running low In the video message, Sunita Williams wished her friends, family, and other well-wishers on Earth a Happy Thanksgiving and said, Our Crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us. Sunita Williams is set to return to Earth in February 2025, nearly eight months after her Starliner spaceflight was launched from Earth in June this year. Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore were launched at the ISS in June. The duo were set to return to Earth nearly a month after their launch, but their return space flight was delayed multiple times because of a technical glitch in Boeing Starliner. Now, the two are set to return to Earth in SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft. There is a famous wine region whose wines Ive largely overlooked lately. My cellar is proof: I have exactly four bottles of Rioja to my name. The wines of Rioja, Spain, are reliable, reasonably priced and only released when theyre ready to drink. So why havent I given them greater attention? Maybe its actually because Rioja wines are so predictable. Or maybe its a matter of pairing. Traditionally aged in American oak, Rioja is marked by a distinct vanilla note I have, in the past, found hard to match with a wide range of dishes. When I undertook my recent Rioja re-exploration, however, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found: delicious wines at great prices and some good matches with food. I wondered if other wine drinkers are overlooking Rioja. Brian Gelb, vice president, wine, of Total Wine & More, reported that Rioja sales at the chains 220-plus stores have been flat for a couple of years compared to sales of wines from, say, Italys Tuscany and Piedmont. Gelb, himself a Rioja fan, noted the excellent price-quality ratio and the fact that the wines are ready to drink on release, such a selling point for people who like Old World wines but arent prepared to cellar a bottle of Bordeaux for 10 to 15 years." Still, they arent buying Riojas like theyre buying Bordeaux at the 14 restaurants overseen by Josh Nadel, beverage director for the New York-based NoHo Hospitality Group. Nadel has fewer than a dozen Rioja wines spread across all his lists. I feel like Rioja has been overtaken by other emerging categories," he said. Retailer Gerald Weisl, proprietor of Weimax Wines & Spirits in Burlingame, Calif., advises red-wine drinkers looking for a refuge from high-price California Cabernets and Pinot Noirs to take another look at Rioja. You can buy 2023 and 2022 California Pinots and Cabernets with $40-150 price tags. Alternatively, good Riojas from traditional, old-school Rioja bodegas have price tags of $15 to $50," Weisl said. Tempranillo, Riojas chief grape, can produce wines along the lines of Cabernets and Merlots," he added. A few of the wines in my tasting had a vinous muscle and overt fruit that did seem more West Coast than northern Spain. They werent my ideal of Rioja, a wine aged long enough to be wonderfully drinkable upon release. Indeed, the regions wines are classified according to how long theyve been aged, just as other great wines of the world are classified by vineyard (as in Burgundy) or ranked by estate (as in Bordeaux). For red Riojas, the youngest, simply labeled Rioja, may be aged only a few months before release. These are also the cheapest. I found a few for as little as $5 a bottle. The next-youngest, labeled Crianza, are aged at least two years in barrel and bottle, while Reserva wines are aged at least three years in barrel and bottle and frequently much longer; Gran Reserva wines, aged at least five years in barrel and bottle, are also often aged even further. The last are presumably a producers very best wines, though there is no official requirement for a Gran Reserva aside from age. Most of the Rioja wines I purchased were red. All were designated Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva, and priced from $12 to $44 a bottle. I did find a few white Riojas, though none of them rewarded the search. Two were decidedly neutral, almost flavorless; one bore an uncanny resemblance to canned pineapple juice. The lone rose in my tasting, the light, bright, floral 2023 Bodegas Muga Rosado ($13), has long been a favorite, and the Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja, Mugas flagship wine, was already in my cellar. So I was rather disappointed by the 2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja ($40), in which new French oak dominated the fruit in a manner that seemed decidedly un-Rioja-like. The earthy, beguiling 2016 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza Rioja ($25) was its polar opposite, captivating aromatically and versatile when it came to fooda Rioja to pair with anything from fish to meat. There is no Rioja winery more traditional than R. Lopez de Heredia, and no producers more dedicated to keeping the flame of tradition alight than its sibling proprietors, Maria Jose, Mercedes and Julio Cesar Lopez de Heredia. Their wines are not only famous but famously long-lived, and aged much longer than most Riojas. The winerys Crianza could even be classified as a Gran Reserva under current law. But as Maria Jose wrote in an email, We follow the old rules and we are not interested in changing them. Others change, we dont." The rest of the reds I tasted were a mix of traditional and modern styles, and serious and less-serious wines. The fun, fleshy, ripe 2020 Bodegas LAN Crianza ($12) was definitely in the latter category, with lots of bright, red, juicy fruit and not much complexity. The 2020 CVNE Crianza Rioja ($15), meanwhilefrom one of Riojas most highly regarded estateswas more complex and structured, but it needed more time in the bottle to show its best. The 2017 CVNE Cune Gran Reserva Rioja ($36) was much more accessiblesoft, and perfumed, a nuanced, elegant wine. I wondered at the decision to make a Gran Reserva in a vintage as difficult as 2017 was, but CVNE chief winemaker Maria Larrea explained that the location of the estates vineyards proved an asset: A large part of the oldest vineyards are in the shelter of the Sierra de Cantabria and Montes Obarenes, which acted as a protective barrier against the frost." Two traditionally styled Riojas proved particularly goodand good bargains, too. The elegant 2019 Marques de Riscal Reserva Rioja ($15) was a lithe and elegant wine aged in American oak at Riojas oldest bodega. Also aged in American oak, in this case for 24 months, the 2019 Marques de Murrieta Reserva Rioja ($24), from another historic estate, was impressive, lush and elegant, marked by supple tannins and lively aciditytextbook well-made Rioja. After reporting this column I promptly doubled my Rioja holdings, and I soon will be buying more. Sometimes predictability can be good. Longford has a proud tradition in politics. Dating right back to the War of Independence and political giants like Sean MacEoin. It is a county that knows a thing or two about activism. Yet it is also a county famous for its pragmatic, if slightly conservative approach to issues. Traditionally over the years you could break Longford politics down pretty easily: Two parties, no nonsense. At least that was how it was often described to me. Even though there were strong independents and voices from other groupings, like Joe Sheridan, and several well known local electoral figures, these always had their roots in Fine Gael or Fianna Fail. The last twenty-five years, Ireland has been changing. Populations have moved and shifted at a greater rate than ever before, changing the make up of the Longford electoral base. The constituency is an interesting one now that suffers both from a state of national and local flux. Make no mistake though the upcoming election will be particularly important for the constituency. There are some things that make politics in Ireland unique. Our electoral system is one of them and it confers many advantages in terms of representation, choice, and local influence. It also brings disadvantages like any system. A lack of national focus and a lot of compromises. Elections in a democracy are all about who you choose to rule and decide policy. That means who ends up in government. After that our system leaves scope for who you want in opposition and to add other voices. Right now, though, the parties are struggling. A system where all our parties are struggling to go much beyond 20% is not a healthy one. The campaign is dull because of it. Normally a national vote of 7-11% for Independents allows for some great individuals to come through, but the system is not designed for the Independent vote to outstrip most parties. This means we will get a lot of individualism. A lot of specific items but not huge direction as a country and thats a problem long term. Longford Westmeath is a constituency where a lot of rivalry still exists between the counties. A sense of who is getting more than who still pervades and leaves a disjointed view of policy in the region. However, there are major national issues that must be addressed. Whether you are a believer or not in climate change or environmental concerns it is going to impact you. In the next decade our transport system must change utterly. It will change utterly. The only question is how well will this constituency implement that rather than can it avoid it. Our energy systems will change utterly. How we use water will change. Our waste systems need a drastic overhaul and this will be implemented too. Many will tell you these things can be ignored. They will tell you there are other ways to prolong the inevitable change. They will tell you someone else can do it so you dont have to. The problem is this constituency will be impacted hugely by all those things. Without being at the forefront of those changes there will not be investment, there will not be delivery on promises. Longford and Westmeath have both had some great times but there are difficulties all over this constituency and many things people are not happy with. But in truth our greatest problems have stemmed from when we have believed a comforting voice that told us not to worry rather than face the truth. We are quick to blame politicians for broken promises. The truth is though, promises work. Many know they cant be delivered but there are usually far less votes in telling anyone that. Much better to just say what people want to hear. This constituency really needs to force itself now to face some hard choices and be ready for a coming change or in a decade we will face just more complaints about broken promises and how yet again the midlands got left behind. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke and his son Leo at the 2020 General Election count in Athlone Picture: Shelley Corcoran The 2020 election saw Longford regain a seat by solidly getting behind Joe Flaherty. It also saw the rise of Micheal Carrigy and changes in the north and south Longford power bases of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Sinn Fein were carried on a wave to the top of the polls and Sorca Clarke stormed home. Robert Troy and Peter Burke were still the most likely potential Ministers and had no electoral issues. With the constituency moving to a five-seater in 2024 it should, in theory, be easier to predict, but of course theory rarely matches practice. It must be safe to assume that Burke and Troy can both hoover up enough votes from their record and profile to secure seats. Sorca Clarke may have a battle on her hands. The local elections were poor for Sinn Fein, but that said there is enough in their vote nationally to assume that they should take a seat. Clarke may well find her vote down, but it would represent something of a shock if SF proved unable to hold the seat. Then we have the return of Boxer. For me this is one to watch because after a very impressive local election and with the high polling of independents Moran should really be in position to take a seat. Of course, Clarke and Moran know that there are many permutations that affect that outcome. Hogan will poll well and Louise Heavin could pick up a lot of votes but where these transfer to will be of particular interest and impact. All of that of course affects the Longford side of the constituency too. Now Flaherty and Carrigy are the two big names here. There are even hopes that Longford might take two seats but that will be a tall order and require some real luck on the transfer patterns. Flaherty will hope that Warnocks votes in the town area will come back to him in the count. Warnock will of course hope for an Indo upset, but he may struggle to connect with those beyond the town and it may not have been the wisest move to depart local elections through disillusionment just before embarking on a general election campaign. Flaherty though will find there is a challenge to him this time more than last and he will need Longford and FF votes to religiously back him to see him safe. Carrigy with a small addition to his vote that may come from FG being in a better position is in real contention. He may end up being the sole Longford TD or he might hope to pip a Westmeath candidate at the post. The big question for both these counties is how many people are willing to vote beyond the county border. So, the opportunity to shape a new future for the constituency is upon us. There is no time to be indecisive. It is no time to hope for the best. We need as an electorate to challenge the candidates and make our demands but to be clear about what we want and be ready for the obvious realities we face. As the country goes to the polls on Friday, November 29 to determine the identity of the 174 TDs that will sit in the 34th Dail, here's what you need to know about the expanded Longford-Westmeath five-seater constituency. Outgoing TDs: Peter Burke (Fine Gael), Sorca Clarke (Sinn Fein), Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail), Robert Troy (Fianna Fail) Population: 142,972 The Longford perspective: After James Bannon (Fine Gael) lost his seat in the 2016 General Election, it meant Longford was the ONLY county in the country without a sitting TD in the 32nd Dail. Four years later, the Make Longford Matter slogan of first-time Fianna Fail candidate Joe Flaherty (7,666 first preference votes) struck a chord with Longford voters and the Lanesboro native and former Managing Director of Iconic Newspapers was the second candidate elected to the 33rd Dail from the Longford-Westmeath constituency. Flaherty's triumph, alongside that of outgoing TD Robert Troy (9,331 first preference votes), helped Fianna Fail capture two of the four seats on offer, the first time the party achieved that feat in this constituency since 2007 when Mary ORourke and the late Peter Kelly were successfully elected. Against the backdrop of Sinn Feins incredible #GE2020 performance that saw Sorca Clarke comprehensively top the poll, it was a noteworthy double and the highlight of an otherwise disappointing campaign nationally for Micheal Martins party. Clarke, who failed to win a seat in the 2019 local elections in Westmeath, hoovered up votes in every corner of the constituency, including an estimated 3,500 in Longford, as she garnered 11,848 first preferences or 21% (a huge increase of 11.5% - 5,270 - on 2016 when Paul Hogan ran for SF), and she comfortably exceeded the 11,277 quota by 571 votes. Somewhat ironically, it was the transfer of 2,828 votes from the eliminated Micheal Carrigy (Fine Gael) that got Flaherty across the line. Carrigy's party colleague Peter Burke (6,617 first preferences) gained 2,709 votes - 119 less than went to Flaherty. The fact that 40% of Carrigys votes remained in Longford suggests that voters in the county gave #1 and #2 votes across party lines. However, the Ballinalee postmaster and Co Longford Tourism Chairperson, who was first elected to the county council in 2009, and secured 6,334 first preferences did lament the fact that 3,500 votes left Longford and went mainly to SFs Sorca Clarke. If a chunk of those votes went to first-time GE candidate Carrigy, then Longford could have been celebrating the election of two TDs. Not since 2007, when James Bannon (FG) and the late Peter Kelly (FF) were successful, has Longford had two sitting TDs. With an extra seat up for grabs this time around Longford candidates will be hoping to increase their representation but as the 2016 election demonstrated, they can take nothing for granted, particularly since Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, the biggest casualty in the constituency last time out even though he polled 6,730 first preferences, has been rejuvenated following his incredible local election success last June. Just five of the 20 candidates in the field are Longford based - Barry Campion (Sinn Fein), Micheal Carrigy (Fine Gael), Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail), Dave Smyth (People Before Profit) and Gerry Warnock (Independent). The Issues: The primary election issues are set to be housing, rural crime, health and immigration with the threat of industrial action being taken by over 130 staff at St Christopher's Services another key topic on the doorsteps. Expanded Constituency: Since the 2020 election, the Longford-Westmeath constituency has expanded in size. The Electoral Commission recommended the return of 19 electoral divisions in north Westmeath from Meath East to Longford-Westmeath. This brought in an extra 9,484 voters, bringing the constituency population to 142,972 which entitled the area to an extra seat. Despite the reunification of Westmeath, politically it is very much a divided county as Athlone voters usually stay loyal to Athlone candidates, something 'Boxer' Moran will be hoping helps him although he will have Paul Hogan (Independent Ireland) and Louise Heavin (Independent) breathing down his neck and Mullingar voters to Mullingar candidates. Longford voters are expected to back Longford candidates, having learned a lesson in 2016, but once again in 2020 thousands of Longford #1 votes crossed the county boundary. Indeed, tallies from 2016 indicated that 32% of Longford votes crossed the county boundary and went into Westmeath, while the 2020 tallies revealed that around 29% of Longford votes travelled to their neighbours. In the race: Minister Peter Burke, Senator Micheal Carrigy and Athlone-based Tanya Cannon have been selected by Fine Gael. Joe Flaherty is Fianna Fail's flag bearer in county Longford, while Deputy Robert Troy will join him as he contests his fourth consecutive general election. Taking a leaf out of the FG strategy, FF opted to add a third candidate in the guise of Dympna Cunniffe from Mount Temple. Sinn Fein 2020 Longford-Westmeath poll topper Sorca Clarke will be joined by Barry Campion, who secured 253 votes in the Granard Municipal District local election last June, on the ticket. Mullingar-native Fidelma Bennett, who was narrowly denied a seat on Westmeath County Council earlier this year, has been nominated as the Labour candidate. Cllr Paul Hogan is the Independent Ireland candidate. He previously contested three General Elections (2007, 2011 and 2016) and a By Election (2014) as a Sinn Fein candidate but was unsuccessful. Carol Okeke, who lives in Kinnegad is aiming to become Longford-Westmeaths very first Green Party TD. Longford town based Dave Smyth is running for People Before Profit. Laura O'Neill is the Aontu candidate in the Kinnegad area and she has said she is passionate about youth development, animal welfare, mental health advocacy. Of the non party candidates in the field former minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran is the most high profile. He secured a seat on Westmeath County Council in June when he received one of the highest percentage of first-preference votes nationally - he mopped up almost 40% of the Athlone vote and two-and-a-half quotas. Boxer served as as Minister of State for the OPW and Flood Relief from 2017 until 2020. Athlone's first-ever Green Cllr Louise Heavin who lost her council seat in the June local elections - is also standing as an Independent, while long serving Longford county councillor, Gerry Warnock, was one of the earliest to confirm he would run as an independent candidate last April. Donal Jackson is also running as an Independent and he was previously a candidate in 2020, 2016 and 2011. Margaret Alacoque Maguire is running for Ireland First, while Independents Charlotte Keenan and Paul Bradley are also in the race. Likely outcome: General Election predictions always come with a health warning however in #GE2020 there were six candidates that polled in excess of 6,300 first preference votes - Sorca Clarke 11,848; Joe Flaherty 7,666; Peter Burke 6,617; Robert Troy 9,331; Kevin 'Boxer' Moran 6,730 and Micheal Carrigy 6,334 - and it is likely that this sextet will be leading the way once again when the ballot boxes are opened on Saturday, November 30. However, first-time General Election candidate and Longford town based Independent Gerry Warnock will be hoping his strong canvass will prove that prediction wrong and put him in the mix. There was considerable momentum behind Sinn Fein in 2020 but with recent polls indicating their popularity is falling it will be interesting to see if Deputy Sorca Clarke can top the poll again. Deputy Robert Troy, Minister Peter Burke and Deputy Joe Flaherty will also be hoping to retain their seats and the shootout for the final seat could become a Longford v Athlone showdown. No doubt there'll be many twists and turns between now and when the Returning Officer announces the outcome of the final count! 20 Candidates Alacoque Maguire, Margaret (Ireland First) Bennett, Fidelma (Labour) Bradley, Paul (Independent) Burke, Peter (Fine Gael) Campion, Barry (Sinn Fein) Cannon, Tanya (Fine Gael) Carrigy, Micheal (Fine Gael) Clarke, Sorca (Sinn Fein) Cunniffe, Dympna (Fianna Fail) Flaherty, Joe (Fianna Fail) Heavin, Louise (Independent) Hogan, Paul (Independent Ireland) Jackson, Donal (Independent) Keenan, Charlotte (Independent) Moran, Kevin 'Boxer' (Independent) O'Neill, Laura (Aontu) Okeke, Carol (Green Party) Smyth, Dave (People Before Profit) Troy, Robert (Fianna Fail) Warnock, Gerry (Independent) The big day is nearly here, as Ireland goes to the polls to decide who should form the next Government. As the country votes, well run you through everything from how to find out if youre registered, where to go, what to do, and how the Irish voting system works. Can I vote? In order to have your say, you need to be registered to vote if you havent already done this, then unfortunately its too late to do so now. If youre unsure whether youre registered, you can still check at this link by selecting your relevant local authority (the county in which you live) and searching your full name and by address or Eircode. When can I vote? Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Friday November 29. Do I need a polling card? No. Even if you havent received one, you might still be on the register (check the link above to make sure of this). If youre registered to vote but havent received a polling card, you can just go to your polling station. Where is my polling station? Again, if you search for your details via this link, it will give the exact address of your polling station. If you dont know where that is, search using the Eircode on Google Maps (or another map app). Do I need to bring ID to the polling station? Yes especially if you dont have a polling card. When you arrive at the polling station, youll be asked for your name and address, and possibly a form of identification to confirm that you are who you say you are. Once staff at the polling station find your name is on the Register of Electors and are satisfied with your identity, theyll give you your ballot paper (after the Presiding Officer has stamped them make sure they do this or your vote will not be valid). What happens once I get my papers? Go into the booth and vote (well outline how to do this below), filling out the numbers beside the name of each candidate in order of preference. When youre finished, fold your paper over, go back to the table where you were given the paper, and put it in the black metal box. How do I vote? Proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV) is unusual, with Ireland and Malta the only countries to use it. A party list system is more common internationally. The ballot papers will show the names of the candidates in alphabetical order, along with their photographs and their party emblem (if they have one). Voters indicate who they would like to see elected in order of preference so, you should write 1 opposite your first choice, 2 opposite your second choice, 3 opposite your third choice, and so on. Do not make any other mark on the ballot paper. If you do, your vote may be considered invalid/spoiled and not counted. You should not write X or tick the box beside candidates, as this could also spoil your vote. When you have voted you should fold your ballot paper, return and place it into the ballot box at the same station. How does my vote work? Only one of the preferences in your vote is active at a time. Your vote stays with your first preference candidate unless and until they do not need it any more either because they have been elected with a surplus of votes over the quota, or eliminated from the race. If your first preference candidate is elected, your vote is transferred to your second preference. If your second choice is elected or eliminated, your vote may be transferred to your third choice, and so on. Your vote could transfer a number of times at the same election to your lower preference candidates, depending on how many people you give a preference to. If a candidate receives more than the quota on any count, the surplus votes are transferred to the remaining candidates in proportion to the next available preferences indicated by voters. As explained by Citizens Information, if the quota to be elected is 5,000 votes and Candidate A receives 6,000 first preference votes at the first count, they are elected with a surplus of 1,000 votes. Lets say that out of candidate As 6,000 total votes, 30% of voters gave their second preference to candidate B, and 20% gave their second preference to candidate C. In this scenario, B receives 300 votes (30% of 1,000) and C receives 200 votes (20% of 1,000). In a previous episode of The Explainer podcast, Virgin Medias Political Correspondent Gav Reilly noted that your vote works a little bit harder in Ireland than in countries such as the US or UK where you only get one vote, you vote for one candidate. In Ireland, if your first choice candidate gets eliminated or elected early and theyve got spare votes that they dont need those votes can be passed on, Reilly explained. Ultimately, what you have is an outcome which is slightly more representative of broader consensus, rather than just being a straightforward popularity contest, he added. Should you vote all the way down the ballot paper? One of the perennial questions asked every time an election rolls around in Ireland is: Should you vote all the way down the ballot paper? In short, there are different schools of thought on this as outlined here. In some constituencies, it would be quite time-consuming to vote the whole way down the ballot paper but, of course, this is up to the individual. There are more than 20 candidates running in a handful of constituencies, including Louth, where 24 people are on the ballot. Reilly told The Explainer that voters are at liberty to cast as many or as few preferences as they like. He continued: The best way to make sure that your vote is as useful as possible is for you to consider in advance how many candidates you might ultimately like to see get elected. And indeed, in some cases, if theres anyone that you absolutely dont want to see getting elected. If there are specific candidates that you absolutely dont want to get elected, you should vote for literally everybody else. For example, Reilly said if there are 10 people running in a constituency including two you really dont want to get elected, the best way to try and achieve that is to cast preferences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 for the eight other candidates in your preferred order. You will only ever help a candidate if you are voting for them. A candidate that you dont put a preference beside gets nothing out of you. But the thing that a lot of people dont always understand or dont realise is that if you leave a whole slew of candidates blank and you dont give them anything, basically what you are telling the returning officer and the count staff is that you are passive, you are meh about which of them may or may not get in. And if that is genuinely the case, if you are completely passive about those candidates, you are at liberty to do that. But if, of those remaining candidates, theres some that youd prefer to see rather than others, you should keep voting until youve run out of all your preferences or until you know that youve listed all of the candidates in the true preference of order that you have. Reilly acknowledged that giving out as many preferences as possible gets more complicated when there are lots of candidates, but its something voters should consider. One danger, particularly when you have very long ballot papers where you could have 20-plus candidates, is that you might end up unwittingly giving equal weighting to some people that you sort of feel OK about, and some people that you dont. That is the challenge of the voting system, particularly when there are so many candidates that there is something of an onus on the voter to figure out who they all are, and to figure out what they stand for. Reilly added that this is, in a sense, overcomplicating things. If there are only three or four candidates that you like, and you are genuinely passive about the rest, you are totally free to just cast 1, 2, 3 or 4 and feel like youve done your duty, put it in the ballot box and walk away. The Journals FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Networks Code of Principles. You can read it here. For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out FactChecks readers guide here. You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: November 27 2024 Please Dont Be a Victim! Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder are taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of the residents of Nassau County during the upcoming holiday season. All of our regular marked and plainclothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of shopping malls and commercial areas. The patrols will be augmented by our Mounted Unit, Bureau of Special Operations, K-9, Emergency Services, CIRRT and POP Cops. Concurrently, dedicated patrols have been assigned to the major malls within the county, putting additional police officers at those locations during peak hours. In addition to shopping safety, Nassau Police will also be on the lookout for drivers and occupants who are not complying with vehicle and traffic laws. This includes parking in Fire Lanes, children who are not in child safety seats or buckled in their seat. Police Officers will also be vigilant watching for drivers who are violating cell phone laws including text messaging and driving while intoxicated on all roads in Nassau County. Handicapped parking violations will be strictly enforced. Parking in handicapped spaces is reserved for those with visible permits. Before Leaving Home Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving the lights on in the most frequently used rooms. Plan your shopping trip carefully. Know where you are going and what routes you will take to get there. If possible, arrange for a friend to go shopping with you. There is safety in numbers. Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking. Additionally, let them know when you expect to return. Dont leave valuable items out in the open. Secure them in closets, safes, etc. When Parking Always, park in well-lit areas and remove keys and wallets. Remove all items, such as radar detectors, laptops or packages and secure them in the trunk, glove compartment, out of site. Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to conveniently return after shopping. Always lock all your doors Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas. Avoid carrying large handbags. Carry only what is necessary. Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before you exit your vehicle. Dont get out of your vehicle until you are ready. If you dont feel safe, stay in the car or drive away. While Shopping Keep your money and credit cards in your front pocket and try to limit the number of credit cards and cash youre carrying while shopping. To avoid being a victim of Identity Theft, be aware of exposing credit cards, debit cards and other identification at the cash register and ATMs. Thieves will utilize cell phones to capture card information without your knowledge. Be cognizant of any Distraction, that could be staged to facilitate the types of crimes that typically occur during this time of the year. When Returning to Your Car Never leave the store with your arms full of packages. Use a courtesy cart. Have your car key in hand, ready to unlock your door. Check the parking lot for suspicious people and look around before you exit the store. Do not return to your vehicle if you see people loitering nearby. Carry a whistle or other audible device. If you feel threatened, use it. If youre inside your vehicle, lock your doors and honk your horn to attract attention. Check underneath, in front and in back of your car as you approach it. Check the front and rear passenger seats inside your car before you enter it. If you are planning on returning to the store, never leave your packages in plain view inside your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or place them on the floor and cover them with a blanket or jacket. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS The Nassau County Police Department wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season. Local Experts By Chris Boyle Published: November 28 2024 In total, the mall supplied 1,020 turkeys which helped to feed over a number of families in the area. In the spirit of giving, Green Acres Mall hosted turkey distributions in partnership with elected officials to 20 local charitable organizations. In total, the mall supplied 1,020 turkeys which helped to feed over a number of families in the area. Key community members including JCC Executive Director, Stacey Feldman, Senator Patricia Canzoneri Fitzpatrick, Assemblywoman Michaeele Solages and Legislator Carrie Solages were among those officials that assisted Green Acres in donating these turkeys throughout the community. The Thanksgiving giveaway reflects Green Acres commitment to supporting the community in meaningful ways. In this season of gratitude, we are thankful for the opportunity to give back to our community, said Joe Floccari, General Manager of Green Acres. We want to make sure every family can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in the spirit of kindness and togetherness. The turkeys were distributed as follows: Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages office distributed 100 turkeys directly from her district office on North Central Avenue, and an additional 50 to churches and civic associations in the 22nd Assembly District, including Holy Name of Mary Church, Bethany French Baptist Church, Millbrook Civic Association, Argo Civic Association, Locustwood-Gotham Civic Association, and the Parkhurst Civic Association. Legislator Carrie Solages distributed turkeys to Gateway Church, Elmont Cultural Center and Haitian United Foundation. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick distributed turkeys to food pantry, Project Manna, in Inwood. Assemblyman Ari Brown distributed turkeys to Martin Luther King Community Center in Long Beach. Assemblyman Brian Curran distributed turkeys to Freeport Methodist Church. Councilwoman Melissa Miller distributed to Bethlehem Church in Valley Stream. Councilwoman Laura Ryder distributed to Oceanside Community Services. Oceanside Community Service packed baskets for families in need, with turkeys from Green Acres inside. These baskets were delivered by students from Oceanside High School. Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips distributed turkeys to Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce and Bishop Mackey Tabernacle of Joy Church in Uniondale. Commissioner Ryder distributed turkeys to Police dept 5th precinct in Elmont and Police dept 4th precinct in Hewlett. The JCC Food Pantry of the Greater Five Towns picked up 150 kosher turkeys from Green Acres Gabriel Boxer of Kosher Response received 50 kosher turkeys to distribute to community members in need. Kosher Response mission is to help fight food insecurity for children and families. The following quotes capture the spirit of gratitude, community and collaboration that define the partnership between Green Acres and local leaders. Through their combined efforts, this initiative provided those in need with a Thanksgiving meal: The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC is so grateful to have a friend and partner in our efforts to alleviate food insecurity in the local community. The team at the Green Acres Mall cares deeply for those in need and it's an honor to partner with them. At Thanksgiving, a time for reflection, those we serve will have a beautiful and dignified meal free of worry. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible. JCC Executive Director, Stacey Feldman Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and come together as a community. Its heartwarming to see the joy and relief this initiative brings to families who might otherwise struggle to put food on the table for the holiday. This is about more than just distributing turkeys its about ensuring that every family has the opportunity to celebrate and create lasting memories with their loved ones. Im incredibly grateful to Green Acres Mall for their generosity and to Assemblyman Ari Brown for collaborating on this effort to support our neighbors. Senator Patricia Canzoneri Fitzpatrick Green Acres Mall continues to demonstrate what it means to be a true community partner by ensuring more families can share in the joy of Thanksgiving. By providing turkeys to local families, they are extending opportunities for many to benefit from the resources our community hub offers. This effort reminds us that when we work together, we can ensure no one is left out during this season of gratitude, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. The commanding officer of the 146th Division, Brigadier General Yeftah Norkin (left-center), visits soldiers in the field in southern Lebanon. (IDF photo) A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began at four in the morning on November 27. The agreement calls for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which was agreed upon in the wake of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution was never fulfilled, however, as Hezbollah continued to operate and increase its strength in southern Lebanon. The current ceasefire agreement once again calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, which makes the Lebanese Army the only authorized force in southern Lebanon. Among the 13 clauses of the agreement is one that the Government of Lebanon will prevent Hezbollah and all other armed groups in the territory of Lebanon from carrying out any operations against Israel, and Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, or other state targets, in the territory of Lebanon by land, air, or sea. In addition, the US and France will work to enable the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to deploy 10,000 soldiers to southern Lebanon. This total is in addition to around 10,000 United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel in southern Lebanon. Further, the United States and France intend to work with the international community to support the LAF as appropriate to achieve such an increase in its deployment levels in Lebanon, and to improve its capabilities, the agreement says. Israel is expected to withdraw to the Blue Line, which is the border between Israel and Lebanon. The agreement specifies this withdrawal will take place in a phased process which should not exceed 60 days. The Lebanese Army is supposed to coordinate and backfill areas from which the IDF withdraws. The IDF controls a number of villages within several miles of the border, the result of the ground operation Israel launched on October 1, 2024. Even as the ceasefire began, there were concerns that Lebanese civilians and Hezbollah would seek to return to southern Lebanon. Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted that the fundamental test of the ceasefire agreement taking shape along the Israel-Lebanon border will be in its full implementation, ensuring the security of all residents of the north of Israel. He added that our enemies must understand: what was will be no more. We fought fiercely as a united nation with selfless determination to ensure the safety of Israels citizens. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a statement on November 27 as reports emerged that Lebanese were seeking to return to areas close to the border, potentially causing clashes with the IDF. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have directed the IDF to not allow the entry of the population to the area of the villages adjacent to the border with southern Lebanon, as per the first stage of implementing the framework of the ceasefire, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office noted. The IDF has arrested four Hezbollah militants, including a local commander, who entered the prohibited area, and will continue to take strong action against any violation, the statement added. IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that Israel had degraded Hezbollahs capabilities over the two-month operation that started on September 23, 2024. The operation began with widespread airstrikes followed by a ground incursion a week later. Israels military has estimated that more than 2,000 Hezbollah operatives were eliminated on the ground in southern Lebanon and more were killed in airstrikes. We degraded Hezbollahs launch capabilities, struck its strategic assets, eliminated its leadership, and damaged its command and control chain. We have also targeted its ability to rearm and resupply, and we have severely disrupted its ability to carry out its planned infiltration into our territory, a plan it had meticulously prepared to carry out on the day of command, Hagari added on November 27. In southern Lebanon, the IDFs 146th Division continues to enforce violations linked to the ceasefire agreement, the IDF said. It was unclear how many other Israeli units from several other divisions are still in southern Lebanon. Units from up to five divisions were there at the peak of operations, but the overall number may be less today. The commanding officer of the 146th Division, Brigadier General Yeftah Norkin, visited soldiers of the 226th Brigade in its area of operation, the IDF said on November 27. The update on the 146th Division includes the only specific details the IDF provided about continued activity on the ground. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). Dear Abby: My sons father, Tony, and I dated for two years before our son was born. We split up seven years ago, and its been on and off most of the time since then. This past year we have been growing closer again, and I asked him what he wants. Tony said he doesnt want a romantic relationship with anyone right now because he is working on his anger issues. Hes a former combat Marine, and hes had these issues for years. I have been honest about wanting a relationship when he is ready, but Im really confused with the mixed messages he sends me. I asked about setting boundaries we both agree on, but Tony says he doesnt need any and that I should do what I feel is right for me. This leaves me feeling Id be being used if the situation becomes intimate. I have drawn the boundary at no sex unless we are in a relationship. Tony treats me like a friend and wants to hug or kiss me at times. I feel that because we dont currently want the same relationship, I should move on. What is your advice? On Hold in Ohio Dear On Hold: I am sorry you didnt mention how Tonys anger issues manifest themselves. If they are so severe that he acts out, he does need professional help. You have wisely postponed having (more) sex with him without some kind of commitment, which hes unwilling to make. From what you have written, your sons father isnt interested in more than a friendly relationship with you so he can have one with his son. While I admire that, I do not think you should plan on a future with him, or you could end up waiting forever. Dear Abby: My spouse and I have been happily married for 31 years. However, we have a strained relationship with our daughter Willa. Although we dont like her pothead/never-held-a-job boyfriend of four years, weve tried to accept him. We even paid for a family vacation and included him. Ill admit we were hard on Willa growing up, but we always said she could live at home while going to school. Shes a hard worker, and we have told her how proud we are of her accomplishments. Shes going to school, works two jobs and has never needed anything from us. We see our daughter only on special occasions. We did family therapy to help our relationship, but she stopped going when the boyfriend came into the picture. My question is: How can I have a good relationship with my daughter? Missing It in New Mexico Dear Missing It: You created a daughter who is self-reliant, hardworking and independent, and who likely distanced herself from you because you were so hard on her while she was growing up. I dont know whether I should congratulate you or commiserate with you, but as far as having a close relationship with your daughter, that ship may have sailedunless you can convince Willa to get back into family therapy with you. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. COPYRIGHT 2024 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION President Joe Biden and the first family spent a quiet first day of their annual Thanksgiving week vacation on the island Wednesday. After touching down Tuesday night and heading to the Abrams Point compound of Washington, D.C., philanthropist and Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein, the Biden family kept a low profile Wednesday, with the president not venturing out. First Lady Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley did some shopping downtown, stopping at Town Pool and Ladybird Lingerie, among other stores. The Bidens arrived on Air Force One Tuesday with Ashley, son Hunter Biden, his wife Melissa and grandson Beau, hours after the president announced a cease-fire between Israel, Hezbollah and Hamas. Read more: Biden not the only president to pay island a visit There are no public events scheduled for the first family on Thanksgiving, although in recent years, they have visited Coast Guard Station Brant Point and the Nantucket Fire Department in the late morning, last year dropping off pies to firefighters working on the holiday. Before being elected president, Biden also participated in the Cold Turkey Plunge, the annual Childrens Beach fundraiser for the Nantucket Atheneums Weezie Library for Children. The Inquirer and Mirror on Nantucket is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Inquirer and Mirror, click here. If youre a Black Friday shopper, youre sure to need a caffeine boost before you brave the crowds bursting through the automatic glass doors of your local department stores. Lucky for you, most Starbucks locations will be open on Friday. Even so, its possible that your go-to locations hours will be different, according to Starbucks. Starbucks hours and holiday closings vary by location, and each one may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs. An investigation by the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit Tuesday resulted in 13 arrests, the seizure of an illegal firearm, and the recovery of cocaine and heroin. The unit, under the direction of Capt. Brian Keenan and Sgts. Jaime Bruno and David Robillard, had been monitoring a residence on the 0-100 block of Carew Terrace for several weeks, suspecting it of being a hub for illicit narcotics distribution. The homes residents and associated activities had become a persistent nuisance to the neighborhood, prompting an investigation, police said. Detectives identified Luis Padro, Monte Haynes-Carthon and Ashley Griffin as primary suspects in the operation, leading to the application and granting of a search warrant for the residence. On Tuesday, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Detectives conducting surveillance observed Tylor Bombardier and Ashley King visiting the Carew Terrace residence. Recognized as having outstanding warrants, both individuals were taken into custody. A search yielded four bags of heroin from Bombardier and King was found to have a capsule of crack cocaine, police said. Later that evening, around 5:20 p.m., detectives viewed a vehicle arriving at the Carew Terrace residence. A female passenger left the vehicle, briefly returned, and then departed with the driver, who parked on Stafford Street. Detectives initiated a traffic stop, identifying the driver as David Alexander and the passenger as Margaret Davis, police said. Both individuals were found in possession of crack cocaine and placed under arrest, police said. Around 6:15 p.m., detectives also issued the search warrant at the Carew Terrace residence. Seven individuals were detained inside the home: Luis Padro, Melissa Goodreau, Scott Henley, Ashley Griffin, Haylee Champagne and John Friberg Jr. A search of the premises yielded a firearm, ammunition, about 42 grams of powdered and crack-cocaine, 23 grams of heroin, and over $1,100 in cash. All detained individuals were placed under arrest for various charges. At about 8:20 p.m., officers from Springfields FIU unit and Hampden County Sheriffs Department saw three people approaching the Carew Terrace residence. Upon noticing police presence, they departed, and detectives located them on the 1300 block of Carew Street. Monte Haynes-Carthon, Chelsea Lucia and Jonathan Cunningham were detained. Haynes-Carthon was found in possession of cocaine and placed under arrest. Lucia and Cunningham were taken into custody on outstanding warrants. The arrested face a range of charges. Luis Padro, 29, of Springfield, and Ashley Griffin, 34, of Springfield, are each charged with heroin/fentanyl trafficking, cocaine trafficking, and firearms offenses. Scott Henley, 43, Melissa Goodreau, 43, and John Friberg Jr., 43, all face charges of possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy. Haylee Champagne, 26, of Hialeah, Fla., faces similar charges, as well as a default warrant from Holyoke District Court. Champagne was also charged with leaving the scene of a property damage crash, larceny of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Additional arrests include David Alexander, 67, of Blandford, and Margaret Davis, 50, of Blandford, both charged with possession of a Class B drug. Tylor Bombardier, 31, of Springfield, was charged with possession of a Class A drug and had an outstanding warrant from Westborough District Court. Monte Haynes-Carthon, 44, of Springfield, faces multiple charges, including heroin/fentanyl trafficking and firearms offenses. Chelsea Lucia, 28, of Springfield, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Chicopee District Court, while Jonathan Cunningham, 36, of Agawam, was charged with possession of a Class A drug and had outstanding warrants from Chicopee District Court. Additionally, Ashley King, of Springfield, was charged with possession of a Class B Drug, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, failure to wear a seat belt, and possession of a Class A Drug. The Firearms Investigation Unit includes several subdivisions, including Task Force, Warrant Apprehension, Vice, Property and Licensing. The units primary objective is to address the local impact of the nationwide increase in gun violence. Editors note: This article was edited to remove a listing from another state. Emergencies can happen at any time, so it helps to know what urgent care clinics are open during the holidays. Several factors play a role in why urgent cares are closed on holidays, despite hours typically saying clinics are open every day of the year. Paying employees on a day that might see a low patient turnout can impact a clinics profits, while staffing could also be short as employees take the day off to spend time with their families, according to the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. But on Thanksgiving, several urgent care clinics remain open in case of an emergency. Here are the clinics open on the holiday. Central Massachusetts ReadyMED PLUS While all other ReadyMED locations are closed on Thanksgiving, the Worcester location is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-in appointments are accepted, but patients can check wait times online. The location is 366 Shrewsbury St., and the phone number is 508- 595-2700. UMass Memorial Health The urgent care clinic in Leominster is open on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Professionals ask that patients call the clinic before they arrive. The phone number is 978-466-8820 and the clinic is located at 510 North Main St. Eastern Massachusetts American Family Care Arlington The clinic will be open until 2 p.m., but X-rays are not always available. The center is located at 1398 Massachusetts Ave., Unit #31 in Arlington. To make an appointment call 781-648-4572. American Family Care Watertown The clinic is open until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Appointments are available until 7:40 p.m., but X-rays are not always available. The clinic is located at 376 Arsenal St., Watertown. Patients can make appointments here. The phone number is 617-923-2273. American Family Care Waltham The clinic is open until 2 p.m. and offers appointments until 1:15 p.m. It is located at 1030 Main St., Waltham. Patients can make appointments here. The phone number is 781-894-6900. Carbon Health Clinics located at the following locations are taking appointments from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.: 75 Spring St, West Roxbury 573 Worcester Rd, Framingham Patients can make an appointment for both locations here. Norwood Urgent Care Located at 103 Providence Highway (Route 1) Walpole, the clinic is open. until 4 p.m. Patients can walk in or make an appointment by calling 781-255-0500. PhysicianOne Urgent Care Chestnut Hill This clinic is accepting in-person appointments until 1:45 p.m. and video appointments until 11 p.m. Patients can schedule appointments here. The clinic is located at 1210 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill. The phone number is 860-650-3848. Western Massachusetts Baystate Health The Baystate Health urgent care clinic located in Springfield is open on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though professionals recommend calling ahead to make an appointment. The phone number is 413-794-0000 and the clinic is located at 3400 Main St., Suite 1. Priority Urgent Care This clinic, located at 1505 Memorial Drive in Chicopee, is open on Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patients can book an appointment and secure a time slot online. SPRINGFIELD Grace Gustafson ran from the front entrance of Springfield Union Station Wednesday and into the embrace and waiting SUV of her mother, Amybeth. Grace, of Springfield, and a sophomore at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, was one of the more than 65,000 passengers expected to pass through Union Station over Thanksgiving weekend. Info/News: Deces de Reynolds PermalJustin Trudeau a annonce sa demission5e systeme de la saison cyclonique 2024-2025Renouvellement du permis doperation pour les pharmacies priveesLes prochaines rencontres de football de la MFAMeteo du 6 janvier 2025Modoki La Nina dans le PacifiqueZone pluvio-orageuse au Nord-Nord Ouest de MauriceTrois Jumbo Express ferment leurs portesDeces de Lady Nancy Ah-ChuenSpace42s Thuraya 4 Satellite successfully launched into orbit[Video news] Baby John au Sirsa[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 janvier 2025Sanjiv Ranjan is the new Secretary-General of the IORA SecretariatLettre ouverte au Premier ministre du PakistanLettre ouverte a lAmbassadeur des Etats Unis a MauriceIPLOOK Networks 2024 RecapThe Best-Performing CEOs in Africa in 2024iHerb Debuts Digital Wellness HubHinen to showcase advanced energy storage technologyContribution decisive des Nouveaux Democrates dans la victoire du 10 Novembre 2024DTOS Group lance une 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2024Apercu du temps pour Maurice du 28 au 31 decembre 2024Global Movement to drive clean energy solutions and sustainable livingDepression tropicale a lEst-Nord-est[Document] Debats parlementaires du 20 decembre 2024[Document] The Special Allowance Act 2024[Document] The Employment Relations (Amendment) Act 2024Maurice et lAfrique du Sud veulent renforcer leurs liens culturels en 2025[Video News] Message de Noel de Mgr Jean-Michael Durhone It is sad to see the main parties treat the electorate like little children. Listen to the outlandish claims about what theyll do when in power. Have most of them forgotten that theyve been in power directly and indirectly (FF supporting FG) since 2016? FF and FG have ruled this country like a fiefdom almost since the foundation of the state over one hundred years ago. Only in the last term of government have they patted each other openly in a coalition, quite simply to keep Sinn Fein out. There is an unadulterated dishonesty in that. Now on the election trail both parties are keeping SF in their sights while playing out pretend battles over the status of a FG Louth candidate, among other things. Do they honestly believe that people cannot see through this nonsense? Why not be completely honest with the electorate and admit that there is no difference between the two main parties except in the spelling of their names? Their policies are a variation on a theme with the underlying nugget keep the Shinners out of power. For most people the high cost of living, the homeless crisis, the health fiasco and lack of educational supports are all the result of endless years of FF and FG being in power. These big boys have had their chance time after time and were still in a mess. Now they want us to vote for them again and expect a different result! At least the Shinners cant be any worse and could actually surprise us by being even a little better. Cheap bidding wars Theres a cartoon picture doing the rounds on social media of an electioneering fox addressing a flock of sheep. He promises to become a vegan when elected! Many politicians are like that. They are engaged in cheap bidding wars to outdo one another with silly, unrealistic election promises. If what they now promise is so attainable why didnt they implement those policies when in power? Its election giddiness when they engage in ridiculous fairy godmother politics. It is reminiscent of Pat Rabbittes famous comment: Isnt that what you do during an election? Afterwards, he claimed his comment was taken out of context. These people are not living in the real world. They can claim that political life has huge difficulties, especially with the advent of social media. Perhaps if their policies reflected the wishes of the majority of those who elected them they would face a lot less online vitriol. Check the pay-outs retiring politicians will receive. Who works out these astronomical sums, alongside their pension payments? Now with MEPs having received a fresh mandate and when this general election is over we can expect major changes in policies for Ireland if the two major parties are returned to power. Watch Micheal Martin and FG leaders shameful stance on neutrality and NATO while they engage in more USA and EU love-bombing. The day of party politics is fast diminishing with many people becoming even more disenchanted with the increased number of celebrity candidates. We need people who are more interested in doing work rather than how they look. Serving the people should be a vocation rather than a pathway to riches and entitlements. Many Westport people (and others) are pyrite victims, all blameless yet they shoulder the pain. Why would any politician ever allow the matter to develop as it has, victimising the innocent? Weasel words are useless, its action thats needed. HQ decision makers Decent people who are party members soon find out that its the big boys in HQ who make the decisions while they are instructed which way to vote. Its time to rescue all politics from those with vested interests who serve themselves and their lobbyist friends. The big boys dissolved our local councils. It shows how much democracy means to them. The party system has never allowed politicians to truly follow their hearts or conscience. The Irish whip system is a pathetic example of power at all costs. Why would anyone ever contemplate signing up to a political party that would deny them the right to act justly, love mercy and walk tenderly alongside the people who elected them? Back at the end of July, the now former Mayo TD Michael Ring put the cat amongst the political pigeons when he announced his name would not be on the ballot paper for the General Election. Straight away the political anoraks and analysts started crunching numbers and speculated as to where the 14,000 odd first preference votes he received in 2020 will end up this time around. Trying to speculate where Michael Ring's votes will go would challenge the most seasoned political analyst given how popular the Westport man was amongst the Mayo electorate. His voting prowess stretched far beyond his Westport base and Fine Gael base with number ones coming in most ballot boxes around the county and from people who would never consider themselves to be blueshirts. The big question everyone is asking this election is will Fine Gael hold onto the majority of those 14,796 votes or will the traditional Fianna Fail voter who gave Ring their number one migrate back to the Republican party candidates or can Sinn Fein or the Independents grap a hold of some of them. The 2020 General Election result in Mayo was remarkable in that despite Fine Gael having a nightmare of an election nationally, they still managed to poll 40 percent of the vote and it was the only constituency to elect two Fine Gael TDs. On the other hand Sinn Fein also made a breakthrough with Rose Conway-Walsh riding on the wave of Sinn Fein's popularity in that election and getting elected on the first count with 14,633 first preferences votes just 163 votes behind Ring. Despite losing her seat, Lisa Chambers of Fianna Fail was ahead of future Minister of State, Alan Dillon up until the seventh and final count, when he overtook her thanks to the distribution of his party colleagues, Michelle Mulherin's vote. So what can we expect from this election? Who will be the front runners and dead certs and in the chasing pack, is there be a dark horse who can pip the fancied candidates at the line? First time candidates This election will see a number of first time candidates running with a lot of inexperience in the field when it comes to winning elections. Of the 16 candidates, only Dara Calleary can be seen as having the miles in the legs when it comes to contesting and winning General Elections. Fine Gael are running a very inexperienced field and will be hoping that their election slogan 'New Energy' will hold sway with the electorate. Alan Dillon is the only sitting Fine Gael TD; Keira Keogh and Martina Jennings have never held political office, while Ballina-based councillor Mark Duffy only joined the party in September having been an Independent since he was first elected as a councillor in 2019. Fianna Fail are once again going with Dara Calleary and Lisa Chambers while Sinn Fein have gone bold with a two candidate strategy of their own with veteran Charlestown-based councillor Gerry Murray joining the race. Former Fine Gael councillor and now Independent Patsy O'Brien is seen by many as a dark horse to get elected while another is Aontu's only councillor in Mayo, Paul Lawless. With the absence of Ring in the field, there is no one candidate who is expected to dominate the voting so expect there will be a lot of bunching after the first count. Between now and polling day every candidate will be fighting tooth and nail for every vote to keep them ahead of their competitors after that first count. There are a number of variables in this election which were absent from 2020 and the biggest change is the size of the constituency with the return of all of south Mayo from the clutches of Galway West, increasing the number of seats to five. The extra seat is expected to give some of the sitting TDs some breathing space but will also give encouragement to the newbies who will be eyeing a crack at the vacant two seats. If the recent TG4 opinion poll is to be believed then Alan Dillon is seen as a sure thing and will take the majority of Fine Gael votes which previously went to Enda Kenny and Michael Ring. I'm sure Alan will be delighted with people saying he is 'a shoe in' to be elected and it looks like he is on solid ground for a return to the Dail. His fellow Minister of State, Dara Calleary also looks well placed to be returned for the fourth successive election having been first elected in 2007. However, like in 2020 he may have a long wait before he eventually gets over the line but he should have enough support to hold on. His party colleague Lisa Chambers was the main casualty of the 2020 General Election and has been making a determined effort to win back her seat and maybe her political future. Her European campaign, where she narrowly missed out on a seat, will give her much encouragement and she has been actively promoting her campaign on social media. If she is to win her seat back she will have to win back the sizable vote available in Castlebar which she failed to win last time around. The other question many people are asking is how will Sinn Fein do in this election after getting 23 percent of the vote in 2020. Having failed in the local elections to add to their solitary seat on Mayo County Council in the summer, many had expected Rose Conway Walsh to struggle this time around. A year ago, Sinn Fein would have high hopes of taking two seats in Mayo but a drop in the polls over the last year looks to have put paid to that ambition. Adding Gerry Murray to the ticket will likely act as a sweeper to get Conway-Walsh elected but Murray is very popular in east Mayo and he may surprise many with the size of his vote. It is unlikely to be enough to get himself elected but it should comfortably re-elect his party colleague to the Dail. Intrigue The inclusion of Martina Jennings to the Fine Gael ticket has added some intrigue and spice to the election race as she goes head to head with her Hollymount neighbour Patsy O'Brien in south Mayo. The return of electoral areas around Kilmaine, Cong and Shrule back into Mayo gives hope to candidates in that part of the county that they have a chance of getting elected. O'Brien is former Fine Gael councillor who has made no secret at his annoyance of not being selected as a party candidate for the 2020 election. He received 2,739 first preference votes in the local elections in June which was the highest in the county and with his farming contacts around the county he would have fancied his chances. Has the inclusion of Jennings put the kibosh on O'Brien's chances of being elected or have Fine Gael a candidate who they see will take a seat? In her role as CEO of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice there is no doubt that Jennings has the public profile to mount a successful campaign but with Paul Lawless also targeting south Mayo there is a danger they may dilute the vote and none will be elected. In the west of the county, Keira Keogh has put the disappointment of failing to win a council seat in June behind her and has launched a determined campaign to fill the sizable shoes of Michael Ring. It is no mean feat to try to follow a man who had an unenviable track record of contesting elections and was not afraid to get his hands dirty to do so. Ring backing Ring promised to put his energy behind Keogh and he has kept his side of the bargain, canvassing his former stronghold of Erris and sending letters calling on people to support Keogh. Knowing that Keogh is not well known outside of Westport, her campaign team have focused on getting the maximum out of her home town with a very simple slogan, 'Keep your local TD'. In north Mayo, Mark Duffy will be eyeing the former seat held by Michelle Mulherin who despite failing to get elected got 5,435 which was more than Alan Dillon on the first count. However her problem, which may also be Duffy's, was the absence of another north Mayo candidate who may transfer strongly on a geographical basis. After each elimination in 2020, Dillon kept reducing the gap until he overtook Mulherin after getting a large chunk of Saoirse McHugh's transfers. With the majority of candidates based in the south of the constituency, Duffy will hope he has enough of a lead of his rivals or he could feel the heat of the chasing pack. With a field of 16 candidates, transfers from eliminated candidates is likely to play a significant role in this election. Aontu's Paul Lawless is expected to pick up a sizable first preference vote but if he is eliminated, all eyes will be on where his number 2s end up. Jennings and O'Brien are likely to be the main recipients of these votes if they are still in the race while the transfers from Independent Ireland's Chris Maxwell are likely to benefit both Keira Keogh and Patsy O'Brien. The result of the first count is likely to leave a very bunched field and very nervous candidates looking over their shoulder. With so many new and unproven candidates, it will be fascinating to see who the people of Mayo place their trust in this time around. Alan Dillon, Calleary and Rose Conway-Walsh should have enough but expect a stewards enquiry for the final two seats with Duffy, Keogh, Chambers and O'Brien all in the running. Verdict: Dillon (FG); Calleary (FF), Conway-Walsh (SF) Chambers (FF) and Keogh (FG). View Vacancy - Maintenance Technician Corporate Services S1 (11/24 KSH) ------------------------------------- APPLY The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services) Job Subcategory Estates Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) * Main purpose of job: The overall purpose of this role is to carry out all maintenance works on the Embassy's premises, as well as appropriate maintenance work on properties located outside these facilities, under the supervision of the Maintenance Manager. The jobholder will also be expected to contribute to the wider Corporate Services Team objectives. * Roles and responsibilities In your role as Maintenance Worker, you will be responsible for the following areas of work: 1. Estates Maintenance a) Carrying out all routine and ad hoc maintenance (eg. Air Conditioning units, gates and turnstiles, water tanks), repairs and minor works (building, plumbing, electrical etc.) undertaken in the properties to ensure that they are delivered to the FCDO standards and as per the timelines published in the Corporate Services Charter. b) Completing properties inspections and reporting the finding to the Deputy Estates and Maintenance Manager. c) Familiarising and applying best practice on the FCDO Health and Safety standards in using and maintaining hand tools and basic light machinery. d) Ensuring that all tools are kept clean, tidy and securely stored as per the FCDO Health and Safety standards. As well as reporting any faulty appliances, damaged equipment or any potential hazards to the line manager. e) Supervising contractors working on site 2. Other administration support a) Carrying out minor procurement of goods/services, in accordance with FCDO policies, and with a particular focus on ensuring and providing value for money. b) Assisting with the assets and stocks inventory c) Updating the Estates Tracker on work progress. d) Government Procurement Card Holder. e) General support to the Estates Team and additional administrative duties. You will also need to be flexible to assist with specific, discrete areas of work when required (for example, supporting the Embassy in the event of a crisis, or with planning for important visitors, etc.). Essential qualifications, skills and experience Professional/technical qualification from a reputable college or technical training provider Experience in maintenance and/or building services related disciplines (electrical, mechanical, plumbing and air conditioning) Knowledge of relevant technical EU/UK standards and related Health and Safety legislation An ability to be proactive and managing your own workload well A flexible approach to your work in general, with experience of adapting quickly to changing priorities. A working knowledge of all Microsoft Office suite of programmes (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.). Driving (valid license) as officer will be required to visit different sites Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Experience of working in a multicultural environment Required behaviours Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline: 18 December 2024 Grade: S1 Type of Position: Permanent Working hours per week: 36 Region: Africa Country/Territory: Democratic Republic of the Congo Location (City): Kinshasa Type of Post: British Embassy Number of vacancies: 1 Salary: USD 930.91 Type of Salary: monthly Start Date: 3 February 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment Learning and development will be discussed with the successful applicant upon appointment. Working patterns: The standard working schedule is 5 days per week, Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:00 and on Fridays, 08:00 to 14:00. Regular attendance at the office and visits to residential properties is required as part of this role. We will try to be as accommodating as possible, but the nature of this role means that some flexible working patterns cannot be accommodated. This role will also require some ad-hoc out of hours working when necessary. Additional information The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Kinshasa are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Democratic Republic of Congo All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to; 1. Obtain the relevant permit 2. Pay the fees for the permit 3. Make arrangements to relocate 4. Meet the costs to relocation Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount. Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5 Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a reserve list. If during the reserve period of 6/12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 27, 2024 Google on Wednesday urged a federal appellate court to reverse a finding that the Play Store policies violated antitrust law, and to vacate an injunction that would require the company to revamp its app marketplace. This case involves an extraordinary attempt by a lone competitor to use the federal judiciary to restructure the day-to-day operations of Googles app store, Google Play, and to unilaterally reshape markets with consequences for millions of non-parties, Google writes in an appellate brief filed with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. If not reversed, the injunction and the flawed liability ruling underlying it will directly undercut Googles efforts to compete against Apple and the iPhone, Google adds. The company's argument comes in a battle dating to 2020, when Forniter developer Epic Games brought antitrust suits against both Google and Apple. Epic sued soon after both Google and Apple removed Fortnite from their mobile app marketplaces for allegedly attempting to bypass Google and Apple commissions on in-app purchases. (Both Google and Apple charge a commission on purchases made in apps that have been downloaded from Google Play or the App store.) advertisement advertisement Epic's suit against Apple went to trial in 2021, and largely resulted in a defeat for Epic. U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Northern District of California, who presided over the non-jury trial, ruled that Epic failed to prove the bulk of its claims. Rogers said in her ruling that Google and Apple compete to distribute apps. Nearly two years later, Epic's suit against Google went to trial. In that matter, a jury found that Google created or maintained an illegal monopoly in two markets -- Android app distribution, and Android in-app billing. The jury also found that Google wrongly tied company's ability to distribute through the Play store to Google's payment system. Last month, U.S. District Court Judge James Donato in San Francisco, who presided over the Google trial, issued a sweeping injunction that requires Google Play to host other companies' app stores, and give those companies access to Google's library of apps. The injunction also prohibits Google from forcing developers to use its billing system for Play Store apps, among other provisions. The injunction is currently stayed. Google is now asking the 9th Circuit to reverse jury's verdict and to permanently vacate the injunction. Among other arguments, Google says the jury's verdict should be thrown out because it's inconsistent with Rogers' ruling in Epic's suit against Apple. Donato wrongly allowed Epic to argue that Google and Apple do not compete in app distribution and in-app billing markets, even though Epic already fully litigated and lost that issue in its case against Apple, Google argues. The company adds that Rogers' ruling should have precluded Epic from pursuing a litigation do-over. Google also says the injunction should be set aside for numerous reasons, including that it's too broad. At the request of Epic -- a single, self-interested competitor -- the court adopted a sweeping, nationwide injunction fundamentally altering Googles relationships with Plays users, developers, and other partners throughout the United States, Google argues. The 9th Circuit is expected to hear arguments in the case on February 3. Emory University Hospital makes history with the first U.S. implant of the innovative BrioVAD, a new heart assist device, as part of a nationwide clinical trial. Trusted Source Emory heart team implants new blood-pumping device for first time in U.S. Go to source Trusted Source Did you know? The global heart pump device market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $2.1 billion in 2021 and is poised to reach $5.5 billion in 2026. #medindia #heartpump #heart The global heart pump device market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $2.1 billion in 2021 and is poised to reach $5.5 billion in 2026. #medindia #heartpump #heart Advertisement Rigorous Criteria Lead Emory to Join VAD Trial Advertisement The Evolution and Impact of VADs in Heart Failure Treatment Advertisement A Hemocompatible Solution for Heart Failure Treatment BrioVAD: A Lifelong Solution to Transplant? Emory heart team implants new blood-pumping device for first time in U.S. - (https://news.emory.edu/stories/2024/11/hs-briovad-heart-failure-clinical-trial/story.html) The heart failure and transplantation team at Emory University Hospital (EUH) achieved a milestone by performing the first-ever surgical implantation in the United States of a new type of ventricular assist device (VAD), offering essential support to patients with heart failure ().A skilled team led by experienced cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Mani Daneshmand successfully implanted a groundbreaking magnetically levitated pump, a type of ventricular assist device (VAD) designed for patient comfort and long-term health. The BrioVAD System, developed by BrioHealth Solutions Inc., received FDA approval to start clinical trials earlier this year. Emory was the first site to be enrolled in the trial and carry out the procedure.As part of the INNOVATE clinical trial, Emory will participate in gathering data on patient experience with the device, joined by other leading medical institutions across the country, including Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Duke University, and University of Chicago.The entry criteria for joining the study were rigorous. Emory qualified because of its high quality and extensive VAD experience. Emory has long led Metro Atlanta and the region in number and success rate of VAD implantations. Since the program began, Emory Healthcare has completed almost 1,000 VAD implants between EUH and Emory St. Joseph's Hospital.Were honored to be the first implanting site in this study, Daneshmand says. The BrioVAD is a promising heart assist pump, designed from the ground up with focus on patient safety and quality of life. With this study, we continue our long history of innovation in pursuit of our mission to bring compassionate, quality care to every patient who arrives at our doors seeking care.First used in the 1960s, VADs have been an effective treatment for patients with advanced heart failure, often providing an alternative for patients who dont qualify for a transplant which can mean the difference between life and death.The lifesaving device, which has evolved significantly over the decades, works by providing mechanical circulatory support and helping to pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart to the rest of the body. Because the device is almost always placed on the left side of the heart, the device is frequently referred to as an LVAD.The BrioVAD system is composed of a hemocompatible blood pump, meaning that it interacts with the blood in a way that may have fewer side effects. The new VAD also includes a fully magnetically levitated rotor and two small, lightweight, patient-worn components.The BrioVAD shows great promise to improve on the current, excellent LVAD technology we are using every day, says Daneshmand, who is the Andrew J. McKelvey Professor at Emory School of Medicine and Director of Thoracic Transplant and MCS Surgery.The hope is that the new VAD may be used as life-long destination therapy, meaning that the VAD is used instead of transplant, or as bridge therapy to transplant or even for supporting recovery of the heart. The INNOVATE trial will assess the system performance in both the short term, with a six-month endpoint, and in the long term over the course of the next 24 months.Source-Eurekalert Title: Rethinking Sound: A Beginners Guide to Adding Audio to Google Slides (Adding Audio to Google Slides: A Simple Guide) Welcome to the fascinating world of sound! In this blog post, we will be exploring the basics of adding audio to Google Slides, providing you with a step-by-step guide that anyone can follow. Firstly, lets start by understanding what Google Slides is all about. Google Slides is an online presentation tool developed by Google that allows users to create professional-looking presentations using slides, videos, and images. It also comes with a range of built-in features that make it easy to add interactive elements like audio and video. Now that we have a basic understanding of what Google Slides is, lets dive into how to add audio to your presentations. The process involves a few simple steps: Step 1: Open your Google Slides presentation and click on the Insert tab on the ribbon at the top of the screen. Step 2: From the list of options, select Audio from File. Step 3: Select the file you want to use for your audio. You can either upload your own audio file or link to an existing one. Step 4: Once youve selected the file, youll see a drop-down menu with various options to choose from. Select the audio track you want to insert and click OK. Thats it! Your audio should now be inserted into your Google Slides presentation. You can customize the playback speed, loop option, and volume by clicking on the properties button next to the audio track. But thats not all! You can also control the audio in your Google Slides presentation using keyboard shortcuts. For example, pressing Ctrl + M (Windows) or Command + M (Mac) will play/pause the audio, while pressing Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) will stop the audio. To adjust the volume, simply press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac). (Adding Audio to Google Slides: A Simple Guide) In conclusion, adding audio to your Google Slides presentation is a straightforward process that requires just a few clicks. With its powerful features and customizable options, Google Slides is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to add engaging visuals and dynamic content to their presentations. So why wait? Start creating stunning presentations today! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) The Orioles announced earlier this week that theyve signed infielder Franklin Barreto to a minor league deal. Its unclear whether or not the deal includes an invitation to big league Spring Training next year. Barreto, 28, signed with the Blue Jays as an amateur out of Venezuela and made his pro debut in 2013. He quickly rose among the prospect ranks in the early years of his career and was a consensus top-100 prospect in the sport by the time Toronto shipped him to Oakland in the Josh Donaldson trade back in 2015. He remained a consensus top-100 prospect over the next several years even as his offense took a step back after reaching the upper minors. After hitting a solid .281/.340/.413 in 507 trips to the plate at the Double-A level in 2016, Barreto found himself promoted to Triple-A where he failed to put up big numbers despite the inflated offensive environment of the Pacific Coast League. Impressive as his .290/.339/.456 slash line at Triple-A in 2017 may look without context, it was actually just 3% better than league average by measure of wRC+. Barretos peripheral numbers were also lackluster as his strikeout rate jumped nearly ten points from where it was in Double-A, leaving his overall slash line propped up by an unsustainable .384 BABIP. Despite those red flags, the As promoted Barreto to Oakland for his big league debut in 2017. The cup of coffee did not go especially well, as Barreto hit just .197/.250/.352 with an eye-popping 43.4% strikeout rate in 76 trips to the plate. That performance was 40% worse than league average by wRC+, and left the infielder once again relegated to shuttling between the Triple-A and big league levels the following year in 2018. That season, Barreto improved on his first taste of big league action the year prior to hit a respectable .233/.253/.493 with a 102 wRC+. While Barretos five home runs in 75 plate appearances helped to prop up his overall numbers, a 38.3% strikeout rate and a walk rate of just 1.3% suggested he still did not have the necessary plate discipline to be a regular contributor in the majors. Things took a turn for the worse for Barreto from there, as he didnt hit a lick in 68 big league plate appearances for the club over the next two years. The As eventually cut bait on the infielder partway through the 2020 season, when they shipped Barreto to Anaheim in exchange for veteran infielder Tommy La Stella. He made another 18 trips to the plate for the Angels down the stretch that year, but struck out at a 44.4% clip while hitting .118/.167/.118. That brief stint with the Angels represents Barretos last action in the big leagues. Since then, hes spent time in both the Astros and Nationals organizations on minor league deals before departing affiliated ball for the Mexican Leagues Diablos Rojos del Mexico earlier this year. Barretos time in Mexico actually went quite well, as he lit up opposing pitching to the tune of a .343/.430/.576 slash line in 372 trips to the plate across 76 games. That evidently caught the attention of the Orioles, who have brought him into their organizational fold as a non-roster depth option for the club. Barreto figures to primarily act as injury insurance given Baltimores crowded infield mix that already features Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, Ramon Urias, and Jorge Mateo. He primarily plays shortstop but has plenty of experience at second base and center field to go along with at least occasional work everywhere on the diamond except catcher. MUSKEGON, MI - Residents in the city of Muskegon now have more housing options. The Muskegon City Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 26 approved six residential zoning changes. Two changes that received the most discussion were allowing for duplexes, triplexes and accessory dwelling units in all residential neighborhoods and not requiring as much parking for new builds. RELATED: Duplexes, triplexes expected to be allowed in all Muskegon residential neighborhoods Heres a breakdown below of each zoning change: Remove R-2 and R-3 districts and adjust the area and bulk requirements for R-1 districts, making all neighborhoods zoned for R-1. Allow duplexes, triplexes and accessory dwelling units as principal uses in single-family residential districts. Create a formal definition for accessory dwelling unit: an accessory structure typically located at the rear lot line that provides a potential unit or home office space. Remove R-2 and R-3 districts and rename to the R-1 single-family residential district to Neighborhood District. Reduce the required minimum number of parking spaces for single and multi-family dwelling units. The city previously required two parking spaces per unit, but voted to now only require one. Change some design requirements to more easily allow the conversion of single-family houses into duplexes and triplexes. Commissioners Willie German and Katrina Kochin were the only two to vote against some of the zoning changes. Commissioner Destinee Keener was absent for Tuesdays meeting. The zoning changes were proposed after city officials were informed that they need 3,000 additional housing units by 2027, according to a 2022 housing needs assessment. German asked staff why there was an urgency to make the changes city-wide and expressed concerns about overcrowding. The demand is there, said Planning Director Mike Franzak, referencing the housing-needs assessment. By doing it everywhere, it puts everyone on a level playing field, I believe. In the past, you could say we were kind of picking winners or losers. Franzak was talking about the way the city has previously dealt with allowing for housing expansions and reclassifications - on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Jay Kilgo said the zoning changes are a great opportunity to reinvest in our inner-city neighborhoods. Many former redlined and segregated neighborhoods continue to suffer from disinvestment, he said. A change in zoning reform will lower the barrier to entry for all residents. This will also be more opportunity for smaller developers to help our city grow. With this reform being city-wide, it actually stops the perpetuation of segregation, so its not just focused on one neighborhood. Mayor Ken Johnson also said the changes will bring residents more opportunity, like additional sources of income. If we do nothing, we will see the worst effects of gentrification happen in our city, Johnson said. We are a revitalizing city, we are a growing city and if we do nothing then that will put upward pressure on pricing and lead to displacement. Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- You may already have weekend plans, but dont worry if youre not sure what to do just yet. Theres plenty of things happening this weekend, whether youre shopping during Black Friday, supporting small businesses on Saturday or kickstarting the holiday season with events in Washtenaw County. HOLLAND, MI Dragons Milk Origin Toasted, Origin Maple and Origin Honey are returning to New Holland brewpubs and tasting rooms Saturday, Nov. 30, and bottles are expected to sell out quickly. Customers who show up before doors open at 9 a.m. will get the chance to obtain a ticket for the bottles they would like to purchase. Once the tickets run out, so do the bottles. Sales start at 10 a.m. Origin Toasted is a semi-annual offering aged for five years and then finished in toasted barrels. This year, New Holland is rolling out Origin Toasted in three different batches: 2024E Backyard Bonfire, 2024F Always Ask for the Dessert Menu and 2024G Americana. Origin Toasted retails for $89.99 and will only be available at New Holland brewpubs in Holland, Grand Rapids and Battle Creek. Backyard Bonfire features tasting notes of cinnamon swirl bread and cast-iron sourdough and comes in at 118.7 proof, according to a release from New Holland. Always Ask for the Dessert Menu, at 114.4 proof, is described as having notes of honey butter, vanilla bean, caramelized sugar and glazed fruit. Americana, at 118.3 proof, features notes of butterscotch, bubble gum, cherry pie filling and caramel corn. Origin Honey Barrel, released annually, is aged in ex-bourbon casks with honey-soaked staves. The resulting batch comes in at 117.5 proof. Bottles retail for $99.99. Origin Maple Barrel, a semi-annual release, is aged in freshly emptied maple syrup barrels, creating a 110-proof bourbon with notes of apple, maple syrup, cinnamon spice and a hint of smoke. Bottles retail for $89.99. The releases are part of New Hollands Barrel Bash 2024, happening now through Dec. 2 and featuring exclusive barrel-aged beer and whiskey releases at all New Holland brewpubs and tasting rooms. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. LANSING, MI - The governor of Michigan called deployed troops to wish them a happy Thanksgiving this year. Governor Gretchen Whitmer called actively deployed members of the Michigan Army National Guard and Michigan Air National Guard. Today, there are more than 200 members of the MING serving away from their homes and families, said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Whether supporting the federal law enforcement mission at the Southwest Border or protecting our national security interests around the globe, their selflessness and loyalty to their mission during these challenging times should be honored. We look forward to welcoming each unit and individual home safely to their families. Michigan troops at a Thanksgiving celebration this year.Photo provided to MLive by the Michigan Executive Office of the Governor Governor Whitmer spoke to soldiers and airmen currently deployed to Romania, Germany, Iraq, and Kuwait in support of U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command and Soldiers deployed to the Southwest Border, in support of Joint Interagency Task Force West. These troops are tackling a wide range of challenges in each of their respective missions, bringing expertise in operations, logistics, transportation, firefighting, communications and security. The Soldiers and Airmen are members of the: 217th Air Operations Group of MIANG (Battle Creek) 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron of MIANG (Battle Creek) 1440th Firefighting Detachment of MIARNG (Alpena) 272nd Regional Support Group of MIARNG (Lansing) 1463rd Transportation Company of MIARNG (Battle Creek) Deployed Michigan soldiers pose with an American flag.Photo provided to MLive by the Michigan Executive Office of the Governor Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform put their lives on the line to keep us safe, Gov. Whitmer said. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, lets recognize the sacrifices they and their families make so we can live freely. Right now, many active-duty service members are apart from their families, working hard, far from home. I was honored to speak to some of them today and convey our gratitude. I hope we all take some time to honor our service members and their families this Thanksgiving and pray for their safe return home. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Being in a hospital can be stressful. Luckily for patients at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, Indi is here to help make their visit a little easier. Indi, a 2-year-old golden retriever, is on her first month on the job as the hospitals first facility dog. The tail-wagging staff member accompanies patients during treatment to help lighten what can be a nerve-wracking experience. RELATED: Meet Indi, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospitals first facility dog For 40-hours a week, Indi works alongside certified child life specialist Spencer Slaghuis to help alleviate anxieties for patients, normalize clinical environments and offer support during procedures and imaging. For one kid that might be a quick stop in the room for 5-minutes where they could love on her and pet her, and for the next kid it might be supporting multiple procedures, doing education with the patient whether its MRIs or CT scans or IV inserts, said certified child life specialist Spencer Slaghuis, who accompanies Indi on her visits. Bowen Ruppert pets Indi the facility dog at the Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Indi, a two-year-old golden retriever, started work this month to be the facilitys first dog to support patients and families.Charlie Nick | MLive.com Hospital staff have been trying to bring a facility dog to Helen DeVos for years, Slaghuis said. The team had to conduct research about how to mitigate the risk of infection, and knowing the challenges that comes with having an animal present in a hospital setting. Even though it took a long time we are finally here, Slaghuis said. We are finally getting to see the impact that we can make, and we are excited to see where the program goes. Oftentimes, having an animal present can give patients the courage to do treatment without sedation or build confidence to do scary procedures, Slaghuis said. Within her ability, we see as many kids as we can and we prioritize what they are going through, what there need is and the impact that it could make, said Slaghuis. A lot of times that can be whether or not they are having sedation for their procedure, if they could potentially try without sedation, we could alleviate some of the sedation risks. Indi is a facility dog, which is different from a service dog in that she doesnt just work with one person she works with all children at the hospital. To become a facility dog, Indi went through more than two years of training through Paws with a Cause, a nonprofit organization that breeds and trains Assistance Dogs to help people and improve their quality of life. Facility dogs begin training when they are around eight weeks old to work with a foster family on general obedience. Then, for about a year, they train at the Paws for a Cause facility to work on different commands and to make sure they have the perfect demeanor for their work. Indi started working at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital this month and was officially introduced to the media on Wednesday, Nov. 20. MLive photojournalist intern Charlie Nick had a chance to watch Indi in action with patients and get video and photographs of her you can watch that video of the visit here. MID-MICHIGAN Several mid-Michigan teachers were among those awarded grants totaling $20,000 from Members First Credit Union in its inaugural Joy in Teaching program, which recognizes Michigan educators. Members First Credit Union recently announced the recipients of the initiative, which credit union officials say is focused on supporting educators and enriching learning environments across the state. Forty $500 grants were given. TUSCOLA COUNTY, MI - A suspect was arrested Thursday after shooting at police at a Millington Township home. No injuries were reported, said MSP Lt. Kim Vetter. Michigan State Police Caro Post troopers were called early Thursday morning to a home in the 8000 block of Irish Road in Millington Township in Tuscola County for a domestic violence complaint. Vassar Police Department assisted on the call and were first to arrive. In a post on X Thursday, MSP said Vassar PD confronted the suspect who then began firing a gun at them. Officers retreated and requested additional resources. The MSP Aviation and K-9 units, and Emergency Support (ES) Team responded. The emergency support team utilized flash bangs and the suspect exited the residence and was arrested without incident. He was then lodged at the Tuscola County Jail on several felony charges, the post stated. MSP detectives, along with the Bridgeport Forensic Lab, investigated the incident until mid-morning. The Tuscola County Sheriffs Office also assisted on scene. On Monday at 8:34 p.m. EST an updated winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Tuesday at 7 a.m. EST for Antrim County. The weather service comments, "Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches." "Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute," explains the weather service. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency." Remains of 43 Chinese martyrs in Korean War returned to homeland from ROK Xinhua) 13:11, November 28, 2024 SHENYANG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). The remains will be laid to rest in a martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. Since 2014, the remains of 981 CPV martyrs have been handed over to China, their home country. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) From rural colleges to IITs: How 'One Nation, One Subscription' will empower Indias students and researchers Rajni Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khans brand D'YAVOL INCEPTION awarded as World's Best Scotch Whisky at New York World Spirits Competition 2024 Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Meghna Mittal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept BJP mounts pressure on Shiv Sena, says Deputy CM post 'only for Eknath Shinde' Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept November 28, 2024 / 21:13 IST Russian President Vladimir Putin praised U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday as an experienced and intelligent politician, but said he did not believe Trump was safe after attempts on his life. Trump was wounded in an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. In a separate incident in September, a man was charged with attempted assassination after allegedly positioning himself with a rifle at one of Trump's Florida golf courses. Speaking to reporters in Kazakhstan after a summit, Putin said he had been shocked by the way the U.S. election campaign had unfolded. Cyclone Fengal Tracker: The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has remained nearly stationary about 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee and is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai. The system is forecast to move north-northwest, skirting the Sri Lankan coast, and will strengthen as it progresses. Heavy rains that continued overnight in Tamil Nadus Cauvery delta region have caused significant damage to standing paddy crops. Farmers have reported crop losses on over 2,000 acres, particularly in areas such as Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam. The IMD has issued a warning for further heavy rainfall in the delta areas, including Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai, an orange alert for very heavy rains has been issued for isolated areas in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore districts, and Puducherry. A yellow alert has been issued for other regions, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal. These areas are expected to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with strong winds. Eva becomes first pet to land at Kochi Airport after its AQCS Certification 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Sandeep Shrivastwa USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Stand with Modi govt on this issue: Mamata Banerjee reacts to attack on minorities in Bangladesh Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sanjiv Shankaran is Editor - Opinions, Editorials, Features at Moneycontrol. (Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.) Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why TMC is pushing for Mamata Banerjee to head INDIA SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Inside Nigeria's 'miracle pregnancy' scam where woman claimed to be 'pregnant for 15 months' Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Frances richest man Bernard Arnault denies knowing about blackmail plot against him at ex-top spys trial Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Georgia suspends talks on joining the EU for 4 years, accusing the bloc of 'blackmail' 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Israel has told ICC it will appeal against arrest warrants, Netanyahu says 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept LeT member extradited from Rwanda in operation coordinated by CBI, NIA, Interpol 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept No expectations of a swift deal for Gaza after Lebanon ceasefire 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Trump promised federal recognition for Lumbee Tribe; will he follow through? 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Three Zimbabwean police officers have been sentenced to 30 months in prison for extortion, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within law enforcement agencies. Shepherd Muzvidza (36), Justice Chaka (37), and Trust Mudzitirwa (39), all stationed in Rusape, were found guilty of demanding US$400 from a resident under false pretenses. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the sentencing following a court case that underscores the judiciarys commitment to holding public officials accountable. The incident began with a tip-off alleging that the complainant had illegally bypassed a ZESA electricity meter. Responding to this information, the three officers visited the complainants home. Instead of following standard procedure, they abused their authority, threatening arrest unless the complainant paid them a substantial sum of money. Feeling coerced, the complainant handed over US$400 to avoid the threatened arrest. This act of extortion, a clear abuse of power, formed the basis of the charges against the officers. Despite pleading not guilty, the court found the three officers culpable of extortion. The magistrate handed down a 30-month prison sentence, but with several conditions attached. Nine months of the sentence were suspended for three years, conditional upon good behaviour, offering a degree of leniency if the officers demonstrate responsible conduct during this probationary period. Furthermore, an additional three months were suspended, contingent on the officers making full restitution to the complainant, ensuring that the victim receives compensation for the money extorted. The remaining 18 months of the sentence were also suspended, but under a different condition. Each officer must complete 380 hours of community service, a form of alternative punishment aimed at rehabilitation and contributing to the community they wronged. This element of the sentence reflects a move towards restorative justice, providing an opportunity for the officers to make amends for their actions and demonstrate their commitment to rehabilitation. The NPAZ statement welcomed the conviction and sentencing, emphasising the importance of accountability for public officials. The case serves as a strong message that abuse of power and corruption within law enforcement will not be tolerated. It reinforces the commitment of the judicial system to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from corrupt practices. The NPAZ also used the opportunity to encourage members of the public to report similar incidents. They stressed the importance of transparency and integrity within public institutions, highlighting the role citizens play in maintaining ethical standards in government. By reporting such cases, the public contributes directly to the fight against corruption and helps ensure that those who abuse their positions of power are brought to justice. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Britain now directly involved in Ukraine war, warns Russian ambassador Russia's ambassador to the United Kingdom recently declared that Britain is now " directly involved " in the Ukraine conflict after its Storm Shadow cruise missiles were used to strike targets inside Russia. Ambassador Andrey Kelin, in an interview with Sky News' Mark Austin, also warned the West to carefully consider the lower bar Russia has set up for using nuclear weapons. This warning comes after Western allies permitted Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike inside Russia. British Storm Shadow missiles were launched into Russia just days after President Joe Biden approved the same policy change for Ukraine's stockpile of United States-supplied ATACMS missiles. (Related: Russia confirms WWIII COMING SOON after Biden green-lights long-range missile strikes.) Russian President Vladimir Putin replied on Thursday, Nov. 21, by stating Russia had tested a recent intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. He warned it could also be utilized against military facilities of nations that permit Kyiv to use their own missiles. "We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities. And in case of escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond resolutely in a mirror way," Putin said. Britain permitted Ukraine to use its missiles over the border The Russian ambassador told Sky News that Britain permitting Ukraine to use its missiles over the border had dragged the U.K. into the conflict. "Absolutely, Britain is now directly involved in this war, because this firing cannot happen without NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] staff, British staff as well. The U.S. administration, support by France and the UK, has made a deliberate decision to make these strikes, which seriously escalates the situation, and it can bring a collision between the nuclear powers," Kelin said. Kelin called it "deliberate cheating" of the U.K., alleging that he had received several guarantees from the British government that Storm Shadow missiles would only be used inside Ukrainian territory. In reply to Kelin's remarks, a Downing Street spokesperson announced the government would not be "deterred or distracted by commentary from Vladimir Putin or the Russian ambassador." Putin again raised the specter of nuclear weapons recently when he approved changes that lower the threshold for a nuclear strike. Several people have disregarded the move as empty saber rattling, but Kelin told Sky News he hoped the change "would be carefully considered by Western experts" as underestimating the possibility of escalation is "dangerous." There were early concerns that Russia had deployed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), but Putin later disclosed it was an experimental "Oreshnik" medium-range missile flying 10 times the speed of sound. Security cameras caught the moment many projectiles streaked through the night sky and caused a series of powerful blasts in Dnipro. The U.S. Department of Defense earlier said that Oreshnik was based on the RS-26 Frontier, a nuclear-capable missile that experts said confuses the lines between an ICBM and an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Follow WWIII.news for more news about the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War. Watch the video below about how Russian missiles are turning NATO's Storm Shadow missiles into a global embarrassment. This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russian ambassador to the U.K. says Britain is now at war with Russia. Ukraine war going GLOBAL after West launches long-range missiles into Russia, crossing Putins red line. Ukrainian intelligence claims that 12,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia a desperate ploy to escalate U.S. involvement? Ukraine to get secret permission to launch Storm Shadow missiles against Russia. Sources include: News.Sky.com DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com Drinking fluoridated water can cause more than 130 different health problems, peer-reviewed science shows 's Sayer Ji is calling for an immediate end to all water fluoridation across the United States based on a trove of science he has compiled to show that fluoridated water is highly toxic. A quick search for the term "fluoride" in the GreenMedInfo science archives pulls up 136 diseases that exposure to fluoridated water can inflict on humans. The first and most referenced health condition caused by fluoride is general fluoride toxicity, which can manifest with a variety of symptoms. One of them is lowered or impaired intelligence quotient (IQ) fluoride makes people dumb, in other words. Dental fluorosis is another common problem linked to fluoridated water. If you have ever seen someone whose teeth are stained with off-colored spots mixed in with their normal tooth color, that is dental fluorosis. What you are seeing, in fact, is damage to the teeth caused by fluoride chemicals rotting out the enamel, which is ironic considering the claim that drinking water must be fluoridated to protect people's teeth from decay. "End the outdated practice of fluoridation NOW," Ji (@sayerjigmi) tweeted alongside a link to GreenMedInfo's fluoride science archive. (Related: A New Zealand court recently ruled that even the new lower-level 0.7 mg/L dose of fluoride in drinking water is dangerous, presenting an "unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.") Avoid fluoridated water Prenatal exposure to fluoride is also a problem, according to science. Expectant mothers who are exposed to it have an increased risk of bearing children with fluoride toxicity, which includes things like learning disorders, cognitive damage and behavioral problems. Prolonged exposure to fluoride is also linked to infertility in both males and females. Chronic inflammation is part of the cause of this, science shows, with fluoride causing testicular injury in males. Neurodevelopmental disorders can manifest due to exposure to fluoride, as can dental plaque and caries. In older people, neurodegenerative diseases can also manifest due to fluoride exposure. There is also the DNA damage component, goiter, bone fractures, coronary artery ecstasia, osteoarthritis, pancreatic diseases, sleeping disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, spleen damage, hypertension, arterial calcification, lead poisoning, bone diseases, diabetes, pineal gland calcification and iodine deficiency. All sorts of metabolic diseases have been scientifically tied to fluoride exposure, as have cardiovascular conditions like strokes and heart attacks. Chronic kidney disease is another possible health effect of fluoride exposure, as are: Brain inflammation Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Dysbiosis Ovarian diseases Anxiety Cardiomyopathy Depression Heart failure Autism spectrum disorders Heavy metal toxicity Premature aging Low testosterone Atherosclerosis Autoimmune diseases Colitis Dementia Estrogen deficiency Gastrointestinal inflammation Mineral deficiencies Obesity Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) This is just a sampling, by the way, of the many health problems that fluoride exposure can cause. Take some time to look through the GreenMedInfo fluoride science archive to learn more about why you and your family would do best to avoid fluoridated water at all costs. "Adding fluoride to water increases the risk of neuropsychiatric disease in children and reduces their IQ," warns Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, Florida's surgeon general. "We can strengthen teeth without consuming this neurotoxin. The data are consistent, adding fluoride to our communities' water must stop," Ladapo added, linking to this guidance for community water fluoridation in the Sunshine State. The medical establishment, including X / Twitter veterans who only believe "the science" as the government defines it, is freaking out that Ladapo, Ji, and many others are speaking out against artificial water fluoridation, which most of the rest of the world rejects as pseudoscience. Artificial water fluoridation is forced drugging by the government. Learn more at Fluoride.news. Sources for this article include: X.com GreenMedInfo.com NaturalNews.com X.com Elon Musk: Alexander Vindman committed treason, will pay the appropriate penalty Elon Musk said retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman has committed treason against the United States by being on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs, and will pay the appropriate penalty. Musks comments came in response to Vindman accusing him of conspiring with Russian president Vladimir Putin. (Article by Alana Mastrangelo republished from Breitbart.com) Vindman is on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs and has committed treason against the United States, for which he will pay the appropriate penalty, Musk said in a Wednesday X post. Musk was reacting to a post by another X account that shared a video of Vindman accusing the Tesla CEO of having ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and claiming Musk only supported President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election because Putin told him to. We are under attack, Vindman said in the video. Russia has been using different levers, whether thats corruption networks in this case, its influencers like Donald Trump, like Elon Musk, to really, kind of, sow discord. Its particularly troubling with Elon Musk in this case, because Elon Musk has access to State secrets. He has top secret security clearance. Its possible that some of that is seeping through, Vindman continued. The former Director for European Affairs went on to claim, Putin has been very effective in playing both Trump and Elon, and hes been using the richest man in the world to do his bidding. In some cases thats encouraging him probably to support Donald Trump. Thats not speculation. We see how far in Elon has gone, Vindman asserted. Vindman also accused Musk of using X as a disinformation platform, adding, This is not some sort of far off distant threat. This is going to impact our elections, its a national security threat. This is not the first time Vindman has publicly attacked Musk. In August, Vindman issued a warning to Musk following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, saying he should be nervous about being next. While Durov holds French citizenship, is arrested for violating French law, this has broader implications for other social media, including Twitter, Vindman wrote at the time. Theres a growing intolerance for platforming disinfo & malign influence & a growing appetite for accountability, he added. Musk should be nervous. Notably, Vindman testified against then-President Trump during the November 2019 House impeachment hearings, claiming the 45th president was withholding military aid to Ukraine in exchange for dirt on then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. In September, Vindmans wife, Rachel Vindman, mocked the second assassination attempt on Trumps life. Read more at: Breitbart.com Families in Gaza are struggling to survive through engineered famine as Israeli leaders face ICC arrest warrants for war crimes Gazans are continuing to suffer due to Israels war against Hamas, and food security experts have been warning about widespread famine in the enclave. One Palestinian mother living there recently shared her experience in an article for Mondoweiss, and its a disheartening reminder of just how terrible life has become in Gaza. Soha Ahmed Hamdouna began her piece by saying that they have gone from aiming to find food to counting their blessings if they manage to come across clean drinking water. She described how entire families are living off of bread and water, with poultry and livestock farms that once fed Palestinians now a thing of the past thanks to prolonged fighting. Missile attacks have left farmers without a single chicken or cow in some cases, while land scattered with rocket ash and explosive residues has been rendered completely unfit to grow crops that can sustain people. What hurts me more than my hunger is seeing my children asking for food and clean water. We live in times where even finding vegetables is a dream. I wont even mention fruit, as it has become a distant luxury we cannot afford to think about, she wrote. Hamdouna described using the land where her grandmothers home stood before it was razed by Israeli bulldozers to try to plant tomatoes. The 80-year-old woman, who was paralyzed, died when the property was bombed and bulldozed last October when Israel raided the area near al-Shifa Hospital. Of the tomatoes they planted, just three grew, but they consider themselves lucky because so many others there have no access whatsoever to any type of fresh food. Instead, many are trying to survive on canned food and experiencing intestinal infections from the various bits of food they are managing to find. One man in his 70s who cares for his grandchildren after their father was killed in the fighting explained how they are surviving off of scraps of bread that are left behind by others, soaking them in water so they can chew them. With winter approaching, the situation will only intensify. Hamdouna wrote: We are now living through the harshest chapter of our lives, as winter has arrived with empty stomachs, cold bodies, and partially destroyed homes or tents that give us neither security nor warmth; inside, it is colder than outside. She lamented the fact hat her childrens dreams have now been reduced to hoping to find a roasted chicken rather than the typical hopes and dreams of young people growing up in places not torn apart by war. They spend their nights listening to warplanes and hoping the morning will bring news the war is over, but the cycle repeats, day after day. 86% of Gaza population at crisis level of hunger Hunger experts have warned that the Gaza Strip remains at a high risk of famine, with hundreds of thousands of people currently displaced from their homes and living in squalid and cramped conditions, often in tents. Although shipments have been resumed, Israel previously blocked all food from entering the north for the first two weeks of October. Just 5,800 tons of food managed to enter the enclave last month, versus nearly 76,000 in September. An international authority on hunger made up of UN agencies, governments, and aid organizations known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned repeatedly of famine in Gaza, and they report that 86% of Gazas population is currently experiencing a crisis level of hunger, while 6% are at the highest level, known as catastrophic hunger; nearly a third were at this level earlier in the war. However, they warn that conditions could deteriorate quickly depending on how things progress, and the IPC expects the level of people at catastrophic hunger to double as winter closes in. Sources for this article include: FreeWestMedia.com APNews.com Stories of China's high-quality development | Strong roots, flourishing branches: Upholding and implementing "two no irresolutions" 14:17, November 28, 2024 By Li Qiaochu ( People's Daily Online "China's economy is like a towering tree. To evaluate the health of this tree, we can simply look at its strong trunk and lush leaves. The trunk can be compared to the public sector of the economy, while the branches represent the non-public sector. They complement each other and grow together." Recently, on People's Daily's "Stories of China's High-quality Development" program, Huang Hanquan, president of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, emphasized that the basic socialist economic system is an important pillar of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Both the public and non-public sectors are essential components of the socialist market economy, serving as the foundation for China's economic and social development. According to Huang, China's economic foundation can only be strengthened when the public sector maintains its dominant role while diverse forms of ownership continue to flourish, providing the economy with "strong roots and flourishing branches." At the Axi Ranch, 4,000 meters above sea level in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Automous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, herder Tashi chats with family by video while tending his livestock. This was made possible thanks to the communication tower built by China Tower Co., Ltd. at the end of 2022. "Now I can stay connected with my family even when I'm far away herding the cattle," Tashi explained. "This was impossible before. Previously, I had to ride my motorcycle more than 10 kilometers just to make a phone call, and even then the signal was unreliable." Why is it essential to consistently strengthen and develop the public sector? Huang said state-owned enterprises, particularly central state-owned enterprises, play an irreplaceable role in implementing national strategies and safeguarding both the country's economy and people's livelihoods. By 2023, these central enterprises accounted for over 70 percent of activities in sectors crucial to national security, the economy, and public welfare. "Dedicate yourself, and you will succeed" is the guiding principle of Jinjiang, a city in Fujian Province that has pioneered China's private sector development. The "Jinjiang Experience" has become a model for economic development. "Being a boss in Jinjiang isn't very impressive because on average one in every seven people is a boss and there is one enterprise for every 21 people," said Zhou Shaoxiong, chairman of the Quanzhou Chamber of Industry and Commerce and founder of the Septwolves clothing brand in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. "The defining feature of the drastic changes of Jinjiang is its efforts to earnestly develop the real economy. We are all witnesses and beneficiaries of this process," said Zhou. Why is it essential to unswervingly encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector? Huang said that the private sector is a crucial outcome of China's socialist market economy and a vital force in promoting Chinese modernization. As an integral part of China's economy, the private sector has been instrumental in stabilizing growth, promoting innovation, increasing employment, and improving people's livelihoods. Across China, regions have been actively exploring ways to implement the 'two no irresolutions principle (no irresolution about consolidating and developing the public sector and no irresolution about encouraging, supporting, and guiding non-public sector development). The Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway, which opened in 2024, exemplifies China's mixed-ownership reform in the railway sector. This pioneering project demonstrates successful private investment in railway infrastructure: BSHW, a private investment entity, holds a controlling 51 percent stake, while the remaining 49 percent is jointly held by the State Railway Group and local government. Liu Shengjin, director and deputy general manager of BSHW, said: "Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province has prospered by embracing reform and following the path of opening-up, making it a hub of vibrant private enterprise. At that time, the nation was actively promoting reforms in the railway sector and piloting private investment in major infrastructure projects. When the proposal to allow private investment in railway construction was introduced, Zhejiang Province took up this initiative and proposed that the Hangzhou-Wenzhou Railway should be built under private-sector controlling ownership." Whether at the central or local level, involving state-owned or private enterprises, each reform measure and every project achievement serves as a vivid demonstration of China's commitment to the "two no irresolutions" principle. The development and growth of the socialist economy ultimately leads to the common progress of the public and non-public sectors. This entails the maintenance and appreciation of state-owned assets alongside the development and expansion of the private economy. Essentially, the private economy and the public economy are not in opposition to each other. On the contrary, they are complementary and symbiotic. From the perspective of the economic division of labor, both the private and public economies serve as the forms and means of economic development working together to support the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics while mutually benefiting each other From the perspective of the social division of labor, only through the combination of the two can China meet the increasing aspirations of the people for a better life bringing a stronger sense of gain to the people. Huang said through upholding and implementing the "two no irresolutions" principle, and fully mobilizing the enthusiasm of both the public and private economies, as well as central and local enterprises and entrepreneurs, the task of building a high-standard socialist market economy system will surely be successfully completed, providing important institutional guarantees for achieving Chinese modernization. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) PATRICK LAWRENCE: Bidens Samson Option We know now the risks those devoted to prolonging the imperiums final phase will take in defense of the no-longer-defensible: All risks are acceptable as they cling to power. They will risk another world war; they will risk nuclear annihilation. (Article republished from ConsortiumNews.com) We hear a lot these days about the Israeli doctrine known as the Samson Option, whereby the Israelis, if they thought themselves under an existential threat, would use their nuclear arsenal to bring the world down with them. Those freak-show terrorists running the Zionist state, you might say: Who or what could be more diabolic? It is a reasonable question. But there is no longer any pretending as to the unique perversity of terrorist Israel and its Samson Option. America in its postSept. 11 phase fearful, viewing itself as threatened by history itself has just proved equally perverse, equally diabolic, equally given to contempt for the human cause. There is a greater and lesser way to understand the U.S. decision to authorize the use of Western-supplied missiles against Russian targets. It is partly a matter of passing politics, this is to say, and partly a question of the dynamics of late-imperial ideology. Let us consider each. It is certainly so, as Joe Lauria pointed out in Consortium News last week, that the immense recklessness of the U.S. decision to authorize the use of Western-supplied missiles against Russian targets reflects a failed presidents spiteful determination, on his way out of office, to undermine President-elect Trumps announced intention to end the war in Ukraine. I do not see how giving Kiev permission to use Western-made missiles (with Western military operating them) against Russia will do anything to alter Trumps intentions. The only way such a gambit could work is by provoking Russia into a vastly expanded, vastly more dangerous war. This goes to my previously made point: No risk is too great if taking it will prolong the long U.S. assault on Russia in the name of American preeminence. There is also Joe Bidens pitiful desire to preserve his legacy. Biden was foolish beyond words when he settled on the subversion of the Russian Federation is subjugation my word? as the project that would engrave his name in the history books. This is another lost war: Bidens legacy lies in ruins even before he leaves one behind. The Man from Scranton will go down, as measured by the failures, dangers, and messes he leaves behind, as the worst-performing president in postwar American history. We can fairly mark this down to Bidens native ineptitude: Any careful review of his career reveals him to be no apology for my word choice very stupid. His declining mental state, which has received so much press in the months since he was forced to withdraw his bid for reelection, is a case of incapacity piled atop incompetence. A little while back the Russians began referring to the collective Biden to take account of the reality that there is no way of knowing who makes the judgments and policy decisions commonly attributed to the president, or Mr. Biden, or the White House. You might think it unbelievably irresponsible of the Democrats, and the whole of Capitol Hill along with them, to leave the United States without a capable president, but I propose a reconsideration: While it is certainly irresponsible to leave the Oval Office vacant for many months, if not years, it is perfectly believable given the extent to which the Deep State (the national-security state if this makes you more comfortable) now runs U.S. policy this not quite but nearly out in the open. So far as one can make out, to dolly in on this point, Secretary of State Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and a very few others form an inner circle that has been directing U.S. policy for much of Bidens presidential term, either autonomously or by way of his nodding (literally) assent. An outer circle, with input at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue but less operational authority, would include such figures as Samantha Power, who directs the Agency for International Development, Avril Haines, director of national intelligence, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. This is the collective Biden so well coined, this phrase. Look at its members, and there are many more I have not named. These are the imperiums praefecti, procurators and consuls. They have no interest in politics and want nothing to do with the citizenry. The empire is their ideology, and they are dedicated solely to extending its power. And it is these more or less remote apparatchiks who form the collective Biden and who are yet more indifferent to the taking of unconscionable risks than the weak figure behind which they manage the empires affairs. As many remarked after Russia began its intervention in Ukraine two years and nine months ago, Joe Biden started a war he cannot afford to lose. But Joe Biden will content himself with his Corvette and his sunglasses in a few weeks time. The Deep State has a lot, lot more on the line at this point not less, I would say, than the longevity of the American imperium. The people who form it are the true losers who cannot afford to lose. It is impossible to know at this point what will come next now that the U.S., with Britain in tow, has authorized the long-range missile strikes. We do not know, among much else, how the Deep State will field what efforts Trump may make to end the war. These people subverted his plans to improve relations with Moscow during his first term, we must remind ourselves. But the extent of the desperation shared between the Deep State and Biden-the-outgoing-pol is very plain. The collective Biden reportedly did not inform the Pentagon before taking the missiles decision. It simultaneously announced plans to provide Kiev with anti-personnel land mines, the kind that blow combatants legs off and maim children who come upon them years or decades later. This is not, to put the point mildly, the conduct of a policy clique confident it is in control of its destiny. The Russian Response Much has been made of the hypersonic missile, called the Oreshnik, the Russian military fired at a Ukrainian defense industry plant in the Ukrainian city of Dnepropetrovsk last Thursday a day after Kiev fired its volley of British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia. Out came the shrieks in Western media that Putins Russia has again threatened to resort to a nuclear attack. There is no question of the Oreshniks unusual, if not unprecedented power. It triggered explosions that lasted three hours, according to the first press reports. And it can indeed carry a nuclear warhead. But I do not share the prevailing read of the Oreshniks first deployment just as I have not shared any of the previous talk of Russias suppose threats to go nuclear. I would summarize the message the Kremlin may as well have scribbled in chalk on the Oreshniks fuselage as, Let us remind you that we, on both sides, are nuclear powers. Let us introduce some sanity to the impasse to which you have brought us. The televised speech President Vladimir Putin delivered last Thursday evening supports this interpretation. While there are likely to be more Oreshniks fired into Ukraine, the targets, like last Thursdays, will be chosen for their military merit and Russia will continue to refrain from deploying any short or medium-range missiles anywhere beyond Ukraine depending, he said, on what the U.S. does next. Per usual, the Russian leader has taken the long view as we all should and places Russias response to the crisis the U.S. and Britain just created in the historical context of the Wests long list of postCold War betrayals. It was not Russia but the United States that destroyed the system of international security, Putin said, the latest of his many references to Washingtons withdrawal from various arms-control treaties since the Bush II administration. Glenn Diesen, an editor at Russia in Global Affairs and among the wisest heads in matters such as these, published a piece last week in which he asserted that the West has crossed the line between proxy war and direct war. In it Diesen posed the question on everyones mind right now: How will Russia respond? There are several more steps on the escalation ladder before pushing the nuclear button. Russia can intensify strikes on Ukrainian political targets and infrastructure, introduce North Korean troops that were likely intended as a deterrent for a situation like this, strike NATO assets in the Black Sea and logistic centres in Poland or Romania, destroy satellites used for the attacks on Russia, or attack US/NATO military assets in other parts of the world under the guise of enabling other countries to defend themselves. I do not know the likelihood or otherwise of any of these projections. But it seems to me the collective Biden and the national-security apparatus behind it may have got the Kremlin in a Catch22 of sorts. So long as Russia exercises the restraint it now exhibits lets say so long as Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, remain the statesmen in the room the U.S. and clients such as Britain are likely to press their campaign of provocations to the next step, and the step after that, and so on. This is the long road to Americas version of the Samson Option. And if the only way to stop these provocations is to respond to them as the West intends that is, to escalate into a state of risk no sane statesman would find acceptable the Russian Federation could find itself in the very war it has resisted, over many years, entering upon. The short road to the Samson Option. We can thank Joe Biden for leading the world to this perilous moment. But I dont think Biden is diabolically intelligent enough to get this done on his own. And this is what ought to worry us most. Read more at: ConsortiumNews.com WAR RACKET: Polish politician accuses corrupt Ukrainians of embezzling and diverting half of American aid A Polish politician claims that Ukraine did not receive all the aid that the Biden administration provided them and much of the money they did receive was embezzled. This is according to Piotr Kulpa, a former Polish deputy minister who is now a political commentator. He previously served as Polands deputy labor minister and is a supporter of President-elect Trump. He claims that American aid programs are nothing more than a way to write off large sums of money that finance shady systems under the Democratic Partys control, and he thinks that the new Trump administration may end up discovering that Ukraine got very little compared to what was publicly stated when they take office and look over government finances. He added: But they will also find something else: that a huge portion of the funds was stolen in Ukraine. From 30% to 50%, regardless of the nature of the aid. Just how much money didnt make its way to Ukraine? According to Kulpa, the country could have enough to satisfy its budget for a year. He also called out senior Ukrainian officials for their unreasonably high salaries and bonuses. Its a spit in the face of every Ukrainian, the former minister asserted. To every European and American taxpayer. This system is criminal from start to finish, he said. DoD watchdog report warned about corruption in Ukraine The Department of Defenses Office of Inspector General recently issued a warning about corruption in Ukraine, with bribes, inflated procurement costs and kickbacks just some of the problems they are encountering. The warning came in their second quarterly report to Congress about the U.S.s operation to provide Ukraine with weapons. Judges, politicians, and officials have been charged with corruption and the Ministry of Defense has been a key player in many corruption scandals, the report said. Inspector General Robert Storch said that they are committed to thorough oversight of how American taxpayer resources are being used to support Ukraine. The report noted that the Ukrainian government has undertaken efforts to counter public corruption, but it continues to confront obstacles to transparency. It was released just weeks after Bidens supplemental funding request was passed by Congress, which includes $61 billion worth of military aid for Kiev. Although it is difficult to estimate the extent of the corruption that is taking place there, we do know that there were 62 open investigations into Ukrainian corruption as of March 31, including corruption, program irregularities, theft, counterproliferation of technology of weapons system components, and procurement and grant fraud. Roughly half of the investigations involved diverted aid. Meanwhile, a Pentagon audit released in January found that the U.S. failed to track more than $1 billion worth of military gear and weapons that were given to Ukraine, rendering 59% of the defense gear provided by the U.S. to Kiev delinquent despite directions from the U.S. that they guard them against theft and misuse. The report noted that the DoD failed to keep an accurate inventory of the serial numbers of these defense items. End-use monitoring was required for gear containing sensitive technology that is smaller and therefore more susceptible to arms trafficking. Sources for this article include: RT.com WashingtonExaminer.com APNews.com Putin warns of escalation into a global war as he confirms Ukraines launch of long-range missiles into Russian territory Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning once again after Ukraine launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile into Russia that the move threatens to turn the conflict into a "global war." "Kyiv has launched a long-range missile strike against military facilities located within internationally-recognized Russian territory," he opened a televised address by saying this. He also confirmed that British-made Storm Shadow missiles and American-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) were fired at targets located in Bryansk and Kursk Oblasts. (Related: Ukraine war going GLOBAL after West launches long-range missiles into Russia, crossing Putin's "red line.") The Russian leader said the regional Ukraine conflict instigated by the West has already acquired elements of a global one. He also blamed Ukraine's allies for supplying the weapons to the nation as Putin claimed that the systems cannot be used without the direct operational involvement of Western military specialists. Despite this, Putin said the attacks were not successful as the inbound rockets were immediately intercepted by Russian anti-air defenses. "The goals that have been set by the enemy have not been achieved," Putin said. While some personnel at a command center in Kursk were injured, he noted that the center is still fully operational. He further asserted that no Western systems can counter Russia's new missiles. "The use of such weapons by the enemy cannot affect the course of the situation in the Special Military Operation zone," Putin stressed. He also said it was a big mistake for the United States to pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019. The said long-range weapons attack by Kyiv came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they were attacked with a "new Russian rocket," which he suggested had the "characteristics" of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). However, U.S. officials disputed this claim. According to the New York Times, "several Western officials said that the weapon was not an ICBM and instead was likely an intermediate-range missile that flies shorter distances." North Korea beefs up short-range missile operations to augment Russia's weaponry against Ukraine The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), a U.S.-based think tank from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, recently concluded that North Korea has been strengthening its key weapons manufacturing complex to augment Russia's weaponry as its conflict with Ukraine continues to escalate. The facility, known as the February 11 plant, assembles a type of short-range missile used by Russia in Ukraine and is part of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamhung, North Korea's second-largest city. CNS Research Associate Sam Lair said the plant was the only one known to produce the Hwasong-11 class of solid-fuel ballistic missiles. According to Ukrainian officials, the munitions also known as the KN-23 in the West, have been used by Moscow against Kyiv. The think tank's report was based on satellite images taken in early October by the commercial satellite firm Planet Labs. According to the analysis by CNS researchers, there was an additional assembly building under construction as well as a new housing facility, likely intended for workers. It also appears that Pyongyang is improving the entrances for some of the underground facilities at the complex. The images further showed that a disused bridge crane in front of a tunnel entrance, blocking easy access, was removed, suggesting they might be placing an emphasis on that part of the facility, Lair said. "We see this as a suggestion that they're massively increasing, or they're trying to significantly increase, the throughput of this factory," he said. The new assembly building is about 60 to 70 percent the size of the previous building used to assemble missiles. Bookmark RussiaReport.news to get updates on the latest news about the Russia-Ukraine war. Watch the video below that talks about how Ukraine seems to be "begging for a nuke" as it hits Russia again with ATACMS. This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Nearly three years into the conflict, Ukraine grapples with dwindling resources as Russia steadily gains ground. Putin revises nuclear doctrine, making it easier for Russia to target Ukraine with nukes. Russia retaliates for Western seizure of its assets as war escalates and Putin signs new nuclear doctrine. U.S. bracing for Russia's retaliatory attack by shutting down embassy in Kiev. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com X.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com Stew Peters discusses the ZIONIST TAKEOVER of the U.S. government in his new film Occupied Stew Peters joined the Health Ranger Mike Adams in a recent edition of the "Health Ranger Report" to talk about his new film "Occupied," which touches on the Zionist takeover of the U.S. government According to the host of "The Stew Peters Show," his latest film aims to show the American people that they have become apathetic and complacent victims deceived by their pastors. It also aims to share irrefutable and indisputable evidence of the Zionist "parasitic infestation" and occupation at every level of America's federal government. The Zionist occupation infests the military-industrial complex, the intelligence community, the education and state departments and every presidential cabinet. Every president, every candidate and every member of Congress is also compromised by the Zionist occupation, mainly through pro-Israel lobbying groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). (Related: Israeli Zionists have been controlling U.S. government with espionage for DECADES, including influencing alternative media.) Peters noted that AIPAC is actively meddling in American elections and paying off politicians to do the Jewish nation's bidding. Even U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) had revealed that every member of Congress has an AIPAC handler. Adams pointed out that the film's title is correct, noting that America under the second term of President-elect Donald Trump is indeed occupied. Trump's early cabinet picks are almost all Zionists who would pave the way for the rise of Zionist tyranny in the country. The real estate mogul even put out a video on how he is going to fight against censorship and for the the First Amendment. But clearly, this won't include the First Amendment right to criticize Israel something the Health Ranger found very concerning. Peters: The Zionists are Satan's chosen people "This is the synagogue of Satan that Jesus was talking about, and it's rearing its ugly head right now. These are Satan's chosen people," said Peters. "We have a seriously occupied government, society, unelected bureaucrats, all of the NGOs [non-government organizations]. We have an occupied church." "We have basically witnessed the West become occupied by the synagogue of Satan. And this film ["Occupied"] aims to factually expose that in their own words, to show irrefutable, indisputable evidence of the fact that this is an occupation, so that we can then start to have a conversation about remedy." Peters also pointed out that Trump is more connected with the Zionists than any of his predecessors. Given this, Zionists have put him in office on purpose without stealing the recent presidential election following a $100 million donation from Jewish-American billionaire Miriam Adelson. Ultimately, the reason for this is because the Zionists know Trump will do Tel Aviv's bidding during his second term. The Health Ranger predicted that "Occupied" is going to help expose Zionist infiltration in a huge way. Even though the powers that be will try to block it, the movie will be widely shared across social media and independent media. Peters concluded by saying that he prays Trump won't suffer the fate of the late President John F. Kennedy. According to Peters, Kennedy was murdered by the Zionists for rejecting the criminal central bankers and refusing Israel's access to nuclear weapons. Follow DeepState.news for more news about the Zionists in America. Watch the full conversation between Stew Peters and the Health Ranger Mike Adams about Peters' new film "Occupied" on the "Health Ranger Report." This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Stew Peters urges Republican-dominated House to STOP FUNDING Ukraines war effort. Trump is paying back wealthy international donors with near-total Zionist occupation of government. Michael Yon warns of a ZIONIST TAKEOVER in Trumps second administration. Sources include: Brighteon.com OccupiedFilm.com Strange blue orb seen speeding past New York City skies A mysterious orb-like object was seen flying over the Hudson River and past Lower Manhattan in a strange video taken by a local news helicopter. A Fox 5 news report that aired Monday, Nov. 18, accidentally caught the object soaring in the crystal-clear New York sky. The footage was shot as part of a report regarding New York City's congestion pricing program. It caught the object making a curving path in the direction of the news helicopter, crossing from the New Jersey side of the Hudson toward Lower Manhattan before disappearing out of frame at rapid speed. The orb looks white in the distance and assumes a blue tint as it appears to get closer to the camera. The spot appears to outrun every boat on the Hudson and rapidly curves its way past the news helicopter's camera. A representative for Fox 5's "Good Day New York," which initially aired the clip, stated they couldn't say when the footage was recorded but that it was probably within the last calendar year. "Good Day New York" staff have been adamant that the footage has not been tampered with by digital editors. Speculations abound regarding what the orb really was Some have speculated the image could be a drone that appears to be moving faster than it really is due to the speed of the helicopter and the movement of the camera frame. (Related: Pentagon investigating reports of UFOs turning off nuclear warheads, shooting test missiles.) "To me, it looks like a balloon or something fairly small, not a tiny spacecraft piloted by aliens," said "Good Day New York" anchor Dan Bowens during the newscast, explaining that a viewer had sent him the clip and asked for his thoughts. "It could also be a drone, but it seemed too small." Bowens consulted with the show's director and control room team to review the footage. "We also looked at it from a different feed in our newsroom. It didn't show up [in other cameras]," he reported, leading members of the news team to speculate that the orb may have been a transmission issue on the receiving end of the camera. Avi Loeb, a theoretical physician, cosmologist and Harvard University professor, told the New York Post: "This is most likely an optical artifact from the helicopter glass in front of the camera, namely a bright spot from the reflection of sunlight as the camera gradually changes its orientation relative to the sun and the ground. But even if it was a real object, the apparent speed is of an order the speed of sound and not extraordinary." Agreeing with Loeb was retired United States Navy Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, CEO of marine technology consulting firm Ocean STL. "For several reasons, [it] looks like an artifact and not an actual UAP," said Gallaudet, who used the acronym for "unidentified aerial phenomenon." Follow UFOs.news for more news about UFO and UAP sightings all over the world. Watch the video below about the hidden agenda behind recent UFO news. This video is from the channel The HighWire with Del Bigtree on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Swarm of UFOs spotted near Air Force base in Indiana where a massive mothership was also spotted weeks ago. Report: Pentagon has a super top-secret UFO data retrieval program called Immaculate Constellation. UFO whistleblower: Federal govt running a long-term program to recover non-human bodies from alien crash sites. FBI confirms an American Airlines pilots UFO sighting. Navy spotted UFOs in restricted airspace every day for years, ex-Navy pilot reveals. Sources include: NYPost.com Fox5NY.com Brighteon.com FACT CHECK: Trumps pick for surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, praised COVID vaccines, calling them a gift from God Conservatives are reeling with disgust after President-elect Donald Trump chose Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be his surgeon general, this despite the fact that this woman praised Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" as "a gift from God." After President Trump, during his last term, announced Operation Warp Speed as the fast track to mass vaccinations, Dr. Nesheiwat wrote an op-ed for Fox News urging conservatives to get jabbed, stating that "this is our path out of the pandemic." "I am optimistic we are on our way to ending the needless loss of lives from the coronavirus," Dr. Nesheiwat added, calling the advent of COVID injections "nothing short of miraculous." "We have many vaccines in existence that treat a variety of non-life threatening [sic] diseases but to have a COVID vaccine, i.e., a Pfizer or Moderna mRNA that will actually save you from dying is a gift from God," she continued. "This is our path out of the pandemic." (Related: Did you know that Starr County, Tex., is offering Trump 1,400 acres to build a mass deportation camp for processing and deporting illegal aliens?) Remember when Dr. Nesheiwat praised Facebook for censoring "anti-vaxx" information? Dr. Nesheiwat also appeared on Fox News' "Mornings with Maria" to discuss how excited she was at the time to hear that Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook had begun to censor truthful information about the dangers of COVID jabs. "First of all, vaccines save lives," Dr. Nesheiwat declared without a second thought. "And I am so excited and I thank and commend Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg for taking action because this affects everyone!" Dr. Nesheiwat continued in her fearmongering rant to play the but think about the children! card, referencing a "recent measles outbreak" and claiming that it was "the biggest one that we've had in decades" because too many Americans are foregoing vaccinations. "And that's no joke," she said about the measles outbreak. "Measles can cause brain inflammation, pneumonia, and ear infections, hearing loss, and death, so it's about time they are taking action and I hope and pray that other social media platforms will follow suit and do the same." Trumps Surgeon General nominee Dr. Janette Nesheiwat praising Facebook for censoring anti-vaxx info & hoping other social networks censor people too. The Senate should NOT confirm her. Tag your Senator.pic.twitter.com/9d8pDfpHyE Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) November 23, 2024 Dr. Nesheiwat apparently missed that famous episode of The Brady Bunch in which the characters talk about measles as being no more of a threat than chickenpox watch the clip below: "The Senate should NOT confirm her," tweeted Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) about Dr. Nesheiwat. "Tag your Senator." "Slow down, Donald," tweeted another. "We've been down this road before. Give Ben (Carson) a call." Someone else argued that surgeon general, at least at the federal level, is "a throwaway position" that does not really matter anyway because it is "a powerless advisory role." "Let her keep on making selfie videos," this person wrote, adding that Dr. Nesheiwat's job "will be one of a spokesperson." "It's an awesome compromise for a throwaway position. Focus on more important things." Another argued that Dr. Nesheiwat and everyone else who pushed COVID crimes against humanity should be punished, not appointed to Trump's cabinet. "Dr. Nesheiwat and all the other medical professionals who performed 'Kabuki Theatre' on television to push the dangerously false narrative about the safety of the vaxx will be footnotes in this historical record. None of these people should be rewarded with positions in the coming Trump Administration." The latest news about Trump's second term in the White House can be found at Trump.news. Sources for this article include: X.com NaturalNews.com X.com NaturalNews.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Tel Aviv, Nov 27 : As the Israeli security cabinet voted in favour of a ceasefire deal to end the fighting with the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Tuesday that there are three "main reasons" he wants a truce now. an Israeli official told the media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Tuesday that there are three "main reasons" he wants a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon now. "With the United States' full understanding, we maintain full freedom of military action. If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack. If it tries to rebuild terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck carrying rockets, we will attack", Netanyahu noted. "The first reason is to focus on the Iranian threat, and I won't expand on that. The second reason is to give our forces a breather and replenish stocks. And I say it openly, it is no secret that there have been big delays in weapons and munitions deliveries. These delays will be resolved soon. We will receive supplies of advanced weaponry that will keep our soldiers safe and give us more strike force to complete our mission. And the third reason for having a ceasefire is to separate the fronts and isolate Hamas. From day two of the war, Hamas was counting on Hezbollah to fight by its side. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas and that will help us in our sacred mission of releasing our hostages," Netanyahu said. The Israeli PM's speech was released after an Israeli official told CNN the security cabinet had approved a ceasefire deal. Netanyahu also said the duration of a ceasefire would "depend on what happens in Lebanon". He added that Israel would resume attacks if Hezbollah violated the agreement by rearming, digging tunnels, launching rockets, or rebuilding its infrastructure near the Israeli border. "With the United States' full understanding, we maintain full freedom of military action," he said. Israel and Lebanon have been engaged in a prolonged conflict that began on October 8 last year, when Hezbollah attacked Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza, as reported by CNN. This incident sparked a series of tit-for-tat border attacks, which eventually escalated into a major military offensive launched by Israel in mid-September. The conflict has seen a ground invasion by Israel, resulting in the deaths of several Hezbollah leaders, including one of its founders, Hassan Nasrallah, and thousands of injuries from an attack involving exploding pagers. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. New York, Nov 28 : In her first message after her concession speech, subdued and sad-sounding US Vice President Kamala Harris has told her supporters to safeguard their power. As the nation awaits her next act, she said in a video message, "I just have to remind you, don't you ever let anybody take your power from you." "You have the same power that you did before November 5, and you have the same purpose that you did, and you have the same ability to engage and inspire," said Harris, adding, "So don't ever let anybody or any circumstance take your power from you." Harris went on vacation to Hawaii after her defeat, avoided public appearances after the November 6 speech, accepted her defeat, and returned to her home base, San Francisco, on Monday. The Democratic Party, which released the 29-second video message on Tuesday on X and TikTok, did not say when or where it was recorded. The video lacked a professional touch and showed her wearing a brown jacket, seated with a partial view of the US flag in the background. She appeared tired and, at times, on the verge of tears as she spoke, making hand gestures for emphasis. Harris will not be in want after leaving office. Although the Vice President does not get a pension for the position, her role as President of the Senate during the vice presidency and her prior service on the Senate entitles her to a pension. She will also be getting pensions from jobs she had held in California. She can, however, expect to make more money from speaking fees that can run to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands per engagement and royalties for books. Former Vice President Mike Pence received an advance of $1.4 million for his memoir, and during 16 months from January 2022 alone he made $3.4 million in fees for 31 speeches, according to his filing when he was contemplating a run for President that was obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Before becoming the Vice President, Harris had earned $450,000 in royalties for her memoir, "The Truths We Hold." Forbes estimated the net worth of her and her husband, Doug Emhoff, at $8 million A big question mark hangs over her future when she leaves office on January 21. In her speech on November 6, conceding defeat, she said. "I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations." Her professional bio is made up entirely of government jobs, starting as a deputy district attorney or prosecutor in a California county and rising in the ranks to become the state's elected attorney general. She was next elected to the Senate before President Joe Biden picked her to be the Vice President and then passed on the baton for her unsuccessful run for President. Politico reported that her family and some senior aides accompanied her on the Hawaiian vacation' during which she mulled her next steps. It said that she spent a lot of time speaking by phone with her supporters, and her message was, "I am staying in the fight." There are two obvious options for her if she wants to stay in politics. She could run for California governor in the 2026 election to succeed Gavin Newsom, whose second term ends in 2027, and he cannot run for a third term under state law. Although she has held a higher position, the governor of the most populous and richest state wields far more powers in real terms compared to a Vice President. Newsom himself could run for President in 2028. The other possibility would be for Harris to make another run for President, but she has two strikes against her: She dropped out of the party primaries for nomination even before the race started in earnest in 2020, and this year, she got the nomination without a contest only to lose to Donald Trump. Her performance and her strategies are under scrutiny by her party members. Canberra, Nov 28 : The Australian government has committed additional assistance to address famine and humanitarian needs in Sudan. The federal government on Wednesday evening announced 17 million Australian dollars ($11.04 million) in humanitarian aid for Sudan amid the ongoing civil war in the country, Xinhua news agency reported. It takes Australia's total humanitarian aid contribution to Sudan and neighbouring countries since the start of the conflict in April 2023 to 50 million Australian dollars ($32.4 million). Penny Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said in a statement with Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts and Pat Conroy, the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, that Sudan is facing the world's largest hunger and displacement crises. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, more than 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger. Wong condemned violence against civilians and aid workers in the region and called for all parties to agree on a permanent ceasefire. London, Nov 28 : Unlock the potential of your investments with FinCzech, the premier hedge fund formation service in the Czech Republic. Our expert team simplifies the process of establishing a hedge fund, ensuring compliance with EU regulations while maximizing your capital-raising capabilities. Benefit from tailored consulting and legal support to protect your assets and enhance your investment strategies, even in challenging market conditions. 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Describing Mahatma Phule as "the pioneer of Indian women's education", Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar said: "The great social reformer gave Maharashtra a progressive thought and strived for the eradication of untouchability and caste system through his social work." Remembering Mahatma Phule, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant recalled his teachings and said that "man should have only one religion, to speak the Truth and spread Enlightenment" like the iconic leader who set the stage for progressive ideas, educating women and resolving the problems of women, farmers and Bahujans in society. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi President Prakash Ambedkar said: "Mahatma Phule started the early struggle for liberating Bahujans from Brahminical slavery and we are living in freedom today because of the spark of awareness which he ignited." "Now the same tendencies are preparing to enslave us again. They must be vigorously resisted. If we want to preserve the freedom of future generations, we must not stray from the path shown by Phule," urged Ambedkar. Other prominent leaders who saluted Mahatma Phule included NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule, state party President Jayant R. Patil, SS (UBT)'s Kishore Tiwari, several past and present ministers, MPs, MLAs and the commoners. Mahatma Phule (April 11, 1827-November 28, 1890), a revered social reformist and anti-caste crusader, fought against the scourge of untouchability, along with his equally legendary wife, Savitribai J. Phule, the pioneer of women's education in the country. In September 1873, the Phule couple founded the Satyashodhak Samaja, and much earlier, they started India's first school for women in Pune (1848), with Savtribai and her close friend Fatima Sheikh the sister of their landlord and now credited as India's first women and Muslim woman teacher, respectively. Last year, the Pune Municipal Corporation razed the old Bhidewada residence (where the first girl's school was started by the Phules), and now a grand memorial will come up there at a cost of around Rs 100 crore. In 2018, the Maharashtra government recommended the Centre to confer posthumously the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on the Phule couple, besides similar demands by various political parties and commoners. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company (IHC) on Thursday said its outlook on investments in the Adani Group remains unchanged despite the US indictment of some of the conglomerate officials. In a statement, IHC which is one of the largest sovereign funds that manages assets worth $100 billion, said their partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors. As with all our investments, our team continues to evaluate relevant information and developments. At this time, our outlook on these investments remains unchanged, the IHC added. In April 2022, the sovereign fund invested nearly $500 million each in the renewables arm Adani Green Energy and power company Adani Transmission and a further $1 billion in the group's flagship Adani Enterprises. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has also expressed its ongoing confidence in its partnership with the Adani Group, as it plays a vital role in expanding the country's port infrastructure. With a $1 billion investment in the Colombo terminal, the project is poised to be the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka's port sector. The Tanzanian government also reaffirmed its commitment to its agreements with Adani Ports, saying There are no concerns regarding the ongoing projects and that all contracts fully comply with Tanzanian law. Meanwhile, top investors on Thursday doubled down on Adani Group stocks. GQG Partners said that we do not see these actions as having a material impact on these businesses. These businesses operate critical infrastructure regulated by the Indian government. In most cases, these are services with long-term contractual revenues. We believe the fundamentals of the companies we are invested in remain sound, it added. Madhusudan Kela said that he is a big believer in the man, Gautam Adani and the capabilities of him and the Group. They have built a very strong set of businesses, which are not easy to replicate. For all of these reasons, I am invested in the stocks of the group and I have bought more in the recent correction. These (US DoJ) kinds of events will happen, but I don't see the reason for this kind of panic in the stock prices. As they came through in Hindenburg, they will get through this saga much stronger," said Kela. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a video on social media from inside her car, capturing her drive through a foggy, icy landscape at a chilly -2C. Taking to her Instagram stories, the desi girl posted a video wherein she is seen clad in cozy winter attire as she embraced the frosty weather with humor. In her caption, Priyanka highlighted the dropping temperatures, writing, It dropped a degree by the time I posted this. -2C. She further quipped about the eerie vibe of her surroundings, adding, Looks like I am driving in this creepy hollow. As the video continued, PeeCee remarked, It's -1 degree, capturing the chill of her winter drive. A few hours ago, the Baywatch actress shared a snippet from an interview featuring Jackie Shroff. The video was accompanied by the text My attitude at work every day. In the clip, the 'Karma' star could be heard saying, Life hai bhidu kaam aate rehta hai, jaate rehta hai, karte rehne ka, aage chalte rehne ka, samjha na bhidu, aayega aate rahega, lene ka, maza lene ka, doosre din ka wait karne ka, aaya, aankh khul gaya, haath pair nahin dukh rahe fir nikal lene ka (It's life, and work will come and go. Keep doing it. It will keep on coming, take it, enjoy, and look forward to the next day! If you've woken up with good health, head on to work. Work-wise, Priyanka was last seen in Sam Heughan and Celine Dion-starrer Love Again. She will next be seen in the series Citadel 2. In the action thriller, she will reprise her role as the fiery Nadia. Actor Richard Madden will also return. Chopra is currently filming the new season in London. On the film front, Priyanka Chopra has an exciting lineup, including "Heads of State" alongside Idris Elba and John Cena and "The Bluff," where she will co-star with Karl Urban. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, hilariously touched the feet of photographers after he walked out of the gym Ibrahim, who was dressed in a grey oversized jacket paired with shorts, made his way out of the gym and was going to the car, when shutterbugs followed him and asked the brother of actress Sara Ali Khan to turn around for the camera. Ibrahim is then seen keeping his stuff in the car and then touching the feet of the paparazzis and is heard saying thank you thank you. He then rushed back into the car. In other news, it was reported that Ibrahim joined actress Palak Tiwari, whom he is reportedly dating, in Maldives for a holiday. Ibrahim, who is the son of Saif and Amrita Singh, is set to make his acting debut with the film titled Sarzameen. It will be an emotional thriller with Ibrahim playing a pivotal role. The film went on floors in 2023. The film also stars Kajol, who is paired opposite Prithviraj. Talking about his sister Sara, recently a video of a random elderly man protecting the actress from the paparazzis went viral on social media. As paparazzi gathered to capture her pictures, an elderly man stepped forward to shield her from the cameras. The man went to great lengths, even snatching camera phones from the paparazzi and blocking their angles, leaving everyone, including Sara, completely baffled. Amid the commotion, the actress gestured with her hands, seemingly asking, Whats going on? as she made her way to the salon. Despite the mans persistent attempts to block them, the paparazzi managed to maneuver around him, capturing a few shots of Sara as she entered her car. On the professional front, Sara was last seen in "Ae Watan Mere Watan" alongside Emraan Hashmi and Abhay Verma. Currently, the actress is busy shooting for her upcoming project with Ayushmann Khurrana. The yet-to-be-titled film, directed by Aakash Kaushik, is being touted as a one-of-a-kind spy comedy. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Raashii Khanna recently expressed her excitement and gratitude after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her film The Sabarmati Report. Speaking exclusively to IANS, the actress shared, I was thrilled and genuinely didnt expect such overwhelming support. Tweets from Chief ministers and other influential people like Prime Minister Narendra Modi were incredibly encouraging. Its made a significant impact, and the momentum has been steady. It is on November 29th, Cinema Day, tickets are priced at Rs. 99. Do you think this will benefit your film Absolutely! Its a great opportunity for those who havent watched the film to see it in theatres. Its like a bonus for the audience, and I hope they take advantage of it. When asked about the preconceived criticism surrounding her film, she responded, Id simply say, watch the film before forming an opinion. Those whove seen it understand that its not propaganda. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. So, I urge people to view the film with an open mind and decide for themselves. In the film, Raashii portrayed the role of fearless journalist Amrita Gill. Meanwhile, Raashii, who will turn a year older on November 30, celebrated her pre-birthday by planting saplings with 100 children. Speaking about the same, the actress expressed, Actually, this year Im celebrating a pre-birthday. My plan is to go to Varanasi with my family to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Before that, since I plant saplings every year, I thought of doing something bigger this time. I reached out to Seher from the Bhamla Foundation, who is deeply committed to environmental causes. She suggested the idea of planting saplings with children to teach the next generation about the importance of caring for the environment. For the last four years, Ive been planting saplings on my birthday. But Ive also had a tradition of hosting a satsang at home every year. Im deeply spiritual, and celebrating with God has always been important to me. Ive been doing this for the past ten years. This year, I planned a pre-birthday celebration because Ill be in Varanasi on my actual birthday. My focus has always been on staying connected to God and, in recent years, inspiring others through small acts. I realized a few years ago how much influence actors have. Since then, Ive tried to use that influence in a positive way. Even if its a small effort, it can make a difference, Khanna added. New Delhi, Nov 28 : President Murmu on Thursday said that the armed forces not only need to secure India's national interests but also prepare for new security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism. Addressing student officers and faculty of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu, she said, In the fast-changing geo-political environment, we need to be well-prepared to tackle any situation. We not only have to secure our national interests but also prepare for new national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism. She expressed confidence that courses at Defence Services Staff College will prepare student officers for higher responsibilities and as strategists who can deal with complex situations in an effective manner. The President said the college has made commendable contribution to training and educating potential leaders of the armed forces of India and friendly foreign countries and selected civilian officers. She said our Defence personnel, who always serve with the spirit of 'Nation First', deserve high praise. The President welcomed the fact that women officers were now commanding various units in all the three services. I am also delighted to know that there are some women officers among you, attending this course. I hope that the number of women officers in this course will rise in the near future, she said. She expressed hope of witnessing more and more women joining the armed forces, where they can demonstrate exceptional capabilities and break new ground in uncharted territories. The President said that India is rising and the world is acknowledging its growth in various sectors including Defence. "India is moving towards indigenisation and self-reliance to keep the armed forces ready to meet future challenges. Our country is being developed as a major Defence manufacturing hub, and is moving towards becoming a reliable Defence partner and big exporter," she said. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Public sector giant Indian Oil Corporation on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the eco-rejuvenation of five historic water bodies in Mathura as part of its environmental conservation efforts, according to a company statement. The MoU has been signed with Shri Chaitanya Health and Care Trust (SCHCT) which is known for its water conservation expertise and the successful rejuvenation of Priya Kund in Mathura. This initiative will ensure eco-rejuvenation of five iconic water bodies - Prem Sarovar, Vivhal Kund, Pawan Sarovar, Jal Vihar Kund and Krishna Kund located in Barsana, Nandgaon and Vrindavan. These water bodies hold immense historical, cultural and spiritual significance but have suffered degradation due to pollution and mismanagement, the company said. The water bodies selected for rejuvenation have been identified by the Central Pollution Control Board as being heavily polluted. The eco-rejuvenation will involve control of nutrient input from the catchment and removing/degrading existing nutrients from the water body. SCHCT known for its water conservation expertise and the successful rejuvenation of Priya Kund in Mathura will manage and maintain the water bodies for one year, after which the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, Mathura shall take over for further maintenance. IndianOil will monitor the project and conduct an independent impact assessment a year after its completion. V. Satish Kumar, Indian Oil's Director (Marketing) said that through this initiative, the company aims to preserve the nation's natural and cultural heritage while contributing to biodiversity enhancement. The initiative is being taken under the oil major's corporate social responsibility programme. Speaking at the signing event in Mumbai, renowned environmentalist and author Gauranga Das lauded Indian Oil's efforts. "In India, 70 per cent of tourism is spiritual tourism. Rejuvenating these water bodies not only preserves our heritage but also enhances tourism potential by creating garbage-free, pure and pristine water bodies. This will go a long way in supporting local communities and sustainable tourism," Das said. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The much-anticipated nursery admission process has begun in Delhi, drawing considerable attention from parents who are eager to secure seats for their children in reputed private schools. The process, known for its competitiveness, requires parents to navigate a maze of criteria and complete multiple application forms. Many private schools have made their admission forms available online, yet parents were seen visiting school premises on Thursday to gather additional information. For parents like Anna Bakshi from South Delhi, this marks the beginning of an arduous journey. Anna hopes to enroll her daughter in a prestigious private school on Lodhi Road but has prudently applied to several other schools as well to increase her chances. Deepti Sharma, another parent, shared her experience of missing out last year despite applying to four schools. This year, she has opted to register with 11 schools, acknowledging the fierce competition where applications often far outnumber available seats. The Directorate of Education, Delhi Government, began the registration process for private, unaided, and recognized schools on Thursday, November 28, for nursery, kindergarten, and first-grade admissions. Parents have until December 20 to submit online applications, after which schools will release the first list of selected students on January 17, 2025. Subsequent lists may follow based on availability. For nursery admissions, children must be at least three years old, and the required age increases to four for kindergarten. This year, 1,741 private schools are participating in the process. Schools on government-leased land are mandated to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for students from economically weaker sections, although this specific process is yet to begin. Most schools prioritize proximity to the institution and may also favour girls, siblings of existing students, or children of single parents. While admission criteria have been established and shared online, parents remain apprehensive. Despite government guidelines capping the registration fee at Rs 25 and making the purchase of prospectuses optional, the process remains time-consuming. Many parents spent the entire day on Thursday filling out application forms. The nursery admission process underlines the high demand for quality education in Delhi and the extent to which parents go to secure their childrens futures. For many, the coming weeks will be filled with anticipation as they await the outcome of their applications. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed his Australian counterpart and 'good friend' Anthony Albanese for hosting the Indian and PM's XI teams at the Federal Parliament House in Canberra ahead of the tour game. PM Modi also backed the Men in Blue for the ongoing series in Australia and said '1.4 billion Indians are strongly rooting' for them. India have won the opening Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth to take an early 1-0 lead in the series. Rohit Sharma-led side is set to play a two-day pink ball tour match against PM's XI at Manuka Oval, commencing on Saturday. Replying to the Australian Prime Minister's post, PM Modi wrote, "Glad to see my good friend Prime Minister @AlboMP with the Indian and PMs XI teams. Team India is off to a great start in the series and 1.4 billion Indians are strongly rooting for the Men in Blue. I look forward to exciting games ahead." Earlier in the day, Australian PM posted on X, "Big challenge ahead for the PMs XI at Manuka Oval this week against an amazing Indian side. But as I said to PM @narendramodi, Im backing the Aussies to get the job done." The Indian team landed in Canberra from Perth on Thursday morning ahead of the tour match in the Australian capital. India registered a monumental 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test in Perth. In the absence of the regular captain Rohit due to paternity leave, Jasprit Bumrah-led India dismissed Australia for 238 in the final session of day four while chasing a 534 target. India's victory over the reigning champions Australia is their biggest away-from-home victory margin in terms of runs, surpassing their 222-run victory in Melbourne in 1977. The second Test, a pink ball match, between India and Australia is scheduled to be played in Adelaide from December 6. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Windy. Showers developing this afternoon. High 67F. Winds SW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight Rain with some snow mixing in overnight. Low 31F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 70%. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Variable clouds and windy with strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 57F. Winds S at 25 to 40 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Variable clouds and windy with strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 57F. Winds S at 25 to 40 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Culturally appropriate women-centred interventions can help healthcare systems respond to domestic violence, research has found. HERA (Healthcare Responding to Violence and Abuse) has been co-developing and evaluating a domestic violence and abuse healthcare intervention in low- and middle-income countries for the past five years. This National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Research Group will report their findings, and publish a PolicyBristol report, at a conference in London today [27 November]. The Group was co-led by the University of Bristol and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Specific country studies were led by the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), Kathmandu University (Nepal), An-Najah National University (occupied Palestinian territories), and University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka). Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) against women is a significant concern in each of these countries, with a prevalence of 23 per cent in Brazil, 27 per cent in Nepal, 29 per cent in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), and 24 per cent in Sri Lanka. Following implementation of the HERA programme, rates of identification of DVA in participating health services increased by 78 per cent in Brazil, 100 per cent in Nepal and 69 per cent in Sri Lanka. There was a 24 per cent decrease in identification of women experiencing DVA in the oPt, partly due to escalating violence in the Israeli occupation. Healthcare worker confidence and motivation to address domestic violence improved, with healthcare workers reporting increases in their readiness to identify, inquire about and respond to domestic violence by documenting cases, making referrals, and offering ongoing support. In Nepal, there was a slight decrease in healthcare worker confidence to offer ongoing support due to the healthcare clinics becoming Covid isolation wards. Context matters HERA aimed to strengthen each country's health system response to DVA by focusing on women-centred care, context-specific adaptations, and healthcare leadership to drive change. It was informed by World Health Organization clinical guidance. The study took place in health services serving socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, focusing on sexual and reproductive health care. This included primary healthcare facilities in Brazil, Nepal, and the oPt, as well as in district general hospitals in Sri Lanka. Key elements of the intervention were: training, which focused on: enhancing understanding of women's experiences, building skills for empathy, asking questions in a non-judgmental manner, and providing first-line support improving recording practices establishing care pathways for affected women within and beyond the health system The adaptation and implementation of HERA in the four countries was shaped by their distinct socio-cultural, political and economic contexts. This included issues such as: drug cartel activities in Brazil and social violence relating to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank2; gender norms and variations in laws regarding violence against women; and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Impact Training has been vital to address domestic violence in the four countries. In Brazil, the south region hopes to expand HERA training to all services in that region, including health services other than primary healthcare (mental health and emergency services, specially). The Palestinian Ministry of Health will invite healthcare providers who participated in the "Train the Trainer" programme to train their colleagues in future gender-based violence training sessions. The training material developed and used for the HERA intervention in Sri Lanka - to increase awareness and response to DVA among healthcare professionals (HCPs) - has been discussed with the Family Health Bureau (FHB) of the Ministry of Health. It is hoped the material will be used in their HCP training program in 2025. The HERA team in Nepal was instrumental in advocating for a Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) to train healthcare providers along with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Currently, the governmental training manual on healthcare response to GBV is being revised to incorporate GTA. The HERA team will train providers/medical students/nursing students/physiotherapy students from different departments and institutions to use the GTA approach. Recommendations The report makes a number of policy and practice recommendations, which include: Strengthen health system linkages with local leaders, women's organisations and non-governmental organisation (NGO)-led services Incorporate a robust women-centred perspective in training programmes, grounded in an understanding of gender inequality Develop targeted interventions for managers to drive organisational change Expand referral options for women at various stages of readiness to seek help Maintain a simple, unified record system for documenting DVA Establish targets and performance indicators for DVA responses in healthcare systems Violence against women is a severe violation of human rights rooted in gender and economic inequalities, affecting nearly one in three women globally. The rates are even higher in some low- and middle-income countries. Health systems play a crucial role in addressing the immediate health needs of women and supporting their pathways to safety and recovery. In HERA we found that health systems in diverse countries in the global South could be strengthened to identify and respond to the needs of women experiencing domestic violence." Gene Feder, Professor of Primary Care in the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and co-Director of HERA Loraine Bacchus, Professor of Global Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and co-Director of HERA, explained: "HERA has shown that culturally appropriate, women-centred programmes can strengthen healthcare system responses to domestic violence. By collaborating with local health services and addressing the specific challenges faced by their local communities, it is possible to improve healthcare worker confidence and build trust with the women they support. This work highlights the value of country-specific strategies to improve how doctors and other healthcare workers respond to violence against women." Professor Ana Flavia d'Oliveira, Principal Investigator, University of Sao Paulo, said:" Our greatest achievement and the true success of the HERA intervention lie in increasing the identification of domestic violence cases without resorting to mechanical questions or obtaining irrelevant answers. This increase signifies a more attentive and perceptive approach toward women, with a deeper understanding of gender, race, and class inequalities. It also fosters the belief in shared decision-making. "Primary care's role in supporting these cases is crucial, serving as an entry point to the rights protection network, despite its limitations. HERA has developed an approach to posing questions, providing support, and making referrals that avoids judgment and re-victimisation. Instead of viewing patients as helpless, it recognises women as empowered individuals capable of making decisions and accepting their consequences." Amira Shaheen, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator, An Najah National University said: "We are deeply committed to advancing healthcare responses to abuse and violence. This initiative not only seeks to strengthen the capacity of our healthcare systems but also to provide a lifeline for those affected. Our work reflects the resilience of communities and the critical role of healthcare in safeguarding human dignity and well-being." Dr Poonam Rishal, Principal Investigator, Kathmandu University, said: "HERA Nepal has been a collaborative journey to contribute to meaningful work aligning with our passion for fostering change for women who experience violence and abuse. It has been a learning of best practices and challenging existing research that can support policy implementation and amplify voices of women, enriching professional and personal development. Camaraderie, transparency and non-hierarchical leadership were pivotal to its success." Professor Thilini Rajapakse, Principal Investigator, University of Peradeniya, said: "Our main aim is to improve the healthcare response to domestic violence, and to increase awareness about this key issue. We also strongly advocate for improving support and service provision for people experiencing domestic violence, and exploring socio-culturally appropriate ways to do so. HERA has been an important part of our programme." This research was funded by the NIHR (17/63/125) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK Government. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Research collaboration by the Texas A&M Department of Entomology and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, creates potential for genetic tools to control disease-spreading ticks. A recently published study by Jason Tidwell, a part-time graduate student in the Texas A&M College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Department of Entomology and full-time microbiologist with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service Cattle Fever Tick Research Unit at Edinburg, lays the foundation for potential new control methods against cattle fever ticks, the vectors of pathogens causing bovine babesiosis, historically known as Texas cattle fever. Tidwell primarily conducts genetic research in arthropods, specifically cattle fever ticks. The publication is based on a foundational research project that identified the genetic markers for sex determination in the tick species Rhipicephalus microplus, one of two invasive cattle fever tick species found in northern Mexico that constantly threaten re-establishment in the U.S. Collaboration could aid tick control Kimberly Lohmeyer, Ph.D., center director at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, said Tidwell's findings are a great example of a researcher identifying an unknown aspect of a pest's biology that could be leveraged and used as a novel control tool. Lohmeyer said Tidwell was hooked by the idea of using genetic control methods of an important pest and that his study's discovery now opens the door for innovative solutions against disease-carrying ticks. This study sets the stage for advancements in how we protect U.S. livestock from cattle fever ticks. It answers a basic biological mystery about these ticks, but it is also a big step toward novel tools for the eradication program." Kimberly Lohmeyer, Ph.D., center director at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville Pete Teel, Ph.D., a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist in the Department of Entomology and one of Tidwell's co-advisors, said Tidwell's work identifying the mechanisms of sex determination is critical to understanding genetic control of tick reproduction. "It lays the foundation for potential genetic pest control methods that have been applied to other arthropods including the primary screwworm and several mosquito species," Teel said. Research provides foundation for potential weapon against ticks The Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program is a joint effort of USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services and the Texas Animal Health Commission to prevent the two species of cattle fever ticks from reestablishing in the U.S., Tidwell said. The program started in 1906 and eradicated the ticks in all 13 southern states and California, aside from a permanent quarantine zone in South Texas. "These ticks are the only vectors of pathogens causing bovine babesiosis, thus eliminate the ticks and you eliminate the risk of disease," Teel said. There are no approved anti-babesia vaccines, nor therapeutic drugs to treat the disease. The program has depended on chemical control with acaricides, pesticides for controlling ticks and mites. Discovery of genetic control tactics would be a novel approach, Teel said. New tactics are increasingly necessary because cattle fever ticks are showing increased resistance to acaricides. "One idea is to genetically manipulate sex ratios in the environment in ways that prevent reproduction and crash populations of the pest," Tidwell said. That genetic method has already shown promise to control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which vector diseases like West Nile virus, Dengue, yellow fever and Zika to humans. In that way, Tidwell's discovery could lead to similar control methods for other tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease in humans. Aaron Tarone, Ph.D., an AgriLife Research scientist and professor in the Department of Entomology, and co-advisor to Tidwell, said any new control tool will need to be logistically, environmentally and economically sustainable, but agreed the study has opened the door for innovative advancements. "The next step will be building genomes of ticks of local reference from both here in Texas and Mexico to examine their genetic variation," Tarone said. "The whole genomics arena and technology associated with it has opened the door to so many possibilities when it comes to dealing with vectors that pose serious threats to human and animal health." A decade ago, researchers introduced a new model for studying Alzheimer's disease. Known as "Alzheimer's in a dish," the model uses cultures of mature brain cells suspended in a gel to recapitulate what takes place in the human brain over 10 to 13 years in just six weeks. But does the model truly produce the same changes that take place in patients? In a new study, researchers from Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with colleagues at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), created an algorithm to assess, in an unbiased manner, how well models of Alzheimer's disease mimic the function and gene expression patterns seen in patients' brains. Their results, published in Neuron, identify crucial shared pathways, confirming that the Alzheimer's in a dish model can be used to assess new drugs accurately and rapidly as well as point the way to drug discovery. Our goal is to find the best model with the most similar activity to what we see in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. We developed this 3D cell culture model for Alzheimer's 10 years ago. Now we have the data that show that this model can accelerate drug discovery." Doo Yeon Kim, PhD, co-senior author of the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system The new study was made possible through a collaboration between researchers with expertise in neurology and data-driven systems, with a shared goal of finding better treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). For decades, the field of AD research has faced challenges due to some of the limitations of mouse models of the disease, which do not develop amyloid plaques or other hallmarks of AD seen in humans. Different models have been developed by Kim and colleagues but, until now, it had not been possible to determine the extent to which these models accurately reflect the molecular and functional changes seen in the brain. "We faced a fundamental challenge: understanding which models truly reflect the complexity of Alzheimer's in the human brain," said co-senior author Winston Hide, PhD, of the Department of Pathology at BIDMC. "By shifting focus from individual genes to the broader biological pathways they shape, we've created a system that transforms how we discover and test drugs." To address this need, the research team, led by Pourya Naderi Yeganeah, PhD, and Sang Su Kwak, PhD, co-lead authors, developed a novel integrative pathway activity analysis (IPAA) platform. The platform can determine which models most closely recapitulate the functional changes seen in AD and identify the most relevant pathways for drug discovery. In their paper, the researchers identified 83 dysregulated pathways shared across brain samples from deceased patients with Alzheimer's disease and 3D cellular models. The researchers looked at one pathway - p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) - as a proof of concept, testing drugs that target this pathway. Interestingly, they discovered that a clinical p38 MAPK inhibitor, which has not yet been tested in AD patients, is highly effective at reducing AD pathology in a dish, highlighting its potential for future clinical trials. Even more compelling, their findings extend beyond a single pathway - the platform's capacity to identify promising drug targets, combined with the speed and scalability of the Alzheimer's in a dish model, enables simultaneous testing of multiple drugs to identify potential therapies. Already, the researchers have tested hundreds of approved drugs and natural products using the Alzheimer's in a dish model, setting the stage for clinical trials. "Now we have a system that not only allows us to test new drugs quickly, but also an algorithmic platform that can predict which drugs will work best." said co-senior author Rudolph Tanzi, PhD, Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health and Genetics and Aging Research Unit at MGH. "Together, these advancements bring us closer to finding better drugs and getting them to patients." On November 27, the prestigious journal Nature will publish the results of an innovative breast cancer research project from the Netherlands. This study, the SONIA trial, showed that delaying and shortening the duration of a specific anti-cancer therapy (CDK4/6 inhibitors) in patients with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer leads to similar survival outcomes, while reducing toxicity and achieving substantial cost reductions: over 45 million euros per year in the Netherlands and over 5 billion dollars in the United States. This is the first time an efficiency study like this has been conducted in collaboration with Dutch health insurance providers and the Ministry of Health, and it highlights the importance of research into the efficient use of medicines for patients, physicians, and policymakers worldwide. The SONIA study CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown tremendous improvements in outcomes for women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer when used in conjunction with endocrine therapy. The inhibitors can be added to either first- or second-line endocrine therapy. The SONIA trial was initiated to find out which of these two moments of adding CDK4/6 inhibitors is the best. All patients in the SONIA trial were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received a CDK4/6 inhibitor immediately after diagnosis of advanced breast cancer (first-line treatment). The other half received a CDK4/6 inhibitor after previous endocrine therapy had failed (i.e. second-line treatment). The SONIA team found that the time in which the breast cancer remained under control (progression-free survival) was similar in both groups, as was the survival and quality of life. Patients who received a CDK4/6 inhibitor directly, used the drug for approximately 16.5 months longer than patients who received a CDK4/6 inhibitor as second-line treatment. This significantly longer duration of CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment provided no benefit to the patients, but did result in 74% more side effects and more hospital visits. A second-line CDK4/6 inhibitor strategy reduces 'hospital time' in a context where time is precious. As one participant put it: "I am currently on endocrine therapy without CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment. I have no toxicity and I can work full time, which has a positive impact on my quality of life. In addition, the longer duration of CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment associated with first-line use results in significantly higher costs to society ( 30,000 more per patient based on Dutch price levels and up to $5 billion in the US). The conduct and results of the SONIA study have led oncologists in the Netherlands to prescribe CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment after failure of first-line endocrine therapy. Anually, 1.700 patients in the Netherlands are eligible for CDK4/6 treatment. Implementation of the SONIA study results will therefore reduce the burden on the healthcare system, with cost reductions of over 45 million per year while maintaining clinical efficacy. Efficiency research New cancer therapies have greatly improved the outlook for many patients. However, these new therapies are associated with more side effects and higher costs. This is why research into the efficient use of drugs (e.g. shorter duration, lower dosage, less frequent administration) is crucial and holds great promise for both patients and society, as the SONIA study has shown. Collaboration with patient advocates and the Dutch government and health insurance providers as trial funders are key success factors for the SONIA trial. Today's publication in Nature underlines the potential of this type of self-funded efficiency research. The SONIA results reaffirm the need for robust sequencing trial data to determine the optimal use of our available therapies. Importantly, this type of mostly post-marketing academic research can be very beneficial to patients and society and should be conducted more frequently. The SONIA study is initiated by medical oncologists Agnes Jager (Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute), Inge Konings (Amsterdam University Medical Centers), and Gabe Sonke (Netherlands Cancer Institute), collaborating in the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG). Chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disorders have a huge impact on humanity. They are a leading cause of disease burden and deaths around the globe, are physically and economically taxing, and the number of people with such diseases is growing. Treating chronic disease has proven difficult because there is not one simple cause, like a single gene mutation, that a treatment could target. At least, that's how it has appeared to scientists. However, research from Whitehead Institute Member Richard Young and colleagues, published in the journal Cell on November 27, reveals that many chronic diseases have a common denominator that could be driving their dysfunction: reduced protein mobility. What this means is that around half of all proteins active in cells slow their movement when cells are in a chronic disease state, reducing the proteins' functions. The researchers' findings suggest that protein mobility may be a linchpin for decreased cellular function in chronic disease, making it a promising therapeutic target. In this paper, Young and colleagues in his lab, including postdoc Alessandra Dall'Agnese, graduate students Shannon Moreno and Ming Zheng, and research scientist Tong Ihn Lee, describe their discovery of this common mobility defect, which they call proteolethargy; explain what causes the defect and how it leads to dysfunction in cells; and propose a new therapeutic hypothesis for treating chronic diseases. "I'm excited about what this work could mean for patients," says Dall'Agnese. "My hope is that this will lead to a new class of drugs that restore protein mobility, which could help people with many different diseases that all have this mechanism as a common denominator." This work was a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort that brought together biologists, physicists, chemists, computer scientists and physician-scientists. Combining that expertise is a strength of the Young lab. Studying the problem from different viewpoints really helped us think about how this mechanism might work and how it could change our understanding of the pathology of chronic disease." Tong Ihn Lee, research scientist Commuter delays cause work stoppages in the cell How do proteins moving more slowly through a cell lead to widespread and significant cellular dysfunction? Dall'Agnese explains that every cell is like a tiny city, with proteins as the workers who keep everything running. Proteins have to commute in dense traffic in the cell, traveling from where they are created to where they work. The faster their commute, the more work they get done. Now, imagine a city that starts experiencing traffic jams along all the roads. Stores don't open on time, groceries are stuck in transit, meetings are postponed. Essentially all operations in the city are slowed. The slow down of operations in cells experiencing reduced protein mobility follows a similar progression. Normally, most proteins zip around the cell bumping into other molecules until they locate the molecule they work with or act on. The slower a protein moves, the fewer other molecules it will reach, and so the less likely it will be able to do its job. Young and colleagues found that such protein slow-downs lead to measurable reductions in the functional output of the proteins. When many proteins fail to get their jobs done in time, cells begin to experience a variety of problems - as they are known to do in chronic diseases. Discovering the protein mobility problem Young and colleagues first suspected that cells affected in chronic disease might have a protein mobility problem after observing changes in the behavior of the insulin receptor, a signaling protein that reacts to the presence of insulin and causes cells to take in sugar from blood. In people with diabetes, cells become less responsive to insulin - a state called insulin resistance - causing too much sugar to remain in the blood. In research published on insulin receptors in Nature Communications in 2022, Young and colleagues reported that insulin receptor mobility might be relevant to diabetes. Knowing that many cellular functions are altered in diabetes, the researchers considered the possibility that altered protein mobility might somehow affect many proteins in cells. To test this hypothesis, they studied proteins involved in a broad range of cellular functions, including MED1, a protein involved in gene expression; HP1, a protein involved in gene silencing; FIB1, a protein involved in production of ribosomes; and SRSF2, a protein involved in splicing of messenger RNA. They used single-molecule tracking and other methods to measure how each of those proteins moves in healthy cells and in cells in disease states. All but one of the proteins showed reduced mobility (about 20-35%) in the disease cells. "I'm excited that we were able to transfer physics-based insight and methodology, which are commonly used to understand the single-molecule processes like gene transcription in normal cells, to a disease context and show that they can be used to uncover unexpected mechanisms of disease," Zheng says. "This work shows how the random walk of proteins in cells is linked to disease pathology." Moreno concurs: "In school, we're taught to consider changes in protein structure or DNA sequences when looking for causes of disease, but we've demonstrated that those are not the only contributing factors. If you only consider a static picture of a protein or a cell, you miss out on discovering these changes that only appear when molecules are in motion." Can't commute across the cell, I'm all tied up right now Next, the researchers needed to determine what was causing the proteins to slow down. They suspected that the defect had to do with an increase in cells of the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules that are highly prone to interfering with other molecules and their chemical reactions. Many types of chronic-disease-associated triggers, such as higher sugar or fat levels, certain toxins, and inflammatory signals, lead to an increase in ROS, also known as an increase in oxidative stress. The researchers measured the mobility of the proteins again, in cells that had high levels of ROS and were not otherwise in a disease state, and saw comparable mobility defects, suggesting that oxidative stress was to blame for the protein mobility defect. The final part of the puzzle was why some, but not all, proteins slow down in the presence of ROS. SRSF2 was the only one of the proteins that was unaffected in the experiments, and it had one clear difference from the others: its surface did not contain any cysteines, an amino acid building block of many proteins. Cysteines are especially susceptible to interference from ROS because it will cause them to bond to other cysteines. When this bonding occurs between two protein molecules, it slows them down because the two proteins cannot move through the cell as quickly as either protein alone. About half of the proteins in our cells contain surface cysteines, so this single protein mobility defect can impact many different cellular pathways. This makes sense when one considers the diversity of dysfunctions that appear in cells of people with chronic diseases: dysfunctions in cell signaling, metabolic processes, gene expression and gene silencing, and more. All of these processes rely on the efficient functioning of proteins - including the diverse proteins studied by the researchers. Young and colleagues performed several experiments to confirm that decreased protein mobility does in fact decrease a protein's function. For example, they found that when an insulin receptor experiences decreased mobility, it acts less efficiently on IRS1, a molecule to which it usually adds a phosphate group. From understanding a mechanism to treating a disease Discovering that decreased protein mobility in the presence of oxidative stress could be driving many of the symptoms of chronic disease provides opportunities to develop therapies to rescue protein mobility. In the course of their experiments, the researchers treated cells with an antioxidant drug - something that reduces ROS - called N-acetyl cysteine and saw that this partially restored protein mobility. The researchers are pursuing a variety of follow ups to this work, including the search for drugs that safely and efficiently reduce ROS and restore protein mobility. They developed an assay that can be used to screen drugs to see if they restore protein mobility by comparing each drug's effect on a simple biomarker with surface cysteines to one without. They are also looking into other diseases that may involve protein mobility, and are exploring the role of reduced protein mobility in aging. "The complex biology of chronic diseases has made it challenging to come up with effective therapeutic hypotheses," says Young, who is also a professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "The discovery that diverse disease-associated stimuli all induce a common feature, proteolethargy, and that this feature could contribute to much of the dysregulation that we see in chronic disease, is something that I hope will be a real game changer for developing drugs that work across the spectrum of chronic diseases." In 1992, Judith Frydman, PhD, discovered a molecular complex with an essential purpose in all of our cells: folding proteins correctly. The complex, a type of "protein chaperone" known as TRiC, helps fold thousands of human proteins: It was later found that about 10% of all our proteins pass through its barrel structure. All animals have several different kinds of protein chaperones, each with its own job of helping fold proteins in the cell. TRiC binds to newborn proteins and shapes these strings of amino acids into the correct 3D structures, allowing them to carry out their important functions in the cell. Frydman, the Donald Kennedy Chair in the School of Humanities and Sciences and a professor of biology and genetics, met Ingo Kurth, MD, a pediatrician at the RWTH Aachen University, during a recent sabbatical in Germany, who presented her with an interesting conundrum. Three decades after Frydman's discovery and many more insights into TRiC's mechanism later, the pediatrician had found a mutation in one of TRiC's components in a child with intellectual disability, seizures and brain malformations. Could the TRiC mutation be responsible for the child's symptoms? Although dysfunctions in the complex are linked to cancer and Alzheimer's disease, germline mutations - mutations present in all cells in an organism - in TRiC had never been implicated in a developmental disease. Because proteins must be folded correctly to function correctly and because TRiC is involved in shaping so many proteins, scientists assumed any mutation that altered TRiC's ability to fold proteins would be lethal. Frydman and her laboratory team set up a collaboration with the RWTH Aachen University researchers to find out more. Along with collaborators from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, the team explored how this patient's mutation, which is in a gene known as CCT3, affects TRiC function in roundworms, baker's yeast and zebrafish. Meanwhile, the pediatricians combed through a genetic database of patients with intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental defects similar to those of the original patient. They found 21 more cases of patients with alike symptoms, albeit ranging in severity, with mutations in 7 of the 8 components of TRiC. The Frydman lab showed that all the additional 21 mutations impair TRiC function, causally linking TRiC defects to the brain disorders. A new class of disease The researchers dubbed this new class of neurological diseases "TRiCopathies" and describe their findings in an article published Oct. 31 in Science. The team has since found an additional patient with mutations in the eighth TRiC subunit. "This opens a whole new way of thinking about the role of chaperones in brain development," said Frydman, who is one of the senior authors on the study. All the patients the researchers identified have one healthy copy of the TRiC complex gene in addition to the mutated version. That squares with the chaperone's importance - two mutated copies of any of these genes would likely be lethal. Although some of the patients also have muscular deficiencies, it's interesting that the primary effect of these mutations appears to be neurological, Frydman said. That could point to an outsized role for this chaperone in brain development. Over the years, her lab has developed methods to study the complex in yeast cells as well as isolated in test tubes. Research scientist Piere Rodriguez-Aliaga, PhD, co-first author on the study, made mutations in the yeast versions of TRiC genes that corresponded to the 22 disease-linked human mutations. He found that some of these mutations led to death of the cells but some did not, indicating that different mutations have different effects depending on the location of these mutations within the TRiC complex, which may explain the diversity of symptoms seen in patients. Other researchers in the collaboration made similar mutations in roundworms and zebrafish to study how the mutations affected multicellular animals and, in the case of the zebrafish, brain development. In all three organisms, the researchers found that having only the mutated version CCT3, the TRiC gene, was lethal. In worms and zebrafish, which, like us, have two copies of all their genes, animals with one mutated copy and one healthy copy survived, but the mutated version caused developmental problems. Zebrafish with one mutated CCT3 showed defects in brain development similar to those seen in the human patients, and worms with the mutated gene had problems with movement. Although it's not clear which misfolded protein or proteins may be causing the neurological symptoms, the researchers suspect that structural proteins known as actin and tubulin are involved. These proteins are important for cells' movement and internal stability and are known to be folded by TRiC. Worms carrying TRiC mutations had tiny aggregates of actin not present in healthy animals, a phenomenon that often happens with misfolded proteins. Organelles required for energy called mitochondria, which are key to neuronal function, were also affected. Frydman and Rodriguez-Aliaga plan to study the mechanism of the disease-linked mutations in more detail by exploring how they affect TRiC's ability to fold proteins, using methods they've established in their lab to study protein folding. They also want to use patient-derived cells they can grow into neurons or brain organoids in the lab to see how the mutations affect human brain cells. This work is a nice example of basic science connecting with medicine. The study would not have been possible without all the years of biochemistry and biophysics done in TRiC since 1992." Piere Rodriguez-Aliaga, PhD, co-first author on the study Learning French while also developing language skills in one's mother tongue is no easy task. As a result, allophone children often face learning and communication difficulties in kindergarten, which can negatively impact their educational journey. However, solutions are emerging. According to a study led by Sylvana Cote, preschool education services significantly help bridge the gap between children whose mother tongue is French and those for whom French is a second or even a third language. Professor Cote, from the School of Public Health at the Universite de Montreal (ESPUM), is the director of the Observatory for Children's Education and Health and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center. The study, with Ophelie A. Collet as the lead author, was recently published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. Being exposed to other children and a team of educators better prepares children for school than growing up in a home where neither French nor English is spoken. The period from one to five years old is absolutely crucial for language acquisition. It takes a village to raise a child, and in this case, the village is preschool." Professor Cote, School of Public Health. Universite de Montreal Learning to communicate The findings are clear. Allophone children who attended daycare (or pre-kindergarten at age four, though to a lesser extent) show better cognitive development, improved social and emotional skills, and greater communication abilities. These benefits are partly attributed to a sufficient level of general knowledge. At the time of the survey, 6.1% of kindergarten children in Quebec came from allophone families, amounting to 4,360 children. Of these, nearly 14% stayed home before starting school, compared to only 6% of children whose mother tongue was French. The survey relied on the Early Development Instrument, a Canadian tool used internationally to measure children's readiness for kindergarten. Teachers, who closely interact with the children, completed the questionnaires and provided information about whether the children had attended preschool services. "It is crucial to ensure that children whose mother tongue is not French are not disadvantaged by the scarcity of spaces in preschool centers," emphasizes Professor Cote. She adds that while bilingualism is an excellent mental exercise, the challenges of learning multiple languages are real. Children need support during this critical stage of development. Academic persistence The best predictor of academic persistence is mastering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills by kindergarten. Children who lack these skills are less likely to graduate from high school. Among the 80,000 children surveyed, 11.2% were excluded due to insufficient information, leaving 71,589 participants. Of these, 48.8% were girls, and 25.6% were learning more than one language. This includes 13,981 bilingual children (English and French) and 4,360 allophone children, representing 6.1% of the total. Within this group, 26% spoke Arabic, 18% Spanish, and 7.3% African languages. Others spoke various languages, including Creole, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, or Persian. Addressing social inequalities Previous studies have shown that quality daycare services benefit all children, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Introduced in 1997 in the province of Quebec (Canada), Quebec's subsidized Early Childhood Centers (CPEs) were designed to reduce social inequalities and facilitate work-life balance. While the latter goal has been achieved, much work remains to reduce inequalities. Only 30% of children have access to CPEs, and there are 2.5 times fewer centers in disadvantaged areas. The researchers adjusted their findings to account for families' financial situations. "The study demonstrates the impact of preschool education services beyond economic status," explains Professor Cote, noting that the best services are often in affluent neighborhoods. "This study is a strong call to enhance quality daycare services. It's a preventive measure to ensure better integration for children," concludes Cote. This is the first study to specifically examine the impact of preschool services on the readiness of allophone children entering kindergarten. Professor Cote also directs the Research Group on Child Psychosocial Maladjustment. She plans to revisit the children when they reach fifth grade to determine whether the benefits of daycare persist. About this study In addition to Ophelie Collet, the study's investigators are Thuy Mai Luu, pediatrician at CHU Saint e-Justine; Pascale M. Domond and Tianna Loose, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre; Cedric Galera, Universite de Bordeaux; Alejandro Vasquez-Echeverria, University of the Republic of Uruguay; and Massimiliano Orri, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University. New research from Karolinska Institutet shows that long-term sex hormone treatment in transgender individuals can lead to significant changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in transgender men. The study is published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. We saw that transgender men treated with testosterone increased their muscle volume by an average of 21 percent over six years, but also that the amount of abdominal fat increased by 70 percent. In addition, they had more liver fat and higher levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease." Tommy Lundberg, docent at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet The researchers followed 17 adult transgender men and 16 transgender women who were prescribed treatment with testosterone and estrogen, respectively. They used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to map body composition and measured metabolic risk factors via blood tests, blood pressure and vascular stiffness. The scans were conducted before the start of hormone therapy, after one year and after five to six years. The results show that long-term hormone therapy leads to several major changes in both body composition and metabolic risk factors, particularly in transgender men. The changes in fat volumes continued over time, while the greatest changes in muscle mass and strength occurred after just one year of treatment. "Previous studies in this area have been relatively short-term, up to two years," explains Tommy Lundberg. "Our results show that it is important to continue monitoring the long-term health effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals to prevent cardiovascular disease and other health issues." In transgender women receiving estrogen treatment, the changes were not as pronounced. Their muscle volume decreased by an average of seven percent after five years of treatment, whereas muscle strength remained unchanged. The transgender women increased their total fat volume but gained less abdominal fat. Tissue samples from muscle, fat and skin were also taken as part of the study. The next step is to analyse these tissue samples to understand the interaction between genetic sex and sex hormones. The researchers are investigating, among other things, how hormone treatment affects skeletal muscle gene expression and the mechanisms behind changes in adipose tissue. "In addition to the health aspects, our research contributes to increased knowledge about reasonable expectations of the masculinising and feminising effects of sex hormone treatment," says Tommy Lundberg. "However, some of the changes were relatively modest and should raise caution regarding expectations of long-term and large changes in this patient group." The research was funded by Region Stockholm, the Thuring Foundation, the 1.6 Million Club, the Centre for Innovative Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Medical Association, the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the European Foundation for Studies of Diabetes. Two of the co-authors are employed by AMRA Medical AB. Tommy Lundberg has been compensated for expert opinions on aspects related to skeletal muscle changes in transgender individuals and reimbursed for travelling to give lectures on the same topic. Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin (second right) and Croatian Minister of Science, Education & Youth Prof Radovan Fuchs (second left) discuss how Hong Kong and Croatia can boost education co-operation. Visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin attended the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Governing Board Meeting organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development. Ms Choi received updates on PISAs progress, including preparations for the PISA 2025 Innovative Domain Learning in the Digital World, and development of the PISA 2029 Framework for Artificial Intelligence & Media Literacy. She pointed out that PISA supports the Education Bureau to examine, evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the education system, and provides education practitioners with analyses on the effectiveness of school-level learning and teaching. PISAs cross-cultural and longitudinal comparisons provide scientifically based evaluations of educational outcomes to benchmark Hong Kong students performance against the international norm, Ms Choi said, highlighting that Hong Kong students have consistently performed well in PISA. PISA results have shown that family background and socio-economic status have minimal bearing on Hong Kong students performance, reflecting that the citys education system offers students an equal opportunity to receive quality education, she remarked. During the meeting, Ms Choi met Croatian Minister of Science, Education & Youth Prof Radovan Fuchs to discuss further strengthening higher education co-operation between Hong Kong and Croatia, and exchange views on the developments of vocational and professional education and training, and universities of applied sciences. She also told education officials from Kyrgyzstan, Argentina and the Philippines, that students from their countries are welcome to apply for the Belt & Road Scholarships established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and study in Hong Kong. At the Dubrovnik School of Tourism & Hospitality, a vocational training institution for secondary school students, Ms Choi viewed how it enhances students skills and expertise in the tourism and hospitality industries through providing work-based learning opportunities. The education chief will speak at the PISA Conference tomorrow to promote Hong Kongs education strengths. Air India Express To Start Direct Flights Connecting Surat And Pune To Bangkok From December 20 Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 10:15 IST The airlines fleet now includes 90 aircraft, with over 400 daily flights, as it focuses on meeting the growing demand in Southeast Asia. The airline will now connect 51 cities across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. (Image for representation: News18) Air India Express will start flights to Bangkok from Surat and Pune from December 20, making Thailands capital its 15th international destination. Besides, the Tata Group carrier will commence services to Dimapur (Nagaland) and Patna (Bihar). With these new cities, the airline will be connecting a total of 51 cities across India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. related stories Operations to Bangkok will commence on 20th December 2024, with direct flights connecting Surat and Pune to the vibrant capital of Thailand. Additionally, the airline strengthens its domestic network with the launch of services to Dimapur and Patna, offering daily direct connectivity between Dimapur and Guwahati, and Patna and Bengaluru and Hyderabad," the airline said in a release on Wednesday. Air India Express, which completed the merger of AIX Connect with itself, is expanding its network. With Bangkok as the 50th destination, Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said the airline is rapidly expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The latest expansion of the network builds on the strategy of connecting non-metros to international destinations and Indian metros, promoting economic growth and tourism, he added. Currently, the airline has a fleet of 90 planes and operates over 400 flights daily. First Published: November 28, 2024, 10:15 IST CCI Probes Google After Online Gaming Firm Winzo Claims Unfair Practices Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 20:00 IST Competition Commission of India orders an investigation against Google following a complaint by online gaming company Winzo Google is accused of engaging in anti-competitive practices The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated an investigation into Google following allegations by online gaming company Winzo. The gaming platform accused the tech giant of engaging in anti-competitive practices and exploiting its dominant market position to disadvantage and discriminate against gaming companies. The CCI issued its order on Thursday, responding to Winzos complaints. The investigation will focus on whether Googles policies and actions violate competition laws by creating unfair hurdles for gaming platforms operating in India. related stories While passing the order, CCI said The Commission directs the Director General (DG) to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act". In its 24-page order, the regulator noted that the selective inclusion of DFS and Rummy apps gives them an undue competitive advantage. Direct access to end-users via the dominant Play Store provides a significant edge to DFS and Rummy apps, potentially disadvantaging other RMG applications," the Commission said in its order. CCI also flagged concerns regarding Googles sideloading warnings displayed when users attempt to download RMG apps. The investigation will be done within 60 days and will focus on allegations raised by Winzo, including: Denial of Market Access Discriminatory Treatment Advertising Restrictions Misleading Warnings Winzos claims highlight concerns over Googles business practices, particularly its Play Store policies, which have faced similar scrutiny in other sectors. This probe adds to the growing list of regulatory challenges Google is encountering in India, as authorities intensify their oversight of the digital economy. Winzos Statement Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-founder of Winzo Games, said, The CCIs order is a step toward restoring fairness in the digital ecosystem. Monopolistic practices stifle innovation and hinder competition, which are the lifeblood of any thriving industry. This decision is a significant move to ensure equitable opportunities for all players, fostering innovation and creating a level playing field that benefits both businesses and consumers." According to Rathore, the Google Playstore policy to include only Fantasy & Rummy, and Ads Policy to allow only Fantasy & Rummy businesses to advertise on internet, effectively distorts the market as the pilot was live for only two selected categories, driven by monopolistic practices. For example, 95% of the fantasy market is owned by a single player, and 90% of the rummy market is owned by three players. The policy caused the marketing and customer acquisition costs for the selected games to drop to a quarter of the previous spending, disproportionately benefiting the margins of these businesses over others. This had a far-reaching impact when the GST was hiked by 400%. The format included in the policy, ie Fantasy & Rummy could absorb the higher GST regime due to improved margins with this distortion, unlike many other players who did not benefit from this policy further distorting the market dynamics and ability to compete in a fair market," Rathore pointed out. Rathore added that user acquisition and marketing costs constitute more than 60-70% of businesses expenditures. When the margins for these players increased significantly due to cheaper distribution from Google Playstore, the margins for non-DFS and rummy players did not improve proportionately. This policy has a far-reaching impact on disrupting the market and throwing many early-stage ventures out of business. Innovation and creation thrive on fair market conditions, which is what we are fighting for as a business." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the tech and gaming industries in India, especially as the online gaming market continues its rapid growth. Googles response to this latest development is eagerly awaited as the probe gets underway. (This is a developing story) First Published: November 28, 2024, 17:45 IST Investor Jim Rogers Lauds India's Economic Progress: 'Mr. Modi Has Done Some Good Things...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 19:09 IST "Mr. Modi has said a lot of good things, and Mr. Modi has done some good things," says Jim Rogers, who is known for his incisive analysis of global markets. Jim Rogers. US-based veteran global investor Jim Rogers has expressed optimism about Indias economic trajectory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an interview, Rogers praised the governments efforts over the past decade, signalling a shift in perception regarding Indias economic governance. Mr. Modi has said a lot of good things, and Mr. Modi has done some good things," Rogers, who is known for his incisive analysis of global markets, told news agency IANS. He is also known for his expertise and strategic insights on Indias growth under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in last 10 years. related stories Reflecting on Indias historical economic policies, he said, For many decades, Delhi has talked about a lot of good things, but they havent really meant it. I never had the feeling that Delhi understood the economics and understood what should happen." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, Rogers noted a significant change under the current government. Now, for the first time in my life, I think Delhi understands and they mean it, and its going to get better," he added, highlighting a newfound confidence in Indias commitment to economic reforms and growth strategies. Since coming to power in 2014, the Modi government has implemented several key economic reforms, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and various initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business. First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:01 IST Stocks To Watch: Vedanta, Godrej Properties, BoB, HDFC Bank, Biocon, NBCC, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 07:38 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Vedanta, Godrej Properties, BoB, HDFC Bank, Biocon, NBCC, and others will be in focus on Thursday's trade Stocks To Watch Stocks to Watch on November 28: Domestic markets remained in a narrow range for the third consecutive session, finishing slightly higher and continuing their consolidation phase. Today, shares of several companies, including Waaree Renewable, Godrej Properties, Vedanta, PCBL, and Natco Pharma, will be in focus due to notable news developments. Adani Group Stocks: Adani Green Energy stated that three of its top executives Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain are not implicated in the charges filed by US authorities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The Department of Justice (DoJ) indictment, which includes five charges, does not mention the three executives in connection with Conspiracy to Violate the FCPA" or Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice." This follows bribery charges filed by the US SEC last week against Gautam Adani and others related to Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) projects. related stories Public Sector Bank (PSB) Stocks: Public sector banks (PSBs) have received approval from the Finance Ministry to raise Rs 25,200 crore through the equity market in FY 2024-25. The move aims to strengthen PSBs growth and meet the regulatory requirement of 25% minimum public shareholding. Vedanta: Moodys upgraded the corporate family rating of Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL) from B3 to B2, citing successful liability management efforts. Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium has teamed up with PwC India to enhance biodiversity conservation and reduce carbon emissions in Jharsuguda, Odisha. Mahindra & Mahindra: Mahindra & Mahindra has committed Rs 4,500 crore for the development of two new electric vehicle brands, which includes building production capacity. Godrej Properties: Godrej Properties launched a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) offering to raise up to Rs 6,000 crore to support its growth initiatives. Bank of India (BoI): Bank of India raised Rs 5,000 crore via a 10-year infrastructure bond issuance, offering a coupon rate of 7.41%. Bank of Baroda (BoB): Bank of Baroda raised Rs 3,500 crore by issuing Basel III-compliant Tier-2 bonds at a coupon rate of 7.41%. HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank launched the Pragati Savings Account, aimed at meeting the banking needs of rural and semi-urban residents across India. Biocon: Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon, announced progress in its Embedding Specialist Nurses in Diabetes Care project in collaboration with Diabetes Africa and St Pauls Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia. Emami Realty: Emami Realty is planning to develop 22 million square feet of residential and commercial spaces over the next seven years, with a revenue potential of Rs 15,000 crore. KEC International: KEC International secured prestigious turnkey orders worth Rs 1,704 crore in its Transmission & Distribution (T&D) business for the design, supply, and installation of 765 kV Transmission Lines and GIS Substations from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). Aster DM: Aster DM Healthcare has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 13% stake in Aster Aadhar Hospital (formerly Prerana Hospital). Hero MotoCorp: Hero MotoCorp has launched a program to support startups in the automotive industry. NBCC: NBCC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hudco for a Rs 600 crore project to develop a 10-acre land parcel in Noida. Waaree Renewable: Waaree Renewable Technologies received a Rs 1,233.5 crore order for a ground-mounted Solar PV project with a capacity of 2012.47 MWp DC. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Natco Pharma: Natco Pharma sold 14.38 acres of land in Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, for Rs 115.57 crore. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. First Published: November 28, 2024, 07:38 IST New Guidelines on India's Laptop Import Policy Still Under Deliberation: Piyush Goyal Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 18:53 IST In September this year, the government extended the approval system for the import of certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, for three months till December 31. Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says India has drawn the world's attention, and global investors are keen to make investments here. Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the new guidelines on Indias laptop import policy are still under deliberation by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Asked about the import authorisation system for IT hardware products and what kind of guidelines the government is looking at, Goyal said, I think, this is still under deliberation. It is handled by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. I am not privy to what is in their mind for the future". It is pertinent to mention here that in September this year, the government extended the approval system for the import of certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, for three months till December 31. related stories These imports stood at USD 8.4 billion in 2023-24 against the authorisation of about USD 9.5 billion. Most of these imports were coming from China. It is clarified that the importers are allowed to apply for import authorisations, which will be valid up to December 31, 2024. Further, the existing import authorisations issued till September 30, 2024, will continue to be valid up to December 31, 2024," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) had said in a policy circular in September. Importers would be required to apply for fresh authorisations from January 1, 2025, subject to detailed guidance to be provided shortly". Meanwhile, Goyal also praised Japans SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who had met founders of portfolio companies during his pitstop in Delhi on Wednesday. As regards Masayoshi Son is concerned, I very much welcome his announcement to further increase investments in India. I have engaged quite a bit with him when I used to be the Power and Renewable Energy Minister and found him to be a very bold investor who believed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the India story certainly, India is a country where people have made good returns," the Commerce and Industry Minister said. India, the minister said, has drawn the worlds attention, and global investors are keen to make investments here. Wherever we go there is a huge interest, investment appetite to come and invest in India and we would warmly welcome Son to continue to look at India and the possibilities of investment in India," he said about the billionaire founder of Japans SoftBank Group. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The minister further said that he expects Indias goods and services exports to surpass USD 800 billion in the current financial year 2025, despite geopolitical challenges due to the back-to-back wars as well as the Red Sea crisis. In this current year 2024-25, we expect to cross 800 billion dollars of exports for the first time in Indias history, in a way despite having inherited such a weak economy, despite the Indian currency being one of the strongest performing currencies amongst all emerging markets and not depreciating Despite two years of Covid, two international wars and the Red Sea crisis, despite all of these challenges India has doubled its exports during Prime Minister Modis tenure," said Goyal. First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:53 IST BJP Eyes Finance, Home Portfolios As Maharashtra Awaits Decision On Chief Minister Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 13:25 IST Sources suggest that the ruling Mahayuti alliance has devised a 21-12-10 formula for the Maharashtra cabinet under which BJP, being the largest party, will secure 21 berths, followed by 12 for the Eknath Shinde faction and 10 for the Ajit Pawar camp Maharashtra Deputy CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis (PTI) Amid the suspense over who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra, the spotlight has shifted to the allocation of key cabinet portfolios in the state. Sources suggest that the ruling Mahayuti alliance has devised a 21-12-10 formula for the Maharashtra cabinet. Under the arrangement, the BJP, being the largest party, will secure 21 ministerial berths, followed by 12 for the Eknath Shinde faction and 10 for the Ajit Pawar camp. related stories However, the critical question remains who will control the most influential portfolios, including finance, home, and general administration? These departments are considered crucial for maintaining administrative dominance and political leverage. Reports indicate that the BJP has staked its claim to all the three departments. During the previous term of the Mahayuti government, Ajit Pawar served as the finance minister and used the portfolio to provide significant financial backing to NCP legislators. This had reportedly caused resentment among BJP and Shinde faction MLAs. In the new term, the BJP is keen on taking control of the finance ministry. This move will allow the BJP to manage the states finances, including implementing major schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana a welfare initiative that proved instrumental in Mahayutis election success. As part of the pre-election promises, the government will now have to provide Rs 2,100 per month to eligible women under the scheme. This commitment is expected to place significant pressure on the states treasury, further underscoring the importance of a strong finance minister to manage the fiscal challenges effectively. While the BJP is intent on taking over finance, Ajit Pawars camp might be compensated with either the revenue or public works department. The home ministry, another critical department, was handled by Devendra Fadnavis in the last term. However, rising crime rates and increasing incidents of violence against women invited criticism, making the portfolio controversial. Despite the challenges, the home ministry is strategically vital for maintaining law and order and exerting influence over political rivals. Speculation is rife about whether Fadnavis will retain the home ministry. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A high-stakes meeting in Delhi on Thursday is expected to finalise the chief minister and key ministerial portfolios for Maharashtra. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar, and senior leader Praful Patel will participate in the discussions. The meeting has drawn the attention of the entire state as the decisions made here will shape the power dynamics of the Mahayuti government for the next term. The allocation of portfolios will not only determine the internal balance of power within the Mahayuti but also dictate the governments ability to address pressing economic challenges and political rivalries. With Maharashtras fiscal health under scrutiny and political equations within the alliance complex, all eyes are now on Delhi to see how the BJP, Shinde faction, and Ajit Pawars camp navigate this high-stakes moment. First Published: November 28, 2024, 13:06 IST Delhi Elections: Capital To Get 123 New Polling Stations For Ease Of Voting, 53 Damaged Booths Removed Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 14:15 IST The CEO also said at least 2.25 lakh forms have been received to add new names, update or change address. Thursday was the last date for filing claims and objections This process aimed to decongest polling locations with a high number of stations, as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI). (AP) As many as 123 new polling stations will be added in Delhi as the city gears up for the upcoming assembly polls, an official statement announced on Thursday, adding that 53 exiting stations were removed. As per the statement from the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Delhi, Alice Vaz, rationalisation of polling stations was carried in Delhi. This process aimed to decongest polling locations with a high number of stations, as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI). related stories A total of 53 polling station locations were removed due to damaged or demolished buildings, while 123 new polling station locations were added. This resulted in a net increase of 70 polling station locations, ensuring better accessibility and convenience for voters across Delhi," she said. The CEO also said at least 2.25 lakh forms have been received to add new names, update or change address. Thursday was the last date for filing claims and objections. The process started on October 29. However, the process of receiving forms will continue beyond this date as part of the continuous updation process to ensure maximum participation and accuracy in the electoral roll," the CEO said. Manipulation in the electoral roll Amid the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s allegations of manipulation in the electoral roll, the Delhi CEO said house-to-house verification is underway across the city since August. On Wednesday, Delhi chief minister Atishi accused that the Union government is planning a major conspiracy against the people of Delhi. To unfairly win the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, the government is undermining democracy. The Centre has started deleting Delhiites votes on a large scale through the official machinery This is a staged conspiracy," she said. She added that on October 28, 29 SDMs and ADMs were transferred, and afterward, officials were ordered to delete votes on a large scale". In the statement, the CEO, without addressing any allegations, said to achieve the objective of clean and healthy electoral roll, ECI conducts special summary revision every year which consists of two distinct activities pre-revision activities and revision activities. A healthy and pure electoral roll is very important in ensuring that only eligible voters exercise their rights on the poll day and there is no bogus voting," the CEO said. Vaz highlighted that as part of the pre-revision activities, house-to-house (H2H) verification was conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) starting from August 20. BLOs visited every household in Delhi to identify unenrolled voters, prospective electors who will turn 18 years by October 1, and entries requiring deletion, such as those for deceased or permanently shifted voters. Cases of multiple entries and family splits were also identified," she added. During this extensive verification drive, BLOs collected approximately 1.62 lakh Forms (6, 7, and 8) to address additions, deletions, and corrections in the electoral roll. The H2H work was regularly monitored at each level BLO Supervisors, Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO)/ Electoral Registration Officer(ERO), District Election Officer(DEO) and CEO level. Option Open to Add Voters Any un-enrolled eligible citizen, who has still not enrolled himself/herself in the electoral roll, can apply for enrollment by filing Form-6 along with supporting documents. After filing of Form-6, BLO will conduct field verification. On the basis of BLOs field verification report and the supporting documents, the form is disposed of by the Electoral Registration Officer concerned as per procedure laid down by the ECI," the statement added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They also informed that an elector cannot have a name in the electoral roll in more than one constituency or in any constituency more than once. It is a punishable offence u/s 17 & 18 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. In case any elector has multiple entries at different locations or holding multiple Voter I Cards, he/she shall apply in Form-7 for deletion of such Multiple Entries," they added. First Published: November 28, 2024, 14:15 IST Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 23:09 IST Maharashtra New Chief Minister and Government Formation LIVE Updates: The suspense over the Maharashtra Chief Minister post continues days after the Mahayuti alliance, combining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawars National Congress Party (NCP) secured a landslide victory. Despite the win, there is yet no clarity on who will become the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. In order to take a decision on the matter with the agreement of all its allies, the BJP-led NDA will meet in New Delhi on Thursday, November 27. The BJP has maintained silence on the announcement of the next Chief Minister, however, the party is reportedly facing pressure from its MLAs, and leaders that the Chief Minister should be from the BJP. Many have suggested the name of Devendra Fadnavis, the current Deputy Chief Minister, for the top post. Meanwhile, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Wednesday dropped a big hint about the decision and said he would accept the BJPs decision regarding the CM position. From CM In 2014 To 2019 Catastrophe And Then 2024 Comeback, Looking Back At Devendra Fadnavis' Career Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: December 04, 2024, 12:37 IST Born to a political Brahmin family in the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra, Fadnavis started his political career at a very young age Devendra Fadnavis' tenure was defined by pro-development policies, such as the Mumbai Metro expansion, the Jalyukta Shivar water scheme, and transforming Maharashtra into a $1 trillion economy. (PTI Photo) Devendra Fadnavis scripted a historic comeback on Wednesday as he was unanimously elected the Maharashtra BJP legislature party leader at its meeting, paving the way for his appointment as the chief minister of the politically crucial state. The swearing-in ceremony will be held in Mumbai on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said leaders of the Mahayuti coalition will meet Governor CP Radhakrishnan at 3.30pm on Wednesday to stake a claim to form the government. related stories Fadnavis returns to helm the state on the back of the BJP achieving remarkable success in the November 20 Maharashtra elections, securing 132 out of the 288 assembly seats in the state, marking its best performance in the state so far. Together with its allies the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawars NCP the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has a commanding majority of 230 seats. Fadnavis, who was the first BJP chief minister in Maharashtra, has established himself as a strong link in the Mahayuti. Let us look at Fadnavis political journey, key achievements as chief minister in 2014 and what went wrong for him in 2019. From Corporator To Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Born to a political Brahmin family in the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra, Fadnavis started his political career at a very young age. He was the son of Jan Sangh and later BJP leader late Gangadhar Fadnavis, whom his fellow Nagpur politician and former BJP chief Nitin Gadkari calls his political guru". Fadnavis joined the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the students wing of RSS, in 1989. At 22, he became a corporator in the Nagpur civic body and its youngest Mayor in 1997 at the age of 27. In 1999, he contested his first assembly election and won. He won three subsequent assembly elections. He currently represents Nagpur South West seat in the House. In 2014, he made history as Maharashtras first Brahmin Chief Minister in nearly four decades. The last Brahmin CM of Maharashtra was Shiv Senas Manohar Joshi. Fadnavis enjoy the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who once said at an election rally that Devendra is Nagpurs gift to the country". During the Modi wave in 2014, a portion of credit for the aggressive campaigning in the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections also went to Fadnavis, who was later chosen as the state CM. Unlike some leaders across the political spectrum in Maharashtra, Fadnavis has remained untainted by accusations of corruption. Key Achievements Of Fadnavis Govt Fadnavis is credited with pushing the previous Congress-NCP government into a corner over the alleged irrigation scam. His tenure was defined by pro-development policies, such as the ambitious Mumbai Metro expansion, the Jalyukta Shivar water conservation scheme, and efforts to transform Maharashtra into a $1 trillion economy. Mumbai-based political analyst Jai Mrug credited Fadnavis with getting corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds directed at some of the rural welfare schemes, as reported by Mint. His government revived the concept of an International Finance Centre in Mumbai by drawing up plans for a global financial hub at Bandra Kurla Complex, and appointing a committee with industry experts to submit recommendations in financial and legal framework to facilitate it. During his tenure some of the key decisions in the education sector were capping weight of school bags of students to 10% of the childs weight and setting up a mechanism to regulate fees and admissions in professional courses offered by private unaided institutes. But Fadnavis tenure was fraught with challenges. His government faced criticism over issues of farmer distress, unemployment and inadequate relief measures during severe droughts. From CM To Deputy CM In 2019, Fadnavis was appointed as the chief minister again. However, his tenure was short-lived after BJPs key ally Shiv Sena unexpectedly aligned with the opposition to claim the Chief Ministers chair, in spite of NDAs gaining a full majority. But to settle scores with the Shiv Sena, Fadnavis allied with NCPs Ajit Pawar and hastily formed a government. They even took oath as CM and Deputy Chief Minister. However, their government lasted merely 80 hours, as Sharad Pawar Maharashtras master strategist persuaded his nephew Ajit to return to the opposition fold. This dealt a severe blow to Fadnavis political clout. After the Shiv Sena split in 2022, when the BJP government reclaimed its power in Maharashtra, expectations were high that Fadnavis would become the chief minister. But the BJP decided to appoint Maratha leader and head of the new Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde, for the top post to outdo Uddhav Thackeray. Fadnavis was given the post of Deputy Chief Minister, which he accepted with grace. How Fadnavis Ensured BJP Wins 2024 Maha Polls Reports suggest many of Fadnavis supporters have been upset that their leader has been kept away from the CMs post for five years despite him proving his mettle time and again whether it was splitting the Shiv Sena or swooping Ajit Pawar away from Sharad Pawars nose. Sources in the BJP, as quoted by The Indian Express, said such snubs to Fadnavis were huge motivation for his supporters who worked towards getting close to 100-seat mark to ensure their leader return as the CM. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Party leaders say Fadnavis also played a major role in encouraging the cadre, many of whom were demoralised after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in which the BJP secured only nine from the 23 seats it won in the 2019 election. Fadnavis close relationship with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is headquartered in Nagpur, its leadership and many of the office bearers are from Maharashtra and are Marathi, certainly pushed for his comeback. First Published: November 28, 2024, 14:02 IST 'Cheerful' Phone Call To Mother, Rs 65,000 Transfer: Air India Pilot's Kin Say 'Murder, Not Suicide' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 20:17 IST While the police are saying 25-year-old Srishti Tuli died by suicide, her family has alleged that she was murdered by her boyfriend, Aditya Pandit, who was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide Police said Srishti Tuli and Aditya Pandit met while pursuing a commercial pilot course in Delhi two years ago and got into a relationship. (Image: X) The 25-year-old Air India pilot, who was found dead at her Mumbai flat on November 25, reportedly spoke cheerfully" to her mother and aunt 15 minutes before her family received the news of her death. While the police are saying she died by suicide, Srishti Tulis family has alleged that she was murdered by her boyfriend, Aditya Pandit, who was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide. related stories Her uncle, Vivek Tuli, lodged the complaint on the basis of which Mumbai Police filed an FIR. He said the family, which is based out of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, is not ready to accept that she died by suicide. Police are saying she died by suicide. Then what did he do that pushed her to the edge? She cheerfully spoke to her mother and aunt. And 15 minutes later, she was dead. How did this happen? What did he tell her? What did he do? Police are probing this," he told NDTV. Vivek Tuli said the family suspects another woman pilots involvement, and even accused Pandit of extortion, harassment and manipulation. He said while Srishti had not expressly spoken about this harassment, she had narrated tidbits of her relationship to her sister. They are saying she died by suicide, but I dont believe it. This is planned murder. She was strong, otherwise she would not be a pilot. We have come to know about her friend (Aditya), who started training with her but could not complete the course. He was jealous of her and would harass her," he was quoted in the NDTV report. According to the police, Srishti and Pandit met while pursuing a commercial pilot course in Delhi two years ago and got into a relationship. She had been living in Mumbai for work since June last year after she got her pilots licence, while Pandit stayed back in Faridabad near Delhi after dropping out of the course. He would visit her frequently in Mumbai. SRISHTI TRANSFERRED RS 65,000 TO ADITYAS FAMILY Srishtis family alleged that Pandit was extorting money from her because she transferred Rs 65,000 to his family members around Diwali. Vivek said he could be blackmailing her for money and she became a victim when she refused to give him more. We have managed to check only one months bank statement so far. Around Diwali, about Rs 65,000 was transferred to his family members. I am convinced that he was blackmailing her. I have now asked the bank for the whole years statement. Maybe, she had refused him money and that became the cause of her death," he was quoted in the news report. He further said they only found out about the harassment from her friends, who said Pandit would mentally harass her by shouting at her in public places and even pressured her to stop eating non-vegetarian food. The two even had a fight after she could not attend her sisters engagement ceremony. He would scream at her publicly. There were times when he made her get out of the car in the middle of the road and drove away," he was quoted. ANOTHER WOMAN WAS THERE Vivek also raised suspicion over the presence of another woman pilot, who reportedly helped Pandit call a key maker and open Srishtis flat. He even questioned the motive behind calling in a key maker to open the door to someone elses flat from outside and, that too, without informing the police. We came to know that another woman was there. She called in the key maker, got him to open the door and took Srishti to the hospital. Who opens the door and enters someones flat without calling the cops? And these are trained pilots. And why would a key maker randomly open a door from outside?" he was quoted. Pandit has told the police that he had already started his journey to Delhi by car during which Srishti called him and threatened to end her life. He said he panicked and rushed back to Mumbai, and found the door of her flat locked from inside. Police said he then got the door opened with the help of a key maker and found her hanging with a data cable. She was taken to the Seven Hills Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. No suicide note was found in the house, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pandit was arrested under Section 108 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was produced in a court which remanded him in police custody for four days. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) First Published: November 28, 2024, 19:59 IST India Concerned About Desecration, Damage To Hindu Temples In Bangladesh: MEA Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 17:31 IST The MEA said the Centre has also called upon the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities, as well as their places of worship Policemen charge baton to disperse the supporters of Bangladeshi Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh. (Image: PTI) India has expressed its concern over incidents of desecration and damage to Hindu temples and deities reported in Bangladesh in the last few months, Rajya Sabha was told during the winter session of Parliament on Thursday. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said the Centre has also called upon the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities, as well as their places of worship. related stories This was in response to questions posed about such reported incidents against minority communities in the neighbouring country after the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5. The MEA highlighted the attack on a puja mandap at Dhakas Tantibazar area and the theft from Jeshoreshwari Kali temple. The stolen item, a crown, was gifted to the famous temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trip to Bangladesh in 2021. Several incidents of desecration and damages to Hindu temples and deities in Bangladesh have been reported in the past few months. The Government of India has expressed its concerns about such incidents, including the attack on a puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024," Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Government has also called upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship," Singh added. The Union minister also said the primary responsibility", however, for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh". First Published: November 28, 2024, 16:53 IST Cyclone Fengal: Flights Affected, Schools Shut Amid Rains In Tamil Nadu As Storm Nears Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 11:57 IST Flight operations remained hit in Tamil Nadu on Thursday and schools remained closed in over nine districts of the Southern state Fishermen move a boat away from the sea amidst a warning issued by the India Meteorological Department. (PTI photo) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said Cyclone Fengal in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify in the next 24 hours with a wind speed of up to 85 kmph. It will later weaken and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram as a deep depression. In its latest bulletin, the Met Office said, Deep Depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved northwards with a speed of 2 kmph during past six hours located near latitude 9.1N and longitude 82.1E, about 110 km east-northeast of Trincomalee." related stories It added, To cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on November 30 morning as a deep depression with a wind speed of 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph. There is a possibility of marginal intensification of the deep depression into a cyclonic storm with wind speed 65-75kmph gusting to 85 kmph over southwest Bay of Bengal during the evening of November 28 to morning of November 29." Flights affected, schools closed Rains continue unabated in most parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, crippling lives of people. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai, has issued an orange alert for very heavy" rains on November 28. Flight operations remained hit in Tamil Nadu on Thursday and schools remained closed in over nine districts of the Southern state due to heavy rains. Educational institutes in Karaikal and Puducherry also remained closed. Crops impacted Intermittent rains continued on Wednesday in the states Cauvery delta areas affecting standing paddy crops. Crops were submerged partially and completely at several places, including those in and around Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam, and according to farmers rough estimates, crops on at least 2,000 acres were affected. Also, huge acreage of salt pans in the districts of Nagapattinam (Vedaranyam) and Villupuram (Marakkanman) came under water. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed shock over reports that 1,500 acres of paddy crop have been affected in Thiruthuraipoondi (Tiruvarur district) and demanded that officials inspect rain-hit areas and urged the DMK regime to provide appropriate relief to farmers. Farmers leader PR Pandian alleged that canals and rivers were not properly desilted in the delta areas. Indian Navy on standby top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, in anticipation of the impact of the cyclone, the Navy is gearing up to render all necessary support to the vulnerable areas in coordination with state and civil administration. This includes loading vehicles with food, drinking water, medicines and other High Availability Disaster Recovery (HADR) relief materials as well as positioning Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) for quick response. The Indian Navy said diving teams were also on standby for emergency rescue operations. First Published: November 28, 2024, 10:08 IST Loud Sound Near PVR In Delhi's Prashant Vihar Sparks Explosion Fears, NIA Team Visits Site Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 16:37 IST Delhi Prashant Vihar Blast: Delhi Police have rushed to the spot where an explosion was reported on Thursday. Delhi blast: Visuals from the spot (Photo: CNN-News18) A loud sound of explosion was reported near PVR at Prashant Vihar area in the national capital on Thursday, the officials said, adding that one person sustained injuries in the incident. The incident took place outside Bansi sweets at 11.48 am after which the fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The police have cordoned off the area. A special Cell team of the Delhi Police was mobilised to the spot. related stories The Delhi Police said that it is yet not confirmed if it was a blast". Cant confirm whether it is a blast or notit depends on the investigation," the police said. #WATCH | Delhi Police cordon off area in Prashant Vihar where an explosion is reported; CRPF personnel also present pic.twitter.com/p49X7AtNAm ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 Delhi Police PRO Addl. CP Sanjay Kumar Tyagi said that police teams and other specialised staff special cell, forensics, and other units were present on the spot. He said that the cause of the explosion was being ascertained. As of now, there is no suspectThe person with minor injuries was discharged after treatment," he said. What was Found In Initial Investigation? According to sources, a white powder-like substance has been found on the spot, similar to what was found in the CRPF school blast in Rohini on October 20. An NSG team was roped in to carry out bomb data analysis. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will assist Delhi Police in the probe of the explosion, sources added. Visuals captured after the explosion showed locals coughing and gasping for breath. What Was CRPF School Blast In Rohini? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A blast occurred outside the CRPF School in Rohini on October 20 morning. Firefighters were rushed to the spot. The blast destroyed the schools wall and broke the window panes. No human injury or loss of life was reported, however, glasses from nearby shops and a car were found damaged in the area. Forensic Science Laboratory sources had told news agency ANI that the material used in the blast resembled a crude bomb. First Published: November 28, 2024, 12:38 IST Fake Aadhaar, Pakistanis With False Surnames: Karnataka Police Crack The Whip On Illegal Immigrants Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 12:36 IST The Karnataka police have filed a 1,200-page chargesheet against 18 Pakistani nationals linked to the London-based Islamic organisation Mehdi Foundation International, who were illegally living in India. The Indian arm of the Mehdi Foundation International (MFI), operating out of Bengaluru and Karnataka and linked to Pakistanis staying in the country under false identities, has been officially disbanded, according to top police officials. We have completed our investigation. A thorough probe was conducted, during which we tracked, traced, and arrested all those connected to the Pakistani handler operating in the state. We have effectively dismantled their operations," said CK Baba, Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Rural. related stories A family living under a false name were running a YouTube channel propagating their ideology for some years now. With the efforts made by our team to trace all those linked to Parvez, the main handler, we have been able to bring this illegal operation to a halt," said the senior police official. The Karnataka police have filed a 1,200-page chargesheet against 18 Pakistani nationals linked to the London-based Islamic organisation Mehdi Foundation International, who were illegally living in India with forged documents. They are currently in judicial custody at Bengalurus Parappana Agrahara jail. The arrest of Parvez Ahmed, also known as Farvez, the main handler responsible for facilitating the entry of several illegal Pakistani immigrants into the state, was a major breakthrough for the investigating officers. He would bring in these Pakistani nationals using fake identities and documents and provide them with employment to settle and remain under the radar of the investigating agencies. Through effective policing, the Karnataka police were able to trace others linked to MFI operations in the state and Parvez was apprehended on October 7 on the outskirts of Bengaluru while travelling from Mumbai. What Led to Parvezs Arrest? Before Parvezs arrest, the Karnataka police made a major breakthrough in the state when they first arrested a family of four Pakistani nationals living under the false surname Sharma on the outskirts of Bengaluru on September 29. This was based on information shared by the Chennai police, who earlier detained a group of three Mohammed Yasin (Karthik Sharma), his wife Zainab Noor (Neha Sharma), and Altab Ahmed with his wife Fathima Gohar (Nisha) at Chennai airport as they landed from Dhaka. Acting on suspicion, the police detained them. Upon interrogation and investigation, their passports and Aadhaar cards were found to be fake. Further questioning led to a Karnataka link Altab Ahmed, who hailed from Davangere. Altab had promised MFI members fake identities to live in India and facilitated their entry into the country in 2020. When they were caught, they were allegedly returning from Bangladesh after attending a world religious conference of the MFI. Questioning Altab led to the fake Sharma" family in Bengaluru, who later revealed the name of Parvez Ahmed, the main handler. Further questioning uncovered another family of three, including a 13-year-old girl minor girl living near Peenya in North Bengaluru. Those arrested include Shafiqur Rahman (50), Saif Ali (also known as Saifulla Abuja, 50), Saleem Khan (48), Faraz Ahmed (also known as Fariduddin, 42), and six women Noushin (40), Hameeda (48), Farzana (53), Nusrat (40), Mehanoor (23), and Ruksana (39). MFI Banned in Pakistan Upon questioning, the arrested Pakistanis admitted they had been smuggled into the country, provided with false passports, Aadhaar cards, and other Indian documents to avoid detection. They claimed they were fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan due to their links to the MFI, which is outlawed in their home country. Parvezs interrogation revealed that such illegal Pakistani nationals were also residing in various parts of India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, using forged Aadhaar cards and other documents, but the main handler bringing all of them into the country has been Parvez who is now under custody. The Karnataka police said that apart from Parvez, none of the arrested individuals were linked to criminal activities. They were primarily engaged in preaching religious teachings under the direction of the London-based MFI. The arrested individuals identified themselves as Sufis and followers of spiritual leader Riaz Gohar Shahi, a Pakistani spiritual guru. The MFI, banned in Pakistan, is headquartered in London and claims to promote interfaith harmony and peace. The organisation espouses the Goharian Philosophy" derived from Sufi traditions. Initially known as the Riaz Gohar Shahi International, the Mehdi Foundation International, also called the Messiah Foundation, claims to spread the message of the awaited Messiah (Imam Mehdi). The group promotes interfaith harmony, divine love, and spiritual healing, drawing teachings from Sufi traditions. The MFI is banned in Pakistan, where its teachings are considered heretical by Islamic clerics. Religious fatwas were issued against Gohar Shahi, labelling him an infidel. Many of his followers have since been attacked and persecuted. As a result, several MFI members have fled Pakistan, relocating to countries like Bangladesh and India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Jigani police have charged the arrested individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to impersonation, cheating, and forgery, as well as provisions of the Passport Act. Despite multiple bail applications, the courts have not granted bail to any of the accused. The courts are expected to frame further charges. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau are also gathering intelligence on this network and closely monitoring the ongoing investigations. First Published: November 28, 2024, 10:06 IST Here's Why Cracks Have Appeared In 1,700 Agra Homes, Putting Lives Of Residents At Risk Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 10:07 IST Large cracks have appeared in nearly 1,700 houses in Agra's Moti Katra and Syed Gali areas. Residents claim these cracks began forming in July and have progressively worsened, creating a terrifying situation This issue appears linked to an ongoing underground metro project, which involves constructing a 2-kilometre-long tunnel from Agra College to Mankameshwar Mandir Station. (News18 Hindi) Agra, one of the countrys most historic cities and home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, is grappling with an alarming issue. Large cracks have suddenly appeared in 1,700 houses in the Moti Katra and Syed Gali areas. Residents claim these cracks started forming in July and have since worsened, creating a terrifying situation. Many fear their homes might collapse at any moment. Despite informing the authorities, no solution has yet been found. Thousands At Risk As Houses Develop Cracks related stories Residents report that 1,700 homes in these areas have developed significant cracks, with 146 houses requiring jacks for temporary support. Thousands of lives are at risk, especially in the Moti Katra and Syed Gali areas, where the situation is most critical. This issue appears linked to an ongoing underground metro project, which involves constructing a 2-kilometre-long tunnel from Agra College to Mankameshwar Mandir Station. The tunnelling work, which began in October 2023, involves excavations as deep as 100 to 150 feet. Metro Rail Project Denies Responsibility Initially, only a few houses showed cracks, but by July-August, the number had grown to 1,700. However, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Projects PRO, Panchanan Mishra, dismissed claims that the metro work is causing the damage. He stated that all construction is being carried out in adherence to established standards and could not harm the buildings. Mishra further added that the affected houses were already old and had pre-existing cracks, which were merely repaired. Residents Blame Drilling For Damage top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Local residents strongly disagree with the Metro Rail Projects stance. Priyanka, a resident of the affected area, explained that the drilling and blasting involved in constructing the metro tunnel destabilised her homes foundation, causing cracks throughout. Our house is on the verge of collapse. Doors cannot even be installed because of the extensive damage. We were asked to vacate for a few days, but where can we go now? The entire house could collapse any moment," Priyanka said, highlighting the residents dire predicament. Location : Agra, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 10:07 IST Jaishankar Meets PM Modi As Concerns Grow Over Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Poulami Kundu Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:47 IST Massive protests have rocked Bangladesh after the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu at Dhaka airport on November 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. (Reuters File Photo) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met PM Modi on Thursday afternoon amid growing concerns over attacks on Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh. Sources said if both Parliament houses functioned smoothly, Jaishankar would make a statement on the matter soon. Massive protests have rocked Bangladesh after the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu at Dhaka airport on November 25. Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer, was hacked to death when thousands gathered outside a court in Chittagong demanding the release of an arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, who was later denied bail and sent to jail on charges of sedition. related stories ALSO READ | Singer Mary Millben Urges World Leaders To Condemn Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh After ISKCON Priests Arrest Prabhu was a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and was recently expelled. He was denied bail on Tuesday, leading to further protests by the Hindu community who cited atrocities against them under the Yunus administration. Chief Advisor to the interim Bangladesh government, Muhammad Yunus, condemned the killing of the lawyer in Chittagong and ordered an investigation into the incident. Govt In Parliament And What Opposition MPs Said MEA MOS Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Parliament that the Indian government has called upon the Bangladesh Government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus & all minorities and also their places of worship. As the House proceedings resumed on Day 4 of the Winter Session of the Parliament, TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sought the Centres action on the issue, saying, Since this is a matter of another country, the Central government should take relevant action on this. We are with them (Central government) on this issue." Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, It seems very grave and troubling. All Indians are concerned because this is a next-door neighbour, whose well-being we are concerned about. It is not only the foreign ministry who is keeping an eye on the situation but all the concerned Indian citizens are worried about the reports that are coming in." Hindu American Groups Seek Sanctions Against Bangladesh Condemning attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, several Hindu American groups have sought that US aid for the South Asian country be made contingent on its government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Bangladeshs minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government on August 5. Vishva Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) president Ajay Shah said the news of Das arrest, vandalism of Kali Mandir in Chittagong and the rising attacks on Hindus across Bangladesh are disconcerting. Is this the human rights legacy the Biden administration wants to be remembered for," he asked. Union Minister Giriraj Singh seeks UN intervention top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday said the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh reflects that the interim government of that country was in the clutches of fundamentalists" and sought the United Nations intervention in the matter. Singh said such attacks are acts against humanity. The BJP, however, refrained from making any comment and said it stands by the rightful stand" taken by the External Affairs Ministry on the issue. First Published: November 28, 2024, 12:25 IST Jharkhand Man Rapes, Strangles Live-in Partner To Death Before Chopping Body Into 40 Pieces Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:26 IST The incident has sent shockwaves among people in the region, with the Shraddha Walker murder case of 2022 still fresh in their memory. Police said the man worked in a butcher shop in Tamil Nadu and was expert in slicing chicken. (Representative/AP File) A 25-year-old man, who works as a butcher, allegedly strangled to death his live-in partner and chopped her body into 40 to 50 pieces in a forested area in Jharkhands Khunti district, police said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Naresh Bhengra, was arrested. related stories The matter came to light after around a fortnight after the killing when a stray dog was found with human body parts near Jordag village in Jariagarh police station on November 24. Bhengra was in a live-in relationship with the deceased, a 24-year-old woman also from Khunti district, in Tamil Nadu for the past couple of years. Sometime back, he returned to Jharkhand, got married to another woman without telling his partner anything and went back to the southern state without his wife to join her. The brutal incident occurred on November 8 when they reached Khunti as the accused who had married another woman did not wish to take her home. Instead, he took her to a forest near his house at Jordag village in Jariagarh police station and chopped the body into pieces. The man has been arrested," Khunti Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar told PTI. Inspector Ashok Singh who investigated the case said the man worked in a butcher shop in Tamil Nadu and was expert in slicing chicken. He admitted chopping the body parts of the woman into 40 to 50 pieces before leaving those in the forest for wild animals to feast on. The police recovered several parts on November 24 after a dog in the area was seen with a hand," Singh told PTI. Singh said that the woman, who was unaware of his marriage, pressured him to return to Khunti. After reaching Ranchi, they boarded a train on November 24 and headed to the mans village. Under a plan, the man took her to Khunti in an autorickshaw near his home and asked her to wait. He returned with sharp weapons and strangulated her with her dupatta after raping her. He then cut the body into 40 to 50 pieces and left for his home to live with his wife," Singh said. The woman, however, had informed her mother that she had boarded a train and would be living with her partner, the police officer said. Following the recovery of body parts, a bag was also found in the forest with the murdered womans belongings including her Aadhaar card. The mother of the woman was called at the spot and she identified her daughters belongings. The mother suspected the man behind the crime who after being nabbed by the police admitted to chopping the woman into pieces," the official added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The incident has sent shockwaves among people in the region, with the Shraddha Walker murder case of 2022 still fresh in their memory. Walker was killed by her live-in partner who chopped her body into pieces before dumping them in the jungle in South Delhis Mehrauli. Location : Ranchi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 07:58 IST Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:34 IST Winter Session of Parliament Highlights: The Parliament Winter Session entered Day 4 as Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resumed proceedings on Thursday. The initial days of the Parliament remained largely unproductive as both Houses were adjourned following chaos by the Opposition. Both Houses assembled today at 11 am. However, both Houses were adjourned amid a ruckus to meet again on Friday. The Opposition had also demanded a two-day discussion on the Constitution, which according to sources, has been approved by the Rajya Sabha Chair. However, the dates for discussion are yet not clear. Follow Highlights here: Mumbai Police Receive Threat Call Against PM Modi, 34-Year-Old Woman Arrested Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 11:41 IST Mumbai Police have arrested a 34-year-old woman for making a threat call claiming a plan to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AP file photo) Mumbai Police have arrested a 34-year-old woman for making a threatening call against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The call was received by the Mumbai Police in their control room. related stories According to the details, the caller mentioned that a plan had been hatched to kill the Prime Minister. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She also claimed a weapon was ready for the plan. Further investigations were underway. First Published: November 28, 2024, 11:31 IST Delhi's Prashant Vihar Blast: Explosives Lightly Packed, Similar To Those Used In CRPF School Case Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 17:20 IST Preliminary analysis suggests that Cordtex, a detonation wire used in mining, was most probably used to trigger off the explosives Security personnel conduct investigation at the site after a blast was reported near a PVR at Prashant Vihar area, in New Delhi. (PTI) Preliminary analysis of the explosives found at Delhis Prashant Vihar blast site suggests that similar explosives were used for the blast at a CRPF school in October this year. Sources told CNN-News18 that in both cases, Hydrogen Peroxide seems to be the main ingredient used. The incident took place outside Bansi sweets at 11.48am after which fire tenders were rushed to the spot. related stories Traces of Hydrogen Peroxide have been found a vial of sulphur compound was also found at the spot. Further tests will tell us if there were other explosives in the mix," an official aware of the forensic reports told News18. Cordtex, a detonation wire used in mining, was most probably used to trigger off the explosives, officials said. Cordtex can be set alight from a distance and it burns slowly like the tip of a firecracker before reaching the explosives and setting off a blast. Just like the CRPF school blast case, in this case also no splinter has been found. The explosives, officials said, were lightly packed". No container or bag has been found. The explosives damaged the seat of the tempo but the intensity was so low that even the tyre of the tempo remained unscathed," a Ministry of Home Affairs official said. The wall nearby did not develop a crack and nor were the window panes of nearby shops shattered. The driver of the tempo, however, received minor injuries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police are scanning the CCTV footage from nearby cameras to look for any suspicious activities. The NSG and NIA are assisting the Delhi Police with the probe. So far, no leads have emerged in the CRPF school blast case. Forensic Science Laboratory sources had told news agency ANI that the material used in the blast resembled a crude bomb. First Published: November 28, 2024, 17:19 IST 'Tackle Any Situation': President Murmu Stresses Preparedness For Terrorism, Cyber Warfare Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:25 IST President Murmu has urged India to strengthen preparedness for evolving security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism while emphasising self-reliance in defense manufacturing. President Droupadi Murmu (File Image: PTI) India should be prepared to tackle any situation in a fast-changing geopolitical environment, including national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday. Also, she stressed the need to develop a deep understanding of national and global scenarios as the geopolitical dynamics have changed the security landscape. related stories The issue of climate change is acquiring a new dimension which needs to be understood and managed. The latest cutting-edge technology needs to be applied. I am confident that our armed personnel officers will rise to the future challenges," the President said in her address at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, in Nilgiris district. In a fast-changing geopolitical environment, we need to be prepared to tackle any situation," Murmu said. Geopolitical dynamics have changed the security landscape and theres a need to develop a deep understanding of national and global situations. We not only have to secure our national interest but also prepare for new national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism," the President said. India, she said, was rising and the world was acknowledging the countrys role in various sectors, including defence. The country was moving towards indigenisation and self-reliance to keep the armed forces to meet the needs and challenges. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India was being developed as a major defence manufacturing hub and was moving towards a reliable defence partner and a defence exporter. Indias defence industry is rapidly adopting the latest technology and is moving ahead in line with the vision (of Prime Minister Narendra Modi) of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant)," the President said. Indias defence companies have set a new benchmark and through those firms, the country exported defence equipment to more than a hundred nations. Indias defence exports grew by 30 times over the past decade and the Make in India programme played a major role in this development, the President said. Location : Udhagamandalam (Ooty), India First Published: November 28, 2024, 15:13 IST Supreme Court To Hear Plea Challenging Sambhal Mosque Survey Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 29, 2024, 07:12 IST Four people were killed after a mob gathered outside the Mughal-era mosque and clashed with the police, setting cars on fire. Protesters were seen pelting stones on the police as violence escalated in UP's Sambhal. (PTI) The recent row in Uttar Pradeshs Sambhal has reached the Supreme Court as the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid moved the apex court challenging the November 19 order of a district court for the survey of the mosque, which led to widespread chaos and violence in the area. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear the petition of the Committee of Management of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal tomorrow. The committee approached the top court to challenge the district court verdict, citing the situation as urgent. related stories Last week, a district court passed an order for the survey of the mosque on the basis of a complaint that claimed the Shah Jama Masjid was built by Mughal emperor Babar in 1526 after demolishing a temple that stood there. The mosque committee said the hot haste" in which the commission survey proceeded led to increased apprehensions among residents. Police have increased security in the area ahead of the Friday prayers at the mosque. Police held flag marches in areas near the mosque with top officials saying watertight security was put in place to prevent untoward incidents. There is a consensus that tomorrows namaz is offered peacefully. Everyone will offer namaz at their respective mosques. Despite all of this, we are alert," said Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, the Commissioner of Moradabad Division. ALSO READ: UP Government To Relaunch Naming-Shaming Drive, Recover Damages From Sambhal Rioters What Happened In Sambhal? Massive violence erupted on Sunday as a mob gathered outside the Mughal era-mosque to protest against a court-ordered survey of the monument following claims that it was constructed on the ruins of a Hindu temple. The situation escalated when protesters clashed with police, pelted stones at security personnel and set cars on fire. Four people were killed in the incident, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition who accused the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government of targeting minorities. Over 20 police personnel were injured in the violence. Police have arrested 25 rioters in connection with the violence and said they recovered several kinds of weapons.The accused include Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal; Sohail Iqbal, son of the partys local MLA Iqbal Mehmood; and over 2,750 unidentified individuals. Police Release Pictures Of Sambhal Rioters The Sambhal administration on Thursday released fresh pictures of over 120 rioters involved in stone-pelting and arson during the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The images released by the administration show the rioters covering their faces with masks and throwing stones at the policemen. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This step comes as the police continued to maintain tight vigil in the violence-prone area. The administration has extended the internet shutdown for two more days due to the ongoing tensions in the area. The Superintendent of Police has urged the public to help identify the rioters in order to maintain peace. The police have stated that efforts will be made to recover damages caused by the rioters, and they urge citizens to come forward with any information that could assist in their arrest. First Published: November 28, 2024, 20:16 IST 'Stones, Arms In Hands': Sambhal Administration Releases Fresh Pictures Of Rioters Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:23 IST Sambhal violence: Four people were killed and over 20 police personnel were injured in clashes between mob and police over survey of mosque. Sambhal violence Cracking down on the rioters, the Sambhal administration has released fresh pictures of over 120 such persons involved in stone-pelting and arson during the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. This comes after the Yogi Adityanath government decided to display the posters of the stone-pelters in the violence and make the rioters pay for damage to public properties. related stories The images released by the administration show the rioters covering their faces with masks and throwing stones at the policemen. They are also seen holding sticks and weapons. The pictures also include those from the Nakhasa and Jama Masjid areas. The administration has extended the internet shutdown for two more days due to the ongoing tensions in the area. The Superintendent of Police has urged the public to help identify the rioters in order to maintain peace. The police have stated that efforts will be made to recover damages caused by the rioters, and they urge citizens to come forward with any information that could assist in their arrest. Violence In Sambhal Over Mosque Survey Notably, over 20 police personnel were injured in the violence that broke out over the court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque. Four people also died in the violence, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition who accused the Yogi government of targetting minorities. However, the UP Police said that their deaths did not take place from the weapons used by the police. Over 25 rioters have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. The police had earlier said that several kinds of weapons were recovered from the arrested persons, which also included women. This is not the first instance of the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government taking stringent action against protesters. During the anti-CAA protests in 2020, the government publicly displayed posters identifying individuals allegedly involved in acts of vandalism. What Happened In Sambhal? Massive violence erupted in Sambhal on Sunday as mob gathered outside the mosque and started chanting slogans as the survey team conducted its work. Tensions escalated in the area as the protesters and the police clashed. The mob vandalised the vehicles and also set them on fire and pelted stones on the police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all So far, the police have arrested 25 individuals and filed seven FIRs. The accused include Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal; Sohail Iqbal, son of the partys local MLA Iqbal Mehmood; and over 2,750 unidentified individuals. A magisterial inquiry has been initiated, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi confirmed on Monday that the situation is now under control. He emphasised that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest." Location : Sambhal, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 08:44 IST UP Government To Relaunch Naming-Shaming Drive, Recover Damages From Sambhal Rioters Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 18:56 IST The administration will set up hoardings and banners in public places, bearing the names, the recovery amounts, and photographs of people who were allegedly involved in stone-pelting and violence on November 24 near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal districts Kot Garvi area The move came four days after violence broke out in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. (File photo/PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government is all set to relaunch its controversial naming and shaming" campaign. As part of the drive, it is going to set up hoardings and banners in public places, bearing the names, the recovery amounts, and photographs of people who were allegedly involved in stone-pelting and violence on November 24 near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal districts Kot Garvi area. The move came four days after violence broke out in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey was prompted by a petition claiming a Harihar temple once stood at the site, leading to a confrontation on Sunday. The violence left five people dead and several injured, including police personnel. related stories Taking a firm stance against the rioters, the UP government has decided to recover the total amount of damage caused to public property during the Sambhal violence from those responsible. An official spokesperson stated, Posters of the stone-pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest." Officials with the UP government stated that they have so far identified around 100 rioters, most of whom remain at large. Efforts are underway to identify others involved in the Sambhal violence. We are analysing CCTV footage and videos to gather names and pictures of the rioters, which will be displayed publicly in Sambhal and circulated on social media," an official said. The district administration has calculated the total damages caused during the violence, which will be evenly distributed among the rioters for recovery under the Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Act, 2020, the official added. However, this was not the first instance of the UP government launching a naming-and-shaming campaign. A similar initiative was undertaken in 2020 to recover damages to public property from anti-CAA protesters. The government held them accountable for loss of life or injury during riots or protests and made them liable to pay compensation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Besides, the UP government is also going to announce rewards for information leading to the arrests of the absconding rioters. As of now, UP police has identified 100 people who indulged in stone-pelting and arrested 27, including two women. A total of 12 FIRs have been lodged. Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry into the incident has also been initiated. The state government reiterated its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, in line with its previously issued ordinance on recovery of damages and publicising the identity of the offenders. Sources said that residents from areas like Shahi Jama Masjid, Nakhasa, and Hindu Pura Kheda were primarily involved in stone-pelting. Over two dozen people are in custody for questioning. FIRs were filed based on complaints from the families of four deceased persons. First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:56 IST Wanted LeT Terrorist Salman Rehman Khan Extradited From Rwanda Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 14:07 IST The terrorist was identified as Salman Rehman Khan having links with the LeT. He was also on Interpol notice. LeT terrorist Salman Rehman Khan (Photo: IANS) A wanted terrorist having links to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was deported to India from Rwanda in connection with a Bengaluru prison terror conspiracy case, officials said on Thursday. The terrorist was identified as Salman Rehman Khan against whom Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice. He was also wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). related stories The NIA and CBI had coordinated Khans return with Interpol National Central Bureau, Kigali (Rwandas capital) in central East Africa. How Did NIA Secure Salman Rehman Khans Extradition? The anti-terror agency (NIA) had filed a case against him in 2023 relating to a criminal conspiracy, for being a member of LeT. Khan was booked at Hebbal Police Station in Bengaluru for supplying arms, ammunition, and explosives to carry out terror activities in the capital city of Karnataka. At the request of the CBI, the NIA secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Khan on August 2, distributing it to law enforcement agencies worldwide to facilitate his apprehension. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He was located in Rwanda and was brought back to India in collaboration with the Interpol Kigali authorities, to face law by the NIA. (With IANS inputs) First Published: November 28, 2024, 13:50 IST Are Mosquito Repellants Harmful For Humans? What We Know Curated By : Local News Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 18:27 IST These substances are listed as category-2 carcinogens, which contribute to the rise in cancer cases. It can seriously harm a child's immune system and the developing fetus's brain. People typically use mosquito repellent in their rooms to keep insects away. Its liquid includes chemicals whose scent eliminates all mosquitoes in a matter of minutes, protecting us from the risk of fatal illnesses like dengue or chikungunya. Are you aware of the detrimental impact it has on our bodies? Prominent urologist Dr Arun Nayak explained on Instagram how these vaporisers are negatively impacting our brains, health and environment. Check the video here: related stories In the video, Dr Nayak claims that a significant number of these harmful substances are utilised in the best-selling companys vaporisers. Transfluthrin, butylated hydroxytoluene, citronellol, dimethyl octadiene, odourless paraffin (96 per cent w/v) and a blend of several fragrance compounds (benzyl acetal) are among the ingredients used to create these liquid solutions. One should be aware that transfluthrin may exacerbate symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, sneezing, respiratory failure, skin allergies, colds and coughs. In addition, these substances are listed as category-2 carcinogens, which contribute to the rise in cancer cases. It can seriously harm a childs immune system and the developing fetuss brain. Hypothyroidism may also result from it. In addition to humans, dogs are also impacted. It contains aromatic compounds that can lead to skin sensitivities and respiratory issues. The CDC claims that it can also result in headaches, anorexia and difficulty focusing. Furthermore, using these in a home with windows and doors closed may make the situation considerably riskier. Since there is now no known remedy for these substances, the doctor advises that pregnant women, newborns, young children, the elderly and pets should all be kept away from them. According to Dr Nayak, other studies have also discovered that these vaporisers draw mosquitoes even more. Things To Keep In Mind -If you must use it, open the door or window and burn it for a few minutes. -Maintain the screens on windows and doors. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding outside your house, remove any standing water. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Make use of natural substitutes, such as burning camphor smoke or neem leaves. -Purchase only natural products from the market and use mosquito netting. If there is no risk of developing a major insect-borne illness, natural and other alternative repellents might be beneficial. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:27 IST Tamannaah Bhatia Stuns in Skims X Dolce & Gabbana Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 09:28 IST Tamannaah Bhatia's sleek ensemble was paired with diamond earrings, a statement black hairband, and classic black Louboutin heels. Tamannaah is set to star in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar alongside Avinash Tiwary and Jimmy Shergill. Tamannaah Bhatia recently stunned in a sultry black dress from the Skims X Dolce & Gabbana collection, showcasing her flawless hourglass figure. The sleek ensemble was paired with diamond earrings, a statement black hairband, and classic black Louboutin heels. Stylist Shaleena Nathani, who shared the pictures on Instagram alongside Tamannaah, described the look as sexxaayy," and fans couldnt agree more. The actor used the glamorous shoot to promote her upcoming Netflix release, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar. Captioning the photos, she wrote, When the aaropi is under cover. #SikandarKaMuqaddar, 2 more days. On Netflix." related stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tamannaah Bhatia (@tamannaahspeaks) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tamannaahs bold look drew praise from friends and fans alike. Samantha Ruth Prabhu commented, Amazing," while Rasha Thadani noted, You look like a doll." Many fans even compared her style to Madhuri Dixits iconic looks from Dil Toh Pagal Hai. Netflix India chimed in with a playful comment, Jurm? Falling in love with this aaropi." Celebrities like Ananya Panday and Kiara Advani also showed their approval by liking the post. Tamannaah is set to star in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar alongside Avinash Tiwary and Jimmy Shergill. The film promises a gripping narrative, weaving together a high-stakes heist, the relentless pursuit of justice by a determined police officer, and a chase that spans over 15 years. Fans are in for a thrilling, adrenaline-packed drama when the film releases on Netflix. First Published: November 28, 2024, 09:28 IST Drake Drags Own Label To Court Over Kendrick Lamar's Diss Track Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 18:31 IST As per reports, Drake has filed a petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify for illegally promoting Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us. Drake and Lamar's feud took an ugly turn with their diss tracks. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Even after being on friendly terms when they collaborated on each others early records, things started getting worse between Drake and Kendrick Lamar over the years, changing their equation into a fierce and competitive relationship. For a quick recap, Drake and Kendrick Lamars feud saw a dark turn after the rappers released songs addressing each others personal lives, with Lamar even referring to Drake as a certified paedophile." In the latest twist to their beef, Drake has reportedly initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the company conspired to inflate the popularity of Lamars Not Like Us. related stories The legal petition comes as a surprising move as the label is known for distributing both artists recordings. As per a Billboard report, Drake in a Monday filing in Manhattan court accused UMG of launching an illegal scheme involving bots, payola and other methods to artificially" boost the numbers for Lamers song that accuses him of paedophilia. Drakes Second Case Against Lamars Song While the labels representative later confirmed to Variety that the allegations were completely offensive and untrue," further emphasising that the company engages in the highest ethical practices in their marketing and promotional campaign, Drake ended up finding a second action against UMG in Texas. A day after alleging illegal promotion of Not Like Us on Spotify, Drakes company, Frozen Moments LLC made similar claims in Texas court regarding radio giant I iHeartRadio and said that UMG potentially paid the iHeartRadio to promote the particular song. In more new key details about his grievances towards the label, Drake also alleged that UMG already knew about Kendricks song falsely" accusing him of being a certified paedophilia" and predator" but chose to release it anyway. While representatives from both Drake and Lamar are yet to react to the reports, Lamar is not yet legally accused of any wrongdoings as claimed in the filings. The song in question, Not Like Us, came out in May 2024, with controversial lyrics like Say, Drake, I hear you like em young, Just make sure you hide your lil sister from him, and Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles. First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:31 IST Dua Lipa And Her Boyfriend Callum Turner Turn Heads In Black Outfits During Mumbai Outing; Watch Viral Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 21:01 IST Dua Lipa arrives in Mumbai for the Zomato Feeding India Concert 2024, bringing her boyfriend, Callum Turner, along for the trip. Dua Lipa and boyfriend Callum Turner arrive in Mumbai ahead of the Zomato Feeding India Concert 2024. Dua Lipa is all set to take the stage in Mumbai, India, on November 30, headlining the Zomato Feeding India Concert (ZFIC) at MMRDA, BKC. Arriving in the city on November 28, the global pop sensation brought along her boyfriend, Callum Turner, which has sparked excitement among fans. This visit marks Duas third time in India. In a widely shared video by paparazzi handle Filmygyan, Dua was spotted stepping out of a car alongside Callum Turner. The couple, dressed in matching black outfits, was seen heading inside a building, walking past a sea of photographers. The video quickly went viral, capturing fans attention with their coordinated look. related stories Who is Callum Turner? Callum Robilliard Turner, a British actor born in 1990, began his career as a fashion model, working for brands like Next and Reebok before transitioning to acting. He made his acting debut in the short student film Think of England (2010) and later appeared in Zero (2011), directed by David Barrouk, followed by Human Beings (2012). Turners career took off with his lead role in John Boormans Queen and Country (2014), starring alongside Vanessa Kirby. He gained further recognition for his performances in Emma (2020), The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021), and The Boys in the Boat (2023), directed by George Clooney. In 2024, he will appear in the Apple TV+ adaptation of William Gibsons Neuromancer. Turner has earned accolades for his work, including a British Academy Television Award nomination and recognition as a Breakthrough Brit by BAFTA. Dua Lipas Arrival in Mumbai As Dua Lipa landed in Mumbai, fans and photographers eagerly welcomed her. Dressed casually in a loose yellow shirt and black pyjamas, Dua made her way through the airport. The paparazzi humorously called out, Dua, Dua, Dua Dua mein yaad rakhna," referencing a famous line from the Bollywood song Channa Mereya. Although she didnt pose for photos, the moment added a playful charm to her arrival. The Zomato Feeding India Concert Dua Lipas performance is part of the Zomato Feeding India Concert 2024, an initiative aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition. The event, held on November 30 at MMRDA, BKC, brings together artists, changemakers, and citizens to support the United Nations goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. This will be Duas second performance in India, following her 2019 appearance at the OnePlus Music Festival in Navi Mumbai. Speaking about her connection with India, Dua shared her fond memories of the country, including spending the final days of 2023 in Rajasthan. I always love an excuse to come to India. It is such a beautiful country, and I have tons of fond memories from visiting. With all my shows, Im always wanting to create a fun and energetic space to reconnect with so many of my fans that I have not been able to see in so long," she told The Times of India. Dua Lipas Journey to Stardom Dua Lipa rose to fame by posting covers of popular songs on YouTube as a teenager. Her deep voice and charismatic presence caught the attention of Warner Records, with whom she signed in 2015. Her self-titled debut album in 2017 delivered hits like New Rules," Be the One," and IDGAF." The anthem New Rules" cemented her status as a pop icon, particularly for its empowering message. Her second album, Future Nostalgia (2020), brought global acclaim with its disco-inspired sound and hits such as Dont Start Now" and Levitating." The album won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2021. More Than Music Known for blending genres like disco, funk, and electronic music, Dua Lipa has a magnetic stage presence and bold fashion sense. Her lyrics often focus on themes of empowerment, self-love, and relationships, resonating deeply with her global audience. Throughout her career, she has earned multiple awards, including Brit Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and American Music Awards. Beyond music, Dua is recognized for her advocacy work, supporting humanitarian causes, womens rights, and global solidarity. First Published: November 28, 2024, 21:00 IST Malaika Arora Arrives At Salman Khan's Sister Arpita's Event Amid Breakup With Arjun Kapoor | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 23:59 IST Interestingly, Arpita Khan, now happily married to Aayush Sharma and a mother of two, was Arjun Kapoors first serious girlfriend. Malaika Arora and Arpita Khan Sharma. Malaika Arora made headlines with her appearance at Arpita Khan Sharmas restaurant launch event in Mumbai on Thursday evening. Arpita, sister of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Malaikas ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, hosted the grand launch with her husband, Aayush Sharma. Malaika, dressed in a chic sheer white polka dot top and black pants, paired with a Chanel bag, stunned onlookers at the event. Her arrival sparked curiosity, especially as it coincided with her breakup with Arjun Kapoor. related stories Malaika and Arjun Kapoor, who dated for six years, are reportedly no longer together. Arjun recently hinted at his single status during a promotional event for Singham Again, while Malaika has been posting cryptic messages on Instagram. In one post, she reshared a story that read, My status right now," with options like in a relationship," single," and hehehe," with the last one highlighted. Without adding any comments, she left fans speculating about her personal life. Interestingly, Arpita Khan, now happily married to Aayush Sharma and a mother of two, was Arjun Kapoors first serious girlfriend. In an old interview with Bombay Times, Arjun had shared, My first and only serious relationship so far was with Arpita Khan. We started seeing each other when I was 18, and it lasted for two years. I was scared of Salman bhai, but I told him and the family first. They were kind and respected it." Malaika and Arjuns relationship had been under constant media attention since it began in 2018, following Malaikas divorce from Arbaaz Khan. Over the years, they openly shared glimpses of their life together on social media. Arjun stood by Malaika during tough times, including the passing of her stepfather, Anil Mehta, in September. Arjun, in a recent Hollywood Reporter interview, spoke about his emotional challenges post-breakup. I needed to take care of myself. Being selfish is looked at slightly in the wrong way, but its not. I was not okay because of other things. It was just a lot thats happened in my life," he revealed. First Published: November 28, 2024, 23:59 IST Naga Chaitanya Is 'Nervous' Before Second Wedding With Sobhita Dhulipala: 'Going Through All The Rituals...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 17:00 IST Naga Chaitanya is set to marry for the second time after his divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He and Sobhita Dhulipala will tie the knot on December 4. Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala are engaged. Naga Chaitanya is set to marry for the second time after his divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He and Sobhita Dhulipala will tie the knot on December 4 at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. The couple had kept their relationship under wraps until their engagement in August, but Naga Chaitanya has now opened up about their love story. In a recent interview with Zoom, he shared details about their first meeting and opened up on their upcoming wedding, which he called a private affair. Speaking with Zoom, Naga Chaitanya recalled meeting Sobhita for the first time in Mumbai at a work event. He said, I was in Mumbai for the launch of my OTT show, during that time, she did have a show with the same platform as well. We first interacted at the event hosted by the OTT platform." related stories Naga Chaitanya also opened up on how great it has been to get to know Sobhita and her family over time. He said, Its been lovely getting to know Sobhita and her family the past few months, watching the families interact has been a joy. I am really looking forward to and excited for the wedding day, going through all the rituals and watching the families come together." Opening up on their families, Chaitanya said, I am treated like a son. There has been a lot of comfort and many things in common from the get-go. Sobhita is a family girl, and we have all celebrated a couple of festivals together as well." He went on to add that the wedding venue is special to his family, making it important for everything to go smoothly and create memorable moments. All in all, there is a lot of excitement and healthy nervousness in me." While the wedding rituals will be grand, he said the guest list will be small and intimate. Naga Chaitanyas first marriage was with actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. They got married in October 2017 after dating for a long time. Unfortunately, the couple announced their separation in October 2021, citing personal differences, and later finalised their divorce in 2022. First Published: November 28, 2024, 17:00 IST Opinion | Bias, Bigotry, And Bots: The Dangers Of Unfettered Citizen Journalism Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 18:25 IST Citizen journalism, despite all its claims of an ideal speech situation, degrades into a space of vitriol, racism, bigotry, misinformation, rumours, and hate speech The rise of new technologies has given a boost to citizen journalism. (Representative image) Since he bought X (formerly Twitter) in a messy and hostile takeover, Elon Musk has been shaping the platform in his own image. He considers X to be a digital town square". Through his fierce advocacy, Musk has pushed for a powerful yet not much-talked-about idea: citizen journalism. The eccentric billionaire sees X as a replacement for traditional media platforms, and citizen journalists as substitutes for professional journalists. In the book, The Medium is the Massage: An Inventory of Effects, Marshall McLuhan wrote, Societies have always been shaped more by the nature of the media by which men communicate It is impossible to understand social and cultural changes without a knowledge of the workings of media." This certainly holds true for the post-Musk era of X and his advocacy of citizen journalism. related stories It is hard to define who a citizen journalist is, since the term is loaded and has a diverse set of scholarly definitions and overlapping meanings. In simple terms, a citizen journalist is any person who engages in journalistic activity but is not a trained reporter or professional. As Musk puts it, citizen journalism is a new model of news, which is to gather information from people who are at the scene, who are experts in the field, summarise the experts in the field and people who are at whatever event is being talked about, and aggregate that into a real-time news feed." The idea of citizen journalism is not new. One could argue that during the Indian freedom struggle, many freedom fighters, who were not professional journalists, brought out their newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, and periodicals to raise awareness of the true nature of the British Raj. They were, in fact, citizen journalists". In 1963, Abraham Zapruder filmed a 26-second horrifying video that recorded the assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy. In 2008, when Mumbai was rocked by a cowardly terrorist attack, online platforms were flooded with stories and photos from citizens present near the attack sites. In December 2010, in Tunisia, the video of Mohamed Bouazizis self-immolation triggered the Jasmine Revolution and the Arab Spring. All these instances are emblematic of citizen journalism. The rise of new technologies has given a boost to citizen journalism. It is challenging traditional media, breaking down the silos and walls that once existed between institutional news dissemination and the roles citizens now play in it. Gone are the days when only journalists and media houses were the gatekeepers of information. Now, for those willing, there are plenty of mediums and platforms to broadcast events, views, and information. Traditional media is competing with two forces. The first is the competition from new technologies and newer mediums. The second is the competition from the former" audience, who have turned into journalists, thanks to mobile cameras and the internet. As Elon Musk tweeted, You are the media now" and You can do live video easily from your phone." The rise of citizen journalism is also attributed to the reputational damage suffered by serious journalism due to the commercial and other vested interests of media conglomerates. Once a venerable profession, journalism has been tarnished by the insidious rise of yellow-page journalism, where news is used to manipulate public opinion, rather than being a noble pursuit of speaking truth to power. The media has largely ceased to be a profitable business, as advertisers shift to online platforms. Yet, the rich and powerful continue to pour money into it to harness, create, and maintain favourable public opinion and political power. The people who were supposed to be the vanguard of journalism became fixated on maintaining the status quo, reflected in their complacent attitude and institutional biases. Traditional media today lacks passion. Many big-media journalists are now cautious, well-paid conformists, distant from their audiences and more responsive to urban elites, powerful people, and mega-corporationsespecially the ones they work for," says journalist James Poniewozik. Take, for example, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre, which found that about three-quarters of US adults (73 per cent) say they have seen inaccurate news coverage about the election at least somewhat often, including 37 per cent who have seen this kind of information extremely or very often." Musk, a product of media glorification, has fiercely criticised mainstream legacy" media and has argued that in citizen journalism people are able to disseminate news without an establishment bias." He believes that this type of journalism is infinitely superior" and breaks the monopoly held by a handful of editors." But the remedy provided by citizen journalism might be worse than the malady. Due to traditional media being run through a centralised structure, it is easier for a willing state to set accountability. This becomes a challenge in a highly decentralised setup. As far as the legacy medias institutional bias is concerned, citizen journalism will also fall victim to individual biases. Online platforms are repositories of confirmation biases, propelled by algorithms, which will also manifest in citizen journalism. Currently, non-traditional platforms are used to call out the recognised biases of legacy media. But when social media itself becomes an echo chamber, recognising bias becomes impossible, and no one is there to call it out. Citizen journalism, despite all its claims of an ideal speech situation, degrades into a space of vitriol, racism, bigotry, misinformation, rumours, and hate speech. Recently, The Guardian quit the X platform, citing disturbing content", including racism. The World Bank ceased paid advertising on X after advertisements were shown under a racist post, according to a CBS News report in September 2024. According to a report by CNN, Musk publicly endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory that Jewish communities push hatred against Whites." Musk called an antisemitic tweet the actual truth", which accused Jewish people of undermining Western civilisation by supporting immigration. Research conducted by ISD and CASM Technology for BBC Panorama revealed that when Elon Musk took over X, it fostered an environment that allowed thousands of new accounts to quickly begin following channels known for misogynistic content on the platform. What is true for the relationship between legacy media and the rich is also true for citizen journalism and social media. Take the case of X and Elon Musk, for the road to hell is paved with good intentions. He claimed neutrality and a level playing field for all sides. However, as The New York Times reported, It has become starkly evident that the left, the Democrats, do not have the same social media platforms to push their agenda It has left Democrats in a huge deficit." Elon Musk, like other billionaires, wanted to have his medium, and he grabbed it at a huge premium. Walter Isaacson, in the authorised biography of Musk, called it out: Over the years, whenever he was in a dark place or felt threatened, it took him back to the horrors of being bullied on the playground. Now he had the chance to own the playground." Journalism is a professional pursuit requiring special skills, training, and expertise. Though citizens can participate and connect constructively with the news process, they cannot replace journalists and institutionalised journalism. In 2014, speaking to a digital news publication, senior journalist Shekhar Gupta said, I dont believe in citizen journalists. I say give me citizen doctors and citizen lawyers, and Ill give you citizen journalists. We learn the journalistic skill, we come with bullshit detectors, which get better with age and experience." Journalism is an exercise in sophistication, requiring an understanding of the system, devouring documents in search of information, conducting investigations, and having the courage to question the newsmakers. However, traditional media cannot afford to have a snobbish and disdainful attitude towards the public. It will have to accept that people cannot be excluded, and the process must be made participatory. People need someone who listens to them without arrogance or claiming moral high ground. The onus is on legacy journalists to be passionate and innovative. The letters to editors are one such way of making people feel heard. Citizen journalism, despite its lofty ideals of equality, is also dominated by a privileged few who possess the technical means, educational know-how, and time to spare. The masses remain voiceless and unheard, a vacuum that has also persisted in legacy media. Journalists, newsmakers, and the audience, with a bottom-up approach, need to fill this gap and build an equitable space for those who require the news the most but are also the most ignored in the process. A mob claiming to represent the masses is as harmful as the select few deciding for the masses. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the past, institutional journalists and journalism have faced many crises head-on. However, due to the velocity of technological changes, the media space is far more fragmented, with more claimants than ever before. It is more contested, as the former audienceenabled by the pervasiveness of the internet and driven by the faltering credibility of traditional mediais taking matters into their own hands. The onus is on professional journalists to improve their standing and ensure the restoration of trust in once-revered institutional journalism. People need credible news, but not from sources that disguise avarice behind the gauzy language of objectivity and impartiality, nor from people shouting from soapboxes. The author has a masters degree in Polymers from Scotland (UK), and in this age of social media likes to consume books and not bits and bobs of reels and headlines. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:25 IST Opinion | Imran Khans Final Call Ends In Uneasy Stalemate Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 11:43 IST PTI gained nothing at Islamabads D-Chowk. Imran Khan remains jailed, the fight against the establishment continues and Pakistan's future hangs in the balance Imran Khan, who has been in jail since August last year, issued a 'final call' on November 13 for nationwide protests on November 24. (Image: AFP) After nearly three days of intense drama and confrontation with Pakistans powerful military establishment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insafs (PTIs) final call to stage a sit-in at Islamabads sensitive D-Chowk culminated in a rather dramatic escape. In the late hours of 26 November and early morning of 27 November, Bushra Bibi, wife of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur retreated to the safe confines of Peshawar, the province under PTIs own provincial rule, from Islamabads Blue Area. One policeman and three personnel of the Pakistan Rangers were martyred in violence instigated by irate PTI supporters. Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif served as pallbearers at the namaz-e-janaza (funeral) of the Pakistan Rangers sepoys at Chaklala Garrison on 26 November. Speaking at the funeral, the Prime Minister condemned the violence during the protests, stating, Pakistan cannot afford any chaos and bloodshed for achieving vested political purposes. These acts of violence are unacceptable and highly condemnable, pushing the limits of restraint by law enforcement agencies." related stories Meanwhile, the Taxila Police registered a case against Imran Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, and others on charges of the murder of the police constable. Although none of PTIs demandsto release Imran Khan, restore the 8 February election verdict, or free the party workers arrested on 9 May 2023were achieved, the demonstrators, predominantly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), managed to negate and challenge assertions by the ruling federal government, particularly Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi had pledged to block PTI supporters from crossing the Attock Bridge and other border checkpoints, preventing access to Punjab and the Federal Capital Area from KP. Nevertheless, PTI supporters gathered in significant numbers and reached Islamabads Blue Area, near the prohibited Red Zone of D-Chowk and beyond. In the early hours of Wednesday, 27 November, PTI announced it was calling off its protest sit-in for the time being," citing the governments brutality and plan to turn the capital into a slaughterhouse for unarmed citizens." The partys press release alleged that eight PTI supporters were killed by law enforcement during the protest march, though these claims are yet to be substantiated. Much was made by PTIs hyperactive social media trolls about Pakistani security force personnel not preventing the marching cavalcades of PTI supporters or stopping demonstrators from befriending them atop containers blocking access points near D-Chowk. Former group editor of The News, Shaheen Sehbai, now based in the United States, went so far as to claim that these scenes could be a precursor to an imminent overthrow of General Asim Munir by his own Generals! However, these claims were belied by the establishments narrative, which highlighted the deliberate restraint shown by law enforcement authorities to avoid falling into the trap of providing martyrs or dead bodies to the PTI. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, believed to have close ties to the military leadership, faced criticism after his assertion that the entire episode unfolded according to a secret plan involving possible hidden hand parleys between the powers that be and PTIs negotiating team, who supposedly had the blessing of the former first lady, recently released on bail but not rearrested, as had been the pattern earlier. Naqvi later backtracked from his statement, instead asserting that firm measures had been taken to clear the D-Chowk vicinity of all protesters. Bushra Bibi did take over the generalship of the demonstrators as they moved closer to Islamabad, checkmating KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and not allowing the latter to even leave her car for ablutionary calls, fearing he might once again act duplicitously at the behest of his Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) handlers, as he was suspected of doing in the recent past. Some media anchors speculated that this move to project Bushra Bibi as the leader of PTI factions might have been part of a deliberate strategy by the military establishment to counter Imran Khan. However, the plan seemed to have gone awry! The next few days may reveal whether Bushra Bibi will be rearrested and when the establishment decides to stop mollycoddling KP CM Gandapur. In a statement shared on his official X account on 26 November, Imran Khan expressed gratitude to the Pakistani nation and PTI activists for standing up for their rights and engaging in peaceful protests. He stated that his message to his team was clear: to fight until the last ball, and not back down until our demands are fulfilled." Another of his close associates, Shahbaz Gill, now residing abroad, tweeted that while the party had no choice but to call off the sit-in in the face of overwhelming force, further demonstrations could not be ruled out if the party leadership decided to call for them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Although this round of confrontation has ended, the civilian regime remains insecure, and political instability, with its consequent impediment to economic revival, seems set to continue in Pakistan. The writer is a former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 28, 2024, 11:43 IST Right Word | Digital Censorship: Pakistans Weaponisation of VPN Usage Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 17:04 IST The military-led hybrid regime has now mandated a ban on unregistered VPNs, citing Islamist and national security concerns, with the countrys Islamic clergy issuing a fatwa declaring VPNs as 'un-Islamic' On November 15, Pakistan's Ministry of Interior instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to block illegal VPNs throughout the country. (Representative image) Digital media platforms have increasingly become vital arenas for public discourse, particularly in socio-political contexts where freedom of expression is systematically suppressed, monitored, and harshly penalised. In such environments, these platforms serve as crucial outlets for voicing dissent. Authoritarian regimes, including China and Pakistan, have established robust digital barriers to maintain informational dominance; however, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as effective tools for circumventing the digital censorship imposed by these governments. In Pakistan, the military-led hybrid regime, having already subdued traditional media, has now mandated a ban on unregistered VPNs. The government justifies this restriction by invoking Islamist and national security arguments, with the countrys Islamic clergy issuing a fatwa declaring VPNs as un-Islamic (haram). Nevertheless, it is evident that the primary intention behind this ban is to stifle the public expression of political dissent on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which reveal the governments ongoing political repression in the country. related stories On November 15, Pakistans Ministry of Interior instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the regulatory body overseeing internet infrastructure and online content, to block illegal VPNs" throughout the country. The government rationalised this directive by alleging that these tools are increasingly misused by terrorists to facilitate violent activities and financial transactions" within Pakistan. Furthermore, the order asserted that VPNs are being used [to] discreetly access pornographic and blasphemous content." This action followed a prior directive from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on November 13, which also called for the PTA to block blasphemous content on social media." The criminalisation of VPN usage represents a strategic effort to suppress dissent and limit political expression in the digital arena. By targeting the very tools that have empowered political and human rights activists to bypass censorship and amplify their critiques, the government seeks to reassert control over social media narratives. This situation underscores an ongoing struggle to manage digital discourse, which has persistently challenged the governments authority over the past year by subjecting its actions to international scrutiny. This action has further plunged Pakistan into the depths of authoritarianism, with numerous rights organisations, including Amnesty International, denouncing it as a breach of the right to privacy, a restriction on citizens access to information, and an infringement on free expression. Notably, the 2024 Freedom on the Net report by Freedom House states that the Pakistani government has historically enacted policies that undermine internet freedom, removed content without a transparent process, and imposed blanket bans on platforms," as evidenced during the coverage period. This is particularly significant as Pakistan has experienced widespread political repression over the past two years, especially following the violent anti-government protests on May 9, 2023, triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The countrys dominant military-led establishment has leveraged the events of May 9 as a pretext for extensive crackdowns, resulting in the mass detention of thousands, including political and human rights activists, many of whom have faced trials in military courts. This systematic suppression has also encompassed restrictions on political freedoms, notably through frequent limitations on access to social media platforms. The contentious general elections held on February 8, 2024, further illustrated the authoritarian trajectory of Pakistans military-dominated establishment, characterised by blatant electoral manipulation aimed at preventing candidates associated with Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from achieving a majority at both national and provincial levels. Instead, the results appear to have been orchestrated to facilitate Shehbaz Sharifs return to power. Notably, in the lead-up to the elections, amidst a vigorous digital campaign by independent candidates linked to the PTI, the military-controlled establishment initially sought compliance from the X platform with its directives. When X declined to adhere to these demands, the Pakistani government responded by imposing a blanket ban on the platform and intermittently disrupting access to other significant digital sites like YouTube. Such platforms had become essential for the PTI and human rights activists in exposing the governments oppressive political strategies and the abuses perpetrated by the Pakistani Army in the countrys remote provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In this context, the significance of tools like VPN becomes paramount, as they provide activists with the means to bypass state-imposed digital restrictions and continue documenting and disseminating evidence of ongoing political repression and human rights abuses committed by the Pakistan Army. However, the Pakistani establishment has resorted to using Islamist rhetoric to rationalise this digital repression. For example, on the same day that the Interior Ministry directed the PTA to block VPNs, the military regime enlisted the subdued Islamic clergy from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII)a constitutional body advising the government and National Assembly on Islamic jurisprudenceto issue a fatwa declaring VPN usage as un-Islamic (haram). The decree asserted that If attempts are made to access indecent or immoral sites, character assassination is carried out, statements are made against national security, or instances of religious blasphemy are disseminated, then [using] it would entirely be un-Islamic." The fatwas explicit mentions of character assassination" and statements on national security" seem strategically crafted to bolster the regimes crackdown on social media users who consistently challenge state-sanctioned narratives. These critiques encompass political repression, economic mismanagement, systemic media censorship, and expose the contentious actions of the Pakistan military, including severe human rights violations, to an international audience. Consequently, this directive empowers authorities to target any individual accessing banned platforms such as X to express political dissent or reveal the militarys conduct, thereby consolidating the regimes capacity to manipulate and dominate the political narrative. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This manoeuvre exemplifies how Pakistans military-dominated hybrid regime utilises both national security rhetoric and religious doctrine to solidify its authority while systematically diminishing political freedoms and civil liberties by maintaining absolute control over the countrys information landscape, akin to Chinas Great Digital Firewall. As Pakistan descends deeper into the realm of digital authoritarianism, avenues for independent political expression are swiftly vanishing, leaving the populace increasingly disenfranchised and voiceless. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 28, 2024, 17:04 IST Against All Odds: Hemant Sorens Path To Power In Jharkhand Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 21:20 IST Soren, 49, has transformed from a young, ambitious leader into a powerful advocate for the rights of tribal communities, earning his place as one of the most formidable figures in the state's political landscape Sorens political journey has also been fraught with internal party struggles.(Image: PTI/File) Hemant Soren, the youngest chief minister of Jharkhand, has navigated a tumultuous and fiercely challenging political journey, marked by fierce legal battles, intense party rivalries, and personal setbacks. Soren, 49, has transformed from a young, ambitious leader into a powerful advocate for the rights of tribal communities, earning his place as one of the most formidable figures in the states political landscape. related stories But his rise to power was anything but easy. With the weight of tribal hopes and aspirations on his shoulders, Soren faced an uphill battleovercoming internal party strife, external pressures, and relentless opposition forces. From the moment he stepped into the Chief Ministers office, the odds seemed stacked against him. Yet, with each setback, Soren grew stronger, emerging not only as the voice for the marginalized but also as a symbol of resilience in the face of political turmoil. His story is one of determination, grit, and unwavering resolvea saga of a leader who has fought every battle, not just for power, but for the very soul of his people. In the recently held elections, Soren, along with his wife Kalpana, together addressed around 200 election rallies over the past two months. Soren has consistently accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to destabilise his administration, calling it a poaching master" that could not digest a tribal CM completing a full five-year term." Born on August 10, 1975, in Nemra village near Hazaribag, Sorens early life was influenced by the political legacy of his father, Shibu Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). However, he was not initially seen as his fathers successor. His elder brother, Durga, was the designated heir, but after his untimely death in 2009, Hemant was thrust into the political spotlight and took over the leadership of the state. He did his intermediate studies at Patna High School and later enrolled in Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, though he dropped out. Soren began his political career in 2009 as a Rajya Sabha member, but his tenure there was short-lived. He resigned in 2010 to become Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led Arjun Munda government. However, the alliance collapsed in 2012, leading to Presidents Rule in the state. Despite this setback, Sorens resolve to lead Jharkhand never faltered. In 2013, Soren became the states youngest CM at 38 with the support of Congress and RJD. However, his first term was short-lived, as the BJP took power in 2014, and Soren became Leader of the Opposition. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2016 when the BJP-led government attempted to amend laws the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act. Soren led a massive movement to protect tribal rights, which not only earned him widespread support but also set the stage for his return to power. In 2019, Soren, with the backing of Congress and RJD, reclaimed the Chief Ministers office. His JMM won 30 seats, its highest ever in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. His tenure, however, hasnt been free of controversy. In 2023, he found himself embroiled in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. He was arrested soon after resigning as CM on January 31. After spending nearly five months in jail, Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court, which observed that there was no likelihood of him committing the offence. Soren has consistently maintained that his arrest was politically motivated, and he was a victim of a conspiracy aimed at undermining his government. Despite these challenges, his voice for the states tribal population has been central to his political identity. He has been at the forefront of initiatives that aim to empower tribals, ensuring they receive the benefits of the states economic growth. Under his leadership, the state government launched the Apke Adhikar, Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar scheme, which brought government services to peoples doorstep. Furthermore, the expansion of the states pension scheme and the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, which provides Rs 1,000 aid to women in the age bracket of 18-51 years, have become pillars of his administration. He claims his governments commitment to social welfare is also evident in the farmer loan waivers, which were intended to benefit over 1.75 lakh farmers. His government also waived outstanding electricity bills and introduced a scheme providing free power for up to 200 units. Throughout his political career, Soren has faced fierce opposition from the BJP, and he has repeatedly accused the Centre of exploiting Jharkhands resources without fair compensation, raising the issue of the Rs 1.36 lakh crore in unpaid coal mining dues with PM Narendra Modi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sorens political journey has also been fraught with internal party struggles. In 2022, he narrowly avoided disqualification as an MLA due to allegations surrounding a mining lease but managed to retain his position as CM. Despite such challenges, his leadership has remained resilient, and his ability to navigate political turbulence has strengthened his position. Location : Ranchi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 21:20 IST Their Overconfidence Hurt MVA': Uddhav Sena Leader Blames Congress For Maharashtra Debacle Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 20:50 IST The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a stunning defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, being reduced to 50 seats. Ambadas Danve said leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) are mulling going solo in future elections following the recent MVA rout. (PTI/File) After a disappointing defeat in the recent Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the despondent Shiv Sena (UBT) lashed out at Congress for its overconfidence" after the Lok Sabha elections, blaming it and their attitude during seat-sharing talks for the Maha Vikas Aghadis (MVA) rout in the state. Taking potshots at the state Congress leadership, Shiv Sena (UBT)s Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve said they were overconfident after the victory in the Lok Sabha elections" and said Uddhav Thackeray should have been the CM face" of the alliance. Congress was overconfident after Lok Sabha elections. People of Congress were ready with coats and ties to divide portfolios," he said. related stories After winning the LS polls, the Congress seemed to have become extra over-confident They were on the verge of winning Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and even Maharashtra But some of their workers were seen discussing who would become the CM and Ministers or what portfolios they would get," Danve said, as quoted by IANS. ALSO READ: Uddhav Thackeray Facing UBT Leaders Heat To Quit MVA? Party Reacts Rift Between Congress, Sena UBT After Election Loss Danves remarks came after several party leaders raised murmurs of ekla chalo (going solo) in the future elections during a political autopsy" meeting presided over by Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday. Many leaders and workers of the SS-UBT have reportedly asked for the party to consider fighting the upcoming local bodies polls independently to start afresh following the recent drubbing. The speculation was set off by Danves remarks, who said some leaders believe that Shiv Sena (UBT) did not receive the desired support in the MVA-INDIA bloc. They have suggested that the party should strengthen itself and prepare to contest all 288 Assembly seats independently in future elections" However, Danve on Thursday asserted his party will remain with the MVA, but said Uddhav should have been the CM face of the alliance, which could have swung some 2-5 per cent of the votes" in the favour of the opposition. Sanjay Raut of the UBT camp has also said that the party wont walk out of the alliance. The MVA bloc suffered a wipeout in the Maharashtra elections, with Shiv Sena-UBT winning the largest seats (20) out of the 89 it contested. The Congress was reduced to 16 seats out of the 103 it contested and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP could only bag 10 seats. The defeat washed out their gains in the Lok Sabha elections, where it won 30 out of 48 seats. BJP Slams Shiv Sena-UBT For Selfish Politics Meanwhile, former BJP MP Navneet Rana on Thursday accused Uddhav Thackerays party of indulging in selfish politics" and blaming the Congress for its failure" in the assembly elections after Danves remarks. Rana said the Shiv Sena (UBT) was focusing on securing the CM post rather than working coherently with alliance partners. In 2019, when we contested, they had a few more seats, but they didnt even like the alliance with the BJP. Today, when their seats are fewer, they dont like the Congress alliance either. Whether they have more seats or fewer, they dont like their alliances. From this, you can understand that those who are full of arrogance dont like any partner, whether good or bad. They only do politics for their own self-interest and position," she told IANS. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Congress leader Vishwajeet Patangrao Kadam also criticised Danves remarks, saying it was unnecessary" to make such statements at this time. I would prefer that our colleagues, who fought the election for the MVA, be supported and encouraged. Its important to boost the morale of our workers and give them strength," he said. (with agency inputs) First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:53 IST 'Fadnavis As Maharashtra CM' Nearly A Done Deal: How BJP Can Soften The Blow For Eknath Shinde Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 09:44 IST The first thing the BJP can do beyond negotiating with the Sena leadership about its demand for portfolio is talking where Senas interest lies the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), whose election is due next year. Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, November 26. (Image: PTI) At a winter afternoon surprise press conference called by Eknath Shinde on Wednesday, he virtually relinquished his Chief Ministerial ambitions for the second time and paved the way for Devendra Fadnavis even before his party leadership could make a case for him. Ill not be an obstacle in Mahayuti," he said. Shinde has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that he will never be a roadblock. He will accept the PMs decision, he explained. His wisdom comes from a position of 57 seats knowing 132 seats commands the right of asking for the Chief Minister. Now, whether Eknath Shinde himself demotes himself as a Deputy Chief Minister like Devendra Fadnavis did under Shindes premiership to nominate someone remains to be seen. But it will not be an easy week ahead in particular and a month in general for a man who split Shiv Sena, became Maharashtras Chief Minister, and is now left as a second fiddle. related stories What can the BJP do to soften his hurt as he travels to New Delhi on Thursday along with Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, where they are expected to meet Amit Shah? THE MEETING, THE DEMAND AND THE CALL The decision to relinquish the demand for the Chief Ministerial post was made nearly 24 hours before Wednesdays press conference was held on Tuesday night. Few Shinde Sena leaders went to meet Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, which was touted as an informal meeting" by the Sena but where Fadnavis has been given a message that should BJP expect Shindes support, they should be open to negotiation for key portfolios like Home and Irrigation. CM Shinde kept the Urban Development Department (UDD), which the Sena wants to keep to itself as well. Meanwhile, as Shinde made it public, he has made a call to PM Modi and expressed his support and now all three leaders will come to Delhi on Thursday when they are likely to meet Amit Shah and talk about government formation and its finer demands. The BJP has to walk a fine line in terms of agreeing to Senas portfolio demands. SOFTENING THE BLOW, BEYOND PORTFOLIOS top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The first thing the BJP can do beyond negotiating with the Sena leadership about its demand for portfolio is talking where Senas interest lies the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), whose election is due next year. It is Asias richest civic body and is traditionally held by the undivided Shiv Sena. Now that the Eknath Shinde faction claims it is the real Shiv Sena, it will be incumbent upon the BJP to help Eknath Shinde Sena form its majority, come 2025, instead of the BJP making it a case of competitive allies. Undivided Shiv Sena won 84 seats out of a total 227 seats, while the BJP got 82 seats, in the 2017 elections. But this time around, Shinde will not only fight for his identity, but to crush whatever is left of Shiv Sena UBT. So, the BJP will have to consider the bigger picture here if it wants to soften the blow on Eknath Shinde. If Eknath Shinde refuses to join as Deputy CM, the BJP will have the option to offer him a seat in the Modi cabinet either immediately or later. UPA era Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is now a Rajya Sabha member while Narayan Rane too has made his journey from Varsha bungalow to the Modi Cabinet. If he chose to push his sons future, three-time MP from Kalyan, who has emerged as the face of CMs son Shrikant Shindes candidature for Modis council of ministers could also be considered as a balm. First Published: November 28, 2024, 09:44 IST Govt Gears Up To Mark 50 Years Of Emergency To Blunt Opposition's 'Constitution' Narrative Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 14:17 IST In the run-up to the 50 years of Emergency next year, synchronising with Constitution Day celebrations, the national broadcaster plans many programmes to remind people about the days when their rights were taken away During the discussion on the Constitution, the government will not only remind the Congress about Emergency but also stress that many who are now with the INDIA bloc have themselves been victims of the dark period. (AP) Next week, Parliament is likely to have a two-day discussion on the Constitution after the government conceded to the Oppositions demand. While the Opposition may see this as a win, there is a larger plan behind this. For the opposition parties, this is the chance they were looking for to attack the BJP for compromising on constitutional principles the compromised" election process and EVMs, parliamentary norms being violated and detractors being targeted and silenced. related stories The government, however, has a counter-plan ready. First, it will counter the Congress on the fact that the party amended the Constitution at least 80 times. For instance, an amendment made in 1976, which was later struck down by the Supreme Court, was that no cases can be filed against the prime minister or governor even after they demit office. In 1987, special powers were given to governors which made them even more powerful. During the tenure of Dr Manmohan Singh as prime minister, there were 17 times when amendments were made in the Constitution. But the biggest change in the Constitution is the one which the Congress can never play down the sweeping amendment which took away the fundamental rights of the people and was called The Emergency. The BJP attacks and reminds the Congress of this each time it accuses the former of being anti-democratic. So, the plan is big. It will be 50 years of the Emergency next year and the government wants the people of the country, especially the youth, to know about this dark period of history. Informed sources have told News18 that many programmes will be launched about the Emergency days. During the discussion on the Constitution, the government will not only remind the Congress about Emergency but also stress that many who are now with the INDIA bloc have themselves been victims of the dark period. The daughter of Lalu Yadav was named MISA after the draconian law by this name which snatched the basic rights of the people." In the run-up to the 50 years of Emergency next year, synchronising with Constitution Day celebrations, the national broadcaster plans many programmes to remind people about the days when their rights were taken away. Jails, where many political leaders and journalists were kept, will be revisited and newspaper offices which were shut down will be showcased. This apart, there are coins, stamps, and brochures that are expected to be displayed to remind the people of the dark days. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prasar Bharti will make films and documentaries with visuals and pictures from archives to show the horrors of the Emergency. So, while Congress leaders like Priyanka Vadra took oath with a copy of the Constitution in their hand, the government will relive the past to counter them. First Published: November 28, 2024, 11:58 IST Key Mahayuti Leaders Meet Shah In Delhi As Suspense Continues On Maharashtra CM Pick Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 23:59 IST Earlier on Wednesday, Shinde said he will not be hurdle to form the Mahayuti government and added that he will accept the BJP's high decision on the CM's pick Mahayuti leaders meet Amit Shah at his residence on Thursday. (News18) Five days after the poll verdict in Maharashtra, multiple meetings of Mahayuti leaders in Mumbai and New Delhi but the suspense still continues on the next chief minister of the state, where the alliance registered a landslide victory in the assembly election last week. A key meeting of Mahayuti leaders was held at Union Home Minister Amit Shahs residence in New Delhi on Thursday night. Among those present in the meeting include Maharashtras caretaker and Shiv Sena Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, former CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, and BJP chief JP Nadda. related stories Shinde met Amit Shah ahead of the Mahayuti meeting. Upon his arrival from Mumbai, Shinde went straight to Shahs residence on Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi, where BJP national president JP Nadda was already present. Fadnavis and Pawar later joined the meeting. Earlier on Wednesday, Shinde said he will not be hurdle to form the Mahayuti government and added that he will accept the BJPs high decision on the CMs pick. The Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, achieved a resounding victory in the recent Maharashtra state assembly elections, securing 230 seats in the 288-member assembly. The BJP alone claimed 132 constituencies, its highest ever tally in the state, while its allies Shindes Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawars NCP also performed strongly, winning 57 and 41 seats, respectively. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance faced a significant setback. The Congress suffered one of its worst performances in Maharashtra, securing just 16 seats, while Sharad Pawars NCP(SP) won a mere 10, and Uddhav Thackerays UBT faction managed just 20 seats. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: November 28, 2024, 22:07 IST Uddhav Thackeray Facing UBT Leaders' Heat To Quit MVA? Party Reacts Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 12:32 IST Maharashtra politics: Media reports claimed that Uddhav Thackeray is facing pressure from his party leaders to quit the MVA. Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray (PTI Image) Maharashtra politics: Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT has outrightly denied the reports of any internal rumbling among the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies stating that they are not breaking away from the tie-up that it became a part of in 2019. This comes after media reports claimed that Uddhav is under pressure from his leaders to leave the alliance after its poor show in the Assembly Elections. The Shiv Sena UBT bagged only 20 seats in the polls, the most among its MVA allies. Congress won 16 seats while Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP won 10 seats in the polls. related stories The Uddhav Sena dismissed reports of plans to split from the MVA following poll drubbing stating that there is no truth" in it. The comments coming in from various quarters do not reflect the position of the partys top brass. All the reports currently are speculative," the party said. Sanjay Raut Dismisses Queries Of UBT Contesting Solo top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut responded to media queries if UBT will go solo in the BMC polls or will remain a part of the MVA. Why are you guys worried? Just now the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections results have comewe will see, we know what to do. MVA leaders are capable of making decisions regarding the BMC polls," he said. First Published: November 28, 2024, 12:32 IST Mamata Calls Waqf Bill 'Anti-Secular', Says It Will Strip Muslims Of Their Rights Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 20:24 IST Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (PTI file photo) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as anti-secular", alleging that it would snatch the rights of Muslims. Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter. related stories The Bill is anti-federal and anti-secular. It is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section. It will snatch the rights of Muslims The Centre did not consult us on the Waqf Bill," she said. The chief minister added that if any religion were attacked", she would wholeheartedly condemn it. Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the Bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims. The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency to the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable. A parliamentary committee has been constituted to scrutinise the contentious Bill. The chief minister said that the Waqf matters were brought under an Act during the British era in 1934 and after Independence, it was amended and there was another amendment in 1995, she said. The central government had tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, primarily to amend it. I believe that if this turns into an Act, then the Waqf will be destroyed," she said. The Centre should have discussed the matter with the states because, like the Central Waqf Board, there are state bodies. And this is a quasi-judicial body," Banerjee said. The Lok Sabha on Thursday adopted a resolution to extend the tenure of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill till the last day of the Budget Session next year. This Bill is against one religion. We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Constitution on November 26. We are a secular and democratic country. Unity in diversity is our religion. This Bill is against the basic spirit of equality and the right to practise any religion," she said. Banerjee claimed that besides Muslims, Hindus and people belonging to other religions donate to Waqf properties for the development of the people. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Schools, hostels and hospitals were built on Waqf land," she said and questioned whether those living on such land would be removed using bulldozers after the Bill becomes an Act. Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs, Isaiah are all our friends. We are for everybody and not for a single religion. But if there is torture in any religion, we condemn this. I think this (Waqf amendment bill) has been done for political reasons," Banerjee said. First Published: November 28, 2024, 20:22 IST 'Will Follow Centre's Stand': Mamata Banerjee Reacts To Attacks On Hindus In Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:25 IST Mamata Banerjee clarified that the Bangladesh issue was for the central government to address and Bengal government would abide by its decision. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stands with Centre's decision on Bangladesh's unrest. (PTI File) Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh over the arrest of ISKCON priest Shri Chinmoy Das, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed concerns and emphasised that since the matter pertains to another country, she will stand with the central government on the issue. Addressing the issue in the Legislative Assembly, Banerjee clarified that the issue was for the central government to address and her state government would abide by its decision. related stories Bangladesh is a different country. The government of India will look into it. We do not want any religion to be harmed. Since this concerns another country, the central government must take relevant action. We stand with them on this issue," she said. The Bengal CM also mentioned that she had spoken with representatives of ISKCON on the matter. Meanwhile, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday termed the incident unfortunate" and said, We cant give a reaction to an international issue but the incident is unfortunate." ISKCON Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladeshs national flag. His bail was denied by a Chittagong court and sent him to custody. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, a petition was filed by a lawyer on Wednesday demanding a ban on ISKCON in the country, calling it a radical organisation" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest. Location : West Bengal, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 15:05 IST Will Priyanka Gandhi Sit With Brother Rahul In Lok Sabha? Here's Who Will Decide Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 14:10 IST As the Congress General Secretary, the question on many minds is: where will Priyanka Gandhi sit in the Lok Sabha? Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the ongoing Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI Photo) Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi officially entered the Lok Sabha on Thursday as an elected Member of Parliament (MP) after securing the Wayanad seat in Kerala. Known for her dynamic leadership and influential presence within the Congress party, Priyanka has long been a key figure among party workers and the opposition parties. As the partys General Secretary and a prominent face of the Congress, the question on many minds is: where will Priyanka Gandhi sit in the Lok Sabha? Seating Arrangement in the Lok Sabha: How It Works related stories The seating arrangement for MPs in the Lok Sabha is governed by Rule 4 of the Procedure and Conduct of the Lok Sabha. According to these rules, the Speaker of the House holds the authority to decide where each MP will sit. This is based on a framework known as the Directions by the Speaker," which allows the Speaker to allocate seats in accordance with the partys strength and standing in the House. Since Priyanka Gandhi is entering Parliament for the first time, and the Wayanad seat was won in a by-election, her seat has not been pre-determined. This brings up the question: where exactly will she sit in the Lok Sabha? Where Can Priyanka Gandhi Sit? Its clear that Priyanka will sit on the left side of the Speaker, as members of the opposition parties, including the Congress, traditionally occupy the left side in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, she will be seated among the Congress MPs, as her seat allocation will fall within the designated area for the partys representatives. However, it is unlikely that she will occupy the first row as the current seating in the opposition section is determined by party numbers. Given that there are several parties within the opposition bloc, and each one is vying for space for its MPs in the front rows, Priyankas seat in the first row seems improbable. Additionally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to occupy a seat in the first row, further reducing the possibility of Priyanka sitting there. The Role of Congress Leadership in Seat Allocation The final decision on where Priyanka Gandhi will sit rests with the leadership of the Congress party. After the Speaker allocates the seating for each party, it is the responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader, and Chief Whip of the Congress to finalise the seating arrangements for the partys MPs. In Congress, these leaders discuss and decide the positions of all MPs within their group, based on factors like seniority, party stature, and individual prominence. As a first-time MP, Priyanka is unlikely to be seated in the very front rows. The second or third row seems like a more plausible option. These rows are typically where key party leaders and seasoned MPs sit. Given Priyankas role as one of the top campaigners for the Congress during the elections and her high standing within the party, its expected that she will be assigned a prominent seat in the second or third row, where she can sit alongside other Congress leaders. Past Precedents: Rahul Gandhis Seating Position Interestingly, in the previous Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, sat in the second row behind the Deputy Speaker. This arrangement is often a symbolic one, positioning the leader and prominent MPs closer to the front, but not necessarily in the very first row. Given these precedents, there is a strong possibility that Priyanka Gandhi could be seated in a similar position in the second or third row. What Does the Congress Chief Whip Say? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a statement about Priyanka Gandhis seating, Congress Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, K Suresh, said, We are pleased that Priyanka Gandhis entry into the House will strengthen the oppositions voice. Her seating will be decided by the party, and she will certainly be seated in a prominent position. There is no concern regarding her seat; her role as a senior leader and party general secretary will ensure that she is given a suitable place." Once the Speaker finalises the initial seat allocation, the Congress party and other opposition groups will submit their seat preferences to the Lok Sabha Secretariat. After that, the official seating plan will be confirmed. It remains to be seen where Priyanka Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader with a strong political legacy, will be positioned in the Lok Sabha. Her seat, no matter where it is, is sure to attract attention as she begins her journey in the Lok Sabha. First Published: November 28, 2024, 14:10 IST Microsoft Has A New Windows PC To Rival M4 Mac Mini That Runs On Cloud Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2024, 16:06 IST Microsoft is taking on the Mac Mini with its own Windows mini PC version that doesn't need powerful hardware. Microsoft has its own Mac Mini alternative out in the market Apple launched the power M4 Mac Mini version recently and now Microsoft has pulled a rabbit out of its mini PC bag in the form of Windows 365 Link. This is a Windows-powered device that runs on the cloud, which means you dont need physical storage in the PC and can rely on Microsofts server to bring Windows to the big screen. The Windows 365 Link doesnt win any awards for its design and it mostly has to do with the functional purpose of the device, which the company hopes will appeal to a wide range of consumers. related stories Windows 365 Link: The Ideal Mac Mini Rival? In many ways, including the form factor, the answer is yes, this is Microsofts rival to the Mac Mini lineup. It runs on the cloud but that doesnt mean the mini PC doesnt need hardware under the hood to keep the apps doing their job. The Windows 365 Link is rumoured to be powered by an Intel processor with 8GB RAM and the basic 64GB storage. Microsoft will most likely ensure the mini PC can power its cloud-based Windows version but not as powerful as the M4 Mac Mini. For connectivity, it has two USB 3.2 ports, and a single USB C 3.2 port at the back. There is a DisplayPort and HDMI port to let you connect the mini PC to an external monitor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Unlike the Mac Mini from Apple, Microsofts focus with the Windows 365 Link is the business segment, where it has the room to get companies to invest in a reliable machine that doesnt take space on their tables. Microsoft knows that a cloud-based machine will not appeal to the consumers, especially when they have a powerful M4 Mac Mini available at a reasonable price. Having said that, the $349 (Rs 29,800 approx) price tag of Windows 365 Link gives the company the scope to change its strategy in the near future and maybe then we might see how it fares in the market. The Windows 365 Link will be available in 2025 and you can try out the preview version for now. Location : Redmond, Washington State, USA First Published: November 27, 2024, 16:06 IST Flipkart Fined Rs 10,000 For Delivering Substandard Product To Mumbai Woman Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 10:58 IST A consumer court in Mumbai fined Flipkart Rs 10,000 for refusing the return of a substandard product, citing its "no return policy". After Flipkart delivered substandard product to a Mumbai woman, she demanded Rs 50 lakh in compensation. (Representative image: Getty) A consumer court in Mumbai has ordered Bengaluru-based e-commerce company Flipkart and one of its sellers to pay Rs 10,000 in compensation to a woman after they allegedly delivered a substandard product and later denied her return request. The court ruled that Flipkarts refusal to accept the return of the product, citing its no return policy", constituted an unfair trade practice and a deficiency in service, as reported by the Bar and Bench. related stories What has happened? Taruna Rajput, who lives in Goregaon, purchased 13 containers of Herbalife Nutrition Fresh Energy Drink Mix (lemon-flavoured) from Flipkart for Rs 4,641 on October 9. When the package arrived on October 14, she noticed discrepancies with the product: the label lacked a QR code, and the colour and texture were off. Upon realising she had received a substandard item, she attempted to return it, but Flipkart rejected her request due to its no return policy". Read| Flipkart Fined Rs 1 Lakh by CCPA for Selling Substandard Products; Know Detailsa Unable to get a satisfactory resolution from customer care, Taruna Rajput escalated the matter to the consumer court, filing a complaint against Flipkart and the seller. What did the consumer court say? After examining photographs of the counterfeit product and screenshots of her conversations with Flipkarts customer care, the court ruled in her favour. Also Read| Amazon Fined Rs 18,000, Told to Refund Rs 40,325 Over Hacked Phone and Credit Card Misuse top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We, therefore, observe that not taking back the said product by the Opposite Party nos.1 and 5 on the ground of no return policy amounts to the adoption of an unfair trade practice on the part of the Opposite Party nos.1 and 5. Since the Opposite Party no. 5 has failed either to replace or pay the value thereof to the Complainant, therefore there is a deficiency service on the part of the Opposite Party number 5 is proved," the consumer court said. However, the court dismissed Rajputs demand for Rs 50 lakh in damages, instead ordering Flipkart and the seller to refund Rs 4,641 with 9 per cent interest from October 21, 2023, until the payment is made. Additionally, the court directed them to pay 10,000 to cover Rajputs legal costs. First Published: November 28, 2024, 10:58 IST Google Jobs: Perks, G-Cabs & Ice Cream | A Glimpse Into Employee Life At The Tech Giant Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 13:42 IST While Google is widely recognised for its technological advancements, its clear that the company also prioritises employee well-being. Googles office is equipped with numerous dining options In a recent video shared on YouTube, Divyanshi Srivastava, a 21-year-old software engineer working at Googles Bengaluru office, provided a behind-the-scenes look at what its like to work at one of the worlds most innovative companies. Divyanshi offered a detailed view of her daily routine, showcasing the range of benefits and unique office culture that Google employees enjoy. Flexible Work Hours and a Stress-Free Commute related stories Divyanshi begins her day around 9:30 AM, and one of the first perks she highlights is Googles in-house cab service, known as the G-Cab. This scheduling-based transportation service allows employees to book rides according to their personal work schedules, making commuting much easier, especially in the busy traffic of Bangalore. According to Divyanshi, the G-Cab system not only adds convenience but also ensures that employees can avoid the stress of navigating crowded roads. Office Environment Upon arrival at the office, Divyanshi heads straight to one of Googles many on-site cafes. Googles office is equipped with numerous dining options, offering a variety of food choices for employees throughout the day. Divyanshi shared that she often starts her morning with a cup of hot chocolate paired with her favorite breakfast. This diverse range of food offerings ensures that every employee has easy access to a wide variety of meals and snacks. Googles Office Perks: Food, Snacks, Special Treats One of the standout features of Googles office, according to Divyanshi, is the abundance of micro kitchens scattered across the campus. These kitchens are stocked with snacks, drinks, and other food items, making it easy for employees to grab a quick bite whenever they need. Divyanshi said that there is always food available within just 20 feet, making it incredibly convenient for employees to take a break and recharge during the workday. Watch the viral video: In addition to everyday food offerings, Divyanshi revealed a fun tradition at Google: every Wednesday, the office arranges special treats for employees. This week, she enjoyed a serving of Baskin Robbins ice cream, choosing a cookies-and-cream cone with her favorite toppings. These thoughtful touches help foster a sense of community and contribute to a positive work culture. Work-Life Balance and Innovation While Google is widely recognised for its technological advancements and cutting-edge products, its clear that the company also prioritises employee well-being. The flexible work environment, along with ample food options and unique perks like the Wednesday treat, reflects Googles commitment to creating a balanced and enjoyable workplace. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, Divyanshi also acknowledged that, alongside the many benefits, there is a focus on meeting deadlines and adapting to the fast-paced world of technology. Work delivery and staying on top of rapidly changing tech are essential parts of the job, ensuring that employees are always striving for excellence while also being supported by an environment designed to keep them comfortable and motivated. For anyone curious about what working at Google is really like, Divyanshis video provides an insightful look at a workplace that blends innovation, flexibility, and employee well-being. First Published: November 28, 2024, 13:39 IST How Women Are Lured Into Nigerias 'Miracle Pregnancy' Scheme Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 11:37 IST According to the investigation, these women are told not to consult with legitimate medical practitioners, as the standard tests cannot reveal the baby, allegedly growing outside the womb. The scam behind Nigerias fake fertility treatments. (Representative Image) A fertility scam, which targets vulnerable women through fake pregnancies, has been busted in Nigeria. This shocking scam was recently exposed by BBC Africa Eye in Anambra State whereby several illegitimate clinics defraud desperate women through false pregnancies and baby trafficking. This plot targets women who are seeking ways to get pregnant, offering them miracle fertility treatments" for hundreds of dollars. Scammers disguise themselves as doctors and other healthcare workers, tricking women into believing that they can be pregnant instantly by administering unproven treatments, most of which include some unknown shots and potions. Several victims are reported to have complained of symptoms that make them think they are pregnant such as being unable to fit into their preferred pants due to swollen bellies. According to the investigation, these women are told not to consult with legitimate medical practitioners, as the standard tests cannot reveal the baby," allegedly growing outside the womb. related stories In one of the harrowing stories, a woman identified as Chioma told BBC that she had carried" her child for about 15 months. During the time of delivery, women are told that they must buy what has been described as a rare and expensive drug" to induce labour. Some of them are anesthetized throughout this process and wake up with stitches thinking that they have delivered. Several victims have claimed they are injected with substances that cause hallucinations during what they are made to believe is labour. According to one unsettling narrative, a woman was directed to push during her delivery" and received an injection in the waist. The BBC reported that she described the birthing procedure as extremely painful, but she did not elaborate on how she got the child, Hope. State health officials discovered even more troubling activities during a raid on one of these facilities. The probe showed that these clinics confine women against their consent, forcing them to sell their newborns. During a crackdown by state health officials, several women were reported to be living in deplorable conditions including teenage girls as young as 17. The scammers kidnap these women and tell them they are going to receive the baby they delivered" only to discover that they have been trafficked. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The already disturbed situation is further aggravated by the societal pressure in Nigeria a country that ranks highest in birth rate in the world. Childless women suffer stigma in society making them seek desperate solutions such as fraudulent clinics. Since the details of this fraud emerged, the health authorities in Anambra State have started cordoning off such outlets. Commissioner Ify Obinabo has called for regulators to increase their scrutiny of fertility treatments. Obinabo also declared the need for societal change in the general perception of womens reproductive decisions. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 11:37 IST Man, Missing For 25 Years, To Reunite With Family After Sister Spots Him In News Article Curated By : Local News Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 13:01 IST The police were informed by a woman that she thought this man was her brother. The man vanished from Doyle, California in 1999. The police receive a lot of these situations, which are occasionally unsolvable. Various techniques are used to solve the case in such a scenario. The public is occasionally questioned about the criminals, and newspaper ads are placed to apprehend the runaways. Newspaper ads for missing persons are occasionally also published. One such incident was discovered in California, USA. A woman sees a picture in the newspaper one day and gets to know a surprising thing. According to California officials this week, a man who was reported missing 25 years ago has been located and will be reunited with his family after his sister came across a picture of her long-lost brother in a newspaper article. Following his discovery in South Los Angeles, the hospital requested information on the patient, whom they were unable to identify, according to the April 2024 story. related stories According to the Lassen County Sheriffs Office, the woman called them on Friday and informed Sheriffs Deputy Derek Kennemore that she had received a May USA Today article asking readers for assistance in identifying a hospitalised man who was non-verbal at a Los Angeles facility. Kennemore was informed by the woman that she thought this man was her brother, who had gone missing in 1999 and had not been heard from since. How Did The Woman Get To Know About His Brother? The woman who came across the article read the newspaper repeatedly, and when her suspicion was confirmed, she called the police right away. She shares the 25-year-old truth with the police. According to the woman, her brother vanished from Doyle, California, in 1999. Since then, no one has heard about him. Regarding his whereabouts at this period, nobody knows. However, that individual was discovered in South Los Angeles on April 15 and taken to St Francis Medical Centre in Lynwood. He couldnt even remember his name. His relatives could not be contacted in such a circumstance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To verify his identity, authorities quickly got in touch with a detective from the Los Angeles Police Departments missing persons squad. After that, the detective collected and examined the patients fingerprints at the hospital in Los Angeles. The findings proved that he was, in fact, the womans brother who had vanished almost thirty years prior. With the help of his sister, the individual who lost 25 years ago will now be reunited with his family. For reasons of secrecy, the police did not divulge any information regarding the missing individual or his sister. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 12:14 IST New Jersey Uber Eats Driver Thought She Was Delivering Burrito. Turns Out It Was Marijuana Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 17:27 IST The Washington Township Police Department is investigating the case, believing the intruder was trying to take advantage of the Uber Eats package delivery service. When police officers checked the package, they confirmed the drivers suspicion. (Photo Credit: Instagram) A delivery parcel by an Uber Eats driver for their customer took an unexpected turn when she discovered a bag of raw marijuana instead of the actual food. The incident happened on November 24, 2024, when the driver was driving from Lindenwold, Camden County to Glassboro. What the driver first thought was just a burrito, soup and a bottle of water became suspicious when a rather pungent smell came from the delivery bag. Frightened, the driver stopped the car and inspected the package. Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik told 6 ABC: She believed something didnt smell right with her delivery package. She thought it smelled like marijuana". related stories When police officers checked the package, they confirmed the drivers suspicion. Gurcsik revealed the surprising contents: There was no meat, lettuce, beans, or rice. It was actually an ounce of marijuana, wrapped crudely in tin foil and stored in a zip-closed bag." The Washington Township Police Department is investigating the case, believing the person was trying to take advantage of Uber Eats package delivery service with improper intention. The delivery policy of Uber has a clear statement about what cannot be delivered. The company does not allow the transportation of illicit substances, alcohol or medication. To anybody who utilizes Uber Eats or Uber as a way of transportation you always have to be cautious, you always have to be safe and keep that in the back of your mind," Gurcsik told 6 ABC. An Uber representative called the discovery deeply disturbing" and praised the driver for alerting police to a suspicious delivery. The drugs recovered have been taken as evidence while they try to track the drugs back to their source. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Cannabis for recreational use is legal in the state of New Jersey. It can be bought from any dispensary within the state by individuals above the age of 21 years. A study conducted at Rutgers Universitys Centre of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies (CAS) shows that the black market for the drug remains active even when the substance is legal in a given state. In a conversation with Newsweek, Gurcsik noted that despite New Jerseys legal cannabis market, the illegal trade remains active due to several factors: The products in the black market are cheaper, untaxed and uncontrolled; the underage cannot access legal stores; there may be some customers who want products with higher THC content or quantity than those sold by licensed shops. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 17:27 IST Rare First Edition Harry Potter Book Auctioned For Rs 38 Lakh In UK Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:45 IST On November 27, the Harry Potter memorabilia went up for sale at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Adam McCulloch thought the moment was appropriate to sell the book so that people could enjoy it. (Pic Credits: hansonsauctioneers.com) A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, purchased for just 10 pounds over 30 years ago, was auctioned on Wednesday for about Rs 38 lakh. In 1997, Christine McCulloch purchased a copy of the book for her son Adam from a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon, not realising the books future value. In Lichfield, Staffordshire, the memorabilia was auctioned and after adding a premium, the bidder paid 45,000, or around Rs 48 lakh, according to the BBC. During the first-ever print run in 1997, 500 hardback copies of the book were printed, according to Hansons Auctioneers. According to estimates, its value ranged from 30,000 pounds (about Rs 32 lakh) to 50,000 pounds (around Rs 53 lakh). related stories The copy had been hidden in a cupboard under the stairs of his familys former Chesterfield home, according to Adam McCulloch of Tansley, Derbyshire. Only after reading about the sales of first editions during the 2020 lockdown did the family realise its potential value. Once we got it verified it was a bit of a pinch yourself moment," he said as quoted by BBC. Christine McCulloch discussed her 1997 purchase, saying, We went in [the bookshop], bought it for 10 pounds. Adam really loved the book and it started this sort of fascination, as with so many children all over the world now." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For people to enjoy the book, Adam McCulloch thought the moment was right to sell it. In some ways, I think having that bit of a story around it, some tea stains there and a folded-over corner here where someones enjoyed reading it I think that adds to the magic," he added. The seven books in the Harry Potter book series were written over a ten-year period by British novelist J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his companions Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, are the subjects of the series. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 15:45 IST Russian Man Dies Due To Bleeding After Pet Cat Scratches His Leg Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:21 IST The victim, identified as Dmitry Ukhin, had just reunited with his pet Styopka who had gone missing in the neighbourhood a couple of days earlier. The man was bleeding from his leg due to a torn vein. (Representative Image) A Russian man died after his cat scratched his leg, leading to severe blood loss, Daily Mail reported. The shocking event unfolded on November 22. The victim, Dmitry Ukhin, had just reunited with his pet Styopka who had gone missing in the neighbourhood a couple of days ago. Ukhin put much effort into finding the cat which was finally rescued from a nearby street. The 55-year-old brought Styopkha home and on the same evening, it suddenly got violent and scratched its owner. The Daily Mail report claimed the man had several health issues. He was suffering from diabetes and the rate of blood clotting in his body was also quite poor due to high pressure. related stories These complications made the situation more critical as Ukhin was unable to stop the bleeding. As soon as he realised the severity of the wound, Ukhin sought help from one of his neighbours. As revealed by the police, his friend called the emergency service at around 11 PM to report the incident. Around 11 pm, a man called 112 to report that his friend was bleeding from his leg due to a torn vein. The scratches on Dmitrys leg were so severe that he died of blood loss," a source close to the developments said, as per Daily Mail. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The neighbour helped Ukhin with first aid but it was not enough to stop the bleeding. By the time a medical team came to his house, the man had already died. His wife Natalya was not present there at the moment. According to her, Styopkha is a kind, harmless cat who loves to roam freely outdoors. Natalya, however, didnt reveal anything about whether she would keep the pet. Though Ukhins persistent health issues and bleeding are predicted to be the cause of his death, forensic experts have yet to confirm it. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 15:21 IST Vadhu Chahiye? Shaadi.com's Anupam Mittal Asks Zepto CEO. His Reply Is Trending Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 13:20 IST Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal shared a picture of a billboard featuring advertisements of both brands on LinkedIn. Shaadi.com and Zepto have collaborated for the wedding season. (Photo Credits: Instagram) With the wedding season in full swing, a collaboration between Shaadi.com and Zepto has taken the Internet by storm. It all started when Shark Tank Judge Anupam Mittal shared a picture of a billboard featuring advertisements of both brands on LinkedIn. Zepto, a rapid e-commerce platform, has now become a home to many accessories which can be delivered in just 10 minutes. The latest addition to the list is ethnic wear, as a text on the hoarding read, Manyavar chahiye? (Want Manyavar?)" Accompanying it was a Shaadi.com ad which said Var chahiye (want a groom)? Will take more than 10 minutes." related stories The approach seemed quite interesting to Anupam Mittal, the founder and CEO of Shaadi.com. Taking a moment to appreciate this cute collab between Zepto & Shaadi.com. Who would have expected a crossover between love and 10-minute delivery," he wrote on LinkedIn. For decades, brands operated in isolation, fiercely protective of their lanes and any collaboration meant approaching the partnership with suspicion, a win-lose approach and months of planning. Today, theyre co-creating more than ever," Mittal added. The post soon went viral, attracting reactions from some other top brands. The twist came when Mittal jumped into the discussion and humorously asked Zepto co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha if he was also looking for a bride in this wedding season. Vadhu chahiye?" Mittal commented, to which Palicha replied, Im married to Zepto." It, however, was not the end of the conversation. Mittal continued by asking why Palicha needed to get into this business war. The younger entrepreneur then suggested that they should take the chat offline, as his mother could see it on LinkedIn. Looking at the other comments, a video editor lauded Shaadi.com and Zepto for their creative collab. Brand collaborations like Zepto & Shaadi.com show how creativity and audience-first thinking are redefining marketing. In todays world, brands thrive as conversation starters, and those who embrace co-creation with their customers are truly leading the way," she noted. Another LinkedIn user admitted, This shift is all about breaking down traditional barriers and allowing brands to participate in the cultural conversation, not just broadcast their message. By collaborating in unexpected ways, brands tap into new, dynamic conversations that resonate with audiences on a deeper level." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Anupam Mittals post has gathered more than 33,000 likes since being dropped on the employment-focused social media platform. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 13:16 IST 'Would Have Jumped Off The Cliff For Him': Nandan Nilekani Recalls First Meeting With Narayana Murthy Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:31 IST "I was willing to do anything for him. He was charismatic," Nandan Nilekani recalled. Nandan Nilekani called himself an accidental entrepreneur. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani recently shared a pivotal moment in his career during a conversation with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslanskya job interview in 1978 with Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys. What seemed like a routine interview set the stage for a series of events that ultimately led to the founding of Infosys on July 2, 1981. After graduating in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay, Nilekani went on to become the chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited. He laughingly called himself an accidental entrepreneur." I came at a time when computing was moving from mainframes to mini-computers. When I heard about this mini-computer company, I said, Wow, this sounds exciting," he told Roslansky during the conversation. related stories Murthy was the chief of software at Patni Computer Systems in Pune. He was ambitious and set lofty goals," Nilekani recollected. I was willing to do anything for him. He was charismatic. If he had asked me to jump off a cliff, I would have done it. Working with him was an incredible experience," he added. Check the video here: Nilekani reflected on the job interview conducted by Murthy and shared, He asked me some problem-solving questions. Luckily, I managed to answer them correctly, and he offered me a job." The meeting marked the start of a lasting professional relationship and went beyond a simple job interview. This decision not only cemented Nilekanis position in the expanding computing sector but also laid the groundwork for him to become one of Infosys six co-founders shortly thereafter, in 1981. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Infosys co-founder went on to say that he never intended to become a worldwide IT powerhouse or lead ground-breaking public technology initiatives. Curiosity, rather, drove his motivation. Every morning, I wake up eager to learn something new," he asserted. The future will revolve around uniquely human qualities: empathy, compassion, and the ability to connect the dots," he also noted. All of this began with his rebellious choice of joining IIT Bombay and electrical engineering, ignoring his fathers advice to go to IIT Madras. It was a small act of rebellion," Nilekani conceded. However, in the long term, it helped him become a leader in Indias technological and digital revolution. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 28, 2024, 15:31 IST Australian Parliament Passes World-First Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16 Published By : Associated Press Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 19:03 IST The Australian Parliament has passed a social media ban for young children under 16 that will become a world-first law. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (R) speaks to a senator during a debate on the social media ban in the House. (AP) A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Senate Thursday and will soon become a world-first law. The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. related stories The Senate passed the bill 34 votes to 19. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the legislation 102 votes to 13. The House has yet to endorse opposition amendments made in the Senate. But that is a formality since the government has already agreed they will pass. The platforms will have one year to work out how they could implement the ban before penalties are enforced. The amendments bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or drivers licenses, nor could they demand digital identification through a government system. The House is scheduled to pass the amendments on Friday. Critics of the legislation fear that banning young children from social media will impact the privacy of users who must establish they are older than 16. While the major parties support the ban, many child welfare and mental health advocates are concerned about unintended consequences. Sen. David Shoebridge, from the minority Greens party, said mental health experts agreed that the ban could dangerously isolate many children who used social media to find support. This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off," Shoebridge told the Senate. Opposition Sen. Maria Kovacic said the bill was not radical but necessary. The core focus of this legislation is simple: It demands that social media companies take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users from their platforms," Kovacic told the Senate. This is a responsibility these companies should have been fulfilling long ago, but for too long they have shirked these responsibilities in favor of profit," she added. Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online." Its too late for my daughter, Carly, and the many other children who have suffered terribly and those who have lost their lives in Australia, but let us stand together on their behalf and embrace this together," she told the AP in an email. Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son Mac took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, had advocated for the age restriction and took pride in its passage. I have always been a proud Australian, but for me subsequent to todays Senate decision, I am bursting with pride," Holdsworth told the AP in an email. Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, the governing body for the suicide prevention sector, said the legislation failed to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young peoples mental health and sense of connection. The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation. Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste," Stone said in a statement. The platforms had complained that the law would be unworkable, and had urged the Senate to delay the vote until at least June next year when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how young children could be excluded. Critics argue the government is attempting to convince parents it is protecting their children ahead of a general election due by May. The government hopes that voters will reward it for responding to parents concerns about their childrens addiction to social media. Some argue the legislation could cause more harm than it prevents. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Criticisms include that the legislation was rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, is ineffective, poses privacy risks for all users, and undermines the authority of parents to make decisions for their children. Opponents also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of the positive aspects of social media, drive them to the dark web, discourage children too young for social media to report harm, and reduce incentives for platforms to improve online safety. Location : Canberra, Australia First Published: November 28, 2024, 18:07 IST German designer steers Changan Auto's global growth from China's Chongqing 14:43, November 28, 2024 By Wu Chengliang, Zhao Tong, Liu Yi, Hu Hong, Li Meiyu ( People's Daily Online "Here is where it all happens," said Klaus Zyciora, vice president of Changan Automobile, highlighting the Chinese automaker's distinctiveness and the crucial role of Chongqing, a city in southwest China, in the shift towards digitalization and electric vehicles. "Changan is a unique brand, a unique automobile manufacturer," Zyciora said. "Chongqing is a very attractive city. It's very vibrant, creative, embracing and welcoming." Zyciora noted that Chongqing is an ideal location for automotive designers, providing an environment where they can fully express their creativity and significantly impact the industry. The veteran German designer, who joined Changan in October 2023, now leads global design, infusing the brand with new energy and creativity through a global perspective. His move from the birthplace of the automobile to one of the fastest-growing auto markets underscores Changan's strategic emphasis on innovation and international influence. Klaus Zyciora, vice president of Changan Automobile, receives an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi) Discussing the German and Chinese auto industries, Zyciora acknowledged Germany's rich heritage while praising China's rapid progress. "Germany is the birthplace of the automobile, and China is picking up very fast. The speed of innovation here is tremendous," he noted. China's rapid advancement positions the country to potentially lead the global automotive sector, especially with the shift from traditional engines to electric and digital products, he added. Changan Automobile employs 72,000 people, including more than 18,000 engineers and technical staff from 31 countries. The company's global design center boasts a team of over 900 top-tier professionals, including senior designers and renowned experts from 25 countries, spanning 86 design specialties. Klaus Zyciora, vice president of Changan Automobile, introduces Changan Automobile to People's Daily Online. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi) "Our mission is to build globally acknowledged famous brands and to design products that really are differentiated," Zyciora stated. Changan has seen success with several popular brands, such as AVATR, DEEPAL and NEVO. Under Zyciora's leadership, the company's design team aims to create more products and brands that deeply resonate with customers worldwide. "We have to understand customers. We have a very good database. We are in constant contact with customers worldwide," he said. Changan's design philosophy is supported by a global network, Zyciora noted. "We do have a 24/7 work scheme. We work around the clock, around the world in Japan, Chongqing and in Europe," he said, adding that this international collaboration ensures a continuous flow of creativity and innovation. Looking to the future, Zyciora is optimistic about Changan's growth. "We are seeing an ever-growing export volume for Changan," he said. Changan Automobile reported cumulative sales of 2.156 million vehicles from January to October 2024, including 319,000 sold in overseas markets under the company's proprietary brand, marking an increase of 61.8 percent. To date, the total sales of Changan Automobile's Chinese brand vehicles have surpassed 27 million. "We are attracting more and more customers globally, and step by step, we roll out our product portfolios into the world and start to be a global player," he added. Zyciora's insights reveal a deep commitment to innovation, customer-centric design, and global expansion, aligning with Changan Automobile's vision of becoming a world-class brand. His leadership in design is helping shape a future where Changan not only competes on a global scale but also sets new standards in the automotive industry. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang) Donald Trump Picks Retired General Keith Kellogg As His Ukraine Envoy Published By : AFP Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 08:37 IST Trump campaigned on a platform of ushering a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal. US President-elect Donald Trump (AP File Photo) US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday named staunch loyalist and retired general Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy, charged with ending the two-and-a-half-year Russian invasion. Trump campaigned on a platform of ushering a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. related stories But his critics have warned that the incoming Republican will likely leverage US military aid to pressure Kyiv into an agreement that left it ceding occupied territory permanently or agreeing not to join NATO. I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia," Trump said in a statement on social media. Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration." A fixture on the cable news circuit, the 80-year-old national security veteran co-authored a paper earlier this year calling for Washington to leverage military aid as a means of pushing for peace talks. Ukraine has received almost $60 billion from Washington for its armed forces since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, but with the more isolationist Trump taking over the White House, supporters fear the spigot will run dry. The United States would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defenses to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a cease-fire or peace agreement," Kelloggs research paper for the Trumpist America First Policy Institute think tank said. Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia." Kellogg served in several positions during Trumps first term, including as chief of staff on the White House National Security Council and national security advisor to then-vice president Mike Pence. Troop Shortages Kellogg told Voice of America at the Republican convention in July that Ukraines options were quite clear." If Ukraine doesnt want to negotiate, fine, but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities and accept the fact that you will have your children killed, accept the fact that you dont have 130,000 dead, you will have 230,000250,000," he said. Trumps announcement came as the outgoing administration of Democrat Joe Biden was hosting a news conference to urge Ukraine to enlist more recruits by reducing the minimum age of conscription to 18 in line with the US benchmark. Facing a much larger enemy with more advanced weapons and with stocks of volunteers dwindling, Ukraine is facing an existential" recruitment crunch, a senior administration official told reporters. The simple truth is that Ukraine is not currently mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace their battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russias growing military," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. He added that an additional 160,000 troops would be on the low end" to fill out Ukraines ranks but a good start." National Security Council spokesman John Kirby later clarified that the White House would not make the huge flow of US military aid to Kyiv dependent on a conscription age change. Were absolutely going to keep sending Ukraine weapons and equipment. We know thats vital. But so, too, is manpower at this point," he told reporters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The former Soviet republics population has fallen by more than a quarter since its mid-1990s peak of 52 million, and authorities are desperate to shield the younger generation but a US congressional report in June estimated the average Ukrainian soldier is 40. Zelenskyy signed a decree in April lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 but the move did not alleviate the chronic troop shortages, according to US officials. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 28, 2024, 08:37 IST Bangladesh Court Refuses To Pass Order On ISKCON Ban, Snubs Petitioner's 'Top Priority' Plea Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 15:21 IST The Bangladesh court has declined to issue an immediate order to ban the activities of ISKCON amidst rising communal tensions after the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu. Policemen charge baton to disperse the supporters of Bangladeshi Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh (Photo: PTI) The Bangladesh High Court on Thursday refused to pass an order to ban the activities of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the country. During the hearing of the petition seeking a ban on ISKCON, the Attorney Generals Office said the government authorities had taken necessary measures. related stories This comes a day after the Bangladesh High Court received a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON, as attacks on the Hindu community intensified following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu who was slapped with sedition charges. The petition also sought a directive to impose a state of emergency in Chittagong and Rangpur cities of Bangladesh, to avoid any untoward situation. Today, while the hearing was underway, the petitioner told the court It was high time to ban ISKCON". The Governor, who is also the Additional Attorney General, assured the court that the ISKCON matter was a top priority". Later, the High Court said, Lets see what the governments decision would be". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Additional Attorney General was also expected to address the press, as the hearing concluded. The court sought government initiative on the issue. First Published: November 28, 2024, 13:46 IST Israel, Hezbollah Trade Accusations Of Ceasefire Violations As Airstrikes Hit Lebanon Again Published By : Reuters Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 23:20 IST The Israeli military accused some suspects of violating the ceasefire with Hezbollah by arriving in several parts of south Lebanon. People drive past rubble of destroyed buildings on the second day of the ceasefire. (Reuters) The Israeli military said its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after both sides accused each other of breaching a ceasefire that aims to halt over a year of fighting. Israel said it also opened fire on Thursday towards what it called suspects" with vehicles arriving at several areas in the southern zone, saying it was a breach of the truce with Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, which came into effect Wednesday. related stories Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah in turn accused Israel of violating the deal. The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages," Fadlallah told reporters, adding there are violations today by Israel, even in this form". The exchange of accusations highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States and France to end the conflict, fought in parallel with the Gaza war. The truce lasts for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. ALSO READ: Biden Pushes For Gaza Ceasefire As Hamas Remains Open To Truce Israel Launches Airstrikes At Lebanon Israels airstrike on Thursday was the first since the truce took effect on Wednesday morning. Lebanese security sources and the Al Jadeed broadcaster said it took place near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River. The ceasefire deal stipulates that unauthorised military facilities south of the Litani River should be dismantled, but does not mention military facilities north of the river. Earlier, Israeli tank fire hit five towns and some agricultural fields in southern Lebanon, state media and Lebanese security sources said, saying at least two people were wounded. All of the areas lie within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel, in an area the Israeli military has announced as a no-go zone along the border, even after the deal was agreed. Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have tried to return to check on their properties. But Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border and Reuters reporters heard surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon. The Israeli military on Thursday renewed a curfew restricting the movement of residents of southern Lebanon south of the Litani river between 5 pm (1500 GMT) and 7 am. What Are The Terms Of Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire? The agreement, a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict, ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in years. But Israel is still fighting its other arch foe, the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, in response to the deadly Hamas-led raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 3,961 people and injured 16,520 others since October 2023, the Lebanese health ministry said on Thursday. The figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Hezbollah strikes have killed 45 civilians in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. At least 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon but neither side can launch offensive operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waged the offensive against Hezbollah, saying Israelis in the north of the country should be able to return after being evacuated because of rocket fire from Lebanon. Some 60,000 people evacuated from homes in the north have still not been directed to return. Hezbollah has said its fighters remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy" and that its forces will monitor Israels withdrawal from Lebanon with their hands on the trigger". The group has been weakened by casualties and the killing of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders by Israel. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said he would now renew his push for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have yielded scant progress. Israeli military strikes killed at least 21 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said, as forces stepped up their bombardment of central areas and tanks pushed deeper into the north and south of the enclave. Location : Beirut, Lebanon First Published: November 28, 2024, 16:51 IST NASA Discovers Asteroid That Can Make Every Person On Earth Billionaire Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 27, 2024, 18:39 IST NASA announced its spacecraft will orbit asteroid 16 Psyche for 26 months, collecting data to uncover its history and other valuable insights Located between Mars and Jupiter, 16 Psyche possesses an abundance of nickel, iron, gold, and platinum, making it potentially the most valuable object in our solar system. (Representative/AP File) NASA has discovered an asteroid replete with precious metals, including gold and platinum. The asteroid, named 16 Psyche, contains such a vast quantity of these metals that, if its resources were distributed equally, every person on Earth could theoretically become a billionaire. Located between Mars and Jupiter, 16 Psyche possesses an abundance of nickel, iron, gold, and platinum, making it potentially the most valuable object in our solar system. related stories Why is this asteroid special? This asteroids significance is not solely due to its recent rediscovery; it was first identified in 1852 by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis. What makes this celestial body, measuring approximately 226 kilometres in circumference, truly remarkable is its composition: primarily nickel and iron, it harbours a substantial reserve of precious metals, including gold and platinum. This unique composition has captivated scientists and made it a subject of intense observation for many years. How much is its price? The estimated price of 16 Psyche is said to be 10 quadrillion dollars, approximately 100 million billion dollars. This astronomical figure is represented numerically as a 1 followed by 19 zeros. Converting such an amount into rupees would be a complex task, but it is clear that if this wealth were ever transported to Earth, every individual would theoretically possess billions of rupees. When will NASAs team arrive? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The real problem is to bring the asteroid to Earth or to mine it in space. NASA has sent its spacecraft a year ago, in October 2023, to gather information about this. Since this asteroid is located at a distance of about 3.5 billion kilometres from Earth, it will take time until August 2029 for the spacecraft to reach there. NASA has stated that its spacecraft will spend approximately 26 months orbiting 16 Psyche, during which time it will gather various data, including insights into the asteroids history. This asteroid is surrounded by numerous other valuable asteroids, with an estimated combined worth of around 700 quadrillion dollars. The most valuable asteroid among them is estimated to be worth 27 quadrillion dollars. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 27, 2024, 18:39 IST Russia Could Fire 'Oreshnik' Hypersonic Missile At Kyiv: Putin Published By : AFP Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 22:58 IST Putin said a massive aerial bombardment of Ukraine's energy facilities was in response to Kyiv striking Russian territory with Western-supplied missiles Pledging Moscow would always respond to Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, Putin said his military was considering a strike on the heart of Kyiv in retaliation to any future attacks. (Reuters file) President Vladimir Putin on Thursday threatened to strike decision-making centres" in Kyiv with Russias new hypersonic missile, hours after Moscow pummelled Ukraines energy grid in an attack that left a million people without power. Russia fired more than 90 missiles and around 100 drones during the barrage, Kyiv said, in what the Kremlin chief called a response" to Ukrainian strikes on his territory with Western missiles. related stories The nearly three-year war has seen a sharp escalation in recent days, with both sides deploying new weapons in a bid to gain the upper hand before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. We do not rule out the use of Oreshnik against the military, military-industrial or decision-making centres, including in Kyiv," Putin told a press conference in the Kazakh capital Astana, referring to the hypersonic missile. Kyivs government district an area of the capital where multiple government buildings are located is protected with intense security, but fears for it have risen over the last week. Russia last week tested its new Oreshnik ballistic missile on Ukraine, and Putin boasted on Thursday that firing several of the weapons at once would have the equivalent force of a nuclear strike, or a meteorite" hit. He earlier said the overnight barrage was a response to continued attacks on our territory by (US) ATACMS missiles." As I have said repeatedly, there will always be a response from our side." Putin also claimed Russia knew how many long-range weapons were given to Kyiv and where they were located. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Putins threat to strike Kyiv was a testament to weakness" and said the West would not be perturbed by his words. Despicable escalation The fresh strikes came as Ukrainians braced for a tough winter, with much of its energy infrastructure already damaged by almost three years of war, and as Russian troops advanced in eastern Ukraine. Tensions have ratcheted up over the last few weeks as both sides look to secure an advantage on the battlefield ahead of Trumps January inauguration. Putin suggested he had hopes for Trumps second term, describing the Republican on Thursday as an intelligent person", capable of finding a solution", without specifying what he was referring to. The Russian leader spoke hours after the overnight barrage that left more than half a million subscribers in Ukraines western Lviv region cut off from electricity. Another 280,000 in the western Rivne region and 215,000 in the northwestern Volyn region also lost power, officials said. Ukraines emergency services said the Russian overnight strikes inflicted damage in 14 regions across the country, with the nations West hard-hit. Zelensky said that Russia had also fired cluster munitions" during the attack, calling it a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics." AFP journalists in the capital Kyiv heard blasts ring out over the capital overnight as air defence systems targeted Russian drones and missiles, with locals crowding into the underground metro system for cover. The energy ministry said it was the 11th massive Russian attack on Ukraines civilian energy infrastructure this year. A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure may make this winter the harshest since the start of the war". Putin boasts of new missile Since Moscow shocked the West and Kyiv by testing its new ballistic missile Oreshnik on the city of Dnipro last week, Russian officials have touted the arms might. In Astana, Putin said the Oreshnik could turn anything into dust" and hit at a temperature comparable to the surface of the sun." He said Russia was forced" to test (the weapon) in combat conditions" after Kyivs first strike on Russian territory using ATACMS. Putin said Thursday the Oreshnik could travel around three kilometres per second" and that its elements could reach a temperature almost like the surface of the sun." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russia also sentenced a lawyer, Dmitry Talantov, to seven years in prison for comparing Moscows actions in Ukraine at the start of the invasion to Nazi practises", a day after putting an invasion critic back on trial. Ukraine, meanwhile, sentenced a woman in the eastern Donetsk region to 15 years in jail on high treason charges for passing sensitive military information to Russia. Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: November 28, 2024, 19:53 IST Russia Warns Of Retaliation If US Stations Missiles In Japan Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 23:49 IST Japans Kyodo news agency reported that Japan and US aim to compile a joint military plan for a possible Taiwan emergency that includes deploying missiles Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AFP) Russia said on Wednesday that if the United States stationed missiles in Japan, this would threaten Russian security and prompt Moscow to retaliate. Japans Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday that Japan and the U.S. aim to compile a joint military plan for a possible Taiwan emergency that includes deploying missiles. related stories It cited unnamed U.S. and Japanese sources as saying that under the plan, the U.S. would deploy missile units to the Nansei Islands of Japans southwestern Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures, and to the Philippines. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Japan of escalating the situation around Taiwan to justify the expansion of military ties with Washington. "We have repeatedly warned the Japanese side that if, as a result of such cooperation, American medium-range missiles appear on its territory, this will pose a real threat to the security of our country and we will be forced to take the necessary, adequate steps to strengthen our own defense capability," she said. Zakharova said Tokyo could get an idea of what such steps would entail by reading Russias updated nuclear doctrine, published last week, which expanded the list of scenarios under which it would consider using nuclear weapons. On Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia would consider deploying short- and intermediate-range missiles in Asia if the United States deployed such missiles to the continent. Asked about that statement, Zakharova declined to discuss where Russia might site such weapons, but noted that half its territory is in Asia so any Russian missiles potentially deployed east of the Urals would be in that region. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She said Moscow had sent a clear signal to the United States and its "satellites" that Russia would respond decisively and in symmetrical fashion to the placing of land-based medium and shorter-range missiles in various parts of the world. She said the West should have no doubts about Russias potential after it launched a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile, the Oreshnik, at a target in Ukraine last week. Location : Russia First Published: November 28, 2024, 23:49 IST Unjustly Arrested: Bangladesh Ex-PM Hasina Demands Release Of Hindu Monk Chinmoy Das Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 19:36 IST Das, who led multiple protests against the atrocities of Hindus in Bangladesh, was arrested by the Dhaka Police on November 25 Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. (AP file photo) Bangladeshs ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday strongly condemned the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges, calling it unjust" and demanded his immediate release. Das, who led multiple protests against the atrocities of Hindus in Bangladesh, was arrested by the Dhaka Polices Detective Branch on November 25 at the capitals airport. related stories Hasina expressed her concern in a letter, stating that a top leader of Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested". A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire," Hasina said in her statement. , pic.twitter.com/b7yjlyj9Et Awami League (@albd1971) November 28, 2024 She further noted: Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured." On November 28, a Bangladeshi court denied bail to Das, sending him to prison, which sparked protests from Hindus in several parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram. The arrest has drawn international attention, with Ministry of External Affairs condemning the incident. The MEA had urged Bangladeshi authorities to guarantee the safety and security of Hindus and other religious minorities. We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression," said the MEA in an official statement on Tuesday. Das, a former member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), had joined a different religious group, which led to his advocacy for the rights of Hindus. Hindus are the largest minority group in Bangladesh, making up about 8% of the population. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The arrest of Das comes at a time of heightened tension over religious issues in Bangladesh, particularly following the student-led revolution that ousted Hasina from power. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: November 28, 2024, 17:21 IST When Donald Trump Helped ISKCON Hold Their New York Rath Yatra In 1976 | Throwback Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2024, 12:30 IST In July 2024, when Trump escaped an assassination attempt at him during an election rally in Pennsylvania, ISKCON had called it divine intervention in return for his favour for the organisation. Donald Trump had helped ISKCON in 1976, when he was a young real estate mogul in his 30s. (Image: PTI, ISKCON) Bangladesh is reportedly looking at a possible ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) after the arrest of the groups leader and Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu. ISKCON now has its hopes pinned on US Presidential Designate Donald Trump to make things better for them. Also Read: Will Bangladesh Ban ISKCON After Hindu Monks Arrest? Tracing History Of Global Religious Body related stories ISKCON had praised Trump in November when he had condemned the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. It would have never happened on my watch," Trump had posted on X. In July 2024, when Trump escaped an assassination attempt at him during an election rally in Pennsylvania, ISKCON had issued a statement saying, The problems of the world, including vast political differences, cannot be solved by violent rhetoric or acts. Violent acts, we believe, per the law of karma, only yield more violence and more suffering." The organisation had mentioned how Trump had helped them in 1976, when he was a young real estate mogul in his 30s. ISKCON said that the Republican candidates narrow escape was Lord Jagannath returning the favour to Trump for what he did in 1976. In 1976, ISKCON faced significant obstacles in organising the first Rath Yatra on Fifth Avenue. After numerous rejections from property owners, Trump agreed to provide space for chariot construction for free, marking a pivotal moment for the festival. ISKCON is very grateful that a real estate development company connected with the former president did provide that opportunity," the organisation had said in June. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Exactly 48 years ago, Donald Trump saved the Jagannath Rathayatra festival. Today, as the world celebrates the Jagannath Rathayatra festival again, Trump was attacked, and Jagannath returned the favor by saving him," Radharamn Das, Vice President of ISKCON India, said in a post on X. ISKCON is now hoping that Trump will come to their rescue once again as he takes over as US President in January. Das, speaking to India Today, said the situation in Bangladesh was beyond their control and they are hoping for things to get better after January 20, when Trump takes over as US President. First Published: November 28, 2024, 12:30 IST For the nearly three decades that he was behind bars, Michael Sullivan's mother and four siblings died, his girlfriend moved on with her life, and he was badly beaten in several prison attacks. All for a murder he long insisted he never committed. Earlier this month, the 64-year-old Sullivan got a degree of justice when a Massachusetts jury ruled he was innocent of the 1986 murder and robbery of Wilfred McGrath. He was awarded $13 millionthough state regulations cap rewards at $1 million for wrongful convictions, per the AP . The jury also found a state police chemist falsely testified at the trial, though his testimony isn't what guaranteed Sullivan's conviction. It's the latest in a string of convictions that have been overturned in the state in recent years. Sullivan was convicted of murder and armed robbery in 1987, after police say McGrath was robbed and beaten and his body dumped behind an abandoned supermarket. Authorities zeroed in on Sullivan after they learned his sister had been out with McGrath the night before the murder and the two had gone to the apartment she shared with Sullivan. Another suspect in the murder, Gary Grace, implicated Sullivan and had his murder charges dropped. Sullivan was sentenced to life in prison. Grace, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to accessory after a murder and was sentenced to six years. In 2011, Sullivan's fortunes changed, when his attorney requested DNA testingunavailable for the first trialthat helped lead to a new trial in 2012. Sullivan was released in 2013. "The most important thing is finding me innocent of the murder, expunging it from my record," Sullivan now says. "The money, of course, will be very helpful to me." Sullivan will treat himself to a new truck but said he wants to save most of the money to ensure his nieces and nephews have what they need. Sullivan hasn't been getting any therapy for the hardship he endured, but his lawyer said he plans to ask the court, as part of the judgment, to provide him with therapy and educational services. A Massachusetts attorney general's rep says, "We respect the jury's verdict and are evaluating whether an appeal is appropriate." More here. (More wrongful conviction stories.) An Alabama man is accused of killing 11 people and wounding 29 others in five separate incidents over two months, including two quadruple murders, law enforcement officials say. Damien McDaniel, 22, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the July 13 mass shooting outside a nightclub in Birmingham that left four people dead and 10 others wounded, officer Truman Fitzgerald announced Tuesday. McDaniel was charged last month in connection with the Sept. 21 mass shooting outside of a different nightclub, where four people were fatally shot and 17 others injured, the AP reports. McDaniel is also accused of three separate fatal shootings that took place on three separate days in August and September. Another man, Hatarius Woods, 27, was also charged with capital murder in connection with the July mass shooting. "These individuals started back in July, and they did not stop from September," said Fitzgerald. "We often say on these crime scenes that we have a few select criminals that add to this crime and give Birmingham a bad name." Woods and McDaniel are allegedly responsible for approximately 30% of all homicides that took place in the city between July and September. Fitzgerald said on Tuesday that there were "multiple shooters" in the September mass shooting and that the investigation is ongoing. "Birmingham is most definitely a safer place with these individuals behind bars," Fitzgerald said, per AL.com. Before his arrest. McDaniel was interviewed in a YouTube documentary about violence in the city. Asked if would have empathy for the mother of somebody who was murdered, McDaniel said, "Why show them compassion when they ain't gonna show your folks compassion?" (More mass shootings stories.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant are wanted men under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court last week but France could still be a safe place for them to visit. The French Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Netanyahu is covered by immunity rules because Israel is not an ICC member, Le Monde reports. "Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other relevant ministers and will need to be taken into consideration should the ICC request their arrest and surrender," the ministry said. Officials said the immunities apply to leaders including Vladimir Putin. Russia, like the US and China, is not a party to the ICC. The position could cause a clash between France and the ICC, the Wall Street Journal reports. After Mongolia failed to arrest Putin when the Russian president visited the country in September, the court said members are "duty-bound to arrest and surrender individuals subject to ICC warrants, regardless of official position or nationality." Amnesty International called the French stance "deeply problematic." Sources tell the Journal that the ICC arrest warrants complicated the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire talks brokered by the US and France. Netanyahu called French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the issue, though Macron didn't take a firm position on arresting Netanyahu at the time, the sources say. In its statement Wednesday, the foreign ministry said: "In accordance with the long-standing friendship between France and Israel, two democracies committed to the rule of law and to respect for a professional and independent justice system, France intends to continue working in close cooperation with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other Israeli authorities to achieve peace and security for all in the Middle East." (More Benjamin Netanyahu stories.) European investigators have a suspectand now the world has more details. The Wall Street Journal has the latest on the Yi Peng 3 bulk carrier , a Chinese commercial ship that is suspected of severing two fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea. The vessel has been flanked by European warships for the last week, and the Journal reports the ship's owner has been cooperating and permitted the vessel to be stopped, though access to it has not been granted. The central questions investigators are zooming in on is whether the captain of the ship, which left the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga on Nov. 15, cut the cables intentionally, and whether he did so on behalf of Russian intelligence. The crew reportedly has yet to be questioned. Investigators say they have confirmed that the ship dropped anchor on the evening of Nov. 17 but continued sailing; a cable between Sweden and Lithuania was severed a short time later, and some six hours and 111 miles after dropping anchor, they say a cable between Germany and Finland was cut. It raised its anchor a short time later. "It's extremely unlikely that the captain would not have noticed that his ship dropped and dragged its anchor, losing speed for hours," said one European investigator. The New York Times, however, reports this, without much elaboration: "American intelligence officials had assessed that the cables were not cut deliberately." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson sounded a note of caution as well, telling the Guardian on Wednesday, "We are careful about not accusing anybody right now of anything. We don't know that this is sabotage. But we are investigating the matter very carefully." The Swedish prosecutor on Wednesday said the crime scene investigations of the two damaged cables had been completed, and that analysis of what was collected was ongoing. The Times cites the superintendent of the Swedish police as saying Wednesday, "The current classification of the crime is sabotage, though this may change." story continues below An interesting side note: The Journal reports the Yi Peng 3 did not leave Chinese waters between December 2019 and March 2024, at which point it made an abrupt change, per Benjamin L. Schmitt, senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. The Chinese ship began carrying Russian cargo and sailing to Russian ports like Nakhodka on the Sea of Japan and the Port of Murmansk in the Barents Sea. The ship is said to be currently carrying Russian fertilizers. "While this alone is not enough to provide evidence of Russian involvement, the fundamental change in the ship's operating region ... should be a key area of investigation for European authorities," Schmitt said. (More Baltic Sea stories.) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says a court ruling on razor wire along the border with Mexico is a "huge win" for the state. A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the federal government can't destroy wire Texas authorities installed to deter migrants near Eagle Pass, the Texas Tribune reports. The ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans said the razor wire could stay in place as long as federal agents had "necessary access" to both sides of it, reports the New York Times . The same court blocked Border Patrol agents from cutting through the wire last year, but the ruling was vacated by the Supreme Court. The Fifth Circuit granted Texas a limited preliminary injunction on Wednesday. "It was shocking to me that the federal government would go out of their way to cut razor wire to allow illegals to cross when we're just trying to protect our own land," Paxton told Newsmax. Texas has continued adding razor wire to its 1,200-mile border with Mexico over the last year, the AP reports. The federal government argues that the wire impedes its ability to patrol the border. "We sued immediately when the federal government was observed destroying fences to let illegal aliens enter, and we've fought every step of the way for Texas sovereignty and security," Paxton said in a post on X. The Times notes that three of the Fifth Circuit's judges, including Stuart Kyle Duncan, who wrote Wednesday's ruling, are seen as possible Supreme Court nominees during President-elect Trump's second term. (More US-Mexico border stories.) President-elect Donald Trump declared a win in halting illegal immigration from Mexico after discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum, however, noted that Mexico was already managing migrant caravans and stressed the country's focus on building cooperative international relationships, pushing back on Trump's assertions. Trump and Sheinbaum's conversation follows Trump's threats of imposing significant tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods to pressure these nations on immigration and drug issues. Despite no tariffs being enforced, Trump considers the dialogue with Sheinbaum as evidence of progress. He suggested this exchange effectively closed the Southern border and credited his tariff threats for triggering cooperation. Mexican efforts have indeed contributed to a 40% reduction in border arrivals, largely due to increased vigilance. In response, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's ongoing commitment to manage migration and enhance security cooperation whilst preserving sovereignty, suggesting she's not interested in closing the border. She said she and Trump had an "excellent conversation." The potential tariffs could disrupt the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and impact economic stability. Trump announced plans for a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on China because of its role in fentanyl production. The conversation underscores Trump's strategy of using trade policies as leverage and his focus on combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, including a proposed advertising campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. The opioid, initially for medical use, has increasingly been mixed into the illicit drug supply. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis were uninjured after a police car rear-ended their official limousine in a minor collision. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon on Wellington's main road to the airport. Authorities confirmed the Department of Internal Affairs, which oversees official vehicles, reported damage to the limousine's rear. In a statement from Auckland on Thursday, Prime Minister Luxon expressed surprise at the incident, describing it as a "bit of a shock" but assured that he was "fine." There is no confirmation yet from the Prime Minister whether the limousine would be deemed a total loss. The police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collision. As the investigation is underway, further details regarding the crash, including potential causes or contributing factors, remain undisclosed. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Puerto Rico is experiencing significant delays in producing a certified vote tally following its historic general elections almost a month ago. A recent court ruling has further complicated the process, by ordering the State Elections Commission to count early votes after verifying voter IDs, regardless of whether the postal address matches the one in the general registration. Judge Raul A. Candelario Lopez wrote that the legal framework provides "guarantees of reliability" for early votes, aiming to silence doubts about their validity. The ruling emerged from a lawsuit filed by New Progressive Party voters, who argued their early voting rights were being unjustly constrained. However, it has drawn criticism from the Popular Democratic Party, especially from electoral commissioner Karla Anglero, who plans to appeal. Anglero also raised concerns about potential voter fraud, questioning how more than 40 ballots with mismatched addresses were requested from the same PO box in Santa Isabel. Amid these legal and procedural complexities, Puerto Rico's election workers are racing to certify ballots by either December 20 or 22. They are tackling various hurdles, including an influx of write-in votes and errors in bedside ballots, requiring a restart of counting over 60,000 votes. The certification delay has led to the temporary suspension of counting ballots from a nonbinding political status referendum, underlining the urgency to finalize the election results by December 31 as mandated by local law. The swearing-in is set for Jan. 2, and preliminary results indicate the New Progressive Party won the gubernatorial race. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) A trend emerged on social media in China this month with women posting videos of themselves measuring sanitary pads. It wasn't some bizarre fad but a protest against companies accused of cheating women with feminine hygiene products significantly shorter than advertised. "Will cutting a few centimeters help you strike it rich?" one user asked in a Nov. 3 video, in which she measured pads from nine brands, finding all fell short of the stated length, per the BBC . Women who saw the video started measuring their own pads, leading to calls for boycotts and eventually complaints about "inadequate sex education, body shaming and the lack of female corporate leaders," per the New York Times . Chinese news outlet The Paper measured 20 different sanitary pads, finding 90% were at least a centimeter (0.4 inches) shorter than stated. In most cases, the layers meant to absorb menstrual blood were even shorter. Initially, Chinese brands reportedly didn't see what all the fuss was about given the national standard states the length of a pad can be within 4% of what is labeled. But a woman who measured three brands she had at home found they were up to 17% shorter than labeled, per the Times. When they failed to work for her, "I'd wonder if it was that I had gone too long without changing them," the woman says. "It was only after everyone pointed it out that I realized it was a manufacturing problem." Popular Chinese brand ABC triggered a huge backlash after telling a complaining customer that they could choose another brand, per the BBC. It later apologized and vowed to ensure "zero deviation" from the stated length. Other brands, including Shecare and Beishute, have also apologized, while Chinese authorities have said they'll revise the national standard for sanitary pads, which offers no guidance for how long the absorbent layer should be. Still, there are concerns of censorship in the feminist discussions, with state media outlets painting this as a cause for consumer rights, not women's rights, the Times reports. According to the BBC, one popular phrase on social media states, "Sanitary pads yield a centimeter; women yield for a lifetime." (More China stories.) While Taiwan's president plans a visit to Hawaii and Guam, China is likely planning military drills in response. Lai Ching-te's stopovers in the US state and territory as part of a weeklong Pacific tour to begin Saturday allows the president to shore up relations with US leaders even though the countries lack formal diplomatic ties. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, opposes official communication between Washington and Taipei. When Lai visited New York and San Francisco during a formal visit to Paraguay as vice president last year, China responded with military exercises around Taiwan, per the Wall Street Journal . China has been complaining about a warming in US-Taiwan relations for yearsunderstandably, as the US under President Biden has vowed to support Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. "Using visits to so-called 'diplomatic allies' to engage in political manipulation and seek 'independence' provocations will never succeed," a rep for China's Foreign Ministry said last week, per the Journal. On Thursday, after Lai's US stops were confirmed, a Chinese military rep said the army will "resolutely crush any 'Taiwan independence' separatist schemes and firmly push back against interference from external forces." Shortly after that statement, at least 19 Chinese aircraft were detected patrolling around Taiwan in coordination with Chinese navy vessels in a "joint combat readiness patrol," the island's Defense Ministry said, per AFP. Fresh military exercises are expected as Lai begins his first official overseas trip as president, which will also include visits to the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu. Beijing is particularly interested in showing the incoming Trump administration that Taiwan and the rest of the first island chain is "within China's sphere of influence," regional security officials tell the Journal. (More Taiwan stories.) The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was drenched in rain Thursday and briefly disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. New York City police said they arrested 21 people after protesters sat down on the parade route with Palestinian flags and a "Don't Celebrate Genocide" banner. People protesting Israel's war in Gaza also interrupted last year's parade. Thanks to the wet weather, this year's parade saw lots of ponchos and umbrellas along with the usual lineup of giant balloons, floats, and star-studded performances, the AP reports. The latest edition of the annual holiday tradition featured new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, zoo and pasta-themed floats, an ode to Big Apple coffee and bagels, performances from Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel, and Kylie Minogue, and more. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Around 140 participants came together in a festive family day organized by Alwali Training and Development Center (ATDC) and the Philippine Caregiver Society (PBCS). Filled with enthusiasm and teeming with excitement, caregivers along with their families and friends gathered to celebrate the colourful display of Filipino culture, emphasizing thanksgiving and togetherness. This event took place at the Plaza Swimming Pool in Karrana, Budaiya on November 22, 2024. One of the highlights of the day was the presence of Consul Bryan Jess Baguio of Philippine Embassy Manama, mounting the platform for an inspiring speech. In his address he highlighted the role of the organizations in promoting health care for Filipinos in Bahrain and the collaborative efforts with the embassy. The event was honoured by the attendance of Mr. Yusuf Lori, the Director of the Information and Follow-up of the Capital Governorate. His commendation of PBCS as well as the ATDC for their active involvement in community activities underscored the significant impact of these groups presence in the local community. Maria Perez Carmona, president of PBCS and ATDC Operations Manager said, We believe in strong relationships within the community. This event provided a well-deserved break for our hardworking members to let loose and be reunited with old friends. Cebu, Philippines, November 27th, 2024, CyberNewsWire Cebu-based entrepreneur Brian Christopher Aguilar has emerged as a notable figure in the cryptocurrency sector, leveraging blockchain technology to support environmental sustainability. As the founder of Ora Coin Foundation, Brian has turned his humble beginnings into a remarkable empire now valued at PHP 1.3 billion and growingall within just a few months. His groundbreaking initiative, the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative, across South East Asia and Middle East, aims to leave an indelible mark on the planet and secure a brighter future for generations to come. Brians journey began with his dream to combine technology and environmental stewardship. Ora Coin, the cryptocurrency he created with his partner Mr. Lataza, is more than just digital money. Each of its 21 million rare tokens represents an opportunity to combat deforestation and promote ecological balance. For every coin, a tree is planted under the foundations watchful eye, tracked with a 3D GPS monitoring system. But Brians vision doesnt stop at planting; it includes a unique feature where tree sponsors can interact and meditate with their trees online, creating a deeper connection between humans and nature. In partnership with Cebu Technological University, a leading state college in the Philippines, Brians mission has gained significant momentum. This collaboration has not only ensured scientific rigor in the project but also empowered local communities and students to participate in environmental conservation efforts. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in eco-friendly blockchain innovation. Before Ora Coin, Brian was no stranger to entrepreneurship. He made a name for himself in Hong Kong, running the successful Healthy Chicken Group, renowned for its star product, KALE. Starting as a musician, Brians story is one of grit, resilience, and a commitment to meaningful impact. Now leading one of the most inspiring initiatives in both cryptocurrency and environmental activism, Brian is proving that businesses can thrive while giving back to the planet. As the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative marches forward, Ora Coin Foundation is not just planting treesits planting hope for a better world. We owe it to the next generation, Brian says, to leave a legacy of sustainability and innovation. Ora Coin is just the beginning. About Ora Coin Foundation The Ora Coin Foundation is a blockchain-powered organization committed to environmental sustainability and innovation. Established by Brian Christopher Aguilar, the foundation focuses on using cryptocurrency to drive impactful ecological initiatives, such as the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative. With each Ora Coin token directly tied to the planting of a tree, the foundation leverages cutting-edge technology, including 3D GPS tracking, to ensure transparency and accountability. Through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Cebu Technological University, Ora Coin Foundation empowers communities and fosters a deeper connection between people and nature Contact Founder Brian Christopher Aguilar Ora Coin Foundation [email protected] St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway skated untouched, past several Devils and into the crease to gather the loose puck before scoring one of the easiest goals of his career. None of the five Devils nearby, including goaltender Jacob Markstrom, could clear the puck off a rebound in the most embarrassing play of the night that all but sealed their fate. The 2024 National Dog Show was all about Vito the pug. A pitch-perfect example of his breed, he took the toy group before being named best in show in the annual Thanksgiving afternoon broadcast. Vito, the No. 1 pug in the country, also won best of his breed at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show before strutting his stuff to emerge victorious at the Kennel Club of Philadelphias dog show. The Pennsylvania competition happened last week and was telecast after the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, as it has been for 23 years. Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, North Carolina owns the dog, whose registered name GCHG Andi In Cahoots. Vitos handler, Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Maryland, previously won the National Dog Show in 2008 with Holly the pointer. Last year, he won reserve best in show (runner-up) with New Jersey dog Pumpkin, a Dalmatian from Milltown. And this year, a Jersey dog named Houston also walked away with a win. Houston, a Clumber spaniel, had National Dog Show hosts John OHurley and David Frei saying wow when he was announced as the winner of the sporting group. The spaniel from Keyport bested all others in his group in his first time at the televised dog show. It was completely unexpected and amazing, his handler, Lexie Ditlow, tells NJ Advance Media. Houston the Clumber spaniel with his handler, Lexie Ditlow. The Jersey dog lives in Keyport.Steven Donahue | See Spot Run Houston turned 2 in October. Ditlow, who lives in Enola, Pennsylvania, has been showing the dog since he was 6 months old. It was a definitely a highlight of my career, for sure, she says of the spaniels win, the biggest shes had in her career. Clumber spaniels are considered a rarer breed theres probably 10 to 20, maybe max 30 litters of Clumbers born a year in the world, Ditlow says. Its good for dog shows when breeds like that do well because you get a little bit more exposure, she says. The bird dog breed was developed in England the Clumber comes from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Houston, who lives with owner Jackie Hickey a block from the Raritan Bay, loves to swim and loves zoomies in the yard. The dog, all fluffy white with brown markings on his ears, eye and nose, was born in Houston, so thats what his breeder named him. Hickey welcomed him home to Jersey when he was 3 months old. She owns three male Clumber spaniels the only Clumbers in the neighborhood. People often ask me is this a mixed breed? she says. They are a wonderful breed, but theyre a rare breed. While Hickey thought Houston had a chance of placing in the National Dog Show, she didnt expect him to win the sporting group. (Hes) very young to be such a prestige group winner, she says. Were super excited. Hickey works in New York as the director of a school for children with autism. She meets Ditlow and Houston at dog shows on the weekends. Shes known Ditlow for more than 20 years. During that time, they moved from Newfoundlands to Clumbers. Both breeds have a beautiful headpiece, Hickey says but be prepared for plenty of drool. He drools a ton, but its adorable, Ditlow says of the 85-pound dog, who is spending this week at home in Keyport. READ MORE: Meet N.J. man behind the National Dog Show Thanksgiving tradition They always have something in their mouth, theyre always carrying something, Hickey says of Clumbers. Theyre just really goofy and silly, Ditlow says. As for the rest of the winners at the National Dog Show, Verde, a Welsh terrier handled by Gabriel Rangel of Rialto, California, won second place, or reserve best in show, after winning the terrier group. Monty, a giant schnauzer from Chaplin, Connecticut, won the working group; The Zit, an Ibizan hound from Spring Hill, Florida, won the hound group; Rupert, a berger Picard from Shingle Springs, California, won the herding group; and JJ, a Lhasa apso from Sabot Virginia, won the non-sporting group. In 2023, Stache, a Sealyham terrier from Cochranville, Pennsylvania, won best in show. There will be an encore presentation of the National Dog Show Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. The U.S. Senate voted Nov. 20 on resolutions by Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, to block sales of some U.S.-made weapons to Israel, in an attempt to end American complicity in the destruction of Gaza. The failed resolutions received no more than 19 votes, all from Democrats and Sanders. New Jerseys senior senator, Cory Booker, voted against all three, constituting $20 billion worth of weapons. (Interim N.J. Sen. George Helmy also voted against the resolutions.) I believe that targeting and killing civilians is criminal. I believe the Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel was criminal, but has been avenged many times over. The ongoing obliteration of Gaza also jeopardizes the safety of the hostages whom Israel claims to prioritize. Booker apparently thinks this is not genocide. Gazas health care and education systems have been completely destroyed. Humanitarian food aid has been arbitrarily held up at the border, and food trucks have been fired upon inside Gaza. The death toll, according to Hamas, is now over 40,000, the majority of them women and children. Perhaps Booker could issue a statement that sets his minimum requirement for declaring Israels actions to be genocide. Is it 50,000 deaths? Maybe 100,000? He should be clear about how much longer he intends to support the current horrendous policy. Jim Price, Montclair First NJN radio, then NJ Advance. Is MSNBC next? I will miss many things about not having a print edition of your newspaper, starting in February, including news about New Jersey and especially Trenton. New Jerseys public radio network stations were sold off to WHYY in Philadelphia and WNYC in New York City during former Gov. Chris Christies administration years ago. We get some New Jersey coverage from WHYY and WNYC, and the New York Times, but it is almost an afterthought. NJ 12, a local cable TV outlet, keeps us up on fires, floods and bad road accidents, but not much real local news. I also will miss the printed comics. When I came here from Detroit about 35 years ago, I became a faithful Times of Trenton reader. Today, when I read Pickles, I felt a sense of wistful loss, since I will not be following online. I will miss the weekly TV schedule, the editorials, even columnist Paul Mulshines latest absurdity, and, of course, the Friendly Fire political feature. Ive always enjoyed the letters to the editor, and they often gave me new information or insight. Now, MSNBC is being spun off, possibly into oblivion, by Comcast Corp., with several other cable networks. Similarly, NJ Advance Media must have been planning eliminating print editions for a while. But I think it is no coincidence that this news came out along with the right-wing revolution signified by the recent election. Your online fans will have many options after February, but people like me will not. In the meantime, I will continue to read the comics and save them to wrap presents, as I have for years. Marlene Czarnowski, Monroe Township Bad choice for headline This concerns a headline on a recent Star-Ledger editorial, Enough delays: When cops kill the mentally ill, bureaucracy is also to blame. The Associated Press, in its stylebook, suggests retiring the mentally ill form in referring to individuals, calling it a dehumanizing term. Its similar to the use of terms such as the Blacks. In this case, the phrase appeared in the headline, but not in the text of the editorial. Harold A. Maio, Fort Myers, Fla. Note: The author is a retired mental health editor. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Roads heading south of Beirut were packed with bumper-to-bumper traffic today as thousands of people returned to war-ravaged towns. The movement came as a cease-fire began to take effect between Israel and Hezbollah after more than 13 months of bloodshed. Under the agreement mediated in part by the U.S. and approved by Israel and Lebanon Israeli forces will withdraw from Lebanon over the next 60 days. Hezbollah, which had been weakened, isolated and desperate for the war to end, will move its fighters north. And the Lebanese Army announced today that it had dispatched some of its forces to the countrys south. Still, questions remain about the durability of the truce. The Israeli military declared a curfew tonight in southern Lebanon and shelled two villages there, saying that it had identified a vehicle in a zone prohibited for movement. In northern Israel, where tens of thousands of people fled to escape barrages of Hezbollah rockets and drones, there was no apparent rush back to the evacuated towns. When William Lee stalks through Mexico City in Queer, he often seems on high alert, though sometimes hes just high. The louche protagonist in Luca Guadagninos soft-serve adaptation of the William S. Burroughs autobiographical novella, Lee is a smoker, drinker, heroin addict and epic storyteller. Hes a refugee from America who at times seems like a visitor from another dimension. Played with sensitivity and predatory heat by Daniel Craig, Lee has a feverish mind, eyes like searchlights and a mouth thats quick to sneer. There are moments when he seems possessed, though its not often clear whats taken hold of his soul. As in the book, the movie follows Lee during an adventure that takes him from Mexico circa 1950 further south to Panama, Ecuador and parts distinctly unknown only to bring him back to where he began or thereabouts. The novella runs a scant 160 or so pages, and while its crammed with incisive details, characters and observations, the story is fairly compressed and, for the most part, focuses on Lees preoccupation with another American, Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a tall, good-looking veteran. Lee first sees him gawking at a street cockfight, a distinctly Guadagnino take on what romantic stories call the meet cute. Its rapture at first sight, at least for Lee, whos soon chasing Allerton across the city. The younger man coyly, coolly, keeps Lee at a distance until they fall into bed. Guadagnino stages and shoots their encounter with discreet intimacy and pretty lighting, imbuing it with longing. This sensitivity may seem surprising given the outrageous visions, including a talking anus, that fill Burroughss most famous novel, the phantasmagoric Naked Lunch (1959). Yet desire suffuses his Queer, which he began writing in 1952, some six months after he fatally shot his wife, Joan Vollmer, during a horrifying, calamitously drunken game of William Tell. Burroughs remains best known as one of the coolest cats in the Beats; it was Jack Kerouac who suggested the title for Queer. Burroughs came from money, had a difficult past, sartorial flair, a hypnotically droning voice and a sinister aura. Hes up there with the pope, Patti Smith said. Without Burroughs, Lou Reed said, modern lit would be a drama without a page, a sonnet without a song and a bone without gristle. Burroughs, who died in 1997, and Kurt Cobain collaborated on a project, and Nirvana is featured on the soundtrack, suggesting Burroughss reach. He was a classic American figure: the nonconformist as cult. The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into whether Microsoft has violated antitrust law in multiple segments of its wide-ranging business, according to two people familiar with the inquiry, the latest salvo in a battle by the government to rein in the most powerful tech companies. The agency recently sent a long and detailed formal request for information to the company asking about its cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity products, the people said. Of particular interest to the F.T.C. is the way that Microsoft bundles its cloud computing offerings with office and security products, they added, alongside the companys growing power in the artificial intelligence space. The aggressive move by the F.T.C. comes as its chair, Lina Khan, is probably heading out the door with less than two months left in the Biden administration. Ms. Khan, 35, has pushed the agency to police big companies and has tried to get ahead of fast-moving changes in the technology industry. Ms. Khan is expected to leave her post as part of the transition to the administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, after which the focus of tech regulation could change. Transgender students in Ohio, from kindergarten through college, will be prohibited from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity after Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, signed a bill on Wednesday imposing the restrictions. Ohio is among at least a dozen states in recent years to adopt laws setting restrictions on bathrooms for transgender students at public schools. Passage of the Ohio bill comes as transgender issues are increasingly seen by Republicans as an effective tool to divide Democrats, and some Democrats are worrying that their partys support of trans rights may be a political liability. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio was one of several Democrats to lose races this year after being targeted in Republican television ads referencing transgender peoples access to bathrooms and involvement in sports. Earlier this month, after Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, Republicans in Congress moved to bar transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity on Capitol Hill. The Ohio measure goes beyond several other states laws regulating bathroom use by transgender people by extending the restrictions to individuals over the age of 18, and by including private schools and colleges. The law classifies individuals as male or female based on how they were identified at birth, and requires schools to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations for the exclusive use by students of the male biological sex only or by students of the female biological sex only.' Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, spoke to President-elect Donald J. Trump on Wednesday afternoon, and both later characterized their discussion as positive while providing different descriptions of what Mexico is doing to stave off a potential tariff war. While Mr. Trump posted on social media that Mexico had agreed to stop migration to the United States through Mexico, effectively closing our Southern Border, Ms. Sheinbaum limited her description of the migration-related issues they had discussed to migrant caravans no longer reaching the border with the United States. Still, Ms. Sheinbaum, who earlier in the day had made clear that Mexico would impose retaliatory tariffs in response to similar measures threatened by Mr. Trump, seemed to ease tensions by saying the exchange was excellent. I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump, she wrote on social media. We addressed Mexicos strategy regarding the migration phenomenon, and I shared that caravans are no longer reaching the northern border as they are being addressed within Mexico. For the second time, a federal appeals court has limited the Biden administrations authority to cut barbed wire that Texas authorities have erected along the countrys southern border to deter migrants from crossing into the United States. But the ruling, issued Wednesday, required something of Texas authorities as well. The court order would protect the states concertina wire so long as federal agents had necessary access to both sides of it including in Shelby Park, a local park in the border city of Eagle Pass that the state seized and kicked federal authorities out of this year. The ruling is the latest development in an ongoing clash between state and federal authorities for control over border enforcement, as Texas has repeatedly tried to effectively set its own immigration policy. Since 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott has been deploying state law enforcement and National Guard members along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of an initiative called Operation Lone Star. Texas efforts to arrest migrants under a new state law and to place floating barriers along the Rio Grande have also led to court battles. The legal dispute over barbed wire began in October 2023 when Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, sued the Biden administration, claiming that U.S. Border Patrol agents were illegally destroying the states concertina wire fencing. The state, Mr. Paxton said, had the right to curb what he called an alien surge. The preliminary investigation was initiated because it cannot be ruled out that the cables were deliberately damaged, Per Engstrom, the superintendent of the Swedish police, said in a statement on Wednesday. The current classification of the crime is sabotage, though this may change. Denmark has said it is in ongoing dialogue with various countries, including China. The mystery of the severed cable and who is to blame comes as Europe is increasingly on edge after a number of apparent sabotage operations, including arson attacks, vandalism and physical assaults. Many of these have been attributed to Russian intelligence operatives, including a plot that emerged last month, Western officials say, to put incendiary devices on cargo planes. The case surrounding the commercial ship in the Baltic Sea is somewhat different. That ship a bulk carrier called the Yi Peng 3 travels under a Chinese flag. The ship, owned by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping Co. Ltd., set off from the Russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea on Nov. 15, according to Marine Traffic, a commercial ship tracking agency. From there, it traveled nearly the full length of the Baltic Sea. The first cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden was cut on the morning of Nov. 17. The second one, connecting Finland and Germany, was cut the following morning. The damage disrupted some data transfers but did not cut internet connections in any of the countries, the authorities said. Now, investigators are sifting through analyses as ships from nearby countries are patrolling near the Chinese ship. Syrian opposition forces have launched an offensive in a western Aleppo district that has killed at least 89 people and overtaken a Syrian military base, a monitoring group based in Britain reported on Wednesday. The attacks are the most notable escalation in the Syrian conflict in years, experts say. Fighters from various rebel factions, including a group linked to Al Qaeda called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, had advanced by Wednesday to within about six miles of Aleppo and taken over weapons and vehicles previously held by forces loyal to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, according to the monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Opposition factions announced on the Telegram messaging app that they had taken Base 46, the largest Syrian government base in the area, as well as tanks, and had captured members of the pro-government forces on Wednesday. They also announced that they had taken over a number of villages in the countryside west of Aleppo district. In the matter of about 10 hours, a wide spectrum of armed opposition groups have managed to get to within about four or five kilometers now of Aleppo city, which is of gigantic significance, Charles Lister, the director of Middle East Institutes Syria and counterterrorism programs, said on Wednesday. Lebanons cease-fire appeared to hold The uneasy truce between Israel and Hezbollah largely held through its second day in Lebanon yesterday, though Israel conducted an airstrike that it said targeted militants violating terms of the cease-fire deal. The Israeli strike was the first of its kind since the cease-fire went into effect before dawn on Wednesday. But despite an exchange of blame between two parties of the deal Israel and Lebanon neither of the wars combatants, Israel or Hezbollah, seemed keen to return to full-scale fighting. The Israeli military said its airstrike, near the border in southern Lebanon, had targeted two militants arriving at a Hezbollah rocket facility that had been used to fire into Israel. Lebanons army, which is set to play a major role in enforcing the truce, accused Israel of violating the cease-fire several times yesterday. Hezbollah did not immediately comment. Across Lebanon, people greeted the cease-fire that ended the countrys deadliest war in three decades with relief, hoping that some sense of normalcy would return. The women entering the Italian Cultural Institute on Park Avenue on this particular spring day all had one thing in common: They were wearing a piece, or several, of big, bold, colorful jewelry. The necklaces and bracelets and brooches had been created from chunks of resin, strung together in eye-catching color combinations like orange, red and yellow, or blue lapis dusted with gold alongside shimmering mother-of-pearl. And they were wearing the jewelry to view an exhibition by its designer, Angela Caputi. Like many of the visitors to Reflections/Riflessi: Angela Caputi, which ended in early June, the institutes director, Fabio Finotti, discovered Ms. Caputis jewelry on a visit to Florence, Italy, where the 87-year-old designer lives and works. I was walking down the Via Santo Spirito, he said, and saw this wonderful necklace for my wife in a shop window. It resembled clusters of autumn leaves, he said, and cost about 350 euros (now $370). And the more he looked around the boutique, especially after meeting Ms. Caputi, who was working in the back, the more impressed he became. So he arranged the show. As Asscher family legend goes, Abraham Asscher had a gun in his left pocket and the Cullinan Diamond in his right in 1907 when he traveled by public ferry to Amsterdam from England, where King Edward VII had entrusted him with what still is known more than a century later as the worlds largest gem-quality rough diamond. After studying the 3,106-carat gem for almost a year, Abrahams brother, Joseph, cut it into nine large stones two of which are still highlights of the British Crown Jewels. The legend notes that Joseph Asscher then fainted from the stress. When I started in this business I asked my grandfather, I really want to know if this story is true, said Mike Asscher, one of Josephs great-grandsons and a co-president with his sister, Lita of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. He replied, Well, actually, when he successfully cleaved the stone, they drank a lot of Champagne, then he fainted. From the simple lines and abstract forms of Egyptian, Roman and Byzantine motifs to the elaborate statement pieces of the Bedouin (Arabic-speaking nomadic people who have historically inhabited the Arabian Peninsula), Jordan is steeped in jewelry heritage. And now those styles are being reinterpreted as contemporary one-of-a-kind pieces by women architects, artists and graphic designers in Amman, the countrys capital. The jewelry scene is growing exponentially in Amman, said Ola Medanat, the founder of the Oh Em Jay fine jewelry brand, who was trained as an architect and is based in the city. When I first started designing jewelry in 2012, anything different would usually be coming from Egypt or Lebanon, especially Beirut, she said. But as time went on, more women entered the arena. Not content to let that be the joke, as the vessels pass each other, the father and son stand up, point at one another, and shout, I loved you in Wall Street, breaking the fourth wall but adding another layer of reference, this one to the 1987 Oliver Stone drama in which they both starred. The reason the moment is so funny is because it requires a level of intensity from the Sheens, who have to play everything, down to the compliment, with straight faces. But that is the joy of this brand of comedy. Reflecting on the infamous Shirley line from Airplane! in an interview with Vulture in 2016, Abrahams said, I like to think, even today, when you hear in the news somebody say surely this, or surely that, I like to think that theres a whole bunch of people around the world who hear that and kinda chuckle to themselves because they remember the line and they know they dont have to take that seriously. And yet the beauty of the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker punchlines is that their characters dont know they are making them. Nielsen played both Dr. Rumack and his Naked Gun cop Frank Drebin with the gravitas of someone vying for an Oscar. (Just watch Frank try to bribe a source and end up taking the bribes himself.) Abrahams and his cohort got everyone from Nielsen to Priscilla Presley, his co-star in the Naked Gun movies, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an Airplane! standout, to submit to their wackiness. Audiences just had to sit back and laugh. Book banning is on the rise in the United States. A growing number of communities are trying to take reading choices out of the hands of children and families by declaring some books off limits. At least 220 public school districts imposed bans last school year on more than 4,200 books, according to PEN America. The targets of those bans are often books that feature people of color or people who are not heterosexual or books that deal with difficult subjects like sexual violence and substance abuse. First Book is an antidote to these bans. The nonprofit, one of the beneficiaries of The New York Times Communities Fund, operates what is essentially one of the nations largest bookstores. It offers a wide range of childrens and young adult books at large discounts sometimes even free to educators, child care providers and others who work with children. In 2022 and 2023, First Book delivered more than 25 million books to communities across the country, including a wide range of titles that might not otherwise be available in those places. I know that every year, some of you see this Thanksgiving column by my brother and think that it is actually I who is serving up this slab of red meat under the nom de plume of Kevin Dowd. I can assure you that Kevin is very real and, this year, very excited. So, caveat emptor: Here is Kevins column. ROCKVILLE, Md. My sister told me not to gloat. But Democrats are eating a giant helping of crow since voters delivered a stunning victory to Donald Trump after spending months years, really claiming he was a racist, a wannabe dictator, Adolf Hitler and a threat to democracy. Somehow this racist dictator was able to assemble a new coalition of Black, Hispanic, middle-class and working-class voters. Maybe its because nobody wants to live in the kind of country that the Biden-Harris administration and its leftist bedfellows were creating. Voters rejected the lax border measures championed by Joe Biden and the incompetent man supposedly in charge of homeland security, Alejandro Mayorkas. Turns out even people in blue America dont like it when their groceries cost more and they feel less safe. I must admit I had misgivings about Trump and his election denial after Jan. 6, but Nancy Pelosis hijacking of the Houses special investigating committee shifted my perspective. There was no world in which Trump could have come out of that committee without being scarred. So why did she have to overreach? It didnt seem fair. And the ensuing lawfare waged against him only strengthened my support for him, and my feeling that there was nothing the opposition wouldnt do to get him. At age 6, Reba Teran lost the ability to speak her language. Like many Indigenous students in the 20th century, she attended schools where any language other than English was forbidden. For the past 22 years, Ms. Teran, an Eastern Shoshone Elder, has made it her lifes work to build a dictionary of her peoples language, one that includes audio recordings of people speaking the words. After six years of hearing the language, she started dreaming in Eastern Shoshone. And then one morning, she explained, I woke up and all of a sudden, I could talk. She had regained the ability to both think and converse in the language. Ms. Terans work on the dictionary continues, and now Eastern Shoshone words she helped document are being used for the name of a new prehistoric amphibian species. That animal once burrowed for safety in the land that is home to the Eastern Shoshone. Delta Air Lines said it had opened an investigation after the pilot of a flight that landed in Paris on Wednesday announced that the police were boarding his plane because it was carrying an extra passenger. A representative for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration said on Wednesday that a person went through security screening but avoided identity and boarding pass checks before boarding a flight that left the United States. Without identifying the flight, the representative referred questions to the police at Charles de Gaulle Airport, which serves Paris. In a statement, Delta said that it was working with law enforcement and aviation authorities to investigate Flight 264, the plane that was boarded in Paris. The flight departed Kennedy International Airport in New York on Tuesday night, landing at Charles de Gaulle the next day, according to flight trackers. Delta did not provide further details on what it was investigating. The airport authorities in Paris said that they could not share information about the extra passenger. Ivanka and Jared left the White House behind for a life in Miami. Eric is running the family business. Tiffany got married. Barron is a budding strategist at NYU. Of all the Trump children, no one has stuck closer to their fathers side than Donald Jr., the president-elects eldest son. The 46-year-old Mr. Trump has found political power and personal fortune in stoking the flame of the Make America Great Again movement his father started. He has an array of conservative-focused businesses, from a publishing company to a seven-figure annual podcasting deal. Forbes recently estimated Mr. Trumps worth largely built in the wake of his fathers political career after Jan. 6, 2021 to be around $50 million. For that reason, his associates say, he has no plans to join the administration. But he also understands what his siblings and several first-term administration officials learned the hard way: Trying to serve as a gatekeeper for his father is a politically perilous exercise. Australia has imposed a sweeping ban on social media for children under 16, one of the worlds most comprehensive measures aimed at safeguarding young people from potential hazards online. But many details were still unclear, such as how it will be enforced and what platforms will be covered. After sailing through Parliaments lower house on Wednesday, the bill passed the Senate on Thursday with bipartisan support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that it puts Australia at the vanguard of efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of children from detrimental effects of social media, such as online hate or bullying. The law, he has said, puts the onus on social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under 16 from having an account. Corporations could be fined up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about $32 million) for systemic failures to implement age requirements. Neither underage users nor their parents will face punishment for violations. And whether children find ways to get past the restrictions is beside the point, Mr. Albanese said. A senior member of Chinas military elite has been suspended from office, under suspicion of serious violations of discipline, the Chinese government revealed on Thursday, months after two of the countrys former defense ministers were officially denounced for graft and disloyalty to the Communist Party and its top leader, Xi Jinping. A spokesman for Chinas Ministry of National Defense told a news briefing in Beijing that Adm. Miao Hua was under investigation. His case seems to be another indication that Mr. Xis apparently iron grip on the armed forces and his decade-long campaign against corruption have not eradicated graft in its high ranks. The announcement of Admiral Miaos suspension while under investigation was made by a spokesman for the ministry, Senior Col. Wu Qian, at a monthly news conference, according to a transcript on the ministrys website. The reason that Colonel Wu cited for the investigation into Admiral Miao, serious violations of discipline, often refers to corruption, but it can also cover other misdeeds like political disloyalty. When Sabrina Wang, a Chinese university student, saw an online post that claimed that manufacturers of sanitary pads had been cheating women, selling them pads that were significantly shorter than advertised, she decided to measure her own. She was shocked to find that all three brands she had at home were shorter than labeled, by as much as 17 percent. If I had issues when using them, Id wonder if it was that I had gone too long without changing them, Ms. Wang, 22, said. It was only after everyone pointed it out that I realized it was a manufacturing problem. She wrote her own post, urging other women to lobby for stricter oversight of pad makers. Manufacturers think we cant go without their products because of our everyday physiological needs, so they dare to be so arrogant, she said in an interview. Its a lack of respect. Ms. Wang was joining a chorus of voices in China that in recent weeks have demanded greater accountability from sanitary pad manufacturers and government regulators and, more broadly, greater consideration of women. Criticism of the lengths of pads quickly expanded to scrutiny of their quality and price. From there, the conversation branched out to topics like inadequate sex education, body shaming and the lack of female corporate leaders. Months of simmering tension between India and Bangladesh erupted into the open this week, as the once-friendly neighbors exchanged angry accusations after the arrest of a Hindu priest in Bangladesh on charges of sedition. In August, Sheikh Hasina, an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, was toppled as Bangladeshs leader by a popular uprising. She fled to India, and her continued presence there has strained relations between the interim government in Bangladesh and Mr. Modis government in New Delhi. The caretaker administration in Bangladesh, led by the 84-year-old Nobel Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has expressed concern that Ms. Hasina is plotting a return to power from India. The interim Bangladeshi leaders have also accused India of exaggerating attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh to score political points at home. The latest flashpoint was the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk in Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country where Hindus make up less than 10 percent of a population of 170 million. The call arrived it was go time. The medical doctor rushed to the airport, bound for a midnight operation hundreds of miles away in western India. But this mission was not about saving lives. The doctor carried a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a blade and a cellphone tools for a heist. His target was something worth more than gold in Indias cutthroat competition for government jobs and university placements: the question sheets for a police constable exam. After landing in the city of Ahmedabad, the doctor, Shubham Mandal, was hurried to a freight warehouse on its outskirts, according to police documents and interviews with the lead investigator by The New York Times. To avoid surveillance cameras, Dr. Mandal climbed through a back window into a room stacked with boxes. There, the police say, he pried open one marked confidential and took out an envelope. He used his phones camera to photograph each page inside before resealing the envelope and locking the box. He would repeat the exercise at least once in the nights that followed, as new sheets arrived at the warehouse from the printing house, in between staying at a one-star hotel nearby. Waiting in a car each time were three men, including, the police say, the burglarys mastermind, Ravi Atri. China to build next-gen Beidou system, planning test satellite launches in 2027 and system completion by 2035 15:28, November 28, 2024 By Fan Wei, Fan Anqi ( Global Times File photo of a model of the Beidou Satellite Navigation System. (Photo/Xinhua) China Satellite Navigation Office (CSNO) on Thursday released major plans for the next stage of Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), featuring cutting-edge technologies and enhanced services. The plan includes the launch of three pilot test satellites around 2027 and the completion of the system by 2035. The BDS Development Plan for 2035 was announced on Thursday at a symposium in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beidou project. More than 100 participants attended the event, including representatives from national authorities, as well as key personnel from the project's engineering leadership and design teams. The new plan outlines the future of China's satellite navigation network. "Building on the stable operation of the BDS-3, China aims to establish a next-generation BDS that is more advanced, robust, and user-focused," the Global Times learned from the event. The timeline specifies that breakthroughs in key technologies are expected by 2025. By 2027, three pilot satellites will be launched to test new technologies, and by 2029, the deployment of the system's network satellites will begin. The full completion of the next-generation BDS is expected by 2035, according to the plan. The new system will feature characteristics like accuracy, flexibility, intelligence, and adaptability, offering global users real-time, high-precision, and highly reliable navigation, positioning, and timing services across Earth and near-Earth spaces, with accuracy ranging from meter-level to decimeter-level. The system will cater to a variety of user terminals spanning from Earth's surface to deep space, and seamlessly integrate with other non-satellite-based navigation and timing technologies. The CSNO noted that the next-generation BDS will optimize the constellation architecture, forming a hybrid configuration of high-, medium-, and low-orbit to enhance the accuracy of time-space benchmarks and the system's autonomous operation capabilities. An integrated and efficient ground system will also be established to ensure resource flexibility, data sharing, and continuous operations, according to the office. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) After 50 days surviving in the remote, frigid wilderness of Canadas northern Rocky Mountains, a missing hiker was found alive this week, the Canadian authorities announced on Wednesday. The hiker, Sam Benastick, was reported missing on Oct. 19 after he went camping in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park in British Columbia, an area of jagged mountains, fast-changing weather, forest valleys, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. The police, rescue workers and his family took part in the search, scanning a landscape of austere mountains and blankets of snow. But as the days passed without sign of Mr. Benastick, hope began to fade. Temperatures plunged to below zero Fahrenheit. In winter, the park warns of avalanches. Year-round, it warns of bears. At some point, the official search was called off, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. During the search, Mr. Benasticks family spent weeks at the Buffalo Inn Pink Mountain, a hotel near the park, having nightly meetings in the hotels fireplace room, Michael Reid, the general manager, said in a phone interview. The family checked out before Mr. Benastick had been found, he said. After he escaped from a London jail last year, strapped by a sling made from trousers to the underside of a food-delivery truck, Daniel Khalife spent three days on the run, evading a nationwide manhunt launched by Britains embarrassed authorities. On Thursday the former British soldier was found guilty of spying for Iran after a trial that revealed the bizarre activities of a young man who claimed he was partly drawn to the world of espionage by watching the Emmy-winning drama Homeland. At Woolwich Crown Court, Mr. Khalife, 23, was convicted of collecting information useful to an enemy in this case the government of Iran but cleared of a charge of planting fake bombs in his military barracks. Mr. Khalife had contested the spying charges, claiming he wanted to work for the British intelligence agencies as a double agent. Political turmoil deepened in Romania on Thursday after the countrys top court called for a recount of all the ballots cast in the first round of a presidential election, just days after a little-known ultranationalist won the most votes. Calin Georgescu an often pro-Russia candidate who had been dismissed before the election as an extremist with no chance of winning garnered 22.9 percent of the votes. Analysts credited his use of TikTok and other social media for his strong showing. Mr. Georgescu is set to face Elena Lasconi, a centrist mayor and former journalist, in a runoff on Dec. 8. She won 19.2 percent of the vote, slightly more than Marcel Ciolacu, the center-left prime minister. The recount may disrupt the runoff. If the first-round results are not certified, Romania cannot move on to the second round. Russia attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure with missiles and drones on Thursday, in what President Vladimir V. Putin said was retaliation for Kyivs hitting Russian territory with long-range American missiles. Mr. Putin suggested that such strikes could be stepped up, after millions of Ukrainians were left without power on Thursday, Ukrainian officials said. Ukraines energy ministry said it was the 11th major attack on the countrys energy infrastructure this year. The total extent of the damage was not immediately clear, but explosions were heard in cities across Ukraine, and many officials reported power outages. Six people were reported injured across the country, according to the regional authorities. The energy sector is under massive enemy attack again, Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, wrote on his Facebook page. The operator of the Ukrainian transmission system has urgently introduced emergency power outages, he added. In mid-November, Iran dispatched a top official to Beirut to urge Hezbollah to accept a cease-fire with Israel. Around the same time, Irans U.N. ambassador met with Elon Musk, an overture to President-elect Donald J. Trumps inner circle. And on Friday, it will hold talks in Geneva with European countries on a range of issues, including its nuclear program. All this recent diplomacy marks a sharp change in tone from late October, when Iran was preparing to launch a large retaliatory attack on Israel, with a deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warning, We have never left an aggression unanswered in 40 years. Irans swing from tough talk to a more conciliatory tone in just a few weeks time has its roots in developments at home and abroad. Five Iranian officials, one of them a Revolutionary Guards member, and two former officials said the decision to recalibrate was prompted by Mr. Trump winning the Nov. 5 election, with concerns about an unpredictable leader who, in his first term, pursued a policy of maximum pressure on Iran. Iran has backed the Syrian government throughout the war, sending advisers and commanders of its powerful Revolutionary Guards force to bases and front lines and backing militias, with thousands of fighters, to defend the government. What does the Syrian government say? A Syrian government statement said that Mr. al-Assad had spoken to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Iraq over the weekend, vowing that Syria would defeat the terrorists, regardless of the intensity of their attacks. Syrian officials routinely refer to rebels as terrorists. Mr. al-Assad on Sunday directed Gen. Abdul Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim, the army chief of staff, to pay a field visit to Hama, where military reinforcements, including troops, equipment and weapons, were also sent, the Syrian state media reported. On Sunday the president also met with Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who flew to Damascus to show support for the Syrian government. The Syrian military said in a statement over the weekend that its operation to push back the rebels was successfully progressing. It tried to discredit reports about rebel advances, saying that the armed groups were spreading false news to undermine morale. Is this linked to the regional conflict? While Syria has not been directly involved in the conflicts roiling the Middle East over the past year, its territory has long been a proxy battlefield for international powers. Maps Pinpoint Where Democrats Lost Ground Since 2020 in 11 Big Cities A Times analysis shows where Kamala Harris got fewer votes compared with Joseph R. Biden Jr. and which voting blocs drove each citys red shift. TapClick to jump to a city Atlanta Chicago Detroit Houston Las Vegas Miami Milwaukee New York City Philadelphia Phoenix San Francisco To offset gains that Donald J. Trump made in rural and suburban America in 2024, Kamala Harris needed to do better than Joseph R. Biden Jr.s strong 2020 electoral performance in cities. But she ended up doing worse in urban America getting 15 percent fewer votes than Mr. Biden in some cities. A New York Times analysis of precinct-level election results the most detailed available publicly across 11 cities shows how it happened. Atlanta Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x White precincts In Atlanta and its suburbs, both candidates found new voters, but Ms. Harriss gains in precincts where white voters were the largest racial or ethnic group were canceled out by losses elsewhere. Mr. Trumps uptick in support from voters of color across Atlanta, along with improved performance in the states rural areas, was enough for him to win Georgia a swing state he narrowly lost to Mr. Biden in 2020. Chicago Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts Chicago is emblematic of the chief problem the Harris campaign faced in urban areas a big decline in votes in Democratic strongholds. Even though Ms. Harris won the city by a 58-point margin, she lost ground in nearly every precinct. She picked up just 127,000 votes in Mexican and Puerto Rican neighborhoods, 47,000 fewer than Mr. Biden earned in 2020. Mr. Trump made small gains across the board, but Ms. Harriss losses were much steeper. Detroit Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Precincts where Arabs are the largest ethnic group In Wayne County, which includes Detroit, Ms. Harris struggled to capture the support of Arab American voters, many of whom had been turned off by the Biden administrations Middle East policies. In a swath of voting precincts spanning Dearborn and Hamtramck, which have the nations highest concentration of people of Arab ancestry, Mr. Trump picked up thousands of votes compared with 2020, while the Democratic Party lost an even bigger number. Countywide, precincts with high shares of Arab residents made up just 6 percent of the electorate but accounted for more than 40 percent of the decline in Democratic votes. Houston Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts where the median income is less than $50,000 The story in Houston was more about Ms. Harris underperforming Mr. Bidens 2020 vote totals than about Mr. Trump achieving sharp gains, especially in Latino neighborhoods and lower-income areas. Ms. Harriss vote total was down 12 percent overall from Mr. Bidens in 2020, and 28 percent in low-income neighborhoods where Latino voters are the largest group. Las Vegas Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts In this rapidly growing area, red shifts were most evident in Latino neighborhoods. While Ms. Harris matched Mr. Bidens vote total overall, Mr. Trump made significant gains throughout the area. Miami Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts where Cubans are not the largest subgroup Mr. Trump was already popular with Miami-Dade Countys large Cuban American population, but in this election, his support surged with Latino voters from other groups as well. He received 20 percent more total votes in Latino neighborhoods where Cubans are not the predominant Latino group, like those with large populations of Nicaraguans or Colombians. This helped him flip Miami-Dade County for the first time since 1988, further cementing Florida as a decisively red state. Milwaukee Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts where Mexicans are the largest subgroup Mr. Trump saw gains on the citys South Side, where there are Latino precincts with large Mexican populations, and his increased support coincided with Ms. Harriss losses there. Ms. Harris picked up votes in some white neighborhoods, but those gains were erased by the losses elsewhere, allowing Mr. Trump to cut into the Democratic margin and flip the state back to the Republican column. New York City Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts Latino neighborhoods accounted for nearly half of Mr. Trumps total gains in his home city compared with 2020. While Ms. Harris won these precincts by a 40-point margin, that fell short of Mr. Bidens 66-point margin in 2020. In a city with a diverse population of Latinos, Mr. Trumps vote share grew among all of them Puerto Rican neighborhoods, Dominican neighborhoods and Mexican neighborhoods alike. Philadelphia Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x White precincts Ms. Harris outperformed Mr. Biden in some parts of the city especially in white precincts near the downtown area. White voters were the largest racial or ethnic group in 24 of the 25 precincts where she gained the most votes. But Ms. Harris lost some support in Latino and Black neighborhoods elsewhere in the city, and the Democratic margin fell to 59 points, from 64 points in 2020. Phoenix Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Latino precincts More than half of the Democratic vote decline occurred in Latino neighborhoods, even though these precincts accounted for just 16 percent of the overall vote total. Ms. Harris still won Latino neighborhoods by 23 points, but it was a 12-point drop from the 2020 margin of Mr. Biden, who narrowly won Arizona, a Republican stronghold won only twice by Democrats since 1952. San Francisco Swipe to see maps showing change in turnout Arrows show size of shift toward Trump and Harris from 2020. x Where Harris got more votes or fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 x Where Trump got more votes or fewer votes in 2024, compared with 2020 x Asian precincts Even this city known for its liberalism and its importance to Ms. Harriss career swung toward Mr. Trump. Ms. Harriss losses were especially noticeable in the citys Asian neighborhoods, which are predominantly Chinese but include thousands of voters from other groups. Though Ms. Harris still won the city by a 68-point margin, Mr. Trump gained more than 6,000 votes on top of her vote losses. A middle-aged Russian man suffering from diabetes and poor blood clotting tragically lost his life after being scratched on the leg by his pet cat. On November 22, Dmitry Ukhin, a 55-year-old man from the Kirishi district, in Russias Leningrad region, went looking for his pet cat Styopka around the neighborhood. The feline had an independent streak and liked nothing more than to walk around the neighborhood freely. Eyewitnesses later told police that Ukhin found his beloved pet and took it home with him, but couldnt really explain why or how the cat scratched his leg so badly that he bled to death in a matter of minutes. It was around 11 p.m. when a desperate Dmitry Ukhin called his next-door neighbor to tell him that he was bleeding profusely after being scratched on his leg by his cat. The neighbor tried to help the 55-year-old man, but he apparently suffered from diabetes and had blood clotting problems, so he called emergency services. Unfortunately, by the time an ambulance arrived, they could only confirm the mans death. Around 11 p.m., a man called 112 to report that his friend was bleeding from his leg due to a torn vein. The doctors who arrived only confirmed the mans death, which the police received a telephone message about, a police spokesperson told Kosomolskaya Pravda, adding that there was definitely no crime there. An investigation into Dmitry Ukhins bizarre death will try to explain why the cat attacked his master, and how it was able to scratch deeply enough to sever a vein or an artery. In a photo posted on Ukhins social media, its clear to see that Styopka is a fairly large cat, but to have large enough claws to strike a vein is still unusual for a house cat. Ukhins wife told investigators that Styopka was a harmless cat that was very attached to her late owner, so she cant imagine her scratching him to death. Lobbyists mob the United Nations' plastics pollution conference. The Center for International Environmental Law predicts plastic and fossil fuel lobbyists will thwart efforts by the United Nations to hammer out a treaty to reduce plastic pollution. It counts 220 industry lobbyists registered to participate in the UNs conference in Busan, South Korea. That session runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. Industry lobbyists outnumber the 196 delegates from member states of the European Union and the 140 representatives from the host nation. Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil have sent the most lobbyists, five and four, respectively. Delphine Levi Avlares, CIELs global petrochemicals campaign manager, has accused industry lobbyists of resorting to tactics of obstruction, distraction, intimidation, and misinformation that is straight out of the climate conference book that just wrapped up in Azerbaijan. Their goal is to preserve the financial interests of countries and companies who are putting their fossil-fueled profits above human health, human rights, and the future of the planet, added Avlares. The plastic companies, of course, have a right to make their case before a body that wants to regulate their business. But their argument that waste management, rather than production cuts, doesnt hold up. About 460M tons of plastics are produced annually with production set to triple by 2060. Waste has more than doubled to 353 tons in 2019, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. A mere nine percent of plastic gets recycled, according to the OECD. That means a lot of plastic trash is polluting our land and water. Riled about Rudy.Ken Frydman, CEO of New Yorks Source Communications PA/strategic communications shop wrote a guest editorial in the Nov. 27 New York Daily News slugged Who is my Rudy Giuliani troll? It dealt with an anonymous text from a burner phone that Frydman received after he appeared on CNN to discuss Rudys refusal to comply with a court order to turn over his assets to two Georgia poll workers that he defamed. Frydman, who was Giulianis campaign press secretary in 1993, reported the full unedited text of the exchange in the editorial. Ken why are you speaking to the media about mayor Rudy Giuliani. You aren't his friend you're not involved in his life so what information could you possibly have. Mayor Giuliani is a national hero who has been lied about repeatedly texted the troll. He said if Frydman continued to lie about Giuliani, he has people who are prepared to come out and talk about you and your track record with the mayor. Frydman has shared the text threat with his attorney and the NYPD. Smart move. Putins war on journalistsRadio Free Europe/Radio Liberty freelancer Nika Novak is the first journalist to be sentenced under Russias law about cooperating with a foreign media outlet. The court ruled that Novak was paid to prepare inaccurate materials to discredit the Russian army and state authorities. She was sentenced to four years in prison. Her sentencing handed down behind closed doors in the Russian Far East demonstrates that the Russian authorities are continuing their relentless, silent crackdown on journalists, said Gulnoza Said, Europe and Central Asia program director at the Committee to Protect Journalists. CPJ demands that Russia release Novak and all jailed journalists. Thats not going to happen, especially as Putins media-bashing buddy, Donald Trump, returns to power. Bye, bye DEIMighty Walmart, which projects $642.6B in fiscal 2025 revenues, is the latest company to cave to anti-DEI zealot Robby Starbuck. Its not as if the Bentonville, AR-based behemoth was manning the barricades on the DEI front. Walmart is even going to expunge the term diversity, equity and inclusion from corporate documents. The retailer hasnt gotten around to eliminating the purpose section of its website. Heres how it defines purpose: We aim to build a better world helping people live better and renew the planet while building thriving, resilient communities. That sounds pretty good to me. Its something that even Starbuck could agree with. Million-Dollar PayoffsParamount Global executive VPs Doretha Lea (global policy & government relations) and Nancy Phillips (chief people officer) are in line for $1M transaction awards if they stick around for completion of the takeover of their company by Skydance Media. Those windfalls are equal to their annual base salaries as on November 15, according a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, and will be paid in a single lump sum (less applicable withholdings) on the day of the closing date of the Skydance deal. Leading up to the closing, it is vital that we continue to deliver on our business priorities despite the inherent uncertainty and personal distractions we all experience, and we cannot do this without you, says a letter from Phillips to the lucky transaction award winners. To acknowledge your significant role and level of involvement in the transaction process, which will undoubtedly require commitment and effort above and beyond that of your normal responsibilities, I am pleased to offer you a transaction award, she wrote. Not everybody is in line for bonuses. Paramount urges recipients to keep mum about the payments out of consideration for your colleagues and to ensure the integrity of the special transaction program. The merger is expected to close during the first-half of next year. There has been a lot of quibbling about the media use of words like landslide, smashing, resounding or sweeping to describe Trumps electoral victory over Kamala Harris. Thats just sour grapes. It doesnt matter that Trump won by a tiny 1.58 percent margin. He is going back to the White House. Kamala isnt. Instead of griping about Trumps ridiculous claim of receiving a powerful mandate to lead, Democrats need to develop messaging that attracts rather than repels a large portion of Americas voters. ALDI'S second Tullamore store will open this morning, Thursday, November 28 at 8am. The 1,644 square metre supermarket which is located on the former Texas site, will create 30 new permanent jobs, while up to 50 were employed during the construction period. The opening represents an investment of over 9.8 million in the area. The retailer says it spent more than 23 million with six Offaly-based suppliers last year. Since opening its first store in the country 25 years ago, ALDIs network has grown to 162 stores, and it has invested more than 10 billion with Irish suppliers.'' The store will officially be opened by the local team, led by Store Manager,Yasmin Rourke who is excited to manage the supermarket. ''It is a great opportunity to take on the new Tullamore store. The experience of opening a new store, building a new team and creating a local customer base is something I am really excited about and grateful to have the opportunity to do.'' Yasmin is originally from Headford, Co. Galway but now lives in Athlone, with her five-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier called Jessie which she rescued during the pandemic in 2021.''She quickly became the highlight of my day! I also recently got married in September of this year in County Offaly,'' says Yasmin. ''Since I started my career in ALDI nearly ten years ago, I have worked in a number of stores. I started as a Store Assistant in Headford Road, County Galway and then spent time at a number of ALDI stores including Loughrea, Athlone, Roscommon, Kinnegad and Ballyfermot, and now onto the new Tullamore store.'' Yasmin worked as a Store Assistant until 2019 when she was promoted to Deputy Store Manager. Two years later she became Assistant Store Manager in the Kinnegad store before eventually moving to Ballyfermot as Acting Store Manager. ''ALDI provided training for me at the Kinnegad and Ballyfermot stores which was really beneficial when it came to progressing my career.'' When she is not busy working in ALDI Yasmin enjoys cooking, travelling, and listening to music. ''I find that working at ALDI allows me to maintain a good work-life balance, so Im able to pursue these hobbies in my free time.'' Offaly's Mount St Joseph's Abbey near Roscrea will become the new temporary home of monks and lay brothers from the historic Cistercian Abbey at Mount Melleray in Waterford, which is due to close in January. The decision was taken due to the falling numbers of vocations and ageing community of monks, the Cistercian Order said last Friday when the news broke the historic Waterford Abbey will close its doors. The move will also see monks from Mellifont in Co. Louth relocate to at Roscrea as part of the repurposing of sites owned by the Cistercians. The Cistercians have been active in the country since 1142 and work at six locations in Counties Waterford, Louth, Tipperary and Antrim. The Order has decided that with effect from January 26th, 2025, three of their communities, at Mount Melleray, Mellifont and Mount St Joseph, which since November 3rd the Feast of St Malachy have already merged as one new single community, will be based for an interim period at Roscrea. The new community has been given the name of The Abbey of Our Lady of Silence, and its residency at Roscrea is an interim measure, the Order emphasised. We will be continuing our presence in Ireland into the future, but to achieve this regretfully we must consolidate in accordance with the restrictions of our present resources, said Dom Rufus Pound OCSO, a spokesperson for the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Silence. Cistercian College, Roscrea continues to go from strength to strength and will not be impacted in any way, by decisions in the future", he told the Irish Independent. "This is a difficult time for all the members of our new community as we strive to meet the challenge of our present day realities. It is especially difficult for those who have spent their entire lives in a specific monastery and must now adjust to these changed circumstances. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, some of whom have been with us and supported us for decades, and the many other loyal volunteers and friends who will be affected by these developments, Dom Rufus said. A three-month sentence imposed on a man for theft in a Tullamore supermarket will be suspended because he paid 360 to the Barnardos charity, Judge Fiona Brennan ordered. Tullamore District Court heard that Patrick Maughan (32), Kilkieran Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, was one of the people involved in the theft of 358 worth of goods from Dealz, Cloncollig Industrial Estate, Tullamore on January 29 last. When Mr Maughan appeared in court a plea of guilty was entered by his solicitor Patrick Martin who said a co-accused was also prosecuted. Sergeant Richard Thornton said a female and three males were involved and one of the males filled a trolley. None of the property was recovered. Sergeant Thornton said Mr Maughan had 35 previous convictions, including six for theft. Mr Martin said his client, a father of six children who was on social welfare, had brought 360 to court and was hanging around with bad company at the time of the offence. The solicitor said that 360 had previously been paid by another party. THE Heritage Council has announced the national winners and runners-ups for national awards at the annual National Heritage Week awards ceremony which took place on Friday November 15th at Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Three Offaly based events were among those that featured in the ceremony. Ballycumber Tidy Towns won the Water Heritage Award for their event Folly Tales and Treasure Trails. Ballycumber Tidy Towns hosted Folly Tales and Treasure Trails on August 25th along the River Brosna, celebrating community connections across Offaly. The event day featured foraging with Siobhan Lavell, biodiversity education, and river sampling with Ruth McKeever from LAWPRO, where children learned about water quality and river ecosystems. Kids also enjoyed a riverbank treasure hunt, followed by refreshments. The event included art workshops for children and young adults, including those with special needs, to create a flag symbolising unity across Clara, Ballycumber, Pollagh, and Ferbane, where the Brosna flows through each community. The evening Folly Tales closed the event with music, storytelling, and poetry. Outcomes included increased awareness of the River Brosnas natural and cultural heritage, connections across communities, and inspiration for future heritage events. Waterways Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association (HBA) & Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) were runners-up in the same category for their event A Boatmans Journey: Navigating the heritage of the Grand Canal through the eyes of a boatman. The Heritage Week event, hosted by Waterways Ireland in collaboration with the HBA and IWAI, celebrated Ireland's waterways heritage with a presentation on the Grand Canals history, a display of heritage boats, and live demonstrations of historic Bolinder engines. Central to the event was the launch of the innovative StoryMap, "A Boatmans Journey," which used maps, photos, and oral histories to immerse attendees in the life of a canal boatman. Participants had the chance to explore heritage barges and engage with both digital storytelling and live demonstrations, deepening their appreciation of the canals role in trade, community connections, and regional culture. Meanwhile, Lemanaghan Bog Heritage & Conservation Group were runners-ups in the Micheal O Muircheartaigh Award for their event Lemanaghan Stories: Tales of Tradition, Routes and Connections. This award recognises an event that showcased an element of our intangible cultural heritage, whether through crafts, skills, customs, or other traditional practices. The "Lemanaghan Stories: Tales of Tradition, Routes and Connections" event was organised to celebrate and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Lemanaghan. The event was inspired by the area's rich history, particularly its folklore, religious significance, and ongoing conservation efforts. Held at the historic Old School House, it featured video screenings of local interviews produced by Crannog Media, along with discussions with experts and live performances of poetry and song, stories and traditions were recorded and shared, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. The National Heritage Awards recognises the enormous contribution of individuals and community groups across Ireland in ensuring the preservation, protection, and promotion of Irelands built, natural and cultural heritage. The awards honour those organisers who created the most engaging and inspiring events and projects for National Heritage Week 2024 as well as Irelands Heritage Hero. Over 2,300 events and projects took place around the country in August during National Heritage Week, as communities and individuals answered the Heritage Councils invitation to explore this years theme of living heritage. A Roscrea Dentist has been honoured for her work in 'Transformative Care and Compassion' and recognised for outstanding work. Dr Sarah Rymer of Expressions Dental Clinic on Main Street in Roscrea has been named the 2024 Munster winner of the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year Award, and was recognised for her outstanding care and the life-changing impact she had on a couple from Nenagh. Dr Sarah Rymer is originally a Delaney of Roscrea who was educated locally. She achieved highly and initially studied in Dublin and then began undergraduate study in Cardiff University in what is regarded as one of the leading dental universities in the UK. The patient from Nenagh, who was traumatised by her childhood experiences with a dentist, was instead met with what was described as patience, compassion, and exceptional care in Roscrea. Dr Rymers patient noted, I was expecting the horrors of my youth, but Dr Rymer was simply amazing. By the next day, I didnt even need pain relief. Dr Rymer has been named the 2024 Munster winner of the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year Award and the patient, a woman in her 60s, arrived at Dr Rymer's practice in severe pain from a wisdom tooth and deeply traumatised by her childhood experience. After a painless tooth extraction, the patients life began to change. This positive experience encouraged the patients husband, who had avoided dental care for over 40 years, to seek treatment. He received upper dentures and lower teeth treatments, transforming not only his oral health but also his confidence. The patient praised Dr Rymer for her kindness and skill, noting: Dr Rymers care didnt just end my pain it changed our lives. For her exceptional ability to provide comfort and rebuild trust in dentistry, Dr Rymer serves as a shining example of the profession's profound impact on patients lives, the Colgate company said. Roscrea Return After studying in Cardiff, Dr Rymer was employed in a general practice in Upper Tumble, a South West Wales village, in mixed private and NHS practice in a new clinic. Her time in Wales exposed her to a variety of restorative, prosthodontic, prosthetic and surgical experience prior to returning to her hometown in Ireland. In 2009 she moved back to Ireland and settled in Nenagh, only a few minutes drive from the family home she had grown up in. She had always intended to return to the community she was raised in. At this point she worked in private practice in Nenagh, furthering her knowledge of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, paediatric dentistry, endodontics and surgery. Dr Rymer is also experienced in the world of facial aesthetics and with the advanced functional knowledge dentists have of the facial anatomy, they are uniquely positioned to offer a confident and experienced hand in this emerging area of cosmetics. In 2018 Dr Rymer opened a surgery in Roscrea, her hometown. "When we started researching the base for our own practice, there were so many places that were crying out for a dental surgery, but I always wanted to come home." Gardai have arrested a man and a woman in their 20s and have seized up to 2.5million worth of cocaine that "was destined for the Christmas social scene" during an operation in Dublin this Wednesday. On Wednesday, November 27, as a result of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity under Operation TARA, personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau intercepted two vehicles shortly after 8.30 pm in the Swords area of North County Dublin. They also conducted a search of a residential premises in Shankill, Co. Dublin. During the course of this operation, 38 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street sale value of 2.6 million (subject to analysis), 66,000 in cash, a cocaine press, money counters and other drug distribution paraphernalia were recovered. One (1) male aged 28 and one (1) female aged 22 years were arrested pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 on suspicion of facilitating and enhancing drug distribution activities for an organised crime group. They are currently detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, at a Garda Station in the Dublin region and can be held for up to seven days. Read Also: Wine and beer worth 1million seized by Revenue Investigations are ongoing, according to a statement from An Garda Siochana. Commenting on the operation, Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis of Organised and Serious Crime called the operation "another significant seizure of cocaine which we believe was destined for the Christmas social scene in particular". "An Garda Siochana and our law enforcement partners are continuing to play our part in tackling drug-related organised crime and intimidation. "Think before you use this coming holiday season, as consumption fuels supply and demand in this harmful illicit industry," she continued. "We all have a part to play. Sri Lanka President holds virtual meeting with World Bank Chief on development priorities Posted by Editor on November 28, 2024 - 2:19 pm A virtual meeting was held yesterday (November 27) between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the President of the World Bank Group (WBG), Mr. Ajay Banga, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, to discuss Sri Lankas future development priorities. The President of the World Bank Group highlighted his commitment to promoting job creation and addressing critical development challenges. These priorities include providing Sri Lanka with financial and technical assistance to implement innovative solutions in sectors such as education, healthcare, social protection, and economic prosperity. The World Banks support also extends to economic policy, finance, competitiveness, investments, institutional development, and poverty alleviation. Additionally, efforts are focused on advancing agriculture, water management, climate action, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, infrastructure, and digital transformation. During the meeting, President Dissanayake emphasized the governments focus on poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas. He also stressed the need for increasing government revenue through digitalization and by strengthening key sectors such as tourism, the maritime industry, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the energy sector, with a focus on encouraging investor participation in power generation. The President further discussed efforts to promote economic development in the North and East of Sri Lanka, particularly in improving education, healthcare, and human resource development. President Dissanayake also emphasized the need to improve vocational education alongside academic education to meet the evolving needs of the workforce in these regions. The President of the World Bank Group revealed that Sri Lanka has been selected as one of 20 countries worldwide to host the integrated South Asia office, set to open on July 25, 2025. This initiative is part of Mr. Bangas plan to establish 20 integrated country offices to improve coordination among the four key World Bank Group institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma also participated in the discussion. (Presidents Media) 8 Key Points Highlighting Systemic Violations by DHS Source of the Story The information in this article is provided by Ivan C., the author, and Alexander Davydov, an international journalist and sociologist detained at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in California. Alexander has authorized the use of his personal details to amplify the issue and seek legal and advocacy support. Purpose of the Article The goal is to shed light on systemic violations by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which the authors have personally experienced and believe are part of a broader issue affecting asylum seekers. Shocking Breach of Confidentiality Six months after seeking asylum, DHS leaked confidential information about Ivan and Alexander to military journalist Vera Mironova. This data was published and further disseminated, violating the Privacy Act of 1974 and 8 CFR - - 208.6 and 1208.6. Ongoing Danger The leak has jeopardized the lives of the authors and their families. This incident reveals that the U.S. asylum system may fail to protect the confidentiality and safety of those it serves. Undeniable Evidence Proof, including correspondence with the journalist confirming DHS as the source of the leak, highlights the gravity of this breach and its dismissive handling by authorities. Silent Advocates Over 100 appeals to legal aid organizations, human rights groups, and the United Nations have gone unanswered. This silence raises questions about the willingness or ability of these bodies to confront DHS's violations. Systemic Accountability Issues DHS's failure to safeguard lives and maintain transparency highlights critical flaws. As the agency responsible for millions of lives, its practices demand scrutiny and reform. Ah politics in the age of Donald Trump and the Republican Party's amen chorus. Yes, continue to tell yourself your huge lies and even you will start to believe them. And a triumphant president-elect Donald Trump and his genuflecting, ring-kissing minions just can't stop crowing, preening themselves and boasting about a "historic" election win, a veritable "landslide," and a "mandate" from the American people. Trump himself in a speech from his Florida lair chortled that his victory was history making, and one that "our country has never seen before, nothing like this." "Amazing what happened, we had tremendous success. The most successful in over 100 years, they say." As if in lockstep like dutiful Duracell-driven zombies, his brown-nosing "yes men and women" are now all singing that the Orange Messiah won the elections in "dominating and historic fashion." But is all the political spin hyperbole accurate? Nope. Not quite. It's a tissue of unadulterated lies, half-truths and selected nit-picking. In fact, Trump's claims are only "historic" if you ONLY include the last three elections - from 2016 - that he's contested. However, hard data, facts and numbers do not lie - especially when it comes to political campaigns. So, here are the FACTS: ONE, Donald Trump will NOT get more than the 50 percent of the total votes cast on November 5 (by the time certification takes place in January 2025). Plus, his 1.6%-point margin over VP Kamala Harris will turn out to be the SMALLEST of popular vote win margins - since 1968, yes, 56 years ago - when Richard Nixon bested Hubert Humphrey. Want more historical context? Well, Trump's Electoral College margin will also be SMALLER than BOTH Barack Obama's win, and Bill Clinton's two victories. FACT TWO: The Republican Party and Donald Trump's presidential victory IS historic. But NOT for the reasons he and his spokespeople are touting. Indeed, history WAS made by Donald Trump since America never previously elected to the highest office in the land a convicted felon, and an attempted coupist. FACT THREE: The now popular regurgitation of how Trump won the elections besting Democrat Kamala Harris by getting more votes than any Republican candidate over nine elections, how he won all battleground states, and tore into the Black and Latino voting blocs is just a NARRATIVE about performance and NOT history or facts. At best its selective lying - period. Moreover, the big hullabaloo and chest-thumping about how DJT won the "popular vote" as if it's really a big thing is just so much spin and political obfuscation. The FACT is that this is historically unremarkable in the scheme of U.S. presidential elections because most - if not the majority - of presidents have done this. For example, Republican Ronald Reagan won 59% of the votes cast in 1984, while Richard Nixon won 61% in 1972, but did so with 54 million and 47 million votes, respectively, at a time when the overall voting population was far lower than it is today. All the more reason why Trump's performance is simply unremarkable. But you see, Donald Trump has never lost an opportunity to jump headfirst into political spin, unnecessary lying, and clumsy exaggerations. Recall that back in 2016, he called that victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton "historic" even though he received nearly 3 million fewer votes than she did. And when he was caught lying about his crowd size compared to Barack Obama's he doubled down and ordered his media minions to consistently repeat the lie. And who can forget that to this day his continues to insist that the won the 2022 Presidential Elections despite evidence to the contrary? Finally, all of the spin, lies and bombastic claims are not about facts, truth or reality. It's about Donald Trump speaking to his, ignorant, gullible, angry, grievance-driven base that has no sense of history or facts nor do they care. For them, if Donald Trump says it - then it MUST be true. No questions asked. This is what we have become. The American Cult of the Personality. Even AI robots are way smarter. "TRUE!!!" That's president-elect Donald Trump's response to a post on his social media platform claiming that he plans to declare a "national emergency" and use the US armed forces to abduct and deport immigrants on a very large scale. It's not a good idea to bet the ranch on campaign promises, especially Trump's. In 2016, he was going to build a big, beautiful wall and make Mexico pay for it, but instead he ended up illegally misappropriating US taxpayer funds to build a partial, ineffectual, symbolic wall. Which, by the way, Joe Biden continued construction on, just as he largely continued Trump's other immigration polices, which in turn were pale copies of Barack Obama's immigration policies, differing only in his screeching that Obama and Biden supported "open borders" even though they each abducted more immigrants than Trump ever managed to. But we should, I suppose, at least entertain the notion that Trump really means this one, and that he's stupid and evil enough to give it the old college try. As I've explained many times, I'm no "constitutionalist," but since those who rule us claim to be both empowered to do so by, and obedient to, the US Constitution, I'm all for holding them to it ... and letting them suffer the consequences of violating it. Item One: The US Constitution forbids the US government to regulate immigration with the sole exception of imposing a small head tax (see Article I, Section 9; Article V, and Amendment X). Item Two: The US Constitution forbids government at all levels to infringe the right to keep and bear arms (see Amendment II). Item Three: Laws repugnant to the Constitution are void (see Madison v. Marbury). QED, when someone attempts to abduct, cage, or deport an immigrant, even under color of one of those void unconstitutional "immigration laws," that person is just a common criminal, attempting to commit a violent crime. The prospective victim, and/or others acting in the defense of the prospective victim, are entitled by both right and constitutional protection to resist, up to and including the use of deadly force. Would I rather it didn't come to that? Absolutely. I'd rejoice if the country's ICE agents and such voluntarily handed in their gang colors and returned to useful jobs in the private sector. But if they need stronger incentives to straighten up and fly right, that's on them. As my friend Nicky Reid, aka comrade hermit, suggested the last time Trump started in with this nonsense, "we the people" should arm the undocumented. More than 100 million Americans own hundreds of millions of firearms. If, say, five million of them donated reasonably good handguns to the prospective victims of Trump's deportation plans, ICE agents and the military personnel Trump wants to illegally order to participate in immigrant abductions would soon be finishing their shifts in bags with tags on their toes instead of at home digging in to dinner. Strong incentives, see? Stronger still if applied early enough to ensure Trump doesn't even try. The Jewish state of Israel is a modern nation based upon ancient myths. The two primary myths are that God chose the Jews "above all people that are upon the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 7:6) and God gave an eternal gift of real estate to them (Genesis 15:18), which is the Jewish state of Israel. These nonsensical and harmful religious beliefs are the root cause of Israel's ongoing religious wars. When they take land from the Palestinians, which their Word of God tells them God gave to them, many Palestinians resist and fight back against the Jewish state of Israel. This is the root cause of the October 7, 2023, Palestinian attack on Israel and the ongoing slaughter by Israel of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Currently, the number of children Israel killed in Gaza is 11,300 with 3,100 of those children being under the age of five. This Judaic brutality is in line with the Hebrew Bible. One such example is found at II Kings 15:16, which tells a story of the Israelite King Menahem and states, Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up. Genesis 15:18 needs to be reexamined as it actually gives boundaries to the Jewish state. It claims God said those boundaries are "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates". That will require Israel to take large parts of some nations, such as Egypt, and all of other nations, such as Jordan. This will require much more religious violence. Israeli government officials make it crystal clear that the Torah, which is part of the Hebrew Bible, is what guides the modern Jewish state of Israel, and that Jews have eternal ownership of the land owned by the Palestinians based on the Torah. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said, in response to Joe Biden being tepidly critical of Israeli Jewish squatters/settlers stealing more land from the Palestinians, The Land of Israel is for the people of Israel, according to the Torah of Israel. If Israel has a Bible-based right to take land that belongs to the Palestinians, does it also have the right to carry out other teachings in the Hebrew Bible? For example, at Deuteronomy 28:1 the ancient Jewish clergymen who wrote the Bible claim God said he would set Israel "on high above all nations of the earth". And Isaiah 60:12 claims that God said that any nation that will not serve Israel "will perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted". Those Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament claims, teachings and threats do not bode well for all the Gentile people and nations. The ancient and irrational "revealed" Abrahamic religions can only do as they have always done, which is to keep us mired in fear-based superstitions and dangerous religious violence-promoting myths. Thankfully, God-given reason-based Deism is offering us a way out of this self-perpetuating mess. Deism shines the light of reason on everything, including the "revealed" religions. God-given reason has the same impact on the "revealed" religions as water did on the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. If we truly want to put a stop to the religious violence infecting our world, we must strike its root with innate God-given reason and embrace Thomas Paine's principle expressed in The Age of Reason , the principle of "detesting everything that is cruel". Sincerely holding that one Deistic principle prohibits a person from belonging to a "revealed" Abrahamic religion. The geosynthetic wing horizontal drain from DAEHAN i.m. is specially engineered to enhance soil improvement by optimizing stability and reliability in geotechnical projects. This innovative drainage solution effectively manages soil consolidation and water removal, making it ideal for complex soil conditions where stability is crucial. The wing design maximizes drainage capacity and ensures uniform performance across the treated area, which helps reduce settlement time and enhances the soil's load-bearing strength. Suitable Two men reported missing Monday were found dead in a vehicle pulled from the water at Rogers Landing county park in Newberg, police said in a statement. Benigno Hermenegildo-Pascuala, 40, and Eufracio Lopez de Jesus, 39, were last seen Sunday night. Witnesses told police the two had been arguing. Investigators used phone data and security footage to track the mens last known location. On Tuesday, a slick of oil was spotted on the water near the parks boat launch, leading authorities to search the area. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue used an underwater camera to locate Hermenegildo-Pascualas vehicle in the water, police said. The Lake Oswego Fire Departments dive team later pulled the vehicle out of the water, finding both men inside. Police said it remains unclear why the vehicle ended up in the water or what led to their deaths. Tyler Brown is a multimedia reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive covering breaking news. You can reach him at tbrown2@oregonian.com or 503-221-8243. Nearly three years after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, an Oregon Proud Boy member and his brother are headed to prison for helping rioters gain access to the U.S. Capitol building. Sentencing documents include new details about the extent of their violent roles in the riot, including photos showing the Pendleton men attacking an officer, scaling scaffolding and forcing doors open to gain access to the U.S. Capitol. The brothers reached a plea deal with prosecutors in July. Prosecutors are asking U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss to sentence Jonathanpeter Klein, 24, to 26 months in prison, three years supervised released and pay $3,000 in restitution. Prosecutors say Jonathanpeter Klein traveled to former President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally as a member of the Portland chapter of the Proud Boys and aided the extremist group in breaching the Capitol. He was previously named in a District of Columbia civil lawsuit against key members of the Proud Boys and Oathkeepers and appears to have settled after mediation. Prosecutors plan to ask for a nine-month sentence for brother Matthew Klein, 28, now living in Baker City, as well as $3,000 in restitution. He will also be placed on three years of supervised release. Matthew Kleins attorneys plan to argue at his sentencing heairng that hes already served enough time in jail for the crime, according to court documents. Pardon hopes Many Jan. 6 defendants have already began filing motions to have their sentences thrown out or their charges dropped, believing campaign promises from Trump, now president-elect, that he would consider pardons for some defendants. So far those requests have been denied, with judges saying they will not act based on speculation. Neither the Klein brothers nor Taylor Taranto, a former Franklin County (Wash.) Republican Party official, have filed a request to drop their charges based on the hope of reprieve, but other Washington state defendants have. Two Pierce County men recently requested their cases be delayed until after Trumps inauguration. Election interference charges against Trump himself were also dropped this week, with Special Counsel Jack Smith pointing to the Department of Justices long running position that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. Its unclear how Trump will determine which, if any, of the Jan. 6 rioters he will pardon. He has previously said he is inclined to pardon a large number of them early on, but has stopped short of promising pardons for the more violent rioters. That caveat could potentially dash the pardon hopes of all three Tri-Cities area men who participated in the riot. Riot and arrest The Klein brothers were arrested in March 2021 and were released to the custody of third-party guardians in May 2021. They have been on supervised release since, residing in Oregon. A judge deemed their parents unfit to serve as custodians after they allegedly encouraged the brothers to delete evidence from their phones. Jonathanpeter Kleins sentence is harsher because of his role as a member of the Proud Boys, as well as for attacking a D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer. Prosecutors say he threw an audio visual equipment container lid at a line of officers, hitting one in the head. The officer believes he suffered a concussion but did not seek medical treatment, according to court documents. Jonathanpeter Kleins also accused of using a barricade to help other rioters scale the walls of the building to gain access. New photos show Matthew Klein climbing the scaffolding around the inauguration stage in an attempt to gain access to the Capitol. The photos also show the brothers worked together with others to force open the north doors of the capitol to let in the rioters. Mathew Klein was also accused of attempting to use a Gadsden Flag as a weapon, though ultimately an assault charge was not included as part of the plea deal. Prosecutors say the Proud Boys and other related organizations allegedly used flag poles as weapons because they are easy to get into restricted protest areas. The riot resulted in the injuries of more than 100 officers, according to court documents. Jonathanpeter Klein pleaded guilty on one count of civil disorder and one count of assault on certain officers. Both charges are felonies. Matthew Klein pleaded guilty to civil disorder, a felony, and entering and remaining in a restricted area. They were both facing six federal charges: conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, destruction of government property, entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a restricted building. The sentencing memorandums show the brothers have requested to serve their prison time at facilities in Oregon. Taylor Taranto Taranto, 38, of Pasco, Washington, is still awaiting trial for his role in the Jan. 6 riots, as well as threatening to kill Vice President Kamala Harris and several other lawmakers. He was arrested in June 2023 outside of former President Barack Obamas home in D.C., attempting to breach the security perimeter. Several weapons were found in his van, which he had also threatened to turn into a bomb. Court documents showed that Taranto allegedly believed he was on a one way mission to hell and had a contract to kill Harris. He is facing two felony federal weapons charges, as well as federal misdemeanor charges for his role in the Jan. 6 riots. His trial has been delayed after his assigned public defender asked to be removed from the case last month, citing a breakdown in communication with Taranto. Hes now looking at a May 2025 trial, if there are no more delays. He is also a co-defendant in a civil lawsuit for the wrongful death of a D.C. Metropolitan Officer, who died by suicide days after the riots. Medical experts have agreed a concussion allegedly caused by an attack by Taranto and David Walls-Kaufman led to Officer Jeffrey Smiths death. His widow, Erin Smith, has since been awarded death benefits. Taranto allegedly handed Walls-Kaufman a heavy metal cane during the attack. --By Cory McCoy, Tri-City Herald (c)2024 Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.) Visit Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.) at www.tri-cityherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Three generations of Delayna ODaniels family have worked as nurses at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City. Following in her mothers and grandmothers footsteps, ODaniels became a certified nursing assistant and began working at the hospital about three years ago. Now, shes studying for her associate degree in nursing at Oregon Coast Community College. The day before Thanksgiving, California Gov. Gavin Newsom granted pardons for 19 people, including award-winning San Quentin podcaster Earlonne Woods. Ear Hustle, the popular and critically acclaimed podcast that Woods co-founded from inside San Quentin State Prison in 2017, was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in 2020. It takes its title from a prison slang term for eavesdropping. The grantees have turned their lives around since their convictions and have demonstrated a commitment of service to their families and communities, the governors office said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Newsom weighs a number of factors when reviewing clemency applications, including an applicants self-development and conduct since the offense, whether the grant is in the interest of justice, and the impact of a grant on the community, including crime victims and survivors, according to his office. Today, I got a call from Gov. Newsom, Woods said in an Instagram video Wednesday afternoon, recounting how the governor had relayed the news to him and expressed appreciation for his work. So, your boy has been pardoned! Woods, who had two prior convictions as a teenager, was sentenced to 31 years to life for his role in a 1997 armed robbery under the states three strikes law. The podcasters sentence was commuted by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 a move that made Woods eligible for parole. Woods interviewed Brown for the podcast at the Sacramento governors mansion after his release. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Woods was hired by Public Radio Exchange as a full-time producer and co-host for Ear Hustle after his release. He also received his GED, attended Coastline Community College and completed vocational trade programs while incarcerated, according to an Ear Hustle biography. Newsom had previously announced that he was submitting a pardon application for Woods in March. State law does not allow the governor to directly pardon or commute the sentences of someone with more than one felony conviction without going through a multi-step process that includes approval from the state Supreme Court, hence the earlier application. The other 18 grantees include Damian Clopton, a Sonoma County restaurateur who expressed deep gratitude to Newsom for signing his pardon. I already did turn my life around and this is a recognition of that, said Clopton, who was incarcerated for possessing a controlled substance for sale and transporting a controlled substance for sale and released in 2010. As a small business owner, the pardon will have an immediate effect on his life, he said, because there are a lot of federal programs Im not able to take advantage of or be eligible for with a criminal conviction. Its still a scarlet letter. -- Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times Taryn Luna and Hannah Wiley contributed to this report. 2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Vaping is coming before the Supreme Court next week as federal regulators ask the high court to uphold its block on sweet, flavored products following a spike in youth e-cigarette use. The Food and Drug Administration has denied more than a million marketing applications for candy- or fruit-flavored products that appeal to kids, part of a wider crackdown that advocates say helped drive down teen vaping after an epidemic level surge in 2019. Vaping companies, though, said the agency unfairly disregarded arguments that their sweet e-liquid products would help adults quit smoking traditional cigarettes without putting kids at greater risk. Republican Donald Trumps administration could take a different approach after he vowed in a September social-media post to save vaping. The Supreme Court on Monday is hearing arguments in the FDAs appeal of a decision from the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. While other courts upheld FDA refusals, the appeals court sided with the Dallas-based company Triton Distribution. It tossed out a decision blocking the marketing of nicotine-laced liquids like Jimmy The Juice Man in Peachy Strawberry that are heated by an e-cigarette to create an inhalable aerosol. Triton said the FDA had unfairly changed its requirements without enough warning. It sort of pulls the chair out from the applicants, said Marc Scheineson, a former FDA associate commissioner and attorney who now represents other small electronic tobacco companies. The FDA was slow to regulate the now multibillion-dollar vaping market, and even years into the crackdown flavored vapes that are technically illegal nevertheless remain widely available. The agency has approved some tobacco-flavored vapes, and recently allowed its first menthol-flavored electronic cigarettes for adult smokers. The marketing refusals combined with age-limit enforcement on the federal and state levels have helped drive down youth nicotine use to its lowest level in a decade, said Dennis Henigan, vice president for legal and regulatory affairs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. He says the FDA was clear in its requirements and fears a court decision that leads to wider availability for flavored vape products, which are the dominant choice among the 1.6 million high school students who still vape. We think that would be a real harm to public health, Henigan said. -- Lindsay Whitehurst, The Associated Press Oregons nurses provide care guided by a code of ethics, with the priority being the advocacy for patients health and safety. Therefore, we are compelled to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next secretary of Health and Human Services. In addition to Kennedys controversial stances, such as opposing vaccines, advocating for cuts to National Institutes of Health funding, and seeking to remove fluoride from water, all of which would harm public health, it has been widely reported that he sexually assaulted his 23-year-old nanny. When asked to comment on his actions, Kennedy said he was not a church boy I have so many skeletons in my closet. Sexual assault is a public health crisis. Every 98 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Oregon women and girls are raped and sexually assaulted at rates that far exceed the national average, according to the Womens Foundation of Oregons Count Her In report. Yet, the nominee to lead the federal agency responsible for addressing domestic violence, including rape and assault, is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an individual accused of assaulting a young woman. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services within the Administration for Children and Families. It is irresponsible and hypocritical to consider an individual accused of assaulting a young woman for a leadership role in public health. Confirming Robert F Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary would not only betray sexual assault survivors but also perpetuate the normalization of violence against women. This is unacceptable. We must demand better. The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office confirmed Wednesday that it responded to a threat against U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican selected by president-elect Donald Trump to lead the federal Department of Labor. Chavez-DeRemer tweeted that she received a pipe bomb threat on Tuesday at her Happy Valley home, and that she and her family were safe. This kind of violence harms not just the intended targets but entire communities, she tweeted. It is an unacceptable way to express opposition, and it will not deter President Trump and the team he has assembled from doing the work on behalf of the American people. A spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office confirmed that the office responded to a threat and that the FBI is handling an investigation, but declined to answer other questions. A spokesman for Chavez-DeRemer did not immediately respond to questions. The FBI said in a statement that it was aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees. We take all potential threats seriously and, as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement, the statement continued. Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that several officials received violent, un-American threats ranging from bomb threats to swatting, a term that describes prank calls intended to cause a large number of heavily armed police officers to show up at an address to respond to a non-existent threat. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican and Trumps pick for ambassador to the United Nations, also reported receiving a bomb threat at her home. Former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, another New York Republican tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said on X that he was a victim of a pipe bomb threat with a pro-Palestinian themed message. -- Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. The 98th annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is airing live from New York City today. The parade will take over the streets of New York in honor of Thanksgiving and feature some of your favorite performers and must-see balloons. The celebration will be broadcast live today 8:30 a.m. PT/ET on Thursday, November 28 on NBC, or streaming on demand with Peacock. Tune in to see The Radio City Rockettes, Santa, and more as the winter holiday season is ushered in. How long is the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade? The parade is roughly three hours long. Who is performing during the 2024 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade? Alex Warren, Ariana Madix, Bishop Briggs, Charli DAmelio, Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & the Roots, New Kids on the Blocks Joey McIntyre, Kylie Cantrall, Lea Salonga and Liza Colon-Zayas of The Bear are slated to perform this year. What are this years parade floats? In addition to Snoopy, Sesame Street, McDonalds, Bluey, and other favorites, new floats this year are set to be Candy Cosmos by HARIBO, DORAs Fantastical Rainforest by Nickelodeon, Magic Meets the Seas by Disney Cruise Line, Pasta Knight by Raos Homemade, Strikes Again! by GoBowling!, Wondrous World of Wildlife by Bronx Zoo, and Wednesdays Feast by Netflix. What is this years parade route and where will the parade take place? The exciting Thanksgiving parade will take place starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West in New York City and head toward Central Park West before making its way to Columbus Circle at Central Park South. The parade will end in front of Macys Herald Square after making three more stops. What will the weather be during todays parade? The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade famously features crowds of excited onlookers bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves to withstand the bitter cold. This year, Weather.com is projecting that early morning cold will be accompanied by sun in the afternoon. Snow is not expected, but could always happen. When did the parade begin? The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition started in 1924. It is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States along with Americas Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. HOW TO WATCH THE MACYS THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE What: Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade When: Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 28 at 8:30 a.m. PT/ET TV Channel: NBC, and streaming on demand online with Peacock How to stream: You can watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Fubo (free trial), or with with Peacock ($7.99/month). If youre out of free Fubo trials, you can sign up for only ($74.99/month). Health investigators in Canada have recently concluded their investigation into the H5N1 bird flu infection involving a teenager in British Columbia. The investigation, however, was not able to identify the source of the infection. In a press release, B.C.'s health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said they have conducted an exhaustive search and could not find the actual source of the teen's bird flu infection. They added that their investigation included testing health workers, family members, other close contacts, and all animals related to the case. All the tests came back negative, which Henry said meant they had ruled out additional cases of human-to-human transmission. "Though we have not been able to determine definitively the source of exposure, we were able to rule out many potential risks and ensure there are no further cases related to this young person," Henry said in a statement. What Did the Investigation Find? Despite failing to identify the actual source, the investigation may have found clues. Specifically, Henry said a whole-genome sequencing found that the bird flu virus in the B.C. teen belonged to the D1.1 genotype, which is closely related to those found in wild birds in the Fraser Valley area in October. It is important to note that health officials did not find the D1.1 genotype to be directly tied to recent bird flu outbreaks at poultry farms in the area. While the investigation has concluded, B.C. health officials are still conducting serology testing of patient contacts as well as further observations to determine if there are any mutations that occurred over the course of the infection. Experts Say the Findings Point to 'Red Flags' The teen's bird flu infection is not the only one with no known exposure to date. Last week, a child in California also tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu, which followed a third infection in Missouri in September. For both cases, the origins of the infection are still unknown. This could be alarming, per infectious disease physician Dr. Abraar Karan. Speaking to Salon, Karan said the fact that health officials could not identify the source "raises a lot of red flags." He also noted that the more bird flu spreads between animals, the more chance it has to evolve and mutate to a version that could make it more transmissible between humans---much like COVID-19. As of writing, 675 dairy herds have been infected with avian flu in 15 states. More than 110 million poultry have been affected by the outbreaks across 49 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nation's resolve to remain firm in fighting desertification 16:01, November 28, 2024 By Yan Dongjie ( China Daily An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2024 shows tree seedlings planted at an afforestation area in the Horqin sandy land in Tongliao city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. (Photo/Xinhua) Although considerable achievements have already been made in the fight against desertification, China's top forest and grassland management body has pledged to remain vigilant and committed to the global struggle with shifting sands. "As a global model for desertification control, we will thoroughly implement President Xi Jinping's important initiative to improve global ecological governance and build an eco-friendly world economy, extensively engage in international exchanges and cooperation, implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, continue to contribute Chinese wisdom, and promote global environmental governance and protection," said Guan Zhi'ou, director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, in a recent interview with China Daily. China's efforts in holding back its deserts date back more than 50 years, and the nation has achieved zero net growth in land degradation, as well as a reduction in desertification and sandy land, Guan said. China is willing to share its experience in combating desertification with other countries, the official added. In 1978, China launched the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which has a planned duration of 73 years. China joined the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994 as one of its first signatories. In June last year, President Xi issued a call for action to tackle the critical challenges of the program and strive to create new miracles in desertification control in the new era. This marked a historic new phase in China's efforts to combat desertification. Over the past 46 years, the forest coverage rate in the project area has increased from just over 5 percent to 13.84 percent, creating a vast green barrier in northern China, Guan said. According to the administration, 53 percent of China's treatable desertified land has been managed. By the end of last year, the forest coverage rate exceeded 25 percent, with forest stock volume surpassing 20 billion cubic meters and annual carbon sequestration reaching more than 1.2 billion metric tons. The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program has been recognized in the Global 500 Roll of Honour for Environmental Achievement by the United Nations Environment Programme. The UNCCD Secretariat has also twice honored China for its "outstanding contribution to combating desertification". China now has the largest area of planted forests in the world and is the largest contributor to global greening, said Guan. At the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD, which was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in 2017, a global goal of achieving "land degradation neutrality" by 2030 was established. China has already met the target ahead of schedule. "After more than half a century of continuous efforts, especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, our approach to combating desertification has become more scientific, with improved top-level design, more comprehensive working mechanisms, and stronger policy support," Guan said. Legislative endeavor China launched the world's first law on sand control in 2002. Guan said the country has incorporated desertification control into its legal framework, including laws such as the Law on Prevention and Control of Desertification, the Forest Law, the Grassland Law, the Wetland Protection Law, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law, and the Yellow River Protection Law. Thirteen key provincial-level regions affected by desertification have also enacted their own regulations or implemented measures for controlling desertification. "Natural elements are interdependent and interconnected. In combating desertification, the Chinese government adheres to the philosophy that 'mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts form a community of life'. This coordinated approach across various departments ensures comprehensive protection and restoration of ecosystems," Guan said. Under the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, people have developed various methods such as straw checkerboard barriers, aerial seeding, and sandy land closure for revegetation, overcoming technical challenges in the restoration of forest and grass cover in arid and semiarid areas and significantly improving survival rates, he said. In recent years, mechanized and intelligent technologies such as sand fixation machinery and drone seeding have been widely adopted. "Currently, nearly half of the afforestation in the Three-North project is done mechanically. Science and technology have become a key tool in solving desertification challenges," Guan said. China will accelerate the development of key technologies, scientifically allocate forest and grass vegetation, and conduct thorough surveys, monitoring, and assessment of ecological protection and restoration efforts, he said. Guan noted that during the process of sand control, China emphasizes economic effects at the same time. "Various regions utilize unique resources in sandy areas to appropriately develop industries such as traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, high-quality forage grass, economic forests and fruits, and desert tourism, thereby aiding rural vitalization," he said. Some regions like the Loess Plateau and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have established a number of production bases for forest fruits, melons and woody oil plants, with an annual output of 48 million tons of dried and fresh fruit, accounting for 25 percent of the nation's total production. In key areas, income from forest fruits constitutes more than half of farmers' net income, he said. According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification's latest "Global Land Outlook" report, approximately 40 percent of the world's land is experiencing desertification and degradation, and land degradation and drought have directly affected 50 percent of the global population. In October last year, the UNCCD Secretariat launched a Data Dashboard, compiling data from 126 countries and regions. This found that land degradation is occurring at an "alarming rate" worldwide. Between 2015 and 2019, the world on average lost at least 10 million hectares of healthy, productive land annually, with sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, South Asia and the Latin America and Caribbean region experiencing higher than average rates of degradation. President Xi has emphasized many times that desertification is a severe challenge faced by all of humanity. Sharing experience Guan said that sharing experiences with other countries has been essential to making progress. "We have extensively engaged in international cooperation and promoted desertification control in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative," Guan said, adding that the Badain Jaran Desert Dunes and Lakes area in Inner Mongolia was listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in July, which is among the major achievements that China has made internationally in sand control and environmental protection. On this front, China has established the China-Arab International Research Center on Drought, Desertification and Land Degradation in Beijing with the Arab League, and the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia. It has also set up demonstration bases for desertification control in Mongolia, Central Asia and Africa, providing technical support and data products for initiatives such as the Great Green Wall in Africa and Mongolia's One Billion Trees campaign. "China will focus on strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries, supporting desertification control in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and leading policy dialogues and information sharing to jointly tackle sandstorm disasters," Guan said. He added that the administration has been preparing and organizing activities for the China Pavilion at the upcoming 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dec 2 to 13. At the conference, it will share experiences from the Three-North project and other desertification control efforts. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) A 65-year-old pastor in Newville was charged with two offenses Wednesday after police said he paid for sex acts at least 68 times at a Carlisle massage parlor that was recently shut down for human trafficking, according to an affidavit. Stephen R. Melton, of Mechanicsburg, has been a pastor at the Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville since October 31, 2022, according to the churchs website and charging documents. Two massage parlors in Carlisle Lis Asian Massage and GL Massage were recently shut down as part of operations combating human trafficking in the county. The county district attorneys office on Tuesday said 19 customers linked to the parlors were arrested in the last month, but Melton was not included in that announcement. When detectives started to investigate possible human trafficking at GL Massage they noticed many recurring customers as well as workers living at the business for days or weeks at a time, the affidavit said. Investigators watched Melton, and many other men, arrive at GL Massage numerous times. However, Melton would frequently leave with the same worker in his passenger seat, police said. Detectives on one occasion saw Melton take off his wedding ring and put it in his pocket while walking up to the business, according to the affidavit. When a search warrant was executed at GL Massage on Oct. 22, the worker who was frequently seen with Melton spoke with police. She admitted to accepting money for sex acts while working at GL Massage and identified several customers, including Melton, according to the affidavit. Surveillance footage from the area and financial records confirmed Melton was a customer at GL Massage at least 68 times between April 23, 2023, and Sept. 23, 2024. During a police interview with Melton on Nov. 6, he confirmed he was a customer at the parlor several times per week for over a year because the business was conveniently located between his home and the Big Spring church. Melton also admitted to paying for various sex acts, including intercourse, primarily from the same worker at GL Massage, who he knew as Cicci. When asked how many times the sex acts occurred he was unable to provide an exact number because of how frequently they took place, the affidavit said. Melton agreed the women at GL Massage could be victims of human trafficking and said he asked them about trafficking. Melton also said the women appeared to be living at the business and he would try to help by dropping off flowers, food and clothing. Melton who is charged with patronizing prostitutes and patronizing victims of human trafficking with reckless disregard was released on $10,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15. Three women who worked at the parlors Chuanxia Wang, 65, of Newport; Dong Mei Liu, 55, and Yue Jun Zhao, 62, both of Flushing, N.Y. were also arrested and charged as a result of the searches. Wang, who incorporated Lis Asian Massage in February 2018, is charged with felony counts of running a corrupt organization, human trafficking and promoting prostitution. Liu and Zhao who waived preliminary hearings Wednesday in hopes of entering a diversionary program that will eventually see their charges dismissed were arraigned on single misdemeanor counts of prostitution. Wang, who faces far more serious felony counts, said through her attorney that she feels victimized by those employees and wants to fight to clear her name in court. Court documents for this report were received from CBS21. Staff writer Charles Thompson contributed to this report. Enola resident Lexie Ditlow took a dog named Houston to the National Dog Show, and nabbed the top award in their breed group. Ditlow and Houstons appearance at the National Dog Show this year was a first for both, despite Ditlow being involved in showing dogs since childhood. And their efforts have paid off, as Houston took the Best in Group award for the Sporting category of dogs at the show. The show was filmed Nov. 16 and 17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, and aired on Thursday on NBC. Ditlow said that Houstons career is only beginning and that the 2-year-old spaniel will truly be in his prime around age 4 or 5. And it certainly wont be the last time Ditlow appears at competitions, either. This is the highest achievement Ive achieved, Ditlow said in an interview with PennLive. Ive worked really hard to get where I am and Ive put a lot of my time and effort into this. Houston lives in New Jersey with owners Jacquelin Hickey and Cathy Doris, along with three siblings. The Best in Show award ultimately went to a Pug named Vito. Discovery Channel star Chad Ollinger ran into trouble with law enforcement as he was arrested in Texas Monday night after initiating a police chase on his motorcycle, which later turned into a foot pursuit. Ollinger, who appears on Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, was booked on two charges of evading arrest/detention with a vehicle and evading arrest/detention on foot. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the incident happened at around 9 p.m. when Ollinger, who was out riding his black Harley Davidson in Texas, ran a stop light in front of an unmarked police vehicle. When officers attempted to pull Ollinger over, he refused to stop, and this resulted in a police chase. The reality TV star eventually pulled his motorcycle over, but then decided to leave it and take off on foot, which led to police chasing after him. The dramatic scene came to an end when police caught up to Ollinger and arrested him. He was booked into the county jail, but then posted bond and was released on Tuesday. Upon addressing the incident, Ollinger told media outlet that, All I know is this one thing. It was a hell of a ride until I got off of that Harley crossbone. By Amy Hubbard, Los Angeles Times (TNS) Earl Holliman, whose prolific acting career included a Golden Globe-winning role in The Rainmaker and TV series such as Police Woman, has died. He was 96. Holliman died Monday afternoon at his home in Studio City, his husband, Craig Curtis, told The Times. No cause of death was given. The actor, square-jawed and with a unique high and soft but compelling voice, made his mark in film and TV as well as theater. He appeared in more than 50 movies and nearly 50 television shows, beginning in the early 1950s. He may be best known for his role as Lt. Bill Crowley, macho counterpart to undercover cop Angie Dickinson on Police Woman from 1974 to 78. Holliman told The Times in 1993 that his fondest memory of the show was his friendship with Dickinson. He recalled moving into an unfurnished house and putting off the decorating only to return from a film project to find she had had his house fully furnished while he was away. The actor won a supporting actor Golden Globe for The Rainmaker in 1956, starring opposite Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. It was my first co-starring part, Holliman said in a 1975 interview of his role as Jimmy Curry, brother to Hepburns Lizzie. But it didnt come easy. I had to fight to get a test for it, he said. But, he said, Working with Katharine Hepburn was the joy of my life. That same year, the actor appeared in the movie Giant as Bob Dace, son-in-law of the characters played by Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. Other classics he was a part of include 1957s Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and The Sons of Katie Elder in 1965. He was also, notably, in the first episode of The Twilight Zone, which premiered in October 1959. He played a man with amnesia in Where Is Everybody? Other TV series that he starred in include Hotel de Paree (1959-60) and Wide Country (1962-63). Holliman talked with The Times in 1993 about his years doing live television, which he said was an adrenaline rush. He recalled of one show: At the end of the first act, I was up to my neck in quicksand. As Im being rescued, I have 90 seconds to have the folks backstage strip me down to a jockstrap, rinse me off, change my clothes, and I have to get on the other side of the stage for the next act, which has me cracking open a coconut. ... Sometimes, when they had a close-up on your face, your wardrobe was being changed. Youd be talking to someone who had long gone for their own costume change. I think all the actors who did that live television really miss that stuff. Holliman was born Sept. 11, 1928, in Delhi, La. He was adopted at a week old, according to the Hollywood Reporter. When his new parents saw him, I was sick and they took me right away to the doctor, who apparently said, You dont have a baby here, you have a funeral expense. They paid the midwife $7.50 for me this was in the backwoods of Louisiana. As a teen, he hitchhiked to Los Angeles, using money that hed saved from working as a movie theater usher and in other small jobs. He soon ran out of money and had to return home, where he enlisted in the Navy. But when they discovered he was only 15, he was discharged. He later reenlisted and while stationed in Norfolk, Va., took part in Navy theater productions. After his service, he went west again and worked on his craft at UCLA and the Pasadena Playhouse. Holliman was also an animal rights activist and served as president of Actors and Others for Animals for decades. In 1977, he received a star on Hollywoods Walk of Fame. He is survived by husband Curtis and a handful of nieces and nephews. 2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Earl Holliman, the actor who won a Golden Globe for his supporting role in The Rainmaker and had roles in multiple Westerns, starred in the first episode of The Twilight Zone in 1959, and appeared in numerous films, including Giant and The Forbidden Planet, died on Monday at age 96. His spouse, Craig Curtis, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. Curtis remembered a letter that was sent to Holliman, in which Serling later wrote, your performance was outstanding, full of dimension, shading and a fantastic believability. In short, Holliman, youre one hell of an actor! The spouse of the iconic actor remembered him as a gracious, kind confidant, a consummate host, a man whose indefatigable positivity was evergreen and powered by a 1000-watt smile, an easy charm and infectious goodwill. A joy and a privilege to spend time with, he was even-keeled and compassionate, possessing a deep sensitivity and mischievous sense of humor which were belied by his stoically handsome countenance. In television, he had a recurring role as Sergeant Bill Crowley on Police Woman and also appeared in Hotel de Paree and Wide Country. In 1956s The Rainmaker, he won the role of Jim Curry over Elvis Presley, who was also being considered for the part. That same year, he appeared in the sci-fi hit Forbidden Planet alongside Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis and Leslie Nielson. Some of his other film credits include Broken Lance, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Dont Go Near the Water, Last Train from Gun Hill, The Sons of Katie Elder and Sharkys Machine. Holliman also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977. Born on Sept. 11, 1928, in Delhi, Los Angeles, Holliman was adopted and named by oil field worker Henry Holliman. He went on to study acting at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Pasadena Playhouse. After, he made his screen debut alongside Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in 1953s Scared Stiff. From there, he took on many roles in hit Westerns and dramas throughout the 1950s and 60s. He also appeared in multiple stage productions and created the Fiesta Dinner Playhouse in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, he recorded several songs under contract for Capitol Records. A long-time animal rights activist, Holliman served as the president of Actors and Others for Animals for 34 years and worked with Dian Fossey to help save mountain gorillas. Curtis even recalled Holliman telling him that one of the proudest moments of his life was Going up the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda with Dian to help raise awareness for the plight of her gorillas. So what is Heron Hill Winery doing with a second label under the name of Dancing Bear? There are eight wines available, with a couple more on the way from the well-known Finger Lakes producer. The release began this summer. The Pinot Noir White 2023 was included in a tasting during a visit last week to the nearly 50-year-old winery with a birds-eye view of Keuka Lake from its perch along county Route 76. That tasting room, at 9301 county Route 76, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 on Sunday. Its second tasting room along Canandaigua Lake, at 5323 Seneca Point Road, has similar hours except for opening at 11 a.m. on Monday through Saturday. You can find its full portfolio at this link. Jordan Harris, the winemaker and COO, said the new line is aimed toward a younger generation that is drawn more toward something fun, cool, exciting than tradition. So Dancing Bear, its fun, its easy to read, and its more of our trendy or different styles of wines so White Pinot Noir, Moscato or the skin-contact white wines go in there. We have four different roses that we released this year that are some of the more modern things that we just feel like didnt fit into our classic line," he said. A mid-November view from the tasting room of Heron Hill Winery, a few miles north of Hammondsport, New YorkPaul Vigna The name Dancing Bear certainly provides a fun and modern alternative to one of that regions iconic winery names, and Harris noted that its also one they already owned from a non-alcoholic ice tea and grape juice they previously made. While that product turned out to be short-lived, the name has been given new life and has the potential to attract a new audience in the long term. For now, the wines can be found on the Heron Hill website, but Harris said they could be moved to a separate site down the road. A mid-morning visit to Heron Hill Winery last week, where the Christmas tree was up and the sun was shining. The winery, at 9301 county Route 76 in Hammondsport, is currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 on Sunday.Paul Vigna A Dancing Bear hybrid white and hybrid red are scheduled to be released in early 2025. For now, the labels wines include: The Tribune-Review, Greensburg (TNS) A Delaware court judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News filed by a Jan. 6 rioter who said the network falsely identified him as an FBI informant. U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Hall granted Fox News' motion to dismiss the suit filed last year by Ray Epps. The now- Utah-based Epps claimed his life was upended after former Fox host Tucker Carlson repeatedly described him as a federal agent who helped instigate the attack on the Capitol, which was an attempt to stop the certification of the election of President Joe Biden. Carlson described Epps as a principal in a false flag operation in which the government incited the Jan. 6 riot, an unfounded conspiracy theory. He made the false comments about Epps on his program over a period of nearly two years and in a series called Patriot Purge that streamed on Fox Nation in 2022. In her remarks from the bench, Hall said Carlson did not act with malicious intent. Fox News welcomed the judges decision, which is the third consecutive defamation case to be decided in favor of the network following the record $787 million settlement it paid to Dominion Voting Systems in April 2024. Dominion said its business was damaged by false claims Fox News presented regarding voting fraud in the 2020 election. Fox News chose to settle the case rather than have its executives and on-air talent take the witness stand in a trial. A separate defamation suit filed by Nina Jankowicz, the former head of the federal Disinformation Governance Board, was dismissed in July. Another case brought by Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of Hunter Biden, was thrown out on Tuesday. " Fox News is pleased with these back-to-back decisions from federal courts preserving the press freedoms of the First Amendment," the network said in a statement. Epps was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and pleaded guilty in January to a misdemeanor charge for his role in the riot. But Epps testified under oath to the House committee investigating the attack that he had no involvement with the FBI, which has also stated publicly that he had no association with the bureau. The lawsuit claimed Epps and his wife received threatening voice mails, emails and text messages because of Carlsons comments. Epps told the CBS news magazine 60 Minutes that the lies ruined his Arizona-based business and led to death threats. Carlsons prime-time program was pulled from the Fox News lineup on April 24, 2023, the day after Epps appeared on 60 Minutes. (c)2024 The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) at www.triblive.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Wayne Parry, The Associated Press NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. A decadelong conflict over the condition of a New Jersey resort towns beaches, involving tens of millions of dollars in litigation and fines, could come to an end soon. Patrick Rosenello, the mayor of North Wildwood, says his town has reached an agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to drop claims on both sides and move forward with measures to widen beaches in the community, popular with tourists from the Philadelphia area. The agreement, which is up for a vote Tuesday by North Wildwoods council, would resolve all outstanding disputesbetween the parties, the Republican mayor said. The tentative timing of the replenishment is sometime in 2025, he said. The agreement includes canceling the $12 million New Jersey has fined North Wildwood for unauthorized beach repairs that the state says could actually worsen erosion. It also calls for the city to drop a lawsuit against the state seeking reimbursement for the $30 million it has spent trucking in sand for emergency repairs to eroded sections of its beach over the past decade. A beachgoer takes a photo of a severely eroded dune in North Wildwood, N.J. on Jan. 5, 2023 where a ramp down to the beach used to exist. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry, FILE)AP We agreed that we will concentrate on protecting our beaches instead of suing each other, Rosenello said Wednesday. At the root of the dispute is the fact that North Wildwood is virtually the only Jersey Shore community that has yet to receive a full beach replenishment project from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Officials say difficulty in getting easements from affected property owners has contributed to the delay. Erosion had become so bad in parts of North Wildwood that protective sand dunes were obliterated, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable to flooding and wave damage in the event of a major storm, At one point in January, Rosenello posed for photos on the beach with what was left of a dune barely reaching his knees. The state Department of Transportation did an interim replenishment project last summer after Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy called the erosion in North Wildwood shocking. Rosenello said that work has held up well in the ensuing months. The environmental department declined to comment on the proposed agreement. Rosenello predicted it will be approved by the council and signed and sent to the state Tuesday. In addition to ending the litigation, North Wildwood will contribute $1 million to the eventual cost of the federal beach replenishment project once it arrives in the city, and will pay $700,000 into a state water pollution control fund, the mayor said. Mayor Patrick Rosenello stands next to a destroyed section of sand dune in North Wildwood N.J. on Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry, FILE)AP The agreement also lays out a clear regulatory path for North Wildwood to obtain the environmental permits it needs to carry out other shore protection work including an extension of a sea wall. On several occasions, North Wildwood carried out emergency repairs, including construction of an earlier bulkhead without approval from the state. Shawn LaTourette, New Jerseys environment protection commissioner, warned the town in 2023 that unauthorized work could have more serious consequences if it continues, including potential loss of future shore protection funding. Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a pilot project for the 2024-25 winter season that requires commercial vehicle drivers to fasten their tire traction chains at designated areas along a pair of routes with mountainous terrain. The goal of the project is to improve winter operations and reduce the likelihood of extensive road closures due to commercial vehicles getting stuck on vertical grades during winter weather events. The pilot will consist of two sites, a press release said. One is located along Route 322 westbound in Mifflin County before the Milroy exit and is intended for use by commercial vehicle drivers climbing Seven Mountains. The other is located along Route 153 northbound in Clearfield County and intended for use by drivers climbing Boone Mountain. In each case, companion chain removal areas are located at the top of the mountainous terrain. PennDOT intends to activate the project only during extreme winter weather events. It has installed signage a mile ahead of each designated area that will flash when the chain-up areas are active. The districts regional traffic management center will also offer notice of the projects activation using changeable message signs along Route 322 in Mifflin County and Interstate 80 westbound in Clearfield County. Its community relations office will also inform media and external partners. PennDOT met with stakeholders including the Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police departments before deciding to move forward with this pilot project. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Michael Phelps & Carlos Sainz Jr. Deliver Fatal Cooler in Global Poker Table Talk Vegas Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S. Copy link Four elite competitors in their fields faced off in Las Vegas last week in Global Poker Table Talk Vegas, an event that paired Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. with Olympic legend Michael Phelps and poker superstar Antonio Esfandiari. The GP Table Talk Vegas on Tuesday, Nov. 19 inside PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino kicked off race week as one of several celebrity-packed events as the city hosted F1 for the second straight year. While Leclerc and Sainz Jr. are expert drivers for Ferrari, they were newcomers to the felt. Thankfully, they had Phelps and Esfandiari by their sides to help them bet, raise and fold, with PokerGO's Ali Nejad sitting in between the teams and guiding the action. But the poker expertise was unnecessary as a nut flush versus second nut flush cooler ended the match in under 30 minutes. PokerNews attended the filming of Global Poker Table Talk and caught up with Phelps and Esfandiari during their rare appearances at the poker table. Read About Other F1 Week Highlights! "It Definitely Gets My Adrenaline Running" Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time and an expert in concentration and discipline, talked about his passion for poker and "being able to play people, kind of pick up on their tendencies, whether it's how they breathe, whether it's how they put their chips in the middle, if they have a nervous twitch." Michael Phelps and Carlos Sainz Jr. "Any way that I can pick up any piece of information on a player, then I can try to figure out how I'm going to exploit it in a hand," Phelps told PokerNews after the victory. "And for me, it's like a board game. You just get so much enjoyment playing the same hands so many different times and so many different ways." "And for me, it's like a board game. You just get so much enjoyment playing the same hands so many different times and so many different ways." It was a rare appearance at the poker table for the 23-time gold medal winner, who lives in Arizona. But Phelps does play the occasional poker tournament and has racked up nearly a dozen Hendon Mob cashes since 2008, most recently in a $65 Tuesday tournament at Horseshoe Tunica last month where he finished fourth for $508. "I played some cards while I was here in Vegas and I love being at the felt," he said. "I have four kids, so I don't have the chance to get out and play as much as I'd like to. But it definitely gets my adrenaline running when I sit down at the poker table." Find Out More About Michael Phelps's Poker Career Taking the Wheel from Ferrari Drivers While Leclerc and Sainz Jr. are used to being in the driver's seat, Phelps and Esfandiari led the way on Tuesday afternoon as the two accomplished poker players talked the Ferrari drivers through the nuance and strategy of poker. In the final hand, both players turned a flush on the board of Q846 with Sainz Jr. and Phelps holding A9 against the K9 of Esfandiari and Leclerc. Sainz Jr. simply called a turn bet on the advice of Phelps before all the chips got in on the blank J river. The cooler in question After the fatal cooler, Sainz Jr. asked his poker partner why they had called on the turn instead of raising. Phelps explained that they had the best possible hand with a straight flush blocker and wanted their opponent to keep betting. "It was awesome watching Carlos kind of get into his comfort zone," Phelps said. "Obviously it's different playing on TV and playing with Antonio. It can be intimidating for a lot of people. But he kind of got in his comfort zone." Carlos Sainz Jr. The event was both a return to poker for Esfandiari, best known for his televised cash game appearances and $18.3 million victory in the 2012 Big One for One Drop, and his first exposure to the racing world. "It's pretty exciting," Esfandiari told PokerNews before the cards were dealt. "I'm new to the sport and so I kind of want to learn and meet the drivers." Antonio Esfandiari Just weeks ago, Esfandiari played in the PokerStars Big Game on Tour at NAPT Las Vegas and followed up the Global Poker Table Talk event with last Friday's $10,000 Big Deal for One Drop at Resorts World Las Vegas. Head to YouTube to watch the GP Table Talk Vegas event in its entirety and hear more about it on the latest episodes of the PokerNews Podcast. Commentator Ali Nejad moderated the event *Photos courtesy Global Poker & PokerGO Share this article Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. High 77F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Areas of patchy fog early. A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 77F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 64F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Start with family, friends and other loved ones. Even if were too angry or disgusted to speak to them now, they will be there for us if we need them just as we will be there for them. There is nothing more important than this, and now would be a good time to reach out and remind them of how much they mean to you. We give thanks for living in a nation where we are free to worship whatever god we please or to deny the very existence of anything greater than ourselves. Much of the world does not have these options, but many of those first Europeans to settle in this new land did so for this most precious of rights. We are likewise free to give thanks to whatever god we please or none at all. We are thankful that we can read whatever we want and write and say whatever we want and share it with anybody we want even complete strangers, in mass numbers, if an algorithm deems our thoughts something enough. OK; thats mostly a curse, but not entirely. We carry in our pockets more powerful computers than those that launched men to the moon, and we have endless information monumental and trivial at our fingertips or our vocal query. We can communicate virtually with loved ones almost anywhere on the globe, and many of us can do our jobs from home or vacation destinations or any place we want or need to be besides an office. We might not always like everyone else's choices, but we have the freedom to campaign for (or against) any candidate we want to try to convince friends and strangers alike and to vote for whoever we want. Most of us have homes that we can keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer not a given for many in the world or throughout history. Most Americans who dont have a home can avail themselves of some sort of shelter, at least when the elements are the worst. Be thankful that we are so much wealthier than most of the people on earth today and the overwhelming majority of people who have come before us. This is true even for the most impoverished among us. PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-28 03:51:50 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 694 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Cropmate Berhad (Cropmate or the Company), a key player in the conventional and specialty fertiliser manufacturing industry in Malaysia, is pleased to announce that its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the Malaysian public has been oversubscribed by 84.88 times, indicating strong investor interest in Cropmates growth trajectory and prospects.Cropmates IPO of 260.00 million ordinary shares (IPO Shares) consists of a Public Issue of 210.00 million new ordinary shares (Issue Shares) and an Offer for Sale of 50.00 million shares (Offer Shares) involving:(I) Institutional offering of 208.34 million IPO Shares in the following manner:158.34 million Issue Shares allocated via private placement to institutional and selected investors, including 42.25 million Issue Shares approved for Bumiputera investors by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); and50.00 million Offer Shares allocated via private placement for Bumiputera investors by the MITI.(II) Retail offering of 51.66 million IPO Shares in the following manner:36.90 million Issue Shares made available for application by the Malaysian public via balloting, with an equal allocation between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera investors; and14.76 million Issue Shares reserved for application by the eligible directors of the Company, employees of Cropmate and its subsidiary (Group) and persons who have contributed to the success of the Group (Eligible Persons).The Group received a total of 21,392 applications for 3,169,052,100 Issue Shares with a value of approximately RM633.81 million were received from the Malaysian public, which represents an overall oversubscription rate of 84.88 times. For the Bumiputera portion, a total of 10,745 applications for 1,368,843,700 Issue Shares were received, which represents an oversubscription rate of 73.19 times. For the public portion, a total of 10,647 applications for 1,800,208,400 Issue Shares were received, which represents an oversubscription rate of 96.57 times.The 14.76 million Issue Shares made available for application by the Eligible Persons were fully subscribed.Under the Institutional Offering of 208.34 million of IPO Shares, the Bookrunner has confirmed that it has received interests to subscribe the 158.34 million Issue Shares allocated via private placement to institutional and selected investors, including 42.25 million Issue Shares for Bumiputera investors by the MITI, as well as 50.00 million Offer Shares allocated via private placement for Bumiputera investors by the MITI.Managing Director of Cropmate Berhad, Mr. Lee Chin Yok, expressed, The robust response to our IPO reflects the trust that investors have placed in Cropmates business and strategic direction. We are grateful for this overwhelming support and excited to move forward with our plans to enhance our operations and customer service capability to meet the growing demand for our fertilisers. Mr Lee also added, The enthusiastic response from investors underscores their belief in Cropmates future potential. This support motivates us to strengthen our operations and continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of the agriculture industry. Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad (HLIB), Ms. Lee Jim Leng, remarked, The strong demand for Cropmates IPO is a testament to the investment communitys recognition of the Companys solid management team and their prospects. Cropmate is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector, and we are honoured to support them in their journey. Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter and Bookrunner.Cropmate Berhad is scheduled to make its debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities on 5 December 2024.About Cropmate Berhad (Cropmate)Founded in 2018, Cropmate Berhad is an established fertiliser manufacturer and supplier in Malaysia, specialising in the formulation and blending of conventional and specialty fertilisers. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Cropmate offers a wide range of products designed to enhance agricultural productivity, including compacted and blended fertilisers, as well as semi-organic, organic, and liquid fertilisers. Led by industry veterans with decades of experience, Cropmate is committed to supporting farmers in improving crop yield and quality. As the first pure-play fertiliser company listed on Bursa Malaysia, Cropmate continues to advance its mission of contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.For more information, visit https://www.cropmate.com.my/ Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Cropmate BerhadFor more information, please contact:Jazzmin WanEmail: j.wan@ swanconsultancy.biz William YeoEmail: w.yeo@ swanconsultancy.biz DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, in collaboration with Blocks Scholes, released the latest weekly derivatives analytics report and uncovered signals indicating ETH's rise above BTC in the past week. Bybit x Block Scholes Derivatives Report: ETH Outperforms BTC Fueled by news of current U.S. SEC Chair Gary Gensler's departure at the end of the Biden administration's term, ETH performance has positively surprised investors. In particular, open interest in ETH perpetual has been on the rise. Several large-cap altcoins also benefited from Gensler's announcement, anticipating less scrutiny upcoming January. Key Insights: ETH outperformed BTC in open interest: Perpetual swap data has seen a gradual decline in BTC open interest while ETH contracts increased. ETH has also been taking a bigger share of daily trading volumes in the past 6-month time frame despite an overall slower market this week. The optimism could be attributed to hopeful investors' expectation of a more crypto-friendly SEC Chair after Gensler's last day on Jan. 20, 2025. BTC price in retreat: BTC price's ebbing from the $100K mark has flattened the ATM volatility term structure, with short-tenor options dipping below 60%. This mirrors a pattern observed since the U.S. election. Lower realized volatility explains the drop, while open interest in calls and puts remains unchanged, demands for short-term options this week have stagnated. ETH options - bullish sentiment in moderation: ETH options show slightly more bullish sentiment than BTC options. Markets have recalibrated after the post-election high, but call options remain in the lead in both trading volumes and open interests. Access the Full Report: Read the full report in context here. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#BybitResearch About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube SOURCE Bybit Stories of China's high-quality development | Dispelling 3 misconceptions regarding private enterprises People's Daily Online) 15:14, November 28, 2024 The third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee proposed many significant measures and institutional arrangements to ensure the implementation of and adherence to the "two no irresolutions" principle, which is no irresolution about consolidating and developing the public sector and no irresolution about encouraging, supporting, and guiding non-public sector development. To accurately understand the "two no irresolutions" principle, three misconceptions that currently exist regarding private enterprises must be clarified, said Huang Hanquan, Secretary of the Party Committee and president of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research. The first misconception is the stigmatization of private enterprises. Some personal media accounts have been eager to fabricate entrepreneurs' family stories, spreading rumors that entrepreneurs are fleeing or taking their statements out of context, in an attempt to stir controversy and draw criticism from internet users. Some views incorrectly blame China's economic and social challenges, such as the widening income gap, on private sector development. Over the 45 years since the reform and opening up, private high-tech companies like Huawei and BYD have emerged and thrived in a competitive environment. The rapid development of mobile internet has paved the way for the success of internet companies such as Xiaomi, Meituan, and Bytedance. These private enterprises have been instrumental in bolstering China's competitiveness in the high-tech sector and driving the commercialization of scientific research breakthroughs. In fact, the private economy is an important driving force for the development of the socialist market economy, and the improvement of the redistribution mechanism. The private economy, especially small and micro enterprises and individual businesses, has made significant contributions to promoting employment and guaranteeing and improving people's livelihood. The second misconception is that the development of the public economy will inevitably squeeze the space for the development of the private economy. Some people believe that strengthening the public sector will inevitably crowd out private enterprise, creating a "public sector advances, private sector retreats" scenario. The argument has essentially framed a conflict where it is "state" versus "people" and the "public" versus "non-public". The development and growth of the socialist economy ultimately leads to the common progress of the public and non-public sectors. This entails the maintenance and appreciation of state-owned assets, alongside the development and expansion of the private economy. Essentially, the private economy and the public economy are not in opposition to each other. On the contrary, they are complementary and symbiotic. From the perspective of the economic division of labor, both the private and public economies serve as the forms and means of economic development, working together to support the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics while mutually benefiting each other. From the perspective of the social division of labor, only through the combination of the two can China meet the increasing aspirations of the people for a better life, bringing a stronger sense of gain to the people. The third misconception is the exit of the private economy. For some time, there has been a misguided notion, known as the "exit of the private economy." This perspective suggests that the private sector has completed its mission and should withdraw from the stage of history. Such claims fail to understand China's fundamental economic system and do not recognize the status and role of the private sector in the socialist market economy. The private sector is an essential component of the socialist market economy. Whether state-owned or private, each economic sector serves as a vital tool for economic development and provides the social foundation for national development. In fact, the private sector will not exit because it holds an important status in the Chinese economy. The private economy primarily consists of medium, small, and micro-sized enterprises, accounting for over 95 percent of all businesses in China and 60 percent of China's GDP. Over the years, the CPC Central Committee has always adhered to the "two no irresolutions" principle and maintained that the non-public sector's status and functions in the country's economic and social development have not changed. The principle and policies to unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector have not changed, and the principle and policies to provide a sound environment and more opportunities to the sector have not changed, considering private enterprises and entrepreneurs as "our own people." Huang said that clarifying these misconceptions helps us better adhere to and implement the "two no irresolutions" principle. The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed many significant measures and institutional arrangements to ensure the implementation of and adherence to the "two no irresolutions" principle. The measures and arrangements also aim to optimize the policy and institutional environment for the development of various forms of ownership in the economy, guarantee equal access to factors of production, fair participation in market competition, and equal legal protection, and ensure various forms of ownership in the economy complement each other's advantages and achieve common development. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=236876330 Browse in-depth TOC on "Capnography Equipment Market" 150 - Tables 50 - Figures 245 - Pages Capnography accessories & disposables segment accounted for the largest share of the Capnography equipment market. Based on the product segment, the capnography accessories & disposable is segmented into CO2 sensors, sampling lines, Nasal cannulas, Filters, Adapters and connectors, among others. In 2023, the largest market share within the capnography equipment market is by capnography accessories & disposables. Capnography accessories and disposables make up the largest share of market demand for capnography largely due to their guarantee of precision, hygiene, and functionality of monitoring systems for CO2. Widespread use in critical care, anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and even routine monitoring ensures constant demand. Disposable parts also reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination and infections-a key requirement in infection control protocols by healthcare facilities, thus further cementing their market leadership. High turnover, increasing patient safety and infection prevention concerns, and the wider acceptance of non-invasive monitoring techniques account for a large market share of capnography accessories and disposables. By technology for the largest share in 2023 Mainstream technology takes the lead in capnography market share since it is highly used in clinical and emergency settings. This has been majorly due to the reason that mainstreaming technology is the most effective, easy to use, and most now prioritized in patient safety and monitoring. More precise, non-invasive technologies that allow for real-time, continuous data are preferred by many healthcare facilities. For instance, mainstream infrared sensors measure exhaled CO2 directly at the airway. This technology is integrated into many of the machines that are mostly used in the setting-such as the anaesthesia machine and the ventilator-and also found in portable monitoring systems used in multiple healthcare environments. By application clinical diagnostics accounts for the largest share in 2023 By application segment consist of cardiac care, trauma and emergency care, respiratory monitoring and other applications. The market for capnography is largest in cardiac care as this is an essential monitoring procedure for patients with heart diseases, especially those who are subjected to anaesthesia, intensive care, or emergency treatment. Aesthetic and intensive care as well as prehospital treatment for critical patients benefit from real-time insight into a patient's respiratory status and circulatory function through the measurement of levels of end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), which are closely related to cardiac output, ventilation, and general circulatory health. Capnography is highly practiced in cardiac surgeries, post-operative recovery, and even emergencies such as cardiac arrest, where ventilation and circulation need to be quickly assessed. By end user hospitals accounts for the largest share in 2023 A market for capnography can be primarily dominated by hospitals, considering the urgent requirement to continuously monitor patients in multiple clinical settings on a real-time basis. Wide applications of capnography are noted in hospitals like in surgery of anaesthesiology monitoring, critical care units, emergency departments, and post-surgical recovery. Its role in the early detection of respiratory or circulatory issues by measuring end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) makes it critical in managing patients suffering from any form of respiratory or cardiac condition or on mechanical ventilation. North America dominates the Capnography equipment market in 2023. The largest share is held by North America in the capnography market; the region is characterized by an advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of medical technologies, and increased focus on patient safety and monitoring. The region-United States and Canada-is established in its health care system with the use of capnography highly important in hospitals, emergency departments, and critical care. The increasing incidence of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, combined with demographic changes in the market as it becomes older, is demanding more advanced monitoring solutions such as capnography for proper patient care. Beneficial health care policies, regulatory support, and vast investment in medical technology further fuel the adoption of capnography systems in North America. Due to strong research and development activities and high healthcare spending, this region also holds a strong position in the global capnography market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=236876330 The capnography equipment market is consolidated with few players, continuous innovations, and technological advancements. Development of automated and high-throughput systems integrated molecular and genomic technologies, and improvement in the accuracy and turnaround time of the tests are the key competitive factors. Moreover, the market players are investing in research and development to improve their products and sustain the competition in the capnography equipment market, hence keeping it lively and one of the rapidly growing sectors. Here are some of the key players in the Capnography equipment market: Becton, Dickinson and company (US), Medtronic (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V.(Netherlands), GE Healthcare (US), Dragerwerk AG (Germany) and others are of the prominent companies in the Capnography equipment market. Medtronic (US): Medtronic, provides solution in medical technology, with its breakthrough products, therapies, and services that people need. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, the company is everywhere its medicine, science, and technologies are absorbed into practice around the world. As a global leader in medical technology, Medtronic strives to take healthcare Further, Together-empowering clinicians to create meaningful innovations. Advances healthcare through cutting-edge technology, patient-centered solutions, and a focus on improving lives at every stage of care, now available in more than 150 countries. Becton, dickinson and company (US): BD, is a medical technology company with a wide-ranging expertise in designing new innovations in medication management, diagnostic systems, and medical technology. It has a strong presence in the following key sectors: biosciences, diagnostics, and medical devices. BD develops products and technologies that help improve patient safety, support clinical decision-making, and enable more efficient healthcare delivery worldwide. BD is focused on creating solutions that enhance the quality of care, expand access to healthcare, address critical needs in both developed and emerging markets, all with strong emphasis on innovation and global healthcare challenges. Koninklijke Philips N.V.(Netherland): Philips is a technological firm that focus on making life healthier and easier by innovative solutions in health technologies, consumer electronics, and lighting. It has a dominant share in the global market for medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, personal healthcare products, and connected lighting solutions. The company aims for meaningful innovations that bring health care closer to people's lives, improve outcomes for patients, and help in the quality of life. The company offers solutions in capnography, including portable and integrated devices, to meet the diverse needs of health professionals. GE Healthcare (US): GE Healthcare offers products in medical technologies and digital solutions provider, positioning it to help healthcare professionals with improving patient care and healthcare delivery. Based in Chicago, Illinois, GE Healthcare runs its operations across more than 100 countries and provides some of the broadest ranges of solutions and services in medical imaging. Innovations of the company are directed toward improved clinical decision-making, outcomes for patients, and reduced cost of care. GE Healthcare is focusing on precise medicine to offer advanced technological supports to healthcare professionals and drive innovation in health care so that it creates an even healthier future for one and all. Dragerwerk AG (Germany): Drager is one of the manufacturers of safety and medical technology. With its headquarters in Lubeck, Germany, the company offers innovative solutions for hospitals, emergency services, industrial operations, and firefighters. The company portfolio ranges over crucial medical devices such as anaesthetics, ventilators, and patient monitors. Furthermore, Drager offers personal protective equipment and safety technology solutions, including hazardous substance detection equipment. The company's medical portfolio includes anaesthetics, ventilation devices, patient monitoring equipment, and respiratory care devices. Its safety technology portfolio includes hazardous substance detection equipment, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protective equipment. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Clinical Alarm Management Market Cardiac Monitoring & Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices Market Patient Monitoring Devices Market Diagnostic Electrocardiograph Market Vascular Stent Market Get access to the latest updates on Capnography Equipment Companies and Capnography Equipment Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- First Horizon Corporation (NYSE: FHN or "First Horizon") is pleased to announce the naming of Tyler Craft as Head of Investor Relations, effective January 1, 2025. Craft will succeed Natalie Flanders as Head of Investor Relations, reporting to Chief Financial Officer Hope Dmuchowski. In this role, he will manage relationships with investors and articulate First Horizon's financial vision and strategy. Currently serving as Director of Transformation - Fintech and Emerging Technology, Craft has been instrumental in advancing the company's fintech initiatives, leading ventures in robotic process automation, artificial intelligence and fraud prevention enhancements. Throughout his 14-year tenure with the organization, he has held numerous positions, played a lead role in the company's 2023 Investor Day and has made key contributions to major integrations. Prior to First Horizon, he was the Director of Product at Capital Bank, leading finance-related functions and overseeing the bank's ALLL and loan valuation modeling, in addition to his involvement in multiple mergers. "Tyler will do an exceptional job leading our investor relations efforts," said Hope Dmuchowski, Chief Financial Officer for First Horizon. "His experience in the financial services industry and tenure with our organization make him an invaluable resource to our investors, executive leadership team and our board of directors as we remain focused on delivering long-term shareholder value." Flanders will join the Risk Organization as Director of Credit & Financial Risk. Dmuchowski commented, "Natalie took on this role at a very critical time and has done an exceptional job over the last 18 months re-engaging with investors and strengthening our investor relations strategy. As she has in each role she has served, Natalie will continue to be a tremendous asset to the organization and in her leadership role within our risk management organization." About First Horizon First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $82.6 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com. SOURCE First Horizon Corporation WINDHOEK, Namibia, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), in collaboration with Africa Policy Institute (API), a think tank in Africa, issued a report: Research Report on the Contribution of Mining Enterprises to the Economic and Social Development of Namibia. The Research Report provides valuable decision-making insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and mining industry practitioners, to support mining enterprises in better serving Namibia's economic and social development. Since 2012, CGN has been investing in and operating the Husab Uranium Mine in Namibia, CGN has established a strong presence in Namibia and leveraged the experience in building, operation and management in clean energy sector to responsibly engage in uranium mining, working with all parties to achieve harmonious development. CGN is well aware that the mining sector plays a crucial role in advancing the country's economic and social development. However, in the process of promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Namibia, mining enterprises face inevitable challenges influenced by market fluctuations, shortage of speciality skills, and other factors, which may impact their development. Under these circumstances, mining enterprises need to take initiatives and work collaboratively with government bodies, communities, investors, and other stakeholders to contribute jointly to Namibia's economic and social development. In this context, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) and Africa Policy Institute (API) have jointly compiled the Research Report. It provides an in-depth analysis of the contribution of mining enterprises to economic and social development of Namibia, examines the challenges they face in promoting sustainable economic and social growth, and offers targeted strategic recommendations, aiming to jointly drive Namibia's mining industry towards a more sustainable future. For the full text of this report, please contact us through email: [email protected]. BEIJING, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When Chinese scholar Li Xiuzhen first saw the Rhine River while studying in the Netherlands in 1996, she was deeply impressed by the river's crystal-clear waters, similar to that of China's Yangtze River. Although Li had never seen the Rhine before, this famous European river made the then young woman, who later became a well-known expert in wetland ecology, feel so close. Two years later, Dutch scholar Huib de Vriend encountered the Yangtze River for the first time in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, during his trip to China in 1998. "It was so vast," he recalled to the Global Times on his first impression of the river, known as the mother river of China, with its wide expanse of water stretching as far as the eye could see. At that time, neither Li nor de Vriend knew that their respective institutions - East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in western Netherlands' Delft city - would engage in over 20 years of continuous collaboration focused on major rivers and delta regions like the Yangtze and the Rhine, being a vivid example of people-to-people exchange between China and Europe in the academic field. Now old friends, Li and de Vriend met again at an academic forum in mid-November. Themed "Yangtze-Rhine-Danube Regional Dialogue," the forum brought together more than 100 global government officials, scholars and industry veterans, who shared their insights on topics including river improvement, environmental protection, the relationship between rivers and human society, and grass-roots exchanges based on rivers and deltas. Dialogues on rivers from different regions is of great significance today, said Li, now deputy director of the Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research at ECNU. "Rivers nurture civilization and promote communication, diminishing the constraints of geopolitics," she told the Global Times. "Our academic exchanges based on rivers are an important part of grass-roots diplomacy." Similarities and differences Co-hosted by ECNU and Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC), the forum held in Shanghai on November 21 explored the cultural exchanges and sustainable development cooperation mechanisms among the Yangtze River, Rhine River, and Danube River basins, promoting win-win development and fostering China-Europe friendship, said Chen Jing, president of SPAFFC. Many guests at the forum told the Global Times that there are numerous similarities and differences among these three rivers. It is these similarities and differences that provide value for mutual learning and motivation for cooperation among the involved countries, they said. As a keynote speaker who provided a detailed introduction to the situation of the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt and their delta, de Vriend said the most obvious similarity between the Yangtze River and the Rhine River is that they are economic chains connecting particularly important economic areas. "Here in China is the case; and also, northwest Europe is the most important economic area there, thanks to the Rhine," he said. Another major similarity is that both the Yangtze River and the Rhine River carry a lot of sediment, which can be used to build up land or to ensure that the river remains stable, de Vriend said. "So there are a lot of things in common between these rivers, but there are also differences," he told the Global Times, noting that "differences are driving the collaboration." The flow rate and number of dams on the Yangtze River far exceed those of the Rhine, making mutual learning particularly appealing, he said. "It's not only that we bring knowledge here, but we also get something back.'' Echoing de Vriend, Li said that academic cooperation between China and Europe in the field of rivers is a process of mutual learning. She said the Netherlands is ahead of China in its pollution remediation of the Rhine River, and its efforts in returning farmland to wetlands, which have offered many valuable experiences to learn from. On the other hand, China is enlightening in its efficient implementation of certain central government-led policies, such as the 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River. "Similar policies would be very difficult to implement in Europe, due to the competing interests among different river basin countries," he said. Iulian Nichersu from Romania-based Danue Delta National Institute for Research and Development, another keynote speaker at the forum, said this was his first visit to China. He plans to visit the Yangtze River Delta, a part which is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) listed heritage. Speaking of the possible areas for enhanced cooperation between China and Romania in the study of rivers, Nichersu highlighted nature preservation and wetland management as key areas for deeper collaboration. He mentioned that there have been some cooperative programs for ecological restoration between Chinese and Romanian institutions, which are important aspects of wetland management. "They can serve as a way for information and knowledge exchange between these two systems," he told the Global Times. Long-term academic cooperation The forum was held as part of a series of international meetings under the "Mega-Delta Programme." The program was one of the inaugural 65 Decade Actions endorsed by the "United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)," making Chinese mainland's sole inclusion. Initiated by the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research at ECNU, the "Mega-Delta Programme" aims to address distinctive challenges encountered by estuarine deltas across varied regions, typologies, and developmental stages amid global transformations. He Qing, director of the laboratory, believes that the fact that the program was selected demonstrates the essential role of rivers in facilitating cultural exchange. "The development of human civilization is closely linked to rivers. Historically, the four major cradles of civilization all emerged around great rivers," she told the Global Times. "Moreover, this program embodies the idea that, the UN needs scientists like us to take on a social responsibility to jointly preserve and protect our river ecosystems and civilizations," she added. In 2023, ECNU and SPAFFC co-hosted the Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Forum, focusing on dialogue between the two major rivers of China and the US. He said they plan to regularly hold such similar academic forums, which will include more of the world's great rivers, such as the Mekong and the Amazon, to further promote dialogue and cooperation among more regions globally. Over the past few decades, Chinese scholars have maintained close exchanges with their global peers in the field of river studies under supported of the government. The cooperation between ECNU and TU Delft, for instance, has involved long-term collaborative projects since 2002, under a strategic cooperation framework signed by the Chinese and Dutch governments, according to He. With the help of these collaborative projects, many ECNU faculty and students in river studies have traveled to the Netherlands multiple times over the two decades, either for short visits or to pursue an 18-month graduate program at TU Delft. "As for myself, I've been to the Netherlands at least 30 times in the past 20 years, and I even know well the cashiers at the supermarket near TU Delft," He said. De Vriend is a frequent visitor at Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research of ECNU. In addition to teaching, he supervises some doctoral students and occasionally offers management advice. Close academic exchanges are especially valuable in the current complex international landscape. De Vriend mentioned that now in his country, there sometimes may be "a bit of stress" regarding collaboration with China. "But I think in our field, there's no reason to have stress, and we can be relaxed about exchanging information and insights," he told the Global Times. Broader exchanges 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). "As two major global powers, markets, and civilizations, the China-EU relationship is vital for the well-being of both sides and for global stability and prosperity," said Hao Zhongwei, director-general of Department of European and Asian Affairs of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), in a speech delivered at the forum's opening ceremony on November 21. In addition to academic exchanges, the forum also featured a panel discussion on the broader topic of "Mechanisms of Collaboration between River Basins." During this session, representatives from various governments, companies, and civil friendship organizations shared their views on how to further expand people-to-people exchanges between China and Europe in various fields. Nagy Judit Eva, president of Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association, was a guest at this session. She mentioned that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, and both countries have organized a series of activities, from government to grass-roots levels, to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. "Chinese culture is getting closer to Hungarian people, and in Hungary, learning the Chinese language is getting more and more popular." she told the Global Times. Luoding Lammel-Rath, chairperson of the German-Chinese Friendship Association, shared her observations on cooperation between China and Europe regarding rivers during this session, covering areas such as trade, navigation, flood warning, environmental and climate protection, as well as cultural and tourism exchanges. Before the forum began, Lammel-Rath shared in a brief interview with the Global Times about a German festival called Mainfest. Mainfest is a celebration held in riverside cities like Frankfurt, originally derived from a fishing festival created by fishermen and captains to pay tribute to the rivers. Like China's Dragon Boat Festival, it is a traditional holiday related to rivers. Germany and China, as well as their peoples, are very similar, both hard-working and diligent, said Lammel-Rath. "Rivers provide a great opportunity for both sides to learn about each other," she said. "Under this theme, there will be more development around people-to-people diplomatic relationships. That's the future." https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1323923.shtml SOURCE Global Times BEIJING, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent congratulations to a UN meeting held on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Noting that the question of Palestine is at the heart of the Middle East issue and concerns international fairness and justice, Xi said the pressing task is to comprehensively and effectively implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to end the war as soon as possible and ease the regional situation. In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On that day in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine, according to the UN website. Xi has sent congratulatory messages to the UN meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People for 12 consecutive years. The fundamental way out is to implement the two-State solution and promote the political settlement of the question of Palestine, establish an independent Palestinian state enjoying full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensure the right of the Palestinian people to statehood, their right to existence and their right of return, Xi said. Xi stressed that China has always been a staunch supporter of the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, and has always supported all Palestinian factions in strengthening unity and implementing the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity to realize internal reconciliation. China firmly supports Palestine in becoming a full UN member and supports the convening of a more broad-based, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference, Xi added. Xi said that China will continue to work with the international community to end the war and stop the killing, support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza people, and bring the question of Palestine back to the right track of the two-State solution to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement at an early date. Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at Northwest University in Xi'an, told the Global Times on Tuesday that this demonstrates China's firm and consistent support for the Palestinian people's just cause and also shows China's responsibility to uphold justice and fairness in international hot spot issues. "Chinese people have always been good friends and good partners of the Palestinian people, and our consistent stance on justice has widely won praise and support from the Arab world and the whole international community," Wang said "The Middle East is still mired in conflict and bloodshed, so the voice from China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a country with international influence, will greatly contribute to international efforts to mediate the conflict and call for a ceasefire. It will boost the confidence of the international community to attain a two-State solution to the Palestine-Israel issue," Wang noted. According to the Xinhua News Agency, Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine, through the Palestinian Mahmoud Abbas Foundation, organized a ceremony on Monday to distribute winter supplies to children in two refugee camps in Tulkarm, in the West Bank. More efforts needed According to AP, Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants began a ceasefire on Wednesday as a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting, however, the region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire began at 4 am Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of strikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. In response to the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China is closely following the current situation between Lebanon and Israel, and has always been calling on all parties to earnestly abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. We support all efforts conducive to deescalating the tensions and realizing peace, and welcome the ceasefire agreement reached by relevant sides. In the meanwhile, China believes that the protracted fighting in Gaza is the root cause of this round of turmoil in the Middle East, and all parties need to work together to realize a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza at an early date, Mao said. The current situation in the Middle East remains concerning as conflicts have already escalated from the Gaza Strip to the Lebanon-Israel border, as well as other parts of the region, and hopes of a ceasefire are still fragile and uncertain, observers noted "Last Wednesday, the Council's efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza suffered another setback," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East on Monday. "The Gaza conflict is the biggest stress test the United Nations has ever faced in the Middle East. In our view, this stress test is first and foremost a test for Council members. It tests our ability to save lives and maintain peace. It tests our determination to uphold international rule of law and fairness and justice. It tests our willingness to safeguard the authority of the Council's mechanisms and resolutions," Fu said. Calling for more actions, Fu added: "So far, the Council's past performance did not pass the test. We call on the individual country to face up squarely to its responsibilities and support the Council in using all options in its toolbox to take further actions to achieve an immediate ceasefire and restore peace." SOURCE Global Times PARIS, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smartee Denti-Technology recently celebrated the launch of its new Paris office with an elegant gala cruise along the Seine River. This marks Smartee's first permanent presence in France and its third office in Europe. Smartee Frances Official Opening Ceremony image_5022954_11768132 DSC02438 Located in Paris's 16th arrondissementa hub for orthodontic expertisethe new office will support dental professionals across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Tunisia, French-speaking Switzerland, and Algeria. It will offer comprehensive consultations, product demonstrations, and training services for Smartee's cutting-edge clear aligner solutions. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Junfeng Yao, Smartee's Founder and CEO; Yves Trin, President of the French Aligner Orthodontic Society (SFOPA); Franck Alem, Mayor for Business and Economy of Paris's 16th arrondissement; and Lili Yin, General Manager of Smartee France. In his remarks, Mayor Franck Alem expressed heartfelt appreciation for Smartee choosing the 16th arrondissement for its new office. He emphasized Smartee's significance as an innovative leader in the field of clear aligners and highlighted the positive impact of this new establishment on the local economy. Alem also stressed the importance of collaboration between local government and businesses, reinforcing his commitment to supporting pro-business initiatives in the region. Junfeng Yao, Founder and CEO of Smartee, emphasized the importance of this milestone: "The opening of this office is a significant milestone for Smartee as it marks our first permanent presence in France and our third office in Europe. The French doctors we have met have been incredibly welcoming, and we deeply value every doctor we collaborate with, whether from hospitals, large clinic chains, or independent private practices." Yves Trin, President of the French Aligner Orthodontic Society (SFOPA), highlighted the significance of Smartee's entry into the French market: "The arrival of a new player like Smartee will undoubtedly stimulate innovation in the French clear aligner market, benefiting both orthodontists and their patients. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Smartee's Shanghai office and intelligent factories and attend a two-day congress in China. In my opinion, Smartee's strength lies in its ability to bring innovative devices to the market, which will positively impact French dental professionals." Lili Yin, General Manager of Smartee France, expressed her vision for Smartee France: "The French orthodontic market is highly complex and diverse. With the opening of our Paris office, we aim to offer tailored support, including designated customer assistance, clinical guidance, and technology workshops, to address the varied needs of local doctors. Additionally, practitioners in French-speaking regions will benefit from faster delivery times, thanks to our factory in Spain." The gala cruise offered a stunning setting to commemorate Smartee's 20 years of milestones and growth. Against the backdrop of Paris's iconic landmarks, guests celebrated this new chapter in Smartee's expansion while discussing the future of orthodontics and the potential for deeper collaboration between Smartee and French practitioners. As Smartee looks ahead, the company remains committed to advancing orthodontic care through innovation, customer-focused service, and a deep understanding of local market needs. For more information about Smartee, visit www.smarteealigners.com Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkn0znCKM3E Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569077/image_5022954_11768132.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569078/DSC02438.jpg NANJING, China, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "This is my first time in Jiangsu, and I loved the beautiful rural villages," Helena Kocova, a journalist from Czech Republic's Nase Pravda, said during her trip in Jiangsu. "The innovative approach to rural tourism not only attracts people from all over but also drives local development," she observed. The media group visited the Chinese e-bike firm Yadea& Technology Group in Wuxi, Jiangsu. Embark on a picturesque boat journey, delve into the captivating allure of intangible cultural heritage, and revel in an immersive interactive wedding performance. On Nov 3, as part of the 2024 Jiangsu in Focus Media Trip, journalists and social media influencers visited Qianjiadu, a village in Nanjing that has capitalized on its water-town features and intangible cultural heritage to create rich, immersive experiences for visitors. The media trip, co-organized by the Information Office and Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu's provincial government and China Daily, brought together journalists and internet influencers from countries including Italy, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Brazil, Egypt, Singapore, and Indonesia. The journalists and social media influencers visited the cities of Nanjing, Yangzhou, Wuxi and Suzhou from Nov 3 to 7 to learn about Jiangsu's achievements in modernization and high-quality development. A blend of history and modernity Jiangsu province, a vital economic and cultural hub in eastern China, exemplifies how history and modernity can harmoniously coexist. The province is home to numerous heritage sites, including historical landmarks such as Nanjing's Great Bao'en Temple Ruins Museum and the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The innovative blend of history and modernity left a lasting impression on the journalists and social media influencers. "Walking through the temple virtually, I could truly feel the magnificence of ancient Chinese architecture," Damira Ibranovic, a journalist from Radio-Television of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was amazed at Great Bao'en Temple Ruins Museum's incorporation of Metaverse technology. Using the Metaverse setup, she created her own virtual avatar and "stepped inside" the temple's glazed pagoda. The interactive exhibits inside the museum, including AR installations and touch screens, allowed visitors to engage with the site's history, architectural details, and cultural significance. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, the Great Bao'en Temple, was once the tallest structure in ancient China. In 2015, the museum opened to public and it has not only preserved the historical remains but also facilitated urban renewal. The media trip included stops at Nanjing Xiaoxihu block, the China Grand Canal Museum of Yangzhou, Chinese autonomous vehicle startup WeRide and Suzhou Industrial Park Exhibition Center. The visits offered firsthand insights into Jiangsu's efforts to advance industrial development through high-end transformation and gave the chance of experiencing the cool mix of rich history and modern life. Located at the hub of Yangtze River Delta region, the province is contributing significantly for the Chinese and global economies. According to the Jiangsu provincial people's government, Jiangsu province saw its regional gross domestic product (GDP) increase 5.8 percent year on year to 12.82 trillion yuan (about $1.8 trillion) in 2023. SOURCE China Daily Council of Ministers gives U.S.-based Energy Fuels the 'green light' to continue development of its world-class Toliara titanium, zirconium and rare earth elements project LAKEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), a leading U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements ("REEs"), and critical minerals, is pleased to announce that today the Madagascar Council of Ministers, as Chaired by the President of the Republic of Madagascar, has lifted the suspension (the "Suspension") of the Company's 100%-owned Toliara critical minerals project (the "Toliara Project"). The Suspension was imposed by the Government in November 2019. In October 2024, Energy Fuels acquired Base Resources and the Toliara Project. Mark S. Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels stated: "The lifting of the suspension by the Malagasy Government is a very significant step in the development of the Toliara rare earths, titanium, and zirconium project. The Company can now re-commence development and other technical activities on the ground, which are expected to include the re-establishment of the Company's social programs, additional mine planning and engineering, expanding the critical mineral resource base, as well as progressing any other legal activities necessary to progress the Toliara Project and achieve a positive financial investment decision. "Having closely evaluated countless mining projects around the world during my 45-year career, I believe the Toliara Project is truly a 'generational' mining project, having the potential to provide the U.S. and the rest of the world with large quantities of critical minerals for many decades, including rare earth elements which we plan to process at our existing facility in the U.S. "We also believe the Toliara Project has the strong potential to be a 'crown jewel' of Madagascar's future economy, a leader in the global clean energy transition, and a model for sustainable mining in Africa, harnessing the principles and practices established and refined by Base Resources over 11 years operating the Kwale titanium and zirconium operation in Kenya. Energy Fuels acquired Base Resources this past October, including its well-regarded management and operations team which remains in place. "We look forward to growing our partnership with the Government of Madagascar as we formalize the fiscal and other terms applicable to the project, move forward with development activities, and rapidly progress Toliara towards operation for the benefit of our host communities, the nation of Madagascar, and our shareholders." Lifting the Suspension The Toliara Project currently holds a mining permit that allows production of titanium and zirconium minerals, including ilmenite, rutile and zircon. In 2019, development activities at the Project were suspended by the Government of Madagascar, pending negotiation of fiscal and other terms applicable to the Toliara Project. Now that the Government has lifted the suspension, the Company can recommence development and investment in the Project, re-establish community and social programs, and advance the technical, environmental and social activities necessary to achieve a positive Financial Investment Decision ("FID"), which the Company expects to make in early 2026. While the Project is progressing towards a FID, the Company will continue working with the Government of Madagascar to formalize the fiscal, stability and other terms applicable to the project, including the addition of rare-earth element production to the existing mining permit, through a memorandum of understanding, an investment agreement, amendments to existing laws and other mechanisms as appropriate. ABOUT ENERGY FUELS Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company, focused on uranium, REEs, heavy mineral sands ("HMS"), vanadium and medical isotopes. The Company has been the leading U.S. producer of natural uranium concentrate for the past several years, which is sold to nuclear utilities that process it further for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy and owns and operates several conventional and in situ recovery uranium projects in the western United States. The Company also owns the White Mesa Mill in Utah, which is the only fully licensed and operating conventional uranium processing facility in the United States. At the Mill, the Company also produces advanced REE products, vanadium oxide (when market conditions warrant), and is preparing to begin pilot-scale recovery of certain medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams needed for emerging cancer treatments. The Company also owns the operating Kwale HMS project in Kenya which is nearing the end of its life and is developing three (3) additional HMS projects, including the Toliara Project in Madagascar, the Bahia Project in Brazil, and the Donald Project in Australia in which the Company has the right to earn up to a 49% interest in a joint venture with Astron Corporation Limited. The Company is based in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, with its heavy mineral sands operations primarily managed from Perth, Australia. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." For more information on all we do, please visit http://www.energyfuels.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "Forward Looking Information" and "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: any expectation that the Company will maintain its position as a leading U.S.-based uranium and critical minerals company or as the leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; any expectation that the Company will re-commence development activities on the ground, re-establish the Company's community programs or progress the other activities necessary to achieve a positive FID for the Toliara Project; any expectation that the Toliara Project is a 'generational' critical minerals project or that it has the potential to provide the U.S. and the rest of the world with large quantities of titanium, zirconium, REEs and other materials for decades or at all; any expectation that the Toliara Project has the strong potential to be a 'crown jewel' of Madagascar's future economy, a leader in the global clean energy transition or a model for sustainable mining in Africa, or that it will adopt the proven approaches from the Company's Kwale Operation in Kenya; any expectation that the Company will continue working with the Government of Madagascar to formalize fiscal and other terms applicable to the project through a memorandum of understanding, an investment agreement, amendments to existing laws and other mechanisms as appropriate; any expectation that rare-earth element production will be added to the existing mining permit; any expectation that the financial and legal stability of the Toliara Project will be maintained; any expectation that a positive FID will be made for the Toliara Project and the timing of any such positive FID; and any expectation that the Toliara Project will be developed. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, herein are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: commodity prices and price fluctuations; engineering, construction, processing and mining difficulties, upsets and delays; permitting and licensing requirements and delays; changes to regulatory requirements; legal challenges; competition from other producers; public opinion; government and political actions; the failure of the Company to provide or obtain the necessary financing required to develop the Project; market factors, including future demand for REEs; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law. SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc. Masdar has successfully completed the acquisition of 70% of the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY to become majority shareholder of the Greek clean energy champion Following the closing of the transaction, Masdar will seek regulatory approvals for launch of an all-cash mandatory tender offer to acquire all the remaining shares Masdar will bring long-term capital and global expertise to supercharge TERNA ENERGY's growth plans as it targets 6GW of renewable energy operational capacity by 2029, supporting the energy transition in Greece and Eastern Europe The acquisition will play an important role in growing Masdar's portfolio in Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030 ABU DHABI, UAE and ATHENS, Greece , Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC Masdar ("Masdar"), the UAE's clean energy leader, announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of 70% of the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY SA (TENERGY.AT) from GEK TERNA SA (GEKTERNA.AT) and other shareholders, and received all regulatory approvals. The deal, agreed at a price of 20 euros per share, valued TERNA ENERGY at an enterprise value of 3.2bn euros, representing the largest ever energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange, and one of the largest in the EU renewables industry. Masdar Agios Georgios Wind Farm Following the closing of the transaction, Masdar will seek regulatory approvals from the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission (HCNC), for the launch of an all-cash mandatory tender offer ("MTO") to acquire the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY. TERNA ENERGY has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio in Greece, as well as projects in Bulgaria and Poland. The company owns and operates clean energy projects across wind, solar, biomass and hydro technologies - Greece's renewable energy leader is also building one of the largest pumped hydro projects in Europe, the 680MW Amfilochia project. With TERNA ENERGY currently operating a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW), the acquisition reflects Masdar's confidence in the company's impressive growth potential, targeting 6GW by 2029. TERNA ENERGY will play an important role in enhancing Masdar's portfolio across Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030 in support of the energy transition. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, commented: "Masdar is proud to become the majority shareholder of TERNA ENERGY, bringing together two energy champions. Our committed vision and long-term capital will unlock significant opportunities for further growth in TERNA ENERGY's expansion as it executes on its strategy to support Greece's renewable energy goals. "Masdar's acquisition strategy has focused on acquiring not just assets, but investing in exceptional teams. Our ambition is to establish TERNA ENERGY as one of our core regional platforms that will help us deliver on our ambitious targets. I look forward to working with Executive Chairman, Georgios Peristeris, and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Maragoudakis, in support of the energy transition in Greece and Europe." Georgios Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA, and Executive Chairman of TERNA ENERGY, said: "Our agreement with Masdar is a reflection of TERNA ENERGY's unparalleled leading role in the green energy transition in Greece as well as in southeastern Europe, a result of our consistent and tireless efforts over the last 25 years to create the largest and fastest growing clean energy platform in our country. Sharing the same vision with Masdar for clean, affordable and domestically produced energy, we look forward to working together towards a future of endless growth possibilities for TERNA ENERGY". Masdar has retained Rothschild & Co. as sole financial advisor, and Simmons & Simmons, Bernitsas Law, Latham & Watkins as legal advisors, in connection with the transaction and financing. GEK TERNA Group was supported by Reed Smith LLP and Potamitis Vekris, who were the international and Greek legal advisors for the transaction respectively, while Morgan Stanley has been acting as sole financial advisor to TERNA ENERGY. For more information please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar 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. About TERNA ENERGY TERNA ENERGY, has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio of projects in Greece, with 2,500 MW in operation, under construction and ready for construction. TERNA ENERGY's installed capacity currently stands at 1,224 MW, while TERNA ENERGY is continuing seamlessly with its investment plan, aiming to approach a total installed capacity of 6 GW by 2029. TERNA ENERGY (www.terna-energy.com) is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569464/Masdar_Agios_Georgios_Wind_Farm.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2514011/4930165/MASDAR_Logo.jpg EKOCUPS, an online and high-volume seller on Amazon, received an initial shipment of NEXE's BPI-certified compostable coffee pods WINDSOR, ON, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - NEXE Innovations Inc. ("NEXE" or the "Company") (TSX.V: NEXE) (Frankfurt: NX5) (OTC: NEXNF), a compostable and innovative materials company, is pleased to announce a partnership with EKOCUPS (https://ekocups.com/), a high-volume online seller and Amazon retailer. This strategic entry into the largest single-serve pod market1, with a high-volume pod seller, is an important step in NEXE's growth phase. We believe our product provides a more effective and sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic recyclable pods. EKOCUPS is a trusted name in the coffee industry, offering premium coffee products. This initial shipment includes five Keurig*-compatible compostable single-serve coffee pod SKUs (stock keeping unit), with more SKUs to follow. The SKUs included in this first delivery are: Classic Medium Roast Breakfast Blend Half Caff Decaf Medium Roast Hazelnut Flavored Coffee To explore EKOCUPS' Official Website: Visit Here Compostable Coffee Pods That Perform NEXE's proprietary, BPI-certified compostable coffee pods provide customers with an eco-friendly alternative without compromising performance and price. NEXE's proprietary, best-in-class extraction method and pod technology preserve premium coffee flavors and offer a superior taste profile while addressing key challenges, such as accommodating higher coffee volumes. We expect the NEXE pod will allow premium coffee companies to expand into the growing compostable single-serve market while maintaining their premium coffee experience. "Our partnership with EKOCUPS demonstrates the strong market appetite for compostable solutions in the United States and is our largest delivery to date," said Ash Guglani, President and Director of NEXE Innovations. "It also reflects our ability to attract major players in the coffee industry. We are poised to scale rapidly and be a leader in the shift to sustainable solutions by focusing on partnerships with larger coffee companies." About NEXE Innovations Inc. NEXE Innovations is focused on providing innovative compostable material solutions and packaging to the B2B segment to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. NEXE Innovations has developed a proprietary and patented compostable material that can withstand heat, pressure, and water. Our flagship product, the NEXE Pod, a BPI-certified compostable coffee pod, showcases our material's durability and is an ideal substitute for plastic. The NEXE pod is compatible with major coffee brewing machines and is manufactured at NEXE's vertically integrated facility based in North America. Discover our innovative approach to sustainability at www.nexeinnovations.com and join our journey on social media @nexeinnovations. #compostablecoffeepods #sustainability #greentech On behalf of the Company: Ash Guglani President & Director For investor relations contact: Kam Mangat VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy [email protected] Office +1-604-359-4725 Mobile +1-604-359-4742 For media relations contact: [email protected] *NEXE Innovations Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Keurig. Keurig is a registered trademark of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements or information, which include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the potential benefits of the Nexe Pod including for premium coffee brands, the Company's overall business strategy, increases in production and revenue, and the Company's long-term growth and development plans. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to execute on its business strategy and those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for year ended May 31, 2024 under the headings "Risk and Uncertainties". Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include receipt of necessary approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ___________________________ SOURCE Nexe Innovations Inc. LONDON, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipments of large-area OLEDs, those over 9-inches are expected to increase by 32.7% year-on-year (YoY) in 2025 according to Omdia. As large-area OLED shipments are estimated to climb by 116.5% YoY in 2024, growth will be primarily driven by the booming IT OLED market, including monitors, notebooks and tablet PCs which are projected to experience triple digit YoY growth by the end of the year. Large-area OLED shipment forecast in 2025 (million shipments) South Korean makers who traditionally dominated the OLED TV display space are increasingly focusing on monitor OLEDs to offset declines in the OLED TV display segment. Meanwhile, Chinese makers are ramping up production of OLED displays for PCs, tablets and notebooks aiming to capture a larger share of the IT OLED market ahead of the launch of their Gen 8.6 IT RGB OLED fab production facilities. Additionally, the introduction of the Apple iPad Pro OLED series in 2024 is envisaged to further boost tablet PC OLED shipments. In 2025, large-area OLED shipments are projected to grow, led by IT OLEDs. Although growth will slow compared to 2024, double-digit gains are still anticipated. South Korean makers are shifting focus to monitor OLEDs, driven by demand for high-end and gaming models. Notebook PC OLED shipments will rise with Samsung Display's late-2025 launch of the first Gen 8.6 IT OLED fab, supported by growth in AI-powered, gaming, and premium notebooks. Tablet PC OLED growth will be slower, as lower-than-expected 2024 iPad Pro OLED shipments have made panel makers more cautious about production in 2025. Geopolitical issues are also contributing to the growth of IT OLED shipments. Some global PC makers, concerned about geopolitical are increasingly turning to OLED displays while reducing their reliance on LCDs for high-end products. The shift towards OLEDs often involves more displays from South Korea which helps reduce the use of China-made displays. Reflecting on the findings from Omdia's research, Senior Research Manager Yoonsung Chung stated: "In 2025, OLED TV display shipments are forecast to remain slow with only a 1.4% YoY growth. The limited customer base, intense competition from LCD TVs and ongoing financial losses are leading TV OLED display makers to be more conservative. Instead, these manufacturers are increasing monitor OLEDs which are produced in the same Gen 8.5 fabs used for OLED TVs." ABOUT OMDIA Omdia, part of Informa Tech, is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets combined with our actionable insights empower organizations to make smart growth decisions. Fasiha Khan [email protected] SOURCE Omdia BEIJING, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A series of achievements was recently made at the Shanghai Jing'an "Global Service Provider Program" (GSPP) Promotion Conference and the 1st China Enterprise Globalization Development Professional Service Summit Forum held in Jing'an District of east China's Shanghai. A white paper on global service providers supporting Chinese enterprises to go overseas was released at the event, where the China office of the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) published a report on the development index of Shanghai's professional service industry. (PRNewsfoto/Xinhua Silk Road) The GSPP has so far included a total of 103 enterprises, after 11 companies were awarded as new members at the recent event. In a bid to further expand the GSPP network, the Global Service Provider Council announced during the event to jointly establish the Go-Global Service Alliance with the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, Shanghai Automotive Parts Industry Association, Shanghai Producer Services Promotion Association, Shanghai MedValley industrial park and Beijing-based risk warning agency ICOER. Since the GSPP was initiated in 2019, Jing'an District has attracted a large number of high-level global service organizations. The district, as a core cluster area of Shanghai's professional service industry, hosts 39 out of 187 well-known professional service institutions worldwide, covering multiple fields including advertising, law, accounting, human resources and others. A diversified professional service ecology has been formed in the district, driving a continuous increase in the number of regional headquarters of multinational companies and steady growth in foreign-related economic tax income. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343321.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road SHANGHAI, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 26, Zoomlion launched its participation in this year's Bauma CHINA in Shanghai with the themed exhibition "Greener Development, Brighter Future." The event, attended by Zoomlion's Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin, along with the company's senior management team, marks Zoomlion's largest exhibition to date at bauma CHINA. Zoomlions exhibition area at bauma CHINA 2024 Zoomlions green driverless equipment on display at bauma CHINA 2024 The company is showcasing over 70 products and solutions spanning nine major categories at bauma CHINA, including mobile cranes, concrete machinery, construction hoisting machinery, earthmoving machinery, mining machinery, MEWPs, foundation equipment, industrial vehicles and new construction materials. Among the highlights has been the unveiling of the world's tallest self-propelled telescopic MEWP, standing at an impressive 82 meters. Commenting on the achievement, a Zoomlion representative said, this is the third time Zoomlion's intelligent MEWP has set a world record, after previously achieving heights of 68 and 72 meters. The largest-tonnage distributed electric crawler crane, the longest boom new-energy pump truck, the first hybrid mining vehicle and other cutting-edge high-end products also impressed visitors. Zoomlion's multi-scenario solutions for smart construction sites are on display at bauma CHINA in the dynamic demonstration zone. The demonstration features fully electric, driverless construction equipment an excavator, a skid-steer loader, and an articulated boom MEWP showcasing their capability for integrated autonomous operations through Zoomlion's proprietary solutions. Zoomlion also provides tailored smart construction solutions for specific scenarios. For example, in mining, its subsidiary Zvalley offers an integrated intelligent mines solution featuring autonomous trucks and remote-controlled operations. Additional displays have included digitized lifting products, advanced commercial smart lifting systems, digital concreate-specific products and autonomous tower crane solutions, painting a comprehensive picture of construction machinery's evolution from tools to intelligent decision-making systems, to exhibition visitors. At bauma CHINA, Zoomlion has not only showcased its bestselling domestic products but also unveiled customized solutions for major international markets. Highlights have included the third-generation Australian truck mixer, a 38-meter truck pump tailored for Western Europe, four next-generation foundation equipment models, and 10 series of compact earthmoving equipment highly favored by international clients, highlighting Zoomlion's latest achievements in overseas research and development as well as manufacturing. On the first day alone, clients from Australia, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe signed agreements with Zoomlion. These deals encompassed sales of mobile crane, concrete machinery, construction hoisting machinery, earthmoving machinery, and MEWPs, among others. Zoomlion also engaged in in-depth discussions with international financial institutions. During the exhibition, Zoomlion has also hosted the event of "Zoomlion Impressions: Hunan Highlights", inviting over 300 international clients to travel by charter flight to Changsha. At Zoomlion's Smart Industrial City, the world's largest and most diverse integrated machinery manufacturing base, clients have experienced the marvels of cutting-edge Chinese intelligent manufacturing. As a flagship event in the global construction industry, bauma CHINA is renowned for highlighting technological advancements and establishing industry trends. Zoomlion is capitalizing on this platform to collaborate with international counterparts, shaping the future of the sector and promoting an innovative ecosystem. Additionally, Zoomlion is committed to leading the charge towards a new era marked by comprehensive intelligence, full digitalization, enhanced sustainability, and greater globalization, all aimed at creating a more sustainable world. SOURCE Zoomlion New York, Nov 28 : President-Elect Donald Trump has named Jamieson Greer to be the official who will sit across negotiators from India and other countries in negotiations to pilot his hardline trade policies. In his Tuesday night announcement naming him US International Trade Representative (USITR), Trump hailed him for his key role "in imposing tariffs on China and others to combat unfair trade practices". About his mandate, Trump wrote, "Jamieson will focus the Office of the US Trade Representative on reining in the Country's massive Trade Deficit, defending American Manufacturing, Agriculture and Services and opening up Export Markets everywhere", Trump wrote. Trump also said he would name Kevin Hassett as the director of the National Economic Council. Hassett, who has an academic background, worked in the first Trump administration as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Greer is a hawk on China, denouncing its trade practices and demanding stricter measures against it. The Trade Representative is a member of the cabinet and has to be confirmed by the Senate. Greer is a protege of Trump's first term USITR, Robert Lighthizer, having worked as his chief of staff. Greer, who has studied in Paris, did a stint as an Air Force lawyer deployed in Iraq before specialising in trade law as a civilian. In Lighthizer's office, he was involved in investigations into Beijing's technology transfers and negotiations with Chinese officials. During that stint, he also worked on scrapping the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico and with a new pact advantaging Washington with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), "making it much better for American workers", Trump said. One of his first tasks, when he takes over, will be to enforce Trump's threats this week to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada to stop illegal migration and drug smuggling, and hike duties on Chinese imports by 10 per cent to end sending out drugs and drug-making chemicals. A critic of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), he has suggested defying it in dealing with China. In testimony before Congress, he said the US should restore its manufacturing base to "defend its national security interests at home and abroad." Trump's threat to raise tariffs on imports goes beyond the three countries to a declaration that he would impose reciprocal tariffs to match duties imposed by others and this could affect India. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Cairo, Nov 28 : Seven people remained missing two days after a safari boat capsized off Egypt's southeastern Red Sea coast, according to Egyptian Armed Forces Spokesman Gharib Abdel-Hafez. So far, five more people have been rescued and four bodies recovered during the search efforts over the past two days, bringing the total number of survivors to 33, including the 28 rescued on Monday, the day of the incident, Xinhua news agency reported. Search efforts were continuing for seven other missing passengers and crew in the waters off the southern Marsa Alam city, said Abdel-Hafez in a statement. The boat, named Sea Story, carried 44 passengers, including 13 Egyptians and 31 others from 11 countries -- Germany, Britain, the US, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, China, Slovakia, Spain, and Ireland. The Chinese Embassy in Egypt said in a statement on Monday that two Chinese tourists had been rescued by passing vessels near the site of the incident. The embassy has contacted the two tourists, both of whom are reported to be in good health. The embassy later confirmed with the two tourists that they were the only Chinese nationals onboard the boat. Egyptian authorities reported that the boat departed from Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam on Sunday and was scheduled to arrive at Hurghada Marina on Friday. The Red Sea Province's control center received a distress signal from a crew member at around 5:30 a.m. local time on Monday. Local authorities said the boat sank within 5-7 minutes of its impact with the wave, leaving some passengers unable to escape cabins in time. Moscow, Nov 28 : The deployment of US medium-range missiles in Japan would pose a threat to Russia's security, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said. Zakharova noted that Russia has repeatedly warned the Japanese side of such cooperation, adding that, in response, Russia would be forced to "take the necessary appropriate steps to strengthen its own defense capabilities," Xinhua news agency reported. The spokesperson also referred to Russia's updated nuclear deterrence doctrine to understand the potential actions Moscow might take. Previously, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said Russia is considering possibly deploying medium-range and short-range missiles in Asia if US missiles appear in the same region. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Seoul, Nov 28 : Eleven people were injured after 53 cars were involved in a pile-up on a roadway in the eastern city of Wonju amid heavy snow, authorities said. According to police and firefighting authoritieshe, the multi-vehicle crash occurred at around 5:50 p.m. on a carriageway in Wonju, 86 kilometres southeast of Seoul, and 11 sustained injuries,Yonhap news agency reported. Three of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, they added. The accident was presumed to have been caused by an icy road following snow, though a probe is under way into the exact cause of the case. The authorities issued a heavy snow advisory for the day and part of the city received up to 15 centimetres of precipitation. Madrid, Nov 28 : Three people were killed and three seriously injured in an explosion in a factory in Ibi, a town in southeastern Spain. Spanish government delegate for the region of Valencia Pilar Bernabe confirmed the deaths in the blast on Wednesday at the Industrias Climber factory in Ibi, around 35 km from Alicante, Xinhua news agency reported. Bernabe said that 39 people were in the building when the explosion happened at around midday, causing the roof and part of the walls of the building to collapse and trapping several people under the debris. As well as the deceased, three people were seriously injured by the explosion and have been taken to nearby hospitals in Alicante, Valencia and Alcoy. Meanwhile, a large rescue operation involving seven fire engines, seven ambulances, a medical helicopter and local police has been launched. Three more people suffered minor injuries in the blast. The mayor of Ibi Sergio Carrasco said two victims were from his town and the third from nearby Xixona. He said the three were "young people," and announced a period of official mourning. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with the first hypothesis being that a boiler exploded. Industrias Climber specialises in packaging for food production, such as expanded polystyrene, and according to Spanish media has not suffered any safety incidents in the past. Riga, Nov 28 : The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Baltic Air Policing Mission ended its deployment in Latvia with a ceremony at the military airbase in Lielvarde. During the Mission, ended on Wednesday in Latvia, which lasted from March to November, fighter jets were scrambled from the military base 54 times in response to alert calls, Xinhua news agency reported. The mission will now return to Estonia's renovated Amari base, where Dutch F-35 fighter jets will be deployed in December. This was the mission's first rotation in Latvia, as the Amari base was undergoing renovation. NATO member states have been taking part in the Baltic air policing mission on a rotational basis since March 2004, when the Baltic states were admitted to the Alliance. Windhoek, Nov 28 : Namibians went to polling stations as the country's eighth presidential and National Assembly elections commenced, with renewed hope for improved development and social progress. Voting began nationwide at 7 a.m., local time on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Rameke Tjihaze from Karibib in the Erongo Region is a first-time voter. The 22-year-old man beamed with excitement when taking part in the southern African country's democratic process. "The election comes at a time when young people, especially, need to vote for parties that will address the challenges we face," he said. Meanwhile, David Shilongo, a pensioner from the Oshana Region in northern Namibia, cast his ballot for the fourth time. He was curious to see how voters would show loyalty to political parties and the rising popularity of newer parties. Namibia is believed to have its most contested general elections in 2024, with political parties ambitious to bring changes through their manifestos to tackle pressing issues. A total of 15 candidates are competing in the presidential elections, with 21 political parties and associations vying for 96 parliamentary seats. Namibian Vice President and South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said that the ruling party aims to overcome various challenges, particularly youth unemployment. The southern African country is currently grappling with a high unemployment rate of 33.4 per cent, according to Namibia Statistics Agency. "Unemployment has a ripple effect on livelihoods and labor issues. Our focus is also to ensure that Namibians benefit from natural resources, especially with the emergence of the oil and green hydrogen industries," she said. Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, mentioned that their party manifesto covers economic empowerment, employment creation, business climate reform, and agricultural transformation, among other issues. As president of the official opposition party, the Popular Democratic Movement, McHenry Venaani sought to tackle the high unemployment rate and enhance effective governance. While various parties have promoted gender parity in the distribution of parliamentary seats, the landscape is evolving at the presidential leadership level, which is seen as a commitment to the gender equality agenda, according to political expert Marius Kudumo. The 72-year-old veteran Nandi-Ndaitwah is contesting to become Namibia's first female president in the 2024 general elections, which can spark hopes of following in the footsteps of other African countries, such as Liberia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Johanna Iileka, a voter in her 30s from Khomas Region, anticipated significant changes in parliament due to the forthcoming ministerial appointments. "These elections will not only mark a great achievement for the party with the female presidential candidate but also for all Namibian women," she said. In rural Namibia, local leaders hope for impact at the grassroots level. Joshua Seibeb, chief of the Tsoaxudaman Traditional Authority in Otjimbingwe, Erongo Region, expressed hope that the election results and the new parliament would accelerate rural development by improving basic services and addressing water shortages for citizens. Polling stations are scheduled to close at 9 p.m. across 121 constituencies. De Wet Siluka, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission of Namibia, said that the commission has registered 1.45 million voters for the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections. Rebecca Patience Muyenga, a presiding officer in Rundu, Kavango East Region, stated that the voting process ran smoothly, with a good turnout. Meanwhile, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, who cast his ballot Wednesday morning in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, emphasized that it is a duty and privilege for every Namibian citizen to vote. "I urge all Namibians to go out and cast their votes in a respectable and peaceful manner," he said. Los Angeles, Nov 28 : Arizona man Manuel Tamayo-Torres was arrested after he allegedly posted videos online threatening to kill President-elect Donald Trump and his family. ABC 7 news channel cited court documents reporting that the suspect posted series of Facebook videos in recent months, including one in which he appeared to hold up a white AR-15-style rifle with a 30-round magazine inserted into it, Xinhua news agency reported. Court documents did not directly identify Trump, only referring to him as "Individual 1," which was typically used in court document referring a public figure, former president and the current president-elect. Last Thursday, according to the report, Tamayo-Torres said in a video posted on Facebook, "(Individual 1) you're gonna die, (Individual 1), your son's gonna die. Your whole family is going to die, (Individual 1). This is reality now for you. This is the only reality you have in your future, (Individual 1), dying." Tamayo-Torres faced a felony charge of threatening the president-elect after he made several threats against Trump and his family, and four counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm, the documents said. Tamayo-Torres also claimed in the videos that "Individual 1" kidnapped and sex-trafficked his children, the ABC 7 reported, noting it was unclear if the defendant actually had children. One video was posted on August 23 from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, where Trump was holding a campaign rally that day. Tamayo-Torres was arrested Monday near San Diego, where he anticipated moving soon, the report said, adding the charges against him were filed in Arizona. Riyadh, Nov 28 : The first phase of Riyadh Metro was launched, which marks a significant step to reshape the Saudi capital's public transport landscape. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the project, which is expected to become Riyadh's public transport network backbone, Xinhua news agency reported. The Riyadh Metro includes six train lines spanning 176 km and 85 stations, including four main hubs. The SPA reported that three lines will open to the public on December 1, with "gradual launches" completing the network across the city. During the inauguration, the king said the Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, was launched following studies conducted by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City on the capital's current and future public transport needs. Riyadh Metro is the second metro system in Saudi Arabia after the first metro line in Mecca, which operates only during the Hajj season. Once fully operational, the Riyadh Metro is expected to be the largest in the world to be completed in a single phase, and the world's longest driverless metro line. It is tailored to meet Riyadh's social, environmental, and urban requirements, which is expected to significantly contribute to the city's urban mobility needs, the SPA said. Damascus, Nov 28 : The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group and allied factions launched a major offensive on Syrian military positions in the western countryside of Aleppo province, resulting in territorial gains and 89 deaths, according to a war monitor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the HTS and factions from the al-Fatah al-Mubin operations room seized control of 21 villages, towns, and strategic sites in less than 12 hours since the start of the operation, dubbed "Deterring Aggression," Xinhua news agency reported. It noted that 89 combatants died in Wednesday's clashes, including 52 fighters from the HTS and its supporting factions and 37 soldiers from the Syrian government forces. Additionally, five Syrian soldiers were captured by the HTS, which has also seized weapons depots, armored vehicles, and heavy weapons, it said. In response to the offensive, Russian warplanes conducted airstrikes using vacuum missiles on the rear positions of the factions around the city of Atarib, and Syrian government forces shelled Atarib, Darat Izza, and surrounding villages with hundreds of artillery shells and rockets, the observatory reported, adding that Syrian and Russian warplanes carried out 26 airstrikes during the clashes. A day earlier, the military buildup of the HTS prompted significant displacement of civilians from Atarib and nearby villages in the western Aleppo countryside, according to the observatory. The HTS, formerly the Nusra Front, is considered a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, and several other countries. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Amid ongoing chatter about her divorce with actor Abhishek Bachchan, actress Aishwarya Rai's name at an event was displayed without the "Bachchan" on a screen at a glitzy event in Dubai. The global icon, Aishwarya, was attending the Global Women's Forum in Dubai. Videos of her videos from the event made it to social media, where she was seen encouraging women, spotlighting the importance of innovation, and determination.. The videos were shared by the Dubai Women Establishment's official Instagram, where the Bollywood diva addressed a gathering. However, what caught the eyes of the social media users was that Aishwarya's surname was dropped from the Dubai event. In a viral videos, the actress's name was showed as "Aishwarya RaiInternational star." In another video shared by the Dubai Women Establishment's Instagram account, Aishwarya, who donned a stunning bright blue ensemble with silver drizzle, was mentioned as "Aishwarya RaiInternational star." The rumour about the divorce started doing the rounds when the actress appeared solo at a high-profile wedding. She was accompanied by her daughter Aaradhya. While Abhishek, was seen along with his family Amitabh Bachchan, Shweta Nanda Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. Reportedly, Abhishek liked an Instagram post based on divorce. He was then linked to Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur, with whom he worked in the film "Dasvi". In between all the chatter, megastar Amitabh Bachchan broke his silence over the ongoing divorce speculation surrounding his son and daughter-in-law. In his blog post, Big B penned a note addressing his concerns about "information ending with question marks" and the negative impact it has on those involved. The star wrote, "It takes immense courage conviction and a sincerity to be different and believe in its presence in life I rarely say much about family, because that is my domain and its privacy is maintained by me" Amitabh added, "Speculations are speculations they are speculated untruths, without verifications. Verifications are sought by the seekers to authenticate their business and commercials of the profession they be in I shall not challenge their desire to be in the profession of their choice and I shall appreciate their effort in serving society" The post further read, "But untruths .. or selected question marked information can be a legal safeguard for them that inform .. but the seed of suspected belief is sown with this most used emblem .. the question mark ..write express whatever you like .. but when you follow it up with a question mark, you are not only saying that the write may be questionable .. but also quite surreptitiously wanting the reader to believe and expand on it, so that your write gets valued repeats .." -- Syndicated from IANS New Delhi, Nov 28 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out extensive searches at 22 locations in six states on Thursday as part of a major crackdown on an international human trafficking syndicate. The case, registered under RC-10/2024/NIA/DLI, involves charges under sections 418, 419, 420, 370, 374, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Sources indicate that the case has international links spanning multiple countries, including Myanmar and Laos. The syndicate allegedly lured youth from Bihar's Gopalganj district with false promises of lucrative jobs abroad. Upon arriving in foreign countries, victims were reportedly held hostage in fake call centres and forced into cyber fraud activities. The owner of M.K. Training Centre, Keshav Singh, was previously arrested for his involvement in the trafficking network. The FIR highlights that the syndicate trafficked Indian youth abroad under the guise of employment opportunities, only to coerce them into working for cybercrime operations. The NIA's investigation has revealed ties to cyber-scam centres in Myanmar and Laos. These operations have exploited hundreds of Indian nationals, forcing them into fraudulent schemes such as cryptocurrency scams and call centre fraud. More details of the crackdown are awaited. The Indian Embassy in Laos has rescued 635 Indians from such centres this year, issuing repeated warnings about fraudulent job offers abroad. In August, 61 Indians were rescued, while earlier in May, 13 others, including seven workers from Odisha, were repatriated. Fraudulent job offers are often advertised for roles like "Digital Sales and Marketing Executives" or "Customer Support Service." These positions are fronts for scam operations. Agents operating from cities like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and various Indian locations facilitate these scams, promising high salaries, visa assistance, and travel arrangements. The NIA's searches are expected to yield further evidence against the syndicate, with more arrests likely in the coming days. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify job offers abroad to avoid falling prey to such schemes. New Delhi, Nov 28 : A motion will be moved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday seeking an extension in the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The extension is being sought till the last day of the Budget Session, 2025. The Business List of the Upper House mentions "motion regarding the report of JPC on the Waqf (Amendment Bill, 2024 - the extension of time". JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal and member Dilip Saikia will move the motion. The motion says, "That this House do extend time for the presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 up to the last day of the Budget Session, 2025". The Bill, which is aimed at reforming the management and regulation of the Waqf properties across the country, has been deferred due to heated debates and disruptions within the JPC -- between ruling BJP members and the opposition leaders. On Wednesday, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a resolution seeking the JPC term's extension. The proposal suggested the committee submit its report to Parliament in the first week of the Budget Session. Chairman Jagdambika Pal has already prepared a 500-page draft report. However, there is a consensus that more deliberation is essential, given the sensitive and contentious nature of the Bill. Recently, during a post-election speech after the BJP's success in Maharashtra Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Waqf Act, claiming it was not envisioned by the Constitution's architect, Ambedkar, and accused Congress of enacting the law for its vote politics. "Congress made laws to promote appeasement politics, and the Waqf Board is an example of it," the Prime Minister had said. The Centre tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, on August 8 and then referred it to the JPC following the opposition's objections. It tasked the panel to submit a report by the end of the first week of the winter session. The committee comprises 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha and includes 13 opposition members (nine from the Lower House and four from the Upper House). Chennai, Nov 28 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) on Thursday issued yellow and orange alerts for several districts in Tamil Nadu. A yellow alert has been issued for Chennai and nearby districts, while an orange alert has been declared for the Delta districts, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall. According to the weather department, Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai in the Delta region may witness extremely intense rainfall exceeding 24.4 cm on Thursday. Districts such as Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Puducherry are expected to experience heavy rainfall up to 24 cm in isolated places. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam are also likely to receive significant rainfall. The RMC stated that heavy rain would persist over the coastal region and northern Tamil Nadu from November 29 to December 2. Additionally, strong winds gusting up to 65 km/h are predicted over the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 28. The cyclonic storm brewing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to approach the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing sustained downpours to the coastal regions until December 1. According to the RMC, a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is currently located about 120 km east-southeast of Trincomalee, 370 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 470 km southeast of Puducherry, and 550 km south-southeast of Chennai. The depression is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours. The system will likely continue its path north-northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu coast, skirting the Sri Lankan coastline over the next two days. Notably, this is the fourth weather system to develop during the Northeast Monsoon season since mid-October. However, officials have yet to determine the exact crossing point of the current system. Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines has informed passengers that flight operations to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem are likely to be disrupted due to adverse weather conditions. In a social media post on platform X, the airline stated: "#6ETravelAdvisory: The weather conditions remain largely unchanged and continue to be unfavourable, with flights to/from #Chennai, #Tuticorin, #Madurai, #Tiruchirappalli & #Salem still impacted." New York, Nov 28 : In her first message after her concession speech, subdued and sad-sounding US Vice President Kamala Harris has told her supporters to safeguard their power. As the nation awaits her next act, she said in a video message, "I just have to remind you, don't you ever let anybody take your power from you." "You have the same power that you did before November 5, and you have the same purpose that you did, and you have the same ability to engage and inspire," said Harris, adding, "So don't ever let anybody or any circumstance take your power from you." Harris went on vacation to Hawaii after her defeat, avoided public appearances after the November 6 speech, accepted her defeat, and returned to her home base, San Francisco, on Monday. The Democratic Party, which released the 29-second video message on Tuesday on X and TikTok, did not say when or where it was recorded. The video lacked a professional touch and showed her wearing a brown jacket, seated with a partial view of the US flag in the background. She appeared tired and, at times, on the verge of tears as she spoke, making hand gestures for emphasis. Harris will not be in want after leaving office. Although the Vice President does not get a pension for the position, her role as President of the Senate during the vice presidency and her prior service on the Senate entitles her to a pension. She will also be getting pensions from jobs she had held in California. She can, however, expect to make more money from speaking fees a" that can run to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands per engagement a" and royalties for books. Former Vice President Mike Pence received an advance of $1.4 million for his memoir, and during 16 months from January 2022 alone he made $3.4 million in fees for 31 speeches, according to his filing when he was contemplating a run for President that was obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Before becoming the Vice President, Harris had earned $450,000 in royalties for her memoir, "The Truths We Hold." Forbes estimated the net worth of her and her husband, Doug Emhoff, at $8 million A big question mark hangs over her future when she leaves office on January 21. In her speech on November 6, conceding defeat, she said. "I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations." Her professional bio is made up entirely of government jobs, starting as a deputy district attorney a" or prosecutor a" in a California county and rising in the ranks to become the state's elected attorney general. She was next elected to the Senate before President Joe Biden picked her to be the Vice President and then passed on the baton for her unsuccessful run for President. Politico reported that her family and some senior aides accompanied her on the Hawaiian vacation' during which she mulled her next steps. It said that she spent a lot of time speaking by phone with her supporters, and her message was, "I am staying in the fight." There are two obvious options for her if she wants to stay in politics. She could run for California governor in the 2026 election to succeed Gavin Newsom, whose second term ends in 2027, and he cannot run for a third term under state law. Although she has held a higher position, the governor of the most populous and richest state wields far more powers in real terms compared to a Vice President. Newsom himself could run for President in 2028. The other possibility would be for Harris to make another run for President, but she has two strikes against her: She dropped out of the party primaries for nomination even before the race started in earnest in 2020, and this year, she got the nomination without a contest only to lose to Donald Trump. Her performance and her strategies are under scrutiny by her party members. Liverpool, Nov 28 : Liverpool are the first team to have confirmed their place in the round of 16 play-offs after beating Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield, a fifth straight league phase win for the Reds. Both sides missed penalties in a game which ended with Liverpool maintaining their perfect league phase record, thanks to two well-worked team goals. Alexis Mac Allister combined with Conor Bradley to put the hosts ahead early in the second half, before Caoimhin Kelleher saved Kylian MbappA's spot kick. Mohamed Salah then sent his own penalty wide off a post for Liverpool, but the Reds did get a second goal through substitute Cody Gakpo, who nodded in a short corner expertly executed by Andy Robertson. In other match, Borussia Dortmund have taken a huge step towards the round of 16 as last year's finalists triumphed 3-0 away to Dinamo Zagreb to bring their points tally to 12. A spectacular Jamie Gittens strike set last season's beaten finalists on their way to claiming a fourth league phase victory. Nuri Sahin's side controlled proceedings from the off, Ramy Bensebaini and Donyell Malen both hitting the woodwork before Gittens powered the visitors in front shortly before half-time with a crisp effort after cutting in from the left. Algerian international Bensebaini doubled the advantage just over ten minutes after the interval, nodding in emphatically from Pascal Gross' corner, before substitute Serhou Guirassy struck late on with a cool finish. Elsewhere, Aston Villa preserved their perfect defensive home record with a draw with Juventus at Villa Park. Juve needed Michele Di Gregorio to turn Ollie Watkins' early shot behind and were relieved when Lucas Digne's free-kick curled against the crossbar just before half-time. The Bianconeri almost went ahead when Emiliano MartAnez clawed Francisco Conceicao's second-half header off the line. The outstanding Manuel Locatelli later made a crucial block to deny John McGinn, helping Juve stay unbeaten away. Jammu, Nov 28 : Massive crackdown in four districts of Jammu division has resulted in the arrest of 10 overground workers (OGWs) of various terror groups, Jammu and Kashmir police said on Thursday. Officials said the crackdown against the terror ecosystem was carried out at 17 locations by police and the CRPF in Malhar, Bani, Billawar areas, Kana Chak, Haria Chak, Sorak pain, Chak Wajir in Kathua District. "Well-planned and executed operation in connection with three FIRs related to terror incidents registered at police stations Malhar, Billawar and Bani led to the identification and arrest of 10 OGWs and terrorist suspects. "A number of electronic devices were also seized during the searches," officials said. In anti-terrorist operations carried out some time back, three foreign terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) outfit were killed in two different encounters with security forces in the upper reaches of Kathua district and its fringe area with Basantgarh in Udhampur district. Police in the Jammu division have intensified crackdowns on terror networks linked to JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) by conducting over 56 raids in various other districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur and Reasi. The large-scale operation resulted in the arrest of several OGWs and terror suspects, along with the recovery of incriminating materials, including electronic devices, documents, unaccounted cash, weapons and ammunition. During two high-level security meetings chaired recently by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, clear orders have been given to the security forces to go all out to dismantle the terror ecosystem, which includes terrorists, OGWs, sympathisers and harbourers. The orders from the Lt. Governor came in the aftermath of three dastardly attacks by the terrorists. On October 20, terrorists killed seven workers of an infrastructure company in Gagangir area of Ganderbal district. On October 24, three soldiers and two civilian porters were killed in a terrorist attack in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg. On November 2, one woman was killed and nine other civilians injured in a grenade hurled by terrorists on the Sunday market in Srinagar city. Tokyo, Nov 28 : A fire broke out Wednesday in an apartment building in Tokyo where a Japanese lawmaker lives with her family, and two unidentified bodies have been found at the scene, local authorities said. A report was made after 7 p.m. local time Wednesday that a fire had started at a unit in a six-story apartment building in Bunkyo Ward of the Japanese capital, the residence of Kuniko Inoguchi, an upper house lawmaker of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and three other family members, a firefighter said. Contact was made with the 72-year-old House of Councillors member and one of her daughters after the incident, but her husband and their other daughter remain unaccounted for, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting the metropolitan police. The blaze was subdued before 1 a.m. local time Thursday after more than 30 firetrucks and other emergency vehicles had been dispatched to the scene. Inoguchi was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2005 after being a professor at Sophia University. She has been a member of the House of Councillors since 2010 and is currently in her third term. Kolkata, Nov 28 : Fake currency notes having a face value of Rs three lakh were recovered from a bus depot in Kolkata on Thursday and one person was arrested in this connection. The accused was identified as Manwar Sheikh, a resident of Kaliachak in Malda district. According to the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police, the seized Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) were in Rs 500 denomination. The investigating officials suspect that the seized consignment came to Malda from Bangladesh and Sheikh brought it to Kolkata either for distribution in the city or to hand it over to another person. The cops of STF are interrogating him to get details of others involved in the racket. The seizure was made after a tip-off about a huge consignment of FICN coming from Malda to Kolkata via an overnight bus to Esplanade in Kolkata. Accordingly, plain-dress cops reached the said bus depot and waited for the said vehicle to arrive. As soon as the bus arrived, the STF officials, based on the description provided by their sources, detailed Sheikh and started interrogating him. At the same time, the luggage he was carrying was thoroughly frisked leading to the recovery of the FICN consignment. The accused person will be presented at a city court later in the day and the public prosecutor will seek his custody for further interrogations, sources in the city police said. To recall, just a few months back, a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Kolkata, had sentenced seven persons to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in a cross-border FICN racket. The eighth accused person in the case, Abdul Rahim, identified as a Bangladeshi citizen, was still at large. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Centre is working on converging the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) with Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a move that will extend medical care benefits under the flagship programme to 14.43 Crore ESI beneficiaries, the Ministry of Labour and Employment said on Thursday. The ministry informed that ESIC is working at expanding healthcare access to the workforce and their dependents under the guidance of Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. "Converging the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) with facilities of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will benefit over 14.43 crore ESI beneficiaries and their families, providing them with greater access to quality and comprehensive medical care across India," the Ministry said. "This will go towards a more productive labour force, working towards a 'Viksit Bharat'," it added. Once rolled out, the initiative will enable ESIC beneficiaries to avail of secondary and tertiary medical services at over 30,000 AB-PMJAY-empanelled hospitals nationwide. The benefits can be availed "with no financial ceilings on treatment costs", said Ashok Kumar Singh, DG, ESIC. The partnership will boost the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for all beneficiaries. The charitable hospitals across the country will also be empanelled for the treatment of the ESI beneficiaries, he added. Currently, the ESI Scheme offers medical care under 165 hospitals, 1,590 dispensaries, 105 Dispensary cum Branch Offices (DCBOs), and around 2,900 empanelled private hospitals. In the last 10 years, the ESI scheme has been implemented in 687 districts out of 788 districts of the country, from the 393 districts in 2014. "By collaborating with the PMJAY, the ESI Scheme can now be extended to remaining non-implemented districts with the provision of this arrangement of medical care," the Ministry said. The initiative will "significantly enhance the overall social security ecosystem, promoting health equity, and ensuring that quality care is accessible to those who need it the most". New Delhi, Nov 28 : In a startling development, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked in city's Bijwasan area on Thursday morning, while investigating an incident ed to cyber-crime. One ED official was is understood to have been injured in the assault. New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) In a startling development, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked in cityas Bijwasan area on Thursday morning, while investigating an incident ed to cyber-crime. One ED official was is understood to have been injured in the assault. The attack on ED team happened when it reached the house of a cyber fraud accused in Bijwasan area to interrogate him in the PPPYL cyber app fraud case. The accused Ashok Sharma, who was present at the house at the moment attacked the ED team, along with his family members. Following the attack, the local police reached the spot and took the matter under control. According to reports, EDas Assistant Director was injured in the attacks by accused Ashok Sharm and his family. He has been admitted to the hospital. An FIR has been lodged against the attackers. The key accused fled from the spot after attacking the ED team. Police have launched manhunt for him and formed teams to nab him. Notably, the investigating agency received information about hundreds of cases related to PPPYL cyber app fraud from across the country. Hundreds of cases like QR code cheating case, fraud in the name of getting part time job have been registered. The ED in its initial investigation found that the proceeds of money was being deposited in 15,000 fake accounts and then it was routed through debit and credit cards to transfer it into virtual accounts on UAE-based PYYPL payment aggregator. The funds from PYYPL were then used to purchase crypto currencies. It is being told that the entire nexus was being run by a suspicious chartered accountant. Today, ED began its crackdown on the racket, which has its network purportedly spread across Delhi-NCR. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Actress Malaika Arora, who is currently in the news over her alleged break-up with actor Arjun Kapoor, was recently clicked with her son Arhaan Khan, and the netizens couldn't stop but rave about the mother-son duo. A video of Malaika and Arhaan is currently doing rounds on social media in which the mother and the son can be seen twinning in monochromatic outfits. Social media users said the two looked like teenagers, while other said that they look the same age. The two have also professionally collaborated with each other as they have started a new venture in the form of a restaurant. The actress regularly visits the restaurants to keep a check on its operations and quality control to roll out the best possible experience for its patrons. In September this year, the actress' father reportedly committed suicide. Her father, Anil Mehta fell from the 6th floor of his residence in the Ayesha Manor building in the Bandra area of Mumbai at around 9:00 am while the actress was on her way to Pune for an event. Reportedly, Joyce Polycarp, the mother of Malaika and Amrita Arora shared the details about the tragic incident involving her ex-husband, Anil Arora with the cops in the Mumbai Police. Joyce was in the house when the unfortunate incident took place. As per media reports, on the morning of the incident, she noticed Anil's slippers in the living room, which led her to search for him in the balcony. When she didn't find him on the balcony, she leaned over the balcony railing and looked below. This was when she realised something was terribly wrong. As per reports, Anil had called both his daughters saying, "I'm tired" before he took the alleged drastic step. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Nov 28 : Former Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, S.P. Vaid, on Thursday raised concerns over the ongoing violence and atrocities against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue on the global stage. He emphasised the need for PM Modi, recognised globally as a respected leader, to intervene and address the issue at international platforms like the United Nations. "We all have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his good office. He is respected globally, he is not just a well-known leader in India but across the world. Every country listens to him," said S.P. Vaid. Highlighting the dire situation of the Hindu minority, which constitutes about 1.5 crore people in Bangladesh, S.P. Vaid condemned the violence and the alleged genocide being carried out against the community. He stressed that India should play an active role in stopping the atrocities and pressuring Bangladesh to enforce law and order. "Whatever atrocities are being conducted in Bangladesh against the Hindu minority, the way their genocide is being carried out, India should contribute to stopping this and set an opinion. Bangladesh should be obliged to take action against street violence which shows there is no law and order. Police and the army are mere spectators there," the former DGP remarked. Referring to the recent arrest of ISKCON's Chinmoy Krishna Das on what he described as "fake and fabricated charges," Vaid expressed his outrage. "The way ISKCON's Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested because of a fake, fabricated case, I think this should be stopped. PM Modi, being a world leader, should set an opinion in the UN and international organisations against Bangladesh. Whatever is being done there is, somewhere, on the instructions of America," he alleged. Das, a prominent Hindu leader, and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, who was arrested on Monday, was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. A case has been filed against Das on charges of sedition, accusing him of raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. However, the complainant has since expressed unwillingness to pursue the case, a minority leader said. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the largest minority group in Bangladesh, expressed concerns on Tuesday over the arrest and called on the interim government to release Das immediately. S.P. Vaid also condemned the desecration of Hindu temples and idols in Bangladesh, calling for an immediate end to such acts of vandalism. "Minorities also have the right to protest when their rights are being violated. The way Hindu temples and idols were vandalised is condemnable. This should be stopped," he said. New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 : With Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday sworn in as Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad, curtains have come down on the easy part in her new political journey. It was a foregone conclusion that the Congress scion would win hands down and Priyanka Gandhi did it in style by winning with a margin of over four lakh votes. At 11 A.M. on Thursday, Priyanka Gandhi who was dressed in a typical Kerala saree, was welcomed to the Parliament with flowers by the Congress-led UDF MPs and was the first to take oath. Incidentally, she is the only woman MP from Kerala in the Lok Sabha and the UDF has now 18 MPs in the House, with the BJP and the CPI-M having one each. When Priyanka Gandhias name was called out, it was greeted with a resounding applause and after she took oath she walked down and was seen greeting her elder brother Rahul Gandhi who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Now, after the fanfare is over, comes the real part of her political journey and the situations that she will have to handle as a MP from the hilly district. Wayanad is facing numerous problems, such as lack of proper healthcare facilities, the raging man-animal conflict and not to mention the night traffic from Wayanad to neighbouring Karnataka and numerous other issues. Incidentally, the biggest campaign point that the ruling Left and the BJP raised during their campaign starting from 2019 when Rahul Gandhi first stood as the Congress candidate and then again in 2024, was that Wayanad needs a full time representative in Parliament and not a tourist MP. However, all such campaigns on expected lines failed to evoke any response from the electorate as senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi first won with a margin of 4.30 lakh votes that dipped to 3.60 lakh in April 2024 and then Priyanka Gandhi tasted electoral victory with a margin of 4.10 lakh votes. The first task that MP Priyanka Gandhi has on her shoulders is availing the yet-to-be announced Wayanad package from the Centre. No relief package has been announced as yet for Wayanad even after three months having passed following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an on-the-spot assessment of the landslide disaster that washed away four villages in July and left over 400 dead and scores missing. Meanwhile, there was a modest celebration in her constituency when she was sworn in as MP and Priyanka Gandhi will now be given a rousing welcome when she arrives in Wayanad for the first time after winning the polls. Priyanka Gandhi had spent 14 days in Wayanad visiting every nook and corner of her constituency spread over three districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode comprising seven Assembly constituencies. After leaving the constituency on November 14, a day after the polls, she has not come back and is expected to arrive in the days to come to take on her duties as MP. Seoul, Nov 28 : North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been assigned to the Russian military at the platoon level, with a high possibility of the troops being used as "cannon fodder" in dangerous areas, South Korea's Defence chief said on Thursday. Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun made the remark during a session of the Parliamentary Defence Committee when a ruling party lawmaker asked him to verify Intelligence that North Korean soldiers have been integrated into company-level units at the Russian military in groups of platoons, Yonhap news agency reported. "It should be noted that the war is led by Russia, and from the stance of heads of the Russian military units, they are likely to send the North Korean platoons to the most dangerous and difficult areas," Kim said, stressing that the term "cannon fodder" well describes the situation. His remarks came after Ukrainian officials said that North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been integrated in Russian military units consisting of ethnic minorities or disguised as indigenous people. Kim also reaffirmed his stance that South Korea should send a military monitoring team to Ukraine, but said that the Defence ministry is not engaging in talks over such possible deployment, hinting that a government-wide discussion is underway. In regard to the possibility of Seoul's provision of weapons to Kyiv, Kim said South Korea will "work in solidarity with the international community," rather than directly addressing the issue. On Wednesday, a Ukrainian delegation led by Kyiv's Defence Minister visited South Korea for talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The delegation shared Intelligence on the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and discussed joint responses to security threats, the presidential office said. However, details of the provided Intelligence and whether the delegation requested South Korea's weapons aid were not immediately available. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Zarina Wahab recently recalled how people doubted the longevity of her marriage to actor Aditya Pancholi, with many predicting it wouldn't last more than five months. In a recent interview, the veteran actress opened up about her interfaith marriage of 36 years with Aditya and mentioned that despite the early skepticism, their relationship stood the test of time. Zarina also addressed whether their different religious backgrounds ever posed challenges in their marriage, revealing that although Aditya didn't convert to Islam, he changed his name for the nikaah ceremony. Asked if their diverse religious backgrounds ever created obstacles in their relationship, Wahab told Lehren Retro, "When I got married to him, everyone said, 'He's so handsome, he's so young, this won't last more than five months'. But now it has been 36 years. Look around, there are so many temples in my house. I do the namaaz. We don't distinguish on the basis of religion in our house, there are no differences, we have everything we need Even my in-laws are very nice. There were no hurdles." Zarina also explained that they had a nikaah ceremony, and when asked if Aditya converted to Islam, she clarified, "He didn't convert, but as is customary with Muslims, he had to change his name, so he did that." In the same interview, Wahab also spoke about Aditya's affairs and revealed that she never confronted him about them. She admitted that she was aware of his affairs but chose to ignore them. What mattered most to her was how he treated her when they were at home. "I was always aware of Nirmal (Aditya's real name)'s affairs, but I never questioned him. I only cared about how he treated me when he was home. I ignored asking him questions because it would have made him fearless. I was completely prepared for him to have affairs," Zarina explained. For the unversed, Zarina Wahab and Aditya Pancholi met on the sets of their film "Kalank Ka Tika," and despite the actress being six years older and facing opposition from her mother, the couple followed their hearts and got married in 1986. Mumbai/New Delhi, Nov 28 : A wanted terrorist, with links to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a terror case filed against him in Bengaluru, has been deported to India from Rwanda, an official statement said on Thursday. He is identified as Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against whom the Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice. Khanas return was coordinated by the NIA, CBI and Interpol National Central Bureau, Kigali (Rwandaas capital) in central East Africa. The NIA had lodged a case against him last year pertaining to criminal conspiracy, for being a member of the dreaded terror organisation (LeT) and supporting it, slapping him with offences related to the Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. An FIR was also lodged against Khan in Hebbal Police Station in Bengaluru city for offences of supplying arms, ammunition and explosives to carry out terror activities in the Karnataka capital. Following a request from the CBI, the NIA had got the Interpol RCN issued against Khan on August 2, which was circulated to all law enforcement agencies worldwide to track him down. He was finally geo-located in Rwanda and in collaboration with the Interpol Kigali authorities, he was brought back to India to face the law by an NIA team this morning. Last fortnight, the CBI in coordination with Interpol had geo-tracked a criminal wanted by the Mumbai Police, Barkat Ali Khan, and brought him back from Saudi Arabia (on November 14). He was on the run, facing charges of rioting and supplying explosives and had an Interpol RCN issued against him in December 2022. Prior to this, on November 11, the CBI facilitated the deportation of one Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, from Saudi Arabia -- facing an RCN since December 2023, for a rape case against a minor and a case lodged against him with Mannarkkad Police Station in Pattambi (Kerala). Since 2021, the Indian agencies in coordination with their global counterparts have seen the repatriation of around 100 wanted absconding criminals, including 26 brought back in 2024 alone. Mumbai, Nov 28 : As the final decision on Maharashtra's next Chief Minister remains pending, Shiv Sena leaders credited their party chief, Eknath Shinde, for driving growth and development in the state, while at the same time emphasising that there is no internal rift within the Mahayuti alliance over the issue. Maharashtra's caretaker CM Eknath Shinde on Wednesday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision regarding the Chief Minister's post would be final. He assured that he would not act as a "hurdle or speed breaker" in the formation of the new Mahayuti government and pledged his support to the BJP's candidate for the post. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat praised Shinde's focus on development rather than power. "We did not contest the elections for power but for development. Eknath Shinde used the past two-and-a-half years wisely to prioritise the state's progress," Shirsat told IANS. Highlighting Shinde's leadership, Shirsat added, "The Mahayuti's victory is the result of Shinde's work. When speculations arose about an internal rift for the CM's post, Shinde made it clear he did not want the position. "He is a leader with a big heart who respects coalition dharma. He even conveyed to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that they could appoint whoever they deemed fit as CM." Refuting rumours of pressure from the BJP, Shirsat dismissed them as baseless, stating, "The BJP has a strong relationship with Shinde. If he had wanted to claim the CM's post again, he could have, but he chose to uphold the alliance's unity. With the BJP securing 132 seats, it is their prerogative to decide the CM." When asked about Shinde possibly taking a central position or the role of Deputy CM, Shirsat suggested that Shinde might remain active in Maharashtra politics and avoid taking the Deputy CM's post. Shirsat hinted that the government formation could take place on December 2, with the oath-taking ceremony likely to be held at Wankhede Stadium or Shivaji Park. "PM Modi, several state CMs, and prominent leaders are expected to attend this event," he added. Shiv Sena MLA Vishwanath Bhoir however, voiced his support for Shinde as CM of Maharashtra. "The policies, schemes, and decisions under Shinde's leadership have driven Maharashtra's development. The Mahayuti and the people of Maharashtra want him to continue as Chief Minister," Bhoir said. Shinde, along with Mahayuti allies, including Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, is set to meet Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday to discuss government formation in detail. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Multiple incidents of atrocities and violent attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh, Hindus in particular, have drawn global condemnation with Hindu American groups writing letters to the US President-elect Donald Trump as well incumbent President Joe Biden, demanding protection of vulnerable communities in the South Asian nation and also sanctions against the interim government led by Muhammad Younus. The Hindus for America First (HFAF) wrote an open letter to US President-elect Donald Trump, calling for halting US funding of projects in Bangladesh. "Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Bangladesh have faced systemic violence and discrimination. We humbly ask that your administration make US aid contingent on the Bangladeshi government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Taxpayer dollars should never support governments that fail to safeguard their most vulnerable citizens," said HFAF Founder and Chairman Utsav Sanduja. He further expressed concerns over Bangladeshi officials' ties to radical and extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam and said that these connections pose a threat to the security of not just the Asian sub-continent but the US also. "We respectfully recommend visa restrictions and tighter oversight to prevent these ideologies from taking root on American soil," Sanduja said in his letter. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), in separate letters to Joe Biden and Donald Trump, expressed grave concerns over escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. "The minority population, mainly Hindus, which constituted about 20 per cent of East Pakistan's population in 1947, now accounts for less than 8 per cent in Bangladesh, a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution," the FIIDS said in a letter to US President Joe Biden. The influential Indian-American organisation sought to draw the attention of the Biden administration to growing attacks and persecution of Hindu minorities, stating that there have been more than 200 documented incidents of violence against Hindus including arson, mob attacks, desecration of temples and Hindu deities since the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh. "US should urge Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Younus to release Chinmoy Krishna Das and provide protection to minority communities, besides calling for an independent enquiry into recent and historical violence against the minorities," it demanded in a letter to the US President. Some Indian-American groups also held demonstrations in various US cities against the illegal arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Das was arrested and subsequently booked in a sedition case by Bangladesh police, apparently for organising protests against state-sponsored oppression of Hindu minorities in the country. Vishva Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) has also called upon the US administration to safeguard the vulnerable minorities in Bangladesh. VHPA general secretary Amitabh Mittal said, "The silence of global media regarding the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh is deafening. The recent arrest of an ISKCON priest and the violent attacks on Hindu temples underscore the alarming rise in religious intolerance." Mathura, Nov 28 : Renowned spiritual guru, Devkinandan Thakur, expressed deep concern on Thursday over the ongoing violence and atrocities against Hindus who are in a minority in neighbouring Bangladesh. Thakur emphasised the urgent need for a 'Sanatan Board' in India to safeguard the community from such threats in future. The statement follows the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson of the Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, who was taken into custody on Monday under sedition charges. His arrest came after a complaint by former Bangladesh National Party (BNP) leader, Firoze Khan, alleging the desecration of the national flag. Subsequent denial of bail to Das sparked widespread protests across Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, the country's major port city. Thakur, addressing the ongoing crisis, called on followers of Sanatan Dharma to stay informed about the situation in Bangladesh. "While I am not asking you to go there, stay updated through social media and see what is happening. People are calling temples 'Atankigarh,' and the police are using violence against Hindus who are protesting," he said. He also mentioned reports of attacks on Hindu homes and properties, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Thakur further stressed the need for the Hindu community in India to act proactively. "We need to form a 'Sanatan Board' to protect ourselves from such attacks in the future. We are demanding safety for our families, and we must plan for our protection today," he added. The violence in Bangladesh, particularly in Chittagong, where temples and minorities like Hindus, Christians and Buddhists have been targeted has drawn significant attention. India has also expressed concerns about the safety of Hindus in the neighbouring nation, where Islam is the state religion. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, head of the Pundarik Dham in Chattogram, leads a coalition that advocates for the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, which has witnessed rising tension over religious freedom. Chennai, Nov 28 : Heavy rain continued to lash the Delta districts of Tamil Nadu, including Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam on Thursday. District Collectors have issued a warning, advising the public against entering water bodies for bathing, washing clothes, or swimming. Parents have also been urged to prevent children from playing in waterlogged areas and to avoid standing under trees or in open spaces during thunderstorms. Nagapattinam district recorded significant rainfall with Kodiyakarai receiving 20 mm, followed by Vedaranyam, Tirupoondi, Thirukuvalai, and Thalaignayer, each reporting 10 mm. Several low-lying areas, such as Sebastian Nagar and Sivasakthi Nagar in Velankanni, and Valliammai Nagar and Gomathi Nagar in Nagore, have experienced flooding. The Nagapattinam district administration has established a 24-hour control room with a toll-free helpline (04365-1077) to assist with rain-related emergencies. Coastal areas were witnessing rough seas, with waves receding a few metres in Nagapattinam's Vedaranyam. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and all mechanised and motorised boats remain docked. In Cuddalore, the sea was rough, with waves rising over 10 feet, significantly higher than the usual 2 feet. Coastal areas such as Thazhanguda, Devanampattinam, Singarathoppu, and Sothikuppam have been affected. The Cuddalore Port has raised Cyclone Warning Signal Number 3 due to strong winds and heavy rain. Rescue teams, including 270 personnel, swimmers, and equipment, were on standby at 16 fire stations across the district. The Fire Department has prepared rescue boats, safety gear, ropes, wood-cutting machines, and generator-powered lights for emergencies. Additionally, the Cuddalore district administration has set up 28 cyclone shelters, 14 multi-purpose safety centres, and 191 temporary relief camps. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF), comprising 30 and 25 personnel respectively, are also on standby. All departments, including Revenue, Rural Development, Highways, Electricity, Public Works, Fire Services, and Police, have been directed to implement precautionary measures. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued yellow and orange alerts for several districts of Tamil Nadu. A yellow alert has been issued for Chennai and surrounding districts, while an orange alert has been issued for the Delta districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall. Delta districts, including Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai, may experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 24.4 cm on Thursday, according to the weather department. Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Puducherry were likely to receive intense rainfall of up to 24 cm in isolated places. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam are also expected to experience heavy rainfall. The RMC has forecast heavy rain over the coastal regions and northern Tamil Nadu from November 29 to December 2. Strong winds, gusting up to 65 km per hour, are likely to affect the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 28. Cyclone Fengal brewing over the Bay of Bengal was predicted to move toward the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing heavy downpours to the region until December 1 Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 : With Kerala CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan on Thursday reiterating that there was no need for a CBI probe into the 'death' of Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu, who was found hanging at his official residence, Leader of Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan said Govindan feared the truth. "Everything that happened after his body was found out is mysterious. Despite the family of Babu asking that the post-mortem should not be conducted at the Kannur Medical College hospital, it was done there and more importantly the Kannur authorities went ahead with the inquest preparation without the presence of anyone from Babu's family," said Satheesan. "After the news of Babu's death surfaced there has been a concerted attempt to portray him as a corrupt officer over the sanctioning of a petrol pump. If a proper probe takes place Govindan fears that the names of the benami applicant of the pump will come out. The on-paper applicant is T.V. Prasanth, an electrician by profession, who works at the state-run Medical College at Kannur. Govindan fears the truth that may come out of the probe," added Satheesan. Incidentally on Wednesday as soon as the Kerala High Court accepted the petition of K. Manjusha, wife of Babu for a CBI probe into the death of her husband, Govindan said the CBI is a caged parrot and all the national agency's principal job is to target the opposition. On Thursday, he repeated the same and said the CPI(M) has all along opposed probes by the CBI as their objective is not clean. In the court, the counsel for Manjusha insisted that the only way for the truth to come out was a CBI probe. Incidentally, Babu was considered one of the cleanest officials in the Revenue Department, which was even pointed out by Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan. Babu was found dead in his official quarters on October 15, a day after he was given an official send-off from Kannur. In her petition, his wife raised concerns about the undue haste with which the inquest and autopsy were conducted even before the family members had arrived. The sequence of events that led to Babu's suicide began when, P.P. Divya, the Kannur district panchayat president and CPI(M) leader arrived at the send-off function uninvited and made some critical remarks against Babu, alleging his involvement in corruption. When this incident occurred, Kannur District Collector Arun Vijayan, who was presiding over the function, kept mum and did not make any statement when Divya walked out after making curt remarks against Babu. Babu died by suicide the very next day on October 15. Following the furore, Divya resigned as Kannur district panchayat president. The husband of Divya and Prasanth are colleagues at the Kannur Medical College. Divya was on the run for several days after a case was filed against her on October 17. On October 29 after a local court rejected her anticipatory bail, Divya was arrested by the police and lodged at a jail in Kannur till November 8 when she got bail. "Even surprising was the presence of Govindan's wife to receive Divya when she was released from the prison after she got bail. Govindan after Babu's funeral had visited Manjusha and comforted her saying that the state government would be with her and now see the position taken by Govindan," added Satheesan. The High Court posted the case on Manjusha's petition to December 6, when the court will give its decision on her plea. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The political atmosphere in the country is charged following a Rajasthan court issuing notices to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Dargah Committee Ajmer, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) over a petition claiming the existence of a Shiva temple within the premises of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The petition, filed by Vishnu Gupta, National President of the Hindu Sena, claims that the Sankat Mochan Mahadev temple exists at the site of the Dargah. The court presided over by Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel, deemed the petition admissible and issued notices to the authorities concerned, asking them to respond before the next hearing scheduled for December 20. The BJP welcomed the court's move, stressing the importance of respecting judicial processes. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh remarked, "If a Hindu has filed a petition and the court has accepted it, then what is the issue? The Mughals destroyed our temples, and if such actions had been addressed earlier, there would have been no need for petitions like this." Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Arun Govil said, "The court has taken cognisance. Let us wait for its decision before discussing the issue further." Stressing that the nation's judicial process is "impartial," BJP MP Dinesh Sharma added, "No one should question the court's decisions, as they are made after thorough consideration." Similarly, BJP MLA Ravi Kishan stressed the need to respect and trust the judicial process. "We should bow to the court if it has issued any notice and respect it," he told IANS. The petition cites retired judge Har Bilas Sarda's 1911 book, 'Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive', which claims that debris from a Shiva temple was used to construct the Dargah. It also alleges the presence of a Jain temple within the sanctum sanctorum. Gupta pointed to architectural elements and carvings on the Buland Darwaza as evidence of Hindu traditions at the site and urged the ASI to investigate. Advocate Ramswaroop Bishnoi, representing the petitioners, stated that the 38-page plea offers detailed evidence, including historical references and architectural similarities, to support the claim. The plea also draws parallels with other disputed sites, such as Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh and Kashi in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Dargah Committee has denied these allegations. Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of Anjuman Syed Jadgan, an organisation of the Dargah's caretakers, defended the Ajmer Sharif Dargah as a symbol of unity and pluralism, with followers from across the world. He criticised the petition as harmful to communal harmony, referencing similar disputes in Kashi and Mathura. Chishti also criticised legal amendments by former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, alleging they facilitated such disputes. "This is Garib Nawaz Dargah, a beacon of peace and harmony, and it will remain so," he said. The petition calls for an ASI-led survey of the Dargah premises, with specific attention to the 75-foot-high Buland Darwaza, which the plea claims was constructed using materials from a Shiva temple. It also references accounts of a Brahmin family that reportedly worshipped at the site where a Shivling was once located. As the debate unfolds, both sides remain firm, with the court's next hearing expected to shape the trajectory of this sensitive issue. Bhopal, Nov 28 : In a shocking incident, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by two men in a moving ambulance in Madhya Pradesh's Mauganj district. According to police, the incident occurred on November 25 under the jurisdiction of Hanumana police station, around 30 km from district headquarters Mauganj. Hanumana tehsil of the newly established Mauganj district shares a boundary with the Mirzapur district of Utter Pradesh. The victim told the police that two men kidnapped her and forced her into a Janani Express Ambulance where she was gang-raped. It is also called '108- Ambulance'. The Janani Express Ambulance is operated by the state government under the PPP model to provide emergency transportation facilities to expectant mothers, sick infants and BPL families in rural parts of Madhya Pradesh. Police said both the accused persons identified as Virendra Chaturvedi (ambulance driver) and his friend Rajesh Kewat were arrested on Wednesday night. The accused persons are residents of Naigarhi tehsil in Mauganj district, which is located around 50 km from Hanumana tehsil where this alleged incident took place. "Victim had lodged an FIR on November 25, alleging that she was gang-raped. The medical test confirmed rape and a search was initiated. Both accused persons have been arrested from Nagari on Wednesday," Mauganj Superintendent of Police (SP) Sarna Thakur said. More details were awaited on the case. This shocking incident came one month after a newly married woman was gang-raped by a group of men in adjoining Rewa district on October 21. The victim had gone for a picnic with her husband in the Gurh town where she was kidnapped and then gang-raped. Eight accused persons were arrested in connection with the case. Mauganj, which used to be a tehsil of Rewa district, was made a separate district comprising three tehsils -- Mauganj, Naigarhi and Hanuman in 2023. Aizawl, Nov 28 : Senior IAS officer Khilli Ram Meena on Thursday took charge as the new Chief Secretary of Mizoram. Soon after taking charge, Meena made a courtesy call to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at the Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan sources said the Governor had a short briefing with the new Chief Secretary on several issues crucial for the development of Mizoram. The new Chief Secretary held a courtesy meeting with Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday evening. Officials said that Meena, a 1993-batch IAS officer of Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, took charge from acting Chief Secretary H. Lalengmawia, a 2005-batch IAS officer Meena succeeds Renu Sharma, who retired on October 31. According to a Mizoram government official, Meena, before his new assignment, was serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Born on December 4, 1967, in Rajasthan, Meena holds a Master's degree in history and joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1993. The Mizoram government had earlier requested the Centre to appoint Vumlunmang Vualnam, a 1992 batch IAS officer of the Manipur cadre and currently the Civil Aviation Secretary, as the state's Chief Secretary. Chief Minister Lalduhoma during his recent visit to New Delhi, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ask him to relieve Vualnam to replace Renu Sharma. Vualnam has earlier held several important positions within the Central government, including as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Company Affairs. Vualnam has also served in various key roles in the Manipur government and was an advisor to the executive director at the World Bank before he was appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation in August 2023. However, the MHA reportedly declined the request and appointed Meena to the post. The Chief Minister earlier appreciated the performance of the former Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, a 1988 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera expressed deep emotion and pride as Priyanka Gandhi took oath as a Member of Parliament on Thursday. In a statement on social media platform X, Khera described the occasion as a moment of immense pride and inspiration for the nation. "Since childhood, we have all seen on television the members of the Gandhi family displaying amazing dignity during the tragic assassinations of Indira Ji and Rajiv Ji. The entire country would break into tears, but the Gandhi family, a symbol of unique tradition of sacrificing everything for the country, always considered the country bigger than their personal grief," Khera recalled. "When Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Member of Parliament for the first time today, with a copy of the Constitution in her hand, all those scenes came back in front of my eyes. Today's moment is an emotional moment of pride and inspiration not only for the Congress family but for the entire country," he further said. Priyanka Gandhi was greeted with loud cheers and chants of 'Bharat Jodo' as she took the oath of affirmation as a member of the Lok Sabha on Thursday. She was accompanied by her mother Sonia Gandhi, brother Rahul Gandhi and Congress MPs when she reached the Parliament House. Her resounding victory in the Wayanad bypoll is not only her successful electoral debut but another big achievement for the family as for the first time, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family are simultaneously in the Parliament. This marks a significant step for Priyanka Gandhi, aligning her political journey with her mother and former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, both pivotal figures in the grand old party. Her debut into the electoral fray comes 20 years after she campaigned for Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli and Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. Seoul, Nov 28 : South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said on Thursday he will urge President Yoon Suk Yeol to veto a revision Bill that would abolish the automatic forwarding of the government's budget proposal to the plenary session if a bipartisan agreement is not reached by the deadline. Earlier in the day, the Opposition-controlled National Assembly passed the revision to the National Assembly Act that eliminates the system of automatically forwarding the government's budget proposal and related Bills when they fail to pass through parliamentary standing committees by November 30, Yonhap news agency reported. "If the system is abolished, the parliamentary standing committees responsible for budget reviews will no longer face deadlines, significantly increasing the likelihood of missing the constitutional deadline of December 2," Choi said during a Press briefing. The statutory deadline for approving the national budget is December 2, but the National Assembly has managed to meet it only twice in the past two decades. Currently, rival parties are locked in a standoff over the government's spending plan for next year, raising concerns about yet another failure to meet the deadline. "As the minister in charge, I deeply regret the unilateral handling of this legislative amendment," Choi said, adding that he would ask the President to exercise his constitutional authority to veto the revision. The automatic forwarding provision was introduced in 2014 to prevent legislative gridlock, Choi noted. Since taking office in May 2022, Yoon has exercised his veto power 12 times, with a total of 25 Bills rejected amid standoffs against the Opposition-controlled National Assembly. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking the transfer of the trial of Yasin Malik, the chief of banned Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), in the 1990 Indian Air Force (IAF) officers killing case from a Jammu court to Delhi. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih agreed to examine CBI's plea and asked Yasin Malik and others co-accused to file their responses by December 18. The Kashmiri separatist leader is facing a trial for his alleged role in the killing of IAF officers in Srinagar city in 1990. Before the apex court, the Central probe agency has challenged an order passed by the Jammu Trial Court requiring the physical production of Yasin Malik. The CBI has contended that Yasin Malik could not be taken to Jammu because of security reasons in addition to the safety of the witnesses in the 1990 killing of four IAF officers. The CBI has sought directions for transferring and conducting trial proceedings in the Tihar jail premises, where Yasin Malik is currently lodged. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, contended that Yasin Malik was playing tricks by saying that he would appear in person to cross-examine witnesses without seeking the assistance of a lawyer. "He is not an ordinary criminal. He is just not another terrorist. He travelled to Pakistan many times to meet Hafiz Saeed (the founder of the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)). The government cannot go by the book in this case. The witnesses need security. One witness was assassinated," said SG Mehta. Last week, the top court remarked that every accused is entitled to a fair trial and even a terrorist like Ajmal Kasab was given a fair trial. The SC had told the CBI that it would hear all accused in the case before passing an order. It had asked the Union government to explore the option of holding the trial in jail and said that Malik could also be allowed to appear before the apex court through virtual mode. In May 2022, the NIA court sentenced Malik to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges of waging war against the state, for conspiracy and terror funding. The NIA later appealed to the Delhi High Court seeking the death penalty for Malik in that case. Yasin Malik is the main accused in the killing of four Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel in the Rawalpora locality of Srinagar on January 25, 1990. Mumbai, Nov 28 : The makers of the upcoming thriller "Maeri" starring Sai Deodhar, have unveiled its intriguing trailer on social media. Mumbai, Nov 28 (IANS) The makers of the upcoming thriller "Maeri" starring Sai Deodhar, have unveiled its intriguing trailer on social media. Produced and directed by Sachinn Darekkar, the show also stars Tanvi Mundle, Sagar Deshmukh, and Chinmay Mandlekar. The trailer for the show hints that Maeri is a compelling emotional thriller that delves into the intricate dynamics of family relationships, uncovering hidden truths and personal secrets. While Sai Deodhar is playing the role of the determined mother, Tara Deshpande, Sagar Deshmukh will be seen as her husband Hemant Deshpande. Tanvi as their spirited daughter Manasvi, and Chinmay Mandlekar as the tough ACP Khandekar. Talking about her role, Sai shared, "Playing Tara Deshpande has been an incredibly intense and emotional journey for me. Tara is a mother who is pushed to her limits by an unimaginable tragedy, and her quest for justice becomes both her strength and her burden. I'm thrilled to be a part of this powerful story and to bring Tara's story to life. I can't wait for audiences to watch the show and experience the thrilling twists and deep emotional layers it offers." Tanvi Mundle added, "When I first heard the story of 'Maeri,' I was immediately captivated. The story is so emotionally powerful. Manasvi's journey is one of personal growth, where she learns to deal with the complex emotions of loss and discovery." Speaking about the show, producer and director Sachinn Darekkar stated, "Maeri' is a revenge drama series that intertwines suspense, human relationships, and complex personal conflicts, focusing on the intricate bond between a mother, father, and daughtereach struggling with their own truths and the consequences of their choices. The story of 'Maeri' is not just about vengeanceit's about the raw emotions that come with loss, love, and the determination to fight when everything seems to be against you." The show follows the harrowing journey of Tara Deshpande, a mother pushed to the brink when her daughter, Manasvi, is brutally assaulted by a group of influential young men. With the judicial system failing to provide justice, Tara takes matters into her own hands, launching a dangerous and secretive quest for revenge against the powerful perpetrators. "Maeri" will premiere on ZEE5 on December 6. New Delhi, Nov 28 : India's gig economy could add 90 million jobs, enabled by large multinationals, and add 1.25 per cent to the country's GDP over time, according to a report on Thursday. Gig economy supports sectors such as e-commerce, transportation and delivery services, among others, and the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent to reach a gross volume of $455 billion by 2024, according to the report by The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers. Gig economy has created millions of non-farm jobs, with e-commerce alone generating over 16 million roles. "The report presents an initial effort to analyse the evolving dynamics between large companies and gig workers. It is a valuable starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities within this sector," said K Narasimhan, Convenor, Forum for Progressive Gig Workers. At a later stage, "we plan to collaborate with global organisations to release a formal report that provides deeper insights and actionable recommendations," Narasimhan added. The gig economy is set to play a crucial role in India's future workforce and economic growth and will be instrumental in driving job creation, reducing income disparities, and promoting innovation across sectors. However, it is imperative to adopt industry-best practices, flexible and standardized guidelines that will be critical to enhance efficiency, support gig workers, and contribute to the country's growth. "With tier 2 and 3 cities emerging as growth hubs, and platforms driving welfare initiatives, the future of gig work lies in leveraging AI, predictive analytics, and digital innovation to create sustainable, inclusive opportunities," said Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum. The government has also formed a committee to suggest a framework for providing social security and welfare benefits to gig and platform workers. Gig workers and platform workers have been defined for the first time in the Code on Social Security 2020, which has been enacted by the Parliament. An advisory has also been issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to aggregators to register themselves and platform workers engaged with them on the e-Shram portal. The ministry launched the eShram portal on August 26, 2021, for the creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) verified and seeded with Aadhaar. As on November 19, over 30.4 crore unorganised workers have registered on the eShram portal, on a self-declaration basis. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India (SGI), told the Supreme Court on Thursday that a fully functional court with video conferencing facilities exists in Tihar jail for the trial of JKLF leader, Yasin Malik. The submission by the SGI came after the apex court on November 21 suggested that the possibility of a makeshift courtroom in Tihar Jail for conducting the trial of Yasin Malik should be explored. Malik is being tried for two cases related to abduction and murder. Tushar Mehta on Thursday informed the bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih that a fully functional court exists in the jail with all the facilities of video conferencing if required and in the past proceedings have taken place there. Mehta also apprised the top court that it has filed two fresh applications, one for the modification and the other for the transfer of the matter. The Supreme Court issued notice to the respondents on the applications and also made the other co-accused party in the case. The top court listed the matter in December for further hearing. The court observation came when it was hearing the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea against the Jammu court's order calling for Malik's physical presence in trial proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had said that the central agency does not wish to take Malik, who is at present at Tihar Jail in Delhi, to Jammu and Kashmir due to security reasons. He also presented a photograph where Malik was seen sharing dias with Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit, and said he is not an ordinary criminal. The Supreme Court had permitted the CBI to implead all the accused in the case as respondents in the petition and posted the matter for hearing next week. CBI has filed an appeal against the order of Additional Sessions Judge Jammu (TADA/POTA) dated September 20 and September 21, issuing a production warrant against him in two different cases. Jammu Court has sought Malik's physical appearance for cross-examination of witnesses in relation to the killing of four IAF personnel in 1990 and the abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in 1989. However, the Supreme Court in the last hearing stayed Jammu's court order. in 2023, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed his concern over Yasin Malik's presence in the Supreme Court and wrote a letter to the Home Secretary stating that Yasin Malik's presence in the court was a serious security lapse raising apprehension that he could have escaped, forcibly taken away or could have been killed. It was mentioned that an order passed by the Ministry of Home Affairs with regard to the said Yasin Malik under section 268 Criminal Code of Procedure prevents the jail authorities from bringing the said convict out of the jail premises for security reasons. Malik is already serving a life sentence in another terror-related case wherein he had confessed his guilt. Raipur, Nov 28 : The political bickering over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) got a fresh twist on Thursday, with five-time Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma demanding 'reversal' to ballot papers for conducting free and fair elections. Going a step ahead of party president Mallikarjun Kharge's objection to EVMs, he said that Congress won't participate in upcoming elections if EVMs are not replaced with ballot papers. "Congress party won't contest future elections unless EVMs are done away with and polling is held on ballot papers," Kawasi Lakhma told media persons. "We will speak with our alliance partners in the INDIA bloc to press this demand of doing away with EVMs and adopting ballot papers. Kharge ji has already spoken about EVM manipulation, we are firm on launching a strong campaign against it," said Kawasi Lakhma, the five-time legislator from the Konta seat. Lakhma's comments come on the heels of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's 'aversion' to EVMs as he said, "We don't want EVMs, we want ballot paper". Kharge, addressing Samvidhan Rakshak Abhiyaan recently in the national capital, raised the demand for the transition from EVMs to ballot papers and also spoke about the party's plans of launching a massive campaign on the lines of Bharat Jodo Yatra, to push for this change. The outburst against EVMs by the former Chhattisgarh cabinet minister, Lakhma assumes importance as this has been reiterated by many Congress leaders. Congress leaders, from North to South, have often blamed the 'vulnerable' machines for the party's poll drubbings in states, the latest being Haryana and Maharashtra. BJP has been quick to deride and ridicule the grand old party over questioning the authenticity and reliability of EVMs. Reacting to claims of the tall Congress leader from Chhattisgarh, BJP's social media wrote, "If they lose, they start crying about EVM and if they win, Congress wins... It's not EVMs, it's Congress' intentions that are bad." Earlier, taunting Kharge's demand for switching to EVMs, the party said that such demand was an insult to the Congress party itself. "The problem is not in the machine (EVM). The problem is with the (Congress) leadership. The EVM is fine, Rahul is faulty. Replace Rahul, not EVM," a BJP spokesperson said. Bengaluru, Nov 28 : Reacting strongly to the arrest of the ISKCON priest and violence in Bangladesh, BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said on Thursday that attacks on Hindus in the South Asian country cannot be tolerated. Taking to social media, Bommai further stated, "I urge the Government of India to take stern action, seal the border with Bangladesh, identify the Bangladeshis in the country and send them back whatever the cost may be." "Secondly, the United Nations must intervene and stop the attacks on the Hindus in Bangladesh," the former chief minister demanded. "The development in Bangladesh was a cause of concern and highly condemnable. The Hindus are the minorities in Bangladesh and their lives and properties are really under threat," he stated. "The arrest of the ISKCON saint was improper and illegal, without any provocation and the denial of bail and treatment shows the dictatorial attitude of Bangladesh government," Bommai emphasised. "Our government and our society are very tolerant, however, violence against the Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be tolerated," he warned. He claimed that the Bangladesh government was "polarising" the entire society and trying to "convert the Republic of Bangladesh into an Islamic nation." "The Bangladesh government must always remember that their country was formed with the support of our Army," Bommai said. "If the violence issue is not addressed, the good relations between the two countries will be at peril," he said. He claimed that Bangladesh must remember that right from vegetables to foodgrains, everything's trade depends on India. "Therefore, I urge the Government of Bangladesh to immediately stop attacks on Hindus, release the ISKCON monk immediately and restore peace besides ensuring the protection of the minority Hindus in Bangladesh," Bommai demanded. He has shared his post with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Hyderabad, Nov 28 : Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar has dismissed the allegation by BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao that BJP is hand-in-glove with Congress. He remarked that Rama Rao's desperation to stay relevant is pathetic. "A kid wouldn't believe that BJP and Congress are together, but Twitter Tillu's pea-sized brain seems incapable of grasping such a basic fact," the MoS wrote on 'X'. He was reacting to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)'s earlier post, in which he claimed that BJP and Congress are together. During a meeting with Telangana BJP leaders on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked them to work together. Reacting to this, KTR remarked that BJP leaders are already 'working together' with the Congress. The BRS working president stated that the BJP leaders were working as strategists to 'chote Bhai' (Chief Minister Revanth Reddy) and as hardcore Congress workers. Bandi Sanjay hit back at KTR, saying whenever the BJP leaders meet Prime Minister Modi, KTR starts choking on his own jealousy, unable to digest the fact that BJP operates under the real leadership of the Prime Minister not behind secret deals like KCR "Thanks to your Twitter (X) antics, the "Car" is in the shed, but everyone knows whose "hand" holds the keys. Your secret nexus with Congress is evident in how your every scam and failure is being swept under the rug," the Minister posted. The BJP leader alleged that due to shady deals, there's no progress in the investigation into critical issues like Dharani scam, seep scam, Kaleshwaram corruption, phone tapping scandal, drugs case, Janwada farmhouse raids, power purchase probe, Formula E extravaganza and Lagicherla involvement. "Your "best friend" in Congress ensures nothing ever touches you, no matter how deep your involvement. And you speaking of food poisoning incidentsirony just died a thousand times. How many students suffered under your watch? Did you or your father ever bother to react? BJP questioned your failures back then, and today, we hold Congress accountable for carrying forward your incompetence," Sanjay said. "Unlike you, BJP doesn't engage in drama, lies, or always resting at a farmhouse. We have always stood with the people and will continue to do so. Your alliance of corruption and deceit won't last much longer. Telangana deserves real governance, and BJP will deliver it soon," he added. New Delhi, Nov 28 : BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on Thursday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for obstructing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the national capital, claiming that the city government was deliberately keeping the city residents deprived of the health scheme. She said that the Ayushman Bharat has been implemented across the country and is also drawing all-round praise from the countrymen but the AAP dispensation has intentionally blocked it because of certain political interests and motives. Swaraj's criticism of AAP government came on back of all 7 BJP MPs from Delhi filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court, seeking instructions from the latter regarding the implementation of the central healthcare scheme in national capital also. The BJP MPs, in their PIL, sought the enforcement of AB-PMJAY in the National Capital Territory, which provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for all beneficiaries. The petition had been filed by Harsh Malhotra, a BJP Member of Parliament from East Delhi, and six other BJP leaders. It said that as of October, 33 states and union territories have implemented the 2019 launched health insurance scheme named Ayushman Bharat. Speaking to IANS, Bansuri Swaraj criticised the AAP government's reluctance in rolling out the scheme. "The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is for the welfare of the people. However, the Delhi government is refusing to implement it, showing a lack of concern for the health of the people," she said. Swaraj further claimed that Arvind Kejriwal's opposition to Ayushman Bharat was driven by political motives. "Kejriwal believes in the politics of hatred, and that's why he hasn't approved the scheme. Despite the Centre offering Rs 47 crore annually to support Delhi, the AAP government is rejecting it," she added. The next hearing of the case is slated for December 11, 2024. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Opposing senior Congress leader, P. Chidambaram's plea seeking a stay on trial in the alleged INX Media money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday contended before the Delhi High Court that managing his son's business interests was not a part of official responsibilities. New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) Opposing senior Congress leader, P. Chidambaramas plea seeking a stay on trial in the alleged INX Media money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday contended before the Delhi High Court that managing his son's business interests was not a part of official responsibilities. Before a Bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, the EDas special counsel asserted that the money laundering allegations were unrelated to P. Chidambaramas official duties and managing his son's business interests was not a part of his official responsibilities. On the other hand, P. Chidambaramas lawyer argued that the trial court ought not have taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint without sanction since he held a public office at the time of the commission of the alleged money laundering offence. Refusing to pass any formal order on the application seeking stay of trial proceedings, the Justice Ohri-led Bench posted the matter for hearing on Friday and asked P. Chidambaramas lawyer to place on record the statements made by the witnesses before the federal anti-money laundering agency in the course of investigation. In his petition filed before the Delhi HC, P. Chidambaram has challenged the trial court order taking cognisance of the alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), when the ED has not obtained any prior sanction for the former Union Finance Minister's prosecution. According to the case, excess Foreign Direct Investment was approved by INX Media (P) Ltd without the approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) which was allegedly scuttled by Karti Chidambaram by influencing public servants from various government departments by virtue of his relationship with the then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and receiving huge kick-backs as consideration. Proceedings under the PMLA were initiated against Chidambaram, Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (ASCPL), and others by the ED by recording an ECIR on the basis of an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for commission of offences punishable under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act. During investigation, the ED learnt that illegal gratification (proceeds of crime) was received directly and indirectly from INX Media Pvt Ltd, to which FIPB approval was granted by then Union Minister P. Chidambaram, through several shell companies controlled by his son Karti Chidambaram. "Illegal gratification was received in the company of the accused in the name of providing consultancy by the entities of INX Media. The total proceeds of crime laundered over a period of time was Rs 65.88 crore," the ED said. The money was routed to overseas accounts and investments were made in various overseas properties and shares of companies through various shell companies directly or indirectly controlled by Karti Chidambaram and through his confidants. Kolkata, Nov 28 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday, claimed that her party Trinamool Congress is leading on the floor of Parliament in opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. According to her, the said Bill will not only destabilize the Waqf system in the country but will also target a particular religion. "This Bill is against one particular religion. This Bill is against the basic spirit of equality and the right to practice any religion. That is exactly why we are opposing the said Bill," the Chief Minister said on Thursday while addressing the state Assembly on the fourth day of the winter session. Incidentally, her comments come on a day when the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sought an extension on filing the report till the last day of the Budget Session, 2025. She also said that besides people from the Muslim community people from other religions also donate for Waqf properties. "They do a lot of development activities. They cannot just be bulldozed. Recently the Supreme Court of India too has given a verdict against the demolition of properties through the use of bulldozers," the Chief Minister said. She also informed the House that in West Bengal the Waqf Board has issued notices for freeing the Waqf properties of infringements. "There are a total of 155 cases in the matter. All these have been referred to the tribunal," the Chief Minister informed. Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister also claimed that the Union government should have consulted the state governments concerned on this issue. "Even in your state, there are Waqf properties. But we were not discussed. We just came to know of that from media reports. The Union government just issued a notification where stakeholders were asked to point out objections if any. But we were not discussed," the Chief Minister said. The West Bengal unit of BJP has already cleared its stand on the issue. They have claimed that since the said Bill is still under the consideration of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, it is not fair to pass any comment on it. The state BJP has also claimed that this opposition to the Bill is part of the Trinamool Congress' practice of doing politics through appeasement and polarization. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company (IHC) on Thursday said its outlook on investments in the Adani Group remains unchanged despite the US indictment of some of the conglomerate officials. In a statement, IHC which is one of the largest sovereign funds that manages assets worth $100 billion, said their "partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors". "As with all our investments, our team continues to evaluate relevant information and developments. At this time, our outlook on these investments remains unchanged," the IHC added. In April 2022, the sovereign fund invested nearly $500 million each in the renewables arm Adani Green Energy and power company Adani Transmission and a further $1 billion in the group's flagship Adani Enterprises. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has also expressed its ongoing confidence in its partnership with the Adani Group, as it plays a vital role in expanding the country's port infrastructure. With a $1 billion investment in the Colombo terminal, the project is poised to be the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka's port sector. The Tanzanian government also reaffirmed its commitment to its agreements with Adani Ports, saying "There are no concerns regarding the ongoing projects and that all contracts fully comply with Tanzanian law". Meanwhile, top investors on Thursday doubled down on Adani Group stocks. GQG Partners said that "we do not see these actions as having a material impact on these businesses". "These businesses operate critical infrastructure regulated by the Indian government. In most cases, these are services with long-term contractual revenues. We believe the fundamentals of the companies we are invested in remain sound," it added. Madhusudan Kela said that he is a "big believer in the man, Gautam Adani and the capabilities of him and the Group". "They have built a very strong set of businesses, which are not easy to replicate. For all of these reasons, I am invested in the stocks of the group and I have bought more in the recent correction. These (US DoJ) kinds of events will happen, but I don't see the reason for this kind of panic in the stock prices. As they came through in Hindenburg, they will get through this saga much stronger," said Kela. Sonipat, Nov 28 : Former High Commissioner and Ambassador Gopalkrishna Gandhi has said, "The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is philosophically and politically optimistic and unique and makes us feel the power of the country's collective spirit." "It makes us authors, owners and receivers of this book of books. We, the People of India...it is written in English but the translation in non-English languages tells us who we are: Vayam Bharatasya Jana. This makes us feel the power of India's collective spirit, said Professor Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, at the Constitution Day Lecture to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26 1949. "It was said, that the Constitution of India has been made by the honest for the innocent and by the idealistic for the aspirational. With the gift of the Constitution came four others: the national flag, the national anthem, the national motto - Satyamev Jayate - and the emblem. Truth alone triumphs as a national motto is flawless as it does not look at any personal right or wrong or individuals," he said. "Guru Rabindranath Tagore wrote the National Anthem, which is the part of a much longer poem, in 1913 with no conception of the national anthem at that time, or Indiaas independence (34 years later!)." Prof. Gandhi then went on to recite the special content from Gurudev's poem and translated it from Bengali for the transfixed audience as he explained that the anthem had to be triumphant in spirit. It was a masterclass in the historical antecedents of some of the most respected and cherished symbols of India as a Republic. "The Constitution of India is a great treasure which has enriched us Indians. It is to be noted that the Constitution imagined things far in the future," he said. Prof. Gandhi then pointed out the decimation of our natural resources a" glaciers, rivers and forests a" and said that it is mentioned in the Directive Principles of the Constitution that the State will protect its forests. "The Constitution has to take a stand on the dramatic collapse of our natural resources," he said. Prof Gandhi then lauded the presence of several family members whose forefathers were part of the first Constituent Assembly and said that it uplifted the august gathering and the day of the Adoption of the Constitution in 1949. Welcoming Prof. Gandhi for the seminal Constitution Day Lecture, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar said, "It is my honour to welcome India's foremost public intellectual for the Constitution Day Lecture. As we mark the 15th anniversary of our university, we recognised that it coincided with India's 75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution and embarked on a journey to build Indiaas first Constitution Museum." "It is to be noted that there is a deep aspiration to take the idea of the Constitution Museum across India and a need for ordinary Indians to be connected to it and to democratise access to the Constitution. The museum is a destination for understanding the Constitution, with various sections dedicated to each part of the document and its significance. Every Constituent Assembly member has been featured in the museum alongside spirited debates and deliberations that refined and created a robust manuscript ahead of its time. Through many formats-textual, audio-visual, experiential it ignites visitorsa interest in the Constitution, its evolution and its various sections," he said. The art featured in the museum is a major attraction and includes examples that were part of the handcrafted document of the original Constitution itself. The Academy houses an archive of expert interviews that delves into various aspects of the Constitution, particularly the evolution of fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens of India. A Children's Corner, with its interactive installations, quizzing stations, graphic pamphlets and novels shall introduce these complex concepts in a fun, experiential and accessible manner. The Constitution Academy was not merely an endeavour to document Constitutional heritage but one that also contributes to it. On this 75th Constitution Day, it honours the legacy of those who crafted this remarkable document and ensures that it remains a vibrant guide for future generations. Professor R. Sudarshan Dean, Jindal School of Government & Public Policy welcomed Prof. Gopalkrishna Gandhi and said, "It is our privilege to welcome Prof. Gandhi who connects us to our history and Indiaas independence. The founders of the Republic of India established how to deal with politics in a civil and gracious manner. The Constituent Assembly itself is a great example of great courtesy which is extended to members with differing views. Prof. Gandhi is a prolific writer and a scholar and many universities have endowed him with honorary degrees." Prof. Mohan Kumar Dean, Strategic & International Initiatives O. P. Jindal Global University gave the vote of thanks and the concluding remarks were given by Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, the Registrar of JGU. Canberra, Nov 28 : The Australian government claimed on Thursday that the country is on track to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target, with new figures showing improved projections. In an annual climate change statement delivered to parliament, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen announced that Australia is projected to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 42.6 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 -- up from the 37-per cent cut projected in 2023.The government has committed to cutting Australia's emissions by 43 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, Xinhua news agency reported. "Our robust reforms and pragmatic policies are delivering what we've always said -- Australia's 43 per cent target is ambitious but achievable," Bowen said. According to government forecasts, Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions over the 10 years to 2030 are projected to be 152 million tonnes, or 3.4 per cent, lower than the country's emissions budget. By comparison, the 2023 climate change statement projected Australia would be one per cent above the 10-year budget. Australia has an indicative emissions budget of 4,381 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) for the period 2021 to 2030 under the Paris Agreement. The government has also set a target of 82 per cent of Australia's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030. A quarterly report published by the government's Clean Energy Regulator (CER) on Thursday said that between 7.2 and 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar-powered electricity generation capacity is expected to be added to the electricity grid in 2024, surpassing the record of 7.16 GW added in 2021. The report predicted that renewables will account for an average of 45 per cent of Australia's electricity generation in 2025. Bowen on Tuesday announced that the government has commenced a review into how the National Electricity Market (NEM), which provides power to six of Australia's eight states and territories, will operate in the coming decades. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday attached movable and immovable properties in India and Dubai valued at Rs.106.20 crore belonging to the accused, including Chinese-linked shell firms, involved in duping investors of hundreds of crores in the HPZ Token scam. The EDas investigations revealed that for an investment of Rs 57,000, returns of Rs 4,000 per day for three months were promised to investors by the accused. The fraudsters had duped investors on the pretext of doubling their investment through the app aHPZ Tokena and via online gaming and betting websites. With the latest attachment of assets, the total frozen proceeds of crime attached by the ED, Dimapur, in this case rose to Rs 603.40 crore, the ED said. The ED, Dimapur Sub-Zonal Office, initiated investigation into the money laundering case on the basis of a FIR registered by Cyber Crime Police Station, Kohima (Nagaland), under various sections of IPC, 1860 and Information Technology Act, 2000 in relation with duping of gullible investors. The investors were duped on the promise of giving astronomic returns on investing money for mining of Bitcoin and other Crypto Currencies, for which an app based token by the name of aHPZ Tokena was used. Initially, the fraudsters paid the investors good returns to gain confidence and simultaneously made lucrative offers for fresh investments, the ED said. The proposed offers led to more investments by gullible investors. Thereafter, the funds so collected were siphoned off and the App/website became inaccessible, the ED said. The present action of attachment of proceeds of crime is in continuation of earlier action when the ED, Dimapur, conducted searches at 44 locations throughout the country and froze bank accounts with funds totaling to Rs 176.67 crore maintained by shell entities in various banks/virtual accounts and attachment of Rs. 320.53 crore. New Delhi, Nov 28 : On the eve of the start of the current Delhi Assembly's last session, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta of the BJP demanded the tabling of 12 reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, alleging attempts by the ruling AAP to suppress information over alleged financial wrongdoings. Claiming that the AAP government has not tabled even a single CAG report in the House over the past five years, Gupta said, "We are writing to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena to use his special powers to send a message to the Assembly and ensure the tabling of the CAG reports." Alleging that the AAP government had gone bankrupt and was burdened with a loan of Rs 10,000 crore, Gupta said public money was misused and not invested in laying sewer lines, providing potable water through taps, road construction and making of ration cards and other welfare and development works. "A constitutional crisis has been created in Delhi, as the AAP has taken a loan of Rs 10,000 crore but there is no check or accountability on its use," he said. The CAG reports are important for assessing the use of this money but it seems all is not well in the AAP government, he said, adding that two fresh CAG reports have come recently taking the total CAG reports, awaiting tabling in the House, to 14. "We have reminded the AAP government on a number of occasions but it has been running away from its constitutional duty. If these reports are not tabled even in the last session of the Assembly it will lead to a constitutional crisis," he said. The BJP leader also highlighted that the party plans to complain to the LG about the ration cards and election cards being issued to suspected Rohingyas in Delhi. He alleged that Delhi government officials were browbeating officials into issuing ration cards and election cards to illegal residents, including Rohingyas. "We will not let Delhi be converted into Bangladesh. We want the L-G to take note of these illegal voters and also plan to raise the issue in the Assembly," said Gupta. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Municipal Health Department on Thursday reported the first case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) -- viral brain infection that can lead to serious illness and death -- in the national capital after 13 long years. The disease reportedly affected a 72-year-old man from Bindapur in West Delhi. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on November 3 following chest pain. "A case of Japanese Encephalitis has been reported from the Bindapur area under the West zone recently," as per an order issued by the Municipal Health Office on Thursday. "JE is a zoonotic viral disease which is caused by the JE virus. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of this disease is high and those who survive may suffer with various degrees of neurological sequelae," the MCD noted. The virus last hit Delhi in 2011, infecting 14 people. Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional professor, Centre for Community medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS that "the vector born JE is transmitted by the bite of culex mosquito, which breeds on dirty water, artificial collection of water". "The clinical symptoms include fever, myalgia, body ache, and headache. In severe cases, the disease can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and hospitalisation," he said, adding that children are more at risk. "The high risk among kids is due to lack of immunity," Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS. The expert added that "farmers, labourers, or individuals working in areas near rice paddies or pig farms are also at increased risk". In 2024, 1,548 JE cases were reported from 24 states and Union Territories, as per data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. About 925 cases were detected in Assam alone. Meanwhile, the MCD informed that it has started the containment measures. It has directed "all the DHOs and epidemiologists to intensify vector control measures including larval source reduction and community-based initiatives including awareness campaigns for prevention and control of JE". The experts called for JE vaccination in two doses for children and for preventing mosquito bites using bed nets, mosquito repellent, etc. They also urged people to keep the surroundings clean to stop the breeding of mosquitoes; and to consult a doctor in case of unexplained fever with headache. According to the central government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013. Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 : The US-based pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued a threat video to disrupt the three-day Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police Conference-2024 going to be held in Bhubaneswar from Friday. The founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit in a video issued on Thursday called the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and National Security Advisor the "axis of evil who are bringing the biggest security threat to Bhubaneswar". "Bhubaneswar is not the city of temple but the city of terror where 200 Indian terrorists of CISF, BSF, CRPF, NSG, NIA, and IB are meeting under the chairmanship of Amit Shah who directed and coordinated the assassination of Sahid Nijjar. Disrupt and stop DGP terror conference who under the influence of violent Hindutva ideology, orchestrated and planned the killings of pro-Khalistan Sikhs, Kashmiri fighters, Naxals, and Maoists," said Pannun in the video. "Naxals, and Maoists, Kashmir fighters, I urge you to take cover in the temples and hotels of Bhubaneswar to internationalise your issues," added the Pannun. It is pertinent here to mention that the state capital has been placed under a blanket of security for the three-day event. "The security measures are taken to ensure the safety and security of VVIPs and distinguished delegates across the country to prevent any untoward incidents. Comprehensive security arrangements have been made with the deployment of the BSF/CRPF/Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and thorough anti-sabotage checks. Patrolling and Blocking have been intensified in different areas. CCTV surveillance and human intelligence teams have been deployed across the city," said a senior police official on Wednesday. The three-day grand event will be attended by PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, senior officers of the Intelligence Bureau, DGPs of all states, DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), chiefs of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG). Sydney, Nov 28 : An Australian teenager died after being bitten by a venomous brown snake in the yard of his family home, local media reported on Thursday. The 16-year-old was unaware of being bitten on the foot by the snake in his family yard in Wurdong Heights, a small town over 400 km north of Brisbane in the state of Queensland, on Monday until he walked inside and collapsed, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Australia's 9News network. The teenager's family called an ambulance and rushed him to a nearby hospital in a life-threatening condition. He was later airlifted to a Brisbane hospital, where he was placed on life support and died late on Wednesday, local media quoted a friend of the family as saying. Queensland Health advises people to call triple zero if being bitten by a snake and apply a bandage and splint to the bitten area. Hyderabad, Nov 28 : Telangana IPS Association has strongly condemned derogatory statement of Sircilla MLA, K.T. Rama Rao, against Rajanna Sircilla District Collector, Sandeep Kumar Jha. The Association said in a statement on Thursday that it unequivocally condemns the derogatory and baseless allegations made against a serving civil servant, Collector of Sircilla District by the MLA, attempting to question his integrity and impartiality. "Such remarks are a direct affront to the principles of governance and the constitutional mandate under which civil servants operate. "Officers are duty-bound to uphold the rule of law and serve the public without fear or favour, and unwarranted attacks of this nature are both irresponsible and detrimental to democratic institutions," said the statement. "We members of Telangana IPS Officers' Association stand firmly with the officer and reiterate our collective commitment to safeguarding the dignity, independence, and impartiality of the civil services," it added. The Association called for an immediate cessation of such unfounded accusations and urged all stakeholders to engage in discourse that respects institutional integrity and the rule of law. K.T. Rama Rao, who is the Working President of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), had on Tuesday lashed out at the District Collector for allegedly asking BRS activists to join the Congress party. The BRS leader alleged that the Collector was behaving like a Congress worker. "Collectors and other officers, who were working as Congress activists, would be taught a befitting lesson once the BRS returns to power," K.T. Rama Rao said. "I will take that responsibility. I will definitely do that," he said, while participating in the Deeksha Divas preparatory meeting held in the BRS office in Sircilla on Tuesday. The BRS is gearing up to celebrate Deeksha Divas on November 29. It was on November 29, 2009 that BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) had launched an indefinite hunger strike to demand a separate Telangana state. This had led to the announcement by the then Congress-led UPA government at the Centre on December 9, 2009 that the process for formation of Telangana State would be initiated. Dhaka, Nov 28 : A 14-member delegation comprising of top leaders from Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami and "other friendly Islamic political parties" - including the Khalifa Movement, Khalifa Council, Islamic Order Party - reached Beijing on Thursday on what is the second visit to China by the political leaders of the country this month, at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CCP). The touring party is led by Jamaat-e-Islami's central Nayeb-e-Ameer (Vice President) and former Member of Parliament, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. "This marks the first instance in which leaders from Jamaat or any Islamic party have received an official invitation from the CPC. The delegation is expected to return to Bangladesh on December 5. When asked about the purpose of the visit, Abdullah Mohammad Taher described it as a courtesy visit but declined to elaborate further," reported Bangladesh's Daily Star. Earlier this month, a four-member delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) visited China, also on an invitation from the CPC. The Islamist leaders' visit to Beijing comes at a time when the interim government in Bangladesh, headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has been accused of targeting the minorities in the country, especially the Hindu community. The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh held a farewell party for the joint delegation of Bangladeshi Islamic political parties before their visit to China on November 25, the day Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham who is also associated with ISKCON, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen delivered a speech at Monday's farewell party which the embassy said was attended by the leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami Party, Shafiqul, and senior leaders of the Khalifa Movement, Khalifa Council, Islamic Order Party, and Ansar Dine Organisation. In his speech, the Chinese Ambassador asserted that Bangladesh is currently at a critical period of historical transition and China is committed to deepening friendly cooperation with the interim government of Bangladesh, political parties and all sectors of society. "It is hoped that this friendly visit to China will be a new starting point to further strengthen the inter-party cooperation between the two sides and jointly promote the continuous development of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to better benefit the two countries and their peoples," Ambassador Yao Wen was quoted as saying at the event in a statement released by the embassy. Shafiqul, leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, thanked the Chinese Embassy for providing the "valuable opportunity" and said that the Jamaat-e-Islami and other "friendly Islamic political parties" insist on friendship with China and firmly adhere to the one-China principle. New Delhi, Nov 28 : A three-wheeler driver was injured in a low-intensity blast in north Delhi's Prashant Vihar on Thursday morning. The incident took place within one km of an earlier explosion in the same colony's CRPF school on October 20. There was no confirmation of a terror angle in the blast till late evening even as the anti-terror National Investigation Agency and the National Security Guard joined police in the investigation which revolved around the analysis of CCTV footage and forensic test of white powder found near the blast site. "Similar white material was recovered from the CRPF school blast site," said an official. The blast virtually coincided with a media briefing addressed by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blaming the BJP-led Central government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the city. According to eyewitnesses, there was panic in the area and people started running around after they heard a loud sound at 11.47 a.m. in front of Bansiwala Sweets close to PVR multiplex. An eyewitness said that a fire brigade tender was the first to arrive at the spot, followed by a bomb disposal team and dog squad. "A thick cloud of white smoke was rising from the spot where the bomb exploded near a park's wall on the edge of the road," area resident R.K. Sharma told IANS. Another resident of the area claimed the sound of the blast appeared to be slightly less than that of one in last month's incident in the same colony. "It is nothing but laxity of the authorities," said area businessman P.C. Mittal, pointing to the second blast in the colony in just about a month. "Thankfully, not all shops and offices in the area were open. Otherwise, the damage from the explosion could have been more as this area becomes congested with illegal street vendors and vehicles parked all over," said another resident. Satpal Jain, another area businessman, said, "We are worried and there is an atmosphere of fear. Police should find out who is behind the incident." An official police statement said, "At 11.47 a.m. a call was received regarding an explosion in front of Bansiwala sweet, Prashant Vihar. Upon receiving the call, local police, FSL Team, Crime Team, Fire Tender and Ambulance instantly reached the spot at PVR Road, Prashant Vihar." "It was found that a very mild intensity explosion occurred near the wall of a small park. One individual suffered minor injury. He was instantly taken to the BSA Hospital from where he was immediately discharged after receiving First Aid," it said. On October 20, a similar crude bomb punctured a hole in the wall of CRPF School in Prashant Vihar. No one was injured in the incident. A social media message was circulated after the incident, hinting at the involvement of Khalistan supporters but the message was taken down later. The police had refused to confirm the CRPF school blast as a terror strike. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Raashii Khanna recently expressed her excitement and gratitude after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her film The Sabarmati Report. Speaking exclusively to IANS, the actress shared, "I was thrilled and genuinely didn't expect such overwhelming support. Tweets from Chief ministers and other influential people like Prime Minister Narendra Modi were incredibly encouraging. It's made a significant impact, and the momentum has been steady. It is on November 29th, Cinema Day, tickets are priced at Rs. 99. Do you think this will benefit your film Absolutely! It's a great opportunity for those who haven't watched the film to see it in theatres. It's like a bonus for the audience, and I hope they take advantage of it." When asked about the preconceived criticism surrounding her film, she responded, "I'd simply say, watch the film before forming an opinion. Those who've seen it understand that it's not propaganda. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. So, I urge people to view the film with an open mind and decide for themselves." In the film, Raashii portrayed the role of fearless journalist Amrita Gill. Meanwhile, Raashii, who will turn a year older on November 30, celebrated her pre-birthday by planting saplings with 100 children. Speaking about the same, the actress expressed, "Actually, this year I'm celebrating a pre-birthday. My plan is to go to Varanasi with my family to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Before that, since I plant saplings every year, I thought of doing something bigger this time. I reached out to Seher from the Bhamla Foundation, who is deeply committed to environmental causes. She suggested the idea of planting saplings with children to teach the next generation about the importance of caring for the environment." "For the last four years, I've been planting saplings on my birthday. But I've also had a tradition of hosting a satsang at home every year. I'm deeply spiritual, and celebrating with God has always been important to me. I've been doing this for the past ten years. This year, I planned a pre-birthday celebration because I'll be in Varanasi on my actual birthday. My focus has always been on staying connected to God and, in recent years, inspiring others through small acts. I realized a few years ago how much influence actors have. Since then, I've tried to use that influence in a positive way. Even if it's a small effort, it can make a difference," Khanna added. Chennai, Nov 28 : Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson and senior party leader, ANS Prasad, described the Supreme Court's verdict against religious conversion solely for government job benefits as historically significant. He called for stringent action against individuals in Tamil Nadu who have fraudulently obtained Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates to secure government jobs. The BJP leader urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court's ruling in the state. The Supreme Court issued its verdict on Wednesday in an appeal filed by Selvarani, a woman from Puducherry. The Supreme Court upheld a Madras High Court decision denying a Scheduled Caste certificate to a woman born as a Christian who claimed to be Hindu while applying for an Upper Division Clerk's job in Puducherry Selvarani had argued that as her father was an SC Hindu, she was entitled to government job benefits. ANS Prasad detailed that Selvarani had applied for and secured the position of a clerk in the Puducherry Union Territory Government. However, during verification, it was revealed that she belonged to the Christian faith. Selvarani contended that her father's SC Hindu status should qualify her for SC benefits, but her request for an SC certificate was rejected by the Puducherry administration. Earlier, the Madras High Court dismissed her plea, leading her to appeal to the Supreme Court. The apex court, in its ruling, stated: "Religious conversion must stem from genuine faith and belief in the principles and doctrines of the new religion. Conversion solely to reap reservation benefits cannot be allowed, as it undermines the very essence of the reservation policy. A person deeply practicing Christianity cannot identify as a Hindu merely for government job benefits, as this amounts to constitutional fraud." Prasad hailed the judgment as monumental and highlighted its implications. He claimed, "While the Constitution allows citizens the freedom to follow any religion, conversions in India are often not genuine." He explained that the reservation policy was designed to uplift SC individuals facing caste-based discrimination within Hindu society. However, converted individuals who claim their religion has no caste still demand SC benefits, which is unacceptable, Prasad stated. The BJP leader emphasised that the Supreme Court's ruling reaffirmed this stance. Despite converting decades ago, many individuals continue to fraudulently obtain SC certificates and enjoy reservation benefits, he said. This issue extends beyond government jobs to reserved seats in Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, as a result, genuine SC individuals are deprived of their rightful opportunities, he said. Prasad cited controversies in various elections, including the Chennai mayoral election and Assembly and parliamentary elections, where non-SC individuals contested in SC-reserved constituencies using forged certificates. He demanded a comprehensive investigation into such cases. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that reservation benefits under the Constitution, as envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, reach genuine SC individuals. "The recurring issue must be addressed with urgency. The Supreme Court's ruling marks a decisive end to this problem," he added. Prasad called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who frequently advocates for protecting the Constitution, to implement the Supreme Court's historic ruling. He insisted that the government verify SC certificates of individuals availing reservation benefits in government jobs and take strict action against those who converted solely for such benefits. IANS aal/rad New Delhi, Nov 28 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday launched the CII Ease of Doing Business and Regulatory Affairs portal for getting insights into India's business environment and to receive and track suggestions for improvement. The portal was launched at the 2nd Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) a" Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) national conference on Ease of Doing Business held here. The portal attempts to provide status and updates on key initiatives on 'Ease of Doing Business' by both the government and apex business chamber CII. With a dedicated member dashboard, users can track progress and submissions on a real-time basis ensuring transparency, accountability, and meaningful and timely resolution of concerns. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Goyal said that the Union government believes in cooperative federalism and was trying to make life better and easier for businesses and citizens. He appealed to the participants from industry and state governments to be open to new ideas of working, noting that a change of mindset and the willingness to accept ideas has a snowballing multiplier effect on businesses. The minister reiterated that the Government's National Single Window System (NSWS) guide for investors to identify and apply for approvals as per their business requirements needs inputs from industry. Unless industry is engaging with the National Single Window System, getting licenses through it, and also providing inputs to the Centre on it and industrial land bank to make it better, the initiative will not succeed, he added. On Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill, the Minister said that the Government was actively looking to decriminalise 300 more laws. He urged CII to sensitise its members to begin respecting the spirit of the law and highlighted that the tendency to make profits by exploiting legal loopholes is detrimental to the economy and Ease of Doing Business. He pointed out that technological upgradation in State and Central-level government portals is required to make them more agile, faster, smarter and modern. He also spoke on the need to clamp down on the spreading of misinformation and urged India Inc. to recognise the problem areas and make simple changes that can have a pan-India impact. The minister urged stakeholders present at the event to work at three times the speed, three times harder and get three times more output to make India the third-largest economy in the next three years. Elaborating further on the power of three, he pointed out that the power of the Government, the industry bodies and the stakeholders converging together can make a difference in business and legal processes. Emphasising the importance of feedback for further improvement, he said that the synergy between the Government and the stakeholders will have a positive impact on 'Ease of Doing Business'. Urging the participants to build up the momentum for change, he noted that if the States, Centre, local bodies and the industry work together the country will have transformational results. The Minister suggested that CII should come up with a tangible, time-bound action plan and engage with industries to start making a commitment to give preferences to Indian businesses for economic progress. He expressed hope that the industry body would play the role of a bridge between the stakeholders and the Government in easing regulations and expanding businesses. Mumbai/New Delhi, Nov 28 : Licking the wounds after the devastating defeat in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, two major Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued to snipe at each other and the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). SS-UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday morning heralded Congress' newly-elected Wayanad (Lok Sabha) MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a 'sherni' (tigress) who had come to the Parliament soon after she took her oath of MP. The sari-clad Priyanka, 52 - taking a leaf from her elder brother and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, 54 - proudly held aloft a small red-coloured copy of the Constitution when she was administered the oath, starting off her maiden term in the lower house of Parliament. A thrilled Raut welcomed her with a post: "The tigress has come to Parliament!" At that time, present in the house to witness the momentous occasion were her family members including her children Raihan, 24, and Miraya, 22; her sibling Rahul Gandhi, their mother and Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi, 77. Back in Mumbai, SS-UBT's Leader of Opposition (Council) Ambadas Danve took potshots at the Congress for the second consecutive day, venting his bitterness at the MVA's loss in the just-concluded state Legislative Assembly polls. Targeting the state Congress leadership, Danve said that "they were very overconfident after the victory in the Lok Sabha elections" which led to the rout indirectly pointing an accusing finger at the party ally. "After winning the LS polls, the Congress seemed to have become extra over-confident They were on the verge of winning Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana and even Maharashtra But some of their workers were seen discussing who would become the CM and Ministers or what portfolios they would get. This is the fact," said Danve. While reiterating that his party will remain with the MVA, Danve said that if SS (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray had been the 'CM face' in the Assembly polls, "we could have definitely swung some 2-5 percent of the votes in our favour" - hinting that the polls outcome would have been drastically different. On Wednesday, at one of the 'political autopsy' meetings presided over by Thackeray, several party leaders raised murmurs of 'ekla chalo' (going solo) in the future elections after rebuilding the ruins of the SS-UBT after the vertical split of June 2022. Many leaders and workers wanted the party to consider fighting the upcoming local bodies polls independently, even as SS-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Thursday demanded that the new MahaYuti regime should expedite the process for the nearly two dozen civic bodies awaiting elections for over two years. However, barring the minor fracas, the MVA allies including Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar, General Secretary Jitendra Awhad, state President Jayant R. Patil, and leaders of Congress-SS (UBT) have cried foul over the alleged role of EVMs in the 'totally unexpected' results. Other MVA parties like Communist Party of India (Marxist), Peasants & Workers Party, and several more opposition outfits, like Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Omprakash B. alias Bachhu Kadu's Prahar Janshakti Party have raised the cudgels against EVMs, with many leaders even demanding a re-election in the state. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@gmail.com) Shillong, Nov 28 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Thursday that the youths in the state lack financial literacy and skills and a joint initiative between the Education Department and National Stock Exchange (NSE) can work to improve the situation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Education Department of the Government of Meghalaya, and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in the presence of Chief Minister Sangma, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and officials from the Education Department and NSE. The MoU was signed to provide financial literacy to college students in banking and insurance. Chief Minister Sangma said that financial literacy and skills were something that the entrepreneurs and youth of the state lacked. He said, "The financial literacy by NSE will help to make sound financial decisions, avoid risky consequences and help secure the future by making informed and wise decisions." Meanwhile, CM Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park at Untrew in the Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya, a project which has been pending for the last 24 years. Expressing happiness over the completion of the first phase of the long-pending project, Chief Minister Sangma said, "It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to inaugurate the first phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park that took almost 24 years to complete since its inception due to various challenges." "Though we are inaugurating it today, much needs to be done to make this place vibrant and fully functional," he said. CM Sangma also informed that though many components of the Biological Park, like ticketing counters, cafeteria, souvenir shops and enclosures still need to be completed, it was important to open the facility. He added, "This Biological Park can be a place not only for amusement and recreation but a platform for engagement especially with the youth and to sensitize our youth and children in having empathy and responsibility towards our environment and wildlife." "It is the main intention of the government to strike an ecological balance and projects like these give us the chance to give space to animals who are rescued or who cannot go back to their natural habitat," said the Chief Minister. Ranchi, Nov 28 : Hemant Soren, 49, has carved a significant place on Jharkhand's political scoreboard, building on his legacy with determination, skill, and resilience. Sworn in as Jharkhand's Chief Minister for the fourth time on Thursday, a record in the 24 years of the existence of Jharkhand, Soren has demonstrated an enduring ability to adapt and grow in a complex political landscape. Ranchi, Nov 28 (IANS) Hemant Soren, 49, has carved a significant place on Jharkhand's political scoreboard, building on his legacy with determination, skill, and resilience. Sworn in as Jharkhandas Chief Minister for the fourth time on Thursday, a record in the 24 years of the existence of Jharkhand, Soren has demonstrated an enduring ability to adapt and grow in a complex political landscape. Born on August 10, 1975, in Nemra village under Gola block of the then Hazaribagh district, Hemant is the third child of Shibu Soren, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). In the 1970s, Shibu Soen was deeply involved in establishing the JMM to spearhead the demand for a separate Jharkhand state. Hemant's early education began at Central School in Bokaro and continued at MG High School in Patna, where he completed his matriculation in 1990 and intermediate studies in 1994. Enrolling in mechanical engineering at BIT Mesra, Ranchi, Hemant left his studies midway to enter politics, beginning his career in 2003 as President of the Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha, the student wing of the JMM. In 2005, Hemant contested the Dumka Assembly seat but lost to Stephen Marandi. His political journey took a turn in 2009 after the sudden death of his elder brother Durga Soren, the presumed political successor to Shibu Soren. Hemant stepped up to support his grieving family and was elected to the Rajya Sabha in June 2009. However, later that year, he won the Dumka Assembly seat, resigning from the Rajya Sabha to focus on state politics. Shibu Soren meanwhile worked to establish Hemant as his successor within the JMM, despite internal resistance from senior leaders like Stephen Marandi, Simon Marandi, and Champai Soren. Ultimately, Hemant emerged as the partyas face. In 2010, JMM joined forces with the BJP to form a coalition government, with Hemant serving as Deputy Chief Minister under Arjun Munda. However, in January 2013, he withdrew support from the Munda government, citing policy disagreements on local issues, leading to the imposition of Presidentas Rule. Six months later, Hemant played his first political card when he formed a coalition government with the Congress and RJD, taking oath as Jharkhandas Chief Minister for the first time in July 2013. After a brief tenure as Chief Minister for 17 months, the JMM faced defeat in the 2014 Assembly elections. However, as Leader of the Opposition, Hemant redefined his political strategy, rallying against the Raghubar Das-led BJP government on issues like land laws affecting tribal identity. His efforts paid off in the 2019 elections when the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 47 seats, dethroning the BJP. Hemant Soren became Chief Minister for the second time on December 29, 2019. During his second term, Hemant faced serious allegations, including mining and land scams. In January 2024, he was jailed in a money laundering case, forcing him to step down for five months. However, his incarceration enhanced his image as a resilient leader. Meanwhile, his wife, Kalpana Soren, rose as a political force, and together they led the JMM to an electoral comeback. Hemant Sorenas political journey is a testament to his ability to blend legacy with grit, shaping Jharkhand's destiny while overcoming formidable challenges. With the start of his fourth tenure, Soren hopes to leave a mark on the stateas politics. Los Angeles, Nov 28 : Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who has been accused of sexual crimes in Hollywood, has been denied bail a third time. A judge cited risk of witness tampering and evidence of violating regulations that prevent him from communicating with third parties, reports 'Variety'. The decision was made by Judge Arun Subramanian after a hearing in New York that weighed the conditions of ensuring safety in the community. As per 'Variety', the council for the rapper had offered a $50 million bond backed by equity in his homes, the promise of security monitoring and assurance that he would not interfere with investigations surrounding his charges. The ruling stated that "there is evidence of supporting a serious risk of witness tampering", and that Combs contacted witnesses "even after" his grand jury testimony in June 2024. The judge also stated that there "is evidence that Combs violated Bureau of Prisons regulations during his pretrial detention to obscure his communications with third parties". As per the ruling, Combs paid other inmates to make calls to those not on his approved contact list, and asked family members and defense council to facilitate three-way calls to make them more difficult to trace. Because of the aforementioned infractions, the court determined that his "willingness to skirt BOP rules in a way that would make it more difficult for his communications to be monitored is strong evidence that the Court cannot be 'reasonably assured' as to the sufficiency of any conditions of release". At a hearing last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik had said that Combs "cannot and will not follow rules" and "cannot be trusted". She also claimed that his council was not able "to control their client". Combs is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. after being arrested on September 16 by Homeland Security on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bengaluru, Nov 28 : The people in Karnataka's Ballary district expressed outrage against the authorities following the death of five women after delivering children in two government-run hospitals in a span of 15 days. The women were admitted to the District Government Hospital in Ballary city, and Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS). It has been alleged that the deaths occurred due to negligence of the hospital authorities. Among the five deceased women, four had undergone cesarean surgery at the Ballary District hospital. The families, relatives and people are also questioning the absence of Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmed Khan, who is the District In-Charge Minister for Ballary. They are also questioning the silence of representatives from Ballary district. District In-Charge Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan has stated that he will seek information regarding the deaths of pregnant women from the officials and not be bothered to initiate proactive measures. Four women in their post-pregnancy phase had succumbed in a span of a week at the Ballary Government District Hospital. Mahalaxmi, 20, is the latest victim. Mahalaxmi, a resident of CS Pura in neighboring Vijayapura district was admitted to BIMS after she experienced labour pain. She gave birth to a child through the normal delivery procedure on Sunday. However, Mahalaxmi allegedly succumbed to severe bleeding and infection on Wednesday. The parents of the deceased claimed the negligence of doctors was the reason for the death of their daughter and demanded action. BIMS Director Dr. Gangadhar Gowda said that Mahalaxmi was suffering from anemia. She was earlier treated at a hospital in Kudligi and later was admitted to the BIMS. She was not stable at the time of the admission and the family was informed of the risk ahead of the delivery. "We have done our best and Mahalaxmi succumbed to health ailments," he stated. However, Mahalaxmi's parents maintained that their daughter was healthy and everything was normal. She suffered severe blood loss after the delivery of the child, and she was given 18 bottles of blood. All this indicates negligence on the part of the doctors, they stated. At Ballary district hospital on November 9, cesarean surgery was conducted on 14 pregnant women. Among them, seven developed health complications and in a week, four of them succumbed. The deceased were identified as Lalitamma, Rojamma, Nandini and Muskaan. The series of deaths has raised concern among economically weaker sections of society who can't afford private hospitals and totally depend on government-run hospitals. The hospital authorities are claiming that the deaths are due to health complications of the pregnant women and washed off their hands. Ballary is considered as one of the most backward districts in the state. The social and economic indicators of the region are dismal. The families of the victims are demanding justice and urging the government to prevent the deaths of pregnant women in the government hospitals. Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 : Amidst the threat from pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the police commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate S. Dev Datta Singh on Thursday asserted that strict vigil has been kept on any potential threat from all anti-national elements during the DG and IGP Conference-2024 starting from Friday. Speaking to media persons here, Singh said, "Strict vigil has been kept on any potential threat from such anti-national elements. There are several anti-national elements present in our country so we will ensure the event is held successfully to the best of our professional ability." Singh also said that the Odisha police, its specific anti-terror forces and the Intelligence Bureau are competent to tackle such elements. The police commissioner also stated that such conferences are held to deal with such anti-national elements who are being neutralised regularly so that they can't harm India. He said that adequate security arrangements have been put in place keeping in view such challenges. He said that more than 70 platoons of police force have been deployed for the three-day 59th DG and IGP conference-2024 going to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 29 to December 1. Singh further added that Bhubaneswar has been placed under a robust security blanket of officials and personnel belonging to Odisha Police, Central Armed Police Forces, etc, for the event. Notably, the founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit, Pannun had earlier issued a fresh threat video urging the Naxalites, Maoists, Kashmiri terrorists to disrupt the DG and IGP Conference-2024. The three-day grand event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, senior officers of the Intelligence Bureau, DGPs of all states, DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), chiefs of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG). Agartala, Nov 28 : The ruling BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), Opposition Congress and other tribal organisations have strongly opposed the state government's reported plan to hand over the iconic Pushpabanta Palace to a private hotel group. The TMP's youth wing, Youth TIPRA Federation (YTF) and the Tipra Students' Federation (TSF), staged protests in front of the royal palace in Agartala and urged the state government not to hand over the iconic palace to a private hotel group. The protesters accused the BJP-led government of attempting to wipe out the rich history and cultural heritage of Tripura. The protesters argued that the move undermines the state's heritage and identity, emphasising that historical sites like the palace should remain accessible to the public as symbols of Tripura's legacy. A delegation led by YTF President Suraj Debbarma submitted a memorandum to West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Vishal Kumar. Debbarma clarified that YTF does not oppose development initiatives or the involvement of the private hotel group but stressed the importance of preserving the palace as a cultural and historical landmark. He urged the state government to consider alternative locations for the hotel project. TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia said, "The state government's decision to hand over Pushpabanta Palace to a private hotel group is a blatant attempt to destroy our history and culture." "We are not against development but not at the cost of destroying the culture and history of our state," Jamatia added. DM Vishal Kumar however, stated that there was no official communication about leasing the palace to any private organisation for hospitality purposes. Strongly opposing the government's move, Congress spokesman Prabir Chakraborty said that during his last visit to Tripura in 1926, Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore stayed at the royal mansion and composed many songs sitting in the veranda of the palace. He said that the then king Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur celebrated Tagore's 80th birthday in the important palace in 1941. After India's Independence Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi handed over the palace to the state government in 1949, Chakraborty said adding that after President Murmu laid the foundation stone of the Pushpabanta Palace Museum during her visit to Tripura in October 2022, the government had allocated Rs 40 crore for the proposed museum. "The BJP government is trying to destroy the rich culture, traditions and history of Tripura by making the iconic palace into a business hub," the Congress spokesman said. The Pushpabanta Palace also known as Kunjaban Palace was built in 1917 by the then Tripura king Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Debbarma Bahadur on 4.13 acres of land and it served as the Raj Bhavan until 2018 before the Governor's house was shifted to the Capital Complex area on the outskirts of the city. The erstwhile Left Front government planned to develop Pushpabanta Palace into a digital museum. Chandigarh, Nov 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal on December 9, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said on Thursday. The minister said at a programme to mark the foundation day of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal. Indri MLA and Chief Whip, Ramkumar Kashyap, also participated in the event. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the Agriculture Minister said India has the most fertile land in the world. "Farmers in both India and Haryana are achieving good yields, and that the agriculture sector is both strong and vital." He highlighted that agriculture is considered the backbone of the economy, and that while all other sectors were halted during the Covid-19 pandemic, agriculture remained operational. He stressed that unless agriculture is prioritised, unemployment cannot be effectively addressed. He urged efforts to place agriculture at the forefront, as there are numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector in Haryana. Rana said there is a need to promote coarse grains, which he believes are more beneficial than wheat. He pointed out that farmers are not earning substantial profits from the traditional cultivation of wheat and paddy, and that the over-exploitation of natural resources has led to serious water scarcity issues in both the country and the state. Additionally, he highlighted the growing health concerns linked to the widespread cultivation of wheat and paddy. "In this context, the Prime Minister is encouraging farmers to cultivate coarse grains, which could help address these issues while promoting healthier food options for the public," he said. On the naming of the Horticulture University as Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap, the Minister said he himself had proposed the name. He said that Maharana Pratap was the first freedom fighter and is widely respected not only in India but across the world. Rana expressed hope that Maharana Pratap Horticulture University will soon emerge as a model institution, not only in India but globally. He assured that the Haryana government would provide all possible support to Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in this regard. On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Suresh Malhotra provided a detailed overview of the achievements of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Veteran global investor Jim Rogers on Thursday said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly understands that more incentives should be given to people, regulations need to be brought in and taxes need to be cut in order to become a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. In an interaction with IANS, 82-year-old Rogers said a free and open market can help India become really successful. "The new government, for the first time, understands that you need to give people incentives, you need to cut regulations, you need to cut taxes and you need to cut red tape," said Rogers. From employment-linked incentives and affordable healthcare to production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, the BLP-led NDA government has announced several schemes which have empowered millions of Indians across age-groups. The Union Budget has proposed five schemes with an outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore to generate jobs for the youth. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre will implement three schemes for 'Employment Linked Incentive' as part of the Prime Minister's package. PM-JAY is the world's largest health assurance scheme, extending comprehensive secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. It will benefit nearly 55 crore individuals that form the bottom 40 per cent of the population in the country. More than Rs 1.1 lakh crore has been spent on providing free hospitalisation under the flagship PM-JAY since its inception in 2018. Moreover, about four lakh elderly women aged 70 and above have enrolled for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card in the last three weeks since its launch in October-end. According to Rogers, there are a lot of smart, educated people who need to be encouraged to innovate. If this is done, India is going to become one of the great nations of the world again. "And if Delhi cuts the regulations, cuts the red tape, cuts the taxes, cuts the tariffs, then the country can be very, very successful," Rogers said. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the national capital. A bench headed by Chief Justice Manmohan issued notice on the PIL filed by all 7 BJP MPs from Delhi and sought responses from the city government and its health department in the matter. The BJP MPs in their PIL sought the enforcement of AB-PMJAY in the National Capital Territory, which provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for all beneficiaries. The petition filed by Harsh Malhotra, a BJP Member of Parliament from East Delhi, and six other lawmakers said that as of October, 33 states and union territories have implemented the 2019 launched health insurance scheme named Ayushman Bharat. "However, NCT of Delhi remains the only Union Territory where this necessary, noble and beneficial health care scheme has not been implemented, uniquely depriving the covered under-privileged beneficiaries of the essential health coverage," it added. The petition further said that any clash of political ideologies must take a backseat when it obstructs the essential welfare of the residents of Delhi and political leaders and policymakers must collaborate and set aside ideological differences to serve the greater good, particularly in matters that directly affect the health, safety, and quality of life of the people they represent. "When political conflicts overshadow the needs of the public, it undermines the very essence of democracy and governance, which is to work in the best interest of the citizens," stated the PIL. The next hearing of the case is slated for December 11, 2024. Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for obstructing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital, adding that the AAP dispensation has intentionally blocked Ayushman Bharat because of political interests and motives and was deliberately keeping the city residents deprived of the health scheme. "The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is for the welfare of the people. However, the Delhi government is refusing to implement it, showing a lack of concern for the health of the people," she said. Swaraj further claimed that Arvind Kejriwal's opposition to Ayushman Bharat was driven by political motives. "Kejriwal believes in the politics of hatred, and that's why he hasn't approved the scheme. Despite the Centre offering Rs 47 crore annually to support Delhi, the AAP government is rejecting it," she added. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Calling US President-elect Donald Trump as a "friend of India" and "a friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi", Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that New Delhi is looking to further strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries as soon as the new administration takes charge in Washington, next month. "Mr. Trump is a friend of India, is a friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I'm sure this friendship will only continue to blossom and grow further, as is evident from the various comments he (Trump) has made so far," Goyal told reporters. Trump, who on November 19 named Howard Lutnick - Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald - as his nominee for Secretary of Commerce with additional charge as the country's top trade negotiator, has promised to solidify the "great partnership" with India and Prime Minister Modi in his second term. At the same time, during his election campaign, Trump had said that India was among the countries that took advantage of the US and was a "very big abuser" in trade. He has threatened stiff tariffs on imports, especially as retribution for high tariffs imposed by other countries - a move that could affect India. However on Thursday, Commerce and Industry Minister Goyal sought to allay fears over past comments. "I think we need not jump the gun and let the new government take charge and express their formal and official views. But, to the best of my understanding of the situation, and my own experience working with the Trump administration and India's past experience, I do not foresee any problem whatsoever," Goyal said at the media briefing. Despite some differences on trade, the US leader and PM Modi have developed strong personal ties over the years. In September, Trump called the Indian PM a "fantastic man", during a town hall meeting in Michigan. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the world's most popular leader today, has managed India's international global relationships better than ever in the past. He has worked with three administrations in the US. Over this 10-year period, our relations with the United States have got better and better every single year," said Goyal. "As Mr. Trump has himself on record said 'my good friend, Mr. Modi', the confidence he has on the India relationship, India partnership, has been expressed on many occasions. I'm looking forward to working on with my counterpart in the United States once the confirmation processes are over and the new government takes charge. I'm sure we'll start discussing how to further strengthen our economic partnership," he added. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections, asserting that he is looking forward to renewing collaboration with the leader to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. "Had a great conversation with my friend, President Donald Trump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors," he said after the phone conversation with the President-elect of the United States of America. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday shared a video, encapsulating the 'shallow and superficial' politics of the Congress party and how their 'agenda and propaganda' have been called out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, well in advance. The video shared by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, boasts about PM Modi's predictions on issues specifically related to Congress' double standards and negative politics. It shows Prime Minister forewarning about the impact of Cong's revadi politics on country's economic health, party's on and off abuse of national icon Veer Savarkar. Interestingly, his claims turned out be bang on. Union Minister, sharing the video on X, wrote, "What he said, happened. When it comes to the shallow politics of the Congress party, PM Modi's predictions have always been on point." After the historic mandate for MahaYuti in Maharashtra Assembly elections, PM Modi lashed out at the Congress party and its high command. He said that the Congress party didn't shy away from abusing and insulting Veer Savarkar and it was only during Maharashtra elections, they relented but it was only a temporary pause. Soon after election results, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was taking potshots at the freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. Addressing party workers at Delhi's Talkatora stadium, on the occasion of Constitution Day, Rahul raised questions about Savarkar's contributions. He said that one could find ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Shivaji and Jyotiba Phule enshrined in the sacred book but does it reflect Savarkar's thoughts. In another pre-2024 polls video, PM Modi said that the Opposition has lost the confidence and courage to contest elections and some members were even looking for Rajya Sabha route, a remark aimed at former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Notably, Sonia Gandhi started her fresh innings as Rajya Sabha member and took oath in April this year, just ahead of Parliamentary elections. The video snippet also has PM Modi's forecast about Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) chief Sam Pitroda. Taking Pitroda to task over his inheritance tax pitch, PM Modi said that this was not just his own creation and hinted at 'bigger hand' behind the controversy. He also said that Congress suspended him amid the uproar and will soon induct him again once the elections are over. This is what happened, days after LS election results. Sam Pitroda, widely seen as one of Rahul's mentors was reinstated in the IOC, on same position. PM Modi's predictions about Rahul Gandhi's contest from two LS seats also proved correct. During election campaign, PM Modi said at a rally that once polling is held in Wayanad, Congress will declare it a safe seat and will field Rahul from another seat. This is what happened. After polling concluded in Wayanad, Rahul was announced candidate from Rae Bareli as well, an erstwhile LS constituency of his mother Sonia Gandhi. He chose Rae Bareli over Amethi, the seat which he represented from 2004 to 2019. PM Modi, in an earlier rally, also raised strong concerns over freebies and revdi politics of Congress, stating that this will spell doom not just for state but also for the country's economic health. Today, Congress governments in Himachal and Karnataka are bearing the brunt of their own impractical and inflated promises. New Delhi, Nov 28 : President Murmu on Thursday said that the armed forces not only need to secure India's national interests but also prepare for new security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism. Addressing student officers and faculty of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu, she said, "In the fast-changing geo-political environment, we need to be well-prepared to tackle any situation. We not only have to secure our national interests but also prepare for new national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism." She expressed confidence that courses at Defence Services Staff College will prepare student officers for higher responsibilities and as strategists who can deal with complex situations in an effective manner. The President said the college has made commendable contribution to training and educating potential leaders of the armed forces of India and friendly foreign countries and selected civilian officers. She said our Defence personnel, who always serve with the spirit of 'Nation First', deserve high praise. The President welcomed the fact that women officers were now commanding various units in all the three services. "I am also delighted to know that there are some women officers among you, attending this course. I hope that the number of women officers in this course will rise in the near future," she said. She expressed hope of witnessing more and more women joining the armed forces, where they can demonstrate exceptional capabilities and break new ground in uncharted territories. The President said that India is rising and the world is acknowledging its growth in various sectors including Defence. "India is moving towards indigenisation and self-reliance to keep the armed forces ready to meet future challenges. Our country is being developed as a major Defence manufacturing hub, and is moving towards becoming a reliable Defence partner and big exporter," she said. Mumbai, Nov 28 : Indian auteur Shoojit Sircar, who is known for films like 'Vicky Donor', 'Madras Cafe', 'October' and others, has said that he doesn't expect much from the audience, and for the process of filmmaking starts from within and has little to do with the market. The director, who is receiving a lot of positive response for his recently released movie 'I Want To Talk', spoke with IANS and shared if the weight of expectation limits his creativity over a period of time. The director told IANS, "No, that's the last thing I expect from the audience to come. Because, first of all, I don't even have an audience in my mind when I make a film. Films, I'm making it for myself first. I have to just watch on my edit table, I can sit down and watch my actors perform and move on. Audience comes quite late". He further mentioned, "When the promotion starts then you start expecting that because there is a little monetary thing involved. I know there are various kinds of audience, some will like it, some will not like it. So, I'm not expecting too much from them. I don't think about the opening day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It takes a lot of time". "I saw some films of Satyajit Ray quite late in life, I understood them quite late in life, I enjoyed them quite late, that's fine. So, no, I don't have any expectations from the audience", he added. Meanwhile, Shoojit Sircar's latest movie, 'I Want To Talk' has been getting good reviews with praise pouring in for the lead actor Abhishek Bachchan from all quarters. The film is produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Shoojit Sircar under the banner of Rising Sun Films. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to ensure that the country's farmers get good quality fertilisers, seeds and pesticides "under all circumstances". During a department-wise review of his ministry, Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that farmers often complain about receiving poor quality inputs that results in significant losses. He instructed officials to implement concrete measures to effectively control the distribution of fake or inferior pesticides, fertilisers, and seeds. The Union Minister told the officers to take strict and effective action against the culprits for the larger welfare of the farmers. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also said that he would soon talk to the state governments about this, so that effective action is taken continuously at the state level. Those who are found guilty should be punished severely deter such heinous acts. During the review, it came to light that effective action is not being taken even at the level of investigation and prosecution in many states. Most of the guilty people are acquitted or receive very little punishment. The Minister said that he would also talk to the Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers of states to take effective action in this regard. In the case of substandard fertilisers, seeds and pesticides, strict action should be taken against big sellers and manufacturers and existing laws, rules and procedures should be used effectively. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also added that all concerned departments should jointly run a campaign to ensure good quality of pesticides and fertilisers. The Union Minister directed the officials to prepare an action plan for running a joint campaign which can be effectively implemented by the state governments across the country without any delay in the interest of crores of farmers. He also said that inputs should also be taken from farmers in this regard, because their crops are damaged due to poor quality inputs which affects their earnings. The Union Minister said that in view of the upcoming crop season, farmers should get relief in this regard. For this, he will soon discuss with the Chief Ministers and Ministers of the states, because mainly effective measures have to be taken at the state level. a--IANS sps/pgh Mumbai, Nov 28 : Television actress Krystle D'Souza and comedian Munawar Faruqui have wrapped up the shoot for their upcoming project, "First Copy," in Mauritius. Mumbai, Nov 28 (IANS) Television actress Krystle D'Souza and comedian Munawar Faruqui have wrapped up the shoot for their upcoming project, "First Copy," in Mauritius. The duo recently shared the exciting update with their fans on social media, marking the end of the film's production. D'Souza and Faruqui have completed filming for their much-anticipated web series. The final leg of production took place in the picturesque locale of Mauritius. A photo from the final day of shooting is already making waves online, featuring Munawar, Krystle, and Ashi Singh enjoying a moment of relaxation on a boat. The Bigg Boss 17 winner is venturing into acting with "First Copy" which marks his acting debut. While teasing fans about his debut web project, the comedian shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the set on his social media in August, captioning it, "New Journey." Reflecting on this journey, Munawar shared, "This journey has been nothing short of incredible. Wrapping up First Copy in Mauritius feels surreallike the perfect culmination of all the hard work, creativity, and passion poured into this project. The character, the story, and this breathtaking location made the experience truly special. I've grown so much as a performer and as a person through this process. May Allah guide and bless us all. I can't wait for everyone to see what we've created." On a related note, "First Copy", directed by Farhan P. Zamma and produced by Salt media and RVCJ, will take viewers back to the late 1990s, exploring the underground film piracy scene during the DVD era. Munawar portrays a morally grey character navigating this shadowy world in the show. The teaser for the series was released during Eid, and it offered a nostalgic glimpse into the late '90s when DVDs were at their peak. Meanwhile, Faruqui won the Salman Khan-hosted reality show Bigg Boss 17 in 2022, and before that, he appeared on the show "Lock Upp 1." On the other hand, Krystle is widely known for her roles in the daily soaps like "Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai," "Ek Nayi Pehchaan", "Brahmarakshas," and "Belan Wali Bahu." She made her web debut with "Fittrat" in 2019 and film debut with "Chehre" in 2021. New Delhi, Nov 28 : As Priyanka Gandhi took oath in Parliament on Thursday the Wayanad MP's debut in the corridors of power left the social media flooded with congratulatory messages from party colleagues and supporters. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge led his party in hailing Priyanka Gandhi's entry into Parliament. In a message written in Hindi on X, Kharge said, "I am confident that Smt Priyanka Gandhi would become a powerful voice of people, especially women, in Parliament." "Her leadership, compassion, courage, decency and resolve along with her commitment towards the principles of the Constitution would ensure the welfare of countrymen," he said. Kharge's post on X was accompanied with photos of the Congress President blessing Priyanka Gandhi by placing his hand on her head. Social media followers also liked a short video on X in which Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi asks his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, to stop on Parliament stairs so that he can capture the memorable moment in his phone's camera. Many Congress leaders present at the spot could be seen cheering him and enjoying the moment as Rahul Gandhi is heard saying, "Stop, stop, stopLet me take a picture." Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate uploaded a photo on X featuring all the three Gandhi family MPs, captioned, "Of The People, By The People, For the People." Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said in a post on X, "A pleasure to witness first-hand the swearing-in of @incIndia's newest MP from Kerala, Smt @priyankagandhi. Wishing her great success in representing the people of Wayanad, Kerala and India!" Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera expressed deep emotion and pride as Priyanka Gandhi took oath in Parliament. In a statement on social media platform X, Khera described the occasion as a moment of immense pride and inspiration for the nation. "Since childhood, we have all seen on television the members of the Gandhi family displaying amazing dignity during the tragic assassinations of Indira Ji and Rajiv Ji. The entire country would break into tears, but the Gandhi family, a symbol of unique tradition of sacrificing everything for the country, always considered the country bigger than their personal grief," Khera recalled. "When Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Member of Parliament for the first time today, with a copy of the Constitution in her hand, all those scenes came back in front of my eyes. Today's moment is an emotional moment of pride and inspiration not only for the Congress family but for the entire country," he further said. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The much-anticipated nursery admission process has begun in Delhi, drawing considerable attention from parents who are eager to secure seats for their children in reputed private schools. The process, known for its competitiveness, requires parents to navigate a maze of criteria and complete multiple application forms. Many private schools have made their admission forms available online, yet parents were seen visiting school premises on Thursday to gather additional information. For parents like Anna Bakshi from South Delhi, this marks the beginning of an arduous journey. Anna hopes to enroll her daughter in a prestigious private school on Lodhi Road but has prudently applied to several other schools as well to increase her chances. Deepti Sharma, another parent, shared her experience of missing out last year despite applying to four schools. This year, she has opted to register with 11 schools, acknowledging the fierce competition where applications often far outnumber available seats. The Directorate of Education, Delhi Government, began the registration process for private, unaided, and recognized schools on Thursday, November 28, for nursery, kindergarten, and first-grade admissions. Parents have until December 20 to submit online applications, after which schools will release the first list of selected students on January 17, 2025. Subsequent lists may follow based on availability. For nursery admissions, children must be at least three years old, and the required age increases to four for kindergarten. This year, 1,741 private schools are participating in the process. Schools on government-leased land are mandated to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for students from economically weaker sections, although this specific process is yet to begin. Most schools prioritize proximity to the institution and may also favour girls, siblings of existing students, or children of single parents. While admission criteria have been established and shared online, parents remain apprehensive. Despite government guidelines capping the registration fee at Rs 25 and making the purchase of prospectuses optional, the process remains time-consuming. Many parents spent the entire day on Thursday filling out application forms. The nursery admission process underlines the high demand for quality education in Delhi and the extent to which parents go to secure their childrenas futures. For many, the coming weeks will be filled with anticipation as they await the outcome of their applications. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Actor-turned-politician and TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday called for sensitivity and careful handling of the ongoing violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and the situation concerning minorities in Bangladesh. This comes after the deadly violence in Sambhal which left five people dead and many others injured. The violence broke out on Sunday during a court-ordered survey of the centuries-old Shahi Jama Masjid (mosque) that some Hindu groups claim was built at the site of a destroyed temple. The situation in Bangladesh is also quite distressing due to the ongoing crisis in the country. Speaking to IANS, Sinha emphasised the need for a measured approach to the unrest in Sambhal. "This is a very sensitive case and should be dealt with with proper care. Itas better to focus on finding the root cause and solutions rather than putting posters," he said. Sinha further underscored that in India, everyone, regardless of caste or religion, has equal rights. "If someone has provoked or supported the violence, it is condemnable and shameful," he added. Expressing his condolences to the families affected by the violence, Sinha said, "I stand with the people who have lost their loved ones. My prayers are with them, and I hope such situations never occur again." He also suggested that a dialogue should be initiated to better understand the root causes of the unrest, urging the government to focus on resolving the issue instead of promoting division through public posters. On the ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, Sinha remarked, "While it is their internal matter, the situation is condemnable. The ongoing violence is a matter of deep concern for all of us." He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their efforts to address the issue through diplomatic channels. However, Sinha stressed the need to understand the broader issues affecting relations with neighbouring countries, calling for a deeper reflection on the causes of regional tensions. Meanwhile, S Jaishankar is expected to address the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha houses in the Parliament on the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh on Friday, November 29, if the proceedings are not disrupted by the leaders of the opposition. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed his Australian counterpart and 'good friend' Anthony Albanese for hosting the Indian and PM's XI teams at the Federal Parliament House in Canberra ahead of the tour game. PM Modi also backed the Men in Blue for the ongoing series in Australia and said '1.4 billion Indians are strongly rooting' for them. India have won the opening Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth to take an early 1-0 lead in the series. Rohit Sharma-led side is set to play a two-day pink ball tour match against PM's XI at Manuka Oval, commencing on Saturday. Replying to the Australian Prime Minister's post, PM Modi wrote, "Glad to see my good friend Prime Minister @AlboMP with the Indian and PMas XI teams. Team India is off to a great start in the series and 1.4 billion Indians are strongly rooting for the Men in Blue. I look forward to exciting games ahead." Earlier in the day, Australian PM posted on X, "Big challenge ahead for the PMas XI at Manuka Oval this week against an amazing Indian side. But as I said to PM @narendramodi, Iam backing the Aussies to get the job done." The Indian team landed in Canberra from Perth on Thursday morning ahead of the tour match in the Australian capital. India registered a monumental 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test in Perth. In the absence of the regular captain Rohit due to paternity leave, Jasprit Bumrah-led India dismissed Australia for 238 in the final session of day four while chasing a 534 target. India's victory over the reigning champions Australia is their biggest away-from-home victory margin in terms of runs, surpassing their 222-run victory in Melbourne in 1977. The second Test, a pink ball match, between India and Australia is scheduled to be played in Adelaide from December 6. Aizawl/Imphal, Nov 28 : BJP's ally Mizo National Front (MNF) on Thursday demanded the resignation of the Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh alleging that he utterly failed to deal with the over 18-month-long ethnic crisis. MNF General Secretary V.L. Krosehnehzova said that the suffering inflicted upon the Zofate (same community) brethren due to ethnic conflict has reached intolerable levels. He said that Chief Minister Singh's "inaction and misuse of power have only worsened the situation, making his continuation in office both untenable and shameful". Biren Singh's leadership has not only failed to resolve the crisis but has also perpetuated the suffering of innocent people, said MNF, a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The MNF demanded that the Central government should take urgent, decisive action to end this crisis once and for all, ensuring that the people of Manipur reclaim their democratic rights and dignity. "Under Biren Singh's administration, as of November 22, the violence has claimed 219 lives of our ethnic kin, destroyed nearly 360 churches, and left countless others injured. Over 7,000 homes have been burnt, and 200 villages reduced to ashes. More than 41,425 individuals are displaced and forced to live as refugees within their own country. Such atrocities demand not just leadership but an unrelenting pursuit of justice and restoration," the MNF said. The MNF, which governed Mizoram for many years and until November last year, said that in a nation celebrated as the world's largest democracy, the continued erosion of human rights and attacks on religious sanctuaries betray the foundational values of justice and secularism. That an elected government would stand idle amidst such suffering is an affront to democracy and a global embarrassment, the party said. It said that the former MNF government, under Chief Minister Zoramthanga, had shown exemplary leadership in extending substantial assistance to the displaced people. Refugees from Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have been provided with food, shelter, and education in Mizoram and even now, MNF leaders and MLAs have travelled to Manipur, offering direct support to the tribal people. "We call on all Zofate (Zo tribal community) to unite and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our people. This is a time for resilience, compassion, and unwavering solidarity. We urge the people of Mizoram to continue their efforts, both individually and through organisations, to extend their support with renewed vigour." The MNF General Secretary in his statement said that the crisis also underscores the importance of fearless representation. "We commend Mizoram Rajya Sabha Member K. Vanlalvena for raising this issue with courage in Parliamentary debates, amplifying the voice of the Zofate community and advocating for justice. The contributions of churches, voluntary groups, and student unions in Mizoram in aiding displaced Zofate are deeply appreciated. Their tireless efforts to provide food, shelter, and care for those fleeing violence embody the spirit of humanity and the unyielding bond of the Zofate community," the MNF said. Around 7,800 refugees belonging to the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community from Manipur have also taken shelter in several districts of Mizoram after the ethnic violence broke out in the neighbouring state in May last year. The refugees from Manipur belong to the Kuki-Zo-Chin-Hmar-Bawm tribal community who also share ethnic, traditional, cultural and linguistic ties with the Mizos of Mizoram. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 : A top official of the upcoming Vizhinjam Port in Kerala on Thursday said that the port projects Phase II, III & IV by 2028 will attract investments worth Rs 10,000 crores. Divya S Iyer, Managing Director, Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), said this while speaking at a discussion on "Economic Diversification through Port-Driven Industrial Clusters: The Vizhinjam Potential' at the ongoing Huddle Global Fest 2024 organised by KSUM (Kerala Startup Mission) at Kovalam. "Even after the delay caused by three natural disasters including the Okhi cyclone, the 2019 floods and the Covid pandemic, we have managed to keep up the momentum in the development of the port. With the completion of Phase II, III and IV, we can anchor five mother ships simultaneously which will make Vizhinjam the largest port in the country," said Divya. She added that the government is focused on the various development aspects of Vizhinjam including the development of road and rail connectivity. Stressing on the strategic importance of Vizhinjam Port for the country, CEO of Adani Vizhinjam Port Pradeep Jayaraman said that Vizhinjam is rightly positioned for global market access. "Vizhinjam is just 10 nautical miles away from the international sea route which makes it a critical seaport in South India. Since South India does not have ports that can handle large ships, Vizhinjam will solve this problem," said Jayaraman. He added that high-end pharma and food processing industries especially based on fisheries, beauty products industries, medical device industry, tourism etc can thrive with the completion of Vizhinjam Port. "We can overcome the lack of warehouse facilities and land using technology, Vizhinjam is already the largest semi-automated port in the country," he further pointed out. Jaipur, Nov 28 : A day after a lower court admitted a petition asserting that the Hanuman temple exists within the Dargah premises, Haji Syed Salman Chishty, head priest, Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Thursday appealed Supreme Court and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act decisively against hate-mongers and uphold justice and unity. "Ajmer Sharif is Ajmer Sharif.. It's not just a part of history but a classic representation of Living History! The sanctity and sacredness of Ajmer Sharif must be and shall be preserved. Misusing courts and religious sentiments for divisive agendas defames revered Sufi shrines, erodes constitutional values, and threatens India's harmony," Chishty wrote on X. He further said, "We appeal to the Hon'ble Supreme Court and Prime Minister to act decisively against hate-mongers and uphold justice and unity. Let us honour Khwaja Gharib Nawaz's timeless legacy of unconditional love, peace, and compassion." On Wednesday, a lower court in Ajmer admitted a petition filed by Vishnu Gupta, National President of Hindu Sena, asserting that the Sankat Mochan Mahadev temple exists within the premises of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The court presided over by Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel, has deemed the matter admissible and issued notices to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Dargah Committee Ajmer, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), asking them to present their responses. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20. The petition references retired judge Harvilas Sharda's 1911 book, Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive, which claims that debris from a Shiva temple was used in constructing the dargah. The petition also alleges that a Jain temple exists within the sanctum sanctorum of the site. Gupta stated that Hindu traditions are visible around the Ajmer Dargah, including carvings on the Buland Darwaza. He urged the ASI to investigate the premises for evidence such as water sources often found near Shiva temples. Advocate Ramswaroop Bishnoi explained that the 38-page petition provides evidence supporting claims of a Shiva temple at the site, citing architectural similarities and references from historical texts. Examples from other disputed sites, such as Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh and Benaras, are also mentioned in the plea. The petition calls for the ASI to conduct a survey of the dargah premises. It also refers to the book's claim that parts of the 75-foot-high Buland Darwaza were constructed using materials from the temple. According to the text, a Brahmin family once worshipped at the site, where a Shivling was located. Meanwhile, the Dargah Committee has denied the claims. Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of Anjuman Syed Jadgan, an organisation of khadims of the Dargah in Ajmer, said that the Ajmer Dargah promotes unity in diversity and pluralism, the dargah has lakhs of followers all across the world from Afghanistan to Indonesia. "Such acts are against communal harmony and nation. The court has issued notices to three parties today. We will see what we can do. Such acts of targeting age-old mosques in Kashi, Mathura are not good," he said. He also blamed former CJI Chandrachoor for amending the rule. "We have seen challenging times, however, nothing has changed. This is garib nawaz dargah and it shall stay the same in future too," he added. Kolkata, Nov 28 : Tensions prevailed near Beckbagan Circus area in south Kolkata on Thursday over a protest march organized by Hindu Jagran Manch against the arrest of International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monk and spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote Chinmoy Krishna Das, popularly known as Chinmoy Prabhu. The rally started from Sealdah in central Kolkata and was supposed to end in front of the office of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission near the Park Circus area in Kolkata. The participants in the rally also protested the reported attacks and atrocities against the minority Hindus in Bangladesh. As the rally was stopped near the office of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, a commotion broke out as the protesters tried to break through the police barricades and proceed. The police had to resort to cane-charges to dispel the protesters. A policeman was reportedly injured in the clashes. On Wednesday, the West Bengal unit of BJP led by the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari organised a similar protest rally and also submitted a memorandum at the office of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. Adhikari has already demanded the closure of cross-border trade between India and Bangladesh and denial of all sorts of visas including medical visas to all Bangladeshi citizens till the time Chinmoy Prabhu is released. ISKCON Kolkata vice-president and spokesman Radharaman Das, on Thursday has claimed that the ISKCON devotees at Bangladesh are being targeted by the army and police there. One more monk associated with ISKCON Swarup Das has been arrested there, he said. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh had blamed BJP for the ruckus over the protest rally on Thursday. "The BJP is trying to create tension over the issue here for narrow political motives," Ghosh said. New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in its third term has continued its commitment to employment generation with significant developments across various sectors. This has been highlighted in recent reports. According to information, by November 7, a series of initiatives have resulted in the creation of millions of jobs and this marks a transformative phase in the labour market of the country. In a major push aimed at creating government jobs, over 60,000 appointment letters have been issued to youth across Central ministries and departments. This move is being seen as the government's ongoing effort to address unemployment. Along with this, the 2024-25 budget allocated a whopping Rs 2 lakh crore for job creation. This is indicative of a robust financial commitment to creating job opportunities. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme has already benefited over 3.39 crore individuals, providing incentives to help them secure employment. This is complemented by another major scheme where one crore youths have been placed in internships with top companies, with stipends and one-time assistance enhancing their employability. In order to enhance their skills, 20 lakh youths have been trained at over 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). These youths are being equipped with the skills needed to meet industry demands. Moreover, the government has expedited the process of filling vacancies in big organisations like the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The government has issued over 4,300 appointment letters, with an additional 5,000 positions in the recruitment process. Large scale infrastructure projects have also contributed significantly to job creation. The Rs 4.19 lakh crore investment in key infrastructure sectors, including roads, ports, and railways, is expected to generate over 1.26 crore jobs. In addition to this, the development of a major port in Vadhavan, Maharashtra is anticipated to create around 12 lakh jobs, while the establishment of 12 smart industrial cities across the country is projected to generate a staggering 40 lakh jobs. The Central government's focus on boosting maritime heritage through the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Gujarat is also expected to create 22,000 jobs. The development of the complex is expected to create 15,000 direct and 7,500 indirect jobs. In the transport sector in urban areas, the Chennai Metro Phase II project has created 9,000 skilled and 7,500 semi-skilled jobs, highlighting the increasing demand for infrastructure projects in cities. The expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is expected to create 8.7 lakh jobs in the rural and agricultural sectors, improving livelihoods and stimulating growth in these key areas. The electric vehicle sector has also seen major developments under the PM-Drive initiative, which is set to create jobs across the automobile industry. The initiative promises job creation of 13 individuals per heavy-duty vehicle, 4 per three-wheeler, and 1 per two-wheeler produced, supporting the growing demand for green mobility solutions. The setting up of the National Excellence Centre for Autonomous Vehicles (AVG) is estimated to create 23 lakh direct jobs in vehicle manufacturing, research, and development. Vienna, Nov 28 : The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, has posted its ministerial meeting, originally scheduled for Sunday, to December 5. The Vienna-based OPEC said in a statement on Thursday that the ministerial meeting has been rescheduled because several OPEC+ ministers "will be attending the 45th Gulf Summit in Kuwait City." OPEC+ oil ministers are set to decide on their output policy in the upcoming ministerial meeting, which will be held via videoconference, Xinhua news agency reported. Early this month, eight OPEC+ member countries announced an extension of their voluntary oil production cuts by a month until the end of December, as oil prices have generally trended downward in recent weeks amid concerns over slowing global demand. In its monthly oil market report for November, OPEC further trimmed its forecasts for global oil demand growth this year and next, marking the organisation's downward revision for the fourth consecutive month. Jaipur, Nov 28 : The Rajasthan government is set to expand the scope of the Mukhya Mantri Free Medicine Scheme, as announced during a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited Managing Director Neha Giri, focused on enhancing the scheme's offerings. Several key decisions were made to update the essential medicine list by including new drugs and re-categorising existing ones. The discussion emphasised incorporating medicines vital for treating various diseases. Medical and pharmaceutical experts provided valuable insights on the availability, requirements, and supply chain of medicines. Giri highlighted that 390 medicines were evaluated during the meeting. Based on the decisions, new medicines will soon be added to the essential medicine list, ensuring better access for patients at nearby medical institutions. Currently, approximately 4.5 lakh patients benefit daily from the Mukhya Mantri Free Nirogi Dawa Scheme. The initiative operates efficiently through e-medicine software, ensuring seamless supply, distribution, and maintenance of medicines. Presently, 1,240 medicines, 428 surgical items, and 156 sutures are available under the scheme. For the financial year 2024-25, a budget allocation of a2,122 crore has been earmarked to support and enhance the scheme's implementation, officials stated. Patna, Nov 28 : Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi on Thursday criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his ambiguous stance on the Waqf Board Amendment Bill. She said that Nitish Kumar's lack of a clear position suggests that he is attempting to appease both sides of the issue. "Nitish Kumar is silent on the Waqf bill which implies opposition to it, yet his party members have been supportive of it and this is contradictory to the interests of JD-U and the Chief Minister of Bihar," Rabri Devi said. She also expressed disappointment that Nitish Kumar did not attend a meeting convened by minorities in Patna to discuss the bill, stating that his presence was essential to address the concerns raised. Rabri Devi also criticised the Central government, alleging that the Waqf Amendment Bill is a tool to target minority communities, particularly Muslims. She claimed that the legislation is being used as a means to seize properties belonging to Muslims and affirmed her party's resolute opposition to such actions. Her comments reflect a broader concern within certain political circles that the bill could have discriminatory implications. Reacting to the swearing-in ceremony of Hemant Soren, Rabri Devi, expressed satisfaction on the formation of the INDIA Bloc government in Jharkhand. "The RJD has improved its performance in the state, with an increased number of MLAs securing seats in the Jharkhand elections. This success is the result of the unity of allied parties, which worked together during the elections and earned the public's support," Rabri Devi said. Regarding the issue of rebel MLAs, both within the RJD and the Congress, Rabri Devi stated that Tejashwi Yadav, her son and the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, is actively addressing the matter. The controversy stems from the fallout earlier in the year when the alliance between the JD-U and the RJD collapsed, leading to Nitish Kumar aligning with the NDA and forming a new government. During the confidence motion that followed, three RJD MLAs defied their party's directive and supported Nitish Kumar. In response, the RJD filed a formal petition with the Assembly Speaker, seeking the termination of the rebel MLAs' memberships. However, even after ten months, no decision has been taken. Lusaka, Nov 28 : Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango called for concerted investment into climate-resilient technologies and interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, as the 45th meeting of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Council of Ministers opened here Thursday. COMESA is a regional economic community in Africa comprising 21 member states. "Climate change preparedness, diversification, innovation and developing climate-resilient value chains, are some of the options we should adopt to protect the region, and member states from the adverse effects of climate change," said the Zambian vice president. The meeting was being held under the theme "Accelerating regional integration through the development of regional value chains in climate resilient agriculture, mining and tourism." According to Nalumango, agriculture, mining and tourism have remained the pillars of the region's economics and a source of livelihood for millions of citizens even though the sectors have become vulnerable to climate change, Xinhua news agency reported. She said there was a need for enhanced value addition to improve the sectors' contributions to economies, adding that it was imperative to seize the countries' collective responsibility to embrace innovative and sustainable solutions to address challenges posed by climate change. She encouraged COMESA members to share technologies, pool resources, invest in shared infrastructure, as well as ensure connectivity of transport, energy, and digital systems. COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe called for collaboration in strengthening economic and social integration. She said the adverse impact of climate change, including prolonged drought conditions and floods, has resulted in devastating effects in the region. Kapwepwe stressed the significance of increased investments in sustainable agri-food system transformation, as food and nutrition insecurity has remained a major challenge due to climate-induced shocks. Guwahati, Nov 28 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that no accused in the online trading scam can walk out of the jail as there are several cases pending against them. Two prime accused in the multi-crore online stock trading fraud -- Bishal Phukan and Swapnanil Das -- along with six others got bail a couple of days ago in the Gauhati High Court as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could not file a chargesheet within 60 days of their arrest. Reacting to the development, CM Sarma told reporters here: "There was a technical problem in the matter. The CBI usually files a chargesheet within 90 days of arresting any accused person but the Gauhati High Court observed that the chargesheet must be filed within 60 days. On this ground the Court granted bail to a few accused persons; however, they can not walk out of the jail as the central probe agency will move to the apex Court against the bail order." "Moreover, there are several cases filed against the accused persons in the online trading scam and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been investigating them apart from the cases given under CBI," he added. The Chief Minister further said that the CID is going to file a chargesheet very soon. Meanwhile, as the two key accused -- Bishal Phukan and Swapnanil Das got bail as the investigation agency failed to submit a chargesheet, anger was witnessed among the investors who have been duped lakhs of rupees by the fraudsters. On the condition of anonymity, a medical professional who invested a handsome amount in the trading through Swapnanil Das' company said: "We thought that the investigation agency will punish the fraudsters and we may get back our money; however, now the chances are looking slim as the police and central probe agency failed to submit even a chargesheet within stipulated time." Another investor said: "Merely after two months of the arrest, the kingpins of the huge scam are walking out of the jail. This is unfortunate." Gurugram, Nov 28 : An assistant manager of IndusInd Bank was arrested for dumping a man of Rs 35.69 lakh on the pretext of investing in the stock market, police said. Priyanshu Diwan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (cybercrime), said that the arrested accused has been identified as Harvinder Singh, a native of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. According to the police, a man filed a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station East on July 27, 2024, that he was duped Rs 35.69 lakh in the name of investing in the stock market. During the probe, Inspector Amit Kumar, SHO of the said police station arrested the suspect on Wednesday. The accused was later taken on police remand. During interrogation, the accused disclosed that he was an employee of Indusund Bank Lajpat Nagar, Delhi branch. He has been working in the bank since 2022. The bank account used in the fraud of this case was opened by him in the name of a fake firm in connivance with accused Yogender Bhati and Vikram Shahi. The accused received Rs 30,000 in exchange for this bank account. Yogender and Vikram have already been arrested in connection with the matter. "The accused had provided a bank account to cyber crooks based on fake documents in return the accused received Rs 30,000 as commission in his account," Diwan said. The arrested accused will be produced before a concerned court for further investigation, police said. Till now a total of 03 accused have been arrested by the police team in this case. "The accused have been taken on police remand for further proceedings. So far the Gurugram police have arrested 21 bank officials within six months who were allegedly involved in cyber fraud," Kumar said. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Thursday claimed that Chief Minister Atishi has been taking credit for even those schemes that have been non-functional for the past six months and questioned her on over 252 deaths caused in the city due to negligence. New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Thursday claimed that Chief Minister Atishi has been taking credit for even those schemes that have been non-functional for the past six months and questioned her on over 252 deaths caused in the city due to negligence. Sachdeva demanded an explanation from the state government over the 252 deaths caused over one year in various incidents reflecting government agencies' laxity. Sachdeva claimed 34 people drowned due to water logging, 16 people died due to electrocution, 7 children were charred to death in an unauthorized hospital, 15 inmates died in Asha Kiran home and nearly 180 homeless people died due to cold. "Both former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and CM Atishi try to divert public attention from their government's failures by exaggerating about crime cases in the city, but the people of Delhi know the truth, understand it, and will not fall for his false propaganda," he said, retaliating to Kejriwal's fresh attack on the BJP-led Central government for what he called a spurt in crimes in the Capital. Training his guns on CM Atishi, Sachdeva said, "Before claiming success for her government's schemes, CM Atishi should have done her homework to realise that her government's Doorstep Delivery Scheme has been non-functional for the past six months, and the EV Policy has failed as people are not receiving cash incentives for vehicle purchases." The Delhi BJP President highlighted the issues of corruption in the power sector, declining results in government schools, and the poor state of Mohalla Clinics, which regularly bring embarrassment to the Delhi government in courts. Citing CM Atishi's latest comment highlighting her government's "achievements", the Delhi BJP President pointed out that if the Chief Minister had done her homework she would have known that the Doorstep Delivery Scheme has been inactive since April 1, 2024 due to the non-renewal of tenders. Referring to the Chief Minister's second claim regarding the EV Policy, he noted that sufficient research by the CM would have revealed that the Delhi government has failed to establish adequate charging stations, and cash incentives for EV buyers have been discontinued since December 2023. As a result, there has been a significant month-on-month decline in EV sales and registrations in Delhi, he said. Sachdeva asserted that the Chief Minister's claims about EV subsidies were entirely baseless. "On the one hand, the government owes outstanding subsidies to EV buyers since December 2023, on the other, there is no budget provision this year for further subsidy payments," he said. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has written to Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena drawing his attention to the deteriorating condition of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial at Singhu Border. Urging immediate improvements and proper maintenance of the site, Kapoor highlighted that in 2011 the then Delhi Government built the memorial on 12 acres of land near Singhu Border to honour the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. A key feature of the memorial was a laser show depicting the life of Guru Maharaj. Regrettably, the memorial has now fallen into neglect. The laser show is no longer operational, the commemorative plaques are damaged, the boundary wall is crumbling, the toilets are in poor condition, and the grass is unkempt. The Delhi BJP spokesperson expressed disappointment that such a state of affairs exists under the government of a party that also governs Punjab and claims to uphold Sikh pride. Hyderabad, Nov 28 : Telangana High Court on Thursday reserved its orders on the anticipatory bail petition of Aruvela Shravan Kumar Rao, an accused in the high-profile phone-tapping case. Shravan Kumar Rao, MD of a media outlet, is named accused number six in the case and he is currently absconding. A non-bailable warrant, issued by the XIVth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Hyderabad, is currently pending against Shravan and the main accused T. Prabhakar Rao, former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB). Both the accused are in the U.S. and said to be undergoing treatment for certain health problems. The single-judge bench reserved the orders on Shravanas bail plea after completing the hearing of arguments from both sides. The public prosecutor opposed the bail petition because the accused was not cooperating with the police in the investigation. Shravan faces multiple charges, including under Sections 409, 427, 201 and 120-B read with 341 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, and Sections 65, 66, and 70 of the Information Technology Act. Shravan allegedly engaged in unauthorised phone surveillance of political leaders, sharing sensitive information with SIB officials. Hyderabad police early this month wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking permission to revoke the passports of Prabhakar Rao and Shravan Kumar. Though passport authorities have impounded the passports of the two accused, they can be deported from the US only if their passports are revoked. Police have also informed the Telangana High Court that they are hopeful of obtaining a red corner notice from Interpol against Prabhakar and Shravan. The phone-tapping allegations under the previous government of BRS came to light in March with the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police Praneeth Rao following a complaint from his superior, D. Ramesh, Additional SP with the SIB. Then chief of SIB, Prabhakar Rao had allegedly constituted a team within SIB with his trusted aides including Praneeth Rao for surveillance of rival political leaders and their families and dissidents within the ruling party. The police have so far named six accused. Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and Bhujanga Rao and former DCP P. Radha Kishan Rao are in judicial custody Bhopal, Nov 28 : Newly elected Congress MLA Mukesh Malhotra on Thursday alleged that he was offered Rs 5 crore to withdraw his nomination papers from Vijaypur Assembly bypolls. Malhotra claimed after the AICC announced his name as a candidate, a senior police official, who is a relative of former minister and BJP candidate Ramniwas Rawat, had threatened him with dire consequences. "Minister's relative, who is a police official offered me Rs 5 crore to withdraw nomination. When I rejected his offer, he threatened me with dire consequences," Malhotra claimed. Congress MLA made these claims, during his first visit to the party headquarters in Bhopal on Thursday. Malhotra, who defeated six-time former MLA and ex-minister Ramniwas Rawat with a margin of over 7000 votes, received a grand welcome from Congress workers. Addressing the press after a brief welcome ceremony, Malhotra claimed attempts were made to attack him. "Police and administrative officials were acting on behalf of the BJP candidate. They even tried to kill me, but I remained firm on my decision to contest the bypolls," he added. Since the formation of the state in 1956, there have been 16 elections held in the Vijaypur Assembly segment, of which Congress won ten times including this by-poll, while the BJP won six times. Ahmedabad, Nov 28 : In a significant academic development, IIM Ahmedabad has released three pioneering case studies on the creation and management of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar (PSM Nagar), a 600-acre cultural marvel built in just nine months and hosted over 12 million visitors. The case studies, which provide unique insights into leadership, management, and large-scale project execution, were inaugurated by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Spiritual Head of BAPS, on Thursday. These studies are now available on IIM Ahmedabad's official website. The studies, authored by Professors Vishal Gupta, Saral Mukherjee, and Chetan Soman, explore the monumental task of planning, designing, and executing the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, which was established by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for the centennial celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Prof. Vishal Gupta, who contributed to the case study on leadership, emphasises the unprecedented scale of the event. He highlights the exceptional people management strategies, service orientation, and leadership principles that were integral to its success. The study reflects on how effective leadership at every level enabled the event to run smoothly despite its colossal scale. Prof. Saral Mukherjee and Prof. Chetan Soman focused on the innovative approaches to infrastructure, logistics, and technology that made the project a success. Their analysis sheds light on how cutting-edge planning, along with sustainable practices, played a key role in making PSM Nagar not only a logistical triumph but also an environmentally responsible one. The IIM Ahmedabad case studies draw parallels with renowned academic analyses, such as Harvard University's study of the Kumbh Mela, positioning PSM Nagar as a global model of large-scale event management. The studies emphasise how PSM Nagar's successful execution exemplifies a unique blend of frugality, scalability, and sustainability -- offering essential lessons for future large-scale projects across various industries. This initiative marks a significant academic milestone, providing invaluable resources for students, academics, and professionals seeking to understand the intricacies of leadership and project management on a global scale. New Delhi, Nov 28 : General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) said on Thursday that modern conflicts are increasingly focused on achieving political objectives through non-military means, with military strategies incorporating new technological advancements. He described contemporary warfare as a continuum of 5Cs - Competition, Crisis, Confrontation, Conflict, and Combat, blending statecraft and diplomacy with kinetic and non-kinetic actions. The COAS was addressing the participants of the 26th Doctrine and Strategy Seminar (DSS) in Mhow on Thursday. The two-day seminar, on the theme, aNeed for Adaptive Doctrines/ Operational Philosophy for Indian Army in View of Recent Conflicts and Technology Infusion in Warfarea, was conducted at the Army War College. Drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war, the COAS identified key takeaways: the importance of Combined Arms Operations, leveraging asymmetric tactics, and enhancing Civil-Military Integration. These lessons underscore the need for military leaders to operate seamlessly within the broader DIME T framework. The COAS also pointed to the ongoing Decade of Transformation (2023-2032) as a step toward achieving this integrated approach. The Army Chief commended the in-depth analysis of strategic and operational issues, emphasising the critical need for transformation and adaptation in response to the evolving nature of warfare. The COAS highlighted the defining characteristics of 5th-generation warfare, including non-kinetic military actions such as disinformation, cyber-attacks, and the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He stressed that while newer forms of warfare are emerging, older generations remain relevant, with both non-contact and non-kinetic methods being integrated into military strategies. Addressing national security challenges, the COAS discussed the complexities of Grey Zone operations, the two-front challenge, and the need for convergence of land operations, and maritime and air strategies to protect India's interests in the Indo-Pacific region. With adversaries increasingly employing hybrid strategies, the Indian Army must adapt doctrines to counter multi-dimensional threats from both state and non-state actors. The COAS emphasised that military doctrines must be flexible, enabling unity of effort while fostering individual judgment. Technology, including artificial intelligence, precision warfare, and cyber capabilities, must be integrated to support multi-domain operations. He stressed the need for military leaders to adapt quickly to technological challenges at the front lines and to foster institutional agility in developing and deploying new technologies. On the role of leadership, the COAS highlighted its paramount importance in military adaptation. Strong and adaptive leadership is essential to overcome challenges in doctrine and technology. The COAS also advocated for a reduction in excessive doctrinal rigidity, urging greater agility, decentralisation, and rapid decision-making, particularly at the tactical level. In conclusion, the COAS called for the development of adaptive doctrines that incorporate dynamic threat assessments, technology integration, realistic training, and wargaming. These doctrines should promote jointness, interoperability with allied nations, and seamless civilian-military synergy, leveraging innovations from the private sector for military applications. New Delhi, Nov 28 : Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan said on Thursday India is at the centre stage of global optimism today while underlining that the country's landscape necessitates a self-reliant defence sector. "We have become the fifth-largest economy in the world. As we march ahead on the path of progress and prosperity, we believe that self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities are the foundations to enduring peace. Indiaas security landscape necessitates a robust and self-reliant defence sector, he added. The CDS said this while addressing the inaugural session of the Defence Partnership Days a" organised jointly by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies and Indian Military Review in Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Gen Anil Chauhan along with Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar. Talking about various reforms and initiatives by the government in the defence sector, Gen Anil Chauhan said: "India has opened up its defence industry through reforms. It has opened it up for private industry, joint ventures, FDI, etc. But, we are yet to fully open up our minds. To really succeed, we will have to imbibe the a4Ias and be a" innovative, inventive, indigenous and imaginative." Gen Anil Chauhan underscored that a common thread that binds all stakeholders is the national interest. The whole enterprise of indigenisation will not succeed if the glue of National Interest does not bind all the elements, he added. He said that as India marches ahead on the path of progress and prosperity, self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities are the foundations to enduring peace. Stating that the investments in defence manufacturing takes time to accrue returns, and the time gap in defence R&D is even longer, and also the outcome can also be uncertain, CDS suggested that the Defence Bank with earlier loan terms can be one option, in addition to funding in projects like iDEX and TDF. He also suggested formulation of defence policies in emerging technologies like space, AI, quantum and autonomous systems that give direction to the industry as to how the services see the future unfolding. Over 200 companies and 100 officers from the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, dealing with technology and procurement are participating in the two-day event. According to the Ministry of Defence, the event is designed to bring together government and business stakeholders, and to facilitate strategic engagements through a series of targeted business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition by 75 companies is being organized to showcase what the industry has to offer for building the nation's defence capabilities. Jammu, Nov 28 : In a major breakthrough against terror networks, District Police Kishtwar in J&K has successfully attached the properties of seven absconding terrorists currently operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. A police statement said on Thursday the attachment of these properties follows meticulous investigation and intelligence inputs. FIR No. 272/2022, registered under sections 120-B, 121-A IPC, and 13, 18, 39 of UAPA at Police Station Kishtwar, laid the groundwork for this action. It said that 36 terrorists from Kishtwar operating from PoK/Pakistan were declared absconders. Among these, seven terrorists had their properties identified for attachment as part of the legal proceedings. After reviewing the evidence, the Honable Court, Doda issued attachment orders under Section 83 CrPC and SSP Kishtwar formed teams comprising of senior officers accompanied by executive magistrates to execute the orders. The attached properties have been marked with signboards to notify the general public. The attached properties belong to Shahnawaz Ahmed, R/O Chirool Padyarna; Bashir Ahmed Mughal, R/O Jugna Keshwan; Gazi-ud-Din, R/O Jugna Balna Keshwan; Sattar Din, R/O Jugna Keshwan; Imtiyaz Ahmed, R/O Banderna Kishtwar; Muzaffer Ahmed, R/O Semna Colony Zewar Kishtwar; and Javid Hussain Giri, R/O Kundali Pochal. The properties of 29 additional absconding terrorists have been identified. The process for their attachment is underway and will be completed shortly, further tightening the noose around terror operatives. Kolkata, Nov 28 : A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Thursday, has slammed the West Bengal police over the lack of proper training for personnel attached to different cyber police stations in the state. The Bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Haurang Kanth has directed the office of the director general of state police to submit a detailed report on the nature of training that are provided to officers attached to the cyber police stations in the state and the state of affairs in the infrastructure of such police stations. The Bench had given this direction while hearing a case on charges of uploading some obscene picture of a woman in social media filed at Murutia Police Station in Nadia district. The Bench observed that although charges under different sections were imposed by the investigating officials, not a single charge under any section of the cyber-crime laws was imposed. It has been alleged that because of this lapse the accused in this case managed to get the bail easily, following which the victim approached the Calcutta High Court. The Bench observed that there is no point in maintaining specialised cyber police stations, if they operate like other regular police stations. It also observed that it was quite unfortunate if an accused in such a case gets bail because of non-inclusion of cyber-crime law-related sections and also questioned on who would take responsibility for it, besides directing the police to get the details from the mobile phones of the accused and incorporate them in the report. The Bench also observed that the state police have not been updated with the requirement of changing times and in the current century, the police personnel only understand batons and sticks. Agartala, Nov 28 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday warned against attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and emphasised the need to protect them. The Chief Minister while addressing the concluding function of the 7-day-long statewide 'Namo Yuva Yatra' at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan here emphasised the importance of securing Sanatan Dharma. He said: "The Bangladesh matter is an international issue. Our central leadership has communicated and sent their message on this. Similarly, we must also urge restraint and ask for the protection of minority Hindus in Bangladesh." "We are monitoring the situation closely, and I have already spoken to the Director General of Police (Amitabh Ranjan) to keep a close watch on the borders to ensure no intruders cross over into Indian territory," Saha said. Criticising opposition parties "for their silence on the Bangladesh issue," the Chief Minister said: "They only speak about Iraq and similar issues, taking to the streets, but on this matter, they remain silent." Saha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always said that without unity among youths, the development of the country is not possible, and the country cannot become powerful. "Thursday's rally was great. I joined the huge bike rally and encouraged the Yuva Shakti. Everyone is happy. We believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have raised the slogan of making Tripura drug-free, and we will fulfil it," he stated. He also responded to criticism from opposition parties, including the CPI-M and Congress, in which he said that they claimed the BJP has no grassroots support. Saha, also former state BJP President, said that the election results have proven where the BJP stands. He said that under the leadership of Modi, the BJP has achieved resounding victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, yet, they continue to shout baselessly. "Let them shout, we have no problem. PM Modi always speaks about the development of the country and the Tripura government is working in the same direction. We are moving forward with development." Saha urged the youths not to waste their lives aligning with opposition parties. "I urge the youths who have spent their lives with the opposition to join the BJP as the membership drive is still ongoing. Don't miss this opportunity. Youths should not fall into the trap of the opposition. We believe in democracy, and we work based on democratic principles," he said. Bengaluru, Nov 28 : In a major decision, the Karnataka government has replaced the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University. The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking to the media, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil stated: "The cabinet has given consent to the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Amendment Act. The major change this amendment bill will bring is until now his Excellency Governor was to be the Chancellor. However, now, with this amendment, the Chief Minister will be the Chancellor." "There are two to three reasons for this decision. The government wants the institute to be more creative, to expedite making of the decisions and Universities are directly related to administration, rural welfare and development. They need to be managed properly on the academic front and the cabinet has decided to make the Chief Minister as the Chancellor," Minister Patil stated. He further stated, "All the powers vested with the Chancellor will also get transferred to the Chief Minister. The state government instead of the Governor has decided to make the Chief Minister the Chancellor for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University." When asked about whether it will apply to other universities as well, Minister Patil stated: "The decision is taken on this university today, when the matter of other universities comes up, I will discuss them. This enactment is different. There are other sets of laws for other universities. The bills need the consent of the Governor. This system is there in many states including Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh state." The cabinet passed nine bills in the meeting. The important bills included, the Karnataka Laborers' Welfare Amendment Act, which deals with the contribution of labour, owner and government contributions to corpus. The quantum of the contribution of Rs 20 from labour, Rs 40 from owners and Rs 20 from the government will now be increased to Rs 50 from labour, Rs 100 from owners and Rs 50 from the government. This will enable making the corpus big and about Rs 100 crores will be collected additionally per year. The cabinet cleared the Karnataka Underground Water Regulations and Control of Development and Management Amendment Act. The act deals with the open borewells which are not closed and pose danger to the life of kids. Minister Patil stated: "In Bagalkot, a baby was stuck inside a borewell after falling into it as it was not closed and became a national news. Repeated tragedies were reported after that incident. The bill aims that the open borewells must be closed and it is enacted for careful management purposes. "The land owner and those who dug the borewell will be held responsible. One year imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine will be imposed if they are found guilty. The violations of rules amount to three months of imprisonment and imposition of a fine of Rs 5,000," Minister Patil stated. Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 : The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested a cyber criminal from Telangana in a case of digital arrest cyber fraud, an official said on Thursday. The accused identified as Abdul Saleem (33) is a resident of Yellammagutta in Nizamabad area of Telangana. He was apprehended over the allegations of Ashok Kumar Behera, a senior citizen of Berhampur in Ganjam district. Behera in his complaint has alleged that the accused fraudster duped him of Rs 1 crore by threatening digital arrest. "The fraudsters impersonated themselves as officers of TRAI and police personnel from Mumbai Cyber Crime Division and asked about one unknown mobile number linked to his Aadhaar card. They accused that the same number had been used for procurement of illegal arms, drugs and for originating threatening calls to many people in Maharashtra for which he would have been punished under appropriate sections of law for a minimum period of three to seven years," said a senior Crime Branch official on Thursday. The accused fraudsters allegedly made a video call to the victim through WhatsApp and put pressure on him saying that he is under 'digital arrest'. "They asked him to transfer all of his money to their given account for verification and later on the entire amount would be reverted back to his account. Under immense mental pressure, he finally transferred all his savings amounting to the tune of Rs 1,00,00,000 to the fraudsters account in two transactions," added the CB official. When the victim found the money transferred to the accused's account was not reverted to his account as promised, he lodged a complaint with the crime branch. The investigating team after analyzing the transaction details and working upon other digital evidence camped at Nizamabad and arrested the accused Abdul from Nizamabad. The accused will be brought on transit remand to Odisha for further probe into the matter. "On verification of his passport, it has been ascertained that the accused had been to Saudi Arabia two times in 2017 and in 2024. From NCRP Samanvaya portal it has been ascertained that the same account is involved in more than 13 cyber incidents throughout the country," added the official. Hyderabad, Nov 28 : A court here on Thursday issued summon to Telangana Cabinet Minister Konda Surekha in a defamation case filed by popular Tollywood actor Nagarjuna. Taking cognisance of the complaint filed by the actor, the court adjourned the hearing to December 12. It directed the minister to appear in court at the next hearing. Nagarjuna had last month filed the complaint against the Minister for Forest and Endowments, whose comments linking the divorce of his son Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao had attracted widespread condemnation. The actor sought action against the minister under Section 356 (defamation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He pleaded with the court to take cognisance of the complaint and direct the police to initiate action for the criminal defamation. While hearing the petition, the Nampally Court had earlier issued notice to the minister. The court also recorded the statements of Nagarjuna and two witnesses. The actor told the court that the minister's remarks harmed the dignity and reputation of his family. Nagarjuna claimed that Konda Surekha's remarks tarnished his familyas reputation, which has been built over decades through their work in the film industry and social service initiatives. On October 2, the Minister made certain comments on the divorce of Nagarjunaas son Naga Chaitanya, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The minister had blamed BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao for the divorce. Surekha's comments had triggered a storm in political and film circles. Clarifying that her divorce was with mutual consent and amicable, Samantha had urged the minister not to trivialise her journey and be responsible and respectful of individualsa privacy. Konda Surekha later announced that she was withdrawing her comments. She clarified that her comments were not meant to hurt Samanthaas sentiments but to question a leader's belittling of women. The minister, however, stated that she was standing by her comments about the BRS leader Rama Rao. The former minister had served a legal notice to Konda Surekha the same day asking her to retract her statement and apologise. As the minister did not apologise, Rama Rao also filed a defamation case against her. Jaipur, Nov 28 : Manju Lamba, the widow of Rohitash Lamba who was martyred in the Pulwama attack, has filed a fraud and harassment case against her brother-in-law, Jitendra Lamba, and her in-laws. She alleged that after her husband's death in 2019, which left her to raise their two-month-old son, her in-laws, including her mother-in-law Ghisi Devi, father-in-law Babulal, and brother-in-law Jitendra, manipulated her into signing blank cheques and withdrew money from her bank accounts. According to her, they also altered the nominee's details and transferred control of her accounts without her consent. The case is currently being investigated by the Harmara police. She mentioned that around Rs 5 crore she received from various sources, including the CRPF and government funds, were deposited in her account after her husband's death. However, she was unaware of the withdrawals because her brother-in-law had removed her number from the account and added his own. Jitendra Lamba, in his defence, claimed that Manju had been living separately since her husband's death and had frequent quarrels with the family. He added that they had installed cameras for security due to her behaviour. He also suggested that Manju's real motive for the case was to go abroad after remarrying. He emphasised that the investigation should proceed, and if he and his parents are found guilty, they should be punished, while requesting protection for their safety. Manju had previously sat on a dharna with other widows in March 2023 outside Congress leader Sachin Pilot's residence, demanding a job for her brother-in-law. --IANS arc/dan Jaipur, Nov 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rising Rajasthan Global Summit on December 9. The three-day event is set to be held at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Center (JECC). Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, accompanied by Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of State for Industry KK Vishnoi, and other officials, conducted a detailed review of the summit preparations on Thursday. The state government through its Rising Rajasthan X handle said: "CM Sharma visited the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) today to overview the site and preparations for the upcoming Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024." "Ajitabh Sharma, Principal Secretary - Industries and Commerce, briefed the Hon'ble Chief Minister about the developments and preparations of the Summit. The Hon'ble Chief Minister was accompanied by Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Hon'ble Minister of Industries and Commerce; Shri KK Vishnoi, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce; Shri Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary; Shri Shikhar Agrawal, ACS to Chief Minister; and other senior government officials," it added. CM Sharma traveled from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) to JECC via JLN Marg and Tonk Road, inspecting arrangements for the high-profile event. Speaking about the summit, CM Sharma announced a special commitment to sustainability, stating that the inaugural day would be entirely powered by solar energy. "This summit will symbolise a new dawn in the state's development through solar power," he posted on X. Highlighting Rajasthan's achievements in renewable energy, Sharma emphasised the state's leading position in India, attributing it to favorable investment policies. He reiterated the government's goal of making Rajasthan self-reliant in energy production by 2027. "Our priority is to promote renewable energy for uninterrupted power supply and attract investors to the sector," the Rajasthan CM said. The Chief Minister's convoy first inspected the decorations and traffic management plans along JLN Marg and Tonk Road. CM Sharma also visited Jaipur airport to oversee arrangements for receiving international and domestic delegates. At JECC, the CM reviewed the stage setup, session venues, and other facilities. On the return journey, he stopped at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, which will host a cultural night for the summit guests. The CM personally assessed the preparations at the hotel. Speaking about the summit's significance, CM Sharma said: "This is the first year we are hosting the Rising Rajasthan Summit. Investors from around the world will join us, exploring opportunities in diverse sectors such as minerals, petrochemicals, medical, education, automobiles, and more." CM Sharma called the event a "milestone" for Rajasthan, emphasizing the government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto promises and propelling the state toward holistic growth. "Any investor coming to Rajasthan will experience a warm welcome steeped in Rajasthani tradition," he concluded. Imphal, Nov 28 : The Manipur government on Thursday said that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur is a creation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar adding that these migrants after illegally settling in the state started the cultivation of illicit poppies. The state government in a statement said that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's 'War on Drugs' has strongly hit the illegal immigrants' illegal activities. "It is not on account of any religious policy of the state government, as has been falsely portrayed by the Mizo National Front (MNF) and other vested interests, even on foreign soil and in various international fora, through fabricated narratives. The MNF appears to have also conveniently forgotten that the conflict, on the Kuki side, is funded by narco-terrorist elements," the statement said. The Manipur government statement comes hours after the MNF demanded the resignation of the (Manipur) Chief Minister N. Biren Singh claiming that he utterly failed to deal with the over 18-month-long ethnic crisis. The statement said that during the period from 2017 till date, the Manipur government launched the 'War on Drugs' and seized or destroyed drugs worth Rs 60,000 crores in the international market. These drugs include 304 kg of heroin powder, 3,775 kg of brown sugar, 1,804 kg of opium, 1,976 kg of Yaba tablets and 422 kg of SP tablets, ice crystal and pseudoephedrine, the statement said adding that 16,787 acres of poppy cultivation were destroyed. There was a decline of 60 per cent of acreage under illicit poppy cultivation between 2021 and 2023. On account of the efforts of the state government and assistance of Central government agencies, the transit of drugs within the state of Manipur has come down to almost nil currently. "On the other hand, Mizoram has now emerged as the favoured route for international transit of illegal arms, ammunition and drugs between India and Myanmar. The MNF should focus on the looming threat on Mizo society from the drug trade instead of passing unwarranted comments on legally justified acts of the Manipur government to combat drug trafficking. If requested by the MNF, the Manipur government would extend all assistance to the efforts of the state of Mizoram towards curbing drugs," the statement said. It alleged that the MNF has been consistently revealing its true colours as an anti-national party with its strong opposition to the efforts of the Centre to fence its open borders with neighbouring Myanmar for the purpose of curbing illegal immigration, trafficking of arms and drugs, internal security and defence. "Myanmar is the origin of most of the illegal immigration and drug problems that Manipur has been facing. Going a little further back in history, the MNF had run a secessionist movement in the then Mizo district of Assam," the statement said. It said that the Biren Singh government has been making continuous efforts towards restoration of peace and normalcy and the government has been providing food, clothing and shelter to over 60,000 persons staying in relief camps across the state. Combing operations to recover arms and ammunition looted from police armouries continue to be undertaken with success and law-breakers have been brought to book, from time to time. The government statement said that Special Investigation Teams were constituted by the Centre to supervise the investigation of the cases. Sensitive cases have been handed over to the NIA and CBI to ensure an impartial investigation. A Commission of Inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge is enquiring into the origins of the ethnic conflict. Several efforts towards peace, including a meeting of legislators convened have resulted in major developments with the Thadou tribal community, the largest tribe in Manipur, and the Hmar tribe, expressing willingness to end the crisis, with the Meiteis and the Liangmai tribes reciprocating wholeheartedly, the government statement said. Bengaluru, Nov 28 : The Karnataka government has decided to recommend to the Governor for the reconsideration of the granting prosecution against former CM B.S. Yediyurappa in the alleged BDA scam. Interestingly, the complaint in this regard was submitted by social activist T.J. Abraham against Yediyurappa. Abraham is one of the three petitioners who petitioned against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress leaders had questioned the integrity of Abraham and called his action fraudulent. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil stated on Thursday that, T.J. Abraham had submitted a petition to the Governor on Nov 19, 2020, against Yediyurappa alleging charges of corruption. The Governor had refused consent for prosecution. The cabinet had discussed the matter in detail. "The cabinet has decided to recommend to the Governor that he should take back his earlier decision and re-verify the matter. It will also be recommended that under Section 17 A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, he should give consent for the investigation. As per the documents available with us, no reasons were cited for refusal of prosecution by the Governor. Yediyurappa is not the MLA nor the CM presently. The decision that he has taken was as the CM. When the act is done as the CM, then the permission of the Governor will become necessary." When asked about the Congress government's criticism against Abraham when he lodged a complaint against Siddaramaiah, Patil maintained, "The matter is in the court and I won't discuss. I won't also discuss the individual. The act and action of the personality is important and not the person." Patil stated: "On Nov 19, 2020, Abraham had filed a complaint before the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) for an offence punishable under 7,8, 9, 10 and 13 of PCA Act and 120 B of IPC, 3 and 4 of PML Act against Yediyurappa, his family members and associates. The said complaint carried grave and serious allegations of corruption against Yediyurappa and his family members. The allegations are quite serious. Abraham had made allegations in this regard and sought approval by the Governor to investigate Yediyurappa. The Governor has rejected the permission. There are 16 allegations and pointers in his petition,". The case is concerned with the tender issued by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) for the construction of 1 BHK and 3 BHK flats in Kodasapura in Bidarahalli taluk in Bengaluru East taluk at an estimated cost of Rs 567 crores. "Two companies which participated in the bid names Ramalingam Construction Company and Nagarjuna Construction Company Private Limited were short-listed for the same. While Ramalingam Construction Company quoted Rs 666 crore, Rs 99.22 crore more than the estimated cost of Rs 567 crore, the Nagarjuna Construction Company quoted Rs 691 more than the estimated cost," Minister Patil stated. Srinagar, Nov 28 : Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday delivered the keynote address at the "Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair-2024", through virtual mode, an official said on Thursday. L-G Sinha spoke about the union territory's rich textile traditions and increasing market access and export opportunities for artisans and local manufacturers. Srinagar, Nov 28 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday delivered the keynote address at the "Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair-2024", through virtual mode, an official said on Thursday. L-G Sinha spoke about the union territory's rich textile traditions and increasing market access and export opportunities for artisans and local manufacturers. He said the "Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair" is now a gathering point for buyers from India and abroad, and is making a valuable contribution to the growth and development of textile industry and benefiting the local artisans, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs. "A resurgence of the textile sector is underway in Jammu & Kashmir. Over the past 50 months, this sector, while celebrating rich textile traditions of the Union Territory, has achieved impressive growth rates and we are determined to go much further with new initiatives," the Lt Governor said. Manoj Sinha highlighted that the reform-oriented policies and programmes of the government, especially in the textile sector, are designed to provide a boost to the craft industry. The L-G said the unique cultural and artistic heritage of Jammu Kashmir are globally competitive and invariably gifted. Further, the government has given a major thrust to the development of necessary infrastructure, financial assistance and skill training to the artisans, he added. "The rich textile tradition of Jammu & Kashmir is the pride of India. The intricate designs, marvelous themes and subtle shades of our textile products are truly priceless. Our artisans have shown to the world that our artistic heritage stands not only for excellence but also for sustained excellence in the field of creativity," the Lt Governor said. On the occasion, L-G Sinha called upon national and international buyers to play their crucial role in promoting the unique textile products of Jammu Kashmir and ensuring access of J&K's talented artisans to new markets. "We have great opportunities to work together. We must build upon the tradition of our cooperation and elevate our productive partnership to a new plane," the Lt Governor told the buyers. The Fair, organised by the Department of Industries & Commerce, J&K Trade Promotion Organisation and Handloom Export Promotion Council, at SKUAST Kashmir, was attended by the National and International buyers, exporters and importers. It provided a platform for B2B meetings, exhibitions, and workshops, enabling participants to connect with national and international buyers, update all the stakeholders about market trends and enhance the requisite skills. Patna, Nov 28 : Chirag Paswan has expressed confidence that he will soon regain the name "Lok Janshakti Party" (LJP) and its election symbol "Bungalow", which have been a matter of contention following the split within the party. Speaking on the 25th foundation day of LJP, established by his father Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag Paswan celebrated the party's legacy at its office on One Wheeler Road and reiterated his claim over the party's identity. "The matter is in the final stages of resolution with the Election Commission and anticipated a favourable outcome shortly," Paswan said. He firmly ruled out any possibility of reconciliation with his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, signaling the irreparability of their political rift. The division in the party began after the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan, leading to factions headed by Chirag and Pashupati Paras. The disagreement over the party name, symbol, and leadership has been central to their dispute. Despite this, Chirag remains optimistic about reclaiming the original identity of the LJP. Chirag Paswan, during the 25th foundation day celebrations of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), reiterated his emotional connection to the party's headquarters on One Wheeler Road in Patna, where the event was held. "Originally planned for Gandhi Maidan, the decision to celebrate at the newly allotted party office was driven by the workers' sentiment and the nostalgic significance of the building. It is closely tied to my father, Ram Vilas Paswan's legacy," Paswan said. Speaking to the media, Chirag openly addressed the rift with his uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, emphasising that the separation was entirely Paras's decision. He recalled the pain caused when Paras excluded Chirag and his mother from the family, effectively denying their place in Ram Vilas Paswan's lineage. "He was the eldest in the family, but the way he distanced us, it's now impossible to reconcile," Chirag stated. The feud between Chirag and Paras began after Ram Vilas Paswan's death, resulting in a split in the LJP over its political legacy. Both factions have since claimed to uphold the vision of Ram Vilas Paswan, even celebrating the party's foundation day separately. Jaipur, Nov 28 : The Union Finance Ministry has approved two ambitious tourism development projects worth approximately Rs 145 crore, proposed by Rajasthan's Tourism Department, an official said on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, after holding discussions with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed the approval on Thursday. The projects include the enhancement of Amer and Nahargarh (at a cost of Rs 49.31 crore) and Rs 96.61 crore (sanction) for upgrading the Jal Mahal area. These initiatives fall under a special capital expenditure scheme aimed at transforming key tourist destinations into world-class attractions. Earlier, Diya Kumari had allocated Rs 100 crore in the state budget for Jaipur's walled city and had been working towards securing central approval for related projects like the ropeway system and other infrastructure at Jal Mahal and Amer-Nahargarh. Expressing gratitude to the Finance Ministry, she highlighted the benefits of a adouble-engine government". She added that this investment would not only improve tourist facilities in Jaipur but also generate significant employment opportunities for locals. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has been appointed as the executing agency for these projects. To further boost tourism, ropeway proposals for Nahargarh and Amer have also been submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Diya Kumari also met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite these approvals, an official said. The required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Department of Archaeology and Museum, Forest Department, and Rajasthan Lake Development Authority have already been secured for the projects. Meanwhile, the Tourism Department is preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for the development of other key sites, including the Khatu Shyamji and Pushkar Corridor, to seek central funding for future projects, an official said. Guwahati, Nov 28 : : Assam Police thwarted the attempt of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration and pushed back one woman of the neighbouring country, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. The woman has been identified as Satir Khatun. Taking to X, Sarma wrote: "Continuing with its strict vigil on the Indo-Bangladesh border @assampolice apprehended an illegal Bangladeshi national near the International border and pushed her back across the border." "Our forces are alert 24/7 to foil any infiltration attempt," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, the two Bangladeshi nationals who were apprehended were identified as Nur Mohammed and Muhammed Khaleda Begum. The security vigilance along the international border with Bangladesh was heightened following the unrest in the neighbouring country. Sarma earlier asserted that although some of the Bangladeshi infiltrators managed to get Aadhaar cards, they can not enrol themselves in the voter list. He said: "There is no chance that people cross illegally the international border from Bangladesh and get themselves enrolled in the voter list in Assam because we have caught many people who illegally entered Indian territory and they were pushed back within a few hours. Most of the infiltrators were arrested in the morning around 5 a.m. and before 9 a.m. in the morning, they were pushed back to the neighbouring country. In two or three hours, they can not register themselves in the voter list." However, the Chief Minister sees no harm to remain double vigilant in this matter. "We have decided to take a slew of measures against the detection of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh because there might have been possibilities that a few infiltrators could not be arrested by the security personnel," he added. The Chief Minister asserted that people from Bangladesh come to India as poverty has climbed up in the neighbouring country after the recent unrest following the departure of Sheikh Hasina government there. He also claimed that contrary to conventional apprehension, mainly people who belong to Muslim community have been trying to cross the border and enter India illegally for the sake of jobs. London, Nov 29 : The U.K. Conservative MP Bob Blackman lashed out at the Bangladeshi interim government over the attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August this year. "I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally," the MP wrote on X. He added, "I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that #ISKCON should be banned from the country." He added that there was an attempt made in the Bangladesh court to ban the ISKCON which is a direct threat to minorities in the country. "We have fought for the freedom of Bangladeshi and we cannot allow any government there to persecute minorities there," the MP said. Chinmoy Krishna, also known as Krishna Prabhu Das, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday at 4:30 pm. Chinmoy Krishna Das was taken into custody by Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday as the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus continues to inflict horrors on the Hindu community of the country. Chinmoy Krishna was not only associated with the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot (BJHM), a grand national alliance of 23 religious organisations in the country but also with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As the news about Chinmoy Krishna's arrest spread on social media, several protests broke out in Chittagong, demanding his immediate release. It was reported that protesters marched and rallied at the Cheragi intersection in the city, chanting slogans and demanding his release. Several videos that went viral on social media late Monday evening showed Bangladeshi policemen targeting the protestors who were marching towards the Cheragi intersection. The incidents of vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to leave the country have been repeatedly inflicted on the Hindu community after the interim government was sworn in on August 8 under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad had earlier sent an 'open letter' to Yunus, expressing "profound sorrow and concern" over a particular group's "unprecedented violence" against the minorities. Patna, Nov 29 : A tragic road accident occurred on Thursday evening in the Arwal district of Bihar, claiming the lives of four persons while three others were also injured. The incident took place around 7:30 PM near Parsadi English village, under the jurisdiction of the Town Police Station in the district. Ali Sabri, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Town Police Station, said the victims, residents of Kamta village under Kaler police station in the district were travelling in a Mahindra Scorpio SUV en route to Patna to attend a wedding ceremony. "The accident occurred when the vehicle, speeding through the area, hit a small speed breaker. The driver lost control of the SUV, which subsequently skidded and fell into the Son Canal adjacent to the road," Sabri said. "Four victims of a family died on the spot. Fortunately, three persons managed to survive despite having serious injuries. They were promptly rescued and taken to Sadar Hospital for treatment, where they are reported to be out of danger," Sabri said. The victims of the road accident have been identified as Parmanand Kumar (30) Resident of Kamta village, Priyanka Kumari (28) Resident of Kamta village, Soni Kumari (22) Wife of Parmanand Kumar, and Tannu Kumari (1) Daughter of Parmanand and Soni Kumari. The injured persons are identified as Namneet Kumar (20) Savita Devi (30) and Vaijanti Devi (45). "We have informed the family members about the accident. The dead bodies were recovered from the canal and sent for the postmortem. The injured persons are currently recuperating in the Sadar hospital," Sabri said. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Amid the row over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh on the charges of sedition, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Thursday said it backs the cause for which Das stands while seeking re-establishment of an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in the neighbouring nation. In a statement, the ISCKON wrote: "ISKCON has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das's rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship. We also support, along with all other sanatani groups, protection and safety of Hindus, and re-establishing an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh. Many of our press statements and interviews have made this fully clear. We have only clarified, something that was already said by us in the past many months, regarding him not officially representing ISKCON in Bangladesh." Chinmoy Krishna, also known as Krishna Prabhu Das, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday evening. Chinmoy Krishna was not only associated with the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot (BJHM), a grand national alliance of 23 religious organisations in the country but also with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As the news about Chinmoy Krishna's arrest spread on social media, several protests broke out in Chittagong, demanding his immediate release. It was reported that protesters marched and rallied at the Cheragi intersection in the city, chanting slogans and demanding his release. Several videos that went viral on social media late Monday evening showed Bangladeshi policemen targeting the protestors who were marching towards the Cheragi intersection. The incidents of vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to leave the country have been repeatedly inflicted on the Hindu community after the interim government was sworn in on August 8 under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad had earlier sent an 'open letter' to Yunus, expressing "profound sorrow and concern" over a particular group's "unprecedented violence" against the minorities. Earlier, strongly condemning the "tortures" inflicted on common people by the interim government in Bangladesh that is headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, the country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called for immediate release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham, who has been jailed in Chittagong. "A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately," Hasina, who was forced to leave the country after the so-called 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' in August, said in a statement. As the shocking development continues to invite severe backlash from Hindus all over the world, Hasina spotlighted several incidents of persecution of members of minority communities that have been reported from across 52 districts in Bangladesh since her resignation on August 5, this year. "A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," she stated. "After the killing of innumerable Awami League leaders and workers, students and members of the law and order forces, harassment is going on through assaults and arrests. I strongly condemn and protest against these anarchist activities," Hasina added. Lucknow, Nov 29 : The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has ordered a judicial inquiry into the recent incident of violence in Sambhal in which at least four persons lost their lives. As per the order of the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, a three-member committee headed by retired High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora has been handed the responsibility of conducting an investigation into the matter. The two other members of the committee are retired IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and former IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain. An official said that the committee had been directed to submit its report within two months. The order to constitute the committee was issued by the Home Department of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. The order read: "It is necessary to investigate in the public interest whether the incident of violence that took place on November 24, 2024, during the survey ordered by the Court in the Jama Masjid vs Harihar Mandir dispute was a pre-planned conspiracy or a normal criminal incident, due to which several police personnel were injured, four persons died and property was also damaged." Tension mounted in Sambhal on November 24 during the second survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid after locals pelted stones at the police team. A second survey, as part of a court-ordered examination into the disputed site, began around 7 a.m. and a crowd began gathering at the spot. At first, the crowd just shouted slogans, and then, some people started pelting stones at the police, Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said. According to the police, there were three groups of stone pelters, operating from three directions, and began the pelting as the survey team was coming out. The team was later safely escorted out of the area. Meanwhile, some of the attackers tried to vandalise and set afire vehicles, and firing broke out in which the three youths were killed and several policemen and officials injured. On November 24, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Painsia said: "The survey was being conducted according to court orders. Last time, the survey could not be completed, and a slot of 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. was chosen today as no namaz is offered during this time and the process can be completed peacefully. The survey was on peacefully, there was no disruption. Jamia Committee was cooperating in the process," he said. However, some miscreants outside pelted stones at the police, he said. The Supreme Court had ordered a survey after a petition was filed stating that the mosque was originally the Harihar temple. Petitioner Vishnu Shankar Jain contended that Mughal Emperor Babar razed the Harihar temple to build the mosque. Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company (IHC), one of the largest sovereign funds that manages assets close to $100 billion, has reaffirmed its support to the Adani Group, saying its outlook on investments in the group remains unchanged despite the US indictment of the conglomerate's founder chairman Gautam Adani. Photograph: ANI Photo "Our partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors," IHC, one of Adani group's key foreign investors, said in a statement. "As with all our investments, our team continues to evaluate relevant information and developments. "At this time, our outlook on these investments remains unchanged." IHC had, in April 2022, invested about $500 million each in the renewables arm Adani Green Energy and power company Adani Transmission and a further $1 billion in the group's flagship Adani Enterprises. Later, it sold its 1.26 per cent stake in AGEL and 1.41 per cent in ATL, now called Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, but hiked its stake in Adani Enterprises Ltd to over 5 per cent. The IHC statement comes soon after Adani group emphasised that its chairman and his aides have not been charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act but faced three other charges, including securities and wire fraud that are punishable with monetary fines. The US Department of Justice's (US DoJ) indictment filed in a New York Court last week does not mention Gautam Adani, founder chairman of the ports-to-energy conglomerate, his nephew Sagar or Vneet Jaain in any count related to conspiracy to violate the FCPA, AGEL - the firm at the heart of allegation of $265 million bribes allegedly being paid to Indian officials to secure solar power sale contracts that could benefit bring in $2 billion of profits over 20 year period to the firm, had said in a filing to the stock exchange. The three, who are executives at AGEL, have only been charged with securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and securities fraud, the company said. In general, the penalties for such charges are less severe than bribery. Gautam and Sagar also face a civil complaint over violation of sections of the Securities Act and aiding and abetting Adani Green to violate the Act, the company had said. Adani Group last week denied all allegations as baseless and said it would seek legal recourse to defend itself. Meanwhile, other international partners have also expressed their continued support. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has expressed its ongoing confidence in its partnership with Adani, as the Indian group plays a vital role in expanding the country's port infrastructure. With $1 billion investment in the Colombo terminal, the project is poised to be the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka's port sector. Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe (Retd) has reportedly stated that there are no discussions regarding the project's cancellation. The project will be operational in the next couple of months. Also, the Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to its agreements with Adani Ports, as it feels that there are no concerns regarding the ongoing projects and that all contracts fully comply with Tanzanian law. In May 2024, Tanzania and Adani Ports finalised a 30-year concession agreement to operate Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam port. Additionally, Adani Ports acquired a 95 per cent stake in Tanzania International Container Terminal Services, a state-owned entity, for $95 million. Sazerac Company, the largest distiller in the US, is looking to leverage Indias position as the worlds largest whisky market to introduce a range of bourbon whiskies in the country. Photograph: Sazerac/Instagram Identifying India as a key priority market, Diego Bianchi, general manager of emerging markets and Barrel Select at Sazerac Company, told Business Standard that new consumers, including women, will be key drivers for the growth of the category in India. India, particularly, is where some of the fastest-growing consumers are. "Whats going to drive growth in India in the future is more consumers coming into the fold, with women being a key driver, he said. The approachability, the soft flavour, and the sweetness will also really appeal to female drinkers, he added. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) Drinks Market Analysis 2024, India remains the global volume leader for whisky, brandy, and rum. Irish whisky and US whisky were initially taken up by younger legal drinking age consumers, but older drinkers are also trying and repurchasing them, the report said. US whisky held a 0.1 per cent market share in India in 2023 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 3.2 per cent from 2023 to 2028, the report added. My goal is to ensure that India becomes the second-largest global market for Weller outside the US, Bianchi said. Following the launch of Weller Special Reserve and Weller 12 Year in Mumbai on Wednesday, Sazerac aims to rapidly expand to top metros, including Delhi and Bengaluru. The company will also leverage its partnership with John Distilleries (JDPL) in which it owns a 60 per cent stake to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, where it plans to introduce more bourbon variants in the future. JDPL is a critical partner for us, primarily because they are experts in the Indian market. "They will help us navigate the regulatory challenges in different states. "Their strong relationships with national chains across India will also assist us in educating consumers about Weller and bourbon as a category, Bianchi said. 'Son believes India has a significant opportunity in chip design, especially in creating IP that will be uniquely Indian.' IMAGE: When Prime Minister Narendra D Modi met Softbank Group Corp President/CEO Masayoshi Son in Tokyo, May 23, 2022. Photograph: PIB/ANI Photo SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, currently on a brief visit to India, on Wednesday held discussions with over 20 Indian entrepreneurs, including some from SoftBank's portfolio companies. Son was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra D Modi and is also understood to have met with prominent business leaders such as Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, according to sources. During a lunch meeting in New Delhi, Son interacted with startup founders, including Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm), Bhavish Aggarwal (Ola), Ritesh Agarwal (Oyo), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), Albinder Dhindsa (Blinkit), Ruchi Kalra (OfBusiness), Saurabh Nigam (ElasticRun), Supam Meshwari (FirstCry), Kalyan Krishnamurthy (Flipkart) and Gaurav Munjal (Unacademy). In addition to meeting founders of companies already backed by SoftBank, Son also engaged with four-five entrepreneurs whose ventures are potential candidates for future investments. The discussion revolved around artificial intelligence (AI), super AI, and generative AI (GenAI) -- areas Son has consistently championed. According to sources, Son emphasised the need for Indian entrepreneurs to adopt an "exponential mindset" when thinking about AI applications, rather than a "linear approach". "He (Son) believes India has a significant opportunity in chip design, especially in creating intellectual property that will be uniquely Indian," said a source familiar with the meeting. Son also encouraged founders to develop long-term strategies, advocating for 10-year plans rather than short-term goals of two or three years, the source added. Sources in the know also said that Son had a one-on-one conversation with Lenskart's Bansal, Naveen Tewari of InMobi and Ola's Agarwal. After the meeting, Ola CEO and founder Agarwal wrote on X: 'Always amazing meeting @masason!' 'Such an energising discussion on AI, AGI, Energy and India. We will make the future here in India together.' "The discussion between Masa and Tewari reportedly centred on further collaborations in India and global markets, especially in consumer tech and AI -- domains where InMobi and Glance have established themselves as global leaders originating from India," said a source aware of the conversation. Son, who has been a vocal advocate for AI's transformative potential, previously predicted that AI could contribute up to 5 per cent of global economic output by 2035. At the Future Investment Initiative in Saudi Arabia, he noted that this would require substantial investments in chips and energy, estimating cumulative capital expenditures of $9 trillion, reported The Register. Over the past two years, while maintaining a lower public profile, SoftBank has been quietly advancing its AI agenda, filing approximately 6,000 AI-related patents. According to Son, the AI space represents a 'gold rush' for entrepreneurs who grasp its immense potential. Son's last visit to India was in 2023. His current visit coincides with several other global AI leaders' visits to India. SoftBank has made a total investment of $15 billion in India, funding nearly one-fifth of the country's 100-plus unicorns (startups worth more than $1 billion). SoftBank is also one of the investors that has seen some of the largest and successful listing of portfolio firms such as FirstCry, Ola Electric and Swiggy. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Sebi has proposed an overhaul of the SME IPO rules to curb instances of fund diversion and malpractices. Of the total 199 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) listed this year so far, 22 had an issue size of less than Rs 10 crore, which the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) will no longer allow in the listed ecosystem after its recent consultation paper. The market regulator on Tuesday proposed an overhaul of the rules governing the initial public offerings (IPOs) of SMEs and corporate governance norms for listed SMEs, following concerns over systemic risk seen in the ecosystem with instances of fund diversion and price manipulation. While industry players welcomed the review on corporate governance and transparency, many SME firms said the move will make it extremely difficult for them to raise funds and burden them with compliance issues. Instead of eliminating the bad players, Sebi has chosen to increase the bar for all. "It was the duty of the exchanges to vet the applications and catch any such malpractice or fraudulent players when the draft offer documents were filed. "The proposed changes make it difficult for smaller companies that want to raise money from the public. "Not all banks are ready to lend to SMEs for growth capital and here the public market was very helpful, said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum. The forum, which claims to have over a hundred SMEs listed on the exchanges, will submit its concern on the proposals soon. "There have been cases where non-serious players also entered the listed space, given this situation, some changes were expected and needed to strengthen the ecosystem, said Animesh Saxena, former president of the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME). If the investors lose their confidence, it will be difficult to bring them back. "Many investors had started thinking of SMEs as gold mines where they got good premiums on listing. But there has to be some balance," Saxena added. Several players added that Sebi should have taken a wider view from SMEs at the co-creation stage of the proposals. The market regulator has proposed the changes after consultation with exchanges and merchant bankers. Sebis norms include tighter eligibility conditions, higher entry amount for investors, increasing number of minimum allottees, higher lock-in requirements for promoters, and curbs on related party transactions, among dozens of other rules. Stricter compliance requirements would ensure there are checks and balances in place for detecting undesired manipulations. "Sebi in December 2023 made additional surveillance measures applicable to the SME segment to increase surveillance on unwarranted trading practices. "With these compliance requirements in place, it is likely that compliance costs for SMEs might get escalated, said Makarand M Joshi, founder of the corporate compliance firm MMJC and Associates. The market regulator has also proposed mandating statutory auditor certificates on a half-yearly basis. If the amount raised for working capital exceeds Rs 5 crore, a statutory auditor certificate on a half-year basis with respect to the use of funds in working capital will be made mandatory. Sebi not only pointed out glaring issues with nearly half a dozen SMEs but also highlighted the unusual rise in investor participation in the segment. This is seen in the applicant-to-allotted investor ratio which has increased from 4 times in FY22 to 46 times in FY23, and to 245 times in FY24. The ratio shows the number of applications compared to the allotments. On Sebis mandate on operating profit of Rs 3 crore in two of the three financial years before the filing of draft documents, a few players say it may become difficult for smaller companies to raise capital. 'If machines (EVMs) are so reliable, if our electoral system is so reliable, then why has the Election Commission so far not even responded to an ADR plea to share data of 79 (Lok Sabha) constituencies where there's a (alleged) dispute?' IMAGE: Eknath Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar during a rally for the Maharashtra assembly election, November 10, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo "Mahayuti has won 236 because of systematic and different kinds of EVM management and manipulation," insists former Congress Rajya Sabha MP and journalist Kumar Ketkar in the concluding segment of a two-part interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. Talking about EVM tampering which many leaders from the Maha Vikas Agadi have been alleging, if EVM tampering was so easy, wouldn't Narendra Modi have gone 400 paar in the Lok Sabha election? EVM tampering may not be easy, but EVM tampering is a fact. EVM tampering is often mistaken for the EVM machine using some kind of software which will convert 'A vote' to 'B vote'. EVM tampering has multiple forms. For instance, a particular machine in which votes are cast, that machine is quietly replaced. Let's for argument's sake assume that the BJP is doing wholesale EVM tampering... If that were the case, why didn't they do it in the Lok Sabha election? I never said they are doing wholesale (tampering). The question arises why didn't they do it during the Lok Sabha election and help Narendra Modi hit 400 paar? They will not do it because they don't want to do it wholesale. They are very clever manipulators. They will say we have 544 constituencies in the Lok Sabha election; they never wanted to win 400 Lok Sabha seats. Their logic was: Out of the 400 at least 200 will come to us (the BJP) automatically because we have that much electoral following. What we need to do is additional seats that we want.' Now where they went wrong was in their first assessment of 200 seats. They were pretty sure of winning 200 seats on their own. They must have decided to manipulate accordingly perhaps -- and this is hypothetical -- maximum 75 to 80 seats and because they were confident of winning 200 seats on their own, this would have easily taken them above the simple majority mark of 272. 400 was basically a propaganda machine. They never wanted to cross 400; privately they said it was just a campaign point to give them confidence and enthuse BJP voters. The point is you don't have to actually hack the machine by using software. There are so many ways of hacking the machine. Sometimes replace the machines, sometimes just press the buttons. Sometimes add votes after 6 pm (when the elections are closed and counting units of the EVMs are sealed). Tell me this simple thing: If machines (EVMs) are so reliable, if our electoral system is so reliable, then why has the Election Commission so far not even responded to an ADR (Association of Democratic Rights) plea to share data of 79 (Lok Sabha) constituencies where there's a (alleged) dispute? The Election Commission can once and for all shut the mouths of all those casting allegations over how EVMs can be manipulated, by sharing data transparently about these 79 constituencies. This will not require much time. It is just pressing some buttons. We are living in an era of so-called Digital India. But why are they refusing that? If the Election Commission does this it can earn the trust of the people. But so far they have not even responded. I think these are the anomalies. I am not saying that these anomalies decide the total voting pattern. I am not even saying that this is the only way Mahayuti has won. But Mahayuti has won 236 because of systematic and different kinds of EVM management and manipulation. None of the constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi has won even one-tenth of the 288 assembly seats. So, there will be no leader of the Opposition and with the MVA not even crossing 50 seats there may hardly be any opposition to the next Mahayuti government. Under this situation how is the Mahayuti government likely to treat the Opposition? IMAGE: Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Sanjay Raut address the media ahead of the Maharashtra assembly election in Mumbai, November 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo They (the Opposition) will just be bulldozed by the majority (Mahayuti government with over 236 MLAs in a 288-member House). They will do it and they will be very aggressive. They (the Mahayuti) will just do what they want. Let the Opposition walk out, demonstrate, protest, bring banners inside, create problems, shout at all that they are allowed to... in the so-called democratic freedom all they will be allowed to do is shout and protest. I was in the Rajya Sabha for six years (between 2018 and 2024) and I have seen how they (the Narendra Modi government) bulldoze (the Opposition). The moment we walked out in protest they would pass several bills immediately; or they would just throw us out, suspend us, adjourn the House and pass the bills. I have seen that kind of a brutal approach to passing the bills. Will we see the same scenes in the Maharashtra assembly that we saw in the Lok Sabha between 2019 and 2024? Actually between 2014 (when Modi first became India's prime minister) and 2024, but certainly often after 2019 (when Modi had a bigger majority than in 2014). What can the MVA constituents now do to get their fight against alleged EVM tampering heard by the Election Commission? They must go to the Election Commission, take out a morcha, gherao the Election Commission and put pressure on them to release the data. What kind of legislation do you think the Maharashtra assembly will pass in the next five years? What kind of is difficult to say but half a dozen (legislation) will be Hindutva-oriented. They might pass a Universal Civil Code-like law. Some resolutions on madarsas will take place. But these are relatively smaller issues; the main issues of communalism will be handled by Delhi. 'Worrisome', 'painful', what is the problem' the rift over a claim that the famed shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was built over a Shiva temple widened on Thursday with politicians, community leaders and others weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. IMAGE: Devotees arrive at Ajmer Sharif Dargah which is illuminated on the eve of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi festival, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, September 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo On Wednesday, a local court in Ajmer, known the world over as the home of the dargah visited by thousands of devotees cutting across religious divides every day, issued notices to the dargah committee, the ministry of minority affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India on the plea seeking to declare the shrine a temple. The notice came just days after four people were killed in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh in violence following a local court ordering the survey of a Mughal-era shrine, the Shahi Jama Masjid, which petitioners said was built after destroying an old temple. And set off fears that Ajmer could become another communal tinderbox. While dargah committee officials declined to comment, Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the khadims (caretakers) of the Ajmer dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. He said the dargah which he described as a symbol of communal harmony and secularism comes under the minority affairs ministry and the ASI has nothing to do with it. "The community accepted the decision in the Babri Masjid case and we believed nothing will happen after that but unfortunately such things are happening again and again. The example of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh is in front of us. This must stop," he told PTI. He added that the Anjuman be made party to the case. The plea seeking directions to start worship in the temple was filed in September and the next hearing is on December 20. "Our demand was that the Ajmer dargah be declared a Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple and if the dargah has any kind of registration, it should be cancelled. Its survey should be done through ASI and Hindus should be given the right to worship there," plaintiff Vishnu Gupta told reporters. The Hindu Sena president has referred to a book by academic Har Bilas Sarda to support his claim that there was a Shiv temple where the dargah was raised. He claimed he had conducted research for two years and found that there was a Shiva temple which was destroyed by Muslim invaders and a dargah built. As debate and concerns escalated, Union minister Giriraj Singh wondered why. "A court has ordered a survey in Ajmer. What is the problem if the court has ordered a survey? This is true that when the Mughals came to India, they demolished our temples. The Congress government has only done appeasement till now. If (Jawaharlal) Nehru would have stopped it in 1947 itself, there would have been no need to approach the court today," he said. At the centre of much of the debate was The Places of Worship (special provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947 as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places. According to SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, such claims were a "blatant mockery" of the law and the Constitution, especially in light of the Places of Worship Act. The law, enacted by Parliament, clearly specified that the status of any place of worship as of August 15, 1947, shall remain unchanged and cannot be challenged, he said in a statement. The intent was clear, to prevent any further targeting of mosques or other religious places following the Babri Masjid case, he said. "Following the unresolved issue of Sambhal's Jama Masjid, a new claim has emerged, asserting that the world-renowned Ajmer dargah is the Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple. Unfortunately, the West Civil Court in Ajmer has accepted this petition for hearing and issued notices to the parties involved," Ilyas said. Muzaffar Bharti, president of the United Muslim Forum Rajasthan, also contended that the petition was a "sheer violation" of the 1991 Act. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers a 'chadar' at the dargah during the annual Urs, a tradition started by Jawaharlal Nehru. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi agreed. "The Dargah Sharif has been there (Ajmer) for 800 years. Every prime minister of the country sends 'chadar' for the dargah during Urs. Where will all this stop? What will happen to the Place of Worship Act 1991? This is being done to destabilise the country... I am saying this repeatedly that these things are not in favour of the country. These people are related directly or indirectly with BJP, RSS...," he said. The Communist Party of India-Marxist said in a statement that the civil court's decision to entertain the petition is unwarranted and has no legal standing. "It goes against the provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which decrees that no legal dispute can be raised on a religious place that existed prior to August 15, 1947," it said. "The violation of this Act has already resulted in the flawed decision with regard to the survey of the masjid in Sambhal...," the party added, asking the Supreme Court to immediately intervene. People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also cited the act. "Thanks to a former Chief Justice of India a Pandora's box has been opened sparking a contentious debate about minority religious places. Despite a Supreme Court ruling that the status quo should be maintained as it existed in 1947, his judgement has paved the way for surveys of these sites potentially leading to increased tension between Hindus and Muslims," said PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. She was apparently referring to an order by a bench led by then CJI DY Chandrachud allowing the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi to determine if it was built on a pre-existing temple. The bench comprising then CJI Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI to carry out the survey through "non-invasive methodology". "Yet another shocker.. supposedly hidden somewhere in the Ajmer Dargah Sharif," added People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on the developments in Ajmer. "Worrisome. The latest claim: Shiv Temple at Ajmer Dargah. Where are we taking this country? And why? For political dividends!" Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said in a post on X. "These things are very painful. Some people have their cool after 2024 (Lok Sabha) election results as they didn't get the majority. These people want to target a particular community to please the majority, added Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a Sufi saint from Persia who made Ajmer his home. During his reign, Mughal ruler Akbar made a pilgrimage to Ajmer every year. He, as well as Shah Jahan, built mosques inside the shrine complex. IIT Kanpur has announced a breakthrough in stealth technology, which would make tanks and fighter aircraft invisible, or near-invisible to enemy radar. IMAGE: IIT Kanpur launches the Analakshya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System, a revolutionary technology for defence applications. This textile-based broadband Metamaterial Microwave Absorber offers near-perfect wave absorption across a broad spectrum, significantly enhancing stealth capabilities against Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging. The Analakshya MSCS is the brainchild of Professor Anantha Ramakrishna from the department of Physics; Professor Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava from the department of Electrical Engineering; and Professor J Ramkumar from the department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, developed with their team of talented students: Gagandeep Singh, Dr Kajal Chowdhary and Dr Abhinav Bhardwaj, along with other PhD scholars. Photograph: Kind courtesy @IITKanpur.X High-technology cooperation between indigenous defence industry and academia has begun yielding results. On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) announced a breakthrough in stealth technology, which would make combat systems like tanks and fighter aircraft invisible, or near-invisible to enemy radar. Designated a 'meta-material surface cloaking system' (MSCS), this has been named the Analakshya by its inventors in IIT-K. It is of major interest to the Defence Research & Development Organisation in its development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) -- a 'stealth fighter' that is being engineered to be near-invisible to the enemy's air defence radar. The technology has undergone extensive laboratory and field testing between 2019 and 2024, proving its efficacy across diverse conditions. The system is currently under acquisition by the Indian armed forces, signalling its strategic importance to national security. According to a statement, 90 per cent of the Analakshya MSCS is sourced indigenously. In a significant move towards industrial production, the technology has been licensed to a private company Meta Tattva Systems, which will oversee its manufacturing and deployment. IMAGE: At the unveiling of Analakshya: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, Indian Air Force and Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson and Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar at the event along with Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT-Kanpur, Professor Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development, IIT-K, Air Vice Marshal Praveen Bhatt, Director, Meta Tattva Systems, Air Commodore Ajay Chaudhari and Brigadier Abhinandan Singh. Photograph: Kind courtesy @IITKanpur.X Stealth systems avoid detection by enemy radar through two devices. First, by engineering its external surface with small jagged panels that scatter radar waves, rather than large flat surfaces that reflect back radar waves to be detected by enemy radar antennae. The second device that renders battlefield systems such as stealth fighters hard to detect is their surface composition. Flat, metallic surfaces enable detection by reflecting radar waves. In contrast, absorptive surfaces absorb a high percentage of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) waves. 'This textile-based, broadband, meta-material microwave absorber offers near-perfect wave absorption across a broad spectrum, significantly enhancing stealth capabilities against SAR imaging,' IIT-K said on Tuesday. Developed by a team of IIT-K researchers, this system sets a new benchmark in multispectral stealth capabilities, offering transformative applications in defence, national security, and specialised industries. The Analakshya MSCS not only offers wave absorption across a broad spectrum, it also provides effective protection from missiles that use radar guidance. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com The High Court on Thursday refused to ban ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh, a local newspaper reported days after a lawyer was killed in a clash between security personnel and supporters of a Hindu leader arrested on sedition charges. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The lawyer had sought a ban from the high court on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) after placing some newspaper reports related to the organisation on Wednesday. The court had asked the attorney general to inform it about the steps taken by the government regarding ISKCON's recent activities, according to The Daily Star. Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested this week, was earlier expelled from ISKCON. His arrest triggered clashes on Tuesday during which Advocate Saiful Islam, an assistant public prosecutor, was killed. When the high court proceedings started on Thursday, the attorney general's office placed the information sought by the court before the bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, The Daily Star said. Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Asad Uddin informed the HC bench that three separate cases have been filed in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON's activities, and 33 accused have been arrested in these cases. The bench then hoped that the government would remain cautious about protecting the law and order situation and lives and properties of the people of Bangladesh, the newspaper added. India on Tuesday noted with "deep concern" Das' arrest and denial of bail, and urged Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups. Separately, a group of Supreme Court lawyers sent a legal notice to Bangladesh government on Wednesday seeking a ban on ISKCON describing it as a radical organisation. The notice, sent by Al Mamun Russell on behalf of 10 lawyers, also demanded prosecution of those responsible for Advocate Islam's murder, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said quoting the notice. ISKCON has been operating in Bangladesh as a radical organisation, engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, the notice alleged. Citing a book by former Bangladeshi intelligence officials, the notice alleges that ISKCON has been promoting religious events with the intent of inciting sectarian violence, imposing its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly recruiting members from lower Hindu castes, the newspaper said. Russel's notice was addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Police and called for an immediate ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh under relevant section of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009. Earlier, the ISKCON had urged the Bangladesh authorities to promote "peaceful coexistence" for Hindus in the country as it "strongly" denounced Das' arrest. Das, the spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday as he was about to fly to Chattogram to join a rally. He was denied bail and sent to jail by the Chattogram's Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court in a sedition case on Tuesday. In a statement on Tuesday, ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said, "We express our serious concern and strongly denounce the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das ... We also condemn the subsequent violence and attacks against Sanatanis in various regions of Bangladesh." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party will be able to win many constituencies in the state if it campaigns aggressively in minority-dominated areas. IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inspects construction work of Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge over the Brahmaputra River, at Machkhowa in Guwahati, Assam, November 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo He claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party got 30,000-40,000 votes in every minority seat during the last Lok Sabha polls in Assam due to beneficiary schemes In an interaction with the media after visiting a bridge construction site, Sarma said that BJP has not been able to win seats from minority-dominated areas because it has not sought votes aggressively. We did not approach them very aggressively and did not get votes. If we decide to seek votes aggressively (in minority areas), I believe we will be able to win a lot of constituencies, he said. The chief minister stressed that analysis of the Lok Sabha election earlier this year showed that the BJP received 30,000-40,000 votes in every minority constituency. Even where there are 100 percent minority voters, we got a similar number of votes which we did not get earlier, he added. Sarma credited the reason for receiving such a considerable number of votes to beneficiary schemes such as Orunodoi, a cash transfer scheme to empower women of poor families, and Nijut Moina under which financial assistance is provided to female students. Now, we will give Rs 10,000 to each women's self help groups. Around 30 lakh women are associated with SHGs, including seven lakh minority women. The minority community people are also benefitted from the schemes initiated by the Assam government, he added. At the same time, the BJP or National Democratic Alliance government in Assam will not indulge in appeasement, Sarma asserted. That is why people are evicted also from encroached VGR (village grazing reserve), PGR (professional grazing reserve). Assamese people were evicted from Silsako (in Guwahati) because we have been following a uniform policy. We have evicted people from Kaziranga to clear encroachment too, he added. The CM, however, said the government will continue to carry out developmental works for all people like building hospitals, providing ambulance services and distributing schemes equally. We have not neglected anyone in this aspect. That is why we have an equal number of beneficiaries in both majority and minority areas, he added. In the recently held bypoll for assembly, BJP snatched the Muslim-dominated Samaguri seat, which was being represented by Congress for five consecutive terms. The Assam CM had earlier repeatedly said the BJP would not need the votes of Miya people of Char areas (riverine vegetative islands) for the next 10 years till they reform themselves by shunning old practices like child marriage. Softening his stand prior to Lok Sabha elections, Sarma in February this year said that he would not seek Miya votes for the next two years as lots of welfare works like a drive against child marriage and encroachment need to be completed before that. In March during an election campaign meeting, he further diluted his stand and exuded confidence that girls, women and youths from the Miya community would vote for the BJP due to the good work done to uplift these sections of the minority population. When asked about cabinet reshuffle, Sarma said, We have to induct one minister from the Barak valley. When we will take up the matter, one or two more names may crop up. However, we urgently need to have one minister from Barak valley. Lok Sabha MP from Silchar Parimal Suklabaidya was the only minister in Sarmas cabinet from Barak valley, prior to his election to parliament. He was the Excise, Transport and Fisheries Minister. Once I visit Delhi, the picture will be clear whether only one new face will be included in the cabinet or a reshuffle should take place. The local leaders in Assam are of the view that we should wrap up the matter by inducting one minister and stop the rumour in the election year, Sarma said. Giving an update about the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge over Brahmaputra, the CM said the work is progressing well and the government plans to dedicate it to the people after July 2025. The bridge will be free to use for all categories of vehicles, except trucks and commercial buses, he added. The construction work of the Rs 2,608-crore six-lane road bridge over Brahmaputra began in March 2020. The project was estimated to be completed within four years. The foundation stone of this bridge in Guwahati was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019. Sarma also said PM Modi during his proposed visit in February next year is likely to lay the foundation stone for a ring road surrounding the state capital and another bridge over Brahmaputra connecting Narengi with Kuruwa. Rwanda extradited to India on Thursday a member of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Tayiba facing an Interpol Red Notice in an operation coordinated by the National Investigation Agency and the Central Bureau of Investigation, officials said in New Delhi. IMAGE: Salman Rehman Khan. Photograph: Courtesy, RIB_RW/X Salman Rehman Khan, an alleged member of the internationally proscribed terrorist organisation, had assisted in providing arms, ammunition and explosives to further terrorist activities in Bengaluru, they said. "The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation has closely coordinated with the NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau -- Kigali for the return to India from Rwanda of Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. The National Investigation Agency had lodged a case in 2023 related to criminal conspiracy to spread terror in Bengaluru, they said. An FIR was also registered at Hebbal police station, Bengaluru. Khan, who was previously imprisoned in a POCSO case (2018-2022), had allegedly facilitated the collection and distribution of explosives for other terror accused after being radicalised and recruited during his incarceration by T Naseer, a life convict in a terror case, according to the NIA probe. Naseer had allegedly orchestrated the radicalisation and subsequent criminal activities to further LeT operations in the country besides plotting his escape en route to the court from the prison, the agency said. When the terror module was busted, Khan managed to give agencies a slip and escaped from the country, it said. NIA chargesheeted him in stringent anti-terror law and Indian Penal Code and court declared him a fugitive," it said. "The CBI on request of the NIA had got a Red Notice issued against the subject from Interpol on August 2, 2024. It was circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking of the wanted criminal," the CBI statement said. Based on the Red Notice, he was apprehended by authorities in Kigali, Rwanda. The information was passed on to the CBI which is the designated agency for coordination of Interpol affairs in India and the NIA. After legal proceedings, he was extradited to India. "He was returned to India on 28.11.2024 by a security team from NIA," the CBI statement said. The return of Khan comes soon after similar operations in coordination with Interpol wherein two accused -- one wanted by the CBI and another by the Kerala Police -- were brought back from Saudi Arabia. Barkat Ali Khan, who had an Interpol Red Notice, was wanted in a 2012 case of rioting and use of explosive substances. He was brought back from Saudi Arabia on November 14. Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, who also had an Interpol Red Notice against him and was wanted by police in Pattambi, Kerala for committing rape and sexual offences against a minor, was brought from Saudi Arabia on November 10. "The CBI, as National Central Bureau for Interpol in India, coordinates closely with all Law Enforcement Agencies in India for cooperation over Interpol channels. Since 2021, as many as 100 wanted criminals, including 26 this year, have been returned to India through coordination via Interpol channels," the statement said. Fissures emerged in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi after the drubbing it received in the Maharashtra assembly polls, with Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Ambadas Danve on Thursday saying the Congress got overconfident after the Lok Sabha elections. IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray addresses the MVA rally for Maharashtra assembly elections, at BKC in Mumbai, November 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Danve, the Leader of Opposition in the state legislative council, also claimed some Congress leaders started deliberating on portfolios even before winning the polls, while "ten leaders were keen on becoming chief minister". Talking to reporters, Danve said had Uddhav Thackeray been the chief ministerial face of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, 2-5 percent votes would have swung in its favour. Public opinion was in favour of Thackeray due to the work done by him as chief minister from 2019 to 2022, Danve asserted. "The Congress got over confident after the Lok Sabha polls. The situation was favourable for the Congress in Jammu Kashmir, Maharashtra and Haryana. In Jharkhand, the JMM did a lot on its own strength," Danve said. In polls held after the Lok Sabha results, the Congress lost in Maharashtra and Haryana. "Congress leaders were deliberating on portfolios even before winning the polls and this is a fact. Ten leaders were keen on becoming the CM," said Danve. The Maha Vikas Aghadi won 30 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. However, it won only 49 of the 288 seats in the November 20 state polls, results of which were declared on November 23. The Shiv Sena-UBT emerged victorious on 20, Congress on 16, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar on 10, Samajwadi Party on two, while one seat went to the CPM. When asked if Shiv Sena-UBT will go solo in the local body polls, Danve clarified, "We have never said Shiv Sena-UBT is leaving the MVA. Shiv Sena-UBT should increase its strength in all 288 assembly seats." On Wednesday, Danve said a section of party workers who met Uddhav Thackeray after the Lok Sabha polls wanted the party to contest future polls alone. He also said there was no talk in Shiv Sena-UBT of any kind of rapprochement with Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren took oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony in Ranchi on Thursday, amid the presence of a galaxy of INDIA bloc leaders. IMAGE: JMM executive president Hemant Soren takes oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand, in Ranchi, November 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The 49-year-old tribal leader was sworn in as the chief minister by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The governor administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren at a function held in Morabadi ground in Ranchi, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal were present. Prior to taking the oath, Soren, donning a kurta and pyjama, met JMM president and his father Shibu Soren. This is the fourth stint of the JMM leader as the chief minister of Jharkhand. Hemant Soren retained the Barhait seat by defeating Bharatiya Janata Party's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes in the recent assembly polls. The JMM-led alliance stormed to victory, securing 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly, while the BJP-led NDA managed 24 constituencies. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist-Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav were among the political leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony. Tribal troupes, attired in traditional dresses, danced to the tune of 'dhol and nagara' at the venue, amid tight security arrangements. Schools in Ranchi city remained closed on Thursday in view of the swearing-in of the Hemant Soren government. Hours before taking the oath, Soren took to X, asserting that unity is the biggest weapon of people of the state, who can "neither be divided nor silenced". In an apparent attack on the BJP-led central government, Soren also said whenever "they try to silence us", the revolution grows louder. "Let there be no doubt about it - our unity is our biggest weapon. We can neither be divided nor silenced. Whenever they push us back, we move forward. Whenever they try to silence us, our voice of rebellion and revolution grows louder because we are Jharkhandis, and Jharkhandis do not bow down," Soren posted on X in Hindi. "Our fight is firm and unceasing. The struggle continues and will continue till the last breath," he asserted. Terming the day as historic, he said it would further strengthen "our collective struggle", the "spirit of love and brotherhood" and the commitment of Jharkhandis towards justice. When deep cracks are emerging in the social structure, there is a need to resolve for unity, the CM said. "It's heartening to have such esteemed leaders join us for this important occasion," Soren had said on Wednesday, as he paid a visit to the Morabadi ground to take stock of the arrangements. On Tuesday, Soren had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, in his first visit to the national capital after leading the alliance to an unprecedented second consecutive term. The JMM achieved its highest-ever tally in the elections, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested. The Congress secured 16, Rashtriya Janata Dal four, and CPI-ML-L managed two constituencies in the INDIA bloc. Hemant Soren, the youngest chief minister of Jharkhand, has navigated a tumultuous and fiercely challenging political journey, marked by fierce legal battles, intense party rivalries, and personal setbacks. IMAGE: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha executive president Hemant Soren takes charge as Jharkhand chief minister, in Ranchi, November 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Soren, 49, has transformed from a young, ambitious leader into a powerful advocate for the rights of tribal communities, earning his place as one of the most formidable figures in the state's political landscape. But his rise to power was anything but easy. With the weight of tribal hopes and aspirations on his shoulders, Soren faced an uphill battle overcoming internal party strife, external pressures, and relentless opposition forces. From the moment he stepped into the chief minister's office, the odds seemed stacked against him. Yet, with each setback, Soren grew stronger, emerging not only as the voice for the marginalised but also as a symbol of resilience in the face of political turmoil. His story is one of determination, grit, and unwavering resolve saga of a leader who has fought every battle, not just for power, but for the very soul of his people. In the recently held elections, Soren, along with his wife Kalpana, together addressed around 200 election rallies over the past two months. Soren has consistently accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to destabilise his administration, calling it a "poaching master" that "could not digest a tribal CM completing a full five-year term." Born on August 10, 1975, in Nemra village near Hazaribag, Soren's early life was influenced by the political legacy of his father, Shibu Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). However, he was not initially seen as his father's successor. His elder brother, Durga, was the designated heir, but after his untimely death in 2009, Hemant was thrust into the political spotlight and took over the leadership of the state. He did his intermediate studies at Patna High School and later enrolled in Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, though he dropped out. Soren began his political career in 2009 as a Rajya Sabha member, but his tenure there was short-lived. He resigned in 2010 to become Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led Arjun Munda government. However, the alliance collapsed in 2012, leading to President's Rule in the state. Despite this setback, Soren's resolve to lead Jharkhand never faltered. In 2013, Soren became the state's youngest CM at 38 with the support of Congress and RJD. However, his first term was short-lived, as the BJP took power in 2014, and Soren became Leader of the Opposition. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2016 when the BJP-led government attempted to amend laws - the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act. Soren led a massive movement to protect tribal rights, which not only earned him widespread support but also set the stage for his return to power. In 2019, Soren, with the backing of Congress and RJD, reclaimed the Chief Minister's office. His JMM won 30 seats, its highest ever in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. His tenure, however, hasn't been free of controversy. In 2023, he found himself embroiled in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. He was arrested soon after resigning as CM on January 31. After spending nearly five months in jail, Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court, which observed that there was no likelihood of him committing the offence. Soren has consistently maintained that his arrest was politically motivated, and he was a victim of a conspiracy aimed at undermining his government. Despite these challenges, his voice for the state's tribal population has been central to his political identity. He has been at the forefront of initiatives that aim to empower tribals, ensuring they receive the benefits of the state's economic growth. Under his leadership, the state government launched the 'Apke Adhikar, Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar' scheme, which brought government services to people's doorstep. Furthermore, the expansion of the state's pension scheme and the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana,' which provides Rs 1,000 aid to women in the age bracket of 18-51 years, have become pillars of his administration. He claims his government's commitment to social welfare is also evident in the farmer loan waivers, which were intended to benefit over 1.75 lakh farmers. His government also waived outstanding electricity bills and introduced a scheme providing free power for up to 200 units. Throughout his political career, Soren has faced fierce opposition from the BJP, and he has repeatedly accused the Centre of exploiting Jharkhand's resources without fair compensation, raising the issue of the Rs 1.36 lakh crore in unpaid coal mining dues with PM Narendra Modi. Soren's political journey has also been fraught with internal party struggles. In 2022, he narrowly avoided disqualification as an MLA due to allegations surrounding a mining lease but managed to retain his position as CM. Despite such challenges, his leadership has remained resilient, and his ability to navigate political turbulence has strengthened his position. Hemant Soren is set to take oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony in Ranchi on Thursday, which will be attended by several top political leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. IMAGE: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Photograph: @HemantSorenJMM/X Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Soren at 4 pm. This will be the 49-year-old JMM leader's fourth stint as chief minister. Soren retained the Barhait seat, defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes in the recent assembly polls. The JMM-led alliance stormed to victory, securing 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, while the BJP-led NDA managed 24 seats. Posters for the event can be seen across the city, while security has been strengthened and traffic regulations put in place. Schools in Ranchi city are shut on Thursday in view of the swearing in of the Hemant Soren government. Jharkhand in-charge and Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said Soren is likely to take oath alone, and expansion of the cabinet will be held after a vote of confidence in the assembly. Other senior political leaders likely to be in attendance are NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, a JMM leader said. Communist Party of India-MarxistLeninist-Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav are also likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony. "It's heartening to have such esteemed leaders join us for this important occasion," said Soren, who along with senior officials paid a visit to the Morabadi ground on Wednesday evening to take stock of the arrangements. The Delhi high court has sought the state government's response on the plea of a sexual assault survivor seeking enhancement of interim compensation on the ground that she contracted HIV due to the crime against her. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Justice Sanjeev Narula issued the notices to the Delhi government, its department of women and child development and Delhi State Legal Service Authority. The court asked the authorities to file their responses within two weeks and posted the hearing on January 7, 2025. The plea argued the sexual assault led to the survivor contracting HIV, and not only depriving her of the opportunities and burdening her with overwhelming medical expenses, but also causing her severe physical and mental trauma. Following the incident, the police registered an FIR in 2017 under the provisions of the IPC and the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act. The petitioner pointed out that the schedules under the victim compensation scheme did not stipulate any provision for award of compensation specifically with respect to a survivor contracting an STD or HIV as a result of the assault. The woman said Rs 1.75 lakh was provided to her as an interim compensation under the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme and urged the high court to direct the authorities to enhance the amount. The high court was further informed by her counsel that an additional interim compensation of Rs 1 lakh was provided to her on November 11 after a trial court order in 2013. A 25-year-old man, who works as a butcher, allegedly strangled to death his live-in partner and chopped her body into 40 to 50 pieces in a forested area in Jharkhand's Khunti district, police said on Wednesday. Photograph: / Rediff.com Image used for for representational purposes only. The accused, identified as Naresh Bhengra, was arrested. The matter came to light after around a fortnight after the killing when a stray dog was found with human body parts near Jordag village in Jariagarh police station on November 24. Bhengra was in a live-in relationship with the deceased, a 24-year-old woman also from Khunti district, in Tamil Nadu for the past couple of years. Sometime back, he returned to Jharkhand, got married to another woman without telling his partner anything and went back to the southern state without his wife to join her. "The brutal incident occurred on November 8 when they reached Khunti as the accused who had married another woman did not wish to take her home. Instead, he took her to a forest near his house at Jordag village in Jariagarh police station and chopped the body into pieces. The man has been arrested," Khunti Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar told PTI. Inspector Ashok Singh who investigated the case said the man worked in a butcher shop in Tamil Nadu and was expert in slicing chicken. He admitted chopping the body parts of the woman into 40 to 50 pieces before leaving those in the forest for wild animals to feast on. The police recovered several parts on November 24 after a dog in the area was seen with a hand," Singh told PTI. Singh said that the woman, who was unaware of his marriage, pressured him to return to Khunti. After reaching Ranchi, they boarded a train on November 24 and headed to the man's village. "Under a plan, the man took her to Khunti in an autorickshaw near his home and asked her to wait. He returned with sharp weapons and strangulated her with her dupatta after raping her. He then cut the body into 40 to 50 pieces and left for his home to live with his wife," Singh said. The woman, however, had informed her mother that she had boarded a train and would be living with her partner, the police officer said. Following the recovery of body parts, a bag was also found in the forest with the murdered woman's belongings including her Aadhaar card. The mother of the woman was called at the spot and she identified her daughter's belongings. "The mother suspected the man behind the crime who after being nabbed by the police admitted to chopping the woman into pieces," the official added. The incident has sent shockwaves among people in the region, with the Shraddha Walker murder case of 2022 still fresh in their memory. Walker was killed by her live-in partner who chopped her body into pieces before dumping them in the jungle in South Delhi's Mehrauli. The Chinese military on Thursday said that "great progress" has been made in implementing the border agreement with India to end the over four-year standoff at eastern Ladakh and termed the recent meeting between the defence ministers of the two sides as positive and constructive. IMAGE: Lieutenant General Sadhna S Nair DGMS (Army) and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Army Medical Corps AMC, visit Siachen Base Camp and forward areas, November 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo "We also look forward to harmonious dance between the Chinese dragon and Indian Elephant with concerted steps," defence ministry spokesman Sr Col Wu Qian said while addressing the monthly media briefing in Beijing. He said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun had a positive and constructive meeting last week in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, on the sidelines of a regional security conclave. The two sides are implementing the settlement reached between the two counties, he said, answering a question on the progress of the execution of the agreement reached between the two countries last month to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh. "Now, we are making great progress," he said. The two ministers agreed to implement the important consensus reached between the top leaders and promote stable relations between the two countries, he added. Wu said the two militaries should strictly abide by the recent common understandings reached by the two sides to de-escalate tensions at the border areas, make efforts to bring down the tensions and focus on enhancing mutual trust and exchanges between the two countries. "We hope the two sides can seize the opportunity and build new momentum to make new progress in the military-to-military relations," he said. On October 21, India and China firmed up an agreement on patrolling and disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, in a breakthrough to end the standoff. At their Kazan meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and issued directions to revive various bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signalling attempts to normalise ties that were hit by a deadly military clash in 2020. Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day in the Winter Session as opposition parties continued their protests over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Opposition MPs protest over 'Adani' and 'Sambhal' issues in Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of convening, despite appeals from the Chair to engage in productive dialogue and refrain from disruption. The Houses were first adjourned shortly after they met on Thursday and were later adjourned for the day soon after reconvening at 12 noon amid the opposition parties' protests. Before being adjourned, the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution granting extension to the Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill till the last day of the Budget Session next year. The Lok Sabha witnessed disruptions during Question Hour, shortly after Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ravindra Chavan took oath as members of the Lower House. Opposition members gathered in the Well, raising slogans for action against the perpetrators of the violence in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju flayed the protests, saying, "I condemn the attempts by the Congress and its allies in disrupting the House proceedings." As the opposition protests continued, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings for the day. In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's appeals that Parliamentary disruption was not a remedy but a malady which weakened the foundation of India's democracy went unheeded as the opposition members protested. The proceedings of the Upper House were adjourned within minutes after it met at 12 noon, following one adjournment shortly after 11 am. Recalling that Wednesday marked a historic milestone -- the beginning of the final quarter-century before India's Constitution turned 100 -- Dhankhar lamented that the House members missed the opportunity to engage in productive dialogue. "This was a moment for our House of Elders, guided by the spirit of nationalism, to send a powerful message of hope to 1.4 billion Indians, reaffirming our commitment to their dreams and journey towards Viksit Bharat at 2047," he said. "Yet, with deep regret, I must say we missed this historic opportunity. Where there should have been productive dialogue echoing the collective aspirations of our nation, we fell short of our people's expectations," he lamented. Dhankhar said the chamber was more than just a house of debate. "It is from where our national spirit has to echo." "Parliamentary disruption is not a remedy but a malady that weakens the very foundation of our democracy. It slides Parliament into irrelevance. The sanctity of this House demands debate, not discord; dialogue, not disruption," he said amid slogan shouting by the opposition members. Dhankhar said, "We must continue to have our relevance. When we engage in this kind of conduct, we deviate from constitutional ordainment and we turn our back to our duties." The chairman said deviating from constructive discussion was a failure to honour the trust of millions who looked to them as guardians of their democratic aspirations. "I urge you all to embrace the spirit of meaningful dialogue. Let us return to our tradition of thoughtful discussion and deliberation. In this spirit, I request your cooperation in proceeding with today's agenda," Dhankhar said, urging the protesting opposition members to embrace the spirit of meaningful dialogue. Noting that he could not allow the House to sink to irrelevance, he said, "We should not dishonour the spirit of those who gave us this Constitution." However, as the protests continued, the chairman adjourned the House for the day. The Upper House will reconvene at 11 am on Friday. When the Upper House convened at the start of the day, proceedings were adjourned for nearly 50 minutes till 12 noon as opposition MPs protested against the rejection of adjournment notices for a discussion on the allegations against the Adani Group in the US, and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Shortly after the laying of listed papers in the morning session, Dhankhar said he had received 16 notices for adjournment of scheduled business under Rule 267 of the House. The chairman said he was rejecting all the notices. The notices were for discussions on the allegations of corruption against the Adani Group, communal violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and ethnic clashes in Manipur. While Sanjay Singh (AAP), Randeep Singh Surjewala, Syed Naseer Hussain, Pramod Tiwari, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Ranjeet Ranjan and Anil Kumar Yadav Mandadi (all Congress) had given notices for discussing the Adani issue, Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Sandosh Kumar P and PP Suneer (both CPI) had given notices to discuss the violence in Manipur. John Brittas and AA Rahim (both CPI M), Ram Gopal Yadav and Ramji Lal Suman (both Samajwadi Party), Abdul Wahab (Indian Union Muslim League) and Hussain (Congress) had given notices for discussing the violence in Sambhal. With several opposition members still on their feet, the chairman adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. Dhankhar had earlier extended birthday greetings to MPs Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, Wanweiroy Kharlukhi and Dharmshila Gupta after the House met for the day. The opposition has been pressing for discussions on allegations of irregularities against the Adani Group and Sambhal violence. The Adani Group has denied the allegations. A probe into the biggest drug haul of 6,000 kg methamphetamine in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has shown that the Myanmarese smugglers were using the Starlink satellite internet services for navigation through the mid-sea, a top police officer said on Thursday. IMAGE: Coast Guard personnel apprehend Myanmarese fishing boat, "Soe Wai Yan Htoo," in the Andaman Seas with approx 6000 kg of Methamphetamine, November 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Starlink, a service provided by SpaceX the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk is an international telecommunications provider offering coverage in over 100 countries, but not in India. Speaking exclusively to PTI, Andaman and Nicobar Islands DGP Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal said, "On November 23, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended six Myanmarese smugglers who were transporting 6,000 kg of methamphetamine, worth Rs 36,000 crore, in a fishing trawler. We seized several items from the trawler, including Myanmar currency, a portable Inmarsat satellite mobile, SIM cards from multiple countries, and notably, a dish from SpaceX's Starlink mini version." He added, "This is the first time in India that we've encountered smugglers using Starlink for high-speed internet connectivity to navigate through rough seas and remote regions. We've confirmed that Starlink isn't available in Myanmar, but it is available in nearby countries like Indonesia, Australia, and Thailand." "We will conduct further inquiries with SpaceX regarding the purchase details, including who bought the device, when it was purchased, the stated purpose for obtaining Starlink services, and its usage history," the DGP said. "Today, we will complete sampling of the seized drugs. The consignment wasn't intended for delivery in India, but the smugglers did make contact with someone in India. We are investigating whether a small portion of the drugs was meant for India," he said. Dhaliwal added, "The smugglers used Starlink because it can withstand extreme conditions while at sea." Earlier, on November 23, a pilot from the Coast Guard Dornier aircraft, while on routine patrolling, noticed suspicious movement of a fishing trawler near Barren Island, approximately 150 km from Port Blair. The trawler was warned to slow down, and the pilot alerted the Andaman and Nicobar Command. A nearby fast-patrolling vessel then responded and towed the trawler to Port Blair on November 24 for further investigation. The smugglers are currently in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing. Authorities suspect that the drug consignments may be linked to notorious international cartels, such as Tse Chi Lop's (the Chinese El Chapo) or Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes' (El Mencho) operations. Amid escalating concerns over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, a new petition has demanded a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the country. IMAGE: West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari stage a protest against the arrest of ISKCON monk and Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote spokesperson Chinmoy Krishna Das, in front of Vidhan Sabha in Kolkata on November 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The legal notice accuses the group of being a "radical organisation" that engages in activities threatening national security and provoke communal unrest, the Dhaka Tribune reported. This comes amid the row over the arrest of former priest of ISKCON Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh. The petition, submitted by Supreme Court lawyer Al Mamun Russell on behalf of 10 other legal professionals, demands the prosecution of individuals responsible for the alleged murder of government legal officer Advocate Saiful Islam. The notice was addressed to Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday. According to the Dhaka Tribune report, the notice accuses ISKCON of operating in Bangladesh as a "radical organisation," allegedly inciting sectarian violence and promoting religious intolerance. The petition also blames ISKCON over the alleged murder of a lawyer during protests after Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest, caling it to the organisation's "blatant disregard for law and order." It alleges that the group has been forcibly recruiting members to impose its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities. It has also accused ISKCON of allegedly taking over Sanatan temples, evicting members of the Sanatan community, and even engaging in attacks on mosques The legal notice also cites several violent incidents, attributing it to ISKCON supporters. It also mentions allegations of firearms being discovered in an ISKCON temple in Sylhet in 2016 and attacks on police vehicles during ISKCON processions in Gopalganj. The petition claims that ISKCON's actions have "destabilised" the country and caused harm to Bangladesh's social and political fabric, Dhaka Tribune reported. Meanwhile, reacting to this legal notice, Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance General Secretary Mrityunjay Kumar Roy strongly defended ISKCON, describing it as a peaceful organisation. Roy criticised the petitioners, stating, "We strongly oppose this statement of those who are saying that ISKCON should be banned. What did ISKCON do? ISKCON is the international consciousness of Sri Krishna...it is a peaceful organisation which talks about Shri Krishna and works for the welfare of the poor." His comments were made in light of the growing tension surrounding the arrest of former ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on sedition charges. The arrest sparked protests and unrest in the country, further fueling the debate over the organisation's role in Bangladesh. Roy emphasised that ISKCON's focus has always been on spiritual and social welfare, contrasting with the allegations of radicalism. His comments reflect the strong opposition to the notion that ISKCON poses a threat to Bangladesh's social harmony, suggesting that the organisation's teachings of peace and welfare remain its guiding principles despite the ongoing controversy. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. Das The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release. Notably, ISKCON Bangladesh issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and calling upon the government authorities to promote peaceful coexistence. The Supreme Court's 2023 order, which refused to stay a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi, appears to have given a fillip to different groups to stake claim over several other disputed places of worship in the country. Photograph: Utkarsh Mishra/ Rediff.com IMAGE: The Gyanvapi mosque inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex in Varanasi. On August 4, 2023, the top court refused to stay the Allahabad high court order allowing a scientific survey by the ASI at the mosque complex to determine if the 17th-century structure was built upon a pre-existing temple while telling the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque at Varanasi) that "what is frivolous to you is faith to the other side". A bench headed by former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud had asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out the survey through "non-invasive methodology". Earlier on May 20, 2022, the top court made an important oral observation while hearing the Gyanvapi dispute and said that ascertaining the religious character of a place of worship was not barred under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act (PWA), 1991. A bench headed by Justice Chandrachud, since retired, said it had dealt with the provisions of the PWA in its 2019 Ayodhya verdict and Section 3 did not expressly bar ascertaining of the religious character of the place of worship. Section 4 of the PWA prohibits change of character of religious places as they existed as on August 15, 1947. Since the August 2023 order of the apex court, petitions seeking survey and claim over religious structures notwithstanding the PWA, have reached different judicial fora. On December 14, 2023, the Allahabad high court allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex adjoining the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura. However, an apex court bench headed by Justice (now Chief Justice of India) Sanjiv Khanna on January 16 stayed the survey, saying there were certain legal issues that had arisen in the dispute. It questioned the "vague" application made before the high court for appointment of a court commissioner for the survey in Mathura. Tension was brewing in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal since November 19, when a Mughal-era Jama Masjid was first surveyed on the court's orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar Temple once stood at the site. Violence erupted there on November 24 as protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with the security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson. Vehicles were torched, and police personnel were injured. The violence claimed four lives and left over 20 injured. In a separate matter, a court in Ajmer on November 27 directed that notice be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming there was a Shiva temple in the dargah of sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. A dispute over a medieval-era structure in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has also reached the top court which on April 1 refused to stay a "scientific survey" of Bhojshala. However, the apex court clarified no action should be taken without its permission on the outcome of the scientific survey. Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ASI-protected 11th-century monument, to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community calls it Kamal Maula Mosque. Under an arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform "puja" on the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaaz in the complex on Fridays. In the Gyanvapi case, the Muslim side has been referring to the PWA and Section 4 of the law. They contended that the survey exercise by the ASI was akin to "digging into history", violating the PWA and impinging upon fraternity and secularism. The Varanasi district court on July 21, 2023 directed the ASI to conduct a "detailed scientific survey" - including excavations, wherever necessary -- to determine if the Gyanvapi Mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built upon a temple. The mosque's wazukhana (ablution pond), where a structure claimed by Hindu litigants to be a Shivling exists, will not be part of the survey following an earlier Supreme Court order protecting the spot in the complex. Hindu activists claim a temple has existed at the site and was demolished in the 17th century on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The police held flag marches in areas near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Thursday, a day before Friday prayers, with top officials saying watertight security has been put in place to prevent untoward incidents. IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh police arrest three people who were allegedly involved in the stone pelting incident and seized their weapons, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, November 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Additionally, Friday's court hearing on the matter has led to security being further tightened. Led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Srish Chandra, police teams marched through the busy markets that partially reopened on Thursday. Most of the shops opened for the first time on Thursday since the November 24 violence over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque that left four persons dead and several others injured. "The situation is completely peaceful and normal," ASP Chandra told PTI Videos. Asked about Friday prayers, he said, "Sufficient police force has been deployed and we are prepared to tackle any situation." Talking to reporters, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said the family members of the four persons killed in the Sambhal violence have filed cases against unidentified persons. One injured person is undergoing treatment in Moradabad whose family members have also lodged an FIR, Singh said. "Vigilance is being maintained not only in Sambhal, but in all the five districts under Moradabad division," he added. Asked about the damage caused by the violence that rocked Sambhal on Sunday, the official said an assessment of the losses is in its final stage. Tension was brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Violence erupted on November 24 as protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson. Four people died and scores of others were injured in the violence. Meanwhile, the local police and the district administration called a meeting with Muslim clerics regarding the Friday prayers on Thursday. Imam Aftab Hussain Warsi of the Shahi Jama Masjid said after the meeting, "May Allah maintain peace like before. I hope everything becomes fine soon." Mohammad Alauddin Ajmali, the 'shahar qazi', appealed to the people of Sambhal to offer namaz at the mosques in their respective localities. "We want peace to be established in Sambhal soon. We have appealed to the police that no arrests should be made against the law," he said. The advocate commissioner's report of the survey is expected to be presented in court on Friday, where both parties will have the opportunity to respond. Asked about their preparations for the hearing, Gopal Sharma, the lawyer for the Hindu side, said the Muslim side had to respond on the matter in the court. "Only after their arguments will we decide our future strategy," he said. Shakeel Ahmed Warsi, representing the Muslim side, said they were also fully prepared. "I will ask for a copy of whatever case is there till now. We have all the evidence to prove our claim," he said. Even though normality has started to return to Sambhal, business owners in markets near the mosque claimed they had been suffering losses since violence broke out in the area. Among the worst hit are shop owners in the bullion market, located about half a kilometre from the mosque. Ajay Kumar Gupta, a bullion trader, said the market had about 70-80 shops. "Despite the ongoing wedding season, our sales have dropped considerably. Hardly three customers have come to my shop in the last four days," Gupta said, claiming that the losses of shop owners following the violence ran into crores. Kushanawaz, an electronics shop owner, said, "We have been sitting idle and finding it difficult to make an earning since the violence." Rajeev Varshney, district president of the Federation of All India Trade Union, said the traders were the worst hit by such incidents. "People don't come out of fear, hampering businesses," he said. Thirty police teams have been formed to identify and arrest the accused using CCTV camera footage. More than 100 images of suspected rioters from the Kot Garvi area have been released. Despite the markets and schools reopening, the Internet ban was extended by 48 hours on Wednesday as a "precautionary measure". The police have arrested 31 people and registered seven FIRs in connection with the violence. Among those named as accused are Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, local Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood's son Sohail Iqbal, and 2,750 unidentified individuals. Maharashtra's outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday night to thrash out a power-sharing pact in the state where the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance romped home to a landslide victory in the assembly elections. IMAGE: Maharashtra's outgoing CM Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah as BJP president JP Nadda and NCP leader Praful Patel look on, in New Delhi, November 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Fadnavis, a former chief minister under whose leadership the BJP crossed the 100-seat mark for the third consecutive time in the 288-member state assembly, is considered the frontrunner for the top executive post in Maharashtra. Nationalist Congress Party chief and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said a decision on ministerial berths for the alliance partners -- BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP -- will be decided at the meeting with Shah on Thursday night. Leaders of the alliance said a new government could be in place in Maharashtra latest by December 2. The meeting between Fadnavis, Shah, Nadda, Pawar and Shinde lasted over one hour. Posting pictures of the meeting on X, Fadnavis said, "Expressed my gratitude to Hon'ble Union Minister Amitbhai Shah for his huge support on the battlefield during the important Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024 and for the way he greatly inspired and motivated the karykartas." "On this occasion, our BJP national president J P Nadda ji, Eknath Shinde ji, Ajitdada Pawar, Mahayuti leaders and colleagues were present too in New Delhi," he said. Shinde had reached the national capital along with senior party leaders Uday Samant and Shambhuraj Desai. Earlier, Fadnavis held a meeting with Ajit Pawar at the residence of NCP leader Sunil Tatkare. Outgoing Chief Minister Shinde met Shah in Delhi separately ahead of the meeting of the Mahayuti coalition. The Shiv Sena leader, who arrived from Mumbai, drove straight to Shah's Krishna Menon Marg residence, where BJP president JP Nadda was already present. Shinde told reporters here that he would not be an obstacle in the government formation in the state and abide by the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah. This cleared the decks for the BJP to have its nominee as the next chief minister in Maharashtra. "This ladka bhau (beloved brother) has arrived in Delhi and the ladka bhau designation is higher than anything else for me," he said. Political circles were abuzz about the central BJP leadership considering the social equations in Maharashtra before taking a decision on the chief minister's post. This throws open the chief ministerial race for leaders from the OBC and Maratha communities within the BJP. Shiv Sena leaders were pitching for the continuance of Shinde as the chief minister, citing the success of the Ladki Bahin initiative and his approach of taking governance to the doorstep of the citizens. Caste dynamics have assumed a greater role in the chief minister choice as an overwhelming 288 MLAs from all parties are from the Maratha community. Fadnavis, a Brahmin, first became Maharashtra chief minister in 2014 and again for a brief while in 2019. "If the writ of RSS prevails, the chances of Fadnavis becoming CM are bright," a source said. A close aide of Shinde said the caretaker chief minister is unlikely to accept the post of deputy CM in the new dispensation. Sanjay Shirsat, an MLA and spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, however, said Shinde would be a part of the cabinet. "He is unlikely to be a deputy chief minister. It does not befit a person who has already served as chief minister," he told PTI. The Shiv Sena led by Shinde will nominate another leader for the deputy CM's post, Shirsat added. Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde, an MP, expressed pride in his father exemplifying the "alliance dharma" by prioritising collective governance over personal ambition. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance scripted a stunning victory in the recent state assembly elections by winning 230 seats in the 288-member House. Recovering from its Lok Sabha elections losses, the BJP bagged 132 Assembly seats, the highest among all constituents of the Mahayuti alliance. Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP also performed well. Sena won 57 while NCP bagged 41 seats. The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a setback. The grand old party registered one of its worst performances in the assembly polls as it won only 16 seats. Sharad Pawar's NCP(SP) won just 10 seats, whereas Uddhav Thackeray's (UBT) won 20 seats. The Maharashtra assembly elections were held on November 20, and the results were declared on November 23. On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation as chief minister to Governor CP Radhakrishnan. The governor requested Shinde to continue as caretaker chief minister until a new government is formed. The Maharashtra assembly elections were held on November 20, and the results were declared on November 23. On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation as chief minister to Governor CP Radhakrishnan. The governor requested Shinde to continue as caretaker chief minister until a new government is formed. 'Young people say they know all this emphasis on Hindu-Muslim differences is politically motivated.' 'If you stop watching TV and turn off social media, you'll find the situation on the ground different.' Jyoti Punwani reports. IMAGE: Devendra Fadnavis waves to supporters as he arrives to collect his winning certificate from the Nagpur South West constituency, November 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo What does the BJP's sweep of Maharashtra mean for Muslims? One indication of the new climate was the reluctance of Muslims to be quoted when asked for their reaction to the results. Most expressed shock and disbelief at the scale of the Mahayuti's victory. Education activist Dr Kazim Malik, whose work requires him to travel across Maharashtra, said that in his interactions with different groups in the state, nobody had expressed support for the Bharatiya Janata Party. "Not just minorities, but Dalits and farmers were also angry." A retired government servant said the Lok Sabha results had not prepared her for this "wholesale" sweep by the BJP. Tracing the seeds of the victory to the manner in which the 2022 split in the Sena was handled, she pointed out that the Election Commission, the Maharashtra assembly speaker and the Supreme Court were all responsible. She lamented the way Prashant Bhushan's petition regarding EVMs had been dismissed by the Supreme Court in April this year. "Too good for the BJP to be true," was the reaction to the results of Pune's Akramul Jabbar Khan, an ex-IRS official and an authority on the functioning of the Wakf Board. "All Opposition MLAs in Haryana and Maharashtra should resign till all doubts about EVMs are resolved." A senior doctor echoed these doubts. "EVM manipulation may be difficult to prove, but how else can one explain the way Rohit Pawar scraped through? Or the defeat of Balasaheb Thorat, who's won 8 times uptil now?" he asked. "There was no pro-BJP wave visible, though of course, the RSS worked very hard," he added, citing an instance of them canvassing even in Muslim housing societies. He had also noticed that many of his BJP-supporting colleagues who had taken a holiday during the Lok Sabha voting day weekend made it a point to vote this time. Far from any BJP wave, said another doctor, even BJP supporters had told him that this time, victory would be difficult for them. Both the doctors ascribed the Congress' poor show also to the weak candidates that the party had chosen. *** IMAGE: Electoral officials carry boxes of EVMs at the counting centre for the Colaba assembly constituency in south Mumbai, November 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo What did Muslims feel lay in store for them? Already angry with the Centre's Wakf (Amendment) Bill and the Maharashtra government's inaction against the anti-Muslim rallies by the Sakal Hindu Samaj; the hate speeches by Kankavli MLA Nitesh Rane; the statement against Prophet Mohammed by Ramgiri Maharaj in August (Then chief minister Eknath Shinde had declared his support for Maharaj), Muslims had hoped that an MVA government would see an end to such hate speech. Their hopes dashed, they fear that now they will face what the retired government servant called "the full glare of the BJP's headlights." "Maharashtra will become another UP," feared one of the doctors, "specially if the government is not able to fulfil all the promises it made before the elections. Attacks on Muslim vendors, riots... we have to be prepared for all this, because jaayen to jaayen kahan." *** IMAGE: Sarfaraz Arzu. Photograph: Jyoti Punwani However, not everyone saw doom and gloom. Sarfaraz Arzu, editor, Hindustan Urdu daily, was not shocked by the result, though the scale of the Mahayuti victory had surprised him. "The Laadki Bahin yojna was bound to sway voters, not just women, but their families too," he said. Arzu didn't think there was any reason to feel dejected. "Maharashtra is not UP; here, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will restrain the BJP from taking any extreme measures," he felt. Arzu has long been advising his community to engage with the Mahayuti. "The BJP is now like what the Shiv Sena was under Bal Thackeray," he said, "overtly anti-Muslim, but when approached, willing to listen to the community's concerns." IMAGE: Dr Kazim Malik, left. Photograph: Jyoti Punwani Dr Kazim Malik qualified this statement. "It is the Shiv Sena -- both factions -- that is not anti-Muslim per se," he said, pointing out that in October, Shinde had increased the salaries of government-recognised madarsa teachers, and also raised the budget of the Maulana Azad Minority Financial Development Corporation. Community activist Akram Ghouse (name changed) saw a silver lining in the three Muslim MLAs in the ruling coalition: The NCP's Hasan Mushrif and Sana Malik, and the Shiv Sena's Abdul Sattar. He felt they would be responsive to the community's concerns. Ghouse wasn't demoralised about only 10 Muslims having been elected. "Our maximum representation has been 13, and that was under the Congress," he pointed out. What was most heartening however, was the belief of these Muslims in people, rather than politicians or the government. Ghouse pointed out that Muslims had improved their status both educationally and financially since the last 10 years, even under a government not known to be friendly to the community. "It's all due to the community's own efforts," he said, adding that this trend would continue. He also felt that the community was more politically mature now. "I couldn't have imagined that Muslims themselves would severely criticise Maulana Sajjad Noumani for holding a press conference to release the list of candidates for whom Muslims should vote," he said. The BJP had used this press conference to show its voters that religious leaders were issuing fatwas on voting. Most significant, however, was the belief of these Muslims in the common Marathi-speaking Hindu. "Maharashtra can never be UP," said Akramul Jabbar Khan. "Its people are more cosmopolitan." IMAGE: Akramul Jabbar Khan. Photograph: Akramul Jabbar Khan A doctor from Aurangabad (now Sambhaji Nagar) pointed out that petitions against the government's proposal to rename Ahmednagar as Ahilyanagar had been filed by local Hindus. Added Dr Malik, "I interact with a lot of young people. 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Homegrown ISV Atomic.io Spinika Winner: Atomic.io The platforms unique IP lies in its ability to deliver complex, interactive experiences with minimal IT involvement, drastically reducing time-to-market and enabling continuous innovation and customer experience. Atomic helped one of NZs largest banks overcome significant challenges by streamlining their user engagement process resulting in a 30 per cent increase in user engagement and 20 per cent boost in adopting new features. DISTRIBUTOR Recognises distributors spearheading ecosystem innovation and growth through transformative approaches to vendor engagement and partner enablement, spanning the core categories of Hardware, Software, Specialist and Creativity. Sponsored by: HP Hardware Dicker Data Ingram Micro SnapperNet Winner: Ingram Micro Supporting more 2,000 active resellers and working with 160 vendors such as HPE, HP, Dell, Lenovo and IBM, Ingram provides access to an unmatched portfolio of hardware solutions. The team of 270 dedicated professionals ensures partners receive the support they need across sales, technical expertise, marketing and business development. Software Crayon Dicker Data Westcon-Comstor Winner: Dicker Data NZ Dicker Datas software practice building capabilities has differentiated the business in the past 12 months. It has transformed partner businesses across the country, by assisting them to build technical, sales and marketing capabilities around the solutions that fit best with their end-customers. Specialist Chillisoft Crayon Ingram Micro Netpoleon New Zealand NEXTGEN SnapperNet Winner: Chillisoft As a specialist distributor, Chillisoft helps new vendors with limited resources access the New Zealand market efficiently and cost-effectively. Through unique growth initiatives and deep technical expertise, Chillisoft has consistently empowered its partners to deliver advanced cybersecurity services to keep their customers ahead of cyber threats. Creativity Chillisoft Crayon Dicker Data Entelar Group Netpoleon New Zealand NEXTGEN Westcon-Comstor Winner: Westcon-Comstor Westcon Comstor wins this award for transforming Ciscos distribution in NZ by making enterprise solutions accessible to small businesses through their dedicated SURGE team. They streamlined operations with their innovative Business Experiences bundle, combining four key Cisco solutions with flexible cloud management and pricing tools. This resulted in significant partner growth, while enabling partners to evolve into strategic advisors. PERSONAL INNOVATION Recognises standout individuals who contribute to customer, company and channel success through a transformative approach to management, channel, sales, technical and marketing positions. Sponsored by: Westcon-Comstor Channel Excellence Jacques Cronje Veeam Anton Dudding HP NZ David Feng Entelar Group Kate Fraser HPE Winner: Jacques Cronje Veeam Jacques demonstrated exceptional channel leadership through the #EmpowerHerVMCE initiative, which successfully certified five female engineers in NZ. His implementation of the Accelerate to Veeam program provided financial support to reduce migration barriers for partners, while maintaining a consistent 100% channel-centric approach. Sales Excellence Andrew Bedford HPE Ken Caballero Entelar Group Ravi Patel HP NZ Helen Tuckerman Cello Winner: Andrew Bedford HPE As a seasoned and relentlessly curious professional, Andrews career has been defined by deep innovation and has consistently adapted to stay ahead and deliver true value to customers. His sales expertise, leadership style and communication skills has seen him recognised globally by HPEs worldwide team and customers alike. Marketing Excellence Shabana Khan Jabra Kim Mckay HP NZ Leema Rodrigues Schneider Electric Highly commended: Leema Rodrigues Schneider Electric Winner: Kim McKay HP Kim is exceptional when it comes to organising events at HP, being able to manage multiple projects at once with efficiency and grace. She also looks at supporting those that work with her, striving to make life more enjoyable for them. Technical Excellence Partner/Telco Jason Chapman netQ Paul Dunlop Datacom Troy Gerrie Yorb Ian MacDonald Cello Anchal Marwah Digital Island David Quiroga Spectrum Consulting Ernst du Toit SAS IT Max Webb Spark New Zealand Winner: Ernst du Toit SAS IT With over 20 years working in the New Zealand channel, SAS ITs Ernst Du Toit has developed an incredible set of technology expertise and achievements. Widely recognised as a leading IBM Power expert in the country, Ernst has committed himself to improving his skillset and breadth of knowledge. Vendor/Distributor Hank Chen Schneider Electric NZ Junan Liu Westcon-Comstor Mike Prestidge HP NZ Highly commended: Junan Liu Westcon-Comstor Winner: Hank Chen Schneider Electric NZ Hank is a highly regarded solution architect with over years of cross-domain experience. His deep expertise in data center technology, honed at Schneider Electics R&D center, enables him to help channel partners optimise reliability and sustainability of critical assets. Management Excellence Ross Barr Resultex Tracey Brewer HP NZ Vincent Chak Digital Island Lynne Jeffery NEXTGEN Jason Molloy Schneider Electric Sharon Woodley Inov8 Winner: Lynne Jeffery NEXTGEN Lynne has had many success stories within the ICT sector in both the UK and NZ over the last 25-plus years. Under her leadership, NEXTGEN NZs revenue has nearly tripled in four years with revenue from its top 10 partners has increasing by 272 per cent. The growth and achievements of the NZ business was instrumental to the success of the NEXTGEN Group across APAC. Honour Roll Tony Butler is a seasoned leader in IT distribution, known for his strategic insight and significant impact on the NZ tech industry. He led Datamini before moving to Tech Pacific. After a stint at Ozisoft, he returned to Tech Pacific in 1986 and spent over 20 years there, ultimately shaping it into a leading tech distributor. Under Tonys leadership, Tech Pacific secured key partnerships with major brands like Microsoft in the early 90s and HP in 1995, transforming the company into NZs first broad-based tech distributor. Tony led a team of creative individuals, encouraging them to take risks and innovate. The employee list under his leadership reads like a whos who of the NZ IT Industry today. He had a massive impact on so many, giving opportunities, mentoring hundreds and shaping individuals who have shaped our industry. Tony participated in a management buyout with CVC in 2002, leading to the sale to Ingram Micro in 2004. Later, he became a major shareholder in Exeed, acquiring brands like Apple and expanding into broad-based distribution before selling Exeed to Dicker Data. Tony is highly respected in the industry for his mentorship, strategic acumen and enduring influence on IT distribution in New Zealand. Trevor and Corallie Eagle Trevor and Corallie Eagle founded International Data Limited (IDL) in 1969, which is where Eagle Technology was born with a vision to bring excellence in IT products and services to the New Zealand market becoming one of the first companies to market and sell a range of computer systems, services and software. Prior to embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Trevor took up a role within IBMs sales department and led the Auckland office. Always sharing the partnership in equal measure across the business, Corallie was infact the driving and supportive force as she was involved in every decision. A family culture ran through the veins of the organisation, particularly as all of Trevor and Corallies seven children worked within the company at some stage. At the time of his sudden death in 2000, Trevor had become a leader in the IT industry and supported science, education, community and environmental organisations, holding executive positions including Auckland Area Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and trustee of the World Wildlife Fund. Following Trevors passing, Corallie became Chairman, a position she retained with a graceful force until her death in 2021. Vale Trevor and Corallie Eagle. John Holdsworth John Holdsworth was best known for his significant role in the growth of Datacom Group, one of the countrys leading IT services companies. Datacom was founded in 1965 with John being a pivotal figure in its expansion and success. He served as chairman from 1988 until stepping down in 2013. Under Johns leadership, Datacom experienced substantial growth, expanding its operations across New Zealand, Australia and parts of Asia. As of 2024 the company employed approx 6,000 staff and achieved revenues approaching NZ$1.5 billion. Beyond his business endeavours, Holdsworth was deeply committed to community service. He played a significant role in the IHC New Zealand, an organisation supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. His contributions included chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in the early 1990s, serving on the national board and being awarded life membership in 2007. In recognition of his services to business and the community, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2011. Vale John Holdsworth. Hall of Fame 2024 Edwina and Darius Mistry Sponsored by: Westcon and VMware by Broadcom Edwina commenced her career in 1985 and, like many in the IT industry, worked for Wang in 1988 as a support consultant before setting up the dealer channel in New Zealand for Sanderson. She has been involved in promoting and encouraging women to consider IT as a career. During her 21 years at Manukau Institute of Technology, she was instrumental in developing IT degree programs and fostering industry connections for students. She has been a strong advocate for diversity in tech, leading initiatives to encourage young women, Maori and Pasifika students to pursue technology careers. She later became the executive director of TechWomen at NZTech where she expanded the Shadow Tech program, giving students hands-on exposure to IT careers. She continues to impact lives through CreateOps, an organisation she founded to support young adults, students, people re-entering the workforce and executives. She also dedicates her time to charities, including Age Concern and currently serves as the director of operations for systems integrator, Imagetext. Alongside Darius, the duo cultivated Imagetext as a unique presence in New Zealands tech landscape while also making time to support charitable and community causes. Known for their integrity, they are respected leaders in both their business pursuits and their community involvement. Together along with business partner John Preisig Imagetext has become a trusted name in the integration of Apple devices into Windows-based environments, helping IT teams effectively manage mixed technology networks. Its client base ranges from large multinational corporations to SMEs, schools and universities. Darius reputation for expertise and integrity has led to partnerships with many of NZs top resellers, even as they partner to support the large accounts of their mutual clients. Darius has led Imagetext in offering specialised solutions for complex environments, from digital asset management and mobile device management to end-to-end workflow design in graphic, printing and publishing industries. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a license for SpaceX to launch direct to cell services via its Starlink satellite constellation, bringing local partner One NZ closer to launching services in New Zealand. The US regulator found it was in the public interest to authorise SpaceX to provide satellite communications services in the US and to provide direct-to-cell operations outside the US with all of its 7500 Gen2 Starlink satellites. The commission recognised that satellite-to-device connectivity could support critical public interest benefits, including ubiquitous connectivity, access to 911 service from remote areas, technological advancement and innovative spectrum use among other benefits. One NZ head of sustainability and corporate affairs Nicky Preston said the licensing gets One NZ a step closer to launching a satellite text service. Were delighted that our partner SpaceX has received US regulatory clearance to launch its Starlink direct-to-cell service, Preston said. This opens the door for our satellite to mobile service in Aotearoa once field testing is complete. US President Donald Trump said he sees a "very good chance" for peace between Ukraine and Russia after "very good and productive discussions" between US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a March 14 post on his Truth Social site, Trump also said the United States had urged Russia to spare the lives of "thousands" of Ukrainian soldiers that Putin has said have been isolated by Russian troops in Russia's Kursk region. Ukraine disputes that claim. The post came just hours after the Kremlin said it was "cautiously optimistic" following a meeting late on March 13 between Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. "We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end," Trump wrote. Trump added that "thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military, and in a very bad and vulnerable position." "I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared," he wrote. "This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II." Putin said a day earlier that a group of Ukrainian troops were "isolated" in the Kursk region, the site of a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last August. Responding to Trump's plea on March 14, he said the soldiers' lives would be spared if they surrendered and urged Kyiv to order them to do so. Officials in Kyiv have said that while Ukrainian forces have been slowly withdrawing in the Kursk region under heavy pressure from Russian troops, but the armed forces general staff said on March 14 that "[r]eports of the alleged 'encirclement' of Ukrainian units...in the Kursk region are false and fabricated." "There is no threat of encirclement of our units," it said in a statement on social media. Zelenskyy Challenges Putin's Motives Earlier on March 14, Putin's spokesman said there were grounds for "cautious optimism" over Trump's 30-day cease-fire proposal, which Ukraine accepted earlier this week at talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine, meanwhile, questioned Moscow's sincerity in ending the war, which is now in its fourth year since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that Putin sent Trump a message about his cease-fire proposal after his talks with Witkoff in the Russian capital. "When Mr Witkoff brings all the information to President Trump, we will determine the timing of a conversation (between Trump and Putin). There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic," Peskov said. Putin said a day earlier that he agrees in principle with the US proposal for a temporary cease-fire with Ukraine, but added that "there are nuances," such as Western weapons deliveries to Kyiv, that he wants addressed first. The Russian leader also said any agreement should lead to long-term peace that addresses the "root" reasons for the war, an apparent reference to NATO expansion and other developments Putin claims have put Russia's security in jeopardy. In a video posted late on March 13, Zelenskyy questioned Putin's motives, saying the Russian leader was preparing to reject the proposal but was afraid to tell Trump. "That's why in Moscow they are imposing upon the idea of a cease-fire these conditions -- so that nothing happens at all, or so that it cannot happen for as long as possible," Zelenskyy said. He followed up on March 14 with a post on social media accusing the Kremlin of trying to "complicate and drag out the process." "Russia is the only party that wants the war to continue and diplomacy to break down," he said on X after a call with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, cardinal Pietro Parolin. Putin's Response To Trump's Pressure Kyiv agreed to Trump's 30-day cease-fire proposal at a meeting in Jeddah on March 11, putting the onus for peace in Moscow's lap. Putin's response threw the ball back into US hands, at least to some degree. Trump called Putin's initial reaction to peace talk developments "promising" but incomplete, though he added he hoped Russia would "do the right thing" and agree to the deal. "I think the Russians are keen not to be seen as the intransigent party as that could lead to consequences from Trump, such as sanctions. So that informed Putin's comments today," John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank, told RFE/RL. Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top priority since taking office for a second term less than two months ago, and is wielding US leverage to get both Kyiv and Moscow to the table. On March 13, the US administration heightened pressure on Russia by increasing restrictions on the country's oil, gas, and banking sectors. Among the measures, the Treasury Department was allowing the expiration of a 60-day exemption put in place in January by the Biden administration that let some energy transactions involving sanctioned Russian banks continue. The move would make it more difficult for other nations, especially in Europe, to buy Russian oil. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) -- which includes the United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan -- said they discussed imposing more sanctions on Russia and boosting support for Ukraine if the Kremlin does not agree to the cease-fire. Among the measures discussed during the March 13-14 meeting were caps on the price for Russian oil exports, they said in a joint statement. Western nations in late 2022 imposed a $60-a-barrel price cap on the export of Russian oil using Western ships or insurance. It is unclear if the G7 discussions touched on lowering the price cap. Russia's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for a third of federal budget revenues. In a joint statement following the meeting, the G7 said that "we reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence." "We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the US and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it added. Putin also said there were several unanswered questions in the proposal, such as what to do about Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. "If we have a cease-fire, does that mean that everyone there would leave?" Putin said. "Should we release them [Ukrainian troops] after they committed crimes against the population? Or would they surrender?" Ukraine denies committing such crimes, saying it abides by humanitarian law and does not target civilians. Why Should Russia Agree To A Cease-Fire? Kyiv seized a swath of the Kursk region in a stealth incursion in August, a move seen as an effort to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and use the territory as a bargaining chip in any peace talks. That strategy is now failing as Russian forces supported by North Korean troops push the Ukrainians out of Kursk. Russia has regained more than half the territory in Kursk initially captured by Ukraine. Zelenskyy told reporters on March 14 that the situation in Kursk was "obviously very difficult." Among the other concerns Putin voiced about the cease-fire proposal is whether Ukraine would use the 30-day period to mobilize and train forces or rearm with the help of the West. He also raised the question of how the nearly 2,000-kilometer front would be monitored. Zelenskyy told reporters that the front could be monitored by US satellites. Experts had warned that Putin would likely seek to drag out cease-fire talks because his forces have the upper hand on the battlefield. Aside from the advances in Kursk, Russia is gaining territory in eastern Ukraine -- albeit at high human and material costs -- due to its significant manpower advantage. However, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has stopped Russian forces at the gates of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in Donetsk region, after months of fighting on the outskirts of the city. Zelenskyy asserted that the incursion into Kursk forced Russia to pull forces from eastern Ukraine, giving his troops time to defend the city. Russia is seeking to capture at a minimum the entirety of the four regions of Ukraine it claims to have annexed in September 2022: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson. A cease-fire freezing the current front lines would leave them short of that goal. "One way the Russians could slow down this process without coming out directly and saying 'no', is by dragging out those technical discussions on monitoring" the cease-fire, Hardie said. "That could also give them ways to try to pin the blame back on Ukraine, by insisting on certain technical matters that Ukraine might find objectionable," he said. Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL's China Global Affairs Correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. Minding The Transatlantic Gap China is looking to capitalize on a transatlantic rift between the United States and Europe that is widening as U.S. President Donald Trump looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine. But how much of an opening is there actually for Beijing? Finding Perspective: The threat of tariffs, a war of words at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Europe and Kyiv, and a standoff at the United Nations over how to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine have all been recent fissures between Washington and European governments. That brought new questions about relying on the United States to European capitals and left an opening for Beijing, which has been trying to woo back Europe over the past four years. On the sidelines in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with several top European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Spain's foreign minister seems to be at least more open to the idea of keeping China closer amid tensions with the United States. Jose Manuel Albares told the Financial Times that the European Union should craft its own China policy and not follow the more confrontational line with Beijing advocated by those in the Trump administration. "Europe must take its own decisions, on its own. And we have to decide when China can be a partner and when China is a competitor," Albares told the newspaper. How We Got Here: During Trump's first term in office, Washington pushed European governments to take a harder line on China. That led to the bloc labeling China a "systemic rival" in 2019. The Chinese government's untransparent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and supply chain concerns, and Beijing's backing of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine all saw that harder line solidify in Europe under former U.S. President Joe Biden's tenure. Now amid growing transatlantic tensions, some European governments see following Trump's tough stance on China as a way to win over Washington. Others, like the Spanish government, are arguing to preserve vital economic ties with Beijing, especially amid growing uncertainty about the United States. This has even led to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of Brussels's more hawkish voices on China, calling in January for a new effort to improve relations between Brussels and Beijing. A True Rift? Tensions on each side of the Atlantic are real. Following his party's victory in elections on February 23, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the Trump administration "does not care much about the fate of Europe" and that the Continent needs to act accordingly. "My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the U.S.A.," he said. Talk of a seismic shift in the geopolitical order is also under way in Brussels. One EU official recently back from discussions with U.S. officials told RFE/RL that the White House's focus is on ending the war in Ukraine and that there is a "take it or leave it" attitude from Washington. The Trump administration wants to "remove the Ukraine issue from the table and move on to other issues. It is becoming clear that Trump's goal is to rule the world together with Russia and China" and work toward "strategically separating them from each other," said the official, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters. Why It Matters: Europe may be grappling with a realignment, but that doesn't mean China is its only option to hedge. As European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Washington, von der Leyen is set to arrive in India on February 27. James Crabtree, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told me that "it's hard to imagine a better time to re-energize Europe's and India's historically lackluster ties" and that a focus of the trip will be technology cooperation. "A meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council -- only the second since its foundation in 2023 -- offers opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to clean technologies," he said. China may also be short on opportunities, with most EU members unable to look past its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The bloc's most recent sanctions package passed on February 24 once again included Chinese companies and individuals. What is likely to emerge is a more fragmented Europe when it comes to China. While some governments look to countries like India, South Korea, and Japan to balance out their foreign policy, others -- such as the current Spanish government and Hungary -- will keep courting Chinese investment and create new openings for Beijing. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. A Reverse Nixon? China publicly backed the Trump administration's recent talks with the Kremlin, but analysts and former U.S. officials I spoke with mostly said the prospect of a U.S.-Russia reset is also making Beijing "nervous" about having less leverage over its partner. The Details: "While a complete rapprochement might not be in the cards, they're nervous because if Trump lifts sanctions on Russia, then Moscow's dependency on China decreases," Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, told me. One of the hallmarks of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been a burgeoning strategic partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin that's grown closer since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Beijing has propped up the Russian economy through enhanced trade and energy purchases while fueling the Kremlin's war effort with the supply of key goods as both Xi and Putin have found common ground in wanting to challenge the West and unseat the United States. The fear of all that being derailed by a new type of U.S.-Russia relationship born out of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine is real for Beijing. Wilder says he's had conversations with "very senior Chinese officials" since Trump's election in November who have expressed concern about a potential U.S.-Russia reset. He says they've used the phrase "Only Trump goes to Moscow," a play on the historical reference to former U.S. President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to Beijing in 1972, when he defied precedent and courted China to exploit its split with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. 2. But Can It Work? A grand bargain would be a major diplomatic feat, but it's something Trump administration officials have hinted at in public comments of late. What You Need To Know: The Trump administration has made clear it sees managing a long-term rivalry with China as its top foreign policy objective and may look to deprioritize regions like Europe and the Middle East in order to raise pressure on Beijing in Asia. Following the talks in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the possibility for future "geopolitical and economic cooperation" between Washington and Moscow was among the key points discussed. And in an interview this month with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was prepared to reset the relationship with the Kremlin following an agreement over Ukraine as a move to end Russia's isolation and its growing dependence on China since the war began. "It's not in Putin's interest to be the little brother in a coalition with China," Vance said. The thinking is that even new cracks between the two powers may loosen Moscow's alignment with Beijing and could have a deterrent effect on China, especially if it decides to use military force to take Taiwan. Still, both Beijing and Moscow are aware of what the White House is trying to do, and Beijing has made a point to show it and Moscow are still a tandem, including a recent phone call between Putin and Xi on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University London's China Institute, told me he believes Washington's efforts to reset its Russia ties are also not all bad news for Beijing. "Xi does not want Putin to fail in the war, and so Trump delivering a peace that mostly meets Russian conditions is a positive," he said. "Who knows who will be the next U.S. president and if there will be a reversal of U.S. posture post-Trump." 3. Taiwan Watches A New U.S. Line On Ukraine Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian Embassy in Taipei on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion. What It Means: The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position where China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification. Those parallels have grown since Trump's election. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance. When I was in Taiwan in December, I spoke with several senior officials who said they were closely watching what happened to Kyiv on the battlefield and with the new U.S. administration. So far, the White House has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan, but Washington has also threatened tariffs on the island's semiconductor industry, which is responsible for around 60 percent of world production for microchips and 90 percent of the most-advanced ones needed for the global AI boom. Across The Supercontinent Choking Off Iranian Oil: Earlier this month, the United States brought in a new tranche of sanctions on Iranian oil, my colleague Kian Sharifi and I reported . The move is seen as an opening shot against Tehran and Beijing -- Iran's top oil customer. New Bridge Deal: The Transport Ministry of Tajikistan and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group (ZCCC) signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of what will be the longest road bridge in Central Asia. New Tools For Tashkent: Uzbekistan showcased on February 25 newly purchased Chinese-made air-defense systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air-defense system. One Thing To Watch A Chinese-crewed cargo ship is detained in Taiwan's southern port of Tainan after a key Taiwan-Penghu Internet cable was mysteriously severed. Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating whether this was an accident or part of a broader pattern of disruptions to vital communication lines, but the country's Coast Guard released footage of them apprehending the vessel. The move comes amid growing tensions from a rise of so-called gray zone tactics, the term often used by Taiwanese officials to refer to the hybrid tactics used to intimidate the island but which remain below the threshold for war. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Don't look there, look here? Officials in Kazakhstan are mulling amendments to laws affecting charity that critical journalists and activists are calling unconstitutional and potentially damaging to their work. If sent to parliament and passed, the amendments would regulate how people can make and receive donations -- changes that could reach beyond charity, depending on how they might be worded and interpreted. What is more, the so far closed-doors discussions of the Culture and Information Ministry's working group on the topic are taking place in the middle of a noisy scandal that has cast fundraising in a bad light. Local media has been feasting on the rise-and-fall story of jailed businesswoman and charity co-founder Perizat Qairat. It is certainly a colorful one. Qairat's social media accounts portray a jet-setting lifestyle in which luxury-filled visits to the United Arab Emirates, expensive tastes in fashion, and a spoiled canine all feature heavily. The Agency for Financial Monitoring on November 14 alleged this lifestyle was paid for by around $3 million in contributions by Kazakh citizens to the Biz Birgemiz (We Are Together) charity led by Qairat during its fundraising drive for victims of historic floods in Kazakhstan in the spring. The agency provided a list of top-end vehicles, real estate, and holidays it said the 33-year-old had purchased with these funds and then followed up with another statement on her alleged embezzlements during another fundraising drive for Palestinians. The court will decide if she is guilty and, since courts in Kazakhstan rarely disagree with the positions taken by investigators, Qairat might find herself up against it. But the fact her arrest has coincided with reports about the working group's activities is already setting off alarm bells among journalists and activists dependent on donations for their work. This is "in no way a coincidence," according to Vadim Boreiko, a veteran journalist and the host of the popular Hyperborei YouTube channel. "These amendments have not been passed, but they are already threatening small independent media that work overwhelmingly thanks to donations," Boreiko said, citing a sudden drop-off in donations to Hyperborei since Qairat's detention was announced. As such, the agency's comment in its November 14 press release that the case amounted to a "breach of public trust in civil society" is already proving prophetic, Boreiko noted with sarcasm. 'Stimulating And Developing Charity' The Culture and Information Ministry has said the working group was established to develop proposals and new strategies for "stimulating and developing charity" in Kazakhstan. In response to an official inquiry from RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, the ministry said amendments to the law were still under discussion and "will be submitted for public consultation at a later stage." The ministry has also reassured multiple media outlets that "the issue of restricting individuals and legal entities from making charitable contributions, including in critical situations, is not being considered." But a draft document of the amendments that RFE/RL's Kazakh Service was able to obtain raises doubts about that position. Kazakhstan's charity law was adopted in 2015 but has been tweaked several times since then. The latest proposals to change the law and laws related to it are ostensibly being made to bring Kazakh legislation in line with the best practices of the Financial Action Task Force, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization that fights money laundering and terrorist financing. One proposal currently being studied by the working group calls for the introduction of steep fines (as much as $800) for crowdfunders who indicate a personal bank account when calling for funds "for the benefit of other people." Lesser fines would be applicable to individuals who begin and conclude fundraising drives without notifying the authorities of their activities and goals. These measures are needed to "reduce the number of fraudulent transactions," according to the authors of the document. Along with fraudsters, mobile donations are also the main method by which activists, journalists, and regular citizens receive support. It has less relevance to charities like Biz Birgemiz, which is a registered entity with its own bank accounts. But those types of organizations would be affected by several other proposals being discussed by the working group. One of those is a proposal to amend a different law -- on civil defense -- to determine who can and cannot raise funds during natural and manmade emergencies in a given region. If passed, "the choice of a charitable organization for collecting funds should be assigned to the local executive body," the document reads. A Scandal Made In The Ruling Party? The drive to overhaul the sector would perhaps be generating less pessimism if it were not spearheaded by the Culture and Information Ministry and its high-powered minister, Aida Balaeva. In August, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev signed off on a new law on mass media drawn up by the same ministry. The law has introduced new restrictions around media accreditation, limiting journalists to working for a single outlet and increasing the ease with which authorities can suspend accreditation. One pretext for suspension could be perceived infringements at press conferences and other settings where officials and journalists interact after Balaeva complained of "inappropriate" behavior from journalists in these settings. Kazakh authorities have a standard form of viewing fundraising efforts negatively when government critics are involved. The most famous recent example of this is the situation surrounding the women's and children's rights group NeMolchi.KZ (Don't Be Silent). Last year, police said an arrest warrant had been issued for Dina Smailova, the group's leader, in connection with an embezzlement case. Smailova has herself said hundreds of individuals who donated to her in the past have been called in for questioning as officers attempt to build a case against her. NeMolchi.KZ is known for defending women who are victims of domestic and sexual violence. Several of the group's recent cases have involved perpetrators who are state officials or members of law enforcement. Human Rights Watch in February called the charges "dubious" and raised concerns that the authorities were on "a fishing expedition for evidence of wrongdoing by Smailova," who lives in de facto exile but continues to source donations to cover the work of Kazakh-based staff and lawyers to represent victims of abuse. Smailova argues that authorities' attempts to tighten regulations surrounding charitable work are unconstitutional, restricting the fundamental right of citizens to dispose of their assets in the way they choose. While the scandal surrounding Qairat and Biz Birgemiz is a bad look for the local charitable sector, it has also somewhat backfired on the government. That is after journalists from the Ratel.kz news agency identified at least four people with current or past connections to the ruling Amanat party (formerly Nur Otan) on the charity's documents of incorporation. To date there have been no announcements that any of these co-founders are being investigated alongside Qairat, whose entrepreneurial sidelines include a luxury flower shop and a meat export business. A report from RFE/RL's Kazakh Service on November 14 recalled that during the massive floods in northern and western Kazakhstan in April, Qairat published an Instagram post calling on President Toqaev to "react promptly and travel to emergency sites to avoid the death of his people" and to cancel international engagements "as presidents of other countries do during emergencies." Qairat promptly deleted the post and published a new one, apologizing and asking the country to unite around Toqaev. Whether her earlier, unsolicited advice played any role in her fate is unclear. But Amanat was forced to respond to the reports of its members' involvement in the charity. Lawmaker and Amanat executive secretary Elnur Beisembaev acknowledged on November 20 that two serving party members were among the charity's founders but denied any institutional connections between Amanat and Biz Birgemiz. A Roscommon business will be featured on an RTE show today (Thursday) that will examine the ever-changing food sector. During the show three young Irish innovators explore how autonomous tractors are taking farming to the next level with Roscommon business iTarra, which is based on the Athlone Road. iTarra provide are the worlds first multi-industry driverless smart tractor. They are energy efficient and provide groundbreaking adaptive load sensing and traction technology. The business aims to revolutionise autonomy across multiple sectors, including agriculture, industrial and defence. This weeks episode of new RTE Kids series Whats Next? sees young Irish innovators with a healthy appetite for creativity develop big ideas to support the future of the food industry. The third episode in the six-part series, airing this Thursday on RTE 2 at 5.30 p.m., features young inventors Ruben Lawless from Dublin, Kate Butler from Carlow and Tynan Lawson from Dublin. Aside from learning about iTarras work, the trio also learn how food scraps can be converted into culinary gold with Chef Paul Cunningham from Scopers in Dundrum and meet with Azhar Murtaza of Born Maverick in Belfast to find out about low impact food alternatives. Whats Next? airs on RTE2 today (Thursday) at 5.30 p.m. and is available to watch on RTE Player. The series is produced with support from Coimisiun na Mean and Northern Ireland Screen. Who is Rocky Mittal? Man Behind Song Expressing Solidarity with Sukhbir Singh Badal Mittal first gained attention during the 2014 general elections when he campaigned in support of PM Narendra Modi. Who is Rocky Mittal Who Sung Song Expressing Solidarity with Sukhbir Singh Badal: Rocky Mittal, hailing from Kaithal district in Haryana, is a name that has recently made headlines after releasing a song expressing solidarity with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. However, Mittals public persona is not limited to this recent development; his political career and controversial actions over the years have made him a polarizing figure in Haryana and beyond. Mittal first gained attention during the 2014 general elections when he campaigned in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His active involvement in Modis election campaign helped him gain a foothold in the political arena. In the years that followed, Mittal became known for his outspoken nature and controversial songs targeting political leaders, particularly those from the Congress party. Advertisement In 2019, Mittal released a series of songs criticizing prominent Congress figures such as Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda. His songs, filled with pointed political commentary, earned him both supporters and detractors. The controversy surrounding these songs only fueled his reputation as a vocal critic of the Congress party. In addition to his musical forays, Mittal made a name for himself as the chairman of a reform cell, where he was known for conducting raids that often placed the government in a difficult position. His actions during these raids were bold and frequently made headlines, though they also drew criticism for their aggressive and disruptive nature. Mittals relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, eventually soured. Despite his contributions and loyalty to the party, he alleged that he was being consistently ignored by the leadership. In a dramatic move, Mittal resigned from the BJP, sending copies of his resignation to key party leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini. Mittal accused the party of sidelining him despite his selfless work, and claimed that false cases had been registered against him in an attempt to harass him over the last four years. Advertisement Mittal's departure from the BJP marked a turning point in his political journey, as he distanced himself from the party and began aligning with other political figures. His recent support for Sukhbir Singh Badal, as expressed through the song, suggests that he may be seeking new political affiliations or platforms, though his future in the political landscape remains uncertain. Rocky Mittal is a complex figurepart politician, part social media provocateur, and part rebel within the BJP. His actions, whether in the form of controversial songs, raids, or public accusations, have made him a controversial character in Haryana's political scene. His latest public expression of solidarity with Sukhbir Singh Badal only adds another layer to his multifaceted persona, one that continues to evolve and attract attention from both supporters and critics alike. (For more news apart from Who is Rocky Mittal Who Sung Song Expressing Solidarity with Sukhbir Singh Badal, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Delhi's Prashant Vihar Blast News Today: Explosion Near PVR, Security Teams Deployed A high alert was issued across the city following the previous explosion. Delhi Prashant Vihar Blast News Today: An explosion occurred in Prashant Vihar, a locality in Delhi's Rohini, on Thursday morning, just over a month after a similar blast had caused panic in the area. The explosion took place near the PVR cinema in Prashant Vihar, as reported by indiatoday.in. The Delhi Fire Service received a call about the blast at 11:48 AM, according to news agency ANI. Fire tenders were promptly dispatched to the site. Advertisement In addition to fire teams, personnel from the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell, and Bomb Disposal Squad also arrived at the location. The area was cordoned off as authorities worked to secure the scene. This latest blast comes just weeks after a powerful explosion damaged a wall of the CRPF school in the same neighborhood, triggering widespread panic. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either incident. A high alert was issued across the city following the previous explosion. Advertisement Initial investigations suggest that the Thursday blast might have been caused by a crude bomb. However, further analysis pointed to the possibility that the explosion was triggered by discarded cigarette butts, thrown by a man walking his dog, which came into contact with industrial waste in a nearby garbage dump, according to an Indian Express report. The explosion, captured on CCTV, caused significant damage, including the destruction of part of the school wall, shattered windowpanes of nearby shops, and damage to several parked cars. The blast's sound was reportedly heard several hundred meters away. Following the explosion, security forces, including teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Delhi Police, sealed off the area. Forensic experts also collected samples from the site as part of the ongoing investigation. Advertisement (For more news apart from Delhi Prashant Vihar Blast News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) PM Narendra Modi Receives Death Threat Again; Mumbai Police Arrest Woman As per the details of the case, the Mumbai Police control room received a call threatening to kill PM Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again received a death threat. An unknown person called the Mumbai Police control room in Maharashtra and threatened to kill the Prime Minister. The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. According to the latest update, the Mumbai Police have arrested a 34-year-old woman in connection with the threatening call made against Prime Minister Modi. Advertisement As per the details of the case, the Mumbai Police control room received a call threatening to kill PM Modi. The caller stated that a plan had been made to kill the Prime Minister. Sources report that the call came to the police control room around 9 p.m. last Wednesday night. The police have since initiated an investigation and apprehended the 34-year-old woman. It is important to note that the security of the Prime Minister of India is the responsibility of the Special Protection Group (SPG). The first security perimeter surrounding the Prime Minister is exclusively manned by SPG personnel. These security officers are trained according to the guidelines of the US Secret Service. They are equipped with modern weaponry, including MNF-2000 assault rifles, automatic guns, and 17M revolvers. Advertisement According to a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs in Parliament in 2020, Rs 1 crore 62 lakh is spent daily on the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was also mentioned in the Lok Sabha that the SPG provides security exclusively to the Prime Minister. SGPC strongly condemns incident of stopping Sikh from entering Delhi Metro Station with kirpan An initiated Sikh must wear the five kakaars (symbols of faith) and the Constitution of India also allows this. Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, while taking notice of the incident of stopping an Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh from entering Delhi's Jhilmil Metro Station with his kirpan, said that this is a violation of the country's constitution. He said that repeated cases of hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs are coming to light in the country and it is unfortunate that governments are not taking any exemplary action against those who do so. He said that under the Constitution of India, every citizen of the country has the freedom to protect his religious beliefs. Advertisement An initiated Sikh must wear the five kakaars (symbols of faith) and the Constitution of India also allows this. Advocate Dhami said that recently the Ministry of Civil Aviations Bureau of Civil Aviation Security had also issued a notification prohibiting initiated Sikh employees from wearing kirpan at the Indian airports, to which the SGPC had also expressed strong objection. Advocate Dhami said that now a CISF employee has stopped an initiated Sikh from entering the Jhilmil metro station in Delhi with a kirpan, and such an act amounts to hurting religious sentiments. He said that a video of this incident has also gone viral on social media, taking notice of which the government should take strict action against the accused CISF employee. Advertisement He said that the Government of India should ensure that initiated Sikhs are not discriminated against in the country for wearing kakaars. Advocate Dhami asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi Government to take immediate action in this matter and ensure the protection of the rights of Sikhs. Another Political Blunder by Imran Khan It is natural for ordinary citizens to breathe a sigh of relief after the agitation ended. Peace has returned to the streets of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, after Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced the suspension of its dharna (protest) and the temporary return of protesters to their homes. This announcement was made around 1:30 a.m. on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday (November 26-27). In a statement issued by PTI on Wednesday morning, the party claimed that the government was determined to take the lives of innocent and unarmed people. In light of this, the decision to suspend the dharna was made after consultation with party chief Imran Khan. Advertisement However, some party leaders, particularly Ali Amin Gandapur, later stated in Manshera that the dharna was still ongoing. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government, especially the Minister for Internal Security, Mohsin Naqvi, claimed that it was because of the tough stance adopted by the government that Bushra Bibi (Imrans wife) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur found it appropriate to slip away overnight to avoid arrest. According to Pakistani media, after the forced entry of PTI supporters into Islamabad on Monday night and the violent actions that resulted in two deaths and around 50 injuries due to police firing, Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders held two meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. During these meetings, it was decided that if the government adopts a bloodthirsty stance, the struggle for justice should be stopped once and for all. The formal announcement of this decision was made after the government deployed the army in the national capital and issued a shoot on sight order. It is believed that even before this announcement, PTI supporters had sensed the changing situation and started returning home. After the formal announcement, the roads were empty within half an hour. Advertisement It is natural for ordinary citizens to breathe a sigh of relief after the agitation ended. The protests had already claimed at least six lives. The government reported that two deaths occurred during police action on the night of Monday to Tuesday, while violence by PTI supporters led to the deaths of three Rangers and a Havildar of the Punjab Police. The Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary force primarily stationed along the Indo-Pak border and the Pak-Iran border, is called in to assist the police during critical situations. The three Rangers were reportedly killed after being struck by an SUV on the Srinagar highway, which starts from Islamabad. The government later alleged that the SUV driver was a PTI supporter who deliberately rammed the vehicle into the Rangers. On the other hand, PTI maintains that the deaths of the Rangers were the result of an unfortunate road accident due to poor visibility and that the deaths were not intentional. In fact, the incident provided the government with an excuse to use force, including a lathi-charge, against the protesters. Advertisement PTI had initiated a nationwide protest march toward Islamabad to demand four key issues, including the immediate release of Imran Khan. The other demands were the restoration of the mandate given to PTI in the 2024 elections and the cancellation of amendments made to the composition of the Supreme Court. However, given the current situation, it seems that the party has scored a self-goal. The violence of its supporters has given the government a justification to implement more severe measures. It is also being discussed that on Tuesday night, the army struck a deal with Imran Khan, offering him some concessions, which led him to agree to de-escalate the conflict. Regardless of the specifics, the immediate threat of escalating unrest and lawlessness in Pakistan has been averted for now. This is, in itself, a positive development. The Civilization of Wood in Romania The people of Maramures have always been faithful to wood, to which they gave the most diverse forms The Civilization of Wood in Romania Daniel Onea, 28.11.2024, 13:51 The people of Maramures have always been faithful to wood, to which they gave the most diverse forms, from the bowl they ate from, to the roof over their heads, and the churches in which they worshiped. And tourists always stop and marvel at the beauty of the old houses, gates and churches. These can be seen by accessing a dedicated cultural-tourist route, Wood Civilization in Romania, about which we learn from Edit Pop, the manager of the Eco Maramures ecotourism destination. The vast forests of historical Maramures provided raw material for human settlements, from which both houses and annexes were built, as well as the carved Maramures gates and the woven fence. This is how the story of the wood civilization was born, which continues today in Maramures, but, of course, on a different scale. From a tourist perspective, the wooden churches from the 16th to the 18th century, which are historical monuments and of which we have one in each village in the Eco Maramures destination, are the ones that attract culture lovers the most today. The Wood Civilization route was born in 2021 as a tool for promoting cultural tourism. We proposed a route in the Eco Maramures destination in another show, but this route, the following month, after its certification, was included in a much larger cultural route, the wood civilization in Romania, along with the wood civilization in Bucovina and the Dowry Box of Neamt County. Getting to know Maramures starts right from the authentic village, where tourists can discover the traditions, but also the culinary part, which is ancestral, with recipes from elders. It is also from there, more precisely from the Eco Maramures ecotourism destination, that the Wood Civilization in Romania route also begins. This route follows a route through the most representative villages and with the most representative wooden objects in our destination. Our route starts from Budesti, but can be done as a circuit and can be started from any of the other villages. In the commune of Budesti, we propose to visit the wooden churches of Josani, which is a UNESCO monument, and the one in Susan, which is a historical monument. Then, the route continues to the village of Vecini, in the commune of Sarbi, where tourists can visit the traditional technique installations that are also built of wood. These installations are powered by the water of the Cosau River and still serve the needs of the village today. We will find there the whirlpool in which heavy woolen fabrics are washed, the mill with a horizontal wheel for grinding cereals, the pounding crucible used for hardening woolen fabrics, and the installations that produce the drink so famous in Maramures, the horinca. Without these folk technique installations, the traditional winter costume of Maramures practically could not continue. In the villages, when tourists arrive in Eco Maramures, they will see many people dressed in the traditional winter costume woven from wool. The Maramures village of Breb, also included in our route, was selected in November in the Upgrade Program of the Best Tourism Villages 2024 competition. The program, run by the World Tourism Organization, represents a global effort to highlight the villages of the world where tourism is a tool for preserving cultural heritage, celebrating diversity and protecting biodiversity. The village of Breb is famous for its traditional wooden houses, some of them hundreds of years old. Here you can see hand-carved Maramures gates, wicker fences, pointed shingle roofs and a remarkable attention to detail, all in the traditional Maramures style. Our journey continues, together with Edit Pop, the manager of the Eco Maramures ecotourism destination. Next is the commune of Calinesti, with two other wooden churches, the church in Caeni and the church in Susani, after which we go to the famous Breb, the village that built its fame on tradition and culture. Here we can visit the old church and many traditional wooden peasant households. We will see many houses here. In addition, we can also visit the craftsmen, those who make the tradition and culture of wood continue. There are many craftsmen even today in the villages of Eco Maramures. Then, the last destination, the last locality, Desesti, where we visit the UNESCO monument church. For detailed information about the objectives of this route, Edit Pop, the manager of the Eco Maramures ecotourism destination, recommends accessing the ecomaramures.com website. We have a very tasteful website, with a lot of information. The Eco Maramures destination has a lot of cultural objectives to offer. All the information is available there and, when tourists plan their vacation, it is good to allocate a little more time. This cultural route, which we talked about, can be covered in a very short time, in eight hours. However, I would recommend allocating time for a more leisurely visit, over several days, because the destination really has something to tell. So, a vacation in Maramures is, in fact, a continuous and complex journey. More and more tourists have learned about this unique experience. There are more and more foreign tourists who come here, more recently, after the pandemic. We had a pretty tough time in terms of arrivals, but now things are settling down. There are even more foreign tourists than in 2019. They are fascinated, they are simply captivated by this village life, because the villages in Eco-Maramures are not ready for artificial tourism. There, life goes on at its own pace, people take care of their animals, take care of their households, and the tourists, when they step into these villages and walk through them on foot, in a slower way, provides a feeling of integration. They find something that outside of Romania and outside of rural areas has long been lost. So, there is that authentic, true atmosphere that they live and rediscover. The Eco Maramures destination has been certified since 2014, and is part of a network of ecotourism destinations at a national level. Since its founding, the emphasis has been on transforming ecological tourism into a local development engine for communities. The goal is for each villager to find their own place, where their family can thrive and basically bring new value and experiences that tourists can experience in Romania. November 28, 2024 UPDATE Click here for the latest news from RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 28.11.2024, 20:11 CSAT The Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT), meeting on Thursday in Bucharest, found that there were cyber attacks with the aim of influencing the correctness of the electoral process in the first round of the presidential election in Romania, the Presidential Administration reports. The members of the Council confirmed that, in the current regional security and especially electoral context, Romania, along with other states on the Eastern Flank of NATO, has become a priority for the hostile actions of some state and non-state actors, especially the Russian Federation which shows a growing interest in influencing the public agenda in Romanian society and social cohesion. The Presidency of Romania shows that the analysis of the documents revealed the fact that, by violating the electoral legislation, a candidate in the presidential election, in this case the independent Calin Georgescu, benefited from a massive exposure due to the preferential treatment that the TikTok platform gave him with an impact on the final result of the election. In this sense, the CSAT members asked the authorities with responsibilities in the field of national security, those with responsibilities in the smooth running of the electoral process, as well as the criminal investigation bodies to urgently take the necessary steps to clarify these aspects. STS The Special Telecommunications Service (STS) reported that no vulnerabilities were identified regarding the provision, under security conditions, of communications services and information technology made available to the Permanent Electoral Authority, the organizer of the November 24 presidential election. STS also states that, neither before nor during the electoral process, did it receive information from other entities with responsibilities in the field of cyber security regarding the development of cyber attacks. Constitutional Court The Central Electoral Bureau approved the recount of all ballots in the first round of the presidential election, after the Constitutional Court of Romania has asked for it. With unanimity of votes, the CCR judges decided to request the re-verification and recount of all valid and invalid ballots from the November 24 election. The deadline by which the Central Electoral Bureau has to convey the results to the Constitutional Court is Friday, at 2:00 p.m., when a new meeting of the CCR is scheduled. The judges decision comes after the request of the presidential candidate Cristian Terhes, who argued that the votes received by Ludovic Orban would have been counted for Elena Lasconi, who ranked second with a difference of only 2,742 votes from the 3rd placed candidate, the current prime minister Marcel Ciolacu. At the same time, the judges of the Constitutional Court rejected, also unanimously, as late, the request to cancel the first round of voting made by Sebastian Popescu, a candidate from the New Romania Party. We remind you that on December 1 parliamentary elections will take place in Romania and the second round of the presidential election is scheduled for December 8. Reactions The decision of the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) to request the Central Electoral Bureau to recount all the votes cast in the first round of the presidential election is criticized by several political parties. CCR is playing with national security, wrote on Facebook Save Romania Unions (USR) candidate for the presidential seat, Elena Lasconi, qualified in the second round of the presidential election. She says that extremism is fought by voting and not by behind-the-scenes plotting. The leader of the Forta Dreptei (Force of the Right) party, Ludovic Orban, who gave up running in the first round in favor of Elena Lasconi, believes that CCR is playing along the Social Democratic Party (in the governing coalition) to remove the USR candidate from the decisive round of the election. He believes that the result of the vote is clear, unambiguous and without any question mark. In turn, the president of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, George Simion, criticized the Constitutional Court and accused it of turning into a pawn on the political stage. According to the law, the CCR cancels the elections if the voting and the results took place through fraud in such a way as to change the assignment of the mandate or the order of the candidates who can participate in the second round of voting. In this situation, the CCR will order the repeat of the first round of the presidential election on the second Sunday from the date when the election was cancelled. December 1 Approximately 2,500 specialists and military personnel, 190 technical equipment and 45 aircraft will participate in the traditional military parade in Bucharest, on December 1, on the National Day of Romania. Along with the Romanian soldiers, approximately 240 foreign soldiers from Albania, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Croatia and France will march in the parade. They will be joined by colleagues from Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Great Britain, Spain, the USA and Turkey. At the same time, an exhibition of military equipment will be organized which can be visited after the end of the official ceremony. Romanias National Day will be marked by military ceremonies in other large cities of the country, as well as in the theaters of operations where Romanian soldiers are deployed. BOR The Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has reminded its clergy that they are not allowed to support candidates or participate in electoral campaigns as supporters. They are required to maintain their neutrality both in public statements and in practical activity. The political option of the priest will be expressed only by secret personal vote, the heads of the Orthodox Church have stressed, ahead of the parliamentary elections due on December 1, on the National Day, and the second round of the presidential election, on December 8. At the same time, the Synod reiterates its appeal to the leaders of the political parties not to allow the recruitment of members from the clergy, nor the use for political purposes of church personnel, locations, services and symbols. BOR does not recommend supporting any political party or any political ideology, but urges all citizens to make choices aimed at achieving the good of the country and at promoting Christian values in society. At the last population census in Romania, in 2021, 85.3% of the total resident population declared themselves Christian Orthodox. (LS) A new European Commission The new European Commission will focus on economic competitiveness, reducing bureaucracy and innovation. Roxana Minzatu (Photographer: Alain ROLLAND Copyright: European Union 2024 - Source : EP) Stefan Stoica, 28.11.2024, 14:00 The new European Commission, the second to be headed by Ursula von der Leyen, will take over from 1st December, after being approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday. In her speech, von der Leyen promised to revitalise the Unions stagnating economy, boost competitiveness, reduce bureaucracy, unblock investments and bridge the innovation gap with the United States and China. Support for Ukraine, defence, managing migration, enlargement, climate actions, the budget reform and the rule of law will also feature among her teams priorities. Our fight for freedom may look different to generations past. But the stakes are just as high, von der Leyen told MEPs. These freedoms will not come for free. It will mean making difficult choices. It will mean massive investment in our security and prosperity. And above all it will mean staying united and true to our values. Finding ways to work with each other and overcoming fragmentation, vom der Leyen emphasised. The European Commissions first initiative will be the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic plan to boost the European economy based on three pillars: innovation, the plan for industry and economic security, implying more European autonomy. The Commissions new executive vice-presidents include Romanias Roxana Minzatu, who will be coordinating social policies, skills, professional training and certain educational policies. The new Social Climate Fund will also be part of her portfolio, with Romania to receive 6 billion euros for spending on measures to reduce energy poverty. Minzatu will also coordinate some of the policies meant to prepare society for crises, a new concept within European policies. This also refers to educating and preparing society to cope with manipulation. Ursula von der Leyen also said that the Union must allocate more money to match Russias military spending, which accounts for 9% of GDP, while that of Europe accounts for a mere 1.9% on average. Wednesdays vote for the new European Commission reflects the fragmentation within the current European Parliament, where there is no stable majority, but which, for the first time since 1999, has rejected none of the commissioners proposed, Politico notes. The new Commission got fewer votes on Wednesday than its president Ursula von der Leyen last summer and, at 54%, has the least support from the European Parliament since 1993. After the vote, the president of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said she was confident Parliament would work well with the new Commission. Romania to enjoy more freedom of movement From 2025, Romanian nationals will be able to travel freely both to the Schengen area and to the United States. Foto: geralt / pixabay.com Daniela Budu, 28.11.2024, 13:50 2025 will go down in history as the year when Romanians earned the right to travel freely both to the Schengen area and to the United States. On Wednesday, Schengen member states gave the green light to Romanias and Bulgarias full entry into Schengen from 1st January 2025. The decision was taken unanimously within the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) and is confirmation that no member state is opposed to the entry of the two countries, with the official approval to be given by the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in a couple of weeks. The Schengen accession of Romania and Bulgaria had until recently been blocked by Austria, which now says it is no longer opposed, admitting that illegal migration figures went down. Controls on Schengen air and maritime borders had already been lifted for Romania and Bulgaria at the end of March this year. President Klaus Iohannis hailed Romanias full Schengen entry, saying in a social media post that this was a decision Romanian citizens had long-awaited. Congratulations citizens of Bulgaria and Romania! You have waited for so long! You belong to Schengen. And you should benefit in full from Schengen freedoms, said the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson. Hungarys permanent representative to the European Union, ambassador Balint Odor, said With this decision, we will strengthen unity, free movement, and resilience across the EU. Its a win for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe. Also on Wednesday, the US State Department announced that Romania met the criteria for entering the Visa Waiver Program as its visa refusal rate dropped below 3%. This year, around 80,000 Romanian citizens applied for US travel visa, with a record number of 78,000 being accepted. The announcement of the State Department was welcomed by the Romanian government, which said that fulfilling this goal would further consolidate Romanias relationship with the United States. Romanian citizens will be able to travel visa-free to the US from 2025, giving this generation the chance to strengthen the friendship with the American people and to build a more prosperous partnership, said Andrei Murnu, Romanias ambassador to the US. Andrei Muraru: The announcement of the moment when Romania enters the Visa Waiver program is imminent. We are expecting it to be made at the beginning of January, with the actual entry into the program to take place sometime at the end of March or the beginning of April. Until then, the foreign ministry in Bucharest says it stays committed to finalising the implementation of the necessary measures, both in the run-up to the adoption of the Visa Waiver decision, and later, as part of a constantly developing security context. Dr. Martens (DOCS.L) posted a first half pretax loss of 28.7 million pounds compared to profit of 25.8 million pounds, prior year. Loss per share was 2.2 pence compared to profit of 1.9 pence. Adjusted loss before tax was 17.9 million pounds compared to profit of 25.2 million pounds. Adjusted loss per share was 1.3 pence compared to profit of 1.9 pence. For the 26 weeks ended 29 September 2024, revenue declined to 324.6 million pounds from 395.8 million pounds, prior year. The Group said its guidance for fiscal 2025 remains unchanged. Also, Dr. Martens said, the appointment of Ije Nwokorie as Chief Executive Officer will take effect from 6 January 2025. The company confirmed that Kenny Wilson will step down from the Board on that date. Kenny will remain available until 31 March 2025 to ensure a smooth handover. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News New Honda Amaze Fully Revealed Ahead of Launch on December 4 First spy shots from dealer yard The eagerly awaited 2025 Honda Amaze has made its way to dealerships, and leaked images have provided a detailed look at its refreshed design and upgraded interiors. Set to launch officially on December 4, the third-generation Honda Amaze promises to be a significant contender in the sub-4 meter sedan segment. The new model builds on its legacy while incorporating advanced features, including ADAS, a first for its segment. Latest spy shots are credited to Car Holic 14. Fresh Design and Upgraded Features The 2025 Honda Amaze showcases a bold and contemporary design, taking cues from its bigger siblings, the Honda City and Elevate. Up front, it features a larger grille with a honeycomb pattern, flanked by sleeker LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. A connected chrome strip above the grille and a revised clamshell bonnet add a premium touch. The rear profile gets LED tail lamps and a redesigned bumper, contributing to a modern aesthetic. The new Amaze also includes a shark fin antenna, a reverse camera, and new alloy wheels that enhance its road presence. These design elements are a stark departure from the outgoing model, making the 2025 Amaze more refined and visually appealing. Seen in the latest spy shots is a new blue colour with dual tone interiors. Stepping inside, the 2025 Honda Amaze impresses with its revamped interiors. Borrowing design cues from the Elevate, it features a sophisticated dashboard layout, a larger 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Premium touches, such as a dual-tone color scheme and new upholstery, elevate the cabins overall ambiance. Comfort features include automatic air conditioning, rear AC vents, and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims also offer a single-pane sunroof, adding to the sedans premium appeal. With these updates, the Amaze promises a more comfortable and connected driving experience. Segment-First Safety Features Safety has been a key focus for Honda in the 2025 Amaze. The sedan now comes equipped with 6 airbags as standard across all variants. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) set it apart from its competitors, offering features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. Other safety enhancements include ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, and parking sensors with a reverse camera. Under the hood, the new Honda Amaze retains its trusted 1.2-liter petrol engine, delivering 90 hp and 110 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT. Honda is also expected to introduce a CNG variant later, catering to the growing demand for alternative fuel options. With its significant feature upgrades, the 2025 Honda Amaze is likely to be priced higher than the outgoing model, which ranges between Rs 7.3 lakh and Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will compete directly with the newly introduced Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor. The new Honda Amaze is poised to set a new benchmark in its segment, combining style, safety, and technology to offer a well-rounded package for Indian sedan buyers. Car exports in Oct 2024 improved by 14.11% with the Fronx subcompact crossover SUV as the new leader India is a significant player in the auto export market with both passenger and commercial vehicles and across two and three wheeler segments, being shipped across over 100 countries across the globe. Among the many automakers in India, Maruti and Hyundai are two of the leading exporters in the four wheeler segment. Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor dominate the 2W export market. In October 2024, car exports from India increased to 61,530 units, up 14.11% on a YoY basis. This was over 53,920 units shipped in Oct 2023. It related to a volume growth of 7,610 units. Car Exports Oct 2024 Maruti Fronx Leads Maruti Fronx, a subcompact crossover SUV, launched in April 2023, has emerged as the highest exported car in October 2024. Its exports improved by 210.91% to 7,070 units, up from 2,274 units exported in Oct 2023 to command an 11.49% share on this list. This was also a significant MoM improvement in export numbers from 5,200 units shipped in Sept 2024. Maruti Jimny, which has not really found much precedence from buyers in India, has been well received in global markets. Its exports were up 201.56% on a YoY basis to 5,802 units, up from 1,924 units exported in Oct 2023. This was a volume growth of 3,878 units to command a 9.43% share in total exports. Hyundai Grand i10 was at No. 3 with 4,707 unit exports last month, a 35.49% YoY growth from 3,474 units shipped in Oct 2023. The Verna also saw increased exports by 26.70% to 4,641 units in Oct 2024 from 3,663 units exported in the same month last year. The Grand i10 and Verna currently holds a 7.65% and 7.54% share on this list. Two models from Maruti Suzuki came in next. The Dzire saw a 131.22% YoY increase in exports to 4,525 units while Baleno exports dipped by 4.83% to 4,373 units. The new Maruti Dzire could significantly add to even higher exports with official launch having taken place on 11th November 2024. Honda Elevate has received overwhelming response globally. Sales were up 17212.50% on a YoY basis to 4,155 units in Oct 2024, from just 24 units shipped in the same month last year. This was a volume growth of 4,131 units. The Maruti Swift also saw improved demand with 3,454 units exported last month, a 27.03% YoY increase from 2,719 units exported in Oct 2023. Toyota HyRyder exports also went up by 102.47% to 2,707 units while Nissan Sunny, a No. 1 exported model in Sept 2024 fell to a No. 10 spot on this list. Sunny exports were down 18.28% to 2,441 units in Oct 2024 from 2,987 units shipped in Oct 2023. Hyundai Aura too suffered a YoY setback in export figures to 2,173 units, down 38.37% over 3,526 units shipped in Oct 2023. Maruti Ertiga (1,599 units) and Celerio (1,485 units) both received improved demand by 45.76% and 20.83% respectively. The Spresso (1,435 units) and Kia Sonet (1,427 units) suffered a YoY setback by 38.60% and 40.44% respectively while Maruti Eeco exports grew by 24.48% YoY to 1,078 units. There were 866 units of the Eeco shipped in Oct 2023. Sub-1000 Unit Car Exports Oct 2024 With export figures in the sub-1000 unit segment was the Hyundai Exter. Exports stood at 919 units with the Exter commanding a 1.49% share. Ciaz exports were up 83.40% to 917 units while G Vitara exports fell by 59.21% to 680 units. There was also the Hyundai Creta on this list with 654 unit exports that saw a 219.02% YoY improvement from 205 units exported in Oct 2023. Mahindra XUV3XO (590 units), Citroen C3 (547 units) were relatively new comers to this export list. Lower down the order, exports of i20 (512 units), Venue (501 units), Carens (436 units) and Alcazar (403 units) each suffered a YoY decline. However, Alto exports were up 125.84% to 402 units over 178 units shipped in Oct 2023. The list also included the City (378 units), C3 Aircross (259 units), XUV700 (240 units) Seltos (179 units), XUV300 (136 units) and Meridian (135 units). Skoda Kushaq exports improved by 404.35% to 116 units while Scorpio exports were up by 45.45% to 96 units. Jeep Compass sales were down 33.03% to 73 units while there was improved demand for the Maruti Brezza, exports of which surged by 129.03% to 71 units in the past month. Ignis too saw a 4.69% improvement to 67 units. The list also included the XL6 (46 units), Maxximo (39 units), WagonR (23 units), Kiger (20 units), Magnite (8 units), Bolero (5 units), Triber (5 units) and Amaze (1 unit). TVS Jupiter scooter and XL moped were two forerunners on this list together commanding a 42% share TVS Motor, a significant player in the two wheeler segment has reported improved sales in Oct 2024 following a healthy festive season. Sales increased both on a YoY and MoM basis taking sales figures up to 3.90 lakh units. Most models on this list have seen sales improve significantly while there were some that suffered lower demand. TVS Sales Oct 2024 Jupiter, XL Lead TVS has reported sales of 3,90,285 units in Oct 2024. This was a 13.14% YoY growth from 3,44,957 units sold in Oct 2023. MoM sales saw a 5.89% improvement from 3,68,563 units sold in Sep 2024. Jupiter scooter took the top spot on this list. It was also the 2nd best-selling scooter in India after the Honda Activa. It amassed sales of 1,09,702 units last month, a 19.47% YoY growth from 91,824 units sold in Oct 2023. It currently commands a 28.11% share. It also posted a 7.14% MoM growth over 1,02,394 units sold in Sep 2024. The XL moped also among the top selling models in the company portfolio suffered a YoY and MoM setback in terms of sales. Sales fell by 1.47% YoY and 4.71% MoM to 52,380 units. There had been 53,162 units and 54,969 units sold in Oct 2023 and Sep 2024 respectively. TVS Raider showed good sales growth last month. Sales stood at 51,153 units, a 7.73% YoY growth over 47,483 units sold in Oct 2023. MoM sales also surged by 18.21% from 43,274 unit sales as of Sep 2024. Apache followed close behind with 50,097 unit sales. This was a 27.84% YoY and 20.31% MoM growth to command a 12.84% share on this list. Positive sales were also recorded for the TVS Ntorq at 40,065 units, a 16.21% YoY and 4.17% MoM growth from 34,476 units sold in Oct 2023 and 38,463 units sold in Sep 2024. TVS iQube Sales up 43.75% YoY TVS iQube electric scooter sales improved by 43.75% YoY to 28,923 units. This was a volume growth of 8,802 units over 20,121 units sold in Oct 2023. It also reported positive MoM sales by 1.38% from 28,529 unit sales of Sep 2024. TVS also had the Sport (21,532 units) and Radeon (16,188 units), both of which saw sales decline on YoY and MoM basis. Zest sales grew to 9,460 units showing off a strong 27.67% YoY and 11.39% MoM growth. There was Star City with 5,957 unit sales while Ronin sales were up with the highest YoY and MoM growth at 4,163 units, a 58.89% YoY and 60.05% MoM growth. Apache 310 trailed the list with 665 unit sales down 36.61% YoY and 12.27% MoM. These Earth-size ovals at Jupiters north and south poles are visible only at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, and appear and disappear seemingly at random, according to a study led by astronomers from the University of California, Berkeley. Jupiters dark UV ovals, when seen, are almost always located just below the bright auroral zones at each pole, which are akin to Earths northern and southern lights. The spots absorb more UV than the surrounding area, making them appear dark on images from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. In yearly images of the planet taken by Hubble between 2015 and 2022, a dark UV oval appears 75% of the time at the south pole, while dark ovals appear in only one of eight images taken of the north pole. The dark UV ovals hint at unusual processes taking place in Jupiters strong magnetic field that propagate down to the poles and deep into the atmosphere, far deeper than the magnetic processes that produce the auroras on Earth. Dark UV ovals were first detected by Hubble in the 1990s at the north and south poles and subsequently at the north pole by NASAs Cassini spacecraft that flew by Jupiter in 2000, but they drew little attention. In a new analysis of the Hubble images, University of California, Berkeley undergraduate Troy Tsubota and colleagues found the ovals were a common feature at the south pole they counted eight southern UV-dark ovals (SUDO) between 1994 and 2022. In all 25 of Hubbles global maps that show Jupiters north pole, they found only two northern UV-dark ovals (NUDO). Most of the Hubble images had been captured as part of the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL). In the first two months, we realized these OPAL images were like a gold mine, in some sense, and I very quickly was able to construct this analysis pipeline and send all the images through to see what we get, Tsubota said. Thats when we realized we could actually do some good science and real data analysis and start talking with collaborators about why these show up. The authors also aimed to determine what could cause these areas of dense haze. They theorized that the dark oval is likely stirred from above by a vortex created when the planets magnetic field lines experience friction in two very distant locations: in the ionosphere, where they previously detected spinning motion using ground-based telescopes, and in the sheet of hot, ionized plasma around the planet shed by the volcanic moon Io. The vortex spins fastest in the ionosphere, progressively weakening as it reaches each deeper layer. Like a tornado touching down on dusty ground, the deepest extent of the vortex stirs up the hazy atmosphere to create the dense spots the astronomers observed. Its not clear if the mixing dredges up more haze from below or generates additional haze. Based on the observations, the researchers suspect that the ovals form over the course of about a month and dissipate in a couple of weeks. The haze in the dark ovals is 50 times thicker than the typical concentration, which suggests it likely forms due to swirling vortex dynamics rather than chemical reactions triggered by high-energy particles from the upper atmosphere, said Dr. Xi Zhang, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Our observations showed that the timing and location of these energetic particles do not correlate with the appearance of the dark ovals. The findings are what the OPAL project was designed to discover: how atmospheric dynamics in the solar systems giant planets differ from what we know on Earth. Studying connections between different atmospheric layers is very important for all planets, whether its an exoplanet, Jupiter or Earth, said Dr. Michael Wong, an astronomer at the University of California, Berkeley. We see evidence for a process connecting everything in the entire Jupiter system, from the interior dynamo to the satellites and their plasma torii to the ionosphere to the stratospheric hazes. Finding these examples helps us to understand the planet as a whole. The study was published in the journal Nature Astronomy. _____ T.K. Tsubota et al. UV-dark polar ovals on Jupiter as tracers of magnetosphere-atmosphere connections. Nat Astron, published online November 26, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41550-024-02419-0 This article was adapted from an original release by the University of California, Berkeley. Loungers has agreed to be taken over by Fortress Investment Group in a near 340m deal, the UK bar and restaurant operator confirmed on Thursday. Abu Dhabi-backed Fortress, which is building a portfolio of British hospitality assets, offered 310p per share for the AIM-listed group, a 30% premium to Wednesdays closing price. The offer values the ordinary share capital at 338.3m, and gives it an enterprise value of 350.5m. Shares in Loungers surged as trading got underway on Thursday, adding 28% to 305.55p by 0830 GMT. Loungers said the owner of Punch Pubs & Co and Majestic Wines was an "ideal partner" to help grow the business, which was founded in Bristol in 2002. Alex Riley, chair, said: "We remain very confident about Loungers future prospects. "We are more ambitious than ever, and we see Fortress as being an ideal partner to help us take Loungers into the next phase of is growth journey. "We believe that he acquisition represents a compelling proposition for all of our stakeholders." Domnall Tait, managing director at Fortress, said Loungers had a "strong and differentiated" position. He continued: "Fortress brings to the table a successful track record of investing in consumer-focused businesses across the globe, particularly in the UK. "Todays announcement further strengthens Fortress commitment to the UK market." As well as Majestic, Punch and now Loungers, Fortress has also taken control of British arthouse cinema chain Curzon. The announcement coincided with Loungers interim results, which showed a 19% jump in revenues to 178.3m, while operating profits improved 32% to 10.2m. Loungers said it had seen "consistently strong trading" across its Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside bars and restaurants. It also opened 17 new sites during the first half, leaving it on track to finish the 2025 full-year with 292 bars, cafes and restaurants. Frances borrowing costs briefly topped those of Greece on Thursday, as political tensions around controversial budget plans mounted. The countrys 10-year bond yields hit parity with Greeces early on Thursday morning for the first time. They went on to touch 3.022% before easing back to 2.978%. Greeces yields reached 3.013% before falling to 2.987%. The spread between German and French 10-year yields also rose. Investors are increasingly concerned France could be engulfed in a political crisis, including the potential unseating of the current government. Prime minister Michel Barnier - the European Unions former Brexit negotiator - wants to tackle Frances soaring deficit with 60bn of spending cuts and tax rises. But he does not have a working majority in parliament, and the plans are facing considerable opposition from across the political divide. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, this week reiterated her warning she would back a no-confidence vote in Barnier if he pushes through the budget. The snap general election called by president Emmanuel Macron in June left France with a hung parliament. Rabobank said: "This could topple both [Barniers] government and the budget. The outlook for both is thus highly uncertain." It continued: "There is a risk that a worsening in the political and budget outcomes in France could spark contagion through the Eurozone. This would be reflected in rising bond yields and in a weaker euro. "The widened spread between [French] Oats and [German] Bund yields in recent months reflects Frances tarnished image among the investment community." Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "The worsening political scene in France and the widening yield gap between France and Germany could limit the single currencys upside potential, along with clashing opinions from European Central Bank members about how fast the bank should cut rates." Barnier was named prime minister by Macron in September. European shares finished a tad lower on Wednesday as the spectre of high US tariffs threatened by President-elect Donald Trump dampened sentiment and prompted warnings from central bankers of the impact on growth and inflation. Against that backdrop, France's Cac-40 hit a four-month low amid concern that the government might fail to pass a budget for 2025 by the 21 December deadline, which analysts in the City said could prompt a confidence vote against it. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 0.19% at 504.96 points with all major bourses slightly in the red. France's Cac-40 fared worst, slipping 0.72% to 7,143.03. "European stocks as a whole have failed to keep pace with the US of late, but in France the poor performance of the luxury sector and worries about the political outlook have caused the gap to become a chasm," said IG chief market analyst Chris Beauchamp. "A repeat of the eurozone crisis is unlikely, but ECB intervention seems to be a likelihood if the situation worsens." The INSEE consumer confidence index declined to 89.9 this month from a revised 93.4 in October, falling further below the long-term historic average of 100, as households turning more negative about their living standards and personal finances. In equity news, Grifols slumped 7% on a report that Canadian investment fund Brookfield is considering dropping its plan to take over the Spanish pharma firm. Shipping firm Frontline dived 12% after reporting a sharp fall in quarterly earnings. Shares in easyJet gave up early gains even after the budget airline posted a 34% rise in annual profits. Aston Martin hit the brakes after yet another profit warning. European shares rallied on Thursday as investors eyed inflation data from German and Spain for any indication on the future path of eurozone interest rates. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was up 0.42% to 507 points. Frances CAC 40 gained 0.39% despite the ongoing row over Prime Minister Michel Barniers attempts to pass his tough Budget. Far-right anti-immigrant leader Marine Le Pen has threatened to collapse Barnier's government in a no-confidence vote over his budget measures, which include cuts to spending and lift taxes. French equities and bonds come under pressure on Wednesday amid the turmoil. The premium on government borrowing hit its highest level since the eurozone's debt crisis of 2012. Barnier plans 60bn in savings, and aims to cut the deficit to 5% of economic output next year from more than 6% this year. France's Senate will start examining the Budget legislation on Monday. In equity news, shares in UK insurer Direct Line rocketed by 36% after news overnight that rival Aviva had tabled a 3.3bn offer which was rejected. Aviva stock fell on the news. Remy Cointreau fell as the drinks maker reported a 17.6% fall in half-year operating profit. International Distribution Services shares were higher after a BBC report stated Czech billionaire Daniel Kratinsky's EP Group was close to finalising a deal to buy the parent company of Royal Mail after making extra concessions to get his offer accepted. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Energean called third-quarter trading "strong" on Thursday, with improved earnings and a jump in production, despite conflict in the Middle East. Updating on trading for the nine months to 30 September, the Mediterranean-focused oil and gas firm said group production was 156,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day, a 31% jump on the previous year. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and exploration expenses from continuing operations was $706m, a 61% increase. Mathios Rigas, chief executive, said: "We are pleased to announce another strong quarter. "Our production in Israel remains unaffected by geopolitical events, recording a 39% year-on-year increase, and we welcome the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon." However, looking to the full year, London-listed Energean said total production from continuing operations would likely come in between 110,000 and 115,000 boed, down on previous guidance for between 115,000 and 125,000 boed. "The reduction is due to Israel," Energean said, "which reflects lower-than-expected sales in November owing to weather conditions and market dynamics and, for the lower end, an assumption of flat month-on-month sales for December." In June, Energean agreed to sell a portfolio of projects in Italy, Egypt and Croatia to private equity firm Carlyle for up to $945m. Rigas said the deal was on track to complete by or just after the 2024 year end, "supporting our focus on core assets, deleveraging and delivering incremental shareholder returns". International Holding Co's (IHC) view on investing in India's Adani Group has not changed, the Abu Dhabi conglomerate said after the U.S. indictment of billionaire Gautam Adani. "Our partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors", IHC said in a statement on Wednesday. "As with all of our investments, our team continues to evaluate relevant information and developments. In light of this our views on these investments has not changed". Last week the US authorities charged Adani his nephew and executive director Sagar Adani and the Adani Green's managing director, Vneet S. Jaain, had entered into a scheme whereby it would pay $ 265 million bribes, so that they could buy contracts to provide Indian with electric power. The ports-to-power conglomerate dismissed the allegations as 'without any merit' and stated that it would pursue 'all possible legal recourse'. In October last year, IHC increased its shareholding in Adani Enterprises to over 5 per cent following a sell-off of its holdings in two other Adani firms. The IHC then stated Adani Enterprises, the flagship company, was 'uniquely positioned to benefit from India's resilient growth trajectory'. The increased investment came after short seller Hindenburg Research accused the conglomerate in January last year of stock manipulation and significantly high debt levels. Adani Group denied those allegations. Adani and an IHC subsidiary last year formed a technology joint venture to create a platform to use AI and enterprise blockchain products to work on the digitisation of the Indian economy. Adani Green, the company against which the indictment was filed, said Gautam Adani had been charged in the United States for alleged violations of securities law and faced potential fines but had not been charged under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. India and France have a huge potential for partnerships in renewable energy with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) spearheaded by the two countries turning out to be 'a runaway success', Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. Addressing the Asia Pacific Commission (APAC) 2024 Forum organised by the French Foreign Trade Advisors here, the minister said over 100 countries have taken membership of this alliance co-sponsored by India and France. Elaborating on the solar alliance, he underlined the efforts of both countries to take clean and renewable energy to the emerging countries and lesser developed countries of the world. He further stated that using sustainable practices can have a mitigating factor on climate change and its emerging adverse impact across the world. The minister also said that India and France can collectively expand agricultural and food processing for the world's food security using innovative sustainable practices. Indias partnership with France has evolved into a robust framework encompassing space exploration, defence, civil nuclear energy, digitalisation and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. The adoption of the Horizon 2047 roadmap has further consolidated our shared vision for the next 25 years, Goyal said. The minister invited French collaboration in Indias infrastructure projects involving industrial cities spanning 20 locations across the country creating world-class connectivity and urban ecosystems. On the aerospace sector, the minister stated that India is the worlds largest aviation market with 1500 planes ordered with the capability of taking the order up to 2000. Noting that for the next three decades, the Indian aviation market will be the largest demand aggregator, he urged the French aviation sector to explore opportunities to set up manufacturing facilities in India. He also emphasised that India has been building airports rapidly, from 74 in 2014 to 125 today. He also announced that the Government is planning to add 75 more airports by 2029. Goyal noted that India has been rapidly expanding its defence sector as well and the Centre is encouraging companies from across the world to manufacture in India providing them 100 percent ownership of their companies. The minister calling for greater collaboration with France in the defence sector also underlined in his speech that the Government, with its robust patent-protected regime, does not insist on technology transfer. On automobiles and electric vehicles (EVs), the minister emphasised that India and France have the potential to co-innovate technologies and create a sustainable mobility revolution in India. He said that India has a large pool of first-time vehicle owners and providing them with sustainable options will be easier. On collaboration in digital technology, Goyal pointed out that both nations can foster startups in cybersecurity, AI, e-commerce and quantum technologies. Noting that the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will be a milestone in fostering technology-driven growth, he stated that this initiative will promote joint projects in IT, healthcare, renewable energy and smart cities. The true strength in the India-France partnership lies in Trust, he said. Expanding further, he pointed out that both are trusted partners which will strengthen the continued engagement in investments in manufacturing and services. With Global Capability Centres (GCCs) setting up shop in India to leverage talent and affordability of India operations, India and France have the ability to co-innovate to improve the innovation landscape and also explore knowledge partnerships between the academia of the two countries, he added. He further stated that bilateral trade between the two countries for FY24 reached $15 billion, with Indian exports at $7 billion and imports at $8 billion. He emphasised that despite robust trade, these numbers are suboptimal and only narrate a small part of the story. India and over 750 companies have a presence here, with 70 Indian companies working in France contributing to employment generation and skill development. Given the strength of the two economies, he expressed hope that trade between the two countries will grow much bigger, better and faster. Notably, France is the 11th largest foreign direct investor forhave a presence here, with 70 Indian companies working in France contributing to employment generation and skill development. Goyal highlighted that India and France are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic friendship and 25 years of strategic ties this year. He added that both nations are republics with liberty, equality and fraternity at the core of our Constitution, both believe in multilateralism and both nations believe in the rule of law. Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is set to celebrate Thanksgiving in space with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes. Thanksgiving is observed every year in the US on the fourth Thursday of November to honour the blessings and harvest of the year. Our Crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us, Williams said in a video message, shared by NASA on Wednesday. The astronauts shared that NASA has provided them with food items like butternut squash, apples, sardines, and smoked turkey for the occasion. In a recent interview with NBC News, Williams shared her plans of celebrating the day, along with other astronauts -- Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov -- aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The plans include watching the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and a lavish feast with 'some smoked turkey, some cranberry, apple cobbler, green beans and mushrooms and mashed potatoes'. In June Williams and Butch Willmore became the first to ride the much-delayed Starliner, developed by Boeing. What began as an eight-day sojourn on the International Space Station (ISS) has now extended to eight months in space for Williams and Willmore as the faulty Starliner was declared unfit for human travel by NASA. While Starliner is back on Earth unharmed, Williams is expected to return to Earth onboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025. Amid concerns for their prolonged stay in space, NASA recently said that both Williams and Willmore 'are safe aboard the space station'. Williams also said that she is 'feeling good, working out, and eating right', amid claims of her weight loss in space. The Indian-Origin astronaut also celebrated Diwali 'from 260 miles above the earth on the ISS'. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There are more than two dozen New York City neighborhoods where youll likely have to spend more than $1 million to buy a home, but in the most expensive one, it could cost you four times that amount. A new report by PropertyShark analyzed residential property sales across New York City during the third quarter of 2024 to identify trends in the citys real estate market and determine the most expensive neighborhoods to buy a home. The data focused solely on Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, with Staten Island excluded from the report. From July 1 through Sept. 30, there were 29 neighborhoods in New York City that boasted a median sales price of at least $1 million, with the most expensive one, SoHo, topping out at more than $4 million, according to the data. With a median sales price of $4.25 million, SoHo tops the list of New York Citys most expensive neighborhoods for the first time in eight years, the research showed. Other highlights in the report included: - Manhattan, which is home to seven of the 10 most expensive neighborhoods, led all boroughs with a median sales price of $1,150,000 during the third quarter of 2024. - Brooklyn, which houses the remaining three of the top-10 most expensive neighborhoods, had a median sales price of $827,000, roughly 3% higher than during the same period last year. - Queens and the Bronx had median sales prices of $579,000 and $365,000, respectively, with 11 Queens neighborhoods and 0 Bronx neighborhoods included in the top-50 most expensive across the city. Heres a look at the 10 most expensive neighborhoods in New York City. 1) SoHo, Manhattan Median sales price Q3 2024: $4,250,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $4,200,000 Year-over-year change: 1% 2) TriBeCa, Manhattan Median sales price Q3 2024: $3,898,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $2,523,000 Year-over-year change: 55% 3) Hudson Square, Manhattan Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,850,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $2,695,000 Year-over-year change: 31% 4) Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,840,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $1,625,000 Year-over-year change: 13% 5) Theatre District - Times Square, Manhattan Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,780,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $1,713,000 Year-over-year change: 4% 6) Flatiron District, Manhattan Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,750,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $2,167,000 Year-over-year change: 19% 7) Chelsea, Manhattan Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,680,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $1,242,000 Year-over-year change: 35% 8) DUMBO, Brooklyn Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,667,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $2,833,000 Year-over-year change: 41% 9) Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Median sales price Q3 2024: $1,628,000 Median sales price Q3 2023: $1,390,000 Year-over-year change: 17% 10) Greenwich Village, Manhattan STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Andrew Rivas Robertson, 47, passed away June 23 in Brooklyn after a long illness. While a resident of West Brighton, he received his early education at Sacred Heart School, later attending Moore Catholic High School. He worked many years for Ibex Corp., managing overseas cargo shipping operations. He enjoyed playing guitar, engaging in home improvement projects, and gaming with his son, Connor. Read the full obituary on SILive. Lifelong Staten Islander Scott The Plateman Spina, 76, a Vietnam War veteran, business owner and beloved family man, passed away Nov. 23 at home. A graduate of Augustinian Academy in 1966, he served in Vietnam with the US Army 82nd Airborne Division from 1969 to 1971 and was awarded the Purple Heart. Upon returning from Vietnam, he and his father, Dominick, co-founded D&S Private Service Bureau, which is now known as The Plateman. For the past 50 years, he operated and ran The Plateman before his retirement earlier this year. Read the full obituary on SILive. TUESDAYS OBITUARIES Elvira Donnelly, affectionately known as Dear Dear, passed away. She is survived by her son, Jason Donnelly, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A beloved community member known for her warm heart, wisdom, and unwavering support, Elvira touched many lives with her kindness. Her life will be celebrated in Staten Island, where she grew up, on Nov. 30, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Christophers Church Hall, 136 Midland Ave. Read the full obituary on SILive. Virginia Gina Nelson, 58, passed away on Nov. 19, 2024, at her home in East Brunswick. Born in Brooklyn, she lived in Long Island for her childhood and early years of marriage before settling in Staten Island, where she and her husband raised their four daughters. Gina was a doctorly prepared nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist who owned and operated her practice in Staten Island for 15 years. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Virginia is predeceased by her brother, Christopher Baumann, as well as her parents. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Dominic Nelson; her daughters, Cassandra Nelson, Nicole Kowalchuk, Tonya Urso; and her stepdaughter, Jennifer Jankowski. Read the full obituary on SILive. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Staten Island Live staff. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) recently hosted nearly 50 students from Staten Island high schools for its first Staten Island Vaping Prevention Ambassador Training event. The students learned about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes, and how they can advocate among their peers and social circles to eliminate e-cigarette use in their community as anti-vaping ambassadors. The Nov. 15 training was provided in partnership with Public Health Solutions. The number of Staten Island teens who smoke is greater than any other borough, with one in five Staten Island teens smoking a pack or more a day, said RUMC President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel J. Messina. And nearly one in four teens in our borough are using e-cigarettes. The importance of lung screenings, which can lead to early detection, and increased education, especially to our young people, cannot be stressed enough. During the event, several RUMC physicians, surgeons and medical professionals spoke with the students and shared their experiences dealing with the medical effects of tobacco use. The students represented many of the boroughs high schools, including Curtis High School, McCown High School, Michael J. Petrides High School, Moore Catholic High School, New Dorp High School, Notre Dame Academy, Port Richmond High School, St. Joseph Hill Academy, St. Peters Boys High School and Staten Island Academy. Students received community service credits for attending. Dr. Loren Harris, chairman of RUMCs surgical department and chief of thoracic surgery, presents statistics on lung cancer to Staten Island high school students during the anti-vaping event. (Courtesy of Richmond University Medical Center)Courtesy of Richmond University Medical Center Medical professionals weigh in Dr. Keith Diaz, director of RUMCs lung screening program, shared visual images of the contents of a vape cartridge, and how it affects a persons body. He emphasized that the juice inside a vape device contains artificial flavoring with chemical ingredients, such as cinnamaldehyde and benzaldehyde. Dr. Loren Harris, chair of RUMCs surgical department and chief of thoracic surgery, presented statistics on lung cancer, illustrated the rise of lung cancer cases over the last century, the death toll, risk factors, and even shared images of how a persons lungs can look after years of tobacco use. Although this information can be hard to confront, its very important for youth to be educated on the extreme measures that any nicotine use can lead to, Harris said. A call to action RUMCs lung nurse navigator, Nancy Sayegh-Rooney, a registered nurse, encouraged the students to advocate in their school and community as anti-vaping ambassadors. To provide a visual for the students, Rooney told the story of a man in need of a lung transplant. He received a new lung from a young boy in Puerto Rico who had been murdered. Following the surgery, the mother of the slain child came in person to tell the man, while he recovered in the hospital: not one puff ever. Staten Island has the highest population of lung cancer and smokers in New York City, Rooney said. We need to live, and you cant live without your breath. Hands-on training To wrap up the daylong event, the students separated into four color-coded groups and were tasked with designing a smoke-free advertisement poster based on information gleaned from the training. The students then shared their creations and spoke about what information they used to design their poster. Rooney described the closing presentations as the highlight of the event. The kids were incredible; They were so engaged at the end and really learned something, she said. The second session, which completes the training for this first group of student ambassadors, will be held in spring 2025. The date and time for the second session will be announced after the holidays. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the lung cancer premature death rate for the North Shore of Staten Island exceeds the death rate for the rest of Staten Island and New York City overall. Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of premature death, with smoking being a significant contributor, according to research. New York City has received tens of millions of dollars to help combat the youth vaping epidemic courtesy of a massive settlement by one of the companies that played a major contributing role. 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Exploration at Great Southern Minings Duketon project in WA (pictured) is due to restart after the company revealed a successful $2.5 million capital raising. The final placement price came in at a modest 6 per cent discount to the last closing price and a mere 4.2 per cent discount to the 10-day volume-weighted average price, hinting there was significant demand for the new shares. With incoming funds, Great Southern can now act on a priority list of exploration opportunities. Advertisement Review Eating outMelbourne This hole-in-the-wall is one of the cutest (and cheapest) food spots in Melbourne Thai noodle takeaway Eek Charm is wedged between an escape room and a hairdresser in a city laneway. Dani Valent November 28, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the Melbourne hit list for December 2024. See all stories . 1 / 5 Eek Charm is a hole-in-the-wall noodle shop. Joe Armao 2 / 5 Noodles with the original soy sauce flavour (and condiments). Joe Armao 3 / 5 The tofu version has a pinky colour. Joe Armao 4 / 5 Noodles with the crispy pork crackling. Joe Armao 5 / 5 The takeaway kiosk is cute, cheap and convenient. Joe Armao Previous Slide Next Slide Thai$$$$ In a narrow pedestrian-only laneway, wedged between an escape room and a hairdresser, theres a tiny hole-in-the-wall kiosk selling Thai noodles for less than $12. The offering is necessarily simple: the space is closet-sized, with just enough room for a compact boiler and one person to assemble the meals. Four different styles of noodles are served in takeaway boxes and there are a few tables in the laneway where you can perch to eat your spoils. While youre waiting, theres an urn with free chicken broth for help-yourself soothing sips in paper cups. You can also add broth to your noodles. Im easily overwhelmed by choice, so I appreciate the simplicity here. Step one is to select your noodles, either egg, thin rice noodles, or even thinner vermicelli. Step two is to choose your flavour: theres original soy sauce, fermented tofu, tom yam or chilli pork. Shredded chicken, chicken meatball, fried wonton and quail egg are included with all. Advertisement Noodles with the original soy sauce flavour (and condiments). Joe Armao The soy sauce flavour is made with soy, palm sugar, vinegar and fish sauce, simmered to a salty, comforting slurry. The tofu version is a Thai street-food staple called yen ta fo that relies on red beancurd for its pink colour: its spicy, sour and a little funky. Tom yam is a hot and sour soup-free version of the famous Thai broth, and the crispy pork, well, thats another version of the original, but with crackling sprinkles. Its not unknown for restaurants to be founded because their owners miss certain dishes and bet that others are suffering the same culinary homesickness. Eek Charm is one such place. Advertisement Advertisement Much of the prep for Eek Charm happens by day. Jean Hrair Wehbe is actually quite the entrepreneur with four other outlets around the city: Mamao is a Thai restaurant on Queen Street, Pak Soi is a snack bar on Sutherland Street, Mamao Club is a late-night venue with music on Bourke Street, and theres Lampalong, a street food outlet and dark kitchen in Docklands. Eek Charm is the tiniest, and has the most restricted offering, but its a gem, definitely one of the cutest food spots in Melbourne. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Sydneys new $500 million dining precinct takes off today (and theres much more to come) Never heard of Wunderlich Lane? Youre about to, with a slew of new restaurants and bars about to make this slice of Redfern a serious dining destination. Scott Bolles November 28, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share When Wunderlich Lane recently popped up on Google Maps for the first time, it marked a rare addition to the historic inner suburb of Redfern. The developments first restaurant, Island Radio, opens on Thursday, signalling the birth of a new dining precinct for Sydney. From the team behind chefs hatted Tilda and Lana restaurants in the CBD, Island Radio is the first in an aggressive launch schedule from high-profile hospitality operators at Wunderlich Lane, a $500 million redevelopment of the old Redfern Mall that will also include a hotel and retail stores. Inside Island Radio. Steven Woodburn On December 5, the team from The Apollo at Potts Point will open Olympus, followed before Christmas by Regina La Pizzeria, from the chef-owner at Pyrmont fine diner LuMi. A 15-seat omakase, R by Raita Noda, will follow in January, as well as Bar Julius and a rooftop restaurant from the crew at Bistecca and The Gidley. Its a lot to digest for Redfern. Justin Newton, co-owner at Island Radio, believes Wunderlich Lane which sits on the southern side of Cleveland Street, between Baptist and Marriott Streets will transform the suburb. Advertisement Sometimes it just takes one development, Newton says. So confident are Newton and his Island Radio partners in the prospects of Wunderlich Lane, theyll double down and open a second venue, Baptist Street Rec. Club, early 2025. Olympus restaurant is opening in the precinct in early December. James Brickwood Newton explains the creation of a pedestrian lane creates a shopping and dining area shielded from the busy Cleveland Street arterial. He says Island Radio is a fun, South-East Asian eatery with a DJ booth and a menu with punchy noodle dishes, ox tongue skewers and suckling pig. I like the area and think this precinct is going to transform it. Olympus co-owner, Jonathan Barthelmess Advertisement We took some of our inspiration from Balis beach clubs, Newton says. I like the area and think this precinct is going to transform it, says Olympus co-owner, Jonathan Barthelmess. The Island Radio salad and skewers on the menu at the new restaurant. Steven Woodburn Olympus has recruited one of the rising stars of Sydney food, head chef Ozge Kalvo (Babas Place, Ester), who, along with general manager Ronnie Gorman, will steer a restaurant located in an impressive atrium space with a gliding glass canopy. Its a smart roof. Barthelmess explains that if it rains, it automatically shuts. Humidity too high? The roof opens and lets in some fresh air. The object is to keep it open as much as possible, but if it gets too noisy, itll close, he says. A 50-year-old bougainvillea was trucked in from Bowral, then lowered in by crane. The food will be more traditional than Apollo, Barthelmess says. Olympus is the taverna you dream of finding at the heart of a bustling Greek village, here in Sydney. Advertisement Wunderlich Lane is about to take off. James Brickwood The Wunderlich name has been kicking around long before its recent arrival on Google Maps. The precincts moniker is a nod to the Wunderlich family factory, which occupied the site from 1890. Redfern Mall was constructed in the 1980s, and Harris Farm and Coles are already up and trading in this latest redevelopment. The Eve Hotel opens in early 2025, along with more restaurants and bars. Attenzione! Theres a hot new Italish-ish restaurant and wine bar to try in Redfern Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In his keynote speech in August, President Joe Biden said: I love the job, but I love my country more. It seems Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses motto might be: I value my job, more than I value Australias future (PM sinks Plibersek deal with Greens, November 28). Why else would he pull the plug on what is effectively his own bill from 20 years ago, when he accused the Howard government of procrastinating on a climate change trigger since 1999? Sure, the fossil fuel giants will kick up a fuss with their usual scare campaigns, but surely Australians can expect their political leaders to stand up to vested interests and take the heat? If politicians have learnt nothing else from recent elections in the US and Europe, it is clear there are a lot of angry and disillusioned people prepared to reward bold political leadership and severely punish governments they perceive as weak. Rob Firth, Red Hill (ACT) Anthony Albanese has halted an almost successful negotiation between Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and the Greens. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albaneses intervention to halt an almost successful negotiation between Tanya Plibersek and the Greens on Australias first-ever environmental protection agency begs the question: what is wrong with you? We need this legislation so badly and, at the last minute, the Greens are becoming more co-operative. Youve undermined one of your key performers in the cabinet, and for what? To keep the opposition from targeting you during the election campaign. Are you going to spend your whole three years in leadership trying to get re-elected? I emigrated from the United States 43 years ago, but feel like Ive just returned. Marilyn Lebeter, Smiths Creek Albanese knew Plibersek was in negotiations with the Greens about a national EPA and what decisions that body might have made. Someone seems to have influenced Albanese at the last minute about mining/forestry jobs, money and power. That makes Labor look ridiculous. Albanese 3, Environment 0. Ted Bush, North Epping A case to answer Colin Rubenstein and Jamie Hyams opinion piece on the federal governments comments on Gaza is no doubt a far stretch (Canberras Gaza comments have contributed to antisemitism in Australia, November 28). Rejecting the visa of Israeli former minister Ayelet Shaked was not antisemitic, but the most appropriate thing to do considering her highly controversial and divisive comments after October 7. The criticism of the International Criminal Court in issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant also does not hold its mud. They were not issued because they were Jewish. The fact arrest warrants have been issued is enough to suggest they have a case to answer. Questioning the legitimacy of the warrants on a technicality does not absolve them of the need to answer questions about war crimes in Gaza. This is particularly the case considering the worlds leading humanitarian organisations have released reports accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Oxfam and Save the Children have all reported on the lack of aid entering the territory. Saba Mustafa, Punchbowl Roger Shanahan states Hezbollah will learn many lessons in this round of the never-ending conflicts (Hezbollah will use ceasefire to rebuild, November 28). With Israels seemingly unstoppable forays into Lebanese territory, striking its cities and villages and causing much death and mayhem, it is obvious that the organisations defence capabilities are virtually non-existent due to lessons it never heeded from all the previous conflicts. So, will Hezbollah finally learn from the battering they and the whole of Lebanon have taken? I very much doubt it. It will be business as usual, to the detriment of many innocents. John Boutagy, Mosman Advertisement Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon. Credit: nna\advidler Sad outcome overall The conviction of Senior Constable Kristian White is a sad outcome of when someone falls through the gaps of the health and aged care systems (Police officer no longer being paid after guilty verdict for Taser manslaughter, November 28). Why was Clare Nowland only diagnosed with dementia as part of evidence for the trial when it appears she was exhibiting BPSD (behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia) well before the night the police were called to her aged care facility? With a dementia diagnosis, White may have realised she may not have understood what she was being asked to do. With that knowledge, he may not have felt there was no alternative but to use the Taser. Mark Bagnell, Singleton A jury has found that an elderly woman suffering from dementia was unable to comply with the commands of the attending police and, moreover, was not an immediate threat to those at least 50 years younger than her. Nevertheless, she met her death anyway. Why did the police officer think it was alright to deploy his Taser? We need to ask why the police deploy force rather than communication with vulnerable members of the public. Police should be citizens in uniform, a service rather than a paramilitary force, and they should be trained accordingly. We have to ask why the force model used by police is acceptable. Denise Weelands, Erskineville Do I want a person in the police force who is frightened by a frail, elderly woman using a walker carrying a steak knife? The answer is no. Genevieve Milton, Dulwich Hill Education must keep up with technology Its fine to use ChatGPT in the workforce for research, reports and emails, but in the sacred environment of the Australian tertiary system, its sacrilege (Degrees will be worthless if we cant arrest AIs march, November 28). This, despite the fact that a majority of students join the workforce for a living, with universities only employing a fraction of the PhD graduates who apply its academic standards. Author Mindy MacLeods complaints of international students using ChatGPT adds fuel to a moral panic that has been rising in Australia since the pandemic. It suggests they are unAustralian and unworthy of living here. The attitude is completely different at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, where Im an international exchange student and the universal language is broken English. Lecturers are open-minded towards ChatGPT, which is seen to assist communications and expedite non-essential tasks. Just last night I read the best piece of writing on Kant I have seen, based on a German translation through ChatGPT. We should be adapting to technological changes or risk being left behind. Instead, we hold up a highfalutin attitude towards international students, reflecting an endemic reversion to tall-poppy syndrome, when some old-fashioned notion of anglo-centric morality is crossed. Its simply 21st century discrimination towards international students, and it stains our global reputation. Cameron Chu, Kawasaki, Japan Advertisement Universities are catching hundreds of students in a new wave of alleged cheating using ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence. Hear, hear, Mindy Macleod. I attended university with many overseas students in the 1970s who were all reasonably fluent in written and spoken English. They would have had no chance of gaining a degree otherwise. Apparently fluency in the language of instruction is no longer necessary at Australian universities, especially now that AI produced work is acceptable. I once dreamed of studying overseas myself. Unfortunately, I do not have fluency in German, so the idea that I could gain a degree in history at the University of Heidelberg is absurd, as it should be. Steve Ellis, Hackett (ACT) Stuffed shirts So, student activist traditions such as sit-ins and making political statements at the start of lectures are from a different time and must be stamped out, says a Sydney University review (End university activist traditions: review, November 28). I cant imagine the anti-Vietnam, anti-apartheid or anti-nuke protests would have been thought of any differently by the establishment stuffed shirts back in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Ditto human rights protests at unis worldwide. Sorry, but I hope a huffy report by those in power doesnt change things. The kids often see things much more clearly than us grumpy old fuddy-duddies. Mark Southcott, Thirroul Senate scuffles Senator Fatima Paymans accusation of racism against Senator Pauline Hanson is news to nobody (Payman launches attack on Hanson, November 27). Hansons credentials in this department were obvious when she first entered parliament. That is the reason the Liberal Party let her go. They do have some standards. First, it was Asians, then Muslims, and also Indigenous Australians who were the target of her sharp and indiscriminate tongue. Hardly an ornament to our upper federal house. Derrick Mason, Boorowa Lidia Thorpe and Pauline Hanson after a division in the Senate this week. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Advertisement Senator Lidia Thorpe appears to be her own worst enemy (Senate suspends Thorpe after paper-throwing rant, November 27). She could achieve so much more by playing by the rules. Her ambitions for Australia may have merit, but are thwarted by the constant turmoil she creates around her. Her angry outbursts in parliament are disrespectful and unacceptable. Its sad to see politicians waste the opportunity bestowed on them to contribute to the welfare of Australia. Political capital is not easily acquired, but is easily squandered. Graham Lum, North Rocks I always felt that someone should throw the book at Pauline Hanson, but papers will do for now. Jim Dewar, Davistown Duttons free hits Its the elephant in the newsroom Peter Duttons political missteps and giant policy holes are being consistently ignored by most commercial media organisations in Australia (Dutton gets early media honeymoon, November 28). Shaun Carneys column nails clearly what Dutton is being allowed to get away with day in and day out by the media. In other times this would be called journalism falling down on the job. The same editors pretend theres no problem with climate change. Murdoch media operatives, in particular, have been doing this for years, although their bias becomes more obvious when theres an election on the horizon. The only thing missing from Carneys article was an explanation of why these media outfits are so keen to get Dutton into the Lodge. Nick Franklin, Katoomba Food warning The collapse of yet another dairy company in South Australia while owing farmers tens of millions is a lesson for Sydney (SA dairy to close after failing to find buyer, November 28). The city is beginning to realise the type of housing environment it has created, cramming ever-larger dwellings onto 300 square metre blocks with little or no green space or trees, black roofing, black asphalt roads and cement footpaths, which all contribute to a heat-absorbing environment. The Cumberland Plain, once a productive agricultural area producing most of Sydneys dairy, vegetables and fruit, is no longer it has become a human-induced heat island. With a blanket of housing across the entire Sydney Basin to the exclusion of agricultural production, the importation of food to Sydney is inevitable and will only increase prices at supermarkets. The ACCC inquiry into price gouging will not change this situation. Bruce Clydsdale, Bathurst Advertisement Please explain, ABC Reading the comments by Kim Williams does little to explain the management reasons for dumping Sarah Macdonald (ABC chair backs axing of popular radio host, November 28). What did she do wrong? I know that all the support she has received from listeners, colleagues and competitors will not affect the outcome, however, I, for one, would like to understand with a little more clarity why she was dumped by management. Is there more to his story than meets the eye? Change usually occurs if something is broken. So what was broken? Please explain. Geoff Hermon, Maraylya ABC chairman Kim Williams has backed the axing of popular radio host Sarah MacDonald. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Building anomaly It is flawed economics to attribute the decline in new dwellings to the low risk and simpler planning processes for renovations. In fact, renovations can be far riskier for the builder than construction on a greenfield site, or even a knockdown rebuild. The fact that there are more renovations in suburbs like Hunters Hill, Mosman, Waverley or the inner west is because there are no vacant sites on which to build new dwellings. These areas were fully developed by the mid twentieth century. Furthermore, they contain heritage buildings and precincts that cannot be bulldozed for Premier Chris Minns grandiose dream of infill housing. One solution would be to ban the use of the simplistic Complying Development State Environmental Planning Policy to knockdown rebuilds, which dont add to housing stock one iota, but siphon funds from areas where new dwellings can be built. Rodney Crute, Hunters Hill Advertisement A woman whose son was jailed over a motorbike theft that almost cost him his life had to be removed from the courtroom after she lashed out at the judge. Kathy Penny yelled, where is the justice for my son? after District Court Judge Laurence Levy sentenced Ronaldo James Cockie, 20, to two years in prison over the incident. Ronaldo James Cockie has been sentenced over the theft of a motorbike that left him with a brain injury after it crashed, Cockie was charged over a series of car thefts, attempted break ins and the theft of the bike from a home in Duncraig in August 2022. The incident made headlines after the bikes owner, Debbie Bute, raced after Cockie and his co-offenders to see where they were going and ended up crashing her car, causing Cockie to come off the bike. What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox. On the streets of downtown Shanghai, a caffeine-fuelled revolution has taken place over the past decade or so, surprising first-time visitors who expect to find the city awash with, well, tea. Lets not exaggerate. Coffee poses no immediate threat to Chinas 2000-year-old tea-drinking culture, but its consumption is steadily becoming a fixture of middle-class routines. The average person in China drank 16.7 cups of coffee in 2023, a mighty increase on the nine cups of 2016 but scarcely in the realm of the one-a-day (or more!) habit of most Australians. London: Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump as an intelligent politician who will find a solution to the war in Ukraine, while threatening to turn key targets in Kyiv to dust. The Russian president said he was ready for dialogue with the United States, but believed the outgoing Biden administration was trying to create difficulties for the president-elect. Russian President Vladimir Putin, visiting Kazakhstan, praised Donald Trump as intelligent while threatening to turn key targets in Ukraine to dust. Credit: AP His comments at a press conference on Thursday (Friday AEDT) in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan came as Moscow launched a fresh wave of attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure with missiles and drones, in what Putin said was retaliation for Kyivs hitting Russian territory with long-range American missiles. As far as I imagine the again-elected president, he is actually an intelligent person, already quite experienced. I think he will find a solution, Putin said. Washington: US congressman Joe Courtney was at his home in Connecticut on an otherwise quiet Monday evening when the call came through from Kevin Rudd. As the Albanese governments ambassador in Washington, Rudd had the job of informing Courtney that he had just been awarded an Order of Australia, in recognition of his tireless advocacy in progressing the US-Australia alliance and facilitating the AUKUS submarine pact through an often hostile US Congress. US congressman Joe Courtney with Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd. Credit: X/Kevin Rudd We dont give them out like confetti, the former prime minister told Republicans and Democrats at an Australian embassy dinner in Washington where the congressman received his accolade earlier this month. These are specifically designed to recognise our friends and partners around the world who have seriously gone the extra mile in supporting our common interests. ~ Seven Students Make Regional Merit List ~ Cul de Sac:--- Seven students of St. Maarten Academy are among the top performers in the Caribbean region, with two of them placing first in two subjects at this years May/June Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations. Ferley Feliz Valerio, who copped the number one spot from among thousands for Human and Social Biology at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations; and Juliette Duvillage, who tied for the top spot in Performing Arts Unit 1 at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE); were among seven students from Academy who made it into the top 10 on the Regional Merit List. Feliz Valerio had already outperformed her peers at school by topping the island with Grade One passes with straight A profiles in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English A, Geography, Human and Social Biology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, and Spanish. In the recently-released Merit List, it was revealed that apart from being the top student regionally in HSB, she also tied for sixth place in Physics and Geography and placed seventh for Chemistry. At the CAPE level, apart from Duvillage, three other students made it into the top 10 ranking for Performing Arts Unit 1. Evelyne Ilceus (the schools 2022 CSEC Valedictorian) tied for fourth place, and Eimaan Mohammed and Yu Jun Eason Yang tied for ninth place. Aryan Sampat copped eighth place for Information Technology Unit 1; while Mabel Vilorio Perez copped fifth place for Digital Media Unit 2. The schools Principal, Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, stated that she is elated at the results, especially since two of the students emerged in the number one spot from among the approximately 30,000 plus candidates at CSEC and CAPE who wrote the examinations across the region. It is always heartening to receive such stellar results, as this is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the exceptional Management Team, dedicated teachers, students and parents. When one compares our school on this tiny island nation of Sint Maarten to the bigger countries, such as Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, which are all member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), we have to feel proud of our accomplishments. Once again, we have put Sint Maarten on the map with the quality of grades that continue to be produced at St. Maarten Academy, and, just as our school song proclaims, we continue to be the best school by far. According to Lucas-Felix, Ferley only started HSB in February, three months before the examinations, under the tutelage of the schools then Biology teacher, Ms. Makeba Wood; while Mrs. Thekara Chandler, head of the Science Department, guided her in Chemistry. Ms. Christel Brandy guided her in Geography, but it was her Physics teacher, Mrs. Sujamol Pereppadan, who was most overjoyed by the Merit List ranking. Pereppadan, who has been in the field of education for close to 30 years, has been teaching Physics at the Academy for the past 23 years. This years May/June batch of students was her last, as she has decided to focus primarily on teaching Mathematics and leave the teaching of Physics behind. When asked about Ferley, she said, I was kind of expecting it. She had a perfect score for SBA. She didn't miss a single point for any lab report. [They were] perfect lab reports. So what to say? I was so happy to see it. Another teacher singled out for special recognition was the Performing Arts facilitator, Mrs. Abigail Joefield, who undertook Unit 1 of the subject for the first time last academic year. She entered 29 candidates for the examination and saw a return of 26 Grade Ones, including the number 1 spot and the other three students who made the Regional Merit List. Lucas-Felix said that the information technology instructor, Mr. Kenver Regis, and the Digital Media Unit 2 facilitator, Ms. Kester Small, should also be commended for guiding Sampat and Vilorio Perez. We extend our congratulations to you, the students, and their parents. Job well done! stated Local Registrar, drs. Yvette Halley in her message to the school as she made the announcement. The Board of the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE), under which the school falls, stated through its Executive Director, drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool, Ferley Feliz Valerio and her fellow honorees remind us that greatness is not defined by geography, but by the audacity to dream big, work hard, and persevere. To claim top spots in a competitive regional field is no small featit is a testament to their dedication, the unwavering support of their families, and the tireless efforts of our educators who continue to nurture brilliance within our walls. drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool further shared, To our students, your success is a spark that ignites hope and aspiration in your peers and the generations to come. Continue to walk boldly in your purpose, knowing that you have made your school, your community, and your nation proud. The path ahead is yours to shapewalk it with purpose, lead with vision, and let your light shine brightly for all to see. Sint Maarten:--- Legendary artist Dionne Warwick, celebrated worldwide for her timeless music, will make a rare Caribbean appearance on Saturday, December 14, 2024, for a one-night-only Gala Concert at the Casino Royale Theater, Sint Maarten. Tickets for this highly anticipated event are on sale now at Van Dorp, both locations, Adolphus Richardson, SOS Radio, and on the KBand app (IOS and Android), $150 per seat, $250 per seat for cocktail table seating of 4. For premium experiences, VIP Tables are offered at $5,000, including exclusive benefits such as prime seating, champagne, hors doeuvres. This exclusive evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community impact. The Gala honors Warwicks extraordinary career and highlights her connection to the Caribbean while supporting the Bridge to Bold initiative. This is the first of many more events as such. Supporting Education and the Arts Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Bridge to Bold initiative, enhancing educational and cultural opportunities for Sint Maartens youth. The funds will specifically support scholarships for the Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts (CBA) participation in the annual summer program at Bowie State University (BSU), CBA student graduates to attend BSU, and a performing arts Masterclass open to students and parents. These programs create vital pathways into the arts and mentorship opportunities for local talent. An Elegant Evening with Dionne Warwick and Local Talent Warwick will perform her classic hits in an intimate, elegant setting, making this event a true celebration of Caribbean culture and artistry. Students from Sint Maartens own Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts will also grace the stage, further showcasing the islands budding talent and the value of cultural exchange. To have a legend like Dionne Warwick perform a benefit concert on our island is in itself a very special Christmas gift. I am very excited and grateful that she chose St. Maarten for this musical treat. I guess thats what friends are for as Dionne Warwick is now a great friend of St. Maarten. Congratulations to all the organizers and looking forward to an unforgettable concert. Says the Honorable Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten. Dont Miss This Iconic Gala Event! Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Casino Royale Theater. Join us for an evening of timeless music, inspiring performances, and community spirit. Lets support our Youth. Be part of this historic event as we celebrate music, legacy, and the future of the arts in Sint Maarten! First-of-its-kind environmental initiative addresses the critical data shortage for MEP products needed to decarbonize building services. Schneider Electric (http://www.se.com/), the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and One Click LCA (https://oneclicklca.com/), the leading sustainability software platform for construction and manufacturing, have today announced a partnership to improve the accuracy of environmental assessments in electrification. As buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions (https://worldgbc.org/article/bringing-embodied-carbon-upfront/), and 50% of today s buildings will still be in use by 2050, Schneider Electric proposes that the industry should focus on retrofitting existing buildings, which can reduce their lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 83% (https://www.se.com/ww/en/insights/sustainabilities/decarbonization-campaign). The partnership addresses a persistent challenge in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry: the gaps in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) environmental data. Initially focusing on new building projects in Europe, this initiative allows One Click LCA users to access detailed environmental data for Schneider Electric products, enabling more accurate calculations of building environmental impacts. It marks the first time that comprehensive manufacturer MEP environmental data is made accessible at this scale. The building industry needs reliable environmental data to make informed decisions, says Sorouch Kheradmand, Global Head of Sustainability at Schneider Electric. By making our MEP product data publicly available through One Click LCA s platform, we aim to set a new standard for transparency in our industry. Access to manufacturer MEP product data has been a significant gap in building life-cycle assessments, says Panu Pasanen, CEO & Founder, of One Click LCA. This first-of-its-kind partnership with Schneider Electric marks an important step toward closing that gap. By integrating detailed electrical products data into our platform, we re enabling AEC companies to perform more precise environmental impact calculations. The Schneider Electric & One Click LCA collaboration includes: Integration of Schneider Electric s environmental product data into the One Click LCA platform Focus on supporting new building projects in pilot markets Enhanced product selection capabilities for sustainable building design Related resources: About One Click LCA Used in 170+ countries, One Click LCA is the world-leading end-to-end sustainability platform for construction and manufacturing. The AI-powered software decarbonizes and drives sustainability across the construction value chain with scientific, easy-to-use, automated life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to calculate and reduce the environmental impacts of building, infrastructure, and renovation projects and products. The platform also allows assessment of circularity, life-cycle cost, and biodiversity. One Click LCA is used by blue-chip enterprises like Skanska, WSP, Foster+Partners, LafargeHolcim, ArcelorMittal, Arcadis, ARUP, Geberit, and Saint-Gobain, among others. It offers a unique global database with +250,000 LCA datasets; supports +80 standards and certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, GRESB and other national regulations; and seamlessly integrates with +20 of the most widely used BIM software tools, including Autodesk Revit, Tekla Structures and Bentley iTwin. One Click LCA was founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2001, with a team of +200 people on all continents. Learn more at: oneclicklca.com About Schneider Electric Schneider s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all. www.se.com Follow us on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/SchneiderElec) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SchneiderElectric?brandloc=DISABLE) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/schneider-electric) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/SchneiderCorporate) Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567637/Schneider_Electric_One_Click_LCA_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/schneider-electric-advances-environmental-impact-transparency-in-mep-by-sharing-product-data-through-one-click-lca-302318243.html Contact: Veralyn Tan, +44 787 170 4240 Original-Content von: Schneider Electric GmbH, ubermittelt durch news aktuell Project Mercury was NASA's inaugural human spaceflight program. The program had two aims: to see if humans could function effectively in space, and to put a man in space before the Soviet Union did. While Project Mercury failed in the second aim, it did provide the technological basis for more challenging missions in the Gemini and Apollo programs. It also turned the seven original astronauts into superstars. Program origins In the late 1950s, the United States was worried about the Soviet Union's supremacy in space exploration. The Soviet Union unexpectedly sent Sputnik, the first satellite into space, on Oct. 4, 1957. The U.S. Congress urged action immediately to deal with the problem, with some politicians saying the Soviet coup might be a threat to national security. There were some calls to create a military astronaut space program, building on the high-altitude flights that test pilots were already conducting. President Dwight Eisenhower initially agreed, but upon speaking with some advisors, he ultimately backed a proposal for a non-military space agency called NASA that would send the first astronauts into space. NASA was formed in 1958 from the former National Advisory Committee on Astronautics (NACA), and several other centers. In 1959, the new agency selected seven astronauts from a pool of military test pilots to simplify the astronaut selection procedure, according to NASA. The first astronauts had to meet several stringent requirements: be under 40 years old; be less than 5 feet, 11 inches tall; be in excellent physical condition; have extensive engineering experience; be a test pilot school graduate; and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flying time. Since most military test pilots were white males at the time, this meant that the first astronauts were also of that demographic group. NASA screened 500 records and decided that an initial group of 110 men were qualified. These men were divided equally and arbitrarily into three groups, which would receive a confidential briefing advising them of the opportunity to fly into space. However, because so many men from the first two groups agreed to participate in the astronaut program if chosen, the third group of military personnel was never called upon. From there, the semi-finalists underwent extensive psychological and physical testing to winnow down the field. The selected seven astronauts were announced to the world on April 9, 1959. They and their families instantly became worldwide celebrities. Their fame was further enhanced with an exclusive contract with Life magazine for $500,000 (or about $4.3 million today). The stories painted the astronauts as American heroes fighting communism with their space missions. Early Mercury flights The chimp named Ham was the first living creature to fly on Mercury. (Image credit: NASA) While the human Mercury program received most of the attention, the first living creature to fly on Mercury was not a test pilot, but a chimpanzee. The chimp, named Ham (an acronym for Holloman Aerospace Medical Center), blasted off aboard a Mercury Redstone rocket on Jan. 31, 1961. NASA officials wanted to fly Ham first in case the flight ran into technical problems, which it did. The spacecraft flew higher and faster than anticipated and splashed down more than 400 miles off course. However, Ham emerged healthy except for mild dehydration and fatigue. After an uncrewed Mercury test flight on March 24, NASA felt ready to bring its first astronaut into space. The agency selected Alan Shepard, a World War II veteran and Navy test pilot. However, the Soviets beat the Americans once again, sending Yuri Gagarin into space on April 12. Three weeks later, on May 5, Shepard lifted off for a 15-minute suborbital flight. Glenn undergoes a simulated orbital flight as part of his training for NASA's Project Mercury. (Image credit: NASA) Shepard's Freedom 7 flight was a success, but he was frustrated at not making it first. "We had 'em," Shepard is reported to have said about the Soviets at the time, according to the Neal Thompson 2007 biography, "Light This Candle: The Life and Times of Alan Shepard." "We had 'em by the short hairs, and we gave it away." Mercury's next flight, on July 21, 1961, ran into a major snag. Gus Grissom's Liberty Bell 7 performed relatively well on the 15-minute suborbital hop until splashdown when the door unexpectedly blew open. Grissom found himself in the water as the recovery helicopter tried in vain to rescue the spacecraft. The cause of the door problem was never found. Virgil Gus Grissom and his Liberty Bell 7 suborbital spacecraft, which launched in July 1961, sported a new window design. (Image credit: NASA) In the aftermath of the debacle, some people argued that Grissom had messed up. However, a 2016 book by George Leopold, "Calculated Risk: The Supersonic Life and Times of Gus Grissom," argues that the astronaut displayed quick thinking while in the water, including trying to rescue the spacecraft at the peril of his own life, according to Ars Technica. Grissom recovered from the incident and was assigned to the Apollo 1 mission, but he and his crew members died on the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during a fire. Reaching orbit While the Mercury missions were technological feats for NASA and its contractors, they were quite short only 15-minute arcs between Florida and the Atlantic Ocean. The Soviets, meanwhile, had already done orbital missions that circled the Earth several times including Gagarin's historic first human spaceflight. Getting the Americans to orbit would require a more powerful rocket, among other mission changes. NASA Mercury 7 astronaut John Glenn climbs into his Friendship 7 Mercury capsule ahead of his historic launch into orbit, the first American to do so, on Feb. 20, 1962. (Image credit: NASA) So when John Glenn blasted off to circle Earth three times, his Friendship 7 spacecraft did it aboard a more powerful Mercury-Atlas rocket combination. Glenn's Feb. 20, 1962, mission was another checkout of the spacecraft, and how a human would react to several hours in space. During his five-hour mission, he also saw strange "fireflies" that were appearing to follow his spacecraft, a phenomenon later explained as ice crystals coming off the hull. Controllers on the ground saw an indication that his landing bag had prematurely deployed. They waited to tell Glenn, then close to re-entry instructed Glenn to keep his retrorocket package strapped onto his spacecraft as a precaution. The indication turned out to be false, and Glenn was upset that he had not been told as soon as the problem arose. Glenn became a public hero following his flight; he wanted to return to space, but then-U.S. president John F. Kennedy (among others) considered him too valuable, according to the New York Times. (Glenn eventually became a senator for Ohio, then returned to space at age 77 aboard shuttle mission STS-95 in 1998.) The next Mercury mission, Aurora 7, again ran into splashdown problems on May 24, 1962. Pilot Scott Carpenter landed about 250 miles (400 kilometers) off course after about five hours in space. Some space program officials, notably flight director Chris Kraft, blamed the problem on Carpenter's inattention during the mission. Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for the Mercury-Atlas 7 (MA-7) mission, is seen being recovered from Atlantic Ocean after MA-7 flight. A diver helps Carpenter into a life raft while the capsule floats nearby. (Image credit: NASA) In two oral interviews with NASA, Carpenter said it was a combination of technical problems (some sensors were malfunctioning) and excessive fuel use as Carpenter worked to solve Glenn's firefly mystery. "There was excessive fuel use, which scared a lot of the folks on the ground," Carpenter recalled in 1998. "There was enough. There was enough for the entry. A lot of people thought there would not be. And it was anybody's guess." Carpenter never flew again. Closing the program NASA was already planning for the next space program Gemini, which would test orbital maneuvers and spacewalks in preparation for eventual moon missions during Apollo. With the two-man Gemini spacecraft heavily in development, NASA focused the last two Mercury missions on making sure that spacecraft and astronauts could be ready for missions that lasted over several days. Wally Schirra named his spacecraft Sigma 7 to honor excellence in engineering. He launched on Oct. 3, 1962, for a six-orbit mission, carefully rationing his fuel through the mission by using just small bursts of thruster fuel at a time. By the time he was ready to go back to Earth, more than half of Schirra's fuel was left. In his autobiography "Schirra's Space," the astronaut said he had to dump the remainder. His mission drew praise in NASA; Schirra also flew on Gemini 6 and Apollo 7, becoming the only astronaut to fly in all three of NASA's manned space programs. Schirra's success cleared the way for the final flight, Faith 7. Gordon Cooper flew successfully for 22 orbits between May 15 and 16, 1963. The Faith 7 Mercury Space Capsule is brought on board with Cooper still inside. (Image credit: NASA) Notably, Deke Slayton, an astronaut who was part of the original seven astronauts selected for Mercury, never flew during the program. He was sidelined due to a heart condition. He eventually made it into space during the July 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Test Project spaceflight between the United States and the Soviet Union. While Mercury is not always well-remembered in space history, it was the foundation for all space missions in the American program. Mercury's surviving astronauts continued to popularize space even after leaving NASA, including writing autobiographies and making public appearances. Its last living astronaut, John Glenn, died of natural causes in December 2016, at age 95. Swedish app aims end rows over household chores Stockholm, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Who's doing the housework? There's an app for that -- in an effort to make "invisible work visible", Swedish engineering students have developed an app for families to organise and track chores that often fall heavily on women. Among the early adopters are Marko, 40, and Neha Sarcevic, 37, a married couple of business owners living in the wealthy Stockholm suburb of Taby with two small children, aged three and four. "We thought, okay, let's try this out, maybe it can solve many of our issues that we have at home," Neha told AFP. Her husband agreed, saying the app -- which has some 2,000 users so far -- "brought up the conversation at home. 'Like, okay, so if things aren't being done, who's responsible for them?'" Neha scrolled through the tasks specific to their family on her mobile screen: hanging up the children's coats when they get home, emptying their gym bags, washing up, taking out the compost bin. The setup is simple: users insert chores of their choice into the app. Other family members can then follow their progress and send a "reminder" if a task is not done in time. Neha said she loved the feature, "but I don't use it very often", prompting a burst of laughter from her husband. The idea for the app was born a year ago when engineering student Victor Fredrikson's father got tired of reminding him to tidy up his room and wash his clothes. "So finally one day he basically had enough and said like, why don't you just programme an app so I don't have to nag you all the time about getting your laundry," the 23-year-old CEO told AFP. "And I took that pretty literally and talked to my classmate" -- 23-year-old co-creator Marcus Pahlman -- and Accord was born. - 'Family harmony' - The idea, Fredrikson explained, is to turn household chores into a rewarding experience. "Accord was our sort of answer to achieving family harmony and tackling these problems that like almost every family face on a daily basis." The app -- which officially launched in early September -- allows family members to show their appreciation when someone completes a task. By revealing who does what around the house, the platform can also help address the gender gap that remains for domestic chores. "We want people to talk about it more and be more involved in the family discussion about household chores and making invisible work visible, and see actually who does what and help start that discussion," Floreteng said. According to a study by United Nations agency UN Women published in October 2023, women worldwide spend on average 2.8 hours more on unpaid domestic work than men per day. Once they are old enough, Neha and Marko are also hoping to get their children on the app. "Clean the room, you get some points. Let's cook dinner together, get some points," Marko said, adding that it could serve as a basis for their allowance. The couple employs an au pair to help look after their children. Neha said using the app allows her to keep tabs on developments at home without needing to ask if the children have been fed or had their bath. "That makes my 'mum brain' also a bit more relaxed," Neha said. Taiwan holds air, sea drills as China keeps up pressure Taipei, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Taiwan's military deployed aircraft, ships and air defence missile systems in a drill on Thursday, as China maintains pressure on Taipei to accept Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island. China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since 1949, but Beijing considers it part of its territory and has refused to renounce the use of force to bring the island under its control. The early morning exercise was aimed at testing "the response and engagement procedures of air defence units", Taiwan's Air Force Command said in a statement. "Various types of aircraft, ships, and air defence missile systems were deployed from 5:00 am to 7:00 am," the statement said, without providing details. The last time the Air Force Command held such drills was in June, a month after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office. Taiwan lives under the constant threat of a Chinese invasion and has ramped up defence spending in recent years to strengthen its military capabilities. The island has a home-grown defence industry but also relies heavily on arms sales from Washington, which is Taiwan's most important partner and biggest provider of weapons and ammunition. China regularly deploys fighter jets and warships around Taiwan and engages in what Taipei describes as "grey zone" harassment -- a tactic that falls short of an act of war. Iran to hold nuclear talks with three European powers Tehran, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Iran is set to meet on Friday with France, Germany and the United Kingdom for talks on its nuclear programme after the three governments joined with the United States to have Tehran censured by the UN atomic watchdog. Last week's chiding prompted a defiant response from Tehran, but its officials have since signalled willingness to engage with other parties ahead of the return of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose last administration pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic. Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who serves as the political deputy to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is scheduled to represent Iran in the talks on Friday. He will meet beforehand with Enrique Mora, deputy secretary general of the EU's foreign affairs arm, according to the IRNA state news agency. Last week, the 35-nation board of governors of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution condemning Iran for its lack of cooperation on nuclear issues. The resolution was brought by France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, and was actively opposed by Tehran. In response, Iran announced the launch of "new advanced centrifuges" designed to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium. Tehran's willingness to sit down with the three European countries so soon after the censure comes just weeks before Trump is set to return to the White House in January. During his first term, Trump focused on imposing heavy sanctions on Iran following the United States' unilateral withdrawal from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal three years after it was established. That agreement between Tehran and major powers aimed to give Iran relief from crippling Western sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear programme to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. In retaliation for the US withdrawal, Tehran has reduced its compliance with the deal, raising its uranium enrichment levels to 60 percent -- close to the 90 percent required for a nuclear bomb. Tehran has consistently denied any intentions of pursuing nuclear weapons. For Tehran, the goal of the talks on Friday is to avoid a "double disaster" scenario, in which it would face renewed pressures from both Trump and European nations, according to political analyst Mostafa Shirmohammadi. He noted that Iran's support among European nations had been eroded by allegations it offered military assistance for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Iran has denied these accusations and hopes to mend relations with Europe, while also maintaining a firm stance. - 'Legal obligations' - The IAEA's censure resolution urged Iran to "fulfil its legal obligations" under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ratified in 1970, which requires member states to declare and maintain their nuclear materials under IAEA supervision. In response, Foreign Minister Araghchi, who was instrumental in the nuclear negotiations in 2015, said Iran was commissioning "several thousand advanced centrifuges". The head of Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, said Wednesday that they had begun inserting gas into the centrifuges. Centrifuges work by rapidly spinning uranium gas to increase the proportion of the fissile isotope U-235. Iran insists on its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but according to the IAEA, it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60 percent. Under the 2015 accord -- which will expire in October 2025 -- Iran's enrichment was capped at 3.67 percent. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final authority in Iran's decision-making, has issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting the use of atomic weapons. Iran's nuclear programme dates back to the late 1950s when the United States, then an ally, signed a civil cooperation agreement with Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Taiwan holds air, sea drills as Chinese balloons reported Taipei, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Taiwan's military deployed aircraft, ships and air defence missile systems in a drill on Thursday, as its defence ministry reported the detection of two Chinese balloons near the island. China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since 1949, but Beijing considers it part of its territory and has refused to renounce the use of force to bring the island under its control. Beijing regularly deploys fighter jets, drones and warships, and occasionally balloons, around Taiwan as it keeps up military pressure. Thursday's early morning exercise was aimed at testing "the response and engagement procedures of air defence units", Taiwan's Air Force Command said in a statement. "Various types of aircraft, ships, and air defence missile systems were deployed from 5:00 am to 7:00 am," the statement said, without providing details. The last time the Air Force Command held the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Exercise was in June, a month after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office. Lai, who has been outspoken in his defence of Taiwan's sovereignty, is due to leave Saturday for a trip to three Pacific island nations, with a likely stopover on US soil. The trip is aimed at shoring up Taiwan's dwindling number of diplomatic allies and is likely to elicit an angry response from China, which opposes any attempt to give Taipei international legitimacy. Taiwan's defence ministry also reported Thursday that it had detected two Chinese balloons over waters north of the island. The balloons were spotted Wednesday afternoon in two locations about 111 kilometres (69 miles) northwest and 163 kilometres north of Keelung City. That follows the sighting of a Chinese balloon on Sunday over the same waters. Along with the two balloons, 13 Chinese military aircraft and seven navy vessels were spotted around Taiwan in the 24 hours to 6:00 am on Thursday, the ministry said. Taiwan lives under the constant threat of a Chinese invasion and has ramped up defence spending in recent years to strengthen its military capabilities. The island has a home-grown defence industry but also relies heavily on arms sales from Washington, which is Taiwan's most important partner and biggest provider of weapons and ammunition. Taiwan has described the balloons as a form of "grey zone" harassment -- a tactic that falls short of an act of war. Russia launches massive aerial attack on Ukraine's energy sector Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Russia's army on Thursday launched a massive attack on Ukraine's energy sector, forcing emergency power outages as temperatures dropped to freezing across the country. Ukraine's energy grid has been heavily targeted since Russia invaded in February 2022, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of "terror" tactics by trying to plunge Ukrainian cities into darkness and cut off heating to civilians throughout the winter. The overnight strikes come after two weeks of dramatic escalation that has seen both sides launch new weapons to gain an upper hand ahead of Donald Trump being inaugurated as US president in January. Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said power infrastructure was "under massive enemy attack" after a countrywide air alert was issued for incoming missiles. The air force reported a string of Russian cruise missiles and attack drones heading for cities across the country, including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv in the northeast and the Black Sea port city of Odesa. "Once again, the energy sector is under massive enemy attack. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place across Ukraine," Galushchenko said. National power grid operator Ukrenergo had "urgently introduced emergency power cuts", he added, as temperatures dropped to around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Energy provider DTEK said Ukrenergo was introducing emergency power outages in the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Donetsk. The nationwide attack was ongoing as of 08:00 am (0600 GMT), according to messages from the air force. "As soon as the security situation will allow it, the consequences (of the strikes) will be specified," Galushchenko said. - Missile stockpiles - President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff said the wave of attacks showed Russia was "continuing their tactics of terror." "They stockpiled missiles for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, for warfare against civilians during... winter," Andriy Yermak said in a post on Telegram and pledged that Ukraine would respond. A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure may make this winter the "harshest since the start of the war". Russia earlier this week said it was preparing its own retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on its territory using US-supplied ATACMS missiles. Ukraine has launched at least three attacks on Russian border regions with the missiles since the White House gave it permission to fire them on Russian territory. Moscow responded to the first strike by firing a never-before-seen hypersonic ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. In an angry address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the nuclear-capable missile could be used against Western countries if they let their arms be used by Ukraine to hit Russia. Russia's defence ministry said Thursday it had downed 25 Ukrainian drones fired overnight, including 14 over the southern Krasnodar territory -- just to the east of the annexed Crimean peninsula. Krasnodar's governor said a woman was wounded by falling debris in the town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the Kerch bridge -- the giant infrastructure project linking Crimea to Russia that Kyiv has heavily targeted throughout the war. - New US envoy - The latest missile salvo comes a day after US president-elect Trump named staunch loyalist and retired general Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy, charged with ending the Russian invasion. Trump campaigned on a platform of securing a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal -- comments that have triggered concern in Kyiv that the US could push it to cede land. Kellog, an 80-year-old national security veteran, co-authored a paper this year calling for Washington to leverage military aid as a means of pushing for peace talks. The outgoing Joe Biden administration has urged Ukraine drop the minimum age of conscription to 18 to plug severe manpower shortages across the 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) front line. Russian troops have been advancing in the east for months, where they have a manpower and ammunition advantage over Ukraine's stretched forces. bur/am/ach Meta China says top military official Miao Hua suspended, under investigation Beijing, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 A top Chinese military official has been removed from office and is suspected of "serious violations of discipline", Beijing said Thursday, the latest senior apparatchik to fall in a sweeping crackdown on graft in the country's armed forces. The ruling Chinese Communist Party "has decided to suspend Miao Hua from duty pending investigation", Wu Qian, a spokesman for Beijing's defence ministry, told a press briefing. Wu did not provide further details about the charges against Miao, an admiral and member of Beijing's powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). But "serious violations of discipline" are commonly used by officials in China as a euphemism for corruption. Miao headed the CMC's Political Work Department, the top military body's most important office. Beijing has deepened a crackdown on alleged graft in the armed forces over the past year, with President Xi Jinping this month ordering the military to stamp out corruption and strengthen its "war-preparedness". The intensity of the anti-graft drive in the military has been partially driven by fears that it may affect China's ability to wage a future war, Bloomberg reported citing US officials this year. At the same briefing, Wu denied reports that Defence Minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation for corruption. "The reports in question are pure fabrications," Wu said. "The rumour-mongers are ill-intentioned. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction with such slanderous behaviour," he added. A former navy commander, Dong was appointed defence minister in December following the surprise removal of predecessor Li Shangfu just seven months into the job. Li was later expelled from the Communist Party for offences including suspected bribery, state media said. He has not been seen in public since. His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, was also kicked out of the party and passed on to prosecutors over alleged corruption. The country's secretive Rocket Force -- which oversees China's vast arsenal of strategic missiles, both conventional and nuclear -- has come under particularly intense scrutiny. In July, a top Chinese official in the Rocket Force, Sun Jinming, was kicked out of the party and placed under investigation for corruption. At least two other high-ranking officers connected to the Rocket Force, a relatively new unit of the Chinese military, have also been removed for graft. China vows to 'resolutely crush' Taiwan independence attempts Beijing, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 China on Thursday vowed to "resolutely crush" any attempts for Taiwan independence, as the self-ruled island's President Lai Ching-te is set to embark on an overseas trip. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and baulks at any official contact Taipei has with other countries. Responding to a question on whether China's military would take countermeasures against Lai's Pacific tour, Wu Qian said: "We firmly oppose official interaction with China's Taiwan region in any form." "The Chinese (military) shoulders the sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty... and will resolutely crush all secessionist attempts for Taiwan independence," Wu, a spokesperson for China's defence ministry, told a press conference. Taiwan's Lai will stop over in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam during a trip to three Pacific island nations, Taiwan's Presidential Office said, in his first overseas trip since taking office in May. Lai will depart Saturday for a visit to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau -- the only Pacific islands among Taiwan's 12 remaining allies. Beijing opposes international support that gives a sense of legitimacy to Taiwan and has blocked Taipei from many global forums and whittled down its diplomatic allies. It has refused to rule out the use of force to seize Taiwan and in recent years has ramped up military activity around the island. Zelensky slams Russia's 'despicable' use of cluster munitions in energy strikes Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday slammed a "despicable escalation" by Russia as he accused its military of firing cluster munitions on Ukraine's energy grid in a massive overnight attack. More than a million Ukrainians were without power in freezing cold temperatures after Russia launched a barrage of almost 200 cruise missiles and drones at energy sites across the war-torn country. Ukraine is bracing for what could be its toughest winter of the almost three-year war as Moscow steps up its aerial bombardment and its troops advance on the frontlines in the east. Tensions have ratcheted up dramatically over the last few weeks, with Moscow pledging retaliation for Ukraine firing US-supplied missiles on its territory. Both sides are looking to secure the upper hand on the battlefield ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as US president in January. Zelensky accused Moscow of escalating the conflict by using cluster munitions in the overnight attack. "In several regions, strikes with cluster munitions were recorded, and they targeted civilian infrastructure," he said in a post on Telegram. "This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics," he added. He said Ukraine needed more Western air defence systems "now" to protect against the Russian strikes. "This is especially important in winter, when we have to protect our infrastructure from targeted Russian attacks." - Power outages - Russia fired 91 missiles and 97 attack drones at Ukraine in the wave of attacks through the early hours of Thursday, Ukraine's air force said. It said it downed 79 of the missiles and 35 of the drones, with the rest of the drones "lost" from its radar screens or downed by electronic jamming defensive systems. But at least some of the missiles hit their targets, Ukrainian officials admitted. "Power facilities in several regions were damaged," the Ukrenergo electricity operator said, adding that it had introduced emergency blackouts across the country. Authorities in the Lviv and Kyiv regions said critical infrastructure sites had been hit. The attack, launched as temperatures across the country hit 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), knocked out electricity for more than a million subscribers in Ukraine's west, hundreds of kilometres from the front lines. "As of now, 523,000 subscribers in Lviv region are without electricity," regional head Maksym Kozytskyi said on social media. The western region, which borders EU and NATO member Poland, has been spared the worst of the fighting of Russia's 33-month invasion but has been targeted in Russian drone and missile attacks sporadically. Regional officials said at least another 280,000 were cut off in the western Rivne region and another 215,000 in the northwestern Volyn region, which also borders Poland. At around 12:00 pm (1000 GMT), Ukrenergo said emergency power cuts had been lifted, though scheduled regional outages remained in place. The northeastern city of Kharkiv and port city of Odesa on the Black Sea were also targeted. AFP journalists in Kyiv heard blasts ring out over the capital overnight as air defence systems targeted Russian drones and missiles, with locals crowding into the underground metro system for cover. The energy ministry said it was the 11th massive Russian attack on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure this year. A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure may make this winter the "harshest since the start of the war". - Cluster munitions - Both Ukraine and Russia have used cluster munitions throughout the conflict, experts say. The weapons are packed with smaller munitions that explode mid-air, scattering bomblets over a wide area. More than 100 countries have banned their use due to their potential for indiscriminate damage and high rate of duds -- with many of the smaller munitions not exploding upon impact, effectively becoming landmines that can detonate years later. Neither Ukraine or Russia has banned their use and more than 1,000 people have been killed or wounded by them in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, according to the Cluster Munition Coalition said in September. Zelensky's allegation that Russia is now using them to strike on Ukraine's energy facilities comes after Moscow pledged retaliation for Kyiv firing US-supplied ATACMS missiles on Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged a strong response to every use of the missiles by Kyiv. He fired a nuclear-capable hypersonic ballstic missile at the city of Dnipro in a "combat test" earlier this month after Kyiv hit a military facility in a Russian border region in an ATACMS strike. bur-jc/jbr/ach Meta EU to invite UK's Starmer to defence talks with leaders Brussels, Belgium, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 The EU will invite British premier Keir Starmer for talks on defence with the bloc's 27 leaders in February, Brussels said Thursday, as the two sides push to rebuild ties after Brexit. A senior European Union official said Brussels intends to organise "informal retreats", starting with a meeting in Belgium on February 3 focused on security issues. The encounter would be the first of its kind between the EU and Britain since London's 2020 departure from the bloc. "For this one, the idea is to invite the secretary general of NATO and the UK prime minister," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The outreach to Starmer is part of efforts to forge better ties after the acrimony caused by Britain's exit from the EU. The British prime minister -- who came to power in July -- made his first visit to Brussels last month to launch the long road to a reset. As part of those efforts, he agreed with European Commission chief to start holding regular summits between the two sides from next year. Starmer's government has mooted reaching a "security pact" with the EU but details so far remain vague on what that would entail. The prime minister, who voted in the UK's 2016 Brexit referendum to remain in the EU, has insisted his reset will not mean reversing Brexit, which remains a politically toxic subject in the country. The February talks on defence will come at a crucial juncture, just after Donald Trump assumes power in the United States. Britain and the EU have been staunch supporters of Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion and are warily eyeing Trump's promises to end the conflict quickly. Brussels is currently reshuffling its top leadership, with former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa set to replace Belgium's Charles Michel as head of the European Council on Sunday. Former UK soldier found guilty of spying for Iran London, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 A former British soldier who escaped prison ahead of his trial was found guilty at a UK court on Thursday of spying for Iran but cleared of a bomb hoax charge. A jury at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London found army soldier Daniel Khalife, 23, guilty of espionage and terrorism charges, including eliciting or attempting to elicit information likely to be useful to a person preparing an act of terrorism. Khalife was found to have breached the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act. Prosecutors said he could have "seriously harmed" military personnel and "prejudiced" national security. Prosecutors accused Khalife of playing a "cynical game" after joining the army, and that he was contacted soon after by a man linked to Iranian intelligence. They said he subsequently told Britain's overseas intelligence agency MI6 he wanted to be a double agent. The jury was told he gathered "a very large body of restricted and classified material" over two and a half years while posted in the UK and the United States, before being arrested and charged in 2023. Khalife admitted during trial to escaping from a London prison in September 2023 strapped to the underside of a food delivery truck, a disappearance which sparked a nationwide manhunt. "Daniel Khalife used his employment to undermine national security," said Bethan David from the Crown Prosecution Service, which brings prosecutions in England and Wales. "He surreptitiously sought out and obtained copies of secret and sensitive information which he knew were protected and passed these on to individuals he believed to be acting on behalf of the Iranian state. "The sharing of the information could have exposed military personnel to serious harm, or a risk to life, and prejudiced the safety and security of the United Kingdom." - 'Reckless' - Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former chief state prosecutor before entering politics, "welcomed" the verdict, his spokesman said. "It was obviously a complex case, and we thank our security partners, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, for their work to uncover this individual's crimes and bring them to justice," he told reporters. Khalife, who grew up in southwest London with his Iranian mother, joined the army in 2018 aged 16. He was accused of passing information to Iranian intelligence for cash between May 2019 and January 2022, including the names of elite special forces personnel. During the trial, jurors were shown a photograph from Khalife's iPhone of a handwritten list he had made of 15 soldiers, including their service number, rank, initials, surname and unit. He allegedly remained in contact with Iranian handlers while posted to Fort Hood in Texas between February and April 2021, where he was given the second-highest level of NATO security clearance, one below "cosmic top secret". Prosecutors had also accused him of planting a makeshift bomb at his army barracks before fleeing in January 2023, but the jury cleared Khalife of the charge. "The threat to the UK from states such as Iran is very serious, so for a soldier in the Army to be sharing sensitive military material and information with them is extremely reckless and dangerous," said Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command. Khalife will be sentenced at a later date. Iran says may end nuclear arms ban if sanctions reimposed Tehran, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Iran could end its ban on acquiring nuclear weapons if Western sanctions are reimposed, its top diplomat told The Guardian in an interview published Thursday ahead of talks on the matter. Iran is set to meet with Britain, France and Germany for talks on its nuclear programme on Friday after the three governments joined with the United States to have Tehran censured by the UN atomic watchdog. Last week's chiding prompted a defiant response from Tehran, but its officials have since signalled willingness to engage with others ahead of the return of US president-elect Donald Trump, whose last administration pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic. Iran insists on its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but according to UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60 percent. In an interview published on the eve of the talks, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned frustration in Tehran over unmet commitments, such as lifting sanctions, was fuelling debate on whether the country should alter its nuclear policy. "We have no intention to go further than 60 percent for the time being, and this is our determination right now," he told Britain's The Guardian newspaper. But, he added, "there is this debate going on in Iran, and mostly among the elites... whether we should change our nuclear doctrine" as so far it has proven to be "insufficient in practice". The 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers aimed to give Iran relief from crippling Western sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear programme to prevent it from developing a weapons capability. Tehran has consistently denied any intention of pursuing atomic weapons. Tehran's willingness to sit down with the three European governments so soon after the censure comes just weeks before Trump is set to return to the White House. During his first term, Trump focused on reimposing heavy sanctions on Iran following his administration's unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 deal three years after it was agreed. In retaliation for the US withdrawal, Tehran reduced its compliance with the deal, raising its uranium enrichment levels to 60 percent -- close to the 90 percent required for a nuclear bomb. - 'Legal obligations' - Under the 2015 accord -- which will expire in October 2025 -- Iran's enrichment was capped at 3.67 percent. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final authority in Iran's decision-making, has issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting atomic weapons. Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who serves as the political deputy to Araghchi, is scheduled to represent Iran in Friday's talks. He will meet beforehand with Enrique Mora, deputy secretary general of the European Union's foreign affairs arm, according to the IRNA state news agency. Last week, the 35-nation board of governors of the IAEA adopted a resolution condemning Iran for its lack of cooperation on nuclear issues. Iran described as "politically motivated" the resolution brought by Britain, France, Germany and the United States. In response, Tehran announced the launch of "new advanced centrifuges" designed to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium. For Tehran, the goal of the talks on Friday is to avoid a "double disaster" scenario, in which it would face renewed pressures from both Trump and European nations, according to political analyst Mostafa Shirmohammadi. He noted that Iran's support among European governments had been eroded by allegations it offered military assistance for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Iran has denied these accusations and hopes to mend relations with Europe, while also maintaining a firm stance. The IAEA's censure resolution urged Iran to "fulfil its legal obligations" under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ratified in 1970, which requires member states to declare and maintain their nuclear materials under IAEA supervision. In response, Araghchi, who was instrumental in the nuclear negotiations in 2015, said Iran was commissioning "several thousand advanced centrifuges". The head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, said Wednesday that they had begun inserting gas into the centrifuges. Centrifuges work by rapidly spinning uranium gas to increase the proportion of the fissile isotope U-235. Iran's nuclear programme dates back to the late 1950s when the United States, then an ally, signed a civil cooperation agreement with Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Mali says arrested 6 'terrorists' over jihadist attacks Bamako, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Mali's ruling junta on Thursday said it had arrested six "terrorists" over their alledged involvement in a jihadist massacre on the capital Bamako in September. The attack targeted a military police training camp and airport killing 70 people and wounding 200, one of the highest tolls the country has suffered in recent years. The operation, which dealt a forceful blow to the military junta, was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM). The army in a statement on Thursday reported "the arrest on November 17 and 18 of six members of a terrorist network involved in the September 17 attack in Bamako". "The individuals arrested are suspected of having facilitated the entry and set up of the terrorist commandos that led the attacks, of conducting surveillance missions over the sites to attack and of having provided logistical support to armed terrorist groups", the statement added. JNIM claimed that a few dozen of its fighters had killed and wounded "hundreds" from the opposing ranks, including members of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, an ally of the Malian government. On its communication channels, JNIM said that 13 fighters had taken part in the attacks and that all those arrested by authorities were innocent. The operation was the first of its kind in years to hit Bamako, which is normally spared the sort of attacks that occur almost daily in some parts of Mali. The West African country has been ravaged since 2012 by different factions affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. The attacks came a day after junta-led Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso marked a year since the creation of their breakaway grouping, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries, which have been under military rule following a string of coups since 2020, have broken ties with former colonial ruler France and turned militarily and politically towards other partners including Russia. Mali's leaders launched an extensive military operation in the north of the country where armed separatist groups and jihadists have lost control of several areas since last year. In July, however, the Malian army and its Russian allies suffered one of their biggest defeats. Previously, French anti-jihadist troops, the United Nations stabilisation mission, MINUSMA, and European troops had contained the threat in the north. But the Malian junta ordered them out, turning instead to Russia for support. Israel conducts first strike on Lebanon since ceasefire Beirut, Lebanon, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Israel said it conducted an air strike on a Hezbollah weapons facility on Thursday, the first since a ceasefire in the war in Lebanon took effect. The truce, which came into force on Wednesday, seeks to end a war that has killed thousands in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements in both Lebanon and Israel. The war began with Hezbollah firing into Israel in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas and its unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel. Israel shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a series of heavy blows. Lebanon deployed troops and tanks on Thursday across the country's south, where Hezbollah has long held sway, where only the army and UN peacekeepers are to maintain a presence under the terms of the ceasefire. "A short while ago, terrorist activity was identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said, adding that "the threat was thwarted" by its air force. Nazih Eid, mayor of Baysariyeh in south Lebanon, told AFP a strike had hit an area of his town. "They targeted a forested area not accessible to civilians," he said. The deal to end the war in Lebanon was brokered by Israel's top ally the United States and France. Under the agreement, Israeli troops will hold their positions but "a 60-day period will commence in which the Lebanese military and security forces will begin their deployment towards the south", a US official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Then, Israel should begin a phased withdrawal without a vacuum forming that Hezbollah or others could rush into, the official said. - Two wounded - The Israeli and Lebanese militaries have both called on residents of frontline villages to avoid returning home immediately. Earlier on Thursday, Israeli fire wounded two people in a border village, according to Lebanon's official National News Agency. The Israeli army said that "over the past hour, several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire". The army "opened fire toward them", the statement said, adding that the Israeli military "remains in southern Lebanon and will actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement". For the most part, however, the ceasefire appeared to be holding. A Lebanese army source said its forces were "conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints" south of the Litani River without advancing into areas where Israeli forces were still present. The Israeli army on Thursday announced a nighttime curfew for areas south of the river, which are located near the border. - Devastation - While there was joy around Lebanon that the war has ended, the country faces a long recovery. Tens of thousands of Lebanese who fled their homes during the war have headed back to their towns and villages, only to find them devastated. "Despite all the destruction and the sorrow, we are happy to be back," said Umm Mohammed Bzeih, a widow who fled the southern village of Zibqin with her four children two months ago. "I feel as if our souls have returned," she said, visibly exhausted as she swept up the shattered glass and rubble that carpeted the floor. In the border village of Qlayaa, residents threw rice and flowers to celebrate the arrival of Lebanese soldiers. The majority-Christian village is nestled in an area that is home mostly to Shiite Muslim communities. Lebanon is deeply divided along political and sectarian lines, with Hezbollah long dominant among the Shiite population. "We only want the Lebanese army," chanted residents of Qlayaa, as they clapped and cheered for the troops and waved the Lebanese flag. - Crisis - Even before the conflict, Lebanon had been wracked for years by political and economic crises, with World Bank data from earlier this year indicating poverty had tripled in a decade. On Thursday, there was a glimmer of hope as the official National News Agency reported parliament would meet to elect a president on January 9, following a two-year vacuum. Hezbollah, the only armed group that did not surrender its weapons following the 1975-90 civil war, built its popularity by providing health and education services. It has maintained a formidable arsenal, supplied chiefly by Iran, which is widely regarded as more powerful than that of the Lebanese army. Hezbollah proclaimed on Wednesday that it had achieved "victory" in the war against Israel, after the truce took effect. It also said that its fighters would "remain in total readiness to deal with the Israeli enemy's ambitions and its attacks". But the war saw Israel deal Hezbollah a string of unprecedented blows, key among them the killing in September of its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah told AFP his group was cooperating on the army's deployment in the south. There is "full cooperation" with the Lebanese state in strengthening the army's deployment, he said, adding the group had "no visible weapons or bases" but "nobody can make residents leave their villages". - Scepticism - In northern Israel, which has come under steady attack from Hezbollah for more than a year, there was hope tinged with scepticism over whether the truce might last. Nissim Ravivo, a 70-year-old in the coastal city of Nahariya near the border with Lebanon, voiced disappointment. "It's a shame, we should have continued for at least another two months and finished the job," he said. "We still don't feel safe and we are not happy about it." Lebanon says at least 3,961 people have been killed in the country since October 2023, most of them in recent weeks. On the Israeli side, the hostilities with Hezbollah killed at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians, authorities there say. UK signs deals with Iraq aimed at curbing irregular immigration London, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 The UK government said Thursday it had struck a "world-first security agreement" and other cooperation deals with Iraq to target people-smuggling gangs and strengthen its border security. Interior minister Yvette Cooper said the pacts sent "a clear signal to the criminal smuggling gangs that we are determined to work across the globe to go after them". They follow a visit this week by Cooper to Iraq and its autonomous Kurdistan region, when she met federal and regional government officials. "Organised criminals operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too," she said in a statement. Cooper noted people-smuggling gangs' operations "stretch back through Northern France, Germany, across Europe, to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond". "The increasingly global nature of organised immigration crime means that even countries that are thousands of miles apart must work more closely together," she added. The pacts include a joint UK-Iraq "statement on border security" committing both countries to work more closely in tackling people smuggling and border security. The two countries signed another statement on migration to speed up the returns of people who have no right to be in the UK and help reintegration programmes to support returnees. As part of the agreements, London will also provide up to pound300,000 ($380,000) for Iraqi law enforcement training in border security. It will be focused on countering organised immigration crime and narcotics, and increasing the capacity and capability of Iraq's border enforcement. The UK has pledged another pound200,000 to support projects in the Kurdistan region, "which will enhance capabilities concerning irregular migration and border security, including a new taskforce". Other measures within the agreements include a communications campaign "to counter the misinformation and myths that people-smugglers post online". Cooper's interior ministry said collectively they were "the biggest operational package to tackle serious organised crime and people smuggling between the two countries ever". Trade gap focus in first visit to Spain by Iraq PM Madrid, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Spain and Iraq on Thursday strengthened economic ties as Mohammed Shia al-Sudani became the first Iraqi prime minister to visit the European country. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hosted his Iraqi counterpart in Madrid where they signed memorandums of understanding on "financial cooperation and justice", the Spanish government said in a statement. Spanish trade organisations penned agreements on "industrial and business cooperation" with the aim of increasing Spain's business in Iraq in sectors such as defence, infrastructure, transport, food and water management, the statement added. According to Spanish official data, the European country has a yawning trade deficit with Iraq. Spain exported 206 million euros ($217 million) to Iraq in 2023, an 18-percent increase on the previous year, but Iraqi imports -- mostly oil -- totalled some 1.66 billion euros. Sudani's office said a railway project worth 250 million euros was recently awarded to a Spanish company and that talks with another firm are underway for a high-speed train connection between Najaf and Karbala governorates. The leaders discussed the war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon. Sanchez and Sudani urged "all parties" to act "with the greatest moderation, end the violence immediately and fully respect international law". Sanchez also told Sudani that Spain, which contributes to a NATO mission and a US-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq, supported the Baghdad government's efforts to maintain "stability, security and sovereignty". France urges ceasefire in Sudan war, pledges aid to Chad Adre, Chad, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 France's foreign minister on Thursday called on foreign nations to stop helping the warring sides in famine-stricken Sudan's civil war as he visited refugee camps in neighbouring Chad. Sudan has been mired since April 2023 in conflict between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both sides face accusations of war crimes, including targeting civilians, shelling residential areas, and blocking or looting aid. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and forced over 11 million people out of their homes, with 2.1 million fleeing the country. The United Nations estimates that more than 25 million people -- over half the population -- facing acute hunger. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on "the foreign powers that are allied with the belligerents to stop adding fuel to the fire", without naming specific countries. Al Burhan's government has accused Chad of meddling in the war by helping to deliver weapons from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF paramilitary forces, which Chad and the UAE have denied. Mutual finger-pointing has also seen Chad blaming Sudan for allegedly arming and financing rebel groups on its territory. Barrot also denounced the attitude of Russia, which vetoed a UN resolution last week that urged a ceasefire and the protection of civilians in Sudan. Russia has "abandonned the Sudanese" and "unveiled its relationship with Africa, a relationship based on greed, cynicism and hyprocrisy", the minister said. Around 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad, a country of 20 million people. - 'Strictly neutral' - Barrot urged the Sudanese armed forces to "keep the Adre crossing open and lift all bureaucratic impediments to the delivery of humanitarian aid". Adre, leading into Chad, is the only access point to famine-stricken Darfur in western Sudan. He urged the RSF to "cease looting, racketeering and the diversion of humanitarian convoys to allow them to arrive at their destination". Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, who was with Barrot said that Chad "remains strictly neutral in the conflict". "We have an interest in bringing peace back to Sudan and remaining as neutral as possible in this war," he added. Barrot pledged an additional seven million euros ($7.4 million) in aid to support efforts to fight cholera and help women and children in Chad. Paris had already vowed to donate $110 million in April. Several nations have promised more than $2 billion for Sudan, but voiced concern about getting the aid to the population. Senegal president says France should close military bases Dakar, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye told AFP Thursday that France should close its military bases in the West African state as it prepared to mark the 80th anniversary of a notorious colonial slaughter. Faye said that France's President Emmanuel Macron had admitted that his country's troops were responsible for a "massacre" of Senegalese soldiers in 1944. Faye hailed the acknowledgement but said that allowing French bases in the country was incompatible with national sovereignty. "Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country," Faye said in an interview at the presidential palace. Faye swept to power in March's elections promising to assert Senegal's sovereignty and an end to dependence on foreign powers. He however maintained that the act did not constitute a break with France, like those seen elsewhere in west Africa in recent years. "Today, China is our largest trading partner in terms of investment and trade. Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No. Does that mean our relations are cut? No," he said. - 'Making amends' - Several other francophone countries in west and central Africa, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have been taken over by military juntas that have expelled French forces and turned to Russia for security aid instead. Two French government sources told AFP this year that the country was looking to cut its military presence in Africa -- from 350 troops to 100 in Senegal and Gabon and to 300 in Chad from 1,000 and 100 in Ivory Coast from 600. "France remains an important partner for Senegal for the investment for Senegal and the presence of French companies and even French citizens who are in Senegal," said Faye. Senegal's president said he had received a letter from Macron admitting French culpability for a World War II-era massacre at Thiaroye on December 1, 1944. The atrocity has long been a bone of contention between Paris and Dakar. In November 1944, around 1,600 African soldiers who had fought for France and been made prisoners of war by Germany, were sent back to Dakar, according to French historian Armelle Mabon. Soon after arriving at the Thiaroye camp, just outside Dakar, they protested against pay delays, with some refusing to return to their home countries without their dues. French forces opened fire on the protesters, killing at least 35, though historians say the toll could be much higher. "I received today a letter from President Emmanuel Macron in which he acknowledges that it was a massacre, very clearly, unambiguously on the terms," Faye said. He praised "a great step" taken by the French leader, who Faye said apologised for not being able to make the commemoration of the massacre's 80th anniversary. Faye said he was considering demanding an apology from France. "To recognise that a massacre has been committed must obviously have the effect of making amends.... we think that naturally this is what must follow." Russia has lost over 710,000 killed and injured alone according to latest releases from British Defence Intelligence and their American counterparts. In the Kharkiv sector British analysis reports a higher attrition rate than in any conflict for nearly 75 years. The measurement is 11 casualties per unit area as high as the ghastly slaughter of the Chinese human waves at the end on the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The equivalent attrition in the worst of the Vietnam War of the 1960s and early 70s, and for the infantry on the Western Front from 1914 to 1918, was around 6. Russian losses have been at around 2,000 a day for about a month now. Prepare to sacrifice dozens of hours at the altar of Civilisation VII. It will be the first mainline civilisation game in eight-and-a-half years by the time of release. And, while most of the usual flavour remains intact, there are some core changes this time around. For example, rather than choosing a civilisation to take you through the entire couple of thousand years of a playthrough, you pick one at the start of each of the three game ages. What does stick, though, is the leader you choose. Well have to see how the fans respond to this one. He surreptitiously sought out and obtained copies of secret and sensitive information which he knew were protected and passed these on to individuals he believed to be acting on behalf of the Iranian state. The sharing of the information could have exposed military personnel to serious harm, or a risk to life, and prejudiced the safety and security of the United Kingdom. Phone users should take simple steps to further protect themselves from fraud, by ensuring they have a strong password, two-factor authentication and turn off message previews so thieves cannot see any messages about reset or log in codes when phones are locked and ensuring they have written down and safely stored their IMEI number, said a Met spokesperson. This was first raised as there was an association of one member of staff. It was never raised as something had been seen, something had been done. It was raised as there is an increase in the number of deaths but we dont understand why. I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed and an excuse for poor behaviour I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed Under the new rules, platforms will be required to protect their users, and in particular children, from illegal and harmful material by finding and removing it, with large fines for those who do not comply. If they have a pet passport, they will have renounced their right to go to the Republic. That makes the border more of an obstruction than having border control posts on it, because at least in that eventuality, you could still cross over it. The steep drop in the number of people arriving for humanitarian reasons reflects large falls in those arriving under the Ukraine resettlement schemes down from 74,000 in the year to June 2023 to 31,000 in the year to June 2024 and the resettlement scheme for British nationals from Hong Kong down from 48,000 to 27,000. Ms Morton continued: Our position remains that there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities. We understand that the Governments resolution at the UN Security Council with Sierra Leone was thwarted by Russia, however, we would welcome a further update on other avenues the Government is actively pursuing including to back the Jeddah process. She said: We are seeing something like well over 30% of young girls in schools are saying that they have experienced sexual harassment or abuse, and that is direct result of social media and often thats being done on social media so that images are being shared. Id like to say thank you to everyone who put their money where their heart is and did something to change lives, even if its the minimum of what we can do, Faith said. Conwy, formerly known in English as Conway, is a walled market town, community and the administrative centre of Conwy County Borough in North Wales. The historic walled town and its castle are located on the west bank of the River Conwy, directly opposite Deganwy on the east bank. "These are military facilities, defence industry facilities and their support systems. Let me repeat once again: these strikes on our part also took place in response to the ongoing strikes (by Ukraine) on Russian territory with American ATACMS missiles. As I have already said many times, there will always be a response from our side." A source told The Sun: These guys are scum and after the first robbery they came back and did it all over again. The second time around they made off with camera lenses and some kit that was worth massive money. 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(611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (701) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (737) Sept 2023 (732) Oct 2023 (749) Nov 2023 (751) Dec 2023 (732) Jan 2024 (746) Feb 2024 (687) Mar 2024 (738) Apr 2024 (723) May 2024 (750) Jun 2024 (712) Jul 2024 (756) Aug 2024 (797) Sept 2024 (772) Oct 2024 (778) Nov 2024 (771) Dec 2024 (710) Jan 2025 (776) Feb 2025 (683) Mar 2025 (369) Two-thirds (66%) of the Romanians believe that prosumers contribute to a cleaner environment, while almost half (45%) say that giving up gas-fired heating systems is not a good decision, according to the results of a study published on Thursday. According to data centralized by the despre-energie.ro platform, a project of the companies E.ON and Delgaz Grid, over half of the respondents (55%) stated that firm measures must be taken to reduce pollution and agree with the objectives of the European Union (EU) to give up fossil fuels, including natural gas, in favour of the massive electrification of transport, buildings, industry and household consumption.Also, 66% of the total number of respondents consider prosumers to contribute to a cleaner environment, and almost a quarter (24%) expect to see a decrease in energy prices over time, as a result of the development of renewables.Regarding the sources of information about the energy sector, the press is the main source for two-thirds of Romanians, followed by the websites of energy and natural gas suppliers (13%), specialized online portals dedicated to the energy sector (11%) and the official websites of the authorities in the field (10%).The sociological research was conducted by Sondaje Marketing Relatii Publice SRL for the despre-energie.ro platform, a project of E.ON and Delgaz Grid, between August 26 and September 11, 2024, on a sample of 1,004 online users, with a margin of error of +/-3%.The despre-energie.ro platform, a project supported by E.ON and Delgaz Grid, was launched in 2020 with the objective of becoming, for electricity and gas consumers, one of the main sources of information and, at the same time, of explaining, in a clear and accessible language, relevant and impactful developments on the energy market. Former Constitutional Court president Augustin Zegrean said on Thursday that he was surprised by the constitutional watchdog's decision to order the recount of the presidential votes and wonders if the second round of the presidential election can still be held on December 8 if the recount is not completed next week. "I'm baffled, I'm surprised by this decision. I think that all the judges of the Constitutional Court have at a given time sat on an electoral commission and they should know that the vote recounting cannot be done until tomorrow. It's obviously impossible and this is the only true thing I heard today - namely the AEP head saying that it cannot be done until tomorrow. Think about it, the county electoral offices have been dismantled. They have to summon the members, get them together. Plus, who pays them for these days?," Zegrean said on broadcaster Digi 24. He believes that the constitutional judges took issue with the possibility that the votes that inadvertently went to Ludovic Orban (who pulled out of the race) were added to Elena Lasconi's account. "I don't know if it's true or not, but we need evidence for that. If this happened, then the judges are right, because Orban's votes should have been voided and this falls under the scope of the legal provision on errors or changes to the candidates' order on the ballot. I don't know how many votes Orban had, but who knows where those votes went to?," Zegrean surmised. In his opinion, if the recount of the votes is not completed by next week, we are headed towards the cancellation of the first round result. "If the contenders haven't the necessary time to campaign, the one who loses will challenge the outcome at the Constitutional Court invoking the insufficient time for their defeat. (...) That's exactly what we needed now - a conflict between the Central Electoral Bureau and the Constitutional Court. (...) I don't know what will happen, I have no idea. It's an unprecedented situation and things could take a very bad and unfavorable turn. If the presidential election is delayed, I don't know where this will end, because the incumbent president's term expires and there will be no one in power to convene the new Parliament. Things would get really messy. That's the consequence of a combined election schedule. The calendar is too tight," said Augustin Zegrean. The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) ordered on Thursday the Central Electoral Bureau to recount the valid and void votes cast in the first round of Romania's presidential election. Protesters took to the streets again on Wednesday evening in several cities across the country to demonstrate against the independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, with the common denominator being anti-legionary and anti-far-right chants, according AGERPRES. *** IASIPeople of all ages, most of them young, chanted "The Country from Georgescu, United, We Save!", "Romania is Smart, We Do Not vote for the far-right!", "A country as one abroad is not legionary!", "My Body, My decision!", "A Progressive Romania, Not a Country like Putin's", "Parents, grandparents, don't let yourselves be lied to".*** TIMISOARACompared to the previous evening, the number of participants has decreased, a fact also noted by those who spoke."Yesterday evening there were more of us, we felt we were speaking from the heart. Tonight, we are fewer. (...). We are here to defend democracy," said two of the speakers.The protesters had short speeches, in which they talked about the December 1989 Revolution, about "cyber attacks used by one of the candidates", about ERASMUS+ scholarships, about freedom and about the possibility of canceling Sunday's elections."Second round vote, but be informed!" was the call from some of the speakers. "We want a country like outside, not a legionary country!", "We want unity!", "Women also produce, not just reproduce!", were some of the slogans chanted.On the banners were messages such as "For rights and honor, we don't want hate or terror!", "No extremism, we want progressivism!", "We are the voice of those who are no more!".Speakers urged vigilance in the coming period.*** CLUJMore than 1,000 young people, mainly students, gathered in front of the Cluj Prefecture under the slogan "Manifesto for democracy".They chanted, among other things, "The Love of Country is Not Legionary", "Democracy, not tyranny", "To all young people, I'm telling you in one voice: do not vote for a dictator", "Warning, Anti-fascist Warning".They also carried banners and posters with messages such as "Europe", "I don't want to leave my country", "I am afraid in my country", "Educated young people don't vote fascists and legionaries", along with flags of Romania and the European Union."Our demonstration is strictly for democratic purposes, we want to show people that we are fighting for democracy and that we understand all the dangers to which we are exposed at the moment. We do not want to bring accusations against any candidate, we do not want to spread hatred against anyone, we just want young people and all Romanians to inform themselves from this point of view and in the second round to make the right choice for their country," said Alexandra Stefania Oleacu, one of the organizers.The event is scheduled to resume on Thursday at the same time. OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeast Europe, has entered into a strategic partnership with NewMed Energy Balkan, a subsidiary of NewMed Energy, to advance exploration efforts in the Han Asparuh offshore perimeter in Bulgaria, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES. NewMed Energy is Israel's leading joint venture in the exploration, development, production and sale of natural gas and condensate. The parties signed an agreement whereby OMV Petrom will transfer to NewMed Energy Balkan a 50% stake in the project, while retaining its role as operator. In exchange, NewMed Energy will bear a significant part of the costs related to the exploration and evaluation operations. Completion of the transaction is estimated in the first half of 2025, after the fulfillment of certain commercial conditions and after approval by the relevant authorities in Bulgaria. This collaboration allows both parties to share the risks and costs associated with the project, thus facilitating the advancement of exploration efforts. "With experience as an operator in the shallow and deep waters of the Black Sea, OMV Petrom brings extensive expertise to the region. Given its proximity to Romania and geological similarities, Bulgaria is a natural extension of our offshore activities. The progress of the offshore activities exploration in Bulgaria has the potential to support the security of energy supply both in Bulgaria and in the region", said Cristian Hubati, member of the OMV Petrom Directorate, responsible for Exploration and Production. Han Asparuh is an exploration perimeter located in the west of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, south of the Neptun Deep perimeter in Romania and has an area of 13,712 square kilometers, with water depths just under 2,000 m. Exploration activities began in 2012 and included geological and geophysical studies and the drilling of three exploration wells. An extensive 3D seismic campaign was completed in May 2020 to identify potential drill targets. OMV Petrom is the largest integrated energy producer in South-Eastern Europe, with an annual group oil and gas production of approximately 41 million boe in 2023. The group has a refining capacity of 4.5 million tonnes annually and operates a highly efficient natural gas power plant of 860 MW. On the retail oil products distribution market, the Group is present in Romania and neighboring countries through approximately 780 gas stations, under two brands - OMV and Petrom. OMV Petrom is a company in which, at the end of 2023, Romanian shareholders own over 43% of the shares (of which the Romanian state, through the Ministry of Energy, owns 20.7%, and 22.5% are owned by Romanian pension funds, to which are added almost 500,000 individual investors and other Romanian entities). OMV Aktiengesellschaft, one of the largest listed industrial companies in Austria, owns 51.2% of OMV Petrom's shares, and the remaining 5.6% is owned by other foreign investors. Of the total shares of OMV Petrom, 28.1% are freely traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday that he will leave the Victoria Palace "proud", because he did not do any harm to Romania and that he understood the message of the Romanians. "I will leave the Victoria Palace proud, proud when I meet friends and acquaintances and Romanians in the street. There will be another period when I will have to give explanations, but, above all, proud in front of my son. I have not done any harm to Romania and it turned out that the decisions I took, with the electoral costs, were correct decisions. If Romania and the Government of Romania, I and the minister of finance - and I also congratulate Mr. Bolos - had not taken the decision to borrow in September, now Romania would have had big problems for the first time", Ciolacu told Antena 1 TV station. He mentioned that he made a mistake, paid and understood the signal given by the Romanians. "I had to communicate differently. I can't be bad. I can't change. If I had to resume the electoral campaign tomorrow, it's possible to make the same mistakes regarding the need for Romanians to be good and not hate each other, even in the electoral campaign, to talk about constructive things. Instead, we need to vote as many as possible. The most important thing for PSD is the fact it has been demonstrated in the past 35 years to be the balancing factor of society. PSD always came in a complicated moment and brought coherence to a governing act," stated Ciolacu. He also said that the two presidential candidates who entered the second round "do not represent the local authorities". "The mayors and local authorities are in the other two big parties, most of them in the PSD. Let's not wake up with political instability like in Bulgaria. It is Romania's most difficult moment after 35 years", said the prime minister. Save Romania Union (USR) leader and presidential hopeful Elena Lasconi accuses the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) of "putting national security on the line" and meddling for the second time with the democratic process. "The CCR is putting national security on the line! The vote of each of us is sacred! What the CCR is trying to do now is absolutely terrible for a democratic country. I am here to defend democracy and I am calling on the Central Electoral Bureau to handle the vote recount with wisdom. The law must be the same for everyone, not interpreted differently to the benefit of some. It's for the second time that the CCR meddles with the democratic process. The CCR cannot appoint presidents at the green table," the USR leader wrote on Facebook. Extremism is fought through voting, "not through backstage games", Lasconi said, and went on to note: "Romania deserves more, not a band of old political heavyweights who use the institutions strictly for personal gain! I am here to defend democracy and I will do everything in my power to ensure that it is not trampled on by corrupt politicians." Romania's Constitutional Court on Thursday asked the country's top election authority to recount and re-check all the ballots from Sunday's presidential election first round, and also decided to postpone until Friday a decision on whether to confirm the results of the presidential first round. The leader of the USR (Save Romania Union) deputies, Ionut Mosteanu, emphasizes that, in a democracy, elections "are decided by vote, not at the green table," and the Constitutional Court should reject the requests to cancel the results of the first round of the presidential election. The clarifications come in the context in which the CCR (the Constitutional Court of Romania) is set to debate on Thursday, as of 11.00 am, the requests of Cristian Terhes and Sebastian Constantin Popescu, candidates in the presidential election, to cancel the results of the first round of voting.He also mentioned that the campaign for the second round of the election should start on Friday and that postponing the decision after the parliamentary elections "will show a clear intention to cancel" the elections, which would represent "an unprecedented attack" on the rule of law. Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today ST. LOUIS A power struggle between state and local officials over appointing a new St. Louis County prosecuting attorney appears headed to the courthouse. On Wednesday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed suit asking a judge to prohibit St. Louis County Executive Sam Page from naming a replacement for Wesley Bell. The states suit lists St. Louis County Executive Sam Page as the defendant. Bell was elected Nov. 5 as the new U.S. Representative for the First District, a position that will require him to resign as the countys top prosecutor before being sworn in on Jan. 3 in Washington. Citizens of Missouri deserve certainty in resolving this dispute before Bell takes office, Baileys suit claims. Spokesperson Doug Moore said Page is confident the courts will back the countys position. The residents of St. Louis County should be treated like residents of every other charter county, Moore said. Baileys filing Wednesday says the issue is ripe for judicial determination and makes two major requests of the courts: Recognize the states power to make certain appointments, such as that of prosecuting attorney. Issue a temporary restraining order that prohibits St. Louis County from taking any further steps to replace Bell. The move to take the case to court was expected by legal observers, given that the dispute involves two separate sections of the Missouri Constitution. Bailey claims that one article of the Constitution, and state statutes, gives the governors office the power to appoint all prosecuting attorneys. The countys position counters Baileys argument by saying another article of the Constitution gives certain powers to Missouri counties with their own charters. More specifically, the County Charter outlines the process by which appointments to vacant posts can be filled by the county executive. While this dispute has been brewing over the last three weeks, both Gov. Mike Parson and Page have been taking applications for Bells job. Baileys suit also claims that because he notified the county on Nov. 7 that Parsons office would fill the post, the county is violating the Constitution by continuing its efforts. Courthouse rumors about replacing Bell have surged since August, when Bell defeated U.S. Rep. Cori Bush in the Democratic primary, which all but assured he would win the November general election. Over the last three months, the most mentioned candidates have included Beth Orwick, Pages chief of staff. Nominating Orwick, who sources say is no longer actively seeking Bells position, would have created problems for Page, who would need his nominee to be approved by the County Council. In 2021, the council voted no confidence in Orwick, who then was the County Counselor. Three of those council members opposed to Orwick are still serving. Other nominees include Melissa Smith, a 16-year veteran of the prosecutors office; Chelsea Draper, a former federal prosecutor and Bells former deputy chief of staff; and Cort VanOstran, an assistant U.S. attorney who lost a Congressional race in 2018. (Josh Smith/Stars and Stripes) Khost province, Afghanistan, Aug. 17, 2013: Sgt. Joshua Sutherland, left, helps 2nd Lt. George Fletcher up a waterfall as Sgt. Damon Miers looks on. The members of Easy Company were assisting Afghan security forces in searching a remote village in Khost province. Assigned to the 4th Combat Brigade Team, 101st Airborne Division, the men of 1st Platoon are members of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, one of the most famed units in the U.S. Army thanks to the book, later made into an HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers. The sun-baked mountains of Afghanistan are far removed from the hedgerows of Normandy and the frozen forests of Belgium where Easy Company first made a name for itself during World War II, but the soldiers today are keen to live up to that heritage. Read more here. The Ponte Vecchio in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, offers views of the Italian Alps and the Brenta River. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) In a place with as much history as Italy, its common to encounter firsts, whether its the first bank, the oldest university or even the first espresso machine. In Bassano del Grappa, about 20 miles from Vicenza at the base of the Monte Grappa hills, youll find the first grappa distillery. Farmers had long made stronger alcohol out of grape pomace once theyd used the grape juice for wine. They would sell it door to door, but one salesman, Bortolo Nardini, planted permanent roots here in 1779. He called it Aquavite di Vinaccia, which meant both water of life and water of the vine. This water of life is what drew me to Bassano del Grappa one very hot day in July. After years of working in Italian restaurants in the U.S., I was familiar with grappa but didnt love it. Grappa comes in flavors like plum and blueberry at the Poli Grappa distillery in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) The mezzo e mezzo is the most popular cocktail at Nardini Distillery in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. Nardini is the oldest grappa distillery in the world. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) Strong, bitter and typically consumed by older men after dinner is how I thought of it. But after learning that it was first produced so close to my new home and hearing friends rave about the towns beauty, I decided to revisit my relationship with grappa. At the Nardini distillery I learned about the familys history, followed the distillation process and sampled grappa cocktails in the onsite bar. While straight grappa is still not my favorite, I did gain an appreciation for how its made. Plus, Nardini makes a cocktail called mezzo e mezzo, which I loved. Its an aperitif made with rhubarb, citrus, gentian roots and other herbs, served with a splash of soda water and lemon peel. A little bitter, a little sweet, like a slightly fruitier vermouth. The Museo Civico in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, is one of the oldest museums in the Veneto region and houses famous sculptures and frescoes. The exterior has iterations of the city crest over the past 500 years. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) At the Poli museum down the street, visitors can learn about the towns other famous grappa family and see some of the original distillation tools, as well as taste more than 20 flavors of the beverage. Here, I fell for a plum grappa, though most of my travel companions liked the citrus flavor the best. But dont be fooled into thinking from the name Bassano del Grappa that this town of about 70,000 people is all about imbibing. The main attraction is the gorgeous Ponte Vecchio over the Brenta River. The wooden bridge is sometimes called Ponte degli Alpini in honor of the Italian troops who crossed the bridge on their way to defend the Sette Comuni plateau during World War I. The view from Ponte Vecchio of the hills surrounding Bassano del Grappa, Italy. The town's name was changed from Bassano Veneto to Bassano del Grappa after World War I to honor the soldiers killed in the fighting on Mount Grappa. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) The Ponte Vecchio connects the historic center of Bassano del Grappa, Italy, with the rest of the town. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) It was originally designed in 1567 by Andrea Palladio, who also designed Vicenzas most famous buildings. The original lasted 200 years before it collapsed after a flood. It was rebuilt in the same design but burned down and was rebuilt again. In 1945, an explosion destroyed the bridge yet again, but the Alpini rebuilt it to Palladios specifications. During my July visit, the covered bridge was crowded with people of all ages eating gelato and hanging out in the shade. I returned in mid-November, and this time people were drinking hot wine and taking photos of the snow-capped mountains. The views from the bridge are gorgeous, but the best vantage point of the bridge itself is the courtyard of Palazzo Sturm, which looks over the river and toward the bridge and mountains. Inside, the Rococo-style mansion hosts rotating modern art exhibits. The Ponte Vecchio over the Brenta River in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, was first designed by Andrea Palladio but has been rebuilt three times. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) For the history of Bassano del Grappa, walk about five minutes from Palazzo Sturm to the Civic Museum, one of the oldest museums in the Veneto region. My stay there was longer than expected because of the large collection of Antonio Canova sculptures and Giambattista Tiepolo paintings. Youll want to reserve 90 minutes to two hours to take it all in. Fans of Ernest Hemingways Across the River and into the Trees or A Farewell to Arms might recognize descriptions of Bassano del Grappa. He was stationed here during World War I and included the town and events he witnessed in some of his novels. Today, the Hemingway Museum of the Great War in the Villa Ca Erizzo Luca, which was an American Red Cross station during the war, holds a collection of his letters and interviews about his time in the area. A Farewell to Arms is one of my all-time favorite books, so the museum gives me a good excuse to return to Bassano del Grappa. Note that its closed on Mondays and sometimes for special events, which have thwarted my attempts to visit so far. The historic center of Bassano del Grappa, Italy, has shops selling grappa, cheese and other local products. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) Even with all these draws, though, simply walking around Bassano del Grappa and taking in the fresh mountain air is a pleasure unto itself. The pastel-colored buildings lining the piazzas feel different and more alpine than in Vicenza even though its nearby, and Im a sucker for the shop names painted directly onto the buildings perfect for Instagram. Bassano del Grappa is an easy day trip from Vicenza. Depending on traffic, the drive takes 30 to 45 minutes. Even with museums, distillery visits and a meal, about five or six hours is plenty of time to enjoy this town to the fullest. With so much of Italy overrun by tourism, its nice to visit a place thats unburdened by it. Restaurants have seating, theres no line for gelato and snagging the best seat to sip grappa with a view is easy, even in the height of tourist season. During my November visit, lights were going up and stalls were being built for the Christmas market, which runs on weekends through Jan. 6. All the more reason to return soon. Xi has promised to stamp out bribery and disloyalty among the militarys top brass, warning of a seriously polluted political environment that has damaged its image. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes) One of Chinas highest-ranking military officials is under investigation for serious discipline violations, Beijing announced Thursday, using a common euphemism for corruption. The announcement marks a notable escalation in Chinese leader Xi Jinpings campaign to tackle the long-standing graft that has reached the top rungs of the Chinese army. The Chinese Communist Party decided to suspend Admiral Miao Hua - who has headed the powerful political work department of its Central Military Commission since 2017 - pending an investigation, Wu Qian, a Defense Ministry spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday. Xi has promised to stamp out bribery and disloyalty among the militarys top brass, warning of a seriously polluted political environment that has damaged its image. A clear-out has been going on for more than a year and has netted dozens of generals and other high-ranking officials, including the last two defense ministers - Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe - who were expelled from the Communist Party in June. Many of those who have disappeared or been dismissed were connected to procurement of weapons or to the Rocket Force, which oversees Chinas expanding arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Miaos downfall indicates that Xi is far from finished with his efforts to bring the Peoples Liberation Army in line. Daniel Mattingly, associate professor of political science at Yale University, described the move as remarkable. Xi Jinping is clearly laser-focused on making the PLA less corrupt and more capable and professional, and he has the institutional power and personal prestige to keep sacking these top generals without meeting real blowback, Mattingly said. Thursdays announcement follows a report in the Financial Times this week that Defense Minister Dong Jun, who has been in the role for less than a year, was also under investigation. On Thursday, Chinas Defense Ministry dismissed the Financial Times article, which cited anonymous U.S. officials, as pure fabrication. Asked who was currently defense minister, spokesman Wu called the question nonsensical and added, I just said Minister Dong Jun many times. Dong was at a regional defense meeting in Laos last week, where he declined to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin. The Pentagon called the snub unfortunate at a time when military tensions remain high in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, the island democracy Beijing claims as its own. The pair first met in May, which was also the first top-level meeting of American and Chinese military officials in the past two years. Before their most recent promotions, Miao and Dong held senior positions in the navy, a branch of the military that had been mostly spared in the crackdown until now. Miao was widely seen by experts on Chinese politics as having backed Dongs ascension. Drew Thompson, an expert on the Chinese military at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Miaos position as head of political work on the Central Military Commission made him more powerful than Dong or his two predecessors. Under the Chinese system, defense ministers act primarily as a point of contact with other countries militaries and do not control budgets or command forces. Because the Chinese military is the armed wing of the Communist Party, the removal of its most senior political officer is very serious, Thompson said. People shop at an open-air market in Kabul earlier this month. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post) KABUL - For the first time since the Taliban takeover three years ago, Afghans living outside the country have begun flocking back to their homeland, usually to visit relatives who have remained in Afghanistan. Upon their return, few seem preoccupied by the Talibans increasingly draconian restrictions on women - including bans on women going to university and school above sixth grade - or by the reluctance of many local women to leave their homes out of fear of encountering the morality police, according to interviews with residents and visitors. Instead, many of the visitors, carrying foreign passports or visas, marvel about the sense of security and the construction of new roads under Taliban rule. They post photos of their favorite Afghan dishes, discuss business plans and shop in the Kabul airports new duty-free store. During a recent family trip to Kabul - her first since the Taliban takeover three years ago after years of war - Zahra, 34, was pleasantly surprised. Theres freedom now, said Zahra, an Afghan who lives in London. She indulged herself in shopping for gold jewelry and is already planning another trip to Afghanistan next year. For Afghan women who have had to live under Taliban rule, the enthusiasm of visiting relatives can be puzzling and, increasingly, frustrating. The Taliban further tightened its restrictions three months ago, even banning women from raising their voices in public. But visitors often spend so much time at relatives homes that the absence of women in many public spaces can go unnoticed, some hosting families said in interviews. Many visitors also spend their time primarily in more affluent parts of Kabul, where enforcement by the morality police remains relatively rare. Some of the returning Afghans actually appear drawn to life under the Taliban because their own experiences in the West have proved to be more challenging than expected. The quality of life in Afghanistan, especially under the Taliban, is better than in Germany, said Ali, a 65-year-old Afghan German who recently visited the country and reconnected with a conservative culture he says he feels closer to. Like others interviewed for this story, he spoke on the condition that only his first name be published for fear of drawing unwanted scrutiny. Some Afghan women say they no longer try to convince their cousins, uncles or aunts about how dire the situation has become, including the heightened efforts by the morality police, reinforced by many newly hired officers, to look for women who violate the regimes strict hijab mandate and other religious rules. When her female cousins visited from Europe this year for the first time since the Taliban took power, Sadia, 24, said she struggled. I tried to explain to them how the Taliban has destroyed all the dreams I worked so hard to achieve, she recalled. They kept saying how happy they are here, and how safe it is now. These are the things that impact them directly. Afghan culture dictates that relatives and guests be treated with respect, so Sadia - like others in similar situations - eventually gave up, she said. But what value does safety have when you lose all your dreams for it? she asked. Trendy dining and fine shopping On arrival, Kabul can be surprising for those who have been away. Rather than the eerily empty city that locals described to their relatives abroad in the early days of Taliban rule, visitors now find a crowded capital where dismantled blast walls have revealed pomegranate trees along the roads. Most residents struggle to make a living, but anyone who can afford it is able to choose among an array of trendy restaurants. Many are so empty that each guest has a dedicated waiter. When wide-eyed customers show up at Mirwais Sarmastzadas furniture store, he knows theyre back in the country for the first time in years or decades. Many are stunned to see such high-quality beds produced here in Afghanistan, Sarmastzada said. He said Afghans from abroad now account for 3 in 4 customers, and their number is growing. The Taliban-run government has not released figures on how many foreign Afghans have visited the country since 2021, but some traders say that rising interest from abroad is offsetting weak domestic demand. None of the people interviewed for this story said they intend to return to Afghanistan permanently. Most come back for weddings, to which Afghan families traditionally invite hundreds of relatives and guests. Others are here for extended family reunions, which last weeks and even months, or to explore business opportunities. Over French breakfast or Turkish coffee, returning Afghans can be overheard discussing plans for the future. Habib Rahman, a 60-year-old engineer who moved to Germany over four decades ago, said he was unaware of the nightly blasts and gunshots that can be heard in central Kabul these days and that are frequently carried out by anti-Taliban groups. He feels just as safe in Kabul as in Europe, he said. While sipping tea at a French restaurant, he recalled how he was among the many Afghans in Germany who feared the worst when the Taliban took over in August 2021. And he, like some other returnees, said he was disappointed by the newly promulgated rules, like the one banning women from raising their voices. But also like many other visitors, his impressions are mostly positive. At most 5 percent of Afghans are unhappy, he said, based on his own conversations. The darkest of times For Qudsia, 53, it doesnt feel that way. After the Taliban came to power, she said, she sometimes sought temporary refuge near a lake in western Kabul, away from the countrys new rulers. But when she returned there with her family this month, morality police officers were waiting. They rushed toward her and asked her to leave immediately. Ever since I was born, there hasnt been a darker time in this country, she said, as she climbed back into her car. Many women say they believe that hard-liners close to the Taliban leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, have entrenched themselves in power. Moderates have either failed to soften the regimes edicts or were never serious about doing so, these woman say. The Taliban does not deny that its grip has tightened since 2021. The mixing of genders has been completely stopped, Saif al-Rahman Khaybar, the spokesman for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice that oversees the Talibans morality police, said in an interview in Kabul this month. Khaybar said the rules apply to all Afghan Muslims, including returnees and visitors. We havent encountered any challenges with them, he said. Some Afghan women say that visiting relatives are deceived by what appears to be lax enforcement and are falling for the Taliban strategy of enforcing the rules only intermittently and counting on fear to deliver compliance. But at times, even visiting relatives face the severe reality. When an aunt of 23-year-old Beheshta recently returned to Kabul, she was initially happy - until she was scolded at a checkpoint for not fully covering her hair. After that, she rebooked her flight to leave sooner, Beheshta said. We dont have that option. Lutfullah Qasimyar contributed to this report. An historical interpreter walks out the gate at James Fort in Jamestown, Virginia, April 6, 2007. (Mannie Garcia, AFP, Getty Images/TNS) We are accustomed to thinking of the Pilgrims at Plymouth and the neighboring Wampanoag tribe of Massachusetts as the first to celebrate Thanksgiving, but some scholars say that isnt accurate. Heres the case for other possibilities. The Thanksgiving traditions started by the Pilgrims in Massachusetts in 1621 are what most Americans follow. But history shows a celebration to give thanks occurred in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. Not only that, 56 years earlier than the Puritan Pilgrims gathering, 800 Spanish settlers who founded the city of St. Augustine celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving along with members of the Seloy tribe. What wouldve been for dinner? In St. Augustine, according to the National Park Service, it could have been cocido, a stew made with salted pork, garbanzo beans and garlic seasoning, accompanied by hard sea biscuits and red wine. If the Seloy contributed to the meal from their food stores, the menu could have included turkey, venison, gopher tortoise, mullet, drum, sea catfish, corn, beans and squash. There are other accounts of thanksgiving celebrations predating the Pilgrims by the French settlers in Florida. An early French account dates to 1564, when persecuted Huguenot settlers celebrated in Northern Florida. A year later the French settlement was wiped out by the Spanish. The first giving of thanks by the English When the first settlers arrived in Jamestown in April 1607 and raised a cross at Cape Henry, claiming the land for England, they may have had a thanksgiving predating their first known observance in 1619. In that year, Berkeley Hundred was settled, one of a number of plantations granted by the Virginia Co. of London to its stockholders. Prior to leaving England in September 1619, ship Capt. John Woodlief received instructions from investors that the day his ships arrived in Virginia should be annually remembered as a day of thanksgiving. On Dec. 4, 1619, Woodliefs ship checked in at Jamestown, the colonys capital, where a mostly religious thanksgiving ceremony was held, after which the ship sailed up the James River about 30 miles. The Berkeley Hundred plantation was not around long after a growing number of native Powhatan tribal members went to war and drove the settlers out in March 1622. 2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit ocregister.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. He gave both men a two-year sentence but suspended it in its entirety and ordered them to pay 1,000 each to the victim Two brothers who set upon a homeless man when they invited him back to their house, with one of them slashing the victim's head repeatedly with a kitchen knife, have avoided a custodial sentence. Denis Burns (42) and Gavin Burns (33) were sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today for their roles in the attack, which occurred in their home at The Beeches, Grange Road, Donaghmede, Dublin, on June 15, 2023. Denis Burns pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and affray on that date, while Gavin Burns pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Nolan said it was an unusual story where a homeless man had been enticed back to the house. He said he was not sure why it happened but it seems it was part of a grudge. He gave both men a two-year sentence but suspended it in its entirety and ordered them to pay 1,000 each to the victim. Garda Shane Kennedy told Derek Cooney BL, prosecuting, that the victim in the case was sleeping rough in a lane close to the Burns' house. He had previously lived across the road from the brothers before his family was evicted and he had known them all his life, the court heard. On the morning in question, a third man who can't be named as he remains before the courts, went to the lane and invited the man and his partner to the Burns' home. Once there, the man slammed the door, trapping the victim inside the house and locking his partner outside. Gavin and Denis Burns then set upon the man, along with the third accused man, with Denis Burns using a kitchen knife to repeatedly slash the victim to the back and front of the head, the court heard. Two pit bull dogs were also present, although they did not harm the man. The court heard there had previously been a dispute between the man and the Burns brothers in relation to a lawnmower and electronic equipment that went missing from his home in the wake of his eviction, while the Burns brothers alleged the man had threatened their sister. During the attack, the victim's partner managed to push her way into the hall before she fled the house, pursued by the third accused man and the two pit bulls. She made her way to a nearby fire station and the victim also managed to flee the house, the court heard. The pair were taken to hospital by ambulance while the armed garda unit was deployed to the Burns' home. The three men were all arrested at the house. The victim suffered heavy bleeding to the head and required a number of stitches, the court heard. The entire incident lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, Gda Kennedy told the court. Emmet Nolan BL, representing Gavin Burns, said his client was a law-abiding citizen with no previous convictions. This is something he should never have involved himself in, Mr Nolan said, adding it was an appalling attack. He said Gavin Burns had led a blame-free life up until he got involved in this crime and he was ashamed and remorseful. He has worked with the same employer for 10 years and had 1,000 in court as a token of his remorse, the court heard. Karl Monahan BL, defending Denis Burns, said his client also had 1,000 in court for the victim. The court heard Denis Burns has 12 previous convictions, including robbery, assault, drugs and public order offences. Denis Burns took the stand and apologised to the court for his actions. He asked the judge to delay sentence until January, after his first child is born. His pregnant partner was in court for the hearing. Denis Burns has worked for the same employer for the last six years, the court heard. Sentencing the men Judge Nolan noted Denis Burns convictions were quite old. In relation to Gavin Burns, the judge noted he has no history of convictions. Judge Nolan said he was taking account of their guilty pleas and their co-operation with gardai. The judge also noted they were both working. Jennifer Thomas (46) got behind the wheel of a commercial jeep after 12 drinks Jennifer Thomas (46) pleaded guilty before Cork Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Sheila Dunne (54). A former model whose dangerous driving during a drink-fuelled tour of pubs and restaurants caused the death of mother-of-two Sheila Dunne (50) has been jailed for four years. Jennifer Thomas (46) was warned by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that her decision to get behind the wheel of a commercial jeep after 12 drinks was reckless and had appalling consequences for the family of her friend. Mrs Dunne's daughter, Lilley (23), warned she did not want any other family to suffer their heartbreak. "Drink driving is a choice - a choice that ruins lives," she said. Judge Boyle warned: "The tragedy of this case is that it was entirely preventable - alcohol is an aggravating factor in this case." The judge warned that Ms Thomas should have organised a designated driver, a taxi or other means of transport home rather than driving is she was going to consume alcohol. She commended the concerned citizens who tried to highlight the erratic driving of Ms Thomas that day - and one man who desperately tried to persuade her to park her vehicle. Sheila Dunne died in Cork University Hospital (CUH) on February 13, 2024 Judge Boyle said it was also an aggravating factor that Ms Thomas wrongly named Ms Dunne as the driver to gardai. "It is clear that Mrs Dunne was much loved... it is clear that the loss of Mrs Dunne has had an enormous impact on every aspect of the lives of her family and friends, the judge said. Judge Boyle also paid tribute to the "incredible bravery" of Lilley Dunne and personally thanked her for her victim impact statement. "She has been robbed of the love, support and comfort of her mother having lost her father just a short time previously." Judge Boyle noted that a number of false stories had circulated on social media and in the mainstream media surrounding the circumstances of the case. She said these did not factor in sentencing. "But I do accept that they had caused an enormous amount of grief and added to the hurt of all parties here," she said. Judge Boyle said the case fell into the upper end of the scale. She imposed a five year prison sentence but agreed to suspend the final 12 months in light of the mitigating factors outlined. Judge Boyle also imposed a ten year driving ban. The court heard Ms Thomas drove her jeep during a drink-fuelled day out which included stops in Douglas, Blackrock and Glanmire where she consumed one Prosecco, one Mimosa, two Espresso Martinis, four gin and tonics and four glasses of red wine. The former model, who appeared in court dressed all in black, sobbed as sentence was imposed. Det Garda Mark Durkan told the court that, during her attempt to drive home, the defendant fell asleep behind the steering wheel twice at traffic lights, narrowly missed a pedestrian, ran over several traffic cones, undertook two U-turns and drove on the wrong side of the road before losing control of her jeep at a sharp bend, hitting a ditch and overturning. Minutes earlier, Ms Thomas was so intoxicated she fell asleep behind the steering wheel for over eight minutes when stopped at one traffic light. Ms Thomas of Oakfield View, Glanmire, Co Cork pleaded guilty before Cork Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Sheila Dunne on the L2973 road at Sarsfield Court in Glanmire on February 11 2024. The charge was brought contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. Judge Boyle heard evidence in the case last Tuesday but adjourned sentencing until today to allow her to consider expert reports in the matter. When questioned after the collision by gardai, Ms Thomas said initially that she had been behind the wheel - but then suggested that Mrs Dunne, who was in the front passenger seat of the commercial jeep, may have been driving as she had "more control". The former model insisted she has no clear recollection of the fatal collision - and now has only flashbacks. One witness at the collision scene said Ms Thomas was in a very agitated state and kept repeating: "How can I live without her? Please (Sheila) wake up." Two other motorists were so concerned at the erratic condition of Ms Thomas' driving minutes earlier that they tried in vain to get her to pull over and park her vehicle - while another followed her in a bid to alert the gardai. The alarm was raised by Ms Thomas' own smartphone which detected the collision and rang emergency services. Ms Thomas made a serious attempt on her life in the months after the death of her friend and now believes she will never be forgiven for what happened. The former model and boutique owner has a history of mental health difficulties. Wayne McDonald (39) was arrested with the drugs after gardai conducted a search of the area A MAN allegedly found in a field near Dublins Cloverhill Prison with 1,400 worth of heroin, following a reported drone flight over the jail, has been sent forward for trial. Wayne McDonald (39) was arrested with the drugs after gardai conducted a search of the area. He was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court. Mr McDonald, of St Finians Avenue, Lucan, is charged with possession of heroin with intent to sell or supply while in the vicinity of a prison on February 12, 2024. He is facing trial in the circuit court after a judge ruled that the allegation was too serious for the district court. A State solicitor said the book of evidence had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge David McHugh gave Mr McDonald the formal alibi caution. The judge assigned solicitor Simon Fleming and one junior counsel on free legal aid. Mr McDonald has not yet indicated how he intends pleading to the matter. Sergeant Maria Callaghan previously alleged that gardai got a call at 6.45pm on the day about a drone flight over Cloverhill Prison. On searching the area, the accused was allegedly located in a field adjacent to the prison. Gardai carried out a search and found a container with 1,400 worth of suspected heroin inside. Mr McDonald was arrested. A second individual is also facing trial in relation to this matter. At approximately 7pm, a man who was later identified as Collins entered the shop. He approached the counter and muttered the word money. A man who robbed a betting office while holding a Stanley blade will be sentenced next year. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Joseph Collins (27) of Avila Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at BoyleSports, Finglas, on November 27, 2023. He has ten previous convictions. Detective Garda Dwayne OBrien told Diana Stuart, BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question an employee in BoyleSports began work as normal. At approximately 7pm, a man who was later identified as Collins entered the shop. He approached the counter and muttered the word money. He then produced a Stanley blade from his pocket and put it under the glass of the counter. The court heard that the blade was one foot away from the injured party's face. He told gardai that he was afraid and thought of his child at home and handed over a sum of 280. Collins left the shop, and the employee closed the shop and contacted the gardai. Det Gda OBrien said that gardai obtained CCTV footage from the shop and were able to identify Collins. He was later arrested and charged. Det Gda OBrien agreed with David Fleming, BL, defending, that Collins was known to him and agreed that he was like night and day when he is abusing substances and when he is not. The garda agreed with counsel that Collins has a long-standing problem with alcohol and drugs but had entered residential rehabilitation in the past. Mr Fleming said that his client had asked him to apologise to the injured party and a co-worker who was working on the day in question. He said Collins is deeply ashamed of his actions and stated that he is not prone to violence. Counsel said Collins is not someone who is sitting by and taking no action and stated that he has completed the residential programme at Coolmine Treatment Centre. He said that when Collins is sober, he is a productive, active member of society. He asked the court to take into account that his client has no history of violence. Judge Orla Crowe said this is an unusual case, and the garda has stated how unusual this behaviour was for the accused. She noted that he has done work on his rehabilitation. She said that from reading the references that have been handed into the court a lot of people have faith in him. The judge directed the preparation of a probation report. She remanded Collins into custody until March 3, 2025, when this case would be finalised. The jury of nine men and three women at the Central Criminal Court took a little less than three hours to return a unanimous verdict of guilty of murder against David Dunne A Mountjoy prisoner has been convicted of murdering a fellow inmate after a jury agreed with the prosecution case that he had "lured" him into his cell, knocked him to the ground and stamped on his head in a "vicious and unprovoked" assault. The jury of nine men and three women at the Central Criminal Court took a little less than three hours to return a unanimous verdict of guilty of murder against David Dunne (40), with a last address in Summerhill, Dublin 1. Dunne had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert OConnor on the 29th of July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison, North Circular Road, Dublin 7. He claimed he did not intend to kill Mr O'Connor and the jury was asked to consider whether he had an honest belief that he was acting in self-defence when he caused multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the deceased's head, torso, arms and legs. A pathologist's report and neuropathology exam revealed that the blows to Mr O'Connor's head caused his brain to rotate, which led to the tearing of nerve cells. The injuries were consistent with stamping, punching or kicking. Members of Mr O'Connor's family broke down in tears and embraced one another when the verdict was revealed. Dunne will face the mandatory term of life imprisonment when he is sentenced on December 16, after Mr O'Connor's family have had a chance to speak about the impact the murder has had on their lives. In a brief statement following the jury's verdict, a garda involved in the investigation told the court that Mr O'Connor was born in the UK to an Irish father and English mother. The family returned to Ireland when Mr O'Connor was a small child. He has one half-brother and a half-sister, while his mother died in 2008. When he died, Mr O'Connor had been in a relationship for one year. His death, the garda said, has had a "dramatic and serious" effect on his girlfriend's health. The jury heard that 32-year-old Robert O'Connor received a prison sentence on July 27, 2022, and was returned from court to Mountjoy that evening. At approximately 7pm, Mr OConnor was assaulted in his cell by a number of other prisoners, where he suffered a bloody nose and damage to one eye. Following the assault, Mr OConnor was placed in protection for a period and was moved to C landing. Two days later he walked to the C2 landing of the prison where CCTV footage showed him entering Dunne's cell followed by Dunne and three other men. Prison officers quickly reacted when they heard a commotion and one told the trial that he saw Dunne stamping more than once on Mr O'Connor's head, while another officer saw the defendant kicking the victim in the head. The victim was taken to hospital but he was pronounced dead on August 1 when brain stem testing revealed no activity. Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan told the trial that Mr O'Connor died from multiple blunt force trauma type injuries associated with bruises and abrasions on his head, trunk, legs and arms. He had also suffered a fractured nose. Dr Mulligan said the blunt force trauma caused rotational force which led to a tearing of the nerve cells in the brain. She added: "The skull is a rigid structure, so if there is impact the brain will move within this rigid structure but doesn't have a lot of room to move, so that rotation of the brain will cause the nerve cells to get torn or shorn from the rotational force." The injury, she said, could have been caused by stamping, punching or kicking. In his first garda interview, the accused read from a prepared statement in which he said: Im sorry for his family, I really am. I think about it every day and night since this happened. Its killing me inside because he was a good friend of all who knew him. Im really sorry Robbie yeah to you and your family, he said. He claimed that he just wanted a chat with Mr O'Connor but once they were inside the cell, Mr O'Connor punched him twice. He initially admitted only to punching back and denied stamping on Mr O'Connor's head. He said he didn't want to kill Mr O'Connor and claimed to have struck him with a "rabbit punch". The prosecution argued Dunne's final account "evolved" until in his final interview, counsel said Dunne demonstrated a "stamp" that it was submitted could easily have caused the injuries sustained by Mr O'Connor. In his closing speech, prosecution counsel Michael Delaney SC described Dunne's account as "self-serving" and lacking in credibility. He accused Dunne of a "vicious and unprovoked assault" and said CCTV evidence suggested "an element of coordination" in the interactions visible between Mr Dunne and three other prisoners in the minutes before the fatal encounter. Counsel said the footage suggested that when Mr O'Connor arrived on Dunne's wing of the prison, the accused signalled to one of those prisoners. Once Mr O'Connor and the accused went inside the accused's cell, Mr Delaney said the others followed as if they "knew something was going down". Mr Delaney said the CCTV undermined Dunne's claim that he invited the deceased to his cell for a "friendly chat" or that he acted in self-defence after being attacked by the deceased. "The objective, reliable evidence shows he [the accused] lured Robert O'Connor into that cell for the purpose of attacking him," Mr Delaney said. Brendan Grehan SC, for Dunne, said the killing was not intentional or planned but was "in fact a reaction" without any premeditation. He asked the jury to return a verdict of manslaughter. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring told the jury that to find Dunne guilty of murder they must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that he did not have an honest belief that he was acting in self defence and that when he assaulted Mr O'Connor, he intended to kill or at least to cause serious injury. Donal Quinn (51) of Newtown Glen, Tramore, Co Waterford, was fined 3,000 after he pleaded guilty to using a fraudulent copy of a Bank of Ireland fax on February 14, 2012, to induce investors to think "the money was safe" Revenue has said it cannot comment in relation to a former financial advisor, who sent a group of backers a fraudulent "comfort" communication "covering up" the theft of about 130,000 from an investment fund. Donal Quinn (51) of Newtown Glen, Tramore, Co Waterford, was fined 3,000 after he pleaded guilty to using a fraudulent copy of a Bank of Ireland fax on February 14, 2012, to induce investors to think "the money was safe" after it was stolen. The father-of-two appeared at Dublin District Court this week when Judge Treasa Kelly noted Quinn had not come to further garda attention, and the Probation Service furnished a favourable pre-sentence report on him, stating that further supervision was not required. Defence solicitor Tony Collier implored the judge, given the passage of time since the offence, to spare his client a criminal record which could affect his current public sector job working in Revenue on which he relied to support his family. When asked by email if they could confirm if Mr Quinn was still employed by Revenue, a spokesperson said for reasons of data protection and confidentiality, I cannot comment on the specific queries in your email. The court heard this week that Quinn had no prior criminal convictions and has not come to further Garda attention. The judge said he had provided false information to the investors, but she was satisfied that a custodial sentence was not appropriate. However, she convicted him and, noting his reduced means, imposed the fine, which must be paid within five months. The prosecution follows a Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) investigation into a 2.5m going missing; however, Quinn's offence was related to a 130,000 fund. Judge Kelly said he "paid a heavy price" after hearing that his actions ruined his career in financial services. The court heard that the background of the case was the setting up of a private placement programme, a PPP investment. GNECB Detective Laura Barton told the court it was done through two companies where the defendant was a director. Eleven complainants put funds into the PPP investment, but their money, which should have been locked in a Bank of Ireland account in Arklow, was removed. They had a contract that "through the scheme, the money was supposed to be locked in that account and used as an investment fund". However, the court heard investors pooled the fund, which would be used to trade within the PPP scheme, and the balance would be held in the account. However, the balance was removed when it should not have been. Quinn was not accused of the theft, and the specific allegation against him centred on a fax sent to six investors about the scheme, "reassuring them that their money was secured and in this account and that they would be able to get it back with no risk". The court heard he told them "the money was safe", but the funds were lost. Detective Laura Barton agreed with prosecution counsel Simon Donagh that another unnamed individual has been charged with the theft and is before the courts. Asked by the judge if Quinn had sent the fax, knowing the money was no longer there, the GNECB detective replied, "I believe so, Judge. Together, they had invested 130,500 in the scheme, but the six investors declined to make victim impact statements. The offence is contrary to section 28 of the Theft and Fraud Act, and he would have faced trial at a higher level if he had contested the case. Quinn was a financial advisor then, finding certain investment products to sell to clients. However, the court heard he did not create the PPP investment, which he had sold to investors in good faith at the start of the process. His solicitor said the accused could not satisfy the clients' questions and was getting numerous phone calls, text messages and emails over a long period looking for the return of money. Mr Collier said Quinn sent them the fraudulent fax "to create some space for himself" but never financially benefited from this situation, which cost him his career. He also suffered psychologically and financially. Pleading for leniency, Mr Collier said the money was taken by someone else. Instead of telling the truth, which would have allowed investors to contact gardai early, Quinn was "basically covering up for someone else to no end for himself, other than to alleviate stress knowing it would ruin him and his business." The solicitor asked the judge to note that his client was not the cause of their loss and now lives like a recluse. The court heard it destroyed his reputation and affected his family greatly. Mr Donagh BL said the case against Quinn was that he had sent the "email of comfort". Trevor Quinn (18) of Hermitage, Ennis was appearing via video link from Limerick prison An 18-year old charged in connection with an alleged random broad daylight machete attack on a busy Ennis street last week is sleeping on a mattress on a floor at Limerick prison while on remand, a court has heard. At Ennis District Court yesterday, Trevor Quinn (18) of Hermitage, Ennis was appearing via video link from Limerick prison where he is charged in connection with the alleged machete attack on Shane Tuohy at Ennis's Mill Rd at 3.30pm on Wednesday, November 20th. In court today, solicitor for Mr Quinn, Daragh Hassett said that not only has Mr Quinn not received any medical attention while at Limerick prison as recommended by Judge Gabbett but he is sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Mr Hassett said that Mr Quinn has a better chance of seeing a doctor in the prison if he has his own cell. In the incident, the machete was allegedly thrown into the River Fergus after the alleged assault and Judge Gabbett said today that I see the weapon was found. Sgt John Burke told Judge Gabbett that DPP directions are not yet received and asked for a further two week remand in custody for Mr Quinn to December 11th to Ennis District Court. In court last week, Judge Gabbett refused bail to Mr Quinn after viewing photos of the alleged machete injuries to Mr Tuohys neck and ear. Judge Alec Gabbett said that Mr Tuohy was 3mm from death. Judge Gabbett said that Mr Tuohys artery was visible from the neck wound in the photos provided by Gardai. During a contested bail hearing last week, Judge Gabbett said that this young mans ear was nearly sliced off. It is but for the grace of God that this man is alive. Looking at the photos, Judge Gabbett said: "Death was not far off. One more millimetre and that artery was severed and you would have a minute at best. That is what really concerns me. Judge Gabbett said that the photos of the alleged injuries suffered show that they were made with an extremely sharp implement with almost surgical precision. Mr Quinn is facing four separate charges and they are the assault causing harm of Shane Tuohy, a charge of violent disorder on Enniss Mill Rd and charges concerning the use of a machete and the possession of a carpet knife. Garda Alison White said that Mr Quinn has no previous convictions and has not been before the courts before. Judge Gabbett said that Mr Quinn is just a hairs breadth over 18 and he is charged with extraordinary serious offences. Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Quinn further in custody to Limerick prison to appear via video link at Ennis District Court for December 11th and recommended that he receive medical attention. Fears of reprisals grow after killing of Anthony Josh Fowler (63) as whereabouts of people of interest remain unknown Gardai are investigating if an arson attack at a property in north Dublin is linked to the stabbing of a grandfather who was murdered just hours earlier. There has been no arrests yet following the killing of Anthony Josh Fowler (63) on Tuesday. The Sunday World has learned that the chief suspect for Fowlers murder has fled. The suspect was well known to Mr Fowler. Gardai are working on the theory that he did not arrive at the victims Finglas home with the intention of stabbing the man. It seems to be a criminal caper that went out of all control when Fowler confronted who was at his door, a source revealed. The young man they were looking for cash from was present and it seems the victim was trying to protect him when he suffered the fatal stab wound. This young man has also not made himself available for questioning. Detectives believe that associates of Fowler some of whom are involved in drug dealing in the locality paid a local burglar to burn down a property in the aftermath of the murder. This suspect has been identified but not yet arrested. He is suspected of a number of burglaries and robberies in the locality in recent months. Meanwhile, a relative of Fowler who is being investigated for money laundering offences arrived back in Ireland yesterday. Gardai want to interview him in relation to a number of matters but sources say he felt compelled to travel home from Spain after learning of the tragedy. This man aged in his mid-30s was previously convicted of trying to smuggle drugs into jail for Fowler when he was serving a sentence in Mountjoy Prison. Floral tributes to Anthony Fowler outside a house on Dunsink Green, Finglas, Dublin. Photo: Collins The shocking thing here is that all these individuals are well known to each other, a source told the Sunday World. Some of these individuals can now not be found there is serious concerns about reprisals here the victim has many associates who are crying out for revenge. One line of inquiry is that the chief suspect may have already fled the country. He has barely any criminal convictions and was not known to gardai. Father-of-four Fowler was fatally stabbed at around 12.30am on Tuesday. The victim was then taken by ambulance to James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, and he was pronounced dead. Victim Anthony Josh Fowler The victim and his associates had been involved in a long-standing criminal dispute with the gang controlled by gang boss Mr Flashy. Gardai believe that Fowler was present when they shot up the gangs stash house in Finglas a number of years ago and then burnt it out. Before and after being locked up, Fowler was a target for the Mr Flashy gang and gardai responded to an assault linked to that dispute in the Ratoath Road area around two years ago in which he was brutally attacked. Irish nationals have been the victims of several different types of cyber-enabled frauds Gardai have recovered around 3.5m from bank accounts as part of a global investigation into a wide range of organised and sophisticated frauds. The investigation has revealed that Irish nationals have been the victims of several different types of cyber-enabled frauds. These range from voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, illegal online gambling, business email compromise fraud and e-commerce fraud. Ireland is one of 40 countries that has participated in Operation HAECHI V and the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (Gnecb) has been the lead agency here trying to dismantle the international fraud organisations. This was money stolen in Ireland and then laundered outside Ireland, a source said. So far this year gardai have recovered about 1.2m in foreign bank accounts and 115,000 in Irish bank accounts as part of the investigation. What happens here is if a victim reports a fraud to a garda and the crime has happened very recently, the Gnecb is informed, a source said. They can then make an Operation HAECHI request to the country where the money was transferred to everything needs to be done at great pace. It ended with the arrest of over 5,500 suspects and the seizure of more than $400m in virtual assets With this type of crime there is a very short window of opportunity to recover the stolen money typically less than three days. Gardai have made requests as part of the global operation in relation to 15m that was stolen and by recovering 3.5m of these funds their success rate is estimated to be around 33pc. Interpol issued a statement on the latest phase in its global investigation yesterday. A global operation involving law enforcement from 40 countries, territories and regions has ended with the arrest of over 5,500 financial crime suspects and the seizure of more than $400m in virtual assets and government-backed currencies, it said. As part of the operation, [South] Korean authorities, in tandem with authorities in Beijing, successfully dismantled a sprawling voice phishing syndicate. This was responsible for financial losses totalling 1,511 billion South Korean won (1bn) and affecting over 1,900 victims. The organisations sophisticated modus operandi included masquerading as law enforcement officials and using counterfeit identification. The operation led to the arrest of at least 27 members of the organised criminal group, with 19 individuals subsequently indicted. The two-step approach first lures in victims using romance baiting techniques Interpol also issued a Purple Notice during Operation HAECHI V to warn countries about an emerging cryptocurrency fraud practise involving stablecoin. Member countries were alerted to the USDT Token Approval Scam, which allows fraudsters to access and control victims crypto-wallets, the statement said. The two-step approach first lures in victims using romance baiting techniques, instructing them to buy popular Tether stablecoins (USDT Tokens) via a legitimate platform. Once the scammers have gained their trust, the victims are provided with a phishing link claiming to allow them to set up their investment account. In reality, by clicking they authorise full access to the scammers, who can then transfer funds out of their wallet without the victims knowledge. The heroin was hidden in a container shipment of soap originating from Iran According to the statement, a single dose of a two-digit milligram consumption unit of heroin can be fatal to users. Stock image A heroin trafficker suspect of running a criminal network stretching from Iran to Western Europe has been snared in a major international law enforcement operation. The 57-year-old Turkish citizen was arrested in Albania as part of a Europol-led taskforce that involved German authorities with the support of the Netherlands. The authorities involved joined forces within the framework of an Operational Taskforce (OTF) set up at Europol to gather intelligence and coordinate the operational activities in recent months.. This led to the arrest of the Turkish national in Albania on November 23 while several residential and business properties belonging to the suspect and his girlfriend were searched in Rotterdam. Considered one of Europols high-value targets, the arrested man is suspected of heading a criminal network responsible for the large-scale import of heroin into Western Europe. The investigation was able to link the suspect to the seizure of 703 kilos of heroin in the port of Hamburg in Germany on August 30, 2022, Europol said in a statement. The heroin was hidden in a container shipment of soap originating from Iran. The suspect is now awaiting his extradition to Germany. According to the statement, a single dose of a two-digit milligram consumption unit of heroin can be fatal to users. While cocaine is grabbing the headlines, heroin trafficking is still an attractive venture for criminals, the statement adds. The OTF aims to identify and disrupt the control and command of heroin supply and targets criminal networks, in the EU and beyond, that are behind multi-tonne shipments of heroin to the EU. Europol said it had supported this investigation since April 2022 with continuous intelligence development and the coordination of the operational strategy between all the countries involved. The Operational Taskforce launched at Europol in August 2023 is the result of a heightened understanding of heroin trafficking in Europe, buy law enforcement authorities. Authorities involved in the investigation included the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) and Prosecutors Office in Germany; the Landelijke Eenheid/Eenheid Rotterdam and Dutch Public Prosecutors Service in the Nethelnds: Albanian Border Police and the European Serious Organised Crime Centre at Europol. The latest offering from Chinas car giant has got it all Six months ago I declared on these pages that I thought I had found my next car. I was just back from a trip to Rome where I was one of the lucky few motor journos to test the latest BYD to land on the market. What was remarkable about this one, the fourth after the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal, was that it was not a full EV. Instead, the Chinese super company decided to hedge their bets and give us a plug-in hybrid car next and it was branded the Seal U DMi. Yep, it rolls off tongue doesnt it? But daft moniker aside, this car gave me the warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy (nothing to do with the mid-30s temperatures at the time) and sent me home wonderingwhat if? I declared it to my wife firstly and then a few days later to you on these pages. Daragh with the Seal U in Rome last May The nature of this business is you move around quickly from test car to test car. Some are high-end premium cars while others are value cars with price in mind as opposed to tech and performance. I used those two descriptions intentionally because this car falls into both. The all-new Seal U (you can drop the DMi to be honest) has a look that sits way higher than the price tag would suggest. Its got premium levels of refinement inside and it looks like a premium and yet it only costs 42,150 meaning it is far from a premium. It is the kind of heady mix that will rock the car market here in Europe as the establishment pulls back up its trousers and realises that cheap no longer means sh*t. Okay, so 42k is not necessarily cheap. I do get that. When you consider that there are going to Renaults, Kias, Citroens and Dacias launched in the next six months that all cost less than 20k, the 42k price tag seems like a lot. But, and its a big but, this car is huge, gorgeous, available now and is loaded with tech and features. It is futuristic without being intimidating and it has a sense of knowing what is an important safety feature worthy of a bing bong in the cockpit compared to some car companies these days. While the onboard infotainment system, that sits inside a rotatable 15.6 screen, is thorough and user friendly the options at point of sale are surprisingly simple. It comes in just four colours (black, white, silver and a lovely light blue) and just two trim lines (Boost and Design) and judging by the efficient manner this company is run, you can have your pick of what you want and not have a six-month waiting list. Here is where the BYD execs may want to move along because I have a confession to make. I think the entry level version is car enough! I genuinely dont think the top-level Design trim warrants the increased asking price of 49,140. That higher level car is an all-wheel drive car and actually comes with a smaller range on the battery with a reduction to 70km. Inside the Seal U Whereas in the cheaper entry-level Boost you get 80km in a FWD 1.5 litre petrol car with so much comfort levels and tech that you could easily mistake it for the top-end version. Inside, a lovely Oceanic Crystal gear lever and control buttons are tactile and functional and the centre console has a double-layer storage compartment which came in very handy. Equipped with standard navigation and apps, 4G connectivity delivers advanced infotainment with intelligent voice control and online access to latest advancements. There is an electric sliding sunroof, keyless entry, ambient lighting, noise and vibration reduction, advanced heads-up technology displaying critical data on the windscreen, and a cutting-edge sound system. The flat floor in the rear came in very handy when I had two kids and an adult in the rear. Not one of them complained about the headroom and legroom. As I said this is big. The only place it isnt huge is the boot which is sacrificed for the PHEV battery. Thankfully though it is the standard blade battery so it is far less clunky than other car companies, so you still get 425 litres. While the Seal U can feel brisk at times, BYD has prioritised comfort and refinement over outright speed. The soft suspension absorbs bumps and lumps with ease and while on the motorway it almost feels like you are floating. The transition between EV and ICE is so smooth and quiet that youll need supersonic hearing just to notice it. Something you dont necessarily hear very often about a new car is that on a full tank and with a full charge you get a combined range of 1080km. Breathe that in for a moment. And with 80km on EV alone it is one of the higher-end PHEVs on the market. But it doesnt come with the expected 80km PHEV price tag. So, after a week behind the wheel would I still buy it? Absolutely. I just need to convince herself that a bigger car is right for us. If I can tackle that hurdle, we may well have this car in our driveway next summer. The Olympic rower was in the capital this week to announce the fundraising activity Fintan McCarthy was on hand to support the incredible fundraising initiative Double Olympic gold medallist Fintan McCarthy turned out this week in support of a fundraiser for the National Addiction Charity Coolmine Therapeutic Community and Belvedere Youth Club. The funds, donated by Mediolanum Philanthropic Collective, have now reached a new milestone of 600k. At the jampacked event it was revealed that the latest donation will empower Coolmine to transform lives through its residential and community programs for women, mothers, and children. Additionally, Mediolanum will support Belvedere Youth Clubs mission to provide essential services to young people in Dublins North Inner City. Fintan McCarthy was on hand to support the incredible fundraising initiative Held at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the event brought together Ireland's leading philanthropic figures and corporate supporters from the financial sector. Minister Jack Chambers attended as a guest speaker, lending his support to this important initiative. Fintans journey as an athlete serves as an inspiring example of dedication, hard work, and the transformative impact of sport on young lives. During the evening Minister Jack Chambers said: The success of the Philanthropy Collective demonstrates the incredible impact of partnership and shared purpose. Initiatives like this not only provide essential funding for Coolmine Therapeutic Community and Belvedere Youth Club but also highlights the power of community to drive real change. By investing in transformative programs that support recovery and empower our youth, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Ireland where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Coolmine CEO Pauline McKeown expressed gratitude for the extraordinary generosity and noted: Inclusivity, at its core, is about creating a space where every woman, mother, and child feels recognised, valued, and embraced by society. It's a call to action, urging us to appreciate the diverse experiences that make up womanhood and family life. Coolmine believes that all women and children, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances, should feel an integral part of our society. By supporting women and mothers on their recovery journey, we are not only empowering individuals but also breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and addiction. This work is vital for children, ensuring they have safe, stable foundations to thrive and build brighter futures. She added With initiatives like the Philanthropy Collective led by Mediolanum, we can create a ripple effect of transformation that strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole. Jenny Courtney, CEO of Belvedere Youth Club, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Philanthropic Collective Initiative for its support and said: Based in Dublins North East Inner City, we engage youths aged seven to twenty four, focusing on early intervention to transform lives. Our work spans four key areas: After School Programmes, Youthwork, the Justice Project, and Outreach. These are all rooted in amplifying young voices and creating opportunities for vulnerable children, young people, and their families. For more information about Coolmine visit www.coolmine.ie and for more information on Belvedere Youth Club check out www.belvedereyouthclub.ie The pub chain has confirmed it is taking McGregors Forged Irish Stout off its taps at all seven boozers in Ireland Conor McGregor has been hit with another big brand blow after JD Wetherspoon pulled the shamed fighters booze from its Irish pubs. The pub chain has confirmed it is taking McGregors Forged Irish Stout off its taps at all seven boozers in Ireland. In a short statement, a spokesman said: Wetherspoon has taken the decision to remove the product, Forged Stout, in its pubs in ROI. While the statement does not offer a reason why the chain has made the decision, the move comes in the wake of the High Court trail last week where a civil jury found McGregor liable for raping Nikita Hand at a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Nikita Hand Ms Hand (35) was awarded almost 250,000 in damages. Meanwhile, the number of retail outlets who have stopped selling alcohol brands associated with the MMA fighter continues to grow. DAA, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, confirmed it no longer sells whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve or Forged Irish Stout at duty-free shops at either airport. DAA can confirm that Proper No. Twelve whiskey was removed from sale in both Dublin and Cork airports over the weekend, DAA media relations manager Graeme McQueen said. We can confirm that none of the bars in Dublin or Cork airports sell either Proper No 12 or Forged Irish Stout. A Belfast-based pub that promoted Forged Irish Stout has told The Irish News it has stopped selling the drink and that a mural advertising it will be removed. Cease collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately Filthy McNastys on Dublin Road in the city hosted a launch event promoting the stout on November 30 last year. The promotion was branded the Forged Irish Stout Belfast City Takeover. A wall outside the bar features a mural showing a pint of the stout alongside the slogan Here To Take Over, a nod to one of McGregors post-fight interview quotes. Scully Fitness, a gym based in Annaghdown, Co Galway, posted a video on social media on Tuesday showing a mural of McGregor inside the gym being painted over. A number of large retailers in Ireland have also announced the withdrawal of products linked to the MMA fighter from stores this week. Musgrave, the owner of SuperValu and Centra, was the first to announce Proper No. Twelve and Forged Irish Stout would be withdrawn from stores. This was followed by Tesco, Spar owners BWG Foods and the Barry Group, which operates of Costcutter and Carry Out off-licences. Forged Irish Stout, which is still owned by McGregor, was launched in July last year It came after the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) at the weekend urged retailers to stop selling the brands associated with McGregor following the High Court jurys decision last Friday. Conor McGregor The Proper No. Twelve brand was bought from McGregor (36) by Proximo Spirits in 2021, though he continued to promote the whiskey brand on his social media accounts. The company announced on Tuesday it would no longer use his name or image on the drink. It also said it was ending its association with the MMA fighter. Forged Irish Stout, which is still owned by McGregor, was launched in July last year. Video game developer and publisher IO Interactive, which had partnered with McGregor to include his likeness in the most recent instalment of the Hitman game series, also confirmed in a post on X on Monday that it would cease collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately... in light of the recent court ruling. This heavy-handed and discriminatory action has left children upset and distressed Chaos ensued as the Travellers were marched onto trains Traveller groups in the UK have accused Greater Manchester Police of discrimination after children were stopped from going to a Christmas market and forced onto trains. The incident occurred after young people from Traveller communities across the country travelled to Manchester last weekend to visit the citys Christmas markets. However, after arriving at Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly railway stations they were turned away. Footage shared on social media showed officers escorting them onto trains destined for Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Videos posted online show the chaos as one officer shouts: Get on the train, as one girl responds, stop pushing. I'm going to fall. Chaos ensued as the Travellers were marched onto trains Senior officers at Greater Manchester Police had issued a Section 34 Dispersal Order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. This gives police powers to turn away anyone they think might be trouble but the Traveller Movement has called the footage completely unacceptable. The charity that is dedicated tackling discrimination and equality towards Travellers said it is considering taking legal action against GMP. Manchester Police has this afternoon allegedly blocked Romani Gypsies and Irish Traveller children from attending the Christmas markets, representatives for the charity said in a statement. This heavy-handed and discriminatory action has left children upset and distressed, with parents deeply concerned about the treatment that their children have faced. We have been contacted by numerous parents and received video footage of Romani Gypsy and Irish Traveller children arriving into Manchester, and then being forced onto a different train and prevented from leaving the station by police. The statement adds: These children were simply trying to enjoy the festivities like everyone else but instead have been unfairly targeted and marginalised. This is a shocking case and it is completely unacceptable. We will not stand by while our communities are discriminated against and excluded in this way. Manchester Police must be held accountable for their alleged actions and take immediate steps to end this blatant injustice. But Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a 48-hour dispersal notice had been put in place on Saturday due to a rising number of reports of anti-social behaviour and disorder. GMPs Assistant chief constable, Rick Jackson, defended the force, saying their priority is always to protect public safety by preventing incidents of violence and disorder. Due to intelligence of groups causing anti-social behaviour on trains on the way into Manchester and similar reports rising around the city centre, alongside increasing footfall, we issued a dispersal order, he said in a statement. This included plans for officers to re-route arriving groups back home. Shortly after, officers responded to several disturbances in the city centre and intervened in altercations between groups. We understand there are feelings of mistreatment and confusion amongst groups of people for being turned away yesterday, and we are determined to address these concerns by working closely with the Mayors office to engage these communities in Manchester and further afield. The Guardian has reported that some of the children's parents as well as leaders in the community subsequently attended a meeting with deputy mayor, Kate Green, on Tuesday. Yvonne MacNamara, CEO of the Traveller Movement, told the newspaper that while she was grateful for the meeting, there is still more questions at this stage than answers. She said the police officer's response was completely disproportionate. Ms MacNamara told The Guardian some of the children involved were siblings and were as young as 10 years of age. Ms Green said she had watched the video footage circulating online and had asked GMP for a full report. One parent who spoke anonymously to Manchester Evening News (MEN) claimed her 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son had ended up more than 100 miles away in Grimsby. The mother said her daughter was hysterical when she called her as she was being escorted onto the train with others, MEN reported. The brother and sister had travelled from Doncaster earlier that day, the mother claimed. Jay really did touch the hearts of the nation and it truly showed us how much love you all shared with us Jay Slater's family has posted a final, poignant farewell message on a GoFundMe page set up in the wake of the teens disappearance. In a last update before they closed the 72k (86,500) fundraiser for good, mum Debbie Duncan thanked those who had supported the family throughout their ordeal. She wrote: "We would like to thank all you beautiful people who supported us throughout this heartbreaking time. Jay really did touch the hearts of the nation and it truly showed us how much love you all shared with us. "With your support we were able to stay in Tenerife until we got our beautiful boy back to the UK. We were able to fund the Signi search team from the Netherlands who supported us throughout the days when Jay was found. "Jay truly deserved the send-off we were able to give him and we thank you all for that. "We have been overwhelmed with messages of support from all over the globe and will be eternally grateful to all of you. Our journey of trauma and grief will continue for ever and we will never recover. She added: "We lost our beautiful boy in extremely tragic circumstances whilst the world watched. We do not and will never understand how Jay's story reached every corner of the globe. "Our journey is far from over but the burden's eased with your support. We would also like to thank the person who looked after Jay's fundraiser page whom we have been in constant contact with, especially whilst in Tenerife, the support and advice you gave will not be forgotten. "Donations will be turned off with this final message. Jay's family and friends are trying to come to terms and process this tragic loss and thank you from the bottom of our hearts." Slater (19) went missing on June 17 this year after travelling to Tenerife to attend a festival with friends and then journeyed to a house on the other side of the island. It prompted an extensive search as the world followed updates for almost a month. Human remains discovered on July 15 were later confirmed to belong to Jay. The fundraiser set up to support Jay's family in their search continued to receive donations after the announcement of his death. A GoFundMe spokesperson saying they would work together with his family on the next steps on the donated money. However, it has since been brought to an end after raising 72,821. Jay had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. He had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled not relevant to the case. The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered. Jay had called a friend on the morning he vanished to say his phone was about to run out of battery and he didn't know where he was. Despite a massive search he wasnt found until almost four weeks later. A post-mortem examination found the teenager died on June 17 of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height. His death would have been instantaneous. Debbie previously revealed that Jay was due to sit his driving test once he had arrived back home in the UK. She said he also had a career going in the right direction before he went missing. "Jay was 19 with the world at his feet. He was coming back to a good job and was about to take his driving test, Debbie said. He was just a lovely boy with a massive personality and everybody just loved Jay, being in his company - family, friends and work." Roger Rabbits with Jim Bunny NEWS ALERT! Commonsense has crashed in a mad tangle of holly, baubles and tinsel in Christchurch. Santas elves were ordered to wear safety belts on their Santa parade float after a health and safety audit of risky, hazardous elf-ish parade behaviours. Could be the notorious foehns down there the dry, warm downslope winds that make Christchurch people think weird, and do weird. And in this case, caused an over-zealous health and safety person having a quiet afternoon to thumb through the minutiae of the manual on the public hazards around Santa parades. Cant recall the streets being awash with blood and mutilated bodies after previous Christmas parades? Dont know how H&S reconciled the fact that 70 floats in the parade travelled at a stop/start maximum of 4km/hr and required seatbelts, but the public bus services getting families to the parade travelled at 50km/hr without seatbelts. Go figure. Locals gagged on their disbelief: absurd, ridiculous, burning resources for no gain, and health and safety gone nuts. But why stop there? Lets play bah-humbug and completely regulate the ho ho ho out of Christmas. Flight plan First of all Santa, you will be required to file a flight plan before leaving the North Pole. You cant gallivant around international air space playing chicken with Air New Zealand Dreamliners. Flight plans ensure safe and efficient journeys from take-off to landing. Sleighs and jolly fat men are not exempt Santa. Flitting around at 30,000ft in the dead of night will now require your rig to have navigation lights a red light on your port wing tip, and a green light on your starboard wing tip. Nice Christmasy colours, so nothing lost there Santa. We will also require you to stop off at a commercial vehicle safety centre a weigh station. If youre dropping off prezzies to every child in the world, were concerned about overloading and load security. We will want to see a load manifesto. We suspect your rig may also constitute an over dimension vehicle more than 3.1 metres wide and 25 long. You would require an oversize load permit, some nice, bright, fluorescent flags and pilot vehicles. You will bear the cost. So, stuff to think about Santa. I calculate you will be visiting 2,089,400 homes in New Zealand in about 12 hours. So factor in driver fatigue. The presents have to get through, but if you tire Santa dont drive, dont risk your life or the lives of others. Well be checking your log Santa. In fact, you shouldnt even be driving during the hours you are normally asleep. No sleigh bells Noise nuisance. There will be no jolly sleigh bells and ho ho hos after 11pm Santa or we will throw the book at you. Not everyone believes in Santa, and those that dont want to sleep. If you insist on being generous and jolly, then do it quietly. There may also be an issue with your reindeer casting offensive matter. They each eat up to 10kg of moss, herbs, ferns, grass, shoots and leaves a day so what to do with 90kg of processed caribou poop Santa? Dont make it our problem or we will slap you with a violation. Perhaps its time to update the fleet Santa. Put the reindeer out to pasture and we will do you a good price on nine EVs when you hit New Zealand. Much easier to manage than unpredictable, rutting reindeer. High Vis and road cones This year there will be no thrill seeking, no low passes down Devonport Rd Santa. Regulations specify a minimum safe altitude of 1000ft over congested areas. Of course, you will be roof-hopping around Aotearoa which presents its own health and safety issues. That will require some road/roof safety management Santa so wear your high-vis and bring road cones, plenty of road cones. Or we could supply and charge it back to you. Chimney access We would also recommend against accessing houses by way of the chimney. Apart from the obvious soot problems there are personal hazards like fat people becoming wedged. Rescue services come at a cost Santa. And of course, being a non-resident, you would have no claim against ACC if you are injured while being extricated. So you just might decide to cancel Christmas this year Santa. And while it might be a presentless and joyless Christmas, it will be a triumph for health and safety. Ho bloody ho! The University of Waikato has presented an honorary award to Tamati Tata (Ngai Tamarawaho) recognising his service to the university as kaumatua at its Tauranga campus and his contribution to the wider Bay of Plenty community. Vice-chancellor Professor Neil Quigley presented Tamati with the University of Waikato Medal at a ceremony on Tuesday, November 26. Tata has been instrumental in shaping the Tauranga campus cultural identity, Quigley said. Tamatis guidance during the development phase of the Tauranga campus influenced the award-winning campus design and ensured the cultural narrative of Tauranga Moana was thoughtfully integrated. He also played a pivotal role in the opening ceremonies, including the dawn ceremony in February 2019 and the public opening in April 2019. In his role as kaumatua, Tata plays a significant role in contributing to the welcoming and inclusive culture that students, staff, and community experience when visiting the Tauranga campus. He supports key university activities and events, including meetings of the University Council within the tribal domain of Tauranga Moana, and offering cultural leadership throughout a students journey, from ceremonial welcomes at the start of the academic year to leading graduation ceremonies. Tamati Tata speaking after receiving the University of Waikato Medal. Photo / Supplied He is an essential connector for the university, providing leadership in the engagement with iwi and supporting its growth aspirations across the Bay of Plenty. Tata is also recognised for playing an active role within organisations across the Bay of Plenty. He leads ceremonies such as the openings of schools and highways, provides advice to Tauranga City Council and various community groups, and supports the marae communities of Tauranga Moana, including his home marae of Huria, Ngai Tamarawaho. He sits on the board of Mauao Trust, the entity that governs Mauao on behalf of Tauranga Moana iwi, and Nga Matarae Charitable Trust, a partnership between the Port of Tauranga and Tauranga iwi to promote the wellbeing of Te Awanui Tauranga harbour. Tata is also an alumnus of the university. He began his studies in the 1980s in the Department of Maori Studies, and in 2006 he received a Bachelor of Arts with first-class honours, majoring in Maori. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council plans to increase fares for the Baybus OnDemand service in 2025, despite its early success. According to the council, feedback from passengers indicates that most users would still be willing to use the service even with higher fare prices. As a result, the adult full fare is set to rise to $5, while the Bee Card fare will increase to $4. These adjustments are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the service, which is currently operating at a loss. The Baybus OnDemand trial, which launched in March 2024 in Tauranga South, has been well-received by the community. Designed as a more flexible, rideshare-style alternative to traditional fixed routes, the service has exceeded expectations at its six-month milestone. The Baybus OnDemand trial in Tauranga South has offered the community a fresh approach to public transport, said Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council in a statement on Wednesday. Designed to explore how rideshare services can complement or replace traditional fixed routes; the trial has delivered promising results and highlighted opportunities for improvement at its six-month milestone, a spokesperson said. The service has already carried 18,798 passengers, representing a 536% increase compared to the fixed Route 51 service it replaced. In addition, customer satisfaction is high, with 93% of riders who have embraced the service giving it a five-star rating, with 92% agreeing that the current fares offer good value for money. One of the key features of Baybus OnDemand is its flexibility. The service now offers 1600 virtual stops, a significant increase from the 150 stops available on the previous fixed-route bus system. This has made the service more accessible and convenient for users, especially those with mobility challenges. One who found the service transformative said This service has changed my life for the better. Its opened up so many more options in my life. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive as customers have praised the service, with many highlighting the personal benefits. One customer described it as a fantastic service that has allowed our family to access more things, like taking my son to swimming lessons. Another shared, I used it today. Brilliant service. Its not just for seniors, underscoring the services broad appeal. The Baybus OnDemand trial launched in March 2024, in Tauranga South. Photo/Supplied Councillor Andrew von Dadelszen, chair of the public transport committee, said Baybus OnDemand is reshaping the way Tauranga residents view public transport. Public transport isnt just about moving people; its about meeting them where they are and providing smarter solutions to modern challenges. The communitys positive response shows the potential of this approach, and were learning valuable lessons for the future. Operating a high-quality flexible service like Baybus OnDemand comes with unique financial challenges. Despite its success in attracting riders, the services operating costs are higher than traditional bus routes. While operating costs are within projections, fare revenues for the most recent quarter (July to September 2024) recovered only 6.2% of costs. To address this, Oliver Haycock, public transport director for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, explained that fare increases are necessary to maintain the services viability while balancing affordability for riders, in order for the service to remain sustainable. This service is about creating better connections, but we also need to make it financially viable. To test how customers respond to pricing changes, were proposing fare adjustments that balance affordability and sustainability, he said. The council plans to implement these changes in 2025 to gather more valuable data on market reactions and ensure the service can continue to grow while being financially sustainable and remaining accessible. The Baybus OnDemand trial is set to run until September 2025, with further reviews at the 12-month and 18-month marks. The data collected over the coming months will help inform decisions about the services long-term future and potential. A group of eight GirlGuiding rangers from around the Bay of Plenty are preparing to head to Japan next year. The rangers are from three units four from Tauranga, three from Katikati, and one from Whakatane, along with two leaders and will participate in a sister city exchange to Hitachi City in April. GirlGuiding Bay of Plenty has a long-standing exchange programme with the Girl Scouts of Hitachi City in Japan, said Team Bay of Plenty co-local coordindator and Papamoa Brownies leader Lauren Davis. This initiative began in 2001 following an invitation from Mayor Kashimura of Hitachi City as part of the sister city relationship between Tauranga and Hitachi. The exchange occurs biennially, with either Hitachi Girl Scouts visiting New Zealand or Bay of Plenty Ranger Guides traveling to Japan. Davis said 2023 was the most recent visit by the Hitachi Girl Scouts who came to New Zealand, we proudly celebrated the 22nd anniversary of this enriching exchange programme. Over the past 22 years, Bay of Plenty girls and leaders have visited Hitachi five times, with the last in-person group sent in 2017. In 2021, due to international border closures caused by Covid restrictions, we adapted by hosting a virtual exchange, said Davis. Isabelle Stockdale, left, Ava McCarthy and Emma Hunt prepare for the task ahead. To date, about 95 members have participated in this cultural exchange - 49 from New Zealand and 46 from Japan. The primary goal of this programme is to foster cultural understanding and meaningful friendships between New Zealand Girl Guides and Japanese Girl Scouts, said Davis. Participants live with guiding host families, engage in guiding, cultural, and school activities, and learn to appreciate both the differences and similarities between their cultures. Ultimately, this programme helps to strengthen the sister city bond between Hitachi and Tauranga. This exchange programme is one of the many opportunities open to members of GirlGuiding New Zealand, but this Exchange programme with Hitachi Girl Scouts is unique to Bay of Plenty GirlGuiding. The exchange is self-funded, said Davis. Our rangers and their families are fundraising for this trip. We would also welcome any support from the local community. People wanting to donate can do so here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/bay-of-plenty-rangers-hitachi-exchange-journey For more information, visit www.girlguidingnz.org.nz In January 2016, Francisko Du Plessis was diagnosed with heart failure. Du Plessis was living in South Africa at the time of his diagnosis and was in and out of hospital for a year as they tried to sort out his chronic medications. Initially the GP misdiagnosed him three times in the space of three to four weeks as he was struggling with moisture in his lungs, thinking that it was only a flu. Eventually they sent him for an X-ray where it was revealed that he had an enlarged heart shadow. After blood tests, the cardiologist called him in and diagnosed him with heart failure. He then made regular visits to the cardiologist, adjusting his chronic medication to get it to an optimum level. He started to feel better after a while and eventually went back to work installing heat pumps and air conditioning and living an active lifestyle. Du Plessis moved his family to New Zealand in March 2019 for a better future for his three children. He found himself a cardiologist here and saw them on a regular basis. He was still on chronic medications, but he was doing well. After moving to New Zealand, he started mountain biking and fell in love with the sport. I was doing regular 20-50km bike rides with my friends, he said. Suddenly, in June 2022, within a week everything started crashing. Francisko Du Plessis in Auckland Hospital in June 2022. Photo / Supplied My heart function went down and that started affecting all the other organs as well, everything started to shut down. Du Plessis could still walk, but he was drained of energy and a week later he could barely get himself up while in Tauranga Hospital. The cardiologist came in, sat at the corner of the room and rubbed his head in his hands and said to me, We dont know what to do anymore, we cant treat you here anymore. The cardiologist said that he contacted Auckland Hospital, as they are the heart specialists in New Zealand, who told him they wanted him in Auckland as soon as possible and that a helicopter was on its way to take him as an ambulance would take too long and might not make it on time. He caught the helicopter from Tauranga to Auckland Hospital where he was checked. They said my heart function was down to under 10%. His blood pressure was at 86/54, it is supposed to be at 120/80. It was basically just vibrating; it wasnt really pumping. Francisko Du Plessis's heart rate and blood pressure at one point while he was in hospital. Photo / supplied. After further checks and getting him stabilised the doctors told Du Plessis and his wife that he had less than six months to live. A couple of hours passed, and they came back to say that they were wrong. He had a few weeks to live, But, weve got a plan, they said. Two days later Du Plessis went in for his first operation on July 8, 2022. They put in a little pump in my heart call an LVAD Ventricle Assistance Device for the left side because the left side did not work anymore and would not recover. New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that uses the VADs only as a gateway to transplant, so your body can get stronger so you would be able to survive transplant. In many countries, for many people, the VAD is the final chapter. They say a VAD is only good for up to seven years. Then on the right chamber they had an external ECMO machine extracorporeal membrane oxygenation thats also doing the work of the heart. Your blood is getting pumped, theres pipes going into your groin, into your neck, through your heart and lungs and then your blood gets pumped through the machine and back through. They hoped that the right side would recover so that they could take the machine off and leave the LVAD, however, after a few days they said the right side was not going to recover and he was going to need an RVAD (Ventricle Assistance Device for the right side) too. Francisko Du Plessis with his LVAD and RVAD. Photo / Bob Tulloch When he went in for the operation to put in the RVAD they faced complications as blood clots that had become stuck in the pipe. They had to take out the LVAD, clean it out, place it back in and continue. This meant that the six-hour operation took more than 12 hours. The day after his surgery he had to return to the theatre again due to internal bleeding. This totalled three open-heart surgeries in the space of less than two weeks. Du Plessis had two battery packs with controllers that regulated the two pumps. Each bag has two batteries and a controller with built-in back-up batteries. He had extra batteries as he had to recharge them and switch them over. If the battery goes flat, an alarm would go on and Id have about 30 minutes to swap out the batteries, he said. You get about 20 hours out of the batteries. After the series of operations, Du Plessis slept in a medically induced coma for three and a half weeks in the cardio ICU. Sometime during the process of putting in the RVAD, a small blood clot went through his system, causing him to have a mini-stroke. This meant that while he was in recovery, he found that his right side didnt work as well as it should, especially around the right shoulder and arm and his face on the right side was a little droopy. When I woke up, I had gone down from almost 100kg in weight to 63kg. Francisko Du Plessis in Auckland Hospital in June 2022. Photo / Supplied Thats more than a third of my body weight gone. There was no muscle in my arms, I couldnt lift my arms or legs up. Francisko Du Plessis at Auckland Hospital. Photo / Supplied He had a tracheostomy tube in his throat and wasnt able to talk, even afterward, it took a while before he could speak properly. Du Plessis spent two and a half months in ICU in Auckland Hospital and was getting physio to learn to walk and talk again. After his time in the ICU, he went to a stepdown ward for three and a half weeks for further physio and recovery and then he spent three and a half weeks in a rehab centre called Hearty Towers for lung and heart transplant patients. Francisko Du Plessis in Auckland Hospital in June 2022. Photo / Supplied I met a lot of wonderful people there. Everybodys got their own story and it was really special to hear them all and learn and support each other. I was only the fourth person in New Zealand ever to have a BiVAD. Du Plessis shared stories of some of the people he met while he was in the rehab centre, people with stories similar to his. He spoke about how some of the people he met have since passed away due to complications and how some of them were holding on and hoping for a chance at transplant, at life. Because Hearty Towers is not only for post-transplant but also pre-transplant people getting tested to go on the active transplant waiting list. He showed The Weekend Sun a photo of the transplant patients at the rehab centre telling their stories and how many of them had sadly passed since. At the end of October in 2022, he finally got to go home with all of his cables and battery bags that his nurses since nicknamed his Louis Vuitton bags. Francisko Du Plessis at Auckland Hospital with his "Louis Vuitton" bags. Photo / Supplied During the entire time Du Plessis was in and out of hospital over the years his wife Adelle made sure to keep his spirits up. She was there the whole time. Francisko Du Plessis with his wife Adelle. Photo / Supplied Every week she would be there, even while I was asleep she would be sitting there next to my bed. Adelle had tried to explain to their children Mckenzie (now 12), Mckayla (now 10) and little Francisko (now 8) as best she could about the difficult subject. Francisko Du Plessis with his kids little Francisko, Mckayla and Mckenzie. Photo / Supplied They came to visit me in hospital one time after I woke up, but I was still looking like a skeleton. My wife never brought them in again for quite a while. One of their children experienced an anxiety attack seeing their dad in his state. They were hyperventilating and they have been struggling mentally since the traumatising event. Du Plessis said that it was as if they were angry at him for almost leaving them behind. During the time that Du Plessis was in and out of hospital, Adelle had taken on full responsibility of keeping the family going. On Monday morning, she would take the kids to school and then she would shoot off to Auckland and then the kids would go to different friends for the week. We were really blessed to have good friends around us, all with kids, that opened their homes for our kids and also supported the and us hugely, even emotionally and financially, too. There were so many wonderful people from all over the world that pitched in, I heard of prayer groups in a few different countries which is really humbling. It was hard on the kids because they only got to see each other at school and only got to see their mum on weekends. Later on my wife organised a nanny, so after school they would go home and be together with the nanny looking after them for a few hours before taking them to the different houses. My wife would come to Auckland and be there till Friday morning and then she would drive back to spend time with the kids on weekends. Between all of this, Adelle was responsible for earning an income to keep the family going. Without residency, the family was unable to get government funding to help. My wife has a small business that she was trying to get off the ground, so in between being in Auckland, and running a small business and looking after the kids, she worked her backside off. When Du Plessis returned home from his almost four and a half month heart ordeal, his family was very happy to have him home. My kids just wanted me to go do stuff with them. Francisko Du Plessis with his kids Mckenzie, Mckayla and little Francisko. Photo / Supplied He has been taking his kids out individually to spend some one-on-one time with them. In November, Du Plessiss parents came over to visit from Australia, and they were so kind to bring my Covid, he said jokingly. I was going to go on the transplant active waiting list at the beginning of December, but of course, I got Covid in November so they said no and that I had to wait a seven-week step down period. Finally in January 2023, I went on the active list. I was on a waiting list for 19 days and I got the call. I was really lucky. Due to having one of the most common blood types, he had a much better chance of getting the call much earlier than some, but there is still a list they had to tick off for everything to line up. Some people have to go through all kinds of tests just to get on the active list and some dont get on it because they are not sick enough, all because there are not enough donors. One of my transplant buddies had to wait about 18 months for his transplant. On the day he received the call, he had woken up that Monday morning sitting up in bed getting dressed excited to go back to work after seven months because his company was finally able to have him at work safely. Then suddenly, my phone rings and its the transplant co-ordinator and she goes, Cisko, we need you to go to Auckland very quickly we might have something for you. Du Plessis packed his stuff into the car and headed to Auckland. You think you are ready and prepared, but I was a mess that morning trying to organise everything, including the kids. He was nervous, excited and relieved to be getting rid of his Louis Vuitton bags that he had been carrying around with him for seven months. He arrived in Auckland just after 12pm and that evening at just after 5pm he went into the theatre. It was a 14.5 hour operation, normal heart transplants take six to seven hours. They struggled to get the pumps out because my lung grew over one of the pumps. Eventually, the pumps were out and he was ready for the transplant. Theres a timeline they have, Du Plessis said referring to the part where the surgeons perform the transplant. They need to get it in within 45 minutes. There were complications and stuff so they struggled with me so they went up to an hour and a half. They struggled to get the new heart going, there is always a risk of complications and then I was on blood thinners as well for my pumps to prevent blood clots and stuff getting stuck in them and so they went up to an hour and a half and I bled out on the table too, one of the surgeons on the team that did the transplant said to me. They had to replace about 80% of my blood. On top of these struggles, one of the anaesthetists had a big fight on their hands trying to keep me asleep after the operation too, he said jokingly. After the surgery, I was placed in a medically induced coma for six days to allow the heart to rest and recover. Normally it is about two to three days, but I had the ECMO machine on again to give the new heart a rest to recover from it all. When he went in for surgery he was at 88.9kg and after the six-day coma, he was down to 77.2kg. On day seven he went into rehab and when he woke up he said he could feel the energy. It was crazy. I could feel the blood rush through my ears and my toes felt warm. They hadnt felt warm in quite a long time. At night he wouldnt sleep, instead he would lay there listening to the sound of his new heartbeat. On the second day after waking up, they wanted Du Plessis to start walking. Im used to struggling and running out of breath because of the pumps not getting the oxygen through the muscles. And then, after going about 30m, I realised, this is different. The oxygen is there, the energy is there, I looked at the physio and the nurse pushing the drips and said to them Okay, keep up. I started going faster, and they just had to run behind. Du Plessis said he was surprised with how quickly he recovered, My body just went with it, and that feeling of life, it was just incredible. After heart transplant surgery, patients are given a 12-week caution period to prevent any damage to stitches in the sternum. Du Plessis had eight wires holding his chest together and didnt want them to crack open. They asked me if my heart could go to the university for tests and if I am willing to donate my valves if they are still usable, I said yes to both. Afterwards, within three months they have contacted me on different occasions to let me know when they have used a valve, they saved two toddlers and a baby with three of my valves. When I got to rehab, the transplant co-ordinator said to me, Youre going to be here for about a month and a half'. So I looked at him and said, Im going to be home in three weeks and he laughed at me and said I know you are very driven Cisko, youll probably make it work'. I was home in three and a half weeks. Du Plessis was unable to return to work for another three months after leaving rehab and started back in April 2023. It didnt take long until I was back to full power at work. After the transplant and I went back to work, I found myself a new aim. Du Plessis wanted to compete in the Whaka100 mountain bike race, the largest mountain bike event in the Southern Hemisphere. I decided I wanted to do the 25km race. Francisko Du Plessis after finishing the Whaka25. Photo / Supplied Du Plessis completed the race and even came 360th place out of around 600 riders. Since he has continued to participate in the event, competing again in the 25km race in the e-bike division. Francisko Du Plessis's medals from the Whaka 25 mountain biking event. Photo / Bob Tulloch He was in for seventh place before falling over the handle bars 2km from the end, breaking his wrist. He continued the race with one hand and finished in 17th place. Francisko Du Plessis after finishing the Whaka25. Photo / Supplied Du Plessis continues to travel up to Auckland for check-ups with a cardiologist and says it only took a month after his transplant surgery to start to feel better than he ever had. His energy levels were much higher than before because he had been living with a heart functioning at about 25%. Normally people have between 50%-70%. The whole experienced has completely changed the way he sees life, he said hes less quick to judge and sometimes its hard to tell when someone is going through the worst part of their life and hes more understanding now. Something small for you might be the biggest thing someone else is going through. Going through all of this has brought about many psychological challenges. The first couple of weeks in hospital [after his transplant surgery] I cried a lot thinking about it, lying there listening to your heart and you think about that family that had to make that choice of organ donation while still in shock of losing a loved one. Around the one-year mark, at the beginning of this year, I suddenly had a mental breakdown again, we had lost four transplant bodies in the space of two to three months. Du Plessis started seeing a psychologist to work through it. When asked what he would say to someone considering become an organ donor he said You will be a hero, you will change not only the recipients life, but also their kids, their familys and everyone around them. Francisko Du Plessis with his kids Mckayla, little Francisko and Mckenzie and his wife Adelle. Photo / Supplied Just having that time back with my kids, its the greatest gift ever. Theres a lot of people on the list, a lot of people needing organs and there isnt very many donors, even though there could be. To those needing an organ he said, Keep on fighting. You have to keep positive, you have to keep fighting because as soon as you have your body in a state of positivity, the body just kicks into overdrive and tries to fix it. Dont lose hope. Du Plessis is encouraging people to have the conversation with their families. Why not save a life for free, you dont need it anymore and your soul has gone to a better place. Have that talk with your family and those closest to you, let them know your wishes to donate because you never know what happens tomorrow and when your soul has moved on and only the body is left, they will have the final say what happens to it. Du Plessis is massively grateful for his donor and their family. They made the tough decision that ended up saving his life and letting him spend more time with his kids. To him and his family, they are forever heroes. Organ Donation New Zealands Thank You Day is coming up on Saturday, November 30 for organ donation recipients across the country to come together and thank their donors. This is a day of appreciation to all those who make organ donation possible. Organ Donation New Zealand is responsible for deceased organ and tissue donation, a complex and sensitive process that is only possible in specific circumstances and with the support of a donors family. Last year, with the support of their whanau, 64 deceased people donated organs following their death, leading to more than 200 people receiving lifesaving kidney, liver, lung, heart or pancreas transplants. Thank You Day is a special opportunity to express gratitude to every donor and their whanau, as well as the many others involved in making these donations possible, including clinicians and hospital staff, laboratory technicians and scientists, the coronial service, those involved in the safe transportation of the organs, and more. Its also a powerful reminder for all New Zealanders to have a conversation with their loved ones about organ donation, to make sure their wishes are known. This simple act of communication can have a profound impact, as one organ donor has the potential to transform the lives of up to 10 others. Police continue to monitor a gang-connected funeral of a prominent Mongrel Mob member in Tauranga today. A procession is due to travel across Tauranga late-morning and police will have checkpoints in place as police monitor and respond to any unlawful activity. The police Eagle helicopter is also flying over the city to aid in the police's monitoring process. "We want to provide space for family and friends to grieve the loss of a loved one, however, we want to make it clear that no unlawful activity will be tolerated and enforcement action will be taken where unlawful activity is identified," said Bay of Plenty District commander Superintendent Tim Anderson. "This morning, police arrested a driver and seized their vehicle after they were allegedly seen driving dangerously on Owens Place around 9am." Anderson said the 30-year-old man is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court in due course on charges of dangerous driving. "There is no place for this activity today, this arrest reinforces our message that we will be taking enforcement action where unlawful activity is identified." If you see any unlawful activity please contact police and provide as much detail as you can. If you have immediate concerns for your safety, please call 111. If you are reporting matters after the fact, please contact 105 either online or over the phone, referencing file number 241126/9365. Emergency services were called to the horrific scene at Piarere on State Highway 1 at 2pm on Wednesday after a bus load of foreign tourists and two other vehicles collided on a northbound passing lane. The DNZ Travel bus was carrying 11 tourists and a driver. Police said three other people were spread across two other vehicles, a black Mazda ute and a silver Mazda liftback car. The driver's side of the bus was mangled and the impact caused major damage to the fronts of the other two vehicles, with debris strewn across the highway near the intersection with Paparamu Road. One person died at the scene, two people were critically injured, and four others suffered serious injuries. Hato Hone St John said 13 injured people were transported by road and air to Waikato, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland hospitals. A Northern Rescue spokesperson said both Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters airlifted a man in his 40s and a teenager to Auckland City Hospital. Photo: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Five rescue helicopters were dispatched to the scene including two from Auckland, one from Taupo, and one from Waikato. They joined the Eastland Rescue Helicopter from Tai Rawhiti which was first to arrive after being diverted mid-return flight from Hamilton. A spokesperson said the Eastland rescue chopper said it flew a patient in critical condition to Waikato Hospital. Another two patients were also flown to Hamilton. In total, St John responded seven ambulances and rapid response units. Fire and Emergency, police and the Serious Crash Unit were also at the scene and the road was closed until 9pm to enable a scene examination. Taupo road policing manager senior sergeant Fane Troy said several of the injured had been discharged from hospital on Thursday morning and police were collecting statements from them along with evidence to establish the cause of the crash. "Early indications are that we have had a vehicle cross the centreline. The reason for that is uncertain. That is part of our investigation, to determine what that has happened." Taupo road policing manager senior sergeant Fane Troy. Photo: RNZ / Natalie Akoorie Troy earlier said the straight stretch of road was not a blackspot. The weather conditions were also fine and clear. Troy said police's thoughts went out to those affected by this tragedy and he reminded motorists to take their time and be courteous to other road users, and safe when driving. He said police would not be in a position to release the deceased's name until next-of-kin were notified. DNZ Travel was a luxury tour company in New Zealand aimed at foreign travellers, according to its website, which was partly written in simplified Chinese. It promotes custom itineraries including visits to Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions and says it is not a rental car company. "All our vehicles are driven by our experienced drivers with their passenger service endorsement." A person who answered the phone at DNZ Travel confirmed the tourist group was okay but declined to comment further and deferred questions to police. The Chinese Embassy said its initial enquiries found the tourists were Korean while the driver's nationality was still being confirmed. Yesterday's crash was the second in six months in the Waikato region involving a passing lane where oncoming traffic was not separated by a median barrier. The first was in Te Awamutu in May when five people died after two cars collided on State Highway 3. In that case a vehicle also crossed the centreline. - Additional reporting by Liu Chen -RNZ A Royal New Zealand Air Force firefighter who was at the forefront of lifesaving actions during last years Auckland floods, and been key in improving RNZAF firefighting systems, has been named 2024 Aviator of the Year. The achievement for Coromandel aviator, Leading Aircraftman Joseph Shields, comes on the back of being named the Aviation Rescue Firefighter of the Year. I was really surprised as I feel like Ive just been doing my job, to the highest standard I can, he said. Im definitely honoured and humbled, especially amongst the standard of the other aviators who were nominated. Speaking from Hawaii where he was completing a leadership course, Leading Aircraftman Shields said he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 2021 after a career as a plumber, when the job security was low during the Covid-19 pandemic and its a role he would recommend to anyone looking to start a career in the service. No two days are the same, particularly in my trade. Were one of the only trades that have got zero notice to move. We get paged and we have to move straight away. There are also so many opportunities working with the Defence Force. If youd said to me three years ago I would be in Hawaii with a bunch of other countries, I would have thought you were joking. After completing basic firefighter training, Leading Aircraftman Shields was posted to Auckland in August 2022 and has been a key member of the Auckland Aviation Rescue Fire Flight team ever since. Base Fire Master, Warrant Officer Phil Webley, said Leading Aircraftman Shields has a great vision of what good looks like. He utilises his excellent communication skills, relationship building skills and sometimes just brute determination. He has made significant contributions, which have resulted in wide ranging improvements to the operational effectiveness of the Flight. Leading Aircraftman Shields was a first responder in the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods, which resulted in lives being saved and the firefighter initiating improvements to Air Force responses. We were called out to the suburb of Henderson, where houses were completely underwater. There was one house where a man, paralysed from the neck down, was floating in his bed. The water was rising and if hed been left alone any longer, he would have been completely submerged, he said. Warrant Officer Webley said as a result of the floods, Leading Aircraftman Shields recognised the need for better protection for Base Auckland firefighters in flooding events, by researching what was being used by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and recommended items for purchase. Base Auckland now has two complete water safety kits that have been deployed numerous times and have dramatically improved the safety of personnel working in and around water. Leading Aircraftman Shields regularly volunteers his time in the Auckland community, where he is a key member of the West Harbour Fire Brigade, attending many notable emergency incidents in the local area. When reflecting on the firefighting trade, he said: Its the unknown, not knowing what you might be faced with at any time. We can get called out at any moment, and I enjoy the unpredictability of what youll be responding to. I enjoy helping people and my country at the same time. The Aviator of the Year accolade is awarded annually to the serviceperson who takes action to make a significant and positive contribution to the RNZAF and New Zealand Defence Force, and who personifies the organisations core values. The tangi, for a prominent Mongrel Mob member and his partner, was largely a peaceful affair, according to a family member who approached SunLive. A large group of Mob members lined Judea Road outside the Huria Marae, as a contingent of Police observed from the background. Men pose outside a gang-connected funeral in Judea, Tauranga today. Photo / Tom Eley Gang patches were removed, and some members displayed Mongrel Mob facial tattoos, but they mainly maintained a friendly demeanour, the family member said. Even the old-timers were respectful today, he said. The family member approached SunLive out of concern that the media infringed on a funeralsomething that would not be considered acceptable if it were another member of the public, he said. Men with Mongrel Mob tattoos on the street near Huria Marae in Judea, Tauranga. Photo / Tom Eley There were two tangi in Tauranga, one for the Mongrel Mob captain Ned Kelly and the other for his partner at Huria Marae. I tried to go to my uncles one, but the cops had already blocked it off, so I came here, he said. Mourners some wearing red with Mongrel Mob facial tattoos lined the street outside the marae. Photo / Tom Eley The Police had been disrespectful during the event, according to social media posts and family members. A Police officer in attendance told SunLive the tangi itself had finished at noon. Cars formed a convoy and began to leave the marae at about 12.30pm to attend Taurangas crematorium on Pyes Pa road. In Matapihi, a large convoy of police vehicles left earlier this morning, and officers were walking back to their cars from a cordon. More than 12 police vehicles were parked near the entrance to the peninsula suburb, with others parked further down. A police helicopter circled the area before flying off towards the city. Video footage shows Police outside Otumoko Urupa in Matapihi. Two Matapihi Rd residents who did not want to be named said Police set up a cordon at 9am yesterday and had been stopping vehicles, according to the Bay of Plenty Times. The 20-50 officers present yesterday grew to perhaps as many as 200 today, supported by the Eagle helicopter. There were so many police vehicles, including paddy wagons, vans, trucks, and unmarked vehicles, that the couple struggled to leave home. Some of the people who were stopped verbally abused Police and were videoing and photographing them. The couple said they were in support of the Police ensuring there was order where people were wearing gang patches. - With additional reporting from Tom Eley Syracuse, N.Y. If you are driving in Central New York this Thanksgiving Day, you should be ready for everything from rain to sleet to snow. In some places, there will be no snow or just a trace and others may get close to six inches, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service this morning. The weather service reports that several inches of snow are expected in the higher terrain of Central New York with mostly rain or a rain-snow mix in the valleys. In the wake of this system, lake effect snow showers will develop Friday as much cold air drops into the region. The weather service, however, said forecasting the exact amount of snow areas will receive remains tricky at this time. If you are traveling north to Watertown or headed to Buffalo or south of Buffalo to Erie, you will have about the same weather today, but starting Friday through Sunday parts of those areas will see two feet to nearly three feet of lake-effect snow, the weather service said. This is the amount of snow forecast across New York state Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 to Sunday, Dec. 1. The forecast is as of 7 a.m. Thursday.National Weather Service The weather service said confidence is very high for a long duration lake effect snow starting Friday as colder conditions push in. As the storm moves away tonight, some lake effect snow is expected to develop around the northern Finger Lakes and push north as a more defined band of snow over northern Oneida County before daybreak Friday, according to the weather service. Snow showers will be likely through the day Friday in parts of Central New York, the weather service said. These squalls may produce a quick burst of snow with up to an inch of accumulation possible in less than an hour as they move through, they said. Heres the weather service forecast for the Syracuse area as of 8 a.m. Thursday: Today: Rain, snow, and sleet before 1 p.m.; snow between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and rain and snow after 3 p.m. High near 39. Chance of precipitation: 100%. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation Tonight: A chance of rain and snow showers before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of snow showers. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation: 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Friday: A chance of rain showers after 1 p.m., mixing with snow after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation: 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Friday night: A chance of snow showers before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation: 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Saturday: A slight chance of snow showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation: 20%. Saturday night: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation: 20%. Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation: 50%. Sunday night: Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation: 70%. jigar1791@gmail BHPian Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Mumbai Posts: 216 Thanked: 1,040 Times Re: Domestic Air Travel & Airlines | Reviews, Anecdotes, Advice, Cautions Quote: GTO Originally Posted by All smiles, beaming with positive attitude. Small examples = check-in counter lady smiles wide and wishes me a great flight. Jokes apart, I have also noticed a positive shift in the attitude of 6Es ground staff and flight attendants. This change has become especially noticeable since the official merger of Air India (AI) and Vistara (UK) post-November 12th. I have a feeling 6E is now taking competition from the merged aviation giant more seriously. They have started recognising that AI is the only true challenger to 6Es dominance in domestic operations. While AI has the financial muscle to sustain a full-scale customer experience battle, 6E counters with its highly efficient operations and an extensive domestic network. Furthermore, with 6E introducing a Business Class on the BOM-DEL sector (with plans to expand the business class to other routes), this shift in staff behaviour could be part of an effort to reposition itself as a passenger-focused and service-oriented airline. The timing could also not be more prudent, as 6E prepares for a major international expansion with the arrival of A321XLRs from '25 and A350s incoming from '27 onwards. Either way, its good for us to witness this positive change, and I hope the trend continues in the future! Sir, do you think your personality had something to do with the exceptional courtesy shown by the female staff?Jokes apart, I have also noticed a positive shift in the attitude of 6Es ground staff and flight attendants. This change has become especially noticeable since the official merger of Air India (AI) and Vistara (UK) post-November 12th.I have a feeling 6E is now taking competition from the merged aviation giant more seriously. They have started recognising that AI is the only true challenger to 6Es dominance in domestic operations. While AI has the financial muscle to sustain a full-scale customer experience battle, 6E counters with its highly efficient operations and an extensive domestic network.Furthermore, with 6E introducing a Business Class on the BOM-DEL sector (with plans to expand the business class to other routes), this shift in staff behaviour could be part of an effort to reposition itself as a passenger-focused and service-oriented airline. The timing could also not be more prudent, as 6E prepares for a major international expansion with the arrival of A321XLRs from '25 and A350s incoming from '27 onwards.Either way, its good for us to witness this positive change, and I hope the trend continues in the future! Last edited by Chetan_Rao : 28th November 2024 at 21:06 . Reason: typos pqr Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2021 Location: India Posts: 230 Thanked: 5,760 Times Re: Bharat Mobility Expo 2025: Full list of car & bike brands confirmed Quote: GTO Originally Posted by Brands frequently say they can better use this money for events that more precisely target their customers. Quote: Axe77 Originally Posted by I guess RE and Triumph in particular do enough customer centric events too where they perhaps feel their marketing budgets are better spent. Quote: ferrarirules Originally Posted by It is surprising to see JLR giving the expo a miss. Despite it being a Tata motors subsidiary. Mahindra skipped the 2023 expo because they used that budget during the exclusive EV event hosted in 2022 in the UK. Hyundai, with nothing new to show, has spent 25+ crore just to mark its presence and show solidarity in the 2023 Auto Expo. It doesn't make sense for luxury carmakers at all. First, their global products debut at their core market (China, US and western Europe); second, at Auto Expo they don't have their target audience; on public days they have to close all cars or sometimes cordon off cars to prevent the public from getting near their cars. So what purpose does it serve for them? For example, spending 15 crore by JLR at Auto Expo will be 5% of their 2023-24 net Profit after Tax! In short, for manufacturers who have new products to launch in a year or so, Expo makes sense as an investment; for others, it makes sense to skip Expo and spend on other marketing activities or simply use money to offer discounts on slow-moving products. Hosting at Auto Expo costs between 5-30 crore. That includes pavilion rent, setup, logistics, car cost, agency cost, and so on. Product launch costs are in the 5-15 crore ballpark that includes media drives and media launch events, other mass media activation activities are not accounted for in this sum. So if companies have very few product launches in two years, participating in Expo makes less financial sense.Mahindra skipped the 2023 expo because they used that budget during the exclusive EV event hosted in 2022 in the UK. Hyundai, with nothing new to show, has spent 25+ crore just to mark its presence and show solidarity in the 2023 Auto Expo.It doesn't make sense for luxury carmakers at all. First, their global products debut at their core market (China, US and western Europe); second, at Auto Expo they don't have their target audience; on public days they have to close all cars or sometimes cordon off cars to prevent the public from getting near their cars. So what purpose does it serve for them? For example, spending 15 crore by JLR at Auto Expo will be 5% of their 2023-24 net Profit after Tax!In short, for manufacturers who have new products to launch in a year or so, Expo makes sense as an investment; for others, it makes sense to skip Expo and spend on other marketing activities or simply use money to offer discounts on slow-moving products. Last edited by pqr : 1st December 2024 at 13:27 . In brief: If you're going to reveal trade secrets, you might as well include some threats aimed at the company in question. A former Google engineer is alleged to have followed this questionable advice, posting secrets relating to the Pixel chip designs and including threatening comments. Unsurprisingly, Google is now suing him. Indian semiconductor engineer Harshit Roy started working for Google in 2020 in Bengaluru after finishing university. His role involved assisting with the design, development, and deployment of SoCs used for Google's Pixel line of products: smartphones, tablets, and wearables. In August 2023, Roy started working on the next-gen SoC being designed for then-unreleased Pixel devices. Court documents state that Google became aware that he was taking photographs of information displayed on his work computer. It addressed the issue in December 2023, and Roy said he had removed the pictures from all his devices and sent Google evidence that the deletion had taken place. Roy remained at Google until March 2024, when he resigned to attend a doctoral program at the University of Texas at Austin. But Google says Roy took the work laptop he was supposed to return with him. Soon after he left the company, Roy started posting confidential Google information on his X and LinkedIn accounts, including photos of internal documents with details about Pixel SoCs. It sounds as if Roy wasn't afraid of any potential consequences. He included lines such as "remember that empires fall and so will you" and "don't expect me to adhere to any confidentiality agreement" in the posts. He even tagged Apple and Qualcomm in some of the posts, "presumably to maximize the potential harm of his disclosure." Roy is said to have signed a confidentiality agreement with Google in 2020. Google said it sent Roy takedown requests and attempted to resolve the situation without judicial intervention, but Roy ignored the company, according to the suit. The lawsuit states that Roy published a post on LinkedIn linking to a folder containing 158 photographs of internal Google files, including detailed information about the unique strengths of the SoC and specific concerns with Pixel smartphones that the SoC seeks to address. Google tracked Roy down on the University of Texas campus to try to come to a resolution. As he continued to ignore his former employer, the case went to court. Roy wasn't too praising of Google during his time at the firm, publicly claiming that it encouraged lying and treats employees as slaves. His most recent LinkedIn post states, "A case that goes undefended does not count as a victory. I'll see you in court soon. #Fraud." Google asked the court for an unspecified amount of monetary damages and to block Roy from using or sharing its secrets. Recent reports shared that the United States is considering easing down on the restrictions imposed against China regarding its access to semiconductor technology and AI chips after years of curbing sales to the country. Because of this report, many international semiconductor firms saw their shares rise in the market, especially those who have suffered from the intense US sanctions against the Chinese tech industry. However, it is important to note that the US restrictions and sanctions against China's access to semiconductors remain, and while they will not be removed by the country, they will be less strict compared to before. US to Ease Down on Semiconductor Sanctions Against China The latest report from Bloomberg shared that the United States is deciding on whether to make significant moves to ease down on the semiconductor restrictions imposed against China for several years now. While the US is still on the verge of introducing new rules that will uphold restrictions on sales of essential semiconductor parts and AI memory chips, they may see less strict provisions from Washington. It was revealed that these new rules from the US government "could stop short" of the previous proposals that focused on the sanctions against China, as the earlier ones were regarded to be stricter. Additionally, the report revealed that the US is considering fewer suppliers to add to its so-called 'Entity List' that centers on an export blacklist to the Chinese consumer tech giant, Huawei. That being said, Bloomberg shared that the US Commerce Department and its Bureau of Industry did not respond when asked for their comments regarding the matter. Stocks of Global Chip Suppliers Rise Amidst New Reports According to CNBC, the wake of Bloomberg's recent report spelled a celebratory time for global chip suppliers as they saw a surge in their shares on the market. The likes of ASML saw a 3.6 percent increase in its trading over in Europe, while Tokyo Electron enjoyed a 6 percent rise in its home country of Japan. The US Sanctions Against China on Chip Access The 'chip war' between the United States and China is not yet over, it has already dragged on for many years and significantly affected several companies like Huawei, in getting access to its processor needs for its smartphones and more. However, NVIDIA also faced the American wrath against their China exports that offer a stripped-down version of its GPU to the Chinese market. Earlier this year, Huawei and the supplier of its latest 7nm chipset for its latest smartphones were embroiled in a controversy as the US Department of Commerce suspected that this new processor used American technology to complete its development. Huawei is best known as one of the top companies that is prohibited from using US chip designs, and this finding was a shocking revelation behind the enforcement of the sanction. Most recently, one of the biggest global chip suppliers, TSMC, recently faced a probe from the US Commerce Department after it was suspected of helping Huawei with its AI chip needs, with their tech later discovered from the Chinese processor. China has since made ramping efforts toward developing their chipsets, but the latest reports claimed that the US may be toning the restrictions down, prompting global chip companies' shares to rise. The list of tech CEOs that are now showing support to Donald J. Trump and looking to be his ally under his future administration has recently grown as Meta's founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the latest to join hands with the upcoming leader. It was revealed that Zuckerberg joined Trump over at the politician's primary residence known asMar-a-Lago, located in Palm Beach, FL. What happened over at the meeting was not discussed, but it only shows that Trump may have let go of previous grudges against Zuck, particularly as the former President previously called out the CEO and Facebook during the 2020 elections. Mark Zuckerberg Joined Trump for Dinner at Mar-a-Lago Meta's CEO is one of the most prominent figures in the United States, and Zuck recently received an invitation from Trump to have dinner with him over at Mar-a-Lago, according to a report from The Verge. It was also confirmed by Meta's spokesperson, Andy Stone, who claimed that Mark Zuckerberg was "grateful" for being invited by the President-elect for an up-close interaction. Zuck was able to come face-to-face with Donald Trump despite the previously known bad blood between them, and he was also given the "opportunity" to meet the politician's team during the dinner. It was revealed by Stone that Zuckerberg and Trump, together with his team, talked about the future administration which would be officially assumed by DJT come Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025. Meta, Zuck Wants to Work with Trump's Administration Stone also shared that "It's an important time for the future of American Innovation," referring to this courtesy dinner hosted by Trump which had the Meta CEO as its guest of honor. However, the spokesperson did not reveal specifics regarding what the leaders discussed during their meeting. Despite Trump previously throwing shade against Zuckerberg after the 2020 US presidential elections, the Meta CEO shared supportive statements to the President-elect after the infamous assassination attempt, and the other congratulated the politician on his 2024 election win. Trump and the Tech CEO Allies Around Him Perhaps one of the biggest allies of Donald Trump from the leaders in the tech industry is the Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and more's CEO, Elon Musk, who explicitly campaigned for the former President earlier this year. However, their ties are not yet over after Trump won, as the President-elect was seen in the most recent SpaceX Starship Flight 6 launch over at Boca Chica, Texas. Additionally, Musk was also appointed to work closely with Trump and his administration once he assumes power, as the billionaire will soon lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to help improve the country. On the other hand, another tech mogul was seen to be tied to Trump, with Apple's CEO Tim Cook congratulating the politician on his most recent win. Not only that, Trump previously shared via an interview that he received a call from Cook who shared about the $17 billion EU fine that the Cupertino-based company is facing, and the then Presidential candidate promising to help them once he won. While most tech leaders congratulated Trump when he won, Zuckerberg included, being invited for dinner at Mar-a-Lago is not a small thing, and this suggests that both may be working closely in the future but no details were yet shared from both parties. There are hundreds of software and hardware solutions available on the market to monitor a vast array of activities. The price of user activity monitoring software ranges from several thousand dollars down to free. Most solutions can log keystrokes typed, application and website usage, detailed file usage, incoming and outgoing chats and e-mails, internet connections, windows interacted with, internet packet data, desktop screenshots, software installations, and much more. The software can present all activities logged in easy-to-read graphical reports. Employers can set specific alerts to notify management when an employee performs a certain action or is perhaps not meeting productivity goals. Keystroke monitoring is perhaps one of the most invasive types of monitoring. There are programs that generate reports detailing every key pressed on a keyboard. The companies that make the appliances to monitor employees cite uses for their products to stop leaking sensitive information, stop breaking laws, stop violating company policies, limit legal liability, and to monitor and recover lost crucial communications to name a few. Companies can implement easily and stealthily the advance monitoring systems allowing the employer to monitor workers without their knowledge. The corporation may install hardware devices at the firewall that will track all electronic transactions or can remotely install software made invisible to the computer user. The technology to monitor an employees activities is extremely sophisticated and fully capable of exposing any action taken on a business computer. The practice of employee monitoring is in practice by large and small businesses throughout the world. It is also very important to note that employers are monitoring more than just computer usage, many also employ telephone and video monitoring. According to California state law on California Public Utilities Commission, organizations monitoring phone calls are required to inform participants of the recording or monitoring of the conversation by either putting a beep tone on the line or playing a recorded message (1983, General Order 107-B). Many companies also observe employees using video surveillance equipment. Over the last couple of decades, devices that they are completely oblivious to are recording an increasing number of events in every citizens daily lives. There is an all-out assault of tools including hardware, software, telephone systems, and video recordings that organizations are using to protect themselves and work to increase productivity. The Problem Of Employee Monitoring Employers can create complex problems when they monitor employees. Should employers be able to monitor their employers? If so, what should they be restricted to monitoring, and do the employees have the right to know that employers are monitoring them. Each of these questions creates a multifaceted response from both the employers side, as well as the viewpoint of the employee. As Frayer notes, increased employee use of the Internet created opportunities for several companies to produce sophisticated monitoring software, which enables employers to peer into literally everything employees do online. According to Frayer, organization created employee monitoring because there was a substantial need for organizations to monitor their workforce. If a business owner does nothing to stop these counter-productive activities, then it is not likely the owner could stay in business. Workplace monitoring can be beneficial for an organization to obtain productivity and efficiency from its employees. The enormity of potential productivity loses, as reported by Court (2004), is approximately one million dollars annually for a company with 500 employees surfing the Internet for just a half hour a day. Using these facts, if an employee spends two hours per day on the Internet, and the organization has 500 unmonitored employees, the potential annual loss could be nearly $4 million. Of the many use cases touted for blockchain technology, digital identity is perhaps one of the most intriguing. Data held on a blockchain is permanent, tamper-proof, and transparent all properties that lend themselves well to upgrading traditional databases of identity, such as those held by passport or motor licensing authorities. However, the real potential lies in several other features of blockchain. Digital signatures allow us to choose how their digital identity is shared, and zero-knowledge proofs can offer the ability to verify identity without the user having to provide visibility of the identity itself. But decentralization is perhaps the most potent concept underpinning blockchain-based digital identities. Understanding why this is so important involves looking back at the evolution of online IDs and just how much control weve ceded to only a small handful of companies. The Erosion of Privacy In the earliest days of the internet, when it was purely a communication tool and nothing else, the need to identify other parties was fairly limited. The Domain Name System (DNS) system was developed to meet the requirement that existed. The Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), an independent US entity, administers DNS records to this day. Alongside the internet, the field of cryptography developed increasingly sophisticated means of securing data and communications online. However, encryption by itself doesnt provide a means of establishing trust someone has to know that a particular person or entity is behind the encryption to trust that its secure. Therefore, public key infrastructure systems are managed by trusted third parties, or certificate authorities, who issue public keys matched to a user. Each time we log onto a site with the HTTPS prefix, were trusting in the website owners identity, as certified by a certificate authority. Then came the era of social networking and the rise of the tech giants. These days, we can log in to many different sites and services using just our Facebook or Google credentials, and those sites trust who we are based on that alone. While its undeniably more convenient than having dozens or hundreds of individual usernames and passwords, weve effectively outsourced the management of our digital identities to a small handful of tech firms. Bitcoin A New Model for Privacy The cypherpunk movement gained traction as a result of a growing sense of horror at this scenario unfolding. Writing in A Cypherpunks Manifesto, Eric Hughes called for anonymous transaction systems that allow individuals to reveal their identity only when they choose. This was back in 1993 when Mark Zuckerberg was only nine years old. In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto invented Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer version of electronic cash. Theres no way of knowing whether or not Satoshi foresaw the potential future applications of his invention, but he alluded to privacy in the Bitcoin white paper, outlining how public keys, and thus identities, could be kept anonymous. Now, thanks to Satoshis efforts, we look set to be entering a new era of digital identity. One challenge with blockchain adoption to date is that while individuals can transact with anonymity freely between themselves, businesses have to be more cautious due to regulatory and compliance requirements. Starting from 2021, it will become possible for organizations and individuals to interact via a blockchain platform called Concordium, which balances privacy and identity. A Built-In Identity Layer Concordium is a Swiss-based blockchain project aimed at overcoming the regulatory challenges faced by enterprises wanting to benefit from the security and decentralization of public blockchain architecture. As part of its technology stack, Concordium operates an identity layer thats connected to the real world via off-chain identity providers. When a user wants to open an account, they have to get verified by the identity provider first. The provider creates an on-chain object that serves as a zero-knowledge proof that the user has passed the identity check. They can then transact with privacy using whichever application their identity would permit them to use. The identity provider cant associate their account with their identity. So lets imagine the user is a customer of a lending application run by an accredited financial institution on Concordium. They would undergo a standard KYC check with the identity provider, who checks their passport and proof of residence. Because they also want to take out a loan, they also share their credit history. They can then use the application to apply for the credit. The identity object uploaded by the provider verifies to the lending institution that the user is a good candidate for a loan but without disclosing any of their documentation or details. However, further down the line, the user defaults repeatedly on their loan repayments. The lender decides to take legal action to enforce the loan agreement. In this case, Concordium has a process for allowing the relevant authorities to identify the individual so that they can be legally compelled to repay the loan according to the contract. The Concordium Foundation appoints trusted third parties known as anonymity revokers. The anonymity revoker can decrypt the users unique identifier. This authorizes the identity provider to hand over the identifying documents to the authorities so the lender can recover the loan under the agreements legal terms. Its important to note that neither the identity provider nor the anonymity revoker can act independently. One Platform, Multiple Use Cases and Accounts Users can also create more than one Concordium account, with no requirement that multiple accounts are linked. So the user above could also have created a second account, say, based on their drivers license and vehicle registration identity documents. They can use this account to participate in a car-sharing app. Its not linked to their other account used with the lending app. So far, these are hypothetical examples. However, they illustrate just a few use cases for a decentralized self-sovereign blockchain-based digital identity. Its a far cry from the current status quo. However, the point at which we wrest back control of our online identities from centralized entities and private companies is nearer than it may seem. Beau Horan, 16, has died after being bitten by an eastern brown snake in his Queensland backyard on Monday. Beau Horan (top right) died after being bitten by an eastern brown snake on Monday. Source: Supplied A family has made the heartbreaking decision to turn off their teenage son's life-support machine after he was bitten by an eastern brown snake in his backyard this week. Beau Horan, 16, was at his family home in Gladstone, Queensland on Monday afternoon when the snake bit him on the leg. It was only when the high school student collapsed that his family knew something was seriously wrong. "By the time they found him collapsed, they called an ambulance and it was only then they realised he'd been bitten by a snake," family friend Shaun Connolly told Yahoo News. Beau was rushed to a nearby hospital before he was medically airlifted to Brisbane where he was put on a life-support machine. ADVERTISEMENT "I'm going off what his mum has told me... she's distraught as you can imagine," Connolly said. "We don't know too much what the circumstances were, but we think he wasn't aware he had been bitten," Shaun said. The family made the difficult decision to switch off Beau's life-support machine on Thursday. Source: Supplied Family left with 'indescribable emptiness' after 16-year-old's death The family have described Beau as a "vibrant, compassionate [and] a loving young man" with a "bright future ahead of him". Beau's mum Bek Eddy and his two sisters now face uncertainty as they try to cover the unexpected medical and funeral costs, with Shaun creating a GoFundMe page to alleviate some of the pressure. "It's just so sad," Shaun said. Brown snake bites are the most lethal in Australia Brown snakes are extremely venomous and are responsible for the majority of Australia's snake bite fatalities, with 41 per cent of snake bites in the country coming from the species. Around 3,000 snake bites are reported each year but fatalities are relatively low with two deaths reported on average. ADVERTISEMENT The potency of brown snake venom is incredibly strong, containing severe neurotoxins that result in progressive paralysis and heart failure. Eastern brown snakes are one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Source: Getty Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A police officer who unlawfully killed an aged-care resident with dementia by shooting her with a Taser has been suspended without pay after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter. Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White discharged his stun gun at Clare Nowland in a treatment room at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home in the southern NSW town of Cooma during the early hours of May 17, 2023. In video footage played at his NSW Supreme Court trial, the 34-year-old officer was heard saying "nah, bugger it" before shooting the great-grandmother in the torso. Mrs Nowland, who was holding a steak knife, fell backwards and hit her head before dying a week later in hospital. Kristian White was found guilty of manslaughter after he fatally tasered Clare Nowland. Source: AAP On Thursday, Justice Ian Harrison will hear an application by crown prosecutors to place White behind bars ahead of his sentence. Before the application, NSW Police confirmed the senior constable had been notified he had been suspended without pay after Wednesday's verdict. Police Commissioner Karen Webb was also in the process of going through procedures set out under legislation to remove White from the force. They include giving him at least 21 days to make submissions in response to the planned action. There were gasps in the courtroom when the jury delivered its guilty verdict after 20 hours of deliberations. Prosecutors immediately sought to detain the 34-year-old after his conviction, but Justice Harrison postponed the hearing for a day. The judge said he would need evidence about the conditions White would face in prison given he was a police officer. Officers are typically housed away from other inmates as they can be targets for other criminals behind bars. Defence barrister Troy Edwards SC earlier argued a jail sentence was not inevitable for White, given the wide range of possible punishments for manslaughter. The charge carries a maximum jail term of 25 years. Norway faces WWF in court over deep sea mining Oslo, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 The World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF) Norwegian chapter will have its day in court Thursday, after it sued Norway for opening up its seabed to mining before performing sufficient impact studies. Already Western Europe's largest oil and gas producer, Norway could become one of the first countries to authorise seabed mining, arguing the importance of not relying on China for minerals essential for renewable technology. While deep-sea mining is contentious due to its potential impact on vulnerable marine ecosystems, Norway's parliament in January formally gave its green light to open up parts of its seabed to exploration. "We believe the government is violating Norwegian law by now opening up for a new and potentially destructive industry without adequately assessing the consequences," Karoline Andaur, CEO of WWF-Norway, said in a statement. Norway "must halt the rushed process, must actively support a national and global moratorium -- a temporary ban on seabed mining until there is sufficient knowledge," Andaur said in an online meeting earlier in November. With their lawsuit, WWF-Norway is also calling on the Norwegian government to stop giving public support to mining companies for the exploration phase and to allocate these funds to independent research institutions. That would help "to close the many knowledge gaps about marine life", Andaur said. The trial will run until December 5. - Possible dangers - On April 12, Norway's Ministry of Energy announced that it was opening up an area of the Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea to exploration, with the aim of awarding the first licences in the first half of 2025. Within the area, which is the size of the United Kingdom, it has designated locations covering 38 percent of the area suitable for exploration for a first licensing round. "Before any exploitation can begin, it has to be shown that the proposed exploitation can take place in a sustainable and responsible manner," Astrid Bergmal, state secretary at the energy ministry, told AFP in an email. The first projects will also have to be approved by parliament, Bergmal added. "The first phase will consist of mapping and exploration, which has little environmental impact," she said. But critics see this stage as a first step towards exploitation. According to several NGOs, opening up the seabed poses an additional threat to an ecosystem that is little-known and has already been weakened by global warming. Possible dangers include the destruction of marine habitats and organisms, noise and light pollution, as well as the risk of chemical leaks from machines and species being displaced. Norwegian authorities meanwhile stress that by allowing the prospecting they want to fill in the gaps in knowledge. In early 2023, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate published a report concluding that "substantial resources are in place on the seabed" including minerals such as copper, zinc and cobalt. Four children drowned in Sri Lanka as storm heads to India Colombo, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Sri Lankan rescue teams said Thursday they had recovered four drowned children killed in a flash flood, with four other people missing, after torrential rains from a powerful but slow-moving storm now heading towards India. More than 250,000 people in Sri Lanka have been forced to flee after their homes were flooded. Indian weather officials said there was a "possibility" that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal could develop into a cyclonic storm. Cyclones -- the equivalent of hurricanes in the North Atlantic or typhoons in the northwestern Pacific -- are a regular and deadly menace in the region. Having skirted the coast of Sri Lanka, it was now moving north towards India's southern Tamil Nadu state. The India Meteorological Department said it was expected to hit India's southern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline on Saturday morning as a "deep depression" with winds "gusting up to 70 kph (43 mph)". Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre said some 276,000 people were seeking temporary shelter in public buildings after their homes were swamped. The government has asked the army to help in relief operations. The disaster centre said search teams were still looking for two missing children and two men, who were also swept away by flash floods while on tractor and trailer. Deadly rain-related floods and landslides are common across South Asia, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. At plastic treaty talks, no united front for industry Busan, South Korea, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Is virgin plastic production vital or completely unsustainable? For the industry lobbyists at UN talks on plastic pollution, the answer is far from unanimous. The corridors of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre, where the treaty to curb plastic pollution is being negotiated, teem with corporate representatives. There are the chemical and petrochemical firms whose products are the precursors for plastic, the food and cosmetic companies whose packaging depends on it, and the automakers whose vehicles are increasingly full of it. All back a treaty, but what they want to see in it differs significantly, particularly on the issue of production. "Production caps and reducing the amount of material in the system would impact those least able to afford it the most," warned Stewart Harris, spokesman for the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA). The body groups global industry associations and is pushing for a treaty focused on waste management rather than manufacturing limits. "We see the need for more material in the system overall," Harris told AFP, urging a focus on "circularity" instead of restrictions on new production. - 'A big problem' - It's a position echoed by some in the auto sector, who say recycled plastic cannot yet meet the stringent safety requirements for vehicles. Mark Bacchus, senior manager at Toyota, also warned that the electrification of cars will require more plastic to balance out their heavier batteries. "If we have a scenario where plastics are going to be less available, that's going to cause a big problem for us," he told AFP. That is not the view taken by the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, which groups several hundred firms including multinationals like Nestle, Unilever, Ikea and Lego. They have endorsed a call for a reduction of production and use, including of single-use products, as well as the possible phaseout of chemicals considered harmful to human health. Jodie Roussell, global public affairs lead for packaging and sustainability at Nestle, said the position was good business. "Different members of the value chain have different interests based on their core business," she told AFP. "We're in the food and beverage industry. Our core interest is a stable climate and a clean environment." For these companies, a global treaty also offers the chance of a level playing field, forcing everyone to invest in things like redesigning items for reusability and incorporating recycled material into products. "Businesses can't do it alone, and we need multilateral legislation to be put into place," she said. - 'Champions of Change' - The group stops short of endorsing any numerical target for reduction of new plastic production, arguing that the position is so far from being adopted widely that doing so would not advance the talks. Cutting production is among the most divisive issues on the table for the negotiators from nearly 200 countries. Even the so-called High Ambition Coalition of countries, led by Rwanda and Norway, have no explicit target for cuts. One group of mostly smaller businesses believes that is insufficient. The "Champions of Change" coalition, organised by environmental groups including Greenpeace, brings together around 300 companies, restaurants and other small businesses. It includes a handful of household names like ice cream maker Ben and Jerry's and bath products giant Lush. They are urging the treaty to cut plastic production by at least 75 percent by 2040, from 2019 levels. "A truly ambitious treaty is one that addresses the root causes of plastic pollution and spurs a shift away from single-use," the group argues. Even among businesses committed to shifting plastic use, there have been challenges. Unilever, a member of the Business Coalition, has been targeted by Greenpeace over its use of sachet packaging in Asia, where the products are a persistent source of pollution. The company's latest progress report on its plastic use acknowledges it is still working to "overcome challenges in the development of viable and scalable solutions" for the issue. At least 30 feared dead after Uganda landslides: official Kampala, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 At least 30 people were feared dead after landslides in a village in eastern Uganda, a local official said on Thursday, warning the toll could rise. The East African country has been deluged by heavy rains in the past few days, with the government issuing a national disaster alert after reports of flooding and landslides. Masugu village in eastern Bulambuli district, some five hours from the capital, Kampala, was hit by landslides late on Wednesday. Images on local media showing huge swathes of fallen earth covering the land. "We lost about 30 people," district commissioner Faheera Mpalanyi told AFP. She added that six bodies, including that of a baby, had been recovered so far. "Given the devastation and the size of the area affected and from what the affected families are telling us, several people are missing and probably buried in the debris," she said. Ugandan Red Cross spokesperson John Cliff Wamala said "13 bodies have been recovered", adding that multiple villages were affected in the district. He said as many as 40 homes had been "completely destroyed, with others sustaining partial damage". - 'Disaster situations' - The scale and precise location of the multiple landslides was unclear. Videos and photographs shared on social media purported to show people digging for survivors in Kimono village, also in Bulambuli district. The Ugandan prime minister's office issued an alert, writing on X: "Heavy rains on Wednesday in parts of Uganda have led to disaster situations in many areas." The heavy rains in recent days caused flooding in the northwest after a tributary of the Nile River burst its banks. Emergency teams were sent to rescue stranded motorists. A major road connecting the country with South Sudan was impassable late on Wednesday, with emergency boat crews deployed near the town of Pakwach. "Unfortunately, one of the boats capsized, resulting in the death of one engineer," Uganda's defence forces said on X. The deadliest landslide in Africa was in Sierra Leone's capital in Freetown in August 2017, when 1,141 people perished. Mudslides in the Mount Elgon region of eastern Uganda killed more than 350 people in February 2010. Earlier this year, more than 30 died in Kampala after a massive rubbish landslide. At least 15 dead, 113 missing, after Uganda landslides Kampala, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Landslides in several villages in eastern Uganda have killed 15 people and left more than 100 unaccounted for, police said on Thursday. The East African country has been deluged by heavy rains in the past few days, with the government issuing a national disaster alert after reports of flooding and landslides. Landslides late on Wednesday hit the village of Masugu in the eastern Bulambuli district, about five hours from the capital, Kampala. Images on local media showed huge swathes of fallen earth covering the land. "A total of 15 bodies have been retrieved," the Ugandan police said in a statement posted on X, adding that a further 15 people had been admitted to a local hospital. "Unfortunately, 113 people are still missing, but efforts are underway to locate them," it said. The statement said five villages -- Masugu, Namachele, Natola, Namagugu, and Tagalu -- had been impacted. District commissioner Faheera Mpalanyi said that six bodies, including that of a baby, had been recovered so far from Masugu village. "Given the devastation and the size of the area affected and from what the affected families are telling us, several people are missing and probably buried in the debris," she said. Ugandan Red Cross spokesperson John Cliff Wamala said "13 bodies have been recovered", adding that multiple villages were struck in the district. He said as many as 40 homes had been "completely destroyed, with others sustaining partial damage". Police said they were working with the local community and other security agencies to intensify rescue operations but were being hindered by impassable roads, blocking ambulances and rescue vehicles from reaching the scene. A video from the Uganda Red Cross showed a huddle of people desperately digging through the disturbed earth as women wailed in the background. - 'Disaster situations' - The scale of the multiple landslides was unclear. Videos and photographs shared on social media purported to show people digging for survivors in Kimono village, also located in the Bulambuli district. The Ugandan prime minister's office issued an alert, writing on X: "Heavy rains on Wednesday in parts of Uganda have led to disaster situations in many areas." The downpour in recent days caused flooding in the northwest after a tributary of the Nile River burst its banks. Emergency teams were deployed to rescue stranded motorists. A major road connecting the country with South Sudan was obstructed late on Wednesday, with emergency boat crews deployed near the town of Pakwach. "Unfortunately, one of the boats capsized, resulting in the death of one engineer," Uganda's defence forces said on X. The deadliest landslide in Africa ravaged Sierra Leone's capital Freetown in August 2017, when 1,141 people perished. Mudslides in the Mount Elgon region of eastern Uganda killed more than 350 people in February 2010. Earlier this year, more than 30 people died in Kampala after a massive rubbish landslide. Flood-hit Spain introduces 'climate leave' for workers Madrid, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Spain's leftist government on Thursday approved a "paid climate leave" of up to four days for workers to avoid travelling during weather emergencies, a month after floods killed 230 people. Several companies came under fire after the October 29 catastrophe for ordering employees to keep working despite a red alert issued by the national weather agency. The firms said the authorities failed to inform them sufficiently and sent telephone alerts too late during the European country's deadliest floods in decades. The new measure aims to "regulate in accordance with the climate emergency" so that "no worker must run risks", Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz told public broadcaster RTVE. If emergency authorities raise the alarm about a risk, "the worker must refrain from going to work", said Diaz. Employees can resort to a reduced working day beyond the four-day period, a mechanism that already exists for emergencies, the government said. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo warned the cost of extreme weather events could double by 2050 as the government confirmed 2.3 billion euros of fresh aid for flood victims. Scientists say climate change driven by human activity is fuelling the increased length, frequency and ferocity of natural disasters. Paris clamps down on Airbnb to ease housing crunch Paris, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Paris unveiled new regulations Thursday tightening restrictions on holiday apartment rentals, hoping to ease a housing shortage with measures including fines of up to 100,000 euros ($105,000) for breaches. France's parliament approved a bill this month allowing cities to clamp down on short-term furnished rentals to combat a lack of affordable housing. The French capital, one of the world's top tourist destinations, is among many cities worldwide where officials and activists complain rentals are encouraging "Airbnb entrepreneurs" and speculators to snap up real estate, leading to housing shortages for residents. Under new rules approved by the Paris city council, which take effect January 1, the maximum number of days a primary residence can be rented will be slashed from 120 per year to 90. Owners will be required to declare their properties on a national online registry and prove their properties are primary residences, with fraudsters facing a 20,000-euro fine. The fine for illegally changing a property's designated use will double, from 50,000 euros to 100,000 euros. Jacques Baudrier, Paris deputy mayor for housing, hailed the regulations as a "historic win", after a more than decade-long push for tighter rules. "We now have much more efficient legal weapons," he said. Platforms that fail to block users who violate the maximum number of rental days and concierge services that act as "accomplices" to fraudulent renters will also face fines. Airbnb criticized the measures in a statement, calling them a "diversion" from the real problems driving housing shortages. "In other cities that have put in place drastic measures of this type, such as New York, there has been no positive impact on the long-term rental market," it said. Paris officials estimate 25,000 apartments in the city are currently up for short-term rental illegally, generating one billion euros in annual revenue. ldp-aco/jhb/tw Tanzania's ruling party wins landslide victory in local vote Dar es Salaam, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2024 Tanzania's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has dominated the east African nation's politics for decades, won more than 98 percent of seats in this week's local elections, official results showed Thursday. Widely seen as a key test for the country's democratic institutions ahead of presidential elections next year, the vote on Wednesday was marked by claims of rigging and incidents of violence. The main opposition Chadema party said three of its members were killed in incidents linked to the vote. Tanzania was electing more than 80,000 local leaders who wield considerable power. Officials results showed that the CCM of President Samia Suluhu Hassan scored more than 98 percent with 18 other parties sharing the remaining seats. "These elected leaders should be immediately sworn in," Minister of State Mohamed Mchengerwa who is in charge of the polls said, announcing the results. The vote was Hassan's first test at the ballot box ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections next October. - Emergency opposition meeting - Chadema on Thursday said it had called an "emergency meeting" for Friday to discuss the polls. The party would issue its verdict on the election after the meeting, it said in a statement ahead of the results. Chadema also protested last week against what it said was the unfair disqualification of several of its candidates. Tanzania, a nation of 61 million people, has long been regarded as one of Africa's most stable democracies. The CCM, and its predecessor Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), have ruled Tanzania since independence in 1961. It has been accused of increased repression in the run-up to the vote. Hassan took office after the sudden death of her authoritarian predecessor John Magufuli in 2021. She was initially feted for easing restrictions that Magufuli had imposed on the opposition and the media in the country of around 67 million people. But rights groups and Western governments have criticised what they see as renewed repression ahead of the elections, with opposition politicians facing frequent arrests, as well as abductions and murder. The Catholic Church on Thursday condemned the violence, saying the country was going "through a trying period filled with pain and suffering". "This is an evil, but unfortunately, we do not see it being strongly condemned," Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa'ichi said. The opposition boycotted the polls in 2019 citing violence and intimidation, paving the way for a clean CCM sweep of the seats. Carnaby's cockatoos have been observed flocking in large numbers and dining out on canola seeds. Source: Rick Dawson A dramatic weather change in Australias southwest has sparked new behaviour in flocks of rare birds. Carnabys cockatoos are no longer heading into the bush where thousands of trees have died from extended drought as there are few seeds to eat. Instead, they are feasting on canola crops which are regularly watered and provide a dependable source of food. And because they no longer need to fly to the forest, they now have more time available to play. This year we havent seen a bird fly off to the national park. They spend the whole day close to the canola, and their kids are fed it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the University of Western Australias Dr Peter Mawson explained to Yahoo News. ADVERTISEMENT The Adjunct Professor of Biological Sciences has been studying the endangered species remarkable ability to live for decades in the wild often for 35 years with the results published by the CSIRO overnight. During their time with the birds, Mawson and his colleagues have also witnessed the impact of the great browning ecological event that has spread across Western Australias southwest, wiping out natural food sources. There are clear indications the birds are aware there is no food to be had... so they're not wasting their time trying to look for it," Mawson said. Because they've got all that spare time on their hands because they don't have to fly very far, and it takes a lot less time to collect the canola we're seeing these large flocks of birds wheeling around, flying, talking, socialising. It's almost like human culture. Once they've got to the stage where they've got a food surplus, they can engage in extra culture. Need more stories from our weird and wonderful world? Subscribe to our newsletter. Carnaby's cockatoos at Coomallo Creek have been observed feeding their young a diet of canola seeds. Source: Rick Dawson Concern young cockatoos may not learn key survival skill Mawson and his team have seen flocks of up to 140 birds milling around together during the breeding season, which is unusual because ordinarily much of their time would be spent scavenging for food in pairs. ADVERTISEMENT Research indicates canola has almost the same energy content as the forest seeds the Carnabys cockatoos would ordinarily forage for. But its unclear whether it has the same micronutrients. Clearly they have no choice this year. But you can raise a kid on hamburgers, and if its a newborn its not going to complain because it doesnt know any different, Mawson said. Between 20,000 and 40,000 Carnabys cockatoos survive in the wild. Source: Rick Dawson The bigger concern for the birds is whether this years babies will learn the necessary foraging skills to survive after their parents leave. Its possible there could be a spike in mortalities at the one-year mark after their parents head to the breeding grounds. ADVERTISEMENT Canola is a small grain, and as the weather changes the supply will disappear, so after the expected rains in January and February, the juveniles will be forced to find a new supply of food. The question will be how big an influence has the drought had on the ongoing supply of native foods, Mawson said. Breeding behaviour changes following intervention Like many native birds, Carnabys cockatoos lay their eggs in tree hollows and raise them inside until theyre ready to fly. But unfortunately, there are few available for them to nest in. The problem arose after forest surrounding Perth was felled to create farmland for Western Australias Wheatbelt. But supply has been temporarily solved with the installation of artificial nest boxes which are secured to trees. In the past, we always thought they didnt start breeding until four years of age, but now we see some three-year-old females will attempt to using the nest boxes, Mawson said. ADVERTISEMENT The situation has certainly improved. Weve gone from 41 breeding attempts at our study site in Coomallo Creek [in the northern Wheatbelt] to 147 just by providing artificial nest hollows and also repairing natural nest hollows that had started to fail. Carnabys cockatoos are using artifical nesting hollows. Source: Rick Dawson Major concern threatens Carnaby's cockatoos' future The research suggests because Carnabys cockatoos are long-lived, their need to breed and replace themselves with offspring has been evolutionarily delayed. Between 20,000 and 40,000 individuals are left in the wild after numbers plummeted over 50 per cent over the last half-century. Because the species is now protected, the adult birds alive today are unlikely to be lost any time soon, giving researchers time to devise plans to help populations rebound. While the artificial hollows have been a success, the challenge researchers face is that the remaining natural hollowed trees are crumbling, and the birds are refusing to use them. ADVERTISEMENT That decline continues unabated. It shows us that the breeding trees have a finite life, Mawson said. They grow so slowly that none of the trees standing are in a state where they are starting to produce hollows big enough for the cockatoos. And we've certainly seen no recruitment of tiny trees that started as natural seedlings. That's really alarming, because that means in the next 150 to 250 years there likely will not be any trees left for them. And well face the challenge of what do we hang those nest boxes on. Longevity in Carnabys Cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) was authored by Denis Saunders, Peter Mawson, and Rick Dawson. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. China ready to expand economic, trade exchanges with Netherlands: Chinese Premier Xinhua) 08:02, November 28, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to keep expanding economic and trade exchanges with the Netherlands while adhering to the principle of mutual benefit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday. During a phone call with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Netherlands relations have developed steadily and rapidly, and cooperation in various fields has been continuously expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. China is ready to maintain close exchanges with the new Dutch government and work together to uphold the positive momentum in promoting the bilateral relations, he said. Openness and practicality are valuable lessons drawn from the development of China-Netherlands relations, Li said, adding that China is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with the Netherlands, strengthen dialogue and communication, continue to consolidate political mutual trust, so as to provide a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. For his part, Schoof said that China plays an increasingly important role in global affairs, and the Netherlands attaches great importance to its relationship with China. Bilateral relations, particularly in terms of economic and trade cooperation, have seen strong growth. The Dutch government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, recognizing that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Schoof said. The Netherlands is ready to serve as a gateway for China's cooperation with Europe, and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in economic, trade, and other fields to advance Netherlands-China relations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Locals have long called out the reckless antics often witnessed at crocodile-prone hotspots. A man was seen wading through Buffalo Creek in the Northern Territory which is known for having large saltwater crocodiles. Source: Facebook A daring man is "extremely lucky" to have "not been attacked" by one of Australia's biggest predators after engaging in what Aussies have labelled "stupid" and "crazy" behaviour. And alarmingly, such antics are becoming more and more prominent across the country, one man told Yahoo News. A video shared online this week shows a man wearing fishing gear wading through Buffalo Creek, 17 kilometres northeast of Darwin, in the Northern Territory. He appears to be fishing using a net in the body of water known for large saltwater crocodiles. Paul Bowen, a conservationist who monitors online videos of dangerous behaviour around crocodiles said, "the amount of videos and images coming from people being careless, especially in the past four months, is very concerning". Speaking of the latest incident he said, "the man in the video is extremely lucky to have not been attacked by a large saltwater crocodile". ADVERTISEMENT "It's only a matter of time before another person is attacked in Australia this year due to people's behaviour recently," he told Yahoo. Reckless behaviour around croc hotspots regularly witnessed In August, a 40-year-old doctor was with his family in Cooktown, Queensland, when he fell into the water and failed to resurface. "Human remains" were later found inside a local croc leading to it being killed. While that incident was believed to be an accident, with his wife saying they were walking on a riverbank which collapsed, deliberate and reckless behaviour in and around croc hotspots is regularly witnessed and called out. In October, a group was snapped frolicking near the water's edge of a notorious stretch of Myall Creek at Cape Tribulation in northeast Queensland. A local man said there was a four-metre crocodile around the corner sitting on a sandbank, and there were signs everywhere warning people. Others have been criticised for deliberately luring the animals out of the water, effectively tormenting the crocs often with food which is not recommended. 'Gruesome' consequence of ignoring croc safety rules But it's "not just the individual" impacted if a crocodile attack occurs as a result of reckless behaviour, Northern Territory tour guide David McMahon told Yahoo News previously. He too has seen his fair share of unnecessary and risky behaviour. Signs are often dotted in areas known for crocodiles, yet some people continue to ignore them. Source: Facebook. "When someone gets taken it's not just that person that suffers the consequences. Rangers have the gruesome job of recovering what's left of the body and then they have to find and kill the crocodile responsible," he explained. ADVERTISEMENT Responding to the recent incident at Buffalo Creek, people on Facebook where the video was shared were dumbfounded with some implying they see similar behaviour often. "What could possibly go wrong," one said sarcastically. "I wouldn't be walking in the water. Way too many crocs," said another. People are often caught engaging in dangerous crocodile behaviour, including entering water where the animals are known to be. Source: Facebook. Crocodiles hunt on water's edge A spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Science told Yahoo News Australia previously it encouraged everyone living in and visiting Croc County to make sensible choices when near the water and to always practise CrocWise behaviour. ADVERTISEMENT That includes staying at least five metres from the waters edge as crocodiles often hunt their prey there. Other safety tips include disposing of all food and fish scraps as not to attract crocs, keep pets on a lead and away from the waters edge, avoid using kayaks and paddle boards as crocs have taken people from small vessels, and to stay well away from crocodile traps. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Australia is facing a dangerous bushfire season with conditions similar to Black Summer in western Victoria but dry soil levels and increased rainfall could combine to bring both bushfires and flash flooding across large parts of the country. Temperatures from April to October have been above, to very much above, average in almost the whole country. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan speaks to media during the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) seasonal bushfire outlook launch in Melbourne. Credit: AAPIMAGE In Victoria alone, there have been more than 150 bush and grass fires this year. Large parts of the state are at increased bushfire risk, including most of the states west including Ballarat and Bendigo, and the north-east and south-west of the state. This also includes south Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula and parts of Greater Melbourne. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Its time: Legendary Golden Century restaurant to reopen, this time with harbour views The much-missed Chinatown stalwart is making a glitzy comeback at Crown Barangaroo. And theyll have an equally iconic new neighbour. Bianca Hrovat November 28, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share When Chinatown restaurant Golden Century announced its closure after 32 years of operation, Sydney went into mourning. It was the loss of a culinary institution, where multiple generations of diners, chefs, celebrities and politicians gathered over peking duck and bowls of pipis in XO sauce to celebrate, commiserate and kick on. But on Thursday, an almost-Christmas miracle: restaurateur family Eric, Linda and Billy Wong announced Golden Century will rise again, reopening at Crown Barangaroo in January with its signature Cantonese dishes, a wall of live seafood tanks and harbour views. Crown will also welcome Bondis Icebergs Dining Room & Bar for a summer residency at The Waiting Room, which theyre calling Icebergs Harbour Bar. Golden Century owners (L-R) Eric, Linda and Billy Wong with Icebergs Dining Room & Bar owner Maurice Terzini (second from right). Louise Kennerley Golden Century will take over the former site of now-closed Chinese restaurant Silks, on the third floor of Crown. It will seat about 150 people (notably smaller than its 600-seat Sussex Street location) and open for lunch and dinner. Advertisement It was time for Golden Century to come back, says Billy Wong, who will lead restaurant operations with ongoing input from his parents. Elements of the new Golden Century will stay true to the original: parents Eric and Linda Wong will often be there (Its in their blood, says son Billy); the wine list will be varied and lengthy (though $1.15 million of their wine collection was sold after the closure); and a significant portion of the menu will focus on comforting Cantonese classics, cooked by a team of chefs who have worked at the Wongs other restaurants, XOPP (Darling Harbour) and The Century (Pyrmont). The opening menu will include signature dishes such as XO pipis, live lobster cooked two ways, abalone steamboats, Peking duck, and a lunchtime yum cha offering. Thats the sort of legacy I want to continue. I want Golden Century to be there for the next generation. Restaurant owner Billy Wong The announcement follows reports of a food and beverage overhaul across Crown Resorts in Melbourne and Sydney as US private equity giant Blackstone (which acquired the casino operator in 2022) works to overcome a steep decline in Crown Resorts annual earnings this financial year, and a $450 million penalty by AUSTRAC for breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws issued last July. Advertisement A spokesperson for Crown said the AUSTRAC penalties related to breaches under previous Crown owners and management. Blackstone managing director Craig Newman said: Blackstone is delighted to work with the Crown team and talented chefs and creators to bring exciting new dining options to guests and visitors. The famous seafood tanks at Golden Century in 2016. Dominic Lorrimer Wong says support for the familys restaurant encouraged them to seek another venue after debts of more than $1 million plunged Golden Century Seafood Restaurant into administration during a lease impasse at the Sussex Street site in 2021. Creditors later voted to clear the debt. We were overwhelmed by the support we received, says Wong. Many of our customers reached out to share stories of dining with their grandparents, their parents, and eventually their own children at the restaurant. It was like a rite of passage. Advertisement Thats the sort of legacy I want to continue. I want Golden Century to be there for the next generation. Golden Centurys signature dish, pipis in XO sauce, will make a comeback. Christopher Pearce The family has spent the past three years reviewing potential sites, but nothing checked all the boxes until Crown. The new site was too good to refuse, Wong says: a convenient, bustling location, impressive harbour views, and a community of well-respected in-house restaurants including aMare and Oncore by Clare Smyth. [At Crown], well have an opportunity to elevate what we do, Wong says. Linda and Eric Wong (right) outside Golden Century in 1989 with Siuwah Wong, one of the original owners. Supplied Advertisement Wong says its important for Golden Century to continue offering various price points, accommodating grand celebratory feasts alongside drop-in visits for dim sum and fried rice. But this time, there will be eight private dining rooms, a selection of new dishes to elevate the culinary offering, and an earlier closing time of about 10pm or 11pm at least initially. Golden Century was once known as the go-to spot for late-night dining in Sydney, especially among chefs. Wong says it could happen again, depending on demand and Crown regulations. Bookings for Golden Century will open in December. XOPP and Golden Century BBQ will continue to trade, but The Century at Star will close by the end of December. Its last day of service is yet to be determined. Advertisement Icebergs Dining Room & Bar will open Icebergs Harbour Bar at Crown in January. Jennifer Soo Icebergs Harbour Bar will open every day, taking inspiration from European hotel bars while offering a menu of casual Icebergs classics such as the Iceburger and fried gamberetti (school prawns). I have always had a love affair with great hotel bars; theyre transient and fun, says Icebergs restaurateur Maurice Terzini. This evolution of the Icebergs Bar will bring classic drinks and our signature bar food offering to Crown Sydney. While Crown Resorts was sold to Blackstone for $8.9 billion in 2022, it now has an estimated worth of less than $300 million. In July, Crown sold its 20 per cent stake in acclaimed Japanese restaurant and hotel chain Nobu, worth $266 million A spokesperson for Crown said Nobu Barangaroo will continue to operate as normal. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Legendary Australian barrister and former politician Tom Hughes, KC, has died aged 101. Hughes, a former federal attorney-general and top silk, appeared in a string of high-profile defamation cases, including for footballer Andrew Ettingshausen and the late stockbroker Rene Rivkin, as well as being a leader in commercial and constitutional law. Tom Hughes, KC, in 2005. Farewell to a wonderful father. What an incredibly long and good life, Hughes daughter, Lucy Turnbull, said in a social media post on Thursday. Hughes died at midday on Thursday, two days after his 101st birthday. Sydneys long-awaited new intercity trains are set to begin passenger services on the Newcastle and Central Coast line on Tuesday morning after more than four years of delays. The first passenger service will depart at 5.20am from Central to Newcastle, with a back-up time scheduled for 8.20am from Newcastle to Central. The independent regulator has approved Sydneys much-delayed Mariyung intercity fleet for passengers. The Sydney Morning Herald understands that both services have appeared on crew rosters. The $4.03 billion fleet, built in South Korea, has been stuck in limbo due to a prolonged dispute between the state government and the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) over safety concerns. The trains, which arrived in 2019, have been sitting unused in sheds on the Central Coast since, awaiting modifications to address issues raised by the union, particularly regarding passenger safety and train door operations. Oak earlier this month issued a statement about an investigation by corporate regulator ASIC. Oak Capital strongly refutes all ASICs allegations and we will defend our position. All our loans comply with relevant laws and industry standards, the company said. CBD understands the ACA team has been stood down pending an investigation. Costello declined to comment. A Nine spokesman said: While we are aware of a range of allegations made against Nine by an individual representing a company facing legal proceedings commenced by ASIC, we believe the legal claim has no basis. Spirited tabloid pursuit on behalf of the common man, or foot in the door badgering? We report, you decide. Quite the hide Then: Back in 2009, Christopher Pyne, as newly appointed manager of opposition business in the House of Representatives, is taunted by then-deputy prime minister Julia Gillard as a mincing poodle. Former Liberal politician Christopher Pyne. Credit: Matt Loxton Now: Pyne, with his stint as defence minister behind him, quit parliament in 2019 and then set up lobbying shop Pyne & Partners, and was due on Thursday night to attend a meeting with another former defence parliamentary secretary David Feeney in Melbourne with Incolink, a construction industry workers entitlement scheme with lots of links to Labor and union types. The chosen venue? None other than a smart Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, cocktail establishment by the name of Poodle Bar & Bistro. As Pyne commented dryly when contacted by CBD: I have a hide like a rhinoceros, which has been useful in my choice of livelihood. Making it official Prime Minister Anthony Albanese might be having trouble selling his Sydney investment property, as this column reported on Monday. Anthony Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, bought this clifftop house for $4.3 million. But the purchase of his $4.3 million clifftop house on the NSW Central Coast is now very much a done deal. The home which launched a thousand hot takes about the prime ministers tone-deafness during a housing crisis is now listed on the prime ministers register of interests. The house is listed on the register as an investment, leading us to presume that the PM, who has The Lodge and Kirribilli House to choose from, would be keen to rent it out. For any prospective tenants sake, we hope he doesnt lose the next election. Fired up When hes not hanging out in a box at Royal Randwick, the permanently embittered Mark Latham is taking potshots against his numerous enemies from behind the shield of parliamentary privilege in NSW state parliament. Radio presenter Ray Hadley (left) and NSW politician Mark Latham. Credit: SMH Among the latest targets for Lathams increasingly intemperate sprays has been shock jock Ray Hadley, one never to shy away from delivering the odd verbal barrage during a lengthy career that comes to an end next month. But on Thursday, Hadley hit back. Rather spectacularly. On his 2GB morning show, the host began by reading our Sydney colleague Alexandra Smiths column documenting some of Lathams recent antics, before dropping some allegations of his own. Ive refrained from commenting on the vile attack on me under parliamentary privilege, he said. I dont have the luxury of that privilege to share any number of stories about Lathams personal life and his apparent hatred of homosexuals. Latham a contender for prime minister 20 years ago has also had a few cracks at Hadleys son Daniel, who quit NSW Police after having a cocaine charge against him dismissed. Hes now at Racing NSW, another body with which Latham has grievance. As a man, my son would buy and sell a low life like Latham every day of the week, a fired up Hadley said on air. My son is not a coward that seeks to vilify people in parliamentary chambers where he would be protected. His courage in dealing with dark, dark days makes him a man to be admired, not attacked as he is by this grub Latham, simply because his last name is Hadley. Recently, Latham was found to have defamed state independent MP Alex Greenwich over a homophobic tweet, and ordered to pay him $140,000 in damages. Hadley challenged Latham to reveal who had been paying his legal bills in the case, suggesting the MP would have to declare any external funder. We put this to Australias one-time alternative prime minister to see whether hed reveal anything. Naturally, we didnt hear back. Mark was called to the Melbourne rental home to take a look at its split AC system. What he found was very surprising. As temperatures start to sizzle heading into summer, many Aussies are turning to their air conditioning units for relief from the heat and heavy humidity. However, they may not be aware of problems hidden inside when they hit the on switch. This was apparent last week when a Melbourne resident called an air conditioning maintenance worker for help with a split system. Mark from Simple Air Solutions responded, and capturing the moment on video he made a worrying discovery inside. When he cracked the aircon open, the tradie was stunned to find its filters had been completely destroyed, providing no protection from any harmful elements passing through. Mark told Yahoo News Australia on Thursday that while he doesnt know for certain what happened, he suspects whoever damaged the filters was trying to clean them with something very acidic and potentially let them soak and never rinsed them off. ADVERTISEMENT TikTok footage taken at the rental property has stunned other Aussies who wondered why they had even been put back into the appliance. Cleaned out with fire! one person joked. Looks like they used oven cleaner or something, said another. Regularly cleaning air conditioning filters improves efficiency Regularly cleaning aircon filters about once every six months or at the very least once a year proves to be very beneficial to the efficiency of the system as they could potentially be losing 20 to 30 per cent efficiency, Mark told Yahoo. Also if this is done regularly, then you shouldnt have to replace the filters. Replacing the filters tends to be necessary when the filters have been neglected for a very long time 10 plus years. The way I can tell if the filters need to be changed is if attempts at cleaning them are extremely difficult, or the material has visibly deteriorated, which would mean they are defective since they would not be catching all the dust required. Aussies should be mindful of several tips to keep their AC units running smoothly. Source: TikTok/Simple Air Solutions What Aussies should do to make sure their aircon run smoothly The hotter it gets outside, the warmer people should set their thermostat, Mark said. For example, the bigger the difference from the outside temperature and the indoor temperature, the longer and harder the compressor and components have to operate, causing significant stress on the system. If it were a 40C day outside, and if the set-point on the thermostat was 22, that would be a difference of 18 degrees. The system would run continuously, likely never having a chance to cycle off. If the aircon was set to 26 instead, it would give the system more of a chance to cycle off and therefore improve efficiency over time. If a heatwave is on the way, its important to turn on your aircon in advance, rather than when you need it most. I like to use an example of a ute carrying a heavy amount of cargo. You dont want to turn it on with cargo, going uphill. You would want a run up to build momentum to negate the load. For aircons, if you set the system to a moderate temperature of about 24 to 26C before you leave for work, it would help a lot. Check your outdoor unit and make sure nothing is obstructing the back of the system outside. As the unit outside relies so heavily on air circulating in behind it to discharge the heat, it needs as much freedom as possible, Mark told Yahoo. I find people storing/stacking stuff behind the aircon preventing sufficient airflow A LOT. Its a very common thing, especially people in apartments that are fighting for space. They will stack chairs, cardboard you name it behind the AC preventing airflow. Replace the batteries in the hand-held remote once a year, and dont use old batteries found after rummaging through the bottom of the drawer. Fresh batteries out of the packet. Old batteries can corrode the battery compartment, which damages the remote and you end up having to replace the controller, thats a $200 problem easily avoidable by simply changing the batteries, Mark added. If you suspect your AC isnt working as good as normal and youve done the simple tips above, call a professional. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A rapist who brutally attacked a woman jogging on the Merri Creek trail has lost a bid to cut his sentence after two appeal judges found he was a significant danger to women. Joel Anthony Russo, 30, argued his two-decade-long sentence was manifestly excessive because too much weight had been put on protection of the community and not enough on his terrible upbringing. Joel Russo raped a jogger along the Merri Creek Trail in Melbournes inner north in 2019. Credit: The Age/Supplied But the Court of Appeal refused his request, saying he still presented a significant danger to women. The judges described Russos offending as among the worst theyd encountered in nearly half a century. We consider it to be incontrovertible that the applicant will present a considerable danger to women into the foreseeable future. Community protection is therefore a prominent feature animating the exercise of the sentencing discretion, Justices Phillip Priest and Terry Forrest said in the joint decision. Once her role was exposed, we have had multiple legal reviews blasting Gobbo and the police for being far too sneaky for their own good. Barrister Nicola Gobbo with Mokbel outside court in 2004. Credit: Nine The latest is by Justice Elizabeth Fullerton who delivered her scathing report that greenlights Mokbel going to the Court of Appeal to attempt to have his conviction (even though he stood in the same Supreme Court to say he was guilty) quashed. It is the story of the week. Fullerton is an experienced NSW judge who agreed to hear the case to avoid Victorias conflict-of-interest concerns. The report was damning. I was satisfied that the elements of a joint criminal enterprise to attempt to pervert the course of justice were made out and that four members of Victoria Police participated with Ms Gobbo in that agreement to achieve that unlawful objective, she said. She was also critical of then-director of public prosecutions John Champion, who, she says, should have blown the whistle on the scam, once he became aware of it, in 2012. Champion is now a respected Supreme Court judge. Loading Fullerton found, I was unable to comfortably reach a conclusion as to why the [then] director breached his duty of disclosure, other than it being a result of an error of judgment. So the cops committed a criminal conspiracy, while the DPP made a mistake. This is entirely consistent with every inquiry into this matter. The police were wicked, while lawyers were absolved of blame. In the long-running royal commission into police informants, the police were called to account, with many grilled for weeks in the witness box, while some lawyers were allowed to provide statements, avoiding pesky cross-examination. Gobbo said in evidence she first became an informer as a young lawyer to expose a legal firm for laundering money. The name of the firm was suppressed. She said on another occasion she wanted to prove another lawyer was working illegally for a crime syndicate. That name was suppressed. When a respected detective produced an affidavit saying a lawyer was laundering money for Mokbel at Queenslands Jupiter Casino, the name was suppressed. The startling claim bounced like a dead cat, and there have been no police or legal practice investigations into the allegation. Loading When Gobbo said she had an improper (not illegal) affair with a policeman (a claim he denied in evidence), his name was made public. Even Gobbo herself, a smart and independent legal practitioner, says she was manipulated by the cops. The lack of curiosity over the roles of fellow defence lawyers, prosecutors and judges in the Gobbo matter is indeed curious, and it could be argued the blindfold of Lady Justice may have slipped a little. Mokbel was persuaded to plead guilty, not by Gobbo but by independent senior barrister Peter Faris, QC, because the phone tap evidence (not the testimony of the three informers) was unequivocal. Jailed drug boss Tony Mokbel leaves the County Court in a prison van in February 2024. Credit: Jason South The Court of Appeal may find the weight of evidence would mean a conviction was inevitable, the evidence was tainted and there should be a retrial, or that Mokbel can walk. They could even conclude that the evidence was so putrid he should not have been extradited from Athens in the first place. But if a NSW judge had to hear the preliminary case, due to potential conflicts of interest, can the Victorian Court of Appeal now hear Mokbels argument when Justice Champion has been drawn into the controversy? And if the Mokbel conviction is set aside, can he ask for the 54 properties, two farms, 30 luxury cars, the yacht, Edwena, that he used to sail from Australia, a Caulfield horse stable, country hotel, Brunswick market, Sydney Road car park, Boronia pizza parlour, four jet skis, a champion racehorse and the wig he used in his Athens disguise, all valued at $55 million (excluding interest), to be returned? Victoria Police has agreed to pay up to $1 million in compensation to underworld figure Faruk Orman after his murder conviction was overturned in the fallout from the Lawyer X scandal. The man accused of being the getaway driver in the 2002 execution of gangland figure Victor Peirce has reached a settlement with the State of Victoria acting on behalf of police ahead of a civil trial set for next year. Faruk Orman was freed because the case against him was tainted by Nicola Gobbos dirty dealing. Credit: Justin McManus Orman spent 12 years in jail before being released in 2019 by the Court of Appeal, which found his case had been contaminated by barrister-turned-police-informer Nicola Gobbo, who was working as an agent of police against her own clients. Gobbo was representing Orman while she was providing information about him to police, as well as encouraging a key supergrass to become a witness against Orman. Police are investigating the suspected firebombing of a tow truck at a home in Wanneroo early on Thursday morning. A witness called triple zero to report the fire, on Wanneroo Road, around 4am. Police said the Hino 300 flatbed truck was parked in the driveway of a home. DFES said crews from Joondalup Fire and Rescue extinguished the fire quickly. The cause of the blaze is being treated as suspicious and police urge anyone with any information, CCTV or dash-cam vision taken in the vicinity of the fire, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A woman allegedly murdered her husband to escape an abusive marriage, gaining control of certain finances before killing and dismembering him with a drop saw, then placing his remains in up to 30 plastic bags which were dumped across south-west Sydney, a court has heard. Nirmeen Noufl, 53, was supported by a dozen family members and friends as she was refused Supreme Court bail on Thursday morning over the alleged murder of 62-year-old Mamdouh Emad Noufl. Noufls legal team indicated she may fight the charges. Mamdouh NOUFL - An appeal over Mamdouh Emad Noufls disappearance was issued last year. Police allege Nirmeen Noufl, who was arrested last month, acted alone in killing her husband on May 3 last year. They say she slashed him with knives and a power saw in their family home in Greenacre in Sydneys west and disposed of his body parts in residential and commercial bins across several suburbs. In court on Thursday, it emerged that a person known as Witness A allegedly saw some of her callous actions on the night of the alleged murder, while another witness allegedly reported hearing statements from Noufl that could be considered admissions to killing her husband. This element will repeal the landmark laws of that name passed early last year in Cairns with full-throated support from Crisafulli. He and the LNP, spinning it as avoiding the very divisiveness they were leaning into, U-turned after the failed, unrelated federal Voice referendum. The laws had set up the First Nations Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry (which began in September), and preparations for treaties. Despite the 180, Crisafulli had not made winding-up the inquiry a priority. It did not feature in his first 100-day plan. I asked him about this myself at the second leaders debate of the campaign. We will do it in a timely manner, he said. Loading We wont be allowing those to go ahead, but it will be done with respect and decency, he told journalists after the election of the inquirys planned hearings. This was news to the inquiry at the time. As was the news of its almost immediate end on Thursday. Holding a hasty media conference after Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie briefly revealed the move in parliament, inquiry chair Joshua Creamer said emails went to him and his team at the same time. I have a different view about what respect and dignity is to the Premier, Creamer said. Loading I think the ability of this inquiry to exert our independence, to do the work that we thought was in the public interest, and prioritising the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, was perceived by them to be a threat. Earlier, Crisafulli had introduced the hardline youth justice laws long promised by his team, said today to be just the first effort to strike back at youth crime rates having seen recent upticks and high-profile cases, but still at historical lows. These will boost maximum sentences for kids who commit a range of crimes, ensure detention is no longer considered a last resort in sentencing those aged under 17, significantly boost the openness of the Childrens Court, and expand what can be included in a childs criminal record while allowing it to carry with them into adulthood. The impact of this, as cautioned by a raft of advocacy and watchdog bodies before the election and in a media conference of their own today, will be more kids pulled deeper into the criminal justice system despite global evidence making clear this does not make for safer communities in the longer term. Garth Morgan, chief executive of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Child Protection Peak also tasked with leading broader youth justice work, made clear the focus needed. The reason why were talking about tough on crime now isnt because we havent been tough enough on crime in the past, its because we havent been tough enough on poverty, he said. The laws will also, for the third time in two year (twice earlier under the former Labor government which set them up) require an override of the states human rights act. Labors opposition leader Steven Miles hit out at the LNP for trashing parliamentary conventions his own party often also pushed aside. But the hypocrisy doesnt discount the substance. A statement released with the youth justice laws notes already straining youth detention capacity will be further pushed, and First Nations kids will likely be disproportionately affected, but claims they will not directly or indirectly discriminate based on race. Ruby Wharton, a Gomeroi Kooma woman and community development officer at Sisters Inside, was one of those who spoke against the laws outside parliament after Morgan. This state is committing to so many different avenues and ways in which to silence First Nations children. This is our future. We must leave this community in a safer environment, she said. Bleijie introduced the path to treaty-ending bill as 60 members of an Indigenous youth leadership program watched, and several reportedly cried, in the public gallery. In dropping his support for the pathway last year, and since, Crisafulli has said his government would pursue better outcomes in health, education and housing instead of truth-telling and treaties. Liberal state director Simon Morgan told WAtoday he had discussed the issue with Sinclair who apologised and gave him an assurance he would discuss with him any actual or perceived conflicts that may arise in the future Morgan said he had discussed these assurances with Mettam who said she accepted them. In an email from Sinclair to Morgan he said he deeply regret[s] and apologise for the error in judgement and failure to consider the conflict of interest in relation to the work Ammo was engaged to deliver and Ammos contract with the state election campaign. He told Morgan Ammo was no longer engaged by the client who commissioned the work. Through Ammos engagement with head office in the lead up to the state election, we are absolutely committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the WA Liberal Party, its leader Libby Mettam and candidates, he said. I will undertake to discuss with you any actual or perceived conflicts that may arise in future. Following the unsuccessful leadership coup on Tuesday, Sinclair said he did not discuss the polling with Zempilas. Zempilas also denied he had any knowledge of the poll or Sinclairs involvement. The polling was handed to Mettams office earlier this month by the Liberals federal candidate for Forrest, Ben Small. On Tuesday, Zempilas told media he had been given a name of the businessman who commissioned the poll and would consider discussing it with Mettam if she asks. Mettam said she asked Zempilas directly who the businessman was on Wednesday, but it wasnt forthcoming. I note Basil stated that he thinks he may know the individual or the businessman involved, and that if I asked him, he would provide that information, she said. I asked him. He did not provide the information on who that individual is. Zempilas confirmed to this masthead Mettam asked him for the name but said he wasnt sure it was the correct name. Libbys right, she asked, and I said Ive been told a name, but that I didnt know for sure it was right and so it wasnt wise to pass on, he said. When asked about her relationship with Zempilas after this week, Mettam said she had a working relationship with him. Loading I can only take him at his word, which is that hes 100 per cent in support of my leadership that he has had no involvement in this amateurish campaign to unseat me, and that he has no interest in leadership going forward in the 2025 election, she said. Mettam challenged the businessman to come forward. There is still a businessman, a cowardly businessman hiding in the shadows, who is willing for Ben Small, Basil Zempilas and Cam Sinclair to wear the full brunt of this, she said. What a coward, and I believe that individual should certainly come forward. Sinclair deferred questions to the WA Liberals, and the party was contacted for comment. The polling surveyed more than 1000 respondents in target Liberal seats and suggested that Mettam leading the party to the next election would result in a 3 per cent swing away from the Liberals. It suggested swapping her out with Zempilas would result in a 4 per cent swing towards the party, resulting in victories in Churchlands, Nedlands and Carine, and putting Bateman and Scarborough in striking distance. Mettam challenged her parliamentary colleagues to trigger a motion of no confidence against her at a party meeting at Parliament House on Tuesday morning, which they did not do. It means that those who leave the country to die in places such as Switzerland do so alone to protect their families. Some estimates suggest that at least one person travels abroad for an assisted death every week. With growing awareness of such cases, at the end of last year, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said there were grounds for changing the law on assisted dying but that MPs should have a free vote on the subject meaning they should not be compelled to vote a particular way by their partys leadership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not revealed how he will vote on the euthanasia bill. Credit: Getty Images Starmer, now prime minister, has said he intends to vote on Friday but declined to publicly state his view to avoid swaying any MPs. A campaign representing Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs has urged MPs to vote no, warning that a right to die could all too easily end in vulnerable people feeling they have a duty to die. They argued for greater funding towards palliative care. While many senior ministers are expected to support the measure, two of the most prominent Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are opposed. The latter has cited her Muslim faith, the former a practising Christian has warned that the countrys creaking national health service would incur new costs if it had to train staff to deal with assisted dying. Dame Esther Rantzen, a broadcaster best known for her numerous ground-breaking documentaries about social issues several of which resulted in changes in laws and practice has been one of the most prominent voices in the assisted dying debate. The 84-year-old revealed in December that she had terminal lung cancer and had joined Dignitas, to have the choice of an assisted death in Switzerland. In a letter to MPs on Wednesday, Rantzen urged those guided by their religious beliefs to be honest about why they will vote no, saying some opponents had been claiming facts which are not facts, distorting evidence, when really their reason is that they believe for faith reasons, religious reasons, that this bill should be opposed. Loading I mean, what worries me is the number of people who are guided by their faith thats fine, thats their choice, whether theyre Evangelical, Christian or Catholic, she told LBC radio. Yes, they have the right to choose, but please be honest about your real motivation. The debate in Britain has transcended traditional left-right debate. Former prime minister David Cameron and his predecessor, Gordon Brown both of whom lost young children through illness have penned emotional opinion pieces in newspapers sharing their own views. Cameron, a Conservative peer, is for and Brown, a Labour luminary, against. A clear majority of Britons support the principle of assisted dying, with 65 per cent in favour and 13 per cent opposed, according to a survey this month by the think tank More In Common, which was founded in 2016 with the mission to tackle polarisation and division across the UK and Western societies. But Luke Tryl, the organisations director, said that support was contingent on strong safeguards. For voters, the most important protection was proof that someone isnt being pressured, he said. The proposed bill, introduced by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, would impose strict conditions. The only people eligible would be those aged 18 or over who have received a terminal diagnosis and been told they have no more than six months to live. Two doctors and a judge would have to approve the decision and the lethal drugs would have to be self-administered. Campaigners in Parliament Square in favour of the proposed bill to legalise assisted dying in London last month. Opponents of the legislation have also been protesting. Credit: Getty Images Many have compared the change to the UKs legalisation of abortion in 1967 and the abolition of the death penalty in 1969. Assisted dying is legal in a handful of European countries, Canada, all Australian states and the ACT, New Zealand, Colombia, Ecuador, and in 10 American states and the District of Columbia. Leadbeater is the younger sister of the late Jo Cox, the Labour MP who was stabbed 15 times and shot three times in her West Yorkshire constituency in 2016 a week before the Brexit vote. She said on Wednesday that she expected the vote to be very close. A survey published by The Times of 505 MPs, equivalent to three quarters of those in the House of Commons, found that just over half (264) said they would vote in favour of the legislation, while 215 said that they were opposed. Just 26 MPs said they were planning to abstain. Leadbeater said individuals seeking euthanasia would still need to be assessed as having the capacity and ensure no one else has coerced them, saying it is a very delicate issue. The new law forces tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok to stop minors logging in or face fines of up to $49.5 million. A trial of methods to enforce it will start in January, with the ban to take effect in a year. Paris: Australia has approved a social media ban for children aged under 16 , one of the worlds toughest regulations targeting Big Tech. Here is what Australia, European countries, and tech companies have been doing to regulate childrens access to social media. Social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat say people need to be at least 13 to sign up. Child protection advocates say control is insufficient, however, and official data in several European countries show huge numbers of children under 13 have social media accounts. Loading Britain Britain has no current plans for Australia-style restrictions. But digital minister Peter Kyle has said that everything is on the table when it comes to keeping people safe online and has launched a study to explore the impact of smartphone and social media use specifically on children. He said that regulator Ofcom must have regard to government priorities such as safety by design and transparency and accountability, as they enforce the Online Safety Act from next year. HONGQI Shines with Flagship Models and Advanced Technology at Auto Guangzhou 2024 GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 27, 2024 -- On November 24, Auto Guangzhou 2024, one of China's most prestigious automotive events, successfully concluded, attracting leading global brands and international media. HONGQI stood out with its advanced TianGong electric platform series, showcasing the brand's relentless commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and technological innovation. Built on TianGong electric platform, the luxury electric SUV EHS7 has become the center of attention. It supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, it allows users to recharge during a coffee break, ensuring long-distance travel. The EHS7 features rare-in-class rear-wheel steering and dynamic chassis control with a variable damping suspension. These advanced technologies, combined with intelligent driving systems like L2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), deliver a smooth and modern driving experience. Safety is the cornerstone of the HONGQI brand and a fundamental guarantee for its vehicles. The EHS7 adopts a "9H4M" cage body structure, with 74% of the vehicle composed of high-strength steel, while key areas achieve a maximum yield strength of 2000 MPa, providing users with "fortress-like" safety protection. Furthermore, the EHS7's battery system utilizes a honeycomb structure and multi-layer sealing technology, achieving an IPX8 waterproof rating to ensure durability and reliability even in extreme environments. These features exemplify HONGQI's commitment to delivering a safe and luxurious electric SUV experience for its users. Also showcased is the HONGQI EH7, a premium choice in the luxury EV segment with supercar-level performance and advanced intelligent technology. Equipped with a high-performance electric drivetrain reaching 22,500 RPM, it delivers 455 kW of power and 756 Nm of torque, ensuring exhilarating acceleration and dynamic driving. With a WLTP range of 655 km, it offers exceptional endurance for long-distance journeys. Looking ahead, HONGQI plans to introduce 10 new models in Europe over the next five years, tailored to meet the needs of European and global consumers seeking high-quality, intelligent, and eco-friendly vehicles. Pre-orders for the EH7 and EHS7 have already begun in Europe as of October 14. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, HONGQI strives to provide global users with exceptional luxury and an unparalleled mobility experience. Boost Bhopal receives proposal for IT company start-up Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav interacting with industrialists in London on Wednesday Staff Reporter : International flights from Bhopal soon, says CM Yadav Good news awaits the citizens of Bhopal from the visit of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav in London. While interacting with the representatives of Friends of MP Chapter on the last day of his visit to London during his foreign stay and met the group members and encouraged them to invest in Madhya Pradesh. A proposal was put before Chief Minister Dr Yadav to build an IT hub in Bhopal and start international air service. In a meeting with Chief Minister Dr Yadav, Abid Farooqui, founder of Air Connectivity for Bhopal Development (AFBD) Group, an organisation working for the development and air connectivity of Bhopal, put forward his proposal regarding IT company start-up in Bhopal. He said that in Bhopal, campus placements will be provided to fresh engineering graduates along with employment, skill and advance development training in the IT sector. Chief Minister Dr Yadav assured that positive efforts will be made in this direction. Abid Farooqui said that there has been a demand to start international flights from Bhopal for a long time. He also informed that all the preparations for starting international flights from Bhopal are in the final stage. Bhopal city will soon get the gift of international flights, he said. Earlier, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav held a one-on-one meeting with leading industrialists of London and discussed the investment possibilities to increase investment in Madhya Pradesh. He had sector-focused round-table meetings and held detailed discussions regarding investment. Chief Minister Dr Yadav carefully listened to the projects and requirements of each investor in the one-on-one meetings and assured better opportunities and policy support for investment in Madhya Pradesh. The round-table discussions included detailed discussions with experts and government officials on key areas such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, education and food processing. Chief Minister Dr Yadav met representatives of companies like the Indorama Group, SRAM & MRAM Group, Cyanconnode, Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited, Clinisupplies, Aurora Energy Research, Elsevier, WeDeliver, Capro, Wavesight, The Montcalm Luxury Hotels, Phyla Earth, Ampergia Limited, Ayana Consulting, Pangaea Data Ltd., Invergy, BEM Group Ltd., DAX FIRST, Ransat Group, Cogo Ecotech Solutions, Empathy AI, Money for Business Limited, DAM Healthcare Limited and Helion. In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on accelerating industrial development and opportunities for possible co-operation. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed the investors about the favourable business environment in Madhya Pradesh and the facilities available for investment. Chief Minister Dr Yadav participated in round-table discussions focused on various sectors. Important areas like electric vehicles (EVs), automobiles and renewable energy, education and food processing were discussed in these discussions. Ceasefire in Lebanon Israel, Hezbollah agree on US-France-brokered deal TEL AVIV, The truce does not address devastating war in the Gaza AFTER months of skirmishes and thousands of casualties, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to the ceasefire deal on Tuesday, brokered by US- and France and residents in cars heaped with belongings streamed back toward southern Lebanon despite warnings from the Israeli and Lebanese military that they stay away from certain areas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, also stressed that the length of this ceasefire will depend on what happens in Lebanon. With the United States full understanding, we maintain full freedom of military action. If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack. If it tries to rebuild terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck carrying rockets, we will attack, Netanyahu noted. He gave three reasons for having a ceasefire at this point. The first reason is to focus on the Iranian threat, and I wont expand on that. The second reason is to give our forces a breather and replenish stocks. And I say it openly, it is no secret that there have been big delays in weapons and munitions deliveries. These delays will be resolved soon. We will receive supplies of advanced weaponry that will keep our soldiers safe and give us more strike force to complete our mission. And the third reason for having a ceasefire is to separate the fronts and isolate Hamas. From day two of the war, Hamas was counting on Hezbollah to fight by its side. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas and that will help us in our sacred mission of releasing our hostages. The US- and France-brokered deal, approved by Israel late Tuesday, calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Israel says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah should it violate the terms of the deal. The deal would not address the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is still fighting Hamas militants in response to the groups cross-border raid into southern Israel in October 2023. But President Joe Biden on Tuesday said his administration would make another push in the coming days to try to renew efforts for a deal there. Hours before the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect, Israel launched broad strikes that shook the Lebanese capital Beirut and a volley of rockets from Hezbollah set off air raid sirens across a large swath of northern Israel. But after the ceasefire took effect early Wednesday, quiet appeared to take hold, prompting waves of Lebanese to head home. Israels Arabic military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned displaced Lebanese not to return to their villages in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military asked displaced returning to southern Lebanon to avoid frontline villages and towns near the border where Israeli troops are still present until they withdraw. But some videos circulating on social media show displaced Lebanese defying these calls and returning to villages in the south near the coastal city of Tyre. Israeli troops were still present in parts of southern Lebanon after Israel launched a ground invasion in October. On the highway linking Beirut with south Lebanon, thousands of people drove south with their belongings and mattresses tied on top of their cars. Traffic was gridlocked at the northern entrance of the port city of Sidon. Residents will return to vast destruction wrought by the Israeli military during its campaign, which flattened villages where the military said it found vast weapons caches and infrastructure it says was meant to launch an Oct 7-style attack on northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. Hezbollah emerges from the war battered and bloodied, with the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war tarnished. Yet its fighters still managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israels advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. This is a moment of victory, pride and honour for us, the Shia sect, and for all of Lebanon, said Hussein Sweidan, a resident returning to Tyre in southern Lebanon, who said he saw the ceasefire as a victory for Hezbollah. Sporadic celebratory gunfire was heard at a main roundabout in the city, as people returning honked the horns of cars and residents cheered. Some Israelis are concerned the deal doesnt go far enough In Israel, the mood was far more subdued, with displaced Israelis concerned that the deal did not go far enough to rein in Hezbollah and that it did not address Gaza and the hostages still held there. I think it is still not safe to return to our homes because Hezbollah is still close to us, said Eliyahu Maman, an Israeli displaced from the northern Israeli city of Kyriat Shmona, which is not far from the border with Lebanon and was hit hard by the months of fighting. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel, more than half civilians, as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon. Ceasefire will bring peace, stability in the region: India NEW DELHI, Nov 27 (PTI) INDIA on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and said it hoped that these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region. The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah began early Wednesday morning, according to reports. We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the region, the Ministry of External Affair said. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb UN welcomes agreement UNITED NATIONS, Nov 27 (IANS) bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb THE United Nations welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, a senior UN official said in a statement. The agreement marks the starting point of a critical process, anchored in the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), to restore the safety and security that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line deserve, said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Considerable work lies ahead to ensure the agreement endures, Hennis-Plasschaert said, adding, Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required. Centre sanctions Rs 1,000 crore outlay for disaster mitigation projects in 15 States NEW DELHI : A sum of Rs 139 crore each was approved for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Rs 100 crore for Maharashtra. THE Centre has approved an outlay of Rs 1,000 crore for various disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects to tackle natural calamities in 15 States, according to an official statement. A sum of Rs 139 crore each was approved for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Rs 100 crore for Maharashtra, Rs 72 crore each for Karnataka and Kerala, Rs 50 crore each for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and Rs 378 crore for the eight Northeastern States -- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The decision was taken by a high-level committee headed by Home Minister Amit Shah with Union Ministers for finance and agriculture and the vice chairman of the NITI Aayog as members. They considered the proposal to mitigate landslide risk in 15 States for funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). The committee also gave the go-ahead to a project for training and capacity building of civil defence volunteers in all states and union territories at a total outlay of Rs 115.67 crore. The funding window of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) will be used to finance the project. Earlier, the committee approved Urban Flood Risk Mitigation Projects in seven cities at a total outlay of Rs 3,075.65 crore and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk management projects in four states at a total outlay of Rs 150 crore from the NDMF. To fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of disaster resilient India, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken several initiatives to ensure effective management of disasters in the country, the statement said. Several measures have been taken to prevent any extensive loss of life and property during disasters by strengthening the disaster risk reduction system in India, the statement said. Under the Modi Government, more than Rs 21,476 crore has already been released to the states during this year. This includes Rs 14,878.40 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to 26 states, Rs 4,637.66 crore from the NDRF to 15 states, Rs 1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund to 11 states and Rs 574.93 crore from NDMF to six States, the statement added. Chikhli market delay tests patience of stakeholders Business Reporter : THE project of shifting kirana market from the congested lanes of Itwari and Maskasath to a new spacious location at Chikhli (Deo) in the outskirts of the city seems to have been testing the patience of the kirana merchants and the citizens, too. The project conceptualised in the year 2002-03, is still pending because of one of the other reasons. The project was proposed to give respite to the merchants and the customers who face hardship because of space constraints in Itwari and Maskasath area. In 2004 the State Government had allotted a piece of land to the existing occupants of Itwari and Maskasath. It was expected that the occupants would develop the new market at the earliest possible. However due to some disputes, the merchants could not acquire the land for about 16 years. Finally, in November 2020, the merchants body - The Nagpur Itwari Kirana Merchants Association - officially did the registry and took the land in their possession. Later on the merchants took time to reach a consensus on the design of the proposed project. In May 2022, the proposal of building the market with an investment of Rs 225 crore was finalised and submitted to Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) for approval. Now the project has received fire and pollution clearances but it is still pending with the NIT. Shiv Pratap Singh, President of the association, told The Hitavada on Wednesday that all formalities were completed and the work is expected to start very soon. However, Singh added that the association is yet to get the final approval from the NIT. The proposed market will have a spacious parking space, broad internal roads, a space of at least 1,000 square feet area for all the 665 occupants and other modern amenities. It is important to note that the existing kirana market in the Itwari and Maskasath area lacks all such facilities because of which merchants and even the customers are suffering. It is one of the oldest markets in the city, the lanes are narrow leaving no space for vehicle parking. The new location at Chikhli (Deo) is at a distance of about 3.5 km from the existing ItwariMaskasath area. It is in the vicinity of the Kalamna market yard and thus the merchants have no fears of losing the customers. Dindori wins cultural rally trophy of Inter-District Youth Festival Staff Reporter : Dindori district became the winner of the cultural rally mobile trophy of the Inter District (University-level) Youth Festival. Invited as chief guest, MLA, Cantt, Ashok Rohani said that youth is the future of the country. The youth dedicatedly work towards the creation of a new India. During the Yuva Mahotsav, the energetic performances of the young participants during youth festival have proved that Indian culture is present in every pore of their body. Mla Cantt Rohani was addressing the closing ceremony of the Inter-District (University Level) Youth Festival held at Pandit Kanjilal Dubey Auditorium of Rani Durgavati University. While presiding over the closing ceremony, Vice Chancellor Professor Rajesh Kumar Verma said that everyone has some talent inside them, the need is only to recognize it. Through such festivals, the hidden talent in the students can be enhanced. Therefore, students should participate in cultural activities along with research, so that all-round development can take place. The Inter District (University Level) Youth Festival was organised between November 22-25, 2024. Presenting the festivals results from the stage of the closing ceremony, Organizing Coordinator and Dean of Student Welfare Professor Vivek Mishra said that students from five districts participated in this event in various disciplines. The youth have to take a pledge to build the nation by honing their talent. The closing programme was conducted by Dr Sunil Deshpande and a vote of thanks was proposed by Dr R K Gupta, Coordinator, Beijing (Gasgoo)- Changan Automobile recently revealed during an investor relations event that the company is already doing research on cutting-edge technologies, including flying cars and humanoid robots. These developments align with Changan's broader innovation strategy, with potential benefits for its commercial vehicle brand, Kaicheng. According to Changan Automobile, research outcomes in these areas will directly support Kaicheng's transformation into a smart, digitalized new energy commercial vehicle brand. Photo credit: Kaicheng In 2026, Kaicheng plans to deliver autonomous delivery vehicles and collaborate with leading logistics companies and freight networks to establish a cost-effective, safe, and multi-scenario autonomous delivery logistics system. By 2027, the Kaicheng will expand to long-haul driverless logistics solutions, including warehouse-to-warehouse operations, and launch a shared fully unmanned logistics platform. At the recent Auto Guangzhou 2024, Changan Automobile unveiled its ambitious plans, highlighting advancements in intelligent driving, the Tianshu AI large model, flying cars, and humanoid robots. Over the next five years, the company will invest more than 50 billion yuan to develop integrated land, air, and sea mobility solutions, as well as humanoid robotics. Flying car-related products are slated for release before 2026. Farmers protest against directive to file FIRs against those burning stubble Staff Reporter : farmers in large numbers from across the district gathered in front of the Collectorate along with tractors and trolleys filled with stubble, on Wednesday. The protest was sparked by the district administrations directive to file FIRs against those burning stubble. The farmers, led by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of Farmers Union, Raghvendra Singh Patel, demanded that the administration address the issue of stubble burning. During the meeting with district officials, farmers emphasised the need for a solution to stubble burning problem. Patel said that the district administration had discussed the issue seriously and Collector Deepak Saxena, instructed officials to create an ideal model for stubble disposal. He further stated that attempts to defame farmers in pretext of stubble burning should be stopped and that main causes of pollution industries and vehicles should be addressed instead, as stubble burning by farmers was not the primary cause of pollution. District President Ramdas Patel informed that the farmers were particularly angered by the directive to file FIRs for stubble burning. Hundreds of farmers from all tehsils and villages participated in the protest and presented their demands peacefully to the administration. As three or four stubble-filled trolleys arrived at the Collectors office, the local intelligence alerted the administration and immediate instructions were given to prevent the vehicles from entering the city. The administration urged the farmers to stop the vehicles, as their entry could cause disorder. The Farmers Union, in response, agreed to the administrations request and directed all farmers not to bring their stubble-filled trolleys into the city. HC admonishes Rlys for unauthorised tree felling, dismisses PIL The Hitavada State Bureau Bilaspur/Raipur, The Chhattisgarh High Court admonished the railways for unauthorised tree felling during the construction of a railway depot in Bilaspur and dismissed the public interest litigation (PIL) filed on the matter. The division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Kumar Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad conducted the hearing, scrutinising the actions of the railways. The PIL was prompted by media reports highlighting the felling of 242 trees for the Vande Bharat train maintenance depot without the requisite clearance from the Forest Department. Acting on these reports, the Chief Justice had directed the Registrar General to register the case as a PIL. During the hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Ramakant Mishra, representing the railways, submitted an affidavit on 25 November 2024, claiming procedural compliance. The affidavit detailed that the railways consulted forestry and wildlife expert Neha Banshod, who submitted her report on 15 July 2024, after an earlier application to the Divisional Forest Officer. It further stated that the felling of trees adhered to the amended Tree Felling Regulations, 2022, which allow tree clearance for government projects under specific conditions. However, the Forest Departments affidavit revealed significant discrepancies. It reported that despite applying for permission, the railways felled 116 trees, transplanted 54, and preserved 72, including species such as acacia and moringa, without obtaining full approval. The affidavit also pointed out that the process violated existing environmental protocols. Expressing its displeasure, the court rebuked the railways for proceeding with tree felling without complete authorisation. We hope and trust that the railways will act responsibly in the future and ensure that any such action is taken cautiously and in the public interest, the bench remarked, underscoring the need for environmental sensitivity in infrastructure projects. With this admonishment, the HC dismissed the PIL, highlighting the necessity of adhering to legal procedures and safeguarding ecological balance in state-sponsored projects. Home Truth THE honourable Supreme Court did very well to show the mirror to the Opposition by stating, What happens when you win the election -- EVMs are not tampered. When you lose the elections, EVMs are tampered. And then came the dismissal of a petition seeking a reversion to ballot paper system in elections in the country. This stance made the whole country extremely happy --- that the honourable Supreme Court put in words what the common people often felt about the Oppositions cantankerous but selective tantrum about tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines. Of course, the Opposition may never learn right lessons even from the Supreme Courts terse observation. Yet, the comment by the apex court has served well a genuine national interest -- particular on the Constitution Day. For, the observation recommends -- without using those many words -- a better understanding of the complex issue of constitutional morality. For, when a party -- any party to an issue -- distorts the issue as part of its exigency, it only hurts the core principle of morality, in this case the constitutionality of an arrangement -- here, the usage of the technology of EVMs. It is unfortunate that the Opposition camp has often sought to distort reality to foist on the country a false narrative of its own (non-existent!) righteousness. That was why the honourable Supreme Court felt compelled to point to the double-standards of the Opposition -- What happens when you win the election -- EVMs are not tampered. When you lose the elections, EVMs are tampered. By showing this mirror to the Opposition, the Supreme Court has also brought to fore -- though indirectly -- the flaw in the Opposition narrative about the Government trying to alter the Constitution of India. We are reminded of a statement which former Chief Justice of India Mr. Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud made about the role of the judiciary in a democratic system. In effect, he said that the judiciary could not be expected to conduct itself like an Opposition party in a democracy. This assertion came at possibly the most opportune moment. For, as everybody is aware of, the Opposition and its intellectual pointsmen have even rued that the judiciary is not asking questions to the Government. Such a narrative needs an apt answer, and Mr. Justice Chandrachud has sought to offer exactly that. This brings us to another important aspect of the Opposition narrative -- of questioning every possible official or constitutional institution or arrangement, the Parliament, the Judiciary, the Executive, the Armed Forces ... ! The selective doubts on the correctness of the EVMs also have stemmed from this attitude or tendency. The purpose behind questioning the integrity or intentions of institutions is only to push the nation and the larger society to an irredeemable point of anarchy -- in a planned manner. It is in the light of this awareness that we appreciate the firm stand of the honourable Supreme Court about the EVMs. In fact, the Opposition -- or all those who raise doubts about the national institutions and their functioning -- gives an impression that it does not have a concrete purpose behind its own action thought and action, except that it wants to disturb the system, and possibly twist it to its own favour of grabbing power eventually. This camp does not seem to realise that even if it managed to grab power through such means, it will land in a very tough situation. For, with most institutions having been distorted beyond recognisable shape, it will have to contend with a network of institutions in whose integrity the nation has no confidence and faith. The Supreme Courts poser to the Opposition in regard to use of EVMs means showing the mirror or telling home truth. IIT-HOME to conduct guidance seminarfor class 10th students, parents on Dec 1 Business Reporter : IIT-HOME is all set to conduct a guidance seminar for students and their parents on December 1 here in the city. Class 10th students will be faced with an important decision about the choice of a career after their X Board examination. The seminar will be held for such students. The objective of the seminar is to help the students to make an informed choice about their career. It will discuss in brief the different career options available to students and provide useful details about engineering as a career. Important aspects about the process and national level competition to get into one of the leading engineering institutes of the country will also be discussed. In addition to this, the seminar will also provide guidance about IIT-HOMEs selection procedure for admission to the institute for preparation of JEE Main/Advanced 2027. The guidance seminar is free of cost for all interested students of class X, says a press release. Students who have decided to pursue engineering as a career and students who are thinking about engineering as a career will be immensely benefited by attending the seminar. Entry to the offline seminar is on a first come first served basis. Interested students may reserve a seat for themselves by sending an SMS or Whatsapp mentioning their name, school, city and number of attendees to 8888878240 or visiting IIT-HOME website - www.true-education.org. Nisha Kothari, the Founder and Managing Director of IITHOME informed that IIT-HOME has been conducting this seminar as a social responsibility every year for the past 14 years with anobjective to provide correct guidance to students and parentsbefore they commit their time, efforts, money and life to a careerchoice. Thousands of students whohave previously attended theseminar have reportedly receiveduseful guidance from it. IITHOME has consistently maintained success rates in JEE above80 per cent over two and a half decades as compared to a verylow average of less than 20 percent at all India level. The secret behind this, according to Kothari, lies at the verybeginning of the journey, takingthe decision thoughtfully andcorrectly. For further details about theseminar queries, if any, contactthe IIT-HOME office on8888878240 / 9552599240 /9881721240 between 10 am and6 pm on weekdays. Parliamentary committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill headed for extension NEW DELHI : The Opposition members of the committee staged a walkout and slammed Pal, who is the Joint Parliamentary Committee chairperson, for asserting that the panels draft report was ready. The parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set for an extension till the last day of the next Budget Session following a stormy meet of the panel marked by a brief walkout from its Opposition members before a unanimous decision was taken to seek more time to finalise its report. The Opposition members of the committee staged a walkout and slammed Pal, who is the Joint Parliamentary Committee chairperson, for asserting that the panels draft report was ready. Temperatures cooled down after Pal and the BJP members of the committee reached out to them, indicating their willingness to press for an extension of the committees deadline of November 29 to submit its report to Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha, which had constituted the committee, later listed in its list of business for Thursday a motion to extend the time for the presentation of its report upto the last day of the Budget Session 2025. Earlier, Pal, who is a BJP MP, said after the committees meeting that its members were unanimous in its view as it has to listen to some other stakeholders, including six states, where there are disputes between the Waqf and the state governments. We feel that there is a need to extend its deadline, Pal told reporters. BJP MP and committee member Aparajita Sarangi said the panel will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to extend the time for submission of its report to the House upto the last day of the Budget Session of 2025. Pal and another BJP MP Dilip Saikia will move the motion in the Lower House to this effect. The committee is expected to visit a few states to meet different stakeholders. Following the last meeting of the committee on November 21, Pal had said its draft report is ready. He indicated that the committees consultation with stakeholders is over and its members will now discuss the report and suggest changes, if any, before it is adopted. The Opposition members took strong exception to this stand in the Wednesdays meeting and soon stormed out. They claimed that Birla had assured them that its tenure will be extended. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, We havent received the assurance from the committee chairperson that we have received from the Speaker. The Speaker says one thing while the chairperson says another thing. It seems some big minister is directing the action of Chairman, he said. DMK MP A Raja said all the stakeholders have not been heard yet. AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi said the committee will not be able to submit its report by November 29 if it follows the due process. AAP member Sanjay Singh also slammed the committees proceedings under Pals leadership, while Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee called it a mockery. However, Pal and other BJP members like Nishikant Dubey and Sarangi reached out to the Opposition members. They held an informal sitting outside the meetings venue to thrash things out before the Opposition members agreed to be part of the formal discussion. The committee was constituted on August 8, soon after the contentious bill was introduced in Lok Sabha. Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims. The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable. Process to set up new pea market at Auriya discussed in meeting Staff Reporter : A meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Collector Deepak Saxena at Agriculture Produce Market Committee Hall for establishment of new peas market in Auriya, on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by MLA Ajay Bishnoi, Sushil Tiwari, SP, Sampat Upadhyay, Additional Collector Misha Singh, SDM Abhishek Singh, representatives of trader and farmer associations and other concerned officials. During the meeting, issues related to the market were discussed and everyone unanimously agreed to set up new pea market in Auriya. It was also decided that the purchase of peas would begin from November 30 at the new market. While listening to the concerns of traders and farmer association representatives, MLA Ajay Bishnoi stated that the new market in Auriya would not only be for peas but would also serve as a market for fruits and vegetables. Currently, 17 acres of land have been identified for the market, and an additional 120 acres have been located for its expansion. The new market will soon be organized and properly developed. He further emphasized that the number of shops in the market currently exceeds the number of traders, and the progress and reputation of the market depend on the traders conduct. He urged all traders to cooperate in the development of the market and said relocating the market would help reduce traffic congestion in the city. Representatives of the farmer associations also expressed their support for the new pea market. During the meeting, some traders raised concerns regarding security and facilities in the new market. In response, Collector Saxena assured that the market would be developed into a smart market and that any immediate issues related to pea trading would be addressed promptly. He confirmed that all preparations had been made to resolve potential difficulties in the new market and that the safety and comfort of farmers and traders would be prioritized. He made it clear that, effective from November 30, no pea trucks would be allowed in the existing agriculture produce market. The purchase of peas would commence exclusively at the new market, and he instructed the concerned officials to resolve any issues related to the new market promptly. He also informed the traders that permanent shop allocations in the new market could not be made immediately and temporary allocations would be made on a first-come, first-served basis. During the meeting, the Market Secretary also provided detailed information about the arrangements in the new market. SC rules against religious conversion for quota benefits NEW DELHI : IN A significant verdict, the Supreme Court has said religious conversions undertaken solely to avail reservation benefits without genuine belief amounted to a fraud on the Constitution. Justices Pankaj Mithal and R Mahadevan passed the verdict on November 26 in a case filed by one C Selvarani and upheld a Madras High Court decision of January 24 denying a scheduled caste certificate to a woman who converted to Christianity but later claimed to be a Hindu to secure employment benefits. Justice Mahadevan, who wrote the 21-page verdict for the bench, further underscored that one converted to a different religion, when they were genuinely inspired by its principles, tenets and spiritual thoughts. However, if the purpose of conversion is largely to derive the benefits of reservation but not with any actual belief in the other religion, the same cannot be permitted, as the extension of benefits of reservation to people with such ulterior motives will only defeat the social ethos of the policy of reservation, he noted. The evidence presented before the bench was found to have clearly demonstrated that the appellant professed Christianity and actively practiced the faith by attending church regularly. Despite the same, she claims to be a Hindu and seeks for a SC community certificate for the purpose of employment, it noted. Such a dual claim made by her, said the bench was untenable and she cannot continue to identify herself as a Hindu after baptism. The top court, therefore, held the conferment of scheduled caste communal status to the woman, who was a Christian by faith, but claimed to be still embracing Hinduism only for the purpose of availing reservation in employment, would go against the very object of reservation and would amount to fraud on the Constitution. The top court underlined a religious conversion solely to access reservation benefits, without genuine belief in the adopted religion, undermined the fundamental social objectives of the quota policy and her actions were contrary to the spirit of reservation policies aimed at uplifting the marginalised communities. Selvarani, born to a Hindu father and a Christian mother, was baptised as a Christian shortly after birth but later claimed to be a Hindu and sought an SC certificate to apply for an upper division clerk position in Puducherry in 2015. While her father belonged to the Valluvan caste, categorised under scheduled castes, he had converted to Christianity, as confirmed by documentary evidence. The verdict said the appellant continued to practice Christianity, as seen by the regular church attendance, making her claim of being a Hindu untenable. The bench noted individuals converting to Christianity lose their caste identity and must provide compelling evidence of reconversion and acceptance by their original caste to claim SC benefits. The judgement said there was no substantial evidence of the appellants reconversion to Hinduism or acceptance by the Valluvan caste. Her claims lacked public declarations, ceremonies, or credible documentation to substantiate her assertions, it pointed out. One converts to a different religion when genuinely inspired by its principles. Conversion purely for reservation benefits, devoid of belief, is impermissible, the bench held. The apex court opined in any case, upon conversion to Christianity, one lost their caste and couldnt be identified by it. As the factum of reconversion is disputed, there must be more than a mere claim. The conversion had not happened by any ceremony or through Arya Samaj. No public declaration was effected. There is nothing on record to show that she or her family has reconverted to Hinduism and on the contrary, there is a factual finding that the appellant still professes Christianity, it noted. Submit reports or face consequences, High Court warns PWD Staff Reporter : The Division Bench of Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi at the High Court here, was very unhappy with the Public Works Department (PWD) officials. On Wednesday, the Bench asked why the engineer had not followed the courts order and why he should not be punished with contempt of court proceedings against him. The Court told the PWD engineer to send a proper reply by December 18. This happened during hearing on Public Interest Litigation about bridges in Nagpur, including one from the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) to Jaripatka Railway Overbridge (RoB) and another from Mecosabagh to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI). In a previous hearing, the Court told the PWD engineer to go and check the areas between NADT and Jaripatka RoB and between Mecosabagh and CMPDI. The engineer was asked to report back to the court within three weeks. But the judge asked why the engineer hadnt done this yet and told him to submit his report by December 18. Advocate Shashibhushan Wahane, who is representing the case, told the court that the report given by a special five-member committee had mistakes about the flyovers on these bridges. The High Court had already asked the Chief Engineer of PWD to explain how the bridges were built. The five-member committee had sent a secret report to the court. The Jaripatka Shopkeepers Association had also asked the court to make sure the bridge is built the right way and in time. The High Court then constituted a committee to check the bridge design. Adv Wahane also said that the engineer included an additional flyover to the original project, which was not needed. The two bridges could meet at a square, which might be dangerous for road users because cars travel very fast there. Also, the landing point of the bridge at Jaripatka was changed, which has blocked the road that used to go to Nazul Layout Colony. No free access to school buses, fire tenders, ambulances In another part of the case, the court was told that the land near the Itarsi Bridge to Jaripatka landing point is causing problems. The NIT told the court in February 2024 that they had asked the state government to buy the land near the Muslim and Christian cemeteries. The problem is that the bridge now ends at the entrance to the graveyard and made it dangerous for people who live nearby. There is a Nazul Layout behind the graveyard, but the road to that area is blocked now. This means that school buses, fire trucks, and ambulances cant get into the settlement. The people who live there are facing a lot of problems because of this. The court told the PWD engineer to go check the area behind the graveyard and give a report about the situation. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On November 27, the 2024 SenseAuto AI DAY was held Shanghai, showcasing SenseAutos "driving-cabin-cloud" integrated AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) ecosystem and strategic roadmap. The company revealed advancements in intelligent cockpit interaction and end-to-end smart driving solutions. Photo credit: SenseAuto Intelligent Cockpit Innovations SenseAuto introduced an innovative large model product for intelligent cockpits named "A New Member For U", aimed at transforming onboard voice assistants from mechanical tools into intuitive companions. This solution is underpinned by three core features: perceptive interaction, intuitive understanding, and continuous operation. Photo credit: SenseAuto The "A New Member For U" features a native streaming multimodal large model, which is capable of real-time perception and comprehension across text, images, audio, and video. The models are fine-tuned for in-vehicle scenarios. Meanwhile, its "Always-on" framework enables real-time inference, zero-copy transmission, and rapid response times. Data latency is reduced to under 1 millisecond, with first-packet delays as low as 60 milliseconds and inference speeds of 40 tokens per second. Photo credit: SenseAuto The Always-on framework is compatible with major automotive chip platforms, such as those from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, ensuring its seamless deployment across most vehicle models. Upgraded Smart Driving Solutions SenseAuto has developed three mass-production intelligent driving solutions, including the basic smart driving solution, the advanced all-scenario smart driving system, and a mass-producible end-to-end UniAD-based smart driving system. Based on the J6E and J6M platforms, SenseAuto launched the AD Pro and AD Max mass-production intelligent driving solutions. The AD Max is capable of supporting urban NOP (Navigate on Pilot) function without HD maps. The company disclosed that smart driving solutions based on the J6 platform will begin mass production and delivery in the second quarter of 2025. Photo credit: SenseAuto Additionally, SenseAuto also introduced the AD Ultra end-to-end smart driving system based on the UniAD. The solution adopts a technology roadmap independent from HD maps and LiDAR sensors. It uses one millimeter-wave radar, eleven cameras, and a onboard computing platform capable of 200+TOPS of computing power. Up to now, SenseAuto has formed partnership with Chery-backed ZDRIVE, and Dongfeng Motor. The end-to-end solution will enter mass production by the end of next year. Enhanced "Kaiwu" World Model SenseAuto's "Kaiwu" world model has also been upgraded, supportting high-quality data generation for training and simulation. Kaiwu is now able to perform real-world comprehension and scenario generation. It offers customizable elements and parallel world simulations. The model can also generate videos of up to 150 seconds at 1080P resolution, with 11-view perspectives. Notably, powered by the multimodal large model, the Kaiwu model now supports the controlled generation of various autonomous driving scenarios and corner cases. SenseAuto has built an expansive database generated scenarios based on 1,024 diverse scenarios. The database will be available to the industry by 2025. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 21, China's main power battery supplier Gotion High-tech signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tsinghua University in Beijing to collaborate on R&D in critical technologies and materials for next-generation power batteries. Photo credit: Gotion High-tech Under the MoU, the two parties will leverage their respective strengths to advance cross-disciplinary strategic cooperation and innovation. Key areas of focus include next-generation power battery technologies, essential battery materials, safety performance, and manufacturing processes. The partnership also aims to transform research outcomes into practical applications. Future collaboration will emphasize breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, innovations in testing methods, smart digital R&D, and industrial applications, fostering resource sharing and coordinated innovation. Mr. Ouyang Minggao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and deputy director of Tsinghua University's Academic Committee, highlighted the strategic significance of developing and commercializing next-generation battery technologies such as all-solid-state batteries. He noted that as trends in vehicle electrification persist, coupled with advancements in autonomous driving and vehicle-to-grid interaction, electric vehicles will evolve into multifunctional storage devices. Mr. Ouyang expressed optimism about achieving significant results through this industry-academia collaboration with Gotion High-tech. Mr. Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-tech, emphasized that the collaboration with Tsinghua University not only enables the company to sustain innovation in basic research, cutting-edge technology, and strategic thinking but also contributes to talent cultivation. Mr. Li expressed his desire to deepen cooperation with Ouyangs team, aiming to overcome technological challenges and drive advancements in the battery industry. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 27, HIMA, Huawei's smart car alliance, announced that there were 15 supercharging stations and 224 supercharging guns under the Huawei brand newly deployed between November 18 and 24, 2024. The new installations span cities including Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing, Huizhou, Shenyang, Shangqiu, Yongzhou, Taiyuan, Hengshui, Luohe, Xinyang, and Zhenjiang. Photo credit: HIMA Earlier this year, Huawei announced the formation of a "supercharging" alliance, with the Chinese automakers such as BYD, GAC Group, FAW-Volkswagen, Chery, Li Auto, SERES, XPENG, ARCFOX, AVATR, JAC Group, Great Wall Motor, and NETA Auto joining it. Notably, in this October, Huawei released its fully liquid-cooled supercharging station, located at the P3 parking lot of Kunshan South Railway Station in Jiangsu Province, which is able to charging 60 new energy vehicles simultaneously. Inspired by traditional data center cooling solutions, this supercharging station boasts a maximum output of 720 kW, optimizing energy usage to achieve efficient charging while reducing the risk of equipment overheating, thereby enhancing safety during charging. SAN FRANCISCOThe men of Falcon Studios appear in Beat the Heat, the latest release from award-winning director Tony Dimarco, starring Seth Peterson, Johnny Donovan and Eddie Patrick. Beat the Heat is out now on DVD and as a digital download via Store.FalconStudios.com. Falcon subscribers can also watch individual episodes as they debut every Friday, exclusively on FalconStudios.com. After escaping the heat with a dip in the crisp waters of his backyard pool, JC Hunt is teamed up with Donovan for some bareback afternoon delight. Kyle Michaels preferred method to avoid overheating is taking a cold showerthat is until Trevor Brooks decides hes in the mood for a versatile flip-fuck in his bedroom. Evan Knoxx then uses a handful of ice cubes to cool off scene partner Patrick. Next, Alfonso Osnayas ice pop is a frosty makeshift dildo to fuck Kai Taylor. With the sun blazing up above, Donovan attempts to finish his afternoon workout but soon trades it in for the opportunity to ram Seth Peterson. Promotion of Beat the Heat is available through the Buddy Profits affiliate program. For more information about the Buddy Profits affiliate program, contact the affiliate manager at [email protected]. For DVD retail and wholesale purchasing, contact John Gunderson at [email protected]. LOS ANGELESPleasure products brand Fleshlight today announced top adult star Emma Hix as the newest model for its signature edition molded toys. Oh my gosh this is such an incredible honor and the chance of a lifetime for me to collaborate with an acclaimed, award-winning adult household name like Fleshlight! Hix enthused. Everyone knows having your own signature Fleshlight is the gold standard for collabs between porn stars and sex toy companies. I cant wait to give my fans the opportunity to fulfill their fantasy of getting very up-close-and-personal with not only one, but two of my most special body parts! The Emma Hix Fleshlights were over a year in the making, with every care being taken to get them perfectly right. They asked me to come up with names for the two models, the Canadian-American starlet explained. My pussy Fleshlight is called Syrup and my butt Fleshlight is called Bacon. They pay homage to my Canadian background and they also happen to be my favorite things to eat! Originally my pussy Fleshlight was going to be called Maple, but apparently that name was taken. And then we landed on Syrup, which is actually much better and perfectly reflects how smooth its gonna feel for them when they finally get to experience these exact replicas of my most intimate places. Hix added that the names Syrup and Bacon are also totally on-brand for her, as they are different and special, just like I am. The acclaimed performer also shared details of her Fleshlight video promo, shot back in September. Again, the folks at Fleshlight went all out to embrace my outdoorsy background, so we shot in a huge ranch, and they had arranged horses, cowboy boots, hatseverything to make me feel like I was at home. I was already impressed by the professionalism and the scale of the Fleshlight organization, which I first experienced during the 3-D molding of my body parts. I was amazed at how easy it was and how lifelike the results are. Lets just say my fans most secret fantasies are going to be thoroughly fulfilled once they get their hands on both of my signature Fleshlights, she teased. I always go to sex shops, especially when Im in L.A., to get all my new toys for filming clips and customs, Hix concluded. And now Ill get to see myself next to industry goddesses like Blake Blossom, Angel Youngs and all my other amazing colleagues, each with our own Fleshlights! I adore Riley Reid and her having a Fleshlight was a big reason for me to pursue this opportunity. Imagine my surprise when the company flew her out to their headquarters at the same time that I did, and we even shot some promo stuff together! Its been really hard to keep it a secret. To learn more about the Emma Hix signature Fleshlights, click here. For more Emma Hix, find her on Mynx, OnlyFans, X and Instagram. The 30 for 30 short Motorcycle Mary on racing trailblazer Mary McGee. (ESPN on YouTube.) ESPNs release of Motorcycle Mary Thursday comes with sadder context than initially hoped for. That 30 for 30 short, directed by Haley Watson, produced by Rachel Greenwald, and executive produced by F1 star Lewis Hamilton and Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, covers the historic and trailblazing racing career of Mary McGee. But, unfortunately, McGee (the first woman to road race motorcycles in the U.S., and the first person to solo the famed Baja 500) passed away at 87 Wednesday, a day before the 22-minute film saw wide release on ESPNs YouTube channel. (It can be seen in full below.) Hamilton had a notable Instagram post Thursday paying tribute to McGee: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) The film, widely viewed as an Oscar contender, held its world premiere at Tribeca in New York this June. And it had received other screenings before this as well. Indeed, ESPN senior writer Alyssa Roenigk penned a remarkable ESPN.com piece Thursday about attending a screening at the recent Babes in the Dirt dirt-bike campout, not far from the Baja 500 course (which McGee soloed in 1975 at 38). That piece included some notable comments from women in attendance, including campout organizer Ashmore Ellis, on what the film meant to them: Nothing could stop her, Ellis says. The way she speaks about riding, her passion, Marys one of us. She didnt just talk about it. She did it and she did it her way, without reservation and through adversity, through people telling her no and that she shouldnt be there. That resonates with me. Ellis thinks about how many women McGee inspired to throw their legs over a motorcycle for the first time, just like a woman on Coast Highway did for her more than a decade ago and just like she does for women today. I have no special powers. Im not an athlete, Ellis says. But I care so deeply, and I know what riding has done for my life. How can I not do that for someone else, tell them, Ill be there. Ill be your friend, especially knowing there are people out there who havent discovered this yet in themselves. Its unfortunate that McGee passed away before this films wide release. But, as Roenigk notes, she did hear plenty of tributes from those she inspired, and referenced that near the end of the documentary. Probably the thing Im proudest about is that I had something to do with showing women that they can come out and race motorcycles. And its cool that this documentary showing her remarkable life and impact is now widely available for free. Heres more on it from the YouTube page: In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Marys pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports. The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee a.k.a. MOTORCYCLE MARY whose racing career spanned thirty years and saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines. Born in Alaska on the eve of World War II, McGees early life is riddled with fear but, with her older brother Jims guidance, she conquers her apprehensive nature and discovers the art of composurea skill that serves her to take on the racetrack. Following in her brothers footsteps, her remarkable racing odyssey begins in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles. She was the first woman to race motorcycles in the United States. Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heightsculminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Becoming the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle. [ESPN on YouTube, ESPN.com, Deadline] LLP Web20 News / National by Staff reporter Villagers in Tsholotsho North are living in fear as elephants in search of food and water invade their communities, destroying property and disrupting daily life.Tsholotsho North legislator Libion Sibanda said the elephants were causing havoc, particularly in wards 7, 8, and 21."We have a challenge in our area as people are now afraid to move freely, especially at night because of elephants," said Sibanda.The situation has reportedly overwhelmed the Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) rangers tasked with managing the animals."We appeal to Tsholotsho RDC to find a way to drive the elephants back to the national parks for the safety of our lives as villagers," he added.Impact on Education and LivelihoodsThe elephants' presence is also affecting learners, with some missing classes due to the animals' movements, according to Ward 8 councillor Jazz Sibanda.In response, Tsholotsho RDC chairperson Rophas Ndlovu said they had taken measures to address the problem, including driving some elephants back to national parks and culling two of the animals."The meat was distributed among the affected community," said Ndlovu, adding that some elephants were migrating from as far as Botswana.Rising Jumbo Population Sparks ConflictZimbabwe's elephant population has surged to over 90,000, more than double the sustainable capacity of 45,000, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. The increase has led to frequent human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in rural areas like Tsholotsho.Government recently announced plans to cull 200 elephants to address the growing population, a move seen as necessary to reduce the pressure on communities.However, the ban on culling and ivory trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) remains a challenge, with officials citing the restrictions as a factor behind the ballooning numbers.Villagers are appealing for swift and effective measures to protect their lives, property, and livelihoods amid the escalating human-animal conflict. The state government would introduce a resolution to discuss in the Assembly seeking revocation of the central governments Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The Business Advisory committee today fixed 2 and 3 December for initiating discussion on the said resolution. Advertisement Sovandeb Chatterjee, the state minister for parliamentary affairs has given notice under Rule 169 to the Speaker seeking discussion on the resolution urging upon the Union government to withdraw the said bill. Advertisement On 8 August, two bills, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha with an aim to streamline the Waqf Boards work and ensure the efficient management of Waqf properties. The objective of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, is to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to redress the issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. The Amendment Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. The ruling Trinamul Congress, which is up in arms against the Centres proposed legislation, is opposed to the Bill on the ground that it would encroach on the states rights and marginalised community. Through the resolution, it was claimed a leader of the ruling party would register the states protest and chart measures out to safeguard the interests of the minorities. Local residents are breathing toxic gases across this industrial city that has surpassed the degree of pollution of the national capital for the second consecutive day and topped the list of hazardous cities in the country, as the pollution index chart prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board reflects. Bidhannagar locality in Durgapur town recorded the highest AQI (air quality index) level at 423 yesterday at a time when AQI at Shadipur point the worst-hit area in Delhi was at 394 and AQI of Chandigarh, another desperately gasping city had dropped down to 269. Today, when Bidhannagars AQI however dropped slightly to 404, Delhi recorded 324. Durgapurs neighbouring towns, Raniganj and Asansol, at 2.30 pm today recorded AQI levels at 324 & 380. Advertisement Yes, its a fact that the ambient air quality of Durgapur has deteriorated dangerously and weve taken serious cognizance about it, said Arup De, environmental engineer of the West Bengal Pollution Control Boards regional headquarters here this afternoon. He said: Weve beefed up surveillance furthermore and actions against three more polluting iron & steel factories have been geared up today. The WBPCB has already taken harsh penal measures against two polluting induction furnace units close to Bidhannagar by suspending their operations. Besides, 15 water cannons have been pressed into operation for sprinkling since yesterday, which would soon be elevated to 35, Dey said. Advertisement The Paschimbanga Bijnan Manchas district committee, considering the soaring air pollution, staged a demonstration in front of the WBPCB office here today. Yesterday, PM10 (particulate matter up to 10 micrometer) per meter-cube of ambient air registered the highest ever density near Panagarh at 453 micrograms against 423 AQI level that subsequently dropped to 422.61 micrograms today. PM10 emanates during unchecked Iron and steel production, mining and cement production in Durgapur industrial zone. Safe PM10 level of ambient air, prescribed by WHO, is 20 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5, another pollutant particle, was 242 micrograms per meter-cube that dropped to 90 micrograms. Trouble started as wind speed failed to disperse the hazardous suspended particulate matters. State rural development minister Pradip Majumdar and the ruling Trinamul Congresss district president Narendranath Chakraborty expressed deep concern with the high AQI level of Durgapur industrial town over the week. At the ground breaking function of Durgapur Utsav, Majumdar said: The air pollution in the city has increased to dangerous levels and something needs to be done immediately. Chakraborty said: We must enjoy this festive season but the severity of pollution has started causing serious inconvenience to the citizens, especially the elderly. Dr Satyajit Bose, veteran cardiovascular surgeon operating at Bidhannagar said, The increasing pollution has started causing difficulty to our children, grandchildren too especially in the early morning and evening hours. Something has to be done immediately. AQI ranging 400 to 430 is equivalent to smoking about 20 to 25 cigarettes a day, the World Health Organizations health hazard chart suggests. It invites ischaemic heart disease, heart stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia besides increasing the risk of lung cancer. Considering the unabated pollution level, the WBPCB and the local civic body today intensified water sprinkling along the vulnerable locations especially besides the NH-19. The results for Kolkata FF Fatafat Lottery on November 28, 2024 are now being announced. This popular game declares results in eight rounds daily, with each round being released at scheduled intervals. Known for its fast-paced outcomes, the Kolkata FF Fatafat lottery has gained immense popularity across the country. Lottery and other fantasy games are gaining significant traction in India, with many hoping to try their luck and win big. Advertisement However, success in these games is rare, and Kolkata FF Fatafat is no exception. Participants in this lottery are often hopeful of winning a large amount, putting their trust in fortune. Advertisement The Kolkata FF Fatafat lottery operates similarly to Satta Matka, and it is particularly popular among the middle and lower-income groups. Kolkata Fatafat Result for November 28, 2024 First round: 146-1 Second round: 477-8 Third round: 190-0 Its key appeal lies in the fact that players can invest a small amount while having the chance to win a large prize, and the results are announced quickly. However, like any form of gambling, there is inherent risk involved, and players should proceed with caution. If youre considering participating in this lottery, its important to remember that the odds of winning are low. The house typically has the higher chance of success in the long run. However, if luck is on your side, you could walk away with a significant prize. The results are announced live throughout the day, and you can check them on the official website at kolkataff (dot) in. Hailing the governments landmark decision to waive bank guarantees for telecom spectrum acquired before 2022, industry players on Tuesday said such supportive policy measures are instrumental in creating an enabling environment for technological innovation and boost digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas. The decision is expected to offer significant relief to leading telecom companies, especially Vodafone Idea, which collectively owe over Rs 30,000 crore in bank guarantees to the government. Advertisement We welcome the Union Cabinets move and thank the government on approving the waiving of bank guarantee for telecom operators on spectrum purchased before 2022. This landmark decision will significantly help reduce the financial burden on the telecom operators in the country, said Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Advertisement The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had earlier proposed the move, responding to industry demands for relief. Telecom companies had written to the DoT, urging the removal of bank guarantee requirements for pre-2022 spectrum acquisitions. This decision builds on the 2021 Cabinet reforms, which waived the need for bank guarantees on spectrum acquired prospectively. While we are studying the details of the decision and will be able to have a more substantial view of the same, we feel positive that this decision will enhance cash flow, free up capital and enable capital investments in network expansion and technology upgrades, ensuring a stronger and robust rollout of telecom networks in the future, said COAI. Vodafone Idea is likely to submit bank guarantees totalling approximately Rs 24,600 crore. Its share closed over 9 per cent at Rs 7.61 apiece on Tuesday. The September 2021 telecom reforms had provided telcos with a four-year moratorium on spectrum payments and adjusted gross revenue dues. Digital Infrastructure Providers Association Applauds Cabinets Strategic Move to Waive Bank Guarantees for Telecom Spectrum Manoj Kumar Singh, Director General, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), said the waiver, which extends to spectrum acquisitions made prior to 2022, builds upon the forward-thinking reforms initiated in 2021. By removing the bank guarantee requirements retroactively, the government has created a more flexible financial environment that will enable telecom operators to optimize their capital allocation, enhance liquidity, and accelerate infrastructure investments. This decision is particularly significant for operators like Vodafone Idea, who have been navigating complex financial challenges, Singh added. Bank guarantees have traditionally locked substantial capital, with telecom operators typically maintaining 3-5 per cent of spectrum auction value as guarantee, translating to hundreds of crores of rupees. By removing these guarantees for pre-2022 spectrum acquisitions, the government is effectively unlocking critical working capital that can be strategically reinvested in network infrastructure, technology upgradation, and expansion of digital connectivity. Bank guarantees have been a significant financial constraint for telecom operators. This waiver will provide immediate liquidity relief, enabling operators to redirect financial resources towards critical infrastructure development, especially in underserved and rural regions, said Singh. The timing of this intervention is particularly crucial. As India rapidly advances towards 5G deployment and prepares for the upcoming 6G stack, such supportive policy measures are instrumental in creating an enabling environment for technological innovation, said DIPA. To combat the emerging cyber challenges, the Delhi Police on Thursday inaugurated the Hackathon, a cyber challenge, in collaboration with the Cyber Peace Foundation, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering innovation and finding effective solutions to emerging challenges in the digital world. The event was attended by participants from renowned institutions, including Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, DRDO, MeiTY, National Forensic Science University, Startup India, CyberPeace Foundation, and Uber India. Advertisement The cyber challenge is designed to bring together industries, scholars, and students to explore and develop practical solutions for critical issues such as combating digital arrest, and fake news, enhancing womens safety, and improving social media monitoring mechanisms. Advertisement Speaking at the event, Special Commissioner of Police Vivek Gogia emphasised the vital role of technological innovation in law enforcement, highlighting the increasing need for collaboration between various stakeholders to stay ahead of emerging digital threats. The Cyber Challenge will run in multiple phases, with participants from across the country. With this launch, the online registration for participants starts at the Delhi Police website. The finalists from the shortlist participants will be announced in the 2nd week of January, followed by a grand finale from 15th to 16th January. The winners will be felicitated with attractive prices and certificates in the award ceremony scheduled on 17th January. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav on Thursday launched a scathing attack at the Centre and the AAP-led Delhi government, saying city residents are not safe even in their homes. Referring to the recent incidents of crime in the national capital, he asserted that law and order has become so dreadful in the city that people are not safe even in their own homes, as murders, shootings, robberies, snatchings, threats, ransom demands and cyber crimes have become a daily occurrence without any checks and balances. Advertisement The Delhi Congress chief said businessmen and traders are living in dread of their life and business establishments, as criminals brazenly attack and intimidate them without any fear for the police Advertisement Cornering the AAP and BJP, Yadav said, It is shocking that the AAP government and the BJP, instead of working together to stem the rising crime tide, are indulging in blame games with people bearing the brunt of the disturbed law and order, as Delhi becomes the crime capital of the country. AAP and BJP are vitiating the crime situation to score cheap political points by trading charges against each other. The balance sheet of AAPs rule for the past 10 years is that Delhi has become No 1 in crime, pollution, and in all negative indices, he alleged. Mentioning crimes against women, Yadav claimed that crimes against women have risen sharply in the past few weeks with rapes, kidnappings, murders and assaults taking place every day. Earlier, the Delhi Congress chief said, It is a matter of grave concern that these crimes were happening under the very nose of the Union Home Ministry, which controls Delhi Police. BJP MPs from Delhi, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Bansuri Swaraj, Yogendra Chandolia, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Praveen Khandelwal, in joint statement on Thursday informed that the Delhi High Court has sent a notice to the government regarding the implementation of Centres Ayushman Bharat Scheme in the national capital. According to the MPs, this development raises the hope of implementation of the Central health scheme in the capital. They recalled that during the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party had pledged in its manifesto to implement the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in the national capital. Advertisement According to the saffron partys state unit, a petition in this regard was filed in the high court which has now came up for started hearing. Advertisement Bidhuri said during a session of the Delhi Assembly, former Delhi Minister Manish Sisodia had announced in front of Arvind Kejriwal that the scheme would be implemented in the city. However, it has not been implemented to date. The MP said BJP MLAs have repeatedly raised this issue in the Assembly, but due to alleged political animosity came in the way of the implementation of the scheme. He further said that after the elections, all seven MPs from Delhi approached the high court. Now, the court issued a notice to the Delhi government. Bidhuri also announced a signature campaign from December 1 to December 7 to push for the implementation of the scheme in Delhi. According to the BJP leader, senior citizens signatures will be collected in a door-to-door campaign, and camps will be organised in various wards. He reiterated that if the BJP forms a government after the upcoming polls, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme would be implemented in the very first cabinet meeting. New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, who is representing the BJP in the court, said the high court scheduled the next hearing for December 11. She noted that during the hearing, the court observed that Delhis healthcare system has often seemed to falter, with the Delhi government citing financial constraints. It has asked why the AAP government is not implementing a scheme like Ayushman Bharat in Delhi. Swaraj also pointed out that in March 2024, the then Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had stated that the Centre was prepared to provide Rs 47 crore annually to Delhi for the implementation of the scheme. She also appealed to AAP chief Kejriwal to abandon his political stubbornness and implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme for the benefit of Delhis residents. Aishwarya Rai recently made headlines for reasons unrelated to her acting career. While attending the Global Womens Forum in Dubai, her name appeared without the Bachchan surname, sparking curiosity and speculation among fans and social media users. The actress, who was attending the event to champion womens empowerment and innovation, featured in a series of videos shared by the Dubai Women Establishments official Instagram account. Advertisement Dressed in a striking blue outfit adorned with silver embellishments, Aishwarya addressed the crowd, discussing the importance of perseverance and creativity. However, it caught attention of many that her name appeared on the screen as Aishwarya RaiInternational star. It did not mention Bachchan, which she used to add earlier. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Women Establishment (@dubaiwomenestablishment) This omission quickly became a topic of discussion online, especially as it came amid ongoing rumors about her personal life. The divorce speculations surrounding Aishwarya and her husband, actor Abhishek Bachchan, have intensified recently, fueled by the actresss solo appearance at a high-profile wedding. While Aishwarya was at the event with her daughter Aaradhya, Abhishek attended with his parents, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and sister Shweta Nanda Bachchan. Adding to the swirl of rumors, Abhishek Bachchan liked an Instagram post discussing divorce, further stirring speculation. His name was also in link with actress Nimrat Kaur, his co-star in the recent film Dasvi. Amid all the public chatter, Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Bollywood superstar, broke his silence. In a heartfelt blog post, he addressed the growing rumors and expressed his frustration with the speculative nature of the media. He wrote about the toll such unverified information can take on those involved, especially when people present in a way that leaves room for doubt and ambiguity. Amitabh shared his views on the matter, stating, Speculations are speculations they are speculated untruths, without verifications. He emphasized that these rumors, often filled with uncertainty, are dangerous because they can lead to false conclusions widely accepted as truths. His post also highlighted the role of question marks in media, pointing out how they can plant seeds of doubt, making the reader question the credibility of the information. Shehnaaz Gill, the beloved actress and social media sensation, recently gave her fans a glimpse of her lively personality as she danced to a revamped version of the classic track Kajra Mohabbat Wala on the sets of her upcoming film. The video, shared on Instagram, features Shehnaaz dancing joyfully alongside her team, showcasing her energetic spirit and charm. Advertisement Dressed in a mint-colored kurta and white pyjamas, she looked every bit the desi kudi, effortlessly blending traditional style with her vibrant energy. In her post, Shehnaaz playfully declared, Reel is my meal. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shehnaaz Gill (@shehnaazgill) The song Kajra Mohabbat Wala holds a special place in Bollywood history. Originally from the 1969 film Kismat, the track is immortalized by the voices of Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum. The film, featuring iconic stars like Babita and Helen, has left a lasting legacy, and Shehnaazs playful rendition of the song was a fun nod to its timeless appeal. Earlier, Shehnaaz Gill had also set the stage on fire with a dance on Badshahs latest track, Morni, from his recent music release. In a video shared with her fans, she expressed her passion for dancing, even when caught up in her busy schedule. When works got you running on full speed, but passion says, Lets do this real quick! Busy, but never too busy for what I love, she wrote, accompanied by her signature enthusiasm. The track itself pays homage to the popular 1991 Rajasthani folk song Morni Baga Ma Bole from Lamhe, starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi. As Shehnaaz juggles her busy career, she is also making strides in Punjabi cinema. She recently shared an exciting milestone on Instagram, announcing the commencement of her Punjabi film shoot with celebrated director Amarjit Saron, known for films like Honsla Rakh and Saunkan Saunkne. Starting a new journey today and immensely proud and happy to announce that today we commence the shooting of my Punjabi film with my dream team, she wrote, sharing a picture of herself holding the films clapboard. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been embroiled in a legal battle over their French Winery, Chateau Miraval. On November 25, the court ruled in favour of the Maleficent star. The ruling asked Pitt to furnish essential evidence that could be pivotal in allegations of abuse and coverups. The Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lia Martin reportedly issued a tentative ruling requiring the Troy actor to hand over crucial documents and communications. The mentioned documents will play a crucial role in sustaining Angelina Jolies allegations of abuse and Pitt trying to brush away the truth under the carpet. Paul Murphy, Jolies lawyer stated on November 26, We are gratified that the court ruled in Angelinas favour. He added, After Mr Pitt fought for years to hide this crucial evidence. He must now produce documents and communications concerning abuse, lies to authorities, and years of cover-up. His actions harmed Angelina and their children and are central to this case. Meanwhile, a source close to Pitt reportedly dismissed the rulings significance. The source dubbed the ruling mostly irrelevant because he has provided so much information already. Advertisement The ruling comes after the Salt actress team alleged that Pitt compelled her to sign a non-disclosure agreement about the abuse. This was to allow her to that she could sell her winery share to her ex-husband. Moreover, Jolies attorney stated that the star didnt want the matter to escalate so much. She was more concerned about her childrens well-being. The former couple share six children. Murphy said, She never pressed charges, she left all their properties, and she is the one who tried to sell him the business in the first place. However, he alleged that Jolies ex continues to demand more despite having at all times controlled Miraval and the winery. Advertisement Also Read: BLACKPINKs Rose drops the tracklist of anticipated studio album rosie For the unversed, the legal feud began in February 2022 when Pitt accused Jolie of unlawfully selling her shares of the winery without his consent. This reportedly violated an agreement that neither party would sell their stake without mutual approval. Meanwhile, in earlier court documents, Pitts team dubbed Chateau Miraval as a cherished family project. They recalled how the couple purchased the property to create a home for their children and a business venture. Notably, the duo exchanged vows on the property in 2014, as per reports. Subsequently, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt in 2016. News / National by Staff reporter Three police officers have been sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for extortion by a Rusape magistrate, following their conviction for demanding money from a resident under false pretenses.The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the sentencing of Shepherd Muzvidza (36), Justice Chaka (37), and Trust Mudzitirwa (39), who were accused of abusing their authority to extort US$400 from a complainant.The IncidentThe officers received a tip-off alleging that the complainant had illegally bypassed a Zesa electricity meter. Acting on the information, they visited the individual's home, where they threatened to arrest the complainant unless they were paid.According to the NPAZ statement, the complainant, under duress, handed over the money to avoid arrest.Legal Proceedings and SentencingDespite pleading not guilty, the trio were found culpable. They were sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, with the following conditions applied: Nine months of the sentence were suspended for three years on the condition of good behavior. An additional three months were suspended on condition of restitution to the complainant. The remaining 18 months were suspended on the condition that each officer completes 380 hours of community service.This case underscores efforts by the judiciary to address corruption and abuse of power within law enforcement agencies. It also highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.The NPAZ has encouraged members of the public to report such cases, emphasizing the need to foster transparency and integrity in public institutions. The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne is pursuing legal action against those who may have played a role in his tragic death. Payne, aged 31, died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Legal representatives for Liam Paynes family have begun formal proceedings. Renowned music lawyer Richard Bray, acting on behalf of the family, has reportedly handed over legal responsibilities to a law firm based in Buenos Aires. Advertisement Details surrounding Paynes death have raised serious concerns. While local prosecutors have ruled out self-harm or external assault, disturbing allegations have surfaced. Advertisement Hotel staff are accused of manhandling Payne and forcibly locking him in his room using a master key shortly before the fatal fall. Shocking images, included in the police investigation, appear to support these claims. A source revealed that Payne seemed desperate to leave his room, stating, Its clear Liam was trying to get downstairs; he didnt want to stay inside. Two hotel staff members have been charged with allegedly providing Payne with drugs, while one of his friends is under investigation for failing to assist him. If it is proven that hotel staff abandoned Payne in a vulnerable state, they could face charges of abandonment of a person, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in Argentina. Additionally, charges for drug facilitation or distribution could result in up to 12 years of imprisonment. Argentinas legal system permits families of victims to independently pursue criminal prosecutions alongside or separate from the state prosecutor. Criminal lawyer Nicolas Durrieu explained that this empowerment allows families to lead their own investigations, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Paynes loved ones, including his parents Geoff and Karen and his siblings, are reportedly determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The investigation has taken a darker turn following the release of unsettling photos and police reports. Paynes apparent struggle to escape his hotel room, coupled with allegations of staff negligence, has fueled speculation about the events leading up to his death. Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up to enchant audiences once again, this time with his narration in the upcoming live-action spectacle Mufasa: The Lion King. The Bollywood icon recently opened up about his connection with the character of Mufasa, revealing striking similarities between the lion kings journey and his own rise to fame. Advertisement In a promotional video released by the makers, Shah Rukh narrates Mufasas tale with his signature charm and gravitas. He describes the story as one of resilience, legacy, and a profound determination to rise above adversity. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walt Disney Studios (@disneystudios) This is the tale of a king who inherited solitude instead of the spotlight, he says in Hindi, adding, But his passion lifted him from the ground to touch the skies. Many rulers governed lands, but he ruled hearts. With a knowing smile, he adds, Doesnt this story sound familiar? But this one belongs to Mufasa. The Hindi adaptation of the film is a family affair for the Khan household. Shah Rukh voices the regal Mufasa, while his elder son Aryan Khan lends his voice to Simba, adding depth to the father-son dynamic central to the story. Even the youngest member of the family, AbRam, joins the project as the voice of young Mufasa, making this a truly personal endeavor for the Bollywood superstar. The voice cast also boasts talents like Sanjay Mishra as Pumbaa, Shreyas Talpade as Timon, and Meiyang Chang as Taka. The recently released trailer has already generated excitement, offering a glimpse into the lush, vibrant world of the jungle. It opens with Timon and Pumbaa sharing a lighthearted moment, but the mood shifts as young Mufasa grapples with feelings of displacement and identity. His poignant exchange with Taka, another lion cub, forms the emotional core of the story. Im not a wanderer; Im just lost, Mufasa tells Taka, hinting at his struggles to find his place in the jungle. The trailer beautifully captures the evolving relationship between the two cubs, set against the backdrop of a jungle uniting for a larger purpose. Shah Rukh Khan, reflecting on his role in an earlier statement, shared how deeply he resonates with Mufasa. Mufasa represents wisdom, strength, and a fathers love, he said. As a father, I see parts of myself in him, especially in his efforts to guide and protect Simba. Its a role that feels personal and meaningful. Directed by Barry Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King is going to release in cinemas on December 20, 2024, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The Hindi version, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and his family, will also be available in IMAX. Ali Fazal has officially completed his part in the shoot for Mani Ratnams much-anticipated Tamil-language film Thug Life, marking his debut in the South Indian film industry. The actor, who plays a pivotal role alongside the legendary Kamal Haasan, described the experience as both transformative and enriching. Advertisement Reflecting on the journey, Ali expressed his admiration for Ratnam, calling him a visionary and shared that working under his direction has been an honor. Advertisement The last two months have been transformative for me as an actor learning Tamil, immersing myself in a new cinematic culture, and pushing my creative boundaries, Fazal noted. He also revealed how working with an iconic cast, including Kamal Haasan, Trisha, Abhirami, Nasser, and others, has been a dream come true. The opportunity to share the screen with Kamal Haasan sir and this extraordinary cast is something Ill cherish forever, he added. Thug Life is likely to be a massive cinematic experience, with its production nearing completion. Ali praised Ratnam for crafting an immersive world, adding, I can confidently say this film will be a cinematic feast for audiences across India and beyond. The film is going to release on June 5, 2025, with music by AR Rahman, under the banner of a powerhouse production team including Kamal Haasans Raaj Kamal Film International, Ratnams Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies. In addition to Thug Life, Ali has a packed schedule with upcoming projects such as Lahore 1947 directed by Rajkummar Santoshi and Anurag Basus Metro..In Dino. On the international front, Ali Fazal is going to star in Rule Breakers, directed by two-time Oscar winner Bill Guttentag, alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The film, which explores themes of resilience in Afghanistan, is ready for release in March 2025. The fourth meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), concluded successfully in Moscow, Russia. The meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing the long standing strategic partnership between the two countries. Advertisement The meeting was co-chaired by Lieutenant General J P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff representing India, and Lieutenant General Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces. Advertisement A statement from the Ministry of Defence stated that the Working Group emphasised the importance of continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration in areas of strategic interest. It also agreed upon expanding joint exercises to further solidifying the operational synergy between the two forces. Both nations have conducted numerous joint exercises across land, air and sea domains. Exercises such as INDRA, AVIA INDRA and INDRA NAVY, have served as vital platforms for sharing best practices, refining joint operational tactics drills and procedures, and deepening mutual understanding. It may be noted that the Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership was signed in 2000, which was elevated to the level of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. The Working Group, a crucial forum for India-Russia defence cooperation, provides a platform to assess existing military engagements and identify new areas for collaboration to address evolving security challenges. A delegation of Delhi BJP MLAs led by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Vijender Gupta met Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena here on Thursday and urged him to ensure that the AAP government presents 12 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Assembly session, which will kick off on Friday. Addressing the media after the meeting, Gupta said they have submitted a memorandum to the LG and requested him to exercise his special powers and direct the AAP government to table the pending CAG reports from 2017-18 to 2021-22 during the Assembly session, as it will be the last session of the current governments tenure. Advertisement He said the memorandum highlights that under Article 151(2) of the Constitution and Rule 48 of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi(GNCTD ) Act, the Delhi government is obligated to present these CAG reports in the Assembly. Advertisement Gupta said despite repeated warnings and demands from the Opposition, the government has not taken any action on the matter and is yet to table these reports in the Assembly. Informing that on 20th September, he wrote to Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel over the matter, the leader of the Opposition said, Despite this, the government did not present any CAG reports during the monsoon session, which commenced on 26 September. Even after the Opposition submitted a notice for discussion in the Assembly, the government refused to allow the topic to be debated. He stated that the CAG reports are vital documents for assessing the financial and administrative conditions in a democratic system. According to constitutional provisions, they must be presented in the Assembly after obtaining the LGs approval. However, the AAP government is deliberately withholding these reports to hide its corrupt practices, Gupta alleged. The leader of the Opposition said these reports would ensure transparency in governance and provide an account of the governments expenditures to the public. In a much-needed relief for employees of the Delhi SC/ST/OBC/Minority and Handicap Finance and Development Corporation (DSFDC), Chief Minister Atishis cabinet has approved a grantinaid of Rs 17 crore to ensure the disbursement of their pending salaries. Announcing the decision at a press conference, Atishi stated, The Delhi Cabinet has approved Rs 17 crore as grantinaid to release the salaries of DSFDC employees. Advertisement She alleged that after former CM Arvind Kejriwal was sent to jail, repeated hurdles were created in the file for DSFDC salaries. Advertisement According to the CM, the hatred for Kejriwal has escalated to the point where a certain party began targeting the people of Delhi, leaving over 125 employees of the corporation without salaries for months. She assured that with this decision of the AAP government, employees will receive their pending salaries and future payments will be made on time. Shedding light on the importance of DSFDC, Atishi said that the corporation provides loans and financial assistance to SC/ST/OBC/Minority communities and specially-abled individuals. She alleged that conspiracies against Kejriwal led to his imprisonment, and deliberate disruptions in Delhi governments operations, including the withholding of salaries for DSFDCs 125 employees since January. As per Atishis claims, every time the salary file was moved forward, hurdles were intentionally created to delay it, however, the Delhi Cabinet decided to release Rs 17 crore as a grantinaid to DSFDC to ensure all pending salaries from January are paid. According to the CM, the Cabinet has also discussed plans to revive DSFDC to ensure better services for the people. Amid tension, prevailing in the city in the wake of Sundays violence that claimed the lives of four youths, the Uttar Pradesh Police has stepped up security ahead of Friday prayers. Additional security would be in place at the controversial Shahi Jama Masjid for the Friday prayers apart from the premises of the designated court in Chandausi where the surveyor is expected to submit his report Advertisement The police have arrested one person for spreading rumours in connection with the stone pelting and violence that took place on November 24 in Sambhal. They identified him as Farhat against whom a case has been registered under sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). Advertisement The authorities have extended the ban on Internet services in the town till tomorrow. Earlier, senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain claimed that he was receiving threats after the violence. He accused Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, SP Media Cell, and Secretary of Gyanvapi Masjid Committee of spreading misinformation. The senior lawyer clarified that he did not raise any slogan at the spot and returned from there under police protection after the ASI survey. Allegations were made against me that I led a crowd there raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram and instigated violence, whereas this is completely wrong.I went there with the administration and officials, he said. The police are on alert after the death of four people in the violence that took place during the survey in Jama Masjid (Sambhal Jama Masjid) on Sunday morning. A strategy has been devised to ensure that there is no lapse in security arrangements. When the plaintiff presents the survey report in court on Friday, the defendants will present their side. In such a situation, the police will have to prepare a foolproof plan for security in the wake of Friday prayers in Jama Masjid and the presence of both parties in the court. On November 19, in the court of Civil Judge Senior Division located at Chandausi, the claim of the existence of Harihar Temple in Jama Masjid of Sambhal was presented by Supreme Court advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain on behalf of eight people. On the same day, the court had given the date of November 29 for hearing in this case and presenting the survey report. Now, Namaz (prayer) is also to be held in Jama Masjid tomorrow. Considering the seriousness of the situation, it is imperative to create a security array. However, the police and the district administration have beefed up the security to maintain law and order in Chandausi and Sambhal. Talking about security arrangements at Jama Masjid, Superintendent of Police Sambhal, Krishna Kumar Vishnoi claimed that there will be a three-layer system in this area. Police, PAC, and Rapid Action Force personnel as well as police and administration officials will be present in it. Along with armed policemen, the fire brigade will also be present. Barricading will be done on all the routes to the mosque. Sources said those coming to the mosque for Namaz will be specially monitored so that no unruly element can enter in the guise of the Namazis. However, regarding the crowd gathering here on Jumma, city Qazi Qari Alauddin has also appealed to the people of the city and surrounding areas to offer namaz in the mosques of their area only and not to try to come to Jama Masjid. In the court of Civil Judge Senior Division located in Chandausi, along with the advocate of the mosque side and the people of the committee, along with the advocate presenting the claim of being a temple, the people of the plaintiffs side and the Advocate Commissioner will also be present. Sources said one of the two main gates to enter the court will be kept closed. Advocates will enter only through the gate opening towards the housing development. For this, advocates will also have to show their I-card. They will be able to enter inside only after confirmation. Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Singh Raghav told the media that apart from eight people from the plaintiffs side, there are their advocates and six people from the defendants side to be present during the hearing. He said the survey report is being prepared and if completed, it will be presented in the court on November 29 or will seek more time for it. Meanwhile, the case of the violence and death of four youths in Sambhal reached Allahabad High Court on Thursday. A public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the high court in the matter demanded an investigation by the SIT under the chairmanship of a retired Justice of the high court. The petition demands action against the policemen involved in firing and vandalism. The petitioner also demanded an investigation into the role of Sambhal DM, SP, the Moradabad Commissioner along with the concerned officers. Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), will take oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand in a grand swearing-in ceremony at Morabadi Maidan in Ranchi on Thursday. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by several prominent leaders from the INDIA alliance, including Congress Rahul Gandhi & Mallikarjun Kharge, and AAPs Arvind Kejriwal. In a statement on X ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Soren said, Today will be a historic day a day that will further strengthen our collective struggle, the spirit of love and brotherhood and the commitment of us Jharkhandis towards justice. Advertisement Soren paid tributes to Jharkhands legacy of resistance and struggle, honouring the contributions of historical figures like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Bhagwan Sido-Kanhu, Amar Shaheed Telanga Kharia, Phulo-Jhano, Poto Ho, and Sheikh Bhikhari. He emphasised that his government would continue to carry forward this legacy. Advertisement Today is not about political victory, today is the day to reiterate our struggle for social justice, the daily battle to strengthen social unity. Today also tells us that the great people of Jharkhand are standing together amidst the increasing pressure on democracy. Today, a voice is resonating in every village, every city rights, equality, unity means the voice of Jharkhandiyat, Soren wrote. In the lead-up to the swearing-in ceremony, Soren met with several key leaders of the INDIA alliance in New Delhi on November 26. He invited Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to the event. He also met Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and his wife Sunita Kejriwal, extending a formal invitation to them. Additionally, Soren met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to attend the event. The swearing-in ceremony follows JMMs decisive victory in the recently concluded Jharkhand Assembly elections. The JMM secured 34 seats, while its allies Congress and RJD won 16 and four seats, respectively, in the 82-member Assembly (81 elected and one nominated). The BJP, on the other hand, managed to win only 21 seats, while its allies, AJSU Party and LJP (Ram Vilas), won one seat each. A day after the election results, Soren met Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and submitted a letter of support from the INDIA alliance MLAs, formally staking his claim to form the government. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hosted the 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on Thursday. The event also marked the launch of the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-24), scheduled to take place off the Kochi coast on November 29, 2024. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated the event and engaged with foreign delegates in attendance. Praising the ICG for its vital role in providing search and rescue (SAR) services across the Indian Search and Rescue Region, he commended their consistent support to the fishing community at sea. Shri Singh also assured the governments continued assistance in strengthening the ICGs capabilities. Advertisement The meeting was chaired by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, Chairperson of the NMSAR Board. In his address, he emphasised the collective responsibility of safeguarding lives at sea and the importance of efficient SAR operations in enhancing Indias maritime safety framework. Advertisement The session also included the presentation of the National SAR Awards for 2023-24, recognising outstanding contributions to maritime safety. The awards were presented in various categories, including the Merchant Vessel Category, which went to MV Singapore Bulker (a Panama-flagged vessel); the Fishing Boat Category, awarded to Indian Fishing Boats Paramita 5, Geeta, and Bahubali; the government-owned SAR Unit Category, which was given to ICG Air Squadron 835 Sqn (CG); and the Ashore Unit Category, which was awarded to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The event gathered a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, INCOIS, Directorate General of Shipping, Customs, Coastal Police, and other key organisations. Discussions, interactive sessions, and presentations fostered collaboration among these entities, reinforcing efforts to achieve shared maritime safety goals. The Kerala High Court on Thursday declined to stay the temporary appointment of Dr. K Sivaprasad as the vice-chancellor of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). A single bench of Justice Ziyad Rehman rejected the Kerala governments request to stay the appointment of Dr.K Sivaprasd, observing that his absence could not be allowed. Advertisement The state governments counsel argued that the governor in his capacity as Chancellor of the university had made the appointment of Sivaprasad violating the university rules requiring appointment from the government list and had pleaded to stay the appointment . But the Governors (Chancellors) counsel told the court that there were no qualified persons in this panel Advertisement Sidelining the state governments recommendations, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, on Wednesday, appointed a new vice-chancellors for the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and the Digital University, Kerala (DUK). The two appointments have been made on a temporary basis. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, in his capacity as the Chancellor, appointed Dr. K Sivaprasad, Professor, Department of Ship Technology, Cusat, as the vice chancellor of KTU until further orders. The Governor also appointed Ciza Thomas, former vice-chancellor (VC) of KTU as the VC of the digital varsity A Raj Bhavan notification said the two academics shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the vice-chancellor, pending the appointment of a VC in both varsities on a permanent basis The new VC appointments were necessitated after the term of DUK Vice Chancellor Saji Gopinath, who was also VC in-charge of KTU, ended last month. The state government had submitted panels of senior professors to officiate as VCs in both universities. However, citing a Supreme Court verdict on VC appointments, the Governor had maintained that the government cannot have any role in the selection process. News / National by Staff reporter A prominent Harare lawyer, Emmanuel Makanyera Mukwewa, has been charged with fraud following a botched land deal that allegedly cost an unsuspecting buyer US$180,000.Mukwewa, a senior partner at Mukwewa Law Chambers, appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa this week, facing allegations of fabricating documents related to a land transaction in Greendale, Harare. The case centers on the fraudulent sale of a piece of land, Lot 1 of 636, Greendale Township, which was misrepresented as belonging to Oracle Estate (Pvt) Limited.The Alleged SchemeAccording to court documents, in January this year, Mukwewa and his co-accused, Ernest Chagadama of Oracle Estate, are alleged to have tricked the complainant, Pacifio Trading Limited, and its director, Rodger Barney Guy, into believing they were purchasing land from a legitimate private estate. The total price for the land was set at US$180,000.Guy reportedly approached Chagadama, who referred him to Mukwewa, the estate's legal practitioner. After inspecting the land, Guy instructed Mukwewa to draw up a sale agreement, and a payment of US$180,000 was made. Mukwewa held half of the payment in his trust fund, with the understanding that it would only be released after the transaction's completion.Discovery of the FraudHowever, the deal took a turn when Mukwewa became evasive after receiving the payment, prompting Guy to investigate further. He soon discovered that the land in question did not belong to Oracle Estate as claimed, but was, in fact, government-owned. As a result, Guy lost the full US$180,000, with only US$20,000 being recovered.Court Proceedings and Bail ConditionsMukwewa was granted bail set at US$200 and ordered to report weekly to the CID Commercial Crimes Division. He was also instructed not to interfere with state witnesses and to surrender his passport. He will appear in court again on January 21 for routine remand while investigations continue.The fraud case has drawn attention to the potential risks associated with land transactions and the importance of verifying ownership before engaging in high-value deals. Mukwewa faces a serious legal battle as the investigation into the fraudulent activities proceeds. The Election Commission of India (ECI) should release the video footage of polling stations where the voting purportedly increasedleading to a sudden and major increase in 76 lakh votes, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Nana Patole has demanded. He said the Congress party has raised the issue of difference in voting percentage not because of its defeat, but to protect democracy and the Constitution. The BJP and the Election Commission have made a mockery of democracy, Patole alleged, adding that his party would fight to know the truth about the difference of votes in the assembly elections in the courts and on the street. Advertisement Patole said that the difference in the vote share of Congress in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections is serious and worrisome. According to the data released by the ECI, the voter turnout was 58.22 per cent at 5 pm on polling day, 65.02 per cent at 11.30 pm the same night, while it was shown as 66.05 per cent the next day, showing an overall increase of 7.83 per cent. This is an increase of 76 lakh votes. How did the voting percentage increase, Patole asked. Advertisement Accusing the Election Commission of having robbed the people of their votes, Patole said that ought to be evidence of long queues at polling stations due to the increase in the percentage of votes after 5 pm on the day of voting. The Election Commission must show with proof how many constituencies in the state had such long queues. The Election Commission had installed CCTV cameras at the polling stations, he said. He said experts from various fields across the country have raised doubts about the increased number of votes. This raises question marks about the credibility of the Election Commission. Therefore, it is the duty of the Election Commission to answer questions raised by political parties, candidates or others, he said. Mahayuti leaders, Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar, arrived in the national capital on Thursday evening for key meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and top BJP leaders on the government formation in Maharashtra amid indications that Fadnavis is the frontrunner in the race for the post of the state chief minister. BJPs Central leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is set to take the final decision on the choice of the next CM after the meeting, sources said, adding that the saffron party is also likely to appoint Central observers for the leadership formula of the state. Advertisement The Maharashtra Assembly results were declared on November 23, but the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to decide on the chief minister of the state. In the elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 132 seats in the 280-member Assembly, while its allies the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Advertisement On Wednesday, caretaker Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said he had left the final decision on the CMs post to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have told PM Modi that I would never be an obstacle. We will go with whatever he decides, he said, adding, Nobody is upset and that he is not greedy for any position. Shindes climb down has cleared the way for Devendra Fadnavis, who is the frontrunner for the top post. I called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting them to take an appropriate decision that is good for the state. I told them that just like BJP leaders, we will also accept your decision for the Mahayuti. I thank PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for supporting me during my tenure as Maharashtra CM, Shinde said. A source indicated that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena might get 12 ministerial berths including some key portfolios. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP could also be given 10 ministerial berths. The BJP, which has 132 MLAs, is likely to keep 21 ministerial berths for itself. The maximum permissible limit for the Council of Ministers in Maharashtra is 43, including the CM. Shiv Sena MPs from the Eknath Shinde faction had met Amit Shah in Parliament on Wednesday on the selection of the next chief minister. Meanwhile, NCP chief Ajit Pawar said discussions over the government formation in the state would take place in the national capital on Thursday and a final decision will be taken. He further said that discussions would be held for the post of chief minister and two deputy chief ministers. The December 1 Mahapanchayat, called by the local right-wing organisations against a controversial mosque in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, has raised concerns for the Nainital High Court which directed the Uttarakhand government and the district administration to maintain law and order in the area. The High Courts direction follows a petition filed by a Muslim organisation seeking government security for the mosque and action against the Mahapanchayat organisers. The administration informed the High Court that no permission had been given for Mahapanchayat on December 1. Advertisement Local right-wing organisations and their leaders have announced plans to hold a Mahapanchayat against the mosque, which they claim is illegal and constructed on encroached government land. In October, a similar massive rally against the alleged illegal mosque was organised by right-wing activists, resulting in a police lathicharge. Several policemen were injured in the incident. Advertisement As preparations for the December 1 Mahapanchayat gather momentum, aiming to ensure heavy public turnout, the Nainital High Court on Wednesday inquired about the administrations preparedness to manage the situation while hearing a petition. In response, the Uttarkashi district administration stated that no permission had been granted to the organisers for the Mahapanchayat. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Vivek Bharti Sharma directed the district administration and police to maintain law and order in Uttarkashi. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Alpsankhyak Seva Samiti, which claimed that a Mahapanchayat was being organised against a mosque on December 1 and demanded its cancellation. Responding to the to petition, the Uttarkashi district administration informed the court that no permission had been granted for the Mahapanchayat. The administration assured the court that the law and order situation was under control, with police maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents. The Uttarkashi-based Alpsankhyak Seva Samiti, in its petition, also stated that some organisations were threatening to demolish a Sunni community mosque on Bhatwadi Road, labelling it illegal. This has created a tense atmosphere in the area. The state government must be ordered to protect the mosque the Samiti stated in its plea. The petition emphasised that the mosque was legally constructed in 1969 on purchased land. It further claimed that the mosques legality had been affirmed in 1986 after an inspection conducted by the Waqf Commissioner. The petitioner alleged that inflammatory statements made by some people violated a Supreme Court order. The SC mandates all states to file cases against hate speeches based on caste, religion, or community. However, the state government has not adhered to these directives in this matter, the petitioner stated. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday took oath as Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha, and said her priority will be to raise important issues concerning the country. Donning the traditional Kerala Kasavu saree, Priyanka, holding aloft a copy of Constitution, took the oath of affirmation as a member in the Lower House of Parliament. Advertisement With this, she has joined her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi in the Parliament. Rahul represents Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli parliamentary seat, while Sonia is a member in Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. Advertisement Talking to reporters after taking the oath as a member from Keralas Wayanad parliamentary constituency, she said, My priority will be to raise the major issues concerning the country. Stating that there is nothing above the Constitution, she said they will continue to fight for it. Notably, the Congress has been stating the Constitution is under threat under the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. In response to a question, Vadra said with her entry into the Lok Sabha, Rahul and Congress party will get further strength in the House. In the recently concluded bypolls in Wayanad parliamentary seat, Vadra won by margin of more than 4 lakh votes. The Wayanad parliamentary by-election was necessitated following the resignation of Rahul as a member. It may be mentioned that in June, the Congress chief had announced that Rahul will keep the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat and vacate the Wayanad constituency. Later, he resigned as a member from the Wayanad seat. He won from both the parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha election. Elated on Vadras entry to the Lower House, Sonia , who is also the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) said, We are all very happy and proud. Rahul, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha in a social media post wrote, Proud of you Priyanka. Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in a post on X said she will become a strong voice of the people of the country, especially women, in Parliament. Kharge said her able leadership, compassion, courage, decency and determination , and firm commitment to the principles of the Constitution will benefit the people of the country. Odisha Crime Investigation Department (CID) has busted an inter-state gang involved in digital arrest cyber fraud by arresting the scammer who defrauded a 66-year-old retired doctor of a government-run medical college and hospital after placing him under digital arrest, a senior CID official said on Thursday. On the complaint of Dr Ashok Kumar Behera, a retired doctor of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, the CID had swung into action. The fraudsters impersonated themselves as officers of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and police personnel from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Division and inquired about an unknown mobile number linked to his Aadhaar card. Later, they levelled charges that the same had been used for procurement of illegal arms, MDM drugs and for originating threatening calls to many people in Maharashtra. Finally, the fraudsters warned him that he would be punished under appropriate sections of law for a minimum period of three to seven years. Advertisement Through acts of intimidation, they kept him in mental duress through a video call thereby plunging him to mental depression. They asked him to transfer all his money to their given account for verification and later on the entire amount would be returned to his account. Under immense mental pressure he transferred all his savings to a fraudsters account to the tune of Rs one crore in two transactions, said CID officials. Advertisement After analysing transaction details and other digital evidence, the investigating team camped in Nizamabad. Upon verifying local details, they successfully identified and arrested the perpetrator, Abdul Saleem (33), a resident of Nizamabad in Telangana. The accused is being produced before a local court in Telangana and will be brought on transit remand to Odisha. The investigating team has seized various incriminating articles, including a mobile phone, three Indian SIM cards, a Saudi SIM card, a passbook of State Bank of Hyderabad, a passport, an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, six debit cards, and a credit card. Verification of his passport revealed that the accused had been to Saudi Arabia twice in 2017 and 2024. Besides, an investigation through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) portal confirmed that the same account was involved in over 13 cyber incidents throughout the country. The investigation in the case is still in progress, with a manhunt underway to arrest other accomplices involved in this crime, trace its trans-India ramifications, and follow the money trail, the CID officials concluded. The citizens are requested not to be subjected to any such online threat/mental duress by fraudsters pretending themselves as officers of law enforcement agencies/Customs/Excise/Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, etc., and to report such matters at the nearest police station, the CID said in an advisory. The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a resolution extending the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, until the last day of the Budget Session in 2025. JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal moved the motion in the House, which was approved by a voice vote. Moving the motion in the Lok Sabha, the JPC chairman said, I would like to move that this House extend the time for the presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, up to the last day of the Budget Session, 2025. Advertisement The JPC comprises 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, including 13 Opposition members (nine from the Lower House and four from the Upper House). Advertisement The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to bring significant reforms, including digitisation of records, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties. The Bill, aimed at reforming the management and regulation of Waqf properties across the country, has been deferred due to heated debates and disruptions within the JPC between ruling BJP members and Opposition leaders. The JPC is holding a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from different states and Union Territories, aiming for the most comprehensive reform possible. Talking to a news agency about the extension of the tenure of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Pal said, We moved a motion to extend the tenure of the JPC, and the House approved it with a voice vote. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted that this extension addresses the Oppositions demand for a detailed discussion on the Bill. The JPC Chairman had announced that he was seeking an extension for the tenure of the panel after the Opposition staged a walkout from the meeting of the committee on Wednesday. The Opposition stormed out of the meeting, asserting that the procedures were not being followed and that the panel Chairman was willing to submit a report on November 29, even though they had requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to extend the tenure of the committee. Criticising the Opposition, Pal said, This extension refutes these claims made by the Opposition that the government does not want a detailed discussion and wants to bulldoze their voice, and proves that we want a detailed discussion. The JPC Chairman said during the meeting held by the committee on Wednesday, it was decided that there are around 6 states where there is a dispute between the state government and the Waqf Board on the ownership of properties, and looking at those disputes, it was decided to get an extension for the JPC. The Speaker had given a mandate on the JPC, but during the meeting held on Wednesday, it was noted that there are certain properties where disputes exist between the state government and the Waqf Board, with the board claiming ownership. There are six such states, and we had asked for a reply from them, but we havent received one, he told a news agency. We have now decided to present our findings on the last day of the 2025 Budget Session, Pal said. He further said that the previous government had also decided on handing over the government properties to the Waqf Board, but that decision had been stayed by the court. The properties were acquired by the British in 1911 after compensation was given. In the 1970s, the Waqf Board claimed that 123 such properties were theirs. The issue resurfaced when the previous (United Progressive Alliance) government decided to hand over the properties at the rate of Rs 1 per acre per annum just before the elections. The court stayed that decision, or else government property worth around Rs 1 lakh crore would have gone into the hands of the Waqf Board. Therefore, we decided it was better to seek an extension, Pal said. Earlier, Pal also said that the Opposition is unnecessarily complaining about the workload in the committee. The people should understand that repeated, long meetings have been held more than 125 hours in total. We have met with Waqf boards, minority commissions, and government officers from states like Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The Opposition is complaining to the speaker about the continuous sittings and the work in the committee, saying that I call them three times a week for meetings that last up to eight hours a day, he said. Criticising the Opposition, he added, We have been given an important mandate, and we are hearing everyone. Previously, I used to hear complaints about work not being completed, but this is the first time I have heard the Opposition complaining about working too much. We have given them a lot of chances and listen to them for up to eight hours. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in close coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Interpol on Thursday helped in the extradition of Salman Rehman Khan from Rwanda, who is wanted by the terror probing agency in the country. According to the CBI, the NIA had filed a case related to offences of alleged criminal conspiracy against Khan, for being associated with Lashkar- e- Taiba (LeT), and providing support to the internationally proscribed terrorist organisation. Advertisement According to officials, the subject being a member of internationally proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar e Taiba (LeT) had assisted in allegedly providing arms, ammunition and explosives to further terrorist activities in Bengaluru city, while a FIR was also lodged in Hebbal Police Station, Bengaluru city in this regard. Advertisement On NIAs request, CBI had got a Red Notice issued against Rehman from the Interpol on August 2, and the same was circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking of the wanted criminal. He was subsequently geo- located in Rwanda with assistance from the Interpol National Central Bureau Kigali. Finally he was returned to India on Thursday by a security team from NIA. Recently, another Red Notice subject Barkat Ali Khan, wanted by CBI in a case registered at Mumbai was located in Saudi Arabia through Interpol channels, and was brought back by a team of the federal agency November 14. Khan was wanted for offences that include rioting and use of explosive substances. CBI had also coordinated the return of Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, a Red Notice subject, wanted for alleged sexual offences against a minor, in a case of Mannarkkad Police Station, Pattambi, Kerala. He was located in Saudi Arabia through assistance of Interpols NCB- Riyadh, and subsequently, was brought back on November 10. The CBI as a National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India coordinates closely with all Law Enforcement Agencies(LEAs) here for cooperation. Since, 2021, as many as 100 wanted criminals including 26 this year, have been returned to India through coordination via Interpol channels. Bangladeshs economic downgrade by credit rating agency Moodys from B1 to B2 signals a troubling convergence of political instability and economic fragility. With heightened political risks and lowered growth forecasts, the nation stands at a critical juncture where governance, economic resilience, and social cohesion must align to prevent deeper crises. The downgrade reflects more than just numbers; it is an indictment of the prevailing instability. The transition from a long-standing political regime to an interim government, coupled with unresolved social tensions, underscores the fragility of the political landscape. Protests against public sector quotas that erupted into violence reveal deep-rooted grievances about governance and inclusivity. This unrest not only tarnishes Bangladeshs image globally but also shakes the foundations of its economic engine, reliant on stability for domestic consumption and export growth. The interim governments extended tenure without a clear electoral timeline compounds uncertainty. Governance appears reactive rather than proactive, leaving critical structural reforms in limbo. This environment discourages investment and undermines confidence in the nations ability to uphold democratic principles and legal order. Advertisement Economic vulnerabilities further complicate matters. The downgrade of growth projections from 6.3 per cent to 4.5 per cent for the upcoming fiscal year reveals the cascading effects of political instability. The agriculture sector, a vital lifeline for millions, has suffered due to floods, while the garments sector, a significant export driver, risks losing its competitive edge amid global uncertainty. Declining foreign exchange reserves, which now barely cover three months of imports, heighten risks of a balance-of-payments crisis, exacerbated by delays in payments to energy suppliers. Looking ahead, the impending graduation from Least Developed Countries (LDC) status poses both opportunities and challenges. While symbolic of progress, the transition will strip Bangladesh of concessional financing and preferential market access. Without strategic planning, this milestone could deepen economic vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors like garments that rely heavily on trade advantages. Advertisement Restoring confidence requires immediate and coordinated action. Politically, the government must prioritise stability through an inclusive electoral process, underpinned by clear timelines and transparency. Addressing grievances over social and community-based tensions is equally critical. Swift action against targeted violence and equitable policies can help rebuild trust among marginalised communities. Economically, Bangladesh must focus on diversifying its export base and enhancing productivity in existing sectors. Strengthening remittance inflows, optimising import policies, and prioritising energy sector reforms will be essential to bolstering foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, leveraging international partnerships, particularly with development institutions, can help navigate short-term liquidity challenges while fostering long-term resilience. Bangladesh has shown this in the past, transforming from a war-torn state to an emerging powerhouse. However, resilience alone will not suffice in the face of challenges. Proactive governance, strategic economic planning, and a commitment to inclusivity must converge to restore stability and secure sustainable growth. The stakes are high, but Bangladesh must rise above adversity. If it does not, it wont be long before its people begin to wonder if they were better off under Sheikh Hasina Constitution Day, celebrated on November 26, holds immense significance in India and beyond not only because it marks the historical event of the adoption of the countrys Constitution but also because the text of the highest law of the land resonates with our quotidian aspiration and further encourages continuous negotiation in the public sphere for reshaping Indias governance framework. Thats why it serves as a model of constitutionalism in the broadest sense, emanating from the jurists, but remains amenable to reforms through multiple negotiations. To understand whether the provisions outlined in a constitution are accurately reflected in its real-world political landscape, we need to reflect upon the situation critically. This analysis involves examining the discrepancies between the idealised version of governance outlined in the Constitution and the practical implementation of its canonical principles. It requires considering factors like implementation gaps, socio-cultural context, institutional effectiveness, citizen engagement etc. Advertisement In other words, theoretically, a democratic constitution is vox populi, vox dei but in real life how far we are constrained by the majority remains as a matter of complex negotiation and injects a sense of probing and reckoning into whether the spirit of the Constitution is truly reflected in the countrys complex political reality. Indias rights revolution denoting the enactment of several landmark rights during the first one and half decades of the new millennium has been a remarkable feat cum master stroke, transforming the country into a more inclusive and equitable society. Advertisement Since independence, India has made significant strides in recognizing and protecting citizens rights. The introduction of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2005 was a notable milestone, ensuring citizens access to government information and promoting transparency and accountability. This was followed by other landmark legislations including the Right to Education Act in 2010, guaranteeing free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, the National Food Security Act of 2013 providing subsidized food grains to vulnerable populations, thus further expanding the social safety net. Likewise, we may touch upon a few key initiatives in this context including the decriminalization of homosexuality a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights in 2018, the right to privacy recognized as a fundamental right by the apex court in 2017, womens rights strengthening protections against rampant gender discrimination through the Domestic Violence Act (2005) and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013), disability rights i.e. the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) all of which demonstrate Indias colossal commitment to inclusivity. Despite these advancements, effective implementation remains a daunting challenge due to infrastructure and resource constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and umpteen socio-cultural barriers. For example, a notorious tendency can be seen in the domain of forest and environment where piles of complaints regarding illegal encroachment of tribal land, arsenic contamination of aquifers, extensive air pollution by unsustainable practices, and unregulated municipal waste threatening serenity and biodiversity remain unaddressed despite the recommendations of the NGT and reports of the amicus curiae. As environmental historian Ramachandra Guha once pointed out, India today is marked by polluted skies, dead rivers, falling water tables and fast-disappearing forests. The status of the marginalized communities remains a pressing issue insofar as Indias marginalized communities particularly Dalits, Adivasis, and socially/economically disadvantaged groups including cultural minorities are concerned. Having faced the brunt of systemic discrimination they question the governments welfare commitments. Often frustration arises out of tokenistic freebies that undermine structural reforms, exacerbating inequalities. In this context, key concerns include harsh neoliberal policies reducing public spending on essential services, politically targeted subsidies instead of universal entitlements, privatization of healthcare, education and essential services and disproportionate resource allocation. Besides, Indias abolition of the Planning Commission has not eradicated the centralising tendencies in government operations with the newly introduced agency of Niti Aayog. To address this, the government should consider empowering states and local bodies, restructuring the bureaucracy to reduce the dominance of the Centre, strengthening local self-government through constitutional reforms, and leveraging digital governance and data-driven decision-making while moving towards enhancing parliamentary oversight and cooperative federalism. Hence reforms in these areas compose the agenda of priority not only to promote institutional frameworks for greater efficiency but also to usher in a more equitable and participatory governance framework with a rights-based approach and trust. Next, we can focus on regionalism. Regionalism in India is indeed underway, counterbalancing political centralization to some extent. Key indicators suggest the rise of regional parties, with 43 per cent of Lok Sabha seats held by non-national parties (2019), demonstrating a perceptible shift in the calculus of voter preferences. Decentralization initiatives, such as the 14th Finance Commissions recommendations, have increased state shares in central taxes. The state governments growing assertiveness in policy-making, exemplified by Andhra Pradeshs special category status demand, reflects regional aspirations. Brown University professor Ashutosh Varshney aptly flags a seminal point in this context as he states that a nation is described by scholars as a political roof over ones cultural head but India had many cultural heads and no political roof. However, today, the Constitution is a paramount reason of our status as an independent and proud personality. A key to our success is our accommodation of multiculturalism qua regionalism. However, limitations still persist in several key areas like inequitable resource distribution among states, and inadequate devolution of powers to local bodies. Despite these constraints, the momentum of regionalization indicates a gradual shift toward greater regional autonomy, tempering political centralization. Moreover, we are indeed living in an era dominated by market forces and privatization, sparking concerns about the potential encroachment on the public sphere. The risk is palpable because unche cked market expansion may lead to the commodification of essential services, prioritizing profit over public interest, erosion of social welfare and equality, as private interests supplant public provisions and decreased government accountability, as privatized services operate outside public oversight. However, effective regulation and strategic privatization can also enhance efficiency and innovation in public service, help in wooing investment and expertise, augment public capacity, foster public-private partnerships, and leverage resources for societal benefit. Therefore, striking a balance between market forces and public interest is vital. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of privatization while preserving the integrity of the public sphere. The observance of Constitution Day resonates deeply within the fabric of our society, echoing a profound spirit of agency, confidence, and civic engagement among the populace, especially the Gen Z. It serves as a reminder that WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA are not mere spectators but active authors of the narrative that shapes our nation. Through candid roleplaying and participatory dialogue, we can guide and direct the evolution of our political landscape, transforming aspirations into tangible outcomes rather than indulging in wishful thinking. In todays rapidly changing world, where technology is often heralded as a game changer, it is crucial to recognize that the true miracle lies not in technological breakthrough alone but in our collective volition to embark on this journey together. As we tread miles in pursuit of progress, it is our shared commitment to engage meaningfully with one another that will ultimately determine the trajectory of our democracy and ensure that every voice contributes to the ongoing story of our nation. Hence this celebration has profound implications for education, socialization, and culture, ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document, guiding Indias resurgence. (The writers are, respectively, Professor, Department of Political Science, SKB University, Purulia, and Associate Prof. (Retd.), Chandernagore Govt. College, Hooghly.) Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S.P. Vaid on Wednesday criticised the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, saying the latter has been criminalised for standing up against injustice, while terming the arrest a direct attack on free speech and right to protest peacefully. A letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Vaid which has been undersigned by several retired IAS, IPS and Army officers and a former judge seeking protection of Hindus in Bangladesh while demanding the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and other religious leaders, read: We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the increasing violence, discrimination, and persecution being faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The systematic attacks against Hindus, their religious sites, their properties, and their very dignity are reaching unprecedented levels. These acts of violence and discrimination not only violate the fundamental rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh but also undermine the principles of peace, coexistence, and religious freedom that India and Bangladesh have historically upheld. Advertisement The letter stated that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das on fabricated sedition charges is particularly troubling. Advertisement He was detained simply for organising a peaceful protest against the ongoing atrocities and advocating for the rights of the Hindu community. His peaceful activism should have been protected as a fundamental right, yet he has been criminalized for standing up against injustice. This arrest is a direct attack on free speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to peacefully protest, it said. The letter further read given the gravity of these human rights violations, we respectfully urge the Government of India to take the following actions. 1. Immediate Protection for Hindus in Bangladesh: The Government of Bangladesh must take urgent measures to protect Hindu religious sites, businesses, and homes from further attacks and desecration. It is essential that the safety and security of the Hindu community be ensured, and that the perpetrators of violence are held accountable. 2. Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and Other Religious Leaders: The immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and other religious leaders who have been unjustly arrested is essential. All charges against them should be dropped, and their rights to peacefully protest and voice their concerns should be upheld. 3. Justice for Hindu Women: We demand that the Government of Bangladesh investigate the increasing cases of violence, abduction, and forced conversion of Hindu women. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and legal protections must be put in place to safeguard Hindu women and ensure their rights. 4. Protection of Employment and Property Rights: The unlawful removal of Hindu government employees from their jobs and the seizure of their properties must cease immediately. Hindus in Bangladesh must be allowed to live with dignity, free from social and economic persecution. 5. International Sanctions on Bangladesh: We call for the application of targeted international sanctions against Bangladesh, particularly against those individuals and entities complicit in religious persecution and human rights violations. These sanctions should be aimed at pressuring the Bangladeshi government to end its complicity in these atrocities and to protect the rights of religious minorities. 6. Diplomatic Action at the United Nations and Other International Forums: We urge the Government of India to take this matter to international platforms such as the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and other relevant international forums. Diplomatic pressure must be applied on the Government of Bangladesh to hold accountable those responsible for the persecution of Hindus and to ensure that they cease their discriminatory practices. The global community must take a united stand against religious intolerance and discrimination. The letter stated that the situation in Bangladesh is dire, and the Hindu community is suffering under conditions that are reminiscent of severe human rights violations. The Government of India has a moral and diplomatic responsibility to raise this issue at the highest levels and to take strong, decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. We trust that, under your leadership, India will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and justice for religious minorities abroad. We sincerely hope that this matter will be given the urgent attention it deserves, and that steps will be taken to ensure the safety, dignity, and basic rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, it read. News / National by Staff reporter The National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) has unveiled plans to significantly increase the country's fuel pipeline capacity to five billion litres per year by 2026. This ambitious project is aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted fuel supply for domestic and regional consumption.The announcement was made by Gloria Magombo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, who highlighted that the increased capacity will address local fuel demands while also positioning Zimbabwe as a regional fuel hub. Magombo emphasized that the move would not only enhance fuel delivery systems but also contribute to Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 objectives of boosting industrial and commercial growth.Project Details and UpgradesThe project focuses on upgrading the Beira-Feruka-Harare pipeline, which currently has an annual pumping capacity of about three billion litres. These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the existing infrastructure and enable the transportation of more fuel to meet growing demand."The initiative is a key part of our strategy to enhance energy infrastructure, improve fuel distribution systems, and contribute to Zimbabwe's economic development," said Magombo.Regional ImpactThis expansion project is also aligned with regional integration strategies under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework. As a strategically located transit hub, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to support fuel distribution to neighboring countries such as Zambia, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Magombo added, "The increased capacity will not only serve Zimbabwe but will also allow us to meet the growing fuel demand in our neighboring countries."Strengthening Regional TradeIndustry stakeholders have praised the initiative for reducing logistical bottlenecks and improving the efficiency of fuel distribution across the region. Zimbabwe Energy Council president, Callistus Munemo, stated that the expanded pipeline would ensure consistent fuel availability, enhancing Zimbabwe's role in regional fuel trade."It will strengthen our position in the regional fuel market and streamline distribution across borders," Munemo noted.PetroTrade CEO, Tendai Munyaka, highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of expanding the pipeline capacity. "This expansion reduces our reliance on road transport, cutting down on both logistical costs and environmental risks. It presents an opportunity to optimize our supply chains and provide better value to consumers."LPG Plant ExpansionIn addition to the pipeline project, NOIC is also working on expanding its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plant in Ruwa. The project aims to increase the plant's capacity from 650 metric tonnes to 2,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2025, further supporting Zimbabwe's fuel infrastructure development.The NOIC's infrastructure upgrades are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable fuel supply, not just for Zimbabwe but for the broader Southern African region. Fijian police have seized more than 400 plants believed to be marijuana during a raid in a farming area in Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island, Fijis second largest island. The Savusavu Operations team carried out the operation on Tuesday as part of a bigger attempt to target known cultivation areas, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday. Advertisement Police chief of operations Livai Driu said the owner of the farm is yet to be known, as the investigations are underway. Advertisement Driu said law enforcement operations are continuing to ramp up their efforts against the illegal drug trade, which remains a difficult issue. The leaders of Nordic and Baltic countries, joined by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, voiced their continuing and expanding support for Ukraine. The pledge was made as the prime ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Poland and Sweden, along with the Foreign Minister of Latvia, began a two-day meeting at Harpsund, the retreat residence of the Swedish Prime Minister. Tusk attended the meeting as a guest, while French President Emmanuel Macron joined the debate via a phone link on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Advertisement Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told a joint press conference on Wednesday that the countries had agreed to increase their support for Ukraine, both by bolstering Ukraines defence industries and by providing more ammunition. Advertisement Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said there would be direct investments in the defence industry in Ukraine. She added that aid to Ukraine must not face any restrictions. When asked about a possible decline in US support under the incoming Trump administration, Tusk said Europe should be prepared to replace at least part of it, framing this as an opportunity to enhance European security. In a joint statement published on Wednesday, the seven leaders present at the meeting endorsed Ukraines Victory Plan and pledged to support its full European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Russia has ordered journalists of the German media ARD to leave the country in response to German authorities closure of Russian broadcaster Channel Ones office, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. In response to the unfriendly actions of German authorities, which were taken against Russian correspondents as a mirror measure, it is prescribed to German correspondents to hand over their accreditation certificates and leave the territory of the Russian Federation, Zakharova said at a media briefing. Advertisement She added that Russia will be ready to issue accreditation to new ARD employees after Germany creates conditions for the work of Russian journalists and resumes activities of Channel Ones office. Advertisement Earlier in the day, Russian media reported German authorities were closing Channel Ones office in Berlin, requiring a correspondent and a cameraman of the broadcaster to leave Germany in early December, Xinhua news agency reported. The broadcaster provided a document by the German authorities, which reportedly stated that the activities of Channel One represent a significant immediate threat to public order and security in Germany and the EU as they pose a threat to the process of the formation of the public opinion and decision-making in the member states. US President-Elect Donald Trump has named the Kolkata-born Jay Bhattacharya, who raised questions about Covid policies, to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the medical research powerhouse. Trump announced Tuesday night that he was thrilled to nominate him for the job of directing the nations medical research and to make important discoveries that will improve health and save lives. Advertisement Accepting the offer, Bhattacharya said on X: We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again! Advertisement The NIH, an agglomeration of 27 separate research organisations dealing with different diseases and health issues, has an annual budget of $48 billion. Directorship of NIH is not a cabinet-level post, but would require Senate approval and have an enormous global impact because of the range of its research that has cascading effects around the world. Trump said that Bhattacharya would work with Health Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy, Jr, to restore NIH to a gold standard of medical research as they examine the underlying causes of, solutions to, Americas biggest health challenges, including a crisis of chronic illness and disease. Bhattacharya is a multi-disciplinary academic at Stanford University holding professorships in medicine, economics, and health professorship, holding a medical degree and a PhD in economics. He shot to national prominence during the Covid pandemic by questioning the prevalent orthodoxy of the government health establishment of imposing extended broad lockdowns to fight the disease and went head-to-head with Anthony Fauci, who was acclaimed as the architect of the official policy. Bhattacharya has asserted that he was the victim of government censorship because Twitter placed him on its Trends Blacklist under official influence limiting his reach on the social media platform. now renamed X. Trump noted in his post on Truth Social that Bhattacharya is a co-author of The Great Barrington declaration, an alternative to lockdowns, proposed in October 2020. Bhattacharya was one of the authors of the declaration, a statement co-signed by doctors, scientists, and researchers, that called for loosening the restrictions to release healthy young people from lockdowns through a policy of focused protection aimed at older people and those at greater risk. The declaration said that this would allow them normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. This played into the divide between the political establishments of the Democrats, who were for strict lockdowns, and Republicans. Some Republican-run states like Florida, which adopted aspects of the declaration, did not have significantly lower statistics than Democrat-run states like California that followed strict lockdowns while keeping school closures lower. As the social and educational fallout of the lockdowns has emerged, some former government officials who advocated those policies like former NIH Director Francis Collins have conceded that their narrow focus on lockdowns may have been unfortunate. While Kennedy opposes vaccinations, Bhattacharya does not. Kennedy advocates unorthodox treatments and theories, which have come under criticism, but his and Trumps focus on chronic diseases has been praised by some critics. A household name in India for over-the-counter medicines, inhalers, and Cofsil lozenges, Cipla Ltd announced on Thursday that the GST body in Lucknow imposed a penalty of Rs 53.1 lakh in line with the Goods and Services Tax Act. The pharma giant, in a filing to the National Stock Exchange, said that it received the order dated November 13 from the office of the principal commissioner of the Central Goods and Service Tax and Central Excise in Lucknow on Wednesday. Cipla has allegedly availed an inadmissible TRAN-1 credit according to the GST authority order, and the fine sought to recover the same with interest and penalty. The penalty levied is arbitrary and unjustified, stated the company in the filing, stating that it plans to file an appeal with the appellate authority. TRAN-1, short for Transition Form-1, is usually filed by people or organisations who are entitled to a tax credit, on taxes paid earlier in the pre-GST regime like VAT or service tax. Before GST, taxes were in various forms, such as those slapped on raw materials, semi-furnished items, and so on. Filing a TRAN-1 form is a bid by the GST council to streamline taxes and applicable credit to bring accounts in line with the new GST regime. The company said that it does not see a material impact of the penalty order on its financials or operations. Ciplas shares, which rose as the markets opened on Thursday, quickly inched 0.32 per cent down after the regulatory announcement. In comparison, industry peer Dr Reddys traded 0.67 per cent in the red in morning trade, while Sun Pharma fell by 1.25 per cent. Cipla, under its One-India umbrella, houses its branded business, trade generics and consumer health business. It grew 10 per cent in the last reported financial year 2023-2024, aided by the rise in demand for branded prescription and trade generics. Cipla also expects sustained growth across its core therapies portfolio during FY 2024-2025. The founding family of the Godrej Group split earlier this year, with Jamshyd Godrej and family getting the unlisted Godrej and Boyce and its affiliates, as well as land bank and property in Mumbai. Godrej Enterprises Group, which comprises Godrej and Boyce and its subsidiaries, is now repositioning itself, identifying three key growth areas and unveiling a new brand identity in the first such revamp post the group split. The Godrej Enterprises Group has diversified businesses from consumer durables to furniture, locks and security solutions, and even aerospace. It is learnt that the group will invest around Rs 7,500 crore over the next three years. The company has identified three clustersConsumer, Nation (aerospace, advanced engineering, etc.), and Future First (green hydrogen, zinc-manganese battery, and recycled construction materials) as it looks to scale up. Godrej Enterprises Group is "aiming for" a revenue of Rs 20,000 crore, Nyrika Holkar, its executive director, said on Thursday. The revenue is around Rs 16,000 crore now, with consumer businesses alone accounting for Rs 10,000 crore of it. Sustainability is going to be a big focus area for the group, and it hopes 50 per cent of the revenue by 2032 will come from green products. "In our consumer businesses, which would be a large part of our revenue, we are looking from an interior furniture perspective, in terms of green pro certification, in terms of ensuring that whatever wood we are sourcing is coming in a sustainable way. Then from the appliance perspective, how do we build more energy-efficient appliances, but more importantly is how do we bring the price down...," said Holkar. The company has also done some pilots in recycled concrete in projects like the coastal road in Mumbai, she pointed out. The perception is that if the material is not virgin, it is not strong. But the durability of recycled concrete is not an issue, noted Holkar. While the pilots have only been in Mumbai, the company wants to scale it up. "According to the building codes, you need virgin material... Because of the building codes, we thought it was important for us to do a pilot, prove it, so that acceptance would be higher," said Holkar. Battery storage is also part of the Group's growth plans. "Most batteries that are used in the world are either lithium-ion or sodium-ion. We have looked at a totally different chemistry, and this chemistry is based on zinc and manganese and we have a pilot plant that is already up and running and we expect to be part of the energy transition in India in a strong way with battery storage," said Chairman and MD Jamshyd Godrej. 'Never felt the need to go public' Despite having sizeable businesses and operations, Godrej and Boyce has been an unlisted company, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. "Godrej and Boyce has always been a closely held company, and because of strong businesses and strong cash flow, we have always been able to manage our internal needs of capital in our businesses," said Godrej. The group never felt the need to go public, he said. "However, as we go forward, I think, as you can see, there are many exciting opportunities and possibilities. So, I won't say that we will never list any of our businesses, but that's not something that is on the cards right away," he added. The Godrej Group had amicably split, earlier this year, where the Godrej Industries-led listed entities, including Godrej Consumer, Godrej Properties and Godrej Agrovet, went to brothers Adi and Nadir Godrej and their family. Godrej and Boyce led by Jamshyd Godrej has control over the vast land bank in Mumbai's suburb of Vikhroli, where the groups are headquartered. The memorandum of understanding the groups have had over the development of the land, will continue, Godrej said. "Godrej and Boyce continues to be holding all the land in Vikhroli. We have had an agreement with Godrej Properties for last many years whereby we develop the property and Godrej Properties does the marketing and sales of the property," he said. Nothing has changed after the split, added Godrej. News / National by Staff reporter A senior official from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Everest Nyamadzawo, appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday facing allegations of extorting over US$1.5 million from a development company director. Nyamadzawo, aged 39, was remanded to February 12, 2024, on US$100 bail by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.Allegations of ExtortionThe State claims that in 2008, Cabletron Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd acquired land in the Mabelreign, Strathaven, and Sentosa areas from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for a housing development project valued at US$1,537,676.88. Some of the land in question, however, was privately owned.The ministry allegedly canceled the lease agreements for the privately-owned land, promising to compensate the company with State-owned land. However, the compensation process was delayed, prompting Cabletron Enterprises to lodge a complaint with the then Minister of Local Government in 2021.Investigations later revealed that the ministry owed the company a total of 30.773 hectares of State-owned land. The Minister reportedly approved the compensation plan, and a report was forwarded to the Department of State Lands for further implementation.The Role of NyamadzawoNyamadzawo is said to have played a key role in the compensation process. On February 3, 2022, he allegedly generated an internal memo seeking authority from the minister to allocate land to the company in the Mabelreign/Sentosa area, which was approved. The company subsequently identified State-owned open spaces for the compensation.From November 2021 to March 2022, Cabletron Enterprises submitted multiple layout plans to Nyamadzawo for processing. However, the company's progress began to slow down as Nyamadzawo and his alleged accomplices reportedly delayed the paperwork. He is accused of withholding a title survey request and introducing personal requests into the process.Personal GainIt is further alleged that Nyamadzawo provided personal details of his spouse, Florence Mhlanga, to Cabletron Enterprises, instructing the company to allocate a portion of the stands to her. These actions are believed to have caused significant delays, from 2021 to the present, in the compensation process, disadvantaging Cabletron Enterprises in the long run.The case has drawn attention due to the scale of the alleged extortion and the involvement of a senior public official in the mishandling of public land compensation. Nyamadzawo's bail conditions include reporting to the CID Commercial Crimes Unit once a week, surrendering his passport, and refraining from interfering with State witnesses. His next court appearance is set for February 2024, pending the finalization of investigations. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the headquarters of Southern Command in Pune and witnessed the 'Southern Star Idea Innovation Display', which highlighted innovative projects and indigenous R&D initiatives developed in partnership with Pune-based industries. General Dwivedi interacted with innovators and industry representatives and hailed their efforts. He stressed importance of innovation in tackling the challenges faced in modern warfare. The COAS acknowledged the progressive mindset demonstrated at the event and reiterated the commitment of the Indian Army to harness technology and support the government's vision for self-reliance in defence sector. Veterans honoured During his visit, General Dwivedi honoured Colonel Shashikant G Dalvi (Retd) and Subedar Suneeth S (Retd) with the 'Veterans Achievers Award'. ALSO READ: Kuki, Meitei members live in great harmony in Indian Army, says COAS General Upendra Dwivedi After his retirement from the Indian Army, Colonel Shashikant G. Dalvi (Retd) has dedicated his life to water conservation and environmental sustainability. Through his organisation, PARJANYA, he has implemented over 650 rooftop water projects, reducing annual Carbon dioxide emissions and promoting water self-sufficiency in villages and urban areas, the Southern Command said in a tweet. Colonel Dalvi also conducts awareness campaigns and advises policymakers on sustainable water solutions. Subedar Suneeth S. (Retd) has been facilitated for dedicating his retired life to the welfare of veterans, veer naris and widows. He has organised ex-servicemen rallies to strengthen connections among veterans and has created job opportunities for veer naris and widows through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation. Military officials of Pakistan and China held talks on counter-terrorism and regional security amid unease following the recent attacks on Chinese nationals. #ISPR General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Peoples Republic of China, visited General Headquarters (GHQ) along with a high-level delegation. The distinguished guest held a one-on-one meeting with General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), pic.twitter.com/h8lhxO2Sty Pak Afghan Affairs (@Pak_AfgAffairs) November 27, 2024 General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) China and one of Beijing's top military leaders, who is in Pakistan along with a high-level delegation, held a one-on-one meeting with Army Chief Gen Asim Munir on Wednesday. Following the meeting between the two, there were delegation-level discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. General Zhang spoke about Pakistan's ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which remain a major topic of discussion between the two countries in the wake of incidents of frequent attacks on Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. AlSO READ: China's explosive nuclear expansion: Beijing will have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, says US Intel report General Munir spoke about the resilience of Pakistan-China relations, highlighting their ability to withstand shifts in international and regional dynamics, and thanked Beijing for its unwavering support for Pakistan. He affirmed that this historic partnership has withstood the test of time and is poised to grow further. General Zhang praised Pakistan's dedication to the strategic partnership and reaffirmed China's commitment to strengthening the enduring bilateral relationship, according to a statement. According to a report in Dawn, Beijing is reportedly seeking a more proactive role in ensuring the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, but the Foreign Office has emphasised that counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual respect for each other's sovereignty. READ MORE: The sordid saga of South China Sea Under the regional stability head, China and Pakistan exchanged views about India's role in the region and the developments in Afghanistan, particularly the presence of terrorist groups, according to the Dawn report. Meanwhile, over 300 Chinese troops arrived in Pakistan to take part in the joint China-Pakistan anti-terrorism exercise, Warrior-VIII. The opening ceremony for the drills was held on Wednesday. The joint drill, which will continue till mid-December, aims to enhance joint counter-terrorism operational capabilities. In what comes as a major milestone in advancing the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia, the two countries agreed to expand joint exercises to further solidify the operational synergy between the two forces. At the recently concluded fourth meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow, great emphasis was laid on the importance of continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration in areas of strategic interest. India and Russia conduct a number of joint exercises across land, air and sea domains. Exercises such as INDRA, AVIA INDRA and INDRA NAVY, have served as vital platforms for sharing best practices, refining joint operational tactics drills and procedures, and deepening mutual understanding, the defence ministry said in a release. ALSO READ: Expert claims no defense systems in the world can counter Russia's missile The meeting was co-chaired by Lieutenant General J.P. Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and Lieutenant General Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces. The Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership was signed in 2000. It was elevated to the level of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. The working group, a crucial forum for India-Russia defence cooperation, serves as a platform to assess existing military engagements between India and Russia and identify new areas for collaboration to address evolving security challenges. The plans of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to equip its fighter jets with highly advanced missiles may be hitting a roadblock as MBDA, a European defense consortium, behind Meteor missile, a cutting-edge, active radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), is not keen on India's fighter jets having this missile. This would mean that the IAF's Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, and the upcoming heavier more advanced Tejas MkII would not be equipped with Meteor missiles. Currently, only the Rafale fighter jets of IAF are equipped with Meteor, which offers significant advancements over traditional air-to-air missiles especially in terms of range and effectiveness in complex combat scenarios. ALSO READ: Is Oreshnik the end of missile defence as we know it? Although IAF is interested in integrating Meteor missiles on to the home-made Tejas fighter jets and Su-30MKI, the European consortium's intention to make the European fighter jets more attractive when India holds the open tender for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project to procure 114 fighter jets to address the dwindling fighter squadron strength of IAF appears to be the reason for this development. Reports suggest that the consortium wants to make Gripen E and Eurofighter Typhoon, touted to be the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, more desirable during the bidding process as these are equipped with Meteor. READ MORE: LCA Tejas updates: Integration testing of India-made actuators begins Designed to engage a wide array of aerial threats, from agile fighter jets to small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles, Meteor can reach speeds exceeding Mach 4. Billed as a "game changer", the air-to-air Meteor missile can strike with pinpoint precision from beyond the horizon in stressful situations, giving forces that are employing it a strategic edge. It is capable of engaging air targets autonomously, day or night, in all weather and even in harsh electronic warfare environments. The inability of the IAF to integrate Meteor missiles on its fighter jets may give further push to India's indigenous Astra Mk3 air-to-air missile programme. President Droupadi Murmu expressed happiness over the increasing number of women officers in commanding posts across various units in all three services and said the increasing strength and role of women in all spheres is encouraging and inspiring for all, especially young girls. She was addressing student officers and faculty at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington in The Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu addressed the student officers and faculty of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. The President said that the Defence Services Staff College has made commendable contribution to training and educating the potential leaders of the armed forces pic.twitter.com/ABZFQbr25K President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 28, 2024 She said she hopes that more women join the armed forces where they can showcase their "exceptional capabilities and break new ground in uncharted territories." She noted that India is rising and the world is acknowledging the growth in various sectors, including defence. ALSO READ: Top general alleges 'lack of empathy', 'entitlement' among women officers In the fast-changing geopolitical environment, we need to be well-prepared to tackle any situation. We not only have to secure our national interests, but also prepare for new national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism. Updated knowledge and cutting-edge technologies based on intensive research are required to be applied," the President said. Speaking about Atmanirbhar Bharat, she said the country is moving towards indigenisation and self-reliance to keep the armed forces ready to meet the future challenges. She said India is being developed as a major defence manufacturing hub, and is moving towards becoming a reliable defence partner and a big defence exporter. Allu Arjun's highly anticipated film Pushpa 2: The Rule is gearing up for its big screen release. On Wednesday, the actor, and his co-star Rashmika Mandanna, attended a pre-release event for the film in Kochi. Arjun hyped up the Kerala crowd by greeting them in Malayalam. Ella Malayalikalkkum namaskaram! (Hello to all the Malayalees!), he said. The actor spoke very highly about his co-stars, including Mollywood actor Fahadh Faasil, who was also featured in Pushpa: The Rise. ALSO READ | You've been blaming me...: Music director Devi Sri Prasad takes a dig at 'Pushpa 2' producers Faasil did not attend the pre-release event, which Arjun acknowledged and said, For the first time in all my films, I have worked with one of the biggest Malayalam actors, our FaFa. I actually miss seeing him today. I really wish we both were standing here together in Kerala today. I think that would have been an iconic thing. My brother, thank you. We are home, this is your house. I wish we were here together. I wish you all the best. The actor also praised Faasil's performance in film. Im telling all the Keralites here, FaFa has rocked the show in Pushpa 2. You guys will love him and he will make every Keralite proud. Mark my words. ALSO READ | Pushpa bows down to no one but will do so for you: Allu Arjun to fans at 'Pushpa 2' trailer launch Rashmika also shared a few words, and admitted that she was surprised at the reception Arjun received. "I dont know a lot of Malayalam, but I will learn more and come. Im sorry. The love Allu Arjun is receiving from all of you has blown my mind. Thank you for all the love youve given him. He truly deserves it." Speaking about Pushpa 2, she said, "On December 5, you will not be disappointed. You are going to dance with us, sing with us, and enjoy with us. I wish I could come to Kochi and watch the movie with you. If time permits, I will come. Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar, also featuring Jagapathi Babu, Dhananjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, and Anasuya Bharadwa, will hit the big screens on December 5. The makers of the Mollywood movie 'Turkish Tharkkam' find themselves in the middle of a storm after multiple Malayalam artists went public with statements contradicting their claims. Hours after the makers of 'Turkish Tharkkam' claimed that they were withdrawing the movie from theatres after being accused of heresy from some quarters, popular Malayalam actors Sunny Wayne and Lukman Avaran, who were part of the movie, distanced themselves from the claim. Apart from clarifying that neither of them has received any threats for being part of the project, the two artists went on to add that they were not satisfied by the clarification given by the movie's producer when they reached out to learn about the sequence of events that led to the withdrawal of the movie from the theatres. They also demanded a probe to bring out the truth behind the development. Director Navaz Suleiman and producer Nadir Khalid had earlier claimed that they were being targeted by certain quarters due to a misconception about their movie. They had said that the movie, initially released on November 22, would be re-released after removing the portions that "offended" a certain religion. Social media storm and doubts The development resulted in a row on social media as a section called the whole incident staged for the promotion of the movie. 'Turkish Tharkkam' failed to attract the crowd and now the makers were trying to play the victim card in the hope of getting the people to watch the movie or win a hefty OTT deal, they alleged. Congress leader and former MLA VT Balram on Thursday morning took to social media to share his concerns about the claim. He started by saying that he wasn't aware that a movie by the name 'Turkish Tharkkam' had been released. He pointed out that he couldn't spot a single post on social media criticizing or threatening the movie. "It is reasonable to suspect that this row involving blasphemy controversy, intimidation and withdrawal was intentionally created to save a movie that might flop in theaters or has already flopped. If so, it is a serious matter -- unethical and an extremely dangerous trend. Islamophobia has a good market in India and the world. In recent times its market value has increasing in Kerala as well... This country cannot afford filmmakers also taking this as an opportunity for commercial benefits," VT Balram's post said. Actors clarify their stand Later, actor Sunny Wayne also posted on Facebook saying that he has not faced any threats for his role in 'Turkish Tharkkam.' "When I asked the producer about the circumstances leading to the film's withdrawal, I did not get a clear response. In fact, I came to know about the film's withdrawal only through social media. No matter what, such unfortunate situations should have been avoided," his post read. "The shooting of the film started two and a half years ago. As far as I know, it was a joint decision of the producer and the director to pull the film from the theaters after release. As an actor who was part of the project, when I inquired about the reason for its withdrawal, I did not get a clear answer from the concerned people. I am not aware of any threat to me or anyone known to me for featuring in this film. My position is that if there is any malicious intent behind the ongoing controversy related to this film, it should be investigated," Lukman Avaran said in a similar post. More questions await makers of 'Turkish Tharkkam'? Meanwhile, the Malayalam Producers' Association decided to seek an explanation from Nadir Khalid on the circumstances that led to the movie's withdrawal. The Chennai Family Welfare Court on Wednesday granted divorce to actor Dhanush and filmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth, ending their 18-year married life. This comes after Dhanush and Aishwarya were seen at the Chennai court for the hearing on November 21. The couple cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for divorce. While announcing their separation in January 17, 2022, Dhanush posted on social media that they have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand themselves as individuals for the better. "18 years of togetherness as friends, couple as parents and well-wishers to each other. The journey has been of growth, understanding, adjusting and adapting. Today we stand at a place where our paths separate," he wrote, requesting everyone to respect their decision and privacy. Who are Dhanush and Aishwarya's children? Dhanush and Aishwarya tied the knot in 2004. They have two children, Yatra and Linga and have been co-parenting them since the announcement of their separation. They took turns in attending the children's school functions. According to local media, it is said that Dhanush and Aishwarya will continue co-parenting the children like they have been doing till now. The news of divorce comes amid Dhanush moving the Madras High Court to file a lawsuit against Nayanthara, Vignesh Sivan and Rowdy Pictures Pvt Ltd over copyright infringement. The case comes after the visuals from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan produced by Dhanush's Wunderbar Films in Nayanthara's Netflix documentary. The docu-drama, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale, was released on November 18. The CBI moved the Supreme Court on Thursday against the Jammu special courts order to produce terror convict Yasin Malik in two terror cases. The central agency sought to transfer the trial in the case from Jammu to Delhi citing security reasons. Hearing the Central Bureau of Investigations plea, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih issued notices to Malik and other accused in the case. The court will next hear the case on December 14. A special TADA court in Jammu ordered the physical appearance of Yasin Malik in court for conducting cross-examination in two cases the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti and the killing of four Indian Air Force personnel on the outskirts of Srinagar in 1990. Malik is currently imprisoned in Tihar jail after he was convicted in a terror funding case. The CBI on Thursday informed the court that a fully functional courtroom, along with videoconferencing facilities, is available in Tihar jail and trials have been conducted in the premises earlier as well. The central agency informed taking Malik to Jammu for the trials posed severe security challenges. The CBI said the top leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front cannot be allowed to be taken outside the Tihar jail. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "We have filed applications for amending the cause title. We have also placed on record the fact that there already exists a fully functional court in the jail itself with all the facilities of videoconferencing also, if needed. And in the past proceedings have taken place in that courtroom in jail," PTI reported. Hearing the case on November 21, the bench observed even 26/11 Mumbai terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab got a fair trial in the country. The court had suggested a makeshift courtroom could be set up in Tihar prison for conducting trial. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi took oath as a Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The MP, who won from Wayanad in Kerala wore the states traditional attire for the swearing-in ceremony. Congress leader Ravindra Chavan, who won from Nanded, Maharashtra, was also sworn in on Thursday. Priyanka Gandhi won the Wayanad bypolls with a thumping majority. Her mother and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra were present during the ceremony. With Priyankas swearing-in, it marks a rare instance of all three members of a family being MPs. She took affirmation in Hindi holding a copy of the Constitution soon after the house met. Priyanka won the Wayanad bypolls with a huge majority of over four lakh votes against Communist Party of India candidate Sathyan Mokeri. The bypoll was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi, who won from two seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, vacated the seat and retained Wayanad. Congress leaders from Kerala met Priyanka in Delhi on Wednesday and handed over her election certificate. The election marks her electoral debut. My colleagues from Wayanad brought my certificate of election today. For me, it is not just a document, it is a symbol of your love, trust, and the values we are committed to. Thank you Wayanad, for choosing me to take forward this journey to build a better future for pic.twitter.com/IIpYODqKjU Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 27, 2024 Congress leader Ravindra Chavan, who won the Nanded bypoll, also took oath in Marathi in the name of God. The bypoll was necessitated following the demise of his father Vasantrao Chavan. Soon after the results, the 52-year-old leader thanked voters and said, I look forward to being your voice in Parliament! Congratulating her on the victory, Rahul tweeted, I know she will lead with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to transform our cherished Wayanad into a beacon of progress and prosperity. Priyanka is being sworn into the house at a time when the opposition is demanding urgent discussion on relief for Wayanad landslide victims in Parliament. Proceedings of both houses had to be adjourned on Monday after the opposition protested demanding discussion on key issues including the Wayanad landslide, Adani bribery case and Sambhal violence. News / National by Staff reporter A recent report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs has raised alarm about the potential security risks posed by undocumented migrants in Zimbabwe. The committee, chaired by Beitbridge East MP Albert Nguluvhe, noted that the absence of official records for these individuals makes it difficult to identify those involved in criminal activities, thereby complicating investigations and potentially allowing criminals to evade justice.The report emphasized the need for Zimbabwe to address the issue of undocumented migrants by assisting them in acquiring primary documentation, such as birth certificates and national IDs. This, the committee argued, would help these individuals to participate more fully in the country's social, economic, and political sectors."Undocumented individuals need to be assisted with primary documentation to enable them to participate in economic, social and political sectors of their lives," the committee said in the report.The committee called on the government to allocate resources towards researching the scope of undocumented migration in the country. It recommended that by December 31, 2025, the government should conduct a quantitative study to determine the number of individuals at risk of statelessness, which would help identify those who lack documentation and facilitate their registration.Additionally, the report urged the Registrar-General's Office to run public awareness campaigns to inform the public about the importance of acquiring primary documents and to outline the process for obtaining them. Special emphasis was placed on mining areas, which are known to host large numbers of undocumented individuals."The Registrar-General's Office should conduct public awareness programmes to encourage the public to obtain primary documents, outlining their importance, including procedures for obtaining them, particularly in mining areas where there are large numbers of undocumented people," the committee recommended. The goal is to complete this by December 31, 2024.To improve the quality of service at the Civil Registry Department, the committee suggested that staff undergo refresher courses and training in customer care, with a deadline for completion by July 31, 2025. This would help ensure that all citizens and migrants are provided with efficient service and are able to obtain documents without undue difficulty.The report also highlighted the need for clarity on the minimum requirements for obtaining essential documents. It urged the Civil Registry Department to specify these requirements through public outreach programmes by July 31, 2025, to reduce unnecessary rejections.One of the committee's more urgent calls was for the government to expedite efforts to train traditional leaders, enabling them to issue primary documents like birth and death certificates. This would make it easier for people in rural and remote areas to access these essential services, which are currently more readily available in urban centres. The committee recommended that this initiative be completed by December 31, 2024.Additionally, the report called for a special dispensation for those who are victims of natural disasters, such as floods, lightning, or fires, to be allowed to acquire primary documents without facing cumbersome procedures. This provision was recommended to be in place by July 31, 2025.The committee also urged Treasury to allocate additional funds to the Civil Registry Department to facilitate a verification exercise that would help capture and record undocumented individuals, enabling them to be issued with official documentation.Finally, the report criticized officials at the Registrar-General's Office for their reluctance to assist individuals with unique documentation challenges, especially in mining areas where undocumented migrants often reside in illegal settlements. These areas are typically not subject to scrutiny for documentation, leading to further marginalization of the undocumented population.In conclusion, the committee's report stresses that addressing the issue of undocumented migrants is crucial not only for the security of the nation but also for the effective integration of all citizens into Zimbabwe's social and economic fabric. The swearing-in ceremony of Hemant Soren as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand turned out to be a show of strength by the INDIA bloc as its senior leaders turned up in Ranchi. Sorens convincing victory in the tribal state has come as a booster for the Opposition bloc in the wake of the humiliating loss in Maharashtra. ! ! https://t.co/7uPQnxY8Cd Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) November 28, 2024 Jharkhand may not be politically important as Maharashtra but its results show that effective regional leadership can thwart BJPs aggressive campaign. It was for the fourth time that Soren was sworn in. Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama with a pink Nehru jacket, 49-year-old Soren was accompanied on the stage by his wife Kalpana Soren, who has also become an MLA. This was the first time any chief minister had won a second consecutive election. He alone took the oath, administered by Governor Santosh Gangwar, while the cabinet ministers will be sworn in later. The presence of senior INDIA bloc leadership added heft to the ceremony. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP convenor and former Delhi CM, came along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav were also present. Also seated on the stage were JMM supremo and Hemants father, Shibu Soren and his mother. The presence of INDIA bloc leaders signalled that they would stick together for future polls. Delhi and Bihar are the two key elections taking place next year which will determine the strength of these alliances. In Delhi, AAP and Congress are contesting separately, while in Bihar, the grand alliance of RJD and Congress will contest together. While Soren has mostly confined himself to his state. His historic second term, becoming the longest-serving chief minister of Jharkhand since its formation in 2000, may prompt him to campaign in the neighbouring Bihar. He had successfully halted the BJPs campaign to wean away tribal voters from him, instead they consolidated in his favour. The BJPs strategy of invoking the fear of Bangladeshi migrants did not find traction with the tribal electorate which constitutes over 26 per cent of the states population. The JMM-led alliance had surpassed its 2019 performance, winning 56 (JMM 34, Congress 16, RJD 6, CPI (ML)L 2) of the 81 assembly seats. The saving grace for the BJP was that it could retain its last voting percentage of over 33 per cent despite a drop in number of seats to 21 from 25. Its allies, AJSU, JDU, and LJP (RV) had won one each. Hemant Soren took oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand on Thursday at a function held in Morabadi ground in Ranchi. ! ! https://t.co/7uPQnxY8Cd Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) November 28, 2024 Governor Santhosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren. ALSO READ | Jharkhand: Why is Hemant Soren taking oath alone, without his cabinet colleagues? Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal were present at the venue. Before attending the oath-taking event, Soren met the JMM president and his father Shibu Soren and took his blessings. This is the fourth stint of the JMM leader as the chief minister. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav were among the political leaders who attended the ceremony. Amid tight security arrangements, tribal troupes danced to the tune of 'dhol and nagara'. Earlier, Soren on X wrote that unity is the biggest weapon of people of the state, who can "neither be divided nor silenced". "Our fight is firm and unceasing. The struggle continues and will continue till the last breath," he said. By defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes, Soren retained the Barhait seat. JMM-led alliance swept the recent assembly polls, securing 56 seats in the 81-member assembly. The BJP-led NDA managed to get only 24 seats. In view of the swearing-in of the Hemant Soren government, schools in Ranchi city were shut on Thursday. Soren took the oath alone as the expansion of the cabinet will be held after a vote of confidence in the assembly. On Tuesday, Soren met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, his first visit to the national capital after leading the alliance to an unprecedented second consecutive term. JMM chief Hemant Soren will take oath as the Jharkhand chief minister for the fourth time on Thursday, at an event attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. Soren, whose leadership helped JMM to a record victory, appealed to the masses to join the ceremony and has also shared a YouTube link to the event. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Soren at 4 pm. Soren's JMM-led alliance won 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, while the BJP-led NDA managed 24 seats. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has won 34 seats, while Congress has won 16 seats. However, Soren will be alone in taking oath on Thursday as none of the Cabinet colleagues have been decided yet. Jharkhand ministry can have 11 Cabinet ministers. In the last tenure, six ministers were from the JMM while four were from the Congress. One berth went to the RJD. CPI-ML, which has two MLAs, will support the government from outside. This time around, the Congress is yet to submit the list of ministers to Soren as there are too many contenders for the post. The situation is such that most of the MLAs are in Delhi lobbying, leaving the top leadership in a quandary. The Congress MLAs claim they are in Delhi for a "formal meeting" and to thank the senior leaders of the party. Former ministers Deepika Pandey Singh and Dr Irgan Ansari, senior leaders Mamta Devi, Kumar Jayamangal Singh, Rajesh Kachhap, Bhushan Bara and Naman Bixal Kongadi are reportedly in Delhi to push their cause. Former minister Bandhu Tirkey is also in New Delhi to lobby for his daughter Shilpi Neha Tirkey. Former state president Rajesh Thakur is also meeting the state Congress in-charge and other senior leaders with the MLAs, according to Jagran. Former minister Alamgir Alam's wife Nishat Alam has also reached Delhi. Being the biggest victory in the state, her claim is stronger than everyone's. However, there are also reports that the leader of the Congress Legislative Party will not be made a minister. Former minister Rameshwar Oraon is among the strongest contenders for this post. Speculations are that the cabinet will be expanded next week after the new government wins the trust vote. Since the Maharashtra assembly election results, the question raised by political observers and voters was who will be the next chief minister- Devendra Fadnavis or Eknath Shinde? With Shinde resigning on Tuesday and declaring support to the BJP top leadership's decision over the CM's post, the speculations have been rife with many saying his son Shrikant Shinde has a chance as deputy CM. Also read | Shrikant Shinde to be deputy CM? Shiv Sena likely to push for Eknath Shinde's son Until the formation of the new government Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan requested Shinde to continue as the caretaker CM. #WATC | BJP leaders arrive at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/kKgbfdDBzC ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 However, the Mahayuti alliance is expected to announce their pick soon with Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar meeting Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday night. #WATCH | Shiv Sena MPs receive Maharashtra's caretaker CM and party chief Eknath Shinde as he arrives in Delhi. (Video: Office of Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske) pic.twitter.com/PFUC1ujpeZ ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 Also read | Is Ajit Pawar the reason for Eknath Shinde not getting the CM post? Reportedly, the meeting will lead to a decision on who will be the next Maharashtra CM. "I cleared my role in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding the Chief Minister of Mahayuti. This 'ladla bhai' has arrived in Delhi and the 'ladla bhai' is a designation higher than anything else for me. A meeting will be held on everything," said Shinde. The majority are suggesting Devendra Fadnavis is the likely choice to lead the government as BJP swept the polls bagging 132 constituencies. It is also reported that Shinde is not likely to accept the post of the deputy CM. "He is unlikely to be a deputy chief minister. It does not befit a person who has already served as chief minister," Sanjay Shirsat, an MLA and spokesperson of the Shiv Sena told PTI. Lately, Shrikant Shinde has lauded his father for giving priority to collective governance over personal ambition and maintaining faith in PM Modi and Shah. The Mahayuti alliance won 230 seats in the 288-member House. Shinde's Shiv Sena won 57, while NCP won 41 seats. The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a setback, with winning just 46 seats. As the BJP's first government in Odisha hits the six-month mark on December 12, the party's central leadership is seemingly working on a long-term vision for the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to camp in Bhubaneswar from November 29 to December 1 in connection with the all-India DGP conference which will be held in Odisha for the first time. This will also be Modi's first continuous three-day stay in the state after his party formed the government. He will return on January 8 to inaugurate the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Bhubaneshwar for the first time. This hints that the BJP wants to consolidate its base in Odisha. After dislodging the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal government from power in the last elections, the BJP has experimented with a tribal chief minister by installing Mohan Charan Majhi as nearly one-fourth of the states population are tribals. ALSO READ: Mohan Majhi: From village sarpanch to Odisha CM Not only did Modi attend the new ministrys swearing-in ceremony at Bhubaneswar last June, he also came again on his birthday on September 17 to launch the Subhadra Yojana in which each woman gets Rs 5,000 twice a year. It is this programme that helped BJP get women's votes in the assembly and Lok Sabha polls held together. Besides Subhadra Yojana, the state also launched a paddy procurement scheme in which farmers get Rs 800 extra per quintal of paddy procured in addition to MSP fixed by the Union government. This was also the partys other main election promise aimed at garnering the vote of farmers in the paddy belt of western Odisha. This, however, was not the first time the BJP was in power in Odisha. In the late 90s it had tied up with newly-formed regional outfit BJD by becoming his junior partner. The BJD-BJP alliance won the 1998, 1999 and 2004 Lok Sabha polls. ALSO READ: How the 'double-engine' govt in Odisha has fared so far The alliance also came to power in the state in 2000 by dislodging the Congress government post the super cyclone mishandling scenario. The coalition ministry led by Patnaik ruled for two terms. But the BJD quit the alliance after the Kandhamal communal riot in 2008 in which the Sangh Parivar was allegedly involved. But the BJD alone swept all assembly and Lok Sabha polls till its defeat in 2024. The last 10 years saw the BJP strengthened its position and became the main opposition party, pushing Congress to third position. This culminated in the party forming its first government in the state in June. After the election disaster, two BJD Rajya Sabha MPs - Mamta Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar - resigned from parliament and party to join the BJP. The BJP renominated Mohanta to the Rajya Sabha in the first byelection for Rajya Sabha which helped the BJP increase its number in Rajya Sabha. Whether the BJP will repeat the same strategy in the case of Sujeet Kumar is yet to be seen. The byelection will be held on December 30. A BJP win is assured as there may not be more contestants. Speculations are that the BJP may try to poach other BJD Rajya Sabha members. The BJD has seven more members in the upper house. Though BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is now the Leader of the Opposition in state assembly and his party is taking a strong anti-BJP stand, the party still centres around his charisma. But Patnaik's age is an issue and he will be 83 during the next elections. His public appearance was limited during the recent elections too, which gave an impression that Patnaik is not doing well. Though his trusted aide, Tamil Nadu-born Odisha cadre IAS officer V.K. Pandian took early retirement from service to join BJD, it failed to work. Patnaik, a bachelor, was brought from Delhi's high society life to Odisha politics by the followers of his legendary father, former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik after the latters death in 1997. Though the BJP has been talking about getting his nephew or niece (his elder brother's children) from Delhi to lead the party, there is no sign of it yet. The other opponent of the BJP is Congress, which has improved its tally in the last elections. It won one Lok Sabha seat like in 2019 and got more in the assembly. But its poor performance helped the BJP indirectly. In such a scenario, it is only natural that the BJP tries to consolidate its strength. However, the BJPs problem is that it is a high command-controlled party like the Congress. Before Naveen Patnaik, the Congress Chief Ministers were rushing to Delhi frequently to get instructions and guidance. Though Patnaik was a Delhiite, he rarely visited Delhi. But, the present Chief Minister Majhis repeated visits to Delhi remind one of former Congress chief minister J.B. Patnaiks regular Delhi visits. Since BJD was a regional party, it had just one boss. The elevation of Majhi has given hope to other aspirants. According to a senior BJP leader, there was no vacancy for the chief ministers post for the last two decades, but now anybody who matters carry the hope. For instance, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Many within the party feel things could have been different if Pradhan was the chief minister, especially during the Dana cyclone crisis and the death of three tribal women in Mandipanka village following the consumption of mango kernel gruel. This showed poverty and food crisis despite the government's welfare programme. Majhi is however taking more business initiatives. He attended a roadshow in Mumbai for the states flagship business summit 'Utkarsha Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave-2025 ' scheduled for January 28 and 29 at Bhubaneswar. He also visited Singapore this month for four days with his officials to attract investment for the state. This was his first foreign visit. To bring investment to his own mineral-rich Kenjhar district, he recently succeeded in persuading South Koreas POSCO and Indian group JSW to set up a steel plant in his area. Though the conferences of Director General of Police are usually held in other states outside Delhi, this time the Centre decided to have it at Bhubaneswar. Intelligence sources said though Raipur in Chhatisgarh and Guwahati in Assam were considered, Bhubaneswar was chosen as the venue. Besides Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and NSA Ajit Doval will attend the conference. The prime minister will have political programmes during the visit. On Friday, he will be felicitated outside the airport by party people. He will then proceed to Rajbhavan and then to BJP party office at Bhubaneswar where he will attend a meeting of ministers, party MLAs and MPs. During his visit on January 8 to Bhubaneswar, Modi will inaugurate 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will see President Droupadi Murmu chair the valedictory session and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards. These programmes give a political message in favour of the BJP. It indirectly says Odishas national recognition is more now that the BJP has come to power in the state. Then there is also a Navy Day celebration in Puri on December 4. The event which will see at least 24 warships and 40 aircraft, including helicopters and fighter jets, will demonstrate the Navys maritime capabilities and operational strength through aerial manoeuvres and other exercises. The Navy has invited about 7,500 guests to attend the event. The BJP has also suddenly taken interest in Dr Harekrishna Mahtab, Odishas first chief minister and freedom fighter. Both the Union government and the Odisha government have decided to observe the late leaders 125th anniversary. Paying homage to Dr Mahtab, Prime Minister Modi has reiterated the governments commitment to fulfilling his ideals. While BJP governments in Centre and Odisha are going in a big way to celebrate the late leaders 125th anniversary, there is a political angle to it. Since BJD has named Biju Patnaik as the most popular leader in post-independence Odisha and its party leaders say they follow his ideology, the BJP wants to counter the same by reviving Mahtabs contributions. Mahtabs son Bhartruhari Mahtab, who had been a BJD MP since 1998, has also joined the BJP before the last election. He has been reelected to the Parliament, which justifies the commemoration. A committee has been formed at the national level under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for this with many prominent persons from Odisha included in it. Some BJP leaders say they want to highlight Odia asmita (pride) bringing the late Dr Mahtabs role into the discussion. How that will help BJP politically is a question. But if history is to be reopened, Biju Patnaik was considered to be a political disciple of Dr Mahtab, though later they had fallen out while in Congress. At the national level, the BJP is trying to attack Jawaharlal Nehru and his family giving more weightage to Sardar Patel. Dr Mahtab belonged to the Patel camp. He was made a CWC member by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose when the latter was Congress president. Netaji was in the opposite camp of Gandhi and Nehru. So, the BJP has more justification to highlight a protege of these leaders. Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, continued as the West Bengal Jamiat-E-Ulma held a rally at Esplanade in Kolkata on Thursday. A large number of people from neighbouring districts joined the gathering, where the main speaker was the state's Mass Education Extension and Library Services Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury. The bill, introduced in Parliament earlier this year with an aim to streamline the Waqf Board's work and ensure the efficient management of Waqf properties, is facing significant protests from Muslims across India. #WATCH | Maulana Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of West Bengal Jamiat-e-Ulama organises a public meeting to register their protest against the Waqf (Amendment) bill brought by the central govt and under consideration of the JPC Maulana Siddiqullah Chowdhury says, "The pic.twitter.com/JeBUG7FZKM ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 Chowdhury, the MLA from Manteshwar in Purba Bardhaman district, described the proposed amendments as a BJP-led conspiracy to take control of Waqf board properties across India, including mosques, madrasas, and hospitals. He also condemned the bill as an assault on the fundamental rights of Indian Muslims. If the central government forcefully passes the bill, we will reveal our true resolve without fear of death, the 75-year-old declared, eliciting thunderous applause from the massive crowd gathered at the Rani Rashmoni Avenue. This is not the time for political whataboutery. We are in a do-or-die situation. This is a fight for our existence. This is a fight to protect our assets. Emphasising that Waqf is not a political issue but an integral part of their faith, he stated, Lets go to Furfura Sharif [where the shrines of reformers Panch Huzur Qeblah stand] where masjids have many properties. Masjids can own many properties. But whoare you [to question the ownership] of these properties? Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also attacked the BJP-led Centre over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, warning that its implementation would adversely affect the Waqf system and disrupt the management of Waqf properties. Complaining that the bill specifically targets a particular community, Mamata remarked, Waqf properties are not solely funded by Muslims; people from other communities contribute as well. These properties support significant developmental activities. Will they now face eviction by bulldozers? The Trinamool supremo claimed that the federal structure was also undermined as the Centre did not consult the state governments about the proposed amendments. I think this matter should have been discussed with the states. Because the states also have Waqf properties, added Mamata. While it is almost clear that the BJP may pick Devendra Fadnavis to be the next chief minister of state, speculations are rife that an 'upset' Shinde might choose not to become the deputy chief minister, instead offer the coveted post to his son Shrikant Shinde. Shrikant, a doctor by profession, is an MP from the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency. The 37-year-old holds a degree in MBBS and an MS in Orthopedics, which he completed at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai. He made his foray into politics in 2014 from Kalyan. While Shiv Sena's pressure tactic to get the chief minister's post for Eknath Shinde failed, the party's next move is to get his son the deputy chief minister's post along with NCP leader Ajit Pawar. This is also to send a message to Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, which mocked Eknath Shinde for his impending demotion. Shinde has also expressed willingness to step aside from joining the Cabinet if this condition is met. However, many leaders within the party feel the elevation of Shrikant, a young MP, to the top post might tarnish the party's image. It would also seem hypocritical considering Eknath Shinde had attacked Uddhav for promoting Aadithya Thackeray. The BJP is reportedly yet to react to the demands as they are wary of placing Shrikant on equal footing with Ajit Pawar, who is much more experienced, both politically and administratively. Local media reports also claim that Shinde has also asked the BJP leadership for the post of Mahayuti convenor. He may also seek a plum post in the Centre, much like what Shivraj Singh Chauhan got in place of the Madhya Pradesh CM post, or an important ministry like Home. After days of waiting, Shinde finally announced his decision to support the BJP leadership on Wednesday, stating he won't be a hurdle in the process. "I called PM Modi and Amit Shah yesterday and told them to decide (on who will be the CM), and assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take," Shinde said, adding that there was no speed breaker from the side of Shiv Sena. Multiple protests were held in Kolkata on Thursday opposing the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Most notably, the ISKCON also protested in front of their temple in the city, displaying banners and posters with the message, We are not terrorists. #WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | A scuffle broke out between police and members of Hindu Mahasabha while they were marching towards Bangladesh's deputy high commission protesting against the ongoing atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/d5QYUowFsS ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 The minority department of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, along with the West Bengal Youth Congress, and the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch also took out separate marches towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, demanding the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. ISKCON monks and members, led by the organisations Kolkata vice president Radharaman Das, staged a peaceful protest featuring their traditional kirtans. The event saw participation from common devotees, including women and children, as well. Protesters also called on the Bangladeshi government to not ban ISKCON in the country. West Bengal Pradesh Congress Minority department and Youth Congress jointly march towards Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office in Kolkata | Salil Bera The march organised by the Congress's minority department and youth wing, which saw protesters walking with roses and banners saying humans come before a nation witnessed a modest turnout. #WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | A police personnel got injured while a scuffle broke out between the police and members of Hindu Mahasabha. Members of Hindu Mahasabha are marching towards Bangladesh's deputy high commission protesting against the ongoing atrocities against pic.twitter.com/K9V8i4eNCh ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024 However, it conveyed a powerful message of peace and inclusivity, highlighting solidarity among India's minority communities in support of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. A delegation of five representatives was permitted to meet with the deputy high commissioner. In contrast, the protest organised by the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch witnessed occasional instances of unrest as demonstrators disregarded the security protocols set by the Kolkata police. Protesters forcibly removed barricades, engaged in scuffles with the police, and attempted to breach security. At the final layer of security, outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, police informed the protesters that a delegation of five members would be permitted to meet the Bangladeshi diplomat. Following a brief discussion, the protesters complied, and the selected representatives held a meeting with the official. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the Assembly on Thursday, condemned the unrest and the alleged atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The Trinamool supremo stated that she has held talks with ISKCON officials as well. Describing the situation in Bangladesh as unacceptable and unfortunate, CM Banerjee assured that her party would back any decision taken by the central government to address the matter. The boyfriend of the 25-year-old Air India pilot, found dead in her apartment in Andheri, has been arrested on charges of abetment of suicide. Srishti Tuli was found dead inside her rented flat at the Kanakia Rainforest building in Andheri's Marol area on Monday. Police said Tuli hanged herself with a cable. There was no suicide note. Tuli's parents had alleged harassment by her boyfriend, identified as 27-year-old Aditya Pandit. Her family members said Tuli and Pandit met when they were training together to be pilots. While Tuli managed to clear the test and become a pilot, Pandit did not. However, they continued the relationship even after Tuli moved to Mumbai in 2023. According to her family, Pandit visited her and stayed in her flat for a week before Tuli committed suicide. On Sunday, after Tuli returned from work, the duo entered into an argument. Following this, Pandit left for Delhi in his car around 1 am. However, he rushed back after Tuli made a distress call threatening to kill herself. On finding her door locked, Pandit called her friend who brought a locksmith. On seeing Tuli unresponsive, they rushed her to the doctor, who pronounced her dead. Her family alleges that Pandit was harassing Tuli and once had publicly humiliated her for consuming non-veg food at a public event. Her uncle also filed an FIR at Powai police station against Pandit. They also said a transaction of Rs 65,000 had also taken place from Srishti's bank account to Aditya recently. However, police said Tuli was battling mental health issues. Just hours before the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire was to come into place, the IDF sent its fighter jets to Lebanon for one final mission. Their target: A 1.4-km-long underground precision-guided missile manufacturing site in the Lebanese town of Bekka Valley, which is close to the Syrian border. The operation continued for over four hours as Israeli jets rained bomb after bombs at the manufacturing site. Before this, the IDF had targeted a nearby facility which was being used by Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces for training exercises. Dozens of Hezbollah operatives were killed in this strike. The military also released footage of the airstrikes from the night. 70% of Hezbollahs UAV stockpile and most of the cruise missile inventory of Hezbollahs Aerial Unit (127) were destroyed yesterday. As part of the IDF's operational activity in Lebanon, IAF fighter jets launched a comprehensive strike last night, prior to the ceasefire pic.twitter.com/4AZvM6MgDl Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 27, 2024 According to the IDF, the missile manufacturing plant was built several years ago with Iranian support. Since the site was close to Syria, it was the central point through which thousands of weapons components and terrorist operatives were smuggled from Syria and Lebanon. The missile-manufacturing plant became a main stay for Hezbollah after Israel began thwarting the smuggling of missiles from Iran to Lebanon. This unit was created to support the arming of Hezbollah operatives with precision-guided missiles. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters on Wednesday evening that Israel had been monitoring the site "for a long time." The complex, with entrances on both Lebanon and Syria, was divided into different areas, each of which produced a different part for the precision surface-to-surface missiles. Hezbollah celebrations Now that the ceasefire is in place, hundreds of Lebanese who left the southern part of the country after the Israeli bombing began have returned. According to regional media, Hezbollah began distributing posters and flags in Dahieh and nearby areas. They also had citizens driving around in their cars, waving Lebanese and Hezbollah flags and celebrating "victory" among the ruins of their homes. The flags bore the pictures of Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah and his alleged successor Hashem Safieddine who were both killed. Young people also converged at squares and intersections as bulldozers began clearing the ruins. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government to reconsider its proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, which aim to introduce automatic voter registration for 18-year-olds ahead of the 2028 elections.In its latest report, ZESN expressed concern over the government's plan to shift the responsibility for voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Civil Registry Department (CRD). The proposed changes would see the CRD automatically registering new voters upon reaching the age of 18, while also facilitating the automatic removal of deceased individuals from the voters' roll upon the issuance of a death certificate.ZESN argued that the responsibility for voter registration should remain with ZEC, as the proposed shift to CRD would be a retrogressive move. The elections watchdog emphasized that such a shift could undermine the independence of the electoral process and create complications in maintaining an accurate and inclusive voters' roll."Instead of taking a retrogressive approach, the focus should be geared towards improving issues and systems that have been heavily contested in courts, such as availing the voters roll on time, especially to political parties," ZESN said in the report.The proposed constitutional amendments are seen as part of efforts to increase voter registration levels and simplify the process. However, ZESN expressed concern that the move would not address existing electoral challenges, such as the delayed availability of the voters' roll and the need for comprehensive and transparent electoral processes.ZESN also noted that the Constitution of Zimbabwe has already been amended twice in the past decade, with the most recent Amendment No. 2 introducing 23 changes. The organization cautioned against frequent amendments to the supreme law of the land, warning that piecemeal electoral-related changes could destabilize the electoral framework."Rather than seeking to amend the Constitution, strengthening ZEC should be considered as the priority," ZESN argued. "For operational efficiency, ZEC, which is responsible for running elections, should conduct voter registration and the compilation of the voters' roll. However, it should closely collaborate with the CRD in order to automatically register new voters and remove deceased individuals, ensuring a more accurate register."ZESN's position reflects broader concerns about the proposed amendments and their potential impact on electoral integrity. The organization called for a more comprehensive electoral reform approach, in line with Zimbabwe's Constitution and regional standards set by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.The elections watchdog urged restraint in making continual or significant changes to the Constitution, stressing that a stable and transparent electoral system is essential for fostering public trust and confidence in the country's democratic processes. The northeastern states of India have often evoked a sense of mystery and awe for the countrys tourists and travellers, especially if you hail from any part of the country below the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. If you have never been to any of the seven sistersArunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripuraand experienced its breathtaking beauty in person, all of you have really on is news from the region. Given its borders with Chinese territories and Bangladesh, among other regions, Northeast India has always been in the news for the wrong reasons, as far as tourists are concerned. However, tourism data suggests that Northeast tourism is growing better than ever. Dispelling notions of unrest, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the region as the gateway of South East Asia in his inaugural address to the 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) at Kaziranga in Assam. Highlighting how the renowned Kaziranga National Park grew from 400 square kilometres to 1,300 square kilometres in the past ten years, Shekhawat said that Indias Northeast was no longer identified with separatism. The union minister also hailed the regions rich natural beauty, culture, and heritage in his speech. A UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the Kaziranga National Park is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. It was announced as a national park of the country50 years agoback in 1974. The ITM, an annual affair organised by the Ministry of Tourism, highlights the tourism potential of the northeastern region to draw in more domestic and international travellers. State leaders, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu were present at the event this time. Last year, the ITM was held in Shillong, and before that, the 2022 edition was organised at Aizawl. Barak river in Huonveng village in Jiribam | REUTERS This week, on Wednesday, officials in Arunachal Pradesh recovered the body of Suvendu Choudhary, the chief principal security officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)four days after he went missing. NFR chief PRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that Choudharys body was found 8km downstream from the Hindu pilgrimage site of Parashuram Kund. However, this was not an instance of national security. Authorities confirmed that Choudhary slipped into the river while visiting Parashuram Kund with family members and other NFR officials. The remains were recovered after a joint search-and-rescue operation that involved state and national disaster response forces, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the local police, and even the Indian Army. The presence of such a varied set of security enforcement authorities could be seen as apt for ensuring the safety of tourists to the region. Northeast tourism continues on the path of steady growth Tourism is not merely a budding industry in Northeast India despite its minute habitable area when compared with the rest of the country. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is actively looking for avenues to increase tourist footfall in the region. In the report published by the Ministry as part of the Northeast Global Investors Summit, plans for upcoming tourism circuits were outlined. These tourism circuits, ranging from 45 days to 1520 days, were planned in various themes: 1. Eco-tourism, Caving, and Wildlife Tourism (entry point: Guwahati) 2. Biking, Rally, and Nature Tourism (entry points: Itanagar, North Lakhimpur) 3. Religious and Tea Tourism (entry point: Dibrugarh) 4. Leisure, Cultural and Eco-tourism (entry points: Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Silchar, Imphal, Agartala) 5. Leisure, Nature, and Medical Tourism (entry point: Agartala) 6. River, Leisure and Nature Tourism (entry point: Pakyong) Each of these themes included one to three circuits and covered various points in the seven states. For instance, one of the circuits in Eco-tourism, Caving, and Wildlife Tourism was the GuwahatiShillongNongstoinBalpakram National ParkTuraGuwahati roundtrip. An aerial shot of Doyang Lake in Nagaland | Official Nagaland Tourism Website Not only did the tourism industry recover from the pandemic years, but the number of domestic tourists also surpassed pre-COVID levels back in 2022, crossing 1.18 crore. As of official data available from 2013, the highest ever recorded before this was 95.6 lakh in 2019 and the lowest ever was 18.7 lakh in 2020. Discounting the effect of the pandemic (2020 and 2021 data), tourists to the Northeastboth domestic and internationalhave steadily increased in number from a mere 67 lakh in 2013 to 1.19 crore in 2022. While the central government data on consolidated Northeast tourism for the recent couple of years is still awaited, most published statewise data show no signs of slowing down. For instance, Mizoram alone had about 2.2 lakh footfall annually for both fiscal 202223 and 202324 periods. State leaders say Manipur violence wont impact Northeast tourism Assam CM Sarma, talking to the media, said that the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has not impacted the tourism sector in the other six states in the region. According to Sarma, most of the region was free from any instances of militancy or any law-and-order issues, apart from a few isolated incidents. Earlier this month, there were reports from Manipur of gunmen seizing six hostages while exchanging fire with Indian troops. The incident occurred following a grenade-rocket attack on homes and vehicles in Jiribam district. Last year alone, protests on education and job reservations and clashes over ethnic lands claimed more than 250 lives and displaced at least six thousand people. Clashes between the ethnic majority Meitei and the Kuki minority communities escalated earlier this month, creating a low and order situation in Manipur. Displaced Meiteis at the Borobekra relief camp in Manipur | REUTERS With India entering the winter tourism season this month, it remains to be seen how recent developments have impacted the sector in the region. Given that despite isolated incidents of violence, Northeast tourism has more than doubled in the past decade, the region is expected to see an increased focus from the Ministry of Tourism, and more domestic tourists. For when the Northeast calls, it is time to pack your bags. That Russia aims to use the elements of nature against Ukraine became amply clear when about 200 missiles and drones rained down in a massive attack on Ukraines power facilities on Thursday morning even as temperatures plunged to freezing point and below in many places in the war-ravaged country. Reports said more than a million families shivered in the cold without electricity due to the disruption of supply. Like in other cold places, houses in Ukraine are heated with electricity. With the power supply being disrupted, drinking water supply also becomes a big problem. ALSO READ | Whats Oreshnik ballistic missile that Russia fired at Ukraine? The attackthat came in wavestook place mainly in western Ukraine, quite a distance from the frontlines in its east. This is a region that had been only slightly affected by the ongoing 33-month-long war. The barrage of attacks is in the backdrop of the Russian military making rapid advances into eastern Ukraine. ALSO READ | Russia is recruiting poor Yemeni men to fight Ukraine via a mystery Houthi company: Report Russia had launched about 188 drones on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. But the Thursday morning attack scaled a new record in terms of drone usage. Because of these attacks, the number of families without electricity is estimated to be 523,000 in Lviv, about 280,000 in the western part of Rivne and about 215,000 in the Volyn region in the northwest. ALSO READ | Putin's revenge? Disruption of undersea cables in Baltic Sea linked to Russia's 'hybrid warfare' The attack was spread across the country with targets in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk and Odesa on the Black Sea. On Thursday morning, Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko posted on social media saying that energy facilities were under massive enemy attack. While Russian attacks on Ukrainian power facilities were launched in the past during the course of the ongoing conflict, what is significant is the broad geographical sweep and the number of platforms used for the aerial attacks. Already about half of Ukraines energy facilities are devastated due to Russian attacks. The Russian attack may be seen as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory with US-supplied ATACMS missiles. Russia had already used a hypersonic missile for the first time in what could be a warning posture. The missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Ukrainians would worry about the power supply as the winter progresses, perhaps the thoughts would be even more wintry with President Donald Trump likely to assume the reigns of power on January 20. Former ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and urged the interim government to release him immediately. Krishna Das was arrested by Bangladesh police on charges of sedition earlier this week. Widespread protests erupted in different parts of the country over the Hindu monk's arrest. A lawyer was killed in the clashes between security personnel and protesters. "A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately," Hasina said in a statement. "A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalised, looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," she added. Krishna Das was denied bail and sent to judicial custody on Tuesday. "Those involved in this murder should be found and punished quickly. Human rights have been grossly violated through this incident. A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death were terrorists. Whoever they are must be punished," Hasina said. Hasina fled to India on August 5 following widespread protests against her Awami League-led government over the controversial job quota system. Later, Nobel laureate Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser of the interim government. Bangladesh seeks PM Hasina's trial in ICC Bangladesh has sought to pursue the deposed PM Hasina's trial in the International Criminal Court (ICC) even as she faced trial in a domestic tribunal on several charges including crimes against humanity. Yunus had called on ICC prosecutor Karim A. Khan and discussed the issue of Hasina's trial. Dozens of cases are being processed at the Internal Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) against Hasina, and her cabinet colleagues, several of them being in jail or on the run. ICT-BD has issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and several top-ranking members of her Awami League party. The FBI confirmed on Thursday that several cabinet nominees of US president-elect Donald Trump received bomb threats. In one of the threats involving a pipe bomb, the authorities have recovered a pro-Palestinian message. FBI said it is working with other law enforcement agencies as the investigations continue. What is swatting? Swatting is the act of making calls or messages to falsely report crimes to emergency services. In the US, such calls could prompt a response from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, which will be dispatched to an address. A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message. My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are thankful for the swift Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) November 27, 2024 The term swatting is derived from SWAT, a specialised police task force in the US. It is viewed as a form of harassement to target prominent figures in the country. Karoline Leavitt, who is the spokesperson for Trump transition team and his pick for White House press secretary, termed the threats "violent and un-American". The officials who were threatened include New York Rep Elise Stefanik, who was selected as US ambassador to the UN, Attorney General pick Matt Gaetz, Labour Secretary pick and Oregon Rep Lori Chavez-DeRemer and New York Rep Lee Zeldin who was chosen to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. This morning, a police officer arrived at our homewhere our seven children were still sleeping. The officer notified my wife and I that they had received a credible pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family. We are all safe and the threat has been cleared. We want to thank law Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 27, 2024 Zeldin posted on X that a pipe bomb threat targeted him and his family on Wednesday with "a pro-Palesitinian themed message". He went on to say that he and his family were not home at the time and are safe. Reports suggested that Trump's pick for CIA chief, John Ratcliffe, and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth also received threats. Hegseth said on Wednesday morning, a police officer came to his residence where his seven children were sleeping. The police told him that they received a credible pipe bomb threat targeting his family. "We are all safe and the threat has been cleared," Hegseth posted on X. The White House on Thursday said three imprisoned Americans were released by China after being detained there for years. A US official revealed that the Americans were released in exchange for unidentified Chinese citizens detained by Washington. Spoke to Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung as they traveled home to the United States just in time for Thanksgiving. I told them how glad I was that they were in good health and that theyll soon be reunited with their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/AoL0UrCdO4 Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 28, 2024 Who are the 3 Americans released by China? A National Security Council representative said the three Americans released were Mark Swidan, John Leung and Kai Li. The trio will soon reunite with their families. Swidan, 48, is a Texas businessman and has been in jail since 2012. He was charged with drug trafficking and was sentenced to death in 2019. However, he had denied charges and the State Department said he was wrongfully detained. His family was concerned about his health and feared he might kill himself in prison. Leung, 78, was arrested in 2021 over espionge charges and sentenced to life in May 2023. He had led several pro-Beijing groups in the US. Li, 60, was imprisoned since 2016. He suffered a stroke in jail. His son Harrison Li said the family "enthusiastically" welcomes the news as his father gets released after 3,000 days in jail. Republican Sentator Ted Cruz praised the Joe Biden administration for securing the release of the three citizens. Swidan's mother Katherin Swidan hails from Cruz's home state Texas. Now the US has reduced its travel advisory to Level 2, which warns Americans to exercise increased caution for mainland China. Earlier, another American, David Lin, was released by China in September. The 68-year-old pastor was jailed for fraud 18 years ago. His release was kept under wraps in order to move the negotiations forward. The Biden administration has secured the release of over 70 Americans from countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela in the past four years. Do you know there is a women-dominated volunteer defense unit in Ukraine's Kyiv that has been tasked to protect the skies of the war-torn country? They are regular mothers, doctors and teachers during day hours, but when night arrives, they put on their military-grade jackets and boots and ready their assault rifles to gun down any Russian drone in sight. They are the 'Witches of Bucha'! Bucha is a region in the Kyiv Oblast of Ukraine. In 2022, Bucha witnessed the retreating Russian Armed Forces massacring civilians as they withdrew from the city, sending shockwaves across the country. The women-centric volunteer group is named after the place as it is where the volunteer group found its roots. With most men being away to fight on the frontlines, these brave women decided to form a line of defense at home and territories around the Ukrainian capital city. ALSO READ | Why the growing Russia-North Korea military ties are a concern for Ukraine and the west The guys have gone, but were here. What cant Ukrainian women do? We can do everything, a woman serving in the 'Witches of Bucha' famously told the BBC. Who are Witches of Bucha? 'Witches of Bucha' are called into action at night because that is when the Russian attack drones arrive. Moscow intends to keep Ukraine's main defence units busy dealing with these drones ahead of sending missiles. The women, positioned within forest cover, are tasked to gun down the drones the moment they are spotted in the skies. From middle-aged widows to some weighing over 100 kilograms, none are discouraged from joining the Witches, a BBC report said. Since the task involved staying low and aiming towards the sky, Ukraine is okay with cutting the ladies some slack when it comes to fitness. With most men unavailable, it is also a question of survival for the country. Overweight women are likely to do a better job than an underaged person or a military-aged man sans a limb or an eye. ALSO READ | Revealed: How Ukraine's first strike on North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk took place The women are equipped with Soviet-era machine guns and pre-WWII assault rifles. As they are highly unlikely to engage the Russian invading army on the ground, modern weapons are reserved for the soldiers on the frontline. However, they also have a limited supply of AKs and other assault weapons at their disposal. Its scary, yes. But sos giving birth, and I still did that three times, a Witch told BBC while asked about her responsibilities. The women are given military training on the weekends when they don't have to show up for their daytime jobs. Ruins and uninhabited buildings are chosen for training. For some, it gives them a purpose after having felt very helpless during the days of occupation. For some others, who have lost multiple members of their family to the war, serving a part in the war is the closest they can get to vengeance. Thirdly, there is patriotism -- the duty that the country demands. Witches of Bucha on peace talks with Russia The focus is back on 'Witches of Bucha' yet again after a recent poll indicated that around 52% of Ukrainians want the conflict to be settled through talks. They are optimistic of the bloodshed coming to a close as Donald Trump managed to win the recently-held US Presidential Polls. Ukraine's military morale is dwindling as they have suffered heavy casualties in the war. While Russia can easily replace the dead with their reserves in thousands, the smaller Ukraine is finding it difficult to find fighters. The best Ukrainian soldiers have been able to do is hold their lines as Russia tries to retake lost cities. Kyiv has been on the back foot despite getting permission to use ATACMs and Storm Shadow missiles at Moscow. ALSO READ | What's Donald Trump's master plan to end Russia-Ukraine war? However, when asked what they feel about talks with Moscow, 'Witches of Bucha' members said they don't trust Vladimir Putin. The Russian President may use the discussions as an opportunity to regroup and redesign his occupation plans and strike a knock-out blow when an opportunity appears. I dont believe that this war can be stopped with the negotiations, a female volunteer told MSN. In three to five years, he (Putin) will come back, she added. Mumbai, Nov 28 (PTI) Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) on Thursday announced the signing of a 93-key brownfield resort in Kandla, Gujarat, under Gateway brand. "Kandla, an important industrial hub and port city in Gujarat, is an emerging market with immense potential for both business and leisure travel. This signing aligns with our vision of entering new markets and expanding our presence in tier II and III cities across India. We are delighted to partner with Sanjay Poddar for this project," IHCL Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development, Suma Venkatesh said in a statement. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 25 hotels in Gujarat including 6 under development. AU SFB to distribute Bharti AXA Life Insurance's policies to its customers * AU Small Finance Bank on Thursday said it will distribute private sector insurer Bharti AXA Life Insurance's policies to its customers. The two entities have signed a bancassurance partnership under which the lender's customers will get life insurance and financial security solutions, as per a statement. Union MF enters factor-based investing * Union Mutual Fund on Thursday entered factor based with the launch of its new fund offer for 'Union Active Momentum Fund' that will invest in stocks showing momentum. Factor-based investing is a relatively new concept in Indian markets, which are predominantly dominated by actively managed equity funds, according to a statement. Bank of India announces consumption fund Bank of India Mutual Fund on Thursday announced a consumption fund which will invest in the country's expanding family consumption basket. The portfolio of the new fund, which will be open for subscriptions till December 13, focuses on industries, including retail, consumer durables, healthcare, and financial services, as per an official statement. Mumbai, Nov 28 (PTI) Student housing operator Homeversity on Thursday announced a USD 1-million fundraise from Inflection Point Ventures and other investors. The funds will be used to establish a premium scalable student housing operator model and, grow the user base, as per a statement. TCS in tie-up with IIT-Kharagpur to work on research in digital health, robotics * TCS on Thursday announced a tie-up with IIT-Kharagpur which will help research in the areas of digital health, robotics and intelligent systems. The two partners will also launch advanced research centre for innovation in digital health, robotics & intelligent systems, according to a statement. New Delhi, Lima close to signing FTA: Peru Ambassador * Peru's Ambassador Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde has said Lima and New Delhi are closer to signing a free trade agreement. Speaking at the World Trade Center in Mumbai on Wednesday, Velrade invited Indian investment in mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries, as per a statement. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has made four more discoveries since it first made an oil field near Asokenagar in West Bengal six years back but is still awaiting the state government's nod for a petroleum mining lease to develop them, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday. ONGC notified the first Asokenagar discovery in Block WB-ONN-2005/4 on September 24, 2018, Puri said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. The discovery, he said was the outcome of continuous exploration efforts of ONGC in the Bengal sedimentary basin over five decades. As per initial laboratory studies, crude oil, which is refined into fuels like petrol and diesel, discovered in the Ashokenagar discovery is a light variety with American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of 40-41 degrees and is almost similar to Bombay High and Brent Crude. "ONGC, accordingly, applied on September 10, 2020, to the Government of West Bengal for a grant of Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) for an area of 5.88 square kilometres (sq km) in North 24 Parganas District for the early monetisation of Asokenagar-1 discovery under Early Development Plan (EDP)," he said. A month later, the central government also recommended the state government for a grant of PML. "The grant of this PML is still awaited from the state government of West Bengal," he said. Under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959, the state governments are empowered to grant PML with the prior recommendation of the central government. "As the PML was awaited from the state government, EDP could not be implemented thereby affecting production of oil and gas," Puri said. However, ONGC continued appraisal/exploratory drilling activities and established the presence of hydrocarbon in other wells namely Asokenagar-2, Kankpul-1, Bhurkunda-1 and Ranaghat-2, thus, enhancing the hydrocarbon prospectivity around Asokenagar-1 discovery in New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) Block WB-ONN-2005/4. "Based on the latest data availability and analysis, an area of 99.06 sq km with more than four discoveries has been carved out into an Integrated Field Development Plan (FDP) which also includes an EDP area of 5.88 sq km for developing oil and gas discovery of Asokenagar-1. This integrated FDP has been approved by the Government of India (GoI) on July 10, 2024," he said. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas further said the recommendation letter for the issuance of PML by the Government of West Bengal was sent on October 29, 2024. "PML application for the approved area of FDP (99.06 sq km) was submitted by ONGC on November 5, 2024, to the Government of West Bengal," he said. The minister said the power to grant PML for Asokenagar oil field lies with the Government of West Bengal. "The Government of India and ONGC (operator) are consistently pursuing issuance of PML from the Government of West Bengal. The recommendation letter for the grant of PML conveyed to the state government of West Bengal on October 21 2020 has been followed up with the request letter dated February 1, 2023 and D.O. letter dated January 12, 2024, from Director General, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons to the Principal Secretary, Government of West Bengal, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises. The matter has been flagged to the Government of West Bengal (GoWB) in the Eastern Zonal Council meeting held on July 4, 2024, at Ranchi for expediting consideration of GoWB," he added. This year's Summit theme, 'Viksit Bharat@2047', envisions India's journey from the Pharmacy of the World to a Global Pharma Powerhouse, advancing inclusive healthcare and innovation for a developed India NEW DELHI, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) organized its flagship Annual Summit today, at The Lalit, New Delhi. The summit brought together a distinguished assembly of key Government officials, regulators, industry leaders, member organisations, academia, patient support groups, innovators and other key stakeholders. Centered around the theme Viksit Bharat @2047 India's Path from the 'Pharmacy of the World' to the 'Pharma Powerhouse to the World', the summit set forth the vision for India's healthcare evolution. The platform witnessed deliberations on pivotal topics, including innovation, skills development and technology, with a strong focus on advancing accessible and high-quality healthcare services across the nation. Bhushan Akshikar, President, OPPI, Vice President & Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, said, "As we work towards an inclusive, innovative and sustainable healthcare future for India, OPPI remains committed to our vision of Bharat Ke Liye, delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions to Indian patients. As an industry, we are committed to collaborating with all ecosystem partners to deliver impactful solutions not only for today but also lay the groundwork for India's emergence as a global leader in pharma for tomorrow. Together, we are shaping a future where healthcare is accessible and transformative for all." Anil Matai, Director General, OPPI, said, "The OPPI Annual Summit celebrates the pharmaceutical sector's dedication to innovation and excellence, embodying our shared vision for a robust healthcare ecosystem where advancements are matched with patient centricity. India stands at the cusp of a remarkable transformation in healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry is set to play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. By leveraging our strengths in innovation, we can evolve from being the 'Pharmacy of the World' to a true global pharma powerhouse. Moving forward, we must continue fostering an environment that values research, innovation and resilient healthcare infrastructure. This summit is a great platform to explore how we, as a community of industry leaders, can build on this legacy and propel India to new heights in delivering safe and advanced healthcare solutions to the world." The summit also witnessed the launch of reports and informative booklets, 'Viksit Bharat@2047 Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to the World', in collaboration with EY, and 'Winning in Indian Healthcare', in collaboration with BCG. Additionally, informative booklets on 'Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs' and the 'Value of Innovation' were released, highlighting the significance of innovation and creating awareness on OTC drugs. The EY-OPPI report, titled Viksit Bharat@2047 Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to the World, highlights the key growth imperatives required for India's pharmaceutical sector to become a global powerhouse. It envisions a resilient, inclusive healthcare ecosystem where policymakers, providers, pharma companies and patient advocates collaborate to elevate patient care. Achieving these goals will position India's healthcare model as a beacon of innovation and equitable access for the world. As India's pharmaceutical market gears for transformative growth, the 'Winning in Indian Healthcare' report by BCG and OPPI explores the dynamic forces reshaping this critical sector. Against the backdrop of rapid economic growth, streamlined government policies, and digital health innovations, the report unpacks India's unique healthcare potential. It highlights the drivers for growth (rising demand driven by an aging population, a burgeoning middle class, and a chronic disease burden), alongside challenges such as regulatory complexities, fragmented payer coverage, and market complexities. To thrive in this evolving landscape, global pharma players must rethink the portfolio strategy, invest in access initiatives, and embrace wider ecosystem partnerships. This report serves as a strategic guide for navigating India's vibrant but challenging healthcare ecosystem. The bilingual FAQs (in Hindi and English) on the Value of Innovation emphasize the critical role of R&D and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector, touching on the costs and timelines associated with drug development and the importance of strengthening the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) framework. Another important release was the FAQs on Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs in India, which highlights the rapid rise of OTC drug adoption, especially in the context of chronic and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. This shift toward proactive, self-managed healthcare is pivotal in improving public health outcomes while optimizing healthcare resource utilization. The summit's discussions spanned diverse dimensions, covering key themes such as: Winning in Indian Healthcare: The impact of Global Pharma companies on Indian Healthcare and the Road Ahead Viksit Bharat @2047: Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to The World Collaborative Strategies: To Improve Access to Healthcare in India The exceptional contributors and innovators in the healthcare sector were celebrated and recognized with the prestigious OPPI Awards. These awards honoured excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare in Bharat. The esteemed awardees for 2024 included: OPPI Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 Dr Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder Chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute OPPI Scientist Award 2024 Scientist of the Year Dr Arun Kumar Shukla, Professor and Sonu Agrawal Memorial Chair, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Woman Scientist of the Year Prajakta Dandekar Jain, Co-ordinator, M.Tech. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Program, UGC Assistant Professor in Engineering Sciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai Young Scientist of the Year Rachit Agarwal, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Science OPPI Excellence in Innovation Healthcare Start-up of the Year 2024 Neodocs About OPPI The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), established in 1965, represents the research-based global pharmaceutical companies in India. OPPI has been an integral part of the healthcare journey of the country. We remain committed to supporting the nation's healthcare objectives, putting patients at the core of all decision making and collaborating with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to realize the collective vision of Health for All. Our member companies have been serving the country's healthcare ecosystem since pre-independence and continue to remain committed to patient safety and providing quality care in the future as well. As an association, our advocacy decisions, patient commitment and work are always keeping the country first, and we embody the spirit of working for 'Bharat Ke Liye'; driven with innovation to find solutions for unmet medical needs, collaboration with Government stakeholders, and co-creation with partners coming together to address the nation's healthcare challenges. We are committed to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-ji's clarion call of 'Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan'. The reports can be accessed here: Viksit Bharat@2047 - Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to the World Winning in Indian Healthcare Value of Innovation (in Hindi and English) Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs in India Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569307/OPPIAnnualSummit.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569306/OPPI_Logo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR News / National by Staff reporter South African authorities have confirmed the arrest of a Zimbabwean national, Joacham Chivayo, and his South African accomplice, Ayanda Brian Gungwa, after they were found in possession of gold bullions valued at approximately R15 million.The pair was apprehended by the Hawks, South Africa's elite Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, at Helderwyk Estate. The arrest comes amid growing concerns over illegal gold trade and smuggling operations in the region, though the origins of the precious metal have not been revealed.The Zimbabwean suspect, Chivayo, aged 33, has attracted attention due to his unclear connection to controversial tenderpreneur and dealer figures, though details of his relationships with such individuals remain speculative. The arrest has raised questions about the possible involvement of more prominent players in the gold trade.According to social media reports, the gold was seized by the Hawks during a raid, with authorities noting that it was estimated to be worth R15 million. While the investigation is ongoing, the authorities have not disclosed further details about the source of the gold or whether the suspects had been involved in previous illegal activities.The arrest is a part of South Africa's broader efforts to clamp down on organised crime and illegal mining operations, which have become a significant issue, particularly in areas bordering Zimbabwe. The involvement of a Zimbabwean national further highlights the cross-border nature of gold smuggling, which has been a persistent challenge in Southern Africa.As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to expand their probe into the network behind the gold trafficking operation, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks. New Delhi [India], November 28: Lets face it dealing with skin troubles can be frustrating. You wake up to acne flaring up out of nowhere, or maybe your scalp has that familiar itch and flakiness that just wont quit. And while the shelves are packed with products promising quick fixes, too many leave you with dry, irritated skin or hair that just feels off. Thats where Organix Mantras Australian Tea Tree Oil steps in, offering a refreshing, natural solution that actually works. Known for its soothing, balancing, and purifying properties, this tea tree oil has the power to calm acne, ease redness, and even bring your scalp back to a healthier state. Its not just another product its a solution that fits naturally into your self-care routine and gives you real, visible results. Why Organix Mantra Tea Tree Oil Stands Out While there are countless tea tree oils available, Organix Mantras Australian Tea Tree Oil brings something extra to the table. Heres what makes it special: Australian Origin: Australia is known for its high-quality tea tree plants, known for producing exceptionally pure oil. With Organix Mantra, youre getting authentic Australian tea tree oil, ensuring potency and quality in every bottle. 100% Pure and Natural: Free from additives, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, this Tea Tree oil is safe, effective, and natural, giving you peace of mind about what youre putting on your skin and scalp. Therapeutic-Grade Quality: The steam-distillation process preserves the oils beneficial properties, delivering a therapeutic-grade product that offers maximum effectiveness. Eco-Conscious Packaging: Packaged in an amber glass bottle to protect it from UV rays, Organix Mantras tea tree oil remains potent over time, so you can count on its effectiveness whenever you need it. The Benefits of Organix Mantra Australian Tea Tree Oil Organix Mantra Tea Tree Oil is derived from Australian tea tree plants, known for their potency and purity. The process of steam-distillation preserves the oils therapeutic-grade quality, ensuring each drop is packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Heres how it addresses some of the top skin and hair concerns you may face: 1. Acne and Skin Blemishes For anyone struggling with acne, finding a solution that doesnt dry out or irritate skin is a challenge. Organix Mantra Tea Tree Oil helps by gently targeting acne-causing bacteria. Unlike synthetic products that can leave skin tight and uncomfortable, tea tree oils natural properties work with your skin, soothing inflammation while tackling breakouts from the root. Just a few drops diluted in a carrier oil, applied to trouble spots, can reduce redness, clear up blemishes, and help prevent future breakouts. 2. Redness and Irritation Relief Tea tree oils anti-inflammatory benefits make it perfect for soothing red, inflamed, or irritated skin. Many conventional products can worsen these issues, especially for sensitive skin types. Organix Mantra Tea Tree oil offers a calming solution, gently reducing redness and balancing sensitive skin without harsh side effects. 3. Scalp Health and Dandruff Relief Dandruff and scalp irritation can feel like an endless cycle, but tea tree oils antifungal properties offer real relief. Adding a few drops to your shampoo or mixing it with a carrier oil for a deep conditioning treatment balances the scalp, easing itchiness and helping to eliminate flakiness. The result- A clean, healthy scalp that feels refreshed, promoting stronger, shinier hair with consistent use. How to Use Organix Mantra Australian Tea Tree Oil This versatile oil fits seamlessly into multiple areas of your daily routine: Spot Treatment for Acne: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to blemishes. This targets acne-causing bacteria while reducing redness and inflammation. Soothing Scalp Treatment: Add 5-10 drops to your shampoo or mix with a carrier oil for a scalp massage to relieve dandruff and balance oils. Redness and Irritation Soother: Gently massage diluted tea tree oil over irritated areas to calm and soothe skin. Natural Household Cleaner: Add tea tree oil to water and white vinegar for a powerful, natural disinfectant for household surfaces. Choosing Organix Mantra for Quality and Care At Organix Mantra, the focus goes beyond products its about offering solutions rooted in purity, transparency, and sustainability. When you choose Organix Mantra Tea Tree Oil, youre choosing a natural remedy that respects both your wellness and the environment. Its a product that fits into your life seamlessly, addressing common skin and scalp concerns with visible results. If youre looking for a real solution to your skincare and scalp care needs, Organix Mantras Australian Tea Tree Oil is the answer. Embrace a more natural approach that doesnt just cover up the problem but actively supports healthier skin and scalp from the inside out. Try Organix Mantra Tea Tree Oil today and take a step toward the holistic, effective care you deserve. Please Visit For More Information : https://www.organixmantra.in/ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Autotech and financial solution provider CarDekho Group on Thursday said it has recorded a standalone profit of Rs 37 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal year, scripting a turnaround from Rs 143-crore losses in FY23. Net revenue from operations after adjusting for discontinued used cars, came in at Rs 2,074 crore in FY24, a 54 per cent year-on-year uptick from Rs 1,347 crore in FY23, according to a company statement. "Its (CarDekho Group) diversified portfolio spanning auto media, insuretech, fintech, and international businesses outpaced industry growth rates with the overall growth trajectory being largely powered by the remarkable performance of its insuretech arm, InsuranceDekho, and fintech platform, rupyy. "Notably, the group delivered its first full-year standalone profitability, with a profit of approximately Rs 37 crore (before exceptional items), a turnaround from a loss of Rs 143 crore in FY23. This enabled consolidated losses reduction from Rs 562 crore in FY23 to Rs 340 crore in FY24," the statement said. During the year, it said the group secured about USD 80 million in growth capital. InsuranceDekho, a part of the CarDekho group, processed about Rs 3,300 crore premium for insurance companies in FY24, the statement added. "The company operates in over 1,500 cities, covering 98 per cent of India's pin codes and serving more than 9 million customers, insuring 21 individuals every minute. CarDekho Group operates companies in Insurtech (InsuranceDekho), Fintech (rupty), Shared mobility space (Revv), and also handles content portals such as CarDekho.com, BikeDekho, ZigWheels, and Powerdrift. It is backed by investors like Peak XV (Sequoia), Hillhouse Capital, CapitalG, Ratan Tata Trust, Leapfrog (ESG-focused investment fund), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, among others. "...we strategically expanded our portfolio through targeted M&A initiatives, including the acquisitions of Revv and Carrum, investments in cutting-edge technologies such as BiUP and Girnar AI Innovations Lab. These achievements not only strengthen our position as a market leader but also reaffirm our IPO readiness and commitment to delivering long-term value to all stakeholders," Group CFO Neelesh Talathi said. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said there should be strict action against those selling spurious seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to protect farmers' interests. According to an official statement, he said, "Farmers of the country should be ensured to get good quality fertilisers, seeds and pesticides under all circumstances". During the department-wise review of his ministry, Chouhan instructed the officers to take strict and effective action against the culprits for the larger welfare of the farmers. He pointed out that "farmers often complain about receiving poor-quality inputs, resulting in significant losses". "Speaking in a strict tone, Chouhan stressed that as a responsible public representative, it is imperative to address these concerns. He instructed officials to implement concrete measures to effectively control the distribution of fake or inferior pesticides, fertilisers, and seeds," the statement said. In many states, he stated that prosecution action is not effective against such guilty people and they are left free. The minister said he will soon talk to the state governments about this so that effective action is taken continuously at the state level. If anyone is found guilty, they should be punished severely so that such heinous acts can stop, he noted. Chouhan wanted the strictest action in this regard to protect the interest of common farmers of the country. In view of the upcoming crop season, the minister said farmers should get relief in this regard. Chouhan said he will soon discuss with the chief ministers and ministers of the states because mainly effective measures are taken at the state level only. "During the review, Chouhan asked what action is being taken against those who make and sell such fake products, during which it came to light that effective action is not being taken even at the level of investigation and prosecution in many states," the statement said. Most of the guilty people are acquitted or receive very little punishment. In the case of substandard fertilisers, seeds and pesticides, strict action should be taken against big sellers and manufacturers and existing laws, rules and procedures should be used effectively. Chouhan also added that all concerned departments should jointly run a campaign to ensure good quality of pesticides and fertilisers. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The labour ministry is considering to revamp Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) by allowing more contribution by members for higher retirement benefit, a top source said. Presently, the entire contribution of members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), or 12 per cent of the basic salary, goes into the EPF account. It is the employers' contribution, of which 8.33 per cent goes into EPS-95 while the remaining 3.67 per cent is credited into the EPF account. The top source said members will get more pension if they contribute more into their EPS-95 account. Therefore, the ministry is weighing options to allow a higher contribution towards EPS. The source also said the employees could also be allowed to contribute towards EPS-95 to increase the pension benefit under the revamped structure. The source added that besides improving social security benefits, the Modi government is also focusing on job creation in the country. He explained that a capex of Rs 1 crore leads to the creation of 3-6 jobs. Major infrastructure projects worth Rs 4.19 lakh crore have been approved, and it is estimated to generate over 1.26 crore jobs, the source added. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Integrated diagnostic chain Suraksha Diagnostic Ltd on Thursday said it has mobilised Rs 254 crore from anchor investors, a day before opening of its initial share-sale for public subscription. The top anchor investors in the IPO included Nippon India Mutual Fund, Kotak MF, Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, Quant MF and Carnelian Bharat Amritkaal Fund, according to a circular uploaded on BSE's website. The company has allotted 57.57 lakh equity shares to 16 funds at Rs 441 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band. This aggregates the transaction size to Rs 254 crore, the circular showed. The Rs 846-crore initial share-sale will open for public subscription on November 29 and conclude on December 3. The shares will be available in the price range of Rs 420 to Rs 441 apiece. The Kolkata-headquartered company's IPO consists of an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 19,189,330 equity shares worth Rs 846.25 crore, at the upper end of the price band, by promoters and investor shareholders, with no fresh issue component. Under the OFS, promoters Somnath Chatterjee, Ritu Mittal, and Satish Kumar Verma; and investors OrbiMed Asia II Mauritius Ltd, Munna Lal Kejriwal and Santosh Kumar Kejriwal will offload shares. Since the issue is completely an OFS, the company will not receive any proceeds and all the funds will go to the selling shareholders. Explaining the reason for going public, the company said it is aimed at achieving the benefit of listing equity shares on the stock exchanges and carrying out OFS for the selling shareholders. At the upper end of the price band, the company's market capitalisation stands at around Rs 2,300 crore. Suraksha Diagnostic offers a one-stop integrated solution for pathology and radiology testing and medical consultation services to its customers through its extensive operational network, consisting of a flagship central reference laboratory, 8 satellite laboratories and 194 customer touchpoints which include 48 diagnostic centres, and 146 sample collection centres (primarily franchised), across West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Meghalaya as of March 31, 2024. During fiscal 2024, it conducted about 5.98 million tests serving approximately 1.14 million patients. Half of the issue size has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 35 per cent for retail investors and the remaining 10 per cent for non-institutional investors. ICICI Securities Ltd, Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd and SBI Capital Markets Ltd are the book-running lead managers to the issue. The equity shares are expected to be listed on BSE and NSE on December 6. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said it was "unfortunate" that Opposition parties were not letting Parliament function and are trying to defame India abroad, while neglecting all the reforms and initiatives taken by the Modi government in last ten years. Both Houses of Parliament -- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha -- were not able to carry substantial business during the first three days of the Winter Session amid Opposition protests on various issues, including alleged corruption charges against the Adani Group. Addressing a press conference here, Commerce and Industry Minister Goyal outlined various initiatives taken by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the last ten years, including Make in India, Digital India, power sector reforms, among several other measures. He said it is "unfortunate" that the Opposition, while neglecting all the work done by the Modi-led NDA government, keeps defaming the country whether at home or abroad, and also does not even let the Parliament function. The minister said the days of "negative" thinking are over and now an aspirational young India is moving ahead at a fast pace. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The government has collected Rs 1.44 lakh crore as toll tax at fee plazas presently operational under Public Private Partnerships (PPP) model on National Highways since December 2000, Parliament was informed on Thursday. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said all user fee plazas on National Highways are established as per the provision of National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 and the respective Concession Agreement. "Amount of 1.44 lakh crore rupees have been collected as user fee at fee plazas presently operational under Public Private Partnerships (PPP) model on National Highways since December, 2000," he said. Replying to a separate question, Gadkari said the government has initiated the implementation of barrier-free tolling using available technology based electronic toll collection (ETC) system as an added facility along with FASTag. The minister said presently, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based tolling system is not operational anywhere on National Highways. However, he added that amendment to the the NH Fee Rules, 2008 (dated Sep 9, 2024) has been made to enable GNSS-based tolling system through On-Board Unit (OBU) and users of vehicles not fitted with a valid, functional Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit shall have to pay a fee equivalent to two times of the user fee applicable for that category of vehicle at that fee plaza in case the GNSS based tolling is made operational. In the GNSS-based user fee collection system, toll charges shall be levied based on the actual distance travelled by a vehicle, on a National Highway or expressway in term of NH Fee Rules, 2008 and amendment thereof. Whereas, at present, the user fee is collected at the fee plaza depending on project influence length of respective fee plaza. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Amid certain human resource concerns after the Vistara merger, Air India chief Campbell Wilson on Thursday said the enlarged entity offers a "great sort of proposition" for the people and asserted that the airline is a "responsible employer". Earlier this month, Air India completed the merger of Vistara with itself and with the integration, Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged entity. Vistara was a joint venture between the Tatas and Singapore Airlines. There are certain concerns about seniority, retirement age, and other issues after the Vistara merger. In response to queries about HR issues, Wilson -- the CEO and MD of Air India -- said the group has brought together five airlines. "Air India and Indian Airlines wasn't fully consummated... so we have five different groups getting into a common seniority, common organisational environment... We are a responsible employer," he said at a select media briefing. Before the Tatas took over Air India in January 2022, Indian Airlines was merged with the airline but there have been lingering HR issues. Tata Group has consolidated its airline business -- Vistara has been merged with Air India and AIX Connect has been integrated with Air India Express. "There might be elements that are up and that are down... Opportunities that are going to be there, progression opportunities, opportunities for professional and personal development. "It is perfectly understandable that if some people take a very narrow view and look at a particular issue, whether it is good or bad... but in totality we are very confident that we have given people... a great sort of proposition," Wilson said. Air India Group has around 30,000 staff. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Fair trade regulator CCI on Thursday ordered a probe against Google and its affiliates for alleged unfair business practices with respect to listing of real money gaming apps on Play Store. While passing the order, CCI said the "the Commission directs the Director General ('DG') to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act". The Commission also directed the DG to complete the investigation and submit a consolidated report within 60 days. The probe follows a complaint by Winzo Games, accusing Google of abusing its dominant position and unfairly favouring select gaming categories, thereby distorting competition. In its 24-page order, the regulator noted that the selective inclusion of DFS and Rummy apps gives them an undue competitive advantage. "Direct access to end-users via the dominant Play Store provides a significant edge to DFS and Rummy apps, potentially disadvantaging other RMG applications," the Commission said in its order. CCI also flagged concerns regarding Google's sideloading warnings displayed when users attempt to download RMG apps. These warnings, Winzo claimed, tarnish its reputation and discourage potential users from accessing its app. Winzo also alleged that warnings on sideloading and payments were standard security measures aimed at safeguarding users. The regulator also found that Google's justifications for its pilot programme and advertising policies were inconsistent and ambiguous. "The long duration of Google's pilot programme, risks perpetuating the advantages conferred upon selected participants, such as DFS and Rummy apps. "This temporal extension amplifies the anti-competitive effects by ensuring these apps continue to enjoy preferential access and visibility, which other competitors are denied," the CCI noted. The regulator also pointed out that Google's dominance in the Android ecosystem made it imperative to assess its policies for anti-competitive outcomes. The Play Store, being pre-installed on all Android devices, is deemed a "must-have" platform for app developers. The exclusion of non-DFS and non-Rummy RMG apps from the Play Store amounts to a denial of market access, the Commission said. While ordering its Director General (DG) to investigate the matter within 60 days, the CCI clarified that its observations were prima facie and not a final judgment. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Airlines received 999 hoax bomb threats this year till November 14 and as many as 256 FIRs have been filed while guidelines have been issued by aviation security regulator BCAS for objective assessment of threats, the government said on Thursday. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said a total of 1,148 hoax bomb threat messages/calls have been received since August 2022 till November 14, 2024 threatening the operations of international and domestic air travel. While 999 threats were received by airlines during the period from January to November 14, 2024, the count stood at 122 last year and at 27 for the August-December 2022 period. "256 FIRs have been filed since January 2024 till 14 November 2024, out of which 163 FIRs have been filed during 14 October- 14 November 2024. 12 arrests have been made in view of hoax bomb threat since January 2024 till 14 November 2024," the minister said. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued guidelines for objective assessment of threats. The indicative factor has been useful in reducing time taken by the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) during the decision-making process. "Also, to reduce the overall time taken for convening BTAC to less than 5 minutes, virtual assembly of BTAC through pre-generated video link has been set up. Further, advisories for compulsory 10 per cent of secondary ladder point check-in for all flights, strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations, enhanced security measures and surveillance at cargo terminals were issued," Mohol said. Further, the minister said the government is considering amending the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023 to put hoax threat messenger in the no-fly list. "It is also being considered to amend Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation for covering Aircraft in flight as well as on ground, airport etc," he added. News / National by Staff reporter United States-based veteran opposition activist Freeman Chari has alleged that corruption is deeply entrenched within Zimbabwe's pro-democracy movement, warning that the problem undermines the credibility of opposition parties.In a recent post on X, Chari criticized some opposition figures for discouraging efforts to expose corruption, arguing that such actions are rationalized as protecting the movement from attacks by the ruling ZANU-PF. He wrote:"The biggest problem in the pro-democracy movement is that we have so many corrupt people in there. Anyone exposing those people is quickly shut down hanzi you give ZANU-PF ammunition."Chari further alleged that corruption within the opposition is not a new phenomenon, citing an instance from the early 2000s when a scholarship program for persecuted activists within the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was reportedly turned into a "family affair."Call for AccountabilityThe activist warned that ignoring corruption within the opposition emboldens wrongdoers, who may carry the same unethical behavior into public office if elected. He cautioned:"It then goes into councils and the same unscrupulous characters carry the same behavior into office. We defend them, but they don't stop."Chari, who has spearheaded fundraising efforts for school infrastructure development in Zimbabwe, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the opposition. He warned that failure to address corruption risks turning the opposition into a mirror image of ZANU-PF.Widespread Corruption in CouncilsChari's remarks come amid ongoing concerns about corruption in local councils, many of which are governed by opposition councillors. In Bulawayo, Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo were recently arrested for allegedly demanding a US$20,000 bribe from Chinese investors.The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has reported that local government employees account for 13% of all corruption cases under investigation. In Harare, a commission of inquiry led by Retired Justice Maphios Cheda has uncovered widespread graft within the city council, implicating several officials, including those affiliated with opposition parties.Implications for Opposition CredibilityChari's revelations highlight the challenges facing the opposition in maintaining moral authority while fighting corruption. His call for reform and accountability echoes broader public sentiment that addressing internal corruption is critical to building trust and offering a viable alternative to ZANU-PF. Karachi, Nov 28 (PTI) Pakistan potentially stands to earn approximately USD 30 billion in coming years by exporting defence products and equipment to friendly countries, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday. Pakistan has signed 82 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) to export defence products and equipment including advanced drones, fighter jets, commercial and logistic ships, electronic warfare equipment, and radars, Ministry of Defence Production Secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Chiragh Haider told PTI. Haider said the 12th edition of IDEAS held last week amidst tight security in Karachi was a big success and ended with a lot of potential export agreements. Defence manufacturers and exhibitors from over 55 countries including the United States, Russia, China, Turkiye, Iran, Italy, the UK, and Azerbaijan sent delegations to take part in the exhibition. Pakistan has signed MOUs for potential export orders totalling USD 30 billion but keep in mind MoUs take time to mature and turn into projects, as testing, trial, and sometimes further modification occurs, Haider said. Haider said the MOUs could and should translate into potential export orders in coming years. The Defence Secretary said Pakistan has achieved defence exports worth USD 1.3 billion over the past three years since the previous edition of IDEAS in 2022. Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Director General Major General Asad Nawaz Khan said most of the MOUs were inked with six public sector entities, including Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) in Wah, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, The National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), and Global Industrial and Defence Solutions Pakistan (GIDS Pakistan). He said Pakistan and China have also signed defence equipment agreements. Pakistan showcased its Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT) and new medium-altitude long-endurance Shahpar III drone aside from Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar tanks and the latest model of the Super Mushshak Aircraft at IDEAS. Jaipur, Nov 28 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rising Rajasthan Global summit in Jaipur on December 9. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that the three-day event will be inaugurated by PM Modi at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Center (JECC) in Sitapura. He said that the state government is engaged in mission mode to complete the preparations and arrangements. Sharma took stock of the preparations for this event here. He reviewed various arrangements travelling from Jaipur Airport to the venue in a bus and gave instructions to the officials. Sharma was accompanied by industry minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and a team of officials. Talking to the media, Sharma said that Prime Minister Modi will come in the inaugural session of the conference. He said that under the leadership of Modi, the state government is organizing 'Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit' in its first year itself. "There are immense possibilities of investment in Rajasthan and this event will prove to be a milestone in accelerating the industrial direction of the state," he said. The chief minister also said that the summit will play an important role in bringing Rajasthan forward in various fields including mining, stone, education, medicine and automobile, among others. The industrial scenario in the state will get a new dimension through the Rising Rajasthan Summit to be held from 9-11 December, he said, adding, "the state government is working hard to fulfil the resolution of the economic progress of the state". The chief minister further said the government will take a new resolution every day for the next 10 days to ensure that the summit becomes a grand success. Taking the first resolution today, Sharma said the opening day of the Rising Rajasthan Summit will be completely powered by solar energy. "Our priority is to promote renewable energy for uninterrupted power supply in the state. Due to the favourable investment policies of the state government, Rajasthan has remained the choice of investors in renewable energy and today Rajasthan ranks first in renewable energy production in India," he noted. He said that his government is working with an aim to make the state self-reliant in energy production by 2027. Mumbai, Nov 28 (PTI) Filmmaker Suruchi Sharma says through her short film "Gagan Gaman", she wanted to present an insider look at the pink city of Jaipur, which is beautiful, romantic and inspiring, yet "extremely restrictive and patriarchal". The film, which has been screened at various film festivals, including in Mumbai and Dharamshala, offers a look at a womans journey through a world infused with mythology and mystery. Along the way, she encounters enigmatic individuals, lovers, puzzles, and even a goddess, all of which lead her to a new perspective on life. Suruchi, who hails from Jaipur, said she wanted to make a film about the city with all its beauty and complexity for a long time. "I love this city and I see it in its wholeness, which is very beautiful from the outside yet it is very dark and complicated from the inside. That's how I feel it is. I'm trying to kind of put that out for the world," the director told PTI in an interview. Not just Jaipur, Sharma said she has extensively travelled in Rajasthan and found its culture to be restrictive for women. "There has been a lot of music, culture, rituals, and traditions around me. There is this contradictory world and it took me some time to kind of uncover this. It is very romantic and inspiring but at the same time it's extremely restrictive and patriarchal. So, I've found my way to exist in this environment over time." As a woman, she said her teenage years were particularly difficult and she struggled to "be a part of extracurricular activities". "I started doing theatre, started doing some odd jobs after school and that became a problem for my relatives. So, everything had to be commented upon. There is immense pressure on the mother to kind of do the right thing in the face of society. So, my mom and I had the most complicated relationship over those years, which has completely mended over time, and I'm very grateful for that." Sharma, who earlier documented the cultural diversity of Rajasthan through films like Utsav, Of Love & Artistry, and Meen Raag, said the complicated structure of the society in Rajasthan overpowers all the women. "I feel sorry for it but I'm also seeing that we are kind of coming out of it. The question, however, remains -- do we want to just completely cut ourselves off from our roots because it's of this nature or do we want to hold on to some kind of wisdom or the beauty that it gives us, and then maybe find freedom with that anchor in someplace? I think that's something we can reflect upon as women of the current times," she added. For Sharma, who is the founder of production house Studio Ainak, the idea of freedom is paramount. While many in the film industry chase money or fame, the director said she pursues the freedom to express herself without constraint. What we are doing in general is to make money, and money is giving us freedom that we can do what we want to. I dont have money but Ive freedom right now and that's what makes me happy. "The fact that I've chosen to not live in Bombay, be in Jaipur or do my independent work, have my studio. For me, autonomy is the most important thing, said the director, who did her masters in filmmaking from the National Institute of Design (NID). Sharma said she wanted to make a Rajasthan-set feature film for a long time but struggled with the story. During this time, she started an annual residential screenwriters' mentoring program called - Rewrite. "I kind of forced everything in my environment to allow me to make a fiction film because I've been making documentary films for the past six to seven years, and once you start doing one form of work, you start kind of being branded in that. So, I didn't want to do that." Coming up with the right story took the longest time and she eventually discussed it with Prakash Mishra, one of the mentors at Rewrite. "He gave me some beautiful advice, he said, Don't push yourself too hard and maybe your subconscious is not ready for it and that's why you're finding ways to delay the process or because you're in the middle of that plot yourself.' "I really like that advice and for the first time, I gave myself the freedom to just not work on that script. When that happened and because this desire to make fiction was very strong, I kind of made space and this film naturally came out to me." Post the film's festival run, the director is now scouting for a distributor to release Gagan Gaman. "We are pitching the film as part of Film Bazaar Recommends at IFFI, Goa. These are things that I'm not sure Ive more command over, my job was to make this film and I've done that with all my integrity and heart," she said. "Gagan Gaman" features Gavari Devi Rao, Jeevani Devi, Subrata Parashar, Pankaj Sharma and Bhawani Singh. Wellington (New Zealand), Nov 28 (AP) The US conservative political commentor Candace Owens was refused a visa to enter New Zealand for a speaking engagement because she had been banned from another country, immigration officials said Thursday. News of the ruling came weeks after neighbouring Australia also rejected her visa request, citing remarks in which she denied Nazi medical experimentation on Jews in concentration camps during World War II. Owens is scheduled to speak at a series of events in several Australian cities and in Auckland, New Zealand, in February and March next year. Tickets remain on sale and there is no acknowledgement on the promoter's website that she has been refused entry to both countries. The commentator, who has more than 3 million followers on YouTube, is accused by her detractors of promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitism and has ignited firestorms with her remarks opposing Black Lives Matter, feminism, vaccines and immigration. In March, Owens said she had parted ways with the Daily Wire, on which she had hosted an online talk show since 2021, after clashes with its founders over her remarks about Jews and her opposition to US military support for Israel. She was widely criticized for comments in a YouTube video in July that minimised the Holocaust. Owens had promised Australian and New Zealand audiences a discussion of free speech and her Christian faith when she announced the speaking tour in August. But Australian officials banned her from the country in October, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke telling reporters Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction, citing her remarks about the Holocaust and about Muslims. Australia's national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else, Burke said. Australian Jewish groups had urged officials to bar her from the country. New Zealand officials did not refer to Owens' political views in a statement on Thursday. She was refused an entertainer's work permit for New Zealand on the ground that visas legally cannot be granted to those who have been excluded from another country, said Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for the immigration agency. The Australia-based promoter, Rocksman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (AP) NPK NPK Islamabad, Nov 28 (PTI) Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko's visit to Pakistan largely flew under the radar amid protests by Imran Khan's party in Islamabad but his sojourn has been noticed where it matters most the West. The Belarus leader returned home on Wednesday after a three-day official visit to Pakistan. When police and paramilitary units were trying to control the situation in Islamabad following the arrest of nearly a thousand protesters during a march by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party demanding his release, Pakistan and Belarus were holding high-level talks at the Prime Minister's House, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. The two countries agreed on a number of initiatives after Lukashenko's visit. They signed fifteen important agreements and MoUs, including the Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation for the period 2025-2027. The roadmap focuses on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus. An 18-point joint statement covers many areas of cooperation, including agriculture, information technology, maritime and other fields. Some diplomatic sources view Lukashenko's trip as part of growing exchanges between Pakistan, Russia and its allies. He is considered quite close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who often conveyed his messages to the West through the president of Belarus. It is believed that Lukashenko also delivered a stern warning on behalf of Putin to the European countries for supplying arms to Ukraine. Against this backdrop, many Western capitals viewed the current visit of Lukashenko to Islamabad with a lot of interest. According to diplomatic circles, the visit at this juncture when the Western country's relations are on edge with Russia has great significance. Official sources brushed aside any concerns, saying the visit of the Belarusian president highlighted Pakistan's robust foreign policy. However, Pakistan and Belarus ties have remained on the radar of the West, particularly the United States. In April this year, the US banned a Minsk-based company from supplying technology that the State Department alleged helped Pakistan's long-range missile programme. Pakistan dismissed the US move, but the issue highlighted the close scrutiny Islamabad and Minsk ties are under from the West. Sources said Pakistan, despite being dependent on the West, particularly for the International Monetary Fund bailout, is keen to diversify its foreign policy options. Lukashenko is currently the longest-serving president in the world, as he became head of state in 1994. Belarus was part of the former Soviet Union till its disintegration in 1991. But despite breaking away from the Soviet Union, Belarus has maintained close ties with Russia. Under Lukashenko, the relationship between Russia and Belarus improved so much that the West has often viewed Minsk as a satellite state of Moscow. Russia maintained military bases in Belarus, which fully backed Moscow in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to the paper. Houston, Nov 28 (PTI) A 53-year-old Indian-origin neurosurgeon in the US was fined over USD 2 million for medicare fraud after falsely claiming to perform surgeries to implant electro-acupuncture devices. Dr Rajesh Bindal from the Houston area was fined USD 2,095,946 after being accused of defrauding Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), US Attorney Alamdar S Hamdani said on Wednesday. According to federal investigators, Bindal billed for invasive procedures typically requiring operating rooms, yet no such surgeries were conducted. Instead, the devices were merely taped behind patients' ears, often falling off within days. In some cases, the procedures were performed not by Bindal himself but by a device sales representative or a physician assistant at his clinic, Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center P.A., rather than in a proper surgical setting. A neurosurgeon like Dr Bindal knows the difference between real surgery and sticking a device behind someones ear, said US Attorney Hamdani. Despite being among the highest-paid specialists in medicine, he chose personal greed over integrity and patient care. This type of fraud not only wastes taxpayer dollars but undermines trust in healthcare providers and critical programs like Medicare. Dr Bindals actions deceived both the system and vulnerable patients, said Jason E Meadows, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. Auckland, Nov 28 (The Conversation) Globally, about 40 per cent of ice-free land is used for agriculture, managed by farmers and herders. In Aotearoa New Zealand, this share is even higher, with 51 per cent of land used for agriculture and horticulture. Of this, currently about 10 per cent is used for dairy farming. When natural habitats are cleared for agriculture, most native biodiversity is lost. Dairy farms represent intensive farming systems with significant detrimental consequences for biodiversity, water and soil quality. However, hedgerows, riparian plantings and shade trees can enhance native biodiversity within these landscapes. In our new study, we visited 14 dairy farms and interviewed farmers in the Waikato and Canterbury. The research was qualitative, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the experiences, values and priorities New Zealand dairy farmers have for their land and the implications for native biodiversity on farms. We found dairy farmers have multiple values and priorities but limited time, resources and energy. While working within external constraints such as land ownership or regulations, farmers will act on what they value most. Unlike most developed countries, New Zealands agricultural sector is entirely exposed to global markets. About 95 per cent of dairy products are exported and government support is the lowest among OECD countries. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found most dairy farmers list economic viability as their highest priority. When biodiversity is a trade-off While being profitable is a necessity, maximising profitability is an option. Our interviewees say they would trade off some profit for other values, such as spending time with family, enjoying ones work, having a visually pleasant home and work environment, improving animal welfare and minimising some negative environmental consequences of dairy farming. Waikato farmer Riley argued: "You have to make money to keep [the farm] afloat, to be sustainable. But it doesnt have to spit out millions of dollars in profit. And we want the lifestyle, and we want everything to be better than when we found it." Beyond the constraints of making a living and paying off farm debt, the landowners value hierarchy determines whether they incorporate native biodiversity into farm landscapes. Our interviewees spoke of many barriers to planting natives, including the cost of plants and ongoing maintenance, labour and lack of knowledge of which species to plant where. Apart from land ownership, however, these barriers are surmountable to those farmers for whom native biodiversity ranks highly in their hierarchy of values. They acknowledged that planting natives took time and cost money, but it was important enough to them to do it regardless. These farmers had incorporated native biodiversity into their farm management. For them, planting natives was not an optional extra but an integral part of running a sustainable dairy farm. Their definition of land improvement, sustainability and being a good farmer had come to include planting natives. Competing for land Currently, farm productivity and native biodiversity are usually viewed as being incompatible and in competition for land. This is a sentiment dairy farmers voiced in our study as well. Most participants did not see a clear connection between native biodiversity and milk production, and therefore did not believe planting natives could benefit the productivity or profitability of their farms. Some described areas of native vegetation as lost land. Some of our participants did, however, see opportunities for native biodiversity to contribute towards other values, such as the attractiveness of the farm or animal welfare by providing shade and shelter for cows. Many studies confirm that on-farm benefits are critical for the adoption of new management practices. Clarifying and emphasising known benefits of native biodiversity to the farm is therefore vital. Value hierarchies can also shift over a farmers lifetime. How highly farmers value native biodiversity will influence how much land they are willing to lose for something other than milk production. Even for the greenest dairy farmer, however, strong convictions about the morality of using land for food production will limit how much native biodiversity is acceptable on farm. Native species will primarily be restricted to marginal land, mirroring Aotearoas broader approach to have conservation land in unproductive mountainous areas. Unless we can draw a clear connection between native biodiversity and the economic viability of a dairy farm, making space for natives will continue to depend on landowners value hierarchies. Incorporating care for native biodiversity into what it means to be a good farmer has potential to contribute to some transformation of agricultural landscapes. This requires cultural change a change in the socially embedded understandings and symbols of good farming. A gradual shift may already be underway, as is suggested by the experiences of those participants who have seen changes in their own value hierarchies and in those of wider farming communities. Some farmers perceived a shift from the older to the younger generation, with younger farmers being taught to consider the environmental consequences of their practices. Some older farmers described their increasing appreciation of native plants, though they still struggled with the idea of using land for something other than growing pasture. We need to consider how as a nation we can work towards a shared understanding of good landcare and healthy landscapes. (The Conversation) PY PY Islamabad, Nov 28 (PTI) Pakistan and China military officials held talks on counter-terrorism and regional security amid unease following the recent attacks on Chinese nationals. General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) China and one of Chinas two top military leaders, is visiting Pakistan along with a high-level delegation, according to a military statement. General Zhang held a one-on-one meeting with Army Chief Gen Asim Munir on Wednesday, followed by delegation-level discussions. According to the statement, the engagements focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. General Zhang spoke about Pakistans ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which remain a key topic of discussion between the two countries due to the rising frequency of attacks targeting Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. Newspaper Dawn reported that there have been media reports that Beijing is seeking a more proactive role in ensuring the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, but the Foreign Office has emphasised that counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual respect for each others sovereignty. Under the regional stability head, the two sides exchanged views about the Indian role in the region and the developments in Afghanistan, particularly the presence of terrorist groups, Dawn added. The CMC vice chairmans visit follows a trip by Gen Li Qiaoming, commander of the Peoples Liberation Army Ground Forces, to Pakistan in late August. Additionally, over 300 Chinese troops arrived in Pakistan to take part in the joint China-Pakistan anti-terrorism exercise, Warrior-VIII, amid escalating militant attacks in the country. The opening ceremony for the drills was held on Wednesday, a report posted on the Chinese Defence Ministry's official website said. Running until mid-December, the drills aim to enhance joint counter-terrorism operational capabilities. During the talks on Wednesday, General Munir highlighted the resilience of Pakistan-China relations, noting their ability to withstand shifts in international and regional dynamics. He expressed gratitude for Chinas unwavering support for Pakistan. General Zhang, in turn, praised Pakistans dedication to the strategic partnership and reaffirmed Chinas commitment to strengthening the enduring bilateral relationship, the statement added. The two generals last met in Beijing in April 2023, where General Zhang pledged to deepen and expand practical cooperation, elevate military-to-military ties, and jointly safeguard the common interests of both countries while promoting regional peace and stability, reported Dawn. The ties between Pakistan and China have come under strain as Chinese nationals have frequently come under attack from terrorists and separatist groups in different parts of the country. The talks and the drills follow this week's attack when at least 50 persons were killed and 20 injured when militants ambushed three vehicles in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday. The attacks involving suicide bombers have been taking place despite Pakistan deploying over 30,000 security personnel to guard Chinese citizens in the country. Last month, two Chinese engineers were among those killed in a suicide bomb attack near Karachi airport drawing a strong reaction from the Chinese government over the security of their citizens in Pakistan. Separatist groups have targeted Chinese nationals working in Pakistan on several private projects and also those under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Vancouver, Nov 28 (The Conversation) Perched on a leather armchair, speaking directly to viewers, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently explained his governments new plan to reduce immigration by roughly 20 per cent. In two videos one in English and one in French he outlined the broad strokes of Canadian immigration policy. The videos are undoubtedly damage control. Trudeau faces decreasing public support for his governments immigration policy, calls to resign as party leader, and a federal election that the Liberals are on track to lose. Since the early 2000s, the Canadian public maintained a largely positive view on immigration. However, public opinion has recently shifted. Even though Canadians primary concerns remain the economy, housing and health care, when asked about immigration, a clear majority now say there is too much immigration. The exact cause of this shift remains unclear, but as demonstrated by Europe and the United States, we face potentially serious societal consequences. As educators focused on immigration, we find Trudeaus clear communication in the videos impressive. Immigration policy can be complex to communicate, and public attitudes are often based on inaccurate perceptions. Yet, parts of his message shift blame in troubling ways. By attempting to control the narrative with a simple story, Trudeau paints an incomplete picture and perpetuates misleading narratives about Canadas immigrant selection, higher education and asylum systems. Increasingly permanent temporary residents In 2022 and 2023, Canada saw the highest annual population growth rates since 1957. While migration has consistently driven Canadas population growth since 1999, the growth during these two years was uniquely driven by temporary residents, such as migrant workers and international students. Temporary residents feature prominently in the video, with Trudeau claiming that most return home and have never been a part of the long-term immigration plan. However, since the late 1990s, both Liberal and Conservative governments increasingly relied on the rapid expansion of two-step immigration that is, bringing in temporary students and workers, then selecting some already in Canada for permanent status. In other words, many temporary residents do stay. In fact, since the mid-2010s, the majority of permanent residents coming through economic selection streams were two-step immigrants. This rose to 78 per cent in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much international travel. That same year, then Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino, said that Canadas message to international students and graduates is simple: we dont just want you to study here, we want you to stay here. Today, the federal governments official website for prospective international students still states: Many international students and their families have made Canada their home and become citizens. You could too! The active recruitment of both international students and workers is also at odds with what some call scapegoating by politicians in both the government and opposition. Since mid-2023, temporary residents and international students in particular have been repeatedly and explicitly linked to Canadas housing affordability crisis. Although Canada is decreasing its temporary resident population through capping study permits and restricting work permits, two-step immigration remains a key part of Canadas permanent residency selection system. Many temporary residents understandably expect to remain in Canada. Blaming higher education Trudeau also claims that far too many colleges and universities used international students to raise their bottom linebecause they could charge these students tens of thousands of dollars more for the same degree. Yes, many schools welcomed many international students. And yes, they unquestionably benefit from higher international student tuition fees, raising deeply problematic ethical issues. However, schools are not implicated equally. Recent international student growth was disproportionately concentrated in a handful of institutions. And one root problem is a much larger issue: declining public funding for higher education, across political parties, since the 1970s. Trudeau also fails to mention Canadas 2014-19 and 2019-24 federal International Education Strategies, both of which stressed international students economic contributions. Given the current precarity of Canadian public higher education, now is the time to call for more resources and defend its value not point fingers as a deflection technique. Glossing over deportation Finally, Trudeau tells viewers that some temporary residents may turn to our asylum system when their visa expires as a shortcut to stay in Canada, but if their claim fails, theyll be sent home. This sounds straightforward. But it masks a complex concern: A large number of temporary residents were encouraged to choose Canada, asked to make significant sacrifices and told they could stay. Many now have no legal path to do so. It is no surprise that some, desperate to remain where they have built lives and community, may turn to seeking asylum. Those who do not, or whose claims are rejected, may become undocumented living increasingly precarious lives. In May, Trudeau called for a pathway to regularize undocumented migrants status. By August, the government said it has no plans to do so due to a lack of public support. Linking asylum claims to fraud risks undermining Canadas humanitarian values at a time of decreased public trust in asylum claimants. Simplicity can illuminate or obscure Trudeaus videos outline a quick fix to what he appears to suggest are minor policy mistakes. But simplicity can obscure as much as it illuminates. Temporary migration has been a longstanding pathway to permanent residence and citizenship. Public schools are not easy villains. Failed asylum claims are not ordinary bureaucratic decision-making. These policies are complex, as are the consequences for millions of people. Ultimately, the new immigration plan may not last long. If elected, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has made vague promises to link population growth to the availability of jobs, homes, and health care though what this actually means is unclear. For now, Trudeaus goal appears to be to prevent public attitudes on immigration from fracturing further and preserve his legacy. Yet this does not excuse the federal government for shifting the blame. Trudeaus strongest critique is reserved for really bad actors who outright exploit people and target vulnerable immigrants with promises of jobs, diplomas and easy pathways to citizenship promises that would never come true. Is he describing his own government? (The Conversation) PY PY Dhaka, Nov 28 (PTI) Bangladeshs Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed on Thursday said untoward incidents in the country's apex and lower courts deeply concerned him after a lawyers' group tried to assault a Supreme Court judge in an open courtroom and another lawyer was killed in the past two days. In a rare such statement, Ahmed said he was deeply concerned about the recent incidents in the Supreme Court and events within judicial premises nationwide. He said: All developments are being closely monitored to ensure the judicial processes remain undisturbed despite the challenges. The chief justice said his office implemented comprehensive measures within the Supreme Court as well as in district judgeships and magistracies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and asked all courts and tribunals to continue their functions normally. "Many problems have arisen at the courts in recent times. The Supreme Court is vigilant so that people can get services from the courts without any impediment, read the statement issued by his office. The chief justice also issued clear directives for all courts and tribunals to continue their functions normally, emphasising the judiciary's crucial role in serving the nation's greater interest. On Wednesday, a group of lawyers stormed the courtroom and threw eggs at Justice Mohammad Ashraful Kamal as a hearing was underway, forcing him to abruptly end the session and leave with a fellow judge. The lawyers alleged Kamal made "negative comments about late president Ziaur Rahman in a verdict" in 2016. A protester in the courtroom said: We have tolerated you for several years." "As a judge, you have no right to conduct proceedings if you still hold such biased views," the protesting lawyer said while another threw an egg at him. In a near-simultaneous incident, another lawyers' group confined High Court Division's Registrar Munshi Moshiar Rahman to his office for some time and removed his nameplate from the office saying he was an aide of the fascist government ousted in a student-led upsurge on August 5. A government prosecutor was killed on November 26 after clashes erupted when supporters of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari blocked the prison van carrying him to jail after his bail plea was rejected. Das was arrested in a sedition case. He was later denied bail by a court, triggering protests by community members in various locations, including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram. In other developments, a sense of chaos visibly gripped the court premises in major Bangladesh cities while several leaders and close associates of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League party were attacked by mobs during their court appearances despite police escorts. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwean authorities have invited pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza to the Registrar-General's Office to collect her new national identity card after a contentious battle over the replacement of her defaced ID.The development follows legal intervention by her lawyers, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Kelvin Kabaya from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). The lawyers challenged an earlier refusal by the Civil Registry Department to replace Kwekweza's national ID, citing her inclusion on a controversial "Stop List."On October 30, 2024, officials at the Civil Registry Department denied Kwekweza's request for a replacement ID, claiming she was barred from possessing one. The decision drew sharp criticism, with her legal team pointing out that the refusal violated her constitutional right to an identity document as a Zimbabwean citizen.In a letter dated November 14, 2024, the lawyers demanded Registrar-General Henry Machiri reverse the decision within 48 hours, warning of legal action if their client's rights were not respected. They argued: Kwekweza's citizenship guarantees her access to a national identity card. Even convicted prisoners are entitled to ID cards under Zimbabwean law. Kwekweza had been acquitted of the charges that initially led to her inclusion on the "Stop List" in 2021, rendering the restriction baseless.The lawyers also warned Machiri that he would personally bear litigation costs if the matter escalated to court.On November 25, 2024, Assistant Registrar-General Ben Mpala responded on behalf of Machiri, inviting Kwekweza to collect her new ID. She was instructed to bring her original birth certificate, a copy of it, and proof of payment for the replacement fee.The ZLHR welcomed the resolution but emphasized the importance of upholding citizens' constitutional rights without the need for legal intervention.This case highlights persistent challenges in Zimbabwe's civil registry processes, where arbitrary decisions have often left citizens unable to access essential documents. For activists like Kwekweza, such battles underscore the intersection of political repression and administrative inefficiency in the country's governance.Kwekweza's determination to assert her rights has drawn praise from pro-democracy groups, who view her case as a victory for ordinary citizens seeking fair treatment under the law. Nairobi (Kenya), Nv 28 (AP) At least 13 people have died in eastern Uganda after landslides buried 40 homes in six villages, relief officials said on Thursday. The Uganda Red Cross Society said 13 bodies have been recovered and the rescue effort is continuing. Local media reported that authorities expect the death toll could rise to 30. The landslides happened after heavy rains on Wednesday night in the mountainous district of Bulambuli, where landslides are common. A journalist in the area told The Associated Press that local officials said an excavator would be brought to assist in the rescue efforts, but the roads were covered in mud and the rain was still falling. The affected area is about 50 acres (20ha) with homesteads and farmlands spread downhill. The prime minister's office issued a disaster alert on Wednesday stating that heavy rains across the country had cut off major roads. Two rescue boats capsized on Wednesday during a rescue mission on River Nile where Pakwach bridge was submerged. (AP) PY PY Kyiv, Nov 28 (AP) Russia conducted a massive attack against Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Thursday, firing nearly 200 missiles and drones and leaving more than a million households without power, Ukrainian officials said. Russia's second major aerial attack on Ukraine's power grid in less than two weeks amplified fears that the Kremlin aims to cripple the country's power generation capacity before winter. Attacks on energy facilities are happening all over Ukraine, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said in a post on Facebook. He added that emergency power outages were implemented nationwide. In some regions, Kalibr cruise missiles with cluster munitions smashed into civilian targets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, calling it an insidious escalation. Cluster munitions release numerous small bombs over a wide area, making them dangerous to civilians both during and after an attack. Ukrainian officials have warned recently that Russia was stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles, presumably for another pre-winter aerial campaign against Ukraine's power grid. Ukrainian officials have in the past accused Russia of weaponising winter. Around half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the almost three years of war with Russia, and rolling electricity blackouts are common. Kyiv's Western allies have sought to help Ukraine protect power generation with air defense systems and funds for rebuilding. Russia in previous years has targeted Ukraine's electricity generation, aiming to deny civilians critical heating and drinking water supplies during the bitter winter months and break Ukrainian spirits. The attacks also seek to hobble Ukraine's defense industry that is now producing missiles, drones and armoured vehicles, among other military assets. The war has been going in Russia's favour in recent months as its bigger army uses its advantages in manpower and equipment to push Ukrainian forces backward in eastern areas, though its offensive has been slow and costly. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and many other cities in central and western Ukraine. Zelenskyy urged Western countries to accelerate delivery of promised air defence weaponry. Ukrainian officials in the past have grumbled that military aid is slow to arrive. Each such attack proves that air defense systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not at storage bases, Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app. The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andrii Yermak, said in a Telegram post that Russia had stockpiled missiles to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and wage war against civilians during the cold season. They were helped by their crazy allies, including from North Korea, he wrote. Western governments and South Korea say North Korea in recent months has intensified its military support for Russia. The head of the Lviv region in western Ukraine, Maksym Kozytskyi, said the attack left more than half a million households without electricity. Over 280,000 households in the northwestern Rivne region were without electricity because of the attack, according to regional Gov. Oleksandr Koval. Running water supplies were also patchy in affected areas. Some schools in Rivne city switched to online classes. There were also strikes on the bordering Volyn region, where 215,000 households had no electricity, regional head Ivan Rudnytskyi said. All critical infrastructure that lost power was switched to generators. Energy infrastructure was also targeted in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, local officials said. Air defences were activated there, and emergency power outages were introduced. Local officials ordered the opening of points of invincibility shelter-type places where people can charge their phones and other electrical devices and get refreshments during blackouts. In Kyiv, where the air raid alert lasted over nine hours, missile debris fell in one neighbourhood, local officials said. No casualties were reported. (AP) GRS GRS Kolkata/Dhaka, Nov 28 (PTI) The International Society for Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON) Bangladesh is being targeted by fundamentalists attempting to malign its reputation because of its efforts to unite the persecuted Hindu community and resist forced conversions in the country, the religious group's chief said on Thursday. In a telephonic interview with PTI from Dhaka, the ISKCON's chief in Bangladesh Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari expressed relief over the High Court's decision, rejecting demands to ban the organisation's activities in the country. "No government would ever agree to such demands from extremists as we are a peaceful organisation, he said, welcoming the High Courts order as evidence of this. Bangladesh High Court on Thursday rejected a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON's activities in the country. Das Brahmachari called the verdict a validation of the organisation's peaceful and humanitarian efforts. "Banning a peaceful organisation like ISKCON would never serve any purpose. We have always worked for the betterment of humanity, he said, adding that the fundamentalists campaign against ISKCON stems from the group's efforts to support Hindus living under constant threat of persecution. The senior monk painted a grim picture of the current situation for minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, describing their lives as being filled with fear. Speaking to PTI, the general secretary of ISKCON in Bangladesh highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the group and the Hindu community in the country. "Fundamentalists are attacking ISKCON because we are standing in the way of their agenda to instil fear and force Hindus into conversion. Through our teachings and initiatives, we are uniting Hindus who are living under threat," he said. Das Brahmachari emphasised that ISKCON Bangladesh has consistently promoted unity and harmony, steering clear of any form of conflict, communal or otherwise. The attacks on ISKCON, according to him, are part of a systematic effort by fundamentalists to undermine the organizations work. "Through our teachings, ISKCON is uniting Hindus and instilling courage among those who feel threatened. This is why fundamentalists are attacking us," he said. Das Brahmachari alleged that fundamentalist groups are systematically working to undermine the Hindu community in Bangladesh. "The goal is to wipe out Hindus through fear and forced conversions. ISKCONs work to bring back those forcibly converted has made us a target, he said. He dismissed calls to ban ISKCON as baseless, asserting that the group operates legally and remains the only government-registered Hindu religious body in Bangladesh. When asked about the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was taken into custody earlier this week on sedition charges, Das Brahmachari clarified that the individual was expelled from ISKCON in September for disciplinary reasons. We cannot take responsibility for anyone who is not our member. ISKCON Bangladesh has no involvement in this tragic event or the ongoing protests, he said, in an apparent reference to the killing of a lawyer in a clash between security personnel and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das. He lamented the spread of false narratives linking ISKCON to various incidents, including road accidents, calling it unfortunate. Chinmoy Krishna Das, who also served as a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was denied bail and sent to jail on Tuesday by the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court. ISKCON officials said that complaints against Chinmoy Krishna Das were received in June, leading to his expulsion three months later. Hindus, who constituted about 22% of Bangladeshs population during the 1971 Liberation War, now make up roughly 8%, primarily due to socio-political marginalization and sporadic violence over decades. Das Brahmachari appealed to the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the safety and security of Hindus. "Hindus have equal rights in Bangladesh as they, too, are children of this country, he said. The ISKCON leader mentioned meeting Yunus thrice since the latter assumed office in August, during which he sought assurances for the minority community's safety. "Yunus assured me that Hindus will live without fear. I hope this assurance becomes a reality, he said. The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh has drawn international attention, but Yunus, in an interview with PTI in September, dismissed the issue as overhyped. According to him, the attacks on Hindus were politically motivated rather than communal, arising from the perception that the community largely supported the ousted Awami League regime. Das Brahmachari strongly refuted Yunus' claims, insisting that the violence stems from deep-seated communal animosity. Fundamentalists are using political unrest as a pretext to attack Hindus. The situation is dire and requires urgent attention. If indeed the attacks were political then why are temples and Hindu religious sites being attacked, why normal Hindu citizens are being attacked? he asked. Despite the challenges, Das Brahmachari reiterated ISKCONs commitment to peace and unity. We have never been involved in any form of conflict. Our focus remains on promoting harmony and supporting those in need, he said. He also condemned the spread of misinformation aimed at vilifying ISKCON, urging the government and civil society to see through such tactics. These attacks are not just on ISKCON but on the principles of peace and coexistence, he said. The senior monk stressed that ISKCONs activities are transparent and aimed at benefiting society at large. Our mission is to serve humanity and preserve cultural and religious heritage. Any claims to the contrary are false and malicious, he said. The ISKCON leader called for collective efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of all communities in Bangladesh. The government must protect minorities and uphold the values of equality and justice, he said. He called upon the interim government to take decisive action to protect minorities and uphold the principles of justice and equality. "These attacks are not just against ISKCON but against the values of tolerance and coexistence. We must work together to build a future where everyone can live without fear, he said. Dhaka, Nov 28 (PTI) Deposed prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and said the leader must be released immediately. Das who was taken into custody earlier this week on sedition charges. "A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately," Hasina said in a statement. "A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalised and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," the former prime minister said in the statement posted on Awami League's X account. Hasina fled to India on August 5 following widespread protests against her Awami League-led government over a controversial job quota system. Three days later, Yunus, a Nobel laureate, took over as the Chief Adviser of the interim government. Hindu minority groups have been frequently reporting atrocities against their community members in different parts of Bangladesh, even after Yunus took charge. There are also reports of the rise of extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and similar ideological extremist wings. Rome, Nov 28 (AP) Pope Francis said on Thursday that he hopes to travel to Turkey next year to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianity's first ecumenical council. The visit to Nicaea, today located in Iznik on a lake southeast of Istanbul, would come during Francis' big Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration of Christianity. Francis is likely to use the occasion the anniversary of a council before the Great Schism of 1054, which divided the church between East and West to once again reach out to Orthodox Christians. Nicaea is one of seven ecumenical councils that are recognised by the Eastern Orthodox. The spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew I, said in September that he expects Francis would visit to commemorate the anniversary in May 2025. Under Emperor Constantine I, the 325 Council of Nicaea gathered some 300 bishops, according to the Catholic Almanac. Among the outcomes was the Nicaean Creed, a statement of faith that is still recited by Christians today. Francis announced his hope to visit Nicaea during an audience Thursday with the Vatican's International Theological Commission. He told the theologians that the Council of Nicaea was a milestone in the history of the church but also of humanity as a whole. Francis made his first visit to Turkey in 2014 and met with Bartholomew there, as well as earlier that year in Jerusalem and on several occasions at the Vatican since. (AP) GSP London, Nov 28 (PTI) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday pledged to get tough on immigration as official statistics revealed higher than previously reported net migration figures, which had failed to record 166,000 people for the previous year. In a scathing attack on the previous Conservative Party government, Starmer told reporters during a news conference at 10 Downing Street that the Tories were running an open borders experiment and left the Labour government with an incredible legacy failure of record numbers of immigration. It came after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest migration data to reveal that it had revised its net migration data for the year to June 2023 upwards, from the previous estimate of 740,000 to 906,000. While net migration to the UK fell by 20 per cent to 728,000 following that period in the year to June 2024, the shock of the previous year was dubbed a different order of failure by the Tory regime in charge at the time. "Time and again the Conservative Party promised they would get the numbers down. Time and again they failed, said Starmer. A failure on this scale isnt just bad luck, it isnt a global trend or taking your eye off the ball. No, this is a different order of failure. This happened by design, not accident, he said. I want to see immigration come down significantly and I said that before the election, I said that during the election, Ill say it again here today. So that means bearing down on the influences that have driven it up this high, he added. While he refused to set an arbitrary cap on numbers, Starmer pointed to a series of measures that will crack down on "rogue employers" and also restrict visas that reflect an over-reliance on the easy answer of recruiting from abroad. The ONS figures reveal that Indians continue to dominate the tally of migrants from outside the European Union (EU) in both the student and work visa categories. Indian was the most common nationality for non-EU+ immigration for both work-related (116,000) and study-related (127,000) reasons in YE (year ending) June 2024, the ONS states. More international students tending to remain in the UK than in previous years, driven partly by the post-study Graduate Route visa introduced in 2021, is among the factors behind the upward revision of migration figures. The ONS notes: India, Nigeria and Zimbabwe all show very low proportions of early leavers on work visas. India and Nigeria show similarly low proportions of early leavers on study visas, while Chinas proportion is much higher. An "early leaver" is defined as an individual who arrives on a long-term visa but does not stay for at least 12 months and therefore does not become a long-term migrant. "We committed in our manifesto to do everything in our power to ensure those who abuse our immigration system face the strongest possible consequences. No longer will employers be able to flout the rules with little consequence or exploit international workers for costs they were always supposed to pay if they choose not to recruit domestically, said UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra, with reference to crackdowns announced by the Home Office this week. It involves employers who flout work visa rules to be sanctioned for at least two years, double the current length, limiting their ability to sponsor foreign workers. The new powers will ensure employers who recruit internationally will be required to pay associated costs themselves, the Home Office said. Meanwhile, former Tory ministers took to social media to hit back, choosing to focus on the more recent fall in numbers for the year ending June 2024. A 20 per cent drop in immigration since June 2023 is a result of the changes I fought for and introduced in May 2023 as Home Secretary. Thats when we started to turn the tide, said former home secretary Suella Braverman. On Wednesday, in anticipation of the latest ONS data, Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch admitted that the Tories must accept that it made mistakes by allowing migration to hit record levels when it was in office. On behalf of the Conservative Party, it is right that I, as the new leader, accept responsibility and say truthfully we got it wrong, she said, adding that under her leadership the party would advocate for tightening access to British passports and have "zero tolerance" towards foreign criminals staying in the UK. Vienna, Nov 28 (AP) The Vienna sausage stand is a place where the street sweeper, the manager, the tourist and the celebrity converge for the same tasty snack. Now it also has the official stamp of approval as part of Austria's heritage. The culture of the humble Wurstelstand became this week one of the latest additions to the national list of intangible cultural heritage, overseen by the Austrian UNESCO Commission. It joins the Austrian capital's distinctive wine taverns, or Heurigen, which have been listed since 2019, and the city's famous coffee house culture, which was honoured in 2011. The Wurstelstand, which can now point to a history going back generations, is more than just a source of greasy gastronomic satisfaction. The street stand is known for bringing people of many classes and backgrounds together and has its own distinctive vocabulary. Meet the Haasse, a coarse boiled sausage, and also the Kasekrainer a smoked creation infused with cheese that oozes out, also sometimes known as the Eitrige, or suppurating sausage. There is also the Oaschpfeiferl, a spicy peperoni, and the Krokodu, a gherkin. Sausage stands have a long history in Vienna," said Josef Bitzinger, whose Bitzinger Wurstelstand is located next to the Albertina museum and just behind the Vienna State Opera. Originally it was just a bucket with hot water in which the sausages used to swim," he said. They were sold from "small carriages drawn by dogs and bigger ones drawn by horses, later by a VW bus or a tractor to their spot. The tradition goes back to the pre-World War I days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when former soldiers set up mobile cookshops to make a living. The city's longest-lived stall in a fixed location, Wurstelstand Leo, has been serving up sausages since 1928. The stands developed into a bigger institution after wider-ranging permission for fixed stalls was granted in 1969. It was then that the griddle was introduced and the cheesy Kasekrainer invented, Bitzinger said. "Today that's already a classic. The UNESCO designation honours the tradition, the hospitality and the diversity of our city, Mayor Michael Ludwig said in a statement. This title is a recognition for all those Viennese who, with their warmth and their charm, make the sausage stands more than just a snack place a meeting place where joie de vivre and culture come together. Bitzinger said that we have been fighting a long time for this. The special thing about it is that it's a form of gastronomy everybody can afford," he said. "Here the general director and, during the opera ball, a celebrity stands next to a worker and the street sweeper who just finished cleaning the street. That unites people. (AP) GSP Indore, Nov 28 (PTI) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has applied for an observer status to the Eurasian Group (EAG) and its plea will be decided at the ongoing 41st plenary meeting of the organisation in Indore, a senior government official said on Thursday. India is one of the nine members of the EAG which works on combating money laundering and terror financing. The 41st plenary meeting of EAG, which began here on Monday, will conclude on November 29. "The UAE has sought observer status from the EAG. Its application will be decided at the ongoing plenary meeting of the EAG," Vivek Aggarwal, Additional Secretary of the Department of Revenue, told reporters after the inaugural ceremony of the EAG plenary session. India has already agreed to UAE's request to become an observer for the EAG, he said. Aggarwal is attending the EAG meeting as the Head of the Indian Delegation (HOD). "The UAE is currently a member of the Middle East Group (Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force). But due to common interests, it now wants to work actively in the EAG as well," he said. The 41st EAG plenary session was inaugurated on Thursday by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and Governor of Madhya Pradesh Mangubhai Patel in Indore. EAG Chairman Yuri Chikhanchin and India's Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra were also present on the occasion. The EAG comprises Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan along with India. Italy, the United States, Japan, Germany and France are among the 16 countries that have observer status. About 200 foreign and 60 Indian delegates are taking part in the EAG meeting. These include officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other organisations. Imphal, Nov 28 (PTI) Thousands of demonstrators on Thursday defied curfew and staged a rally in Manipur's Imphal East district demanding removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the state and the arrest of those responsible for the killings of three women and three children in Jiribam district. The rally began at Nongada in Lamlai constituency, with the protesters raising slogans as they marched towards Yorbung, covering a distance of 4.5 km. "The rally was organised by Meira Paibis and local clubs in Lamlai constituency. We have reiterated time and again that AFSPA is a tool of oppression. The people of Imphal valley and Naga areas have suffered the most under AFSPA, but the government has never acknowledged their suffering," Y Leima, a woman protester, said. Meanwhile, in Jiribam district, volunteers from the Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) student wing locked several government offices as part of a two-day campaign demanding mass operations against Kuki-Zo militants and the removal of AFSPA. The volunteers forced government employees to vacate offices and locked the main doors. The Centre recently reimposed AFSPA, under which an area is declared as "disturbed" for the convenience of security forces to operate, in Manipur's six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam. In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said the decision was taken given the continuous volatile situation there due to the ongoing ethnic violence. The police station areas where AFSPA has been reimposed are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur. Patna, Nov 28 (PTI) Patna Metro will start running from Independence Day next year, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary informed the state assembly on Thursday. Choudhary said this in a statement while presenting the second supplementary budget worth Rs 32,506 crore for the current fiscal in the assembly. The assembly passed the second supplementary budget for the 2023-24 fiscal by voice vote in the absence of opposition members, who had staged a walkout over the alleged irregularities in the implementation of schemes by the Social Welfare department. Choudhary, who also holds the Finance portfolio said, "The supplementary budget of Rs 32,506 crore will be utilised in the effective implementation of different schemes of the Central as well as Bihar government in the state. "The fund will be utilised for completion of the first phase of Patna Metro rail project. Patna Metro will start its operations from Independence Day next year. Funds will also be utilised for development of several projects related to the tourism department, including development of a 'Tourist hub' in Kaimur district". Funds will be utilised for implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), a comprehensive and integrated flagship programme of the Central government for Universal Elementary Education (UEE), National Rural Health Mission programme, the PM SHRI Scheme, etc. Besides, funds will also be utilised for developing several other infrastructural projects in the state, said Choudhary. The initial phase of the Patna Metro project includes two primary corridors: North-South corridor and the East-West corridor. These routes have been planned to serve high-density areas and provide seamless connectivity across the city. The North-South corridor will run from the Patna Junction to the Danapur area, while the East-West corridor will connect the Patna Sahib area with the AIIMS campus. The assembly also passed the second supplementary demand to the tune of Rs 3,028 crore of the state's Social Welfare department for expenditure in the current financial year with a voice vote. Replying to the debate on the supplementary demand of Rs 3,028 crore, Social Welfare minister Madan Sahni lambasted the opposition parties for their conduct and said, "Opposition parties are against poor and socially weaker sections of the society. This is the reason that even after participating in the debate, they staged a walkout when the supplementary demand was being passed". The state government has taken several welfare schemes for the upliftment and protection of women, children, divyangjan, old age people and other deprived sections of the society, he said. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa abruptly exited the New Parliament Building on Thursday after a sudden power outage plunged the chambers into darkness, moments after Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube concluded presenting the 2025 National Budget.The blackout disrupted proceedings, cutting off the live broadcast feed and leaving Members of Parliament and spectators in shock. The incident underscored Zimbabwe's ongoing electricity challenges, which have caused widespread frustration among citizens and industries.Persistent Energy CrisisThe country has been grappling with severe power cuts, with households and businesses enduring up to 18-hour daily blackouts. Earlier this week, a nationwide power outage on Sunday left millions without electricity.The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) acknowledged the blackout in a statement but did not provide specific details on its cause.The load-shedding crisis is primarily due to diminished energy production at Kariba South Hydro Power Station and Hwange Thermal Power Station, Zimbabwe's main sources of electricity.Public ReactionThe power outage at the New Parliament Building, a symbol of national pride constructed with Chinese assistance, drew criticism from the public and political observers. Many saw the incident as emblematic of the government's struggle to resolve the country's energy woes despite numerous promises and initiatives."Imagine power going out in Parliament during the presentation of the national budget. It's a reflection of the lived reality of millions of Zimbabweans," commented one social media user.Economic ImplicationsThe prolonged energy crisis has hampered economic growth, disrupting industrial operations and increasing costs for businesses reliant on alternative power sources such as generators and solar energy.Minister Ncube's 2025 budget presentation highlighted plans to address key economic challenges, but the blackout underscored the urgent need for tangible solutions to Zimbabwe's electricity shortfall.As the government seeks to stabilize the power supply, citizens continue to bear the brunt of an unreliable grid that affects daily life and economic productivity. Ranchi, Nov 28 (PTI) Barely 25 days after requesting the Centre "with folded hands" to clear Rs 1.36 lakh-crore coal dues to the state, Hemant Soren who was sworn in as Jharkhand chief minister on Thursday announced that the state will take legal action to realise its dues. "Legal action will be initiated to realise Rs 1.36 lakh crore of the state pending with the Centre," Soren told the media while briefing the decisions of the maiden cabinet meeting of his present government. Though the CM said the decision was taken at the 'Cabinet meeting', no minister took oath during the day. Sorens first official meeting after his re-election was with PM Modi in Delhi on Tuesday, where they discussed state matters and Soren invited PM to his swearing-in ceremony. On November 2, he had posted on X: "The PM and the home minister are coming to Jharkhand. I once again request them with folded hands to clear the outstanding (coal dues) of Rs 1.36 lakh crore to Jharkhandis. This amount is crucial for Jharkhand." "I would also appeal to my BJP colleagues, especially the MPs, to help Jharkhandis in getting our dues," Soren had posted, sharing a copy of a letter to the prime minister. Soren emphasised that the dues with central PSUs, like Coal India, are "rightful" to the state and claimed that "non-clearance is causing irreparable harm to Jharkhands development". A recent ruling by a nine-judge Supreme Court bench affirmed the state's right to collect its mining and royalty dues. Soren pointed out that the development of Jharkhand and essential socio-economic projects are getting hampered owing to the non-clearance of dues. Shillong, Nov 28 (PTI) Vice-Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Prof P S Shukla has sought deployment of central security forces at the campus of the oldest varsity in the north east region here citing "insufficient" security cover provided by the Meghalaya government. Shukla who is on leave as a two-member team of the Union Education Ministry visited NEHU, a central varsity, to probe the allegations of mismanagement and administrative failure amid protests by students demanding the removal of the VC and Registrar that have been continuing for over two weeks. "In the light of prevailing conditions at NEHU campus, I kindly request adequate security support from the Central government as the security provided by the state government has been insufficient," Shukla said in a letter to the Union Education Ministry. He said, "This deployment will not only ensure my safety but will also contribute to the overall security of the NEHU campus and its employees." Shukla also accused the protesting students and faculty members of assaulting him and threatening him by attacking his official residence and forcing him to flee the campus. "The atmosphere of fear and disruption is severely affecting the institution's operations," he said, adding that central security be arranged when he resumes office on December 2. The two-member team of the Union Education minister comprising former UGC chairman DP Singh and ex-vice chancellor of Assam University Dilip Chandra Nath, held a meeting with leaders of the students' union of the varsity, faculty members and non-teaching staff on Monday. The Centre formed the committee after Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma raised the issue with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sangma had also met the protesting students on the campus earlier. Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said that the state government would not take any decision against the wishes of the people of Sundergarh regarding the proposal of including the mineral-rich district under the proposed North Odisha Development Council (NODC). Earlier, during a visit to Sundergarh district, Majhi said that Sundergarh district in the western part of the state should be included in the NODC. Majhi made this announcement through his social media X post hours after Sundergarh MLA Jogesh Singh raised the issue in the Assembly. BJD lawmaker from Bhadrak district Byamakesh Ray also said that there are differences between the culture, language and tradition of western and northern Odisha. In an X post, Majhi said, "The people of Sundergarh have been blessing us for many years and we respect the sentiments of the people of Sundergarh. Therefore, the government will not take any action against the wishes of the people of Sundergarh. The state government is committed to the overall development of Sundargarh district. BJD MLA from Sundergarh, Jogesh Singh during the Zero Hour in Assembly said despite being the constitutional head of the state, the chief minister has made an irresponsible statement. We condemn the announcement and urge the CM to withdraw the statement, he said. Singh also said that the language, cultural practices, tradition, way of life and geographical features of Sundergarh people have no similarities with north Odisha districts. The government should not create division in the unity of Western Odisha. Ray, who hails from north Odisha, said the chief minister should refrain from making such statements that create division among the people. Meanwhile, protests were reported from Sundergarh district over the chief ministers statement. Sundargarh District Congress Committee held a demonstration at DRDA Chowk in Sundargarh town and condemned the CMs statement. Majhi had earlier said that according to the election promises made by the BJP, his government has been working to set up the NODC to expedite development of the region at a fast pace. Majhi has said that he wished Sundergarh to be included under the NODC for speedy development. Jaipur, Nov 28 (PTI) A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country. A local court in Ajmer on Wednesday issued notices to the Ajmer dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, seeking their response. While dargah committee officials declined to comment on the matter, Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the Khadims (caretakers) of the Ajmer dargah, said the body should be made a party to the case. He said the dargah comes under the Minority Affairs Minister and ASI has nothing to do with this place. Chishti said the petition was a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. "The community accepted the decision in the Babri Masjid case and we believed nothing will happen after that but unfortunately such things are happening again and again. The example of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh is in front of us. This must stop," he told PTI. He was referring to the violence in Sambhal where a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid mosque was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Chisti said he was seeking legal opinion in the dargah matter. "The holy shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz in Ajmer is revered by Muslims and Hindus across the world, especially in the Indian subcontinent. There is no doubt that right-wing forces are aiming to isolate Muslims and disrupt communal harmony by eyeing the Sufi shrine," he said. "The petition appears to be a part of a larger ecosystem working against Muslims which is against secularism. The shrine is a great example of secularism where not only Muslims but Hindus also visit. This is the place of faith of billions of people living across the globe," he said. "The dargah is a symbol of communal harmony and secularism. It promotes unity in diversity," he said. "Khadims, who are 'hereditary caretakers and custodians, have seen great times...Today, Shivling and temples are being searched in mosques...but these things are not in the interest of the country," he said. Muzzafar Bharti, president of the United Muslim Forum Rajasthan (UMFR), contended that the petition was a "sheer violation" of the Places of Worship Act 1991. Bharati noted that the prime minister offers 'chadar' to the dargah during the annual urs and the tradition was started by Jawahar Lal Nehru. "PM Narendra Modi also sends 'chadar' to the dargah during the annual urs. He and the Supreme Court should take cognizance of such acts, which have huge potential to badly damage the communal harmony in the country," he said. The petition has been filed by Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta, who has referred to a book of Har Bilas Sarda to support his claim that there was a Shiv temple where the dargah was raised. "Apart from this, there are many other facts which prove that before the dargah there was a Shiva temple here," he claimed. In the plea, Gupta prayed that the dargah be declared as Shiv temple, the act under which the dargah functions be declared null and void, rights of worship be given and the ASI be directed to conduct a scientific survey of the place. He claimed that he has conducted research for two years and his findings are that there was a Shiva temple which was destroyed by Muslim invaders and then a dargah was built. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a Sufi saint from Persia who made Ajmer his home. The shrine was built by Mughal emperor Humayun in honour of this saint. During his reign, Mughal ruler Akbar made a pilgrimage to Ajmer every year. He, as well as Shah Jahan, built mosques inside the shrine complex. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) After tasting success in the Maharashtra elections, NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday declared his party will contest the Delhi assembly elections in its bid to regain the national party status. Addressing a felicitation ceremony at the NCP's office in the national capital, he also dismissed the opposition allegations of misuse of EVMs in the Maharashtra elections and asserted that the MahaYuti alliance was united and will form government soon. Pawar said the leaders of the Mahayuti alliance were meeting for the first time on Thursday evening after the election results were announced. "We are united... There are no differences," he said. Pawar also said the opposition MVA coalition were blaming the EVMS as they did not get the desired results in the assembly elections. "There is no truth to their allegations. They are blaming EVMs because they did not get a favourable result in the assembly elections," Pawar told reporters here. The Congress and NCP-SP have raised doubts over the use of EVMs in the conduct of assembly elections and demanded a return to the practice of using ballot paper for polling. Pawar pointed out that the opposition parties have won elections in Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal and Kerala using EVMS. "In the parliament elections also, EVMs were fine because the result was in their (Maha Vikas Aghadi) favour. In assembly elections, the result is different and they are now finding fault with the EVMs." Asked about his plans for the future of the NCP, Pawar said his party enjoyed the status of a national party and would work to regain that tag. "We need to work more now, we will fight and we will achieve success," Pawar said. The NCP lost the national party tag in April last year. "Our next target is the Delhi assembly elections. We will soon hold the national convention of the NCP in the national capital," he said. Pawar said he was in the national capital to discuss power sharing arrangement in Maharashtra after the ruling MahaYuti alliance won a thumping mandate in the recently held assembly elections. On the next chief minister of Maharashtra, Pawar said the decision in this regard will be taken at a meeting he, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will have with central leaders of the BJP. Pawar said the ruling alliance had consciously decided against putting up a chief ministerial face for the assembly elections. "If such a decision had been made prematurely, things could have gone wrong. Some parties might feel they are being sidelined, leading to confusion about where they should focus their efforts. In the past, such situations have occurred. Initially, our target was to secure as many seats as possible for our alliance, and we received support accordingly, which was visible to everyone," Pawar said. "Our first target was to bring Mahayuti back to power in the state. We have created history. No party or coalition had won such a huge victory. Our alliance won 235 seats, which is better than the 222 seats won by the Congress in the 1972 elections," he said. The Mahayuti alliance won 235 seats in the assembly elections with BJP bagging 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57 and NCP 41. Smaller parties in the alliance won five seats. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The government on Thursday skirted a direct reply to a question on reasons behind keeping in abeyance a decision on two names recommended for appointment as high court judges and said it assessed suitability of candidates based on available inputs and reports. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was asked in the Rajya Sabha the reasons due to which the names of Ramasamy Neelakandan and John Sathyam had been kept pending despite being recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium in January 2023 for appointment as Madras High Court judges. In his written reply, Meghwal said the government "exercises its opinion" on the recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium virtue of collaborative process to ensure that the most suitable and meritorious candidate was appointed as a Supreme Court or high court juddge. "As per the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), the proposals recommended by the High Court Collegium for appointment as high court judges are to be considered in light of such other reports or inputs as may be available to the government for assessing the suitability in respect of the names under consideration," he said. The MoP is a set of documents that guide the appointment, transfer and elevation of high court and Supreme Court judges. Meghwal also noted that a Supreme Court judgment in 1993 had observed that merit selection was the dominant method for judicial selections and the candidates to be selected must possess high integrity, honesty, skill, high order of emotional stability, firmness, serenity, legal soundness, ability and endurance. Responding to a sub-question, he said there was no provision for reservation for any caste or class of persons in the higher judiciary -- the Supreme Court and high courts. Therefore, category-wise data pertaining to representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) among the judges of high courts are not centrally maintained. However, since 2018, the candidates for the post of high court judges are required to provide details regarding their social background in the prescribed format, which was prepared in consultation with the Supreme Court. Based on the information provided by the recommendees, out of 684 high courts judges appointed since 2018, 21 belong to the SC category, 14 ST category, 82 OBC category, and 37 belong to the minorities. "As on October 31, 2024, two women judges are working in the Supreme Court and 106 in various high courts," the minister told the House. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) India on Thursday said it has conveyed to the US that it has a robust legal and regulatory framework governing the export of controlled and dual-use goods and technologies after Washington imposed sanctions on 19 private firms from India and two Indian nationals. The US last month put the private firms and the two Indian nationals among a list of around 400 entities and individuals from several countries on charges of their alleged role in aiding Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also told Rajya Sabha that India is looking forward to working closely with the incoming US administration to further strengthen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries. "India looks forward to working closely with the incoming US Administration to further strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership towards the mutual betterment of the people of the two countries and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity," he said. On the US sanctions, Singh said the US Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) sanctioned 21 Indian entities, including 19 companies and two individuals from India. "It has been conveyed to the US government that India has a robust legal and regulatory framework governing the export of controlled and dual-use goods and technologies (special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment, and technologies -- SCOMET) that is fully in compliance with its international obligations on non-proliferation," he said. Singh was responding to a question. "As a responsible member of the international community, India actively participates in key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes (Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime) and contributes to the development and review of their control lists and guidelines," he said. The minister said India also ensures the effective implementation of the UN Security Council sanctions and the UN Security Council resolution 1540 on non-proliferation. "The government sensitises Indian companies on export controls, including through regular outreach events. We are committed to taking appropriate action against any company that contravenes Indian laws," he said. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The Government of India believes that asylum seekers, while applying for asylum to a foreign government, "denigrate" the nation and society for their personal gains, the Centre said on Thursday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said this in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal asked about the total number of Indians who have sought asylum in foreign countries during each of the last three years and the current year, country-wise. He also asked whether there has been a rise between 2021 and 2023 in the number of Indians seeking asylum in the US, and if so, what steps the government had taken to address the issue of Indians seeking asylum in foreign countries. "Accurate data regarding the number of asylum applications and the actual number of people granted asylum or the grounds on which asylum is sought or granted is not available as the foreign governments concerned cite inability to share such data due to privacy and data protection laws," Singh said. "The Government of India believes that asylum seekers, while applying for asylum to a foreign government, denigrate the nation and society to obtain personal gains despite the fact that India, being a democratic country, provides avenues for everyone to redress their grievances lawfully," he said. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) India has said that the legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution, currently under discussion in Busan, South Korea, must account for each country's national circumstances, uphold the right to development, and recognise that countries have differing responsibilities based on their capacities. In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a historic resolution to tackle plastic pollution on a global scale. This led to the creation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), tasked with developing a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution by 2024. Since 2022, the INC has held four sessions in Uruguay, France, Canada, and Kenya. The current session in Busan running from November 25 to December 1 is expected to finalise the agreement. The Indian delegation participating in the final round of negotiations said the new treaty should not repeat or overlap the work of other international agreements like the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (which deal with safe handling of hazardous chemicals and waste) or bodies like the World Trade Organization. Instead, the treaty should focus on areas not covered by these agreements, specifically plastic pollution, India said. The country said the treaty must be based on the principle of 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities', which recognises that while all countries share a common responsibility to address global environmental problems, their levels of responsibility and actions should differ based on their unique circumstances and capabilities. The treaty must also recognise that every country has the freedom to develop while also protecting the environment. Earlier this week, India proposed setting up a dedicated multilateral fund to support developing countries in tackling plastic pollution. According to the proposal, this fund would be modelled on the successful multilateral fund established under the Montreal Protocol, which addressed ozone depletion. Indias proposal said developed countries should provide financial and technical support, including access to advanced technologies, to help developing nations meet the rules and targets set by the upcoming global agreement on plastic pollution. Chandigarh, Nov 28 (PTI) AAP's Punjab chief Aman Arora on Thursday held a meeting to discuss the party's strategy ahead of the upcoming civic elections in the state. Elections to five municipal corporations -- Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Phagwara -- and 42 municipal councils and nagar panchayats will be held by the end of December. During the meeting, Arora -- also a Cabinet minister -- emphasised the importance of planning and active engagement with grassroots workers. "AAP is committed to delivering transparent and accountable governance. The upcoming municipal corporation elections are an opportunity to replicate the trust and goodwill we have earned across Punjab," he said. The meeting focused on devising strategies to strengthen AAP's presence in urban local bodies, the party said in a release. Feedback from district-level leaders and party workers was sought to ensure a grassroots-driven campaign, it said. Arora said the party would soon start accepting applications from candidates for the elections. The selection process will prioritise merit, integrity and the ability to effectively serve the people, he said. "We are confident of setting new records in the municipal corporation elections. The people of Punjab have seen our work and know that AAP delivers on its promises," Arora said. The meeting was attended by ministers Ravjot Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Dr Balbir Singh, Mohinder Bhagat, Barinder Goyal and Hardeep Singh Mundian. Several other leaders, including Pawan Kumar Tinu, Dr Sunny Ahluwalia, and MLAs Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, Harmeet Singh Pathan Majra, Raman Arora, Gurpreet Gogi, Madan Lal Bagga, Ashok Kumar Pappi, Daljit Singh Grewal, Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina and Kulwant Singh Sidhu were also present. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration continues to underperform in addressing fundamental human rights obligations, according to the latest data from the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI).HRMI, an independent non-governmental organization, employs award-winning, peer-reviewed methodologies to assess the state of human rights across 195 countries, including Zimbabwe. The initiative evaluates rights such as education, food, health, housing, and work in line with the International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights, which Zimbabwe has ratified.Zimbabwe's Poor PerformanceHRMI's report revealed that Zimbabwe lags behind other Southern African countries in key areas: Housing: Zimbabwe scored 44.4%, categorized as bad. Neighboring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, and Angola performed significantly better. Work: Scored 55.6%, also bad. Health: While scoring higher at 86.1%, it remains under the bad classification.HRMI co-executive director Thalia Kehoe Rowden criticized Zimbabwe for failing to fully utilize its resources to improve human rights outcomes."Our analysis is that Zimbabwe currently has the resources to achieve much more for its people," Rowden said. "We hope to see in future years the government making decisions that lead to better outcomes for the people of Zimbabwe, and these scores steadily improve."HRMI Zimbabwe country director Nkosi Sibanda highlighted the urgent need for equitable and efficient solutions, particularly in water access and housing."As Zimbabwe struggles to fulfil its constitutional promise of safe, clean, and potable water for all, the HRMI data highlights the urgent need for equitable and resource-efficient solutions," Sibanda said. "Access to housing and basic sanitation reflects not just human dignity but the foundation of a thriving society."Broader Human Freedom ConcernsEarlier this year, Zimbabwe ranked 153 out of 165 countries in the Human Freedom Index, further emphasizing systemic challenges in governance and human rights.HRMI's report serves as a wake-up call for Zimbabwe's government to prioritize human rights in policy-making. By focusing on resource allocation and addressing systemic inefficiencies, the administration has the opportunity to improve these metrics and enhance the quality of life for Zimbabweans. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The Delhi Police has arrested the prime accused in the murder case of a 64-year-old businessman in Panchsheel Park of south Delhi, an official on Thursday said. The accused, identified as Abhay Sikarwar, a 25-year-old resident of Madhya Pradesh, was arrested from the Moti Nagar area where he had been working as a cook, they said. "His arrest followed an extensive investigation involving multiple teams," Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan said. Sikarwar's arrest was made possible after analysing more than 500 CCTV footage, he said. According to police, Sikarwar had previously worked as a servant in the same building where the crime took place. It made him familiar with the house's layout. He had worked on the third floor of the property four years ago. Investigators said Sikarwar, who was in desperate financial need to pay off loans and rent a flat for his girlfriend, planned the robbery several days in advance, thinking the deceased, Rohit Kumar, lived alone. "On the night of the crime, Sikarwar entered the victim's home intending to steal valuables. However, during the act, the victim woke up, leading to a violent confrontation. "In the ensuing scuffle, Sikarwar attacked the victim with a knife, fatally injuring him," said the DCP. The police have confirmed that further investigations are in progress. Nainital, Nov 28 (PTI) The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the Uttarkashi district administration to maintain law and order in the town while keeping it informed on the situation after a dispute over a local mosque came to light. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Vivek Bharti issued the directions to the Uttarkashi district magistrate and the superintendent of police while hearing a petition on November 27 demanding safety of the mosque on Bhatwari Road in Uttarkashi. The mosque, built decades ago, belongs to the Sunni community. The petitioner said a mahapanchayat, protesting against the mosque, was proposed on December 1 and sought the court's intervention not to allow it. Appearing on behalf of the state government, Deputy Advocate General J S Virk submitted that the administration had not granted permissions for the mahapanchayat. Day and night patrolling was being carried out to maintain law and order and the situation in the town was normal, he claimed. The petition filed by an organisation called Alpasankhyak Seva Samiti of Uttarkashi alleged that since September 24, some organisations had been threatening to demolish the mosque, claiming it was illegal. Communal tensions were brewing in the town because of it, the petition said, seeking protection of the mosque. The petition further claimed that the mosque was built on the land purchased in 1969 and the Waqf commissioner inspected it in 1986 and found it to be legal. The petitioner's advocate Kartikeya Hari Gupta informed the court that provocative statements in violation of the Supreme Court order were being made by the organisations seeking the mosque's demolition. The Supreme Court ordered all the states to file a case directly if inflammatory statements against any caste, religion or community, were resorted to, he argued. The lawyer submitted while a failure to do so would violate the Supreme Court order, the state government had not yet filed any case against anyone in this matter violating the SC mandate. The next hearing is on December 5. An outfit, namely, Sanyukt Hindu Sangathan, allegedly resorted to stone-pelting during a protest rally demanding the mosque's demolition in October, forcing the police to use mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob. The clashes, which erupted when the police tried to divert the route of the rally, left 27 persons including seven policemen injured. The outfit claims the mosque was built illegally on government land. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) The 3rd edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival will celebrate 10 years of India's 'Act East Policy' with musical performances by renowned artistes from India and ASEAN countries, including Shaan, Raghu Dixit, Jasleen Royal, Buc Tuong from Vietnam, Chet Kanhchna from Combodia, and Floor 88 from Malaysia. Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs with Seher India, the music extravaganza will unfold at Purana Qila from November 29. The festival will be inaugurated by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar along with the heads of missions from all 10 ASEAN member states. The opening night will feature performances by MRTV Modern Music Band from Myanmar, Chet Kanhchna from Combodia, Buc Tuong from Viet Nam, The Raghu Dixit Project and Shaan. "Music is much more than just a performance-its an expression of our shared humanity, our hopes, and our dreams. The ASEAN India Music Festival is a beautiful reminder that despite our different backgrounds, music has the power to unite us all. It allows us to connect not only as artists but as individuals who are part of a much larger global community," Sanjeev Bhargava, founder director of Seher, said in a statement. The music festival symbolises the deep cultural ties within the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership. "This festival is not just about showcasing talent, but about celebrating the bonds we've built over the years and the new ones well form through the universal language of melody. Lets forget what lines and borders separate us in this region and come together on this platform of music and celebrate whats common between us," Bhargava added. On Saturday, rock band Western Ghats and the dynamic duo Sukriti-Prakriti will take forward the eclectic mix of sounds. The second evening will also see performances by Tropical Hornbills from Brunei Darussalam, Floor 88 from Malaysia, and Television Off from Thailand. The festival will come to a grand conclusion on Sunday with a performance by Jasleen Royal, Subsonic Eye from Singapore, Milledenials from Indonesia, Taiy Akard from Lao PDR, and Kaia from Philippines. Haridwar, Nov 28 (PTI) The controversial head priest of Dasna Devi temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, Yati Narsinghanand Giri, on Thursday expressed deep anger over the alleged genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, calling upon the Hindus in India to learn from the condition of their counterparts in the neighbouring country. A three-day "Dharma Sansad" is being organised at the Anand Bhairav Mandir by the Juna Akhara from December 19-21 to raise the issue, Narasighanand said here, as he appealed to all Hindus who do not want their future generations to "fall prey to Islamic Jihadis" to participate in the event. Releasing a video with Kothari Srimahant Mahakal Giri of the Juna Akhara and other saints, Narasighanand claimed that the Muslim community in Bangladesh, in connivance with the army and police, is carrying out gruesome massacres of Hindus. "By imprisoning innocent Chinmay Das Prabhu from the ISKCON, the Bangladesh government has shown the Hindus of the entire world their place. If any country had done the same to a Jew, Israel would have attacked that nation by now. If we Hindus also had a nation of our own, their plight in Pakistan and Bangladesh would not have been like this," claimed Narasighanand, who had been booked for hate speech in the past. "Had the movement for Ram Mandir been for a Sanatan Vedic Rashtra, we wouldn't have to worry about 'love jihad', cow protection, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Kashi Vishwanath or Sambhal, because we would have got all these. But we never raised our voice against the real problems," he claimed. A senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign has admitted that internal polling consistently showed she was unlikely to defeat President-elect Donald Trump, contrary to the optimistic picture presented to donors. We were told she had a real shot at winningit wasnt even a question, Harris campaign fundraiser Lindy Li said. I was told Pennsylvania was looking good, and we would win 3-4 swing states. On election night, they told us we were going to win Iowa. However, Harris senior adviser David Plouffe painted a very different picture during an episode of Pod Save America. He revealed the campaign never saw the same leads reflected in public polls, which showed Harris performing well in battleground states. We didnt get the breaks we needed on Election Day, Plouffe said. There were public polls in late September, early October showing us with leads that we never saw internally. The podcast episode featured Plouffe and other top aides, including Jen OMalley Dillon, Stephanie Cutter, and Quentin Fulks, dissecting the reasons behind Harriss decisive defeat. They acknowledged that internal data consistently showed the vice president trailing Trump in key battleground states, contradicting the narrative pushed to fundraisers and donors. Li slammed the campaigns lack of transparency, calling it absolutely not normal for such information to be obscured. Ive been doing this since I graduated from college more than a decade ago. Absolutely not, she said, adding that the campaign now faces a trust deficit with donors. Li said many donors felt blindsided by the election outcome. For some casual donors, theyre going to be like, no [expletive] way, she remarked. Its not that he beat her thats a shock. Its the extent to which he beat her. It wasnt even close. It was a decisive defeat. Despite public polls that showed Harris closing the gap or even surpassing Trump in battleground states, Plouffe acknowledged on the podcast that the campaign never saw those numbers internally. When Kamala Harris became the nominee, she was behind. We kind of climbed back, and even post-debate, we still had ourselves down in the battleground states, but very close, he said. By the end, it was a jump-ball race. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries dont stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is essential to the United States domestic energy supply, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canadas provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs if the situation comes to that. (AP) Russias Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it has revoked the accreditation of two employees with the German ARD broadcaster and ordered them to leave the country in what it described as a retaliation to German authorities move targeting two journalists from Russias state TV. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the ministry, told a briefing in Moscow that it may issue accreditation to other ARD employees if German authorities allow journalists from Russias Channel One to work in Berlin. German foreign ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner denied the federal government had shut Channel Ones office, as the Russian broadcaster has claimed. The federal government has not closed the office of this broadcaster, Wagner told a news conference. Russian journalists can report freely and unhindered in Germany. I can only surmise that this has to do with questions of residence status, said Wagner, adding that such issues are not dealt with by German federal authorities and state authorities make their decisions independently. Berlins state immigration office said that on Nov. 22 it refused residence permits for the head of Channel Ones bureau and for a cameraman with the channel. It said the decision could be appealed. Channel One has been under European Union sanctions since December 2022 as tensions soared between Moscow and the West over Russias military action in Ukraine. The EU sanctions prevent the channel from broadcasting in Europe but do not affect the presence of staff who work for it in Berlin. The move followed decisions to refuse German residency for a Brazilian citizen working for Ruptly, a Russian state-owned video news agency, and for the head of the Rossiya Segodnya news agencys local office and his wife. Germanys Foreign Ministry denounced the expulsion of the ARD employees as unacceptable and the reasoning for it wrong, saying on social platform X that local authorities had made decisions on residence status that could be appealed, and that is the difference between a legal process and Russian arbitrariness. WDR, the regional ARD branch that is responsible for the public broadcasters reporting from Russia, confirmed that correspondent Frank Aischmann and a technical employee had their accreditation revoked. This is a drastic step, WDR program director Jorg Schonenborn said in a statement. With this, our ability to report from Moscow is again being limited. For nearly three years, we have been dealing with intimidation and restrictions to our reporting from Moscow. (AP) Adina Moshe, a 72-year-old mother of four and grandmother, was at her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Hamas terrorists shot her husband, ripped off her jewelry, and carted her away to Gaza, where an innocent civilian on the street ripped off her glasses. She was held in difficult conditions until she was released in the November hostage release deal. Even the moments of her release were terrifying as hundreds of innocent Gazans threw rocks at the Red Cross car that transferred the hostages to Egypt. Adina, a former teacher, acted with great courage before her release when she unsuccessfully tried to convince her Hamas captors to release older hostages, in worse condition, to go home instead of her. Adina was interviewed this week on Kan Reshet Bet and asserted that there was a betrayal that led to October 7. I have claimed and continue to claim that it was a betrayal, she said during the interview. Someone, some high-ranking official or some person very connected to the army, decided to take action. In exchange for I dont know what, maybe payment? Thats my feeling. Adina explained that she came to this conclusion because of the total lack of IDF forces at the border area on that day. I lived in the border area at Nir Oz for 54 years. Since Operation Cast Lead [2008-2009], there hasnt been one day where there were no soldiers on guard. On Shabbat and Chagim and Yom Kippur, there were always soldier patrols 24/7. That day I thought maybe they killed all the soldiers but I didnt see any dead bodies. Adina, who was held in the tunnels, described how miserable it was: The feeling is that youre going to strangle at any moment. The humidity is unbearable; its not cold for them, its just hot. So when they say the hostages are still in the tunnels, theyre cold dont worry, theyre not cold. Its incredibly hot, dripping sweat from everywhere. It stinks. And the oxygen level is very low. Im still in the tunnels, I dont leave there and I dont leave the house except for interviews, she added. I dont even meet with people from my community. Its hard for me everyone has gone through something terrible its hard for me to bear their experiences too. One of Adinas most difficult challenges when she got home was mourning her husband of 52 years, Said Dovid Moshe, HYD, and learning to live without him. A video of Adina pushing away the hand of a Hamas terrorist when she was released went viral: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) IDF Col. (res.) Yoav Yarom, chief of staff of the Golani Brigade, resigned on Monday following the death of renowned archaeologist Maj. (res.) Zeev Erlich HYD, who was killed by Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon after Yarom permitted him to enter the area against army protocol. Yarom took responsibility for the incident, citing it as the reason for stepping down after 33 years of service. The incident occurred on Nov. 20, when Erlich, 71, entered an ancient fortress located approximately four miles from Israels northern border. Hezbollah terrorists opened fire, killing both Erlich and IDF Sgt. Gur Kehati. Yarom was also injured in the attack. In his resignation letter, Yarom wrote, In light of the values I was brought up on and preached, being that actions speak louder than words, I believe that I must take operational responsibility for the event. Therefore, I would like to terminate my position as chief of staff of the brigade. Erlich, a celebrated scholar of Israeli geography and archaeology, was a prominent figure in the study of Jewish history in Yehuda and Shomron. Known affectionately as Jabo, he was a long-time resident of Ofra in the Binyamin region and is recognized as the oldest individual killed in the current war, which began after Hamass October 7 attack on southern Israel. Although Erlich was no longer active in reserve duty, the IDFs Personnel Directorate has decided to posthumously recognize him as a fallen soldier. For decades, Erlich provided lectures to soldiers and officers of the Binyamin Brigade and was often granted security access to restricted areas in the Palestinian Authority. His passion for connecting Jewish history to Eretz Yisroel was well-known among his students and colleagues. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) News / National by Staff reporter A Bulawayo magistrate has denied bail for car dealer and socialite Brighton Chipunza, popularly known as "Dash," citing concerns that he is a potential flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.Chipunza was arrested last Friday for allegedly stealing a South African-registered Toyota Fortuner from a car wash on the outskirts of Bulawayo's city center.During court proceedings on Wednesday, Chipunza reportedly threatened the complainant, warning her to "watch her back." He also insulted journalists covering the case, further raising concerns about his behavior.Public Interest in the CaseThe case has drawn significant public attention, with many speculating about potential links to broader criminal networks operating in the area. The alleged theft of a luxury vehicle has also fueled discussions about the safety of car wash facilities and the growing problem of vehicle-related crimes in Bulawayo.Regional magistrate Mrs. Benhilda Chiundura presided over the hearing and ruled that no bail conditions could reasonably ensure Chipunza would not interfere with witnesses or evade trial.Chipunza has been remanded in custody until December 11, pending further investigations.The case continues to unfold, with observers closely monitoring developments as authorities seek to address growing concerns over organized crime and public safety in the city. The IDF uncovered gas masks, chemical materials, and sedatives in Hezbollah operatives possession two months ago, Walla reported on Wednesday. The discovery, made early in Israels incursion into Lebanon, suggests that Hezbollah intended to use chemical weapons in abductions of Israeli soldiers and civilians. This revelation follows the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect on Wednesday. The agreement includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, after which the truce is expected to become permanent, marking the conclusion of over a year of war. The conflict, which began after Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel a day after Hamass October 7 massacre, claimed significant casualties. More than 3,500 Lebanese were killed a number that includes Hezbollah fighters and over 15,000 injured, while approximately 150 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, lost their lives, with hundreds more injured. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hezbollah is grappling with devastating losses following 14 months of hostilities with Israel, as it begins the arduous process of recovery, senior officials tell the Times of Israel. The Iran-backed terror group faces the grim task of burying thousands of its fighters and addressing the needs of its supporters, who have borne the brunt of Israels military campaign. According to three sources familiar with Hezbollahs operations, the group estimates that thousands of its fighters were killed during the conflict, with the majority of casualties occurring after Israel launched an aggressive offensive in September. One source indicated that as many as 4,000 Hezbollah operatives may have died, a figure more than ten times higher than its losses during the 2006 war with Israel. Lebanese authorities have reported a total of approximately 3,800 deaths during the conflict, though the figures do not distinguish between fighters and civilians. The IDF has estimated that it killed around 3,000 Hezbollah operatives. The heavy toll presents Hezbollah with significant challenges, including rebuilding its military capabilities and maintaining support among its base. The group has traditionally relied on Iran for funding and weapons, but the scale of the recent losses may strain its resources and complicate its recovery. Observers suggest that Hezbollah will face increased scrutiny and criticism within Lebanon, as the conflict has exacerbated the countrys economic and political instability. The devastating toll on Hezbollahs ranks and infrastructure underscores the effectiveness of Israels military campaign and raises questions about Hezbollahs ability to sustain its operations in the face of such losses. The aftermath of the conflict leaves both Hezbollah and Lebanon grappling with long-term consequences. While the group seeks to regroup and recover, the scale of the losses could weaken its position domestically and regionally, altering the balance of power in the region. At the same time, Israel has signaled its readiness to respond to any future aggression, maintaining close watch along the border. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Chabad has announced a $50 million initiative to establish a Jewish womens college in New York, honoring the memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan hyd, the Chabad shliach tragically murdered in the United Arab Emirates last week. Rabbi Kogans body was discovered last week after he was reported missing in the UAE. Emirati authorities have arrested three Uzbek nationals suspected of his murder. The ambitious campaign, three years in the making, seeks to create a safe and enriching educational environment for young Jewish women while addressing the growing wave of antisemitism, particularly on U.S. university campuses. The planned college, spearheaded by Bais Rivkah, Chabads flagship institution for womens education, will include a two-building campus and robust scholarship programs to ensure accessibility for students from diverse financial backgrounds. This initiative not only addresses safety concerns for thousands of students but also tackles the critical shortage of Jewish educators and leaders, said Mrs. Chana Gorowitz, Dean of Bais Rivkahs Division of Higher Learning and Leadership. Its a transformative step to ensure the vibrancy of Jewish life for generations to come. The campaign comes amid a reported 700% surge in antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses since the October 7 attacks in Israel. Organizers say that the new institution will serve as a haven for Jewish women, providing them with a robust academic foundation in a secure, values-driven environment. Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, Chairman of Agudas Chasidei Chabad and Associated Bais Rivka Schools, described the initiative as a powerful tribute to Rabbi Kogans life and mission. This project turns grief into a beacon of hope, Shemtov said. It ensures that Rabbi Kogans legacy continues to inspire Jewish communities worldwide. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Shalom Nagar, the Israeli prison officer who carried out the execution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, has died at the age of 88. Nagars pivotal role in this historic event remained hidden from public knowledge for decades before he eventually shared his story with the world. Eichmann, one of the primary architects of the Holocaust, was captured by Mossad agents in 1960 after years of evading justice in Argentina. He was brought to Israel to stand trial for his role in orchestrating the genocide of six million Jews. Convicted and sentenced to death, Eichmanns execution in 1962 remains the only instance of capital punishment carried out by the State of Israel. Born in Yemen in 1936, Nagar immigrated to Israel as a young orphan and later served in the IDFs Paratroopers Brigade. He joined the Israel Prison Service after his military service, where his life would intersect with one of the darkest figures in modern history. As a prison officer, Nagar was assigned to guard Eichmann during his trial and incarceration at Ramle Prison. He was part of a specially selected team of 22 guards, chosen to ensure impartiality and to prevent any harm coming to the prisoner before justice could be served. Strict precautions were taken, including prohibiting Holocaust survivors among the guards and requiring them to taste Eichmanns food to rule out poisoning. When the time came to carry out Eichmanns death sentence, Nagar was not eager to take on the role. Guards were asked to volunteer, but the task fell to Nagar after his name was randomly drawn. Initially reluctant, Nagar agreed after being shown photographs of children who were victims of Nazi atrocities, which solidified his resolve to see justice done. The execution took place in a custom-built gallows at Ramle Prison. Eichmann, maintaining his composure to the end, declined a blindfold. Nagar, after placing the noose around Eichmanns neck, activated the mechanism that ended the monsters life. He later described the unsettling aftermath of the event, including his horror at Eichmanns lifeless body making a gasping sound as air escaped his lungs when the noose was removed. After Eichmanns death, his body was cremated in an oven built by a Holocaust survivor, and his ashes were scattered at sea beyond Israels territorial waters. This final act ensured that no trace of Eichmann remained, denying him even a symbolic resting place. For 30 years, Nagars identity as Eichmanns executioner was kept secret, with the details of the event tightly controlled by Israeli authorities. His story surfaced in 1992 when a journalist researching the 30th anniversary of Eichmanns execution uncovered his name. Over time, Nagar began speaking publicly about his experience, offering insight into the emotional and moral weight of his role. In later years, Nagar, who had shifted away from religious observance earlier in life, returned to his roots and became frum, settling in Kiryat Arba. He often reflected on his role in Eichmanns execution as both a deeply personal burden and a responsibility to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust. One of his most notable interviews was with a German media outlet, conducted in a lively bais medrash. Nagar chose the setting deliberately, explaining that he wanted viewers to see the resilience and flourishing of the Jewish peopleproof of survival and growth despite the Nazi regimes efforts to annihilate them. Yehi zichro baruch. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Antisemitic leaflets bearing the threat Zionists leave Britain or be slaughtered have been found across Hendon, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in London. The flyers, written in Hebrew, also declared the area a Zionist free zone in English. This is not just another wave that will pass if we remain passive, warned Isaac Zarfati, executive director of Stand With Us UK, in an interview with GB News. We must take those threats and statements seriously because one day they will turn into actions. Decisive steps are needed to combat this alarming phenomenon. This is not the first recent incident targeting the Jewish community in the area. Before Yom Kippur, antisemitic messages, including F*** the Jew, Heil Hitler, and swastikas, were etched into bunkers on the golf course at the Heldon Golf Club. London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the golf course vandalism, stating he was sickened by the rise in antisemitism in our city. Hate crime is a criminal offense and has no place in London. Data from the London Metropolitan Police reveal that antisemitic hate crimes in the city have more than doubled in the past year, underscoring the growing concerns of Jewish residents and organizations. The incidents come amid a broader surge in antisemitic activity across the UK, leaving Jewish communities calling for stronger measures to address and prevent hate crimes. We are witnessing a troubling trend of red lines being repeatedly crossed, Zarfati said. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Anti-Israel protesters with Free Palestine signs and banners disrupted the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday, prompting swift action from the NYPD to remove demonstrators blocking the parade route. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and a large banner reading, Dont celebrate genocide! positioned themselves on Sixth Avenue near West 55th Street as the parade, led by the Ronald McDonald balloon, approached. The disruption drew boos from the large crowd gathered to enjoy the annual event. Police officers quickly intervened, removing protesters from the street to allow the parade to continue. Photos and videos from the scene show some protesters being escorted away while others who refused to leave were taken to the ground and handcuffed. Protesters could be heard shouting Free Palestine! as the police dispersed the group. It was unclear whether the detained individuals were formally arrested. The NYPD has not yet released details about the incident. The protest echoed similar demonstrations at last years parade, where activists glued their hands to the street and doused themselves in red liquid to symbolize bloodshed. Ahead of this years parade, New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a stern warning to potential disruptors. I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen, Adams said during a press conference on Wednesday. Despite the brief disruption, the parade continued without further incidents, delighting the thousands of attendees lining the streets of Manhattan. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A confidential provision in the U.S.-Israel side agreement to the recently brokered Lebanon ceasefire focuses on curbing Iranian influence in the region, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Referred to as the Iranian clause by Israeli officials, the provision is part of a classified two-and-a-half-page letter whose full details remain undisclosed, according to Channel 12 News. The clause reportedly states: The U.S. commits to working with Israel to prevent Iran from destabilizing the region, establishing a foothold in Lebanon, or undermining the principles of the agreementeither directly or through its proxies. The agreement further stipulates that if Israel determines military action is necessary, it must notify Washington as soon as possible. The U.S. also expects any Israeli operations to comply with international law and minimize harm to civilians and infrastructure, the report said. Additional provisions in the letter reportedly grant the IDF significant operational leeway to counter Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire. These include authorization to address immediate threats in southern Lebanon, such as rocket launch preparations, and emerging threats like tunnel construction or weapons transfers, particularly if the Lebanese government fails to act. The letter outlines the United States role as chair of the ceasefires monitoring mechanism. The U.S. is tasked with coordinating efforts with the Lebanese Armed Forces to prevent and address any breaches of the agreement. An Israeli Cabinet minister reportedly hailed the document as a significant achievement, saying: Weve effectively brought the United States into Lebanon as a primary overseer. The Lebanon ceasefire, which took effect earlier this week, aims to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement includes a 60-day transition period during which the IDF will withdraw from southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army will deploy thousands of troops in the region. The ceasefire has been characterized by both sides as a tentative but critical step toward stability in the region. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Drivers are still paying more than they should for petrol and diesel because of 'stubbornly high' margins pocketed by retailers, the competition watchdog says. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released a fresh update on its ongoing investigation into the fuel sector, confirming that profit margins remain above historic levels. It also reiterated its concerns about weakened competition in the sector - and how motorists are paying the price at the pumps. Supermarket fuel margins increased from 7 per cent in April to 8.1 per cent in August, while non-supermarket profits jumped from 7.8 per cent to 10.2 per cent, the watchdog said. In the decade leading up to the Covid pandemic, the average retailer margin on petrol was around just 8p. Currently, they are taking a profit of 13.5p from every litre of unleaded sold. Dan Turnbull, senior director of markets at the CMA, said: 'While fuel prices have fallen since July, drivers are paying more for fuel than they should be as they continue to be squeezed by stubbornly high fuel margins. 'We therefore remain concerned about weak competition in the sector and the impact on pump prices.' The AA described the update as 'depressing', saying news that retailers continue to take more profit despite the 'watchdog breathing down its neck' will 'stir anger' among drivers. The CMA says retailers' fuel margins the difference between what they pay wholesale for their fuel and the price they sell it at remain 'stubbornly high' despite the watchdog's two-year investigation into the sector The watchdog's interim November report said: 'Overall, retail spreads and margins remain high compared to historic levels, as has continued to be the case for most of the period since our market study. 'As at the time of our market study, the CMA remains concerned about the intensity of retail competition between fuel retailers. 'We estimate that the increase in retailers fuel margins compared to 2019 resulted in increased fuel costs for drivers in 2023 of over 1.6billion. 'The persistence in elevated spreads and margins emphasises the importance of implementing our recommendations as soon as possible.' Since the CMA opened its investigation into the road fuel sector in the summer of 2022, it has been calling for a 'Pumpwatch' scheme that forces retailers to publish live pricing to help drivers find the cheapest locations to fill up and ultimately increase competition for the market. The Chancellor, in her Autumn Budget confirming another year of frozen fuel duty and the extension of a 5p cut on road fuel tax, announced the Government will put this into action. 'The Government will facilitate competition in the road fuels market, improve transparency and empower drivers to find the cheapest fuel prices by accepting the Competition and Markets Authority's recommendations to implement Fuel Finder, an open data scheme for fuel prices and a market monitoring function by the end of 2025,' Rachel Reeves red box document stated. By increasing transparency and encouraging competition between forecourts, ministers believe it could reduce pump prices by between 1p and 6p per litre. 'We are pleased the Government is progressing with our recommendations,' Turnbull said. 'These measures will empower drivers to find the cheapest fuel prices wherever they are in the UK, increase competition and support the economy - the more people save on fuel, the more they have to spend in other areas.' Your browser does not support iframes. Supermarket fuel margins increased from 7% in April to 8.1% in August, while non-supermarket profits jumped from 7.8% to 10.2%, the watchdog said The CMA said fuel prices fell from June to October, driven by global factors including crude oil costs. The average petrol and diesel prices at the end of October were 134.4p and 139.7p per litre - a decrease of 10.0p and 10.4p respectively. The CMA also looked at the retail spread the average price that drivers pay at the pump compared to the benchmarked price that retailers buy fuel at over July to October. It found retail spreads were above the long-term average of 5 to 10p per litre, with petrol averaging 14.9p and diesel averaging around 16.3p. The CMA said retail spreads had remained above long-term averages since 2020, indicating an ongoing lack of competition in the sector. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The AA responded on Thursday dubbing the CMA's update was 'depressing' to see retailers are still doing little to stem higher fuel prices despite the watchdog 'breathing down its neck'. Luke Bosdet, the motoring organisation's spokesman on road fuel prices, told us: 'The CMA's report will stir anger once again particularly when set against the background of the Government continuing the fuel duty freeze. 'Wholesale costs have gone back up to levels seen in late September yet petrols current average pump price has not only increased in line but risen further. 'The fuel trade clearly faces overhead pressures from higher wages, national insurance contributions and increased electricity bills. 'However, the key question is what is a reasonable addition to the pump price to cover that?' The AA believes bloated margins are the result of the trades 'enduring habit of matching prices locally rather than competing to beat rivals and offer customers the best price'. Bosdet also played down the Government's intervention, saying it won't be put into action soon enough. 'We believe that the Governments Fuel Finder pump price transparency scheme will eventually erode that as drivers locate and go to the cheaper forecourts, forcing rival fuel stations to lower their prices to compete. 'Unfortunately, it will take a year for this to come to fruition.' The turnaround at Aviva under the stewardship of chief executive Amanda Blanc has been extraordinary. Superfluous overseas businesses have been sold, cash returned to shareholders and Blanc has built up a war chest for investment. The decision to bid for Direct Line, the company which revolutionised the way car insurance is sold, should not come as a huge surprise. Founded by insurance entrepreneur Peter Wood, Direct Line has fallen into disrepair in recent times and left in the dust by other general insurance innovators, notably Cardiff-based Admiral. Avivas offer price of 250p-a-share, a premium of 57.5 per cent to the closing price of the shares, places a value of 3.3billion on Direct Line and was intended to be a knock-out bid which encouraged chairman Danuta Gray and chief executive Adam Winslow, an Aviva emigre, into talks. But as of last night there was no communication. By going public, Blanc has effectively gone hostile. Ambition: Aviva chief exec Amanda Blanc (pictured) has turned her sights on rival insurer Direct Line with a bold 250p-a-share bid - a premium of 57.5% to the closing price of the shares Shareholders in Aviva will be reassured that the new ambition shown by Britains strongest insurance brand will not affect promises made to return capital to investors. In terms of scale, Aviva, with a market value of 13.1billion, is a goliath to Direct Lines dwarf. Nevertheless, in the insurance world the deal is significant with Direct Line speaking for just under 9m policies. Not all insurance deals go well. The agreed merger of Royal Insurance and Sun Alliance way back in the 1990s was a flop which left an indelible mark on the sector. The current proposed deal is effectively a rescue for a company going through hard times. But even generous premiums to market value have been rejected by shareholders in UK-listed firms this year. Blanc and her team are not home and dry just yet. Royal plunder The record of key UK industries falling into overseas hands is not a happy one. There is barely a day when Thames Water is not in the headlines, a consequence of labyrinthine finances, leaking pipes and seeping sewage. Bits of the UK car industry, such as BMW-owned Mini, do work. But foreign ownership of Vauxhall and Ford, both of which are winding down in Britain, means that decisions on jobs in the EV era are made in the Netherlands (nominal HQ of Stellantis) and Detroit. In spite of this unhappy experience, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds shows no inclination to intervene in the 3.6billion bid by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky for Royal Mail-owner International Distribution Services. It is to be hoped that Reynolds and his Business Department has taken a deep dive into Kretinskys past Eastern European business connections and those of his partners in the bidding EP Group. Reynolds may feel no sentimentality about selling Britains oldest corporation. However, the multilayer, high-cost financing by a consortium of foreign banks is, like that of Thames Water, an invitation to financial plunder at the expense of consumers. We know from other overseas takeovers that pledges about jobs, investment and modernisation may look watertight but are unenforceable because business conditions change so rapidly. Labour may feel it has joined the good guys by allowing the deal for Royal Mail to progress in the name of foreign investment. It is in danger of contributing to a financing doom loop. Crosbie coup Debbie Crosbies swoop on Virgin Money has turned out to be shrewd. A disappointing half-year for Nationwide, Britains largest mutual finance group, is masked by a 2.3billion payday following the purchase of the bank. Nationwides coup illustrates how foolish it is for the boards of FTSE 350 companies to sell themselves for what looks like a generous premium when the underlying value is so much greater. As matters stand, it looks certain that even though Nationwides profits plunged 43 per cent to 568million in the first half, members can expect a fairer share payment following the Virgin Money windfall. Virgin shareholders and customers have reason to feel aggrieved. The Virgin board sold them short and borrowers and depositors will see Nationwide customers benefit while they receive nothing. It ill behoves Nationwide, that sings so loudly from the mutual song sheet, that Virgin Money customers are being treated like second class citizens. Disappointing. EasyJet's departing boss hailed booming demand for international travel as the budget airlines profits beat pre-Covid levels. Johan Lundgren, who will step down in January after seven years as chief executive, said the future for the company is bright. But his successor, Kenton Jarvis, labelled Chancellor Rachel Reevess decision to hike air passenger duty in the Budget as a tax on the working person that will make flights more expensive. Easyjet profits soared 34 per cent from 455million to 610million in the year to the end of September, hitting the second-highest level in the airlines 29-year history. Budget pain: Kenton Jarvis (pictured), who takes over as EasyJet boss from John Lundrgen in January, warned that the airline could cut flights from the UK and hike prices for customers The firm said it was on track to hit its target of 1billion profit in the next few years as it hailed its strongest ever second half amid bumper demand for summer holidays. Lundgren, 58, said: This strong performance reflects the effectiveness and execution of our strategy as well as continued popularity of our flights and holidays. He added: It has been a privilege to lead easyJet for the past seven years. Finance director Jarvis, 56, who will take over in the new year, warned that Easyjet could cut flights from the UK and hike prices for customers due to an increased tax on airlines. At the end of the day its a tax on the working person, he said. [Labour] tried to dress it up as if it wasnt, but thats just all it is. News / National by Staff reporter The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, officially inaugurated a regional one-stop center for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors at Mpilo Central Hospital today.The event was marked by enthusiasm as Minister Mutsvangwa arrived to a warm welcome from the gathered crowd. Representing the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Director Simon Saunyama delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the new facility.Saunyama shared sobering statistics on GBV in the Matabeleland region, revealing that an average of 66 rape cases are reported monthly, with three incidents occurring weekly in Bulawayo alone. He stressed that these figures might understate the true extent of the problem, as many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear among victims."As we commemorate this important provincial event, the city is witnessing a milestone development with the opening of this one-stop center," said Saunyama, emphasizing the transformative potential of the facility.The newly established center aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for GBV survivors, offering services such as: healthcare, legal aid, psychological support.This initiative aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which calls for action to end GBV and support survivors.The event reflected a collective commitment to enhancing support for GBV survivors and encouraging the reporting of crimes. Minister Mutsvangwa hailed the development as a vital step in ensuring justice and care for survivors.The center's inauguration marks a hopeful step forward in addressing gender-based violence in Zimbabwe, signaling the government's dedication to creating safer communities and empowering survivors. Aviva has launched an audacious 3.3billion bid to buy troubled rival Direct Line. The FTSE 100 insurance giant, led by Amanda Blanc, revealed last night that it tabled an offer for its smaller competitor worth 250p a share. That was well above the 158.7p Direct Line shares were trading at yesterday, valuing it at 2.1billion. But the offer was rejected by the Direct Line board setting the scene for a takeover battle between now and Christmas. The proposal from Blanc and her team offered Direct Line investors 112.5p in cash and 0.282 Aviva shares for each share they hold in Direct Line. Together, it was a near-60 per cent premium to the insurers closing price the day before the bid was announced. Swoop: Aviva boss Amanda BlanAviva has launched an audacious 3.3bn bid to buy troubled rival Direct Line But Direct Line branded Avivas offer highly opportunistic and said it substantially undervalued the company. Under City takeover rules, Aviva now has until 5pm on Christmas Day to decide whether it wishes to make a formal offer for Direct Line or walk away. The tussle could lead to a hostile bid, where Aviva go directly to Direct Line shareholders and ask them to support the takeover against the wishes of its management. It is the second bid for the insurer in less than 12 months, with Direct Line having successfully fended off a takeover attempt by Belgian rival Ageas earlier this year. The group suffered embarrassment in August when it revealed an accounting blunder that led to its financial strength being reported as higher than was actually the case. Avivas swoop came just weeks after Direct Lines boss Adam Winslow, who took over at the beginning of March, announced that the business was cutting 550 jobs as part of a 100million cost-saving programme to revive its fortunes. The cuts, representing 5 per cent of the beleaguered insurance firms workforce, were announced as the group revealed that it had lost 71,000 own-brand motor insurance customers in the latest quarter. Direct Line has been pushing through price hikes as the cost of insurance claims has soared. But this has sparked an exodus of its own-brand motor insurance customers, with the total number falling to just over 3m in the third quarter of this year. Winslows strategy to grow customer numbers involves making Direct Line insurance available on price comparison websites for the first time, reversing years of resistance to the move under previous bosses. But his efforts have so far failed to yield results for investors, with Direct Lines share price having slumped nearly 24 per cent since he arrived at the business. Direct Lines leadership have even lost the support of its founder Sir Peter Wood, an insurance tycoon who set up the business as the UKs first telephone-only insurer in 1985. Wood, 78, told The Mail on Sunday in March that the group had been managed terribly for years, making it a sitting duck for predators. He said it should be sold to a bidder offering a decent price. Sir Peter added that the company had been run so abysmally for so long that it deserved to be taken over by a competitor. By contrast, Aviva has seen its share price power ahead, rising nearly 13 per cent so far this year. They gained 1.6 per cent yesterday, closing at 489.3p. It has left Blanc hunting for acquisition targets. Last year, the group snapped up AIG Life for 460million and in March entered the Lloyds insurance market with a 242million deal to buy underwriter Probitas. Loungers, which has grown from a single cafe-bar set up by three friends in Bristol with 10,000 into a nationwide chain, is set to be sold for 351million. The hospitality group, which has 292 venues across the UK under the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside brands, has agreed a takeover by US private equity giant Fortress Investment Group. The 310p per share offer, which is at a 30.3 per cent premium to Loungers' closing price of 238p on Wednesday, sees Fortress take another chunk of the UK hospitality industry and Loungers position itself for further growth. Co-founder and chairman of Loungers, which also operates the Brightside and Lounge brands, Alex Reilley said the deal will allow us to execute our ambitious growth plans even more decisively and effectively. Launched in 2002 by Reilley, David Reid and Jake Bishop initially with just one Bristol location, Loungers now has 292 venues across the UK and hopes to build the portfolio to at least 600 sites. The trio could be set to make a fortune on their initial investment of just 10,000. Expanding: Loungers operates the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside brands Loungers told shareholders in a joint statement on Thursday that its share price, which has now risen to an all-time high, have failed to adequately reflect the firms performance. Loungers shares soared 28.4 per cent to 305.55p in early trading, having previously added just 3.5 per cent since listing in May 2019. Loungers posted a pre-tax profit of almost 6million for the six months to 6 October, up 51.3 per cent year-on-year, as revenues rocketed 19.2 per cent to 178million thanks to its expansion efforts. Reilley said: We remain very confident about Loungers' future prospects and the half year results that we announced separately today clearly demonstrate the strong momentum that we have in the business. Fortress Investment Group, which is majority owned by Mubadala Investment Company after a deal with former owner Softbank last year, has previously invested in UK hospitality with the acquisition of Majestic Wines and Punch Pubs & Co. The firm, whose 6.7billion Morrisons takeover attempt was defeated in 2021, had $48billion in assets under management at the end of last year. Domnall Tait, managing director at Fortress, said the investment group brings to the table a successful track record of investing in consumer-focused businesses across the globe, particularly in the UK. He added: Today's announcement further strengthens Fortress' commitment to the UK market, and to being a responsible steward of and investor in UK businesses. Reilley said: Loungers has come a long way since we opened our first site in Bristol in 2002, and we are hugely proud of the jobs we've created, the positive impact we've made on the UK's high streets, and the outstanding hospitality our amazing teams have provided since then. We are more ambitious than ever and we see Fortress as being an ideal partner to help us take Loungers into the next phase of its growth journey. The leaders of the three biggest parties took part in a final canvass push as they hoped to gain an edge in the finely-balanced political battle. Opinion polls have put support for Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein within touching distance of each other and politicians have emphasised that it was a competitive election where transfers would be crucial. On the eve of polling day, Taoiseach Simon Harris visited a cafe in Glasnevin and spoke with prospective voters in the Dublin Central constituency. The Fine Gael leader took out a pen and paper to take notes when talking to Sam Lonergan, who raised lack of support for single parents as an issue. She said: I wasnt expecting to see him. He was younger than I thought and he was very nice. He was relaxed. It was an opportunity to talk to him. I thought Id get a chance, as I said, to talk to Paschal (Donohoe), whos my local politician, but he never came to the door. She added: Thats not going to change me. I have a fair idea who Im going to vote for, Im not going to say, but theyre going to be females. When speaking to Ms Lonergan, Mr Harris spoke about his partys policies on child benefits and tuition fees. Outside the cafe he spoke to a young girl called Zoe who asked the Taoiseach to build a playground near her grannys house. Zoes mother asked about school places, saying they were in the hundreds on the waiting list. Tanaiste Micheal Martin visited shops and cafes in Gorey, Co Wexford, which is in the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford. The cost of housing, the high VAT rate for hospitality, reform of healthcare and the loss of a dual fuel allowance into a household when a spouse dies were among issues raised. One shop owner said she was excited to have a TD who is from Gorey, which is likely now because of a boundary-redraw earlier this year. When polling day being on a Friday was raised in one conversation, Mr Martin was told teachers said they were pleased to have Black Friday off. Dont tell Michael OLeary, Mr Martin replied. Mr Martin bought a slice of Christmas cake in a cafe, while earlier in Arklow, Co Wicklow, he fed a reindeer called Deermuid. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald appeared very relaxed as she canvassed in Dublin city centre on Friday. Asked if she was shattered at the end of the three-week campaign, she said: No, Im good. A tourist bus drove past and visitors took pictures of the opposition leader from the roof. Meanwhile, in one Dublin constituency, an unusual draw aimed to settle who would get the slightest advantage of appearing as far up the ballot paper as possible. Sinn Fein housing spokesman and Dublin Mid-West candidate Eoin O Broin said that he and the Social Democrats Dublin Mid-West candidate who is also called Eoin O Broin had to put their names into a silver bowl and the election staff picked out who would appear first on the ballot paper. The Sinn Fein candidate was pulled out first, putting him in front of his Social Democrats rival on the ballot paper in tomorrows election. Ms McDonald later posed for selfies with members of the public and Santa Claus at the turning on of Christmas lights in Ballybough. She then travelled to a sparsely attended bingo hall in Cabra, where one of her final media markings was calling out the numbers. The Sinn Fein leader was told it was a quiet night and will join politicians hoping for better turn out on Friday. On quickly commenting the retirement age under Sinn Fein after pulling number 65, one attendee suggested she could get a full-time job as a bingo caller. Ms McDonald, hours away from polls opening, replied: I might need it. The Moldovan Analytical Digest is a quartely internet publication jointly produced by the external page University of Fribourg/CH, external page the Research Centre for East European Studies at the University of Bremen, the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich, and the external page Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) at the University of Zurich, with financial support from the external page Elite Network of Bavaria. The Moldovan Analytical Digest analyzes the political, economic, and social situation in Moldova including the breakaway region of Transnistria within the context of international and security dimensions. All contributions to the Moldovan Analytical Digest undergo a fast-track peer review. Editorial Board: Dorina Baltag (Loughborough University London), Jan Matti Dollbaum (Universite de Fribourg / LMU Munich), Amy Eaglestone (University of Birmingham / Leiden University), Eleanor Knott (London School of Economics), Ion Marandici (unabhangiger Forscher), Jeronim Perovic (Universitat Zurich), Svetlana Suveica (Universitat Regensburg), Daniel Ursprung (Universitat Zurich) Corresponding Editors: (Universite de Fribourg und LMU Munich), (University of Birmingham / Leiden University) Coordination Layout and Publication: (Research Centre for East European Studies at the University of Bremen) Today police share tragic video in the aftermath of a woman and infant shot. Some things that stand out . . . The tragic clip demonstrates that Independence Police are working to answer questions that continue to arise as the public, media and now some politicos continue asking questions. In the last few seconds of the clip what viewers see is the lightning fast actions of the mom as she grabs a knife and begins to charge at police. Probably the most important detail . . . In this news release the police finally note that gunfire from an officer killed the mom & infant. We've been warning readers . . . Some of this info might be triggering for sensitive blog denizens. Here are the basics and a link to reporting . . . "The video then shows officers going into the building to get permission from the apartment manager to go inside Pikes apartment, where they found her holding Destinii in a closet. Independence police say they spoke with her for 11 minutes. "Video shows some of that interaction where officers ask her questions about whether shes okay and if shes been hurt. She responds with gestures, but doesnt say anything at any point when shes on camera in the released footage. "Independence police say officers tried to convince her to release her daughter, but she didnt, walking past the officers to sit on a bed next to a nightstand where there was a large knife." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Fox4: Independence police release body cam in shooting where mom, baby died KCTV5: GRAPHIC -- Police release partial bodycam video of response that led to shooting of mom, infant KSHB: 'Can't comprehend': Sister says Independence mother killed in police shooting struggled with postpartum Developing . . . We're using this post to catch up on quite a few items related to police investigations, robberies and serious political turmoil. Check TKC news gathering . . . Man charged in connection to death of victim who was reported missing, later found inside vehicle in KCMO A man has been charged in connection to the death of a victim who was found dead inside of a vehicle in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday evening. Kansas City mother of 6 shot and killed at house party days before Thanksgiving The Housing Authority says 26-year-old Michelle Donato and her mother were both shot. Donato, who has six children ended up dying from her injuries FBI remains on scene 24+ hours after Northland search turns deadly The FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force executed the federal search warrant on Monday. Two KC-area officials arrested as investigators probe troubled Jackson County village Two elected officials in the Jackson County village of River Bend were arrested on election-related charges. A majority of the KC-area council faces charges. KC man charged with felonies after group robs man at gunpoint for his gun A Kansas City man has been charged with multiple felonies after robbing another man at gunpoint for the man's gun. Independence attorney and convicted felon admits he earned commission on utility contract A plea deal involving former Independence attorney John Carnes and federal prosecutors revealed the convicted felon earned a commission on a city contract at the heart of a years-long FBI probe. Charges filed against men allegedly caught in child sex trafficking sting: 'Are you really 14?' Five men were arrested in the operation, three of whom have since been charged. Investigators rule 'suspicious' death in Kansas City, Kansas, to be an overdose Police were called to the 400 block of Kindelberger Road in Kansas City, Kansas, Monday morning to investigate the death, after a body was found in a parked vehicle. Man hospitalized after shooting in Raytown Raytown police said no one is in custody. 'Possible medical emergency' causes driver to lose control, crash vehicle into Shawnee building Just before 2:30 p.m., the Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department and Johnson County MED-ACT responded to the 6700 block of Lackman Road. Sandra Hemme, Missouri woman wrongfully convicted for 44 years, is a step closer to total freedom For the first time in more than four decades, Sandra Hemme may get to spend Thanksgiving with her family - not in prison. Hemme was wrongly convicted of murdering a St. Joseph librarian in 1980, but a Missouri judge overturned the charges this year. Formerly on football field, now mentoring at-risk kids, KCPD officer is lifelong team player Get Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Ofc. Brandon Walker around a group of teens, and he's in his element - smiling, laughing and listening. Developing . . . Once again for late night & early morning denizens we take a peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Locals Love Dodging Cars Travelers enjoy calm day at KCI amid busy holiday travel period Even though KCI officials estimate a 6% increase in travelers this holiday week compared to last year, passengers were surprised by how calm the airport was on Wednesday. Home Team Off-Season Upgrade Could the small-market Royals be trading for a $260 million upgrade? | Sporting News The Kansas City Royals are looking to build on their 2024 turnaround and have been linked as a top landing spot for an eight-time All-Star slugger. First Responder Tribute KCFD mourns loss of trailblazing female firefighter The first Black female firefighter in Kansas City, Carolyn Mitchell, has died, the Kansas City Fire Department announced. Local Help For Holidays Over 800 people receive Thanksgiving donations in KC's Ivanhoe Neighborhood Hundreds of people in need of food this Thanksgiving stopped by the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center Saturday morning to receive donations. Toy Train Gears Up KC Streetcar Holiday Jam ft. Liney Blu KC Streetcar Holiday Jam 2024 with FREE live music on board the KC Streetcar on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings from Saturday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 21. Diva Sweats It Out Irina Shayk puts on raunchy bikini-clad sauna display Irina Shayk put on a very racy display as she gears up to celebrate Thanksgiving. She flaunted her incredible physique and plump bottom modeling a racy black bikini. Support For Veep In Vain Kamala Harris advisers: Internal polling never showed VP ahead Campaign leadership for the vice president sat down with "Pod Save America" in their first post-election loss interview that aired Tuesday. Social Call To MAGA Mark Zuckerberg visits Trump at Mar-a-Lago, reportedly 'wants to support the national renewal' Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg visited President-elect Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Wednesday, according to Stephen Miller. Zuckerberg previously praised Trump after the July 13 shooting. U.S. Sharpens Immigration Stance Appeals court blocks Biden administration from removing razor wire in border feud with Texas | CNN Politics A federal appeals court has blocked the Biden administration from removing razor wire put up by Texas officials on the Mexico border. Eastern Europe Grind Gets Worse A Russian Recruit Has A One-Month Life Expectancy After Signing Up For The War In Ukraine Russian dead and wounded may exceed 730,000-and point toward a Ukrainian strategy for victory. Middle-East War Aftermath The winners and losers of the Hezbollah-Israel peace deal The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announced on Tuesday is essentially a rerun of UN Resolution 1701, the deal that ended the 2006 Lebanon war and ushered in 18 years of something approximating peace. Stuffing Advice Part Deux Extra Extra: This Thanksgiving, go ahead and have sex at your parents' house Because you can afford a 20-minute break from talking politics, here are your afternoon links: Harvey Weinstein having a tough time on Rikers Island, Metro-North holiday trains, maybe Thanksgiving should've been last month and more. Artsy Pix For KC Toilet Readers "Portrait of a City," The Box Gallery - KC STUDIO Jason Dailey is one of 49 photographers whose work is featured in "Portrait of the City" at The Box Gallery. Holiday Chill Arrives . . . FIRST WARN FORECAST: Frigid air arrives for Thanksgiving and First Warn set for first snow The system that brought the rain on Wednesday is shipping out, so we are dry for Thanksgiving Day travel. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. This trend garners support from progressive media and MIGHT help landlords get their cash more effectively than long waits for money. Check the description . . . "The program manager estimates around 50 landlord-tenant cases in Sedgwick County had been mediated as of late September, more than a year after the program begun. Meanwhile, the county typically sees around 5,000 eviction filings, or more, per year." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Or . . . CAMERA TECH IS THE ONLY THING SAVING KANSAS CITY METRO FROM CLASS WARFARE?!?! Probably not . . . Big booty white ladies & legal weed do more to "ease local tension" than any draconian crackdown. Still . . . A quick peek at tech protection of the local rich deserves a peek . . . "The council approved the police departments request to install cameras and plate readers at the intersections of State Line and 65th and 68th Streets, as well as at 70th Terrace. "The estimated total cost for the three cameras is about $81,300, Mission Hills City Administrator Jennifer Lee said in an email after the meeting. "The city has 20 active intersection cameras with license plate readers and one camera without a reader, at the intersection of Mission Drive, Ensley Lane and Overhill Road, Lee said. "The 21 cameras and 20 readers were installed in three phases for a total cost of $434,573, according to council documents." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . We think the Guv is being too modest about his time in office . . . Check-it: "Gov. Parson said some of his biggest successes are infrastructure improvements, such as new airports in Springfield, Columbia and Kansas City, and one coming in St. Louis. Also, the billions of dollars invested in road improvements, especially the $2.8 billion put toward making I-70 six lanes all the way across the state." Highways are cool but the outgoing Guv needs to give himself some credit. And readers should take into account this is coming from a smart-a$$ KC Westsider who feels absolutely no loyalty to any partisan angle other than busty hottie Brit supermodels . . . Guv Parson's greatest contribution to Missouri was leadership with credibility during times of crisis. He showed that in taking over for a disgraced politico . . . And again . . . Guv Parson also demonstrated steady leadership during the pandemic when he was at the forefront of the effort to offer a "MEGA" vaxx clinic with the help of the National Guard inside the 3rd District at Arrowhead. Politically, we probably don't agree with the Guv about much but we can't deny his leadership inspired confidence for a lot of people beyond the GOP base and even amongst Kansas City's urban core. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Weather Alert Strong winds and rain are possible on Sunday. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. What: Wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h. Total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 mm. When: Early Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. Additional information: Showers with the risk of thunderstorms are expected to begin overnight or Sunday morning, moving out of the area by Sunday evening. Strong southerly wind gusts are possible Sunday morning into the afternoon. Wind will shift to westerly with the passage of a cold front Sunday afternoon, easing later in the afternoon. Localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads are possible. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Utility outages may occur. For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources office. Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details. ### Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm. The union representing Canada Post members is urging them not to panic if they are called and learn they are laid off. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said in a notice issued Nov. 25 that Canada Post has been calling CUPW members to lay them off. A Canada Post spokesperson confirmed the layoffs are happening, but added they are temporary. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The union says it has heard otherwise. Weve heard stories that it may be more permanent, the union stated. These types of phone calls are merely a scare tactic by management. We urge members not to panic. Postal workers have been on strike since Friday, Nov. 15. A federally appointed mediator was working to bring negotiations to the table, but that mediator has temporarily stepped away, citing both sides are still too far apart. Canada Post recently shared it had a third-quarter loss of $315 million before taxes, and has lost more than $3 billion since 2018. The corporation says to help secure its future and to grow its parcel business, it is proposing seven-day-a-week parcel delivery and other changes. This new delivery model is essential for the future of the company, and critical to our ability to afford the offers, Canada Post said in an earlier statement. The union represents 55,000 employees, and is fighting to keep full-time, good paying jobs in the company. with files from Dominik Kurek Bhopal gas tragedy survivors denounce Justicemakers Mela 2024 Leaders of four organizations of survivors of the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal have jointly condemned the Justicemakers Mela 2024 to be held in the City from November 29th for being sponsored by Tri-legal Thursday November 28, 2024 9:38 PM , Pervez Bari Bhopal: Leaders of four organizations of survivors of the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal have jointly condemned the Justicemakers Mela 2024 to be held in the City from November 29th for being sponsored by Tri-legal, a law company that represents Union Carbide accomplice DuPont, as well as several corporations involved with the ongoing Genocide in Palestine. Rashida Bee, President of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh said: On its website, Tri-legal, that is sponsoring this event, lists DuPont as one of its corporate clients. As we all know, DuPont merged with Union Carbide owner Dow Chemical in 2017 and now owns substantial Union Carbide property. DuPont is very much part of the corporate conspiracy to create legal hurdles for Bhopal survivors to receive any legal remedies. Tri-legal represents not just criminal corporations like DuPont but also Israel Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin, Augusta Westland, Boeing and other corporations that are profiting from the ongoing Genocide in Palestine. said Balkrishna Namdeo, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha. Rachna Dhingra of Bhopal Group for Information & Action said: We are shocked by the audacity of this NGO called Agami that is organizing this event around the 40th anniversary of the worst corporate crime in Bhopal. It is also shocking to find that hardly any of the 600 justice maker invitees to this Mela have cared to check the abominable client list of Tri-legal that is funding their participation. What kind of justice makers ignore the fact that their event is financed with moneys from an accomplice of Killer Carbide and those responsible for the death of 40 thousand children in Gaza wondered, Nawab Khan of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha. It may be recalled here that on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984 Union Carbide pesticide manufacturing factory in Bhopal had spewed nearly 40 tonnes of poisonous Methyl Iso-cyanate gas exposing over 5,00,000 people to the toxic fumes. While 3,000 people had perished virtually instantly and over the years more than 25,000 have kissed death and the sad saga is still continuing uninterruptedly. About half a million people are still suffering from the side effects of the poisonous gas and several thousand people have been maimed for life. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home ICC Prosecutor seeks warrant against Myanmar Army Chief Karim A.A. Khan KC, ICC Prosecutor, Wednesday (November 27, 2024) said he is filing an application in the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrant against Myanmar Army Chief and Acting President, Min Aung Hlaing, over his brutal suppression and persecution of Rohingya Muslims Thursday November 28, 2024 2:16 PM , ummid.com News Network The Hague: Karim A.A. Khan KC, ICC Prosecutor, Wednesday (November 27, 2024) said he is filing an application in the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrant against Myanmar Army Chief and Acting President, Min Aung Hlaing, over his brutal suppression and persecution of Rohingya Muslims. "Since 14 November 2019, we have been investigating alleged crimes committed during the 2016 and 2017 waves of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar, and the subsequent exodus of Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh", Karim said in a statement. "After an extensive, independent and impartial investigation, my Office has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, bears criminal responsibility for the crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution of the Rohingya, committed in Myanmar, and in part in Bangladesh", he added. The ICC Prosecutor alleged that these crimes were committed between 25 August 2017 and 31 December 2017 by the armed forces of Myanmar, the Tatmadaw, supported by the national police, the border guard police, as well as non-Rohingya civilians. He further said that more applications on warrants against other Myanmar officials to follow soon. "This is the first application for an arrest warrant against a high-level Myanmar government official that my Office is filing. More will follow", Karim said. The application against the Myanmar Army Chief comes weeks after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza. The ICC issued warrant against Netanyahu following the application filed by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan about six months ago . Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Rural-serving colleges are scaling back majors and degree programs across the United States, leaving students with fewer pathways to higher education. The cuts are a response to declining enrollment and financial pressures that are hitting colleges in rural areas harder than others. Students at Delta State University in Mississippi have seen their preferred majors disappear, forcing them to either change plans or leave college altogether. As detailed by Signal Cleveland, many rural colleges have cut programs in the humanities, sciences, and arts to help close budget deficits. Delta State, in particular, had cut 21 programs including digital media arts, history and music. St. Cloud State in Minnesota cut 42 majors. Higher education expert Andrew Koricich calls it a "ridiculous inequity" and is similar to asking rural students to accept fewer educational opportunities simply because of where they live. Read more: 15 US Colleges That Offer Low Costs for International Students The Impact of Cutting Majors Beyond the impact on students, these losses have great cultural significance. Campus programs like music and the humanities tend to help students approach issues in new ways and build creativity. Without them, rural colleges may lose this ability to inspire students to improve their communities. Regional public universities are hit the worst because they receive less state funding than flagship institutions. This is the case for Delta State University, which had faced an $11 million deficit by declining enrollment and tuition revenue. Similarly, flagship universities also cut back, but, of course, they come with more resources to use in navigating such challenges in West Virginia University. Experts say that such financial stress is exploited by some institutions to implement cuts rapidly, treating universities as businesses rather than learning centers. Such cuts are most devastating to first-generation, low-income, and minority students who rely on these institutions for access to education. As rural universities downsize, enrollment continues to fall, exacerbating the cycle. For example, Emporia State University in Kansas saw a 14% enrollment drop after cutting 40 programs, per Kansas Reflector. Fewer rural high school graduates are pursuing college, with enrollment rates declining to 55% in 2022, further compounding the crisis. It is in the best interest of reversing this trend that rural students are accorded equal opportunities in accessing higher education and its associated opportunities. If nothing is done, rural communities will lose educational institutions that are their cultural and economic support structures. November 28 2024 Graham Construction has broken ground on Glasgow's latest student accommodation development, replacing a former office block at 292-298 St Vincent Street. The contractor, acting on behalf of Artisan Real Estate and Homes for Students, will deliver 321 self-contained studio apartments for the 33m project. Artisans development director for Scotland David Westwater said: There is a demonstrable need for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in the city, especially for individual studio apartments. The more longer-term student market we are targeting will bring energy and investment to the city centre and ensure deliverability of a superbly designed development to replace the existing office block which had remained vacant for the last five years. Scheduled to complete by summer 2026 the Hawkins Brown design includes provision for roof terraces, a gym and internal storage for 160 bikes. The development stands alongside the A-listed St Columba Gaelic Parish Church, which will be converted into an events venue. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Nasir Mansoor Qureshi on Thursday urged the government to provide conducive environment and incentivize private sector for achieving economic growth and stability in the country. He emphasized the importance of dialogue for addressing all political issues and urged for creating a stable environment for both political and economic growth. He urged the government to foster private sector growth by offering incentives, simplifying regulations and enhancing access to finance. He also stressed the importance of long-term policy stability to restore investor confidence and promote sustainable economic growth. To foster a climate conducive to investment and growth, he called for a more consistent approach to economic policy making, ensuring that businesses can plan and operate with confidence. He urged the government to focus on improving the ease of doing business, addressing infrastructure challenges, and prioritizing human capital development to build a competitive and resilient economy. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as ADBs 11th President ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as ADBs 11th President. Kanda, 59, currently serves as Special Advisor to Japans Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, according to ADB press release received here Thursday. He will assume office on 24 February 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, who will leave office on 23 February 2025. Kanda will complete the unexpired term of President Asakawa, which ends on 23 November 2026. Mr. Kandas extensive experience in international finance and proven leadership in multilateral settings will serve ADB well in navigating complex global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation, said Chair of the ADB Board of Governors and Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta. The ADB Board of Governors looks forward to working with Mr. Kanda, Panetta added According to press release, with nearly 4 decades of experience, Kanda has held key leadership roles at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, including Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs. He has extensive experience in financial sector policy and macro-fiscal policy, having served as Deputy Commissioner at the Financial Services Agency, Deputy Director-General of the Budget Bureau, and Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Planning and Coordination. He is also a leading expert in education and science policy as well as university reform. Kanda has been actively engaged in the G7, G20, and other international forums, addressing key policy challenges such as multilateral development bank (MDB) evolution, pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and debt sustainability and transparency. During his tenure as Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Japan made a record contribution of more than $1 billion to the Asian Development Fund 13th replenishment (ADF 14). Since 2016, Kanda has served as Chair of the OECD Corporate Governance Committee, overseeing the review of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance in 2023. He also has substantial experience in strategic discussions and decision-making at MDBs, having served as Alternate Executive Director for Japan at the World Bank. Kanda obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo in 1987, and M.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1991. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtayev on Thursday said that direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan would resume on November 29 (tomorrow) for enhancing regional integration. This flight, connecting the cities of Tashkent and Lahore, aims to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, take trade and economic relations to a new level, and facilitate tourists. Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, told APP here. The ambassador said that this remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the personal initiative and unwavering support of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He said, "Because of the leadership and strategic vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, since September of this year, Uzbekistan has resumed the issuance of tourist visas for citizens of brotherly Pakistan." "This wise decision has not only facilitated easier travel between the people from both sides but has also strengthened the bonds of friendship and created new opportunities for mutual understanding, business collaboration, and people-to-people connections between two nations," he said. Uzbek envoy said, "Direct flights will create new opportunities for tourists and businessmen, and Uzbekistan will also serve as a unique hub for Pakistans citizens, including business chamber representatives." Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev said, "The restoration of regular direct flights is not just about connecting Tashkent and Lahore; it is a strategic step to enhance the economic and trade connectivity and will promote cultural exchange between the two countries." "Uzbekistan has a rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage that offers immense tourism potential," he said. We are excited to share the common historical heritage, beautiful traditions, and unique tourism opportunities with our Pakistani friends, he added. Replying to a question on the future of bilateral trade between the two nations, he said, "The future of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is promising, and there are untapped opportunities in different sectors of the bilateral economy to further deepen beneficial cooperation." "Today, our trade relations are developing steadily," he informed. He said, "In particular, over the past five years, the bilateral trade turnover has increased almost four times, and this figure amounted to $122 million in 2019 and is expected to exceed $400 million by the end of 2024." The ambassador said, "Pakistan has an interest in the Uzbek market with its agricultural products, food, textiles, and leather products, while Uzbek industrial products, fruits, and vegetables are in high demand in Pakistan." Alisher Tukhtayev said, "The Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is fully active, and we are currently working to increase the list of preferential products under the Agreement from 17 to at least 100 items." In June 2024, the 'Made in Pakistan' industrial exhibition was held in Tashkent, within the framework of which several new trade and investment agreements were signed, he said. We are planning to organize an exhibition of industrial products 'Made in Uzbekistan' in Pakistan in 2025, and such events will serve to expand the range of goods exported between our countries, he said. He said, "I am confident that in the near future we will ensure the practical implementation of the agreement of the heads of states to increase the volume of bilateral trade up to $1 billion. I have no doubt that the future of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is bright, and strong political ties will serve to elevate this cooperation to a new level, the Uzbek ambassador concluded. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) In a series of inspections ordered by Director General of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Additional Director Sharjeel Shahid conducted thorough checks at popular food courts in major malls, revealing some concerning findings. The team inspected food courts at Emporium Mall and Mall One where 23 leading food brands were found to be in violation of health and safety standards. A total of two tons of expired, used oil were confiscated and discarded. Along with this, hefty fines amounting to Rs 2.35 million were imposed on several establishments for the use of substandard oil in food preparation. Additionally, two outlets received corrective notices. In the kitchen areas, unsanitary conditions were found, including rampant pest infestations. The authorities also discovered open drains, inadequate storage practices, and items stored in broken or fungus-ridden freezers. The inspections revealed the absence of critical documentation such as records for mandatory oil changes and medical and training certificates for staff. The use of poor-quality oil is a direct health hazard, contributing to various heart diseases, warned the DG PFA Asim Javed. Unhealthy food practices, including the use of inferior ingredients, pose a serious threat to public health, he said. The DG emphasized that teams were continuously conducting field operations to ensure the provision of healthy and hygienic food across the region. The food mafia, which exploits the health of citizens in pursuit of higher profits, will find no place in Punjab, the DG asserted, underscoring the government's commitment to public health. Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday said that government is taking concrete steps to bring economic prosperity for the people of Pakistan. Prime Ministers economic team is making all out efforts to increase exports, and bring improvement in every sector without delay, he said while talking to a private television channel ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday said that government is taking concrete steps to bring economic prosperity for the people of Pakistan. Prime Ministers economic team is making all out efforts to increase exports, and bring improvement in every sector without delay, he said while talking to a private television channel. Pakistan Stock Exchange has made record today, he said adding that industries are starting producing results due to serious measures of the incumbent government. Commenting on political instability after protest demonstration of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), he said that PTI leadership has been playing a negative role since 2014 and the people of this country had to face economic turmoil due to weak policies of the last regime of PTI. PTI leadership should change the stubborn attitude and come forward for playing parliamentary role for the development and welfare of Pakistan. politics of agitation and chaos would not be successful in this country, he said adding that PTI leaders still have time to change behaviour. In reply to a question about recent Belarussian state delegation visit to Pakistan, he said both sides have shown keen interest to increase trade and business volume in different sectors. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman State Duma on Thursday signed a historic Agreement to extend parliamentary cooperation between State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the National Assembly of of Pakistan in Moscow ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman State Duma on Thursday signed a historic Agreement to extend parliamentary cooperation between State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the National Assembly of of Pakistan in Moscow. According to a news release received here the Agreement was signed by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and his counterpart Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma. The Agreement aims enhance ties between the two legislative bodies and establish permanent cooperation mechanisms through parliamentary committees, commissions and parliamentary Friendship groups. In his opening remarks, Ayaz Sadiq said that with Mr. Volodin he has long ties of friendship and while with some members of the Russian delegation he had been in close contacts for more than a decade.He also thanked Mr. Volodin for accepting invitation to visit Pakistan. The Speaker expressed gratitude to Mr. Volodin for his support to the initiative of Pakistan to convene Speakers' Conference. The sides agreed to hold its fourth Session in Moscow in 2025. In this connection, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also emphasized for enhancing trade and business ties between both nations. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the personnel and officers of the security forces for conducting successful operation against the terrorists in Bagh area of Khyber district ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the personnel and officers of the security forces for conducting successful operation against the terrorists in Bagh area of Khyber district. In their separate statements, the president and the prime minister appreciated the professional abilities of the security forces for killing four Khawarij and arresting three others. President Zardari also lauded the role of security forces in eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country. He expressed the nation's resolve to eliminate the terrorism from the country. PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed the determination to continue war against terrorism till complete elimination of the menace. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in eradicating the terrorism in the country, the prime minister added. Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam on Thursday said that the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf's leadership final protest call for release of PTI founder at Islamabad was miserably failed and was proved a misscall PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam on Thursday said that the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf's leadership final protest call for release of PTI founder at Islamabad was miserably failed and was proved a misscall. Addressing a press conference here, Engr Amir Muqam said that people of KP have kept distance from the protest call due to an irrational demands especially about release of the PTI founder. He said that PTI founder was an accused and would have to face courts that would decide his fate. He said that PTI second demand about revoking of the 26th constitutional amendment was totally an irrational. Engr Amir Muqam said the said amendment was passed by the Parliament that reflected people will. The third demand of PTI to bring its leaders to the Parliament and ousted others was totally childish, he added. Muqam claimed that Pakistan had suffered huge loss due to agitation of PTI that kept life at Islamabad paralyzed for three days. Expressing condolences over the losses and injuries of security personnel during PTI protest, he said the Government and security forces leadership showed maximum restraint that averted bloodshed in the Federal Capital. He said the people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa were left alone at D Chowk Islamabad by the PTI. Despite using of KP Government machinery, he said that PTI could not bring out even 9000 workers against 9lac claims. He claimed that Afghan refugees were brought after PTI workers rejected the call. He said that even PTI lawmakers disassociated themselves from the protest. Engr Amir Muqam said that PTI founder children were enjoying perks and privileges at London while innocents youth were being used in agitation in winter. He said that PTI failed to deliver in KP despite third term in office and masses problems were increased manifolds. He accused the PTI for negative policies, saying Pakistan and PTI could not go together because PTI policies were mostly anti state and was against the country's interest. He said that people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa could not be deceived more through hallow slogans, adding the faces of CM KP and Bushra Bibi were fully exposed before masses and their protest call were rejected by people. He said that stock exchange were fallen to 4000 points due to PTI protest and it was earlier increased upto 5000 points. He said that PTI leadership were seemed unnerved after seeing significant improvement in economy and economic indicators. He said that like PTI 126 days sitting, the recent agitation call was badly failed. He hinted to register FIR against the accused involved in the killing of security personnel in D Chowk protest. He said PTI Government has failed to restore law and order in Kurram. He said that APC on Kurram situation would be held on December 5 and hoped that all political parties would participate. He said that PMLN was the only party that could address people problems of Khyber Pakthunkhwa. He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his team were working day and night to address the people problems. He urged officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not to accept the illegal demands of PTI rulers. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was our province and will work together to make it developed and economically strong. APP/fam MIRPUR ( AJK) : Nov 28 (APP):, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news - 28th Nov, 2024) In Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) state, Kashmiri women of Hardu Aboora village in Tangmarg staged a strong protest against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, citing the long-standing issue of drinking water unavailability, says a report reaching here on Thursday from across the line of control ( LoC). The protest took place outside the office of the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), where the protestant Kashmiri women demanded immediate action to resolve their plight. Speaking to the media, the protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of pure hygienic drinking water in their village for an extended period. "We have been facing severe water scarcity, and no official from the PHE Department has visited our village to address the issue," said one of the protesters, according to the report. The residents of the area are demanding swift action, emphasizing the hardships they face daily due to the non-availability of clean drinking water, the report added. (@ChaudhryMAli88) At 250 metres underground, the dust is thick and oxygen is in short supply at the Mramor mine in northeastern Bosnia Tuzla, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) At 250 metres underground, the dust is thick and oxygen is in short supply at the Mramor mine in northeastern Bosnia. The facility is the largest underground mine in the country and has long provided the fuel for the nearby Tuzla power station. But its future -- like that of mines across the country -- is now all but settled, as the Balkan nation prepares to decarbonise the country by 2050. Until then, mining continues to be done the old-fashioned way in Mramor -- with picks, shovels and dynamite, veteran digger and union representative Senad Sejdic, 52, told AFP. The work is backbreaking but Sejdic remains hopeful that the anticipated arrival of a modern excavator will make reaching the seam's premium coal an easier task. "It would allow us to increase the annual haul from 140,000 tonnes to nearly 400,000 and to work in better safety conditions," said Sejdic. Beyond the economic stakes, Sejdic has as emotional investment: his father was killed in a mining accident in the same area in 1990 that left 180 dead. Yet the bid to harvest more coal at this site goes against the prevailing current, as the world seeks cleaner energy sources to limit pollution and global climate change caused by carbon emissions. Coal remains the biggest polluter in Bosnia, where it fuels power plants and homes, with the country burning through approximately 13 million tonnes a year. "Approximately 3,300 people die prematurely each year in Bosnia due to exposure to air pollution," or nearly 10 percent of all deaths, according to a 2019 World Bank report. The capital Sarajevo -- where thousands of homes are heated by coal -- was ranked as the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday by the air-quality data platform operated by Swiss company IQAir. Beirut, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) Lebanon's parliament will meet on January 9 to elect a new president, seeking to end more than two years without a head of state, official media reported Thursday, a day after an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire began. "Speaker Nabih Berri called a parliament session to elect a president of the republic on January 9," the official National news Agency reported. Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, with neither of the two main blocs -- the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents -- having the majority required to elect one, and unable to reach a consensus. On Wednesday after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said: "I hope this will be a new page for Lebanon, I hope the coming days will lead to the election of a president. " Berri, who led ceasefire talks on behalf of ally Hezbollah, also called Wednesday for the country to "quickly elect a president". Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech earlier this month that after the war, Hezbollah would "bring an effective contribution to the election of a president". By convention, the presidency goes to a Maronite Christian, the premiership is reserved for a Sunni Muslim and the post of parliament speaker goes to a Shiite Muslim. lk-at-lg/dv (@FahadShabbir) Monrovia, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Nov, 2024) Former Liberian warlord Prince Johnson, a key player in the 1989-2003 back-to-back civil wars, died Thursday aged 72, officials from his party and the Senate told AFP. Johnson, who was seen sipping beer in a video as fighters loyal to him tortured then president Samuel Doe to death in 1990, was an influential senator. "Senator Johnson was the longest-serving senator," said Siaffa Jallah, deputy director of press at the Senate. "Yes, we lost him this morning. He passed away at Hope for Women (health centre)", Wilfred Bangura, a senior official in Prince Johnson's Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction party, told AFP. The death of Doe was an early bloody episode that would plunge Liberia into two civil wars which killed some 250,000 people and ravaged the economy. Prince Johnson, who hailed from the northern region of Nimba, later became a preacher in an evangelical church where he enjoyed wide popularity. He was also a leading opponent of the creation of a tribunal that would try civil war-related crimes. eksa-amt/sjd/cw/ach Botswana has been added as a second center, in addition to Belgium, to verify the origin of rough diamonds meant for export to the Group of Seven leading industrialized countries, the nations presidency announced Thursday. African producers had complained that making Belgium the sole verification center led to disruptions in the global diamond supply chain, as the G7 moved to stop the flow of gems mined in Russia. A statement by the office of the president said Botswana was granted permission to set up a verification center following intensive discussions with the G7 Diamond Technical Team. The announcement comes as President Duma Boko and Minister of Minerals Bogolo Kenewendo returned Thursday from a diamond conference in Brussels. Kenewendo told state television it is logical to grant Botswana, the worlds second-largest producer of diamonds, the right to certify rough stones. She said that Botswana has a track record in verification and certification, together with other countries under the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process is a trade regime that certifies rough diamond exports entering the global market, but it has been criticized for failing to do enough to keep out diamonds from conflict zones. Diamond-producing countries such as Angola and Namibia should be recognized verifiers because they have prepared through the Kimberley Process, Kenewendo said. To sanction Russian diamonds, the G7, at the start of the year, proposed that all stones destined for export to their member countries be routed through Antwerp, Belgium, to verify their origin. African producers, led by Botswana, protested, saying the move caused disruptions to the global supply chain due to delays and added costs. Belgian-based diamond industry researcher Hans Merket said the addition of Botswana as a verification center will allow more flexibility. Botswana appears to be something of a test case with the G7 Diamond Technical Team already explicitly referencing Namibia and Angola as potential future certification nodes, Merket said. By diversifying the certification points, this approach could establish a more balanced and inclusive framework for the G7 certification scheme aligning more closely with the global dynamics of the global supply chain, he said. Moreover, it can also help pave the way for stricter controls and higher ethical standards in the diamond sector, particularly as the Kimberley Process certification scheme faces increasing criticism for its declining credibility and leniency, Merket said. Jaff Bamenjo, coordinator of the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition, said more African diamond producers should be added as verification centers because the addition of only Botswana will not resolve supply chain disruptions. African diamond producing countries are suffering from a problem they did not create, Bamenjo said. Botswanas export certification center is expected to be operational early next year. Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday said its investigation into Nigerian authorities' crackdown on anti-government protests in August showed state officials killed at least 24 protesters and detained more than 1,200 others. Amnesty's findings come amid growing concerns of a shrinking civic space in Nigeria. A 34-page document report released by Amnesty International Thursday was based on eyewitness testimony and interviews with medical workers and families and friends of the victims. Amnesty said Nigerian police used excessive force on demonstrators who had gathered to protest the soaring cost of living. It said police killed at least 24 people, including two children. The casualties were recorded across Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger states. According to the report, police fired live rounds at close range targeting the victims' heads and torsos, while some other victims were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas. Isa Sanusi, Amnesty's Nigerian country director, believes the actual death toll could be much higher. "Even today as we're launching this report in Kano, many families were coming out to tell us that their children are missing and many are believed to have been killed or be in secret detention. Therefore, the whole issue is far broader than what we have talked about in that report. This just goes to show that Nigerian authorities are not ready to accept the fact that the people have the right to peaceful protest," he said. The August protests, which organizers called Ten Days of Rage, were in response to the soaring cost of living many believed was caused in part by President Bola Tinubus reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies. Nigerian police authorities have not responded to Amnesty's allegations, but have previously denied using live bullets to quell the demonstrations. A national police spokesman did not take VOA's calls for comment. Nigeria has a long history of police brutality despite repeated promises to be more accountable. During the protests in August, heads of security agencies held an emergency meeting and the chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, addressed journalists. "None of us here is happy to hear any Nigerian is injured for whatever reason. It's our duty the protect Nigerians. We're going to remain focused, committed, we're going to respect human rights, the rights of everyone who's lawfully performing his task or duty. But we will not relent in pursuing those that have continued to encourage unconstitutional takeover of government or subversion or those ones that are into vandalism or destruction of lives and property," he said. Amnesty's report comes amid growing concern by human rights groups that Nigerian authorities are trying to stifle political dissent. Sanusi said authorities are not serious about stopping the use of excessive force. "The lack of accountability, the denial of the killings by the police and other government officials are just signs of the fact that impunity is still reigning in Nigeria and that has to stop. It happened during End SARS protests. We have consulted them to ask for their comment and they didn't say anything. What we want them to do is to hold those responsible of those killings to account," he said. In October 2020, police brutality sparked massive protests against the Special Anti- Robbery Squad or SARS unit of the police. The protests ended in a deadly shooting at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah held on its first day as thousands of Lebanese returned to their homes in southern Lebanon. Russia is facing demographic challenges as it continues its invasion of Ukraine. Following the violent dispersal of a protest in Islamabad, several protesters are dead. As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, a look at Feed The Childrens work around the globe. Plus, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. British and American authorities are investigating after several drones were spotted in recent days flying over four U.S. military bases in England. Britain has deployed dozens of troops around the bases amid concerns the overflights could be acts of deception or sabotage by an adversary such as Russia. In a statement issued Wednesday, U.S. Air Forces in Europe said that small unmanned aerial systems continue to be spotted in the vicinity of and over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell and RAF Fairford since Nov. 20. It said the number of drones sighted has fluctuated and has ranged in size and configurations. To date, installation leaders have determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities or assets. The air force is taking all appropriate measures to safeguard the aforementioned installations and their residents, the statement said. RAF Lakenheath in the east of England is home to the U.S. Air Force 48th Fighter Wing, a cornerstone of its combat capability in Europe and home to several F-35 stealth fighter jets, among other aircraft. Four American B-52 strategic bombers are currently based at RAF Fairford in the west of the country. The Pentagon said this week it is actively monitoring the situation. The bottom line is it's something that we're going to take seriously. We're continuing to look into it. But as of right now, [it] has not had any significant mission impact, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters Tuesday, adding that small drones have become relatively common now across the landscape. Britain has deployed about 60 soldiers around the U.S. bases. British Defense Minister Maria Eagle said they are using multilayered force protection measures. We will be making sure that anybody that we manage to catch for engaging in this behavior is shown the full force of the law, Eagle told lawmakers Wednesday. The nature of the sightings suggests the drones are not being operated by hobbyists, said David Dunn, a professor of international politics at Britains University of Birmingham, who has written extensively on the dangers posed by drones. It's particularly alarming in this context that actually talked about there [being] several different sizes of drones. It does seem to be a coordinated and planned activity. The most obvious thing is that these are disruptive practices and that they actually force the airfield to operate in a different way, to suspend air operations, Dunn told VOA. The drones can also be used for other purposes. They can gather intelligence on how many planes are operating, where they're based, what the movements are. And, actually, they can also do that for individuals, Dunn said. Drones have been sighted above the U.S. base at RAF Feltwell, which primarily serves as living quarters for U.S. military personnel a particularly sinister development, according to Dunn. Because in an age where you have highly sophisticated fifth-generation aircraft that operate stealthily and invisibly in the electronic spectrum when they're flying and are highly protected on the airbase in hardened aircraft shelters the most vulnerable part of the overall system is actually the aircrew, Dunn told VOA. And so, if you can identify where they live by following them home onto their married quarters, you can identify where you can actually break the weakest part of that chain, he said. The Times of London newspaper reported that authorities have not ruled out Russia as the culprit. Dunn said theres evidence of Moscow seeking to step up hybrid attacks, meaning a nonmilitary form of warfare that can still be destructive. Whether that be the disruption of undersea cables or of incendiary parcels being sent to the city I live in, Birmingham there was an incendiary parcel found in Birmingham airport. Theres another [example] of a warehouse being burned down, which stored material going to Ukraine. These things are typically, it seems, done at third party, whereby the Russian state, it seems, has employed criminals in the U,K., Dunn said. The Russian Embassy in London had not responded to VOA requests for comment by the time of publication. Moscow has previously denied any involvement in hybrid attacks on the West. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term as president of the United States, questions arise about what this means for U.S.-Africa relations. In this interview with VOA English to Africas Paul Ndiho, Tibor Nagy, the former assistant secretary of state for African Affairs in the first Trump administration, shares insights into the administration's past approach. Nagy shares his perspective on U.S. competition with China and Russia, trade policies, including the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, commonly known as AGOA, which provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to U.S. markets and the ongoing crises in the Sahel and other regions on the continent. This interview, which aired on VOAs Africa 54 TV program on Wednesday, November 27, from VOA headquarters in Washington, D.C., has been edited for clarity and brevity. Paul Ndiho: As the former top diplomat for African affairs, what should we expect when it comes to President-elect Donald Trumps second term for Africa? Tibor Nagy: Im very optimistic. I dont think people should worry about the slogan America First because that doesnt mean America only. There are many areas where interests between the U.S. and Africa intersect. China, we very much see as a long-term existential threat, and so I think well be a little bit more honest in saying that part of our Africa relations is about China. Then theres the very important issue of critical minerals. Why should China monopolize all the critical minerals in Africa when it would do much better if Western, i.e., American companies were also involved? So, I think Africans should be optimistic I think theyll have a lot more deals and a lot fewer lectures. VOA: Many argue that China and Russia have an edge over the U.S. in Africa. What can the incoming Trump administration do better to compete with those two countries? Nagy: I think you would agree that what Africans want more than anything else, especially young Africans, and everyone knows that there are millions and millions and millions of young Africans, are jobs. Frankly, yes, China has done an awful lot of infrastructure projects, but how many jobs did the African young people get out of that? I think the truth is that American and Western types of investments, do lead to the kind of jobs that young Africans are looking for. And I think that will be a successful foreign policy. And I think that that will be the true kind of win-win for both sides. VOA: President-elect Trump is proposing a 10% tariff on all goods coming into the United States, obviously with AGOA, Africans are supposed to bring goods to the United States free of tariffs. What should we expect? Nagy: What we should expect is to see what happens, aside from during campaigns, a lot of things are said, and then what the actual policy is might be a little bit different. I mean, AGOA is a law passed by Congress and Im sure that the United States of America will comply with that law. And as you also well know that law will be going out soon and everybodys kind of looking forward and wondering what kind of a new AGOA there will be. VOA: How about the issue of the Sahel? There is a crisis in the Sahel. There are wars in Sudan, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. How can the incoming Trump administration do better on this front? Nagy: The three Cs crises, conflicts, and coups have been really horrible. Again, here, U.S. engagement needs to be different. Lecturing, for example, the military government in Niger, I think had a lot to do with us being kicked out of some very valuable air bases that where we had agreements with and the whole issue of coups, I think its important for the United States to look at coups individually. When a coup happens and we say its a coup, then we have to cut certain ties and engagements. What we do is we call some coups, coups, and other coups, not coups, as it happened, for example, in Gabon, we didnt call it a coup. We just need to be a little bit more honest and say we really need to be much more flexible in how we engage with those governments because often the military government really needs engagement more to kind of help them see the way forward, especially those that are very popular with the people when they happen. VOA: What would you do differently if you got your old job back? Nagy: Im not looking to get my old job back because being Assistant Secretary once is enough. I would look differently to be a little bit less hypocritical, to drop the megaphone, to engage with African governments where they are, not where we want them to be, and to see the world as it is and especially put so much more energy into Sudan, Ethiopia, Sahel, those kinds of conflicts. This Q&A originated in VOAs English to Africa Service. "Life is tough back home. We found a boat, we got in and escaped," a Haitian migrant who arrived in the southern city of Les Cayes, Haiti, told VOA. The Jamaican Coast Guard returned to Haiti a group of 40 migrants who they say attempted to enter the island illegally. Migrants say gang violence has made living in Haiti unbearable, forcing them to seek security elsewhere. See the full story here. A cease-fire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that began Wednesday appeared to be holding, as residents in cars heaped with belongings streamed back toward southern Lebanon. If it holds, the cease-fire will bring an end to nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated in mid-September into all-out war. We talk to Avi Melamed a former Israeli intelligence official. Once the country with the worst record for securing justice in journalist killings, the Philippines is improving, say some experts. But more work is needed to protect reporters. When he assumed the presidency in 2022, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to "support and protect the rights of the media." In October 2022, he said, "The nation counts on media in improving access to information and increasing awareness on issues that affect our country and the world." In the past year, media analysts have seen some improvement. The suspected mastermind in a journalist killing from more than a decade ago was arrested; a court reversed an order forcing the media website Rappler to close; and earlier this month, Marcos appointed former journalist Joe Torres Jr. as head of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security. But outside the capital, community and radio journalists are at risk of threat or attack, experts say. Beh Lih Yi, head coordinator of the Asia program at the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, said the media group was encouraged by some "positive developments" but believes the Marcos government could do more. "Although the president has repeatedly vowed support for a free press, he has not backed up this change in tone with concrete action and reforms to create a more liberal and safe media climate," she told VOA via email. "Journalists in the Philippines still routinely face harassment, legal threats, arbitrary detention and even murder in retaliation for their work," she said. The Philippines Presidential Office has not responded to VOAs email requesting comment. Carlos Conde, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch and a former journalist, sees some signs of optimism under Marcos. One of the biggest changes from conditions under his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, is that the Marcos administration is "not confrontational at all in its public pronouncements about media and journalists," Conde told VOA. "That's kind of a major relief, and that's where the optimism comes from. And so, in that sense, it has improved," he said. Under Dutertes presidency from 2016 to 2022, he vilified journalists who were critical of his policies. Media were labeled fake news, and watchdogs documented dozens of incidents of attacks and threats against the press. At least 18 journalists were killed during his six-year presidency, according to CPJ data. Another issue for the countrys journalists is so-called "red-tagging," in which media and activists are accused without evidence by political figures, state security and others of being terrorists or communists. Those targeted are often people critical of government or political party policies. And being red tagged makes them a more prominent target for threats, harassment and violence, experts say. A report by Amnesty in October found the practice still happening under the new administration. Amnesty said the tactic has been used to target human rights activists, students and student journalists. Marcos has denied the government is involved in red tagging and said the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict an agency alleged to be involved in the red-tagging operations will not be closed. But Conde hopes red tagging will stop under Torres. He will head the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, a government agency set up to protect media workers and promote press freedom. When he was a journalist, Torres wrote for outlets including The Manila Times and spoke with Conde on a YouTube podcast earlier this month about red tagging. "[Torres] made a promise that the office will no longer be red-tagging journalists or accusing them of having communist links and things like that. So, that is definitely something," Conde told VOA. Some progress too has been made in the cases of journalists killed for their work. In September, former Palawan Governor Joel T. Reyes surrendered to authorities over the killing of environmental journalist Gerry Ortega, who was shot and killed in 2011. At the time, he was investigating apparent corruption involving Reyes, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. Reyes is the suspected mastermind. The trial, scheduled to start in November, has been welcomed by media groups. "The Philippines persistently fares poorly in CPJ's Global Impunity Index, an annual ranking which lists countries where killers of journalists go free," CPJs Beh said via email. The Philippines ranks ninth in the impunity index. With Ortega, said Beh, "his family is still waiting for full justice more than 13 years later." While some improvements are seen in the capital, Jonathan de Santos, chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said that for radio and community journalists, the risks are high. "There is a perception that the press freedom situation has improved, and maybe it has in Metro Manila, but journalists in the regions, especially those from community and alternative media, are still under threat," he told VOA. "Apart from the safety and security aspects, radio journalists have also historically not been paid well, which is an added risk for them. Radio is also where a lot of hard-hitting commentary is done, which puts radio journalists at risk of retaliation," he added. In October, radio journalist Maria Vilma Rodriguez was shot and killed near her home in Zamboanga City on Mindanao island. Police say the suspect was a relative of Rodriguez who had a land dispute with the 56-year-old. The Philippines ranks 134 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index, where 1 shows the best media environment. Israel and Hezbollah accused each other Thursday of violating a day-old ceasefire agreement intended to bring an end to more than one year of fighting. The Israeli military said its air force struck a facility Thursday used by the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hezbollah to store midrange rockets in southern Lebanon. Israel also said it opened fire Thursday toward what it characterized as suspects with vehicles arriving at several areas in the southern zone, calling it a violation of the truce. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah, meanwhile, accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire. The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages, Fadlallah told reporters. There are violations today by Israel, even in this form. The Lebanese army also accused Israel of violating the deal. The Israeli enemy violated the deal several times, the army said, citing airstrikes and attacks on Lebanese territory with various weapons. The ceasefire took effect early Wednesday. Accusations from both sides underscore the deals fragility. Under the terms of the deal, unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River must be dismantled, but the agreement does not mention military facilities to the rivers north. The ceasefire stipulates that Israel can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon but that neither side can launch offensive operations. The truce, which was brokered by the United States and France, is supposed to last 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. Is a Gaza truce next? In announcing the ceasefire agreement Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would now renew his push for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Despite Bidens calls, there is no sign that Israel is interested in a quick ceasefire in Gaza. Gaza will never be a threat to the state of Israel again, Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter told reporters this week. We will reach a decisive victory there. Lebanon is different. Are we at the beginning of the end [of the Gaza campaign]? Definitely not. We still have a lot to do, said Dichter, who is a member of the inner security Cabinet and a former head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency. War broke out between Israel and Hamas after the U.S.-designated terrorist group killed some 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages in Israel on October 7, 2023. Israels response has killed upwards of 44,200 people and displaced nearly all the enclave's population at least once, Gaza officials say, with huge parts of the territory destroyed. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas have produced little progress, each side blaming the other for the stagnation. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri on Wednesday accused Israel of being inflexible, saying his group wanted a deal. We hope that this agreement [with Hezbollah] will pave the way to reaching an agreement that ends the war of genocide against our people in Gaza, he told Reuters. Mediator nation Qatar suspended its efforts to reach an agreement until both sides are ready to make concessions. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that conditions for obtaining a possible deal to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza have improved. I think the conditions have very much changed for the better, Netanyahu told local Channel 14 when asked about a possible hostage deal. He did not provide details. Israel strikes Gaza targets Israeli military strikes killed at least 26 Palestinians across the besieged Gaza Strip Thursday, according to medical officials. The deaths came as forces increased their bombardment of central parts of Gaza and tanks pushed deeper into the enclaves north and south. Six people were killed in separate airstrikes on a house and near the hospital of Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahiya in the north of Gaza. Four others were killed when an Israeli strike hit a motorcycle in Khan Younis in Gazas south. Later Thursday, an Israeli airstrike near a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis killed at least five people and injured others, according to medics. In the refugee camp Nuseirat, Israeli planes carried out multiple airstrikes that killed at least 11 people, according to health officials at a hospital in the camp. The attacks destroyed a multistory building and hit roads outside mosques. Dozens of families were trapped in their homes after tanks advanced from the northern area of the camp, and some ambulances were unable to reach them because of tank fire, the health officials said in a statement. The Israeli military told Reuters that its forces were continuing to strike terror targets as part of the operational activity in the Gaza Strip. Israeli tanks also pushed deeper into the northwest area of Rafah, near the border with Egypt, according to residents. Israel has not commented on the latest fighting. The Lebanon truce has made the sense of suffering feel all the more severe for some inside Gaza. I hope a ceasefire will happen like it did in Lebanon. ... I just want to take my children to see my land, my house, to see what they did to us. I want to live in safety, Amal Abu Hmeid, a displaced woman in Gaza, told Reuters. "God willing, we will have a truce." she said. Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Since 2004, former New York Times editor and now artist Sheryl Oring has been giving Americans a chance to speak their truth to the world. Dressed in 1950s secretary attire, she invites the public to speak their mind and records it on her vintage typewriter as part of a project called, I Wish To Say. Elena Wolf has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vladimir Badikov Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that Mexico would retaliate if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump followed through with his proposed 25% across-the-board tariff, a move her government warned could kill 400,000 U.S. jobs and drive up prices for U.S. consumers. "If there are U.S. tariffs, Mexico would also raise tariffs," Sheinbaum said during a news conference, in her clearest statement yet that the country was preparing possible retaliatory trade measures against its top trade partner. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, speaking alongside Sheinbaum, called for more regional cooperation and integration instead of a war of retaliatory import taxes. "It's a shot in the foot," Ebrard said of Trump's proposed tariffs, which appear to violate the USMCA trade deal between Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Ebrard warned the tariffs would lead to massive U.S. job losses, lower growth, and hit U.S. companies producing in Mexico by effectively doubling the taxes they paid. "The impact on companies is huge," he said. The proposed tariffs would hit the automotive sector's top cross-border exporters especially hard, Ebrard added, namely Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Mexico's automotive industry is the country's most important manufacturing sector, exporting predominantly to the United States. It represents nearly 25% of all North American vehicle production. Analysts at Barclays said they estimate the proposed tariffs "could wipe out effectively all profits" from the Detroit Three automakers. Gas prices Canada is also looking at a coordinated response with the federal government and the premiers of the 10 provinces agreeing to work in a united way against a threat by Trump, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Wednesday. One area affected by the proposed tariffs is Canadas oil sector. Even as record oil output has made the U.S. the world's largest producer in recent years, more than a fifth of the oil processed by U.S. refiners is imported from Canada. In the landlocked U.S. Midwest, where refineries process 70% of the more than 4 million barrels per day of Canadian crude imports, consumers could see pump prices jump by 30 cents per gallon or more, or about 10%, based on current prices, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said. Migration and the border Sheinbaum and Trump spoke by phone later on Wednesday, the Mexican president said on social media platform X, adding the two discussed "strengthening collaboration on security issues" and that the conversation was "excellent." In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Sheinbaum "agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border." He described the conversation as "very productive." Sheinbaum's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Trump has previously said the tariffs would remain in effect until the flow of drugs -- particularly fentanyl -- and migrants into the U.S. was controlled. Sheinbaum added migrant caravans are no longer arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border "because they are attended to" in Mexico. A caravan of several thousand migrants had been heading through southern Mexico but numbers have dwindled in recent days. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has opened a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft, including of its software licensing and cloud computing businesses, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The probe was approved by FTC Chair Lina Khan ahead of her likely departure in January. The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, and the expectation he will appoint a fellow Republican with a softer approach toward business, leaves the outcome of the investigation up in the air. The FTC is examining allegations the software giant is potentially abusing its market power in productivity software by imposing punitive licensing terms to prevent customers from moving their data from its Azure cloud service to other competitive platforms, sources confirmed earlier this month. The FTC is also looking at practices related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence products, the source said on Wednesday. Microsoft declined to comment on Wednesday. Competition complains about practices Competitors have criticized Microsoft's practices they say keep customers locked into its cloud offering, Azure. The FTC fielded such complaints last year as it examined the cloud computing market. NetChoice, a lobbying group that represents online companies such as Amazon and Google, which compete with Microsoft in cloud computing, criticized Microsoft's licensing policies, and its integration of AI tools into its Office and Outlook. "Given that Microsoft is the world's largest software company, dominating in productivity and operating systems software, the scale and consequences of its licensing decisions are extraordinary," the group said. Google in September complained to the European Commission about Microsoft's practices, saying it made customers pay a 400% mark-up to keep running Windows Server on rival cloud computing operators, and gave them later and more limited security updates. The FTC has demanded a broad range of detailed information from Microsoft, Bloomberg reported earlier on Wednesday. The agency had already claimed jurisdiction over probes into Microsoft and OpenAI over competition in artificial intelligence and started looking into Microsoft's $650 million deal with AI startup Inflection AI. Other companies faced accusations Microsoft has been somewhat of an exception to U.S. antitrust regulators' recent campaign against allegedly anticompetitive practices at Big Tech companies. Facebook owner Meta Platforms, Apple and Amazon.com Inc. have all been accused by the U.S. of unlawfully maintaining monopolies. Alphabet's Google is facing two lawsuits, including one where a judge found it unlawfully thwarted competition among online search engines. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified at Google's trial, saying the search giant was using exclusive deals with publishers to lock up content used to train artificial intelligence. It is unclear whether Trump will ease up on Big Tech, whose first administration launched several Big Tech probes. JD Vance, the incoming vice president, has expressed concern about the power the companies wield over public discourse. Still, Microsoft has benefited from Trump policies in the past. In 2019, the Pentagon awarded it a $10 billion cloud computing contract that Amazon had widely been expected to win. Amazon later alleged that Trump exerted improper pressure on military officials to steer the contract away from its Amazon Web Services unit. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent congratulations to a UN meeting held on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Noting that the question of Palestine is at the heart of the Middle East issue and concerns international fairness and justice, Xi said the pressing task is to comprehensively and effectively implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to end the war as soon as possible and ease the regional situation. The fundamental way out is to implement the two-State solution and promote the political settlement of the question of Palestine, establish an independent Palestinian state enjoying full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensure the right of the Palestinian people to statehood, their right to existence and their right of return, Xi said. Xi stressed that China has always been a staunch supporter of the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, and has always supported all Palestinian factions in strengthening unity and implementing the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity to realize internal reconciliation. China firmly supports Palestine in becoming a full UN member and supports the convening of a more broad-based, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference, Xi added. Xi said that China will continue to work with the international community to end the war and stop the killing, support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza people, and bring the question of Palestine back to the right track of the two-State solution to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement at an early date. The termination of Russian gas supplies to Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniestria after January 1, 2025, is a "very realistic" scenario, Energy Minister Victor Parlicov said on Wednesday after talks with Russia's Gazprom. Parliov spoke with the head of Gazprom on Monday to discuss alternate routes to supply Transdniestria if transit through Ukraine stops. The current gas-transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia ends on December 31 and Ukraine has said it will not extend it. The unrecognized, Russian-backed Transdniestria region depends heavily on Russian natural gas supplied via Ukraine. Parliov told a press conference in Chisinau that Gazprom was ready to supply gas to Transdniestria via the current route, but that it was up to Moldova and Ukraine to agree on transit. "From discussions with my Ukrainian colleagues, I understand that if there is a decision to continue transit, it may be taken at the last moment," Parlicov said. Moldova receives about 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year from Russia through Ukraine and since 2022, Transdniestria and Chisinau have agreed that all Russian gas received by Moldova will go to the breakaway region. Transdniestria has a large power plant fueled by Russian gas and Chisinau, in turn, buys electricity from the region at a relatively low fixed price. Parlicov, speaking later on Moldovan TV8 television, said he felt during his talks in St. Petersburg that Russia was less forthright in its commitment to supporting Transdniestria, which it has backed since the collapse of Soviet rule in the 1990s. "This is already not a taboo subject like it was before," he said. As an example, he said, Transdniestria's steel mill, a key exporter, had been left virtually unable to operate after a Russian attack on a power substation in southern Ukraine. He acknowledged that if gas supplies were cut to Transdniestria, the region would need financial help to survive and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. Possible alternative Moldova has said that if Ukraine ends the transit of Russian gas, an alternative for Transdniestria could be gas supplied by the TurkStream pipeline to Turkey and then through Bulgaria and Romania. However, Parlicov told the briefing that Gazprom in the talks had linked continued deliveries via alternate routes to its demands that Moldova pay a debt on past supplies, which according to Russian calculations stands at $709 million. Moldova has said its debt is $8.6 million. "We believe that it's incorrect to link the debt problems with supplies (to Transdniestria)," Parliov said. He said that supplies via both Ukraine and alternative routes could stop on January 1 and then Chisinau would need international support to pay for gas from other sources. Gazprom has not commented on the meeting with Moldova's minister. Namibia extended voting for a second time Thursday with the opposition crying foul after logistical failures prevented many people from casting their ballots in the closely fought election. With the ruling party facing its strongest challenge yet, opposition parties called for a halt to the vote counting and said they had lost confidence in the process. The polls are a key test for the liberation-era South West Africa People's Organization party that has governed the mineral-rich country since independence 34 years ago. But SWAPO is being challenged by a younger generation of voters frustrated by high unemployment and enduring inequalities. About 1.5 million people in the sparsely populated desert nation were registered to vote in Wednesday's presidential and legislative elections. Many were still in line when polls were scheduled to close at 9 p.m. Wednesday, some saying they were in line for 12 hours. The Electoral Commission of Namibia kept some polling stations open overnight into Thursday and allowed others to begin ballot counting. The disarray led to angry complaints from opposition parties, which suggested there may have been an attempt to limit voting amid a strong showing for the parties challenging SWAPO's grip on power. The Electoral Commission said it had decided to keep 36 polling stations open on Friday and Saturday in response to the criticism and to accommodate anyone who had not been able to cast their ballot. It acknowledged a range of problems that held up voting, including a shortage of ballot papers because of higher-than-expected turnout and the overheating of tablets used to verify voters. In some cases, mobile voting teams left areas with voters still in the queues, it said. The main opposition party, Independent Patriots for Change, led the calls for a halt in the process. "We have a reason to believe that the [Electoral Commission] is deliberately suppressing voters and deliberately trying to frustrate voters from casting their vote," said IPC official Christine Aochamus. The smaller Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party said it wanted the vote to annulled. "This election process was not free," said representative Saddam Amushelelo. "We are not going to accept the election results." The IPC's leader, former dentist and lawyer Panduleni Itula, is perhaps the strongest challenger to SWAPO's candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who could become the first woman to lead the country. Analysts have said Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, would be forced into a second round if she does not win more than half of the votes. The long queues were "a signal that people really want a change," said Ndumba Kamwanyah, lecturer in the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Namibia. "For me, it seems it's not good news for the incumbent party," he told AFP. Some voters had given up after standing in line for hours in the sun and before voting was first extended on Wednesday night, said Maria Nambahu, who waited five hours to cast her ballot. "It should have been better organized," the 25-year-old said. "That makes it unfair." Edison Bernardo, a 25-year-old financial assistant, said there should be a rerun. "People did not vote; many left the line," he told AFP. "If this is the actual election, there will definitely be riots." Namibia is a major uranium and diamond exporter, but not many of its nearly 3 million people have benefited from that wealth in terms of improved infrastructure and job opportunities, analysts say. Around 42% of Namibia's registered voters are younger than 35, the election authority says. A U.S. plan to deploy sophisticated missiles on a Japanese island chain close to Taiwan is prompting angry responses from both China and its close ally Russia. The United States is drawing up a joint military plan with Japan to deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other weapons to Japans Nansei Islands, according to a Sunday report by Kyodo News, which cited unnamed sources. The plan is expected to be completed by December. The island chain stretches from Japans main islands to within 200 kilometers of Taiwan and includes Okinawa,which has a major U.S. military presence. The U.S. could use the missiles to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion of the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as a renegade province. The plan, the first joint operation by the U.S. and Japan to prepare for a war between Taiwan and China, will involve sending a U.S. Marine Corps regiment that possesses HIMARS and setting up temporary bases on the Nansei Islands to station them, said Kyodo. The Japan Self-Defense Forces would be expected to provide logistic support, including fuel and ammunition. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the reported plan at a press conference on Monday, saying, China opposes relevant countries using the Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen military deployment in the region, heighten tensions and confrontation, and disturb regional peace and stability. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded with a stronger statement, warning that her country would respond to the deployment with necessary and proportionate steps to strengthen its defense capabilities, according to the Russian news agency Tass on Wednesday. We have repeatedly warned the Japanese side that if, as a result of such cooperation, U.S. medium-range missiles emerge on its territory, this will pose a real threat to the security of our country, Zakharova said. Tass also quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov urging Washington to reconsider the deployment of missiles to the Asia-Pacific. He warned that Moscow will not rule out stationing shorter- and intermediate-range missiles in Asia in response to the U.S. deployment. Earlier in November, Russian President Vladimir Putin said China is Russias ally and Taiwan is part of China, and that China conducting wargames near the island is a completely reasonable policy while Taipei is escalating tensions. While Russia and China have no formal military treaty, Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have spoken of having a no limits partnership, and the United States accuses China of supporting Russias war efforts against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken said at a press conference held at the G7 meeting in Italy on Tuesday that Chinas support for Russias defense industry is allowing Russia to continue the aggression against Ukraine. US-Japan missile plan Despite Moscows alarming rhetoric, analysts say the deployment of HIMARS to the region is primarily aimed at protecting Taiwan from Chinese warships. The most important purpose of HIMARS would be an anti-ship capability and to protect the island and base itself, said Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said last week at a forum held by the Brookings Institution that China this past summer conducted its largest rehearsal to date for an invasion of Taiwan involving 152 vessels. He cautioned that the U.S. must be ready. The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy possesses the worlds largest naval force with over 370 ships and submarines while the U.S. has about 290 vessels. Eye on Chinese invasion Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the RAND Corp., said HIMARS on the Nansei islands could help sink amphibious landing ships as well as destroyers and other PLA Navy ships that might approach the island from the north and also target concentrations of PLA troops on beaches near Taipei. Heath continued, The fielding of these weapons systems shows that the U.S. and its allies are learning lessons from the Ukraine theater, where HIMARS have been effectively deployed against Russia. The U.S. is also planning to deploy the Multi-Domain Task Forces (MDTS) long-range firing units to the Philippines, said Kyodo news on Sunday. The MDTS uses HIMARS as long-range firing units. The deployment of HIMARS to Nansei islands and long-range firing units to the Philippines will impose greater costs on China, said Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an associate professor at Tokyo International University Institute for International Strategy and a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Councils Indo-Pacific Security Initiative. Both locations are vital to deter Chinas aggressive moves in not only the Taiwan Strait and East China Seas, but also Beijings ambitions in the Pacific. Still, one can expect China to do more to outdo such measures by enhancing their military readiness and conducting more assertive activities in the coming years, he said. Taiwan and the Philippines, as well as Japan and Indonesia, make up what China calls the first island chain potentially blocking its military access to the Pacific. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin concluded a nine-day trip to the Indo-Pacific on Monday after a series of meetings with the defense heads of countries in the region, including Japan, the Philippines, Australia and South Korea. At the meetings, Japan agreed to increase its participation in annual trilateral amphibious training with the U.S. and Australia. The Philippines agreed to share military intelligence by signing a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the U.S. Pakistani police on Thursday arrested and charged a prominent journalist investigating claims of casualties during a government crackdown on opposition protesters in the capital, Islamabad, earlier this week, drawing strong condemnation from media freedom advocates. Relatives and colleagues said Matiullah Jan was picked up outside a hospital in the capital just before midnight along with colleague Saqib Bashir while they were collecting data about the dead bodies. Bashir told reporters Thursday that he was freed and dropped off on a street three hours later. Jan, who hosts a political talk show on television and runs his own YouTube channel with nearly 400,000 subscribers, is a known critic of Pakistans military for its alleged meddling in governance matters. Asif Ali, the police officer complainant in the case, told VOA that the journalist detainee was charged with terrorism, assaulting law enforcement personnel and possessing narcotics. While in police custody Thursday, Jan vehemently denied the charges against him. This is all fake, funny and fabricated. I dont even smoke a cigarette, he said, adding that his efforts to collect details about the protesters deaths led to his arrest. We are not afraid and will continue to pursue our work, he said. Bashir told VOA that they were in the process of collecting data on the casualties when men wearing black uniforms blindfolded and forcibly pushed them into a vehicle in the parking area of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. Media advocacy groups and human rights activists denounced the police action and expressed grave alarm over the incident. The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan demanded Jan's immediate and unconditional release. This authoritarian tactic to silence journalists must cease, the commission said. The Committee to Protect Journalists noted that Jans arrest followed his coverage of a protest march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf political party. We call for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident and accountability for all perpetrators, the CPJ said on X. Complete impunity persists for Jan's previous abduction in 2020, the global watchdog wrote, referring to a brief abduction of the journalist four years ago, reportedly by Pakistani intelligence operatives. Pakistans intelligence agencies never responded to the allegation. Hours before he was arrested Wednesday, Jan said on his television program that security forces had used firearms to disperse opposition protesters, causing several fatalities and bullet injuries to dozens more. He cited data from hospital sources and accused the government of hiding the truth by pressuring hospital staff not to reveal any details to the media. Jan also questioned government claims that several law enforcement personnel had died after being run over by a vehicle in the protesters' convoy on Monday when thousands of supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan stormed Islamabad to stage a sit-in demonstration to demand his release. The journalist aired an interview on his YouTube channel with a witness, who was also a relative of one of the deceased men. The witness said the vehicle belonged to paramilitary forces who were retreating from the protest site after running out of tear gas shells when they crashed into a crowd of security personnel and demonstrators. Social media video supported the account. On Tuesday night, authorities cut off power before unleashing a sweeping crackdown on several PTI supporters, with multiple foreign media outlets, journalists and residents in nearby neighborhoods reporting heavy tear gas shelling and intense gunfire by paramilitary forces directed at the rally. The government announced early Wednesday that the security action had dispersed protesters and reopened roads linking Islamabad with the rest of the country after a four-day lockdown. The PTI has said that as many as 40 people died, accusing security forces of opening fire directly at the rally. However, the opposition party has provided information about only eight victims so far, indicating that they are still gathering details about others. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar and capital police officials maintained that security forces employed tear gas and rubber bullets in response to the protests, dismissing allegations that live ammunition was used. Furthermore, they denied claims that the crackdown resulted in civilian casualties. Jailed pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai dismissed as impossible the idea that the Chinese government could be overthrown, during testimony in his much-condemned Hong Kong national security trial on Thursday, as foreign governments continue to call for his immediate release. To think about overthrowing the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], I think its out of the dimension of any discussion. Its impossible, Lai said. Do you think sanctions [and] blockade would overthrow the CCP? Its more than ridiculous, Lai told the court. The 77-year-old British national made the statements during what was his sixth day of testimony in a high-profile national security trial that rights groups and foreign governments have rejected as politically motivated. Lai stands accused of collusion with foreign forces and sedition under a Beijing-imposed national security law. He rejects the charges, but if convicted, faces life in prison. The founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper has been held in solitary confinement since late 2020. Lais national security trial which is taking place before three government-appointed judges, rather than a jury began nearly one year ago but was initially estimated to last about 80 days. During his testimony, Lai has maintained that he never lobbied for international sanctions on Hong Kong. But he said international support would be the salvation of Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement and could protect the city from the encroachment of China on our freedom. Describing his thinking at the time, Lai told the court that the 2019 pro-democracy movement could have garnered the international communitys support by conducting demonstrations peacefully and rationally. If we conduct our demonstration on a moral high ground and people sympathize with us, I think this is the greatest lobbying we can have, Lai said in his testimony. A chorus of rights groups and foreign governments, including the United States, have repeatedly called for Lais immediate release. On Thursday, the European Parliament passed an urgent resolution calling for the publishers release. The measure, which passed by an overwhelming majority, marks the first time that the newly reconstituted European Parliament has considered Lais case and the situation in Hong Kong. EU Commissioner Helena Dalli said Lais trial is emblematic of the erosion of democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. Lais international legal team welcomed the resolution. Caoilfhionn Gallagher, the head of the international legal team, said in a statement that Hong Kongs treatment of Lai flies in the face of European values. He shouldnt spend a second more in prison, Gallagher told VOA last week. This is a trial which should never have happened in the first place, under a law which should not exist. The European resolution also called for the release of Chung Pui-kuen, one of two editors-in-chief at the new-defunct Stand News sentenced for sedition in a case widely viewed as politically motivated. In a more than 800-word statement sent to VOA after publication, a Hong Kong government spokesperson said it was inappropriate to comment on Lais case because legal proceedings are ongoing. The spokesperson also said Hong Kong rejected any fact-twisting remarks and baseless smears against the legal system and emphasized that Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Hong Kong authorities have previously denied that Lais trial is unfair. Lai began his testimony on November 20, just one day after 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were sentenced to as much as 10 years in prison under a national security law. In testimony last week, Lai said he had advocated for peaceful resistance against rising Chinese repression in Hong Kong through his commentaries published in Apple Daily. He noted that he tried to reduce violence during the citys pro-democracy protests in 2019. Lai also was questioned about the establishment of Apple Dailys English online edition in May 2020, shortly before the national security law came into effect. Lai said a sense of crisis drove him to believe that the new edition would help Hong Kong by encouraging foreign lawmakers to take notice of our situation and voice out their concerns to Beijing. Apple Daily closed in 2021 after authorities jailed its staff, raided its office, and froze its assets worth millions of dollars. Earlier this week, Lai rebutted the testimony of prosecution witness Cheung Kim-hung, the former CEO of Apple Dailys parent company Next Digital. Lai said he never discussed sanctions with Cheung and accused Cheung of falsifying testimony. Also this week, Lai testified that he did not give editorial directions during lunch box meetings. Earlier in November, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Lai is unlawfully and arbitrarily detained in Hong Kong and has called for his immediate release. A one-time billionaire, Lai could have fled Hong Kong, but he instead chose to stay and stand up for freedom in Hong Kong, according to his son Sebastien. His actions speak louder than words. And he has done all these brave and incredible things in defense of freedom for the people of Hong Kong, and theyre criminalizing him for it, Sebastien Lai told VOA last week. Jimmy Lais international legal team has expressed concern about the conditions in which the publisher is being held, including prolonged solitary confinement and no access to specialized medical care for diabetes. Even as Jimmy Lais physical health has declined, his spirit is holding strong. His mind is holding strong, Sebastien Lai told VOA last week. Jimmy Lais international legal team expects the trial to continue into 2025. Police clashed with protesters in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, early Friday after the country's ruling party said the government would suspend talks on European Union accession and refuse budgetary grants until 2028. The country's interior ministry said three police officers were injured. Police ordered protesters to disperse, fired water cannons, and deployed pepper spray and tear gas as masked young people tried to smash their way into the parliament building. Some protesters tossed fireworks at police while shouting "Russians!" and "Slaves!" Georgia's relations with the EU have deteriorated sharply in recent months as Brussels has alleged that the government had resorted to authoritarian measures and adopted pro-Russian stands. Thousands of pro-EU protesters blocked streets in the capital before the altercations began. The country's figurehead president accused the government of declaring war on its own people and confronted riot police, asking whether they served Georgia or Russia. The Georgian Dream governing bloc accused the EU of "a cascade of insults," saying in a statement it was using the prospect of accession talks to blackmail the country, and to "organize a revolution in the country." As a result, it said: "We have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. Also, we refuse any budgetary grant from the European Union until the end of 2028." The South Caucasus country of 3.7 million has the aim of EU accession written into its constitution and has long been among the most pro-Western of the Soviet Union's successor states. With months of downturn in relations between Tbilisi and Brussels, the EU had said that Georgia's application for membership was frozen. Georgian Dream says it is not pro-Russian, and that it is committed to democracy and integration with the West. It says it still wants to join the EU but has repeatedly engaged in diplomatic feuds with Brussels in recent years, while deepening ties with neighboring Russia. There was no immediate formal comment from the EU on Georgian Dream's statement. But an EU official said the impact of Thursday's move was huge, adding the government was doing what the EU had feared and had hoped it would not. Opinion polls show that around 80% of Georgians support EU membership, and the bloc's flag flies alongside the national flag outside virtually all government buildings in the country. The pro-Western opposition reacted to Georgian Dream's announcement with fury as protesters massed. Local media reported that protests erupted in provincial cities. Giorgi Vashadze, a prominent opposition leader, wrote on Facebook: "The self-proclaimed, illegitimate government has already legally signed the betrayal of Georgia and the Georgian people." President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU critic of Georgian Dream whose powers are mostly ceremonial, said the ruling party had "declared not peace, but war against its own people, its past and future." Zourabichvili's term ends in December, and Georgian Dream has nominated a former lawmaker with hard-line anti-Western views to replace her. The opposition says that an October election, in which official results gave the Georgian Dream bloc almost 54% of the vote, was fraudulent, and members have refused to take their seats. Western countries demand a probe into the alleged irregularities. Both Georgian Dream and the country's election commission say the election was free and fair. Earlier on Thursday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists that EU membership might harm Georgia's economy, as it would require Tbilisi to cancel visa-free agreements and trade deals with other countries. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in December 2023 but has said that a raft of laws passed since by Georgian Dream, including curbs on "foreign agents" and LGBTQ rights, are authoritarian and Russian-inspired and are obstacles to EU membership. Foreign and domestic critics of Georgian Dream say the party, which is seen as dominated by its billionaire founder, ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, is steering Georgia back toward Moscow, from which it gained independence in 1991. Russia and Georgia have had no formal diplomatic relations since Moscow won a brief 2008 war but have had a limited rapprochement recently. Opinion polls show most Georgians dislike Russia, which continues to back two breakaway Georgian regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking during a visit to Kazakhstan, praised the "courage and character" he said Georgian authorities had shown in passing the law on foreign agents, which domestic critics have likened to Russian legislation. Romanias top security agency said Wednesday it is investigating possible foreign interference in Sundays first round of the presidential election. The far-right candidate Calin Georgescu won easily with almost 23% of the vote, despite being well behind in the polls. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Georgescu has questioned Western support for Ukraine in its war against Russias invasion. Russia's acts of sabotage against Western targets may eventually prompt NATO to consider invoking the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense clause, the head of Germany's foreign intelligence service said on Wednesday. Speaking at an event of the DGAP think tank in Berlin on Wednesday, Bundesnachrichtendienst chief Bruno Kahl said he expected Moscow to further step up its hybrid warfare. "The extensive use of hybrid measures by Russia increases the risk that NATO will eventually consider invoking its Article 5 mutual defense clause," he noted. "At the same time, the increasing ramp up of the Russian military potential means a direct military confrontation with NATO becomes one possible option for the Kremlin." Under Article 5, if a NATO member comes under attack, the other members of the alliance are obliged to help it respond. NATO and Western intelligence services have warned that Russia is behind a growing number of hostile activities across the Euro-Atlantic area, ranging from repeated cyberattacks to Moscow-linked arson all of which Russia denies. Kahl said Russia's military would likely be capable of attacking NATO by the end of the decade, adding that Moscow's war on Ukraine meant that it had battle-proven troops under its command, raising the threat emanating from its conventional forces, while it also mastered modern drone warfare. According to the assessment of his experts, high-ranking officials in the Russian defense ministry doubt whether NATO's Article 5 including U.S. protective measures for Europe would actually be invoked in case of an emergency, the intel chief said. "We don't have any indication yet that Russia intends to go to war, but if such sentiments gain the upper hand in the government in Moscow, then the risk for a military confrontation will grow over the coming years." Should Russia attack one or several NATO allies, it would not do so to grab massive swaths of land, Kahl said, but rather to test red lines set by the West with the aim of defeating Western unity and NATO as a defensive alliance. "In Russia's view, this goal would be reached if Article 5 were to remain without effect in case of a Russian attack," he said. "To meet this target, you don't need to send tank armies westwards, it is enough to dispatch little green men to the Baltics to protect allegedly threatened Russian minorities or adjust borders on Svalbard." China said on Thursday a top-ranking military official had been suspended and was under investigation for "serious violations of discipline," and denied reports Defense Minister Dong Jun was being investigated for corruption. The suspended officer, Admiral Miao Hua, served on the ruling Central Military Commission, China's highest-level military command body, and was stationed in the coastal province of Fujian when President Xi Jinping worked there as a local official, according to his official biography. Miao, 69, who began his career in the army, has been the military's leading political officer given his role on the six-person commission, which is headed by Xi. A defense ministry spokesperson, Wu Qian, who briefed reporters at a monthly press conference in Beijing, provided no further details. China's military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge since last year, with at least nine People's Liberation Army generals and a handful of defense industry executives removed from the national legislative body. Wu said media reports that Dong had been sidelined by an investigation were "sheer fabrication" spread by rumor-mongers with evil motivations. The Financial Times reported this week that Dong was being investigated as part of the wide-ranging anti-corruption investigation, citing current and former U.S. officials. Two U.S. officials told Reuters they believed Dong was being investigated for corruption. Another urged caution about that conclusion. Dong had declined last week to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defense ministers in Laos, citing U.S. actions over Taiwan, a move the Pentagon chief said on Wednesday was unfortunate. Asked about the decision not to meet Austin, Wu cited Dong by name as saying the United States had been "seriously undermining regional peace and stability." Dong was appointed defense minister in December 2023, replacing Li Shangfu, who was removed after seven months. Li and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party in June for "serious violations of discipline," a euphemism for corruption. Many of those ousted earlier were from the Rocket Force - an elite arm of the PLA that oversees its most advanced conventional and nuclear missiles. Analysts said at the time that exposing deep-set graft could take time and potentially slow Xi's long-running military modernisation plans. Diplomats and analysts are watching closely for any signs the campaign could hamper ongoing military operations, commands and the PLA's diplomacy. China security scholar James Char said on Thursday that Miao was a Xi "acolyte." "Clearly, Xi Jinping's trust in yet another of his uniformed subordinates has been misplaced," said Char, of Singapore's S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "If Miao Hua is eventually found guilty, the CMC Chairman himself probably failed to size up the extent of corruption among China's military elites." The latest Pentagon report on China's military, issued in October 2023, said Miao "may have ties" to Xi from his time in Fujian. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will kick off on Saturday a week-long overseas trip to visit the islands three diplomatic allies in the Pacific region, marking his first diplomatic tour since taking office in May. The visit will include stops in the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, as well as stopovers in U.S. territories such as Hawaii and Guam. It comes as China continues to expand its influence in the Pacific region. Analysts say the trip can help consolidate Taiwans diplomatic ties with the three Pacific Island countries. The Pacific Islands region has been the site of intense geopolitical competition in recent years and we have seen three of Taiwans original diplomatic partners [in the region, including Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru,] switching recognition to China since 2019, said Mihai Sora, director of the Pacific Islands program at Lowy Institute in Australia. He said as China continues to use a range of coercive tactics and incentives to pressure Taiwans remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific to switch recognition to Beijing, Lais trip will play an important role in delivering Taiwans commitments to these three countries. As the number of countries recognizing Taiwan becomes fewer, each diplomatic partner becomes more important for Taiwan, Sora told VOA in a video interview. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr., who was re-elected earlier this month, said the Chinese government had tried to use tourism to incentivize him to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The Chinese ambassador to Cambodia once called me to say that China had more tourists than Taiwan so I should denounce Taiwan and go with China because that would get me millions of tourists and the Chinese would also build new hotels that Palau needs, Whipps Jr. told VOA during an interview in Palau last month. China views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory that must one day be reunited with mainland China. Beijing also opposes any form of official interaction between Taiwan and other countries. In response to Lais upcoming trip, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said if Lai attempts to use the trip to provoke China it will lead nowhere. We urge relevant countries to see clearly the trend of history at an early date, and make the right decision that truly serves their fundamental and long-term interests, Lin Jian said during a regular press conference on November 22. Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday that China may launch a new round of military drills near Taiwan as a response to Lais Pacific tour, citing unnamed Taiwanese and regional security officials. In response to the report, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung on Thursday urged China not to overreact to Lais trip to the Pacific. On the same day, Taiwans military held an early morning air defense drill to test its response and engagement procedures. Focus on maritime security and public health Lai will be accompanied by key cabinet members overseeing maritime affairs and public health during the trip. Experts say since maritime surveillance, maritime domain awareness, and public health are all critical issues for Pacific Island nations, the makeup of Lais delegation suggests Taiwan has identified these issues as areas where Taiwan can contribute. Maritime domain security is such an important topic for Palau and Marshall Islands, as Palaus president Surangel Whipps Jr. talked about incursions into Palaus territorial waters by Chinese research vessels on several occasions, and it seems that Taiwan thinks it can play a role [in that space,] said Henryk Szadziewski, an expert on Pacific affairs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In addition to maritime security and health, Szadziewski says climate financing and economic livelihoods are also areas in which Taiwan can support its Pacific allies. The Marshall Islands and Tuvalu are significantly under threat from the climate crisis and I think Taiwan can help with the climate financing that the region sorely needs, he told VOA by phone. Palau and Marshall Islands both receive significant economic support from the U.S. under the Compacts of Free Association, or COFA. Australia is also assisting Tuvalu in climate adaptation through the Falepili Union treaty, which would allow Tuvalu citizens to live in Australia under a special visa. Under COFA, the U.S. provides economic aid worth billions of dollars, while Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia give the U.S. exclusive military access to their land, water, and airspace, as well as the right to deny China access to their ports and territorial waters. Since Palau and the Marshall Islands are both part of the Second Island Chain, which plays a key role in connecting the U.S. forces in Hawaii and Guam, analysts say ensuring these countries have strong defense and security relationships with Washington and Taiwan is strategically important to the U.S. Sora in Australia said since these agreements make Washington and Canberra the main development partners for Taiwans three Pacific allies, it creates a permissive environment that allows Taiwan to contribute to larger development projects in those countries. Taiwan can provide targeted, effective, and useful assistance but its not relied upon as the main development partner. Its very important that the larger countries are also involved in those countries, he told VOA. However, other experts say Taiwan should still avoid purely counting on support from the U.S. and Australia to maintain ties with Pacific allies. The willingness for the U.S. and Australia to burden share in these Pacific countries certainly benefits Taiwan now, but Taiwan needs to develop a strategy if both governments opt to focus their attention elsewhere, Timothy Rich, a political scientist at Western Kentucky University, told VOA in a written response. Since China has redirected large amounts of aid to the Pacific since 2022, making it the second largest donor in the region, analysts say Beijing will keep looking for opportunities to influence Taiwans Pacific allies. China will be looking for opportunities to persuade these countries to adopt a relationship with Beijing in preference to one with Taiwan, and they will use a combination of carrots and sticks to achieve this goal, Tess Newton Cain, an adjunct associate professor at Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, told VOA in a video interview. To cope with Chinas ongoing attempt to drive a wedge between Taiwan and its Pacific allies, Sora said Taipei should consistently be present in terms of its activities on the ground and in terms of servicing the political relationship. Three American citizens jailed for years in China arrived in the United States late Wednesday as part of a prisoner swap between Washington and Beijing. The swap, which the White House announced earlier Wednesday, marked a rare diplomatic agreement between the United States and China as U.S. President Joe Bidens tenure comes to a close. Beijing announced Thursday that the United States has returned four people to China, including at least three Chinese citizens whom Beijing said were held for political purposes. The fourth was an individual sought by Beijing for crimes who had been living in the United States. The Chinese government did not identify the four people. The three Americans released in the swap Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung landed Wednesday night at a military base in San Antonio, Texas. Biden told reporters Thursday morning that he has spoken to all of them. Im really happy they are home, he said. All three Americans had been designated as wrongfully detained. Swidan was facing a death sentence on drug charges, and Li and Leung were jailed on espionage charges. In a separate but connected move, the State Department Wednesday lowered its travel warning to China to level two from level three, now advising American citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to China. Previously, the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travel to China, partially due to the risk of wrongful detention of Americans. The prisoner swap comes two months after China released David Lin, a Christian pastor from California who had spent nearly 20 years jailed in China after being convicted of contract fraud. And in August, the United States engaged in a separate historic prisoner swap. That one, between the United States and Russia, included the release of American journalists Alsu Kurmasheva and Evan Gershkovich, as well as ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and U.S. permanent resident and Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza. Some information in this report came from the Associated Press and Reuters. Tensions are high in Uganda after opposition leader Kizza Besigye, a long-time opponent of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, disappeared in neighboring Kenya to resurface later in a military court in Ugandas capital, Kampala, accused of weapons possession and other serious offenses and possibly facing the death penalty. Besigye was detained on November 16 in Nairobi and held incommunicado for four days, Reuters reported. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called the detention an abduction coordinated between Kenyan and Ugandan governments. "Such abductions of Ugandan opposition leaders and supporters must stop, as must the deeply concerning practice in Uganda of prosecuting civilians in military courts. The British rights watchdog Amnesty International used similar language, saying Besigye was illegally abducted and currently held at the Luzira Maximum Security Prison. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs said on X that the U.S. is closely following the abduction and transitional rendition of civilian political figures from Kenya to Uganda, calling for their full legal protection. Korir SingOei, Kenyas Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs principal secretary, also said Besigye was abducted, but claimed his government had no hand in the matter. He said the case is under investigation. Kenya is a safe haven for many people and has been for many years and will be for years to come," SingOei said. That is false. State-sanctioned abductions, refugees included; extrajudicial killings; torture and enforced disappearances have surged in Kenya, according to independent reports by international observers, the United Nations, local rights groups and investigative journalists. The Kenyan government reportedly detains political dissidents and opposition figures seeking refuge and hands them over to authoritarian governments despite the risks of persecution. On October 18, the Kenyan security agencies detained four Turkish asylum-seekers and repatriated them to Turkey. Sing'Oei confirmed on October 21 the "four had been residing in Kenya as refugees," but that the Kenyan government acceded to "the request of the government of Turkiye" because of "robust historical and strategic relations" with that country. Kenya has a history of abductions of Turkish nationals in its territory. In May 2021, the Kenyan security forces and Turkish spies kidnapped Selahaddin Gulen and deported him to Turkey, despite a court order banning the extradition. Those actions by the Kenyan government violate the United Nations Refugee Convention, which stipulates that no one shall expel or return ("refouler") a refugee against his or her will, in any manner whatsoever, to a territory where he or she fears threats to life or freedom." The Kenya National Human Rights Commission, an independent watchdog, reported in October that Kenya is witnessing an unprecedented wave of abductions and killings targeting various individuals. Since June 2024, the commission investigated 60 cases of extrajudicial killings and 71 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances, the commission said, implicating the Kenyan police and other security agencies. Hundreds of young people remain missing since the June demonstrations led by Generation Z Kenyans, a demographic cohort of educated unemployed youth who protested a new bill that would impose unaffordable taxes on most vulnerable citizens. New York-based Human Rights Watch reported in November that at least 73 were killed during the protests by the police, stating the number could be much higher, as more bodies were found later, and the bodies of other people whose killing was witnessed by others at parliament and elsewhere have yet to be found. On November 7, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Kenyan President William Ruto to conduct full accountability for security forces reportedly involved in protest violence and ongoing abductions. Late July, Reuters reported that the Kenyan authorities deported to Uganda 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda's biggest opposition parties." Tortured and injured while still in Kenya, they reportedly were later charged in the military court in Kampala with terrorism-related offenses. According to court documents, they were accused of traveling to Kenya "for the purpose of providing or receiving terrorist training." The lawyer for the accused told the court his clients went to Kenya to take part in a leadership and governance training in Kisumu city, Western Kenya. Human rights groups say Kenya, once seen as a beacon of hope for people fleeing from political persecution, human rights violations or war, has slowly turned into a persecution ground. On October 23, 2022, the Kenyan police shot and killed TV Pakistans top investigative journalist Arshad Sharif, who was in Kenya after fleeing from the Pakistan authoritarian regime. The U.S. State Departments country report on human rights in Kenya cited evidence of extrajudicial killings; enforced disappearances; torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest or detention, and serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom. Impunity was a problem at all levels of government, the report said. Rights watchdogs also report an increased number of femicide cases in Kenya, while the authorities claim the killings of women are not gender related. Kenyas Directorate of Criminal Investigations said 97 women had been killed in the last three months. Most of the murders remain unsolved, the perpetrators referred to as unknown people. The deaths of the women were not gender-based, the directorate claimed. Last week, Ruto condemned the rise of femicide cases in his country and asked citizens to unite to protect women from gender-based violence. Yet on November 25, the Kenyan police used tear gas against peaceful anti-femicide protesters in the capital, Nairobi. Three U.S. citizens imprisoned by China were on their way home late Wednesday, U.S. officials said, culminating years of U.S. diplomatic efforts to free Americans Washington says were wrongfully detained by Beijing. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he spoke to Kai Li, Mark Swidan and John Leung "as they traveled home to the United States just in time for Thanksgiving." "I told them how glad I was that they were in good health and that theyll soon be reunited with their loved ones," Blinken posted on X, formerly Twitter. The White House announced the release of the Americans on Wednesday. "We are pleased to announce the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung from detention in the Peoples Republic of China," a National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement. The development is a diplomatic win for President Joe Biden, who will be leaving office in January. With the mens release, "all of the wrongfully detained Americans" in China have been returned, the spokesperson added. Biden and his aides have raised the issue of the three Americans with Beijing repeatedly, according to U.S. officials. In his last in-person meeting on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru earlier this month, Biden also spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping to press for their return. Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday three Chinese nationals "wrongfully imprisoned" by the United States had been returned to China. Mark Swidan had been held since 2012 and received the death sentence in 2019. He maintained his innocence. John Leung was sentenced last year to life in prison. A U.S. citizen who also holds permanent residency in Hong Kong, he was detained on April 15, 2021, by the local bureau of Chinas counterintelligence agency in the southeastern city of Suzhou, according to The Associated Press. Kai Li, a naturalized U.S. citizen who owned an export business and worked in New York, was arrested after flying into Shanghai in September 2016. He was placed under surveillance, interrogated without a lawyer and accused of providing state secrets to the FBI. In 2018, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage, a charge that he has denied. The release comes just two months after China freed a Christian pastor from California, David Lin, who had been held since 2006. He was convicted of contract fraud. Revised travel warning On Wednesday, the State Department lowered its travel warning for China to "reflect a shift to Level 2," according to the departments website. The current advisory warns travelers, "Exercise increased caution when traveling to Mainland China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans." The alert had previously been at Level 3, telling Americans they should "reconsider travel" to China in part because of the "risk of wrongful detention" of Americans. VOA Senior White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Information from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Press was also used in this report. Civil society organizations in Zambia have raised concern over the governments introduction of a bill that they say is restrictive and suffocates Zambias active non-governmental organization sector. The new bill, known as the NGO bill of 2024 and signed by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, proposes stringent controls over non-governmental organizations and continues to place them under the authority of a government-dominated registration board. The NGO bill further proposes a code of conduct and requires NGOs to submit annual information about their activities, accounts, funders and the personal wealth of officials. NGO officials could face fines or prison sentences of up to three years if they fail to submit their annual returns or conduct an audit. In addition, if implemented, the new law will compel NGOs to re-register every five years. NGOs concerned about independence At a recent news briefing in Lusaka, Zambian NGOs expressed concern the proposed bill, if enacted, would affect their independence and stifle their operations. Jacob Makambwe is the spokesperson for a consortium of 12 NGOs in Zambia, including Transparency International Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Alliance for Community Action and the Center for Trade Policy and Development. "We express our concern that the government has not conducted meaningful and widespread consultation on this matter," said Makambwe. "Having perused the NGO bill of 2024, we find its content largely focuses on control of NGOs. We therefore reject the NGO bill of 2024." According to the Zambia Statistics Agency, there are more than 1,500 registered NGOs in Zambia. Currently, NGOs are regulated by the registrar of societies under the Ministry of Internal Security. Some NGOs have accused the Zambian authorities of following the same path as previous governments that sought to impose restrictions on the operations of NGOs since 2009. But President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration is committed to promoting fundamental freedoms. 'We are standing in for the poor' Lorraine Mwanza, is the chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, a non-governmental organization that focuses on media freedom. She told VOA she is not happy with the newly proposed law governing NGOs because she believes it infringes on fundamental freedoms. Why should NGOs be subjected to this?" she asked. "We are just standing in for the voiceless, we are standing in for the poor. Guess Nyirenda, a governance expert, urged the government to have wide consultations with NGOs as they are partners in development. "Among some of the critical roles of NGOs include advocacy and policy influence. This is about amplifying and marginalizing voices by the NGOs," said Nyirenda. According to media reports, Zambian authorities have made several attempts to enact restrictive laws for NGOs since 2009. NGOs opposed the 2009 law regulating their operations. Charity Musamba, a development expert and lecturer at the University of Zambia, said there is a need to strengthen regulations to ensure the accountability and financial transparency of NGOs. "The provisions should ensure that civil society are requested to account for all the resources that come their way," said Musamba. "This is a proactive way of promoting democratic operations of institutions and it also gives a higher ground for civil society to continue demanding accountability from the ruling elite." According to a 2024 Human Rights Watch report, President Hichilema promised to repeal the 2009 NGO law along with other restrictive laws when he was in opposition. The Zambian governments Council of NGOs is responsible for coordinating the operations of NGOs in Zambia. Roy Mwilu is the chairperson of the council under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. It aims to enhance transparency, accountability and operational efficiency within the sector that is the NGO sector and also to ensure that the NGOs can play a pivotal role in national development," said Mwilu. Once the bill is approved by the Cabinet, the proposed law will be presented to parliament for debate. It needs a two-thirds majority of all lawmakers to be passed by 2025. Rights groups are urging the government to repeal the NGO bill of 2024 so that the country conforms to standards of modern democratic governance. A Zimbabwe court late Wednesday sentenced the interim leader of the country's main opposition party to two years in jail - then suspended his sentence and the sentences of 34 of his supporters. Magistrate Collet Ncube sentenced Citizens Coalition for Change leader Jameson Timba and supporter Jaison Kautsa to two years imprisonment, while the other 33 opposition party members got lesser sentences for participating in an unlawful gathering on June 16. All were set to be released from prison. They were among the first of about 160 opposition figures and activists to be rounded up before a July summit of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community in Harare. The charges were gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of peace or bigotry. A statement from the National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the sentences and went on to say they were wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused do not commit an offense involving unlawful gathering with intent to promote public violence for which they will be sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine. Takunda Jacob from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights which has been representing group members told reporters waiting outside the court that one of his clients from the group would remain in custody while she is treated for wounds suffered during the arrest. He said it will be determined next month if the woman, who has a broken leg, is fit to stand trial. Jacob said she could be in custody until December 14. He said he was not pleased about the judgment. "We await further instructions from clients, if they wish that we appeal against the judgment, we'll proudly do so because we are not with judgment, Jacob said. That view is shared by Daniel Molokele, a human rights lawyer and an opposition legislator, who is urging that democratic space and tolerance be provided for the opposition. It is indeed a very sad day, because what we have are people who are expressing their political rights, and they get criminalized," Molokele said. "I pray and hope that they will appeal, against the sentence, against the conviction. As things stand, we have criminalized the political space, we have criminalized the democratic space, there is no freedom in Zimbabwe." Student activist Makomborero Haruzivishe said the conviction of former senator Timba shows a lack of democracy in Zimbabwe. It's a conviction on Zimbabwes collective political conscience, it's a conviction of Zimbabwes justice system. Senator Timba was arrested for offering young people his private residence, home, a place to come and commemorate the Day of the African Child," Haruzivishe said. "The Day of the African Child came about when the apartheid, colonial regime in South Africa, massacred multitudes of young people, school-going children, African youths, South African youths. Zimbabwes information minister Jenfan Muswere could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. Initially police arrested about 100 opposition activists at Timbas home in June while commemorating the Day of the African Child, and some were released for reasons that remain unclear. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ZANU-PF party has been in power since independence in 1980 and is frequently accused of suppressing any dissent. Since coming to power in 2017, however, Mnangagwa has consistently said that he respects human rights. By Patsy Widakuswara Washington Three Americans detained in China for years have been released and will be returning to the United States, the White House announced Wednesday. We are pleased to announce the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung from detention in the Peoples Republic of China, a National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement. Its a diplomatic win for President Joe Biden who will be leaving office in January. With the mens release, all of the wrongfully detained Americans in China have been returned, the spokesperson added. The three had been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained. Swidan had been facing a death sentence on drug charges while Li and Leung were imprisoned on espionage charges. Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years, the spokesperson said. Biden and his aides have raised the issue of the three Americans with Beijing repeatedly, according to U.S. officials. In his last in-person meeting on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru earlier this month, Biden also spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping to press for their return. During his term Biden has brought home over 70 Americans unjustly detained around the world. Rights groups say more than 40 others are still being held hostage or wrongfully detained in over a dozen countries. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, there is no indication the deal will hasten a truce and hostage-release deal in Gaza. State-owned operator Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel) has signed a mobile network sharing agreement with French operator group Orange to boost service quality and narrow the gap with its larger mobile rivals. Speaking to Developing Telecoms at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town this month, Camtels Director of Strategy, Organisation, Project and Innovation, Gilbert Ngono, explained that Camtel only launched its commercial mobile arm in 2020 after securing its licence. To expedite the development of its new mobile division, the operator has entered into a national roaming agreement. Since entering the mobile market, the state-owned incumbent has been playing catch-up with Pan-African giants Orange and MTN, whose mobile operations have been established since the early 2000s, Ngono noted. We started mobile not long ago, and to close the coverage gapwhile we are deploying infrastructure, which is a very capex-intensive businesswe are, in the meantime, signing roaming agreements with other operators, Ngono said. We began with MTN and are now finalising an agreement with Orange to cover areas where we are not currently present. As we deploy and grow, we will gradually phase out the agreement in each area we expand to. Ngono did not disclose when the network-sharing agreement will come into effect, as details are still being finalised. The agreement will primarily benefit rural councils in Cameroon, unlike urban locations such as the capital Yaounde and Douala, the countrys largest city, where roaming is unnecessary. Urban areas currently make up 70% of Camtels mobile subscriber base. Ngono stated that Camtel holds under 5% of Cameroons CFA800 billion mobile market but expressed confidence that, with network expansion plans, the operator would reach a 10% market share within the next two years. 5G and beyond Ngono revealed that Camtel plans to conduct 5G pilots next year in Yaounde, Douala, and selected rural locations to align with the governments Universal Service mandate. The operator is also pursuing a dual-vendor strategy for future deployments, with its current main vendor partner being Huawei. We have been in partnership with Huawei; they have been very strong for us due to funding from China Exim Bank. Historically, they have provided substantial capital for our network deployments. However, we have realised our dependency on them and want to reduce it. We are introducing new vendors with a dual-vendor strategy, which is now being aggressively implemented, Ngono said. The operator has begun collaborating with Nokia and Juniper Networks. Fibre expansion As part of its expansion plans, Camtel aims to increase its fibre-optic network from 12,000 kilometres to between 17,000 and 22,000 kilometres. A significant project within this initiative is Backbone Number 4, which will add new fibre-optic lines and routes for data traffic, with a budget of CFA100 billion (US$160 million). To counter the risk of vandalism to its fibre-optic lines, Camtel plans to lay cables along rail tracks and power lines to deter potential damage. The operator previously laid fibre along an oil pipeline to enhance network resilience and stabilise our backbone, ensuring connectivity for wholesale customers in neighbouring landlocked countries such as Chad. Photo: Peacock/Peacock Never has Eddie Redmayne looked as good as he does in The Day of the Jackal specifically in the several sequences when his assassin character, the eponymous Jackal, dons painstakingly constructed prosthetics to pass as an old guy. The British actor and erstwhile model possesses an idiosyncratic beauty rooted in the slender angles of his visage, and as it turns out, these very facial aspects are what enable him to look simply incredible as someone youd find in a retirement home. Consider Ralf the Janitor, whom the Jackal kills and impersonates in the Peacock and Sky series stellar opening sequence: Redmayne as an old man. Photo: Peacock This introductory stretch sees The Day of the Jackal lay the foundation of its fundamental appeal. We follow the Jackal as he eerily embodies a crusty janitor whos practically invisible to the rest of society in order to infiltrate an office building and shoot the son of a populist German politician. Its pure competence porn: The Jackal puts on the prosthetics, smokes a cigarette to simulate the Janitors bad lungs, and shuffles his way up to the right floor. Hes very convincing, so much so that when his cover is blown and the Jackal proceeds to kill several people with alarming alacrity, the tension between Redmaynes looking so very old and moving so very precisely produces unexpected hilarity a quality deepened by how the show and the actor play the scene with dead seriousness. Such visual funny business recurs throughout The Day of the Jackal, which follows both the assassin as hes contracted to make a major hit and an MI6 agent played by Lashana Lynch who obsesses over taking him down. At the top of the third episode, the Jackal assumes the role of some dead rich persons brokenhearted progeny, visiting a high-end German funeral home to extract sensitive information from its computer system. The age this particular persona is supposed to represent remains ambiguous in the scene, but the Jackal uses a cane and maintains a sense of frailty in his body, both of which contribute to another visual iteration of geriatric Redmayne. Note the worldly age implied in his thousand-yard stare: Redmayne as a slightly less old man. Is he a man in his 30s? 50s? 60s with dyed hair? Who knows. Ill believe anything. Redmaynes work in The Day of the Jackal should not come as much of a surprise since the actor has long been drawn to physically transformative performances. Think back to a decade ago when we got a whole lot of Redmayne in one fell swoop: He won the Best Actor Oscar for playing Stephen Hawking, the British genius who suffered from Lou Gehrigs disease, in 2014s The Theory of Everything. The following years The Danish Girl saw his turn as Lili Elbe, the early-20th-century transgender landscape artist, in a performance that earned both criticism from the LGBTQ+ community and another Oscar nom. 2015 also saw Redmayne go full window to the wall as the villainous Balem Abrasax in the Wachowskis space opera Jupiter Ascending, in which he violently oscillates between aggressive whispering and yelling with every cell in his body. Sometimes in the same sentence! (I CREATE LIFE! he bellows at a mortified Mila Kunis, before dropping back down to a rasp, and I destroy it.) Redmaynes expansive thespianism has seemingly faded into the background in the years since, probably due to his leading turn in the Fantastic Beasts movies largely being memory-hole. But Redmaynia did briefly resurface earlier this year when his unhinged Cabaret performance at the Tonys drew widespread befuddlement, horror, and ambient arousal from millions of viewers. As with many of his previous performances, my boy Redmayne was done dirty. If The Day of the Jackal hasnt already turned Redmaynes stock price around, it really should. The series is a rollicking watch despite being the third adaptation of the 1971 novel following a critically acclaimed 1973 Fred Zinnemann film and a far lesser 1997 remake with Bruce Willis and Richard Gere nobody really asked for. This version primarily functions as a modernization of the source material; instead of the Jackal being hired to assassinate French president Charles de Gaulle, as in the the novel and the Zinnemann film, the show sees the Jackal hired by Charles Dances British oligarch to take out a big-brained tech guy who threatens to overthrow the global elite by releasing a piece of software that would render all financial transactions transparent. (Dont think about it too hard.) Because of this modernizing impulse, The Day of the Jackal possesses a blended sensibility. Yes, its a thriller built on the pleasures of watching a guy with a gun efficiently doing stuff (as a 15-year-old boy at heart, I find it hard not to watch the Jackals clinical killing efficiency and not think, Thats kewl). But thats juxtaposed with the sequences featuring Redmayne in old-man drag, which, while very convincing, are just so goofy they never fail to make me squeal with glee. The piece de resistance of the shows prosthetics parade arrives in the sixth episode, when the Jackal poses as a very British septuagenarian, wheelchair and all, and shadows Lynchs Bianca on a flight. (He even snags the seat right behind her!) Redmaynes overt physical transformation here is interesting enough: Note the convincing liver spots and topographically ornate facial lines. But how the personas geriatric nature maps so perfectly onto Redmaynes underlying qualities is what sells the package so well. The actor has a naturally soft, reedy voice that always sounds as though hes wheezing a bit. The Jackal weaponizes it into a geezerly affect that extracts empathy. Thank you so much, young man, he murmurs to the airport attendant wheeling him to a cab. Redmaynes British accent also possesses a discernibly patrician quality, adding subconscious layers to what passers-by might assume about this particular old man. Is he a professor emeritus at Oxford? Third-generation landed gentry? An accountant? The mind wanders but doesnt ask too many questions. Such is a great disguise. Redmayne as a very old man. Photo: Peacock/Peacock Not unlike Redmaynes performance in Jupiter Ascending, the Jackals personae tend to oscillate between very big and very small. Redmayne is only truly transformative when hes pulling off an old man; otherwise, hes barely camouflaged. Late in the pilot, the Jackal poses as a rare-chess-set collector and its basically Eddie Redmayne in glasses. In the second episode, when he assumes the role of a duck hunter to meet a handler out in the wilderness, its Redmayne in nice outdoorsy layers. In the next installment, when he impersonates a chauffeur? Redmayne in a hat. These thinner disguises are theoretically interesting for the way they suggest that persons are largely conditional, i.e., identities congeal based on physical context, but thats probably giving this series a bit too much credit. In this weeks climactic episode, which sees the Jackal finally attempting the long-awaited hit on tech genius Ulle Dag Charles, the assassin adopts the identity of a vaguely middle-aged classical-music concertgoer in order to sneak into the venue. This is an example of The Day of the Jackal going way too small with the disguise. As you can see, the look is mostly Redmayne: Redmayne as a marginally old man. Sure, theres some visual distinctiveness between the receding hairline and the large forehead. And Redmayne the thespian convincingly projects the sense of a well-to-do older man, leaning into his upper-crust accent as he complains about the price of all the concessions hes purchasing. (He is about to hide in the rafters overnight, after all, so the guy needs food and drink.) But the costume is nowhere near as visually convincing, obscuring, or delightful as it could be. You know what would help? Add a couple more decades to that face, throw in a cane, and have Redmayne hunch over. Whos gonna know? Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images After three attempts, Sean Diddy Combs has officially done trying to get bail. Read on for more information on his attempts at release, and where he stands now. Three request for bail, four judges, no dice November 27, 2024: Sean Diddy Combs was once again denied bail on November 27, marking a fourth judges rejection of his requests for pretrial release. The Bad Boy Records founder was arrested on September 16, 2024 for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. Prosecutors have opposed Combss push for bail since his first court appearance in the case, alleging extensive evidence of violent behavior and purported efforts to meddle with case proceedings. Prosecutors said that Combs bribed security officers with $100,000 to destroy surveillance footage showing him beating Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway nearly a decade ago. This attack unfolded as Ventura was trying to get away from a freak off the name of drug-fueled parties that involved Combs directing women to engage in sexual activity with male sex workers, masturbating during these encounters, and sometimes recording them. Combs used his associates to contact the security guards and carry out this payoff, prosecutors said. And in 2023, as allegation after allegation against Combs surfaced, his associates contacted a former employee to tell her that she did not witness abuse and that what she had seen was just a normal relationship. Combs also called another victim and tried to feed them a bogus story that their participation in freak offs was consensual, prosecutors said. Combs, who has been using other inmates messaging accounts to contact family from jail, has directed associates to contact multiple possible witnesses and victims in his case, prosecutors said. Combs allegedly even had a family member set up a three-way call with a co-conspirator where he and this associate used coded language to talk about his case. Both in his November 22, 2024 bail hearing as well as in court papers, prosecutors cited Combss PR strategy as an effort to sway jurors. They said that Combs meticulously planned a post around his birthday showing six of his children singing him Happy Birthday on the phone. While the video was initially posted to his childrens personal pages, Combs was not satisfied that it would reach the correct demographic, prosecutors said in court filings on November 26, 2024. Combs allegedly told a relative that he had been tracking analytics and told them to post this video to his page. They also emphasized his alleged intimidation tactics with women, which included brandishing guns, threatening them, coming to their house unannounced, and trying to beat down the door on one occasion with a hammer. Combs also lashed out at his staff threatening to kill them, throwing objects at them, and being struck, punched, and shoved by the defendant, and seeing him do the same to others. This, combined with Combss efforts to obstruct proceedings, has proven the defendants dangerousness by clear and convincing evidence, prosecutors said. The indictment against Combs lays out a disturbing history of accused abuse over decades and charges him with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. Manhattan federal prosecutors maintain that Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct. Combs, with the aid of his staff, wielded his business empire for the purpose of his criminal enterprise, the Feds said. Court papers in his criminal case detail allegations that Combs abused women for years and manipulated them into partaking in sexual performances with male sex workers. Civil actions against Combs also accuse him of sexual abuse against boys and men. Combs was able to maintain power over the women with drugs and threats and his immense financial resources. After luring women into his lurid world, often under the false auspices of a romantic relationship, Combs allegedly compelled them to participate in described as freak offs, prosecutors argued. These freak offs, authorities said, were elaborate and produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded. Prosecutors said these parties happened often and routinely spanned multiple days. Combs has pleaded not guilty in the case. Appeal dismissed December 15, 2025: Diddy is no longer seeking bail. On Sunday, Variety obtained court docs from Sean Combss attorneys moving to dismiss his appeal for bail. Mr. Combs does not seek to appeal the district courts denial of his renewed motion and hereby moves to voluntarily dismiss the appeal, it reads. Counsel has explained the effect of voluntary dismissal of the appeal. He will stay incarcerated pending his trial in May 2025. Diddy is currently at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. A judge ruled yesterday that he can access a preloaded laptop to prep for his defense. As Combs awaits his criminal trial, he also continues to rack up civil lawsuits. Most recently, Jay-Z was named as a co-defendant in a previously filed lawsuit against Combs alleging the two men raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Photo: Mark Bourdillon. 07831605033/Mark Bourdillon Still never tried this flavoring you put into it, Paul Hollywood mused, turning The Great British Baking Show contestant Dylan Bachelets gochujang-and-garlic rolls over in his hand. Baked to perfection and pleasantly orange, the rolls resembled little pumpkins. Its chile? fellow judge Prue Leith asked. Its like a fermented chile paste, Bachelet clarified. The judges were astounded. The flavor is so much in your face, Hollywood told him before extending a hand for an infamous (and increasingly common) Hollywood Handshake. Bachelet would go on to take home Star Baker, largely owing to his use of an ingredient otherwise not usually found in the tent. The confused tweets poured in. Screaming at Paul Hollywood, a man whos [sic] job is cooking, being shocked by the mystical magical never been used before flavour of gochujang, said one viewer. How come paul hollywood couldnt pronounce taco and has never heard of gochujang but kept calling it choritho, asked writer Claire Carusillo. The old-fashioned nature of The Great British Baking Show watch these bakers of varying skills finagle their way through traditional English recipes with bits of flair once felt like a perk rather than a flaw, but the shows dedicated audience is growing frustrated with the judges dated tastes. Gochujang has been mainstream in the U.S. for nearly a decade; in 2015, Bon Appetit declared the Korean chile-pepper-and-soybean paste the hottest hot sauce on the market, and a 2022 recipe for gochujang-caramel cookies by Eric Kim wound up on the New York Times Cooking sections list of its 50 Greatest Hits (only a few trackpad scrolls down from his recipe for gochujang buttered noodles). While The Great British Baking Show doesnt mirror United States food media to its general benefit the idea that an established chef wouldnt know the flavor of gochujang is hard to grasp. As one Reddit user put it, Its not that obscure in the UK either. It especially shouldnt be to a restaurateur. It was the trendy chef ingredient a few years ago. I remember watching one of the cooking competitions (probably MasterChef or Great British Menu) and getting tired of hearing it. That Hollywood and Leith havent been as inundated as, say, a Brooklyn-based, potluck-attending type may have with gochujang roast chicken is not entirely unsurprising but a sign that The Great British Baking Shows judges have fallen out of pace with the general eating public. Despite theories that Hollywoods naivete is actually meant to serve as exposition for the audience, comment after critique after national-themed-week controversies demonstrated that the program is struggling to find its modern identity. Early seasons of The Great British Baking Show celebrated English tradition with familiar recipes, but as its contestants and challenges have grown more international and creative, the formulaic judging lags behind. There is, of course, one clear solution to this: Its time to add another judge. As the age gap between the GBBS competitors and judges grows, so too will the ingredients vary and diversify. The contemporary crop of bakers was raised, in part, on the internet and sees TikToks and recipe Reels and knows all about butter alternatives and flax and aquafaba, to say nothing of dragon fruit and hibiscus and pandan. That Hollywood or Leith might not know the taste of a cured egg yolk neednt be shocking, but their continued skepticism about unexpected additions weighs the show down. A disastrous Vegan Weekthemed episode from series nine had both judges confused about the taste of nutritional yeast, though neither balked at the tofu-and-soy-milk ice cream Giuseppe DellAnno fed them in the Free-From Weekthemed episode of series 12. While the show seems to sneak in challenges that celebrate alternative ways of eating and cooking, watching the judges engage and evaluate those foods feels a bit like watching them eat a plate of broccoli: They chew and swallow, brows furrowed, with little enjoyment. (Hollywood, especially, was keen to describe vegan sausage rolls he did enjoy as buttery as if to suggest a dish made without butter should aspire to a butterlike flavor rather than its own thing) Theres a frustrating binary to the use of untraditional ingredients as it stands now on GBBS: Different can either be tremendous and winning or strange and bad, and its impossible to predict whether a big swing will befuddle or delight. This isnt to say that Leith and Hollywood are incapable of doing their job because of their age. But their particular stature and values continue to hold the show back from dramatic and delicious potential. For one, the Baking Show participants and audience have come to know these judges flavor preferences like the back of their hand Leith likes booze, Hollywood doesnt like peanut butter, and both show disinterest in the grassy flavor of matcha and adjust their recipes accordingly. When Georgie Grasso cooked a rather traditional Bakewell tart in Pastry Weeks signature challenge this season, the judges fawned over her adherence to convention. Sure, a standard dessert baked right can be a treat, but the bakes are intended to be personalized. (And other contestants, like Gill Howard and her chocolate-hazelnut profiteroles, have been downgraded for playing it safe.) For a show that has evolved to reward and encourage spectacle in design and originality in lieu of how things are done, there ought to be one evaluator who can represent that. What Baking Show instead increasingly feels like is trying to pick out a movie to show your parents and hoping the final choice doesnt offend anyone. That a number of Great British Baking Show winners and finalists go on to publish cookbooks and become internet personalities rather than restaurateurs (like Leith) or celebrity chefs (like Hollywood) reflects the modern business of cooking and eating, but theres one place former contestants havent popped up and thats back in the tent to judge. Why not? Who knows better than those who have already run the gauntlet, like past winners DellAnno or Nadiya Hussain? Remember Chigs? Lets get Chigs back in the mix. Each season, The Great British Baking Show gathers bakers from across Britain who can bake, sure, but they bake for tastes that are often more adventurous than the judges staid palates. The judges are meant to be experts: people who not only know how to bake these treats but know how to eat them, too. In its fifth season, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is now a franchise where I feel a true history with these ladies. After seeing them go through so much together, I can safely say nobodys character development has rocked me more than Mary M. Cosbys. I know Ive mentioned this before, but I cant wrap my head around this seasons Mary being the same shady pastor best known for telling Jen Shah she smelled like hospital and unforgettably marrying her step-grandfather. Yes, this season has primarily revolved around these women re-evaluating their loyalties to one another and Bronwyns stellar first season but also their own real life drama, like Angie speaking beautifully about her mothers alcoholism and death in last weeks episode. While Marys concern over Robert Jr.s alarming behavior has been touched upon, it is in this episode that we finally understand how grave the situation is. I assumed his issues had to do with drug use based on his on-camera behavior, but the confirmation that Robert Jr. had been abusing drugs like Xanax and Adderall, as well as his suicidal ideations felt far heavier than what we have seen on any franchise in quite some time. I feel conflicted about how this episode was presented, and theres much to touch on in the lead-up to the gut-punching last scene between Mary and Robert Jr. This season, Meredith has not brought much to the table outside her total victim complex. For Meredith, it is Meredith against the world. In her eyes, she is the most disrespected woman in Salt Lake City. During her blowup at Marys Audrey Hepburnthemed brunch the previous week, Meredith stormed out during her fight with Angie, but in her mind, she did not storm out but was kicked out by Mary. Of course, Mary did not actually kick her out but generally stated that unless she and Angie stopped yelling, they could both leave. What kills me about Meredith is that she believes problem-solving is inviting Mary to an ugly art gallery that sells the type of bullshit photography you see in the lobby of a bank to hash it out. She shows some concern by telling Mary that her behavior is out of character, but she does not manage to go further by really asking whats going on. I just think, if your whole thing is that you are concerned with your friends behavior and that youve been there for her unequivocally for the last four years, would you not prod a bit more and try harder to meet her where she is? I was glad Mary was not having it and could recognize that maybe Meredith was never there for her. Its especially hypocritical considering how often Meredith has blown up over the last few seasons for seemingly no reason, only to provide cryptic reasons she cant discuss for her own outsize reactions. Despite Mary and Meredith being in a worse place than ever before, I was thrilled and relieved to see Lisa and Angie come to an understanding at the aquarium. The thing is, these two dont have any real problems to solve. I think Angie finally realized that Lisa will always be Lisa and that Lisa just needed assurance that Angie was still her ride-or-die. I dont think Angie needed to bring up her childhood trauma to show Lisa how its kind of insane to be yelled at so often, but I think fundamentally, she and Lisa have a deep bond. Theyre also fun to watch together, and this season needs more silliness! Hopefully, thats the end of THAT. While Bronwyn expressed shock that Whitney and Heather were organizing this girls camp, I am not remotely surprised; it shows more how Bronwyn is still a newbie. Yes, Whitney has talked a lot of casual shit about Heather (her cousin) to Bronwyn (a woman she barely knows) and seemingly took Bronwyns side against Heather. But thats just how Whitney and Heather are! Theyre always betraying one another, but they always come right back to being family. It was funny to see Bronwyn bringing up how much shit Whitney has talked about Heather to Heather as some kind of gotcha. Heather is right; they all talk shit about each other when theyre mad! Its not always necessarily going to be a point of conflict. It is funny that any of them could get over what happened at Marys Audrey Hepburnthemed brunch through an event organized by Whitney and Heather. Frankly, one big complaint about this franchise is that I dont know how many more of these manufactured outings I can take at this point. I know Bravo produces Housewives trips and situations so that they can all be together. But the amount of activities these women do feels more like co-workers being pushed into an off-site team-building exercise than if they all had to show up to a party! I guess not much happens in Utah, but there has to be a better way than getting them to drive to the mountains so they can sit in a circle and fight. The campfire situation devolved so quickly and so passionately that it was almost difficult to understand what was happening throughout this cross-talk. Basically, everyone is mad at everyone, with clear sides being taken as we later see who gets invited to Meredith and Seths Shabbat dinner. But most importantly, this scene showed me two things: Bronwyn finally understands theres no way to be a righteous Housewife guided by truth above all else. She has finally let go of whatever real-life conflict-resolution skills she has carried on from the real world into this universe, and she managed to get into it with basically everyone without any real strategy involved. Not everything is chess! I enjoyed seeing her just go off for no reason. Of course, the undercurrent is that Mary really let loose in a way that ruined the vibe altogether because she very clearly is at the end of her rope in her personal life. I think the women still have a bit of residual fear when it comes to questioning Mary. Yes, she has been responsive this season to understanding different points of view, but it hasnt always been this way. I still think there could have been a way for someone to really ask what the hell is going on with her. This is why I find some of the editing in this episode suspicious. Maybe this is conspiratorial, but I found Marys conversation with Robert Jr. to be teed up with concern from the ladies at Merediths it felt a bit manufactured. At Merediths Shabbat, Britani, Bronwyn, Lisa, and Heather, all in attendance, bring up how the failed camping trip went. But I was struck by how the conversation about Marys behavior began at twilight, only for Meredith openly worrying about Mary to take place when it was pitch black. Heres what I think happened: They never really were planning on being concerned about Mary but only talked shit. Which is when a producer had to step in and let them know it was going to be a bad look once the news about Robert Jr. came out. It felt so rehearsed when she mentioned a bigger problem, and Britani then said, Meredith makes a good point. Maybe we need to give Mary some grace. It just all felt so scripted! I also felt uneasy with how that conversation with Robert Jr. took place. I dont think it was necessarily planned, and I dont think Mary would put her son in that type of position, considering how deeply and obviously concerned she is for him. Bravo doesnt exactly have the best track record when it comes to dealing with real life darkness as weve seen so many times. As long ago as it was, I still cannot forget how poorly Taylor Armstrongs domestic abuse was dealt with on air. I understand Robert Jr.s issues inform Marys season, but I fear this being treated as a storyline rather than a life-or-death situation. Robert Jr. is still so young, and I also fear he may regret this pivotal life moment being aired on TV someday in the future. I dont think I have ever seen such a display of vulnerability with the children in the Housewives universe or even with the topic of substance abuse. It nearly destroyed me to watch Robert Jr. tell Mary he felt like a stain and that the only thing stopping him from ending his life was his mother. I dont know where Robert Jr. goes from here, but I hope its the beginning of a sobriety journey. I know these women will eventually know the depth of Marys heartache, but will she be able to forgive them for not putting in a real effort to be there for her? I cant imagine it will be easy to let go of that lack of care, especially from Meredith. Snowflakes What is wrong with Todd? Has he ever been around people before? How does he manage to suck the air out of every room? Bronwyn keeps getting spoken to like she is a child by him in front of her friends and on camera, its upsetting. Heather explained soaking so much this episode and it feels like it came through four seasons too late how did she not talk about it when her storylines focused more around leaving the Mormon church. I think these ladies have figured out that Britani doesnt need to be saved from Jared at all. She lives for this type of drama and probably doesnt want it any other way. I think its good the women are able to laugh about it with her rather than it be a huge concerning issue. Merediths hearing aids kind of seem as serious as someone needing glasses in my opinion. I dont think its THAT serious! MTN South Africa has reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Telecom Global and Huawei to develop digital infrastructure across MTNs African footprint. According to Reuters, the partnership aims to leverage China Telecom's expertise in network solutions, MTN's expansive regional reach and Huawei's technology solutions. Kai Chen, executive vice president of China Telecom Global, said the three companies would create a powerful alliance to drive digital infrastructure development on the continent, the report said. MTN Group currently has telco operations in 17 markets on the African continent, as well as two others in the Middle East. The report named 5G, cloud, AI and enterprise solutions as likely technology areas that the three firms will focus on to unlock new business opportunities. MTN South Africa highlighted IoT as another area of interest. "For MTN's business customers, network service improvements could offer new possibilities in smart mining and industrial applications," Tumi Sekhukhune-Chamayou, chief enterprise business officer at MTN South Africa, told Reuters. MTN South Africa is already working with Huawei to trial 5G-Advanced technology at MTNs head office in Johannesburg, following an MoU signed by both companies in June to collaborate on 5G-A. MTNs parent company MTN Group inaugurated a Technology Innovation Lab with Huawei in April. The haunting story of Beatrice Cenci (1577-1599). The tragic tale of Beatrice Cenci, the young Roman noblewoman who murdered her abusive father before being beheaded on a bridge in 16th-century Rome, still fascinates today. Born the daughter of Count Francesco Cenci on 6 February 1577, Beatrice was seven years old when her mother Ersilia Santacroce died. The family lived at Palazzo Cenci at the edge of the Jewish Ghetto area of central Rome, along with the count's second wife Lucrezia Petroni. Sexual crimes Count Cenci was a violent and depraved individual who abused his first wife and sons and raped his daughter Beatrice multiple times. The count was jailed, and often fined, for sexual crimes committed against others but due to his noble status he was freed early. Despite Beatrice's frequent attempts to inform authorities of the horrendous abuse suffered by the family, no action was taken against the count, although many Romans were well aware of the terrible goings-on in Palazzo Cenci. When the count discovered that Beatrice had reported him, he banished her and Lucrezia to live in the family's castle at La Petrella del Salto, in the Abruzzi mountains north-east of Rome. Murder plot Beatrice and Lucrezia hatched a plot to kill Count Cenci, engaging the help of Beatrice's elder brother Giacomo, and Bernardo, the count's son from his second marriage, along with two servants, one of who was secretly seduced by Beatrice. When an attempt to drug the count's wine failed, the family bludgeoned him to death, throwing his body off a balcony to make it seem accidental. However the papal authorities were not convinced and subsequently opened an investigation into the count's death. Beatrice's lover was tortured to death without revealing the truth, while a friend of the Cenci family had the other vassal killed to avoid the risk of the truth coming out. Death sentence Nonetheless, the plot was discovered and the four members of the Cenci family were arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to death. Knowing the reasons behind the murder, Romans protested against the tribunal's decision, however Pope Clement VIII showed no mercy and ordered the public executions to go ahead. Beatrice Cenci was executed at Ponte S. Angelo At dawn on 11 September 1599, the family was taken to Ponte S. Angelo, where Giacomo's head was smashed with a mallet before his corpse was quartered. Next were Lucrezia and Beatrice, both of whom were beheaded with a small axe. Execution The 12-year-old Bernardo was spared but was forced to watch the execution of his relatives before returning to prison and being condemned to a life as a galley slave. The Cenci properties were confiscated and ended up in the hands of the pope's own family. Where is Beatrice Cenci buried? Beatrice is buried in the church of S. Pietro in Montorio although the markings on her grave were allegedly destroyed by French troops in 1789. Ghost of Beatrice Cenci A legend in Rome dictates that each year on the night before the anniversary of her death, the ghost of Beatrice comes back to haunt the bridge where she was executed, carrying her severed head. Over the centuries her story has captured the imagination of numerous writers and artists, from Shelley to Hawthorne, while to see a melancholy image of the ill-fated Beatrice, visit Palazzo Barberini where she is portrayed as a tragic Sibyl, the day before her execution, in a popular portrait by Guido Reni. Una Poltrona per Due to hit Italian cinemas in December. Trading Places, the American comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, returns to the big screen in Italy four decades after its release in Italian cinemas. The role-reversal classic, a 20th-century take on the tale of the rich man and the poor man, has been aired on Italian television every Christmas since 1997, with the exception of 2005. This year cinemas in Italy will screen the restored 4K version of the John Landis movie in the lead-up to the holiday season, on 9, 10 and 11 December. For those who can't make it to the cinema, the film - known in Italy as Una Poltrona per Due - will be shown by Italia 1 on 24 December as per tradition. Despite being screened in Italy every Christmas Eve, public approval for the dubbed movie remains consistently high, with more than two million viewers tuning in to watch it last year. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said he would like to see homelessness figures to fall within 12 months. The number of people accessing emergency accommodation has risen at a near consistent rate in recent years, repeatedly breaking new records. The housing portfolio is held by Fianna Fails Darragh OBrien. In the last of Virgin Medias Big Interviews with party leaders, Mr Martin said homelessness was his partys number one priority and the reason it sought the housing portfolio in the coalition. The official figures from the Department of Housing look at the number of people accessing emergency accommodation services over the last week of each month, and are published at 2pm on the last Friday of the following month. Octobers figures are due at on polling day, November 29th. The latest figures for the end of September show there were 14,760 people accessing such services, including 4,561 children record highs for both metrics. The figures do not include people sleeping rough, those that may be couch surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, and those in a shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres. Mr Martin said his party would not interfere with the agreed process by publishing the figures in advance of polling day. However, he accepted that there are too many people homeless and said homelessness is very traumatic for families. Speaking on Wednesday night, he said there was a need to build more houses faster, prevent homelessness and reduce the amount of time people rely on emergency accommodation. The obligation is to get people out of emergency accommodation as quickly as we can, and get them a house as quickly as we can. That is why building 40,000 social houses is progress, and we need to build 12,000 social houses a year, I think, to deal with the homelessness issue. Asked if he was expecting the figures to be uncomfortable, he said: Were already uncomfortable with the homelessness figures, so next Friday isnt going to change that to any significant degree. Pressed on when he expected the figures to peak, Mr Martin said he did not have exact timelines and added supply needed to be increased. Asked when the figure would come down, he said: I would like to see that within the next 12 months but I cant give a guarantee on that. Population is growing, and that is a factor in all of this. But we have to get up to 50,000 houses per annum. Elsewhere, he doubled down on ruling out a Fianna Fail coalition with Sinn Fein. Mr Martin said Sinn Feins tax proposals would destroy Irelands enterprise economy, as he made an appeal to Irish voters before polling day on Friday. Asked how big the differences are between the two parties, he said: Theyre very substantial, fundamentally, in terms of the economic model that we have in this country. Mr Martin said the vast majority of Fianna Fail members agreed with his position. Pressed on Fianna Fails past history of entering into coalition with Fine Gael in 2020 after initially ruling it out, the party leader defended that decision. He said there were a number of factors, including the argument about obligations to elect a government. He said the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael-Green coalition was able to protect a pro-European, pro-Enterprise model. Mr Martin said the Government was also formed in the context of a one in 100-year pandemic. The Fianna Fail stalwart also refused to rule out a future bid for President of Ireland, but said: I havent considered it. Two new exhibitions will be opening at Waterford Gallery of Art on December, 5 at 6:30pm. The 'Bodies' exhibition will showcase artworks, including new commissions from the Waterford Art Collection inspired by the human form. Most auspiciously, the exhibition will feature an OPW and Waterford Council-commissioned portrait of Dr. Mary Strangman by Una Sealy RHA. Sealy, based in Howth, Dublin, has previously been awarded for her portrait of local artist, Caoilfhionn Hanton. Dr. Mary Somerville Parker Strangman (1872 1943) was born in Waterford, enrolled at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1891, and received her licence in 1896. After training and lecturing in Britain, she became the second woman to earn the fellowship of RCSI in 1902. Establishing a practice in Waterford, Strangman also volunteered at various local womens charities and published several research articles on alcoholism and morphine addiction. Her increasing activism in womens health, particularly combatting tuberculosis, as well as womens suffrage led her to being elected Waterfords first woman councillor in 1912. Retiring from public office in 1920, Strangman continued in general practice and as a physician at Waterford County and City Infirmary. Her life and work was honoured in March of this year at City Hall, as the Large Room was named in her honour. She also has a Civic Trust Blue Plaque dedicated to her on Parliament Street. The upcoming exhibition will also feature life drawing, carved marble feet, a glass hand, as well as paintings from the likes of William Orpen and Mainie Jellett. There will also be more recent works and new acquisitions to the collection by Aine Ryan, Eamon Gray and James Horan, Cuan Cusack, and photography by HK Stuart. Also launching at the same time will be an exhibition titled: 'Ground (two-unfold)' by Susan Connolly. This body of work reflects and reappraises 100 years of Irish abstract painting and takes its cues from Decoration (1923) by Mainie Jellett, considered the first Irish abstract painting. Originally from Kildare, Susan is now based between Belfast and Waterford where she is a lecturer and Course Leader in the Visual Art Department of SETU. She studied at Limerick College of Art and Design, the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and Belfast School of Art, where she was awarded an MFA and PhD. The exhibition is free to view at the Waterford Gallery of Art, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, and is accompanied by a limited-edition art book designed by Alex Synge with texts by Sarah Long, Craig Staff and Riann Coulter. Gardai in Waterford have issued a warning about bogus callers and rogue traders. In a post on social media, gardai say these callers may target vulnerable people or people who live alone. They advise the public not to open the door to unknown people or those you dont think have a genuine reason for knocking. We ask you to be vigilant when out and about and report suspicious people/ vehicles to us immediately. Please pass this advice on to those who may need a reminder, said the gardai. If the person comes to your door, you should take down a description, their vehicle registration and the direction they are travelling. Gardai can be contacted on 999 or 112. The guards also advise getting a door chain for security and only use service providers you trust. They say rogue traders and bogus callers might be intimidating or refuse to take no for an answer. "Keep unexpected callers out. Remember if in doubt, keep them out. Do not open the door. Use a door chain. Look for ID. Use service people you know and trust." "The city is full of phone and vape shops," lamented one local voter, "It's sad to see lovely small businesses like Finders Keepers close up shop. How would you attract new companies and brands to Waterford and how would you support small businesses who can't afford high rent prices?" Local voters' issues can be little noticed in the frantic charm offensive of a General Election as the party leaders run from pint-pulling to dog petting to baby-holding photo opportunities. To counter this, we asked the Deise to tell us the issues and questions most informing their vote at the polls on Friday. "What are your top three priorities for Waterford and the South East," one local offered. "Do you believe that Waterford has been left behind?" another asked and how would candidates ensure that Waterford's issues are listened to by our "national overlords?" We asked every candidate in our General Election video interviews a version of all three of these questions. One issue, which came up repeatedly, was housing. 37% of respondents raised the issues of housing, evictions or rising rents, more than any other single issue. "What will you do to stop homelessness and help young people to get their own homes?" "Will you commit to a permanent ban on no-fault evictions?" "Do you envisage a role for the public sector in the provision of additional housing opportunities in Waterford, Tramore, Dungarvan and other areas?" The big three political infrastructural projects were a constant presence, the airport (25% of responses), the hospital (17%) and the college (13%). Some voters even mentioned all three at once (7%); "Why is Waterford the only city without an airport, 24/7 cardiac care and a full university?" one such voter asked. Climate came up too - eleven times, along with traffic eight times and "illegal dumping" - twice. "What is one unpopular decision you would be prepared to make for the greater good but which people might object to even though long term it was important?" Running in the election might be their answer to that, one supposes. Another issue was about the Waterford-Kilkenny border in Ferrybank, "What is your opinion on expanding the borough boundary in Ferrybank?" one person queried, "What is the party's position on the Waterford/Kilkenny boundary in Ferrybank?" asked another. Of course, not everyone was wondering about the substantive issues - "If you're so smart, why are you in politics?" asked one voter. Some voters wondered if they should even vote, "Nothing ever seems to change so what's the point of even voting?" Either way, we'll find out which candidates answered Waterford's local questions very soon. A key topic on the Waterford election battleground has been that of Waterford Airport. Whether in support or not, the airport has been a shiny fixture of the election here following a particularly tumultuous past few months for the development. So which of the major parties who have candidates running in Waterford have voiced official support for a regional airport in the county within their General Election 2024 manifestos? Fianna Fail The Fianna Fail manifesto states: If returned to government, Fianna Fail will continue to engage with stakeholders in relation to the expansion of Waterford Regional Airport. The party also pledges to show support to Cork and Shannon and to continue investment in the Regional Airports Programme, supporting Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock) airports. Fine Gael Fine Gael outline that they will continue to progress Waterford Airport by ensuring matching funding for the proposal to lengthen and widen the runway. They say that they are "committed to enhancing Irelands aviation sector, especially regional airports and that they will "conduct an urgent review to maximise the use of regional airports including Knock, Shannon, Cork, Donegal and Kerry." Sinn Fein Sinn Feins manifesto has no specific mention of Waterford airport contained within. It does place an emphasis on developing routes to airports other than Dublin Airport, such as Cork, Shannon and Knock to provide a "substantial economic boost in these areas and the surrounding areas." Their manifesto says, "as an island, air travel is important to our economy and tourism sector." Labour Labour also make no specific reference to Waterford Airport, however does state that they will work towards the "sustainable development of regional airports, over further concentration in Dublin and reroute air traffic from Dublin airport to Shannon and Cork airports as a matter of priority." Social Democrats The Social Democrats do make a pledge to Waterford airport, saying: In government, the Social Democrats will aim to foster a more diverse spread of air traffic into the country, with a focus on utilising unused capacity at regional airports, including Shannon, Cork, Waterford, and Ireland West. Green Party Also showing support to Waterford Airport is the Green Party, stating within their manifesto: We will seek to develop Shannon as the lowest carbon landing place for aviation between North America and Europe and continue to engage with Waterford Airport Board and relevant stakeholders towards further strengthening and future-proofing the business case for the airports development. Aontu Aontu says it will "prioritise the opening of Waterford airport to an international carrier." They also say they will increase the passenger cap on Dublin and invest in Shannon, Cork and Knock airports. People Before Profit The only mention to airports within the PBP manifesto is their desire to close Shannon airport to US troops and stop "the use of Irish air space to facilitate genocide." With voters set to go to the polls tomorrow, these are some of the big storylines that will finally be answered! Will Sinn Fein secure the Deise double? In 2020, the Sinn Fein spokesperson for Health and Waterford TD David Cullinane received nearly 40% of the first preference vote, doubling the quota. Despite that incredible electoral performance, there were some regrets in their Parnell Square headquarters that they hadn't run two candidates. Speaking to waterford-news.ie, Deputy Cullinane admitted that only running one candidate in Waterford was a "mistake", but that they wouldn't be making the same error this time out. Sinn Fein ran a record number of candidates across the country in the local elections, a move Leader Mary Lou McDonald would later admit "it is obvious now that we ran too many candidates. Sinn Fein are hoping that they have found the balance in this General Election. In Waterford, while Deputy Cullinane is expected to be elected without any fuss, the fate of his party colleague Councillor Conor McGuinness is less clear. McGuinness is strategically positioning himself as a prospective TD for West Waterford and Dungarvan, seeking to attract a different sector of the Waterford vote as his party look to make up some of their poor polling performance in recent months. Sinn Fein's performance in Waterford may not match their national form; Deputy Cullinane has a strong base of support and, even if his party underperform nationally, his electoral chances may not be seriously affected. One of the most vocal local councillors and a strong voice for the west of the county, Conor McGuinness will attract non-partisan support in his locality. Regardless of the national picture Sinn Fein has reason to be hopeful of a Deise double. Who will be blamed for the airport? The development and extension of Waterford Airport's runway has failed to take off and blame is being passed around like a hot potato. Independent TD Matt Shanahan has spent the last four years loudly making the case for Waterford in the Dail against a rotating cast of government ministers. The latest of which was Fianna Fail Minister of State at the Department of Transport James Lawless who infamously labelled the airport as a 'pig in a poke'. This election will decide who the electorate ultimately blames for the lack of progress made. Will it be Green Party TD Marc O Cathasaigh, whose now-former party leader Minister Eamon Ryan has been accused of being asleep at the wheel of the department? Or will voters blame Minister Lawless' party colleague Minister Mary Butler - who was quick to distance herself from the comments? Will Cummins' Dail dreams be realised at last? Senator John Cummins has never been quiet about his ambition to go right to the top of the Irish political ladder. His persistence in running for the position is certainly not in doubt. In 2020, contrary to Sinn Fein's form, Fine Gael likely suffered from running two separate candidates, with Councillor Damien Geoghegan splitting the vote with the current Senator. This election cycle, Fine Gael has invested significantly into Cummins' campaign after he narrowly lost out to O Cathasaigh on transfers last time. The son of former Senator Maurice Cummins, John is seeking to go one step further than his father. His odds were already good but have likely improved since the controversy surrounding one of his biggest rivals, Independent Deputy Matt Shanahan, who has attracted significant criticism due to projecting an election message onto the side of the hospice ward at UHW. Waterford Older Peoples Council is urging all voters and particularly those retired to use their voting power to call for and highlight the basic needs of pensioners as candidates contest this Fridays general election. A spokesperson highlighted that recent proposals to increase the weekly State Pension bringing it up to 350 per week at the end of the next five years would mean a yearly budget increase of 12 per week, which will not support the growing number of older and retired people already under economic pressure. "A minimum demand by elected candidates forming Government and those in opposition should see pensioners receive a minimum of 34% of the average national wage. "It is also concerning to Waterford Older Peoples Council that occupational pensions can be subject to taxation. We are therefore calling for the taxation bands to be widened for those on Occupational and Social Welfare pensions." With an excess of 21% of Waterford people over the age of 65 years and a total of 776,315 of that age nationally, according to the 2022 Census, Waterford Older Peoples Council is also calling for the appointment of a Commissioner for older people. It is calling on greater supports for those aged 70 and over providing full-time home care for spouses and relatives within their own home. Meanwhile, Age Action Ireland have called for a new, comprehensive, all-of-government ageing strategy to address the needs of Ireland's ageing population. Dr Nat OConnor, Age Actions Senior Policy Adviser, said: "The political system is currently failing to prepare for the demographic transition, and while ageing is mentioned by most parties, their manifestos reflect a lack of urgency in relation to Irelands demographic transition. Age Action has called for the establishment of a Commissioner for Ageing and Older Persons. Dr OConnor added, Ireland needs a new, comprehensive, all-of-government ageing strategy. With a multi-party government being the most likely outcome of this election, we would like all parties to commit to this during the campaign. In a frantic day of negotiation, the government made a surprise addition to the agenda by gaining crossbench support for its food and grocery code, which imposes mandatory rules on supermarkets to treat suppliers fairly. The two housing bills approved on Thursday include the Build to Rent scheme to reduce the tax on foreign investors who build major housing projects so they pay the same rate as they would on commercial property, making a swift change that could encourage more construction. The government estimates this would lead investors to build at least 80,000 more homes over a decade. In a negotiation with independent senator David Pocock and the broader crossbench, Housing Minister Clare ONeil agreed to amendments that would require the investors to offer five-year leases for the renters in the build-to-rent projects, while also ruling out no-fault evictions. In addition, 10 per cent of the homes must be affordable housing for people in need. The second housing bill passed on Thursday sets up the Help to Buy scheme to offer federal funds to 10,000 home buyers each year in return for equity in their homes, but this requires work by government officials and will not be open to applicants until the middle of next year. Greens leader Adam Bandt and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Greens leader Adam Bandt backed the governments move to force the final votes on 27 draft laws on Thursday after securing more concessions from Albanese including $500 million to cut energy bills in social housing by improving energy efficiency. Albanese met Bandt in the prime ministers office on Thursday morning and agreed on the outcome to speed up the votes in the Senate, helped by the Greens decision earlier this week to drop their objections to the governments housing bills. In exchange, the Greens also agreed to help pass Labors landmark changes to the Reserve Bank structure and the Future Made in Australia program to encourage local manufacturing. Labor and the Greens successfully voted to gag debate in a so-called guillotine, clearing the path for the speedy approval of bills on Thursday night. Separate from this deal, Labor and the Coalition agreed to combine their votes to pass strict conditions for former detainees and the law to force social media companies to turn away customers who are under 16. This increased the tally of bills to be passed to 31. Loading The migration bills were passed about 9.40pm on Thursday. As expected, Albanese gained Coalition support for the social media package, given Dutton called for the age limit in June, but the debate was marked by warnings from the Greens and crossbenchers, as well as some Coalition MPs, about the lack of detail in how the scheme would work. The government will take up to a year to run trials and finalise the regulations to support the law. Tech tycoons, such as X owner Elon Musk, have warned that it will not work. With critics worried that the regime would require customers to hand over personal information to social media companies to confirm their age, Labor put an amendment to the package at about 10pm on Thursday to accept calls from the Coalition for tougher privacy protections. The changes give the federal communications minister the power to set rules that prohibit social media companies from forcing customers to provide information such as drivers licence details. The laws to change the rules on political donations were pushed back after Labor and the Coalition could not agree on the details. Independent senator Jacqui Lambie slammed the government for rushing too many laws through the Senate too quickly, without enough scrutiny. To say that I am disappointed in this government is an understatement, she told the Senate. When it comes to transparency and integrity, this government has been an epic failure. Credit: Matt Golding The bills passed on Thursday night also included a new regime for mergers and acquisitions, requiring companies to notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about their deals and giving the regulator greater scope to reject them. The new rules start in January 2026. The Senate passed a new law to define the objective of superannuation, seen as a way to guide the purpose of super funds, but the government postponed a law to raise revenue by increasing tax on all funds with more than $3 million. The government also gained support for the Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin) Bill to set up a voluntary scheme to certify products that help reduce carbon emissions. Perhaps the most critical lesson our team has learned is to approach fundraising as we would any sales cycle. You arent selling the product; youre selling the business. This means youre selling your business model, long-term strategy, and vision. Raising capital feels more like riding a rollercoaster than a simple business transactionespecially for Gen-Z founders who are out here rewriting the rules. In this weeks Founder Feature, were taking a behind-the-scenes look at Dev Chopra, the trailblazing CEO and co-founder of DAPPA Fashion, a cutting-edge generative AI fashion tech startup. Balancing two of the most fast-moving industriesAI and fashionChopra has not only caught the attention of investors but has also tackled the wild ride of scaling a business from the ground up. From perfecting his pitch to securing game-changing investment, Chopra reveals the juicy insights hes picked up along the way, sharing the secret sauce that helped turn his bold vision into a thriving business. So, grab your seatbelt and get ready for this weeks edition of Founder Friday, where we break down the highs, the lows, and all the lessons learned from a founder shaking up two industries at once. Lets face itraising capital is never easy, especially when youre a Gen-Z founder trying to prove that youth equals innovation. The tech world may be changing fast, but securing investor funding can still feel like a maze of uncertainty and tough breaks. Chopra knows this struggle all too well. Fortunately, he and his team have been lucky enough to snag some serious backing from top Australian investors. As one of a team of all Gen-Z founders of an AI-based fashion tech startup, I know this struggle firsthand. The path to funding wasnt always straightforward or easy: weve had guidance from mentors and learnt many lessons along the way. Here are five key takeaways from DAPPA Fashions adventure in raising capital that could help supercharge your own startup journey. Ready? Lets dive in! Aligning visions and finding the right investors By following VCs publicly shared content, blog posts, and investment theses, weve been able to gauge a VCs perspective on technology and market sectors. This proactive approach helps keep things more targeted Chopra says that The search for investors is as much about alignment as it is about funding. When approaching investors, weve always looked to find investors who share the same vision as us for DAPPA Fashion as a business. Beyond financial support, were seeking backers who believe in the potential of Australias emerging tech scene and its capacity for innovation. One way we identify these investors is by leveraging resources such as AirTrees Open Source VC, which provides insights into different venture capital firms approaches and areas of interest. Understanding what motivates a venture capital firm helps us select investors who are not only financially supportive but also philosophically aligned with their business vision. By following VCs publicly shared content, blog posts, and investment theses, weve been able to gauge a VCs perspective on technology and market sectors. This proactive approach helps keep things more targeted and efficient on our end, ensuring we connect with investors who have a genuine interest in our mission. Approach fundraising as a sales cycle Perhaps the most critical lesson Dev Chopra and his team at DAPPA Fashion have learned is to approach fundraising as they would any sales cycle. Instead of selling the product, they are selling the business itselfthis means focusing on presenting their business model, long-term strategy, and overall vision to potential investors. While product innovation is critical, its only part of the equation for investors who need assurance about the companys commercial viability, market positioning, and long-term sustainability. This shift in mindset has also required our team to develop new skills, often drawn from traditional sales techniques. Weve had to learn how to get to the point quicker and be clear about our value proposition. Streamlining presentations and honing a pitch means we can communicate their ideas succinctly and effectively, an essential skill in a competitive fundraising environment. Targeting investors with a strong understanding of and belief in their sector allows us to move past introductory conversations and focus on the more substantial aspects of the business plan. With some of Australias top investors already on board, theyre assisting us in raising further capital as DAPPA Fashion continues to develop its generative AI model for fashion and eCommerce. Drawing on past experience and mentorship Finding a mentor with prior experience in capital raising has been invaluable says Dev Chopra. Finding a mentor with prior experience in capital raising is invaluable. We have been fortunate enough to draw on the experiences of a partner to help us with our own fundraising. Their guidance has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of venture capital, helping the team develop practical knowledge of deal-making, negotiation, and investor relations. This mentorship really gave us a head start and continues to inform our capital decisions. The impact of age: A double-edged sword For young founders like Dev Chopra, age can be both an asset and a challenge in the world of venture capital. On one hand, being part of Gen-Z has provided a fresh perspective, enabling Chopra and his team to identify unique gaps in the market that others may overlook. Their age has driven them to build the business and focus on addressing these untapped opportunities. However, age has also presented challenges. Reputation and experience often hold significant weight for investors, and not yet having a proven track has meant that VCs, at times, have been resistant. To counter this we have needed to refine our approach. Ultimately, investors are backing DAPPA based on their analysis of us as a team and our ability to execute there are no other data points to inform their decision. This puts added pressure on us to prove our capability through strong business planning, strategic hires, and quick results. Advice For aspiring founders on raising capital Always be adaptable and willing to learn from each step of the journey especially in the oft-unpredictable world of venture funding. Dev Chopra emphasizes the importance of persistence and learning from every experience. Its crucial to stay adaptable and willing to learn at each stage of the journey, especially in the unpredictable world of venture funding, he explains. Always be adaptable and willing to learn from each step of the journey especially in the oft-unpredictable world of venture funding. Learning how to handle setbacks and continuously improve our approach to fundraising has been a defining part of our growth as entrepreneurs. Finding the right investors involves not only seeking financial backing but also building relationships with those who understand and support our vision. By treating fundraising as an iterative process, we continue to refine our strategies, ensuring we remain agile, focused, and prepared for the next opportunity. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is taking a project truth approach to calling out Sinn Feins spending pledges as fears over future economic threats took centre stage in the General Election campaign. Election results on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean have set the background for the final stretch of campaigning for parties ahead of polling day on Friday. Donald Trumps presidential election victory in the US has brought heightened concern that his administrations proposals around corporation tax and tariffs would significantly impact Irelands economic model. Harris has argued Ireland and other EU countries need to prepare for the possibility of trade shocks as he criticised the scale of Sinn Feins spending pledges as well as their saving plans. He said: I think that is irresponsible, I think it is dangerous and I think it is reckless. He accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of not being able to say what her party was prepared to do in the event of an economic crash, adding that Fine Gael would borrow and stop putting money towards a rainy-day fund. Asked if the party was engaging in project fear to dissuade voters against Sinn Fein, Mr Harris said: I call it project truth. Its telling people whats being discussed right across European capitals. Ms McDonald told an RTE interview on Wednesday morning that a Sinn Fein government would also be prepared to start borrowing in the event of an economic downturn. Both Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who were partners in the last coalition government in Ireland, have made clear they will not countenance Sinn Fein as a potential partner in the next administration in Dublin. One day after the only three-way debate featuring the leaders of the main parties, Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein of being dishonest about how they will fund their manifesto plans. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he is anxious to get clarity on the issue. I think Sinn Fein have been very dishonest, frankly, in terms of the funds, because if you go through their figures, and this is a matter of fact, not opinion, theyre predicting a surplus of a billion in 2026, a billion in 2027. Even in 2025, theyre talking about a mini-budget, which would mean reducing the surplus that were anticipating in 2025. Theres a legislative obligation now on any new government to put 0.8 per cent of GDP to one side, and into the funds. Theres no way you can do that with a surplus of a billion in 2026 or 2027, and we would argue they would not have enough funds next year either to put into the funds. He added: It means they have no room to manoeuvre if things go wrong, if theres headwinds come externally, or there are shocks internationally, Sinn Fein is not allowing any headroom at all in terms of room to respond or to move it. Ms McDonald accused the other two parties of conspiring to keep Sinn Fein out of government and prevent change in Ireland. Mary Lou McDonald, Micheal Martin and Simon Harris took part in a three-way leaders debate on RTE television (Niall Carson/PA) She said the two men were now indistinguishable from each other as she claimed they were suffering acute amnesia in regard to their records in government. On a visit to Naas fire station in Co Kildare, she said: To listen to them, youd imagine they had just arrived on the scene and that they were going to come up with all of these solutions. They have had ample chances, ample opportunity, to make things better, and they have failed, and in between the two of them I make the case that now we ask for our chance, with our plans, with our team, to demonstrate how change can happen, how your community, your family, yourself, can be supported when the government is actually on your side. Mr Martins and Mr Harris coalition partner Roderic OGorman, the leader of the Greens, issued a warning to the public over a future government without his party. On Wednesday, he said it is looking likely that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be returned to government but cautioned they may not want the Greens to continue fighting hard on policies. He told reporters: My sense is certainly the mood music from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that theyd like an easier life in the next government and my concern is they use these small populist parties and right-wing independents. Mr OGorman argued that the Greens could continue to provide stability to government at a time when economic shocks may be around the corner. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin during a press event (Brian Lawless/PA) As the Green leader suggested that relying on independents would be unstable, Mr Martin has also argued that too much fragmentation would lead to incoherence in government. Reflecting on Tuesday nights debate, the Fianna Fail leader said the race remained too close to call while Mr Harris said it is all to play for. The leaders of Irelands three main political parties clashed on housing, healthcare and financial management in the last televised debate before Fridays General Election. The tetchy debate, which was marked by several interruptions, saw the parties set out their stalls in a broadcast that commentators said did little to move the dial before polling day. The latest opinion poll on Monday put the parties in a tight grouping, with Fianna Fail slightly ahead of Sinn Fein, and Fine Gael in a close third after a significant slide in a campaign marked with several hiccups for Mr Harriss party. After a tough few months, Australias SME manufacturers are finally seeing a glimmer of hope. Fresh data from the latest Unleashed Manufacturing Report reveals a 4.5% rise in average sales revenue last quarter, signalling a positive shift across the sector. From food and beverages to construction and chemicals, local makers are gearing up for growth, stocking up inventory, and riding a wave of renewed consumer demand. Experts are calling it the start of a brighter chapter for the industryand its not just about sales. Strong purchase orders and a cautious optimism among manufacturers point to a sector ready to bounce back. These findings, drawn from the Manufacturers Health Index by inventory management provider Unleashed, are based on detailed analysis of over 1,300 SME manufacturers, offering a comprehensive view of the health of the sector. Confidence returns to the industry For many manufacturers, the rise in sales revenue has been a welcome relief after several tough years. Jarrod Adam, Unleasheds Head of Product, highlighted how businesses have weathered challenges by focusing on operational efficiencies, clearing excess stock, and strengthening their pipelines. Seeing sales revenue increase is a sign that manufacturers are not just surviving but setting themselves up to thrive, Adam explained. The economic clouds are starting to lift, and with strong foundations in place, Australian manufacturers are well-positioned to take advantage of better conditions. Broader trends point to a brighter future Across all industries, purchase orders saw a significant increase of 8.6% this quarter and an impressive 23.7% compared to the same period three years ago. This surge is a strong indicator of future sales growth, particularly in sectors with longer sales cycles. Standout performers include the Beverage and Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories industries, which showed substantial gains in both sales revenue and purchase orders. The construction sector, often viewed as a bellwether for broader economic trends, also experienced a notable 9.45% increase in purchase orders, suggesting a rebound that could ripple through other industries. This kind of activity in construction is often the first sign of a broader recovery, Adam said. If the sector continues on this trajectory, it could be a harbinger of sustained growth across the manufacturing landscape. Challenges amid the optimism While the overall picture is bright, not all metrics pointed upward. Profitability, as measured by Gross Margin Return on Inventory (GMROI), fell by 8.36% this quarter. However, this decline is likely temporary, driven by elevated investments in inventory to meet anticipated demand. Profitability reflects past performance, while purchase orders and sales point to the future, Adam noted. This dip in margins is not a red flag but rather a reflection of businesses gearing up for continued growth. In the long term, this is a positive step for the sector. Excess stock levels have remained steady, up just 0.6% from last quarter but 27.7% higher than the same period three years ago. For manufacturers, especially those dealing with durable goods, this indicates a strategic buildup of inventory to meet forecasted demand. Sector spotlights Several key industries are leading the charge: Chemicals : Sales revenue rose 9.18% this quarter, with companies like Enzyme Generation benefiting from increased consumer demand for environmentally sustainable products. Director Evan Smith noted a shift in public perception, driving growth in green manufacturing. : Sales revenue rose 9.18% this quarter, with companies like Enzyme Generation benefiting from increased consumer demand for environmentally sustainable products. Director noted a shift in public perception, driving growth in green manufacturing. Construction : Purchase orders rose by 9.45%, pointing to a recovery in an industry that often experiences long lead times between orders and revenue. : Purchase orders rose by 9.45%, pointing to a recovery in an industry that often experiences long lead times between orders and revenue. Food and Beverages: Both sectors posted solid growth, with beverages seeing a 14.22% increase in sales revenue and food manufacturers achieving a 7.24% rise. Strong purchase order metrics suggest even greater gains ahead. A turning point for manufacturing The latest figures reveal that Australian SME manufacturers are steadily emerging from the economic challenges of recent years. With sales revenue and purchase orders climbing, the sector appears poised for sustained growth. This report tells a story of resilience and renewal, Adam concluded. Manufacturers have adapted, improved their business health, and are now positioned to take advantage of improving economic conditions. Its an exciting time for the industry as it looks toward a brighter future. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Constituency: Mayo No of seats: 5 Candidates (16): Dara Calleary (Fianna Fail), Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail), Rose Conway-Walsh (Sinn Fein), Joe Daly (People Before Profit), Alan Dillon (Fine Gael), Mark Duffy (Fine Gael), Sean Forkin (Independent), Keira Keogh (Fine Gael), Martina Jennings (Fine Gael), Stephen Kerr (Independent), Paul Lawless (Aontu), Gerry Loftus (Independent), Chris Maxwell (Independent Ireland), Gerry Murray (Sinn Fein), Patsy OBrien (Independent), Micheal Boxty OConaill (Green Party). Next Fridays general election in Mayo will be the most open race in living memory. The retirement of perennial poll-topper Michael Ring and the creation of an extra seat with the return of about 6,000 votes from South Mayo means there are two vacancies to be filled and a plethora of candidates to fill them. There are 16 candidates in Mayo one more than in 2020 when there were only four seats on offer and we could fill this entire newspaper with all of the possible outcomes. The only guide is the recent opinion poll commissioned by TG4, but polling companies have a poor record when it comes to predicting elections in Mayo (as anyone who can recall 2002 and 2007 will testify). There are, however, a few conclusions we can draw from the opinion poll and one of them is that it would be a major shock were any of the three outgoing TDs Dara Calleary, Rose Conway-Walsh and Alan Dillon to lose their seats. Dillon is predicted to top the poll with 17% followed by Conway-Walsh (13%) and Calleary (11%). The result for Calleary seems on the low side (he took 14% in 2020) and Conway-Walsh might also expect to get a slightly larger share, although she does have a running mate this time unlike 2020. The quota is expected to be between 11,500 and 12,000, which is 16.6% of the total poll, and none of the candidates may reach that magic figure. The last time that happened in Mayo was way back in 2002 when it was the fifth count before any candidate exceeded the quota. That was, of course, the most dramatic Mayo election in decades and we may be in for a reprise of that nail-biter. If we are to accept that three of the seats will be filled by the outgoing TDs, then we are left with at least half a dozen candidates for the remaining two seats. The TG4 poll put the contenders in this order: Lisa Chambers (10%), Mark Duffy (10%), Keira Keogh (8%), Patsy OBrien (7%), Paul Lawless (7%), Gerry Murray (5%), Martina Jennings (4%), Joe Daly, Stephen Kerr, Chris Maxwell and Micheal Boxty O Conaill (all 2%), Gerry Loftus (1%) and Sean Forkin (<1%). In a race where there are so many candidates for so few seats, transfers will be critical and that is where geography could play a decisive role. In the aforementioned 2002 election, Fine Gaels Enda Kenny survived because he picked up transfers from Fianna Fails Frank Chambers a scenario most people had thought unlikely but ultimately happened because geography trumped party affiliation. Geography will matter in next Fridays election because there is a big imbalance between the numbers of candidates in the north and south of the county. The following is the share of candidates per electoral area: Ballina (2), Belmullet (2), Castlebar (5), Claremorris (3), Swinford (2) and Westport (2). Put simply, there are 10 candidates in the south of the county versus six in the north, and half of the candidates are in Castlebar or Claremorris. That has to count for something, especially when one considers that the TG4 poll had the 10 South Mayo candidates taking 59% of the first-preference vote. On that basis, it seems likely that three TDs will come from South Mayo and two from North Mayo, which would effectively rule out Fine Gaels Mark Duffy (presuming that Calleary and Conway-Walsh are elected). However, Calleary won't be taking anything for granted. He wouldnt be the first outgoing minister from Ballina to lose his seat in fact, hed be the third in 40 years, the others being Paddy OToole in 1987 and Dr Tom Moffatt in 2002. Attending the Mayo Association Dublin Business Lunch 2024 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin last week were John and Rita Casey, guest speaker Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe, Fine Gael candidate in Mayo Martina Jennings and Noel Howley, Mayo Association Dublin. Picture: Conor McKeown The two big surprises from the TG4 poll were the fairly high level of support for newcomer Keira Keogh (8%) and the disappointing performance of her Fine Gael running mate Martina Jennings (4%). In recent weeks, there has been much talk about a TD for South Mayo (i.e. Claremorris/Ballinrobe area), but the combined vote for Jennings and Independent Patsy OBrien would still be well short of a quota. Keira Keogh is attempting to retain the Westport seat held for the past 30 years by the redoubtable Michael Ring, who averaged over 12,000 first preferences in six general elections from 1997 to 2020. Ring was never likely to slip away quietly and his wholehearted endorsement for Keogh, who missed out narrowly in the local elections in Westport last June, has the potential to turn this race on its head. If they manage to retain the seat for Westport, it will be a victory that will be right up there with Rings famous by-election success in 1994, and geography certainly favours Keogh if she can stay ahead of OBrien and Jennings, and not allow Duffy to open up a wide margin early on. The TG4 poll puts Lisa Chambers in contention for a return to the Dail but she will need to be higher than 10% (she lost her seat with 10% of the vote in 2020) if she is to complete the comeback. Chambers biggest threat could be from Paul Lawless, the Aontu candidate who won a seat on Mayo County Council last June, having suffered defeats in the local and general elections in 2019 and 2020. Lawless needs a few things to fall in his favour but a path to victory is possible, especially if Rose Conway-Walsh does not need a large transfer from running mate Gerry Murray to get over the line. In 2020, Lawless enjoyed a healthy transfer from Sinn Fein and there is every chance it could happen again Murray will have a lot of votes and geography also favours Lawless. The Aontu man is also best-placed to benefit from transfers from Independent Stephen Kerr and some of Martina Jennings vote might make its way to him too if the placings in the opinion poll hold up on election day. In an election that has not taken off at a national level, the television debate this evening (Tuesday) between the leaders of the three main parties could prove decisive for those final two seats in Mayo. Up to now, Fine Gael has had a bad election, Fianna Fail is holding its own while Independents, Aontu and, to a lesser extent, Sinn Fein appear to have the late momentum. If that trend continues beyond tonight, Fine Gael will be happy to settle for two seats in Mayo (Dillon and one of Keogh or Duffy), Conway-Walsh and Calleary will retain their seats and the final seat will come down to a battle between Chambers, Lawless and Patsy OBrien. On a really good day for Sinn Fein, Gerry Murray one of the best councillors in Mayo over the last three decades might also be in the hunt for a seat. OBrien's elimination could elect Keogh, or at least put her into an unassailable position, leaving Chambers and Lawless battling for the final seat with Duffy struggling for transfers in a race dominated by South Mayo candidates. For the sake of making a prediction, were going to go with the following five Dillon, Conway-Walsh, Calleary, Keogh and Chambers but there are at least five other scenarios that are equally plausible in this wide-open race in Mayo. Finally, the best of luck to all of the 16 candidates who have had the courage to put their names on the ballot paper. They deserve our respect and gratitude and, most of all, they deserve a strong turnout. Irish farmers including Four from Mayo have joined forces for a new book combining scientific research with local knowledge that gives farmers and others practical tips on how to create a more sustainable future, while protecting land and nature. At a time of great challenge and uncertainty for farm families, The Farming For Nature Handbook is a practical guide to protecting and restoring nature. Published by Dingle Publishing, it will be launched today (November 28th), costs 30 and is available to order at www.farmingfornature.ie. With contributions from more than 50 Irish farmers, the book also shares farmers experiences of how working with nature can help reduce costs and improve incomes. The four Mayo farmers are: Aoife Reilly, Colm Gavin, Fergal O Cuinneagain and Sinead Moran. While there is widespread awareness of the environmental damage caused by poor farming practices, this book in contrast attempts to highlight the positive ways farmers can sustain and enhance our natural environment, and benefit from the results. Niamh Heneghan, a 14-year-old from Leenane, along with family and friends, will walk 67km from Clifden to Westport on the weekend of November 30th and December 1st to raise funds for the Graham family, who are affected by motor neurone disease. The event, Together for Susan, is a demonstration of community solidarity, transcending county boundaries and showing the power of collective support across Galway and Mayo. The walk will begin on Saturday, November 30th, at 8am at SuperValu in Clifden, with the first leg ending around 4pm in Leenane. It will resume on Sunday, December 1st, starting at 8am in Leenane and concluding at the Octagon in Westport around 4pm. Due to road safety concerns, the number of walkers is limited, but the public are encouraged to show their support along the route. Sponsorship cards and donation buckets will be available, and donations can also be made directly via the Graham familys GoFundMe page. To conclude the walk, there will be craic agus ceol with Eric Heneghan & Joe Forde at The Porter House in Westport from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday, December 1st. A charity car wash will run alongside the walk on Saturday, November 30th, at Holland's Daybreak in Westport, with all proceeds going to the Graham family. When the devil was sick, the devil a saint would be. But when the devil got well, the devil a saint was he. I came across the above saying while researching this article. It dates from the late 19th century. I feel it reflects the nature of politics everywhere, and always. Here in the Ox Mountains, we will hear plenty of election promises in the coming days. Let us have a look at the definition of politics, to see if something has been missed since the time politics was first defined. The Oxford dictionary gives two explanations; firstly, the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power and secondly, activities aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organisation. Interesting. Origins Egyptians, Romans, and the Greeks were the first people known to have explicitly formulated a political philosophy and to have rational political institutions. Prior to this, states were loosely formed based on religious myths. Several important political innovations came from the Greeks and the Romans. The Greeks, before the 4th century, granted citizenship rights to their free population. In Athens, these rights were combined with a directly democratic form of government that was to have long-lasting effects right up to this very day, in fact. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is considered by political scientists to be the beginning of the modern international system, in which external powers should avoid interfering in another country's domestic affairs. The principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs was laid out in the mid-18th century by Swiss jurist Emer de Vattel. States became the primary institutional agents in an interstate system of relations. Today, in Gaza and Ukraine, we can easily see what happens when these basics are ignored. Irish politics Information provided on our own Oireachtas website, History of Parliament in Ireland, takes us from the first Irish parliament in 1264, right up to the first Dail in 1919. The Normans, who began to settle in Ireland in 1169, were the first to give Ireland a centralised administration. The first Irish Parliament for which there is a definitive record met on June 18, 1264. Following the French Revolution and the Irish Revolution of 1798, the Government in London wanted to bring Ireland under its direct control. It persuaded the Irish Parliament to pass the 1800 Act of Union, effectively voting itself out of existence. The Irish Parliament came to an end in 1801. After the Easter Rising of 1916, and the executions that followed it, public opinion in Ireland turned against the British crown. In the 1918 general election, Sinn Fein, the nationalist party, won 73 of 105 Irish seats in the House of Commons. However, Sinn Fein had pledged not to sit in Westminster but to create an independent assembly in Ireland. The party made good on its promise by inviting all elected Irish representatives to attend a parliamentary assembly in Dublin. On January 21, 1919, the first Dail met in the Round Room of the Mansion House. Many Sinn Fein members were listed as ar dibirt ag Gallaibh (banished by foreigners) or fe ghlas ag Gallaibh (imprisoned by foreigners). Among these was Countess de Markievicz, who was imprisoned in Holloway Prison, London. Local politics They say all politics is local and given that all of us who vote are local, the theory would seem to be valid. Even in todays world of global news and instant media, our vote is always for the local candidate, as both the electorate and the candidate keep an eye on each other to gain advantage. After all, what village would not like to have its own councillor and what town would not like to have its own TD. If you thought that it was only in recent times that political figures had to ship abuse from keyboard warriors, you would be mistaken. In the past there were also writing desk warriors; those who gave vent to their political opinions through the letters' sections in their local newspaper. These warriors were no less restrained than the social media bandits of today. While doing research on this subject, I was drawn to a headline that appeared in the Sligo Champion in 1899 about the Aclare and Cloonacool County Council Election. The incumbent councillor was a namesake of my own, Henry McCarrick, of Cloonbarry House, near Aclare. McCarrick, who was seeking re-election, seemed to be liked and disliked in equal measure by people in the various parts of his electoral division, depending on whether they came from Aclare or Cloonacool. "The chief objection to my mind is that Mr M'Carrick is the representative of a class which has ground the people of Ireland for centuries," wrote one contributor named 'Vigilant'. Another letter-writer, named 'Cloonacool', opined: "In the many letters you have published about the coming elections, the strongest point is that all applications for county works made by a landlord like MCarrick should be rejected by the Nationalists of the County Council. This would mean a loss of over a thousand pounds in the year to the district; and as the election holds for three years, the patriots of Aclare and Kilmactigue will have plenty of time to cry over their choice. However, let the Nationalists of County Sligo know that the men of Cloonacool are not in favour of MCarrick, and it will be in spite of us if he is returned." Much further back in time, in August 1837, two agents who were travelling to an election event in the town of Sligo, were attacked by a large mob at Cloonacool. The Mayo Constitution takes up the story. As two Protestants, named Allen and McKenzie, were proceeding by a mountain road to Sligo to vote, they were seized upon by a large mob near the village of Cloonacool. After beating the two men in a most inhuman manner, breaking one of their arms, and inflicting other desperate injuries upon them, they dragged them to a lonely part of the mountain, where they tied them in such a way as that they could not move hand or foot, and having blindfolded them, left them in that terrible situation far from the haunts of men, or the reach of assistance. There the unfortunate men remained SIX DAYS, exposed to cold and hunger, and suffering under the savage treatment they had received at the hands of their assailants. Allen subsequent died of his injuries. It was also reported at the time that the Cloonacool mob was led by the local priest. I am also led to believe that two on my own ancestors were part of the same mob. Both men subsequently hurriedly left for America although no one was ever convicted in connection with the incident. While not making light of this tragic tale, it should be said that all election candidates and their supporters are welcomed in Cloonacool today. Oh, and by the way please use your vote. By Jonathan McCambridge and Cillian Sherlock, PA Investigators searching for the remains of Disappeared victim Joe Lynskey said the exhumation of a grave in Co Monaghan had been a difficult time for his family. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR) said a formal process would be undertaken to establish the identity of all the remains found in the grave in the village of Annyalla. Mr Lynskey, a former monk from Belfast who later joined the IRA, was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1972. The ICLVR did not become aware that Joe Lynskey was one of the Disappeared until 2010 (WAVE Trauma Centre/PA) He was one of 17 people who were Disappeared by republican paramilitaries during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The commission said it had received information related to suspicious historic activity during the 1970s at a grave in Annyalla cemetery. The ICLVR did not become aware that Mr Lynskey was one of the Disappeared until 2010. A number of searches since then have failed to locate his remains. Jon Hill, lead investigator for the ICVLR, said it was a difficult time for the Lynskey family. Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Hill said: The Lynskeys have been disappointed before when weve done a search and recovered remains. In 2010, the commission was searching for Mr Lynskey in Co Meath and uncovered remains which related to two other of the Disappeared: Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee. Speaking to the PA news agency at Annyalla cemetery, Mr Hill added: So they had that news, hoping or expecting that could have been Joe, and their hopes were dashed. They took comfort from the fact that someone had been recovered, and they still have that view. The exhumation was carried out at Annyalla Cemetery in Co Monaghan (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) So theyre quite guarded in their views or their thoughts on what it is, that their hopes dont raise too high until we get to a position where were sure it is Joe. His comments echoed those of Mr Lynskeys niece Maria, who told BBC Radio Ulster that she was hoping not to be disappointed again. She said she was both nervous and optimistic about the exhumation, and added: These are long journeys for us, for all the families of the Disappeared that have had to go through this. Mr Hill said the commission had had information for a period of time relating to what appeared to be suspicious activity that took place within the graveyard several years ago. Mr Lynskeys niece Maria Lynskey said she was hoping not to be disappointed again (Brian Lawless/PA) The investigator said: Recent years have suggested that that could have been indicative of what happened to Joe Lynskey. Because of that, weve taken steps together with An Garda Siochana to go through the due process of arranging for an exhumation. Mr Hill said there were multiple sets of remains in what was a family grave. The sets of remains would be submitted for DNA examination. If Mr Lynskeys remains were identified, there would be a post-mortem examination and a process involving the coroner and State pathologist. He said the commission had been in contact with the family associated with the plot. To be suggesting there could be a burial within their family plot that doesnt relate to their family is something that they want resolved as well, he said. That is information that was within that family group over a number of years. So I think it brings some relief to them as well. The investigator acknowledged the exhumation was an unusual search process for the commission. The ICLVR said a formal process would be undertaken to establish the identity of all the remains found in the grave (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) Ordinarily, our searches are in fields or bog land, where well be looking for one set of remains in a field, and thats all well find, he said. Of course, in a churchyard, its significantly different from that, and that brings about its own dynamics and creates its own problems. There are of course remains here, numerous remains. And yes, its unusual, but it isnt unusual for the commission to have information relating to something happening during a burial which was unusual. Weve had a number of cases like that reported to us over the years, and weve been able to investigate all of those and eliminate them all, apart from this one. So this one has become particularly relevant as the years have gone by, and more recent information has brought us to the conclusion that were at now, that it needed to be exhumed to eliminate that possibility that it could be Joe Lynskey. The commission was set up by the UK and Irish governments during the peace process to investigate the whereabouts of the Disappeared. Thirteen have been formally found. As well as Mr Lynskey, the commission is also tasked with finding three other Disappeared victims Co Tyrone teenager Columba McVeigh, British Army Captain Robert Nairac, and Seamus Maguire, who was in his mid-20s and from near Lurgan, Co Armagh. Mr Hill said all the remaining cases would remain open until the victims were either found or there was no more that we can do. We would appeal always to anyone who has any information to come forward, because the information is absolutely crucial to our work, he said. Balla / Manulla Balla Christmas celebration Join the community at Balla Christmas Market for a magical Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 7, in Balla Community Centre from 12 to 5pm. Santa and Mrs Claus arrives at 11.45, and there will be horse and carriage rides, carol singing and music, arts and crafts, face painting, tuck shop and from 5.30pm the kids tractor run, adult tractor run, and fireworks display. Contact Balla CRD at 087 1850860 / info@balla.ie for more information. Manulla FC jackpot Manulla FC lotto draw was held on last Sunday week, November 17, for a massive jackpot of 17,000. The numbers drawn were 2, 10, 15 and 24. There was no jackpot winner. The consolation prizewinners were Orna, Manulla (online) Julie Ann OGrady, Balla (online), and Sabrina Cunningham, Vinnell (online). The latest jackpot stood at a massive 17,100 on Monday, November 25. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/. Balla GAA lotto The club jackpot on Thursday, November 14, stood at 9,000 in The Shebeen. The numbers drawn were 18, 19, 27and 32.There was no winner of the jackpot. The 30 consolation winners were Donall O Flatharta (online), Andrew Staunton (online) and Lisa Corish (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, November 21, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at 9,100. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto. Annual Mass The annual Bereavement Mass for Balla, Manulla, Belcarra and Clogher will be held in St Cronans Church, Balla on November 30, at 11am. Balla GAA AGM 2024 The AGM of Balla GAA Club will be held on Sunday, December 1, in Balla Community Centre at 3pm. All members and supporters are requested to be in attendance. Enquiries to the club secretary at secretary.balla.mayo@gaa.ie (mailto:secretary.balla.mayo@gaa.ie). Balla Yoga Yoga at Balla Centre commenced on Mondays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. On Friday Mornings it commences at 9.30am. Booking is essential as places are limited for the 5 week course which is suitable for all ages. Call Ann at 087 0938777 to book you space. Balla Community Centre Balla Community Centre has a range of classes and activities suitable for the whole community. See Balla Community Facebook Page for all programs during the week, including sewing, knitting classes, artful minds, yoga, bridge, parent and toddler group, English classes, and drama etc. Also hot desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further details. Balla Parents and Toddlers Parents, toddlers and guardians can meet up for coffee and chat every Thursday from 10.30am until 12 noon in Balla Community Centre. All are welcome. Balla Active Age Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome. Bingo Bus route A great new service to enhance Balla Bingo has recently commenced. The Bingo bus service has pickups at Brickens, Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballyglass and Mayo Abbey destined to be in Balla for Sunday Bingo at 7.40pm. Call 087 1850860 or 094 93 65846 to reserve your seat. Balla Bingo Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online at 8pm. Balla Bingo usually features a generous 12,000 prize fund with 15,000 available on Bank Holiday weekends. 50/50 winners in house and online, free book give away on the night. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays. Local 25 card games Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome. Bitisa Kandel, from Claremorris, Co Mayo graduated from ATU Galway with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering pictured with proud parents Basanta and Kila. Photo credit: James Connolly ***************** Errew & Clogher News Visit of Santa Claus On Sunday, December 15, at 2pm, Santa Clause will make his annual visit to the Santa Grotto at the Clogher Heritage Complex. The event costs 10 per child or 25 per family and all funds raised will go to Mayo Autism Camp. This will be a very special day for all the little people of Clogher and the surrounding areas. Further details and bookings can be made through Fiona at 087 9440899. A fun day is guaranteed. Annual table quiz Clogher was the place to be on Saturday last for all quizzers. Clogher Environmental Group extend a resounding thank you to the many people from Clogher and the surrounding communities who came out to the qui,z the proceeds of which will go towards a defibrillator for the school and community centre area. Thanks as always to Jimmy Murphy who continues to come up with an interesting mix of questions on many subjects; to Finian Bourke who checked the answers and ensured that there were no discrepancies; to Joe and Liz Mahon of the Drum Inn for providing the venue and the food; and thanks to TF Royal Hotel and Theatre who sponsored the main prize for the raffle as well as all the other people who provided prizes. As always it was a very enjoyable night, so looking forward to next year already. Clogher Cards Clogher card results for Friday, November 15, were; 1st Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, and Michael Giblin and Breege Blake, 3rd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith. Last 10 was won by Cathal Hennelly and Bernie Keane. The card game continues every Friday night. Errew says Thanks A wonderful time was had by all in Errew Community Centre with James Kilbane Music on a recent Sunday. The community were in fine voice as they joined James singing many favourite Irish ballads and folk songs. James engaged his audience as he recounted tales about Achill, London, the hard working diaspora and his successful musical journey. Having seen the online coverage of the official opening, James appreciated the history and background story behind the community centre and was delighted to lend his voice and help bring the local community together once again. Errew Community committee extends their sincere thanks to James for reaching out and performing in the centre. His wonderful voice resonated with everyone there and no doubt brought back many fond memories. Thanks to all those who supported the event. Small is beautiful Since opening in September, the former old school building in Errew has become an active community hub with neighbours and friends seeing more of each other in the last few months than they have in years. Errew Community Centre may be small, but it has a great heart and is currently filled with great spirit! Long may it continue! Errew Childcare Errew Pay as you Go Breakfast Club and After School facility welcomes children from the surrounding areas from 7.30-9.10am and 2-5.30pm. It is a drop-in child care service with no weekly or monthly set fees. Contact Riona Lawless on 087 9005099 for more information. Yoga classes A beginner yoga 6 week series of yoga classes has commenced in Errew Community Centre. The yoga classes are held in Errew Community Centre every Monday and Tuesday from 7pm -7.45pm. If you are interested in joining the next block of 6 week classes contact Lorraine on 087 6835623 or lorrainelavelleyoga@gmail.com. On November 25, 2024, the Australian Parliament passed significant reforms to bolster the nations cyber security posture, forming part of a strategic effort to position Australia as a global leader in cyber security by 2030. The new laws include the Cyber Security Act 2024, the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Act 2024, and the Security of Critical Infrastructure Amendment Act 2024.Key provisions in these reforms include the introduction of mandatory cyber security standards for smart devices, the requirement for certain businesses to report ransom payments, and the establishment of a Cyber Incident Review Board (CIRB) to analyze major cyber incidents and recommend improvements. Additionally, the reforms enhance the governments ability to assist critical infrastructure during disruptions, expand information-sharing between industry and government, and refine the security framework for telecommunications. These measures aim to close existing legislative gaps, promote better cyber incident management, and ensure Australias preparedness in the face of evolving cyber threat Key measures in the reforms include: Mandatory cyber security standards for smart devices to protect consumers. Requirements for certain businesses to report ransom payments to improve threat intelligence. A new limited use rule for the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Australian Signals Directorate to facilitate faster information sharing during cyber incidents. The creation of a Cyber Incident Review Board (CIRB) for post-incident reviews and recommendations. We reached out to industry experts to gather their insights on the recently passed Cyber Security reforms: Simon Howe, Area Vice President ANZ, ExtraHop The Cyber Security Act embraces collaborative efforts and fosters a culture of cyber resilience. It provides a robust framework to further advance the priority and focus of cyber security within Australian organisations. Mandatory reporting of ransomware payments is a material change which will provide consumers and businesses with transparency in their dealings with organisations. The expansion of assets captured under the SOCI Act will also further reinforce resilience in critical infrastructure and government agencies operating in the region. With more opportunities and guardrails to reduce cyber risk and ensure smooth operation of essential services, the Cyber Security Act will bolster Australias well-being. Christopher Hills, Chief Security Strategist, BeyondTrust The Australian Federal Governments comprehensive cyber security legislation outlined in the reforms on 25 November 2024 shows progress towards its commitment to maturing cybersecurity reform to protect against cyber crime. However, it still leaves several pockets of question that need to be addressed. In regards to Security Standards of IoT devices and the Minister having power to mandate security standards, the legislative rules are still to be detailed, leaving this area still open in regards to what the standards are or will be. In terms of requiring suppliers to provide a statement of compliance, what this means in practice is still to be determined? With several compliance standards already in place around the world across several industries, cyber incidents, crime, and breaches still occur even for those entities who follow or meet compliance mandates. The success of the security standards of and for IoT devices will hinge on how well the standard will be detailed and how well the compliance mandates will be enforced. With regards to Cyber Incident Review Boards, although the current state is by voluntary request which has proven unsuccessful, in order to be effective, they must outline specific requirements and there must be accountability in terms of how the review board chooses to enforce. This will ultimately result in additional cost, time, and effort in order to successfully accomplish, leaving that burden to who? The business, people, organisation, or government? The mandatory reporting of ransomware payments is another step in the right direction, but its success will depend on the execution and how it will provide accountability. While it outlines broadly any organisation who is responsible for critical infrastructure, where is the line drawn and who ultimately is making that decision for what is considered critical infrastructure vs what is not. Additionally, when it comes to the private sector and designation of annual $3 million, this might just paint a target for threat actors and how they choose to target entities, presuming they now can potentially aim for targets valued at less than $3 million. While there are several good pieces that can be taken away from this, the modernisation of government to establish cyber security legislation is a step in the right direction. Its success will be in its ability to continue defining, executing, and holding accountable moving forward. It is one thing to put legislation in place, upholding it is another. Pieter Danhieux, Co-Founder and CEO, Secure Code Warrior Australias new Cyber Security Act (2024) is a vital step forward in protecting our critical infrastructure and assets. With state-sponsored cyber threats, organised cyber crime and espionage on the rise all over the world, now is the time for us to abandon complacency and move forward together with a precision, preventative approach to securing our digital future. In addition, the new regulatory guidance surrounding the security of IoT devices has been a long time coming, but signals a global trend towards manufacturer accountability for insecure software. Enforcement of compliance and transparency are crucial steps in the right direction, but ultimately, software vendors need to embrace their role in leading the charge against exploitable vulnerabilities by investing in security upskilling for developers, and managing the inherent risk untrained personnel bring to the table. With DevSecOps dictating that security is a shared responsibility, enablement and ongoing guidance should be central to every enterprise security program and beyond. Gareth Cox, Vice President Sales APJ, Exabeam Exabeam is encouraged with the progress of cyber security reform in Australia and the framework put in place with the new Cyber Security Act. Exabeams Threat Detection Incident Response Survey launched in conjunction with IDC earlier this year found that 60% of companies stated they only had 62% visibility into their IT environments. Increasingly, in order to adhere to the new legislation, organisations will need to call upon the expert guidance of vendors and consultants to support deployment of a data -driven, multi-layer cyber security strategy for aspects of the legislation such as critical infrastructure security and IoT device security which will require proactive threat detection, incident response and overall data governance. Anthony Daniel, Regional Director Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, WatchGuard Technologies The introduction of these new cybersecurity reforms by the Australian Federal Government is a significant development for businesses across the country. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, its critical that organisations not only meet the new compliance requirements but also adopt a proactive, risk-based approach to cybersecurity. The legislations emphasis on mandatory reporting of cyber incidents, as well as stronger obligations for protecting critical infrastructure, will require businesses to invest in robust cybersecurity frameworks, threat detection systems, and incident response plans. For many organisations, this will mean revisiting their cybersecurity posture and ensuring that they are prepared to handle emerging risks. While the reforms present challenges, they also provide an opportunity for Australian businesses to align with global best practices and build resilience against cyberattacks. The regulatory landscape will likely continue to evolve, and companies that prioritise cybersecurity as a core business function will be better positioned to manage the risks and benefits of an increasingly digital world. Ultimately, this legislation is a wake-up call for Australian businesses to take a more proactive stance on cybersecurity, not only to comply with the law but to protect their reputation, assets, and customer trust in a rapidly changing threat landscape. Ashwin Ram, Cyber Security Evangelist, Office of the CTO, Check Point Software Technologies The Cyber Security Bill 2024 represents a step forward in helping Australian organisations enhance their cyber resilience. One of key areas covered in this Bill is the introduction of compliance with security standards for smart devices. This is particularly critical as last year the Check Point Research Team recently reported a 41% increase in the average number of weekly attacks per organisation targeting IoT devices compared to previous years, a trend that is likely to persist. With 63% of enterprises, 92% of industrial organisations, and 82% of healthcare organisations relying on IoT, networks are inundated with unmanaged IoT devices, each serving as a potential entry point for hackers and exposing companies to cyber-attacks. Securing IoT devices is challenging due to the diverse vulnerabilities they present, such as legacy operating systems, hardcoded or weak passwords, and unpatched software. The Cyber Security Bill 2024 is attempting to address some of these issues by mandating that manufacturers ensure devices meet security standards if they are intended for sale in Australia, while also requiring them to provide necessary documentation and security features. Additionally, suppliers will only be permitted to sell devices that comply with these standards. These measures collectively aim to close critical security gaps for internet connected devices used in Australia. Another key provision of this bill requires entities affected by ransomware incidents to report payments made to cyber extortionists within 72 hours. This requirement is designed to improve transparency and enable a more coordinated response to such threats. Businesses will need to provide detailed information, including the payment made, the nature and impact of the cybersecurity incident, the extortion demand, and any communications with the threat actor about the incident or payments. As a result, Australian organisations must review and update their incident response playbooks and refine their reporting processes to ensure they can efficiently collect and share ransom payment information with the relevant Commonwealth body. Osh Ranaweera, Connect and Secure Solutions Manager, Atturra With the recent updates to the Australian Cyber Security Bill, its cleat that the Australian government is focusing heavily on national security. The introduction of IoT security standards and cyber incident security reporting reinforces this focus with the legislation zooming in on the importance of where data lives. Indeed, network and service provider security incidents that were part of the Telecommunication Act 1997 and consolidated under the SOCI Act outline these efforts. Today, businesses plays a critical role in the leakage of sensitive data and this is of importance to national security. A major emphasis now on SOCI will ensure that business data security is regulated and governed and this can only be of benefit to the country, businesses and consumers. Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor, BeyondTrust Australias recent enactment of comprehensive cyber security legislation marks an incremental advancement in protecting the nations digital infrastructure. This legislative introduces mandatory reporting of cyber incidents, establishes stringent penalties for non-compliance, and defines clear responsibilities for organisations. These measures are essential for any cybersecurity maturity model and are intended to strengthen Australias electronic defenses against the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks. However, the legislations coverage could be enhanced by providing clear definitions in several key areas: Critical Infrastructure: The current definition encompasses sectors like energy, water, and transportation. This may not be sufficient as the digital landscape advances. Indeed, it is imperative to broaden this scope to include emerging sectors such as cloud service providers, data centres, financial organisations, and medical care services. These entities are integral to national security and economic stability of every nation, and their inclusion by definition would help ensure a more comprehensive approach for the situation. Internet of Things (IoT): The legislation should expand IoT devices to include OT (Operational Technology) as well. Attacks against manufacturing and physical automation devices are increasingly prevalent and often vulnerable to cyberattacks due to simplicity, age, and lack of best practices like patch management. By establishing specific security standards and protocols for IoT and OT devices, future legislation can mitigate attack vectors, thereby enhancing overall cyber-security. Ransomware: While the legislation has specific requirements for disclosure of ransomware payments, it is a well-established security best practice to never pay a ransomware settlement. Organisations should strive to mitigate the risks of ransomware by following the Essential Eight and verify disciplines like Backup / Recover, Privileged Access Management, Least Privileged Access, and Application Control all work correctly to avoid a ransomware incident. While disclosure may be required, more focus should be focused on prevention and recovery versus details of disclosure if all appropriate steps are taken first. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Political Economy and Critical Engagement in South Africa: Essays in Honour of Vishnu Padayachee When: Thursday, 28 November 2024 - Thursday, 28 November 2024 Where: Hybrid Event SCIS Seminar Room, North Lodge, 2 St David's Place, Parktown Management Campus Start time: 18:00 Enquiries: pauline.dhlamini@wits.ac.za kitso.kgaboesele@wits.za RSVP: Register now! Cost: Free but registration is required You are warmly invited to the book launch of Political Economy and Critical Engagement in South Africa: Essays in Honour of Vishnu Padayachee on 28 Nov 2024 The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS), the School of Economics and Finance (SEF), and the Wits School of Governance (WSG) warmly invite you to the book launch of Political Economy and Critical Engagement in South Africa: Essays in Honour of Vishnu Padayachee. This book examines contemporary understandings of social change and political economy in a democratic South Africa through the lens of the intellectual, social, and political life of Vishnu Padayachee. Join guest speaker Professor Adam Habib, who will be in conversation with the editors, Professors Rajend Mesthrie, Robert van Niekerk, and Imraan Valodia. In-person registration Online registration Celebrating the recipients of the Postgraduate Merit Scholarships The Wits Postgraduate Merit Scholarship (PMS) was launched in 2023 with funding from a generous alumnus of Wits. Over the last 2 years, a total of 90 students registered for research Masters or a PhD degree have been funded through this donation. Students were selected from amongst those with the strongest academic credentials who were in financial need due to not having received a bursary from the National Research Foundation (NRF). A lunch event celebrating students who were awarded a PMS was held on Monday 4th November at the Matrix e-hub. In her address, Prof Lynn Morris, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation stressed the importance of students continuing to apply for funding which helps to develop good proposal writing skills. If you plan to stay in research, you need to be able to communicate clearly what problem you are trying to solve, how you will solve it and who you are trying to help with your research she said. Dr Yolanda Davids, the Deputy Director in the Research Office and who manages the program spoke about the selection criteria and complimented the group on their high success rate including the submission of outstanding progress reports and encouraged them to continue to strive for academic excellence. Some of the latest developments in postgraduate education were highlighted by Prof Brett Bowman who spoke about the ways in which postgraduate education is shifting across the world, and how Wits is reshaping its vision and architectures of support accordingly. He emphasised Wits recognition of its postgraduate students as pioneers in the production of next-generation knowledge in and for the global South that would have global impact and pointed to several ways in which the university was gearing its postgraduate students to realise this research mandate. These included new forms of curriculum support such as the re-designed Graduate Online Learning and Development (GOLD) programme and Wits Doctoral Academy (WDA), both of which will be piloted in 2025; the roll out of the Graduate Research management System (GRM); identifying funding opportunities through the funding portal and facilitating the growth of a vibrant postgraduate research culture at the University. Two outstanding recipients, Leandrie Pienaar and Faranani Gethe, shared how this funding shaped their academic journeys. Both students underscored the transformative impact of the Wits Postgraduate Merit Scholarships in enabling access to world-class education and supporting their ambitions to contribute meaningfully in their respective fields. Leandrie who is currently pursuing her Masters in Medicine in the Department of Physiology, highlighted how the scholarship has been instrumental in covering her fees, accommodation, and living expenses. This financial support enabled her to fully dedicate herself to her research without the burden of financial stress. As part of her studies, Leandrie had the opportunity to travel to Uppsala University to complete a portion of her experiments, gaining valuable international experience. Her dedication has already led to the publication of two research papers, and she plans to upgrade to a PhD in 2025, continuing her promising academic trajectory. Faranani a PhD candidate in the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, expressed his gratitude for the scholarship, which allowed him to pursue his studies full-time. This focus and support have enabled Faranani to secure a position within the department, taking a significant step toward his dream of becoming an academic and a leader in his field. The funding not only facilitated his enrolment but also empowered him to focus on achieving his goals without financial constraints. The event was enjoyed by all, with students from different faculties interacting and sharing their experiences over a delicious snack lunch. In attendance were Peter Bezuidenhout and Yael Horowitz from the Development and Fundraising Office (DFO) as well as by Dr Robin Drennan, Director of Research Development and other members of the Research Office. Tharisa Mine 'SLAPPs' environmental activists with interdicts CALS represents several environmental justice activists threatened with interdicts by a mine in Marikana The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) represents environmental justice activists facing interdicts from Tharisa Mines in Marikana. We argue that these cases infringe on their rights to freedom of expression and constitute strategic litigation against public participation otherwise known as SLAPP suits. The matters have been postponed to 30 January 2024 for hearing before the High Court in Mahikeng. In March this year, Tharisa Mine approached the High Court in Mahikeng for an urgent interdict against two environmental justice activists, Oridile Kgatea and Rodney Kotsedi. The mine sought to interdict the activists from making defamatory statements, gathering at the mines premises or threatening anyone connected with the mine. Despite opposition to the urgent application, on 20 March 2024, the Court partially granted an interim interdict against the activists. In September, the activists returned to court for the application for a final interdict this time represented by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS). CALS successfully argued that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment should be joined to the matter. The case was then postponed to November to allow this joinder. In November, we notified the Court of a similar interdict brought against another activist by Tharisa and the Court agreed that the matters should be consolidated and heard together. We argue that these two applications brought by the mine constitute strategic litigation against public participation otherwise known as SLAPP suits. The interdicts seek to intimidate and silence the activists from speaking out against violations by the mine. The Constitutional Court has recognised the existence of SLAPP suits in our law as a form of abuse of court process. SLAPP suits are used around the world as a tactic to threaten and distract environmental activists and take up their already limited resources. They often have no prospects of success and instead seek instead to discourage members of the public from exercising their rights. These interdicts fall squarely into the definition of a SLAPP suit as adopted by the Constitutional Court and amounts to an abuse of court process. The mine has failed to provide any evidence that it has been defamed or that there have been any unlawful incidents by the activists. Far from defaming the mine, the activists have instead attempted to vindicate their communitys rights to protest and to an environment not harmful to their health or wellbeing. Instead, it is clear that the mine seeks to silence those trying to hold them accountable for harm related to mining activities, such as damage to houses from blasting. These issues are the subject of a pending inquiry in respect of the Mine Health and Safety Act. The High Court acknowledged this in its November order, noting that the blasting operations by the applicant endanger life and limb of the activists and instructing the mine to give warnings prior to engaging in any blasting operations near the Mmaditlhokwa area. The matter will be back in the High Court in Mahikeng on 30 January 2025. These applications violate the rights to freedom of expression and the right to protest guaranteed in the Constitution, says Sithuthukile Mkhize, head of Civil & Political Justice at CALS. The activists are entitled to raise awareness of human rights violations and to hold the mine accountable for failing to comply with the Constitution and other legislation. The application has no merit and stands to be dismissed as a SLAPP suit. The mine operates on communal land and its operations continue to have a negative impact on the community of Mmaditlhokwa village, says Mazi Choshane, attorney at CALS. The community has lodged a number of complaints that blasting is taking place within 500 metres of their homes, causing damage to houses and also releasing dust which is a health and safety violation. It is these complaints which have led the mine to institute urgent legal proceedings against the community. This case is part of CALS ongoing campaign against SLAPP suits and activist victimisation in our strategic mission of contributing to the expansion of the agency of activists and other marginalised actors. CALS is represented in the matter by Adv Modise Shakung. Read our founding papers in the matter here. The matter will be heard in the High Court in Mahikeng on 30 January 2025. For inquiries, please contact: A group of Korean tourists had invaded a house in southern Dong Nai Province to steal as they lacked money to fund their trips. Kim Chul, 59; Lee Hyo Sung, 51; and Kim Dong Wan, 65, were sentenced to 9 years, 8 years and 7 years and 6 months, respectively, for stealing, the Dong Nai People's Court said Tuesday. On Nov. 3 last year, the three entered Vietnam as tourists and rented cars in HCMC to travel around. As they lacked money, they decided to break into homes to steal property. They went and bought several tools, including hammers, saws and ladders. On Dec. 4 last year, Lee Hyo Sung drove a car with Kim Chul and Kim Dong Wan inside to a house in Bien Hoa City in order to steal. They saw that the house's lights were out, so Kim Chul was stationed outside, while Lee Hyo Sung and Kim Dong Wan used ladders to gain access into the house. They later broke into a safe in a bedroom, stealing cash and jewelries worth over VND300 million ($11,818). On the way back to HCMC, they tried to dispose of the evidence. However, they were later captured by the police of Dong Nai. Myanmar woman in Singapore jailed for beating dog to death per employer's instructions Screenshots from security camera footage show a woman working as a domestic helper in Singapore hitting a poodle and hanging the dog from the balcony railing in January 2024. A Myanmar national was sentenced to nine months in prison after beating a dog to death per her Singaporean's employer instructions. Junny Lal Awn Pui, 26, was found guilty with three counts of animal cruelty, the South China Morning Post reported. The dog, named Boyboy, died after multiple acts of abuse, a National Parks Board report stated. A footage of Junny hitting the dog was posted on Facebook by Derrick Tan, president of Voice for Animals, earlier this year. The dog could be seen being held down to the ground, while Junny hit him with her hand, and later a rod. Another video footage saw Boyboy being hung in its harness from the balcony railing. Court documents stated that Junny received instructions by her employer, 37-year-old Heng. Boyboy initially belonged to Heng's lover, 43-year-old Lai. The dog was first adopted by Heng and his ex-lover Yap back in January 2015, CNA reported. After Lai and Yap broke up in 2018, he kept the dog. When he entered a relationship with Heng, both agreed to let the dog stay at Heng's place. Heng instructed Junny to treat Boyboy separately from her other two dogs, being mostly confined to the balcony. Heng told Junny to hit Boyboy if he misbehaved. On Jan. 22, camera footage revealed that Junny pinned the dog to the ground and hit it in the head with a rod-like object. She later hung him on the balcony railings, 30 cm away from the ground. Junny would hit Boyboy two more times in the head, and the dog remained motionless after the second hit. Later in the afternoon, Heng told Junny to check on Boyboy, and they found that the dog had died. Prosecutors said Boyboy died as a result of the repeated beatings from Junny. Animal cruelty is a crime in Singapore. Anyone who is found guilty of such an offense, including abandonment of any animal, can be imprisoned for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both, according to the Animals and Birds Act. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to keep expanding economic and trade exchanges with the Netherlands while adhering to the principle of mutual benefit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday. During a phone call with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Netherlands relations have developed steadily and rapidly, and cooperation in various fields has been continuously expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. China is ready to maintain close exchanges with the new Dutch government and work together to uphold the positive momentum in promoting the bilateral relations, he said. Openness and practicality are valuable lessons drawn from the development of China-Netherlands relations, Li said, adding that China is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with the Netherlands, strengthen dialogue and communication, continue to consolidate political mutual trust, so as to provide a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. For his part, Schoof said that China plays an increasingly important role in global affairs, and the Netherlands attaches great importance to its relationship with China. Bilateral relations, particularly in terms of economic and trade cooperation, have seen strong growth. The Dutch government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, recognizing that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Schoof said. The Netherlands is ready to serve as a gateway for China's cooperation with Europe, and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in economic, trade, and other fields to advance Netherlands-China relations. 'Too Hot to Handle' star avoids jail after smuggling 40 kg of cannabis from Thailand A Netflix reality TV celebrity has been handed suspended jail sentence for attempting to smuggle drugs worth 150,000 (US$190,000) from Thailand to the U.K. Olga Bednarska, 27, who starred in reality show "Too Hot to Handle", was found carrying two suitcases containing 40 kg of cannabis at the Manchaster Airport on Oct. 20, the Telegraph reported. She pleaded guilty on Tuesday and was handed a 20-month prison sentence suspended for two years, the Daily Mail reported. Bednarska had previously agreed to bring designers' goods from Thailand's Phuket back to the U.K. for 18,000, a court heard. She later met an "associate" at the airport, before checking into a hotel "free of charge" and being given money, along with the two suitcases. The "associate" then asked Bednarska to use personal items to cover up the goods she agreed to carry with her. Authorities however questioned her upon arrival at Manchester. Vietnamese tech corporation FPT has announced plans to establish an educational representative office in Japan to enhance international collaboration and cultivate a skilled workforce in the technology sector. The office aims to connect students from Vietnam, Japan, and Northeast Asia, promoting global learning experiences, scientific research, and student exchange programs. FPT's announcement ceremony for the partnership to open an educational representative office in Japan in November. Photo courtesy of FPT The office will be located at one of FPT's branches in Japan. FPT currently operates in key Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, known for their strong education systems and thriving technology industries. FPT's latest office in Mita, Tokyo, opened on July 1, highlights its strategic investments in the region. According to Dr. Le Truong Tung, President of FPT University, FPT Corporation, the new office aligns with FPT's strategy to internationalize education and address the demand for a high-quality workforce. "The educational representative office will serve as a hub for workforce training, scientific research, and student exchange programs. With Japan as a key partner, we're investing in areas like AI, chip design, and semiconductors to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration and growth," Tung said. The initiative will also benefit students from Vietnam, Japan, and neighboring regions, providing a dual domestic-international educational experience. Vietnamese students will have access to Japan's cutting-edge education system, while Japanese students will explore Vietnam's academic ecosystem. FPT plans to leverage its extensive network of Japanese partners and alumni to create opportunities for internships, employment, and further education. By incorporating Japanese language training and cultural immersion into its IT programs, FPT is preparing Vietnamese students for global success while attracting Japanese students to its Vietnam-based offerings. Chu Thi Thanh Ha, Chairwoman of FPT Software, FPT Corporation, called the initiative a significant milestone in FPT's commitment to training and supplying high-quality IT professionals for Japan's rigorous market. "This collaboration between FPT's IT services and educational units will foster a new wave of professionals equipped with IT expertise, fluency in Japanese, and cultural understanding," Ha said. With 20 years of operation in Japan, FPT has become one of the largest foreign-invested technology companies in the country, employing over 3,500 staff. Globally, its 15,000 experts serve more than 450 clients with innovative digital solutions. Since 2009, FPT has partnered with 180 institutions across 40 countries, welcoming international students from Japan, Germany, France, Thailand, and beyond. In 2023 alone, over 3,500 students participated in its international programs, many hosted at its Da Nang campus. Through this new educational representative office, FPT aims to strengthen global connections and provide transformative learning experiences, solidifying its role as a pioneer in both technology and education. The "Rhinology and Head-Neck" conference, co-organized by Facing The World and Hong Ngoc General Hospital, not only disseminated cutting-edge medical knowledge but also aimed to foster robust connections between international experts and Vietnamese doctors. Held on Nov. 23-24, the event featured over 27 presentations on the latest advancements in treating nasal and sinus conditions, thyroid cancer, and head-and-neck surgeries. Doctors received practical insights into reconstructive and cosmetic techniques, addressing the evolving needs of patients. Key attendees included British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew; Dr. Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management; and Associate Professors Dr. Le Minh Ky and Dr. Le Cong Dinh, Vice Presidents of the Hanoi and Northern Provinces Association. Speakers from the Hanoi and Northern Provinces ENT Association and Facing The World also contributed. "This event provides an opportunity for medical experts from the U.K. and Vietnam to exchange experiences and share knowledge, working towards improving treatment quality for the community," Ambassador Frew stated. British Ambassador Iain Frew speaks at the conference. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc Hospital The conference highlighted Facing The Worlds commitment to advancing healthcare in Vietnam through collaboration. Key presentations included expert insights from Peter Clarke on managing facial nerves in head and neck cancer surgery and Dr. Florian Bast on techniques for complex nasal septum reconstruction. An international expert from Facing The World shares insights at the conference. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc Hospital Katrin Kandel, voluntary CEO of Facing The World, emphasized the organizations dedication to fostering sustainable healthcare training systems in developing countries. "Vietnam has a high rate of children born with congenital disabilities. Collaborating with Hong Ngoc Hospital and other major hospitals here is a crucial part of our global mission," Kandel said. She believes combining international expertise with the dedication of Vietnamese medical professionals can drive meaningful, long-term improvements in healthcare. Katrin Kandel highlights the importance of international medical collaboration. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc Hospital In addition to conferences, Facing The World conducts annual charity consultations and surgeries in Vietnam, connecting global experts to share their knowledge. The organization also undertakes biannual missions, working with medical teams at hospitals such as Hong Ngoc General Hospital, Viet Duc Hospital, and Central Military Hospital 108. Xac minh 'than y' chua ung thu bang phuong phap 'truyen nang luong' "Than y" Nguyen Van Kien (trai) lam viec voi co quan chuc nang - Anh: Cong an cung cap Ngay 28-2, ong Nguyen Tuong Duy - chu tich UBND xa Hai Yang (huyen ak oa, Gia Lai) - cho hay ang phoi hop cac co quan chuc nang xac minh truong hop nguoi xung... An Giang lien tiep xuat hien mua trai mua Mua bat chot giua cao iem ma kh khien nguoi dn bat ngo. Theo ng Luu Van Ninh, Gim oc i Kh tuong Thuy van tinh An Giang, nguyn nhn cua hien tuong ny l do nhieu ong nhiet oi trn cao trong ieu kien La Nina ket hop cua ra pha Nam khoi khng kh lanh... Thailand is sending almost 1,000 highly endangered lemurs and tortoises back to their home in Madagascar, in what both countries called their biggest ever operation against wildlife trafficking. A lemur. Illustration photo by Pexels Thai police found and confiscated 1,117 of the live and dead animals in the southern province of Chumphon in May -- the kingdom's largest ever seizure, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers, who often sell highly-prized endangered creatures on the lucrative black market in mainland China, Vietnam and Taiwan. The repatriation of the 963 animals -- ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises and radiated tortoises -- is a "significant step" in anti-trafficking operations, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on said Wednesday. "For the first time, wildlife is being repatriated prior to the conclusion of legal proceedings," he added. Lemurs, which starred as loveable supporting characters in the Dreamworks "Madagascar" movies, are found only on the Indian Ocean island, and experts say they are threatened by trafficking into the pet trade. The furry primates and the tortoises will be sent to special centers once they return to Madagascar, said its environment minister Max Andonirina Fontaine who was in Thailand to oversee the repatriation. 'Make a success story' Six people were arrested and charged with endangered animal trafficking in May, and could face up to 15 years in prison and be fined 1.5 million baht ($43,000), according to local Thai media. The four species, which are endemic to Madagascar, are listed as near-extinct or threatened by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). "When two countries really collaborate together we can really make a success story," Fontaine told journalists on Wednesday. Thailand is Southeast Asia's biggest legal importer and exporter of CITES-listed wildlife from Madagascar, according to a report from TRAFFIC, a wildlife NGO. But according to the 2023 report, illegal trafficking persists and "the true extent is likely to be greater than those reflected by seizure records alone," it says. Fontaine told AFP it is "difficult" to know the true number of animals smuggled out of Madagascar, but that the increase in seizures reflects improved anti-trafficking efforts. In 2010, Thai customs authorities seized more than 200 live endangered tortoises being smuggled into the country from Madagascar. In June this year Thai customs officials arrested six Indian nationals for attempting to smuggle a red panda and 86 other animals out of the kingdom. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent congratulations to a UN meeting held on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Noting that the question of Palestine is at the heart of the Middle East issue and concerns international fairness and justice, Xi said the pressing task is to comprehensively and effectively implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to end the war as soon as possible and ease the regional situation. The fundamental way out is to implement the two-State solution and promote the political settlement of the question of Palestine, establish an independent Palestinian state enjoying full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensure the right of the Palestinian people to statehood, their right to existence and their right of return, Xi said. Xi stressed that China has always been a staunch supporter of the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, and has always supported all Palestinian factions in strengthening unity and implementing the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity to realize internal reconciliation. China firmly supports Palestine in becoming a full UN member and supports the convening of a more broad-based, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference, Xi added. Xi said that China will continue to work with the international community to end the war and stop the killing, support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza people, and bring the question of Palestine back to the right track of the two-State solution to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement at an early date. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Lei Yang An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2024 shows tree seedlings planted at an afforestation area in the Horqin sandy land in Tongliao city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua] Although considerable achievements have already been made in the fight against desertification, China's top forest and grassland management body has pledged to remain vigilant and committed to the global struggle with shifting sands. "As a global model for desertification control, we will thoroughly implement President Xi Jinping's important initiative to improve global ecological governance and build an eco-friendly world economy, extensively engage in international exchanges and cooperation, implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, continue to contribute Chinese wisdom, and promote global environmental governance and protection," said Guan Zhi'ou, director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, in a recent interview with China Daily. China's efforts in holding back its deserts date back more than 50 years, and the nation has achieved zero net growth in land degradation, as well as a reduction in desertification and sandy land, Guan said. China is willing to share its experience in combating desertification with other countries, the official added. In 1978, China launched the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which has a planned duration of 73 years. China joined the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994 as one of its first signatories. In June last year, President Xi issued a call for action to tackle the critical challenges of the program and strive to create new miracles in desertification control in the new era. This marked a historic new phase in China's efforts to combat desertification. Over the past 46 years, the forest coverage rate in the project area has increased from just over 5 percent to 13.84 percent, creating a vast green barrier in northern China, Guan said. According to the administration, 53 percent of China's treatable desertified land has been managed. By the end of last year, the forest coverage rate exceeded 25 percent, with forest stock volume surpassing 20 billion cubic meters and annual carbon sequestration reaching more than 1.2 billion metric tons. The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program has been recognized in the Global 500 Roll of Honour for Environmental Achievement by the United Nations Environment Programme. The UNCCD Secretariat has also twice honored China for its "outstanding contribution to combating desertification". China now has the largest area of planted forests in the world and is the largest contributor to global greening, said Guan. At the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD, which was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in 2017, a global goal of achieving "land degradation neutrality" by 2030 was established. China has already met the target ahead of schedule. "After more than half a century of continuous efforts, especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, our approach to combating desertification has become more scientific, with improved top-level design, more comprehensive working mechanisms and stronger policy support," Guan said. Legislative endeavor China launched the world's first law on sand control in 2002. Guan said the country has incorporated desertification control into its legal framework, including into laws such as the Law on Prevention and Control of Desertification, the Forest Law, the Grassland Law, the Wetland Protection Law, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law, and the Yellow River Protection Law. Thirteen key provincial-level regions affected by desertification have also enacted their own regulations or implemented measures for controlling desertification. "Natural elements are interdependent and interconnected. In combating desertification, the Chinese government adheres to the philosophy that 'mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts form a community of life'. This coordinated approach across various departments ensures comprehensive protection and restoration of ecosystems," Guan said. Under the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, people have developed various methods such as straw checkerboard barriers, aerial seeding and sandy land closure for revegetation, overcoming technical challenges in the restoration of forest and grass cover in arid and semiarid areas and significantly improving survival rates, he said. In recent years, mechanized and intelligent technologies such as sand fixation machinery and drone seeding have been widely adopted. "Currently, nearly half of the afforestation in the Three-North project is done mechanically. Science and technology has become a key tool in solving desertification challenges," Guan said. China will accelerate the development of key technologies, scientifically allocate forest and grass vegetation, and conduct thorough surveys, monitoring and assessment of ecological protection and restoration efforts, he said. Guan noted that during the process of sand control, China emphasizes economic effects at the same time. "Various regions utilize unique resources in sandy areas to appropriately develop industries such as traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, high-quality forage grass, economic forests and fruits, and desert tourism, thereby aiding rural vitalization," he said. Some regions like the Loess Plateau and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have established a number of production bases for forest fruits, melons and woody oil plants, with an annual output of 48 million tons of dried and fresh fruit, accounting for 25 percent of the nation's total production. In key areas, income from forest fruits constitutes more than half of farmers' net income, he said. According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification's latest "Global Land Outlook" report, approximately 40 percent of the world's land is experiencing desertification and degradation, and land degradation and drought have directly affected 50 percent of the global population. In October last year, the UNCCD Secretariat launched a Data Dashboard, compiling data from 126 countries and regions. This found that land degradation is occurring at an "alarming rate" worldwide. Between 2015 and 2019, the world on average lost at least 10 million hectares of healthy, productive land annually, with sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, South Asia and the Latin America and Caribbean region experiencing higher than average rates of degradation. President Xi has emphasized many times that desertification is a severe challenge faced by all of humanity. Sharing experience Guan said that sharing experiences with other countries has been essential to making progress. "We have extensively engaged in international cooperation and promoted desertification control in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative," Guan said, adding that the Badain Jaran Desert Dunes and Lakes area in Inner Mongolia was listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in July, which is among the major achievements that China has made internationally in sand control and environmental protection. On this front, China has established the China-Arab International Research Center on Drought, Desertification and Land Degradation in Beijing with the Arab League, and the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia. It has also set up demonstration bases for desertification control in Mongolia, Central Asia and Africa, providing technical support and data products for initiatives such as the Great Green Wall in Africa and Mongolia's One Billion Trees campaign. "China will focus on strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries, supporting desertification control in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and leading policy dialogues and information sharing to jointly tackle sandstorm disasters," Guan said. He added that the administration has been preparing and organizing activities for the China Pavilion at the upcoming 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dec 2 to 13. At the conference, it will share experiences from the Three-North project and other desertification control efforts. Stellantis announced Wednesday its planned closure of the Luton Vauxhall plant in England at the cost of 1,100 jobs, transferring production to the companys Ellesmere Port site which is dedicated exclusively to manufacturing electric vehicles. This brutal restructuring agenda must be met with a combined fight by Vauxhall workers at both plants, and a coordinated strategy to unite with Stellantis workers in Europe and the US against the global jobs massacre being conducted by the company. WSWS team distributing leaflets at the Stellantis Vauxhall plant in Luton, England, August 2024 The potential exists for a powerful fightback to defend workers jobs against the profit dictates of billionaire shareholders. Such a fight offers the only viable strategy. Its first step is launching a rank-and-file opposition to the corporatist alliance of Unite, the Labour government and Stellantis and their joint defence of company profits and increased competitiveness. Workers at the Luton plant were delivered the news of Stellantis plans to cast them on the scrap heap during on-site meetings conducted by management representatives. Those on morning and afternoon shift were handed letters informing them they could go home to process the surprise news. A worker who attended one meeting told the World Socialist Web Site that no-one from Unite was even present as workers were thrown to the wolves. This was a calculated move by Unite and company officials to enforce a sense of isolation at Vauxhalls Luton plant and to present the scorched earth policy by Stellantis as a fait accompli. Unites response to the devastating news of the closure and the loss of more than a thousand jobs was a two-sentence statement by an anonymous Unite spokesperson! The statement declared the closure a slap in the face for our Luton members, claiming: We stand ready to support our members in doing whatever we can to ensure that the historical vehicle manufacturing is maintained in Luton and we call on the government to do the same. But Unite proposed no action to mobilise workers against the companys plans. The reason for Unites prostration is clear. Not only do they support the closure plans, which they knew about in advance, but they have already committed to work with Stellantis to restructure the companys operations. Proof came yesterday in a letter from Stellantis to employees announcing a Collective Consultation with its trade union partners to support employees in choosing the right option for them, i.e., imposing the companys demands for transfer, redundancy or retraining. A press statement by Stellantis went further still, featuring the following words in bold at the top: Consultation launched with employees and union partners to complement existing small electric light commercial vehicles (LCV) in Ellesmere Port with battery-electric medium LCVs, K0*, transferred from Luton plant. Unite officials will be working with the company every step of the way. They are fully embedded with Stellantiss plans, working as joint business partners against their own members. This is the real slap in the face for Vauxhall workers. Unites claim that the Starmer Labour government can be pressured to save jobs is a fraud. Labour will do no such thing. It is a government dedicated to upholding the interests of the corporations, banks and financial markets. Labour has in fact welcomed Stellantiss decision to shift investment to Ellesmere Port. Labour MPs have joined with Unite to present the cost-cutting and downsizing operation by Stellantis, achieved through the closure of Luton, as merely an unfortunate event. For more than a month after Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares announced the closure threat at Vauxhalls two plants, Unite maintained a guilty silence Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, issued a belated statement on November 17 described as a warning shot to Tavares. Graham had threatened that any closure announcement will be met with the collective strength of Unites members who will have my full, unequivocal backing and the whole weight of the union behind them. Unite leader Sharon Graham speaking at a Trades Union Congress rally in London on June 18, 2022 Unites threats have been exposed as worthless. The unions collusion with Stellantis confirms the warning made by WSWS that Grahams statements were aimed solely at pre-empting demands for action by Vauxhall workers. Grahams promotion of talks between the Labour government and Stellantis over ZEV (zero vehicle mandate) concessions is equally worthless. Speaking in parliament yesterday, Labours Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said it was a black day for Luton but the government had already done everything we possibly can to prevent this closure from happening. Stellantis has made clear that even if a deal is finally reached over ZEV concessions, it reserves the right to restructure its operations and eliminate jobs en masse. There are no shared interests between workers and the owners of Stellantis, or any other auto company. Unites well-paid officials are opposed to any fight which challenges the right of the corporations to exploit workers in the interests of capitalist profits. But this is the fight that must be undertaken by the rank-and-file, charting an independent course of struggle against the never-ending race to the bottom. The brutal restructuring at Vauxhall in Britain is part of a global jobs massacre by Stellantis and other transnational car producers. In the US, Stellantis has carried out more than 4,000 lay-offs since September, and is cutting more than 12,000 jobs in Italy. Earlier this year, it closed its giant engine plant in Bielsko-Biala, Poland after scrapping plans to build a second EV model there. Last week, Ford announced plans to eliminate 4,000 jobs in Europe, including 800 in Britain and 2,900 in Germany. VW has announced it will close three plants in Germany and cut wages by 20 percent, while Nissan is slashing 9,000 jobs globally and Tesla announced earlier this year it would lay off 10 percent of its global workforce. US and European car producers are competing against China over who will dominate the EV market. This is part of the turn to protectionist and trade war measures that are leading to world war. An autoworker on the assembly line inside Stellantis's Toledo plant in the United States where 1,100 workers are set to be laid off in January 2025 [Photo: FiatChrysler_NA] According to Stellantiss timetable, the Luton plant will be scaled down to a single shift from 2025 and cease production from the second quarter with future production based on electric vans concentrated at Ellesmere Port in 2026. The Luton plant which was to switch EV production next year will have the production of its petrol and diesel vans transferred to France. Workers must take the initiative. A fight against the closure at Vauxhalluniting car workers at Luton, Ellesmere Port and France--must be waged as a coordinated fightback across national borders. An injury to one is an injury to all! Rank-and-file committees should be established at Luton and Ellesmere Port to draw up a statement opposing the closure, defending all jobs, and formulating demands to address the ongoing attacks on pay, terms and conditions. The International Workers Alliance for Rank-and-File Committees pledges to support such a fight and urges Vauxhall workers to make contact. We propose the following demands: Oppose the closure of Vauxhall Luton! No sacrifice of jobs, pay or conditions to maintain production in the UK. Unite car workers worldwide! No two-tier workforce! All temporary workers must be provided a permanent contract on equal pay, terms and conditions. EV technology for workers not billionaire shareholders! The reduced labour time expended on EVs must be used to shorten the working day and to increase pay, compensating for decades of declining wages. Place Vauxhall-Stellantis under public ownership! The auto companies must be nationalised under workers democratic control. Profits must be used to provide secure and well-paid employment, research and development. Vehicle design and production determined by car workers and scientists not hedge fund managers and bankers. Production for social need not private profit! On November 19, New Zealands Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, the far-right ACT Party member Brooke Van Velden, moved a one-sentence motion in parliament acknowledging the 14th anniversary of the Pike River mine disaster, in which 29 miners were killed in underground explosions. Parliament expressed its condolences to family and friends who will be forever impacted by one of the countrys deadliest industrial disasters, and thanked the emergency services and others for their work. Workers stroll by a bouquet of flowers for victims of mine explosion lie on the road near the Pike River mine at Greymouth, New Zealand, Tuesday, June 28, 2011. (AP Photo/The Press via NZPA, Iain McGregor, Pool) No further statements were made by anyone in the National Party-led coalition government or the opposition Labour Party and its allies. No politician questioned why nobody has been prosecuted, despite overwhelming evidence that the mine was a death trap and that management broke numerous laws and regulations. A 2012 royal commission of inquiry found that Pike River Coal failed to install adequate methane gas monitoring and ventilation systems. The mine had no functional emergency exit as required by law. Its main fan was installed underground, despite the significant risk that it could spark an explosion. The inquiry found that in the 48 days before the November 19, 2010 explosion there were 21 reports of methane levels reaching explosive volumes, and 27 reports of lesser, but potentially dangerous, volumes. However, the warnings were not heeded. Then Prime Minister John Key was forced to admit that the company essentially put its profits and its production ahead of the safety and lives of those 29 workers. Those in charge, however, were shielded from accountability. In 2013, the regulator WorkSafe dropped charges against Pike River chief executive Peter Whittall for breaches of health and safety laws, in exchange for an unsolicited payment to the victims families. In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that the deal with Whittall was unlawful, but charges were not reinstated. No one at WorkSafe or in the Crown Law office has faced any consequences over the unlawful deal to drop the charges against Whittall. The government continues to refuse to provide information relating to the deal, including the source of the money paid by Whittall, which families of the Pike River victims have sought to uncover through court action. WorkSafe (formerly the Department of Labour) was itself implicated in the disaster. Its officials knew about the unsafe conditions at Pike River but did not shut down its operations. Since the 1990s, National and Labour Party governments had deregulated the mining industry and dismantled the former mining inspectorate within the Department of Labour. The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), now called E tu, was also aware of serious safety breaches at Pike River, but collaborated with the company to keep the mine running. It did not call any strikes or draw public attention to the life-threatening conditions workers faced. Three days after the first explosion, the unions then-leader Andrew Little falsely told Radio NZ the company had a good health and safety committee thats been very active and had taken great care going into production. For years the Pike River families opposed the National governments plans to permanently seal the mine, entombing the 29 miners. The 2017-2023 Labour Party-led governmentwhich included the Greens and, until 2020, the New Zealand First Partymade false promises to the victims families that the mine would be re-entered to gather evidence for prosecutions. In 2021, however, the Labour government reneged on its promise after only the mine drift (entry tunnel) had been explored. Andrew Little, the Minister for Pike River Re-entrywho had defended Pike River Coal as leader of the EPMUrefused to send investigators into the mine workings, where the 29 bodies and critical evidence, including the fan, were located. Ignoring the wishes of the majority of the 29 families and supporters, including numerous experts who explained that the mine workings could be safely re-entered, the government proceeded to permanently seal the mine. The E tu union issued a hypocritical statement on the 14th anniversary of the disaster, calling on the current National Party-led government to do more [to] honour the legacy of Pike River. It noted vaguely that safety regulations are being watered down. In fact, as part of a bipartisan austerity drive, the current government and the previous Labour government have cut about 140 jobs from WorkSafe in the last two years. The level of danger to workers is still far too high, E tu said, pointing to 43,200 serious injuries last year including 54 deaths. The union has never explained, however, why it did not take actions that could have prevented the Pike River disaster, or why Little defended Pike River Coal in the immediate aftermath. Bernie Monk, whose son Michael was killed at Pike River, told the WSWS that E tu had refused to support the families campaign to stop the Labour government from sealing the mine and preventing the investigation of evidence in the mine workings. Monk said there was no difference between the major parties on Pike River, noting that he had written to the current prime minister Christopher Luxon two or three times asking for a discussion and received no response. Luxons deputy prime minister, New Zealand First Party leader Winston Peters, stated in 2021 that the then Labour government was engaged in a cover-up by sealing Pike River mine. Peters has made no public statements on the issue, however, since joining the National-led coalition following the 2023 election. Dean Dunbar, whose 17-year-old son Joseph died in Pike River, told the WSWS he was not surprised. Politicians dont care; they care about themselves, everybody needs to understand that, he said. Officially, police are continuing their investigation of the Pike River disaster, which was reopened in 2018. The initial investigation was shut down in 2013 on the pretext that there was no physical evidence from inside the mine to prove what caused the initial explosion. In a statement to media outlets on November 19, police said they were working with the Crown Solicitor as they consider whether to lay any charges. The matter is legally complex and at this point, police expect to have a decision around prosecution(s) in the first half of next year. The investigation has been repeatedly extended. In March 2022, police said a decision on whether to prosecute would be made in a matter of months. The timeframe was later extended until the end of 2023, which meant that the issue did not receive any public attention during the October 2023 election. Now, after nearly a year of silence, police have announced a further delay. Monk and Dunbar had not received any explanation for this. Dunbar pointed out that in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, and for years afterwards, the police and the National Party government falsely told the families that there was nothing left, that the remains of their children were ash, so there was no point in re-entering the mine to look for evidence. Police suppressed images taken by cameras lowered into the mine workings in 2011later leaked to the mediawhich showed human remains and no evidence of a raging inferno. If charges were laid against Whittall and other senior managers and directors at Pike River, Dunbar said, they would undoubtedly defend themselves by pointing to damning evidence of the complicity of the Department of Labour, as well as the conduct of police. Dunbar also said police had bungled the abortive rescue attempts following the first explosion at the mine. Evidence suggests that a second explosion, five days after the initial one, may have been sparked when a conveyor belt into the mine was switched on. Police have admitted that they considered turning on the belt to help survivors escape the mine, but decided not to do so. He said the justice system had been politicised and weaponised to drag out the investigation, which has hardly been mentioned in the media during the past year. Time is the ultimate weapon, Dunbar said. How many of the Pike River family members have already passed on? How many will be dead before this investigation is over? He denounced Labour and Andrew Little for making false promises to the Pike River families to get back into parliament in 2017. That government had no intention of doing what they promised us: bringing the evidence out, and the remains of our loved ones, he said. Littles claim in 2021 that it was too dangerous to re-enter the mine workings was blown out of the water by international experts who said it would only require basic mining techniques. For 14 years, governments, state agencies, the judicial system and the union apparatus have worked to prevent anyone being brought to justice for the entirely avoidable deaths of 29 workers at Pike River. The ordeal the families have gone through is not unique: it mirrors the experience of the families of 115 people who died in the CTV building collapse in Christchurch, and the Grenfell Tower fire in London. In each of these cases, the business leaders and politicians, whose profit-driven decisions resulted in mass death and suffering, have faced no serious consequences, because the system is rigged in favour of the rich and powerful. The ongoing fight for justice for the Pike River 29 must therefore be linked with the mobilisation of the working class in the struggle for an end to the capitalist system and the socialist reorganisation of society. After Donald Trumps election victory in the US, the European Union (EU) is also moving further to the right. On Wednesday, the European Parliament confirmed the new EU Commission, an alliance of conservatives, liberals and social democrats with the far-right ECR (European Conservatives and Reformers) group, in which the Fratelli dItalia (Brothers of Italy) of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Polish Law and Justice Party of Jarosaw Kaczynski dominate. Ursula von der Leyen presents the new Commission and its program ahead of the vote in the European Parliament [Photo by Europaische Union, 2024 - EP] The repeatedly invoked firewall against the far right has thus been exposed as a hoax. The right-wing extremists are needed to drive the escalation of the Ukraine war, the military buildup, the reorganization of the economy, and the associated attacks on the social and democratic rights of the working class that make up the program of the new commission. Wednesdays vote was preceded by a months-long tug of war, in which Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leader of the conservative European Peoples Party (EPP) group, Manfred Weber, played the leading roles. Von der Leyen insisted on giving Meloni confidant Raffaele Fitto a prominent position in the new commission. He has now received it. The member of the fascist Fratelli dItalia will be responsible for the billion-dollar regional fund and is one of the Commissions six vice presidents. The Social Democrats and the Greens feared that open cooperation with the right-wing extremists would further discredit them. They helped von der Leyen to a second term in office in July with their votes and justified this, among other things, with the claim that it was necessary to keep the right-wing extremists out of power. The deputies of the Fratelli dItalia did not support von der Leyen at that time. Ultimately, a decision was sealed by the intervention of Social Democratic Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to help Fitto achieve his breakthrough. Sanchez forced the Spanish leader of the Socialist parliamentary group, Iratxe Garcia Perez, to give up her opposition to Fitto. In return, the Conservatives gave up their blockade to the Spanish Commissioner Teresa Ribera, who will now also get a vice presidential post and is responsible for competition and the green transition. The Christian Democrats, Social Democrats and Liberals signed a joint agreement that establishes three criteria for cooperation with other parties: the rule of law, endorsement of the EU and support for Ukraine. However, only the latter criterion is decisive. Since Meloni supports the NATO offensive against Russia, she fulfils the criteria, even though she is changing the political and cultural life of Italy according to her fascist ideas. As a result of the agreement, six other Commissioners-designate also received approval from the European Parliaments subcommittees, which had previously blocked them. This includes the Hungarian Oliver Varhelyi, a close confidant of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is now responsible for health and animal welfare in the Commission. Orbans party Fidesz is a member of the third largest group in the European Parliament, Patriots for Europe (PfE), which also includes the French Rassemblement National, the Belgian Vlaams Belang, the Dutch Partij voor de Vrijheid of Geert Wilders, the Austrian Freedom Party, the Italian Lega, the Spanish Vox and the Portuguese Chega. Von der Leyen and Weber have been working with the Italian fascists for a long time. Weber already supported Melonis far-right alliance in the 2022 election campaign and, despite her fascist roots, campaigned for the Fratelli to join the conservative EPP. Von der Leyen has worked closely with Meloni to seal off Europe from refugees and has developed a close, friendly relationship with her. In July 2023, the two traveled to Tunisia together with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to agree to a migration agreement with the authoritarian ruler Kais Saied. The main objectives of the new commission are the escalation of the war against Russia and military rearmament. Von der Leyen emphasized this again on Wednesday when she campaigned for the approval of her commissioners in parliament. She pushed for higher defense spending. Russia spends up to 9 percent of its economic output on defense, while the EU spends only 1.9 percent, she claimed. Theres something wrong with this equation, our defense spending needs to go up, she declared. The defense industry must be strengthened and joint European defense projects must be developed, she added. Additional expenditures of 500 billion over 10 years are under discussion. Von der Leyen has specifically created the post of a new Commissioner for Defense to intensify rearmament. The former head of government of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius, a vicious warmonger who is considered persona non grata in Russia, got the post. After the right-wing coup in Ukraine in 2014, Kubilius was an adviser to the then pro-Western President Petro Poroshenko. The office of the EU High Representative also went to an uncompromising war advocate from the Baltic states. Former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas takes over from Spanish Josep Borrell. Kallas and Kubilius are to submit a strategy paper within 100 days. Another key project of the new Commission is to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy in the escalating global trade war, which in practice means increased exploitation of the working class. The former French Foreign Minister and confidant of President Macron, Stephane Sejourne, will play a key role here as Industry Commissioner. The Green Deal, announced by von der Leyen at the beginning of her first term, will be scaled back. The Conservatives, who represent 15 of the 26 Commissionersfive went to the Liberals, four to the Social Democrats and two to the far rightalready argued in their election program for a move away from the ban on the internal combustion engine and from other environmental protection measures that are not in the profit interests of the economy. The EU Commission is responding to Donald Trumps return to the White House and his threats of import tariffs, trade war measures and military force like capitalist governments around the world: It is appealing to him, arming itself and attacking the working class. That is why Meloni and her fascists are welcomed with open arms in the EU Commission. Meloni is not only a far-right figure, she also has, next to Viktor Orban, the best connections to Trump and his fascist entourage of all European heads of government. Multibillionaire Elon Musk was a star guest at the Fratelli dItalia political festival in 2023 and exuberantly praised Meloni for her brutal migration policy. When she received the Atlantic Councils Global Citizen Award in 2024, Musk gave the eulogy at her request. She described him as an incredible genius. Trumps then chief ideologist Steve Bannon had already welcomed Meloni to her partys annual political festival in 2018. It is significant that all the so-called centrist parties voted for the right-wing Commission, even if, as is customary in the European Parliament, there were deviations by individual MEPs. In addition to the Christian Democrats, Liberals and Social Democrats and the far-right ECR, this also applies to the Greens, who did not themselves get a commissioner. The German co-chair of the Green parliamentary group, Terry Reintke, criticized the alliance with the right-wing extremists, as well as Fittos appointment as vice president but nevertheless voted for the Commission. This was not easy for her, she told German public broadcaster ARD, but the election was ultimately about securing the EUs ability to act. In addition, von der Leyen had promised her that she would seek her majorities from the center parties. The opportunism and reactionary character of the Greens could not be demonstrated more clearly. In the face of growing international tensions and class conflicts, all of the capitalist parties are marching together to the right. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leading Canadian and Quebec politicians seized on an anti-NATO/pro-Palestine protest held last Friday in Montreal to amplify their efforts to smear all those opposing the Gaza genocide, and the crimes of Canadian imperialism and its allies around the world, as antisemites. The demonstration, organized by Divest for Palestine and the anarchist Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles (CLAC), was held late Friday afternoon to coincide with the 70th annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which the Canadian government hosted in Montreal from November 22-25. Early Friday evening, clashes erupted between police and a small subset of the protesters, resulting in acts of petty vandalism and three arrests. Over 1,000 people protest in support of Palestine and Lebanon and against NATO in Montreal, Canada, November 22, 2024. [Photo: Yves Engler] Without providing any evidence, the Canadian political establishment and media immediately presented the events that unfolded on Friday night as an antisemitic riot. Trudeau railed on X against appalling scenes in Montreal. Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them, he declared. Trudeau added menacingly that the RCMP was in touch with the local police, noting that there must be consequences and rioters held accountable. Speaking from the Halifax International Security Forum, where she was plotting with Ottawas imperialist allies as how to escalate the NATO-instigated war against Russia and otherwise advance their common predatory global ambitions, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said that violence, hate and antisemitism have no place on our streets. Defense Minister Bill Blair, who was also in attendance at the Forum, claimed, This was anarchy. It was an engagement in violence and hatred on display in the city of Montreal. Similarly, Quebecs right-wing ethno-chauvinist premier, CAQ leader Francois Legault, spoke of witnessing violent and hateful scenes and attacks specifically targeting the Jewish community. This hysteria is of a piece with the draconian crackdown sponsored by the entire Canadian political establishment against anti-genocide protesters since October 7, 2023. Peaceful protesters criticizing Canadas complicity in the systematic massacring of Palestinian men, women, and children have faced police violence and spying, been smeared as antisemites, and been targeted for dismissal from their jobs and other acts of intimidation by far-right Zionist vigilantes with government support. Ontario New Democratic Party legislator Sarah Jama, one of the few political figures to speak out in support of the Palestinians, was unceremoniously dumped from her party caucus and censured in the provincial legislaturean effective gagging order that prevents her from speaking on any issue in the Ontario parliament until she apologizes for calling Israel an apartheid state. As with the previous attacks on pro-Palestinian protesters, no evidence exists for the incendiary allegations made by politicians and the mainstream media. According to Montreal police, the riot consisted of a couple of burned cars and a few broken windows. The police were unable to confirm whether one of the burned cars was lit on fire by protesters, or accidentally by the police itself. In several cases, protesters accused the police of starting the violence. According to the police themselves, out of some 800 participants, only around 20-40 were suspected of having participated in illegal acts, and they neither saw nor had reported to them any hate crimes or antisemitic acts. The only charges brought against the three arrested protesters were for obstructing police work and assaulting a police officer. Even Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher felt compelled to state Saturday, I cant make the correlation with yesterdays acts, whether they were antisemitic or not. A statement released by Divest for Palestine on Sunday emphatically rejected the accusations of antisemitism as unfounded and explained that the protest falls under the legitimate expression of collective anger in the face of political indifference at the heart of a colonial genocide. The baseless accusation of antisemitism promoted by Trudeau and the political establishment is rich coming from a ruling class that is providing massive military and financial support to Ukraines government and state, which are rife with the political descendants of the Ukrainian fascist and Nazi accomplice Stepan Bandera. For three-quarters of a century, the Canadian state has provided political and financial support to Canadas far-right Ukrainian nationalist movement, which glorifies its part in fighting on the side of Nazi Germany during World War II, which included the involvement of the Banderite Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) in the Holocaust. Just over a year ago, Canadas parliamentarians and military top brass, other dignitaries, and the visiting Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, rose in unison to give a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunkaa Ukrainian member of Adolf Hitlers Waffen-SS, which played a leading role in the extermination of Europes Jews. Earlier this month, the Trudeau government announced it would not release the names of some 900 Nazi war criminals who found refuge in Canada after the Second World War thanks to the intervention of the Canadian state for fear it would damage the Ukrainian war effort. Were the names of the 900 Nazis released, Canadian imperialism would face a repeat, on a far larger scale, of the scandal that erupted in September 2023 when Canada's parliament gave a unanimous standing ovation to 96 year-old Waffen-SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka. Above Hunka being applauded by the dignitaries in the House of Commons gallery. Canadas then Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre is on the far left. These Nazis were only a small fraction of the tens of thousands of OUN Nazi accomplices and their sympathizers to whom Canada gave refuge and helped whitewash their crimes so as to advance Ottawas Cold War objectives at home and abroad. This link finds expression today in the person of Trudeaus deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland, who has a life-long association with the far-right, government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress and is the leading cabinet war-hawk. Freelands maternal grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiak, was the editor of Krakivski Visti, a Ukrainian-language antisemitic and pro-Nazi paper during World War II. To this day, Freeland and her colleagues in government have neither denounced nor renounced this heritage. Canadian imperialism, like its American and European allies, are more than willing to collaborate with genuine antisemites and fascists when the issue at stake is advancing their predatory economic and geopolitical ambitions. This is not only because such alliances allow them to deploy bloody violence against external enemies in order to lay their hands on new sources of raw materials, markets, and spheres of influence, but because they help fashion the tools of repression at home to be deployed against the working class and young people determined to oppose imperialist barbarism. In this regard, the fact that the political establishment responded with such outrage to a relatively small protest is undoubtedly connected with the fact that more than 50,000 students, mainly at universities and colleges in and around Montreal, had participated in a nationwide student strike against the genocide in Gaza on Thursday and Friday of the same week. Moreover, the demonstration took place as 55,000 postal workers entered their second week on strike in a class battle that pits workers fighting for well-funded public services, job protections, and decent working conditions against the ruling elites drive to subordinate all of societys resources to the waging of wars around the world and the transfer of wealth to the super-rich. Trudeau and the rest of the political establishment know full well that their program of war and austerity has no popular support and therefore respond to all expressions of mass anger with fear, demonization and repression. The situation is similar in all of the major imperialist powers. In the United States, protests by tens of thousands of college students across the country have been labelled antisemitic and a climate of fear akin to the McCarthy era created on campuses, with anyone speaking out against the Gaza genocide threatened with expulsion or termination. In Germany, academics and other professionals are blacklisted, artists hounded, and protesters threatened with state violence. In alliance with the fascistic Alternative for Germany, which describes the Nazi dictatorship as bird poop in over a thousand years of successful German history, the German parliament recently adopted an antisemitism resolution defending the Israeli state and all but prohibiting any criticism of its barbaric acts. Canadas rapidly rightward moving bourgeoisie perceives growing opposition to war and social inequality within the working class as an existential threat. A growing section of the ruling elite considers Trudeaus Liberals as too weak, accommodating, and ineffective in dealing with the leftist threat. The far-right leader of the official opposition Conservatives, Pierre Poilievre, who is a Trump emulator and likely to become Canadas next Prime Minister, responded to Fridays events by demanding the deportation of immigrants joining antisemitic protests, and the adoption of new laws to deal more harshly with violent protests. Referring to Trudeaus attendance with his children at a Taylor Swift concert while Fridays protest was unfolding, Poilievre insisted that Trudeau should have said, Im going to put my friendship bracelets down, get my national security officials on the line, and discuss how we can respond to this chaos. Employing Trump-type far-right demagogy, Poilievre continued, It is another confirmation of how everything is broken after nine years of Trudeaus radical woke agenda. Thyssenkrupp aims to cut 11,000 jobs in its steel division, which is 40 percent of the current total of 27,000 jobs. Germanys largest steel company announced this on Monday, leaving steelworkers on the Rhine and Ruhr, in the Siegerland and Sauerland shocked. Meanwhile, the IG Metall trade union has made clear that it will support these attacksprovided, as with the cutbacks of recent decades, plant closures and compulsory redundancies are ruled out. Steelworkers demonstrate in Duisburg on June 9, 2022 in front of the Thyssenkrupp Steel headquarters On Monday, the management board of the companys steel division presented the long-announced comprehensive industrial future concept to the strategy committee of the supervisory board. It is an austerity plan designed to secure profits in the escalating global trade and economic war at the expense of the workforce. By 2030, 5,000 jobs are to be cut at steelworks and factories at all sites, and this also includes a significant streamlining of the administrative functions. The processing plant in Kreuztal-Eichen in the Siegerland region, which employs almost 600 people, is to be closed. The largest steelworks in Germany, in the north of Duisburg, is also likely to be particularly affected. Almost 13,000 people currently work there. Another 6,000 jobs are to be shed through outsourcing to external service providers or through sales. This particularly affects the 3,000 steelworkers at Huttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) in the south of Duisburg. Thyssenkrupp is the largest shareholder there with 50 percent, Salzgitter Stahl holds 30 percent, the French group Vallourec 20 percent. If the current purchase negotiations with the Hamburg-based financial investor CE Capital Partners (CEC) fail, Thyssenkrupp Steel will hold talks with the other shareholders about mutually agreed closure scenarios, the group explained. The remaining 16,000 employees face wage cuts of 10 percent in order to bring personnel costs to a competitive level, according to the company. This is to be achieved, among other things, by cutting special payments and bonuses. Newly hired employees are to receive lower wages. On the day the cuts were announced, Oliver Burkhard, the parent companys chief human resources officer, announced that he would be resigning from this job on January 31, 2025. Burkhard, who was the North Rhine-Westphalia district leader of IG Metall before joining the groups executive board, wants to devote himself entirely to his second job as CEO of the shipyard division Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The arms manufacturer, which produces submarines and warships and employs 6,500 people, is almost drowning in orders because of escalating wars. It is currently working hard to go public, and Burkhard says he wants to concentrate fully on this task. It is not yet known who will succeed him as head of HR at ThyssenKrupp. Within IG Metall, knives are already being sharpened. Tekin Nasikkol, the chairman of the general works council, will compete with other distinguished union officials for the job, which promises a salary of 400,000per month. Knut Giesler is likely to be among the applicants. The successor to Oliver Burkhard at IG Metall immediately declared his willingness to support the cutbacks in the steel division. Yesterday morning, he told broadcaster Deutschlandfunk that the unions red lines were layoffs and plant closures. As soon as a commitment not to do so was secured, he said, negotiations could begin. Jurgen Kerner, deputy chairman of IG Metall and deputy chairman of the Thyssenkrupp supervisory board, took the same line, demanding, We expect clear statements on the exclusion of redundancies and the preservation of all locations. A joint Duisburg Declaration by all Thyssenkrupp works council representatives is even clearer. We do not close our eyes to the reality of the weak economy and the weak sales market in the automotive industry, it says. They were also aware that the European framework conditions for the steel industry are challenging. The works council reps are also calling for no compulsory redundancies and site closures. With this meaningless formula, IG Metall has already agreed to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the pastit also has other methods of pushing workers out of the companyand has ultimately accepted the closure of most threatened steelworks in the past. The Thyssenkrupp board is familiar with this game. It has already made assurances that it remains its declared goal to avoid compulsory redundancies. It is therefore already clear that IG Metall and its works council reps will follow the line of the groups management. We know that restructuring is necessary, Giesler confirmed on Deutschlandfunk. We have never opposed that. But the break-up must make sense. He and the IG Metall are demanding a financing commitment for the steel division of more than two years, as the parent company under CEO Miguel Lopez had already given. The parent company is currently trying to transfer the steel division to a joint venture with Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. He already has a 20 percent stake in the steel division through his EP Corporate Group (EPCG). It is unclear whether he will end up with the desired 50 percent. The disputes over the amount of the financing commitment led to the departure of several members of the management and supervisory boards of the steel division at the beginning of August. CEO Bernhard Osburg, Chief Human Resources Officer Markus Grolms (IG Metall), Chief Production Officer Heike Denecke-Arnold, Supervisory Board Chairman Sigmar Gabriel (Social Democrat, SPD) and his deputy, former IG Metall leader Detlef Wetzel, subsequently resigned. At the time, the chairman of the steel works council, Ali Guzel, announced in the presence of Gabriel and Wetzel: We will fight from tomorrow on. Someone has to stop this madness. Almost four months later, nothing of the sort has happened. IG Metall has, like the proverbial deer in the headlights, waited spellbound for the announcement of the jobs massacre that has now been presented. It exceeds even the horror scenarios of the union, which had warned of the loss of 10,000 jobs. Nevertheless, Giesler is jubilant that the capacity reduction in steel production will be less harsh than feared. Thyssenkrupp Steel wants to reduce its production capacity from the current 11.5 tonnes to 8.79 million tonnes per year. Giesler expressed his satisfaction: This would mean that both steelworks in the north of Duisburg would be retained. The commitment to the DRI (direct reduction) plant was also the right signal, according to the IG Metall district manager. With the help of the direct reduction plant, the steel is to be smelted with green hydrogen, and thus CO2-free. The first blast furnace is under construction, with Thyssenkrupp receiving 2 billion in taxpayers money from the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. However, the construction of a second DRI plant is still in the air. Nevertheless, the management board plans to shut down blast furnaces 8 and 9 permanently after the first direct reduction plant goes into operation and to decommission blast furnace 1 (nicknamed the Black Giant) in 2031. The works council complains that this would make the company dependent on steel suppliers. Furthermore, operating the Black Giant for another seven years would require investments of 300400 million. Nobody believes that this will be made available for the old, CO2-spewing steel mill technology. The steelworkers of Thyssenkrupp and HKM cannot defend their jobs without breaking with IG Metall and their works council reps. They must ally with their colleagues in the auto, chemical and other industries, where tens of thousands of jobs are also being destroyed. And they must join forces with workers in other countries and wage the struggle internationally. The jobs massacre in the steel industry is not a natural disaster, but a consequence of the bankruptcy of the capitalist system, which subordinates the needs of society to the profit hunger of billionaire oligarchs. A ruthless struggle for raw materials, energy and markets is being waged at the expense of the workers, which is now escalating into a third world war, as in the NATO war against Russia and in the Middle East. The steel industry is particularly affected by the consequencesby the economic crisis in general, the slump in sales in the automotive industry, which is one of the main consumers of steel, and the price war on the world market. Now US President-elect Donald Trump has announced he will further raise tariffs on steel, which will particularly affect European steel producers. The union bosses, with their high five-, six- and seven-figure incomes, are reacting by making the workforce pay for the pro-war policy and maintaining the shareholders profit interests. Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has announced that domestic industry will be protected against international competition for security reasonsas a supplier to the arms industry. In other words, he is further tightening the screws of trade war and war. In a joint statement with the Sudwestmetall employers federation issued after the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Baden-Wurttemberg association of the IG Metall supported NATOs proxy war against Russia and announced: These measures will demand sacrifices from all of us. The IG Metall bureaucrats know no red lines. They will sacrifice every social gain and millions of jobs to ensure the profits of big business and the policy of war. The fight against job cuts must therefore be linked to the fight against war. This, in turn, is only possible against the IG Metall, not with it. We call on all Thyssenkrupp workers to work to build a rank-and-file action committee to defend all jobs and workers rights in principle. Contact us! Its time to take action. Send a WhatsApp message to +491633378340 and register right away using the form below. An immense crisis grips the Philippinesa political war between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte, complete with threats of assassinations, military coups, and impeachment. Driving the crisis are Washingtons preparations for war with China, far advanced, that have riven the Philippine ruling class. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, left, in Quezon City, Philippines, Nov. 13, 2024, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 9, 2024. [AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Sakchai Lalit] Vice President Duterte held a midnight press conference on November 24, saying there were threats against her life from the president and his political allies. Duterte announced that she had issued orders for the assassination of the President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, first cousin of the President, in the event that she herself was killed. Her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, issued an appeal to the military in a speech live-streamed on Facebook, to turn on Marcos and Romualdez, an obvious call for a military coup. The Vice Presidency of the Philippines is not a lame-duck of merely symbolic office. The Vice President oversees a tremendous network of government offices and aides, constituting a sort of shadow presidency, a rival to the seated president waiting in the wings. Sara Duterte is inclined to the same vulgar, unhinged political tirades as her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. We made a mistake with that f**** Marcos she declared to the nation. The Dutertes brought the thuggish culture of provincial warlordism, a culture of private armies and gangster families that has plagued much of the Philippines for over half a century, to the national and international stage. Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte became political allies in the 2022 presidential election, forming a slate they called the Uniteam. It brought together the Marcos control of the Ilocano-speaking North, and Dutertes control of the southern island of Mindanao. During the campaign period, Marcos pledged that he would continue outgoing president Rodrigo Dutertes approach to international relations, orienting Philippine politics more closely to China and away from the United States. More than any other politician, Sara Duterte was associated with this orientation to China. She often concludes her speeches in Mandarin, an attempt to appeal not to Chinese Filipinos who are overwhelmingly Hokkien speakers, but to Beijing. Shortly after taking office, however, under tremendous pressure from the Biden administration, Marcos began to reintegrate the Philippines into the camp of Washington. He opened up basing facilities under the auspices of the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), resumed massive war games, and began aggressively prosecuting Manilas claim to disputed islands in the South China Sea. The Biden White House quietly buried outstanding warrants issued by US courts for human rights violations and theft against the Marcos family. The open conflict between Marcos and Duterte erupted over investigations in the Philippine legislature. The House of Representatives, despite its representatives being split along numerous different party lines, is aligned in a supermajority behind Marcos. Under the leadership of Romualdez, it organised a four-committee investigation (Quad-Comm) panel to identify links between Philippine offshore gaming operators, known as POGOs, the illegal drug trade, extrajudicial killings, and the Chinese. At the centre of all of the allegations raised by the so-called Quad-Comm investigation are connections between the Dutertes and claims of Chinese subversion and infiltration of Philippine society. POGOs are online gambling businesses catering largely to an international Chinese clientele. They began operating in the Philippines in 2003 under the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration. They were immensely profitable and received official sanction and government regulation in 2016 when Duterte took office. Like call centres and other forms of offshore globalised labour, POGOs sprang up in many semi-rural parts of the Philippines. The Chinese government issued repeated appeals to the Duterte administration to end the POGOs, which they saw as circumventing Chinas ban on gambling. After a bevy of wild accusations raised in the press of kidnapping and criminal syndicates through the POGOs, an investigation was launched in the Senate, headed by Sen Risa Hontiveros. An ugly anti-Chinese atmosphere gripped Philippine politics. Hontiveros alleged that the POGOs were a plot of the Chinese government to infiltrate Philippine society. She attempted to expose individuals as having been born in China, and stripped them of their Philippine citizenship. She has alleged mass infiltration of the country by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), stores of Chinese military uniforms housed in POGOs, and denounced multiple people as Chinese spies. Two days ago, Hontiveros claimed that one of former President Dutertes key economic advisers, Michael Yang, was an agent of Chinese intelligence. In July, the Marcos administration banned POGOs. The Quad Comm investigation followed. The centre of its efforts, like those in the Senate, is the attempt to associate the Dutertes with alleged Chinese espionage by way of the POGOs and to strip them of their political power. The House quad-comm investigation summoned the Vice President for interrogation in mid-November, claiming that she had misused her allocated budget of confidential and intelligence funds for personal benefit, bribery, and to oversee red-tagging and extrajudicial killings. The budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2025 was slashed from P2 billion to P733 million. Duterte declared that she would need to close ten satellite offices, and lay off 200 staff members as a result. The hypocrisy of the House and Senate investigations is staggering. Both branches of the Philippine legislature, most of the representatives of which are still seated, overwhelmingly supported Rodrigo Dutertes presidency and his war on drugs. Duterte had the largest supermajority support in the legislature in Philippine history. Marcos has reoriented Philippine geopolitical ties back into the camp of Washington, however, and this has brought the Philippines to the brink of armed conflict with China. US medium-range missiles have been deployed to the northern Philippines targeting China. A joint US-Philippine military task force has been created to oversee confrontations with China in the South China Sea. The investigations and accusations that have brought the Philippines to the current sharp political crisis originate in the consolidation of power around Marcos on the basis of this geopolitical reorientation. The lurid, racist accusations of Chinese espionage, all baseless, that run throughout the investigations express the political essence of the matter. The Marcos administration is isolating and cutting off the power of the Dutertes because they represent factions of the Philippine elite who are looking to secure better political and economic relations with China. Such improved relations can only come about if the Philippines distances itself from Washingtons aggression. During quad-comm proceedings, Zuleika Lopez, Sara Dutertes Chief of Staff, was charged with contempt. Arrest orders have been issued for other senior aides to the Vice President as well. Lopez was hospitalised for a panic attack. When the House ordered her transferred from the hospital to a detention centre, the Vice President and her head of security allegedly physically assaulted the police officer involved. The Quezon City Police District filed charges of direct assault against Duterte and the head of her security group on Wednesday. It was after these events that Duterte launched her midnight tirade threatening the assassination of President Marcos. The charges were the pretext for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner to order the replacement of the entire Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group by a new contingent appointed by the AFP. Duterte, maintaining that there were threats against her life, refused the new contingent of twenty-five officers and said that she would rely on a private team she would put together herself. The security teams of the President and Vice President, while they are special military and police detachments, function to a large extent as a private army. It is a form of warlordism. Seventy-five police officers on Dutertes team have already been removed. The military personnel will likely be removed today. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) served a subpoena to Duterte for her declaration that she had hired a hit-man to kill the President, should an attempt on her life succeed. The NBI stated that it was considering filing charges against Duterte for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The Anti-Terrorism Act was enacted by Rodrigo Duterte in 2020 as a means of suppressing dissent. It authorised arrest without warrant, warrantless wiretaps and surveillance, and was the mandate for the creation of the murderous National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) that oversaw the suppression of left-wing organisations. Rumours of military coup are circulating widely, as they always do during an intense political crisis in the Philippines. General Brawner told the press he was confident of the loyalty of the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines to the constitution. History has repeatedly proven that the loyalty of the generals and ranking officers of the Philippine military is not to the constitution but to individual members of the political elite. It is these personal loyalties that have shaped the many coup attempts that have rocked the country over decades. Former President Rodrigo Duterte on November 25 issued an appeal to the military. Nobody can correct Marcos. Nobody can correct [House Speaker] Romualdez. There is no urgent remedy. It is only the military who can correct it. The Department of Justice said Dutertes remarks bordered on sedition, and the Office of the Executive Secretary said it was treating them as a blatant call for the military to launch a coup. Most fundamentally, the loyalty of the Philippine military brass is to the United States. Many of the leading officers received training at American military institutions, where they were trained in the geopolitical interests of Washington, the politics of violent anti-communism, and the art of torture and repression. Both this training and the history of martial law incline them to a personal loyalty to Marcos. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes, his career based on being a military officer who attempted to stage a coup, called for the immediate impeachment of Sara Duterte. The Philippine National Police (PNP), on the other hand, are not the instrument of coup attempts and power grabs, but of day-to-day repression, of dead bodies in the streets and disappearances. The loyalty of the police in the Philippines, fed by the impunity of mass murder under Rodrigo Dutertes so-called war on drugs, inclines to Duterte. Their perspective was articulated by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, former PNP chief, who told the press he agreed with Dutertes appeal to the military. The police are not a force to overthrow Marcos, but disgruntled they can create immense instability. The political allies of the Dutertes are scurrying for cover. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyoimmensely politically influential, a longtime ally of the Dutertes, and herself closely associated with the sections of the Philippine elite oriented toward Chinaseems to be moving to the Marcos camp. She posed for pictures in the legislature with Speaker Martin Romualdez two days ago, both of them giving the cameras a thumbs-up sign. The political crisis in Manila is an acute expression of the tensions in ruling circles throughout the region, fuelled by the US-led war drive against China and worsening economic and social conditions, all of which will only escalate under the incoming Trump administration. Striking workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, November 25, 2024 [Photo: Airport Workers United via Twitter (@GoodAirports)] Hundreds of workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina walked off the job Monday morning, calling for an end to poverty wages and better working conditions. The strikers work for airline contractors ABM Industries and Prospect, which services American Airlines. Members of Airport Workers United, a division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), voted on Friday to mount a 24-hour strike on Monday, the start of the busiest travel week of the year. Airport Workers United represents the cabin cleaners, wheelchair agents, trash truck drivers and ramp workers who are struggling to survive on $12.50$19 an hour in the Charlotte, North Carolina market. The highest annual wage for service workers of $39,500 falls short of the $70,640 a year that the National Low Income Housing Coalition has determined is required in the Charlotte area for a comfortable living. According to a recent survey by 32BJ SEIU, 40 percent of CLT workers are housing insecure. Workers reported being homeless, often sleeping at the airport or staying with coworkers. Fifty-five percent report having difficulty paying for utilities or spending nights away from their own home in the past year due to housing instability or financial challenges. The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,800 a month. Timothy Lowe II, a Prospect wheelchair agent, was quoted as saying, Right now, I am homeless. I moved my stuff into a storage unit last month. The problem I am having now is finding an apartment I can get into that I can afford. Lowe told the press he has heard of colleagues resorting to sleeping in their cars or U-Hauls due to the high cost of rent. After finishing his shifts, he said he faces the challenge of figuring out where to sleep for the night. We just want to be able to have everything thats a necessity paid for by the job that hired us to do a great job so they can make billions, he said. Priscilla Hoyle, an ABM cabin cleaner, shared, I am a single mother of five. Imagine having to look your babies in the face and tell them they soon may have to leave their home, even though Mommy has a full-time job. I am constantly faced with tough decisions and must make sacrifices to keep food on the table and a roof over my familys head. One job should be enough. I am tired of struggling and living paycheck to paycheck, Dorothy Griffin, an ABM worker, told local news. Sometimes I cant even order a weeks worth of groceries after I pay my bills because I barely make anything. Im late on my rent payment now because my paycheck just didnt cover it. While the decision to strike shows determination and courage by workers, the SEIUs decision to limit it to one day was an empty gesture designed to create the illusion of action while actually preventing the mobilization needed to achieve the workers demands. According to Flightaware, there was minimal impact to Americans operations on Monday. Just over 30 flights were delayed, which is usual. The SEIU covers 40,000 airport service workers across the United States. Mobilizing its entire membership would have had a profound impact on air travel nationwide and brought stakeholders to the negotiating table in quick order. But the role of the SEIU, as with all union bureaucracies, is to channel worker anger into fruitless actions and then to isolate them. Mondays strike at CTL did not appear on the SEIU website. There were no appeals for solidarity to service workers at other airlines operating out of CTL, or SEIU service workers in airports throughout the country. Last month, the SEIU called a 24-hour strike of 2,700 Michigan Medicine healthcare workers. At least 12,000 hospital employees belonging to various other unions were instructed to cross the picket lines by other healthcare unions rather than stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters. A tentative agreement with hospital management was announced by the SEIU and the planned walkout was called off just hours before it was to begin. Employees criticized the last-minute cancellation of the strike and the lack of details they were given regarding the tentative agreement approved by their union. The SEIU has delivered a long list of betrayals and sellout deals to its membership. In July, the union pushed through a concessions contract with a 12 percent raise over three years, doing little to allay years of being underpaid, to avoid a strike by about 900 library workers at 27 branches in Northeast Ohio. In September 2023, SEIU members reported voting irregularities during the vote to ratify a contract covering over 100,000 California government workers. Workers claimed the irregularities artificially suppressed the turnout. The SEIU struck an agreement that deprived nearly 50,000 education workers in Los Angeles out of livable wage increases in March 2023 During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, the SEIU disregarded thousands of healthcare and janitorial workers in Minnesota, who demanded better pay to address poverty-level wages and urgent measures to address hazardous working conditions. While SEIU airport service workers were battling homelessness and choosing between which bills they can pay in a month, the union bureaucracy poured $200 million dollars into the Democratic Party this election cycle, currying favor with the administration responsible for robbing railroad workers of their democratic rights by banning a 2022 strike and imposing a contract workers had overwhelming rejected. Airport service workers at CLT and elsewhere must build rank-and-file committees where they work, independent of the bankrupt SEIU apparatus, in order to fight for a living wage and improved working conditions. Take up the fight for rank-and-file power! Join the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee in your country by filling out the form at the end of this article. Postal workers at a USPS processing and distribution center. [AP Photo/Ben Margot] The strike by over 50,000 Canada Post workers, now in its second week, is part of a global fight by postal workers around the world. In one country after the next, postal workers face massive job cuts and facility closures, with automation and artificial intelligence as a key weapon in the hands of management, with the ultimate aim of breaking up or privatizing postal services. For centuries regarded as a basic government-provided service, post offices are being reorganized along profit lines. The aim is to reorganize the mail to either compete with, or be purchased by, private competitors such as Amazon, DHL and UPS. Deutsche Post in Germany and Royal Mail in Britain were already privatized years ago, with billionaire Daniel Kretinsky leading a bid to purchase Royal Mail and prepare even further cuts. Canada Post, a Crown corporation, is the subject of similar proposals, including redrawing delivery routes by AI, replacing full-time postal workers with part-time and gig workers and breaking the system up into regional franchises. The trade union-backed Liberal Trudeau government is heavily involved in this restructuring process, having appointed a mediator to manage the talks. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon intervened Wednesday with a statement after the mediator temporarily suspended talks, warning that he was extremely frustrated with the delay in finalizing a new sellout contract. The global character of the attacks underscores the need for an international strategy to guide the working class. Postal workers have formed rank-and-file committees in five countries, including in Canada, to organize such a fight on a world scale. This must be connected to a fight to transfer power out of the hands of the sellout union bureaucrats, which are helping carry out reforms in every country, and into the hands of the workers. The Canadian Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee is campaigning to make the strike the spearhead of a worker-led counteroffensive in defence of fully-funded public services and workers rights, and against austerity and war. Delivering for America A central strategic priority for Canada Post workers must be to link up with their brothers and sisters in the United States to build a continent-wide movement, and vice-versa. United States Postal Service workers are facing virtually the same issues as in Canada. Last year, USPS workers founded their own Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (US-PWRFC) to oppose these attacks and organize against the sellout union officials. The American post office, while still a government agency, has been targeted for privatization going back to the Nixon administration. In 1970, workers rebelled against the first attempt to spin off the post office with a massive wildcat strike, in defiance of anti-labor laws covering federal employees and the inaction of the union apparatus. This has now reached a new stage with the so-called Delivering for America (DFA) restructuring program. Its aim is to close thousands of local post offices and eliminate thousands of routes, shed tens of thousands of more than 500,000 USPS workers and consolidate USPS operations around a small number of highly automated distribution centers, restoring the post office to profitability. Sources of spending cuts under Delivering for America [Photo: United States Postal Service] DFA was introduced by current Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump ally appointed in 2020 but who enjoys bipartisan support from the Democrats. DeJoy, who owns $30 million in stock from XPO Logistics, which holds contracts with USPS, has an obvious conflict of interest. A member of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee said there is mass opposition to DFA: In several places where DeJoy planned to move the Processing and Delivering Centers to points quite far from the original location, the residents have revolted. They are insisting the post offices are a public service, which existed before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Ben Franklin opened the first post office in Pennsylvania in 1775. Folks vowed that their post offices will not be taken from them. DeJoy has had to hit pause a few times but promises to resume after January 25. Workers were assured that the NALC would watch every move carefully to see that its done right. Not a word is shared with the rank-and-file. We get no information about DFA anywhere. These cuts will be greatly expanded under the second Trump administration, which has pledged savage cuts to the federal budget. Billionaire Elon Musk, appointed to co-chair the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, has pledged to slash $2 trillion in spending every year, which can only be accomplished through wholesale dismantling of the post office and other public services. Bound up with this are invasive new hi-tech monitoring systems such as TIAREAP for city carriers, and the RRECS compensation system for rural carriers, designed to hound workers out of their jobs. These were introduced through memoranda worked out behind workers backs with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA). TIAREAP, which automatically disciplines workers for supposed stationary events on their routes, played a major role in the heat-related death of Eugene Gates, a veteran carrier from Dallas, Texas. RRECS is essentially a system of industrial-scale wage theft. Two thirds of rural carriers have had their salaries cut since it was introduced two years ago, in many cases by $10,000 or $20,000 a year. Eugene Gates Jr. with his wife Carla Gates. [Photo: The Gates Family] In rural areas, USPS also functions essentially as an Amazon delivery contractor. The post office illegally prioritizes Amazon packages over other forms of mail, while forcing massive levels of overwork. For a worldwide fight against austerity, government repression and war! The US-PWRFC member drew parallels between the role of the union bureaucrats in the US and Canada: Management at Canada Post points to $3 billion in losses since 2018 to justify low wage increases for workers, while the Trudeau government enriches the corporate elites with tax subsidies and invested tens of billions into rearming the military. Meanwhile, a strike ban looms large. The alternative, binding arbitration, will weaken the ability to fight for fair wages and safe working conditions. It appears the Canada Post is being primed for a private takeover. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers response to massive cuts has been to allow collective bargaining to take its course. This has only made it more difficult for the rank-and-file members to finally strike. Now that they have struck, the union bureaucracy is working to isolate and ultimately strangle the strike. They do this to prevent the inevitable catalyst for a bigger working class challenge to capitalism, the criminalization of worker struggles, and war. The similarities between the CUPW ordeal and the USPS current situation are worthy of note. Here in the US, we are dealing with a tentative agreement for city carriers in the National Association of Letter Carriers, that was released on October 19th. After 600 days of negotiating and promising an historic contract, the members got slapped with a proposal for 1.3 percent raise over the length of the contract. Additionally, they have retained the hated two-tier system. Office time is to be reduced from 33 to 20 minutes resulting in increased workloads and a loss of routes. Safety measures are not given serious consideration in the contract. Like our Canadian brethren, USPS addresses excessive financial losses of $6-9 billion. USPS fiscal year report shows $11 billion investment for one-year treasury bonds. Both Canadian and US postal workers are fighting against anti-worker governments who have routinely blocked strikes. The strike ban on the US railroads in 2022 was repeated in Canada earlier this year with bans against strikes on the railroads and the docks. As for postal workers, undemocratic laws ban all strikes by federal employees. If workers reject the sellout deals, they will have one imposed upon them through binding arbitration. Striking Canada Post workers picketing a facility at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, during their four-week, 2024 strike. Following in the footsteps of the federal government, which illegalized the postal workers' strike, the Quebec government wants to arrogate the right to end any strike on the Labour Minister's say so. Rather than fighting against this entire illegitimate framework, the US unions defend it, because the threat of injunctions gives them leverage against an angry and rebellious rank and file. The same is true in Canada. As one Canadian PWRFC worker recently told a meeting of British postal workers: Even as our unions spout demagogic appeals to their respective postal workers, the fact remains our unions are aligned in a corporatist tripartite alliance with the government and with management. The cowardly union bureaucrats would never dream of defying a back-to-work order, which would require the broad mobilization of workers across industry and across geographic lines. Workers such as myself have experienced a series of contracts where we end up facing either Conservative or Liberal governments head on; CUPW dutifully plays its class role by immediately abandoning us at the all-powerful altar of profit. He concluded his remarks at that meeting by declaring: The international working class share the same basic class interests, and our contract negotiations over here are connected to working conditions across the entire global economy ...I think its clear that we must break from the confines of our respective unions who use the full weight of their bureaucracies to demobilize us and isolate us. The urgent need to develop rank-and-file committees in every workplace and across national boundaries has never been clearer, and this is exactly what we are doing in this meeting here today. This meeting has been organized by our brothers and sisters in the UK and it is affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. A crucial element in this global movement must be a fighting alliance between postal workers in the US and Canada. If you agree, join the Committee in your country by filling out the form below. This photo taken on Nov. 26, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in West Bekaa, Lebanon. (Photo by Maher Kamar/Xinhua) Humanitarian needs in Lebanon remain unprecedented. The United Nations and partners need swift, safe and unhindered access so that aid can reach those in need, OCHA said. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is the greatest hope for ending immense suffering in the most devastating humanitarian crisis in a generation, the UN relief chief said on Wednesday. "Humanitarians will keep responding to reach people in need," said Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, on social media platform X. As the ceasefire deal came into force early Wednesday, UN humanitarians and partners mobilized to deliver assistance and support people in need. On the first day of the ceasefire, amid plunging temperatures, 11 trucks from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) delivered emergency supplies to more than 3,000 people in Baalbek, including blankets, mattresses, winter jackets, plastic sheets, solar lamps and sleeping mats. This photo shows the snow scenery on the outskirts of Baalbek, Lebanon, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) "Immediately after the ceasefire came into force at 4 a.m., residents of south Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa (valley) began their return after months of forced displacement," said UNHCR. "Heavy traffic (was) observed on the highway from Beirut to the south since the early hours of this morning." The agency said that they will continue working closely with local authorities and partners to provide much-needed assistance to affected people to help them stay warm and safe this winter. UNHCR has delivered more than 330,000 relief items to more than 190,000 people in Lebanon since Sept. 23. Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) continues to support children who have been heavily impacted by the conflict, and is providing emergency psychological support to thousands of children and caregivers. Since September, UNICEF has reached more than 9,000 children and their caregivers with psychological first aid. "Urgent work must now begin to ensure this peace is sustained," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. "Children and families must be able to return to their communities safely, especially those displaced in shelters and host communities. The protection of children and their families must remain at the heart of all efforts to stabilize the situation and support recovery," she added. This photo shows a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Sidon, Lebanon, Nov. 25, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) Humanitarian needs in Lebanon remain unprecedented. The United Nations and partners need swift, safe and unhindered access so that aid can reach those in need, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has devastated lives, with more than 3,800 people killed, 15,800 injured, and nearly 900,000 displaced internally, alongside over half a million fleeing across borders, according to the Lebanese authorities. "The devastation of homes, healthcare and livelihoods is staggering," OCHA said. OCHA said the world body will continue to support the Lebanese government and partners. Editor: Zhang Zhou This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2024 shows a billboard with a slogan welcoming the return of the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The city is prepared for the return of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Republic of Korea. It was the 11th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Xinhua/Li Gang) This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2024 shows an LED billboard with a slogan welcoming the return of the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The city is prepared for the return of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Republic of Korea. It was the 11th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2024 shows an LED billboard with a slogan welcoming the return of the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The city is prepared for the return of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Republic of Korea. It was the 11th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Editor: JYZ Fans wish to learn what happened to Franz at the end of The Empress Season 2. The newest and second season of the German historical drama is set only a couple of years after the events of Season 1 and follows Empress Elisabeths motherhood and the increasingly tense relationships between Austria and Italian countries. So, did Franz die on the battlefield in Season 2? Why did he join the battlefield in the first place? Here are all your questions answered. Did Franz die on the battlefield in The Empress Season 2? Whether Franz died on the battlefield in The Empress Season 2 is unknown. This is because his final fate was not shown. He was last seen departing for battle against the Kingdom of Piedmont. However, as per historical records, Franz would survive the battle and return to Austria. He had passed away in his palace, Schonbrunn, at the old age of 86 after contracting pneumonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Franz left for battle, his mother, Sophie, became upset and angry and blamed Elisabeth for his departure. However, Elizabeth chose to comfort her. Before departing, Franz had put Elisabeth and Sophie in charge of the Austrian Empire until his son Rudolf became old enough to take over the throne. Franzs decision upset his brother Maximilian, who left with his wife Charlotte. Why did Franz join the battlefield in The Empress Season 2? Franz decided to join the battlefield in The Empress Season 2 because he was emotionally affected by the deaths and injuries of countless Austrian soldiers. This made him feel an obligation to lead his soldiers directly on the battlefield. He also decided to do so because the Kingdom of Piedmont, whom he had declared war on, wanted to annex one of the regions under his rule, Lombardy-Venetia. For much of the second season, Franz opposed war and favored peace. He was also pressured by the weight of his responsibilities, as he desired a simple life as a loving father and husband. The two seasons of The Empress are currently streaming on Netflix. The post What Happened to Franz in The Empress Season 2? Ending Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. The Locarno Film Festivals Open Doors program, which supports filmmakers from underrepresented regions of the world, has unveiled a new team for its next four-year mission: To focus on supporting and elevating African cinema. The co-production and talent develpment initiative, previously focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, will turn its attention to the African continent for the next four years, teaming up with pan-African film studio collective YETU (Un)Limited to help strengthen African cinemas ecosystem locally and boost the presence of African filmmakers internationally. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Producer and YETU co-founder Yanis Gaye (Senegal) has been appointed head of studies for the initative, leading a team of industry professionals, many of which have deep roots in African cinema. Ibee Ndaw from Gambia/Senegal joins as an Open Doors programmer, bringing extensive experience as a festival manager and sales agent. Producers Tiny Mungwe and Mitchell Harper from South Africa, who have 15 years of experience in pan-African community cinema, will serve as artistic consultants. The selection committee will feature prominent African filmmakers including as Angolan director and programmer Fradique Bastos, the Nigerian-American producer Melissa Adeyemo, and Burkinabe director Apolline Traore. They will work alongside Locarnos Julia Duarte to identify and support emerging talent. (from left to right, top to bottom: Yanis Gaye, Ibee Ndaw (, Tiny Mungwe, Mitchell Harper, Marjorie Bendeck, Delphine Jeanneret, Julia Duarte, Fradique Bastos, Melissa Adeyemo, Apolline Traore Zsuzsi Bankuti, head of Open Doors, emphasized the programs commitment to creating a safe and creative space for film professionals, highlighting the teams deep understanding of the regional cinema landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filmmakers from 42 eligible African countries can apply for three main programs: Open Doors Projects, Open Doors Producers, and Open Doors Directors. Submissions will be open from Nov. 28 to Jan. 16, 2025, with a webinar scheduled for Dec. 12 this year to provide more information to interested participants. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sharon Stone recently unleashed a blistering attack on "ignorant" and "arrogant" Americans in a lengthy rant about fascism. The actress was asked to share her thoughts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where she said that Americans are "naive and ignorant and arrogant" and also noted that they ought to "stop and think" about who they elect to government, in an apparent dig at President-elect Donald Trump. After her remarks went viral, people took to social media to slam Sharon Stone, with many sharing old photos of her and Trump. Sharon Stone Claims Americans Are 'Ignorant' & 'Arrogant' MEGA Stone was recently in Italy, where she attended the Torino Film Festival and picked up the Stella della Mole Lifetime Achievement Award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she also seized the opportunity to share a scathing critique of Americans and the way they go about their politics. During a panel discussion, the "Basic Instinct" actress was asked her thoughts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which she said was "a big" question to think about. "We have to stop and think about who we choose for government," Stone said. "And if, in fact, we are actually choosing our government or if the government is choosing itself." The vocal Kamala Harris supporter continued, "You know, Italy has seen fascism. Italy has seen these things, you guys. And you understand what happens. You have seen this before." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My country is in the midst of adolescence. Adolescence is very arrogant. Adolescence thinks it knows everything. Adolescence is naive and, ignorant and arrogant. And we are in our ignorant, arrogant adolescence," Stone added, per the New York Post. The Actress Called On 'Good Men' To Join The Fight Sharon Stone says Trump won because Americans dont travel & are uneducated. Keep them away from your daughters, your wives, & your girlfriends. pic.twitter.com/GyTvoiisi8 AlexandruC4 (@AlexandruC4) November 26, 2024 The 66-year-old award-winning actress further noted that Americans had never witnessed fascism in the country before and also weighed in on how "good men" can also help eradicate violence against women. "So, Americans who don't travel, who 80% don't have a passport, who are uneducated, are in their extraordinary naivete," she said. "What I would say is that the only way that we can help with these issues is to help each other." The "Total Recall" star then discouraged the notion that only "women should help women because that's the only way we have survived so far," instead offered that "good men must help good men, and those good men must be very aware that a lot of their friends are not good men." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can't continue to pretend that your friends are good men when they're not good men," Stone continued. "And you must be very clear-minded and understand that your friends who are not good men are dangerous, violent men. And you have to keep them away from your daughters, your wives, and your girlfriends because this is the time when we can no longer look away when bad men are bad." Sharon Stone Thinks Men Are The 'No.1 Killer Of Women' MEGA Stone went further to weigh in on the dangers men pose to women and how they're the "No. 1 killer for women." She said, "I was watching a comedian the other night, and he said, 'I asked a woman to dinner and she said yes. And it was such a brave thing for her to do because the only real thing, the No. 1 killer in the world today is men. For men, the No. 1 killer is heart disease.'" "The No. 1 killer for women is men. It is very important to remember that. It's very important to remember that," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Catwoman" actress had previously revealed plans to relocate to Italy should Trump emerge victorious in the November 5 elections, saying that it was "one of the first times" in her life that she has "actually seen anyone running for office on a platform of hate and oppression," per the Daily Mail. Netizens Put The Actress On Blast Over Her Remarks MEGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone's comments have led to a heated debate on social with many criticizing the actress for calling Americans "ignorant." A user wrote on X, "Please, Sharone Stone, do us all a favor and leave. You won't be missed." One user quizzed, "So what, 60% of the country is wrong, but Sharon is right? That's what I'm hearing here." Another replied, "I'm hearing blah blah blah from a washed-up Hollywood actress who thinks she's better than the rest of us; it's quite laughable!" "Then move out, you ungrateful moron. This country gave you EVERYTHING. So take your pile of cash and leave. Don't let the door hit you on the way out!" an X user added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some other people online defended the actress on her comment. One wrote, "Was Sharon Stone wrong though? Most Americans don't travel and are uneducated. Sounds like hit dogs hollering cuz Sharon Stone called a spade a spade." The Actress Is Reportedly House Hunting In Europe MEGA Regarding Stone's comment about leaving the U.S., sources close to her confirmed that she is actively searching for a new home in Europe. According to friends of the star, the 66-year-old actress and painter has been scouring the real estate market in the French Riviera before opting to settle for Italy. "Sharon has a really beautiful home with her children in Beverly Hills, but I know that she did look in Antibes," an insider told the Daily Mail. "That was a few years ago, but she did not pull the trigger on it." "It's fair to say that she is thinking about it again. I would say that France is still more likely than Italy," they added. Wondering about the relationship between fitness mogul Tammy Hembrow and her fiance from Love Island Australia? The couple has been turning heads ever since their whirlwind romance went public, with fans eagerly following their journey from social media sparks to engagement. As they prepare for their upcoming wedding, their relationship continues to capture the spotlight. Heres everything you need to know about Tammy Hembrow, her fiance, their love story, and the buzz surrounding their upcoming nuptials. Who is Tammy Hembrow engaged to? Tammy Hembrow is engaged to Matthew Zukowski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple announced their engagement in December 2023 after Zukowski proposed during a holiday in the Maldives. Their wedding is set for November 2024 in Byron Bay. Matthew Zukowski is widely recognized for his appearance on Love Island Australia in 2019, where he finished as a runner-up. Since then, he has built a career in modeling and professional wrestling, and more recently, launched a podcast. What is Matthew Zukowskis job? According to So Dramatic!, Matthew Zukowski is a professional model, wrestler, and podcaster. He has worked as a model in Milan and London and wrestles under the name Charlie Matthews. In addition to these endeavors, Zukowski co-hosts the podcast Wheres Your Head At? alongside fellow Love Island star Anna McEvoy. Zukowskis career also includes work in his family business, where he reportedly works as a project manager for his dads pool company. His multi-faceted career spans both creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, balancing his public life with his private ventures. Tammy Hembrow and Matthew Zukowskis relationship history Tammy Hembrow and Matthew Zukowski began their relationship in mid-2023, after meeting through social media. They quickly became a public couple, and just three months later, Zukowski proposed during a romantic trip to the Maldives. Despite the relatively short timeline, the couple has shared multiple milestones, including matching tattoos and vacations, before their November 2024 wedding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their relationship grew after Zukowski slid into Hembrows DMs, and their connection soon turned serious. Hembrow, a mother of three, has been candid about their journey together, including their decision to have a child-free wedding, despite being a mother herself. The post Who Is Tammy Hembrows Fiance? Matthew Zukowskis Job & Relationship History appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Blink and you'll miss it: two momentary blue flashes in a set of photographs of a serac fall. The man who took them has a theory that hits on unanswered questions in physics. Astrophotographer Li Shengyu has a history of taking internet-breaking photos of the sky. As an award winner of Beijing Planetarium's 2023 photography contest and a viral sensation for his videos of auroras in Inner Mongolia, he knows how to direct eyes to the stars. Now he's got amateur astronomers looking at the ground. Yesterday, SpaceWeather.com published time-lapse footage by Li showing a serac collapsing on Sichuan's Mount Xian Nairi. As a sheet of ice cascades down the face of the mountain, a blue light follows it in brilliant flashes. Li Shengyu's avalanche footage of Mount Xian Nairi/Chenrezig, taken October 27. Photo: Li Shengyu Blue lights illuminate a sacred mountain An alternate view of Xian Nairi. Photo: Trip Advisor user M27***10 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mount Xian Nairi stands just over 6,000m tall and lies in the Garze Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture of southwestern Sichuan. Also known in Tibetan as Mount Chenrezig, it forms one of a triptych of holy mountains that keep watch over the surrounding landscape. As an important pilgrimage site in Tibetan Buddhism, climbing it or its sibling peaks is forbidden. On October 27, Li Shengyu set up his camera at the foot of Xian Nairi. His goal: to capture the glory of the mountain against a backdrop of traveling stars. As the Earth spins throughout the night, the stars appear to rotate in the sky. Long-exposure or composite photographs taken over the course of a night show comet-like smears known as star trails. Star trails over the Atacama Desert in Chile. Photo: Adhemar M. Duro Jr / ESO He got his star trails, but he also got what he suspected was a previously unobserved natural phenomenon: his flashing blue lights. Li reached out to other members of his astrophotography community. They spent a lot of time photographing mountains. Had anyone else seen anything like this? A second avalanche glow As it turned out, one had. Earlier that month, astrophotographer Lu Miao captured a similar event on 7,546m Muztagh Ata in Xinjiang. In her video below, a cornice fall appears to trigger a luminous blue glow, more enduring than the one on Xian Nairi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Li told SpaceWeather.com that neither he nor Lu had noticed the flashes in real-time, only in their photographs. "However, I asked some friends who frequently photograph snow-capped mountains," he added, "and one of them mentioned having seen blue light with the naked eye during an avalanche, though they didnt capture it on camera." In the month since he recorded the lights, Li has formulated a theory. "Our initial hypothesis is that the luminescence may result from friction-induced lighting during the fragmentation of ice." Physicists have a word for this effect: triboluminescence. A mysterious optical effect The first known description of triboluminescence dates all the way back to 1605. "It is well known that all sugar, whether candied or plain, if it be hard, will sparkle when broken or scraped in the dark," wrote Sir Francis Bacon in his work Novum Organum. "In like manner, sea and salt water is sometimes found to shine at night when struck violently by the oar." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not to be outdone, 20th-century physicist Richard Feynman summarized the phenomenon more prosaically. "When you take a lump of sugar and crush it with a pair of pliers in the dark, you can see a bluish flash. Some other crystals do that, too. No one knows why. The phenomenon is called triboluminescence." The video below shows the effect on a LifeSaver. We've learned more since Feynman described triboluminescence, but not much more. It occurs when a crystal is fractured. Sometimes, the light comes from a current jumping from one side of a fault line in the crystal to the other, stripping the nitrogen in the air between of its electrons. Temperatures soar, and the surrounding molecules radiate like they're in a furnace. That's the same process as lightning, though on a much smaller scale. Complicating this pat understanding of triboluminescence is that other crystals radiate from a mix of ionized nitrogen and, seemingly, the surfaces of the cracked crystal. Still others don't radiate from nitrogen at all. So what are all the processes contributing to the flash? On the broadest scale, it's not clear. Fracturing ice might cause mini-lightning On the scale of an avalanche, however, the picture starts to come together. As water freezes, any momentary electrical imbalances get frozen in with it, leaving the ice with a permanent magnetic field. The falling serac in Li's video smashes against several rocky outcroppings on the way down. If a crack lands in the right location for one side to be negatively charged and the other positively charged, triboluminescence could occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is great news to anyone interested in avalanche science, since the resulting flashes could offer insights onto the composition of the ice and the key impact points. How much of a given cornice fall, for instance, is solidly glaciated? How do fractures spread within ice? On the flip side, observing triboluminescence on a far larger scale than a sugar cube and a pair of pliers is a big deal for molecular physics. Crushed sugar sparks consistently, but out of all the avalanches filmed all over the world, we only have a few recorded instances of ice sparking. Why? We don't know, but next time you see an avalanche, keep your eyes wide open. Physics is watching with you. Its no secret that Delaware is regarded as a retirement haven. From quiet suburbs to quaint coastal neighborhoods, theres plenty to choose from when it comes to how you want to spend your Golden Years. Many Delaware towns have been touted as some of the best places in the nation to retire in, but theres one county that is better than the rest. Best Delaware county to retire in Surfers compete for waves near the Indian River Inlet at the Delaware Seashore State Park in the early evening, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 during the unofficial end to summer, Labor Day weekend. SmartAsset, a financial technology company, gathered data on the three regional factors tax-friendliness, medical care, and social opportunities that affect the quality of life for retirees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This information was used to calculate the amount of sales taxes paid and the amount of disposable income left over. Resources like the number of doctors offices, recreation centers and retirement centers per 1,000 residents in each location and the number of seniors in each city were calculated. Each location was then ranked based on these three factors, with the highest ranking being the best place to retire. The best county for retirement in Delaware is Sussex County, according to the data. Sussex received an overall score of 76.87. The tax burden is listed as 9.9%, with 1.23 medical centers, 0.53 recreation centers and 0.03 retirement communities per 1,000 people. The percentage of seniors in Sussex County is 27.9%. Fall colors along the Brandywine in late October 2024 in Brandywine Creek State Park near Wilmington. Travel on a budget this fall: New ILG schedules, busy roads and more. Heres what to know about Thanksgiving 2024 travel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kent County is the second best for retirement in Delaware with an overall score of 68.64. Kent ties with Sussex at 9.9% for tax burden and 0.03 for retirement communities per 1,000 people. Kent has fewer medical centers per 1,000 people than Sussex, at 1.05, and more recreation centers per 1,000 people than Sussex, at 0.76. Kent's population is 17.1% seniors. New Castle County ranks the lowest in the state for retirement with a score of 67.32. New Castle has the highest tax burden at 10.1%; the second-highest number of medical centers per 1,000 people at 1.21; the second-highest number of recreation centers per 1,000 people at 0.56; and the highest number of retirement communities per 1,000 people at 0.04. In New Castle County, seniors are 15.6% of the population. Overall, these findings leave Delaware with a tax burden of 10%; 1.16 medical centers per 1,000 people; 0.54 recreation centers per 1,000 people; 0.03 retirement communities per 1,000 people; and a population including 20.2% seniors. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Best county for retirement in Delaware, how it compares with others LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Cristo Rey Community Center is hosting its annual Thanksgiving meal give away. The Community Center, located at 1717 High St. in Lansing, is offering turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, coffee, and pie. When a 6 News Team stopped in, nearly 100 people were already being served. Free meals will be available until 2 p.m. If you would like to know where other free meals are being offered, check out a listing here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres some pictures from the event. Volunteers at Cristo Rey Community Center serve up holiday meals. (WLNS) The line of people being served free Thanksgiving meals at Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing. (WLNS) Individuals receiving free Thanksgiving meals at Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing. (WLNS) The line of people being served free Thanksgiving meals at Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing. (WLNS) Over in East Lansing, Michigan State University is hosting the 22nd annual HOMIES GIVING at the several Brody Hall classrooms. The event is for those MSU students who were unable to return home for the Thanksgiving holiday. It will continue until 2 p.m. for MSU students only. MSUs 22nd Annual HOMIES GIVING for students unable to return home for the holiday at Brody Hall. (WLNS) MSUs 22nd Annual HOMIES GIVING for students unable to return home for the holiday at Brody Hall. (WLNS) MSUs 22nd Annual HOMIES GIVING for students unable to return home for the holiday at Brody Hall. (WLNS) MSUs 22nd Annual HOMIES GIVING for students unable to return home for the holiday at Brody Hall. (WLNS) And remember, you can share your Thanksgiving photos with 6 News by hitting the Pics on 6 link at the top of the main webpage. Using this portal allows you to upload photos, tells us who is in the photo, whats happening and gives us all the legal permissions to use the photos online and on air! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Its a sigh of relief for soon to be newlyweds, as one Central Illinois event venue is officially under new ownership after weeks of uncertainty. The buyers of Carmons in Champaign said theyre honoring all events booked before the building went into foreclosure. The space has had an uncertain future the past few weeks, which left couples in doubt about their weddings. Tommy Dyer and his fiance Alison Benschneider didnt know until Thursday their Saturday wedding was back on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U of I team develops Nanorobot hand to diagnose, block viruses It was a sense of relief, and once we got in here and met the new owners and we were actually [able to] be in the venue, I think thats when it kind of clicked that it was should be a relief and not more anxiety, Dyer said. The building was foreclosed by a bank and since then, there were promises followed by disappointment about possible new owners. The uncertainty lasted until last week, when CRS Hospitality bought the venue. Our whole community of people has come together to help us get through this and help us have a wedding, no matter where its at, Benschneider said. And so, it just feels like an extra blessing that we get to be here for it all too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign Co. farmers help out in a time of need CRS Hospitalitys COO, Kevin Hildebrand, said he had been getting calls for weeks about spaces for weddings, and hes happy he can now help those couple left in limbo. He said they are helping brides and grooms who lost their deposits to the former owner of Carmons. As soon as I got the keys, I let them know and I said, if youre comfortable with it, we want to be the best we can to you, Hildebrand said. We dont have any previous information. We just want to be able to make their day what they thought it was going to be. Benshneider said the roller coaster ride leading up to the couples wedding was also a blessing. They were able to appreciate that it was never about the place, but the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think also, like Tommy and I talked so much during the whole process about how it just made us realize what truly matters. And all that matters is that we get to marry each other at the end of the day and have all our friends and family in one room. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. This post contains graphic images and/or details. Reader discretion is advised. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Did you know theres an almost 30-foot-tall pyramid in Salt Lake City, right next door to an otherwise normal residential neighborhood? And, yes, there is at least one human mummy inside that pyramid. The building which was constructed more than 40 years ago serves as a sanctuary, a temple, and a winery, all for a Utah-founded non-profit religious organization called Summum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the pyramids geographical and historical proximity to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (whose members are colloquially known as Mormons), the pyramid is unrelated to the sphinx in Salt Lake with the face of the founder and first president of the LDS church, Joseph Smith. Heres what ABC4.com has learned about the pyramid and the organization it was made for. Yes, there really is a sphinx in Utah with the face of the first LDS leader About the pyramid FILE UTAH MARCH 8: Corky Ra, founder of Summun Mummification and the patented Permanent Body Preservation System, shows off a fake mummy inside his pyramid where he also holds church services and live web casts March 8, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ra claims to have signed up 1400 people who want to be mummified after death for a fee. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) The Summum pyramid is said to be 26 feet tall and 40 feet long at the base, and each side of the pyramid faces the cardinal points of the universe, according to the organizations website. There are crystals within the pyramids corners and apex, which creates a highly sophisticated resonant chamber, Summum explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction of the pyramid began in 1977 and concluded in 1979. At first, the pyramid was covered in grey roofing tiles (as seen in the image at the top of this article), but was later covered with copper-colored metal. Summum wine, aka Nectar Publications In the Summum pyramid, the wines they create are known as Nectar Publications. Within the pyramid, they are left in a creative state for seventy-seven days, then aged from one to fifteen years, the website explains. The nectars are called publications because they contain spiritual concepts and information. In addition to containing concepts and information, the wines also grow crystals when stored inside the pyramid. Summum said nine Nectar Publications have been created so far, with the total number expected to reach 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the created wines include the Nectar Publication of Sexual Ecstasy (a red wine) and the Nectar Publication of Nothing. Public classes at the pyramid Every Wednesday evening, Summum offers classes on its philosophy in the pyramid from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Mountain Time, and the classes are also streamed online. To register for a class at the pyramid, Summum asks for a patrons name, email address, and three dates someone wishes to attend. The registration form can be found online. Summum beliefs explained (briefly) The mission of the religion is to help you liberate and emancipate you from yourself and turn you into an Overcomer, according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The religion is based on seven Principles of Creation, according to its website. Those principles are psychokinesis, correspondence, vibration, opposition, rhythm, cause and effect, and gender. Summum said that, before receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses received the Seven Aphorisms. Summums website also explains its relationship to The Kybalion, Gnostic Christianity, and Freemasonry. The founder of Summum was once a member of the LDS church, according to Summums website. The founder of Summum also believed that he was a tree once, as was God. Summum believes in God and believes that God created the universe. The organization says the creation of the universe was a sexual act, and says the term Big Bang which is often used to refer to the creation of the universe is a sexual innuendo that is more than coincidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The universe was created with a Big Bang through the Masturbation of God, Summum explains on one of its web pages. Summum has a website that partially explains the religions sexual beliefs. It also sells its own oil-based lubricant (called Merh) and a book called Sexual Ecstasy from Ancient Wisdom. Summum treats sexuality as a divine and integral part of spiritual evolution and defines ecstasy as the state of union with God,' Summum explains. Modern mummification offered through Summum FILE (Original Caption) Embalmers of the Summum organization, based in Utah. (Photo by Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images) You can become a mummy for a starting donation of $67,000, within the continental United States but Summum also recommends making alternative plans in the event [they] cannot accommodate you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please note, we only accept your donation for providing our rites to you at the time of your passing, the mummification website reads. In addition, we make no guarantee that we will provide these rites when the time comes. After Summum receives a body for mummification, no family members will be allowed to see the body again. Once a body has been mummified, it is put in a Mummiform or sarcophagus and buried. According to Summum, it is the only organization in the world to offer this remarkable and distinguished tradition today. Its mummification practice was reportedly recognized as tax-exempt in 1986. How was Summum started? FILE UTAH MARCH 8: Corky Ra, founder of Summun Mummification, stands outside his church/pyramid March 8, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ra claims to have signed up 1400 people who want to be mummified after death for a fee. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) In 1975, Claude Rex Nowell who later legally changed his name to Summum Bonum Amon Ra (for spiritual reasons, according to Summum) and was often called Corky Ra or Amen Ra said he was visited by capital-B Beings after hearing a ringing in his ear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know how it feels to touch Beings not of this world what they look like, how they smell, and how it is to be with them. I know how they behave, where they come from, and why they contacted me, he wrote while recounting the First Encounter. Corky Ra wrote that he had a vision of a pyramid and another structure, and while having that vision, he walked through a wall. He encountered a group of individuals (the Beings) in the vision and said they communicated with him telepathically before he learned of the concepts that became the basis of the Summum religion. Corky Ra died in 2008 and became the worlds first modern mummy, according to Summum. His sarcophagus is said to be stored inside the Summum pyramid. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Evan Kail poses for a group photo with students at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Standing in the park of the Temple of Heaven in central Beijing, Evan Kail from the United States opened a copy of a photo album, trying to figure out just how much things have changed over the past nearly 90 years. The original album dating back to World War II (WWII) features photos of China at that time, including ones that document the atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in China back then. It was donated to China by Kail, a pawnshop manager, in 2022. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. "I am here where all these photos were taken and to be physically on the ground of the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and many other sites in China in the following month," an excited Kail said at the beginning of the tour. In the past few days, he found that China is quite different from what the media have portrayed back in the United States. "I recommend people from the West come and check it out," he said. ALBUM THAT MADE HIM KNOWN IN CHINA Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. "The album recorded the real situation of the Japanese invasion of China, providing more historical details. In this sense, Kail deserves the respect of the Chinese people," said netizen Lu Xixin. "Thanks to Kail for what he did, which will be remembered by the Chinese people," said another netizen nicknamed Haishangyilanghua. "Welcome to feel the warmth of the Chinese people." Kail, 35, likes sharing his experiences on TikTok. Two years ago, he received the photo album from one of his followers on social media. "They had vaguely mentioned a photo album of World War II from Asia, but they didn't provide many details and only noted that the contents were disturbing." Kail's first impression upon viewing the photos was "gut-wrenching," and he made a video featuring the photo album on TikTok two days after receiving it, which attracted much public attention, particularly among Chinese people of all ages. "One of my rules when handling artifacts related to WWII is that if an item has any direct connection to a war crime or holds potential historical significance, it doesn't belong to private hands. Instead, it belongs to a museum or a place where it can be studied and preserved for the public," Kail said. "I also wondered if the photos, if previously unknown, could have historical value beyond my means to assess." He believed that the album was a part of Chinese history and could be of immense value to Chinese scholars. Therefore, he reached out to the Consulate General of China in Chicago and made the donation. The Japanese troops committed countless heinous atrocities in China during their invasion, of which the most notorious was the Nanjing Massacre that took place when they captured the then Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. In the space of six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of WWII. Chinese people have praised Kail for shedding more light on that part of history. Some people even visited Kail's store to express their gratitude. Kail was overwhelmed by the response. "I was fortunate enough to attend good schools, and WWII was discussed in class for countless times. But to see all these Chinese people expressing such emotion was a shock," he explained. GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL CHINA In fact, Kail's interest in WWII goes back even further than the start of his formal schooling. His grandfather served as a captain in the U.S. military in the Pacific. "The history of WWII was extremely significant to both my grandparents and to my upbringing," he noted. WWII shaped his grandparents' lives in profound ways, but like many in the West, his knowledge of China and its people, history and culture had remained limited. "Over the past two years, I have dedicated time to learning as much as I can about China," he said. "I've been reading books about Chinese history and culture and studying Mandarin." "I believe that many people in the West still know very little about China, often only bits and pieces from the news. We should take time to know more about this populous country and its rich history," Kail said. "I have made a lot of progress, and I am looking forward to making even more on this trip." Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. "I am expecting this trip to be one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. After studying China for years, I am excited to finally see it with my own eyes," Kail said. "Most importantly, this trip marks the beginning of my lifelong journey as a representative of peace, friendship and unity between two great nations." During his time in Beijing, the American already managed to glimpse the real China, which he said is different from what he learned back in the U.S. "To be honest, there seems to be some bias in the Western media," Kail stated. He gave an example to back up his statement. "Beijing is a very clean city," he said, adding that it is often portrayed in the Western media as "dirty" and "polluted." This year, Kail has created the "Evan Kail Cultural Studio" -- with a mission to foster peace through cultural exchanges between China and the United States. "I believe that the key to peace is communication, and the key to communication is understanding. The best way for the two peoples to understand each other is through the medium of culture. I am excited to build upon this vision," Kail said. Evan Kail visits Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail views a bronze mask discovered at the Sanxingdui Ruins site while visiting the Ancient China exhibition at National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail (front, R) poses for a photo with a tourist after receiving a cultural creative magnet at the National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail views a copy of his donated photo album at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail holds a copy of his donated photo album as he visits Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail visits Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Tourists pose for photos with Evan Kail at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail (front, R) poses for a photo with a tourist in front of the Zhengyang Gate on Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail (center, R) visits the Ancient China exhibition at National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Editor: JYZ South central Indiana residents looking for a fun Thanksgiving day trip dont need to look far: Nashville, Indiana, is the No. 2 trending Thanksgiving destination in the U.S. this year, according to a report from vacation rental site HomeToGo. The south-central Indiana town off Ind. 46 is best known for its charming downtown filled with artisan shops and art galleries and its rustic, mountain-town feel. Little Nashville saw a 164% increase in searches on HomeToGo during the Thanksgiving season compared to last year, according to the report. How did Nashville, Indiana rank for Thanksgiving destinations? Nashville tied with Sunriver, Oregon, for the title of No. 2 trending Thanksgiving destinations in the U.S., with both seeing a 164% increase in searches on HomeToGo. It ranked only below Beaver Lake, Arkansas, which saw a 194% increase in searches compared to last year. Door County, Wisconsin is known for its rugged white cliffs. Nashville is followed by towns like Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Rockport, Texas, Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and Door County, Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of the 15 top destinations, 11 were in the southeastern U.S. Nashville and Door County, Wisconsin (No. 7) were the only Midwestern destinations to make the top 15. How were the trending Thanksgiving destinations determined? Red leaves in the Hoosier National Forest on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. To compile the list, HomeToGo looked at touristic areas with a population of less than 50,000 where the most users searched for stays between Nov. 21 and Dec. 5, 2024. Nashville has a population of about 1,250 according to the 2020 U.S. census, while Brown County as a whole is home to about 15,600. Why did Nashville rank so high as a Thanksgiving destination? HomeToGos report didnt investigate exactly why users opted for the trending destinations for the Thanksgiving holiday, but it did make mention of Nashvilles easy access to Brown County State Park and the towns creative scene. Visitors enter the north entrance of Brown County State Park near Nashville, ready for a day of outdoor recreation. Brown County State Park offers brisk hiking and biking opportunities, while the towns art galleries and markets showcase local crafts perfect for holiday gifts, the website reads. Seasonal events, like festive lighting and late fall exhibits, make this creative enclave a top autumn destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fuel up: Heading to south-central Indiana for fall colors? Here's where you can get good food Nashville is a cheaper stay, too. According to HomeToGo, the median nightly vacation home price in Nashville is $298, far less than No. 2 town Sunriver, Oregon ($395), No. 5. Oregon town Lincoln City ($335), or No. 7 Door County ($367). Nashville has long been a destination for people in southern Indiana and beyond for its charming small-town feel, huge selection of artisan shops and galleries and access to nature trails and outings. Nashville's Brown County Visitors Center emphasizes the town and surrounding county as an escape from city life and home to an eclectic arts culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. Follow him on Twitter/X at @brianwritesnews. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Why Nashville is the U.S.' second-most trending Thanksgiving vacation BALTIMORE A divisive election. At least two major wars raging in Europe and the Middle East. And the ever-present pitfalls of internal family politics. Together, they might make for one of the nations tensest Thanksgivings yet or you could consider eating some psychedelic mushrooms to up your overall sense of love and sail right through it, two experts told The Baltimore Sun. The legality of doing that in Maryland saw a major boost forward this year, when Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland Senate Bill 1009 into law, enacting the Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances, which will look at how to enact a legal framework for introducing sales of psychedelics into the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Task Force will study naturally derived substances such as psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine, and mescaline and is tasked with making recommendations on use, permitting, education and safety, access to treatment, and regulated support to enable equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances, health care provider Healthesystems said. How Marylanders respond to legalized psychedelics is yet to be determined. But two industry experts told The Sun that in places where mushrooms are legal, theyre an excellent fit for creating less stressful holidays. Gary Logan, ATCD, and Robert Grover, MSc., are founders of The Journeymen Collective, an alternative wellness collective that conducts guided retreats for clients during psilocybin trips. Conducted in the mountains outside of Vancouver, Canada, Logan and Grover say that taking magic mushrooms is a logical choice for stressed-out Americans looking for ways to make an already tense Thanksgiving a much calmer, thankful affair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can open up a greater perspective to more easily recognize the blessings weve been given, Logan said. There is often a new appreciation for personal and professional relationships. That America has recently been through what one political analyst told The Sun was a painful slog of an election season is in no doubt. With voters almost as closely divided as they were in 2016, and a Democratic administration flipping back to another Trump administration, political scientists said they are concerned about how civil this years national gathering may be. Flavio Hickel Jr, assistant professor of American Politics at Washington College, told The Sun that while it depends on the individual groups personal and political dynamics, the stress and worry that permeated much of the election could now condense into one super feud in families that had members who voted each way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Hickel said even single-party voting families may find it hard to stay civil on Thanksgiving. In general, yes, I expect Thanksgivings to be more tense this year. It was a very contested election, Hickel said. Even in a group where everyone is a Democrat, discussions of why Democrats lost can invoke strong feelings and breed tension, let alone the strong feelings and tensions that could emerge if Democrats and Republicans discuss the election results and future around the dinner table, he said. Logan, the psychedelic guide and founder, said that while he wouldnt advise actually eating mushrooms at the meal, the properties that come along with this type of plant-based substance are ideal for defusing events that might go into confrontational areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it certainly would be interesting to mix in the mashed potatoes at the Thanksgiving table, we wouldnt advise that, Logan said. Nor should Baltimoreans or Marylanders look to swap the traditional American Thanksgiving drinks table for psilocybin, although it might change their attitude toward drinking later. We definitely wouldnt suggest replacing your alcohol use with psilocybin. We have had people come in and have a guided journey then go home and say they didnt feel the need to drink anymore, he said. Id also say that the mushroom is a fungi that grows in the forest and we see it as a medicine from nature. We certainly believe it is better for your mind, body and spirit than alcohol. He said that for Marylanders, looking into guided experiences might be the first step toward having an even better holiday season in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, if this year you started looking into a guided retreat now, by next time you sat down at the Thanksgiving table you may have an entirely different outlook on the people around it, yourself, and the holiday, he said. Matt McDermott, president of Humble & Wallop, a strategy and creative firm in Hampden, told The Sun that in Baltimore, as in anywhere else in the U.S., this is a particularly delicate year for avoiding or confronting politics at gatherings like Thanksgiving. As these issues have become more personal to people, they are more likely to see a debate centered around them. The fear that this administration has a mandate that could lead to the greatest assault on human rights since Jim Crow. Womens rights, McDermott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trans rights. Immigrant rights. Were not talking about economic policy or defense budgets, he said. Were talking about a right to exist, [like] life, liberty, happiness. As a husband of a strong, successful woman and a father of a trans teen, I couldnt shrug off a dinner-table hot take that argues against their rights. Hickel gave the following tips for Baltimoreans across all political backgrounds for Thanksgiving, regardless of whether legal alcohol or substances are being used. One solution is to simply not talk about politics and/or set ground rules that politics shouldnt be discussed. If you feel a sense of resentment at others in the group who are of a different political persuasion than yourself, it may be helpful to remind yourself that at the end of the day they are human beings that you want to spend holidays with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politics doesnt define them, just as it doesnt define you. We are more than our politics. If political conversations are unavoidable, try to remember that it is unlikely you will be able to convince a partisan opponent through one conversation/argument, Hickel said If you arent trying to win the argument, then you are less likely to get irritated when you cant. If using all those tips and avoiding a conversation isnt possible, then perhaps consider just bringing up taking or buying legalized mushrooms as a topic for the whole gathering to consider, Grover suggested. Again, I wouldnt suggest just trying it at your Thanksgiving table but it might make for an interesting conversation to tell your family you were thinking of trying a guided magic mushroom journey, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They might not understand it but in reality many of them could probably benefit from it, Grover said. And if you put the work into one you could definitely have an entirely different perspective on life and the family in it by the next Thanksgiving dinner. And if that still doesnt work? Well, theres always a foolproof way to make yourself thankful and welcome at holidays this year. Bring pie, but leave the politics at home, McDermott advises. -------- It's an annual debate around the Thanksgiving dinner table for many families: what's the best side dish? What about the best dessert? While it may not settle things, new Google data shows some consensus by state. Last week, Google Trends released the most-searched side dishes and desserts in each state. The data, which was compiled over the span of a week earlier this month, found the most popularly searched side dishes across the country were casserole, vegetables, pasta/grains and stuffing. The most-searched baked goods included cake, cookies, pie and bread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the results for New Hampshire. Thanksgiving table with roasted turkey, sliced ham and side dishes Thanksgiving shopping: Are grocery stores open on Thanksgiving? Liquor stores? Walmart? What's open, closed in NH What is New Hampshire's most searched Thanksgiving side dish? While most states were looking for green bean or sweet potato casseroles, Google searchers in New Hampshire were looking for a roasted vegetable. New Hampshire's most searched side dish for Thanksgiving is roasted brussels sprouts, according to Google Trends data. Across the country, some of the other unique side dish searches included ramen noodle salad in Nebraska and pineapple stuffing in New Mexico. See the map: A map of most searched side dishes this week from Google Trends analytics. What is New Hampshire's most searched Thanksgiving baked good? Although New Hampshire residents love a pie, Google searchers have been looking for recipes for a different baked good instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Google Trends data, cheesecake was the most searched Thanksgiving baked good in New Hampshire earlier this month. See the full map: A map of most searched baked goods this week from Google Trends analytics. But, when it comes to pie, pumpkin recipes ruled over apple in the search data leading up to the holiday. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: What's NH's top Thanksgiving side, dessert? What Google's data shows A person has been hurt following a shooting in north Charlotte early Thursday morning, according to MEDIC. It happened around 3 a.m. on Damask Drive. ALSO READ: Parking enforcement worker gunned down at apartment complex MEDIC said the victim was taken to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. It is unclear what led up to this shooting. This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates. VIDEO: Residents dont feel safe after deadly shooting at apartment complex CHICAGO A search is underway on Wednesday afternoon after a man was critically injured in a shooting near the Lincoln Park Zoo on the citys North Side. According to police, the incident unfolded just before 4 p.m. in the 2400 block of North Clark Street. Officers said the gunfire erupted after a 34-year-old man approached a group of people on the sidewalk in the area and an altercation broke out among them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Offices said during the altercation, an unknown male pulled out a gun and opened fire on the 34-year-old man, striking him in the chest. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Police said the 34-year-old man was later taken to the hospital in critical condition and the gunman fled from the scene on foot. SkyCam 9 was over the scene around 4:10 p.m. when at least eight police vehicles, an ambulance and a fire engine could be spotted in the area. Several officers could also be seen standing behind police tape on a curb near a business in the area. Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward) issued a statement on Wednesday night addressing the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At approximately 4:30 PM this evening, a man was shot in the 43rd Ward near the intersection of Clark St and Fullerton Ave. According to initial reports, the victim was exhibiting erratic and dangerous behavior at the time of the shooting and engaged with the offender aggressively prior to the incident. The offender fled southbound on foot. The victim was brought to Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital and remains in critical condition. There will be an increased police presence this evening in the area as officers canvas and patrol, Knudsen said. Knudsen said that there is reason to believe that the incident was isolated and that the victim and the gunman had a preexisting relationship. Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and a search for the person responsible is now underway. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities ask anyone with information on the shooting to contact CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A 12-year-old boy from the Issaquah area is accused of stealing his grandfathers car and driving it to Eastern Washington. The Grant County Sheriffs Office says Issaquah police called them Wednesday, asking them to keep an eye out for the boy. They said he might be heading to the Moses Lake area. Just before 10:30 a.m., deputies found the boy parked at a curb on Lowry Street in the Larson Community. The boy panicked, and deputies say he led them on about a three-mile chase that ended near State Route 17 when they performed a PIT maneuver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was hurt and there was only minor damage to the grandfathers car. The boy was booked into the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and felony eluding. A 12-year-old drove 161 miles across the Cascade Mountains to Eastern Washington before he was spotted by deputies and led them on a chase. Police in Issaquah, Wash., notified the Grant County Sheriffs Office that the boy had stolen his grandfathers car and might be headed to Moses Lake. Deputies spotted the stolen car parked on the curb on the 900 block of Lowry Street in Moses Lake about 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy led deputies on a short chase that ended when a deputy used a PIT, or precision immobilization technique, maneuver, causing the 12 year old to lose control and stop the car when it abruptly turned sideways. Nobody was hurt and vehicle damages were minimal, according to the sheriffs office. The boy was arrested and taken to the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and felony eluding. International tourist arrivals in early 2024 nearly reached pre-pandemic levels. Concerns about overtourism and poor management are growing in historic cities and beach locales. The 2025 "No List" from Fodor's highlights destinations under unsustainable tourism pressures. People are traveling more than ever, with international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024 just about reaching pre-pandemic levels and destinations around the world are feeling the pinch. With tiny, historic European cities welcoming thousands more people than they were built to hold and picturesque beach locales littered with plastic, concerns about overtourism and poor tourism management are increasingly widespread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fodor's, a long-standing travel-guide company, compiles an annual list of destinations where the pressures of tourism are being felt most. The company's 2025 "No List" includes destinations that have long had problems managing tourism levels, as well as newer ones or places where the situation is expected to worsen. "The No List serves to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities. And these stresses need to be addressed," Fodor's said. The company said that it didn't advocate for travel boycotts against these locations but that it believed the problems needed to be called out so they could be addressed. Tourism experts previously told Business Insider that one of the primary challenges locations like this face is that tourists tend to visit the exact same places at the same time. For busy destinations, they recommended trying to visit during the off or shoulder seasons. They also stressed the importance of being responsible tourists and respecting all local laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bali, Indonesia Tourists walking among plastic trash and discarded wood on the shore of Kuta Beach in Bali. Johannes P. Christo/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Bali draws millions of visitors each year, but the high levels of tourism have taken a toll on its natural landscapes and contributed to plastic pollution. There have also been concerns about poor behavior from tourists, with authorities now handing out a "dos and don'ts" list to visitors. In September Indonesia announced it was putting a pause on the construction of new hotels in Bali to address overtourism. Barcelona An activist in Barcelona protesting against tourism. Jorge Mantilla/NurPhoto/Getty Images Tourism levels in Barcelona have contributed to high housing prices and costs of living, with thousands of locals holding protests against tourism on several occasions this year. Some demonstrators this summer even shot water guns at tourists. Officials in Barcelona placed some limits on short-term rentals in 2021 and have said they plan to ban all of them by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mallorca, Spain Playa de Muro in Mallorca. Clara Margais/picture alliance/Getty Images Thousands of people in Mallorca have also protested against overtourism this year, saying many locals can no longer afford to live on the island and demanding more tourism limits. Canary Islands, Spain Thousands protesting tourism management in the Canary Islands. Andres Gutierrez/Anadolu/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-tourism protests that swept Spain have also played out in the Canary Islands, where authorities this year said they planned to add new regulations and limits on short-term rentals. Venice, Italy Venice has taken measures to address overtourism. Stefano Mazzola/Getty Images Venice has also taken measures to address overtourism, which has filled its tiny, historic streets with huge crowds and made the city barely livable, locals say. Last year, Venice announced it would charge day-trip visitors about $5 to enter the city center on certain days. This year, officials announced they were limiting tourist groups to 25 people and banning the use of loudspeakers on tours. Lisbon The Baixa district in Lisbon. Jorge Mantilla/NurPhoto/Getty Images In addition to naming locations in Spain and Venice, Fodor's said Lisbon was among the European cities where locals had expressed not wanting tourists to visit. An estimated 60% of units in the city are used for vacationers, the outlet said, as housing prices have soared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koh Samui, Thailand Koh Samui. Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images Koh Samui, Thailand, has already experienced negative impacts from overtourism. The area is struggling to deal with high amounts of garbage and wastewater from tourism developments. But Fodor's said the island's tourism problems were expected to worsen after the 2025 release of the new season of HBO's "The White Lotus," which was partially filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Mount Everest Nepalese sherpa climbers after an Everest clean-up expedition. NAMGYAL SHERPA/AFP/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being among the most difficult places to reach on Earth, Mount Everest isn't immune to the negative impacts of tourism. The highest mountain on Earth has been littered with frozen garbage and experienced long lines on the path to the summit. The last living member of the first team to reach Mount Everest's summit in 1953 said earlier this year that the large crowds had resulted in a concerning amount of garbage. Agrigento, Italy Tourists at the bottom of a limestone cliff near Agrigento on the Italian island of Sicily. Andia/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Agrigento, a coastal town in Sicily, is dealing with a water crisis on top of tourism concerns. While local homes and businesses scramble to conserve water, the city is also bracing for a boost of tourism next year, when it will be named the Italian Capital of Culture. Though the city's economy relies on tourism, an increase in visitors could worsen its water shortages. British Virgin Islands Road Town, the capital of Tortola, one of the British Virgin Islands, and the horseshoe-shaped Road Harbour. Marica van der Meer/Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Tourism is crucial to the economy of the British Virgin Islands, but locals have expressed frustration over a lack of a comprehensive plan to address tourism levels, especially from cruise ships, Fodor's said. Some locals say high numbers of visitors are overwhelming local resources but that some visitors aren't staying long enough to significantly contribute to the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerala, India An influx of tourists to Kerala has fueled development that's worsened natural disasters. Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images Kerala, known for its beaches and backwaters, is struggling with pollution, waste, and deforestation in part driven by tourism. A surge in unregulated developments to keep up with tourism demand is also exacerbating natural disasters such as landslides, Fodor's said. Kyoto, Japan Tourists at the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Kyoto have taken several measures to combat overcrowding and bad behavior from tourists. Kyoto barred tourists from visiting some streets in Gion, the city's Geisha district, in response to tourists harassing the geishas. Tokyo Tokyo. Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images Rising visitor numbers have contributed to overcrowding and a strain on resources in Tokyo, Japan's largest city. Japan is dealing with a boom in tourism in part because of the weak yen, which is making visits seem more affordable to foreigners. Oaxaca, Mexico Tourists visiting petrified waterfalls in Oaxaca, Mexico. Carlos Santiago/Eyepix Group/Future Publishing/Getty Images Oaxaca has experienced a 77% increase in tourism since 2020, Fodor's said. Residents, who are increasingly being displaced from their homes, have protested against tourism levels, which are contributing to high housing costs and gentrification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scotland's North Coast 500 Tourists on Scotland's North Coast 500 route. Paul Campbell/Getty Images Scotland's North Coast 500 is an iconic scenic driving route that's dealt with a major influx of visitors over the past several years. The higher levels of tourism have led to congested roads and a problem with "wild camping," when visitors camp in areas without proper facilities and often leave behind garbage, scorched earth from campfires, and even feces. Local officials have focused on tourist education to address the issues, encouraging them to sign a visitor pledge. Read the original article on Business Insider OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Paul Gregory Beatty Broxterman. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Paul Gregory Beatty Broxterman, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. TOPEKA (KSNT) Topeka police say a teenager injured in a motorcycle crash has died of his injuries. Rosie Nichols with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) said in a press release that a 17-year-old is dead following a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle on Nov. 21 in west Topeka. His identity has not been released yet. An investigation into his death is ongoing. (Photo By/Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By/Tim Schoepflin) Police were called around 2:50 p.m. on Nov. 21 to the intersection of Southwest Huntoon and Southwest Glendale Drive on reports of a motorcycle crash. Officers arriving at the scene found a motorcycle rider had sustained life-threatening injuries. The driver of an SUV was also injured in the crash. Police identify pedestrian killed in east Topeka crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. * Since China's Liangzhu ruins gained the world heritage status in 2019, more than 350 sites of the ancient culture have been discovered, bearing witness to the existence of Chinese civilization over 5,000 years ago. * The Second Liangzhu Forum held from Monday to Wednesday gathered some 300 participants from more than 60 countries and regions for interdisciplinary academic dialogues. * The Liangzhu International Archaeological Center was launched at the forum to promote international cooperation on archaeological research. HANGZHOU, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- As a swarm of visitors was closely following their guide at a museum featuring rice-cultivating agriculture in late Neolithic China, professor Robin Coningham stopped in front of a rice harvester, adjusting his camera zoom for a clearer picture of the ancient tool. Coningham, from Durham University of Britain, was among some 300 participants in the Second Liangzhu Forum held in Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, from Monday to Wednesday. The professor, who holds the UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage, said he would show the photo to his students. "I had only ever seen photos of such relics published in books. So, seeing them in person is interesting. One of the courses I teach is world civilization, comparing Egypt with Mesopotamia, South Asia, including India, and then China as well," said the scholar, who was on his first visit to China. First discovered in 1936 in the lower reaches of China's longest river, the Yangtze, the Liangzhu ruins gained the world heritage status in 2019. So far, more than 350 sites of the Liangzhu Culture have been discovered, bearing witness to the existence of Chinese civilization over 5,000 years ago. Coningham spoke highly of China's excavation and preservation of the Liangzhu ruins. "Most of the early agricultural tools disappeared. But you still have the timber materials here. You have made extremely good preservation, and it shows the high quality of excavations," said the archaeologist with a long-time experience in field study of early civilizations in southern Asia. INTERPRETING LIANGZHU The forum has gathered Chinese and foreign cultural officials, diplomats, scholars, writers, archaeologists, and musicians from more than 60 countries and regions to further tap into the rich cultural resources of Liangzhu. Many of the foreign visitors owed their fruitful trip to a special museum guide -- an American who prefers to be called by her Chinese name, Mai'anqi. Explaining the Liangzhu culture in her own way, she said by highlighting the interesting parts, it is more effective for cross-cultural interpretation. At the exhibition area of Liangzhu's ancient water conservancy system with 33 dams so far discovered, she told the audience that the amazing water system alone makes Liangzhu deserve a world heritage status, as it is hitherto the world's oldest and largest of its kind. Majoring in cross-cultural interpretation at Zhejiang University, Mai'anqi told Xinhua that because of the time limit, she did not fully elaborate on a spinning wheel, which she wanted to present to the visitors in particular. "In my opinion, the spinning wheel is a link of cultural exchange in the world," Mai'anqi said, explaining that women in every country used to produce textile materials by hand. In early civilizations, women took such things closest to them to the grave. In many countries, there are spinning wheels made of clay, even with gems or in the form of ceramic pottery found in graves. "I think this cultural bond may strike a chord with foreign visitors." As a volunteering bilingual museum guide, Mai'anqi has helped train 20 out of the museum's 200-plus volunteers to become fluent in English. "We have seen the number of foreign visitors to the museum rising sharply, making English-speaking guides badly in need," she said, adding that English guide service is only available on Wednesday and Sunday. CROSS-CULTURAL TALKS Pawel Gusnar, a saxophonist and professor at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland, enjoyed an immersive tour of the Liangzhu Museum and the ancient city ruins park during the forum, where digital technologies have been used to provide an appealing experience for the audience to visualize the Liangzhu culture. Gusnar said he was deeply impressed by the landscape of the ancient water town, although he is not in the sense of a history lover. "On this trip, we see how people lived thousands of years ago. It's very inspiring for musicians. The landscape is very close to my heart, to my feelings, to my emotions," Gusnar said. In cooperation with a Chinese folk orchestra, Gusnar presented a well-known Chinese folk song, "Jasmine Flower," in Poland to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year this year. He said he played saxophone together in harmony with traditional Chinese instruments. "As a saxophone soloist, I need to improvise on melodies. From now on, when I play I will think of the landscape of Liangzhu," Gusnar said. Zhang Mingzhou, a Chinese children's book writer, hosted a session of the sub-forum of International Writers Dialogue at the Liangzhu Forum. He introduced Belgian writer Wally de Doncker, whose illustrated children's book, "Nian and the Boy," was published in China in 2019. In Doncker's book, the "nian," a Chinese mythical beast, had lived peacefully in a pristine valley before humans came to disturb its life, leading to clashes until a boy's love and understanding helped resolve the human-beast conflicts. "China's stories can be told well not only by Chinese writers, but also by world writers," Zhang said. Talking about the theme of the sub-forum, "Dialogue: Changes and Developments in Children's Literature and Mutual Learning between Chinese and Foreign Cultures," Doncker said it is important to meet face-to-face to achieve mutual understanding and mutual learning, as this is the only way to get things done. "We can talk, and then talk about what we are learning." During the Liangzhu Forum, an array of topics was discussed centering on archaeology, literature, music and art, and experts and scholars from around the world engaged in interdisciplinary academic dialogues. Professor Coningham avidly pointed out that what makes him feel excited is that there is still intensive research going on in Liangzhu after it won the world heritage status. On Tuesday, the Liangzhu International Archaeological Center was launched at the forum to promote archaeological research on Liangzhu and expand the international influence of Liangzhu culture. The center will carry out international cooperation on the investigation, excavation, research and protection of Liangzhu site, enhance exchanges with academic institutions at home and abroad, and jointly explore a new model of archaeological cooperation. (Video reporters: Wang Yiwen, Li Tao, Liu Mingxiang; Video editors: Zhang Yucheng, Roger Lott, Zhao Xiaoqing, Zhu Cong) Ukraine's banking system is stable today, unlike during Russia's initial aggression in 2014, but it remains too small and undercapitalized to support the large-scale recovery of the country after the war, said Oleksandr Pysaruk, Board Chairman of Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine (Kyiv), in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "Total assets of Ukraine's banking system amount to about 60% of GDP, one of the lowest levels in the world. The working loan portfolio represents roughly 15% of GDP, which is an exceptionally low figure globally," Pysaruk said. He explained that the 60% asset-to-GDP ratio is primarily sustained by substantial international aid and liquidity inflows into the country and the banking system. Without these, the ratio would be even lower. "The banking system is very small. In the medium term, it cannot support significant economic growth or large-scale recovery," the Board Chairman of Ukraine's fourth-largest and largest privately-owned bank said. Pysaruk suggested that if the war ends or a truce is reached next year, large-scale recovery efforts could begin in 2025 or, more realistically, by 2026-2027. "The banking system won't have sufficient capital to support significant growth in lending or recovery financing, especially if retrospective taxation of bank profits at a 50% rate persists," he argued. Currently, banks have surplus capital generated by high profitability and the prohibition on dividend payouts. However, Pysaruk warned that this surplus could be quickly exhausted within a year or two in a recovery scenario. The banking system in Ukraine is fundamentally too small to handle the lion's share of the country's recovery needs, Pysaruk stated, highlighting that while the World Bank estimates Ukraine's recovery costs at $486 billion, the total assets of the banking system are approximately $85 billion. "The only viable solution for Ukraine to secure such significant financial resources is to attract creditors, investors, and donors from multiple countries. A mix of foreign direct investments and loans from various sources including foreign commercial banks, export credit agencies, and development banks will likely form the foundation of Ukraine's recovery financing," Pysaruk suggested. He has previously held senior positions at the National Bank of Ukraine, the IMF, and ING Group. He emphasized the critical role of international financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in mobilizing resources within their mandates for Ukraine's recovery. Pysaruk added that maintaining the corporate income tax rate for banks at 25% would help preserve capital to fund the economy on a much larger scale. TYLER, Texas (KETK) While many will be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends on Thursday, an East Texas mother is wondering where her daughter Brandi Wells is, after more than 18 years since she was last seen. Wells has not been seen since 2006 when she was 23. Her mother, Ellen Tant believed Wells was meeting friends to enjoy one last night out before her fall semester at Trinity Valley Community College where she was studying to be a teacher. FBI seeks publics help in identifying victims of East Texas man charged in decadelong fraud schemes The initial missing poster for Wells. Theres just so many things I wanted to do with you that I never got the chance. Thats why I dont want to give up on the fact that youre still alive because we can still have those chances, Tant said in message to her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Wells being born on Thanksgiving day, the holiday has meant more to Tant than others. But now, the holiday is a reminder of what Tant lost all those years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her daughter was last seen leaving Graham Central Station, a night club, in Longview. Just a few hours later, her car was found abandoned alongside Interstate 20 near FM 2087, between Longview and Kilgore. A gas can, that didnt belong to Wells, was located inside the trunk along with her belongings, however her cellphone was missing. Officers began searching for Wells, using surveillance tapes where she was seen her in a club for nearly two hours before walking out of the front door shortly after midnight. East Texas man sentenced for murdering missing person after body found in hand-dug grave This was a strange abduction, I know it was, that is the only explanation there is, Tant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man in a white cowboy hat was seen following behind her but the Longview Police Department said he did not appear to be connected to the case. The police department said limited witnesses from the night of her disappearance and the staggering number of tips from those wanting to help have made her case challenging. Surveillance footage of Wells and a man in a white cowboy hat, who was later determined not be connected to the case. Although there have been several tips along the way, including three men who were polygraphed but later released, none of those have gotten police closer to understanding what happened that night. Now that Wells would be turning 42, Tant said it does not get easier. Third grade Murchison ISD student dies after visiting family for Thanksgiving, district officials say Its 18 years, a child was born on the night that Brandi disappeared, and that child will graduate [high school] this next year. Thats how long shes been gone, and its not by her choice I know that, Tant explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the few leads dried up and due to lack of evidence the case went cold. Now Tant prays that anyone who knows what happened that night would find it in their heart to tell the truth. Its a pain that does not go away, life is just not the same without you in it, Tant said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. A Georgia man died in a crash during a high-speed chase with Georgia State Patrol Tuesday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 8:12 p.m., a trooper was checking speed detections on Interstate 75 northbound near mile marker 342 in Catoosa County. According to GSP, a trooper clocked a black 2015 Inifiniti Q50 speeding at 114 miles per hour. Officials said the trooper tried to stop the car, but the driver, 22-year-old Hugo Urbano Chavez, of Dalton, did not pull over. This led to a high-speed chase on I-75. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GSP said as Chavez neared exit 348 while passing on the left shoulder, he lost control of the car, causing him to cross all northbound lanes. The car flipped before stopping between the northbound lanes and exit ramp 348. The troopers vehicle hit the guardrail in the median before crossing the northbound lanes and exiting the interstate where it stopped between the northbound lanes and exit 348. There was no contact between the troopers patrol vehicle and Chavezs car, GSP said. Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, Angel Aleman, 30, of Dalton was taken to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. in serious condition. The crash remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SHELBY COUNTY, Texas (KETK) More 3,500 gallons of grease trap waste was illegally dumped into a creek bed and the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department said it was successfully collected but authorities will be after those responsible. 18 years since disappearance, mother of missing East Texas woman pleads for answers According to the fire department, officials confirmed that thousands of gallons were dumped into a creek bed off Richardson Street and that the creek flows through the City of Joaquin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said much of the waste was collected and that crews will continue to work in the area to reclaim any additional material. This costly cleanup operation is being funded by the state, and the case has been turned over to state authorities for further investigation, the Joaquin VFD said. If you have seen anything suspicious in the area over the last few days, please contact the Shelby County Sheriffs Office to provide a tip. The Joaquin VFD said authorities are pursuing the case to the fullest extent of the law to apprehend the person or people responsible. While there is no immediate environmental risk and live fish have been observed in the stream, authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. the fire department said. Thank you for your vigilance and cooperation in helping keep our community safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Three American citizens imprisoned for years by China arrived back in the United States late Wednesday. Their release, announced earlier by the White House, was the result of a rare diplomatic agreement with Beijing in the final months of the Biden administration. The Chinese government also announced Thursday that the U.S. had returned four people to China, including at least three Chinese citizens who it said had been held for political purposes, and a person who had been sought by Beijing for crimes and had been living in the United States. It did not identify the four. The three Americans released by Beijing are Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung, all of whom had been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained by China. Swidan had been facing a death sentence on drug charges while Li and Leung were imprisoned on espionage charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A plane carrying the three men landed late Wednesday night at a military base in San Antonio. Biden told reporters on Thursday morning that he has spoken to all of them and Im really happy they are home." The release comes just two months after China freed David Lin, a Christian pastor from California who had spent nearly 20 years behind bars after being convicted of contract fraud. Read more: 3 Americans held for years in China have been released, the White House says U.S.-China relations have been roiled for years over major disagreements between the worlds two largest economies on trade, human rights, the production of fentanyl precursors, security issues that include espionage and hacking, Chinas aggressiveness toward Taiwan and its smaller neighbors in the South China Sea, and Beijings support for Russias military-industrial sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release of Americans deemed wrongfully detained in China has been a top agenda item in each conversation between the U.S. and China, and Wednesdays development suggests a willingness by Beijing to engage with the outgoing Democratic administration before Republican President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House in January. Trump took significant actions against China on trade and diplomacy during his first term. He has pledged to continue those policies in his second term, leading to unease among many who fear that an all-out trade war will greatly affect the international economy and could spur potential Chinese military action against Taiwan. Still, the two countries have maintained a dialogue that has included a partial restoration of military-to-military contacts. President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met this month to discuss potential improvements. Read more: O.C. pastor imprisoned in China is released after nearly 20 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate but related move, the State Department on Wednesday lowered its travel warning to China to level two, advising U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution from the norm when traveling to the mainland. The alert had previously been at level three, telling Americans they should reconsider travel to China in part because of the risk of wrongful detention of Americans. The new alert removes that wording but retains a warning that the Chinese government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law. The Biden administration had raised the cases of the detained Americans with China in multiple meetings over the past several years, including this month when Biden spoke to Xi on during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. Politico was first to report the mens release, which it said was part of a prisoner swap with the U.S. The White House did not immediately confirm that any Chinese citizens in American custody had been returned home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced in Beijing on Thursday that three Chinese citizens have returned to the motherland safe and sound." Read more: China's halt of foreign adoptions leaves questions about pending cases China always firmly opposes U.S. suppression and persecution of Chinese nationals out of political purposes, and we will continue taking necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals, she said. She added that a fourth person, a fugitive who escaped to the U.S. many years ago, has also been repatriated to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth person's nationality was not identified. Mao said this shows that there will be no safe haven forever for criminals. The Chinese government will continue our efforts to repatriate the fugitives and recover criminals and illegal possessions until every fugitive is held accountable. Senators from both U.S. political parties praised the release of the Americans. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said he was overjoyed Swidan's mother lives in Texas and credited senior Biden administration officials with having worked tirelessly to secure this achievement. Li, a Chinese immigrant who started an export business in the U.S. and lived in New York, was detained in September 2016 after flying into Shanghai. He was placed under surveillance, interrogated without a lawyer and accused of providing state secrets to the FBI. A U.N. working group called his 10-year prison sentence arbitrary, and his family has said the charges were politically motivated. Read more: U.S. secures release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, who said he had worked for years to try to secure Li's release, welcomed the news. Even when it felt like there was no hope, we never stopped believing that one day Mr. Li would return home, Schumer said in a statement. Leung was sentenced last year to life in prison on spying charges. He was detained in 2021 by the local bureau of Chinas counterintelligence agency in the southeastern city of Suzhou, after China had closed its borders and imposed tight domestic travel restrictions and social controls to fight the spread of COVID-19. After Leung's sentencing, the U.S. recommended without citing specific cases that Americans reconsider traveling to China because of arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swidan had been jailed for 12 years on a drug charge and, along with Li and Leung, was considered by the State Department to be wrongfully detained. Tucker, Madhani and Lee write for the Associated Press. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Three Americans who the State Department said were wrongfully detained in China for years are back on U.S. soil as part of a prisoner swap, a senior U.S. official with knowledge of the deal told ABC News. The State Department announced that Mark Swidan, of Houston, Texas, Kai Li, of Long Island, New York, and John Leung, a permanent resident of Hong Kong, would soon be "reunited with their families for the first time in many years." Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he spoke to Li, Leung and Swidan during their travel back to America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I told them how glad I was that they were in good health and that they'll soon be reunited with their loved ones," Blinken said on X. While the State Department didn't reveal more details about the deal, a senior official told ABC News the agreement swapped three Chinese nationals. PHOTO: Kai Li and Mark Swidan are two of three Americans who were released from Chinese custody on Nov. 27, 2024. (Bring Our Families Home) China agreed to lift an exit ban on an additional American who was being prevented from leaving China, according to the official. The Chinese embassy said it did not have any comment about the release. Katherine Swidan, Mark Swidan's mother, posted on her Facebook page an image of her son posing in a U.S. flag emboldened sweatshirt with U.S. ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Roger Carstens the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs on the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My son Free at Last," she said. Harrison Li, Kai Li's son, said in a statement posted on X Wednesday that his father was scheduled to land at to Joint Base San Antonio later that night. "We are thrilled that Kai is on his way home along with [Mark Swidan] and John Leung. Thank you, [President Joe Biden], and everyone that made this day possible at long last. Please keep bringing them home," he said in his post. The three Americans were arrested and held on different charges that U.S. officials and humanitarian groups said were arbitrary and unlawful. Swidan, 49, was in China in 2012 on business looking to purchase supplies for a company in Houston as well as flooring, fixtures and furniture for his own home. He was sentenced to death in April 2019 after Chinese authorities accused him of involvement with a drug manufacturing operation. The United Nations called the detention a "deprivation of liberty." PHOTO: Mark Swidan, a Houston businessman, was held in China for over 10 years on drug charges. (Bring Our Families Home) Swidan's mother recorded a video message in 2022, which was played during a Congressional-Executive Committee on China hearing in September, detailing her son's chilling arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While I was on the phone with him at his hotel, I heard a lot of commotion, and he said, 'Hold on, mom.' And Chinese police got into his apartment. They said, 'We need to take you in for questioning,' and the phone hung up," Swidan's mother said in the video. In a grim promise, Swidan told her he would come home "in the box of ashes, or walking off the plane, but I will come home," Katherin Swidan said. MORE: How the Russian prisoner swap that freed Gershkovich, Whelan took place, according to officials Li, 62, a Shanghai-born naturalized citizen who immigrated to the U.S. 35 years ago, had an export business that redistributed products from Boeing and a subsidiary. He was detained immediately upon landing in Shanghai in September 2016, according to a family representative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Li was sentenced to 10 years for allegedly "furnishing five state secrets to the FBI," but his family said that those "secrets" were merely "routine communications" that Li had that were "necessary to ensure compliance with US export laws." In testimony before the China commission in September, Harrison Li told lawmakers that his father suffered a stroke in prison, lost a tooth and was locked in a cell by himself for three years. PHOTO: Kai Li, a Chinese American businessman, was held in China in 2016 on espionage charges. (Bring Our Families Home) "I have now spent a third of my life missing my dad. Every day, I wake up and shudder at the thought of him crammed into a tiny cell with as many as 11 other people and no climate control, experiencing the mental and physical anguish," he told the commission. In April 2021, Leung, 78, was arrested by Chinese authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged with spying and sentenced to death in May 2023 after being "found guilty of espionage, sentenced to life imprisonment, deprived of political rights for life, and confiscated personal property of RMB 500,000," officials said in a statement translated by ABC. News An official with knowledge of the negotiations told ABC News the Biden administration met with Chinese officials multiple times over the years to facilitate the releases. The State Department's announcement that three Americans are coming home from detention in China comes two months after Pastor David Lin was released after nearly 20 years in prison. Lin's daughter, Alice, told ABC News that her family could breathe a full sigh of relief now that others were following her father back to the United States. "We're overjoyed," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For us, this is our first Thanksgiving where we don't have an empty seat at the table," Lin said. Biden himself recently pressed for the releases in a meeting with President Xi Jinping in Peru earlier this month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, according to a U.S. official. Two of the Chinese nationals who were swapped for the Americans were sentenced in the last few years for espionage, the official said. Yanjun Xu, 44, was convicted three years ago of conspiring to and attempting to commit economic espionage and theft of trade secrets. Xu, who was the first Chinese intelligence officer to be extradited to the U.S. for trial, used multiple aliases to target specific companies in the United States and abroad that are recognized as leaders in the field of aviation, prosecutors said. He was serving a 20-year sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: China sentences American citizen to life on spying charge Ji Chaoqun, 33, was serving an 8-year sentence after he was convicted in 2022 on one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government and one count of making a material false statement to the U.S. Army. Chaoquun provided an intelligence officer with biographical information on certain individuals, including engineers and scientists who worked for the Department of Defense, for recruitment by the Chinese security department, according to prosecutors. PHOTO: In this May 3, 2023, file photo, families and friends of current and former hostages and detainees gather outside of the White House in Washington, D.C., to ask the Biden administration for more help. (Susan Walsh/AP, FILE) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives of Li and Swidan in the U.S. Congress cheered the announcement of their constituents' returns. "I'm overjoyed to hear Mark Swidan is finally on his way home to Texas, just in time for Thanksgiving. Mark suffered for 12 long years in a Chinese prison for a crime he clearly did not commit," Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said, apparently referencing drug charges that led to Swidan's conviction. "After nearly a decade of imprisonment by the Chinese government, Kai Li is finally on his way back to American soil and to freedom. Over the years, I have worked closely with Mr. Li's son, Harrison, to speak directly to the highest levels of the Chinese and U.S. governments to advocate for Mr. Li's release and safe return to his family in Huntington, New York," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. ABC News' Luis Martinez, Luke Barr and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report. Plane carrying Americans wrongfully jailed in China lands on US soil originally appeared on abcnews.go.com CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Caldwell County deputies arrested three individuals in connection to trafficking narcotics totaling over $1.5M. On Nov. 25, Caldwell County narcotic agents and detectives from the Lenoir Police Department observed two rental cars traveling one behind the other on Highway 321 in Granite Falls. Deputies initiated stops on both vehicles and K9 Angie was used to conduct a sniff test. K9 Angie alerted deputies to the odor of narcotics and both vehicles were searched. Deputies seized approximately 22.2 pounds of methamphetamines in the trunk of one vehicle and over $30,000 from the second vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the seizure, the sheriffs offices ICE unit obtained a search warrant for the resident of the passenger in one of the vehicles, 34-year-old Kenan Ryan Michaux. A search of the residence revealed more narcotics, a stolen 2022 Jeep Rubicon from Atlanta, Georgia and a stolen shotgun from Lenoir. All the meth seized has a total street value of $1,526,250 according to North Carolina State Drug Guidelines. Photos: Caldwell County Sheriffs Office Michaux was arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine and conspiracy to traffick methamphetamine. He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $1M secured bond. Both drivers of the vehicles, 33-year-old Essence Janette Largent and 36-year-old Kristin Lee Deon, were arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking meth and conspiracy to traffick. They are also being held at the detention center under million-dollar secured bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Officers arrived to find a vehicle "fully engulfed in flames" in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Piedmont Police Department confirmed KRON 4/Youtube A photo of a Tesla Cybertruck crashed at Hampton Road and King Avenue in Piedmont, Calif. A photo of a Tesla Cybertruck crashed at Hampton Road and King Avenue in Piedmont, Calif. Three recent high school graduates have died and one is seriously injured following a Tesla Cybertruck crash near Oakland, Calif., the day before Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 3:08 a.m. local time, the Piedmont Police Department responded after receiving an alert from an iPhone regarding a collision, the police chief, Jeremy Bowers, confirmed in a news conference shared on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowers said three people died in the incident, which occurred at Hampton Road and King Avenue, after police arrived to find the vehicle "fully engulfed in flames." He said one person was seriously injured following the crash and had been taken to hospital. He also confirmed officials arrived at the scene to find an "uninvolved party pulling one of the occupants from the vehicle." He said it's "possible" the people were "at a function together prior." According to local TV stations KGO, KRON and KTVU, all four people involved in the crash were 2023 graduates of Piedmont High School. Bowers confirmed to PEOPLE that the vehicle involved in the crash was a Cybertruck. He added that the authorities were not providing the victims' names or ages "out of respect to the involved families." Piedmont Police Department Facebook A photo of a Piedmont Police Department car A photo of a Piedmont Police Department car KGO reported that the victims were sophomores in college, and a mother close to the families of the victims stated that two men and one woman had died in the crash. A woman who knew the victims told KRON they were home from college for the holidays when the crash occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the news conference, Bowers said officials are investigating whether alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash. "Speed is likely a contributing factor in this collision," he added. Bowers also said that police could not initially put the "intense" flames out, but the fire department quickly got the fire under control upon arrival. "Theres no indication that there were mechanical effects that were the primary cause for the collision," Bowers said, adding that the cause of the crash is under investigation. Getty A stock photo of a Tesla Cybertruck A stock photo of a Tesla Cybertruck Sandy Martin, who reportedly taught the victims in middle school, told KGO, "They are smart kids, they are good kids. They are also ... kids who were very supportive of their friends." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This shouldn't happen to any kids. But when you know them, it makes it worse," Martin added. The station, citing police, reported that the vehicle "jumped the curb, struck a cement wall, and then wedged in between the wall and a tree." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is just a tragic loss of life," Bowers said, per KTVU. "We dont know the cause of the collision and during the holiday season, our hearts go out to the families that are going to have to deal with this tragedy." "We are just [devastated]. I know the family whose son is in the hospital right now. I know the other families," neighbor Aileen Desoto said, according to KGO. "I know he has surgery. He is in recovery. He had some burns. He is under sedation. So, we are hoping he recovers," Desoto added. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Three cats and a dog died Wednesday in a Pasco County house fire, according to Pasco County Fire Rescue. The fire happened in the kitchen at a home along Cornell Court in Bayonet Point, officials said. Tennessee wildlife officials rescue bald eagle injured by gunfire Two people who lived at the home escaped and were not injured, according to Pasco County Fire Rescue. Officials said there were six cats and a dog in the home at the time of the fire. Three of the cats survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross is assisting those impacted. No other details were immediately available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. SENECA, S.C. (WSPA) A man was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly shooting three people in Seneca. According to the Seneca Police Department, the shooting occurred at the Greenfield Apartments complex at around 6 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies found two adults and a child who had been shot. The victims were taken to Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital. Police Chief Casey Bowling said investigators were at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the shooting suspect, Emmanuel Onious Williams, was arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia at 8 p.m. Officials said Williams is being held in prison on charges in Georgia. Seneca police said Williams will also be charged with three counts of attempted murder. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine (Kyiv) aims to remain a universal bank, retaining its top position in the corporate segment while expanding its market share in the retail sector, said Oleksandr Pysaruk, Board Chairman of Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "Our goal is to maintain our leading position in the corporate client segment, where competition has intensified significantly, and to become competitive in the retail segment, where our gap with market leaders objectively widened during the war. I am confident we can achieve this," Pysaruk stated. He noted that Raiffeisen is one of the best banks in Ukraine for serving large Ukrainian and international companies, as well as small and medium-sized businesses. However, it has never been a leader in retail banking, the Board Chairman admitted. "We will remain the fourth-largest bank in the country by total assets and client funds, and the third-largest lender to Ukrainian businesses. We plan to increase our share in retail lending, significantly improve digital services, and enhance the customer experience in the retail segment," Pysaruk said. He acknowledged that transforming a traditional universal bank is never inexpensive, and Raiffeisen is ready and already investing in this transformation. "We are investing in the MyRaif mobile app and completely overhauling backend processes to improve customer experience and operational efficiency," Pysaruk revealed. He added that MyRaif recently introduced the IBAN payment service alongside convenient card-to-card transfers. Currently, the bank maintains two applications for individual clients Raiffeisen Online and MyRaif but plans to phase out Raiffeisen Online by mid-next year following further improvements to MyRaif. Another major project is the transition from the old BIFIT client-bank system for legal entities to the new Raiffeisen Business Online platform. "In addition, we are investing in cybersecurity and cloud technology, areas where we are market leaders. Over the past four years, we have invested heavily in modern banking technology, and now we need to turn these investments into enhanced customer experiences," Pysaruk concluded. As of October 1, 2024, Raiffeisen Bank ranked fourth among Ukraine's 62 active banks by total assets (UAH 229.12 billion), according to the National Bank of Ukraine. It was also among the top three most profitable banks for the first nine months of 2024, with net profits reaching UAH 6.151 billion, slightly up from UAH 6.135 billion in the same period last year. Three men have been charged in connection with a brazen heist in which they stole more than 1,200 pairs of Air Jordan Retro 11 shoes from a train parked in the Mojave Desert. A release from the United States Justice Department indicates that BNSF Railway police were notified on Friday that a shipping container containing Nike merchandise had been separated from the train while it was parked near Amboy, a ghost town in San Bernardino County. The stolen merchandise had been chipped with a GPS tracking device, officials said, and investigators used the device to locate the stolen shoes inside a rented U-Haul truck in a parking lot in Anaheim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the truck were 1,278 stolen Air Jordan Retro 11s, valued at $311,832. United Airlines passenger restrained after violently attacking own seat According to the DOJ, the suspects have been identified as 18-year-old Bryan Quintero Echarravia of Mesa, Arizona, 34-year-old Bernardo Romero Quintero of Phoenix and 26-year-old Olegario Flores (no place of residence given). Echarravia was charged with one felony count of grand theft of cargo exceeding a value of $400 and one felony count of receiving stolen property. Both Quintero and Flores were charged with the same two counts as well as a misdemeanor count of possession of burglary tools, law enforcement officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California law allows Orange County prosecutors to take on the case since the suspects transported the stolen merchandise to O.C., officials added. Organized theft rings are no match for the sophistication and determination of law enforcement to track down these thieves, arrest them and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said. In Orange County, its not a matter of if, but a matter of when you will be caught and prosecuted. If convicted on all charges, each suspect will face a maximum sentence of three years in state prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Voters will be deciding on four amendments to the Louisiana state constitution on the Dec. 7th ballot. This article aims to break them down, so that you can know what youre voting for. Amendment 1 asks, Do you support an amendment to allow the Supreme Court to sanction a judge upon an investigation by the Judiciary Commission, and provide that the recommended sanction shall be instituted by the Judiciary Commission or by a majority of the Supreme Court, and to provide for the appointment of five members of the Judiciary Commission? The Louisiana Judiciary Commission investigates allegations of misconduct by judges and recommends punishments to the Supreme Court. The current makeup of the commission is nine people; three judges, three lawyers and three regular citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also allow the Supreme Court to ask the Judicial Commission, make a formal request that they do an investigation right now. Maybe its something informal, but theres no formal way for the Supreme Court to say, hey, we think this is an issue. Would you please investigate it? said Steven Procopio, President of PAR Louisiana. Some believe the commission moves too slowly, sometimes taking years on an investigation. The proposed change would expand it to 14 members with the five additional members being appointed by the Louisiana Speaker of the House, President of the Senate and the governor. There is no clear language in the proposed law for the requirements of those five members. The pushback on that is that its a pretty balanced committee because judges and attorneys are not necessarily always in agreement, and citizens are a very important part of it, but they dont necessarily understand all the details. So theyre an important part, but they shouldnt have, you know, the most members out of all of them, said Procopio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some also believe that the appointments from the governor and legislature could inject politics into the investigation process. Also, allowing the Supreme Court more authority to start up investigations raises concerns over due process, since they are the ones who determine the discipline for any wrongdoings. Voters will vote yes or no on the amendment. Amendments 2 and 3 aim to slow down the budgetary process in the Louisiana legislature. This comes after the 2023 regular session ended in shouting and confusion after the operating budget came out of a closed-door conference with hefty changes and only moments to pass it before the clock ran out, triggering a special session to pass a budget. Amendment 2 would require 48 hours between a conference committee report being released and any official votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to wait 48 hours to vote on a budget bill. You have to have the amendments and a summary document thats telling you whats going on. So both of those things have to happen, you know, for the 48-hour clock to even start, said Procopio. Amendment 3 is similar, in that it would allow the legislature to extend the regular session in increments of 2 days, up to 6 days, to allow for time to review the budget bills before voting. Right now, if the budget is not passed by 6 p.m. on the final day, a special session must be called. Those for this amendment say it would be a cost savings to not call the additional session. While these are both spiritually, I think, linked, theyre not legally linked. So two can pass and three can fail and vice versa, and it doesnt affect the other one, said Procopio. Those against the amendment believe the legislature should prioritize their time better to naturally have the time to review the budget bills within the 60 or 45 days of session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The argument for both of them is very similar: legislators ought to get their business done in the time allotted, said Procopio. Amendment 4 looks to change the process for how debt on property taxes is handled when homes have to be auctioned off. Under current law, when someone does not pay their property taxes, they have to put their home up for auction. Someone then buys the house and for three years the owner can try and pay back the debt and interest to get their house back. The proposed change would make it so someone could buy the lien on the house and the homeowner has three years to pay that down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you owe $30,000 on it, someone buys that debt for $30,000 at an auction. Then the government gets the money and essentially the governments out of it because now its between the original owner and the person who now owns the lien, said Procopio. Under the proposed change, the house wouldnt go up for auction until the 3 years are up. Part of the reason for the proposed change is that since the government gets the leftover funds from the auctioned house under the current system, it could be unconstitutional based on some cases in other states. Under systems like Louisianas, it hasnt specifically applied to Louisiana yet. The government can end up recouping more money than is actually owed. So if you only owe $30,000 in the home, but the government ends up getting $50,000, thats sort of an unconstitutional taking from a homeowner or any property. It doesnt have to be a home, it can be a business, said Procopio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those against the amendment claim it could make the process take longer and could deter industry who buy up these properties. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Misconceptions about "the first Thanksgiving" in America have long run rampant. The fairytale-like story of Pilgrims and Native Americans supposedly breaking bread together is a misleading version of real-life events in 1621. Consider these four vignettes from Snopes' trove of historical research. 1. The Pilgrims didn't land on Plymouth Rock. The English colonists who ended up at the center of Thanksgiving folklore never mentioned the famed rock when they recalled first setting foot on North America. In fact, there were no known references to Plymouth Rock until more than a century later, according to the Pilgrim Hall Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Snopes wrote in a July 2022 fact check, the colonists first came ashore in what is now Provincetown on Cape Cod. The museum says on its website: There are no contemporary references to the Pilgrims' landing on a rock at Plymouth. There are two primary sources written by the Pilgrims themselves describing the landing in Plymouth in 1620, William Bradford's journal "Of Plymouth Plantation" and the 1622 book popularly known as "Mourt's Relation." Both simply say that the Pilgrims landed. Neither mentions any rocks in their account of the landing. The first references to Plymouth Rock are found over 100 years after the actual landing. 2. Thanksgiving didn't originate with the Pilgrims. It's true that, in 1621, the English colonists celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day gathering that members of the Wampanoag Tribe attended, according to historians. But both groups had been holding such celebrations for centuries the 1621 gathering wasn't the first of its kind. In a 2000 article, David Mikkelson, the founder of Snopes, compared the practices of modern-day celebrants and the people who participated in the 1621 event: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving did not originate with the Pilgrims; it was an ancient historical custom they would have been familiar with from England. What the Pilgrims were celebrating was really not a "thanksgiving," which to them was an occasion for religious piety and solemnity, but rather a harvest festival, full of (secular) revelry such as feasting, dancing, singing, sports, and games which the Pilgrims would have considered completely inappropriate activities for a religious observance. 3. There's no proof that the 1621 event included turkey. They feasted on venison and a variety of other fowl, such as goose or duck, according to historical accounts. It's unlikely the menu included many of today's Thanksgiving staples no potatoes, corn on the cob, pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce. The 2000 article says: Although contemporary accounts of the first Thanksgiving mention "wild Turkies," the Pilgrims and Wampanoag likely feasted on a variety of other fowl, such as geese, ducks, and partridges, and even birds we no longer commonly consider as food, such as cranes, swans, and eagles. Corn on the cob was unlikely to have been on the menu, since Indian corn was primarily kept dried by that time of year and used for grinding up into meal. The pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce we're familiar with were absent from the table as well, since the colonists had no supply of sugar, and wheat flour may have been scarce. (The celebrants might have made something like a pudding from boiled pumpkin sweetened with honey or syrup, however.) Potatoes (mashed or otherwise) were probably also absent, as they were not common in that area at the time. Although we don't traditionally associate seafood with Thanksgiving, the colonists may have included cod, eel, clams, lobster, and even seal in their feast. 4. The widely told origin story obscures the history of Native Americans. Believing Thanksgiving to be a holiday that began with Native Americans and English colonists peacefully sharing a meal together ignores crucial historical context that is, the era's genocide and displacement of Indigenous people with the colonists' arrival in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Silverman, a professor at George Washington University and the author of the book "This Land is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving," said in a 2019 piece in The Atlantic (which Snopes later cited while investigating the purported links between the holiday and the 1637 massacre of the Pequot Tribe): The so-called first Thanksgiving was the fruit of a political decision on Ousamequin's [the Chief of the Wampanoag] part. Violent power politics played a much more important role in shaping the Wampanoag-English alliance than the famous feast. At least in the short term, Ousamequin's league with the newcomers was the right gamble, insofar as the English helped to fend off the rival Narragansetts and uphold Ousamequin's authority. In the long term, however, it was a grave miscalculation. Plymouth and the other New England colonies would soon go on to conquer Ousamequin's people, just as the Frenchman's curse had augured and just as the Wampanoags who opposed the Pilgrims feared that they would. In a 2021 interview with Snopes, Chris Newell, director of education at the Akomawt Educational Initiative, unpacked how the misleading story at the center of Thanksgiving folklore gained popularity. For decades, he said, writers of various publications, including schoolbooks, pushed the narrative as fact because "they wanted a pleasant story" to unite people on the holiday. Snopes' archives contributed to this report. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Four people from Murfreesboro have been charged as members of a multi-state money laundering organization with ties to internet fraud, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. An indictment was unsealed in Nashville alleging nine people were members of the organization, which is accused of laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes. The nine were arrested in a takedown coordinated across three jurisdictions, per the DOJ. READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Misha L Cooper, 50; Robert A. Cooper, 66; Dazai S. Harris, 34; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, all of Murfreesboro, were each charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering. The other alleged conspirators also facing conspiracy to engage in money laundering charges are: Samson A Omoniyi, 43, of Houston, Texas Carlesha L. Perry, 36, of Houston Whitney D. Bardley, 30, of Florissant, Missouri Lauren O. Guidry, 32, of Houston Caira Y. Osby, 44, of Houston The indictment alleges the group members have been operating since approximately November of 2016 in Tennessee, Texas and across the country. According to the DOJ, the conspirators allegedly structured the organization so that recruiters or herders recruited and directed participants or money mules to launder money obtained from internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the U.S. and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants reportedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the members of the conspiracy. The conspiracy is alleged to have agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The four from Murfreesboro, as well as the five other co-conspirators, face a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment if convicted. The FBI Nashville Field Office and Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency are investigating the case. FBIs Forensic Accountant Support Team provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Divisions Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. President Bidens announcement Tuesday of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon marked a significant foreign policy achievement weeks before he leaves office. The halt in fighting provides desperately needed calm for Israeli and Lebanese civilians along the border and a chance to return to abandoned communities after nearly 14 months of intensive rocket fire, airstrikes and an Israeli ground invasion into southern Lebanon. While Hezbollah had suffered major losses under attacks from Israel, the truce also relieves pressure on Israels military, as the countrys largely reserve forces have been fighting on multiple fronts for more a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations succeed when theres urgency, when both sides feel that cutting a deal makes more sense than obstructing one, said Aaron David Miller, a veteran Middle East negotiator and senior fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. And right now, the way Id sum this up is that Israel wanted this deal and Hezbollah needed this deal. Here are five takeaways from the deal: Terms of the deal The terms of the deal build on a 2006 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that was enshrined in the United Nations Security Council requiring no military presence in the territory between Israel and the Litani River in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah ignored the terms of that deal, building up a military infrastructure of underground tunnels, weapons caches and concentration of fighters. To prevent this from happening again, the Biden administration is focusing efforts on strengthening Lebanons Armed Forces to be the security guarantors in the region. Over a period of 60 days, Israels army will withdraw from southern Lebanon while the Lebanese Armed Forces will begin deployments in the region. An oversight mechanism composed of diplomats and military personnel, including France but chaired by the U.S. is meant to validate any reported violations. The U.S. has also endorsed Israels right to self-defense if it detects an immediate threat from Hezbollah or any other hostile armed group in the region. Going forward, Israel probably will not hesitate to attack Hezbollah if it believes the group is working against the ceasefire agreement, Nicholas Blanford, nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Councils Middle East Programs, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question is whether Hezbollah would retaliate to such actions or absorb any blows inflicted by Israel in order not to revive a war that has proven costly for the organization. Southern Lebanons reconstruction On top of personnel to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the U.S. is helping coordinate financial support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, along with training and equipment to carry out its security role in southern Lebanon. There is another element here, which is something called the MTC, the Military Technical Committee, which has been revived by us [the U.S.] a few months ago, and that includes several other countries militaries, who will be providing additional support, equipment, training and financial support and financial resources to the Lebanese army and security services, a senior administration official said. The U.S., along with other partners, want the Lebanese army to fill the vacuum that Hezbollah had occupied, boosted by international reconstruction and economic support for communities in the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Learning from the mistakes of the past, where Hezbollah was the only organization that was doing any work did very little, but it was the only one that did some reconstruction in South Lebanon I think its in our interests, collectively as the international community, to support economic growth and to bring Lebanon back to health, the official added. Trump adviser takes credit The Biden administration briefed President-elect Trumps national security team on how the ceasefire deal was coming together, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers have talked with Trump about the situation in the Middle East. But the president-elects allies are spinning the deals conclusion as a result of Trumps election victory. Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), the incoming national security adviser, posted on social platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos wont be tolerated. Im glad to see concrete steps towards de-escalation in the Middle East. Miller dismissed the notion that Trump swung the momentum of the deal, saying strain on Israels military pushed Netanyahu to finally come to an agreement. Israel has a small standing army. Most of the fighting is done by reservists. They are exhausted and they are stressed to the point where theyre being asked to serve weeks and months longer than their even mandatory reserve duty, he said. Number two, theres no doubt that Netanyahus priorities are Iran, and he wanted to stabilize the Lebanon threat so that he could focus on what to do with the actor that he considers to be the main threat and main challenge. What it means for Gaza The U.S. is launching renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, one that would allow for the release of 101 hostages held in the Gaza Strip including Americans a halt in fighting, a surge of humanitarian relief for Palestinians, and likely the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe it is possible and this Lebanon deal now can help break the logjam we are in, Amos Hochstein, Bidens special envoy who negotiated the Lebanon ceasefire, said Tuesday on MSNBC. Israel has succeeded in weakening Hamass military forces and infrastructure enormously, marking a major psychological and tactical achievement with the killing of Hamass chief leader Yahya Sinwar last month. But there are major hurdles to achieving a deal for Netanyahu, whose coalition relies on several far-right ministers. A Gaza deal presents grave difficulties for Netanyahu, Miller said, pointing to Netanyahus coalition partners opposing the release of Palestinian prisoners, and that the prime minister is not likely to agree to Hamass demand of recognizing an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither of those things Netanyahu can agree to, it would break the coalition, plus the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is preparing for a long stay because there is no governmental authority, theres no security architecture to replace the Israelis. Biden pushes for Israeli-Saudi deal Biden, in his remarks on Tuesday, said he would use his final months in office to pursue the deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, where Washingtons commitments to Riyadh include a security pact and help with a civil nuclear program. Establishing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia is viewed as the crown jewel of diplomatic efforts to reshape the Middle East, that would end isolation of Israel among Sunni-Muslim countries and deepen cooperation of a security group intent on pushing back against Iran. The biggest obstacle to achieving a deal remains Israels refusal to recognize a pathway to a Palestinian state, an issue that has become even more difficult to achieve following Hamass Oct. 7 terrorist attack and Israels resulting war in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far-right members of Netanyahus coalition reject any notion of a Palestinian state, and Israeli public opinion is also broadly against the creation of a Palestinian state. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President-elect Trump is enjoying a honeymoon period in the wake of his election victory, largely staying out of the spotlight as positive developments have piled up. Trump has quickly put together a Cabinet for his incoming administration, has seen his legal problems dissolve and has benefited from a bump in polling since winning a second term earlier this month. An Emerson College poll published Tuesday found Trumps favorability rating had increased by 6 percentage points since the election, putting him at 54 percent. The postelection period has not been entirely free of drama for Trump, however, as one of his Cabinet nominees, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), has already withdrawn, and another, Pete Hegseth, is facing allegations of sexual assault that cloud his chances of confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are five reasons Trump is riding high three weeks after Election Day. Quick Cabinet assembly Trump has rolled out new picks for his incoming administration almost daily in the past two weeks, wasting little time installing allies at top posts in the White House and nominating staunch loyalists to lead major government agencies. Following his 2016 victory, Trump did not name his first Cabinet picks until 10 days after the election. This time around, he has named choices for nearly his entire Cabinet, plus several top White House positions, within three weeks of his victory. Trump allies said the quick pace showed a more cohesive transition than eight years ago, reflected his teams preparedness for victory this time around and underscored how Trump was ready to rely on those he knew rather than more establishment figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people that he is surrounding himself with now are all committed to advancing the agenda, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said. The rapid pace of nominations has kept headlines moving from one pick to the next, but some of Trumps choices are likely to face intense scrutiny as the confirmation process moves along. In particular, Hegseth, his choice for Defense secretary, is facing allegations of sexual assault, which he denies. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps choice for director of national intelligence, has faced criticism for parroting pro-Russian talking points. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the man tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has spread antivaccine rhetoric, among other controversial views. End of legal cases Trump and his legal team spent more than a year fighting to delay various legal cases against him in the hopes that a victory in the presidential election would effectively end his court battles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week proved that effort was a success when special counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss both his election interference case and classified documents case against Trump, citing Department of Justice policy against prosecuting a sitting president. The motion for the election interference case was approved by Judge Tanya Chutkan, bringing to a close the prosecutorial effort to hold Trump accountable for seeking to thwart the peaceful transfer of power that culminated with his supporters storming the Capitol. In Trumps Florida documents case, where he is facing charges for violating the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice, Smith also moved to dismiss an appeal to a motion tossing the case. Trump was convicted earlier this year on 34 felony counts over a hush money scheme to keep an alleged affair quiet during the 2016 campaign. But his sentencing has been indefinitely adjourned, and Judge Juan Merchan now faces a choice of freezing the case in place until he leaves the White House or tossing it entirely. Fewer signs of Democratic resistance After Trumps first victory in 2016, Democrats quickly rallied from the top down with vows to oppose and resist his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Womens March took place one day after Trump was inaugurated, lawmakers planned for how to delay confirmation of Trumps nominees and critics seized on questions about Russian influence in the 2016 election. This time around, Democrats appear more focused on sorting out where their own party went wrong during the 2024 campaign than on forming an organized resistance to Trumps plans. With President Biden on his way out of the White House and Vice President Harris defeated, there is no clear leader of the party. Instead of vowing to oppose Trumps Cabinet picks, senators like Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) have openly talked about supporting nominees such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for secretary of State and even Dr. Mehmet Oz, who was nominated to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Fetterman defeated Oz in 2022 to win his Pennsylvania Senate seat. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) drew backlash when he expressed excitement over Trumps choice of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some state-level leaders, particularly those with aspirations for 2028, have appeared more keen to position themselves as a bulwark against Trump. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has vowed to push back against certain Trump policies, while Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) has signaled he would fiercely protect his states rights. Middle East peace deal One major victory for Trump since the election came thanks to the work of the Biden administration, which announced Tuesday a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. President Biden made the announcement that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to pause their fighting in and around the border with Lebanon as of early Wednesday morning following months of fighting and airstrikes in the region. The terms of the deal include a 60-day truce during which Israel will gradually withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah will withdraw its troops north of the Litani River in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has not publicly commented on the announcement, but the Biden team briefed Trump transition officials twice in recent weeks about the ongoing push for a ceasefire. The Washington Post reported earlier this month that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed to reach a ceasefire with Hezbollah as a gift to the incoming Trump administration. While Trump must still contend with the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and Israels war with Hamas, which has decimated Gaza, the truce between Israeli forces and Hezbollah takes one foreign policy concern off the table. Out of the public eye Trump has largely been absent from the public eye in the roughly three weeks since he secured a second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He appeared in Washington, D.C., to meet with House Republicans and President Biden at the White House, and he made a trip to Texas to witness a SpaceX rocket launch alongside Elon Musk, the founder of the company. But he has not held a press conference or delivered remarks on camera, making announcements largely through press releases from his transition team or on Truth Social. Trump has in the past enjoyed some of his stronger political stretches when he has stayed out of the spotlight and avoided the kind of self-created controversies that come from his own on-camera remarks to the press or at rallies. The question is how long he can keep it up. Some of his Cabinet picks are sure to come under growing scrutiny in the weeks ahead, his threat of tariffs against allies Mexico and Canada have rankled officials and could upend the economy, and there will be an even greater focus on Trumps every move once he takes office in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home is looking to move on after the loss of Elery Lewis. State employee organization reacts to Noems executive order Lewis was involved in the funeral business for six decades, making him a staple in the Sioux Falls community. His children remember him as a man who put his heart and soul into helping families get through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the sun shines through the stain-glass windows at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home, the family-owned business is now without its brightest light, Elery Lewis. His passion was always the funeral business, Elery Lewis daughter, Lisa Lewis-Huemoeller, said. Lewis left behind quite the legacy after spending 60 years in the funeral business. 60 years, thats a long time, and it is a people business. Thats what he was all about was the people and the people of Sioux Falls, Elery Lewis daughter, Kathy Lewis-Junker said. It was just a dream of his. He told me at a very young age, 16, 18, that he knew that thats what his calling was and thats what he wanted to do, Elery Lewis son, David Lewis, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis grew up on a farm near Lake Crystal, Minnesota. He earned a degree in Mortuary Science in San Francisco before moving to Sioux Falls, where he married his wife, Rita. When he came to town, he came and met with Tom Barnett, and they just were a great fit. My dad always said he never felt like Tom was his boss. It was always a friendship, and he just taught him a lot about the funeral business and taught him a lot about Sioux Falls, Kathy Lewis-Junker said. After 10 years of working with the Barnetts, Lewis took over the funeral home. Mr. Barnett became ill, and it was just at an age where his older sons already had careers, and his younger sons were too young. It just worked for him to take over the business, and he still worked with Mr. Barnett and had a great working relationship with him and the Barnett family, Lisa Lewis-Huemoeller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Lewis started to make his mark in Sioux Falls, many started to know him as Skip. Elery is a Welsh name and very common in Minnesota, not so common in South Dakota. People, when he would introduce himself, he would say, My name is Elery, and theyd say, Elroy, Ellie? They couldnt get it right, and he would say, Skip it. Then, pretty soon, he got to be known as Skip,' Lisa Lewis-Huemoeller said. Lewis always took pride in serving people going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Jordan DeSmet: What made him so good at what he did? David Lewis: His compassion. His empathy, able to talk to a family in really their hardest times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its so hard because people are really experience passing. Grief is a hard thing, and I think he just really could help people through that, Kathy Lewis-Junker said. He never judged if people didnt have the finances that they needed; he would help them, a lot of times not charging people. Really, his passion was taking care of families, Lisa Lewis-Huemoeller said. Lewis raised his children to live with the same compassion. He expected a lot of us. He expected us to be hard workers. He expected, I think, that same care and empathy for others that he modeled, Lisa Lewis-Huemoeller said. I grew up to to respect things because of the way that he raised me and us, both my sisters as well, David Lewis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of Lewis kids got to work right alongside their father. I got to meet people that have known him for several years, many generations of families that have come through, and I got to hear stories that I would have never got to hear, Kathy Lewis-Junker said. And they will always cherish the time they spent with a man that radiated joy. He and I, we would have sing-alongs in the car, a lot of country sing-alongs. He loved Elvis. He loved going to concerts. He loved being out on the town, Kathy Lewis-Junker said. He had a great sense of humor during the last few months. He had a lot of doctors appointments, and he would have those nurses and doctors laughing by the time we left. He was in a lot of pain, but you wouldnt know that by his persona, Lisa Lewis-Huemoeller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis was the third-longest license holder in the South Dakota Funeral Association. He also avidly supported causes such as the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Judes Hospital and the Knights of Columbus. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) From a windy, cloudy Wednesday to mostly clear skies Thursday. Your Thanksgiving forecast is cooking up to be an ideal one with a high near 63 degrees and quiet weather conditions from sunrise to sunset. If youre heading out the door to save your spot on the parade route or warming up for the YMCA Turkey Trot, temperatures will be in the mid to upper 40s. Winds will be light, and layers are recommended. Thursdays low will be near 44. With a cold front over our region, Friday will be fairly cool with plenty of overcast. A high near 62 is expected with a low near 40. Those clouds stick around through the weekend as we begin to gradually warm up. El Paso will welcome Dec. 1 with dry weather conditions and a high near 70. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workweek will be mostly sunny with highs above average. Well see highs ranging from 65 to 70 through Friday, with lows in the mid-40s. Good luck to all the turkey trotters running in Thursdays race and a happy Thanksgiving morning to all the Borderland residents! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. It's been 100 years since the first Thanksgiving parade was held in Detroit and it has only gotten bigger and better each year. On Thursday, tens of thousands of spectators were downtown for the 3-mile walk that features several floats, giant balloons, marching bands, clowns, Santa, elves, holiday music and much more. America's Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White stepped off around 8:45 a.m. at Kirby and Woodward with a balloon of Big Bird from "Sesame Street," carried by volunteers with Trion Solutions. The march continued south on Woodward Avenue until reaching Congress Street. The parade delivered on its 2024 theme of Miles of Smiles!" Attendees cheered for all the new and familiar floats, volunteers tossed out colorful beaded necklaces as they rolled down the street, and children and their parents danced to the beat of the marching bands and music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 60-year-old Detroiter walking in the parade this year, Andre Simpson Sr., said he has attended the event since he was a child in the 1960s. Volunteering to walk in the parade has been on his bucket list for a long time, but when his 40-year-old daughter, LaKira Borden-Dobson, and his 21-year-old granddaughter, Nylah Dobson, signed up to walk with him, he was overjoyed. "I've been looking forward to it for several years. This has been a generational thing in the family for years," he said. "I started going with my mother back in the mid to late '60s; I started taking my daughters in the mid to late '80s; we started taking our grandkids in the 2000s and now here we are. ... I've been looking forward to this beginning of the year." A young child cheers during the 98th Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Simpson, Borden-Dobson and her daughter Nyla dressed up as elves and led about 100 papier-mache Big Heads of celebrities like Aretha Franklin, Gordie Howe, Ernie Harwell, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Sparky Anderson, Tom Selleck and others. "It's been a long time since I even watched the parade, so walking in it this year is exciting. It's like a rebirth; we're bringing the tradition back," said Borden-Dobson, who now resides in Southfield. "I'm already planning on volunteering again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three generations of volunteers were being guided by Nancy Cummings-Garland, a full-time nurse at the Detroit Health Department who has been volunteering with the parade herself for nine years, primarily helping with costumes. "It's just been a great experience. I think everybody should try it at least once because it'll give you a sense of being a little kid kind of again," she said. (Left to right) LaKira Borden-Dobson, 40, Andre Simpson Sr. and 21-year-old Nylah Dobson at America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The three generations of family members decided to volunteer with the parade this year. They dressed up as elves and walked with the Big Heads. Several companies and organizations showed off their brand-new floats for the 2024 Thanksgiving parade including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's A Better State of Health" float that represents around-the-clock health care for members, Central Michigan University's "students enjoying campus life" float, General Motors, Henry Ford Health, the Skillman Foundation and the Hudson-Webber Foundation. The Detroit parade is the second largest in the U.S. after the Macys parade in New York City. It was started by J.L. Hudson in 1924, but is currently in its 98th year since the event was not held for two years during World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hudson-Webber Foundation's three-part float was its first-ever debut, which showcased the story of J.L. Hudson in metro Detroit through the decades. Though the business is no longer operating, the Hudson family has continued to support the parade and the city in various ways. Rounding out the lineup were 23 other floats, 200 Distinguished Clowns, nine marching bands and six giant balloons including Kermit the Frog, The Rainbow Fish, Captain Underpants, Spiderman Optimus Prime and more. A Kermit the Frog People balloon makes its way through Woodward Avenue during the 98th Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. "My kids are in their mid- to late-20s now, and we started coming when they were smaller," said Ray Marchionda, of Warren, who attended the parade with his wife, Suzi, their son and his fiancee this year. "Later, when they were in high school, they were in Warren Mott's marching band. So we would come down and watch them when Mott would march in the parade." All the fun has kept Marchionda and his family coming even after the kids graduated high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's exciting seeing everybody downtown. It's a lot of fun," he added. More: Christmas markets across Michigan ring in the season. Here's where to find one nearby Kayl Green, an 11-year-old from Detroit, said she was excited about attending her first parade this year with her father, Kevin Green, her 2-year-old sister Kyla and their dad's friend. "My favorite are all the inflatables and characters," the 11-year-old said, all cozied up in a blanket with her dad and baby sister. A Horton Hears a Who! balloon makes its way through Woodward Avenue during the 98th Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark and Jacquie Willis, of Saline, used to bring their children to the Thanksgiving parade to volunteer as balloon handlers when they were younger. Now, they bring their grandchildren who live in Ohio, 5-year-old Della and 3-year-old Wake, to watch the event with them. They even came prepared with doughnuts, chocolate milk and applesauce. "This will be 41 years (of attending the parade) for us. We brought our kids out for 20-plus years, and now the grandkids for the past three years," Mark said. "We enjoy the energy and just seeing all the people out here in Detroit and seeing it continue to expand. And, of course, now you have the Lions to celebrate, right?" More: Lions vs Bears score today: Live updates on Thanksgiving, highlights, game predictions One spectator came all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee. Although born and raised in Detroit, 53-year-old Ladon McCoy has been living out of state for 30 years, and it has been at least 10 years since she has attended America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I came with my sister, my cousins and my fiance. My fiance was born and raised in Knoxville; that's why he's so bundled up sitting behind us. He's not used to the cold," McCoy said. "I definitely missed the parade. I always looked forward to the Detroit Fire Department clowns on the little bikes, and the Hitsville USA float (by Motown Mseum) was one of my favorites this year." Santa Claus made his grand appearance near the end of the parade, riding his sleigh float and surrounded by his cheerful elves. The three-hour event ended at the intersection of Congress and Woodward around noon, where Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan greeted Santa, presented him with a key to the city and thanked him for making the long journey from the North Pole. Mayo Mike Duggan stands next to Santa Claus on Woodward Avenue during the 98th Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. "Detroit is one of my most favorite stops on Christmas Eve," Santa told Duggan before he wished the city a Merry Christmas. Detours and closures caused by the parade and the Turkey Trot will be lifted by 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Generations of families attend Detroit's 98th Thanksgiving Day parade Sales at Epicenter stores increased by 35.5% during the first days of the Black Friday promotion (November 2224) compared to the same period in October, according to the company's press service. The Black Friday campaign at Epicenter's retail locations and online store, epicentrk.ua, kicked off on November 22. The initial days of the sale demonstrated a surge in interest among Ukrainian shoppers, with discounts reaching up to 70%. Notably, sales of New Years items such as Christmas trees, decorations, and toys soared 16-fold during this period. Additionally, sales of cosmetics, gifts, textiles, and children's toys roughly doubled. Automotive products also experienced robust growth, driven by the onset of colder weather and seasonal demand for items like windshield wipers (up 4.5 times), washer fluid (up over threefold), and winter tires (nearly doubled). Following a new wave of missile strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the return of rolling blackouts, demand for energy-related products spiked. Sales of power stations quadrupled, while sales of power banks and generators tripled. Gas cylinders and portable stoves saw sales increase by 2.5 times. There was also notable growth in sales of battery-powered lamps and lighting, as well as winter clothing and footwear. "Seasonality and external factors, such as weather changes or rolling blackouts, significantly influence the dynamics of related product categories. Black Friday sales in Ukraine are also heavily impacted by external conditions, including media coverage, consumer sentiment, and the frequency and duration of air raid alerts," commented Dmytro Tanko, Epicenter's Director of Retail. The company anticipates further growth in sales closer to the end of the campaign, which will run through December 2. Epicenter K operates as an omnichannel ecosystem, incorporating the Epicenter and Nova Linia retail chains, the e-commerce site epicentrk.ua, the agricultural holding Epicenter-Agro, the Epicenter Ceramic Corporation tile factories, Osmoloda Timber Processing, and various logistics facilities. Before Russia's full-scale invasion, the Epicenter retail network included over 80 shopping centers across Ukraine. Seven locations were destroyed by the war in Mariupol, Nikopol, Bucha, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson (two centers). Three additional locations (in Melitopol, Kramatorsk, and another in Kharkiv) remain closed due to occupation, shelling, or proximity to conflict zones. Currently, the group's retail network comprises 71 stores in Ukraine. According to Ukraine's Unified State Register of Legal Entities, Epicenter K LLC's shareholders include Oleksandr Hereha (51.3%), Halyna Hereha (47.97%), and Tetiana Surzhyk (0.73%). Eggs: They're one of the most common ingredients out there, and one of the riskiest too. When you handle, prepare, and store eggs correctly, they're completely safe -- and the vast majority of the eggs in our grocery stores can be consumed without any fears. Unfortunately, though, there have been multiple occasions when that hasn't been the case, leading to some absolutely enormous recalls of eggs across the United States. In some situations, hundreds of millions of eggs have had to be tracked down by manufacturers and retailers, with dozens of people becoming seriously ill as a result of eating them. The usual suspect when it comes to egg recalls is Salmonella contamination, due to the contact that the shells can have with bird droppings when they're laid. While they're normally scrubbed clean of Salmonella before they reach the store, there's no guarantee that it won't remain on the outside or get inside the shell, due to the chicken itself harboring bacteria. In other cases, eggs have been contaminated with Listeria, another common bacteria that can cause unpleasant food poisoning symptoms, with Listeria poisoning especially common with pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs. Read more: The 15 Best Milk Brands, Ranked In 2024, Dozens Of People Were Infected With Salmonella From Contaminated Eggs Carton of Milo's Poultry Farms eggs - Milo's Poultry Farms We're commonly told that food has never been safer, thanks to continually evolving hygiene and safety practices. However, in recent years, and thanks to a few massive recalls, it's fair to say that peoples' trust in food safety has started to decline, as a survey conducted by Gallup shows. A 2024 egg recall is one such incident that may have eroded public faith in their food's hygiene, thanks to the sheer scale of it. The recall was announced on September 6, 2024 by Milo's Poultry Farms, due to a large outbreak of Salmonella associated with the company's eggs. In total, 93 people became infected with Salmonella as a result of eating the eggs, with 34 of those people being hospitalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milo's egg recall was made even more complicated and dangerous by the sheer timescale of illnesses associated with the eggs, and how widely they were distributed. Milo's Poultry Farms' eggs were sold under several brand names and distributed to both retailers and restaurants. The earliest illnesses were reported in May 2024, with people continuing to become ill all the way until September. In total, 12 states reported illnesses. After an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it was found that Salmonella was present both in the company's henhouse and in its packing facility. Hard-Boiled Eggs Produced By Almark Foods Contained Listeria, Prompting A Huge Recall Large pail of Almark Foods hard-boiled eggs - Almark Foods Pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs represent the height of convenience: Cut out the back-breaking work of boiling some water and boiling your eggs yourself and just get them straight from the store. In case you can't tell, we're being sarcastic -- and honestly, we're right to be a little cynical of hard-boiled eggs, considering how risky they can be. In 2019 we were proved right, via an unfortunate recall issued by Almark Foods for all of the hard-boiled eggs produced at its Georgia-based factory. The food company announced the recall after the FDA notified it that its hard-boiled eggs had been linked to a Listeria outbreak and several illnesses that came after eating them. In total, seven people reported becoming sick, with one person sadly losing their life as a consequence of Listeria poisoning. The FDA found Listeria in various parts of Almark Foods' facility, which could point towards the eggs becoming contaminated during their processing or packaging, and ultimately deemed the factory unsanitary. Almark Foods responded both by shutting down operations at the factory until it had solved the problem, and by hastily expanding its recall to cover basically all of the hard-boiled egg products it sold. This expansion was unfortunately too late for the people who had gotten ill, but it may well have prevented further sickness. Over 200 Million Eggs Were Recalled Due To Salmonella Concerns Multiple rows of raw, whole eggs on factory conveyor belt - Nitat Termmee/Getty Images A lot of the time, food companies get away with their recalls being relatively small. That usually isn't the case when it comes to eggs -- and in 2018 one of the biggest recalls of all time took place, following a Salmonella outbreak that infected nearly two dozen people. Investigations began when people started reporting becoming sick over the course of several months, with the FDA trying to track down the source of the infection. It ultimately determined that many of the illnesses had come from eggs that had been supplied by Rose Acre Farms, which then prompted the company to go into overdrive, issuing a recall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, and it was a big recall, folks. Well over 200 million eggs had to be recalled by the Indiana-based producer -- an astonishingly large number spread over a wide geographical location. The eggs were supplied to grocery stores and restaurants in no less than nine different states. To make matters worse, they were sold under loads of different brand names, with even Walmart and Waffle House being affected as part of it. By mid-June of that year, the outbreak had subsided, but the damage had been done to Rose Acre Farms' reputation. In 2010, 380 Million Eggs Were Recalled Due To Potential Contamination Rows of egg cartons displayed during the 2010 egg recall, with paper sign that reads "NATIONAL RECALL OF EGGS DOES NOT AFFECT ANY TARGET EGGS 8/19/2010" - James Leynse/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are egg recalls, and then there's the egg recall of 2010. This legendary (for all the wrong reasons) recall remains the largest egg recall in history, and affected hundreds of people with Salmonella poisoning. The outbreak began in May 2010, and while states started to see Salmonella cases increasing gradually, things started fairly small. However, that wasn't the case for long, and by August several hundreds of people had reported illness, with the cases eventually being traced back to eggs produced by Wright County Egg and sold under over a dozen brand names. The outbreak started just before new rules were introduced by the government which were designed to limit Salmonella outbreaks in eggs, which may have contributed to the wide scale of the problem. Wright County Egg originally responded by recalling 228 million eggs, but it quickly had to add more than 150 million eggs to that number to cover all the bases. A further investigation into the outbreak revealed that Wright County Egg's barns had been found to be containing Salmonella for up to two years prior to the outbreak, with the bacteria being found on dozens of individual occasions and during safety checks. A Salmonella Outbreak Led To A 2016 Recall Carton of brown farm eggs, with a red cross drawn on the top of each one - Iryna Imago/Shutterstock Egg recalls can often present a massive headache to manufacturers, who frequently supply their products to both supermarkets and restaurants and sell their eggs under multiple different brand names. This can lead to much wider issues and a higher chance of Salmonella outbreaks, as the Good Earth Egg Company discovered in 2016. The company had to recall a huge amount of its eggs after eight people tested positive for Salmonella in Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. When the infections were traced back to the company, it knew it had to act immediately. The problem was that its eggs had been sent pretty much everywhere. As well as restaurants and standard supermarkets, Good Earth Egg Company has also sold its eggs to institutions and wholesale outlets. While some product recalls only affect specific items within a brand's output, when it comes to eggs, they don't have that luxury -- and sure enough, Good Earth Egg Company had to recall every single carton size it sold its eggs in. The company was keen to note that its eggs hadn't tested positive for Salmonella, and that it was conducting the recall because it was the morally right decision. We think it's fair to say that it looked like the likely culprit, though. Dozens Of Illnesses Led To A Wide Scale Recall In 2018 hand grabbing egg carton from grocery shelves - Grace Cary/Getty Images Egg recalls tend to emerge pretty slowly over the period of a few months, with companies often only recalling their eggs once it's a little too late to avoid the majority of illnesses. This was the case back in 2018, when Gravel Ridge Farms had to recall its cage-free large eggs due to the potential presence of Salmonella. The company issued a recall notice for eggs with use-by dates from the end of July 2018, but didn't do so until the second week of September of that year. What's more, it was facing the unfortunate truth that folks might have become sick as far back as May 2018 as a result of eating its eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the scale of this recall when it comes to illness was pretty severe. By the time the recall was declared over, 44 people had been infected with Salmonella, with 12 of those people being hospitalized. However, it's entirely possible that hundreds more people might have become sick from eating these eggs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only one in 30 cases of Salmonella are actually diagnosed as such, as a lot of people don't actually go to the doctor when they get ill with it. Luckily for Gravel Ridge Farms, the outbreak ended before anybody had become gravely sick, but it could have been way worse. Over A Million Hard-Boiled Eggs Were Recalled Due To Potential Listeria Peeled hard-boiled egg - Yu_Nus/Shutterstock Eggs can be distributed far and wide across the country, which can create a major issue for food producers and distributors if things need to be recalled. In 2012, it was Michael Foods Inc.'s turn to learn this, when it had to recall its hard-boiled eggs due to Listeria concerns. The company had to track down more than a million hard-boiled eggs sold in large pails. The issue was that its eggs were distributed to well over half of the states in the country -- 34 in total, with the eggs traveling to places on both the east and west coasts, and plenty of locations in between. The headache for Michael Foods Inc. was that the eggs had traveled pretty far down supply lines once they had to be recalled. While some of its pails had been sold to institutions, others had been snapped up by manufacturers that may have then used them as ingredients in products. As such, the company had to put out recall notices for several salads sold in various delis and outlets. Pretty amazing how much drama a humble boiled egg can cause, huh? Multiple Salmonella Cases Caused A Recall Of Organic Eggs Chicken eggs move along a conveyor belt in a factory - Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organic eggs are super popular, and it's not hard to see why. These eggs are produced by hens who only consume non-GMO feed that has been untouched by pesticides or antibiotics, which leads customers to assume that opting for organic options will be healthier and wholesome. Unfortunately, though, organic produce can still be recalled, and it's still susceptible to bacteria like Salmonella. This was seen in 2011, when a half-dozen cases of Salmonella poisoning in Minnesota were traced back to organic eggs produced on a farm in the southern part of the state. The cases led to a recall of thousands of cartons of product, equating to a huge amount of eggs. The farm responsible had supplied eggs to several different vendors spread over three states, which no doubt caused stress when it came to tracking them down. As the Salmonella cases were spread over a span of roughly six weeks, the producer had to work with a pretty wide time period, making things more complicated. This recall flagged the potential risk of organic food to cause food poisoning, with some studies (such as one published in the Journal of Food Protection) finding that organic food may be more likely to become contaminated with Salmonella. This could be due to the lack of proper procedures around the use of manure instead of fertilizers, which may lead to bacterial infection. False Lab Results Led To A Recall Of Egg Products OvaEasy Whole Egg Crystals - OvaEasy If food companies say that their products are safe, we sort of expect them to be safe. It's hardly an unreasonable ask, right? Sadly, that may not be the case every single time -- and in 2014, a recall pointed out this unfortunate reality. The recall was announced by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (or FSIS) for products made by Nutriom LLC, a company that makes dehydrated egg products, after it was discovered that its items potentially contained Salmonella. Somewhat worryingly, the FSIS found out that Nutriom LLC may have falsely reported test results that said that its products didn't have any Salmonella when they were in fact contaminated, and pressed ahead with distributing its egg products all the same. What was particularly notable about this recall was how much Nutriom LLC resisted it. While the company had issued the first recall in February, the FSIS had to step in and issue a further recall when it refused to include additional items. The FSIS then had to flex its muscle, stating that it would remove the products from circulation, until Nutriom LLC eventually started cooperating, recalling a wide variety of extra products. Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal. The outcome of Donald Trumps victory in the US elections has produced various winners and losers, with Ukraine falling into the latter category. Throughout his campaign, President-elect Trump has unequivocally stated his intention to discontinue US military aid to Ukraine. Trumps commitment to this stance was evident in January when he instructed Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, to suspend the vote on the Ukraine aid package. The package was only approved four months later after former UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron made a personal appeal to Trump. If Trump follows through on his pledge to cut off military aid, the consequences for Ukraine could be not be more dire. The United States currently provides approximately half of the $105 billion of military assistance to Ukraine. Europe is unlikely to be able to compensate for this shortfall. With the UK and most of our EU allies in the midst of budget crises, numbers of this magnitude are completely unrealistic. Therefore, with half of the assistance gone, Ukraines ability to defend itself will deteriorate, forcing it to capitulate. The repercussions of such a scenario would be severe. Russia would likely occupy vast amounts of Ukrainian territory. Based on findings in previously-occupied territories like Bucha and Irpin, Ukrainian civilians would be subject to mass rape, torture and murder. Those fortunate enough to escape such atrocities would attempt to flee, leading to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as many as 12 million people could be in need of humanitarian aid, with up to 8.3 million refugees potentially fleeing Ukraine by the end of the year. Even more alarmingly, some estimates suggest that up to 15 million people could be displaced and require humanitarian assistance as a result of the war. This potential influx of up to 15 million Ukrainian refugees fanning out across Europe would create a humanitarian disaster for the EU and UK to confront within our own borders. The scale of this crisis becomes clear when we consider that the entire population of Ukraine prior to Russias full-scale invasion was approximately 44 million. Such a massive displacement would strain resources, housing and public services in host countries, potentially destabilising economies and societies already grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and current economic challenges. Furthermore, an emboldened Putin would surely then test NATOs resolve, especially given Trumps expressed dissatisfaction with the alliances current structure. If a NATO country in Europe like Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania becomes the next target of Putins aggression, there is a real possibility that the US will not come to its defence, allowing Putin to succeed in his expansionist plans for Eastern Europe. However, this grim scenario is not inevitable. A week after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries froze Russias central bank reserves. These frozen funds, totalling approximately $300 billion and distributed across Europe, the UK, the US, Japan, and Australia, could be confiscated and used for Ukraines defence. While there has been support for this proposition over the past two years, some pushback has arose due to concerns about upsetting international financial markets. As a compromise, an approach to confiscate only the interest, not the full amount of Russias reserves, has been implemented in the EU, and the G7 has formulated a plan which is still in the process of negotiations and implementation to use profits from immobilised assets to fund a $50 billion loan package for Ukraine. While the G7 loan provides a temporary financial buffer, it falls short of Ukraines fiscal and military needs. Estimates suggest that the funds will help sustain Ukraine only through 2025 by mobilising just a fraction of what is needed to pose a serious challenge to Russia. If the US proceeds with cutting off funding for Ukraine, full confiscation of Russian central bank reserves will become necessary. We face the prospect of a massive refugee crisis and potential further Russian aggression against NATO members if Ukraine is weakened. The need to confiscate Russian state assets for the benefit of Ukraine is no longer a theoretical discussion. It has become a matter of survival for Ukraine and the preservation of a democratic and peaceful Europe. The time for decisive action is now. Without it, we risk a weakened Ukraine, an emboldened Russia and a destabilised Europe facing an unprecedented refugee crisis. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to prevent this potential disaster and ensure the continued security and stability of the region. 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) St. Petersburg resident Rob Tricarico is flying out of the country for Thanksgiving. A friend of ours is getting married in Colombia. So, we are going there, Tricarico said. Hes just one of about 80,000 travelers at Tampa International Airport taking to the skies the day before the holiday. Connie Bergkvist is excited her loved ones arrived from Toronto. The biggest worry is getting here and spending time with the family, Bergkvist said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her family didnt face any issues, but the same cant be said for some others. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker explained that some flights may be delayed and weather is not to blame for all of them. We will use Traffic Flow Management initiatives to deal with any staffing shortages, Whitaker said. Right now, the FAA said the air traffic controller shortage is impacting flights to and from the New York City area. TPA Spokesperson Emily Nipps said that shortage, so far, is not impacting Tampa Bay airspace. We havent really seen any impacts here in Tampa, Nipps said. We are aware of that issue and keeping an eye on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email, an FAA official told 8 On Your Side its working to staff airport towers across the country. This year, it has met its goal of hiring more than 1,800 air traffic controllers. Theres a plan to hire 2,000 more next year. On top of that, the federal agency just partnered with a university in Daytona Beach that specializes in aviation to help with faster training. Investments have also been made at high schools to get students involved in aviation classes. The FAA also said most delays travelers will experience will likely be weather related. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Voters wait in line at First Baptist Church during Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Huntsville, Ala. A filed bill would make Election Day a state holiday. (Photo / Eric Schultz) An Alabama state representative has filed a bill that would make Election Day a holiday for major state and federal elections. HB 64, sponsored by Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer, would apply to gubernatorial and presidential election contests, making Election Day a holiday every two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillman said in a phone interview that the goal would be increasing voter participation. Voters, he said, have faced long lines and conflicting job schedules trying to vote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Its very difficult for some people to get there and they have to kind of do a number of things, he said. So my position is, why not just make it a holiday? Alabama has historically had low voter turnout, due to a long history of voter suppression, a lack of alternate voting options and an absence of competitive races. Just over 58% of the states registered voters cast ballots in the Nov. 5 election, the lowest percentage for a presidential election since 1988. Only 37.5% of registered voters turned out for the 2022 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillman said he thinks all elected officials should want more participation in the voting process. I think the voting process should be easier for people, he said. So when it comes down to voting whether, it doesnt matter who you voting for, it can be Democratic, Republican or what have you. Tillman said that he wants more people to pay attention to politics and become engaged in it. The Alabama Legislature has largely been hostile to attempts to make voting easier. Bills to make absentee voting easier have failed to advance in the chamber. In 2021, the Legislature approved a measure outlawing curbside drop boxes for voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature passed SB 1, which criminalized some assistance for absentee ballot applications. Proponents said that it would decrease the likelihood of ballot harvesting, while opponents argued that it could burden some voters, especially those in rural areas. Parts of the law are currently blocked for potentially violating federal law around illiterate, disabled or blind voters. Like you said, this is Alabama, he said. When it comes to voting when it comes to things of that nature you will always have opposition and some pushback. Tillman said he welcomes the debate and pushback, as long it is on the merits of the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I think that when it comes down to access the voting and expanding it, why not? he said. Thats the question. Why is it so difficult to vote in the state of Alabama? Why is it not easier to vote in the state of Alabama? And I think as elected officials it is incumbent upon us to make sure that we can expand access to voting and make sure people can participate in the voting process. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) 2,265,090 Alabamians cast their vote in the 2024 election. And now that votes are certified, CBS 42 spoke with officials about what we can do differently in the next election and how to rectify those long lines. Over three weeks after the election, Secretary of State Wes Allen said the day was a success. When it comes to those long lines, Allen said counties can add more poll workers and check-in stations. Election Day doesnt surprise anybody, said Allen. We know when it is. Every couple of years, we know when election day is coming up. But I dont believe in an election month. I believe in an election day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But State Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) said those wait times need to change. Hes pre-filed a bill for the next legislative session that would bring early voting centers to each county in the state. Our seniors need an opportunity to vote three to four days prior to the election, said Jackson. And thats what this bill does; gives the opportunity for clerks across the state to designate a place. Trussville Gateway hosting Iron Bowl watch party Jackson said you shouldnt have to stand in line for hours to vote. And what were trying to do, and what weve been trying to do is access the ballot. Opportunity for every person eligible to vote, to have that right to do so, he remarked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) served as a poll worker in Shelby County on election day. She said the lines are a problem- but there are better solutions that early voting. We just dont have enough of those poll pads. And thats where you initially sign in and show your ID, explained DuBose. Where I was working, we had four poll pads. We couldve probably used six. That wouldve moved people through fifty percent faster. DuBose said technology could also be used to notify people when wait times are down at polling locations. Say youre in the middle of a jury trial. And the lawyers are presenting their evidence. Would you be allowed to vote early or to make your decision early in a jury trial before all the evidence is presented? It just doesnt make sense to me, said DuBose. Allen said Election Day is a team effort. Well see what legislative bills come up related to this subject and well monitor, said Allen. But I believe in Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen said probate judges are the chief election officials in each county. He further explained that makes for 67 different elections that go on statewide when the polls open. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) An Albuquerque woman was sentenced to prison on Wednesday for the death of one of her 6-month-old twins in 2023. Gloria Tesillo was found guilty of child abuse resulting in death this summer, and she was sentenced to 18 years in the Department of Corrections. Crime Stoppers offer reward in 2022 Santa Fe homicide Last summer, Albuquerque police responded to a call that a child was unresponsive at a motel near Coors and I-40. Tesillo was working at the motel at the time and left the babies with the father. When she returned to the room, one of the twins was found dead and the other tested positive for drugs. The autopsy results showed meth in the babys system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father, Lawrence Gabaldon, pleaded not guilty to child abuse charges. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Politicians, writers and activists have called for the release of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, whose arrest in Algeria is seen as the latest instance of the stifling of creative expression in the military-dominated North African country. The 75-year-old author, who is an outspoken critic of Islamism and the Algerian regime, has not been heard from by friends, family or his French publisher since leaving Paris for Algiers earlier this month. He has not been seen near his home in his small town, Boumerdes, his neighbors told The Associated Press. The detention without serious grounds of a writer of French nationality is unacceptable, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added Sansal's work does honor to both his countries and to the values we cherish. The European Parliament discussed Algeria's repression of freedom of speech on Wednesday and called for his immediate and unconditional release. Algerian authorities have not publicly announced charges against Sansal, but the APS state news service said he was arrested at the airport. Though no longer censored, Sansal's novels have in the past faced bans in Algeria. A professed admirer of French culture, his writings on Islam's role in society, authoritarianism, freedom of expression and the civil war that ravaged Algeria throughout the 1990s have won him fans across the ideological spectrum in France, from far-right leader Marine Le Pen to President Emmanuel Macron, who attended his French naturalization ceremony in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his work has provoked ire in Algeria, from both authorities and Islamists, who have issued death threats against him in the 1990s and afterward. Though few garner such international attention, Sansal is among a long list of political prisoners incarcerated in Algeria, where the hopes of a protest movement that led to the ouster of the country's then-82 year old president have been crushed under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Human rights groups have decried the ongoing repression facing journalists, activists and writers. Amnesty International in September called it a brutal crackdown on human rights including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Algerian authorities have in recent months disrupted a book fair in Bejaia and excluded prominent authors from the country's largest book fair in Algeria has in recent months, including this year's Goncourt Prize winner Kamel Daoud, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This tragic news reflects an alarming reality in Algeria, where freedom of expression is no more than a memory in the face of repression, imprisonment and the surveillance of the entire society, French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud wrote in an editorial signed by more than a dozen authors in Le Point this week. Sansal has been a polarizing figure in Algeria for holding some pro-Israel views and for likening political Islam to Nazism and totalitarianism in his novels, including The Oath of the Barbarians and 2084: The End of the World." Despite the controversial subject matter, Sansal had never faced detention. His arrest comes as relations between France and Algeria face newfound strains. France in July backed Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara, angering Algeria, which has long backed the independence Polisario Front and pushed for a referendum to determine the future of the coastal northwest African territory. A regime that thinks it has to stop its writers, whatever they think, is certainly a weak regime," French-Algerian academic Ali Bensaad wrote in a statement posted on Facebook. (WFXR) Amazon workers across 20 countries, including the United States, are striking against what the organizing labor union calls anti-worker and anti-democratic practices. This is the fifth year UNI Global Union has spearheaded the Make Amazon Pay movement with the aim to hold Amazon accountable for labor abuses, environmental degradation and threats to democracy. Bezoss company has spent untold millions to stop workers from organizing, but the strikes and protests happening around the world show that workers desire for justice for union representation cant be stopped, Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, said. We stand united in demanding that Amazon treat its workers fairly, respect fundamental rights, and stop undermining the systems meant to protect us all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to handle politics at the Thanksgiving table Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards said the group is misleading and promotes a false narrative. The fact is at Amazon we provide great pay, great benefits, and great opportunitiesall from day one. Weve created more than 1.5 million jobs around the world, and counting, and we provide a modern, safe, and engaging workplace whether you work in an office or at one of our operations buildings, Hards said. According to UNI, demonstrations are expected in major cities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Brazil. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Happy Thanksgiving. Peach and Blossom are thankful. As is usual on this purely American holiday, the president earlier this week pardoned the two aforementioned turkeys - sparing them from execution and dismemberment accompanied by a knife, fork and assorted side dishes with which many Ozempic-using Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Joe Biden worked the rope line on the South Lawn of the White House, cracking wise and joking with his eager supporters while brash young press aides wrangled the press eager to cover the moment. One press wrangler got particularly testy about entry, prompting one veteran reporter to ask Are they going to fingerprint us too? as they worked their way toward the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Biden noted, it was his last time pardoning a couple of turkeys. You could take that several ways, but it was met with a couple of audible gasps from the back of the crowd of supporters, to which another reporter said words to the effect of arent you the same guys that forced him out? But it was said quietly, with reverence, and only nearby reporters chuckled as they heard it. Oh yes, theres much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season. As usual with the Biden administration, no guidance was issued prior to the event. No statements were made. No one in the press corps knew much about the event until Biden spoke. Sure, you could say the Biden administration is on cruise control and with limited exceptions youd be right. But at least the press wasnt confronted with dyspeptic comments about it being like an episode of the West Wing as Sarah Huckabee Sanders gleefully pronounced when she was at the White House for a Trump Thanksgiving. No. Reality and not fiction mostly resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. today. Biden is still dealing with war and peace in the Middle East and political prisoners in China. Of course, not much was said about those either from the White House. Rumor was that the Biden communication team, woefully lacking in the communication aspect of their job planned on issuing a statement on background about the turkeys that would be embargoed until the next morning but that may be too much of an inside joke for many to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, if youre Donald Trump, you have a lot to be thankful for. Trump, who wants to bypass the FBI and use Fox News to vet his incoming Cabinet appointees, recently had all federal charges against him dropped by the Department of Justice because the DOJ simply wont investigate a sitting president. Jack Smith, the special prosecutor who dropped the charges did so without prejudice, which means they could be brought up again at a later date, should Trump survive his term in office. No matter. Trump slipped the noose again and was as giddy as a drug addict huffing nitrous oxide, so he doesnt much care. Hes intent on making Shakespeares Iago from Othello look like Atticus Finch. Too much? Uriah Heep from Dickens Copperfield look like Ted Lasso? Nope. Okay, hes going to make Melvilles Captain Ahab look like Barry Allen? Figure it out. He's thankful hes not going to federal prison, Republicans control both the House and the Senate and the Supreme Court in his hip pocket. Every billionaire on the planet is lining up to kiss his . . . ahem, ring and the rest of the world can kiss something else. Life is good. To celebrate, Trumps incoming administration recently floated the idea of kicking out most of the corporate media from their briefing room seats, replacing them with bro podcasters like Joe Rogan and giving their young 27-year-old press secretary a leg up while their bombastic middle age communications director Steven Cheung will clean up and verbally browbeat anyone who doesnt toe the company line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Baker of the New York Times promised that even if reporters were kicked out of the Brady Briefing room, theyd cover the presidency from the outside. Good luck with that. Most of us had trouble covering him from the inside. So, rejoice and be thankful this Thanksgiving season. To paraphrase the comedian Richard Jeni, were staring at the ugly face of two great political parties in the U.S. Democrats: A bunch of snot-nosed, smug, elitist, bong-smoking, woke, yoga-posing, incense-burning, dolphin-saving, salmon-eating hypocrites. These are the sensitive, liberal people who are always yelling about peoples freedom of speech and expression unless you happen to say something that pisses them off. Republicans: A bunch of homophobic, money-grubbing, greenhouse-gasing, seal-clubbing, oil-drilling, Bible-thumping, missile-firing, right-to-lifing, lethal injecting, immigrant-hating hypocrites. People whose idea of a good time is strapping a dead panda to a Lincoln Navigator and mowing down those in gay pride parades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, be thankful you have such a binary choice. Oh and Happy Thanksgiving to the Department of Justice. If nothing else, Donald Trump has proven the statement No one is above the law is a fallacy. Employing his keen editing instincts the statement now reads One is above the law. For a thankful sense of nostalgia, watch Peter Falk as Columbo. The rich old woman cant bribe her away out of murder. The corrupt politician is arrested for killing his campaign manager. The evil business magnate cant buy his way out of prison. Columbo catches them all. Of course, now I watch the show and wonder if they all just bought a judge and got off. Or, as Richard Pryor observed years ago about the justice system. It means just us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rich people get a pass. Meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving to the members of my profession. In the false dawn of this coming holiday season, we are screwing ourselves into the ground trying to figure out what the heck Donald Trump will do when he gets back in office to manhandle the tattered remains of a nominally free press. There are lots of possibilities. Be thankful you know what they are ahead of time, and be thankful if you do not have to participate in the coming American tragedy. Donald Trump is opposed to the Press Act and has urged Republicans in Congress to vote it down. This is the third incarnation of a bill that would protect reporters from having to divulge confidential sources. Nearly every state already has such a shield law in place that limits the harassment of reporters so we can do our jobs. A federal law would protect us from prying federal eyes. I went to jail four times to protect a confidential source. Ive helped to write shield laws, testified on their behalf and spoke with Congressman Jamie Raskin, D-Md., about the current bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want real reporting, you have to support this legislation. Otherwise, reporters arent going to stick their neck out, companies that hire them wont and you end up with the pablum that passes for news today. Thats what Trump wants, the pablum. In fact, thats what most of our government wants. It doesnt want reporters relentlessly pursuing facts. It wants Fake News so it can denigrate it, humiliate us and guarantee no real reporting is ever done. It says something that people as diametrically opposed to each other as Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan and Raskin have recognized this and want to do something about it. It says more that such a bipartisan effort continues to fail. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Trump will be thankful for that and what he could do with the press in the White House Brady Briefing Room will make him more so. He could rearrange the seating assignments. The two dozen reporters in the first two rows of the Brady Briefing room get to ask about 75 percent of the questions if the rest of the room is lucky. Those reporters, like Peter Baker, represent the pinnacle of access journalism as many of the organizations represented there get to be in the protective pool of about 15 reporters and photographers who are in close proximity to the president whenever he steps into and outside of the Oval Office. Trump will actually make hundreds of reporters very happy if he strips those two dozen of their elite first class status though few will admit it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump can also limit the briefings. During his first administration, he went an entire year without having his press secretary brief reporters. Stephanie Grishams only official action in her year as the White House press secretary was to try and take away my press pass. In addition to limiting briefings, he could just make a weekly appearance on the Joe Rogan Show or Fox and Friends rather than mixing it up with those of us who will speak truth to power. Speaking of those, Trump with the inevitable backing of the Supreme Court could remove reporters he doesnt like, or deny them a press pass altogether. Finally, he could take a minimalist approach. He could leave things as they are and just never call on any reporter who doesnt ask questions he wants to answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He can get away with anything and he will. So, be thankful if you get anything at all. Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to all those air travelers ponying up a small fortune to visit your family. You know what I love about modern air travel? Absolutely nothing. Its like taking the Tripper bus from New York City to Washington D.C. Its like traveling in steerage on the Titanic. Cramped, overbooked, under-serviced airlines with overworked employees chucking pretzels and cheap cookies at you while some John Candy look alike picks his feet hes pulled out of a pair of smelly Crocs while munching on a rancid sandwich which emerged from somewhere under his armpit. First class has been reduced to what economy used to be. At least you can count on a cold, boxed meal and enough liquor to put you in a state of oblivion until you land and are shoehorned out of your seat to waddle aimlessly down a crowded aisle, held up by a guy who somehow managed to stash five pieces of luggage in the overhead bins against the rules. Its now the Trump era again. Welcome it with open arms. Remember anyone can serve. Nothing you do or say, no matter how bizarre, illegal, grotesque or insufferably stupid as it may be disqualifies you. In fact, your worst sins are your greatest virtues in the Trump era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be thankful. You can also now do all your Christmas shopping via Trump campaign emails: Trump hats, Trump t-shirts, Trump coffee mugs and Christmas ornaments. Our kindly incoming president has thought about nothing but all of us and how to sell us presents we dont need. Just dont use the public restrooms, ignore the detention facilities and be thankful Trump is ending the vile practice of eating cats and dogs. But, you know what Im most thankful for? Sweet potato pie. I got the recipe from a good friend in college whose mother made the best. I make it every year with her in mind. Peace. The World Bank has approved additional funding of $664 million for the INSPIRE project, which will continue to support 29 types of social payments to the most vulnerable segments of Ukraine's population, said Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. "The World Bank today approved $664 million in additional funding for the INSPIRE project to continue financing 29 types of social services for Ukraine's most vulnerable populations. $662 million will come from the Trust Fund to provide Ukraine with the necessary credit support ADVANCEUkraine, supported by the Government of Japan," Shmyhal wrote on the X network on Thursday. He expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and the World Bank leadership "for their continued support, cooperation and solidarity with Ukrainians." Former state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, left, testifies in her trial over voter misconduct and other election-law charges, while Superior Court Judge Kevin Saxby presides. LeDoux attorney Kevin Fitzgerald, seated, and Chief Assistant Attorney General Jenna Gruenstein, standing, are seen from behind. (Photo by Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon) The criminal case against former Alaska state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux focused on whether she pressured people to vote in her district when they lived elsewhere, and closing arguments in her trial on Wednesday zeroed in on what the law says about where voters should register. After seven days of arguments in the trial, the jury will begin its deliberations on Friday morning, after Anchorage Superior Court Judge Kevin Saxby gave them their instructions at the end of the day on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeDoux, an Anchorage Republican, was charged in 2020 with voter misconduct and unlawful interference with voting during the 2018 primary and general election campaigns. She faces five felony charges and seven misdemeanor charges. The trial was delayed four times, most recently in July, when prosecutors disclosed additional evidence right before the trial was scheduled to start. Chief Assistant Attorney General Jenna Gruenstein said Lisa Simpson, who was a friend and aide to LeDoux, and Simpsons son Caden Vaught put the wrong addresses on their voter registrations due to pressure from LeDoux. She noted that Simpson said she wouldnt have done it without messages from LeDoux about the registrations. Rules are important. Normal citizens know that. Lawyers know that. Lawmakers know that or they should, Gruenstein told the jurors. Ms. LeDoux broke those rules. She wanted votes and she was willing to get them however she needed to. At this point, the state is asking you that she be held accountable for those rules that she broke, for those laws that she broke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeDouxs defense attorney Kevin Fitzgerald said the prosecution was wrong to link LeDoux to mistakes made by Simpson and Vaught. LeDoux only asked them to follow what she understood the law to be, he said. She believed that what it is that she was requesting of people was entirely appropriate based on the information that she had, Fitzgerald said, later adding: The state hasnt proved beyond a reasonable doubt the highest standard known to mankind that she had the requisite mental state and acts. And as a result of that, we would ask, at the conclusion of your deliberations, to return the only true and just verdict, which is not guilty to all counts. LeDoux was a House member from 2005 to 2009, when she lived in and represented Kodiak, and from 2013 to 2021, when she represented an Anchorage district that included portions of both the Muldoon neighborhood and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. LeDoux takes the stand LeDoux testified for much of Wednesday, saying she understood at the time that Simpson and Vaughts legal residences for voting were in her House district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeDoux worked as a lawyer for decades, with a focus on personal-injury plaintiffs related to maritime law. Gruenstein attempted to establish various facts about LeDouxs legal background, and received a series of negative answers from LeDoux: She hadnt tried cases, did not have to deal much with regulations and didnt generally advise clients on interpreting laws. And when Gruenstein asked whether LeDoux helped write laws as a legislator, she responded by saying laws are generally drafted by attorneys with the Legislative Legal office. I was actually surprised with how little being a lawyer actually helped in the Legislature, LeDoux said. At one point, Gruenstein ended a question to LeDoux by saying: Voters dont get to choose which district to vote in. There are rules that establish which district theyre supposed to vote in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeDoux responded: OK. Allegations of inappropriate arguments The lawyers arguments turned into an exchange of accusations of inappropriate actions, after Gruenstein objected to how Fitzgerald characterized the state law defining the address Alaskans should use in their voter registration. Fitzgerald focused on a portion of the law about the importance of a persons intent to live at a place in the future. Gruenstein objected, saying it was wrong to focus on just that provision of the law, when the entire law requires that a person already have lived at an address. After the jury left the room, Fitzgerald told Saxby that Gruenstein acted inappropriately by objecting to how he described the law, saying the judge had already said he would be allowed to present his and LeDouxs interpretation of the law to the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that there would be an objection that would telegraph to the jury that what it is that I was describing, but more importantly, what it is that my client believed with regard to the law is entirely inappropriate and, frankly, disturbing, he said. Gruenstein said Fitzgeralds statement was pretty personally attacking and I dont think it was warranted. She said her objection was based on Saxbys own ruling about the residency law, and Fitzgeralds criticism of her objection was unfair and inappropriate. Saxby said he didnt see bad faith arguments on either side, but found vigorous representation on both sides. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The annual competition for the most festive storefront window is taking place in downtown Sioux City once again. Since 2016, downtown businesses and Siouxland nonprofits have been making sure Sioux City gets into the holiday spirit by decorating the storefront windows. 21 downtown businesses and nonprofits will be competing for the chance to win $500 to any organization of their choice. Santa Paws to bring Christmas cheer to any pet from dog to goldfish Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So not only is it a chance to light up downtown but its also a chance for us to give back to the community this holiday season with that 500-dollar donation, we can help give back to the nonprofits in our community, helping make things happen here, said Tracie Tuttle with downtown partners of Sioux City Residents can cast their votes online for their favorite storefront until December 23rd. If you are interested in voting, click this link to find out how to vote. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)- Anson Meals on Wheels Executive Director and Head Chef Jeannie Free recently announced that she would be stepping down from the position as of December 31, 2024, assuring that service to Anson clientele will be uninterrupted through the end of the year. However, with no one to take the helm, Abilene Meals on Wheels Plus has agreed to take over operation and delivery to Anson on January 2. Abilene MOW Executive Director Betty Bradley tells KTAB/KRBC she and her staff agreed to this plan following a conversation with an Anson MOW board member. Theyre having trouble hiring staff to manage the program. This is not the first community that were serving where their existing program has had to close for one reason or another, Bradley said. In addition to the Abilene area, Abilene MOW makes and delivers meals to 13 surrounding communities including Aspermont, Hamlin, Hodges, Hawley, Hamby, Eula, Tuscola, Ovalo, Potosi, Lawn, Winters, Ballinger and Rowena. On January 2, Anson will make that list 14. Surrounding communities currently serviced by Meals on Wheels Plus, Abilene Thankfully the volunteers that deliver meals in Anson have agreed to continue to deliver, so well have a volunteer force there, and thats gonna be critical to the operation, said Bradley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with the Anson delivery volunteers staying on, Bradley says the need for volunteers is always high, and the addition of Anson will mean more work for the Abilene MOW staff. Its going to be some extra work, especially our cooks [and] our case managers that make home visits, its gonna be an extra workload. But Ive talked with my staff, and theyre willing to do it because we dont want the individuals who are frail and elderly in Anson to go without a meal, Bradley said. The need, she says, for volunteers and operational funding grows larger around the holidays. With university students away for the holiday and others out with family plans, Bradley says they often run short on hands. Meanwhile she says the need for donations is a constant, more so now that they are taking on another operation. Because were growing so much, donations for Meals on Wheels are really critical at this time of year, so were moving forward in faith that everything is gonna work out just fine, said Bradley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to donate to the mission, or volunteer your time you can inquire through the Meals on Wheels Plus, Abilene Website, or by phone at 325-672-5050, and in person during regular business hours at 717 North 10th St Abilene, TX 79601. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. (KRON) An axe-wielding burglar who police say broke into a church in Antioch Thursday morning found himself in an all-holy mess when he was confronted by the churchs pastor. According to the Antioch Police Department, the pastor at First Family Church on Contra Loma responded to check an alarm early Thursday morning. Teen riding in stolen vehicle killed in crash following pursuit by Santa Clara County deputies Thats when he encountered the burglar, whod used an axe to break a church window to gain entry. The burglar, according to police, decided to fight with the pastor instead of repent. Photo: Antioch PD Photo: Antioch PD Photo: Antioch PD But the pastor apparently had more than just the moral high ground, but gained the actual upper hand and restrained the suspect until police arrived and placed him in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are thankful today that the pastor was uninjured during this incident and hopeful that with amazing community members like we have been highlighting lately, we can turn the tide on crime in our city, said Antioch PD. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Nov. 27The Austin Police Department is investigating an incident early Wednesday morning that may have also involved a stolen vehicle. According to a release from Austin Police Department Chief David McKichan, police were dispatched to a report of a 2014 Hyundai Sonata that left the road on Ninth Avenue SW at around 2:30 a.m., striking a residence and a parked vehicle. Damage to the home includes a set of wooden steps/deck and a downspout. The occupant or occupants fled the scene prior to officer arrival, leaving the vehicle at the scene. All identification and location attempts were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the morning, at around 4 a.m., another report was taken by APD where the reporter claimed the same or a similar vehicle was stolen from them overnight. McKichan's release stated there are no suspects at this time and that those who brought in the stolen vehicle report had yet to provide documentation showing ownership of the vehicle involved in the crash on Ninth Avenue SW. Anybody with information should contact APD at 1-507-437-9400. The Thanksgiving holiday brings with it school breaks and high school seniors rushing to complete their college applications as deadlines quickly approach. What is needed to apply for admission to the states university systems? University of California System Requirements Students looking to enter the UC system will need to have completed a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses, also known as A-G courses, with a letter grade of C or better. In addition, they shouldve completed at least 11 of these courses prior to the beginning of their senior year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These 15 courses include: two years of history, four years of English, one year of visual arts, one year of a college-preparatory elective, at least 3 years of math, at least two years of science and at least two years of a foreign language course. Students should have earned a 3.0 grade point average or better or 3.4 if are not a California resident. There are two pathways of guaranteed acceptance into the UC system for high-achieving students. Students ranking in the top 9% of California students, according to the updated Statewide Index, will be eligible for the Statewide Guarantee. The other way is known as the local guarantee. Students who are in the top 9% of their California high school class, at a school that participates in this program, will be eligible for this guarantee. Applications will be automatically screened and for either program students will not be allowed to choose the specific UC school they want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As California residents, students applications will be automatically screened for local eligibility when they apply. Each UC campus can offer admission to a small number of students who do not meet all of the A-G course requirements or minimum GPA requirements. The closest UCs to Modesto are UC Merced, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC San Francisco. The fall 2025 admission application deadline is Dec. 2. California State University System Requirements Similarly, students looking to join the CSU system will need to have completed a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses, also known as A-G courses, with a letter grade of C or better. California residents will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater GPA for while nonresidents will need to earn a 3.0 GPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students who achieve between a 2.00 and 2.49 GPA may be evaluated for admission based upon other factors like household income and extracurricular and leadership involvement. The closest CSU schools to Modesto are Stanislaus State, Sacramento State, Cal Maritime (in Vallejo), CSU East Bay (in Hayward), Sonoma State, San Francisco State and San Jose State. The fall 2025 admissions application deadline for CSU is Dec. 2. HONOLULU (KHON2) An arbitrator has ruled that hundreds of state workers are entitled to hazard pay for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting approximately 550 University of Hawaii employees. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The decision, announced this week, covers workers who were employed at the university from March 2020 to March 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arbitrator determined that these employees are entitled to an additional 15 percent of their base hourly pay, in recognition of the risks they faced during the height of the pandemic. Kalani Werner, state director of the United Public Workers (UPW) union, expressed gratitude for the workers who testified during the arbitration process. Two County employees arrested for theft of gasoline A lot of them remembered what it was like going to work and then coming home and not being able to go directly into the house to avoid affecting their families, Werner said. The things they went through were tough, and to finally see this reward has a light at the end of the tunnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next step is for the UPW to work with the state legislature to determine the amount of the award and secure funding. The union hopes its members will begin receiving payments by next summer. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news However, four other grievances related to hazard pay for UPW members are still pending. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, UNICEF has managed to mobilize more than $1 billion to help little Ukrainians, said Munir Mammadzade, head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Ukraine. As he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, UNICEF was in the country before the war, its mandate covered development and humanitarian issues. That is, the Organization was already working and had a presence in the regions, all this helped launch comprehensive work to respond to a full-scale war and attract additional resources to help children as much as possible. During this time, UNICEF managed to mobilize more than $1 billion for Ukraine and neighboring countries, where Ukrainians began to move because of the war, its representative added. According to Mammadzade, the request for humanitarian aid for Ukraine from UNICEF for this year is $496 million and 70% of this amount has been financed, which indicates the interest of donor countries in supporting Ukraine. He noted that it is often impossible to attract more than 50%. In addition to humanitarian aid to those in need, UNICEF also has program activities that concern development, recovery and other areas. Now the Organization clearly distinguishes between what is humanitarian activity - saving lives, and what are elements of our development work, Mammadzade noted. According to him, next year UNICEF plans to reduce the humanitarian request by 20% compared to this year and increase plans and requests for systemic work, that is, for the mandate component concerning development, which includes issues of the social protection system. Schools across the region have received a combined total of more than $3.5 million in safety and mental health grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquencys School Safety and Security Committee, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday. Our kids cant focus on learning if we arent meeting the basic need for safety within the walls of their schools and making sure students mental health needs are met, PCCD safety committee chair and state Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said in a release. This program is more than funding its about investing in the well-being of our kids and giving peace of mind to their families and school staff who are dedicated to helping them learn and grow. The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to helping schools create spaces where students feel protected, valued and ready to learn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These dollars are part of a cumulative $20 million awarded to public and nonpublic schools across the state, which can be used for school-wide positive behavior supports; district-wide risk assessment trainings; security planning and related purchase of security technology; classroom management and more. I am glad to see several schools in the 71st District receive these grant dollars, state Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Ferndale, said in a statement. Making sure our students are safe and have strong mental health support will improve the quality of their education. This funding will be put to good use and help our students achieve their potential in school and beyond. Public schools in the Cambria- Somerset region were given roughly $2.9 million in competitive safety and mental health funding, while nonpublic schools in the area received $589,767 in noncompetitive school safety grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Greater Johnstown School District netted the largest amount with $156,302, followed by the Somerset Area School District with $137,681. For nonpublic schools, Bishop McCort Catholic Academy received $75,000 for each of its three campuses East, West and high school with All Saints Catholic School and St. Michael Catholic School getting $75,000 each as well. Ive listened to our kids as theyve told me about their mental health struggles thats why my Administration is getting real help to students all across Pennsylvania quickly, Shapiro said in the release. The resources secured in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget will give students better access to mental health supports and ensure that schools can upgrade technology and security measures to protect students, staff, and visitors. My Administration will continue to bring people together to get stuff done to solve problems and address the needs of folks across our Commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a complete list of recipients, visit www.pccd.pa.gov. Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5054. Follow him on Twitter @Journo_Josh. 2024-25 School Safety and Mental Health Grant Awards: Admiral Peary Career and Technical Center: $70,000 Blacklick Valley: $111,349 Cambria Heights: $123,830 Central Cambria: $129,591 Conemaugh Valley: $113,320 Ferndale Area: $111,948 Forest Hills: $131,391 Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center: $70,000 Greater Johnstown: $156,302 Northern Cambria: $116,158 Penn Cambria: $128,208 Portage Area: $115,160 Richland: $128,517 Westmont Hilltop: $127,819 Berlin Brothersvalley: $113,215 Conemaugh Township Area: $116,318 Meyersdale Area: $114,638 North Star: $118,725 Rockwood Area: $111,753 Salisbury-Elk Lick: $104,734 Shade-Central City: $106,151 Shanksville-Stonycreek: $105,033 Somerset Area: $137,681 Somerset County Technology Center: $70,000 Turkeyfoot Valley Area: $105,197 Windber Area: $122,764 2024-25 Target School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools: All Saints Catholic School: $75,000 Bishop Carroll Catholic High School: $70,600 Bishop McCort Catholic Academy: $225,000 Cambria County Christian School: $59,667 Holy Name Catholic School: $39,500 St. Benedict Catholic School: $35,000 St. Michael Catholic School: $75,000 Somerset Christian School: $10,000 An Arizona man has been arrested by the feds for sharing expletive-laden videos on a near-daily basis that show him brandishing an automatic rifle as he threatens to kill President-elect Donald Trump and members of Trumps family. Manuel Tamayo-Torres is accused of making vague yet direct threats against the president-elect, according to court documents obtained by several news outlets. They refer to the victim as Individual 1, but sources close to matter confirmed to ABC News that Trump was the target of the threats. In the Facebook videos, some of them shared as recently as last week, Tamayo-Torres allegedly spouts a slew of bizarre allegations, including that Trump kidnapped and sex trafficked his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre gonna die, Tamayo-Torres allegedly said in a video shared last Thursday, per ABC News. Your sons gonna die. Your whole family is going to die. Im going to put a hole in your face. In a separate clip shared earlier this month, Tamayo-Torres was seen armed with what appears to be a white AR-15-style rifle with a 30-round magazine inserted into it, according to charging documents. In another video from Aug. 23, the suspect appeared to be recording himself at a Trump rally in the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. In the clip, Tamayo-Torres said he witnessed Secret Service members and the president-elect kidnap his daughter. The Glendale rally came about a month after Trump was the target of an assassination attempt in Butler, Penn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid their investigation into Tamayo-Torres, an officer from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found photos on Facebook featuring Tamayo-Torres holding a bullpup-style shotgun, a rifle, and the AR-15-style rifle seen in one of his videos, according to charging documents. Tamayo-Torres was arrested earlier this week in California on a count of making threats against a president or presidents successor. Hes also facing four counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm after he allegedly lied on federal forms while trying to buy a pistol from a Phoenix gun store last year. A protester holds a sign at an April rally in support of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale, Ariz. (Gloria Rebecca Gomez/Arizona Mirror) This story first appeared in the Arizona Mirror. Read more Stateline coverage on how states are either protecting or curbing access to abortion. Arizonans overwhelmingly voted to make abortion a fundamental right, but overturning the states current 15-week gestational ban and multiple other anti-abortion laws still on the books isnt automatic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just an hour after she joined Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Republican Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer on Monday to certify the results of the 2024 general election, Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes said that officially nullifying the 15-week ban will need to take place in the courts. And, she added, while her office considers the certification of Proposition 139, the abortion rights ballot measure that netted more than 60% of the vote, as sufficient to restore access to the procedure, the reality is that some providers might continue to hesitate until legal protections are more firmly established. The position of the state of Arizona is that the passage of Prop 139 makes the 15 week ban unconstitutional, she said, during a news conference held to celebrate the ballot measures success. As of 10:12 a.m. when the governor signed the certification, it became unconstitutional. That is a separate matter from whether doctors and providers will be comfortable performing abortions after 15 [weeks]. The gestational ban outlaws abortions beyond its deadline unless a doctor deems one is necessary to preserve a womans life or prevent the impairment of a major bodily function. Doctors who violate the 2022 law, passed by legislative Republicans, face the suspension of their medical license, and a Class 6 felony, which could result in a prison sentence between four months and two years. Proposition 139, meanwhile, prohibits the prosecution of abortion providers, and allows the procedure to be performed until fetal viability, generally considered to be around 23 to 24 weeks. It also includes an exception for abortions performed past that point if a provider makes a good faith judgment that one is necessary to safeguard a womans life, or physical or mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Paul Isaacson, the co-owner of one of a handful of private abortion clinics in the Valley, said he expects a lawsuit to be filed soon aimed at rescinding the gestational ban. Isaacson has been a part of multiple lawsuits challenging the legality of Arizonas anti-abortion laws, including the 1864 near-total abortion ban that was briefly revived earlier this year, and a 2021 law that banned abortions performed because of fetal genetic abnormalities. He offered a cautious view of the future of abortion care in Arizona, saying that the focus is now on what happens in the courts. The legal advice Im getting is that well file a viable lawsuit and hope that we get a very quick resolution to it, he said. Among the laws Isaacson said he would like to see invalidated in the wake of Proposition 139s success are the fetal genetic abnormality ban, a mandatory 24-hour waiting period, and an informed consent law that requires providers to speak with patients about alternatives to abortion, including adoption as well as the fathers financial responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayes said her office expects a lawsuit challenging the legality of the 15-week law to be filed as soon as Monday, and said the state of Arizona would side with those seeking to restore access. But the work to untangle and void the rest of Arizonas anti-abortion laws will likely stretch into the next few years, she said. And, she added, her office also plans to fend off attacks to reproductive rights from the federal government. Allies of President-elect Donald Trump have signaled an interest in mobilizing a series of dormant federal laws from 1873 to eradicate abortion care across the country, although Trump has said decisions on abortion should be left up to the states. The Comstock Act prohibits the mailing of abortifacients and could be used to block the transport of abortion pills. In Arizona, more than half of all abortions are medication abortions. Trump has also said he would be open to revoking the FDA approval of mifepristone, the abortion pill used in the vast majority of medication abortions. Mayes, who campaigned on a promise to protect abortion access and who has previously mobilized her office to join lawsuits in support of mifepristone, said that she would oppose efforts from the incoming administration to infringe on the will of Arizona voters. My office and the state of Arizona will fight that tooth and nail, she said. We will not allow that to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, the decision of Arizona voters to protect abortion care remains intact. And that voter-protected shield was cause for celebration from state leaders and local providers. Arizonans said in this election that they have had enough of these out-of-touch politicians trying to force their beliefs on us and make medical decisions for us. With the power of our votes we made our voices heard, Hobbs said. In the aftermath of the rescinded federal protections, reproductive rights advocates warned that hostile states could see their number of medical providers shrink. And studies appeared to bear that out: A review of residency applications across the country by the Association of American Medical Colleges found that anti-abortion states received far fewer applications from future OB-GYNs and emergency physicians. In Arizona, the number of OB-GYN applications plummeted by 26.4% in the 2023-2024 application year the worst rate in five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Misha Pangasa, an OB-GYN based in Mesa, said that the early support for Proposition 139 helped convince her to return to the state she grew up in after hesitating when Roe v. Wade was toppled by the U.S. Supreme Court more than two years ago. I really didnt know if I could practice medicine in a place where politics ruled over medicine in such a huge way, she said. I didnt know if this was the place where I could have the confidence to build my own family. For Morgan Finkelstein, who was forced to travel out of state to receive abortion care, Proposition 139 is a critical protection for Arizona women across the state and in the future who may suffer complicated pregnancies. In 2020, even when the procedure was still a federal right, Finkelstein experienced firsthand the limited access to abortion care in Arizona when the only in-state provider who could help her when one of her twins was discovered to have a fatal heart defect couldnt fit her into their schedule. In the end, Finkelstein was able to obtain a multifetal pregnancy reduction in California, but not until after spending stressful days waiting for an appointment and spending thousands of dollars to receive necessary medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My pregnancy and birth was traumatic enough without having to leave Arizona for critical health care that was even technically legal at the time, she said. Our overall sense of safety and basic human dignity was compromised by the state we love and call home. And yet it could have been so much worse. The passage of Prop 139 means that countless expectant mothers in a situation like mine wont have to experience my nightmare or worse. Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Halifax County Sheriffs Office has made an arrest in the death of Emma Compton Layne. She was killed in June 2017. November 27, Sheriff Fred Clark announced that her husband, Russell Wayne Layne, was arrested and charged with murder. The 67-year-old Nathalie resident is being held without bond at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail. Danville man arrested in connection to 2016 disappearance of Soledad Najera Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case has been a top priority for the Halifax County Sheriffs Office since day one and we remain committed to seeking justice for Emma and her family, the Sheriff said on Facebook. This tragic event has deeply affected our community, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of Emma Layne. We hope that this arrest will bring some measure of closure to Emma Laynes family and loved ones. Sheriff Clark, who was in office when Layne was killed, also thanked the Virginia State Police, the Halifax County Commonwealths Attorney, and the community for their help in the case. This case remains active and authorities encourage anyone with additional information to come forward or to contact Sergeant Jeff Burton of the HCSO Investigative Division at 434-476-3339. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. (Bloomberg) -- Emerging Asian bonds are turning more expensive, making them less attractive than their global peers if Donald Trumps tariff policies turn out to be milder than feared. Most Read from Bloomberg The yield spreads of South Korea, the Philippines, India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia are all trading one standard deviation below their average of the last 12 months, according to Bloomberg-compiled data. That shows higher valuation than other EM markets such as Colombia and Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more favorable trade outcome and easing Treasury yields would be positive for EM currencies, fostering a more conducive environment for cheaper bonds to attract foreign inflows and drive local yields lower. EM local yield spreads versus the US are already quite tight across many markets, Goldman Sachs strategists including Kamakshya Trivedi and Danny Suwanapruti wrote in a note last week. By contrast, valuation buffers are higher across LatAm. In the event of a more benign trade policy and market outcomes next year, we would expect the LatAm local rate complex to drive outperformance for the asset class. South Koreas 10-year yield is trading about 140 basis points below 10-year Treasuries, which is 2.5 standard deviations below the average spread of the last 12 months. The Bank of Korea surprised markets with a 25 basis point-rate cut on Thursday, against expectations for a hold. In comparison, Mexicos yields are 0.4 standard deviation above the one-year average gap, indicating a higher valuation. The same spread for Colombias bonds is also close to the one-year mean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A significant amount of trade-related fears has been priced in, and flows to EM assets could rebound if some of the risks dont ultimately materialize, the Goldman Sachs strategists wrote. Trump has previously campaigned on US tariffs as high as 60% on imports from China, and up to 20% on goods from other economies. But his recent nomination of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary was interpreted as a pick that hints at a more measured approach toward tariffs. The markets reading shifted again after Trumps posts earlier this week, which vowed additional 10% tariffs on goods from China and 25% tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada. I would take his threats of tariffs seriously, though also mindful that his starting position is likely negotiable, said Alvin Tan, Singapore-based head of Asia FX strategy at RBC Capital Markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates Bank of Korea rate decision in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. MPs will vote today on one of the most significant and morally complex pieces of legislation to come before Parliament in years. Kim Leadbeaters Private Members Bill would, if passed, see the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales. The desire to alleviate the suffering of loved ones is a basic and fundamental element of compassion, and many have spoken movingly of their personal experiences. Other proponents of the Bill have advanced principled arguments for people to exercise their own individual freedom, and be allowed to avoid the kind of suffering that can be the case even with good palliative care. Indeed, Dame Esther Rantzen, who has campaigned tirelessly and bravely for a change in the law in the face of her own illness, writes in these pages today about her desire to be able to leave this life on her terms. These arguments carry weight, and are motivated by the best of intentions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet while the arguments for assisted dying are compelling, those against are no less so. Foremost among these objections is a simple and striking observation: when the taboo of assisted dying has been broken, the inexorable trend has been towards greater liberalisation. The Netherlands became the first country to legalise euthanasia 20 years ago, limiting access to adults in unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement. The result has been the medically induced deaths of adults with anorexia and depression, and last year the government announced its intention to change the law to permit euthanasia for children from the age of one. In Canada, laws which were intended only for the terminally ill have slowly expanded to encompass those with chronic health conditions, and efforts are under way to extend eligibility to the mentally ill. Patients have chosen to die because suitable housing was unavailable or because they were living in poverty. Others have been offered assisted dying to deal with hearing loss or in lieu of the installation of a stairlift in their home. As Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has argued, the risk that our human rights laws would see a similar expansion in eligibility cannot be dismissed lightly. Even when safeguards elsewhere have stood firm on paper, they have not always done so in practice; Ontarios chief coroner has recorded 428 cases of doctors breaching guidelines in his province, and a pattern of non-compliance among medical practitioners. While Britain is not Canada or Holland, it is also not immune to the institutional incentives and political pressures that led to the expansion of assisted dying in these countries, or to the failure of individuals and organisations to abide by the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Mr Streeting has stated, there is the potential for a chilling slippery slope if people opt for assisted dying because they think theyre saving someone somewhere money, whether thats relatives or the NHS. As resource pressures on the health service mount, it is not hard to imagine a scenario in which patients believe they are doing the moral thing in opting to die rather than to continue to receive treatment. This view is shared by the Bishop of London, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, and the Chief Rabbi, who have expressed concerns that a right to die could end with people feeling a duty to die. Others have highlighted the risk that the law is abused. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has stated that the greatest risk with the Bill is the pressure the elderly, vulnerable, sick or disabled may place upon themselves, while Suella Braverman and Sadiq Khan have expressed concerns that some could find themselves coerced into opting for assisted dying despite attempts in the Bill to prevent this. Ms Leadbeater has correctly pointed out that many may not wish to be a burden on their loved ones, and that this could be a legitimate reason for a person to desire assisted dying. However, whether or not a dying person is a burden is not a decision that is theirs alone to make; as Gordon Brown has noted, the final days he and his wife spent with his newborn daughter were among the most precious of their lives. There will be many others who feel similarly about their final days and weeks with an ill loved one. There are issues, too, with the practicalities of the Bill. Mr Streeting has stated that resources spent on assisted dying would be taken from other areas of the NHS, while Dame Caroline Swift, the retired High Court judge, has argued that it would place real pressure on an already creaking court system. MPs, for their part, are concerned that insufficient parliamentary time will be available to scrutinise the Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legalisation of assisted dying would be a sea change for Britain. It would mark a fundamental shift in the relationship between doctor and patient, state and citizen, which must be navigated with the utmost care. Despite its admirable intentions, this Bill does not appear sufficient to address the objections raised against it, and it is the view of this paper that MPs should vote against it. As Gordon Brown has argued, all in this debate share a common concern and genuine compassion. It would be to the benefit of all if this were channelled into offering better palliative care, ending the postcode lottery in favour of a unified and well-funded system able to offer the dying the dignified and compassionate treatment that they deserve, no matter where they are. 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. Under the current criminal law, the state dictates the way I die. The state does not allow me, as a terminally ill patient, to have any choice. The law compels me to endure whatever suffering and distress my cancer imposes upon me as it kills me, and my doctors are forbidden from assisting me to shorten my death. What the new Bill offers, and what every survey shows the majority of the public wants, is that terminally ill patients in the last six months of life will have the choice of requesting assistance to die a good, pain-free death, surrounded by those they love. Doctors used to regard shortening an agonising death to be part of their responsibility to their patients. However, the terrible case of serial killer Doctor Shipman changed that. Regulations governing doctors were tightened. Obviously, the aim was to prevent a horrific case like Shipmans ever happening again. But one unintended consequence was that doctors can no longer ease dying patients out of life when their pain or distress becomes unbearable, for fear of breaking the law on assisted dying. Dr Hilary Jones has movingly described the agony he and his mother suffered while she slowly and painfully died, refusing to allow him to help her because she knew that would put him in professional danger. And I have received heart-rending descriptions of loving family members having to listen to screams of pain lasting for days on end, or discovering that someone they loved had jumped to his death, because the choice of a good pain-free death was not open to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us consider some of the concerns about this new Bill. Is this legislation too rushed? Is twenty-five years too fast? Thats the length of time we have been discussing this issue in Parliament. The last debate was in Westminster Hall just before the election. Do we need a Commission of Enquiry to look into all the issues first, before the debate? The Health Select Committee has recently done exactly that, it looked at all the evidence here and in countries abroad that have reformed their own assisted dying laws. It produced a neutral and objective report which is available on-line. Does evidence from abroad show there is a slippery slope? No. It shows there are differing criteria in different countries, our Bill being a tighter version of the law in Oregon which has remained safely in place for over twenty years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the legalisation of assisted dying damage palliative care? Not at all, in some countries palliative care is strengthened when it is introduced. Should the possible impact of a new Bill have been assessed before the debate? That is the policy for Bills introduced by the government. But for Private Members Bills like this, the impact is assessed during the committee stage when changes are sometimes made. This is a long and rigorous process, and the current government has already said they will provide an assessment of the impact then. Is it significant that Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health, has been vocal in his opposition? It may make a difference to some undecided MPs. But there are other Ministers who support it, Stephen Kinnock the Minister of State for Health for instance, who has taken responsibility for the Bill if it becomes law. Will the new Bill mean that disabled people will be vulnerable to coercion? It is tragic that some disabled campaigners think it might apply to them, it shows how they feel undervalued and stigmatised. In fact they wont qualify under the new Bill. It only applies to terminally ill people in the last six months of life. And two independent doctors and a judge will assess whether it is indeed their own, personal choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current law is a cruel mess. If you doubt the depth of suffering it imposes, read the deeply moving diary of the former nurse Elaine Hudson, suffering from the last stages of MND, who died in agony by starving herself, and told her story to show how desperately the law needs to be changed. As Kim Leadbeater has said, terminally ill patients for whom palliative care cannot ease their pain or distress, (faecal vomiting, or slow death by suffocation are other examples Ive been told about), currently only have three choices. Suffering, suicide or Switzerland. I am lucky, I can afford to fly to Switzerland where Dignitas can offer me a pain-free death with dignity but is it right that only those with enough money have this choice? And that I will have to go alone, to avoid my loved ones being investigated by the police for assisting my death? Whose life is it? Whose death is it? Not the states. Not the doctors. Its mine. Its yours. So shouldnt the law, at long, long last, give each one of us the choice, the real hope of a good death. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) There were no cancelations on the board at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Wednesday morning. The busiest days for air travel were last Friday and Saturday, according to Kim Hunt, the vice president of communications for the Birmingham Airport Authority. But the airports parking deck was full when CBS 42 stopped by, and those planning to fly out are advised to give themselves plenty of time. Theres still room in the economy lot. For those who chose to road trip this Thanksgiving, the weather also cooperated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Memphis, we left about 6:45, Patsy Hall said. So it was nice travel. Hall is heading to Atlanta to visit her new great-grandson Ayden Rashad, who is 14 days old. One things for sure: Her family will not go hungry this Thanksgiving. I came prepared, honey. We came to eat and play with the great-grandbaby, Hall explained showing off her sweet potato pies. Hall also packed homemade cornbread dressing, turkey, ham and pork shoulder. After seeing how much food she had packed, its easy to understand why shes driving instead of flying . When asked if she had any advice for fellow travelers, she replied, Dont be in a rush and be thankful in your travels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search continues for hiker who went missing in Alabama back in October Other drivers we met up with at Buc-ees in Leeds late Wednesday morning noted the roads were OK. Theyre not as bad as I thought they would be, Kirbi Thomas said. It was congested as normal through Atlanta, Treassi Montez said. But we got through pretty quickly though, like maybe 30 minutes. Its not terrible, Nicholas Dinehart said. Its pretty good, other than the fog. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. The Obukhiv District Court jailed two defendants for attacking Ukrainska Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach while on duty at the Tandyr restaurant in Kozyn. They were sentenced to three years of suspended sentence with probation, as well as the option to appeal the conviction. Source: press service of the Obukhiv District Court Details: According to reports, the court determined that on 17 November 2023, journalist Mykhailo Tkach of Ukrainska Pravda entered the premises of the Tandyr restaurant to record video as part of an editorial investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 23:29, visitors began to leave the restaurant, after which Tkach got out of the car and was in an open area the restaurant's car park, that is, in the public area, and began openly recording video on a digital video camera according to the editorial assignment, guided by the provisions of Art. 5, 7, 24, 25 of the Law of Ukraine On Information. At the time, the two accused (Khomiak and Oliinyk, according to Ukrainska Pravda), blocked the passage, closed the video camera, and carried out other actions that prevented Tkach from filming the people who left the restaurant, and did not allow him to move closer to the exit, "thus impeding the journalist from carrying out his professional duties." Quote: "The court found both accused guilty of a crime under Article 28.1 and Article 171.2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, namely, willful preclusion of legal professional activities of journalists committed by a group of people without prior conspiracy. The court considered the lack of prior conviction of the accused, the absence of mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and the opinions of the parties to the criminal proceedings before sentencing them to three years of restriction of freedom with a two-year probation period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling has not taken effect and can be appealed in court." Background: Late in the evening of 17 November, Ukrainska Pravdas Mykhailo Tkach was attacked while filming outside the Tandyr restaurant in Kozyn, Kyiv Oblast. Following Ukrainska Pravdas reporting of the attack on journalist Mykhailo Tkach, the Kyiv Oblast Police have opened a criminal investigation into the obstruction of journalists legitimate professional activities. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has launched its 11th large-scale attack this year on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure, the Ministry of Energy reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday. "Energy workers are working on providing backup power schemes where possible. Restoration efforts have already begun where the security situation allows," the ministry stated. An assessment of the damage is currently underway. An attempted murder suspect who escaped to Georgia is being extradited back to South Carolina. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Emmauel Onious Williams was wanted in connection to a shooting that happened Wednesday evening in Seneca, SC. Senaco police said around 6 p.m., possible shots were fired at the Greenfield apartment complex. When they arrived, they found three people with gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those three victims were airlifted to Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital. Their ages and identities were not released. TRENDING STORIES: During the investigations, Williams was identified as the suspect. He was found in Gwinnett County just two hours after the shooting, according to police. Williams is currently being held in the Gwinnett County Jail on charges. Hes also on hold for Seneca Police Department for three counts of attempted murder. Anyone with information about the case can call the SPD at 864-885-2718. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) An Attleboro elementary school teacher accused of slapping two students has been placed on administrative leave. Attleboro Superintendent David Sawyer said the district was informed of the troubling incident by administrators at Thatcher Elementary School Tuesday afternoon. This is disheartening news, as the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, Sawyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrators contacted the district after learning of the physical altercation, which involved an educator and two students. That teacher has not been identified and its unclear what led up to the physical altercation. Sawyer said the district immediately launched an internal investigation. The district also notified the Attleboro Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. We take situations like this very seriously and are committed to collaborating with Attleboro Police as they conduct a thorough investigation, Sawyer said. 12 News reached out to the Attleboro Police Department regarding the accusations but have not heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A lawsuit filed Wednesday by the office of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey seeks to block St. Louis County Executive Sam Page from naming a prosecutor to replace St. Louis County Prosecutor Welsey Bell. Bell is headed to Congress, which leaves his seat in the county open. Earlier this month, we reported on the likelihood the debate would be headed to court. The lawsuit asks for the court to enter a judgment declaring that the Missouri governor has the power to fill a vacancy in the office of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri Constitution states the governor shall fill all vacancies in public offices, unless otherwise provided by law. The St. Louis County charter does have a law in place directing the authority to the St. Louis County Executive along with approval from the St. Louis County Council. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The lawsuit argues the county charter does not override the governors authority. Gov. Mike Parson did not intervene when the St. Charles County Executive, a Republican, appointed a prosecutor. St. Louis County and St. Charles County are both considered charter counties, giving them more local authority than other counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked earlier this month about why the governor did not intervene when St. Charles County named a new prosecutor but is intervening now to block St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat, Parson said, I can get involved whenever I want to get involved because thats what the statute says. The residents of St. Louis County should be treated like residents of every other charter county. Dr. Page is confident in our position and that our position will be affirmed by the courts, Doug Moore, communications director for Page, said. Parson added that hes picked over half of the judiciary in the State of Missouri without being accused of being political. All I want is the right person to be in St. Louis County to do a good job being prosecutor, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Augusta is picking up the pre-holiday trash, but residents not happy about the proposal that would send trash fees up. Its easy to put it on the backs of the rate user because they dont have the chamber of commerce to fight for them, said former commissioner and activist Moses Todd. But Augustas Engineering Department Director is in a fight, after proposing a $120 a year fee increase for next year in the new garbage contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing raising big red flags is that the fee would not just cover the costs of trash pickup, but would also provide millions of dollars in funding for other city services. We shouldnt be putting the burden on the taxpayers for the additional costs of demoing houses, vacant lot cleaning, street sweeping. We need to look at other funding sources for that, said Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle. We shouldnt be paying for street sweeping or demolition. They need to find a funding source, said Todd. Commissioners also asking for a new fee in the proposed contract, one option would increase it by $48 instead of $120. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Definitely the lower scale is going to be the best because we want to look out for all of our constituents, said Commissioner Stacy Pulliam. Commissioners are facing an end of the year deadline to get the contract approved. Theyll try again next week but they havent been able, so far, to close the lid on the new garbage contract. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. (Bloomberg) -- Australias social media ban for children under the age of 16 will become law after passing the Senate, the upper house of Parliament, even as questions linger over how the new restrictions will be implemented. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses Labor government joined with the center-right Liberal-National Opposition on Thursday to pass the legislation, brushing aside concerns from lawmakers on both sides of parliament over the speed at which the bills had been enacted. The restrictions are expected to be among the strictest in the world. Subscribe to The Bloomberg Australia Podcast on Apple, Spotify, on YouTube, or wherever you listen. Under the new laws, which are scheduled to come into effect in about one year, children in Australia under the age of 16 will be banned from setting up accounts on popular social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Multiple opinion polls have shown the vast majority of Australian voters are supportive of the new laws in principle, with a YouGov survey released on Tuesday finding 77% were in favor of the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech companies themselves will be responsible for enforcing the ban, with the threat of fines of up to A$50 million ($32.4 million) if they fail to take action. The legislation does not specify how the sites will verify the age of users. Global tech giants have already voiced their strong opposition to the legislation during a short inquiry by the Australian Senate, saying they considered the new laws to be rushed and unworkable. In a statement to the committee, Meta said the social media ban overlooks the practical reality of age assurance technology. In a statement sent Thursday, after the measure passed, a Meta spokesperson said the company is concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people. However, the strongest rebuttal came from X and its owner Elon Musk, who said in a post on his social media site last week that the laws seemed like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for X, TikTok and Googles YouTube did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. A Snap Inc. spokesperson declined to comment. How US Lawsuits Seek to Make Social Media Safer for Kids: QuickTake --With assistance from Mark Bergen, Olivia Solon and Daniel Zuidijk. (Updates with comment from Meta in 7th paragraph; responses from other companies in 9th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Authorities have captured the inmate who escaped from a New Hampshire hospital Wednesday morning. John Pownall escaped from Exeter Hospital around 10:40 a.m. Wednesday morning despite the 57-year-olds court order to remain at the facility until medically able to return to the Rockingham County Jail, according to the Rockingham County Sheriffs office. Authorities say 36-year-old Ashley Gustafson helped Pownall escape from the hospital and field in a white KIA sedan with a New Hampshire license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Pownall removed his ankle monitoring device in a CVS parking lot in Stratham, New Hampshire. The Rockingham County Sheriffs Office confirmed to Boston 25 that both Pownall and Gustafson were located by Dover, NH police. Additional details on their capture were not available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW UPDATE, 12:47 P.M., 11/28/2024 According to Grovetown Police Department, as of 7:10 A.M., Vincia Viola Evans has been located safe and well. GROVETOWN, Ga. (WJBF) Authorities need the publics help in finding a missing woman. According to the city of Grovetown, Vincia Viola Evans, 57, was last seen leaving the 900 block of Calumet Drive in Grovetown on Monday November 25th at around 7 P.M. Vincia Evans is described to be a Black female who is 54, weighs 140 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say she was last seen wearing a light gray scarf with a flower pattern and was last seen driving a red in color 2020 Ford Explorer with Georgia Disabled Veterans Tag of XSE735. According to authorities, Vincia Evans suffers from Psychosis and has not taken medication since August of 2024. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees released the name of the 17-year-old girl shot and killed Sunday at a home on Sheridan Street in Johnstown's Oakhurst section. Syriana Raneri, of Johnstown, a senior at Greater Johnstown High School, died from a single gunshot wound to the upper chest, Lees said. A press conference was held Wednesday at the Public Safety Building on Washington Street in downtown Johnstown. Kaden Woodring, 17, admitted to firing a rifle at the teen inside a basement. He is in the Cambria County Prison charged with homicide. Check back for more information on this developing story. Authorities have claimed a large-scale drone attack on two districts in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. Source: Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev; Astra Telegram channel Details: Russian social media channels reported explosions in Krasnodar Krai on the night of 27-28 November. Later, Kondratyev stated that two districts in Krasnodar Krai had allegedly been subjected to a large-scale drone attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said drones attacked Slavyansk-on-Kuban and Chigrina homestead in the Krasnoarmeysky district. Kondratyev added that "all operational and emergency services are working at the scene". Previously: Explosions rocked the city of Krymsk in Russia's Krasnodar Krai on the night of 14-15 November, with Russian Telegram channels reporting an attack on a military airfield. Support UP or become our patron! Photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=990318713139999&set=a.487307143441161 The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) warns about the appearance of a new fake on social networks about monetary compensation from the URCS and humanitarian aid. "Fake information is being spread on the Internet that the Ukrainian Red Cross Society allegedly issues humanitarian aid in the form of hygiene products weighing more than 80 kg for the whole family and compensation in the amount of UAH 5,000 for the purchase of medicines/clothes for families with children and pensioners. In the news, the scammers ask to submit an application through a link leading to one of the Telegram channels. This is fake information," the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society reminds that it reports on all types of humanitarian aid through official channels, including the website redcross.org.ua. "Be careful, check the information on the official sources of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and do not pass on personal data to scammers," the URCS noted. If you find such information, you must send a link to the fake source and a letter to [email protected] or call the integrity line at 0 800 357 100. Above: Video of orca pod sighting in San Diego in January 2024. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The pod of orca whales that made headlines for their rare, prolonged tenure in Southern California earlier this year has made a splashing return to the regions coastal waters. On Saturday, San Diego whale watching tour, Gone Whale Watching, encountered the creatures as they hunted for dolphins one of the species main food sources. Once they finished, the whales swam up to the groups boats, breaching the water and showing off their feast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of the encounter was posted to the tour companys Instagram. Dominic Biagini, who owns Gone Whale Watching, said the thrilling interaction came after one of their tour boat captains had noticed something called a dolphin stampede, where a group of dolphins all begin to bolt at high rates of speed to chase food or run away from a predator. Injured pelican rescued from frozen Tahoe pond As we drove our boat towards all that activity, we saw the unmistakable shape of a killer whale, he recalled. We knew immediately that we were in for something pretty special. Based on the whales markings and dorsal fins, which Biagini likens to human fingerprints in their distinctive individuality, his team knew it was the same pod of eastern tropical Pacific orcas that had traveled up and down the coast last winter, leading to a remarkable surge in sightings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Up until about a decade ago, this pod, who is native to the warm waters of Central America, seldom roamed as far north as San Diego and Orange counties. If they were spotted, it would have been years before they were seen again. This changed around 2017, when sightings in Southern California started to become more frequent. As Biagini explained, scientists believe the whales home range or stretch of water they normally swim through shifted slightly north during this time from warming oceans and success hunting dolphins in the area. When youre talking about animals like killer whales that can cover 100 miles in a day no problem, even a subtle shift of 100 miles or so can really make a difference as far as how often we get eyeballs on them, he said. While it still remains a rare occurrence, the Gone Whale Watching owner added it is the second time their tours have spotted the pod since the spring a possible sign this might not be the last encounter for season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres been a real shift where a lot of times, one sighting is often a harbinger of more to come, Biagini said. A great example of this really is the last year: We saw these guys a couple different times before the big kind of winter event. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Its like right when you walk into Disney World with a five-year-old and the kids face like lights up, said Gone Whale Watching Captain Erica Sackrison. Youre like beside yourself because youre just like Wow, I used to watch this stuff on TV and now its happening right in front of me. Sackrison, who caught the most recent encounter with the pod on video, said she could see every guest on their tour light up with excitement as the orcas swam up to them and began to play around their boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person almost looked like they were about to have a heart attack because she wasnt expecting the killer whale to be so close, she said. Its really cool to see adults get giddy over something that you know is so special, and its so rare. Mountain lion rescued from tree outside California home Biagini encourages those hoping to catch a glimpse of the whales themselves to sign up for a whale watching tour. While it is never guaranteed, when encounters do occur, professional operators are able to gauge the whales behavior to make sure they remain comfortable, making the experience for both the animals and spectators the best it could be. For those with their own boats, he urges people to lower their speed and stay at a distance if they spot creatures like whales or dolphins let them come to you if they want. When traveling alongside them, it is best to avoid cutting the animals off, stay behind and parallel to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approach is everything, he said. We dont own these animals these animals are for everyone to enjoy, as long as its done right. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Sgt. Nathan Karch told News 2 the 3-year-old bald eagle that was found shot in rural Sumner County earlier this month is recovering from a detached retina and pellets lodged in its wings and body. Karch said a man was logging in a rural part of Hendersonville, near the White House line, when he saw a bird walking through the forest floor and acting strangely, so he gave the TWRA a call. According to the agency, Karch and Officer Jason Shapton responded to the report on Nov. 14, but its unclear how long the injured eagle was in the area. Usually when we get those calls, its never actually an eagle, and he took a picture of it and sent it to us, and we confirmed right then and there it was, in fact, a juvenile bald eagle, Karch explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: TWRA rescues bald eagle injured by gunfire Karch told News 2 the young eagle will likely not be able to fly again. But itll be able to live out the rest of its life in a sanctuary and hopefully have a decent life, Karch said. Congress selected the bald eagle as the countrys national symbol in 1782. Bald eagles are protected by federal law, which means shooting one is a felony offense that could result in a fine of up to $250,000 and two years in federal prison, according to officials. When asked whether he believes the shooting was accidental or intentional, Karch said, I dont know how it could possibly be an accident. The first rule of any type of hunter [education] is know what your target is and whats beyond it, and identify your target before youre wanting to make that shot. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Karch told News 2 he thinks the eagle will recover well at the animal sanctuary, based on how quickly he saw the bird running during their short foot pursuit in the forest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was more like a dead sprint, he added. That thing was moving! The TWRA is still trying to determine who is responsible for the shooting. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The French government is prepared to make concessions to get its budget though parliament and avoid a market storm, the countrys finance minister said on Thursday, in a stand-off that risks bringing down Michel Barnier, the French prime minister. The offer of concessions comes amid growing calls for Emmanuel Macron, the French president, to resign if the Mr Barnier administration falls and as French borrowing costs have soared as investors take fright at political chaos and mounting debts. Whatever differences in values we have, we are today facing an extremely serious situation for the country... we are obviously ready to make concessions to avoid this storm, Antoine Armand, the finance minister, told the television station BFMTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, French sovereign bonds and stocks fell amid a growing dispute over a draft budget containing 60 billion (49.9 billion) of cuts and tax rises. Among the mooted concessions was an increase on the tax on electricity, deemed as unacceptable by Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN), which has warned it is ready to team up in an unholy alliance with the Left-wing bloc in parliament and find enough numbers to topple the government. And on Thursday, RN cried victory after the government acceded to its demand to cut 3 billion in electricity hikes. Hailing the move Jordan Bardella, RN party leader, said: Thanks to our determined action, energy prices will not rise for the French in 2025, if this promise is respected and if it is not financed by other tax increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he said other red lines remain, suggesting the party is demanding more concessions or could topple the government. Jordan Bardella, leader of Marine Le Pens National Rally, has warned that the government could fall - AP/Thomas Padilla Mr Armand told the opposition that just because we have nothing in common does not mean that we plunge the country into budgetary and financial uncertainty. Mr Barnier is running a minority government following Mr Macrons unsuccessful bid to boost his authority with a snap election earlier this year, meaning the administration is highly vulnerable to a rebellion. It is widely expected that Mr Barnier could bypass a parliamentary vote to drive the budget bill through the National Assembly as soon as Monday, which would push the legislation through but also allow the opposition to call a vote of no confidence within days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an Elabe poll for BFMTV, 63 per cent of French people believe Mr Macron should resign if the government is toppled, with 53 per cent holding him responsible for the current political situation. The French constitution forbids the president from calling fresh legislative elections until the summer to resolve the crisis. Sixty-three per cent of French people want Emmanuel Macron to resign if Mr Barniers government falls - AP/Ludovic Marin That has prompted a rising number of opposition voices to evoking the possibility that Mr Macron, whose term ends in 2027, should resign to break the deadlock, an option he has previously categorically ruled out. The problem is the political chaos unleashed by the president, said Charles de Courson, an MP for the centrist Liot faction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whoever is next prime minister will not have a majority. The only solution would be for the president to resign, he said. Jean-Francois Cope, a conservative ex-minister from Mr Barniers Republicans party, agreed. We are all victims of this dissolution which resembles nothing and for which we pay the price every day, he said, adding that the only solution to resolve the problem [is] a new presidential election. Only Emmanuel Macron hasnt realised but at some point his friends or those who like him will have to tell him that he cant last until 2027. But Francois Hollande, the Socialist French ex-president and now an MP, disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holding a presidential election given the current state the world, the situation of the country with the markets watching us? Do you think thats the right solution? No, I dont think so, he said. Mr Hollande also argued that such a move would be bad for the centre-Left and play into the hands of the hard-Left figurehead Jean-Luc Melenchon. Mr Melenchons France Unbowed party (LFI) was obsessed with bringing down not the Barnier government, but Emmanuel Macron and having a presidential election to present Jean-Luc Melenchon as the candidate. Look, Im sorry, Im dont take that view, Mr Hollande said. But he said he backed a no-confidence vote. Frances financial situation was serious, he admitted, but the budget presented by Michel Barniers government does very little to correct this drift. 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. NEW YORK MILLS, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A bat has tested positive for rabies in the village of New York Mills on Wednesday. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Healths Wadsworth Center in Albany on Tuesday, and returned with positive results the next day. The Department of Health has said one person has been exposed to the bat and has received post-exposure measures. The Health Department warned residents to keep watch of the signs of rabies, which include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The animal acting strangely, mad, or shy, The animal getting unusually close The animal foaming or drooling from the mouth. The department warned residents to stay away from any wild or stray animals. If, despite your best efforts, you are bitten or come into contact with saliva, seek medical attention and contact the Oneida County Health Department to determine the next steps. The Health Department also warned people that it is New York State law that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be infected must be euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owners expense. All dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months old, one year following the initial dose, and then every three years following. Ferrets must receive their initial dose by four months old, then booster shots every year following. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no rabies clinics currently scheduled in the area, but the Health Department says vaccination clinics will be offered next year. For more information on rabies prevention, you are encouraged to visit the countys website at ocgov.net/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about possible exposure, you are asked to contact the Oneida County Health Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 315-798-5064. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) The Baton Rouge studio of an American photographer who is remembered for documenting early Cajun and rural life, portraits of Louisiana public figures and LSU is on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the registration form, the Fonville Winans Studio on North Seventh Street was nominated because of its association with Louisiana photographer Theodore Fonville Winans. Winans is widely known for his work photographing the Cajun lifestyle. Collections sold on the Fonville Winans Photography website include Mardi Gras, historic plantations and churches, coastal Louisiana life, activities at LSU and more depicting life in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Mexico, Missouri, in 1911, Winans interest in photography started when he was a senior in high school. According to documents, he spent his $30 savings on a watch before seeing a Kodak 3A camera and deciding to return the watch for the camera. One of his photos won a $15 prize shortly after the purchase. Documents said Winans moved to Louisiana with his father in 1929 for bridge-building work in Morgan City. After getting his fathers permission, he left the job to explore Louisianas swamps and bayou in an old motorless boat called the Pintail, according to the nomination form. One hundred black-and-white photos of Cajun way of life during the Depression were taken. In 1934, he left his adventure to study journalism at LSU before working for the state as a photographer taking studio portraits of politicians. In 1940, he started his own business as a commercial photographer. Downtown Baton Rouge building part of Louisiana civil rights movement history Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until 1957, when his son found the stored away historic early 20th-century photographs, that Winans started making prints from his old negatives, according to documents. Apparently the reason the images were overlooked lies within Winans attitude toward his craft he believed the work should speak for itself. As a result, he never advertised for jobs and never promoted his early materials, the registration form said. His work from the Depression era and early political photographs werent recognized widely until the 1980s. Documents said appreciation grew based on the technical skill needed for black and white photography and his work was chosen by professional curators for exhibitions worldwide at the end of the decade. Winans died in 1992. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The studio where he worked and stored his Depression-era negatives is the building most legitimately associated with Winans since other places, like his Grand Isle darkroom site, Baton Rouge home and boat, no longer exist or are recognizable, according to the nomination form. Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. (NEXSTAR) Depending on what airport your friends or relatives are flying out of, you may want to show a little extra compassion this Thanksgiving. A new study by travel site Kayak ranked the nations top 50 airports those with the highest search volumes by the percentage of flight delays last year on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. While many large, bustling airports landed among the least on-time think New Yorks JFK, or Chicagos ORD the data showed that the size of the airport wasnt always a reliable indicator of delays. The worst in the country was relatively tiny FLL in Fort Lauderdale, where 34% of Thanksgiving flights (and 39% on Christmas!) were delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SFO named best airport in North America: magazine SFO was also among the ten worst, with 24% of flights delayed on Thanksgiving, but travelers who flew out of San Jose likely had a far smoother experience. SJC ranked fifth for the most on-time airports with only 12% of flights delayed last Thanksgiving. Rank Airport City Thanksgiving delays Christmas delays 41 BWI Baltimore, Maryland 24% 35% 42 DFW Dallas, Texas 24% 24% 43 SFO San Francisco, California 24% 34% 44 CLT Charlotte, North Carolina 25% 28% 45 MCO Orlando, Florida 26% 29% 46 ORD Chicago, Illinois 26% 30% 47 MIA Miami, Florida 26% 39% 48 DEN Denver, Colorado 28% 24% 49 JFK New York, New York 29% 35% 50 FLL Fort Lauderdale, Florida 34% 39% The study, which used data from Aviation Edge, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Kayaks internal data, found that airports on the West Coast generally appeared to be more on time than the East Coast, with Honolulu (HNL); Portland, Oregon (PDX); San Jose (SJC); and Sacramento (SMF) all among the top 10 least-delayed. Rank Airport City Thanksgiving delays Christmas delays 1 HNL Honolulu, Hawaii 11% 17% 2 PDX Portland, Oregon 12% 14% 3 IND Indianapolis, Indiana 12% 17% 4 SAT San Antonio, Texas 12% 14% 5 SJC San Jose, California 12% 12% 6 SMF Sacramento, California 12% 12% 7 CVG Cincinnati, Ohio 13% 14% 8 SLC Salt Lake City, Utah 13% 23% 9 CMH Columbus, Ohio 13% 16% 10 PIT Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 13% 20% See the full ranking on the Kayak website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is already bracing for a Thanksgiving travel rush that is expected to break records. The TSA is preparing to screen roughly 2.9 million people on Wednesday and over 3 million on Sunday. Airlines must pay you back for flight cancellations, major delays. How much will you get under new rule? These will likely be some of the busiest travel days in U.S. history, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Monday. As for dodging flight delays, Kayaks study revealed a clear pattern the earlier the better. On Thanksgiving last year, delays affected just 10% of flights departing at 5 a.m., a number that nearly doubled by 10 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, however, delays are down in recent years. Kayak found that Thanksgiving cancellations in 2023 dropped by a whopping 28% compared with 2022 a trend that will hopefully continue in 2024. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)- A local committee has started a new Thanksgiving tradition while giving back to the community. Bay Young Professionals is a Bay County Chamber of Commerce committee. They, along with volunteers and the Panama City Rescue Mission, put together over 60 meals that consisted of salad, spaghetti, garlic bread, and cookies. Its all part of their community service initiative where the committee gets together to plan events to help those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reached out to the rescue mission and realized that no one had done Thanksgiving last year for Bay County. So this year, us and our steering committee are here giving back by cooking a spaghetti Thanksgiving dinner for the people of the rescue mission, including men, women and children, and doing that on Thanksgiving eve. Said BYP Chairwoman, Taylor Williams. Rescue Mission director says this event gives people in the community an opportunity to share a meal and connect with others. It helps the residents see that that people care. A lot of the people that get in situations in life where, you know, life has gotten them down, they get to a place that is a place of rejection and a place that there really is no hope. And so having people come in that that love in and communicate and relate to people and show that they care really helps them understand that they can become part of the community. Said Rescue Mission Director, Tim Kirsko. Volunteers went the extra mile and packaged to-go meals, handing them out to people in Downtown Panama City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its giving your Thanksgiving eve up for something. Its going to do better for the community. Its us sharing our love for each other and doing that for another person you dont know thats a stranger is an invaluable lesson to learn at any age. The Committees next event will be a Christmas Party on December 10th, you can visit their website for more information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Nov. 27GOSHEN A former employee of Bethany Christian Schools will serve two years in prison for child seduction, a Level 5 felony. Goshen police said they were notified of a child solicitation incident involving the teacher. Detectives investigated, and on April 30, Kyle D. Snyder, 27, of Goshen, was arrested at his home. According to a probable cause affidavit, the parents of a 17-year-old Bethany Christian student learned of "inappropriate contact" between Snyder and their daughter. Snyder was the assistant theater director for the high school and middle school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About a year and a half ago, the statement reads, the girl met Snyder in one of her theater classes while Snyder was the assistant theater director. The affidavit also said that he was the girl's teacher in 2023 when she was 16 years old. He then started tutoring her in math, the parents told police. In August/September, the affidavit reads, the parents started having a bad feeling about Snyder and their daughter's relationship. Due to text messages they found on their daughter's phone, they believe the relationship became physical in October or November of that year, the affidavit reads. They initially made a report to Syracuse police, with the girl saying the sexual contact continued through April 21 and that it occurred mainly at Snyder's house, where he lives with his parents. His parents were in a different room at the time, the statement reads. With consent from the family, Goshen police searched the girl's phone. Beginning from April of 2023, there were 34,000 text messages with many of them being sexually explicit, the affidavit reads. The affidavit also states that the officer conducted an interview with the head of Bethany Christian Schools, who said Snyder was fired in February for inappropriate comments he made to other students during a math tutoring session, outside of the school. These students were 15-18 years old. Snyder pleaded guilty but mentally ill to child seduction, a Level 5 felony and four other counts were dismissed, on Sept. 26. Snyder was sentenced on Oct. 22 to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with four years suspended on reporting probation. Nov. 28 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden expressed his "gratitude to the American people" and called the United states the "greatest country on Earth" during his final Thanksgiving message as president. "This Thanksgiving, as families, friends and loved ones gather in gratitude, may we all celebrate the many blessings of our great nation," Biden said in the holiday proclamation. "May we celebrate all that unites us, because there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together." Biden said the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Wampanoag people to thank them for their kindness and generosity in making a bountiful fall harvest possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Washington's troops "found a moment for Thanksgiving" during a "fierce struggle for our nation's independence," Biden said, and President Abraham Lincoln established the Thanksgiving holiday in 1863 "amid the fight to preserve our Union during the Civil War." "America is a nation of promise and possibilities ... because every day, ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things," Biden said. President Joe Biden pardons Minnesota turkeys Peach and Blossom to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI "Our service members and veterans have given all, risked all and dared all to keep our nation free," he continued. "Our first responders, firefighters and police officers risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe." Biden said he can "see the best of America in them and in our workers and union leaders, public servants and teachers, doctors and scientists, and all who give their heart and soul to ensuring people are treated with dignity and respect." Micheal Curtain, Jr., center, the CEO of DC Central Kitchen, talks to Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff as they prepare food while volunteering on Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI Biden is spending his final Thanksgiving as president at his family's Nantucket, Mass., holiday celebration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there Biden and his family are staying at the home of billionaire David Rubenstein, where the Biden family has celebrated its last three Thanksgiving holidays. Biden also visited a Nantucket firehouse and its firefighters with first lady Jill Biden and a young girl who appears to be one of their granddaughters. It's the fourth straight year Biden has visited a firehouse on Thanksgiving. While the Biden family is celebrating Thanksgiving in Nantucket, President-elect Donald Trump is at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., and expressed thanks that voters are giving him another term as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Happy Thanksgiving to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics [sic] who have worked hard to destroy our country, but who have failed miserably," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "Their ideas and policies are so hopelessly bad that the great people of our nation gave a landslide victory to those who want to make America great again!" Trump added. He concluded the holiday post by saying the nation will be "greater than ever before" by next Thanksgiving. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff volunteered to serve Thanksgiving meals at the DC Central Kitchen in Washington, D.C. President Biden issued his final Thanksgiving Day message as president Thursday, sharing his gratitude for his supporters. With hearts full of gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving, America, Biden wrote on the social platform X, alongside a video. Jill and I are so grateful for the trust youve placed in us these past four years serving you has been the honor of our lives. The video showed a montage of the presidents Monday visit with members of the Coast Guard. Text on the video echoes the above sentiment, while acknowledging those who will have an empty seat at their table this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know were blessed to live in the United States of America. Were literally the greatest country on Earth, the message continues. No matter what, we never give up. We keep going. We keep the faith in America. His words come just days after his last holiday season began at the White Houses annual turkey pardoning ceremony. On Monday, the president pardoned turkeys Peach and Blossom, who will now head to the Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center to serve as education ambassadors. They took a two-day trip from Minnesota for the event, which involved listening to Livin on Prayer on the way, Biden quipped. This event marks the official start of the holiday season here is Washington. Its also my last time to speak here as your president during this season and give thanks and gratitude, he said Monday. So let me say to you its been the honor of my life, I am forever thankful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president is spending his Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Mass. He and Vice President Harris were also expected to call members of the military Thursday, per the White House. Bidens comments were much different from those President-elect Trump offered Thursday in his Thanksgiving message. Happy Thanksgiving to all, including to the Radical Left Lunatics who have worked so hard to destroy our Country, but who have miserably failed, and will always fail, because their ideas and policies are so hopelessly bad that the great people of our Nation just gave a landslide victory to those who want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump wrote early Thursday on Truth Social. In contrast to the events following the 2020 election, Biden and Trump have agreed to a peaceful transfer of power in January. The president-elect also signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this week that will give his Cabinet picks time to meet with their counterparts in the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Investigation launched into fact of execution of Ukrainian POWs by invaders in Zaporizhia region Ukrainian law enforcement officers have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the execution of five Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian servicemen in Polohy district of Zaporizhia region, the Prosecutor General's Office reports. "According to preliminary data, on November 24, 2024, near the settlement of Novodarivka in Polohy district of Zaporizhia region, where active hostilities continue, servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces executed five of the six Ukrainian defenders taken prisoner," the department said in a statement on its Telegram channel on Thursday. The prosecutor's office emphasizes that law enforcement officers have identified a unit of the occupying army, whose servicemen are being checked for involvement in this crime. "The investigators also received a video recording that captured the moment of the shooting," the statement said. The department reminds that the murder of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is classified as a grave international crime. "Under the procedural guidance of Zaporizhia Regional Prosecutor's Office, a criminal case has been initiated on the fact of violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder [Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine]," the Prosecutor General's Office reports. The pretrial investigation into the criminal case is being carried out by investigators from the SBU Directorate in Zaporizhia region. Joe Biden has panned Donald Trumps plan to hit Americans with massive import taxes on goods from Mexico and Canada, hoping his successor will walk back the proposal. The president was asked about Trumps plan to hike the cost of Mexican and Canadian products by 25 percent via executive order if both countries did not take steps to curb what he described as unacceptable flows of drugs and migrants into the U.S. across their respective borders. Biden, who is in Nantucket for his familys annual Thanksgiving vacation, told reporters: I hope he rethinks it. I think its a counterproductive thing to do. President Joe Biden talks to the media during a visit to Nantucket fire department on Thanksgiving day in Nantucket Mass. (AP) Were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships, he added during the press call at a firehouse on the Massachusetts island where he is staying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump threatened to impose a massive consumption tax on Americans who import goods from both of the United Statess North American neighbors in a series of social media posts on Monday. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders, he wrote before adding a separate post threatening to raise existing tariffs on Chinese goods by an additional 10 percent. Biden briefly spoke with reporters from the White House pool (AFP via Getty Images) The president-elects social media post indicated that he believes incorrectly foreign governments pay tariffs for the privilege of engaging in cross-border trade with the U.S. But tariffs are actually import taxes that are paid by American companies that import foreign goods. Those companies pass the costs on to American consumers in the form of higher prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Biden stressed, despite his criticism of the tariffs plan, he wants to make sure the transition to Trump goes smoothly. All the talk about what (Trump) may do or not do - I think there may be an internal reckoning on his part.. so it remains to be seen, he said. The president also weighed in on US-China relations. He said Washington and Beijing had reached a relationship with a status quo following a series of meetings between him and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco last year and in Peru this year. We set up a hotline between President Xi and myself, as well as a military a direct line, he said. One thing Im confident about Xi is he doesnt want to make a mistake. I mean it sincerely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden was also asked at the top of the Q&A what he is thankful for - he responded my family, the peaceful transition of the presidency, and Im thankful by the grace of God we were able to make more progress in the Middle East, Im really thankful for being able to get the first peace done in Lebanon. He added that he was thankful to Americans. There is nothing beyond our capacity, he said. The administration of current US President Joe Biden has been preparing a US$725 million weapons package for Ukraine. Source: Reuters with reference to its sources Details: Reuters noted that step taken by Biden's step before the end of his presidential term is part of efforts to support Kyiv. According to an US official familiar with the plan, the Biden administration intends to provide a variety of anti-tank weapons from US stockpiles to deter Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The planned shipments include anti-tank weapons, anti-personnel mines, drones, Stinger missiles, ammunition for HIMARS systems and cluster munitions that can be used in GMLRS rockets. An official indicated that Congress could be officially notified about the weapons package as early as Monday. Reuters added that the package's content and size may change in the days ahead of Biden's expected signing. This package will be the largest authorised under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the US to use existing weapons stockpiles to assist allies in emergencies. Previous PDA packages typically ranged from US$125 million to US$250 million. Biden now has access to US$45 billion in PDA funds approved by Congress, which he is expected to use before Republican president-elect Donald Trump takes office on 20 January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters also highlighted that the decision to supply mines had sparked mixed reactions, as the United States has not exported landmines for decades. Their use is controversial due to the potential risk to civilian population. While over 160 countries have signed a treaty banning the use of landmines, Kyiv has been requesting them since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022. Russian forces deploy such mines along the line of contact. Meanwhile, the United States expects Ukraine to use the mines strictly on its territory, avoiding placement in civilian areas. Reuters reiterated that, according to analysts, Russian forces are currently advancing at their fastest pace on the battlefield since the full-scale invasion began, having occupied territory equivalent to half the size of London in the past month alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: It was reported that the Biden administration does not have enough time to provide Ukraine with all the military aid authorised by Congress before Bidens presidency ends in January 2025, and some of the authority in this regard will be transferred to Donald Trump's team. Support UP or become our patron! WASHINGTON, Nov 27 (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Bidens administration is preparing a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday, as the outgoing president seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv before leaving office in January. According to an official familiar with the plan, the Biden administration plans to provide a variety of anti-tank weapons from U.S. stocks to blunt Russias advancing troops, including land mines, drones, Stinger missiles and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The package is also expected to include cluster munitions, which are typically found in Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets fired by HIMARS launchers, according to the notification, seen by Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican drug cartels allegedly used crypto to launder money The formal notification to Congress of the weapons package could come as soon as Monday, one official said. The contents and size of the package could change in the coming days ahead of Bidens expected signature. It marks a steep uptick in size from Bidens recent use of so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the U.S. to draw from current weapons stocks to help allies in an emergency. Recent PDA announcements have typically ranged from $125 million to $250 million. Biden has an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion in PDA already authorized by Congress that he is expected to use before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has not exported landmines in decades, and their use is controversial because of the potential harm to civilians. Although more than 160 countries have signed a treaty banning their use, Kyiv has been asking for them since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022 and Russian forces have used them on the front lines. Trump Cabinet appointees targeted in violent threats: transition team The landmines that would be sent to Ukraine are non-persistent landmines, with a power system that lasts for just a short time, leaving the devices non-lethal. This means that unlike older landmines they would not remain in the ground, threatening civilians indefinitely. Russian forces currently are making gains in Ukraine at the fastest rate since the early days of the 2022 invasion, taking an area half the size of London over the past month, analysts and war bloggers said this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States expects Ukraine to use the mines in its own territory, though it has committed not to use them in areas populated with its own civilians. Trump on Wednesday tapped Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war in Ukraine, to serve as special envoy for the conflict. Quickly winding down the Ukraine war was one of Trumps central campaign promises, though he has avoided discussing how he would do so. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, additional reporting by Phil Stewart and Mike Stone; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. By Jeff Mason NANTUCKET, Massachusetts (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday said he hoped President-elect Donald Trump would rethink his plan to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada, saying it could "screw up" relationships with close allies. "I hope he rethinks it. I think it's a counterproductive thing to do," Biden told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he is spending the Thanksgiving Day holiday with his family. "We have a unusual situation in America - we're surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies: Mexico and Canada. And the last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships." Trump on Monday said he would impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico until they clamped down on drugs and migrants crossing the border, in a move that would appear to violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free-trade deal. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday she did not specifically discuss tariffs in a call she held with Trump on Wednesday, adding the two had agreed there would be good relations between the two nations. Following the call, Trump said Sheinbaum had "agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border." Sheinbaum, however, said she had laid out a strategy that "attended to" migrants before they reached the U.S. border. Biden, who met with Trump at the White House earlier this month, reiterated that he wanted the transition between his outgoing administration and the president-elect's incoming one to go smoothly. "And all the talk about what he's going to do or not do, I think there may be a little bit of internal reckoning on his ... part," Biden said. Biden spoke to reporters while visiting a fire station in Nantucket and delivering pumpkin pies with his wife, first lady Jill Biden. Asked what he was thankful for on the holiday, Biden said he was thankful that his administration, with some good luck, would make more progress in the Middle East, noting the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Biden said he had spoken to the three Americans who were recently released after being detained in China. "I'm really happy they're home," he said. Trump has threatened new tariffs on China as well. Biden noted that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had established a hotline between the two leaders and a direct line of communication between their two militaries. "One thing I'm confident about Xi is he doesn't want to make a mistake," Biden said. "He understands what's at stake." (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Writing by David Ljunggren and Jeff Mason; editing by Jasper Ward, Noeleen Walder and Diane Craft) President Biden said Thursday that he hopes President-elect Trump rethinks some of his tariff plans. I hope he rethinks it. I think its a counterproductive thing to do, the president said in Nantucket, Mass., discussing tariff plans for Canada and Mexico formed by the incoming president, according to a pool report. Were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump said he would issue an executive order imposing fresh tariffs at the start of his next term on Chinese, Canadian and Mexican goods. The president-elect said in posts on Truth Social that he would enact 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, while adding an extra 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. The aim of the tariffs, according to Trump, is to press the countries to increase their efforts on border security and combating fentanyl exports to the U.S. Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price! Trump said on Truth Social. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of countertariffs on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses, she said. Trump and Sheinbaum also recently had a phone call, which the president-elect said was very productive Wednesday on Truth Social. He said that the Mexican president had agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately, Trump wrote in a different Truth Social post following the call. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!! Sheinbaum pushed back Wednesday on the claim by the president-elect about her country agreeing to close its border on the social platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our conversation with President Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights, Sheinbaum said in her post, according to a translation from CNN. The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Biden administration may not be able to deliver the promised multibillion-dollar aid to Ukraine before Donald Trumps inauguration, The Wall Street Journal reported on Nov. 27. The administration still has $6.5 billion to transfer to Ukraine, but time is running out to use the allocated resources. The Pentagon has reached its monthly limit on weapons shipments and is facing logistical challenges in delivering arms to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To exhaust the remaining funds, the U.S. would need to supply Ukraine with approximately $110 million in weaponry daily, amounting to nearly $3 billion in December and January. Its impossible, a congressional source told the WSJ. A Pentagon source stated that the current plan now is to send $500-750 million worth of weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Ukraine each month. These shipments will mainly consist of artillery and ammunition, as they are easier to transport, while larger equipment could take months to arrive. The remaining decisions on aid will likely fall to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps support for Ukraine hangs in the air as analysts and politicians try to gauge his plans to bring peace to Ukraine, as he promised to end the war within "24 hours" after reelection without revealing details. There are concerns that Trump's victory might lead to the U.S. withdrawing its military support for Ukraine, leaving it up to European allies to help Kyiv resist Russias war. Read also: Ex-Minister Kuleba skeptical about peace prospects during Trumps presidency Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LONDON (AP) British lawmakers are expected to vote Friday on a law proposed to help terminally ill adults end their lives. The contentious bill would allow adults expected to have fewer than six months to live to request and be provided with help to end their life, subject to safeguards and protections. Members of Parliament (MPs), who have been holding emotional meetings with constituents and searching their souls, are due to debate the issue that crosses political lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters say the law would provide dignity to the dying and prevent unnecessary suffering. Opponents say it would put vulnerable people at risk, fearing that some would be coerced to end their lives and that some elderly or disabled people may opt for death so they don't become a burden. A vote in favor of the bill would send it to another round of hearings. A vote against it would kill it. Heres a look at whats in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and the next steps: What is happening? The House of Commons hasn't debated an assisted dying bill since 2015 when a similar measure failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debate is scheduled for five hours and more than 150 members have reportedly signed up to speak. It is expected to be followed by a close vote. Although the current bill was proposed by a member of the ruling center-left Labour Party, it is an open vote with no pressure from the government on supporting it. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has previously supported assisted dying, said the government will remain neutral and he wouldn't reveal how he would vote. Some members of his cabinet have said they will support the bill, while others are against it. Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, along with three former Conservative prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Theresa May have publicly opposed the bill, though they are no longer in the House of Commons and can't vote. Former Tory Prime Minister David Cameron supports it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bill passes the first stage in the House of Commons, it will face further scrutiny and votes in both Houses of Parliament. If ultimately approved, any new law is unlikely to come into effect within the next two to three years, supporters say. What does the bill propose? Under the proposed legislation, only those over 18 years old in England and Wales and who are expected to die within six months can request assisted dying. They must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life and will be required to make two separate declarations about their wish to die. Labour lawmaker Kim Leadbeater, who proposed the bill, said the law has robust safeguards built in and contains three layers of scrutiny two independent doctors and a High Court judge will have to sign off on any decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone found guilty of pressuring, coercing or dishonestly getting someone to make a declaration that they wish to die will face up to 14 years in prison. Assisted suicide is currently banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Someone who helps a person end their life can be prosecuted and face up to 14 years in prison. Who will administer the medication? The patient must self-administer the life-ending medication. No doctor or anyone else can give the medication. No health professional is under any obligation to provide assistance to the patient. Doctors who do take part would have to be satisfied the person making their declaration to die has done so voluntarily. They also must ensure the person is making an informed choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do other countries have similar laws? One argument supporting the bill is that wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to go there to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones to die. Esther Rantzen, 84, a broadcaster dying of lung cancer, has urged passage of the bill so others dont have to do what she plans to do by traveling to Switzerland to legally end her life. She urged all 650 MPs to attend the hearing. This is such a vital life and death issue, one that we the public care desperately about, Rantzen said in a public letter. It is only right that as many MPs as possible listen to the arguments for and against, and make up your own minds, according to your own conscience, your personal thoughts and feelings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other countries that have legalized assisted suicide include Australia, Belgium, Canada and parts of the United States, with regulations on who is eligible varying by jurisdiction. Assisted suicide is different from euthanasia, allowed in the Netherlands and Canada, which involves healthcare practitioners administering a lethal injection at the patient's request in specific circumstances. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) George Billy Wagner III no longer faces the possibility of the death penalty in his trial for the Rhoden family massacre. Pike County court records show Judge Jonathan Hein dismissed the death penalty specifications on Billy Wagners case on Nov. 20. The judge cited concerns that handling litigation surrounding the death penalty would delay the trial or open it to potential for a retrial, and said all attorneys agreed to drop any consideration of the death penalty. The judge also granted a request on Monday to move Billy Wagners upcoming trial out of Pike County. The defense said in their motion that if the trial remained in the county, it is likely jurors would have prior knowledge of the case and bias due to the intense publicity the crimes received. The exact location for the trial has not been specified at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billy Wagners trial was originally slated to begin in May but was delayed to a Jan. 6 start after a request from defense attorney Mark Collins in March. Billy Wagner is the last member of the family to await trial. He faces eight charges of aggravated murder in connection to the killing of eight members of the Rhoden family, most of whom were shot while they slept. Three young children, including a baby, were found unharmed. Billy Wagner is accused of helping his sons, Edward Jake Wagner and George Wagner IV, kill the family members across four homes on April 22, 2016. Prosecutors claimed the murders stemmed from a custody dispute over the daughter of Jake Wagner and Hanna May Rhoden, one of the victims. The other victims were Christopher Rhoden Sr., Dana Rhoden, Clarence Frankie Rhoden, Christopher Rhoden Jr., Hannah Gilley, Gary Rhoden and Kenneth Rhoden. Billy Wagner, his wife Angela Wagner, and their sons Jake Wagner and George Wagner were arrested in 2018 and faced the death penalty. All originally pleaded not guilty, but Angela and Jake switched their pleas to avoid the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Wagner was convicted on 22 charges, including eight aggravated murder charges, but the judge dropped the death penalty consideration against him. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "We discussed another act of Russian air terror against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure using more than 90 missiles and about 100 drones. Particular attention was paid to the issue of further defense cooperation. I am grateful to the UK for its large-scale support, in particular, for its readiness to annually allocate at least GBP 3 billion for the needs of Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel following the conversation. In addition, the parties agreed to be in close contact with European leaders regarding steps that should put Ukraine in the strongest possible position in the face of any developments. "I emphasized: for this, Ukraine needs an invitation to NATO and further expansion of long-range capabilities," the president said. The interlocutors also discussed Ukraine's possible participation in the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in December in Tallinn, where Ukraine is invited by Estonia. "This year, Ukraine became the only country that took part as an observer in the JEF Joint Protector 2024 exercises. We are interested in deepening cooperation with this association," Zelenskyy emphasized. In addition, Zelenskyy and Starmer agreed to speed up the preparation of an agreement on a centennial partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Awaiting a new New York trial next year on additional sex crimes charges, Harvey Weinstein seems to be wishing he was spending Thanksgiving behind bars at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo and not at Rikers Island. Thats certainly one of the takeaways from the long-incarcerated and convicted rapists lawsuit of no less than $5,000,000.00 against the city of New York and others over the conditions and medial services at the notoriously violent and decrepit 92-year-old jail. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This claim seeks monetary damages arising from negligence, carelessness, recklessness, gross negligence, medical malpractice, intentional and/or reckless and/or negligent deprivation of medical treatment, deprivation of civil and constitutional rights, and negligent and intentional torts committed by officers, agents, and employees of the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC), New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation (NYC H+H), Rikers Island Correctional Facility, and New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation/Bellevue (Bellevue Hospital), reads the November 26 filing in New York state court from Weinsteins Adala, Bertuna & Kamins lawyers. A point hit home today by one of Weinsteins legal team. When I last visited him, I found him with blood spatter on his prison garb, possibly from IVs, clothes that had not been washed for weeks, and he had not even been provided clean underwear hardly sanitary conditions for someone with severe medical conditions and susceptibility to illness, defense attorney Imran H. Ansari told Deadline of what she termed deplorable conditions in the jail in a statement after the filing. I questioned whether I was in a prison facility that is supposed to be managed in accordance with our constitution, or a gulag where the prisoners are treated like animals. Read the full statement from Weinsteins attorney below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plagued by illness even during his 2020 sex crimes trial in Manhattan, the now 72-year-old Pulp Fiction producer has been in and out of hospitals even before he was transferred to Rikers from the upstate Wende prison in April after the New York Court of Appeals overturned his New York felony convictions on first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape, and the subsequent 23 year sentence. Due to his sex crimes convictions in Los Angeles in late 2022, Weinstein remained behind bars, though more often in Bellevue than Rikers. While in the custody of Rikers Island Correctional Facility, the Claimants medical conditions deteriorated significantly, unreasonably, and dangerously, leading to multiple instances where the Claimant feared for his life. Respondents were on notice of Claimants medical condition yet intentionally, recklessly, and/or negligently, failed to render proper medical treatment to Claimant, the five-page filing from Weinstein defense lawyer Ansari added. Said conduct fell below the standard of care for medical professionals. Furthermore, the conditions amounted to cruel and unusual punishment in violation of Claimants constitutional rights. With no small degree of coincidence, the filing comes as a federal judge Wednesday ruled New York City was in contempt for not adequately handling the brutality and growing violence at Rikers. In an often scathing 65-page ruling about ongoing failings of officials to get the aging facility back on track and the civil contempt of eighteen provisions already set out to help fix things, Judge Laura Taylor Swain indicated she was considering a return to direct Department of Justice oversight for Rikers. Even though the New York City Council voted recently to close Rikers by August 2027, that goal looks unlikely, which is why, in part, Swan has given city and prisoner officials until January 14 to put together a receivership strategy for the overstuffed jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of New York did not respond to request for comment on the much accused Weinsteins new lawsuit. If they do, this post will be updated. Here is the full statement from Weinsteins lawyers: Harvey Weinstein has suffered considerably from the deplorable conditions on Rikers Island. Most significantly, the system has failed him in providing him the most basic medical care. But he needs more than basic care, he needs the intensive medical treatment that one would be afforded in any civilized society prisoner or not. Rather than receiving the medical care he needs, he remains without critical medication, adequate treatment by competent physicians for complex and serious medical conditions, and is deprived of even the most elemental humane treatment. When I last visited him, I found him with blood spatter on his prison garb, possibly from IVs, clothes that had not been washed for weeks, and he had not even been provided clean underwear hardly sanitary conditions for someone with severe medical conditions and susceptibility to illness. I questioned whether I was in a prison facility that is supposed to be managed in accordance with our constitution, or a gulag where the prisoners are treated like animals. The treatment, or lack thereof, that Mr. Weinstein is receiving on Rikers Island does not only amount to medical negligence, it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment. The disregard to Mr. Weinsteins medical needs is an example as to why Rikers Island has been under the intense scrutiny by officials and the public, and is the subject of federal oversight. But, we dont live in a country where a prisoner such as Mr. Weinstein must endure such harsh and draconian treatment, and disregard to his medical needs, without recourse under the law. As such, to ensure that his constitutional rights are protected, and those responsible for medical negligence and other violations of the law are held accountable, Mr. Weinstein is suing the City of New York and the agencies responsible for his mistreatment. We intended to aggressively fight for his rights, and therein, uphold the integrity of our justice system and the values embodied in our constitution. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) Bolivia's highest court on Wednesday approved the extradition to the United States of a former anti-narcotics chief on charges of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the U.S., a rare ruling against a top security official in the Andean nation whose relations with Washington have been strained for decades. The decision, which cannot be appealed, caps the rapid downfall of Maximiliano Davila, 59, Bolivia's top drug cop in 2019 under former leftist President Evo Morales, the first Indigenous president of Bolivia who became a global anti-imperialist icon for kicking out the U.S. ambassador and Drug Enforcement Administration in 2008. A former police colonel, Davila was indicted in 2022 in New York on federal charges of conspiring to import cocaine to the U.S. and possessing machine guns. The indictment accused Davila of leveraging his position to provide top-level protection to cargo planes transporting cocaine through third countries for distribution in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice and State Departments also offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his conviction. Davila official has denied the charges. Bolivias Supreme Court of Justice announced it was granting a formal U.S. request for Davila to be extradited on drug conspiracy charges. The U.S. State Department and Department of Justice did not publicly comment on the announcement. After reviewing the documentation and the corresponding evidence, it has been determined to proceed immediately with Davilas extradition, said Marco Jaimes, the court's president. Inside Bolivia, Davila is facing money laundering charges. Bolivian authorities arrested him in 2022 as he was allegedly fleeing to Argentina, hauling him to jail in the capital of La Paz where he now remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davila led the anti-narcotics agency in Bolivia for the final nine months of Morales 14-year presidency, which ended abruptly in November 2019. The powerful former coca farmer resigned as street protests erupted after the announcement that he had won re-election to an unprecedented fourth term. The interim government of Jeanine Anez, which took power following Morales' ouster, sacked Davila. But he returned in 2020 under the government of President Luis Arce, Morales' former economy minister. Davila served for a year as police commander in Bolivia's central region of Cochabamba, a key hub of the country's coca-leaf production. An extradition treaty between Bolivia and the U.S. has been in force since 1995, despite decades of uneasy relations marked by Americas war on drugs and Morales' fierce opposition as a young union leader to U.S. forcible coca eradication policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador in 2008, the Bush administration did the same and nothing has changed since. This is the second time in Bolivian history that authorities have approved the extradition to the U.S. of a senior security officer, said Saul Lara, an opposition lawmaker and ex-foreign minister. The first was in 1995, when Col. Faustino Rico Toro, a former interior minister and anti-drug chief close to brutal Bolivian dictator Luis Garcia Meza, was handed over to U.S. authorities in Miami on cocaine trafficking charges. From Bolivia, lawyers for Davila vowed to challenge the extradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a serious violation of human rights, said defense attorney Manolo Rojas, promising that he would raise the case with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an organ of the Organization of American States, of which the U.S. is a founding member. Bolivia's court decision comes as a fierce rivalry escalates between current President Arce and former President Morales, tearing apart the ruling Movement Toward Socialism party ahead of 2025 elections. Although Morales insists he has nothing to do with Davila, Arce's supporters have sought to portray Wednesday's ruling against his former minister as a blow to the political career of the ex-president who seeks to run in the presidential elections next year despite a court ban. In the United States, the former anti-drug czar will surely be able to reveal who his accomplices are. Perhaps it is Evo, said Senator Virginia Velasco, referring to Morales without elaborating. Multiple Democratic lawmakers from Connecticut said they were targeted by bomb threats at their homes on Thanksgiving Day. U.S. Reps. Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, John Larson and Joe Courtney said they were notified of bomb threats targeting their homes Thursday, but that no devices were found. A spokesperson for Sen. Chris Murphy stated that the legislator received a threat at his home as well, saying the incident appears to be part of a coordinated effort involving multiple members of Congress and public figures. In a statement shared online, Himes said he was notified of a bomb threat targeting my home where I was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, after a swift and thorough response from the United States Capitol Police, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Stamford Police Department, no evidence of a bomb was found, Himes said. He added, There is no place for political violence in this country, and I hope that we may all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility. In her own statement, Hayes said that she was notified by the Wolcott Police Department on Thursday morning that they received a threatening email stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at my home. At this time the investigation is ongoing, Hayes continued. I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter, their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his website, Larson said that East Hartford Police came to my home in response to a bomb threat. He added, I am grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe. A spokesperson for Courtney said the congressmans home was targeted with a bomb threat while he and his family were at home to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Vernon Police Department told the media that the incident involving Courtney is still under investigation and that no charges have been filed. HuffPost has reached out to Himes, Hayes, Larson, Courtney and Murphy for comment, in addition to the U.S. Capitol Police, Greenwich Police Department, Stamford Police Department, Wolcott Police Department, East Hartford Police Department and Vernon Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news comes after Republican President-elect Donald Trumps transition team said on Wednesday that several of his Cabinet picks and appointees were targeted by bomb threats and so-called swatting the act of contacting authorities with the false report of an emergency to draw a SWAT team or other serious reaction. In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted, said Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. The FBI confirmed that it is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees. Related... STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) A judge has set the bond for a former Stillwater dental assistant. Cody Stolfa appeared in court via zoom for the first time on Wednesday. Hes facing 36 counts and state attorneys say they plan to fight this case and ensure justice is served. Stolfa is accused of crimes against unconscious patients and peeping on students at an Oklahoma State University library. While this is a very upsetting for the community, I dont want anyone to rest tonight thinking that we have not been able to identify some of the individuals that were victims of this type of behavior, said J.R. Kalka, Payne County Assistant District Attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ex-dental assistant accused of sexually assaulting patients now suspected in OSU peeping tom case Stolfa is being accused of sexually assaulting patients who were under anesthesia from dental surgery. A judge set his bond to $50,000 for each of the 17 cases, adding up to $850,000. Unfortunately, theres a significant number of victims, and a significant number of families to speak to in this particular instance, said Kalka. The alleged assaults happened between June and September 2021 while Stolfa was working at Central Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. They didnt come to light until this past September, when the FBI was alerted by an Australian who saw disturbing videos on the dark web. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 36-year-old has also been linked to crimes on the OSU campus. In September 2021, a police report was filed about an unknown man taking pictures of people using the restroom at the campus library. Stillwater Police now suspect it was Stolfa. I will alert you that it was the investigation into that that that spurred on the investigation that led to these additional charges, said Kalka. When Stolfa was arrested, his devices were seized and he hasnt been out of jail since. Stolfas next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, December 2. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The last fortnight has seen an extraordinary backlash against non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs). Following Allison Pearsons revelation that she was questioned over an allegation of inciting racial hatred by police on Remembrance Sunday for a year-old tweet, reporters have unearthed other examples from the thousands of NCHIs recorded each year, with more than 13,000 last year alone. Cases include a schoolchild whose classmate smelt like fish, a barrister who described her cat as a Methodist and Amber Rudd, the former Home Secretary, saying something someone didnt like at a Conservative Party Conference. Just beyond belief, said Lord Ken Macdonald, a former director of public prosecutions, of some of the incidents. Stephen Parkinson, the current director, admitted that he had to look up the term non-crime hate incident. Even Sir Keir Starmer, another former director, urged forces to concentrate on what matters to their communities. Former senior police officers have been just as vocal. Lord Hogan-Howe, the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, criticised the subjective nature of NCHIs and their inconsistent outcomes in a foreword to a report published by the Policy Exchange think tank on Monday. Written by David Spencer, a former Met Police detective chief inspector, the report called for the abolition of NCHIs, highlighting a lack of evidence that they prevent escalation and a devastating impact on public perception of the polices priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Spencer, the police spend 60,000 hours every year investigating NCHIs. But if only they put aside six of those hours to re-read the 1954 book on which this policy appears to be based, we might not be in this mess. The Nature of Prejudice examined prejudice and discrimination Gordon Allport was a Harvard psychologist born in 1897. Rejecting commonly accepted Freudian and behaviourist approaches, he argued that prejudice, which is widespread, has multiple causes, from stereotyping to scapegoating, heterogeneity to rapid social change, and that it can be partially combated through careful legislation and meaningful intergroup contact. Published in 1954, in the aftermath of the European Holocaust and amid American segregation, The Nature of Prejudice sold 500,000 copies and remains the most widely cited work on prejudice. Rivalries and hatreds between groups are nothing new, he wrote in the preface. What is new is the fact that technology has brought these groups too close together for comfort. Seventy years later, in the uncomfortably close internet age, his book is still highly readable, relevant and, it would seem, widely misinterpreted. Allports best-known thesis on prejudice is his identification of a five-point scale of negative action from the least energetic to the most. Starting with anti-locution (saying unpleasant things), it rises through avoidance, discrimination and physical attack, culminating in extermination. Known colloquially as the pyramid of hate, it is often (mis)used in workplace diversity training. Think about Allport the next time you hear, its political correctness gone mad, warned a pamphlet issued by a council in West Yorkshire in 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nature of Prejudice also seems to have (mis)informed the thinking behind NCHIs. Introduced by the College of Policing in 2014 and defined as an act which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice, NCHIs grew out of the 1999 Macpherson Report, a response to the murder of Stephen Lawrence, which recommended logging racist incidents that fell short of being a criminal offence. This was later expanded to include other protected characteristics such as religion and gender identity. A spokesman for the College of Policing says that none of their guidance on hate incidents references Allports work. However, the necessity of preventing escalation through early intervention is sprinkled throughout their documents (which, ironically, also warn against the dangers of overreaction, leaving the police service vulnerable to criticism in the media). Allports work has been influential in shaping understanding of prejudice, but it may have been misinterpreted - Bettmann Earlier this month, Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), warned of the real-world consequences of leaving hate unaddressed and missing precursors to violence. Even more explicitly, Paul Giannasi, the NPCCs Hate Crime Policy Lead, referred directly to Allport in a witness statement for the College of Policing when a recorded NCHI was successfully challenged, in the High Court in 2020 and the Court of Appeal in 2021 by Harry Miller, a former police officer who was the subject of a NCHI investigation after sharing a limerick deemed to be transphobic on Twitter. Many hate crime leaders and academics across the world recognise the Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination model, wrote Giannasi in his witness statement. This was created by social psychologist Gordon Allport in his 1954 text The Nature of Prejudice. This model is useful to show the importance of recognising, analysing and proportionately responding to each level of the scale to prevent hostilities escalating to more serious levels Failure to address non-crime hate incidents is likely to lead to their increase, and ultimately increase the risk of serious violence and societal damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However well-meaning this analysis might or might not be (the NPCC declined to comment when contacted by The Telegraph), it does not reflect exactly what Allport wrote. While the psychologist argued that activity on one level makes transition to a more intense level easier, he pointed out that the step-wise progression from verbal aggression to violence, from rumour to riot, from gossip to genocide was only likely under circumstances that included long periods of legislative discrimination. While this fateful progression was growing in frequency in the mid-twentieth century, wrote Allport, many people never go beyond this mild degree of antipathetic action from the point of view of social consequences much polite prejudice is harmless enough being confined to idle chatter. Former police officer Harry Miller brought NCHIs to public attention when he successfully challenged police guidance in 2021 - Dominic Lipinski/PA There is, therefore, no inevitability in climbing the scale of prejudice. Allports point was exactly the other way round, arguing that Auschwitz would not have been possible without Kristallnacht, which would not have been possible without the Nuremberg Race Laws, which would not have been possible without Hitlers relentless anti-locution. Peoples bark is often sharper than their bite, he writes. Although most barking does not lead to biting, yet there is never a bite without previous barking. Or to put it another way, the NCHI recorded by North Wales Police in September 2021, when a neighbour hung a very large soiled pair of underpants on their washing line allegedly in response to Italy beating England on penalties at the Euros was potentially an unnecessary way of preventing genocidal violence against a neighbour with an Italian surname. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allport also has some enduringly valuable insights into the merits of legislation in combatting prejudice. He praises measures such as President Roosevelts Fair Employment Practices Committee, set up in 1941 to prevent discrimination against African-Americans. Law is intended only to control the outward expression of intolerance, he writes. But outward action, psychology knows, has an eventual effect upon inner habits of thoughts and feeling. However, he rails against poorly designed and incompetently enforced laws reminding us of the HM Inspectorate of Constabularys recent discovery that 25 per cent of the NCHIs they examined were incorrectly recorded and that Merseyside Police had run an advertising campaign in 2021 with the misleading slogan: Being offensive is an offence. Some laws may be so vague and unworkable that even their educative and conscience-guiding effect is nil, writes Allport. Laws of censorship and suppression are in the long run self-defeating. Prejudices are not likely to be reduced by laws which, in the manner of their passing, arouse other prejudices. Or as Dominic Adler, a former Met detective turned writer, puts it: The more hate speech laws we create, the more resentment seems to fester. People dont like being bullied or told what to think. Especially not by the Old Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is it surprising that Pearsons tweet, which criticised the police, led to Essex Police setting up a gold group usually reserved for major incidents, such as terror attacks, to investigate her? Allport wouldnt have thought so. If the police were given more latitude they might, under cover of a broad anti-hate law, suppress criticisms that were uncongenial to them, he writes. Another depressing omission from contemporary interpretations of Allports research is that it focused heavily on prejudice against Jews (as well as African-Americans, who were subject to de jure segregation in the south and de facto segregation in the north in the 1950s). In Britain today, however, campaigners such as the Free Speech Union claim there is a two-tier system in which anti-Jewish hate speech is treated far more leniently than Islamophobia. More optimistically, Allports book contains a timeless solution. The remedy for prejudiced opinion is not suppression, but rather a free-flowing counter-action by unprejudiced opinion, he writes. This free-speech argument was loudly echoed by Mr Justice Julian Knowles, the High Court judge who ruled against the College of Policing in February 2020. The right to hold opinions ranging from the inoffensive to the irritating, the contentious, the eccentric, the heretical, the unwelcome and the provocative is a cardinal democratic freedom, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, too, of course, is the determination shown by Pearsons loyal readers and by Allport himself to retain a sense of humour. When I tell a joke about the tight-fisted Scot I am not necessarily expressing hostility towards Scots (they are fond of the same stories), he writes, in another passage that should be underlined by a police service whose NCHI investigations include a German woman offended at being compared to a rottweiler. Among his many concluding recommendations, Allport advocates wielding laughter as a weapon against bigotry. It too often lies rusty while reformers grow unnecessarily solemn and heavy-handed. 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. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG The money for the fall semester normally arrives in September. By the last week of November, with the end of the semester in sight, Elizabeth Rousseau was still waiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rousseau, a student at Penn State, is due to receive $2,630 from a state grant program that helps Pennsylvania residents pay for college. The money can be used for anything from tuition, fees, room and board, to other living expenses like utilities and groceries. Rousseau, who takes classes online, lives with her husband and two young children in Luzerne County. As a result of the grant delays, she said, they paid their rent late for the first time in years. They are also two months behind on utility bills. In late November, Rousseau took out a personal loan to avoid falling further behind. While money from the PA State Grant Program has started to go out, students across Pennsylvania are still waiting. Many have been scrambling to cover the shortfall, often with no clear answers about when the grant funds will be available. Rousseau said the financial strain has made her anxiety worse, and she has been late on her assignments more often than usual this semester. Its hard to not just worry about it a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which runs the grant program, say the problems can be traced back to the troubled rollout of a new federal application form for financial aid. PHEAA uses data from the federal form to administer the state grant program, which offers eligible Pennsylvania residents up to $5,750 per year. More than 100,000 students will receive grant funds in the 2024-25 academic year, the agency estimates. PHEAA uses the federal data to determine students eligibility; colleges and universities then update that information before PHEAA sends them the money and they pay it out to students. This year, however, PHEAA didnt start receiving data from the federal government until mid-April, months behind schedule, said Bethany Coleman, a PHEAA spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The records were riddled with errors and had to be updated, which caused further delays. When the revised data arrived in May, the agency was swamped by the sheer volume; the files typically arrive in smaller batches. The various mishaps left the state agency with only four months to complete work that usually takes nine, Coleman said. Compounding the difficulty, PHEAA has also been rolling out a new system of its own this year. This effort wasnt intended to coincide with the federal changes, agency officials previously told ABC27. The federal overhaul went into effect a year later than anticipated, with the state upgrades already underway. Students usually get their grant money within the first few weeks of the semester. This year, however, PHEAA did not begin sending the money to most schools until the end of October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Nov. 25, PHEAA had sent $154 million to colleges and universities, Coleman said. Its not clear exactly how many students are still waiting for the grants. Every single day, more money is flowing, Coleman told Spotlight PA. Were past the hump. Michael Driscoll, president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, said the federal delays combined with PHEAAs internal upgrades created a perfect storm. But he also said the agency did not appear to have fully anticipated the problems created by switching to a new system. At one point, PHEAAs phone system was still giving details on grants from the previous academic year, he said. Some representatives gave students incorrect information. The data the university received from the agency was incomplete, and making corrections was difficult and time-consuming. As of Nov. 26, about one-third of IUPs estimated 3,100 eligible students were still waiting for the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was the backup plan? Driscoll said. Just hoping that a major software system works is not good enough. At Temple University, only a handful of students are still waiting for the grants, said Emilie Van Trieste, director of student financial services. The university accepted an offer from PHEAA to receive an advance on the funding in mid-September, she said. The trade-off was that university staff had to manually confirm students eligibility, instead of receiving a bulk file transfer. The downside is that we were taking on a little bit of a risk, Van Trieste said. But the decision allowed the university to get the money to most students throughout late September and October. Coleman said that PHEAA offered to advance funds to all eligible schools in Pennsylvania, but only seven took the agency up on the offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrisburg Area Community College declined because this would effectively involve borrowing money from the agency and is not standard practice, said Tim Barshinger, assistant vice president of student enrollment services. By the last week of November, HACC had not paid grant funds to any students. Some students will receive the money the first week of December, while others will have to wait longer because the school still needs PHEAA to confirm they are eligible, Barshinger said via email. Penn State did not accept PHEAAs offer of an advance either, instead choosing in-house solutions to protect these students until their actual grant awards are calculated and received, a spokesperson said. By Nov. 25, the university still had not received valid award information for students, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penn State Executive Director for Student Aid Melissa Kunes said in a statement that there was not a specific date when students could expect to receive the grants, although the university hoped it would be before the end of the fall semester. Classes end Dec. 13. Many colleges and universities are forgiving late fees and relaxing policies that typically prevent students from registering for classes or graduating if they have an outstanding balance. However, many students rely on the grant money for living expenses, and the delays have forced some to make difficult decisions. Timothy Ladd, a senior at Penn State, had to take on extra shifts at work to make up the shortfall, leaving him less time to look for the internship he needs to graduate. I had to change my plans completely, he said. Melissa Bush, a student at Lehigh Carbon Community College, planned to use the grant money to register for classes in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just wild to me, Bush wrote last month in a Facebook message to PHEAA. Ive never had to wait this long. In addition to the delays, some students say a lack of clear communication from PHEAA, and a series of shifting timeframes, have contributed to the stress and confusion. PHEAA originally told students that the new online portal would be available in June, but some didnt receive the link to register until August. The portal is how students check their status and correspond with PHEAA. The agency said it would send the money to colleges and universities in October, but, in most cases, that process didnt get underway until Oct. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHEAA representatives have told some students that most will have the money in November; others, that it will take at least until mid-December. Coleman said that timelines have shifted both forward and backward and that PHEAA has strived to keep open lines of communication with schools, students, and their families through various channels. Some students face a double dose of uncertainty. Sarah Cook, a student at Temple University, sat down in August to plan her finances for the semester. She anticipated that the state grant would arrive later than usual, but she didnt think it would take this long. The delay has blown a $2,600 hole in her budget. Shes had to rely on her boyfriend to cover her share of the rent for the past two months and has been using a credit card for groceries and other living expenses. By late November, she was almost 30 days behind on the credit card bill. Im trying to make smart financial decisions and I just didnt foresee this happening, she said. Adding to the stress, Cook is still waiting for PHEAA to confirm that she is eligible for the grant. PHEAA has told her repeatedly that her application is complete, but the grant doesnt show up when she logs into her account. In late October, after she followed up again, the agency replied that it was still in the process of determining her eligibility. The most likely explanation was that PHEAA needed to catch up on their processing, Temples financial aid office told Cook in an email several weeks ago. We dont know how many students are in limbo. The possibility that, after waiting so long, Cook might find out she does not qualify is too overwhelming to think about. I dont even know what I would do. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. "In 19 years, I've never seen anything like this," a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper said WRAL/Youtube Box Truck Crashes into RV Filling with Snakes, Box Truck Crashes into RV Filling with Snakes, An RV filled with several animals, including 28 snakes, was crashed into on Tuesday, Nov. 26, on Interstate 95 in Wilson County, N.C., per WRAL and WSOC. Just after midnight on Nov. 26, a large box truck rear-ended the RV, which was heading to Pennsylvania from South Carolina. The crash occurred near N. Springfield School Road north of Kenly, in Wilson County, N.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside were five people, 28 snakes, two tortoises, five Bearded Dragons, two dogs and a cat. At least one of the snakes that became loose was a small, highly venomous viper. However, the snakes owner caught the animal before EMS arrived. Related: Driver Spots Live Snake Dangling from a Car Speeding Down a Highway in Alabama The RV was also towing a Jeep Cherokee. When the truck crashed into the RV, the Jeep was crushed and then forced into the RVs rear bedroom, where one child was sleeping at the time. He was not seriously injured, and all of the animals survived. However, the truck driver was seriously injured and transported to WakeMed in Raleigh. It is believed he fell asleep at the wheel. It remains unclear if the driver will face any charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have a bunch of reptiles, I do reptile expos," said the RV driver, per WRAL. I had some venomous snakes get loose in the camper when this accident happened so I had to get the snakes before the EMS personnel came in because I didn't want to put them at risk. I successfully got them." Related: Florida Highway Covered in Coors Light Beer After Semi-Truck Crash Clayton Barfield, a driver for towing company Mangum's Towing and Road Service, was one of the first to arrive at the scene. "When I woke up at 1:30 a.m., I never thought that would be the phone call," Barfield, a tow truck driver for 16 years, said, per WRAL. "I would say this is in the top 10 of 'different.' " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our team arrived on the scene, ready to handle the recovery while ensuring the safety of everyone involved- including our reptilian passengers," Magnum's Towing and Road Service wrote on Facebook. "We collaborated with local fire fighters & police to secure the recovery of all the wildlife. Once the area was clear and safe, our team towed the units to get the roadway back open." "In 19 years, I've never seen anything like this," a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper told WRAL. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A representative for North Carolina State Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday. Sen. George Helmy, a New Jersey Democrat, is making his brief tenure at the Capitol a busy one. Last Monday, Helmy was on the Senate floor to give a complex speech about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The remarks were based on a trip to the Middle East he took during the roughly 12 weeks hell be in office after Gov. Phil Murphy picked him to fill disgraced Sen. Bob Menendezs vacant seat. The next day, a day after walking the tightrope of Middle Eastern politics, Helmy was back to make joint remarks with Sen. Katie Britt, the Alabama Republican. They are both backing bills to rein in social media companies because of their effects on childrens mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the two may not agree on much else, she praised the Democrat. You hit the ground running, I hope the people of New Jersey and America know that, Britt said. This man got to work before Day 1. Helmy was sworn in on Sept. 9 and hes expected to step down soon after election results are certified so Rep. Andy Kim, who won a full term, can fill the remaining days of Menendezs. It will be one of the shortest-ever tenures in the upper chamber since senators started being directly elected 1913 with about two dozen former senators sitting less than the roughly 90 days Helmy likely will have, according to the Senate Historical Office. But Helmys hardly been a placeholder or seat warmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his nearly three months in office, Helmy has sat down with 30 or so of his Senate colleagues; sponsored or cosponsored more than 30 pieces of legislation; drawn attention to issues as far-flung as refugees in Gaza and public housing in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and done the constituent casework that remains the bread and butter of a well-run Senate office. And he took an official trip to Jordan, where he saw warehouses stocked with pallets of food and supplies just miles away from starving families, an absurd outcome among other conditions that he said should appall every one of us. Being one of 100 requires you to raise your voice, he said in an interview shortly after his floor speech on Gaza. Other short-term senators have left a mark too. Former Sen. Carte Goodwin, the West Virginia Democrat who was appointed to fill the remainder of Sen. Robert Byrds seat in 2010, voted to extend unemployment benefits for more than 2 million Americans and helped confirm Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. The last senator named to fill a New Jersey seat, Republican Jeffrey Chiesa, voted to confirm Samantha Power as UN ambassador and unsuccessfully sought to build about 350 miles of fencing along the border with Mexico. Chiesa served about two months longer than Helmy will have but, partly because of previous commitments, missed an above-average 15 percent of votes in that time including one to confirm James Comey as FBI director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helmy aims to leave a legislative record that compares to people who have served a full term, or at least get the ball rolling on things that, like the legislation with Britt, may pass in future sessions. Helmy is also the sole Arab-American in the Senate right now. He said his Gaza speech, indignant over manifold tragedies, aimed to acknowledge complexity by supporting Israels existence and self-defense prerogatives, but he condemned blockades that have kept aid from innocent people at deaths door. You can say all that because that is true, he said. Within minutes of the speech, he said he was getting texts from other senators thanking him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's what you do, is you raise your voice, you speak the truth and you spur and stir conversation, he said. These things matter to people. It's the old RFK saying you create these ripples of energy that little by little create massive waves of change. His plan from the beginning was to sprint through his time in office with a staff drawn from Menendezs team, former Sen. Harry Reids office and Murphys front office, which he once oversaw as the governors chief of staff. Back in New Jersey, he was known as Murphys hyper-competent top aide and, before that, was state director for Sen. Cory Booker, now New Jerseys senior senator. Helmy says he still prefers to be the guy behind the guy or gal. So with senator in front of his name, hes acting like a super staffer on the hill. There's nobody I'm not willing to talk to, he said. I'll go find senator staffs off the floor and talk to them about what we're trying to do. Britains socialist Labour Government continues to make a fool of itself on the world stage. Jonathan Powell, the Prime Ministers national security adviser, is set to race to Washington in a desperate and humiliating attempt to save the ghastly Chagos Islands deal, which has been backed by the increasingly irrelevant lame duck Biden presidency, but not by the Trump administration that will soon replace it. The Chagos Islands have been governed by Britain since 1814, but are about to be handed over to Mauritius, with zero respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of the actual people of the Islands, or for mounting concerns in Washington. Significantly, the Chagos Islands are also home to the massively important US B-52 bomber base of Diego Garcia, which is vital to Americas strategic plans to combat Chinese military power in the Asia-Pacific. In an act of complete insanity, the UK is relinquishing control over the Islands while pledging to pay an annual fee amounting to millions of pounds of British taxpayer money to lease Diego Garcia for 99 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately for Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy, who have championed the deal, Mauritiuss new prime minister has significant reservations about it, and the incoming US administration is expressing major concerns. Donald Trumps pick for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has already reportedly declared that the deal provides China with an opportunity to gather valuable intelligence that poses a serious threat to our national security interests. It is simply astonishing that the Labour Government is seeking to go ahead with this nefarious agreement, despite growing opposition from the incoming US presidency as well as the newly-elected government of Mauritius. This disastrous deal is a knife in the back for Britains closest friend and ally, and has completely failed to take into account that the Biden administration will be history in January. Starmer is clearly seeking to sneak this deal through while Biden is still in office as a fait accompli. It is incredibly disrespectful towards the President-elect, and a move that could seriously damage relations with the Trump presidency if it goes ahead. As we saw with the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, the Biden White House is exceptionally reckless on the world stage, and has given its backing to the Chagos deal with no serious consideration for Americas long-term interests. If this deal still goes ahead despite the opposition of the government of Mauritius itself because of a spurious earlier ruling from the UN International Court of Justice, it will be a massive gamble on the future of Diego Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can the UK guarantee that a different government in Mauritius would not end the lease over Diego Garcia and eventually hand control over to Communist China for a lucrative fee? This is a dangerous leap into the dark, and a monumentally stupid move by Starmers government, which has no doubt been greatly welcomed by Beijing. The issue is so critically important to the United States that President Trump should sink the agreement, and send it to the bottom of the Indian Ocean where it belongs. Trump should torpedo the deal with the same resolve that Margaret Thatcher demonstrated when she sank the Belgrano during the Falklands War. My former boss Lady Thatcher would have hated the Chagos deal as a horrendous surrender to Beijing, as well as to British and US-hating supranational elites who sneer at national sovereignty and self-determination. She would also have been appalled by the way in which this agreement fundamentally undermines Americas security and ultimately the Special Relationship. This is one of the worst agreements of the modern era, and the United States should condemn it and consign it to the dust bin of history. Labours reckless folly must not come at Americas expense. No agreement or treaty deciding the future of Diego Garcia should be signed without the support of the new US administration elected by the American people. Nile Gardiner is a former aide to Margaret Thatcher and is based in Washington, DC 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. MP of Ukraine, leader of European Solidarity Petro Poroshenko held a meeting in Canada with President of the International Democracy Union (IDU) Stephen Harper and member of the Senate of Canada Leo Housakos, the website of the political force reports. "When security challenges are becoming increasingly acute, it is vital for us to act as a single coordinated front with our Western allies and the entire democratic world. The International Democracy Union unites parties from more than 60 countries. Therefore, I consider it fundamentally important to use this global political family in order to advance the political and security interests of our state," Poroshenko noted on social networks. The leader of European Solidarity reported that approaches to the issue of increasing military aid to Ukraine and sanctions pressure on the Russian aggressor and its allies, prospects for joining the European Union and inviting our country to NATO membership were agreed upon, special attention was paid to the strategy of interaction with the new American administration. "We will continue our joint work at the Summit of the International Democracy Union in Washington in a few days," Petro Poroshenko summed up. The European Solidarity Party received the status of Observer Member in the IDU in July 2020. Leader of the European Solidarity Party Petro Poroshenko became a member of the Honorary Advisory Board of the International Democracy Union (IDU) in September 2023. A former British soldier whose escape from a London prison last year sparked a three-day man-hunt has been found guilty of spying for Iran. A jury convicted 23-year-old Daniel Khalife despite his claims that it had been an attempt to work as a double agent to help British security agencies. Prosecutors told his trial this was a cynical game. The spy, who admitted to escaping from prison, was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalife reached out to a middle-man associated with Iran by sending him a Facebook message and claiming he would remain undercover in the British Army for them for more than 25 years, according to Britains Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Senior military officials and security services say he created and passed on fake documents supposedly from MPs but also sent genuine army documents, according to PA. A document he had created with personal details of special forces soldiers was also uncovered. He surreptitiously sought out and obtained copies of secret and sensitive information which he knew were protected and passed these on to individuals he believed to be acting on behalf of the Iranian state, said the CPS Bethan David on Thursday. He accepted hundreds of pounds for his efforts and even travelled to Turkey as part of his unlawful conduct, David added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for Khalife, Gul Nawaz Hussain KC, said his double agent plot was more Scooby-Doo than James Bond and sometimes bordering on the slapstick. Khalife was first arrested in January 2022 at a barracks in England, telling officers he had received 1,500 ($1,900) from Iranian handlers in a dog waste bag as part of his dealings with them. In September 2023 he managed to escape from Wandsworth Prison dressed as a chef and strapped to the underside of a delivery van. While on the run he tried to make contact with his handlers, sending the message I wait. via Telegram but was caught three days later. Khalife will be sentenced early next year. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Originally appeared on E! Online Content warning: This story discusses child cruelty. A woman in England will serve prison time after hiding her baby daughter in a drawer for nearly three years, according to authorities. The woman was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison Nov. 26 after pleading guilty to four charges of child cruelty in October, according to a press release from the U.K.s Crown Prosecution Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release stated that the mother, whose identity was not made public, delivered the baby at her Cheshire home in March 2020 and kept the birth a secret from family and friends. She eventually placed the child in a drawer under her bed, occasionally changing her diapers and feeding her soggy cereal through a medical syringe, per the organization. When the mother went out with her other children or to work, the child was simply left to fend for herself, Senior Crown Prosecutor Rachel Worthington said in the release. This child has never had a birthday present, a Christmas present or anything to recognize these days. Shes had no interaction with any of her siblings. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was eventually found in February 2023 after a partner of the mothers heard what sounded like a baby and followed the noise. Upon making the shocking discovery, police and social workers were called to the residence, according to CPS. At the time, the organization found the toddler could not crawl, walk or talk, and had a variety of health conditions including a cleft lip and a significant rash. A social worker involved in the case described the situation as an overwhelming horror. Cheshire Police Having been a social worker since 2006, I have never experienced such an extreme case of blatant child neglect and cruelty, the social worker testified in court, per CPS. The mother showed no remorse or emotion which I found extremely difficult to comprehend." The mother said she had been in an abusive relationship with the childs father, according to CPS, and did not want to tell him about the pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What this child has experienced in its short lifetime is simply unimaginable, Detective Constable Rachel di Nicola said, per Cheshire Police, and how anyone can allow a child to suffer in that way is beyond belief. Despite the childs significant developmental delay, di Nicola said she showed signs of developmental progress within weeks of being taken into care, and her condition has seemingly continued to improve. We have all been amazed by the way the child has recovered since they were discovered, di Nicola added, and we hope that this recovery continues. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App A Bronx man convicted in a 1972 triple murder who sued NYU for passing him over as a campus security guard has landed a gig with the NYPDs internal watchdog, The Post has learned. Ronald Davidson is training to be an investigator with the citys Civilian Complaint Review Board, which looks into claims of police misconduct a move that has riled police unions even as the candidate says he long ago turned his life around. He was convicted of three homicides, so he should be disqualified from doing any investigations involving the NYPD and its members, Vincent J. Vallelong, head of the NYPDs Sergeants Benevolent Association, said in a statement. Ronald Davidson was convicted of a 1972 triple murder. nyscef He also should not have access to sensitive materials involving victims, he continued, noting Davidson was scheduled to be a second seat in a case against a sergeant last week until the union protested it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davidson was just 17-years-old when he killed three people, after the trio tried to rob him at knifepoint one August night on a New York City beach, according to a 2016 letter he penned to the parole board. The combination of anabolic steroids, the flowing of adrenaline and my fear that my life was in danger and that I was going to get killed or at the very least seriously injured by these three men, led me to the worst decision and action of my life: To shoot these three men multiple times, thus ending their lives, he wrote. He said the crimes have haunted him since. Theyve also allegedly torpedoed his job prospects, such as when New York University revoked a security officer position after a background check turned up his earlier convictions, the schools student newspaper, The Washington Square News, wrote in December 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police union officials said theyre ready to push back. We will protest every time he is scheduled to sit in on a case against one of our members, Vallelong said. If CCRB wants to hire him, they should do it for another position. Patrick Hendry, the head of the NYPD PBA, echoed his comments. Police officers should not be subjected to the judgment of someone who was convicted of three murders, Hendry said. Moreover, the NYPD should not be turning over mass amounts of sensitive law enforcement information to someone with this kind of criminal record. Vincent J. Vallelong, head of the NYPDs Sergeants Benevolent Association Taidgh Barron/NY Post If this individual has any role in CCRBs investigations, it not only jeopardizes our members rights it puts public safety at risk. Its up to the NYPD to ensure that doesnt happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources say Davidson is physically present in the CCRB offices and shadowing other investigators but has not had contact with NYPD members. The CCRB, for its part, declined to comment on Davidsons case. The agency recently hired a new class of investigators, and per New York State and New York City human rights laws, the CCRB does not discriminate in the hiring process based off of prior criminal history, an agency spokesperson said in an email. Its unclear why Davidson, now in his late 60s, wants a security or law-enforcement-related job. The Post was unable to reach him for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davidson sued NYU in 2022 after the school revoked the security position and produced a bevy of letters and documentation to support his claim that 43 years of prison had rehabilitated him. One letter called him a role model in his community and another said Davidson is diligent, committed, and exhibits a strong work ethic. NYPD PBA President Patrick Hendry decried Davidsons attempt to be a CCRB investigator. James Keivom To keep Mr. Davidson incarcerated is a waste of human potential and public tax money, Professor Christian Parenti of John Jay College of Criminal Justice wrote in his letter, adding that the ex-felon is completely rehabilitated. Former probation officer and justice studies professor Edward Sieh described Davidson as a thoughtful person who deeply regrets the events that brought him to prison and said he no longer poses a danger to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit is still pending, court records showed. Davidson took courses from SUNY and Syracuse University while locked up, earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Community and Human Services. After his 2016 release, he finished two security guard courses, obtained certificates of fitness from the FDNY and took re-entry courses at John Jay and got an apartment through the citys affordable housing lottery program. He was forthcoming about his crimes in his 2016 parole letter, saying the killings stemmed from an argument over stolen outboard engines and boats at his parents house. Davidson obtained a certificate of fitness from the FDNY after taking a security guard course when he was released from prison. nyscef Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That night Aug. 21, 1972 he and another man went to a bar to talk to the three victims about storing and selling the illicit pieces, he said. At one point, the victims noticed Davidson had nearly $400 in cash on him. Later that evening, they attacked him to try to get the money and Davidson said he pulled a gun during the beach beat-down and shot them dead. This happened so very quickly and automatically, yet I have relived this episode of my life countless times, Davidson wrote. Not one day has gone by that I have not thought of the events that took place that summer night in 1972. I fully accept responsibility for my actions and the crimes that I committed, he continued. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man was arrested and charged Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred outside of a local restaurant back in May, the Buffalo Police Department announced. Officials responded to a shots fired call around 2:30 a.m. on May 26. Police confirmed that the shooting occurred outside of Luxor Steak & Lobster at Main Street and Winspear Avenue. The restaurant was shut down by the city and announced their permanent closure on Facebook in October. 42-year-old Darius Spates of Buffalo was driven to ECMC in a private vehicle where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was apprehended without incident Wednesday. 40-year-old Robert ONeil of Buffalo was charged with second-degree murder. He was arraigned on Thursday morning. Courtesy: Erie County District Attorneys Office Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. The holiday travel rush is underway at the Jacksonville International Airport. On Wednesday alone, airport officials expect there to be around 14,000 passengers. Travelers are asked to pack their patience as this week is expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record. TSA expects to screen 2.9 million passengers Wednesday and another 3 million the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Read: Record amount of drivers traveling for Thanksgiving Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax was at JIA all morning on Wednesday as most parking lots filled quickly. Airport leaders are asking flyers to plan and arrive at least 2 hours before their flight leaves and consider other options for parking like ride share or being dropped off. Action News Jax talked with travelers as they arrived at the airport to catch their flights. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Im going to see a bunch of my friends, Giacomo Greci said. First semester of college down, so excited to come back. Heading back home to see the fam then heading back out, Tyrone Hyde said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LD and Pat McCollough are flying to Houston and Thanksgiving is going to be extra special this year. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] It is going to be the first time we are meeting our great-grandsons so we are really excited about that, Pat McCollough said. Im excited to be there for the first time since 1978 for Thanksgiving, LD McCollough. Airport leaders said Thursday wont be nearly as busy, but if you fly back home Sunday and Monday, expect those crowds and give yourself extra time. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Every year volunteers for the Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange collect and distribute winter coats to people in need on the day after Thanksgiving outside the Rhode Island State House in Providence. (Courtesy of Buy Nothing Coat Exchange) Every year on the morning after Thanksgiving, as eager shoppers queue up for sales at Providence Place mall, another line forms across the street on the Rhode Island State House lawn for the Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange. For over two decades, the coat drive has provided around 1,500 free winter coats per year to people in need primarily unhoused people, refugee and low-income families and those recently released from incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years coat exchange will take place on Friday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The National Weather Service forecass clear dry skies for Friday morning. But in the event of inclement weather, the coat exchange will take place at the nearby Gloria Dei Church, 15 Hayes St., Providence. The coat drive was founded in 1997 by local activist Greg Gerritt and some friends on a platform of anti-consumerism and sustainability, said its co-director Lauren Testoni, who runs the exchange with her mother. But the number of people who come to the coat drive also brings Rhode Islands housing crisis to the attention of state lawmakers, Testoni added. Boxes and bags of coats donated for a past Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange are shown in storage. The coat drive gives out around 1,500 free winter coats per year to people in need. (Courtesy of Lauren Testoni) Were there to let state officials know, Hey, this is a real problem, said Testoni, an East Greenwich event planner. Look at the line of people that come to just pick up a coat the day after Thanksgiving. The location lies along multiple bus routes. Coats travel statewide through partnerships with community service organizations, including Clothes to Kids RI, Sojourner House, Mathewson Street Church and the RI Coalition to End Homelessness, according to the exchanges website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each year, volunteers send out the initial call for donations on Labor Day weekend before setting up collection locations. A week before Thanksgiving, Testoni drives a 26-foot U-Haul to each location to amass the coats, which she stores at her house until the day after Thanksgiving. Over the years, the exchange has grown from lining one clothing rack to filling the entire truck, in addition to day-of donations dropped directly at the State House, Testoni said. Often, people who collected a free coat one year come back the next year to volunteer. No matter how much we evolve, it keeps that grassroots feel, she added. Testoni said she began volunteering when she was 15 after her parents instilled community service values in her family. Around six years ago, she and her mother answered Gerritts all-call for coat drive coordinators when he decided to retire. There are whole families out here really trying to better their lives and so theyre there, the day after Thanksgiving at 8:30 in the morning, standing in line, Testoni said. For a lot of people, this is a life or death situation. Volunteers distribute leftover coats to local organizations after the exchange, Testoni said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Its a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said. The man who has been missing since August of 1999 was found sitting on a curb in Los Angeles earlier this year, according to a GoFundMe page created by the mans older sister to raise funds for a medical transfer. He just VANISHED with no trace. Not even his vehicle was ever located, the mans sister said in the GoFundMe post. All this time I had been looking for unidentified remains. I was delighted to find him alive! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman had contacted the Lassen County Sheriffs Department on Friday to say that she believed a man featured in an online article was her missing brother, the sheriffs department said in a Facebook post. The USA Today article, published in May, was a request for the public to help identify a nonverbal man who was hospitalized in Lynwood, California. The man had been found in South Los Angeles on April 15, according to medical officials cited in the article. The woman, whose name has not been released by the sheriffs department to protect family privacy, told Deputy Derek Kennemore that her brother was reported missing in 1999 from Doyle, a small California town about 45 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada. She had not heard from him since. Kennemore contacted the hospital in the article, only to learn that the man had been transferred to another LA facility in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy then reached out for help from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Missing Persons Unit, which was able to fingerprint the hospitalized man and positively identify him as the same person who went missing in 1999, according to the release. The family will be reunited soon, the release said. The next day, the Nor-Cal Alliance for the Missing, a non-profit that advocates for missing individuals, announced the long-awaited and miraculous reunion in a news release. After being missing for 25 years, Tommy, a case close to our hearts, has been found and will soon be reunited with his loving family, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization began working on the mans case in 2016, according to the release. In the GoFundMe post, the woman added that she does not have money for supplies needed to take care of her brother who is learning how to walk again and is nonverbal. I would like to send him a device to listen to his favorite songs (Sailing, I Want to Know What Love Is, and Time After Time) to help his memory and get some response, she said. CNN has reached out to officials in California for more details about the mans disappearance and how he ended up in the hospital where he remains. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the law enforcement agency that helped the Lassen County Sheriffs Office identify the man. It was the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A report expounding on China's ecological progress and contributions to global sustainability was released on Tuesday during the Global Panda Partners 2024 conference in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. International attendees have shared their insights on the advancement and contributions of China's green development. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution in Strasbourg on Thursday with a call to reinforce the EU's military support for Ukraine and increase sanctions pressure on Russia. The resolution was backed by 390 votes, while 135 MEPs voted against the document, and 52 abstained. "All EU Member States and NATO allies should collectively and individually commit to supporting Ukraine militarily, with no less than 0.25% of their GDP annually," says the document. The European Parliament called for the EU and its Member States to further strengthen their military support for Ukraine, including through the provision of aircraft, long-range missiles, including Taurus missiles, modern air defence systems, including Patriots and SAMP/T, and ammunition, as well as MANPADS, artillery and training programmes for Ukrainian forces. The MEPs welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use advanced rocket systems on military targets within Russian territory and called for the EU and its Member States to adopt similar measures. The resolution emphasized shared with the United States "strategic interest" of supporting Ukraine and called for the EU and its Member States to engage with the incoming administration in Washington "to strengthen mutually beneficial transatlantic cooperation." The EP also insisted that "no negotiations about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine" and called for the EU and its Member States to actively work towards maintaining and achieving "the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war." The European Parliament called for the engagement of the EU and the Member States in implementing "Ukraine's Peace Formula" and establishing the necessary conditions for holding the second Summit on Peace, also "engaging countries from the Global South." The MEPs also called on the European Council for further sanctions against "sectors of special economic importance for Russia" (the metallurgical, nuclear, chemical, agricultural and banking sectors) and on Russian raw materials. The resolution calls on Beijing to end all military or "dual-use assistance," emphasizing that a refusal to change course on this matter risks seriously affecting bilateral EU-China relations. The European Parliament urged the Member States to further broaden and strengthen the sanctions regime against North Korea, Belarus and Iran in light of these countries' military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Join ICT and IndiJ Public Medias 2024 End of Year Campaign in honor of Mark Trahants 50-year legacy in Indigenous journalism. Help us reach our goal of $75,000 by Dec. 31 to celebrate and amplify Indigenous voices. Donate here! Kevin Abourezk ICT SIOUX CITY, Iowa As a cold wind bit deep into their coats and hats, more than 100 people walked a winding gravel road down a gently sloping hill. Children scurried around the ribbon skirts of grandmothers. Friends and relatives laughed. Young men carried sacred eagle feather staves. Old men and their grandsons rode horses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They came to honor Native children taken from their families and placed into the care of non-Native foster families, children they affectionately call lost birds. They came to raise awareness of the deaths of Native children in non-Native foster homes. But they also came to honor those who started the Annual Memorial March to Honor Our Lost Children 22 years ago. Frank LaMere, a revered Nebraska political figure and social justice advocate who died in June 2019, and Judy Yellowbank, a beloved Native community center director who died in October 2016, began the march in 2002. They hosted the march to bring awareness to the disproportionate rates of removal of Native children from their families and the challenges those families faced in trying to bring their children home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too many Native children were being abused and murdered in state foster homes, they said. But deaf ears turned their pleas into anger, and they sought a way to express that frustration. Michael Murphy is an Omaha, Neb., folk musician who hasnt missed a single march since being invited to the first one by LaMere. On Wednesday, he performed music with his acoustic guitar and Native flute inside Jackson Recovery Centers, a treatment center, where marchers stopped briefly for coffee and speeches. He shared his memories of LaMere and Yellowbank. They made an impact on all of us, and people who met them were made better by them, he said. Michael Murphy, an Omaha, Neb., folk musician, stands with a star blanket given to him for his support of the Annual Memorial March to Honor Our Lost Children. The 22nd annual event was held on Nov. 27, 2024, in Sioux City, Iowa, to raise awareness of the disproportionate rates of Native children in the foster care system and the abuse those children suffer in foster homes. (Kevin Abourezk/ICT) Shortly after speaking, LaMeres children Manape and Jennifer draped a star blanket over Murphys shoulder as a drum group performed an honoring song. Afterward, many of the nearly 150 people in the audience walked to the front of the room to shake Murphys hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They became brothers, said Terry Medina, the events emcee, of Frank LaMere and Murphy. In the early years of the march, much of the focus was on the injustices perpetrated on Native children and families by the child welfare system. As the years have passed, many of those who speak during the five-mile long march through Sioux City use the opportunity to call upon the Indigenous mothers and fathers in attendance to get sober and care for their children so they wont lose them. We have to live better lives, said Anthony Yellowbank Sr., Judys Yellowbanks son. We have to make better decisions for ourselves, for our families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont be afraid to be strong. Woodbury County, Iowa, District Court Judge Robert D. Tiefenthaler speaks about the need for more Native foster parents during the 22nd Annual Memorial March to Honor Our Lost Children held Nov. 27, 2024, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Kevin Abourezk/ICT) On the next leg of the march, under the stained-glass rotunda of the Woodbury County, Iowa, Courthouse, District Court Judge Robert D. Tiefenthaler the first black judge in the Iowa Third Judicial District and the husband of an Isanti Dakota woman also urged Native people to become foster parents. He said judges dont want to remove Native children from their families, nor do they prefer to place those children in non-Native homes, but they have little choice because of the lack of Native foster parents. When he began his judgeship in 2022, Woodbury County home to nearly 2,400 Native people only had six Native foster families. Give me people who are willing to step up and take these children, he said. Do it for the children. Jennifer LaMere, daughter of the late Frank LaMere, a Winnebago political and social justice activist, speaks during the 22nd Annual March to Honor Our Lost Children held Nov. 27, 2024, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Kevin Abourezk/ICT) For the first time in the marchs history, one of its founders daughters joined the procession. Jennifer LaMere traveled from her home in Oklahoma City to participate, five years after her fathers death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She expressed embarrassment at participating for the first time, saying she has too long blamed work for keeping her away. Look at how many folks are still coming together, she said. Its an honor to be here around so many people who knew Judy and my dad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. A coping mechanism Ive adopted since the election of Donald Trump, a man more deserving of prison than the presidency, is to look for reasons for even the slightest optimism about the nations governance over the next four years. To that end, this Thanksgiving Im grateful for the Republican Grim Reaper, Mitch McConnell. Really. Yes, Im saying Im thankful for the sour senator from Kentucky whos built a turkey of a legacy: Fighting for years, up to a conservative Supreme Court, to successfully decapitate limits on campaign contributions from corporations and special interests. Stuffing that court and lower benches with far-right jurists. Finally, engineering Trumps Senate acquittal after the House impeached him for inciting an insurrection that trashed the Capitol McConnell professes to revere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its because of that last McConnell achievement that we face Trump 2.0. Had the Senate convicted Trump in February 2021, it probably would have followed with a vote to bar him from running for office again, as the Senate has for impeached and convicted judges. So here we are, and McConnell too. At 82, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history is voluntarily surrendering his crown to mentee Sen. John Thune of South Dakota. He will serve the last two years of his seventh and perhaps final term among the rank and file of the Republican majority. Its McConnells just deserts to take a demotion as Trump returns to the summit: For all of McConnells past services to the once and future president, since Jan. 6 the two men have loathed each other more than I loathe marshmallows on sweet potatoes. Familiar as he is with power, McConnell is well aware of who holds it now. Still, he wont be without clout in Trumps Washington. He wont retreat to the backbenches or bend the knee. He even relishes the schoolyard nickname Trump gave him Old Crow doling out bottles of the Kentucky bourbon with his mug on the label. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: Trump's budget cutters have set themselves up to fail McConnell may be stooped with age, but hes suggesting publicly and privately that hell rise to the occasion as leader of a Republican resistance in the Senate, providing cover to others, should Trump overreach. The president-elect already has done so with some grotesque Cabinet choices, preceded by his anticonstitutional demand that senators forfeit their advice and consent power and instead be rubber stamps. McConnells nearly immediate response amounted to No way . If Trump, as president, carries through on his threat to illegally impound funds that Congress approves, expect McConnell to cry foul, and even back a court challenge. Most of all, look for McConnell who will chair the defense spending subcommittee to stand for continued U.S. leadership in the world, especially in support of Ukraine and NATO. That posture will surely ruffle the feathers of an America First president enamored of dictators and disdainful of allies. Opposition to Ukraine is about as much nonsense as [saying] Biden wasnt legitimately elected, McConnell says in a bite at Trump in a new biography, The Price of Power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: Who's the vice-president elect? Elon Musk or JD Vance? Im not naive. McConnell will go along with many Trump actions, including serving up a bounty of unaffordable new tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations, urging Americans to gorge on fossil fuels and, again, stuffing the courts with right-wing ideologues. Yet recall the ancient proverb: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. As ruthless and rule-bending as McConnell has been on judicial confirmations and more, Im betting hell respect institutional and constitutional lines that Trump scornfully crosses, and recruit a few other Republican senators to help hold those lines. A few Republicans are all thats needed when the partys majority is a narrow 53 to 47; Trump can lose just four votes if Democrats are united in opposition. I count up to a dozen Republicans who could take turns to buck Trump occasionally, which would dilute the political pain of Trumps wrath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Trumps nominations, for instance. Ex-con Stephen K. Bannon, among other MAGA militants, blamed McConnell (You gotta give the devil its due) for whipping up opposition that forced the unsavory former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida off the menu as Trumps nominee for attorney general. Publicly, too, McConnell was no chicken, as he countered Trumps call to let nominees slide through as recess appointments. Read more: Calmes: Donald Trump and the mystery of the disappearing checks and balances Each of these nominees needs to come before the Senate and go through the process and be vetted, McConnell said two weeks ago. The institutionalist in him knows that, under the Constitution, the Senates power to confirm nominees is equal to a presidents in naming them. Among those he could help defeat are Trumps worst picks: Tulsi Gabbard, Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the candidates to head intelligence, defense and health, respectively. A polio survivor, McConnell surely chokes on Kennedys anti-vax rhetoric. Likewise for Gabbard's and Hegseths echoes of Trumps skepticism and Vladimir Putins talking points on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell has little to lose. Hell be liberated in the new Congress, he told his biographer, Michael Tackett, no longer required as party leader to attend to the appetites of moderate and MAGA Republicans alike. Hes not expected to seek reelection in 2026. Sure, hes unpopular nationally, in both parties. But inside the Senate, most Republicans respect and even like him. His outsized standing there will parallel that of former House Speaker and GOAT Nancy Pelosi, whom he praised last month: I think Pelosi has done a pretty good job as a former speaker, still being able to express herself and have an audience. Similarly, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina predicted of McConnell, When he speaks, people will listen. Forget the turkey. Im bringing the popcorn. And rooting for the Old Crow. @jackiekcalmes If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (Bloomberg) -- Canadas premiers are urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step up border security and defense spending to assuage US President-elect Donald Trumps concerns, with the leader of the largest province calling the federal government slow to react and stuck on its back foot. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ontarios Doug Ford said after a meeting of the premiers and prime minister on Wednesday that he has been pushing Trudeaus government for months to show that Canada cares about US economic and security worries. He said it simply hasnt moved quickly enough. I expressed my hope that this evenings meeting is the start of a more proactive approach from the federal government, including by showing that it takes the security of our border seriously, Ford said in a statement. If it doesnt, he said, it risks the economic chaos of Trump tariffs. The blunt statement, sent after a meeting that Trudeau hoped would unify premiers under a Team Canada banner to oppose the tariff threat, underscores a key challenge for the prime minister during a second Trump administration. While Trudeau was new to office and relatively popular the first time around, that isnt the case anymore and he faces a coterie of premiers with their own grievances about his policies. Ford was joined by Quebec Premier Francois Legault, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who all made statements demanding stronger action from the government. Legault, for his part, has long-standing concerns about migrants entering his province from the US, while Smith took the opportunity to criticize Trudeaus emissions cap on the oil and gas sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emerged from the premiers meeting to reiterate that they plan to boost border security. LeBlanc said that will include investments in law enforcement and local police, but did not provide specific dollar amounts or timelines. There is a need for more visible and public-facing measures at the border, LeBlanc said. The plan is here, it will evolve, and we will reassure Canadians and Americans that the people are in place. Now is not the moment to squabble among ourselves, Freeland said. There really was a strong agreement among every single person on the call that this is a challenge. The way we meet that challenge and the way we serve Canadians is by being strong, smart and united and by playing for Team Canada. Trudeau called the meeting this week after multiple provincial leaders raised the alarm over Trumps threat to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless the countries stop the flow of fentanyl and undocumented migrants over their borders even though these issues are largely confined to the Mexico crossing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke by phone with Trump, telling him her country was already preventing migrants from reaching the US border. Trump later posted on Truth Social that Sheinbaum has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. About an hour later, Sheinbaum posted on X that in the phone conversation she told Trump that Mexicos stance is not to close borders, but to build bridges among governments and peoples. She also explained that Mexicos strategy so far involves attending to migrants and caravans before they reach the border and respecting human rights. Trump has not posted about his phone call with Trudeau earlier this week. The Canadian premiers all called for more spending on law enforcement. Albertas and Ontarios leaders each pledged to use local police forces to strengthen border security, and Manitobas premier, Kinew, said the federal government told him he would receive new resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kinew also pushed Canada to spend at least 2% of its gross domestic product on the military, a target it agreed to as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. On Monday, Trudeau reiterated in a speech that the country would meet that target by 2032. Ford and other premiers have called for Canada to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the US if necessary effectively cutting Mexico out of the current structure of a three-way regional accord, due to its economic relationship with China. While Trudeau has also raised concerns about Mexicos trade with China, he has said he prefers to keep the trilateral deal in place and sees Mexico as a solid partner. --With assistance from Brian Platt and Mathieu Dion. (Updates with the Mexican presidents comments in the fifth-last paragraph.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Theres nice, and then theres Canadian-nice, which sometimes involves driving a total stranger, her two kids, a pair of elderly dogs and a cat named Midnight more than a thousand miles through a snowstorm to another country. Dashing through the snow It all started because Lynn Marchessault, her 13-year-old son Payton, 10-year-old daughter Rebecca and the family pets needed to get from Georgia to Alaska. Marchessaults husband, a staff sergeant in the US Army, is stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks. Payton and Rebecca Marchessault. - Courtesy Lynn Marchessault In a 4x4 and a U-Haul, eh? So Marchessault packed up all their belongings, bought a 4x4 truck that could handle Alaska winters, rented a U-Haul, and made plans for a cross-country family adventure during the balmy days of early fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, 2020 happened. Marchessault waited months for the travel documents that would allow her to drive from Georgia, through Canada and up to Alaska. Due to the coronavirus, Canada had instituted strict guidelines for Americans traveling through the country, en route to Alaska. By the time she got things in order, her September road trip was pushed to November. Besides the restrictions placed on her by the Canadian government, she knew shed have to keep up a good driving pace to avoid the worst of winter weather. Oer the roads we go The first 3,000 miles of the trip went well. The weather was good, the kids were glued to electronic devices, the dogs behaved and the cat slept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They entered Canada through the province of Saskatchewan. Border authorities checked Marchessaults paperwork and warned her to keep to the main roads and stop only when necessary for food or gas. The family would have to order any food to-go, even at motels they stayed in along the way. She was allotted five days to drive through Canada and get to the US border in Alaska. White-knuckling it all the way The farther north they traveled, the worse the weather got. Marchessault, who was raised in the South, encountered her first winter white-out conditions. Then she ran out of windshield wiping fluid. Slush covered her windows and she couldnt see to drive. Even scarier her tires seemed to be losing traction. So I pull up to the gas station, she said. My kids had to go to the restroom, they put their masks on, so I was out at the vehicle Im a complete wreck I was crying at this point and a woman came out of the gas station. She says Are you okay? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, I just needed to vent to somebody, and it all just started to come out. I explained how I was having trouble getting up the road, and I wasnt getting any traction, and she said: Lets check your tires. I was under the impression I had all-weather tires, thats what the dealership told me, but she checked and she said: Honey, these are summer tires. Frozen windshields and a shredded tire That good Samaritan drove Marchessault to a tire store, where they were able to change them on the spot. But Marchessault was done with driving. Im not usually one to throw in the towel, but I threw in the towel, she said. I told my husband: Border patrol can just come and get us where we are. Thats the only way were leaving Canada at this point. Friendly Canadians make spirits bright The Marchessaults found a motel and went to bed. Thats when the kind folks in and around Wonowon, British Columbia, got to work, putting out a plea on Facebook for someone to drive the Marchessaults, their truck and their U-Haul the last 1,056 miles to the border. The trip takes a good driver, familiar with the perilous Alaska Highway, about two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marchessaults husband wasnt thrilled about the idea of a stranger driving his family that far, but he wasnt legally able to enter Canada during the pandemic to go get them himself. And if the Marchessault family didnt get to the border soon, they would go past the five-day maximum they were given to get to Alaska. What fun it is to meet a ranger (when things are most dire) Gary Bath, a ranger whose job includes training members of the Canadian military to survive the Arctic, was at home when he saw his friends post about the stranded American family. After watching the post for a bit I saw no one was able (to help), so I talked to my wife and we made the decision that I would drive her the whole way to the border, Bath said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both families met over the internet, and when they decided they were all comfortable with the plan, Bath and his wife drove to meet the family at the motel. While Marchessault admits making the trip so late in the year turned out to be an error in judgment, allowing Bath to drive them wasnt. Im a very good judge of character, I knew that I made the right choice, and these were good people, Marchessault said. With Bath behind the wheel, Marchessault was able to relax and reflect on what shed been through when shed try to drive under the same conditions. Im sure my son was happy he didnt have to comfort me anymore as I cried it was more of a dry heave cry, she explained, while laughing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant cry with actual tears because then you cant see the road and I was just gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles. And home to Alaska tonight! Bath found the long drive uneventful (except for a blown tire that was fixed quickly) and the company enjoyable. We both have military experience so we talked about military life, told stories of family, the kids played games, and Lynn and I found out we are both weird and like the MREs the military food, Bath said. He drove them to a Canadian border checkpoint where the Marchessaults handed in their paperwork and the new friends parted ways. We just clicked from the get-go, Marchessault said of Bath. Just like old friends. it was a really nice drive. He deserves all the credit. Hes a good guy. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Cancer sufferers are being hit with Ulez charges despite Sadiq Khans promise to exempt hospital patients from the levy. A carve out of Londons ultra-low emission zone agreed the charge would not apply to some of those attending hospital appointments. Those travelling by car can apply for a refund of the 12.50 daily charge, and the 15 Congestion Charge, if necessary. But as many as three in five do not know that they are exempt while others are struggling to get their money back, a cancer charity has warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kings College, a hospital in south-east London, said that it had seen instances of patients struggling to get refunds since spring of this year. A spokesman for the hospital said: We have continued to submit monthly claims to Transport for London (TfL) for patients eligible for Ulez reimbursement. However, since the spring 2024, we have experienced difficulty in getting some claims processed. We have raised this with the TfL complaints team. Hundreds of large and small hospitals were dragged into the Ulez net after the Mayor of London expanded the scheme last summer. But patients who are too weak or disabled to travel by public transport, or suffer from other issues and require regular treatment can get the charge refunded, TfLs terms state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother of three, Jasmin Sarll, 30, said that during her sons cancer treatment and liver transplant, she spent hundreds of pounds on Ulez charges. Ms Sarll said she spent more than 250 in Ulez costs during Hugos treatment Hugo was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2022, when he was two years old, and was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He has also had treatment at Kings College Hospital. Ms Sarll said that during Hugos chemotherapy, she spent more than 250 on Ulez charges. This came on top of nearly 100 for parking every time he needed to stay in hospital for up to three days. She said: If you could plan in your head that this was going to happen, youd get an Ulez-exempt car. But it is ridiculous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day that Hugo went into hospital for a liver transplant, she forgot to pay the Ulez charge. She received two 90 fines, which were cancelled after charity Young Lives vs Cancer contacted TfL on her behalf. Hugo, who is now four, has been in remission for more than a year. Ms Sarll said: We were never once told we could claim back Ulez, or obviously we would have. After The Telegraph contacted Transport for London about Ms Sarlls experience, they said they would refund the eligible Ulez charges. Rachel Kirby-Rider, chief executive at Young Lives vs Cancer said: We know young people and families face an extra 250 a month on average to travel to treatment treatment which is frequent and can often last years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While young people with cancer and their families are able to claim their Ulez charges back, there is a lack of communication about what families can claim back. Our research shows 59pc of families are unaware that such schemes exist. An impact assessment by TfL ahead of last years Ulez expansion admitted that the charges would lead to increased costs for older people, disabled people and those with underlying health conditions, who needed to travel for medical treatment. A TfL spokesman said: We are very sorry for the distress that Ms Sarll has experienced. We had already accepted the representation she made and cancelled the penalty charges she incurred during these challenging circumstances. A spokesman added: We are also in contact with Ms Sarll about the Ulez charges she paid during visits to the hospital, and will refund these as a gesture of goodwill. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) issued a consumer health and safety advisory after identifying contaminated cannabis pre-rolls and roll-your-own (RYO) products that tested positive for a prohibited pesticide, the New Mexico Regulations and Licensing Department (NMRLD) announced Wednesday, Nov. 27 in a news release. The CCD oversees legal cannabis sales in New Mexico. NMRLD said the affected products, which were manufactured and sold by JBS Technologies NM, LLC (DBA Stash House), were distributed to licensed cannabis retailers between Jan. 1 and Nov. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMRLD said businesses in Albuquerque, Ruidoso, Sunland Park, and Las Cruces received the affected products. A full list of package IDs as well as a list of retail locations that received the products can be found below and on the CCDs website. NMRLD said the licensee was ordered to immediately remove any cannabis products linked to parent ID #2305513685689594 from the market. The products were sold by the licensee to retailers under the following names: Drool 2g BluntNightmare Cookies Drool 2g BluntWedding Punch Drool 2g BluntRainbow Dream Drool 2g BluntBlue Dream Stone Road 14g RYO Forbidden Star Fruit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMRLD said customers should review the product list to see if they purchased a contaminated product. If so, they are advised to destroy it or return it to the retailer for proper disposal. The CCD is committed to protecting public health and safety by ensuring that all cannabis products comply with state regulations. This advisory includes cannabis products that tested positive for spinosyn, a pesticide exceeding legal limits under 16.8.7.15 NMAC. Licensees must comply with the Pesticide Control Act, (Sections 76-4-1 et seq. NMSA 1978), read the news release. No health-related complaints have been reported to the CCD in connection to this recall. Anyone with health-related concerns should contact the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 or consult their healthcare provider. For non-health-related complaints, consumers may file a complaint with the CCD, including their contact information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A car caught on fire at an auto repair shop on the south side of Lansing Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened at Performance Auto Care on S Pennsylvania Avenue near Jolly Road at around 12:25 p.m. (WLNS) (WLNS) (WLNS) (WLNS) When the Lansing Fire Department arrived at the shop, they saw heavy smoke and a car on fire inside. The fire was quickly put out, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three workers were inside at the time and all were evaluated for injuries. One of the workers was taken to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Nov. 27A car caught fire in front of Community Bank on Main Street in Oneonta, Wednesday, Nov. 27. An Oneonta Police Department dispatcher said Wednesday that there were no injuries reported and no threats to the public. Oneonta Fire Chief Brian Knapp did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Chris Patterson, a Cooperstown resident who was across the street in The Autumn Cafe, witnessed the event. He said the fire began around 4:45 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car appeared to be a 1970s or 1980s Lincoln Continental. Patterson observed smoke flowing from the engine hood before it erupted into flames. He said there was no one in the car. Once fire crews arrived at the scene, the fire was put out quickly, in about 10 or 15 minutes, Patterson said. A driver crashed into the side of an Ohio daycare on Wednesday, according to Cincinnati TV stations WLWT-5 and WKRC-12. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The crash happened at a YMCA Early Learning Center in the 9500 block of Colerain Avenue around 4:15 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police on scene told WLWT-5 and WKRC-12 that the building was open at the time of the crash, but no children were injured. The driver of the car was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Photos from the scene show a large hole in the wall and extensive damage inside. This crash is under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Umerov speaks of assistance amount that Ukraine expects to receive from its allies in 2025 According to the results of numerous meetings and negotiations held in the autumn, it is already known what kind of assistance the Ukrainian Defense Forces will receive in 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. "In recent weeks alone, we have held a number of important meetings with allies aimed at identifying key defense needs, analyzing preliminary assistance and developing new formats of cooperation," the minister stressed. So, he pointed out that next year Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will allocate 0.25% of GDP each to support Ukraine. In addition, the UK will continue its program to allocate GBP 3 billion annually until 2031, and Denmark to allocate EUR 8.7 billion until 2028. In 2025, military assistance from Denmark will amount to EUR 2.2 billion, including joint projects and investments under the Danish model 2.0. The European Union will transfer the second tranche of military aid worth EUR 1.9 billion at the beginning of the year. These funds will be used to purchase ammunition, air defense systems, missiles and to support the Ukrainian defense industry. NATO will allocate up to EUR 500 million to Ukraine as part of the Alliance's Comprehensive Assistance Package. The Netherlands will allocate EUR 4 billion for the period 2024-2026, Germany EUR 4 billion of direct military assistance, Norway will increase support to NOK 30 billion ($2.7 billion), Sweden is conducting a three-year framework program for SEK 75 billion ($75 billion) or $2.5 billion annually. The United States will provide $5.5 billion in military aid. "One of the examples of new alliances is the Northern Group coalition plus Ukraine: 12 countries - Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom - are joining forces to strengthen Ukraine's security. We also continue to work actively within the framework of coalitions of abilities in the Ramstein format," Umerov added. In addition, work will continue on the development of the Ukrainian defense industry. "We have already created conditions for the production of long-range missiles and drones, the manufacture of 155 mm ammunition, the localization of production of air defense systems, missiles, heavy armored vehicles and artillery, the development of robotic complexes, electronic warfare systems and radars," the minister said. "Ukraine is confidently strengthening its positions on all fronts thanks to the heroism of our soldiers and the unwavering support of our allies. Together, we are bringing victory over the Russian invaders closer and ensuring security in Europe," he added. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 38-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday after a 7-month-old baby overdosed on fentanyl in December 2023. Officers were called to a South Nashville hotel room after a baby girl was found unresponsive on Dec. 7, 2023. Truck stolen from Nashville car dealership with stolen MNPD vest While the baby was being taken to the emergency room, she reportedly had to be revived with Narcan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Francine Hammonds admitted to detectives she and a friend snorted heroin inside the hotel room a few days before the overdose. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Officers searched the room and found an electronic scale and white powder residue inside the room. Court documents state the babys lab results were positive for fentanyl and metabolite Norfentanyl. Hammonds was booked into the Metro jail and charged with child endangerment. Her bond was set at $65,000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. PLATTSBURGH Clinton Community College has received a critical distinction in the form of accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that will propel them toward their future. This is terrific news for Clinton Community College, CCC Administrator in Charge Ken Knelly said. We have and will continue to play a critical role in our region and in the State University of New York system. Our Clinton County sponsors, the board of trustees, and community leaders, as well as our friends, alumni and donors who love, support and invest in this college, know its value to this community. We have served the area since 1966 and will continue to offer, adapt and grow our unique set of degrees and other pathways from an open access campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middle States reaffirmed the accreditation for CCC through 2029-2030. The designation is crucial for the college, which is preparing to move to the campus of SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall of 2025. The Middle States decision, reflects the good, collective work put in by the campus over the course of the summer, including an August monitoring report for the commission and a September site visit, a release from the college said. The commission decision includes approval of the colleges substantive change request to move its primary campus to Beekman and Court Streets at SUNY Plattsburgh. CCC will move into the Redcay Building at SUNY Plattsburgh across from Hawkins Hall, and will also utilize the building on Court Street that houses the Canadian Studies program, which will re-locate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Middle States decision is an important validation of Clinton Community Colleges progress towards a sustainable future, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said. SUNY is proud to support Clinton Community College, SUNY Plattsburgh, and Clinton County to complete the relocation and secure programs and greater opportunities for students now and for generations to come. CCC has been focusing not only on moving to a new campus, but on increasing enrollment, reaffirming accreditation, strengthening finances, planning for the new location, and supporting faculty, staff and students. Fall 2024 enrollment saw a 12 percent increase over a year earlier. Full-time equivalent enrollment, representing the combination of all student schedules to full-time, is now more than 296. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fall headcount, the total of all students enrolled in campus and online courses, as well as the College Advancement Program based in high schools, is 1,068. Applications and acceptances for Spring 2025 are above the same time a year ago and also tracking at or above last years final numbers, the school said. A focus on retention, through the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways program and other support efforts, and recruitment of new students has yielded well. The college is also performing better than a year earlier in terms of revenue and net income so far in the new 2024-2025 fiscal year, the school said. Auditors are now completing the review of 2023-2024, with their report due on time. Quality Standards Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Receiving accreditation was key to CCCs future and one that administrators were deeply concerned about. It means the college meets quality standards in several critical areas, giving students confidence that they are attending a reputable institution. It also includes eligibility for the college and students for federal aid and programs. By receiving accreditation, the college is now removed from warning or probation status, which has been attached to Clinton since June 2022. The commission reaffirmed the colleges accreditation because, the institution is now in compliance with Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement) and Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission has asked the college to provide a monitoring report on its progress due in March 2025. The report will include details on its financial management, including a multi-year budget, a copy of the soon-to-be completed audit, planning to reduce deficits / raise surplus, and related goals. The monitoring report will be followed by a follow-up team visit in the spring. The next evaluation visit will be scheduled for 2029-2030. This achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence, the dedication of our leadership, faculty, staff, and the strength of our programs, Board of Trustees Chair Devi Momot said. As a board, we are confident this accreditation positions Clinton Community College to continue delivering transformative education that empowers our community and drives regional progress. Community colleges are essential to providing accessible, affordable education and fueling workforce and economic development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next Steps The college is developing its next strategic plan, which will align with its mission and focus on serving its home region and area students and employers, the school said. The move to SUNY Plattsburgh will be aided by the State University Construction Fund assisting in upgrades for the properties ahead of moving this summer and the development of details, from spaces to contracts, also in process. SUNY Plattsburgh is proud to support Clinton Community College in this transformative period, Dr. Alexander Enyedi, president of SUNY Plattsburgh, said. The reaffirmation of accreditation reflects the dedication and resilience of Clintons faculty, staff, and leadership in driving a brighter future for their students and our shared community. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the economic and educational landscape of our region. I am excited that our university is partnering with Clinton Community College to build a new model for the delivery of higher education in the North Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCC said it expects, and intends to sustain, enrollment growth and meeting accreditation standards that are foundational to its future, placing students at the center of all it does, filling a unique niche and providing partnerships with organizations and institutions across the spectrum of the area. This keeps us on the path for a smooth transition to a new location for the college, Clinton County Legislature Chair Mark Henry said. The county is proud of its partnership with Clinton Community College and its years of successful program for our residents. Financial sustainability is critical to its future and its work toward achieving this is commendable. We also appreciate the work of the State University of New York system to make this possible. The county will decide what to do with the CCC campus property, which sits atop Bluff Point overlooking Lake Champlain, once the move to SUNY Plattsburgh is complete. HONOLULU (KHON2) As families across the country sit down to enjoy their Thanksgiving meals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reminding the public about the increased risk of food poisoning during the holiday season. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Foodborne illnesses tend to rise in November and December, with experts warning that raw turkey can carry harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To prevent contamination, it is essential to handle turkey safely, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. The same food safety rules apply to side dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. These should be kept out of the danger zone temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees, where bacteria can grow rapidly. HFD offers safety tips ahead of Thanksgiving cooking Donald Schaffner, a food science expert at Rutgers University, offers additional advice for handling leftovers. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly within two hours of cooking or eating, Schaffner said. I recommend placing leftovers in shallow containers, no deeper than two inches, to help them cool more quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When cleaning up after the meal, experts recommend a two-step process: first, wash surfaces with soap and water, then sanitize with a disinfectant to ensure all potential bacteria are eliminated. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news By following these food safety guidelines, families can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and enjoy a safe and happy holiday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A dog was euthanized after reportedly biting a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation parole agent who shot it, Bakersfield police said. The incident happened Wednesday just before 10:15 a.m. in the 100 block of Liggett Street near Texas Street. Bakersfield police officers were called to help a CDCR parole agent who radioed to dispatch he shot at a dog, the department said. The agent said the dog bit his foot and shot it in self-defense. The unidentified agent suffered minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bakersfield Animal Control officers arrived and said there was no crime involved during the incident. The dogs owners requested the wounded dog be euthanized, police said. CDCR is investigating the incident, according to Bakersfield police. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, and Central Illinois Friends is inviting the community to attend two events to commemorate the day. Deric Kimler is the organizations executive director, and said the events will center around the strength of those living with HIV. The event as a whole is going to surround itself around resiliency because people living with HIV are resilient individuals, and they know what it means to be resilient in their fight, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panelists will speak about their unique experiences and attendees will get a chance to ask questions afterward. Kimler said its important to note how far the LGBTQ+ community has come, but to also acknowledge that work still needs to be done. We need to work together as a community to be able to provide the necessary services to help get to zero new HIV diagnoses and to make sure that all those individuals that weve lost in our past did not die in vain, he said. The event in Peoria will be held at 3 p.m. at the George Washington Carver Center, while the Bloomington event will be held at the Bistro at 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partner organizations for the events include Positive Health Solutions, Peoria Proud Coalition, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Both are free to the public. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Some central Ohio families are getting free Thanksgiving dinner thanks to St. Vincent Family Services. The meals are all premade from Bob Evans, and any family with children who receive care from St. Vincent, a pediatric healthcare provider, were eligible to receive one. All the families needed to do to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal is heat up the turkey and fixings. Around 60 families were able to drive through and pick up a meal that serves up to eight people. Times are hard, said Susan Lewis Kaylor, CEO of St. Vincent. A lot of our families are struggling financially and every little bit of help matters, so this Thanksgiving box is really right on time for most of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Vincent provides the meals for families every year. The pediatric healthcare provider also has a foster care program, a school and counseling. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) This past month, we have had multiple Central Pennsylvania businesses announce they will be closing their doors. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat Here is a list of all the closures in case you missed it! Closings Fyre Lounge & Bar This local lounge and bar that relocated to the Colonial Park Mall last year officially closed its doors earlier this month. The owner told abc27 news he had decided to close down the Fyre Lounge & Bar in order to focus on his other business ventures. When we last spoke, he said there were several potential buyers lined up to take over the lease. Johns Diner This locally owned diner in Cumberland County closed its doors back on November 6 after 15 years of operation. The owners had shared that the landlord of the property had found a new tenant to start right away. Redds Smokehouse BBQ This southern-style BBQ restaurant on the West Shore closed the doors to one of its two Midstate locations. Redds Smokehouse BBQ first debuted back in 2009. The business decided to close its location in Mechanicsburg in order to prioritize its main Carlisle restaurant, in addition to their catering business. Harvest The Hotel Hershey shared earlier this month that their long-time Harvest restaurant would be closing its doors shortly after the New Year. The Hotel plans on transforming the Harvest space into a new dining and tavern experience. It is slated to debut at some point next Spring. Citizens Bank Earlier this month, Citizens Bank announced the closure of three Pennsylvania banking locations across the Philadelphia area. The bank told abc27 news the three closures were part of an ongoing effort to modernize its branch network. The closures are expected to go into effect in Late January and early February. abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. 36,718 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 36,718 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? An 18-year-old Milwaukee man with a history of stealing vehicles was charged in the car robbery and killing of a 60-year-old man earlier this month. Antonio Marquis Willis was charged with two counts of second-degree reckless homicide and other felonies in a Nov. 12 car theft and subsequent police chase that ended with him crashing into the car of Clarence Bibbins and killing him. Court records show last year Willis was convicted on several charges for previously attempting to steal and for stealing vehicles. He was given one and a half years in jail for those charges, with credit given for the 309 days he was in custody prior to being sentenced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am pleased charges came forward, but also it angers me, Bibbins daughter Candice Wright said on Wednesday to the Journal Sentinel. I dont know what kind of charges or time he had to do previously for his actions, but, obviously, it wasnt enough. He didnt learn. Court records in one of Willis earlier cases detail he also faced four charges as a juvenile related to stealing a car or being a passenger of a stolen car. In the Nov. 12 incident, prosecutors charged Willis with one count of second-degree reckless homicide; one count of second-degree reckless injury; hit and run, resulting in death and another in causing great bodily harm; two counts of knowingly operating without a license, one causing death and another causing great bodily harm; and two counts of fleeing police. An arrest warrant was issued for Willis on Wednesday, and he is not listed in the Milwaukee County Jail's online roster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far this year, the city has seen 61 reported crash-related fatalities, according to Milwaukee police data. The city had 76 last year and 77 in 2022. More: 60-year-old driver killed after 18-year-old fleeing authorities crashes, Milwaukee police say More: Milwaukee man killed in crash moved from Indiana to be with daughter, grandkids Prosecutors say a police search for a missing vehicle prompted chase According to the criminal complaint in the November charges: An officer began to chase Willis as they were searching for a stolen white Jeep Cherokee and saw it driving at a high rate of speed. The officer chased with their lights and siren on, but the Jeep continued to flee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pursuit lasted about 0.12 miles, as the Jeep drove up to 70 mph and ended when Willis drove through a stop sign at the intersection of North 20th and West Galena streets at about 60 mph, striking Bibbins Pontiac Torrent and fled the scene briefly, before he was caught by police. Willis repeatedly told officers he was not the driver, but in a parked car. However, witnesses at the scene told police Willis was the driver. In a later interview, the 18-year-old admitted to police he was in the Jeep, but in the passenger side back seat and exited through the driver side door. A police detective asked Willis what he believed would happen in this case and the 18-year-old responded he would probably go back to prison, prosecutors said in the complaint. Daughter of Bibbins wants answers from police on chase, interactions with family The charges come days after the Bibbins family held a funeral for the 60-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bibbins had moved to Milwaukee from Indiana to be with his daughter and her children. On Saturday, the family held a funeral and Wright said visiting family members left for home by Wednesday. Now it really sets in for me, because everyone is gone, she said. Wright has been critical of Milwaukee polices decision to pursue the stolen car and said chases endanger the public more than they are worth. Wright also said the polices interactions with informing her of her fathers death were inappropriate. She said Germantown Police Department informed her of Bibbins death the day it happened, due to where she lives, but didnt know any information about what had happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not contacted her since the incident happened, she said. I just hope that it doesnt get swept under the rug and all of the blame doesnt get placed on the boy, she said. And some answers will be (given) by MPD on how this can be prevented in the future. In an email to the Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee police said Bibbins should reach out to a police supervisor to discuss these concerns. More: We need mentors and mental health services to help Black boys cope with trauma | Opinion Willis has a past history of stealing cars Court records show last year Willis was convicted on several charges for previously attempting to steal a Kia in January and for stealing a Kia in March. In the latter, Willis was also charged with felony bail jumping, related to the January charges, but that was dismissed during his sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In those cases, his sentences ran concurrently across three charges: one count of attempting to operate a motor vehicle without owners consent; one count of operating a vehicle without owners consent; and one count of fleeing from police and causing damage to property. Willis received one and a half years in jail and three years of extended supervision. During his sentencing hearing in the 2023 cases, attorneys detailed his past convictions, which include four juvenile cases. In the March case which broke the terms of his release to not drive the prosecutor said Willis stole a teachers car, according to a court transcript. When officers spotted the stolen car, they pursued Willis, along with two passengers, according to the criminal complaint in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What followed was a 1.2-mile chase that ended when the car crashed into a snowbank near North 51st Boulevard and West Silver Spring Drive, the complaint said. One of the passengers, a 16-year-old girl, was seriously injured in the crash and later was in the ICU, the prosecutor said. The court transcript in the March 2023 case shows Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Richards said he was concerned with Willis' past incidents and behavior following them. Im very concerned that if you go out in public again, youre going to do the same thing, maybe kill somebody, Richards said. More: Teen in the viral Kia Boys video is sentenced, but community has issues with the video, too Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Clarey is a reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Charges filed against 18-year-old in Milwaukee crash that killed man President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed law No. 4015-IX (draft law No. 11416-d) on raising the military levy from 1.5% to 5% and a number of other amendments to the Tax Code, according to the bill card on the Verkhovna Rada website. It is indicated that the law was returned with the president's signature on Thursday, November 28. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak (Holos faction) said in the Telegram channel that the law will come into force after its publication on November 30. According to him, due to the delay in signing the law for 44 days, the state budget has potentially lost revenue in the amount of UAH 12 billion. He said that in 2024 the bill would bring in only UAH 8 billion, and in 2025 some UAH 141 billion, while earlier the Ministry of Finance expected revenues from tax changes to the 2024 state budget at the level of UAH 58 billion, and to the 2025 state budget some UAH 137 billion. As reported, on October 10, the Verkhovna Rada adopted as a whole bill No. 11416-d on amendments to the Tax Code on the specifics of taxation during martial law. The document provides for an increase from October 1 of this year in the military tax from 1.5% to 5%, the bank income tax to 50% for 2024, and an increase in a number of other taxes and fees. In turn, the bill was criticized by the EBA, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, the Independent Association of Banks of Ukraine (NABU), and the Forum of Leading International Financial Institutions, which proposed that the state pay attention to the shadow sector instead of raising tax rates. Charlotte airport prepares for record holiday travel CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Nearly 19 million people are expected to pull their luggage through airports over the next seven days, that would be six percent more than this time last year. Sonja Carter and her son are headed to Memphis, Tennessee, to spend the holiday with more than 100 of her family members, a tradition theyve held for 30 years. Our flight is in 2 hours, so we figured wed leave at least 3 hours ahead of time. Weve been monitoring the real-time alerts and looking at the traffic. So my husband brought us and dropped us off, and we just didnt care that today was going to be such a busy day. Its important that this is the holiday and we spend time with family, Sonja Carter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation officials say if more than three million people pass through airport security checkpoints on Sunday, it would break the record set over this years July 4th holiday. QUEEN CITY NEWS CHARLOTTE AIRPORT TSA lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport were moving fairly quickly Wednesday night. One flyer says it normally takes less than 30 minutes to get through security, but Wednesday took a bit longer. She believes its because people are prepared for delays. I usually travel like one hour before the flight, but this time it was three and a half hours. But I had to take leave today, said Laxmi. On Monday, workers who clean planes, remove trash, and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte Douglas held a 24-hour strike over their demands for higher wages. Despite reports that flights had been canceled and delayed due to the demonstrations, American Airlines said no flights were impacted and that just one flight had been canceled since the holiday travel period began and that was for unrelated reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shay Pruitt and her daughter Avery are headed to Minnesota to spend time with family. Honestly, we just packed last night. Were not going to be traveling too long. So it wasnt a lot of preparation. We did show up a little bit earlier than we typically do in so far as not too bad, Pruitt said. The American Airlines hub is the nations ninth-busiest in passenger volume. Airport officials expected more than 1 million passengers to travel through Charlotte Douglas from November 1 to December 2. Weve had a strong start to our Thanksgiving travel period and we are ready to continue taking care of our customers this week, American Airlines Senior VP of Charlotte Operations Ralph Massas said. We started gearing up for this holiday season last summer, and Im confident we have the right team and resources in place to deliver an operation our customers can count on for their holiday plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Members of the Cherokee Nation cut a ribbon in front of a newly constructed early childhood center in Nowata on Nov. 19. (Photo provided by Cherokee Nation) OKLAHOMA CITY After doubling funding this year to improve its early childhood centers, the Cherokee Nation has completed the first of seven rehabilitated child care facilities. The tribal nation cut the ribbon last week for a newly constructed $7.3 million location in Nowata and has upgrades planned for six other centers in eastern Oklahoma. The facility will provide services in early childhood education, health and parent involvement for low-income families with children age 3 and younger, tribal leaders announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cherokee Nation increased funding from $40 million to $80 million earlier this year to replace or renovate its aging child care centers. The tribe will upgrade Head Start locations in Tahlequah, Jay, Stilwell, Salina, Kenwood and Pryors MidAmerica Industrial Park. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council also approved a separate $77 million budget to construct new child development centers in locations where such services are scarce. Those projects include a new $25 million center in Catoosa, one of the tribes largest workforce areas with its Hard Rock Hotel & Casino nearby. The Cherokee Nations Head Start programs currently serve 900 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Head Start is a federally funded initiative through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assisting children from low-income households from birth through age 5. These programs focus on early learning, childhood development, health and family wellbeing. The tribal nation has provided Head Start centers since 1978. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., pictured Feb. 28, said thousands of Cherokee families have benefited from Head Start programs for decades. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) Hoskin said the program has improved the welfare of thousands of Cherokee families. This investment coupled with our ongoing work to provide more quality, affordable child care across the reservation helps ensure our youngest of Cherokees who rely on us for early learning have all the tools they need to continue thriving, Hoskin said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Verna D. Thompson Early Childhood Education Act is the vehicle for the $80 million rehabilitation initiative. The Cherokee legislation, which first passed in 2021, is named after the tribes longtime Head Start director. Verna has been the cornerstone of these early childhood learning opportunities for decades and were excited to see how our Head Start centers take these efforts to the next level in the years to come, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TAHLEQUAH, OK Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin. Jr named Daniel Mead as Acting Marshal of the Cherokee Nation. Meads appointment is effective January 1. He replaced Marshal Shannon Buhl, who announced his retirement on Nov. 1. The job of acting Marshal is an enormous responsibility, said Cherokee Nation Council Speaker Mike Shambaugh, a former Jay police chief. But, Daniel Mead has the experience to lead and maintain the high standards the Council and the Cherokee people expect from the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Acting Marshal, Mead has full authority and will be a member of the Chiefs cabinet. The Cherokee Nation Marshal leads an agency with law enforcement responsibility for the 7,000-square-mile Cherokee Nation Reservation. Cherokee Nation is the exclusive tribal law enforcement authority over the reservation and has cross-deputization agreements with 109 law enforcement agencies operating within its limits. Lieutenant Mead, an 18-year department veteran, began his career as Deputy Marshal in the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service in 2006. He holds numerous law enforcement training certifications, including as a certified sniper instructor. He has received multiple awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Service and Legion of Merit awards. A Marine Corps Veteran, Mead led an AVC in Mobile Strike Team II in combat operations in Iraq, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His Marine Corps awards include the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am honored to serve as Acting Marshal of the Cherokee Nation, said Mead, 45, of Tahlequah. I love serving my tribe, and the opportunity to lead the absolute best in law enforcement is one I could not pass up. Daniel Mead has the experience and temperament to lead the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, said Hoskin in a prepared statement. Cherokee law allows Mead to serve in an acting capacity. Hoskin said he has no hesitation in nominating him for council confirmation as Marshal. I owe it to the Cherokee people to take some time to search for a nominee, said Chief Hoskin. Acting Marshal Mead will absolutely be a candidate, but we will conduct a thorough and thoughtful search and consider many candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Cherokee law, Mead may serve as Acting Marshal for up to one year before Chief Hoskin sends a nominee to the Council of the Cherokee Nation to complete Buhls term, which ends in December 2026. The Cherokee Nation Marshal is a member of the tribes executive branch. Under the Cherokee Nation Constitution, the Marshal is nominated by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Council to serve a five-year term. Buhl will provide consulting services to the tribe on security matters for Cherokee Nation Businesses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. CEDAR CITY, Utah (KTVX) A childcare center in southern Utah is losing its license and must cease operations by Dec. 4 after a childs toes were severed by a lawnmower, according to a notice from the Utah Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). In a letter dated Nov. 21, DHHS officials informed Chandara Childcare LLC of Cedar City that its license was being revoked because it was out of compliance with six state administrative rules including a rule that was meant to protect children from being endangered while in its care. According to the letter, 14 children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old were present as a staff member used an electric lawnmower in the backyard of the daycare on Oct. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this incident, a child was seriously injured, multiple toes were severed, and the child required emergency surgery, the department said following an Oct. 18 inspection. Wendy Williams permanently incapacitated as dementia progresses, guardian says Officials said the daycare violated an administrative rule requiring sharp objects to be kept out of childrens reach and that the lawnmower was used in the presence of multiple children. The daycare was cited for not maintaining active supervision of each child (another administrative rule), with DHHS saying the staff member was not actively supervising the children while mowing the lawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to being out of compliance with rules related to the lawnmower incident, DHHS said the daycare did not inform parents in writing when a child received minor injuries in an accident. Tennessee wildlife officials rescue bald eagle injured by gunfire The DHHS inspection found that one staff member was responsible for up to 13 children throughout the day, exceeding the states required ratio of one caregiver per eight children. Additionally, the daycare did not have children sleeping in equipment that was designed for sleep, with several infants reportedly left to sleep in baby bouncer chairs, which are explicitly discouraged, according to DHHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chandara Childcare was given 10 days to provide the names and addresses of the parents of each child who was enrolled at the daycare. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. China has launched the worlds first satellites equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities. These satellites, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), aim to transform the way Earth observation is conducted. The two "self-driving" satellites, named Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04, were launched atop a Long March-2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on November 25th. Unlike conventional satellites that rely on constant ground control for maneuvering, these new satellites can independently maintain and adjust their orbits without human intervention. For this, the satellite developers have used advanced onboard systems, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology and high-precision radar payloads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Siwei satellites are equipped with high-precision radar payloads, providing the world with advanced all-day, all-weather and high-resolution radar images, said a state-backed news release. High-resolution radar images of Earths surface The ability to operate autonomously offers several advantages. It reduces the need for continuous ground control, freeing up valuable resources and personnel. It also increases the satellites' responsiveness, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing mission requirements or unexpected events. The satellites are designed to provide a continuous stream of high-resolution radar images of the Earth's surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAR technology allows these satellites to penetrate clouds, fog, and darkness, providing an uninterrupted view of the planet regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This capability is crucial for a wide range of applications, from monitoring natural resources and urban infrastructure to aiding in disaster response and military surveillance. Implications for various fields The satellite maker is confident about the market prospects. It said the duo of Siwei satellites would be mainly used in sectors such as natural resources, urban safety, emergency management and maritime applications, added the news release. The high-resolution and high-quality radar images will support updating basic surveying and mapping, agricultural production and ecological environment monitoring in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the field of natural resource management, the satellites will contribute to the monitoring of forests, water resources, and mineral deposits, providing valuable data for sustainable resource management. Their all-weather imaging capability will enable continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure, aiding in the detection of potential issues and ensuring public safety. In the event of natural disasters, the satellites can quickly provide images of affected areas, helping authorities assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. This makes them "the first line of defense for disaster prevention and reduction," the academy said. Siwei commercial remote sensing constellation project The Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04 satellites are part of a larger initiative known as the Siwei commercial remote sensing constellation project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project, led by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), aims to establish a network of at least 28 satellites to provide comprehensive Earth observation data for various industries and applications. These advances are also in line with Chinas larger aim to enhance its space technologies. In the latest development, the country has announced that it will launch a satellite with a humanoid robot to the moon in 2028. Moreover, just a few weeks ago, China had launched its first reusable, returnable satellite, Shijian-19. Beijings private companies are also actively working on space technologies. Recently, Deep Blue Aerospace revealed its space tourism plan, offering seats priced at $210,000 each. (Bloomberg) -- China has abruptly suspended Miao Hua from the nations apex military body led by President Xi Jinping, ramping up a graft probe thats roiling the upper echelons of the Peoples Liberation Army. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top official overseeing political loyalty in the armed forces is under investigation for serious violations of discipline, Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said Thursday at a regular briefing in Beijing. For the ruling Communist Party, that language typically refers to a graft probe. The six-man Central Military Commission is the armed forces premier decision-making body, and one of the most powerful institutions in China. Under Xi, there are two vice chairmen serving as military leaders and three other members including Miao who is seen as a close ally of Chinas top leader. The latest probe hints at a deeper, stickier systemic issue at the PLA, that even Xi, with all the power that he has centralized, finds a challenge to root out, said Dylan Loh, assistant professor of politics at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Xis government has unseated more than a dozen senior military figures since launching a corruption investigation last summer into hardware purchases going back to 2017. That probe resulted in the removal of Chinas last two defense ministers from the Communist Party, as well as the ouster of several officials with ties to the secretive Rocket Force that oversees the nations nuclear arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miao, as director of the PLAs political work, is responsible for instilling loyalty in the armed forces, a role thats become increasingly important as Xi tightens control of the military. The sudden downfall of Chinas fifth-ranked military official comes just months after former Defense Minister Li Shangfu was ousted from the ruling party for graft. While neither Li or Miao had roles directly commanding Chinas armed forces, both were prominent figures and their fall from grace raises questions about Xis selection process. The ongoing purge of top officials also creates an impression of turmoil within the PLA just as Xi ramps up pressure on self-ruled Taiwan with a spate of drills encircling the island. The last time two CMC members were probed in such short succession was in 2017, when then political commissar Zhang Yang and then chief of staff Fang Fenghui were investigated. Zhang killed himself during that investigation, and was subsequently kicked out of the party. Fang had been one of Chinas most visible officers accompanying Xi to his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida in April 2017 and was positioned by age and rank to rise further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese government made Miaos probe public one day after a media report alleged that newly appointed Defense Minister Dong Jun was being investigated. The rumor-mongers are ill-intentioned, Wu said at the briefing. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction with such slanderous behavior, he added, calling such claims pure fabrication. Xi Loyalist Miao rose through the ranks of political officers in the PLA, non-combat posts charged with instilling party discipline and ensuring loyalty to the military. Before being promoted to the CMC he served as political commissar of the PLA Navy from 2014 to 2017. A Fujian native, Miao overlapped in the south-east province with Xi in the late 1990s, where the future Chinese leader worked as a local deputy party chief. His promotion to the CMC was attributed to Xis own political success, as he swiftly rose under the Chinese leaders patronage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appears the CMC Chairmans trust in another of his subordinates has been misplaced, said James Char, assistant professor of the China Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Clearly Xi himself had not anticipated the scale of Chinas military malfeasance and how pervasive corruption exists among PLA elites. (Updates throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Reuters) - China warned on Thursday it would take "necessary actions" to protect Chinese firms if the U.S. escalated chip control measures, following reports that the Biden administration could unveil new export restrictions as soon as this week. Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce informed members in an email that the Biden administration was considering adding as many as 200 Chinese chip companies to a trade blacklist, which would prevent most U.S. suppliers from shipping to them. Asked about the report at a regular news conference on Thursday, commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said China "strongly opposes" what he said was the U.S. broadening the concept of national security, and the "abuse" of control measures targeting Chinese companies. The U.S. has been tightening controls over semiconductors amid fears that China could use advanced technologies to strengthen its military. "These actions severely disrupt the international economic and trade order, destabilise global industrial security, and harm the cooperative efforts between China and the U.S., as well as the global semiconductor industry," He said. "If the U.S. insists on escalating control measures, China will take necessary actions to resolutely protect the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises," he added. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the Biden administration was considering additional curbs on the sale of semiconductor equipment and AI memory chips to China. Citing people familiar with the issue, it said the latest proposal would sanction fewer Huawei suppliers than initially planned, notably excluding ChangXin Memory Technologies, which is trying to develop AI memory chip technology. The proposal also targets two chip factories owned by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., Huawei's partner, and more than 100 Chinese companies making semiconductor manufacturing equipment, rather than the chips themselves, according to the report. Biden is due to leave office in January, and there are concerns that President-elect Donald Trump's promise to implement additional tariffs on China could trigger a trade war. Trump pledged this week to impose an additional 10% tariff on all imports from China, above any existing tariffs. He accused Beijing of not doing enough to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the U.S. from Mexico. China's commerce ministry said on Thursday the tariffs would not resolve U.S. internal issues. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru, Joe Cash and Ella Cao in Beijing; Editing by Sandra Maler and Kate Mayberry) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's military deployed naval and air forces to conduct patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea on Thursday, the military's Southern Theater Command said in a statement. The military has deployed forces to enhance patrols in the sea and airspace around the "territorial waters" of Scarborough Shoal since the beginning of November, the statement said. Tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea have escalated throughout the year, particularly over the Scarborough Shoal. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; editing by Christina Fincher) The News A Chinese museum is dedicated to preserving letters written across the centuries by migrants to loved ones back home. The 1800s and 1900s saw a wave of migration from China, with millions of people, many from the Teochew ethnic group, seeking to escape poverty in their homeland for a better life abroad. The remittance letters they sent home evolved into a tradition known as (emigrant letters), with professional writers composing missives for illiterate workers. The UNESCO-recognized letters displayed at the Qiaopi Museum in the coastal city of Shantou range from happy to heartbreaking, the South China Morning Post wrote: In one, a Chinese immigrant in Thailand asks his wife to pay 50,000 yuan to retrieve a daughter she had sold due to poverty. MFA on transfer of MiG-29 to Ukraine after strengthening Polish sky: We hope that we have positive movement Photo: MFA Ukraine hopes that it is currently making positive progress on the issue of consultations with NATO to strengthen Poland's skies with the possible subsequent transfer of Polish MiGs-29 to Ukraine, said spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tykhyi. "These consultations are continuing and this is, in fact, an issue in which, again, we have a common view with the Polish side. Indeed, we call for an enhanced NATO presence in the Polish sky and in general on the eastern flank of NATO, which would stimulate the release of resources that can be transferred to Ukraine," he said at a briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, answering a question from an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent about advancing consultations with NATO. He also noted that this issue is now on the agenda, but it is too iearly to talk about specifics. "We want to hope that we have a positive dynamics in it," Tykhyi said. Earlier it was reported that on November 26, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, during talks with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, raised the issue of transferring Polish MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine. "The Minister noted that the Ukrainian side understands the importance of Poland's protection of its own airspace. Therefore, Ukraine is negotiating with NATO allies aimed at supporting the protection of the Polish sky and the eastern borders of the Alliance," the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said then. The United States might be heading into the finding out phase when Donald Trump takes office in January, Chris Hayes said Wednesday night, after having fooled around and re-elected him in the first place. Though there are still several weeks before Inauguration Day 2025, international leaders who are paying attention are bracing themselves for a set of economic policies from the incoming Trump administration that could be brutally costly both to the American people and the global economy, Hayes began. And what makes us all so weird is that, well, theyre basically exactly what Trump said he was going to do. And while Trump played coy about his affiliation with and knowledge of some campaign talking points (such as Project 2025), he was clear and consistent about the central ideas for the economy. Those ideas include mass deportations, which will extract a brutal human and economic cost and implementing tariffs to inaugurate the kind of trade war we havent seen in probably a century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was so open about these plans that ahead of the election, 23 Nobel laureates blasted that economic plan as a disastrous recipe for higher prices, slower economic growth, even a recession or worse. And now again, were in the situation where bankers and analysts, CEOs, everyday Americans are kind of watching and just sort of hoping that the Trump White House will not do exactly what they said they would do, Hayes continued. The United Kingdom experience a similar period of fool around and find out, he added, after former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned and was replaced with Liz Truss, who infamously stepped down after a mere 50 days in office. Like Trump, Truss promised massive cuts to taxes on corporations, bankers, bonuses and wealthy incomes, Hayes explained. And the idea was that those wealthy job creators would fuel economic growth, and in the meantime, to make up for the monumental amount of lost revenue from the tax cuts, the Tory government would just borrow heavily to cover its expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truss plan didnt really pan out, despite support from the likes of the former deputy director of Trumps National Economic Council. Within weeks of implementing her plan, the U.K. was in the thick of an economic crisis. The result was that It took only a month and a half for trust to do exactly what she planned to do with the British budget, Hayes continued. It sank the British economy. It made her the shortest serving Prime Minister in history. Her political party became absolutely radioactive, something that Republicans might want to pay attention to, particularly after Trump named Jamieson Greer as his nominee for U.S. trade representative. Greer will likely be tasked with bringing Trumps vision of tariffs to fruition, especially as hes a Trump White House veteran who previously implemented a tariff on $370 billion worth of goods imported rom China. Those tariffs, as we reported on the show, spurred a trade war, Hayes warned. Nearly broke the backs of American farmers who lost access access to their top Asian market. Just like the Tories and Truss in London two years ago, Donald Trump has told us what he plans to do, and just like them, the critics have said this looks going to be deviating if you do it. I know I guess we just wait right to enter the finding out phase of the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch the clip from All In With Chris Hayes in the video above. The post Chris Hayes Says We Might Be About to Enter the Finding Out Phase When Trump Takes Office | Video appeared first on TheWrap. After working together in non-binding mediation over the size of a proposed temple, the leaders of a Texas town and representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have reached a tentative agreement for construction of a smaller temple. If approved in a series of public meetings that will begin next week, the McKinney Texas Temple now would be a single-story building of approximately 30,000 square feet with a main height of 45 feet and a steeple height of 120 feet. Original plans called for a two-story temple of 44,000 square feet with a main height of 65 feet and a steeple height of 173 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairview Town Council unanimously denied a conditional use permit for the temple after a four-hour meeting on Aug. 6. Fairview and McKinney are neighboring suburbs within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the proposed temple site is in Fairview. City and church representatives recently began non-binding mediation talks and reached a settlement on Monday. The church operates 200 temples around the world, including seven in Texas. What the Church of Jesus Christ said about the settlement The Church of Jesus Christ issued a statement about the settlement: Temples are sacred and holy places for Latter-day Saints and are considered to be a house of the Lord. We are grateful that town officials from Fairview were willing to discuss the concerns of the community with church representatives and we were able to reach an agreement to move forward. A new proposal is now in place that represents a mutually agreed compromise between the church and the town and has the support of the mayor and the council. This proposal includes a smaller single-story temple of approximately 30,000 square feet and a steeple height of 120 feet. This plan will next be presented in public hearings for consideration by the Fairview Town Council. The church looks forward to participating in this public process and presenting this new plan for a temple on the churchs property in Fairview. Fairview mayors letter Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner issued a letter to residents on Wednesday morning about what he called an initial compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, our town council agreed unanimously to approve the non-binding settlement agreement that would permit the church to submit a new proposal consistent with the settlement agreement which would go before the planning and zoning commission and then would return to the council for consideration, he wrote. Lessner stated that the town council will review the settlement agreement with residents in a workshop during its regular meeting on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. We appreciate the efforts of all those involved in working together in good faith to try to produce a compromise solution that will protect the towns character and zoning laws while at the same time allowing the church to construct the temple at its chosen site, he wrote. An office sits vacant in San Francisco in October 2022. The city is one of several across the country offering incentives to convert unused office space into housing. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Nearly a fifth of office space across the country sits empty, a record high vacancy rate thats expected to keep growing. Seeking both to boost their economies and ease their housing shortages, cities are taking steps to encourage the conversion of unused office space into much-needed housing. They include reductions in approval times, exemptions from affordable housing rules and changes in building code requirements. Some cities and states also are providing tax incentives or subsidies to developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities need to focus on making conversions feasible by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, said Alex Horowitz, project director of the Housing Policy Initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts. The U.S. is short millions of homes, and office vacancy rates are at record highs. It makes all the sense in the world to convert underused commercial space into housing, but the cost per square foot is just too high. Purchasing and converting an office building for residential use costs an average of $685 per square foot. Buying a completed multifamily property costs an average of $600 per square foot, while building a new multifamily development costs about $588 per square foot. Regulatory hurdles such as outdated building codes, minimum unit sizes and natural light requirements push up costs. Cities are trying a variety of ways to overcome these obstacles. From coast to coast In September, Minneapolis peeled away several regulations in an effort to encourage conversions, including removing public hearing requirements, requiring less intensive traffic studies, and exempting converted buildings from the typical requirement that 20% to 30% of units be rented at below-market rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco has waived certain planning and building code requirements as well as real estate transfer taxes for downtown conversions that are approved before 2030. Seattle in July approved exemptions for commercial-to-residential conversions from certain design development standards and from housing affordability requirements. New York Citys Office Conversion Accelerator program provides a single point of contact for office building owners to streamline conversions, from zoning questions to permitting. And Denver last year launched an adaptive reuse pilot program to make it easier and faster to get conversions approved by the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Gambrill, managing director of global architecture firm Genslers Denver office, said that converting the top 16 buildings identified by the firm and city leaders into housing could add more than 5,000 units to the downtown area. It makes all the sense in the world to convert underused commercial space into housing, but the cost per square foot is just too high. Alex Horowitz, project director of the Housing Policy Initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle stand to benefit the most from converting underused offices to housing, according to a June Urban Institute analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, conversions have made little dent in the housing crisis so far. Between 2016 and April 2024, office-to-multifamily conversion projects created more than 22,000 apartments, according to CBRE, a commercial real estate services and investment firm. The 169 projects planned or underway are estimated to produce another 31,000 apartments over the next several years. Despite the growth, that total is less than a half-percent of total U.S. apartment inventory. During a June presentation by Seattles Office of Planning and Community Development, city leaders estimated that they expect fewer than a dozen conversion projects to result in 1,000 to 2,000 new housing units over seven years. Money matters Cities and states also are trying to promote conversions by offering incentives and funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Citys 2025 budget included a new incentive for conversion of commercial properties to rental housing, offering up to a 90% tax exemption for projects with at least 25% affordable units. Chicago has committed $151 million for developers to transform four office buildings into 1,000 apartments, about a third of which would have affordable rental rates. Washington, D.C., provides 20-year tax abatements for commercial-to-residential conversions through its Housing in Downtown initiative. The District of Columbia led the nation in adaptive reuse from 2021 to 2024, creating 5,820 new housing units from office properties, followed by New York (5,215 units) and Dallas (3,163 units), according to RentCafe, an apartment search website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California in 2022 approved $400 million for office-to-residential projects. Commercial-to-residential legislation has hit some hurdles. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in October vetoed legislation that would have provided financial incentives for developers, including the option for local governments to allocate up to 30 years of property tax revenue to support affordable housing conversions. It also would have fast-tracked the approval process for conversion of office buildings into residential or mixed-use developments. Newsom objected to changes in labor practices including the issuance of stop-work orders for violations and procedures for contesting violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Colorado, a bill that would have offered refundable tax credits up to $3 million per commercial-to-housing project starting in 2026 failed in the legislature earlier this year. Still, experts expect housing conversion efforts to increase across the country. All Americans, particularly underserved communities, need homes they can afford, said Pews Horowitz. But outdated rules make it harder to create deeply affordable housing. This article was originally published in Stateline. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A blood drive will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fayetteville Downtown Square. The event, hosted by the City of Fayetteville in partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), will feature the CBCOs Bloodmobile, a mobile unit designed for convenient blood collection. Donors will receive a cozy blanket as a thank-you gift, while supplies last, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holiday events in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley Appointments are strongly encouraged. To reserve a spot, visit: CBCO Appointment Scheduler. CBCO is the primary provider of blood and plasma to hospitals across Northwest Arkansas, and local donations are crucial to meet the needs of patients in the region, according to the release. To save time, donors can utilize CBCOs QuickPass system, which allows individuals to complete health history questions online ahead of the event. To access QuickPass, visit: CBCO QuickPass. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The U.S. Coast Guard has called off its search for two missing boaters after more than three days. They said in a statement that they had been searching for David Wickenden, 54, and Charles Andrade, 60, off Georgias coast near Brunswick. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Earlier this week, someone on another boat reported seeing a capsized 50-foot catamaran approximately 65 miles from Brunswick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue crews searching more than 9,140 square miles for more than 77 hours before calling off the search. TRENDING STORIES: STORY 1 STORY 2 STORY 3 A Coast Guard spokesperson said that is approximately the size of the State of Vermont. The decision to suspend a search is always difficult to make and never done lightly, said Cmdr. Jason Erickson, Coast Guard Sector Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator. When we send our rescue crews out, it is with great hope we can bring people home safely, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing boaters during this incredibly difficult time. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DENVER (KDVR) With everybody heading home for the holidays, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wanted to make sure a pair of bear cubs shared in the experience and released them back into the wild in Boulder on Friday, the organization announced in a post on X. CPW said that earlier in 2024 one of the cubs was found roaming around Longmont and the other was discovered in Colorado Springs. Boulder PD addresses JonBenet Ramseys case after Netflix docuseries premieres Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far removed from the young and lost cubs they once were, the bear pair spent several months growing and developing in the Del Norte Rehab Facility. While not the size of an adult bear yet, the CPW staff knew it was time to return these bears to the call of the wild. To set the bears up for success in their native land, CPW staff mimicked the behavior of wild bears that would be preparing to hibernate for the winter. Over time, they began to stagger and scale back the bears feeding schedule to put them on the same cycle as if they were in the wild. Two bears were released back into the wild in the woods near Boulder on Nov. 22, 2024. (Photo provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region) A bear in the woods near Boulder after being released back into the wild on Nov. 22, 2024. (Photo provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region) A bear in the woods near Boulder after being released back into the wild on Nov. 22, 2024. (Photo provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region) On Friday, the staff drove the bears to a spot in the forest in Boulder and released them to their new homes. The bears are now ready to take on the world and create their first-ever den for hibernation. However, from the looks of the video, one bear seemed to make one last attempt to convince the staff to remain in domestic life before eventually scampering off into its new and exciting challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. UPDATE (Nov. 27, 2024, 5:53 p.m. ET): Sean Diddy Combs latest attempt to secure bail was denied Wednesday in the Southern District of New York. Rapper Sean Diddy Combs name-checked Donald Trump in his latest attempt to secure bail amid his ongoing sex trafficking case. And federal prosecutors arent feeling it. On Monday, Combs attorneys filed a letter affirming their belief that his request for bail should be granted. This was required by Judge Arun Subramanian after prosecutors claimed that Combs should be denied bail because he was allegedly trying to to manipulate witnesses from jail and influence potential jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter says Combs is not required to sit idly by amid a nonstop drumbeat of negative publicity [that] has destroyed his reputation and will make it virtually impossible for him to receive a fair trial. The letter continues: He has a right to a fair trial and a constitutional right to speak out on his own behalf. The governments arguments that asking his children to post birthday wishes on Instagram and that he is not entitled to publicly express his opinion that this prosecution is racially motivated are, quite simply, an unconstitutional effort to silence him. So Combs is seeking the Trump treatment and asking the judge to apply the broad First Amendment protections that the president-elect was afforded in his federal election interference case in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In United States v. Trump, the D.C. Circuit assume[d] without deciding that the most demanding scrutiny applies to pre-trial speech restrictions on criminal defendants, and that only a significant and imminent threat to the administration of criminal justice will support restricting [a defendants] speech, Combs lawyers wrote. The lawyers also contend that the judge should apply the Jan. 6 cases heightened standard when considering Mr. Combs speech here. Trump, of course, went nuts on social media under his partial gag order in D.C. But prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are raising a seemingly obvious difference between Combs and Trump. In Trumps case, the court faced the unique task of balancing the right of a current candidate for the presidency to speak publicly about his charges against the publics right in a fair trial, the prosecutors wrote in response Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutors argued that [t]hose same First Amendment interests are not at stake here, adding: Further, the defendants comments go well beyond attempts to claim that he is innocent of the charges against him and make clear that he intends to use the press to deliberately manipulate outside influences to be biased in his favor. The judge is expected to rule on Combs latest bail attempt his third, after two failed tries sometime this week. As someone who has written about the disturbing similarities between Combs and Trump, it comes as no surprise that the former is now adopting the latters legal strategy. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com KENTUCKY (FOX 56) Now that a majority of Kentuckys medical cannabis licenses have been decided following a lottery earlier this week, there are still several steps ahead before the program really takes shape. Its like the fifth grade dance, right? The lights are still on. The music hasnt kicked in. Everybody knows theyre going to dance with somebody, but were all just trying to figure out who and exactly how. Right? And so were all waiting for the music to start. And I think were getting close, Brad Clark told FOX 56 News. Its been a long process deciding Kentuckys limited number of cultivators, processors, safety labs, and now dispensaries that will make up the new medical cannabis program. Clark represents 10 different license holders in various legal and business consulting capacities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are negotiating contracts, so stores are going to be trying to talk to growers, and processors are going to be talking to growers. And were trying to figure out what the product mix is going to be thats available, Clark said. MORE POLITICAL NEWS: Clark says there are still some questions being ironed out, like if this years bill targeting vape store products could limit cannabis product offerings. For some, its a matter of zoning. Some winners are located in municipalities that opted out of the program. Some counties had multiple winners, but the law limits that number. Only one dispensary can be located in any Kentucky county aside from Jefferson and Fayette, which permits two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres going to have to be a move. Were going to have to move. We have to find a new location. Get approval from the regulators. And then in the new location, if there is zoning or permitting, get that done and then start our build out, Clark said, acknowledging it may slow down the start of some business operations but is not an insurmountable hurdle. Part of that build out is also the time it takes to actually grow, harvest, and test these plants. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Clark said all license holders for each type of cannabis business will be meeting in January, essentially an orientation. He expects some operators to be running by the start of the year, but for others, it could take longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its taken some states years to get these products off the ground, and I think this time next year, youll be able to find these products in the stores, Clark said. The final dispensary license for Louisville and Lexington regions should be announced on Dec. 16. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance Anton Drobovych has said that Ukraine did not send requests for new search and exhumation works on the territory of Poland because it is asking to restore the destroyed sites first. "The situation with Ukrainian burials in Poland needs to be additionally studied, but the data available to us show a number of acts of vandalism, a significant part of which has not been fixed yet. [] It is a difficult situation," he told a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday. According to the head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, if problematic issues related to Ukrainian and Polish burials were addressed in a constructive and pragmatic manner, they would have been taken as economic issues that could be solved within one or two seasons at a minimum cost. "Restoration of the destroyed memorial plaque on the Monastir Mountain in Poland could take a week. And if there are people in the great Republic of Poland who are ready to stop this shame and desecration as well as to restore justice and the desecrated Ukrainian memorial site, which has been like this in Poland for ten years soon, this could be done in a few days," he said. Drobovych also noted that the Institute has not heard yet any statements from the Polish side about its intention to restore Ukrainian memorial sites, not to mention future guarantees of their preservation. He also said that during his five-year term Ukraine did not request any search or land works on the territory of Poland, instead it asked to restore the existing and vandalized sites. "What is the point in requesting search works to find the remains, exhume them and create new memorial sites if the already created ones were crashed with a sledgehammer and thrown in dumpsters?" he said. As reported, Polish President Andrzej Duda said in September that attempts to block Ukraine's accession to the European Union play into the hands of Vladimir Putin's policies. He said this while commenting on the statement by Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz that Ukraine cannot join the EU without resolving the "Volyn issue." On October 2, the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance announced that they plan to conduct search operations for victims of the Volyn tragedy in 2025. The Institute also stated that they remain open to cooperation with Polish institutions in the field of searching, preserving and caring for places of memory of Ukrainians in Poland and Poles in Ukraine, and also complained that official inter-institutional mechanisms for resolving problematic issues with the Polish side in matters of restoration and preservation of places of memory have not been in effect for a long time. On November 26, the Ukrainian and Polish foreign ministers, Andriy Sybiha and Radoslaw Sikorski, after negotiations in Warsaw, agreed on a joint statement, which, in particular, said that the parties "are determined to resolve contentious issues of the common past." On November 27, Head of the Institute of National Remembrance of Poland Karol Nawrocki said the Polish side was awaiting Ukraine's approval of previously submitted requests for search and exhumation work for the victims of Volyn tragedy, and is ready to begin the search within 24 hours. At the same time, Drobovych said that Ukraine had asked the Institute of National Remembrance of Poland to provide a list and specifics on the desired locations of search and exhumation works, but had not yet received a response. Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs (Photo via Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA 3.0). The only thing that Republican and Democratic governors seem to agree on is that no one likes the state hospital or the state forensic units, housed respectively at Warm Springs and Galen. Both are old. Both are expensive. Both are located away from many other populated places in Montana. And, both seem based on something borrowed from decades earlier, rather than facilities meant to address a growing mental health and addiction problem in Montana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, weve heard lawmakers talk about the need to get away from large institutional settings like Warm Springs and placing patients and services to places closer to patients homes. We like the phrase community-based providers instead of state-run institutions and its easy to see why. But as we prepare for another legislative session in which lawmakers will talk about outsourcing services from places like Warm Springs or Galen, the immediate follow-up question should be: Where? Where are those community-based services? Its easy to see how large, out-of-state companies have come to Montana in order to allegedly help run social services. During Gov. Greg Gianfortes first term, weve seen him outsource some services for unemployment and services to support childcare providers, all in the name of private business doing something more efficiently and better than the public sector, even though we havent seen definitive proof of either. Lawmakers have distributed $300 million in one-time money for community-based support, but at a meeting earlier this week, four lawmakers were asked how that money was helping and none could give a clear answer if the extra funding was making any meaningful differences in Treasure State communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, there doesnt seem to be a rush of providers or healthcare leaders running toward the Republicans plan of wanting to set up in-patient psychiatric centers or counseling programs. Yet, a cursory look around shows that we are continuing to expect our stretched and diminished social services agencies to do more with less. We know that methamphetamine and fentanyl have exacerbated a public health crisis. Getting residents clean takes months, if not years, of rehabilitation. We know that the population of Montana continues to inch upward. And, we know that many in the Republican majority have pushed for tougher laws for criminal violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has meant more pressure on jails, hospitals and mental health providers. Meanwhile, jails continue to be filled to overflowing, many with people who have no other options, even though most people believe jail is the absolute worst place for those with mental illness or addiction. Theyre not placed there because its the institution of last resort, its the institution of only resort. Lawmakers of both parties seem open to the idea of channeling more of the marijuana revenue toward law enforcement, rehabilitation and support of jails and prison, a natural realization that one way or another, more money is needed. However, its interesting that when government decides to off-load or create new programs, nearly as soon as its announced, companies and providers spring up to take advantage of the newly created cash stream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not so for mental health services in Montana. Montana, like other states, cannot offer enough money to make the model profitable for providers or companies. In other words, theres a reason why lawmakers and politicians year after year continue to talk about community-based providers and regional centers without seeing many, if any, materialize. Where are they? You wont have to look far for the answer, or the lack thereof. Why would a private business invest millions in staff, facilities and training when counties, which are supposed to be part of the same state government infrastructure, are losing between $40 and $80 per day for every state inmate they house at jails? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And state lawmakers and the governor have the gall to lecture counties about out-of-control spending? If the state government is financially crippling the counties, then what hope does private industry have of breaking even? Talking about an infrastructure of built-out, community programming has been discussed for years, decades even, and its still not here. But for years, lawmakers have been able to sacrifice and cut programs and institutions, even shuttering some, in the name of this elusive community-based model. But few can provide examples of what those models look like, how they can be replicated, or if theyre efficacious. Meanwhile, as the state tidies up its budget, it is leaving counties in an enormous lurch, where the jails are overcrowded to the point of lawsuits, as the state pledges itll continue to be tough on crime without having anywhere to put these new classes of criminal. Montana already has a network of community-based assistance organizations for vulnerable adults, theyre called nursing homes and skilled-care nursing facilities, and they exist to do exactly what lawmakers hope a network of regional mental health services would do: Take care of struggling residents close to home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if history is any indicator of how thats going, many have had to close because of unsustainably low reimbursement rates and payments that lag by months. And that, maybe more than anything, should tell Montanans why lawmakers keep on hoping, dreaming and talking about a community-based programming but despite years of talk, nothing seems to materialize. Ironically, for a bunch of Republican lawmakers who talk so much about running the state like a business, the reason why a fully fledged system of mental health resources doesnt exist goes back to most basic principle of running a business. Theres literally no money in it. Nov. 27Editor's Note: Submissions for Around Town can be made via email to editor@heraldbanner.com. Warmth Drive The Greenville Chamber of Commerce is looking for sponsors for the fifth annual Warmth Drive fundraiser benefiting Hunt County Seniors Service Alliance. Sponsorship levels range from $50 to $2,000. There will also be a packing party starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church at 3103 Terrell Drive in Greenville. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lunch Break Special On Tuesday, Dec. 3 at noon the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum will host Bill Huthmacher from the British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell as presenter. During World War II, thousands of British cadets learned to fly at a civilian training school in Terrell. More than 2,200 Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Corps cadets earned their wings over North Texas between 1941 and 1945. Admission is free for museum members; otherwise, there will be general admission of $6 adults, $4 for seniors/veterans/college students and $2 for 6-18 years old. Nov. 27BEMIDJI A community summit titled, "High School Graduation: Making the Community Connection" will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Wells Technology, 4885 Windsor Court NW. Attendees can listen to community leaders, participate in a round table discussion, learn about projects already in place, share ideas on next steps, eat a catered meal and enjoy a positive atmosphere meant to help all students succeed, a release said. This event is sponsored by Red Lake Schools, Red Lake Boys and Girls Club, Wells Technology, Cass Lake Schools and Project Graduate: 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pre-registration is required. To register, contact John Eggers at (218) 766-9009 or email envision@paulbunyan.net. For more information, call Eggers at (218) 766-9009 or Michele Brielmaier at (507) 304-1666. DAVIDSVILLE, Pa. Conemaugh Townships $5.3 million budget for 2025 includes plans to add a new garage and road salt storage bin as well as door and window upgrades to the township building. It wont require a change in taxes to cover it however, township officials in the Somerset County community said. Those projects will be covered by the last of the countys American Rescue Plan funds, which the community was obligated to allocate by Dec. 31, township Chairman Steve Buncich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said bid specifications are being sought to find a general contractor to oversee all of the wide-ranging work. That includes an additional garage on the township building property that will enable equipment to be kept indoors year-round. There are certain times of the year, where equipment has to sit outside, he added. This is hopefully going to allow us to get a longer (life span) from it by keeping those items indoors. The townships current storage bin, meanwhile, dates back to the 1970s and must be replaced, Buncich said. Township building upgrades have been under discussion for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buncich said supervisors decided to replace windows and doors that appear to be original to the 1950s building. In doing so, that could enable the township to save on energy costs in the years ahead. If all goes well, bids will be reviewed Dec. 18 to award the project, Buncich said. The township already tentatively approved its 2025 spending plan. Of the $5.3 million which also includes liquid fuels and other outside funding just $1.5 million accounts for the proposed Conemaugh Township operating budget. Things are getting a little bit tighter. Whether its insurance costs or pension issues, thats impacting communities everywhere, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we were able to hold off another year without a tax increase. The Tribune-Democrat archives show hat 2025 will mark the 11th year that the township has kept millage unchanged. The budget would also be up for final adoption Dec. 18. Nov. 27The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will receive federal assistance to help recovery efforts from a pair of wildfires that burned more than 57,000 acres this summer. President Joe Biden approved a disaster relief request Wednesday from the tribal nation and Washington's congressional delegation, opening the door to FEMA assistance in the rebuilding process. The Swawilla and Bridge Creek fires, which started within a day of each other in July, destroyed "critical infrastructure and cultural resources, causing significant disruptions to the Tribe's daily life," the tribe wrote in its request for assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over 57,000 acres of land were burned, including rangeland and agricultural areas vital for traditional foods and traditional medicinal plants, posing long-term threats to Tribal food security, health, and cultural practices," the request states. The tribe said more than 60 culturally significant tribal sites were also destroyed by the fires. Jarred-Michael Erickson, chairman of the Colville Business Council, said tribal members and the federal government are still in the early stages of assessing total damages. Many buildings in and around the town of Keller were damaged, including the Keller Community Center, the post office, library, housing units and the San Poil Valley Community Health Center. "We're appreciative of the declaration," Erickson said. "It's unfortunate that these disasters happen, but we're working through it." Longtime FEMA employee Yolanda Jackson will serve as the coordinating officer for the assistance, according to a release from the agency. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) The homes of several of Connecticuts Congressional delegation were targeted by bomb threats on Thanksgiving morning, according to officials. Congressman Jim Himes said he was celebrating Thanksgiving with his family when he was notified of a bomb threat targeting his home. No evidence was found after the United States Capitol Police, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Stamford Police Department investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigate bomb threat made at Rep. Jahana Hayes home Mary, Emma, Linley, and I extend our utmost gratitude to our local law enforcement officers for their immediate action to ensure our safety. There is no place for political violence in this country, and I hope that we may all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility, Himes said in a written statement. Rep. John B. Larson said East Hartford police went to his home after a bomb threat but determined no bomb was present at the property. I would like to thank the East Hartford Police Department for their swift and professional response in ensuring the safety of my family. I am grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe. Thanks again to law enforcement at every level, from local, to state, to federal, Larson said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Joe Courtney was also home celebrating with his family at around 7:00 a.m. in Vernon when he received notice from police that his home received a bomb threat. It was determined there was no bomb on the property after an investigation. Joe and Audrey extend their utmost gratitude to the law enforcement officers, whose response should signal to perpetrators that these types of threats will not be tolerated, the spokesperson said in a release. Officials are investigating a bomb threat made at Rep. Jahana Hayes Wolcott home at around 7:45 a.m. Officials received a threatening email stating a pipe bomb was placed in her mailbox, Hayes said in a social media post. Senator Murphys home was also the target of a bomb threat, according to his spokesperson. Hartford and U.S. Capitol determined the threat was not credible. According to his spokesperson, the threat was one of many made to members of Congress and public figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Rosa DeLauro said Thursday afternoon that she was targeted, as well. This afternoon, I received a bomb threat similar to my colleagues in the Connecticut congressional delegation, she said in a statement. The New Haven Police Departments bomb squad has responded and determined no bomb was present at our home. I am thankful for their swift response and relieved no one was harmed. I am grateful for local, state, and federal law enforcements efforts to keep me, my colleagues, and our community safe today. No bombs were discovered and no arrests have been made. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Congressman Neal Dunn issued a statement on Wednesday endorsing Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in the special elections for Floridas First Congressional District. Jimmy Patronis is running to fill the seat vacated by former Congressman Matt Gaetz in the neighboring first district. Jimmy Patronis is a proven leader who would be an outstanding voice for the people of Floridas first district, said Congressman Dunn. He has been a powerful advocate for the people of Florida in the state legislature and as the states Chief Financial Officer. Over more than a dozen years he has served Florida in many demanding and critical roles. I can think of no one better to join us in Washington to fight for the future of Florida and our nation! Im proud to endorse his campaign for Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) Rep. Joe Courtneys home was targeted with a bomb threat while with his family on Thanksgiving morning in Vernon, according to his spokesperson. At around 7:00 a.m., Vernon officials received a threat stating there was a bomb at Rep. Courtneys home, police said. Pedestrian dies after being struck in West Hartford Joe and Audrey extend their utmost gratitude to the law enforcement officers, whose response should signal to perpetrators that these types of threats will not be tolerated, the spokesperson said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vernon police worked with Rep. Courtney and his staff to ensure his safety during the investigation. The United States Capital Police, the Hartford Police Bomb Squad and Vernon Police were able to determine there was no bomb on their property. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vernon police. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Conor McGregor adds more fuel to rumours of shock fight with WWE star in India Conor McGregor claims he has agreed to fight Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India to delay his UFC comeback. The former two-weight UFC champion has been inactive since having his leg broken in defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021. His return to the octagon was further complicated last month after being ordered to pay almost 250,000 to a woman who accused him of rape, with two companies dropping him from their promotion. It follows a planned comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June falling through after McGregor withdrew due to an injured foot, but a surprise return to action in 2025 appears to be in the works. The rumors of a bout with [Ilia Topuria] are false, McGregor said on X earlier this month. I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon. Now McGregor has put more fuel on the fire, as he posted an India flag emoji and a heart emoji today (29 December) on X, in response to a post about an article by fightbookmma.com stating that the $250m mega-fight is set for Mumais Wankhede Stadium Paul has competed in four exhibition boxing fights, with a loss and draw to KSI, a non-scored bout against Floyd Mayweather and victory against MMA fighter Dillon Danis. But after enormous success in the WWE, having claimed the U.S. Championship in November 2023 and impressed in a number of high-profile matches during PPV events, a return to boxing could be in the works. McGregor has one professional boxing bout on his record, the 2017 loss to Mayweather, which resulted in the American claiming a 10th-round TKO. Conor McGregor claims he could box in an exhibition bout before a UFC return (Getty Images) Nikita Hand, who accused the former UFC champion of raping her in a Dublin hotel six years ago, won her claim against McGregor last month for damages in a High Court civil case. McGregor, who had denied a claim that he brutally raped and battered her, said he would appeal against the verdict. Originally appeared on E! Online Content warning: This story discusses sexual assault. Dee Devlin firmly remains in Conor McGregor's corner. The UFC fighter's fiancee spoke out five days after his loss in a civil case against a woman accusing him of sexual assault, saying that their familywhich includes kids Conor Jr., 7, Croia, 5, Rian, 3, and Mack, 11 months"stands strong" in the wake of the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My man and I have created a beautiful life together," she wrote on Instagram Nov. 26. "I love him I trust him and I BELIEVE HIM! Our four beautiful children whose smiling faces and happy hearts are testimony to the man he is and who we are!" Devlin continued "No one is entitled to comment on our relationshipwe trust one another and love one another. Nothing or nobody will change that." On Nov. 22, a High Court of Dublin jury ruled in favor of a woman who alleged McGregor, 36, had "brutally raped and battered" her during a 2018 encounter at a hotel in the Irish capital. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the legal proceedings, McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will, claiming that the two had "consensual sex" on the night in question. Local police previously investigated the woman's complaint, but the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Dublin declined to prosecute McGregor, citing insufficient evidence for a criminal case. Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images The 36-year-old has been ordered to pay his accuser over $250,000 as part of the civil case. "The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, there was not an award for aggravated or exemplary damages," McGregor told TMZ in a statement following the verdict. "I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed." He added, "I am with my family, focused on my future." For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org. Ukraine welcomes the appointment of General Keith Kellogg, who was elected by U.S. President Donald Trump to the post of special representative for the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, said spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tykhyi. "We welcome his nomination for this important mission. It is really important and difficult. Kellogg is not a new person for us, for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States maintained close contact with him. In particular, within the framework of expert diplomacy in recent years and during this time has maintained a good dialogue with him, with General Kellogg, and our delegations have also met with him on several occasions," he said at a briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday. According to Tykhyi, Ukraine expects close and active cooperation with Kellogg and is ready to establish ties. "General Kellogg is a man with tremendous experience in the field of national security and defense. He is a man who has made a great career in this field. Therefore, we have no doubt, because his view is complex and deep. He really understands what's going on here, what the dynamics is (...) I think that in fact, the clarification of parameters, some specific positions, it will take place in the future," said Tykhyi. As reported, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of General Keith Kellogg to the post of special representative for Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Earlier, Kellogg served as National Security Adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, as well as Executive Secretary and Chief of Staff of the U.S. National Security Council in the first Trump administration. He served as National Security Adviser after the resignation of Michael Flynn. Kellogg's plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to The Wall Street Journal dated November 6, provides for Ukraine's refusal to join NATO for 20 years, freezing the front line and creating a demilitarized zone. It also includes the transfer of the occupied Ukrainian territories to the Russian Federation. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The U.S. conservative political commentor Candace Owens was refused a visa to enter New Zealand for a speaking engagement because she had been banned from another country, immigration officials said Thursday. News of the ruling came weeks after neighboring Australia also rejected her visa request, citing remarks in which she denied Nazi medical experimentation on Jews in concentration camps during World War II. Owens is scheduled to speak at a series of events in several Australian cities and in Auckland, New Zealand, in February and March next year. Tickets remain on sale and there is no acknowledgement on the promoters website that she has been refused entry to both countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commentator, who has more than 3 million followers on YouTube, is accused by her detractors of promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitism and has ignited firestorms with her remarks opposing Black Lives Matter, feminism, vaccines and immigration. In March, Owens said she had parted ways with the Daily Wire, on which she had hosted an online talk show since 2021, after clashes with its founders over her remarks about Jews and her opposition to U.S. military support for Israel. She was widely criticized for comments in a YouTube video in July that minimized the Holocaust. Owens had promised Australian and New Zealand audiences a discussion of free speech and her Christian faith when she announced the speaking tour in August. But Australian officials banned her from the country in October, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke telling reporters Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction, citing her remarks about the Holocaust and about Muslims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else, Burke said. Australian Jewish groups had urged officials to bar her from the country. New Zealand officials did not refer to Owens political views in a statement on Thursday. She was refused an entertainers work permit for New Zealand on the ground that visas legally cannot be granted to those who have been excluded from another country, said Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for the immigration agency. Owens and the Australia-based promoter, Rocksman, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A U.S. fighter jet with a troubled history became the subject of an online spat between an Arizona congressman and tech mogul Elon Musk, previewing possible tensions between the new Trump administrations fiscal goals and the countrys defense sector. Musk, who President-elect Donald Trump recently appointed to lead a government efficiency effort, took aim at the F-35, a fighter jet whose development was plagued by delays, soaring costs and reliability issues. The aircraft was required to be too many things to too many people, Musk wrote on Nov. 25. This made it an expensive & complex jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never in the set of possible outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Development of the F-35 ran about a decade behind schedule and $183 billion over budget. A government review this year found the F-35 fleet still struggles with reliability, maintainability and availability. Democrat Stanton defends the fighter jet U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton responded in defense of the aircraft. The finest pilots in the world are trained on the F-35 at Luke Air Force Base here in Arizona, Stanton wrote. The head of 'DOGE' going after the F-35 undermines the 56th Fighter Wing's critical mission and the cutting-edge tech that keeps the American military ahead, he continued, referring to Trumps government efficiency effort. Musk has suggested his support for replacing fighter jets with drones, an idea Stanton has called "wrong-headed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The F-35 is considered one of the militarys most advanced fighter planes, and it is a mainstay of the countrys air weaponry. Luke Air Force Base in Glendale announced in October it would shift toward training U.S. pilots exclusively on the F-35 aircraft, phasing out the less "complex" F-16 technology. Still, the Department of Defense plans to fly the aircraft less than originally expected, in part due to reliability issues according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. Arizona is a national hub for the aerospace and defense industry. Several manufacturing giants have operations in the state, and the sector brings in billions of dollars to Arizonas economy every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after his victory in this years election, Trump appointed Musk to help lead the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory commission that will focus on ways to reduce wasteful federal spending. Since then Musk has taken to X, the social media platform he owns, to identify possible areas of reform. John McCain was not a fan of the F-35 The late Arizona Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was also a critic of the F-35. As chairman of the Senates Armed Services Committee, McCain vowed to increase accountability for cost overruns for the country's weapons of war. He often pointed to the F-35 as an example of a program that cost taxpayers far more than originally expected. McCain once called the aircrafts history both a scandal and a tragedy with respect to cost, schedule and performance. (This story has been updated to add a video.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: F-35 fighter sparks spat between Elon Musk, Rep. Greg Stanton of Ariz. Nov. 27AUSTIN U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on the announcement that Mark Swidan, a Houston resident, was released from Chinese prison: "After 12 long years of unjust imprisonment, Houstonian Mark Swidan is finally free," said Sen. Cornyn. "Mark has suffered unimaginable conditions and treatment after being wrongfully detained at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, which has proven time and time again that it has zero regard for human rights, truth, or justice. "I join all Americans in celebrating his long-awaited return home, and I urge the State Department to continue working to secure Texan Austin Tice's release." Editors Note: This article has been updated with details of the cathedrals reopening. For hundreds of years, Notre Dame was the backdrop to some of French historys defining moments. On Friday, the cathedral itself will play the lead role as Frances President Emmanuel Macron visits the building ahead of its official reopening the following weekend. It will be the first glimpse inside the gothic church returned to its former glory, after a devastating fire five years ago and a 700 million ($738 million) restoration project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also marks a new chapter in Notre Dames 860-year-old story. From James Vs marriage and Napoleons coronation, to World War II celebrations and memorials for terror attack victims Notre Dame has watched silently over them all. The cathedrals role in such moments speaks to its place in the countrys national imagination. It also means that, over the centuries, its striking gothic form has been widely depicted in paintings, etchings and, more recently, photographs. Some of the grandest depictions of Notre Dame date from the 18th and 19th centuries, as artists recounted great moments from history in rich detail. Jacques-Louis David's depiction of Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation as emperor in 1804. - Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images One of the best-known is Jacques-Louis Davids painting of Napoleon Bonapartes coronation as emperor, an event the artist personally attended in 1804. As well as depicting a cast of important characters, including members of the Bonaparte family, the artwork reveals the interior styling of the cathedral at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress to the mid-1800s, and the genesis of paper photography, and images show Notre Dame then the tallest building in view towering over the French capital. These early photos also show the cathedral, as it is today, without a spire (the one that collapsed during the 2019 fire was only erected during a sweeping 19th-century restoration). The spread of cameras and the emergence of picture agencies mean that many of the cathedrals most significant moments since have been documented: General Charles de Gaulle marching to Notre Dame after the liberation of Paris in 1944, a tightrope walker balancing between the two bell towers in 1971 and the visits of foreign dignitaries, from Dwight Eisenhower to Pope Benedict XVI. And in the age of digital photography, depictions of the more than 860-year-old structure have, unsurprisingly, exploded in number. To date, more than 3.2 million Instagram images have been posted with the hashtag #notredame. Of course, the lasting image from our present era will be that of the wooden roof and spire engulfed in flames. But these photographs will, eventually, form just another chapter in the cathedrals evolving visual history. In honor of the cathedrals grand reopening on December 7 and 8, see images below of Notre Dame through the years. The 1431 coronation of Henry VI, depicted in the 18th century by an unknown artist. Henry, an English king, also claimed to be King of France after being crowned at Notre Dame, though his legitimacy was disputed at the time by supporters of France's own Charles VII. - Print Collector/Hulton Archive/Getty Images An interior view of Notre Dame, as seen by the French painter Jean-Francois Depelchin in 1789. - Leemage/Corbis/Getty Images Engraving from the late 1840s shows Notre Dame and the Seine River. - Stock Montage/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An illustration from 1894 shows the pipes of the cathedral's organ being cleaned. - De Agostini Editorial/Getty Images An 1855 image shows the cathedral, as it was then, without a spire -- the one that collapsed during the 2019 fire was only erected during a sweeping 19th-century restoration. - LL/Roger Viollet/Getty Images A 1864 image by Pierre-Ambroise Richebourg shows foundations being laid on a construction site near the Notre Dame Cathedral. - Roger Viollet/Getty Images An 1890 photograph showing the Saint-Michel bridge, which links the Seine's left bank to the Ile de la Cite, where Notre Dame was built. - ND/Roger Viollet/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers carry out repair work on the cathedral in 1931. - Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Notre Dame has served as a venue for not only marriages and coronations, but for memorials and somber state events. This 1936 image shows the coffins of sailors killed when the ship Pourquoi-Pas sunk near Iceland. - Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images Americans soldiers celebrate the liberation of Paris in the square beside the Notre Dame Cathedral in 1944. - Pierre Jahan/Roger Viollet/Getty Images Charles de Gaulle and French war General Philippe Leclerc prepare to march down the Champs Elysees to Notre Dame Cathedral after the liberation of Paris in August 1944. - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eva Peron, film actor and wife of Argentine President Juan Peron, attends mass at Notre Dame Cethedral in July 1947. - Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Couples kiss and chat by the Seine River close to Notre Dame Cathedral in the 1950s. - Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images Then US president Dwight David Eisenhower examines a religious artifact during a visit to Notre Dame in May 1960. - Philippe Le Tellier/Paris Match/Getty Images A statue on the facade of Notre Dame is cleaned by a specialist in 1963. - Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1969, a helicopter was needed to help remove a Vietcong flag attached to the cathedral's facade by an unknown protester. - Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist, performs an authorized tightrope walk between Notre Dame's bell towers in 1971. - Cardenas/AP Unionists and steelworkers hang banners from Notre Dame during protests against job cuts and factory closures in the steel industry. - Michel Clement/AFP/Getty Images Pope John Paul II attends a beatification mass at Notre Dame in 1997. The pontiff celebrated the beatification for Frederic Ozanam, a 19th-century French layman who founded the St-Vincent-de-Paul charity. - Domenico Stinellis/AP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notre Dame's organ and one of its famed rose windows pictured in 2004. - Stephane De Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images Pope Benedict XVI meets worshipers following an evening prayer service at Notre Dame Cathedral on September 12, 2008. - Philippe Wojazer/AFP/Getty Images Worshipers pictured after a Notre Dame prayer vigil organized to honor the visiting Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. - Julien Hekimian/Getty Images An aerial picture from 2012 shows the Notre Dame Cathedral on the Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine River. - Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People attend a ceremony to inaugurate nine new church bells at Notre Dame in February 2013. - Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images A 2015 photograph shows the Notre Dame Cathedral at sunset. La Defense business district is pictured in the background. - Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images A woman looks at one of Notre Dame's windows from a platform in 2017. The cathedral was in need of major restorations at the time of fire on April 15, 2019. - Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images Workers measure a wall as they begin restoration work on a damaged section of the cathedral in 2018. - Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transept of Notre Dame Cathedral pictured in 2018. - Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images Conservationists remove the head of a statue, depicting the apostle Saint Andre, that was built by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. The picture was taken in March 2019, less than a month before the devastating fire. - Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images Smoke billows as fire engulfs the cathedral's roof and spire on April 15, 2019. - Benoit Tessier/Reuters This photograph, taken from atop the cathedral, shows the structure of the building during reconstruction work in December 2023. - Christophe Ena/AFP/Getty Images For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A controversial biomass energy project is threatening to destroy a large section of Indonesia's rainforest, alarming environmental groups and Indigenous communities alike. What's happening? As reported by Mongabay, PT Malinau Hijau Lestari, the company behind the project, claims it will produce green energy by clearing the forest to create plantations of fast-growing trees for wood-based biomass fuel. Biomass fuel is an organic material obtained from living or recently living organisms that can be used as a renewable energy source. This includes materials such as wood, agricultural crops, animal waste, and other organic matter. These materials can be burned or transformed into biofuels to generate electricity, heat, or power vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this plan would devastate land in the Borneo rainforest one of the world's most biodiverse regions. This rainforest is home to many plants and animals, and the Indigenous Punan people, who rely on the forest for food, shelter, and cultural practices. Why is protecting the forest important? The rainforests of Borneo also play a critical role in protecting the Earth from overheating. These dense ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon, which gets released into the atmosphere as harmful gases if the trees are cut down. Deforestation from this project could accelerate the rising of global temperatures, which could counteract the project's goal of transitioning to sustainable energy sources though it is unclear what amount of carbon could be locked up if the plantation is continually replanted. Beyond its environmental significance, the project threatens the cultural survival of the Punan people. For generations, they have practiced sustainable living within the forest. Stripping them of this connection risks not only their livelihoods but also the loss of traditional knowledge that has helped preserve Borneo's ecosystems for centuries. "If this forest disappeared, where would we find these things?" resident Ipu Angit told Mongabay. "This is what keeps the Punan people alive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If projects like this proceed, it could set a dangerous precedent for similar exploitation under the guise of renewable energy. What's being done about the forest? Efforts to halt the project are underway, led by local advocates and international environmental organizations, per Mongabay. Activists are also urging governments and corporations to prioritize truly renewable energy options like solar and wind over biomass, which can cause more harm than good. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Globally, countries like Brazil and Colombia have shown that significant progress is possible with the right policies. They achieved reductions in forest loss by 36% and 49%, respectively, between 2022 and 2023, according to the World Resources Institute. To further preserve rainforests worldwide, experts suggest creating compensation funds for conserving standing rainforests, with countries like Germany and Norway already engaging in similar efforts. Germany proposed the Fair Deal to pay rainforest countries for conservation, and Norway has been working with Gabon on rainforest-preserving projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting rainforests is not just about saving trees it's about preserving a way of life and ensuring a livable planet for future generations. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Here's what you need to know. Reviewed by Dietitian Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD Getty Images Attention Costco shoppers, theres an active recall on approximately 10,800 retail units of Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This is due to potential Salmonella contamination. Related: Nationwide Recalls on Ground Beef, Carrots and More to Be Aware of Right Now Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the FDA report, the eggs were sold in 25 stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee beginning November 22, 2024. There have been no illnesses reported so far. The affected eggs are Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs sold in a plastic egg carton labeled with Kirkland Signature. The eggs are marked with UPC 9661910680, have a Julian code 327 and a Use By Date of Jan 6, 2025. If you have any of the affected eggs in your refrigerator, return them to Costco for a refund or dispose of them immediately. Related: Why Are There So Many Recalls Right Now? We Asked the FDA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salmonella infection (also known as salmonellosis) can cause symptoms including diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Symptoms can be more severe for those age 65 or older, immunocompromised individuals or for young children. If you are experiencing any of these signs after eating the impacted eggs, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. If you have questions associated with the recall, contact Handsome Brook Farms at (646) 733-4532, ext. 1, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m EST or at recall@hbfeggs.com. Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko visited Kharkiv and Donetsk regions on Thursday on a working trip, where he talked with local commanders of combat units of the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, National Police about the operational situation in the subordination zone. "The commanders of Azov, Chervona Kalyna, the Slovyansk brigade and the Liut Joint Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine reported. For the first time, I heard reports from the commanders of the National Police rifle battalions: the soldiers of the police units have received military training and have already been involved in combat missions. To increase the effectiveness of the forces involved, we are integrating police rifle battalions into the combat brigades of the National Guard," Klymenko wrote on Telegram. (NewsNation) As Americans gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, an estimated 4.2 million young people across the nation are struggling with homelessness. Covenant House, a national nonprofit organization that provides hope and support to unsheltered young people in cities like Chicago, is trying to brighten the holiday for those it serves. The best Black Friday toy deals from Lego, Barbie, Fisher-Price and more Cyber Monday 2024 Deals Best Cyber Monday deals for holiday shoppers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top holiday discounts under $100 Apple products marked down for Cyber Monday sales BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Covenant House is not just a homeless shelter, but a sanctuary for the millions of American at-risk young people who do not have a permanent place to call home. At locations around the country, the shelters will be providing Thanksgiving meals for clients as part of ongoing efforts to help young adults get back on their feet. The organization has provided support services to more than 1.5 million clients since 1972. Covenant House offers job training as well as mental health support services that help to provide many of those at-risk teens a second chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to make a bunch of short-term goals and long-term goals to help yourself, Sonmontez Paramore, one of the clients Covenant House serves said. You can look at the resources, you can get all the help you need, but only you can really help yourself. Much of Covenant Houses funding comes from its annual Sleep-Out event, a fundraiser that provides people with an idea of what it is like to experience homelessness. A recent event in New York City raised $1.2 million that helps Covenant House continue to serve the countrys youth. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A Red Lake Tribal police officer and another Red Lake Band member were killed when their vehicles collided Wednesday, according to authorities. The Red Lake Department of Public Safety identified those killed as Red Lake public safety officer Jesse Branch and Red Lake Band member Alan Lussier Jr. Both drivers were the sole occupant of their vehicle. The agency said the crash happened on Highway 1, east of the Red Lake community, but shared no further details regarding the circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office said Branch "was responding to a call at the time of the crash." The Sheriff's Office said Branch previously served on the Sheriff's Office's "Posse," a volunteer group, and had recently joined the North Country First Responders. "He was supposed to pick up his gear today," the agency wrote, remembering Branch as a respected, professional officer who loved the community he served. Red Lake Nation Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. has ordered flags be flown at half-staff at all tribal buildings and enterprises in honor of the fallen officer and relative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time," Red Lake Tribal Council shared on Facebook. Remembrances for Branch Community members are sharing remembrances for Branch on social media. Ashlyn Charnoski. who said she'd known Branch since he was 18, shared that "he was ready to enter public safety at a young age" and "dedicated his life to Red Lake Nation." Ashlan Barthorpe said in a Facebook post that Branch's death is a "huge loss to the community." "You were an amazing human. Thank you for being a great friend and always be willing to help," Barthorpe wrote. "I loved seeing how happy you were with your family and career." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alice Benaise shared that Branch was "so so proud" to move from detention to police officer. "He was such an amazing human being," Benaise wrote. "The kind we should all strive to be so the world becomes a better place." Beverly Pemberton added Branch was "always so kind and had a huge heart for Red Lake." According to the Red Lake Department of Public Safety, the crash is under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigations. A Chester man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison in connection with a $2 million embezzlement scheme involving a Newington gun shop where he worked. Evan Bobzin, 39, faced sentencing Tuesday in federal court in Bridgeport where a judge ordered that his prison term be followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. He was also ordered to pay $2,062,580 of restitution and to cooperate with the IRS to pay $436,178 in taxes, as well as penalties and interest, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentencing came after he took a plea deal in August, pleading guilty to interstate transmission of stolen money and tax evasion. According to federal officials, Bobzin worked for Hoffmans Gun Center in Newington from July 2013 until December 2023 and became the companys head of information technology in 2016. Authorities said he began to steal cash from the business in January 2016. According to officials, Bobzin would arrive to work before other employees and disconnect ethernet cables running from computer servers to cameras that were pointed at the front office safe. He would then open the safe and steal thousands of dollars from receipt pouches and put the pouches back before leaving the office and re-attaching the ethernet cables, according to officials. Bobzin would deposit some of the cash into his personal bank accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials said between 2016 and 2023 Bobzin and his former spouse made 287 cash deposits using money stolen from Hoffmans totaling $1,901,250. They also made seven cash purchases of cashiers checks totaling $161,330. Bobzin reportedly used the funds to pay for personal expenses like his credit card bill and mortgage payments. In October 2022, the U.S. Attorneys Office notified Bobzin that he was conducting cash transactions in amounts below $10,000 in a manner indicative of structuring to avoid having his bank file Currency Transaction Reports, authorities wrote in a statement. Bobzin then stopped making deposits at his bank and opened a new account with a different bank where he continued making deposits, officials said. According to authorities, Bobzin also failed to report the money he had stolen during tax years between 2016 and 2022, which led to a loss of $436,178 to the IRS. In the 2020 tax year alone, authorities said he reported $9,914 of taxable income and purported to owe nothing, failing to report about $432,615 and understating the taxes he owed by about $110,530. Bobzin is currently released on a $50,000 bond and is required to report to prison on Jan. 6, 2025. Connecticut State Police responded to 1,927 calls for service in the beginning of the holiday weekend period from Wednesday into Thursday morning, including 164 motor vehicle crashes. These Connecticut State Police traffic statistics cover the period starting at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 into 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28. What are CTs most dangerous roads on Thanksgiving? What to know. There were 12 injuries among the 164 motor vehicle crashes during this time period. There were no serious injuries or fatal injuries, according to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police also made 451 total traffic stops and performed 114 traffic services, which include traffic-related services such as debris removal, assisting with disabled or hazardous motor vehicles. Among the traffic stops, there were 11 DUI charges issued. 1 in 4 people say theyll go into debt for the holidays. Is social media to blame? Experts said they expected a record level of travel during this holiday weekend. Leading into what is often one of the most deadly weeks on Connecticuts roads and around the country, state officials said that more than 120 wrong-way detection systems have been installed this year on high-risk highway ramps across the state in an effort to curb an alarming rise in fatal crashes over the past five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The installations were part of legislation passed last year that mandated the Connecticut Department of Transportation put at least 120 of these systems into place by the end of the year. At a news briefing this week, DOT commissioner Garrett T. Eucalitto said crews thus far have installed 123 of these systems, which use flashing red lights to alert drivers that they are going the wrong way and notify Connecticut State Police as well as the state Highway Operations Center. He said the DOT is on pace to complete 135 of these installations by the end of the year, far surpassing what was mandated. Check back for updates. Reporting by Justin Muszynski is included in this article. By Nelson Acosta HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba this week asked state and private businesses to generate more of their own electricity from renewable resources and to limit their use of air conditioning, among other conservation measures, as the communist-run government navigates its worst energy crisis in decades. The new regulations, summarized in a 16-page decree published on Tuesday, give top energy consumers in both the public and private sector three years to install renewable energy sources capable of producing at least 50% of the electricity they consume during daylight hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If an office building or factory can't accommodate solar panels, businesses will instead be required to contract with the government for a portion of its installed renewable energy capacity. The decree also establishes an array of new conservation measures, including a rule prohibiting state and private businesses on the Caribbean island from using "climate control units in non-technological offices, at temperatures below 24C (75.2F)." The increasingly restrictive measures come as Cuba's electrical grid teeters on the edge of collapse. Multiple, island-wide blackouts in October and November left millions of people in the dark for days. Rolling blackouts continue nationwide as Cuba struggles to source the fuel and spare parts it needs to generate enough electricity to meet demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government blames U.S. sanctions and a festering economic crisis for the increasingly tense situation. The decree also establishes protocols for a contingency plan in emergency situations in which it is "necessary to affect electrical service in a planned and sustained manner for more than 72 hours." In such cases, businesses would be required to disconnect refrigerators, industrial ovens and irrigation pumps during peak demand hours. The decree dedicates several pages to describing enforcement of the new rules, including shutting off electricity to the businesses that fail to meet the new standards, as well as fines of up to 15,000 pesos ($45.00) or more, depending on the infraction. (Reporting by Nelson Acosta; editing by Dave Sherwood and Bill Berkrot) (Bloomberg) -- Cyprus wants to be ready for the possibility of becoming a NATO member, President Nikos Christodoulides said Thursday, even though Turkey pledges to veto such a move. Most Read from Bloomberg The fact that the Republic of Cyprus cannot be a NATO member state due to Turkeys objections prevents the National Guard from many opportunities to either upgrade or acquire military equipment, Christodoulides said. Turkey doesnt recognize the Republic of Cyprus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the first time that Christodoulides has publicly said that Cyprus is taking steps to prepare for a possible application to join the alliance and his comments come after a report that he presented his plan to US President Joe Biden in a recent visit in Washington. Cyprus is in talks with the US at three levels about how it can take advantage of these opportunities that a NATO application would provide, the president said. Theres no sign, however, of any change in Turkeys opposition. To join the alliance, all 32 members must approve, giving any single country a veto. A member of the European Union, Cyprus less than half the size of New Jersey was effectively partitioned in 1963 when fighting erupted between its two main ethnic groups: Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking Cypriots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was fully divided in 1974 after Turkey captured the northern third of the island with the aim of protecting minority Turkish Cypriots. That followed an Athens-backed coup by supporters of a union of the whole island with Greece, then ruled by a military junta. The island has been divided ever since. Numerous UN-led efforts over the decades to reunify the eastern Mediterranean nation on the basis of a bi-zonal federation have failed. The most recent effort came in 2021, when officials from Turkey, Greece and the UK guarantor powers under an agreement that ended British colonial rule in Cyprus joined top Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot politicians in Geneva for three days of talks. Strengthening the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus is of utmost importance to us and thus we take advantage of every opportunity, both towards the US and NATO, as well as towards the European Union, Christodoulides said. Cyprus has already decided to strengthen and upgrade its naval and air bases. In this context, we are in advanced consultations for the naval base with the European Union, for the air base with the US, Christodoulides said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Sotiris Nikas. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) Cyprus could apply to become a member of NATO once its armed forces receive the necessary training and equipment with U.S. help to bring them up to the standards of the world's premier military alliance, the president of the Mediterranean island nation said Thursday. President Nikos Christodoulides put Cyprus on a trajectory for possible NATO membership, ending weeks of media speculation about his government's intentions following his meeting with President Joe Biden in Washington last month. The development goes against Cyprus' long-held policy of neutrality harking back to the Cold War era, when it walked a political tightrope between Washington and Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christodoulides said that although Cyprus cannot join NATO at this time because of objections that alliance member Turkey would raise to its potential membership, the Cypriot National Guard shouldn't be denied the opportunity to upgrade its defensive capabilities with U.S. assistance. Turkey, which maintains more than 35,000 troops in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot northern part of ethnically divided Cyprus, doesnt recognize the islands government, which is based in the Greek Cypriot southern part. Christodoulides did not elaborate on how Turkish objections could be sidestepped. But the U.N. is currently working to prepare for a resumption of peace talks between the rival sides in Cyprus, which was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded, following a coup by supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu quoted unnamed Turkish Defense Ministry officials as saying that any Cypriot bid for NATO membership is an unacceptable development for Turkey, which would disrupt the delicate balance concerning the Cyprus issue and negatively affect any peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because we don't want the National Guard to lose such opportunities, we're in talks with the U.S. and we thank them for their positive response on how the Cyprus Republic can make the best use of these opportunities, so when everything is in its place, the Cyprus Republic can become a member state of NATO, Christodoulides told The Associated Press. The strengthening of the Cyprus Republic's deterrent capabilities is of the utmost importance, and we take advantage of every opportunity, both in the direction of the United States and NATO, but also the European Union, he added. Christodoulides said Cyprus' geographic location it's the closest EU member state to the Middle East, at just 182 kilometers (114 miles) from the Lebanese capital, Beirut has given impetus to planned upgrades to its military infrastructure. He said the government is currently in talks with the U.S. for upgrades to a key air base and with the EU for a naval base. Following his meeting with Biden, Christodoulides told the AP of his government's commitment to expanding defense and security cooperation with the U.S. Cyprus' Andreas Papandreou air base on its southwestern edge is currently hosting a U.S. Marine contingent and a number of V-22 Osprey tiltrotor military transport and cargo aircraft prepositioned to assist in potential evacuations from nearby Lebanon and elsewhere. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the island republic plans to apply for NATO membership when the time is right. Speaking on Cypriot radio, Christodoulides said he is aware that NATO member Turkey is opposed to this move as long as the island remains divided and Turkish Cypriots do not have a say in the decision. He said Cyprus was expanding its military cooperation with the United States despite Turkish criticism for this reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country is to provide the US with an air base, in part due to its geographical proximity to the Middle East. Cyprus has been divided since 1974. Turkey is the only country to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is occupied by Turkish troops. Ankara meanwhile does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, which has been an EU member since 2004. EU law therefore only applies in the southern part of the island. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the island republic plans to apply for NATO membership when the time is right. Speaking on Cypriot radio, Christodoulides said he is aware that NATO member Turkey is opposed to this move as long as the island remains divided and Turkish Cypriots do not have a say in the decision. He said Cyprus was expanding its military cooperation with the United States despite Turkish criticism for this reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country is to provide the US with an air base, in part due to its geographical proximity to the Middle East. NATO member Turkey immediately slammed the plan as unacceptable. "The Greek Cypriot Administration currently has no application for membership in NATO, but even its attempt is an unacceptable development for Turkey," Turkish Defence Ministry sources told dpa. Such an attempt would "disrupt the delicate balance" in Cyprus and "negatively affect the negotiation processes aimed at a solution," said the ministry source. Turkey recalled that NATO's expansion decisions are taken unanimously and based on members' "national security concerns," added the sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cyprus has been divided since 1974. Turkey is the only country to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is occupied by Turkish troops. Ankara meanwhile does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, which has been an EU member since 2004. EU law therefore only applies in the southern part of the island. Norway has approved at least $3.2 billion in annual assistance to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said on Thursday. "There is a very important decision by Norway to increase support for Ukraine for next year. The Norwegian government and parliament have agreed on the minimum level of funding for assistance to Ukraine it is $3.2 billion," he said in a video message. The head of state noted that in the days of massive Russian strikes, "it is important to feel that partners are with us." On November 28, the Norwegian parliament decided to increase financial assistance to Ukraine to NOK 35 billion ($3.16 billion) in 2025. In 2024, Norway allocated NOK 27 billion in support of Ukraine, but in the country's draft state budget for 2025 this amount was reduced to NOK 15 billion. However, the opposition considered this amount insufficient, and after consultations with the authorities it was decided to increase the support to NOK 30 billion. During further discussions, the parliament settled on the amount of NOK 35 billion. As reported, on 27 November, the heads of government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Sweden issued a joint statement in which they declared their intention to strengthen support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian defense industry, as well as to counter aggressive actions of Russia. The statement also called on other countries to do the same. Europes biggest dairy company is facing a backlash after giving cows a synthetic additive to their feed in an attempt to cut their methane emissions. Arla, which makes brands including Lurpak butter and Cravendale milk, said it was working with Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi to trial giving cows the additive Bovaer. Thirty of Arlas 9,000 farmers will test how the additives can be introduced into normal feeding routines, with the aim of then rolling Bovaer out more broadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arla said Bovaer had been found to reduce methane emissions from cows by around 27pc. Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi said it was a great way of testing out where we can drive change at scale to bring down emissions. However, the announcement sparked a backlash on social media, with some shoppers raising concerns about the use of additives in their groceries. Some went as far as to say they would no longer shop at supermarkets involved in the trial, while others urged the grocers to label any products which may have come from the farms using the additive. There is no suggestion that the additive is not safe for consumers, with the UKs Food Standard Agency having approved it for use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulator also said that Bovaer poses an acceptable risk to the environment. Customers have no strong connection to net zero The backlash will be seen as an indication of the challenges facing supermarkets as they race to meet net zero, with Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi all vowing to be carbon neutral by 2035. Clive Black, a retail analyst at Shore Capital, said supermarkets still faced a challenge in convincing customers of the merits of net zero: Not many shoppers really are making choices about the groceries they buy on the basis of sustainability. There is a stronger connection to aspects like animal welfare, but not net zero. However, he said it was good for supermarkets to be embracing these eco-friendly initiatives, particularly given anti-meat and anti-dairy campaigners were using green claims to attack the livestock industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as billions of pounds are being pumped into efforts to reduce methane emissions from cows. In 2022, Frans Timmermans, the vice president of the European Commission, said tackling methane emissions would be the cheapest and fastest way to slow down global warming. Over 100 countries have pledged to reduce their methane emissions by 30pc by the end of the decade Jeff Bezos, Amazons billionaire founder, recently donated $9.4m (7.8m) to a project at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey, which is working on a vaccine that will reduce the amount of methane-producing microbes in the cows stomachs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Norwegian company N2 Applied has designed a plasma gun to fire artificial lightning at cow dung to reduce the methane. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The top official of the world's leading climate action conference landed in hot water when they offered to engage in oil deals with an undercover operative. CEO Elnur Soltanov discussed potential contracts with a fake investor who said they were representing a Hong Kong energy firm, the BBC reported. Soltanov is the deputy energy minister for Azerbaijan which hosted the 29th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change over the last two weeks and a board member of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). Azerbaijan, located on the Caspian Sea, is an oil and gas powerhouse, with half its economy and 90% of its exports depending on the industry, according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are a lot of joint ventures that could be established," Soltanov said in a secret recording. "SOCAR is trading oil and gas all over the world, including in Asia." He began by touting the goals of COP29 last year's conference saw governments agree for the first time to pursue more aggressive climate action by divesting from dirty fuels, with plans due by February and "green transitioning projects" but then said the country was planning to ramp up gas production and build out infrastructure such as pipelines. COP is the main enforcement arm of the 2015 Paris Agreement, in which 196 countries said they would work to keep the human-caused rising global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in hopes of limiting the effects of the climate crisis, which include more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and wildfires. To achieve that, polluting gas emissions "must peak before 2025" and "decline 43% by 2030," per the agreement. Soltanov facilitated email contacts between the fake investors and SOCAR, and a separate agreement was discussed with the COP29 team involving a $600,000 sponsorship payment to a fake company in return for the SOCAR introduction. Soltanov also talked up natural gas as a "transitional fuel" and said, "We will have a certain amount of oil and natural gas being produced, perhaps forever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC reported the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said oil and gas production will continue after 2050 but that "developing new oil and gas fields is incompatible with limiting warming to 1.5 C." "Attempting to do business deals as part of the COP process appears to be a serious breach of the standards of conduct expected of a COP official," the BBC stated. "These events are supposed to be about reducing the world's use of fossil fuels the main driver of climate change not selling more." Paris Agreement architect and former U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Christiana Figueres called Soltanov's actions "a treason" to the process, the BBC reported. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. DANSVILLE, N.Y. (WETM) A Dansville man was arrested after allegedly threatening members of Steuben Countys government. Jeremy P. Wambold, 43, was arrested after authorities investigated a Nov. 25 report about social media threats. According to the Steuben County Sheriffs Office, Wambold threatened to kill several members of the Steuben County government online. Steuben County Sheriff wins lawsuit against county, county spends nearly $200k in tax money on defense Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wambold was charged with making a terroristic threat (a class D felony). He was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and then released. The New York State Police Department assisted the Steuben County Sheriffs Office with the arrest. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A Wednesday afternoon shooting in Danville resulted in injuries to three victims. Around 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 27, Danville Police officers responded to a business in the 1900 block of E. Main St. for a report of shots fired with several victims. Officers arrived to find one shooting victim on the scene and subsequently learned that two other victims were transported to a local hospital by personal vehicles. Illinois court rules Sean Grayson should be released from jail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident is in the very early stages of investigation and there is no update on the status of the victims to report, according to Danville Police. WCIA will provide more information as it is obtained. Anyone who can provide any information to assist the Danville Police Department is asked to contact them at 217-431-2250. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at vccrimestoppers.org, 217-446-8477 or on the P3 app. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A local group believes New Mexicos dark skies are one of the states most treasured sights. Thats why it is urging state leaders to do more to protect them from light pollution. The organization Dark Sky New Mexico wants to strengthen the Night Sky Protection Act created in 1999. Theyre hoping to get a bill introduced in the upcoming legislative session. Basically, what were asking for is that moving forward all new lighting be shielded, and shielded means the light is directed downward, said Jon Holtzman with Dark Sky New Mexico. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current act said certain lights on billboards are exempt, but their proposal would remove that exemption, and only lighting on roadway signs would be exempt. Sen. Greg Nibert (R-Roswell) said he supports some of Dark Sky New Mexicos provisions and he would support a version of the bill. Some of their ideas are easily accomplished; some of the ideas are probably a little more controversial and a little more expensive to accomplish, said Nibert. Dark Sky New Mexico said they would also let local municipalities enact their own ordinances for light pollution. According to the group, nationally, light pollution is increasing 10% each year. They said artificial light has negative impacts on wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are seeing alterations in feeding, migratory, and reproductive behavior in wildlife, said Peter Lipscomb with Dark Sky New Mexico. There are currently nine dark sky places in New Mexico designated by the group, including the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Chaco Canyon National Historic Park. Many people in New Mexico have gone outside either where they live or not too far away from where they live. They can look up and they can see the Milky Way. What we dont realize is that is not common for a large population of the United States, said Holtzman. The legislative session begins Jan. 21, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.s Home For The Holidays tour is returning to West Virginia this holiday season, with four different shows around the Mountain State. Murphy, a Logan, West Virginia native and winner of Americas Got Talent season six, will perform in six shows in three states during the tour. Ticket sellers for each show are linked below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11 years later: Catching up with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is known for his Sinatra-esque vocals and relaxed music and released his latest album, IM NOT MESSING AROUND, in February this year. According to a press release, this years Home For The Holidays will featuire special guest and The Voice contestant Mor Ilderton, who left the competition. Attendees are also invited to bring a new toy for the Kids Joy Toy Drive, which will be going on throughout the tour. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Its back to the drawing board for Erie County Council after the county executive vetoes more than 30 line items in their proposed budget. When county council revised the county executives proposed budget, they slashed nearly $4.6 million. But if upheld, Davis vetoes will effectively return $4.4 million back to the spending plan. Erie County Council approves budget awaiting executive review Erie County Executive Brenton Davis needs just three votes from Erie County Council to uphold his vetoes to more than 30 line items in the 2025 budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Davis presented the budget to council it was $582 million. Council handed it back to him at $577 million. His vetoes return the budget back to $581.8 million. The biggest vetoes are in connection with the use of $6.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding. Councils plan would shift $2.5 million to the DEI Program. Former Erie Co. accountant gives informative presentation on proposed 2025 budget We want to ensure that all these ARPA projects or any project that has taxpayer money is leveraged appropriately, that its used responsibly and to maximum benefit for all not just a select chosen few, Davis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The County Executive also vetoed moving $2.5 million in GAP funding to ECGRA for child care. He said he agreed with the amount of funding but not with ECGRA administering it. The county executive has been vocal about slow ambulance response times and pushed back on cuts to emergency response services. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News He also vetoed line items connected to personnel. Council proposed a number of new positions while cutting current positions including the county executives administrative assistant, public information officer and economic development department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not negotiable and unwavering in our investment in economic development and future opportunities for businesses, growth, retention attraction but also future opportunities for generations to come, Davis said promising no tax increase and hopes to balance the budget using $4 million in reserve funds. Expect a tax hike for the 2025 Erie County budget. Heres what residents should know We reached out to councilmen Andre Horton and Rock Copeland but they didnt respond to our request for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. December temperatures may have a split personality both from west to east and early versus late in the month across the Lower 48 states. A lingering chill: Much of the East from Georgia to the Great Lakes and Northeast may have a colder than average December, according to the updated outlook released Thursday by The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2. The month will certainly start out cold in the East and South, lasting through at least the first, if not second, weeks of the month in most areas east of the Mississippi River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that isn't expected to last, based on longer-range computer model forecasts, according to Atmospheric G2 Vice President of Meteorology, Todd Crawford. "It is a fairly easy call to say the back half of the month will be much warmer than the front half, it's just a question of degree," Crawford wrote. (15-min details: For even more granular weather data tracking in your area, view your 15-minute details forecast in our Premium Pro experience.) December Temperature Outlook Western warmth: Meanwhile after a chilly start, much of the West into the Southern Plains is expected to have a warm December. That's particularly the case in the Great Basin and Desert Southwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same jet stream pattern that may keep the East chilly may also keep much of the West warmer than average at least through mid-month. Beyond that, the Desert Southwest to the Southern Plains is most likely to remain warmer than average the rest of the month. Another dry month: Much of the country will be either near or drier than average in December, according to the TWC/AG2 outlook. That's particularly the case in the South, from Southern California to the northern Florida and the Carolinas. Only a strip of the northern tier from Washington state to the northern Great Lakes may at least skew a bit wetter than average for the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (MORE: Winter Outlook Travel Tips From A Meteorologist) 1128_AG2_Dec_Precip.jpg What December temperatures are typical: Average highs typically range from the 20s and 30s in the northern tier to the 50s, 60s and 70s in most of the South. (MORE: See How Average Temperatures Grow Colder Through January) December Average Temperatures Low temperatures usually plunge into the single digits, teens, and 20s in the northern states and Rockies. The South sees lows drop into the 30s, 40s, 50s and a few 60s in South Florida. December Average Temperatures Advertisement Advertisement Democrat Derek Tran has defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel for a House seat representing Californias Orange County and Los Angeles, NBC News projects, after a contentious race that centered on the candidates Asian American identities and use of aggressive anti-China messaging. Tran, an Army veteran, narrowly won in a race that came down to just a few hundred votes. His victory over Steel flips the 45th Congressional District blue, making it one of two districts to do so in a state that has largely shifted right. The results come after an expensive race, with more than $34 million spent in the district, according to OpenSecrets, an organization that tracks spending in politics. Tran has performed better with voters in Los Angeles County, where he has had a significant lead over Steel. But the race is tighter in Orange County, the bulk of the district, where voters have repeatedly flipped between red and blue over the past election cycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout their campaigns, Tran and Steel aggressively courted Asian Americans, who make up 39% of the population as the largest racial demographic in the area. The pair have opened up about their own backgrounds in an effort to cast themselves as the best representatives of the group. Steel, 69, who in 2020 became one of the first three Korean American women elected to Congress, immigrated to the U.S. in her early 20s, opening a clothing store with her family. She previously served as a supervisor and chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors before running for Congress. "From the moment I came to the United States, I knew that giving back to the country that welcomed me with open arms would be part of my future," Steel said in a post to X on Wednesday. "The journey to work on behalf of legal immigrants and struggling families took me somewhere I never could have imagined and for which I will always be grateful the United States Congress." "I owe a debt of gratitude to my supporters, my staff, my family, my daughters and especially my husband, Shawn, for standing by me through endless campaigns. To my volunteers, we would never have made it this far without your tireless efforts," she continued. "And, to the voters, thank you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tran, 44, the son of Vietnamese refugees, is a newcomer to running for public office. After serving in the military, Tran worked as a consumer rights attorney and currently sits on the board of the Consumer Attorneys of California. Trans Vietnamese heritage has been a large focus of his campaign in a race in which both candidates are vying for the Vietnamese electorate, the largest Asian ethnicity in Orange County. Steel said in an October interview with VietFace TV that she is more Vietnamese than my opponent. My opponent might have a Vietnamese name, but I understand the Vietnamese community, Steel said. Tran described the comments as deplorable and insulting to our entire Vietnamese-American community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My father lost his first wife and four children escaping Vietnam, Tran wrote on X. Michelle cant steal our identity or experiences. While running on different platforms, the two contenders both heavily turned to anti-communist and anti-China messaging to capture the Vietnamese community, a largely refugee population who have reported in the past that their votes have, in part, been informed by experiences fleeing communism. Tran has promised to stand firm against Chinese Communist rule. Steel similarly said that she is committed to standing up to Communist China. The messaging has divided Asian Americans in the district, with voters and organizations criticizing the candidates, saying they were red-baiting, or accusing each other of having communist ties as an attack. Don Luong, a history teacher and longtime Orange County voter, said the back-and-forth has distracted from the candidates actual platforms. I think its disrespectful to me as a voter, as an American, because you can just throw these catchphrases out there that really are emotional, Luong said. Were not even talking about their issues or anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their shared attitudes toward communism, the candidates have exchanged jabs on the subject, connecting each other to China through mailers and ads. Steel has linked Tran to socialism in previous mailers. Tran did not respond to NBC News request for comment, but he previously labeled Steels ads as xenophobic. He had also posted Facebook ads linking Steels husband to Chinese spies, based on a 2020 Wall Street Journal report. Steels campaign did not expand on the red-baiting accusations, but pointed to a previous letter to Tran that condemned his accusations that Steel wasnt a refugee and didnt flee communism. Luong said that while red-baiting can be effective among older Asian Americans, particularly those who fled Vietnam themselves, it isnt appealing to all voters in the area. And as younger generations become more politically active, Luong said that candidates will have to shift away from relying on anti-communist and anti-China rhetoric to make a difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People my age, Im in my 40s now, everyone sees the red-baiting, Luong said. They see it for what it is. In an open letter signed by more than a dozen groups, nonprofit leaders called on both parties in Orange County to caution candidates against using rhetoric that implies falsely that political candidates of Asian descent or those perceived to be of Asian descent are national security threats. There is no excuse for political candidates using racialized scapegoating to attack their opponents, the letter said. Voters see through the scapegoating and are looking for solutions, not for finger-pointing. Words have consequences, and the consequences can and have been fatal. Trans victory is a rare shift toward the left in a state that largely moved right. Notably, California voters also demonstrated a shift toward more conservative crime policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price were ousted by roughly 2 to 1 in races earlier this month, largely due to voters discontent around the Bay Areas sense of safety. California voters also overwhelmingly favored Proposition 36, which heightens punishments for certain misdemeanors, and they rejected a ban on forced labor in any form, including prisons. Separately, Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks won re-election in her House race for Iowas 1st Congressional District, NBC News also projected Wednesday. She narrowly fended off Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan, holding onto her seat by less than one percentage point. Miller-Meeks also faced Bohannan in 2022 but won by a wider margin of nearly seven percentage points. In a statement on X, Miller-Meeks said she was "looking forward to getting back to work in Washington to lower prices at the gas pump grocery store and on prescription drugs, secure the border and help farmers. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com LOS ANGELES The resistance promised by blue state governors after the election of Donald Trump is beginning to take shape as city leaders, advocacy groups and the nation's second-largest school district launch efforts to oppose mass deportations. The cities of Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia have vowed to shield people living in the U.S. without authorization from efforts by the incoming Trump administration to carry out what it has said will be the largest deportation effort in history. The Los Angeles Unified School District has declared itself a sanctuary for migrants, and the ACLU of Southern California filed a lawsuit this month against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, demanding details on how the incoming administration plans to carry out the roundups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials acknowledge the ordinances and declarations cannot stop deportations, but they say the tactics can tie up efforts and slow down enforcement on the ground. Peoples fear is incredibly high, said Philadelphia Councilmember Rue Landau. They are bracing for the worst, and its up to us as local leaders to show the strength of our cities. Local officials acknowledge the ordinances and declarations can't stop deportations, but they say the tactics can tie up efforts and slow enforcement. The incoming president has said he has no choice but to deport people living in the country illegally, telling NBC News there is no price tag on getting the job done. A spokesperson for the incoming Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of mass deportation say it will tear families apart and make communities less safe as unauthorized residents stop reporting crimes and sharing information with police out of fear they will be deported. Detractors also say it's inhumane to send people back to the countries they fled because of gang violence, drug cartels and extreme poverty. Sanctuary cities are not just a legal framework, Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. said recently. They represent a moral commitment to upholding human dignity, protecting families and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their immigrant status, can live without fear. Supporters argue that illegal immigration contributes to crime, keeps wages low and takes away jobs from U.S. citizens. Incoming border czar Tom Homan, who was deputy director of ICE during Trumps first term, has said the president-elect has a mandate from the American people to secure the border and crack down on illegal immigration. Homan has also warned against attempts to thwart enforcement, telling Fox News he was willing to jail Denver Mayor Mike Johnston after Johnston said he would risk arrest to resist Trump's plan and encouraged people to protest in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were not waiting to January," Homan said Tuesday while touring the border in Eagle Pass, Texas, referring to when Trump takes office. "Were already talking. Were already planning. Were gonna put a plan in place and secure this nation at the highest levels ever seen." "Let me be clear, there is going to be a mass deportation," he added. Johnston's office did not respond to a request for comment. Trump is expected to sign up to five executive orders on immigration after he is sworn in on Jan. 20 and is considering withholding federal police grants from law enforcement agencies that decline to aid in deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He undertook a similar strategy during his first term but faced significant legal hurdles and could face them again, said Hiroshi Motomura, co-director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA. In 2018, the Trump administration attempted to withhold federal grants from cities that adopted sanctuary policies. Several of those cities sued the Justice Department and won their challenges in federal court. Migrants in the lobby of a Chicago police station in 2023. The cases made clear that there are limits on the federal governments power to order state and local governments to do things, Motomura said. Shortly after the Nov. 5 election, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared the state would Trump-proof itself from the incoming administration by calling a special legislative session focused on safeguarding progressive policies. Those sessions begin in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A week after his announcement, the city of Los Angeles passed a law that prohibits its resources, including city employees and the police department, from being used to carry out federal immigration enforcement. An estimated 951,000 of Los Angeles County's 10 million residents are estimated to be living in the U.S. without authorization, according to the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. This month, the Los Angeles school district declared itself a sanctuary for immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, adopting resolutions that reassert schools as safe havens from immigration enforcement and that prevent employees from voluntarily sharing the immigration status of students and their families with federal agents. An LGBTQ+ resolution updates district policy reinforcing the respectful treatment of all persons to include gender identity and gender expression." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the Los Angeles Unified School District's 400,000 students, roughly 30,000 are thought to be in the country without legal documentation, according to the United Teachers Los Angeles union. An estimated 47,000 people are living in Philadelphia without legal authorization. In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu told WCVB-TV that she will protect immigrants without legal status in every way possible. Similarly, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said on MSNBC that she would use every tool in the toolbox to protect our residents and to hold the line on democracy and the rule of law. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city will not bend or break to harsh immigration policies. Our values will remain strong and firm, he told reporters after the election. We will face likely hurdles in our work over the next four years, but we will not be stopped and we certainly will not go back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chicago, about 257,000 residents are undocumented; in Boston, about 173,000; and in Philadelphia, an estimated 47,000. During Trump's first term, his administration deported about 1.4 million people. President Joe Biden is on track to deport about 1.6 million people by the time his term ends, according to the Migration Policy Institute. About 3 million people were deported during former President Barack Obama's tenure. Trump deported fewer people than both Democratic presidents in part because sanctuary policies adopted by left-leaning cities and states prevented law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration agents, who often need local data and facilities to execute arrests and detentions. Naureen Shah, deputy director of Government Affairs, Equality Division with the American Civil Liberties Union, said organizations like hers learned valuable lessons during the first Trump administration and intend to frustrate the new White House at every turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can slow them down, prevent them from acting at the scale they want to act at," she said. "We can sap their morale and stymie their momentum." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Opposition holding spontaneous protests in Tbilisi, other cities of Georgia in wake of PM's statement on relations with EU Opposition supporters started gathering for a protest in Tbilisi's Rustaveli Avenue in front of the Georgian parliament building on Thursday evening in connection with the statements by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze concerning relations with the European Union. Kobakhidze earlier said Georgia would not raise the question about opening talks on its accession to the EU until 2028 and the country is also refusing al budget grants from the EU in this period. Simultaneously, a protest is being held in front of the central office of Georgia's ruling party Georgian Dream in Tbilisi. The police have been mobilized near the ruling party's office. Georgian television channels are reporting that spontaneous protests have also begun in Batumi and Kutaisi. Protesters are saying to reporters they cannot let the authorities "give up the European future of Georgia." According to the TV channels' information, several protesters have been detained at protests in Kutaisi. Opposition leaders are also meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. Democratic officials and voters have accused Kamala Harris and her top team of failing to realistically assess why her campaign collapsed. One Democratic National Committee adviser who participated in a recent call with top donors said she was stunned that there was no sort of postmortem or analysis of the disastrous campaign. It was just patting each other on the back, Lindy Li told NewsNation. They praised Harris as a visionary leader, and at one moment during the call, she was talking about her Thanksgiving recipe. Democratic officials, voters and commentators have slammed Kamala Harriss campaign for its self-congratulatory post-mortem in her loss to Donald Trump (Getty Images) A podcast appearance featuring top Harris aides failed to mention that hundreds of millions of dollars went to them and their friends right through these consulting firms, Li said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These consultants were the primary beneficiaries of the Harris campaign, not the American people, she added. A recent episode of Pod Save America, hosted by former aides for Barack Obama, featured top Harris advisers Stephanie Cutter, Quentin Fulks, Jen OMalley Dillon and David Plouffe, who have been accused of chasing scapegoats and a striking lack of self-reflection. An avalanche of comments on the podcasts YouTube channel accused the campaign of failing to listen to voters while self-aggrandizing over what worked despite a loss that is now ushering in Trumps retribution-fueled administration. Plouffes suggestion that Democratic candidates should try to dominate the moderate vote in future elections drew overwhelming backlash on social media. Harris conceded the 2024 election to Donald Trump in a speech from Howard University in Washington, DC, on November 6. (Getty Images) Is it too much to ask for a little humility and self-reflection from the people whose strategies failed badly? asked The Nations Jeet Heer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times political reporter Astead Herndon wrote that the episode was a good ad for the importance of independent media. Have you not gotten enough credit for breaking the news that Joe Biden is old? Pod Save America host Jon Favreau fired back. Youd think youd have more shame, but I understand this is just like a game of sims for you, Herndon replied. The Harris campaign folks are the most non-agentic people Ive encountered in a position of comparable decision-making authority, wrote polling analyst Nate Silver. They dont even see themselves as victims so much as Non-Player Characters with no will of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Democratic pollster Adam Carlson said talking about what happened for 100 min [and] not saying anything they wouldve done differently in hindsight is insane. It came across as extremely tone deaf and filled with self-absolution, he wrote. Maybe its too soon after the election for them to get there, but then maybe dont do a post-mortem so soon. Supporters cheer during a rally with Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on October 27 (AP) Harris filmed a 10-minute video message shared by the Democratic National Committee to thank donors and her supporters, whose work has had a lasting impact in a campaign that was about empowering people, despite her campaigns insistent message that a second Trump presidency would pose a significant threat to democracy. I am proud of the race we ran, and your role in this was critical, she said. What we did in 107 days was unprecedented. Think about the coalition that we built, and we were so intentional about that. You would hear me talk about it all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While she conceded that the race didnt turn out like we wanted, she highlighted her campaigns record-breaking $1.5 billion fundraising effort, although the campaign reportedly ended the race $20 million in debt while donors and supporters continue to receive fundraising messages weeks after her defeat. Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville has slammed snot-nosed Harris advisers who told her to avoid Joe Rogan (Getty Images for Amazon Studios) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic strategist and veteran political commentator James Carville criticized Harris aides who told the vice president to avoid Joe Rogans popular podcast. Trump gave a three-hour interview. Harris turned it down. If I were running a 2028 campaign and I had some little snot-nosed 23-year-old saying, Im going to resign if you dont do this, not only would I fire that mother***** on the spot, I would find out who hired them and fire that person on the spot, Carville said in a furious rant on social media. Im really not interested in your uninformed, stupid, jackass opinion as to whether you go on Joe Rogan or not. A more sober take on Harriss failures from a former campaign adviser addressed her reluctance to distance herself from Biden and if Harris embracing newer media and the right-wing-driven podcast universe could have helped her in the long run. Voters were looking for change, and we didnt represent that, Mike Nellis wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular progressive streamer Hasan Piker appeared on Pod Save America after Harriss team. I think that they need to change their policies, Piker told CNN this week. Its 100 percent a policy thing. Its a boring answer. Although it would be very self-serving for me to say, Im the lefts Joe Rogan; the Democratic Party should give me millions of dollars, thats not gonna solve this problem. What will solve this problem is if the Democratic Party actually adopts real left-wing economic populist messaging instead of purposefully avoiding that stuff because theyre terrified of upsetting their corporate donors. DENVER (AP) A dentist accused of killing his wife by poisoning her protein shakes has been charged with trying to get a fellow jail inmate to kill a detective investigating the murder case. Prosecutors filed two new charges against James Craig last week solicitation to commit murder as well as solicitation to commit perjury. The charging document does not say who Craig allegedly wanted to have killed but a spokesperson for Aurora police, Joe Moylan, confirmed late Wednesday that the alleged intended victim was an Aurora police detective. Online court records did not list a lawyer representing Craig as of Thursday. A judge allowed Craig's latest lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, to withdraw from the case Nov. 21, after he cited a professional conflict, just as Craig was about to stand trial for first-degree murder in the death of Angela Craig. Prosecutors filed the two new charges against Craig the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig's trial has been delayed indefinitely. Craig, who has pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to appear in court with a new lawyer on Dec. 16. Angela Craig, 43, died in March 2023 of poisoning from cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, the latter a substance found in over-the-counter eye drops, according to the coroner. The couple had been married for 23 years and had six children together. Craig was also previously charged with smuggling a letter out of jail with an inmate bonded out by an adult daughter. It asked her to make a fake video of Angela Craig asking Craig to get poisons for her, according to prosecutors. He is also accused of asking another inmate to plant forged journal entries at the Craig home suggesting that Angela Craig killed herself. The inmate declined, according to court documents. Craig's original defense team pointed out that the inmate only contacted authorities after an initial hearing to review the evidence in the case, which was widely covered by the media. Prosecutors also allege Craig tried a more elaborate and convoluted approach to put the blame on his wife. In court documents, they said he asked another former fellow inmate to find attractive women who would agree to testify at his trial that they had affairs with him and, after Angela Craig found out, they had refused to help her frame him. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) Not only does Florida Governor Ron DeSantis hold the power to appoint a temporary successor to Marco Rubios U.S. Senate seat, he will also choose who will be the states Chief Financial Officer when Jimmy Patronis steps down at the end of March. Patronis is hoping to replace U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz. President-elect Donald Trump continues to tap Floridians, creating a ripple effect of vacant seats in the sunshine state. These appointments are really going to reveal what DeSantis has in mind for his future and how Floridas going to play out in that strategy, said political analyst Tara Newsom. Newsom said Gov. DeSantis has to weigh his options and get in line with Trumps endorsements or continue in an independent streak like weve seen in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember that as much as Ron DeSantis is an apprentice of Donald Trump, hes also got an independent streak, said Newsom. Trump has already endorsed State Senator Joe Gruters for Floridas CFO position. Other names that have grabbed the publics attention are state senator Blaise Ingoglia and State Representative Mike Caruso. U.S. Representative Byron Donalds name has even been eyed for CFO or Rubios Senate seat. I think that DeSantis has really got to weigh his options. Does he think that Joe Gruters is going to support him and his political aspirations, or is Joe Gruters getting his own ambitions set at the same level as Ron DeSantis? Are they going to become competitors or not? And thats something that we have yet to see unfold, said Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter who DeSantis appoints for CFO, Newsom adds, the statewide role is incredibly important coming off of two devastating hurricanes. That person is so instrumental with home insurance reform, and we are at a critical stage in the state of Florida to make sure that all Floridians have access to home insurance whether theyre Republican or Democrat. And thats why Jimmy Patronis was beloved because he was able to hold these local town hall meetings and really try to dig deep and listen to homeowners, said Newsom. Whoever Ron DeSantis appoints, not only are they going to be groomed for as a statewide office and possibly to go on to other leadership positions, but theyre going to be held to account by all of Floridas voters. Republican and Democrat alike, and so that person has to be both affable and pretty steely and innovative to come up with ways to solve this very complex problem, said Newsom. Newsom also reminds folks that DeSantis has his eyes on the white house, and so whoever he puts in Rubios U.S. Senate seat needs to help advance not only the state of Florida, but also Governor DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. It's Thanksgiving Day, which means it's time for America's Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Detroit. The annuel event is a feast for the eyes before the feast at the table. With celebrity appearances, clowns, balloons, marching bands and the legendary parade floats it's enough fun to attract tens of thousands of excited spectators each year. The renowned annual parade presented by Gardner White is now in its 98th year. The 2024 Theme is Miles of Smiles!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about Detroit's Thanksgiving Day parade. What time does the Thanksgiving parade in Detroit start? The parade is free to attend and will kick off at Woodward Avenue and Kirby Street in Midtown at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, according to The Parade Company, a Detroit-based nonprofit that produces America's Thanksgiving Parade. It ends in downtown Detroit, past Campus Martius Park, just after noon. More: Look for new floats in America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit Detroit Thanksgiving parade route The parade will march south along Woodward in a straight shot. The procession will go three miles from Kirby Street to Congress Street in the heart of downtown Detroit. According to a map of the route, the parade officially ends at Congress and Woodward. How to watch the Detroit Thanksgiving parade on TV Can't make it downtown to see the parade? Don't worry, the event will be on live TV, streamed online and commentated on the radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TV stations covering the parade include WDIV-TV (Local 4). A live stream will be hosted on clickondetroit.com and a live commentary will be provided on WOMC 104.3 FM. For hopeful viewers outside of the Detroit area, the parade is syndicated across 185 markets. According to The Parade Company, a full station list will be available Monday. Detroit Turkey Trot 2024 Looking to burn a couple of calories before the Thanksgiving feast on Thursday? Along with the parade festivities, the annual Turkey Trot will kick off on Thanksgiving day. There is a variety of events being offered, including a 10K, 5K and a 1-mile run. Runners are encouraged to run in costumes. The 10K and 1-mile run kicks off at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K begins an hour later at 8:30 a.m. To register for the race, use The Parade Company's online sign-up portal here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Detroit marathon marked by love and loss: A finish-line embrace and a mile 5 tragedy Detroit Thanksgiving parade road closures Because of the parade and the Turkey Trot, many roads in midtown and downtown will be closed during the day. Detours will begin on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and detours and closures will be lifted by 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. The largest closure will be Woodward Avenue, which will be closed from 8 a.m. Wednesday until 5 p.m. on Thursday along the parade route. Grand River Avenue, Jefferson Avenue and Gratiot Avenue will all be closed and detoured on Thanksgiving day. To see the full list of closures, visit the city of Detroit's list of route updates for the holiday week here. Detroit parking Parking will be available along the parade route, according to the Parade Company. In 2023, the city of Detroit recommended the following garages: Ford Underground Garage at 30 E. Jefferson Avenue and the Eastern Market Garage at 2727 Riopelle Street Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. Liam Rappleye is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email him: LRappleye@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Thanksgiving parade 2024: Time, route, how to watch Milton officials say a wrongful death judgment of $32.5 million against the city sets a dangerous precedent for cities and towns across Georgia, and now they are appealing to the state Supreme Court to overturn the ruling. It all stems from a November 2016 crash that killed 21-year-old Joshua Chang, a senior at Yale, who was driving home during his Thanksgiving break. His familys attorneys say he swerved off the road, likely to avoid hitting an animal, and crashed into a concrete decorative planter along Batesville Road. The planter, which has since been removed, was built decades ago before Milton was incorporated and stood a few feet off the side of the road. City officials say it had never before been involved in an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chang familys attorneys say Chang was driving under the roads posted 45 mile-per-hour speed limit and would have had time to stop if the planter were removed. Its a death trap, attorney Chris Simon told Channel 2 Action News last year after the verdict. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In June 2023, a jury ruled in favor of the family and ordered Milton to pay $32.5 million in damages, saying the city was 93 percent at fault. Then, in September of this year, the state Court of Appeals upheld the judgment. Not only is it devastating to Milton, its devastating to all the cities in the state of Georgia, said Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison. If this ruling stands, taxpayers are going to be on the hook for this all across the state of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the city appeals to the state Supreme Court, more than 40 cities and towns in Georgia have filed amicus briefs or legal letters of support urging the states high court to hear the case. Adam Hollingsworth, president of Milton Families First, said the case gives cities the burdensome task of figuring out what fixed objects to remove from their rights of way. If this decision were to stand, every property owner and every city across the state of Georgia is at risk, he said. Every flagpole, every mailbox, every tree is suddenly declared a hazardous liability by the court. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hollingsworth said the award underscores the need for the legislature to limit the amount of compensation in lawsuits. Because if our civil justice system allows these kinds of multimillion dollar verdicts, property owners, small business owners, cities, taxpayers, were all going to be paying, and thats not right, he said. Governor Brian Kemp has said he plans to make tort reform a priority in the 2025 legislative session. In this case, a personal injury lawyer wove an emotional narrative inconsistent with the facts, Hollingsworth said. Lawyers take home lots of money and the taxpayers of Milton lose. Channel 2 Action News reporter Bryan Mims called attorneys for the Chang family. Chris Simon, a member of the legal team, said attorneys would not comment until the appeals process has run its course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Simon told Channel 2 Action News that the city should have inspectors in place to evaluate its 70 miles of roadway for other dangers. I guarantee you that across this huge state, there are other situations like this where something got built, and its almost a danger hiding in plain sight, he said at the time. Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff, who attended the trial, called the judgment shocking. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The roadway is clearly the responsibility of the municipality, he said. Whats off the roadway is not. Mayor Jamison said this jury verdict could create severe hardships for municipalities. If a judgment like this occurred to a small rural town, I dont know how they would pay, he said. Its absolutely devastating. As the city appeals to the state Supreme Court, the initial judgment is accruing interest at a rate of about $10,000 a day. A 19-year-old Dickson County High School student was killed in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday in Dickson County, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Joshua Lugg was an active member of the Dickson County Future Farmers of America chapter, according to a Facebook post by Dickson County FFA. "He attended every chapter meeting, showed hogs, competed in events, was a top fruit seller, and attended State Convention with us multiple times," the Dickson County FFA post includes. "He worked hard to support his chapter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dickson County FFA Family, please join us in prayer for the Lugg family. Our senior student, Josh, tragically passed... Posted by Dickson County FFA on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Lugg was driving a 2012 Nissan Titan westbound on Thompson Road in Dickson County with a driver of a 2014 GMC Sierra traveling east when the wreck occurred just before 3:30 p.m. The preliminary report states that the driver of the Nissan Titan did not negotiate a curve to the left and crossed into the center lane into the eastbound lane, hitting the front of the GMC Sierra. The preliminary report listed the driver of the GMC Sierra as injured, but further information was unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitation is scheduled at 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29, and 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, with the funeral service at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, at Spann Funeral Home, located at 1961 Highway 48 North in Dickson. Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dickson County High School student Joshua Lugg remembered after crash In this episode of Aloha Authentic, host Kamaka Pili showcases the important work being done at Bishop Museum to preserve and share Hawaiis cultural heritage through digitization. These efforts are helping to connect the stories of the past with the needs of the present, ensuring that the history of Hawaii remains accessible for future generations. Kamaka begins by speaking with Brandon Bunag, Vice President of Public Programs at Bishop Museum, about the Mau Ka Leo project and Hawaii Alive. These initiatives focus on making the museums vast collections available online, providing resources for educators, researchers, and the public to engage with Hawaiis history in new and meaningful ways. Next, Kamaka sits down with Kaui Sai-Dudoit, Project Manager at He Aupuni Palapala, to learn about the museums ambitious project to digitize Hawaiian-language newspapers. These historic publications are rich with stories, opinions, and records that reflect the voices of the past. Kaui shares a fascinating examplea letter written of Timoteo Haalilio during his travels from Mexico to New Orleansillustrating how these documents help bring history to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The episode concludes with a tour of the museums kapa collection led by Kamalu Du Preez. Kamalu explains the cultural significance of kapa, the traditional Hawaiian barkcloth, and how digitizing these pieces preserves not just the physical artifacts but also the knowledge and artistry they represent. Through these initiatives, Bishop Museum is ensuring that Hawaiis history continues to inspire and educate. This episode of Aloha Authentic celebrates the intersection of preservation and technology, honoring the stories that shape Hawaiis identity. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. DILLSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Every year, Jeff Shultz puts on a model train show to raise funds for the Dillsburg Arts & Revitalization Council. Railroading, large and small, runs in the family. My father worked for three different railroads, he says. I think it started out with the Pennsylvania railroad, then went to Conrail, then Norfolk Southern, in 42 years on the railroad. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here But his home has another connection to railroading. Soon after they moved in, he and his wife discovered railroad spikes in the yard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My wife researched a little bit and she feels that a railroad employee had once lived here. We came to find out that a rail spur, possibly to the ore bank east of here, went by the house. The spur was part of the Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg Railroad, founded in 1871. A lot of small railroads were proposed in the area around then, but the DMRR got built, thanks to its backers. It was done because of the backing of the Cumberland Valley Railroad and their financing, says railroad historian Randy Watts. (The C.V.R.R., in turn, was backed by its majority stockholder, the Pennsylvania Railroad.) The primary business was iron ore and a little bit of local traffic at Dillsburg. Dillsburg, at that point in time, was a town of only three or 400 people.) Midstate Markers: The Cumberland Valley Railroad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That spur near the Shultzs house went a mile east to iron mines along Oar Bank Road. The mines yielded tons of high-grade magnetic iron. The railroad made it possible to ship the ore at a competitive price. In Dillsburg, a rail yard sprang up along West Harrisburg Street and North Second Street. It would eventually have multiple tracks and a turntable. While founded to move freight, the Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg became a major passenger line for about one week each year. The annual Williams Grove Grangers Picnic began in 1874, and the DMRR provided passenger service. By the mid-1890s more than 100,000 people attended each year. Sometimes the railroad carried over 30,000 people per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Mechanicsburg end of the line, the Keystone Model Railroaders Historical Society is gearing up for their annual Christmas display. This building, housing their huge HO gauge layout, once served as an electrical substation for the DMRR. In 1906, the railroad started running electric trollies. Midstate Markers: The Great Grangers Interstate Picnic Exhibition That was strictly a cost-saving move, says Watts. Prior to that, they would have had a five-man crew. With the trolley they had a two-man crew, so it allowed them to cut costs significantly. Running a trolley along a line that also ran steam locomotives required some creative wiring. Most trolleys have a single pole in the center of the roof to pick up electricity. the D.&M.R.R. trolleys had four, two on each side. The trolley operators had to manually move one of the poles to the wire to get their power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, despite the boom times in the late 1800s, in the long run the Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg was never really a moneymaker. The railroad never made enough to pay the interest on its funded debt, the mortgages, and that was the reason it was foreclosed, says Watts. In 1906, the Cumberland Valley Railroad bought it and merged it into their railroad. Conrail Museum planned for Shippensburg in 2021 In the 20th century business for the D.&M.R.R. got steadily worse. Automobiles began to steal passenger traffic. The mines around Dillsburg fizzled out by 1910. The 1916 Grangers Picnic was the last, due partly to one of the first polio epidemics in the nations history. Passenger service ended in 1928, and the Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg became exclusively a freight line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Railroads in general struggled in the 1900s. The D.&M.R.R., as already mentioned, was absorbed by the Cumberland Valley Railroad. In 1919 the C.V.R.R. was merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad, its primary stockholder. Then the Pennsy and New York Central melted together into the Penn Central in 1968. It went bankrupt in 1970. In 1976 several struggling railroads, including the Penn Central, were merged into the Consolidated Rail Corporation, or Conrail. On this date: All aboard the Pennsylvanian! The Dillsburg branch was not included in Conrail, so that it was it was recommended for abandonment, says Watts. By 1980, 81, 82, the rails were removed and the track was salvaged. In essence, that was the end of the right of way. The train yard in Dillsburg was torn up, and buildings were torn down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres now little of the railroad left to see; a bridge where it passed under the Reading Railroad, a historical marker for the Grange picnic, and overgrown patches of the old right of way. If you travel along Ore Bank Road you can catch a glimpse of the old mines. (Dont bother stopping, though, theyre on private property and theres no place to park anyway.) 185-year-old locomotive coming to Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania But as railroads were abandoned across the country, a new idea took hold-rail trails, repurposing rights of way for public use. In 2016 the South Mountain Trolly Greenway initiative began exploring the idea of turning the Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg into a rail trail, and earlier this year the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources contributed $360,000 to the project, So we may soon see the old railroad come back to life as a rail trail. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. L.A. County health officials are warning that some diners at a Monterey Park restaurant may have been exposed to hepatitis A. An employee at a Buffalo Wild Wings in the city was found to be infected with the highly contagious liver infection, the county Department of Public Health said in a release Wednesday. Customers who ate at the restaurant at 4000 Market Place Drive in Monterey Park between Nov. 13 and 22 might have been exposed and should receive a hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already immunized, health officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hepatitis A is spread through food or drink contaminated with tiny particles of fecal matter, according to the World Health Organization. It can also be spread through close physical contact with an infectious person; casual contact does not spread the virus. A spokesperson for Buffalo Wild Wings confirmed the sports bar had received a clean bill of health from local officials and was set to reopen Wednesday night. Read more: Bat is the prime suspect in ultra-rare human rabies fatality in Central California There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. Cases can range from mild to severe, occasionally but rarely causing death. Symptoms include fever, weakness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools and diarrhea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people feel sick for several weeks but usually recover with no lasting liver damage, according to the CDC. Receiving a vaccination within 14 days of exposure could help reduce the risk of infection, health officials said. Children should receive two doses of a hepatitis A vaccine between 1 and 3 years old, according to CDC guidelines. Adults who have not been inoculated can also receive the vaccine. If you were exposed and develop symptoms, health officials advise calling your health provider and asking for a hepatitis A test. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ukraine wanted to buy weapons from South Korea that would help in the confrontation with the Russian army, but Seoul refused, South Korean SBS News reported. According to the ezine, the Ukrainian delegation asked for permission to purchase Korean weapons, not a free transfer, in particular, Cheongung mediumrange surface-to-air missiles. According to the source, Ukraine asked for non-lethal weapons. In addition to Cheongung interceptor missiles, Ukrainians were interested in radars - for air defense and antiartillery. The Ukrainians also requested charges for 155 mm artillery shells. It is likely that Korean defense companies such as LIG Nex1, Hanwha and Hyundai Rotem have received offers from Ukraine for cooperation in the purchase of weapons. But the South Korean Defense Ministry advised them to refrain from signing contracts. The reason for the refusal is allegedly "a high risk of violating foreign trade laws restricting exports to war zones." As reported, a delegation of Ukraine headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited Seoul earlier this week. Attleboro Public Schools Superintendent David Sawyer have released a statement regarding a troubling incident that occurred between two students and a teacher. The incident occurred late Tuesday, November 26, afternoon when school administration learned that a teacher was involved in a physical altercation between two students. The district administration was immediately informed, and an investigation was launched in accordance with district procedures. Sawyer said. The district also notified the Attleboro Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As apart of the investigation, the teacher has been put on administrative leave. This is disheartening news, as the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. The Attleboro Police Department will be aiding in the investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Sophia Park doesnt think much about her age, even as reminders stack up all around her. Earlier this month, the Office of the District Attorney in Tulare County announced that the teenage law clerk had become the youngest person to pass Californias bar exam a record she took from her older brother Peter who, at just age 18, works as a prosecutor in the DAs office. Since then, theres been a flood of photo ops and interviews (including from the New York Times) mostly scheduled through the Parks father, acting as an informal press agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I forget that Im 17, sometimes, says Sophia, standing outside the Tulare County courthouse, wearing a dark blue suit that seems fitting the profession if not her age. She hopes to join the DAs office as a lawyer once shes sworn in as a licensed attorney in March. We could not be prouder as an office family, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward said in a news release. It really is quite remarkable the success we have had with our law students, interns and law clerks attaining their professional dreams. The dividends for our office have been immense. Peter Park, 18 and his sister Sophia Park, 17, have both passed Californias bar exam at record-setting young ages and now work at the Tulare County District Attorneys Office. Both Sophia and her brother were 13 when they started law school at the online-only Northwestern California University School of Law, under a provision in the states bar rules that allowed students to apply without having a high school diploma or college degree if theyve completed the requisite College Level Proficiency Exams. Their father, a patent agent and material science PhD from Korea, had been looking into law school for himself when he found the provision and pitched it to his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He came into my room one day and said, Do you want to be an attorney and go to law school right now? At the time, Peter didnt know even know what lawyers did. But he was intrigued by the idea, as it was a path that no one had really taken before. Sophia on the other hand, pretty much always knew she wanted to study law and would tell people she wanted to become a judge. The law is a such part of peoples everyday lives, and she relishes in the idea that every day I come to work and I know Im making a positive impact. At first, both siblings split time going to high school during the day and doing online course study in the evening. Eventually they took the the California High School Proficiency Exam in order to solely focus on their studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I tried to make it as easy as possible, says Peter, who took and passed the bar exam in July of last year. The California bar exam is given twice a year and is generally considered one of the hardest in the United States. Of those who took the general bar exam in February, for example, 33.9% passed. While many law students wait until after they graduate law school to begin focusing on the notoriously difficult two-day bar exam, Peter spent a full four years in test-prep mode. He also did the math, and realized that even if he scored poorly on the essay portion of the test, he could make it up on the multiple choice section and still pass the test. Not that Peter thinks he or his sister are super smart or particularly special. But they were taught that nothing is difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just unfamiliar, he says. What he and his sister have accomplished is the result of hard work and blind faith that things will work out. Or, to quote their father, quoting Henry Ford: Whether you think you can or think you cant, youre right. Lives outside the law While graduating law school and entering into the job world seems like a lot for someone not yet old enough to drink, the pair manages to find down time. The entire family gathers for a weekly TV night, where they watch mostly Korean dramas. Sophia loves reading. Her father turned her on to books about mindset and the psychology of success, though she also likes fiction and recently finished the 7,200-page The Legend of the Condor Heroes, which she describes as an Asian version of the Avengers, before the Avengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter took up stenography, the shorthand writing commonly used in courtrooms. He even built his own stenography keyboard and started a business selling inexpensive keyboards to other hobbyists. In my free time I manage my business, he says. He does get help from his father. Will the record be broken again? And theres another generation of Parks waiting in the wings. Their younger sister is currently in her second year of law school. Shes 13 and if she continues on to pass the bar, she will take over Sophias record, based on her birthday and the date the exam results are typically reported. The pair say their 8-year-old brother has also hinted he wants to follow in the family footsteps and become a lawyer. German investigators suspect a Berlin doctor of killing eight elderly patients under his care and setting fire to some of their homes to cover up his crimes, prosecutors said Thursday. The suspect, a 40-year-old whose identity has not been released, worked in palliative care for an at-home nursing service. He was remanded in custody in August on suspicion of killing four women aged 72 to 94, and Berlin prosecutors have now linked him to four more deaths of men and women aged 61 to 83. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in August said the man was being investigated on four counts of manslaughter, one count of arson and three counts of attempted arson. Berlin prosecutors said they were now treating the alleged killings as murder cases. "The accused appears to have had no motive for killing the people other than the act of killing itself," they said, accusing him of a "lust for murder." Police in August said the man was suspected of killing four female patients in the care of his nursing service in Berlin between June 11 and July 24. In one case, an 87-year-old woman was resuscitated after emergency services arrived, but died later in hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another, the suspect allegedly started a blaze but the fire went out. "When he realized this, he allegedly informed a relative of the woman and claimed that he was standing in front of her flat and that nobody was answering the doorbell," police said. In the four new cases, which date from June 2022 to April 2024, the suspect is accused of killing two men and two women in Berlin. In one case, he is suspected of administering a cocktail of medications to a 70-year-old woman in her apartment in Berlin's Tempelhof district and then starting a fire. The fire department, called by a neighbor, was able to prevent the flames from spreading to the rest of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is also accused of administering deadly medications to two men, aged 70 and 83, and to a 61-year-old woman. The case recalls that of the notorious German nurse Niels Hoegel, who was sentenced in 2019 to life in prison for murdering 85 patients in his care. Hoegel, believed to be Germany's most prolific serial killer, murdered hospital patients with lethal injections between 2000 and 2005, before he was eventually caught in the act. A former colleague told the German newspaper Bild that Hogel was nicknamed "Resuscitation Rambo" because of the way he "pushed everyone else aside" when patients needed to be resuscitated, the BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a more recent case, a 27-year-old male nurse was sentenced to life in prison in 2023 for murdering two patients by deliberately administering unprescribed drugs. The nurse, identified as Mario G., was also found guilty on six counts of attempted murder. During his trial, Mario G. admitted to injecting patients with sedatives and other drug cocktails while working in the recovery room at a Munich hospital. The case in Berlin comes just weeks after a British doctor admitted posing as a nurse and trying to kill his mother's long-term partner by injecting the man with poison disguised as a COVID-19 vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, a British judge sentenced nurse Lucy Letby to spend the rest of her life in prison for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others while working at a hospital in northern England. Grateful Dead members reflect on Phil Lesh's impact on the band, their lives Former Navy secretary says Trump's Defense Secretary pick will make the military "weaker" Some North Carolina homeowners still can't return home after Helene landslides HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) According to DC News Now, analysts are predicting another record-breaking travel year this Thanksgiving. AAA says about 80 million people will travel for the holiday, which is higher than the pre-pandemic record. However, can people expect large volumes of travel within the Tri-State? Regional transportation forecasts for Thanksgiving The AAA regions of the Tri-State are the East South Central Region, which covers Kentucky, and the East North Central Region, which covers Indiana and Illinois. The latter is run by the Automobile Club Of Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AAA predicts this many people will use the following modes of travel this Thanksgiving: East South Central Region (Courtesy: AAA) East North Central Region (Courtesy: AAA) The popular places people go during Thanksgiving Both regional offices of the AAA say the following domestic locations tend to be popular during Thanksgiving: Orlando, FL Miami, FL Fort Lauderdale, FL New York, NY Anaheim and Los Angeles, CA Tampa, FL Honolulu, HI San Francisco, CA Las Vegas, NV Atlanta, GA Current numbers According to the Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), its been welcoming an influx of travelers all week. Officials say last month, EVVs passenger traffic exceeded last October by 17% year-over-year, and American Airlines had its busiest month on record at EVV. This month is trending incredibly busy with full aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flights that are departing from and arriving at EVV include: Dallas-Fort Worth Chicago Charlotte Atlanta One of the above locations has been predicted by the AAA to be a popular destination this holiday, and that is Atlanta. Travel tips Officials with EVV say there are a few tips people can utilize as they prepare to fly elsewhere for Thanksgiving. Those tips are: Knowing what to pack: Ensuring travelers pack smart by starting with an empty bag and making sure all pockets and compartments are clear. Reviewing the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage here. Arriving early for the flight. Travelers should give themselves enough time to arrive at the airport early. Travelers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at 855.787.2227; also notifying their airline ahead of time if accommodations like a wheelchair is needed. Staying connected to a travelers respective airlines download the airlines mobile apps for flight and baggage information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). A dog whose escape from a plane caused the closure of two runways at France's biggest airport has been reunited with its owner after nine days at large, Air France said. Authorities closed two runways at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport on Tuesday while officials tried to capture Amalka the dog. Since Amalka, a female, slipped out of a carrier cage on November 19 during an unloading operation, there has been an intense search for the pet, owned by an Austrian tourist who flew to France on Air France from Vienna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After several days of intense searches, we are delighted to confirm that Amalka has been found and returned to her owner," Air France said in a statement to AFP. Airport police deployed a search drone on Tuesday, requiring the closures of the runways. They picked the off-peak early afternoon for the operation, thus avoiding any impact on scheduled flights. After the dog escaped, several search parties were launched, including at night and in the presence of the owner, whose hotel costs at Charles de Gaulle were covered by Air France. Posters were put up to alert airport staff. The animal was finally found in a park in Dammartin-en-Goele, a town close to the airport, according to Le Parisien daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper posted a video of Amalka and her owner being reunited, the pet wagging her tail in delight while her owner hugged her. "Both will be able to travel to their final destination soon," Air France added. Charles de Gaulle, with its four runways, vies with Amsterdam's Schiphol for the top spot as the European Union's busiest airport. In September 2023, a similar incident unfolded at one of the busiest transit hubs in the U.S. when a Chihuahua mix named Maia escaped from her carrier and ran onto an active runway at Atlanta's airport. The incident occurred while the dog was being transferred between Delta Air Lines and the airport after her owner was detained for not having the proper documents to enter the U.S. Maia was eventually found by a Good Samaritan after 22 days on the tarmac Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grateful Dead members reflect on Phil Lesh's impact on the band, their lives Former Navy secretary says Trump's Defense Secretary pick will make the military "weaker" Iowa man decorates neighbors' homes to honor wife's love of Christmas BOWIE COUNTY, TX. (KTAL/KMSS) For many the Thanksgiving holiday is a time for friends and family to get together and eat too much food, but there can be serious consequences if anyone decides to drink too and then get behind the wheel. A drunk driving crash can devastate the lives of victims and their families forever. Survivors can experience life-altering, disabling, and permanent injuries, says Ruby Martinez, TxDOTs Traffic Safety Program Manager. TxDOT says that drunk driving is a big issue in the state year-round, but it is disheartening to see it spike and contribute to 28% of all crashes during the holiday season. They stress there is no excuse to drive drunk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think you might drink at a holiday party, plan a sober ride in advance. There are plenty of sober ride options available, from taxis to rideshare services to public transportation, says Martinez. Should you wash your turkey before cooking it? They said last year, during the holiday season, 126 people were killed by drunk drivers in the state, including three from northeast Texas. Its devastating for a parent to lose a child, says Yolanda Carson. Her daughter, Jade, was one of those who lost their lives to a drunk driver during the holiday season in 2013. Its hard to talk about because she was my first-born child. And so shes my, shes my baby, says Carson. She was always mommys friend, always mommys friend, always there for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver fled the scene that night, leaving Jades six-month-old son without a mother. She was going to be a school teacher. She loved kids and that was her passion just to help kids. My daughter, Jade, will never get a chance to step into the classroom or watch her son, Jacob, grow up all because someone made this selfish choice of getting behind the wheel. says Carson. So, if you see someone at your holiday gathering who has had too much to drink, talk with them about how they are getting home. Helping to prevent a potential crash is worth any temporarily awkward conversation, says Martinez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also severe legal penalties for a DWI, including fines and fees as high as $17,000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. MANSFIELD, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Deputy Mark Pierce is at it again, sharing holiday humor on the DeSoto Parish Sheriffs Office (DPSO) Facebook page. The public information officer keeps the community aware of the offices crime fighting efforts, while always looking for opportunities to spread good news and smiles in the parish. DPSO hires elf to report to Santa His latest installment doesnt disappoint. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Deputy Pierce welcomed a new DPSO recruit, Deputy Ben Waddlin. He posted pictures of Deputy Waddlin with the SWAT Team. Part of the caption reads: Deputy Waddlin says he is thankful to get to work alongside such a great group of turkeys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Pierce is known for his creative posts, including this tongue in cheek comment in October: Due to police shortages, any child caught wearing a police costume this Halloween may be called upon to cover a shift. He also documents the shenanigans of naughty elves, and those who are nice, during the Christmas season. Here is the full post: PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST RECRUIT! The DeSoto Sheriff SWAT Team has been up to a bit of Fowl play lately by adding another set of drumsticks to their flock. Please join us in welcoming Deputy Ben Waddlin. Ben joins the DeSoto Parish Sheriffs Office with an im-peck-able record, having served overseas but recently flying home for the winterbreak. Deputy Waddlin says he is thankful to get to work alongside such a great group of turkeys, and hopes his fancy new helmet helps him in his effort to meet new chicks. *Reminder: Our offices will be closed on Thursday & Friday so Dy. Ben Waddlin and co-workers can spend time with their families this Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One person was taken to the hospital following a single-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Shawnee. The crash was reported just before 2:30 p.m. near W. 67th Street and Lackman Road, just south of Shawnee Mission Parkway. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 According to Shawnee police, a possible medical emergency caused the driver, who was heading southbound on Lackman Road, to lose control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the road and go airborne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the driver struck the side of an apartment complex pool building and came to a stop against a tree. Shawnee firefighters used extrication tools to remove the driver from the heavily damaged vehicle. The driver was taken to a hospital in stable condition, according to police. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Police say a passenger in the vehicle and a person inside the damaged building sustained minor injuries. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. After more than a week of drones being spotted over four of its facilities in England, Air Force officials are still trying to find out who is flying them, why they are being flown, and the relationship between incidents at different installations. One thing is clear, however. They are not being operated by your average drone enthusiasts. Two U.S. officials told The War Zone that these drones do not appear to be the work of hobbyists. Witnesses say they are quadcopters and octocopters and are more sophisticated than consumer off-the-shelf models. The incidents at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Fitwell appear to be connected, one of those officials added. The relationship to drones seen over RAF Fairford is less clear. The War Zone was first to report the drone incursions. They began to appear on Nov. 20 and continue to this day. A stock picture of a No Drone Zone sign and other warnings along the perimeter of RAF Lakenheath. Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images Small unmanned aerial systems continue to be spotted in the vicinity of and over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell and RAF Fairford since Nov. 20, Air Force Capt. Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath, told us in a statement today. To date, installation leaders have determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities or assets. The Air Force is taking all appropriate measures to safeguard the aforementioned installations and their residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of systems has fluctuated, and they have ranged in sizes and configurations, he added. Our units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets. To safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific force protection measures, however we retain the right to protect our installations. We request individuals in the area to contact either local police or Security Forces if they see anything suspicious, to include sUASs or drone activity. U.K Defense Minister Maria Eagle said the government was taking steps to deal with the incursions, the BBC reported. Protection of our personnel and bases is of course our highest priority, said Eagle, speaking during a debate on UK air and missile defenses at Westminster Hall. For security reasons I wont go into specifics. But we are taking steps and we are aware of whats going on and doing our best to deal with it. We will be making sure that anybody we manage to catch for engaging in this behaviour will be shown the full force of the law for their illegal activities, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aircraft spotters outside Lakenheath claim they have seen F-15E Strike Eagles sent aloft in response to the incursions. Flight tracking software has also shown interesting aerial operations around the base as the sightings have progressed. F-15Es targeting pods would be especially useful in finding, identifying and tracking the low-flying drones. However, Air Force officials have not confirmed that they are using the fighters in an attempt to track the drones. Surely multiple aerial assets have been deployed to help ascertain what exactly is going on and at whose command. UK assets, including police helicopters and intelligence-gathering turboprops are likely to have been used in the hunt. The 48th Fighter Wing, with its F-35A Joint Strike Fighters and aforementioned F-15E Strike Eagles is the base tenant unit at Lakenheath. The 100th Air Refueling Wing, which flies KC-135s, is the main unit at Mildenhall. The 352nd Special Operations Wing with its MC-130s and CV-22s is also among the base tenants. There have also been signs that Lakenheath is at least being prepared to re-host U.S. nuclear bombs after those weapons were removed from the country in 2008. Feltwell also houses personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing and serves as an additional logistical node for American forces in the country. Ironically, Lakenheath was home to fighter wings that defended Israel against Iranian drones as well as missiles during Tehrans massive barrage in April. Several airmen at Lakenheath received medals for heroics during that operation. You can read more about that here. U.S. Air Force Capt. Lacie Hester, 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E weapon systems operator, is congratulated by fellow decoration recipients after receiving the Silver Star during a ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, England, Nov. 12, 2024. The Silver Star is the United States Armed Forces third-highest military decoration for valor in combat and was presented based on the aircrews gallantry in action repelling the Iranian attack as the airborne mission commanders directing coalition forces during the unprecedented large-scale attack against Israel. Photo by Senior Airman Olivia Gibson On Tuesday, officials from USAFE added RAF Fairford to the list of bases experiencing drone incursions. Unlike the other three facilities which are in close proximity, Fairford is about 100 miles to the southwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairford is the main bomber forward operating location in Europe for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. Bomber Task Force-Europe sees B-1s, B-52s, and B-2s rotate into the theater fairly regularly for operations with NATO and other allies and to deter Russia. It is also home to small contingents of U-2 spy planes. There are four B-52 Stratofortress bombers currently at the base and flying missions around Europe. On Nov. 25, two B-52H Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducted a simulated weapons drop training mission as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1 in Finland, according to USAFE. During the mission bombers integrated with Finnish F/A-18C Hornets and Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out the impressive sight of two @USAirForce B-52 bombers taking off from RAF Fairford to take part in Exercise Apex Jet The aircraft from 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron will conduct close intercept and air support training with Nato allies pic.twitter.com/UEMibfglaF BFBS Forces News (@ForcesNews) November 27, 2024 #BomberTaskForce is a visible symbol of assurance and commitment to NATO Allies and partners. #BTF25 is part of a longterm multinational training plan to maintain readiness and interoperability between NATO Allies and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region. #WeAreNATOpic.twitter.com/PWSxlo34SQ SHAPE_NATO Allied Command Operations (@SHAPE_NATO) November 26, 2024 As these incursions continue, the RAFs largest installation, RAF Brize Norton, warned drone operators from entering its airspace. Calling our local Aviation Enthusiast Community, the base posted on Twitter. We encourage you to report anything unusual, specifically drone activity, within our Flight Restriction Zone. Within this area its illegal to fly any UAS without permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling our local Aviation Enthusiast Community We encourage you report anything unusual, specifically drone activity, within our Flight Restriction Zone. Within this area it's illegal to fly any UAS without permission. Find details on this page: https://t.co/Yu62CZJkG9pic.twitter.com/ubGIGAU6fU RAF Brize Norton (@RAFBrizeNorton) November 27, 2024 That notice, however, is unrelated to the ongoing incursions, a base official told us. We routinely engage with our local community on such matters, and regularly remind local drone users of the restrictions in place in order to keep our aerodrome safe via social media, a spokesperson stated in response to our query about the warning. This was a routine reminder post. Civilian drone operations are prohibited over wide swaths of British airspace, largely over military installations, which you can see in the following map compiled by the UK AIS Internet Briefing System. The map is interactive to allow drone operators to know the local restrictions. UK AIS Internet Briefing System The U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) declined to say whether there is a nationwide effort to have its installations warn drone operators in the wake of these incursions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the RAF or USAF offer to our people/units is not something that would be shared with anyone outside of the military, a spokesman told us. The MOD continues to take this matter seriously and as previously stated are working closely with USVF [U.S. Visiting Forces], Police, and other partners to respond to recent events. The MoD also declined to confirm reports, which we noted yesterday, that 60 British troops have been deployed across three bases in the United Kingdom that host American forces in response to ongoing drone incidents. Nor would they confirm reports that the NINJA counter-drone system originally developed for the U.S. Air Force and subsequently became part of the Royal Air Force ORCUS counter-drone system has been deployed to these bases as well. After more than a week, who is operating these drones and for what purpose remain open questions. These incursions underscore very real concerns about uncrewed aerial threats to critical military facilities and civilian infrastructure. TWZ has been on the leading edge of covering this topic for years and has broken multiple stories now about drone incursions over key U.S. bases and training ranges, as well as uncrewed aerial systems harassing American forces off the coasts of the United States and making worrisome overflights of important non-military sites. A spate of drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in December 2023, which TWZ was the first report on, has now become a particular focal point of growing concern about these issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That drones are flying every day over U.S. bases in England is extremely troubling. The Pentagons effort to respond to them likely faces hurdles similar to those it does domestically, which you can read more about here. Any response may be additionally complicated because the U.S. is a guest of the U.K. and has to work out authorization for the use of counter-drone measures with local officials. I know people are going out looking for the drones at these bases in the UK. Quick reminder, without lights on they are very hard to spot, especially from a distance. Counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems primarily rely on passive detection of the radio frequency energy the drones emit (if Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) November 26, 2024 We will continue to monitor these incursions and provide updates when warranted. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com The in-depth cooperation between China and Madagascar in agriculture, especially in the field of hybrid rice, gives Madagascar the confidence to achieve self-sufficiency in food. Tahiana Razanamahasoa, a Madagascan senior official has said in an interview with Xinhua. #GLOBALink BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) will organize an export mission to Latvia next year, Executive Director of AZPROMO Yusif Abdullayev said at an event on the theme "Azerbaijan-Latvia Information and Networking Meeting," Trend reports. Last September, our representative took part in the 28th food exhibition in Riga. We have previously organized an export mission to support our companies. Next year we plan to consider participating in this exhibition again and organize another mission to strengthen the international presence at Riga Food. I am sure our companies will be pleased to participate in this significant event, said Abdullayev. AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) reportedly attacked two settlements in Russia's Krasnodar Krai on Nov. 28, injuring a woman, Governor Veniamin Kondratiev claimed on his Telegram channel. In the town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban, drone debris fell into the courtyard of a house, breaking its windows. The owner of the house was injured and received medical treatment at the scene of impact. The drone debris damaged a house in a village in Krasnoarmeysk district. There were no casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that the Russian air force allegedly downed 25 Ukrainian drones, 14 of which were intercepted over Krasnodar Krai. Another six drones were shot down over Bryansk Oblast, three over Russian-occupied Crimea, and two over Rostov Oblast. Ukrainian authorities did not comment on the recent attacks in Russia. The Kyiv Independent couldn't verify the claim. Outmanned and outgunned on the battlefield, Ukraine has turned to homemade drones to try to exhaust Russian combat capabilities as much as possible from afar, targeting Russian military-industrial complex facilities, airbases, or oil refineries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ukraine regularly claims attacks deep into Russia, it is difficult to verify the authenticity of the reports and the scale of the damage inflicted. Read also: Russia launches mass missile attack, explosions reported all over Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Durham man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple counts of cyberstalking after allegedly harassing people for years because of their sexuality or gender identity, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday. David Ryan Winters, 38, is charged with five counts of cyberstalking and faces a maximum of 25 years in prison if convicted on all charges, according to a news release. The indictment alleges he stalked one victim for eight years, beginning in 2016 and ending in July of this year, and had at least five victims in total. In addition to the eight years of alleged cyberstalking of one person, the Nov. 19 indictment charges that Winters also: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stalked a second victim from October 2016 to Dec. 11, 2019, including coming to their house and sending intimidating messages to the victim and people associated with them that made the victim fear for their life Sent harassing messages and voicemails to a third victim from June 2017 to Sept. 2 of this year Monitored and messaged a fourth victim from August 2019 to July 17 of this year Monitored and messaged a fifth victim from 2021 to Dec. 12, 2023 Upon his arrest Monday, Winters was eight months into a yearlong probation period after pleading guilty to a December 2023 misdemeanor charge of cyberstalking in Raleigh in February, court records show. A Wake County judge ordered Winters undergo six weeks of mental health treatment by April 8, but its not clear if he completed that treatment. Winter also faces a pending charge of felony stalking in Durham County, according to court records. Its unclear whether that case is tied to any of the victims outlined in the federal indictment. Winters federal case is one of the latest efforts by U.S. Attorney Michael Easley Jr.s Civil Rights Team, which launched in 2022 with a goal of investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations, according to the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody has an equal right to live, work, worship, and love in America, Easley said in the release. We wont tolerate those who threaten, stalk, or use violence just because they dont like how somebody else lives. Hate crimes spike The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, warned in September of rising hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community after the FBI released its annual crime report for 2023. The FBI reported 2,402 recorded incidents relating to sexual orientation in 2023, up 455 (23%) from the year before 547 recorded incidents relating to gender identity, up 78 (17%) from the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the second year in a row, more than 1 in 5 of any type of hate crime is now motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias, the Human Rights Campaign stated. Winters will remain in custody until a first appearance in court next week, with an arraignment tentatively scheduled for January, court records show. AUSTIN (KXAN) As runners raced to the finish line, some noses were also running thanks to allergies. My nose runs a lot, said Charlie Henderson, 12, who wore a turkey hat after completing a mile walk and run. And, also, its kind of hard to breathe sometimes if Im doing activities. For Henderson and his aunt, Jocelyn Johnson, Austins 34th annual Turkey Trot isnt the only seasonal tradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to take nose spray every morning so its easier to breathe out of my nose, said Henderson. Cause Im real congested. Mines pretty seasonal, said Johnson, who had on a turkey hat with feathers along with a red race bib. But, its mostly when mold and cedar are high. Puffy eyes, pretty bad headaches. That pain is likely to be felt even more this year. Charlie Henderson, left, with his aunt Jocelyn Johnson, right, after the 34th annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) EXPLORE: KXANs Austin Allergy Tracker There seems to be more allergies coming earlier, lasting longer, with more intense pollen seasons, said Dr. Allen Lieberman, a board-certified allergist with Austin Family Allergy and Asthma. Plants are producing more pollen and allergy seasons, which are typically spaced apart, could be overlapping with ragweed lasting longer and cedar starting sooner, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of this is a result of climate changes, said Lieberman. Were seeing earlier, longer and more intense seasons. Ragweed pollen season is lasting longer in some cases by almost a month across the central U.S. and Canada, according to the latest data from the Environmental Protection Agency, which looked at changes between 19952015. Uh, I dont like that, Henderson said, after learning his allergy symptoms could be getting worse. Were still several weeks away from the real peak and intensity from cedar allergy season, Lieberman added. One concern hes starting to see from his patients is their usual go-to medications and nasal sprays arent as effective as they used to be because allergy seasons have become so intense, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Johnson isnt taking any chances. We see an allergist in our family and were taking shots for that just to try to get ahead of it so we dont end up with sinus infections like we do in January or February each year, said Johnson. Its pretty miserable. Your head hurts all day, she added. Its not fun. KXAN uses an automated pollen sampling machine to give up-to-the minute counts which, on Thanksgiving, showed very high levels of mold. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The humpback spotted splashing in the East River earlier this week has seemingly left the busy channel as quickly as it came but not without leaving a whale-sized mark on the Big Apple. The US Coast Guard issued a stark warning for boaters to pull back their speeds and leave the cetacean alone, even as some New Yorkers eagerly flocked to the waterfront to catch sight of the beautiful beast. Chris St. Lawrence was in class at New York University when the 3:45 p.m. alert came through that the whale had kicked its flukes above the surface just below the Brooklyn Bridge. The humpback whale spotted in the East River Monday has apparently left the channel. Helena Lippolis / Fox News By the time he made it to East River Park with binoculars conveniently already stowed in his backpack darkness had fallen and the humpback had slipped out to deeper waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard stories of these whales in the past that have wandered into the East River, into the Hudson River, into the harbor, and thats always been something that I thought would be really amazing to see in person and to get a photo of. And so, I was chasing that dream, explained St. Lawrence, 21, the communications lead at south Brooklyn research center Gotham Whale. Its not out of the ordinary to see a whale in New York City. Its crazy to see it in the East River. Not ready to give up the dream, the masters student studying Environmental Conservation Education returned the following morning and spent up to three hours hunkered down on Governors Island, where the whale was also reported to be passing through. Experts believe the whale was feeding when it swam into the busy channel. Gregory P. Mango St. Lawrence was in communication with other hopefuls stationed as far up as Williamsburg, but all that was spotted was circling birds. But the birds served as a strong indicator there was plenty of fish nearby to draw in the massive, hungry humpback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as theres food. For better and worse, they dont always seem bothered by boats. As long as theres enough fish there to keep them happy, theyll stick around, St. Lawrence said. Eleven-year Williamsburg resident Jocelynn Loebl also missed her chance to see the aquatic beast and raised concerns that it might run into danger in the high-trafficked waterway. In this particular water you have the passenger ferries and the circle line so Im worried about it. The boats come all day long over here. Not only that, you have cargo ships, Loebl told The Post. https://x.com/chrisstIawrence/status/1861223239654985790 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hoping its safe wherever it is and people leave it alone. I dont want to see it washed up on the shore somewhere. The youngster visits the Domino Park Dog Run steps from where the lone picture of the humpback was snapped up to three times a day and hopes to keep an eye out for the whale if its not too late. According to both the US Coast Guard and Gotham Whale, there have been no other sightings of the whale since its surfaced Monday. The sighting marks the first recorded whale visit to the East River since 2022, and although its not completely out of the ordinary for it to wander to the channel, it is notably 40 miles from the whales typical feeding grounds along Rockaway Beach where sightings are so common that whale tours circle the coastline daily. Humpbacks are more commonly found feeding along the coast of Rockaway Beach. Helena Lippolis / Fox News It triggered the USCG to issue a boating safety information broadcast, which warns boaters to heavily reduce their speeds and proceed with caution in the area. The last broadcast ran Monday, a spokesperson told The Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no reports of vessel traffic impediments connected to the whales visit, including the NYC Ferry, which almost constantly ping-pongs between Queens and Brooklyn. NYC Ferry maintains safe and efficient operations for both our passengers and other users of New York Citys waterways, including other vessels and visiting marine life such as whales, a spokesperson for the group said. Our crew is expertly trained to safely navigate New York Harbor and we welcome the visiting whale to our shared waterways. Danielle Brown, Gotham Whales director of research, theorized the whale braved the heavy traffic of the East River to hunt down a meal in the channel, where Atlantic menhaden, a favorite snack for humpbacks, is known to flourish. The whales will follow fish wherever they need to go. So sometimes that does mean heading north into the river, and it does seem to happen this time of year, she told The Post Tuesday, estimating that the humpback was likely a juvenile between 25 and 35 feet long. Just because the whale has been quiet over the last few days doesnt mean hope is lost for another sighting juveniles historically spent several days exploiting the marine cuisine of the Harbor before moving back out to deeper waters. SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) El Salvador President Nayib Bukele proclaimed himself in favor of mining gold in the Central America country Wednesday and called his nations 7-year-old ban on metals mining absurd, immediately putting in jeopardy the historic prohibition. The unmined gold would be wealth that could transform El Salvador, he wrote on the social platform X. Bukele's party controls El Salvador's Congress by a wide margin and his political opposition has been devastated, so a formal proposal to end the ban is unlikely to meet much resistance. In 2017, El Salvador banned all metals mining above ground and below. A broad coalition of sectors, including the Catholic church, supported the prohibition in order to protect the small countrys water resources from contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, exploration had revealed deposits of gold and silver, but there was no large-scale metal mining. It's unclear what its gold reserves could be. Bukele on Wednesday proposed modern and sustainable mining that would care for the environment. Environmentalists quickly criticized the presidents boosterism. Its not true that theres green mining, its paid for with lives, kidney, respiratory problems and leukemia that arent immediate, said Amalia Lopez with the Alliance Against the Privatization of Water. Their concerns include the amount of water needed for mining operations and the storage of water contaminated with heavy metals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having achieved what he calls a security miracle in weakening El Salvadors powerful street gangs by locking up more than 80,000 Salvadorans accused of gang affiliation since March 2022, Bukele has said he is looking to bring a similar turnaround to the economy. It is a reversal for the highly popular and recently reelected Bukele, who during his first campaign for the presidency in 2019 said he supported the mining ban. In 2021, Bukele proposed using El Salvadors geothermal power to mine the cryptocurrency bitcoin, which requires tremendous amounts of electricity but not real mining to power computers that make complex mathematical calculations day and night that verify transactions. Wisconsin voters line up outside of a Milwaukee polling place on Nov. 5. Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde is one of the Republican politicians who sowed doubt about the integrity of this years election. (Andy Manis/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump may have quieted his lies about widespread voter fraud after his win earlier this month, but the impact of his effort to cast doubt on the integrity of American elections lingers on. Although this post-election period has been markedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, there were isolated flare-ups of Republican candidates borrowing a page from Trumps playbook to claim that unsatisfactory election results were illegitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wisconsin, Republican U.S. Senate challenger Eric Hovde spread unsubstantiated rumors about last-minute absentee ballots in Milwaukee that he said flipped the outcome of the race. Though he conceded to incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin nearly two weeks after the election, his rhetoric helped stoke a spike in online conspiracy theories. The Milwaukee Election Commission disputed his claims, saying they lack any merit. In North Carolina, Republican state Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters last week he feared that the vote-counting process for a state Supreme Court seat was rigged for Democrats. Karen Brinson Bell, the head of the State Board of Elections, skewered Berger for his comments, saying they could inspire violence. And in Arizona, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, who has spent two years disputing her defeat in the 2022 governors race, hasnt acknowledged her Senate loss. While she thanked her supporters in a video posted to X, the platform formerly called Twitter, she stopped short of conceding to Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans disinformation campaigns have caused Americans confidence in elections to plummet and exposed local election officials to threats and harassment, and some observers worry about a return of the GOPs destructive rhetoric the next time they lose. We have to turn this rhetoric down, said Jay Young, senior director of voting and democracy for Common Cause, a voting rights group. There cannot be this continued attack on this institution. Still, many politicians who either denied the 2020 election results or criticized their local voting processes won election. In Arizona, for example, voters chose state Rep. Justin Heap, a Republican, to lead the election office in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and the largest jurisdiction in the critical swing state. Heap ran on a voter confidence platform and suggested at a Trump rally that Maricopas election office is a national laughingstock. Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee the U.S. Department of Justice. Bondi, a Republican, served as an attorney for Trump while he disputed the results in 2020. She could use her position as U.S. attorney general to prosecute election officials involved in that election, as Trump promised in an X post in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the rhetoric around stolen elections has been somewhat muted among the GOP ranks since Trumps victory, conservatives attempted to flip the election denial script on Democrats in at least one race. We have to turn this rhetoric down. Jay Young, Common Causes's senior director of voting and democracy In Pennsylvania, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey refused to concede defeat until last Thursday, two weeks after The Associated Press called the race for Republican challenger David McCormick. Casey lost by fewer than 16,000 votes, less than half a percentage point. Casey said he wanted to see the results of an automatic recount and various court cases filed on his behalf, but Republicans jumped on his refusal to bow out quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican who resisted pressure from Trump in 2020 to find votes after he lost the state, lambasted Casey for not conceding the Senate race. Election denialism needs to end, now, Raffensperger wrote in a statement. We are a country of laws and principles, not of men and personalities. Do your job! Follow the law. Accept election results or lose your country. Even as Republicans mostly toned down their rhetoric this year, some left-wing social media accounts repeated a debunked conspiracy theory that Starlink, the internet provider owned by billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk, changed vote counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those posts, however, arent comparable to GOP election denialism, according to the University of Washingtons Center for an Informed Public, which fights strategic misinformation. While the claims are similar, the rumoring dynamics on the left are markedly different due to the lack of endorsement or amplification by left-leaning influencers, candidates, or party elites, the center posted last week. Young, of Common Cause, said its clear that election disinformation of any kind has a devastating impact on the local officials tasked with administering the vote. Threats to election workers continued even after Election Day. Bomb threats were called into election offices in California, Minnesota, Oregon and other states, forcing evacuations as workers were tallying ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this was just a slice of the onslaught many officials faced over the past four years. Local election officials need the resources to beef up the way they fight disinformation and physical attacks, Young said. We should be doing better by them, he said. (Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.) Wisconsin voters line up outside of a Milwaukee polling place on Nov. 5. Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde is one of the Republican politicians who sowed doubt about the integrity of this years election. (Photo by Andy Manis / Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump may have quieted his lies about widespread voter fraud after his win earlier this month, but the impact of his effort to cast doubt on the integrity of American elections lingers on. Although this post-election period has been markedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, there were isolated flare-ups of Republican candidates borrowing a page from Trumps playbook to claim that unsatisfactory election results were illegitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wisconsin, Republican U.S. Senate challenger Eric Hovde spread unsubstantiated rumors about last-minute absentee ballots in Milwaukee that he said flipped the outcome of the race. Though he conceded to incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin nearly two weeks after the election, his rhetoric helped stoke a spike in online conspiracy theories. The Milwaukee Election Commission disputed his claims, saying they lack any merit. In North Carolina, Republican state Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters last week he feared that the vote-counting process for a state Supreme Court seat was rigged for Democrats. Karen Brinson Bell, the head of the State Board of Elections, skewered Berger for his comments, saying they could inspire violence. And in Arizona, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, who has spent two years disputing her defeat in the 2022 governors race, hasnt acknowledged her Senate loss. While she thanked her supporters in a video posted to X, the platform formerly called Twitter, she stopped short of conceding to Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans disinformation campaigns have caused Americans confidence in elections to plummet and exposed local election officials to threats and harassment, and some observers worry about a return of the GOPs destructive rhetoric the next time they lose. We have to turn this rhetoric down, said Jay Young, senior director of voting and democracy for Common Cause, a voting rights group. There cannot be this continued attack on this institution. Still, many politicians who either denied the 2020 election results or criticized their local voting processes won election. In Arizona, for example, voters chose state Rep. Justin Heap, a Republican, to lead the election office in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and the largest jurisdiction in the critical swing state. Heap ran on a voter confidence platform and suggested at a Trump rally that Maricopas election office is a national laughingstock. Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee the U.S. Department of Justice. Bondi, a Republican, served as an attorney for Trump while he disputed the results in 2020. She could use her position as U.S. attorney general to prosecute election officials involved in that election, as Trump promised in an X post in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the rhetoric around stolen elections has been somewhat muted among the GOP ranks since Trumps victory, conservatives attempted to flip the election denial script on Democrats in at least one race. We have to turn this rhetoric down. Jay Young, Common Cause's senior director of voting and democracy In Pennsylvania, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey refused to concede defeat until last Thursday, two weeks after The Associated Press called the race for Republican challenger David McCormick. Casey lost by fewer than 16,000 votes, less than half a percentage point. Casey said he wanted to see the results of an automatic recount and various court cases filed on his behalf, but Republicans jumped on his refusal to bow out quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican who resisted pressure from Trump in 2020 to find votes after he lost the state, lambasted Casey for not conceding the Senate race. Election denialism needs to end, now, Raffensperger wrote in a statement. We are a country of laws and principles, not of men and personalities. Do your job! Follow the law. Accept election results or lose your country. Even as Republicans mostly toned down their rhetoric this year, some left-wing social media accounts repeated a debunked conspiracy theory that Starlink, the internet provider owned by billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk, changed vote counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those posts, however, arent comparable to GOP election denialism, according to the University of Washingtons Center for an Informed Public, which fights strategic misinformation. While the claims are similar, the rumoring dynamics on the left are markedly different due to the lack of endorsement or amplification by left-leaning influencers, candidates, or party elites, the center posted last week. Young, of Common Cause, said its clear that election disinformation of any kind has a devastating impact on the local officials tasked with administering the vote. Threats to election workers continued even after Election Day. Bomb threats were called into election offices in California, Minnesota, Oregon and other states, forcing evacuations as workers were tallying ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this was just a slice of the onslaught many officials faced over the past four years. Local election officials need the resources to beef up the way they fight disinformation and physical attacks, Young said. We should be doing better by them, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The potential for cooperation between Latvia and Azerbaijan significantly exceeds the current level, the Latvian Ambassador Edgars Skuja told reporters on the sidelines of the Azerbaijani-Latvian Information and Networking Meeting today, Trend reports. "This is already the third day of our business delegations work in Baku, and it has been extremely productive. We have managed to establish many contacts and have meaningful discussions, and I'm convinced that this meeting was highly significant. We have gained valuable information and useful insights from various institutions and organizations. The meetings and the establishment of B2B contacts continue. I am confident that the potential for cooperation between Latvia and Azerbaijan far exceeds the current levelin business, trade, and joint projects. We already have traditional areas, such as exports, but I believe we need to move forward," he said. The ambassador pointed out that Azerbaijan is showing impressive progress: new technologies are being actively implemented, green energy is being developed, along with wind and solar parks, as well as energy storage systems. "Therefore, in my opinion, we should pay special attention to new technological opportunities. We must consider the prospects for joint projects in a wide range of industries. In our work, we aim to take into account the interests of both sides: the Latvian business community and those areas that may be attractive for Azerbaijan. This approach allows us to act in the interests of both countries and their entrepreneurs," added Skuja. To note, as of today Baku is hosting an Azerbaijani and Latvian gathering for networking and information sharing. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) This weekend, to celebrate Small Business Saturday, a community here in Siouxland will be debuting its first hometown Christmas Market. Elk Point, South Dakota, will hold its holiday market this Saturday, November 30th, from 2 in the afternoon until 6 p.m. to kick off holiday shopping. The event includes over 30 vendors that offer handcrafted goods, delicious holiday treats, and even gift-wrapping services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCAU 9 spoke with one of the vendors preparing for the event and what it means for the community. Tips to avoid holiday shopping scams We love being a part of the community of Elk Point, North Sioux, and Jefferson, of course, so just getting to partner with these different groups, especially assisting with the chamber that were a member of with Elk Point. And getting to visit with the people of the towna lot of them regulars to the brewery, so its always fun to be a part of it and just see everyones families. At 6 p.m., there will be a tree-lighting event at the city park to cap the night off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. American billionaire Elon Musk, an adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, has criticised the US calls for Ukraine to allow conscription from the age of 18, which had been earlier reported by the Associated Press (AP) news agency. Source: Musk on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Musk responded to an AP report stating that the Biden administration had urged Ukraine to rapidly expand its armed forces by, among other things, revising mobilisation laws to permit the drafting of men as young as 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How many more [people] need to die?" Elon Musk tweeted, criticising the content of the AP's report. Background: On 19 November, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that Ukraine had received a significant supply of various American weapons but continued to face challenges on the battlefield, attributing the difficulties to issues with mobilisation. Support UP or become our patron! Parents who have been complaining about drug dealing and other criminal activity on Boston Common say theyre still waiting for things to get better. An increase in police foot patrols in Americas oldest park and Downtown Crossing is part of a recent intentional deployment of officers. The Boston Police Department is using 311 and 911 reports to redeploy officers to trouble spots and telling officers to file 311 reports themselves to help bring attention to quality-of-life issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several mothers who take their children to nearby schools told Boston 25 News that they feel police are doing what they can to confront violent drug dealers and other concerning activity. They believe more resources and a fundamental change in city and state policy are necessary to confront the scope of the problem. Its embarrassing to the city of Boston to see what is happening across the street from my sons school, said Claudia, who didnt want her last name published. The drug deals are constant, and thats terrifying because theres little kids. Claudia, whose 2-year-old son attends preschool nearby, started a Facebook group called Neighbors for Safe Parks to unite parents and other neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been spat on, she said. I have honked at people across the street from our school because theyre drug dealing at 8 in the morning. Other parents said they too have been violated and are beyond the point of fed up. My family and I were spit on by a homeless individual, said Alexandra. He approached us and spit on us, successfully spitting on my husband just missing my toddler. Families who have been complaining to the City of Boston credited City Councilor Ed Flynn for listening and regularly confronting the issues at the city level. We have major serious problems. To downplay these incidents or what is taking place, were doing a disservice to the residents of Boston, said Councilor Flynn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flynn backed up residents who said the issues have not improved despite recent claims from some city leaders. There havent been improvements. Residents are angry and upset, added Flynn. Flynn hosted a hearing on Tuesday to address the on-going quality of life and public safety complaints. Hes doubling down on his proposed tolerance policy. That policy would send criminal offenders off to state prison opposed to the revolving door he says sends criminals right back onto the Common to commit more crimes. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Emily Calandrelli is not only the star of her own Netflix show, but is now the 100th woman in Space. Calandrelli left on November 22, 2024 with Blue Origin to visit space for the first time. Calandrelli is a West Virginia native who wanted to put the state on the map for females in space. She says she is beyond honored to be placed in the same pool as West Virginia Titans in aerospace voyagers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First we have John McBride, our very first West Virginia astronaut, and Andrew Morgan, our second West Virginia astronaut. So Ill be third overall. First woman. Its just an honor to kind of be associated in that incredible group of people, said Calandrelli. Morgantown native to become the first West Virginia woman in space Calandrelli was joined by Sharon Hagle, Marc Hagle, Austin Litteral, James Russell and Henry Wolfond. Not only is she a writer, a Netflix star and an American Engineer, she is also a mother. Calandrelli says the support from her fans has been astronomical. The excitement that these like five and six year olds are showing from this woman that they saw do science on television say that shes going to achieve her dream? I mean, its the reason why I want to go to space so that kids like that can see themselves and my adventure and hopefully they can dream even bigger adventures for themselves, said Calandrelli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Calandrelli calls out small men on the internet after becoming 100th woman in space Callendrelli fought back against trolls on the internet who tried to dull her shine. No matter if its visiting space, or fighting for the progression for women, Calandrelli has and will do it all. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. By Shivam Patel BOROBEKRA, India (Reuters) - Gunmen seized six hostages this month while exchanging fire with troops in India's northeastern state of Manipur after a rocket-propelled grenade reduced vehicles and homes to charred hulks in the hilly district of Jiribam. Ethnic clashes over land and quotas in education and government jobs have killed at least 258 people and displaced more than 60,000 since last year in the biggest law-and-order failure for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, which rules the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retaliatory fire by troops killed at least 10 gunmen in the Nov. 11 attack, which authorities blamed on the Hmar group among the ethnic Kuki minority, as a response to the prior burning of their village and the killing of one of their number. "We want peace, but if they attack us, we have to defend ourselves," said Khuma Hmar, 55, an elder in the village of Zairawn, as he examined ash, burnt toys and bullet holes in the home of a 31-year-old Hmar woman who, authorities said, was shot, raped and set ablaze on Nov. 7. Officials attributed the arson and killing to members of the state's majority Meitei ethnic group. India's home ministry, which sent more troops to Manipur after the violence, did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kukis and Meiteis have battled in Manipur's foothills since May 2023 over the prospect of welfare benefits for the mainly Christian Kukis, whom India categorises as disadvantaged, being extended to the mostly Hindu Meiteis. But multi-ethnic Jiribam had been largely free of violence until November's attacks, when peace seemed fleetingly within reach, but now the flare-ups are worrying authorities. "We had decided that we would not let the divisions between our communities reach here," said Khuma Hmar. After a peace pact signed by the Kuki-Hmar and Meitei groups following two rounds of formal talks, communities in the area had socialised, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Meiteis tore it all apart," Khuma Hmar said, pointing to the Meitei village of Mongbung, barely 50 m (160 ft) from Zairawn on a narrow road winding past rubber and bamboo plantations. Members of the Meitei community denied the accusations. A security officer said about 18 houses had been burned in Zairawn, and in retaliation, nearly 70 homemade projectile bombs were thrown at Mongbung, replicating a pattern of revenge elsewhere in the state. Troops nearby who heard gunfire and explosions readied to go into Zairawn, but were blocked by a crowd of Meitei women demanding protection, said another paramilitary officer who sought anonymity, as he was not authorised to talk to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our all-men units cannot forcefully remove women if they block our way," he said. "We could go in only after the destruction." Prosenjit Singh, a Meitei from Mongbung, said no villagers had been involved in the Zairawn violence, however. "I have friends in that village, we went to school together, but we stopped talking since violence broke here," the 37-year-old said. "We too want peace, but they should stop attacking us first." FRAGILE PEACE Hundreds of families fled Jiribam for relief camps in Manipur and neighbouring Assam state after the June killing of a Meitei man sparked arson and some tit-for-tat killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hostilities eased after peace talks brokered by authorities clinched a pact in August that let some families return home. But tension flared after another killing in September, and intelligence officials warned that hundreds of people carrying weapons had started flowing into Jiribam from elsewhere in Manipur, two security officers said. Searches uncovered armed cadres of Meitei and Kuki-Hmar militant groups, even though both had signed pacts with the Indian government to halt operations, the officers added. One Meitei woman, Sandhya Devi, 33, said life for her family began to return to normal after August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her mother opened a small shop in Borobekra, a plains settlement of Meitei villages surrounded by pineapple, rice and rubber farms, located near security outposts. But on Nov. 11, about 30 armed men stormed in to her shop in a tin-roofed market and opened fire, killing two Meitei and taking six hostages: the mother, Devi's two sisters and their three children. Days later, the discovery of their bullet-ridden bodies in a nearby river touched off violence as the news spread, killing one Meitei. "The people who did this to my family should also be killed in the same way," said Devi, now one of nearly 100 Meteis staying in a relief camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community leaders and lawmakers have urged peace and the government has declared Jiribam a "disturbed area", allowing warrantless searches and arrests by troops given powers to shoot to kill. Still, armed cadres continued to arrive, the two officers said, though violence has subsided as the military pushes the newcomers to leave. Hundreds attended last week's funerals of the nine Meitei, at which one member of an armed Meitei group quoted its leaders as having sworn, "The fight that started in Manipur will end in Jiribam." (Reporting by Shivam Patel; Additional reporting by Francis Mascarenhas and Tora Agarwala; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) The European Parliament on Thursday condemned the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia's war with Ukraine and criticized China for its assistance to Moscow. Lawmakers adopted a resolution denouncing Russia's use of North Korean forces and its testing of new ballistic missiles on Ukraine, arguing the "recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe's security." European Union member states should "strengthen their military support for Ukraine, including through the provision of aircraft," long-range missiles such as Taurus missiles and artillery, the declaration said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries supporting Moscow's war should also face further sanctions, the parliament agreed, highlighting China, Belarus and Iran. Beijing in particular must "end all military or dual-use assistance it is giving to Russia," the statement read, adding that "a refusal to change course risks seriously affecting bilateral EU-China relations." The European Union and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide 18.1 billion in macro-financial assistance secured by frozen Russian assets. Source: Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Vice President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to Shmyhal, the 18.1 billion in question is part of the Group of Seven's US$50 billion package, which is secured by the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Such a step is not only support [for Ukraine] but also a precedent for holding Russia accountable for its crimes and starting the process of making the aggressor pay for its brutal war," he added. Honoured to sign MoU with Ukraine on behalf of EU for 18.1 b in macro-financial assistance to help cover immediate needs. It is part of G7 initiative to support Ukraine using revenues from immobilised Russian assetsmaking sure that aggressor pays for damage it has caused. pic.twitter.com/j1EJDMsCcE Valdis Dombrovskis (@VDombrovskis) November 28, 2024 Background: The G7 finalised the parameters of the US$50 billion loan to Ukraine, which was approved at the summit in Italy in June, and agreed on the distribution of the financial burden in late October. The United States has confirmed that it will provide US$20 billion of the loan, the maximum expected amount, which was in doubt until recently because the EU failed to implement a safeguard against unexpected sanctions lifting, as Washington wanted, due to Hungary's opposition. The UK's contribution will amount to 2.26 billion, or US$2.94 billion. The funds will be provided formally as a loan but will be repaid through a tax on profits received from frozen Russian assets. Support UP or become our patron! A new EU sanctions package against Russia, including measures that would target Chinese-based companies producing drones for Russia's war against Ukraine, was discussed for the first time on Wednesday, dpa has learned. Representatives of the 27 member states discussed the new proposals from the European Commission in what would be the EU's 15th sanctions package following Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour over two years ago. The proposals also include taking stricter action against the so-called Russian shadow fleet used for transporting oil and oil products, according to the information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has long been accused of using ships that are neither owned by Western shipping companies nor insured by Western insurance firms to circumvent a Western price cap on Russian oil exports to third countries. Experts believe there are significant risks to shipping and the environment with these vessels, as many tankers are outdated, have technical deficiencies and sometimes operate without an automatic identification system. For months, Baltic Sea neighbours like Sweden have been demanding stricter action against shipowners, operators and insurance companies involved. The United Kingdom led with new penalties against the Russian "shadow fleet" earlier this week, adding 30 ships to its sanctions list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the European Commission's plans, the European Union could potentially target around 50 vessels. They could, for example, be barred from entering ports in EU states. More than two dozen ships were already listed by the EU in June. The most recent EU package of sanctions against Russia was agreed to in June. It primarily included measures against multi-billion dealings with liquefied natural gas (LNG) and companies involved in circumventing sanctions. Another EU package of sanctions against Russia is planned for February next year, on the third anniversary Russia's war against Ukraine. The sanctions currently being planned are to be decided by the end of the year at the latest. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Eugene Gene S. Bova, 95, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, November 24, 2024. Born to Frank and Rose Christiano Bova on January 1, 1929, he was the first baby to arrive in Youngstown that year. Find obituaries from your high school After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Youngstown College, Gene began a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube and J&L Specialty Steel Products. He furthered his studies at Youngstown State University and the University of Pittsburgh. On October 12, 1957, Gene married Lois Chirichigno at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Together they built a beautiful life of love and faith. They shared 63 years of marriage until her passing in March 2021. The life they created was an example for their children. Gene was very active in the Youngstown Jaycees, where he engaged with young professionals striving to make a positive impact in their communities. He was a lifelong member of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish. At the parish, Gene devoted much of his time serving as a lector and participating actively in the parish council. Gene is survived by his children, Juliana (J. Michael) Eggiman of Columbus, Jeanne (Michael) Herman of Canfield and Frank (Michele) Bova of Boardman. He also leaves five grandchildren, Andrew and Lexy Herman, Michael Eggiman, and Maria and Geno Bova. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his wife and parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Bova. Genes unwavering devotion to his family, his remarkable work ethic and his jovial personality made him the cornerstone of his family. Calling hours will be held 9:30 10:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Youngstown State University Foundation and Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene S. Bova, please visit our flower store. A television tribute will air Thursday, November 28 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Europe is not currently in "a pre-war" situation, but in "an actual war" against Russia, former MI6 head Richard Dearlove told Sky News on Nov. 27. "I think we have to face up to the fact that the Russians think they're in a state of war with us," Dearlove said. Dearlove's comments came days after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine risked escalating into a "global conflict." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Dearlove, the conflict has already spiraled beyond Ukraine's borders. "Donald Tusk has referred to it as a pre-war situation," Dearlove said. "I think he's wrong. I think it's an actual war." Dearlove said Russia was waging a hybrid war against Europe across multiple sectors, involving acts of sabotage and "some very aggressive moves." Directors of intelligence services in Europe, the U.S., and the U.K. have characterized Russia as "going feral," he said. Russian special services have been linked to sabotage efforts across Europe, including cyberattacks, espionage, and election interference. Since joining NATO in 2023, Finland has complained of intensifying hybrid attacks from bordering Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russian aggression mounts, the Western coalition may be facing a split, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration heralds a shift in Washington's support for Europe, NATO, and Ukraine. Western nations are now in "a very dangerous situation," Dearlove said. While Dearlove said it would be preferable for the West to engage in talks with the Kremlin, he warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not likely to cooperate. "I think we're in a very difficult situation, and Russia is probably better to have some sort of dialogue with them, than no contact at all. So I don't rule that out," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But I think at the moment, I'm not sure Russia is in a mood or a situation where it's going to be very easy to talk to Putin." Read also: Ukraine war latest: The Economist estimates 60,000-100,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in full-scale war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PASHA Holding, a leading Azerbaijani company, successfully participated in COP29, reaffirming its dedication to climate action. As an Impact Partner, PASHA Holding actively engaged in meaningful discussions, collaborated with global stakeholders, and shared its vision for a sustainable future. The holdings presence featured a tailored booth in the Green Zone and several thought-provoking sessions led by its subsidiaries, including PASHA Bank, Kapital Bank, PASHA Insurance, PASHA Life, AgroDairy, and PASHA Real Estate. These sessions addressed critical issues such as climate finance, sustainable agriculture, and private sector leadership in fostering inclusive green transitions. Through its participation, PASHA Holding seized the opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships with regional and global peers, and gain insights from diverse approaches to tackling climate challenges. Engaging with stakeholders from governments, international organizations, and the private sector, the company enhanced its ability to drive sustainable development initiatives in Azerbaijan and beyond. Teymur Huseynov, Chief Strategy Officer at PASHA Holding, remarked: "COP29 was an extraordinary platform for us to amplify our sustainability vision and forge valuable connections. The insights gained and partnerships established there enable us to align our strategies with global climate objectives while addressing the unique needs of our region. This experience underscored the importance of collaboration in creating impactful, long-term solutions to shared challenges." Key elements of PASHA Holdings sustainability strategy include minimizing its operational environmental impact, investing in net-zero transition projects, and promoting technological innovation to address climate change challenges. Moving forward, the group plans to conduct comprehensive diagnostics and gap analyses across its subsidiaries to set specific carbon reduction goals, support customers in their transition journeys, and increase investments in green initiatives. Additionally, PASHA Holding is committed to empowering its stakeholders through education and collaboration, embedding sustainability across the wider economy. These efforts include developing a sustainable SME landscape, aiding farmers in their green transition, and fostering innovation for decarbonization solutions. The EU's outgoing top diplomat on Thursday said Israeli society has been "colonized from inside" by violent extremists as experts gathered in Brussels for a conference advocating a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Josep Borrell, whose five-year term is ending in the coming days, said in Brussels that "the colonization of the mind of the people is the most dangerous thing that Israeli society is facing because it is undermining the foundations of their democracy." Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Borrell said that a "different Israel" has emerged "after what has happened in Gaza and what has happened in the West Bank." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borrell highlighted recent arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant. He described the Middle East conflict as a "cancer" that will metastasize and affect international relations and European societies from within if peace cannot be achieved. Borrell has repeatedly criticized Israel for its handling of the war in Gaza, which emerged in response to the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. NEW YORK (AP) Former TV host Charlie Rose has resolved a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by three women in the wake of his #MeToo-era ouster from CBS News in 2017 and the cancellation of his long-running, eponymous PBS talk show. In settling, the plaintiffs said they assign no ill intent to Rose and realize now that his conduct could be subject to interpretation. Lawyers for Rose and the women younger employees who accused him of predatory behavior and blatant and repeated sexual harassment filed court papers this week confirming that the lawsuit has been resolved. An online court docket listed the case as settled. The terms were not disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit had been set to go to trial Monday in Manhattan after years of sparring over the women's allegations and the dismissal of their retaliation claims against Rose. Plaintiffs Katherine Brooks Harris, Sydney McNeal and Yuqing Wei said in a statement that the litigation process and the required pretrial exchange of evidence known as discovery had enabled both sides to "better understand each others points of view." On reflection, and after having the benefit of discovery, we realize that different people could interpret the conduct in different ways, and therefore we have resolved the claims, the women said. "We do not assign any bad motive or ill intent to Charlie Rose. A lawyer for Rose, 82, and his production company, Charlie Rose Inc., declined comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The veteran TV host has apologized in the past for his behavior, including in a statement on the eve of his November 2017 firing after at least eight women had come forward to accuse him of misconduct. It is essential that these women know I hear them and I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior," Rose said. "I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken. Roses downfall was part of Americas #MeToo reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful figures a social media-fueled movement that also took down Today host Matt Lauer and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, among others. Rose is now hosting an interview show on YouTube where his recent guests have included author Michael Lewis and broadcaster Bob Costas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris, McNeal and Wei sued Rose and CBS in state court in New York in May 2018, about six months after CBS fired him as an anchor on its morning show, then called CBS This Morning, and PBS and Bloomberg Television dropped his nightly Charlie Rose Show. Harris was a broadcast associate at CBS This Morning, and she later worked as an associate producer for Rose's PBS show. McNeal was Rose's executive assistant. Wei was a news associate and later an anchor assistant for Rose at CBS This Morning. The women, all in their early 20s when they were hired, accused the much older Rose of subjecting them to repeated physical and verbal sexual harassment, including inquires about their sex lives and boasts about his own. They accused CBS of knowingly failing to prevent Rose's harassment. CBS settled in December 2018 for an undisclosed sum. The network said at the time that the women had requested the terms be kept confidential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the lawsuit gone to trial, Rose's lawyer said in court papers that he would challenge the credibility of Harris, McNeal and Wei's claims with evidence showing they had previously expressed little or no concern about the ex-anchor. Among the evidence, lawyer Jonathan Bach wrote in a Nov. 13 filing, were documents showing that Wei told a CBS human resources officer that she experienced nothing sexually inappropriate while working for Rose and that McNeal confided in her therapist at the time that she had no personal experience of sexual harassment by Rose. Other evidence cited by Bach showed that Harris had told her therapist that any harassment by Rose was very subtle and that she wrote to Rose two months after working for him that his interactions with her were always professional and respectful. (Bloomberg) -- Joko Widodos son-in-law won a regional gubernatorial election in Indonesia, becoming the latest of the popular former presidents relations to take a high-profile position in the country. Most Read from Bloomberg Bobby Nasution, whos backed by new President Prabowo Subiantos coalition, is set to become governor of North Sumatra after winning 62.7% of the vote, according to an unofficial count. The 33-year-old politician thanked his father-in-law and Prabowo when claiming victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Prabowos pick is trailing in Jakarta in a race that may still go to a runoff, his candidates are set to sweep to power in polls across 37 provinces, often helped by endorsements from Jokowi, whose star power remains undimmed. Before Jokowi left office last month, his approval rating stood at 75%, almost unprecedented for an Indonesian president completing a second term. Jokowis eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is Prabowos vice president. His younger son, Kaesang Pangarep is chairman of a smaller political party. Prabowo, once a rival to Jokowi for the presidency, is relying on the former leaders popularity to consolidate power and push his own policies. The new presidents coalition controls about 80% of seats in the national parliament. With allies like Nasution poised to win key governor positions, Prabowo will face fewer obstacles carrying out his policies, such as a $30 billion free lunch program for schoolchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. By Greg Torode and Karen Lema HONG KONG/MANILA (Reuters) - Satellite images obtained by Reuters on Thursday show a build-up of Chinese civilian vessels near contested Thitu Island, Manila's key outpost in the South China Sea, but a senior Philippine navy officer said they are "not a cause for concern". One of the images taken by Maxar Technologies on Monday and reviewed by Reuters shows about 60 vessels, some within 2 nautical miles of Thitu, a strategically important island from which Manila monitors Chinese vessels and aircraft in the busy waterway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, chief of the Philippines' Western Command, said it was common for "maritime militia" ships to gather in the area. Manila, the Pentagon and foreign diplomats say such vessels work with the Chinese coast guard and navy to strengthen Beijing's presence in disputed waters. Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, Philippines Navy spokesman for the South China Sea, also said maritime militia ships were regularly in the area, adding that Manila was aware of the vessels, which he called an "illegal presence", but there was no need for alarm. "It's not a cause for concern," Trinidad said. "We don't have to read every action and react to that... What is important for us is to maintain our posture." Online ship trackers show that many of the vessels in the satellite photos are Chinese-registered fishing craft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. China has never confirmed it has a militia of civilian vessels. The island, which the Philippines calls Pag-Asa, is Manila's biggest and most strategically important in the disputed South China Sea, which is largely claimed by China and through which billions of dollars worth of goods pass each year. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague found that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law. The build-up comes after months of clashes and rammings between Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels and Philippines ships, particularly at the Scarborough and Second Thomas Shoals. Thitu is close to a Chinese naval base and runway on Subi reef, which has sometimes served as a port for large numbers of Chinese maritime militia vessels, Trinidad said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you go in there (to Subi), when you go out, you will pass through the territorial sea of Pag-Asa," he said. Regional diplomats and security analysts are watching developments closely, with some noting the Chinese vessels had their transponders on this week, allowing them to be tracked. Singapore-based security scholar Collin Koh said Beijing could be testing Manila's reactions at a moment of domestic political tension in the Philippines. Embattled Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of seeking to remove her from office, after the national police filed a formal complaint accusing her of assault and coercion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This needs to be watched in the days ahead," said Koh, of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. If the militia presence continues, Koh said, it could be that China is hoping to delay Philippine construction work on the island. A new aircraft hangar is reportedly due for completion in the next few weeks, the latest in a several moves to buttress the Philippines' presence on Thitu and improve monitoring capabilities. (Reporting By Greg Torode in Hong Kong and Karen Lema in Manila; Additional reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; Editing by Gerry Doyle and William Maclean) WARNING: This article contains descriptions of graphic scenes. Anna Kotova was chatting with her sister on a video call, admiring her image on the screen. It was her 19th birthday, and for the first time in a while, she was feeling good about how she looked. I used to dye my hair a lot, and then I realized my natural hair had grown out, and I liked it so much. I had long eyelashes, and I looked so good, Kotova recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in an instant, everything went dark. The missile hit right after I thought that. It was Jan. 14, 2023, the day when Russia unleashed one of its deadliest attacks on Ukraine, striking an apartment building in Dnipro and killing 46 people. "I didn't see or hear anything, like the missile flying There was none of that, Kotova says. At some point, I felt that I was thrown back, and that was it. My brain just stopped working. I don't remember anything at all, just darkness." "I don't remember anything at all, just darkness." Kotova was among the 79 people injured in the strike. She lost one eye and endured numerous operations to remove all the shards of glass from her body. She is currently receiving laser treatment to minimize the scars left on her face and body. An aerial view of firefighters conducting search and rescue operations at residential building hit by a missile in Dnipro, Ukraine on Jan. 15, 2023. (Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Flowers and photos of the victims of the Russian missile strike on a high-rise building at 118 Peremohy Embankment during a public memorial service organized near the site of the strike on the first anniversary of the tragedy, Dnipro, Ukraine on Jan.14, 2024. (Mykola Miakshykov / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Psychologists say that, like Kotova, the thousands of Ukrainians who have survived brutal Russian attacks since Feb. 24, 2022 have been left not just with lasting scars on their bodies, but long-term damage to their mental health from the trauma of their experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And their number is steadily growing, as Russian attacks have been wounding civilians almost every day since the start of the full-scale war. For Kotova, the day the Russian Kh-22 missile destroyed her home split her life into before and after, with no possibility of a return to the way things were before. Anna Kotova in an undated photo. (Personal Archive) You live one day at a time because you are still scared of what tomorrow might bring, Kotova told the Kyiv Independent. You also didnt expect that it would happen then, that a missile would hit your house, that it would happen to you, and that you would suffer such injuries. When I lived in Dnipro, I stopped reacting to the air raid alarms over time. If it hits, it hits. But back then, I just couldn't imagine the consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Here are the victims of Russias brutal strike on apartment building in Dnipro Is this my face? Kotova and her boyfriend had moved to Dnipro from now-occupied Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast on the very day the full-scale invasion began. They rented a spacious apartment with their friends. However, when their friends relocated to another city, the couple began searching for a smaller place. They never found one. On the morning of Jan. 14, everything started very well, Kotova recalls. I woke up to flowers and a new phone, and everything was wonderful. I couldn't have imagined something so horrible could happen after just a few hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion occurred around 3 p.m., as Kotova and her boyfriend were preparing to host some guests. Shortly after the blast, Kotovas boyfriend found her on the kitchen floor. He told her he could not see her eyes and her whole face, only blood and glass shards. I remember that when I touched my face with a towel, it felt like minced meat. There was nothing left. It was so slippery and unrecognizable, she says. I started to panic and asked, 'Is this my face?' My boyfriend told me not to touch anything and that everything would be fine. I fell silent and didn't say anything else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they escaped the building, they were able to see the scale of the attack and realized how lucky they had been to survive: I heard people's screams, sirens, and loud noises. I remember that it was very frightening, Kotova says. But for her, the most challenging part was yet to begin. She was taken to a local hospital, where doctors placed her in a coma and performed surgery. I woke up on the 15th or 16th (of January). I tried to move, but a doctor came up to me and told me that they had removed my eye she says tearfully. I had a breakdown. I couldn't breathe on my own, couldn't swallow or talk, and tears started to flow I couldnt see anything; I was just lying there, realizing I no longer had one eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous other operations, lengthy treatments, and the fitting of eye prosthetics in Austria followed. Kotova currently resides in Czechia but often travels to Kyiv for laser treatment. With time, she has learned to look at herself in the mirror without crying, but she cannot forget that horrible January strike. Her 20th birthday this year, naturally coinciding with the attacks anniversary, was one of her hardest days. Anna Kotova (L) and her boyfriend (R) in an undated photo. (Personal Archive) I knew I was in Czechia, and it was safe there. But I still had this fear that it would happen again. (Shortly after the attack) I simply didnt want to continue treatment. I didnt understand how much more there was to endure or why it happened to me. I thought that maybe it would have been better if I had stayed (meaning died) in that house and not suffered further, Kotova says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (But) I (have come to) truly value life because when you are on the brink of losing it, you hold on to everything you can to ensure it doesnt happen again. A thirst for revenge In mid-October 2022, Ukrainian soldier Viktor Hanych left the front lines to spend a short vacation with his parents in Kyiv. It was the first time in a while that Hanych, who voluntarily joined the military shortly after the invasion started, had seen his parents. The whole family first gathered at Hanychs grandmothers home before returning to his parents cozy apartment on Zhylianska Street in Kyiv. They talked about everything in the world and soon fell asleep, tired but happy to be together again, Hanych recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I woke up to a couple of explosions and quickly told (my parents) to get ready to go to the shelter, he says, adding that they did not hear the air raid siren that night, and his parents usually reacted to them. They had an (underground) parking area right near the house where they hid from attacks, he says. Hanych was the first one to leave the apartment. He told his parents he would hold the door for them and wait outside. He also recalls being very calm, as he was used to explosions while fighting in embattled Kherson and Donetsk oblasts. Just as he reached the first floor, the building was hit by a Russian drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It landed right in their apartment, Hanych says. As a soldier, I realized what had happened. But the hardest part was the waiting. "It landed right in their apartment." Although the attack occurred in the early morning, Hanych only identified the bodies of his parents at around 2 p.m. that day. Viktor Hanych in an undated photo. (Personal Archive) It was the day Russia launched its first-ever attack on Kyiv using Iranian-made Shahed-136 attack drones. Apart from Hanychs parents, the bodies of two more civilians, including a six-month pregnant woman, were found under the rubble of the apartment building. If it wasnt for my comrades' support Hanych says, adding that he had felt a thirst for revenge but was thankfully stopped by his fellow soldiers. After participating in fierce battles near now-occupied Bakhmut, Hanych returned to civilian life to care for his grandmother. To this day, he tries to avoid going to Zhylianska Street, where his parents home once stood. Its excruciating, Hanych says. I think those who experience something similar become fatalists but also begin to cherish and love this life even more. I felt exactly that. We no longer have a home The four-room apartment in Sumy was the setting for decades of sorrow and joy in the lives of resident Diana Nazarevska and her family. But now it is gone, destroyed in a Russian attack. It was my grandmother's apartment. My mother grew up there, and later, when I was about three years old, we moved there with my parents, Nazarevska, 28, says. It was also where I started building my own family with my husband. That apartment held the memories of my family, of my father, when he was still alive. On March 13, Nazarevska, her husband, and their baby daughter slept peacefully when an explosion woke them up. It was the first Shahed drone targeting the residential building, but it was shot down and flew past it. I picked up my daughter, and we lay close to the wall, Nazarevska recalls. Then, she heard another drone approaching. I grabbed my child, stood up, and didnt even have time to run anywhere I just realized that there was an explosion in our house. I grabbed my child, stood up, and didnt even have time to run anywhere I just realized that there was an explosion in our house. Then I started shouting for my husband, asking if he was alive. He slept very soundly and didn't understand what had happened at first. Amid the terrifying chaos, the family grabbed some documents, dressed their baby, and fled the apartment. As her husband opened the door to the hallway, Nazarevska was confronted with the stench of burning and the smell of damp concrete, which she says would likely remain in her memory forever. Rescuers stand near a dead body that was pulled from under the rubble in Sumy, Ukraine on March 14, 2024. (Oleh Voronenko/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Outside, as she saw her beloved home in ruins and fire, she also witnessed her neighbors desperately searching for their loved ones in the rubble. I will always remember how my neighbors father came running and shouting, Vika! Nazarevska says, her voice trembling. It was the shout you hear when someone is on the verge of hysteria. He kept screaming, but no one answered him. He shouted again, and still, no one responded. That night, Russia killed three people and injured 14. It also forever altered Nazarevskas life, teaching her how fragile existence can be and how important it is to cherish every moment, even amid war. But we no longer have a home, she says. And its not just about the walls but the loss of a sense of basic security. For people, home generally means safety. Its the place you go where you know everything will be okay. Unfortunately, that sense of security is lost now. Read also: How thousands of Ukrainian children cope with losing parents to war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Some state lawmakers in Georgia are looking to tighten up gun safety regulations in the wake of one of the deadliest school shootings of 2024 taking place in Georgia. The issue of safe storage for guns is front of mind for many with the Apalachee High School shooting happening in North Georgia only a few months ago. Colin Gray, the father of the shooter Colton Gray, is accused of ignoring his sons warning signs and purchasing the firearm used in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need legislation as it relates to civil penalties as well as not just the particular parent as well as other people in this particular ecosystem that may have failed this child, State Sen. Emanuel Davie Jones (GA-10), said. The Georgia Senate Study Committee on Safe Firearm storage is a result of a resolution passed in the state house last March. It created a bipartisan committee to examine state laws related to firearm storage and whether they should be changed. I didnt know when I held my first meeting that we would have one of the worst mass shootings in Georgia at one of our high schools, Jones, who is Chairman of the committee, said. I did not know that, but after that incident, it just made the work that we were doing so much more relevant and it created, certainly in me, a sense of urgency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leilani Simon booked into Georgia womens prison However, some said that the committees suggestions have already proved controversial. Were on a slippery slope of overregulation due to a very, very small percentage of people who do bad and nefarious things, Buck Holly, Founder and CEO of C&H precision said. Its nearly impossible for a parent to have to get up in the morning every morning before you go brush your teeth you open up a safe and put a shotgun or a rifle or a pistol away. Or before you go to bed you open it up so its readily available. So, I think safe storage, I dont know that there is such a thing as safe storage and readily usable. Holly is a Second Amendment advocate, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members in the community are concerned about not having quick access to these types of devices, but with current technology, biometrics, fingerprints that are used to open these types of devices, these arguments are null and void anymore, Jones said. Other recommendations from the committee include a 10-day waiting period for purchasing assault weapons, increased monitoring systems in schools and possible penalties for leaving guns in unlocked cars. Thats something the City of Savannah has already implemented. We need more cities like Savannah that are going to stand up and say, if youre going to have these weapons, then youll be required to store them safely, Jones said. If youre not, then theres going to be some consequences if you dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the proposed regulations are sent to the larger state legislature, they need to be approved by Republican members on the committee as well. One of those members is State Senator Ben Watson (GA-1), representative for the Savannah area. Once the committees proposed changes are finalized, they will go to the floor in Atlanta. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. In this episode of Empowered Hawaii, hosts Jeff Mikulina and Kelly Simek explore the growing role of biofuels in Hawaiis clean energy future, taking viewers across the state to learn how locally produced biofuels are being used to power everything from planes to military operations. First, Jeff visits PAR Hawaii, the states only refinery, to uncover their innovative efforts to create sustainable aviation fuel from camelina, a promising oilseed crop. Jeff speaks with Eric Wriglet, PAR Hawaiis president, and Jamie Ware, their Renewables Project Director, about how this venture could transform Hawaiis aviation industry. Kelly then meets with Chris Bennett, Vice President of Sustainable Energy at Pono Pacific, who is leading the cultivation of camelina as a trial crop. She explores how this partnership with PAR Hawaii could pave the way for large-scale biofuel production while supporting local agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The episode then shifts to Wheeler Airfield, where Jeff and Kelly meet with Col. Rachel Sullivan, Commander of US Army Garrison Hawaii. She explains how the Army is using biodiesel-powered generators to increase energy resilience and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Mike Decaprio, VP of Power Supply at HECO, and Keith Yamanaka, USAG-HI Energy Branch Chief, takes us to Schofield Barracks to show us the power generating station and provide technical insights into how these generators operate and how locally made biofuel supports Schofield Generating Station. This episode showcases the innovative spirit driving Hawaiis transition to sustainable energy. Tune in to learn how biofuels are shaping a cleaner, greener future for the islands. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Explosions were heard in the city of Kharkiv during an air-raid warning on the morning of 28 November. Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Details: Terekhov reported the first explosion in the city at 06:09. He said a missile strike targeted one of Kharkiv's largest districts. Syniehubov stated that Russian forces launched three strikes on Kharkiv. Later, Terekhov added that, based on early reports, all strikes hit the territory of a civilian business in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv. Support UP or become our patron! Explosions were heard in the city of Kyiv at around 08:00 on 28 November, with the authorities reporting the deployment of air defence systems. Explosions were also reported in the city of Mykolaiv. Source: correspondent of Ukrainska Pravda; Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA); Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych; Ukraine's Air Force Quote from KCMAs Head Serhii Popko: "An air-raid warning is in effect! Air defence systems are responding in the capital. Stay in shelters until the all-clear is given!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: A few minutes prior to this, the Air Force reported a missile moving toward the capital from the southeast and urged residents to go to shelters. In addition, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych reported explosions in the city. Updated: Later, Popko added that wreckage had been found in the Dniprovskyi district of the capital according to early reports, it fell in an open area as a result of the Russian missile strike. "No information about casualties or damage has been reported. Operational data is being gathered," he stated. Background: The Air Force reported missile launches at 05:30. Russia was attacking various Ukrainian oblasts with missiles and drones. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Lutsk. NEC Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian transmission system operator, implemented emergency power outages in Ukraine due to Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack. The Russians also targeted infrastructure in Sumy Oblast with missiles on the morning of 28 November. Support UP or become our patron! Yelo Bank, known for its tradition of hosting prominent events, proudly welcomed participants of PR Forum 2024 to its Head Office. On November 27, PR Forum 2024 was successfully held with the support of Yelo Bank, organized by Finance Time, and in partnership with 123media. Anar Hasanov, Chairman of the Management Board of Yelo Bank, warmly welcomed the guests, highlighted the current challenges in the field of public relations, and wished success to all participants in this vital and responsible work. The forum featured insightful discussions led by well-known industry professionals on panels covering Artificial Intelligence, Crisis Communication, and Strategic Communication. Speakers shared their success stories, achievements, and strategies for overcoming challenges in their careers. This event brought together experts from the PR sector, fostering new connections and strengthening professional networks. Through its active involvement in such initiatives, Yelo Bank continues to support the development of media and the establishment of a transparent business environment. Need more information about our banking services? Then call 981 or visit our Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or yelo.az accounts. Yelo Bank Brighter Banking! Families of two men who were fatally stabbed inside a Florida prison are demanding answers after months of mystery surrounding the circumstances of their loved ones deaths. The families of Allec Garcia, 34, and Antron Griffin, 31, filed separate lawsuits on Monday against the GEO Group, which operates prisons across the U.S., including the South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility where the men were stabbed to death in separate incidents. The lawsuits accuse the GEO Group of negligence and failing to address threats from other inmates, saying this led to the mens wrongful deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kimberly Wald, an attorney representing the families, told HuffPost in an interview that there are similarities between the two cases, though the men died in separate instances. According to state records, Griffin was serving four years for aggravated battery, and Garcia was serving eight years for battery. They made some mistakes in their life, and they were doing what they needed to to serve their sentence, but they didnt deserve to die, Wald said. The GEO Group, theyve been paid over $400 million for this contract to operate this prison, and you have to keep the inmates safe. Theyre human beings. Allec Garcia, 34, and Antron Griffin, 31, were both stabbed to death at the South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility in South Bay, Florida. Haggard Law Firm In a statement to HuffPost, the GEO Group said it is committed to the safety, security, and well-being of those entrusted to our care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facts and circumstances surrounding these two incidents are currently under investigation, the statement read. GEO is fully cooperating with the appropriate law enforcement officials who are reviewing these cases. The Florida Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. According to its website, the GEO Group operates about 50 secure facilities nationwide, including several ICE immigrant detention centers, with more than 64,000 total beds. The companys stock price has risen sharply since Donald Trump won a second term and said mass deportations are coming. In an earnings call, founder and executive chair George Zoley said the company is facing a unique opportunity. Wald described both Garcia and Griffin as close with their families and added that both men had told their relatives that other inmates were threatening them before their deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin was fatally stabbed inside the prison on March 11, while Garcia was killed four months later on July 3, according to Wald and the lawsuits. Garcias mother said she did not find out about her sons death until two days after the fact, NBC affiliate WPTV reported. They called me on the 5th and [said] he had died on the 3rd, she said Tuesday, according to the outlet. I had no knowledge that my son had been dead for almost three days. Wald told HuffPost that, unlike in a typical homicide investigation, authorities know that the mens killer or killers are still inside the corrections facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a closed facility, and so we know whoever did this is there, and the fact that now we are here six months later, and the family has been told absolutely no information is absolutely baffling, Wald said. According to the lawsuits, inmate killings are nothing new at South Bay. The filings cite the cases of other people who have died in the prison, some in fatal stabbings. Wald told HuffPost that she believes underpaid or undertrained staff at the prison bear some of the responsibility, based on her firms experience in other lawsuits against correctional facilities. They should have had better training on how to see and recognize threats, of what to do when you see a prisoner being threatened, or how to do their rounds in a fashion that can be more efficient, Wald said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She hopes any information that comes to light because of the lawsuits leads to change at the prison. They were sons, they were brothers, they were friends, and the purpose of the justice system is for accountability and rehabilitation, Wald said. They were not sentenced to death, and thats the punishment that they obtained, and that is not justice. Related... CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A family of eight has been displaced on Thanksgiving after an overnight fire at an east Charlotte residence broke out, leaving the family displaced, the Charlotte Fire Department announced Thursday. Crews responded to the incident around 1:12 a.m. in the overnight hours of Thanksgiving morning at a home near 6500 Woodfield Drive. Smoke was showing on arrival and 30 firefighters were able to control the fire within 20 minutes, CFD said. An initial investigation stated that the fire originated in an exterior trash can and spread up a wooden fence and into the attic space of the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported, however, a family of eight including two children have been displaced. American Red Cross was on scene assisting. About $63,000 in damages were estimated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. COURTESY GOFUNDME Hannah and Ryan Kobayashi 1 /2 COURTESY GOFUNDME Hannah and Ryan Kobayashi COURTESY GOFUNDME Hannah Kobayashi 2 /2 COURTESY GOFUNDME Hannah Kobayashi COURTESY GOFUNDME Hannah and Ryan Kobayashi COURTESY GOFUNDME Hannah Kobayashi The family of a missing Hawaii woman whose father killed himself Sunday is asking for the publics continued support for the search while urging everyone to be thankful for their loved ones. Sydni Kobayashi, the 32-year-old sister of Hannah Kobayashi, who went missing after flying to Los Angeles Nov. 8, said she hopes people will keep posting online pleas for Hannahs safe return and not stop looking for her. She also asked that the public show her family grace as they fight through the two tragedies at once that we are feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement joined by Sydni and other family members, flew from Hawaii to Los Angeles to look for Hannah, who sent several strange texts Nov. 11her last contact with them. His body was found Sunday in a parking lot, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. The cause of his death, which was ruled a suicide, was multiple blunt force traumatic injuries. Sydni Kobayashi said she can only imagine what he must have felt looking for her sister, sometimes searching the dark and seamy corners of Los Angeles. He took his life . It was just because it was too much for him. He was running on little to no sleep. He was so determined to find her, said Kobayashi, who noted her family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support. He was caring so much about finding her and taking care of everyone else, he forgot to take care of himself. He wasnt speaking out about what he was feeling internally. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. I truly think he just broke. I really want to let the public know that we need them now more than ever. Our family is grieving. We didnt even have time to process it all. We are trying the best that we can to process the loss of my dad and continue to search for Hannah. Hannah Kobayashi, 30, a Kaiser High School graduate who was born and raised on Oahu, has been living on Maui and has no history of mental health problems, according to her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is probably one of the most grounded and kindest people Ive ever met. She would never do this to our family and put us through this. This whole thing is mind-boggling, said Sydni Kobayashi, adding there is zero indication her sister wanted to hurt herself. There is a possibility she could have been trafficked or she met the wrong person out in L.A. There are a bunch of different things that ran through our heads. Kobayashi said following their fathers death, law enforcement advised the family to return to Hawaii while the investigation continues. The Kobayashi family is working with the FBI and the Maui and Los Angeles police departments after they filed a missing persons report, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LAPD is the lead agency on the missing persons investigation, and while we have provided assistance per their request, it would not be appropriate to comment on their ongoing case, said Laura Eimiller, spokesperson for the FBIs Los Angeles field office. FBI assistance can range depending on the specific request but suffice to say that, as a federal law enforcement agency with international reach and specialized capabilities, we can provide assistance to our local counterparts in a variety of ways depending on their needs. We will continue to provide assistance should LAPD make additional requests. LAPD has an open missing persons report in connection with Hannah Kobaya shis disappearance. The investigation is ongoing, said LAPD officer Drake Madison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Kobayashi is Okinawan and Caucasian, standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, with light brown eyes and dark brown hair. The, established Nov. 14, counted more than 24, 000 followers as of Wednesday afternoon. A set up to support the familys search efforts while helping defray the cost of Ryan Kobayashis funeral, led by Sydni and her mother, Brandi Yee, had raised more than $41, 000 by Wednesday evening. Hannah Kobayashi flew from Maui to Los Angeles on Nov. 8 and was supposed to catch a connecting flight to New York City to spend time with family. She landed at LAX but missed her next flight, appearing instead to visit The Grove shopping mall, where she went to a Nike event Nov. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobayashi reportedly returned to LAX the next day but didnt board a flight. Later that day, she sent what her family called strange text messages about her ID being stolen and expressing concern that someone she thought she loved was trying to take her money, her sister told the Los Angeles Times. Sydni Kobayashi said she has a message for anyone struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts : Its OK to reach out for help. Really, really hold onto the ones you love, hold onto them tightly, she said. Nobody prepares you for this type of situation. If she is reading this, I really hope that she knows that we are here for her and we want her home safely. We love her, we support her, we just want to know she is OK. Kobayashi also issued a plea to anyone who knows where her sister is to keep her safe. Please do not harm her. We just really want her to come back home. Were not going to stop until we find her. PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A family from South Africa is turning to 8 On Your Side wanting the City of Clearwater to improve pedestrian safety. It comes after their 20-year-old brother was left severely injured after being struck by car while crossing the intersection of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and U.S. 19 in May of 2019. Polk County Toys for Tots could be discontinued without more volunteers, coordinator says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family of Max Giannikos said the pedestrian signal malfunctioned before he was hit by a car. His injuries are so severe that hes unable to finish high school and will never be able to drive. Maxs family wants to see the City of Clearwater improve safety measures for all pedestrians. My daughter had passed away the year before, so we needed something happy, so my therapist told me to plan something big and we did to go to Florida, said Alexia Vieira, Maxs sister. No one expected this to happen to have him horrifically injured so soon after that. Vieiras family is from Cape Town, South Africa. She says her familys vacation to Clearwater was supposed to bring some relief to their pain, but instead it only caused more tragedy. We got to the intersection, the button wasnt working for the traffic lights, so we decided to try cross and try a different traffic light, said Vieira. We did and it also wasnt working. Vieria said they then waited for the traffic lights to turn red at the intersection of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and U.S. 19 and attempted to cross. He was hit by a car, said Vieira. It was one of the most horrific days of my life. Max Giannikos was only 16 at the time. He was left with fractures, a traumatic brain injury and broken bones. We only tried the case on was the City at fault and so with the jury ended up coming back with that, Max was 55% at fault and the City of Clearwater was 45% at fault, said attorney Chris Waggener. Waggener said that means Max could receive 45% of the $38 million that he was awarded. But the legal process will continue to play out for Max to receive those funds. But for the Giannikos family, its not just about being able to provide for his future care. I want justice for the people that have to cross that road on a daily basis, said Vieira. Theres a bus stop thats very close and I think that about that all the time. People that have to cross and you risk your life, and we didnt know that it was that dangerous. We were tourist. We were not aware. Consumer affairs found U.S. 19 to be the deadliest road in Pinellas County with 94 deaths since 2020. 8 On Your Side reached out to the City of Clearwater. Joelle Castelli, Director of Public Communications, wrote, the jury found the plaintiff primarily at fault for his own injuries. The citys financial exposure, if any is limited to $200k. It shouldnt have happened, it has happened, and they need to make right, said Roxanne Giannikos. Giannikos says its a miracle her son is alive. Maybe they could put some system in place reporting system if a light is broken, she said. You can press a button to report it. The Giannikos family had to uproot their lives from South Africa and have been living in Pinellas County ever since the incident. They are thankful to the Ronald Macdonald House for proving them temporary housing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Nigel Farage has claimed that senior members of Donald Trump's incoming cabinet are "horrified" at Sir Keir Starmer's plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The prime minister and David Lammy have insisted had no choice but to hand over the islands, including Diego Garcia where the UK and US have their major airforce base, to Mauritius because of a ruling by the International Court of Justice. Sir Keir's national security adviser Jonathan Powell is heading to the US to dissuade the president-elect from vetoing the deal. The Reform UK leader told BBC Newsnight: "[This deal is] totally unnecessary and there is no basis in international law that we have to do this that stands up." Maria Garza of Raleigh knows the hardship of being an immigrant farmworker, but she has also harvested the fruit of the American dream. After beginning work as a 10-year-old picking cotton in the blistering heat of south Texas, Garza, 64, is now chief executive officer of the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project based in Raleigh. The program provides federally supported childcare for the children of farmworkers up to age 6. To be eligible, a family of four cannot earn more than $30,000 annually. The program also creates rural jobs and ensures a workforce for farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a beacon of light in very rural America, Garza said. These days, amid President-elect Donald Trumps proposal for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Garza defends the value of farmworkers to the economy and stands by her faith that the people of the United States will see that value, too. I love America. I think and know that we are better, she said. Its a message that resonates strongly in this season as the nation enjoys feasts of turkey, sweet potatoes and other meats, vegetables and fruits. Anything served on Thanksgiving has been touched by a farmworker, she said. Garzas program is vulnerable on two fronts. First, many farmworkers about half of them undocumented could face deportation. Second, the Head Start program for immigrants could lose funding under draconian measures expected from a new Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garza knows that deportation threats are real. As a child, her mother was swept up in a Depression-era deportation drive that saw hundreds of thousands of people of Mexican descent many of them U.S. born deported to Mexico to support the now familiar and equally false claim that they were taking jobs from real Americans. When I hear people tell you what theyre going to do, I know its real, she said. Garza was born in Mexico, but her mother was a U.S. citizen, which might have made Garza a U.S. citizen born abroad. But that claim went unrecognized when she and her family returned to the U.S. to pick tobacco, cotton, fruits and vegetables. She went through the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, effectively becoming a citizen twice. Now, farmworker families are bracing for deportation and possible separation as they hear rumors about how the incoming administration will act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of bad information and that leads to tremendous fear, Garza said. Some farmworkers who expect that they may be abruptly removed from the U.S. are rushing to give friends and relatives power of attorney to care for their children. A push to deport farmworkers would go against what drove many to vote for Trump concern about high grocery prices. Pushing out low-paid farmworkers, many of whom have developed valuable farming skills, will reduce crop yields, increase labor costs and raise the price of groceries. Trumps pledge to drive out undocumented immigrants who he alleges are a danger and a burden for the nation doesnt fit with what Garza sees in rural North Carolina and in other states served by her program. What she sees are hardworking immigrants helping the economy in areas where a lack of opportunity drives local young people to leave. This is a vexing time for farmworkers. Families could face separation and loss of income. Rural communities are likely be hurt by the presidential candidate they overwhelmingly supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Garza is putting her faith in resilience. She came back to the nation that deported her mother. She worked the fields, gained citizenship, earned a GED, then a bachelors degree and a masters. Amid the fears, she also sees hope in the young people with whom she works and the people they serve. There will be hard times ahead, she said, but Latinos, immigrants and the people of rural America, we have tremendous grit and perseverance and the future is bright. I refuse to see it any other way. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com South Korean officials found that children's clothes from Temu and AliExpress contained toxic substances. Many fashion brands use toxic chemicals like PFAS and phthalates, which have come under increasing scrutiny. Consumers face less risk getting sick from these ingredients in clothing than textile plant workers do. Editor's note: This list was first published in August 2022 and has been updated to reflect recent developments. Chinese fast-fashion companies are coming under renewed scrutiny for toxic chemicals, a problem that has plagued the fashion industry globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Korean officials said they tested 26 pieces of children's winter wear from Temu, AliExpress, and Shein and found that seven contained toxic substances like phthalate plasticizers, lead, and cadmium. A children's jacket from Temu contained 622 times the legal limit for phthalate plasticizers, a chemical compound that makes plastics more flexible. Spokespeople for AliExpress and Temu said the products were removed, while a Shein spokesperson said the tested products were in compliance with regulations. This is not the first time South Korea has found toxic chemicals in items from Chinese fast-fashion brands. In August, the Seoul Metropolitan Government found phthalates in some pairs of shoes, with one particular pair containing 229 times the legal limit. The same investigation revealed that sandal insoles sold by Temu contained 11 times more lead than legally permissible. And in an earlier investigation in May, Seoul officials said that they tested a pair of Shein shoes, and found that it contained 428 times the permitted levels of phthalates, according to the AFP . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts said that many large clothing brands like Lululemon, Old Navy, and REI have been found to contain toxic chemicals in their clothes. While these chemicals are used at relatively low levels, exposure to toxic substances over time can elevate a person's risks of serious health conditions, such as asthma and kidney damage. "It's not just people are exposed to one on a regular day," Alexandra McNair Quinn, a chemical sustainability consultant and founder of Fashion FWD, a nonprofit educating consumers about toxic chemicals in clothes, told BI in 2022. "It's the accumulation of all of these exposures in a regular day can be very harmful." Why chemicals are so pervasive in fashion The use of chemicals like PFAS and lead is "fairly common" within the fashion industry, Marty Mulvihill, a general partner with Safer Made, a venture capital fund that invests in firms reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Yoga pants and gym leggings sold by Lululemon and Old Navy contained PFAS, according to testing done by consumer health activist blog Mamavation. Outdoor apparel brands Columbia, REI, and L.L. Bean received either a D or F grading for PFAS by Fashion FWD, a non-profit educating consumers about toxic chemicals in clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (In 2022, REI and L. L. Bean reiterated their commitment to product safety in statements to BI. Columbia, Lululemon, Old Navy, and Shein did not respond to BI's requests for comment at the time.) A 2012 sample of clothes from popular retailers detected phthalates in 31 garments, and lead had been found in baby bibs sold in Walmart and Babies R Us, BI previously reported. Quinn said manufacturers can add these chemicals to make them waterproof or stain-resistant, and soften ink on screen prints. Lead is sometimes found in low-cost pigments and inks, as well as zippers, and chromium can make leather more pliable. Exposure to toxic chemicals builds up over time Workers in clothing factories can suffer from skin and respiratory illnesses after exposure to toxic chemicals. Habibur Rahman / Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty Images Exposure to substances like lead and phthalates may directly harm people manufacturing clothes more than consumers, said Scott Echols in 2022. Echols is a senior director at the ZDHC Foundation, which works with companies to limit their chemical footprint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sustainable fashion analytics firm Common Objective estimated in 2018 that 27 million people working in fashion supply chains worldwide might suffer from work-related illnesses or diseases, including skin and respiratory conditions. Plus, the exposure to toxic chemicals builds up over time, Quinn said. Not only are these chemicals in clothing, they exist in our food, water, makeup, and personal care products. "PFAS don't just go away, they're around for very, very long time and they're very harmful to the environment and to human health," Quinn said. "The government needs to develop a preventative approach where products don't go on the market until they're proven safe." How to spot chemicals in clothes, including lead, flame retardants, and 'forever chemicals' Quinn told BI that toxic chemicals used to make clothes include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chromium , used in leather products that can weaken the immune system and lead to liver and kidney damage. Phthalates , which are used to soften the ink on screen prints. BI's Andrea Michelson reported phthalates has been linked to early deaths in American adults, especially due to heart disease, and can disrupt the body's hormones. Brominated flame retardants , which are sometimes found in children's pajamas to protect them from house fires. These chemicals, which are banned in Europe, can change thyroid functions and shift the way the body processes fats and carbs. Researchers are studying whether a link exists between flame retardant exposure and ADHD, BI previously reported. PFAS , also known as "forever chemicals," are a group of lab-grown chemicals that don't break down in the environment and are linked to a host of health conditions like liver damage, asthma, and chronic kidney disease. The substance is water resistant and can be found in waterproof or stain-resistant gear, Quinn said. Lead, a low-cost pigment or sometimes used as a cheap metal for zippers. Significant childhood lead exposure can lead to long-term developmental problems. How to avoid chemicals in clothes Washing new clothing is an important step in reducing residual substances, including potential toxins. Use hot water if the clothes' instructions allow it. To avoid purchasing clothing with PFAS, check your label for materials like Gore-Tex or Teflon, which could signal that the chemicals were used in the fabric. But the bigger concern is how those clothes affect the world around us. "The biggest issue associated with consumer products isn't necessarily the direct exposure that we get from the products, but what gets released into the environment when those products are produced," Jamie DeWitt, the director of the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University, told BI in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Laura Hardman, then the director of the Ocean Wise Plastic Initiative at the Ocean Wise Plastic Lab in Vancouver, Canada, told BI that she buys clothing made from natural fibers and dyes for her and her child. "A lot of people make sure their babies' clothes are organic, cotton, and made with child-friendly dyes, but they're not aware of their own clothing. Your baby is probably sucking on your clothes more than she's sucking on hers," said Hardman, who now works with Dubai-based consultancy Sustainability Excellence. Read the original article on Business Insider (NEXSTAR) While some 300,000 people moved out of Illinois last year, a recent analysis found some cities across the Land of Lincoln are still growing. Personal finance website SmartAsset recently analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau to find the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Of the more than 600 cities analyzed based on one- and five-year changes in population, the report found five cities two in Maryland and three in Texas saw their population increase by more than 10% between 2022 and 2023. One Illinois city, Elgin, wasnt far behind. Coming in seventh overall, Elgin saw a year-over-year population increase of more than 8%, according to SmartAssets analysis. Between 2018 and 2023, the citys population grew by slightly less at 7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the Kennedy Expressway behind schedule? Six other Illinois cities also experienced growth between 2022 and 2023. After Elgin, the next fastest-growing spot in Illinois is Arlington Heights (where the Chicago Bears would like to move), which saw a population growth of more than 4.7%. Over the previous five years, though, its population grew by less than 1%. Below is a list of the seven Illinois cities to see one-year population increases: Elgin: 8.36% Arlington Heights: 4.71% Peoria: 3.86% Waukegan: 3.04% Naperville: 1.83% Rockford: 0.26% Joliet: 0.17% Waukegan saw the largest population increase at 7.43%, followed closely by Elgin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 11 other cities analyzed by SmartAsset were not as lucky. Narrowly missing the growth group was Chicago, which saw a population decline of 0.02% between 2022 and 2023. Over the last five years, the drop was much larger at 1.53%. Do you need to let your car warm up in winter? It depends what you drive Chicago sits atop a list of seven Illinois cities that experienced a population reduction of less than 1%. Others include: Champaign: -0.06% Bloomington: -0.36% Palatine: -0.39% Bolingbrook: -0.43% Evanston: -0.62% Springfield: -0.89% Despite the one-year declines, four of those cities Champaign, Bloomington, Bolingbrook, and Evanston actually saw population growth over the past five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur experienced the largest decline in population year-over-year at 5.4%, the ninth-largest of the 610 cities SmartAsset reviewed. Other Illinois cities that experienced drops include Cicero (-1.11%), Aurora (-1.63%), and Schaumburg (-2.76%). Among Illinois cities, Aurora saw the largest five-year population decline at 13.1%, the sixth-largest on SmartAssets list. Neighboring Indiana had four cities among the 15 that saw the largest population drops between 2022 and 2023: Lafayette (-6.8%), South Bend (-4.97%), Evansville (-4.41%), and Bloomington (-4.3%). Over the previous five years, Bloomingtons 14.44% population drop was the fourth-highest in the country behind Paradise, Nevada; Flint, Michigan; and Arden-Arcade, California. Updated NOAA forecast released for winter weather in Illinois Only four Indiana cities saw year-over-year growth: Noblesville, Fort Wayne, Carmel, and Gary. Wisconsin saw five cities grow: Madison, Eau Claire, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Racine. Waukesha, Kenosha, Green Bay, and Milwaukee all saw a population drop between 2022 and 2023, but by less than 0.35%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, Indiana was the top receiver of outbound Illinois movers in 2023. Wisconsin ranked third, coming in just behind Florida. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The transit potential of Azerbaijans Nakhchivan holds significant strategic importance, Acting Minister - Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Rahid Alakbarli told Trend. "Nakhchivan's geographic location offers significant advantages for transit cargo. The transportation of goods is carried out along several key corridors. The development of transit potential remains a central focus of the government. Concepts are being developed to enhance this potential, including the creation of logistics centers and various infrastructure projects," Alakbarli said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In June, an FBI informant met with a South Florida man who expressed his desire to join an anti-government militia and build a bomb targeting a New York City landmark, authorities say. His plan: to plant an improvised explosive device outside the New York Stock Exchange the week before Thanksgiving, according to the FBI. Federal agents, who had been on to the suspect for months, thwarted his planned bombing attack before the target date. Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, of Coral Springs, now faces an arraignment on Dec. 4 in Miami federal court on charges of attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Nov. 20, Yener has been detained at a federal lock-up in Miami after his public defender and prosecutors agreed to his detention before trial. According to a criminal complaint, the FBI started an investigation in February after receiving a tip that Yener was storing bomb-making designs in an unlocked storage unit. The following month, FBI agents contacted Yener. With his consent and a warrant, they searched the unit and found spiral notebooks, bomb-making sketches, watches with timers, circuit boards and other electronics for creating explosive devices, according to an affidavit filed with the complaint. Among the writings in his notebook: Be prepared brothers. The day for battle is near, many of our enemies are arming themselves. Soon the United States and her allies will attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yener described one drawing as a Bouncing Betty-style landmine, noting that, when tripped, the device expels its explosive charge into the air so the charge detonates above ground level for maximum effect, the affidavit says. Yener admitted that he had created what he described as rockets that utilized precise chemical mixtures to launch, adding that the chemical mixtures were very volatile. FBI agents also said they uncovered multiple internet searches on Yeners Google account for bomb-making information dating back to 2017. They also discovered that Yener had worked at a Coconut Creek restaurant but was fired in July 2023 after making violent threats. His supervisor at the restaurant told FBI agents that Yener was fired after he threatened to bring guns to the restaurant and target his co-workers based on Yeners belief that those co-workers had stolen [his] money, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yener told his co-workers, Im about to go Parkland shooter in this place, referring to the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shooter who killed 17 students and faculty in 2018. After the agents questioned him, an FBI agent engaged Yener in June. He talked about his desire to join an anti-U.S. militia group and develop an explosive device, the affidavit says. Yener later met with an FBI employee who he believed to be part of a militia and identified the New York Stock Exchange as the location for deploying and detonating the improvised explosive device and his target date for carrying out the bombing was the week of November 18, 2024, the affidavit says. His stated motivation for bombing the NYSE was to attain a reboot and/or reset of the United States government. Yener said he wanted to construct a remote-trigger for the explosive device and conduct research on where to plant the bomb outside the stock exchange at 11 Wall Street. According to the affidavit, he tasked FBI undercover employees with procuring an explosive element for the device, conducting surveillance of the stock exchange, shooting photos of the building, and picking the location for detonating the bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, Yener planned on wearing a disguise when planting the bomb outside the stock exchange. He also recorded a message to be distributed to the news media about his reasons for the attack. In the affidavit, investigators said Yener anticipated that the explosion would be like a small nuke went off and that [a]nything outside the stock exchange will be wiped out and anything inside there would be killed. The case, investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Joint Terrorism Task Force and Coral Springs Police, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Thakur and Abbie Waxman and Justice Department trial attorney Elisa Poteat. Federal prosecutors are opposing Mayor Adams request for an early start to his criminal trial on corruption charges, citing a shift in his stance on whether he should be able to review classified material gathered by investigators as part of his case. Adams, whos under indictment on charges alleging he took bribes and illegal campaign cash from Turkish government operatives in exchange for political favors, was initially expected to have his trial start April 21. But his attorneys filed papers earlier this month asking Manhattan Federal Court Judge Dale Ho to instead set an April 1 trial date as the Democratic mayoral primary is set for June. To make that happen, Adams lawyers at the time said he would be willing to forfeit his right to access certain Classified Information Procedures Act, or CIPA, material the feds obtained over the course of their investigation into him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a filing late Wednesday, prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office wrote that Adams legal team told them in meetings this week he is no longer certain he wants to waive his right to access the sensitive materials. Due to Adams position, the prosecutors said they oppose the request for an earlier start and asked Ho to uphold the April 21 timing, which they called the earliest practicable trial date if the mayor is going to retain CIPA access. In fact, the prosecutors wrote they may ask for an adjournment of even the April 21 start due to the complicated nature of the CIPA review process. The nature of the classified material that has surfaced in the case is unclear, though Adams indictment includes numerous references to conversations involving Turkish government operatives and officials. Experts have said prosecutors may have become privy to those via classified U.S. surveillance programs. A spokeswoman for Alex Spiro, Adams lead attorney, said he didnt have immediate comment late Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spiro argued earlier this month Adams is entitled to an April 1 start due to the fact that the Democratic mayoral primary hes facing multiple challengers in falls on June 25. If the trial doesnt start until April 21, Spiro argued Adams will be deprived of ample opportunity to campaign for his reelection. In his own court filing submitted late Wednesday, Spiro reiterated that argument and said another reason for setting an April 1 trial date is that two of his fellow attorneys defending Adams have a scheduling conflict around April 21. Spiros filing also confirmed Adams is considering not waiving his CIPA access, though it didnt offer a reason. NEW YORK Federal prosecutors are opposing Mayor Eric Adams request for an early start to his criminal trial on corruption charges, citing a shift in his stance on whether he should be able to review classified material gathered by investigators as part of his case. Adams, whos under indictment on charges alleging he took bribes and illegal campaign cash from Turkish government operatives in exchange for political favors, was initially expected to have his trial start April 21. But his attorneys filed papers earlier this month asking Manhattan Federal Court Judge Dale Ho to instead set an April 1 trial date as the Democratic mayoral primary is set for June. To make that happen, Adams lawyers at the time said he would be willing to forfeit his right to access certain Classified Information Procedures Act, or CIPA, material the feds obtained over the course of their investigation into him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a filing late Wednesday, prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office wrote that Adams legal team told them in meetings this week he is no longer certain he wants to waive his right to access the sensitive materials. Due to Adams position, the prosecutors said they oppose the request for an earlier start and asked Ho to uphold the April 21 timing, which they called the earliest practicable trial date if the mayor is going to retain CIPA access. In fact, the prosecutors wrote they may ask for an adjournment of even the April 21 start due to the complicated nature of the CIPA review process. The nature of the classified material that has surfaced in the case is unclear, though Adams indictment includes numerous references to conversations involving Turkish government operatives and officials. Experts have said prosecutors may have become privy to those via classified U.S. surveillance programs. A spokeswoman for Alex Spiro, Adams lead attorney, said he didnt have immediate comment late Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spiro argued earlier this month Adams is entitled to an April 1 start due to the fact that the Democratic mayoral primary hes facing multiple challengers in falls on June 25. If the trial doesnt start until April 21, Spiro argued Adams will be deprived of ample opportunity to campaign for his reelection. In his own court filing submitted late Wednesday, Spiro reiterated that argument and said another reason for setting an April 1 trial date is that two of his fellow attorneys defending Adams have a scheduling conflict around April 21. Spiros filing also confirmed Adams is considering not waiving his CIPA access, though it didnt offer a reason. _____ AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) A federal appeals court on Wednesday stopped the federal government from destroying a fence of razor wire that Texas installed along the U.S.-Mexico border near Eagle Pass to deter migrants from entering the country illegally. The ruling, criticized by activists, came hours before Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum told President-elect Donald Trump that immigrants headed to the U.S. are being taken care of in her country. Texas had placed more than 29 miles of wire in the Eagle Pass area by last September when Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Biden administration over Border Patrol agents alleged illegal destruction of state property by cutting the wire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans issued a 2-1 opinion that reversed a lower courts ruling and granted Texas a limited preliminary injunction against the federal government. It was shocking to me that the federal government would go out of their way to cut razor wire to allow illegals to cross when were just trying to protect our own land, Paxton said during a Wednesday evening appearance on Newsmax. This wasnt their land. This was our land, our private property. It had nothing due to the federal government. So this is a good win for Texas, a good win for the country, that this court recognized our ability to protect our land. The legal dispute had not stopped Texas from installing such razor wire in Eagle Pass, where the state earlier this year took over a municipal park, Shelby Park, against the citys wishes. We continue adding more razor wire border barrier, Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X about the appellate courts ruling Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Amerika Garcia Grewal, an organizer with the Eagle Pass Border Coalition, criticized Wednesdays ruling and called the wire a tool of war, not a humane border control measure. The long-term implications of this decision are dire, Garcia said. It sets a dangerous precedent for using excessive force and disregarding human rights. We need to move towards a more humane and effective approach to border management. The ruling came as tensions this week between Trump and Sheinbaum over a potential tariff war appeared to cool. Trump threatened to enact a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico when he takes office unless Mexican officials stopped drugs, particularly fentanyl, and undocumented migrants from crossing the border though migrant apprehensions have declined this year. Sheinbaum vowed to enact retaliatory tariffs if Trump made good on his threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Sheinbaum spoke Wednesday, the two leaders said on social media, and discussed how to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S.-Mexico border as well as how to reduce fentanyl consumption and demand for the drug in the United States. I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump, Sheinbaum wrote on the social media site X. We discussed Mexicos strategy on the migration phenomenon and I shared that caravans are not arriving at the northern border because they are being taken care of in Mexico. Trump called the conversation wonderful and productive in a Truth Social post Wednesday. She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a follow-up post, Trump said, Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!! This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Nov. 27Micky Garst will spend a minimum of nine years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting a woman in the leg outside the former 603 Bar and Grill on Elm Street in Manchester, the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office said. Garst, 34, pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree assault, felon in possession of a dangerous weapon and falsifying evidence, according to a news release. Judge David Anderson sentenced Garst to a minimum of nine years and a maximum of 30 years at the New Hampshire State Prison. Garst had previously been convicted on robbery and burglary charges and was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time of the shooting, according to the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before midnight on Feb. 19, police found a woman on Lowell Street suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The woman was taken to a local hospital, according to Manchester police. Police located Garst several hours after the shooting and arrested him. Garst also received sentences of a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years, suspended for 25 years from his release and a minimum of 3 1/2 years and a maximum of seven years, all suspended for 30 years from his release. Garst's public defender, Eric Raymond, did not return an email from the Union Leader seeking comment. The county attorney worked closely with Elliot Hospital and Manchester Police Department during the investigation and prosecution by Laura Del Camp and Patrick Ives. "The county attorney commends the victim for her bravery and steadfastness throughout the prosecution and wishes her luck in her continued recovery," a news release said. The Washington state Capitol, seen from a distance in 2019. (Getty Images) Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson continued to fill out his administration Wednesday, announcing he is retaining leaders of two agencies and shifting another executive into a leadership role at a different department. Ferguson said he will re-appoint Marcus Glasper as director of the Department of Licensing and David Puente Jr. as director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Both men were appointed to their positions by Gov. Jay Inslee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glasper started as the leader of the Department of Licensing on April 1, 2023, after a five-year stint as director of the Washington Lottery. Puente was named head of the veterans agency in February 2023 after three years as the agencys deputy director. In a statement, Ferguson said he can count on these talented leaders to make government work for the people and protect our core freedoms. Glasper and Puente will serve subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Also Wednesday, Ferguson named Secretary of Corrections Cheryl Strange as acting secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. She ran the agency from 2017 to 2021 when Inslee appointed her corrections secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Strange announced her plan to retire next February. It wasnt immediately clear if she will depart early to take on the acting secretary role. Last week, Ferguson named K.D. Chapman-See, a veteran budget writer and policy analyst, as his director of the Office of Financial Management. She is currently the departments legislative liaison. Like Glasper and Puente, her appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Meanwhile, the incoming governor is searching for new leaders of several state agencies, including the departments of transportation, corrections, health, commerce and ecology. Current directors of most of those agencies have already announced plans to step down or retire. Mike Fong, secretary of the Department of Commerce, is the most recent, informing agency employees on Tuesday that he would exit. KAMPALA (Reuters) -Fifteen people have died and at least 100 more are missing after a landslide triggered by heavy rains buried dozens of homes across several villages in eastern Uganda, the prime minister's office and police said on Thursday. The landslide occurred on Wednesday in Bulambuli district, about 300 km (190 miles) east of the capital Kampala. At least 40 households were completely buried, the Uganda Red Cross Society said in a statement, while others were partially damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have 15 dead and fears are that there are many more bodies still buried," said Charles Odongtho, spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) which overseas disaster response work. He added that more than 100 people were still missing across eight villages. "We are shocked that it was this devastating," Odongtho said. He said all bridges in the area had been swept away and roads inundated by water. Police said that 113 people were missing and that impassable roads were preventing vehicles, including ambulances, from conducting rescue operations. Uganda has been hit by unusually heavy rainfall since October that has triggered widespread flooding and landslides in some areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday torrential rains caused the River Nile, the main branch of which runs through Uganda, to burst its banks and flood a highway connecting Kampala to the country's northwest, according to the Uganda National Roads Authority and police. Large swathes on the slopes of Ugandan mountains have been denuded of their forests and other vegetation cover for cultivable land, increasing the risk of landslides. The area where the landslide occurred is mountainous and has experienced similar disasters in the past, including an avalanche in 2010 that killed at least 80 people. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Hereward Holland, Ammu Kannampilly, Angus MacSwan and Hugh Lawson) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) While sitting down for a Thanksgiving meal, what would it feel like to know that one of your great-grandparents or another relative had been taken from their grave and stored in a box on a shelf for the better part of a century? For many Native Americans, thats a reality they live with every day. Some may also remember a report published a year and a half ago about the Tennessee Valley Authoritys preparations to return the remains of more than 4,800 Native Americans to their tribes. Over the last 19 months, the TVA has returned the remains of close to 1,000 individuals, most of whom were removed from the state of Alabama. NAGPRA, or the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, is a federal law that has been in place since 1990. The law provides protection for Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beau Carroll, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and lead archeologist with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) for the tribe said he would estimate that their office has reburied hundreds of ancestors and close to 100,000 funerary objects because of NAGPRA consultations with the TVA. While the TVAs NAGPRA specialist estimated that one persons remains had been returned to the EBCI, Carroll said that number will grow as they work through the ancestors and objects listed in the TVAs mass notice published last year. Girl still missing after disappearing on 1976 high school trip in the Smokies The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is one of numerous tribes listed in the notice. Some of the other tribes listed include the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Cherokee Nation, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, the Kialegee Tribal Town; Shawnee Tribe, the Chickasaw Nation, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. NAGPRA requires federal agencies to complete an inventory of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects to facilitate repatriation. The TVA is a government corporation, however, Miranda Panther, a NAGPRA Officer with the EBCI, explained that the process of getting remains and funerary objects has been difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been a painstaking process that has not felt like a top priority for TVA. TVA did not address their large NAGPRA collections until 2009-2010 when they held their first major consultation project. The NAGPRA consultation on the unassociated funerary objects from the Tellico Reservoir resulted in TVAs first notice being published in the Federal Register in 2011, Panther said, pointing out that publication came more than two decades after NAGPRA became law. They largely ignored the problems they created with extensive government-funded excavations in the past. With the numerous tribes that TVA is required by law to consult with who called the southeastern US home and a large number of ancestors and funerary objects that they held within numerous repositories, they only had one person dedicated to bringing TVA into compliance. The tribe feels that TVA did not put enough resources into ensuring they met what was required by federal law. Panther also pointed out that when the notice was published in 2023, the culturally affiliated tribes were not consulted beforehand. The EBCI THPO amongst other tribes were not pleased with this action by TVA. We are now working through the locations listed in the notice, at a pace that works for the tribes involved. TVA has hired more staff to dedicate time to thoroughly inventorying this massive number of NAGPRA-eligible objects and ancestral remains, Panther explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meg Cook, a NAGPRA specialist and interim tribal liaison for the TVA shared that the TVA is also providing reinterment space for tribes to rebury their ancestors as close as possible to where they were removed from. Carroll stated that was first proposed by the TVA at least 20 years ago. We aim to get our ancestors remains reburied as quickly as possible, but we need adequate land to safely and securely accomplish this. As you are aware, all our land was taken from us through forced and false treaties. We have no land close to the original burial location to place our ancestors that is both safe and that will remain undeveloped, Carroll said. Both Cook and Carroll shared with 6 News that the TVA has been dealing with a looting problem in connection to Native American graves. Cook explained that the only detail that can be shared about the TVAs current site for reinterment is that it is in the state of Alabama because of the issue. Carroll also pointed out the personal impact the problem has. TVA has a sizeable ongoing looting problem where ancestors are dug up in order to rob them of the artifacts they were buried with. One of my greatest fears is to have to rebury one of my ancestors a second time. If we ever get them back again, he said. Working with TVA throughout this process is disheartening and depressing. As a Cherokee person, I am told that I must protect my elders who came before me, and it seems impossible most times. We continuously make recommendations and offer our assistance, but we can only do so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A refuge: Advocate shares history behind Kuwohi after Clingmans Dome name change The remains of the individuals that are waiting to be returned are currently housed at repositories until they can be reinterred. Cook shared that the remains are housed in accordance with tribal requests, such as the use of biodegradable archival boxes. While the remains have been in the TVAs care for the better part of 100 years, Cook explained that the mindset has changed from what it was in the 1930s from a standpoint of increasing development to what it is today. These are people. Theyre not scientific studies and they have families that still exist today who want to make sure that theyre at rest. So again, were just making every effort to to make it happen, she said. Cook added that while the reinterment process isnt required by federal law, many tribes share the perspective that the process is not complete until the persons remains are reburied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not gonna just take them back to put on the shelf, wherever they are. They want to actually see to it that they are physically reinterred, and that is the closure of repatriation in a more personal sense, rather than legal. So I think from that perspective, were really trying to put an end to the people on shelves The TVA is anticipating that the repatriation process for the remains of the 3,676 Native Americans removed from the eastern half of Tennessee will begin in the second part of 2025, she added. Carroll explained that in the Cherokee belief is that the world has a balance that the community is constantly trying to maintain. When remains are disturbed, it upsets that balance and can contribute to several problems that negatively affect the community both physically and spiritually. When we lay them back to rest, they can continue their journey and hopefully restore a small part of that balance. We often work long hours and travel great distances to place them back where they belong as fast as possible. They have been sitting on a shelf in a box for 50-plus years, and we feel that it is far too long for us to make them wait longer. Beau Carroll, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians member and lead archeologist with the EBCIs Tribal Historic Preservation Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued to explain that in their culture, when people are laid to rest, they are prepared for a journey alongside items to assist them on their journey. Disturbing the graves of ancestors disrupts them from their journey and they cannot continue to travel to where they need to ultimately end up, he explained. The hope is that they can continue their journey and the balance can be restored when they are returned to rest. We would rather not have to be involved in something forced on us. We never asked for our people to be dug up and all their belongings stolen. We never asked for our ancestors teeth to be pulled from their skulls and their bones destroyed for tests that only serve someones curiosities. We never wanted to fight for items that have always belonged to the individual they were buried with, only to be denied. The repatriation process is important to my ancestors, who have been stolen and trapped within a cardboard box. Carroll said. If you have the same beliefs as I do, then one day, I will be standing face to face with these ancestors, and I will be able to say that I have done everything within my power to right the wrongs committed against you by colonization. The repatriation process allows us to possibly correct a small part of what troubles the world today. Efforts continue to preserve abandoned, historic West View cemeteries While it may seem that the potential disruption of Indigenous burial grounds is a thing of the past, it isnt. In September, Tennessee halted the development of a new psychiatric hospital at Moccasin Bend following an archaeological review, 6 News ABC affiliate WTVC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miranda Panther, a NAGPRA Officer with the EBCI, stated, The state of Tennessee thinking that Moccasin Bend would be an option for building the new mental health facility shows how little indigenous history and culture is valued. It is the first and only National Archaeological District in the National Park Service and has 12,000 years of documented occupation by indigenous people. Yet, it was on a short list of locations for the new construction to take place? Any ground disturbance there is very likely to damage intact archaeological resources and disturb graves. There are people and objects currently in collections who were buried at Moccasin Bend. We certainly dont need to be creating any new collections by developing that area. Reimagined McClung Museum exhibit created through collaboration with Native American Tribes Panther pointed out that Tennesseans and citizens in other states played a large role in saving the bend from further destruction. She added that there is a need for Native Americans to have allies of all races and ethnicities, and the best way to be supportive or helpful is for people to educate themselves about these types of issues and then spread the word with accurate information. The issue isnt exclusive to the TVA or the state of Tennessee, it also involves museums, universities, and federal agencies across the country, she said. Panther added that People should research organizations or museums that they are patronizing to see if they are being compliant with NAGPRA and working with federally recognized tribes to develop exhibits, educational programming, and interpretation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The energy sector is a key pillar in the economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania, said Samir Sharifov, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a reception marking Romania's National Day and the 106th anniversary of the Great Union of Romania, Trend reports. The deputy minister emphasized the importance of energy ties between the two countries. "Economic cooperation between our nations is at a high level, and the energy sector plays a vital role in this collaboration," he said. Sharifov further noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Romania have been developing dynamically across various sectors. Over the past years, numerous high-level visits, including those by parliamentary speakers and government leaders, have taken place, highlighting the strategic nature of their bilateral partnership. He also pointed out that political consultations held in Bucharest in July, as well as a session of the Azerbaijan-Romania Joint Commission on trade-economic relations and scientific-technical cooperation held in Baku in April, were crucial in discussing key areas for future collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Finnish group of defense and security technologies Summa Defense Ltd is creating a drone production plant in Finland in cooperation with Ukrainian partners. Source: press service of Summa Defence Ltd, as reported by European Pravda Details: The plant's goal is to rapidly enhance production capacity for drones deployed in military operations in Ukraine, as well as to introduce industrial drone production in Finland and throughout Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Large-scale drone production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. Quote: "The demand for drone technology and production capability is high. Drones will be delivered not only to Ukraine but also across the European Union and NATO countries. Drones will become a permanent part of society, playing a vital role in securing critical societal functions across civilian, defense, and security sectors," says Jussi Holopainen, CEO of Summa Defence Ltd. The first drone facility is a strategic investment for which Summa Defence will establish a subsidiary, Summa Drones Ltd. Then Summa Drones and its Ukrainian partners will form a joint company in Finland, with Summa Drones owning the majority stake. The Ukrainian businesses involved in the joint venture include Kort, Elf Systems, Skyassist, and MPS Development. In addition to aerial drones, Summa Drones will manufacture land and sea drones. Background: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius disclosed to the media his desire to transfer to Ukraine 4,000 drones equipped with artificial intelligence, which are capable of hitting targets at great distances. Ukraine will receive for testing air defence missiles from Estonian defence company Frankenburg Technology by the end of 2024. Support UP or become our patron! FORT DODGE, Iowa A building sustained heavy fire damage in Fort Dodge Tuesday night. According to the Fort Dodge Messenger, at around 9:40 p.m. firefighters with Fort Dodge Fire Rescue responded to a report of a fire at 7 S 11th Street. When firefighters arrived on scene they saw flames coming from the second-floor windows. Fort Dodge Fire Rescue activated a third alarm, bringing in off-duty firefighters to assist in the search for people inside the building and for any fire extension. Smoke coming from building. Photo courtesy of Fort Dodge Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Fort Dodge Fire Rescue. Firefighters at scene of structure fire. Photo courtesy of Fort Dodge Fire Rescue. This is the second fire in the area in just over a week. On Sunday, November 17 Fort Dodge Fire Rescue and other agencies responded to an apartment fire at 1107 Central Avenue, which is next door to 7 S 11th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twelve residents were displaced and six people were injured in the apartment fire. No injuries were reported in Tuesday nights fire, Fort Dodge Fire Rescue said. The building sustained heavy fire damage on the second floor and smoke damage on the third floor. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Lake Monona and the Peck cabin, site of Madisons inaugural Thanksgiving meal, in 1838 (note teepee at left). But Native Americans and Europeans first met in Wisconsin to give eat and thanks two centuries earlier, following a dramatic rescue. (Wisconsin Historical Society: Image 2859) Lake Monona and the Peck cabin, site of Madisons inaugural Thanksgiving meal, in 1838. (Wisconsin Historical Society: Image 2859) Every November, numerous articles recount the arrival of 17th-century English Pilgrims and Puritans and their quest for religious freedom. Stories are told about the founding of Massachusetts Bay Colony and the celebration of the first Thanksgiving feast. In the popular mind, the two groups are synonymous. In the story of the quintessential American holiday, they have become inseparable protagonists in the story of the origins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as a scholar of both English and American history, I know there are significant differences between the two groups. Nowhere is this more telling than in their respective religious beliefs and treatment of Native Americans. Where did the Pilgrims come from? Pilgrims arose from the English Puritan movement that originated in the 1570s. Puritans wanted the English Protestant Reformation to go further. They wished to rid the Church of England of popish that is, Catholic elements like bishops and kneeling at services. Each Puritan congregation made its own covenant with God and answered only to the Almighty. Puritans looked for evidence of a godly life, meaning evidence of their own prosperous and virtuous lives that would assure them of eternal salvation. They saw worldly success as a sign, though not necessarily a guarantee, of eventual entrance into heaven. After 1605, some Puritans became what scholar Nathaniel Philbrick calls Puritans with a vengeance. They embraced extreme separatism, removing themselves from England and its corrupt church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These Puritans would soon become Pilgrims literally meaning that they would be prepared to travel to distant lands to worship as they pleased. In 1608, a group of 100 Pilgrims sailed to Leiden, Holland and became a separate church living and worshipping by themselves. They were not satisfied in Leiden. Believing Holland also to be sinful and ungodly, they decided in 1620 to venture to the New World in a leaky vessel called the Mayflower. Fewer than 40 Pilgrims joined 65 nonbelievers, whom the Pilgrims dubbed strangers, in making the arduous journey to what would be called Plymouth Colony. Hardship, survival and Thanksgiving in America Most Americans know that more than half of the Mayflowers passengers died the first harsh winter of 1620-21. The fragile colony survived only with the assistance of Native Americans most famously Squanto. To commemorate, not celebrate, their survival, Pilgrims joined Native Americans in a grand meal during the autumn of 1621. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for the Pilgrims, what we today know as Thanksgiving was not a feast; rather, it was a spiritual devotion. Thanksgiving was a solemn and not a celebratory occasion. It was not a holiday. Still, Plymouth was dominated by the 65 strangers, who were largely disinterested in what Pilgrims saw as urgent questions of their own eternal salvation. There were few Protestant clerics among the Pilgrims, and in few short years, they found themselves to be what historian Mark Peterson calls spiritual orphans. Lay Pilgrims like William Brewster conducted services, but they were unable to administer Puritan sacraments. Pilgrims and Native Americans in the 1620s At the same time, Pilgrims did not actively seek the conversion of Native Americans. According to scholars like Philbrick, English author Rebecca Fraser and Peterson, the Pilgrims appreciated and respected the intellect and common humanity of Native Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An early example of Pilgrim respect for the humanity of Native Americans came from the pen of Edward Winslow. Winslow was one of the chief Pilgrim founders of Plymouth. In 1622, just two years after the Pilgrims arrival, he published in the mother country the first book about life in New England, Mourts Relation. While opining that Native Americans are a people without any religion or knowledge of God, he nevertheless praised them for being very trusty, quick of apprehension, ripe witted, just. Winslow added that we have found the Indians very faithful in their covenant of peace with us; very loving. we often go to them, and they come to us; some of us have been fifty miles by land in the country with them. In Winslows second published book, Good Newes from New England (1624), he recounted at length nursing the Wampanoag leader Massasoit as he lay dying, even to the point of spoon-feeding him chicken broth.Fraser calls this episode very tender. The Puritan exodus from England The thousands of non-Pilgrim Puritans who remained behind and struggled in England would not share Winslows views. They were more concerned with what they saw as their own divine mission in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 1628, dominant Puritan ministers clashed openly with the English Church and, more ominously, with King Charles I and Bishop of London later Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud. So, hundreds and then thousands of Puritans made the momentous decision to leave England behind and follow the tiny band of Pilgrims to America. These Puritans never considered themselves separatists, though. Following what they were confident would be the ultimate triumph of the Puritans who remained in the mother country, they would return to help govern England. The American Puritans of the 1630s and beyond were more ardent, and nervous about salvation, than the Pilgrims of the 1620s. Puritans tightly regulated both church and society and demanded proof of godly status, meaning evidence of a prosperous and virtuous life leading to eternal salvation. They were also acutely aware of that divine-sent mission to the New World. Puritans believed they must seek out and convert Native Americans so as to raise them to godliness. Tens of thousands of Puritans therefore poured into Massachusetts Bay Colony in what became known as the Great Migration. By 1645, they already surrounded and would in time absorb the remnants of Plymouth Colony. Puritans and Native Americans in the 1630s and beyond Dominated by hundreds of Puritan clergy, Massachusetts Bay Colony was all about emigration, expansion and evangelization during this period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As early as 1651, Puritan evangelists like Thomas Mayhew had converted 199 Native Americans labeled by the Puritans as praying Indians. For those Native Americans who converted to Christianity and prayed with the Puritans, there existed an uneasy harmony with Europeans. For those who resisted what the Puritans saw as Gods mission, there was harsh treatment and often death. But even for those who succumbed to the Puritans evangelization, their culture and destiny changed dramatically and unalterably. War with Native Americans A devastating outcome of Puritan cultural dominance and prejudice was King Philips War in 1675-76. Massachusetts Bay Colony feared that Wampanoag chief Metacom labeled by Puritans King Philip planned to attack English settlements throughout New England in retaliation for the murder of praying Indian John Sassamon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That suspicion mushroomed into a 14-month, all-out war between colonists and Native Americans over land, religion and control of the regions economy. The conflict would prove to be one of the bloodiest per capita in all of American history. By September 1676, thousands of Native Americans had been killed, with hundreds of others sold into servitude and slavery. King Philips War set an ominous precedent for Anglo-Native American relations throughout most of North America for centuries to come. The Pilgrims true legacy So, Puritans and Pilgrims came out of the same religious culture of 1570s England. They diverged in the early 1600s, but wound up 70 years later being one and the same in the New World. In between, Pilgrim separatists sailed to Plymouth, survived a terrible first winter and convened a robust harvest-time meal with Native Americans. Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday calls to mind those first settlers courage and tenacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the humanity that Pilgrims like Edward Winslow showed toward the Native Americans they encountered was lamentably and tragically not shared by the Puritan colonists who followed them. Therefore, the ultimate legacy of Thanksgiving is and will remain mixed. Michael Carrafiello, Professor of History, Miami University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. DAKAR, Senegal (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday for the first time recognized the killing of West African soldiers by the French Army in 1944 as a massacre in a letter addressed to the Senegalese authorities. Macron's move, on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the World War II killings in Thiaroye a fishing village on the outskirts of the Senegalese capital of Dakar comes as Frances influence is declining in the region, with Paris losing its sway in the former French colonies in West Africa. Between 35 and 400 West African soldiers who fought for the French Army in the Battle of France in 1940 were killed on Dec. 1, 1944 by French soldiers after what the French described as a mutiny over unpaid wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The West Africans were members of the unit called Tirailleurs Senegalais, a corps of colonial infantry in the French Army. According to historians, there were disputes over unpaid wages in the days before the massacre but on Dec. 1, French troops turned on the West African soldiers, mostly unarmed, and shot and killed them. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said he received the letter, which was seen by The Associated Press. Speaking to reporters late on Thursday, Faye said Macron's step should open the door so that the "whole truth about this painful event of Thiaroye can finally come out. We have long sought closure on this story and we believe that, this time, Frances commitment will be full, frank and collaborative, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France must recognize that on that day, the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen who demanded their full legitimate wages be paid, triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre, read Macron's letter. It is also important to establish, as far as possible, the causes and facts that led to this tragedy," Macron added. I have asked my services to inform me of the progress of the work of the Committee for the Restoration of the Facts, which your government has decided to set up, under the direction of Professor Mamadou Diouf, whose eminence and qualities are recognized by all. The letter comes weeks after the Senegalese legislative elections, in which the ruling party PASTEF secured a definite majority. The win granted newly elected President Faye a clear mandate to carry out ambitious reforms promised during the campaign, which include more economic independence from foreign companies, including French ones, which are heavily invested in the country. France still has around 350 troops in its former colony, mainly in a supportive role. Asked about the presence of French forces, Faye alluded that it would not be something the Senegalese would want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, France enslaved, colonized and stayed here, he said. "Obviously, I think that when you reverse the roles a little, you will have a hard time conceiving that another army, China, Russia, Senegal, or any other country could have a military base in France. ___ Associated Press writer Babacar Dione in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report. A 2,200-year-old ceramic drinking vessel has confirmed what archaeologists have long suspected: some ancient Egyptians were tripping on hallucinogens. For the first time, scientists have discovered the organic residue of psychedelic plants within an ancient Egyptian artifact, which once held a fruity, fermented sedative, sweetened with honey, tinged with possible licorice, and deliberately imbued with human fluids. The alcoholic and hallucinogenic cocktail was probably swallowed in the name of the god Bes, whose face is featured on the outside of the vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's no research out there that has ever found what we found in this study," says archaeologist Davide Tanasi from the University of South Florida. Bes was an Egyptian deity of music, merriment, and childbirth, sometimes known as the "giver of dreams/oracles". Scientists have unearthed more than 380 Bes vessels from the ancient Egyptian civilization, and yet it's a mystery what these drinking containers once held, and why. "For a very long time now, Egyptologists have been speculating what mugs with the head of Bes could have been used for, and for what kind of beverage, like sacred water, milk, wine, or beer," explains Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art. "Experts did not know if these mugs were used in daily life, for religious purposes, or in magic rituals." The Bes vessel containing traces of hallucinogenic plants. (Tanasi et al., Nature, 2024) The container found with traces of hallucinogenic plants may not be representative of all Bes vessels, but it is certainly enlightening. It was donated to the Tampa Museum of Art in 1984, and was recently studied by a team of scientists from the US and Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jug contains evidence of three plants with known hallucinogenic properties. The first is a blue water lily (Nymphaea nouchali) a psychoactive plant that Bes is often featured emerging from. This flower is also featured on several other Bes vessels. The second psychoactive plant is called Syrian rue (Peganum harmala). The seeds of this plant, sometimes known as African rue, are a sedative that have hallucinogenic properties when consumed in small amounts, inducing dream-like visions very similar to what is described in ancient myths about Bes. In one such myth, for instance, Bes stops the wrath of a bloodthirsty goddess by serving her a spiked beverage. The drink lulls her into a deep sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third plant was from the Cleome genus, which has also been found to induce hallucinations. The Bes vessel kept at the museum in Tampa was originally found in a region of Egypt to the south of what is now Cairo, and it's tentatively dated to the second century BCE. During this time, an Egyptian city nearby hosted so-called 'Bes chambers', in which mysterious rituals were carried out. Several human proteins identified in the residue suggest "a deliberate addition of human fluids to the drink prepared for ritual purposes, the team writes. "This includes fluids like breast milk, mucous fluids (oral or vaginal), and blood." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps these rituals involved drinking a sedative. The inclusion of human fluids may have helped personalize the spiritual experience. "Egyptologists believe that people visited the so-called Bes Chambers at Saqqara when they wished to confirm a successful pregnancy because pregnancies in the ancient world were fraught with dangers," explains Van Oppen. "So, this combination of ingredients may have been used in a dream-vision inducing magic ritual within the context of this dangerous period of childbirth." Researchers hope that more Bes vessels are analyzed in similar ways. Only then will we understand how often hallucinogenic cocktails were consumed in ancient Egypt and why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With this study, we've found scientific proof that the Egyptian myths have some kind of truth and it helps us shed light on the poorly understood rituals that were likely carried out in the Bes Chambers in Saqqara, near the Great Pyramids at Giza," says Tanasi. The study was published in Nature. Related News Joshua Smith, 36, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, per authorities Wilson Police Department Joshua Smith mugshot Joshua Smith mugshot Authorities in Louisiana have arrested a flight attendant after he allegedly slashed a co-workers neck and cut a security guard who tried to intervene. Police arrested Joshua Smith, 36, at a New Orleans, La., hotel around 3:15 a.m. local time Monday, Nov. 25, the local police department said in a release shared with PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged incident occurred after an evening out with Smiths co-workers, who later said they noticed he was "acting strangely" on their way back to the hotel, according to police. Related: An Alabama Country Singer Violated Bond to Attend the CMAs Then Posted Evidence on Social Media. Now He's Facing Arrest The co-worker, who is not named, reportedly tried to escort him to his room when, following an argument, Smith allegedly slashed the woman on her arm and neck, per New Orleans police. When she tried to escape, Smith allegedly followed her, police said. A security guard tried to intervene but Smith allegedly cut him on his thumb, per police, the outlets reported. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Smith, who is an employee at Delta Airlines per multiple outlets, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and simple battery, per NOPD's release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Fla. Man Accused of Beating Golfer to Death with Golf Clubs on Course: 'He's Trying to Kill Me' His lawyer, Thomas Calogero, told NBC News that he blacked out after a night of drinking and there was no intent to murder. Delta Airlines did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comments but said in a statement to WSB-TV: Delta has zero tolerance for violence against or among our people and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials." It wasn't immediately clear if Smith had entered pleas. PEOPLE contacted Calogero for comment. Florida is Americas punchline, a state that exports as many memes as it does oranges. Its prone to hurricanes and presidential hopefuls at least six in the last 50 years and now will be Donald Trumps power center and the ideological wellspring for his administration. Theres his chief of staff Susie Wiles, Pam Bondi as Trumps attorney general pick, Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of State, and Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser. No other state will have that level of concentrated influence in the next administration. With Florida personalities playing such a central role, its important to understand just what constitutes Florida political culture. So what is that very Florida political sensibility? Its a geographically enormous state with more than 825 miles of beaches, many of which are slowly, inch by inch, returning to the ocean thanks to climate change, a concept that dare not speak its name in government halls. It was the site of two of the deadliest mass shootings in the nations history and lawmakers still try to loosen gun laws. Its Americas adult playground but also, by law, requires strippers to be at least 21 to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anything, Florida is a place of contradictions. Its economically lax and also morally overbearing, freewheeling and uptight. Its home to two cities Miami and Orlando that, according to the Census Bureau, have some of the highest concentrations in the U.S. of gay-coupled households. But at the same time, the state restricts how teachers, even up to high school, can teach LGBTQ+ issues. The state Legislature is no different. Florida prides itself on being a place where you can live your life without fear of government intrusion; Its even Gov. Ron DeSantis slogan The free state of Florida. But state lawmakers in the past few years have passed laws restricting abortion, making it illegal to release balloons at gender reveal parties and polices what books kids can read. The state even blocked kids 14 and under from opening social media accounts even if their parents approve of it. At the same time, DeSantis, in the run up to his presidential bid, persuaded lawmakers to pass laws allowing him to run for the White House but not resign as governor and block the media and others from accessing his publicly funded travel. Surprisingly, Florida was one of the only states where, in the wake of a tragic mass shooting at a high school, the Republican-controlled Legislature and GOP governor, Rick Scott, approved gun restrictions. They implemented red flag laws for confiscating guns from dangerous people and raised to 21 the legal age to buy a rifle. But the state reverted to conservative form last year, however, when DeSantis and state lawmakers made it legal to carry a firearm in public without a permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida was a pioneer in open records laws (Government in the sunshine is the catchy slogan), but recently its officials have been working steadily to create exemptions that would conceal what public officials are doing. Its no surprise Florida is full of contradictions considering its size and diversity. Tallahassee, the states capital, is just 20 miles from the Georgia border, where Spanish moss hangs from trees and lawmakers and lobbyists greet each other with sir and maam. Five hundred miles away in South Florida, enclaves around Miami operate more in Spanish than English. North Florida, however, is a far cry from Miami, the gateway to Latin America and a majority-minority city that is intimately intertwined with the Caribbean, Central and South America. One of Miamis lawmakers, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, is the nephew of Fidel Castros first wife. Several men who were busted by the FBI last year for plotting to assassinate Haitis president called Miami home. Florida is still a major farming state it has the 15th-most farms of all 50 states and the states Agriculture Commissioner is one of only three Cabinet positions. This makes it highly coveted. The current commissioner is Wilton Simpson, the former Senate president and a multimillionaire industrial egg farmer who won his seat after beating several opponents, including a worm farmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as any other state, Florida has been defined by its migrants and its immigrants basically everyone is from somewhere else, be it from some other state or some other country. Its the engine of the states growth and its economy (new housing is built by immigrants for the benefit of retirees and move-ins from other states; crops are picked by immigrants for the benefit of consumers throughout the U.S.) But this is also the state that likes to make a show of flying immigrants to unlikely locations up North. And now, the rest of America could become a little more like Florida. Trumps pick to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, former Florida Rep. Dave Weldon, is a vaccine safety skeptic; Rubio is a traditional hawk with a from-the-cradle hatred of communism but a desire to negotiate a quick end to the Ukraine war; Bondi wants to go after bad prosecutors much like DeSantis did with two state attorneys. They have the potential to being much more than Florida vibes to the country and could reshape the country in the image of the Sunshine State. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) Florida is at the top of a controversial list for 2024. The reading advocacy group Pen America ranked Florida number one in the nation as the state with the most books banned from local schools. Family visiting from South Africa calls on City of Clearwater to improve pedestrian safety The debate on whether the Florida Department of Education is banning books or challenging books continues. Mothers on both sides of the argument, however, do agree that parents should continue to have a voice on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiffany Justice, mother and co-founder of Moms for Liberty, advocates for parents to regain control over the content children are exposed to in the classroom. To be clear, my parental rights do not stop at the classroom door. I have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing of our children. As does every other American parent, as does every parent across the world actually, because this isnt a right that the government gives you. And its not the right a right that the government can take away, said Justice. The Florida Education Association reminds Floridians that parents already do have that right. If a parent had a problem with the book their child was reading, they could simply reach out to the teacher or the school and ask for an alternative assignment. And under Florida law, they would get that, said Andrew Spar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President of the association, Andrew Spar, adds to the debate, stating, We shouldnt limit what kids should learn, we should expand on it. Katie Blankenship, mother and senior director for PEN America Florida, claims that book bans are no hoax Book bands are no accidents or no hoax, they are happening. Censorship and education more largely is not a hoax. It is happening, Blankenship said. And the goal from those who seek to censor is to destroy public education. While Blankenship says book banning is an attack on viewpoints individuals are uncomfortable with, Justice says there is no excuse for graphic sexual content to be allowed in public schools. Parents all over Florida have gotten up at school board meetings to read the graphic sexual content in some of these books to school boards, and what happens? The school board stopped the parents from speaking. They shut down their speech, Justice said. There were several counties across Tampa Bay, like Manatee and Hernando, that removed or discontinued books in response to an objection raised by parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Ukraine has urged its international partners to expedite the delivery of critical military equipment, emphasizing that quicker aid is more crucial than drafting additional personnel. With manpower shortages posing a challenge, Ukraine continues to balance domestic and international expectations while focusing on strengthening its forces on the battlefield. "We are now in the situation when we need more equipment to arm all the people that have already been mobilized, and we think the first priority is to send quicker, faster military aid," Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's foreign ministry, said on Nov. 28 during a press briefing in Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tykhyi noted that Ukraines mobilization strategy is regularly discussed with international allies alongside other key topics, including defense strategy and sanctions on Russia. He dismissed suggestions of tension over the issue. "I can confirm that this topic is being discussed at negotiations. I can refute that this is a point of tension or that it's being discussed in a critical or negative manner," he said. President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the issue during a Nov. 19 parliamentary session, presenting a 10-point plan to bolster internal resilience. Zelensky ruled out lowering the mobilization age despite facing pressure from citizens and Western partners to do so. Instead, he proposed reforms, including new management strategies, the creation of a military ombudsman, and a contract system for citizens below the mobilization age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraines fight against Russian invasion undermined by draft-dodging graft Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Specific concepts are being developed for the creation of transport hubs along the Zangezur Corridor, Acting Minister - Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Rahid Alakbarli told Trend. "As part of these concepts, there is a need for transformation to develop, construct, and expand transit infrastructure and potential. With the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, the volume of cargo transport will increase significantly. Concepts are being developed for the construction of transport hubs on both sides of the corridor," he said. Alakbarli also noted that plans are in place to build transit infrastructure over lands that are unsuitable for agriculture or industry, further contributing to the region's logistical potential. DES MOINES, Iowa A former Ames nurse pled guilty to sex trafficking multiple victims, including minors, for nearly a decade on Tuesday. Carl Markley According to the United States Attorneys Office Southern District of Iowa, Carl Dale Markley admitted to defrauding and coercing 14 victims into performing commercial sex acts from 2004 to 2023. Markley lied to the victims, telling them he had to perform sex acts on them or watch them engage in sex acts to obtain certifications, conduct research, complete classwork, and even for product development. Markley also paid the victims and claimed he received grant funding for it. Past Coverage: Carl Markley case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea agreement states that Markley created fake consent forms and contracts that required victims to participate in the so-called research sessions. He told the victims that the research was legitimate and that his findings were being sent to research companies. He also falsely claimed the research was helping others. Court records state that Markley hid cameras in his office and used them to record the victims while they were undressed during the examinations. Markley pled guilty to 15 counts of sex trafficking by fraud and coercion and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2025. Each of the charges carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment. Latest Iowa News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. The BBCs former news chief has expressed anxieties over the message that BBC Verify is sending about the corporations journalism. Fran Unsworth left the BBC in 2022 and the Verify unit is the brainchild of her successor, Deborah Turness. Ms Unsworth suggested that promoting the Verify unit as the home of truth and fact-checking could reflect badly on the rest of the BBCs news output. I think if you want to set your stall out and say what youre about, its probably a pretty good branding exercise, Ms Unsworth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But my anxieties are What does it say about the rest of the journalism? Is that not true, then? She added: But I can see what the objectives are, and I think its probably broadly successful. Ms Unsworth spoke at the Voice of the Listener and Viewer conference in London, where she was in conversation with Jonathan Munro, the deputy chief executive of BBC News. Mr Munro defended BBC Verify against accusations of political bias, and claims that it is guilty of making its own factual errors. The BBC has been scrutinised for its analysis of the recent inheritance tax row - Dan Kitwood/Getty He also said that the controversial cancellation of the BBCs HARDTalk programme was made because nobody watched it, and said the corporation should instead put more resources into projects such as Verify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, BBC Verify was involved in a controversy over the reporting of inheritance tax changes affecting farmers, quoting Dan Neidle, the former Labour activist, as an independent tax expert before quietly removing that job description. Danny Cohen, a former director of BBC Television, has also accused Verify of having an unhealthy obsession with stories related to Israel. However, asked about perceptions of bias, Mr Munro said: I dont accept [the] premise. We are not biased politically; unlike other organisations, which are entitled to be, we are mandated not to be, and I dont think thats a fair assessment of the work of our team. He said: The BBC has a role in a world of misinformation and disinformation, in truthful analysis of claim and counter-claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone will accept that in any organisation, like all newsrooms which are principally based on human judgment, the occasional mistakes are made and then they need to be corrected and rectified. That happens in every single newsroom. We are extremely keen to ensure that our processes are as robust as possible. Deborah Turness launched the BBCs Verify fact-checking unit in 2023 - Danny Lawson/PA Ms Unsworth also took Mr Munro to task over the departure of Mishal Husain, who is leaving the BBC after 26 years for a new job at Bloomberg. Mishal Husain? Really? Oh, dear. One of the BBCs top interviewers is going to the relative obscurity of Bloomberg How did you lose her? Mr Munro replied: Im personally very sorry to see Mishal go. I think shes excellent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Husains new role at Bloomberg will include a global interview programme similar to HARDTalk, the BBC current affairs programme which has just been axed as part of cost cuts. Explaining the decision to get rid of the programme, Mr Munro said that news viewers do not want to watch pre-recorded shows that go out in a regular time slot. Audiences do not watch them, thats just the truth. They watch live news. Audiences do not watch pre-recorded programmes on news channels. Therefore when youre looking for the range of offer for the news channel and whether you should invest more in live news, live analysis, things like verification, which weve put obviously a lot of resource in with BBC Verify over 18 months or thereabouts when the new channels audience is behaving in that way that tells you something about the decisions that we need to make in order to fund new things, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still plenty of analysis and interviews across the BBC. 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. LONDON (AP) A former British soldier has been convicted of passing on sensitive information to the Iranian government. The couple was heading to visit their kids for the holidays at the time, said Camarillo city councilman Kevin Kildeeone, one of Morgan's former colleagues Bryan Chan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Mike Morgan Mike Morgan Former Camarillo, Calif. city council member and mayor, Mike Morgan, has died in a car accident. He was 77. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the City of Camarillo announced Morgan's death following a "tragic vehicle accident" the day prior. His wife, Donna, is severely injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camarillo Mayor Tony Tremblay said in a news release, "We are saddened to learn of a tragic vehicle accident yesterday, resulting in the death of former City Council member and Mayor Mike Morgan and severe injuries to his wife Donna." Morgan and his wife had been driving to the Reno, Nevada area to visit their children at the time of the accident, Camarillo city councilman Kevin Kildee, who worked alongside Morgan on the council for 22 years, told the Ventura County Star. Bryan Chan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Mike Morgan seen talking to Judy Winters Mike Morgan seen talking to Judy Winters Related: South Carolina Towns First Black Mayor Dies in Car Crash: 'Everybody Loved Him' Morgan who was born in Vernon, Texas, before moving to Camarillo in 1961 and his wife share two children together, according to The Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan was first elected to the city council in 1980 before he was unseated in 2018, the L.A. Times reported. He also served six terms as mayor. "Mike Morgan spent many years serving our community in both an elected capacity and several nonprofit and church-related activities," Mayor Tremblay added in Wednesday's release. He continued, "He spent thirty eight years on our City Council and served six terms as Mayor. Together with his fellow Councilmembers and many others, he made a significant contribution to our City through his leadership and devotion to Camarillo." "On behalf of the City Council and the entire City staff, please keep Mike and Donna Morgan and their family in your thoughts and prayers," Tremblay's message concluded. Bryan Chan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Mike Morgan Mike Morgan Related: Alaska Rep. Don Young, Longest Serving Member in Current U.S. Congress, Dies at 88 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paying tribute to the late politician, Kevin Kildee said, according to the Ventura County Star, "Mike was a larger-than-life person. He had the best interests of Camarillo at heart, and he was very passionate about Camarillo." "Mike was a big part of the fabric of our community here, and he's really going to be missed," he added. "We're all in a state of shock over what happened. I'm still trying to process it. You lose a community member of that magnitude, and it's going to take some time." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. While reflecting on his council career ending in 2018, Morgan told the Ventura County Star, When I first came to the council ... one of my goals was to make Camarillo one of the best places in the world to live, as he was honored with a special plaque for his service through the years. A City of Camarillo spokesperson and Kevin Kildee didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. A former Gainesville mayoral candidate reported missing in June has been charged with murder in Tennessee, according to online records from the Giles County Jail. Adam Arthur Rosenthal, 39, who ran for Gainesville mayor in 2022, faces charges of homicide, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 10. According to the Pulaski Citizen, Rosenthal quickly became a suspect after the body of Darren Gambrel was found Tuesday afternoon in the town of Pulaski, about 75 miles south of Nashville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pulaski Citizen reported that Giles County Sheriff Joe Purvis executed two search warrants on properties owned by The Twelve Tribes, a local branch of a Christian group described by some as a cult. Purvis believes Rosenthal has been a member of the group for the past six to nine months, the Pulaski Citizen reported. A page created on the Missing People In Americas website notes that Rosenthal was last seen in April at the now-closed Space Bar near Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. in Gainesville. Gainesville Police Department spokesperson Brandon Hatzel told the Mainstreet Daily News that Rosenthal was reported missing on June. 18. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Former Gainesville mayoral candidate charged with murder in Tennessee A former official with the state Fraternal Order of Police is under investigation for allegedly stealing around $50,000 from a Louisville area branch of the police union, Louisville Metro Police and the Kentucky State Fratenral Order of Police confirmed to the Herald-Leader Wednesday. He also Local police took a report on the matter last week and handed it over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to a spokesperson for LMPD. Per an internal memo to state Fraternal Order of Police members written by attorney Steven Wolnitzek, first reported by Louisville television station WDRB and obtained by the Herald-Leader, the man implicated in the matter is Ryan Straw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Straw is the former vice president of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police. Straw is also accused of taking money from similar organizations, according to the memo, which stated that Straw was unable to return funds to members of an investment club he started. The memo also said that two budgets Straw oversaw, the Governmental Affairs Committee and his Vice Presidents budget, were overspent by more than $50,000 in total. An internal audit committee has been created to review the situation. When contacted, Straw told the Herald-Leader he had no comment. Straw has not been charged with any crime related to the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police President Berl Perdue, who serves as sheriff of Clark County, released a statement Wednesday afternoon confirming the basic details of the allegations. State and local FOP officials sought the assistance of the LMPD and the office of the Attorney General to investigate and resolve the matter appropriately. The FOP does not tolerate illegal or unethical behavior or actions from its members. The alleged suspect was identified by the local lodge and has been removed from any position of authority within the FOP, Perdue wrote. Straw was a highly visible lobbyist and political activist on behalf of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police. He is regularly quoted in media outlets on Frankfort policy and was paid $18,400 for his lobbying efforts in 2023, according to the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission. While the Louisville Metro Police did not name the specific lodge, Straw was most recently involved with Metro Lodge 32 in Louisville. According to Wolnitzeks memo, Straws withdrawal of more than $49,000 left the lodge nearly broke. A grievance regarding the matter was first filed in late October and heard by state executive Fraternal Order of Police members at a Nov. 21 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this meeting, It was communicated to members of the state executive board that Lodge 32 learned that Brother Straw had unilaterally withdrawn over $49,000 from their lodge coffers and that they were nearly broke, Wolnitzek wrote. Lodge 32 board members reported this to LMPD and an investigation has been initiated in conjunction with the FBI and Attorney Generals Office. As a result of these discoveries Lodge 32 voted to temporarily suspend Brother Straws powers as President of their Local Lodge, Wolnitzek wrote. A member of Lodge 32 has also filed a separate grievance against Brother Straw over their financial situation, which will also be heard at their December meeting. Straw has faced several lawsuits filed by creditors over the past two years. Truist Bank, Commonwealth Credit Union, American Express and Fidelity Investments have all taken legal action in state court against Straw since 2023. Straws balance at each, at the time of their respective lawsuit, exceeded $10,000. By Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -A British soldier was found guilty on Thursday of collecting sensitive information for people linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and gathering the names of special forces personnel. Daniel Abed Khalife collected sensitive information between May 2019 and January 2022, prosecutor Mark Heywood told jurors at the start of the trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalife, who was discharged from the armed forces after he was charged, was also accused of leaving a fake bomb on a desk before absconding from his barracks in January 2023. He then escaped from London's Wandsworth prison in September 2023 while awaiting trial for the other charges, tying himself to the bottom of a delivery van and sparking a brief nationwide manhunt. The 23-year-old stood trial charged with gathering information that might be useful to an enemy, namely Iran which is an offence under the Official Secrets Act, and with obtaining information likely to be useful for terrorism and with a bomb hoax. He denied all the charges, pleading guilty during his evidence to escaping from prison, and said he wanted to be a "double agent" for the British intelligence services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalife said he was a patriot and that he and his family hated the Iranian government. "Me and my family are against the regime in Iran," he told the jury. Khalife was found guilty of the charges under the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act by a jury after more than 23 hours of deliberation. He was found not guilty of perpetrating a bomb hoax. 'WALTER MITTY CHARACTER' Prosecutors said Khalife picked up around 1,500 pounds ($2,000) in 2019 on instructions from his handler and, two weeks later, anonymously emailed Britain's MI6 foreign intelligence service, saying he wanted "to work as a double agent". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heywood told the jury that Khalife, who joined the army shortly before his 17th birthday, had almost immediately begun "to entertain thoughts about espionage". Khalife, however, said he was a patriot and had been "devastated" when he was told that his Iranian heritage meant he was unlikely to be granted clearance to work in intelligence. He also said the documents he passed to his Iranian handler were useless, being either publicly available or created by Khalife himself. Police described Khalife as a fantasist and amateurish in his approach, but said he had a serious adverse impact on British interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He is, I think, the ultimate Walter Mitty character," Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, said, referring to a fictional character who has fantastic day dreams. "The problem is, he's a Walter Mitty character that was having an extremely significant impact in the real world." (Reporting by Sam Tobin; Additional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Kate Holton, Elizabeth Piper and Hugh Lawson) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Trump's second presidential term may become a new stage in Azerbaijani-American relations, political scientist Azer Garayev told Trend. "The US elections in November 2024 resulted in Donald Trump's reelection as president. This is an important political event not only for the US but also for the foreign policy of the countries of the world. In particular, the fact that President Ilham Aliyev telephoned Donald Trump and congratulated him is a sign of the high level of Azerbaijani-American relations. The election of Donald Trump as president for the second time creates a great opportunity for the transition of relations between Azerbaijan and the United States to a new level, and this may become a new stage in Azerbaijani-American relations, the political scientist said. According to him, the fact that Donald Trump represents the Republican Party also plays an important role. As President Ilham Aliyev stated during his speech at the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, the relations between the two countries have always been more productive, fruitful, and result-oriented under the Republican administration. During President Trumps presidency, we enjoyed very fruitful cooperation based on mutual respect and appreciation of each others support on different tracks. Our relations with the United States were pretty stable, the head of state stressed. During the first presidency of Donald Trump, relations between Azerbaijan and the US have developed significantly. Under the Trump administration, cooperation in the energy sector has been strengthened, particularly on the Southern Gas Corridor and other strategic projects. The US has increased its support for Azerbaijan in bringing energy resources to international markets. Azerbaijan has also become the most important U.S. partner in the Caucasus. A number of treaties and strategic agreements signed between the US and Azerbaijan have further strengthened these relations, Garayev said. Garayev emphasized that during Trump's presidency, the Republican Party's support for Azerbaijan's foreign policy was further strengthened, taking into account Azerbaijan's strategic position, especially in energy security and geopolitics, which contributed to the strengthening of relations between the US and Azerbaijan. At the same time, it was emphasized that the Republican Party highly values Azerbaijan's role in the Caucasus and Central Asia region. The fact that President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Donald Trump immediately following the election and phoned him a while later is not only a symbol of strengthening bilateral relations between the countries but also an impetus for further development of Azerbaijani-US relations. Further development of these relations in the future will open the way to wider cooperation both in the region and globally, the political scientist added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Two employees at Nurturing Nook Day Care in Fox Point have been fired as police are investigating an incident of suspected child abuse at the center. A 25-year-old employee was taken into custody on Nov. 13 in connection with the incident, according to local television news station WISN 12 News, which obtained a copy of the arrest report. The Fox Point Police Department did not release the official arrest report to the Journal Sentinel after several requests between Nov. 13 and Nov. 27, citing its ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On that same day the employee was taken into custody, administrators at the Fox Point day care wrote to parents saying the police investigation began after a child had sustained injuries that raised concerns, according to a Nov. 13 letter. Parents received the letter from the day care center Director Lena Lo, the company's Regional Director Samantha Kwasniewicz and Executive Director Keri Ruppel. The administrators' letter said law enforcement visited the day care to gather information and review the circumstances surrounding the injuries, which included a review of internal surveillance footage. Nurturing Nook identified violations of the company's policies and procedures and decided to "immediately terminate the employees involved," the letter said. "Nurturing Nook has been providing high quality education to children in our community for the past 35 years," Kwasniewicz said in a statement to the Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This has been a difficult and emotional time for all involved, especially the families we serve and our dedicated teachers and staff. We will ensure this isolated incident is addressed and we intend to continue to provide services to this community for many years to come," she said. Kwasniewicz did not respond to a question about which policies and procedures the employees violated, saying the company cannot share details due to the ongoing investigation. She was also unable to elaborate on whether both of the terminated employees were involved in harming the child or whether it was a single employee and another who witnessed the incident and did not take steps to address it. The YoungStar database, a quality rating and improvement system for childcare centers in Wisconsin administered through the Department of Children and Families, shows Nurturing Nook is licensed and rated five out of five stars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day care's YoungStar profile also lists five regulation violations identified during a May 2024 audit, related to not having certified staff supervising children and not labeling food and formula. Nurturing Nook's Fox Point location, known as Riverpoint, is one of three childcare centers affiliated with the company in the Milwaukee area. This story will be updated as new information becomes available. Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fox Point day care workers fired, one arrested for alleged child abuse Fox News has won its second defamation ruling in as many days after a federal judge in Delaware on Wednesday dismissed a former Trump supporters claim that ex-host Tucker Carlson acted with actual malice when he said the man was a government provocateur during the Jan. 6 insurrection. The suit was brought in July 2023 by Ray Epps after Carlson had made him the target of one of his conspiracy theories. Months later, though, Epps was charged, effectively putting to rest that unfounded notion. Epps would go on to plead guilty to the misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct on restricted grounds and was given probation. Despite what Carlson said about Epps, defamation cases are difficult to win. Judge Jennifer Hall acknowledged that though Carlson may have engaged in subpar journalism, it didnt reach the standard of acting with malicious intent, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As further evidence of Epps uphill battle, Foxs lawyers once successfully defended Carlson in a slander case by arguing that viewers shouldnt take him literally. The right-wing network approved Wednesdays development, alluding to a pair of its other legal wins recently. Following the dismissals of the Jankowicz, Bobulinski, and now Epps cases, FOX News is pleased with these back-to-back decisions from federal courts preserving the press freedoms of the First Amendment, a spokesperson told the Daily Beast. On Tuesday, a New York judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit against host Jessica Tarlov by one of House Republicans' witnesses in its ill-fated Biden impeachment effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And over the summer, another defamation suit was dismissed. That one was filed by Nina Jankowicz, the former head of the Biden administrations short-lived Disinformation Governance Board within the Department of Homeland Security. Jankowicz alleged that the network repeatedly force-fed lies about me to tens of millions of their viewers, resulting in violent threats and harassment. Fox, which settled a defamation suit last April with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million, still faces a $2.7 billion defamation suit by voting technology company Smartmatic. Frances richest man has told a Paris court he was completely unaware the former head of Frances domestic intelligence agency was allegedly abusing his powers to protect his brands empire. Bernard Squarcini, 68, worked as a consultant for Bernard Arnaults LVMH the worlds largest high-end goods group, with brands including Louis Vuitton and Moet and Chandon. He is now facing charges including compromising national security secrets, misuse of public funds, influence peddling and forgery. The former head of the French equivalent of MI5 is one of 10 men on trial and charged with using his security contacts for private gain, including obtaining confidential information on behalf of LVMH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges relate both to the period when Mr Squarcini headed the DCRI agency (now DGSI), from 2008-12, and to his subsequent return to the private sector, when he worked as a consultant for LVMH. Bernard Squarcini is facing charges including compromising national security secrets - Nathan Laine/Bloomberg I would like to point out that I am here as a witness, a simple witness, and that my indictment was never considered by the investigating magistrates, Mr Arnault said in his opening statement. The billionaire added that I was completely unaware of the alleged scheme. Mr Arnault, 75, is the worlds fifth-wealthiest individual with a fortune of $158.1 billion (124.8 billion). He nor his huge conglomerate are facing charges after LVMH paid 10 million in fines to avoid further legal proceedings in 2021. Antoine Arnault, the chief executive officer of Christian Dior SE, attended Bernard Squarcinis trial - Nathan Laine/Bloomberg The billionaire insisted he knew nothing of the entire affair when questioned as a witness in 2019, but his name looms large in the 237-page indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As early as 2008, DCRI officers were deployed to try to identify a blackmailer targeting Mr Arnault, according to investigators. Mr Squarcini is accused of spying on Francois Ruffin, an activist journalist who is now a Left-wing MP. In 2016, Mr Ruffin produced a documentary film called Merci Patron! that put the spotlight on Mr Arnault. It followed a family who lost their jobs at a supplier to LVMH when its work was moved out of France. Mr Ruffin, whose lawyers requested that Mr Arnault testify, has said that the process had been decapitated because LVMH itself was not in the dock. Francois Ruffin called for LVMH to be in the dock - Julien De Rosa/AFP LVMH had been concerned about the activities of Mr Ruffin, who at the time was planning to disrupt its shareholder meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Arnault insisted that in the accord with investigating magistrates it is stated that the group does not recognise any responsibility, saying the deal had been proposed by the magistrates. Agreeing to the deal was a question of avoiding being caught up in the media uproar that followed, Mr Arnault told the court. He slammed Mr Ruffin as a self-promoter, saying: I think he is trying to exploit this trial for personal, media, political and even commercial reasons. But Benjamin Sarfati and Laure Heinich, the lawyers acting for Mr Ruffin, have argued it was still unclear how the LVMH group was able to benefit from a judicial agreement that allowed it to escape trial, leaving only Bernard Squarcini and the other people involved in this affair to appear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nine other defendants on trial alongside him include state prefect Pierre Lieutaud, the former number two at the National Centre for Intelligence and Counterterrorism, and Laurent Marcadier, a former judge at the Paris Court of Appeal. 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. PARIS (AP) Frances minority government may be on its last legs as opposition lawmakers moved this week toward a no-confidence vote. In a last-ditch effort to save themselves, Cabinet members warned of domestic and international turmoil if the government is toppled. Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a conservative allied with French President Emmanuel Macron's centrists, acknowledged his governments fragile position over a key budget vote in a television interview on Tuesday. The budget bill for next year must be passed by Dec. 21. If a no-confidence vote passes in parliament thanks to what he called an alliance between the left and the far right, there will be a big storm and very serious turbulence on the financial markets, Barnier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot also raised warning flags. At a time when war is on our doorstep, when the planet is in turmoil, when China and the United States want to outpace us ... those who make the decision to overthrow Barniers government and deprive France of a budget will be responsible for the mess and disorder, Barrot said Wednesday on news broadcaster CNews. Barrots comments came as France helped broker the ceasefire deal that ended fighting between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group alongside the U.S. Following the June-July parliamentary elections, the National Assembly, Frances powerful lower house of parliament, was divided into three major blocs: a left-wing coalition known as the New Popular Front, Macrons centrist allies and the far-right National Rally party. None of them won an outright majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, the government counted on the far rights support to be able to stay in power. However, far-right leader Marine Le Pen this week threatened to push for a no-confidence motion unless significant changes are made to the countrys budget bill for next year. Le Pen has demanded a freeze on electricity taxes and an increase in state pensions from January. On Thursday, Barnier offered a compromise, promising not to raise electricity taxes. France is under pressure from the European Unions executive body to reduce its colossal debt. Barniers Cabinet is seeking to reduce the country's deficit from an estimated 6% of Gross Domestic Product now to 5% next year through a 60-billion euro ($66 billion) squeeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Antoine Armand has argued that disagreeing with the government is not a reason to plunge the country into a budgetary and financial unknown. With no proper budget to get the state finances back on track, theres a risk of stalling like a plane that is at altitude and at some point risks losing control, Armand said Thursday on news broadcaster BFM TV. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet, said this week that under the French Constitution and other rules, France will not be at risk of a government shutdown that in the United States would disrupt many services and squeeze federal employees. Many opposition lawmakers who appear ready to bring the government down have argued that an outgoing government could potentially present a special law to levy taxes from Jan. 1. It would also be able to decide on renewing spendings by decree in order to pay civil servants, pensions and other key state expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Le Pen, in a column published in Le Figaro newspaper, said even in the event of a no-confidence vote, taxes would be raised, civil servants paid, pensions paid, and medical care reimbursed." She accused the government of ignoring all of her party's proposals. And by rejecting this budget... we would be the so-called architects of chaos? That cant be serious," she wrote. Mathilde Panot, head of the hard-left France Unbowed group at the National Assembly, said Thursday they can explain its going to be a catastrophe, a grasshopper invasion, a nuclear accident. But the reality is that we have what we need to ensure the continuity of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on FranceInfo, Panot asked for a left-wing Cabinet to be appointed instead. That option had been rejected this summer by Macron, in charge of naming the prime minister. The next key test is coming Monday for Barnier's government, with a vote on the divisive social security budget scheduled at the National Assembly. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Latvia is very optimistic about the development of Karabakh, Latvian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Edgars Skuja said during an event on Azerbaijan-Latvia Information and Networking Meeting," Trend reports. I would like to emphasize that we really highly value the relations between our countries. This is conditioned historically: we have long traditions and rich history. Businessmen and business communities of both countries strive for mutual cooperation, expansion, and deepening of our ties. Politically, we always emphasize our full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We are very optimistic about the development of the country, regions, as well as Karabakh, which is developing rapidly and, I am sure, will become one of the most beautiful regions of the republic, the Ambassador noted. To note, as of today Baku is hosting an Azerbaijani and Latvian gathering for networking and information sharing. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PLATTSBURGH The re-location of Clinton Community College will make their attractive campus at Bluff point available for re-development by the county. While there is great anticipation and excitement about what to do with the majestic property, nothing will happen overnight. This is not about being fast, its about being right, Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That property is going to be there for a very long time, and Id much rather we get it right than we get it quick. CCC is scheduled to move onto the campus at SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall of 2025. The two-year college opted to move after declining enrollment made it no longer feasible to maintain such a large campus. The school has been at the Bluff Point location in the Town of Plattsburgh since the late 1960s. The county, which owns the property, is charged with the responsibility of re-development. FIRM STUDY The Clinton County Industrial Development Agency hired the Albany firm PCL at a price of $84,715 to conduct a feasibility study of what could be done with the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That study is expected to be done sometime in mid-2025. Henry said the county will discuss the findings and provide an opportunity for public input as the process moves along. CCC receiving accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education was a key part of the process. Theoretically, had they (CCC) not received accreditation the college would not exist and then we would be back at square one as to what we are going to do, and we would kind of have to start over, Henry said. The accreditation process cements the re-location for the college. Its all linked together. The accreditation was given through the 2029-30 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henry said once the college leaves the Bluff Point campus next fall, the re-development process will likely speed up. There is going to be a lot involved, he said. There is the feasibility study, and of course we will go to the public. We want to make sure that this benefits everyone, including the county, and that the most amount of people can benefit from this, and that it will have a positive economic impact on the county. The Institute of Advanced Manufacturing on the CCC campus will remain as Champlain Valley Educational Services has agreed to take it over. The program trains students for careers in manufacturing, which is a burgeoning sector in the North Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region was boosted by news Tuesday that Micro Bird, a leading manufacturer of electric school buses, will be purchasing the Nova Bus facility on Banker Road, which will likely save about 300 skilled jobs in the region. Nova Bus is scheduled to leave their facility in 2025 after producing buses there since 2009. Henry said the manufacturing sector in the area is still strong and having the IAM functioning at a high level is critical. They (CVES) has done a terrific job we we expect them to continue to do a terrific job in the future so that building is locked up with what I think is a very good future for our area, Henry said. With the Micro Bird news and CCCs accreditation news, its a good day to be a resident of Clinton County, and we have much to be thankful for this holiday season. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Administrators at a charter school in Las Vegas are investigating a group of parents allegations that a fourth-grade math teacher is using a lesson in economics to ostracize their children, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. The parents say their students, ages 9 and 10, must answer questions and complete assignments satisfactorily enough to receive a reward tantamount to money, and with that remuneration, they are required to pay rent and utilities. If the students dont make the mark, the parents and one-fourth grader who spoke with the 8 News Now Investigators say the students are unseated from their desks and forced to sit on the floor, rendering them homeless. I was confused why she took away our desk, Bryce Clevinger, a student at Discovery Charter School near Rampart and Lake Mead Blvd, said. Clevinger said he was afraid to protest the teachers decision because then shes going to get angry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teacher, Chelsey Williams, did not answer a request for an interview sent through the portal on the school website Wednesday, though classes were not in session at the time the message was sent. Williams biography on the schools webpage says she has been at the school for seven years, and 10 in the field of education. Multiple parents made written complaints to the State Public Charter School Authority who, in essence, said to work it with school administration. If, after meeting with the administrator, the school remains unresponsive to your needs, please consider contacting a school board member to voice your concerns, a written reply to one parents complaint read. But Bryce Clevingers mother, Jennifer, who adopted her son from a terrible living situation making the young boy no stranger to the misfortunes of homelessness said she had already met with the schools vice principal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She seemed to be appalled, Jennifer Clevinger said of the schools vice principal, Denise Koch. She was very upset. She was apologetic. And she agreed that this part of the curriculum needed to end. Parents have another meeting scheduled for Monday, this time with the schools interim executive director, Friederike Opalinski, who responded to questions from the 8 News Now Investigators with the following email response, including underlines and punctuation: Discovery Charter School is aware of a parent voicing concerns about a classroom management system. Were extremely sensitive to the plight of unhoused people, so were investigating these allegations immediately . The schools core values include compassion and inclusivity , so if this teachers project had incorrect elements, were correcting that before classes resume on Monday. We value our families input, so were tweaking the system over the holiday to ensure everyone, including that parent, is happier with the outcome. At this Thanksgiving time, were so thankful for our families and their desire for a first-class, emotionally-sensitive education! Jennifer Clevinger told the 8 News Now Investigators she and her son have, over time, become fond of the charter schools faculty, staff, and administrators. But she wants the math curriculum Williams teaches to change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I absolutely love them, Clevinger said. Until this. And I find it peculiar. I dont know whats happened. Discovery Charter School is a free public charter school. It admits students by a lottery and has a campus in Henderson as well as in the Summerlin area. The school is not affiliated with the Clark County School District. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. GALLUP, N.M. (KRQE) Gallup Police are searching for a man who was allegedly involved in a shooting on Sunday. Police responded to the intersection of Patton and Aztec Avenue and found the victim was shot in the leg. Man sentenced for driving drunk into Albuquerque home, killing 74-year-old Gallup Police Detectives identified German Giovanni Martinez as the shooter. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and other related offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Martinez is known to carry firearms and should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information about his location, contact the Metro Dispatch Center at 505-722-2002 or McKinley County Crime Stoppers at 877-722-6161. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Young adults are spending a record six hours a day online as TikTok and Snapchat grow in popularity among Gen Z. People aged between 18 and 24 were online for an average of six hours and one minute per day in 2024, according to a study by media regulator Ofcom. That was a sharp increase on the four hours and 36 minutes that this age group spent online when the study was conducted last year. However, Ofcom said previous figures for YouTube use may have been understated as a result of a methodology change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen Z women were the most online group, according to the study, spending six hours and 36 minutes on the internet every day compared to five hours 28 minutes among male peers. According to the study, which monitored smartphone and internet use among 10,000 volunteers, three quarters of people aged 18 to 24 are now using TikTok, spending an average of 64 minutes a day on the video-sharing app. That is up from 55 minutes a day a year ago. Gen Z internet users also spent an average of 55 minutes on Snapchat. Ian Macrae, Ofcoms director of market intelligence, said: We know that young people spend much of their lives online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young adults spend a lot more time on YouTube, an hour on TikTok, and not much less on Snapchat. If you look at Facebook, Facebook tends to be used by much older users. Ofcom also found that the average UK adult now spends four hours and 20 minutes online, with its research revealing a divergence between men and women. The watchdog said: Across all adult age groups, women are spending more time online on smartphones, tablets and computers than men, clocking up an extra 33 minutes more each day. Its latest research also found that while women were typically more online than men, they were also more likely to experience unwelcome friend requests on social media or misogynistic comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teenage girls were also more likely to see content related to unhealthy eating or eating disorders. The report added that more than half of children aged between eight and 15 had used artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, to help with schoolwork. In December, Ofcom will introduce its first set of rules around illegal harms online for tech giants, as part of the Online Safety Act. Failure to follow the rules could result in billions of pounds in fines. The regulator said it was also planning to introduce a set of measures to protect women and girls in the first half of 2025. Next year is a big year and there will be a step change in the protections that people online have, Mr Macrae said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Connecting communities across the Greater Rochester region and the world, one stitch at a time. Local teens are making clothes this holiday season to further their mission of spreading joy and service to anyone they can reach. Every little thing is meaningful, says Sammy Shevchuk, a senior at Webster Thomas High School and a member of the Titan Service Scholars. Webster Central School District students can elect for the Titan Service Scholars curricular program that teaches emotional connection through service projects all over the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students gathered at Immanuel Lutheran Church along with members of Kindred Spirits, a community group of women dedicated to service for women in underserved countries. While many teens shared theyd never even touched a sewing machine before, they were eager to learn to make dresses for young girls in the Dominican Republic. Were thrilled to align with this wonderful group of young people, says Linda MacArthur, the leader of Kindred Spirits. Many of us are teachers, were grandmothers, and we love to share our experience and perhaps plant the seed of how wonderful it is to sew and to give back. One of the most rewarding parts about service is the people that you affect and the people that you are helping. These dresses, like, they really make an impact on these girls lives, adds Tessa Bartlett, a junior at Webster Thomas High School. In fact, many of these young humanitarians visited the Dominican Republic over their recent summer break and met the young ladies there who were suffering from poverty, disease, and at risk from predators without proper clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens say the items theyre making feel like wrapping a friend in both kindness and protection. Some of us have formed relationships with very specific kids, and when we are going there and giving gifts and giving them clothing, seeing those smiles on their faces is just something you cant get anywhere else. You understand the process and you understand the problems for all these kids. Its awakening, says senior student, Trevor Heaphy. I feel strongly that where empathy lives is where judgment is suspended. When we can really do that and we can feel vulnerable far from home and we can unpack some of those things that weve been carrying and also understand the lived experience of someone else, we can come home and say, hey I see that issue here, says Felice Prindle, the Titan Service Scholars coordinator and one of the schools counselors. The scholars participate in several projects every month serving the Rochester community with another international trip planned in December when theyll hand deliver their generous garb to their friends who need them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like going lit a flame in me. It kind of ensured that service would be part of my life forever, adds Sammy. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Shrimp boats docked in Bayou Dulac, Louisiana, on Nov. 4, 2024. (Photo credit: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) A joint Louisiana Illuminator and WVUE-TV Fox 8 investigation into shrimp sold at festival and market vendors in the New Orleans area found most of the samples to be domestic. The results could indicate retailers and event organizers are becoming more careful about how they label and present their dishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The samples of shrimp were collected from nine vendors at an area seafood market in early November and from five vendors Oct. 6 at the Gretna Heritage Festival. Only one of the samples, which came from a non-restaurant vendor at the Gretna Fest, tested positive as foreign. All nine samples from the seafood market were from the Gulf of Mexico, the analysis found. The testing was performed by SeaD Consulting, a food safety technology company that recently developed a rapid seafood species identification test. Dave Williams, a Houston resident, developed the process in collaboration with Florida State University microbiologist Prashant Singh. I grew up in the fishing communities, Williams said. Its important to me. Their technology examines tissue for specific DNA markers unique to a species of Asian shrimp commonly raised in aquaculture farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illuminator and WVUE-TV Fox 8 independently collected the shrimp samples and shipped them to Singhs laboratory at Florida State, following an industry standard chain-of-custody protocol. Last month, SeaD Consulting used its own team to collect seven samples from the inaugural Louisiana Shrimp Festival in New Orleans. Testing from that event showed all seven samples were domestic, though that was expected considering the event served as a fundraiser for local shrimpers. Those results are a far cry from those seen at the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, where four out of five vendors evaluated during the Labor Day weekend event were serving shrimp that tested positive for foreign genetic markers. A similar story unfolded a few weeks later at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Oct. 12. Testing by SeaD Consulting at that event revealed four out of five samples were farm-raised imports. A row of food vendors at the 2024 Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, La. (Photo courtesy of Erin Williams/Sea D Consulting) News of the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival results sparked immediate outrage from consumers and public officials who have been trying for years to address the ongoing problem of imported seafood. State Rep. Jessica Domangue, R-Houma, publicly excoriated Shrimp & Petroleum Festival organizers for allowing its vendors to undermine Louisianas unique culture and openly violate Louisiana law for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said he believes word of his testing has gotten out to festival and market organizers, prompting them to consider stricter rules for food vendors. He has now turned his attention to the restaurant industry, which he said has been more resistant to change. We dont want to stop people promoting their product in a manner that helps them sell it, Williams said. So if theyre going to put boats on the wall, if theyre going to have nets, if theyre going to imply that theyre local, then, for Gods sake, serve local product. State laws require restaurants and anyone else selling seafood in Louisiana to label it as such, but the state never adequately funded enforcement of the laws. Ambiguity in state law prevented health inspectors from levying fines even after recording more than 2,600 violations since 2019. Lawmakers rectified that issue with legislation passed in May, calling for stricter enforcement. Laws at the federal level have seen a recent step-up in enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, U.S. Food & Drug Administration agents arrested the owners of an iconic Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant and their seafood wholesalers on charges related to a decades-long fish substitution scheme. The individuals pleaded guilty to felonies ranging from wire fraud to mislabeling seafood. In the wake of that case, the Federal Trade Commission adopted new guidance in October to clarify that restaurant decor, imagery, menu descriptions and slogans that suggest their seafood is local could be illegal if the restaurant is not actually serving domestic catch, according to Reuters. A batch of wild caught Gulf of Mexico shrimp sits on a sorting table on shrimper Keo Nguyens boat at a dock east of Lake Borgne prior to bringing it to a seafood market Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) According to some estimates, upwards of 80% to 90% of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported. The foreign seafood industry has a number of problems. Some seafood companies have been caught using slave labor for commercial fishing and processing, and testing of imported seafood in Louisiana revealed the presence of banned veterinary chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans. Louisiana shrimper and seafood retailer David Chauvin said the influx of cheap imported shrimp has decimated the domestic industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For us to compete with imported shrimp, we cant, he said. If we keep going down this road, well be out of business. Chauvin said he believes regular genetic testing at restaurants and festivals could make a big difference for the industry. He and other shrimpers have been asking for tighter regulations for years, but he said there are many big businesses making a lot of money from the status quo. The state should at least require all state institutions, such as schools and prisons, to prohibit serving imported shrimp, he said. Chauvins idea was actually included in legislation Louisiana approved in May that will take effect Jan. 1. The new law will require all local school districts, state agencies and state institutions that serve seafood to use only domestic shrimp and crawfish. It will also set much stricter country-of-origin laws for restaurants, prohibitions against vague menu descriptions, clear enforcement authorizations for state agencies and much higher fines for labeling violations by retailers and wholesalers. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President George Washington aimed to unify the country with his first Thanksgiving message. (Getty Images) On Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, George Washington woke early. Assisted by his enslaved valets William Billy Lee and the young Christopher Sheels he powdered his hair, put on his favorite black velvet suit, tied his white neckwear and donned his yellow gloves. Finally ready, he set out to travel the short distance from the Presidents House, at what used to be 3 Cherry St., New York, and St. Pauls Chapel, which still stands at 209 Broadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had an important aim that day: to celebrate Thanksgiving. Washington had thought carefully about this Thanksgiving, the first of his presidency. On Oct. 3, 1789, following the recommendation of a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, Washington had issued a proclamation. He urged the people of the United States to celebrate a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. But Washington believed that particular Thanksgiving in 1789 was a crucial occasion. He would use it to call on the people he now led to hold their new country together in the face of forces that he knew could pull it apart. Devotion in the service of unity It was not the first Thanksgiving Americans celebrated. The first took place at Plymouth colony in the autumn of 1621 Pilgrims held a feast to thank God for their first harvest and invited members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. It was not even the first national Thanksgiving which was held on Dec. 18, 1777, at then-General Washingtons behest. Nor was Thanksgiving yet a federal holiday to be observed every last Thursday of November it became so with the 1863 proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Nov. 26, 1789, was a Thursday, and the weather was miserable. Few New Yorkers showed up at St. Pauls Chapel to see the president: I went to St. Pauls Chapel, Washington wrote in his diary, though it was most inclement and stormy. There were but few people at Church. The president had prepared for the occasion. He also contributed a sizable sum of his own money to buy beer and food for prisoners confined for debt in the New York City jail. The donation was deemed to be a magnanimous and moving gesture, suitable to the spirit of the holiday. A week later, in an advertisement in the Dec. 3 issue of the New York Journal, those very prisoners returned their grateful thanks to their president for his very acceptable donation on Thursday last. Washingtons first Thanksgiving as a president may have not been tremendously successful, given the scarce attendance at the church service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, as a scholar writing a biography about Washington, I believe it was an important step in his much larger political plan to bring the executive branch to the peoples doorstep. What Washington wanted was a virtuous kind of populism in the new country he led. Washingtons populism wasnt about inciting an angry mob; it was about sharing in their rituals, worshiping their God, speaking their own language. And he did so in the sole interest of the American people. Thanksgiving 1789, for Washington, was at once religious and more than religious. Washingtons proclamation invoked devotional language, literally. The upcoming festivity, in his words, could be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. But Washingtons main concern was political. The nation was recently formed, and he feared that it could easily collapse. Its many internal divisions and separate interests could be lethal. Consequently, the president wanted this holiday to be a civic celebration in which we may then all unite. Pardon our nationaltransgressions As its first president, Washington recognized that the United States was born out of slavery, conquest and violence as much as of sacred principle. Civic unification required acknowledgment of these flaws. Thus, in the proclamation, Washington asked God to pardon our national and other transgressions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tremendously self-aware man, Washington knew that he was a deeply flawed person himself. He was a slave owner, a relentless pursuer of African American fugitives and a destroyer of Native American villages. He was also a warrior who deployed brutality against enemies. He was a commander who resorted to corporal punishment with his own soldiers. Washington believed that he was not a saint to be mindlessly imitated. This made him humble in his duties. More importantly, Washington also grasped the power of his symbolic position as president. He sought to leverage that for the good of the nation. As president, Washington could not advertise his actions effectively via Twitter and social media. He had to show himself around constantly, no matter the weather. He had to painstakingly attend balls, plays, dinners, public receptions and of course the church. Every occasion, every Thanksgiving counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through his outings, Washington met with a diversity of people, including those who were second-class citizens or were not citizens at all. Women, for example, greeted Washington at nearly every stop of the extended presidential trips he took between 1789 and 1791. Textile workers in New England, Jewish leaders in Newport, many enslaved persons in the South and churchgoers everywhere did the same. These women and men, in bondage or free, believers or skeptics, played a part in the invention of a new political theater. Maybe, it was just a theatrical illusion. But these individuals just like the prisoners in the New York City jail thanked President Washington because they felt they were voices in a larger political culture. Washington made sure his Thanksgiving message not simply a message, but a proclamation sounded clear and strong: May God render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Felix Light TBILISI (Reuters) -Police clashed with protesters in the Georgian capital Tbilisi early on Friday, after the country's ruling party said the government would suspend talks on European Union accession and refuse budgetary grants until 2028. The country's interior ministry said three police officers were injured. Police ordered protesters to disperse, fired water cannon and deployed pepper spray and tear gas as masked young people tried to smash their way into the parliament. Some protesters tossed fireworks at police while shouting "Russians" and "Slaves!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia's relations with the EU have deteriorated sharply in recent months as Brussels has alleged that the government had resorted to authoritarian measures and adopted pro-Russian stands. Thousands of pro-EU protesters had blocked streets in the capital before the altercations began. The country's figurehead president accused the government of declaring "war" on its own people and confronted riot police, asking whether they served Georgia or Russia. The Georgian Dream governing bloc accused the EU of "a cascade of insults", saying in a statement it was using the prospect of accession talks to "blackmail" the country, and to "organise a revolution in the country". As a result, it said: "We have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. Also, we refuse any budgetary grant from the European Union until the end of 2028." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Caucasus country of 3.7 million has the aim of EU accession written into its constitution and has long been among the most pro-Western of the Soviet Union's successor states. With months of downturn in relations between Tbilisi and Brussels, the EU had already said that Georgia's application for membership was frozen. Georgian Dream says it is not pro-Russian, and that it is committed to democracy and integration with the West. It says it still wants to join the EU eventually, but has repeatedly engaged in diplomatic feuds with Brussels in recent years, whilst deepening ties with neighbouring Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate formal comment from the EU on Georgian Dream's statement. But an EU official said the impact of Thursday's move was huge, adding the government was doing what the EU had feared and had hoped it would not. Opinion polls show that around 80% of Georgians support EU membership, and the bloc's flag flies alongside the national flag outside virtually all government buildings in the country. The pro-Western opposition reacted to Georgian Dream's announcement with fury as protesters massed. Local media reported that protests that erupted in provincial cities. 'WAR' AGAINST PEOPLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giorgi Vashadze, a prominent opposition leader, wrote on Facebook: "the self-proclaimed, illegitimate government has already legally signed the betrayal of Georgia and the Georgian people." President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU critic of Georgian Dream whose powers are mostly ceremonial, said the ruling party had "declared not peace, but war against its own people, its past and future". Zourabichvili's term ends in December, and Georgian Dream has nominated a former lawmaker with hardline anti-Western views to replace her. The opposition says that an October election, in which official results gave the Georgian Dream bloc almost 54% of the vote, was fraudulent and have refused to take their seats. Western countries demand a probe into irregularities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Georgian Dream and the country's election commission say the election was free and fair. Earlier on Thursday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists that EU membership might harm Georgia's economy, as it would require Tbilisi to cancel visa-free agreements and trade deals with other countries. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in December 2023, but has said that a raft of laws passed since by Georgian Dream, including curbs on "foreign agents" and LGBT rights, are authoritarian, Russian-inspired, and obstacles to EU membership. Foreign and domestic critics of Georgian Dream say the party, which is seen as dominated by its billionaire founder, ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, is steering Georgia back towards Moscow, from which it gained independence in 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and Georgia have had no formal diplomatic relations since Moscow won a brief 2008 war, but have had a limited rapprochement recently. Opinion polls show most Georgians dislike Russia, which continues to back two breakaway Georgian regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking during a visit to Kazakhstan, praised the "courage and character" he said Georgian authorities had shown in passing the law on foreign agents, which domestic critics have likened to Russian legislation. (Reporting by Felix LightAdditional reporting by Lili Bayer in BrusselsEditing by Mark Trevelyan, Andrew Osborn, William Maclean, Frances Kerry and Ron Popeski) Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj on the occasion of Albania's national holiday, Trend reports. "Dear Mr President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Albania. It is gratifying to witness our interstate relations, built on strong traditions, and our partnership, based on mutual trust and support, strengthening and being enriched with new content. I would also like to particularly emphasize our effective cooperation within international organizations. Our active political dialogue provides an excellent foundation for further expanding our joint collaboration across all areas. The recent high-level reciprocal visits have given a new impetus to the growth of our interstate relations and cooperation. I am confident that we will continue to consistently advance our joint efforts to develop and strengthen Azerbaijan-Albania friendly relations and deepen our partnership both bilaterally and multilaterally. On this remarkable occasion, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Albania everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads. Georgia on Thursday said it will suspend accession talks with the European Union until the end of 2028. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from the nationalist Georgian Dream ruling party said Brussels' demands for negotiations were a form of blackmail and said integration was a two-way process. "In addition, we will not accept any budget support from the European Union until the end of 2028," he said in Tbilisi, according to media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobakhidze further criticized a European Parliament resolution that questioned the results of parliamentary elections in late October that saw Georgian Dream declared the victor. The government's move immediately brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of the capital Tbilisi. In the evening, they blocked the main street Rustaveli Prospekt near the parliament. The country's pro-European President Salome Zourabichvili accused the government of a "constitutional coup." "Today is the end of a path that began in Europe and leads to Russia," she said, warning that Georgia will lose its independence to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia, along with Ukraine and Moldova, was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, but its relationship with the bloc has deteriorated significantly in recent months. While the opposition aims to maintain ties to Europe, the Georgian government passed a law restricting civil society groups that was similar to methods used in Russia. As a result, Brussels has put accession talks on hold. The opposition remains committed to a pro-European stance, accusing the government of securing its election victory through manipulation. Georgia is suspending talks on its bid to join the European Union for four years, its prime minister said Thursday, in view of what he described as blackmail and manipulation from some of the blocs politicians. His announcement outraged the opposition and triggered a new wave of protests. The move by Irakli Kobakhidze came hours after he was reappointed to the job by members of the governing Georgian Dream party after its disputed victory in last months parliamentary election that has sparked massive demonstrations and led to an opposition boycott of parliament. The October 26 election was widely seen as a referendum on the countrys aspirations to join the European Union. The opposition said the vote was rigged under the influence of Russia seeking to keep Georgia in its orbit, and declared a boycott of parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European election observers said the balloting took place in a divisive atmosphere marked by instances of bribery, double voting and physical violence. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that it meets the blocs recommendations but put its accession on hold and cut financial support earlier this year after the passage of a foreign influence law widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms. Kobakhidze said Thursday that while the country will pursue its bid to join the EU, it will not put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. Additionally, we are rejecting any budgetary grants from the European Union until the end of 2028, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of protesters poured into the streets following Kobakhidzes announcement, rallying outside the parliament building in Tbilisi and staging demonstrations in other cities. Protesters gather outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on Thursday. - Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters Earlier in the day, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that condemned last months Georgian parliamentary vote as neither free nor fair, representing yet another manifestation of the continued democratic backsliding for which the ruling Georgian Dream party is fully responsible. EU lawmakers urged a rerun of the parliamentary vote within a year under thorough international supervision and by an independent election administration. They also called on the EU to impose sanctions and limit formal contacts with the Georgian government. The Georgian prime minister fired back, denouncing what he described as a cascade of insults from the EU politicians and declaring that the ill-wishers of our country have turned the European Parliament into a blunt weapon of blackmail against Georgia, which is a great disgrace for the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue on our path toward the European Union; however, we will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of blackmail and manipulation, which is utterly disrespectful to our country and society, Kobakhidze said. We must clearly show certain European politicians and bureaucrats, who are completely devoid of European values, that they must speak to Georgia with dignity, not through blackmail and insults. Critics have accused Georgian Dream established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ rights. Speaking in parliament earlier on Thursday, Kobakhidze described last months parliamentary vote as also a referendum between immoral propaganda and traditional values, and our society chose traditional values. The EU suspended Georgias membership application process indefinitely in June, after parliament passed a law requiring organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as pursuing the interest of a foreign power, similar to a Russian law used to discredit organizations critical of the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Salome Zourabichvili, whose six-year term expires next month, has rejected the official results and refused to recognize the parliaments legitimacy. Zourabichvili, whose post is mostly ceremonial, met with EU ambassadors and opposition leaders after Kobakhidzes announcement. In an address to the nation, Zourabichvili denounced what she described as a coup aimed at taking the country away from Europe and toward Russia. The president accused the governing party of waging a war on our future, the future of our society, and the future of our country. Because on this path, there is no Georgian statehood, no independence, and no future except in Russia, she said. Zourabichvili was elected by popular vote, but Georgia has approved constitutional changes that abolished the direct election of the president and replaced it with a vote by a 300-seat electoral college consisting of members of parliament, municipal councils and regional legislatures. On Wednesday, the ruling party nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former national team and Premier League player, for the presidential post. He is all but certain to win the Dec. 14 vote by the electoral college controlled by the ruling party. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili joined protesters in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi after protests erupted following the governments decision to "suspend" EU accession talks. Source: European Pravda, citing Echo Kavkaza (Echo of the Caucasus) Details: Zourabichvili, who had previously expressed support for anti-government protests without participating directly, was welcomed by demonstrators with applause and chants of "Salome, Salome". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Today I have addressed the public about who should join us. I stand with the people. Resistance begins now and will not end until new elections are held. I am here with the people and I will be where I can, always." Zourabichvili then went on to Freedom Square, where riot police have been deployed, to speak with security forces. Background: Protests in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities erupted following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidzes announcement that the country would suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028. Georgias commitment to European integration is enshrined in the constitution, with EU membership supported by approximately 80% of the population, according to various polls. Kobakhidzes announcement came after the Georgian government adopted controversial laws which have been criticised by the EU and US as undermining democracy, leading them to reassess their relations with Tbilisi. Support UP or become our patron! The German Foreign Office summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin on Thursday, after the Russian authorities announced their decision to expel two employees of German public broadcaster ARD. "The expulsion of ARD employees by Russia is unacceptable, and the justification is simply false and dishonest. We condemn this in the strongest terms," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said of the decision to summon the ambassador. On Wednesday the regional broadcaster WDR, which is responsible for covering Russia for the ARD network, confirmed that two ARD employees - a correspondent and a technician - must return their accreditation and leave Russia by December 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian Foreign Ministry said the move was in response to the expulsion of correspondents from Russian state television by German authorities - a claim that Berlin denies. Baerbock accused Moscow of a "propaganda battle with false claims." "It is simply not true that we have any restrictions on press freedom in Germany or Europe," she said. The German Foreign Office summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin on Thursday, after the Russian authorities announced the expulsion of two employees of German public broadcaster ARD. "The expulsion of ARD employees by Russia is unacceptable, and the justification is simply false and dishonest. We condemn this in the strongest terms," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said of the summoning. On Wednesday the regional broadcaster WDR, which is responsible for covering Russia for the ARD network, confirmed that two ARD employees - a correspondent and a technician - must return their accreditation and leave Russia by December 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the move was in response to the expulsion of correspondents from Russian state television by German authorities - a claim that Berlin denies. Baerbock accused Moscow of a "propaganda battle with false claims." "It is simply not true that we have any restrictions on press freedom in Germany or Europe," she said. The Russian state TV station 1. Kanal had previously said it had been ordered to close its office in Berlin - a claim that the German authorities have denied. Denied residency permits The immigration office for the state of Berlin told dpa on request that the agency had refused to issue residence permits to five people from several Russian media outlets, including four journalists and one spouse. In some cases, the legal proceedings are still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reason given in one case was that the Russian media outlet was spreading misinformation and propaganda to discredit the West and the European Union. The immigration office also referred to the EU and a sanctions package that affects Russian media outlets. Baerbock noted that Germany was governed by the rule of law, meaning the decision could be appealed. In Moscow, Zakharova said the journalists for the Russian channel had been harassed in Germany for over a year, noting that Moscow had warned the German Foreign Ministry six months ago that there would be consequences. The Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechayev, would now remind Baerbock's office of this, Zakharova added. Tougher conditions in Moscow Russia has made the work of foreign journalists much more difficult since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign correspondents from countries designated by Russia as "unfriendly" are now only issued the required press accreditations for three months, instead of one year. The dangers of reporting have also increased. A correspondent for the Wall Street Journal newspaper, Evan Gershkovich, was arrested by the FSB during a reporting trip in March 2023 on allegations of espionage. He was held in jail for more than a year, convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison before being freed in a major prison exchange deal on August 1. Shortly before the war, the Russian authorities had closed German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle's bureau in Moscow. The Russian government justified the closure as a response to an earlier decision by German authorities to deny a broadcasting licence to Russian state broadcaster RT's German-language channel. The president of Germany's parliament, Barbel Bas, has criticized the harsh exchanges between lawmakers during plenary debates, warning that this could lead to increased voter frustration. "It certainly puts them [citizens] off, and I find that dramatic," Bas told the German tv programme "Markus Lanz" on Wednesday. She cited numerous letters from citizens expressing dismay at the disrespectful tone of parliamentary exchanges, with some saying, "This is not a parliament. It's worse than a kindergarten, worse than a schoolyard," Bas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Bas, this divisive dynamic is no longer limited to one party but involves escalating rhetoric from all factions. "It's like a spiral that somehow escalates: some discriminate, others don't put up with it," she said. The centre-left SPD politician, who has served in the Bundestag, as the country's lower house of parliament is known, since 2009, said that chairing sessions has become increasingly difficult due to the toxic nature of exchanges. With the upcoming federal election approaching, Bas is concerned that debates will become even more heated. She called on her fellow politicians to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While she believes strong debates are necessary, she emphasized that personal attacks and defamation should not be tolerated. Bas emphasized that 80% to 90% of citizens support democracy, but many feel disconnected from the institutions that embody it. She stressed the importance of keeping the public engaged in parliamentary debates, urging for constructive exchanges where party differences are clearly presented. Germany is preparing to again deploy Patriot air-defence systems in Poland in order to protect supply routes to Ukraine, the Defence Ministry said in Berlin on Thursday. The mission by the German armed forces, or Bundeswehr, is set to commence in January and is expected to last six months. "We will thereby protect a logistical hub in Poland that is of central importance for the delivery of material to Ukraine," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment will help to secure the supply of vehicles, weapons and ammunition that Ukraine urgently needs to fend off the Russian invasion, Pistorius said. His Polish counterpart Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on X that Poland welcomes the decision. The plan involves temporarily stationing soldiers and weapon systems in the Rzeszow area in south-eastern Poland, with preparatory reconnaissance set to begin in the coming days. German Patriot deployment squadrons were previously operational in Poland from January to November 2023. Around 320 Bundeswehr personnel operated three Patriot systems at two locations near Zamosc, 33 kilometres west of the Ukrainian border, to protect the country's airspace after a missile strike in a Polish village near the border killed two people in late 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poland, an EU and NATO member, is a significant political and military ally of neighbouring Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. The country serves as a crucial logistics hub for Western military aid to Kiev. Central to this transport of military goods is the airport near Rzeszow, currently protected by US Patriot units and housing US soldiers. Additionally, the goods railway line number 65, constructed in Soviet gauge during Poland's communist era, runs through Zamosc to Poland's border with Ukraine, which uses the same gauge - facilitating the eastward transport of heavy weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The planned renewed stationing of German Patriot systems is not a response to an immediate change in the security situation. Military facilities in the region have been protected for some time against potential attacks. The Bundeswehr's Patriot systems are among the most advanced globally, capable of combating enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Their defence missiles can strike targets at distances of about 100 kilometres and altitudes up to 30 kilometres, depending on the guided missile employed. The head of Germany's foreign intelligence service BND on Wednesday warned of increasing hybrid attacks by Russia on Germany and the NATO defence alliance, with the underlying goal of testing the alliance in the hopes that it would fail. Speaking at an event held by the German Society for Foreign Policy in Berlin, Bruno Kahl said BND experts believe high-ranking officials in the Russian Ministry of Defence apparently harbour doubts about whether NATO's mutual defence commitments and the US's extended deterrence in Europe would hold in a serious situation, he explained. "Currently, there is no evidence of concrete war intentions by Russia. But if such views gain ground in the government headquarters in Moscow, the risk of a military confrontation also grows in the coming years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kahl does not believe Russia would engage in such a confrontation to gain territory, but rather to quash NATO. "Certainly not expansive territorial acquisition would be the focus," he said, but [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's aim is for NATO to fail as a defence alliance. Nuclear rumblings Before a military confrontation with NATO, the Kremlin would likely first threaten Europe - "the occasionally audible nuclear rumblings are part of this too," said Kahl. Russia reportedly wants to test the willingness to assist before an offensive confrontation and to deter individual allies from common political lines and defence. Moscow would thereby try to divide NATO even before a possible war begins, warned the BND chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Kremlin probably assumes that the West, in a world characterized by multiple conflicts, has difficulty finding the right joint responses," he added. Moscow's readiness for further such escalation has reached an unprecedented high level, Kahl noted. This increases the risk that the NATO alliance might have to come to the collective defence of a member, adding that a further worsening of the situation was likely. With the build-up of Russian military potential, "a direct military confrontation with NATO becomes a possible course of action for the Kremlin," Kahl said. He believes Russia's armed forces are likely to be both personnel-wise and materially capable of conducting an attack against NATO by the end of the decade. BERLIN (AP) Germany's highest court on Thursday rejected complaints by renewable energy producers against a government decision in 2022 to use their excess profits to help finance a cap on electricity prices. A submission to the Federal Constitutional Court by 22 generators of wind, solar and biomass energy argued that dealing with the energy crisis that followed Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the responsibility of the state and should therefore have been financed from taxes. They also said their facilities hadn't contributed to high electricity prices. But the court found that the measure was, in the exceptional situation that the energy crisis created, constitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excess profits that many electricity generators ran up as a result of high energy costs were used between December 2022 and June 2023 to help finance an electricity price brake, capping the cost of part of the power households and businesses used. The measure was part of a relief package drawn up in response to sky-high gas prices that, because of the way the electricity market is structured, pushed up overall energy costs. That led to unusually high profits for some operators of facilities with low fossil fuel costs, including those powered by renewable sources. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Standing in the park of the Temple of Heaven in central Beijing, Evan Kail from the United States opened a copy of a photo album, trying to figure out just how much things have changed over the past nearly 90 years. The original album dating back to World War II (WWII) features photos of China at that time, including ones that document the atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in China back then. It was donated to China by Kail, a pawnshop manager, in 2022. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. "I am here where all these photos were taken and to be physically on the ground of the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and many other sites in China in the following month," an excited Kail said at the beginning of the tour. In the past few days, he found that China is quite different from what the media have portrayed back in the United States. "I recommend people from the West come and check it out," he said. ALBUM THAT MADE HIM KNOWN IN CHINA Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. "The album recorded the real situation of the Japanese invasion of China, providing more historical details. In this sense, Kail deserves the respect of the Chinese people," said netizen Lu Xixin. "Thanks to Kail for what he did, which will be remembered by the Chinese people," said another netizen nicknamed Haishangyilanghua. "Welcome to feel the warmth of the Chinese people." Kail, 35, likes sharing his experiences on TikTok. Two years ago, he received the photo album from one of his followers on social media. "They had vaguely mentioned a photo album of World War II from Asia, but they didn't provide many details and only noted that the contents were disturbing." Kail's first impression upon viewing the photos was "gut-wrenching," and he made a video featuring the photo album on TikTok two days after receiving it, which attracted much public attention, particularly among Chinese people of all ages. "One of my rules when handling artifacts related to WWII is that if an item has any direct connection to a war crime or holds potential historical significance, it doesn't belong to private hands. Instead, it belongs to a museum or a place where it can be studied and preserved for the public," Kail said. "I also wondered if the photos, if previously unknown, could have historical value beyond my means to assess." He believed that the album was a part of Chinese history and could be of immense value to Chinese scholars. Therefore, he reached out to the Consulate General of China in Chicago and made the donation. The Japanese troops committed countless heinous atrocities in China during their invasion, of which the most notorious was the Nanjing Massacre that took place when they captured the then Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. In the space of six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of WWII. Chinese people have praised Kail for shedding more light on that part of history. Some people even visited Kail's store to express their gratitude. Kail was overwhelmed by the response. "I was fortunate enough to attend good schools, and WWII was discussed in class for countless times. But to see all these Chinese people expressing such emotion was a shock," he explained. GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL CHINA In fact, Kail's interest in WWII goes back even further than the start of his formal schooling. His grandfather served as a captain in the U.S. military in the Pacific. "The history of WWII was extremely significant to both my grandparents and to my upbringing," he noted. WWII shaped his grandparents' lives in profound ways, but like many in the West, his knowledge of China and its people, history and culture had remained limited. "Over the past two years, I have dedicated time to learning as much as I can about China," he said. "I've been reading books about Chinese history and culture and studying Mandarin." "I believe that many people in the West still know very little about China, often only bits and pieces from the news. We should take time to know more about this populous country and its rich history," Kail said. "I have made a lot of progress, and I am looking forward to making even more on this trip." Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. "I am expecting this trip to be one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. After studying China for years, I am excited to finally see it with my own eyes," Kail said. "Most importantly, this trip marks the beginning of my lifelong journey as a representative of peace, friendship and unity between two great nations." During his time in Beijing, the American already managed to glimpse the real China, which he said is different from what he learned back in the U.S. "To be honest, there seems to be some bias in the Western media," Kail stated. He gave an example to back up his statement. "Beijing is a very clean city," he said, adding that it is often portrayed in the Western media as "dirty" and "polluted." This year, Kail has created the "Evan Kail Cultural Studio" -- with a mission to foster peace through cultural exchanges between China and the United States. "I believe that the key to peace is communication, and the key to communication is understanding. The best way for the two peoples to understand each other is through the medium of culture. I am excited to build upon this vision," Kail said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Kazakhstan and Russia have long enjoyed a strategic partnership, characterized by deep mutual dependence and extensive cooperation across various sectors. With the longest land border in the world linking the two countries, their historical, economic, cultural, and political ties form the foundation of their close relationship. Currently, Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to Kazakhstan - his second this year - a testament to the ongoing strength and importance of the bilateral relationship. Growing economic cooperation The trade and economic interaction between Kazakhstan and Russia is gaining significant momentum. During the latest talks between the two leaders, they set an ambitious goal to reach a mutual trade turnover of $30 billion. This target is well within reach, as current trade volumes already exceed $28 billion, representing 20% of Kazakhstans total foreign trade. Russian investments in Kazakhstan have been robust, with accumulated investments from Russian companies in the Kazakh economy reaching $13 billion. At present, there are 23,000 Russian companies operating in Kazakhstan, with 4,000 of these having been established just in the last year. In 2023 alone, Russian companies invested more than $3 billion in Kazakhstan, a sum matched by Kazakhstans investments in Russia. Joint efforts between the two countries span various sectors, including energy, industry, transport, logistics, and agriculture. To date, over 90 projects with a combined value of more than $18 billion have been implemented, with 49 more projects underway. As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted in a bilateral meeting, these ventures have created more than 22,000 new jobs and hold the potential to generate an additional 20,000 jobs in the near future. Energy sector cooperation The energy sector remains one of the most dynamic areas of Kazakhstan-Russia cooperation, marked by significant achievements. Through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which relies on Russian territory and infrastructure, more than 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports reach global markets. The two countries are also jointly exploring and developing hydrocarbon fields, processing energy resources, and expanding their pipeline systems. One of the most notable projects is the development of the "Kalamkas-sea - Khazar" offshore field, in collaboration with Russias Lukoil, with investments totaling more than $6 billion. In the petrochemical sector, Russian companies have partnered with Kazakhstan to build one of the largest polypropylene production facilities in Central Asia, which began operations in 2022. Another major project involves the construction of a polyethylene plant, set to produce 1.2 million tons annually, and a butadiene facility with a production capacity of 340,000 tons per year, in collaboration with Tatneft. Furthermore, in the gas sector, Kazakhstan and Russia are making significant strides. For the first time, Russian gas transit to Uzbekistan is taking place via Kazakhstan. A transit agreement has also been signed with Gazprom to transport Russian gas to Kyrgyzstan, while long-term gas supply agreements for Kazakhstan are under active consideration. Strengthening energy security and green initiatives In addition to traditional energy projects, Kazakhstan and Russia are prioritizing the development of a green, sustainable economy. Kazakhstan is actively investing in renewable energy sources, and Russian partners have already helped launch projects with a total capacity of 370 MW. Future plans include the generation of an additional gigawatt of clean energy, a significant step towards reducing the regions carbon footprint. Russian state corporation Rosatom is also playing a key role in Kazakhstans nuclear energy sector. It is providing technical expertise and support for the development of Kazakhstans uranium industry and nuclear fuel cycle. As President Putin emphasized, Rosatom is well-positioned to take on large-scale projects in Kazakhstan, including the construction of a nuclear power plant - an initiative that was recently approved by a referendum in Kazakhstan. Transport and logistics integration The two countries have also focused on enhancing their transport and logistics infrastructure, with ambitious plans for the future. Kazakhstan aims to overhaul its rail network by repairing 11,000 kilometers of tracks and building more than 5,000 kilometers of new railroads by 2030. One of the key initiatives is the development of a modern multimodal transport network that will connect Kazakhstan, Russia, and China. A notable success in this area is the joint construction of a new transport and logistics center in Seljatino, Russia, which is integrated into the broader China-Kazakhstan-Russia transit corridor. These logistics hubs are pivotal to facilitating the smooth flow of goods across Eurasia, enhancing trade and economic integration in the region. Partnership poised for the future Kazakhstan and Russias cooperation has reached unprecedented levels, touching virtually every aspect of their bilateral relationship. The political dialogue continues to evolve, trade and economic cooperation is expanding, and cultural ties are flourishing. The two countries have recently signed a series of intergovernmental agreements, including a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Program for 2021-2025 and an Action Plan for 2024-2026. The ongoing development of Kazakhstan-Russia relations will undoubtedly provide significant momentum for both countries' economies and strengthen their role in shaping the future of Central Asia and beyond. The recent agreements, alongside the ambitious projects outlined during President Putins visit, signal that this alliance will continue to grow and evolve, with both nations committed to further deepening their strategic partnership for years to come. (Bloomberg) -- Ghanas creditors have agreed to an early repayment of all outstanding energy bonds, following a meeting this week. Most Read from Bloomberg The bondholders present at a Nov. 26 special meeting unanimously proposed and resolved to authorize the modification of the final maturity or redemption date and interest payment dates of all the companys outstanding bonds to Monday 2 Dec. 2024, Esla Plc said in an emailed statement sent by the Ghana Stock Exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esla is a special-purpose vehicle created by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2017 to sell bonds and use the proceeds to pay arrears in the energy sector. A spokeswoman for the finance ministry declined to comment by phone. With fresh elections due Dec. 7 and Akufo-Addo stepping down after his second and last four-year term, investors will now get paid before his mandate expires on Jan. 7. The company has 6.4 billion cedis ($414 million) in outstanding bonds, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The original coupons on the debt of between 19.5% and 20.5% were reduced to between 8.35% and 15% as part of the domestic debt exchange program last year. The maturities were also altered to between 2027 to 2038 from 2027 to 2034, prior to debt restructuring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ghana embarked on a debt revamp in December 2022 to qualify for an International Monetary Fund bailout after loans ballooned and it could no longer service its obligations. Including eurobonds and bilateral credit, the country has reworked more than 60% of its $49 billion public debt in the exercise, which concluded in October. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Nov. 27The South Carolina developer who dazzled many in Maggie Valley with his plans to redevelop Ghost Town, the 1960-era western theme park, has passed away in his home town of Myrtle Beach. Frankie L. Wood, was involved in a construction accident, said his Waynesville attorney Russell McLean III, when a jack kicked out from the excavator he was working on and hit him in the face. He went through two brain surgeries and ended up dying at the home of his daughter after his hospital stay. "It was a bad situation," McLean said. "We haven't gotten the autopsy yet, but that's all I know about the accident." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLlean most recently represented Wood in a N.C. Business Court action where Wood's partner in the Ghost Town development, Jill McClure, petitioned the court to dissolve the corporation. McClure became part of the business upon the death of her aunt, Alaska Presley, in 2022. Presley left a 50% stake in Ghost Town to her niece, Jill McClure, and 50% remained with an LLC that was managed by Wood. McClure sought to dissolve the corporation, claiming she had been shut out of all management decisions and that Wood had failed to contribute anything into the corporation as was required by the operating agreement. With Wood's death, the corporation's future, as well as any plans in the works for Ghost Town are up in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLean said Wood has four children and he's been trying to reach out to them to at least find out the date of the funeral so he can pay his respects. As for Wood's estate, that will be handled through the South Carolina probate courts. "We'll be trying to determine who his will had as owner of the LLC partner in Ghost Town to have an idea of who takes over that part," McLean said. "It's up in the air until we can get a handle on it. We'll have to get together with Jill (McClure.) In fact, I think he and Jill buried the hatchet and were working together on it." Joint effort McClure agreed that she and Wood had been pursuing an effort to get water and sewer services up Buck Mountain where Ghost Town was formerly located. During her tenure as sole owner of the 200+ acres there were part of Ghost Town, Presley admitted getting working water and sewer services had all but drained her resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even through McClure lost the lawsuit in business court, the judge said she did have grounds to pursue a derivative suit to establish her ownership of the land, something she decided to not do. In the end, though, her ownership of the land was a reality Wood acknowledged a month ago, she said, when the duo drove up to the property via Rich Cove Road. "He said he realized the land deeded into the LLC is mine," she said. "He never put any money into the LLC and in his deposition, he said he had no investors or prospective buyers. He asked me if I had prospective buyers, and I said people had expressed interest, but had no buyers." Both McClure and Wood agreed they didn't want to spend any more money on lawyers and McClure said Wood agreed to let her rent the houses on the property to help defray the cost of taxes. African giant pouched rats, which have previously been trained to sniff out buried mines and detect tuberculosis, are now being used to stop smuggling in Tanzania, The Guardian reported. Endangered wildlife trafficking is a huge problem in the region, with rhinos, elephants, and pangolins being hunted for their body parts. Around $20 billion in illegal animal parts is sold every year, according to stats from Interpol, The Guardian revealed. To combat this, researchers at APOPO, a Belgian nongovernmental organization based in Tanzania, created a study to see whether African pouched rats can play a role in detection. They trained eight pouched rats to sniff out some of the illicit materials being smuggled, including rhino horns, elephant tusks, pangolin scales, and hardwood. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Their initial results were promising, The Guardian reported. The rats were able to find the illegal items even when they were hidden in other smelly substances that smugglers had previously used to transport these materials undetected. Rats sorted through peanuts, leaves, washing powder, and wigs to find the contraband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To let the rats do their jobs, the researchers dressed them in red vests, with small beepers they could activate with their paws to alert their handlers. Correctly identifying a sample of contraband earned the rat a treat all the motivation the clever rodents needed. Not only were the rats successful, they even remembered scents after eight months without exposure, suggesting that they could remember smells as long as sniffer dogs, according to the study. In a real-world simulation in 2023, the rats found 85% of planted samples in the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial capital, The Guardian said. Trained rats could become a valuable asset in the fight against wildlife smuggling, which claims the lives of countless endangered animals every year. The better officials become at shutting these operations down, the more of these animals will live on to reproduce and ensure the survival of species that would otherwise be in danger of extinction. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Clay Wirestone speaks on Oct. 13, 2024, at a Kansas Reflector town hall held at Red Fern Booksellers in Salina. (Jessica Tufts for Kansas Reflector) OK, November might have been a terrible month for an assortment of (cough, the election, cough) reasons. No matter my emotional state, Thanksgiving has arrived and now sits expectantly. Let me draw a deep breath and cogitate. I am, as it happens, plenty thankful this year. And Ill tell you why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas Reflector readers turn out for Aug. 26, 2024, town hall in Council Grove. (Jessica Tufts for Kansas Reflector) Kansas Reflector readers. It never fails. I write an especially personal or forceful column, and my email inbox fills with messages from folks inside and outside Kansas. Thanks to all of you for reading and taking the time to write. You make this job which essentially consists of sitting in a chair and staring at a giant illuminated box more fulfilling than I could ever imagine. Please stay in touch. Harris-Walz campaign themed friendship bracelets, inspired by Taylor Swift, spill across a table at the Aug. 22 Kansas Women for Kamala Harris rally in Leawood. (Grace Hills/ Kansas Reflector) Engaged Kansans. In the runup to that danged election, I wrote about the Kansas Women for Kamala Harris group on Facebook. Now called Be The Bear, the private group has more than 33,000 members dedicated to making a better state. Back in October, group founder Rebecca Yoder-Shetler told me she didnt want the group to end with the election, no matter the outcome. It hasnt, and that lifts my heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Painter Mike Hartung talks about his work at the Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center on Oct. 12, 2024, in Lindsborg. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The outspoken among us. Artist Mike Hartung also appeared in one of my columns last month. His politically oriented canvases might challenge viewers, but he sounds constitutionally incapable of backing down. As we head into the uncertain terrain of a second Trump term, we need more folks like Hartung willing to speak loudly, forcefully and unashamedly. Haley Kottler, campaign director for food access at Kansas Appleseed, answers questions during a Nov. 11, 2024, recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast in Topeka. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofit advocates. Be they Kansas Appleseeds Haley Kottler, my former co-workers at Kansas Action for Children, or a host of others, including Loud Light and the Kansas ACLU, nonprofit groups and their employees work every day to make this state better. Like the outspoken folks mentioned above, they will have their work cut out for them in the years ahead. Marion County Record editor and publisher Eric Meyer answers reporters questions outside Oct. 7, 2024, outside the newspaper office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) My fellow journalists. You know the folks at Kansas Reflector, of course. Editor Sherman Smith, senior reporter Tim Carpenter, and reporters Anna Kaminski and Allison Kite clock in every day to give you news about the state we all love. But a host of journalists, at other newspapers, websites, and radio and TV stations, cover this state. At least a couple of other people hi, Joel and Dion concentrate on Kansas opinion writing as well. All of them should be commended for forging through a forbidding news landscape. Kansas Reflector readers gather at an Oct. 13, 2024, town hall at Red Fern Booksellers in Salina. (Jessica Tufts for Kansas Reflector) Local bookstores. Here in Lawrence, I frequent the Raven and the Dusty Bookshelf. In our travels across the state, weve visited Flint Hills Books and Red Fern Booksellers. Dozens of others dot the Kansas landscape, and they all disseminate text that lives separately from digital devices and can enrich generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Books rest on the shelves of the state library in the Kansas Statehouse on Nov. 14, 2023 (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Libraries, libraries, libraries. Take everything I said about bookstores and double it, adding the enticing fact that you can check out the books for free. I love libraries so much that I even married a librarian. On this holiday of abundance, writes Clay Wirestone, lets give thanks for those who have helped us grow and shine, no matter the obstacles. (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends, family and mentors. Most of all today, Im glad for all those people who have loved and supported and encouraged me over the past mumblety-mumble years. My husband and son, my family here in Lawrence and across the county, all those Ive known and worked with, all of you have made this opinion writers life possible. You know who you are. For that, on this one occasion at least, words fail. With gratitude and a humble heart, happy Thanksgiving. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. US government scientists are building a warning system to detect super villain-style plots to manipulate the weather. Washington fears hostile foreign states or mega-rich entrepreneurs could be hatching plans to conduct solar geoengineering, with the dastardly practice covering a number of evil genius type plots including dimming the suns brightness and deliberately causing devastating floods. The fascinating method is reminiscent of Despicable Mes lovable villain-turned-hero Grus plan to shrink and steal the moon, with the help of his gibberish-fluent Minions, or The Simpsons Mr Burns constructing a giant metal disk to block out the sun over Springfield, forcing its residents to consume more electricity from his power plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early warning system, which is built out of Boulder, Colorado, features multiple balloon launches. At a guarded compound at the foot of the Rockies, balloons are released which then float 17 miles into the sky. Similar launches are made in Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Reunion and Antarctica. Balloons launched to measure atmosphere Each of the balloons are fitted with a device which measures aerosols in the atmosphere. The presence of these tiny particles could indicate that someone is attempting to artificially deflect the suns heat back into space. Its some of the most important stratospheric science going on in the world today, David Fahey, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Chemical Sciences Laboratory, told the New York Times. Research scientists release a balloon from the NCAR Marshall Field site south of Boulder - The New York Times Multiple branches of the US government are responsible for the work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NOAA builds the monitoring device, Nasa provides the balloon to transport it into the stratosphere and the Energy Department oversees scientists estimating where the aerosols came from. Kelly Wanser, founder of SilverLining, which supports geoengineering research, said: If a country a major ally, or a major opponent is building up capabilities, can our scientists tell us what theyre trying to do, and what the impact of that would be? How dangerous is that? How fast and hard do we need to respond? Brighter clouds experiment But not all geoengineering products are the brainchild of an evil scientist or rogue government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, researchers started spraying sea salt particles into the sky above San Francisco Bay, hoping it would generate brighter clouds. Their experiment was testing whether these brighter clouds would lower temperatures by reflecting the suns heat back into space. Alameda City Council ultimately voted to stop the project. It came after Harvard University researchers also scrapped a project to release sulphur particles into the atmosphere above Sweden. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The federal government is suing four Evansville residents for alleged Clean Water Act violations. Jason, Tara, James and Anita Schmitt are accused of discharging pollutants in water without authorization from the Army Corps of Engineers. Salvation Army of Evansville hosts Thanksgiving meal The Environment and Natural Resources division of the Department of Justice alleges the Schmitts allowed equipment to discharge dredged and fill material from their four properties in Vanderburgh, Warrick and Gibson counties into U.S. waterways. The government is asking the court to prohibit the actions and force mitigation on the environmental impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Schmitts face civil penalties of up to $66,000 dollars per day of violations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). BOSTON (WWLP) The Governors Council certified Massachusetts electors Wednesdayand as expected, they confirmed that the states 11 Democratic electors will be casting their votes in the electoral college. These results were determined based on how many people voted for the Democratic Harris-Walz ticket, and the electors will officially cast their electoral college votes at the State House on December 17. This week, the Secretary of the Commonwealth announced that just over 3.5 million Massachusetts voters participated in this years presidential election, failing to top the 3.6 million voters who participated in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of these voters, preliminary numbers show that about 61% of the popular vote went to the Harris-Walz ticket, and about 36% of the vote went to the winning Trump-Vance ticket. The attitude in the governors chambers was somber, as Healey geared up for another four years under a presidential administration that she sued over 100 times as Massachusetts attorney general. Im proud to be able to not only live here but work together with all of you. And theres important work that weve done and important work to do in the time ahead, said Healey. In addition to casting votes for the president and vice president, the newly certified electors will vote on the federal offices of U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative to send the candidates chosen by Massachusetts voters to Capitol Hill. Massachusetts election overseer told 22News that official certification for ballot questions and state-level election results will come at a later date. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A University of Iowa researcher has worked on multiple studies showing the positive health impacts of gratitude. (Photo via Getty Images) People who express gratitude for the people and things in their life at the Thanksgiving table are helping their health and self-confidence, according to a University of Iowa professor who has made the physical benefits of gratitude a subject of her research. Harleah Buck, University of Iowa professor and director of the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center of Gerontological Excellence, has spent her career researching non-pharmacological interventions, or, as she described it, treatments or methods that people can employ to better their health that dont involve medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im really interested in helping people find ways to improve their quality of life that doesnt include another pill, Buck said. But more importantly, there are ways that you do it for yourself, so it makes you feel more in control over whats going on. Many people, especially older adults, deal with the issue of polypharmacy, Buck said, where they take multiple medications for various reasons. Sometimes these drugs interact with each other, leading to unforeseen consequences, so Buck works to find ways of helping people that could lower the need for further medication. It was this avenue of thinking that led her to the concept of gratitude. She was looking into literature on the subject while at the University of South Florida, where she worked from 2016-2020 before coming to the UI, when then-doctoral student Lakeshia Cousin expressed an interest in researching the link between gratitude and heart health. Buck said she agreed to advise Cousin, and over the course of the next few years, the two worked together to publish two studies about gratitude and how it impacts heart health and peoples determination to take care of themselves, and a third showing the longevity of these effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cousin is now an assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Nursing and assistant director of community outreach and engagement in the UF Health Cancer Center. Over those three studies, what we really established is that gratitude is good for your heart. Harleah Buck, University of Iowa professor and director of the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center of Gerontological Excellence Their first paper, published in 2018, brought together 13 different previous studies that included almost 4,000 participants to establish the state of the science, Buck said. It showed that gratitude does create physiological responses, including better response by blood vessels to stress and positive impacts on inflammatory markers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I expected the responses to be much more related to mood states, that youre not as anxious, youre not as depressed , Buck said. The fact that it actually changes your body physically was new information to me. How does one measure gratitude? Buck said researchers use a gratitude instrument called the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item Form, or GQ-6. The questionnaire includes just six statements relating to gratitude, which participants rank their agreement with on a scale from one to seven. The questionnaire has been widely used and compared to other methods of measuring gratitude, Buck said, proving its effectiveness. The second study looked directly at the relationship between gratitude and practices like medication adherence, which some cardiac patients, who take many medications, have trouble with. Buck said they wanted to use secondary data to see whether practicing gratitude would positively impact someones belief in their actions making a difference in their health, which this study proved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the third report, Buck said they collected primary data to examine those same relationships between gratitude, health and good health practices, which they confirmed remained. Over those three studies, what we really established is that gratitude is good for your heart, Buck said. In order to garner the benefits gratefulness can bring, Buck said people need to express their gratitude for good things in their life, big and small. Gratitude tips and strategies are easy to find online, she said, and many are fairly simple. Incorporating gratitude into your day doesnt need to be a huge undertaking, Buck said, but can be slipped into habits that have already been formed. Using journaling as an example, she said something as small as adding a sentence about what youre grateful for in each entry is a good way to keep those thoughts in your mind and provide proof of positive things that can be looked back on later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tend to remember the hard things, but sometimes we lose track of the small good things that just keep us going from day to day, Buck said. There are also ways to spread gratitude, and hopefully the health benefits it can cause, to the people around you, Buck said. If you say youre grateful for something to a friend, theyre more likely to agree and might even express their own gratitude for something else. While it can be helpful to vent to a group of friends and get negative emotions out in a healthy way, Buck said shes seen the positive results that come with telling those you hang out with regularly that youre grateful for them and the space you create together. The underlying principle is emotional contagion, that we catch each others emotions, Buck said. So the same way, if somebody yawns, more people are likely to yawn. Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and X. (File/Getty Images) People who express gratitude for the people and things in their life at the Thanksgiving table are helping their health and self-confidence, according to a University of Iowa professor who has made the physical benefits of gratitude a subject of her research. Professor Harleah Buck, whos also director of the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center of Gerontological Excellence, has spent her career researching non-pharmacological interventions, or, as she described it, treatments or methods that people can employ to better their health that dont involve medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im really interested in helping people find ways to improve their quality of life that doesnt include another pill, Buck said. But more importantly, there are ways that you do it for yourself, so it makes you feel more in control over whats going on. Many people, especially older adults, deal with the issue of polypharmacy, Buck said, where they take multiple medications for various reasons. Sometimes these drugs interact with each other, leading to unforeseen consequences, so Buck works to find ways of helping people that could lower the need for further medication. It was this avenue of thinking that led her to the concept of gratitude. She was looking into literature on the subject while at the University of South Florida, where she worked from 2016-2020 before coming to Iowa, when then-doctoral student Lakeshia Cousin expressed an interest in researching the link between gratitude and heart health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buck said she agreed to advise Cousin, and over the course of the next few years, the two worked together to publish two studies about gratitude and how it impacts heart health and peoples determination to take care of themselves. A third showed the longevity of these effects. Cousin is now an assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Nursing and assistant director of community outreach and engagement in the UF Health Cancer Center. Over those three studies, what we really established is that gratitude is good for your heart. Harleah Buck, University of Iowa professor and director of the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center of Gerontological Excellence Their first paper, published in 2018, brought together 13 different previous studies that included almost 4,000 participants to establish the state of the science, Buck said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It showed that gratitude does create physiological responses, including better response by blood vessels to stress and positive impacts on inflammatory markers. I expected the responses to be much more related to mood states, that youre not as anxious, youre not as depressed , Buck said. The fact that it actually changes your body physically was new information to me. How does one measure gratitude? Buck said researchers use a gratitude instrument called the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item Form, or GQ-6. The questionnaire includes just six statements relating to gratitude, which participants rank their agreement with on a scale from one to seven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The questionnaire has been widely used and compared to other methods of measuring gratitude, Buck said, proving its effectiveness. The second study looked directly at the relationship between gratitude and practices like medication adherence, which some cardiac patients, who take many medications, have trouble with. Buck said they wanted to use secondary data to see whether practicing gratitude would positively impact someones belief in their actions making a difference in their health, which this study proved. For the third report, Buck said they collected primary data to examine those same relationships between gratitude, health and good health practices, which they confirmed remained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over those three studies, what we really established is that gratitude is good for your heart, Buck said. In order to garner the benefits gratefulness can bring, Buck said people need to express their gratitude for good things in their life, big and small. Gratitude tips and strategies are easy to find online, she said, and many are fairly simple. Incorporating gratitude into your day doesnt need to be a huge undertaking, Buck said, but can be slipped into habits that have already been formed. Using journaling as an example, she said something as small as adding a sentence about what youre grateful for in each entry is a good way to keep those thoughts in your mind and provide proof of positive things that can be looked back on later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tend to remember the hard things, but sometimes we lose track of the small good things that just keep us going from day to day, Buck said. There are also ways to spread gratitude, and hopefully the health benefits it can cause, to the people around you, Buck said. If you say youre grateful for something to a friend, theyre more likely to agree and might even express their own gratitude for something else. While it can be helpful to vent to a group of friends and get negative emotions out in a healthy way, Buck said shes seen the positive results that come with telling those you hang out with regularly that youre grateful for them and the space you create together. The underlying principle is emotional contagion, that we catch each others emotions, Buck said. So the same way, if somebody yawns, more people are likely to yawn. Like the SC Daily Gazette, Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and X. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Deputies in Greenville County are searching for a man who was last seen Wednesday afternoon. According to the the sheriffs office, 59-year-old James Fuller was last seen around 12 p.m. at 600 Mills Ave. Deputies added that Fuller was leaving the area on foot. James Fuller, 59, is described as 57 and weighs around 150 pounds. (Photo/Greenville County Sheriffs Office) Fuller is described as 57 and weighs around 150 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Deputies said Fuller was last seen wearing red shorts, a white tank top and a brown and gray hat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that Fuller has dementia. Anyone who sees Fuller is asked to call 911 immediately. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Polish Charge d'Affaires Michal Greczylo was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan today, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. According to the information, in the course of the meeting, protest was expressed against the participation of Polish President Andrzej Duda, despite the warnings of the Azerbaijani side, in the joint anti-Azerbaijani propaganda with the European Union mission in Armenia, visiting the Armenian-Azerbaijani border region, near the village of Karki, still under occupation of Armenia. Furthermore, it was recalled that the mission, contrary to the stated objectives of regional stability as well as contribution to confidence building between Azerbaijan and Armenia, was widely used as a tool against Azerbaijan. Also, it was informed that this provocation contradicts Azerbaijani-Polish relations and that such steps affecting the legitimate security interests of Azerbaijan should be avoided. LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) Lebanon law enforcement officers were looking for three people in connection with an unusual crime: a Christmas tree theft at a local restaurant. At a Subway here in Lebanon, we had three individuals come into the store; one actually sat down and ate food, Zach Patton, public information officer for the Lebanon Police Department, said. The department posted surveillance video from Monday, Nov. 25 at the Subway on Sparta Pike, which shows three people walking out of the restaurant together, but then one of them returned, grabbed the tree, and ran out with it, leaving just the base of the tree behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Nov. 25, the Lebanon Police Department posted that the tree had been returned and the three suspects were identified. Lebanon Police confiscate deadly drugs following multiple raids in November Unfortunately, we do see some shoplifting and some porch pirates, but its not very often that you hear of someones Christmas tree being stolen, so thats very not in the spirit of Christmas, if you ask me, Patton said. As the shopping season ramps up, Patton is sharing reminders when it comes to online shopping and having packages sent to your home. Get a trusted family member or friend or neighbor to maybe pick up the package for you, get a package locker that you can install at your house, or just have that package be held at the post office, Patton advised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middle Tennessee law enforcement agencies ramp up presence to combat retail theft With Lebanon preparing for Black Friday and extra traffic around shopping areas this holiday season, police are using their 360-degree camera in hopes of deterring crime. Thats going to be moved around the city. Its actually about to go to the Square here in the next day or two, Patton said. Authorities searched for the three individuals who didnt appear to be spreading Christmas cheer at Subway earlier this week. I guess you can say the Grinch has already struck here in Lebanon, so our department is obviously seeking information on who these individuals may be, and hopefully we can get them identified and get this Christmas tree back to its rightful owner, Patton explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Part of a Frontier Airlines plane caught fire upon landing in Las Vegas last month. 19 passengers suing the airline say they were kept on a smoke-filled plane for nearly an hour. The NTSB's report said firefighters told the pilots the smoke had been eliminated. A group of Frontier Airlines passengers say they were kept on board a smoke-filled plane for nearly an hour in a lawsuit filed last week. The 19 plaintiffs were among the 197 people on board Flight 1326 from San Diego to Las Vegas on October 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report into the incident, the Airbus A321 was arriving at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport when it suffered a brake fire. Photos and video of the incident show smoke and flames coming from the aircraft. The flight's first officer told investigators that, shortly before descent, the cabin crew detected an odor in the cabin, which was then smelled in the cockpit, too. The report added that after the pilots declared an emergency, their display screens were limited, and they had some difficulty communicating with air traffic control. Friday's lawsuit, filed in the Nevada District Court, says that the cabin was filled with smoke and became "extraordinarily hot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It adds that passengers were also subjected to "the violent impact of the landing" after tires exploded and landing gear collapsed. Emergency services came onto the runway to extinguish the fire. The 190 passengers and seven crew were evacuated via the air stairs and took a bus to the terminal, a Frontier spokesperson previously told Business Insider. They added that nobody was injured. The lawsuit says that before evacuating, passengers were "held on a sweltering smoke-filled aircraft for nearly an hour." The NTSB's report said the pilots began the emergency evacuation checklist but firefighters told them the fire was extinguished and the smoke was eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frontier Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI about the lawsuit. The plaintiffs accused the airline of negligence and asked for at least $15,000 in both general and special damages, plus lost wages and attorneys' fees. NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration investigations into the incident are ongoing. Read the original article on Business Insider National political correspondent Maggie Haberman said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs recent visit to President-elect Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort may show that industries are seeking to build a bridge with Trump ahead of the inauguration, and not the other way around. Its not clear that whether Zuckerberg sought this meeting or Trump sought this meeting, but one person described it as Trump essentially saying hey why dont you come over to Mar-a-Lago?' she said Wednesday evening on CNNs AC360. And as you said, Zuckerberg had expressed praise for Trump earlier this year for his defiant posture after he was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, by a would-be assassin, she told host John Berman, adding later that clearly Zuckerberg wants to have a better relationship with Trump. I think we will learn more, but we are seeing as with a number of industries, Haberman, a senior reporter with The New York Times, continued. But certainly, the tech industry, a lot of people coming to Trump and not the other way around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting was first reported by Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the incoming deputy chief of policy, on Wednesday. Miller, in an interview on Fox News, said Zuckerberg and other industry leaders wanted to be a supporter of making our economy prosperous. They want to be an element, a supporter, a booster of making our economy prosperous, delivering for American workers and making sure that America is the most powerful, wealthiest, freest nation on the face of the earth, Miller said. Zuckerberg is the latest tech CEO to try to mend his relationship with the former president after past tensions. Trump seemingly changed his tune on the Facebook founder after he chose to withhold an endorsement during the 2024 presidential election. Metas platforms including Facebook and Instagram have also increasingly sought to move away from political content. Instagram updated its standards earlier this year to no longer recommend political content unless users manually request it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect has also become close with SpaceX and Telsa CEO Elon Musk. Trump tapped Musk, who endorsed him for president, along with biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to head a brand new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) when he returns to the White House. In the same interview, Haberman signaled that the Trump-Musk partnership could last for quite some time despite criticism. If Trump is getting tired of him, Trump is not making that, especially public, she said. Musk is also, and depends on the day, the richest or one of the richest men in the world, and Trump has a huge fascination with wealth, the veteran journalist added later. As you noted, Trump equates wealth with intelligence, and so I actually think this relationship could last for quite some time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. National political correspondent Maggie Haberman weighed in on the relationship between President-elect Trump and billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday, indicating that because of its uniqueness, the partnership could last for quite some time. Asked by CNNs John Berman where she sees the relationship going, Haberman suggested that despite criticism, the two seem to still be hitting it off. Look its stand its in good standing now. There has certainly been a lot of complaints from people around Trump, beginning soon after Election Day, that Elon Musk was there too much. He was sitting in transition meetings that some people didnt care for him to be present for, Haberman said Wednesday evening on Anderson Cooper 360. But if Trump is getting tired of him, Trump is not making that especially public, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her comments come as the president-elect and SpaceX owner have become close since Musk endorsed Trump for the White House, following the first assassination attempt on his life during a campaign rally earlier this year. He also stumped for Trump while on the campaign trail, drawing scrutiny over a $1 million giveaway he promised to Pennsylvania voters who signed his pro-Trump PACs petition to support free speech and the right to bear arms. Earlier this month, Trump tapped Musk and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to serve in his administration as the heads of a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure federal agencies. DOGE would provide advice and guidance from outside of government and work alongside the White House Office of Management and Budget, the president-elect said. It will become, potentially, The Manhattan Project of our time, Trump wrote in his announcement. Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of DOGE for a very long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Wednesday interview, Haberman acknowledged that the president-elect and Musk have one thing in common: wealth. You know, where I could see Trump chafing here and there, because Trump never likes anybody around for too long, Haberman, a senior reporter at The New York Times, told Berman. And one of the things that people around him have come to realize over time is that scarcity is a commodity for them, if they wanna have longevity with him. Musk is also, and depends on the day, the richest or one of the richest men in the world, and Trump has a huge fascination with wealth, she continued. As you noted, Trump equates wealth with intelligence, and so I actually think this relationship could last for quite some time. The relationship has also caused some Republicans to raise their eyebrows, especially after Musk joined the Trump family for photos following his Election Day win. Some have even questioned how long the two can coexist, particularly given the former presidents past frustration with those who take up too much of the spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is not going to have another alpha. I think Trump is going to tire of him, one source close to the transition told The Hill earlier this month. A GOP lobbyist with ties to the president-elect also said there are some in Trumps orbit who think Musk, the owner of the social platform X, is a little big for his britches. The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Copper wiring used for landlines and internet in Hacienda Heights has been stolen multiple times since April, bringing down phone and web services for the area, according to fed-up residents. The problem was highlighted at a Nov. 18 meeting between members of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association and Frontier Communications representatives including Douglas McAllister, Frontier Communications External Affairs Vice President. Related: L.A. Cracks Down on Bronze, Copper Theft With Arrests and Task Force He got to hear very frustrated residents all voice their concerns and their frustrations with whats been happening, says Alitzah Wiener, HHIA board member and new media person. We understand that the copper wire theft isnt Frontiers issue, right? But its the lack of communication. Wire theft has been an issue in the area since at least October according to meeting minutes, but Wiener says the problem started even earlier, in April. Lt. Peter Gomez, a rep from the City of Industrys Sheriff Station, says the recent thefts and their effect on the community have moved the case to the department's Major Crimes Bureau. He adds that residents should be vigilant, and if they, see something, say something, by calling the department. Los Angeles also spoke to a detective from the Sheriff department's Major Crimes Bureau looking into the thefts as "crimes against infrastructure." He says they are addressing the thefts aggressively and putting the needed resources behind the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am putting forward a $20,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for these thefts in Hacienda Heights, says Hilda Solis, Los Angeles Supervisor for the first district, via written statement to Los Angeles magazine. I am committed to continue supporting our Sheriffs Department in its effort to solve these crimes. The statement also acknowledges the increase in copper wire theft in Hacienda Heights and its disruption of communication services. It adds that Solis' office set up the Nov. 18 meeting to address the problem. Wiener says the area of Turnbull Canyon is more wilderness than other areas and landlines are essential for the city's large older population, like her dad Michael who has been affected by the lack of service in the area. He indicates his appointments for service never materialized and he was still being billed month after month for service he was not receiving, at least before the meeting. Related: Thanksgiving Travel Can Be a Pain, Here Are Some Helpful Hints to Lessen It Andrea Gordon, HHIA chair of the Public Safety committee and board member has had similar issues. She says her landline had been out since April, except for a brief period in May. After the Nov. 18 meeting, it was restored the next day. Both Gordon and Weiner cite Frontiers customer service as unhelpful. Missed appointments were never rescheduled and repairs have taken way too long. It doesnt take seven months, Gordon says. Because they can restore service in hurricane areas and tornado areas, where whole towns are wiped out. They can do that in a few days. Why cant they do mine? Related: Inside Los Angeles Magazine's Leading Man Party Wiener notes that there have been three arrests in total since the October meeting, but that the area could still use more security. For its part, Frontier has announced a program to combat the wire theft, with a reward program offering $5000 to any person with information leading to an arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft or damage of Frontier property. Copper theft is [a] recurring problem in Hacienda Heights that has resulted in service disruptions for some of our customers in the area, reads Frontiers statement. We have been working closely with local law enforcement to address this issue and appreciate their support in raising awareness of its impact in the community. We will continue to listen to our customers feedback and work quickly to respond to their concerns." For further assistance and information, customers can go to Frontier's website or call 800-921-8101. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Just this year alone, data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows 4,025 DUI crashes resulting in 145 deaths. Thats 145 empty chairs this Thanksgiving. That was the image Linda Unfried wanted people to remember on Wednesday night. The day before Thanksgiving is dubbed Blackout Wednesday, when bars across the nation are packed. But while millions were having a fun night out on the town, Unfried sat at home looking at her sister, Josie, frozen in time in a photograph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was 1983 when Unfried said a 17-year-old walked into a Walgreens, bought a bottle of liquor without being carded and got behind the wheel. She tried to get out of his way, but she couldnt, Unfried said. He crossed the line and hit her head on, flipping her car three times. At 12:35 a.m., she died from a broken neck on the side of the road, she said. Witnesses said her last words were calling out for me. Unfried said that Thanksgiving, it seemed like time stopped. There was an empty seat at the table, she said. We didnt even know what to do. We didnt know how to act, Unfried said. We didnt know anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Unfried dedicated her life to fighting drunk driving. She founded the Hillsborough Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 1984. Ever since, she has been trying to get the message out, that drunk driving isnt just to the point to where you cannot stand. Its simply just being impaired. She said, for her, thats just one drink. She said, just that one drink can affect someones reaction time and a matter of seconds could be deadly. Decades later, Unfrieds empty chair still holds a place in her heart as she prepares for yet another Thanksgiving without Josie. That is why she and Tampa police sent a strong message Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will have extra enforcements out this entire weekend, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. If youre going to get behind the wheel impaired, youre going to get pulled over and youre going to be held accountable. That is not a way you want to spend your holiday season, he said. News Channel 8s Nicole Rogers asked Unfried, How would you shift the perspective of someone who is just thinking about the inconvenience of getting their car tomorrow who is already out at the bar? Ill trade shoes with you, she said. Ill trade shoes with you. People dont understand the loss of life and the not saying goodbye, Unfried said. My other sister died of cancer, and I spent the last three weeks with her everyday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had plenty of goodbyes, I knew everything she wanted, everything she knew, she said. With Josie, I had no goodbye. Its really really hard, Unfried said. Its like taking a photo with a glass and throwing it on the floor and watching all of those pieces shatter; thats what happens to your life and to your family life. To those who are drinking and need a ride, Unfried is begging you to call someone. Whether its family, a friend, an Uber or Lyft, she said anything is better than getting behind the wheel drunk and possibly leaving another family with an empty chair this Thanksgiving. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A senior police precinct chief in Haiti, jailed in the assassination of a motorcycle driver with alleged gang ties, has been freed from a Port-au-Prince jail along with a senior police inspector and two informants. Livenston Gauthier, the former head of the Tabarre police substation, was released after Investigative Judge Brunet Salomon issued an order Wednesday for prosecutors to release him from a jail cell inside the Canape Vert police station. The order covered him, senior police inspector Jean Claude Aime and two informants who were arrested in September. The four were detained after investigators with Haitis judicial police accused them of carrying out the execution of Hubert Colo, 25, as he sat on his bike at a taxi stand near St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Tabarre, not far from the U.S. embassy, on Sept. 5. The extrajudicial killing occurred on the same day U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the country. Gauthier, who was head of the Tabarre police substation, was part of Blinkens security detail and he was accompanied by the three men in his police vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a key problem with the evidence against Gauthier: An exclusive video obtained by the Miami Herald showed that at the time of the killing, Gauthiers dark green truck, which police say was used in the execution, was instead leading Blinkens motorcade as the U.S. diplomat arrived at the VIP entrance of Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The footage was part of the evidence attorney Mario Delcy presented to the judge earlier this month when he requested Gauthiers release, arguing that the 25-year veteran of the force with a reputation for fighting gangs could not be in two places at the same time. Delcy said Wednesday that the two months and 14 days that Gauthier and the others spent under arrest shows that Haiti is a country with a lot of injustice, where the people who know the law, studied the law decided to deliberately violate the law and the rights of four people in this country. From the outset the police and the judiciary could have simply verified that the day Colo was killed Gauthier was in Antony Blinkens motorcade, with a lot of other policemen, Delcy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He accused several officials, including the police director, the police inspector general, the government prosecutor and former justice minister, of being complicit in having Gauthier arrested. Gauthier was arrested after the U.S. Embassy was alerted about the blatant killing not far from its premises. Embassy officials responded by telling the Haitian police force to do its job. Instead, Delcy said authorities arrested his client in an attempt to frame him for what investigators say was a police operation. They held the commissioner in prison on the pretext that the U.S. Embassy and the Department of State gave orders to hold the commissioner in prison, Delcy said, echoing comments that were repeatedly heard from Haitian officials when commenting about the case. Salomon, the investigative judge, gave his recommendation to free Gauthier and his co-conspirators a week ago. But Croix-des-Bouquets prosecutor Carl Giovanni Aubourg, who had the men jailed, dragged the process out, forcing a visit from a human rights defender followed by several phone calls. Today he is free and ... is waiting to go back to work to continue to protect and serve the population just how he has been doing for more than 25 years, Delcy said of Gauthier, who is among several cops in the country who had their homes taken over by armed gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first high-profile case involving extrajudicial police killings. Last week, the French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders, suspended operations in the capital, citing police threats and attacks after an alleged execution of two of its patients by police and a vigilante group. Neither the police nor the government has made any public statements about the allegations. The investigation into Colos killing has raised serious concerns about how the police force, under new command as it tries to fight a new wave of gang violence, investigates and treats its own officers and carries out investigations. It has also raised questions about corruption in the judiciary and a possible police cover up, with supporters of Gauthier insisting he was the target of personal vendettas. Justice has triumphed over arbitrariness. The arrest was badly done and there was abuse, said Pierre Esperance, executive director of the National Human Rights Defense Network in Port-au-Prince. These types of things cannot continue. If the first response is to arrest and humiliate police officers, especially those involved in the fight against gangs... it will discourage police officers. The case attracted the attention of residents of Tabarre, who protested Gauthiers arrest, and human-rights groups concerned about abuse within the Haiti National Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marie Yolene Gilles, an activist who follows police issues closely, paid a visit to the Canape-Vert prison where she met with Gauthier and other jailed police officers. Esperance, meanwhile, assigned one of his staff to stay on top of Gauthiers case, including tracking down the prosecutor on Tuesday and Wednesday to sign court documents after the release was ordered. If not for this assistance, Esperance said, Gauthier and the others would still be in prison. Gauthiers release does not end the case. However, when an investigative judge orders a prisoner released, it often signals that he will eventually decide not to bring charges because the evidence gathered during his inquiry did not meet the burden of proof. Several sources told the Herald that Colo, who was known as Bouki, was the subject of a year-long police investigation due to his involvement in drug trafficking and his ties to Vitelhomme Innocent, the powerful Haiti gang leader who is the subject of a $2 million FBI bounty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigators made no mention of the alleged connection in their 16-page investigative report, obtained by the Herald. They say that four armed hooded individuals, dressed in black, shot Colo in the head and injured a woman nearby after jumping out of a green Isuzu pick-up truck bearing the inscription POLICE in yellow. The operation, they said, was an extrajudicial police killing, and claimed the truck belonged to Gauthier. They did not say what time the killing took place, but a judges report obtained by the Herald and a source with knowledge of the operation said the execution happened at 4:30 p.m. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The four NASA astronauts currently living on the International Space Station clockwise from bottom left, Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore and Don Pettit send a Thanksgiving message down to Earth in November 2024. | Credit: NASA The four NASA astronauts currently living on the International Space Station (ISS) just wished all of us all a happy Thanksgiving. Nick Hague, Don Pettit, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have beamed home a Turkey Day message from their orbital perch, which NASA released on Wednesday (Nov. 27). "Greetings from the International Space Station!" Williams said to open the two-minute video. "Our crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us." three men and one woman wave from inside the international space station Pettit spoke next, commenting on the separation that he and his colleagues must be feeling on days like today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thanksgiving is typically a holiday where family and friends get together," the astronaut said. "Sometimes that can't happen to physically be around each other but in today's age, you can virtually tie in to your family and friends." He handed the mic to Hague, who took the opportunity to talk turkey. And I mean that literally: He opened a box of victuals, showing us the pouches that hold the astronauts' Turkey Day feast. "We've got Brussels " Hague said. "There's sardines!" Pettit interjected. "Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, apples and spice, and smoked turkey," Hague continued. "It's going to be delicious." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilmore was next. He noted some of the many things that he and his crewmates have to be thankful for. "I mean, there's not many places that you can be that you can actually lay on the ceiling, and this is one of them," Wilmore said. "We're thankful for zero gravity. It's fantastic." On personal level, the astronauts are thankful for "our family, our friends those that are lifting up prayers for us," he added. "We're grateful for a nation that is a spacefaring nation, that lets us live free, say what we think is important to say and so many other things. There's so much to be thankful for in this season." The four astronauts closed out the video together, saying in unison, "Happy Thanksgiving!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED STORIES: Holidays in space: an astronaut photo album Food in space: What do astronauts eat? Boeing Starliner capsule lands back on Earth, without astronauts, to end troubled test flight (video) Williams, who commands the ISS' current Expedition 72 mission, and Wilmore arrived at the station on June 6, on the first-ever crewed flight of Boeing's new Starliner capsule. The duo were supposed to stay on the orbiting lab for just a week or so, but issues with Starliner's thrusters prolonged their mission. Ultimately, NASA decided to bring Starliner back to Earth uncrewed, which happened in September. Williams and Wilmore will come home in February with Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. (Hague and Gorbunov arrived at the ISS in late September, on SpaceX's Crew-9 mission.) Pettit came to the ISS on Sept. 11 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which also ferried cosmonauts Oleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Polish Charge d'Affaires Michal Greczylo was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan today, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. According to the information, in the course of the meeting, protest was expressed against the participation of Polish President Andrzej Duda, despite the warnings of the Azerbaijani side, in the joint anti-Azerbaijani propaganda with the European Union mission in Armenia, visiting the Armenian-Azerbaijani border region, near the village of Kyarki, still under occupation of Armenia. Furthermore, it was recalled that the mission, contrary to the stated objectives of regional stability as well as contribution to confidence building between Azerbaijan and Armenia, was widely used as a tool against Azerbaijan. Also, it was informed that this provocation contradicts Azerbaijani-Polish relations and that such steps affecting the legitimate security interests of Azerbaijan should be avoided. (WHTM) The Harrisburg School District is moving forward with a safety plan to create a police department inside John Harris High School. Board members approved the plan on Nov. 27 amid a spike in incidentsincluding gang-related violencewithin the district. School officials say officers will be trained to help with de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania abc27 has reached out to the district to learn more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Harvey Weinsteins legal team filed court documents Tuesday alleging that Rikers Island, the notorious New York jail where hes awaiting a new trial on rape charges, has been medically neglecting him and providing unsafe living conditions. An attorney for the 72-year-old disgraced Hollywood mogul filed a notice of claim announcing plans to sue the city of New York. The jail complex, the document alleges, has failed to properly manage Weinsteins many medical issues, including leukemia and diabetes, and left him living in frigid conditions without clean clothes. Harvey Weinstein appears in a New York court in October. Recently, an attorney for the 72-year-old disgraced Hollywood mogul filed a notice of claim announcing plans to sue the city of New York, alleging that Weinstein has been medically neglected at Rikers Island jail. Pool via Getty Images When I last visited him, I found him with blood spatter on his prison garb, possibly from IVs, clothes that had not been washed for weeks, and he had not even been provided clean underwear hardly sanitary conditions for someone with severe medical conditions and susceptibility to illness, Weinsteins attorney, Imran H. Ansari, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I questioned whether I was in a prison facility that is supposed to be managed in accordance with our constitution, or a gulag where the prisoners are treated like animals, Ansari continued, referencing the Soviet Unions forced labor camps. The legal claim seeks $5 million in damages. The New York Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to request for comment on the lawsuit. Weinstein was found guilty of rape in 2020 and sentenced to 23 years in prison. But earlier this year, the New York Court of Appeals overturned his verdict, in part because of a decision to let women testify about allegations that werent part of the case. Weinstein is now awaiting a new trial expected to begin some time next year. Related... Nov. 27After 30 years missing, two stolen headstones have returned to their resting place at a local cemetery. Kurt Jordan, also known as the "KC Cemetery Man", has been working on preserving Greenwick Cemetery in Amazonia, Missouri, for about five years. The driving factor for his preservation work started because of his father. Jordan's great-great grandfather is buried in the 19th-century cemetery, along with two great-great uncles. "My dad discovered the cemetery," Jordan said. "And he said, 'I found the cemetery with our family, you know, we have family members buried here.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan has pieced together almost 180 years' worth of history, restoring wear and tear from weather on headstones at the cemetery. A call in early November brought him a few more pieces to the puzzle. The headstone tablets of Solomon Adams and Charles Jinkins were returned to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in St. Joseph. They had been missing for about 30 years. "I didn't even know they were missing," said Jordan. "I've done a lot of work out here. I've reset more than 100 tablets and obelisks out here." The stones took a detour while away from the cemetery. "They were used as props in a haunted house for a number of years," Jordan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fact was something Jordan learned from an anonymous source, who reported it to a church official. The tablets were given to Jordan so he could place them in their original resting spots, including one for Charles' Jinkins wife, Elizabeth. "Some old documentation from the 1870s indicated that all three were right here in this area, next to each other, as they are sitting now," he said. Jordan said he's happy the tablets were returned so he can continue to put pieces of the Greenwick Cemetery puzzle back together. Nov. 28People leaving jail are at much higher risk of opioid overdose and often do not have a primary care provider. Two clinics in New Mexico are creating programs to help that population find health care as they are released from jail. The Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded $1 million to Presbyterian Medical Services for a program at the Santa Fe Family Health Center and $1 million to a Hidalgo Medical Services clinic in Lordsburg. Both will use the money for two-year pilot programs. "We're trying to bridge that gap to access to primary care that this population struggles with when they're discharged," said Executive Vice President of Presbyterian Medical Services Doug Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, HRSA awarded $52 million to 54 community health centers across the country to improve primary care access for people about to be released from prison or jail. Few HRSA-funded health centers have been able to work with people in jails and prisons prior to release, said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. As part of the White House's Second Chance Initiative, HRSA is also updating its policy for HRSA health centers so that it's easier to provide services to people who are incarcerated and expected to be released within 90 days. HRSA had a de facto policy that didn't allow health centers to provide these services easily, Johnson said. "The health centers we fund are primarily primary care focused, and mental health and substance use disorder services have not been required as funded services in health centers," Johnson said in a statement. "So we, the Biden-Harris administration, have really made that a priority and have been working with Congress to get more money to health centers to do mental health and substance use disorder services." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When someone leaves prison or jail, their risk of an opioid overdose is 10 times higher than the general population, and the risk of overdose is particularly high in the first two weeks after release, according to research from Oregon State University, Oregon Health and Science University and the Oregon Department of Corrections. A primary care connection The Santa Fe program will build connections between health care providers and people who are incarcerated to help them transition out of jail. A medical care coordinator and a case manager will work at the Santa Fe County jail as a transition team, according to Santa Fe County spokeswoman Olivia Romo. The proposal includes a team of peer support workers people who have previously been incarcerated and may have similar experiences to people being released from jail, according to Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the Santa Fe County jail, mental health and substance use disorders are the most critical health care needs, according to Romo. The Santa Fe Family Health Center offers mental health and psychiatric substance use disorder services, as well as primary care and dental services, Smith said. In the Santa Fe County jail, 68% of the population has a history of mental health disorders compared to 21% of the general population, according to a May 2024 survey conducted by the detention center. Rates of obesity, hypertension, heart conditions, asthma and a history of infectious disease are also higher among inmates than the general population. The people incarcerated there often have significantly worse access to health care than the general population. The survey showed that only 25% of respondents had a primary care provider, compared to 71% of New Mexico's general population. Within the past year, only 18% had a medical visit, compared to 76% of the general population. "Nearly 75% of individuals incarcerated at the Santa Fe County Detention Center lack a primary health care provider, often relying on emergency rooms or urgent care centers for medical needs when living in the community," Romo said. "Many of these individuals face housing insecurity, lack of transportation, and a range of social and economic barriers that hinder their ability to heal, thrive, and successfully reintegrate into society." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilot program is a collaboration between Presbyterian Medical Services, the Santa Fe County Detention Center and The Life Link, a nonprofit that helps people with mental health services, substance abuse support, housing and transportation. It should begin operating early next year, Smith said. Health care in Lordsburg The Hidalgo Medical Center proposal also focused on case management, but is more specifically focused on the 72 hours after release when overdose risk is the highest, Johnson said. Hidalgo Medical Center will offer wraparound services with intensive support and preliminary screening. The model will also focus on individuals' goals, like remaining on medication and meeting requirements for parole, Johnson said. "People reentering the community from incarceration are particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes and mortality. We can change that if care and services are more closely connected to the reentry experience," Johnson said . It was 5:45 a.m. when three buses with McDowell County Schools painted on their sides rumbled through the mist into the gravel lot at Sandy Andrews Park. Starlight revealed the silhouettes of large oak trees lying on their sides, ripped from the earth by a storm that had dropped 40 trillion gallons of water across the Southeast just five weeks earlier. When the buses filled up over the course of an hour, it wasnt with students. Instead, adults who work at the local plant of Baxter International, a medical supply company that produces 60 percent of the United States bags of intravenous fluid, filed in to get dropped off at the factory, whose parking lot had been destroyed by flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a month, this is how Melissa Sisk, a receptionist at nearby North Cove Elementary School who also drove one of the buses, started her mornings. After she dropped off the last Baxter employee around 7 a.m., she went to North Cove to run the front desk. At 5:30 p.m., she drove the bus to the factory to transport workers back to their cars at the park. For Sisk, it amounted to a workday spanning more than 14 hours. At the end of it, she retreated home to collapse before starting it all again the next day. The McDowell County districts efforts to keep the county operating likely blunted the fallout from late Septembers Hurricane Helene, county officials said. Following the storm, Baxter and officials at the 5,500-student district came up with a plan to transport employees before and after school hours. The temporary transportation plan came into place even as the school district was dealing with damage to its own facilities. The plant, which employs about 2,500 people, is a huge part of not only McDowell Countys economy, but of the national medical supply chain. The factorys shutdown had triggered immediate shortages of IV fluid at hospitals and delayed medical procedures nationwide. North Cove Elementary School secretary, Melissa Sisk, drives one of the buses being used to transport Baxter Healthcare employees. Marion, NC, on November 7, 2024. Related: Become a lifelong learner. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive our comprehensive reporting directly in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For weeks after Helene, schools were at the center of recovery for this small mountain community: Classrooms became emergency food distribution sites; school parking lots became fueling stations for emergency responders; and bus drivers transported factory employees. The crisis showcased how the role of public schools in a rural Appalachian community goes far beyond providing classroom learning. They stepped up, and really in some areas that arent educational at all, McDowell County Manager Ashley Wooten said. When Helene swept through McDowell County and the rest of Western North Carolina in late September, it crushed homes and sent mud pouring through the halls of an elementary school, Old Fort, that is only four years old. Baxters factory was completely flooded. Baxter officials initially told the county it would likely take them four months to get the plant up and running again. Instead, it was only a matter of weeks before production of IV fluids resumed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The McDowell County school system became the only source of fuel for emergency vehicles and generators in the area by distributing thousands of gallons from its reserves. Critical operations like the countys water treatment plant were able to run on generators because the school district provided a fuel truck. Area residents filled their gas-powered chainsaws with the districts fuel and cleared the thousands of downed trees that covered homes and roadways. In turn, people from all corners of the community showed up to the countys emergency operations center to help the schools in some way, whether by dropping off donations or sawing fallen trees, said Amy Dowdle, director of human resources at McDowell County Schools. We were able to account for all of our families that week after the storm, which was a huge relief, Dowdle said. A lot of them had lost everything, but our kiddos themselves were safe. A few days after Helene, the school district was already planning to resume classes the following week. Along with providing child care for parents dealing with the aftermath of the storm, Dowdle said, district leaders wanted to provide some normalcy for students and staff as the community dealt with unimaginable destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Seeking stability in school when the waters rise The plants location in this small mountain community isnt an accident: The factory sits on an aquifer that supplies the millions of gallons of water a day needed to manufacture the intravenous fluids, said Kim Effler, president of the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce. That water supply is critical to the plants operation, but the abundance of water around the plant is also what ultimately caused the most damage to the factorys building and parking lot. The storm broke a levee near Baxter and dumped 4 feet of water into the 1.4 million-square-foot facility. The plants closure ultimately affected communities far beyond McDowell Countys border hospitals in every corner of the country delayed surgeries to conserve intravenous fluid because of the shortage the flooding caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt realize until it made national headlines that theres an IV shortage all over, Effler said. When we saw this national IV shortage and conservation of IV fluids because our operation went down, we realized our big contribution to the nation. One of the biggest challenges to getting employees back on campus was the plants parking lot, which was destroyed by Helene. Baxter not only had to get regular employees back to work, hundreds of additional out-of-town workers arrived to help clear the damage. Just days after the storm, the plant and school district came up with the solution of having Sisk and other school bus drivers ferry employees back and forth to the factory, even as schools were in the process of opening their own doors to students. Baxter quickly made the decision to continue to pay its employees during the disaster recovery, and the company also funded the fuel for the buses and the overtime hours for the school districts bus drivers. Related: Climate change threatens Americas ragged school infrastructure As parking lots at our facility were damaged by the storm, for several weeks, McDowell County Schools provided bus services for our employees from temporary parking lots to the plant, Baxter said in a statement. We are so appreciative of this support to help our employees return to work during that period and are pleased to share that employees are now able to park near the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early November, Baxter reported that it is at about 50 percent of its normal operating capacity at the McDowell County plant. A few weeks later, the plant shipped its first batch of intravenous fluid that was produced after the story, with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on hand to see the supply trucks leaving the factory. Baxters CEO said he expects the plant to be fully operational by the start of the new year. Damages from Hurricane Helene around North Cove Elementary School in Marion, NC, on November 7, 2024. Juan Diego Reyes for The Hechinger Report Even as the plant returns to normal, the surrounding community faces a long recovery. North Cove Elementary, where Sisk works, is a rural school of about 225 students, 60 percent of whom come from low-income families. Several of those families lost their homes, and a few are living in houses without heat or electricity because they cant afford to move, Principal Adam Wiseman said. School staff have been visiting students homes frequently to check on them. Now when it rains, some students and staff get anxious. Theres an emotional side to this too that a lot of people dont really see, Wiseman said. North Cove has former students who work at the Baxter plant, and some of them have children of their own in McDowell County Schools. The 70-plus-hour work weeks were worth it to help those families out, Sisk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It boils down to taking care of each other. That was my way of helping not only my community, but my students here, their families, Sisk said. Its whats right. It was just my part. Theres so many people that have done so much, and it was just my little part of helping. Related: Not waiting for people to save us: 9 school districts combine forces to help students For two decades before becoming the schools receptionist, Sisk was a teachers assistant and drove morning bus routes. Now, along with running the front desk and driving a morning route, she spends most mornings providing English language intervention sessions to a small group of students. A lot of the staff at North Cove Elementary have more than one job. After Sisk dropped the Baxter employees off on Nov. 7, it was pajama day at North Cove Elementary. A girl in pink pajamas walked behind Sisks desk so she could put a Band-Aid on her arm. Both the girl and her mom were former students in Sisks classroom. She said she still thinks of the students who pass through her care as her children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just a big family, and we take care of each other. If theres a need, we really try to help each other out as much as we can, Sisk said. Contact staff writer Ariel Gilreath at 212-678-3639 or gilreath@hechingerreport.org. This story about McDowell County schools was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Hendersonville Fire Department is rallying in support of one of their own. Don Dallenbach is a Hendersonville native who has worked in service of the city for over 30 years. The fire captain learned his life had changed less than two weeks ago. After experiencing shortness of breath and other health issues while on a cruise, an ER visit revealed the worst: Metastatic Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman battling cancer meets her idol, Jelly Roll Immediately, the support started pouring in. The amount of family, friends, brothers in the fire service, and not only just locally, [but] brothers and sisters locally from all across Middle Tennessee, Dallenbach told News 2s Sam Chimenti. Our phones havent stopped, our doorbell hasnt quit ringing. Its just overwhelming, all this love and support. The news was a gut punch to the 58-year old father of two who could have retired several years ago. But he loves what he does, and who he does it with, too much to leave. I always said, if I could ever remember all the stories and all things that weve done and create a coffee table book, itd be a bestseller, said Dallenbach, surrounded by his fellow Station 5 crew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he begins chemotherapy and puts on his armor for the hardest fight of his life, Dallenbach is using his situation to raise awareness towards cancer screenings for firefighters. Whats going on with me has probably laid dormant for many years, from what Ive been told. So, you never know. But, just a little more thorough screening, on a personal level, just to be more aware of it, Dallenbach explained. I would hope that some, all firefighters, but at least all of us older guys, would take a little extra time, talk to your doctors. Nashville nonprofit wants to help men plan vasectomies His chief and longtime friend said they will continue to stand by a man who has dedicated his entire adult life to helping others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes missed birthdays, hes missed holidays Its time for Don to sit back and let people shroud him with care and concern and love, like hes done for almost half his life. And thats whats most important, said Chief Scotty Bush. Chief Bush said they have several things planned to help Don and his family going forward. For starters, a Meal Train has been started to help feed the Dallenbachs during this difficult time. To donate to that effort, click here. As a God-fearing man, Dallenbach said he welcomes and appreciates all prayers that come his way as he leans on his faith during this time. The grace from these friends and family; its tough, but its love, he said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Meanwhile, he will continue to work when he can. His devotion to his hometown has not wavered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don has been a servant, has a servant heart, and you just cant replace folks like Don, said Chief Bush. Its a place that weve chosen. Ultimately, my home, and its where my family is. Its just a spectacular place, added Dallenbach. Its the best job you could ever have; never regretted it one time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Imagine going on a vacation to Brazil and then coming home to find your house missing. Thats what a colony of purple martins might face next year when the birds return to Tacoma after a long flight from South America. Hopefully, theyll quickly discover their nesting boxes have been moved 500 feet away. The relocation by staff from the state Department of Natural Resources, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Communities for a Healthy Bay earlier this month was necessitated by the then impending removal of 1,200 pilings just offshore from Tacomas Dickman Mill Park. A male purple martin flies at Dickman Mill Park in this file photo. The birds boxes were attached to some of those pilings which last week began disappearing from Puget Sound waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blue birds (their feathers can have a purple sheen in the right light) spend their summers in nesting boxes at Dickman Mill, Titlow Beach and Chambers Bay, according to zoo conservation coordinator Zach Hawn. Tacoma is home to an estimated 16 percent of the states 600 purple-martin population. The birds, North Americas largest swallow, spend spring and summer in Washington and the rest of the year in Brazil a 4,000-6,000 mile journey. While here, they gobble insects and charm human admirers with their antics and bird songs. They sound like sci-fi lasers and clicks and very metallic sounding, Hawn said. They are also just really tenacious ... how they can fight off a starling or house sparrow and kind of defend their nest box. Piling removal The pilings that once supported the Dickman Mill are soaked in creosote, a wood preservative linked to cancer. The site is one of DNRs Filthy Four, where funding approved by the state Legislature in 2023 is allowing their removal. With those pilings go the birds home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not for long. All of the 18 houses and a few more will be reinstalled on poles in a marshy area just to the southeast of their previous location. Its close enough to where the purple martins should easily locate them, Hawn said. Bird watchers and passersby will be able to get a close look from the pier that leads to the concrete remains of the mill. Nearly 1,200 polluted creosote pilings remain in the water after being abandoned for decades since Dickman Mill, one of Tacomas pioneer sawmills, placed them there in the 1890s. Bird watcher Hawn, 32, has been a bird watcher since he was 15. Now, he manages a community-monitoring program where volunteers collect data about local purple martins, including their behavior. The first birds that arrive, called scouts, loudly sing to alert their fellow martins where to land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birds need human intervention to succeed, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, which lists purple martins as a species of greatest conservation need. Female and male purple martins outside nesting boxes at Titlow Park in Tacoma. Decline Purple martin numbers began declining in the Pacific Northwest in the 1930s. Thats when logging removed enough of the large trees that provided cavities the birds used for nesting, according to Metro Parks Tacoma. Non-native birds like house sparrows and starlings competed with purple martins for resources and nests. Purple martins nest as a colony, and human-made boxes help maintain their numbers, according to Metro Parks. The birds like to nest together without getting too close to each other. Otherwise, their bickering can become the, soap opera of the Sound, according to Hawn. For me, (they are) just an iconic part of the soundscape and the view of Pacific Northwest waterfronts, he said. Purple martins outside their nesting boxes at Dickman Mill Park. The boxes were recently removed before pilings were pulled from the water. The birds are at their wintering grounds in Brazil. Advertisement Advertisement HONOLULU (KHON2) As families across Hawaii prepare to cook their Thanksgiving meals, the Honolulu Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize safety in the kitchen. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In a statement issued Tuesday, the department reminded home cooks to take several precautions, including properly cleaning and prepping equipment before use, avoiding overloading electrical outlets, and ensuring that smoke alarms are in working condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials also emphasized the importance of never leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking, and advised keeping children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. Additionally, the department recommended having a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Following these simple guidelines can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday celebration. Thanksgiving Cooking Fire Safety Tips (Courtesy: HFD) Thanksgiving Cooking Fire Safety Tips (Courtesy: HFD) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The Western Azerbaijan Community has issued a statement expressing concern over the Polish President's recent visit to the disputed border between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports. The statement reads: "The Western Azerbaijan Community expresses deep concern regarding the President of Poland's visit to the conditional border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We have repeatedly emphasized that much of the territory patrolled by the European Union (EU) mission in Armenia is part of the historic homeland of the Western Azerbaijanis, from which they were repeatedly deported, and which was destroyed and devastated. Unfortunately, our appeals to the EU on this matter have gone unanswered. We remind the President of Poland, who stated: 'We want Armenians to live peacefully on their land within clearly defined borders,' that we have not heard such statements from Poland regarding Azerbaijan when Azerbaijani territories were under occupation. Regarding the Polish President's statement that his country 'could be more actively involved in the settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia,' we note that Poland has its own issues with neighboring countries, and it would be more logical for Poland to focus on resolving its own problems. We urge Poland not to take steps that could escalate the situation in the South Caucasus. Armenia must understand that peace in the South Caucasus cannot be achieved through cheap spectacles like 'binocular diplomacy' or by looking to adventurers such as Luis Ocampo and Greta Thunberg as 'new saviors.'" LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) Families nationwide are preparing the ultimate Thanksgiving feast. While washing the turkey might seem crucial, experts caution that it can do more harm than good. USDA advises against washing turkeys, noting that it can spread bacteria to sinks and nearby surfaces. Additionally, PFAS Water Experts warn that rinsing the turkey with tap water can introduce bacteria into the meat, potentially increasing health risks. PFAS water experts analyzed data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They found that between 2019 and 2023, Louisiana ranked third in cross-contamination risks from tap water, with over 2.7 million reports of public water service violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana ranked third in cross-contamination risks from tap water. PFAS Water Experts analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency and found from 2019 to 2023: Louisiana ranked third worst, affecting 36.5% of the population and reporting over 2.7 million PWS violations. Texas ranked 12th worst, affecting 16.3% of the population, reporting more than 17 million PWS violations. Arkansas ranked 21 out of 50 states, affecting 13% of the population, reporting more than 949,000 PWS violations. Shreveport water customers test your lines for lead; heres why The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that if turkey is left for too long, bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels (temperatures between 40F and 140F). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis focused on two types of violations: health-based violations, which involve contaminants that pose long-term health risks, such as lead, and acute health-based violations, which involve contaminants that pose an immediate threat to health, such as E. coli. My pet ate Thanksgiving dinner, will they be ok? Attorney-at-Law and Chief Veteran Legal Counsel at PFAS Water Experts, Andrew J. Cobos, commented, Washing your turkey under tap water not only risks spreading bacteria to your sink and surrounding surfaces but can also introduce additional bacteria to the turkey itself, particularly in areas with higher levels of water contamination. To further ensure your Thanksgiving meal is safe, keep raw turkey away from other foods during preparation to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for the turkey, and thoroughly clean all surfaces and tools with hot, soapy water after handling raw meat. Taking these precautions will help you serve a safe and delicious meal to your loved ones. Rank State Average Population (2019-2023) Number of people served by PWS with any violations Number of people served by PWS with health-based and acute health-based violations Percentage of population served by PWS with health-based and acute health-based violations from 2019-2023 (%) 1 New York 19,731,443 12,805,472 10,520,100 53.3 2 New Jersey 9,195,083 7,916,269 3,547,417 38.6 3 Louisiana 4,617,927 2,715,645 1,684,452 36.5 4 Maryland 6,147,730 2,845,472 2,068,979 33.7 5 Arizona 7,306,983 6,295,859 2,280,543 31.2 6 West Virginia 1,782,613 1,372,308 518,419 29.1 7 Oklahoma 3,997,387 3,198,283 994,562 24.9 8 Massachusetts 6,973,261 3,628,002 1,654,025 23.7 9 Pennsylvania 12,948,971 10,006,760 2,558,475 19.8 10 Oregon 4,238,397 2,747,538 803,152 18.9 11 South Carolina 5,226,245 1,576,551 939,456 18 12 Montana 1,103,609 570,168 196,625 17.8 13 Texas 29,664,935 17,238,009 4,837,594 16.3 14 Kentucky 4,504,229 1,703,467 724,832 16.1 15 Wyoming 580,331 278,865 90,691 15.6 16 Alaska 733,223 632,081 112,896 15.4 17 Mississippi 2,952,552 1,482,984 446,838 15.1 18 New Mexico 2,112,023 902,476 316,714 15 19 Utah 3,325,639 2,231,653 481,275 14.5 20 South Dakota 899,599 225,413 126,904 14.1 21 Arkansas 3,034,946 949,061 393,429 13 22 Alabama 5,033,560 3,873,313 631,318 12.5 23 Missouri 6,167,114 2,520,794 755,475 12.3 24 Indiana 6,805,918 3,273,518 805,712 11.8 25 Georgia 10,816,515 4,101,470 1,238,167 11.4 26 New Hampshire 1,385,393 321,969 155,938 11.3 27 Kansas 2,933,329 1,556,970 321,078 10.9 28 Colorado 5,814,840 4,513,194 631,684 10.9 29 Idaho 1,888,933 1,161,297 200,972 10.6 30 Rhode Island 1,088,540 807,627 105,409 9.7 31 Maine 1,374,515 639,132 132,925 9.7 32 North Carolina 10,608,090 5,098,200 965,612 9.1 33 Wisconsin 5,880,122 2,784,060 526,236 8.9 34 Tennessee 6,978,888 3,291,225 620,004 8.9 35 Florida 21,951,198 16,374,929 1,896,725 8.6 36 Ohio 11,759,650 5,350,344 953,967 8.1 37 Michigan 10,033,229 5,512,762 803,933 8 38 Vermont 641,718 319,892 40,321 6.3 39 California 39,233,258 7,942,940 2,244,451 5.7 40 Iowa 3,190,123 759,731 161,290 5.1 41 Virginia 8,644,971 1,881,333 390,239 4.5 42 Delaware 1,004,371 234,173 43,527 4.3 43 Nebraska 1,961,675 735,991 84,674 4.3 44 Illinois 12,656,945 7,816,652 434,982 3.4 45 Connecticut 3,594,489 2,199,683 121,715 3.4 46 Minnesota 5,704,079 1,518,018 168,735 3 47 Hawaii 1,437,667 124,590 30,712 2.1 48 Washington 7,735,650 3,235,240 158,524 2 49 Nevada 3,142,845 350,777 46,811 1.5 50 North Dakota 776,489 140,478 3,666 0.5 Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) Dozens of Triad-area hairdressers are gearing up to travel to western North Carolina to lend a hand with their trimmers and shears. With so much on their plates, Helene victims in Swannanoa havent had time to think about self-care. Thats where the hairdressers come in. Hairdressers are artists, scientists and counselors all rolled into one. Thats part of our job. We make them feel better. We make them look better, said Gina Massa to her client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blinda Williams and Massa run Bella and Company Salon together. Williams says when she saw the footage of the devastation in North Carolina, she cried. A call from Williams dear friend Renee Mays, who started a nonprofit called Grassroot Boots, got the ball rolling on a way they were uniquely suited to make a difference. She got in contact with me and said, You want to come do some hair? Before I could even think about it, I said, Yes, Williams said. And the next thing I know, I posted it online, and we have 50 volunteers already, Massa said. The team has worked together to crowdsource tents and generators to operate a free haircut day in Swannanoa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cant get their hair done, Massa said. Theyre also collecting donations. They need heaters, sleeping bags. Were going to take some hygiene products up there, Williams said. The convoy of comfort will head west on Dec. 8 to offer storm victims and volunteers a free dose of self-care and compassion. People like to talk, and we like to listen, and we like to offer hugs and make people feel good, Williams said. With every hot tool and stroke of a brush, theyre taking support to the west the best way they know how. They need love, and they need to know we are going to be there for them and nobodys forgotten about them, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations can be dropped off at the Bella and Company Salon until Dec. 7. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. BEIJING (AP) A member of China's powerful Central Military Commission has been suspended and put under investigation, the country's Defense Ministry said Thursday. Miao Hua was director of the political work department on the commission, which oversees the Peoples Liberation Army, the world's largest standing military. He was one of five members of the commission in addition to its leader, Chinese President Xi Jinping. Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said Miao is under investigation for serious violations of discipline, which usually alludes to corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the third recent major shakeup for Chinas defense establishment. In June, China announced that former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe were expelled from the ruling Communist Party and accused of corruption. Yet, the high-level investigation is not likely to have any significant consequences, given Xi's tight grip on power. Most countries would incur at least some reputational cost to their international reputation were such frequent, high-profile personnel purges to have happened in their own armed forces but the PRC is no ordinary country, James Char, a research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore, said in an email. These purges can go on so long as its commander-in-chief approves of them. In Xi's first term as party secretary, he was known for a multiyear campaign against corruption that has brought down numerous high-profile political rivals and thousands of officials. This has led some to allege a widespread purge of officers suspected of conspiring with outside forces or simply being insufficiently loyal to Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi's dedication to his anti-corruption campaign has continued throughout his rule. High-ranking officers occupy an elevated position in Chinese politics and can command extensive privileges, official and unofficial. Miao being placed under investigation comes after the Financial Times reported that Defense Minister Dong Jun was under investigation for corruption. Miao's position on the commission, which is a Communist Party committee, outranks Dong and anyone who holds the position of defense minister, as Communist Party positions are more powerful than government institutions in China. Experts say a possible corruption investigation would not be a surprise, given the PLAs history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1990s, the PLA was allowed to run businesses as the country opened up during the reform and opening up period, when the country stopped many of its planned economic policies and transitioned to a more market-based economy. Miao has come up through the political department in the military and had served as the political commissar of the PLAs Navy. He was already fairly senior before Xi came to power in 2012. If the investigation is about corruption, its not out of line with peoples expectations, said Tiehlin Yan, deputy director at the Taiwan Center for Security Studies, who studied the PLA. Its very difficult for anyone not to have have blemishes if you were a midlevel or senior cadre in the 1990s. Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu, said Dong was not under any investigation and called the newspaper report a sheer fabrication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a question about who Chinas defense minister was, Wu smiled and raised his hands in a shrug. Why do you ask this nonsensical question? I just said this many times: Minister Dong Jun. ___ This version has corrected the official's name to Hua not Li. GRAYSON Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and city and state officials will convene with the Grayson community today at 3 p.m. at the Grayson Fire Department to dedicate a portion of Kentucky Route 1 in memory of Duane Suttles, the late assistant fire chief. The stretch of roadway will be designated as Assistant Fire Chief Duane Suttles Memorial Highway. The naming recognizes decades of service and a deep commitment to Grayson and Kentucky in general, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memorial highway will span from U.S. 60 (Main Street) to the Interstate 64 overpass along Route 1 (Carol Malone Boulevard). Signs marking the dedication will be prominently placed at U.S. 60 and I-64, according to the release. Suttles was a lifelong resident of Grayson. He served as the citys clerk, a council member and assistant fire chief. He served on the fire department for more than 40 years. He also worked with the Kentucky Fire Commission for many years. The ceremony will include the unveiling of the memorial sign and words from Webb, Rep. Patrick Flannery, Fire Chief Greg Felty, Mayor Troy Combs and others. The public is invited. Sam Benastick was found by two men who were in the area for work, police said RCMP Sam Benastick shown in an RCMP handout photo Sam Benastick shown in an RCMP handout photo A 20-year-old hiker has been found alive after being reported missing in October. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Sam Benastick was located near the Redfern Lake trail in British Columbia, Canada after being reported missing on Oct. 19, according to Northern Rockies Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The hiker was found by two men who were in the area for work, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities added that the two workers "took Sam to the hospital where police attended and confirmed the man to be the man reported missing" Kamloops Search and Rescue Facebook Photo of the search for Sam Benastick from Kamloops Search and Rescue Photo of the search for Sam Benastick from Kamloops Search and Rescue Benastick told officials that he stayed in his car for "a couple of days" before walking to a creek where he camped for 10-15 days. He then "moved down the valley" where he made shelter in a dried creek bed. Cpl. Madonna Saunderson from RCMP said "finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this was would not be the outcome." Officials say Benastick is currently being treated at the hospital at Fort Nelson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benastick had two walking sticks and a cut-up sleeping bag around his legs when he was found, CBC News reported. Kamloops Search and Rescue Facebook Photo of the search for Sam Benastick from Kamloops Search and Rescue Photo of the search for Sam Benastick from Kamloops Search and Rescue Related: Mass. Man, 22, Hospitalized from Electric Shock While Hanging Christmas Lights on Tree: He Took a Big Hit The hiker had reportedly set out for a 10-day camping trip, but was in the wild for 50 days. "It's kind of unbelievable," Benasticks uncle Al told the outlet. "Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long." According to The Guardian, the hiker set out on his camping trip on Oct. 7 and was reported missing by his family on Oct. 17 when he did not return home. The outlet reported that he was suffering from frostbite and smoke inhalation from when his makeshift shelter caught fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The location of the camping trip is remote and known for its "lush alpine meadows, forested valley bottoms, serrated peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and large valley lakes dominate this mountainous landscape," per its website. Related: 'Avid' Hiker Found Dead by Team of 22 Rescuers After Suffering 'Significant Fall in Icy Terrain' The park warns visitors of severe weather conditions, lack of access to potable water as well as grizzly and black bear encounters. Local search and volunteer Adam Hawkins told CBC News that the area had been facing "incredibly challenging winter conditions" lately, with over 5 inches of snow and temperatures below negative 4 degrees. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. According to the report, over 120 volunteers participated in the search, in addition to RCMP canine units and aerial support. However, the official search effort was called off by police on Oct. 28 after they were unable to locate Benastick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family had created a GoFundMe page to support the private search for Benastick. "I am hoping to raise money for our family to support the volunteers who are actively searching on ground and in air," the organizer said. "This money would go towards hotel, campsites, fuel, and food for the crew and volunteers, any money left over will be donated to search and rescue." A stunning fossilized world containing remnants of amphibians, skin prints, plants, and seeds was discovered in the melting glacier ice of the Italian Alps. Experts date the now-exposed lost world to about 280 million years ago. The site was found by a hiker over 5,500 feet above sea level. An individual plant or animal fossil is, even by itself, a massive chance to look into the history of our world and its living creatures. So how significant is a whole fossilized ecosystem? Spoiler alert: very. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists are learning that in real time after discovering an entire Paleozoic-era ecosystem, which had previously been hidden under snow and glacier. The paleontological sitelocated in the Orobie Valtellinesi Park in the Italian Alpsis so well-preserved that researchers discovered everything from footprints of amphibians and reptiles and fossilized plants and seeds to skin prints and fossilized raindrops. The very fine grain of the sediments, now petrified, has allowed the preservation of sometimes impressive details, such as the imprints of the fingertips and the belly skin of some animals, Lorenzo Marchetti, sedimentology specialist at the Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity in Berlin, said in a translated statement. The shape and size of the traces indicate a quality of preservation and a remarkable paleo-biodiversity, probably even higher than that observed in other deposits of the same geological age. Paleontologists discovered imprints of thin fingers, trails of long and curvy tails, and even ripples of waves on the shores of ancient lakes. The site remained completely concealed (and well-preserved) for millenniauntil, that is, the current rapidly warming climate caused snow and ice to melt away. By 2023, enough of that cover had melted away for hiker Claudia Steffensen to notice some odd marks on the rocks. It was a very hot day last summer, Steffensen told the Guardian, and we wanted to escape the heat, so we went to the mountains. On our way back down, we had to walk very carefully along the path. It was then she saw a rock that struck her has odd, as it seemed more like a slab of cement. I then noticed these strange circular designs with wavy lines. I took a closer look and realized they were footprints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She snapped photos and sent them to Elio Della Ferrera, a nature photographer friend of hers who passed the images along to the Natural History Museum of Milan. From there, a team of researchers photographed and mapped hundreds of fossil traces at the site. they are still emerging on the vertical walls of the area and in the landslide accumulations below, sometimes as high as nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. Dinosaurs did not yet exist at that time, but the authors of the largest footprints found here must have been still considerable in size, Cristiano Dal Sasso, paleontologist at the Natural History Museum of Milan, said in a statement. He added that he believes the site contains examples of footprints from at least five difference animal species. The imprinted steps happened when the sandstones and clays were still soaked in water, Ausonio Ronchi, specialists in sedimentology at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Pavia, said in a statement. The summer sun, drying those surfaces, hardened them to the point that the return of new water did not erase the footprints but, on the contrary, covered them with new clay forming a protective layer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The animal traces are joined by fossilized foliage, stem fragments, and seeds. The Orobic territory is proving to be a large open-air laboratory, Massimo Merati, director of the park, said in a statement. Teams are now using drones and a helicopter to map the fossils on vertical walls and recover certain finds in the unstable landscape, respectivelyespecially as transporting boulders is impossible without the aircraft. The first stone that Steffensen stepped on, which contained the footprints of a prehistoric reptile, was part of the first recovery by air in October. Stefano Rossi, official of the Superintendence of Archeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the region, said in a statement that the fossil deposit could become an important case of study and transform itself into a training ground for researchers and students. You Might Also Like TAMPA The crime was hideous. Outrage gripped the nation in 1993 when people learned of the two defendants charged with abducting a Black man, dousing him with gasoline and setting him on fire in a remote area of Hillsborough County. When the case went to trial, court spectators took note of the bespectacled lawyer with long dark hair who lodged frequent objections as she defended one of the accused. Julianne Holt, the countys then-newly elected public defender, in closing arguments referenced the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, a story with themes of racial injustice in the American South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality of this courtroom surpasses, obviously, the fiction of that book, Holt told the jury. Your verdict should reflect what has happened in this courtroom. With your verdict you will separate race from crime. You will separate reason from hysteria. And you will show that there is still justice. Though the jury delivered convictions, Holts performance in that trial helped establish her in the public eye as a formidable litigant and zealous advocate protecting the rights of those who cant fight for themselves. In almost 32 years as Hillsborough Countys elected public defender, shes championed the cases that other attorneys cannot. Shes represented the indigent, the reviled and at times the wrongfully accused. At the same time, shes helped guide the careers of some of Tampas most prominent lawyers and jurists and acted as a quiet but powerful player in local politics. Come January, she will retire. Though her offices work will continue with new leadership, it is undeniable that her departure will leave a void and a legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You always know when its time, she said. You always leave on your own terms. Holt grew up in the mostly Latin neighborhood of West Tampa. She was an A-student at Leto High School. As a young woman, she worked as a traffic court clerk, earning $111 a week while attending the University of South Florida. Shed planned to become an accountant, but her exposure to lawyers, defendants and the machinery of law spurred a new interest. Looking back, she recalls seeing defendants without attorneys whose case results were less than ideal. She speaks of a burning desire to correct what she thought was an injustice. She attended the South Texas College of Law, the alma mater of former Hillsborough State Attorney and appellate Judge E.J. Salcines, who made the school an educational pipeline for many of Tampas most prominent attorneys. She began practicing law in 1981. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Samantha Ward, as a young prosecutor, remembered handling a case against Holt where the defendant faced a potential life sentence unless she agreed to reduce the charge. Amid attempts to negotiate a deal, Holt urged Ward to visit a holding cell behind the courtroom, where her client had stripped naked and lay on the floor crying. Please give him a break, Ward remembered Holt pleading. This has ruined his whole life. In 1992, Holt announced a run against Judge C. Luckey, who was never a judge but had been public defender for two decades. Hed never faced an opponent. Many Tampa residents didnt realize his was an elected position. Well connected and well liked, he was seen as the favorite. She promised to try cases personally, to have lawyers meet regularly with clients in jail and to make the office a more vocal player in the local justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckey outspent Holt more than 2-1, fueling attack ads. Holt herself wasnt completely confident she could win. But she still ran an aggressive, and successful, campaign. Practicing criminal defense work, you get told no a lot, she said. But youve just got to keep going. For years there was speculation, and even private requests, that she would run for state attorney. But Holt wasnt interested. Her political rise wasnt smooth, though. The early years of her tenure saw her fending off unflattering newspaper stories and ethics scandals, though she was ultimately found to have committed no wrongdoing. The fallout changed her, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, she was reelected four times, then went four more election cycles without drawing an opponent. Holt said two things influenced her decision to retire now. One was the way court changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote hearings and depositions became a fixture of system. Holt isnt a fan. I dont believe in remote work for the criminal justice system, she said. I think that is an erosion of our responsibility to clients whose life and liberty are in our hands. Then there were the death penalty cases. Holt handled many from the defense side. She knew well their emotional toll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One that stands out is that of Nicole Nachtman, a young woman who in 2015 was accused of murdering her mother and stepfather. It was a case that Holt, once again, handled personally. It took monumental effort to get the state to back away from the death penalty. It took even more to try to convince a jury that Nachtman was mentally ill, that she was afflicted with battered-child syndrome from her mothers long-term abuse. The jury wasnt convinced. Nachtman was given life in prison. It is a case that Holt says haunts her, and one she says is a poster child type of case in favor of bringing back parole. She led the defense of Howell Donaldson III, against whom the state sought a death sentence for four random shootings in 2017 in Tampas southeast Seminole Heights neighborhood. Like many cases in which capital punishment looms, it was one that stirred highly charged emotions. Holts team became a focus of anger for some. But their role in upholding their clients constitutional rights didnt negate their own humanity and sense of compassion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Donaldson case resolved with a guilty plea and an agreement to four consecutive life sentences. How do you gauge the impact of a career public servant like Julianne Holt? You might look at technology the case management systems and paperless records that her lawyers now use instead of lugging files to court. You might look at the quality of service her office provides the forensic unit she established to help clients with mental or behavioral health problems, the social services and diversion programs that didnt exist 30 years ago, or the legal training the office gives its lawyers. You might look to the words of those with whom shes worked as a boss, a mentor or an adversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Chad Chronister, whose office helps assemble some of the cases Holts lawyers try to pick apart, this year dedicated a new vocational building to serve jail detainees as the Julianne M. Holt New Beginnings Vocational Center. He called Holt a beacon of hope in our community. Judge Lisa Campbell, who worked 14 years in Holts office, said Holt worked closely with her lawyers to encourage their career development. When Campbell expressed interest in joining the bench, Holt offered advice about broadening her legal experience. She is a very frank and candid assessor of skills, Campbell said. When she suggests, these are your strengths and weaknesses, I took that to heart and ran with it. Rocky Brancato, Holts director of operations, described Holt as someone who demands excellence, who is not always easy to work for, but also a boss who takes a personal interest in her employees. He recalled, with emotion, a discussion he had with Holt during jury selection in a trial about Brancatos decision to adopt a child. Her encouragement, he said, changed his life for the better. This was something indelibly that has touched my life, he said. Thats the kind of personal influence Julies had. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Today marks the 124th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the Arkansas State Capitol Building. On Nov. 27, 1900, construction officially began on the Arkansas State Capitol, a project that would take nearly 15 years to complete, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The neo-classical building replaced the aging State House and was built on the site of the former state penitentiary in Little Rock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 award-winning movies set in Arkansas Approved by the legislature in 1899, the capitol was initially budgeted at $1 million, with convict labor used to reduce costs. Architect George Mann designed the original plans, but delays, funding challenges, and political controversiesincluding bribery scandalsslowed progress, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Governor George Donaghey revitalized the project in 1909, hiring architect Cass Gilbert to oversee completion. The building was occupied in 1911 and declared finished in 1915, costing over $2.2 million. Today, the capitol remains a landmark, housing Arkansass legislature and key state officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you know these actors were born in Arkansas? In the movies The Arkansas State Capitol has been used as a stand-in for the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. due to its monumental dome. In February 1986, the NBC miniseries Under Siege filmed at the Capitol, depicting the bombing of the U.S. Capitol, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Pyrotechnics used during filming left stains on the dome for several years. In 1990, the Capitol grounds were featured in the action film Stone Cold, starring Brian Bosworth. In 1999, the Capitols interior was used in Daddy and Them, a comedy-drama written and directed by Arkansas native Billy Bob Thornton. The Capitol grounds were also used in the 2016 film Gods Not Dead 2 and its 2018 sequel Gods Not Dead: A Light in Darkness Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The next chapters unfolded during the grand symphony known as the SAT-SAS-2024 joint exercise, where the aquatic warriors of Azerbaijan and Turkiye fought in harmony, executing their underwater offense and defense maneuvers, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense. Per the exercise plan, the naval special forces units of both countries successfully neutralized improvised explosive devices while observing safety protocols, covertly approached a simulated enemy vessel, and executed the underwater deployment of specialized naval mines. The primary aim of the joint exercise was to augment servicemen's theoretical knowledge, refine their practical skills, and facilitate mutual experience exchange. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Hot Thanksgiving meals were passed out to hundreds of unhoused people on Wednesday afternoon at the Homeless Alliance as part of their Turkey Tango Lunch. It all started Monday at Francis Tuttle where 75 turkeys were prepped. By Wednesday afternoon, poultry, sides and sweets joined together on plates and it was time to eat. This year, there was quite the long line with the expectation they would serve about 400 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a great celebration of gratitude as well as connection, Homeless Alliance Chief Communications Officer Taylor Self said. According to Self, Francis Tuttles culinary students prepping the turkeys is a partnership going on a decade. They also pull them apart so their ready to serve. The sides come from local restaurants in the area, leaving nothing missing from a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Definitely something thats going to kind of remind people of the past and kind of different dinners that theyve had with their families before, Self said. Francis Tuttle culinary students & Homeless Alliance prepare turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving Feast for Homeless Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a great feeling to give back, volunteer Nani Paxton said. Paxton volunteers there three days per week. After moving from Los Angeles, this is something she wanted to be a part of to help with homelessness. Oklahoma City really does a great job at addressing it and getting the community involved to solve this huge problem, Paxton said. Happiness and smiles with full plates turning to full stomachs. On a holiday of giving thanks, even those not eating get something out of it to. I think this opportunity to kind of bring them to the table and say happy Thanksgiving, we made this for you is a really great, great chance for all of us, Self said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youd like to volunteer, you can visit the Homeless Alliance website here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Elizabeth and Brian Petrie watched flames engulf their new home in Mesa, Arizona when they returned from running errands Mesa Fire and Medical Department Facebook Elizabeth and Brian Petrie's home in Mesa, Arizona Elizabeth and Brian Petrie's home in Mesa, Arizona A couple in Mesa, Arizona is recovering from seeing their home burn down less than 24 hours after they moved in. Elizabeth and Brian Petrie watched flames engulf their new mobile home when they returned from running errands and dropping off their moving truck, reported 12 News. I couldnt believe that our home, in a matter of minutes, was gone," Elizabeth told the outlet. "I couldnt even stand there anymore. I had to go around the corner and sit in the van because I was watching everything burn our whole life. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Related: Minnesota Twins Draft Pick Saves Man from House Fire During Spring Training: Did the Right Thing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Fox10 Phoenix, the fire was sparked by electrical issues. "We did have fire extinguishers but they weren't unpacked yet," Elizabeth told the outlet. At the time of the fire, Charles Naumann who helped the couple move in quickly grabbed their dog and ran outside but received burns to his hand, face and arm. "I had to come out because the smoke was too thick and the flames were up on me already," Naumann told 12News. Although Mesa firefighters initially contained the fire, Elizabeth revealed that their truck "ran out of water, the outlet added. Everything in the home is black. Theres soot everywhere. Theres nothing thats not covered in soot," she told 12News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that the home was not insured yet and that they will be rebuilding. Mesa Fire and Medical Department Facebook The destroyed home in Mesa, Arizona The destroyed home in Mesa, Arizona Related: Neighbors Come Together to Rescue N.J. Couple from House Fire: 'That's What We Do' Elizabeth also told Fox10 Phoenix that members of the community had been offering the couple their homes, as well as food. On Nov. 15, a GoFundMe page was set up to help cover expenses. Everything they owned was inside the house, except for 2 motorcycles, one of which belonged to Brian and was specifically customized for him to be able to ride, the description read about Brian, who is a wheelchair user. They were in the carport area and were damaged. We don't know yet if they are salvageable. Currently, $9,852 out of a $75,000 goal has been raised. The Mesa Fire Department did not immediately reply to PEOPLE when contacted for details. NICHOLS, S.C. (WBTW) Six months after breaking free from its enclosure in northern Horry County, an emu is back home safe and sound. William Hammond and his wife first spotted the bird on Nov. 15, but didnt catch her until 10 days later. We came home, and she was back here again. So I drove out here, brought some food for her and threw it down and she came over, he said. I was like, hmmm, she might follow the food.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hammonds own about 50 acres and spotted the bird on a piece of land across the street from their house. I took the food down and along the fence .. theres a gate, and so I walked her down the fence line, he said. According to the Smithsonian Institution, emus can be up to six feet ball and weigh 120 pounds, with maximum running speeds of 30 mph. Theyre also curious and brave, making them not only difficult to catch, but willing to get up close with strangers. She came up to us a couple of times, trying to bump her chest and fly over, he said. She cant fly, but she can definitely slip over the fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birds owner, Sam Morace and his father, arrived Tuesday to bring the bird home. Sam grabbed her and picked her up, put her in the trailer and closed it up, Hammond said. Hammond said theyre going to keep watch for the other emu. * * * Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in a new attack by the Israeli military in central Gaza, according to hospital reports. The al-Awda hospital said 16 people were killed following an attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that several people were also injured. An Israeli military spokesperson said that it "continues to attack terrorist targets as part of its operational activities in the Gaza Strip." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to residents of Nuseirat, a prominent tower was also destroyed in the attack. The Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza says more than 44,300 people have been killed and almost 105,000 injured in Gaza since the war began almost 14 months ago. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the military has killed "almost 20,000 terrorists" in Gaza so far. The claims cannot be independently verified. ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNW) A house cat recently had a standoff with a wild bobcat in Cowley County. A viewer in Arkansas City sent us the video above from outside their front door after a close encounter with the animal. In it, you can see the bobcat approach the door. The viewer who sent the video to KSN writes that their house cat is an indoor/outdoor cat that often goes hunting and leaves catches at the front door. The viewer says the bobcat has visited her house twice in the past 3 days, but they have seen bobcats pass by several times over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reno County hires firm to help entice new residents; extends solar moratorium According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, bobcats are native to the state and are common, but they are rarely seen. It is furharvesting season in Kansas until Feb. 28. Wildlife officials say Bobcats, which are included on the list of animals that can be hunted for their fur in Kansas, have the highest individual pelt value of any furbearer in the state. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Housebuilding in Britain has fallen to its lowest level in eight years outside the pandemic, in a challenge ahead for Angela Rayners ambitions to kickstart a planning revolution. The number of new homes added to Britains housing supply slipped by 5.6pc to 221,070 in the year to April when compared with the previous year, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The total is the lowest since 2016, excluding the pandemic, when housebuilding halted in line with lockdown rules. This years total has dropped by 11.1pc from levels seen in 2019/2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures underline the challenge facing Ms Rayner, the Housing Secretary, who has pledged to build 1.5m homes over the next five years. Anna Ward, associate in residential development research at Knight Frank, said: These declines reflect the mounting challenges to boosting delivery, including construction capacity constraints and economic pressures stemming from market volatility. Addressing this shortfall requires empowering entrepreneurial developers in urban centres as well as traditional greenfield builders. Ms Rayner has vowed to increase local authority housing targets and push councils to build on green belt land as part of the pledge. She has also set up a taskforce that focuses on creating a new generation of Milton Keynes-style towns. Homes target more difficult than expected However, ministers have since warned that the 1.5m homes target is under pressure owing to supply constraints. Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister, said last week that it will be more difficult than expected to meet the pledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Pennycook said he was convinced that the 1.5m target is deliverable. However, he said interim yearly targets will not be set for new home completions, adding: Were in a trough, weve got to pull ourselves out of that trough. That will take time. Emily Williams, the director of residential research at Savills, said the latest figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge that faces the Government in delivering its ambition of 1.5m homes over the current parliament. Ms Williams said: The decline in delivery has been driven by a combination of a weaker sales market, and a lack of sites coming through the planning system. Forward indicators suggest that there will be further challenges to come. The key obstacle to increasing delivery continues to be planning. Only around 235,000 new homes gained full planning consent in the 12 months to September 2024, according to estimates from Glenigan and the Home Builders Federation. This leaves little capacity for growth above the current level of delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, given a proportion of consented homes are never built due to development issues, the effective forward pipeline of new homes is likely to be in further decline. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The leader of Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia has called for increased escalation against Israel from both Yemen and Iraq after a ceasefire agreement between their Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel began on Wednesday. The Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV cited Abdel-Malek al-Houthi said Thursday as saying: "At the level of the [resistance] Axis, it is important to build on what the Lebanese front has achieved and move to further escalation especially on the Iraq and Yemen fronts." "The Iraqi front is strong and important. It has capabilities that help it to be more effective, God willing, in confronting the Israeli enemy," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been repeated attacks on Israel by the so-called Axis of Resistance of Iran's allies since the beginning of the Gaza war more than a year ago. In addition to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the alliance includes militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Houthis have fired rockets and drones at targets in Israel and attacked ships in the Red Sea. US and Israeli military forces have repeatedly struck targets in Yemen in response. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The CSTO had no obligation to fight for Yerevan in Karabakh, since there was no external aggression against Armenia, said Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Trend reports. The CSTO has no role here, because there was no external aggression against Armenia itself, the president said speaking with journalists in Astana. "The CSTO is meant to protect member countries from outside threats. The situation in Karabakh is different: Armenia never recognized Karabakh as an independent state and certainly didn't consider it part of its own territory. So, what happened in Karabakh has no legal connection to Armenia, which makes it odd to claim that the CSTO should fight on that territory," Putin added. HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN) Its the fifth year students have painted a holiday-themed mural on the windows of the Hubbard City Administration Building. With each stroke of a paintbrush, Hubbard A.P. Art Students Lillian Wylie, Addison Thomas, Ayla Hannon and Mara Vargo, along with their teacher Josh MacMillan, are transforming the windows into a work of art. I love it. I think it looks amazing, Wylie said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre creating a vibrant holiday display visible to anyone who travels along West Liberty Street. I hope that it brightens their day a little bit, Wylie said. The window has become an annual tradition at the Hubbard Administration Building and the high school art students wake up extremely early on their first day of Thanksgiving break to get it all done. Its just a way to help out the community and share some of our art with everybody, Wylie said. MacMillans students have painted a Christmas mural here for several years. In the past few, Choose Joy has been incorporated into design in some way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For us, its a way to showcase the talent of our kids but also instead of just doing something simple to give somebody a message of meaning, especially during the holidays, MacMillan said. Its a special tribute to the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation, named after a four-year-old Canfield girl who passed away from a deadly brain tumor in 2020. Each gnome actually symbolizes one of the members of the family, MacMillan said. Melina with the cheetah print hat that was always like a staple for her. We just tried to make it about their family, let them know that even our community, even though were not part of Canfield but Hubbard, Canfield, and all of us can still join together for a message like this. The design is kept under wraps until its unveiled the day before Thanksgiving. Its something the community looks forward to year after year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People love it and no matter if you are a young child or a senior citizen, everybody loves it, said Mayor Ben Kyle. The mural will be on display through the New Year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. "While this discovery brings closure, it still has been very emotional," the missing couple's family said in a statement NamUs Charles Romer, Catherine Romer Charles Romer, Catherine Romer A New York family has confirmed that remains recently found in a pond outside a Georgia hotel are those of their grandparents, who disappeared more than 40 years ago. Charles and Catherine Romer disappeared in April 1980 while on their way from Miami Beach, Fla., to their hometown of Scarsdale, N.Y., The New York Times reported in 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles, a 74-year-old retired oil company executive and his wife Catherine, 76, stopped at a Holiday Inn in Brunswick, Ga., on their way back, per the outlet, and they were never heard from after they unpacked their luggage in the hotel room. Authorities later found a bed turned near their tax returns, glasses and a bottle of scotch, the Times reported. Their vehicle, a Lincoln Continental, was never located until last week, when the Sunshine State Sonar Team recovered it from a pond between the Royal Inn Hotel and a highway, the Glynn County Police Department said in a statement. Authorities found a human bone in the vehicle and drained the pond for further remains. First Coast News/YouTube Brunswick pond where suspected car belonging to missing couple was found Brunswick pond where suspected car belonging to missing couple was found While authorities did not immediately identify the remains found, the Romers family has since confirmed that they belonged to the elderly couple, ABC 7 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are deeply saddened and equally relieved that our grandparents Charles and Catherine Romer's 44-year mystery disappearance has been solved," the family said in a statement, per the outlet. "While this discovery brings closure, it still has been very emotional. Sadly, Charles Romer Jr, Jim Romer and Frank Heller are not with us to share this momentous turn of events and to know their parents will finally be laid to rest in peace, the statement continued. The family then thanked Jason Souhrada of Myrtle Beach who pinpointed the exact location of the vehicle and shared his findings with all the agencies involved, and extended gratitude to the Glynn County Police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Sunshine State Sonar. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. It wasn't immediately clear if the case is being investigated as foul play. PEOPLE has reached out to the Glynn County Police Department for further information. Sign for the Cascade County Election Office photographed on March 31, 2023. (Photo by Nicole Girten/Daily Montanan) An investigation conducted by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry Human Rights Bureau has concluded that an email sent by Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen to the Cascade County Commission during the hiring process for a new election administrator amounts to unlawful discrimination. Jacobsens email, sent on Feb. 14, asked the commission not to hire Rina Fontana Moore or a member of her administration for the position. Moore had previously been Cascade Countys Clerk and Recorder for 16 years, a position that had overseen the election department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an Oct. 8 report obtained by the Daily Montanan, the Bureau looked into whether Jacobsen attempted to aid, abet, incite, compel or coerce Cascade County into not hiring Moore because she is a Democrat, and ultimately concluded that the email sought to dissuade the hiring panel from hiring Moore based on her political belief. The Secretary of States office did not respond to requests for comment by the time this article was published. In 2022, Moore, lost reelection to her position as Clerk and Recorder, an office that records real estate and personal property documents, plats, surveys, birth, and death certificates; maintain county-wide accounting and financial reporting system, accounts payable, budgets, and fixed asset control; administers District Court Reimbursement and Missile Snow Removal programs as well as oversees the election department. Her opponent, Republican Sandra Merchant, won by fewer than 40 votes. However, following a year of mishaps in the election office under Merchant, including two lawsuits alleging errors in county-run elections, the county commission passed a resolution to transfer election duties from the clerk and recorder, creating a non-partisan, non-elected election administration job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore applied for the job and interviewed with the county commission along with three other candidates, including Lynn DeRoche, Moores former assistant, in early February. On Feb. 14, Jacobsen sent her email asking the three Cascade County commissioners not hire Ms. Moore or a member of her administration as Cascade Countys Election Administrator. Doing so would directly undermine the voters of Cascade County, among other reasons. An email sent from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen to the Cascade County Commissioners The next day the commission unanimously voted to hire Terry Thompson, former CEO of the Great Falls Association of Realtors, for the position. Moore requested public information from the county about the decision and found Jacobsens letter, and filed a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau shortly after, alleging her political beliefs were the primary reason for not being hired. Her complaint named Jacobsen, the State of Montana, Cascade County and the three Cascade County commissioners James Larson, Joe Briggs and Rae Grulkowski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commission Chairperson James Larson previously told the Daily Montanan he was shocked when he first saw Jacobsens email come through, because it was done in an official capacity, but that it did not sway his decision. The commission settled their portion of the complaint with Moore for $52,500 on Oct. 4. Moore said she considers the findings of the Bureau to be a win, even with the hearing for the dispute with the state still to be scheduled. I will claim victory because they found cause against (Secretary Jacobsen), Moore said. Shes guilty, thats what the report said. I never did this to make a bunch of money. I would prefer to have my job back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marieke Beck with the Human Rights Bureau conducted the investigation, which included interviewing Moore, Grulkowski, Jacobsen and Secretary of State Election Director Austin James. According to the report, Jacobsen said it was James who informed her of the situation in Cascade County and Moores application. According to Jacobsen, James made a compelling case but she did not recall specifics other than lack of professionalism and Moores lacking basic kindness and graciousness to our staff. James told Beck that the Secretary of States office had received abundant complaints about Moores performance, and cited instances of the county falling behind on voter cancellations and on motor vehicle registrations though documents show the latter occurred after Moore left office. Moore told the Daily Montanan she is aware of four complaints about the professionalism of her office, two of which were filed after she left office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats two real complaints in 16 years, she said. James also said his main concern was that it was necessary to listen to the voice of the voters and honor the integrity of the process. Moore told the Daily Montanan that she disagrees with the notion that because she was voted out of office she shouldnt be eligible for a job that was once classified under an elected position. Ninety percent of the public doesnt know clerk and recorders traditionally oversee elections, she said. The ballot says nothing about elections. Its just a tag-on, similar to a county public works director also overseeing the solid waste department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report states that while Jacobsen argued Moores political ideology did not prompt the email, both Jacobsen and James expressed the sentiment that because Moore lost the election, it somehow disqualified Moore from holding the job If an employer takes an adverse act against an applicant because she was not elected, this looks like a form of political belief discrimination. With Becks conclusion that there is reasonable cause to believe unlawful discrimination occurred, the Bureau attempted to resolve the case through a 30-day conciliation period. No agreement was reached, moving the case before a hearing officer, which has not been scheduled. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) The Humane Society of Louisiana (HSLA) is offering a $250 reward for the safe return of two missing kittens. According to a news release from HSLA, the kittens were picked up by a Lafayette animal shelter on Oct. 22 for a scheduled spay/neuter. They were expected to be returned to their owner, Broussard resident Melinda Mcjimsey, on Oct. 29. The kittens were not returned to their designated return site. Instead, a Lafayette Animal Control officer released the kittens to a different location, next to the coulee and canefield on Marteau Road in Broussard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked where the kittens were dropped off, the officer initially maintained that he had returned them to the proper address. When confronted with surveillance cameras showing he never returned to the site, he admitted dropping them off at a nearby canefield, HSLA said in the news release. He did not explain the reason for this. According to Lafayette Animal Control, the officer was reprimanded per the civil service code, the news release continued. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Since then, attempts have been made to locate and trap the kittens humanely but with no success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both kittens are about three months old. One is grey and the other is black. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson said the humane society remains hopeful that the kittens can be located and returned. Were rightfully worried they were dropped to a location without access to regular food or water. It would be a special gift in time for the holidays if we could facilitate the return of the two dark-colored kittens, Dorson said. To help return the kittens, HSLA is offering the $250 reward for the safe return or photographic evidence (must be time-stamped) of the kittens location. Those with information can contact Mcjimsey at 337-356-8359 or the Humane Society at 1-888-6-(HUMANE) (486-263). Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant for Myanmars military leader for crimes against humanity linked to the persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority. General Min Aung Hlaing who overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a 2021 coup faces accusations of crimes against humanity for orchestrating the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya minority. In a statement, the ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan said that the court has been investigating alleged crimes committed during the 2016 and 2017 waves of violence in Rakhine state, Myanmar, and the subsequent exodus of Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an extensive inquiry, the ICC has found reasonable grounds to believe that Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing is criminally responsible for crimes against humanity, including deportation and persecution of the Rohingya, committed with the involvement of Myanmars military and police forces, Mr Khan said. The application for his arrest the first targeting a high-ranking Myanmar official is supported by witness testimonies, documents, and scientific evidence, with crucial backing from the Rohingya community, the Bangladeshi government, and the UN, the ICC chief prosecutor said. More than a million members of their (Rohingya) community have been forced to flee violence in Myanmar. We are grateful to all those who provided testimony and support to my office, those that have shared their stories, those that have given us information and material, Mr Khan said. General Min Aung Hlaing faces accusations of crimes against humanity (AP) The Myanmar authorities have not yet responded to Mr Khans announcement. Min Aung Hlaing has previously denied allegations of persecuting Rohingyas, and rejected claims of involvement in violence in the 2017 crisis. He has claimed that the Myanmar military operation was a legitimate response to attacks by Rohingya militants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June this year, UN special rapporteur Thomas Andrews warned that the Rohingya in Myanmars Rakhine state faced a renewed risk of genocidal violence akin to the 2016-2017 atrocities. Clashes between Myanmars military and the Arakan Army an armed group that advocates for the rights of the Rakhine ethnic minority and aims to achieve greater autonomy for the region have displaced tens of thousands, with reports of killings, abductions, and property destruction. The military has forcibly conscripted more than 1,000 Rohingya men and boys despite their lack of citizenship, exacerbating tensions. Human Rights Watch and the UN have documented serious abuses, including airstrikes and attacks on civilians. For Rohingya people oppressed, scapegoated, exploited, and stuck between warring parties the situation carries echoes of the lead-up to genocidal violence in 2016 and 2017, Mr Andrews told the United Nations Human Rights Council in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Khan said yesterday: In my visits to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Coxs Bazar [in Bangladesh] over the last three years, including just yesterday, I met with Rohingya women who spoke with clarity and purpose about the need for accountability. I sat with youth activists who wanted to play their own role in seeking justice. And I spoke with men of all ages including the old and the sick, who were united in demanding to be seen and to have accountability for what befell them. Our work, the work of the International Criminal Court, seeks to vindicate their resilience and their hope in the power of the law. ICC judges will now decide if the arrest warrant application meets the required standards and if approved, the court will work with its registrar to facilitate the military leaders arrest. Myanmars military junta has faced significant sanctions and isolation from Western countries, especially after the 2021 coup and for its role in what has been called the 2017 Rohingya genocide. Yesterday, speaking from a refugee camp in Bangladesh, Mr Khan announced plans to seek additional arrest warrants for Myanmars leaders in the near future. In doing so, we will be demonstrating, together with all of our partners, that the Rohingya have not been forgotten. That they, like all people around the world, are entitled to the protection of the law. The Israeli military has fired on villages in southern Lebanon, injuring at least two people, despite the ceasefire with the Hezbollah militia, the Lebanese state news agency NNA reported on Thursday. Two people were injured by Israeli fire in the village of Markaba, NNA said. Tanks also reportedly fired on the villages of Wasani and Kfar Shuba. All three villages are located near the Israeli border in south-eastern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that several suspected Hezbollah fighters had arrived in vehicles in various parts of southern Lebanon, violating the terms of the ceasefire. "The IDF opened fire on them," it said, adding that the military would remain in southern Lebanon and punish any violations of the agreement. It also said it had fired a defensive missile at a "suspicious aircraft" in Lebanon, but that this had been misidentified. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which came into force early on Wednesday morning, the Iran-allied Hezbollah is to withdraw behind the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. The 60-day ceasefire is designed to put an end to the fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militia that began over a year ago. An Illinois man faces charges in a drunken crash on Taft Street in Merrillville in January. Dejohnn Murray, 28, of Sauk Village, Ill., was charged Nov. 19 with two counts each of causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle with an ACE of .08% or more, a Level 5 felony, and causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was also charged with five misdemeanors. Murray has not been jailed in the case. He is ordered held on a $5,000 cash surety bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merrillville Police responded around 10:52 p.m. Jan. 23 to the 8400 block of Taft Street. A crowd was around a 2007 Ford Mustang, which had a smashed front end, turned southeast in the north lanes. A flipped Land Rover with an Illinois license plate was northeast in the south lanes. The Mustangs driver was extracted with a severely injured leg and transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point. He was placed in critical condition, but the injuries were not life-threatening, doctors later said. Murray told a cop it was foggy outside when the crash happened. A woman was also in his car. An officer smelled alcohol. He asked Murray if he had been drinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, but just a little, he responded. Murray refused field sobriety tests. After cops got a search warrant, he was taken to Methodist Southlake for a blood draw that came back .126 g/100 mL. The Mustangs driver later told cops he drove north with his brother on Taft when he saw the other car in southbound lanes head toward him. He tried to swerve, but the other man followed, ending in a head-on crash. He estimated he was heading 45-50 mph. Visibility that night was 5-10 feet, he said. The woman with Murray said they were headed to Sharks Chicken from Up Your Alley in Schererville. She woke up when the crash happened. She was not hurt. The investigator noted Sharks was further east on U.S. 30, while the crash site was not on the way. mcolias@post-trib.com **Editors Note: The video we link to from the Independence Police Department and any video that appears on this page may disturb some viewers, discretion is advised.** KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Independence Police Department released some body camera footage and context of what they say led up to a deadly police shooting earlier this month. Maria Pike, 34, and her 2-month-old daughter Destinii, died in the shooting on November 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Independence police released this video that shows the moments before they were shot. The video begins with Independence officers approaching a man and woman outside a building at Oval Spring Apartments. The woman identifies herself as Destiniis grandmother, whose relatives told FOX4 she called police for help. Sister of woman killed in Independence police shooting shares story Relatives said the grandmother, Talisa Coombs, got into a physical confrontation with Pike, leading to the 911 call. After officers spoke with her, they determined a domestic assault took place. The video then shows officers going into the building to get permission from the apartment manager to go inside Pikes apartment, where they found her holding Destinii in a closet. Independence police say they spoke with her for 11 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video shows some of that interaction where officers ask her questions about whether shes okay and if shes been hurt. She responds with gestures, but doesnt say anything at any point when shes on camera in the released footage. Independence police say officers tried to convince her to release her daughter, but she didnt, walking past the officers to sit on a bed next to a nightstand where there was a large knife. Family gathers for vigil at scene of officer-involved shooting, mother and babys death At this point the video shows her sit down on the bed with the babys dad at the foot of the bed. The video then shows her pick up the knife while still holding her baby, and raise the knife over her head before charging toward an officer. One officer then shot at her, striking both her and the baby, killing them both. The video doesnt say or show how many times the officer fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Police-Involved Incident Team made up of a group from Blue Springs, Grandview and Lees Summit police departments continue to investigate the shooting. Independence police say they wont provide any further comment on the investigation until its complete. This is a developing story that will be updated, refresh for the latest details. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Minara Shukurova, an Azerbaijani expatriate based in Japan, represented her home country at the "Lifelong Learning Festival" held in the southern city of Tanabe, Trend reports via the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs. The annual event, which takes place every November, is designed to offer local residents a chance to explore diverse cultures while also raising awareness of educational initiatives in the city. This year, Shukurova curated a special exhibition on Azerbaijani carpet weaving, an iconic part of her countrys cultural heritage. She presented an extensive showcase of carpets from various regions of Azerbaijan, providing over 100 attendees, mostly students, with a detailed introduction to this ancient art form. The display, decorated with traditional Azerbaijani carpets and national symbols, included a presentation on the inclusion of Azerbaijani carpets in UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage list, as well as information about the National Carpet Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) A federal indictment filed earlier this month charged Lakeia Shepperd, 39, with multiple crimes in an alleged scheme to use prison inmates to defraud the Commonwealth of more than $360,000. The indictment and other documents show that Shepperd has also used the names Lakeia Miles, Lakeia Williams, Lakeia Grant and Chris Lover. When the pandemic hit in 2020, people trying to get unemployment benefits overwhelmed the Virginia Employment Commission, but Shepperd apparently found a giant pair of scissors to hack through that red tape. She allegedly got the personal information from prison inmates to set up 11 different bogus accounts with the VEC from April thru June 2020 in a complex scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shepperd and an unnamed accomplice used the names of inmates at Virginia state prisons in Big Stone Gap, Craigsville, Dilwyn, and closest to Hampton Roads, in Waverly, Sussex County. The VEC approved payouts on the 11 accounts in the form of prepaid debit cards or direct deposits into bank accounts for a total of more than $395,000. By November 2020, the VEC realized the fraud and was able to claw back about $35,000 of unused funds, but the net loss to the Commonwealth was roughly $360,000. The indictment shows that the inmates were knowing co-conspirators. Shepperd is charged with putting credits on the inmates prison accounts, but in amounts far less than she was allegedly realizing in the scheme. One inmate got as little as $250, and the most was a payment of $3,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 On Your Side found an address for Lakeia Shepperd in the Denbigh section of Newport News, and a woman was seen entering the home, but she did not open the door and denied any knowledge of Shepperd. Shes free on bond and has a trial date in April on charges of conspiracy, identity theft and mail fraud. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Something big is in the works when it comes to family destinations in Virginia, something really bigand really wet. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions said it expects to open in Spotsylvania County in 2026, making it the fifth location for the company. Plaid Friday, an alternative to Black Friday in Alexandria Kalaharis website said it will be the largest indoor water park in Virginia, offering more than 175,000 square feet of fun, 900 family-friendly suites, and a massive convention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company said the resort will be situated off of Interstate 95, adding it is the perfect adventure destination for families in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area, and neighboring cities. An aerial view of the location where a Kalahari Resort and Convention Center will sit in Spotsylvania County, Va. (Kalahari Resrots and Conventions) Rendering of planned Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Spotsylvania County, Va. (Kalahari Resrots and Conventions) The inspiration for the resort and convention center is the beauty and magic of Africa. Powerball ticket worth $1 million sold at Harris Teeter in Ashburn The company said the $900 million project is expected to attract more than one million visitors to Virginia each year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. The Prince of Wales awarded his latest cohort of champions of conservation at his Tusk Awards on Nov. 27 and each one has a story to tell Justin Tallis - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales (2nd R) poses with Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Winner Claver Ntoyinkima (2nd R), Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa Winner Edward Aruna (R) and Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa Winner Nomba Ganame (L), ahead of the ceremony for the 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards, at The Savoy Hotel on Nov. 27, 2024 in London, England Prince William, Prince of Wales (2nd R) poses with Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Winner Claver Ntoyinkima (2nd R), Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa Winner Edward Aruna (R) and Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa Winner Nomba Ganame (L), ahead of the ceremony for the 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards, at The Savoy Hotel on Nov. 27, 2024 in London, England The leaders of conservation efforts in Africa, rewarded by Prince William at his Tusk Conservation Awards on Nov. 27, explained to PEOPLE more about their work and the impact that the awards will have on their ongoing efforts. Three wildlife champions from those on the frontline of the fight to preserve species endangered by poachers to one working to safeguard marine life were picked for recognition. It comes after around 50 others from across 20 African countries have also won similar awards since the awards' inception in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking about Williams commitment to the worldwide conservation, Charlie Mayhew, founder and president of Tusk, tells PEOPLE, For many years, the prince has been at the forefront of highlighting the catastrophic impact of the illegal wildlife trade and the challenges facing the natural world. Through his patronage of organizations such as Tusk, he has been extremely effective at using his status and convening power for the greater good of conservation, a topic that he is hugely knowledgeable on, he adds. Tusk Conservation Awards Nomba Ganame, who won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa Prize Nomba Ganame, who won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa Prize Nomba Ganame took home the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa on Nov. 27. He works as head of field operations with the Mali Elephant Project, working across an area of around 60,000 square kilometers to develop a self-sustaining environment that makes space for elephants and other wildlife. The foundation of this approach can be described as elephant-centered, community-led, natural resource management, as a way of setting aside elephant habitat and the migration route while also generating benefits for the local people," he explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Prince William Makes Chic (and Eco!) Style Statement in Cape Town The process has to be representative, transparent and equitable to be able to endure, he says. Tusk Conservation Awards Nomba Ganame, center, who won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa Nomba Ganame, center, who won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa This model not only makes space for elephants but improves local livelihoods and provides an occupation for youth, while providing a mechanism for managing human-elephant conflicts to promote coexistence, Ganame adds. They work to unify communities around a shared desire to safeguard the elephants and the livelihoods of the locals. Teams of young ecoguards are elected to conduct natural resource protection activities such as patrolling to ensure respect of the rules, building fire-breaks, planting trees and monitoring elephants. Tusk Conservation Awards Senior ranger Claver Ntoyinkima at Rwandas Nyungwe National Park. He won the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Senior ranger Claver Ntoyinkima at Rwandas Nyungwe National Park. He won the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusks founder Mayhew adds, Prince William has always understood and shared the belief that the long term success of grassroots conservation relies upon the successful engagement of communities living alongside wildlife. He continues to be a strong advocate for the community-driven projects that Tusk has supported for over three decades, where people derive tangible benefits and greater security from conserving wildlife and habitats," he says. Senior ranger Claver Ntoyinkima works at Rwandas Nyungwe National Park and won the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award on Nov. 27. Tusk Conservation Awards Senior ranger Claver Ntoyinkima in Rwanda Senior ranger Claver Ntoyinkima in Rwanda His main concern is the protection of both the parks biodiversity and safety of its wildlife. This includes addressing challenges such as poaching, illegal logging and human wildlife conflicts, he says. I am also focused on managing sustainable tourism to minimize environmental degradation while safeguarding the parks rare ecosystems and endangered species. Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining the parks role as one of Africas oldest rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are most concenred about the endangered birds, including Kungwe Aalis, and eastern chimpanzees, which are threatened by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts. He praised the new initiative announced in Cape Town by William to help rangers across the world. is a broader commitment to enhance wildlife protection and improve the working conditions of rangers, who play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity. Tusk Conservation Awards Edward Aruna continuing his work to protect sea turtles Edward Aruna continuing his work to protect sea turtles The plan aims to provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable in-service accident, medical, evacuation and life insurance coverage, as well as training and leadership development. It will help ranger operations, giving them better tools for their roles, improvements to training and welfare, and enhance recruitment for the job. He believes the award will help both recognition and credibility and enhance networking and help it as it advocates for policy improvements locally and internationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusk's Mayhew explains that William was not only personally instrumental in helping establish the awards in 2013, but says it was his suggestion to include a specific one to recognize the work of wildlife rangers. The prince has always taken a close interest in the vital work of rangers, Mayhew says. His recent announcement in Cape Town to launch the new joint initiative to ensure more rangers have access to accident, medical, evacuation and life insurance cover is a further example of his own commitment to the ranger sector. Tusk Conservation Awards Edward Aruna in Sierra Leone Edward Aruna in Sierra Leone Edward Aruna, founder and managing director of the Reptile and Amphibian Programme (RAP-SL) in Sierra Leone, received the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa. He has been working to protect sea turtles, which are threatened by fishing, as they get mistakenly caught in nets, and although it is outlawed eating of turtle meat and eggs still continues clandestinely, he says. Pollution and climate change have also affected their numbers, while tourism and human activity on beaches can harm their nesting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sea turtles have been an important part of the marine environment since creation," he tells PEOPLE. "Local fishermen and communities have interacted with sea turtles for thousands of years, but the majority dont understand the status of the species and roles they play in the marine environment." Aruna works to help people understand the status and the roles played by these magnificent species in the marine environment is invaluable to both the species and locals, he says. In conservation, it is only when locals understand the importance of the resources for which a campaign is about that they will comply with whatever conservation effort is ongoing in their communities. Tusk Conservation Awards Award winner Edward Aruna in Sierra Leone Award winner Edward Aruna in Sierra Leone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says sea turtles are loveable animals that can bring tourists to communities, and adds they also attract nutrients to beaches after they lay their eggs. Nutrients help nurture regrowth of vegetation on the beach to counter erosion. They also feed on jellyfish, countering swarms of the creatures. He tells PEOPLE the award will bring the project more opportunities that will empower the locals and staff to work more effectively towards the building of a more secured future for sea turtles and the marine environment [in] Sierra Leone. Related: Prince William Wraps Up His Earthshot Prize Visit to Cape Town, South Africa: See the Best Photos! It will also help establish RAP-SL as a stronger and more respected voice for biodiversity conservation in the country, he says. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! RAP-SL is planning to extend its activities to more coastal communities for beach and bycatch monitoring while also undertaking community development programs within more communities. The community development aspect of the project is creating the most needed impact for sea turtle conservation in Sierra Leone. Nov. 27After Howard County voters showed overwhelming support for a charter amendment to establish an Office of the Inspector General, the bill to create the office's structure is up for final consideration by the County Council Monday, Dec. 2. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. (Reuters) - Outgoing European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called on all EU member states on Thursday to respect decisions by the International Criminal Court, including the arrest warrant against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We cannot undermine the International Criminal Court. It is the only way of having global justice," Borrell, whose term as the EU's top diplomat ends this month, told reporters in Brussels. "They're not political. It's a legal body formed by respected people who are the best among the profession of judges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC issued arrest warrants last week for Netanyahu, his former defence chief Yoav Gallant and a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. Though all EU member states are signatories to the ICC's founding treaty, France said on Wednesday it believed Netanyahu had immunity to actions by the ICC, given Israel has not signed up to the court statutes. Italy has said it is not feasible to arrest Netanyahu as long as he remains head of Israel's government. ICC judges said there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Gallant were criminally responsible for acts including murder, persecution and starvation as a weapon of war as part of a "widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, which launched its offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas's deadly attack on southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, has said it will appeal against the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. (Reporting by Bart Meijer, Editing by Timothy Heritage) By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) -Iran has informed the U.N. nuclear watchdog that it plans to install more than 6,000 extra uranium-enriching centrifuges at its enrichment plants and bring more of those already in place online, a confidential report by the watchdog said on Thursday. The International Atomic Energy Agency report seen by Reuters details what Iran meant when it said it would add thousands of centrifuges in response to a resolution against it that the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors passed last week at the request of Britain, France, Germany and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More enrichment capacity means Iran can enrich uranium more quickly, potentially increasing the nuclear proliferation risk. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons but Western powers say there is no civil explanation for enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% that is weapons grade, which no other country has done without producing a nuclear bomb. The only enrichment level specified for new centrifuges was 5% purity, far from the 60% Iran is already producing. The lower purity, particularly at its Fordow site, could be seen as a conciliatory move by Iran as it seeks common ground with European powers before the return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though enrichment levels can be changed easily later. Iran already has well over 10,000 centrifuges operating at two underground plants at Natanz and Fordow and an above-ground pilot plant at Natanz. The report outlined plans to install 32 more cascades, or clusters, of more than 160 machines each and a massive cascade of up to 1,152 advanced IR-6 machines. At the same time, the number of cascades Iran plans to install vastly outnumbers those that are already installed and that Iran said it would now bring online by feeding them with uranium feedstock, which the IAEA verified it had yet to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Agency has determined and shared with Iran the changes required to the intensity of its inspection activities at FFEP (Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant) following the commissioning of the cascades," the report said, referring to Iran's plan to bring eight recently installed IR-6 cascades there online. Fordow is particularly closely watched because it is dug into a mountain and Iran is currently enriching to up to 60% there. The only other plant where it is doing that is the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz. REBUFFED Just before last week's quarterly meeting of the IAEA board, Iran offered to cap its stock of uranium enriched to up to 60%, but diplomats said it was conditional on the board not passing a resolution against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the IAEA verified Iran was slowing enrichment at that highest level and called it "a concrete step in the right direction", the board passed the resolution regardless, repeating a call on Iran to improve cooperation with the IAEA. Thursday's report said Iran had finished installing the last two cascades of IR-2m centrifuges in a batch of 18 at its vast underground Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz, and that it planned to bring all 18 online, though the IAEA verified on Nov. 26 that no uranium had been fed into them. Iran also told the agency it intended to install 18 extra cascades of IR-4 centrifuges at that Natanz plant, each with 166 machines, the report said. At the above-ground pilot plant at Natanz, Iran informed the IAEA it planned to take various steps that suggested it would increase the number of full, rather than small or intermediate, cascades there, which could produce more enriched uranium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also said it planned to install one cascade of up to 1,152 IR-6 centrifuges at that pilot plant, which could be the biggest cascade by far in Iran yet. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; editing by Mark Heinrich, Deepa Babington and Rod Nickel) The speaker of Iran's parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has shrugged off Israeli threats targeting the country's controversial nuclear programme. This is "nothing but empty talk," the former general said on Wednesday, in response to a question from journalists in Tehran, the state agency IRNA reported. On Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said that his country would be able to concentrate on the conflict with Iran after a ceasefire was secured in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese Hezbollah militia is considered Iran's most important non-state ally. Earlier, the Foreign Ministry in Tehran had welcomed the ceasefire agreed between Hezbollah and Israel. Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said that now was the time to exert pressure to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza war as well. Regarding further escalation between Iran and Israel, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Lisbon that Iran reserves the right to respond to the air attack at the end of October, "but also takes into account other developments in the region, such as the agreement on the ceasefire in Lebanon." HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Indiana State Police Sgt. Todd Ringle confirmed that a trooper was involved in a car accident in Evansville. Ringle says the trooper was in an unmarked 2020 Dodge Charger going southbound on First Avenue when a 2016 Mazda CX5 turned left in front of the trooper. Ringle said the trooper was not hurt and the other driver was treated for minor injuries at the scene. The Mazda was cited for failure to yield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan has approved the extradition of Uzbek nationals Ilkhom Boyturaev, born in 1979, and Farhodjon Abdullaev, born in 1986, following petitions from Uzbekistan's authorities, Trend reports via the Prosecutor General's Office. Ilkhom Boyturaev and Farhodjon Abdullaev, who were placed on the international wanted list on charges of fraud in Uzbekistan, were apprehended during border control at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Following their arrest, the individuals were placed in custody. In line with the October 2002 Convention on Legal Assistance and Relations in Civil, Family, and Criminal Matters, decisions were made to extradite the detainees. They were subsequently transferred to Uzbek authorities under the escort of a special convoy from Azerbaijan's Penitentiary Service, according to the report. The Israeli military on Thursday accused the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon of violating the ceasefire agreement multiple times since it came into effect on Wednesday. Israeli soldiers have reportedly been deployed in recent hours to prevent further militia members from advancing into southern Lebanon, the military stated. The claims cannot be independently verified. The painstakingly negotiated ceasefire deal stipulates that Hezbollah must withdraw behind the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border, in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's ground troops, meanwhile, are to withdraw gradually from Lebanon over the next 60 days. Earlier, according to military reports, the Israel attacked two suspected Hezbollah members. Israeli media reported that this was the second drone strike since the ceasefire began. An Israeli military official commented on the incidents, describing them as "isolated events" typical in the early hours or days following the implementation of such an agreement. The Lebanese army, which plays a key role in overseeing the agreement but is not an active party in the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, had earlier accused Israel of multiple violations of the ceasefire. The Israeli military announced on Thursday another night-time curfew in southern Lebanon, a day after a fragile ceasefire deal with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia began. A spokesman said the military has banned access to the border areas south of the Litani River between 5 pm (1500 GMT) on Thursday and 7 am on Friday. "For your safety, you must follow these instructions," the spokesman said. The military announced a similar curfew on Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah must withdraw behind the Litani River, which flows around 30 kilometres north of the border to Israel. Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days. However, the Israeli military says it is currently still taking action against Hezbollah members in the area who are violating the agreement. The Israeli military carried out a number of operations in southern Lebanon on Thursday, one day after its ceasefire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia came into force. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said an aircraft attacked a weapons depot belonging to the Iran-backed group after "terrorist activity was identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets." According to Israeli media reports, it was the first Israeli airstrike in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect early on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah must withdraw behind the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the border to Israel, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The resolution marked the end of the last war in Lebanon in 2006 but was never fully implemented. Israel's ground troops are to gradually withdraw from Lebanon over the next 60 days, but the IDF says it is still taking action against Hezbollah members who are violating the agreement. Earlier, the Lebanese state news agency NNA reported that at least two people were injured when the Israeli military fired on villages near the border in south-eastern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news agengy said the injuries occurred in the village of Markaba, while tanks also reportedly fired on the villages of Wasani and Kfar Shuba. In a statement, the IDF said that several suspected Hezbollah fighters had arrived in vehicles in various parts of southern Lebanon, violating the terms of the ceasefire. "The IDF opened fire on them," it said, adding that it would punish any violations of the agreement. It also announced another night-time curfew in southern Lebanon, with a spokesman saying access to border areas south of the Litani River has been banned between 5 pm (1500 GMT) on Thursday and 7 am on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For your safety, you must follow these instructions," the spokesman said in a post on X. The military announced a similar curfew on Wednesday evening. Iran calls ceasefire a 'humiliating defeat' for Israel The 60-day ceasefire is designed to put an end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that began more than one year ago in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks. The deal has been welcomed around the world, and particularly in Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands were displaced and thousands killed in the fighting following Israel's ground invasion in late September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as suffering setbacks in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah lost a number of top commanders in targeted Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, including its leader Hassan Nasrallah. In a letter on Thursday to Nasrallah's successor Naim Qassem, however, the leader of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the ceasefire was a "victory for Hezbollah" and a "strategic and humiliating defeat" for Israel. The News Both Israel and Hezbollah on Thursday accused each other of violating a ceasefire deal agreed on the day before to end more than a year of fighting. Israel said it opened fire on suspects with vehicles arriving at areas in the southern zone of Lebanon, Reuters reported, while Hezbollah accused Israeli forces of attacking people returning to the border villages. The areas where renewed fighting was reported lie within 2 km of the border between Lebanon and Israel. The 60-day truce was brokered by the US and France on Wednesday, and was described by President Joe Biden as designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities 14 months into the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned Wednesday that his forces would resume fighting if Hezbollah violated the agreements terms, and the accusations of violating the deal illustrated the fragility of peace in the region. JERUSALEM For many across the Middle East, the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire came as a relief: the first major sign of progress in the region since war began more than a year ago. But for Palestinians in Gaza and families of hostages held in the territory, the news appeared only to inaugurate a newer, grimmer period of the conflict there. For them, it marked yet another missed opportunity to end fighting that has stretched on for nearly 14 months. Palestinians had hoped that any ceasefire deal with Hezbollah would include a truce in Gaza as well. The families of people kidnapped when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel in October 2023, meanwhile, wanted part of the agreement to include returning their loved ones. Instead, the ceasefire was confined only to the fighting in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We feel this is a missed opportunity to tie in the hostages in this agreement that was signed today, said Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay Chen, was taken hostage from an Israeli military base and has been declared dead. As much as they were intertwined, the two wars have been very different. In Lebanon, Israel said its aim was to drive Hezbollah back from the countries shared border and end the militant groups barrages into northern Israel. The ceasefire that took effect Wednesday is intended to do that. In Gaza, Israels goals are more sweeping. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been resolute in insisting that Hamas must be completely destroyed and Israel must retain lasting control over parts of the territory. Months of talks have failed to get Netanyahu to back down from those demands or to convince Hamas to release hostages under those terms. For Palestinians in Gaza, that means continuing misery under an Israeli campaign that has demolished much of the territory and driven almost the entire population from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are going hungry while living in squalid tent cities as the second winter of the war brings cold rains and flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They agree to a ceasefire in one place and not in the other? Have mercy on the children, the elderly and the women, said Ahlam Abu Shalabi, living in tent in central Gaza. Now it is winter, and all the people are drowning. Palestinians feel resigned to continued war: The war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants attacked Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive has rained devastation on the Palestinian territory, killing over 44,000 people, according to local health officials. The officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and fighters in their count, say over half of the dead are women and children. Hezbollah began firing into Israel a day after Hamas attack in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group. The two sides have exchanged near-daily barrages since. Moving thousands of troops to its northern border, Israel ramped up bombardment of southern Lebanon and launched a ground invasion there two months ago, killing many of Hezbollahs leaders. Palestinians now fear Israels military can return its full focus to Gaza a point that Netanyahu made as he announced the ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pressure will be more on Gaza, said Mamdouh Younis, a displaced man in a central Gaza tent camp. Netanyahu, he said, can now exploit the fact that Gaza has become alone, far from all the arenas that were supporting it, especially the Lebanon front. Israeli troops are already engaged in fierce fighting in Gazas north, where a two-month offensive has cut off most aid and caused experts to warn a famine may be underway. Strikes all over the territory regularly kill dozens. In signing onto the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah reversed its long-held position that it wouldnt stop its barrages across the border unless Israel ends the war in Gaza. This could have a psychological impact, as it will further entrench the understanding that Palestinians in Gaza are alone in resisting against their occupiers, said Tariq Kenney Shawa, a U.S. policy fellow at Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas may dig its heels in: It also leaves Hamas its capabilities already severely damaged by Israels offensive to fight alone. Hamas official Osama Hamdan appeared to accept Hezbollahs new position in an interview Monday. Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices, Hamdan told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah. Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian analyst, said the ceasefire could make Hamas even less popular in Gaza, by proving the failure of its gambit that its attack on Israel would rally other militant groups to the fight. Its a moment where we can see the Hamas messaging become weaker and weaker, as they struggle to justify their strategy to the public, said Sayegh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire could help force Hamas to the negotiating table because it would show the group that the cavalry is not on the way. But Hamas experts predicted that it would only dig in both on the battlefield and in talks. Hamas has insisted it will only release all the hostages in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. I expect Hamas will continue using guerrilla warfare to confront Israeli forces in Gaza as long as they remain, said Shawa. Hostage families lose hope: Dozens of Israelis thronged a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, protesting for the return of the hostages as the country waited to hear if a ceasefire in Lebanon had been agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 100 people taken hostage are still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the other hostages seized by Hamas were released during a ceasefire last year. Ricardo Grichener, the uncle of 23-year-old hostage Omer Wenkert, said the ceasefire with Hezbollah showed how the Israeli government was openly disregarding the hostages. Even though Israel has inflicted greater damage on Hamas in Gaza than on Hezbollah in Lebanon, he said the decision to postpone a deal in Gaza and release the hostages is not based on the same military success criteria. The most recent effort to wind down the war stalled in October. U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he would begin a renewed push, but his administration is now in its waning days after the reelection of former President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This ceasefire doesnt concern our hostages. I believe that Netanyahu forgot about them, and he just wants to keep fighting in Gaza, said Ifat Kalderon, clutching a photo of her cousin, Ofer Kalderon, who is a hostage and a father to four. Ofer yesterday had his 54th birthday. His second birthday in Gaza, she said. Its unbelievable that hes still there. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Israel and the terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon keep trading deadly airstrikes even as U.S. officials reported Monday a ceasefire deal is close. Were hopeful we can get one, said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. But we need both of the parties to get to yes. Miller would not get into the specific sticking points, but recent incidents across the Middle East could thwart any progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a monstruous act of terror that demands swift justice, said Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations. Danon confirmed a rabbi was kidnapped and murdered in the United Arab Emirates but did not say who was responsible. I trust that the UAE government will make sure that they will pay the price for that, he said. The worlds top war-crimes court also issued arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas leaders for the war in Gaza. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood, condemned the charges against Israel. This decision does not make the pursuit of peace any easier, Wood said during Mondays Security Council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials confirm the U.S. is also still trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. Wood urged other countries to put the pressure on the terror group. The Security Council has an obligation to not let Hamas off the hook, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Israeli armed forces killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, despite a ceasefire coming into force between the two sides earlier that day, according to Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari. The fighters' presence in the area violated the agreement, Hagari said in an address in the evening, adding that "each violation of the ceasefire will be met with fire." The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect early Wednesday, stipulates that Hezbollah forces withdraw behind the Litani River, some 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli forces also detained several suspects approaching areas in southern Lebanon were Israeli soldiers continue to be stationed, Hagari said. Anyone who is armed would be killed or arrested there, the spokesman said. He again called on civilians who had fled their homes amid the fighting to wait before returning to southern Lebanon. Just before the ceasefire came into effect, the Israeli military attacked some 180 Hezbollah targets, including a subterranean rocket manufacturing facility spanning some 1.5 kilometres, Hagari said. The Israeli army said it was the largest site for the production of precision-guided missiles operated by the Hezbollah militia. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said on Thursday it attacked a weapons depot belonging to the Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire between the two warring parties. According to Israeli media reports, this was the first Israeli airstrike in Lebanon since the ceasefire came into force early on Wednesday. "Terrorist activity was identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets," the military said in a statement, adding that "the threat had been thwarted by an IAF aircraft." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said it was remaining in southern Lebanon to enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement. The military's information could not initially be independently verified. The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah must withdraw behind the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border, in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution. Israel's ground troops meanwhile are to gradually withdraw from Lebanon over the next 60 days. Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaija BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. On November 28, military attaches of foreign states accredited to Azerbaijan visited the Main Ground Satellite Control Center of Azercosmos, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, subordinate to the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense. The visit, organized by the International Military Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defense, was attended by 17 representatives of military attache offices from 15 countries. The guests got acquainted with the infrastructure and facilities in the territory of Azercosmos. They were briefed on the agency's history, areas of activity, ongoing projects, and plans for further development. In the end, questions of military attaches were answered. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Hussam al-Masri CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli military strikes killed at least 26 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said, as forces stepped up their bombardment of central areas and tanks pushed deeper into the north and south of the enclave. The escalation came a day after Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah began a ceasefire in Lebanon, halting more than a year of hostilities and raising hopes among many Palestinians in Gaza for a similar deal with Hamas, which rules the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military campaign - with the avowed intent of eradicating Hamas militants after the group's deadly raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 - has laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people. "I hope a ceasefire will happen like it did in Lebanon... I just want to take my children to see my land, my house, to see what they did to us, I want to live in safety," said Amal Abu Hmeid, a displaced woman in Gaza. "God willing we will have a truce," she said, sitting in the courtyard of a school sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The courtyard was filled with dirt and water streamed in from where people did their laundry. Clothes were airing outside classrooms as children played nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(Life) was beautiful (before the war)... Now there is nothing beautiful, it's all gone. Our houses are gone, our brothers are gone, and no one is left. Now we hardly get... one meal a day. We cant even get bread," Abu Hmeid told Reuters. Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would now renew his push for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, urging Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have yielded scant progress, and negotiations are now on hold. The ceasefire in the parallel conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, took effect before dawn on Wednesday, bringing a halt to hostilities that had escalated sharply in recent months and overshadowed the conflict in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GAZA DEATHS Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 44,200 people and displaced nearly all the enclave's population at least once, Gaza officials say. Vast swathes of the territory are in ruins. On Thursday, the head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said at least 70 percent of those killed in Gaza were women and children. He said the ongoing Israeli offensive in the northern edge of Gaza for the past seven weeks has uprooted 130,000 people. The Hamas-led militants who attacked southern Israeli communities 13 months ago, triggering the war, killed some 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages, Israel has said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, six people were killed in two separate airstrikes on a house and near the hospital of Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, while four others were killed when an Israeli strike hit a motorcycle in Khan Younis in the south, medics said. Later on Thursday, an Israeli air strike near a tent encampment housing displaced families in eastern Khan Younis killed at least five people and wounded others, medics said. In Nuseirat, one of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, Israeli planes carried out several airstrikes, destroying a multi-storey building and hitting roads outside mosques. At least 11 people were killed in those strikes, according to health officials at Al-Awda Hospital in the camp. They said in a statement that dozens of families were trapped in their homes after some tanks advanced from the northern area of the camp and that ambulance vehicles were unable to reach them because of continued tank fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contacted by Reuters, the Israeli military said its forces were continuing to "strike terror targets as part of the operational activity in the Gaza Strip". In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, tanks pushed deeper into the northwest area of the city, residents said. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-MughrabiAdditional reporting by Hussam al-Masri in GazaEditing by Angus MacSwan, Gareth Jones, Frances Kerry, Alexandra Hudson) PRAGUE (Reuters) - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Thursday he believed the United States would punish the International Criminal Court for having issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister. Israel has said it will appeal the ICC decision to move against Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. But during a visit to the Czech Republic, Saar said other countries were also dismayed by the decision, including the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I tend to believe that in Washington, legislation is going to take place very shortly against the ICC and whoever cooperates with it," Saar told a joint press conference with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. Saar added that Israel would finish the 14-month-old war in Gaza when it "achieves its objectives" of returning hostages being held by Hamas and ensuring the Islamist group no longer controls the Palestinian enclave. Saar said Israel did not intend to control civilian life in Gaza, adding that peace was "inevitable", but couldn't be based on "illusions." (Reporting by Emily Rose and Jason Hovet; Editing by Crispian Balmer) By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) -The Israeli military said its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after both sides accused each other of breaching a ceasefire that aims to halt over a year of fighting. Israel said it also opened fire on Thursday towards what it called "suspects" with vehicles arriving at several areas in the southern zone, saying it was a breach of the truce with Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, which came into effect on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah in turn accused Israel of violating the deal. "The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages," Fadlallah told reporters, adding "there are violations today by Israel, even in this form". The Lebanese army later accused Israel of violating the ceasefire several times on Wednesday and Thursday. The exchange of accusations highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States and France to end the conflict, fought in parallel with the Gaza war. The truce lasts for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's airstrike on Thursday was the first since the truce took effect on Wednesday morning. Lebanese security sources and the Al Jadeed broadcaster said it took place near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River. The ceasefire deal stipulates that unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River should be dismantled, but does not mention military facilities north of the river. Earlier, Israeli tank fire hit five towns and some agricultural fields in southern Lebanon, state media and Lebanese security sources said, saying at least two people were wounded. All the areas lie within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel, in an area the Israeli military has announced as a no-go zone along the border, even after the deal was agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said in a statement it had identified several suspicious activities that posed a threat and breached conditions of the ceasefire agreement. "Any deviation from this agreement will be enforced with fire," said Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi. Later on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had directed the military to be prepared for intense fighting if the ceasefire is violated. "We are enforcing powerfully," Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel's Channel 14. "But if needed I gave a directive to the IDF - be prepared in case there is a violation of the framework of the ceasefire, for an intense war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have tried to return to check on their properties. But Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border and Reuters reporters heard surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon. The Israeli military on Thursday renewed a curfew restricting the movement of residents of southern Lebanon south of the Litani river between 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) and 7 a.m. CEASEFIRE TERMS The agreement, a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict, ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in years. But Israel is still fighting its other arch foe, the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, in response to the deadly Hamas-led raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 3,961 people and injured 16,520 others since October 2023, the Lebanese health ministry said on Thursday. The figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Hezbollah strikes have killed 45 civilians in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. At least 73 Israeli soldiers have been killed in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon but neither side can launch offensive operations. Netanyahu waged the offensive against Hezbollah, saying Israelis in the north of the country should be able to return after being evacuated because of rocket fire from Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 60,000 people evacuated from homes in the north have still not been directed to return. Hezbollah has said its fighters "remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy" and that its forces will monitor Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon "with their hands on the trigger". The group has been weakened by casualties and the killing of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders by Israel. Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would now renew his push for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have yielded scant progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli military strikes killed at least 21 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said, as forces stepped up their bombardment of central areas and tanks pushed deeper into the north and south of the enclave. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Tala Ramadan; additional reporting by Ari Rabinovitch;Writing by Michael Georgy, Alexandra Hudson and Rod Nickel;Editing by Frances Kerry, Ros Russell and Diane Craft) Israeli fighter jets struck southern Lebanon on Thursday, a day after a ceasefire was implemented between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it hit a facility belonging to Hezbollah, where it had detected terrorist activity. Nazih Eid, the mayor of Baysariyeh, said a warplane launched a raid about an hour ago on the eastern edge of the town of Baysariyeh. They targeted a forested area not accessible to civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Thursday, the army said tanks had fired at several suspects arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. The ceasefire, which took effect on Wednesday under a deal brokered by the US and France, is intended to allow people in both countries to start returning to homes in border areas shattered by 14 months of fighting. However, the Israeli military had urged residents of towns along the border strip not to return yet for their own safety. On Thursday morning, Israeli tank fire hit six areas within that strip, state media and Lebanese security sources told Reuters. The rounds struck Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all of which lie within two kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel. One of the security sources said two people were wounded in Markaba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have tried to return to check on their properties, but Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border. Daniel Hagari, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, said the withdrawal of troops from the area would be gradual, reflecting the fragility of the deal. Sarit Zehavi, from Alma, an Israeli NGO focused on security on Israels northern border, said the situation in Lebanon was complicated for Israeli troops as Lebanese citizens return home. Hezbollah operatives, disguised amongst Lebanese civilians as human shields, are encouraging them to return to their homes despite the risks to their safety, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said he had instructed the military not to allow residents back to villages near the border. Nabih Berri, the speaker of Lebanons parliament and the top interlocutor for the country in negotiating the deal, had said on Wednesday that residents could return home. In Israels north, the ceasefire remained a contentious topic. Most of us didnt want it, said Alana Naim, a resident in Nahariya. We dont feel safe still, and now we are in a limbo. Uri Halevi, who has been displaced from Kiryat Shmona since last year, said he was unsure when he would be able to go home. Weve been told we have until the end of the school year next month before we need to leave the government accommodation, but a lot can happen in 60 days, he said. Right now, nothing feels stable, so do I want to take my children home to then have to relocate them again? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment on the tank rounds from Hezbollah or Israel, who had been fighting for over a year in parallel with the war in Gaza. The agreement, a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict, ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group in years. But Israel is still fighting Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group, in the Gaza Strip. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces can take up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, but neither side can launch offensive operations. Hezbollah has said its fighters remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy. Its forces will monitor Israels withdrawal from Lebanon with their hands on the trigger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group has been weakened by casualties and the killing by Israel of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and other commanders. 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue the war if the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia breaks the ceasefire in Lebanon. Netanyahu told the Channel 14 broadcaster on Thursday that he has instructed the military to prepare for an "intensive war" if the ceasefire agreement is breached, without specifying what could entail a violation. Since the ceasefire began on Wednesday morning, large-scale operations between Israel and Hezbollah have ceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Israeli military has reported several incidents since then and says it is taking action against Hezbollah fighters over breaches of the deal. The Lebanese army is also accusing the Israeli military of violating the agreement. Chatsworth, New Jersey At the age of 78, Stephen Lee III is facing an uncertain future. Six generations of his family have farmed 135 acres of cranberry bogs in South Jersey. "In farming, you don't know what's next," Lee said. In the last four months, it has only rained about three inches at the Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm about a foot less than normal. Earlier this month, New Jersey declared a drought warning amid dry conditions that contributed to the spread of multiple wildfires in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The National Weather Service says this extreme drought in this part of South Jersey is a 150-year event," Lee said. And before temperatures dip to single digits, the cranberry bogs will have to be flooded to keep the fragile buds from drying out. Typically, waterways feed into the Lees' reservoir. But now it's a surreal landscape, cracked and bone dry. "It's shocking," Lee's daughter Jennifer said. "And all you can do is kind of stare out and look at it." Jennifer says they turned to a backup well to pump water for their recent harvest. But even that well is 20 feet lower than normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're lucky," Jennifer explained. "There are some growers who don't have a well andthey weren't successful this year." Still, pumping the bogs with well water will cost nearly $30,000 in fuel this season. And near the farm, a wildfire that started in July is still smoldering, fueled by the drought. It's a threat that will keep Lee away from a Thanksgiving tradition of gathering with family in Maine. "I'm going to stay here and smell for smoke and try to figure out if the cranberries are protected," Lee said. It's the price of guarding next year's crop and his family's heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grateful Dead members reflect on Phil Lesh's impact on the band, their lives Some North Carolina homeowners still can't return home after Helene landslides New White House rule would make weight loss drugs available for people on Medicare and Medicaid LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) A Polk County woman said her simple act of kindness left her out of a job right before the holidays. She said she was fired from her server job after helping a homeless man get something to eat. It ruins our Christmas: Lutz mobile home residents told to move out before Dec. 19 Victoria Hughes said she spent 13 years serving customers at the IHop off US 98 in Lakeland, but now, instead of working the holiday rush, Victoria is at home with her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes said a good deed led to her termination after she served food to a homeless man this past Sunday. He stated to me and the host that he was hungry, Hughes said. Without a second thought, I bought the stack of pancakes and made him a water. Hughes said she then informed her manager but claimed his reaction caught her off guard. He told me the reason behind him being upset because it could cause a loitering issue, was that things like that are a safety issue for customers, Hughes said. Hughes said tensions escalated further when the same homeless man returned with a family who brought him in for another meal. Then on Tuesday, Hughes said she received a phone call from her manager telling her shed been let go. He talked to me yesterday and told me that I was fired, she said. I asked him for what? And he said, company policy. Despite losing her job, just before the holidays, Hughes told us she stands by her decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I need my job, but I would still do it again, she said. I truly would. I would still help somebody if I could. If he asked me for my shirt, I probably would have tried to give him that too. After 8 On Your Side got involved, Hughes tells us she got a call direct from IHOPs corporate office, a call that included a job offer, and compensation for the days of work she missed. He also told me he would make a donation, a healthy donation, to a charity of my choice, that I wanted in my local community, Hughes said. The company has since issued a statement on the matter: We are committed to providing an inclusive environment, welcome to everyone. As we actively investigate this situation, we will utilize this as an opportunity to train our employees on how to approach instances surrounding food insecurity. To continue our commitment to supporting those in need in our local community, we are making a donation to Feeding America as well as local Lakeland charities that support food insecurity, Dan Enea, Sunshine Restaurant Partners, IHOP Fran Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes told us, she will take some time to think about her decision on whether to go back to working for the company after taking some time to spend with her family. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Joe Biden sent a strongly worded Thanksgiving message to President-elect Donald Trump Thursday, saying he hopes Trump doesnt screw up long-held relationships between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Bidens comments come after Trump vowed to slap as much as a 25 percent tariff on goods entering the U.S. from our neighbors to the north and south. Speaking at a Thanksgiving Day visit to a fire station in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Biden said: I hope he rethinks it, and I think its a counterproductive thing to do. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Trump said in a Truth Social post Monday. He has since cooled his jets slightly, and after a spikey retort from the Mexican President he said he said everything is now amicable. Claudia Sheinbaum responded to Trump's threats Trump said Wednesday he had a wonderful conversation with Claudia Sheinbaum, saying: She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. Sheinbaum responded that this was not exactly true, saying Mexicos position is not to close borders. In our conversation with President Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights, she said in Spanish on X. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but instead build bridges between government and people. Joe Rogan claimed that Democrats are scrambling to create a liberal version of his hit podcast show following Donald Trumps 2024 election win. Kamala Harris was invited to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience, but her campaign was unable to agree on certain terms, such as location and length, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Harris campaign aides recently told podcast Pod Save America that she couldnt take the time away from battleground states. Rogan did sit down for lengthy conversations with vice president-elect JD Vance, Elon Musk as well as Trump , and also endorsed the Republican on election day. Despite this, Rogan claimed that we was on the Democrats side at one point, according to Huffington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think these Call Her Daddy [podcast] shows and all these different shows that [Harris] went on, I mean, Im sure they had an impact, he said on a recent episode. But I think that in the future, Im sure theyre scrambling to try to create their own version of this show. This is one thing that keeps coming up, like, We need our own Joe Rogan. "But they had me," he added. "I was on their side." Joe Rogan once endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders not just to win the Democratic nomination, but to take the presidency. (The Joe Rogan Experience/YouTube) His guest on the episode, software designer Marc Andreessen agreed with Rogan, saying that the Democrats "drove [Rogan] away." "But they also have, you know, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN. Right?" Andreessen asked, repeating the oft-touted line most TV news outfits back the Democrats, with the exception being the Republican-aligned Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogan dismissed traditional media for podcasting itself already a two-decade old medium saying broadcast news "doesn't work anymore." "It's like, you know, like you're using smoke signals, and everybody else has a cell phone," Rogan said. "It's just, it's a bizarre time." While Rogan's media critiques may or may not have merit, he's not wrong to say that he at one time did legitimately back the Democrats. During the lead up to the 2020 presidential election, Rogan backed Senator Bernie Sanders not just to win the nomination, but to take the presidency. Earlier this year, he admitted that he "could see" Vice President Kamala Harris beating Trump in November. Joe Rogan and President-elect Donald Trump pose for a photo during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City (Getty Images) As of Thanksgiving, Rogan's Trump episode has 52 million views on YouTube. He also has 14.5 millions followers on Spotify, by far the most on the platform, according to Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris's episode of Call Her Daddy has just over 900,000 views on YouTube. During the initial flurry of calls for a left-wing Rogan, some commenters online and now CNN floated Twitch streamer Hasan Piker's name as a possible candidate. Piker is the platform's most subscribed political streamer, but he's no Democrat. He is a leftist who supports progressive policies and politicians and is an advocate for workers rights and an end to the war in Gaza. He told CNN's Donnie O'Sullivan that he has no interest of playing the part of a liberal Rogan, and does not believe the Democratic Party "can podcast itself out of this issue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Joe Rogan, he endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2020. Maybe [the Democrats] should do an autopsy on why he left the party," Piker said. When asked what the Democrats needed to change to win back voters, Piker gave a simple, direct answer. Their policies, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set to play a pivotal role in supporting Kazakhstans ambitious economic reforms, with plans to invest at least 2 billion euros over the next five years in sustainable infrastructure projects, said Huseyin Ozhan, EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia, in an exclusive interview with Trend. This announcement follows a recent meeting between the EBRD President, Odile Renaud-Basso, and Kazakh officials, where the governments vision to double GDP by 2029 and improve the investment climate received positive feedback. "The implementation of such ambitious plans will require financing from public and private sources, international development banks, and the use of the public-private partnership (PPP) model," he said. A significant portion of the EBRDs investment will focus on water security and the sustainability of water supplies. "We aim to support better water sector management and irrigation, ensuring long-term sustainability in this critical area," Ozhan emphasized. EBRD's focus on strengthening the transport sector The EBRD is also committed to advancing Kazakhstans transport sector, which is integral to the countrys strategic development. "Funds will be channeled towards the construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and expansion of key road, rail, and other networks," Ozhan noted. This includes support for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), a vital route for regional connectivity. Additionally, the bank plans to assist in modernizing Kazakhstans logistics sector, aligning with broader efforts to enhance the nations economic competitiveness. "These investments are not only about improving infrastructure but also about fostering a sustainable, modern economy that can achieve its ambitious goals," said Ozhan. As trade volumes between Asia and Europe continue to grow and because geopolitics is disrupting existing trade corridors, Kazakhstans role as a trade and cargo transit partner is set to increase, said Huseyin Ozhan. "The EBRD has been working for years with public- and private-sector companies in Kazakhstan to optimize transportation and improve operational efficiency," he said. In late October, during a visit by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso to Astana, the Bank reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ - Kazakhstan Railways). "This partnership aims to modernize the railway carrier's infrastructure, improve corporate governance, and align operations with ESG standards," Ozhan explained. The EBRD plans to allocate up to 750 million euros for several infrastructure projects under this agreement in the coming years, further solidifying Kazakhstans role in regional and global trade. "Our Bank operates in Kazakhstan based on its five-year country strategy, approved by the Board of Directors in 2022. It is built on three pillars: fostering private sector competitiveness and connectivity, supporting the green transition to carbon neutrality, and promoting economic inclusion and gender equality," he said. Aligned with the Enhanced Partnership Framework Arrangement (EPFA) signed with Kazakhstan, the strategy also emphasizes advancing digitalization and building a green and inclusive economy. Transforming public transportation Further speaking, the managing director added that the EBRD has allocated 10 million euros to support the tram management company in Kazakhstan's Pavlodar, a major investment aimed at enhancing the citys public transportation infrastructure. The decision to focus on Pavlodar, located in the northeast of Kazakhstan, comes as part of the EBRDs ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development and the improvement of transport systems across the country. "The Pavlodar tram management company has been our client since 2015," he said. "This company plays a crucial role in the city, handling almost 40 percent of passenger traffic in Pavlodar, which has a population of over 360,000. Our investment will significantly support the city's efforts to modernize its public transport". The funding will be used to acquire new battery-powered trams, a key component in improving the citys transport infrastructure. These modern trams will have an autonomous driving range of up to 20 kilometers, which is especially beneficial during electricity outages. "These trams will continue to operate even when the power goes out, helping to keep traffic congestion to a minimum," Ozhan explained. The introduction of these battery-powered trams is expected to have a dual impact. Not only will they reduce the reliance on traditional catenary lines, but they will also enable the expansion of the tram network without the need for additional overhead infrastructure. This approach aligns with the EBRDs goal of promoting environmentally friendly and efficient transportation solutions. "We at the EBRD have a strong preference for trams, which offer ecologically friendly and fast means of transportation," Ozhan added. The introduction of these modern, battery-powered trams is seen as an important step in improving the citys public transport while minimizing its environmental footprint. Active participation in the Foreign Investors Council "We have enjoyed excellent cooperation with both the central and regional authorities, as well as the business community, which has allowed us to become the largest continuous banking operation for the EBRD in Central Asia," said Ozhan. Over the years, this partnership has led to transformative projects that have contributed to Kazakhstan's growth and modernization. A key element of the EBRDs involvement in Kazakhstan has been its active participation in the Foreign Investors Council (FIC). For 26 years, the bank has co-chaired the FIC, which has been instrumental in creating a better investment climate and attracting much-needed foreign direct investment. Ozhan emphasized the importance of this role, noting, "The FIC is a driving force for facilitating foreign investments and provides a vital platform for dialogue between foreign investors and the authorities of Kazakhstan". The FIC has become a crucial forum for addressing important economic and policy issues, with working groups that focus on a wide range of topics. "These working groups serve as an important platform for discussing global trends such as climate change, decarbonization, regional connectivity, and digitalization," Ozhan explained. "The FIC allows us to elevate key issues to the highest level and resolve them efficiently, contributing to Kazakhstan's continued development". Long-term green transition goals Moreover, the EBRD and Kazakhstan have agreed to develop a comprehensive long-term cooperation strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in the countrys power sector by 2060. "We are working closely with Kazakhstan to achieve the carbon neutrality of the power sector by 2060," he said. "As part of this, the EBRD is the largest investor in Kazakhstans renewable energy sector, and we are focusing on integrating new renewable energy capacity into the national grid". The EBRDs involvement extends beyond investments in green energy. The Bank is collaborating with Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) to improve the countrys electricity grid infrastructure, making it more adaptable to renewable energy sources. This collaboration is critical to the successful integration of renewable energy into the grid and to maintaining a stable energy supply as Kazakhstan moves toward its carbon-neutral goal. In addition to its work with KEGOC, the EBRD is actively involved in several green initiatives throughout the country. "We are particularly proud of the EBRD Green Cities program, which is being implemented across Kazakhstan," Ozhan noted. "Additionally, the $150 million Kazakhstan Green Economy Financing Facility II, launched last year, is already helping hundreds of companies and thousands of households modernize production, increase energy efficiency, and improve climate resilience". The EBRDs commitment to sustainable development aligns with its broader global strategy. "All of our operations are Paris-aligned as of the end of 2022," Ozhan added. "Several years ago, we adopted a Green Economy Transition (GET) approach, under which we pledged to scale up climate and environmental finance to more than 50% of our annual investment by 2025". The EBRD has made significant strides in green finance, with every project it finances in Kazakhstan incorporating a strong green element. "We can safely say that all projects we finance in Kazakhstan have a significant green component," Ozhan concluded, reaffirming the Banks dedication to promoting environmental sustainability in the region. Russian forces tortured Ukrainian prisoners of war at the state utility Prypiat Alliance in the town of Naroulia, Homiel Oblast, Belarus, in 2022. Source: joint investigation by Schemes, an investigative journalism project of Radio.Liberty, and the Belarusian Investigative Center, supported by The Reckoning Project on documenting war crimes and the hacker group Cyber Partisans, as shared by investigative journalist Kyrylo Ovsianyi on Facebook Details: The investigation reveals that Prypiat Alliance is a state-owned company under the government of Alexander Lukashenko. The land plot in Naroulia, where Russians established a military base and tortured Ukrainian POWs in 2022, belongs to this company. Photo: Schemes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Returning POWs recalled only that they had been held in Belarus. None could precisely identify the location where they were beaten, tortured, humiliated and coerced into participating in propaganda videos during "filtering" procedures. Their only recollection was of a site resembling a collective farm. Through OSINT analysis of Russian propaganda videos and satellite imagery, journalists pinpointed the exact location. They are now awaiting "an appropriate response from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine". Planet Labs satellite images indicate that Russian forces remained at this base at least until early May 2022. The investigation also reveals unique footage obtained by Radio Liberty journalists a video from the action camera of a Russian soldier found in Kyiv Oblast. The footage, taken on the morning of 24 February 2022, shows a convoy of Russian troops crossing into Ukraine from Belarus near the Chornobyl area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, these soldiers, along with other prisoners, were featured in a propaganda segment on the Russian NTV TV channel, filmed at the Belarusian Prypiat Alliance site in Naroulia. Photo: Schemes After the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian human rights defenders and journalists began receiving numerous reports about a filtration camp set up by the Russians in Naroulia. Ukrainian prisoners both civilians and soldiers were reportedly transported there. Some human rights advocates have described this camp as one of the most brutal in its treatment of detainees. Human rights groups revealed that some Ukrainians who endured the filtration camp at the Prypiat Alliance site in Naroulia remain in captivity, held in Russian penal colonies. Support UP or become our patron! Nov. 27A U.S. district judge approved a settlement between child welfare advocates and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services over the state's administration of psychotropic medications to children in its care. As part of the settlement, the state will develop a new portable health records system that follows children from one placement to the next, granting caretakers and medical officials access to complete and updated histories. The settlement also creates an informed consent process for designated adults and minors 14 or older, including establishing guidelines for hearing disputes. The agreement also creates a clinical review team responsible for conducting secondary reviews before and after children receive psychotropic drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Psychotropic medications include stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall, antidepressants such as Zoloft and Xanax, antipsychotics and other mood-altering drugs. Hundreds of children in the state's foster system have been prescribed at least one such drug, the lawfirm Bernstein Shur said in a statement. Jack Woodcock, lead attorney at Bernstein Shur, said it was rewarding to see the case officially settled after years of work. The firm litigated the case alongside advocacy groups Children's Rights and Maine Equal Justice. "This is a significant accomplishment," Woodcock said Wednesday afternoon. "It should ensure a healthier and safer life for one of Maine's most vulnerable populations." District Judge Nancy Torresen signed the order formalizing the settlement Wednesday. The department and the advocacy groups first reached a settlement in March. The suit was filed in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torresen also ordered the state to pay $675,000 in legal fees to the class attorneys, according to the filing. The court will retain jurisdiction over the case for the duration of the agreement, which lasts five years beginning the date an independent implementation reviewer's contract begins. Woodcock said Bernstein Shur took the case pro bono and will be passing on its proceeds to Children's Rights. Marissa C. Nardi, lead counsel at Children's Rights, said the agreement helps ensure children are only given psychotropic medications when safe. "Children in Maine's foster care system have been subjected to powerful psychotropic medication without adequate guardrails for far too long," Nardi said in a statement. Copy the Story Link KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Military honors were performed Wednesday for a veteran who did not have any surviving family when he died. Gary Doyle died at 69 on October 18 in Knoxville. He served in the U.S. Army as a truck mechanic during the Vietnam War. He was promoted to Specialist 4th Class and was honorably discharged in 1977. Top Stories East Tennessee family finally gets justice nearly 40 years after brothers murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no living family members to claim his remains, Fort Sanders Hospital called Berry Funeral Home, who handled the arrangements. This is the last thing that we can do for our veterans, is to provide military honors, to have the veterans honor guard come out and present the flag and play taps and the 21-gun salute, the VA cemetery here is a testament to our commitment here in the East Tennessee area of taking care of our veterans, Funeral Director Jeff Berry said. The East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard also played a big part in honoring Doyle, as they do with many unclaimed veterans in the area. Members of the Honor Guard performed the military honors. Cumberland County High School students deliver donations, gifts to flood victims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a normal service that we do. For example, today Im doing three services, this is the second one, we got one more after this. So its just what we do, and my men and women, they just answer to the call, Stuart Hall, with the honor guard, said. The veteran community never fails to show up and show support. Vietnam veteran Bill Robinson attended the service. He was a prisoner of war (POW) in Vietnam for more than seven years, one of the longest held POWs in American history. We want to make sure that all veterans, including Gary, know that they have a family, Robinson said. Even though our bloodline you might say has passed on, we are his bloodline. He served with us, served with us honorably and we are here to make sure he gets the proper sendoff and the proper understanding of what he has done for his nation. Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his service, Doyle made Knoxville home and worked as an automotive and residential painter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas wildlife officials are considering the addition of new hunting license options for older adults after it suddenly halted the sale of some licenses for this age bracket. Commissioners with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) took up the issue during their last commission meeting of 2024 that was held in Wichita. The KDWP announced on Oct. 18 that it would stop selling its combination hunting and fishing licenses for state residents between the ages of 65 and 74 due to an oversight. Commissioners heard from Kurtis Wiard, KDWP chief legal counsel, during the meeting, who outlined a potential solution to the lack of lifetime licenses available to older adults. This proposal, originating from the new KDWP Secretary Chris Kennedy, includes the addition of three new multi-year licenses specifically marketed for older adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will this legendary Kansas catfish world record ever be beat? Kennedy would be able to establish these new licenses based on his current statutory authority as a way to ease the burden of license fees for older adults in Kansas. The proposed licenses include the following: Five-year resident hunting senior license $50. Five-year resident fishing senior license $50. Five-year resident combination hunting & fishing senior license $90. The prices are set based on current law, which permits the Secretary to offer senior licenses at one-half the price of regular licenses. There are still several steps required for this regulation to go into effect, including review by the Department of Administration, Attorney General, and Division of Budget. Following review by these agencies, the proposed fees will be presented to the Commission at a public meeting for a vote. We understand that even this reduced rate may still be out of reach for some, and we continue to explore ways to bring back the deeply discounted 10-year senior license. Kurtis Wiard, KDWP chief legal counsel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas deer hunters experience increase in success rate For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. (Bloomberg) -- Kazakhstans central bank said its conducting market interventions to stem a decline in the tenge after the currency dropped to its weakest level since March 2022. Most Read from Bloomberg Officials acted to prevent destabilizing fluctuations, smooth out excessive tenge volatility and guarantee foreign-currency supply on the part of the central bank, according to a statement published Thursday. The National Bank of Kazakhstan said its ready to continue interventions to restore a fair tenge exchange-rate formation and ensure normal functioning of the currency market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kazakh authorities have been grappling with the economic fallout of Russias war on Ukraine and sanctions on its neighbor and second-biggest trading partner. The government has also boosted spending on infrastructure and improving living standards after deadly riots shook the nation almost three years ago. The bank last sold dollars to support the national currency in March 2022 in the aftermath of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when the tenge weakened to a record low of 525.59 per dollar. The Russian central bank was forced to stop buying foreign currency under the budget rule on Wednesday after tougher sanctions triggered what the Kazakh monetary authority called an accelerated weakening of the ruble. The Kazakh central bank also pointed to the strong dollar, oil price volatility and expectations of more crude supplies and prospects for trade tariffs after the election of Donald Trump as US president. Kazakhstan said Nov. 12 that it was ready to intervene and announced a week later that it would order state firms to sell half of their foreign currency revenue in an effort to stem the tenges decline. The average volume of trading in November reached $238 million a day compared with $193 million a year earlier and was also significantly higher than in August and September, the central bank said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some state companies began foreign-currency sales last week, according to people familiar with the situation, the central bank said today that a restricted supply had been observed, partially because the tenge breached what it called the psychological level of 500 per dollar. While the central bank had been selling dollars from reserves since August as part of the governments purchase of shares in uranium miner Kazatomprom, those sales have not targeted tenge fluctuations. Policymakers are scheduled to meet Friday to discuss the key rate, which currently stands at 14.25%. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. BOYLE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A man is in jail after reportedly leading the police on a chase through Lincoln and Boyle counties. The Boyle County Sheriffs Office said Devin Snow, 27, was found hiding in the Moreland community. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a traffic stop, deputies said he ran but was then tased and arrested after an arrest citation noted suspicious activity coming from the vehicle. A bag of meth was found lying under a hat in the passengers seat and another in his waistband. Lincoln County deputies said they saw him at Coffmans Garage earlier. He fled in a white pickup truck, leading them on a multi-county chase. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news He is now in the Casey County Detention Center, where he is facing numerous charges, including: Kidnapping First-degree fleeing or evading the police First-degree drug trafficking (methamphetamine) Wanton endangerment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. For decades, the small city of Burnside, which overlooks Lake Cumberland in Southern Kentucky, has claimed to be the site of the first Boy Scout troop in the U.S. As the story goes, a local woman, Myra Greeno Bass, learned of scouting during a trip to England, where cavalry officer Robert (later Lord) Baden-Powell had founded the organization, and was so taken with the concept that she started a troop when she got home. That was in the spring of 1908, almost two years before the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in February 1910. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, however, scouting died out in the town of about 700 despite the historic connection. There hasnt been a troop based in Burnside for years. Now local leaders are working to change that. If youre going to claim to be the first Boy Scout troop in America, you better have a Scout troop, said Mayor Robert Lawson, who was himself a Scout. City leaders have discussed starting a troop with representatives of the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts, which is headquartered in Lexington and covers 55 counties in Central, Southern and Eastern Kentucky. The idea is to start a Cub Scout pack first and then a Boy Scout troop later, said Ron Perkins, a unit commissioner with the Blue Grass Council who lives in Pulaski County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cub Scouts is for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade and Boy Scout troops, now called Scouts BSA, is for young people ages 11 to 17, according to the national organization. The Boy Scouts of America announced earlier this year that it will switch to a new name, Scouting America, effective in February, the 115th anniversary of the organization, though the new name is already in use. The organization began allowing girls to join Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA troops a few years ago. Perkins said the fire department in Burnside has agreed to let the pack meet there, and Lawson and others have been looking for a non-profit organization in town to sponsor a Cub Scout pack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson said the local Masonic lodge, Burnside Lodge 634, where he is a member, is considering sponsoring the pack. Perkins said once a sponsor comes on board, scouting representatives will hold a meeting for parents and help set up the pack and provide training. There is a requirement to have at least five youth members and five adult leaders to start a unit, said Sofia Guadagni, senior district executive with the Blue Grass Council. The council has more than 2,500 young people and 2,000 adults involved in 115 units, Guadagni said. Lawson said he is confident scouting will return to Burnside in 2025, providing more opportunity for activities for young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the quicker we move it along, the better, he said. The first troop? The Boy Scouts date back to 1907, when Baden-Powell founded the organization in England to train boys in areas such as good citizenship and outdoor skills. He took a group of boys on a camping trip to see how his ideas would work, and published a book called Scouting for Boys in 1908. Histories mark 1908 as the start of the Boy Scouts. Bass, the young woman from Burnside, was a world traveler, as one history of the town called her, and brought home one of Baden-Powells official handbooks from a trip to England. The rules at the time barred Bass from being scout master, so her husband, Billy, took the title, but left most of the actual planning to his capable wife, according to an account in a book on the 100th anniversary of the city being incorporated in 1890. Burnside, in Southern Kentucky, was the site of one of the earliest troops in what later became the Boy Scouts of America. That first troop, called Eagle Troop, included 15 boys who met in the Bass home and went on hikes and camping trips in the hills around town, according to the history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large sign on busy U.S. 27 in the city proclaims it as the birthplace of scouting in the country, and a historical marker placed on Main Street in the 1960s says the city is reputed to be the city of the first American Boy Scout troop. A Wikipedia entry on Scouting in Kentucky says Burnside is believed to be home to the first Boy Scout troop in the country. There were other troops springing up around the country at about the same time, however, creating some uncertainty in pinpointing the first troop. By 1909, before the official start of the Boy Scouts of America, there were troops modeled on the English organization in Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Jersey and New York, according to 2019 article by Bryan Wendell in the publication Aaron on Scouting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Armstrong, spokesman for Scouting America, referred the Herald-Leader to that article when asked about the history of the first troop in the country. The article includes a reference to a 1940 letter in which a Boy Scout official said he had looked into the issue and came to the conclusion that it was not possible from any accepted record to determine which was the first Troop. When the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in 1910, those earlier troops generally became part of the new organization. Scouting America does not officially recognize a first troop, according to a spokesman. Local officials believe Burnside has as good a claim as anywhere to being the home of the first Boy Scout troop. Burnside, in Southern Kentucky, was the site of one of the earliest troops in what later became the Boy Scouts of America. The first troop was formed in 1908; this photo shows a later Cub Scout pack in town. The house where Bass founded the troop still stands in town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its in poor shape, but Brandon Becker, head of the local historical society, said members salvaged two cast iron fireplaces from the house and he had them restored. The pieces could be displayed in a museum the city hopes to develop. There would be plenty of history to fill a museum. The town, initially called Point Isabel, grew up on the Cumberland River, a location that made it a shipping point for lumber and other goods downriver to Nashville and beyond, as well as back up the river, according to local history. The town ultimately became known as Burnside, named for Union General Ambrose E. Burnside, who commanded troops in the area during the Civil War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acclaimed Appalachian author Harriette Simpson Arnow grew up in Burnside, taught in Pulaski County and lived on a farm near town before moving to Detroit at the end of World War II. Old Burnside was flooded when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finished building Wolf Creek Dam to impound Lake Cumberland in the early 1950s, forcing the town to move to higher ground. Several towns in Southern Kentucky are near the lake, but Burnside is the only one on the 101-mile-long lake, as local leaders say. And the tie to scouting is an important part of the citys heritage, said tourism director Jerrica Flynn. The history is still here, Flynn said. I think its important for us to keep that legacy. Assemblyman Kevin McCarty vowed Wednesday to be a mayor for everybody, every neighborhood during his first news conference since declaring victory in the race for mayor over public health professional Flojaune Cofer. McCarty outlined his immediate plans to tackle homelessness and bring more business, jobs and housing to the capital city once he takes office in December as the citys 57th mayor, promising not to leave Sacramento residents behind. I dont want to overpromise, I just want us to be a thriving city, he said during remarks at City Hall. What will Sacramento look like five or 10 years from now? I want to make sure people want to come to Sacramento and want to stay in Sacramento. But I also want to make sure we dont forget about the neighborhoods throughout the city of Sacramento. We want to make sure we lift everybody at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His Streamline Sacramento would bring more jobs, more housing, more businesses to Sacramento. The initial two-month process is expected to bring about ideas to streamline development, stimulate the economy and build more housing, he said. McCarty enlisted Councilmember-elect Phil Pluckebaum to lead a 12-member team of small business owners, home inspectors, engineers, law firms and others to sketch out an initial plan. McCarty will also launch an audit of the citys homelessness response. Voters, he said, want a more coordinated response and more efficiently and effectively spending our scarce dollars. McCarty said he and Pluckebaum took a recent fact-finding trip to San Antonio, Texas, a city that had seen success in addressing homelessness through the citys Haven for Hope transitional shelter campus. McCarty said he will authorize an audit on day one to come back and see where we are spending our money, focusing on results and services and getting people off of our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an echo of his Tuesday evening statement, McCarty talked about the hard work ahead and the coalition that will be needed once he gets to City Hall. The Sacramento native, assemblyman and former Sacramento city councilman had made that coalition building a major theme of his bid for mayor: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Im really humbled to step up and serve as the mayor of my hometown. Its an awesome responsibility, a lot of hard work, but Im ready to lean in and get to work to help move Sacramento forward, McCarty said. He thanked Sacramento for checking my name. ... I wont let Sacramento down. A tight mayoral race McCarty, who leads Cofer by some 2,600 votes, said his team was confident in calling the race. Cofer has not conceded as she waits for a final tally. The county will certify results on Dec. 3. We had three weeks, McCarty said of the election tally. We were, frankly, waiting for votes to be counted. We decided to make the call that we were successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarty had collected endorsements from sitting Mayor Darrell Steinberg, former city council members and local business organizations including the Sacramento Asian Chamber of Commerce. Voters arent always pleased by the status quo. They want change. We heard voters loud and clear, McCarty told reporters Wednesday. I want to make sure that Im a mayor for everybody, for every neighborhood, for every individual, voters who voted for me and voters who didnt vote for me, he continued. A mayor that serves everybody who brings people together and who doesnt leave neighborhoods or people behind. McCarty said both he and Cofer had a lot of commonality on so many issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im looking forward to sitting down with Dr. Cofer, certainly on homelessness and the issues of the day, he said. It was a real choice for the city of Sacramento. The voters had choices and it came down to essentially almost a coin flip, McCarty continued, adding that Cofer brought a lot to the table. She made the conversations at those 30 or so candidate forums meaningful. She helped bring issues to the forefront. She made me a better candidate and its going to help me serving Sacramento. McCarty said he will spend the next few weeks meeting with council members and staff getting up speed on key issues and preparing for the job ahead of the Dec. 10 swearing in. Im excited about Sacramento, McCarty said later. Im an optimist. We have a lot of problems, but I believe in people, I believe in neighborhoods and I believe in our community. I think about my mom, who came here as a single mom 45 years ago to Sacramento, and was given a chance, sometimes a second chance to thrive. Im going to make sure we dont forget people in Sacramento. The family of an affluent Scarsdale couple feared murdered for the past 44 years was relieved after the elderly pairs car was likely found in a Georgia pond just a stones throw from their hotel offering fresh insight into the mysterious cold case. When Charles and Catherine Romer vanished in April 1980 on their way back from a sunny winter in Florida, investigators and locals suspected the wealthy couple from the posh New York suburb were possibly targeted in a violent robbery, Catherines granddaughter, Christine Seaman Heller, said this week. But a car similar to the 1979 Lincoln Continental owned by the Romers was found in a pond Friday coincidentally just 70 yards from the then-Holiday Inn in Brunswick where the two were staying, giving the family a sense of closure and new hope their deaths were simply a terrible accident, Seaman Heller told The Post. Charles and Catherine Romer disappeared in April 1980. Handout A car similar to Charles and Catherine Romers vehicle was found in a pond near the hotel where they stayed. Glynn county Ga. So just the thought that it wasnt a violent act, but just a terrible accident, you know, its just unbelievable how relieving it feels, she explained after talking with police on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont want anything to happen to anyone you love, but just the fact that they didnt have an ending where it was violent or scary or horrible as horrible as it was but not the ending that we were all led to believe all these years. Glynn County police said Wednesday the car was finally pulled from the pond Tuesday night after the body of water was drained, and human remains in the vehicle indicate two bodies were inside. Investigators still need to identify the remains and confirm the car found is the one owned by the Romers. A manner of death has also not been determined. The car also had jewelry, including a Rolex watch and diamond ring inside of it, the family revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seaman Heller, who was around 15 years old in 1980 and is one of nine sisters, recalled investigators telling the family they believed Charles and Catherine, both in their mid-70s, were possibly the victims of something horrific. Human remains were found in the vehicle. Sunshine State Sonar Her father had to travel to Georgia frequently to identify bodies of missing people who were found. It was just constant sadness and fear, she said. Seaman Heller stressed that while nothing is confirmed yet, police told her family it appears the car errantly entered the pond. The vehicle was discovered by a group of volunteer divers from the Sunshine State Sonar Team, which received a tip from a YouTuber who visited the pond and spotted a separate, unrelated sedan in the water, the dive team owner told The Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When divers entered the water, they also found the Lincoln Continental, owner Mike Sullivan said. We were 100 yards from Room 149 where they were staying, he added. And we searched that body of water. Volunteer divers discovered the vehicle. Sunshine State Sonar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Romer, a retired oil executive, and his first wife were lifelong friends with Catherine Romer and her first husband. After their respective spouses died, the two married each other. They were each worth around $1 million, according to an Associated Press report from the 1980s, and Catherine was reportedly wearing between $60,000 and $80,000 in jewelry when she vanished. She was one of those grandmothers that made us all feel special, Seaman Heller said. This image shows what their car looked like. Sunshine State Sonar Investigators have not yet identified the remains. Glynn county Ga. Its unclear if the pond was searched at the time the two vanished, a police spokesperson said, though a local, Andy Mavromat, told The Post he recalls the body of water was scoured back then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if it was searched, Sullivan stressed finding the car is like seeking a needle in a haystack because the visibility is horrendous. Seaman Heller said she and the rest of her family are heartened that law enforcement and even volunteers still care about the cold case. Catherine was reportedly wearing between $60,000 and $80,000 in jewelry when she vanished. Sunshine State Sonar We all felt like we were her favorites, Seaman Heller said of Catherine. She was larger than life and spoke French, and she was creative, and she was one of these amazing people, just loved life. Took us traveling and always made a big fuss about these nine granddaughters that she had. Since law school, JD Vance's wife has been tight-lipped about her political beliefs. Usha Vance was a registered Democrat until 2014 and worked at what some consider a progressive law firm. Vance has said she has "not given a ton of thought" to the issues she'd focus on as second lady. Usha Vance's classmates at Yale Law School didn't know much about her politics. Weeks before she becomes second lady, the nation doesn't know much, either. "She was more tight-lipped, at least in my experience, with her political views," said Marvin Lim, a Democrat in the Georgia House of Representatives who also graduated in 2013. He wasn't close with either of the Vances, but said that they "certainly communicated a great deal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't remember ever having a political conversation with Usha," Elliot Forhan, a Democrat representative in Ohio who took a small class with Usha but wasn't close friends with her, said. "She just didn't really show her cards with respect to the political stuff." Vance, 38, will make history as the nation's first Indian American and first Hindu second lady. She'll also be the second-youngest person to fill the role, after Jane Hadley Barkley, wife of former Vice President Alben Barkley in 1949. Usha Chilukuri met JD Vance while at Yale Law School. The two were in the same small group of approximately 15 students who take all of their classes together, the New York Times reported. They got married in 2014, one year after graduating, and Lim said that their affection for each other was obvious. Less obvious, however, is Usha Vance's political orientation and relationship to the newfound national spotlight. Vance grew up in a suburb of San Diego, raised by a mechanical engineer and a biologist. One of her family friends, Vikram Rao, told The Times that she was a natural and kind leader, selecting what games they played and setting the rules by age five. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After getting her undergraduate degree from Yale, she studied copyright law at Cambridge. In February of 2006, a campus tabloid magazine at Yale described her "as "of the leftish political persuasion," but noted that she opted for romantic partners who are "tall, handsome, and conservative." One of her friends at Cambridge, Gabriel Winant, said that her social circle was left of center and even dotted with the occasional leftist, the Times reported. While her political views weren't recognizable to casual peers at Yale Law School, her leadership was evident. Both Forhan and Lim said that she wasn't particularly loud in class, but didn't fade into the background, either. Her drive didn't seem to extend to politics. "She didn't express political ambitions, but she did have ambition," Lim told Business Insider, noting that she went on to have prestigious judicial clerkships after graduation. "We knew those were things she wanted to do, but not political ambitions." A representative for Usha Vance declined to comment for this story. From a 'woke' law firm to conservative clerkships, Vance's political orientations remained murky after law school. After graduating from law school, Vance clerked for a pre-SCOTUS Brett Kavanaugh from 2014-2015 and Chief Justice John Roberts from 2017-2018. In addition, she worked at the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, but resigned on Monday when her husband became the GOP nominee for vice president. The law firm has since removed her biography, and with it all of her past cases, though the website used to describe her as "a skilled litigator specializing in higher education, local government, and technology sectors." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The magazine The American Lawyer described Munger, Tolles & Olson as "cool, woke" in 2019, with a "radically progressive" policy on gender and racial diversity in hiring, Vanity Fair reported. Despite his wife's workplace environment, JD Vance championed the "Dismantle DEI Act" in June, 2024, calling the DEI agenda "destructive." In 2022, two colleagues at the firm described Usha Vance as liberal or moderate to The Times. To make her political affiliations even murkier, Vance was a registered Democrat until 2014, The Times reported. Yet she shifted to the right alongside her husband in 2021, Federal Election Commission records reveal that she donated to Blake Masters, a conservative Senate candidate in Arizona backed by tech billionaire Peter Thiel. And Thiel has known JD Vance since at least 2011, when the tech magnate spoke at Yale. In 2024, Thiel was instrumental in cementing Vance's spot on the Trump ticket. Vance hasn't always seemed eager to be center stage. When JD Vance was himself running for Senate, Usha Vance appeared in his very first campaign ad, sitting in front of a bookshelf and talking about their three children. In an interview with Newsmax during the campaign, she said that her husband has not changed in the many years of their relationship. After her initial appearance, Vance largely faded out of her husband's campaign, but became more active as voting day neared. The same was true of this year's presidential election: Vance introduced her husband at the Republican National Convention, but didn't speak at other public campaign events, ABC reported. She helped behind the scenes, assisting with debate prep and offering feedback on rallies, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview on Fox & Friends in June, Usha Vance seemed ambivalent about taking on a public political role. During the conversation, she didn't wholly embrace the possibility of becoming the second lady. "I don't know that anyone is ever ready for that kind of scrutiny," she said. "I'm not raring to change anything about our lives are right now, but I believe in JD and I really love him, so we'll just sort of see what happens." She declined to specify what issues she would tackle in the White House, saying that "we might be getting a little ahead of ourselves." Vance has consistently defended her husband in the face of controversy, like when she called his infamous childless cat ladies comment a "quip." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the election inched closer, Vance remained vague about her personal political plans. "This is such an intense and busy experience that I have not given a ton of thought to my own roles and responsibility," she told NBC News in late October when asked what she'd focus on as second lady. "It's just something that I've never really it's not something I'm terribly familiar with." Vance went on to say that she'd "collect some information" and circle back to the question after November 5, depending on the election results. With the results in, she has yet share any specific plans. While Usha Vance's political orientations and interest in life as a national figure remain foggy, her devotion to her husband has seemed strong since her days at Yale Law School. "In terms of political beliefs, she held that close to her chest, but in terms of being supportive of JD, that does not surprise me," Lim said. Read the original article on Business Insider UN humanitarians mobilize to deliver aid in Lebanon on first day of ceasefire Xinhua) 08:09, November 28, 2024 This photo taken on Nov. 26, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in West Bekaa, Lebanon. (Photo by Maher Kamar/Xinhua) Humanitarian needs in Lebanon remain unprecedented. The United Nations and partners need swift, safe and unhindered access so that aid can reach those in need, OCHA said. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is the greatest hope for ending immense suffering in the most devastating humanitarian crisis in a generation, the UN relief chief said on Wednesday. "Humanitarians will keep responding to reach people in need," said Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, on social media platform X. As the ceasefire deal came into force early Wednesday, UN humanitarians and partners mobilized to deliver assistance and support people in need. On the first day of the ceasefire, amid plunging temperatures, 11 trucks from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) delivered emergency supplies to more than 3,000 people in Baalbek, including blankets, mattresses, winter jackets, plastic sheets, solar lamps and sleeping mats. This photo shows the snow scenery on the outskirts of Baalbek, Lebanon, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) "Immediately after the ceasefire came into force at 4 a.m., residents of south Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa (valley) began their return after months of forced displacement," said UNHCR. "Heavy traffic (was) observed on the highway from Beirut to the south since the early hours of this morning." The agency said that they will continue working closely with local authorities and partners to provide much-needed assistance to affected people to help them stay warm and safe this winter. UNHCR has delivered more than 330,000 relief items to more than 190,000 people in Lebanon since Sept. 23. Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) continues to support children who have been heavily impacted by the conflict, and is providing emergency psychological support to thousands of children and caregivers. Since September, UNICEF has reached more than 9,000 children and their caregivers with psychological first aid. "Urgent work must now begin to ensure this peace is sustained," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. "Children and families must be able to return to their communities safely, especially those displaced in shelters and host communities. The protection of children and their families must remain at the heart of all efforts to stabilize the situation and support recovery," she added. This photo shows a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Sidon, Lebanon, Nov. 25, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) Humanitarian needs in Lebanon remain unprecedented. The United Nations and partners need swift, safe and unhindered access so that aid can reach those in need, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has devastated lives, with more than 3,800 people killed, 15,800 injured, and nearly 900,000 displaced internally, alongside over half a million fleeing across borders, according to the Lebanese authorities. "The devastation of homes, healthcare and livelihoods is staggering," OCHA said. OCHA said the world body will continue to support the Lebanese government and partners. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) On November 27, the "Opportunities in China: International Communication Event of High-Quality Development of Anhui for Diplomatic Envoys in China" co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the Anhui Provincial Party Committee, the Anhui Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, and CRI Online, took place in Fuyangs "Wada Tomato Valley." This area has transformed from traditional farmland into a modern agricultural demonstration zone that integrates technology, sustainability, and efficiency. Upon entering this paradise of tomatoes, visitors are greeted by rows of neatly arranged greenhouse structures, resembling giant glass palaces that shimmer in the sunlight. The warm and humid conditions within the greenhouses provide an ideal environment for tomato growth. Here, every tomato is meticulously cared forfrom irrigation to fertilization, and from temperature control to pest managementeverything is managed intelligently. Using advanced IoT technology, managers can monitor environmental data in real-time and make precise adjustments based on the growth needs of the tomatoes, ensuring that each fruit thrives. The diplomatic envoys toured key facilities such as the greenhouses and smart irrigation systems. They learned in detail about the innovative technologies and successful experiences of Anhui Wada Modern Technology Agriculture Co., Ltd. (hereafter: Anhui Wada) in crop cultivation, smart agricultural management, and deep processing of agricultural products. Anhui Wada's technicians demonstrated the operation and application of the smart agriculture system, including real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and light through IoT technology, as well as using big data analysis to guide agricultural production for precision planting and efficient management. As the operating unit, Anhui Wada plays a significant role in demonstrating and leading agricultural upgrades and increasing farmers' incomes in surrounding areas. Through technical training and on-site observation, they impart advanced planting techniques and management experiences to local farmers, helping them improve agricultural production efficiency and economic benefits. The diplomatic envoys expressed high appreciation for Anhui Wadas modern agricultural development model. They unanimously agreed that Anhui Wada has achieved significant results in promoting agricultural modernization, particularly in the areas of smart agriculture, precision farming, and technological innovation in deep processing of agricultural products, setting an example for agricultural development in Anhui and across the nation. Source: cri.cn BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Serbia has launched its second renewable energy auction, aiming to support wind projects up to 300 MW and solar PV projects up to 124.8 MW, Trend reports. The auction will use a contract-for-difference (CfD) scheme for 15 years, with maximum bid prices set at 79/MWh for wind and 72/MWh for solar. This initiative follows technical cooperation between Serbias Ministry of Mining and Energy and the EBRD, with support from the Swiss government. The EBRD has been instrumental in helping Serbia develop competitive procurement processes and regulatory reforms for the renewable energy sector. Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans, highlighted the importance of auctions in delivering competitively priced green energy. Serbia aims to add 1,300 MW of renewable capacity over three years, with this auction being a key step toward that goal. Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka edovic Handanovic expects significant investor interest and competitive pricing in the auction, contributing to Serbia's renewable energy targets and green agenda goals. The EBRD has invested more than 9 billion in Serbia to date, focusing on private-sector competitiveness and green energy transition. KNOXVILLE, TN (WATE) Kristina Kushnir was born in 1971 in the deep colds of Siberia in the far east of the USSR. The city was called Magadan, a sister city to Anchorage, Alaska, just 2,000 miles away. While her family moved away when she was very young, her birth in Magadan was fateful because some day, that sister city of Anchorage would be her gateway into America. Now, she teaches economics at South College in Knoxville. When she was just six months old, her parents took her to live with her grandparents in Ukraine, which was also part of the USSR. Kristina lived in central Ukraine, about 300 miles south of Kyiv until age seven when her family moved to Novosibirsk, the Silicon Valley of the Soviet Union where scientists from across the country gathered. There, her dad worked at a national lab studying caribou. It probably was the best place in former Soviet Union to grow up, because we had more access to information compared to other parts of the country. Kushnir said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even still, information was highly regulated. Growing up, Kushnir was forced to be an active member of a youth organization that fed her Soviet propaganda if she wanted to get into college, she explained. Rocky Top woman says scammers need to be hung up by their toes after receiving fake letter There was no freedom of thought at all, Kushnir said. Anything you wanted to say which was not communist propaganda, you had to share only with your relatives. You could say what you wanted in your home as long as your family was open to it, as Kushnirs was but if you open your mouth and say something on the streets, you will be in trouble, and your parents may end up in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She attended college at Novosibirsk State University where she majored in economic cybernetics, which is more applied mathematics than what most people think of as economics, she explained. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, nearly every person in Kushnirs section of town who was employed in national labs lost their jobs. People lost their goals, people lost everything, Kushnir said. There was no future, no tomorrow. Fortunately, someone came to their rescue Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros. Soros gave grants to scientists left unemployed by the fall of the Soviet Union, Kushnir said. He gave grants to students as well, including Kushnir who got $2,000 to go to Anchorage, Alaska where she could keep working on her thesis about the oil industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to avoid starting phantom traffic jams this holiday travel season Kushnir loved being in America; she said, It was freedom, literally. I wanted to read the books I wanted to read. I wanted to watch the movies that were not available [in the USSR]. I wanted to study foundations of market economy and not what I was offered: foundations of communism/socialism. I felt like I belonged here, she said. I felt very comfortable from day one. She began taking classes at University of Alaska Fairbanks where she was finally able to take classes on macroeconomics and microeconomics. These classes opened her mind, teaching her about market forces like supply and demand. While she had attended economics classes in the USSR, they were more focused on mathematics. As she worked on her degree, Kushnir became a teaching assistant and got scholarship from Chevron. These allowed her to send money back to Russia to help support her parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Kushnir went to the University of Utah, and there in Salt Lake City, she met her husband who was originally from Moscow. In 2001, the couple moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where she got a job as a professor at South College. She continues to teach economics, strategic business and global business there to this day. Kushnir saw firsthand what life was like in a country mostly closed off to the West, and as an economist, she has a unique perspective on the USSRs planned communist economy. Twenty years of my life, I spent there, Kushnir said. I know what a planned economy is. It does not work. Its not efficient. She explains how she had a friend in Kazakstan, another former Soviet country, who had never even seen oranges or bananas until she turned twenty. As opposed to the United States where people could get any kind of fruit pretty much year-round, in the Soviet Union, they were very limited by seasonal availability, and sometimes there were limits to the amount customers could buy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained that many people would live with their parents for their entire lives multiple generations in a tiny two- or even one-bed apartment. THP: Teen driver killed after crashing into bear in Campbell County When asked what the weaknesses were of the Soviet economy, Kushnir responded, What were the strengths of the Soviet economy. It would be easier to answer this. The only strength was employment. Everyone had a job. Unemployment rate was zero. It was the strength, if we call it the strength. She continued, It was stability, and it had to be stability because in Soviet Union, you graduate from school, you graduate from college, you know what to do. At the age of 10, you know how you will live the rest of their life You didnt need to worry about health insurance. You didnt need to worry about your career because it was pretty much predetermined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kushnir said, Does market economy have its flaws? Yes, absolutely, but I think its a proven fact that planned economy does not work. However, the economic struggles were not what was most important to her, she explained, saying, For me, it was not so much about money no one had money. It was not about seasonal fruits. Instead, it was about freedom. She wanted to be somewhere where she was free to read what she wanted, where no one was going to force her to be a member of an organization she didnt want to join. As someone born in Russia who grew up in Ukraine, the current war is deeply personal for her. While her parents have passed away, she still has an aunt and cousins living in Ukraine. Fortunately, where they live is not under occupation, and they are able to stay in touch every day. In 2022, Kushnir and her colleagues at South College raised $5,000 for Kushnirs family to buy a minivan which they used as a makeshift ambulance to deliver medical supplies to the war zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She cant imagine what her dad would have felt about this war since he was deeply patriotic for Ukraine, but he also loved Russia. I dont know how he would even comprehend the fact that Russia attacked Ukraine, she said. It would crush him. To me, its still a shock. Kushnir has been to Russia twice since immigrating to America once for her fathers funeral and once for her mothers. It scared her. If I go to Russia now, I would probably be in prison within ten minutes, she said. I would be arrested in the airplane. Kushnir who considers herself super liberal warns of extremism on either side of the aisle. Even more, she is scared of countries like Russia, China and Iran which she considers evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need very strong leadership because there is evil rising there, she said. It is a huge threat What has been done to Ukraine is a shame Yes, we gave them billions of dollars, but we should have given them weapons. It would take us the U.S., France, Germany one week and the issue would be solved. One week. Look whats happening. Her fear is that we will withdraw our support, Russia will annex part of Ukraine and then attack NATO countries. I know how bad it can be, Kushnir said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Kyiv has already had contact with retired US Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, and looks forward to further cooperation. Source: Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesman for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a briefing on Thursday, 28 November, as reported by European Pravda Details: Tykhyi noted that Ukraine welcomed Kellogg's nomination for "this really important and challenging" mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Keith Kellogg is not a new person for Ukraine. The Embassy of Ukraine in the United States has maintained close ties with him, in particular within the framework of expert diplomacy in recent years, and during this time has developed and maintained a good dialogue with him," he added. The foreign ministry spokesman noted that Ukrainian delegations have also met with Kellogg on several occasions, and Kellogg attended President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech at the Reagan Institute during his visit in July 2024. "So, of course, we are looking forward to working with him, to interacting with him even more actively in his new role. We will cooperate, and we will establish contact with him," Tykhyi concluded. Background: On 27 November, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he had chosen retired General Keith Kellogg to be his "special envoy for Ukraine and Russia". Kellogg joined Trump's team as a national security adviser in Vice President Mike Pence's office and chief of staff to the White House National Security Council. Currently, Kellogg works at the pro-Trump think tank America First Policy Institute, where he helped draft a "peace plan" for Ukraine that was presented this summer. Support UP or become our patron! An arrest warrant has been issued for a Los Angeles man who now faces charges in connection with the hit-and-run that killed a 16-year-old boy on a bicycle near BMO Stadium last week. The deadly encounter happened at about 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 when, according to the California Highway Patrol, there was an altercation between a group of around 40 bicyclists and the driver of a blue BMW on Figueroa Street near Martin Luther King Boulevard. The confrontation moved into the parking lot at BMO Stadium, where the victim, 16-year-old Jonathan Junior Flores, was struck by the driver of a black Honda sedan. Police tape seen around a bicycle after a fatal hit-and-run crash in the BMO Stadium parking lot on Nov. 22, 2024. (KTLA) People seen holding one another after a deadly hit-and-run claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy in Exposition Park on Nov. 22, 2024. (KTLA) Both drivers fled the scene, leaving Flores to die in the middle of MLK Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update on Wednesday, CHP announced that detectives executed a search warrant at a home in L.A. on Nov. 23, where they seized both vehicles believed to be involved in the incident. The suspect, identified as Jonathan Antonio Rodriguez, 28, remains at large. The Los Angeles County District Attorney has charged Rodriguez with murder, felony hit-and-run and use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony. No photo of Rodriguez was provided. The CHP continues to investigate and urges Jonathan Rodriguez to surrender to authorities, CHP said. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact CHP detectives at (323) 644-9550 during business hours or the Los Angeles Communication Center at (323) 259-3200 after hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Editors Note: This story has been updated to clarify that the city receives revenue from property taxes through the county of San Diego. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The effort to make La Jolla its own city separate from San Diego is making a final push ahead of the holidays to move long-discussed proposal forward. The Association for the City of La Jolla (ACLJ) has volunteers out in the community hoping to collect enough signatures to place secession from the city of San Diego on the ballot some time in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grassroots endeavor to split La Jolla from San Diego has been the works for years, with the association finally beginning the signature-gathering process about six months ago in order to get the divorce before voters. The group now has a Dec. 1 deadline to get 25% of all registered voters in La Jolla about 6,500 people to sign their petition. Trace Wilson, ACLJ president, believes they have already met this threshold, but he said they still have volunteers out collecting more in the event some cannot be counted. Southcrest community recovering from floods continue to rebuild ahead of the holidays If they meet the deadline, the planning agency who oversees the incorporation of cities, the Local Agency Formation Commission, will take up the matter, notably running a financial analysis on what it could mean for the city of San Diego, community of La Jolla and county at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always call it a win, win win. Its important we are benefiting the region of San Diego, the city of San Diego and the community of La Jolla, Wilson said. He said one of the main reasons for the push is he believes La Jolla would be better at taking care of its needs. Among the benefits Wilson argues separation would come with include: relieving San Diego of all costs and liability for La Jolla, providing an income stream to San Diego through leased services for La Jolla, relieving San Diego of expenses tied to coastline upkeep, giving La Jolla flexibility to fix roads and focus on other projects of importance to residents. Wilson also says a withdrawal could create broad economic uplift and give La Jollans a louder voice in decisions made up in Sacramento. Diane Kane, the former Mayor for the City of La Habra Heights and vice president of ACLJ, said she has encountered residents with varying thoughts on the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have people who have been here a very long time, who have been through this exercise, and theyre rather skeptical, Kane said. We have other people who are really excited and enthusiastic. Growing up here and knowing the history of this city [San Diego] I am so concerned that we are losing most of our infrastructure, because the city doesnt have the money, said Melinda Mayweather, a volunteer with ACLJ and one supporter of La Jollas secession. On the flip side, those who have voiced concern about La Jollas separation argue cutting off certain taxes from San Diegos revenue could be a significant blow to this financial health, as the area has some of the most expensive properties in the region and is an epicenter of its tourism. The city says the primary streams of cash into its general fund for core services come from fees like property taxes, which are administered through the county, sales taxes, franchise fees and transient occupancy taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre back: Killer whale pod spotted by San Diego whale watching group Kane pushes back on this, calling impressions the La Jolla is a giant financial machine nothing more than misconceptions. Their draft financial analysis, she says, shows the community only accounts for about 6% of the property taxes it receives. Out of the $700 plus million dollars in property taxes that are collected citywide, La Jolla only contributes $44 million, she said. If the separation efforts go through, it will be sent to a double vote: A majority of voters in the city of San Diego will need to approve it, as well as a majority of the some 39,000 residents in what would be the newly-formed city of La Jolla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no official deadline for this to be brought to a vote, but Wilson hopes to have the matter on the ballot in either 2026 or 2028. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A combative interview with Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong was abruptly ended this week when the reporter asked about Soon-Shiongs decision to name CNN contributor Scott Jennings, a conservative supporter of president-elect Donald Trump, to the papers new editorial board. Oliver Darcy, the founder of subscription-based newsletter Status, wrote that the interview was ended by a Times rep shortly after he questioned the wisdom of appointing Jennings to the editorial board. It was when I attempted to broach this topic with Soon-Shiong that our conversation grew combative, wrote Darcy, per Mediaite. He told me it was merely my opinion that Trump lies more than other politicians. I pushed back, noting that the depths of his dishonesty have been well-documented by fact-based news organizations. Soon-Shiong didnt apparently appreciate that. He scolded me for making a statement.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the interview went south, Darcy said that Soon-Shiong referred to him as a so-called reporter, and bristled at Darcys suggestion that he was building an editorial board of voices that are inherently dishonest. Earlier in the conversation, Soon-Shiong told Darcy that the new editorial board would represent all voices, and include some truly critical thinkers and thoughtful people who voice opinion based on the facts. On Tuesday, the Times owner welcomed Jennings to the board in a tweet that read, Growing the board with experts who have thoughtful balanced views and new candidates are accepting the challenge to join us! Way to go Scott and thanks for accepting. Darcy wrote that Soon-Shiong is not the only media boss grappling with the complex question of how to represent the views of Trump voters in the legacy press and how thechallenge of platforming people who, like Trump, abuse the platforms they are given to mislead the greater public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darcy, a former CNN senior reporter, left the network in August to launch Status, which promises to inform readers about what is really happening in the corridors of media power. As TheWrap earlier reported, staffers at the Times are pissed off with the news of the new editorial direction of the paper, which follows Soon Shiongs decision to break with tradition and not publish a planned presidential endorsement ahead of the election. The post LA Times Rep Cuts Short Combative Patrick Soon-Shiong Interview About Naming Scott Jennings to Editorial Board appeared first on TheWrap. One of the earliest foreign policy decisions of the Labour Government was to agree to relinquish British control over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands came under British sovereignty more than 200 years ago. However, Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy negotiated a handover to Mauritius, which has contested British control despite itself being 1,300 miles distant. This move was conceded without the agreement of the US, which has an air base at Diego Garcia which it will retain, albeit paid for by the British taxpayer. The concern is that China, which has been exerting its influence throughout the region, will get a foothold in a strategically important area. Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the office of secretary of state, has called the agreement a serious risk to national security that threatens critical US military posture in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government says this is a British decision necessitated by an international legal ruling over sovereignty and that talks began under the last Conservative government. But it cannot afford a breach with America on a matter of shared security merely to burnish its post-colonial credentials. Many Chagossians do not want a transfer of sovereignty, even if they would like to return home, and it now transpires that the Mauritians may be cooling to the idea as well. An election has removed the Mauritian government with which Labour negotiated and the new prime minister has expressed reservations about the deal. The agreement has yet to be signed. Now is the time for the Government to back down voluntarily, before being forced to do so humiliatingly by Washington. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas mothers TikTok post last week on the bullying of her daughter went viral with more than two million views. However, since catching a life of its own on the internet, the post has produced several outcomes, including an investigation. On Wednesday, a foundation launched after the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas announced it was investigating the bullying incident and the Clark County School District. Sandy Escalantes TikTok post last week on the bullying of her daughter went viral with more than two million views. (Sandy Escalante/TikTok) When you have such a widespread number of consistent reports detailing similar incidents of bullying and increasing student violence from families from several schools within the same district, and yet a decrease in reports from the district, there is an imbalance which must be reweighed, Daniel Chapin, the founder of the One in Five Foundation for Kids said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video that sparked Chapins response came from Sandy Escalante, 30. She uploaded the TikTok video Friday morning after leaving a meeting at J.D. Smith Middle School. Somebody threatened to kill my daughter, to follow her home, Escalante claimed in her video. According to Sandy Escalante, her 11-year-old daughter has been dealing with a bully at J.D. Smith Middle School. It escalated last Thursday when the student allegedly threatened to kill her daughter. (KLAS) On Wednesday, Escalante told 8 News Now she couldnt believe the attention it has received. I feel conflicted because I feel accomplished in a way, you know? That theres movement theyre doing something about it, but then Im like, is that enough? Escalante said. According to Escalante, her 11-year-old daughter has been dealing with a bully at J.D. Smith Middle School. It escalated last Thursday when the student allegedly threatened to kill her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upset, Escalante said she met with administrators Friday morning. They gave her a handful of documents, which was not what she wanted. All theyre doing is a safety plan, to change their classes. Theres no punishment, Escalante said on TikTok. In a statement to 8 News Now, the Clark County School District said it takes bullying very seriously and investigates each allegation thoroughly. Once the TikTok video went viral, Escalante said she received a call from CCSD Police where she was told they planned to pursue criminal charges against the student. Escalante doesnt think this wouldve been a problem if the situation had been addressed promptly. According to Sandy Escalante, her 11-year-old daughter has been dealing with a bully at J.D. Smith Middle School. It escalated last Thursday when the student allegedly threatened to kill her daughter. (KLAS) What about my daughter? What about her feelings? What about what shes dealing with? Escalante said. How can you assure that my daughter is going to feel safe coming back to school? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, One in Five Foundation for Kids will present the results of its investigation to the Nevada Board of Education. With a student being threatened to such a degree you are getting a glimpse of a growing culture of student violence which must be addressed now before tragedy strikes plain and simple, Chapin said. What isnt clear is if the foundation has the authority to access CCSD student records. According to CCSD, federal law prevents the district from providing information on individual student matters. As for Escalante, she said her daughter is seeing a social worker to help her through this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shouldnt have escalated to the point where I had to go to my social media and make it a big deal, she said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. This Californias 13th Congressional District seat is the last uncalled national race in the country, and its tight. As counting winds down, Rep. John Duarte and Adam Gray are in an even closer contest than in their previous matchup. The California Secretary of States election results update posted Wednesday shows Gray in the lead with just 182 votes. Two years ago when the men battled it out for the House, Duarte won the seat with by 564 votes. At the current stage of the counting process, both local Democratic and Republican parties and supporters are mobilizing to help voters cure their ballots. Theyre reaching out to people with missing or mismatched signatures and encouraging them to correct the issues so their votes are counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Carrol, president of Modesto Republican Women Federated, said her group is trying to help cure ballots in Stanislaus County. They go in person, take a form from the County Clerks office and knock on that persons door and tell them their vote is not yet counted, and just ask them, Would you please fill out the form? Then its sent back to the Clerk-Recorders Office for them, Carrol said. Likewise, Democrats on Nov. 26 launched an effort to help cure ballots in Modesto. Campaigns can buy voter lists to work on curing Donna Linder, Stanislaus County registrar, said each voter already has been contacted by her office. But campaigns can purchase from her office the list of voters who still need ballot cures, to follow up with them, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigns will call or go to their house or whatever and encourage them to sign and either give the forms to the campaigns, because they can harvest them, or send it in themselves, Linder said. As of Nov. 26, Gray is leading in Stanislaus County, with 53% of the vote. On top of ballot curing, Linder said, The office continues processing of 196 conditional ballots. California law allows people to register after the general registration deadline, up to and including Election Day. These conditional ballots need to be verified for eligibility before they are counted. Sometimes those people were registered in a different county, so we have to double-check them all, merge their records, because voter registration is statewide, Linder said. Its just a process of researching them they take longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters have until Dec. 1 to return their cured ballots, according to Assembly Bill 3184, which was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September. The countys next update will be Dec. 3, which also is the date when the county can certify the election results and submit them to the Secretary of States Office. Duarte vs. Gray is one of two races for the House of Representatives between Republicans and Democrats in California that were tight leading towards the Dec. 1 ballot cure deadline. The other was between Michelle Steel, an incumbent Republican in Orange County, and her challenger, Democrat Derek Tran. In that race, the candidates were separated by 613 votes. The AP called the race for Tran on Nov. 27. There was another close House race in Iowa, with Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks leading narrowly against Christina Bohannan, called by the AP Nov. 27 after a recount. The Duarte-Gray race is the last uncalled in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Lee, executive director of Seed the Vote, an independent group working on ballot curing in Congressional District 13 with the intent to tip the House seat blue, said she thinks in this race ballot curing could make a difference. In some cases, ballot curing doesnt really make a difference. But in this case, its like Derek Trans victory was, what, 500, 600 votes, and then for Adam Gray, whos up by only 182 votes, the curing is really important, she said. GOP doesnt have much of a majority in House Though originally the Duarte-Gray race was viewed as an opportunity for Democrats to take the House majority, at this point, Republicans will continue to lead starting Jan. 3, according to the Associated Press. However, if both Gray and Tran win, that leaves the GOP with a slim majority in the House, especially if the new administration goes through with appointing two House Republicans to executive positions, leaving those seats vacant for weeks or possibly months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a vacancy in the Republican side of the House because Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned and withdrew his nomination for attorney general. Given the small margin in the 13th District race, its likely that either or both parties will be highly interested in a recount. There are no automatic recounts in California, so voters and campaigns would need to request a recount at their own expense after the full canvas of votes Dec. 3-8. The Secretary of State will provide the official statement of votes on Dec. 13. Even though the elections over, and most of the country has moved on, some of these hardcore volunteers are just like, No, Im still going to try to win this race and make sure that curing can actually impact that, Seed the Votes Lee said. FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Its been a year since Syracuse City Ballet fired nearly all of its professional dancers for going on strike. In the past 12 months, a lot has changed. The dancers shared their life updates with NewsChannel 9. They had been living their dream, working as professional dancers for the Syracuse City Ballet, up until November of 2023. The company decided to fire nearly all of its dancers after they went on strike for almost a week for a number of reasons, including unsafe working conditions. Its reinforced my love of ballet. I really feel like theres nothing that can stop me from doing it now or sharing it, because thats the point. I feel like my own mission if you will in life it was reinforced through that process, said Lucy Hamilton, former professional dancer for Syracuse City Ballet and founder of Central New York Ballet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year later, the same group of dancers that were fired are now stronger than ever. But getting there wasnt easy. This time last year, we were super insecure about what was going to happen next. Obviously we had no plans for the future, just that we were doing this thing that was our dream that we loved and then the next day it was gone, said Hamilton. But as the old saying goes, When you get knocked down, you get back up and that rings true for this group of dancers. Theyve been keeping busy on their toes, literally. Spending day and night in the studio. Except, theyre living out their passion in a new way. The same group of dancers once fired, have now created their own company, Central New York Ballet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have started our own company, our own professional ballet company and we got right to work after everything happened after the last time I saw you, said Hamilton. They also decided to put on their own Nutcracker performance for the first time last December, without being part of Syracuse City Ballets annual Nutcracker production. All of us have never not participated in Nutcracker since we started dancing. So that was a huge blow and it just didnt feel normal, said Hamilton. The show was held at the Palace Theatre and despite the production being put together in a short amount of time, they still sold out. The dancers are now getting ready for an even bigger performance of this years Nutcracker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have over 50 students and community adults who are going to be in the party scene and stuff like that and were going to be on stage and its going to be the full ballet this time, said Hamilton. Theyve been preparing for the show day and night, bouncing from studio to studio. Right now, they do not have a dedicated space to rehearse in. But come this summer, that will no longer be the case. We were approved for a $260,000 grant to build out the Gere block building which is the old Strathmore paint building, so were going to have our own home there. We are really excited about that, said Hamilton. The dancers are hoping the project is completed by the summer of 2025. Theyre hoping to put on blackbox performances while living their dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now there is a path forward and we know what were going to do tomorrow and were back on track with our dream, said Hamilton. Central New York Ballets Nutcracker production will be held at Charles W. Baker High Schools Theater in Baldwinsville, located at: 29 East Oneida Street Baldwinsville, New York 13027. Click here to buy a ticket. Date and times below: Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. Sunday, December 22 at 2:00 pm. Tickets cost: $42.00 for adults and $32.00 for children ages 12 and under. Click here to learn more about Central New York Ballet. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry have agreed to sign an agreement in 2025, Executive Director of AZPROMO Yusif Abdullayev told reporters on the sidelines of an event on "Azerbaijan-Latvia Information and Networking Meeting," Trend reports. Current indicators in our relations, as well as historically traditional ties between Azerbaijan and Latvia, in our opinion, do not reflect the potential of the two countries, especially in the context of export and import indicators. We believe that this needs to be seriously worked on, and such networking and linking events are essential. Just over 20 companies from Azerbaijan and Latvia are participating in today's event. The main goal is to introduce companies to each other. Our focus is not on large business forums but on similar networking formats, where companies in smaller numbers can spend more time with each other, make connections, and discuss potential cooperation. Today's event also allowed us to agree with the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to sign an agreement in 2025. As part of this agreement, we will develop an action plan that will include areas of cooperation, attracting companies from Latvia to Azerbaijan and vice versa, developing the economies of both countries, and increasing export and import operations. It is also important for us to stimulate investments, technology transfer, and the transfer of experience. As I have already mentioned, the agreement will be signed in 2025, and several events and platforms have already been planned for this purpose, he said. AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel While Donald Trump's federal criminal cases have all gone dormant, the judgment against him in his New York fraud case has not, and the "laughable" plea from his lawyers is not likely to change that. Kristy Greenberg, former federal prosecutor, discusses why Trump is not likely to squirm out of this one. A new lawsuit filed against Thurston County alleges Commissioner Emily Clouse sexually harassed and retaliated against her former executive aide. The lawsuit was filed in Thurston County Superior Court on Wednesday. A copy of the complaint document details the accusations against the county and calls for a judge to award the aide damages specified during a trial and pay for his attorney fees. Attorneys for the aide filed the lawsuit two months after submitting a tort claim for damages to the county that made similar accusations and asked for $750,000. Such claims against a government agency can only be escalated to a lawsuit after a 60-day waiting period when negotiations may take place, according to state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edward Earl Younglove III and Lisa M. Wood of Younglove, Corker and Rhode, an Olympia law firm, represent Clouses former executive aide and signed the complaint. Unfortunately, the County has been unwilling or unable to meet its legal obligations to our client, Younglove said in a brief statement to The Olympian. This lawsuit is the latest development after months of controversy surrounding Clouse. Three of her seatmates voted to suspend her from some of her duties on Aug. 13 while the county investigated a workplace dating relationship between her and the aide. Since then, Clouse has remained a voting member on the Board of County Commissioners, the body she was elected to, but she cannot represent the county on regional boards and committees she was appointed to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clouses seatmates promised on Sept. 6 to release a report about the investigation into Clouses behavior, but the county has yet to share that report with the public. Last week, Clouse tried and failed to get herself reinstated to her appointments. Thurston County received a copy of the lawsuit and started reviewing it Wednesday, said Tara Tsehlana, a spokesperson for the countys Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Due to pending litigation, the county is unable to provide further comment at this time, Tsehlana said. The lawsuit is directed at the county rather than Clouse specifically. Still, The Olympian reached out to Maia Robbins, Clouses attorney, for comment. She disputed the allegations in the lawsuit and said Clouse will continue to focus on working hard for her constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act of filing a lawsuit doesnt turn fiction into fact, Robbins said. The allegations in the complaint are absurd on their face and have already been dispelled by an internal workplace investigation. Commissioner Clouse looks forward to the factfinder(s) reaching the same conclusion in court. What does the complaint say? In the complaint, the attorneys accuse Clouse of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in quid pro quo discrimination on the basis of sex. Both claims are forms of sexual harassment that are legally recognized under Washington State Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60). The complaint contends Clouse made sexual advances toward her aide that led to a mutually consensual dating relationship. However, the complaint indicates the aide felt he was in no position to reject her advances and he found his relationship with her increasingly unwelcome. It was clear to the Plaintiff, however, that if the Plaintiff wanted to remain employed, he would need to continue his personal intimate relationship of a sexual nature with Commissioner Clouse, the complaint reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These accusations mirror ones made in a Sept. 5 letter the aides attorneys sent to the county. That later accused Clouse of engaging in a pattern of abusive, unwelcome and sexual behavior that was enabled by a power imbalance between the pair. The complaint also alleges Clouse required the aide to fulfill personal and unreasonable work demands, such as driving her places, buying her food and drinks, and making personal loans which she did not repay. Furthermore, the attorneys accuse Clouse of retaliating against the aide on July 29 by attempting to fire him about 30 minutes after he reported to the countys Human Resources department that he was being harassed. The complaint indicates Clouse had accused the aide of sexually assaulting her, but she later retracted that claim during the countys workplace investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also accuses the county of illegally attempting to suppress the aides complaints. The complaint indicates county officials asked the aide what amount of money would make this go away on July 29, which he understood as an attempt to make him keep quiet about his allegations. The aide was placed on administrative leave instead of being fired. That put him in a position where he appeared guilty of wrongdoing, according to the complaint. All these actions, the attorneys contend, have caused the aide prolonged stress, physical harm, emotional distress, embarrassment, trauma and humiliation. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) Four candidates in Johnson Citys recent local election that was marred by a mistake allowing non-residents to vote have sued the Washington County Election Commission and are requesting a rerun of the election. Tight JC election results certified despite glitch The plaintiffs believe there are at least 50 illegal ballots cast in the Johnson City Commission race, thereby calling the elections integrity into question, the lawsuit states. It alleges one count of violation of election integrity and a second count of negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law requires that the trial of an election contest be held within 50 days of the complaints filing. Incumbent City Commissioner Joe Wise defeated fellow incumbent Aaron Murphy for the third and final available spot by just 38 votes. Three unsuccessful school board candidates and one city commission candidate are listed as plaintiffs in the suit, which was filed in Washington County Chancery Court Wednesday. They include school board candidates Zaire Gary, Ryan Berkley and Sam Pettyjohn, and city commission candidate Jay Emberton. Berkley provided a statement in which he said the suit isnt just a numbers game; its about fairness and trust in our elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He referenced Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargetts frequent statements about Tennessees efforts to keep elections free, fair, and forthright, stating that when mistakes or negligence undermine those principles, we must act. News Channel 11 asked plaintiff Gary if the tight race between Murphy and Wise was a reason for filing the suit. Im not exactly sure on the verbiage in the lawsuit that mentions the Johnson City Commission, but every member of the city election was affected by votes that were counted irregularly, Gary said. And so this lawsuit benefits every single candidate, not just the commission. The suit specifically seeks an election rerun or other remedy as deemed appropriate. It also requests that the Washington County Election Commission be ordered to produce all relevant documentation and records pertaining to any errors identified in the 2024 Johnson City election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary discrepancy at issue actually occurred in Carter County, which includes several areas that are inside Johnson City limits but where at least some of the 44 voters from Heather Lane which is not inside the city were provided city ballots. Invalid votes likely cast in tight Johnson City Commission race The lawsuit also claims that during early voting there was a discrepancy where machine totals did not align with the voter count, accounting for a difference of 2 votes. And it cites documentation indicating at least four voters should have received provisional ballots in the Washington County election but were instead given regular ballots. Provisional ballots are provided when a prospective voters eligibility cant be fully determined on site. Theyre set aside and reviewed after the election, after which theyre either counted or disallowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary said those irregularities is why they chose to file this lawsuit. Because of these, honestly, our only choice as a community, not just one candidate, not just for myself our only choice, is to file a lawsuit with the proper authorities to get this election to be redone, Gary said. Thats the proper process to do this. And so its not that we wanted to file a lawsuit. If the election commission could just redo it, I believe that they would. Tennessee Code Annotated 2-17 states that any candidate can contest an election within five days of its certification. A contest occurs in the county where the elected board or commission has its meetings, regardless of where any alleged illegalities may have occurred, which is why the suit was filed in Washington County instead of Carter. Washington Countys Election Commission provided the final certification of results Friday afternoon, hours after the Carter County Election Commission certified its results despite the Heather Lane mistake. That mistake couldnt be resolved because once a voter is given a ballot and casts their vote, those results cant be specifically extracted and reviewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the election integrity count, the suit claims the election commission failed to ensure the proper execution of election procedures, resulting in the inclusion of ineligible voters in the Johnson City election. Gary said this suit is about having integrity in the system, especially at the local level. Im not extremely disappointed. But its more about having an integrity and trust in our elections. Mistakes happen. And no matter what, like I said, we have to follow a lawsuit in order to just rectify the mistakes that happened. The negligence count claims the commission breached its duty to ensure accurate and lawful election administration, resulting in harm to the Plaintiffs as candidates and county citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint is required to be served on the commission. The soonest the suit could be heard in Chancellor John Rambos court would be 15 days from today. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. At least 85 people developed symptoms after eating food contaminated with THC served at Famous Yeti's Pizza in Dane County, according to a report released this week. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant and is what delivers the "high" when someone smokes or ingests marijuana. The contamination is believed to have occurred when workers at Famous Yeti's borrowed oil for a batch of dough from another business in the same building, according to a report issued Tuesday from Public Health Madison and Dane County that was published by Wisconsin Public Radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pizza shop's owner told investigators the THC-infused oil came from a state-licensed business that uses the shared community kitchen, the report says. Last month, public health officials quickly issued an alert asking people who bought pizza at the restaurant in Stoughton from Oct. 22 to 25 to throw it out after a handful of people reported unexplained symptoms. Health workers began surveying people who ate pizza in that time frame. The final report found: Those affected ranged in age from 1 to 91, and the total included eight children. Several women who were pregnant or breastfeeding experienced symptoms. Thirty-three people saw a healthcare provider because of the symptoms, 27 went to the emergency room and three were hospitalized for at least one night. Common symptoms included dizziness, anxiety, nausea, sleepiness, increased heart rate, paranoia, panic attacks and vomiting. People reported symptoms lasting anywhere from one to 83 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities initially believed it was just pizza affected, but later learned the contamination also was found in sandwiches, cheese bread and garlic pizza. The restaurant at 2300 Highway 51 closed on Oct. 24 because of the contamination. It was allowed to reopen two days later, after consulting with health officials. At the time, Cale Ryan, co-owner of Famous Yeti's Pizza, apologized on the business website and Facebook page. "We want to assure you that all affected products have been destroyed," he wrote on Oct. 24. "Famous Yetis is working closely with local authorities to improve our storage and security protocols to prevent this from happening again and to guarantee the safety of our customers." Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: THC-contaminated food at Famous Yeti's Pizza in Stoughton affected 85 Traditional Norwegian holiday lefse served with butter. (Getty Images) With this holiday season following a hotly contested election, some Americans fear that political disagreements among family will boil over like a pot of poorly watched potatoes. In North Dakota, where the Plains meet the prairie and the spirit of the old country lives on, the secret to peace at the family table may be found in prioritizing lefse over politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norwegian immigrants began arriving in North Dakota in the 1870s. According to World Population Review, Norwegian Americans are predominantly concentrated in the Midwest, with North Dakota having the highest percentage of Norwegian ancestry at 22.5%. A taste of home A cultural staple made of humble ingredients like potatoes and flour, lefse is a symbol of Norwegian heritage and community identity. Lefse is more than a potato pancake; it represents a legacy of rolling, cooking and flipping passed down through generations like a family heirloom. This year, if holiday dinner table tensions threaten to bubble over, consider borrowing some wisdom from two extraordinary women who have recognized the power of food to bind families together. Lets call it Lefse Diplomacy. Dora Rolfstad (Contributed) Dora Rolfstad, 103, of Williston, continues to infuse warmth and tradition in every round of lefse she makes. Betty Mae Johnson of Parshall who died in January 2024 at 99, was a matriarch whose family recipe remains a cherished legacy. Together, their stories remind us that, even amidst political disagreements and family debates at the holiday dinner table, tradition and kindness can keep us united. Dora Rolfstad: A century of rolling Born in 1921, Dora Rolfstad is the second youngest of 11 children raised on a farm near Epping by Norwegian immigrant parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, Rofstad has taught her children and grandchildren to roll lefse, eventually passing her prized lefse roller to her grandson, Mikal, whom she deemed the thinnest roller of them all. Mom worked hard her entire life, said her daughter Bekki Larson, from making bread as a teenager for custom combining crews to rolling hundreds of sheets of lefse for family gatherings. She tells us that her secret to a long life is hard work, God, and family. As a child, when her family rolled lutefisk (dried cod) into their lefse, Dora discreetly swapped the fish for butter and sugar a sweet rebellion that lives on in Rolfstad family lore. Betty Mae Johnson (1928-2023): Innovation meets tradition If lefse is a North Dakota staple, Betty Mae Johnson elevated it to an art form. Johnson began making lefse in the 1960s for her husband, Carl. With her neighbor, she worked tirelessly to perfect a unique recipe featuring sour cream a departure from the traditional cream-based recipes. Betty Mae Johnson rolls her lefse using her secret family recipe. (Contributed) Johnsons daughter, Karen Johner, owned Karens Sweet Tooth bakery in Parshall in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mom made batch after batch until she got it just right, she said. Together, the mother-daughter team, known as the best bakers in Montrail County, produced lefse that was sold across the country, including at the Norsk Hstfest in Minot, one of the largest Scandinavian festivals in North America. Up until her passing at 99, Johnson was still rolling lefse. Her sour cream lefse recipe had been kept a family secret until now. Since Mom is now gone, I think this is a recipe that should be out there for others to discover. Lefse diplomacy: Wisdom from the women who rolled before us As these womens lives and legacies demonstrate, lefse is about more than potatoes its about family, heritage, and finding common ground. This holiday season, consider adopting Lefse Diplomacy to navigate family dynamics: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former North Dakota Counselor of the Year, Nancy Sprynczynatyk, suggests some ingredients for preparing a successful and stress-free family holiday. Decide ahead of time that family relationships, love, and kindness are more important than being right or wrong, she said. Set your recipe for a peaceful gathering by avoiding volatile topics and focusing on shared memories and laughter. Betty Maes sour cream lefse recipe BOSTON (WWLP) After State Auditor Diana DiZoglios ballot question passed, giving her the authority to examine the finances of the state legislature, lawmakers say they are not yet required to comply. Shortly after the election, the auditors office penned a letter to the legislature calling for the records she needed to complete the audit. On Tuesday afternoon, top lawyers representing the House and the Senate replied to DiZoglios letter, saying they would not act until the law officially goes into effect. The law will go into effect 30 days after the ballot question results are officially certified, which has not yet happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter promised a response in due time. When that process has concluded and thirty days have, the General Court will respond to any audit engagement letter that we receive at that time, said the letter from the legislative branches lawyers. They also noted their constitutional concernsthat an audit of the legislative branch by the executive branch could violate the separation of powers clause. Attorney General Andrea Campbell says she plans to stay on the sidelines of this debate until a legal dispute is resolved. Theres no role for my office to play right nownothing can happen until the law that just passed goes into effect, Campbell explained during a GBH public radio appearance on Tuesday. Once the law goes into effect, Campbells says DiZoglio or the Legislature could file a legal dispute, which would position her office to get involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, voters will have to wait to see how the constitutional questions with this new law play out before seeing a potential full audit of the legislature. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The ninth session of the Azerbaijani-Latvian intergovernmental commission on economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation is expected to be held in Baku next spring, Latvian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Edgars Skuja told Trend. So, during the COP 29, our Minister of Agriculture visited Baku, and he is a co-chair of the Latvian side, and Minister Mukhtar Babayev, COP 29 president, is the co-chair from the Azerbaijani side. They met, and they agreed that in the spring, this commission should continue the work, and the meeting is supposed to be here in Baku. And I can't say the exact date, but I assume this will be the nice springtime in Azerbaijan, which is April, May, presumably. This is our proposed plan. The Intergovernmental Commission has not convened since 2022. I believe that all inquiries at the governmental level, among our ministries, institutions, and various agencies, will be presented to this Commission. We may need to sign certain protocols and agreements during this Commission and discuss strategies to expand our contacts in other domains within a broad and extensive agenda, the Ambassador emphasized. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Nov. 28A Lewis County Public Utility District (PUD) commissioner was arrested on allegations of bribery on Wednesday, according to Lewis County Jail records. Michael Jay Kelly was booked into the jail at 7:09 p.m. on Nov. 27 and remained in custody on Thursday morning. According to jail records, he was arrested by the Centralia Police Department. No bail has been set. Lewis County Superior Court and other government offices were closed Thursday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple sources confirmed to The Chronicle that the Michael Kelly arrested Wednesday is the elected official who serves on the three-member Lewis County PUD Board of Commissioners. Kelly has not yet been charged with a crime. That determination will be made by the Lewis County Prosecutor's Office after its review of the law enforcement investigation. Bribery is a Class B felony in Washington state. Penalties can include up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Among the definitions of the crime in state law is how it applies to public servants: "Being a public servant, he or she requests, accepts, or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit pursuant to an agreement or understanding that his or her vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion, or other action as a public servant will be used to secure or attempt to secure a particular result in a particular matter. It is no defense to a prosecution under this section that the public servant sought to be influenced was not qualified to act in the desired way, whether because he or she had not yet assumed office, lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Kelly is charged with the crime, additional details would become available through an affidavit of probable cause filed by prosecutors in Lewis County Superior Court. Kelly was elected to the Lewis County PUD Board of Commissioners in 2020. His term began in January 2021. He currently serves alongside fellow commissioners Mike Hadaller and Ed Rothlin. Dave Fenn won an election in November and will fill a vacancy left by Rothlin in the new year. Together, the three oversee operations of the PUD and direct General Manager David Plotz and the rest of the staff. Kelly is a computer and controls professional at TransAlta's coal-fired power plant in Centralia, according to the PUD's website. He represents District No.1, which includes the central part of Lewis County east of Centralia and Chehalis, including the Big Hanaford, Little Hanaford, Coal Creek, Logan Hill, North Fork, Forest, Napavine, Evaline and Winlock areas, according to the PUD. This article will be updated. MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) Prince Johnson, the Liberian former warlord and senator whose brutal tactics shocked the world, has died at the age of 72, authorities said Thursday. Johnson, who infamously videotaped himself drinking Budweiser as his men cut off the ears of the nations former president, remained active in politics after the civil war ended and was elected senator in 2006. He died on Thursday at a local hospital in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia, said Siafa Jallah, deputy director of press relations at the Liberian senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberia's civil wars, marked by mass killings, torture and sexual violence, killed an estimated 250,000 people between 1989 and 2003. Johnson was named one of the most notorious perpetrators by the country's post-war truth and reconciliation committee, and was accused of killing, extortion, massacre, torture and rape among other charges. Neither Johnson nor the other seven people that the committee listed as leaders of warring factions were ever tried in Liberia. But a handful were convicted overseas, including Charles Taylor, a former president, who is serving a 50-year-sentence in the United Kingdom. Mohammed Jabbateh, a rebel commander who witnesses said sliced a baby out of a pregnant womans stomach, killed civilians and ordered his soldiers to rape young girls, was sentenced to 30 years in the U.S. Earlier this year, President Joseph Boakai signed an executive order to create a long-awaited war crimes court to deliver justice to the civil wars' victims, but the court hasn't begun operating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adama Dempster, a Liberian human rights advocate, expressed regrets that Johnson was unable to testify before the proposed tribunal before he died. Its sad and has a deep meaning for an accountability process, he said. In 1990, the then-38-year-old Johnson led a rebel faction that invaded Monrovia, captured former President Samuel Doe and tortured him in front of a rolling camera. Johnson is seen kicking back in a chair, his feet up on a table and a bottle of beer in one hand. He taunts the former ruler as his men strip the president to his underwear then cut off his ears, as blood streams down his temple. The president later died, and according to one witness testimony in front of the nations truth and reconciliation commission, Johnson later showed off Does head on a platter. Around the same time, Johnson executed a relief worker wearing a Red Cross bib after accusing him of profiteering from rice sales. An Associated Press photographer who witnessed the scene reported the crumpled victim briefly lifted his head and asked Why, why? before Johnson finished him off with a burst of AK-47 fire. After the end of the war, Johnson became a born-again Christian and ordained preacher, before being elected senator representing Nimba County. The country banned the sale of Doe's notorious torture tape that had once been widely available at streetside stalls. ____ Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) The Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System is set to host a renaming ceremony for its outpatient clinic to honor four Vietnam War Veterans from Liberty County, Georgia. On Monday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m., the clinic will be renamed the John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic. Rep. Earl Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Scott Isaacks, director and chief executive officer of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System will both deliver remarks. Its an honor to be able to recognize these four brave men who sacrificed everything for our nation, said Isaacks. We will not stop recognizing our nations heroes and are committed to ensuring that all Veterans receive the care and recognition they deserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Gibson (1946-1968), of Riceboro, joined the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Private First Class. He arrived in Vietnam on October 12, 1967, with the 1st Marine Division, and was killed by small arms fire during the Tet Offensive on February 7, 1968. He was 21 years old. Dan James (1948-1968), of Riceboro, was drafted into the United States Army and shipped off to Vietnam in September 1968. He was killed by an arms fire while with his unit in the 25th Infantry Division on December 29, 1968. He was 20 years old. William Sapp (1943-1968), of Hinesville, was drafted into the United States Army and shipped off to Vietnam in November of 1967. While serving with his unit the 4th Infantry Division, he was killed by multiple fragmentation wounds on June 7, 1968. He was 25 years old. Frankie Lee Smiley (1944-1968), of Liberty County, joined the United States Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. He arrived in Vietnam in January 1968 with the 1st Marine Division and was killed by small arms fire on August 25th, 1968. He was 24 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The renaming follows the passage of H.R. 593, introduced by Carter and signed by President Biden, May 13, 2024 after a community-driven initiative to recognize these Veterans service. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Nov. 27LIMA On Tuesday, a Lima woman was found incompetent to stand trial but restorable within one year due to mental illness in the Allen County Common Pleas Court. The charges against Courtney Shurelds, 33, including aggravated burglary, retaliation and intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case will be stayed while Shurelds receives treatment at the Northwest Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in Toledo. According to court documents, on Oct. 3, Shurelds allegedly went into a home she doesn't live in and punched an occupant of the home in the face and head, causing several lacerations. The police narrative said the family had an ongoing problem with Shurelds. Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451. Featured Local Savings Nov. 27LIMA A Lima woman pleaded guilty to an amended third-degree felony count of fentanyl possession Wednesday in Allen County Common Pleas Court. Cierra Miller, 38, was indicted on a second-degree fentanyl possession charge, and the indictment specified that she possessed between 10 to 20 grams of fentanyl. With the reduced charge, the amount she possessed was changed to 5 to 10 grams. As a third-degree felony, the charge no longer carries a mandatory prison sentence. Prosecutors will not make a sentencing recommendation and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered before sentencing on Jan. 13. Miller has been out on bond and her bond was continued. Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451. Featured Local Savings (WKBN) First News checked in with several local officials and Ohio lawmakers to see what they are thankful for this year. Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown told us about what hes thankful for this holiday season. I am thankful for family; family is your sanctuary, but Im also thankful for this community, Brown said. In 2024, we have seen a lot of things happen in the city of Youngstown. Im thankful for how this community has come together, Im thankful for where we can look for the future of Youngstown, Ohio and I just want to continue to give my prayers and my blessings out to all those families on this Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley also said he is grateful for his family. I have two beautiful grandchildren now, one five and one one-years-old, Finley said. My family, my wife I cant be more loved. When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine paid a visit to the Valley for Warren G. Hardings wellness center opening, DeWine also talked about the importance of his family in his life. Im very thankful for my family, DeWine said. Im very blessed with an amazing family very very thankful for that family. Ohio State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel sai d she is looking forward to spending time with her family this holiday season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am so thankful to be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family, with my two daughters, my husband, and my close family members, Robb Blasdel said. We have a lot of traditions that we do around the holidays this time of year, so Im just looking forward to spending time with my daughters and spending time with my family this week. Ohio State Representative Nick Santucci said he is thankful for a new addition to his family. Im thankful for my wife; we just had a brand new baby girl on November 15, and my wife has been a rockstar, Santucci said. Im thankful for her, and Im thankful for a healthy baby girl. Ohio State Representative Tex Fischer said he is thankful for his upbringing in the Mahoning Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im thankful for my friends, family and the parents who raised me and gave me the values I have today, Fischer said. The life lessons they taught me and the strong foundations they gave me put me in a position where I can serve my community to the best of my ability. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. COLUMBIANA CO., Ohio (WKBN) The Columbiana County Sheriffs Office is looking for information on a case from two years ago. On Nov. 28, 2022, Christina Chrissy Atkinson was found dead in Madison Township. The mother of four was last seen the day before in the City of Lorain, over 120 miles away. The Sheriffs Office encourages anyone with information on Chrissys murder or who mightve seen her to call them at 330-424-7255. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. DENVER (KDVR) The Lone Tree Police Department is looking for two suspects after a woman was injured in an Interstate 25 carjacking on Tuesday afternoon. The department said one of the suspects was driving a stolen black Ford F350 truck that caused a multi-car crash on Tuesday around 4 p.m. on northbound I-25, south of the RidgeGate Parkway exit in Lone Tree. Police said a Hispanic male was driving the truck and a Hispanic female was in the passenger seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the crash, the department said the suspects, armed with a knife, forced their way into a females vehicle. The suspects made the woman drive away and hit her several times. After a short drive, according to police, the suspects forced her out of the car, took her vehicle and threw her phone out of the window along the highway. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The victim suffered minor injuries and the stolen vehicle was later found in Denver near I-25 and Interstate 70. Now, police are looking for two suspects described as: Male suspect Hispanic male About 40-years-old 5 foot, 8 inches tall Medium build Salt and pepper hair Two- to three-day beard growth Wearing a gray jacket Female suspect Hispanic female Lighter skin tone than male About 30-years-old 5 foot, 4 inches tall Medium build Black hair pulled into a ponytail Wearing black pants and a gray hoodie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department is asking anyone who saw the crash on I-25 in Lone Tree or with information to contact Detective Lori Mohr at 720-509-1179 or at Lori.Mohr@cityoflonetree.com or call Lone Tree Police Departments anonymous tip line at 720-509-1160. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The 57th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) Meeting and the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM), have been postponed to December 5, 2024, Trend reports. The decision to reschedule follows the announcement that several key ministers will be attending the 45th Gulf Summit in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on 1 December. The event was originally scheduled for December 1, 2024. JMMC last met on October 2, 2024, where they reviewed crude oil production data for July and August 2024, as well as the current market conditions. During the meeting, Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Russia confirmed that they had fully complied with and compensated for their production targets as outlined in the September schedules. The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining full conformity and compensation for the duration of the agreement. Six-time mayor of Camarillo and devoted community member Michael Morgan died in a car accident Tuesday, the city announced. His wife, Donna, survived the crash with severe injuries. The couple were headed to visit their children in Reno when the accident took place on a Nevada highway, according to the Ventura County Star. No more details about the accident or Donna Morgan's condition were provided by the city. Morgan, 77, was first elected to the Camarillo City Council in 1980 and went on to serve the city for almost four decades before losing a reelection bid in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mike Morgan spent many years serving our community in both an elected capacity and several nonprofit and church-related activities," said Camarillo Mayor Tony Trembley in a statement on Morgan's death. "He made a significant contribution to our city through his leadership and devotion to Camarillo." Morgan was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1947 and moved in 1961 to Camarillo, where he graduated from Camarillo High School in 1965, according to his city biography. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cal State Long Beach and a master's in public administration from USC. He then moved back to Camarillo, where he worked as a county and federal probation officer before retiring in 1998. He and his wife have two children. Read more: The mayor of a Mexican state capital is killed less than a week after taking office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan's 38 years of service to the city were honored during a City Council meeting in 2018. At the meeting, he said one of his goals when he first ran for elected office was to make Camarillo one of the best places in the world in which to live. At that time, we were not rated even close, but today were the 23rd best place to live of cities under 300,000 in the United States, he said, citing a 2015 report, the Ventura Star reported. Camarillo transformed significantly during Morgan's tenure on the council, almost doubling its population, from 37,000 residents in 1980 to 70,000 in 2018. Morgan cited a desire to slow the rapid rate of development in the city as the key motivator for his initial council run. Shortly after retiring from the council in December 2018, he said that an ordinance that limited Camarillo to 400 new homes per year and a series of voter initiatives to preserve agricultural land were two of his crowning accomplishments, according to the Camarillo Acorn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Three killed in fiery Tesla Cybertruck crash in California, officials say He also said he was proud to be involved in the construction of the Camarillo Public Library building and new police station, as well as the creation of Cal State Channel Islands in Camarillo. People dont realize we have the city we have today because of all the efforts of [Morgan], who gave 38 years of his life" to the city, Camarillo Fiesta Assn. board member Bev Lusk told the Acorn. Morgan was involved with more than a dozen community organizations and nonprofits including the Camarillo Arts Council, Ventura County Cancer Society, Disaster Assistance Response Team, Rotary Club, Camarillo Fiesta Assn., Camarillo Youth Advisory Council and American Legion Post 741. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Policymakers are watching for indications of what President-elect Donald Trump plans to do to ease housing costs next year after an election where voters were laser-focused on the economy. (Brandon Bell | Getty Images) Americans hand over a huge chunk of their paycheck for a roof over their heads. Policymakers are looking out for indications of what President-elect Donald Trump plans to do to ease housing costs next year after an election where voters were laser-focused on the economy. Housing accounted for 32.9 percent of consumers spending in 2023, making it the largest share of consumer expenditures, according to the most recently available data Bureau of Labor Statistics. And that was an increase of 4.7 percent from 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, many Americans still struggle to find affordable housing, whether they choose to rent or buy a home. Theres a lot economists and housing advocates still dont know about what to expect from a second Trump term. Its unclear which campaign promises will find their way into administrative rules or legislation, even with a Republican trifecta the GOP will control the White House and both chambers of Congress. But policy experts, researchers, and economic analysts are looking at Trumps record, his recent remarks on housing, and Project 2025 the conservative Heritage Foundations 900-page plan to overhaul the executive branch for a glimpse of what may lie ahead. Tariffs and the cost of building homes Trump has spoken frequently of his proposed 60 percent tariff on goods from China, which he has said would create more manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Tariffs could be as high as 20 percent on goods from other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But housing economists and other experts say that could be bad news for building more affordable housing. Selma Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic, a financial services company, said tariffs are one of her main concerns about the effects of a second Trump term. One of the biggest concerns is not just lumber [costs], but the overall cost of materials, which have been going up, Hepp said. Construction material prices have risen 38.8 percent since February 2020, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of October Producer Price Index data. Kurt Paulsen, professor of urban planning in the department of planning and landscape architecture at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, said building costs are already high from tariffs on Canadian lumber that Trump first imposed and that the Biden administration kept and increased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It used to be in construction that you would get a bid from a contractor or a subcontractor or supplier and it would be good for 60 days. Now, the bids are good for like five days because you dont know where prices are going to be, he said. Immigration policy and its effect on construction labor Trump tweeted on Nov. 18 that he is planning to use the declaration of a national emergency as part of his mass deportation plan. Besides disrupting lives, Trumps plan could have effects on what it costs to build housing, Hepp said. There is the cost of labor as well, if we do indeed have all these deportations. Thats a big, big concern, she said. A large share of labor in the construction industry obviously comes from immigrants. That is a huge issue for new construction and particularly new construction as it relates to affordable housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign-born construction workers made up 3 million of the 11.9 million people who work in the construction industry in 2023, according to the latest American Community Survey data. Trumps not in my backyard rhetoric The former president hasnt always been clear on where he stands with zoning regulations and making way for more affordable housing in a wide variety of neighborhoods. In a July Bloomberg interview, Trump spoke critically of zoning regulations and said that they drive up housing costs. But Trump also has a record of tending toward a not in my backyard, or NIMBY, approach to housing that maintained some of these zoning regulations. The Trump administration moved to roll back an Obama-era regulation that tied HUD funding to assessing and reducing housing discrimination in neighborhoods. Hell talk about reducing regulations on developers, but hell also use this NIMBYism talking about protecting suburbs from low-income housing and you really cant have it both ways, said Sarah Saadian, senior vice president of public policy and field organizing at the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paulsen said Project 2025 embraces a pushback against anti-NIMBY approaches to expand multi-family housing. What I read in the Project 2025 documents is a clear statement that says every local community and neighborhood should be able to choose the housing it wants to accept or not. The challenge of that is that if every community in every neighborhood can veto housing, then we just dont get enough housing and prices go up and prices and rents go up, he said. A more punitive approach to homelessness Last year, homelessness rose to its highest level recorded since the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development began collecting this information in 2007. The ending of pandemic safety nets that gave some households better financial stability and a lack of affordable housing supply contributed to the number of unhoused people, the report explained. Trump has been outspoken on his view that homeless people should be off our streets. The president-elect has also proposed putting unhoused people with mental health issues into mental institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a movement that I think is largely reflected in Project 2025 that says, actually, cities need more coercive policy tools to enforce public order and to require that someone whos camping take a shelter placement even if they dont want it, Paulsen said. Saadian said that given the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which makes it easier to criminalize unhoused populations for sleeping outside, shes worried about a changing political environment where policies that prioritize stable housing over policing fall out of favor. I think all of that just shows a culture shift in the political dynamic here that were definitely worried about, she said. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Turkey Day is almost here. Everyone is invited to the Thanksgiving table at Luckys on Louise in Sioux Falls. The bar and restaurant will serve up a free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Hurons downtown open to shoppers after construction Were just really hoping for a big turnout, said Luckys Downtown General Manager Anna Broesder, who will be working at the event. The more the merrier, Luckys on Louise General Manager Bailey Strasburg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday morning the kitchen will be busy as staff start cooking up a feast. A few of us managers are just going to come in really early tomorrow morning and just start getting going on everything, Strasburg said. From stuffing to green beans, people can expect a traditional Turkey Day dinner. As a team we were like, What do you think you would want? and its our first year so hopefully we got enough for everyone, Strasburg said. The meal will be served from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Louise location, and anyone is welcome to join. We just want to really be supporting the community, helping the community out. We know that sometimes on Thanksgiving people either may not have someone to celebrate with or they might not have access to a warm meal, so just something to provide, Broesder said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the meal is free, both Luckys locations are accepting donations through December 20th to benefit two organizations. You can visit the Luckys Facebook pages for details. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Every morning, Artem signs on for work as one of Ukraines feared recruitment officers in his home town somewhere in the countrys war-torn East. After a short briefing, his team decides where they will go: some are sent to cafes, restaurants, even nightclubs anywhere where young men of fighting age might be found. Then, the difficult work begins. Sometimes its like dealing with a cornered rat, Artem told The Telegraph, as he explained how he gets his targets into vans and off to desperate military recruitment centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They continue fighting even while in the vehicle. Those who resist always threaten to take revenge on our guys or their families, he added. Ukraines military is suffering a chronic manpower crisis as the Russian army advances at its fastest pace since the war began. Washington is now pressing Kyiv to lower the mobilisation age from 25 to 18 to replace its battlefield losses and help withstand Russias offensive. The countrys very survival depends on how many extra bodies Artems team can get to the trenches and how fast. Artem, who asked not to use his real name, works for the Territorial Centre of Recruitment and Social Support (TCC) something he would not tell his family or friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work of the TCC has been thrust into the spotlight by viral videos of men in camouflage stopping others on the streets and dragging them off to join the army. Hromadske/X Emergency recruitment has now turned into a game of cat and mouse, with sightings of TCC officers posted in online chat groups to warn refuseniks. Young men in the chat groups secretly talk of limiting the number of times they leave their homes and avoiding subways or busy city centres where they might be captured. TCC officers such as Artem are painted as brutal and ruthless kidnappers willing to go to extreme measures to reach their monthly quota of new military recruits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Artem, a 28-year-old husband and father of one, agreed to speak to The Telegraph anonymously and under the condition his home town would not be revealed, for fear of reprisals. TCC officers have responsibility for military conscription in Ukraine and must ensure all men in Ukraine of fighting age, currently 18 to 60, are registered for military service. Many men in Ukraine are already registered in the countrys military database. But others have been evading the requirement for nearly three years, hoping not to be enlisted, lest they come home from the front lines maimed or in a body bag, like so many of their compatriots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Artem said that each morning, the TCC officers meet for their daily briefing before dispersing to various areas of his city to begin their work. Many men in Ukraine are already registered in the countrys military database, but others have been evading the requirement for nearly three years - Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters Some officers go to military checkpoints at key entry and exit points from the city, while others patrol the streets and stop any men they encounter. Some teams move around the city by vehicle in constant search mode, he said. We have areas where our groups work almost constantly mostly transportation hubs, but sometimes we leave these spots so people dont become accustomed to avoiding them. The officers frequently work at market entrances, parks, beaches, cafes, and areas near factories or other businesses where men work, Artem said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He confirmed he had targets to meet, and said: Due to understaffing, we barely choose whom to stop now nearly everyone is subject to inspection. When he first began working for TCC, Artem said, he did not stop men who appeared to be visibly weak individuals but now he does. Almost always, adrenaline speaks for itself. Even those whose documents are in order still show fear, he said. Those with documents ordinarily have severe injuries that bar them from serving, are students or volunteers, or are working with international journalists. Some young men in Ukraine pay thousands of pounds for forged documents to prevent them being drafted into the war with Russia - Henry Nicholls/AFP A recruiting centre in Lviv, Ukraine with a serving soldier outside - Stanislav Ivanov/Getty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, at times, documents have been forged, and some men pay thousands of dollars to receive them. Artems team is responsible for verifying them. After the men are rounded up into vans, Artem said, they are then forced to take a military medical examination. Those who pass are forced to a training centre to prepare to be sent to the front lines. Previously, we allowed people to go home and pack, but lately, they dont return voluntarily. They hide and dont show up. Sometimes, we have to confiscate their phones depending on the situation, he said. Some men have no way of telling their family and friends where they are. The Telegraph has received unverified Instagram stories from sources that show people frantically looking for anyone who might have been in contact with their loved ones recently, and adding that they are afraid that the TCC has abducted them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman in Kyiv posted that she was searching for her ex-boyfriend, who had been missing for a few days. A few hours later, she posted a second story that she had found him he had been forced to the front lines already. On one Telegram channel, red exclamation marks show where officers might be while sun emojis show alleged safe areas - Sergey Bobok/AFP On Telegram, a channel called Weather Kyiv where residents post recent sightings of TCC officers, has more than 104,000 subscribers; these include images and videos of men dressed in camouflage, stopping men on the streets and writing them documents. The subscribers claim the men are TCC officers and, several times a day, the channel posts where in Kyiv men should avoid. Red exclamation marks show where officers might be while sun emojis show alleged safe areas. One man, who subscribes to Weather Kyiv and asked to be referred to as Basiley, told The Telegraph: Men who have an age that is appropriate for military drafting are scared to walk freely in the street. If you go in the Kyiv subway, you will see youths under 25, people in military uniform, or elderly people, but not guys from 25 to 40, because we are scared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basiley is 35 and said he avoids any unnecessary trips to Kyivs city centre. When Basiley leaves his home, he said he feels anxious, afraid of any large car moving slowly along next to him. Soldiers outside a recruiting centre in Lviv - Stanislav Ivanov/Getty Speaking of TCC using force to send men to the military, Basiley said: Its a serious problem because people understand that this is a one-way road. We dont have any specific limits of time that people have to serve in the military, and when youre taken, its forever. In many cases, this bitter end happens very fast. Youre basically afraid to walk from your home, he added. Artem has been working as a TCC officer for more than one and a half years, and said he took the job because he enjoys being part of the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said when he first started working with the TCC he felt pity and compassion for his targets. Ive learned to control my emotions during work, and now its just a job for me. I always have the argument: Its either them or me, he said. He added: I believe its better to work for TCC than to hide from it. 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. New York Times journalist and author Maggie Haberman has revealed the one reason she believes Donald Trump could end up ditching Elon Musk. Haberman discussed the relationship between the billionaire, who has been at Trumps side almost constantly since his election victory more than three weeks ago, and the president-elect during an appearance on CNN on Wednesday. While she said the pairs relationship appears to be in good standing at the moment, Haberman pointed to a potential problem down the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When relationships start to become problematic, in Trumps mind, is usually when the person starts attracting negative headlines that bounce off on Trump, Haberman said. Thats not happening right now, she added of Musk. While some pundits have speculated the two egos could eventually come to blows, Haberman believes their relationship could last for quite some time in large part due to Musks vast wealth. Trump never likes anybody around for too long and one of the things people around him have come to realize over time is that scarcity is a commodity for them if they want to have longevity with him, she told CNN. Maggie Haberman weighed in on Donald Trump and Elon Musks relationship on CNN (CNN) Musk is also, and it depends on the day, the richest or one of the richest men in the world and Trump has a huge fascination with wealth. Trump equates wealth with intelligence. And so I actually think this relationship could last for quite some time, she concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has firmly cemented his place within Trumps inner circle since Trumps election win, even being ordained uncle status by Kai Trump, Donald Trump Jr.s daughter. Even Trump has joked about Musk latching on to his re-election campaign and post-election transition. He likes this place. I cant get him out of here. He just likes this place, Trump quipped. And you know what? I like having him here, too. Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher said earlier this month that Trump insiders were confused and unnerved by the extent of Musks influence on the president-elect. Musk has been at Trumps side almost constantly since he won the election (pictured together at the SpaceX test flight in Texas on November 19) (Getty Images) He definitely inserts himself all the time; thats his style. Thats why hes just suddenly shown up there like the guest that wouldnt leave, she told CNN at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard from Trump people calling me saying, Oh wow, this is odd. And Im like yeah it is, youll see much more of it. But hes not going anywhere until Trump throws him out. Which could happen, because theyre both really strong personalities who like to be at the centre of attention. Earlier this week, Haberman was on the receiving end of Trumps wrath following a report about his aide Natalie Harp sending him adoring letters. Trump took to Truth Social to lash out at the failing New York Times and third rate writer Haberman. Will the failing New York Times apologize to its readers for getting years of Trump coverage so wrong, the president-elect wrote in the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They write such phony junk, knowing full well how incorrect it is, only meaning to demean. Pivoting to Haberman, Trump mockingly misspelled the reporters name as he wrote: Magot Hagerman, a third rate writer and fourth rate intellect, writes story after story, always terrible, and yet I almost never speak to her. SPRINGVILLE, Utah (ABC4) A Magna man was arrested and now faces a felony obstruction of justice charge after he reportedly lied to police about details concerning an attempted murder in Springville. Dervis Sanchez Morales, 32, was arrested on Tuesday morning. Police say that he was not forthcoming with information and lied about his knowledge of the victims cellphone location. PREVIOUSLY: Man shot 3 times in Springville, armed and dangerous suspect at large Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a probable cause statement, on Oct. 13, officers in Springville responded to an attempted murder. The victim, identified only as a 35-year-old man, was shot three times, according to officials. He was taken to an area hospital and was expected to recover. Police say that while searching the scene, they were not able to find the cellphone of the victim. Police spoke to one witness, later identified as Sanchez Morales. Police say that he was with the victim at the time of the incident. Officers asked if knew where the phone could be, he stated that he did not know. Police say they obtained a search warrant for the records of the victims phone. Through that search, they learned the victims phone was shown at the police department on Oct. 13 around 7:20 p.m. At that time, Sanchez Morales was being interviewed by police at the department. The victims phone pinged again at a location in Magna early the following morning. Wasatch High School head football coach placed on leave amid investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in Springville interviewed Sanchez Morales again Tuesday morning and detained him at the department for further questioning. He, again, told police that he had no idea of the whereabouts of the victims phone. Police say they told Sanchez Morales that they had information showing the phones location, but he continued to deny any knowledge of the matter. Police arrested and booked Sanchez Morales into Utah County Jail on the charges mentioned above. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Nov. 26Maine's coveted 207 area code has gotten yet another extension, this one "perhaps indefinitely," the state's top regulator said. The Public Utilities Commission voted 3-0 on Tuesday to authorize Consolidated Communications of Northern New England Co., the largest carrier in the state, to consolidate its 135 rate centers into one. The groupings of telephone exchanges represent nearly half of the state's 249 rate centers, and consolidation will reduce demand for new telephone numbers that has followed the explosive growth of cellphones and Voice over Internet Protocol, which allows people to make calls online. Chairman Philip Bartlett said the consolidation would ease pressure on the state's sole area code, which officials have previously warned could only have a few more years left. The move should free up thousands of 207 phone numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Accordingly, I'd approve rate center consolidation and may long live the 207 area code," he said. "With this, we think we can potentially extend the 207 area code well into the future, perhaps indefinitely." Rate centers, which help phone companies calculate call distances and costs, are generally associated with the three digits that follow the area code. The rate centers often, but not always, correspond to local or municipal boundaries. Initially, they were used to group numbers geographically for billing purposes. While 10,000 number combinations are possible among the last four digits of a phone number, carriers are assigned groups of 1,000 numbers once they use at least 100 within a given run of three middle digits. That can tie up phone numbers and prevent carriers from assigning them, even if they are not in use. The commission began investigating the feasibility of a large-scale rate center consolidation in January 2023. The number of service providers in Maine today "far exceeds what the architects of Maine's original numbering plan for 207 would ever have envisioned," Bartlett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Patrick Scully said the scale of consolidation will be the "greatest in the country that we've seen so far, and hopefully will be a model for other states that would as well like to avoid unnecessarily adding additional area codes." The consolidation is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, Bartlett said. Conceding that the project will encounter "some uncertainties" and have an impact on other carriers, the PUC directed its staff to update the commissioners and others regarding the progress of the consolidation, the timeline and unanticipated costs, savings and technical challenges. The costs to consolidate the rate centers are not available. Sarah Davis, vice president of market development at Consolidated Communications, said the company has been waiting for PUC approval before outlining the costs. The company's first tasks, she said, will be "sizing the effort, figuring out what we do." The state Office of the Public Advocate urged regulators to put off a decision until Consolidated Communications provides cost estimates and the PUC has determined that the costs are reasonable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The OPA endorses and appreciates the importance, meaning and significance to Mainers of the single 207 area code," the public advocate said in a Nov. 1 filing with regulators. "However, Mainers also deserve a transparent explanation of how much it will cost and how it will be paid for." The cost could be high, and reviewing and challenging the costs after they have been incurred will be "significantly undermined" by not requiring Consolidated Communications to first provide estimates, the public advocate said. Copy the Story Link Brentwood Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez, center, at the dedication of the Windom Road Historic Barrier Park Monument and Park in June. Photo courtesy Town of Brentwood. Rocio Treminio-Lopez said that when she hears people talking about migration, particularly politicians, she feels like they dont know what theyre talking about. Treminio-Lopez knows. An immigrant from El Salvador, she struggled to get citizenship for herself while watching her brother be deported and her husband sent home to El Salvador to wait for his green card. Now, as mayor of the Hispanic-majority Prince Georges County town of Brentwood, she sees her constituents fretting about their futures under a second Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treminio-Lopez is one of three Latina mayors leading neighboring, largely Hispanic, Prince Georges County towns where at least one-third of the residents are foreign born. They live in a county, and a state, with generally immigrant-friendly laws. But the mayors still hear concerns about what will happen under a second term for President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportation of undocumented migrants. They calm constituents worried about the possibility of new waves of anti-immigrant rhetoric. With Trumps inauguration less than two months away, Maryland Matters talked with the mayors about the uncertainty and how they are working with one another, and local and state partners and nonprofits, to better inform and protect their residents. Brentwood, population, 3,828: 51% Hispanic, 40% foreign born Treminio-Lopez is cleared-eyed about the future. She has lived with the fear of deportation, and family separation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She immigrated from El Salvador as a teenager in 1992, following her parents who had fled war, violence and persecution. The neighboring Prince Georges County towns of Brentwood, Colmar Manor and Mount Rainier are part of a cluster of municipalities along the D.C. line. Map courtesy Prince Georges County. As a minor, she had no documents, and no protections beyond her mothers asylum status. Over the next 15 years, she struggled to get a green card, which allowed her to work, and to gain U.S. citizenship, only to see her family trapped by an immigration system riddled with problems that worked against them. My brother was deported [during] the Trump administration, she said. My sister, who came in 1993, is still waiting for her green card. Treminio-Lopez said her misery grew in 2017, when her husband was sent back to El Salvador to wait for his green card, separating him from her and their four small children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was already mayor of Brentwood, first appointed to the post in the majority Hispanic town in 2o14 and later elected and reelected. I feel like when I hear people talking, especially some politicians about migration, they dont know what they are talking about, and I ran for office to represent my community, Treminio-Lopez said. She said that, like her, many Brentwood Latino and foreign-born residents have jobs, own houses and pay taxes, yet, are uncertain about their future. You will find families where one parent is undocumented, the other has [legal] status, but still in a waiting period, she said. You will find kids born in this country, but waiting to be 21 so they can have a job, and petition for their parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treminio-Lopez continues to serve, having been elected, and re-elected as mayor. We need more people like [me] to represent their community, she said. The moment that you start to understand that representation matters, then the conversation will normalize. Colmar Manor, population 1,588: 58% Hispanic, 35% foreign born Monica Casanas followed that advice. She saw little outreach to her majority Hispanic community in Colmar Manor, and no representation. She wanted to change that with a resolution to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections, a measure in place in 16 Maryland jurisdictions. Colmar Mayor Monica Casanas, right, with Del. Diana Fennell (D-Prince Georges) in Cottage City, where Latinos make up 44% of the population. Photo courtesy Colmar Manor. Treminio-Lopez, a mentor and friend, told her the way to accomplish that goal was to run for office. She campaigned for mayor on the single issue of winning the vote in local elections for noncitizens, and was elected in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after that, the measure passed. Born in Colombia to a Colombian mother and an American father, Casanas came to the United States for medical care in New York at age 4 and stayed. Shes been in the Washington area since the early 2000s, working in tenant organizing, and in adult literacy. She went on to get degrees the University of Maryland and American University, and currently works in the communications office at the D.C. Department of Health. But, what keeps her up at night are the vulnerable residents in Colmar Manor, especially the Latinos and foreign-born and undocumented. I feel like Ive built a strong enough connection with people that they know that they can trust me and I am going to do all that I can to connect people to resources they need, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, she adds, Its not only the fear of mass deportation. Its the fear of this inflamed anti-migrant rhetoric and behavior,she said, reflecting on a recent incident at a local supermarket, where the Latino owner and workers were victims of harassment and hate speech. Casanas said what she can do at this moment is to listen. I think the strongest way to show people that you care for them is by talking to them one-on-one, breaking bread with them, showing them that you can connect them to the resources they need and can address their concerns, she said. Mount Rainier, population 8,333: 38% Hispanic, 33.8% foreign born Celina Benitez, immigrated from El Salvador as a child. She was fortunate to come with legal documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She grew up in California, and as a teenager in 1994, marched against the Save our State Referendum, a ballot initiative that would go on to restrict immigrant access to health care and education. From left, Brentwood police clerk Ana Contreras, Mount Rainier Mayor Celina Benitez, Brentwood Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez and Edmonston Councilmember Kony Serrano-Portillo at a 2024 Maryland Hispanic Caucus event. Photo courtesy Town of Brentwood. That youthful activism propelled Benitez to study political science at the University of California. By 2014, she was living in Mount Rainier to be closer to family. A few years later she was a member of the city council and by 2021, had become its first Latina mayor. She says since the November election, she has fielded multiple calls from residents who questioned whether there would be any changes to the city police department. Thats not the way it is going to be, absolutely not, she said. Obviously there are a lot of unknowns, but we are trying to prepare for that, adding that Mount Rainier is a Certified Welcoming City, where every resident matters and where police agree not to join with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on immigration arrests, investigations or deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We very much know the fear is real, the feelings are valid, Benitez said. But no matter who you voted for or supported, we are working together to provide everything we can for all our residents, that they are safe. Benitez is encouraged by her elected Latina colleagues, and also the support from state and local government officials and nonprofits like CASA, the largest immigrant advocacy group in the region. Marylands immigration friendly laws In 2021, CASA successfullly advocated for the Dignity, not Detention Act, a series of measures signed into law that are similar to the Welcoming City and sanctuary mandates in Prince Georges County that prevent local police from cooperating with ICE. Also that year, the Maryland Driver Privacy Act became law to protect driver information from immigration authorities. CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres said the organization is gearing up for what comes next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CASA has developed a Trump-resistance plan ready to confront what he has to throw at us, Torres said. [Its essential] to know your rights, understanding that if ICE comes to your homes or to your neighborhood, you are not going to open the doors [without] authorization from a judge directly. Torres said that as CASA moves forward, hand-in-hand, with the mayors of the frontline immigrant communities, We will not be intimidated, nor will we be silent. Unity with these mayors will ensure that our future [is one] where justice and opportunity are available for all, he said. Our collective voice is unbreakable. This story was updated on Saturday, Nov. 30, to correct the spelling of Rocio Treminio-Lopezs name and the immigration status of her husband. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has elected Masato Kanda as the banks 11th President, Trend reports. Kanda, currently Special Advisor to Japans Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will assume office on February 24, 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, who will step down on February 23, 2025. Kanda will serve the remainder of Asakawas term, which ends in November 2026. His extensive experience in international finance and multilateral settings is seen as an asset in navigating global economic challenges. Fabio Panetta, Chair of the ADB Board of Governors, expressed confidence in Kandas leadership abilities. "Mr. Kandas extensive experience in international finance and proven leadership in multilateral settings will serve ADB well in navigating complex global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation," said Chair of the ADB Board of Governors and Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta. "The ADB Board of Governors looks forward to working with Mr. Kanda". A majority of voters in the U.S. say they believe President-elect Trump will issue pardons to those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when he returns to the White House, according to a new poll. In the survey, released Wednesday by Politico/Morning Consult, 40 percent of registered voters said in light of Trumps victory against Vice President Harris in the 2024 presidential election, pardons for Jan. 6 defendants are very likely. Another 29 percent said the chance is only somewhat likely. Roughly 9 percent of registered voters said Trump granting clemency to the those convicted in connection with Jan. 6 is somewhat unlikely. Just 6 percent said the chance is very unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect claimed while on the campaign trail that if he wins, he will rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner unjustly victimized by the Harris regime, and I will sign their pardons on Day 1. Since the attack on the Capitol, more than 1,500 people have been charged and over 640 have been sentenced, according to the Justice Department. Trump has often defended supporters who were involved in the Capitol riots, referring to them as warriors. Those J6 warriors they were warriors but they were really, more than anything else, theyre victims of what happened, Trump said during a campaign rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All they were doing is protesting a rigged election. Thats what they were doing, he added. The former president was also facing a federal election subversion case related to his efforts to remain in power following the 2020 loss to President Biden. Special counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss the case following the election results, as DOJ has a policy against prosecuting sitting presidents and in light of the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling. The judge granted the motion to dismiss earlier this week. The Politico/Morning Consult poll was conducted from Nov. 20-22 among 4,012 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Above: A Nexstar Media Wire video on violent crime statistics. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A man was fatally shot in Southcrest the night before Thanksgiving, according to San Diego police. The shooting was first reported just before midnight Wednesday in an alley in the 3700 block of National Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they found bystanders administering aid to a man lying on the ground with at least one gunshot wound, SDPD said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers continued lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Despite these efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Man killed in stabbing identified Police are not disclosing the name of the victim at this time, although he was described as a 46-year-old who lives near the scene of the shooting. An investigation into the incident by SDPDs Homicide Detectives remains ongoing. A suspect description has not yet been provided, nor has a motive been determined. According to SDPD, officers are currently working to gather evidence and witness statements to piece together the events preceding the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact SDPDs Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A witness told police the man accused of burglarizing over 30 Las Vegas businesses had a gambling addiction, according to an arrest report. The 8 News Now Investigators first identified Cedric Hasan, 34, as the suspect in the rash of burglaries reported since June. He faces 34 counts of burglary of a business, records showed. The 8 News Now Investigators first identified Cedric Hasan, 34, as the suspect in the rash of burglaries reported since June. Las Vegas Metro police arrested Hasan at a North Las Vegas home on Tuesday. (KLAS) From June 23 through Sept. 29, 34 businesses were burglarized, mainly in the Spring Mountain Corridor with many of the businesses being Asian restaurants, resulting in over $200,00 being taken, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas police arrest man accused of 30+ burglaries The suspect in the burglaries was described as an unknown race wearing black, orange, and blue-colored hoodies, blue, black, or khaki pants, large commercial-grade tan/white gloves, grey-colored work gloves, and various brands of shoes. LVMPD release photos of a suspect they say is connected to at least 29 burglaries. (LVMPD) The suspect would also use a crowbar to break the locks or break out the glass on the doors, remove the weather-stripping on the businesses windows, and then use a tool to pry the windows open. Once inside, the suspect would rummage through the cash register or in some cases take the entire safe, police said. Metro police later identified Hasan as a person of interest in the burglaries. A record check showed that Hasan had an extensive criminal history and was a registered ex-felon for burglary of a business in 2021, burglary in 2016, and possession of stolen property in 2010, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasan was also involved in three different burglary series in the past across the Las Vegas valley with the most recent being 2019 in North Las Vegas. In 2016, Hasan was arrested for his connection to a burglary series in which about 20 businesses were burglarized. In that series, the suspect also used a crowbar, wore work-type gloves, removed windows to enter the businesses, and cut into safes to remove cash, according to the report. On Nov. 10, around 8:50 a.m., North Las Vegas police responded to a burglary at the Tire Works on Centennial Parkway. When officers arrived they saw the suspect, later identified as Hasan, exit the building through a shattered window, police said. LVMPD said this is an image of a burglary suspect they are attempting to identify. (LVMPD) When officers attempted to arrest Hasan, he began to run away from them through the parking lot and jumped that wall into a residential community. Eventually, North Las Vegas police arrested Hasan. LVMPD was not made aware of Hasans arrest until after he had already been released from the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 19, Metro police went to Hasans home in North Las Vegas where he surrendered and was arrested without incident. Officers spoke to a witness who was in the home who told them Hasan would gamble often and described the behavior as a gambling addiction, the report said. Hasan worked as a welder and after serving prison time on a 2019 burglary charge, Hasan became a welder through the Hope for Prisoners program, prosecutors said. Accused Las Vegas serial burglar works as welder, held on $500K bail Police found that Hasan took off of work on the same dates of the burglaries on July 5, July 15, Aug. 7, and Aug. 26. At Hasans work, detectives found that the work gloves the company uses matched the ones used in the burglaries. Inside Hasans work vehicle, police also found the same crowbar that was used in the burglaries on Aug. 26, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reviewed Hasans Facebook and Instagram accounts where he was pictured wearing the same clothing as the suspect in the series of burglaries including a Seattle Seahawks hat, a construction vest, and orange hat, and gloves, according to police. Hasans phone was also tracked and determined to be in the area of several of the burglaries. Hasan was arrested and is currently at the Clark County Detention Center on a $500,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec 9. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in D.C. said they arrested a man for pistol-whipping someone during an argument on Tuesday night. Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 26. The victim told police he was involved in an argument with a man that turned violent. He said the suspect got upset and hit him in the head multiple times with a gun. He tossed the gun into a nearby trashcan before being found by MPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC police officer dies after courageous battle with illness, department says Police arrested and charged 51-year-old David Baker with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Pistol Whip), Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Felon in Possession and other related offenses. MPD also recovered the gun Baker threw away. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene by DC Fire and EMS (DCFD) crews. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A 31-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison the maximum allowed under the law for his involvement in the death of a Nampa woman last year. Justino Morales Ramos, of Mexico, was arrested in January 2023 on suspicion of felony failure to report a death. He pleaded guilty in March to aggravated battery and use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime, both felonies. A failure to report a death felony charge was dismissed, court records showed. Nampa police found Maria Criselda Reyes Esparza, 38, dead in her apartment in the 1800 block of First Street North after a 911 caller, who hadnt heard from her for several days, reported the body, police previously said. She was discovered with signs of bludgeoning to her head and slashes to her throat, and wrapped in a deflated air mattress, according to a Wednesday news release from the Canyon County Prosecutors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police quickly labeled Ramos as a person of interest in a homicide and arrested him in Caldwell two days after officers found Esparzas body. At the time, Caldwell police said in a news release for his arrest that murder charges are pending. He never appeared to have faced such charges, according to court records. It remains unclear whether Ramos and Esparza knew one another. An online obituary for Esparza reported that she died by the hands of domestic battery. A spokesperson for the Canyon County Prosecutors Office did not immediately respond Wednesday to a call and email from the Idaho Statesman requesting more information. Judge Gabriel McCarthy, of Idahos 3rd Judicial District in Canyon County, handed down Ramos sentence, which does not allow for parole. Ramos also was ordered to pay restitution to Esparzas family, the Wednesday news release said. Ramos was credited with nearly two years of jail time toward his 30-year sentence. He is expected to complete his sentence in early into the year 2053. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) arrested a man after finding him inside the impound lot at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Homeless Outreach Team officers with CSPD were clearing the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) when they found a man unescorted inside the impound lot and began watching him. Officers were aware that several cars within the impound lot had been burglarized since Oct. 2024. While they watched, they observed the man enter an RV stored within the fenced lot, and remove items from the RV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers tried to make contact, the man, later identified as 51-year-old Paul K.R. Williams, ran away toward the Greenway Trail, before officers arrested him. CSPD took him to the Criminal Justice Center, where he was booked in for several unrelated warrants. Williams was also charged with new charges of first-degree criminal trespass, obstructing a peace officer, and second-degree criminal trespass. The 51-year-old was also found to have been previously arrested for breaking into the CSPD Impound Lot in March and August of 2024. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Nov. 27A man charged with murder Wednesday is accused of shooting a man Saturday morning who was sitting in the back seat of an SUV that later crashed into a house in Dayton. An arrest warrant was issued for Angelo Jamille Champion, 42, of Dayton, who is charged in Dayton Municipal Court with murder, two counts of felonious assault and one count of having weapons under disability. The gunshot victim was identified as 34-year-old Djuan Hill, who died Sunday morning at Miami Valley Hospital, Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger reported. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head, Dayton police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton officers were dispatched just before 7:30 a.m. Saturday to the 4600 block of Forsythe Avenue on a report of a shooting. Before police arrived, a 911 caller reported an SUV crashed into her house in the 1900 block of Arlene Avenue, and that a man in the back seat had been shot, according to an affidavit. A woman driving the Chevrolet Traverse that fled the shooting with Hill was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries from a collision with a Hyundai, the impact of which forced the Chevrolet into the house. The Hyundai driver was not injured. "An occupant, 34-year-old male, of the vehicle that caused the crash had been struck by gunfire. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries," Dayton police Lt. Steven Bauer said previously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champion and Hill reportedly got into an argument at a Forsythe Avenue house party, which continued outside. Witness told police that Hill got into the back seat of a friend's vehicle when Champion walked up, pointed a gun at the driver's side rear passenger door where Hill was sitting and shot one time into the SUV while the door was closed, according to the affidavit. Champion is barred from possessing firearms following a drug-related felony conviction, court records indicate. Photo: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The Round Mardakan Fortress, located in the Mardakan settlement of the Khazar district of Azerbaijans Baku, is set to undergo restoration, Trend reports via unified internet portal of state procurement. According to the information, the State Service for Cultural Heritage Conservation, Development, and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan has begun preparations for the restoration work. The institution has estimated that the restoration project will cost around 693,509 manat ($407,825). Notably, the Round Mardakan Fortress was one of the defensive structures in the region. The monument, which incorporates elements of Absheron castle architecture, was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Fire erupted inside a two-story home Wednesday in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood Hills West where firefighters later discovered a deceased elderly man, officials confirmed to KTLA. Crews with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to reports of the blaze at 8551 W. Lookout Mountain Avenue at around 4:45 p.m. this afternoon. Neighbor Jim Moore spotted the smoke coming from the home and called 911 before rushing in with his own water hose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time I got to the top of the stairs, the windows blew out, he told KTLAs Carlos Saucedo. That whole entire section of the structure was engulfed. The narrow streets and the location of the hillside home made access for firefighters a challenge. A house fire on Lookout Mountain Ave. in Hollywood Hills West seen on AlertCalifornia camera on Nov. 27, 2024. L.A. firefighters on the scene of a house fire in Hollywood Hills West on Nov. 27, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a house fire in Hollywood Hills West on Nov. 27, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a house fire in Hollywood Hills West on Nov. 27, 2024. (KTLA) A lot of the difficulty stemmed from where the home is positioned on the hillside, LAFD Battalion Chief Adam Knabe told KTLA. Its set back quite a way from the street, steep set of stairs behind the homes, so access was difficult to get a hose line in place. Aerial footage of the firefight captured by Sky5 showed a heavy presence of firefighters on the narrow, hilly street as a crowd of neighbors and onlookers stood nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homeowner, described only as an elderly man, was discovered inside his residence after crews knocked the blaze down, but it is unclear if the man died as a result of the fire or beforehand. Armed domestic violence suspect shot by L.A. police on live TV dies Neighbors told KTLA that the homeowner, who lived alone, was in his 80s and in declining health. No one had seen him for at least a few days. It really is sad, Moore said. He was a good man, a great neighbor. We didnt really see a lot of him lately because hes so elderly and I was a little concerned. While the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, arson investigators were on the scene, a required protocol when theres a fatality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. CHICAGO A man was hospitalized on Wednesday afternoon after an argument led to a stabbing at a store on the citys South Side. The incident unfolded at a Walgreens just before 1:30 p.m. in the 9100 block of South Commercial Avenue in the citys South Chicago neighborhood. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said the victim, a 35-year-old man, got into an argument with another person who then pulled out a knife and stabbed the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the stabbing the person responsible fled the scene in a silver Dodge minivan. According to police, the victim suffered a laceration to his left shoulder and was taken to the hospital, where he was listed in good condition. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland A search for the person responsible is ongoing and authorities ask anyone with information to contact CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8273 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. In 2015, David Hole was prospecting in Maryborough Regional Park near Melbourne, Australia. Armed with a metal detector, he discovered something out of the ordinary a very heavy, reddish rock resting in some yellow clay. He took it home and tried everything to open it, sure that there was a gold nugget inside the rock after all, Maryborough is in the Goldfields region, where the Australian gold rush peaked in the 19th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To break open his find, Hole tried a rock saw, an angle grinder, a drill, even dousing the thing in acid. However, not even a sledgehammer could make a crack. That's because what he was trying so hard to open was no gold nugget. As he found out years later, it was a rare meteorite. "It had this sculpted, dimpled look to it," Melbourne Museum geologist Dermot Henry told The Sydney Morning Herald in 2019. "That's formed when they come through the atmosphere, they are melting on the outside, and the atmosphere sculpts them." Unable to open the 'rock', but still intrigued, Hole took the nugget to the Melbourne Museum for identification. Dermot Henry and Melbourne Museum geologist Bill Birch with the Maryborough meteorite. (Museums Victoria) "I've looked at a lot of rocks that people think are meteorites," Henry told Channel 10 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, after 37 years of working at the museum and examining thousands of rocks, Henry said only two of the offerings had ever turned out to be real meteorites. This was one of the two. The Maryborough meteorite, with a slab cut from the mass. ( Museums Victoria ) "If you saw a rock on Earth like this, and you picked it up, it shouldn't be that heavy," Melbourne Museum geologist, Bill Birch, explained to The Sydney Morning Herald. The researchers published a scientific paper describing the 4.6 billion-year-old meteorite, which they called Maryborough after the town near where it was found. It weighs a whopping 17 kilograms (37.5 pounds), and after using a diamond saw to cut off a small slice, the researchers discovered its composition had a high percentage of iron, making it a H5 ordinary chondrite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once open, you can also see the tiny crystallized droplets of metallic minerals throughout it, called chondrules. Radial pyroxene chondrule formed in the Maryborough meteorite. (Birch et al., PRSV, 2019) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Meteorites provide the cheapest form of space exploration. They transport us back in time, providing clues to the age, formation, and chemistry of our Solar System (including Earth)," said Henry. "Some provide a glimpse at the deep interior of our planet. In some meteorites, there is 'stardust' even older than our Solar System, which shows us how stars form and evolve to create elements of the periodic table. "Other rare meteorites contain organic molecules such as amino acids; the building blocks of life." A slab cut from the Maryborough meteorite. (Birch et al., PRSV, 2019) Although the researchers don't yet know where the meteorite came from and how long it may have been on Earth, they do have some guesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Solar System was once a spinning pile of dust and chondrite rocks. Eventually gravity pulled a lot of this material together into planets, but the leftovers mostly ended up in a huge asteroid belt. "This particular meteorite most probably comes out of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and it's been nudged out of there by some asteroids smashing into each other, then one day it smashes into Earth," Henry told Channel 10 News. Carbon dating suggests the meteorite has been on Earth between 100 and 1,000 years, and there's been a number of meteor sightings between 1889 and 1951 that could correspond to its arrival on our planet. The researchers argue that the Maryborough meteorite is much rarer than gold, making it far more valuable to science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's one of only 17 meteorites ever recorded in the Australian state of Victoria, and it's the second largest chondritic mass, after a huge 55-kilogram specimen identified in 2003. Barred Olivine chondrule formed in the Maryborough meteorite. (Birch et al., PRSV, 2019) "This is only the 17th meteorite found in Victoria, whereas there's been thousands of gold nuggets found," Henry told Channel 10 News. "Looking at the chain of events, it's quite, you might say, astronomical it being discovered at all." It's not even the first meteorite to take a few years to make it to a museum. In a particularly amazing story ScienceAlert covered in 2018, one space rock took 80 years, two owners, and a stint as a doorstop before finally being revealed for what it truly was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now is probably as good a time as any to check your backyard for particularly heavy and hard-to-break rocks you might be sitting on a metaphorical gold mine. The study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria. An earlier version of this article was published in July 2019. Related News SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A 36-year-old man killed in a stabbing last week in the Grant Hill neighborhood was identified, authorities said. On Friday around 4:46 p.m., police found Moises Duarte of San Diego suffering from at least one stab wound and additional trauma to his head near the intersection of 27th Street and L Street following reports of an altercation, Lt. Daniel Meyer with the San Diego Police Department said in a news release Wednesday. First responders took Duarte to the hospital where he later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators determined that one of the suspects and the victim had been involved in a prior altercation connected to vandalism that happened at the same location around one month ago. The earlier fight had been reported to police, the vandalism had not. When the men saw each other Friday afternoon, the fight continued, Meyer said. Authorities say the suspects vehicle was vandalized with a rock and a bat during the fight and then crashed into a pole. A father and son, 37-year-old Emilio Torres Valencia and his 17-year-old, were arrested at the scene. Valencia was brought to the hospital for his injuries and later booked into county jail, while his son was taken to juvenile hall. Both suspects, however, were released from custody as charges are pending due to the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims 15-year-old son was also at the scene, but he does not face any charges at this time. He was released to his mother. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. AUSTIN (KXAN) A man was convicted of murder after he entered a guilty plea for a March 2021 shooting that happened in north Austin, according to court documents. Jose Negrete was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Oct. 23 for the shooting that happened March 28, 2021, at the WoodSpring Suites Austin. PAST STORY | APD identifies man killed at north Austin hotel The Austin Police Department responded to the hotel and found 40-year-old Brandon Williams with gunshot wounds inside a room. He was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negrete is entitled to 1,305 days (about 3.5 years) of jail time credit, according to court documents. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A drunk driver who plowed into an Albuquerque home and killed a 74-year-old man watching television was sentenced on Wednesday. Mark Castello was sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing Bryan Peterson. During the court hearing, Petersons family spoke about the pain and heartache Castello had caused them. We will carry this pain for the rest of our lives. Our family will never be the same. There is no true healing from an event like this, exclaimed Petersons daughter, Tiffany Saiz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly one year ago, on Dec. 28, Peterson was sitting in his living room watching TV when Castello, driving drunk, lost control of his vehicle and drove into Petersons home near Eubank and Indian School. I cannot even begin to understand why a person would be driving a vehicle in such a way that can go through a garage door. Into a car, pushing that car through three walls of a home, said Jean Peterson, the victims wife. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My dad was trapped in his recliner. The wheel of my parents car was in the center of his chest; he remained trapped for over 30 minutes as we stood outside completely helpless, recounted Saiz. Peterson left behind his wife of 52 years, four children, and nine grandchildren. When Castello took the stand, he said, I am aware of the tragic situation that I have put the Peterson family in and what they are about to go through. It was not my intention at all. Castello pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle. Judge Bruce Fox sentenced Castello to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised probation as part of the plea agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petersons family said DWI sentences in New Mexico need to be stiffer so people pay a real price for this crime. Please change the laws, said Jean Peterson. Change the penalties so that, as I said, this could have been prevented, I think, if maybe action had taken sooner, before it got to the point where my husband was killed. Before this fatal DWI crash, Castello had been arrested four times on DWI charges with two convictions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) A man who shot and killed his wife and dog in 2020 was sentenced in a Berkeley County courtroom Wednesday. 37-year-old Matthew Garrett Speck was sentenced for murder, ill-treatment of animals, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Circuit Court Judge Deadra Jefferson gave Speck life in prison without parole for murder, five years for the animal charge, and five years for the weapon possession charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 5, 2020, Speck shot his wife, Caitlin Conrad Speck, while she was sleeping at 5 a.m., according to the Ninth Circuit Solicitors Office. After shooting his wife, Speck shot and killed their dog, Bailey Mae. Afterward, he shot himself in the arm and torso, which created superficial wounds. State prosecutors say he shot himself to trick police into thinking home invaders had shot his family. Hanahan Police Department investigators used forensic evidence, witness statements, and a five-hour interview with Speck to arrest him for the killings, the solicitors office said. During the trial, Judge Jefferson heard testimony from Specks girlfriend, who testified that Speck was going to divorce his wife and that the pair would move away together for a new life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former co-worker also testified that Speck had complained about his marriage. Other evidence presented at trial showed Speck had researched homicidal strangulation, choking death, and cyanide poisoning prior to the murders. Assistant Solicitors F. Alexander Myers and Nicholas Young prosecuted the case. Speck earned his sentence after his brazen betrayal and premeditation, said Assistant Solicitor Myers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) The Adams County Sheriffs Office warns about staying vigilant when selling items online after a man was shot on Monday and seriously injured while trying to sell thousands of dollars of jewelry to strangers through a social media app. Shortly after Adams County sheriffs deputies arrived at an apartment complex, they learned a man had been robbed and shot, after trying to sell through a social media app. The deputies said the shots frightened people at the complex located not far from I-25 and West 84th Avenue. Colorado doctors see increase in walking pneumonia cases ahead of the holidays Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I came home and locked all my doors right away and brought my dogs in because I didnt know what was going on, one neighbor said. Adams County Sheriffs Office investigators said thousands of dollars worth of jewelry was stolen after the seller agreed to meet with strangers at the complex. Thats really crazy, I would never do that, another neighbor said. Investigators were able to locate the suspects by using a tracker that had been placed inside the bag containing the jewelry. That device helped officers arrest three suspects. We just want to make sure and encourage people and educate people, make sure theyre doing it safely, Adams County Sheriffs Deputy Public Information Officer Sgt. Adam Sherman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams County sheriffs deputies encouraged people to sell their items in a well-lit public place. They recommend government buildings, law enforcement agencies, fire stations or places where there are plenty of people around. So people can always just keep an eye on whats going on in the area as theyre having these transactions, Sgt. Sherman said. Boulder PD addresses JonBenet Ramseys case after Netflix docuseries premieres Many more of those transactions are expected with the holiday season now here. The Adams County Sheriffs Office said to research the buyer if you can and perhaps even take someone with you for the transaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man who was shot on Monday is expected to survive. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting and robbery. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Photo: Economic Zones Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. The export of products from a resident of the Aghdam Industrial Park, managed by Azerbaijan's Economic Zones Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy, has officially started, Trend reports via the agency. The company Mister Decor LLC, a resident of the industrial park, has exported wallpaper to Georgia. The report notes that the company is currently negotiating to expand its exports to other countries. To note, 28 businesses have been granted resident status at the Aghdam Industrial Park, with a total investment volume of 260 million manat ($152.8 million), while 4 entrepreneurs hold non-resident status. The park's business entities plan to create approximately 2,300 jobs. To date, entrepreneurs have invested more than 92 million manats ($54.1 million) in the park's development, resulting in the creation of over 370 permanent jobs. Currently, 9 companies are operating in the Aghdam Industrial Park. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Have you ever taken a look at the turkey on your table and wondered where it came from? Well for about four million families each year, the answer is West Virginia. A report from product optimization company Trace One reports that West Virginia is one of 13 states in the country that produces turkeys, amounting to about 2% of total turkeys produced in the U.S. While that may sound small, it adds up to roughly four million birds raised at 31.7 pounds on average. West Virginians to watch for in the 2024 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of West Virginias industrially-produced turkeysabout 93%come from counties in the South Branch Valley that make up West Virginias Eastern Panhandle and the most mountainous region of the state, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia. While it may not be well known for it, West Virginias poultry production industry brings in about $300 million a year for the state and employs more than 4,500 people. Despite Thanksgiving and eating turkey being celebrated traditions in 90% of U.S. households, Trace One reports that yearly turkey production has actually seen a mild decline since 2008. However, while production has gone down, turkey size has almost only gone up since 1980, going from less than 20 pounds per bird to roughly 32 pounds as of 2023. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg met with President-elect Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday night. An afternoon meeting where the pair largely exchanged pleasantries, according to The New York Times, preceded a planned dinner. The Times reported that Zuckerberg was responsible for the get-together and flew into Florida on Tuesday in the hope of warming relations between the previously icy duo. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an important time for the future of American Innovation, they said in a statement. Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration. Stephen Miller, Trumps choice for deputy chief of staff, said on Fox News that Zuckerberg has been very clear about his desire to be a supporter of, and a participant in, this change were seeing all around America and the world, with this reform movement that Donald Trump is leading. Kilmeade: Can you confirm that Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump today at Mar-a-Lago? Miller: Yes, thats correct. Mark Zuckerberg has been very clear of his desire to be a supporter of this change that were seeing. pic.twitter.com/SBtShfNPZs Acyn (@Acyn) November 28, 2024 Conservatives, including Trump, have long protested about being censored on Facebook. Just a few months ago, Trump accused Zuckerberg of plotting against him in the 2020 presidential election and threatened that Zuckerberg would spend the rest of his life in prison if he did it again. Zuckerberg, who apparently identifies as somewhat of a libertarian now and who has praised Trump publicly, seems to have obliged. In August, he wrote a letter to Congress accusing the Biden administration of pressuring his company to censor free speech. Republicans were thrilled by what he had to say. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg met with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Wednesday afternoon. Its an important time for the future of American Innovation, a spokesperson for Meta, the Facebook parent company Zuckerberg runs, said in a statement to HuffPost. Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration. Its unclear what the pair spoke about, but The New York Times, citing people familiar with the meeting, said that Zuckerberg initiated their talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps relationship with Meta was rocky for years after the company banned him from Facebook and Instagram following the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. At the time, the social media network said Trumps role in the events of Jan. 6 posed a risk too great to allow the President to continue to use our service. That ban ended in 2023. Zuckerberg has tried to repair Facebook's relationship with Trump after the social media network banned him in 2021 following the Jan. 6 insurrection. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Trump said last month he now likes Zuckerberg much better than he has in the past, as he believed the billionaire was staying out of the election. Zuckerberg declined to endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential race, but began working to repair his relationship with Trump over the summer. In an interview with Bloomberg in July, he said Trumps reaction to being shot at raising a fist in the air and calling on supporters to fight was badass. Congratulations to President Trump on a decisive victory, he wrote on Threads, Metas alternative to Twitter, shortly after the election. We have great opportunities ahead of us as a country. Looking forward to working with you and your administration. Related... MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Funeral arrangements were set Thursday for the mourning of McColl Mayor George Garner, who died Tuesday afternoon in a car crash. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the McColl Church of God. Visit Mayor Garners obituary for more information on the visitation and the funeral service, as well as opportunities to send flowers to the family. Garner crashed on Cashua Ferry Road in Darlington County. Coroner Todd Hardee initially said the crash happened while Garner was being pursued by authorities but said it was in an effort to protect the well being of Mr. Garner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marlboro Countys sheriff said Wednesday that officers were behind McColl Mayor George Garner but not pursuing him when he crashed head-on into an 18-wheeler and died. News13 photo / Curtis Graham News13 photo / Curtis Graham News13 photo / Curtis Graham Sheriff Charles Lemon would not talk on camera to News13 on Wednesday but said deputies began following Garner after his wife had a conversation with the sheriffs office that led them to think they needed to check in on Garner. The crash happened about 2:40 p.m. about nine miles outside of Darlington. Garner, 49, was driving westbound in a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe when he veered into the eastbound lane and collided the the 18-wheeler. The South Carolina Highway Patrols Darlington County Sheriff James Hudson Jr. said the South Carolina Highway Patrols multi-disciplinary accident team, or MAIT unit, is investigating the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News13 also learned on Tuesday that, at the time of the crash, Garner was connected to an active and ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. A SLED spokesperson, however, said no additional information about the case was immediately available. Garners death also follows the recent resignation of the town of McColls police chief and all four of its officers earlier in the week. Now-former chief Bob Hale said in a Facebook message that a hostile work environment and inadequate funding were partly to blame. Because of the resignations, Lemon and others have been patrolling in McColl so residents will know they are safe. He said someone will be out all day and all night. Meanwhile, McColl Councilman Brian Blue posted a photo of him and Garner on Facebook on Wednesday, saying, You will be missed my friend You did your best as the Mayor of McColl Please keep his family in prayer Love you my brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opey Hubbard, a friend of Garners, said the men attended church together and grew close over the years. I loved him dearly. I cant see him doing anything wrong, because hes always been good to me and my family, Hubbard said. And when I heard about it, I dropped down to my knees because I love him. Marlboro County E911 also paid tribute to Garner on Wednesday. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor George Garner. Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time, and we are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and strength in one another as you navigate this profound loss, the agency posted on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Garner was truly a remarkable individual. He consistently treated everyone with warmth and respect, and his kindness left a lasting impact on those around him, the post concluded. This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A 28-year-old prison inmate has been killed in his own cell by another prisoner who was serving time in the same facility, police said. The inmate, identified as Robert Warren -- a state prison inmate serving time at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland., Maryland -- was declared deceased in his cell on Monday by emergency medical service personnel, according to a statement from the Maryland State Police released on Wednesday. MORE: Social media influencer arrested after filming herself getting ready to steal from store using fake barcodes: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A suspect, also an inmate, has been identified but police have not released his identity since he has not yet been charged at this time. Authorities are expected to release more information once the suspect has been charged, police said. Maryland authorities did not say how the man was killed or how long they suspect he had been dead for when his body was discovered in his cell but they did confirm that Maryland State Police investigators are continuing an investigation into the death of a state prison inmate in Allegany County. MORE: 22 rescuers recover body of 44-year-old hiker after 'significant fall in icy terrain' The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was contacted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit (DPSCS IID) about an inmate death, according to the Maryland State Police. Autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Warrens death as a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Police Homicide Unit investigators are continuing the investigation and assistance is being provided by State Police crime scene technicians and investigators with the DPSCS Internal Investigative Unit. MORE: Woman dies after being thrown from golf cart near private members-only club Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Allegany County States Attorneys Office for review regarding charges, police said. The investigation is currently ongoing. Maryland prison inmate killed in his own cell by another prisoner originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Robert Warren, 28, was pronounced dead in his cell at the North Branch Correctional Institution on Nov. 25 Google Maps North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Md. North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Md. A Maryland prison inmate is accused of killing another prisoner, authorities said. Robert Warren, 28, was pronounced dead in his cell at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Md., on Monday, Nov. 25, according to a press release from Maryland State Police. Police said an autopsy determined Warrens death was a homicide, however, a cause of death has not been shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warrens suspected killer is another inmate serving time at the prison, per the release. The suspects name has not been released since criminal charges have yet to be filed, according to police. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The death is being investigated by the Maryland State Polices Homicide Unit, and help is being provided by State Police crime scene technicians and investigators with the DPSCS Internal Investigative Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Allegany County States Attorneys Office for review regarding charges, police said. Further details surrounding the case have not been made public by authorities. A Wellesley police officer said that the contractor "will be pretty lucky if he survives" after he was resuscitated by first responders on Thanksgiving Eve Wellesley Police Department Police arrive at the scene where a contractor was electrocuted in Wellesley, Mass. Police arrive at the scene where a contractor was electrocuted in Wellesley, Mass. A man was electrocuted one day before Thanksgiving while hanging up holiday lights on an outdoor tree. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, a contractor in Wellesley, Mass., suffered a "life-threatening" electrical shock after being hired by a resident to install holiday lights on a large tree using a pole, according to Wellesley Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news release states that the incident occurred around 10 a.m. when "the pole being used came into close proximity, or contact with, a primary electrical line on a utility pole." Officials said the person who reported the incident told dispatchers that the victim was "unconscious and appeared to be having a seizure and had stopped breathing." The 911 caller was directed to perform CPR until the officers arrived on scene. Related: 17-Year-Old Farmer Is Electrocuted, Burning Over 60% of His Body and Losing an Arm: 'It Lit Me Up' When three police officers arrived at the scene, they reported that the victim "appeared to be in sudden cardiac arrest." The officers took over the CPR and cleared the area to determine the cause of the electrocution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the press release, "Wellesley first responders delivered multiple shocks from the AED in between providing CPR and breathing for the victim." Officers said that the "last shock administered to the victim by the AED appeared to revive him as he regained a pulse." The victim was transported from the residential area at Falmouth Circle to the nearby Newton Wellesley Hospital. He was later moved to Massachusetts General Hospital. Related: 3 Calif. High School Graduates Killed, 1 Seriously Injured in Cybertruck Crash: Reports Wellesley Police Department The scene of the incident in Wellesley, Mass., on Nov. 27, 2024 The scene of the incident in Wellesley, Mass., on Nov. 27, 2024 The federal agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating the incident along with Wellesley Municipal Light Plant and police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Wellesley Police, Fire, and WMLP Department extend our thoughts and prayers to the victim and his family during this tragic incident," the police department said in a statement. Wellesley Police told PEOPLE on Thursday morning that there are no new updates at this time. Related: Woman Disinvites Mother to Thanksgiving Days Before Holiday Over 'Offensive' Comment NBC News reports that the victim was a 22-year-old man who works for NZ Powerwash in the nearby town of Framingham. In a recent interview with the outlet, police officer Tim Gover said the victim will "be pretty lucky if he survives" due to the severity of the electrocution, adding, "He took a big hit." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The victim was reportedly walking around the pine tree with the pole during the incident. "The pole he was using was about 34 feet long, and it came in either close proximity or actually touched a primary line that was only a few feet from the tree," said Gover. "And he got zapped from that." Former congressman Matt Gaetz remains a diehard Trump fan, even after the Florida Republican saw his bid to be attorney general in the incoming administration go down in flames. Ill never love another president again, Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration last week under a cloud of misconduct allegations, wrote on X on Thursday. The occasion for this praise was responding to Trumps rather unorthodox Thanksgiving message, where the president-elect bashed Radical Left Lunatics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Happy Thanksgiving to all, including to the Radical Left Lunatics who have worked so hard to destroy our Country, but who have miserably failed, and will always fail, because their ideas and policies are so hopelessly bad that the great people of our Nation just gave a landslide victory to those who want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump wrote on social media earlier in the day. Dont worry, our Country will soon be respected, productive, fair, and strong, and you will be, more than ever before, proud to be an American! Early in the week, Biden marked the holiday by carrying out his final turkey pardon on the South Lawn, granting a reprieve to two turkeys named Peach and Blossom. Gaetz announced last week he wouldnt seek the nomination to be attorney general, despite resigning from Congress after the Trump administration tapped him for the position. The nomination process proved a stormy one though, as a House committee probed Gaetz over allegations he paid for sex and had sex with a minor, which he strongly denied. I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition, Gaetz wrote on social media of his decision. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus Ill be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trumps DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1. Matt Gaetz will not return to Congress, even though hes withdrawn his bid to become the Trump administrations attorney general (AFP via Getty Images) The former congressman added he wont return to the House, but will continue supporting the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Gaetzs place, Trump has chosen another proven loyalist as a nominee, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi is an experienced prosecutor and a long-time Trump ally who has supported the president-elect through presidential campaigns and impeachment hearings. She also controversially passed up bringing charges against Trump University, shortly after a Trump foundation gave her a donation. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. The Maui County Council has passed a resolution urging Maui Health to negotiate in good faith with its workers to secure a fair contract to improve wages and establish safe staffing. The resolution, introduced by West Maui Councilmember Tamara Paltin, passed unanimously Tuesday, with one member excused. Negotiations between Maui Health and the United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii, which represents more than 900 workers, have been ongoing since July. The union contract expired Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolutions passage comes on the heels of a earlier this month by hundreds of workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital after talks broke down over staffing ratios. The union says that Kaiser, which is the gold standard for healthcare nationwide, took over management of Maui Health in 2017, along with promises to elevate care standards, but has not kept its promises to Maui and Lanai residents. The health care workers at Maui Memorial are covered by separate contracts from other KP health care workers in the U.S., the union said, and are not only getting lower wages and benefits, but working under lower care standards, resulting in high turnover. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Nurses at Maui Memorial Medical Center, the resolution noted, face a substantial pay disparity, with some making as much as 20 % less in wages than their counterparts at a nearby Kaiser facility. With a housing crisis exacerbated by the August 2023 wildfires, it has been increasingly difficult for health care workers to live on Maui. Furthermore, the resolution said, safe staffing ratios are imperative to the well-being of patients and nurses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It urged Maui Health to provide the workers with a fair contract, with certified copies of the resolution to be sent to Gov. Josh Green ; Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink ; Maui Mayor Richard Bissen ; and Lynn Fulton, CEO of Maui Health, along with the heads of Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital. Paltin asked that the resolution be amended to also send a certified copy to Greg Adams, CEO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals, in Oakland, Calif. Josh Masslon, an ICU nurse, testified before the council Monday that numerous delays and roadblocks continue, including Kaisers refusal to include safe staffing ratios in the contract. These ratios, he said, directly impact care quality, safety, and overall health outcomesand are the same ratios Kaiser has already agreed upon in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is deeply unacceptable and unsettling for Kaiser to prioritize patient safety standards in one state while denying the same protections to Mauis community, he testified. Our people deserve equitable treatment, and we should have the support and resources necessary to provide that care. Jennifer Rosenblad, an ER nurse at Maui Memorial, said since 2017 there has been a steady push for nurses to do more with less, and a decline in standards. We are constantly working short staffed, workplace violence against health care workers has become rampant, we are down 1-4 nurses, sometimes more, every single shift in the Emergency Room, she said. Maui Health said in a statement that it is committed to reaching a fair and timely agreement, and has bargained in good faith to reach over 25 tentative agreements so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its current offer of across-the-board wage increases of 18 %, in addition to other pay increases over four years, closes the gap between Maui Health wages and Kaiser Permanente wages. With other wage increases, including longevity, some job classifications will get a 27 % bump over the life of the contract. Additionally, Maui Health said the safe staffing ratios the union is proposing are already in place. The variable staffing model its team proposed was developed in partnership with union members, including nurses and nurse leaders, and would use an acuity tool to ensure staffing decisions are driven by real-time patient data. This model ensures flexibility, Maui Health said, and allocates staffing based on patients changing needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the union continues to demand that inflexible, fixed ratios be mandated as the sole determiner of staffing, which does not account for other factors critical to safe patient care, said Maui Health. This kind of rigid staffing is not mandated in any hospital across Hawaii and works against the needs of our island healthcare system and the communities we serve. Masslon was pleased with the resolutions passage. The passage of the resolution gives me some hope that Kaiser and MHS will do the right thing, honor their stated mission, and agree to safe staffing with fair wages, he said. The union represents hundreds of Maui health care workers, including registered nurses, physical therapists, imaging techs, and more. The next bargaining session is confirmed for Dec. 11, Maui Health said. (SPONSORED) The FOX21 Storm Team Storm Squatch is once again partnering with Phil Long Ford in Motor City to see how Mav and Goose are giving back to the community. Mav and Goose Give Back On Wednesday, Nov. 27, FOX21 Chief Meteorologist Matt Meister spoke with Mark Barton, General Manager/Partner at Phil Long Ford Motor City, and Dean Goble, Executive Director of the Special Forces Foundation, to learn more about this months mission. FOX21 Chief Meteorologist Matt Meister speaks with Mark Barton, General Manager/Partner at Phil Long Ford Motor City (left), and Dean Goble, Executive Director of the Special Forces Foundation (right). November is Veterans Month and we are going to give back over $100,000 to the veteran organizations in town, said Barton. So, for every vehicle we sell in the Phil Long industry, we are donating money and we will raise $100,000we wont miss this goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of Veterans Month, Sergeant Major (Retired) Brian Seidl and his family are being spotlighted. Courtesy: Special Forces Foundation, the photo is of Sergeant Major (Retired) Brian Seidl and his family. According to the Special Forces Foundation (SFF), In 2022, while serving as Company Sergeant Major of Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, Seidl developed a sudden aggressive form of inflammatory arthritis, [known as] spondylarthritis, which left him with widespread joint damage and forced him to retire in January 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite multiple therapies, according to SFF, the disease has rapidly deteriorated his joints and Seidl is now in need of multiple joint replacements. The family has exhausted most of their savings trying to manage his symptoms and preserve his quality of life, but Brians condition continues to worsen, SFF wrote. Currently, Brian, his wife, their four children, and two dogs live in an RV in Falcon, SFF wrote. Without a handicap-accessible home, Brian and his family are left struggling to meet basic needs. According to SFF, Seidls humility and resilience prevent him from asking for help, but the family needs immediate support to avoid further hardship. The foundation is now raising funds for a home and to support the Seidl family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are doing what we can, through a fundraiser standpoint, to raise them money to get them into a new home, said Goble. Please donate to us 100% of everything we get goes right back into the family. To donate, click the link above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. CHICAGO Long after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1621 and celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day gathering that became the first Thanksgiving, its one of Illinois favorite sons who is responsible for the Thanksgiving holiday as we know it today. Before Abraham Lincoln, it was the first president of the United States, George Washington, who declared Nov. 26, 1789 a day of public thanksgiving. A lot of people trace the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States to the pilgrims and Plymouth in the 17th century, our contemporary understanding has more to do with these proclamations that were made by various presidents, explained Paul Durica, the Chicago History Museums director of exhibitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The holiday was observed on-and-off for years, and President James Madison issued proclamations in 1814 and 1815, but it wasnt until Oct. 3, 1863 when President Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, set aside the last Thursday of November to give thanks. The year that is drawing to a close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies, he wrote, calling the nations people and its prosperity gracious gifts. Lincolns first Thanksgiving following his proclamation would come just one week after his most famous speech, The Gettysburg Address. Thanksgiving, as a national holiday really takes shape and becomes part of American culture in the 1860s, Durica said. Even though the United States is in the midst of this great Civil War, and there are all of these challenges that the nation is facing, theres still a lot to be thankful for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lincolns proclamation was the culmination of a decades-long campaign by a prominent magazine editor named Sarah Josepha Hale who lobbied Lincoln for the holiday. Durica said establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday stands out as one of Lincolns enduring accomplishments. In 1941, Congress issued Joint Resolution 41, forever making Thanksgiving a public holiday, a beloved tradition made possible by the first president who called Illinois home, and the first one nominated in Chicago. Some of his strongest support came from the City of Chicago, so in many ways its not just Lincoln that the country has to thank for Thanksgiving as we know it today, but also Chicago as well, Durica said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. More than a day after it was revealed Mayor Brandon Johnsons former communications director was terminated amid allegations of sexual harassment, misogyny, racism and other abusive behavior, the mayor said Wednesday evening his administration does not tolerate such behavior but shed no other light on the scandal. While my administration does not comment on specific personnel issues, I want to be clear to the people of Chicago that any form of intolerance, sexism, antisemitism, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, or abuse is completely unacceptable in my administration, Johnson wrote in a statement to the Tribune. The Tribune reported Tuesday that Ronnie Reese, a longtime friend of the mayors who headed the mayors press shop after Johnson took office in May 2023, was terminated last month following three internal complaints over alleged behavior that ranged from unwanted physical contact to making disparaging comments about marginalized groups and intimidation tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union, Reese also was the press secretary for Johnsons mayoral campaign last year. In his statement, Johnson did not say how much he knew about Reeses alleged behavior before Reeses termination. Current mayoral spokesperson Erin Connelly did not comment Wednesday evening about what the mayor knew about Reeses behavior. The statement also didnt provide the administrations response to details in the complaints that the mayors chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, was made aware of many of the allegations but didnt address them swiftly enough. The records show Reese kept his job for months even after a city human resources investigator notified Pacione-Zayas of the formal complaints about Reeses alleged behavior this summer. When she did organize a meeting with Reeses staffers, she faced pushback for allegedly suggesting peace circles and restorative justice for his behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reese on Tuesday strongly and unequivocally denied all the accusations made against him, which the Tribune obtained through a public records request for Reeses personnel file. The three complaints detailed a culture of fear and retribution in Reeses office because he indicated that he was untouchable and couldnt be fired. There are many, many others who know my character, and who know the truth, Reese said in the statement. I stand confident in that truth as I continue to prioritize my wife, my children and the health of my family in the next chapter of my career. An administration source said Wednesday that it had begun the process of placing Reese on the citys do-not-hire list, which would ban any city department or agency from hiring him as long as he remained on that list. Internal complaints regarding Reeses behavior began in the summer of 2023 after three press office staffers were fired and then placed on the citys do-not-hire list, an unusually contentious and punitive move, after they complained about how Reese and another top Johnson staffer treated them. Two of the ex-employees, both women, remain on that list now, but a male staffer successfully petitioned to be removed. The administration source said Wednesday that the mayors office had initiated a process to remove any individual Reese placed on the do-not-hire list from that list but did not share a timeline. At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in a new attack by the Israeli military in central Gaza, according to hospital reports. The al-Awda hospital said 16 people were killed following an attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that several people were also injured. An Israeli military spokesperson said that it "continues to attack terrorist targets as part of its operational activities in the Gaza Strip." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to residents of Nuseirat, a prominent tower was also destroyed in the attack. The Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza says more than 44,300 people have been killed and almost 105,000 injured in the territory since the war began almost 14 months ago. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the military has killed "almost 20,000 terrorists" in Gaza so far. The claims cannot be independently verified. 'Diminishing conditions for survival' in northern Gaza Also on Thursday, the UN's Palestinian agency - the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) - estimated that up to 75,000 people are still in the embattled northern Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For over 50 days, they have been facing diminishing conditions for survival," UNRWA wrote in a post on X. It said the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun have been cut off from humanitarian aid for weeks due to heavy fighting. The UN has attempted to reach these areas 91 times to provide assistance since October 6, UNRWA said, but "82 of these attempts were outright denied while 9 of them were impeded." A spokesman for the Israeli military said it was checking the reports, arguing that Israel recently opened further crossings into the Gaza Strip to enable more aid deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is aiming to destroy the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks. Several towns in northern Gaza are considered Hamas strongholds. Israel accuses Hamas of deliberately hiding among civilians and of repeatedly intercepting aid deliveries. Actor Mel Gibson applauded U.S. officials on Wednesday for securing the release of American Mark Swidan, who has been detained in China since 2012. He was wrongfully detained there for a crime he did not commit and spent over a decade in prison in horrible conditions and his release was procured, Gibson said in a self-recorded video. And I want to thank these people, particularly by the members of the Texas Congress, in particular Ted Cruz. I also want to thank his lawyer, who was tirelessly employed in getting this man free, Jason Poblete, and of course, Elizabeth Vargas, who reported this story several times, and Alison Weiner, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swidan was freed alongside Kai Li and John Leung in a prisoner swap with Beijing. Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years, a National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement. Thanks to this Administrations efforts and diplomacy with the PRC, all of the wrongfully detained Americans in the PRC are home, the spokesperson said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The Biden administrations efforts to bring home Americans detained abroad comes after a letter from the Congressional Executive Commission on China urging the president to prioritize the release of Americans being held captive in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BURNSVILLE, N.C. (WJHL) Virginia-based nonprofit Mercy Chefs will serve chef-prepared Thanksgiving meals to 2,000 residents in Burnsville, North Carolina. Since Oct. 1, Mercy Chefs have been in North Carolina helping victims of Hurricane Helene, according to a news release. So far, more than 350,000 meals have been served in the state. Mercy Chefs will serve meals from noon 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at the Burnsville Town Center (6 South Main Street). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free meals and more | Thanksgiving events in the Tri-Cities The holiday season is a time where our team can bring hope and healing to communities that have suffered in the last year with a holiday meal, Mercy Chefs Founder and CEO Gary LeBlanc said in a news release. Many communities feel forgotten after the initial aftermath of a disaster. In North Carolina, we have established an indoor Beacon of Hope kitchen to continue providing community support and meals long after disaster recovery efforts have subsided. For more information on Mercy Chefs or to help support relief efforts, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One metro woman who spent nearly five decades working at the Social Security Administration says shes out thousands of dollars from the office she dedicated her career to. Her pension check that was supposed to hit her bank account November 1 still isnt there. Upon your retirement from the government of the United States of America following 48 years of loyal service, Georgia Freeman read from the letter she was given upon her retirement less than a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, the organization thats entrusted with such an important job has potentially dropped the ball. Independence police release body cam in shooting where mom, baby died November the first, I didnt get my check. I didnt know what was wrong. I was devastated because I have bills, Freeman explained. Not only does the 73-year-old have bills and things to buy for her 10 grandchildren. The presumed glitch has also wiped out her health insurance. I cant go to the doctor, I cant go to the dentist, I cant get my medicine until everything is resolved and they dont know when, she said. So, this is bigger than one paycheck for Freeman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus far, all of her efforts have gotten her nowhere when she reached out to the government, which says they have no files that show her records. Shes called Congressman Emanuel Cleaver the second office and is waiting to hear back. They said Im completely out of the system that means I dont exist, they couldnt bring up no file or nothing, Freeman continued. The Social Security Department says that due to privacy laws, they couldnt address this issue with us, but still have failed to give Mrs. Freeman any sort of explanation as to why this has happened. Working for you, FOX4 spoke with the fifth district congressman, Emanuel Cleavers, spokesperson, who said theyll reach out to her after the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is pushing back on Donald Trumps claim she promised to effectively close her countrys northern border with the United States after the incoming American leader alleged that shed pledged to stop all migration through the country. On Wednesday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to claim that Sheinbaum had made such a promise during a phone call earlier in the day. He wrote that she had agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. But Sheinbaum quickly clapped back in a post of her own on X (formerly Twitter), writing that while the pair had shared an excellent conversation shed told him that the migrant caravans Trump frequently points to as evidence of chaos on the US-Mexico border are not reaching the US because the migrants are being taken car of receiving aid and services in her own country. Trump made immigration a key part of his 2024 campaign (AFP via Getty Images) We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to maintain bridges between governments and people, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump appeared to have understood her comments to mean that Sheinbaum had somehow ordered a halt to all northward movement by anyone intending on migrating to the United States, but in her posts to X she explained that shed taken care to explain to her incoming American counterpart the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights. The president-elect has a long history of making broad pronouncements about Mexicos management of its side of the border the two countries share and has often complained that Americas southern neighbor has not done enough to stop people from traversing the country with the ultimate aim of claiming asylum in the United States. Now, months from taking the oath of office for a second time, he has threatened to impose a significant import tax on all products brought in from Mexico and Canada unless both governments do more to stop what he has claimed to be an invasion of asylum seekers who cross into the US. Last month, the US Customs and Border Protection agency said unauthorized border crossings fell 60 percent between October 2023 and the same time this year. Along the US-Canada border the longest largely-unguarded land border in the world, the agency has stepped enforcement efforts that cut migrant encounters by half from June 2024 to September 2024. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 28. Kazakhstan supports the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) sustainable energy goals, focusing on the development of a clean and efficient energy sector, Trend reports. The International Atomic Energy Agency's Ministerial Conference on. Nuclear Science, Technology, and Applications, which focused on food security, climate change, healthcare, and water resource management, was held in Vienna from November 26 through November 28, 2024. Gumar Sergazin, the director of the Department of Atomic Energy and Industry in the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented the country at the conference. "Kazakhstan highly values and fully supports the IAEAs Technical Cooperation Program, which provides unique opportunities to strengthen national capacities, implement innovative solutions, and disseminate best global practices," noted Gumar Sergazin in his speech at the conference. Gumar Sergazin underlined that the IAEA's Technical Cooperation Program is essential to accomplishing sustainable development objectives and bolstering global security in the area of atomic energy. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization established in accordance with a UN resolution on December 4, 1954, and is part of the UN system. It is responsible for promoting cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy. It was founded in 1957, and its headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria, at the Vienna International Center. MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday she is confident that a tariff war with the United States can be averted. But her statement the day after she held a phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump did not make clear who had offered what. There will be no potential tariff war, Sheinbaum said flatly when asked about the issue at her daily morning news briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Trump wrote that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop unauthorized migration across the border into the United States. She wrote on her social media accounts the same day that migrants and caravans are taken care of before they reach the border. But whether that constituted a promise, a pledge or a simple statement of reality remains unclear. In recent years, migrants who have been unable to obtain permission to cross Mexico have joined together in caravans to walk or hitchhike north toward the U.S. border, seeking safety in numbers. In fact, apart from the first caravans in 2018 and 2019 which were provided buses to ride part of the way north no caravan has ever reached the border walking or hitchhiking in any cohesive way. For years, migrant caravans have often been blocked, harassed or prevented from hitching rides by Mexican police and migration agents. They have also frequently been rounded up or returned to areas near the Guatemalan border. So, Sheinbaum's statement appears to reflect a reality that has been true for some time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday said he hoped Trump would rethink his plan to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada, saying it could screw up relationships with close allies. I hope he rethinks it. I think its a counterproductive thing to do, he told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Trump had earlier threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also said Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl. Despite Sheinbaum's confidence she described the phone conversation with Trump as excellent" many Mexicans worry that U.S. tariffs could affect a wide range of iconic Mexican products and threaten entire regional economies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In western Mexico, no crop supplies an income for so many small growers as avocados, and Mexico is the main supplier of the fruit for the U.S. market. But avocado growers, pickers and packers worry that U.S. consumers, faced with 25% higher prices, may just skip the guacamole. And earlier this week, Sheinbaum said Mexico was preparing a list of retaliatory tariffs if Trump went ahead with his plans for import duties. If Mexico, Canada and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The New Mexico Court of Appeals has upheld regulations aimed at cracking down on emissions in one of the nations top-producing oil and gas states. The case centered on a rule adopted in 2022 by state regulators that called for curbing the pollutants that chemically react in the presence of sunlight to create ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog. High ozone levels can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration has long argued that the adoption of the ozone precursor rule along with regulations to limit methane emissions from the industry were necessary to combat climate change and meet federal clean air standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said the court's decision on Wednesday affirmed that the rule was properly developed and there was substantial evidence to back up its approval by regulators. These rules arent going anywhere, Kenney said in a statement to The New Mexican, suggesting that the industry stop spending resources on legal challenges and start working to comply with New Mexico's requirements. The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico had argued in its appeal that the rule disproportionately affected independent operators. The administration needs to stop its death by a thousand cuts hostility to the smaller, family-owned, New Mexico-based operators, the group's executive director, Jim Winchester, said in an email to the newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group is considering its legal options. Under the rule, oil and gas operators must monitor emissions for smog-causing pollutants nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds and regularly check for and fix leaks. The rule applies to eight counties Chaves, Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan and Valencia where ozone pollutants have reached at least 95% of the federal ambient air quality standard. Some of those counties include production hot spots within the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico and the Permian Basin, which straddles the New Mexico-Texas line. The industry group had argued that Chaves and Rio Arriba counties shouldnt be included. The court disagreed, saying those counties are located within broader geographic regions that did hit that 95% threshold. President-elect Donald Trump announced a productive conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday and declared on Truth Social that Americas border crisis had been solved. Trump claimed Sheinbaun had agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. He also claimed that the two leaders talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. He followed up that post minutes later with another update: Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Sheinbaum clarified Trumps framing of border solution. In a post on X, Sheinbaum said Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples. En nuestra conversacion con el presidente Trump, le expuse la estrategia integral que ha seguido Mexico para atender el fenomeno migratorio, respetando los derechos humanos. Gracias a ello se atiende a las personas migrantes y a las caravanas previo a que lleguen a la frontera. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) November 28, 2024 She added, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights. Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are assisted before they reach the border. A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether a plan was discussed between Sheinbaum and Trump. The miscommunication is only the latest salvo between United States and Mexico after Trump vowed to slap as much as a 25 percent tariff on goods entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, which are considered U.S. allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Nov. 25. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Mexico and Canada have bought hit back to warn that tariffs work both ways and could hurt the American economy just as much. To one tariff will follow another in response and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk, said Sheinbaum on Tuesday, reported BBC. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his administration is also prepared to work through this in constructive ways. This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on, and thats what well do, Trudeau told reporters Tuesday. Nov. 27 (UPI) -- President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico said she had an "excellent conversation" with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, lowering tensions stoked this week by the American leader's threat to impose punitive tariffs against allies Mexico and Canada, over allegations that migrants and drugs making their way through those countries into the United States. The United States' North American allies were seemingly taken by surprise this week when Trump on Monday announced via his Truth Social platform that he would sign executive orders on his first day in office, Jan. 20, to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. He threatened that the tariffs would remain in place "until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum said she and Trump on Wednesday "discussed Mexico's strategy on the migration phenomenon and I shared that caravans are not arriving at the northern border because they are being taken care of in Mexico." "We also discussed strengthening collaboration on security issues within the framework of our sovereignty and the campaign we are carrying out in the country to prevent the consumption of fentanyl," she said in a statement. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. On Monday, he threatened to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they didn't stem the flow of migrants and drugs into the United States. Pool Photo by Allison Robbert/UPI In a statement of his own, Trump claimed that Sheinbaum "agreed" to halt migration through Mexico into the United States, though the Mexican president made no statement concerning an agreement had been reached or that there would be any change to Mexico's policy. She later issued a second statement, saying that in her conversation with Trump, she explained the "comprehensive strategy" that Mexico has been following to address migration. Donald Trump, then the U.S. president, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pose for a photo at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2019. Trudeau on Wednesday held an urgent meeting of provincial premiers to discuss a threat form Trump, who is to be the next U.S. president, to impose punitive tariffs on Canada. Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI "Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are assisted before they reach the border. We reiterate that Mexico's position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPI has asked Sheinbaum's office for confirmation. In his statement, Trump described their conversation as "wonderful" and "very productive." Since Trump made his threat Monday, Mexico and Canada have been seeking to respond. Sheinbaum has warned that if Trump made good on his threat, Mexico would be forced to respond with tariffs of its own. Mexican officials, during a press conference on Wednesday, outlined negative impacts that the United States would incur as a result of Trump's tariffs, including the loss of some 400,000 American jobs. They added that the main U.S. automotive companies would also suffer, especially since 88% of pickups sold in the United States come from Mexico. The tariffs, they said, would cause an increase of roughly $3,000 per vehicle made in Mexico that is sold in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum added that she expects the relationship to remain as it is, given the negative economic effects Trump's tariffs would have on Mexico, the United States and Canada. "It benefits all three economies, and that is something the three countries, their businesspeople, and their governments know," she said. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held an urgent meeting with provincial premiers to coalesce an all-of-government response. "I spoke with the Premiers tonight about Canada-U.S. trade and the border," he said in a brief statement on X following the meeting. "Our focus: Canadian jobs, securing the border and building on our strong partnership with the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement from his office said that his government has made "significant investments" to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain from China and that the number of migrants attempting to enter the United States from Canada "is a fraction" of those coming from Mexico. His deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, told reporters during a press conference that they had a "really good, really important meeting" in which they all agreed that "we need to play for Team Canada." "We agreed that we need to be smart, strong and united in meeting this challenge," she said. After Trump announced the threat, Candace Laing, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, warned that Trump's intention to impose tariffs signals that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship "is no longer about mutual benefit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To him, it's about winners and losers -- with Canada on the losing end," Laing said in a statement. "We're facing a significant shift in the relationship between long-standing allies. Canada's signature approach needs to evolve: we must be prepared to take a couple of punches if we're going to stake out our position. It's time to trade 'sorry' for 'sorry, not sorry.'" Trump has also threatened to impose 10% tariffs on top of any additional tariffs on China over the influx of drugs, specifically fentanyl precursor chemicals, making their way from the Asian nation into the United States. China's embassy in Washington, D.C., previously told UPI in a statement that Trump's characterization of Beijing allowing fentanyl precursors flow into the United States is "completely counter to the facts and reality. The embassy said the current trade relationship between the two countries is "mutually beneficial in nature." "No one will win a trade war or a tariff war," it said. US President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose high import tariffs on Mexican goods has sparked a discussion with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on migration policy at their shared border. Sheinbaum on Wednesday described the conversation as "excellent" on social media platform X, but provided few details about its content. Trump he had a "wonderful conversation" with Sheinbaum, who he said "agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, U.S. consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, the platform he co-founded. "Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA," he added. Sheinbaum said that she told Trump that no migrant caravans were reaching the US border "because they are being taken care of in Mexico. The Mexican president added that the leaders also discussed "strengthening our collaboration on security issues within the framework of our sovereignty" as well as the campaing in the country to fight the use of fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum did not mention border closures. For years, Mexico has deployed its National Guard to prevent migrants from reaching the border with the US. Thousands of migrants fleeing poverty, violence and political crisis - a lot of them from Central and South American countries - seek to reach the US via Mexico. Hundreds die annually on the dangerous route north, often due heat strokes and dehydration. Others fall victim to criminal gangs. Migration was a key topic in the US presidential election campaign, with Trump hammering about the southern border and often making derogatory remarks about migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Trump announced plans to impose a 25% import duty on all goods from Mexico upon taking office in January. He justified the tariffs by saying that crime and drugs, along with immigrants, were being imported from Mexico. Sheinbaum questioned the effectiveness of the tariffs and hinted that Mexico might respond with its own trade measures. (WHTM) A Midstate doctor was awarded a grant to help advance childhood cancer research. Dr. Valerie Brown at the Penn State University College of Medicine was awarded a $50,000 grant to help Penn State Health Childrens Hospitals growing efforts to offer more clinical trials to children battling cancer. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat Our job is not done until we can tell every single family that has a child with cancer that there child is going to be cured, said Dr. Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant came from the St. Baldricks Foundation, a non-profit that supports research to find a cure. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. MINT HILL, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Mint Hill woman accused of forging a check is facing several felonies, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced Wednesday. Officials say 51-year-old Kisha Shawwanda Lane pretended to be another person by forging a check to withdraw $4,000 from a Transamerica Insurance annuity account in February 2024. Lane reportedly got into the victims computer and tried to withdraw $2,400 from the same account without the account holders knowledge or permission. Man charged following bank robbery in Rock Hill: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lane was arrested on Nov. 19 in Rowan County and is charged with the following felonies: Forgery of an instrument Identity theft Larceny Obtaining property by false pretense Attempting to obtain property by false pretense Accessing computers illegally Exploiting the trust of the disabled or elderly She was released on a $5,000 secured bond. Anyone with information on insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes is asked to anonymously report it to the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or the toll-free in North Carolina at 888-680-7684. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The UW graduate student lived to tell the story of a massive tree that landed on his car as he was driving in Lake City. The bomb cyclone that blew through western Washington last week has given Tyson Ramirez more than usual to celebrate this Thanksgiving. Ramirez was behind the wheel last Tuesday night when a tree came down onto his vehicle but missed him. This is a story hell likely tell his grandchildren one day. KIRO 7 saw him being pulled from his car last week, alive. The big hole where the tree once stood shows how large it was. And the very good news is that Ramirez lived to tell his own story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see me right here, Ramirez said. This is where the guy is saying, Hey buddy, I think we can pull you out, just try to slide. And then youll see me. Im that maroon right there. We showed Ramirez the video we shot last Tuesday night. Seattle firefighters pulled him from the car he drove from his native Texas but stopped in its tracks by a tree that seemed to fall from the sky. I knew something was going to crash through my windshield, he said. And so, instead of like, I guess that was my way of breaking my impact. I just wanted to get away from the collision, so, I just leaned back in my drivers seat. I leaned back and, man. Thank god, that was enough. Just enough, he says, to avoid a direct hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to look around and check if Im still alive, he said. Then he had a new worry. I could see the body of the tree above me, he said. And this thing is just massive. I dont know how long this car is going to hold up for. I thought I was going to have keep playing limbo, slumping lower and lower until, I dont know when. Neighbors were worried, too. They called 911. They even took this picture of him slumped down in the car, waiting for help. This is how it looked in the light of day. The 26-year-old still marvels over his good fortune. And lo, and behold, I had not been injured at all, he said. It did not touch me. It was a miracle. It was a miracle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, of course, I asked if he would drive down 35th Avenue again. He said yes, but he would speed past where this tree was. Sadly, now he is a graduate student in need of a car so his family convinced him to create a GoFundMe. To donate, click here. The BBC made efforts to find excellent other opportunities for departing anchor Mishal Husain, according to a senior BBC News boss. Husain revealed yesterday she is exiting the Today Program after 11 years and will join Bloomberg to host a weekend interview series. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the annual VLV conference, Jonathan Munro said Husains gruelling early morning schedule had contributed to her decision and the BBC is sad to lose her. I have never worked on a breakfast show and from time to time people say, Look I want to do something else and thats understandable, he said. When people do that we make efforts to see if we can find excellent other opportunities but of course they will look outside. There are times when the best thing for everyone is to wish people the very best of luck as they move on and use the opportunity to bring someone else in. Munro hinted strongly that Bloomberg is offering a heftier wage packet than the BBC. Last year, she was one of the news teams biggest earners with between 340,000 ($430,000) and 344,999. Her departure comes amid a spate of presenter exits including the likes of top earners Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball, although neither are leaving the BBC entirely. Munro said he will be very sorry to see Husain go early next year and had worked closely with her during her 25-year tenure with the national broadcaster. China and Russia outspending UK by billions Elsewhere in a wide-ranging session, Munro spotlighted the immense challenge the UK pubcaster faces as he placed an enormous figure on how much Russia and China are investing on global media outreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exec, who runs the BBC World Service, said China and Russia are spending a combined 8B on international news at present, whereas the World Service spends around 400M per year. The majority of the spend is Chinas, Munro posited, at around 5B to 6B, with Russia making up another circa-2B and others such as Iran and Turkey now more proactive in this space. This means that if you go to countries in Sub Saharan Africa the mainstream media is either a Russian-sponsored news outlet or Chinese-sponsored, or both, he told todays conference. Munro floated the dangers of Russia and China spending so much. He said a number of BBC News journalists in Nigeria were recently poached by Russian outlet Sputnik, while these outlets broadcast unchallenged propaganda on stories such as the recent walkie talkie explosions in Beirut. World Service boost With the BBC World Services funding having made headlines of late, Munro revealed that the government will increase its investment in the service by around 33M this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was agreed in parliament yesterday, Munro said, that the government will spend 137M on the World Service, representing around one third of its overall budget compared to one quarter last year. The settlement only lasts a year and will almost bring the BBC up to the next charter in 2027. In the future, Munro said he hopes the government will pick up the whole tab and he rejected the notion that this would impact the World Services independence. With caveats we think that would be a better outcome, he said, pointing out that the World Service has only been funded by the license fee for the past decade. While not announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves during her budget speech last month, the small print in the UKs budget document said: In 2025-26, the settlement provides an increase in funding to the BBC World Service, protecting existing foreign language service provision and its mission to deliver globally trusted media, in support of the UKs global presence and soft power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BBC Director General Tim Davie had been pushing for more government funding for the World Service for a good while. Without more investment, he recently warned that Russia and China will fill gaps vacated by the near-100-year-old World Service. Today, Munro praised the World Service for being a main delivery point of soft power for the government. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) A missing persons case out of Orange County reportedly came to a tragic end last month after authorities said they found a woman dead and dismembered in a suitcase on the side of a Georgia highway. The investigation began with a welfare check at a home in the Waterford Lakes area on the morning of Oct. 29, according to NBC affiliate WESH. Florida man arrested in deadly golf club attack after forcibly holding victim man underwater: police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A friend told Orange County deputies that he had started receiving concerning text messages from one of the residents, 41-year-old Jorge Javier Quintero. When authorities got there, they couldnt find Quintero or his girlfriend, 29-year-old Carmen Elsa Escalante Carrera. Instead, they were met with a gruesome scene, according to descriptions in an arrest report. Deputies reported finding a large kitchen knife, a bloodied bathtub, bloody clothes and handwritten letters that they said were consistent with suicide notes. Security footage reportedly showed a man walking out of the back door and driving off in a white truck just 30 minutes before. Through their investigation, deputies said they were able to confirm that Quintero had rented that same white truck. Also inside the home was information for another nearby apartment complex. Investigators said they learned that the couple was in a new relationship and was in the process of moving into the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives continued their search for Quintero and Escalante Carrera at their new unit, which had already been leased to Quintero. According to the arrest report, the door was unlocked when authorities got there. While inside, deputies said they found bloody towels, additional blood spots on the wall and many of Escalante Carreras personal items, except her phone. By 1:30 p.m., detectives said her phone was pinging in Seminole County, Georgia. Plant City man accused of international parental kidnapping Pings from license plate readers reportedly showed the white truck traveling in a similar direction. Some license plate readers also captured photos of the truck. Officials said the photos appeared to show a trash bag that was in the shape of a human body in the bed of the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As their investigation continued, detectives said they were able to obtain security footage from a Lake City, Florida gas station that showed Quintero making purchases using Escalante Carreras phone. However, she was nowhere to be seen. Then, on Oct. 31, the U.S. Marshals found Quintero and the rented truck in Alabama, where they got into a shootout. Quintero was critically injured, but deputies told WESH he was still alive as of Nov. 26. Escalante Carrera was not with Quintero when the shootout occurred. However, Georgia officials reported finding human remains in a suitcase on the side of a highway about three hours later. The remains were visibly identified as Escalante Carrera. According to the arrest affidavit, she was found in brutal condition. Detectives said a power cord was wrapped around her neck and her body parts were fully or partially dismembered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A medical examiner said Escalante Carrera died from ligature strangulation. Quintero is facing a first-degree murder charge, according to the sheriffs office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. On a warm day in 2022, Hawaii native Hannah Kobayashi jumped into the Subaru Baja of her friend Allisa Peterson for an hourlong journey on Maui from her home community of Haiku to a friends farm in Nahiku. The farm had an excess of flowers, and there the friends picked orchids and other colorful plants for their new floral design business, Forage Fairies. For a client, they planned to decorate a concert stage with flowers. Peterson remembers looking at Hannah dressed in a tan tank top and shorts and noticing how happy she looked while picking orchids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Us co-creating flower arrangements was really the most beautiful thing, Peterson told CNN. Hannah was good at it just by, like, knowing flowers and creativity and knowing the right people and sourcing it properly. Arranging flowers was just one of the many creative and entrepreneurial projects Hannah pursued before the 30-year-old went missing this month in a mystery that has garnered national headlines. On November 8, she took a flight from Maui to Los Angeles International Airport, where she was to take a connecting flight to New York the same day but did not board, her sister Sydni Kobayashi said. What came next, Hannahs family says, were three days of sometimes alarming hints of activity in Los Angeles before the trail ran cold: Sightings at a shopping center; Venmo payments to people her family doesnt know; worrying texts to a friend about not feeling safe; and a video showing her with an unknown person at a city train station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search itself would merge with tragedy involving another family member: Her father, who traveled to Los Angeles to help look for her, was found dead Sunday near the airport, having taken his own life, the family and authorities say. The father, according to Hannahs aunt Larie Pidgeon, died of a broken heart. Hannahs relatives, now grieving her father, say they fear she may have been abducted and continue pressing the public for information about her whereabouts. During the search, several who know her have talked publicly about who she is, and her near- and long-term aspirations. Since she graduated high school, Hannahs worked various gigs while pursuing creative passions, Pidgeon and Peterson say. Among other things, she also was an aspiring photographer, Pidgeon says something that was somewhat tied to the trip she was taking. Although Hannah was to visit another aunt in upstate New York, she also intended to take pictures at a DJs mid-November show in Brooklyn, according to her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had sent a message to the DJ, offering to give him photos of the show in exchange for a pass to the event. The artist agreed and also offered free merchandise, one of the musicians managers told CNN. Shes such a creative, artistic soul. I think its just embedded in her, Peterson said. But to the familys knowledge and despair, Hannah did not arrive in New York. Hannah Kobayashi was supposed to take a connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York on November 8, but did not, her family says. - Courtesy Sydni Kobayashi Her disappearance For her November 8 trip, Hannah had the same itinerary as an ex-boyfriend. The pair decided to keep their flights since they could not get a refund but would be going their separate ways once they landed in New York, Sydni Kobayashi previously told CNN. The ex-boyfriend, unlike Hannah, boarded a connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN obtained a photo that appears to show Hannah getting off her flight at the Los Angeles airport. It is not clear why she did not take her connecting flight. On November 9, Hannah was spotted at a bookstore at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles, her sister said, and it is unclear why she was there. She then sent a Venmo payment to two people whose names the family does not recognize, her sister said. On November 10, a video was posted on YouTube showing Hannah at a Nike store event held at the same shopping center at which the public could try out the new LeBron XXII shoes. A photo of the event was also posted on her Instagram account, her sister said. On November 11 the last day loved ones heard from her her mother texted her, asking whether she made it to New York. Hannah responded no, her sister said. She also sent messages to a friend saying she did not feel safe, and someone was trying to steal her identity and money, according to screenshots her sister sent to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday, one message to a friend said. Another message said, I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds, followed by one saying, For someone I thought I loved. Hannah was also seen in November 11 surveillance video with an unknown person around a downtown Los Angeles Metro train station, her family said. On November 15, Los Angeles police distributed a poster about the disappearance, saying Hannah was last seen at the airport. It said she has freckles on her face and a tattoo on her forearm. A life of creativity While describing Hannah this week, Pidgeon told CNN her niece has loved all things art, starting from a young age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She used to just draw and she would draw and draw and draw. She would paint. She would make art out of rocks and like, little flowers, Pidgeon said. She always had that spark that you wish you had. Hannah, even when she was just beginning to talk, would try to ask for more crayons to color, Pidgeon recalled. Shes still known for creativity. One of the most beautiful things about Hannah is that she journals. She always had this little magic book, Pidgeon said. Pidgeon remembers one of her journals vividly. Hannah had drawn a beautiful sketch of an owl. On another page were pressed flowers. On another, a concert ticket. On top of illustrations, she would write stringing together reflections on her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is always searching on how she could be better and kinder, Pidgeon said. About three to four years ago, Hannah moved from the island where she was born, Oahu, to Haiku, Maui. Her aunt described a giant vision board in her current Maui bedroom. Each month, Hannah would change the board with her updated thoughts on life, her favorite quotes and new goals. It was just this big, beautiful board she had in her room, and it was just always changing. Hannah met Peterson in Maui, where the two became fast friends and eventually roommates, connecting over music, flowers and art, Peterson said. Peterson moved from the island last year, and the floral arrangement business ended, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah enjoyed dancing at house music shows and hoped to be a DJ one day, with the DJ name Lil Trees, Peterson said. She had just bought her own turntables, according to her aunt. She also is passionate about helping women overcome difficult situations, according to her aunt. She participated in local womens circles, which provided a safe place for women to open up. Hannah is a listener, Peterson said. I feel like I could just tell her everything, and she was very trusting. And she almost had, like, a mother energy to her, Peterson said. Hannah hopes to have a family one day with her own children, Pidgeon and Peterson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Instagram post from 2018, she wrote about wanting to bring her future children to a spot in Hawaii: Cant wait for the day i can take my children here so we can ruff it out in the middle of nowhere~ to reconnect with nature and ourselves. She told me when she met the person that she had kids with, that was it. That was going to be the rest of her life, Pidgeon said. CNNs Michelle Watson, Caroll Alvarado, Karina Tsui and Amanda Jackson contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A hiker was found alive this week in the remote wilderness of northwestern Canada, where he had been lost for more than five weeks, authorities said. Sam Benastick was initially reported missing on Oct. 19 after failing to return from a backcountry trip in Redfern-Kiely Provincial Park, an isolated landscape known for its alpine tundra and stark mountainscape in the northern Rockies of British Columbia. Two men spotted Benastick Tuesday on their way to the park's Redfern Lake trail for work, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Recognizing him as the missing hiker, they took Benastick to a hospital. Benastick told police he had stayed in his car for a couple of days at the start of his backcountry trip, before walking to a mountainside creek and camping there for 10 or 15 days, the RCMP said. At that point, the hiker said he moved to a different location farther down into the valley and a built a camp and shelter in a dried-out creek bed. Eventually, Benastick found his way to the road where he encountered the Redfern Lake trail employees, well over six weeks after he first set out on his journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this was would not be the outcome," said Corporal Madonna Saunderson, a spokesperson for the RCMP in British Columbia, in a statement. Benastick, 20, survived extraordinarily harsh conditions. When he was found, the hiker was using two walking sticks to support himself and had cut his sleeping back to wrap the fabric around his legs for warmth, the Canadian broadcaster CBC News reported. Temperatures in the park were frigid while he was missing, at times dropping to -20 degrees Celsius, or -4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to BBC News, a CBS News partner. Missing hiker found alive after more than five weeks in wilderness https://t.co/X3dpSyNFcn BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 27, 2024 "Those are very difficult conditions for really anyone to survive in, especially [with] limited supplies and equipment and food," Prince George Search and Rescue search manager Adam Hawkins told the BBC. Mike Reid, the general manager of the inn near Redfern-Kiely Provincial Park where Benastick's family stayed as search efforts got underway in October, told CBC News that Benastick was in "rough shape" Tuesday. But he is expected to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities initiated a massive search for Benastick when the missing person report for him was filed, but that search was called off at the end of October, BBC News reported. Police said they intend to gather more information about what happened to the hiker and why he remained missing for so long once Benastick's health has improved. Missing hiker found after nearly six weeks in the Canadian wilderness Trump and Trudeau praise their surprise meeting Rebels seize control of Syria's second-largest city Aleppo HARRODSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) Cassarah Farson was safely located, according to an update Wednesday afternoon from the Harrodsburg Police Department. Previous story: The Harrodsburg Police Department is searching for a missing woman. Cassarah Farson is reportedly from Lexington and had been seen near the Isaiah House in Harrodsburg, per the department. Authorities provided an update on Wednesday that Farson was last seen in Nicholasville. MISSING IN KENTUCKY Cassarah Farson (Harrodsburg Police Department) Authorities report that Farson may be in the Lexington, Richmond, or Nicholasville area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information regarding her whereabouts, call (859) 792-3024. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Joshua D. Bryan, 29, and Regan E. Bryan, 30, sought to hire a hitman to murder their stepfather in order to obtain life insurance proceeds, prosecutors said Madison Co. Detention Center Joshua and Regan Bryan Joshua and Regan Bryan A brother and sister from Mississippi have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a murder-for-hire plot involving their stepfather, authorities said. Joshua D. Bryan, 29, and Regan E. Bryan, 30, sought to hire a hitman to murder their stepfather in order to obtain life insurance proceeds, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Mississippi said in a press release on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint filed in January 2021 and reviewed by PEOPLE, the siblings were listed as beneficiaries on a family trust worth about $6 million following the death of their relative, whose full name is redacted in the complaint. The complaint states that in December 2020, a confidential informant met with Regan at her Pearl, Miss., home, where she claimed her stepfather had molested her in the past and wanted him dead. The confidential informant offered to commit the murder and Regan said she would take care of him for the rest of his life if he killed the stepfather, per the complaint. The next day, the confidential informant let the stepfather know about the plot against him. Over the next several months, the confidential informant met with Regan and Joshua, both of whom were heard in recorded conversations discussing the plan to kill their stepfather and how to get away with it, according to the complaint. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The siblings were arrested in January 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regan was sentenced to 65 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, prosecutors said. Joshua was sentenced to 120 months in prison. He was previously found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire following a trial that ended on Dec. 15, 2023, according to the district attorneys office. Kalle Benallie ICT Celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. by watching Moana 2, a story honoring Pacific Islanders and Polynesians. The film was released in theatres Wednesday, Nov. 27. The film focuses on Moana, played by Aulii Cravalho, reuniting with Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson, three years later after the first film and embarking on a new voyage with a group of unlikely seafarers. A week ago at the Hawaii world premiere, Johnson, who is Samoan, reflected on how the film is about culture and empowerment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also personal because his character, Maui, is inspired by his adopted grandfather Peter Maivia, a Samoan-American professional wrestler. He was just like Maui and from his build, to hair, to his charisma and he would sing. He was lovedeverytime I play Maui, Im in the skin of my grandfather; it really moves me, Johnson said on Good Morning America. Walt Disney Animation Studios' feature film Moana 2, reunites Moana with Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to the far seas of Oceania. ( 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved) Film poster of "Moana 2." ( 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved) Cravalho, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, showcased the culture at the world premiere and press tour by featuring Hawaiian and Pacific Island designers for her makeup, hair and clothing. I had a very particular idea of spotlighting momi keokeo, sea shells, for our Hawaii premiere look, Cravalho told Vogue. We presented this challenge to Afa Ah Loo, who cleverly strung individual white Dovetail shells into a cape-like shape reminiscent of Hawaiian ahu ulaa feather cloak worn by ancient Hawaiian royalty. View the original article to see embedded media. View the original article to see embedded media. Cravalho and Johnson are supported by a long list of Pacific Islander voice actors including Hualalai Chung, who plays Moni, a superfan of Maui and a historian of Motonui, island of the Moana characters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chung said to ABC7NY that the first Moana film gave children new representation. "We grew up without having a film that represented us," he said. "Then, back in 2016, the original 'Moana' came out and we were all so beyond stoked to see so much of our culture represented on the big screen." Moana 2 adds some newcomers to the mix as well. Rose Matafeo, Samoan, plays Loto, the teams architect. David Fane, Soamoan, plays Kele, an elder of Motonui. Awhimai Fraser joined the cast as Matangi. Fraser previously starred in Frozen Reo Maori and "Encanto Reo Maori, which are told in the Indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand. Temura Morrison, Maori, returns as his role Chief Tui. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres not only representation for Pacific Islanders on screen but off as well. Two of the three directors are Samoan: David Derrick Jr. and Dana Ledoux Miller, who also co-wrote the story. The film will receive a special release on Nov. 28 in theaters in New Zealand in the Maori language, incorporating Tairawhiti, which is one of several Maori dialects. The first Moana was also translated in Maori. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. Anjuan Mosby and Emmanuel Suarez allegedly shot Michelle Hampton after attempting to withdraw $10,000 from her bank account GoFundMe Michelle Hampton (right) Michelle Hampton (right) Prosecutors allege a Missouri mom was murdered this month after two men kidnapped her and made her withdraw large sums of money from her bank account. Michelle Hampton, a mother of a teenage daughter, was kidnapped from her home in Clayton, Mo., on Nov. 20 and was later found dead in a St. Louis alleyway with several gunshot wounds, federal prosecutors in Missouri's Eastern District said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interim, she was brought by her kidnappers to a bank and forced to withdraw $10,000 cash at the drive-through window, prosecutors say a request that was rejected by staff. She could only withdraw $2,000. Police have arrested two suspects. Anjuan Q. Mosby, 43, was charged Saturday with kidnapping resulting in death, an offense for which he could face the death penalty if convicted. Mosby was the boyfriend of Hampton's twin sister, Samantha, per KSDK5. Meanwhile, Mosby's alleged accomplice, Emmanuel Suarez, 36, was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony weapon possession, for which he could face 15 years behind bars. Both men are also facing a litany of state-level charges, including first-degree murder, robbery, and kidnapping. They each have multiple criminal convictions going back decades, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for Mosby declined to comment; information on attorneys for Suarez wasn't immediately available. Samantha had encountered her twin around 7:15 a.m. on Nov. 20, finding her in the driver's seat of her Nissan Rogue and an unknown person in the passenger's seat holding her at gunpoint, their other sister Tamara wrote in a GoFundMe fundraising plea. Samantha attempted to follow her sister's car, but another vehicle attempted to run her off the road and shot at her and her child, barely missing them, according to Tamara. (This version of events is also asserted in a motion for pretrial detention filed by federal prosecutors in Mosby's case.) Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the motion, Mosby gave the victim the option to run away. When she did not, he fatally shot her. A federal judge ordered Mosby to be held without bail pretrial, and federal prosecutors are seeking the same for Suarez. On the GoFundMe, Hampton is being remembered by her sister as a "beautiful person" who was widely adored and "loved her daughter more than anything." She had one teenage daughter and also took care of her three nephews, two teenagers and one 7-year-old. "She was selfless in all she did and she was by far an amazing sister and friend," wrote Tamara. "She never deserved anything but the best and she was handed the worst." The family is raising money for funeral expenses and help with raising the victim's children; they had raised $14,000 as of Wednesday afternoon. On November 27th, the digital cultural comprehensive research and practice base "Happy LandYinghuai Light," a popular check-in spot in Fuyang, welcomed a group of special guests -diplomatic envoys to China participating in the "Opportunities in China: International Communication Event of High-Quality Development of Anhui for Diplomatic Envoys in China." At the Folk Music House Chinese Folk Music Experience Classroom located within the base, diplomatic envoys were drawn by the passionate drumbeats, unconsciously pausing their steps and joining the ranks of drummers. In these heart-stirring rhythms, they seemed to feel the history and power behind each beat. Not just limited to folk music, in the vast lands of China, intangible cultural heritage is like a string of brilliant pearls embedded in the long river of history. In the Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Living Heritage Museum within the base, diplomatic envoys also showed great interest in the rich cultural symbols such as Yinghuai clay sculpture and Fuyang paper-cutting. Source: cri.cn Photo: Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Azerbaijan's Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov has discussed the country's financial cooperation with Greece during meeting with Greek Ambassador Christos Kapodistrias, Trend reports via the Ministry of Finance. The discussion also covered cooperation within economic and international financial institutions, as well as other areas. The meeting drove home the point about COP29, taking place in Baku, and highlighted how crucial this event is for hashing out the nitty-gritty of climate change issues. The ambassador reminded that Greece was represented at COP29 at the highest level, with a delegation led by the country's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and congratulated Azerbaijan on organizing and holding the global climate conference at a high level in such a short period of time. Additionally, the meeting emphasized the critical nature of synergistic collaboration, aligning the strategic interests of both nations within the dynamic framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization and the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, while articulating a strong commitment to enhance bilateral relations moving forward. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Last year, Gracelyn Stiffler, then 2, began complaining of headaches and would point to the same spot behind her ear as the source of the pain. At first, mom Catherine Owens felt confused. She kept telling me her head hurts, Owens, 29, of West Monroe, Louisiana, tells TODAY.com. Then she started regressing. She was potty trained from 18 months old, and so when she started having accidents, I was like, OK, this is not normal.One night, Gracelyn threw up, which made Owens worry that her daughter had a concussion. So, she took Gracelyn to the emergency room. They ruled out a concussion, but her symptoms worsened. After two visits to the pediatrician and another trip to the emergency room, Owens begged the staff for a CT scan of Gracelyns head. It revealed that the toddler had a mass in her brain. I knew it was something serious, Owens says. But I didnt know it was a brain tumor. When 2-year-old Gracelyn started complaining of headaches, regressed in her potty training and walked with her head tilted, mom Catherine Owens felt worried. After advocating for her daughter, they finally got the right diagnosis. Worrisome symptoms that went dismissed After Gracelyn started having headaches and accidents in the summer of 2023, Owens noticed that she was acting unusually. She began walking with her head tilted, and it seemed as if she was off-balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She could still walk, but she was walking with her head titled, Owens says. I was like, Maybe its just a stage shes going through. I dont know. ... It just didnt feel right. Then, after about a month of her strange symptoms, one night in September, Gracelyn began vomiting one night and couldn't stop. Earlier, she had told her mom that she hit her head. Worried about a concussion, Owens took her to the emergency room. There was no bump. There was no indication that she hit her head, no red mark or anything, she says. When she started throwing up, a few hours later, I was like, Oh my goodness maybe she does have a concussion. Doctors tested her for several illnesses, and she tested positive for strep throat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They wrote her off, Owens says. They had told me that strep throat was what it was, and that she was so tired, so exhausted that she physically couldnt hold her head up. This struck Owens as unusual, but she trusted the doctors and gave her daughter the medication as directed. By October, Gracelyns symptoms hadn't improved. Shes saying her head hurts, and she was throwing up off and on, Owens says. But it was clear mucous. This time, they visited the pediatrician, who thought perhaps Gracelyn was experiencing seasonal allergies. That made sense, Owens says. But I was more concerned about her head. I was like, She keeps saying her head hurts, and its always in the same spot and I just dont understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pediatrician had an explanation for this. She was like, Well, you always have migraines, so maybe shes copying you, Owens recalls. I didnt really like that answer because I felt like she was writing her off. Frustrated, Owens made another appointment for a few weeks later and brought her husband to back (her) up. Again, the doctor explained away Gracelyns symptoms and even suggested she return to wearing diapers, chalking up her regression to moving from a crib to a toddler bed and the birth of her brother, then 8 months old. The pediatrician also gave Gracelyn a prescription for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But before they could schedule those appointments, Gracelyn once again started throwing up and couldn't stop. When coming off pain medications, Gracelyn accidentally scratched her eye. She can't see and her eye doesn't moisturize properly now. Doctors are unsure if this will impact her long-term, but wearing a patch helps her eye rest. The same day, Owens had an appointment with the specialist who treated her migraines, so she asked the nurse to look at Gracelyn because she was so concerned by her daughters symptoms. She was the first person that actually heard me as a mother, she says. Shes like, Yeah, something's definitely wrong with her. I dont know what, but if I were you, I would bring her to the ER and demand they do a CT scan. When they arrived at the emergency room, though, staff insisted that the girl had something viral," Owens recalls. I was like, I respect you as a doctor, but I need you to respect my motherly instinct because something not right with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viral testing came back negative, so the doctors finally ordered a CT scan to ease Owen's fears. It found that Gracelyn had masses on her brain, but more scans were needed to figure out exactly what they were. Gracelyn was rushed in an ambulance to a children's hospital two hours away. An MRI at the children's hospital revealed she had a brain tumor and needed surgery within a few days. Gracelyn had a Grade 2 ependymoma, which starts in ependymal cells in the central nervous system, according to the National Cancer Institute. While Grade 1 and 2 ependymomas are not considered cancerous, her tumor was "as close as it can be to cancerous, Dr. Nir Shimony, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Semmes Murphey in Memphis and one of Gracelyns doctors, tells TODAY.com. After a nine-hour surgery, doctors removed as much of the tumor as they could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was intense, Owens says. They were confident that they had gotten (the tumor) all out. Still, the doctors sent Gracelyns case to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, and they eventually transferred Gracelyn there. Imaging at St. Jude revealed that some of the tumor was still nestled in Gracelyns brain, and doctors wanted to conduct another surgery to take more of it out. Doctors thought Gracelyn would respond better to radiation if she had as much of the tumor out as possible. It was just one shock after the next because we were not expecting another surgery, Owens says. Gracelyn experienced a few complications. A scratch and possible nerve damage to one eye led to loss of vision, and an injury to a nerve in her right ear means she is deaf in that ear. Its unclear whether the vision and hearing loss will be permanent, Owens says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2023, Gracelyn started radiation and stayed at St. Jude until February 2024 for treatment. Gracelyn underwent more than two dozen rounds of radiation. Every day she would have PT, OT, speech, then she would have her treatment and sometimes shed have to go to the eye clinic just to get things checked up, Owens says. We were constantly moving. Ependymoma The tumor Gracelyn has, an ependymoma, is one that often impacts children. Its a relatively, unfortunately, common tumor in this age group of infancy through the age of 3, Shimony explains. While Gracelyn underwent successful treatment, grade 2 ependymomas are more likely to come back. Doctors are closely watching her as a precaution. Gracelyn has a grade 2 ependymoma, which is relatively aggressive, and they can develop in the spine, the supratentorial area of the brain, where the cerebrum is, or the posterior fossa area, a spot near the cerebellum and the brain stem, Shimony says. Gracelyns tumor grew in the posterior fossa area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms of childhood posterior fossa ependymomas include: Neck pain Problems walking Balance troubles Fatigue Vomiting Acting easily annoyed A gaze that looks only downward Delayed development An enlarged head Headaches sometimes can indicate a brain tumor. But Shimony urges caution in assuming that a child's headache means they have a brain tumor. Kids can have headaches for many reasons, he says. Should we do a head scan for every kid with a headache? Thats dangerous. Thats a lot of head scans. Still, Shimony urges parents to take their children to their pediatrician if they have headaches to try to find the underlying cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the headache has no other reasons or there are other signs or symptoms and especially if the headaches are something that is ongoing its best to have a scan of the head, preferably an MRI, to rule out bad things, he says. Treatment for ependymoma include traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery and radiation. It is still what we call a surgeons disease, which means that surgery comes first, he says. Surgery will give the best option for better prognosis. Radiation normally follows surgery, along with follow-up appointments and scans to make sure the tumor has not returned or grown. If there is a residual tumor after everything that has been done, then its being followed carefully, and if this residual tumor is showing signs that its wanting to evolve or grow, sometimes well go for another surgery or another treatment modality, Shimony says. Early diagnosis remains key in a childs prognosis, and Shimony applauds Owen and other parents who advocate for their child in receiving a correct diagnosis. No parents would like to know that their kid has a brain tumor, he says. The one thing that has been shown across any type of tumor (for good prognosis) is early diagnosis. So, if the parents have a concern, if they see something they dont like, they just need to make sure their kid is being taken care of. Always trust your mom gut Gracelyn returned home in February 2024, after four months in the hospital. She immediately played with her toys. She was ecstatic. She went straight to her playroom, and they did not go to bed that night, Owens says. We didnt even care because we were just so happy to see her smile. Now 3, Gracelyn acts like a little mama, taking charge of her friends in day care when she attends. She loves knock-knock jokes and cackles at the punchline. She cackles at everything, Owens says. She is goofy. Catherine Owens knew her daughter was ill and advocated for her to get a diagnosis. That led to Gracelyn's successful treatment for an ependymoma. A little more than a month ago, Owens felt a hard lump in Gracelyns head when washing her hair. Owens thought a screw from one of her surgeries was coming out. It was perfectly round and its hard. Its not like a cyst, where it is kind of squishy, Owens says. Owens took Gracelyn to the pediatrician, who agreed it seemed like a screw and recommended that the doctors at St. Jude fix it. Immediately, doctors knew the screw being loose could be dangerous for the girl. The pressure of putting her hat on or putting a headband on" could have caused the screw to rupture the skin on Gracelyn's head, Owens explains. If it ruptures, shes at risk for infection. Again, Gracelyn needed to stay at St. Judes and undergo a surgery. She has recovered well. Shes perfectly fine. You wouldnt even know it, Owens says. The next day, she was up decorating cookies. For now, Gracelyn doesn't need additional treatment, only regular check-ups. Owens shared her story on TikTok to encourage parents to always trust your mom gut. I knew something was seriously wrong with Gracelyn, my mom gut, she says. I want everyone to know Im on their side and Im rooting for them. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Angela Anderson, 54, of Palmyra, N.J., was last seen in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, according to authorities Deirdre Rice Angela Anderson Angela Anderson Angela Anderson, 54, entered a SEPTA train at the Trenton Transit Center in Trenton, N.J., on Monday, Nov. 4, according to authorities Daughter Deirdre Rice tells PEOPLE that her mother, who had recently returned home following five weeks at a hospital, told her caseworker that she wanted to go to the station so she could visit her daughter in Pennsylvania but Rice urged them not to take her It's a very hard time, she tells PEOPLE, adding, I am not sure if my mom is alive" The daughter of a missing New Jersey woman, who disappeared after boarding a train three weeks ago, says she is upset and scared for her mother's life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a very hard time, Deirdre Rice, 32, of Bensalem, Penn., tells PEOPLE about the disappearance of mom Angela Anderson. I am not sure if my mom is alive. Anderson, 54, had been missing since Monday, Nov. 4, after she got on a SEPTA train at the Trenton Transit Center in Trenton, authorities said. In an updated news release on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Palmyra Police Department said that Anderson was last seen near the Washington Post building in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Police described Anderson as having auburn hair, being 5 foot, 6 inches tall and weighing 150 lbs. Related: Father of Missing Hawaii Woman Found Dead in Los Angeles 2 Weeks After His Daughter's Disappearance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rice tells PEOPLE that Anderson is bipolar and struggles with paranoia and delusions, adding that her mother often contacted police, claiming she was being followed. According to Rice, her mother had recently been hospitalized due to her dire mental health condition and repeated visits to the police station. After being involuntarily committed by authorities, Anderson spent July 14 to Aug. 29 at Virtua Willingboro Hospital, according to Rice, who says she was told the average amount of time for a stay is between 10 and 14 days. Afterward, Anderson, who has an apartment in Palmyra, was released with court-ordered resources and provided a case worker from Legacy Treatment Services, Rice says. Deirdre Rice Angela Anderson Angela Anderson When they were letting her out, the doctors were telling me she was doing slightly better on her medicine," explains Rice, who had wanted to get her mother into a halfway house. "They thought, Let's give it a shot that she can live on her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 4, around 9:30 a.m. local time, Rice who says she kept trying to get her mother into a halfway house received a phone call from her mother's caseworker, who said that Anderson had her suitcase packed and wanted to visit Rices home in Pennsylvania. According to Rice, she told the caseworker to not let her mother leave the apartment. Related: Texas Woman, Who Left Home Without Phone or Car, Found Safe but 'Severely Dehydrated': Police About three hours later, Rice got another phone call from the caseworker who said she received approval from her supervisor, and that they had already taken Anderson to the station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rice says she told them her mom didn't have any money or a valid ID. In response, she says the caseworker claimed they had asked her mother a number of questions, including if she had any money, but that Anderson had told them to "mind their own business." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Rice says that the caseworkers supervisor contacted her the next day and said they approved her to leave because they didn't consider Anderson to be a danger to herself or others. "And I said, Well, don't you worry, my mom's safety is on your hands. And that was the end of our conversation," Rice tells PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative for the Palmyra Police told PEOPLE on Nov. 27 that the investigation is ongoing and that the department could not disclose any further details at this time. PEOPLE has contacted Legacy Treatment Services multiple times for comment but did not receive a response. Deirdre Rice This photo provided by Deirdre Rice shows her mother Angela Anderson at the Trenton Transit Center on Nov. 4, 2024 This photo provided by Deirdre Rice shows her mother Angela Anderson at the Trenton Transit Center on Nov. 4, 2024 When Anderson didnt show up at Rices place, Rice filed a missing persons report on Nov. 5. A week later, Rice says that police entered her mothers apartment. My mom's bed was standing up against the wall, Rice says of what was inside. Her bedroom door was off the hinges. There were expired foods all in the fridge. And then they found her cellphone. It was wrapped in tin foil inside of a baggie in her apartment. Rice claims that the caseworker offered no comment about the state of Anderson's apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From what Rice learned, her mother was seen on camera getting on a SEPTA train and traveling through Philadelphia before switching to an Amtrak train. Then, according to Rice, Anderson purchased a ticket for Washington, D.C., but got off in Wilmington, Delaware. "We have no family or friends in D.C.," Rice shares. "We have no family or friends in Delaware. Related: Man Was Missing for a Month in National Park, but His Mom Never Lost Hope. Then He Was Found Alive (Exclusive) In addition to daughter Rice, Anderson has three other children all sons and is a grandmother. She's a very happy and funny person, Rice says. She loves her faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rice says that her mother's mental health problems began after she separated from her husband. The last five years it has been like this spiral downward, Rice explains. This is not the mother I grew up with. The mom I grew up with made dinner every night, took us to practice, was very involved in our lives and it hit everybody like a storm. It's shocking. It's come out of nowhere, but it's hard and it's scary." Since Andersons disappearance, her family has been active in their search from posting flyers to contacting media outlets to spread the word. As for what she would want to tell her mother, Rice simply says: Mom, I love you. I miss you. Call me. Call me now. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Two people have been indicted after an investigation into the abuse of two young children. Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck Jr. announced the indictment of Kyle Ray Knox, 38 and Kayla Renae Shepherd, 29, related to a case of child endangerment. On the evening of Monday, Nov. 18, officers with the Dayton Police Department were dispatched to the 3300 block of Arlene Avenue after a caller reported finding two young children walking in the street. The children, a 9-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, told officers they had been left home along and were looking for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers say the boy had significant, visible injuries and after being taken to the hospital, doctors discovered he had additional injuries not readily visible at first. Police investigated the matter, learning that defendant Knox was the boyfriend of the childrens mother, Shepherd. He reportedly routinely struck the 8-year-old boy, including punching him in the face multiple times. When the defendants left the two children home alone, they took the opportunity to flee the home and seek help. The Montgomery County Grand Jury indicted Kyle Knox on the following charges: One count of Endangering Children torture serious harm One count of Endangering Children serious physical harm One count of Endangering Children corporal punishment serious harm One count of Endangering Children corporal punishment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kayla Shepherd was also indicted on several child endangerment charges: One count of Endangering Children parent serious harm Two counts of Endangering Children corporal punishment One count of Endangering Children parent misdemeanor It is unimaginable that an adult male would repeatedly punch an 8yearold child in the face, and its just as disturbing to think that the childs mother would allow it, said Prosecutor Heck. I am thankful that these child victims took it upon themselves to leave that violent and abusive home. I also want to commend the citizen who found the children, saw the injuries, and immediately sought police help in an effort to get both children to safety. Knox is currently in custody and being held at the Montgomery County Jail on a $50,000 bond. He is set to be arraigned on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Shepherd is set to be arraigned on Dec. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. A Johnstown teen was apprehended four blocks from the scene of a fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl late Sunday. In a criminal complaint, Johnstown Police detectives Cory Adams and Mark Britton said Kaden Woodring admitted to firing a rifle at the teen inside a basement but no explanation for the act was outlined in the document. Woodring, 17, fled the Sheridan Street residence moments after shooting the teenage girl, Adams and Britton said. But after speaking on the phone to an investigating officer, Woodring informed police of his location and was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 17-year-old Greater Johnstown student, whose name was not released as of Tuesday, was killed in the shooting, investigators said. But Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said Monday the case was determined to be a homicide and his office is prosecuting Woodring as an adult. In Pennsylvania, minors can be tried as adults on certain felony charges, including criminal homicide. A press conference is planned for Wednesday to provide an update on the status of the case. According to a criminal complaint, Woodring was outside his residence just before midnight when he spotted the other teen walking toward the house to pick up two other individuals who were socializing in his basement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodring followed the teenage girl into the basement and picked up the rifle and called her by name before pointing the weapon at her, Britton and Adams wrote. Police said Woodring told them he stated, You know Im playing? before pulling the trigger. The teen was struck in the upper torso and pronounced dead at the scene. Greater Johnstown School District officials said they were shocked by the incident. Counselors were staffed on site for grieving students, Superintendent Amy Arcurio said in a statement. We are in a state of shock as we grieve the loss of our student. We are respectful to her family and our entire Trojan community as we try to understand this tragedy, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we support one another during this challenging time. Woodring is in Cambria County Prison without bond. He is charged with one count of criminal homicide and two counts of aggravated assault. He is scheduled for a Dec. 4 preliminary hearing before District Judge Kevin Price, of Johnstown. WASHINGTON (AP) Muddy footprints left on a Kenyan lakeside suggest two of our early human ancestors were nearby neighbors some 1.5 million years ago. The footprints were left in the mud by two different species within a matter of hours, or at most days, said paleontologist Louise Leakey, co-author of the research published Thursday in the journal Science. Scientists previously knew from fossil remains that these two extinct branches of the human evolutionary tree called Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei lived about the same time in the Turkana Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But dating fossils is not exact. Its plus or minus a few thousand years, said paleontologist William Harcourt-Smith of Lehman College and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was not involved in the study. Yet with fossil footprints, theres an actual moment in time preserved, he said. Its an amazing discovery. The tracks of fossil footprints were uncovered in 2021 in what is today Koobi Fora, Kenya, said Leaky, who is based at New York's Stony Brook University. Whether the two individuals passed by the eastern side of Lake Turkana at the same time or a day or two apart they likely knew of each others existence, said study co-author Kevin Hatala, a paleoanthropologist at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They probably saw each other, probably knew each other was there and probably influenced each other in some way, he said. Scientists were able to distinguish between the two species because of the shape of the footprints, which holds clues to the anatomy of the foot and how its being used. H. erectus appeared to be walking similar to how modern humans walk striking the ground heel first, then rolling weight over the ball of the foot and toes and pushing off again. The other species, which was also walking upright, was moving in a different way from anything else weve seen before, anywhere else, said co-author Erin Marie Williams-Hatala, a human evolutionary anatomist at Chatham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other details, the footprints suggest more mobility in their big toe, compared to H. erectus or modern humans, said Hatala. Our common primate ancestors probably had hands and feet adapted for grasping branches, but over time the feet of human ancestors evolved to enable walking upright, researchers say. The new study adds to a growing body of research that implies this transformation to bipedalism walking on two feet didnt happen at a single moment, in a single way. Rather, there may have been a variety of ways that early humans learned to walk, run, stumble and slide on prehistoric muddy slopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turns out, there are different gait mechanics different ways of being bipedal, said Harcourt-Smith. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Multiple Connecticut Democrats said they were targeted by bomb threats on their homes on Thanksgiving Day. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said on Thursday that he was notified of a bomb threat targeting his Connecticut home. Himes, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said multiple law enforcement officers responded to the incident and that a bomb was not discovered. Thankfully, after a swift and thorough response from the United States Capitol Police, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Stamford Police Department, no evidence of a bomb was found. Mary, Emma, Linley, and I extend our utmost gratitude to our local law enforcement officers for their immediate action to ensure our safety, Himes said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no place for political violence in this country, and I hope that we may all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility, he added. The Hill has reached out to the Greenwich Police Department for comment. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) also shared on Thursday that law enforcement came to his house in response to a bomb threat. He said that the bomb was not found at the property and that his family members were safe. He thanked the East Hartford Police Department for their swift and professional response in ensuring the safety of my family. I am grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe, he said. Thanks again to law enforcement at every level, from local, to state, to federal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The East Hartford Police Department confirmed to The Hill that they responded to the bomb threat in the mailbox. The law enforcement searched the area and mailbox, but they did not find any evidence of a bomb or anything suspicious, according to the departments public information officer. Similarly, Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) said in a statement that she was notified by local authorities that they received a threatening email stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at my home. Hayes said that state police and Wolcott Police Department responded and that following a search, did not discover a bomb or any explosive materials. She added that the investigation is ongoing. Wolcott Police Department confirmed the incident to The Hill and said they are performing a joint investigation alongside state police and the U.S. Capital Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thank law enforcement for their swift attention to this matter, their actions demonstrate there is no place in our country for political violence, Hayes said in a statement on Thursday. Democratic lawmaker Joe Courtney (Conn.) was targeted with a bomb threat Thursday morning, his spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill. Local authorities, U.S. Capitol Police and the bomb squad responded to the scene and a bomb was not found on the property. Joe and Audrey extend their utmost gratitude to the law enforcement officers, whose response should signal to perpetrators that these types of threats will not be tolerated, Courtneys spokesperson said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Murphys (D-Conn.) office also confirmed he received a threat. On Thanksgiving, Senator Murphys home in Hartford was the target of a bomb threat, which appears to be part of a coordinated effort involving multiple members of Congress and public figures, his office said in a statement. Hartford Police and U.S. Capitol Police quickly responded and determined there was no real threat. The Senator is grateful to Mayor Arulampalam, Interim Police Chief Howell, and the law enforcement officers at Hartford PD and USCP for their swift and thorough response. The threats come shortly after several of President-elect Trumps appointees and nominees were similarly targeted by bomb threats earlier this week, including current Republican House lawmakers Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), who Trump tapped to be his ambassador to the United Nations, and Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Ore.), his choice for Labor secretary. President Biden was briefed on Wednesdays incidents, according to a White House spokesperson. The FBI said on Wednesday that it was aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees and that it was working with our law enforcement partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capitol Police said it was also working with local and federal law enforcement partners to respond to swatting incidents targeting members of Congress. Updated: Nov. 29 at 1:30 p.m. ET Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Henry County Sheriffs Office has announced the arrest of a woman for allegedly planning a murder for hire in Ridgeway on November 26. The sheriff said on Tuesday, a confidential source acting under the direction of law enforcement, allegedly captured audio and video evidence of a meeting with 44-year-old Gennevieve McGhee at a location on Chestnut Knob Road planning a murder for hire. In the alleged recorded conversation, McGhee and the confidential source allegedly discussed detailed plans including payment arrangements and instructions to carry out a robbery and murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest made in 2017 Halifax County murder According to the sheriff, McGhee allegedly gave detailed instructions on how to carry out the plan. On November 27, Henry County Sheriff deputies took McGee into custody. McGhee has been arrested and charged with the following: Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-29: Criminal Solicitation of Murder Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-22: Conspiracy to Commit a Felony She is currently being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond. The Sheriff said the investigation is still ongoing and is currently under review by the Henry County Commonwealths Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Video Credit: @dollartreedinners via Storyful In the Must See video above, a Virginia womans $12 Thanksgiving dish has gone viral on social media, proving to her audience you dont need to spend a lot to make a tasty meal. Rebecca Chobat runs the TikTok account Dollar Tree Dinners and makes meals using only ingredients from Dollar Tree. She creates recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, showing her audience how to make meals on a tight budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this video, Chobat creates a meal she calls her best of Thanksgiving casserole, which includes turkey, green beans, potatoes and cranberries. The video has amassed more than three million views on TikTok. Chobats audience was grateful for her recipe, with one person commenting you just saved my thanksgiving and another saying, your channel is life-changing. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The Rhode Show Today Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Kazakhstan's KazTransOil has announced a tariff hike for its oil transportation services starting from January 1, 2025, to ensure the continued reliability of oil transport through its main pipelines, the company told Trend. The company will increase its export transportation tariff by 1,150 tenge (approximately $2.60), raising the price to 11,300 tenge (approximately $25.50) per ton per 1,000 kilometers (excluding VAT). This adjustment is part of KazTransOil's ongoing efforts to maintain the efficient and secure movement of oil outside Kazakhstan. Alongside the export transportation tariff hike, there will also be changes to the tariffs for additional services related to oil transportation via Kazakhstan's pipeline system. One of the key changes includes the increase in the tariff for oil transshipment at the Makat oil pumping station to the Kenkiyak-Atyrau pipeline, which will now be set at 2,436 tenge (approximately $5.60) per ton (excluding VAT), an increase of 152.73 tenge (approximately $0.35). Similarly, the tariff for transshipment services at the Kenkiyak head oil pumping station will rise by 402.5 tenge (approximately $0.90), now costing 740 tenge (approximately $1.70) per ton (excluding VAT). Finally, the oil transshipment service at the Atasu head oil pumping station to the Atasu-Alashankou pipeline will see an increase of 93.87 tenge (approximately $0.21), raising the tariff to 380 tenge (approximately $0.85) per ton (excluding VAT). NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4) A North Salt Lake ride-share driver has been charged with two felonies after reportedly attempting to sexually abuse a woman who was crying in the backseat of the car. Alexander Richardson, 24, was indicted on one count of attempted forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, and aggravated kidnapping in the course of committing unlawful detention, a third-degree felony. LDS Church reaches agreement with Texas town over proposed temple Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to charging documents, on Aug. 17, a woman called an Uber to take her home from a bar and Richardson was the assigned driver to pick her up. The woman got into Richardsons vehicle and was upset and crying when Richardson reached back and offered his hand as she cried. The statement given to police by the victim said that Richardson insisted on pulling over to comfort her. She told Richardson that she just wanted to go home. However, Richardson was persistent and said he wanted to hug her and make her feel better. Richardson pulled his car over into a neighborhood, got into the backseat, and reportedly attempted to sexually assault the woman. She told Richardson that she had a weapon and he apologized and returned to driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement of probable cause says that the woman moved into the passenger seat and Richardson repeatedly tried to kiss her. Once they arrived at the womans house, Richardson would not let the woman leave unless he obtained her phone number. Police in West Valley City say that Richardson admitted to touching the woman, trying to comfort her. He also reportedly said that he did things he wouldnt normally do but everything was consensual. This is the second time this week that a ride-share driver has been indicted on sexual abuse charges. On Monday, Nov. 25, Abdoulaye Ali was indicted on charges after he reportedly touched a woman inappropriately while driving her home from a concert. This incident involving Ali took place in April of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. No place on Earth has the exact conditions we see on Mars. Scientists believe the Red Planet once had rivers with flowing water. Today, though, the planets surface is an arid wasteland with an atmosphere 100 times thinner than ours. Still, some regions of Earth can serve as an approximate representation of Mars extreme environment. Perhaps the closest analog to Mars on Earth is the Atacama Desert in Chile. It is the driest nonpolar desert on Earth, and it experiences almost no rain. One scientist, Dr. Dirk Schulze-Makuch, a professor of planetary habitability and astrobiology at the Technical University Berlin, has studied microbial life in the desert for years. He believes what he has learned could have massive implications in the search for alien life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Schulze-Makuch believes NASA may have already detected life on Mars with its Viking landers in the 1970s. As microbial life in the Atacama Desert dies when exposed to too much water, the space agency may have killed this life with its liquid water life detection experiments. In other words, in trying to find life on Mars, NASA may have obliterated it instead. Not all hope is lost, however. According to Schulze-Makuch, this hypothesis points to a new avenue of investigation: NASA should look for landing sites with hygroscopic salts, as these allow microbes to attain water in extreme deserts, he told Interesting Engineering in an interview. Searching for signs of Martian life All life on Earth requires water to survive. And yet, over millions of years, microbial life in the hyperarid region of the Atacama Desert has adapted to life with almost no water. They live in salt crusts and undergo prolonged periods of dormancy. To survive, they rely largely on hygroscopic salts, which attract and absorb water from the surrounding atmosphere. This gives the microbes access to relatively concentrated amounts of water in an otherwise dry landscape. The incredible adaptability of these microbes also known as extremophiles shows the resilience of life on Earth. It also poses important questions about the search for alien life on Mars. A selfie captured by NASA's Perseverance rover earlier this year. The Perseverance rover is searching for signs of ancient life on the Red Planet. Source: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS To date, NASA has focused its investigations on ancient waterways on Mars. The Perseverance rover, for example, touched down on the ancient Jezero lakebed, in 2021. Since that time, it has been collecting samples of Martian soil and leaving them for future missions to return to Earth. The space agency, and the global scientific community, hopes those samples will contain signs of ancient microbial life. Follow the salts to find alien life According to Schulze-Makuch, however, we should be focusing on salts rather than water. On such an arid planet surface, microbes are more likely to exhibit the behavior they do in the Atacama Desert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Technical University Berlin professor, who has also served as a faculty fellow at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, said his research into the Atacama Desert guided his recent work. It helped him understand how microbes survive in the most extreme desert where it hardly ever rains and how these organisms can survive even without any precipitation which you wouldnt have on Mars either. Mars is even more extreme but those extremophiles in the Atacama show us how survival is still possible, he continued. The Atacama Desert serves as an analog to Mars on Earth. In this picture, captured in 2019, a NASA scientist prepares a rover experiment to test technology that would one day be used on Mars. Source: NASA In an article published in the journal Nature Astronomy, titled "We may be looking for Martian life in the wrong place," Schulze-Makuch highlights his belief that NASA should re-focus its search on salt-rich regions of Mars. He argues the space agency should hone in on regions rich in hygroscopic salts, such as table salt (NaCl), KCL, chlorates, and also perchlorates. In his article, he highlights the Red Planets Southern Highlands as a potential landing site. Impressively, Schulze-Makuch also goes a step further than suggesting a new avenue of research for NASA. He believes we should reassess old findings made by the space agencys Viking landers. Based on what we know today, the landers may have already discovered microbial alien life in the 70s. Did NASA's Viking landers already find Martian life? NASAs Viking program sent two identical probes, Viking 1 and Viking 2, to Mars. Both of these consisted of an orbiter to take photographs of the planet, and a lander to conduct experiments on its surface. The orbiters also served as communication relays to send data from those experiments back to Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once they reached their destination in 1976, the two landers began their extensive investigations. One day, they reported a potential positive detection of microbial life in one of their soil samples. Today, most scientists believe those readings were false positives, possibly caused by organics that attached to the landers during assembly on Earth. In the best-case scenario, they would say the results are inconclusive. An artist's illustration of one of the Viking orbiters releasing its lander as it reaches Mars. This release occurred around the high point of Viking's orbit. Source: Wikimedia According to Schulze-Makuch, these readings may have another explanation that could be explained by research into microbial life in the Atacama Desert. When one region in the Atacama was flooded, it killed about 80 percent of the bacteria which were adapted to extreme dryness conditions, he told IE, as shown in a 2018 study. And it wouldnt take so much water to kill cells within a single soil sample. In fact, according to Schulze-Makuch too much application of water during [Vikings] life detection experiments would have drowned Martian life adapted to extreme dryness. Re-assessing the Viking programs findings NASAs Viking experiments were conducted under the assumption that life requires liquid water to survive. However, the scientific community didnt have the same insight into extremophiles that it does today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Viking missions, the global scientific community also had less knowledge of the Martian environment. The Viking life detection experiments were largely inspired by culturing techniques used to identify microbes in scientific laboratories on Earth. Typically, this would involve adding water to samples to search for signs of microbial life. According to Schulze-Makuch, the scientific community should re-assess all three of Vikings biology experiments: the Gas Exchange Experiment (GEX), the Labeled Release (LR), and the Pyrolytic Release (PR). The gas exchange experiment [in particular] I still cant really make much sense of [and] it and would need re-evaluation, Schulze-Makuch explained. But really, all experiments should be re-evaluated, since we now have 50 years later a much better understanding of Martian environments. Schulze-Makuch views are undoubtedly controversial as they go against the scientific consensus regarding the Viking experiments. Still, the scientist claims he has received encouragement from his peers. I havent faced much criticism at all, he explained, More like encouragement that we should test this hypothesis. Not that there is proof of life on Mars, but if there is life on Mars, then it could survive in this way. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Nashville mayor Freddie OConnell issued an executive order creating the first-ever Office of Youth Safety. Executive Order 53 established the office, which will be run by a Director of Youth Safety. The Mayors Office said the job posting will be expected in early December. The office will primarily target Nashvillians between the ages of 14 and 26. The office and its director are expected to: Create, evaluate and promote programming to prevent conflict from escalating into gun violence. Programming should also equip young people with conflict resolution skills. Use data and research to inform Metros investments in youth violence prevention and restorative programming, focusing primarily on young people most at risk of violence. Gather and assess how various departments across Metro can continue building safer communities for young people and reduce harmful interactions with the criminal justice system. Support community-informed, evidence-based anti-violence initiatives within Metro departments as part of a comprehensive effort promoting youth safety. Develop relationships with existing restorative justice leaders, Metro Nashville Public Schools and other independent agencies to incubate a restorative justice program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our youth are increasingly susceptible to violent interactions, and I join many people in the community who want to change that, OConnell said in a Wednesday press release. Any approach to youth safety must be comprehensive and collaborative. Aligning our goals and our collective work in the area of youth safety, provides us the greatest opportunity to prevent violence and criminal justice interactions for youth and improve their educational outcomes and overall well-being. JUNE: Advocates push for Varsity Spending Plan in an effort to curb youth violence Were really grateful to see the work of our youth assembly members honored. This is an opportunity to shift the culture in our neighborhoods and schools. The way to do it is through conflict resolution and community-driven solutions, Esq. executive director of the Southern Movement Committee, Erica Perry, said. We know that conflict happens. What should not happen is someone loses their life because of a conflict. The offices announcement comes following a push from advocates earlier this year due to a string of gun violence among young people. In a joint statement, Metro Councilmember Delishia Porterfield, juvenile court clerk Lonnell Matthews and the Southern Movement Committee explained that the office was built from collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nashville is fortunate to have a series of great partners that are instrumental in this work and this office has a great potential to unite our community and government efforts around a shared goal of supporting our youth, Matthews said in the joint statement. Anti-transit plan group sues to invalidate Nashvilles referendum vote The Office of Youth Safety is funded from the fiscal year 2025 operating budget. The joint statement explained that Porterfield helped secure $750,000 to establish the office and an additional $250,000 to pilot a restorative justice program at Napier Community Center. The youth of Nashville are the backbone of our future, and the creation of the Office of Youth Safety is a crucial step in empowering them with the tools they need to handle conflict constructively, Porterfield said. This office will break the cycle of violence and help create a stronger, more harmonious city. The impetus for this office came directly from our youth. They advocated tirelessly for it during our budget hearings, and I am proud to have secured the funding and been part of the effort to bring it to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full executive order will be available to the public on Monday, Nov. 2. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Polling pundit Nate Silver on Wednesday ripped former members of Kamala Harris campaign after they claimed that there was a double standard for the media strategies employed by the vice president and Donald Trump, who beat Harris in this years presidential race. The Harris campaign folks are the most non-agentic people Ive encountered in a position of comparable decision-making authority, wrote Silver, the founder of the polling analysis website FiveThirtyEight, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). They dont even see themselves as victims so much as Non-Player Characters with no will of their own, he added, using video game terminology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a podcast episode released earlier this week, Jen OMalley Dillon, the former Harris campaign chair, had said that Trump got no shit for making relatively few appearances in traditional media during the White House race. OMalley Dillon also claimed on Pod Save America that unlike Trump, Harris got shit for her media approach. On X, Silver said that as a candidate, Harris didnt do a solo network interview until late September. He added: Which who cares, fine, the networks dont matter so much. Then she did a bunch toward the end of the race. But she was legit not doing a lot of traditional media. That was the campaigns choice, not some conspiracy. Harris didn't do a solo network interview until late September. Which who cares, fine, the networks don't matter so much. Then she did a bunch toward the end of the race. But she was legit not doing a lot of traditional media. That was the campaign's choice, not some conspiracy. https://t.co/Or20hkfEvy Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 27, 2024 The Harris campaign folks are the most non-agentic people I've encountered in a position of comparable decision-making authority. They don't even see themselves as victims so much as Non-Player Characters with no will of their own. Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 27, 2024 Silver, who has called on President Joe Biden to resign and claimed that Biden did Harris no favors in this years presidential race, joined a number of critics who knocked her campaign teams postelection analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilmington College academic Keith Orejel went after David Plouffe, an adviser to the Harris campaign who also appeared on Pod Save America, for urging Democrats to dominate the moderate vote in his remarks on the podcast. We are listening to someone talk about how to win an election that they literally just lost, Orejel wrote on social media. Astead Herndon, a reporter for The New York Times, said the Pod Save America episode would be a good ad for the importance of independent media. CNN commentator Bakari Sellers said that the episode was disappointing at best, pointing to the ex-campaign officials lack of self-awareness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think everybody needs to take a moment of self-reflection, including myself, to figure out how we can get better for 2025, Sellers said on Wednesday, adding that people just need to stop wanting to hear themselves talk. Related... (NEXSTAR) The fourth Thursday in November marks Thanksgiving Day for most Americans. But to some, its the National Day of Mourning. The National Day of Mourning (not to be confused with other remembrance events observed in the wake of significant tragedies or the deaths of political leaders) is an annual protest event observed by Indigenous Americans of the Northeast. Held on Thanksgiving, its aim is to raise awareness about the true origins of the Thanksgiving holiday and the European settlers impact on the Native American tribes and their way of life. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection, as well as a protest against the racism and oppression that Indigenous people continue to experience worldwide, explains the United American Indians of New England (UAINE), the activism group that hosts the annual protest in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Hundreds march through the streets of Plymouth on Nov. 24, 2022 (Thanksgiving Day), to observe National Day of Mourning. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) The origins of the National Day of Mourning can be traced back to 1970, when Wamsutta Frank James of the Wampanoag Tribe was invited to speak at a Thanksgiving event organized by Massachusetts leaders. However, upon reviewing James speech, the events organizers did not allow Frank to speak, as explained by the UNAINE and the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turned out that Frank James views based on history rather than mythology were not what the Pilgrims descendants wanted to hear, the UAINE writes on its website. Massachusetts city honors Native Americans with flag-raising event In his speech, James shared a history of the relationship between the Wampanoag tribe and early European explorers and settlers, albeit from the Indigenous populations perspective. He also said it was a mistake for the Wampanoag to welcome the settlers of Plymouth Plantation, calling it the beginning of the end for his peoples freedom, and in many cases their lives. Two distinctly different cultures met. One thought they must control life; the other believed life was to be enjoyed, because nature decreed it. Let us remember, the Indian is and was just as human as the white man, reads a portion of the speech that James had planned to deliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In more recent decades, Americans and the U.S. government have acknowledged the more problematic version of events surrounding the interactions between natives and settlers in Plymouth. The city of Boston, for instance, now officially recognizes Nov. 28 as the National Day of Mourning, writing in a recent news release that centuries of violence, displacement, and oppression have caused lasting harm that continues to impact Native communities today. In 2021, on the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving, the National Archives Museum also staged an exhibition to dispel the many assumptions about the festival at Plymouth and its connection to Thanksgiving traditions which are based more in fiction than fact. That exhibit explored what the Archives called a short-lived peace that the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims established (as more of a strategic partnership rather than a friendship) before the former were driven from their land. Thanksgiving travel surge expected as 80M hit the roads and air Today, the UAINE continues its aim to bring awareness to the origins of Thanksgiving with rallies and marches at the Plymouth waterfront. The group also suggests that those who cant attend support their efforts by incorporating teachable moments into their own Thanksgiving celebrations, to provide another viewpoint concerning the long-held beliefs about the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to this mythology, the pilgrims arrived, the Native people fed them and welcomed them, the Indians promptly faded into the background, and everyone lived happily ever after, the UAINE writes. The truth is a sharp contrast to that mythology. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. When the founders of the United States designed the Constitution, they were learning from history that democracy was likely to fail to find someone who would fool the people into giving him complete power and then end the democracy. They designed checks and balances to guard against the accumulation of power they had found when studying ancient Greece and Rome. But there were others in North America who had also seen the dangers of certain types of government and had designed their own checks and balances to guard against tyranny: the Native Americans. Although most Americans today dont know it, there were large centralized civilizations across much of North America in the 10th through 12th centuries. They built massive cities and grand irrigation projects across the continent. Twelfth-century Cahokia, on the banks of the Mississippi River, had a central city about the size of London at the time. The sprawling 12th-century civilization of the Huhugam had several cities of more than 10,000 people and a total population of perhaps 50,000 in the Southwestern desert. The ruins of these constructions remain, more than 1,000 years later, in places as far-flung as Phoenix, St. Louis and north Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Colonists and founders thought Native American societies were simple and primitive but they were not. As research has found, including my own, and as I explain in my book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, Native American communities were elaborate consensus democracies, many of which had survived for generations because of careful attention to checking and balancing power. Powerful rulers led many of these civilizations, combining political and religious power, much as monarchs of Europe in later centuries would claim a divine right to rule. In the 13th century, though, a global cooling trend began, which has been called the Little Ice Age. In part because of that cooling, large-scale farming became more difficult, and these large civilizations struggled to feed their people. Elites began hoarding wealth. The people wanted change. Casa Grande, an adobe castle that was home to the rulers of the Huhugam, as seen in 1892. photoCL 215 (112), Huntington Library Spreading out The residents of North Americas great cities responded to these stresses by reversing the centralization of power and wealth. Some revolted against their leaders. Others simply left the cities and spread out into smaller towns and farms. All across the continent, they built smaller, more democratic and more egalitarian societies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huge numbers left Cahokias realm entirely. They found places that still had game to hunt and woods full of trees for firewood and building, both of which had declined near Cahokia due to its rapid growth. The population of the central city of Cahokia fell from perhaps 20,000 people to only 3,000 by 1275. At some point the elite left as well, and by the late 15th century the cities of Cahokias realm were completely gone. Encouraging engaged democracy As they formed these new and more dispersed societies, the people who had overthrown or fled the great cities and their too powerful leaders sought to avoid mesmerizing leaders who made tempting promises in difficult times. So they designed complex political structures to discourage centralization, hierarchy and inequality and encourage shared decision-making. These societies intentionally created balanced power structures. For example, the oral history of the Osage Nation records that it once had one great chief who was a military leader, but its council of elder spiritual leaders, known as the Little Old Men, decided to balance that chiefs authority with that of another hereditary chief, who would be responsible for keeping peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another way some societies balanced power was through family-based clans. Clans communicated and cooperated across multiple towns. They could work together to balance the power of town-based chiefs and councils. The archaeological remains of the Cahokia mounds are in Collinsville, Ill. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images An ideal of leadership Many of these societies required convening all of the people men, women and children for major political, military, diplomatic and land-use decisions. Hundreds or even thousands might show up, depending on how momentous the decision was. They strove for consensus, though they didnt always achieve it. In some societies, it was customary for the losing side to quietly leave the meeting if they couldnt bring themselves to agree with the others. Leaders generally governed by facilitating decision-making in council meetings and public gatherings. They gave gifts to encourage cooperation. They heard disputes between neighbors over land and resources and helped to resolve them. Power and prestige came to lie not in amassing wealth but in assuring that the wealth was shared wisely. Leaders earned support in part by being good providers. Calm deliberation The Native American democracy that the U.S. founders were most likely to know about was the Iroquois Confederacy. They call themselves the Haudenosaunee, the people of the longhouse, because the nations of the confederacy have to get along like multiple families in a longhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their carefully balanced system, women ran the clans, which were responsible for local decisions about land use and town planning. Men were the representatives of their clans and nations in the Haudenosaunee council, which made decisions for the confederacy as a whole. Each council member, called a royaner, was chosen by a clan mother. The Haudenosaunee Great Law holds a royaner to a high standard: The thickness of their skin shall be seven spans which is to say that they shall be proof against anger, offensive actions and criticism. Their hearts shall be full of peace and good will. In council, all their words and actions shall be marked by calm deliberation. The law said the ideal royaner should always look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground the unborn of the future Nation. T'ata Begay, of the Choctaw/Taos Pueblo Nations in Oklahoma, gets her son, Okhish Homma Begay, 2, who is of the Navajo and Chocktaw/Taos Pueblo Nations, ready for a performance on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on June 26, 2024. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, people do not always live up to their values, but the laws and traditions of Native nations encouraged peaceful discussion and broad-mindedness. Many Europeans were struck by the difference. The French explorer La Salle in 1678 noted with admiration of the Haudenosaunee that in important meetings, they discuss without raising their voices and without getting angry. Politicians, government officials and everyday Americans might find inspiration in the models of democracy created by Native Americans centuries ago. There was an additional ingredient to the political and social balance: Leaders looked ahead and sought to protect the well-being of every person, even those not yet born. The people, in exchange, had a responsibility to not enmesh their royaners in less serious matters, which the Haudenosaunee Great Law called trivial affairs. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kathleen DuVal, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kathleen DuVal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. The next meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council is scheduled for 3 December, coinciding with the Alliance's foreign ministers session in Brussels. Source: European Pravda, citing the event programme Details: The programme reveals that the NATO-Ukraine Council will convene in the evening on 3 December. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to attend, following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NATO-Ukraine Council serves as a forum for consultations between the Alliance and Ukraine on security matters of mutual interest, particularly regarding Russia's war of aggression. It was established following the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023. Background: The Council last met at the ambassadorial level on 26 November to address Russias launch of an experimental medium-range ballistic missile targeting the city of Dnipro the previous week. Participants reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, calling the missile launch another attempt by Russia to terrorise Ukrainian civilians and intimidate those supporting Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Law enforcement officials seized nearly $3 million in psilocybin mushrooms from a Lake Elsinore home this week and arrested one person as part of an investigation into an alleged "large-scale" mushroom growing operation, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Jesse Arroyo, a 43-year-old Lake Elsinore resident, was arrested Tuesday on two felony drug related offenses and two felony weapons violations, according to Riverside officials and online jail records. The sheriffs department said in a news release that Lake Elsinore law enforcement officials started their investigation following a report of a suspicious package delivered to a business in August. The package, which contained psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana products, was traced to Arroyo, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After serving a search warrant at Arroyos home, officials seized 445 pounds of vacuum-sealed mushrooms, 2,805 bags of mushrooms in various stages of growth, and several weapons including semiautomatic rifles and semiautomatic handguns that lacked serial numbers, according to officials. Officials said the raid targeted a large-scale" psilocybin operation. The property contained separate structures used for the cultivation, processing, and storage of large amounts of psilocybin mushrooms, according to the news release. Authorities also seized a semiautomatic handgun suppressor and two ballistic vests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest report says Arroyo was taken into custody on Lundell Road. While there is no Lundell Road on Google maps, a Lindell Road runs through sparsely populated hills north of the city. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Civil servants leading the Labour Governments net zero campaign have flown more than three million miles this year, it has emerged. Staff in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) led by Ed Miliband flew 3,211,644 air miles between January and September this year on 1,130 flights. Transparency data made available before Labour won the election showed DESNZ bosses took 19 flights costing taxpayers 24,049 between January and March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These not only included long-haul flights to the US, Brazil and Azerbaijan but also internal flights from London to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Rupert Lowe, the Reform MP, obtained the air miles figures in a written question and told the Daily Mail: Labour hypocrisy strikes again. Were told to cut down on flying, eating meat or whatever else, yet Ed Miliband is allowed to rack up the air miles. They want the rest of us to permanently change our lives while they carry on like usual. Only Reform will scrap bogus net zero targets and make life cheaper for British people. We are not against flying The disclosure comes after Sir Keir Starmer was criticised for taking a team of 470 delegates on a 5,000 mile trip to the recent Cop29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. Sir Keir Starmer came under fire for taking a team of 470 delegates on a 5,000 mile trip to the Cop29 climate summit in Azerbaijan - Getty A DESNZ spokesman said: We are not against flying it is in Britains national self-interest to represent the country at key international summits, tackling climate change and attracting investment for jobs and growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministers fly commercially where appropriate or feasible, and where it is not, we carbon offset to minimise the overall impact. Sir Keirs previous decision to take such a large team to Cop29 compared with 405 from the US, 437 from Italy and 115 from France was questioned by some critics, who claimed the summit had lost its importance. Emmanuel Macron, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, presidents of France, the US and China respectively, all opted not to attend. A Government spokesman insisted at the time that any carbon footprint generated by the delegation is dwarfed by the carbon prize of delivering our agenda. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Eni has signed contracts with the Ministry of Mines, Oil, and Energy of Cote d'Ivoire to acquire four new offshore exploration blocks in the country, Trend reports. The agreement was finalized in Abidjan during the first edition of the SIREXE International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources. The newly acquired blocksCI-504, CI-526, CI-706, and CI-708cover a total area of 5,720 square kilometers, with water depths ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 meters. These blocks are located near Eni's Calao discovery in Block CI-205, providing potential for future synergies. Under the terms of the contracts, Eni will have exploration rights for up to nine years. Eni has been operating in Cote d'Ivoire since 2015 and currently produces around 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from six offshore blocks. The company has made two major discoveries, Baleine and Calao, and is working to significantly increase its production. Phase 2 of the Baleine project, set to start in December 2024, will bring production from the field to 60,000 barrels of oil per day, with plans for further expansion in Phase 3. The Netherlands delivered three new Patriot air defense launchers to Ukraine, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced on Nov. 28. "This saves lives and protects vital infrastructure. It is and remains in our common interest to stop Russian aggression," Brekelmans said on social media. Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defense assets as Russia intensifies its strikes against cities ahead of winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched nearly 100 drones and 90 missiles against Ukraine overnight on Nov. 28, targeting energy infrastructure. Additional emergency blackouts were introduced across the country following the attack. "I am grateful to Minister Brekelmans and the Dutch government for strengthening Ukrainian air defense capabilities," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. Ukraine has received at least three Patriot systems from Germany and one from the U.S. Other countries, like the Netherlands and Spain, delivered individual launchers or missiles. Stay warm with Ukrainian traditions this winter. Shop our seasonal merch collection. Star shop now Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and the Netherlands also pledged in June to deliver one additional system each. Romania transferred a Patriot to Ukraine too after the donation was finally approved in early September. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 27 that key commitments from NATO's July summit in Washington, including air defense systems and other military support, have not yet been fully implemented. Read also: Russia launches mass missile attack, explosions reported all over Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on 28 November that the Netherlands will give three Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine, noting that Ukraine has a difficult winter ahead given the continuing Russian airstrikes. Source: Ruben Brekelmans on X, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Thats why we transferred 3 Patriot launchers [to Ukraine]. They save lives and protect vitally important infrastructure. It was and remains in our common interest to stop Russian aggression." Oekrainers gaan een zware winter tegemoet, want de verwoestende luchtaanvallen gaan maar door. Daarom leverden we 3 Patriot-lanceerbuizen. Dit redt mensenlevens en beschermt vitale infrastructuur. Het is en blijft in ons gezamenlijk belang de Russische agressie tegen te houden. pic.twitter.com/J5yEcq3V11 Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) November 28, 2024 Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 23 September, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in an interview that the Netherlands would supply Ukraine with three Patriot missile system launchers "soon". In late August, Ukraine's then Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that delivery of some of the promised Patriot systems was being delayed and urged partners to accelerate the process. Support UP or become our patron! LAS VEGAS (KLAS) An inmate who was armed with a prison-made weapon refused to surrender for nearly four hours, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections. The incident began when the inmate and another, who was also armed with a prison-made weapon, forced their way out of shower doors at High Desert State Prison on Tuesday, a department spokesperson told the 8 News Now Investigators. The Community Emergency Response Team, also known as the CERT team, was called in. One inmate surrendered while the other did not until chemical agents were used, according to the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inmate stabbed to death inside Las Vegas-area prison Both inmates were treated for bruising and are expected to be charged, no officers were hurt, and an investigation is underway, the spokesperson said. Higher-security shower doors will be installed, according to the department. 2 inmates stabbed at Las Vegas-area prison High Desert State Prison is a maximum-security prison facility located near Indian Springs, which is an approximate 45-minute drive north of Las Vegas. The facility recently transitioned from a medium-security prison. Two thousand inmates, including Nevadas death row population, were transferred from Ely State Prison, located nearly 300 miles north of Indian Springs. To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Backstreet Boys Nick Carter can go forward with his countersuit against a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her after a concert in 2001. The ruling, filed Tuesday, Nov. 27, comes more than a year after Judge Nancy Allf denied an anti-SLAPP motion filed by Shannon Shay Ruth. The anti-SLAPP law, which stands for strategic lawsuits against public participation, is intended to prevent one party from intimidating another in the legal process. Ruth was part of a 2022 lawsuit that claimed Carter sexually assaulted several young women in the early 2000s. Ruth claimed in the lawsuit that she was 17 years old when Carter, who was 21 at the time, gave her alcohol, raped her, and threatened her if she told anyone, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2023, Carter filed a countersuit against Ruth and another woman named Melissa Schuman, who claimed he assaulted her in the early 2000s, however, the statute of limitations in that case expired before charges could be filed. Carter denied both accusations. His countersuit against the women claimed defamation, civil conspiracy, abuse of process and intentional interference with contractual relations. RELATED: ABC pulls Backstreet Boys holiday special following Nick Carter rape allegations In August 2023, Allf denied the anti-SLAPP motion filed by Ruth. Ruth then filed an appeal which brought the case to the Nevada Supreme Court in an attempt to overturn Allfs decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the court affirmed Allfs decision, meaning Carter can go forward with his countersuit. According to the ruling, Carter produced affidavits from several witnesses that, if true, show that the assault Ruth described could not have happened. Ruth said she met Carter in an autograph line after a Backstreet Boys concert, however witness affidavits state that Carter and the rest of the band left the venue right after the show and there were no autograph lines after that concert, the ruling stated. Additional affidavits from the bands security detail said the band, including Carter, performed a quick out after the concert in question, meaning the band would rush to their individual tour buses and leave the venue, stating it would be impossible for any fan to be alone with any of the band members on their tour bus due to security protocols, according to the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter also produced an affidavit from Ruths close friend who said she believed that Ruth did not even attend the concert in question. We conclude that Carters evidence, if believed, establishes that Carter did not sexually assault Ruth following the Backstreet Boys concert in 2001, such that Ruths statements describing such an incident would perforce be made with knowledge of their falsity, the ruling filed Tuesday read. A Supreme Court ruling on Schumans similar appeal is also anticipated. Ruth and Schuman were named because they chose to identify themselves as victims of sexual assault. 8 News Now does not identify victims of sexual assault unless they choose to publicly come forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. (KRON) California Gov. Gavin Newsom granted a series of pardons Wednesday, including one for the co-founder and co-producer of a podcast about life inside San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Walter Earlonne Woods launched the Ear Hustle podcast, which details the daily realities of life inside prison, in 2017. Woods was initially sentenced as a 17-year-old on Aug. 23, 1989, by the Superior Court of California of Los Angeles to 10 years in prison for residential burglary and kidnapping. A decade later, on March 30, 1999, he was sentenced to 31-years-to-life in prison for attempted second degree robbery and assault with a firearm. Political stunt: Tesla exclusion from state EV tax credit proposal pits San Jose mayor against Newsom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Woods and his crime partners attempted to rob a victim at gunpoint, Newsom wrote in his pardon. Woods had his sentence commuted by then-Gov. Jerry Brown in November 2018. He went on to submit a formal application for executive clemency in the form of a gubernatorial pardon. He has provided evidence that he is living an upright life and has demonstrated his fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities, Newsom said. The Board of Parole, Newsom went on to say, reviewed Woods application for clemency and voted to recommend a pardon grant. The California Supreme Court also reviewed his application and made a recommendation for granting a pardon, which is required by the state constitution for cases in which the applicant has been convicted of more than one felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This act of clemency for Mr. Woods does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused, Newsom said. It does recognize the work he has done since to transform himself. Woods was one of 19 people that Newsom granted full and unconditional pardons to on Wednesday. Woods Ear Hustle podcast was named a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in audio reporting in 2020 and received an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award in 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. The day before Thanksgiving, Gov. Gavin Newsom granted pardons for 19 people, including award-winning San Quentin podcaster Earlonne Woods. "Ear Hustle," the popular and critically acclaimed podcast that Woods co-founded from inside San Quentin State Prison in 2017, was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in 2020. It takes its title from a prison slang term for eavesdropping. The grantees have "turned their lives around since their convictions and have demonstrated a commitment of service to their families and communities," the governor's office said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom weighs a number of factors when reviewing clemency applications, "including an applicants self-development and conduct since the offense, whether the grant is in the interest of justice, and the impact of a grant on the community, including crime victims and survivors," according to his office. Today, I got a call from Gov. Newsom, Woods said in an Instagram video Wednesday afternoon, recounting how the governor had relayed the news to him and expressed appreciation for his work. So, your boy has been pardoned! Woods, who had two prior convictions as a teenager, was sentenced to 31 years to life for his role in a 1997 armed robbery under the states three strikes law. The podcaster's sentence was commuted by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 a move that made Woods eligible for parole. Woods interviewed Brown for the podcast at the Sacramento governor's mansion after his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Woods was hired by Public Radio Exchange as a full-time producer and co-host for "Ear Hustle" after his release. He also received his GED, attended Coastline Community College and completed vocational trade programs while incarcerated, according to an "Ear Hustle" biography. Newsom had previously announced that he was submitting a pardon application for Woods in March. State law does not allow the governor to directly pardon or commute the sentences of someone with more than one felony conviction without going through a multi-step process that includes approval from the state Supreme Court, hence the earlier application. The other 18 grantees include Damian Clopton, a Sonoma County restaurateur who expressed deep gratitude to Newsom for signing his pardon. I already did turn my life around and this is a recognition of that, said Clopton, who was incarcerated for possessing a controlled substance for sale and transporting a controlled substance for sale. He was released in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a small-business owner, he said the pardon will have an immediate effect on his life because there are a lot of federal programs Im not able to take advantage of or be eligible for with a criminal conviction. Its still a scarlet letter. Times staff writers Taryn Luna and Hannah Wiley contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. People participate in a Puerto Rican Day parade in New York City. Multiracial cultures such as Puerto Rican and Dominican may pose problems for new proposed Census Bureau survey formats that ask about race and Hispanic status separately. Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images The U.S. Census Bureau and a growing number of states are starting to gather more detailed information about Americans race and ethnicity, a change some advocates of the process say will let people choose identities that more closely reflect how they see themselves. Crunching and sorting through those specific details known as data disaggregation will help illuminate disparities in areas such as housing and health outcomes that could be hidden within large racial and ethnic categories. But some experts say the details also might make it harder for Black people from multiracial countries to identify themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Racial data gleaned from the census is important because local, state, tribal and federal governments use it to guide certain civil rights policies and in planning and funding government programs that provide funds or services for specific groups, according to the Census Bureau. The form will have checkboxes for main categories current census groupings include Asian, Black, African American and White, among others followed by more specific checkboxes. Under Asian, for example, might be Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese. And then there will be an empty box for people to write in more specific subgroups. Collecting more detail by allowing free-form answers, for example, will make it possible for people to identify themselves as part of more racial and ethnic subgroups such as Sardinian (an autonomous region within Italy) instead of simply Italian and include alternative names for certain groups, such as writing Schitsuumsh, the ancient language for Coeur DAlene Tribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Census Bureau will for the first time include Middle Eastern/North African as a separate racial/ethnic category for respondents with that heritage. Until now, Middle Eastern people who did not choose a race were treated as a subcategory under white, based on a 1944 court ruling intended to protect Arab immigrants from racist laws banning U.S. citizenship for nonwhite immigrants. Under new federal guidelines approved in March, the bureau also will give people the option to check no race at all if they identify as Hispanic or Middle Eastern/North African. The Census Bureau already has decided to use more open-ended questions in both the 2027 American Community Survey and the nations 2030 census. But the agency is seeking public comment on the way write-in responses will be categorized. The bureau wants to hear how people are likely to identify themselves, said Merarys Rios-Vargas, chief of the bureaus Ethnicity and Ancestry Branch, Population Division, in a recent webinar. The agency also is interested in whether there are missing or incorrect entries in its proposed list of possible responses. Its about peoples lives Nancy Lopez, a University of New Mexico sociology professor, said she and other experts in Black Hispanic culture think the census should have a visual race or street race question, so people can communicate how others see them as well as how they identify themselves. The answer might be Black or a yet-unrecognized racial category such as brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate question on race as a visual status helps illuminate the kind of things we are interested in discrimination in housing, discrimination in employment, discrimination in education and accessing health care in public spaces, said Lopez, who is the daughter of Dominican immigrants and a co-founder of the universitys Institute for the Study of Race & Social Justice. Its about peoples lives, its about the future, its about children, its about access to opportunities and its about fairness, she added, noting that even if the federal government doesnt add such questions to surveys and the decennial census, state and universities can still do it on their own as they collect data for health care, student enrollment and other topics. Its about peoples lives, its about the future, its about children, its about access to opportunities and its about fairness. Nancy Lopez, University of New Mexico sociology professor The NALEO Educational Fund, an organization representing Latino elected and appointed officials, supports the decision to make a race choice optional for Hispanics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Latinos did not see themselves in any of the categories for their racial identity, said Rosalind Gold, NALEOs chief public policy officer. Theres a large number of Latinos who feel that identifying as Latino is both their racial and ethnic identity. Gold said NALEO understands the concern some have that failing to require a race designation will obscure racial information on Black Hispanics. But her group argues that the census can get what it needs by educating the public on how to respond and by including prompts on the questionnaires to guide race choices. Black Hispanic people often see themselves as having a single racial and ethnic identity, according to several experts in Hispanic identity who spoke at a Census Bureau National Advisory Committee meeting Nov. 7. They conceptualize themselves as belonging to one [group], said Nicholas Vargas, an associate professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley, speaking at the committee meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They check Black and they check Dominican and dont want to be counted as two or more, he said. In response, Rachel Marks, an adviser for the Census Bureau on race and ethnicity, said the bureau will consider that issue and other feedback on how people want to be represented before making a final decision on survey details. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The bureau may recognize a term, Afro-Latino, that could be used to indicate both Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, according to a proposed code list from the agency, as well as Blaxican for Black Mexican and Blasian for Black Asian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of civil rights groups, called the more detailed questions a step forward but also suggested more guidance on the forms to ensure people are categorized the way they want to be. In its comment on the changes, the group noted that in 2020, some people who wrote in British under the Black checkbox were categorized as partly white even if they didnt mean that. The group also said it is concerned about a conflation of the concepts of race and ethnicity, and it asked for more research to make sure people understand how to respond. State actions Some states are acting on their own to gather more detailed data about identity. New Jersey is among the latest states to pass a law requiring more detailed race and ethnic data collection for state records such as health data and school enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar bill in Michigan would require state agencies that gather information to offer multiracial and Middle Eastern or North African as choices; the bill remains in committee. And advocates in Oregon, which already has a law requiring detailed ethnic data collection, are asking the state for more details on Asian subgroups who face education challenges. A December 2023 report by The Leadership Conference Education Fund identified 13 other states with laws requiring more detailed state data on ethnic and racial groups, including laws passed last year in Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts and Nevada. The states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington already had such laws, the group found. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. The News Nigerias President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a state visit to France aimed at strengthening political, economic and cultural relations with the country. Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to discuss finance, solid minerals, trade, and investments during the three-day visit, Nigerias presidency said. The France-Nigeria Business forum is so important and trade and investment has been integral to this partnership, Tinubu said in a joint press conference with Macron. Weve been working on stabilizing the security system in Nigeria, he said, while inviting French investors to consider doing business in his country. Know More Nigeria is Frances top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, say French officials. And France was among Nigerias top five export destinations in the last quarter of 2023, accounting for a 6% share, according to Nigerias statistics office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some analysts see the visit as part of Macrons Angolophone pivot in search of new African allies. Frances influence in the subregion has waned in recent years. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger former French colonies have severed military ties with Paris, forging partnerships with Russia. Popular sentiment in the subregion has also turned against Frances economic and business interests in its former colonies. Notable NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) One familys concern grows after a teacher never showed up for work last week. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) was alerted after 64-year-old Gerardo Behori did not show up to work. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued a Silver Alert for him. PREVIOUS: TBI: Silver Alert issued for man last seen week ago in Nashville He loves teaching, his son Marco Behori told News 2. He loves showing up for class, so I think that was really what set it off him not notifying the school that he wasnt going to be in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marco and his family have put up flyers all over Davidson County for Gerardo. The MNPD said he was last seen on Nov. 15 when he left from his job at Republic High School in a Lyft. This really shouldnt be anybodys story, Madina Behori, his daughter, said. Nobody should go out like this and its been a nightmare for our family, but were going to get through it together. Were unsure if he was meeting any friends [or] if he was alone, Marco added. We have some ideas on where he would hang out. Investigators said that Gerard was dropped off near Opry Mills Mall that evening. The last text message that anyone received from him was sent on Nov. 17. Officers added that his cell phone last pinged from a cell phone tower in the same area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unusual for him not to have contact with anyone in the family, friends or he has a girlfriend over in Spain and he hasnt reached out to anyone, MNPD detective Elizabeth Mills said. Overall, Gerardos family is concerned about his health and safety, but they havent given up hope. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Were going to be spending Thanksgiving looking for our father, Madina said. Its definitely not what we planned to do, but we are just grateful to be together my brother and I and were not giving up. Marco said that the family would primarily be searching in Nashville for their father, unsure when the search would end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerardo is 57 and weighs 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. f you see Gerardo, or know of his whereabouts, youre asked to call the MNPD at (615) 862-8600 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Nintendo, currently predicting 2024 net sales of $8.4 billion and operating profits of $2.4 billion, is continuing its furious crackdown on those modding or emulating its systems and games. Its latest target, via a story by Game File, is the Reddit sub SwitchPirates, while also asking to subpoena information from a vast array of companies, including Reddit, to identify those involved in so-called Pirate Shops. The Japanese company, which made $16 billion in 2021, is making this move as a follow-up to its case against the subreddits moderator, James Archbox Williams, claiming it has discovered that many others are involved in the alleged piracy, and wants to identify them by gaining access to business records from Cloudflare, Discord, Github, Google and Reddit, along with domain companies Name Cheap, Go Daddy and Tucows. This move aims to follow the shutdown of Modded Hardware, one site that Archbox was allegedly associated with, by identifying anyone else involved. In order to be able to do this, Nintendo is requesting access to the information held on the 200,000 members of the subreddit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the court filing, the manufacturer of the $77 billion lifetime revenue Switch console learned various details about the Pirate Shops and about Defendants involvement in them. The document goes on, Among other things, we learned that Defendant was active in numerous Discord servers related to the Pirate Shops. We also learned that Defendent was the primary moderator of the SwitchPirates Reddit community and apparently was the owner of a Github account directly tied to these activities. In nearly all of these capacities, Defendent operated as Archbox or a close variant of that name... In the course of our investigation, we also became aware of multiple other online actors who appeared to have a role in the Pirate Shops. However, we were unable to determine the identity of locations of these other actors with a sufficient degree of certainty to name them in the initial complaint. NOA thus did not include these individuals in the lawsuit...with the expectation that ordinary discovery...would reveal the identity and location of these actors. However, because Williams allegedly evaded Nintendos attempt to serve him, and then didnt appear in court, Nintendo argues in its filing that this meant they were unable to find these identities through discovery, and as such is seeking the subpoenas. The company, currently worth $67 billion, says these will be limited in scope, designed to identify the account holders and the sources of any payments made, and where applicable, aggregate traffic and access statistics for Pirate Shops websites and related online locations. Nintendo is asking Google for access to Google Drive and Gmail data, but doesnt specifically state its intentions regarding Discord, and the situation with Reddit is detailed as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reddit, Inc. operates a social media platform where users, often using pseudonyms, may post to different forums known as communities or subreddits. Defendant was a primary moderator of the SwitchPirates community, under the name Archbox, which boasted more than 190,000 members. Nintendo has reason to believe that other accounts active in the SwitchPirates community may also have been controlled by Defendant, or else reflect other individuals who have worked alongside Defendant. The Nintendo Switch is the third-most successful console of all time, currently boasting 146 million consoles sold. It looks likely to usurp second-place console at 154 million, the Nintendo DS, over the next year. . For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. EY urges business and governments to keep up the momentum on climate action at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, held in Baku. Agreements at COP29 including the operationalization of Article 6.4, the raising of NDC ambitions, and a new climate finance goal all signal a transformative shift toward more robust and integrated climate finance mechanisms conclude a team of EY specialists who attended the UN Climate Conference in Baku. Specialists in sustainable finance, policy, energy and business action from the EY global network engaged with COP29 contributing to events examining the role of the public and private sector in driving the transition to net zero. They underscored critical trends, including finance and carbon markets to support the transition. Ilgar Valiyev, Managing Partner at EY Azerbaijan, spoke at the session titled Mobilizing Private Investment to Accelerate Sustainable Development. He highlighted the importance of the sustainability agenda for the worlds socio-economic development: Sustainability is one of the most significant challenges the world faces today. Moreover, I believe it is a generation-defining matter. Its important that all businesses play their part in tackling these challenges. Not only are we helping companies and organizations in Azerbaijan and globally to work out actionable sustainable strategies and implement them. Nargiz Karimova, EY Azerbaijan Partner, Consulting Services Leader, said: It was truly inspiring to connect with so many passionate and knowledgeable individuals dedicated to creating a greener, more sustainable future for everyone. The adoption of the 'Baku Breakthrough' at COP 29a landmark commitment to making sustainability the cornerstone of global progresswas both reassuring and transformative. Hosting this pivotal forum in Azerbaijan and engaging as part of EYs global sustainability network fills us with pride and optimism for how public private collaboration can deliver on COP29s outcomes. Victor Kovalenko, EY Partner, Caucasus and Central Asia Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader, commented The COP29 was the summit which some named as the financial COP. Thus, one of the most important outcomes from it, a new collective quantitative goal for climate finance is ready. Also, finally mechanisms needed to launch an international carbon markets as per the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement are ready. Amy Brachio, EY Global Vice Chair Sustainability attended COP29, participating in events on renewables, business action and technology. She commented that early indications of Nationally Determined Contributions made at COP in Baku are key to set the tone for the year ahead: The NDC process in 2025 is a call to action to both shape, and reflect how business can accelerate the implementation of their own plans and targets creating a runway for multi-country investment in mitigation, adaptation and a just transition. About EY Azerbaijan EY Azerbaijan is a leading professional services firm, offering a wide range of services in assurance, consulting, tax, and strategy and transactions. Established as part of Ernst & Young's global network, the firm has played a key role in supporting businesses and organizations in Azerbaijan since its inception in 1994. EY Azerbaijan works closely with clients to deliver innovative solutions, foster growth, and address complex challenges, all while maintaining a strong commitment to building a better working world. With a deep understanding of the local market and access to global capabilities, EY Azerbaijan is a trusted advisor to both local and international businesses operating in the region. YEMASSEE, S.C. (WSAV) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reportedly investigating 18 primate deaths at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. According to the Hampton County Guardian/USA Today Network, a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) representative contacted the paper with a statement from PETA primate scientist Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel which detailed what they described as credible whistleblower reports that between 18 and 20 endangered long-tailed macaques died after a diesel heater malfunctioned at one of Alpha Genesis Yemassee primate centers on the night of Friday, Nov. 22. The news comes exactly 20 days after a report that 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from a Yemassee center. To date, four are still on the loose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alpha Genesis has been under scrutiny before this event. Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01), whose district covers the Yemassee center, launched an inquiry into USDA oversight after the escape. For years, Alpha Genesis has racked up federal contracts and taxpayer dollars while consistently violating animal welfare laws and exposing the public to dangerous escapes, said Mace. NIH and USDA need to step up and ensure South Carolinians dont bear the risk of this labs negligence. PETA, in a statement released on Monday, implored the USDA to cut funding from Alpha Genesis. Read PETAs full statement below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alpha Genesis has blood on its hands again. The notorious monkey dealer, already reeling from the November 7 escape of 43 rhesus macaques, now faces another grim scandalthis time, the horrific deaths of 18 endangered, long-tailed macaques due to sheer negligence. According to multiple whistleblower reports, a diesel heater may have malfunctioned at the facility late Friday night. There were no alarms, no alerts, as 18 long-tailed macaques likely endured agonizing deathseither slowly roasted alive or suffocated by deadly carbon dioxide fumes. The images this conjures are beyond disturbing: sentient creatures, confined and helpless, betrayed by a system that prioritizes profit over basic decency or scientific competency. This is no accidentits a deadly pattern, bankrolled by $19 million in National Institutes of Health contracts. Alpha Genesis has repeatedly failed to meet even the bare minimum standards for animal welfare. Its time to cut the funding and end this cruelty. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (NewsNation) Leaders of No Labels, a 14-year-old centrist organization designed to provide ballot alternatives to presidential candidates representing the Democratic and Republican parties, maintain that there was a concerted effort to stigmatize and destroy the group, which pulled back on efforts to get a candidate on ballots last spring. The organization is pushing back in three federal courtrooms, attempting to bring discovery to light that would expose efforts to get No Labels shut down, the Washington Post reported. Documentation that has been unsealed in federal court details plans by opposition groups and Democratic strategists to keep the organization from moving forward with its plans. No Labels ended its campaign to push a third candidate who would have, at the time, run against both President Joe Biden and now President-elect Donald Trump. According to a report on political news site Racket News, people within the organization say they were aware of organized efforts to oppose a No Labels presidential run. Cyber Monday 2024 Deals Best Cyber Monday deals for holiday shoppers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top holiday discounts under $100 Apple products marked down for Cyber Monday sales BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Trump Cabinet appointees targeted in violent threats: transition team The outlet, citing unsealed court documents, also shows that deep concern existed within certain Democratic camps about what a third-party candidate could do for the Democrats hopes of continuing to occupy the White House for another four years. The report cites an email sent by political strategist Lucy Caldwell to the aide of billionaire donor Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, in which No Labels is referred to as a looming forest fire that would be a nuclear-grade threat if it were able to nominate a candidate who became a legitimate political threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caldwell also wrote that the main focus of the effort should be brand destruction, the Washington Post reported. However, she added that the opposition group needed to throw up any and all roadblocks to keep a potential No Labels candidate from getting enough signatures to appear on ballots. FILE Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., asks a question during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the presidents proposed 2025 Department of the Interior budget on Capitol Hill, May 2, 2024, in Washington. Manchin says he has registered as an independent, raising questions about his future political plans. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Joe Manchin, the former Democratic U.S. Senator representing West Virginia, said he was approached by No Labels as a possible presidential candidate. Manchin, who is now an independent after leaving the Democratic Party following an announcement that he would not seek reelection, said he told the group he wasnt interested in running as a spoiler candidate. DeWine signs bill restricting bathroom access for transgender Ohio students Manchin told The Hill recently that he has always lived by the political mantra that he belongs to the American Party. But with Democrats and Republicans running their respective business models, Machin said both are guilty of spewing hate and division that does not fix the countrys problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchin said he was absolutely interested in participating in the effort that would promote an alternative to the countrys two major political parties and to find someone he would partner with to work well as a team. He said such an option would be attractive to voters who insist they are tired of the divisiveness of American politics. I know theres a need for a third party, Manchin told The Hill. However, Manchin who said he has associated with No Labels since 2010 added that a ticket representing the organization needed to get on 50 ballots. I said, Im not interested if were not serious about winning, Manchin said in the interview. And you cant be serious about winning unless youre on 50 ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: I dont know what needs to be done here, but the only way youre going to change the Democrat and Republican Party is to challenge them. In addition to Manchin, No Labels also approached former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, and Republican former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan about considering a run for the White House. Both declined, the Post reported. The Washington Post report also details efforts that were reportedly carried out by Democratic strategists to keep No Labels from picking up steam. The groups decision to not promote a presidential candidate came in April three months before Biden dropped out of the race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. Yet, following an election cycle in which Trump won both the Electoral College and popular vote to earn a second term in the White House, Manchin and others who fall into the camp of independents said the country needs a persuasive third-party candidate who could change the current political climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are realizing that politics as usual is not working (and) that America needs a sane third party, Andrew Yang, co-founder of the Forward Party, told NewsNations CUOMO after the election. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The heads of government of Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Finland have committed to increasing support for Ukraine following a summit at the residence of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Harpsund on Wednesday, 27 November. Source: a joint declaration of the summit, obtained by European Pravda Details: The seven Nordic-Baltic states declared their readiness to take responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security "against the backdrop of serious threats and challenges" and to strengthen collective efforts "to ensure the security of ourselves and all our Allies". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will step up our support for Ukraine. Our countries are the largest per capita donors of military assistance to Ukraine and our support will not waver," the leaders pledged. They promise, among other things, to increase funding for the Ukrainian defence industry and to invest in providing Ukraine with more ammunition "in the coming months". The heads of governments of the Nordic-Baltic countries also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's Victory Plan and called Russia "the most significant and direct threat to our security in the long term". "We will work together to deter, challenge and counter Russia's aggressive and highly confrontational actions and to ensure that it is held fully internationally accountable for the crime of aggression," the declaration reads. Background: At the Ukraine-Northern Europe summit last month, the prime ministers of Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden expressed their interest in further cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry. Denmark has taken concrete steps in this direction, and Norway has promised to join this model of support for Ukraine. Sweden also announced that it would soon allocate significant funds for Ukraine's development and production of its own long-range weapons. Support UP or become our patron! Thanksgiving dinner might come with a side of celestial spectacle this year, as faint northern lights may shimmer across the northern United States. The sun, currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, has been putting on quite a show throughout this "wonderful year," Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Space Weather Prediction Center, told AP News. This surge has already led to some dazzling displays. In May, the most powerful geomagnetic storm in two decades painted the Northern Hemisphere with vibrant auroras. Just last month, another intense storm brought the unusual sight of these dancing lights to cities as far south as New Mexico, with even residents of Germany and the UK catching a glimpse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, meteorologists predict that another solar storm may bring the aurora borealis across the northern rim of the United States on Thanksgiving. Lucky observers might be able to eat their turkey under a colorful, though faint, sky, according to ABC News. A green, red, and purple sky for the US-Canadian border on Thanksgiving On Monday, a filament eruption, also known as a coronal mass ejection, sent giant clouds of plasma toward Earth. The next day, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center issued an alert that a minor to moderate geomagnetic storm was expected to hit Earth on Thanksgiving. If this massive number of solar particles, which erupted from an active sunspot, hit Earth's magnetic field just right, they will disperse and release energy in the form of light, producing an aurora, a coveted sight normally reserved for those in the very northern hemisphere, according to Live Science. The NOAA says the power of the storm might color the sky with green, red, and purple lights further south, reaching all states along the Canadian border. "This is not expected to be a widespread event and will likely only last for short intervals and could be quite faint in the affected locales," NOAA meteorologist Mike Bettwy told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The magical apparition might be ghost-like, depending on the strength of the storm. According to Space.com, the Kp index is key in determining whether or not one is in a prime viewing location. A higher Kp equates to a stronger chance of seeing the aurora. A strong south Bz is also a good indicator. Both levels are trackable on Spaceweatherlive.com. The ideal conditions for catching a glimpse of an aurora are clear skies, nighttime, and distance from city lights. According to NBC News, it might be raining in many of these locations, but ABC News reports that the best viewing window might be from 10 PM EST Thursday to 1 AM Friday. They also suggest taking a picture with a smartphone camera, which might be able to pick up hints of the aurora better than the human eye. Thanksgiving might not be the last chance to see the aurora If skies are cloudy and covered, Thanksgiving might not be the last chance to see the aurora, as the sun will remain at its peak for at least another year. In October, NASAs Kelly Korreck told AP News that we still could possibly get some good shows in the next few months. Solar storms can do much more than dazzle onlookers with a stunning light show; they can also disrupt power and communications. For the states that celebrate Thanksgiving, this solar storm doesnt appear to pose such a threat, though it also means a less spectacular array of colors. However, NOAA keeps all power plants and spacecraft in orbit informed as they assess the storm's anticipated magnitude. Updated forecasts are available on the NOAA website as the moment approaches and the storm's intensity becomes clearer. The Norwegian parliament on 28 November approved increasing support for Ukraine to NOK 35 billion (approximately US$3.16 billion) in 2025. Source: European Pravda, citing NTB, a Norwegian news agency Details: Initially, the Norwegian government allocated NOK 15 billion (approximately US$1.35 billion) in the state budget for Ukraine in the coming year, but the opposition deemed this insufficient. Following negotiations, the government and opposition agreed to raise the amount to NOK 30 billion (approximately US$2.7 billion), which was further increased after discussions on 28 November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Stre: "This is an important signal for Ukraine, which is enduring severe trials, and it sends a message to those attacking." Last year, Norway approved the Nansen Programme, allocating NOK 75 billion (approximately US$6.75 billion) for long-term support to Ukraine through 2027equivalent to NOK 15 billion (approximately US$1.35 billion) annually. This year, the Norwegian government proposed increasing the programmes funding to NOK 135 billion (approximately US$12.15 billion) and extending it for an additional three years, through 2030. Support UP or become our patron! Norway has agreed to share responsibility with Poland for securing a major transit hub for international military aid to Ukraine. Source: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, cited by Bloomberg and PAP, as reported by European Pravda Details: Tusk announced on 27 November that he has received confirmation from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre that Norway will assist in securing the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, through which a significant portion of military aid to Ukraine is routed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Norway will support the security of this site with its systems," Tusk emphasised, noting that this effort is part of NATOs broader framework. Background: The prime ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Finland have pledged to increase support for Ukraine following a summit at the Swedish Prime Minister's Harpsund residence on 27 November. Additionally, on 28 November, Norways parliament approved an increase in its support for Ukraine to NOK 35 billion (approximately US$3.16 billion) in 2025. Support UP or become our patron! Norway plans to increase its support to Ukraine for 2025 to at least 35 billion Norwegian kroner ($3.2 billion), the government announced after a parliamentary meeting on Thursday. Of this amount, 22.5 billion kroner is to be used for military support, while 12.5 billion is earmarked for humanitarian and civilian aid. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre told the news agency NTB that the decision sends an important signal to Ukraine and to those attacking the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government had initially allocated 15 billion kroner in the 2025 state budget for support for Ukraine. The opposition considered this amount to be far too low, leading parties to provisionally agree earlier this week on 30 billion, to be discussed at today's meeting. The money is to be delivered via the Nansen support programme, which is how Norway has provided all of its long-term support to Ukraine. The programme is also to be extended for another three years until 2030. The government expects the Nansen programme to facilitate the transfer of at least 154.5 billion kroner in total. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 28. Kyrgyzstan plans to construct 106 reservoirs by 2028, with a total capacity of 987 million cubic meters, to support the irrigation of 223,700 hectares of farmland, Trend reports via the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). In addition to the reservoir construction, the country aims to expand irrigation systems, including the installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation on an additional 120,000 to 200,000 hectares. The plan also includes the restoration of 1,800 water intake wells and the repair of 120 pumping stations. To support the development of irrigation infrastructure, the Kyrgyz government has allocated 1 billion soms (approximately $11.5 million) since the start of 2024 for the purchase of specialized equipment. According to the EDB's reports, over 98 percent of irrigated land in Central Asia currently relies on surface irrigation methods. The bank recommends the widespread adoption of modern irrigation technologies, including drip and sprinkler systems, as well as the use of laser leveling technology for fields. This cost-effective technology could increase crop yields by 1.3 to 2.3 times in a short period. The EDB emphasized that all Central Asian countries are taking state-level measures to modernize their irrigation systems and introduce advanced irrigation technologies, a trend that has gained momentum over the past year. (Bloomberg) -- Norway has agreed to bear half of the responsibility of protecting the main transit hub for foreign military aid to Ukraine, according to Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Most Read from Bloomberg Norway is set to help safeguard the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, Tusk said during a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Thursday at Harpsund in Sweden. The support is due to be given within the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations framework, he said, citing a conversation with Norways premier, Jonas Gahr Store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Polands government tightened security around the hub in the wake of what it has called unprecedented level of foreign interference. Located less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border, the facility has handled as much as 90% of western shipments headed to the frontline. Its also become a main stopover point for foreign officials visiting Kyiv. --With assistance from Piotr Bujnicki. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. WEST READING, Pa. (WHTM) The National Transportation Safety Board is set to convene to determine the probable cause of an explosion that levelled a portion of a Berks County candy factory. The in-person public board meeting is set for Dec. 10 at the NTSBs board room and conference center in Washington, D.C. and will focus on the March 24, 2023 explosion at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading. PREVIOUS COVERAGE > Preliminary report released on Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting the NTSBs board will vote on the findings, probable cause and recommendations as well as any changes to the draft final report. A link to the live stream of the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com. According to the NTSB, an explosion occurred at the factory when a UGI pipeline leaked at the factory. Seven employees were killed, 10 others were injured, and one building on the premises was flattened. Another factory building and an adjacent apartment building was also severely damaged. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Fears of a nuclear escalation have increased in recent weeks after Russian president Vladimir Putin officially lowered the threshold for Moscow's use of nuclear weapons. His revisions to his country's nuclear doctrine mean that Russia could carry out a nuclear strike if attacked by a non-nuclear power that has the support of a nuclear state. This, in theory, puts a number of Western countries at higher risk, including the UK, which has pledged 7.8bn in military support to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Last week, Ukraine was reported to have fired British-supplied Storm Shadow long-range missiles into Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after US president Joe Biden officially gave Ukraine the green-light to use US-supplied long-range missiles on Russia, although the UK has remained more tight-lipped over reports of its approval. Reacting to Russia lowering the bar for a nuclear strike, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would not be deterred from supporting Ukraine by Putin's "irresponsible rhetoric". So, where does this leave ordinary people in Britain, and, should the worst happen, how prepared is the UK? How prepared is the UK for a nuclear strike? Not enough, says Lucy Easthope, an expert on emergency management and response, member of the Cabinet Office National Risk Assessment Behavioural Science Expert Group and author of When the Dust Settles: Searching for Hope After Disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Easthope has been an adviser for countless disasters over the past two decades, including 9/11, the 2005 London bombings, the Salisbury poisonings, the Grenfell Tower fire, the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic, and draws lessons from these incidents to help prevent future tragedies. "One of the things Vladimir Putins changes did last week was set out new conditions under which Russia would use its nuclear weapons. So hes made it very clear as opposed to what has been perhaps us speculating on what he might do," Easthope tells Yahoo News. Lucy Easthope disaster management expert "Theres a long history of us, for various reasons, minimising the risk a game of chicken is a good analogy. One of the things that is important to state is its not a waste of time to plan for very serious scenarios because often they will be relevant to other types of incidents. "I think one of the difficulties is just how rundown our preparedness systems are, and I think weve been shown behind the curtain in a sort of Wizard of Oz way with the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not like there's really poor pandemic planning here and then great nuclear planning over there. So, weve been shown how much central government struggle to fund this one and struggle to live in this state of readiness. "The preparedness isnt where it needs to be, we haven't got a great culture of preparedness in the UK, and in fact we are quite far behind a number of other countries." UK guidance 'muddy' "The British government and the supporting civil service are quite poor at this sort of communication with their citizens. The radiation emergency guidance issued in September is a little bit muddy because really its more written for the risk around a nuclear reactor. Its taken from long-standing health and safety executive advice for citizens who live near a radiation plant. "Certainly, with the risk of nuclear attack... I think the way that other countries have gone, shows that the UK probably is missing a trick there with not doing the public awareness they should be doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am not party to all levels of planning, but there certainly isnt national support at the moment for local planners to get ready for a nuclear strike, that isnt what were doing today, most of my colleagues for example have been working on flooding this week. "Our government has now been in power for around 150 days, and it hasnt done enough off the bat to get going with citizen preparedness. Its done a lot of gentle fact-finding, but thing about emergencies is, they dont wait. "So, we do need a lot more resource going into local planning, whether its reusing community assets, reopening places and spaces that people could go to, possibly even reopening bunkers, because they would be useful for other types of scenarios. Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles and other long-range weapons on Russian territory has heightened tensions. (Getty Images) "There are things that may help in certain scenarios that would also be relevant for other things like very severe weather for example a notification to stay inside, a notification to avoid fresh fruit or veg and possibly a lack of access to things like meat and milk [due to radiation]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think there are certain ministers and shadow ministers who get how important citizen preparedness is, but the government is allowing itself to be distracted, and this is a very important political issue. "Im fairly certain that for anybody whos gone to a minister this week and asked 'is this a concern', that would have been batted away. "But our citizen preparedness should be a concern. It doesnt matter whether its nuclear or weather or something else, we are not ready for these threats. "Also, you can't battle a big threat like this if people are desperately struggling. So the link between this where everybody's morale, the cost of living, and their ability to come back from a major event like this are entwined. Brexit means loss of planning support "The other thing that has heightened our risk is that we are now outside the EU civil protection mechanism, and that means we have lost a lot of mutual support that we would have had to call on our allies in the event of a major incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive really started to notice its absence while Im watching other countries either request assistance or expertise in the event of an emergency. We've tried to style it out as a country, but we are we are missing that help. The UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed holes in the country's disaster preparedness, Lucy Easthope says. (Getty Images) "I'm not party at official secret level to plans, I know that were very good at surveillance. I know that were also very good at diplomacy I think thats something thats often underestimated and stays, necessarily, behind closed doors. Theres a lot of work going on to stop this becoming a situation. "We've lost a lot of our bunkers and places and spaces. So potentially there is discussion about kind of where to go and where you would put your most important people. There will be health discussions, probably for the kind of level of contamination we saw in Chernobyl. What are other countries doing? "The Swedish documents provided to citizens have gone quite big on prepping and preparedness, and that is something I would like to see us do better on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Sweden theyve been asked to plan for no power, very low temperatures theyve been given several scenarios, they've been told how to access iodine tablets, and theyve been given a list of foods to pre-prepare. "What the Swedish and the Finnish have been told is that making these preparations works for a number of scenarios. The particular advice in their leaflets is pre-prepping tins, access to food with good vitamins in lots food with vitamin C. "Im not going to recommend potassium iodine but its certainly what some countries will suggest. A backup generator and hurricane lamps, bottles of water, torches, batteries things like that. Thats not just for nuclear war. "Quite rightly, the criticism that must come back to us and already has come back in Sweden is, who can afford this and where do you store it? Surely a better message is we look after each other and people who cant get these things will find a way. Keir Starmer's government has allowed itself to be 'distracted' from disaster preparedness, Lucy Easthope suggests. (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The problem we've always had in Britain is that people are quite cynical, and they also are quite adamant that help should come. Theyre very certain that help should be available from the state. Another thing I think were quite likely to see is questioning of the messaging - whether things will be believed. "Its obviously been a big theme this week, and it sells, but I think in a world where both children and adults are so frightened at the moment Nuclear war imminent has been on front pages for my entire life. "Our risk is no greater than it's ever been as long as the world has had this technology, from Oppenheimer onwards, weve had this risk. You cannot go about your daily life raise children, go to the shops, go to the school and worry about this. You cant allow this to become too distressing." Read more An enraged woman allegedly shouted Youre all going to die today before lighting a Queens garage on fire with her ex-boyfriend and his female friend inside killing them both, prosecutors said Wednesday. Father of three Edward Jacobs, 35, and Anastasia Ettienne, 33, became trapped in the smoke and flames of the two-story structure after Aliya Fakhri, 43, allegedly set the fire on purpose near the entrance on Nov. 2, according to the Queens District Attorneys Office. Fakhri arrived outside the detached garage of a home in Jamaica around 6:20 a.m. and directed her threat at Jacobs, who was asleep inside, before allegedly following through on it. Edward Jacobs was a loving father of three. Obtained by New York Post After Ettienne became aware of the fire, she raced upstairs to save Jacobs who was sleeping, prosecutors said. But the garage quickly became engulfed in flames and the pair was unable to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Jacobs mother Janet told The Post her son broke up with Fakhri about a year ago, but she still pursued him. Like any other person that is being rejected, he was letting her know like Yo, Im done with you. Get away from me, said the 54-year-old parent, who did not want to reveal her last name. Anastasia Ettienne was a friend of Jacobs. Facebook Hes been trying to tell her to leave him alone for the past year, but she wasnt accepting the rejection. They broke up a year ago. Jacobs, who was a plumber, was working on a project on the property with plans to convert the garage into an apartment, Janet said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs and Ettienne were friends and not lovers, according to Janet. The dad leaves behind a set of 11-year-old twin boys and another 9-year-old boy, she said. The fire happened on the morning of Nov. 2 in Jamaica. Brigitte Stelzer My son was a very giving person, she said. He would give his last to a person. If you didnt have anything, he would be like Ok, we are going to figure it out.' Fakhri, of Queens, was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder and arson charges. She could face life in prison if found guilty on the top charge. The two victims were trapped in the flames. Brigitte Stelzer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was remanded in court Wednesday with her next appearance set for Dec. 9. As alleged in this indictment, this defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno, Queens DA Melinda Katz said in a statement. The victims tragically died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Our condolences are with the families of Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Ettienne as we prosecute this case. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) With the Christmas season right around the corner, the City of Odessa is planning to host several of its annual events throughout the month of December. Every year, McKinney Park is decorated with hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, themed displays, and larger than life sculptures for both children and adults. The Starbright Village will be open to the public from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Saturday from Wednesday, December 5 until Sunday, December 29. McKinney Park prepares for annual tree lighting ceremony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Starbright Village Tree Lighting Ceremony will also be taking place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 5 at McKinney Park, located at 625 West Pool Road. The City of Odessa will also be hosting its 29th annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Odessa on Saturday, December 7, starting at 7 p.m. The free festive event will feature floats lighting up the streets of Downtown Odessa, the Tale of Two Christmas Markets, and newly elected At-Large Council Member Craig Stoker as this years Grand Marshal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Ohios attorney general said Wednesday he would appeal an October injunction that prohibited state officials from enforcing a six-week abortion ban, according to The Associated Press. Republican Dave Yost filed a notice of appeal Friday seeking to overturn a ruling that upheld state voters amendment to enshrine abortion rights. It is up to the courts to determine how conflicts between those two documents are resolved, Bethany McCorkle, a spokesperson for Yost, told the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case originally stemmed from a law signed by Gov. Mike DeWine (R) in 2019 that was not enforceable until 2022, after Roe v. Wade was repealed by the Supreme Court. It prevented women from having a medical abortion after doctors detect a heartbeat, which normally occurs six weeks into a pregnancy. There were no exceptions for rape or incest. The following year voters passed a ballot measure to protect abortion rights for state citizens. Judge Christian Jenkins of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas then determined DeWines state law was unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. Unlike the Attorney General, this Court will uphold the Ohio Constitutions protection of abortion rights, he wrote. The will of the people of Ohio will be given effect. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Construction work. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images.) If all goes to plan, lawmakers will be asking Ohio voters next May to renew a multibillion-dollar fund that helps get shovels in the ground for local public works projects like roads and sewers. The State Capital Improvement Program has been around since the late 1980s and offers competitive grants and loans for local governments capital projects; money for the program comes from bonds backed by the general revenue fund. The proposal would extend the State Capital Improvement Program for another 10 years by issuing $2.5 billion in new bonds. Voters have renewed the program three times previously in 1995, 2005, and 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate has already passed its version of the joint resolution to place the measure on the ballot. The House Finance Committee held its first hearing for a companion measure this week. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX What the program funds To get a sense of scale, Ohio Public Works Commission director Linda Bailiff laid out the scope of physical infrastructure the program helps maintain. I think its over 212,000 lane miles that counties townships and municipalities are responsible for, she said. Theres 29,000 bridges, theres 4,400 public water systems, and 1,000 wastewater systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so all of those need attention, she explained. Our funds pay for repair, replacement, reconstruction, rehabilitation as well as new (builds) and expansion. Since its inception the State Capital Improvement Program has funded 18,860 projects around Ohio. In the Public Works Commissions latest report, the agency highlights some of the projects. They range from overhauling a major thoroughfare in Columbus or replacing a bridge in Lorain County to improving sidewalks and curb ramps in the village of Willard. The Commission also shares a spreadsheet of the 4,000-plus projects the program has supported since 2017. Over that stretch, the program has provided $2.3 billion $1.5 billion of which came in the form of grants in support of $5.2 billion-worth of infrastructure improvements around Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahoning County Engineer, and president of the County Engineers Association of Ohio, Patrick Ginnetti was unequivocal in his praise of the program. I will say, in my opinion, this is the most successful program the state of Ohio has, he said. How it works Under the program, Ohio is split up by county into 19 districts. The most populous counties are their own districts, and in more sparsely populated regions several counties are lumped together. To get funding, local governments submit proposals within their district which are then scored based on a district-specific set of categories. Namely health and safety, the priority needs of that particular district, financial considerations, readiness to proceed, the age and condition of the infrastructure, Bailiff offered as examples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year district level officials rank their proposals and submit funding recommendations to the Ohio Public Works Commission. As long as everything complies with statute, Bailiff said, we go ahead and prepare funding agreements that are released about July 1 each year. Grant applications can get up to 90% of the project cost covered, so local entities still need to pony up a share of funding. Loans can cover the full project cost, and theyre offered interest free. Bailiff adds that theyve got a couple of state-level set aside programs, too. One earmarks $20 million annually for rural villages and townships with a population of less than 5,000. After districts have doled out their award recommendations, they go back through the projects that didnt get the nod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They select up to five projects that did not get funded at the district, that fit that definition of the village or the rural township, she explained. And they submit them to the small government administrator to compete on a statewide basis, so they have a second shot at funding. The Public Works Commission also has a first come first serve program for emergency work. How its working out Ginnetti explained his office, like the offices of county engineers around the state, gets its funding from gas taxes. With the inception of electric cars, hybrids, CNG vehicles, gas tax has been relatively stagnant, he said, so our budgets have been stagnant, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ginnetti described the State Capital Improvement Program as a way to stretch that budget, and he pointed to his countys sewer system as an example. Well utilize the grant funding and also the revolving loan fund to do what is known as sewer re-lining, he said. Its a nondestructive way to give us additional useful life out of our existing gravity sewer. Again, where costs are a certain dollar amount, he explained, it helps minimize the impact to our operating budget. In the last two years, he said, theyve paved 25 miles of road, replaced five box culverts and relined 15,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its a competitive program, he stressed, so its not like communities are just given a blank check and they say go do what you want. Put simply, he described, good projects get funded; projects that may not be as urgent or as critical do not. Ginnetti said his county also got assistance from the emergency funding program after a road subsidence. Had the emergency program not been there, he said, that wouldve resulted in a road closure a lengthy road closure and we probably wouldve had to sacrifice a paving program or several bridges or box culverts to get the road fixed. Its basically life support, he added, for all of the municipalities, townships, county government in Ohio to get work done that we wouldnt be able to do solely on our operating budget. Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 28. The dawn of 2025 is anticipated to bring forth the sweet nectar of Kyrgyz honey into the EU registry, paving the way for its golden streams to flow into the lands of the European Union, Trend reports via Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing Industry. Issues related to the export of Kyrgyz honey to the EU were discussed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Bakyt Torobayev and Hungary's Ambassador Doroga Shandor. The discussions also involved representatives of Hungarian agricultural companies, such as Agrofeed Rus Ltd, Babolna Tetra Ltd, Woodstock KFT, Fulmer Apiary, and others. "The meeting debated the export of Kyrgyz honey to the EU and the implementation of a monitoring system for residues in honey. The prepared monitoring plan has already been sent to the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission," the ministry said. In addition, the import of breeding animals from Europe to Kyrgyzstan for the development of livestock breeding in the country was also discussed. An agreement on further cooperation with Hungarian companies was reached. To note, according to the National Statistics Committee, from January through September this year, Kyrgyzstan exported 268.1 tons of honey. The largest volumes were supplied to the UAE (61.3 tons) and China (60.7 tons). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A police officer in Ohio has been arrested after reportedly admitting to exchanging nude images with a juvenile female, according to our CBS affiliate WTOL-11 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Austin Sabo, 23, was arrested on Wednesday after authorities conducted a search warrant at his home in Oak Harbor, Ottawa County. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is facing two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material, according to WTOL-11. Sabo was an officer for the Walbridge Police Department but has since been fired. Village of Walbridge Mayor Ed Kolanko told WTOL-11 that Sabo was on a probationary period as he was recently hired as a part-time patrol officer. The search warrant was part of a pending investigation into ongoing sexual abuse material and involves Sabo, WTOL-11 reported. According to the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit, a K9 found several electronic devices that are of evidentiary value during the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional information on those devices was not immediately available. Anyone who may have information on child abuse or other crimes against victims is asked to the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit at (419) 898-3155. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WKRG) State Road 85 in Okaloosa County was named the second most dangerous road in the United States for Thanksgiving travel, according to a study by TruckInfo.net. The study analyzed nearly 20 years of data, from 2003 to 2022, to identify roads with the highest fatality rates during Thanksgiving. Atmore family gives back to first responders years after deadly car crash State Road 85s designation highlights the risks posed to drivers during the busy holiday period. Increased traffic volumes, distracted driving and potentially adverse weather conditions were cited as contributing factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very scared to get hit because I literally almost got hit yesterday, Crestview resident Dixie Gerald said. I take as many back roads as I can. I do not like driving this road. The Florida Department of Transportation launched a $10.5 million improvement project in December 2023 to address safety concerns. The project focused on a 2.3-mile stretch from Hospital Drive to U.S. 90 and included milling and resurfacing, installing high-tension cable barriers in the median, widening shoulders, upgrading sidewalks to ADA standards, and enhancing guardrails and signage. Despite these measures, some drivers remain uneasy about the roads conditions, especially during high-traffic periods. Eating out at these Mobile-Baldwin restaurants, bars can support people living with HIV (Details) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing that you cant turn around right there, and if somebody hit you while youre trying to move lanes, then Crestview resident Isabella Cabo said, describing her fears about navigating the roads heavy traffic. In addition to the high fatality rates, residents report seeing frequent near-misses and dangerous driving behaviors. Gerald said drivers swerving in and out of lanes makes traveling on State Road 85 feel particularly unsafe. Officials encouraged drivers to remain vigilant, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday, and to stay updated on any ongoing construction or road conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, increasing the likelihood of accidents nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prodisee Pantry seeks volunteers to help fill Christmas food boxes Im just trying to make sure I dont get hit because I promise you, itll happen, Gerald said. Transportation officials said the safety upgrades are part of broader efforts to reduce crashes and fatalities. However, local drivers continue to take precautions, using alternate routes whenever possible. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A John Marshall Enterprise Middle School teacher is on paid leave, facing allegations of aggravated assault and battery, after horseplay in the classroom sent a student to the hospital. Court records detail the allegations against 41-year-old Kiera Smith. On Nov. 21, Smith was allegedly play fighting with a 13-yearold student during a social studies class. Thats when court documents say the victim, who is another 13-year-old student, got up and tapped Smith on her arm. Smith turned and grabbed [the] victim lifting him off the ground and slammed him to the ground. This caused the victim to break his collarbone, read the court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents went on to say, while videos show the victim on the ground defenseless and in pain, Smith comes over to [the] victim and stands over top of him and raises both her arms up and looks down at him and says loudly, anything else! Smith then allegedly went back to her desk. Former sports association president accused of embezzling $199K The teen was taken to the hospital. His collarbone is broken and he was placed in a sling. The court records say Smith downplayed the ordeal to investigators, saying she Often play fights the students at school and said, We really dont play around with [the] victim. He just took it upon himself to join in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the documents, Smith claimed the student was able to move his arm and fingers and went back to work. However, investigators say cell phone video evidence proves that isnt true. Smith was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Oklahoma County Jail for aggravated assault and battery. Her bond is set at $50,000. This is not the first time Smiths been arrested. In 2018, when she was a teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary school, she was charged with sexual battery against a fellow teacher. Oklahoma City Public Schools sent KFOR the following statement on Wednesday: On November 26, OKCPS was made aware of the arrest of Kiera Monique Smith, a teacher at John Marshall Enterprise Middle School. As is routine in these situations, Ms. Smith has been placed on Administrative Leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is cooperating with law enforcement and is also conducting a full internal administrative investigation related to this case. As always, the safety and security of our students and staff is our number one priority. Because this is a personnel matter, we cannot provide further comment at this time. Inquiries related to this case and/or charges should be directed to the OKC Police. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Cache, Okla. (KFOR) An Oklahoma man is behind bars after being arrested for lewd acts with a minor, according to OSBI. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), the Cash Police Department requested help into a case of 42-year-old Jean Paul LaRue accused of engaging inappropriately with a minor on multiple occasions. 42-year-old Jean Paul LaRue accused of engaging inappropriately with a minor on multiple occasions, Image courtesy OSBI Bond set for former dental assistant accused of sexually assaulting patients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities arrested LaRue and he was booked into the Comanche County Jail pending through The Caddo County District Attorneys Office. This investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Not for the first time, the BBC finds itself facing allegations within its walls that have only come to light because of other media organisations daring to ask difficult questions. Gregg Wallace has stepped away from presenting MasterChef after a Telegraph investigation into claims of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards women on set. Wallace has denied any wrongdoing, and his behaviour will be examined by an inquiry that has now been instigated by the production company behind the cookery show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of its outcome, however, the uncomfortable truth for the corporation is that the behaviour of one of its stars is under investigation not because of its internal complaints process, but because of the work of journalists elsewhere. Time and again the broadcaster has acted only when whistleblowers have felt forced to speak to journalists outside the corporation about the behaviour of BBC talent. In recent years the scandals over Jimmy Savile, Huw Edwards and Martin Bashir have all been exposed by outsiders looking in. The common thread that ran through those cases was a culture in which wrongdoing was known about, sometimes widely, but was not dealt with until the BBC was left with no choice but to get its house in order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savile, as the world now knows, was hiding in plain sight, a predatory paedophile who was allowed to carry on prowling for victims at the BBC because no one was brave enough to say out loud what numerous people knew or suspected. It was only when his victims spoke in an ITV documentary a year after his death that the BBC finally set up its own internal inquiry into his criminal behaviour. In the case of Martin Bashir, the BBC had given itself a clean bill of health over the reporters methods in persuading Princess Diana to grant him an interview for Panorama, despite allegations that he had mocked up bank statements to win the trust of her brother Earl Spencer. It was only when Channel 4 and ITV documentary teams revisited the controversy in 2020 that the BBC asked a former Supreme Court judge to look into the matter and apologised to Earl Spencer for Bashirs deceit. The crimes of Jimmy Savile only became public after his death - DPA Germany The BBC issued an apology over Martin Bashirs 1995 interview with Princess Diana Then, earlier this year, the former newsreader Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children a year after The Sun had exposed the fact that he paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for explicit photos of themself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time The Sun was criticised by high-profile friends of Edwards, who defended him and suggested the newspaper was prying into private matters. The teenagers mother had made a complaint to the BBC a month earlier, but it was only after The Suns story was published that Edwards was suspended on full pay. He was not initially named by the BBC or the newspaper, but five days after the story appeared his wife confirmed he was the presenter involved. Edwards was arrested in November last year over an unrelated police investigation which led to his eventual conviction, but he continued to be paid his full salary which even included a pay rise. Huw Edwards was handed a six-month suspended term after he admitted accessing indecent images of children - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph For an organisation that prides itself on the quality of its journalism, the BBC has shown itself to be strangely incurious in the past about what is going on internally, even when that has included serious criminal wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lack of curiosity existed in the 1970s when suspicions about Savile were first raised, and it still existed last year when the BBC needed the jolt of publicity to act on the complaint about Edwards. Whether that has also been the case with Wallace, who was first investigated and cleared over allegations of inappropriate sexual comments six years ago, will be up to the current investigation to determine. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Clark County high school marching band will be in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Thursday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Shawnee High School marching band left Springfield and arrived in Chicago Wednesday to perform at his years parade. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pride of Shawnee posted pictures on the school districts Facebook page. The Pride of Shawnee is extremely excited to represent Springfield and the state of Ohio in Chicago, said Sarah Smith, director. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students and a first for Clark-Shawnee. Our students have put in months of hard work to prepare for this parade, and we couldnt be more proud of their dedication. The band enjoyed Chicagos skyline views and visited Millenium Park on Wednesday. The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade began in 1934 and has been a holiday tradition for many. The Pride of Shawnee marching band is expected to be on television between 10-10:30 a.m. The parade will be broadcast online through Pluto TV. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was found shot dead Wednesday afternoon in a Raleigh neighborhood. Memphis Police responded at 2:12 to the 2800 block of Spring Ridge Drive. Memphis murder and homicide map 2024 One male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect fled toward Springhill, police said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. From The Daily Morning Astorian, Nov. 29, 1888, the story of a providential escape, Capt. Gilmores tale of the loss of the British bark Afton the previous year. Sailing for San Diego, the Afton came across a dense fog and struck a coral reef off an island about 800 miles west of Honolulu, Hawaii. The ship eventually floated off the reef but leaked so badly the 19 men aboard were forced to abandon ship. In two lifeboats, they set off, with the captain in charge of one and the mate in charge of the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wind direction made it impossible to return to Honolulu, so they followed the trade winds, heading west. After about three weeks at sea, when the mate stood up to take off his coat, the boat lurched, and he fell overboard. He sank, and was never seen to rise to the surface, the captain said. The mate was the only casualty. One can imagine how they must have suffered from thirst in the blistering sun and heat of the tropical climate, but their water allowance was only a pint per day per person. Each boat also had three bags of hard bread, which was carefully rationed. For 29 seemingly endless days, they sailed, the boats staying together all that time for almost 3,000 miles. Happily, the rations lasted until they landed safely on Guam, grateful and unharmed. (Painting: William Howard Yorke) FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. Food service workers on the grounds of Fort Leonard Wood call it their Super Bowl, the annual Thanksgiving meal. This is an annual thing youll see on any Army military base at Thanksgiving and so far since the beginning of time. Were expected to feed about 12,000 to 12,500 soldiers and family members, Food Program Manager Beverly Leggett said. Thanksgiving is, as I always say, its like the Super Bowl for food service. We come out and we provide the very best here at Fort Leonard Wood. We have several trainees and whatnot that are going to be around their family during this time of year, and so we try to bring a little bit of home to them. Leggett says there are over 90,000 pounds of turkey being made by hundreds of workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just how much goes on behind the scenes? OzarksFirst spoke with Brandon Rodgers, one of the many dining hall managers about what goes into preparing for the biggest meal of the year. Wednesday is mainly decorating and prep work, while the real cooking doesnt start until overnight. Most of our preparation prior to the actual meal is decorating, doing the preempt stuff like brining turkeys, preparing the meat so that theyre fully thawed and the cake and pie preparation is done tonight so that it makes the steps easier in the morning for tomorrow, Rodgers said. My facility alone is cooking about 650 pounds of turkey. We have about 250 pounds of prime rib, 250 pounds of ham. Im cooking roughly about 54 pounds of shrimp along with about 70-80 pounds of salmon. Its a lot of prep. My staff will come in a little bit earlier than normal. We start cooking and prepping about 3:00 in the morning so that all the meats at a proper temperature and out at 11:00 when the meal starts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What about sides? Dessert? Were doing sweet potatoes this year, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, two types of dressing along with greens and corn as a sides as well. So obviously the meats are the preparation that take the longest. Those side items will take as long, so its easier to accommodate, Rodgers said. Im looking at a roughly 150 pies. I think we have approximately 50 cakes, different assorted along with some cheesecake as well. Leggett and Rodgers have been doing this for years, but its the reason why they do that pushes them to make the meal perfect. We know these soldiers are here on a mission. Theyre away from their family and friends. My staff goes above and beyond expectations for myself to ensure that these kids do feel like theyre at home and make it as close to that experience as possible without actually being there, Rodgers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These soldiers are away from families probably for the first time, most of them. So this is their family. They are sitting with a different place, with different people, Leggett said. Theres going to be different faces around the table, but its going to still be that warm feeling of Thanksgiving. This is that time that we share, that we get to create our very best and provide that home feeling for many away from home. Rodgers says at his dining hall, he made sure those who eat will get a little something extra when they come through the doors. My facility actually reached out to a third party to do a little something special for these soldiers that are in training right now. Its an organization called Soldiers Angels. Weve collected over 4,000 handwritten thank you letters and cards, and well be dispersing to each soldier as they come through the line. We actually requested 1,500 and got way more than what we requested, Rodgers said. We were actually able to provide the access to four other dining facilities on post as well. So those soldiers will get those cards as well. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Karen Uhlenhuth of Kansas City wanted to do more for the planet, so she started planting trees around her neighborhood (Suzanne King/The Beacon). Karen Uhlenhuth always has a few gallons of water in the back of her Prius and an eye toward the side of the road. When she sees one of the 80 or so saplings she recently planted looking thirsty, shell pull over and give it a drink. The real test is the first summer, she said on a walk through Roanoke Park, where her tree planting work began more than two decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the tiny native trees she has sunk into public easements across Midtown can make it beyond weeks of scorching temperatures and little rainfall, theyll probably be around next year. And every new tree, Uhlenhuth said, notches a win for the climate. Trees are just transformative, she said, stopping frequently to point out the bur oaks and chinkapin oaks shes planted over the years. Some, now tall enough to climb, shade large swaths of streets and sidewalks. Scientists see planting trees as one of the easiest bets to help the ailing environment. Yet many cities, especially in poor urban neighborhoods, dont have enough trees. And often the ones they do have are endangered or dying, and not being replaced. Kansas Citys tree canopy In 2018, Kansas City estimated that the shade canopy formed by its trees had room to double. And 60% of the citys existing trees were rated as being in fair or worse condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was partly due to age, part stress from the environment and part a devastating infestation by the emerald ash borer. That pest will wipe out most of the citys ash trees, which account for about 9% of its public trees. During the last year, city leaders have taken steps to protect and add to Kansas Citys urban forest. In 2023, the City Council adopted a tree preservation and protection ordinance, intended to prevent unnecessary tree removal. The city also promised to plant 10,000 trees by 2026, and in October it accepted a $12 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service to support efforts to increase the density of the citys urban tree canopy. Olathe also got $1 million through the federal program. Under President Joe Bidens administration, the Forest Service has designated $1.5 billion for urban forestry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any portion of those funds that hasnt already been distributed is likely to be pulled back under the next Trump administration. And new funding for trees is unlikely. Thats bad news for the climate, said Vivek Shandas, a professor at Portland State University who serves on an advisory committee to the U.S. Forest Service on urban forestation. In terms of the climate, in terms of a lot of extreme events, Shandas said, were only going to see those increase in intensity and magnitude and frequency in the coming years. Why trees matter The list of advantages of having more trees is long. Trees can cool streets and asphalt parking lots, cutting temperatures in urban heat islands by as much as 20 degrees. They help filter pollutants from the air and absorb carbon, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. And trees mitigate soil erosion and improve stormwater absorption, lessening flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies also suggest that trees contribute to improved mental and physical health, by making the air cleaner to breathe and increasing the chances people will spend time outside. Trees are solutions to a lot of the health issues that we have, said Taylor Neff, a community forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Thats why the federal government has invested an unprecedented amount of dollars into urban forestry. The science backs this up. Trees will be even more important as the climate continues to change, Neff said. Kansas Citys tree dashboard shows the city is more than halfway to its 10,000 tree goal. The Parks and Recreation Department and its contractors are planting trees, and the city also has given away trees for residents to plant on their own properties in an effort to boost the citys tree cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department planted 2,269 trees, but removed 2,100, it said in its annual report. It is unclear what those numbers will be in 2024. But during its Nov. 19 meeting, the Board of Parks and Recreation approved two $550,000 contracts for tree plantings using federal tax dollars. The contracts awarded to American Lawn and Landscaping Inc., a privately owned tree company, and to the Heartland Tree Alliance, a nonprofit affiliated with Bridging the Gap each include agreements for planting 1,000 new trees. At the same meeting, commissioners awarded a $1.7 million contract to Shawnee Mission Tree Service for tree maintenance. Not planting enough Uhlenhuth worries, though, that Kansas Citys planting efforts may be falling short. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our already somewhat small tree canopy is only getting smaller, she told park commissioners during the public comment portion of the November meeting. Im still concerned that were just not planting enough. Uhlenhuth questioned whether the approximately $500 the city is paying per tree is too much. If were going to have any hope of maintaining our tree canopy, she said, weve got to figure out another way that doesnt involve $500 per tree. The city could not be reached for a response. Uhlenhuth gets her trees for free from a St. Louis organization called Forest ReLeaf. The group gets seedlings from the Missouri state nursery, lets them mature to a certain size and then ships the trees all native to Missouri across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trees are free, with just one string: They must be planted on public land. In 2023, Forest ReLeaf was responsible for almost 14,000 trees being planted around the state, including a truckload that arrived in Kansas City in October. A church, neighborhood, nonprofit or individual accepting the free trees, planting them and making sure they get watered and cared for can make a big difference, said Meridith McAvoy Perkins, Forest ReLeafs executive director. Even someone who just plants one tree will help. Its something that people can actually do, McAvoy Perkins said. We could never plant 14,000 trees on our own. All those exponential impacts roll up to a pretty dang lot of trees. A way to help Thats exactly why Uhlenhuth, a retired newspaper reporter, decided to start planting trees around her Volker neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years spent writing letters and sitting in meetings talking about environmental policy, she realized that the words and letters werent doing anything toward actually helping the environment. But planting a tree would. So far, Uhlenhuth guesses shes been involved in planting almost 200 trees in Kansas City. She started near Roanoke Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. But shes also planted some trees Downtown and along The Paseo around 39th Street. Every year she plants more. This year it was close to 80. And along the way she recruits people to help. That includes knocking on dozens of doors every summer to ask strangers if they will water a tree if she plants it in a nearby easement. Many say yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trees are generally a fairly easy sell, she said. People like trees for the most part. She believes her approach could be a model for anyone, like her, who believes the climate is in crisis and wants to do something. It could work for municipalities trying to replenish their forests, too, she said. Uhlenhuths first trees, on the north edge of Roanoke Parks sand volleyball court, already tower over the sidewalk below. The ones that went in the ground last month look like sticks sprouting out of mulch, vulnerable to passing lawn mowers and weed whackers. But Uhlenhuth is confident many of those little seedlings will mature and some day shade the streets and houses nearby. She also knows that she probably wont see that. Someone famous said, We dont plant trees for ourselves. We plant them for the people coming after us, Uhlenhuth said. I totally agree with that. This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 28. Kyrgyzstan's Energy Ministry and Austrian company ANDRITZ Hydro have signed a memorandum of understanding, Trend reports. The document was signed by Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev and Executive Board Member of the ANDRITZ GROUP and CEO Frederic Sauz during Ibraev's visit to Austria. The main purpose of the memorandum is the development of energy projects in Kyrgyzstan. To note, ANDRITZ Hydro, founded in 1852, is one of the world's leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydroelectric power plants. According to the National Statistics Committee of Kyrgyzstan, electricity production in the country amounted to 10,943 billion kilowatts per hour from January through October this year, which is 1.4 percent less than the same period last year. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Republican members of the Onondaga County Legislature have decided not to reappoint their partys Board of Elections commissioner to another two-year term, Legislature Chairman Tim Burtis confirmed to NewsChannel 9. Commissioner Michele Sardo will leave the job after her current term expires at the end of the year. The vacancy will be filled by someone yet to be determined by the Onondaga County Republican Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans cite the desire for fresh leadership on the scathing letter sent to the Onondaga County Board of Elections by the New York State Board of Elections, calling out a backlog of voter registration forms and mail-ballot applications. The co-executive directors of the New York State Board of Elections claimed the backlog threatens the integrity of the upcoming election. At the end of September, the state said the backlog count was 23,382 unprocessed forms. Despite criticism of the offices management, Onondaga County Democrats reappointed their commissioner, Dustin Czarny. Each party, Republican and Democrat, gets to appoint a co-commissioner to be part of the bipartisan leadership of the Board of Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nominations and recommendations are made by the volunteers who make up the party committee, but the partys members of the legislature formally vote to appoint the person. The next Republican commissioner will be suggested by the party before the legislature considers the person with a formal vote. Sardo, who worked at the Board of Elections for years before running the office, was named Republican Commissioner in 2016. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. By Vladimir Soldatkin, Ahmad Ghaddar and Alex Lawler (Reuters) -OPEC+ is discussing postponing its oil output hike due to start in January for the first quarter of 2025, OPEC+ sources told Reuters on Thursday, and will hold further talks on this and other options ahead of its delayed policy meeting on Dec. 5. Issues that need to be addressed include an output hike for the United Arab Emirates agreed in June this year that's scheduled to start in January 2025, two of the sources said, declining to be identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPEC+, which pumps about half the world's oil, is gradually aiming to unwind output cuts through 2025. However, a slowdown in global demand and rising output outside the group pose hurdles to that plan and have weighed on prices. Despite the group's supply cuts, global oil benchmark Brent crude has mostly stayed in a $70-$80 per barrel range this year and on Thursday was trading around $73 a barrel, having hit a 2024 low below $69 in September. Earlier on Thursday, OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies such as Russia, postponed its next meeting on output policy to Dec. 5 from Dec. 1. OPEC said moving the date would avoid a clash with another event. A summit of Gulf Arab countries is due to be held in Kuwait City on Dec. 1 which several OPEC+ ministers plan to attend, OPEC said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sunday does not suit everyone," a source told Reuters before the official announcement. Top OPEC+ ministers have held talks ahead of the meeting. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, de facto head of OPEC, on Wednesday had a phone call with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev while in Kazakhstan on an official visit. Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Russia held talks in Baghdad on Tuesday. OPEC+ on Nov. 3 again postponed its first output hike, which had been set for December, by one month. OPEC+ members are holding back 5.86 million barrels per day (bpd) of output, or about 5.7% of global demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their planned first increase of about 180,000 bpd - a fraction of the total - is due to be made by the eight members involved in the group's most recent cuts of 2.2 million bpd. The UAE, which has been expanding its oil production capacity, also negotiated an oil output hike of 300,000 bpd during 2025 that's scheduled to start in January. (Reporting by Alex Lawler, Vladimir Soldatkin, Maha El Dahan, Ahmad Ghaddar, and Olesya Astakhova, writing by Yousef Saba and Alex Lawler, Editing by David Evans and Elaine Hardcastle) President Bidens just enough strategy on Ukraine one that would provide the weapons it needed to defend itself but not what it needed to win is contributing directly to the worst-case scenario the White House envisioned: nuclear escalation. Bob Woodward wrote in his book War that Russias nuclear arsenal likely deterred the White House team from fully enabling Ukraine to take the fight to Russia. He called nuclear weapons the silent shadow present in all their deliberations. The Biden administration chose the least intrusive strategy to weaken Russia by letting it drown in a conflict of its own making. Without directly threatening the existence of Putins regime, this would allow the U.S. to honor its security assurance obligations to Ukraine under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, for having given up its nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or so the thinking went. But it did not work out that way. To validate this silent shadow, then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley asked his counterpart in the Kremlin, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, under what conditions would you use nuclear weapons? Gerasimovs response solidified Bidens deep-seated anxiety: If theres an attack on Russia that threatens the stability of the regime condition one. Second, is if a foreign power attacks Russia with a weapon of mass destruction so thats chemical, biological or nuclear. Third, Russia reserves the right to use tactical nuclear weapons in the event of catastrophic battlefield loss. It was the third condition the catastrophic battlefield loss that cemented his decision. There would be no Yorktown moment for Ukraine; no decisive battlefield victory though Ukraines invasion of the Russian Kursk Oblast in August 2024, 30 months into the war, does seem to have fulfilled Gerasimovs first condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden attempted to deter Putin from attacking Ukraine by multiple means. He sent his CIA Director, William Burns, to present Putin a letter crafted carefully by the NSC in collaboration with the intelligence agencies to send the message we know without disclosing everything or how they knew it. The same intelligence being presented to Putin by Burns was being shared with NATO partners by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to garner support. In addition, severe economic sanctions were put into place, designed to cut off Russias government from western financing and target Russias elite and their family members. But as an invasion became more imminent, the White House may have been willing to allow a minor incursion one that would permit Russia to seize disputed terrain in the Donbas region to appease Putin and avoid a war. That may have been the basis for Bidens Freudian slip during a White House press conference held on Jan. 19, 2022. He told reporters, I think what youre going to see is that Russia will be held accountable if it invades. And it depends on what it does. Its one thing if its a minor incursion and then we end up having a fight about what to do and not do, et cetera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That comment may have sent Putin a mixed message, thus green lighting his special military operation. Whatever understandings or political arrangements were in play, Putin of course failed to honor them. Given an inch, he took a mile and launched his invasion of Ukraine with upwards of 190,000 troops coming from Belarus, Russia and Crimea on Feb. 24, 2022. One thing Putin is not is inconsistent. His words are meaningless, but his actions are consistent. He will say what he believes his adversaries want to hear, then act upon their naivete. Someone forgot to tell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who turned down an offer from the U.S. to be evacuated from Kyiv, then famously told the world, The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House gave Zelensky and his generals the ammunition they requested, and to everyones astonishment, they were able to repulse the invasion. Now, 33 months into the war, Putin has amassed over 732,350 casualties, turned to his arsenals of evil Iran and North Korea for munitions, ballistic missiles, and drones, and embedded over 11,000 North Korean troops into his formations in the Kursk Oblast, and possibly the Donbas as well. Bidens intentions were admirable, but he got played. In September 2014, Putin said he could take control of Ukraines capital city [Kyiv] in as little as two weeks. In February 2022 he tried and failed. The White Houses management of the war from the Oval Office has been about as effective as Nixons during the Vietnam War. The defensive strategy has resulted in the destruction of Ukrainian population centers, energy infrastructure and the deaths of thousands of civilians. And although the intent has been to avoid a nuclear confrontation with Russia, that is exactly the trajectory this war is on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or at least what Putin wants the White House to believe. After Biden authorized to Ukraine to strike targets in the Kursk Oblast with ATACMS, Putin has publicly lowered the threshold for Russias use of nuclear weapons on Nov. 19. Then he took another step up the escalation ladder on Nov. 21, firing a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Enter Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), President-elect Trumps choice for national security adviser, and the Trump administration. On Fox News Sunday, he asked How do we restore deterrence and how do we bring peace? He also expressed concern about the escalation and where its all going. Three very difficult tasks lie ahead deterrence, peace and escalation avoidance. Trump 2.0 must remain vigilant, for Putins track record is clear. As much as Waltz and Trump may want to negotiate an end to the war, they would be wise to listen to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who said, As much as I would like to believe we can negotiate with a tyrant [Putin], I suspect we may be deceiving ourselves do you think hes gonna stop? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More just enough, however, is not the solution. Deterrence, strategic messaging and naivety failed the Biden administration. Deterrence is achieved through strength not by compromise with a tyrant. Trumps best hand may be his unpredictability, which may be the best deterrent that leads to peace. Above all, though, as we celebrate another Thanksgiving, the Trump administration should take to heart the words of President Ronald Reagan: Let us ask ourselves, What kind of people do we think we are? And let us answer, Free people, worthy of freedom and determined not only to remain so but to help others gain their freedom as well.' Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as an Army intelligence officer. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jim VandeHei, co-founder of the news site Axios, accepted a journalism award last week at the National Press Club and was talking his book a financial term for promoting a stock or investment in supposedly neutral ways that actually helps your own position. Theres a lot of book-talking within the media these days. VandeHei inspired and energized the audience, with a passionate, ad-libbed defense of free and fearless reporting, according to an unbylined write-up about the speech in his own media outlet. We do it because it matters, he said, yelling at times. The work that we do matters. VandeHei got literal applause from the hosts and his fellow panelists on Morning Joe for his passionate defense of his profession when he appeared on Monday. Critics of the press are feeling more empowered than ever, said host Joe Scarborough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not far-fetched to think Scarborough was thinking about a single billionaire critic of the press more than any other when he praised VandeHei aiming his critique at X owner and first buddy Elon Musk. The rant from MSNBCs morning show host comes as Musk is currently engaged in a bit of trollery over the prospect of buying the very network on which Scarborough appears five mornings a week. It had begun as a joke from Donald Trump Jr. after it was reported that MSNBC was one of the many cable networks getting spun off into a separate company from Comcasts core properties. It then became meme material for Musk teasing an interest in running the liberal cable channel that boasts such talent as Rachel Maddow. The story has now become fodder for outlets like CNN to take seriously, with media correspondent Brian Stelter reporting this week that Musks supposed interest is adding to the anxiety that MSNBC staffers are feeling about the reelection of Donald Trump. Stelter also reported that other benevolent billionaires (unlike the terrible Musk, apparently) have inquired about purchasing the distressed media asset too and, more importantly, that MSNBC is not at all for sale and is simply part of a cable-bundle company that is a tax-free spinoff from the main property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the reality is that Musk was never going to buy MSNBC in the first place. The network is a legacy news dinosaur, perhaps only one era younger than fossils like CBS News and ABC News, but barely more relevant. Musk is interested in media and freedom of speech broadly. Hes had fun with his toy, the social media site X. But owning a cable news channel even just for the fun of replacing Scarborough or Maddow with a Shiba Inu DOGE dog would be neither a smart business move nor a particularly fun endeavor. But Musk has been talking his book recently, too. In the minutes after Trumps victory, Musk posted on X likely literally from Trumps side, where he had been at Mar-a-Lago all evening a phrase that set the establishment press into hysterics: You are the media. That post, seen more than 106 million times, according to Xs analytics, has hit a nerve with the journalists who are the media for a living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From within their bubble, the Acela media missed the Trump wave once again in 2024, just like they had in 2016. They tried to make Vice President Kamala Harris happen and, like fetch, it just wasnt happening. But their failures dont make some random poster on X the media. And Musk should be happy his platform doesnt represent the media, as this is the central conceit of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which protects social media companies by defining X, Facebook and YouTube as platforms rather than publishers. That makes these companies exempt from the legal repercussions of what users of the sites post. If people who post on X are on the same level as CNN or the New York Times, Musks company would be exposed to the same legal liability these publishers face, for example, in defamation lawsuits. At the same time, trust in the press is at all-time lows. Why would you even want to be the media, anyway? And that is even more reason why you wouldnt want to try to rehabilitate a dying media brand on a platform linear television that is seeing churn with each passing week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres growing agita among the overall media about the language coming out of Musk and the Trump team related to fourth estate norms and institutions. Trump Jr. teased that discussions are underway about allowing more independent media outlets into the White House briefing room, possibly by kicking out some of the less friendly legacy outlets. Well see if this fairly irrelevant reshuffling takes place at all. In the meantime, Musk will continue poking the establishment media bear, and the bear will react in predictably hysterical ways and all of it will be performance. Its yet another exhibit in the growing list of reasons the public is losing trust in the self-absorbed clowns at the helm of an industry shedding relevance and influence by the day. Steve Krakauer, a NewsNation contributor, is the author of Uncovered: How the Media Got Cozy with Power, Abandoned Its Principles, and Lost the People and editor and host of the Fourth Watch newsletter and podcast. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Media have become more important and invasive in our lives than ever. Whether online, TV, video, wireless or wearable devices, Americans cant seem to survive more than a few minutes without it. It thus stands to reason that a newly established Federal Communications Commission led by incoming Chairman Brendan Carr will expand the agencys reach into areas where more and more Americans are engaged. As such, it could become as important and intrusive in our lives as the very media it regulates. Under Carr, there will be a few overarching principles that will guide the agencys direction less regulation, unfettered consolidation and America First. But there also will be some new practices that will shape its profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can expect Chairman Carr to reconfigure the vast amount of power that FCC bureaus now have and to centralize that decision-making in the office of the chairman. Currently, bureaus wield extraordinary power to deny or approve satellite and broadcast licenses, levy fines and penalties, and derail deals on procedural grounds that often determine outcomes, as in the Tegna-Standard General travesty. Whereas consumer issues have held sway at the FCC since Barack Obama, the new FCC is sure to rebalance the scales in favor of business. The commission has relied on a number of advisory groups whose members include public interest and industry representatives to inform their decisions on consumer issues. Although valuable, these groups are likely to be streamlined or sidelined altogether. Removing restrictions on broadcast ownership should be among the first items to pass, a decision that will allow leading TV station groups like Nexstar (which acquired The Hill in 2021), Sinclair and Fox Television to better compete in a changed and competitive market. They have been clamoring for a more current definition of the media market, which includes the panoply of new competitors. In fact, Commissioner Carr wrote in Project 2025 that rapidly evolving market conditions counsel in favor of eliminating many of the heavy-handed FCC regulations that were adopted in an era when every technology operated in a silo. These include many of the FCCs media ownership rules, which can have the effect of restricting investment and competition because those regulations assume a far more limited set of competitors for advertising dollars than exist today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In keeping with its jurisdiction over industry mergers, the new FCC promises to be much less hostile to companies seeking to consolidate. That alone should encourage the mergers and acquisitions deals that have been sitting on the sidelines awaiting a more favorable regulatory environment. But not all mergers will receive a light touch. One such deal that will come under closer scrutiny in the new regime is the proposed ParamountSkydance merger. Earlier this year, Paramount (owner of CBS) and National Amusements entered exclusive negotiations with Skydance Media for a three-way deal to consolidate their media assets in a deal valued at $28 billion. Chairman Carr has signaled that he will look very closely at the Paramount merger, for a number of reasons. Normally, the FCC would limit its review to the transfer of broadcast licenses owned by CBS a rather pedestrian inquiry. But CBS and Paramount have several issues that have caught the attention of the incoming chairman, beyond the mundane license transfers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, the decision by 60 Minutes producers to edit the broadcast interview with Vice President Kamala Harris has been flagged as possible interference in the election, which could be subject to FCC action and fines. President-elect Trump has suggested that the networks broadcast license should be revoked. While that outcome may not pass legal muster, Carr wants to take a closer look. Earlier this month, Paramounts largest Class A shareholder, Gabelli Asset Management, in an unusual move for a major shareholder, asked the FCC to pause its review of the merger. Gabelli wants more time to look into the fairness of the merger to minority shareholders and has concerns about National Amusements controlling stake in Paramount. The concern is that Paramount is paying three different CEOs tens of millions of dollars on the one hand, while cutting essential costs on the other. In a multibillion-dollar merger, these are fair questions. Paramount is also involved in a prolonged contract impasse with leading audience measurement firm Nielsen, which has the media industry concerned. Advertisers, ad agencies, media buyers and content providers point out that Paramount has decided to use a less expensive and less reliable measurement system from VideoAmp that does not measure all audiences, or worse yet ignores rural and diverse viewers altogether. And if there is any demographic group that Chairman Carr cares about, it is rural Americans who often go overlooked and underserved. At a time when advertising drives all media, lacking accurate audience numbers affects the bottom line. None of this makes Paramounts business judgment look very sound, and in an increasingly fractured media market, undercounting any audience has proven to be financially unsustainable, leading to measurable revenue loss for advertisers and content providers. To the extent that these things affect viewers, prices and competition, closer scrutiny by the FCC and even Congress is fair game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FCC is bound by statute to uphold the public interest a legally ambiguous standard if there ever was one. But it is that standard which makes its review of the proposed $28 billion Paramount-Skydance merger all the more compelling, assuming a public interest nexus can be established. We also should expect the new FCC to function more like an activist SEC. Securities regulations are always changing to meet the demands and dynamics of the market, and the new FCC could follow that successful model, albeit with a lighter touch. Having served at the FCC as a legal adviser, commissioner and now chairman, Carr has the institutional credibility to be politically courageous in consolidating power and effecting change. Congressional oversight hearings, normally a cause for angst at the FCC, should be a warm and friendly status check for Carr. And while the Chevron doctrine has been overturned, the agency should be able to hold its own in the appellate courts. Meaningful pushback from Big Tech and consumer groups is unlikely to find favor, let alone prevail, in the new FCC. This does not mean that consumers are unimportant. Nor does it mean that industries like telco, broadcast and satellite will get a complete pass. But it does mean they are much more likely to get their priorities handled in short order, which would be a marked and welcome change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With unfettered opposition from the House, Senate and executive branch, the FCC under Carr could establish both procedural and substantive precedents that will be in place for decades. For the tech sector, change will be in the air. For investors, telco and media companies, a more predictable regulatory approach should be a breath of fresh air. And for viewers and consumers, the agency promises to be leaner, meaner and a much more present part of American life than ever before. Adonis Hoffman writes on business, law and policy. A former adjunct professor at Georgetown, he served in senior roles in the U.S. House of Representatives and at the Federal Communications Commission. Hoffman and Carr served concurrently as legal advisers to FCC commissioners from 2013 to 2015. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. What does a small, solidly Republican city in Oregon have in common with Californias largest liberal enclaves? All breathed a sigh of relief this year thanks to the far-right U.S. Supreme Court. The courts conservative bloc ruled in favor of the city of Grants Pass, Ore. , in June, overturning a key lower court ruling on homelessness and clearing the way for local governments to crack down on sleeping in public spaces regardless of the availability of housing or shelter. Californias response to the ruling has become a vivid reminder of not just the intractability of the homelessness epidemic but also the tension between national liberal politics and local policy in Democratic-dominated states and cities. Some 186,000 people across California lack consistent shelter. Roughly 84% of the states voters believe homelessness is a very serious problem, a Quinnipiac University poll found, and Democrats and Republicans were in similarly broad agreement on that assessment, at 81% and 85%, respectively. In that light, its not surprising that California officials have wasted no time since Grants Pass in implementing their preferred solution to the homelessness problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Opinion: I was homeless. Gov. Newsom's order to dismantle encampments is outrageous From San Diego to San Francisco , state and local workers began disassembling makeshift shelters and camps and displacing the homeless people living in them. Within days, entire blocks were remade across the state. Residents rallied to social media platforms such as Reddit and Nextdoor to exchange strategies for getting homeless encampments removed from their own neighborhoods. Other California residents have taken the Supreme Courts ruling and Democratic officials exuberant co-sign as further evidence of the nations growing disdain for societys most marginalized. Reports spread of homeless people being ejected from campsites with little or no warning , their pets taken away and medications lost , among other indignities. The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have condemned the Grants Pass ruling. The chief executive of the National Alliance to End Homelessness said it set a dangerous precedent . But the precedent set by California Democrats has arguably been far more dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the initial waves of the Golden States housing crisis, in the late 1970s, Democratic politicians were reluctant to be seen as overtly antagonistic to the states homeless people, many of them veterans of the nations wars in Vietnam and Korea. But as the homeless population has grown and diversified, officials have faced deepening NIMBY sentiment not just in Californias well-heeled liberal cities but also in Democratic-leaning working-class communities that increasingly experience the highest rates of homelessness and related problems such as loitering and blight. As a result, anti-homeless policies have become more politically appealing despite being painfully at odds with inclusivity and other virtues Democrats signal on the national stage. Read more: Opinion: Why Black people are overrepresented among L.A.'s homeless population Addressing the housing crisis has been a quintessential and enduring social justice cause for Democrats, encompassing themes that tend to unify the party, including health, economic and racial equity. According to one survey , 82% of homeless adults in California reported having experienced a serious mental health condition, and 65% had used illicit drugs at some point. The states Black people are disproportionately affected by homelessness : Despite making up only about 5% of Californias total population, they represent roughly 25% of its homeless people. Such statistics helped liberals frame homelessness as a product of Republican policies weakening social services and promoting unchecked capitalism. But that view has lost support as homelessness has become more dramatic and visible over the last decade. In some of Californias liberal enclaves, homeless encampments have become full-blown tent cities. Scenes of squalor, drug use and petty crime have spawned a subculture of gonzo-style documentary videos racking up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. San Francisco and Los Angeles have the most prominent crises, inviting scrutiny of the latter citys readiness to host the 2028 Olympics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats conundrum is whether authorities should roust, fine and imprison people residing in public spaces in the interest of answering the broader communitys quality-of-life concerns. Critics have argued that such criminalization is a cruel distraction and that more affordable housing is the only way to meaningfully address the crisis. Gov. Gavin Newsom and his predecessor, Jerry Brown, devoted billions of dollars to homelessness prevention and affordable housing even as the homeless population generally continued to grow. Newsom was quick to seize on the conservative Supreme Courts permission to put punishment ahead of housing, warning cities that if they dont remove encampments, they risk losing state funding . San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who just lost a reelection bid partly because of concerns about homelessness, likewise promised to be very aggressive in removing encampments. Never mind that those displaced by the states homeless sweeps often end up occupying another nearby space and returning at a later date. So how did we get here? Californias ruling Democrats have tried to have it all ways, largely cultivating and tolerating deeply bureaucratic housing development standards while amplifying a booming tech industry populated by employees willing to pay top dollar for homes, dramatically boosting prices. And although Newsom and others have heralded emergency housing and other measures to answer the crisis, the total capacity is far short of the unhoused population. Thats partly because new facilities are often rebuffed by cities such as the L.A. suburb of Norwalk, which recently enacted a moratorium on homeless shelters . Reducing and preventing homelessness, whatever the underlying motivations, is one of the few civic concerns that bind the political parties together in an age of stark polarization. Beyond the obvious moral merits of the cause, it could provide a road map to arrive at bipartisan solutions for other challenges facing the state and country. Unfortunately, the consensus on homelessness is coalescing around a prescription with little chance of long-term success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerel Ezell is an assistant professor of community health sciences at UC Berkeley. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. In 1744, leaders of the Iroquois Confederacy met with representatives of several British colonies to negotiate a treaty. One of the Native Americans, an Onondaga diplomat named Canassatego, pointed out that the colonies could learn from their alliance, which dated back hundreds of years. "Our wise Forefathers established Union and Amity between the Five Nations; this has made us formidable, this has given us great weight and Authority with our Neighboring Nations, he said. We are a powerful confederacy, and, by your observing the same Methods our wise Forefathers have taken, you will acquire fresh Strength and Power." The speech was included in a collection printed by Benjamin Franklin, who later mused in a 1751 letter to a friend that it would be a very strange Thing if the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, were able to form a union and not ten or a Dozen English Colonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are some of the facts cited by supporters of the Iroquois influence theory, which holds that the Native American alliance was an inspiration for the U.S. Constitution. Its adherents further point to similarities in everything from federalism and the impeachment process to the use of the bald eagle and a bundle of arrows as symbols. Within the field of history, this theory is a subject of some dispute. Historians have picked apart various pieces of evidence and claims about the specific influences that the Iroquois may have had on the delegates to the constitutional convention. And to be fair, some of the scholarship put forward for the Iroquois influence over the years has been overstated or thinly sourced, though no one would argue that the framers were not aware of the Iroquois example. As Kirke Kickingbird, co-author of "Indians and the United States Constitution," once said, imagining that the framers weren't influenced by Native Americans would be like saying the Germans and the French didn't know each other. That influence is worth contemplating on Thanksgiving, a day that acknowledges the debt that all Americans owe to the people who were here first. The Europeans who came to North America were from countries that had largely run into an authoritarian dead end, overseen by rulers with absolute powers to dictate how their subjects lived and died. Here, the European settlers discovered a vast array of alternatives, including hereditary rulers, ones chosen only after careful debate, leaders who governed by consensus as well as those whose powers were limited to the hunting season or by a tribal council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even those Europeans who wanted to defend their system had to grapple with the existence of these alternatives in America in philosophical treatises that in turn influenced American democracy. Many responded by inaccurately casting Native Americans as living in a sort of anarchy, a "state of nature" that, they implied or outright declared, European society had outgrown. English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, whose "Leviathan" defends the absolute powers of a king, described the lives of such unfortunates as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" as they lacked the supposed comforts of an all-powerful ruler. But reformers, too, were preoccupied with America. As he outlined his objections to the divine right of kings in his "Two Treatises of Government," the English philosopher John Locke described life before the invention of private property by comparing it to the New World. "In the beginning," he wrote, "all the world was America." Other Enlightenment thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu also wrote about the state of nature in ways that made it clear they were thinking about America, too. There are plenty of differences, of course, between the Iroquois Confederacy and the U.S. Constitution. The framers of Constitution were also influenced by European sources as varied as ancient Greece, the Roman Republic, the Hanseatic League and Swiss cantons. And the Enlightenment was driven by the spread of coffeehouses and libraries and the rise of a middle-class merchant class, among other things. But to acknowledge all these influences does not mean rejecting the notion that Native Americans were also in the mix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The encounter between Europeans and Native Americans that began in the 15th century changed both forever profoundly, in ways both good and bad. The introduction of the horse allowed the Plains Indians to flourish, while diseases like smallpox wiped out entire tribes. Europeans picked up new staple crops like potatoes and tomatoes as well as an addiction to tobacco. Sequoyah was inspired to create the Cherokee written language, while European military strategists were influenced by Native American battlefield tactics. It's clear that this also included an exchange of ideas on how people should be governed and the proper limits of power that we are still grappling with today. So as we give thanks for the turkey and the corn this Thanksgiving, let us also take a moment to appreciate the gift of these ideas as well. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com On Election Day, voters delivered at least one clear message: Remove the policy roadblocks standing in the way of greater fossil energy production, American oil and natural gas in particular. The reason is obvious: The efficient production of more fossil energy yields huge economic benefits for millions of working Americans and for the productivity of the economy as a whole. Voters focused on energy policies played a central role in this election, particularly in such battleground states as Pennsylvania and Michigan. Pennsylvania is second only behind Texas in natural gas production among the states. The Biden administration has worked against the expansion of natural gas exports, and Vice President Harris attempt to reverse her earlier pledge to ban fracking was less than wholly convincing. Pennsylvania voters could easily see that even without a ban little would prevent a President Harris from unleashing the regulators, the net effect of which would be severe constraints on domestic energy production. And the pause on new LNG export projects would be likely to continue, justified on whatever shifting and inconsistent rationales for a pause served that end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm confirmed recently that the Department of Energy will soon release a study on liquefied gas exports. Any such study would allow opponents of new LNG export projects to challenge approvals granted by the Trump administration, thus pouring more sand into the approval process. There is tremendous room for improvement under the direct control of federal officials. New leases for exploration activities on federal lands (and waters) declined from 1841 in 2019 to 144 in 2023, as the Biden administration endeavored to offer as few leases as allowed under federal law. The incoming Trump administration can and will ramp up leasing on federal lands, leading to an increase in oil and gas production on federal lands after a lag of two to four years. There also is the energy security issue, of particular importance in the context of expanded U.S. LNG exports as a competitor to natural gas and LNG from producers in Russia and the Middle East, sent to U.S. allies in Europe and Asia. The instabilities, hostilities, terrorism threats and politicized delivery interruptions from such sources are not imaginary. U.S. LNG exports enjoy a large inherent competitive advantage precisely because of the solid stability of U.S. production and exports. The Biden suppression of new LNG export projects simply throws that advantage away, without any compensating benefit to anyone except Russia and the Middle East producers. What justifies such a perverse result? Those are among the central reasons that Mr. Trump carried Pennsylvania after having lost the state in 2020. It is clear also that Dave McCormicks narrow defeat of long-time Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey would not have happened without the LNG pause and incoherence characterizing Harris energy platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider Michigan, still the major center of automobile production and employment in the U.S. The Biden administration regulatory attempt to force a large shift toward electric vehicles a substitution of central planning in place of market forces has yielded large financial losses for the automobile producers and a real threat of layoffs for thousands of skilled, blue-collar workers at GM, Ford and Stellantis. The adverse indirect employment impacts are severe also, affecting the entire universe of designers, engineers, toolmakers and other professionals providing critical services to the automobile producers. Vice President Harris failed to clarify her position on the Biden EV mandate policy even as it was obvious that it would impose large costs on the Michigan economy and communities, and even with polls showing deep opposition among voters generally. David Schor, a pollster with Blue Rose Research, said at an event held by the Breakthrough Institute last summer that when he presented voters with a set of Biden administration signature actions, the EV mandate was the one that literally makes people more likely to vote for Republicans. And so again it is not surprising that Trump carried Michigan with nearly 50 percent of the vote, after having lost the state in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elected officials are interested first and foremost in being elected. One path toward that goal was made clear in the recent election: The efficient production of natural gas and other forms of conventional energy is a driver of strengthened economic growth, while policies to suppress its production are deeply harmful to ordinary working Americans. Benjamin Zycher is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trumps return to the White House will mark the end of a nascent partnership between the federal government and Native American communities on the management of federal land and water resources that are claimed by those communities. Instead, Trump has promised a raft of policies to open federal lands for business opportunities and to put more of them under private management. His pick for Interior secretary, Gov. Doug Burgum (R-N.D.), has deep connections to fossil fuel companies and makes clear the incoming administrations intentions to open more land for oil and gas drilling. The federal government controls nearly one-third of the countrys land area, and land under state and local government ownership adds to this total. Essentially all of those lands were previously claimed by Native Americans and many still are. These communities have been calling for the expansion of a model of land and water stewardship that directly involves tribes in management and preservation. The Biden administration encouraged tribal management of several federal tracts of land in recent years. In June 2022, for example, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service formalized a partnership with a group of five tribes to co-manage Bears Ears National Monument. And last month, the government and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration designated the countrys third-largest marine sanctuary, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of California. It was a landmark moment for indigenous communities and a win for environmental conservation in an area of rich marine life. The sanctuary will be co-managed with tribal partners, especially the Chumash people, whose ancestral territory encompasses the sanctuary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joint land and resource management with government partners is short of what most indigenous communities prefer. It is a far cry from the return of the territories that were wrested from them during American settlement. A thicket of thorny political and legal issues makes it unlikely that much of this territory will be directly returned to these communities in the near future, though there has been some progress in that direction. One of the most significant recent cases involved the return of nearly 12,000 acres of federal land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota. But this case stands out in part because of its rarity. Most Native American petitions for land returns have gone unmet. The obstacles are far fewer in extending partnerships to indigenous groups to help manage these lands. These partnerships give indigenous communities greater land access and an ability to protect and steward what are often culturally and spiritually significant lands. This is deeply meaningful and could act as a stepping stone toward greater control over ancestral lands. Other countries have demonstrated a path toward making this work at a far larger scale than has occurred in America. Australia has given its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities land management and stewardship roles around the country in recent years. First Nations people now have rights or ownership in slightly over half of Australias land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The degree of control varies. Some communities, such as the Yolngu on the eastern coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, have achieved rights approximating ownership in key areas such as Blue Mud Bay, a culturally significant bay that is also a productive commercial fishery. Others, like the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people in Queensland, have returned to managing ancestral lands in partnership with the government. South Africa has moved in the same direction since the end of apartheid. Alongside a large program of land restitution and land reallocation to Blacks who suffered forced removals during apartheid, the government has also partnered with indigenous communities to manage lands and resources where outright land returns are impractical for political or economic reasons. For instance, the government has recognized claims by the Makuleke people to ancestral homelands within Kruger National Park and has partnered with them to manage portions of the park. Partnerships for indigenous land and water management can also provide revenue opportunities for these communities. In Australia, one-quarter of permit revenues to visit the famed Uluru rock formation, also known as Ayers Rock, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park goes to supporting the Aboriginal community that calls the area home. Arrangements like this can provide indigenous communities with much-needed resource streams to help reconstitute frayed tribal life and languages in the aftermath of decades of disruptive and destructive settlement policies. Opportunities to cultivate partnerships like these abound in America given the nations vast collection of federal lands and waters. In addition to their cultural importance, these partnerships also represent an economic opportunity for tribes that aim to nurture their tribal memberships and steward their ancestral homelands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a simple and long overdue first step in repairing relationships with the traditional inhabitants of the land. But it is one that is poised to halt under the second Trump administration. Michael Albertus is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and author of the forthcoming book Land Power: Who Has It, Who Doesnt, and How That Determines the Fate of Societies. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An Orange County man accused of killing his girlfriend and taking her remains into Georgia appeared before a judge on Wednesday. On Oct. 27, investigators with the Orange County Sheriffs Office said 41-year-old Jorge Quintero murdered his girlfriend, Carmen Escalante-Carrera Quintero dismembered the victim, put her remains inside of a suitcase and drove to Georgia before discarding the suitcase on the side of the highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: City of Orlando and Fire Union battle over response times Eventually U.S. Marshals intercepted Quintero just after he crossed into Alabama. Marshals shot Quintero during that encounter; a report stated. Read: AAAs Tow to Go aims to keep the roads safe from impaired driver this Thanksgiving holiday Quintero was transported back to Orange County after recovering for the past three weeks from his gunshot wound. Quintero is being charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held in the Orange County Jail. Read: Princess Cruises Love Boat departs from Port Canaveral for first time Orange County man kills girlfriend, discards dismembered body in Georgia, deputies say Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 28. Kyrgyzstan and Belarus aim to significantly increase bilateral trade to $500 million over the next three years, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. This issue was discussed at the 12th meeting of the Kyrgyz-Belarusian intergovernmental commission on trade-economic, scientific-technical, and cultural cooperation in Bishkek. The meeting was led by Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev, while Belarus was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak. The meeting pointed out that the trade turnover between the two countries for the first nine months of 2024 reached $68 million. Paying particular attention to the restoration of direct flights between Minsk and Bishkek, the meeting highlighted recent-year increasing interest from Belarusian citizens in visiting Kyrgyzstan: in 2023, about 5,000 Belarusian citizens visited the country, and over the first eight months of 2024, over 4,000 people traveled to Kyrgyzstan. To note, Kyrgyzstan's total foreign trade turnover amounted to $12 billion in the first 10 months of 2024, up 8.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Exports totaled $2.7 billion, up 28.2 percent, while imports reached $9.2 billion, an increase of 3.7 percent compared to the period from January through September 2023. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel CHICOPEE, Mass (WWLP) Domestic violence situations tend to increase around holidays but there are resources in our area for those who may be experiencing interpersonal violence. Chicopee city councilor allegedly receives death threats following recent council meeting Chicopee Police and Fire responded to West St Tuesday morning where they found a 21-year-old woman killed and a 28-year-old man with a laceration on his neck. That man is in police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From what I have been briefed this afternoon to understand, it was an act of domestic violence, Chicopee Mayor John Vieau said in a statement sent out Tuesday night. Mayor Vieau described the scene as horrific and not a random act of violence. In the United States, every 1 in 3 women who is a victim of homicide is killed by a current or former partner. We are providing the next steps to a new life, said Elizabeth Dineen, the CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. She said there can be a stigma around getting help in a domestic violence situation. People are embarrassed sometimes to seek services because they feel as though they have failed or somehow there is going to be a stigma attached to them because they couldnt work the problem out with their partner, said Dineen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The YWCA provides free services including individual and group therapy and programs for children who experience or witness acts of domestic violence but can also help men or women who need to get out of a living situation. The YWCA of Western Massachusetts also has a shelter where they can provide housing for someone who may be in imminent danger. Through donations, they can also provide clothes for those who may need some. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Thousands of veterans gravesites at the Dayton National Cemetery were bare during the holiday season last year. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, an organization called Senior Veterans is working to change that this year. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Veterans leaders said 57,500 of the 62,000 gravesites at the Dayton National Cemetery were bare Christmas morning in 2023. When a wreath is placed on the gravestone, the name on that gravestone is read aloud. So, its a wonderful thing, CEO of Senior Veterans David Bolser said. The organization has been placing wreaths on veterans gravesites for six years. Imagine this, its Memorial Day. You go to a national cemetery and 80% of the graves dont have an American flag. Its the same thing, Bolser said. Bolser said they are accepting donations for $17 wreaths. The organizations goal is to place a wreath on every gravesite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its truly giving back to those who have given the most and its the purest form of Thanksgiving, giving thanks, Bolser said. Donations are being accepted until Dec. 13 and the wreaths will be placed on gravesites on Dec. 14. To donate, click here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Allison Herrera Osage News Assistant Principal Chief RJ Walker remembered the day when he heard the Osage Nations application to put their 43,000-acre land into trust was approved. I think I was in my office, and I dont want to say it was hollered about, but it was, Hey, everyone, the fee to trust application has been approved, Walker said with a smile. Walker reminisced about driving to Hutchinson, Kans., in 2016 with then Assistant Chief Raymond Red Corn to make the $74 million bid for the Osage Nation Ranch. Walker was an Osage Congressman at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a historic deal and its in trust forever on behalf of the Osage Nation, he said. The United States of America now has a responsibility that it is taken care of, and we are taken care of, and it can never be sold. A fee-to-trust land acquisition is the process where a Native American tribe or individual transfers ownership of land they currently hold in fee simple (private ownership) to the United States government to be held in trust for their benefit. Trust Land has special legal protections and benefits specific to tribal sovereignty, such as exemption from state and local jurisdiction, exemption from state and local taxes, and greater control of resources and land management for the tribe. A historic bid In 2016, Walker and Red Corn were on a tight timeline to purchase what was then called the Bluestem Ranch from media mogul Ted Turner after theyd heard rumors it was going to be on the market. It went up for private auction after Christmas in 2015 with only thirty days to submit a bid. Red Corn worked the phones over the holidays, got the Osage Congress together while Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear wrangled lawyers and bankers to get enough money to purchase back what was once Osage land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, more than eight years later the Nation has made history by signing a fee-to-trust acquisition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for that land. Its reportedly the second-largest trust acquisition in United States history. The largest is Santa Ana Pueblos fee-to-trust land acquisition of the Alamo Ranch in New Mexico for more than 60,000 acres in 2016. This was one of the largest parcels of land in Osage County with prime tallgrass perfect for cattle grazing. But the purchase was going to be expensive. Standing Bear, two years into his first term at the time told Red Corn, he was prepared to bid the maximum amount. And thats what they did. During the signing ceremony, Standing Bear recounted how he instructed Osage Nation Police to be ready to take the bid up to Kansas if Walker and Red Corn were to get into an automobile accident and couldnt make it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told Raymond, Just hold that bid out the window and then Nick (Osage Nation Police Chief) is going to send somebody to pick it up, and youre going to get to Kansas and were going to file it in time, Standing Bear told the audience who laughed. Fortunately, both Walker and Red Corn made it safely and did get the bid into the land brokers office just before the deadline. Red Corn recounted the entire affair to Bloomberg on the In Trust podcast and said that both men remembered getting the call on the drive home to Pawhuska telling them they were the highest bidder, they had the ranch. Fee to Trust The Nation filed the first fee-to-trust application in 2016 but was told there was too much environmental damage after more than a century of oil and gas production. The Bureau of Indian Affairs believed that the environmental degradation of the land would create a liability for the agency under federal environmental laws. There are laws that explain that landowners are responsible for cleanup of any damage, but many have left and have been gone since the days of the oil boom in Osage County. Standing Bear said he sought help from Congressman Frank Lucas and Senator Lankford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing Bear recounted the conversation before his speech about the first application. He goes BIA says you cant put it in trust because of all this environmental damage, but also environmental damage happened when they were in charge to make sure everything was not damaged I go, Yes, sir. And he goes, well, that doesnt make sense then I go, thats what we think, Standing Bear said. It was resubmitted in 2023 after the 8th Osage Nation Congress approved it. Despite the initial bump in the road with the BIA, agency staffers such as Katie Yates Free and Osage Agency Superintendent Adam Trumbly, both Osage, and BIA Regional Director for Eastern Oklahoma Eddie Streater, were critical to the historic acquisition. Trust status Now that the land is in trust, it cannot be sold or hampered by any legal or financial burdens but only preserved for future generations. The Osage Nation also has criminal jurisdiction over the land, another important step toward tribal sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before it was privatized, the 43,000 acres were historically original Osage allotments. And before they were allotments, it was land purchased by the Osage from the Cherokee and held in title by the Osage. Before Turner owned the land, it was owned by Chuck Drummond, grandson of Cecil Drummond and included a parcel of land owned by William Hale, who deeded it to Cecil before he went to prison. Now, its back in Osage hands. That makes Assistant Chief Walker very proud. For me personally, one of my biggest desires as an Osage, as an elected official, is to purchase our land back, Walker said. Walker said that land in Osage County is getting expensive, but the Nation is still looking to get back more of it. The simple reality is that theyre not making any more land. And we sit in one little spot in this world and its the Osage Nation, the Osage Reservation, and were taking it back little by little, he said. In this case, it was a big bite. PEORIA, Ill (WMBD) A Thanksgiving tradition in Peoria brought thousands of runners downtown Thursday morning. The annual Chocolate Turkey 5k Race kicked off at 8 a.m. Over 2,000 runners laced up for this years race. The race is put on by Adam White and RC Outfitters, in partnership with Elite Community Outreach in Peoria. Runners dressed as turkeys or wore turkey hats as they raced through downtown in the frigid temperatures. Hot cocoa and chocolate turkeys were at the finish line for racers to enjoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This race is different from years past because the race is raising funds for Elite. Elite is a Peoria program that helps teach children about character, respect and job skills. What grocery stores are open for Thanksgiving 2024? All the money raised will go towards helping Elite, as they plan to renovate a building for a new and bigger location downtown. Character-building ELITE program getting a new location in Downtown Peoria Carl Cannon, the CEO and founder of Elite, was there to cheer on runners. This is 30 years in the making, and we started approximately 30 years ago talking to kids about making good choices, Cannon said. Im just try to warm up with what the heart strings of hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Elite location will be located at the corner of North and Randolph, near the hospitals. The building will go through renovations starting in Spring. Its ours. Its theirs. Its the communitys, Cannon said. Were gonna do a lot of stuff for kids, for adults, seniors, people that need a second chance. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) After seeing a significant decline in overdoses during the beginning of the year, West Virginia recorded the fewest overdose calls last month than it had in years. The West Virginia Department of Health said in October that overdose deaths are expected to be more than 25% lower than last year, and data from the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) says that October law the lowest number of overdose calls since before 2018. Overdose deaths have also been declining since October 2023, according to ODCP data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative of SOAR WV, a community group that promotes the health and dignity of people impacted by drug use, said in a press release that the group believes that the decline in overdoses is in part because of efforts to normalize naloxone distribution and expand harm reduction. How is medical cannabis grown in West Virginia different from delta-8? This isnt just a story of numbers going down its a story of the people of West Virginia, of communities coming together, to save each other, Co-Director Joe Solomon said. In late September 2024, Save a Life Day distributed 30,000 naloxone doses across West Virginia, and Healing Appalachia distributed 20,000 at its benefit concert in Lewisburg. Those efforts distributed a third of naloxone doses distributed in the state so far this year, according to SOAR WV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Packers join forces with Salvation Army to support Red Kettle donations with autograph events GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) The Green Bay Packers have announced they are supporting the Salvation Army this holiday season by signing autographs for fans in exchange for donations to the Red Kettle campaign. In a press release, the Packers announced that players will be signing autographs for visitors in the Lambeau Field Atrium from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., which started on November 18 and will continue for several weeks. On Monday, December 2, AJ Dillon, Bo Melton, Quay Walker, and Evan Williams will be signing autographs. Local News Salvation Army kicks off annual Christmas campaign in Green Bay The Packers say theyre helping the Salvation Army reach its donation goals for 2024 by asking fans to donate a minimum of $50. The current schedule is as follows: November 18 at 5:30 p.m. Kenny Clark, Rasheed Walker, and Kingsley Engabare December 2 at 5:30 p.m. AJ Dillon, Bo Melton, Quay Walker, Evan Williams December 9 at 5:30 p.m. Players TBD December 16 at 5:30 p.m. Players TBD The Packers press release states that any changes will be shared through their social media accounts as each event is subject to change. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistani police have levelled multiple charges against imprisoned former premier Imran Khan, his wife and others for inciting people to violence, officials said Thursday, following days of protests and clashes in which at least six people were killed and scores more were injured. Khans wife Bushra Bibi led thousands of people from the country's northwest to march on the capital Islamabad to demand the release of Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023. Khan already has more than 150 cases against him but supporters say they are politically motivated. Bibi, a spiritual healer, fled when police launched a midnight raid Tuesday to disperse thousands of demonstrators. She was out of prison on bail in a graft case when she led the protest from northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said police arrested nearly 1,000 demonstrators since Sunday in and around Islamabad. At least six people, including four security personnel, were killed when a vehicle rammed into them, according to Islamabad police which has blamed Khan supporters for the deaths. Police issued charges against Khan, Bibi and others in Islamabad and the city of Rawalpindi under Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws. Authorities accuse them of inciting people to attack security forces and disrupting the peace. Khan faces more than 150 cases against him but his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI, says it will continue to push for his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Planning and Development Minster Ahsan Iqbal and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told international media that Khan supporters "wanted to take over the capital and that some of them were carrying weapons. These were seized when the midnight raid was under way, they said. Iqbal said security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. He dismissed the PTI's claim that some Khan supporters died from police firing live bullets. He added that it was not a peaceful rally because the protesters used guns. The rally came after 42 Shiites were killed in the northwestern Kurram district earlier this month when gunmen opened fire on convoys of buses and cars. Retaliatory attacks in Kurram also left dozens more people dead. Also on Thursday, eight people were killed in new sectarian clashes in Kurram, local police official Salim Shah said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Islamabad police filed terrorism charges against a journalist, Matiullah Jan, on Thursday after his family said he was abducted by unknown men. Police say Jan, who is now in police custody, refused to stop at a checkpoint and he had snatched a gun from an officer. Police also alleged that Jan was drunk when arrested, a charge he denied. It's the latest turmoil to rock the country since Khan's ouster in 2022. Pakistans Stock Exchange lost more than $1.7 billion on Tuesday due to the political tension, but it recovered from on Thursday by surpassing 100,000 points for the first time. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the rebound was a sign of an improving economy. ___ Associated Press writers Riaz Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report. More than 1,600 people grabbed their running shoes and hit the pavement early Thanksgiving morning for the 16th Annual Turkey Trot Race at Palm Beachs Bradley Park, organizers said. For the second year in a row, 29-year-old Taylor OHara of Jupiter was the first overall female finisher in the 5K, with a time of 19:46. Joseph Berrafati, 25, was first overall male finisher with a time of 16:59. Berrafati also is a repeat winner of the race, having taken the top spot in 2018 and 2019. The top two finishers for the 10 respective male and female age divisions also won trophies, with every participant receiving a Turkey Trot medal upon completion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some raced for glory, many joined the race as a holiday tradition, like the family of Royal Palm Beach residents Beau and Lisa Marburger. All 18 members of the family, including Beau and Lisa, wore matching crimson T-shirts emblazoned with the familys team name, Beau and Co. Our brother-in-law was a triathlete. So one year, we were all going to participate in a Turkey Trot, since its his holiday, and he didnt know the whole family was going to join until he opened up his present and saw our registration, said Gisele Bracciale Ho, Beaus sister-in-law. "Ever since then, any race we run, even if he's not there, is under Beau and Co. Runners take part Thanksgiving morning in the Town of Palm Beach United Way's 16th annual Turkey Trot. More than 1,600 people took part, race organizers said. Spread out across the U.S., the family members of West Palm Beach resident Beth Cannata take turns hosting the Thanksgiving celebration. Regardless of who's hosting, the family always turns up for the local Turkey Trot race. We rotate every other year, so sometimes were in Palm Beach, Austin or Chicago, said Cannata, who joined her family in wearing matching fall-colored tutus. We dont always come dressed up, but we do like having a little flair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Beach Police Chief Nicholas Caristo and Fire Rescue Chief Sean Baker joined their colleagues for the race, all of whom were decked out in matching T-shirts and hoodies provided by the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation. Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore also made an appearance, counting down the race. She later joined former Mayor Gail Coniglio and passed out Turkey Trot medals to the out-of-breath participants. Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore watches the race while co-chair Francesca Coniglio Finck, holds Willamina, 1, during the Town of Palm Beach United Way 16th annual Turkey Trot at Bradley Park on Thanksgiving morning. The races high turnout also meant thousands were able to celebrate the holiday with a hearty meal, with the race proceeds raising a total of $72,660 for the Town of Palm Beach United Way. That money went to 27 local nonprofit agencies, allowing them to provide 6,288 meals to those Palm Beach County residents in need. Its definitely a really big year, especially compared to the last two years, said Francesca Coniglio Finck, who co-chaired the event with her husband William Finck, plus sister Gabrielle Coniglio Fricker and her husband Scott Fricker. Which is really beautiful to see, because our purpose is to give back to the community, so the more people that join, the more were able to give back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sold-out event, which started at 7:30 a.m., also included music, a Kids Drumstick Dash, a raffle drawing, as well as local vendors Pumphouse Coffee Roasters and Aioli selling drinks and bakery treats. Children prepare to run in the Kids Drumstick Dash during the Town of Palm Beach United Way 16th annual Turkey Trot at Bradley Park on Thanksgiving morning. This years race was unwritten by Premier Sponsors Livingston Builders Inc. and Schwartz & Kavekos P.A. Title Sponsors were Douglas Elliman Real Estate | Lisa Wilkinson + Cara Coniglio McClure, Findlay Galleries and Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation. Platinum Sponsors include Bruce Gendelman Insurance, Christian Angle Real Estate, Crest Air, Hedrick Brothers, Pumphouse Coffee Roasters, and Wendy Martinez Legacy Project. Barron International Group, Beebe Law, Boast, Cafe LEurope, Caraccio Pools, Centerpoint Construction, College Admissions Counseling Group, Flagler Technologies, Hotel Planner, and Surovek Gallery were Gold Sponsors for the event. Diego Diaz Lasa is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at dlasa@pbdailynews.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot at Bradley Park brings 1,600 runners BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 28. In a move aimed at protecting citizens from financial fraud, the Board of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan adopted a regulation, introducing a cooling-off period for online loans, Trend reports. The cooling-off period is a timeframe during which the bank refrains from disbursing funds to the borrower, giving the client the opportunity to cancel the loan and terminate the agreement. This measure is intended to protect borrowers in cases where a loan may have been taken out fraudulently, for example, if scammers have obtained the loan in the client's name. The length of the cooling-off period will depend on the loan amount: Loans between 15,000 (approximately $172) and 50,000 soms ($576): 3 hours; Loans between 50,000 and 100,000 soms ($1,152): 6 hours; Loans over 100,000 soms: 24 hours. Additionally, during the cooling-off period, financial institutions will be required to make a confirmation call to the borrower for loans exceeding 100,000 soms to verify the client's consent to the loan. If the confirmation call is not made within the required timeframe, the bank will not be able to disburse the funds. When more turkeys are pardoned than people, the exercise becomes a cruel joke for the many New Jerseyans who are or have been incarcerated, writes the Rev. Amos Caley. (Courtesy of Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way's office) By the Rev. Amos Caley Each Thanksgiving, a photo op positions a governor or president alongside a turkey or two to bestow a pardon, as millions of Americans sit down to devour their turkey brethren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pardoning a turkey may be staged as a light-hearted bit of whimsy, but when more turkeys are pardoned than people, the exercise becomes a cruel joke for the many New Jerseyans who are or have been incarcerated. Executive pardons have a long history, allowing presidents and governors to pardon people for punishments they have received. This power is imbued with the value of mercy and forgiveness, recognizing that people may change over time and that acts previously considered criminal can become socially acceptable. Beyond the executive power of pardons, the values of redemption and mercy live deep in the fabric of society. Rabbinic sages assert that repentance existed even before the creation of the world, because the possibility of overcoming transgressions preceded the transgressions themselves. Every Sunday, Christians recite the Lords Prayer, in which they are reminded to unconditionally forgive those who trespass against us. The pardon, in other words, is an appeal to our highest moral aspiration. To forgive is part of what makes us human. And this is where the turkey pardon photo op goes from fun joke to cruel farce. As a nation and a state, we have fallen well short of our values. In the face of mass incarceration, pardon rates have actually fallen, rather than keeping pace with the growth in the number of citizens behind bars. Presidents in recent years have underutilized pardons, while using their power to settle scores or protect political allies. Here in New Jersey, the gubernatorial power of clemency through commutation or pardon has been used sparingly, and too often for politically underhanded reasons. Only 105 pardons have been issued in New Jersey over the past 30 years, with not a single pardon issued over the last 8 years. To put this in greater perspective: we have given more second chances to turkeys than to incarcerated New Jerseyans since 2018. Clearly, our thirst for retribution has superseded our belief in redemption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When more turkeys are pardoned than people, the exercise becomes a cruel joke for the many New Jerseyans who are or have been incarcerated. the Rev. Amos Caley To his credit, Governor Murphy has moved forward with a new clemency initiative to help jump-start New Jerseys pardon process and help many whose applications have been stuck in limbo to find a second chance. These changes will, I hope, bring relief to the thousands of New Jerseyans who have served their sentences and returned to their communities. But the fact remains that our state still has little to no statutory process for reviewing applications and ranks among the worst in the nation in pardon grants. And the onerous process of waiting for pardons that may or may not be coming is cruel. This Thanksgiving, I pray that our states lawmakers and administrators express not only gratitude, but also contrition. In the end, it is the state that should be requesting a pardon for its complicity in mass incarceration. At its peak New Jersey held nearly 1 in 200 of its own residents in cages, often for low-level and non-violent offenses. Although the number of people in prison and jails has declined steeply since the late 1990s, the long shadow of mass incarceration lingers on public policy and economic opportunity for those who suffered its consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of a spirit of contrition, Governor Murphy needs to make good on his promises to issue pardons and commutations, and soon. But while we wait, New Jersey lawmakers should consider the Rehabilitative Release Act (S2338/A4463), which would offer sentencing reviews and early release for incarcerated senior citizens who have served more than 20 years in prison. This legislation was recently listed by the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission as one of its four policy recommendations. The turkeys on stage have done no wrong; the pardon they are issued is merely a fabricated reprieve. Forgiving those who have transgressed upon us, upon our friends, neighbors and families, is much harder. But we elect political leaders to make hard decisions, to live the values of our society, and yes, to believe that justice and mercy are bound together. Lets practice mercy this Thanksgiving not in purely ceremonial ways, but in our everyday life. Lets build and promote practices and rituals and policies that uphold the imperishable value of human life. Lets commit to living compassionately as a state, and may our laws and statutes reflect our shared belief that forgiveness is more transformative than vengeance. The Rev. Amos Caley is pastor at the Reformed Church of Highland Park and organizer of the Second Look NJ coalition. Ronen and Orna Neutra are gathering this Thanksgiving with friends in Long Island, New York, for a moment of quiet reflection as their son Omer, an Israeli-American citizen, continues to be held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. For us, its no holiday. Our holiday table is empty a second year in a row. Omer is not there, Ronen Neutra said in an interview with CNN on Wednesday. We are hoping this is the last year that we are in this situation. After the US helped secure a ceasefire this week between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Neutras expressed hope the development could serve as a time to refocus on securing the release of their son and the other Israeli-American hostages remaining in Gaza. They said President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump each have their own strengths and should jointly work to secure a hostage deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have two presidents. Were calling on them to work together, Orna Neutra said. The hostages dont have time to wait until Inauguration Day. While they welcomed the ceasefire deal in Lebanon, the couple expressed some frustration that the agreement was not coupled with the release of the hostages in Gaza. We have seen that attention both in Israel and around the world was taken from the war in Gaza to the war in Lebanon in the last four or five months, and that was a concern to us, Ronen Neutra said. But at the same time, we are disappointed that it was not combined with a hostage deal, which is really the most urgent element right now. We consider it a missed opportunity. In their talks with administration officials in recent weeks, the Neutras said Bidens team indicated reaching an agreement regarding Lebanon would isolate Hamas and could push them back to the negotiating table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking forward to that being a reality, Orna Neutra said. In announcing the ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday, Biden said the US would make another push to achieve a hostage deal, including working with Israel, Qater, Egypt and Turkey. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday the administration believes the Lebanon agreement provides a newfound opportunity for movement on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, though he offered no predictions on when or how that could come together. The Neutras, along with other families of Americans held hostage by Hamas, have spent the last year pushing US and Israeli officials to secure a hostage deal to release their loved ones. The couple delivered remarks urging their release at the Republican National Convention in July. Four Americans, including Omer, are still believed to be held hostage, and the bodies of three Americans remain in Gaza. Omer Neutra, from Long Island, New York, is among the IDF soldiers kidnapped by Hamas, his parents and synagogue have told CNN. - Courtesy Midway Jewish Center The hostage families are hoping to meet with the Biden administration in the coming weeks to discuss the renewed push, the Neutras said. The families have yet to speak with Trump or his picks for key national security posts since the November 5 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are calling on President Trump to seize the moment and reach what we are calling a Reagan moment, said Ronan Neutra, referring to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, when Tehran released the remaining Americans held captive shortly after President Ronald Reagan was sworn in on January 20, 1981. Bidens fresh commitment to renew efforts to end the conflict in Gaza comes one year after the US played a key role in a multi-day ceasefire agreement that resulted in the release of more than 100 hostages in Gaza, including young American Abigail Edan. Its been a year since the last release, Orna Neutra said. Use all your leverage. This is your moment. As they prepare to gather this Thanksgiving, the Neutras are continuing to hold out hope a hostage deal could come to fruition as other holidays are around the corner, noting the first day of Hannukah falls on Christmas this year. How wonderful it would be to have the hostages back by then, Ronen Neutra said. That should be the goal. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DENVER (KDVR) If youre heading into the Denver International Airport on Thursday, driving may not be the best option as the airport said all the parking lots and garages were full. Before Thanksgiving, the parking at DIA was filling up. The Pikes Peak Lot and multiple off-site garage lots were full before noon Wednesday. Many travelers reported parking problems, and FOX31 found that parking at DIAs west garage took over 20 minutes. Snowstorm affects travelers in Colorado ahead of Thanksgiving Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday around 8 a.m., the airport said on its social media that all the lots and garages were full. On the website, the parking availability said the seven lots people park and either walk or take the shuttle to the airport are full. The only lots that were open as of 9 a.m. are the short-term east, short-term west and the cell phone Llot, all of which dont allow overnight parking. While the lots are full as of Thursday morning, there are plenty of other ways to get to the airport. How to get to DIA The airport offers many ways to get to and from the airport without parking. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport suggests regional buses, taking the train from downtown, pre-arranged charter buses, public buses, car shares, ride shares and commuter shuttles. The airport also recommends taxis on its website. Meanwhile, travelers told FOX31 they took an Uber to get to the airport. If you are still planning to park, the airport recommends travelers look into offsite shuttle parking information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A passenger who injured an American Airlines flight attendant while trying to exit a plane in mid-air has been federally charged, authorities announced on Wednesday. Abdul-al-Jabbar Oloruntoba Olaiya, 29, has been charged with interfering with a flight crew by assault or intimidation after the alleged attack on board a flight that landed at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport on Nov. 19. About two hours into the flight from Milwaukee to DFW, Olaiya became frustrated with the flight attendant, who was working in the forward galley, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told law enforcement they heard Olaiya tell the attendant he was captain of this flight and needed to get off the plane, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said in a news release. Olaiya allegedly charged the flight attendant in an attempt to access the planes exit door. The attendant used her body to shield the door and was injured in the scuffle, authorities said. Other passengers rushed to help the employee, and they subdued Olaiya and restrained him by duct-taping his wrists and ankles, according to a DFW Airport police report. More top stories from our newsroom: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman arrested in hit-and-run death of 13-year-old Lawsuit: DNA test reveals woman switched at birth Biscuit restaurant closes on South Main Street [Get our breaking news alerts.] With about 30 minutes left in the flight, the pilots decided to continue to DFW Airport and called the tower for priority landing, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. After the plane landed, police officers responded and removed Olaiya, who was taken to have a mental evaluation, authorities said. The flight attendant was taken to a hospital with injuries to her neck and wrist, according to the police report. If Olaiya is eventually convicted on the charge, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBIs Dallas Field Office and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we thank our team members and customers for managing a difficult situation, Fort Worth-based American Airlines said in a statement. ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) Wednesday kicked off one of the busiest travel days for the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it expects more than 18 million passengers for Thanksgiving travel. Im coming in from High Point, North Carolina, said passenger Raquel Cave at Regan National Airport (DCA). Raquels mom welcomed her with tears of joy. Charles County restaurant gives back to community ahead of Thanksgiving Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know Im still crying, said mother Diane Cave. Just glad to have her home. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 80 million people are expected to hit the roads or hop on a flight for their Turkey celebrations, setting a new record. Between Wednesday and Sunday alone, the TSA said it expects to screen over 3 million people. Passengers waiting in line at DCA. (Tim Reid/DC News Now) One DCA passenger made sure to pack patience with her on Wednesday. Im positive, said passenger Maria Able. Just sat in traffic for a while. Just leaving early. Harold Dean said he planned his flight at a certain time to beat the traffic. I know afternoon time, he said. Early afternoon usually is when you have a little window to get in without the traffic being so heavy. And of course, in D.C. after about 3:30 p.m. to about 7 p.m., its crazy out here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patricia Ellis and her husband flew into D.C. Wednesday afternoon from the Bahamas to spend the holiday with family in Silver Spring, Md. I love the weather and I love the coldness in the air and just being with family. I am here to visit my aunt who is celebrating her 90th birthday thats special since she is the last in the line, Ellis said. BWI among the 10 worst airports for on-time Thanksgiving travel: report Howard University student Savannah Solomon is also eager to get home to see her family. She flew out of DCA and is headed all the way to Arkansas. I think going through the holiday is stressful but its rewarding since I am a student in college and trying to get through finals. Its going to be nice to relax and spend time with my family. Ive been away from them for so long, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Baltimore resident also said she hasnt seen her family in a long time, making the traffic and long lines worth it. I havent been home for Thanksgiving since 2021. So this is a first in a long time and I am excited about it, Wesley Hamilton said, waiting for her flight to Georgia. Diane Cave emphasized how thankful she is that her daughter landed just in time before the poor weather is expected to move in. Its just going to be a wet Thanksgiving. Well make it, she said. Well make it to our dinner. According to FlightAware.com, there have been more than 14,000 delays across the country Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Several tourists and crew members were rescued after a diving boat capsized off the Egyptian coast in the Red Sea on Monday. Five of the 33 rescued passengers survived for 30 hours in air pockets inside the yacht before they were found. Witnesses reportedly said that an abnormally huge wave struck the boat early Monday morning, causing it to capsize as those on board screamed from inside their cabins. There were 36 passengers and 12 crew members staying on the vessel. We had never seen anything like it before. It hit the boat suddenly and caused it to shake violently before it capsized, one crew member said. We tried to alert the passengers but there was very little time. Four passengers, including the captain, were found dead after a boat sank in the Red Sea on Monday. The 13m wooden-hulled vessel sank left Egypts Port Ghalib on Sunday before sailing 46 nautical miles off the shore of Marsa Alam. At around 5:30 AM on Monday, it sank in approximately five minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as the incident occured, Captain Alaa Hussein who was found deceased on Tuesday sent out a distress signal. A widespread search involving the Egyptian army and navy was quickly launched, during which 28 people, including two British nationals, were rescued from the yacht, some of which were airlifted to the hospital for medical assistance. One British survivor told investigators that it was dark when the boat sank. Water surrounded us. I tried to swim up but the current was too strong and I felt like I was choking, the passenger continued. What saved me was my life jacket, which kept me on the surface until the rescue teams arrived. 28 people were rescued shortly after the vessel sank on Monday morning, including two British nationals. Youssef Al-Farmawi, a crew member and diving instructor, survived 30 hours in the capsized boat after running to help a man and a woman in their cabin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youssef was their diving instructor and they were trapped in a cabin but the water flooded the boat. However, about 20 centimeters inside the cabin were still not flooded, which helped them breathe and stay alive until the rescue teams arrived, his father told The Times. Two others also managed to use air pockets to survive overnight in the water before being found by Egyptian naval divers. Four others were found dead, including the captain. The other three victims have not been identified. Egyptian rescue teams say they were continuing to search for the seven people still missing, including two British nationals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sinking follows a slew of safety issues plaguing tourist boats along Egypts east coast, a popular diving tourism destination. Dive Pro Liveaboard, the company running the disaster-stricken trip, has suffered two other sinking incidents in the past three years after fires broke out during expeditions. An employee at a Los Angeles-area Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant was infected with hepatitis A, meaning patrons have possibly been exposed to the highly contagious disease. The infection was reported at the Monterey Park location at 4000 Market Place, and confirmed by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health. Because of the symptoms the employee exhibited while at work, the department recommends anyone that ate at that restaurant between Nov. 13 and Nov. 22 receive a hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A Getty Images According to the department, receiving the vaccine within 14 days of exposure could help reduce the chance of infection. Vaccination is not necessary for those who have already completed the vaccination, or have contracted the disease previously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those looking to receive the vaccine should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider. The department said its working to ensure other employees at that Buffalo Wild Wings location will receive vaccinations if theyre not already immune. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and affects the liver. While rare, it can cause death. Symptoms include fever, weakness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, and diarrhea. It can spread when a person unknowingly consumes objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. PRESIDIO, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) The Presidio County Sheriffs Office is asking the public for assistance in locating two suspects on the run after a pursuit on Wednesday evening. According to PCSO, deputies from the Sheriffs Office and officers from the Presidio Police Department were involved in a pursuit on OReilly Street. Deputies said a black SUV evaded a stop by Border Patrol and hit a law enforcement officer. Four out of the six suspects were taken into custody. Officers seize more 20 pounds of cocaine at Presidio port of entry Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidio County Sheriffs Office is seeking assistance in locating two individuals who remain on the run on foot. If you see anything suspicious in the area, you are encouraged to contact the Sheriffs Office immediately at 432-729-4848. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A pedestrian has died following a crash in the east Las Vegas valley. The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday along Nellis Boulevard near Twain Avenue. Las Vegas Metro police told 8 News Now the pedestrian was walking across Nellis Boulevard south of Twain Avenue when they were hit by a vehicle. Pedestrian hospitalized after crash in south Las Vegas valley The pedestrian was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 8 p.m., Nellis Boulevard was closed in both directions between Flamingo Road and Twain Avenue, according to RTC of Southern Nevada. Drivers should avoid the area. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 28. Somon Air has taken to the skies, launching regular flights on the Dushanbe-Doha route in partnership with Fly.Tj. ticketing company, making waves in the aviation pond, the statement of press service of the Somon Air said, Trend reports. The flights are scheduled to operate weekly on Thursdays. The scheduled departure from Dushanbe is at 09:00, while the departure from Doha is set for 12:20 local time. The duration of travel between the capitals of Tajikistan and Qatar is 3 hours and 50 minutes in one direction, while the return journey takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. The Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900 aircraft will operate on this route. The flights between Dushanbe and Doha are anticipated to significantly enhance bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Qatar, particularly in the areas of commerce, culture, tourism, and humanitarian collaboration. To note, "Somon Air" is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the national carrier of Tajikistan, which also flies to Germany, UAE, Turkiye, China, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania restaurant was ordered to pay $184,000 in back wages, damages, and penalties after an investigation found they withheld tips. The U.S. Department of Labor says Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pittsburgh unlawfully kept a portion of the tips earned by workers, allowing managers to participate in the restaurants tip pool. Allowing managers to participate in the tip pool is a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Labor says the investigation focused on Sly Fox Pittsburgh Taphouse and Sly Fox Pittsburgh Brewery. The company also operates pubs in Berks, Montgomery, and Chester counties. The restaurant was ordered to pay $84,710 in owed wages, pay civil penalties of $15,435, and pay $84,710 in liquidated damages. Restaurant workers often make low wages and depend on every dollar earned, including tips, to help support themselves and their families, said Wage and Hour District Director John DuMont in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Restaurant employers must ensure that tipped employees receive their full pay, in compliance with the federal law. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here This legal action recovers the workers hard-earned wages and sends a message to other restaurant employers that violations come at a cost, said Philadelphia Regional Solicitor of Labor Samantha N. Thomas. The U.S. Department of Labor is prepared to use every tool available, including litigation, to prevent employers from depriving workers of their wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A 911 caller told police a woman was beating a child in the middle of the street 11 days later, police found one of her children dead in a dumpster, raising questions about possible missed opportunities for help. Diaja Smith, 23; and Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24, are charged with murder in the death of their 2-year-old son, Jacoby Robinson Jr. Each faces additional charges of child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm involving another son, records said. Police suspect Jacoby died on June 6 before Smith allegedly put his body in the dumpster near Lewis Avenue and 14th Street near Downtown Las Vegas. Eleven days earlier on May 25, a woman called 911 saying she witnessed Smith beating one of her children near a bus stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A voice that cannot be heard We have a total stranger that spoke up for a voice that cannot be heard and look at where we are, Gracie Martin, Jacoby Robinson Sr.s mother and Jacoby Robinson Jr.s grandmother, told the 8 News Now Investigators. Police suspect 2-year-old Jacoby Robinson Jr. died before his mother, Diaja Smith, 23, allegedly put his body in the dumpster near Lewis Avenue and 15th Street on June 6, 2024, documents said. (KLAS) Videos Martin shared show her playing with Jacoby and his younger brother in the year before Jacobys death. Martin said she had not seen the children since October 2023. Police located Jacobys body inside the dumpster hours after Smith called 911 reporting him missing. Police said the boys body showed significant signs of physical injury to [his] head, torso and buttocks, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to find my baby, a distressed-sounded Smith said in the 911 call the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. Hes only two. I turn my back for one minute and he was gone, Smith told the dispatcher. Diaja Smith, 23; and Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24, are charged with murder in the death of their 2-year-old son, Jacoby Robinson Jr. Each faces additional charges of child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm involving another son, records said. (KLAS) OK, and did you hear your son at all? Like, yell or anything? the dispatcher asked. No, I started calling him and yelling and hes not answering me, Smith said. I walked around yelling his name and hes not answering me I didnt hear him scream. It got so quiet out of nowhere. It got quiet. Police arrested Smith on a charge of open murder the next day. Only an animal would discard their own child the way that he was discarded, Martin said, clutching an urn containing Jacobys remains. Martin said she cared for Jacoby when he was a baby. She now lives out of state. Gracie Martin takes a picture with her grandson, Jacoby Robinson Jr., when he was in her care. (Gracie Martin) I kiss him every morning and every night and tell him that I love him, Martin said. I just dont want him to be alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police suspect Smith beat Jacoby and his younger brother with a belt and power cords, documents said. Smith denied ever hitting the children and said Jacoby had suffered a seizure the day before his death, documents said. Robinson faces a murder charge because, under Nevada law, a person who witnesses the crime also faces the same charge. As part of their investigation, detectives reviewed video surveillance from the night Jacoby was reported missing. Video from Smiths apartment complex shows her carrying one child, with two children, including Jacoby, in a stroller. Police note in the report that Jacoby was not moving in the video and suspect he was already deceased. Another video showed a woman, who police said was Smith, walking out of frame and toward a dumpster. The video then records the sound of a dumpster closing. Smith then walks by the camera with two children, not three. While preparing to search Smiths apartment, police said Robinson climbed into the apartment through a window, documents said. Police then detained him for a no-bail warrant for a battery domestic violence charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson told police he had witnessed Smith abusing one of their children in the past, documents said. On the day of Jacobys death, Smith allegedly beat the child with a belt, Robinson told police. Police added they found matches in the stroller, suggesting Smith may have thought of burning her sons body, they said. Prosecutors also alleged that Robinson was with the child after the beating and saw the child throwing up and helped Jacoby get vomit out of his mouth and nose before he went back to sleep. No other child thats in CPS care or anybody elses car deserves to be in an urn or to be buried, Martin said. Its just been history and years of abuse that CPS whether it was in Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma; shes been known to abuse her kids because theyve been taken before. Clark County Family Services declined to comment on the parents history, this case of Jacobys death, citing state law. The only public regard referencing the case is a child fatality report filed with the state in June that matches Jacobys date of birth and date of death. (KLAS) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson and Smith share five children, Martin said. Two older children were taken from their custody and live in Texas. CPS history and the prior incident Clark County Family Services declined to comment on the parents history, this case of Jacobys death, citing state law. The only public regard referencing the case is a child fatality report filed with the state in June that matches Jacobys date of birth and date of death. The document said the department received a report in 2022 about neglect, leading them to remove children from their caregivers. On April 1 two months before Jacoby was put in the dumpster the department deemed Smith an appropriate caregiver and reunited her with her children: Jacoby, his younger brother and a baby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 25 seven weeks after regaining custody of her children the woman made the 911 call reporting Smith beating a child near Maryland Parkway and Charleston Boulevard. The child in question is Jacobys younger brother who was 22 months old at the time. Theres a lady thats beating a baby he has to be if hes two Im surprised, the caller said. And shes physically hitting the child? a dispatcher asked. Yep. He fell under the stroller, the caller said. Hes walking on the side. He fell under the stroller. The one that shes beating the most is the one in the red T-shirt. A police officer found the family minutes later at a bus stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hey, is everything all right? the officer asks Smith in body camera video the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. Smith tells the officer the child fell in the street. Do my kids look beaten up to you? she asks the officer. I just got them back from foster care everythings fine. Is it? the officer asks Smith. Yes, she said. Minutes later, the officer closes out the call, writing in a computer dispatcher log that there are no signs of 424 the code for abuse or neglect. (KLAS) Photos taken of Jacobys body and of his sibling in the hospital after Jacobys death show marks and scratches in various states of healing covering their bodies. Detectives call them loop marks because they are often the result of charging or extension cords. Prosecutors note the boys did not have any injuries in photos taken of them in the months prior when the children were in foster care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just got my kids back two weeks ago? Got them back from where? CPS? That would have been the thing got them back from where? Martin questioned. Hes fine sir, I can promise you hes fine, Smith tells the officer as Jacobys brother frightened and confused walks into his mothers arms. Its an action the officer notes when he is back in his cruiser and as he talks with another officer about what to do next. Do my kids look beaten up to you? Diaja Smith tells a Las Vegas police officer responding to a 911 call reporting abuse. (KLAS) He doesnt look like hes, one officer says on body camera before another chimes in: He went into her arms, too. Minutes, later the officer closes out the call, writing in a computer dispatcher log that there are no signs of 424 the code for abuse or neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven days later my grandson gets dumped in a dumpster like hes nothing, Martin said. They had an outlet that day and my grandson had to go out in the most despicable way by the hands of his own mother. The importance of reporting Michelle Saldivar, an outreach coordinator with Prevent Child Abuse Nevada, stressed the importance of the initial 911 call. We always say, Call and make a report, Saldivar said. In cases where there is child abuse or neglect, that doesnt necessarily mean that there isnt a lack of love or care between the parent and the child. Diaja Smith holds her then-22-month-old child who police suspect was also the victim of abuse. (KLAS) Saldivar also noted the hope is that the work, whether from a mandated reporter or a police officer. Im not sure if there was follow-up done after, thats where my mind goes to, what could have been done after? she said. Clark County Family Services nor Metro police answered that question after repeated requests for comment. Just the phone itself coming in saying this child had been hit with either a closed fit or open fist either one that was the number one red flag being called in, Martin said, questioning why more was not done in the hours after the May 25 police response. Shes going to get her day that she deserves I know that hating her is not going to bring Jacoby back, Martin said about Smith. Shes going to get her day that she deserves because he got his. If he didnt mean anything to her, he meant something to me and to do him like that and to see him in that dumpster thats something I will never be able to get out of my head again. Jacoby Robinson Jr.s remains sit in an urn, which Gracie Martin keeps close. (KLAS) Martin said she does not know if her son was aware of the abuse and believes the agent that gave Smith custody is to blame. She was preparing to become a grandmother again because she said Smith is pregnant with her sixth child. In an interview with the 8 News Now Investigators in July, Robinson denied involvement and blamed Smith. Robinson claimed he was trying to come up with a plan to leave with his children but also said he did not know about the severity of the abuse. Smith has declined interview requests, but she sent a letter to Robinson from jail earlier this summer where she revealed non-public information about the murder, prosecutors said. I feel so bad because I feel like I wasnt doing the same for you, I was just on autopilot trying not to crash, a detective read from the letter to the grand jury, according to transcripts. [Expletive], why didnt I listen when I said no more whoopings when you told me to stop whooping the kids. I really hope you can forgive me. Love deep down I really do. I cherished every moment with you. I wish I cooked us one last meal. Im sorry I wasnt thinking right. The 8 News Now Investigators attempted to contact the 911 caller. That person did not return a text message regarding this story. Both Robinson and Smith have pleaded not guilty to their charges. A trial was scheduled for next summer and a judge previously denied setting bail. A death review committee determined the Clark County District Attorneys Office should not seek the penalty should a jury convict them. Resources aimed at preventing child abuse are available at preventchildabusenevada.org. 8 News Now Investigator David Charns can be reached at dcharns@8newsnow.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. In November 2024, Pete Hegseth, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, came under scrutiny for his past, in which a woman had accused him of sexual assault. In response, Snopes readers and various online posts raised another action from Hegseth's past varied claims that he had either published or written a college newspaper column that said sex with an unconscious woman was not rape. The claim appeared on X, along with a screenshot of text from the alleged article. The X post stated Hegseth was responsible for publishing such a column: "Pete Hegseth published a column in college that claimed having sex with an unconscious woman is not rape. The piece published by Hegseth claimed that rape required both the failure to consent and 'duress,' and women who are passed out cannot experience 'duress.'" (X user @JuddLegum) One post on X claimed Hegseth wrote the column himself: "[Hegseth] wrote an article for his college newspaper stating that having sex with an unconscious woman isn't rape. Why? Because the criteria for rape isn't met. Well duh, she's unconscious and can't say no or fight back." (X user @LittleS61138811) The quoted column stated: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [A] bemusing yet mandatory orientation program, revolved entirely around whether an instance of sexual intercourse constituted "rape." The actual instance portrayed in the skit was in fact not a clear case of rape at least not in my home state. (In short, though intercourse was not consented to, there was no duress because the girl drank herself into unconsciousness. Both criteria must be satisfied for rape. Unfortunately, the panelists never cited any legal definition of rape.) Yet the panel all females in the session I attended claimed that rape it was. In short, Hegseth did publish such a column while he held the role of publisher of The Princeton Tory magazine. To be clear, he did not write it himself. The column was written in the September 2002 issue by another student, John Andrews. We reached out to Hegseth to learn more about his role in the decision-making process for the magazine's content back then. We will update this story if we get more information. Was Hegseth The Princeton Tory's Publisher? Hegseth, who graduated in 2003, was a student at Princeton University and the publisher of The Princeton Tory magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We found the quoted section on Page 9 of the September 2002 issue of the magazine, which describes itself as "the sole voice for conservative and moderate students at Princeton University." The writer, John Andrews, wrote (emphasis, ours): Furthermore, the leadership's will to indoctrinate is demonstrated by such fiascoes as the aforementioned "Reflections on Diversity" and also "Sex on a Saturday Night." The latter, a bemusing yet mandatory orientation program, revolved entirely around whether an instance of sexual intercourse constituted "rape." The actual instance portrayed in the skit was in fact not a clear case of rape at least not in my home state. (In short, though intercourse was not consented to, there was no duress because the girl drank herself into unconsciousness. Both criteria must be satisfied for rape. Unfortunately, the panelists never cited any legal definition of rape.) Yet the panel all females in the session I attended claimed that rape it was. Regardless of technicalities, this esoteric incident was the sole focus of the presentation. The panel ignored the mundane yet profound moral issues surrounding sexuality with which the student is confronted on a daily basis. The administration does the student body a great moral disservice when it implements a program covering the logistics of the one-night-stand, in a very permissive manner, while ignoring the metaphysics. To summarize, Andrews was saying that because the girl was not resisting force or threats, and because she was unconscious, it was not a clear example of rape. The second page of this issue of The Princeton Tory has a welcome note from Hegseth as the publisher. He wrote: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is our hope that the Tory will, in some way, help shape the way you view the world. If you're conservative, please write if not, please read. We believe that conservative ideas minimal government, personal responsibility, traditional family values, and a strong military are the cornerstone of any strong society. And while academia has turned its back on most things traditional and conservative, we present our views as a challenge to those who attempt to build a new world by destroying many of the qualities we value in our civilization. In Princeton Alumni Weekly, an official alumni-focused magazine from the university, a November 2024 article described Hegseth when he was an undergraduate publisher of The Princeton Tory. He was critical of one women's organization on campus, and his magazine also published a letter mocking a campus Pride event: In his year as Tory publisher, he sought to "'legitimate conservatism as a philosophy' and 'facilitate a campus discussion,'" he wrote at the close of his term. He went on to detail the kind of political philosophy he would later espouse as a Fox News anchor, decrying those who call conservatives intolerant of "gays, feminists, and atheists" and praising conservatives' "tangible solutions for societal ills." "By advocating government support of the traditional family unit, a return of the acceptability of the 'homemaker' vocation, freedom from oppressive government oversight, moral responsibility, and the revival of religious faith, conservatives provide a working blueprint for a free and prosperous future," he wrote. During his term as Tory publisher, Hegseth was critical of the Organization of Women Leaders (OWL) on campus, even running a cover story featuring an illustration of an owl in a gun's crosshairs. In his 2020 book, American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free, Hegseth detailed his interactions with OWL members, describing an episode where they endorsed a male candidate for Undergraduate Student Government president on the basis that he was pro-choice, over the female candidate who was pro-life. PAW could not independently confirm this claim; Prince articles at the time don't mention abortion as a campaign issue. "Through that experience," Hegseth wrote in 2020, "I realized that old-school feminism (you know, actually fighting for women's equality) was dead and leftism had taken over." Support for studying the Western canon surfaced in his missives, as well as LGBTQ issues. In October 2002, under Hegseth's leadership, the "Tory editors" published a note mocking pride events on campus: "Hey, boys can wear bras and girls can wear ties until we're blue in the face, but it won't change the reality that the homosexual lifestyle is abnormal and immoral." In sum, while Hegseth did not write the aforementioned article about rape, he was publisher of The Princeton Tory when the issue in question was released. Publishers generally focus on and are responsible for a magazine's editorial and commercial direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes reached out to the magazine to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the publisher. Alexandra Orbuch, the current publisher at The Princeton Tory, said via email that the roles of the publisher change with each magazine administration: The responsibilities of each member of the publication's masthead vary between administrations, so it's difficult to say what the Publisher role entailed in 2002. Currently, the Editor-in-Chief role is more focused on content and editing, while the Publisher role is more focused on organizational and fundraising needsthough content remains part of the Publisher's purview to some extent. But, again, as this was over 20 years ago, I cannot speak on behalf of Pete or provide specific insights into his decisions. The roles are determined within each administration, so only the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief at the specific time could provide an accurate description of the respective responsibilities. Hegseth left his position at Fox News after Trump nominated him for defense secretary. However, his attorney confirmed to NPR that he had paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault to prevent her from suing him, and that arrangement reportedly was designed to protect his position at Fox News. Hegseth denied her allegations. Sources: Andrews, John. "Confessions of an Ex-Freshman: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly." The Princeton Tory, Sept. 2002, https://www.theprincetontory.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2002-Freshman.pdf. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chappell, Bill. "Police Report Gives Details, Timeline of the Sexual Assault Claim against Pete Hegseth." NPR, 21 Nov. 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/11/21/nx-s1-5199630/police-report-gives-details-timeline-of-the-sexual-assault-claim-against-pete-hegseth. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024. "The Princeton Tory - The Leading Princeton Publication of Conservative Thought." The Princeton Tory. https://www.theprincetontory.com/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024. "What Was Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth '03 Like at Princeton?" Princeton Alumni Weekly, Nov. 13, 2024. https://paw.princeton.edu/article/what-was-defense-secretary-nominee-pete-hegseth-03-princeton. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024. "What Are the Job Duties of a Publisher?" Chron, 13 Aug. 2013, https://work.chron.com/job-duties-publisher-24391.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024. Updates: Nov. 29, 2024: This article was updated to include a comment from the current publisher at The Princeton Tory. The global transportation and shipping sectors are responsible for large amounts of dirty pollution. To address this impact, pharmaceutical giant Alexion is partnering with global transportation company DHL to incorporate alternative fuels into its fleet. An article from Irish Tech News discussed this new partnership between Alexion and DHL. The companies have agreed to use Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for deliveries in Ireland in lieu of traditional diesel. This HVO fuel will be used in more than 500 DHL deliveries to 10 countries on an annual basis, per the report. HVO fuel is made from biomass, like cooking oil or waste from food production, according to Irish Tech News, meaning that it is a much greener alternative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A study in ScienceDirect discussed the benefits of HVO fuel, including the fact that it has a "high technology readiness level," indicating that the ability to use HVO fuel is easier and more accessible than other cleaner alternatives. A reason for this readiness is that HVO is a "drop-in fuel," meaning it works in existing vehicles, as opposed to requiring new models for its use, per Irish Tech News. Innovations like these are crucial to cleaning up our planet. Big delivery trucks, although only making up 4% of vehicles on our roads, account for over 25% of the transportation sector's dirty energy pollution. Therefore, focusing on sustainable solutions for deliveries will have a significant impact on improving air quality, which when not up to par has proven time and time again to have serious health consequences. According to the report, the two companies estimate they will reduce harmful pollution by as much as 90% by converting to HVO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHL and Alexion aren't alone in making positive changes. For example, Tesla continues to create electric semi-trucks for PepsiCo, and other global manufacturers are hopping on the bandwagon and creating their own electric truck models. In addition to generally being easier to maintain, possibly benefiting these companies' bottom lines in the long run, EVs don't release pollution from their tailpipes. Overall, positive innovation requires support, and many individuals are getting involved by using their purchasing power to communicate to retailers that sustainable actions will be rewarded. Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Now, the pharmaceutical industry is taking a crucial step toward creating a healthier future for the planet. "Today's announcement with DHL to move from diesel to HVO fuel is another milestone in our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, and dependency on fossil fuels within our global supply chain," Sylvia Kiely, vice president of global supply chain and product strategy lead at Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Disease, said, per Irish Tech News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is another step in the right direction as we strive to run more sustainable operations for our customers that reduce the inherent greenhouse emissions in transporting goods. We are delighted to see Alexion be one of the trailblazers to make this significant switch in approach," added Maurice Meade, managing director of DHL Global Forwarding Freight, Ireland. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. As lawmakers mull whether to limit how often phone privileges can be revoked as punishment, advocates say the problem runs deeper. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Janean Owens spent 17 years incarcerated at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, entering prison at age 21 and leaving a young son on the outside. To her, the lockups beaten-up telephones were a window to the rest of the world. Owens recalled what it was like not just to fight with 30 to 45 other women over two working phones on the floor, but to have phone access revoked when officials sent her to restrictive housing. She said she once spent 30 days with no phone privileges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was complete torture for me because I didnt know what was going on with my family, and that hurt the most. My son was thinking that I just didnt want to call him, but I just couldnt call him, she said in an interview with the New Jersey Monitor. This feeling becomes especially acute around the holidays, Owens noted. You want to talk to your family, ask them, Whats going on for Christmas? Whatre you shopping for? Some regular things, keeps you grounded. Whatre you eating for Thanksgiving? The least you can do is talk on the phone as much as you can, while you can, she said. As lawmakers mull whether to limit how often phone privileges can be revoked as punishment behind bars, attorneys and formerly incarcerated people say the problem runs deeper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There arent enough phones for prisoners, which often leads to fights. Understaffed prisons can translate to no calls for days at a time. And some prisoners have reported they get so little time out of their cells daily, they sometimes have to choose between calling home and taking a shower. Alicia Hubbard is an assistant deputy public defender with the state Office of the Public Defender. She said since the summer, some prisons have been on the equivalent of lockdown from Friday evening until Monday morning. Weekends are a time when families are free for calls, so allowing those on the inside to make calls only during weekdays means they have less of a chance of speaking to their loved ones, she said. The Rev. Russell Owen spent 31 years incarcerated, and was transferred to several prisons during his sentence before being released in 2021. Prison can often be violent, he said, and fights are sure to break out when there arent enough phones. Sometimes people would get upset and tear the cord off the phone. It was always tension. Youre talking to your family, theres noise, theres people cussing, people yelling, Man, get the F off the phone! and youre trying to give your family some relief. But its always tension, he said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An April report from the state Corrections Ombudspersons Office said people incarcerated in New Jerseys largest prisons dont get fair access to telephones or enough time to make calls, and in some cases, people have lost their ability to make calls for years at a time. The report urges the state Department of Corrections to overhaul disciplinary policies to limit revoked phone privileges. In response, corrections officials said that the loss of privileges in an attempt to curb maladaptive behavior is necessary in order to maintain safety. In 2023, more than 10 million phone calls were placed in New Jersey prisons, on top of 8,235 video chats, 3 million emails sent and received, and 550,000 photos exchanged, according to the Department of Corrections. The department is currently working with a vendor to provide handheld tablets with phone call capabilities to all incarcerated people in the near future, said department spokesman Dan Sperrazza. He conceded the department, like all law enforcement agencies nationwide, faces the challenge of staffing shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NJDOC is dedicated to promoting and fostering family connections through numerous arrangements, including family programs, phone calls, emails, video visits, and in-person visits with family and friends, he said. Phone access in prisons isnt like picking up your phone and dialing a number. Incarcerated people have a limit of about 10 approved numbers cellphone numbers were just recently made eligible of family, friends, and attorneys they can call. The number of phones depends on the prison and wing. Prisoners sign up for time slots, and the maximum allotted time is typically 15 minutes per call. Bill Sullivan heads the New Jersey Policemens Benevolent Association Local #105, which represents 5,000 state correctional officers. He disputed the idea that staffing issues are leading to less phone time and suggested that people may be frustrated because they want popular time periods for making calls, like early morning or evening. Adding more phones wouldnt resolve the problem, he said, because that would mean more prisoners out of their cells, leading to security concerns and the need for more staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are always offered the ability to make calls, he said, regardless of the housing unit theyre in. I guess theyre not getting the exact times, or they dont get through, and thats probably what frustrates them, he said. But everybodys always afforded the opportunity to use the phone once a day. Owen said he committed no infractions in prison to justify having his phone access taken away. But he said his time to make calls was limited. In New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, Owen recalled, there was a runner who carried one phone with a 300-foot cord to the cells of people signed up for calls. But it took so long for them to physically bring the phone, the calls were less than five minutes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At East Jersey State Prison in Rahway, Owen said on multiple occasions he had to choose between bathing or calling his mom, who was sick at the time. Im sitting by my door waiting, by the bars looking for someone. You dont see nobody. Nobody comes out. Nobody comes to let you out to use the phone, he said. Her life is hanging in the balance, Im trying to figure out whats going on. And you cant. The Rev. Russell Owen spent 31 years incarcerated, and was transferred to several prisons during his sentence before being released in 2021. (Sophie Nieto-Munoz | New Jersey Monitor) What the bill would reform A bill proposed by lawmakers would limit how often correctional officers can discipline prisoners by suspending their phone privileges. It would bar jail officials from suspending phone access for more than 90 days consecutively, or 180 days in one year of incarceration. And if someones phone access is revoked, they would still be able to make one call every two weeks. The legislation has general support among attorneys in the public defenders office and the corrections ombudsperson. Jennifer Sellitti, the state public defender, said it would still impose long limitations, but the limits would be better than they are now. State Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) Sellitti suggested different forms of discipline, like limiting phone calls to less than 15 minutes or restricting when someone could use the phone. But taking someones privileges away outright makes for a harder stay in prison and a tougher time re-entering into society, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that the public and lawmakers especially need to realize that while someone may be guilty of committing a horrific crime, they can still be capable of redemption and rehabilitation. There needs to be space for people to return to the community with a support system and family, she said. We can both punish and rehabilitate at the same time, Sellitti said. Sullivan said taking away calls is one of the few forms of discipline in prison, though he doesnt see it used as punishment often unless someone commits an infraction related to phones, like breaking it or being found with a cellphone. His biggest issue with the bill is that it would legislate Department of Corrections policy, he said. Hed rather see the legislation carve out exceptions for when phone use can be used as discipline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sellitti stressed the importance of people speaking with family, even if its once every 14 days. Losing access to the outside has a massive impact on peoples psychology, she noted. We still have that reflexive stigma that people who commit crimes are bad and dont deserve anything. My response to the people who say that to me is always, But theyre coming home to a community near you, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PIEDMONT, Calif. (KRON) Its a somber Thanksgiving in Piedmont as the community mourns three young residents who lost their lives Wednesday in a Tesla Cybertruck crash. On Thursday, at the annual Piedmont Turkey Trot, residents are gathering to honor their lives. The deadly crash happened Wednesday at around 3 a.m. in Piedmont near the corners of Sea View Avenue and Hampton Road next to Crocker Park. The Cybertruck jumped a curb, crashed into a tree and burst into flames, according to officials. 3 dead after fiery Cybertruck crash in Piedmont Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people inside died, and one person was pulled from the wreckage by someone who had been driving behind the Cybertruck. The surviving victim is in the hospital with critical injuries. Friends told KRON4 that the survivor, a young man, underwent surgery and is suffering from severe burns. (KRON4) (KRON4) (Photo: Michael Thomas) Authorities did not confirm the identities of the victims, but neighbors said they were all young college kids from Piedmont who were visiting home for Thanksgiving break. By noon Wednesday, word had spread and loved ones began leaving flowers at the crash site. Their former middle school teacher, Sandy Martin, was in tears as she told reporters, No matter the whys, its just so horrible. They all have wonderful families. They were incredible kids. These are kids that lost their lives. Flowers being placed Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at the Piedmont crash site where three young people lost their lives the previous morning. (Photo: Michael Thomas) On Thursday, the city of Piedmont is hosting its annual Turkey Trot, where they plan to memorialize the group and will allow people to take an alternative route to leave flowers at the crash site, followed by emotional support for this mourning community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 23rd Annual Piedmont Turkey Trot begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Exedra near the blue vase, located at Highland and Magnolia avenues. Mayor Jen Cavenaugh will give brief memorial remarks to open the event and lead the community in a moment of silence. Speed was a contributing factor in the crash, according to Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers. Authorities have not ruled out whether drugs or alcohol were involved. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. PIKE COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) A man will not be subject to the death penalty following a court order filed Thursday. According to court documents obtained by our NBC affiliate WLWT, death penalty specifications filed against George Billy Wagner have been dismissed. Following the 2016 murder of the Rhoden family, four people identified as Billy Wagner, wife Angela, and sons George and Edward Jake Wagner have been on trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, George the son of Billy and Angela was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Angela and Jake Wagner each accepted plea deals to avoid the death penalty. Each will receive their sentences on Dec. 17. Billy Wagners trial is set to begin in January. For more on this story, visit WLWT. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The possibility of the death penalty is no longer on the table in the final trial connected to the Pike County massacre. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Wednesday, retired Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Hein dismissed the death penalty specification in the case against George Billy Wagner III, according to online court documents. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came about a week after Hein announced he intended to do so. Prosecutors had filed an opposition to that on Monday. Hein also granted Wagners request for a change of venue this week. A new location for his trial has not been chosen yet. Billy, his wife Angela, and their sons George and Edward Jake Wagner were all accused of and charged in connection to shooting and killing eight members of the Rhoden and Gilley families execution-style in 2016. On April 22, 2016, Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40, Dana Rhoden, 37, Hannah Hazel Gilley, 20, Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16, Clarence Frankie Rhoden, 20, Gary Rhoden, 37, Hanna May Rhoden, 19, and Kenneth Rhoden, 44, were all found shot to death in their four homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angela and Jake took plea deals and pleaded to charges, including conspiracy to commit aggravated murder to avoid the death penalty. They both will be sentenced on Dec. 17 George Wagner IV was convicted of several charges, including eight counts of aggravated murder, in 2022. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Billys trial is currently set to start in January. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 28. Tajikistan's First Deputy Chairman of the National Bank, Firuz Sharifzoda and the president of Bangkok Bank, Thailands leading bank, Chartsiri Sophonpanich, have discussed the potential establishment of a Bangkok Bank branch in Tajikistan, Trend reports. According to the National Bank of Tajikistan, the meeting took place during an official visit by a Tajik delegation to Thailand. The sides also exchanged views on enhancing trade and investment and strengthening economic relations. They emphasized the need to take bilateral banking cooperation to a new level, including the timely opening of correspondent accounts. As part of the visit, the Tajik delegation also met with Thailand's Minister of Industry, Akanat Promphan, and later with Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, President of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank). The talks focused on the role of EXIM Bank in supporting key projects in Tajikistan's industrial, energy, and agricultural sectors. In a broader context, both countries expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation through joint programs in industries such as energy, agriculture, digitalization, healthcare, and tourism. Moreover, the Tajik delegation also met with Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Vice President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and other representatives from the Thai Business Council. They discussed Thailands current economic landscape, new business directions, and investment opportunities, particularly in mining, energy, trade, logistics, and the use of artificial intelligence technologies. Central America stretches precariously thin. Looking at it on a map, the isthmus linking Mexico to Colombia tapers progressively as it reaches southward. At its end, it covers around 30 miles in width a strip of land so narrow, it seemingly leaves South America hanging on for dear life. But this compact region is rich in natural treasures so much so that it attracted the eye of the Spaniards, who arrived in the 16th century in search of gold and silver. The region eventually split into the seven countries known as Central America today: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The Spaniards legacy is evident from the language to the architecture, with striking cities like Antigua Guatemala a collection of one-storey homes in shades of coffee and pistachio, and neoclassical and baroque churches. The conquistadors were hardly the first to set foot here. In the pre-Columbian era, some 80 Indigenous communities inhabited the region alongside the Maya, a civilisation that flourished between 2,000 BCE and AD 1600 from modern-day southern Mexico to Honduras. At their height, the regions city-states were populated by millions and had ceremonial centres, colossal pyramids and astronomy complexes. Their warrior kings, dressed in jade and feathers, planned battles by reading the stars. They carved their deeds in stone, sculpting elaborate glyphs. Tikal is famous for its pyramid tombs poking high above the jungle canopy. Photograph by Macrophotos, Getty Images Today, travellers can visit the ruins of these ancient civilisations amid Central Americas jungle, most famously those of Chichen Itza, in the Yucatan, and Tikal in Guatemala. Those descended from the Maya, living predominantly in the Yucatan, Guatemala and Belize, preserve ancient crafts, cuisine and a deeply rooted spirituality. This heritage is on display in destinations like Belizes Toledo District, with as many as 30 Maya villages, and Guatemalas Lake Atitlan, sacred to the Maya who still live on its shores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earthquakes and some 70 volcanoes have shaped this region in other ways, shattering cities and creating fertile lands for growing coffee, tobacco and fruit. There are beaches to suit every taste, too some wild with surf, others soft-sand hideaways with clear waters. Inland, tropical jungle, rivers and mountains harbour between 5-12% of the worlds biodiversity; Corcovado National Park in Costa Ricas Osa Peninsula is a particular highlight. And, underpinning the Yucatan Peninsula is a limestone platform riddled with water-filled sinkholes (known as cenotes) and caves ripe for exploring. What it all means is that, in the space of just one week on the ground, adventurers can explore a ruin, visit a colonial-era city, browse an indigenous crafts market, climb a volcano, take a coffee plantation tour, ride a wave, spot wildlife from monkeys to jaguars and savour local cuisine. Central Americas compact regions can really deliver like that. Here are two itineraries that encapsulate much of the destinations charms. Itinerary 1: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Start point: Cancun End point: Lake Atitlan Distance travelled: 1,017 miles Average length: Three weeks Each year, millions of people visit Cancun, the hub city of the Yucatan Peninsula on Mexicos Caribbean coast. Not everyone ventures far from its beaches; this itinerary explores some of the highlights on offer to those who do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While not technically part of Central America, the Yucatan is an excellent practical and cultural gateway to the region, much of which can be seen by car. From Cancun, a highway cuts west to Chichen Itza, one of the most recognisable pre-Columbian landmarks. For a taste of the countrys natural wonders, travel south, past hippy-chic Tulum, to Sian Kaan, a protected slice of coast. The baroque, brightly painted Iglesia del Calvario is just one of the highlights of San Andres Xecul, Guatemala. Photograph by Fabrizio Cortesi, Alamy Stock Photo Cross into Belize via the border at Chetumal. Consider a pit stop in Belize City, on the eastern seafront, then continue inland to the town of San Ignacio, an adventure hotspot. Leave the car behind and take a taxi to the nearby border with Guatemala, where travel by public transport is recommended. A must-see here is Tikal National Park, another Maya site. From nearby Flores, a flight reaches Antigua in the west of the country. Its enveloped by volcanoes, with coffee, macadamia and avocado growing on their fertile lanks. End the trip at Lake Atitlan, home to Maya villages of deep-rooted traditions. 1. Chichen Itza Some two hours from Cancun, the ruins of this ancient Maya city are dominated by the El Castillo pyramid. You can explore alone, but the sites tour guides, wholl meet you at the entrance, will bring its history to life; the temple, for example, is rooted in the Maya cosmological world, with 365 steps reflecting their solar calendar. Sleep at Hacienda Chichen nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve In the Yucatec Mayan language, Sian Kaan means Gate of Heaven. Its a fitting name for this UNESCO site on the Caribbean coast, about two hours from Chichen Itza. The lagoon shelters dolphins, manatee and turtles; explore by boat with Visit Sian Kaan, then stay overnight at Casa Chable for dark skies and bioluminescence. 3. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Point to point, its an eight-hour drive from Sian Kaan to San Ignacio. From here, book a tour of this cave with Caves Branch. Youll walk, swim and crawl through passageways strewn with skeletons of Maya sacrificial victims, including the crystal maiden, caked in calcite. Under torchlight, she shimmers as if cloaked in jewels. 4. Tikal National Park Three hours west of ATM, Tikal is famous for its pyramid tombs poking high above the jungle canopy. From their stone tops, you can spy other pyramid peaks, plus toucans and spider monkeys. Stay at Francis Ford Coppola Hideaway on nearby Lake Peten Itza to explore the ruins before the crowds arrive with operators like Viavenuture. 5. Antigua Guatemala While you can continue the journey on land, the one-hour flight from Flores to Antigua will leave you with more time to explore. The Spaniards ruled Central America from the city until it was hit by an earthquake in 1773; 250 years later, its risen from its ruins. Highlights include the National Museum of Guatemalan Art, home to everything from jade grave goods to contemporary art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6. Lake Atitlan From Antigua, a highway spirals down to Lake Atitlan, a three-hour drive away. It was formed when a volcano blew its top 85,000 years ago; later, around its rim, three young volcanoes were born. Its a deeply spiritual place for todays Maya. Seek their crafts in villages, or kayak the lake, with rentals around the shore. Anzan Atitlan has just four rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows. Itinerary 2: Panama, Costa Rica & Nicaragua Start point: Panama City End point: Granada Distance travelled: 925 miles Average length: Three weeks Explore the best of this trio of countries at the southern end of Central Americas land bridge. Start from Panama City, where high-rises hide a revived 17th-century old town and growing food scene. Just west is the iconic canal built to link the Pacific and Caribbean. After exploring the surrounding rainforest, fly west from Panama City to Colon, in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, to snorkel in waters frequented by dolphins. A new flight links Bocas del Toro to Costa Ricas capital, San Jose. From there, fly to Puerto Jimenez to enter the remote Osa Peninsula, a highlight for adventurers and wildlife-watchers. Return to San Jose and catch a four-hour bus to Arenal, arguably the countrys best-known volcano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A six-hour, cross-border bus from Arenal reaches coastal San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, from where there are one-hour buses or taxis north to San Jorge, on the banks of Lake Nicaragua. Take a ferry to Ometepe Island, then return to the shores for a two-hour shuttle to Granada. Its a good base from which to visit Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve, Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve and Masaya Volcano. In southwest Nicaraguas vast Lake Nicaragua, Maderas Volcano on Ometepe Island looks across to the active Concepcion Volcano. Photograph by Hemis, Awl Images 1. Panama Canal Zone By bus or taxi, its less than a 20-minute drive from Panama City to this century-old, 49-mile waterway. Tour the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the canals history, then journey into the rainforest around it. Ancon Expeditions runs tours of Gatun Lake, where you can spot monkeys and sloths, or Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park, ideal for seeing many of Panamas 1,000 species of birds. Stay at Canopy Tower ecolodge, a converted US radar station. 2. Bocas del Toro The aerial view of this archipelago in Panamas Caribbean corner makes landing here a joy. Base yourself in the overwater villas of Nayara hotel, on the main island of Colon, from where its easy to take water taxis and arrange tours. Options include chocolate-making with Cacao Blessings, which works with Indigenous women, or outings with Bocas Islands Adventours to spot poison-arrow frogs. 3. Corcovado National Park Considered one of the worlds most biodiverse regions and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Corcovado National Parks lush rainforest shelters scarlet macaws, the endangered Bairds tapir, jaguars and much, much more. To get the most out of the wildlife-spotting opportunities here inside the forest, down the Sierpe River as well as on the beaches and Pacific Ocean take a multi-day, small-group trekking tour with sustainable travel-focused Osa Wild, sleeping inside a ranger station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4. Arenal Volcano Picturesque Arenal last spouted lava in 2010. Today, its lower slopes a national park are ringed with walking trails. An easy route, El Ceibo, leads through a forest perfumed by vanilla orchids before emerging onto the jagged, solidified lava plain, the fallout from a 1968 eruption. Arenals geothermal bedrock heats several hot springs; choose Ecotermales to soak in 40C waters and stroll along rainforest trails. 5. Ometepe Island Beguiling Ometepe Island, with its twin volcanoes, is adrift in Lake Nicaragua and feels quite like a place apart. Spend three days here, hiking one of the volcanoes, kayaking the Istian River between the peaks and tasting organic chocolate, coffee and goats cheese on tours. Stay at Selvista, an organic, tropical fruit farm that welcomes guests in individual cabins. 6. Colonial Granada Granada is stuffed full of colourful 16th- to 18th-century Hispanic, neoclassical and baroque buildings. Find pre-Columbian artefacts at the San Francisco Convent, including a collection of monumental statues carved millennia ago, then take in views of the city from the bell tower of Iglesia de la Merced, a 10-minute walk away. Dine on the likes of tiradito (a dish of raw fish) with citrusy leche de tigre marinade at farm-to-table NM Culinary. Published in the December 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). A 17-year-old boy who is charged in a fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman in south Columbus last week has surrendered himself to police, originally reported by 10-WBNS. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A Columbus public safety dispatcher said a 911 call was made on the evening of Nov. 18 regarding someone being injured, but a location wasnt provided. TRENDING STORIES: Add Unordered list of 3 trending stories for whio.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, a shooting victim, identified by police as Taarah Griffin-Carmichael, arrived at Nationwide Childrens Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 9:18 p.m. The Columbus Division of Police says she was taken to the hospital by associates. After arriving at the hospital, officers determined that the shooting took place in the 200 block of Highview Landing, located just east of South High Street. The 17-year-old suspect was charged with murder in the shooting, but the circumstances of what led to the incident were not provided. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Nov. 27A 71-year-old man who was shot and killed earlier this month in the Chief Garry Park Neighborhood may have been the victim of a murder-for-hire over the affections of a prostitute, according to court documents. Police also said the shooting suspect then killed himself in Eastern Montana. The Spokane shooting happened after 10 a.m. Nov. 9 near the area of Lacey Street and Riverton Avenue. Officers responding to a call found a man later identified as Donald Gunstrom dead in the road, according to search warrant documents this week in Spokane County Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunstrom had been shot multiple times in the chest, face and head. He also had injuries consistent with being struck or dragged by a vehicle, police wrote in documents. Police learned a white Chrysler minivan had sped away from the area. The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office said Gunstrom died from multiple gunshot wounds and blunt-force injuries. Spokane police Officer Daniel Strassenberg said no one has been arrested. But investigators believe a 59-year-old man was the shooter. Police disclosed in court documents that the man was found dead two days after the Spokane shooting at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, about 32 miles east of Billings, with evidence that could link him to the shooting. Many of details police are working with came from a 25-year-old woman, who lives in a South Riverton Avenue apartment near where the shooting happened. She told police her 50-year-old ex-boyfriend hired someone to shoot the 71-year-old Gunstrom, who she moved in with the day before the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She met both men while working as a prostitute, the woman told police. She said she was tired of living with her ex-boyfriend because he mentally and physically abused her. Prior to moving out, she said her ex told her he was going to kill Gunstrom if she ever went "back to Don's again," the woman told police. She told police she had messages in her phone proving her ex set up the killing, but then said she didn't have any of the texts because she got a new phone after her ex took her old one. She said Gunstrom received threatening texts from her ex on his cellphone. The woman told police that, moments before the shooting, she and Gunstrom got out of his 1977 MG convertible in the apartment parking lot and started walking toward the apartment, documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she saw an older white man with white hair, a black sweatshirt and black sweatpants pointing a black pistol at Gunstrom. She told police she started running toward the apartment units and pounded on a neighbor's door to let her in. She told police she couldn't remember if she heard the gunshots or saw the gunman first, but believed she heard four shots fired. She said she saw Gunstrom hobbling from the front of the car to the street and said all the shots were fired while Gunstrom and the shooter were on a sidewalk, according to documents. The woman wasn't sure whether the gunman tried to shoot at her, but an officer found a bullet hole on the side of the apartment entryway. The windshield of the convertible was riddled with bullet holes, police wrote in documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman said the damage was from when her ex shot at the vehicle four or five months earlier because she was spending time with Gunstrom. They never reported the damage because Gunstrom couldn't prove her ex damaged the car even though her ex told her he shot the windshield. Police found spent shell casings along with bullets from a .380-caliber gun scattered on the ground near Gunstrom's body in the street and in the apartment building parking lot, according to court documents. Two handgun magazines were also found at the scene. Eight gunshots can be heard on security footage from an Illinois Avenue home across the Spokane River from the shooting scene, according to police in documents. A Ring camera on a nearby residence captured the suspect's vehicle, later identified as a 2024 white Chrysler Pacifica with Illinois license plates, police said in documents. The vehicle was captured on a different camera heading east on Interstate 90 near the Barker Road exit about 30 minutes after the shooting. The vehicle had been rented to a 59-year-old Whitman County man who police believe was the shooter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days after the shooting, police were notified by Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office deputies in Montana that they located the Whitman County man's body near Pompeys Pillar. It appeared the man died by suicide, and a .380-caliber handgun was found near the body, according to police. A shell casing recovered near the body was similar to those recovered at the Spokane homicide scene, police said in documents. The Pacifica sought by Spokane police was also found at the scene. A "bloodlike substance" was found under the car near the engine compartment, police wrote. Detectives are trying to establish relationships between those involved, understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify more witnesses and other potential co-conspirators, police wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firearm found with the dead suspect in Montana has not been confirmed to be the weapon used to kill Gunstrom, according to court documents. "Further investigation is needed to confirm or dispel another person assisting (the man) as an accomplice in this crime," police wrote. A clever act caught on camera - A man dressed in a construction like vest and rubber boots used an umbrella to hide his face as he broke into Michael Berrys home. Im pissed. I mean, thats the only word I know, said Berry. Gaston County Police say it happened last week off of Miles Road in Dallas. They believe the man parked his truck down the street from Berrys home before breaking in. When he got in, he turn my internet off so my cameras wouldnt work. And then he hit my safe, said Berry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berry says inside of the safe was cash his family had saved up. He just wanted the money, I guess, because you cant track it down, said Berry. As you can see in the surveillance video it was broad daylight when the crime was committed. Luckily no one was home but Berry says hes still on edge. I feel a lot uneasy. I dont feel safe in my house anymore. My family dont, said Berry. Berry says this isnt the first time his home has been targeted. We robbed five years ago. Our house and a house at the other end of our road was hit at the same time, said Berry. They kicked the door in, and I had some an old wood cabinet. I kept a couple guns in. They got them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as this suspect, Berry says he has this message for him. I dont know why somebody just wants the easy way out. I mean, we all have to earn it. Why dont you earn it the honest way? RELATED STORY: Police searching for home burglary suspects in Davidson WOLCOTT, Conn. (WTNH) Officials are investigating after a bomb threat was made via email at Rep. Jahana Hayes home on Thursday morning. At around 7:45 a.m., officials received a threatening email stating that a pipe bomb had been placed in Rep. Hayes mailbox, according to a statement Hayes released on social media. Congressman Joe Courtneys home receives bomb threat on Thanksgiving State police and Wolcott police said no bomb or explosive materials were discovered and the scene was cleared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family and loved ones. I plan to spend my day with them, Rep. Hayes said in a written statement. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (WBOY) The West Virginia Law Enforcement Police K9 Fund is trying to raise $137,000 to support police K9 programs across the state. Officials with the organization told 12 News that if their fundraising goal is reached, the fund would be self-sustaining, meaning that with the interest, it could purchase one to two dogs every two to three years indefinitely. The fund would be accessible throughout the state, allowing any police department to apply and get a police dog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overdose calls in West Virginia reach lowest in 7 years Sergeant Brad Palmer with Morgantown Police Department works with K9s and told 12 News that they operate as a force multiplier at a police department. What they can do with their noses, theres no technology that can duplicate that. Theyre able to locate drugs for us, theyre able to locate people for us. That includes somebody thats broken the law or somebody that could be missing, Palmer said. If youre interested in donating, checks can be dropped off at the Morgantown Police Department or mailed to 300 Spruce Street, Morgantown WV 26505. You can learn more about the program on its Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. CANTON, Ill. (WMBD) The Canton Police Department is asking the public for help on Wednesday to find a missing person. According to a Facebook post, Sebastian Dixon was last seen leaving their residence near Myrtle Street and 16th Avenue at about 11:30 a.m. Dixon was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt, textured blue jeans, gray Polo shoes, and a gray and lime green flat-bill hat. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Canton police at (309) 647-5131. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 28. The Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIMBANK) stands poised to weave new threads of connection with financial institutions in Tajikistan, ready to embark on a journey of collaboration and mutual growth, Trend reports. According to the National Bank of Tajikistan, this was announced by the bank's leadership during a meeting with a Tajik delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda, held in Riyadh. The meeting focused on strengthening interbank cooperation between the two countries. Both sides discussed expanding banking ties, including the development of Islamic banking systems, enhancing cross-border banking operations, and attracting Islamic capital. In a related event, Kholikzoda met with Khaled bin Walid Al-Zahir, First Deputy Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), to further explore opportunities for collaboration. The discussions emphasized direct partnerships between commercial banks in both countries and other key issues in the banking sector. The talks come ahead of the 26th meeting of the Tajik-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Trade, Investment, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation, which also touched on banking cooperation. Both sides noted that ongoing cooperation under the framework of the commission would play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral economic ties. The gatherings illuminate the blossoming endeavors to weave tighter bonds of financial and economic kinship between Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Nov. 27A fatal shooting is under investigation in Elkhart. The Elkhart County Homicide Unit was activated after the Elkhart Police Department responded to a fatal shooting incident earlier at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday in the 700 block of Monroe Street in Elkhart. An unresponsive, 32-year-old man was located outside 715 Monroe St. with an apparent gunshot wound, according to a statement from Elkhart police. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elkhart County Homicide Unit was activated, per protocol, and is handling the investigation. No arrests were made as of press time and it remains an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding the investigation can call the Homicide Unit at 574-295-2825 or Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP. State police saturation leads to criminal charges A saturation patrol was conducted by the Indiana State Police Bremen Post's All Crimes Policing squad in several counties throughout the Bremen District Nov. 20-23. In total there were 40 criminal charges, 25 were misdemeanors and 15 were felonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, two were for operating while intoxicated, 14 were warrant arrests, two were driving while suspended with priors, three were possession of marijuana, five were possession of marijuana, and one was possession of a hypodermic needle. ACP troopers were also involved in one search warrant, one vehicle pursuit, and one foot pursuit. Child injured in car crashA 6-year-old girl was hospitalized after a crash in Osceola on Tuesday. Elkhart County deputies reported at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday that Amanda Biggs, 46, of Osceola, was traveling west in the 30000 block of Riverbend Circle when the child ran out from between two vehicles in front of Biggs' 2008 Ford Taurus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for leg injuries. No enforcement action was taken against the driver. Airborne crash lands one in hospital An Elkhart man was injured in a single-vehicle crash on C.R. 28, west of C.R. 101, at 2 a.m. Thursday, three miles southwest of Elkhart. According to a report from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office, Jonathan Cripe, 21, Elkhart, was driving a 2004 Toyota Rav4 east on C.R. 28 when it left the south side of the road and struck a mailbox, two trees, went airborne over the road and landed on its passenger side on the north side of the road. It then rolled and came to rest on its wheels of the north side of the road. WARSAW, Poland (AP) A Polish company strongly denied any laws were broken when it sent Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine, after the Swiss government placed some export restrictions on the company over concerns that the ammunition ended up in Ukraine. Switzerland's government said last week it was barring exports to Polish military hardware supplier UMO after concluding that some 645,000 rounds of Swiss-made small-caliber ammunition ended up in Ukraine. The issue is sensitive because Swiss laws on neutrality and the export of war material ban the export or re-export of Swiss-owned or Swiss-made military hardware to countries in conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poland, in contrast, is one of neighboring Ukraine's staunchest allies and has sought to help Kyiv defend itself against Russia's invasion with arms supplies. UMO, which specializes in hardware for the military and police, said it purchased ammunition in 2023 from a Swiss ammunitions provider, SwissP Defence, and later exported the ammunition to Ukraine in accordance with the Polish law. It argued that it did not break Swiss law either, saying that the Swiss government handed over control of the goods to Polish law." The information that the Polish company UMO ... in any way violated the provisions of generally applicable law by exporting ammunition purchased from the Swiss manufacturer SWISS P Defence AG to Ukraine is untrue, UMO said in an email to The Associated Press this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fabian Maienfisch, a spokesperson for the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, also known as SECO, said UMO did not honour the contractual commitments it made to the Swiss manufacturer and the ammunition ended up in Ukraine. The investigation showed that the Swiss manufacturer and the Polish company had signed a reseller agreement stating that the Polish company was entitled to resell the ammunition only in Poland, he said in a statement emailed to the AP. For the time being, export requests to the Polish company concerned for general resale are denied, since the risk of diversion to Ukraine is assessed as being too high. However the Polish company can still act as an intermediary for Polish state entities," the statement added. UMO has since vehemently pushed back, stating it always operates within the limits set by the provisions of generally applicable law and in compliance with contracts concluded with its contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company published its denial on its website and in an emailed statement to the AP. In a statement posted on its website on Tuesday, UMO said that it is proud of its role in strengthening the defense and freedom of Ukraine. One of the great tragedies of the modern era is how much politics has encroached into our everyday lives. Decisions as simple as choosing a beer, driving a car or visiting a theme park now come with the need to consider their political implications. During the Donald Trump era, friendships have been tested, dinner tables turned into battlefields and family gatherings transformed into Fight Club. As a result, we feel more divided from one another now than perhaps at any time in history since the Civil War. Many supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris are still coping with the fact that 76 million Americans voted for a candidate so many found to be so vile that the very thought of him becoming president again seemed anti-American. They simply dont understand how or why someone would ever vote for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its easy to see their point of view. Trump supporters have been called deplorable and cult followers. The media painted Trump as a dictator poised to start World War III and destroy America as we know it. To make matters worse, the election was supposed to be close. So, when Trump dominated in the Electoral College, it was a shock to the system, leaving many Harris supporters disorientated and feeling that they live in a country that is worlds apart from their values and beliefs. Despite how it might feel, the political divide is not as deep as you might think. According to exit polls, 73% of Americans agreed on one thing democracy was threatened. Where Harris supporters saw Trump as the clear and present danger, the reality is that many of their friends, family and neighbors just saw the race differently. Trump voters saw the real threat to democracy as a Harris presidency and the senseless wokeness that will take away our rights and destroy our economy. Some will argue that character and fitness for office should be more important than economic security. Maybe. But if we are being honest, those traits have always been somewhat malleable to voters when it comes to picking leaders. Voters on both sides of the aisle have been all too willing to look past a lot of things if they think the outcome would be better for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The simple truth is that voters are self-interested, not ideological. For example, in Wisconsin, voters supported both Donald Trump and Tammy Baldwin one of the most liberal U.S. senators. Similarly, in Michigan, voters chose Donald Trump while also electing to the U.S. Senate Elissa Slotkin, whose voting record in the House is rated by some as more liberal than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Candidates matter. Campaigns matter. Harris was a horrible candidate who ran a bad campaign. After three and half years of the Biden border crisis, rising prices and economic uncertainty, Harris offered no vision and no plan just more of the same failed policies. Trump talked about issues that resonated with voters. He talked about lowering prices and saving America. Its not that Jan. 6, the felony convictions or the divisive rhetoric did not matter to voters who supported Trump, its just that their jobs and their bank accounts mattered more. As we gather with friends and family, Democrats can be thankful knowing this was the last election with Trump on the ballot, while Republicans can celebrate the fact that they hold control of both chambers of Congress and the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Thanksgiving dont shy away from political discussions. Debate the merits of Trump potentially signing an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all products coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. Discuss congressional bathroom bans and Trump cabinet picks. Be thankful that we live in a country that demands we have rigorous and healthy debates. Challenge each other on issues. After all, we are trying to solve the same problem preserving democracy just from different viewpoints. Matt Wylie is a Republican political strategist and analyst with over 25 years of experience working on federal, state and local campaigns. ROME (AP) Pope Francis said on Thursday that he hopes to travel to Turkey next year to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianitys first ecumenical council. The visit to Nicaea, today located in Iznik on a lake southeast of Istanbul, would come during Francis big Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration of Christianity. Francis is likely to use the occasion the anniversary of a council before the Great Schism of 1054, which divided the church between East and West to once again reach out to Orthodox Christians. Nicaea is one of seven ecumenical councils that are recognized by the Eastern Orthodox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew I, said in September that he expects Francis would visit to commemorate the anniversary in May 2025. Under Emperor Constantine I, the 325 Council of Nicaea gathered some 300 bishops, according to the Catholic Almanac. Among the outcomes was the Nicaean Creed, a statement of faith that is still recited by Christians today. Francis announced his hope to visit Nicaea during an audience Thursday with the Vaticans International Theological Commission. He told the theologians that the Council of Nicaea was a milestone in the history of the church but also of humanity as a whole. Francis made his first visit to Turkey in 2014 and met with Bartholomew there, as well as earlier that year in Jerusalem and on several occasions at the Vatican since. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) Tonuia Dean left her overnight shift at PlastiExports early the morning of Sept. 27 a contented employee at the factory shed served for eight years. Lawsuit calls for rerun of Johnson City election, cites illegal votes By the time she awoke later that day from a fitful sleep interrupted by howling winds, her workplace was practically destroyed. It had been slammed by a Nolichucky River that had barreled out of its gorge swollen with torrential rains and inundated six production plants along Industrial Park Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I got off work that morning, compared to what I seen that evening of what had happened out there, it looked like a war zone, Dean told News Channel 11 Wednesday, two months to the day after the disaster. Like many of the 250-plus employees at those businesses, the single mother of two teenagers has been out of work since. It was pretty devastating and depressing, Dean said of her recognition that the company wouldnt reopen for a long time, if at all. Even with the way the economy was while working it still was hard, but now things are twice as hard. As she spoke to News Channel 11, crews were at PlastiExports, trying to pick up the pieces inside the building. Outside, the road remained buckled in some places and missing in others. Electricity, gas and water have yet to reach the businesses, which also include PolyPipe, Foam Products, Impact Plastics, Old Hickory Buildings and BlueLinx. Tonuia Dean, right, with her daughter Karrah and son Chandon. (Photo: WJHL) They still dont really have a time frame set for us to come back to work yet, but theyve been out there working and cleaning up and trying to get things going as fast as they can to get us called back to work, Dean said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She hopes to return to the company, but for now, she is supporting Karrah, a high school senior and eighth-grader Chandon, on unemployment that amounts to less than half her salary, supplemented by a bit of money she brings in from a small part-time job. They seem to be okay, Dean said of the kids. They know whats going on and they get nervous when they have something come up, trying to ask for money for it. But theyre doing the best they can. 250 employees: Six Erwin industries future in limbo amid wreckage Karrah handles some of her expenses from a job she has, and Dean said the community has stepped forward to help people whove been left jobless, homeless or otherwise impacted by the devastation Hurricane Helenes remnants caused. Each industry has got a huge uphill battle ahead Stories like Deans are among the things that keep Lee Brown up at night. The CEO of Erwin Utilities also chairs Unicoi Countys Joint Economic Development Board, putting him in the middle of the companies efforts to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think any of us in our wildest dreams or nightmares could ever have envisioned what was unfolding on Friday, September the 27th, Brown told News Channel 11 Wednesday. Within a few days, he was touring what was left of the industrial park. The power lines were gone, the fiber lines were gone. The poles were gone. The water, the wastewater, the natural gas, all washed out of the ground. Big sections of the road, Industrial Drive washed away. Damaged infrastructure at the Erwin Industrial Park in Erwin, Tenn. Nov. 27, 2024. (Photo: WJHL) Every industry sustained heavy damage, damage that when you first looked at it, its like, theres no way anybody can recover.' Two months in, even though not a single location resembles its pre-Helene state, Brown said all six businesses have said they want to rebuild on-site. He said people have shown grit and determination as theyve begun cleaning out their facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grit and determination dont guarantee success, though, and Brown acknowledged that the odds of that may be long. Each industry has got a huge uphill battle ahead of them, he said. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) comes in and they help property owners with a little stipend if theyve lost their primary residence. But theres no assistance for our industries. Instead, they face the terrible job of trying to figure out physically, mechanically and financially how to get back up and running all while the clock is ticking and customers are surely considering other options. There are some programs to assist them through the Small Business Administration, but theres not the help that we think should be there, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, the Economic Development Board has communicated with the State of Tennessees Economic and Community Development head and the governors office in hopes of getting aid. Were working on some projects with them that hopefully will be to the greater good and the reconstruction of our industrial park, Brown said. He said FEMA might fund replacement infrastructure, but only of the type that was in place before. Some of that infrastructure could be safer if installed another way. Were evaluating all those options to to try to get those: permanent power, water, sewer, natural gas and the fiber back as quickly as possible, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, CSX, the rail company that closed its main yard in Erwin nearly a decade ago, has offered some long-term lease options at its properties. Brown said Unicoi Countys staggering loss of homes, industries and jobs will create a decline in the tax base. Property values will come off the books and unemployed people will spend less money. We all are just humbled by whats been lost, he said. The loss of life, the loss of property, the loss of jobs, all the damage thats been sustained. These things do keep you awake at night because you cant get things built back as quickly as youd like to. But I think its remarkable the progress that has been made to date in our community to restore services, to clean up debris. Its just a testament to the grit and determination of Northeast Tennessee and our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean, too, recalled the immediate rallying of the community after the disaster. Its like everybody kind of came together like a family, like all kinds of support and caring and donations going to help people, she said. From the school system to PlastiExports plant manager to the community at large, that support has helped buoy Dean and her family. Christmas is going to be a lot less this year than normal, not as much spending or presents and things like that. But well still have family time together and make the best of it. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Nov. 27OGDENSBURG Sandstone native to Potsdam that has been salvaged during the demolition of 10 St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center buildings will be turned over to the city of Ogdensburg and the village of Potsdam for their use. The village of Potsdam had begun the effort to seek the salvaging of any Potsdam sandstone found in the 10 dilapidated buildings at the psychiatric center's Letchworth Complex that were being demolished. Demolition of the first of 10 at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center began this past August, with Neuber Environmental, a demolition and environmental remediation firm from Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, performing the work on the buildings that had been originally constructed in 1890 and vacant since 1988. At Monday's City Council meeting, Mayor Michael Tooley announced that he had received word from the offices of Assemblyman Scott Gray, R-Watertown, and Senator Mark Walczyk, R-Watertown, that the state Office of Mental Health (OMH) has granted access for the two municipalities to collect the sandstone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "OMH has already paid for the engineering study to determine if there was any contamination and none has been found," stated Tooley. "The sandstone that is currently available, it's a very small pile of very large stone, four by eight feet long." Tooley said that the city Department of Public Works will work out the arrangements to collect their portion of the sandstone and to store it. Tooley added that the municipalities have been asked to submit a letter before Thursday with regards to what their intentions will be in regards to retrieving the sandstone. The salvaged sandstone would allow the village to make repairs to more than 25 buildings that had used Potsdam sandstone in their construction. The salvaging would allow repairs to be made to the city's vacant Ogdensburg Armory, built in 1898 using Potsdam sandstone in construction of its walls. "I appreciate the outreach from the village of Potsdam's mayor," said Tooley, adding "this resolution puts us on the record in support of their efforts and I think we are teaming well together in taking advantage of the opportunity the state is giving us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wording in an approved resolution states that the city "supports efforts by the Village of Potsdam for its salvage of Potsdam Sandstone from the demolition of the buildings at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg, N.Y., to be used for future restoration projects in Ogdensburg and Potsdam using Potsdam Sandstone, helping to preserve our architectural history." The resolution states that Potsdam sandstone is a well-cemented sandstone of nearly pure quartz, renowned for its reddish hues, ranging from salmon pink to orange-red, and its strength in construction. Extensively quarried in the 19th century, beginning in 1809, notably at the Clarkson Quarry, "Potsdam Sandstone was used for many buildings and projects throughout the Village of Potsdam, including numerous iconic structures, as well as sidewalks, foundations and gravestones," stated the resolution. Of the 70 buildings in St. Lawrence County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 28 are located in or near the Village of Potsdam and made of Potsdam Sandstone, including the civic center and Potsdam Public Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demolition of the buildings in the Letchworth Complex is expected to continue through the fall of 2025. Once this project is finished, the OMH has its eyes on seven additional buildings to be torn down in the St. Lawrence Center complex located on State Route 37, Entrance Avenue, Cottage Drive, and Hanes Drive. Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to strike Ukraine again with a new nuclear-capable ballistic missile following Moscows latest widespread attack on critical energy infrastructure. More than a million households in Ukraine were left without power following the overnight bombardment, authorities in the country said Thursday. Its Russias 11th large-scale assault on Ukraines energy supplies this year alone, according to the Energy Ministry in Kyiv, a strategy that has caused nationwide rolling blackouts. Speaking at a security summit in Kazakhstan Thursday, Putin claimed the overnight attacks were a response to strikes on Russian territory using US-made ATACMS missiles. He also warned he would consider further launches of Russias new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, first fired at Ukraines Dnipro region last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory by Western-made long-range missiles, including the possible continuation of the Oreshnik test in combat conditions, he said. Putin also praised US President-elect Donald Trump, describing him as an intelligent and experienced politician capable of finding solutions, as tensions rise between Moscow and Kyivs Western partners. The Russian leader claimed his forces hit 17 targets, describing them as military facilities, defense industry facilities and their support systems, without acknowledging the attacks on power infrastructure. As I have said many times, there will always be a response from our side (to the use of American ATACMS), Putin said. Putin, who has previously said that Moscow considers itself entitled to use weapons against military targets belonging to countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russia, also threatened further strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Ministry of Defense is selecting targets for hitting on Ukrainian territory, he said. These could be military facilities, defense industry enterprises or decision-making centers in Kyiv. Russias use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which carries multiple warheads, last week marked a decisive, and potentially dangerous moment in Moscows conflict with the West, and may be the first time such a weapon has been used in war. A view shows a thermal power plant damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich - Gleb Garanich/Reuters A view shows a part of Russian missile at a thermal power plant damaged by Russian missile strike in an undisclosed location of Ukraine, in an undisclosed location of Ukraine November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich - Gleb Garanich/Reuters Putin claimed the missile can get around air defense systems and if several warheads are used together, the force of the strike will be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons. Everything that is in the epicenter of the explosion is divided into fractions, into elementary particles, essentially turning into dust, Putin said, adding that the missile has no nuclear charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian missile attack on Dnipro was not armed with nuclear warheads, but it used a weapon designed for nuclear delivery to instead launch conventional weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the use of the new missile was a clear and severe escalation in the scale and brutality of this war. Every winter is getting harder Ukraines energy system came under massive enemy attack, overnight, Energy Minister German Halushchenko said Thursday. Bombardments have intensified in recent months, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as the war grinds into its third winter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used cluster munitions in the attack. The weapons, which disperse numerous small bombs over a large area, make it more more difficult for our rescuers and power engineers to respond to strikes, Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the immediate aftermath, Ukraines energy operator introduced emergency power cuts in many regions, with large outages in the western regions of Lviv, Volyn and Rivne. It has since shifted back to implementing scheduled hourly power cuts. At least five people were injured, including one in the central Vinnytsia region, two in the southern Odesa region, and two in the capital Kyiv, officials said. In Kharkiv, a missile struck a civilian business, according to military authorities. In a statement Thursday, US President Joe Biden condemned the horrific attack, which he said serves as yet another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defense against Russian aggression. Air defenses were activated across the country, with damage reported in 14 regions, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. In Kyiv, residents took shelter in metro stations as an air raid alert for the combined missile and drone attack sounded for more than nine hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This morning I heard about three explosions, Valeriy Dorotiy, a resident of Lutsk, in western Ukraines Volyn region, told CNN. He said he couldnt tell if the blasts were from missiles or Ukrainian air defense interceptions. After that, the power went out. About 215,000 households in the Volyn region were temporarily without power, authorities said earlier. I have a power bank for charging my phone, but I did not buy a more powerful station because I did not take it seriously that there would be such attacks and that missiles would reach us, Dorotiy said, adding that it seemed Russia was concentrating on attacking eastern Ukraine instead. But it did reach us. A resident starts a generator during a power outage in Lviv following Russia's aerial attacks. - Yuriy Dyachyshyn/AFP/Getty Images Kyiv resident Olha Vaynrikh, 32, told Reuters, Our mornings begin with checking the phone to see if there is an air alert We are indeed fed up with all of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roman Turiy, a resident of the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, told CNN that air raid sirens started at 6 a.m. time in his area. Many missiles of the second wave were already flying toward our region. Around 8:17 a.m., I heard a very loud explosion over Ivano-Frankivsk I also heard explosions further away in the region. Several critical infrastructure facilities had been attacked, he later discovered. I expected to be without power for three hours, but according to the new schedule, it looks like we will be without electricity for eight hours today, Turiy said. We all understand that every winter is getting harder. The onslaught involved about 100 drones and more than 90 missiles, according to Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after Russia launched a record 188 drones at Ukraine on Tuesday in a mass attack that damaged critical infrastructure in the west of the country, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Every attack like this proves that air defense systems are needed in Ukraine now, where they save lives, not at storage bases, Zelensky added, urging allies to help his country increase its air defense capabilities. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Central America is home to undisputed wonders. Its cultural attractions span ancient Maya sites, colourful 16th-century cities and Indigenous markets, while its landscapes cover active volcanoes, Caribbean beaches and tracts of jungle that are home to unique birds and big cats. Yet, for the most part, it's remained out of the international tourist trail, which means planning a first-time trip here can be somewhat intimidating. Do I need a visa to visit? The short answer is no. Without a visa, you can visit Belize for up to 30 days; Costa Rica for up to 180; and Panama for up to three months (if you arrive by land or air). Under the Central America Border Control Agreement, you can travel to and between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua for up to 90 days without a visa or having to undergo border checks when crossing between countries by land. Is Central America safe to visit? Each country has a different security situation. As long as you heed official FCDO advice when deciding where to visit, the recommended safety precautions apply to many countries outside the region, too. Dont wear valuables, be mindful while displaying phones and cameras, and only carry the cash you need, ideally in a money belt (try not to alert people to its presence). Withdraw it inside banks and shopping malls. gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Should I travel independently or book a tour? Independent travel is generally safe and relatively easy. With a phone, it's straightforward to book tickets and discover timetables for a network of buses, private minibuses, cross-border shuttles and water taxis; a growing number of domestic and interregional flights cover longer distances. Self-drive is an option in the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Here, petrol stations and highway restaurants, cafes and food stalls are found everywhere. Elsewhere, road infrastructure can be lacking; safety is a concern in Honduras and areas of El Salvador and Guatemala. Is it safe to travel solo as a woman? The reality is that women are likely to be approached and hassled, but travelling here is just as safe as it is in many other countries and as a backpacking destination, its easy to meet other travellers en route. Its wise not to engage men in conversation and consider wearing a fake wedding ring to ward off unwanted attention. As in other destinations, women should avoid walking alone at night in larger cities or along beaches; travelling at night should be avoided, regardless of gender. Am I likely to encounter language barriers? Belize is an English-speaking country. In the rest of the region, locals working in the tourist industry in major cities and travel hot spots speak English. Away from these areas, you may find it difficult to be understood, so consider downloading translation apps and learning a few basic phrases. Central Americans speak Spanish at a moderate pace and enunciate clearly; if you learnt a Romance language, youre halfway there in communication know-how. Published in the December 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Researchers have uncovered what they believe to be the "oldest firearm" ever found in the continental United States. This valuable artifact, a bronze cannon or "wall gun," was recovered from a site tied to a famous colonial expedition led by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado. The Coronado expedition and its historic context Between 1540 and 1542, Coronado led one of the earliest European expeditions into the American Southwest. The mission, aimed at finding the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola (Seven Cities of Gold), covered vast regions of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coronados expedition is estimated to have involved up to 2,800 people, including soldiers, indigenous allies, slaves, and various support staff. While the exact number of participants remains uncertain, it marked one of the first major European incursions into the area. The bronze wall gun found in southern Arizona is the first firearm linked to Coronados expedition. It could also be the oldest cannon discovered in North America, excluding those from shipwrecks related to earlier expeditions. "Until this particular cannon was found no firearms from the Coronado Expedition had been discovered," said Deni Seymour, lead author of the study, in an interview with Gizmodo. "No firearms from this early period are known from the U.S. or on the continental land mass as a whole." This makes the discovery even more significant. The gun is not just an artifact of war but it also represents one of the earliest firearms found in a reliable archaeological context in the New World. A rare and pristine historical artifact The wall gun was uncovered at a site known as Suya or San Geronimo (III) in southern Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers found it resting on the floor of an eroded Spanish structure, where it had likely remained for almost 480 years. While the cannon may have been made decades earlier, its use in the Coronado expedition is confirmed to around 1541. According to the study, the cannon is a "pristine historical specimen," with its design reflecting typical firearms from the mid-to-late 1400s. By the time Coronados expedition took place, this type of cannon was already considered obsolete. Despite this, the wall gun proved valuable due to its portability and ease of use. Weighing about 40 pounds and measuring approximately 42 inches long, it was small enough for the expeditions soldiers to carry easily. "This was the perfect piece to carry on this expedition owing to its light weight, durable nature, and ease of use," the researchers noted in their report. "The expedition brought artillery pieces so that as they traveled to unknown lands they could breach the wooden or light adobe walls of cities encountered and so they could repel any enemy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The versatility of this firearm made it especially valuable for long journeys across unknown terrain. Its powder charge could be adjusted for different types of targets, and the gun could be fired in multiple ways, such as from a tree fork, over a saddle, or on a tripod. This made it an ideal weapon for Coronados expedition, where conditions often required quick adaptability. Preservation and significance The guns preservation is largely thanks to the "exceptional circumstances" at the San Geronimo (III) site, which helped keep the artifact in good condition despite its age. Minimal corrosion suggests that the sites unique environment played a major role in preserving the cannon. Some aspects of the wall gun suggest it may have been made in Mexico or the Caribbean, rather than Spain itself, adding another layer of intrigue to the discovery. While Coronados expedition failed to locate the promised riches and was met with resistance from Indigenous groups, the discovery of this wall gun offers a glimpse into the early history of firearms in the Americas. Despite the hardship faced by the expedition, which ultimately returned to Mexico City in 1542, this remarkable find is a testament to the lasting impact of early European exploration in North America. The discovery was detailed in a study published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Priceville Police Department (PPD) says a Dollar General employee who turned herself in earlier this month has been charged with theft. PPD said 22-year-old Sandra Marie Hill of Somerville turned herself in on Nov. 7 after being charged with third-degree theft. Alabama A&M apologizes for falsely reporting linebackers death, says hes stable According to the department, on June 21, 2024, a representative from the Robinson Street Dollar General in Pricevile reported that an employee had stolen $1,250 from the store. The thefts took place between May 18 and May 28, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Hill was developed as a suspect and a warrant was issued for her arrest. PPD said Hill later turned herself in but has since posted a $1,000 bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 28. Uzbekistan and Austria engaged in a dynamic dialogue focused on the establishment of cutting-edge agro-firms, Trend reports. The news followed a meeting between Uzbekistans Deputy Minister of Agriculture Kahramon Yuldashev and General Manager of Austrian Agricultural Cluster Hermann Wieser. During the meeting, the sides reviewed prospects of cooperation with Austrian companies in the regions of Uzbekistan in the areas of cattle breeding and milk and meat processing. The Austrian side expressed readiness to develop cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan in the implementation of projects on growing agricultural products and their processing, as well as improving the qualifications of industry specialists in Uzbekistan. Earlier, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Austria signed a program of cooperation for 2024-2026. The sides also discussed regional and global dynamics. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Labours private school tax raid will not make any real difference to the amount of money available for state schools, the head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has admitted. Paul Johnson, director of the think tank, added that the 20pc levy on school fees would raise tiny, tiny amounts of money in an unearthed video published in November 2023. Labour has heavily relied on the work of the IFS to justify its private school tax raid after it published a report in July 2023 which claimed it would raise up to 1.5bn each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer and other ministers repeatedly cited the report when defending their plan to charge VAT on private school fees, which is due to come into effect from January 1, and said this money would be used to fund 6,500 new teachers in state schools. However, in a 90-second video in which Mr Johnson lays out the facts, he said: Its not going to raise a very large amount of money. How much revenue would charging VAT on private schools raise and will it impact the number of pupils attending those schools?@PJTheEconomist answers in 90 seconds. See more: https://t.co/TqdlOmBRYM pic.twitter.com/3GrewhuukW Institute for Fiscal Studies (@TheIFS) November 10, 2023 Now 1.5bn isnt nothing. But in the context of the overall national budget and how much we raise from taxes in general, which is more like 1tn, this is a tiny, tiny amount of money. You might want to do this for reasons of social justice or equity, or because you think it is appropriate to charge VAT on school fees, but dont be fooled into thinking this is going to make any real difference to the amount of money available for public services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labour has said the tax raid will pay for 6,500 expert teachers in state schools, the equivalent of one new teacher for every three schools, as well as mental health support for pupils and increased work experience and careers advice. However state schools have questioned how the Government is going to deliver on this promise. Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress at Michaela Community School, in Brent, north-west London, said: How is charging private schools VAT going to find me a science teacher?. The most recent data from the Department of Education showed that while 44,000 teachers joined the workforce last year, almost as many quit meaning the overall workforce only grew by 259 teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than one in ten teachers quit the profession within a year of joining and almost a third, 32.5pc, leave the profession within five years. This means that by the end of the parliament, out of Labours flagship commitment to hire 6,500 new teachers, only 4,388 could actually still be teaching. Not first time IFS casts doubt over VAT-levy Mr Johnsons comments are not the first time the IFS has cast doubt on the success of the VAT levy. Luke Sibieta, who authored the report which found up to 40,000 pupils could switch to state schools as a result, later admitted it could actually be as high as 90,000. Its possible if there was an effect of say 15pc [of private school pupils leaving], which is not impossible I dont think its likely but its not impossible in that world the policy probably raises about 1 billion, he told a webinar hosted by the Private Education Policy Forum (PEPF) in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research fellow said this was because the evidence about how price fluctuations affect private school take-up is thin. The impartiality of the IFS paper has however come under scrutiny after it emerged Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister, was Mr Sibietas best man at his wedding. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) had previously warned that the number of pupils leaving private schools could be far higher than the report estimated, which could result in the policy generating far less revenue than expected. The ISC, which represents around 1,300 private schools, said that private school enrolments fell by 10,000 pupils in September 2024, suggesting that Labours predictions may be overly optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labours own impact assessment published on the day of Labours first Budget in government suggests 35,000 private school pupils could be pushed into state schools by the policy. The VAT on private school fees is expected to come into effect in January 2025. An end to business rates relief will follow in April . The IFS was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A group of pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested after briefly disrupting the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The New York Police Department arrested 21 people in Manhattan on Thursday morning, local outlet ABC 7 NY reports, after the group ran in front of the Ronald McDonald float and briefly stopped the parade. The group locked arms and chanted, "Free, free Palestine! They also carried a banner that read, Dont celebrate genocide! Arms embargo now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd booed as protesters took their spot in the middle of the parade, ABY 7 NY reports. Others reportedly chanted USA! USA! as police arrested the demonstrators. Pro-Palestinian protesters interrupt the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday (REUTERS) The parade was delayed for five minutes, according to ABC 7 NY. Pictures of the protest show police tussling with protesters over the banner before taking them off the parade route. Police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Around 21 people were arrested, according to local media reports (REUTERS) Footage showed police pulling some protesters off the street and flipping them onto their stomachs before handcuffing them. Other protesters appeared to go willingly with police. The New York Police Department said they did not yet have an official count of how many protesters were arrested when contacted by The Independent on Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Eric Adams warned against protesters interrupting the parade on Wednesday after a similar incident last year. I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen, Adams said. Police hold a pro-Palestinian protester who disrupted the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. A similar demonstration happened last year, with some 30 protesters interrupting the parade (REUTERS) On November 23, 2023, around 30 pro-Palestinian protesters interrupted the parade, jumping the barricades, running into the street and reportedly gluing themselves to the ground. Theres an ongoing genocide and our planet is dying, they chanted. We need a ceasefire. Both years, the demonstrators were protesting the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The war began October 7 when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. Since then, more than 44,000 have been killed in Gaza, the Associated Press reports. More than half of them were women and children, the Gaza Health Ministry said. MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) At least 25 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested after blocking the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade route in Manhattan on Thursday, according to the NYPD. It happened at 55th Street and 5th Avenue around 9:30 a.m. The protesters could be seen holding a banner that read, Dont celebrate genocide! Land back! Free Palestine! Arms embargo now! in front of the Ronald McDonald balloon. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters were taken into custody without incident, according to authorities. They received criminal court summonses for trespassing, police said. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A 29-year-old man faces a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew by assault or intimidation after prosecutors say he rushed toward an attendant and tried to open a cabin door mid-air while on a flight from Milwaukee to Dallas-Fort Worth last week. Abdul-al-Jabbar Oloruntoba Olaiya was arrested Tuesday, according to online court records. He was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas on Nov. 20, the day after the disrupted American Airlines flight. According to the complaint: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About two hours into the flight, Olaiya became frustrated with a flight attendant as she worked the forward galley, which is generally the kitchen area just outside the cockpit. Witnesses said they heard Olaiya tell the flight attendant that he was "captain of this flight" and needed to "get off the plane." He then charged the flight attendant to try to access the aircraft exit door. The flight attendant was injured in the scuffle. Passengers rushed to assist the flight attendant and put duct tape on Olaiya's wrists and ankles. About 30 minutes remained in the flight, and the pilots decided to continue to DFW, calling the tower for priority landing and taxiing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon landing, Olaiya was removed from the plane by officers and taken for a mental evaluation, according to prosecutors. The flight, which departed from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, fell into "chaos," passenger Doug McCright told WITI-TV (Channel 6). "It was kind of a fight-or-flight situation, and everyone just really helped and put together effort, and we all get to go to Thanksgiving," another passenger, Charlie Boris, told the TV station. In a statement released Nov. 20, American Airlines said: "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we thank our team members and customers for managing a difficult situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, Olaiya faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His Dallas-based attorney, Roger E. Haynes, declined to comment on Thursday. This story was updated to add new information. Drake Bentley can be reached at DBentley1@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: American Airlines passenger charged after trying to open cabin door Citizens in major Georgian cities took to the streets on 28 November, protesting the ruling Georgian Dream partys decision to halt the countrys EU integration process until the end of 2028. Source: European Pravda, citing Echo Kavkaza (Echo of the Caucasus) and SOVA.news Details: In Tbilisi, protesters gathered outside the central office of Georgian Dream, accusing Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of violating the Constitution with his announcement to suspend EU accession talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some demonstrators, who found out about the protest through social media, also gathered near the Georgian Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters reportedly blocked the road in front of the ruling party's office in the city of Kutaisi, while in Batumi, they assembled in the central square. Interpressnews reported that law enforcement has been deployed to protest sites. Clashes with police in Kutaisi have already led to several arrests. Background: The protests follow the 26 October parliamentary elections, which the opposition refused to recognise. After the appointment of a new government, Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would unilaterally suspend EU accession talks for several years. This decision came after the Georgian government adopted several controversial laws, which the EU and US criticised as democratic backsliding, leading to a reassessment of relations with Tbilisi. Support UP or become our patron! PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The fight over school funding has cost Providence and the state-run school district more than $715,500 in legal fees, equivalent to about 5% of the settlement reached Friday. The two sides for years have fought over how much the city should be contributing to the failing school district thats been under the control of the R.I. Department of Education since 2019. The fight ended Friday with a $15 million settlement agreement following a judges decision to side with the district agreement that the city needed to pay more for education costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before the legal arguments ramped up over the past two weeks, the city and district had paid at least $715,500 to private firms representing both sides in the dispute, according to invoices reviewed by Target 12. As of Oct. 28, Providence had paid a combined $560,000 to Shechtman Haperin Savage LLP and Savage Law Partners LLP since since 2020, according to the records. (The latter firm is representing Gov. Dan McKees administration in the Washington Bridge lawsuit.) The district, meanwhile, had spent $155,000 for Adler Pollock and Sheehan PC from August 2021 through Oct. 24 of this year, according to the records. Education Department spokesperson Victor Morente said the state didnt have its own legal fees associated with the dispute. Following the judges order, Providence agreed to pay the district $4 million for last fiscal year and $11 million for the current one. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said the unexpected cost will require him to seek permission from state lawmakers to raise city taxes beyond the 4% cap that municipalities are supposed to stay below each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) A 32-year-old man from Puna has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term for the electronic enticement of a child, stemming from a case part of Operation Keiki Shield. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Sonny E. Puerto, also known as Junya, was sentenced Monday in Hilo Circuit Court after being convicted of attempting to engage in sexual acts with an undercover police officer he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Puerto was arrested following an investigation in May 2021 as part of Operation Keiki Shield, a collaborative effort between state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies to combat internet-facilitated sex crimes against minors. In July 2024, Puerto was found guilty of Electronic Enticement of a Child in the First Degree. Mother of slain Maui woman speaks out against drunk driving Prosecutors presented evidence that Puerto had exchanged sexually explicit text messages with the officer, requesting intercourse and other sexual acts. Following the guilty verdict, prosecutors requested that Puerto, who had been released on $30,000 bail, be taken into custody without bail. The court increased his bail to $500,000 and remanded him into custody until his sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electronic Enticement of a Child in the First Degree is a Class B felony, carrying a mandatory 10-year prison sentence without the possibility of probation, as well as a requirement for sex offender registration. The case was led by Detective Gavin Kagimoto and prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Haaheo Kahoohalahala and Patrick Munoz. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Anyone with information related to such crimes is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Russia has carried out its highest-level diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban yet, as it seeks to expand its sphere of influence in Asia beyond its closest ally China. Earlier this week Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russias powerful Security Council, reached Kabul carrying the message that Vladimir Putin wants to support the de facto administration or, in Russias parlance, achieve a durable peace in Afghanistan. The former Russian defence minister, who oversaw the invasion of Ukraine until May this year, met with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Afghanistans deputy prime minister for economic affairs, who said the Taliban administration needed Moscows help to ease the burden of Western sanctions. Shoigu also met with other senior Taliban officials, including its defence and interior ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baradar, who signed the Doha agreement marking the exit of US troops from Afghanistan, was a key figure during the 1980s in the SovietAfghan War in Kandahar and co-founder of the Taliban along with Mullah Omar. Shoigus visit comes at a time when the Kremlin is considering removing the Taliban from Russias list of terrorist organisations, a move backed by Mr Putin in July when he called the Taliban an ally in the fight against terrorism. The Russian leader is increasingly looking to Asia as he seeks more allies who, unlike the US and European nations, will not censure him of his invasion of Ukraine, experts say. And the Taliban craves international recognition of the legitimacy of its government in Afghanistan as well as partners who wont criticise its gender apartheid. Acting Minister of Interior Affairs-IEA, H.E. Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, met with the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and his accompanying delegation.1/9 pic.twitter.com/QYxLPa6rGp Ministry of Interior Affairs- Afghanistan (@moiafghanistan) November 25, 2024 Russia has historical ties with Afghanistan but [they are] not particularly pleasant all along, says Oz Hassan, a national security expert from the University of Warwick. Russia knows Afghanistans strategic importance, where it sits in Asia, balancing out Europes interests, US interests, Gulf interests, Chinas interests, Indias interests it just exists bang in the middle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So in other words, Mr Putins not coming at it directly, its part of a much wider chess game. The Russian president is a strategic actor, looking at global politics and he will try to see how many countries are on his pile rather than the US pile. Sending a close aide like Mr Shoigu to meet the Taliban sends a message in itself, says Aleksei Zakharov, an independent researcher in Moscow. By sending Shoigu, the Kremlin wants to show to the new Taliban regime that Russia is seriously looking to develop closer relationships with them, he said. Developing new alliances in Asia has value to Russia beyond its symbolic importance, says Dr Hassan. The [diplomatic] relationship with the Taliban could potentially lead to a longer term relationship economically where Russia can tap into millions of dollars worth of economic projects which the US and Europe will miss out on, he explains. He suggests Russia could follow a similar model to its relationship with North Korea a quid pro quo arrangement which includes the use of the Talibans battle-hardened fighters in Putins war on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These forces in Afghanistan can be recruited directly as mercenaries in the conflict, because you have a whole set of folks who need money and possess the skill set of having directly fought Nato for the longest period of time, Hassan says. Zakharov, a former research fellow at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, says the first step in building such a relationship would be for Russia to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations. This move by Mr Shoigu, verbally assuring the Taliban ranks in Kabul, shows that Russia is really moving ahead with that, Zakharov says. Russian President Vladimir Putin has heaped praised on Donald Trump and suggested the incoming administration will find a solution to end Russias war in Ukraine. As far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution, Putin said on Thursday. Putin also commended the president-elect as a real man after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July. Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump and suggested retaliatory missile strikes in Kyiv during a press conference in Kazakhstan on November 28 (AP) He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man, Putin said from remarks in Kazakhstan on Thursday. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin claimed that uncivilized means of struggle were used against Trump more than once and does not believe the president-elect is currently safe as he criticized the humiliating, unfounded judicial procedures to which Trump was subjected to throughout his 2024 campaign, including civil judgments and criminal verdicts and investigations. His remarks are in stark contrast to warnings from President Joe Bidens administration surrounding Putins regime, which has launched a major ground assault with an estimated 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, with a goal to retake Russian territory seized by Ukraine this summer. The Biden administration has also authorized Ukraines use of US-supplied long-range missiles inside of Russia. Domestically, federal law enforcement agencies have accused Russian intelligence operations and Kremlin-backed groups of attempting to interfere with American elections with long-running, coordinated disinformation campaigns. Trump, meeting Putin in 2018, has since repeatedly promised to end Russias war in Ukraine within 24 hours but has not publicly offered any plans (AFP via Getty Images) The escalation, at every turn, at every step, is coming from Russia, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters last week. Theyre the ones who are escalating this. Theyre the ones who started this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is because of their aggression into a sovereign territory: Ukraine. And this war can end today, and you hear us say this over and over again if Russia would stop, the war would stop, what theyre doing with their aggression. Putin has accused the Biden administration itself of escalating the war, but he also threatened to launch more medium-range ballistic missiles that were used in Ukraines Dnipro region last week. Those Oreshnik missiles, which are capable of firing multiple warheads at once, are also capable of delivering nuclear payloads. We will use the means at our disposal, he warned. We do not exclude the use of Oreshnik against [Ukraines] military, against military-industrial facilities, or against decision-making centers, including in Kyiv, bearing in mind that the Kyiv authorities today continue to attempt to strike our vital facilities. Trumps nominated US special envoy Keith Kellogg has warned we are on the precipice of World War 3 (screengrab) Asked whether those decision-making facilities are political, Putin replied: You know, in Soviet times there was a joke about weather forecasts? Heres the forecast: today, during the day, anything is possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi called Putins remarks blackmail aimed at discouraging Kyivs partners while testing Trump. We expect those countries that have urged everyone to avert the expansion of the war to react to the statements voiced by Putin today, Tykhyi said. Trump has repeatedly claimed that he would bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours of his election and that the United States would be thrust into a third World War if his Democratic rival Kamala Harris defeated him. He has not yet revealed any details of his plan to end the war but has suggested Ukraine would be forced to make significant concessions to Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not know what is going to happen now. I have no clue, Putin said on Thursday. Putins remarks follow Trumps announcement that General Keith Kellogg is nominated for a US special envoy to the warring countries. Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN! Trump announced on Wednesday. Asked whether he would have a response if Trump requested a meeting, Putin said he was ready to resume discussions with the president-elect. Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump as an intelligent man who will find a solution to the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a security summit in Kazakhstan on Thursday, Putin said he was ready for peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions, but on the same terms he laid out over the summer. The Russian president said in June he would end the war if Kyiv agreed to drop its Nato ambitions and hand over four Ukrainian regions claimed by Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has rejected this proposal as tantamount to surrender. According to The Washington Post, Putin and Mr Trump have spoken about the future of Ukraine since the Nov 5 US election. Voenacher/Telegram Mr Trump was said to have warned the Russian leader during a phone call not to escalate the war and expressed an interest in a follow-up conversation. The incoming US president is understood to be working on several proposals to end the war. According to three Trump staffers, one of these plans could see European and British troops called on to enforce an 800-mile buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian armies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current front line would be frozen in place and Ukraine would agree to shelve its ambition to join Nato for 20 years. In exchange, the US would pump Ukraine full of weapons to deter Russia from restarting the war. The US would neither contribute troops to patrol and enforce the resulting buffer zone nor finance its mission. Putin also on Thursday expressed concern for Mr Trumps safety after attempts on his life during the US election campaign. The Kremlin launched a massive overnight attack on Wednesday on Ukraines energy infrastructure in what it said was revenge for Kyivs Storm Shadow and Atacms missile strikes on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a million people were left without power, Ukrainian officials said, after Russia fired about 90 missiles and 100 drones at targets across the country. Putin later threatened to devastate Kyiv with Russias new Oreshnik missile, which was first launched at the city of Dnipro last week. The Oreshnik is an intermediate range ballistic missile with multiple warheads and is thought to be nuclear capable. Moscow has so far largely avoided Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv, but said that it was now considering hitting decision-making centres in the Ukrainian capital. Putin claimed that an attack using several Oreshniks would be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hinted that he would be prepared to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine if the West were to give Kyiv its own weapons of mass destruction. If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? Putin said. In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia, he added. The New York Times reported last week that some unidentified Western officials suggested Joe Biden, the US president, could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office. Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president and key Putin ally who was also at the Kazakhstan summit, said: Clinging to an elusive dominance, the West is increasingly speaking the language of arms, turning a blind eye to the threats of nuclear confrontation fraught with the destruction of the entire planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, approved Kyivs 2025 budget plans for 60 per cent of all expenditure to go towards defence and security. Some financial support A total of $54 billion (43 billion), out of a general budget of $87 billion (69 billion), will go towards defence and security, according to documents published by the finance ministry. By comparison, Moscows draft budget earmarks $125 billion (100 billion) for defence and $32 billion (26 billion) for domestic security. Ukraine will see some financial support in the form of 18.1 billion (15 billion) in frozen Russian assets, which the EU agreed to send to Kyiv on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denys Shmyhal, Ukraines prime minister, said: Such a step is not only support [for Ukraine] but also a precedent for holding Russia accountable for its crimes and starting the process of making the aggressor pay for its brutal war. Mr Trump on Wednesday nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired US lieutenant general, to be his special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. In April 2024, Kellogg co-authored a strategy paper saying that the US should negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. The paper said that the US should continue to arm Ukraine but only if it participates in peace talks with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Nato leaders should offer to shelve Ukraines application while granting Russia some sanctions relief if it signs a peace agreement with Ukraine. 06:25 PM GMT Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. 06:15 PM GMT Putin asks for forgiveness over Merkel dog scare Vladimir Putin has apologised to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, insisting he did not bring Konni his pet black Labrador to a meeting to scare her in 2007. In her memoir, Mrs Merkel accused Putin of exploiting her well-documented fear of dogs in a demonstration of power from which he took enjoyment. I did not know that she was afraid of dogs, the Moscow Times reported Putin saying on Thursday in Kazakhstan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I once again appeal to her via the media and say: Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache. On the contrary, I wanted to create a favorable atmosphere for our conversation, he added. If you ever I realize it is unlikely come again, I will not do it under any circumstances, Putin said. Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi, 21 Jan 2007 - AFP PHOTO / PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / ITAR-TASS / DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP/GETTY 06:11 PM GMT Finland mulls laying banned anti-personnel mines Finland is contemplating if anti-personnel landmines - currently prohibited by international law - should be brought back into its defence arsenal, authorities said on Thursday. Designed to be buried or hidden on the ground, anti-personnel mines often mutilate victims who are not immediately killed, with aid groups decrying their long-term impact on civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finland, which shares a 1,340km border with Russia, abandoned the weapon in 2012 by joining the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention. But Helsinkis armed forces have been assessing whether the landmines are needed again given Russias invasion of Ukraine. This assessment is motivated by lessons from the war in Ukraine, and the strained security situation, the ministry of defence said, adding that any conclusions would be made when a report is published next year. 05:53 PM GMT Ukraine: The Latest with Boris Johnson Today, the podcast discusses who Donald Trump has named as his envoy to Ukraine and hosts an exclusive interview with Boris Johnson. 05:47 PM GMT France unclear over Putin arrest warrant France has declined to say whether it would be prepared to detain Vladimir Putin under the international arrest warrant issued last year. All European Union member states are signatories to the ICCs founding treaty but France recently said it believed Benjamin Netanyahu had immunity to actions by the ICC as Israel has not signed up to the court statutes. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Putin, although Russia is also not a signatory to the founding treaty. French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said that Frances legal position was essentially the same on the arrest warrants issued for the two leaders. Weve probably been less precise when commenting on Putins case compared to the present one but, in any case, our position is the same, he said. Asked if this meant France would not arrest Putin if he set foot on French soil, he said: With regard to Vladimir Putin all those who committed crimes, there is no impunity. They have to be held responsible for their deeds, and we have always said that well apply international law in all its aspects. 05:31 PM GMT West turning a blind eye to threat of nuclear war, says Lukashenko Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said the arms race is gaining momentum as Europe embraces NATOfication. The Eastern European region, especially Poland, continues its militarization. NATOfication of Europe and the world in general is underway, Belarusian news agency BelTA quoted Lukashenko as saying at the Collective Security Treaty Organization summit in Kazakhstan. We record the worsening global situation every year, he said, adding: Clinging to an elusive dominance, the West is increasingly speaking the language of arms, turning a blind eye to the threats of nuclear confrontation fraught with the destruction of the entire planet. Alexander Lukashenko (left), Vladimir Putin and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in, Kazakhstan, 28 Nov - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK 05:09 PM GMT Russian spy ring plotted high-level espionage including honey traps A Russian spy ring plotted high-level espionage including honey traps of their targets from their base in the UK, the Old Bailey has heard. The five Bulgarians used fake identities and advanced technology to carry out surveillance on the orders of Jan Marsalek, a Russian agent, it is alleged. Read the full story here. Vanya Gaberova 04:55 PM GMT Watch: Russian strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure Voenacher/Telegram 04:38 PM GMT Ukraine budget approved Volodymyr Zelensky has approved Kyivs 2025 budget plans that will see 60 percent of all expenditure go towards defence and security. A total of $54 billion, out of a general budget of $87 billion, will go towards defence and security, according to budget documents published by the finance ministry. Under the 2025 plans, Kyiv will post an overall budget shortfall of $37 billion. By comparison, Moscows draft budget earmarks 13.5 trillion roubles ($125 billion at Thursdays exchange rate) for defence - and another 3.5 trillion roubles ($32 billion) for domestic security. In response, Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law Ukraines first wartime tax increase, raising the war tax for residents from 1.5 per cent currently paid on personal income to 5 per cent. 04:14 PM GMT EU to send Ukraine 18.1 billion in frozen Russian assets The European Union has signed a memorandum of understanding to provide 18.1 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine secured from frozen Russian assets. Vice President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis signed the agreement on behalf of the EU. Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: Such a step is not only support [for Ukraine] but also a precedent for holding Russia accountable for its crimes and starting the process of making the aggressor pay for its brutal war. Honoured to sign MoU with Ukraine on behalf of EU for 18.1 b in macro-financial assistance to help cover immediate needs. It is part of G7 initiative to support Ukraine using revenues from immobilised Russian assetsmaking sure that aggressor pays for damage it has caused. pic.twitter.com/j1EJDMsCcE Valdis Dombrovskis (@VDombrovskis) November 28, 2024 03:45 PM GMT Ukraine says it needs equipment more than manpower Kyiv has urged its partners to speed up military aid, saying quicker delivery of critical battlefield equipment was more important than drafting more men. We are now in the situation when we need more equipment to arm all the people that have already been mobilised, and we think the first priority is to send quicker, faster military aid, said Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesman for Ukraines foreign ministry. He made the remark during a press briefing in Kyiv, a day after a senior US official said Ukraine was not mobilising enough new soldiers and urged Kyiv to reduce the conscription age from 25 to 18. 03:26 PM GMT Putin concerned for Trumps safety Vladimir Putin has expressed concerns for Donald Trumps safety after assassination attempts during the presidential campaign. Speaking at a summit in Kazakhstan, the Russian president said he had been shocked by the absolutely uncivilised methods used to battle against Trump. In my opinion, he is not safe now, said Putin, adding: Unfortunately, in the history of the United States various incidents have happened. I think he is intelligent and I hope hes cautious and understands this. The Russian president added that not even bandits in Russia would stoop as low as some American political opponents in their revolting treatment of Mr Trumps family during the campaign. Donald Trump after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. on July 13 - EVAN VUCCI/AP 03:10 PM GMT Germany offers Patriot air defences to Poland Germany has offered to re-deploy Patriot air defence systems to Poland in the new year. The units could be deployed for up to six months, the German defence ministry said. With this we will protect a logistical hub in Poland which is of central importance for the delivery of materials to Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. Germany previously deployed 300 troops along with three Patriot units to Poland from January to November 2022, in response to fears of the war in Ukraine spilling over the border. 02:24 PM GMT Putin issues threats over arming Ukraine Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would use all weapons at its disposal against Ukraine if the war-torn nation became a nuclear power. The New York Times reported last week that some unidentified Western officials had suggested Joe Biden could give Ukraine nuclear weapons before he leaves office. Speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin said: If the country which we are essentially at war with now becomes a nuclear power, what do we do? In this case, we will use all, I want to emphasise this, precisely all means of destruction available to Russia. Everything: we will not allow it. Well be watching their every move. Vladimir Putin attends a press conference following the Collective Security Treaty Organisation summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov 28 - RAMIL SITDIKOV/POOL SPUTNIK KREMLIN 01:50 PM GMT Kyiv says Russian forces executed five Ukrainian soldiers Ukraine has accused Russian forces of shooting dead five Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered in the eastern Zaporizhzhia region. Prosecutors said the incident took place near the village of Novodarivka in the Pologiv district on 24 Nov. Servicemen of the Russian armed forces shot dead five Ukrainian defenders out of six who had been taken prisoner, a statement read. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said he had contacted the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) over the allegations. Moscow did not immediately respond to the accusations. 01:37 PM GMT New missile turns everything to dust says Putin Vladimir Putin has claimed the power of his new Oreshnik missile is comparable to the use of nuclear weapons and described the impact as like a meteorite. The Russian president said the intermediate range ballistic missile fell short of a weapon of mass destruction as its use without a nuclear warhead does not lead to radioactive contamination. The temperature of the striking elements reaches 4,000 degrees C, he said, according to the exiled Russian language news website Meduza, adding: This means that everything in the explosions epicentre is broken down into fractions, into elementary particles, essentially turning into dust. Russia first launched the Oreshnik at the city of Dnipro earlier this month. Credit: social media 01:17 PM GMT How many more need to die? asks Elon Musk Elon Musk has criticised the Biden administrations for urging Ukraine to lower the draft age from 25 to 18. The American billionaire, who has been picked by President-elect Donald Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, responded to a report from AP stating that the US was calling for Ukraine to permit conscription from the age of 18. How many more need to die? Mr Musk replied on X. 12:51 PM GMT Christians are not afraid of apocalypse, says head of Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has said there is no need to stir up fear over nuclear weapons, as Christians are not afraid of the end of the world. Fearmongering around possible apocalyptic scenarios, excessive alarmism and speculation on the nuclear issue are not useful from a spiritual point of view, he said according to Russian news outlet Agentstvo Novosti. Speaking at a plenary session of the XXVI World Russian Peoples Council, he continued: The enemy of humankind is trying to sow anxiety in the hearts of people ... because it is easier to manipulate a person deprived of the spiritual world. There is no need to play along with all this. Christians are not afraid of the so-called end of the world. We are waiting for the Lord Jesus, who will come to great glory, destroy evil and judge all nations. Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill during a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow on Nov 4, 2023 - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/AFP 12:25 PM GMT Zelensky discusses long-range capabilities with Starmer Volodymyr Zelensky has had a telephone conversation with Sir Keir Starmer to discuss Russias overnight attack on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the latest act of Russian air terror against Ukraines civilian infrastructure, the Ukrainian president wrote on Telegram, adding that particular attention was paid to the issue of further defence co-operation. Mr Zelensky said he was grateful to the UK for its large-scale support, in particular for its allocation of at least 3bn annually for the needs of Ukraine. The Ukrainian president said he reiterated his call for Ukraine to join the military alliance Nato, sought further development of long-range capabilities and discussed the possible participation of Ukraine in the Joint Expeditionary Force summit next month in Tallinn, Estonia. 11:43 AM GMT Who is Trumps new Ukraine peace envoy? Donald Trumps pick for special envoy to Ukraine once proposed cutting military aid to the country to force Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiating table, writes Joe Barnes. Keith Kellogg, 80, who served as chief of staff for the White House National Security Council during the Republicans first term, will play a leading role in resolving the conflict. Under a proposal presented to the president-elect in June, Lt Gen Kellogg suggested halting weapon supplies to Kyiv if the war-torn capital refused to engage in peace talks. Separately, Russia would be warned that not negotiating would result in increased military support for Ukraine. To further encourage Russian president Vladimir Putin, the US could agree to suspending the possibility of Nato membership for Kyiv. Lt Gen Kelloggs plan, which was co-authored alongside former Trump aide Fred Fleitz, called for the conflict to be frozen along its current front lines. Read the full story here. President Donald Trump, center, sits with retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg - AP 11:27 AM GMT Watch: Ukraine fires British Storm Shadow missile for first time Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets inside Russia for the first time last week. The long-range missiles were fired at a Russian military target in the village of Darino, Kursk. Ian_Matveev/X 10:59 AM GMT Russia cluster bomb attack hits Ukrainian power grid Russia bombed Ukraines power grid with cluster munitions in a despicable escalation, Volodymyr Zelesnky said. The Ukrainian president claimed the weapons, which can be indiscriminate in their targeting, were used to strike several regions. This is a very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics, Mr Zelensky said. 10:47 AM GMT Russia ramping up missile production, says Putin Russias production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the NATO military alliance by 10 times, Vladimir Putin has claimed. The Russian president said Moscow had plans to ramp up production further after Ukraine was given permission to strike Western long-range missiles at Russia. He said while Ukrainian leaders were begging their masters for other military equipment, Russias production of hypersonic missile systems was in full swing. Putin also said Russias Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at a Ukrainian city last week, is incapable of being intercepted. Vladimir Putin attends the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Astana, Kazakhstan - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/REUTERS 10:37 AM GMT Watch: Russian Su-34 bomber flies at Ukraine Russias defence ministry has released footage showing a Russian Su-34 bomb taking off towards an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Footage shows the fighter jet releasing a bomb at an undisclosed location. Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation 10:13 AM GMT In pictures: Aftermath of Russian attack Firefighters work at a site of a Russian missile strike on Ukraines Volyn region - REUTERS A damaged house following a missile attack at an undisclosed location in Odesa - AFP 10:02 AM GMT Russia orchestrating campaign of terror, says Ukrainian MP Russia is targeting Ukraines power grid as part of its wider campaign of terror, a Ukrainian MP has told The Telegraph. Oleksiy Goncharenko, the MP for Odesa, said Russia hoped to cause blackouts in order to influence people and push for concessions. Mr Goncharenko called on Western allies to provide Ukraine with more air defences and long-range missiles to strike Russian military bases that are used to launch attacks against Ukraine. He told us the situation is not as severe in Odesa this morning as it was after a massive attack earlier this month, but said some Ukrainians were still experiencing blackouts. 09:40 AM GMT Pictured: Blackout hits Ukraine after attack on power grid Around one million Ukrainians have been left without power 09:21 AM GMT Russia returns seven children to Ukraine Russia returned seven children to Ukraine following mediation efforts by Qatar, state media reported on Thursday. Qatar has acted as a mediator several times between Russia and Ukraine to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children since the start of the war. 09:10 AM GMT US pressures Ukraine to lower conscription age Ukraine should consider lowering the age of military service for its soldiers from 25 to 18, a senior US administration official said. Ukraine was not mobilising or training enough new soldiers to replace those lost on the battlefield, the official who spoke anonymously said. The need right now is manpower, he said. The Russians are in fact making progress, steady progress, in the east, and they are beginning to push back Ukrainian lines in Kursk ... Mobilisation and more manpower could make a significant difference at this time as we look at the battlefield today. 08:35 AM GMT Several nuclear power units disconnected after attack Ukraine has disconnected several nuclear power units from the network due to Russias attack on the countrys energy infrastructure. The attack has left at least one million people across western Ukraine without any power. 08:11 AM GMT Ukraines energy infrastructure dealt hard blow Russias massive attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Thursday dealt a hard blow, a source inside Ukraines energy ministry told Reuters. Moscow used a lot of cluster munitions in the attack, the source added. Cluster munitions are devices filled with smaller explosives that can be sprayed across a wider area. 08:01 AM GMT In pictures: worried residents shelter amid Russian attack A woman comforts a child in Kyiv metro station - REUTERS A man sits with an elderly woman and a cat in Kyiv metro station amid Russias massive energy attack - REUTERS 07:48 AM GMT Europe at war with Russia, says former MI6 head Europe is already in an actual war with Russia, the former head of MI6 has said. I think we have to face up to the fact that the Russians think theyre in a state of war with us, Richard Dearlove said. It followed comments by Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, that Europe was in a pre-war situation. I think hes wrong. I think its an actual war, Mr Dearlove added. 07:34 AM GMT One million without power At least one million Ukrainians are without power after Russias massive attack on the countrys energy infrastructure. The attacks cut power to 523,000 consumers in Lviv region, about 215,000 in Volyn region and over 280,000 in Rivne region, their governors reported on the Telegram messaging app. 07:22 AM GMT Kyiv air defence working, says mayor Kyivs air defence was working amid Russias massive attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure, the citys mayor said on Thursday. Air raid alerts were in place across Ukraine in the early hours on Thursday morning. Once again, the energy sector is under massive enemy attack. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place across Ukraine, German Galushchenko, Ukraines energy minister, said. 07:20 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. Well be bringing you the latest news and analysis from the conflict throughout the day. 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. Vladimir Putin, Kremlin leader, stated that Russia's huge strike on Ukraine on 28 November was in reaction to strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation. Source: Russian state-owned news agencies RIA Novosti and RBK, quoting Putin's statements at the Collective Security Treaty Organisation Summit Quote: "Tonight, we launched a combined strike using 90 missiles and 100 drones. Seventeen targets were hit. I repeat: these attacks on our part were in response to persistent attacks on Russian soil with American ATACMS missiles. As I have repeatedly stated, there will always be a response on our part." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Putin claims that Russian missiles and drones have hit 117 targets. Putin also stated that Russia produces ten times as many long-range missiles as all NATO countries combined, and that Russian hypersonic systems "have no analogues in the world." He believes that Moscow is aware of how many Western missiles have been supplied to Kyiv and how many more are expected to be transported. "Russia will respond to strikes with Western long-range weapons, in particular, the possible continuation of the combat tests of Oreshnik," Putin added. He further stated that Russia possesses many ready-to-use Oreshnik missile systems, which "can reach even highly protected infrastructure located at great depths. Everything in the explosion's epicenter is broken down into elementary particles and eventually becomes dust." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Putin emphasised that Oreshnik is not a weapon of mass destruction; the Russians describe it as "high-precision weapons," but "it does not have a nuclear charge." "The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are choosing targets for [Oreshnik] strikes against Ukraine. These could include military facilities, defence industry businesses, or decision-making centres in Kyiv... Russia will choose the methods of destruction based on the nature of the chosen goals and the threats posed to Russia," declared the Russian ruler. Background: Support UP or become our patron! MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a massive Russian overnight attack on Ukrainian infrastructure was a response to Kyiv's attacks on Russian regions using longer-range Western missiles. Ukrainian officials said that Russia had unleashed its second big attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this month on Thursday, cutting power to more than 1 million people in the west, south, and centre of the country. Speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin told members of a security alliance made up of ex-Soviet states: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tonight we conducted a comprehensive strike using 90 missiles of similar classes and 100 drones. Seventeen targets were hit. "These are military facilities, defence industry facilities and their support systems. Let me repeat once again: these strikes on our part also took place in response to the ongoing strikes (by Ukraine) on Russian territory with American ATACMS missiles. As I have already said many times, there will always be a response from our side." (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened on Thursday to fire the military's new medium-range missiles at further targets in Ukraine, including the capital Kiev. The Oreshnik ballistic missile was first deployed last week against the Ukrainian industrial city of Dnipro, in a move seen as a dangerous escalation in the conflict. The Kremlin is currently selecting targets for further strikes, Putin said at a meeting in Astana of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These could be military buildings, defence companies or decision-making centres in Kiev," the Russian leader added. Speaking of last week's strike on Dnipro, he said: "We were forced to carry out the test under war conditions in response to the attacks on the Bryansk and Kursk areas with Western weapons, with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles." Following recent approval from Washington, Ukraine has begun using US-made ATACMS missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles to target military sites in Russia. Putin reiterated his praise of the new Russian weapons system as unique, saying that when used in a bundle, its destructive power is comparable to that of a nuclear bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Putin, Russia has fired 100 missiles and 466 combat drones at Ukraine in the last two days alone. He described the massive attacks as a response to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. Renewed power cuts Western Ukraine experienced more power outages on Thursday as a result of the missile strikes, leaving more than a million people without electricity. In the Rivne region, more than 280,000 households were cut off, Governor Oleksandr Koval posted on the Telegram channel, referring also to water supply issues. In the neighbouring Volyn region, near Poland, more than 200,000 households were cut off from the energy grid. Authorities reported strikes on the regional capital, Lutsk. No casualties were initially registered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further south, in the Lviv region, more than half a million people were left without power, along with a further 300,000 households in the neighbouring region of Ivano-Frankivsk. According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia fired over 90 rockets and cruise missiles, including from long-range bombers and ships in the Black Sea. Almost 80 were intercepted. Earlier, the Russian army had deployed almost 100 combat drones against targets in Ukraine, all of which were either shot down or intercepted by electronic means. Military observers cast doubt on the official figures, however. Explosions were reported from nearly all parts of the country, including in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko referred on Facebook to targeted Russian attacks on energy facilities. The grid operator, Ukrenergo, had carried out emergency power cuts, he said. Due to Russian missile and drone attacks, an air-raid alarm was in effect in Kiev during the night and early morning, lasting more than nine hours. Fatal strikes Two men were killed and three injured in a Russian drone attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced. A tractor was hit in a field near the village of Bilyi Kolodiaz by a so-called first-person-view drone, which is controlled via a video connection, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bilyi Kolodiaz is a few kilometres from the front line near the border town of Vovchansk, which has been under siege for months. Kiev accuses Moscow of war crimes Ukraine once again accused the Russian army on Thursday of committing war crimes. In the southern region of Zaporizhzhya, five out of six Ukrainian soldiers were shot on Sunday after being captured near the village of Novodaryivka, the prosecutor's office in Kiev said. They said an investigation into war crimes and murder was now under way. The Russian army launched a full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. International human rights organizations accuse the Russian side especially of violating the Geneva Conventions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, there have increasingly been reports from Ukraine about the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers. EU lawmakers speak out In the French city of Strasbourg meanwhile, the European Parliament condemned the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia's war on Ukraine and criticized China for its assistance to Moscow. Lawmakers adopted a resolution denouncing the use of North Korean forces and the testing of new ballistic missiles on Ukraine, arguing that the "recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe's security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parliament, which has no formal say on foreign policy issues, called on EU capitals to strengthen their military support for Ukraine and impose further sanctions on countries supporting Moscow's war, notably China, Belarus and Iran. Beijing in particular must "end all military or dual-use assistance it is giving to Russia," the statement read, adding that "a refusal to change course risks seriously affecting bilateral EU-China relations." Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that he might use the new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile against "decision-making centres in Kyiv". Source: Putin quoted by Russian media Quote: "The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are choosing targets for [Oreshnik] strikes against Ukraine. These could include military facilities, defence industry businesses, or decision-making centres in Kyiv. Moreover, the Kyiv regime has repeatedly tried to strike targets of national importance in Russia St Petersburg and Moscow." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Putin claimed that Russia had started mass production of the Oreshnik ballistic missile system. "In the event of a large-scale use of Oreshnik missiles in a single strike, its power will be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons," the Kremlin leader said. According to him, Russia has several Oreshnik missile systems ready for use. "Everything that is in the epicentre of the explosion is divided into fractions, elementary particles, and turns practically into dust," Putin said. For reference: Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who initiated a full-scale war in the heart of Europe, has repeatedly issued alarming statements about the "power of Russian weapons" and nuclear threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Decision-making centres" is a Russian propaganda term used to justify Russian war crimes against Ukraine's civilian population. Previously: Ukraines Air Force noted that during the missile attack on the city of Dnipro on 21 November, Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile. Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that it might have been a Rubezh missile, a potential carrier of nuclear warheads. In his address on 21 November, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin indirectly confirmed reports, stating that during the 21 November attack on Dnipro, Russia used a medium-range missile dubbed Oreshnik by Putin. The United States officially confirmed that Russia struck Dnipro with a ballistic missile based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. On 22 November, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine stated that Russia launched a ballistic missile, likely from the Kedr missile system, against Ukraine. Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence, stated that "Oreshnik" is the name of the research project, "it's just a cypher". He added that as of October 2024, Russia was supposed to have manufactured two experimental samples of the Kedr missile system, one of which struck Dnipro on 21 November. Support UP or become our patron! Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to fire the military's new medium-range missiles at further targets in Ukraine, including the capital Kiev. The Kremlin is currently selecting targets for further strikes, he said at a meeting of the Russian-led military alliance the Collective Security Treaty Organization in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. "These could be military buildings, defence companies or decision-making centres in Kiev," Putin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of last week's strike against the Ukrainian industrial city of Dnipro with the new Oreshnik ballistic missile, he said: "We were forced to carry out the test under war conditions in response to the attacks on the Bryansk and Kursk areas with Western weapons, with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles." Putin again praised the Russian weapons system as unique, saying that when used in a bundle, its destructive power is comparable to that of a nuclear bomb. He said Russia has fired 100 missiles and 466 combat drones at Ukraine in the last two days alone, describing the massive attacks as a response to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. "Decision-making centers" in Kyiv can be among the targets of Oreshnik, Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Nov. 28. Putin has repeatedly threatened to attack Ukraine's "decision-making centers" since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war. Russia daily strikes Ukrainian cities with drones, missiles, and guided bombs, with nearly 200 aerial targets launched at Ukraine overnight on Nov. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana, Putin said that Russia's military leadership is now "choosing targets" in Ukraine to hit them with Oreshnik. "These could be military facilities, defense and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centers in Kyiv," Putin said. Russia first launched Oreshnik in an attack against the city of Dnipro on Nov. 21. Shortly thereafter, Putin claimed that "there are currently no ways of countering this weapon," which later was refuted by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia's Oreshnik attack followed Kyiv's first successful strike on a military target on Russian soil using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry admitted more such strikes against targets in Kursk and Bryansk oblasts had followed later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Putin, Russia has begun mass production of Oreshnik. Previously, a U.S. official told the Kyiv Independent that Moscow likely possesses "only a handful" of these experimental missiles. "In the case of a mass use of these missiles, the power of this strike would be comparable to the use of nuclear weapons. Although Oreshnik is not a weapon of mass destruction," Putin added. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims. Experts have called into question his claims regarding the weapon's novelty. Analysts, including Pentagon officials, have said the missile appears to be based heavily on Russia's RS-26 Rubezh IRBM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missile fired at Ukraine a week ago carried warheads without explosives, Reuters reported on Nov. 27, citing two unnamed senior Ukrainian government sources. Stay warm with Ukrainian traditions this winter. Shop our seasonal merch collection. Star shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have indicated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin intends to continue using Kazakhstan to facilitate sanctions evasion schemes. Source: ISW Details: Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met in Astana on 27 November and signed a joint statement on deepening the Russian-Kazakh strategic partnership as part of Russia's efforts to establish a "new world order". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin and Tokayev signed 19 other documents expanding Russian-Kazakh political, economic, energy, and transit cooperation. Quote from ISW: "The Kremlin likely intends to deepen economic and transit relations with Kazakhstan, in part, to continue to leverage Kazakhstan as key intermediary to facilitate sanctions evasion schemes." Details: Putin also published an article in the Kazakh state-run newspaper Kazakhstanskaya Pravda on 27 November in which he emphasised the strength of Russia-Kazakhstan relations, much in the same style as previous articles Putin has published in other states' state newspapers during bilateral visits. Putin and Tokayev also agreed to expand Russian educational and Russian language institutions in Kazakhstan, likely as part of an ongoing effort to expand the influence of Russian soft power in countries formerly colonised by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from ISW: "Putin notably did not mention the war in Ukraine in his article, during his meeting with Tokayev, or in the package of the signed documents, likely omitting any mention of the war in order to posture Russia as an economically stable and viable partner ahead of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana on 28 November." To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 27 November: Ukrainian forces continue to leverage Western-provided weapons to conduct strikes using more complex strike packages against military objects in Russia's deep rear. Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met in Astana on 27 November and signed a joint statement deepening the Russian-Kazakh strategic partnership within the framework of Russia's efforts to establish a "new world order." The Russian military command may have imposed controversial restrictions on the use of personal vehicles by Russian volunteers delivering military and humanitarian aid to Russian troops on the front lines, likely as part of an ongoing force centralisation effort. Ukrainian forces recently advanced within Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove fronts, and within the main Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast. The Kremlin continues to promote the "Time of Heroes" programme that aims to militarise the Russian government at the local, regional, and federal levels as a way to prevent the return of "Afghan syndrome" in Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to escalate the war in Ukraine so that U.S. President Donald Trump fails to end the full-scale war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 28. Zelensky's comments come in response to Putin's fresh threats to target "decision-making centers" in Kyiv and Ukrainian military facilities with Oreshnik, Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). "(Putin) is aiming to disrupt the efforts of President Trump that are sure to come after his inauguration," Zelensky said in his evening address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin wants to escalate the situation now so that President Trump fails to end the war." Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana earlier in the day, Putin said that Russia's military leadership is now "choosing targets" in Ukraine to hit them with Oreshnik. Zelensky called Putin's actions "pressure" to force Trump to accept Russia's terms. On the campaign trail, Trump has criticized military support provided to Ukraine by Joe Biden's administration and pledged to get the U.S. "out" of the war. While the details of his plans remain elusive, some reports indicate this would entail forcing Ukraine to cede territory and at least temporarily give up on its NATO accession plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia first launched Oreshnik in an attack against the city of Dnipro on Nov. 21. Shortly thereafter, Putin claimed that "there are currently no ways of countering this weapon," which later was refuted by Zelensky. Russia's Oreshnik attack followed Kyiv's first successful strike on a military target on Russian soil using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry admitted more such strikes against targets in Kursk and Bryansk oblasts had followed later. Read also: Dont overreact Oreshnik missile isnt as new as Russia claims, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Less than a week after California health officers confirmed a finding of bird flu virus in store-bought raw milk, state agriculture officials descended on Mark McAfee's Raw Farm dairy "like never before" Wednesday and began collecting samples from the farm's two herds, creamery, bulk milk tanks and trucks, according to the owner. The visit follows a recall of Raw Farm products, and also comes amid a growing series of H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in state dairy farms. Raw Farm maintains 1,800 head of cattle spread over two herds one in Fresno, the other outside of Hanford, according to McAfee. The company also owns a Fowler-based creamery. "I think they are on full attack mode," he said, describing the search as thorough. In addition to milk, Raw Farm produces cheese and kefir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As California Department of Food and Agriculture officials collected samples and conducted tests at the dairy Wednesday, some health experts raised questions and concerns about the recent positive test results. Read more: Despite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country Last week, public health officials in Santa Clara County detected bird flu virus in a store-bought sample of McAfee's raw milk. Two days later, the California Department of Public Health confirmed the finding. But when state agriculture officials tested cows at McAfee's dairy farm on Monday, they failed to detect the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that none of the animals are known to be infected with the virus has puzzled and concerned public health experts. Generally, once the virus appears on a farm, it spreads and does not just disappear. "The fact that all the supplemental testing is negative really bothers me," said John Korslund, a retired U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian epidemiologist, in an email. Officials from the CDFA could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but infectious disease experts told The Times that officials probably were reviewing testing procedures, as well as the actual origin of the sampled milk. According to testing records, the initial sample of store-bought raw milk carried high levels of the virus, and was found to have a polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold or Ct of roughly 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A herd should not be immediately negative after a reading of 25 if it is truly milk from the same herd, IMO," Korslund wrote in an email. Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organizations Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds, and a researcher in the department of infectious diseases at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., agreed. "OK, thats not a weak positive and definitely not on the borderline where some tests would be positive and others negative," he said after reviewing the test records. Webby, Korslund and other experts say the test that was used only looks for the H5 part of the H5N1 virus, and it can't determine if the virus is inactive or alive. A second test one called a virus isolation test needs to be done to confirm the sample is H5N1 and that it is active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Warning issued for contaminated raw milk sold in L.A. County stores State and federal health officials say the H5N1 bird flu virus poses a low risk to the public. However, they have urged people not to drink raw, unpasteurized milk. There has been no reported outbreak in consumers associated with the bird flu in contaminated raw milk. The milk was bottled on Nov. 9. Raw Farm has recalled all products associated with the positive sample. McAfee estimates the recall involved roughly 2,000 gallons of half- and quarter-gallon "cream top" whole milk products. Since the beginning of the outbreak, 461 herds have been infected in California including herds in Fresno and Kings County, where McAfee's herds are located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in the H5N1 dairy outbreak, federal health officials tested pasteurized milk samples and found virus in 20% of the samples collected from retail shelves. However, when further testing was conducted virus isolation they were able to show it was inactivated virus that had been denatured by heat. So, why then would a raw milk sample test high for virus and a dairy herd not test positive? Korslund acknowledged that testing and sampling can sometimes be compromised, but he was not inclined to doubt the tests in this instance. He said the Ct value and the lack of subsequent positive tests suggests a "product integrity issue rather than a herd infection." "What if somewhere in the bottling process, pasteurized shelf milk was spiked into the raw milk to meet inadequate supply demands? In such a scenario, we don't have a testing issue; rather it's a product integrity issue that normally would be undetectable," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why virus isolation testing is critical, Korslund said. It would help determine whether the virus in the sample collected was alive or not. A spokesman for the state's health department said testing on the sample was complete. He did not say whether viral isolation had been completed, but noted the positive result has been confirmed by state and now federal laboratories. McAfee said he does not think the virus is present in his herd. The tests that the state's agriculture department have been regularly conducting twice a week on his bulk milk have been negative. In addition, he noted, a test taken on Monday also showed no virus. He said he also monitors each cow at his farms with a high-tech device made by the Austrian company smaXtec that sits in a cow's udder and sends real-time information about the animal's body temperature, milk acidity, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said there are no indications that virus is moving through his herd based on those data. He also said all his operations including his trucks, his bulk tanks and bottling plant are closed to outside farms and milk; they are used only by Raw Farm. He said he's worried state officials are determined "to find something." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One day after the man shot dead by an FBI agent serving a warrant was identified, his neighbors are saying they didnt know much about him. Tuesday, the FBI identified the man who they say was pronounced dead on scene, as 34-year-old Ethan Gosch. People FOX4 talked with Wednesday say no one in the area knew much about him. Well, assuming everything I hear is correct, Im glad they were, Northland resident Phillip Leaman shared Wednesday, as he referred to FBI agents investigating at a home nearby. I had no idea who lived there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaman is someone who walks the area where the home in the investigation rests, multiple times a day. He says he didnt know who lived at the home, but Monday everyone in the area knew something was wrong. Independence police release body cam in shooting where mom, baby died When I walked by, it was still 10 oclock that night. I think this whole thing started at like 9 a.m. in the morning or something, they still had the forensic unit out there pulling stuff out of the house, which means they had a lot of stuff to pull out, Leaman added. I hope they got what they needed to get. Monday, agents with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force were executing a federal search warrant at a home on NW 73rd street in Kansas City, Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency said, when no one came to the door, after they announced they were there, and knocked, law enforcement then went in. It was then, the FBI says, law enforcement subsequently entered the residence and encountered an armed subject, who was injured and pronounced dead on scene. The FBI is reviewing this agent-involved shooting. The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or task force members seriously. In accordance with FBI policy, the shooting incident is under review by the FBIs Inspection Division, a statement from the FBIs Kansas City Office reads. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Platte County public records, Goschs name is on the deed to the home investigators were at on Monday. I never thought anything like that would happen in our neighborhood, Julia Hladky shared. I just hope nothing like that ever happens again in our neighborhood. Its just a quiet neighborhood. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Rachael Ray shared her go-to recipes to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious meals. You can make a savory waffle out of leftover stuffing, she told Business Insider. Curry, chili, and ragu are a few of Ray's favorite methods for using up leftover turkey. You don't need to let a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. Business Insider spoke to celebrity chef Rachael Ray at last year's Burger Bash, an event during the New York City Wine & Food Festival, about her go-to recipes for transforming Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into delicious meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ray built an empire after her "30 Minute Meals" classes were noticed by a local news station at a food market. She secured her own Food Network contract with multiple shows, bestselling cookbooks, and a successful magazine, and she also has a home-goods brand under her belt. Her recipes include quick weeknight dinners, comfort foods, budget-friendly meals, and ways to get creative with leftovers. Here are five easy ways to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers, according to Rachael Ray. Curries and chilis are an excellent way to utilize leftover turkey. Turkey curry in a bowl with white rice. Bartosz Luczak/Shutterstock Turkey curry and chili are two great options for day-after-Thanksgiving recipes because of how easy they are to prepare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Curries, chilis ... those are your basics," Ray told Business Insider. Ray's recipe for turkey corn chili takes only 25 minutes to prepare and uses simple ingredients like cooked turkey meat, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock or broth, and frozen corn. Ray said "any kind of ragu" is a useful way to use up leftovers. Ragu pasta with cheese. Beliphotos/Shutterstock Who doesn't love the smell of a pot of ragu simmering on the stove during the colder months? Ray's recipe for turkey porcini ragu uses dried, sliced porcini mushrooms, a pound of leftover Thanksgiving turkey, turkey or chicken stock, red wine, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recommends making a matzo-ball-style soup out of leftover stuffing, cooked meats, and vegetables. Balls of stuffing in broth. Ludica/Getty Images For this recipe, Ray recommends rolling leftover stuffing into a ball and dropping it into broth like a matzo ball. Add "leftover vegetables, any sort of meat, turkey, chicken, or ham, and you have the equivalent of a matzo-ball soup," Ray said. Ray also suggests making a burrito with your leftover turkey. A turkey wrap with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. zkolra/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the simplest ways to reuse leftover Thanksgiving turkey is to make a sandwich, wrap, or even a burrito, which Ray said is one of her favorite methods. You can add other Thanksgiving fixings like turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy to your tortilla, or you can go a more standard route with fillings like shredded cheese, turkey, lettuce, and tomato. You can also make a waffle out of leftover stuffing. A waffle made out of leftover stuffing and topped with cranberry sauce. Tom McCorkle/The Washington Post/Getty Images One of the most unique ways to use leftover stuffing is to make her recipe for savory stuffing waffles. "You can put your leftover stuffing in your waffle iron, and then just put the turkey or the pheasant on top of the crispy stuffing once you take it out of the waffle iron," Ray said. "[Top it] with a little bit of fruity maple syrup, like cranberry sauce and maple syrup, or some sort of warm honey drizzled over the top." Read the original article on Business Insider MSNBC news anchor, Rachel Maddow responded to the election results by declaring that she has been given marching orders from the universe to protect democracy from its own president-elect because this is what were on this earth to do. Half the country went to bed sad tonight but then woke up tomorrow fired up with a new sense of purpose, she told viewers. In reality, most of the country was watching someone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ratings on Maddows weekly show and MSNBC as a whole have collapsed after Mr Trump romped home in the election, winning the popular vote and all of the seven closest battleground states. Republicans also won back the Senate and would later maintain control of the House of Representatives. Maddow, whom a magazine profiler once called the wonkiest anchor on television, is also one of its best paid and, according to Fox news, earns a reported $25 million salary on a five-year contract. Bobs Burgers beats viewing figures However, the news outlet reported that her pay had been cut from a high of $30 million as part of a new deal this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pay cut comes as the bespectacled Democrats viewership is falling faster. Her flagship Rachel Maddow show, which has been on the air since 2008, attracted just 1.3 million viewers when it aired on Monday, being beaten by episodes of Bobs Burgers and Family Guy, tongue-in-cheek animated comedies for adults, in the same time slot. Among the key 25 to 54 demographic, highly sought-after by advertisers, the show attracted a mere 84,000 viewers. MSNBC as a whole has lost 47 per cent of its audience since election night compared to the rest of the year, data from Nielsen Media Research shows. It averaged just 497,000 total-day viewers, of whom just 49,000 were aged 25-54. Rachel Maddow on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - CBS Photo Archive Since the scale of Mr Trumps victory became clear, the verdict of audiences has been swift and brutal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN, a rival liberal broadcaster, has seen its own decline of 33 per cent in total-day viewers which is significant, but less pronounced than MSNBC. MSBNC is being dragged down and its highest-paid and best-known anchor could be to blame. Maddow speaks with an emotional and quasi-religious fervour about the causes she takes up. She wears her emotions and political inclinations the two are rarely separated on her smart black blazer sleeve. In a country that has moved further towards Mr Trump since 2016, Maddow risks being thrust into political irrelevance as she is abandoned by her Left-wing base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Left-leaning viewers are either growing tired of progressive hysteria prompted by Mr Trumps appointment, or growing wise to the fact that Maddows brand of patronising lefty preaching does not help the Democrats to win elections. In 2018, amid reports that children who illegally crossed the border had been taken from their parents and kept in cages as part of the Trump administrations family separation policy, she burst into tears. Trump administration officials have been sending babies and other young children she said before breaking off and placing a hand to her lips. To at least three and stopped again. MSNBC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually she was forced to hand over to Lawrence ODonnell, the veteran anchor waiting stony-faced in front of the camera. Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race in June to hand over the baton to Kamala Harris also drew an emotional reaction. There is no single thing that he has done in that entire career that is a greater or more consequential act of service and sacrifice to this country than what he has done today, Maddow said, her voice trembling throughout the monologue. MSNBC At several points she raised her eyes to the sky or at least the ceiling of the studio as she spoke about how Mr Bidens superpower is being underestimated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 81-year-old president had been forced by his own party to step aside after a disastrous debate performance following three weeks of pressure and threats from within the Democrat camp. In reality, Mr Biden falling on his sword and Maddows lengthy monologues about the threat Mr Trump apparently posed to American democracy did nothing to stop the Republican marching back to the White House. Purging pro-Trump voices Along with her MSNBC colleagues, the news anchor has attempted to keep a tight grip on the broadcasters ideological purity and purge voices aligned with Mr Trump. Maddow was one of several big names to come out against the hiring of Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican National Committee chief, as an analyst for MSNBCs cable affiliate NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executives had seemingly wanted a Right-wing voice who could speak to Mr Trumps political campaign, as he blew his Republican primary rivals out of the water en route to claiming his partys presidential nomination. Maddow responded in typical terms. I mean, you wouldnt hire a wiseguy, you wouldnt hire a made man like a mobster to work at a DAs office, right? she said. You wouldnt hire a pickpocket to work as a TSA screener. And so I find the decision to put her on the payroll, its inexplicable, and I hope they will reverse their decision. Ms McDaniel was offered a contract, but did not take the job. Fox News One of the big beneficiaries of Mr Trumps election win is Fox News, which beat its rivals by drawing 10 million viewers on election night and seeing its audience surge by 24 per cent in the weeks since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from winning the ratings war, many of its commentators and presenters are being pulled off the air and into the new administration notably Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated as defence secretary. Fox seems to have its finger on the American zeitgeist. When Elon Musk publicly mused about buying MSNBC, Joe Rogan, the podcaster, joked that he would take Maddows job as well as her signature dark suit look at the beleaguered broadcaster. If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachael Maddows job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies, he told the Tesla billionaire. Mr Musk buying MSNBC at this stage looks unlikely, and Maddows audience may yet return in droves following what many will have regarded as a shattering election defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it speaks to how Rogan and other alternative media figures are in the ascendancy and never more so since Mr Trumps win. MSNBC and Maddow, once fixtures in the media landscape and buffered by a devoted viewership, suddenly look replaceable. 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. RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) A Rantoul man has been arrested for child pornography charges after two separate Central Illinois police departments concluded their investigations. In a press release from the C.H.A.O.S. Task Force, officials said Garrett Moore, 24 of Rantoul, was in communication with multiple minors and made arrangements to meet these children for sexual purposes. Moore is also accused of sending multiple videos depicting child pornography, with the victims ranging between 3 and 13 years old. Springfield Police looking for tips in stolen vehicle incidents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairbury and El Paso Police Departments, both members of the C.H.A.O.S. Task Force, arrested Moore in Rantoul on Wednesday. Assisting agencies in this incident include Rantoul Police, Champaign County Sheriffs Department, Illinois Attorney Generals ICAC Task Force, Livingston County States Attorneys Office and Woodford County Sheriffs Department. Moore will be formally charged in Livingston County and Woodford County. The Livingston County charges that Moore received include nine counts of dissemination of child pornography (Class X Felony) and indecent solicitation of a child (Class 3 Felony). The Woodford County charges include 20 counts of dissemination of child pornography (Class X Felony). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The white peacock, known as Albert, was the unofficial mascot of the Boulder Creek community near the Santa Cruz Mountains Getty Stock picture of a white peacock Stock picture of a white peacock A rare white peacock has been killed, and a town is mourning the loss. According to KSBW 8, members of the Boulder Creek community in California believe the peacock, affectionately known as Albert, was killed in a mountain lion attack. We were just stunned, you know, it seemed like he was always going to be here, local ceramic artists Laurie and Dan Henning told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the San Lorenzo Valley Post, Albert, who lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is reported to have been killed by a puma. Resident Kevin Foster also revealed that the community had kind of adopted Albert." The outlet reports that the unofficial town mascot had lived in Boulder Creek for decades. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Getty Stock image of a peacock Stock image of a peacock Related: Escaped Peacock Returns to Bronx Zoo Hours After Biting Man on the Street: 'I Thought I Was High' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had probably been chased by mountain lions 100 times and always got away, but at that age, were just a little slower, Foster said. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Albert was also known for having survived a fire in 2020. Per KRON4, Albert was captured flying through smoke after a lightning strike caused the local CZU complex to catch fire and spread toward Boulder Creek on Aug. 16. The fire department received a lot of phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages asking about Alberts whereabouts and how he was doing, Boulder Creek Fire Chief Mark Bingham said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Boston Police Officer Saves Escaped Zoo Peacock by Playing Mating Call on His Phone He added, Hes doing well. He looks like someone took him to a spa. Animals are smart, they feel and sense things when they are coming. Im sure he found somewhere to take cover. He always seems to make it, and always seems to thrive. Speaking of the fire, Foster said Albert inspired so many people to come together after the fire the peacock rising from the flame. Per KSBW 8, Laurie and Dan said Albert was a strong part of their community, with Laurie featuring him in her next art work. Im going to make a little shrine right around the corner where he used to hang out, she said. You may want to keep your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes sealed up this year, or you could be contributing to an increasing problem in the Treasure Valley: rats. Social media has been awash in reports over the last several months of rats in Eagle, but the reports are spreading to Boise now, too. This rat thing is getting crazy, wrote one user on Nextdoor. Over the last two weeks Ive trapped and killed 10 large rats and 10 mouse-sized rats. I have lived in the Gary Lane-Hill Road area for 69 years and have never even seen a rat till three weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One user who also lives in Northwest Boise theorized that rats are most excellent swimmers, the drainage ditch is like an expressway for them to travel into Boise. Someone else found them near my place on the West Bench, another wrote. They seem to be established here now and have moved outside of Eagle. According to Jake Perkes, the owner of Eagles Sawtooth Pest Control, calls for rats started in a mostly localized area around downtown Eagle. The rats, he said, are moving east toward Boise off State Street, which is where Sawtooth has received the most calls. But the company has recently had calls from other areas. We have got calls from Star, Nampa, Caldwell and up in the Eagle Foothills towards Avimor and Hidden Springs, Perkes said by text. They are definitely spreading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rats Perkes has been dealing with arent your cute little pet rats or mice. Theyre the big, invasive Norway rats that have bedeviled cities like New York and Los Angeles for decades. Theyve inspired characters in popular culture like Scabbers in the Harry Potter series and Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called the pests public enemy No. 1 and appointed a rat czar in 2023 to battle the scourge. Norway rats also known as brown, street or sewer rats average around 16 inches in length and weigh about half a pound to a pound. They live in habitats including garbage dumps, sewers, open fields or any area where they can find food and shelter such as homes and basements. Norway rats are social pests, often building shelters close to one another, said Dr. Jim Fredericks, a board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association, by email. This means that where there is one burrow, there are likely others close by. Norway rats are often attracted to damp areas in search of water and are known as strong swimmers. Norway rats, he said, pose significant risks to homes and human health. They are known carriers of diseases including jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis and salmonellosis. They can gnaw through almost anything including plastic or lead pipes to get to food and water, which can cause serious damage to properties and structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norway rats reproduce quickly, Fredericks said, and can give birth to between three and six litters of six to 12 pups every year. That means one female rat could give birth to between 18 and 72 pups annually. Once established, they thrive in urban environments where food and shelter are readily available, he said. They appear to be doing just that in the Treasure Valley. Perkes, who has worked in pest control in the Boise area for about 15 years, told the Statesman in October that hed never received a call for rats until last year. In October, hed had around 40 to 60 calls. Weve had a ton of calls since (then), Perkes said on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lindsay Moser, spokesperson for Boises Planning and Development Services Department, the city has received nine complaints since the end of September mostly along Hill Road in Northwest Boise. She said that number could be higher if other city departments have also received complaints. Moser said theres not much the city can do. Once rats become established, she said, theyre here to stay. Its similar to like a skunk or raccoon, she said by phone. Rats dont fall into any specific jurisdiction, she said. The city and county have no rat programs, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is more focused on animals like bears or elk, though you can submit sightings to its website. Once Norway rats are introduced to a new region, they are likely to stay permanently. Growing pains in a growing Treasure Valley The rats may just be the latest sign that the Treasure Valley is growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As cities expand, infrastructure issues such as old sewage systems, waste disposal practices and poor drainage create environments conducive to rat infestations, Fredericks said. Despite what many believe or may want to believe, there is no neighborhood that is immune to rats, he said. That said, urban areas are certainly more susceptible to invasions by these pests. The region has grown and urbanized dramatically over the last decade and saw a massive bump during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work helped give residents of other states an incentive to move to places that may have been more affordable and more in-line with their priorities. The regions population stood at about 712,000 people in 2019, according to the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho. That number grew to nearly 823,000 by 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rate of growth has since slowed, through the region is still growing. The top five states people are moving to Idaho from are California, Washington, Oregon, Utah and Arizona, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Many of those areas, Perkes said, have significant rat populations. It would be virtually impossible to find how Norway rats migrated to Southwest Idaho, but there are theories. Rats can be introduced in lots of ways, Fredericks said. They are capable of stowing away on trucks and shipping containers and are very common near ports. Perkes, and others in the industry, hypothesized that people accidentally brought rats to Eagle by shipping containers that are commonly used when moving long distances. The containers often sit on streets for long periods as people pack and unpack their possessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It likely wasnt one instance of a rat sneaking on board and hitching a ride to Idaho, Perkes previously told the Statesman. Instead, it probably happened several times. Rats likely migrated through stowing away on trucks or shipping containers, Fredericks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What should I do if I see a rat? According to Fredericks, Norway rats commonly rest in soil, which provides insulation during the cold weather, but they will readily enter buildings to nest in walls, beneath or behind equipment, in basements and in crawl spaces. They are often attracted to dampness in search of water and can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. It is also more common to find rats indoors in the winter months, when they are trying to escape the cold. According to the National Pest Management Association, rodents invade about 21 million homes every winter. Fredericks said there are several things people can do to prevent an infestation from taking root. Among them: Keep firewood stored well away from the structure and removing debris piles to reduce ideal nesting spots. Seal any holes on the outside of the home to block potential points of entry. Eliminate sources of moisture like leaky pipes, especially in crawl spaces and basements. Properly seal food products in containers to avoid contamination, which can lead to disease transmission. Put garbage in tightly enclosed trash cans that are regularly emptied outside the home so as not to serve as food attractants. Keep debris from building up near building foundations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moser recommended that if you are thinking of laying traps, to use mechanical traps rather than poison. Poison traps are often made using ingredients that are attractive to rodents such as peanut butter or cereal grains, and people often place them in easily accessible areas, according to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. This has led to frequent accidental ingestion by children or pets, and that can be deadly. Fredericks said to keep a regular eye out for signs of a rodent infestation and to call a licensed pest-control company if you suspect the pests have found a new home in your home. A neighborhood on the Boise Bench emerges as a development hot spot. What may come next ACHD warns of traffic jams. Analysts say city will lose money. Boise OKs 3,500 homes anyway Development could creep closer to Idaho wildlife refuge. Nampa opponents flabbergasted Fires in a growing part of Boise could trap residents. Why is there only one road out? GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) In just under two weeks, ballots will be recounted by hand in a Calhoun County Michigan House race, the Secretary of State confirmed. State Rep. Jim Haadsma, D-Battle Creek, who seems to have lost the race for the 44th Michigan House District during the first count that was certified Friday, filed for the recount Monday. Michigans Secretary of State confirmed the recount will happen Dec. 9 starting at 9 a.m. at the Marshall united Methodist Church in Marshall and could take up to four days to complete. The Board of State Canvassers, which has two Democratic members and two Republican members, will do the recount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State representative from Battle Creek seeks recount The initial unofficial results for the 44th Michigan House District race showed Republican challenger and current Calhoun County Commissioner Steve Frisbie with nearly 1,400 more votes than Haadsma. But the Calhoun County clerk quickly realized that about 2,800 absentee ballots from battle Creek had not been counted, The Detroit News reports, and revised the unofficial results. The updated figures had Frisbie up by only about 60 votes. Frisbie sued to try to stop a recount of those absentee ballots while the county canvass was underway, but a judge threw out that suit. After the count was finished, Frisbie still appeared to be the winner. Thats the vote that was certified last week. Haadsmas attorney told News 8 the recount would remove any doubt and confirm the data transfer error involving absentee ballots and all write-in candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a standard request when a race is this close. We trust that the hand recount will reach the correct result, Chris Trebilcock, Haadsmas lawyer, told News 8 in a statement. No matter the outcome of a recount, Republicans will still claim a majority of seats in the House in January. News 8s Corinne Moore contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Nov. 27RED LAKE A Red Lake Band member and a Red Lake Department of Safety officer have died following a car crash in Red Lake on Wednesday morning. According to a release, Red Lake officers and the Red Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle traffic accident on State Highway 1, east of Red Lake around 5 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. Red Lake Department of Safety Officer Jesse Branch and Red Lake Band member Alan Lussier Jr. were the only occupants in either vehicle, the release said. Both have been pronounced dead after sustaining injuries from the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accident is under investigation by the Minnesota State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In honor of Branch's death, a law enforcement escort traveled through Bemidji on Wednesday afternoon, with the procession heading down U.S. Highway 71 toward the Twin Cities for an autopsy to be conducted. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office expressed its condolences to the families of both men in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "We extend our condolences to the family of Red Lake Office Jesse Branch RL28, the Red Lake Police Department, the Red Lake Nation and the grieving families following a tragic crash this morning near Red Lake," the post said. "Officer Branch was responding to a call at the time of the crash." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Officer Branch was a respected professional officer who loved the community he served," the post continued. "He previously served on the Beltrami County Sheriff's Posse and had just joined the North Country First Responders. He was supposed to pick up his gear today." Following the deaths on Wednesday, Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. ordered flags be flown at half-staff at tribal buildings, according to a Red Lake Tribal Council Facebook post. Nov. 27RED LAKE A Red Lake Band member and a Red Lake Department of Safety officer have died following a car crash in Red Lake on Wednesday morning. According to a release, Red Lake officers and the Red Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle traffic accident on State Highway 1, east of Red Lake around 5 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. Red Lake Department of Safety Officer Jesse Branch and Red Lake Band member Alan Lussier Jr. were the only occupants in either vehicle, the release said. Both have been pronounced dead after sustaining injuries from the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accident is under investigation by the Minnesota State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In honor of Branch's death, a law enforcement escort traveled through Bemidji on Wednesday afternoon, with the procession heading down U.S. Highway 71 toward the Twin Cities for an autopsy to be conducted. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office expressed its condolences to the families of both men in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "We extend our condolences to the family of Red Lake Office Jesse Branch RL28, the Red Lake Police Department, the Red Lake Nation and the grieving families following a tragic crash this morning near Red Lake," the post said. "Officer Branch was responding to a call at the time of the crash." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Officer Branch was a respected professional officer who loved the community he served," the post continued. "He previously served on the Beltrami County Sheriff's Posse and had just joined the North Country First Responders. He was supposed to pick up his gear today." Following the deaths on Wednesday, Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. ordered flags be flown at half-staff at tribal buildings, according to a Red Lake Tribal Council Facebook post. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also issued an order Wednesday evening for all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings starting immediately. "Officer Jesse Branch committed his life to public service. He was known for his love and dedication to Red Lake Nation, where he selflessly served his community," Walz said in a release. "With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Officer Branch. His family, friends and community are in our prayers." Survivors of the diving yacht which capsized in the Red Sea spent 30 hours trapped in air pockets, one of their fathers has revealed. Youssef Al-Farmawi, a diving instructor, spent more than a day inside the underwater boat in complete darkness until Egyptian naval forces rescued him. The crew member was one of five rescued from the Sea Story wreckage, alongside four bodies whose identities are yet to be confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The yacht had embarked on a five-day diving trip when distress signals were sent out shortly before dawn on Monday morning after reports a huge wave had hit the boat. Distress signals were sent out on Monday morning after reports of a huge wave hitting the boat - Red Sea Governorate His father, Hossam Al-Farmawi, said: As soon as the incident took place, Youssef, along with Captain Alaa Hussein another diver whose body was found yesterday sent out a distress signal before the boat sank. Then Youssef rushed to help a man and a woman. Youssef was their diving instructor and they were trapped in a cabin but the water flooded the boat. However, about 20cm inside the cabin were still not flooded, which helped them breathe and stay alive until the rescue teams arrived. Youssef Al-Farmawi spent more than a day trapped inside the boat He added that two others had a similar experience, telling The Times: They remained in this situation in complete darkness and cold water for about 30 hours, from 5.30am until around 11am. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major General Amr Hanafi, the governor of the Red Sea area, said the situation progressed rapidly as the 44-metre timber-hulled boat sank in seven minutes. A search and rescue operation coordinated by the Egyptian military recovered 28 survivors by Monday night. On Tuesday, the search resumed with navy vessels and a helicopter as Mr Al-Farmawi and the other four survivors waited for divers to find them. Two British tourists are thought to be among those missing after sinking of Sea Story - AFP They were eventually rescued by his uncle, a diver who was part of the search team, his father said. Four others, including the captain, were found dead inside. One British survivor told investigators of the pitch black conditions: Water surrounded us. I tried to swim up but the current was too strong and I felt like I was choking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What saved me was my life jacket, which kept me on the surface until the rescue teams arrived. A search and rescue operation recovered 28 survivors by Monday night - AFP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cargo ship which ran aground on a coral reef off the coast of Quseir, about 100 miles north of the incident in Marsa Alam, could have affected maritime conditions, according to Al-Farmawis father. Egyptian rescue teams are continuing to search for seven people still missing, two of whom are British. 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. Rachel Reeves is facing fresh embarrassment after unearthed leaflets show she made protecting the winter fuel allowance central to her early election campaigns. The Chancellor who stripped the benefit from millions of elderly Britons this year made more help for pensioners a key pillar of her policies when she stood for MP in Bromley and Chislehurst in 2005. A campaign leaflet, first revealed by The Spectator, includes a quotation from a constituent pensioner who said: The extra help with winter fuel payments and council tax bills makes a big difference to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On her third attempt to enter Parliament, when she won the seat of Leeds West in 2010, Ms Reeves listed security in retirement as one of her top priorities. A leaflet from that time shows she pledged to protect the winter fuel allowance and other help for pensioners if elected. She also promised to deliver a strong economy, first-class education and better transport. Leaflets show Ms Reeves made protecting the winter fuel allowance central to her early election campaigns - University of Bristol Library Special Collections Yet, in recent months, she has faced criticism for increasing National Insurance contributions on employers, launching a 20pc VAT raid on private schools and raising the bus fare cap. The most contentious issue facing Ms Reeves, however, is her decision to remove the winter fuel allowance, worth up to 300, from some 10m pensioners in order to save the Treasury 1.4bn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaign groups warned that the Chancellors bizarre U-turn means thousands more elderly retirees are at risk of living in cold, damp homes and becoming ill. Simon Francis, of the End Fuel Poverty charity coalition, said: Whats been most surprising during the whole winter fuel payment debate is that the Chancellor has consistently said how important they were. When Sunak first said they might be scrapped, Labour made political ground speaking out against it. We find it bizarre that these arguments have been forgotten now that Labour is in government. Its shocking that the Government has failed to provide any support on households who just miss out, as theres no tapering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tens of thousands will be forced into poverty. Many pensioners will be living in cold, damp homes. In 2005 Rachel Reeves promised to deliver a strong economy, first-class education and better transport - University of Bristol Library Special Collections Baroness Altmann, the former pensions minister, said: It is really shocking to see this decision being made without any proper impact assessment and given past commitments it is impossible to see any justification for the way this has been done. The withdrawal of winter fuel payments from the poorest pensioners is indefensible. With no notice and no time to mitigate the impacts, this is a dreadful social policy error which could cost vulnerable people their lives as well as increasing burdens on the NHS and social care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter fuel payments will continue to be paid to those in receipt of pension credit under Labours reforms. Pension credit applications have rocketed by 145pc since Ms Reeves announced the winter fuel payment will be means-tested. Around 150,000 pension credit claims have been made in the 16 weeks since the announcement, compared to around 61,300 claims in the 16 weeks before. However, up to 880,000 eligible households do not claim pension credit, according to the Government. Sir Keir Starmer said last week the move made sense, despite the Government being forced to admit that it will push as many as 100,000 pensioners into poverty by 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chancellor was approached for comment. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) Vaping is coming before the Supreme Court next week as federal regulators ask the high court to uphold its block on sweet, flavored products following a spike in youth e-cigarette use. The Food and Drug Administration has denied more than a million marketing applications for candy- or fruit-flavored products that appeal to kids, part of a wider crackdown that advocates say helped drive down teen vaping after an epidemic level surge in 2019. Vaping companies, though, said the agency unfairly disregarded arguments that their sweet e-liquid products would help adults quit smoking traditional cigarettes without putting kids at greater risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Donald Trump's administration could take a different approach after he vowed in a September social-media post to save vaping. The Supreme Court on Monday is hearing arguments in the FDAs appeal of a decision from the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. While other courts upheld FDA refusals, the appeals court sided with the Dallas-based company Triton Distribution. It tossed out a decision blocking the marketing of nicotine-laced liquids like Jimmy The Juice Man in Peachy Strawberry" that are heated by an e-cigarette to create an inhalable aerosol. Triton said the FDA had unfairly changed its requirements without enough warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sort of pulls the chair out from the applicants, said Marc Scheineson, a former FDA associate commissioner and attorney who now represents other small electronic tobacco companies. The FDA was slow to regulate the now multibillion-dollar vaping market, and even years into the crackdown flavored vapes that are technically illegal nevertheless remain widely available. The agency has approved some tobacco-flavored vapes, and recently allowed its first menthol-flavored electronic cigarettes for adult smokers. The marketing refusals combined with age-limit enforcement on the federal and state levels have helped drive down youth nicotine use to its lowest level in a decade, said Dennis Henigan, vice president for legal and regulatory affairs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. He says the FDA was clear in its requirements and fears a court decision that leads to wider availability for flavored vape products, which are the dominant choice among the 1.6 million high school students who still vape. We think that would be a real harm to public health, Henigan said. A ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to be holding on Wednesday as Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia halted fighting, with displaced residents returning home despite warnings that breaches of the deal could result in the conflict reigniting. Almost two months after Israel launched its ground invasion of southern Lebanon, a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France took effect at 4 am (0200 GMT). The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah - which began in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas - has left thousands killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon, while residents of northern Israel were also forced to flee due to constant rocket fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours after the ceasefire came into force, long traffic jams had already formed on roads to southern Lebanon as civilians rushed to return home, even as an Israeli military spokesman cautioned civilians to stay away from specific areas until the ceasefire conditions are met. Clean-up operations were also beginning in Beirut, where acting Public Works Minister Ali Hamie said construction work was under way to reopen roads from the centre of the Lebanese capital to the bombed-out southern suburbs. Eyewitnesses said excavators and clearing vehicles were already at work removing rubble in the suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold that suffered extensive damage from Israeli airstrikes. Displaced residents were returning to the area, with one woman telling dpa: "I lost my house, but I feel victory that I am back to the rubble of my house." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the emotional scenes, a Lebanese TV reporter who was displaced from her own home cried on air as she witnessed the rush of returning families. Israel says it continued killing Hezbollah fighters Despite the ceasefire, Israeli armed forces killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari. "Today, we have enforced violations in the field, eliminating Hezbollah operatives," Hagari said in an address in the evening, adding that "any violation of the ceasefire will be met with fire." Israeli forces also detained several suspects approaching areas in southern Lebanon where Israeli soldiers continue to be stationed, Hagari said. "Any armed operative will be neutralized or apprehended." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He again called on civilians who had fled their homes amid the fighting to wait before returning to southern Lebanon. Just before the ceasefire came into effect, the Israeli military attacked some 180 Hezbollah targets, including a subterranean rocket manufacturing facility spanning some 1.5 kilometres, Hagari said. The Israeli army said it was the largest site for the production of precision-guided missiles operated by the Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah vows to stay ready for any Israeli attacks Hezbollah meanwhile vowed to remain "fully prepared to deal with the ambitions and attacks of the Israeli enemy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Wednesday evening, the first issued by Hezbollah since fighting came to a halt, the militant group said its "eyes will continue to follow" Israel's movements, adding that "hands will remain on the trigger, in defence of Lebanon's sovereignty...for the sake of the dignity of its people." Hezbollah claimed to have carried out more than 4,637 military operations against Israel since October 8, 2023, when the group began firing rockets at northern Israel in solidarity with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Speaker calls for displaced Lebanese to return home The ceasefire deal was formally announced on Tuesday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was negotiated on behalf of Hezbollah by Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, who held lengthy talks with US envoy Amos Hochstein. On Wednesday, Berri celebrated the agreement and called on displaced Lebanese to return to their homes across the country, despite warnings by the Lebanese Army for civilians to remain patient as Israeli troops gradually withdraw from the area. "We thank the displaced and the people who have welcomed them with compassion and solidarity," Berri said in a televised speech. "Return to your land ... even if you live above the rubble." "We turn the page today on a historical moment that was the most dangerous for Lebanon and threatened its people and history." Hard work ahead While affected civilians, Lebanese officials and governments around the world reacted with joy as the ceasefire took hold, the path to a lasting peace in the region remains difficult, as fighting continues in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the terms of the deal, Israel is to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while Hezbollah fighters are to return behind the Litani River, some 30 kilometres from the border, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which marked the end of the last war in Lebanon in 2006 but was never fully implemented. Reports say that a total of 10,000 soldiers from the Lebanese Army - which has remained neutral in the conflict - are to be stationed in the border area. The agreement is also to be monitored by a group of states led by the United States, along with France, Lebanon, Israel and peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the Lebanese government was determined to implement the terms of the UN resolution and demanded that Israel comply with the terms of the ceasefire. In a post on X, the Lebanese Army said it was taking the "necessary measures" to implement the ceasefire. In a long-running case, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to a public reprimand and 60-day suspension for a Seminole County judge because of events that took place in 2022. An investigative panel of the Florida Qualifications Commission in 2022 recommended similar discipline for Seminole County Judge Wayne Culver. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS But the Supreme Court rejected a proposed settlement and ordered the Judicial Qualifications Commission to hold a full hearing on the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission found that Culver violated several canons of judicial conduct by engaging in abusive and intemperate behavior during two separate court proceedings in February 2022, Wednesdays ruling said. As an example, Culver yelled at a man who had entered his courtroom. Read: Kissimmee police investigating after body found in canal Sir, Im doing something here. Could you shut up and sit down, Culver said. The man, a defendant named Kevin Newton who was waiting to appear before Culver, said he was trying to find a seat. Culver responded with profanity and threatened to hold Newton in contempt of court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Volunteers prepare thousands of meals for Orlando Salvation Armys Thanksgiving meal distribution Judge Culver admitted shocking himself by his use of profanity, and that members of the public would rightly be appalled, a document filed by the commission at the Supreme Court said. Judges are required to conduct themselves with integrity; to be patient, dignified, and courteous toward others in official settings; and to be faithful to and maintain professional competence in the law. It is self-evident that Judge Culvers profane outburst violated judicial canons, Wednesdays ruling said. The ruling also addressed the issue of appropriate discipline. Viewed in the abstract, Judge Culvers behavior toward Mr. Newton was so unacceptable, and so potentially corrosive of public confidence in the judiciary, as to render Judge Culver a candidate for removal from the bench. But here the commission heard mitigating evidence that it described as overwhelming, said the ruling shared by Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and Justices Charles Canady, Jorge Labarga, John Couriel, Jamie Grosshans, Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissions evidence showed that Culvers actions occurred during a brief period in which he experienced intense personal pressure and loss while caring for his dying father, the ruling said. Numerous people, including the state attorney, a public defender and other judges, testified on Culvers behalf. Read: Terrific Turkey Day ahead, with cold temps moving in In addition, Culver voluntarily received mental-health counseling for the past two years and he has been remorseful and cooperative throughout the disciplinary process, according to Wednesdays decision. The ruling pointed to the commissions finding that Culver is genuinely contrite, has learned from this experience, and continues to be effective as a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges misconduct was aberrational, situational and attributable to stressful personal problems, the commission found. And the commission was persuaded that Judge Culvers misconduct is unlikely to recur. We do not see grounds to deviate from the Commissions recommendations that Judge Culver be suspended for 60 days without pay and publicly reprimanded, the courts ruling said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The death toll in ongoing clashes between rebel fighters and the Syrian government forces in the north-western part of the country has risen to 211 people, a war monitor reported late on Thursday. Fighting broke out in Aleppo province on Wednesday between an alliance of armed Islamist groups and Syrian government forces, following a major offensive by militants led by the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The assault, described as the heaviest in years, has intensified the conflict in the region. HTS is considered one of the most powerful armed militias in north-western Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fighting has resulted so far in 211 deaths, 129 insurgents and 82 members of Syrian forces and their allies, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported. The information could not be independently verified. The rebels have also cut off a major road linking the Syrian capital and Aleppo, the war monitor added. The insurgents are advancing on the city of Aleppo, the capital of the province of the same name, according to the SOHR. The Syrian army said earlier Thursday they were continuing to fight rebels in the north-west. In a statement released by Syria's state SANA news agency, the Syrian army said "terrorist" groups had launched a major attack on military posts in several villages and towns "in a blatant violation of the de-escalation agreement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our armed forces have confronted the terrorist attack, which is still ongoing, and have inflicted heavy losses in equipment and lives of terrorist organizations," it said. The Syrian forces are fighting "in cooperation with friendly forces, in order to restore the situation to how it was," it added without clarifying. A devastating civil war broke out in Syria in 2011. With the help of Syria's allies, Russia and Iran, President Bashar al-Assad has since regained control of two-thirds of the country, but the north-west is still under the control of opposition forces. (FORT CARSON, Colo.) Following a report by Military.com that revealed critical lapses in food service at Fort Carson, the Mountain Post said it recognizes some challenges and is working to ensure quality meals for its soldiers. According to the report, soldiers stationed at Fort Carson have faced months of insufficient meals, confusing schedules, and limited food options which led to widespread frustration. The report also alleges that earlier in November, a meal was served to soldiers consisting of a single piece of toast and a handful of lima beans. In interviews with eight soldiers, Military.com found that food was running out quickly and portions often fell short of the nutrition needed to sustain soldiers demanding physical requirements. Some of those soldiers provided evidence of food that was undercooked or stored at dangerous temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also states that kiosks are often used to replace dining facilities on the weekends and other circumstances, but have either been empty or stocked with chips, sugary snacks and other items that soldiers say fall short of the nutritional standards. The soldiers most impacted have been those who live in the barracks and dont have their own transportation. Compounding the frustration for troops is the financial strain of hunting for alternative food options. According to Military.com, soldiers contribute an average of $460 per month from their Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), a mandatory deduction that collectively totals approximately $22 million annually at Fort Carson. However, the bases food budget this year was just $5 million. How the remaining funds are allocated remains unclear, Military.com said. Lt. Col. Joey Payton, a spokesperson for Fort Carson, issued the following statement on the matter: We recognize that weve had some challenges with consistency in the quality of our Soldiers dining experiences at our warrior restaurants and kiosks. Weve implemented the guidance that specifies that during the hours of operation, if it is on the menu, then Soldiers should have the option to select it. Were also reinvigorating our dining facility council, which brings together brigade-level leadership to ensure leader emphasis across our food service facilities. Were committed to ensuring our Soldiers receive quality and healthy meals and can take full advantage of their meal benefit they are entitled to receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. When national ambitions, historical grievances, and strategic maneuvering converge, geopolitics becomes a high-stakes chessboard where every move reverberates far beyond regional borders. Greeces decision to transfer Russian-made S-300, Tor-M1, and Osa-AKM air defense systems to Armenia is a striking gambit that has added new tension to an already volatile region. This move implicates NATO, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye, altering the strategic dynamics in the South Caucasus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Greeces Play: Beyond the Turkiye Question Upgrading its arsenal with cutting-edge Western systems like Israels Davids Sling and Spyder, Greece is shedding obsolete Soviet-era equipment. Handing over these systems to Armenia is a two-pronged move: it clears out old stock while boosting an ally in a region critical to Turkeys geopolitical calculus. This isnt just about military logistics; its also a bold diplomatic signal. By arming Armenia, Greece reinforces its ties with Western allies, signaling its alignment with NATOs evolving priorities while sending a clear message to Ankara. Armenia, a natural counterweight to Turkiye in the Caucasus, becomes a proxy in Greeces broader strategy to contain Turkish influence. Armenias Security Gamble: Betting on Alliances For Armenia, still reeling from its defeat in the Second Karabakh War, Greece and France represent lifelines in an increasingly precarious security landscape. The alliance forming between Athens, Paris, and Yerevan is built on a shared interest in countering Turkiye's regional clout. For Armenia, this partnership offers more than just military aidits a political endorsement that bolsters its standing in European circles. The weapon transfer wouldnt have happened without Frances active support. Paris, long critical of Turkiye's ambitions, sees in Armenia an opportunity to expand its influence in the Caucasus. This comes at a time when Europe is uneasy about Ankaras deepening ties with Moscow, making Armenias militarization a convenient tool in the Wests efforts to balance Turkiye's regional heft. For Brussels and Paris, Armenias remilitarization fits into a broader strategy to curb Turkish expansionism. This is geopolitics played with a long lens: Armenia becomes a pawn in the Wests bid to check Turkiye's ambitions, even if it risks escalating tensions with Azerbaijan and destabilizing the region further. The Regional Domino Effect: Turkiye and Azerbaijan Respond This move sets the stage for a sharp response from Turkiye and Azerbaijan. For Turkiye, Greeces actions are an extension of their Mediterranean rivalry, now spilling into the Caucasus. Ankara, a key player in NATO and a close ally of Baku, is unlikely to sit idle. It will almost certainly double down on its support for Azerbaijan, strengthening their joint military capabilities and expanding its footprint in the region. For Azerbaijan, the transfer of weapons to Armenia is a red flag. Bakus decisive victory in 2020 solidified its dominance in the region, but any enhancement of Armenias military potential challenges that balance. With superior technology, including advanced drones and cutting-edge air defense systems, Azerbaijan remains well-positioned to counter Armenias aging systems like the S-300. However, this development underscores the need for Baku to remain vigilant and proactive in its military strategy. NATOs Balancing Act: Unity Under Strain Greeces actions also expose cracks in NATOs facade of unity. While Athens is a member of the alliance, its transfer of Russian-made systems to Armenia raises eyebrows within NATO, especially given the blocs broader strategy to isolate Moscows influence. The re-export of Russian systems without Moscows consent sets a risky precedent, one that could complicate NATOs ability to present a united front. Ankara, as NATOs eastern anchor, adds another layer of complexity. With one of the largest and most capable militaries in the alliance, Turkiye is a critical player whose grievances against Greece could strain intra-NATO relations. Athens move may provide Ankara with fresh ammunition in its ongoing disputes with both NATO and Brussels, potentially leveraging this situation to secure concessions or bolster its standing within the alliance. Temporary Leverage or Strategic Misstep? The weapon transfer represents a short-term maneuver with limited practical impact on the battlefield. The systems in question, relics of the Cold War, are ill-suited to counter the advanced technologies that dominate modern warfare. For Armenia, these weapons offer little more than a psychological boost and a temporary patch for its depleted defenses. For Greece and France, however, the play is about more than military gains. Its a geopolitical statement, an attempt to redefine alliances and exert pressure on Turkiye in multiple theaters. But the long-term consequences remain uncertain. The move risks further entrenching divisions between East and West, while adding volatility to an already fragile region. The Bigger Picture: A Chessboard in Flux The South Caucasus remains a critical pivot in the global balance of power. The Paris-Athens-Yerevan axis may temporarily tip the scales, but it also underscores the enduring complexity of the regions geopolitical landscape. For Turkiye and Azerbaijan, the challenge lies in crafting a response that preserves their strategic interests without overplaying their hand. For NATO, this episode is a test of its ability to reconcile competing priorities within its ranks. As the chess game unfolds, one thing is clear: the South Caucasus is far from a "frozen conflict." Its a dynamic and increasingly crowded theater where every move mattersand missteps could have far-reaching consequences. The divide between East and West is deepening, with no endgame in sight. A Challenge for NATO: Testing Alliance Unity Greeces decision to transfer Russian-made military systems to Armenia strikes at the heart of NATOs strategic cohesion. While Athens remains a full-fledged member of the alliance, this move raises serious questions about its adherence to NATO protocols and shared commitments. The transfer of Russian equipment without Moscows approval not only violates established norms but also sets a precedent that could fracture the alliances fragile unity. Moscow has already voiced its objections, citing international agreements prohibiting the re-export of military systems without the consent of the original manufacturer. NATOs subdued response reflects the blocs internal challenges in managing dissent among its members. Similar discord was evident during earlier debates over the provision of air defense systems to Ukraine, further highlighting the alliances struggle to maintain a unified stance in the face of diverging member interests. This issue takes on heightened significance against the backdrop of Turkiye's growing influence within NATO. As one of the alliances most formidable military powers, Ankara is likely to escalate its grievances against Athens, leveraging this incident in the broader context of Greek-Turkish tensions. For NATO, balancing these competing interests will be a critical test of its ability to sustain unity in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Militarization of Armenia: Risks and Consequences The renewed push to arm Armenia, spearheaded by Greece and France, carries significant risks for regional stability. While the transfer of aging air defense systems like the S-300 provides Yerevan with a short-term boost to its defensive capabilities, the long-term strategic impact remains limited. These systems, designed for conflicts of the past century, are unlikely to shift the regional balance of power dominated by Azerbaijan and Turkiye's modernized military forces. The remilitarization of Armenia also risks fueling revanchist sentiments within its political establishment. Such a shift could further complicate peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, as the prospect of a militarily empowered Yerevan may embolden hardline elements. The most pressing danger, however, lies in the potential for escalation. Azerbaijan and Turkiye, equipped with superior technology and robust military infrastructure, are poised to respond decisively to any perceived aggression from Armenia. This dynamic raises the specter of renewed conflict in the South Caucasus, which could draw in external powers and destabilize the region further. A New Game in the South Caucasus Greeces transfer of Russian air defense systems to Armenia has become a flashpoint in a broader geopolitical contest. For Athens, the move is a calculated effort to pressure Turkiye while signaling its strategic intent to NATO and the EU. France, on the other hand, views the maneuver as part of its broader goal to counterbalance Turkiye's growing influence in the region, leveraging Armenia as a critical ally in this effort. For Armenia, this partnership provides a temporary lifeline, allowing it to shore up its defenses after the devastating losses in the Second Karabakh War. Yet for Azerbaijan and Turkiye, the move is a direct provocationone that demands immediate countermeasures. This development underscores the volatile nature of the South Caucasus, where local disputes are inextricably tied to global power dynamics. The broader question remains: will this region become the stage for the next great geopolitical escalation, or will it settle into the uneasy stasis of yet another frozen conflict? What is certain is that the divide between East and West continues to widen, with the South Caucasus positioned squarely at its center. As this high-stakes chess game unfolds, the only constant is the regions growing importance in the global struggle for influence. At least nine Palestinians have been killed in a fresh attack by the Israeli army in the central section of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports from Thursday. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the artillery strike in the Nuseirat refugee district also resulted in several injuries. An Israeli army spokesman said the military is examining the reports. A prominent tower was also destroyed in Nuseirat, according to local residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gaza health authority, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, stated that since the war began almost 14 months ago, more than 44,200 people in the Gaza Strip have been killed and nearly 105,000 injured. The figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday evening that the army had so far "killed almost 20,000 terrorists" in the Gaza Strip. The information from both sides cannot be independently verified. Want to add value to your house? Well, look no further than solar panels, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to your home's value, according to a Zillow data study. SolarReviews assessed listings on the online real estate marketplace and found that homes with solar sell for 6.8% more, which translates to an additional $25,381 for a median-value home. In order to make sure its data lined up with real-world scenarios, SolarReviews also talked to realtors, who agreed that solar panels increase home values. If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "Many homebuyers are actively looking for homes that already have solar panels installed," Brett Johnson, owner of New Era Home Buyers, told the website. "I have encountered clients who express [a specific] interest in properties with these sustainable features and acknowledge both their immediate and long-term advantages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don Wede of Heartland Buys Houses added: "Houses with solar panels are valued favorably in the real estate market. The characteristics of being modern, environmentally friendly, and cheap can appeal to a buyer better." Meanwhile, a higher selling price isn't the only advantage to adding rooftop solar. For one, Forbes estimates that going solar can save homeowners between $25,500 and $33,000 over the lifetime of the panels. Plus, a study from the University of Texas at Austin found that when people install solar panels, it reduces demand on the grid, bringing down utility costs for everyone. Not only that, but going solar is also one of the best ways to slash planet-heating pollution, as it helps us reduce our dependence on dirty energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These three fuels account for more than 75% of all planet-heating pollution, per the United Nations. Plus, solar and other renewable energy alternatives can help communities build resilience against extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise, according to NASA. For instance, when Hurricane Ian hit Florida in 2022, a community that runs on solar power escaped most of the impacts of the storm, CBS News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you're ready to make the switch, EnergySage offers free tools to help you get quick solar installation estimates and compare quotes. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Residents run, bond at turkey trots galore on Thanksgiving DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Around the Miami Valley, a notable precursor to Thanksgiving is the turkey trot. The annual running events have become a signifier for the holiday, with many across the Miami Valley partaking as a warmup ahead of good eats. Now we dont have to feel bad about eating too much, says Stephen and Monica, runners at the Huffin and Stuffin 5K. Validates the food. Travelers share reactions as they arrive in Dayton for Thanksgiving Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To power through the run, some runners consider whats on the menu ahead of time, visualize whats going to be on their dinner plate. From bread, stuffing, sausage, gravy and, of course, Turkey, the options are seemingly limitless. The turkey trot provides runners with an avenue to daydream about food, but it also brings them into community with each other. Im thankful for the fact that Ive met some of the most amazing people in the world through the running community and I get to share miles with people that mean the most to me, says Dan Semsel, a runner in Miamisburgs turkey trot. Proceeds from some of todays turkey trots went towards providing food for families in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All in all, a fun event to warm up the palette and the heart on Thanksgiving. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Serhii Kyslytsia, has told the Security Council members about Russia's use of a new ballistic missile designed to carry nuclear weapons to strike the city of Dnipro. He noted that the response to the Kremlin's ongoing nuclear blackmail and threats should be to strengthen sanctions and increase military assistance to Ukraine. Source: Kyslytsia at the UN Security Council meeting; Ukrinform news agency Quote from Kyslytsia: "Moscow's narratives after the strike, including the comments by the war criminal Putin, once again underlined Russia's intentions to convince the world audience of its complete inadequacy - this time by demonstrating its readiness to kill Ukrainians not only by ordinary means but also by nuclear ones." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Ukraine calls on UN member states, including nuclear-armed states, to condemn Russia's "irresponsible sabre-rattling of the nuclear weapon," he said. Kyslytsia said that Putin's further actions will directly depend on the international community's reaction. Quote from Kyslytsia: "If his blackmail succeeds and his opponent shows weakness or willingness to appease, a new and more severe escalation of violence and violations will inevitably follow." Details: If adequate measures are taken to deter Russia and reduce its aggressive potential, Putin will stop, Kyslytsia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Kyslytsia: "Therefore, the response to the Kremlin's current nuclear blackmail and threats should be to strengthen sanctions and increase military assistance to a party that is defending itself, its people and the principles of the UN Charter." Details: He noted that Ukraine does not perceive concerns about increasing Ukraine's ability to strike military targets on Russian territory as an alleged "escalation". "Such a definition either demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the nature of the conflict and current events on the ground or serves as a manipulation in the interests of the aggressor," Kyslytsia said. He said that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 11,500 missiles and 33,000 guided aerial bombs have been fired at Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the targets that Russian troops are trying to hit are Ukrainian nuclear power plants, the diplomat reminded, which poses a "real and immediate threat" to nuclear safety for the entire continent. Instead, Ukraine is hitting Russian military command posts, airfields, artillery arsenals, and missile deployment sites, he added. Quote from Kyslytsia: "Russia must understand that every attempt to expand the war will have consequences. This should sober up the aggressor state, destroy its plans and force it to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter, not a deceptive appeasement reminiscent of Munich in 1938." Details: There are two ways to achieve this: by helping Ukraine and by increasing pressure on Russia, he stressed. Support UP or become our patron! Vaccine skeptic Robert F Kennedy Jr compared medical institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to a Nazi death camp in resurfaced footage from autism conferences for parents. Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services also compared vaccinating children to sex abuse in the Catholic church during remarks at the events. The comments resurfaced in footage, first reported by NBC News, of RFK Jr speaking at a series of conferences put on by the group AutismOne, which has adopted the slogan Make our Children Healthy Again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one of the conferences in 2013, RFK Jr was asked by a member of the audience: Why hasnt the CDC acknowledged autism? RFK Jr said it was not for him to say why someone else is doing something before launching into a conspiracy theory about secret vaccine letters and how institutions like the CDC go to the extremes. To me, this is like the Nazi death camps, he said. What happened to these kids, one in 31 boys in this country, is you know, their minds are being robbed. Robert F Kennedy Jr made the remarks at a series of autism conferences for parents (pictured here in 2013) (AutismOne/YouTube) His views on the CDC hadnt changed by 2019, when he spoke at the conference again and likened the federal agencys vaccine division to fascism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The word fascism in Italian means a bundle of sticks, and what it means is the bundle is more important than the sticks, RFK Jr said. The institution, CDC and the vaccine program, is more important than the children that its supposed to protect. The potential future health secretary also said that sex abuse within the Catholic Church was the perfect metaphor for whats happening to us in terms of vaccines. Its the same reason we had a pedophile scandal in the Catholic Church, he said. Because people were able to convince themselves that the institution, the church, was more important than these little boys and girls who were being raped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And everybody kept their mouth shut, he added. And you know, that is the perfect metaphor for whats happening to us. The Independent has contacted Trumps transition team and the CDC for comment. RFK Jr, who could soon be in charge of the nations health, has previously likened vaccinations to Nazi Germany. At a rally against Covid-19 mandates in January 2022, he compared US vaccine policies to the actions of an authoritarian state, suggesting that Anne Frank was in a better situation while hiding from the Nazis. Even in Hitler Germany, you could, you could cross the Alps into Switzerland. You could hide in an attic like Anne Frank did, he said at the Lincoln Memorial at the time. RFK Jr has been tapped by Trump to lead the nations Department of Health and Human Services (REUTERS) His organization, Childrens Health Defense, has advocated against vaccinations, and spread the baseless claim that vaccines cause autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his book, The Real Anthony Fauci, Kennedy also falsely claimed that Anthony Fauci colluded with Microsoft founder Bill Gates to exaggerate the extent of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 70-year-olds Instagram account was deactivated by Meta in 2021 after he kept spreading misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine. The Kennedy dynasty heir also spread a baseless, racist and antisemitic conspiracy theory about the virus last year, claiming the virus targets Caucasians and Black people while Ashkenazi Jews and [Chinese people] are the most immune. The claim that COVID-19 was a bioweapon created by the Chinese or Jews to attack Caucasians and Black people is deeply offensive and feeds into sinophobic and antisemitic conspiracy theories, according to a statement from the Anti-Defamation League at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all this, RFK Jr has said hes fully vaccinated apart from against Covid-19, adding that his children are also fully vaccinated. Ive always said Im not anti-vaccine, he said in an interview with TV personality Dr. Phil. Im never going to take anybodys vaccine. If vaccines are working for you, God bless you. I believe in choice and liberty, that government shouldnt be ordering people to take a product, particularly one that is protected from liability. (Reuters) -Human rights activists accused Communist-run Vietnam of infringing on freedom of religion after a court handed jail sentences this week to five ethnically Khmer Buddhist monks and four religious activists. A court in the southern province of Long An sentenced the men to prison terms between two and six years after finding them guilty of "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon state interests" and of illegally detaining people, according to a police statement. Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates said late on Wednesday the monks' sentences against the monks were "outrageous and unacceptable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khmer Krom Buddhist monk Thach Chanh Da Ra was given the longest term of six years after a trial on Tuesday, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said in a statement. The police said Thach Chanh Da Ra instructed his followers to illegally detain and attack local authorities when they tried to search the temple, where he resided, in November 2023. The monks were arrested in March this year. The Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation, which represents Khmer Krom people in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region, said the monks were reacting to an attack by non-uniformed Vietnamese officials. The officials, accompanied by local gang members, had disrupted a Khmer language class at the temple, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, authorities also tried to cut a sacred 700-year-old tree at the same temple, the federation added. Vietnam's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "What was really on trial was the Khmer Krom people's right to practice their religion, language and culture without interference from Vietnam's ruling Communist party," said Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates. He said the monks had no lawyers because they could not afford any and believed nobody would take the risk to represent them. Robertson added that the sentences showed the government was intolerant of the freedom of religion and belief outside strictly controlled official structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of State, in a 2023 report about Vietnam, included restrictions of religious freedom among a long list of "significant human rights issues". (Editing by Kim Coghill and Nicholas Yong) The ringleader behind a gang who stole nearly 1 million from the Ministry of Defence spent the money on hair transplants and surgery in Turkey, a court heard. Cpl Aaron Stelmach-Purdie, 33, carried out the expenses scam, with the help of five others including his boss, Alan ONeil, 47, at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) counter-terrorism unit in Londons Regents Park Barracks. Southwark Crown Court heard that Stelmach-Purdie flaunted his wealth, using the money for hair transplants and flying to Turkey for teeth whitening and abdominal implants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers who searched Stelmach-Purdies home also found nine pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes, a Louis Vuitton luggage set and three Patek Philippe watches which turned out to be fake. The court heard he also owned a 285,000 Range Rover Overfinch. Stelmach-Purdie, admitted fraud, along with ONeill, as well as Anthony Sharwood, 38, a movements clerk, Sgt Peter Wilson, 55, and another serving soldier, 37, who cannot be named. Roger Clerice, 47, who served in the Household Cavalry Regiment, also admitted money laundering. Last week, L/Sgt Lee Richards, 41, was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and transferring criminal property after a three-week trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the MoDs joint personnel administration system, the gang submitted 221 bogus expense claims totalling 911,608 between December 2014 and January 2016. Military personnel can claim for operational allowances, such as air fares when they are serving abroad. Dominic Connolly, prosecuting, said the case concerned a series of frauds carried out by employees of the MoD who were employed at their administrative headquarters at the Regents Park Barracks. He added: Put simply, a number of military personnel employed at that location made a series of fictitious claims to expenses and allowances that they were not entitled to. Aaron Stelmach-Purdie shamelessly flaunted his ill-gotten wealth - Central News/Web Collect He said that Richards, who was convicted last week, made a large number of claims for operational allowances but was never deployed to any such location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon Lees, 31, a plumber from Oldham, denied laundering 270,000 through his bank accounts within six months. The jury failed to reach a verdict against him. Lees denied concealing, disguising or transferring criminal property between Dec 1 2014 and Jan 31 2016. He said that he had known Stelmach-Purdie since he was a child and agreed to help him when he said that he had fallen out with his bank and was being deployed to Iraq. The plumber said that he eventually became tired of Stelmach-Purdie constantly contacting him to ask if a transfer had been made to his account. He claimed Stelmach-Purdie then told him to transfer the money to his mothers account, which he did, but he could transfer no more than 10,000 at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lees said 250,000 was paid into his bank account in the space of six months. Mr Connolly, prosecuting, said the Crown would not seek a retrial against Lees, explaining: It is no longer in the public interest to seek a retrial. In those circumstances I propose to offer no evidence against him. A soldier, referred to only as Soldier R, told the trial 500,000 went through his bank account in six months. Richards, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, denied conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and concealing, disguising or transferring criminal property between 1 March 2015 and 31 January 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stelmach-Purdie admitted seven counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of disguising or transferring criminal property. Sharwood, of Worcestershire, admitted one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of transferring criminal property. ONeil, of Droitwich, admitted disguising or transferring criminal property. Wilson, of Kidderminster, Wiltshire, admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and transferring criminal property. Sharwood, of Worcestershire, admitted one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of transferring criminal property. The gang will be sentenced in April next year. 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. LIMESTONE, Tenn. (WJHL) Main Street Pizza has been a staple in the Tri-Cities region for over a decade. However, owner Jamie Dove said both locations will be closed by the end of December. Main Street Pizza Company announces closure of Johnson City, Kingsport locations The closures are not due to a lack of customer support. In fact, the Johnson City location was lively during lunch on Tuesday, and patrons, especially other downtown business owners, expressed their sadness about the unexpected closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Parker, owner of Vibes Nails & Lotion Bar, said she wanted to spend as much money as possible at the restaurant before it closes. She said downtown business owners must support each other. We all work together. We partner where we can; we promote together where we can. And so its definitely going to take a hit for the community. This corner will be empty. Parker told News Channel 11. Jamie Dove provided several reasons for closing his three restaurants: the two Main Street Pizza Company locations and County Line Pie on Highway 107. However, he told News Channel 11 that the flooding was the final blow. This flooding was certainly the straw that broke the camels back, said Dove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kingsport, Dove said downtown construction was hurting accessibility to the restaurant. In Johnson City, the building was sold to a new owner, and Dove decided not to renew his lease. For County Line Pie in Chuckey, the flooding impacted customers and employees ability to get to the restaurant, with the bridges washed away. Most importantly, the flooding destroyed several acres of farmland in his home. The reason we were in the restaurant business really always was about local food, said Dove. And so fixing this as best we can, saving what soil we can, is way more important to me than anything else that we do. This is my home. This is where I live. Dove said theres also lots of work to do, but it wont include owning a restaurant anytime soon. Instead, he mentioned that he will continue to focus on his new business model, which includes selling fresh produce and berries through a subscription service and making the best use of the land that was not damaged by the flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Traffic will be restricted on various roads Thursday morning in Buffalo for the 129th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. The race takes place on Delaware Avenue, which will have rolling closures and re-openings during the event, the YMCA said. From 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., traffic will be restricted on Delaware Avenue from Hertel Avenue to Comet Avenue. From 5 a.m. to noon, Franklin Street from Court Street to West Mohawk Street and Pearl Street between West Mohawk Street and Court Street (both ways), will face traffic restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The YMCA recommends drivers to avoid Delaware Avenue on Thursday morning. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. An incredible result to conclude one of the most exciting watch collaboration series in modern watchmaking. The 13th and final unique piece in Hublot X Takashi Murakamis NFT series was sold at Phillips TOKI Watch Auction in Hong Kong for HKD 2,095,500 including the buyers premium, offered by Phillips, smashing the original estimate of HKD 450,000 by multiple times. For Hublot, this auction sale of the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow was not only an opportunity to demonstrate the creative possibilities between the worlds of Swiss watchmaking and contemporary Japanese art, but also to give back to a great cause that is dear to the manufacture. Hublot has always believed in using its platform for the greater good and supporting initiatives that can concretely bring positive changes. As such, all the proceeds from the realized price (excluding premiums) of the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow are being donated to FondAction contre le cancer, a Swiss- based non-profit foundation established in 1999 with the objective of financing innovative research projects in oncology, with treatments in the pre-clinical or clinical phase that are directly applicable to cancer patients in Switzerland and around the world. Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow TM/KK/Hublot Shortly after the Phillips TOKI auction in Hong Kong, Hublot CEO Julien Tornare invited FondActions Chairman of the Board Professor Serge Leyvraz and the Director of the Foundation Mrs. Anne Brunner to receive the check for Hublots contribution to their activities. Hublot is truly humbled and honored to be able to make this gesture towards FondAction contre le cancer, shared Hublot CEO Julien Tornare. FondAction has been one of the Switzerlands leading foundations in cancer research for many years, and Hublot has always believed in its cause and sought different ways of supporting it. With our dear friend Takashi Murakami, we are proud to demonstrate that watchmaking and art can be used for a greater good. I would like to thank the bidders for their generosity, as well as Phillips for creating such an exciting auction as well as all the media for spreading awareness about the auction and our unique piece with Takashi Murakami. We look forward to continuing supporting FondAction FondActions Chairman of the Board Professor Serge Leyvraz added, We are grateful to Hublot for its contribution to FondAction on this occasion and throughout the years. We also want to thank Phillips for their generosity and Takashi Murakami for his precious and personal implication. Our work in innovating cancer treatments simply wouldnt be possible without the support of steadfast friends and partners such as Hublot. Together, we can provide hope and longevity to cancer patients in Switzerland and across the world. Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow TM/KK/Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow True to Takashi Murakamis multimedia and multidisciplinary approach to breaking down the constructs of contemporary art and Hublots daringness to go where no watchmaker has gone before, the pair introduced a novel concept in 2022 by bridging the digital and the physical. What began as a series of 324 unique NFT artworks by Murakami inspired by low-res videogame graphics and TVs from the 1970s gave way to accessing 12 unique editions of the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami, each paired with its own unique artwork that were available on Hublot.com. Based on Hublot and Takashi Murakamis first-ever collaborative timepiece, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic is the perfect fusion of innovative watchmaking and contemporary, kinetic art. Featuring Murakamis signature Smiling Flower, its gem-set face is set above the sapphire crystal, adding three-dimensionality to the piece. Between the dial plate and the hands, the twelve petals form a disk that spins with the motion of the wrist. Powered by Hublots UNICO automatic manufacture movement with a power reserve of 72 hours, the petals spin thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system developed by Hublots engineers. Back of the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow TM/KK/Hublot And while each of the 12 unique Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic pieces featured a rainbow smiling flower face with 103 gemstones, each piece had a single color and type of gemstone on the spinning petals. The 13th and final piece essentially combines the 45mm black ceramic case of the first-ever Hublot X Takashi Murakami Classic Fusion series with the rainbow petals of the Sapphire Rainbow edition, incorporating 384 gemstones onto the petals to form a perfect color gradient with different types of rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites and topaz stones. Dial of the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow TM/KK/Hublot Along with the unique timepiece, the winning bidder will also receive an NFT artwork linked to the watch, as well as a very rare opportunity to visit Takashi Murakamis studio in Miyoshi, Japan. Nov. 27A space company with ties to New Mexico broke through a glass ceiling this week by launching two rockets into space in a 24-hour period from different hemispheres. Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, satellite components and on-orbit management. The company has a manufacturing facility in Albuquerque at the Sandia Science & Technology Park, where is builds high efficiency solar cells, solar arrays and other products for satellite and aerospace operations. "Two successful launches less than 24 hours apart from pads in different hemispheres," Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said in a statement. "That's unprecedented capability in the small launch market and one we're immensely proud to deliver at Rocket Lab." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first rocket took off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia. Less than a day later, at 4:55 p.m. on Nov. 25, Rocket Lab deployed five satellites into low Earth orbit, 400 miles high, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. Rocket Lab has deployed 203 satellites. "The main point, the big takeaway here, is that now the United States has another launch company that is capable of conducting launches in 24 hours," said Brian Barnett, the founder and CEO of Santa Fe-based Solstar Space Co., a space communications company. "It's (significant for) responding to customer requirements and proving what you can do as a company." Barnett said the news of the quick launches likely puts Rocket Lab in competition with SpaceX as the other commercial space company capable of launching rockets in quick succession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The satellites were deployed for Kineis, a French Internet-of-Things constellation operator. They were onboard Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle, a reusable spacecraft that has made 56 launches. "This achievement would not have been possible without Rocket Lab's Electron precision in placing our satellites in their planned positions," said Kineis CEO Alexandre Tisserant. "With 15 Kineis satellites now in orbit, we're one step closer to the full deployment of our dedicated IoT constellation for transmitting data in near-real time, anywhere on the globe." The company record for launch turnover exemplified the company's recent momentum. The company's stock was trading at $25.83 per share on Tuesday, which is up 130% in the last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, SolAero by Rocket Lab Rocket Lab acquired the company, which specializes in space-grade solar cells and solar cell assemblies, in 2022 finalized its agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to create manufacturing jobs in Albuquerque. The department will provide SolAero with $23.9 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, to create 100 new jobs in Albuquerque. New Mexico's congressional delegation announced the preliminary proposal in June. "This finalized agreement to deliver $24 million from the CHIPS Act to support one of our homegrown space-based defense companies and create 100 new advanced manufacturing jobs in Albuquerque is exactly what I had in mind," said Sen. Martin Heinrich, who served on a conference committee of Senate and House members to finalize what eventually became the CHIPS and Science Act. ROCKY TOP, Tenn. (WATE) The register of deeds in Anderson County is warning residents to be aware of a deed registration scam. A woman in Rocky Top received a letter claiming shes had a deed transfer. She is one of many people in the county who received one. Anderson Countys Register of Deeds Tim Shelton said the people running the business that sent the official-looking letters are hoping that people will not read the fine print and will respond quickly so they can reap the reward. Sausage facility in Kodak evacuated after chemical leak Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jo, a retired truck driver, is 82 and a widow. She lived in Rocky Top most of her adult life and has owned her home for over 30 years. She recently received a letter that said Anderson County records indicated she had a deed transfer for her property. I about flipped, because I hadnt sold anything, said Nelson. $89 is the service fee to transfer the deed. Nelson said the letter truly puzzled her at first, especially, the seeming urgency to send the money. The letter requested a response by January 10 and said to send the money to the clerks property office in St. Petersburg, Florida. That really threw me for a loop on that one, said Nelson. It is ridiculous and people need to be hung up by their toes or something to do this to people, especially to old people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained that at first, she thought the letter was real. Yeah, I did I really did. Well, I looked at it and read it, put it back in the envelope, and thought, Im going to the courthouse and Im going to have this checked out because I hadnt sold my property and I wanted to see who took my property away from me, said Nelson. We went to the Anderson County Register of Deeds office in Clinton. Tim Shelton, the Anderson County Register of Deeds, knows all about the deceptive letters. These are all letters that were sent from people who have come in and have questioned what this is all about, said Shelton. The letters are identical to the one Nelson received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just a few. We have actually had 10 times that many in the last couple of days, said Shelton. Theyre asking not only if is it true, but they are making statements that they almost fell for it. We had one guy today who had written out a cashiers check to pay to have this done and said, let me go to the courthouse first. East Tennessee family finally gets justice nearly 40 years after brothers murder At the register of deeds office, clerks like Vette Brown update records daily. Larry Baker is also busy registering property deeds, and it doesnt cost county residents a penny. It is free, at our office and literally throughout the state of Tennessee, Shelton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the letter to Nelson, a disclaimer said this advertisement is available to Tennessee consumers free of charge. Shelton explained, Can they say they are compliant with the law? Yes, but it sure is deceptive to a lot of people and a little bit immoral, in my view. I dont want nobody, I dont want nobody scammed like that. People nowadays need every penny they can get and hang onto it, said Nelson. A letter saying you need to have your deed registered is a common scheme and its been around for a while. Still, it remains profitable or those sending it would quit paying the postage to send it to tens of thousands of people every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Failed Graceland sale by a mystery entity highlights attempts to take assets of older or dead people Two key points about this letter are the false claim that you have to pay a fee and the pressure tactic of including a deadline for your response. Implying that not taking action could result in legal consequences. If you receive a deed registration scam letter, you should ignore it and not send any money. Also contact the Federal Trade Commission, FTC, to report the fraudulent activity. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. (Bloomberg) -- Romanias top court ordered a recount after a little-known ultranationalist candidate scored a surprise victory in Sundays presidential election, as a security panel said the contest was affected by a cyber operation aimed at influencing the outcome. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romanias Constitutional Court acted Thursday on a complaint by one of the losing candidates who cited irregularities in some precincts. Later, the nations Supreme Defense Council said an analysis showed that one candidate benefited from massive exposure and preferential treatment on social media platform TikTok. That breached Romanian electoral law, the panel said. Calin Georgescu, a fringe independent who has questioned Romanias membership in NATO and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, emerged from obscurity to win Sundays contest. The victory stunned the countrys political class, with top officials pointing the finger at the Kremlin. Georgescus campaign was buoyed by an outsize following on TikTok, propelling him to first place after hed been trailing in single digits only a week before the Nov. 24 contest. The result upended Romanian politics as voters prepare for a parliamentary election on Sunday. Theyll vote again in a presidential runoff on Dec. 8. TikTok said on Thursday that it was categorically false to claim that it treated Georgescus account differently from other candidates. When Romanian authorities contacted us to flag a number of videos that lacked identifiers that the candidates themselves were legally required to add, which was also the case across multiple other platforms, we took action on those videos within 24 hours, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court decision threw more uncertainty into the mix. Although Georgescus lead appeared irreversible, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was eliminated from the race after he lost to opposition leader Elena Lasconi by fewer than 3,000 votes, raising the possibility that the margin could close. The court said it expects the recount to be finished by Friday at 2 p.m. in Bucharest, a timetable challenged by Romanias electoral authority. In a statement issued later on Thursday, it said it expects the vote recount to be done by 10 p.m. local time on Sunday, after voting ends in the parliamentary election. While Ciolacu said he wont comment on any court decision, Lasconi initially warned the court is playing with national security and asked the electoral commission to handle the vote recount with care. In a statement late on Thursday, Lasconi said her party will challenge the abusive decision to recount the votes in the Court of Appeals and to the Venice Commission, a panel of constitutional experts that advises the Council of Europe, which is the continents leading human rights body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense council, which consists of senior government and intelligence officials, explicitly pointed the finger at Russia, saying Romanian authorities registered increased interest from Moscow to influence public opinions and social cohesion. It accused TikTok of failing to label the candidates videos as election material as required by Romanian law. This preferential treatment was amplified by TikToks failure to respect the electoral bureaus rules, and contrary to what they communicated, the Chinese company didnt respect the electoral law and impacted the electoral process, the council said in the statement. It urged prosecutors and the other institutions to urgently take the necessary measures to clarify all these aspects. --With assistance from Gian Volpicelli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with TikTok comment from fifth paragraph, Sunday recount timing in 8th, opposition candidate comment from 10th.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (WHTM) Wednesdays hometown heroes are spreading holiday cheer to local veterans. Royers Flowers and Gifts has been collecting holiday cards for the past month. Theyre headed to the American Red Crosss Holidays for Heroes program, which delivers to veterans at VA hospitals, senior living facilities, and other locations. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here More than 3,000 cards were collected with personalized messages of gratitude and thanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to submit a Hometown Hero, write to us at 3235 Hoffman Street in Harrisburg. The ZIP code is 17110, and our email is news@abc27.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. AUSTIN (KXAN) After no one candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in November for Austin City Councils open District 7 seat, the top two candidates, Gary Bledsoe and Mike Siegel, will head to a runoff this December. KXAN did sit-down interviews with both candidates. Heres what you need to know about the runoff: Only District 7 residents are allowed to vote in this race Dec. 2: Early voting begins Dec 3: Last day to apply for ballot by mail Dec. 10: Last day of early voting Dec. 14: Election Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whos running for Austin City Council District 7? Meet Mike Siegel Here is a transcript of most of KXANs conversation with Bledsoe. KXAN City Hall reporter Grace Reader: Tell me a little bit about why you decided to run in the first place. Well, Ive decided to run for District 7 for the Austin City Council because there is a need on the Austin City Council for common sense leadership, and I have a great deal of experience in exemplifying to all that I can engage in public leadership that is common sense leadership. I have a demonstrated record at the Texas Legislature working with many others to help pass anti-racial profiling legislation to pass the top 10% law to alleviate issues related to affirmative action. Ive worked with legislators to pass common sense laws in reference to how we handle problems with parole or probation. So I have a demonstrated record in working with diversion interests to actually make a difference. Gary Bledsoe, an Austin City Council D7 candidate, sits with KXAN reporter Grace Reader (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) I have a demonstrated record on the local level. I have actually engaged with the Austin Police Department. Brought racial sensitivity training to them way back in the 1990s. Ive worked with them to make sure that they have validated testing so that police officers would not have their lives impacted by arbitrary exams and would have to have validated exams relating to the jobs they were seeking to have to determine whether or not they would actually be promoted. It is my efforts that led to the video cameras in police cars, that led to us having a police monitors office, my efforts that helped lead to requiring those things on a statewide level as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I think that I have a demonstrated record of being able to do things, and I think now were moving into a time of extremism, and I have a demonstrated record of fighting against extremism whether some of the fights Ive had against the Ku Klux Klan that have been successful, whether its some of the other fights that Ive had against hate groups or organizations around the state I have a track record of showing that I can work in the public interest and with common sense approaches to addressing these issues. And now I think we know that we are seeing a rising tide of extremism, and so I think to have someone who is a watchdog, like the Austin American Statesman says I will be, to be on the council to watch out and protect the public interest and to make sure our community does the right things, I think that would be a real asset. So thats what I bring to the table, being a watchdog over time, trying to make sure that the public interest was protected, and I want to continue to do that for the citizens in District 7. Reader: Walk me through your resume. Well, Im a civil rights lawyer. Ive been a civil rights lawyer for many, many years. I have been involved in a number of types of different litigation, whether its litigation to improve conditions in police departments for police officers, whether its issues that relate to the matter of how to handle matters with citizens, specific citizens. I have been engaged in litigation that involves redistricting that has led to changes and to help eliminate or address or minimize gerrymandering that may have come from the Texas legislature. I am a leader in the civil rights movement. I am the head of the NAACP in Texas. Ive been so since 1991. Im on the board of directors of the ACLU. Im taking a leave from those positions, basically to run for office. But I have a demonstrated record there, and I have a demonstrated record in terms of litigation. I have a demonstrated record in terms of, I was one of the lawyers that helped fight against the voter identification law in the state of Texas to invalidate that voter identification law. Im an individual who has brought legal challenges that have led to some of the positive results that I mentioned earlier, whether its video cameras in cars here locally, or body cams on police officers, even the police monitors office making for fair circumstances for police promotions to protect the interests of individual police officers. So Ive been involved in many ways, in a number of different activities around the state, and I think Ive been acknowledged in terms of the types of things Ive tried to do, but also Ive been an advocate. Ive been an advocate at the state legislature. Ive been an advocate to try to address some of the encroachments on civil rights and civil liberties, the intended encroachments on marginalizing people in different communities. Communities at the state legislature, where Ive tried to work with people in both parties, and effectively done so, more a long time ago than recently. Even recently, weve been able to curb some of the most extreme legislation by being able to work together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I have a real track record thats demonstrated, thats on the record, thats there. And let me say one other thing, Im the one individual in the race that has been racially profiled. I had a police officer point a gun at my head, but also the only individual in the race thats actually sat across the table from police to work on engaging the community and have more community policing to address the issues that confront our community. You know, Im one that I dont agree with people that say, lets defund the police. I think what we need to do is work to improve our police department, make it the best that we can, to make the officers as best, as good as they can be, and work with them on a number of issues. Like one of the issues Ive worked with officers on, theres been a real problem with the discipline of officers. Theres been so much feeling of retaliation of officers, a feeling that theres cronyism and depending on what side you belong on. And so Ive supported officers in trying to make sure that they could bring some real integrity to the discipline system. So I have a realistic view on what needs to be done. I think we need to get involved more so in engaging more in positive community relations between different communities. You know, I know when people look at some African Americans, they may say, well, you dont like police. Thats not true. African Americans are really supportive of police. Were just against police brutality, but we want police, law enforcement, and I think whats what we find in District 7. In District 7, when I go door-to-door, people are concerned about public safety. They want to make sure that they get responses to their issues that occur in their community. They want to make sure that if they have a call where they need police support, that the police actually respond. There has been a problem with that, but theres a problem with the understaffing in the police department, and we need to work with that. I know Ive talked to the commander that is the control over District 7, and that commander is really trying to address the public safety needs as much as that commander can, but he indicated there was like a 37% rate of positions that are not filled, and thats unsatisfactory. So I want to try to address all those issues in a common sense way, while we work with police to make them better for our community. Reader: Public safety is obviously one of your top concerns. What are your other priorities? Obviously, affordability is a huge priority. One of the things that made Austin special, right? We see the slogans of, keep Austin weird, what have you. And I know weve been talking about, keep Austin special. Its kind of one of the slogans of my campaign. What made it special? Im one of the folks that came here in the 1970s and we came about, and it was not the most embracing community. We had to fight to make this into an embracing community. And I think people saw what we created here, and everybody wants to come. And so now we see people that are coming in who dont share our values, or maybe have more entrepreneurial ideas that want to take over and co-opt the city. And so what I want to see is that we address affordability, because what were doing is were displacing the very people that have made Austin special. You know why we were special is because we had our musicians, our artists, and all those people, they lived here in the community, and thats one reason why we were weird. Where else could you find a homeless person thats given the right to actually live in someones home in Westlake for a year while theyre out of town? Thats only in Austin could you actually have that. But were losing that now, because and I go door-to-door, I talk to parents to say that their kids have good jobs, but they cant afford to live here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I go door-to-door, I talk to parents to say that their kids have good jobs, but they cant afford to live here. Gary Bledsoe, Austin City Council District 7 candidate You know, last night, I went to the Wallace ceremony, that is a celebration for some of our Indian American citizens. And it was really revealing when the musician talked about 20 years ago, he chose Austin over New York and California because it was affordable, but now its no longer affordable for him and hes had to leave. And there was another person there at the dinner and she said, well, she had a nurse friend, and that nurse friend had to leave for the same reason. So I think we see people being displaced because its just too expensive. You know, I talked to one of the other individuals there who is actually a corporate exec of a small entity, but they have had to go and move to Buda because they couldnt continue to afford to live in Austin. And we see story after story. And so when minorities are leaving, you see a real change in the demographic population, and so regular workers are leaving, we need to have a program that addresses on the housing front, how we can keep them here. So the whole idea of affordability, we do need to have a market-based approach as part of it. But its not all that is needed. We have to be intentional about it. We have to be intentional so that we cover the people who are not at the higher end because the market-based approach is generally taken care of. And even all the experts acknowledge this, those at the higher end. So those who are at the middle part, who may be at the 40th, the 50th, 60th, the 70th percentile of median family income here, theyre not taken care of by any of these market-driven matters. And so those at the lower end, you know, Ive been in communities where people who dont have means, dont live in the cities that they work in, and that is a real problem, even a problem with the whole issue with the environment, right? Because theyre having to get there, and many different so affordability is a big issue, but we have to be intentional. We have to understand this. We have not just a housing crisis in this community, but we have a displacement crisis too, and those, those musicians and artists, even long-term residents of Austin, are being displaced from their homes. Because what happens sometimes is when there is new construction in an area showing in different highest and best use in a community, as the city staff has acknowledged, this will displace people because it will increase property values in the area. So we need a common sense approach to how we do this and we bring people in. We need a common sense approach that talks about apartments, that talks about condominiums, and that also talks about single-family housing or multi-family dwellings. All those things are part of the quotient, but we must do it with common sense. Now, transportation is going to be part of that. We need to make sure that we have more, that child care is more affordable, and I think the city of Austin doing some great things there. We need to continue and expand upon those, but we need to be realistic about whats required, and we need to we need to do an audit to make sure of whats actually happening in the community. Government seems like were losing more affordable housing than were actually gaining. And we need to have an intentional approach because you can say something and you can mouth it, but that doesnt mean anything. We have to have an intentional approach to go after this and to solve the problems. Reader: Finally, what is your pitch to voters? Well, my pitch to voters is this, you know, we look at issues of the environment, which are extremely important, we have to always take into consideration were running into new areas that we are encountering in our state and in our city and in our nation, and really the world that we have to confront. I think all of us have seen the consequences of the increased heat in our community. All of us have seen really, the really terrible winters that weve had. And I think the science is there. Science makes it very clear that these are issues or problems that we must confront, but we need to do this together. For example, we have to have common sense. We have a wonderful climate equity plan that my wife helped craft with the City of Austin, but it hasnt really been implemented. We need to look at that and make sure that we try to implement that climate equity plan, and if we put a bond package together to help pass that and that we were going to have to do that and phase it in, but we also have to be conscious of our costs and budgeting, and so we need to make sure that were not just adding on. Gary Bledsoe (Austin City Council D7 candidate) (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) Theres so many thousands of dollars or millions of dollars, really, that are in the budget that dont need to be there. There are positions that are carried over from year to yearits almost as if to give extra money to departments. You know, taxpayers earn their money, and then whether theyre retired and get fixed incomes or theyre working now, thats their hard-earned money. We need to respect their hard-earned money, and so we need to make sure that we go in, take a look and see what actually do we need to spend money on, and make sure that we do something like, for example, the old Texas performance reviews done by the comptroller. So we make sure that we dont unnecessarily spend folks money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we need to have common sense where we engage. We reach out to the public. You know, I want to have public hearings in my community, in District 7, so if I can continue to hear the voices of people, this is without regard to whether or not any other council person would do that, I hope that others do. But I want to continue to hear their voices because I know that sometimes the best ideas are going to come from there. You know, we will have wonderful staff. We have wonderful city staff already, and there are many experts out there, but the public sometimes has the best ideas, and we need to hear them and not just go through the motion of allowing them to come and speak on an issue. And we need to be user friendly and how we work with our community on issues that have such a great import as land use. We need to make sure that we go to every community and make it easy for people to come and speak with us and respect them when they reach out and talk to us and spend all their time coming down and want to speak on such important issues, but we need to make it user friendly by going to those communities. Going to those communities at times when people can be expected to come, and not times and only people that have a certain plight in life might be able to come. So we have to be more sensitive to that, so we get a wider array of opinion and allow all people to be invested with the decisions that we have to get a broader base of support, because I think theres been a trust issue thats been developed, and we want to help fix that trust issue so people will see the decisions coming from that council and have confidence in those decisions. Thats one of the things that I want to bring to the council. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Air Force reported at dawn on 28 November that Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers had been scrambled from the Olenya airfield, and after 05:30 Russian missiles were spotted on Ukrainian territory. Source: Air Force Quote: "The activity of 4 Tu-95MS bombers from the Olenya airfield (Murmansk Oblast) flying in a southeasterly direction is noted." Details: The Air Force added that in case of a missile threat and cruise missile launches, it would provide additional information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force later reported that, based on updated information, 7 Tu-95MS aircraft were operating in the air. At 05:30, the Air Force reported the missile launches. Russia is now attacking different oblasts of Ukraine. Explosions were heard in Kharkiv, Lutsk and some other cities and oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against Ukraine the morning of Nov. 28, targeting energy infrastructure across the country, including the far-western regions. The Air Force announced a nationwide aerial alert after warning that Russia had launched seven Tu-95 strategic bombers. Explosions were reported in mulitple cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Lutsk, and Rivne. Local officials also reported strikes in Sumy, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Volyn oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kyiv, debris fell in two districts, Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the debris damaged an enterprise in the latter district. Read also: Ukraines fight against Russian invasion undermined by draft-dodging graft "The missiles approached Kyiv from different directions," Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said, adding that all aerial targets were shot down. In Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, which is over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the Russian border, Russian forces attacked a critical infrastructure facility, Governor Svitlana Onyshchuk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chernivtsi Oblast, also located in western Ukraine, Ukrainian air defense shot down a missile. Several houses were damaged by falling rocket debris, local military administration reported. One woman in Vinnytsia Oblast was injured in a missile strike, authorities said. The attack also damaged residential buildings. A Russian missile hit local infrastructure in the town of Shostka, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported. The consequences of the attack are still being investigated. The densely populated Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv was also struck by a missile during the morning attack, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Business and residential buildings were damaged. No casualties have been reported, and emergency services are at work on site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that Russia struck a "massive blow" at the nation's power grid, with attacks on energy infrastructure occurring throughout the country. Ukrenergo, the state grid operator, announced emergency blackouts in multiple regions in an effort to safeguard the energy system from Russia's assault. Russia has already begun redoubling attacks on Ukraine's power grid as the country enters its third winter at war. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, said on Nov. 28 that Russia was deliberately stockpiling weapons, including arms from North Korea, in order to launch mass attacks on cities and infrastructure. "They stockpiled missiles for strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, for warfare against civilians during the cold, during the winter," Yermak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 24 that Russia had launched more than 800 KAB-guided aerial bombs, nearly 460 attack drones, and more than 20 missiles over the past week. Along with intensifying aerial strikes, Ukraine has recently faced another threat from Russia: a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) dubbed "Oreshnik," which Russia launched in a Nov. 21 attack against Dnipro. The attack triggered an emergency meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council on Nov. 26 and renewed calls for advanced air defense systems from Western partners. Read also: Ukraine war latest: The Economist estimates 60,000-100,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in full-scale war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. All regions of Ukraine were under air raid alerts early Thursday amid Russia's latest long-range drone and missile barrage against the country's energy grid, with almost 1 million people reportedly left without power. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched around 100 drones and more than 90 missiles into Ukraine, including projectiles carrying cluster munitions. "Each such attack proves that air defense systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not in storage bases," he added. "This is especially important in the winter, when we have to protect our infrastructure from targeted Russian strikes," Zelenskyy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 91 missiles, 79 of which it said were shot down. Russia also launched 97 drones, the air force said, of which 35 were downed and 62 neutralized via jamming. PHOTO: In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on Nov. 28, 2024, Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire at an energy facility following a missile attack in Lutsk, Volyn region. (Handout/UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP ) "Three guided aircraft missiles and 35 enemy UAVs were shot down, and more than 60 were lost in location," the air force said in a statement. "In total, 12 strikes were recorded, mainly at fuel and energy sector facilities." The air force also said Russia is changing its weapons and tactics, making it harder to intercept projectiles; for example, by "shooting thermal and radar traps and also using electronic warfare personal protection means installed directly on missiles." These measures, plus the large number of drones and missiles fired together, "significantly complicates the work of Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile systems," it added. Western platforms, the air force said, are more effective, but there "are not enough in Ukraine to reliably cover hundreds of critical infrastructure facilities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather conditions also played a role, the air force noted. "Dense fog and cloudiness" can make it difficult for ground crews and fighter pilots to intercept incoming missiles and drones, it wrote in its statement. The Russian Defense Ministry said four missiles hit direct targets near the settlement of Maly Borbik in the Sumy district. Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Moscow's missile capabilities immediately after the barrage. "The Russian hypersonic systems have no analogues in the world, their production is increasing," he said during at a session of the CSTO's Collective Security Council on Thursday in Astana, Kazakhstan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Russian Federation produces 10 times more missiles than all NATO countries combined, and will increase production by a quarter," Putin said. Energy Minister German Galushchenko wrote in a post to Facebook that the country's energy network faced "a massive blow," with strikes on infrastructure "throughout Ukraine." PHOTO: A local resident starts an electric generator during a power outage in Lviv, Ukraine, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Yuriy Dyachyshyn/AFP via Getty Images) MORE: Ukraine drones attack Crimea, Moscow says, as Zelenskyy urges strikes inside Russia The state-owned grid operator Ukrenergo, Galushchenko added, moved onto emergency power outage schedules due to the attacks. Ukrenergo said on Telegram that the attack was the eleventh combined missile and drone attack on energy infrastructure in 2024 to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink wrote on X that Kyiv "awoke to air raid sirens and from the bunker we see the whole country is red from the threat of missiles from Russia as Ukraine's energy infrastructure is currently under attack." The city's military administration reported "a combined missile and drone strike on Kyiv using, presumably, cruise missiles and drones of various types." The alert in the capital lasted for more than nine hours, the administration said. "All missiles and drones that threatened Kyiv were destroyed," it added in a post to Telegram. Power and water interruptions were reported in multiple regions of Ukraine, with explosions reported by local administrations across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxim Kozitsky, the head of the Lviv military administration in the west of the country bordering Poland, said on Telegram that 523,000 customers in Lviv Oblast were without electricity following the strikes. Oleksandr Koval, the governor of the western Rivne Oblast, said 681 settlements in region were without electricity due to missile attacks with some 280,000 people disconnected. Volyn Oblast Governor Ivan Rudnytskyi reported another 215,000 people without power in his region. PHOTO: People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) MORE: Russia increases Ukraine drone attacks by 44% since Trump election The Russian Defense Ministry, meanwhile, reported downing 27 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions, as well as occupied Crimea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andriy Yermak -- the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office -- wrote on Telegram that Moscow was using "terror tactics." "They made stockpiles of missiles for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, for war with civilians during cold weather, during the winter," he added. "They were helped by their crazy allies, in particular from [North Korea]." "Now the Russians are carrying out a combined shelling of the country," Yermak added. "They even fight with children," he wrote, warning that Ukraine will respond. ABC News' Patrick Reevell, Will Gretsky and Joe Simonetti contributed to this article. Russia launches 'massive' drone and missile energy blitz across Ukraine originally appeared on abcnews.go.com North Korean troops sent to aid Russia will likely be deployed to the most dangerous fighting spots. That's according to South Korea's defense minister, who said they'd likely be used as "cannon fodder." North Korean forces have already taken casualties, per reports. North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces will likely be sent to some of the most dangerous spots in the war, Kim Yong-Hyun, South Korea's defense minister, said on Thursday. Speaking during a parliamentary defense committee session, Kim said that "the war is led by Russia, and from the stance of unit heads of the Russian military, they are likely to send the North Korean platoons to the most dangerous and difficult areas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that North Korean troops will likely be used as "cannon fodder," according to Yonhap News Agency, echoing comments made by Joonkook Hwang, South Korea's ambassador to the UN. North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia in its war efforts, according to officials from South Korea, Ukraine, and the US. On Tuesday, the Financial Times, citing a Ukrainian official, reported that a North Korean general had been injured and several officers killed last week by UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles that Ukraine launched against a Russian command center in Kursk. The Wall Street Journal first reported the general's injury, citing Western officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the attack, Ukraine fired a volley of at least 10 Storm Shadow missiles, the Journal reported, citing Ukrainian and Western officials. Earlier this month, Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, told BI that North Korean troops were being given just "a few weeks" of training, including in using reconnaissance and strike drones, before being sent to live combat positions. Around the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that North Korean soldiers had suffered their first losses in the war. Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea, told Voice of America earlier this month that the number of North Korean soldiers deployed to help Russia could rise to 15,000, which would mean about 100,000 soldiers serving in rotation within a year, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources familiar with the assessments of several G20 countries also cited the 100,000 figure when speaking to Bloomberg . During a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Kim Song, North Korea's permanent representative to the UN, avoided answering a direct question from his US counterpart about whether North Korea had sent troops to Russia. Instead, he said the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia "fully conforms to international law and the UN Charter" and that his country would "remain faithful" to its treaty obligations. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the latest statement by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin regarding possible strikes by new Oreshnik ballistic missiles against "decision-making centres" in Kyiv. Source: Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi at a briefing Quote: "With these statements, Putin demonstrates that he is the only person who wants to continue this war and expand this war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Tykhyi noted that Putin made this statement during a visit to Kazakhstan, showing disrespect for that country and other states that have called for the avoidance of any escalation, such as China and Brazil. Ukraine is waiting to see how these countries will react to Putin's statement. Quote: "Russia continues to sink to the level of North Korea... as previously North Korea was the only country that regularly threatened other countries with missiles." Background: Putin said on 28 November that he may use an Oreshnik missile against "decision-making centres in Kyiv". Support UP or become our patron! In the depths of the Parisian night, Jaquet Droz and Chantal Thomass exchanged kisses immortalised in a unique timepiece. This rare and special event reaffirms an essential truth: if you want to stay young, you must never grow old! Paris showed no mercy to Jaquet Droz: 24 centimetres of snow fell in 24 hours and temperatures plummeted by 17C overnight. La Chaux-de-Fonds may be accustomed to such wintry assaults but the City of Light is decidedly less so. On 22 November, it took the warmth of 250 guests at the Grand Palais to heat both hearts and the vast glass structure dating back to 1897, newly reopened after 18 months of renovation. But it was the friendship between one of Switzerlands greatest watchmaking companies and an icon of French fashion Jaquet Droz and Chantal Thomass that truly set the night alight. Alain Delamuraz (Jaquet Droz CEO) and Chantal Thomass Jaquet Droz A new chapter Their collaboration may seem unlikely, but since Alain Delamuraz took the helm of the venerable automatist-watchmaker, collectors have been caught up in a whirlwind of creativity. Jaquet Droz now crafts only unique pieces for discerning clients no subject is too eccentric! This approach pays homage to Pierre Jaquet-Droz, a visionary who traded with distant empires, pioneered medical prosthetics, created enduringly relevant designs like the Grande Seconde and produced automata that still work flawlessly 285 years later. While this legacy is monumental, Alain Delamuraz sees it as a closed chapter. For him, the future must be written with the same adventurous spirit that defined the companys past. Icon reinvented In Paris, Jacquet Droz took its cue from Chantal Thomasss signature shade of glossy red. At 77, the designer remains as vibrant and full of life as ever. With twinkling eyes, she regaled the captivated audience with tales of her involvement in creating her own automaton, La Ronde des Baisers (The Round of Kisses). From on-site visits and selecting colour schemes to fine-tuning the dial architecture and following the project remotely via Jaquet Drozs immersive Studio 8, Chantal Thomass navigated with characteristic grace and skill the immense creative arsenal Jaquet Droz makes available to all its clients. This collaboration proves that horological expertise isnt a prerequisite for creating a bespoke Jaquet Droz timepiece. Chantal Thomass and Alain Delamuraz in Paris for the launch of the new timepiece Kyra Brenzinger A mineral marvel No one could accuse Chantal Thomass of moderation. The Ronde des Baisers is a mesmerising automaton centred around a 3D mineral checkerboard. Black onyx and white opal cubes form a striking marquetry motif encircled by a spiral of snow-set diamonds. This radiant comets tail is punctuated by plump lips in vibrant red, set against a black backdrop. The animation is set in motion with a simple press of the pusher at 3 oclock: the outer disc revolves once every 30 seconds for up to 4 minutes (8 turns) with the option to start or stop at will. "La Ronde des Baisers" Automaton Jaquet Droz Cross-generational appeal The Grand Palais audience mirrored Chantal Thomasss broad appeal. Bloggers and influencers mingled with longstanding clients and international journalists. As the 80s and 90s experience a renaissance, Thomass is becoming a pop icon all over again, this time with generations 40 years her junior! Together, Jaquet Droz and Chantal Thomass embody a timeless, joyful elegance with a sense of fun and an unshakeable sense of their own identity. Its not just a style, its a state of mind. These are not just brands, theyre icons. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russia conducted a massive attack against Ukraines energy infrastructure on Thursday, firing nearly 200 missiles and drones and leaving more than a million households without power, Ukrainian officials said. Russia's second major aerial attack on Ukraine's power grid in less than two weeks amplified fears that the Kremlin aims to cripple the country's power generation capacity before winter. Attacks on energy facilities are happening all over Ukraine, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said in a post on Facebook. He added that emergency power outages were implemented nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia in previous years has targeted Ukraines electricity generation, aiming to deny civilians critical heating and drinking water supplies during the bitter winter months and break Ukrainian spirits. The attacks also seek to hobble Ukraines defense industry that is now producing missiles, drones and armored vehicles, among other military assets. In some regions on Thursday, Kalibr cruise missiles with cluster munitions smashed into civilian targets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, calling it an insidious escalation. Cluster munitions release numerous small bombs over a wide area, making them dangerous to civilians both during and after an attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his forces struck 17 Ukrainian targets Thursday, including military facilities and their support systems, with 100 drones and 90 missiles. It was the 11th massive combined attack by Russia on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Ukrainian air force claimed to have shot down 76 cruise missiles and three other types of missile as well as 32 drones. It added that it lost track of 62 Russian drones, which most likely were jammed by electronic warfare. Neither side's claims could be independently verified. Ukrainian officials have warned recently that Russia was stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles, presumably for another pre-winter aerial campaign against Ukraines power grid. Ukrainian officials have in the past accused Russia of weaponizing winter. Such massive attacks have been a regular feature of the war. Around half of Ukraines energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the almost three years of war with Russia, and rolling electricity blackouts are common. Kyiv's Western allies have sought to help Ukraine protect power generation with air defense systems and funds for rebuilding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last March, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for two high-ranking Russian military officers on war crimes charges linked to attacks on Ukraines civilian infrastructure, including power plants and electricity sub-stations. The war has been going in Russia's favor in recent months as its bigger army uses its advantages in manpower and equipment to push Ukrainian forces backward in eastern areas, though its offensive has been slow and costly. Putin said that over the past two days Russia had fired 100 missiles and 466 drones at Ukraine, saying they were a response to Ukraine using American-made missiles to hit targets on Russian soil after gaining permission to do so from President Joe Biden. Speaking at a summit in Kazakhstan of a security alliance of former Soviet nations, Putin threatened to use a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, called Oreshnik, against decision-making centers in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missile launched for the first time at Ukraine last week has six warheads and flies at 10 times the speed of sound, according to Putin, who declared that it can't be intercepted by any modern air defense systems. Oreshnik can penetrate underground bunkers and releases dozens of submunitions that turn everything to dust, Putin said. The use of several Oreshnik missiles in one strike would be comparable in its devastating power to a nuclear weapon, he claimed. Explosions in Thursday's Russian attack were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and many other cities in central and western Ukraine. Zelenskyy urged Western countries to accelerate delivery of promised air defense weaponry. Ukrainian officials in the past have grumbled that military aid is slow to arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each such attack proves that air defense systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not at storage bases, Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app. Russia uses large numbers of missiles and drones to overwhelm Ukraines air defenses and exploits weather conditions such as dense fog and cloud cover to make interceptions harder, the Ukrainian air force said. The head of Ukraines presidential office, Andrii Yermak, said in a Telegram post that Russia had stockpiled missiles to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and wage war against civilians during the cold season. They were helped by their crazy allies, including from North Korea, he wrote. Western governments and South Korea say North Korea in recent months has intensified its military support for Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The head of the Lviv region in western Ukraine, Maksym Kozytskyi, said the attack left more than half a million households without electricity. Over 280,000 households in the northwestern Rivne region were without electricity because of the attack, according to regional Gov. Oleksandr Koval. Running water supplies were also patchy in affected areas. Some schools in Rivne city switched to online classes. There were also strikes on the bordering Volyn region, where 215,000 households had no electricity, regional head Ivan Rudnytskyi said. All critical infrastructure that lost power was switched to generators. Energy infrastructure was also targeted in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, local officials said. Air defenses were activated there, and emergency power outages were introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials ordered the opening of points of invincibility shelter-type places where people can charge their phones and other electrical devices and get refreshments during blackouts. In Kyiv, where the air raid alert lasted over nine hours, missile debris fell in one neighborhood, local officials said. No casualties were reported. ___ Hatton reported from Lisbon, Portugal. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine (Reuters) - Russia and Ukraine have agreed to return to each other a total of nine children to be reunited with family members, according to a senior Russian official, in the latest humanitarian exchange between the warring countries. The transfers were agreed following mediation by Qatar, which has brokered several similar deals since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022. Russia's commissioner for children, Maria Lvova-Belova, said on Thursday that six boys and one girl, aged six to 16, were being returned to relatives in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most of the children lived in Russia with close relatives, mainly with their grandmothers. One boy, aged 16, who had been left without parental care since birth, was in the Aleshkinsky orphanage. His brother took custody of the child," she said. "The children's stories are very different, some are especially dramatic. The parents of one 12-year-old boy were divorced, and this year his mother died. Now the boy will go to his father in Ukraine." Lvova-Belova said on Wednesday that Qatari mediation had also enabled the repatriation of two young Russian boys, aged seven and nine, from Ukraine. She said the older boy was being reunited with his mother, after living with his father and grandmother in Ukraine since 2019. The younger one was returning to his father following the death of his mother, who had taken him to Ukraine in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lvova-Belova did not say how most of the children had ended up in Russia. Ukraine says about 20,000 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians since the war began, calling the abductions a war crime that meets the U.N. treaty definition of genocide. Moscow says it has protected vulnerable children from the war zone. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued warrants for the arrest of Lvova-Belova and President Vladimir Putin related to the abduction of Ukrainian children. Russia denounced the warrants as "outrageous and unacceptable". (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Gareth Jones) Washington's decision to allow Kyiv to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack, Reuters reported on Nov. 27, citing five unnamed sources familiar with the intelligence data. The news comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin updated the nuclear doctrine on Nov. 19, and Russian government officials continue to criticize the recent White House decision, calling it a push for "escalation." Despite the Kremlin's recent statements, the risk of a nuclear attack is unlikely, Reuters reported, citing its unidentified sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intelligence assessments over the past seven months have shown that a nuclear escalation is unlikely to result from a decision to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S. weapons. "The assessments were consistent: The ATACMS weren't going to change Russias nuclear calculus," said one congressional aide briefed on the intelligence Meanwhile, Moscow is expected to expand its campaign of sabotage against European facilities to increase pressure on the West for its support of Kyiv, two high-ranking officials, a lawmaker, and two congressional aides told the news agency. One of the five U.S. officials also noted that unveiling the new missile, referring to the Russian-made Oreshnik, is a step toward escalation. U.S. officials said the intelligence helped guide the contentious debate within the Joe Biden administration over whether Washington should ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S. weapons because of the risk of provoking Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mid-November, Biden authorized Ukraine to use the ATACMS to strike deeper inside Russia, a decision to strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position. His administration previously resisted supplying such weapons over concerns of escalating tensions with Russia. The changes come amid significant challenges for Ukraine, including battlefield losses, reports of North Korea sending troops to support Russia, and Donald Trump taking office in January. Trump has vowed to end the war within 24 hours, but officials worry his administration would cut off aid to Ukraine, undermining its ability to resist Russian aggression. Many U.S. officials now acknowledge that Ukraine could be pushed into talks within months and might be forced to cede territory to end the war, the Washington Post (WP) reported on Nov. 26. Read also: Opinion: Is Russias new nuclear doctrine a game of bluff or a shift in strategy? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia on Wednesday warned the U.S. to stop what it said was a spiral of escalation over Ukraine as Washington moves to quickly supply Kyiv with more weapons as the Biden administration winds down. The signal is very clear and obvious stop, you should not do this anymore, you do not need to supply Kiev with everything they want, do not encourage them to new military adventures, they are too dangerous, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russian state media. Despite the warning, Ryabkov also said Moscow would continue to inform Washington about test missile launches to avoid dangerous mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments come after Russia last week launched what it said was a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as Oreshnik. The missile, designed to hit targets thousands of miles away, hit a Ukrainian military command center, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed. Putin also last week lowered the nuclear threshold in response to the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) authorization which the Biden administration has yet to publicly confirm renewing fears that Russia could deploy a nuclear weapon against Ukraine. The launch and lowered nuclear limit were confirmed by Putin as direct responses to the U.S. authorizing Ukraine to use the ATACMS to hit further into Russian territory, something Moscow has referred to as a red line for months. The Biden administration also last week announced it will allow Ukraine to use antipersonnel land mines to mitigate Russias battlefield progress, undoing a policy the Biden administration previously set at the beginning of his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, President Biden is rushing the last of some $9 billion in security aid to Ukraine before his term ends on Jan. 20. The latest package of some $275 million was announced last Wednesday. The current [U.S.] administration must stop this spiral of escalation, Ryabkov said. They simply must, otherwise the situation will become too dangerous for everyone, including the United States itself. But he added the Kremlin will continue to alert Washington of its launches to avoid a situation where tensions spiral out of control. Russia reportedly warned the U.S. government about the Oreshniks launch about 30 minutes before it took flight. I am sure you understand that this was a stabilizing factor in the very dangerous situation in which we currently find ourselves. We are committed to this practice and we hope that the United States will also be committed to it, Ryabkov said. We also hope that such actions will help reduce the risks of miscalculation or dangerous mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraines energy system on the night of 2728 November, with Ukrainian air defence intercepting 76 cruise missiles, 3 air-to-surface missiles, and 35 drones out of a total of 188 Russian air targets. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Details: Russian forces launched an attack using different types of missiles and attack drones at 19:30 on 27 November. Ukraines Air Forces detected 188 air targets: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 S-300 air defence missiles launched from Russias Belgorod Oblast on Ukraines Kharkiv Oblast; 57 Kh-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers from Russias Volgograd Oblast; 28 Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea; 3 Kh-59/69 air-to-surface missiles launched from the airspace over the Black Sea; 97 Shahed attack drones and drones of an unidentified type from Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Orel, Bryansk and Millerovo, Russia. As of 10:30 on 28 November, the Air Force confirmed that the following Russian air targets had been shot down: 76 Kalibr/Kh-101 cruise missiles; 3 Kh-59/69 air-to-surface missiles; 35 Shahed attack drones and drones of an unidentified type; 62 drones (lost from radar). Air defence forces, aircraft, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of Ukraines Air Force and other branches of defence forces were involved in repelling the Russian attack. Support UP or become our patron! Russian strikes against Ukraine killed at least five civilians and injured at least 25 over the past day, regional authorities reported on Nov. 28. Russia launched a mass combined attack against Ukraine during the night of Nov. 27-28. In the attack, Russian forces used three S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles, 57 Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, 28 Kalibr cruise missiles, three Kh-59/69 guided missiles, and 97 drones, according to a report by the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile troops, aviation, electronic warfare units, and mobile firing groups shot down 76 Kh-101 and Kalibr cruise missiles, three Kh-59/69 guided missiles, and 35 drones. Meanwhile, 35 drones were lost on the radars due to electronic warfare operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the mass attack, Russian forces targeted several oblasts, including the capital of Kyiv. Critical infrastructure facilities were hit, prompting emergency power outages across the country. A 16-year-old boy and a 90-year-old woman were wounded in an attack in Odesa Oblast. They were treated at the scene of the attack. Falling missile debris damaged six houses, according to Governor Oleh Kiper. A woman in Vinnytsia Oblast was injured in the morning combined attack, said Natalia Zabolotna, deputy head of the regional military administration. The Russian strike against the region damaged residential buildings and destroyed an outbuilding. Apart from the combined mass overnight attack, Russian forces also targeted 10 settlements in Kherson Oblast, including the regional center of Kherson. The Russian attacks resulted in the killing of one person and injuries to 14 others, local military administration reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian FPV (first-person-view) drone hit a tractor in the village of Bilyi Kolodiaz, killing two men and injuring three others, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. In Donetsk Oblast, one person suffered injuries in the city of Pokrovsk, while in the town of Kostiantynivka, two people were killed due to the Russian strikes, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a woman and two men were injured in the attacks against the Vasyliv district, local military administration said. In Sumy Oblast's Khotyn community, a drone attack injured a civilian, according to local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Once liberated Kupiansk braces for worst as Russian troops approach, and future Western support looks uncertain Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday its forces had taken control of the settlement of Nova Illinka, close to the embattled Donetsk region town of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's military made no mention of Nova Illinka in its daily dispatches. The town lies on the opposite bank of a reservoir from Kurakhove, one of the focal points of a steady advance through Donetsk region by Russian forces. But Deep State, a popular Ukrainian blog tracking the movements of the armed forces, said more than a week ago that Nova Illinka had fallen into Russian hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters could not independently verify battlefield reports from either side. Analysts and war bloggers say Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine at the fastest rate since the early days of the February 2022 invasion, capturing village after village. Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, farther north in Donetsk region, are the next apparent targets of the Russian advance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, mentioned areas around both towns as the theatre of some of the fiercest fighting in the conflict, which has now extended over more than 33 months. Zelenskiy also cited the Kupiansk sector further north in Kharkiv region, where Russian troops have been active. According to Ukrainian reports, Russian troops have made two forays recently into Kupiansk only to be expelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town was occupied by Russian forces in the early weeks of the invasion and was recaptured months later in a lightning Ukrainian counter-offensive. Ukraine's General Staff, in a late night report on Wednesday, said Ukrainian forces had repelled 30 of 36 attacks near Kurakhove, with six armed clashes still going on. It said Ukrainian troops had repelled 26 of 35 attacks near Pokrovsk. Russia's Defence Ministry said Ukrainian artillery fire had twice hit the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the city of Enerhodar, where most of the plant's staff live. Russia and Ukraine regularly accuse each other of staging attacks on the plant, Europe's largest with six reactors. Both sides deny targeting the plant. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Andrew Osborn, Ron Popeski and Chris Reese) Russian troops attacked the city of Kharkiv and the village of Ruska Lozova in the Kharkiv district on the afternoon of 28 November. Early reports indicate no casualties. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "The invaders are reported to have attacked the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv at around 12:33. At the moment, there is no information about casualties. Specialised services are examining the scene." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: At 12:40, the Russians fired a missile on the village of Ruska Lozova in the Kharkiv district. The area near the premises of an educational institution in the village is reported to have been hit. Support UP or become our patron! At first glance, it seems that being born into the British royal family is an incredible good fortune and honor that will ensure a good and successful life. On the one hand, this is true, as high-ranking officials are well connected, attend the best events and have authority, but, in contrast to all the positive aspects, they are obliged to follow clearly established rules. ADVERTISIMENT The Windsors adhere to a rather strict etiquette prescribed in the royal protocol, even if some points seem outdated or even strange. OBOZ.UA will tell you what unusual rules the representatives of the British monarchs' family should follow. Royals are not allowed to accept gifts Almost every day, Buckingham and Windsor palaces receive hundreds of gifts sent by fans of Their Highnesses. Unfortunately, however, they are unlikely to fall into the hands of at least one of the monarchs. The same situation is observed during public appearances of the royals, when they politely refuse gifts. The only exception may be gifts from officials or government agencies. ADVERTISIMENT No autographs allowed Despite their high recognition, British royals are not allowed to sign autographs. This specific rule for monarchs was introduced to prevent unfriendly citizens from forging the signature of high-ranking officials. Although sometimes they do break this rule. Black clothes should be in the suitcase when traveling The royal protocol has not spared the monarchs' wardrobe. The Windsors must take black clothes with them on any foreign trip. A woman's suitcase should contain a dark dress, and a man's suit should be a suit. The royals adhere to this rule in order to look proper in the event of someone's death. ADVERTISIMENT So in 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II was in Kenya with Prince Philip, her father, King George VI, passed away. Her Highness did not have black clothes, so she could not get off the plane until a mourning dress was brought to her. Royals cannot eat shellfish in restaurants Despite the fact that the Windsors can afford a large number of unique delicacies, they almost never order shellfish in restaurants. The fact is that dishes with this unusual ingredient most often cause food poisoning. ADVERTISIMENT Several heirs to the throne cannot fly together At first glance, this rule may seem strange, but it is quite important for the royal family. If an airplane or helicopter crashes, the royals will not lose two heirs to the throne at once. Currently, the Prince and Princess of Wales like to break this rule quite often. They traveled with their son George to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Germany. However, when he turns 12, he will no longer be able to fly with his father. No political views Although there is nothing in the UK law that prohibits monarchs from running for office, they never do. As stated on the official Windsor website, the King is expected to be "strictly neutral on political issues". This means that His Highness should not vote or run for office. This also applies to other family members who do not publicly express their political views. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A Russian lawyer who represented opponents of Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Dmitry Talantov, 63, was found guilty of spreading fake news about the Russian army, based on five social media posts he made at the start of the war criticising the invasion. In emotional remarks after the verdict, Mr Talantov said that he had effectively been served a death sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems to me that today it is not at all scary to die, today it is scary to live. But you need to live, I am sure of this, you must live, he said. The lawyer added that it was unlikely that he would survive a long stint in prison, which he said was designed to kill off the opponents of the regime. Mr Talantov was arrested in July 2022 and has already spent more than two years in prison waiting for his trial. He described how the Russian national anthem would play twice a day, followed by a staunchly pro-Kremlin radio show. He described his conditions in the prison as a being like the Middle Ages with only a hole for a lavatory and a tap, saying time kills a person in isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His voice breaking, he addressed his wife, saying: Olga, forgive me, I love you. Mr Talantov had called Russian forces rape and pillage through Bucha, north of Kiyv, and the carpet bombing of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, Nazi practices. As well as defending critics of Putins invasion of Ukraine, Mr Talantov also acted as the lawyer for Ivan Safronov, a journalist who was sent to prison for 22 years in 2022 on trumped-up treason charges. Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights, called Mr Talantovs imprisonment a scandal and demanded his release. Talantov must be released immediately and exonerated of all criminal responsibility, as acts such as expressing a non-violent opinion or peaceful dissent against the war are protected by international human rights law, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protests against Putins war in Ukraine are illegal in Russia and trigger lengthy sentences. 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. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) A court in Russia on Thursday convicted a prominent lawyer and sentenced him to seven years in prison for speaking out against the war in Ukraine on social media, a Russian human rights group reported. The verdict in the case of Dmitry Talantov, who once chaired a regional association of lawyers in Russia's central Udmurtia republic, is the latest in the unabating crackdown the Kremlin has unleashed against dissent after sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Talantov is one of dozens of Russians arrested under a law adopted just over a week after the invasion that essentially bans any public expression about the war that deviates from the official narrative. OVD-Info, a Russian rights group that tracks political arrests and provides legal aid, reported Thursday that Talantov was accused of inciting hatred and spreading false information about the army something that had become a criminal offense under the 2022 law because of several social media posts, in which he condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine. The lawyer, 63, was arrested in June 2022 and has spent more than two years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has rejected the charges against him, and OVD-Info quoted him as saying in a letter from detention: I once looked at a photo of a maimed Ukrainian woman and decided that I can't stay silent anymore. But I remained a lawyer. I published my opinion in way that doesn't violate the formalistic law. And you know what? It is not my problem that a normal act is perceived by someone as a crime. On Thursday, a court in the town of Zavyalovo in Udmurtia, a region about 900 kilometers (roughly 560 miles) east of Moscow, found Talantov guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison, OVD-Info reported. According to the group's data, some 1,100 people have been implicated in criminal cases over their anti-war stance since February 2022. A total of 340 of them are currently behind bars or have been involuntarily committed to medical institutions. Before his arrest, Talantov was a longtime chair of Udmurtia's Chamber of Lawyers. He was also part of the team that defended former journalist Ivan Safronov, who was accused of treason in a case that was widely seen as retaliation for his reporting exposing military incidents and shady arms deals. Safronov was convicted in September 2022 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Thursday, another trial of a Kremlin critic was swiftly nearing its end. The prosecution in the Vladimir region east of Moscow requested a three-and-a-half-year-prison term for Alexei Gorinov, a 63-year-old former member of a Moscow municipal council, on charges of justifying terrorism. This is the second trial for Gorinov; in 2022, he was convicted of spreading false information about the army and sentenced to seven years in prison for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. The authorities launched a second case against him last year, according to his supporters. He was accused of justifying terrorism in conversations to his cellmates about Ukraines Azov battalion, which Russia outlawed as a terrorist organization, and the 2022 explosion on the Crimean bridge, which Moscow deemed an act of terrorism. Gorinov vehemently rejected the accusations during the first hearing in the trial on Wednesday. Independent news site Mediazona quoted him as telling the court that he merely said the annexed Crimean Peninsula was Ukrainian territory and called Azov a part of the Ukrainian army. A Russian missile attack has injured three persons in Odesa Oblast, including a boy aged 16. Some detached houses have also been damaged, and a fire has broken out. Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Kiper said that dry grass caught fire in Odesa Oblast after one of the missile pieces fell. The fire burned itself out. State Emergency Service units were not involved. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Odesa Oblast Military Administration However, a garage caught fire in the city of Odesa, and firefighters are currently working to deal with the aftermath. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa Oblast. Photo: Odesa Oblast Military Administration "Law enforcers are recording the aftermath of another crime committed by the Russians against the civilian population of Odesa Oblast," said Kiper. Update: Later, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported that three local residents, including a 16-year-old boy, were injured in the attack. All these people sustained minor injuries. At least 18 detached houses, a gas pipeline, outbuildings and cars were damaged in Odesa district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A garage was also damaged in one of Odesa's districts and a fire broke out. Background: The Air Force reported missile launches at 05:30. Russia was attacking various Ukrainian oblasts with missiles and drones. Support UP or become our patron! A woman has been injured, houses damaged, an outbuilding destroyed and a car has caught fire in Vinnytsia Oblast as a result of a Russian missile attack. Source: Vinnytsia Oblast Military Administration (VOMA) on Telegram Quote from Nataliia Zabolotna, First Deputy Head of VOMA: "A woman has been injured and she is receiving the necessary medical assistance. All relevant services are working at the scene." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zabolotna added that the Russian attack and the combat efforts of Ukraine's defence forces are ongoing and urged residents to stay in shelters until the all-clear is given. Background: The Air Force reported missile launches at 05:30. Russia was attacking various Ukrainian oblasts with missiles and drones. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Lutsk. NEC Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian transmission system operator, has implemented emergency power outages in Ukraine due to Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack. The Russians also fired missiles at infrastructure in Sumy Oblast on the morning of 28 November. Explosions were heard in Kyiv at about 08:00 and the authorities reported that air defences were responding. Explosions were also heard in Mykolaiv, Ukraine's south. Support UP or become our patron! Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has said that there is no need to stir up fear around nuclear weapons, as Christians are not afraid of the end of the world. Source: Agentstvo.Novosti, a Russian news outlet, with reference to Kirill's statement at the plenary session of the XXVI World Russian People's Council Quote: "Fearmongering around possible apocalyptic scenarios, excessive alarmism and speculation on the nuclear issue are not useful from a spiritual point of view. The enemy of humankind is trying to sow anxiety in the hearts of people ... because it is easier to manipulate a person deprived of the spiritual world... There is no need to play along with all this. Christians are not afraid of the so-called end of the world. We are waiting for the Lord Jesus, who will come to great glory, destroy evil and judge all nations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kirill added that this "does not mean that we should sit by idly". "On the contrary, our earthly mission is to be the Lord's soldiers ... to resist evil and defend high moral ideals. This is the goal setting in Russia," he said. Background: The Russian so-called red lines at various times concerned supplies of Leopard tanks, Western missiles and F-16 fighters to Ukraine, drone strikes on Russia, and more. Ukraine has repeatedly crossed these so-called red lines which were supposedly set by the Kremlin. However, even the entry of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory (the Kursk operation) and the Ukrainian control over hundreds of Russian settlements did not lead to any fundamentally new reaction from Russia in response to such actions. Russian ruler Vladimir Putin initially chose a strategy of ignoring what was happening and then tried to downplay the significance of the seizure of Russian territory by the Ukrainian army in every way possible. The Russian authorities and Kremlin-aligned media outlets also decided to ignore Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields and ammunition depots after each new attack, they only report that Russian air defence supposedly shot down dozens of drones, and never comment on the damage or losses. Talks about nuclear weapons resumed this autumn. In this way, Putin tried to prevent Kyiv from obtaining authorisation to strike Russian territory with Western long-range weapons. On 19 November, Putin even approved Russia's updated nuclear doctrine. This time, "the launch of ballistic missiles" against Russia was considered one of the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons. Ukraine nevertheless received authorisation to use ATACMS missiles and, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence, has already used them on Russian territory. Support UP or become our patron! A Russian strike on energy infrastructure in western Ukraine on Thursday left more than 1 million people without power, according to local officials. Electricity was knocked out for more than 500,000 households in the Lviv region due to the attack, according to regional Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi. Rivne Gov. Oleksandr Koval said the strike also cut off power for more than 280,000 households in the region, The Associated Press reported. The Commander of the Air Force, along with the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Energy, provided reports regarding the aftermath of the latest Russian strike targeting our energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on the social platform X early Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, approximately 100 strike drones and over 90 missiles of various types were launched, he continued. Several regions reported Kalibr missile strikes with cluster munitions, deliberately aimed at civilian infrastructure. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine, along with its allies, have ratcheted up in recent weeks after President Biden approved Ukraines use of Western-made long-range missiles to strike targets in Russian territory. The move displeased Russia and frustrated global allies of President-elect Trump, who has a history of being somewhat critical toward Ukraine. A spokesperson for the Kremlin, in response to the decision, noted comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year when he warned that Russia would see itself in direct conflict with the U.S. and NATO if they allowed Ukraine to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) within the nations borders. If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States and European countries in the war in Ukraine, Putin said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian military, in response, fired a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine. The news was confirmed last week by Putin during a wide-ranging TV address sharply criticizing the U.S. for escalating the war, after Ukraine accused them of firing a more dangerous intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch, which Putin called a test, came days after he lowered the nuclear threshold, renewing fears that he could deploy a nuclear weapon against Ukraine. The Associated Press contributed reporting. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russian forces have executed five Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) near the village of Novodarivka in the Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Criminal proceedings have been launched to investigate the incident. Source: Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office; Zaporizhzhia Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Facebook Quote: "Early reports indicate that personnel from the Russian Armed Forces executed five Ukrainian defenders out of six taken prisoner near the village of Novodarivka in the Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where active hostilities are ongoing, on 24 November 2024." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Ukrainian law enforcement officers have reportedly identified a unit of the Russian Armed Forces whose members are now being investigated for potential involvement in this crime. Investigators also obtained a video recording of the shooting. Criminal proceedings have been initiated over the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder. The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is classified as a grave international crime. Background: The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office states that the number of executions of Ukrainian POWs is increasing every month. In October and November alone, prosecutors initiated 13 cases involving the execution of 54 Ukrainian POWs, accounting for one-third of all such proceedings in 2024. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops operated a torture chamber in Belarus in the spring of 2022, the Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC) reported on Nov. 28. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians abducted from Ukraine were reportedly held there. The chamber was located on Belarusian government-owned property in the town of Naroulia, not far from the border with Ukraine, according to BIC. The Russian military has reportedly set up a camp in Naroulia for people captured in Kyiv Oblast during the early stages of the full-scale war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comments to BIC, human rights activists described the Naroulia camp as a place where the treatment of civilian hostages was among the most brutal. Lawyer Yulia Polekhina, working with the Sich human rights group, said that prisoners were tortured there. Polekhinas words echo those of former prisoners who went through Naroulia. They beat up civilians there really hard. One could hear constant screaming there, said Bohdan Lysenko, a soldier with the Ukrainian Armed Forces who was captured by the Russian military and brought to the camp in March 2022, in a comment to BIC. According to the investigation, the camp was located in the compound owned by Pripyatski Alyans on Kamsamolskaya Street. Owned by the Belarusian state, the company conducts catering and food procurement for regional institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company did not comment on the allegations and advised to contact local authorities for more information. background background Subscribe to newsletter Belarus Weekly The Reckoning Project, the Ukrainian-American organization that records human rights violations, suggests that the actions of the Russian military in Naroulia may indicate a violation of the Geneva Convention provisions, which prohibit forced displacement of civilians and ban keeping military personnel and civilians at the same detention center. The Russian military was reportedly present at the location at least until early May 2022. Russia has terrorized Ukrainians in torture chambers across the occupied territories, with previous reports indicating the use of this tactic in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, as well as the previously occupied areas of Kherson Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko provided Belarus territory for Russia to launch the all-out war against Ukraine in February 2022. Belarus hosted Russian troops, served as a launchpad for Russian missile attacks against Ukraine, and supplied weapons to the Kremlin. Belarus also took part in the abduction of Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An infrastructure facility, a house, a hangar, and several vehicles were damaged, and two people were injured, as a result of a Russian attack in Kyiv Oblast. Source: Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Oblast State Administration, on Facebook Quote from Kravchenko: "An infrastructure facility was damaged as a result of an enemy attack. The fire has been extinguished. A building and two vehicles were also damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A house, a non-residential building, and a hangar were hit in another district of the oblast. Two people were injured. They sought medical assistance on their own with minor injuries and are receiving all necessary medical care." Aftermath of the attack Photo: Kyiv Oblast police Details: Kravchenko said air defence forces were deployed in the oblast, and several targets were shot down. Emergency power outages are currently ongoing in Kyiv Oblast. Quote: "466 invincibility centres are operational. Emergency response teams continue working to eliminate the consequences of the attack in Kyiv Oblast [Invincibility centres are heated premises stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts ed.]." Background: The Air Force reported missile launches at 05:30. Russia was attacking various Ukrainian oblasts with missiles and drones. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Lutsk. NEC Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian transmission system operator, has implemented emergency power outages in Ukraine due to Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack. Russian occupants also fired missiles at infrastructure in Sumy Oblast on the morning of 28 November. Explosions were heard in Kyiv at about 08:00, and the authorities reported that air defences were responding. Explosions were also heard in Mykolaiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces executed four Ukrainian prisoners of war on 22 November in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk Oblast. Source: Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Quote: "Operational data indicates that on 22 November 2024, Russian Armed Forces launched an assault on a position of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the village of Petrivka in the Pokrovsk district. During the enemys attack, four servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were forced to surrender. Immediately afterward, the occupiers opened fire at them with automatic weapons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Office of the Prosecutor General recalls that the deliberate killing of prisoners of war is a severe violation of the Geneva Conventions and qualifies as a grave international crime. An investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the crime and identify those responsible. Support UP or become our patron! A spelunker studying Google Earth satellite images has discovered a huge "scar" 11 kilometers long. This giant crack is located in the barren landscape of Nullarbor in Australia. ADVERTISIMENT This discovery interested other scientists. After a more detailed study, they found that the scar was formed by a fierce tornado that no one knew about, Live Science reports. The man was looking for a cave but instead noticed a mysterious figure on the ground. It looked like a long, thin line stretching mostly from east to west. The sign was not completely straight it was sloping and curved, and at one point it formed a deep V. Eventually, news of the mysterious discovery reached researchers at Curtin University in Perth. After studying historical satellite imagery and weather data for the region, they realized that unusual waves on the ground are a hallmark of tornadoes, Smithsonian Magazine writes. ADVERTISIMENT "Without the power of technology, this amazing example of nature's cruelty would have gone unnoticed," said one of the study's authors, geologist Matej Lipar, a geologist at the University of Curtin. Lipar and his colleagues determined that the tornado passed through the area sometime between November 16 and 18, 2022. During this period, the region experienced a low pressure system and a cold front, which could have caused severe weather conditions. Scar stretches from Western Australia across the border into South Australia. It is located 20 km north of the Trans-Australian Railway and 90 km northeast of Forrest, a former railroad settlement. ADVERTISIMENT The scientists then visited the site to examine and photograph the scar and the surrounding landscape. The results were published in the Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science. The scar is 11 kilometers long and 160 to 250 meters wide. It has amazing patterns called "cycloidal marks" formed by tornado vortices. This indicates that the tornado was not an ordinary storm, but a strong category F2 or F3 storm rotating with destructive winds of more than 200 kilometers per hour. Only three tornadoes have been documented in the Nallarbor Plain in the past. This is probably due to the fact that the area is remote, with few eyewitnesses, and because the events do not cause damage to property and infrastructure. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Russians launched missile strikes on infrastructure in Sumy Oblast on the morning of 28 November. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "The Russians launched a missile strike on the infrastructure of the Shostka hromada on 28 November. All necessary services are working at the scene." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The aftermath of the Russian attack is being assessed. Authorities urge residents to stay in shelters. Background: The Air Force reported missile launches at 05:30. Russia was attacking various Ukrainian oblasts with missiles and drones. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Lutsk. NEC Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian transmission system operator, has implemented emergency power outages in Ukraine due to Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack. Support UP or become our patron! By Gleb Stolyarov and Alexander Marrow (Reuters) - As Russia's war effort fuels economic growth and drives up wages, air travel has been on the rise too, with Russians defying Western sanctions by heading to domestic holiday spots or "friendly" countries where they are still welcome. However, just as soaring government spending on the war in Ukraine is fuelling a consumer spending boom and more and more people chose to spend the extra cash on travel, Russia's civil aviation sector is struggling to take advantage of booming demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason? Russia just does not have enough planes. While the sanctions fell short of the desired effect of crippling Russia's economy and starving its war machine, they did cut off the supply of planes and parts, which domestic production could not replace. As a result, fewer new planes could be added to Russia's fleet to meet rising demand and Moscow was forced to ask neighbouring countries to help run some domestic routes. Russia has touted its economic resilience in the face of sanctions, but difficulty in ending its reliance on Western planes highlights the limits to Moscow's goal of breaking free from Western influence and having domestic industries pick up the slack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With most of Europe's airspace closed to Russian carriers, most traffic shifted to domestic routes, data from Russia's civil aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia shows. International travel has pivoted to countries that have not imposed sanctions on Moscow, such as Turkey, ex-Soviet countries and the United Arab Emirates, according to data from the FSB security service, which tracks border crossings. Egypt, Thailand and China have also gained in popularity compared with pre-pandemic levels. By contrast, the numbers of passengers flying to Europe have dropped to a few hundred thousand from almost 10 million in 2019, the data showed. PRODUCTION DELAYS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's retail sales, a key gauge of consumer demand, rebounded strongly last year from a 2022 slump and while that growth has softened in recent months, rising incomes continue to drive demand for air travel, cars and consumer goods, including those imported from the West via third countries. "Yesterday these people earned relatively little, now they have not just extra, but beyond extra, income relative to what they had, and many of them have ... used this for a fully-fledged summer holiday," aviation expert Oleg Panteleev told Reuters. Matching that demand, however, is a challenge. Almost 80% of Russia's fleet is foreign-made, data from Swiss aviation intelligence provider ch-aviation shows. Airbus and Boeing planes account for 575, or two-thirds, of Russia's 865-strong fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their pullout was initially hailed as a win for the domestic industry. "The competitors left. Just a few years ago the domestic aviation industry could only dream of this," Sergei Chemezov, head of industrial conglomerate Rostec, told Reuters in August. Rostec, whose subsidiary United Aircraft Corporation controls almost all of Russia's major aircraft producers, appears still far from making that dream a reality. In the year before invading Ukraine, Russia added 54 new commercial aircraft to its fleet - 27 from Airbus, three from Boeing and 24 Russian-made Sukhoi Superjets - for airlines including flag carrier Aeroflot, S7, Red Wings, Rossiya, and Ural, ch-aviation data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the nearly three years since, it has added just 11 new planes, all of them Superjets. Production of Russia's new MS-21 airliner, being made by Rostec, has already been pushed back to 2025-2026 from 2024. Chemezov acknowledged Russia was facing difficulties but said it would definitely make its own passenger planes. The Kommersant daily reported last week that Russian airlines, unable to repair Airbus A320 neo engines, may have to retire some of its Airbus fleet. Rosaviatsia said Russia's serviceable Airbus A320 neo fleet had got smaller, but it accounted for less than 5% of Russia's commercial aircraft. Sanctions on Russian aviation have further complicated existing engine issues, Rosaviatsia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEIGHBOURLY HELP Moscow has spent at least 1.47 trillion roubles ($13 billion) in state subsidies and loans since the invasion on the aviation sector, according to a Reuters analysis, as Russia pursues President Vladimir Putin's goal of producing more than 1,000 aircraft by 2030. Yet for now, Russia has asked Central Asian countries to help it run some domestic routes, while The Economic Times of India reported that Russia has asked India and China for assistance, too. As Moscow becomes increasingly dependent on Beijing for trade, technology and political support, air travel is the latest link being forged between the two nuclear powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China is building up its positions very strongly," Panteleev said. "Russian tourists are gradually beginning to rediscover China." ($1 = 113.1455 roubles) (Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov and Alexander Marrow; additional reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) OREM, Utah (ABC4) A Salt Lake City man was arrested in Utah County on Tuesday evening after he allegedly made threats toward police and staff at a car dealership in Draper. Ryan Swanson, 45, faces charges of theft of a firearm or operable motor vehicle, a second-degree felony, and threat of violence, a class B misdemeanor. LDS Church reaches agreement with Texas town over proposed temple According to a probable cause statement, on Nov. 26, authorities in Utah County were dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle in the Spanish Fork area, the vehicle was also being tracked by Karl Malone Toyota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police and the car dealership continued to track the vehicle as it went through Spanish Fork, Springville, Provo, and finally Orem. Police in Orem were able to locate the vehicle traveling northbound on State Street. Dispatch reported to police that the male, later identified as Swanson, had made threats of killing any cops who showed up. Police pulled over the vehicle in a parking lot and were able to make contact with Swanson. The suspect agreed to speak with police after he was read his Miranda rights. Swanson told police that he was given the car by Karl Malone and that the former Utah Jazz star had given him the whole car dealership. Police later received a call from the general manager of the dealership in Draper where the car was stolen saying that Swanson did not have permission to possess the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swanson told the manager that he refused to bring the vehicle back and he would kill any cops who show up. Swanson also reportedly asked to know the daily take rate of his employees and told police that the dealership was his. He was arrested and booked in Utah County Jail on the prior mentioned charges. During the arrest and booking process, Swanson continued to threaten the police and others involved in his arrest. He continued to state that he was going to kill every cop and every person who called him in to accuse him of stealing the vehicle. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) With the holidays and cold weather season upon us, San Francisco is cutting the number of days that families experiencing homelessness can stay in shelters by implementing a 90-day limit. But, homeless advocates say three months is not enough time for a family to have an exit plan ready. Currently, there are two shelter options for families: A 14-day placement to provide immediate intervention and a 90-day temporary shelter placement. Its the extensions that often happen to the 90 days that will go away. Decade-long vacant Russian Hill building finds new tenant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When COVID-19 hit, the city implemented several changes. With shelter beds, the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, also known as HSH, allowed several extensions to the 90-day stay for families during the pandemic. HSH confirmed to KRON 4 that starting December 10, the city will reinstate the strict 90-day stay and only allow up to three extensions based on family circumstances. Lukas Illa with the San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness thinks the rule change is a bad move. We reconceived of what the really shelter timeline should look like and 90 days is three months, is not enough time for folks to really address the systemic inequities for the root causes of why they are homeless, said Illa. HSHs reasoning is to allow shelter bed space for the most vulnerable, such as those fleeing domestic violence or someone being evicted. According to Illa, there are 530 families on the shelter waitlist for non-congregate shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest made in shooting of pregnant woman in SFs Bayview district This change would re-organize that number a bit, it would lower that number, but it doesnt change the fact that 530 families desperately want non-congregate shelter, said Illa. He says the number one concern for advocates is that the city has run out of money this year for whats called problem solving, such as helping someone with first and last months rent and security deposits. A lot of service providers are afraid that a lot of those families that are currently in shelter are going to be exiting into street homelessness, before they are going to be able to secure housing, said Illa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HSH says families that decline three permanent housing offers will become ineligible for shelter extensions. Being offered housing that is smaller than the shelter size that they are in. Private bathrooms, there are many reasons why families are hesitant to be leaving non-congregate shelter for non-housing options that are not meeting their needs, said Illa. HSH says that training is happening the rest of this month for providers in the family homelessness response system, so that the rule changes will be ready to go into effect on December 10. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Millions of Americans are planning to run or walk in a Turkey Trot across the U.S. this Thanksgiving morning. Here in Savannah, hundreds of people will be participating in the 16th annual United Way Turkey Trot ahead of those big holiday meals. The roads may look empty Thursday morning, but organizers are preparing for their largest turnout yet. The racecourse will be stuffed with runners this year as United Way hosts a sold-out race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For its 16th annual year, the United Way Turkey Trot will begin at Daffin Park this morning. Just like last year, the race is so popular it sold out before on-site registration could open today. Last year 1500 people participated, and this year the race has expanded to 1800 runners. Many participants are expected to show up in festive costumes, others will race for fun or fitness, but all will be supporting local non-profits. All the money that is raised will benefit the United Ways community fund, which supports over 80 local programs across five counties. Last year, the race raised more than $33,000 from the race. This year United Way President & CEO Kimberly Waller tells WSAV that the organization hopes to raise more money. The event today features a 4-mile run/walk through the Ardsley Park neighborhood, along with a kids race and a diaper dash for the little ones. Awards will be presented for top finishers, best costumes and more following the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details about the races: 8:00 a.m. Kids K (0.62 mile, ages 10 & under) 8:15 a.m. Diaper Dash (35 yards/ 0.02 mile, ages 3 & under) 8:30 a.m. 4-mile Run/Walk (for all ages) Whether you are participating or cheering from the sidelines its all for a great cause. Many runners are sprinting for the finish line or strolling to work up an appetite. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Groups including the Associated School Board of South Dakota, the South Dakota Education Association, the School Administrators of South Dakota and the South Dakota Unified School Districts have come out against any future efforts to use public money to support private schools. One example is expected legislation allowing school vouchers for private education. They say the idea will take already tight funds away from public schools in the state. Last year lawmakers in Pierre rejected House Bill 1234. It would have allowed parents to file a form with the Department of Education to request a voucher for the amount of tuition at nonpublic schools. The Department of Education would then pay funds directly to the private school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Executive Director of the School Administrators of South Dakota says the impact on public schools would be significant. We envision that it is going to have to come from the general fund which would be all K-12 education, which would mean less revenues going out to school districts across the state, said Rob Monson. Suspect charged with murder in Sioux Falls stabbing The South Dakota Education Association represents teachers and supports staff all over the state. We asked Executive Director Ryan Rolfs why education groups are speaking out now. We want to make sure parents and community members understand this issue before our legislative session even starts. As you stated at the beginning of our interview there was a bill that was introduced last session, theres been multiple bills over the last couple of sessions, we know this is an issue that is still going to be talked about by legislators and we have a lot of new legislators this year, said Rolfs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monson and Rolfs say South Dakota already struggles to adequately fund public schools in the state. Supporters of voucher programs say they improve access to education, increase options for students and relieve pressure on overcrowded schools. But Monson sees it differently This is what separated us from many other countries is free and appropriate public education. I truly believe that is the bedrock of our democracy and here in South Dakota our public schools are top-notch, said Monson. Rolfs says rural communities could suffer the effects of any drop in funds available for public schools. In rural communities, the public school is often the only option for kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Sean Diddy Combs will not be home for the holidays. The judge overseeing his sex trafficking and racketeering case ruled on Wednesday that Combs must stay behind bars ahead of his criminal trial this May. In his ruling Judge Aran Subramanian wrote, that there is "no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community" if the music mogul was granted release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs, 55, is currently in jail at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. The news comes just days after Combs' legal team outlined their plans if he were to be released. They said that he would live in an apartment on Manhattans Upper East Side with 24/7 armed security and would only be allowed to call his attorneys and have visitation from pre-approved family members. But prosecutor Christy Slavik argued that letting Combs out of jail would be detrimental. Sean 'Diddy' Combs at the MET Gala, in New York City, on May 1, 2017. He is paying his way out of custody and continues to flout the rules, he is a risk of flight, a danger to the community, hes obstructing and trying to subvert the integrity of these proceedings, Slavik said at Fridays hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also claimed that Combs has engaged in witness tampering from behind bars by making three-way calls and using other inmates cell lines. They also claimed he has tried to taint prospective jurors with a PR campaign, pointing to an Instagram post earlier this month that showed his children speaking with him by phone on his birthday from behind bars. But Combs team has said that this is all within his constitutional rights. The decision comes just over a week after the judge ruled that prosecutors must get rid of 16 pages of notes that were taken from Combs jail cell, which should have been protected under attorney-client privilege. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sean Diddy Combs will stay in prison as he awaits trial, with a federal judge denying his bid for a $50 million bail package. U.S District Judge Arun Subramanian on Wednesday found that no conditions of release can assure the safety of the community. He pointed to Combs alleged history of violence, which includes the use of firearms, kidnapping and arson, to intimidate victims and witnesses with the help of his vast business empire, as well as evidence indicating that hes tried to obscure communications with people hes been barred from contacting. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is evidence supporting a serious risk of witness tampering, the ruling stated. The court handed down the decision after a bail hearing last week. Its decision was delayed as it awaited more information on Combs communications with others while he has been in prison. Wednesdays order stressed that the government has presented direct evidence of Combs violence. This includes a 2016 video of Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel and text messages between the two indicating that she was severely injured. I have a black eye and a fat lip, she wrote in a text following the incident. I still have crazy bruising. In support of bail, Combs maintained that the evidence doesnt support a charge of sex trafficking. In his view, he said it constituted a toxic, sometimes violent, relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But regardless of whether thats true, there is compelling evidence of Combs propensity for violence, Subramanian wrote. The court also said that Combs may engage in witness tampering. It cited his communications with Ventura, who was subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury, and the rap mogul deleting messages with her in an effort to conceal the alleged tampering. Phone records confirmed that Combs and Ventura exchanged multiple messages from June to August, but they were unable to be recovered from his phone. Additionally, Combs interactions with the witness were found to be directly in conflict with his lawyers representations to the court at a September hearing that his client did not reach out to grand jury witnesses, the ruling said. Evidence has emerged that Combs violated prison regulations during his stay in prison to obscure his communications with third parties. One example: he paid other inmates to use their phone access code numbers, used to make calls in prison, to contact people he was barred from talking to, according to the ruling. He also instructed family members and his lawyers to add others to three-way calls so that their communications were more difficult to trace. His willingness to skirt rules in a way that that would make it more difficult for his communications to be monitored is strong evidence that the Court cannot be reasonable assured as to the sufficiency of any conditions of release, the order stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs had previously been denied bail twice by two other judges after concerns that he may tamper with witnesses. Prosecutors had alleged that, since being imprisoned at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Combs had obtained other inmates phone lines in attempts to evade scrutiny and contact witnesses. They also argued that he has used a non-authorized messaging app to communicate with third parties and has coerced his family to write public birthday messages to him, which were allegedly intended to sway potential jurors. In turn, Combs defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, claimed prosecutors had unjustly seized attorney-client privileged material from Combs jail cell during a raid. Prior to the bail hearing, the court ruled that prosecutors must delete images of Combs handwritten notes about legal strategies and potential witnesses. Federal prosecutors allege Combs has been at the helm of a vast criminal enterprise through which he assaulted and trafficked women with the help of his various businesses from at least 2008. The indictment specifically refers to a series of events called Freak Offs, in which commercial sex workers were allegedly brought in by Combs, who then used force, threats of force, and coercion to cause victims to engage in extended sex acts that were recorded and could last for days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial date has been set for May 5, 2025. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (NewsNation) The New York federal judge overseeing Sean Diddy Combs criminal case ruled to deny bail Wednesday on the music moguls bond request. Combs has been detained for more than two months on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was denied bail in September and earlier this month when the judge deemed Combs a flight risk because of his money and connections. His attorneys again made their case for bail on Friday. A redacted letter addressed to the judge claimed attorneys found even more new information that warrants reopening the bail proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menendez brothers set for virtual court appearance Monday Combs attorneys say the technology available to him in jail is inadequate for his preparation for a tentative May trial. Theyve proposed conditions, including using a GPS monitor and putting one of Combs mansions up as collateral. Prosecutors said Combs has been attempting to intimidate witnesses from behind bars and worry he would continue to interfere with the case if he were released. A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him Combs indictment came after months of speculation about a possible federal investigation tied to civil lawsuits alleging abuse and sexual assault spanning more than 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges Combs lured in women with promises of a romantic relationship before using intimidation and threats to have them engage in prostitution at reported so-called freak offs. There, victims were allegedly drugged and told to engage in sex acts with male sex workers for an extended period, while someone filmed them. Combs allegedly kept some of the videos, sometimes without the victims knowledge. According to the indictment, Combs and the victims often required IV fluids afterward due to physical exertion. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. In Prykarpattia, near the village of Novytsi in the Kalush district of Ivano-Frankivsk region, hunters spotted animals that looked like jackals. These predators have been seen before in Zakarpattia, and they are also common in Cherkasy region, as the jackal population in Ukraine has increased fivefold. ADVERTISIMENT According to experts, jackals are confused with young wolves, but they can be even more dangerous. After all, wolves are afraid of people and avoid them, while jackals, on the contrary, feel more confident and can even settle near villages, the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen (UHF) notes on its Facebook page. The head of the Kalush district organization of the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen, Vasyl Hryniv, said that four jackals were seen near the village of Novytsi, one of which was killed and sent for examination. "Some of these hunters have seen jackals in the wild before, so they are sure that this is the predator. Although a young wolf up to three years old can also have such a reddish or gray-brown coat," the head said. ADVERTISIMENT Vasyl Hryniv also added that jackals are not typical inhabitants of Prykarpattia. "However, given the military actions, these animals could migrate to our safer forests. If they breed here like wolves, it will be a disaster. After all, these animals can gnaw not only game in the forest, but also domestic dogs, cats, goats... Their fearlessness towards people can also pose a threat," he emphasized. Experts from the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen say that the population of jackals in Ukraine has increased fivefold. According to this year's census, the number of these animals in Ukraine is 1857. And in Zakarpattia, where there were no jackals before, there are at least 60 of them. ADVERTISIMENT In the summer, a camera trap in Zakarpattia captured another flock of these predators in the hunting grounds near the city of Vynohradiv. Some call it an invasion. Experts are sounding the alarm, because it is not only an increase in the number of jackals, but also other wild predatory animals - wolves, foxes, which has led to a significant increase in rabies cases. "We shouldn't forget that predators are a reserve for rabies, a deadly disease for animals and humans, which has more than doubled in two years, according to the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The situation is catastrophic," said Yuriy Kachur, acting head of the Transcarpathian regional organization of the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen. Given the sharp increase in rabies cases and the growing number of wild animals, foxes and wolves have been allowed to be shot in the Carpathian region for the first time since the beginning of the war, experts say. ADVERTISIMENT Ivan Rusev, Doctor of Biological Sciences, head of the research department of the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park, told Korotko Pro that jackals will be encountered more and more often. "By killing wolves, hunters free up an ecological niche for jackals. Nature does not tolerate emptiness," the scientist explained. Zoologist Mykola Rozhenko assures us that the first jackals appeared in Ukraine back in the 1970s. Back then, they started coming to us from Romania and settled near the Tuzly estuaries, and from there they spread across the Dniester Delta and forest tracts of the Danube and Black Sea regions. Then they were recorded in Cherkasy region, and now these predators have reached western Ukraine. "The jackal has adapted to the ecosystem of our country. It has fully adapted to our habitats. There is no region in Ukraine where it is not present," Rozhenko assured. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the State Border Guard Service showed a bison that came to Ukraine from Slovakia and warned of the danger. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Sean Diddy Combs was denied bail once again Wednesday after a third contentious hearing on his possible pretrial release. Judge Arun Subramanian became the third Manhattan federal judge to trash the hip-hop moguls various attempts to be released from Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center. While behind bars, Combs, 55, has attempted to contact potential witnesses and skirted federal prison rules, according to investigators. The initial charges against him also allege he has intimidated witnesses and victims into silence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subramanian determined that Combs untrustworthy nature made it impossible to ensure the safety of the community if he was released on bail. Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the court doubts the sufficiency of any conditions that place trust in Combs and individuals in his employ, the judge wrote in his decision. Combs defense team had proposed a new $50 million bail package that included a private security detail and Combs confinement in an Upper East Side apartment. His lawyers claimed it could be even more secure than his detention in Brooklyn MDC because he wouldnt have access to contraband cell phones. But prosecutors argued for Combs to remain behind bars, despite subpar conditions at the lockup. They said he was attempting to manipulate his case from prison by contacting his many associates and directing PR campaigns from his cell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes committed to concealing his crimes by any means necessary, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told the court at Fridays detention hearing. In the latest hearing, Combs defense lawyers attempted to discredit the infamous video of Combs attacking his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway. The hearing also centered on notepads seized from Combs cell, which were subject to a debate over attorney-client privilege. Combs team previously claimed the notepads said legal when the feds seized them, but photographs showed that was not the case. Subramanian said the false representation represented another example of Combs lack of honesty. Two other judges at Manhattan Federal Court had already denied Combs proposed bail packages after his arrest by the feds in September. He was subsequently indicted on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges and ordered held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment against Combs accuses him of pressuring people to remain silent after witnessing crimes. The feds said Combs abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct. Combs and others engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, investigators continued, specifically highlighting his notorious sex parties known as freak-offs. Those parties allegedly involved Combs forcing women to participate in wild and violent sexual acts, which were often recorded without their consent. Following Wednesdays ruling, Combs is reportedly set for a Thanksgiving dinner of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips and fruit. With Molly Crane-Newman BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Nearly two months after going missing at Cheaha State Park, hiker Vendula Rose has still not been found. Rose, A Czech native who had briefly lived in the Birmingham area for a couple of years, had travelled from her home in Marysville, Ohio on Sept. 20 to go hiking in Alabama. By Sept. 24, she had made her way to the state park. According to the Cleburne County Sheriffs Office, Roses car was found abandoned at start of the Pinhoti Trail Head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no updates, said Roses daughter, Dana, in a text message to CBS 42 Wednesday. The search is still ongoing. Officials with the CCSO said there have been no developments in the case, although they are still looking at any leads they can find. Daughter of Wendy Rose holds out hope as search for missing hiker continues in Alabama forest Rose, who often went by Wendy, first came to America from her home in the Czech Republic in 2001 and worked a variety of jobs, from working security at Walmart to a car mechanic to operating her own horse farm. However, hiking and being outdoors remains her passion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She always talked about living in a cabin, waking up with the sun behind the hills in the morning, Dana said in an interview with CBS 42 Oct. 10. Roses family continues to hold out hope that she will be found. Were really hoping she just walks out of those woods, wondering what the big deal is, Dana said at the time. Anyone with information on where Wendy Rose could be is encouraged to call Investigator Sims at the Cleburne County Sheriffs Office at 256-463-2277 ext. 110. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call 256-463-2277 and dial Option 4. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Nov. 27Santa Fe police believe two young security guards employed by a local firm are responsible for a shooting early Tuesday morning that left a man with four gunshot wounds in a restaurant parking lot on Cerrillos Road. The suspects, whom the shooting victim alleged were providing security at an Albertsons grocery store hours earlier, when he first had an encounter with them, face charges of attempted murder and other counts. Police accuse the guards of firing "assault-style rifles" at the victim's truck, striking the man as he fled from them. Jair Rascon-Chavez, 21, and Luis Adrian Garcia, 22, both of Santa Fe, were arrested after an investigation into a series of incidents that unfolded late Monday night and early Tuesday morning at the Albertsons on Zafarano Drive and the McDonald's on Cerrillos Road and Richards Avenue, charging documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the suspects told investigators the pair were "trying to intimidate" the victim, a man from Glorieta, and his girlfriend, who had been sleeping in their truck in the McDonald's parking lot, police wrote in a statement of probable cause. The affidavit describes a scenario in which the guards saw the couple sleeping in the truck as they drove through the McDonald's drive-thru after their shift, and approached it with their weapons to scare the couple. The victim awoke and quickly drove away, according to the document, prompting the suspects to fire at least six rounds, striking the man four times. The victim was hospitalized and in stable condition later Tuesday, according to police. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Santa Fe police Lt. Heinz DeLuca said Rascon-Chavez and Garcia were employed by 1st Defense Security, a Santa Fe-based company. Deputy Chief Ben Valdez confirmed the suspects worked for 1st Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from the security firm did not return calls or emails Wednesday evening seeking comment. The company was launched in 2023, according to its website. A job posting by 1st Defense Security earlier this year states the company was seeking "armed" security guards. Abie Rampy, a spokesperson for The United Family, the parent company of Albertsons and other grocery chains, said in a statement Wednesday, "Our top priority is our guests and team members' safety and security. The security guards, contracted through a third-party security company, were not on duty and not on the premises at the time of the incident." Rascon-Chavez and Garcia face a string of charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at or from a motor vehicle and negligent use of a deadly weapon, according to criminal complaints filed Tuesday in Santa Fe County Magistrate Court. State records show both Rascon-Chavez and Garcia have active security guard certification through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, but neither is certified to wield a firearm on the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An online database shows "Jair R Rascon" received Level 1 security guard certification in September 2022, and "Luis Adrian Garcia" received Level 2 certification in January. State law requires security guards to carry Level 3 certification to work as armed guards. Neither Rascon-Chavez nor Garcia had faced a felony charge before the counts connected with this week's shooting. They had only faced citations for traffic violations or littering. Allegations of prior threat The victim told investigators Tuesday he and his girlfriend were sleeping in his truck in the McDonald's lot when he awoke to see the two men "wearing face coverings and ballistic-type vests, and armed with assault-style rifles." He recognized the masked assailants as security guards who had threatened him hours earlier at the Albertsons, police wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A security guard later identified as Rascon-Chavez was accused of striking the man with a baton and threatening to shoot him Monday evening. A Santa Fe police officer was dispatched to Albertsons at 9:23 p.m. Monday, according to the agency's logs, known as "hot sheets." The Glorieta man reported a security guard there had "threatened to spray him with [pepper spray], pushed him from behind, and then struck him with a baton," police wrote in the statement of probable cause for the shooting. It doesn't appear any charges were filed in connection with those allegations. The man told the officer the security guard "also threatened him with a rifle." He was asleep in his vehicle as he waited for his girlfriend, who was shopping in Albertsons, when he was awakened by a horn honking, he said, adding the horn was from "a red car with a security guard in the driver's seat," police wrote. The man said he walked into the store and asked a manager if he had called security on him, and the manager told him no. He then reparked his truck and "accidentally bumped into a tree," he told the officer, before returning to the store to look for his girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man alleged another guard inside told him to leave the store "or he would mace him," police wrote, and the man "stated he was surprised and displeased with the manager for not taking action, so he requested a higher or different member of the management staff." He alleged the guard, however, hit him on the back of the head with a baton as he was walking out of the store. The guard followed him outside, he told police, adding the guard then grabbed an "AR-style" rifle from his vehicle and held it with the muzzle pointed toward the ground, police wrote. The man told police after the incident "the guard was intimidating, which made him think the guard might shoot him," the affidavit says. Hours later and several blocks away, he would later tell police, that same guard fired shots at him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plot to 'intimidate' Police wrote Rascon-Chavez and Garcia drove by the man and his girlfriend in the McDonald's lot around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. Garcia told officers it had been "his idea" for the two to "intimidate" the man, so they both put on ski masks and "armored vests" and walked up to the man's pickup wielding "AR rifles," police wrote. Rascon-Chavez knocked on the man's car window and told him to "roll down the window so they could talk," Garcia told investigators, but the man instead reversed out of the parking spot and drove off onto Richards Avenue. The guards chased after the vehicle, according to the affidavit. Garcia said he fired five rounds at the truck as it was driving off, and that Rascon-Chavez fired at least once, police allege. "Garcia stated the reason he fired his firearm at the vehicle was to intimidate [the man]," police wrote in the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police confirmed the details of the shooting by viewing surveillance video provided by McDonald's, according to the statement. Officers wrote in the affidavit they drove to the Albertsons parking lot later Tuesday and saw Rascon-Chavez sitting in his vehicle. They conducted a traffic stop and arrested him, and a "black AR-style rifle and a ski mask" could be seen sitting on the floorboard of Rascon-Chavez's back seat, the affidavit says. Garcia was arrested Tuesday "without incident" during a SWAT team operation at his house on Calle Caballero, police wrote. Both men were booked in the Santa Fe County jail Tuesday evening. Albertsons was packed with customers Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Thanksgiving Day, but no security guards could be seen inside or outside the store. USS Beloit, the US Navy's new littoral combat ship, was commissioned on Saturday. Known as LCS 29, the warship is designed for operations in both shallow waters and open seas. The Navy has retired several Freedom-class ships over maintenance costs and mission capability. The US Navy commissioned its newest $500 million littoral combat ship, USS Beloit, in Milwaukee on Saturday. The new Freedom-class warship is named for Beloit, Wisconsin, where the defense manufacturer Fairbanks Morse has long built engines and military technology for Navy vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro touted the Beloit's improved engineering and advanced combat capabilities, upgrades necessary to surmount the challenges that have dogged the Freedom-class ships. "USS Beloit reflects many of the engineering and weapons improvements that the littoral combat ship has gained since the Navy first began operating these ships," he said, adding that "when it receives new capabilities, such as the Naval Strike Missile, it will sail even more confidently in contested waters." The new vessel's commissioning came as the Navy pushes to scrap some of its extremely young fleet of littoral combat ships plagued by propulsion issues, design flaws, and costly maintenance. An embattled legacy US Navy crewmembers boarding USS Beloit at Veterans Park in Milwaukee. US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Salgado The Navy operates two types of littoral combat ships: the Independence-class and the Freedom-class. The former class of ships has suffered from structural flaws, while a litany of maintenance issues has plagued the latter, and several of both classes have been deactivated before their time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, USS Milwaukee, a $750 million Freedom-class ship, was decommissioned last year after just eight years in service. The LCS was originally meant to serve for 25 years. It's one of about half a dozen littoral combat ships most being from the Freedom class that have been pulled from active service. Retired Navy Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink told Business Insider the Navy had made improvements to the class since then. "There's a lot of confidence in the engineering plant now, for example, which is a problem with some of the earlier ships of the class," he said of the USS Beloit. "I'm excited about this ship because I think it's going to hopefully redeem the class in general." Whether the full range of issues with the LCS has been addressed remains to be seen. There have long been concerns about cost, performance, and survivability, and key questions persist regarding the LCS's suitability in a high-end fight against a near-peer adversary such as China, the US military's pacing challenge. The Navy has since put some of its hopes for the LCS into the new class of frigate in development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 15th Freedom-class LCS The Navy describes the USS Beloit as a "fast, agile" vessel. US Navy photo by EJ Hersom Built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the Navy describes USS Beloit, its 15th Freedom-variant LCS, as a "fast, agile" vessel that can operate in shallow waters near shore and in the open ocean. It has a much smaller crew than a destroyer and is armed with fewer weapons for sustained combat. After it was christened in May 2022, the Beloit completed sea trials the following year and was delivered to the Navy in late September. The warship will be homeported at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Spacious flight deck and hangar USS Beloit's hangar can accommodate up to two MH-60 helicopters. US Navy photo by EJ Hersom The ship measures 387 feet long and can reach speeds of more than 46 miles an hour outpacing the rest of the fleet with its water-jet propulsion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hangar can accommodate two MH-60 helicopters or one helicopter and one drone, and its flight deck is 50% larger than that of traditional surface combatants, according to the ship's commissioning committee. A versatile fighter The Navy says USS Beloit will be equipped with long-range anti-surface missiles. US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Salgado Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Littoral combat ships are designed to support maritime security and deter enemy attacks. The Freedom-class ships are armed with a SeaRAM close-in weapon system that fires intercept missiles and a 57 mm gun capable of firing up to 220 rounds a minute. USS Beloit is also set to be equipped with Naval Strike Missiles, a long-range anti-ship weapon system capable of striking with high precision. USS Beloit also includes an automated radio room, a decoy launching system, and a gunfire control system. A history-making ship sponsor US National Guardsmen firing a salute during a commissioning ceremony rehearsal for USS Beloit. US Navy photo by EJ Hersom Retired Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, the first Black woman to achieve that Army rank in 2011, was chosen to sponsor USS Beloit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navy secretaries choose sponsors based on their relationship to the vessel's namesake or mission, and Anderson's hometown is Beloit. "It is important to recognize that small cities like Beloit have had an outsized impact on our National Security for over 100 years and also have a significant role in the history of our country," Anderson wrote in a statement on the ship's commission committee website. "We must never forget that the reason our country is so admired around the world is because we have always been a nation that honors and recognizes the devotion and courage of ordinary people," she continued. "The USS Beloit exemplifies and continues that tradition." Personnel The crew of USS Beloit ahead of the ship's commissioning ceremony. US Navy photo by Cpl. Diana Salgado The ship's core crew consists of 50 sailors, and its spaces can accommodate up to 98 sailors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocky the Badger USS Beloit's battle flag features Wisconsin's state animal, the badger. US Navy photo by EJ Hersom USS Beloit's battle flag features a badger, Wisconsin's state animal. The ship's mascot is named Rocky, after the Rock River in Beloit. Read the original article on Business Insider A Chinese cargo ship is under investigation related to severed data cables in the Baltic Sea. A probe found that the vessel steamed ahead while dragging its anchor for more than 100 miles. Western officials believe Russia most likely orchestrated the attack on EU maritime infrastructure. Two key undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea were severed earlier this month, prompting an investigation into a Chinese cargo ship over suspected sabotage. European authorities said the Chinese-flagged bulk carrier, identified as Yi Peng 3, dragged its anchor over the Baltic seabed for more than 100 miles, cutting the critical internet cables that link four NATO countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A timeline of events Yi Peng 3. Ritzau Scanpix/Mikkel Berg Pedersen via Reuters On November 15, Yi Peng 3 departed from Russia's Ust-Luga port on the Baltic Sea carrying Russian fertilizer. The Ust-Luga port is the largest universal port on the Baltic Sea and the Kremlin's second-largest port after Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. Since Sweden and Finland joined the alliance, the Baltic Sea has been referred to as a "NATO lake" because it's almost entirely populated by alliance members. Two days later, investigators established that the Chinese vessel dropped its anchor at about 9 p.m. local time, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. But the ship continued steaming with its anchor dropped and is believed to have severed an undersea telecoms cable connecting Sweden and Lithuania, the Journal reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Yi Peng 3 continued to sail for another 111 miles with its dragging anchor, which then cut the only communications cable connecting Finland with Germany less than 24 hours later. It was only then, investigators said, that the vessel raised anchor and continued its route. It's highly unusual for any vessel to drag its anchor for this long because of the dangers and fuel waste, an impediment that cannot go unnoticed by the ship's watch standers. A crew typically recovers the anchor, or in the worst case, jettisons it, before steaming ahead. The Chinese bulk carrier is now anchored in the Kattegat Strait and is being monitored by Danish naval patrol vessels as European authorities continue to investigate the potential sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns of sabotage The stern of Yi Peng 3. Ritzau Scanpix/Mikkel Berg Pedersen via Reuters Investigators said Yi Peng 3's movements couldn't be charted after it went "dark," meaning the ship's transponder was shut down or disabled, thus obscuring its position. Open-source satellite imagery, however, was reported to place the Chinese ship near the damaged cables at the time of the respective incidents. An investigator on the case told the Journal, "It's extremely unlikely that the captain would not have noticed that his ship dropped and dragged its anchor, losing speed for hours and cutting cables on the way." An analysis by Kpler, a global trade analytics firm, provided to the Journal found that "given the mild weather conditions and manageable wave heights, the likelihood of accidental anchor dragging appears minimal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, said he believed the incident was a result of sabotage, telling reporters last week that "nobody believes that these cables were accidentally severed." "We have to know that, without knowing specifically who it came from, that it is a hybrid action, and we also have to assume that, without knowing by whom yet, that this is sabotage," Pistorius said. Russia accused of waging 'hybrid warfare' A Danish naval patrol vessel sailing near Yi Peng 3. Ritzau Scanpix/Mikkel Berg Pedersen via Reuters Yi Peng 3's origin of departure raised concerns about Russian involvement in the incident, possibly in connection to the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the Chinese vessel and associated parties are under investigation over damaged cables, Western officials believe Russian intelligence agencies orchestrated the incident. The Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, denied Russian involvement, calling the accusations "absurd." "It's quite absurd to keep blaming Russia for everything without any grounds. It is laughable in the context of the lack of any reaction to Ukraine's sabotage activities in the Baltic Sea," Peskov told reporters on November 20. Foreign ministers of Finland and Germany released a joint statement on November 18, saying they were "deeply concerned" about the incident, which "immediately raises suspicions of intentional damage" and "speaks volumes about the volatility of our times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our European security is not only under threat from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine but also from hybrid warfare by malicious actors," the ministers said in the statement. "Safeguarding our shared critical infrastructure is vital to our security and the resilience of our societies." The incident in the Baltic Sea has come just weeks after US officials warned that Russia would probably target undersea cables and other critical maritime infrastructure. "We are concerned about heightened Russian naval activity worldwide and that Russia's decision calculus for damaging US and allied undersea critical infrastructure may be changing," a US official told CNN in September. The official added that "Russia is continuing to develop naval capabilities for undersea sabotage" through its dedicated military unit known as the Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research, or GUGI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China complying with the investigation Authorities say the Chinese cargo ship was sailing in the Baltic Sea when its anchor damaged undersea telecoms cables. Mikkel Berg Pedersen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denmark's foreign ministry said in a statement earlier this week that investigators were engaged in ongoing "diplomatic dialogue" with the countries "most involved in handling this case, including China." A Chinese foreign-ministry spokesperson confirmed the talks in a statement last Friday, saying Beijing "is currently working with relevant parties, including Denmark, to maintain smooth communication through diplomatic channels." The Chinese company Ningbo Yipeng Shipping, which owns Yi Peng 3, is also cooperating with the probe and allowed the vessel to be stopped while Swedish and German authorities negotiate access to the ship and its crew, the Journal reported. The vessel's crew, which also includes a Russian sailor, has yet to be questioned because of restrictions under international maritime law. Read the original article on Business Insider Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is weighing in on Donald Trumps victory in Novembers presidential vote, highlighting the moment he thinks may have cemented the election result. In a New York Times interview published Wednesday, Fetterman was asked to assess whether the losses the Democratic Party sustained this month were inevitable given anti-incumbent sentiment worldwide. Thats a question worth asking, Fetterman said, before pivoting to lay out some of the factors he thinks played a major role in propelling Trump to victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One was the attempt on Trumps life at a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, in July. A rallygoer died as a result of the attack. I think some people seem to forget that, or how incredibly dangerous that was for a nation, God forbid, if he [Trump] would have been mortally wounded, Fetterman said. The gunman targeted Trump while he was delivering a speech at the campaign event, with the shooting injuring Trumps ear. As Secret Service agents moved to quickly whisk him away, the Republican politician pumped his fist in the air, saying, Fight! But the kind of imagery and the kinds of energy that emerged from that, absolutely, I witnessed that on the ground in Pennsylvania, Fetterman said. I thought, well, that might be ballgame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fetterman also once again emphasized the role that the backing of billionaire Elon Musk played in helping Trump shore up support with blue-collar men, a group that Democrats struggled to get traction with. Its very rare, in my opinion, that surrogates have fanboys, Fetterman said while discussing Musk. Making fun of him or make light of it, you do that at your peril, because it is going to matter. The senator also urged his fellow Democrats to take time to process and come to terms with the election result instead of freaking out. We really need to pace ourselves, or ... just grab a grip. Realize that this is how elections go, he said. Read more on Fetterman at The New York Times. Related... By Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) -China said on Thursday a top-ranking military official had been suspended and was under investigation for "serious violations of discipline," and denied reports Defence Minister Dong Jun was being investigated for corruption. The suspended officer, Admiral Miao Hua, served on the ruling Central Military Commission, China's highest-level military command body, and was stationed in the coastal province of Fujian when President Xi Jinping worked there as a local official, according to his official biography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miao, 69, who began his career in the army, has been the military's leading political officer given his role on the six-person commission, which is headed by Xi. A defence ministry spokesperson, Wu Qian, who briefed reporters at a monthly press conference in Beijing, provided no further details. China's military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge since last year, with at least nine People's Liberation Army generals and a handful of defence industry executives removed from the national legislative body. Wu said media reports that Dong had been sidelined by an investigation were "sheer fabrication" spread by rumour-mongers with evil motivations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Financial Times reported this week that Dong was being investigated as part of the wide-ranging anti-corruption investigation, citing current and former U.S. officials. Two U.S. officials told Reuters they believed Dong was being investigated for corruption. Another urged caution about that conclusion. Dong had declined last week to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defence ministers in Laos, citing U.S. actions over Taiwan, a move the Pentagon chief said on Wednesday was unfortunate. Asked about the decision not to meet Austin, Wu cited Dong by name as saying the United States had been "seriously undermining regional peace and stability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dong was appointed defence minister in December 2023, replacing Li Shangfu, who was removed after seven months. Li and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party in June for "serious violations of discipline", a euphemism for corruption. Many of those ousted earlier were from the Rocket Force - an elite arm of the PLA that oversees its most advanced conventional and nuclear missiles. Analysts said at the time that exposing deep-set graft could take time and potentially slow Xi's long-running military modernisation plans. Diplomats and analysts are watching closely for any signs the campaign could hamper ongoing military operations, commands and the PLA's diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China security scholar James Char said on Thursday that Miao was a Xi "acolyte". "Clearly, Xi Jinping's trust in yet another of his uniformed subordinates has been misplaced," said Char, of Singapore's S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "If Miao Hua is eventually found guilty, the CMC Chairman himself probably failed to size up the extent of corruption among China's military elites." The latest Pentagon report on China's military, issued in October 2023, said Miao "may have ties" to Xi from his time in Fujian. (Reporting by Laurie Chen, additional reporting by Greg Torode and Beijing newsroom; Writing by Greg Torode, Antoni Slodkowski and Kevin Krolicki; Editing by Christina Fincher, Timothy Heritage and Ros Russell) Lord Mackinlay has urged MPs to vote against the assisted dying Bill when it comes before the Commons on Friday. The peer told the Telegraph that the experience of having all four of his limbs amputated after contracting sepsis had taught him that life no matter how tough is worth living. On Friday, MPs are scheduled to vote for the first time since 2015 on whether people with terminal illnesses can be given medical assistance to end their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcome of the historic vote, which is the result of a private members Bill brought forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, remains uncertain, with about one in five MPs yet to declare their position and some planning to abstain. However, supporters of the campaign to legalise assisted dying and some government insiders expect MPs to approve the Bill. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has not revealed how he will vote, but he is expected to back the Bill having previously supported a change in the law. Lord Mackinlay is the latest politician to raise concerns about the plans, and on Thursday Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and former Conservative health secretaries Sajid Javid and Therese Coffey also revealed that they oppose the Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lord Mackinlay, who developed sepsis in September 2023, resulting in catastrophic blood clots that led to the amputation of his legs below the knees and arms at the elbows, said: I do have a view now that life no matter how tough it is is worth living. He said his views on assisted dying had never previously been set in stone and that he could see the benefit in certain cases, such as for people living with motor neurone disease. I was a little bit ambivalent over the years, he said, On a good day I could see the value of it provided there are appropriate safeguards and I could have been persuaded. But, now I have seen the proposed legislation and more importantly seen whats happened in places like Oregon, Canada and Belgium where they are now killing nine-year-olds on the back of this type of legislation, that makes me against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said a private members Bill written, he suggested on the back of a fag packet was not the right vehicle for such an important change in the law. He also warned that European human rights laws threatened to erode any safeguards put in place through legal challenges in the courts. Its a no for me, said Lord Mackinlay who stepped down as a Conservative MP at the last election. Mr Javid, the health secretary under Boris Johnson, said that the state should never play a role in ending someones life and that he was concerned the Bill would be a slippery slope. State should focus on saving lives He said: I completely understand the sensitivity of the argument and I do appreciate the strength of feeling from those who support it. Most people are coming at this from a good place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a point of principle, however, I dont think the state should play any role in ending someones life. The state should only be focused on trying to save lives. Also, I believe in the slippery slope argument. If we do this, no matter what safeguards there are, no matter what protections are put in place, I think once you open this door it could go much further. Mrs Badenoch said she is not against the legislation in principle but is concerned there are not enough protections in the Bill for those who feel they are a burden on their loved ones. She also said she did not believe the state can cope with complex issues requiring serious safeguarding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing in The Times, the Conservative leader said: I fundamentally believe that giving people a level of control over how they die can be a sacred thing in and of itself, is the right thing to do and something we must get right. Yet I find myself unable to support this bill as it stands today. That is because of my experience of the states ability to deal with this sort of complexity. During my time as a government minister it became clear to me that our healthcare system is not able to cope with complex issues requiring serious safeguarding. She added: I do not believe there are effective protections in this bill for patients who feel they are a burden to their families or are pressured by circumstances. It is not clear how doctors would identify dishonesty or coercion, or how the courts will have scope to inquire into it. People may feel like a burden Ms Coffey, who was health secretary under Liz Truss, said she was concerned that some people might be coerced into assisted dying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: I hope that the Bill doesnt go ahead. Im still very concerned about not just direct but also indirect coercion, such as people feeling a burden. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned that patients could be coerced into assisted dying under the proposals. The group of specialist doctors are evenly split on whether they support the legalisation of assisted dying for the terminally ill. But the majority fear measures to protect people from being pressured into ending their lives do not go far enough. Also on Thursday, in a briefing to MPs, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is neutral on assisted dying, criticised the insufficiently detailed analysis of human rights issues related to the Bill and said it could particularly impact disabled people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Baroness Theresa May and Gordon Brown are opposed to the Bill. On Thursday Lord Cameron, the former Tory foreign secretary, announced that he had changed his mind and now supported changing the law. Matt Hancock, former Conservative health secretary, also revealed that he supported it. 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. Google will change the way it displays search results in Europe. The reason for this was complaints from smaller businesses in the European Union. Representatives of the hotel industry, airlines and online retailers complained about a decrease in traffic to their websites after the latest updates, with some seeing a third drop in the number of clicks. ADVERTISIMENT In order to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act and avoid the threat of a huge fine, Google has to take into account the wishes of smaller competitors in its search results updates. What exactly will change and why, Reuters tells. According to the publication, Alphabet was forced to plan changes in Google Search results in Europe after complaints from smaller competitors about the decline in traffic to hotel and airline websites, as well as small sales resources and price comparison sites. They complained that the number of clicks on their products fell by 30% after the latest updates. This comes amid an investigation by the European Commission into whether Google is violating EU technical rules, in particular the EU Digital Services Act (DMA). According to its requirements, Google is prohibited from favoring its own products and services on its platform. ADVERTISIMENT The investigation has been ongoing since March. The EC is trying to establish whether Google favors its vertical search engines (such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels) over competitors and whether it discriminates against third-party services in Google's search results. Representatives of small companies filed complaints that Alphabet Google does not fully comply with the EU Digital Markets Act, which aims to create a level playing field for large corporations and their smaller competitors and reduce monopolies of big business. For violating the DMA, the offending company may face a fine of up to 10% of its annual global turnover. "We have therefore proposed additional changes to our European search results to try to meet these requests, while at the same time achieving the goals set by the DMA," said Google's legal director Oliver Bethell. ADVERTISIMENT The planned changes include the introduction of expanded and uniformly formatted blocks that allow users to choose between comparison sites and vendor websites, new formats that allow competitors to display prices and images on their websites, and new ad units for comparison sites. "We believe that the latest proposal is the right way to balance the difficult trade-offs that the DMA involves," Bethell emphasized. At the same time, users of the search engine in Germany, Belgium and Estonia will not see a map with the hotel location. Google has also decided to return to the "ten blue links" format of search results. The latter innovation will be tested to see if users are interested in it. "We are very reluctant to take this step, as removing useful features will not benefit either consumers or businesses in Europe," Bethell said. ADVERTISIMENT Currently, these proposals are being evaluated by the European Commission to determine whether they meet the existing requirements. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that Google Gemini started to memorize users' interests and how the work with artificial intelligence has changed. It was also reported that the Kremlin TV channels demanded 2 undecillion rubles from Google (a figure with 36 zeros). The channels in question are Channel One, VDTRK, RT, Sputnik, NTV, Zvezda, and those owned by RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan. The blocking took place due to the media content's violation of sanctions restrictions and YouTube's policy on the dissemination of disinformation and propaganda. Since the beginning of the blocking of Russian propaganda channels on YouTube, Russian pro-government media have been actively applying to the courts, demanding that Google restore access to the blocked accounts. The astronomical amount of Russian propagandists' claims against the American corporation emerged after a Russian court ruled in 2023 to force Google to restore access to the channels within 9 months with the prospect of a daily fine of 100,000 rubles for non-compliance with the court decision. The Russian "Themis" also decided that the amount of progressive fines would double every week without a maximum amount limit, allowing it to grow to enormous values. Meanwhile, Google continues to defend itself in international courts, denying that Russian law has the right to impose such sanctions. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Seven EU member states called on Thursday for a delay to the planned tightening of emissions limits for carmakers, arguing that they will stifle European competitiveness. Under current EU law, carmakers face fines if they exceed the so-called fleet limits for CO2 emissions, which are set to become stricter in 2025. "Such penalties would severely limit the ability of the industry to reinvest in innovation and development, thus harming Europe's competitiveness on the global stage," said the paper presented at a ministerial meeting in Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper was supported by Italy, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia. The countries called for a more pragmatic implementation timeline. Their proposal was met with reserve by German representatives. When asked why Germany did not sign the paper, minister Bernhard Kluttig said that it was important that the automotive industry meets its targets. Manfred Weber, president of the centre-right European People's Party group in the European Parliament, meanwhile told Focus magazine: "When jobs are on the line, as they are now, the state cannot ask corporations to pay significantly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Economy Minister Robert Habeck recently said he could imagine that possible fines in 2025 could be offset by overfulfilled quotas in 2026 and 2027. However, the parliamentary leader of Germany's pro-business Free Democrats, Christian Durr, criticized this suggestion, saying the fleet limits will not be met in the coming years either. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Courts in North Alabama still have a number of high profile cases they plan take up in the final month of 2024. The upcoming cases include a Huntsville police officer charged with capital murder, a Lauderdale County judge facing ethics charges, a Morgan County man charged with killing seven people, a Huntsville man charged with killing a Huntsville police officer and a Morgan County man accused of trying to poison his wife. Alabama A&M apologizes for falsely reporting linebackers death, says hes stable Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a quirk in the calendar but there are three hearings related to those cases on Dec. 9, another hearing on Dec. 10 and another on Dec. 12. Former Huntsville Police Department officer David McCoy is charged with killing his pregnant girlfriend in January 2022 and trying to make it look like a suicide. McCoy has a status hearing set for Dec. 10. His capital murder trial is currently set for late January. Prosecutors have said they are seeking the death penalty for McCoy. The three hearings set for Dec. 9 include John Leggs who is charged with killing seven people in Morgan County in 2020. Morgan County prosecutors have also announced they will seek the death penalty for Legg if he is convicted. Leggs co-defendant Fred Rogers was convicted of capital murder in August and was given a life sentence with no chance of parole. Brian Mann is facing an attempted murder charge in Morgan County. He was arrested in September 2022 and is accused of using lead from a construction project to poison her. Mann was set to go to trial in November, but that date was pushed back to March after Manns lawyers questioned the validity of key evidence in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third hearing on Dec. 9 is in Lauderdale County where Circuit Judge Gil Self is facing ethics charges related to allegations he took money from two court funds he supervised and used for travel and other personal expenses. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Juan Laws is charged with killing Huntsville Police Department officer Garret Crumby in March 2023. He is due to be in court on Dec. 12. Laws, who is facing capital murder charges, does not yet have a trial date. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty for Laws. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A victim of a vehicle burglary in San Francisco earlier this month had her luggage and medical equipment returned after a GPS tracker led police to the suspect, according to the San Francisco Police Department. On Nov. 15, The victim reported to SFPD that her vehicle was burglarized in a garage on the 500 block of Filbert Street. Taken from the vehicle were luggage and a duffle containing valuable medical equipment, authorities said. Nearly a week after her belongings were stolen, on Nov. 21, the victim tracked the medical equipment with a GPS tracker to a location on the 800 block of Pacific Avenue. SFPD officers responded and found a truck parked where the property was being tracked. (San Francisco Police Department) (San Francisco Police Department) (San Francisco Police Department) The driver of the truck, who was identified as 53-year-old James Peros, was contacted, and police uncovered and seized the stolen belongings. Officers recognized Peros as a suspect wanted for a commercial office burglary that occurred in October on the 200 block of Sutter Street, SFPD said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peros was arrested and booked into San Francisco County Jail for burglary, grand theft and possession of methamphetamine. The stolen medical equipment was returned to the victim, police said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Two people are behind bars facing a list of charges after a 5 year-old boy showed up to day care with serious bruises. 37-year-old Joshua Manzanares and 26-year-old Samantha Maier were booked into the Minnehaha County Jail Tuesday morning. They each face two counts of abuse or cruelty to a minor. Manzanares is additionally charged with aggravated assault, and Maier also faces counts of misprision of a felony and permitting physical abuse. Police were called to a Sioux Falls day care last month after staff noticed bruising on the 5-year-old. Authorities found what appeared to be dried blood on the victims ear, signs of strangulation and discoloration on his back in linear patterns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family devastated after 3 domestic elk shootings According to court documents, the victim told police that Manzanares had recently spanked him. There was some around the neck and kind of jawline. There was some bruising on his back, pretty extensive bruising on his back, and then also to his buttocks area, Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department said. An affidavit says, Maier told officers the boy had fallen down the stairs. She denied any abuse happening at home. She also claimed the boy is lying, saying he has been acting out to get attention. Court documents say that during a Childs Voice interview, less than a week later, the boy told officials that an eye injury was from when Manzanares hit him in the face, and during another incident, Manzanares put him on the floor and held his nose so he couldnt breathe. The victim says Maier was present, but she did not intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sioux Falls Police say in cases like this, the department works closely with Childs Voice and Child Protection Services. We have a close relationship with those organizations and the goal is to protect children, Clemens said. It doesnt matter where this information comes in and how it gets to the police department. All three of those organizations are going to be involved and they all have their different aspects of what theyre working towards. In court Wednesday afternoon, a judge set Maiers bond at $1,000 cash only and Manzanares at $7,500 cash only. Manzanares is also listed on the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry after he was convicted of rape in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. People who travel abroad like Shamima Begum to support banned terrorist groups could be prosecuted under a new offence being considered by the Home Secretary. Jonathan Hall, the UKs independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, made the recommendation in order to make it easier for police to prosecute supporters of organisations such as Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda who travel to countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr Hall believes it would plug a gap in the law that currently requires detectives to uncover sufficient evidence to show the person intended to commit, or assist another to commit, acts of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no offence of providing moral or intangible support to a terrorist organisation, he said in his annual report reviewing terror laws. A possible solution is to create an offence which blends these two elements: the presence of a proscribed organisation, and travel. Under this model, a person who travelled to provide support (including moral support) to a proscribed organisation would commit an offence. Jonathan Hall, the UKs independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, suggested the Government should close loopholes in the law - Andrew Crowley In her response to his report, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said she would consider the proposal and consult with counter-terrorism police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Ms Begum was stripped of her British citizenship on national security grounds after she travelled to Syria to join IS as a 15-year-old in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has lost successive legal attempts to return to the UK despite claiming she was a victim of trafficking, that the removal of her citizenship was a breach of her human rights, and that it de facto made her stateless. She currently lives in a detention camp in north-eastern Syria. In 2019, in an attempt to close the loophole, the Government introduced new powers that allowed the Home Secretary to ban British nationals from travelling to, or remaining in, a designated area of a foreign country. Mr Hall said the measure which included exclusions for blameless individuals had never been used, partly because it was introduced when IS was in terminal territorial decline. There are other important practical, diplomatic, and public interest reasons why designating another countrys territory as a terrorist hot-spot may prove less than tempting, noted Mr Hall, who said he believed his proposal would get around the problem. In his report, he also recommended that the Government should close a second loophole, which prevents terrorist sympathisers from being prosecuted for child cruelty when they take their children overseas to join terror groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is because extraterritorial offences are not covered by the Children and Young Persons Act. Mr Hall said: The impact on children who have been taken overseas to Islamic State (some of whom remain to this day in camps in Syria), or exposed to violence and cruelty upon arrival, is incalculable. As well as being conduct that merits prosecution on account of the culpability of parents involved, and the harm caused, a more available child cruelty offence could provide another option for intervention on return. I recommend that consideration is given to introducing extraterritorial jurisdiction for the offence of child cruelty contrary to Section One [of the] Children and Young Persons Act 1933, where there is a terrorist connection in accordance with the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 child cruelty. 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. There was a period of time when Dailena Lena Easley was perhaps the most qualified person in Detroit to critique the citys public bus service. As Easley tells it, for close to two years, she routinely caught four buses to work in the morning and repeated the process during late afternoons and into the evening. The later trek also included some walking: Picking up her daughter from school along the way back home. And much of the time Easley spent waiting for buses was done in the darkness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the proud product of Goodale Elementary, Dorothy Fisher Middle School and Denby High School where Easley graduated as vice president of the Class of 1995 says her long and intricate bus journeys were more than worth it, because her work destination just happens to be a source of light to many. A crowded desk reflects the important work that Lena Easley performs for Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). From a Detroit office, Easley purchases essential supplies for 11 locations in five counties operated by DRMM that provide housing, food, treatment and other services to men, women, children and veterans. That special destination where Easley goes to work while also performing work for her community is the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, a multifaceted nonprofit organization that has served Detroits homeless and addicted communities since 1909, while being one of the largest housing and treatment providers in metro Detroit. The mission has been a real important part of my life, said Easley, who puts her passion for accounting and business practices to use each workday as she purchases essential supplies for 11 locations in five counties operated by DRMM that provides housing, food, treatment and other services to men, women, children and veterans. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is more than just a helping hand and its here not just for homelessness. Its also here for people who need recovery and its here for people who need a hand up and a fresh start. When Easley speaks with conviction about DRMM, she speaks as a native Detroiter who grew up on the citys east side, and as a mother who has experienced some of the same daunting life challenges that have been a part of the many lives that DRMM serves each day. As Easley revealed on the afternoon of Nov. 26, she knows firsthand what it means to be homeless. Her life journey has brought Easley face to face with domestic violence as well. Easley also continues to mourn the loss of her oldest son Forest Rochon Jr. a promising scholar-athlete, and a natural positive leader of his peers who was the victim of gun violence in 2017. Lena Easley continues to mourn the loss of her oldest son, Forest Rochon Jr., a victim of gun violence. But she finds solace from the work she performs for Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. "I'm surrounded by angels everybody here is an angel," Easley says of her workplace. But Easley, an orchestra member and student of modern dance while growing up, found a soothing, healing melody of sorts from DRMM even before she started working for the nonprofit in the form of meals she received at one of DRMMs Detroit locations during a time of need. And now that Easley is an essential part of the giving that DRMM performs, working out of an office at 150 Stimson St., she says her admiration for the organization continues to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel a tremendous sense of well-being every time I come to work, Easley, who also is the proud mother of Duane Evans Jr., Daniel Davis and Lauryn Easley, said. Its just a great feeling and I never have to worry about going home and feeling stress. Im surrounded by angels everybody here is an angel. On Oct. 10, a room full of angels and other community members was brought to tears when DRMM surprised Easley with a car a 2015 Black Ford Focus during the nonprofits 115th anniversary and graduation celebration at the DRMM Banquet Center, 3606 East Forest Drive. More than just the average car, the 2015 Black Ford Focus that Lena Easley drives today reflects her dedication to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and the nonprofit's commitment to rebuilding the greater Detroit community "one life at a time." Easley says she still cries every day when she thinks about the kind, generous gesture bestowed upon her. And in the process, Easley thinks about her father, too, the late Dwight Miner, who gave her some important advice that led to her joining DRMM in 2023 when Easley also was catching four buses regularly to visit him at Henry Ford Hospital near New Center. Among the numbers that popped up on Lena Easley's dashboard when she started the 2015 Ford Focus that she received from Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries was 08.04, which also aligns with the Aug. 4 birthdate of Easley's late father, Dwight Miner. While a patient at Henry Ford Hospital, Mr. Miner encouraged Easley to do something for herself, which led to her employment with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My dad had been a postal clerk and he was ill with cancer and dementia. He knew I was catching all of those buses to see him and he wanted me to do something for myself, so he said: Why dont you just get a job,' recalls Easley, whose childhood included being a child missionary at several Detroit churches. So, it was like God put everything in the same structure and the same order for me to be a part of Detroit Rescue Mission Missionaries, and I followed that path. And during the late morning of Nov. 26, speaking from his Detroit office at 150 Stimson St., Dr. Chad Audi, president and CEO of DRMM, made it clear that he is elated that Easley followed a path that perhaps very few could navigate to be of service to his nonprofit. Lena Easley shares a warm embrace with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries President and CEO Chad Audi, after a surprised Easley learned she was receiving a 2015 Black Ford Focus during the nonprofit's 115 Anniversary and Graduation Celebration on October 10. Lena is a very committed, caring person, Audi, who has led DRMM since May 1997, said. Seeing Lenas reaction when she received the car reminded us that giving is always better than receiving. That is true when we give to our clients and to our own staff. When Audi spoke about Easley, there was a spark in his voice that was undeniable. He went on to explain how his enthusiasm was brought on by the holiday season, along with the continuous generosity of Detroiters that enables DRMM to provide its important services to the community year-round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our work is year-round, but we love this time of year because of the generosity of the people of Detroit, Audi explained. We save lives and restore dignity, hope and respect to the people were serving, all because of the generosity of Detroiters. I have been involved in this type of service in almost every state in the country and Detroiters are the most generous people that you can point to. I cant thank the people of our city enough. Rebuilding our community one life at a time Who: Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), founded Feb. 14, 1909 Top leadership: Dr. Chad Audi, President and CEO Services: Through 11 locations in five counties, DRMM provides an array of services including, emergency shelter, housing, treatment, meals, job training; and spiritual life to men, women, children and veterans. On a daily basis, DRMM houses up to 2,500 people and provides approximately 4,500 meals. Learn more: For additional information, including how to make a donation, volunteer, or work for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries please go to drmm.org Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the citys neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Her work at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries led to a car and tears Sheryl Gay Stolberg, health policy correspondent for the New York Times, discusses the public health community's reaction to Donald Trump's appointment of vaccine skeptics and quacks to leadership roles at federal health institutions. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)The Shreveport Journalism Foundation (SJF) has awarded scholarships to two local students aspiring to become professional journalists. Powell is studying advertising/public relations at Stephen F. Austin University. Cuellar is studying mass communications at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. The young women said they hope to make an impact working for a news organization, especially during a time of rising misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox 33 anchor Alexandra Meachum and executive producer Stephanie LePretre are SJF board members who congratulated the students, telling them to come work for the KTAL/KMSS station after they graduate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Start your Thanksgiving morning and enter to win a turkey at Turkey Trot 5k run while supporting the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana (FBNWLA) According to FBNWLA, first-place runners, males, and females, will receive a turkey! The proceeds from the family-friendly event will go towards hunger relief programs. According to the food bank, the run starts and finishes at Stoner Boat Launch (off of Clyde Fant Pkw), 857 E. Stoner Ave, Shreveport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Famous Baklava of Shreveport supports ancient faith, local charity The 5k (3.1-mile run) pre-registration is $29; however, it is $35 on race morning. The 1/2-mile fun run, suitable for all ages, is $10. According to the registration page, the 5k begins at 8:30 a.m., and the fun run begins at 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. They encourage runners and spectators to stick around for fun, music, and refreshments. Registration ends on November 27 at 5:30 p.m. CST. Turkey Trot is sponsored by the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana and Sportspectrum Race Management. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. After Donald Trump won the 2024 election, roughly one million users signed up for social media site Bluesky, many of them in protest of Xs increasing right-wing tone and owner Elon Musks alliance with the Republican candidate. However, according to one prominent progressive, liberals shouldnt jump ship from X just yet. I think that everything [Musk] has said publicly is he believes in free and open speech, and we need to have more platforms. Now, I dont think X should be the only platform, California congressman Ro Khanna, who represents a district in Silicon Valley, told POLITICOs Power Play podcast . Not only do I stay, I use it all the time I dont think that the answer for progressives is to disengage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khanna has known Musk for years and told the podcast he hopes to find common ground on issues like cutting what they see as exorbitant U.S. spending on the military. Both the Democrats district and his politics make a relationship with Musk and the incoming administration unavoidable. Khanna, a pro-tech, pro-labor Democrat, represents a swathe of Silicon Valley featuring Teslas Fremont factory. Khannas district contains a Tesla factory (Getty Images for Court Accountab) He recently rallied to Musks defense over reports that California was considering reviving a tax credit for EVs that would likely exclude Tesla if the federal government follows through with an expected rollback of similar incentives under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tesla makes over 550,000 vehicles in Fremont in my district & employs over 20,000, Khanna wrote on X. Lets not play politics with keeping manufacturing in California. It would be foolish to exclude Tesla. Khanna has also praised Trump labor secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer, for her support of the union-focused Pro Act. I hope I can work with her to persuade a few other Republicans to pass majority sign up, an increase in the minimum wage, and labor neutrality, the Democratic rep wrote on X last week. Pro-labor advocates have expressed cautious optimism over the nomination of Chavez-DeRemer, the daughter of a Teamsters union member, who is more pro-union than the typical GOP member in Washington. This record stands in stark contrast to Donald Trumps anti-worker, anti-union record, and his extreme Project 2025 agenda that would gut workplace protections, make it harder for workers to unionize, and diminish the voice of working people, National Education Association President Becky Pringle said in a recent statement. Gwyneth Paltrow has reaffirmed her status as a style icon by showing off a flawless outfit for the winter season. The actress was spotted shopping at the G. Label store in Rockefeller Center, where she wore a stylish yet cozy look. ADVERTISIMENT The laconic combination of black skinny pants, cardigan and black leather boots was the perfect choice for the warm New York autumn. Even adding a navy double-breasted coat, she proved that blue and black can coexist harmoniously. The basis of the look was a knitted cardigan from Paltrow's own brand collection. The simplicity and sophistication of this element made it a key detail that combines comfort with sophistication. Due to its light volume, the cardigan created the perfect balance between elegance and practicality. Jersey skinny pants became another style accent. They provided comfort and emphasized the slim silhouette of the actress. This versatility allows them to be worn not only with sweaters, but also with more formal or festive outfits, making these pants indispensable in any wardrobe. Black leather boots complemented the look and emphasized its modernity. The heel height was of a "reasonable size", which guaranteed comfort even during active time in the city. Thanks to a slight extension, the boots looked elegant and restrained. Paltrow's style is the embodiment of elegant minimalism, which is easy to recreate. To replicate this look, stylists advise choosing oversized knitwear, comfortable tight pants and stylish boots. This combination will be ideal for festive events or just a walk in the city. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. NEW YORK The sister of movie star Nargis Fakhri has been arrested for murder for allegedly starting a blaze in a fit of jealousy in a Queens garage that killed the suspects ex-boyfriend and his new female friend, the Daily News has learned. Aliya Fakhri, 43, was arrested for murder and arson Tuesday. She is accused of setting the fire that killed her ex Edward Jacobs, 35, and his new pal Anastasia Star Ettienne, 33. The blaze was set in a cluttered two-story garage Jacobs was squatting in behind a private home on 91st Ave. near 175th St. in Jamaica on Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think she would be killing someone, Aliya Fakhris mother told the Daily News in an exclusive interview. She was a person who was caring for everybody. She tried to help everybody. But Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz tells a different story. This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno, Katz said in a statement after Aliya was ordered held without bail during her Wednesday arraignment in Queens Criminal Court. The victims tragically died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. The suspects only sibling, Nargis Fakhri, is a former two-time contestant on Americas Next Top Model and a much-loved Bollywood film star with 16 million followers on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nargis Fakhris film breakthrough came with a starring role in 2011s Rockstar, a Hindi-language musical drama in which she portrayed the love interest of the title character. In 2015 she appeared alongside Melissa McCarthy in Spy as assassin Lia and the two were nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Fight. The mother hasnt seen her younger daughter in the last three years and says Aliya became unstable due to an opioid addiction that began after a dental mishap. A procedure to treat a tooth infection about 10 years ago at a local hospital left Aliya unable to move her tongue, her mother said. She had a tooth pulled and it cut the nerve, said the mother, who asked not to be named. She sued and she won the lawsuit after three years and in the meantime she got hooked on Oxycontin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite her growing addiction, Aliya had tried to go back to school after receiving the settlement money, studying nursing in North Carolina. She wanted to help people, said the mother. But the problem was she was on the Oxycontin. She dropped the classes. The 6:35 a.m. blaze that killed Jacobs and Ettienne was too sudden and large to rescue the victims from, witnesses said. I was in the house, said a man who lives on the first floor of the house in front of the garage where the fire started. Everybody went to the back [to the garage] to try to get them out and couldnt. We didnt have a chance. The fire was too huge to get in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another man, who spoke to The News on the condition of anonymity, said he and Jacobs had been illegally living in the two-story detached garage and Ettienne was there for a visit. We were all upstairs. Eddie was sleeping and Star and I were talking and she was laughing, the man told The News after the fire. Somebody comes in the garage. We didnt know who it was at first but we recognized her voice and she said, Youre going to die today! I cant believe you keep doing this to me! Youre going to die! We smelled something sweet burning, he added. I dont know if it was gasoline or what. We ran out and the couch on the stairs was on fire and we had to jump over it to get out. Star jumped over with me but she went back in to save [Jacobs]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ettienne never made it back out. Both her and Jacobs died at the scene. It was an abusive relationship, the man who escaped said of the relationship between Jacobs and the accused arsonist. She told everybody [in the past] she was going to burn his house down, that she was going to kill him. We just laughed at her. Jacobs aunt said he was a talented self-taught handyman and father of three, including a pair of twins. He was very very good with his hands. And everybody genuinely liked to be around him and loves to be around him because hes always making people laugh, said Dominique Mayers, 36. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs grandmothers funeral was the same day he was killed in the blaze, bringing more tragedy to an already fraught day. An hour before her funeral, thats when we got the news, Mayers said. Its crazy because at the funeral were seeing slideshows and doing the obituary, of her leaving who she left behind. And he is one of them that you put in, you know, because we made the obituary before. Ettiennes sister JahAisha Ettienne contacted the morgue and described her siblings tattoos to help confirm Ettienne was the victim. The final confirmation was made through fingerprints the next day. My mother is lost, distraught, the heartbroken sister said. Its hard to lose your child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accused killers mother, unable to bear seeing her younger daughter hooked on opioids, eventually gave up hope but never expected her to be charged with murder. I cry and I pray so many years now, she said.. Then I stop. SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) The owners of a beloved Smyrna business have counted their blessings after four employees were feet away from being hit by a car that crashed into their building Tuesday afternoon. We were having a conversation about Thanksgiving, then all of a sudden, we heard a big boom, owner of Karins Kustard and Hamburgers, Karin Dyer, said. And then we ducked, and then they moved, and then the car was right there. PREVIOUS: No injuries reported after car crashes into Smyrna eatery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skid marks showed the power behind a vehicle that swerved off Lowry Road and into the business Dyer and her husband have spent the past 20 years building. If [the driver] would have clipped one of the vehicles that were parked or in the drive-thru, it would have turned her car differently and she wouldve hit the gas line thats right in front of the building, Dyer said. And then it would have just taken all of us out, so Im very thankful. Smyrna police are still investigating the crash, but owners told News 2 the driver may have fallen asleep. They added she and a young child in the back seat made it out uninjured. As they work with insurance and contractors to reopen, Dyer wants to remain focused on whats important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just send prayers to us, Dyer said.Some people have asked about [doing] a GoFundMe account, but I want everybody to take care of their own families. Dyer and her husband plan to reopen before the end of the year, and hopefully within a few weeks. If you ask Dyer why shes in a hurry to return the Smyrna staple, shell tell you about a passion project she brought from Illinois two decades ago, and the customers shes eager to back to. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Im still shaken up. We are very well-known in the community and the community supports us very well, Dyer said. Im very thankful and grateful for what I do for the community and what they do for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karins Kustard had just gotten a shipment of food before the crash, which they plan to donate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A pallet of oats next to a row of empty shelves is shown inside the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's distribution center on Niantic Avenue in Providence.(Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) The news reminds us daily that our society is divided by politics, race, ethnicity, gender, and income. Despite these deep divisions some with long historical roots there are still beliefs that we all share. Imagine that you are asked to respond to a survey with the following six statements. Would you disagree with any of them? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a country with great wealth and resources, like America, no one should go hungry. Good nutrition is essential for good health. Children cant learn well when theyre hungry. Poor nutrition takes a toll on the health and wellbeing of senior adults. Our long-term investments in education, health care, and workforce development are bolstered when everyone has adequate food. The whole community benefits when no one goes hungry. We have the opportunity to enact these common values in the Farm Bill, which is up for consideration by Congress. Along with supporting agriculture and farmers, the Farm Bill reauthorizes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Today, 144,000 Rhode Islanders 14% of the states population are enrolled in SNAP. They receive an average monthly benefit of $200 per person to shop for food. But these benefits fall short because of the high price of food. Each month, SNAP recipients run out of benefits, run out of money, run out of food, and miss meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And more Rhode Islanders are eligible for SNAP than those 144,000 who are enrolled. In order for all 234,000 low-income Rhode Islanders to have three healthy meals a day, 256.2 million meals a year are needed, according to the Rhode Island Community Food Banks 2024 Status Report on Hunger. But this population is missing 42.2 million meals this year; 16% of the total needed. That is a 10 percentage point increase since 2019 when low-income residents missed 11.3 million meals, or 6% of what was needed. In a country with great wealth and resources, like America, no one should go hungry. Struggling Rhode Islanders are turning to food pantries and meal sites in record numbers to feed their families. The food banks statewide network of 147 member agencies serves more than 84,000 people each month, dramatically more than the 55,000 served monthly before the pandemic. In response to the high need, the governor and General Assembly allocated $800,000 to the food bank this year to acquire more food. Congress must tackle this problem in the Farm Bill, which is up for renewal now. The most effective way to protect low-income families from hunger is to increase SNAP benefits to match the real cost of food. If Congress fails to act or actually reduces SNAP benefits, as has been proposed by the House Agriculture Committee, more meals will be missed and the lines at food pantries will grow even longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Thanksgiving, were calling on Rhode Islanders to maintain strong support for the food bank and its member agencies. As an emergency food provider, we should be a safety net not the only solution available to families in need. The state should be ready to increase the food banks allocation if federal SNAP benefits are cut. Because, for us, hunger is unacceptable. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Snow will fall in parts of New Mexico Wednesday night and could cause a few slick spots by Thursday morning. Sunny and dry, but cool weather returns for Thanksgiving Day. Light rain and snow has been falling today in northern New Mexico as a cold front moves in from the north. Drier air is already beginning to move into northern New Mexico this evening, but the rain and snow is moving south. Another cold front from the northeast is also moving into eastern New Mexico. Both of these fronts are bringing in a big drop in temperatures today. Overnight, a band of snow and rain will likely set up along the I-40 corridor, along with the Santa Fe and Las Vegas areas. This could bring a dusting up to 3 of snow to stretches of I-40 from Tijeras to Clines Corners, I-25 from Las Vegas to Santa Fe, and I-40 from Grants to Gallup, causing a few minor slick spots by early Thanksgiving morning. Light rain will also likely move into other areas along this corridor overnight, including the Albuquerque Metro, Tucumcari, and possibly as far south as Roswell and Socorro. This precipitation will dry up shortly after sunrise Thursday as the clouds will be clearing through the day from north to south. Temperatures will stay cool all across the state for Thanksgiving Day afternoon with calm and dry conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be a cold morning across New Mexico Friday, with highs in the afternoon staying near or slightly cooler than average. A warming trend will begin Saturday that will continue into next week, but we are entering a very quiet next several days of weather across the state. Temperatures will be on a slow warming trend, with winds staying mostly light and skies staying partly sunny with no chances for precipitation through at least the middle of next week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Senate Thursday and will soon become a world-first law. The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. The Senate passed the bill 34 votes to 19. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the legislation by 102 votes to 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House has yet to endorse opposition amendments made in the Senate. But that is a formality since the government has already agreed they will pass. The platforms will have one year to work out how they could implement the ban before penalties are enforced. Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation had been rushed. Digital Industry Group Inc., an advocate for the platforms in Australia, said questions remain about the laws impact on children, its technical foundations and scope. The social media ban legislation has been released and passed within a week and, as a result, no one can confidently explain how it will work in practice the community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required of them, DIGI managing director Sunita Bose said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendments bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or drivers licenses, nor could they demand digital identification through a government system. The House is scheduled to pass the amendments on Friday. Critics of the legislation fear that banning young children from social media will impact the privacy of users who must establish they are older than 16. While the major parties support the ban, many child welfare and mental health advocates are concerned about unintended consequences. Sen. David Shoebridge, from the minority Greens party, said mental health experts agreed that the ban could dangerously isolate many children who used social media to find support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off, Shoebridge told the Senate. Opposition Sen. Maria Kovacic said the bill was not radical but necessary. The core focus of this legislation is simple: It demands that social media companies take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users from their platforms, Kovacic told the Senate. This is a responsibility these companies should have been fulfilling long ago, but for too long they have shirked these responsibilities in favor of profit, she added. Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its too late for my daughter, Carly, and the many other children who have suffered terribly and those who have lost their lives in Australia, but let us stand together on their behalf and embrace this together, she told the AP in an email. Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son Mac took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, had advocated for the age restriction and took pride in its passage. I have always been a proud Australian, but for me subsequent to todays Senate decision, I am bursting with pride, Holdsworth told the AP in an email. Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, the governing body for the suicide prevention sector, said the legislation failed to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young peoples mental health and sense of connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation. Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste, Stone said in a statement. The platforms had complained that the law would be unworkable and had urged the Senate to delay the vote until at least June 2025 when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies will report on how young children could be excluded. Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta Platforms said in a statement. However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people. Critics argue the government is attempting to convince parents it is protecting their children ahead of a general election due by May. The government hopes that voters will reward it for responding to parents concerns about their childrens addiction to social media. Some argue the legislation could cause more harm than it prevents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criticisms include that the legislation was rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, is ineffective, poses privacy risks for all users, and undermines the authority of parents to make decisions for their children. Opponents also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of the positive aspects of social media, drive them to the dark web, discourage children too young for social media to report harm, and reduce incentives for platforms to improve online safety. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MOGADISHU (Reuters) -The government of Somalia's semi-autonomous Jubbaland state said on Thursday it was suspending relations and cooperation with the federal government in Mogadishu following a dispute over local elections in the region. Jubbaland, which borders Kenya and Ethiopia and is one of Somalia's five semi-autonomous states, re-elected regional president Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe for a third term in elections on Monday. However, the national government based in Mogadishu, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, opposed the election, saying it was held without federal involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jubbaland is seen as the breadbasket of Somalia and the capital Kismayo is a strategically important port. Its shoreline delineates a hotly contested maritime zone, with potential oil and gas deposits, claimed by both Somalia and Kenya. As the election row escalated, the federal government issued an arrest warrant for Madobe, while Jubbaland issued a reciprocal one for President Mohamud on Thursday. The feud is unfolding against the backdrop of Mogadishu's fraying relationship with Somaliland, another of its regions, which is seeking international recognition as an independent country. "The Jubbaland government has officially and completely suspended relations and cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia," Jubbaland's state house said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jubbaland accused Mohamud of several offences including violating the constitution, corruption, fuelling clan conflicts and jeopardising Somalia's fight against Islamist insurgents. A regional court in Mogadishu sought Madobe's arrest on Wednesday, accusing him of treason and revealing classified information to foreign entities. The execution of the warrants remains uncertain, as both Madobe and Mohamud command large numbers of troops. Somalia's information minister, Daud Aweis, told Reuters that the matter was in the hands of the judiciary, which was tasked with enforcing laws through its rulings and judgements. He did not immediately respond to the severing of ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jubbaland's security minister, Yusuf Dhumal, did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier this week, the national government dispatched additional troops to Jubbaland in response to the election. In 2021, Jubbaland was among other regional governments that nearly clashed with the national government over plans to extend the time in office of the then president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh in Mogadishu, Abdiqani Hassan in Garowe and Hereward Holland in Nairobi; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Bate Felix, William Maclean) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Deputies in Ontario County renewed pleas for help to the community Wednesday afternoon amid their ongoing search for 83-year-old Reginald Vardon. The Victor man was last seen July 15 around noon. He had visited ESL Federal Credit Union on School Street in the Village of Victor. he left that business and walked northbound on School Street. He was seen on camera crossing Main Street, or Route 96 Victor across from School Street and then he disappeared out of site from those cameras, Sheriff David Cirencione said. Provided: OCSO Provided: OCSO He was first reported missing July 17, just two days before his birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing Person: Have you seen Reginald Vardon? Authorities described Vardon, whos also known to friends as Reggie, as a vulnerable adult with memory loss. He was last seen wearing a white hat, yellow long-sleeved shirt, black pants, black shoes, and a teal-colored backpack, just as hes pictured above. According to the Ontario County Sheriffs Office, Vardon is approximately 501 and 130 lbs. He has grey hair and brown eyes. Deputies believe him to be on foot. As of today, theres been no activity on Mr. Vardons bank accounts since several days before he went missing, Cirencione said Wednesday. Theres been no cellphone activity and no signs that he has purchased any new cell phones and used those in any way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call (585) 394-4560. We do not know where Mr. Vardon is. We dont know if hes missing by his own accord, or if hes fallen to some ill will at the will of other people, we just dont know at this point. We do believe that someone out there knows something, Cirencione said. In terms of the search itself, Cirencione said that while Vardon has previously visited family in Chicago and San Francisco, this was not the case this time. Deputies made contact with those family members and came up at a dead end. His last known contact with anyone was with ESL staff July 15. Theres a couple of friends that he had at the apartment complex that saw him earlier that morning and a couple days before and there were a couple of things that were bothering him a little bit. He was having some issues with the amount of rent that he was paying for his apartment and there were some other people that were trying to offer him assistance with just kind of some life skills because he was going on 83 at the time and he wasnt really open to those offers, Cirencione explained. To that point, we dont know if that played into why he was trying to get out of the area and continue his independence. Its possible that he felt that he was being closed in on too much. But even if that were the case, it certainly seems that after this amount of time he would have checked in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cirencione also noted they searched area hospitals and kept in contact with maintenance at his apartment complex, which has so far come up with nothing. His apartment has also since been cleaned out and turned over to management at the complex. Investigators said Vardon was known to frequent the Auburn Trail. Teams searched the trail area numerous times, but did not find anything. We take probably a couple hundred missing persons cases each year, Cirencione began. To have no sign of anybody from the middle of the day in a heavily populated business area and just vanish? I dont remember only one case where that wasthats been 12 years and sadly that turned out to be a domestic homicide. During Wednesdays press conference, Vardons daughter, Kim Kaiser spoke on the search efforts, thanking the community for continuing to follow this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dad, if youre out there and you hear about this, just please let somebody know that youre ok, she said. She also started a Facebook page in hopes of spreading the word and encouraged anyone with information to use it accordingly. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. (NewsNation) The sister of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi, Sydni, said Wednesday that the cryptic text messages Hannahs family received may have been sent by someone else, adding that it feels like someone was controlling her. Intuitively knowing her and being so close to her my entire life, I just know this is absolutely not like her, Sydni Kobayashi told NewsNations CUOMO. The family continues to search for Hannah, who was last seen in Los Angeles on Nov. 11 after missing a connecting flight from Maui to New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sydni Kobayashi pleaded for compassion and continued support, describing her familys anguish as they search for Hannah while mourning the suicide of their father, Ryan Kobayashi. Hannah Kobayashi: Timeline of Hawaiian womans disappearance She said family members are receiving thousands of tips and remain hopeful about finding her, though they are cautious about releasing details to protect the ongoing investigation. Sydni told NewsNation that her sister is an amazing and beautiful person who would never intentionally cause her family distress. Ryan Kobayashi had been searching for his daughter in Los Angeles for nearly two weeks before taking his own life. Sydni described her father as a loving, caring, kind-hearted individual who fought until his last breath to find his daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask that you just give our family some grace, Sydni said. Imagine if it was your loved one. Hannah Kobayashi may have been taken by stranger: Former FBI agent The disappearance of Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi, 30, vanished 16 days ago while traveling to visit her aunt in New York, missing her Nov. 8 connecting flight. She was later seen in Los Angeles on Nov. 9 and 10, and her family last heard from her Nov. 11. That day, she was spotted at the airport and later at a train station, reportedly with an unknown person. Kobayashi also sent cryptic texts to friends and family and made two Venmo payments Nov. 9 one with a bow-and-arrow emoji and another with the word "reading." Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi on a beach. Where is Hannah Kobayashi? Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi went missing. Kobayashi was last seen Nov. 11 after missing a connecting flight from Maui to New York, where she was planning to visit her aunt. She was reportedly seen at the Grove shopping mall and at a LeBron James event before sending cryptic text messages claiming she had been tricked and that Deep State hackers had stolen her funds. The family said they found the texts suspicious and her phone appeared to have been turned off after sending them. Kobayashi was then seen the following day at Los Angeles International Airport, speaking to a ticket agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobayashi made two Venmo payments Nov. 9 one with a bow-and-arrow emoji and another with the word reading. Later that day, Kobayashi was captured on surveillance exiting the subway system near the stadium where the LA Lakers play. That metro stop is not on the same line that goes to LAX, meaning she would have had to change lines to get to that area. Hannah Kobayashi surveillance video alarmed family: Aunt Searching for Hannah Kobayashi Kobayashi was in areas with significant video surveillance that police could be reviewing to find her. The search has been further complicated by the death of Kobayashis father, Ryan, who took his own life after spending 13 days searching for his daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Los Angeles Police Departments Missing Persons Unit, Hannah Kobayashi is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. She has brown hair and eyes and fair skin with freckles, as well as a tattoo that says knife on her forearm. Authorities continue to investigate the disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement. NewsNations Anna Kutz contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A stowaway sneaked onto a Delta flight from New York to Paris, evading detection. The individual bypassed security and identity checks, and may have been in a bathroom for takeoff. Delta said it was investigating the incident breach and collaborating with authorities. A person managed to sneak onto a Delta Air Lines service to Paris and avoided being detected until the flight was nearly over. The incident occurred on DL264 from New York's JFK Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was first reported by JonNYC, a popular aviation insider on social media. A source told him the stowaway was believed to have been hiding in a restroom during takeoff. A Transportation Security Administration representative told Business Insider that an individual without a boarding pass managed to complete a security screening. The person also bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations before boarding the aircraft. .. They believe she was hiding in the lav during takeoff. 100%full flight with 0 open seats. Apparently the FAs became suspicious during the flight because this woman kept leaving one lavatory and then just going into a different one and staying inside for a long time. JonNYC (@xJonNYC) November 27, 2024 A video posted on Bluesky appears to contain audio of the captain telling passengers that police in Paris had asked them to keep everyone on board "until we sort out the extra passenger that's on the plane." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JonNYC also reported that flight attendants became suspicious when the person would move between bathrooms after staying in each for a period of time. A passenger also told JonNYC that the stowaway "wasn't detected until we were almost" at Paris. A Delta representative told BI: "Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. That's why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end." They declined to provide further details. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's far from the first example of people making it onto flights without boarding passes, but most are discovered before takeoff. In March, a man was arrested after boarding a Delta flight in Salt Lake City having used a photo of another passenger's boarding pass, prosecutors said. In August, a man boarded two flights in two days without a ticket at Munich airport. After being caught before takeoff the first time, he then managed to fly to Sweden. Read the original article on Business Insider The directors of the new Netflix series Our Oceans have captured a unique octopus. This marine sniper hid in a shell and threw stones at fish. ADVERTISIMENT The video shows a coconut octopus, also called a vein octopus, shooting tiny pebbles from its siphon, a tubular structure that these creatures use for swimming and steering, at a fish swimming nearby. According to the researchers, this is the first such footage of such an octopus attack, LiveScience reports. "We couldn't believe it. He was shooting stones at the fish through the siphon. We were very surprised. No one had ever recorded a wiry octopus using its siphons as a weapon before," said Katie Moorehead, director of the Our Oceans series and assistant producer. The cameramen shot the clip at a depth of 9 meters in the ocean in Southeast Asia. The filmmakers initially considered the impact of plastic pollution on the ocean by filming a lone octopus living on the seabed filled with garbage. But when they reviewed the footage, they realized that they had captured a completely different story. ADVERTISIMENT "When confronted by a large fish, the octopus released a rock from its breathing siphon and hit it in the head," said Netflix executive producer James Honeybourne. The rock was released so quickly that it could only be seen in slow motion footage. "The fish around were clearly frightened and then swam away from the octopus. This shows that such an attack is an effective deterrent," added Jonathan Smith, the series' producer. Director of photography Roger Manns spent 110 hours with the octopus over three weeks to understand how typical this behavior is for this mischievous animal. It turned out that the octopus often collects rocks and debris, loads it up, and then releases "projectiles" to scare away predators. ADVERTISIMENT "It turns its siphon into a gun," former US President Barack Obama, who narrates the show, said in the show. According to scientists, coconut octopuses are found throughout the Indian Ocean and emerge from their hiding places at dawn and dusk to find food. They are known for building armor from clams and coconut shells, pulling the halves together to create shields. Octopuses carry these shells with them from place to place, and then fold them up and crawl inside to hide. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) Steven Dowell has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. After going through unimaginable health battles earlier this year, hes sharing a powerful message of love and faith, inspiring people across Kentucky and hopefully beyond. He was all in on his real estate business until everything changed in April. He was rushed to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, where he nearly died, not once but twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw some demons. I could see the whites in their eyes. Thats all I could see, but they were laughing at me for all the times that Id listen to them and Id sinned in my life, Dowell, an evangelist, said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Dowell said that he knew it was time to turn his life around and start serving God instead of himself. Thats when he remembered a campaign that had worked back in his real estate days. I was sitting at my desk working, and I just felt in my spirit the Lord say, You need to do a sign campaign for me,' he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With help from donors, he got signs made. Their message is simple, to say the least. Jesus. Loves. You. They have a red background to symbolize the blood of Jesus and white lettering to represent purity, Dowell described. Abundant Grace Sign Ministry signs (Abundant Grace Sign Ministry) He and a team of volunteers have posted the signs all over, from eastern Kentucky on Route 80 to Old Cumberland Parkway and U.S. 27. Dozens of signs are already up and seen by thousands of drivers a day. Dowell said that theyre already making an impact. We had a lady last night contact me and say the first sign; she just smiled. The second sign began to touch her heart, and by the third sign, she was in tears, Dowell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Not everyone has embraced the message, but his response to the critics is as simple as the signslove anyway. Oh my, if they only knew what they were missing. If they only knew what they were missing, Dowell said. He hopes that his campaign and message of love will spread nationwide. The love of Jesus is for everybody. Every single person, regardless of what theyve done or where theyve been, what theyve said. It doesnt matter to God. He loves them, he affirmed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. USPS failing We live in Diamondhead and we used to get mail delivered to our home by mid-morning usually by noon. Now, its evening when we get mail delivered. Last night the mail was delivered at 7:30 p.m. Whats wrong with this system? Ridiculous Why is our president-elect vowing to use all the resources of the DOJ to investigate the proven false claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, but not the same for 2024, the most rigged election in the history of our country (his words)? His concern is not for fair elections, its for his egomaniacal opinion that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose applies only to the rest of us lesser human beings, not King Trump. Tariffs If anyone thinks that Donald Trump imposing new tariffs on imports will not make our retail costs rise, think again. As a former small-business owner I can tell you that not only did our prices rise, a lot of our suppliers were unable to continue to import products we sold. Our selection dropped and basically forced us out of business. Look around your house and see where products are made. You will be surprised. DEI DEI is a $2 billion dollar industry. All thanks to the Biden-Harris administration. Taxpayers have paved the way by incorporating this into businesses. This is theft. An earned career Pam Bondi has earned her positions throughout her career on the basis of her capabilities. Powerful men have elevated Kamala Harris far beyond hers. Getting old That tired defense that they did it, too is so juvenile. Donald Trumps cabinet picks are full of greedy capitalists, accused criminals, anti-Constitutionalists and people with no morals. This not the same. Laughable Walmart is rolling back its DEI policies. Do we really think they hire based on race? More likely negative drug tests, clean background checks and maybe literacy testing. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. (Bloomberg) -- South Africa is in talks to obtain liquefied natural gas from Qatar as the country faces a decline in supplies from neighboring Mozambique in the coming years. Most Read from Bloomberg The authorities are weighing a commercial agreement that will be led by fuel producer Sasol Ltd. and state power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa told lawmakers in Cape Town on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The continents most industrialized nation is racing against the clock to source alternative gas supplies as it faces a drop-off when fields in Mozambique operated by Sasol which ships the fuel by pipeline to South African businesses that support hundreds of thousands of jobs curb production in 2027. We are likely to hit a gas cliff likely in 30 months and 5% of the countrys gross domestic product is at great risk as a result, said Ramokgopa, who was in Qatar at the weekend for talks on the issue. We have had bilaterals with Qatar. We are engaging with the gas-intensive users to assure them we are working on the supply. Transnet National Ports Authority in September issued a request for proposals for an envisaged liquefied natural gas terminal to receive shipments at the Port of Ngqura in the south of the country. Earlier this year, the authority appointed a group to develop and operate a terminal at Richards Bay on the east coast thats expected to come online in the first quarter of 2028. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Temu and AliExpress are under fire with South Koreas governmentagain. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that, as part of regular procedure, it tested 26 items of childrens winter clothing from the two low-price e-commerce companies and rival Shein. Of those 26 pieces, authorities found seven contained higher amounts of toxins like lead, cadmium and phthalate plasticizers. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government tested one Temu jacket that had 622 times the legal limit of phthalate plasticizers, 3.6 times the legal limit of lead and 3.4 times the legal limit of cadmium. Authorities also pointed out that a decorative add-on to the jacket exceeded the allowed length, a safety concern for young children. The other product from Temu that authorities flagged was a jumpsuit, which, according to the government, contained 294 times the legal limit for phthalate plasticizers. Meanwhile, AliExpress caught flack for shoes containing about 5 times as much lead as is allowed in products in Korea. The specific chemical found in the Temu jacket at an astronomic level, known as DEHP, which scientists at the U.S.s National Institute of Health said is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government of California notes that DEHP can cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Seoul officials have made similar statements about the chemical and other plastic-based phthalates. Lead and cadmium, too, are harmful for humans. According to the World Health Organization, it is particularly harmful to young children and endangers humans livers, brains, kidneys and bones. The National Cancer Institute notes on its site that cadmium is known to cause cancer. A Temu spokesperson said the company takes product safety seriously and uses quality control efforts like documentation verification, spot checks and continuously monitoring the platform for potential issues. Of the seven products mentioned in the Seoul Metropolitan Governments recent report, two were sold on Temu. These products had already been removed from our platform through proactive monitoring before the report was issued. We require all merchants on our platform to meet strict safety standards and adhere to robust compliance measures, the spokesperson said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with the Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC) about safety measures. The spokesperson noted the company plans to continue working closely with authorities to make sure our users can shop with confidence. Still, this is not Temus first infraction with the South Korean Government. Earlier this year, the government found that sandals sold on the platform had insoles with more than 11 times the legal limit of lead. It was also at the center of an August investigation that found carcinogens in products from the Shop Like a Billionaire platform, as well as rivals Shein and Alibaba. The company also faces a slew of regulatory infractions in a variety of jurisdictions, including the U.S., the European Union, Indonesia, Vietnam and more. The accusations range from unsafe products, to forced labor violations, to consumer privacy-related issues. The Alibaba Group, parent company of AliExpress, did not return Sourcing Journals request for comment. However, an AliExpress spokesperson told Business Insider that the company cooperated with the Seoul Metropolitan Governments request to remove the affected items from sale immediately. A Southern California man who ran had a foster home was arrested on alleged child pornography charges. The suspect was identified as Nicholas Alejandro Diaz, 52, of Grand Terrace, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Diaz operated a foster family home where children were placed in his care throughout the years, authorities said. While investigating, detectives collected evidence that Diaz was allegedly involved in the possession and distribution of child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken into custody at his residence. No foster children were present at the time. Authorities believe there may be additional victims of Diaz who have not come forward. His booking photo was released in case victims may recognize him. Nicholas Alejandro Diaz, 52, is seen in a booking photo from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. No further details were released as the case remains under investigation. Anyone who may be a victim or has additional information is asked to call Detective Marissa Pope of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Local fashion designer Justin Haynes recently created a custom jacket featured on a national stage. Bright Nights in Springfield shines for 30th season Longtime radio and TV personality Kelly Ripa donned a jacket designed by Haynes during Tuesdays episode of ABCs LIVE with Kelly and Mark. Ripa, a fan, called Haynes a gift and encouraged viewers to Google his work and learn more about his talent. He brings me this jacket that fits me perfectly, said Ripa. You are so talentedyou are just a gift. Her husband and co-host Mark Consuelos jokingly thanked Haynes, saying he appreciated not having to buy the jacket himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haynes, a Springfield native and founder of Jus10H and ONYX Inc., has become a global sensation with collections featured at prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and Asia Fashion Week. Known for blending classic elegance with modern vibrancy, Haynes designs have captivated audiences worldwide. He has become the first local designer to showcase at Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Weekand, LA Fashion Week, and Miami Fashion Week, and dress stars like Disneys Ravens Home actress Briana Roy. He also partnered with Ruth Carter, a fellow Springfield native and Academy Award-winning costume designer, to inspire the next generation of creators. Kelly Ripas praise for Haynes jacket adds another milestone to his career, as he continues to put Springfield on the global fashion map. Fans of Haynes can explore more of his work through his website and social media platforms. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Local officials and residents came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new EMBR cannabis dispensary in Springfield. This is the first dispensary in Springfield that has been fully constructed from the ground up. The team invested more than $2 million into the new facility. Not only will it provide a new park for the community to enjoy, but new jobs and an economic boost to the area. Brian Horrigan, Vice President of Business Development shared with 22News, We want to give people a good value, the model is proven to work elsewhere now we want to bring it to the state of Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dispensary is located on Boston Road in Springfield. They will be open 7 days a week. The EMBR team will continue the celebrations at Nathan Bills Bar and Restaurant in East Forest Park. All are welcome. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) The Springfield Police Department is looking for more information on two separate stolen vehicle incidents that occurred this week. On Nov. 26 at approximately 11:35 p.m., Springfield Police responded to 5th and Monroe Streets for a report of a traffic crash with injuries. A red vehicle, that was reported stolen earlier in the evening, was being driven at a high speed when it entered the intersection, ran a red light and struck another vehicle. Four arrested in separate burglary, drug incidents in Springfield Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The force of the impact wedged the vehicles next to the Illinois State Commerce building at 310 E. Monroe St. Camera footage showed the occupants of the stolen vehicle immediately exiting the vehicle and getting picked up by a black car. The female occupant in the other vehicle was initially unresponsive and was transported to HSHS St. Johns Hospital for treatment. Her condition was considered life-threatening at first but was upgraded to stable. The occupants of the stolen vehicle have not been located. In a separate incident on Nov. 27 at approximately 2:25 a.m., a Springfield Police officer observed a stolen vehicle in the area of MacArthur Blvd. and South Grand Ave. The officer saw two males run from the stolen vehicle. Two male juveniles, 15 and 17-years-old, were apprehended by Springfield Police with the help of additional officers. The juveniles were found to be in possession of tools commonly used to steal vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sangamon, Menard Co. Crime Stoppers seeking tips in homicide investigation The teens were arrested and screened through the Sangamon County Juvenile Center. They met points for incarceration, but there were no juvenile centers that had space to house them. The juveniles have been released to their guardians with ankle monitors. The Springfield Police Department suggests tips to avoid having your car stolen or broken into, including: Always lock your car and do not leave valuables inside the vehicle. Do not leave your keys, extra keys or fobs in your vehicle. Park in a well-lit area and never leave your car running. Consider installing an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock, car alarm, GPS tracking system or electronic immobilizer. Consider improving the security of your driveway, garage or streetside with cameras. Always be aware of your surroundings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 217-788-8311 and/or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Maybe this babys first cry was reminiscent of a gobble. NewsChannel 9 was told that the newest member of St. Josephs Health was welcomed into the world today. One of their Labor & Delivery nurses, Taylor Vanbramer, gave birth to a little turkey on Nov. 28, 2024. In honor of the little one, other volunteers made festive turkey hats. NewsChannel 9 sends along our congratulations to the Vanbramer family and those at St. Josephs Health this Thanksgiving! Courtesy of St. Josephs Health. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. An emergency alert asking the public to help locate a missing man with dementia was canceled Wednesday night after the 70-year-old was found unharmed. Earlier, the St. Paul Police Department and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the man, who has Alzheimers disease, had gone missing from his home in the 1500 block of Conway Street. He was later spotted in the 1070 block of Grand Avenue, more than five miles west of his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities didnt reveal any details about where and how the man was found. Related Articles On the morning of Thursday, November 28, Russia attacked Kyiv with cruise missiles. The air defense forces destroyed enemy targets, and debris was recorded falling in some areas of the city, including the territory of the enterprise. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv City Military Administration. Residents of the capital were urged not to ignore the warnings. "As a result of a Russian missile strike on Kyiv, debris was recorded falling in the Dnipro district of the capital. Preliminary, on an open area. There was no information on casualties or damage. The data of the operational report is being updated. Air raid alert is in effect. Stay in shelters until the alarm goes off!" said Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv City Emergency Management Agency. Later, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klychko said that the rocket fragments fell on the territory of a private enterprise in the Darnytsky district. There was no fire and no casualties. The windows and doors of the premises, a truck, and the gate to the territory were damaged. As a reminder, on the morning of November 28, the aggressor country Russia launched cruise missiles at Ukraine from ships and aircraft after terrorizing the country with attack drones all night. The alert spread to all regions, with explosions in some, including confirmed hits in Kharkiv and Volyn. As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of November 27, the aggressor country of the Russian Federation again attacked Kyiv region with the help of kamikaze drones. Air defense forces were successfully operating in the region, but the wreckage of the downed UAVs damaged, in particular, high-rise buildings. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! At St. Vincent de Pauls dining hall in Mesa, dozens of volunteers and staff worked quickly to prepare for the Thanksgiving morning meal service. The nonprofit, which has been serving Maricopa County since 1946, provides food, shelter, health care, and support services to those in need, all while fostering a sense of community. The Mesa location is one of four dining rooms offering Thanksgiving meals, an annual tradition that highlights the organizations mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they dont typically see an increase in guests during the holiday, the day brings an influx of volunteers and donors. Among them are shop owners who regularly donate goods but make it a point to come in person for Thanksgiving and greet Christel Armstrong, the program manager for the Mesa dining room. Armstrong recognizes the opportunity this day also gives the community of volunteers who fill the room. In a world full of selfishness, like the only thing we can do as a reprieve, is to give, she said. Armstrong is overseeing her fourth Thanksgiving and she estimated they will serve 200 to 250 individuals, including about 10 families and 22 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers are trained in advance, with specific assignments ensuring that the day runs smoothly. Armstrong described it as a well-oiled machine by the time they open their doors. For some families, volunteering on Thanksgiving is a way to honor loved ones who have passed, said Jessica Berg, the nonprofits chief program manager. Berg shared the story of one longtime volunteer, Patty Vincent, who passed away last year. Her whole family is here today celebrating her. Theyve decided this will be their new Thanksgiving tradition, honoring their matriarch, Berg said. For Armstrong, the meal service is about more than just providing food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We serve food because people need it, but what we really do is feed hope for tomorrow, she said. Serving meals brings people to us, and then we can see whos in need and address the real issues. Over the past eight years, Berg has witnessed the growing demand for services in the Valley. St. Vincent de Paul has expanded its shelter capacity from 49 beds seven years ago to 491 beds across multiple locations today. The housing crisis and rising costs of living have exacerbated the need. We used to help people stay in their homes for $500, Berg said. Now, rents are sometimes $1,000, $3,000 its astronomical. Grocery prices are also a huge burden. Were raising more money than ever for homelessness prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maricopa Association of Governments reports the number of people experiencing homelessness in the county rose from 7,419 in 2019 to 9,642 in 2023. Between the end of the eviction moratorium, the loss of federal aid, and skyrocketing rents, there are just more folks in need, Berg said. This year, shes noticed a shift in community attitudes. I think more people can relate to living paycheck to paycheck. Theres more empathy and discussion about these issues, Berg said. The generosity of this community is what makes us the largest St. Vincent de Paul in the world. Guests in line for the meal had come from diverse backgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Scyres, a veteran, was stopping in for chow before heading to his moms house. This year, he found himself in an insecure living situation for the first time. A friend told him about the meal service, which he said would hold him over until he could be with his family. For Aquan Gray, this Thanksgiving marked his first in Arizona. Having traveled from Atlanta by freight train, he didnt know anyone in town but found his way to the dining hall. This will be different food. Theyre not gonna have yams or soul food probably tacos or something but Ill try it, he said with a laugh. Another guest, Diana Cofield, had traveled with her husband and son from Alabama on the promise of housing. However, upon arriving, they discovered the promise was a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were misinformed, she said, explaining that they were now two and a half weeks away from moving into a home they found through the 211 hotline. For now, the family shared their Thanksgiving meal in their car but held onto gratitude for being together. Were still together, and thats whats important, Cofield said. In the spirit of thanks and giving: How your support has kept a 31-year tradition alive This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thanksgiving hope in Phoenix area amid rising housing and food costs A Hells Kitchen pizza parlor is facing imminent eviction after 24 years all because of sudden vibrations felt by an upstairs apartment that might just be from the subway, The Post has learned. The Slice of New York pizza shop was given a 15-day notice from their landlord to fix the reported issue by Thanksgiving Day or be subject to eviction, court documents show. But an architect hired by the pizza shop said probes are needed to find the cause of the shakes, and the eaterys owner claims it could take months of structural repairs to address the issue as she begged a Manhattan judge to grant them more time. The Slice of New York pizza shop in Hells Kitchen was given a notice by its landlord to fix a vibration problem or face eviction. James Messerschmidt Two weeks is just crazy, owner Camilla Garlick, 40, told The Post on Wednesday. This is not a two week procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clinton Housing Development Company owns and operates the affordable and supportive housing building on Eighth Avenue near West 46th Street thats home to the slice spot and 70 SRO and one-bedroom apartments with onsite services. A rep for the non-profit said that the pizza shop has long known about the vibration issue, and that the company only filed the 15-day notice to get the owner to act. Last summer, a tenant upstairs first complained about the vibrations, and the city Department of Buildings issued a $625 fine to the landlord, according to a complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court. Garlick said her uncle, who opened the slice shop in 2000 and sold it to her in 2019, went upstairs to figure out if the parlors exhaust system was to blame but found no vibrations at all. An upstairs tenant of the building complained about a sudden vibration problem over the summer. James Messerschmidt According to Garlick, she reached out to the buildings management but never heard back until the sudden notice two weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont even know what it is yet, but theyre just assuming were the problem, Garlick, who resides in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, said. An architect hired by Garlick said in a letter submitted to court that the problem could take months to solve if it the pizza shop is indeed to blame and suggested the vibrations could be caused by the MTA subway train during its [sic] passage under the building, the filing states. Slice of New York opened in 2000. James Messerschmidt But a rep for the company said it is confident the pizza shop is the root of the quakes. Its a serious noise issue, said Joe Restuccia, executive director at the CHDC, adding that multiple tenants were out of their minds over the vibrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also tossed back Garlicks claim that the company was the unresponsive party, claiming shes the one who hasnt been communicative, leading them to issue the 15-day notice. An architect hired by owner Camilla Garlick suggested the vibrations could be coming from a subway train running underneath the building. James Messerschmidt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve known about this for months and months, Restuccia said. Its just a matter of responding to it. Restuccia said he has no intention of actually evicting Garlick, calling her a great, longtime tenant. We want to keep them, he said. Our commercial tenants are the lifeline of this building. Garlick asked a Manhattan judge for more time to address the issue. James Messerschmidt Another pizza shop at another building in their 75-property-portfolio had a similar issue, Restuccia said, and were able to abate the bad vibes fairly quickly. Restuccia said the CHDC is committed to being a good steward of the property, and is currently undertaking a roughly $15 million renovation project of the building, and a new tenant Freedmans Restaurant is already paying rent at the empty-looking corner retail spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to live together, we all have to do our parts, Restuccia told The Post. Garlick, who said the CHDC granted them generous rent abatements during the COVID pandemic, which left them closed for a year, said shes more than happy to fix the problem if they confirm the cause. If were the problem, well gladly fix it, Garlick told The Post. I have to do it if were bothering someone, we want to fix the issue. (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to cut net migration after the latest data showed the number of people arriving in the UK remained historically high despite curbs introduced by the last Conservative government. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The British premier said the blame lay with the Tories, whose 14 years in power he ended with a landslide election victory for Starmers Labour Party in the July general election. Pointing to a quadrupling of the annual net migration tally since the previous election in 2019, Starmer said the Conservatives had run the country as an experiment in open borders. I want to see immigration come down significantly, Starmer said at a press conference in Downing Street. Where the last government failed you, this one will not, he said, promising to publish a white paper imminently outlining the governments plans to get numbers down. Starmers impromptu press conference, during which he announced a border deal with Iraq to help crack down on people-smuggling gangs, underscores the significance of immigration in the national dialog. The issue was a major factor in Britains 2016 vote to leave the European Union, and successive Tory administrations since then oversaw a huge increase in numbers rather than the promised decline, contributing to their defeat to Labour earlier this year. Data released Thursday heavily revised up net migration for the 12 months through June 2023 to a record 906,000, and estimated another 728,000 for the year through June 2024 still far above the 184,000 logged in the year through December 2019, when the previous general election was held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revision for the year to June 2023 shows just how much migration to the UK soared in the years following Brexit and the pandemic. Previously, the ONS thought that a net 740,000 arrived over that time, and that the all-time high for net migration was 764,000 in the 2022 calendar year. Kemi Badenoch, who was elected leader of the opposition this month following former Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks resignation, said Wednesday her Conservative party had failed on immigration during its 14 years in power. During the last Conservative administration, we promised to bring numbers down, she said. We did not deliver that promise. In its last few months in power, the Tory government imposed bans on most migrant students and care workers bringing dependents with them to the UK. Badenoch said her party would review the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act, and set a cap on net migration if the Tories won the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Ellen Milligan. (Updates with Badenoch comments from fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Update at 7 p.m. John Milhiser, the Sangamon County States Attorney, has issued a statement following the decision of an appellate court to overturn Sean Graysons pretrial detention. I spoke to the family of Sonya Massey today after the opinion was released and told them that the Sangamon County States Attorneys Office remains committed to seeking the continued pretrial detention of Sean Grayson, Milhiser said. Defendant Grayson has demonstrated that he cannot comply with conditions and is a danger to the community after his inexcusable actions on July 6, 2024, when he shot Sonya Massey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milhiser said his office will be filing an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court and will also request that Grayson remain in custody pending that appeal. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) An Illinois appellate court has ruled that Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County Sheriffs deputy accused of killing Sonya Massey, should be released from jail pretrial. Grayson is facing charges of first-degree murder for killing the 36-year-old woman in her home the morning of July 6. He was denied pretrial release, which Grayson appealed. His lawyers claimed that the state had failed to provide clear and convincing evidence that Grayson poses a threat to the safety of individuals or to the community which no condition of release can dispel. These are two factors that the state must prove when filing petitions to deny defendants pretrial release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massey Commission praises DOJ investigation; makes more recommendations in 2nd meeting The trial court ruled that the state did prove its burden. However, the Appellate court came to five conclusions that they said contributed to the trial courts error in detaining Grayson pretrial: Training Although the trial court emphasized that defendant was a trained officer who had gone through personally hours of training, there is no evidence in the record concerning defendants training or how it was violated. Graysons oath Irrespective of what obligations bound defendant while he was a sworn officer, however, the evidence showed that at the time of the hearing, defendant was no longer a law enforcement officer subject to any oath; there was no way, then, that he could violate those obligations again if released. Basic norms of public safety In its detention order, the trial court found that defendant directed law enforcement not to render aid, which is counter to basic norms of public safety On pretrial release, defendant will not be able to issue directives to other law enforcement officers or fall short in providing assistance when acting in a law enforcement role. Body camera requirements The trial court found that defendant failed to comply with statutory body camera requirements by activating the video immediately before the shooting and the audio immediately after the shooting. Presumably, the court was attempting to analogize (Graysons) compliance with body camera regulations and his possible future compliance with GPS monitoring if ordered by the court. This is a strained connection; if (Grayson) is fitted with a GPS monitoring device, it will not be up to him to activate it. Supervision From Law Enforcement The trial court described the other deputys accompanying of defendant as supervision from law enforcement. However, there is no indication that the other deputy had a supervisory role over (Grayson); indeed, the court seems to have believed that the opposite was true, faulting (Grayson) for directing the other deputy not to render aid to Massey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOJ investigating Sangamon County for discrimination after Sonya Massey murder After striking down the trial courts ruling, the appellate court justices ordered that the lower court schedule a hearing to set the least restrictive conditions of (Graysons) pretrial release. Grayson is due back in Sangamon County court on Monday for a status hearing that had been scheduled to give the appellate court more time to make its ruling. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The State Department on Wednesday downgraded its travel advisory for China, shortly after the White House announced it had secured the release of three Americans as part of a prisoner swap with Beijing. The travel advisory was updated to a Level 2 exercise increased caution, down from a Level 3 reconsider travel, according to the State Department. The updated advisory also removed the D notation, which indicates a risk of wrongful detention for U.S. nationals, and it removed language in the advisory related to wrongful detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The updated travel advisory comes after the White House announced three U.S. citizens Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung had been freed in exchange for an undisclosed number of Chinese nationals detained in the U.S. Li and Swidan had both been designated by the State Department as wrongfully detained. Swidan was arrested in 2012 on drug-related charges, while Li had been held since 2016 on espionage charges. Politico reported that the prisoner swap was a factor in the State Departments move to downgrade the travel warning, citing a spokesperson granted anonymity to discuss the matter on record. A State Department spokesperson told The Hill that the department believes the D designation is no longer warranted going forward at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no longer any Americans who have been determined as wrongfully detained who are being held in the PRC, the spokesperson said, using an acronym for the Peoples Republic of China. The State Department said its Level 2 travel warning remains in place due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nov. 27"Nightmare Cookies" indeed. The state has recalled several branded doobies and cannabis flower, containing that strain and others, after reportedly finding high levels of a pesticide in the products. The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division issued an advisory Wednesday that spinosyn "exceeding legal limits" was found in Drool 2-gram blunts with the strains Nightmare Cookies, Wedding Punch, Rainbow Dream, Blue Dream and the Stone Road-brand 14 gram RYO Forbidden Star Fruit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the products had been distributed to dozens of cannabis dispensaries across New Mexico. "No health-related complaints have been reported to the CCD in connection to this recall," according to a release. Officials said buyers should review the product list to see if they purchased a contaminated product. "If so, they are advised to destroy it or return it to the retailer for proper disposal," the release states. Officials said anyone with health-related concerns associated with the recalled products should contact the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 or consult their health care provider. SPRINGFIELD- The night before Thanksgiving, also known as Drinksgiving, or Wild Wednesday has had Springfield bars preparing all week. Some places expect large gatherings with friends and celebrating the holiday season with one another before celebrating with families the next day. While bars in Springfield are encouraging folks to have fun, they also want people to stay safe I think if you drink, it doesnt matter if its one drink, two drinks, five drinks, you need to find your ride home, Avery Beckham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carol McLeod owns Holdfast Brewing in downtown and says they look forward to the day. Wild Turkey Wednesday is what we call it. Its kind of a fun day here at the brewery, McLeod said. We do drink specials. We have wild turkey on our shot machine. Another spot offering drink specials is The Vault. People love American Honey and Wild Turkey. I think that for 2 or 3 dollars, why not? Beckham said. Beckham has been bartending at The Vault for over a year and says they are also expecting a good crowd So, I worked last year on Wild Wednesday and it was crazy, Beckham said. I wasnt expecting it at all. It was just like people just kept coming in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the United States Department Of Transportation, over 800 people have died in drunk driving crashes over Thanksgiving holiday periods since 2018. Springfield police have been working to prevent those tragedies in the Ozarks. I havent noticed that in the four years I worked in traffic, I have not noticed extra crashes, Sergeant Ben Haines said. Breakthru Beverage Missouri and Jim Beam partnered this drinksgivng to offer 500 free Lyft rides to those across Missouri, including right here in Springfield, as part of their Safe Home After Every Occasion program. McLeod says its an opportunity everyone should be taking advantage of while they can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anytime youre out and about, its all about being responsible, McLeod said. You know, Uber, Lyft, call a friend. Its never worth drinking and driving. By using code BBGMOTHANKS2024 on the Lyft app, riders can redeem a free ride until Thursday, November 28 at 2 a.m. or until all the rides are redeemed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Here's what you need to know about what stores in the Milwaukee area and around Wisconsin will be open for Thanksgiving and Black Friday this year: Is Pick 'n Save open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Pick 'n Save locations will close at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and pharmacies will be closed, a spokesperson told the Journal Sentinel. Locations will reopen at 7 a.m. on Black Friday, with pharmacies open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Is Metro Market open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Metro Market locations will close at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and pharmacies will be closed, a spokesperson told the Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locations will reopen at 7 a.m. on Black Friday, with pharmacies open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Is Trader Joes open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Trader Joes stores will be closed on Thanksgiving but resume normal business hours on Black Friday, a spokesperson confirmed to the Journal Sentinel. Is Aldi open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Aldi stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to Shane Williams, regional vice president. Locations will be open during normal business hours on Black Friday. Is Woodmans Markets open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? All Woodmans locations will close on Thanksgiving at 1:45 p.m., and will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, a spokesperson confirmed to the Journal Sentinel. Is Metcalfes Markets open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? All Metcalfes locations will be closed on Thanksgiving, a spokesperson confirmed to the Journal Sentinel. Stores will resume normal business hours on Black Friday. Is Outpost Natural Foods open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Outpost Natural Foods locations will be closed on Thanksgiving, a spokesperson confirmed to the Journal Sentinel. Stores will be open for regular business hours on Black Friday. Is Mayfair Mall open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Mayfair shopping mall will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to its website. The mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday. Is Target open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to a Nov. 12 press release. Stores will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. Is Kohls open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Kohls locations will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to a Nov. 8 press release. Stores will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday. Is Costco open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Costco warehouses will be closed on Thanksgiving and open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Black Friday, according to the company's website. Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday? Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, the company told USA TODAY. Stores will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY reporter Gabe Hauari contributed to this report. More: Milwaukee-area restaurants open Thanksgiving 2024 for dine-in or takeout More: 2024 Black Friday beer releases in the Milwaukee area, from Lakefront to Raised Grain This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What Wisconsin stores are open on Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2024? SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) You ask, we answer! Lets answer a question the Your Stories Team has received several times from our viewers: Can a business in NY add a surcharge at checkout to those paying with a credit card? New York State Police warning public on gift card scams Maybe this scenario has happened to you. Youre checking out at the register and youre either told or theres a sign on the counter or door that says a 3% or $3 fee will be added to credit card purchases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the New York State Division of Consumer Protection, credit card surcharges are not allowed to be added at the register. Businesses are allowed to pass along the credit card processing fee to the customer, but it must be included in the price listed. Any surcharge must be no more than the amount charged to the business by its credit card provider. Failure to do so can lead to a $500 penalty after every violation. This article by the Department of State is a great resource. It explains the law and provides several scenarios that you might find helpful. Businesses are not allowed to advertise a price and add a surcharge at the point of sale when a consumer elects to pay with a credit card, part of the article reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of State also published this video to help businesses and customers understand the law. According to the Department of State, a business can offer customers a discount for paying cash. While surcharges are prohibited, a business can charge a higher amount for credit card purchases but must list the higher price. The Department of State gives the following example of a business practice thats compliant with New York law: Jane goes into Shoe Store S, The first price listed is if you use a credit card or debit card for your purchase. The second price is for cash. According to the Department of States website, a flat fee notice or percentage fee notice for credit card purchases is in violation of the law. The Department of State lists the following options for people who wish to file a complaint against a business: File a complaint with DCP to seek the return of any fees paid to a New York State merchant. File a complaint with the Attorney General to enforce the law against a specific merchant you believe to have violated the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An important note: Some of the protections under New York law that apply to credit card purchases dont apply to debit cards. A surcharge or higher fee for the use of a debit card is permitted but must be accompanied by clear disclosure at the advertised street signage or prominent placement in the retail location, According to the Department of State article. While some of the same protections dont apply, the Department of State confirmed to the Your Stories Team that if a person uses their debit card as a credit card (bypasses PIN at checkout) then that transaction is viewed as a credit card purchase. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who was stuck on the ISS and scared doctors with her emaciated appearance during more than 160 days in space, gave a new interview. She boasted about the food that the space station crew enjoys on holidays, including Thanksgiving in the United States, which is celebrated today, November 28. ADVERTISIMENT The space table is filled with the traditions of the American favorite holiday smoked turkey, green beans, cranberries, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes. Williams also said that the astronauts have a day off to celebrate, NBC News reports. "We have a bunch of food that we packed for Thanksgiving," said Suni Williams. The astronaut also added that there is no need to worry about her. She says she is enjoying her time in orbit and is in a good mood. "We feel good, we train, we eat right. We are also having a lot of fun here. That's why, you know, people are worried about us. Really, don't worry about us," Williams said. ADVERTISIMENT NASA doctors have been working with the astronaut to help her gain the pounds. After all, the viral images that spread online caused global concern about her health, experts said. However, Sunita has repeatedly stated that she feels well and has even gained a few pounds during her stay on the ISS. Williams has been living and working on the International Space Station for almost six months. She and her fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore arrived at the orbital outpost in early June as test pilots during the first flight of the Boeing Starliner space capsule with the crew. However, problems with the spacecraft forced the duo to stay in orbit for 9 months instead of 9 days as planned. Wilmore and Williams are due to return home in February in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Amid the Thanksgiving travel rush, a woman managed to get through airport security in New York without a boarding pass and take a flight to Paris, where she was taken into custody. Delta Air Lines flight 264 departed New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport bound for Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on Tuesday, with the stowaway somehow going unnoticed at the time, as multiple media outlets reported Wednesday. [The] individual without a boarding pass completed security screening (including on-person and bags) without any prohibited items, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost in a statement. The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency added, TSA will independently review the circumstances of this incident at our travel document checker station at JFK to ensure future incidents do not occur. Speaking to CNN, Rob Jackson, a passenger on the flight, recalled how there was an onboard announcement when the plane was parked at a gate in Paris asking that everyone stay seated since police would be boarding the aircraft. Were just waiting for the police to come on board, the captain said, adding that flight staff were told to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger thats on the plane. Delta Air Lines said in a statement sent to HuffPost that it is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end. No further details on the womans identity or how she managed to get on the flight have been released. HuffPost has reached out to Charles de Gaulle Airport for comment. Amid the Thanksgiving travel rush, a stowaway was discovered Tuesday night on board a Delta Air Lines flight out of JFK Airport in New York City headed to Paris. Authorities said the stowaway was discovered on board Delta Flight 264 from JFK to Paris and removed after the plane landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The person who boarded the flight bypassed the document check podium and a gate agent, but was fully screened at a security checkpoint at JFK, a TSA spokesperson told ABC News. That means they weren't carrying any prohibited items and did not pose a security risk, TSA said. PHOTO: Delta airplanes sit on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), Jan. 31, 2020, in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) It's unclear how the person got around the document check podium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is aware of the incident. No other details about the person who boarded the flight have been made public. A representative for Delta said the airline is "conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end." A video taken by another passenger on board the flight shows the flight attendants walking down the aisle as the pilot's voice on the intercom says, "We are just waiting for the police to come on board They directed us to keep everyone on the plane until they sort out the extra passenger." Stowaway discovered on board flight from New York to Paris originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A stowaway was found on board a Delta Air Lines flight from New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport shortly before landing in Paris. According to WABC, a woman snuck her way onto Delta Flight 264 that left JFK for Charles de Gaulle Airport just before 11 p.m. on Tuesday night. The TSA confirmed to WABC that a person without a boarding pass was able to get onto the airplane on one of the busiest travel days of the year. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TSA can confirm that an individual without a boarding pass completed the airport security screening without any prohibited items. The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and was able to board the aircraft, TSA said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WABC reports that a flight attendant eventually noticed the woman was spending unusual amounts of time in the bathroom. Delta also released a statement to WABC saying safety and security of their passengers are their highest priorities. Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. Thats why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end, Delta said in a statement. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the only flight from Atlanta-based Delta at Charles de Gaulle Airport that faced challenges in the last 24 hours. A flight leaving Paris and heading to Atlanta on Wednesday morning had to divert to Dublin for an unruly passenger. Video from the airport shows a man being escorted off the plane in handcuffs and into a van An Garda Siochana, Irelands National Police Service. After that passenger was taken into custody, the plane took off once again and landed safely in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A flight attendant found the woman midair, and she was taken into custody after arriving in Paris Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto/Getty A Delta plane at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport A Delta plane at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport As air travel surged on Nov. 26, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, a woman snuck onto a flight from New York City to Paris somehow getting through airport security and boarding the plane without a boarding pass or passport. A flight attendant ultimately discovered the stowaway, whose identity has not been publicized, while the Nov. 26 flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport was midair. She was found after making frequent, long visits to the planes bathrooms, sources close to the situation told CNN and CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, she hid in a lavatory all the way at the rear of the aircraft when we departed JFK, Rob Jackson, a passenger on the nearly full Delta Flight 264, told CNN. Related: United Passenger Banned After Fellow Travelers Had to Restrain Him with Zip Ties for Violent Outburst: WATCH Before the woman a U.S. green card holder with a Russian passport boarded the flight, she bypassed both the document check podium and a gate agent, a TSA spokesperson told ABC News. It is currently unclear how she was able to do so. Spencer Platt/Getty A TSA security checkpoint at JFK airport The woman was, however, fully screened at a security checkpoint at JFK, which means she did not have any prohibited items in her possession or otherwise pose a security risk, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passengers on the Delta flight were not alerted about the stowaway situation until the plane landed in Paris, Jackson told CNN. After it touched down, she was taken into custody in the French capital. "The first announcement to passengers that there was a problem was when we parked at the gate, he told the outlet, and they instructed us all to remain seated because French police were going to board the aircraft to deal with a serious security issue. Related: 95 People Dramatically Escape Burning Plane on Emergency Slides After Engine Catches Fire: Reports The traveler also captured a video of one of the announcements, which was delivered to passengers on the Boeing 767-400ER one of the largest aircrafts in Delta's fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folks, this is the captain, we are just waiting for the police to come on board, the captain said in Jackson's clip, per CNN. They may be here now and they directed us to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger thats on the plane. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On Thursday, Nov. 28, a spokesperson for Delta told PEOPLE in a statement that nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. Miguel MEDINA / AFP/Getty Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in August 2024 Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in August 2024 Thats why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end, the statement concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline also said it will decline further comment at this time given ongoing investigations. TSA did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. In a statement provided to CBS News, however, a spokesperson for the agency said that it takes any incidents that occur at any of our checkpoints nationwide seriously. "TSA will independently review the circumstances of this incident at our travel document checker station at JFK, the spokesperson said. The FBI is also aware of the incident, according to ABC News. NEW YORK (PIX11) An unauthorized passenger bypassed the Transportation Security Administration and boarded a plane at JFK on Tuesday, officials said. The plane later landed in Paris. More Local News The stowaway passenger was aboard Delta Flight 264, which took off from New York-JFK and landed in Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. Thats why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end, a spokesperson for Delta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline declined to comment further. According to a source familiar with air travel, an individual must be cleared at a TSA security checkpoint to be present at an airline departure gate for boarding. A TSA spokesperson said the individual boarded the plane without a boarding pass and completed the airport security screening without any prohibited items. The individual also bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and was able to board the aircraft. Law enforcement became involved when the flight arrived in France, officials said. It remains unclear if the passenger was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport in France, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, was not immediately available to comment. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) A new study revealed that Louisiana is among the top states most likely to spend Thanksgiving in the emergency room. Ladah Law Firm, a personal injury law firm in Las Vegas, looked at data sourced from the American Hospital Association to find the total number of emergency room visits for every 1,000 population in 2022 for each state, according to a news release. From there, a ranking of the states based on the number of emergency room visits was created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to come together, but its also a time when emergency room visits can spike due to increased travel, food preparation and outdoor activities, said Ramzy Ladah, owner/lead attorney of Ladah Law Firm. According to the study, Louisiana was named the second most likely state in the U.S. to visit the emergency room during the annual holiday, with 574 visits per 1,000 population. The study stated that emergency room visits in the state often rise around Thanksgiving due to cooking-related burns or cuts from Thanksgiving meal prep. Study finds Most Sinful Cities in America: Where does Baton Rouge rank? Check out the Top 10 U.S. states that are most likely to spend Thanksgiving in the emergency room, according to the study from Ladah Law Firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota Louisiana West Virginia District of Columbia Mississippi Kentucky Indiana Ohio Maine Idaho Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A man believed to be involved in several indecent exposure incidents was arrested in Mount Pleasant Wednesday. Derrick Niles was charged with three charges of indecent exposure and trespass after notice. He was found by the Mount Pleasant Police Department after being seen with a man accused of stealing from a Lowes in the area. Niles was subsequently turned over to the North Charleston Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Charleston PD said Niles is a person of interest in several indecent exposure cases that occurred around Ashley Phosphate Road. If you believe you were a victim in one of the incidents or have related information, contact the department at 843-554-5700 or email ncpddetectives@northcharleston.org. Screenshot Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The suspected kingpin of a drugs-smuggling ring has been arrested in Albania after authorities in Germany uncovered heroin hidden in a shipment of soap originating from Iran, Europol said on Thursday. The suspect was a 57-year old Turkish man who was arrested in Albania this month after an investigation led by Germany along with the Netherlands and Europol, the pan-European police agency said. "The suspect, one of Europol's high-value targets, is suspected of heading a criminal network responsible for the large-scale import of heroin into western Europe," Europol said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation linked the suspect to the seizure of 703 kg of heroin in the port of Hamburg in Germany in August 2022. "The heroin was hidden in a container shipment of soap originating from Iran," it said. Europol did not name the man who had been arrested. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Angus MacSwan) According to NASA forecasts, the probability of a deadly asteroid hitting the Earth in any given year is small, but it exists. However, a scientist from the University of Murcia (Spain), Oscar del Barco Novillo, has come up with an equation to detect killer asteroids heading for our planet. ADVERTISIMENT The professor's equation is based on the gravitational curvature of light and will allow scientists to accurately determine the position of small objects in the solar system. This, in turn, could allow planetary defense networks to detect and prepare for any asteroids that may collide with the Earth, MailOnline writes. Using this equation, scientists will be able to get an early warning about the asteroid and have time to deflect it to a safer path. Normally, light travels in a direct path from an object to our eyes, meaning that where we see the image is where the object itself is. However, this is not the case for distant objects such as asteroids because of a phenomenon called gravitational deflection. When a ray of light passes through a strong gravitational field, like the one around our Sun, it leaves its straight path and follows a curved trajectory. To make it easier to understand, you can compare it to a ball rolling on an uneven surface along a curved path. ADVERTISIMENT The idea that gravity can bend intermediate rays of light was first proposed by Isaac Newton in 1730. However, it wasn't until Albert Einstein proposed his theory of general relativity in 1916 that scientists were able to confirm that this was indeed the case. The problem for astronomers is that gravitational deflection means that the image we see of a distant object does not match where that object actually is. "When sunlight is reflected from minor objects in the solar system, such as asteroids, the light rays we receive on Earth are deflected because of the Sun and large planets like Jupiter. In this sense, the actual position of these minor bodies is shifted, so this effect must be taken into account in the equations of motion of these minor bodies," explains Prof. Novillo. For most applications, this is not a problem, but when it comes to calculating the orbit of a potentially dangerous asteroid, even a small miscalculation can be fatal. ADVERTISIMENT Prof. Novillo's solution is to treat gravity as a physical medium to determine how much light bends as it travels. Using this formula, Professor Novillo calculated the angle of deflection of light rays coming from Mercury at different points in its orbit. Comparing the results with those based on Newton's and Einstein's equations, he found that the difference is up to 15.8 percent when Mercury is at the greatest distance from the Sun. According to the professor, the most important consequence of this discovery is the ability to better calculate the orbits of minor objects in the solar system that could be potentially dangerous to the Earth. That is, it will not help to detect asteroids in the first place, but it will help to determine the exact location of these objects and, as a result, better estimate their orbits. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that scientists have assessed all the risks when a giant asteroid may approach the Earth. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Heather Hunter and Noah Hunter have been in Swannanoa for several weeks serving meals and snacks to disaster survivors. (Photo: Greg Childress) SWANNANOA Parts of Swannanoa looks like a war zone more than two months after the storm. The small town east of Asheville suffered unprecedented damage during Hurricane Helene. A swollen Swannanoa River overflowed its banks. Its rushing water destroyed everything in its path. Storm wreckage from Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, NC. (Photo: Greg Childress) A drive along Highway 70 is eye opening. Homes and businesses that were swept off of their foundations remain where the fast-moving water left them. Mounds of debris, washed out roads and bridges, and shuttered stores and shops are haunting reminders of natures power. Volunteers provide hope But there is hope in a washed-out strip mall parking lot. Thats where the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a mobile disaster center with portable showers, laundry facilities and an operations center where disaster survivors can apply for aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers from around the state and country have also shown up in force to provide meals, survival supplies and comfort to residents, some of whom have suffered unimaginable loss. Some of the volunteers have been there for weeks, spending their savings on food and supplies and relying on donations from generous citizens. At a makeshift stand in the middle of the parking lot, Heather Hunter and husband Noah are serving hot dogs, cold drinks and snacks to survivors. The couple from the Winston-Salem area arrived in the disaster area about six weeks ago. Theyve been operating in the strip mall for about three weeks. The folks here need hope and though I cant fix everything for them, or really anything, sometimes just having a full belly and a cold drink gives hope, Heather Hunter said. It just makes them feel like theyre all right for that moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The residents who come by for food are grateful for the meals, but also thankful to be alive, Heather Hunter said. People are just thankful for their lives, and they say that often, she said. I think this Thanksgiving season and going into Christmas, will be one where people just look back and be thankful for being together with family and friends. Swannanoa resident Larry Burnette. (Photo: Greg Childress) Like they have been for the past month, Heather Hunter and her family plan to spend the holiday at the makeshift stand providing food and kind words to anyone who needs them. These folks are the greatest people and most of them have a lot of pride and dont want to ask for help, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swannanoa resident Larry Burnette, 76, stopped by the recovery center for a meal one day last week. Burnettes home was flooded during the storm and he currently lives in FEMA-provided motel room. He was among the lucky few in the area who had flood insurance, and is confident his home will be repaired. Where I live, it [flood insurance] was kind of a good safety thing to have, Burnette said, explaining that his home is in a low-lying area. Of course, it never flooded before. There was so much water, so much rain, there was pretty much nothing you could do. He said that FEMA and the dozens of volunteers who showed up have been supportive and residents are grateful for the help. Ive met people from Indiana, Hawaii, Ohio, Virginia who have come in and donated stuff and are going in and helping people, Burnette said. People seem to be pretty happy and theyre getting a fair amount of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim Teitelman, a Red Cross volunteer from Northern Virginia, was handing out emergency supplies last week. Teitelman said she believes the holidays will bring people closer together as the recovery effort in western North Carolina continues. People have been coming to help from all different states, Teitelman said. The American people really are nice, no matter what you hear in the media. The American people come out for these things. After experiencing Hurricane Katrina, Stephen LaPoint of Baton Rouge, Louisiana said he was compelled to travel to North Carolina to help. Red Cross volunteer Kim Teitelman (third from left) poses with volunteers at Swannanoa disaster recovery center. (Photo: Greg Childress) This [storm damage in North Carolina] is the worst that Ive ever seen, LaPoint said. I drove through, taking pictures and its worse than Hurricane Katrina. Everyone here from Louisiana says the same thing. Veterans face new challenges A short drive into Asheville along Tunnel Road, a hotel now serves as Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ), in place of the facility that was severely damaged during the storm. The main building flooded up to the second floor and some buildings were swept away. The storm displaced 187 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody lost everything, said Shawn Hersman, who worked at the centers front desk. Everything got destroyed. The water went all the way up to the second floor. The VRQ is owned by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), a nonprofit that addresses poverty, hunger, homelessness and issues around access to health care for underserved communities. Kelsey Stephens works with the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Suicide Prevention Grant Program within Veterans Services of the Carolinas. Stephens said the loss of the VRQ is traumatic for veterans, particularly those previously experiencing homelessness and those with mental health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Them losing the Veterans Restoration Quarters, now theyre displaced again into a hotel and its going to be an ongoing thing just because the hurricane happened, Stephens said. The waters went down but theres still so much aftermath with the mental health of individuals who may have never experienced mental health issues before. Swannanoa residents pick up provisions at disaster recovery center. (Photo: Greg Childress) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephens said her organization and others are preparing for an uptick in veterans experiencing mental health crises due to the storm. Its really taking a toll on a lot of people, Stephens said. Finding suitable, long-term housing for veterans will become increasingly difficult in the wake of the storm, she said. Now that a lot of housing options have washed away, its harder to house people, Stephens said. Now, were putting them up in hotels but this will be a long-term issue. [Source] Swiss watchmaker Swatch won a lawsuit against Malaysias Home Ministry over the latters seizure of 172 Pride-themed watches. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered the ministry on Monday to return the watches within 14 days after its ruling, which states that the seizure which occurred in May 2023 was illegal as it was conducted without a warrant. Judge Amarjeet Singh Serjit Singh noted that the ministry implemented its ban on the Swatch Pride-themed watches in August 2023, implying that the watchmaker had not violated any laws at the time of the raid. While Swatch won the lawsuit, the court did not grant the Swiss company the 64,795 Malaysian ringgit ($14,600) compensation it had sought in a June 2023 filing for aggravated and exemplary damages. However, Swatch could still ask for it at a later date if it finds that the seized items were in fact damaged during the raid. Under Malaysias ban, anyone caught in possession of the LGBTQ-themed Swatch timepieces could face up to three years in jail and a fine of 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,500). Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! LUCERNE, Switzerland (AP) Would you trust an AI Jesus with your innermost thoughts and troubles? Researchers and religious leaders on Wednesday released findings from a two-month experiment through art in a Catholic chapel in Switzerland, where an avatar of Jesus on a computer screen tucked into a confessional took questions by visitors on faith, morality and modern-day woes, and offered responses based on Scripture. The idea, said the chapels theological assistant, was to recognize the growing importance of artificial intelligence in human lives, even when it comes to religion, and explore the limits of human trust in a machine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the two-month run of the Deus in Machina exhibit at Peters Chapel starting in late August, some 900 conversations from visitors - some came more than once - were transcribed anonymously. Those behind the project said it was largely a success: Visitors often came out moved or deep in thought, and found it easy to use. A small sign invited visitors to enter a confessional - chosen for its intimacy - and below a lattice screen across which penitent believers would usually speak with a priest, a green light signaled the visitor's turn to speak, and a red one came on when AI Jesus on a computer screen on the other side was responding. Often, a lag time was needed to wait for the response a testament to the technical complexities. After exiting, nearly 300 visitors filled out questionnaires that informed the report released Wednesday. Of love, war, suffering and solitude Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philipp Haslbauer, an IT specialist at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts who pulled together the technical side of the project, said the AI responsible for taking the role of AI Jesus and generating responses was GPT-4o by OpenAI, and an open-source version of the companys Whisper was used for speech comprehension. An AI video generator from Heygen was used to produce voice and video from a real person, he said. Haslbauer said no specific safeguards were used because we observed GPT-4o to respond fairly well to controversial topics. Visitors broached many topics, including true love, the afterlife, feelings of solitude, war and suffering in the world, the existence of God, plus issues like sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church or its position on homosexuality. Most visitors described themselves as Christians, though agnostics, atheists, Muslims, Buddhists and Taoists took part too, according to a recap of the project released by the Catholic parish of Lucerne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About one-third were German speakers, but AI Jesus which is conversant in about 100 languages also had conversations in languages like Chinese, English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Russian and Spanish. Work of the Devil? What was really interesting (was) to see that the people really talked with him in a serious way. They didnt come to make jokes, said chapel theologian Marco Schmid, who spearheaded the project. Most visitors were aged 40 to 70, and more Catholics respondents found the experience stimulating than did Protestants, the report showed. Schmid was quick to point out that the AI Jesus billed as a Jesus-like persona was an artistic experiment to get people thinking about the intersection between the digital and the divine, not substitute for human interaction or sacramental confessions with a priest, nor was it intended to save pastoral resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the people it was clear that it was a computer ... It was clear it was not a confession, Schmid said. He wasnt programmed to give absolutions or prayers. At the end, it was more summary of the conversation. The Catholic Church from the Vatican on down has been wrestling with the challenges - and possible opportunities - presented by the explosion in public interest in AI since generative artificial intelligence captured the worlds attention two years ago when OpenAI's ChatGPT made its debut. The Vatican has appointed a friar from a medieval Franciscan order as its top expert on AI, and a Lutheran church in Bavaria served up sermons delivered by a chatbot last year. Pope Francis, in his annual peace message for this year, pushed for an international treaty to ensure the ethical use of AI technology. Chatbots like ChatGPT are powered by algorithmic models trained on vast pools of text and other data to mimic speech and generate seemingly unique and human-like responses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haslbauer is sensitive to public reaction and has noted chatter on social media saying the project is blasphemous or the work of the devil. If you read comments on the internet about it, some are very negative which is scary, Haslbauer, whose long-haired look featured as a basis for the image of the virtual Jesus. In a demonstration of the technology in the chapel, Haslbauer queried AI Jesus about its message for a troubled world, and about whether AI could be helpful as a way for people to find God. All knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from God," the chatbot said in a soothing voice, after a pause to respond, and the image briefly crackled. If used wisely, AI can indeed be a tool to explore the wonders of creation, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and foster connections among people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yet it remains essential to seek God with all your heart and soul beyond any technology, it added. A good side, and downsides Kenneth Cukier, a journalist, author and expert with the U.S.-based nonprofit group called AI and Faith, said if AI Jesus helps people connect deeper to themselves and the world, it has to be a good thing. It will lead to better individuals and a better world, he said. However and theres a big however this does feel a little bit infantile, and pardon my pun, machine-like. The risk is that it pulls people, ultimately, farther away from that which is more meaningful, deeper and authentic in spirituality, said Cukier, co-author of Big Data: A Revolution that Will Transform How We Work, Live and Think. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Schmid, the exhibit was a pilot project and he doesn't foresee a second coming of AI Jesus anytime soon. For us, it was also clear it was just a limited time that we will expose this Jesus," he said, adding that any return would need to be done after deeper thought. We are discussing ... how we could revive him again," he said, noting interest from parishes, schoolteachers, researchers and others as the project got media attention in Switzerland and beyond. They all are interested and would like to have this AI Jesus. So we have now a little bit to reflect on how we want to continue." ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of APs text archives. Rebels in Syria have made rapid advances towards the countrys second biggest city, Aleppo, reigniting a conflict that had largely laid dormant for years. After making only limited gains in recent years, the rebels have already captured some 60 towns and villages that were controlled by government forces, as well as a Syrian army base and a military research center only a hundred yards from the countrys second largest city, Aleppo. On Friday, the armed rebel groups claimed to have entered the city, which has been under government control since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier that day, an artillery shell struck Aleppo Universitys student housing, killing four people, according to Syrias state news agency, SANA, which blamed opposition factions for the attack. A rebel group spokesperson, Hassan Abdulghani, called the accusations baseless lies. On Thursday, at least 15 civilians, including six children and two women, were killed, and 36 others were injured in airstrikes and shelling on rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib countryside, according to the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group. The goal of the operation is to liberate our occupied territories from the criminal regime and Iranian militias, as well as to establish a safe environment for displaced people to return to their cities and towns, Abdulghani told CNN. The Syrian military said its confronting terrorist organizations and claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the groups since Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays surprise operation marks the first significant conflagration between Syrian rebels and the regime since March 2020, when Russia and Turkey mediated a ceasefire in the north of the country. The conflict has since remained largely dormant, with low-level clashes between the rebels and Assads regime. More than 300,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, and millions of people have been displaced across the region. Syrias civil war began during the 2011 Arab Spring as the regime suppressed a pro-democracy uprising against Assad, who has been president since 2000. The country plunged into a full-scale civil war as a rebel force was formed, known as the Free Syrian Army, to combat government troops. The conflict swelled as other regional actors and world powers from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States to Russia piled in, escalating the civil war into what some observers described as a proxy war. ISIS was also able to gain a foothold in the country before suffering significant blows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past year, Iran has watched its prized proxy Hezbollah get battered by a ferocious Israeli aerial and ground campaign in Lebanon. The militant group, which was credited for helping save the Assad regime from Syrian rebels, is now significantly weakened, with most of its leaders assassinated. The clashes are the most serious since 2020. - Izzettin Kasim/Anadolu/Getty Images Turkey had attempted to halt the rebel offensive to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region due to Israels aggression, a Turkish security source told CNN, referring to the wars in Lebanon and Gaza. The source said that the rebels launched what was supposed to be a limited operation against the Assad regime after the Syrian military and allied militias struck rebel-held Idlib city and killed more than 30 civilians. The rebels expanded the operation after regime forces fled the towns surrounding Aleppo, the source said. CNN cannot independently verify those claims. Iranian state media said that Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Kioumars Pourhashemi, a senior Iranian military adviser in Syria, was killed in Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a call with his Syrian counterpart to discuss the escalation, the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of reactivating the rebels, and stressed the continued support of Iran to the Syrian government and army. The Kremlins spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on the Syrian authorities to quickly restore order in this area and restore constitutional order. Weakened Axis of Resistance Analysts say the rebels are using a vacuum left by a weakened Hezbollah to advance in Syria. The rebels see an opportunity to test the front lines with Hezbollah weakened, a pressured Iran and a Russia busy with Ukraine the rebels were surprised by their success and they pushed harder than they anticipated, Nanar Hawach, a senior analyst focused on Syria at the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rebels see a shift in powers. Iran and Russia have for more than a decade supplied forces and arms to help Assad remain in power. Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdogan has supported rebel groups and has deployed Turkish forces to retain command over the rebel-held strongholds of northern Syria. Iran has maintained military presence in Syria as part of an expansive effort to keep Assad in power and protect a strategic regional footprint. Its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has been targeted by Israel over past years, including an airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Damascus in April that killed a top IRGC commander, and prompted Tehrans first ever direct strike on Israel. Irans proxy Hezbollah has been instrumental in assisting Assad regain territory lost to militias and rebel groups. Its fighters fought on behalf of Assad against Syrias armed opposition groups and the al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra front. Syria has served as a primary logistical backbone for the organization to build its missile arsenal in its home country Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past year, Hezbollahs fighting forces shifted their focus toward Israel, pulling troops from Syria to Lebanon, in an attempt to consolidate their losses as Assad grew closer to Gulf Arab states and became less engaged with Irans Axis of Resistance, a loose grouping of regional Iran-allied militias, Hawach said. Israel has since inflicted major damage on the group in Lebanon, killing its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and eliminating many of the groups top brass. The Israeli military in September launched an all-out offensive on Shia-majority areas across the country where Hezbollah wields significant influence and pummeled other parts of Lebanon. An objective for Hezbollah was to have a tangible presence in Syria, this diminished throughout the last year because of the pulling of troops especially with the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Syrian rebel fighters broke through government front lines to within three miles of Aleppo and cut a key highway to the capital in their first major offensive in four years. The surprise push by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and allies sparked fighting that left scores dead and killed at least one Russian special forces soldier fighting on the government side. After more than 24 hours of heavy clashes, analysts said the rebels shock thrust appeared to be still making headway against the forces of Bashar al-Assads regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian and Russian planes responded with air strikes into the newly captured territory and against rebel-held enclaves. The push had reignited front lines which had been largely stagnant since 2020, with territory changing hands for the first time in four-and-a-half years, said Charles Lister, of the Middle East Institute think tank. Syrian rebels rip down posters of Assad | Credit: MHJournalist/ThomasVLinge/X Syrian opposition forces continue to advance in western Aleppo, with 37-plus villages captured after around 30 hours of non-stop combat, he said. Make no mistake, this is a potentially transformative moment in Syrias frozen conflict, which truthfully has never really been frozen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The offensive on Thursday cut a highway linking Damascus to Aleppo, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions cut off the Damascus-Aleppo international M5 highway in addition to controlling the junction between the M4 and M5 highways, the monitor reported. The observatory said more than 130 combatants had been killed in the worst fighting in the countrys north-west in years. The toll included 65 HTS fighters, 18 from allied factions and 49 members of regime forces. Russian air strikes then killed 19 civilians in the Aleppo countryside as Assads regime tried to stem the advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video clips purported to show rebels with a captured tank, and the body and equipment of a Russian special forces operator killed fighting on the regime side. Arms researchers said the captured Russian weapons included AK-74 and AR-15 rifles with suppressors and scopes, as well as an MP-446 pistol and an anti-drone gun. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has launched an offensive against the Syrian regime - Abdulaziz Ketaz/AFP via Getty Images Smoke rises as rebels clash with the Syrian regime in the Aleppo countryside - Anas Alkharboutli/Avalon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another photo claimed to show leaflets dropped by rebel drones urging soldiers to flee or defect. Iranian official media also said a brigadier general in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards had been killed in Aleppo by terrorists allegedly linked to Israel, without giving further details. Rebels said they had launched the offensive in response to increased Russian and Syrian air strikes against civilians in southern Idlib, and to pre-empt attacks by the Syrian army, which has been building up troops along the front. Israeli air strikes on Assads allies had increased instability along the Syrian front, experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natasha Hall, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told The New York Times: Pro-regime militias have been upping their attacks in the area, trying to deter the rebels because Israel has been weakening the Syrian regimes allies like Hezbollah and Iran. @ThomasVLinge/X HTS is the main active rebel group in north-west Syria where it controls an enclave of around half of Idlib province and small parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Latakia and Hama, where nearly three million displaced people are living. The groups forerunner, the Nusra Front, had its roots in extremist jihadist groups including al-Qaeda, before splitting with them acrimoniously in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their rebel bastion has been subjected to a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey in 2020 that has repeatedly been violated by both Syrian forces and rebels. GlobalSpotlite/Vusuibergeo/X As the offensive got under way, a commander named as Hasan Abd al-Ghani blamed the Syrian government and its allied Iranian militias for escalation and aggression against rebel-held areas in the north. He said the goal of the offensive was to deter aggression and thwart the enemys plans, adding: It is our duty to defend our people in the face of this imminent danger that targets their existence and safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed since the Assad regime first moved to crush March 2011 pro-democracy demonstrations in the city of Deraa. The unrest quickly spread and the crackdown intensified, rapidly plunging the country into years of savage civil war between Assads army and rebel groups, as well as Islamic State and al-Qaeda. A building in Darat Izza, Aleppo, damaged by Russian warplanes in an attack that killed four people - Mahmud Feysa/Anadolu via Getty Images The United Nations has estimated that more than 300,000 civilians, or 1.5 per cent of the pre-war population, were killed between March 2011 and March 2021. More than half of Syrias pre-war population of 22 million have had to flee their homes. Some 6.8 million are internally displaced, with more than two million living in tented camps with limited access to basic services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another six million are refugees or asylum seekers abroad. Neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey are hosting 5.3 million of them. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Ece Toksabay AMMAN/ANKARA (Reuters) -Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed rebel-held northwest Syria near the border with Turkey on Thursday to push back an insurgent offensive that captured territory for the first time in years, Syrian army and rebel sources said. Rebels led by Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched an incursion on Wednesday into a dozen towns and villages in the northwestern province of Aleppo, which is controlled by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack was the biggest since March 2020 when Russia, which backs Assad, and Turkey, which supports the rebels, agreed to a ceasefire that ended years of fighting that uprooted millions of Syrians opposed to Assad's rule. In its first statement since the surprise campaign, the Syrian army said it had inflicted heavy losses on what it described as terrorists who had attacked on a wide front. The army said it was cooperating with Russia and unnamed "friendly forces" to regain ground and restore the situation. Rebels advanced almost 10 km (6 miles) from the outskirts of Aleppo city and a few kilometres away from Nubl and Zahra, two Shi'ite towns where Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah has a strong militia presence, an army source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They attacked al-Nayrab airport east of Aleppo, where pro-Iranian militias have outposts. Russian jets pounded newly captured areas and hit populated towns in the last opposition-held enclave, according to two army sources. The opposition-run rescue service known as the White Helmets said at least 16 civilians were killed in the rebel-held town of Atareb when a Russian jet bombed a residential area. The main Aleppo-Damascus highway was closed as a result of the fighting, residents and witnesses said. Rebels say the campaign responded to stepped-up strikes in recent weeks against civilians by the Russian and Syrian air forces on areas in southern Idlib province, in Syria's far northwest, and to preempt any attacks by the Syrian army, which they said was building up troops near front lines with rebels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SENIOR IRANIAN ADVISER REPORTED KILLED Meanwhile Iranian state media said Revolutionary Guards Brigadier General Kioumars Pourhashemi, a senior Iranian military adviser in Syria, was killed in Aleppo by rebels. Iran has sent thousands of fighters to Syria during the Syrian war. While these have included members of the Guards, officially serving as advisers, the bulk have been Shi'ite Muslim militiamen from all over the region. Pro-Iranian militias have an extensive military presence in the Aleppo countryside. Turkish security sources said on Thursday the rebels initially launched a limited operation after attacks by Syrian government forces, and expanded the operation after government forces abandoned their positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Turkish sources said the rebel movements remained within the boundaries of a de-escalation zone in Idlib, which was agreed in 2019 by Russia, Iran and Turkey with the aim of reducing hostilities between the rebels and government forces. A Turkish defence ministry source said Turkey was following developments in northern Syria closely, and had taken precautions to ensure the security of Turkish troops there. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States and Turkey, has long been targeted by Syrian government and Russian forces. It competes with more mainstream rebel groups backed by Turkey that also control swathes of territory along the Turkish border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rebels say over 80 people, mostly civilians, have been killed this year in drone strikes on rebel-held villages. Damascus says it is waging a war against al Qaeda-inspired militants and denies targeting civilians indiscriminately. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman, Ece Toksabay, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Huseyin Hayatsever in Ankara; additional reporting by Elwely Elwelly in Dubai; Writing by Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Daren Butler; Editing by Ros Russell and Rod Nickel) WASHINGTON After President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office next year, U.S.-China relations are poised to be one of the greatest foreign policy challenges for the new administration. In recent years, the relationship between the worlds two dominant superpowers has been fraught, with lawmakers across the political spectrum adopting a tougher stance on Beijing. What direction that relationship takes now, experts say, will depend on the extent to which Trump follows through on his vow to slap China with steep tariffs as well as how strongly he is influenced by advisers who think the U.S. should confront China on far more than trade. Tariffs 2.0 Trump already rattled global markets this week by saying he would begin his term in office with a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, in addition to higher tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. During the campaign, he floated imposing tariffs of at least 60% on China, which some economists have warned could lead to higher prices for American consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steep tariffs could undoubtedly terrify investors and have a massive impact on the stock market, said Josh Kurlantzick, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Tariffs may also set off another trade war with China, mirroring Trumps first term when Washington and Beijing imposed a series of retaliatory tariffs on each other, experts said. What would happen is, the U.S. would put on tariffs, and then China would put on tariffs in a bunch of places really important to Republican constituencies, Kurlantzick said. On Tuesday, Trump said his nominee for U.S. trade representative was Jamieson Greer, who helped implement China tariffs during Trumps first term as chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts warned that the consequences of tariffs could go beyond the economy, potentially affecting national security and health issues. Steep tariffs could make Beijing wary about cooperating with the U.S. on joint issues, such as cracking down on precursor chemicals for fentanyl, said Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. If the Chinese are suffering 60% tariffs across the board, the likelihood of their wanting to cooperate in other realms of the relationship goes down dramatically, OHanlon said. Responding to Trumps tariff announcement on Monday, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said that no one will win a trade war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Joe Biden this month that he was ready to work with the incoming Trump administration and that he hopes for a stable and constructive relationship. But in a seeming message to Trump, he emphasized Chinas four red lines in its U.S. relations: Taiwan, the promotion of democracy and human rights, efforts to undermine the ruling Chinese Communist Party, and constraining Chinas development. Asked for comment on the future of U.S.-China relations, Liu pointed to comments this month by Xie Feng, the Chinese ambassador to the U.S., who said China has no plan to overtake or displace the United States. We hope the U.S. side will also have no intention to contain or suppress China, Xie said, according to the embassys transcript. Cranes preparing shipping containers for export in Shanghai in October. The first six months of next year will be crucial for setting the tone in U.S.-China relations, said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. He said Trump and Xi should try to meet as soon as possible, citing what Trump describes as his strong relationship with the Chinese leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is not dealing with the same China as when he left office four years ago. Though Xi, who began a historic third term in office last year, has further consolidated power, his focus will be on addressing an economic slowdown that would only get worse with international instability. At the same time, however, China has also made significant technological advances in key sectors such as electric vehicles and has diversified its trading relationships to become less reliant on the U.S., its top export market. Chinese officials seem prepared to work with the Trump administration to find an off-ramp before things go sour, Scott Kennedy, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, said in an interview last week during a visit to the Chinese capital, Beijing. But if Trump does impose extremely high tariffs or take other measures, Beijing could make things challenging for the U.S. as well, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could mean retaliatory tariffs on agricultural and other U.S. products, investigations into American companies operating in China, restrictions on rare earths and other critical Chinese exports, or weakening the yuan to undermine U.S. trade. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump was elected "to stand up to China, enforce tariffs on Chinese goods, and Make America Strong Again. He will deliver." A hawkish Trump team Its unclear just how much Trump will be influenced by his advisers. Many of his picks so far are staunch critics of China, including Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for secretary of state; Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., for national security adviser; and Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense. Rubio, who championed legislation authorizing sanctions on officials accused of rights abuses in the Chinese territory of Hong Kong and the Chinese region of Xinjiang, is himself sanctioned by the Chinese government, which would be a first for a secretary of state if he is confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His selection by Trump has instilled some confidence in pro-democracy communities in China and the diaspora, as Rubio is known for his strong objections to Beijings human rights abuses, Yaqiu Wang, the research director for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Freedom House, a Washington think tank, wrote in The Diplomat on Tuesday. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Trumps choice for secretary of state, is under Chinese government sanctions. Waltz, who does not need to be confirmed by the Senate, had called on the U.S. to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing human rights abuses, while Hegseth, a Fox News host, has said China aspires to global domination. Rubio and Waltz have a very realistic and sober notion of the challenges ahead with respect to China, and on that front, I think theyll serve President Trump very well, said Dan Blumenthal, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. But Trump and his aides also have major differences in their approach to China, including whether to ban the Chinese-owned app TikTok, which Trump supported before reversing his position this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also may diverge on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy that Beijing claims as its territory. Trump has unnerved Taiwanese officials by saying the island doesnt pay enough for its defense and accusing it of stealing business from the U.S. with its semiconductor industry. Experts say Trump may be more transactional in how he deals with China and Taiwan than his advisers, whose approach tends to be more ideological. Trump still wants to get concessions from China, he wants to get benefits from China, Wu said. But for those people, they just want to promote decoupling. They just want to contain China and defeat China, and even to provoke conflict with China. Chinese officials looking for friendlier intermediaries may turn to others in Trumps orbit such as Tesla owner Elon Musk, who has extensive business interests in China and often meets with senior Chinese leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of hope here that he can be a bridge and help keep things calm, Kennedy said, though I dont know if that is more wishful thinking than clear analysis. Megan Lebowitz reported from Washington, Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong and Janis Mackey Frayer from Beijing. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com On November 28, the terrorist state of Russia launched a massive attack on energy facilities in Ukraine. As a result, the transmission system operator NPC Ukrenergo urgently introduced emergency power outages, with normal schedules not being in effect. ADVERTISIMENT The consequences will be clarified as soon as the security situation allows. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko announced this on Facebook. "Attacks on energy facilities are taking place all over Ukraine... Follow official reports and stay in shelters!" he wrote. According to the Ministry of Energy, the aggressor country Russia has carried out the 11th massive attack on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure this year. "Power engineers are working to ensure backup power supply schemes where possible. They have already started restoration work where the security situation allows. The assessment of the extent of damage is ongoing," the agency said. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, after the nighttime drone attack, Russian troops launched cruise missiles at Ukraine from ships in the Black Sea and strategic bombers from several regions of the Russian Federation. There have been confirmed hits in Kharkiv and Volyn, and there is damage in several regions due to falling debris from downed targets. During this attack, Russia used a total of 188 air attack weapons, of which the defenders of the sky shot down 114 79 missiles and 35 drones (another 62 were lost locally). As OBOZ.UA reported, after the massive Russian attack on November 17, the power sector was able to restore most of the electricity supply in a few days. However, the system remains vulnerable, and large-scale investments and structural reforms are needed to stabilize it, so blackouts will continue to be necessary to support the power system. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A pair of local racing promoters are encouraging families to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with a side of SuperCross. 250 truckloads of dirt have been sculpted into a race track inside the Expo Building. Midwest SuperCross is an indoor motocross-style family event with all dirt bikes, Peterson Racing Promotions co-owner Dustin Peterson said. Hurons downtown open to shoppers after construction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dustin Peterson is the co-owner of Peterson Racing Promotions which has hosted the event for 22 years, including the past seven in Sioux Falls. We invite roughly 400-450 riders from around the midwest to come out, we put up a track, bring in some stands and we fill the stands with race enthusiasts, Dustin Peterson said. Midwest SuperCross offers something for everyone, amateurs to professionals, men, women, even children. Youre going to see any talent level from 4-year-olds all the way up to 55-year-olds, maybe even older, that come out here and race, Dustin Peterson said. The lineup of kids includes Dustins 8-year-old son, Brayton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coolest part for him is this is just a big playpen for him for a week, Dustin Peterson said. Whats your favorite part of being out there? KELOLANDs Travis Fossing asked. Winning, 8-year-old Brayton Peterson said. Brayton has been racing for three years and enjoys every minute at the track. Race, play with my friends, and hang out with my family, Brayton Peterson said. Ive been racing since I was Braytons age and it still doesnt get old, Peterson Racing Promotions co-owner Jesse Peterson said. 43-year-old Jesse Peterson wont be competing this weekend, but did design and build the track, and hopes to see a full house come Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best thing is support the local riders and keep this venue going. Weve been doing it for a long time and we want to keep going as long as we can, Jesse Peterson said. And Dustin says be ready for anything. When that gate drops, we have no idea what the outcome is going to be, Dustin Peterson said. Midwest SuperCross Racing is set for this Friday and Saturday inside the Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. There are qualifiers at 1:30 p.m. daily, followed by racing at 7:00. Admission is $15. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Australias parliament has passed a world-first law banning social media for children under 16, putting tech companies on notice to tighten security before a cut-off date thats yet to be set. The Senate approved the social media ban late on Thursday, the last sitting day of the year, following months of intense public debate and a rushed parliamentary process that saw the bill introduced, debated and passed within a week. Under the new law, tech companies must take reasonable steps to prevent under-age users from accessing social media services or face fines of nearly 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the worlds toughest response yet to a problem that has seen other countries impose restrictions but not hold companies accountable for breaches of a nationwide ban. The ban is expected to apply to Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit and X, but that list could expand. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the new law on Friday, saying it sent a message to parents that weve got your back. Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them, he said. Albanese had previously told parliament there was no time to waste. We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was backed by most members of Australias main opposition party, the Liberal Party, with Liberal Sen. Maria Kovacic describing it as a pivotal moment in our country. We have drawn a line in the sand. The enormous power of big tech can no longer remain unchecked in Australia, she said Thursday before the vote. But it met fierce opposition from some independents and smaller parties, including Greens Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, who accused the major parties of trying to fool Australian parents. This is a disaster unfolding before our eyes, she said. You couldnt make this stuff up. The prime minister says hes worried about social media. The leader of the opposition says, Lets ban it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a race to the bottom to try and pretend who can be the toughest, and all they end up with is pushing young people into further isolation and giving the platforms the opportunity to continue the free-for-all, because now theres no social responsibility required. We need to make social media safer for everybody. A rushed process The government has faced considerable criticism for the speed of the legislation. Submissions to a Senate committee inquiry into the bill were open for just 24 hours before a three-hour hearing on Monday. The inquiry report was released Tuesday, and the bill passed the lower house on Wednesday 102 votes to 13 before progressing to the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 submissions were made and almost all submitters and witnesses expressed grave concerns that a bill of such import was not afforded sufficient time for thorough inquiry and report, the committee said in its report. However, the committee recommended that the bill be passed with some changes, including prohibiting the use of government documents, such as passports, to verify users age. Tech companies Meta the owner of Facebook and Instagram and TikTok said in statements Friday that they shared the governments goal of making social media safer for young users but the law had been rushed. The task now turns to ensuring there is productive consultation on all rules associated with the Bill to ensure a technically feasible outcome that does not place an onerous burden on parents and teens and a commitment that rules will be consistently applied across all social apps used by teens, a Meta spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snap Inc., whose messaging app Snapchat is popular with children, said there are still many unanswered questions about how the law will be implemented. It had advocated for device-level age verification to simplify the process. X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, said in its submission to the inquiry that the platform was not widely used by minors but expressed concern about the laws impact on their freedom of expression. Some experts had argued the legislation could expose children who evade the ban to unrestricted content and deter them from reporting any problems to an adult. Despite those objections, surveys suggest Australians back the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A poll by YouGov conducted this month showed that 77% of Australians support the under-16 ban. The survey was conducted in the second half of this month and sought the views of 1,515 people with a margin of error of 3.2%. Dany Elachi, co-founder of parent group the Heads Up Alliance, which pushed for the ban, said it didnt go far enough. Discord and YouTube Shorts for example are not subject to it but I look forward to working with lawmakers in the months ahead to ensure the law is as effective as we can possibly make it, he said. The government will now engage in broad consultation before setting a switch-off date, when all children under 16 with accounts on social media platforms subject to the ban will have them deactivated. Parents and children wont be penalized for flouting the ban, but companies will need to show that theyve taken reasonable steps to keep under-age users off. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Nearly half of Tennessean households cannot afford basic necessities in the counties they are living in. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have experienced employment, financial and health challenges, relying on public assistance programs that provided relief for a limited time in 2021. Political leaders claim to have plans for affordable housing, but a permanent solution requires collaboration between both parties, construction professionals and affected citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My business partner, Brandon Miller, and I co-host our podcast "Climbing the Charts" where our mission is to connect the Nashville community to the citys political and industry leaders. For two years, weve provided a platform for conservatives and liberals to share their perspectives and the experiences that shaped them. These interviews made it clear that most Tennessee politicians had more in common than one may think. If we, as citizens, can focus on those similarities instead of the polarized divide, we can create solutions rather than issues. To that end, Brandon and I envisioned an intimate roundtable where Tennessee legislators from both parties could openly share perspectives and find common ground. Housing is a 'Tennessee issue' for Republicans and Democrats in the legislature In September, three lawmakers gathered as one of those lawmakers, Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cocke County, presented his Stop Taxing a Tax Credit bill, which previously failed the Senate in the 2024 legislative session. This bill aimed to address affordable housing in his county and across the state. Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Washington County, and Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Davidson County, listened, engaged in a thoughtful discussion and provided feedback. Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller host their podcast, Climbing the Charts in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, May 29, 2024. All three representatives agreed that affordable housing transcends party lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a Tennessee issue, Hemmer said. In 2022, of the 2.8 million households in Tennessee, 44% were impoverished or asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households. ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level ($27,750 for a family of four in 2022), but below what is needed to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, and health care in many areas. While ALICE households may not qualify for public assistance, ALICE and poverty-level households are often forced to make difficult financial decisions, such as choosing between paying rent or investing in quality childcare, which can have lasting effects on their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Holladay Ventures unveils new East Nashville affordable apartments, begins work on more A lot of people talk about affordable housing, but they just talk about it, Hicks said. You can come up with affordable housing [plans], but it takes partnership. Rural residents are just as in need for housing as urban and suburban folks Faisons proposed Stop Taxing a Tax Credit bill excludes Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from property value assessments to produce more affordable housing projects in rural areas. He claims that affordable housing developers often choose to build affordable housing projects in urban or suburban areas due to existing infrastructure and reliable market demand due to higher population density, and that developers would be more inclined to invest in rural areas when excluding tax credits from property assessments. Climbing the Charts podcast hosts Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller (not pictured) spoke with, left, to right, Tennessee legislators, Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Washington County; Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cocke County; and Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Davidson County, in September 2024. Rural areas often have lower property values, and by excluding LIHTC credits, developers can greatly reduce their property tax expenses, Faison said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assumption is that if we lower the propertys operating costs, the developer will lower the price of the homes built. The proposed bill could serve as a valuable tool to encourage construction companies to complete affordable housing projects, improving the quality of life for working people. While various tools will be needed to solve the affordable housing crisis, the key takeaway here is that three Tennessee representatives from different parties and regions came together, understanding the crisis in their counties and leaving with a broader understanding of how it affects their neighbors statewide. Im excited to tackle this more, Hemmer said. More and more people are realizing that [affordable housing is] a state problem that needs state solutions. Angie-Lawless Angie Lawless is an attorney and entrepreneur, co-owner of Wagon Wheel Title, which specializes in real estate closings and large-scale condo projects, co-host of the Climbing the Charts podcast, and co-author of the book "Climbing the Charts: The Ascent of Nashville." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee lawmakers want to work together on housing | Opinion Over 1,000 days of war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned Kyivs Western allies of dire potentially nuclear consequences if they escalate the war by giving Ukraine the weapons it needs to defend itself. Putins threats became even fiercer this month after the Biden administration finally gave Kyiv permission to launch longer-range American weapons at targets deep inside Russia. In response, Putin updated Russias nuclear doctrine and fired a new, nuclear-capable ballistic missile at Ukraine. The message was taken as a clear threat to Ukraines backers: Dont test us. But, nearly three years into the war, these developments have assumed a familiar rhythm. Each time Ukraine made a request first asking for tanks, then fighter jets, then cluster munitions, then long-range weapons its allies agonized over whether to grant it, fearing it would escalate the conflict and provoke a Russian response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each time, when the West finally accepted Ukraines requests, Russias most catastrophic threats did not materialize. What was taboo one week became normal the next. Despite Putins heightened threats since the latest taboo crumbled, there is little reason to believe that this time will be different, analysts told CNN. Instead, they said the anxious reaction to Ukraines newly granted powers is another example of the Kremlins successful strategy of forcing the West to see the conflict on Russias terms, confusing each fresh attempt by Ukraine to resist Russian aggression as a major escalation. Alongside the battlefields, the Kremlin has been engaged in a fight to force the West to argue from Russian premises rather than its own, and to make decisions in that Kremlin-generation alternative reality that will allow Russia to win in the real world, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a think-tank, said in a report in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kateryna Stepanenko, a co-author of that report, told CNN the strategy was a revival of the Soviet concept reflexive control, by which a state imposes a false set of choices on its adversary, forcing the adversary to make decisions against its own interests. The persistent Western debates and delays in Western military aid to Ukraine is a clear example of the Kremlins successful reflexive control strategy, which had committed the Western to self-deterrence despite routine Russian escalations of the war, Stepanenko said. This strategy could be seen in action on Thursday after Russia launched a large-scale attack targeting Ukraines power grid. Although Putin said the attack was a response from our side to the Biden administrations decision on longer-range weapons, Russia has not needed a pretext for such strikes in the past. Ukrainians shelter in a metro station in Kyiv during Russia's large-scale missile attack on Thursday. - Alina Smutko/Reuters The recent policy changes by Ukraines Western allies which came after Russia involved some 11,000 North Korean troops in its war effort is not an escalation as the Kremlin is attempting to frame it, Stepanenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched an unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine and had been routinely escalating the war to sustain its initiative on the battlefield. The approval of Ukraines use of long-range strike systems against Russia is finally allowing Ukraine to level out its capabilities, she said. Nonsense policies The Biden administration sent US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, to Ukraine earlier this year, but placed strict conditions on how they could be used: They could be fired at Russian targets in occupied Ukraine, but not on Russias own territory. William Alberque, a former director of NATOs Arms Control, Disarmament, and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre, said this policy made little sense and was to Russias huge benefit. By providing Ukraine with ATACMS but only allowing it to strike parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia, we sent Russia the message: You know what? If you just move a couple meters over that border, youre safe as houses, Alberque told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sure the Russian commanders couldnt believe their luck. So if I set up my command headquarters here, theyll blow me up, but if I set up a kilometer away, Im fine? Really? Awesome! In effect, this policy led to the idea that Russia can kill anyone anywhere in Ukraine, but Ukraine cant kill the troops that are actually attacking them if theyre across the border (in Russia). This idea is nonsense, Alberque said. Ukraines actions remain within the laws of armed conflict. As Polands Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski put it to CNN in September, the victim of aggression has the right to defend itself also on the territory of the aggressor. Ukrainians attend a memorial in Kyiv to mark the 1,000th day of the Russian invasion, November 19, 2024. - Roman Pilipey/AFP/Getty Images Shifting red lines Amid the anxious responses to last weeks developments, it is easy to forget that Ukraine has long launched home-grown drones at targets extremely deep in Russia and that it had already fired Western weapons at territory the Kremlin considers its own. The decision to fire slightly longer-range Western weapons is a difference of degree, not of kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than a year, Kyiv has used British Storm Shadows to strike Crimea, which Russia has occupied since 2014. For months, Kyiv has been allowed to fire ATACMS at Russian targets in occupied Ukraine. By law, Russia considers these territories its own, and warned of dire consequences if Ukraine targeted them with Western weaponry. Since May, Washington has also allowed Kyiv to use shorter-range American rockets to strike targets in Russia across the border from Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region. Before President Joe Biden green-lighted that decision, Putin made similar nuclear threats, warning the move could lead to serious consequences for small and densely populated countries. It did not. Again and again, we prove that when you cross a fake red line nothing really happens, said Alberque. Still, he said the threats were enough to prevent the West from giving Ukraine what it needed to defend itself. Although the threats have yet again intensified following last weeks developments, Albuquerque said there is little reason to suspect that this time really is different. The prospect of an incoming Donald Trump administration long assumed to be Putins desired outcome means Russia is even less likely than usual to make good on its threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The (risk) that theyre suddenly going to do something that would risk actual intervention by the United States or by NATO allies or would fundamentally change global attitudes towards the conflict is relatively low, said Alberque. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A northeast Texas town is in mourning this Thanksgiving week after an officer on its police force died in the line of duty for the first time in over a century. Officer Cooper Dawson, 27, was running after a suspect following a traffic stop Monday night when that suspect ambushed Dawson and shot him multiple times, according to the Greenville Police Department. Despite his critical injuries, Officer Dawson displayed exceptional courage, returning fire and striking the suspect, the department announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawson and the suspect, Christian Robert Sparger, 25, were both taken to a local hospital. Dawson was then airlifted to a hospital in Plano where he died his injuries. Dawson, who was married with three children, died less than a month before his 28th birthday, said Police Chief Chris Smith. He joined the Greenville force in April 2023 after seven years with the Garland Police Department. Dawson also served in the Army National Guard. Officer Dawson dedicated his life to serving others. He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community, Smith said in an emotional news conference Tuesday. The chief wore a black and blue mourning band across his badge. People in Greenville, about 50 miles northeast of Dallas in Hunt County, remembered Dawson as a friendly officer who loved his family and the community. He frequently stopped at a local Italian restaurant during his dinner breaks, the manager told CNN affiliate WFAA. Christian Sparger, seen in a 2023 jail booking photo - Denton County Jail Usually, every evening he was in here, hed FaceTime his wife and kids, Kristen OBrien said. Id hear him talking to his family while hes working before they go to bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said Dawson not only returned fire after being injured but managed to apply a tourniquet to himself while waiting for an ambulance. That is the epitome of what a heroic police officer is, Smith said. There have been 127 US police officers killed in the line of duty this year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Texas has 15 fallen officers in 2024, the most of any state. Dawson was the first Greenville officer to be killed in the line of duty in more than 100 years, Smith said. Well get through, but its gonna hurt, the chief said. Dawsons family has requested privacy, police said in a statement. His funeral is planned for Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nature of the traffic stop that ended in Dawsons death has not been released, but police said Sparger had warrants for probation violations in Denton County that would have led to him being jailed without bond, according to Greenville Police Lt. Brandon West. Sparger pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault last year and was sentenced to probation, Denton County court records show. CNN has reached out to his attorney of record in Denton for comment. In Dawsons death, Sparger was ordered held on $5 million bond on a capital murder charge in Hunt County, according to jail records. It could not immediately be determined whether he had legal representation in Hunt County. His last known medical condition after the shooting was critical, according to police. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened a childrens hospital with consequences after a doctor posted a viral TikTok telling patients theyre not legally obligated to tell a hospital their citizenship status. On November 1, a new executive order went into effect requiring Texas hospitals that accept Medicaid or Childrens Health Insurance Plan to ask patients if theyre US citizens. The question now appears on intake forms at hospitals across the state, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Dr. Tony Pastor, a cardiologist at Texas Childrens Hospital and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, went on to post a TikTok on November 11 telling patients theyre not obligated to answer the question. The video went viral, garnering more than one million views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the Republican governor said on Wednesday the hospitals state funding could be at risk. Hey Texas Childrens Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk, Abbott wrote on X, sharing a link to an Express-News article that reports on Pastors video. ou [sic] better think twice & have crystal clear records, he added. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order. A new executive order from Abbott went into effect on November 1 requiring Texas hospitals that accept Medicaid or Childrens Health Insurance Plan to ask patients if theyre US citizens (Getty Images) Pastor told his followers in the viral TikTok, which appears to be deleted as of Thursday, that people do not actually have to answer the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So my proposal to everyone whos seeing this is, just know that you do not have to answer this question, Pastor said. The cardiologist posted another TikTok earlier this week expanding on his argument. This new law that's asking hospitals for immigration status is under the guise of trying to get data on how much money we're spending on undocumented patients, he said. Pastor also said hes going to keep advocating for our patients because thats why we went to medical school, and not to be ICE deportation people, according to local outlet KFOXTV. Pastor isnt the only one informing patients that they dont have to answer the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District released a flyer informing patients they do not have to tell the hospital their citizenship status. You do not have to answer the citizenship question if you dont want to. Your answer will not affect your care you will not be turned away, the flyer states. You have a right to life-saving care, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The American Civil Liberties Union has also said patients arent legally required to respond. A representative for Texas Childrens Hospital told KFOXTV that they intend to comply with the law. "Texas Childrens fully supports Governor Abbotts new Executive Order and is in full compliance, a hospital spokesperson said in a statement. We have worked closely with the Texas Hospital Association and our industry partners across the state to ensure compliance in advance of the effective date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we recognize that individuals working at Texas Childrens hold their own personal views on many topics, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Childrens Hospital, the spokesperson added. We will continue to prioritize patient care while ensuring we are in full compliance with all laws and legal directives." The Independent has contacted Pastor for comment. SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) A Texas man was killed in a Santa Rosa County crash around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Saraland man accused of dragging woman by car: Mobile Police An FHP news release said the 36-year-old Dallas man was heading southbound on State Road 87 while a 62-year-old man driving the other vehicle was heading northbound on the same road. The Dallas mans vehicle drifted into the northbound lane and hit the other mans vehicle, according to FHP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 men arrested after renting out property that wasnt theirs: Mobile Police The release said the Dallas man was pronounced dead on the scene, and the other man was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. AUSTIN (KXAN) Texas is suing three huge investment firms claiming the companies violated anti-trust laws making you have to pay more for power. The suit claims it happened through climate activism, which in turn reduced coal production and made energy prices soar. Texas is one of 10 states suing Black Rock, Vanguard and State Street. Paxton suing TikTok, referencing SCOPE Act violations This is a federal anti-trust case. These things are complicated, University of Texas law professor Randy Erben said. Paxton joined 10 other attorneys general to sue three of the largest investors in the world. At stake, the suit claims, is by controlling the supply of coal they caused fuel prices to rise. The allegation is they have pushed green energy policies, which would reduce the production of coal, Erben explained. The lawsuit also claims these firms deceived thousands of investors in non-environmental, social and governance funds to maximize their profits. Ken Paxtons evasive relationship with the press You have three very powerful investment houses who are going to be very well represented by very good lawyers, Erben said. Erben also notes this is something that will take a long time to move through the courts. Its probably going to take several years to get final resolution unless they reach a settlement, he said. In a statement, Black Rock said in part The suggestion Black Rock has invested money in companies with the goal of harming those companies is baseless and defies common sense. This lawsuit undermines Texas pro-business reputation and discourages investments in companies consumers rely upon. A State Street statement said the lawsuit is baseless and we look forward to presenting the facts through the legal process. State Street acts in the long-term financial interests of investors with a focus on enhancing shareholder value. As long-term capital providers, we have a mutual interest in the long-term success of our portfolio companies, the statement said in part. A slow-moving process that could be years away from a solution. For the average consumer, will this change their electric bill overnight? Probably not. It just depends on the resolution of this case, Erben said. Judge rejects Paxtons efforts to shut down El Paso migrant shelter KXAN also reached out to Vanguard for comment. The company has not responded. This story will be updated if a response is received. You can read the full lawsuit here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) Six Cambodian activists charged with treason over Facebook comments criticizing their government have been deported from Thailand to stand trial, a pro-democracy group said Thursday. The Khmer Movement for Democracy, a movement formed by opposition leaders in exile, criticized the decision to return the four women and two men Nov. 24, saying they will face inhuman and degrading treatment in Cambodia's overcrowded prison system. Thailand and Cambodia are accused by rights groups of having a de facto agreement to return political dissidents wanted by their home country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The activists Pen Chan Sangkream, Hong An, Mean Chanthon, Yin Chanthou, Soeung Khunthea and Vorn Chanratana are associated with the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party, which was dissolved ahead of the 2018 general election as part of a crackdown on the opposition. The Cambodian Peoples Party subsequently won every seat in the National Assembly in an election that returned autocratic leader Hun Sen to power. Hun Sen ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades until 2023, when he stepped aside to make way for his son, Hun Manet, who was elected prime minister later that year in elections that were criticized internationally as neither free nor fair. The six activists were charged in August by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court with treason after posting statements critical of the Cambodian government's involvement in a decades-old regional development agreement with neighboring countries, said Am Sam Ath Operational Director of local rights group, Licadho. He confirmed the six had been deported by the Thai government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) agreement was a development plan intended to facilitate cooperation on trade and migration in four northeastern provinces of Cambodia and border areas in Laos and Vietnam. It was signed in 1999 and formalized in 2004. Critics focused on land concessions, charging that the pact privileges foreign interests, and particularly that it would cede land and sovereignty to Vietnam, a highly sensitive issue because of Cambodias historical antagonism toward its larger eastern neighbor. Nearly 100 people were also arrested in August in Cambodia for protesting the agreement. Hun Manet defended the crackdown, saying the authorities must protect the social order and security for the sake of all Cambodians, and accused the protesters of seeking to overthrow his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His government then pulled out of the CLV-DTA in September, but the charges against those who protested remain. Kheang Sonadin, a spokesperson for Cambodias department of prisons, said all six activists had been assigned to various prisons on Nov. 25. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison. ___ Rising reported from Bangkok. Thanksgiving is often celebrated in the United States as a time for gratitude, family, and feasting. The narrative taught in schools and popularized in the media paints a harmonious picture of the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a peaceful meal in 1621. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving represents a more complex and painful history that intertwines themes of resilience, loss, and survival. The story of Thanksgiving often erases the broader context of colonization, which brought disease, displacement, and violence to Indigenous peoples. While the feast shared by the Wampanoag Nation and the Pilgrims in 1621 did occur, it was not the idyllic partnership many are taught to believe. The Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, helped the struggling colonists survive their first winter, but this alliance was challenging. Over the following decades, the arrival of European settlers led to the decimation of Native populations through war, broken treaties, and land theft. For Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of this history. The holiday is often associated with the beginning of widespread colonization and the subsequent struggles faced by Native nations to preserve their lands, cultures, and sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some, Thanksgiving is even a day of mourning. The National Day of Mourning, observed by some Indigenous people since 1970, takes place on Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It is a time to reflect on the loss of land, lives, and culture that followed European colonization. Organized by the United American Indians of New England, the event honors ancestors and calls attention to the continued struggles of Indigenous peoples, including issues like land rights, sovereignty, and the protection of sacred sites. Despite its painful historical associations, Thanksgiving can also be a time for Indigenous communities to reclaim and reinterpret the holiday. For some, it is an opportunity to celebrate resilience, community, and cultural survival. Many families gather to share traditional foods and give thanks for the land, each other, and their traditions. These gatherings often serve as acts of resistance, showcasing Indigenous food sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving also highlights the importance of educating non-Natives about the true history of the holiday and its impact on Indigenous peoples. Many leaders and organizations encourage Americans to recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the nation's history and to acknowledge the land on which they live. Land acknowledgment statements, discussions of history, and support for Indigenous-led initiatives can help shift the narrative toward greater understanding and respect. To truly honor the spirit of Thanksgiving, it is vital to recognize its complexities and approach the holiday with mindfulness and respect. Non-Native people can honor Indigenous perspectives during Thanksgiving by acknowledging the land they live on and the history of Indigenous peoples who lived here first, support Native organizations, artists, and businesses, and advocate for policies that support sovereignty and well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By doing so, Thanksgiving can become not just a time for personal gratitude but also a moment to reflect on shared histories and collective responsibilities. About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com The United States has imposed new sanctions on companies and individuals from Russia, China, and North Korea. This was done as part of the Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act. ADVERTISIMENT This became known from a document of the US State Department. The sanctions list includes the Russian company Bearings on Lipetsk LLC, which is a supplier of bearings, and Russian citizen Igor Michurin. The latter was already subject to US sanctions in 2017. Back then, the restrictions were imposed by the US Treasury Department, according to which the Russian was linked to the North Korean company Korea Tangun Trading Corporation. Now, on the same grounds, the Chinese company Dandong Mason-Age Trade Co Ltd and two North Korean citizens have been added to the list. These sanctions are imposed for a period of two years, and then they can be reviewed. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - Earlier, the United States expanded sanctions pressure on the Russian economy and introduced a new package of sanctions in connection with the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine. This time, major players in Russia's banking and financial industry have been restricted. - The United Kingdom expanded sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet" and introduced new restrictions. This time, two Russian insurers and 30 oil tankers linked to Russia were blacklisted. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons By Lisa Michelle King Too often, K-12 social studies classes in the U.S. teach a mostly glossed-over story of U.S. settlement. Textbooks tell the stories of adventurous European explorers founding colonies in the New World, and stories of the first Thanksgiving frequently portray happy colonists and Native Americans feasting together. Accounts of the colonies battle for independence frame it as a righteous victory. Native American removal might be mentioned as a sad footnote, but the triumph of the pioneer spirit takes center stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a scholar of Native American and Indigenous rhetorics, I argue that this superficial story hides the realities of what many historians and activists call settler colonialism. Historian Lorenzo Veracini asserts that colonial activity isnt just about a nation sending out explorers and bringing back resources, or what scholars refer to as classical colonialism. Its also about what happens when a new people moves in and attempts to establish itself as the superior community whose culture, language and rights to resources and land supersede those of the Indigenous people who already live there. When U.S. history, culture and politics are understood through the lens of settler colonialism, its easier to understand how, as historian Patrick Wolfe wrote, settler colonizers come to stay: invasion is a structure, not an event. US policies and why they matter While settler colonial policies can include genocide, they take many forms. Deceptive and broken treaties forced Native American nations to give up vast portions of their homelands. For example, in eastern Tennessee, the Treaty of Holston, signed in 1791, was made in theory to help establish clear boundaries between Cherokee and settler communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government would receive land, and the Cherokee would receive annual payments, goods and the promise of the governments protection in return. Instead, settlers moved onto Cherokee land and the U.S. government did not intervene. By 1798, the First Treaty of Tellico forced the Cherokee to give up the land the settlers had illegally taken, plus some. Year by year, the Cherokee and other tribes were pushed out. Forced outright removal beyond treaties further deprived Native American nations of their land and attempted to erase them. Instead of supporting any kind of coexistence, legislation such as the 1830 Indian Removal Act called for the complete removal of all tribes east of the Mississippi River. Though the Cherokee and others fought such legislation in the courtroom, the result was the displacement of 100,000 Native people from the eastern U.S. between 1830-1850 and the deaths of thousands of Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee and Seminole people on the Trail of Tears. Blood quantum systems of identification attempted to make Native American people disappear by assigning Native American identity through counting the fractional amount of Indian blood and encouraging intermarriage with non-Native people. Once a certain degree of intermarriage was reached, a person was no longer considered Native and was not eligible for tribal enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As scholar and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation Elizabeth Rule notes, many Native nations today have adopted the use of blood quantum as a form of identification, which remains a controversial issue inside and outside Native communities. At the same time, she observes, it is the sovereign right of those nations to make these choices. However, the problem of erasure through this system remains, as blood quantum requirements can deny citizenship to clear lineal descendants and complicate discussions about Freedmen. Alongside these policies, education was used as a tool to eradicate Native American languages and cultures by removing Native children from their families and forbidding them to speak their languages or practice their cultures. As the founder of the first boarding school, Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Richard Henry Pratt is well known for arguing to Kill the Indian, Save the Man. Abuse of students was not uncommon. Many boarding school survivors experienced the trauma of losing connections to their families and cultures, a pain that is still felt today. Twentieth-century U.S. policies of relocation and political termination further attempted to absolve the federal government of its treaty responsibilities to Native nations. If the U.S. government could terminate tribal nations by disbanding them as nations, then all obligations to tribes would legally disappear and all remaining tribal land would revert to government ownership. After the passing of House Concurrent Resolution 108 in 1953, more than 100 tribes and 13,000 Native people experienced termination, and more than 1 million acres of land were lost. Further federal policies such as the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 encouraged tribal members to permanently leave reservations and relocate to cities to find work and thus assimilate into U.S. society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, these policies were not fully carried out, and many tribal nations advocated for their status to be restored. Yet real damage was done to the tribal nations that endured termination, and relocated tribal members faced discrimination and disconnection. Reducing harm It isnt possible to simply undo all of these policies and their impact. Yet scholars Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang acknowledge that challenging those policies and reducing their influence, known as settler harm reduction, is a first step toward change. But for change to happen, those who benefit from the settler colonial system whether original settlers or anyone today who gains advantage from these policies need to work with Native American nations and communities toward finding active ways to do better. The starting point is identifying the stories that still circulate in the U.S. about Native Americans and finding ways to change settler colonial assumptions that still reinforce Native American erasure. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I believe teaching the Thanksgiving story alongside the Wampanoag peoples of today is an easy place to start. The past cannot be undone, but it doesnt have to dictate the future. Lisa Michelle King is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Tennessee DENVER (KDVR) Weather aside, many travelers at Denver International Airport heading out for the holiday noted issues with parking and many full lots on Wednesday. Pikes Peak Lot and multiple off-site garage lots were full before noon, creating some timing issues for some travelers. FOX31 found that parking at DIAs West Garage took over 20 minutes. Heres where over 2 feet of snow fell in Colorado before Thanksgiving Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not all travelers were stuck circling lots looking for an empty space. I ended Ubering because I had seen a lot about the parking already Ashley Parriott said. Another option was public transit, which Ashley Esquive and her family took advantage of. We took the bus from Boulder. We knew it was going to be a crazy day, but actually the lines are pretty good so far. she said. We choose to not drive specifically because of that, her partner, Eric Cowan, said. Still, there were people who planned ahead and made the drive in. Out here on the west, in the west parking lot. It was packed, barely got a spot, but otherwise its been pretty simple. Not that bad. Deigo Vasquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver International Airport posts real-time parking updates on its website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. GRINNELL, Iowa Traffic flowed at a steady pace, even slowing to a stop at points east of the metro due to all the cars. Despite all that, people kept their spirits up traveling along I-80 and I-35 to see family and friends. Were heading south to Springhill, Kansas, south of Kansas City and were gonna stay with our, Elizabeths, niece and her husband and family and some other members of the family will be there with us, said David Rodgers of Plymouth, MN. Governor Reynolds will reapply for waiver for federal summer food program Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My older sister will be there as well and were very close so Im looking forward to having some time with her, said Elizabeth Rogers. We have two wonderful children. One is in New York City doing residency, so he couldnt be with us and our daughter and her family are actually in California. My Thanksgiving will be spent with my son and his wife and three grandchildren and itll be wonderful, said Jean Moffitt, of Johnston. Itll be fun and the new one is a month old. Were going to see our daughters doctor in Iowa City, said Chelsea Hartman, of Braddyville. She fell in a fire in May 2023 and then were gonna go to my moms house in Cedar Rapids. Going over to be with my daughter and her family and Im just gonna spend a couple of days and have a good family time, said Ken Cooper of Nebraska, who was heading to Chicago. Latest Iowa News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Nov. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin placed pre-holiday calls on Tuesday and Wednesday to members of each branch of the U.S. military to wish them a happy Thanksgiving. "Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude for service members and their families for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in defense of the nation," the Department of Defense announced Wednesday in a news release. Austin "commended their critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States, as well as their continued commitment to supporting America's allies and partners around the globe," the news release continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also "acknowledged the professionalism and integrity with which they carry out their duties, recognizing the vital contributions they make every day in service to the country," the DOD said. Austin spoke with members of the 12th Cavalry Regiment of the 2nd Battalion that is deployed in Poland, Marine Corps Combat Logistics Battalion 31 in Okinawa and the USS Stockdale, which is deployed in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. The Navy estimates nearly 45,000 pounds of roast turkey will be served to sailors on ships, along with 11,457 pounds of mashed potatoes, 5,654 pounds of stuffing and 23,678 assorted pies. Photo by Ruben Rodriguez Santiago/U.S. Army/Stars and Stripes Austin also spoke with airmen with the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron in Qatar and the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks also offered a "message of gratitude" while "paying tribute to the sacrifices of U.S. service members, civilian personnel and their families" in a video message, the DOD announced in a separate news release. U.S. troops in hard-to-reach places around the globe have received nearly 140,000 pounds of turkey, 177,000 pounds of beef, 98,000 pounds of ham, 49,000 pounds of shrimp, 46,753 pounds of sweet potatoes and 9,324 cases of pies and cakes for Thanksgiving. Photo by Claudia LaMantia/U.S. Army/Stars and Stripes "As families gather in the comfort of their homes and the warmth of the dinner table, we remember all that you do to ensure the safety and security that enable these holiday traditions," Hicks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deployed troops won't have to miss a Thanksgiving dinner after the Defense Logistics Agency and armed forces supply center delivered about 700,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving foods to troops in hard-to-reach places, Stars and Stripes reported. The troops received nearly 140,000 pounds of turkey, 177,000 pounds of beef, 98,000 pounds of ham and 49,000 pounds of shrimp for holiday meals. They also have 46,753 pounds of sweet potatoes and 9,324 cases of pies and cakes upon which to feast. The amount of food distributed this year is about 360,000 pounds more than they received last year for the Thanksgiving holiday. THORNTON, Colo. (KDVR) Several thieves broke into a Thornton jewelry store, stealing a significant amount of gold. Around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, the Thornton Police Department said the Joyeria El Ruby store, near Washington and 88th Avenue, was burglarized. Surveillance video showed two vehicles parked in front of the business, as three suspects used a crowbar to break into two doors. There was damage to the doors. They broke into the store, stole we dont have an amount just yet but its significant in gold, said owner Xitlali Munoz. Two of them ran to the back, one hopped over the display and they had a couple of minutes, it was all pretty fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After taking a large amount of gold jewelry, officers said the suspects fled in their vehicles, which were reported stolen prior to this incident. At least one additional suspect is believed to have remained in the vehicle during the burglary. World renowned comedy club The Second City troupe performing in Northglenn Its very sad to see all of the hard work, day in and day out, and just see it stripped away from you in a couple of minutes, its really sad, said Munoz. We havent had anything happen to this in the past 10 years that weve been here. But, now we definitely feel insecure. Were not as comfortable as we were before. Joyeria El Ruby is now restocking their supply, as the damage is all fixed from the burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just asking that the community can help us identify these men so we can have justice, said Munoz. TPD says if you know anything about this incident, call their tipline at 720-977-5069. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Third judge denies bail for Sean 'Diddy' Combs Combs had hoped a Manhattan judge would approve home-detention in a rented Manhattan brownstone. This bail request was Combs' 3rd attempt to be freed pending his May 5 sex-trafficking trial. Three judges have now ruled Combs posed too high a risk of violence and obstructing justice. A federal judge in Manhattan on Wednesday night denied the third and likely last bid by Sean "Diddy" Combs to be freed on home confinement pending his May 5 trial date on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. "No condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community," including witnesses and prospective jurors, if Combs were released, wrote US District Judge Arun Subramanian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The indictment charges Combs with serious and violent crimes," the judge wrote in an 11-page bail denial that quotes extensively from the allegations in denying bail. "It alleges that "[f]or decades," Combs 'abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct,'" the judge quoted the indictment saying. The judge also made reference to the notorious hotel hallway-sureveillance video showing Combs beating ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, saying it is "direct evidence of Combs' violence." Also weighing against bail is evidence gathered by federal prosecutors "supporting a serious risk of witness tampering," the judge wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs deleted a series of texts he sent to a key grand jury witness in the days before and after the witness testified before a grand jury in July, the judge wrote. This witness, identified only as "Witness 1," is a male sex worker who had participated in "freak offs," elaborate, days-long sex parties that Combs allegedly coerced his victims into joining, according to other court filings. Even during his more than two months in jail, Combs continued to try to influence witnesses and prospective jurors, at times through unauthorized three-way calls or by paying other inmates to use their phone access, the judge wrote. "His willingness to skirt BOP rules in a way that would make it more difficult for his communications to be monitored is strong evidence that the Court cannot be reasonably assured as to the sufficiency of any conditions of release," the judge wrote, using the acronym for the federal Bureau of Prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's especially troubling, the judge added, that Combs tried to skirt BOP regulations while he was seeking bail, "and when he knew the government's concerns about witness tampering and obstruction were front and center." In September, two other judges a magistrate judge, and Combs' previous case judge had rejected bail out of similar concerns over violence and potential witness tampering. Combs had hoped his home for the next eight or so months as he awaited and then submitted to a federal sex-trafficking trial would be a four-bedroom, single-family Manhattan brownstone, said a source involved in the bail planning who asked for anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press. The home would have had space for a defense command center and for several family members to live there too, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs was prepared to post a bail bond for $50 million, collateralized by his Miami mansion. The bond would have been co-signed by his mother, Janice, his sister, his three adult sons, along with two women a bail application described as "the mother of his oldest daughter" and "the mother of his youngest daughter." Combs would also have worn a GPS tracking ankle bracelet and could only leave the residence to go to court or see a doctor, his lawyers told the judge. "Mr. Combs will not have access to a cell phone," his lawyers wrote the judge in a last-ditch plea for bail on Tuesday. "Rather, the cell phone will be in the exclusive possession of the security detail, which will keep a written log of all incoming and outgoing calls, texts, messages, etc." Only his lawyers and specific family members those approved by the court would be allowed to visit, and these visits would be monitored by security personnel, Combs' defense promised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparing for a May 5 trial date was "impossible" from his current housing, the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, his lawyers had also argued. Prosecutors have accused Combs of breaking federal Bureau of Prison rules as recently as this week by trying to influence potential witnesses and jurors from jail, including through forbidden messaging apps and three-way calls. Defense lawyers had countered that they could keep Combs just as secure on home confinement or even more secure than in the jail where he's lived since his September 16 arrest. The US Probation and Pretrial Services and federal prosecutors had opposed his release. Combs has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers have said in court and in filings that the sexual behavior alleged in the indictment was consensual, and that his accusers have financial incentive to implicate him. An attorney for Combs declined to comment on the bail denial. A spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bail denial. Read the original article on Business Insider By Michael Holden and Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -A team of Bulgarians carried out surveillance on a U.S. military base in Germany where Ukrainian forces were being trained, one of six operations they undertook as part of a spying conspiracy for Russia, prosecutors told a London court on Thursday. Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, are accused of being part of a highly sophisticated spying network, run by a Russian agent named as Jan Marsalek, an Austrian national, which gathered surveillance of individuals and locations in Britain and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutor Alison Morgan said the trio had put many lives at risk. The three defendants deny the allegations. Morgan told jurors at the start of the trial at London's Old Bailey court that two other men, Orlin Roussev and Bizer Dzhambazov, had admitted being part of the spying conspiracy. She said the group had carried out surveillance, used false identities, deployed advanced technologies and compiled detailed reports in return for significant sums of money. They were acting under the direction of Roussev who himself was receiving instructions from Marsalek, who used the false name of Rupert Ticz, Morgan said. Marsalek is the former chief operating officer for collapsed payments company Wirecard and his current whereabouts are unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivanova, Gaberova, and Ivanchev deny a charge of conspiracy to gather information useful to an enemy between August 2020 and February 2023. Ivanova also denies possessing false identity documents. Their trial is expected to last until February. 'SIX OPERATIONS' Morgan told the jury that the spying ring had been involved in six key operations, including one involving surveillance in late 2022 at the Patch barracks in Germany, a U.S. base near Stuttgart where Ukrainian troops were being trained to use surface-to-air missiles. Other alleged operations involved surveillance on Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian national who worked for the investigative website Bellingcat and was the lead investigator on its reports about the 2018 poisoning of the Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roussev and Marsalek in 2021 exchanged messages about Grozev, discussing placing him under surveillance or stealing his computer and taking it to a Russian embassy, Morgan said. "They even discussed kidnapping him and taking him to Russia or killing him," she added. Morgan said the group had also targeted Roman Dobrokhotov, a Russian living in Britain who is editor in chief of The Insider, Bergey Ryskaliyev, a former Kazakh politician granted asylum in Britain, and Russian dissident Kiril Kachur. The sixth operation involved staging a demonstration outside the Kazakh embassy in London to create the pretence they had details of those responsible, which they would pass to Kazakh intelligence to gain favour with Kazakhstan on behalf of Russia, Morgan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan said their activity was extremely risky personally, and involved following targets on planes and even envisaged that the two female suspects would be used as a "honey trap, as sexual bait to capture more information from their targets". The prosecutor said the defendants might argue that they were "ignorant as to what was really going on" or had been misled about what they were doing and why. Morgan added: "It is inconceivable that they did not know what they were doing and why they were doing it." Britain's relations with Russia, already at their worst in decades over Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have been further strained by recent reports that Kyiv has used British long-range missiles inside Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday Russia expelled a British diplomat it accused of espionage, while in October the UK's domestic spy chief accused Russian intelligence services of seeking to cause "mayhem". (Reporting by Michael Holden and Sam TobinEditing by Kate Holton, Gareth Jones, William Maclean) Multiple children in Camp Washington were exposed to mercury recently, the neighborhood's community council said in a news release Wednesday, and officials are concerned there could be more cases. The United States Environmental Protection Agency told The Enquirer they confirmed at least three children in the area have been exposed to mercury, a toxic metal that can cause flu-like symptoms or more severe effects like neurological issues. However, other children may have also been exposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 16, members of the Cincinnati Fire Department and Cincinnati Health Department responded to reports of a child exposed to mercury. Roughly a week later, firefighters discovered "the source" of the mercury on Ethan Avenue in Camp Washington and contained it, the release reads. On Monday, ground contamination was discovered by the EPA near the corner of Ethan Avenue and Colerain Avenue. Officials are in the process of remediating the spill via vacuuming, debris removal and removal of a section of sidewalk and a parking lot. The health department is concerned that "many children" may have been in direct physical contact with the mercury and that the department has not located everyone who was exposed, the release said. How did children come into contact with mercury? According to the U.S. EPA, a group of children were found on Ethan Avenue playing with liquid mercury in driveways and sidewalks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. EPA was unable to give an exact date of when the children were found playing with the mercury but said the Ohio EPA notified them Monday of the spill. The children found the mercury in a jar at a nearby junkyard. Officials are concerned that kids may still have some of the mercury and it therefore remains in the community. Cincinnati Fire Department stressed that "no one would be in trouble for handling or possessing the chemical," the release reads, "but are going door to door to make sure everyone who needs to be treated is." A CincyAlert was sent Tuesday evening to the Camp Washington community. Fire officials canvassed the neighborhood Wednesday morning to place informational fliers at all residences in the immediate area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All the people" who are known to be exposed are doing well, the release said. Cincinnati Public Schools were notified about the possible mercury exposure and will work to help the health department address the issue when children return to school next week. What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning? The effects of mercury exposure can be severe, subtle or non-existent depending on factors such as the form of mercury, the amount of mercury in the exposure, the age of the person exposed and how long the exposure lasts, according to the EPA's website. Children are particularly vulnerable to mercury poisoning. According to the Cincinnati Fire Department medical director, symptoms of mercury poisoning from short-term exposure include a flu-like illness, difficulty breathing, lethargy, confusion and a prolonged headache. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms of mercury poisoning from long-term exposure may appear days to weeks later and include visual disturbances, difficulty walking and "weird" neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness that don't resolve quickly. Officials are asking those whose kids may have been exposed to contact the City of Cincinnati's Health Department at 1-800-222-1222. For more information, visit response.epa.gov/EthanAvenueMercurySpill. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Children exposed to mercury in Camp Washington BEIJING (Reuters) - Three Chinese citizens who figured in a prisoner swap with the United States have returned home "safe and sound", the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday. China will keep up efforts to repatriate fugitives and recover criminals, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing. In a comment on the United States upgrading its travel caution for China, Mao said China always opposed creating "chilling effects". (Reporting by Colleen Howe and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Three people are dead and a fourth has been hospitalized with serious injuries after their Tesla Cybertruck was involved in a single-vehicle collision and became engulfed in flames in northern California, authorities said. Police Chief Jeremy Bowers in Piedmont, a city of some 10,600 people just outside Oakland, Calif., told reporters in a press conference that the crash occurred at the intersection of Hampton Road and King Avenue just after 3 a.m. local time Wednesday. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with Bowers stating that there is no indication that a mechanical issue was a primary reason. He added that speed likely played a contributing factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the four people had left an unidentified function in the Cybertruck prior to the crash, which an iPhone inside the vehicle had notified police of at 3:08 a.m. Bowers said officers arrived two minutes later to find the vehicle "fully engulfed in flames" and a bystander trying to extract an occupant from it. Officers attempted to put out the flames with extinguishers, which failed to do so because of the fire's intensity, he said. Firefighters, who arrived on scene at 3:16 a.m., were able to quickly put out the flames, Piedmont Fire Chief David Brannigan said. "Due to the quick nature of being able to suppress the fire, we don't think the main lithium batteries were on fire, but that's going to be determined by the investigation," Brannigan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sole survivor of the crash had been pulled from the Cybertruck by a motorist who may have been leaving the same function as the victims, Bowers explained. Brannigan said the unidentified motorist "probably saved a life." "It's good to know that somebody was willing to help," he said. The identities of the victims would not be released to the public at this time, Bowers said, out of respect for the families' privacy. He told reporters that the crash is going to have a lasting impact on Piedmont. "This is a very tight-knit community and this is a community that is going to rally around members that are affected by this tragedy," he said. "But there's no doubt this is going to be immensely impactful for this community. It already has been and it will continue to be so." The Cybertruck, produced Tesla, which is owned by Elon Musk, went on sale in November of last year. Since then, it has been subjected to six recalls, with the most recent being issued earlier this month. In one of Kyiv's districts, sappers discovered the wreckage of an X-55 cruise missile. The "find" was carefully removed by pyrotechnics and taken to a safe place. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the press service of the Mobile Rescue Center of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Residents of the city were urged not to ignore the danger reports. "In Kyiv, SES sappers continue to eliminate the consequences of enemy attacks. Specialists of the pyrotechnic unit found the remains of an X-55 cruise missile in one of the capital's districts. These remnants did not pose a direct threat to the population, but their prompt removal and neutralization is an important part of measures aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens," the press service added. The X-55 is a Soviet strategic aviation cruise missile. It was developed at the "Raduga" Design Bureau in Dubna in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The missile is carried by Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers. ADVERTISIMENT Flies at subsonic speeds at extremely low altitudes, avoiding terrain. Designed for use against strategically important stationary ground targets with known coordinates. As reported by OBOZ.UA, a warhead of the Russian UAV "Geranium-2 " (Shahed-136) was found on the territory of a private household in the Boryspil district of Kyiv. The sappers were called to the scene and carefully removed the explosive find. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Irelands youngest ever prime minister, Simon Harris, may have thought he had a victory in Irelands upcoming general election all but shored up. Touted as the TikTok taoiseach, Harris had used his last seven months in power to try and reassure Irelands young population that, at 38 years old, he understands their frustrations over key issues such as an entrenched housing crisis, its own issue separate from the high cost of living. It all seemed to be going to plan with his political party, Fine Gael, riding high in the polls until last week when a clip went viral of Harris walking away from visibly upset care worker Charlotte Fallon, who tried to ask him questions on the campaign trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Harris reaching back out to Fallon and issuing a public apology, Jennifer Bray, a journalist working for the Irish Times newspaper, who has followed Harris on the trail, told CNN that the viral mishap was by far the defining moment of the 2024 election campaign. Top figures within Harris party quickly became concerned that undecided voters would see the clip and doubt his sincerity as a leader, Bray added. Even before this, the center-right Fine Gael party had its work cut out trying to extend a 14-year stint in power, which in recent elections has only been achieved through complex coalition arrangements. If successful in Fridays ballot, the party will have achieved a new record in Irish politics, according to David Farrell, a politics professor at University College Dublin. Political commentators say there is however a very real prospect that the party may fall victim to the incumbency curse, which has seen incumbent political parties around the globe fail to maintain their standing in elections this year. Election posters in support of Fine Gael in Dublin, Ireland, on November 27, 2024. - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Huge volatility among the electorate On Friday, Ireland will elect 174 members of parliament (TDs) by the system of proportional representation with a single vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A poll published by the Irish Times newspaper on Monday found a 6-point drop in support for the taoiseachs party, just five days before the election. The three main parties, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein are polling at 21%, 19% and 20% respectively. Small parties and independents make up the remaining 40%. For the lifespan of the Irish republic, the government has been led by the two centrist parties, either Fine Gael or Fianna Fail, with a historic coalition that included the Green Party in 2020. Borne out of the two sides who fought against each other in the Irish civil war, which ended in 1923, the two parties now share many similarities when it comes to policy. Both have adopted a broadly centrist position over the years. Whilst in power, Fine Gael has overseen more economic liberal policy whilst Fianna Fail has tended to lean more toward the traditionally conservative side, although both have proven malleable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats an unusual feature, because in most other European democracies, what you tend to find is the centrist parties are very weak, Farrell explains. In the 2020 election, to much surprise, the opposition party Sinn Fein won the popular vote but were thwarted by the main political parties who refused to enter government with them. An elections worker checks the seal on empty ballot boxes that will be used in the upcoming election in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday. - Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters Ahead of Fridays vote, Mike Miley, the head of Public Affairs for strategy firm Teneo in Ireland and a former Fine Gael press officer, described the coalition possibilities as vast and wide, stressing that with the exception of a far-left government led by Sinn Fein any coalition will have to include two out of the three major parties. The major question being who will be willing to partner up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This election campaign has revealed a huge volatility amongst the Irish public still, Bray said. Voters want to see long term action on the housing and homeless crisis, but they were unsure which party offered a viable path to change, she added. Fight for social media influence One key arena where Irish politicians have vied for votes is social media. Simon Harris has prided himself on his prolific use of platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram. However, social media experts have pointed out that some of his political opponents such as 35-year-old leader of the Social Democrats party, Holly Cairns, and Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, have much higher engagement levels. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald speaks to the media in her Dublin constituency on November 25, 2024. - Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images Cairns has the kind of numbers that would be the envy of any brand or content creator in terms of engagement, said Donagh Humphreys, head of Social and Digital Innovation at youth marketing agency Thinkhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was younger voters who helped to spearhead the progressive social changes which defined recent Irish history such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of an abortion ban. This time around, Farrell said that any new government will be inheriting a different kind of country. I certainly think the Ireland of the great social change, the abortion, the gay marriage and the divorce Im feeling that day is probably gone now, for a while, he told CNN. There are also concerns about the potential economic shock that a looming Donald Trump presidency in the United States might trigger. Trump has made no secret of his plans to lure back US firms who have headquartered overseas, in what is sure to be a blow to the Irish economy which has long attracted US tech companies with its competitive corporate tax rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bray said the 2024 election was consequently marked by an anxiety amongst the electorate about what might lie ahead, along with increasing questions about the long-term vision for the country. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Originally appeared on E! Online The content creating community has lost a rising star. Jiare Schneideran aspiring TikToker who went missing Nov. 15was found dead Nov. 26 in the woods near his Georgia home, the Clayton County Police Department confirmed to multiple outlets. He was 31. Family friend Germequa Bell said Schneiders body was discovered when his loved ones searched around the wooded area since it had not yet been gone through due to ongoing construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We went to the woods, she told FOX 5 Atlanta Nov. 26, and there he was. We knew when he disappeared that something was up. After discovering Schneiders body, the group called the police. Authorities told FOX 5 that Schneiders body was located around 1 p.m. inside a Toyota 4Runner that family members said he had borrowed from a friend. Schneiders family later told authorities he had planned to take the car for a night out at Rumors Night Club Nov. 15 before he went missing. Bell said Schnieder's loved ones believe he had visited a nearby content housea term commonly used to describe a location where social media creators work or live together25 minutes away from where his body was found. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were searching more toward around that content house he was last seen at, she added to FOX 5. We never got to come this way because it was blocked off." Clayton County Police Department spokesperson Lt. Ricky Porter told the outlet that the vehicle was found deep in the woods, indicating that there was a fast speed approaching the intersection. Jiare Schneider Police said an investigation into Schneiders death is ongoing. Schneider leaves behind a young son who suffers from DiGeorge syndrome, a disorder that occurs when a piece of the 22nd chromosome is missing, according to Bell. She said he will be remembered as a loving father, friend and brother. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) For 10 years, Judy Brogan has been giving out holiday gift baskets to seniors in the Tiverton community. Im a registered nurse. Ive worked for the last 28 years in long-term care, so Ive always had a soft spot in my heart for the elderly, she explained. Brogan started raffling off baskets at work and donated the proceeds to the resident activity fund. Then I started Santa for Seniors, she said. I started with maybe about 20 baskets. Ive worked up to about 50 of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toys for Tots: Donations open now through Dec. 17 In the past, Brogan bought everything for the baskets herself. This year, she got some help from the community after posting about the project on social media. I put a basket at the police department, and I went down there four times to empty out that basket, Brogan explained. My fellow Tivertonians, they came through. Every year the baskets have a theme. This years theme is focused on keeping peoples minds sharp. In the baskets this year, I have large-print crossword puzzles and word seek puzzles. I have coffee cups, some different assorted teas, hot chocolate, Brogan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pretty much everything so they can sit, relax, have a cup of tea, do a crossword puzzle and just keep their mind active, she continued. The gift baskets sit in a Tiverton police cruiser, ready to be delivered. (Jake Holter/ WPRI-TV) The baskets are delivered to seniors doors by police officers in uniform. Theyre coming, and theyre visiting them, Brogan said. Theyre giving them a little gift to let them know that theyre still thought about. Were going to get to that point too, she added. All of these people were somebody They were nurses or TV reporters or policemen theyre still human. For Brogan, spreading the holiday cheer is a worthwhile effort, and she would like to see the project grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just that one minute of seeing somebody happy really makes me feel good, she said. Tiverton police are also collecting donations for kids 17 and under. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, you can bring gift cards or a new and unwrapped toy to Toms Market at 492 Main Road and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. NEXT: Celtics team up with Make-A-Wish to give kids a VIP experience Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester man was arrested, accused of threatening and stalking a police officer. According to officials, the Rochester police officer who fell victim to the alleged stalking, had initially participated in the arrest of 37-year-old Orlando Justice on Nov. 23 at the RTS Bus Terminal on St. Paul Street on separate charges of trespass and resisting arrest. Officials said Justice was drunk at the time of arrest and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital where he allegedly threatened the arresting officers, spit at them, and told officers that he would find [them] and come to [their] houses. Justice was then charged and issued an appearance ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, officials said the officer received a series of phone calls on his personal cell phone from an unknown number, which he did not answer. Eventually, the officer answered, and Justice allegedly identified himself as the caller. Officials said Justice told the officer, I told you that I would find you, and that he knew the officers personal information, including where he lived, reciting the officers home address. Justice also allegedly told the officer that he messed with the wrong one, and that he was a different breed of human. The officer then told Justice to not call him again and hung up the phone. Officials said the officer received a FaceTime call from Justice a few minutes later, who was allegedly demanding that the officer give him the names of the other RPD officers who were at the scene during his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 26, Rochester Police went to Justices residence in an attempt to arrest him but were unsuccessful. Moments later the officer answered a FaceTime video call from Justice where he allegedly asked the officer why did your friends come to my house? A few minutes later, Justice allegedly called 911 and asked to speak with a sergeant, falsely claiming that the officer was contacting and harassing him. Justice then allegedly asked to file a complaint against the officer for the use of excessive force. Officials said the sergeant, who was unfamiliar with Justices past interactions with the officer, offered to send officers to take his complaint. However, prosecutors said Justice refused and insisted he would only meet with the sergeant one-on-one. Justice then appeared in court for his initial appearance ticket Wednesday morning and was detained pending a detention hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice was charged by criminal complaint with the transmission of threats in interstate commerce and stalking, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Conservationists in New Mexico are thrilled by a steadily improving otter population. According to KRQE News, most of the state's otters were lost in the early 1900s because of unregulated trapping and habitat loss. However, thanks to restoration efforts, there are hopes the mammals will fully establish themselves in the region once again. Nick Forman, carnivore and small mammal program manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, told KRQE that 33 otters were released in the state between 2008 and 2010. By 2018, a report revealed the otter population had grown to 100 strong. A further nine otters have been brought to the state from Louisiana to further support the population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to being a well-loved animal, otters play an important role in an ecosystem. As the National Environmental Education Foundation observed, the predators help to maintain natural balance by keeping prey species numbers under control. Otters also help to improve water quality, which is beneficial for river health and the human water supply. "They provide that ecosystem service of being a top predator," Forman added. "To have them back on the landscape after being gone for so long, it's really bringing back that native part of the landscape. It's good to have this species back in the role it's always played in our rivers and lakes." Similar efforts worldwide are helping to support threatened animal populations and restore ecosystem balance. For example, a dam removal project on the California-Oregon border has helped wild salmon return to historic river routes, while the reintroduction of beavers in Scotland has boosted endangered water voles. These efforts prove that, despite the destructive actions of humans in the past that led to the harm and near-extinction of various animal species, local climate action is helping to restore ecosystems and reverse that damage. It's never too late to make a positive change. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. TOPEKA (KSNT) Topekans rushed to local stores Wednesday night in a last-minute dash to grab what they need for the Thanksgiving holiday. 27 News caught up with some last-minute shoppers in the Topeka area on the night of Nov. 27 to see what theyre getting before Thanksgiving Day. There was no shortage of shoppers to be found at businesses like Fleming Place Wine & Spirits or the Seabrook Apple Market. Evelyn Fitzpatrick, shopping at the Seabrook Apple Market, told a 27 News reporter shes been holding a Friendsgiving celebration for the past 10 years where everyone pitches in with the cooking efforts. She said she was making a last-minute trip to the store to complete her contribution for the big day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Toy Scout is coming to Manhattan, Topeka I dont have enough eggs to make my pecan pie! Fitzpatrick said. Im older so Im by myself and my friends are by themselves so were having an orphan Thanksgiving. Liquor stores like Fleming Place also saw a mad dash for drinks as state law requires these types of businesses to close on Nov. 28. Workers at Fleming Place said they even have special holiday uniforms to wear. Thanksgiving rush is great! said Bryan McDonald, owner of Fleming Place Wine & Spirits. We just absolutely love it. So, one of the things that we focus on is getting people in and out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People looking for a bite to eat on Thanksgiving will find only a limited number of local restaurants and fast food chains open for the holiday. Major stores like Dillons will also have reduced hours. Topeka fire station begins major renovation work For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. SALTVILLE, Va. (WJHL)The Town of Saltville announced that its new permanent water pump is installed and functioning correctly. The town said in a release that it is working to fill lines now and asks residents to conserve water. TDOT, local law enforcement share holiday travel tips The boil water notice is still in effect for Saltville. The permanent pump was brought from Mississippi after residents had been without water for over a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Two people are dead and two others are hospitalized with critical injuries following four separate crashes, including two hit-and-run crashes, around the Las Vegas valley within 12 hours. Hit-and-run crash on I-15 injures woman The most recent crash occured early Thanksgiving morning on I-15 southbound near Lake Mead Boulevard where a woman was struck by a hit-and-run driver and suffered critical injuries, according to Nevada State Police. Troopers are asking the public for assistance in finding the hit-and-run suspects vehicle, a 2018 Cadillac Escalade or a GMC Yukon, and the driver. The vehicles color is unknown, but it may have left front or side damage. Deadly hit-and-run crash involving stolen vehicle on E. Lake Mead Blvd. Another early morning crash on Thanksgiving killed a 28-year-old man on a scooter who was attempting to cross the intersection of E. Lake Mead Boulevard and Sloan Lane just before 2 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas Metropolitan police said the man was struck by a stolen vehicle described as a 2013 Hyundai Sonata which was speeding when it entered the intersection. The driver of the stolen car lost control after the crash, and struck several fixed objects, causing the driver to be ejected. According to police, the driver and passenger fled the area on foot. The scooter rider died at the scene. Woman struck, killed at Nellis and Twain On Wednesday, just before 7:30 p.m., a 56-year-old woman crossing Nellis Boulevard, south of Twain Avenue, was outside of a crosswalk when she was struck and killed by a driver in a Nissan Sentra. Metro police said the Nissans driver remained at the scene and did not show signs of impairment. The woman who was struck was transported to Sunrise Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Pedestrian critically injured at Valley View and Blue Diamond A pedestrian is hospitalized with critical injuries after being struck around 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday on South Valley View Boulevard north of Blue Diamond Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro police said the pedestrian was crossing Valley View, outside of a marked crosswalk, when they were struck by a Chevrolet Cruze. Police said the driver remained at the scene and did not show any signs of impairment. All of the crashes remain under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. On the morning of November 28, the aggressor country of Russia launched cruise missiles at Ukraine from ships and aircraft after terrorizing the country with attack drones all night. The alarm spread to all regions, with explosions in some, including confirmed hits in Kharkiv and Volyn. ADVERTISIMENT The enemy attacked energy facilities, which led to emergency power outages. The threat of strikes was reported by the Ukrainian Air Force, and details on the movement of enemy targets were reported by monitoring channels. Kyiv The Kyiv City Military Administration reported that as a result of a missile strike by Russian troops on the capital, debris fell in the Dniprovsky district. According to preliminary reports, the debris fell on an open area. There was no information on casualties or damage. The data of the operational report is being updated. Later, the city administration clarified that the rocket debris fell on the territory of the enterprise. As a result, several outbuildings and a truck were slightly damaged. Kharkiv region In a massive attack on the morning of November 28, Putin's terrorists launched missile attacks on Kharkiv. The largest district of the city, Kyivskyi, was under enemy attack, where a civilian enterprise was hit. ADVERTISIMENT "According to preliminary information, the strikes hit the territory of a civilian enterprise in Kharkiv's Kyivskyi district. At the moment, there is no information about the victims," wrote Mayor Igor Terekhov. The head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov, said that three explosions had occurred in the city. He also clarified that the missile strike damaged the production buildings of an enterprise and the windows of a residential apartment building. Volyn region Lutsk Mayor Ihor Polishchuk said that several hits by Russian missiles were recorded in the regional center. He noted that part of the city has lost power supply, so critical infrastructure facilities will be connected to alternative energy sources. It was also decided to transfer schoolchildren who study in the first shift to distance learning. The mayor noted that Lutsk has heating stations where you can also connect to the Internet. ADVERTISIMENT Rivne region The head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Koval, said that Russian terrorists attacked the region with rockets. As a result of the shelling, more than 280,000 subscribers in the region were left without electricity. There were also interruptions in water supply. According to the OVA, schools in Rivne and part of the Rivne district have been switched to distance learning. The JFO promised to provide more information about the consequences of the attack later. Khmelnytsky region During the morning massive rocket attack, several explosions occurred in Khmelnytskyi. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the missiles came to strike the regional center in several waves. ADVERTISIMENT Eyewitnesses said that after the explosions, electricity was cut off in some parts of the city. There was no official information from the authorities as of 9:00 am. Vinnytsia region First Deputy Head of Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration Natalia Zabolotna reported that the consequences of the Russian strike were recorded in the region. As a result of the missile attack, residential buildings were damaged, an outbuilding was destroyed, and a private car caught fire. According to the CMA, a woman was injured and is being provided with the necessary medical care. All relevant services are working at the scene. Situation in Ukraine after the missile attack Ukrzaliznytsia reported that after the massive shelling, there were some isolated problems with electricity on the railway infrastructure, but more than 150 trains are running on schedule. The traffic situation is stable and under control. ADVERTISIMENT The company clarified that due to the power outage in certain areas, there were delays of no more than 1 hour for 6 trains, but backup diesel locomotives are operating there. The first wave of missiles In particular, around 05:00, the enemy launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. According to the Ukrainian Navy, the aggressor deployed 14 ships, including four missile carriers (with a total volley of up to 22 Kalibr missiles). In addition, Russia itself had seven strategic bombers in the sky, which later also launched missiles. "Preliminary, launches/simulations of Kh-101/555 missiles from Tu-95MS/Tu-160 have taken place . We expect the missiles near the borders of Ukraine at about 06:30-07:30," the monitoring channels wrote. ADVERTISIMENT The flight of Kalibr cruise missiles has already been recorded in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Poltava regions. At half past six in the morning, explosions were reported in Odesa, followed by loud noises in Kirovohrad. Russian missiles continued to move to Cherkasy region - it was noted that they were heading north, towards Kyiv region. Then, through this region and Odesa region, they flew to Vinnytsia region. At the same time, there were seven Tu-95MS aircraft in the sky in Saratov and Astrakhan regions of the Russian Federation, which took off from the Olenya airfield, and four Tu-95MS aircraft from Engels. As of 06:00, one group of cruise missiles was moving from Vinnytsia to Khmelnytsky, and another group was moving past Zhytomyr. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the threat of ballistic missiles was added from Crimea. At the same time, explosions were heard in Kharkiv - one of the civilian enterprises in the Kyiv district was attacked. "The Kalibr missile changed its vector to Lviv region," wrote monitoring channels, also reporting on explosions in Rivne and Volyn. Later it was noted that the first wave of Kh-101 cruise missiles was not observed in the airspace of Ukraine, and the second wave was expected from 06:50. The head of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, Ivan Rudnytskyi, reported a hit on the territory of the region. According to him, emergency power outages have been introduced. ADVERTISIMENT In general, emergency blackouts were introduced in many regions of Ukraine. Energy Minister Herman Galuchenko explained that Russia has launched a massive attack on energy facilities in Ukraine, details are being clarified. The second wave of missiles After 07:00, new groups of Russian cruise missiles crossed Ukrainian airspace. In particular, the Kh-101s flew through Chernihiv region to Kyiv region, as well as through the southern regions with a course to the northwestern regions. Later, enemy targets were spotted over Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, and Poltava regions. "The first four aircrafts are in Vinnytsia region. The course is still western. The first combat zone in Kyiv region is from Yahotyn to Boryspil. Two more control points from Kaniv to Kyiv region," reads the message of the Telegram channel monitor. The capital reported the operation of air defense. At the same time, four Russian missiles were flying in Khmelnytsky region. As OBOZ.UA reported, on the night of November 26, Russia attacked Ukraine with a record number of drones and four Iskander-M missiles. The enemy UAVs were shot down and lost in the area. At the same time, Ternopil came under attack from the Shaheds: the city experienced power and water outages due to damage to one of its critical infrastructure facilities. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Joel Balsam grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, and dreamed of traveling the world from a young age. As a travel writer, the 34-year-old has spent most of the past decade abroad. Balsam realized during the pandemic he didn't want to be based in Canada and found a home in Brazil. At about this time last year, I found myself on a two-week trek in the Himalayas, burned out. I wanted to scream into the snowy mountains, "Will I ever find a place where I belong?" I grew up in the suburbs of Ottawa, Ontario, nicknamed "The City That Fun Forgot." I've always wanted to see what was out there beyond my quiet backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After studying political science and journalism at university in Montreal, I spent four months backpacking in South America. The last country I visited on the trip, Brazil, blew my mind. Locals in Rio de Janeiro, where I celebrated Carnaval in 2013, said I was just like a "carioca" what locals call themselves. I was amazed by their passion for their music, dancing, and culture a sense of pride they call "Brasilidade." I'd never experienced anything like that in Canada. Looking for somewhere else like Rio Vowing to return, I went back to Canada and worked at a weekly newspaper, but the call to travel came again. In 2015, I spent a year teaching English in Madrid and traveled across Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. To make extra money and continue my writing career, I wrote trending news articles for a Montreal-based website that allowed me to work remotely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After basing myself in Medellin, Colombia, and Oaxaca, Mexico, for a few months each, I returned to Rio in 2018, hoping to feel that spark again. But the energy wasn't as I'd remembered. There had just been a divisive presidential election won by Jair Bolsonaro. I continued traveling. I went on a four-month road trip across the Southern United States with my girlfriend at the time, a photographer. We teamed up to do stories for top international publications like Time, The Guardian, and National Geographic. We traveled to Morocco and Armenia so I could write guidebooks for Lonely Planet. I felt as if I was living my dream life. Then the pandemic hit. Unsure of when international travel might return, my partner and I decided to buy an apartment in Montreal. While I love Montreal, I struggled mentally during the pandemic curfews and the long Canadian winters. In 2022, my partner and I broke up, and I felt the urge to find somewhere to call home. Lit up again in Brazil Last year, I traveled to 17 countries for work and to search for a place to live. Everywhere I went, I asked people why they chose to live where they did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By November, I felt burned out from my search, which culminated in that mountain meltdown in Nepal. To see whether I could find belonging with other wandering souls, I took a cruise with digital nomads from Spain to Brazil. I don't think there's anything wrong with traveling full time, but I found myself butting heads with other passengers who seemed to want to live exactly as they did back home, just more cheaply and in better weather. When the cruise landed in Salvador, roughly 930 miles north of Rio, most cruisers carried on traveling, but I didn't want to leave. The palm trees, the way locals told stories, the nuances of the country's culture everything lit me up about Brazil as it had during my first visit. I felt the energy had relaxed since Lula was reelected president in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I traveled to the island Parintins in the Amazon for a Brazilian festival, Boi-Bumba. As thousands sang and danced in performances that told Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian stories, I realized that in the 60 countries I'd been to, there's nothing like Brasilidade. When I got to Rio, my urge to travel dissipated. I find life here perfectly balances health and fun. People of all ages love to party, and there isn't the pressure to stop after your 20s. I think Rio is the most beautiful natural city I've ever seen. There aren't long periods of social hibernation, as it never gets cold. Career-wise, I feel there are so many stories to write in Brazil. The city hosts international events like the G20, which was here last week. I know I'll always be a gringo, but I feel welcomed. The city has its downsides. There are high crime rates in Rio, though I've never been robbed. And I do find the international cuisine options lacking. Other than that, I think Rio has it all. Logistics of moving to Rio US and Canadian passport holders can stay in Brazil for 90 days with the option of extending for a total of 180 days in a year. There are various visas to stay longer, including a digital-nomad visa that permits remote working in Brazil for a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am on a one-year student visa as I improve my Portuguese and will look into a journalist visa afterward. While Rio, especially in the beachy Zona Sul, is more expensive than most of Brazil, I find it very affordable compared with other places I've been. For instance, I pay $500 a month to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, which I found through a friend of a friend. Other places are much more costly though, especially short-term rentals by the beach. Otherwise, I find Rio to be affordable on my salary. A hardy Brazilian lunch with rice, beans, and meat for under $5 and beers that cost only a couple of bucks fit my budget. As for whether this choice to stay is permanent, right now it is. I'll still travel, but I'm looking forward to shorter trips and having this incredible city to return to. Read the original article on Business Insider NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)On Wednesday, thousands of travelers passed through Charleston International Airport, and according to Triple-A, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday period, thats almost 1.7 million more people than last year. You could see the smile on my face. This is the time of year that I love and that we love here at the airport because its an opportunity for us to get families together. We get the folks to come in to see their loved ones, and we get the ones coming into town to see them, said Spencer Pryor, the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Communications Officer at Charleston International Airport. Officials at Charleston International told News 2 they prioritize ensuring everyone gets to their destinations in time to enjoy the holidays with their families. Some travelers have told us that the holiday holds a special meaning this year. This is the first year we wont have my mother around. She died this past June, so its great that we all can finally come together to celebrate her. Her sister will also be there to do it, and it will be a lovely Thanksgiving, said Andrew McKnight, a traveler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the holiday travel rush, everyone we spoke to had the same message: take a moment to slow down and enjoy the time with those you love. You must appreciate each other and enjoy one another. Family doesnt get along all the time, but its still family, and you know you should never know what tomorrow will bring, so you must appreciate today, said Yolonda Wilson, a traveler from Ohio. Officials ask that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight and double-check the carry-on policies before heading out. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Thanksgiving travel is in full swing, with flights and road trips happening across the country. Some people spent the day traveling into Dayton to reach their holiday destinations. 2 NEWS spoke with travelers and airport personnel to learn about their experiences and tips for traveling during this busy time of year. Driving to your Thanksgiving feast? What to know before you hit the road Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airport employees say Wednesday was a pretty busy day for Dayton International Airport. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year for air travel. We anticipate about 32,255 flying in and out of the Dayton airport over the Thanksgiving weekend, said Melissa Riley, director of marketing and air service development. Officials are expecting a five percent increase in the number of travelers compared to last Thanksgiving. Passengers arrived in Dayton from all over the United States. Many were relieved to finally be at their destination after a chaotic day of flying. A little hectic running through Chicago, said David Delraso, who flew from Omaha. But not too bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another traveler who flew from Boston said she feels she made it to the airport at just the right time. I flew out of Boston this morning and had no line at security around noon, said Emily Neil. Neil arrived in Dayton to visit family for the holiday. Her mom greeted her at the airport with a poster. I had to make sure in a crowd that she knew I was here for her, said Cheryl Neil, Emilys mom. Overall, people 2 NEWS spoke with say their travels went smooth, but its always important to arrive at the airport prepared for anything. Download your boarding pass ahead of time, ensure you havent packed any prohibited items, said Riley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the threat of rain and snow Wednesday, Dayton International Airport didnt see any delays or cancellations. Travelers should keep an eye on the weather throughout the weekend, as precipitation could impact travel plans as people begin returning home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The law enforcement community is mourning the death of Jesse Branch, the Red Lake Nation Tribal Officer who was one of two drivers killed in a collision in northern Minnesota on Wednesday. Branch, a Red Lake public safety officer, and Red Lake Band member Alan Lussier Jr. died when their vehicles collided on Highway 1, east of the Red Lake community. Few details have been shared regarding the circumstances of the crash, but the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office said Branch "was responding to a call" when the collision happened. Red Lake Tribal Nation Police Tributes have been paid across Minnesota since Branch's death was announced, with Governor Tim Walz ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and community," Walz said. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said: "An absolute tragedy that Red Lake Department of Safety Officer Jesse Branch was killed in a car crash while on duty responding to a call. John and I send our condolences to his family and loved ones as well as the entire Red Lake Nation." Law enforcement members were out on Wednesday evening paying tribute to Branch as his body was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in Ramsey. Advertisement Advertisement 9pm pls British troops should help defend Ukraines border as part of any peace deal, Boris Johnson has said. The responsibility to guard any possible future ceasefire line in Ukraine should be given to a multinational group of European peace keeping forces, according to the former prime minister. The inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on Jan 20 is expected to hasten talks over how the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end. On the campaign, trail Mr Trump said he would end the war in a day, although without providing any details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vladimir Putin praised Mr Trump on Thursday as an intelligent politician who will find a solution to the war in Ukraine and said he was ready for dialogue with the US. In an exclusive interview with the Telegraphs Ukraine: The Latest podcast, Mr Johnson said that British troops could be deployed to the country to help maintain a ceasefire. I dont think we should be sending in combat troops to take on the Russians, he said. But I think as part of the solution, as part of the end state, youre going to want to have multinational European peace-keeping forces monitoring the border [and] helping the Ukrainians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot see that such a European operation could possibly happen without the British. Mr Johnson said Western countries should make clear what security guarantees would be offered to Ukraine as part of any peace deal, to ensure Russia could not just re-arm and attack again after a few years. One option would be for Ukraine to join Nato, as Article 5 of the alliances founding treaty means an attack against one member is considered as an attack against all members and they are bound to come to each others defence. However, many countries in the 32-nation alliance are nervous about fast-tracking Ukraines bid for membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having troops from Nato countries instead provide security as part of a United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Force inside Ukraine along a possible future ceasefire line would provide an Article 5-like protection, without the need for direct Nato intervention. An attack on Nato troops, even if operating as part of a UN force, would probably lead to Article 5 being invoked. We need to be spelling out what kind of security guarantees we think are appropriate, Mr Johnson said. The only thing that really works is a Nato Article 5 guarantee that has kept the peace in Europe for 80 years. Its the reason the Baltic states are in Nato. Its the reason that the Poles, Hungarians, Czechs, Finns and the Swedes are now in Nato. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Johnson said all except Sweden had direct traumatic memories of Russian invasion and now Ukraine has it. Having gone through this carnage, this abominable cruelty, for so long now three years the only long term solution is to give [Ukraine] that protection. Speaking on Thursday, Putin reiterated terms set out in June that Russia would end the war in Ukraine if Kyiv agreed to abandon its Nato ambitions and hand over four provinces claimed by Moscow a deal Kviv has so far rejected. The Russian president also threatened to devastate Kyiv by hitting decision-making centres with his new Oreshnik missile in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russia, and warned that Russia would use all weapons at its disposal against Ukraine if Kyiv were to acquire nuclear arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles and American Atacms to strike targets inside Russia for the first time last week, prompting anger from the Kremlin. Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Johnson said Britain was morally responsible for Ukraine, having been a co-signatory, along with nuclear powers Russia and the US, to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. That agreement led to Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan being given security guarantees in return for giving up nuclear weapons that had been based on their territories before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The former Conservative leader said this amounted to collaboration with Russia, and meant the UK had a responsibility to come to Ukraines aid now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We collaborated with the Russians in 1994 and deprived the Ukrainians of nuclear weapons, which would have protected them from the horror of whats happening now. If theyd kept a nuclear deterrent, they would not be being murdered in their beds by Putin right now. We were part of that. We signed the memorandum. Were morally responsible for their predicament. Were waging a proxy war, but were not giving our proxies the ability to do the job. For years now, weve been allowing them to fight with one hand tied behind their backs and it has been cruel. Mr Johnson said the new Labour Government had been slow to support Kyiv in the fight against Putins aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I was prime minister, Labour was always tucked in behind us; they were basically fine on Ukraine. Ive got a lot of respect for [Defence Minister] John Healey. I think hes a serious guy and a good Defence Secretary. But the British Government is now not viewed in Kiev anymore as being their number one European champion. And that is a shame. He says Britain took far too long [to] break the taboo on providing Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, and the accompanying policy permission to fire the weapons into Russia. We could have forced the pace, he said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. OTTAWA, Canada Donald Trumps tariff bombshell is giving Justin Trudeau a fresh chance to argue hell be the best leader in Canada to take on the President-elect while providing his opponents with ammunition to work against his bid. During Trumps first presidency, the prime minister and his team successfully renegotiated NAFTA and mostly managed to work with the White House. Getting Trump on the phone hours after his Truth Social broadside is Trudeaus latest flex. This is something that we can do. Laying out the facts, moving forward in constructive ways, Trudeau said following a call with Trump Monday evening. This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that's what we'll do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump 2.0 presents Trudeau with a make-or-break moment hes down in the polls but hoping for a rebound if his response can convince Canadians hes worthy of a fourth term in office. His top ministers spent much of November meeting with labor leaders, provincial premiers and business leaders, including in Canadas oil patch, to ease their worries about the damage Trump could do. On the morning after the election, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland assured Canada that it will be absolutely fine. But Trumps Nov. 25 Truth Social post delivered a distant early warning call. The President-elect vowed on his first day in office to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian goods entering the U.S. Its part of his campaign promise to crack down on illegal migration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Trumps pledge briefly sent Canadas dollar falling to its lowest level in years. Some economists warned the tariffs would plunge the country into a recession. The threat also provoked a response from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who polls suggest is likely to be Canada's next prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a press conference and an emergency debate on the unjustified threat, Trudeau's chief rival announced that he's ready to take charge. When I am prime minister, we will have a head of government who puts Canada's workers and Canada's security first, Poilievre said Tuesday night in the House of Commons. That includes maintaining the most successful trade relationship the world has ever seen." The Liberal government appears to be handling Trumps threat like a negotiation tactic. But it still needs to convince the President-elect and his allies that work is underway to tighten Canadas borders against drugs, crime and illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres mutual interest in protecting the border, said Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. In recent weeks, Canada has worked with its national police force and border services agency to arm agents with more technology, drones, helicopters and workers, he said. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said this week that Ottawa is considering other border measures, while pointing out that the yearly flow of migrants into the U.S. from Canada is the equivalent to a significant weekend at the Mexico border. Miller added: We have a job not to make our problems the Americans' problems and they have a job not to make their problems ours. Canada is not closing the door on potential retaliation, but nor is it engaging in those conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets take things step by step, said Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, a member of a Team Canada effort to charm U.S. leaders at multiple levels in the lead up to the election. We need to be methodical. We have always been. Weve been there before. Trying to present a united front to the Americans poses a challenge for Trudeau, whose popularity has plummeted during the past 18 months in national opinion polls and within his caucus. Last month he was confronted by dozens of MPs who asked him to resign, arguing the country had tuned him out. Canadians are increasingly wary of Trudeau and his partys policies, which polls say they blame for the rising cost of food and rent, a national housing crisis, and immigration policies that Trudeau himself has recently said were a mistake. Some are eager to go to the polls before an election scheduled for next fall. Even leaders of provinces that trade heavily with the United States are siding with Trump over their own prime minister. Some consider it politically advantageous to distance themselves from Trudeau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, prominent premiers have urged Trudeaus government to take Trumps concerns seriously. In Alberta Canadas top oil exporting province Premier Danielle Smith called the president-elects complaints valid. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has emerged as a leading voice on bilateral relations, often speaking ahead of the federal government on issues involving trade and tariffs. Ontario is home to Canadas largest automotive industry and Ford says the province can help build up Fortress Am-Can. This week Ford pushed for an emergency meeting between Canadas 13 premiers and the prime minister. And when they gathered virtually Wednesday night, Ford says he told the prime minister, the federal government has been slow to react and is stuck on its backfoot. Unions are also after a seat on Trudeaus Canada-U.S. relations Cabinet committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union leaders representing millions of workers that pay taxes, that are reliant on good, strong jobs and a good economy have to be part of the solutions, Bea Bruske, head of the Canadian Labour Congress, told POLITICO. The CLC is the largest union organization in the country. It has yet to sit down with the committee, though it has held individual meetings with Cabinet members. During a conversation with Trudeau on Tuesday, Bruske said she told him union workers are relying on the government to take some action. It was the New Democratic Party, Canadas progressive party, that initiated an emergency debate in the House of Commons this week over the proposed tariffs. They are trying to appeal to union workers a voter group Canadas Conservatives have been winning over. Its not a time for us to be that friendly, nice neighbor. Its a time to fight for Canadians, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trudeau has shown weakness so far by not taking this seriously, by not having a plan in place, by not calling a jobs war room, by not taking the threat for the seriousness that it deserves. Trudeaus team insists the Liberals are the best party to deal with Trump since theyve done it before. On Wednesday night, Freeland highlighted Trudeau's record of dealing with Washington. "He was an effective partner for Barack Obama. He was an effective partner for President Trump. He was an effective partner for President Biden, who is still President," she said. "I have every confidence that he will be absolutely effective in dealing with President-elect Trump." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres been no mention from Trump about his Monday evening call with Trudeau, but the prime ministers cabinet cant stop talking about it. Truly, its very meaningful that the prime minister was able to speak to the president last night, shortly after the presidents announcement, Freeland said this week. Thats the key relationship. President-elect Donald Trump claims to have had a productive conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo a day after she published a scathing open letter to him about migration, fentanyl trafficking and tariffs. Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Trump wrote on Truth Social. She has agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our southern border. Trump continued: We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive drug inflow into the United States, and also, US consumption of these drugs. It was very productive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico will stop people from going to our southern border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!! On Monday, Trump announced his intentions to sign executive orders imposing tariffs on imported goods from Mexico, China and Canada. Mexico and Canada would see 25 per cent tariffs on goods, while China would face an additional 10 per cent tariff on merchandise. Trump announced the proposals in effort to get the countries to do more about the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the US. Trump visiting the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas in February (REUTERS) But Sheinbaum clapped back, explaining to Trump in her letter that half of the migrants arriving at the border do so through the CBP One program and called the drug crisis a public health and consumption problem within your society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump, migration and drug consumption in the United States cannot be addressed through threats or tariffs, she wrote. What is needed is cooperation and mutual understanding to tackle these significant challenges. For every tariff, there will be a response in kind. She concluded by calling for a meeting between Mexico and the US to continue building joint solutions. Following Trumps Wednesday announcement, Sheinbaum issued her own statement on X. I had an excellent conversation with President Donald Trump, she said. We discussed Mexicos strategy on the migration phenomenon and I shared that caravans are not arriving at the northern border because they are being taken care of in Mexico. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to maintain bridges between governments and people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, US Customs and Border Protection announced the number of people who crossed the border without making contact with the agency dropped 60 per cent from 2023 to 2024. On the northern border, the agency has expanded enforcement efforts that lowered border patrol encounters by 50 percent from June to September. Trump speaks during a campaign event in front of the US-Mexico border in August (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The call between the leaders was reminiscent of a conversation Trump had a week after taking office for the first time with then-Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in 2017 in which he told him to stop telling the press Mexico would not be paying for a wall along the US southern border. Maggie Haberman, a New York Times reporter, who has covered Trump extensively told CNN she did not know what to make of the conversation on Wednesday. [Trump] has made statements like that before when he was president and it didnt actually amount to the closure of a border, she told the outlet. You know, it comes a day after he made some very aggressive tariff threat against Mexico and Canada. And so, I think thats probably not a coincidence, although who knows? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump tends to hold unstructured and informal calls with world leaders, she said. So, who knows what actually happened in that call? she added. At some point, we may find out, but everything with him is the opening bid of a negotiation. And I look at this, plus the tariff threat, most likely as a combined push toward Mexico to try to get what he wants. Trump has boasted about his chemistry with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The President-elect likely believes he can cajole and pressurize the dictator again. But this time North Korea's more powerful, and Kim has options. Donald Trump has long reminisced about the unlikely bromance he formed with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un while president. On the campaign trail, he claimed the North Korean leader missed him and said that relations would improve once he returned to power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim hasn't been so enthusiastic. At a defense expo in Pyongyang this week, he accused the US of an "unchanging aggressive and hostile policy" toward North Korea that has placed the world in the "most chaotic and violent" state since World War II. His comments suggest that Trump will find Kim a much tougher and more emboldened character to deal with this time around. The stakes couldn't be higher, with North Korea providing Russia with vital support for its war in Ukraine, and menacing its neighbors with rhetoric and weapons tests. "Trump comes into his second term with a weaker hand than he had in 2017," Jeremy Chan, a senior analyst with the Eurasia Group, focused on China and northeastern Asia, told Business Insider. Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un at the 2019 Hanoi summit. Anadolu/Getty Images A relationship gone sour Trump is seeking to gear up his relationship with Kim again, with Reuters reporting Wednesday that he will likely seek new direct talks when he takes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Kim has long harbored a grudge against the President-elect, according to Bruce Bennet, an analyst with the RAND Corporation. The grudge goes back to the 2019 Hanoi conference with Trump, where the pair engaged in one of the first face-to-face meetings between a North Korean leader and US president in history. There, Kim overplayed his hand, and Trump walked out. "Kim was furious and many of his people who had helped arrange the meeting paid severe prices," said Bennet. "I think it is unlikely that Kim Jong-un will meet with Trump, even if Trump pursues that possibility unless Trump is prepared to offer some serious concessions before the meeting." North Korea tested its new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, Hwasong-19, this week. Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Kim breaks North Korea's isolation As Trump returns to power, the world is a more complex and dangerous place, and Kim has profited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2017, when Trump took office, North Korea faced almost total international isolation as the UN imposed sweeping sanctions to pressure the state to dismantle its nuclear program. Sanctions were a powerful tool as Trump sought to place further "maximum pressure" on Kim. That's no longer the case. Kim has leveraged the Russian invasion of Ukraine to break North Korea's isolation, brokering a deal with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. In exchange for thousands of North Korean troops and millions of artillery rounds for his Ukraine invasion, Putin has provided North Korea with food, oil, and technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russia has used its permanent place on the UN Security Council to stymie the sanctions enforcement program. Since Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion, Kim has also been taking bigger risks, said Chan, aggressively confronting longtime foe South Korea and menacing the US and its allies with long-range missile tests. Trump has pledged to end the Ukraine war, possibly by handing Ukrainian territory to Russia. Critics say a lenient position on Russian aggression further emboldens North Korea. "It will be interesting to see how the new administration reconciles a more lenient position on Russian aggression now enabled by North Korean troops and material with continued efforts toward the rollback of the North Korean nuclear program," said Daniel Salisbury, a visiting research fellow at the Centre for Science & Security Studies at King's College London. North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Pyongyang in June. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV via Getty Images Trump's gambit The President-elect does have some advantages in dealing with North Korea's leader not least his oft boasted of "chemistry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump is more likely to use carrots than sticks to achieve his strategic goals on the Korean Peninsula. This means resuming direct leader-to-leader diplomacy with Kim, with whom he has always enjoyed a strong rapport," said Chan. Trump's pledge to end the Ukraine war could work to his advantage, reducing Russian dependence on North Korea and leading the state to find itself once again isolated. A deal between Trump and Kim appears to be a long shot, but it's just about possible, said Chan. Trump could stop short of demanding the denuclearization of North and instead broker a "freeze" on nuclear development and weapons tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In return, Trump could offer Kim sanctions relief and a reduction of US troops in South Korea. "Kim likely sees in Trump a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remake his country's relationship with the US, and thereby the wider world," said Chan. "The potential to achieve his strategic goal of winning recognition as a nuclear state while coming in from the international cold will likely be too great for Kim to pass up, particularly as the Ukraine war winds down." The nuclear option Others remain skeptical of Kim's willingness to do business with Trump after the 2019 humiliation. Trump may have to abandon the flattery and return to the threats and pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Bennet, the realistic options available to Trump could come down to military pressure and information warfare. One option is to modernize the nuclear weapons facilities in South Korea the US abandoned in 1991. Another is to launch an information warfare campaign inside North Korea. Ultimately, events in Ukraine will determine whether Kim wants a new rapprochement. Neither maximum pressure nor flattery "may not work until the Ukraine war comes to an end," Ellen Kim, a senior fellow with the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told BI. "We have to see how North Korea's relationship with Russia evolves." Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trump is getting into the holiday spirit by keeping to his own, unique annual tradition: sharing a ranting Thanksgiving message on Truth Social. The president-elect has a unique style when it comes to spreading holiday cheer and this year singled out the radical left lunatics in his note to Americans. Happy Thanksgiving to all, including to the Radical Left Lunatics who have worked so hard to destroy our Country, but who have miserably failed, and will always fail, because their ideas and policies are so hopelessly bad that the great people of our Nation just gave a landslide victory to those who want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump posted on Truth Social in the early hours of Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont worry, our Country will soon be respected, productive, fair, and strong, and you will be, more than ever before, proud to be an American! The festive message is a tone warmer than last years, where he unleashed on the key figures in his $454m civil fraud case, including the so-called Racist & Incompetent New York Attorney General Letitia James, the Radical Left Trump Hating Judge, Psycho Justice Arthur Engoron and his Politically Biased & Corrupt Campaign Finance Violator court clerk Alison Greenfield. Donald Trump posted his traditional Thanksgiving message on Truth Social (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) Last Christmas, Trump also delivered an equally scathing message to President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Jack Smith: MAY THEY ROT IN HELL. AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Trumps will be marking Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago, their Florida residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, Mark Zuckerberg was spotted having a meeting with the Republican at the residence. As well as his election win, this Thanksgiving, Trump will be celebrating Smiths announcement earlier this week that he is dropping both the 2020 election interference case and the classified documents case against him. Trump is spending the holiday at Mar-a-Lago (via REUTERS) The decision by the federal prosecutor was announced in two separate motions, filed on Monday. In his motion to dismiss the federal election interference case, Smith wrote that there was precedent to not bring an indictment or proceedings against a sitting president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he stressed that the decision had been made due to the recommendations of the Justice Department rather than the strength of the case against the president-elect. Meanwhile, Trumps legal team has asked AG James to also drop the multimillion-dollar civil fraud penalty against him. On Tuesday, Dr John Sauer, Trumps attorney, said dropping the case was necessary for the health of our Republic. Donald Trump has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine. However, analysts say it relies on Ukraine being in a position of strength. Trump allies have questioned US support for Ukraine. Donald Trump may be more likely to get a peace deal from Russia if he places Ukraine in a position of strength, according to analysts. The President-elect has said his priority is to end the war in Ukraine and stop what he believes is a drain on US military resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, he selected retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as his special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, where he'll likely lead the drive to broker peace talks. It's a move that may concern the US' European allies, with Kellogg previously having suggested handing over Ukrainian territory to Russia. Military and political leaders in Europe are warning that a deal that hands too much to Russia will likely just be a prelude to further conflict. Analysts told Business Insider that a meaningful peace deal can only be brokered by backing Ukraine and ensuring it can negotiate from a position of strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Lough, associate fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, said abandoning Ukraine could make Trump appear weak and embolden the US's main global competitors. "If he abandons Ukraine and says, 'I'm not going to fund this anymore, the US doesn't need this,' and as a consequence, the Russians make a strategic advance in Europe, and take a further step to dismantle the US-led security order in Europe, that would undoubtedly look weak," said Lough. Instead, say experts, Ukraine must be placed in a position to deter Russia. In recent months, Russia has exploited Ukraine's lack of manpower and artillery, making significant advances in east Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, it's intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's cities and infrastructure, with one million civilians without power after strikes this week. Kellogg's position is more complex than that of President Joe Biden, who backed arming Ukraine to push Russia back and left it up to Kyiv to decide when to negotiate. Instead, Kellogg argues that Ukraine's aid should be cut if it refuses to negotiate with the Kremlin, but US aid to Ukraine should be boosted if Russia won't take part in talks. Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute in Washington, DC, in an interview with CNN Wednesday warned that Putin has little incentive to seek peace with Ukraine if he believes support for Kyiv is weakening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If President Trump is credible in basically threatening to provide Ukraine with what it needs to retake territory and to hold on to the Russian territory, then that puts pressure on Putin because this war is not popular in Russia," said Farkas. "So every day he has to wait, and if he thinks that Ukraine now has time on its side, meaning President Trump will back Ukraine, he will then be more motivated to seek a deal." Ultimately, achieving a lasting peace deal in Ukraine will depend on deterring Russia, not on walking away. "Any deal is still going to involve US support in some form to keep the peace. Ukraine needs to maintain effective armed forces to deter further Russian aggression," said Lough. Read the original article on Business Insider The Biden administrations crusade against the new monopolies exercised by the big tech companies extends until the end of its term. Through the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Democratic administration has sued Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon for abusing their dominant position in different markets. And now it has put the fifth of the tech giants, Microsoft, in its sights. The FTC has launched a broad antitrust probe into several of its businesses, including software licensing and cloud computing, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The agency headed by Lina Khan, 35, who is expected to step down when Donald Trump takes office, has sent a broad request for information to Microsoft about its cloud computing products, its programs for businesses, its use of artificial intelligence and its cybersecurity services. The competition regulator is interested in how Microsoft bundles its cloud computing offerings with its other products, a practice that has been denounced by competitors such as Google Cloud, which believes that in this way Microsoft is protecting itself from competitors. Following a recent spat between Microsoft and Google, the search engine company voiced its complaints about the behavior of the giant led by Satya Nadella: We and many others believe that Microsofts anticompetitive practices lock-in customers and create negative downstream effects that impact cybersecurity, innovation, and choice, Google spokesperson Laura Wheeler told The Verge. In September, Google publicly announced that it had filed a formal complaint with the European Commission about Microsofts practices in licensing cloud software. The cloud computing and data center market is one of the most buoyant sectors in the big tech industry these days. The leaders are Amazon through AWS, and Microsoft with Azure. Google Cloud is the third in a sector that has been driven by the huge demand for computing required for the development and application of artificial intelligence. Competitors have complained that Microsofts licensing terms and bundling of software with cloud services make it harder for rival authentication and cybersecurity companies to compete. Companies including Salesforces Slack and Zoom have said Microsofts practice of giving away its Teams video conferencing software in a package with popular software products like Word and Excel is anti-competitive and makes it harder for them to compete. The FTC is also looking at the companys AI power, which has largely come from its partnership with OpenAI. After more than a year of informal interviews with competitors and business partners, antitrust authorities have compiled a detailed, hundreds-page request that they sent to the company after Khan gave the go-ahead, according to Bloomberg. The FTCs scrutiny of Microsofts cloud computing business has gained momentum following a series of cybersecurity incidents affecting the companys products, according to the agency. The CrowdStrike outage, which affected millions of devices running Microsoft Windows systems last July, highlighted the widespread use of the companys products and how problems with these can impact the global economy. Microsoft is also a top government contractor, supplying billions of dollars in software and cloud services to U.S. agencies including the Defense Department. The investigation into Microsoft, whose future may depend on the change in the White House, is the latest chapter in a much broader offensive in which the two battering rams of the Biden administration have been the Department of Justice, headed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, and the FTC, led by Lina Khan, the scourge of Big Tech. The Justice Department has filed two high-stakes lawsuits against Google. The first, launched under President Donald Trump and brought to trial under President Biden, found that the company abused its monopoly power in the search engine market. Prosecutors earlier this month sought sweeping measures to break up that monopoly. The second was set for sentencing on Monday and accuses the company of operating an illegal triple monopoly in the digital advertising market. It was also the Justice Department that sued Apple, accusing the company of protecting its iPhone monopoly by walling off its ecosystem from super-apps (like WeChat, a gateway to a variety of messaging, e-commerce, and payment services, among others) and cloud-based streaming apps, especially for video games (which reduce the need for phones as powerful as iPhones). It also alleged that Apple prevents the iPhone and Apple Watch from being compatible with competing devices, causes messaging services to communicate poorly with Android phones, and hinders alternative digital wallets. Apple filed a motion to dismiss the case, which was heard in a New Jersey court last week. Mark Zuckerberg, in a picture from last September. Manuel Orbegozo (REUTERS) Khans FTC sued Meta in 2021, accusing it of reducing competition by purchasing Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg dined with president-elect Trump at his Mar-a-Lago mansion on Wednesday, The New York Times reported. Its an important time for the future of American innovation. Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming administration, the company said in a statement distributed to American media. The FTC also sued Amazon last year, accusing it of engaging in monopolistic practices aimed at inflating prices, degrading quality, and robbing consumers and businesses of innovation. Its founder and largest shareholder, Jeff Bezos, has also sought to reach out to Trump. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The News US President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered seemingly contradictory accounts of their telephone conversation on the subject of migration. She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border, Trump claimed in a post online after the talks, prompting Sheinbaum to write: We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples. The conversation came after Trumps pledges to ramp up tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China earlier this week, a move Sheinbaum warned could destroy 400,000 US jobs. A chart showing trade in billions of dollars between Mexico, Canada and China with the US by year. SIGNALS Trumps tariff threats could be a negotiating ploy over immigration Sources: Reuters, CNN Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps tariff threats could be more of a negotiating tactic than an actual intended policy, one analyst told Reuters, geared to achieve goals largely unrelated to trade. During Trumps first term, tariff warnings ultimately resulted in Mexico giving into his flagship remain in Mexico immigration policy, which forced migrants to stay in the country while their applications were being processed in the US, CNN wrote. Pushing for more aggressive trade policies now will also help Trump build leverage heading into 2026 when the US-Mexico-Canada free trade deal he created in 2018 is up for renegotiations, the outlet noted. Tariff warnings are a blast from the past Sources: The Guardian, The Associated Press, Financial Times Trumps threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports bring back bitter memories of a trade war during his previous presidency, The Guardian wrote. The impacts back then were barely noticeable in the overall economy, wrote The Associated Press, but the scale of tariffs is expected to be much larger this time. Trumps tariff threats have already prompted Canadas prime minister to call an emergency domestic meeting, while the European Central Banks chief urged the continents leaders to buy more US products in a bid to placate the incoming president. Donald Trump seemed to offer alternative facts on Wednesday about his recent call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and was swiftly rebutted by the leader herself, prompting mockery on social media. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the U.S. president-elect declared that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. Shortly afterward, Sheinbaum shared a Spanish-language message about the conversation, writing, We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders, but to build bridges between governments and communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both leaders characterized the call as positive. The two spoke after Trump on Monday threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico as soon as he takes office. Trump said, This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! He also threatened to put an additional 10% tariff on goods from China. This weeks news was somewhat reminiscent of Trumps claim ahead of the 2016 election that he would make Mexico pay for 100% of a proposed wall at the U.S. border. Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexicos president at the time, disagreed. Mexico did not pay. Social media users sarcastically celebrated Trumps fictional victory this week. All it took was one call. Donny deals, journalist Sam Stein posted online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Nellis, a former aide to Vice President Kamala Harris, said, Trump thinks he convinced the President of Mexico to stop all migration across the border LOL. Olivia Troye, who was a White House official in Trumps first term, offered a Translation of the president-elects comments about Mexico. Just had a conversation with the President of Mexico who didnt allow me to bully her, which left me confused about my charmshe pointed out that this is very badvery bad for me if I do these tariffs Troye wrote. Check out some other reactions below: Amazing stuff. Fentanyl and Immigration are solved folks Doctor of Alphanomics Tom (@newsovietposter.bsky.social)2024-11-28T10:21:22.696Z Trump: Mexico is "effectively closing our southern border."Mexico: "no plan to close border." Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen.bsky.social)2024-11-28T02:19:39.030Z Trump creating a fake crisis with Mexico over fake tariff threats only to settle it in exchange for fake concessions all over a holiday week when hes not even in office yet is a reminder of how exhausting-yet-boring four full years of this will be. Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) November 28, 2024 And just like that, Trump will claim credit for the entire last year of Mexicos crackdown on migrants. And millions of people will lap it up. https://t.co/K3d3m1Fs3A Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) November 28, 2024 Related... After successfully delaying Donald Trumps chances of facing criminal consequences before he returns to the White House, his legal team is making another last-ditch effort to block a massive civil fraud judgment against him. Trump has appealed that judgment, but his attorney D. John Sauer the man Trump has nominated for the next solicitor general of the United States is urging the state of New York to drop the case entirely as necessary for the health of our Republic. Sauers letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James on November 26 invokes George Washingtons farewell remarks against the spirit of revenge and Abraham Lincolns Thanksgiving address during the Civil War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of his historic election victory, President Trump has called for our Nations partisan strife to end, and for the contending factions to join forces for the greater good of the country, Sauer wrote. This call for unity extends to the legal onslaught against him and his family that permeated the most recent election cycle. New York Attorney General Letitia James won a blockbuster civil fraud case against Donald Trump and his real-estate empire after a years-long investigaion into the Trump Organization and his associates (AP) In February, Trump lost a years-long blockbuster civil trial in a case in which a Manhattan judge found that the former president and his associates defrauded banks and investors by inflating the values of his assets in return for more favorable loans to benefit his real-estate empire. New York Justice Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay more than $350 million, plus interest, for so-called ill-gotten gains from his decade-long fraud scheme. Today, the president-elect and his co-defendants including his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and top Trump Organization associates owe nearly half a billion dollars, as interest continues to accrue as they appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As counsel for President Trump in this appeal and now as his nominee for Solicitor General of the United States I have had the opportunity to experience this partisan division personally, and I strongly believe that it is necessary for the health of our Republic for the strife and lawfare to end, Sauer wrote in his letter, which largely outlines previously rejected arguments in the case. You now have the singular opportunity to help cure this division, he added. Legal experts arent convinced. The letter is pitched as a gracious winners call for national unity as in [Lincolns] Second Inaugural and respecting the voters verdict. Its nauseating, wrote University of California law professor Harry Litman. Trumps attorney D. John Sauer, nominated to be the next solicitor general of the United States, is making a last-ditch plea for New York to throw out the $350 million fraud judgment against Trump and his associates (AFP via Getty Images) Whether Sauer was able to type this with a straight face is unclear, added MSNBCs Steve Benen, author of Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans War on the Recent Past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sauer who argued in front of federal appeals court judges and the Supreme Court for Trumps immunity from criminal prosecution signalled in his letter that Trumps attorneys may file legal arguments that the fraud case unconstitutionally interferes with his duties as president. It is laughable. This is not a serious legal argument. Nothing in here is a serious legal argument, said former federal prosecutor Kristy Greenberg. Its more political rhetoric. Trump was criminally convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by a Manhattan jury earlier this year. But the special counsel overseeing two sweeping criminal investigations into election interference and mishandling of classified documents is effectively closing those cases in the aftermath of Trumps 2024 election. Unlike the federal cases, Trump, as president, cannot overturn state-level criminal and civil verdicts. Joe Biden has warned that Donald Trump could screw up American and Mexican relations with his tariff threat. In his first real criticism of Mr Trumps policies since the election, the outgoing president said: I hope he rethinks it. I think its a counterproductive thing to do. We have an unusual situation in America were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies: Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intervention came after Mr Trump claimed earlier this week he would slap a 25 per cent trade tariff on Mexico. The president-elect has since held discussions with Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum. Mr Trump claimed Mexicos leader had agreed to stop migration after their wonderful talk with both sides describing the phone call as positive. Claudia Sheinbaum insisted she had explained Mexicos current comprehensive strategy on migration to Donald Trump - CHARLY TRIBALLEAURODRIGO OROPEZA Posting on his Truth Social platform, the US president-elect said: Just had a wonderful conversation with the new president of Mexico. He added: She has agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our southern border, implying a shift in policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Sheinbaum responded quickly to Mr Trumps remarks, insisting that she had explained Mexicos current comprehensive strategy on migration. Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are attended to before they reach the border, she said. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between government and peoples, she added. Migrants seen last week walking through Huixtla, Chiapas State, Mexico, as they made their way to the US border - ISAAC GUZMAN Ms Sheinbaum, who became Mexicos first woman president in October, had earlier shared brief details of the conversation alongside a picture of her smiling during a phone call. The two leaders also discussed strengthening collaboration on security issues as well as the campaign we are conducting in the country to prevent the consumption of fentanyl, Ms Sheinbaum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Mr Trump vowed on social media that one of his first actions upon taking office would be to impose tariffs of 25 per cent on imports from Mexico and Canada. This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country! he wrote on his Truth Social page. He also pledged to add a 10 per cent tariff on China. The Republican, who won an election in which illegal migration was a top issue, has vowed to declare a national emergency on border security and use the US military to carry out a mass deportation of undocumented migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexicos economy minister, said some 400,000 jobs will be lost in the US if Mr Trump followed through on his threat. He cited a study based on figures from US carmakers that manufacture in Mexico. Mr Ebrard said the tariffs would also hit US consumers hard, citing the US market for pickup trucks - most of which are manufactured in Mexico. The tariffs, the minister said, would add $3,000 to the cost of a new vehicle. The impact of this measure will chiefly be felt by consumers in the United States... That is why we say that it would be a shot in the foot, Mr Ebrard told reporters as he spoke alongside Ms Sheinbaum at her regular morning conference. Vociferous opposition Mexico and China have been particularly vociferous in their opposition to Mr Trumps threats of a trade war from day one of his second presidential term, which begins on January 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Sheinbaum has declared the threats unacceptable and pointed out that Mexicos drug cartels exist mainly to serve drug use in the US. China has warned that no one will win a trade war. During his first term as president in 2016, Mr Trump launched full-blown trade hostilities with Beijing, imposing significant tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on American products, particularly affecting US farmers. The US, Mexico and Canada are tied to a three-decade-old largely duty-free trade agreement, called the USMCA, that was renegotiated under Mr Trump after he complained that US businesses, especially car manufacturers, were losing out. 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. President-elect Trump announced plans to launch a large-scale ad campaign on Wednesday with the goal of educating Americans on the effects of fentanyl. I will be working on a large scale United States Advertising Campaign, explaining how bad Fentanyl is for people to use Millions of lives being so needlessly destroyed. By the time the Campaign is over, everyone will know how really bad the horror of this Drug is, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. The drug is considered a synthetic opioid that resulted in the death of 74,000 last year and 76,000 in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Biden administration created a Trilateral Fentanyl Committee with the U.S., Mexico and Canada to halt the transport of the illegal drug throughout the neighboring countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden also met with Chinas President Xi Jinping in 2023, which resulted in resumed counternarcotics cooperation with the nation, where a majority of chemical precursors for fentanyl are manufactured. Trump hasnt shared much on how he plans to approach the internal fentanyl crisis in his administration, but he has already warned foreign leaders that high tariffs would be put in place if drugs and illegal immigrants continue to enter the U.S. Trump promised to impose a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office until Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country. He also urged China to give any drug dealers caught shipping fentanyl into the United States the death penalty. If not, the former president said he would add an additional 10 percent on top of any other tariffs placed on the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc responded to Trumps comments by stating the country places the highest priority on border security. Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum reportedly said she would send a letter to Trump with hopes of sparking an open line of communication. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, admitted no one will win a trade war or a tariff war. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) President-elect Donald Trump declared a win on stopping illegal immigration through Mexico on Wednesday after talking with that countrys leader. But Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Mexico was already doing its part and had no interest in closing its borders. The two spoke just days after Trump threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Canada and Mexico as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. Trump said Sheinbaum agreed to stop Migration through Mexico." Sheinbaum indicated separately on social media that she told Trump that Mexico is already taking care of migrant caravans, calling it an excellent conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples, Sheinbaum added. While the state of the proposed tariffs remained unclear, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social account that this was effectively closing our Southern Border. He called it a very productive conversation. The exchange between the two leaders appeared to confirm for Trump the value of threatening to disrupt trade with import taxes. His initial social media post moved financial markets and gave him a response he was quick to describe as a win. Even if the proposed tariffs fail to materialize, Trump can tell supporters that the mere possibility of them is an effective policy tool and continue to rely on tariff threats. Sheinbaum wrote on social media that the leaders discussed Mexicos strategy on migration issues, and I told him the caravans are not reaching the northern (U.S.) border, because Mexico is taking care of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also talked about reinforcing cooperation on security issues, within the framework of our sovereignty, and the campaign we are carrying out to prevent fentanyl consumption," she said. Illegal migration across the Mexico border is down in part because the Biden administration secured some stepped-up cooperation from Mexico the sort Trump seems to be celebrating. Arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped 40% from an all-time high in December. U.S. officials mostly credit Mexican vigilance around rail yards and highway checkpoints. Driven by mounting pressure from the U.S. to block migrants going north, in the past few years Mexican authorities have turned to rounding them up across the country and sending them to southern Mexico, in a strategy seen by experts as an attempt to wear migrants out until they give up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither side clarified the status of the tariffs. But their implementation could fuel higher prices and slow economic growth, potentially blowing up the trade agreement among the U.S., Canada and Mexico that was finalized in 2020 during Trump's previous time in the White House. Trump on Monday said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders upon taking office on Jan. 20. He also proposed an additional 10% tariff on China tied to its exporting of materials used in the production of fentanyl. In announcing his plans, he railed against the flow of fentanyl and migrants crossing into the U.S. illegally, even though southern border apprehensions have been hovering near four-year lows. On Wednesday, Trump also posted that he plans a large scale ad campaign to explain how bad Fentanyl is for people to use, predicting it would educate people on how really bad the horror of this Drug is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dangerously powerful opioid was developed to treat intense pain from ailments like cancer but has increasingly been mixed with other drugs in the illicit drug supply. Through September, the United States has imported $378.9 billion in goods from Mexico, $322.2 billion from China and $309.3 billion from Canada. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in New York and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report. Donald Trump said he'd put in place 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports upon taking office. This would push up prices for US-assembled cars by an average of $2,100, according to Wells Fargo. Mexico's president said her country would retaliate in kind to tariffs, impacting joint ventures. President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada would drive up the price of cars assembled in the US by an average of $2,100, according to estimates made by analysts at Wells Fargo. "Autos are stuck in the middle of Trump's geopolitics," the analysts said in a note on Wednesday, per Fortune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump said that he would sign an executive order on his first day back in office imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Canada and Mexico. He said the tariffs would "remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular, Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" However, the tariffs would have ramifications beyond just Mexico and Canada. If enacted, the tariffs would have a strong impact on the US top three automakers General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford Motor Company due to their reliance on foreign parts sourcing and Mexican imports, Wells Fargo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 76% of the vehicles manufactured in Mexico are exported to the US, making nearshoring a key part of the US automaking industry. Wells Fargo's estimates came a day after Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said her country would impose its own tariffs in response to any from the US. During a press conference on Tuesday, Sheinbaum said that "one tariff will be followed by another, and so on, until we put joint ventures at risk." She also pointed to General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford as Mexico's main exporters to the US and as businesses that tariffs could endanger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colin Lewis, emeritus professor of Latin American economic history at the London School of Economics, told BI that tariffs are part of Trump's strategy to "bring jobs back home." However, he said doing so may be more difficult than Trump expects due to massive US investments in Mexico. On Wednesday, Mexico's economic minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said tariffs would effectively double the taxes paid by US firms producing in Mexico, and lead to the loss of 400,000 jobs in the US. Ebrard estimated the price of pickup trucks from the top three US car manufacturers 88% of which are imported from Mexico would rise by an average of $3,000, describing the move as a "shot in the foot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wells Fargo analysts said that prices in the US from vehicles entirely produced in Canada and Mexico would increase by $8,000 to $10,000, potentially resulting in a big hit to the earnings of Detroit's big three automakers. "All in, we see ~$5 billion to $9 billion in EBIT risk for the D3 before pricing or plant closures," they wrote. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg Americans are big buyers of British exports such as Land Rovers, machinery, chemicals and a string of blockbuster pharmaceuticals a special relationship that leaves UK companies particularly exposed to Donald Trumps plan to push up tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it remains unclear how the US president-elects policies will affect Britain, he campaigned on a pledge to raise tariffs as much as 20% on goods from most countries in the world, with higher rates for China and Mexico. Data provided by the McKinsey Global Institute and UN Comtrade shows the US as the leading destination for nine out of 15 sectors of British goods exports. The same figures show the US as the top customer for only four German sectors, by comparison, and one from France. Where goods only are concerned, the US has a more dominant share of UK exports in many sectors than would be the case for key countries in the EU, said Tera Allas, director of research and economics at McKinsey UK & Ireland. Britains large services sector will give it some relief from Trumps plans, with certain shares potentially offering a safe haven. Yet the UKs goods exports are not insignificant. Large manufacturers with more than 250 workers employ, in total, about 1 million people according to official figures earlier this year, and make up the bulk of the factory sectors 68 billion ($86 billion) in revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost a fifth of the UKs $89 billion in transport equipment sales the countrys second biggest export came from the US in 2022, according to the McKinsey data. The sector includes Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, which earned almost a third of its global sales from North America in 2023; however, the FTSE 100 engineering titan also has significant operations in US states such as Indiana, Michigan and South Carolina. The US made up almost a quarter of Jaguar Land Rovers 29 billion revenue in its last financial year, and 42% and 52% of sales respectively for AstraZeneca Plc and GSK Plc. Both pharmaceutical companies are working to beef up their manufacturing presence in the US. Trade between America and Britain was worth in excess of 300 billion in the year through March, with no other country accounting for more of the UKs imports or exports. Almost two-thirds comes from tariff-exempt services, with goods exports only making up a couple of percentage points to GDP, signaling that the aggregate impact of Trumps tariffs is likely to be limited. Yet by targeting the handful of big companies that dominate UK manufacturing services, Trumps latest protectionist drive could still have a ripple effect on jobs, revenue and growth. Bloomberg Economics recently warned that in a worst-case scenario Trumps trade policies could drag UK GDP below 1%. Even if he takes a more gradual, measured approach, the uncertainty over his plans is likely to weigh on demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK goods exports look very exposed to potential Trump tariffs, said Emily Fry, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, a think tank. The US is our biggest goods export market, and several sectors such as pharmaceuticals have high exposure. Pharma and Factories Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical and scientific instruments, machinery and transport equipment are particularly exposed to the US, relying on the American market for around 20% of exports. These sectors are likely to be targeted by Trump tariffs, said Maxime Darmet, senior economist for the US, UK and France at Allianz Trade. For instance, machinery & equipment are core manufacturing goods for which the US runs a trade deficit against most countries and would like to re-shore the production on US soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot was recently asked about the impact of the Trump administration and potential tariffs, he said that typically pharmaceuticals arent included in such measures. Since Brexit, the UK has held high hopes of a trade deal with the US, and the governing Labour party has stressed its commitment to free trade in recent weeks. However, officials warned ministers that previous attempts to strike a deal proved difficult, partly due to disagreements over climate change, tariffs and government procurement. --With assistance from Ashleigh Furlong and Lucy White. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Russia is continuing its winter bombing campaign against Ukraines energy network. On Thursday morning the Kremlin launched an attack with 90 missiles and 97 drone bombs targeting civilian infrastructure in a dozen provinces across the country. Power companies have introduced cuts in Ukrainian cities, a move that is precisely what Moscow has been pursuing since the fall of 2022: leaving millions of Ukrainians without electricity and other basic services such as heating or hot water in the cold months. Hours after the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a conference in Kazakhstan that the strikes are a response to the Ukrainian armys use of U.S. and U.K. long-range missiles against targets on Russian soil. Putin indicated that the main target was 17 military installations and threatened to use the Oreshnik an experimental missle designed for nuclear warfare and used for the first time last week against military installations in Dnipro on the Ukrainian capital. It could be military facilities, defense industry enterprises, or decision-making centers in Kyiv, the Russian leader said. Thursdays offensive knocked out power to 523,000 consumers in the Lviv region, some 215,000 in Volhynia and more than 280,000 in Rivne, according to the provisional balance sheet of regional authorities. The energy sector is again under massive enemy attack. Attacks are taking place all over the country. The [power grid] operator Ukrenergo has introduced emergency blackouts, Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko wrote in a brief statement early Thursday morning. From 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., the Russian military fired missiles and drones at infrastructure in a dozen provinces. Damage to civilian buildings has been reported in Kyiv and Odesa. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 79 of the missiles and 35 drones. The Monitor military information account on Telegram, which specializes in tracking bombings, has summarized that the Russian operation consisted of two phases: a first in which the Russian fleet in the Black Sea launched Kalibr cruise missiles, and a second in which Kinzhal cruise missiles fired by bombers from the Russian province of Volgograd and from the Crimean peninsula illegally annexed by the Kremlin in 2014 were used. Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed in a message on his social networks that Russia has used cluster munitions, which, although they produce less powerful explosions, spread more damage and further complicate the repair of civilian infrastructure. This is a vile escalation of Russian terrorist tactics, the Ukrainian president said. Zelenskiy insisted on the need to receive more anti-aircraft defense systems from Kyivs Western allies: These defense systems are needed now in Ukraine, where they save lives, and not in warehouses. The Energy Ministry reported that this is the 11th large-scale Russian bombing of the energy network so far this year. The United Nations estimates that Ukraine has lost 60% of its power generation capacity. The previous bombardment of these dimensions took place on November 17 and followed the same parameters of schedule, time, and weaponry as Thursdays, although on that occasion the arsenal used was larger, with 120 missiles and 90 Shahed drone bombs. Putins hypersonic missile threat The Russian offensive against Ukraines energy system coincides with a new phase of the war in which the Kremlin has threatened Kyiv and its NATO partners with serious consequences if the Ukrainian army continues to use Western long-range missiles against military targets inside Russia. Putin ordered the launch of the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, against a military plant in the city of Dnipro on November 21. This is the first time such a rocket has been used in an armed conflict. The Russian president took advantage of a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Russian alternative to NATO, to raise his threat to the West. Due to its striking power, especially when used en masse and in combination with other long-range precision systems that Russia also has, using it against enemy targets will be comparable in effect and power to using strategic weapons, Putin said a few days ago. The Russian president declared that his General Staff and Defense Ministry are selecting new targets for this missile, although he spoke conditionally when mentioning them: They could be decision-making centers in Kyiv. Moreover, he justified bombing the Ukrainian government because it exercises power in an acting capacity due to not being able to hold normal elections because of the Russian invasion. They are completely illegitimate today. From the legal point of view, they do not even have the right to give orders to the armed forces, because they are usurpers of power, said Putin on Thursday. The Russian president renewed his mandate until 2030 in March in an election in which he vetoed any opposition candidacy and which was not scrutinized by independent international observers, such as the OSCE mission. However, Putins bluster is not new. He issued the same threat in June 2022, at the beginning of the war, when Europe was hesitating about whether to send arms to Ukraine: As for the red lines, let me keep them to myself because it will mean rather harsh actions against the decision-making centers. But this should be decided by the Russian military-political leadership. That is, the Defense Ministry, the Russian leader said at the time. Ukraine staged a partial occupation of the Russian province of Kursk last August. Since then, it has lost 40% of the conquered ground, but Zelenskiys goal is to remain in Kursk in the long term, to show that Russia is vulnerable on its own territory. To this end, in November, Kyiv obtained U.S., British and French authorization for the use of long-range ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and Scalp missiles against Russian military targets on enemy soil. Putin also affirmed that his war industry produces 10 times more missiles than all NATO countries combined and in 2025 their production will increase by another 25% or 30%. He also explained the destructive power of his new Oreshnik missile: The temperature of the damaging elements of the Oreshnik allegedly reaches 4,000 degrees, he said Thursday. Everything in the epicenter of the explosion is divided into fractions, elementary particles, and essentially turns into dust. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Donald Trump and his team are reportedly debating how much to invade Mexico once he takes office, a new report claims. Trump and his transition team staff are discussing a soft invasion of the country, Rolling Stone reports. These conversations come after Trump promised to wage war on drug cartels in Mexico both during his first term and on the campaign trail. How much should we invade Mexico? a senior Trump transition member told Rolling Stone. That is the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This soft invasion would involve American special forces assassinating cartel leaders in Mexico, another source close to the president-elect told Rolling Stone. Trump proposed a similar plan in private discussions earlier this year, Rolling Stone reported in May. Three sources familiar with those conversations told Rolling Stone that Trump said that the US has tougher killers than they do and is mulling a similar plot to that carried out when American forces killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. The deployment would be covert, the outlet reported, and would not rely on the Mexican governments consent. Donald Trump is reportedly weighing how much to invade Mexico when he takes office (AP) Trump alluded to a similar plan during and after his first term in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, Trump suggested sending troops to Mexico for help in cleaning out drug cartels. If Mexico needs or requests help in cleaning out these monsters, the United States stands ready, willing & able to get involved and do the job quickly and effectively, Trump tweeted. The great new President of Mexico has made this a big issue, but the cartels have become so large and powerful that you sometimes need an army to defeat an army! Former defense secretary Mark Esper also told CBS in 2022 that Trump suggested the US shoot missiles into Mexico. When CBS contacted Trump about the remark, his team responded, no comment. Congressional lawmakers have also endorsed the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Marco Rubio, Trumps pick for secretary of state, previously endorsed the idea of sending U.S. troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels, but under the condition that there is cooperation from the Mexican government, Rolling Stone reports. Fellow senator Tom Cotton said last year he supported sending US troops to Mexico without their governments permission, Politico reported. Representative Mike Waltz, who will now serve as Trumps national security adviser, said last year that the US needs to approach drug cartels like terrorist organizations. We need to start thinking about these groups more like ISIS than we do the mafia, Waltz said, according to Politico. The Independent has contacted Trumps transition team for comment. Donald Trump has selected his former National Security Council Chief of Staff Keith Kellogg to join his second term as a special envoy to Ukraine. President-elect Trump announced the move in a post to Truth Social, saying that Kellogg would help secure "peach through strength" and make America "safe again." I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia," Trump wrote on Wednesday. "Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration. He was with me right from the beginning!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The retired lieutenant general presented Trump with a plan to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in June, per a report from Reuters. The plan called for the U.S. to pressure Ukraine to enter peace talks by making them a condition of future weapons shipments. Kellogg laid out the hardball aspect of the plan to Reuters, using U.S. aid as a tool to bring both sides to the negotiating table. "We tell the Ukrainians, 'You've got to come to the table, and if you don't come to the table, support from the United States will dry up,'" he said. "And you tell Putin, 'He's got to come to the table and if you don't come to the table, then we'll give Ukrainians everything they need to kill you in the field.'" Kellogg's plan, co-authored by former Trump admin figure Fred Fleitz, would base a ceasefire on current battle lines at the start of the peace talks, something that is likely to rankle Kyiv. Trump campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine and has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the days since winning the election. Notably, he had campaign financier and head of a planned "government efficiency" department Elon Musk sit in on the talk. Donald Trump has unveiled a new strategy for dealing with the fentanyl crisis. I will be working on a large-scale United States Advertising Campaign explaining how bad fentanyl is for people to use Millions of lives being so needlessly destroyed, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. By the time the campaign is over, everyone will know how really bad the horror of this drug is. Trump did not provide further details about what the campaign would look like. On Monday, he vowed to impose tariffs on China and Mexico to get their governments to do more about the fentanyl crisis, which killed 73,838 people in the US in 2022, the year for which the most recent data is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump raised concerns about the drug entering the US through Mexico. The countrys President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo responded in a written statement: Mexico has consistently expressed its willingness to help prevent the fentanyl epidemic in the United States from continuing. This is, after all, a public health and consumption problem within your society. So far this year, Mexican armed forces and prosecutors have seized tons of various types of drugs, 10,340 firearms, and have detained 15,640 individuals for violence related to drug trafficking. A person prepares to smoke fentany in June in Portland, Oregon. Trump has announced his intentions to lauch an advertising campaign against the drug (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Trumps social media post came out around the time he announced he had a productive conversation with Sheinbaum. He claimed the president agreed to stop migration. Sheinbaum said the two had an excellent conversation but disagreed with Trumps characterization of the call. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to maintain bridges between governments and people, she said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A majority of chemical precursors are produced in China. Trump has previously called on the countrys government to give the death penalty to drug dealers caught shipping the drug into the US. If they dont, Trump publicly said he would add 10 percent to tariffs already placed on the nation. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, Liu Pengyu, told The Hill: No one will win a trade war or a tariff war. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent. The illicit drug, which is primarily manufactured in foreign labs and smuggled into the US through Mexico among other routes, is being distributed across the country, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the US. Mike Waltz, the future national security advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump, has been reviewing several proposals regarding the cessation of the war in Ukraine in recent days. Source: CNN with reference to two sources familiar with the matter, as reported by European Pravda Details: The sources said that, although details of the strategy are still being worked out, Trumps officials are likely to push for an immediate ceasefire to temporarily freeze the conflict while both sides engage in talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is expected that Trumps administration representatives will also advocate for European allies and NATO to take on a larger share of the financial burden of supporting Ukraine. Waltz is considering ideas, including one from General Keith Kellogg, who was recently appointed by Trump as his special envoy for Russia and Ukraine. Kelloggs proposal suggests that continued US military assistance to Ukraine will be conditional on Kyivs involvement in peace talks with Russia and "a formal US policy to seek a cease-fire and negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict". Meanwhile, Ukraines aspirations to join NATO would be "put off" for an extended period. Waltz also reviewed a separate proposal supported by Richard Grenell, former US ambassador to Germany, who has voiced support for the creation of "autonomous regions" within Ukraine, although he did not provide any details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another idea under consideration is allowing Russia to retain the territories it currently controls in exchange for Ukraines membership in NATO. However, sources clarified that few within Trumps circle are advocating for Ukraines NATO membership in the near future. Ukraine was among the issues Waltz discussed last week with Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to Joe Biden. Meanwhile, sources caution that it is still too early to determine what the final strategy of Trumps team will look like. Trump himself has been constantly shifting his position and messaging tactics, especially on foreign policy issues, meaning the planning process for Ukraine is likely to remain unstable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps national security appointees have publicly stated that the newly elected president is considering several options, including those that contradict his previous views. Sebastian Gorka, who was recently appointed by Trump as one of Waltz's top deputies, recently called Vladimir Putin a "thug" and stated that the new administration could increase US military assistance to Ukraine beyond the current support level to achieve a swift end to the war. Meanwhile, high-ranking officials in Trumps team expect the new president to adopt a similarly tough stance on Ukraine and could threaten to cut off assistance. Support UP or become our patron! Oklahoma state Rep. Monroe Nichols (D) is seen during a committee hearing in 2019 in Oklahoma City. Earlier this month, Nichols was elected the first Black mayor of Tulsa. Sue Ogrocki via Associated Press Earlier this month, former Oklahoma state Rep. Monroe Nichols (D) was elected the first Black mayor of Tulsa. Among other plans, Nichols wants to help heal a community still grappling with the legacy of a racist massacre that killed at least 300 people more than a century ago. The Department of Justice recently announced a review of the Tulsa Race Massacre, a two-day event in 1921 when a white mob terrorized a 35-square block area known as Black Wall Street, which consisted mostly of affluent homes and thriving Black-owned businesses. There has been a sustained push in Tulsa for the city government to issue reparations of some kind to the descendants of those affected by tragedy, and to the larger community of Greenwood, the neighborhood that now stands on the site of the massacre. Nichols told HuffPost he supports the effort to resolve the pain that descendants of the massacre and the two remaining survivors of the event, both now over 100 years old still face. But he has not yet established a hard stance on reparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols campaign was based on rehabilitating Tulsas education system and addressing affordable housing issues in order to combat homelessness. Black Tulsa residents have long suffered from a dearth of economic opportunity, Nichols said. My election was a strong statement that Tulsans are ready to respectfully and meaningfully close a painful chapter in our citys history and move forward together, he told HuffPost in an email. My time in office is about the future and I dont believe a better future is possible until we do the hard work of healing the wounds of the past. The DOJ review will assess what occurred during the riots. It is unclear if the review will lead directly to a local reparations effort. But the city started the Beyond Apology Commission this year to reconcile and unite Tulsa residents in the Greenwood community and the descendants of those affected by the riot. Under the leadership of Tulsas current mayor, G.T. Bynum, the commission has not seen much progress regarding reparations. It was tasked with reviewing two reports, one from 2023 and one from 2001, that both called for reparations for descendants and survivors of the massacre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe its essential for survivors and descendants of massacre victims to find closure from this painful chapter in our history, Nichols said. Once the Beyond Apology Commission releases its recommendation and the DOJ investigation has concluded I believe my role is to act on the recommendation and focus on uniting our city. Bynum has said people in Tulsa view reparations as not just cash payments, and that there is also interest in economic, educational and housing opportunities issues that Nichols named as his priorities during his campaign. In August, Nichols said education was something the city should be laser-focused on. Weve got to take this talk of reparations out of the political sense and focus on other areas, he told The Associated Press. Education is an area where we should really sink our teeth into quite a bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear whether any potential reparations would actually take the form of cash payments. Joyce Williams, a longtime Tulsa resident who voted for Nichols, said she expects him to be open to the community and make a real effort to provide some means of compensation to descendants and survivors. I expect that he will attempt to impact our ability to get in the position to have a hearing on the loss of a strong financial system brought on by [the massacre], and I expect we are going to have to push him just like anyone else, Williams told HuffPost. Im not naive to think that this man is not going to be able to do a whole lot without some push and support. Damario Solomon-Simmons, executive director of Justice for Greenwood, an advocacy group for Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and descendants, told HuffPost that addressing the terror and trauma that erupted in 1921 should be a top priority for Nichols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited because we want to see policies and laws implemented that benefit our community, and at the top of our list is justice and reparations for the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, particularly as it relates to the two living survivors, Solomon-Simmons told HuffPost. Tulsa Race Massacre survivors Hughes Van Ellis Sr. (left), Lessie Benningfield Randle (center) and Viola Fletcher wave at supporters from a horse-drawn carriage in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 28, 2021. Sue Ogrocki via Associated Press That has to be one of the things he does in the very beginning to move this issue forward and have actual progress, and not just another Black face in a high place, Solomon-Simmons said. The last two living survivors of the massacre Viola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, 110 have, along with several descendants, been fighting in courts in their quest for reparations. In June, the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected a request to reconsider a dismissed lawsuit filed by Fletcher and Randle. The aim of the lawsuit was to force the city of Tulsa to pay reparations to Fletcher and Randle for their sufferings after the massacre. After the rejection, Solomon-Simmons, who represents the two survivors, requested a federal review from the Department of Justice, and met with Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for civil rights, in Washington, D.C. The announcement of the review came months later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My election as Mayor shows that Tulsans are ready for a new kind of leadership one committed to building a city where we can live and work together, regardless of race, Nichols told HuffPost. I know that Im able to serve today because I stand on the shoulders of those who sacrificed for our community before, during, and after the race massacre. Solomon-Simmons told HuffPost that addressing the citys racial issues and history was one of the main driving factors for voters this year. Now, the community waits for results. This is one of the reasons North Tulsans and Black Tulsans voted in such high numbers for Monroe, Solomon-Simmons said. Because they believe he will do something that has never been done. To make sure reparations are implemented correctly. Related... Construction workers move materials near the site of the underground walkway at the Arkansas Capitol on Nov. 15, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) The construction of a $3.6 million underground walkway that Arkansas lawmakers approved last year is nearly complete, putting it on track to be ready for the upcoming legislative session in January. The underground walkway connects the Capitol to the nearby Multi-Agency Complex building, commonly known as Big MAC. The two are roughly 50 yards apart down a steep hillside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From above, the road behind the Capitol covering the tunnel has been paved, and freshly painted parking lines border the nearby sidewalk. A portion of the road, however, is still blocked from general access. Crews also recently laid fresh sod in the surrounding area. Subsurface, workers are currently installing elevators, flooring and the ceiling grid, said Marty Garrity, director of the Bureau of Legislative Research. Per renderings Garrity provided, the tunnel is expected to be painted in a light color and include wooden elements and dynamic lighting. It looks similar to the Capitols basement. A rendering of the underground walkway from the Arkansas Capitol to a nearby building. (Courtesy of the Bureau of Legislative Research) During session, lawmakers often trek from the chambers and meeting rooms in the statehouse to two well-used committee meeting rooms in Big MAC. The building also houses offices for legislators and other state employees, including those with the Bureau of Legislative Research. Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, recently told the Advocate that the tunnel will provide a number of benefits once completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Session is in winter, and we deal with a lot of inclement weather, Hester said. From something as basic as staff traveling from building to building and they travel sometimes with thousands of pages of printouts we just think its for safety as weve had staff fall over the past years. For efficiency, I think theres going to be a lot of benefit. Hester said he didnt know if the general public would have access to the tunnel, but he also noted that there arent many areas in the Capitol and on public grounds that are restricted. Once its completed and we see how its functioning and where members offices are, we will make a determination, Hester said regarding public access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garrity said it is her understanding that the walkway will be open to the public with Capitol police responsible for security. For most of the last year, the area between the two buildings has been surrounded by blue fencing to shield the work of Little Rock-based Kinco Constructors LLC. Many legislative committee meetings have been held through the sound of jackhammers and other construction noise. Garrity said Kinco has done a great job of managing the project, and she didnt report any notable issues over the last year. The construction of the underground tunnel was planned in tandem with a $4.5 million project for a mechanical room for a new air handling system to cool the north end of the Capitol building. Lawmakers cited savings if the projects were done together because of the need to dig up the same ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brent Stamp, director of Capitol facilities in the Arkansas Secretary of States office, said the mechanical room was completed without any construction issues to report. A rendering of the underground walkway from the Arkansas Capitol to a nearby building. (Courtesy of the Bureau of Legislative Research) Previous attempts to fund a similar tunnel project were unsuccessful as officials voiced concerns about it being an unnecessary expense. In 2009, lawmakers approved $1.8 million for a 100-foot tunnel project, but then-Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, said the project was unnecessary and refused the funds. Likewise, Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders last July told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that she was concerned about the need for the project and its cost. After lawmakers approved the construction contract in August 2023, Sanders noted their authority to do so. If legislators feel this is a needed upgrade to our Capitol that uses taxpayer dollars responsibly, then they have the ability to move these improvements forward, she said at the time. Lawmakers will convene for the states 95th General Assembly on Jan. 13. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) Eight local businesses served up 500 meals Wednesday for those who served the United States and those who continue to serve the community every day. I think its a good way to give back because we put a lot of time and effort into helping other people, said Alan Reid, who works with Volunteer Fire Police from Youngstown. I know the community appreciates it but sometimes they dont really realize the scope of what we do until, unfortunately, they need us. Free meals were available for veterans and first responders who serve with local EMS, police and fire departments in Western New York. They were handed out in the parking lot of the Boulevard Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was much different when we first came home from Vietnam, we didnt get the gratitude, I am very grateful that this is going on, said Joe Pasek, a veteran from Tonawanda. The day before Thanksgiving, local veterans and first responders were shown gratitude one homemade turkey dinner at a time. This is exactly what Buffalo is all about giving back, said Kevin Lester, owner of Kevins Catering. Youd be surprised what people eat every day, and when they get some homemade quality food, and the reaction that they get when they get something good. For Lester, the Buffalo Fire Department is close to his heart since he grew up around it with his father as a firefighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre a 24/7 365 business that never ends, and they sacrifice a lot of holidays, weekends away from their family, and it was something that we felt as a nice thank you, Lester said. Lesters catering business, along with Dominguez Marketing, AVA Roofing and Siding, Mustachios Pizza, Old Man River, Mississippi Mudds, District 37 and UTECH, held the annual turkey dinner giveaway for its fifth year. It goes to show that different businesses and different trades can come together for a good cause and support the local heroes, said Anatoliy Aponchuk, owner of AVA Roofing and Siding. I think theyll appreciate it. During the workday they can stop by and grab a meal, and I think theyll feel appreciated, and its the least we can do from our side. After meals were given out at the Boulevard Mall, the rest were dropped off at local police and fire stations as a way of giving thanks. Latest Local News Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. HONOLULU (KHON2) Two employees of the Hawaii County Department of Public Works have been arrested and charged with theft of gasoline from a county facility. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Christin Eve Hoomaikainani Ho, 37, and Chase K. Leopoldino, 39, both of Hilo, were arrested on Monday afternoon, November 25, 2024, and charged with misdemeanor theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho faces two counts of third-degree theft, with bail set at $2,000. Leopoldino was charged with one count of third-degree theft, with bail set at $1,000. Both individuals posted bail later that evening and are scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on December 24, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The arrests followed an investigation into two separate incidents involving the use of a Hawaii County-owned vehicle at the Hilo Police Stations fuel pumps. HFD offers safety tips ahead of Thanksgiving cooking On Saturday, November 23, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Ho was seen fueling a private vehicle owned by Leopoldino using county fuel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, on November 24, Ho was again seen filling a privately owned vehicle with fuel at the same location, this time accompanied by a family member who subsequently fueled another private vehicle. Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section arrested both suspects on Monday afternoon while they were on duty. The investigation is ongoing, with the Hawaii County Department of Public Works also conducting an internal review. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Detective David Poohina at (808) 961-2385 or email David.Poohina@hawaiicounty.gov. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For non-emergency inquiries, the police department can be reached at (808) 935-3311. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Bilal Muneimana has just returned home to Dahieh, the southern suburb of Beirut that he left two months ago when an Israeli missile fell so close that he felt his life was in danger, and he does not mince his words. He is extremely irritated by the frenetic sounds of horns, the yellow Hezbollah flags, and the triumphal signs that he sees and hears from the window. Victory? Is everything that has happened to us a victory? he asks. He has experienced the two and a half months of open war between the party-militia and Israel as a personal humiliation: sleeping with his wife and three children in a school that was used as a shelter, with a small piece of hanging cloth to provide some privacy from the other displaced people with whom he shared a classroom; grabbing his belongings at night so that no one would steal them, going to work in the cold and with back pain I am going to sell my house here and another one that I have in the south. I am leaving this country. Im not prepared to live through a war every 10 years, he says, clenching his fists without realizing it. Tonight, he still wont be able to sleep in his own bed; even during the day, its too cold. Like the rest of Dahieh, he still has no electricity. He has to wait for the owner of the private generator that powers the building (the bankrupt state power company only provides a few hours a day nationwide) to restart the service. His youngest daughter is also afraid to return. She was too traumatized by the Nasrallah explosion [in which Israel killed the Hezbollah leader]. My hearing hasnt been the same since that day, and the scar on my wifes chest has split open, Muneimana says, his tone somewhere between sad and angry. His case shows the contrast between the public celebrations that have marked the ceasefire and what takes place within some of the four walls of Dahieh itself. It is Hezbollahs stronghold, where there is not a single block without a building in ruins, and where Israel has been attacking for weeks to eliminate almost the entire leadership of the party-militia. Some buildings are still smoking from Tuesdays intense attack, the final Israeli display before the truce. Except for a few bakeries that sell packaged bread, all the shops remain closed. For the moment, there is no electricity for more business activity. A man waves a yellow Hezbollah flag in Dahieh on Wednesday, following a ceasefire between the militia and Israel. Daniel Carde A bridge dominates the heart of the district. The road towards Beirut is empty. The other, towards Dahieh and further south, is jammed by the cars and motorbikes of the thousands of people returning, some with mattresses on the roof. A man points a gun out of the window and fires in celebration. The sound of gunfire, usually from rifles, is constant. A young woman wearing a yellow Hezbollah scarf appears and hands out sweets to the occupants of the vehicles, while giving them a smile and making the V for victory sign with her fingers. Below, on the street, one color dominates the flags: the yellow of Hezbollah, mixed with the green and black of the praises of Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed venerated in Shia Islam. Winding around on motorbikes or standing on the rubble of bombed buildings, they shout Hezbollah! or We will answer your call, oh Hezbollah! The same young people of the party or of the resistance, as they call themselves here who tend to distrust any stranger, are today debating whether to pose for celebratory photos or continue concealing their identity, because, after all, everyone knows that what is coming is a truce, but not peace. They seem ecstatic, as if the ceasefire that came into effect hours earlier was a resounding victory and a surrender by Israel (two of the words used most often), rather than a sort of tactical withdrawal awaiting better days. This is summed up by one of their members, Ali, proud that his brother fell as a martyr stopping the advance of Israeli troops in the south, and that Hezbollah continued until the last moment firing missiles at Tel Aviv, despite the overwhelming technological and military superiority of an enemy that the whole world supports. We fight alone and on the ground; they fight from the air. They are cowards. The militia, he says, did not want him to join the hand-to-hand combat in order to avoid the same family losing two sons. Now, life is returning to normal, but things will happen in the future. And the next time we talk will be in Palestine, he says, suggesting that by then the State of Israel will have disappeared. This is precisely what bothers not only Muneimana, but also Raghida. She is 70 years old and returned to her apartment at 10 a.m., with a maid who empties and cleans the refrigerator with bleach because everything inside has rotted. When she left, she says, there was still electricity and she thought it would be for two or three days. In the end it was two months, sleeping at her daughters house in the much safer mountains of the interior. Raghida on Thursday at her home in Beirut after spending two months with her daughter in the mountains of the interior. Daniel Carde So the first thing she does is apologize for breaking the rules of Arab hospitality and not offering coffee to visitors: there is no electricity or gas to make it. Then she attacks the young people who shoot in the air. What victory are these people celebrating? Everyone knows that Hezbollah has been weakened. They act as if it were [the war between Israel and Hezbollah] in 2006. That was a victory. This is not, she says. Raghida, with her children scattered across three continents, remembers that she forbade one of them from joining the youth movement. It is one thing to defend your home. I would be the first to pick up the rifle if they come to my door. But to die far away? Why? If they want to, go ahead. My son, no. Judur Muallem, 61, and his wife, Imam, 49, are the complete opposite of Raghida. They smile with relief at the sight of their house still standing (they werent sure about that) amid destruction that is hardly an Israeli victory. They have everything. Tanks, planes and the help of intelligence services from all over the world. We have only small rockets and our people. Still, we have managed to get them to surrender, Imam says, cleaning the floor. Since they left, a portrait of Nasrallah, the revered leader of Hezbollah for decades who was killed in an Israeli strike in September just a few blocks from here, has remained under a tapestry with the word God written on it. It is the only thing that breaks our feeling of victory. Still, for me it is as if he is still alive. I know he is dead, I know that. But his figure is still present, Imam says. Muallem explains why he did not mind spending seven weeks at a friends house away from Dahieh, and why he believes Hezbollah has once again emerged victorious from the onslaught. Youre European, right? he begins. Didnt Hitler destroy Europe, but did he win World War II? Thats part of the fight. You cant claim victory if your home is intact. If any army in the world were attacked as they did with the pagers, and had its first and second lines of command taken out, it would disappear. Hezbollah managed to regroup and continue fighting and firing missiles. He is not worried about the future. In 2006, he recalls, Israel also promised to impose its law across the border if Hezbollah regrouped, which it eventually did. Now, they say they will. Well, they say one thing and we say another, he adds with a smile: Hezbollah is not a foreign entity, like an army, to be driven out of a place. It is the people who live here. It is their land. And here we do not have a state, an army to defend us from Israel. That is why there needs to be resistance [Hezbollah]. Otherwise, we would have already disappeared. Two men driving back to a southern Beirut neighborhood on Thursday. Daniel Carde Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Officers with the Redmond Police Department arrested two men who they believed burglarized a home in Redmond in October. Jill Green, a public information officer with the department, said on Oct. 13 at about 11 a.m., officers went to a burglary in progress at a home on Northeast 99th Way in Redmond. When officers arrived at the home, the owner said they saw two men steal jewelry on surveillance video. The men then left and drove off in a black Kia. The owner told officers he went after the two alleged thieves but a witness told officers they saw the suspects get out of the car, toss the stolen jewelry into a nearby bush and run away from the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding officers searched the area and found the stolen jewelry worth about $8,000, Green said. Following an investigation, detectives with Redmond PD and Kent Police Department found the suspects, a 21-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, Green said. KIRO 7 is not naming the suspects because they have not been formally charged. Detectives said they believe the suspects are part of an organized Roma crime group who are allegedly responsible for multiple burglaries in Redmond and surrounding areas, Green said. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has additional information on this case or other cases, call the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. CLINTON, Utah (ABC4) Police in Clinton say that two men were found with gunshot wounds after a report of shots being fired inside a residence in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning. Clinton Police said in a statement that they were called to the area of 2600 West 2250 North around 1 a.m. Thursday morning Nov. 28 to reports of shots being fired inside the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement N. Salt Lake Uber driver charged with sexual abuse, kidnapping while driving crying woman home from bar Police say when they arrived, they found two adult males with gunshot wounds, one had already been deceased. The second male was flown by a medical helicopter to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The identities of the two males have not been released publically. Police also stated that they do not believe there is any threat to the public. Police say that an investigation has been started into the apparent shooting and that details will be released as appropriate. Police encouraged anyone with information to call the Clinton City Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) A man and a woman from Paris, Illinois were arrested after the theft of more than $10,000. Andrew Towell, 40 of Paris, and Katelynn Bowman, 27 of Paris, were arrested by the Coles County Sheriffs Office on Nov. 27. The charges are the result of a Coles County investigation regarding the theft of a side-by-side UTV that was stolen from a residence in Ashmore on Nov. 26. Danville shooting sends three victims to hospital Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Towell is in custody at the Coles County Sheriffs Office awaiting a detention hearing, while Bowman was later released with a Notice to Appear. The UTV was later recovered in Edgar County and has been released back to the owners. The Coles County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Charleston Police Department and Paris Police Department. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Two people were killed and others were injured in a six-car crash on a busy South Carolina interstate on the day before Thanksgiving. S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Lena Butler said the multicar wreck happened at 6:52 a.m. Wednesday on I-95 south near Dillon. According to Butler, a number of vehicles were stopped in traffic along the interstate when a 2020 Volvo tractor trailer traveling southbound crashed into a 2017 Honda CRV. That set off what the trooper called a chain reaction wreck that eventually involved six vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was only one occupant in the Honda CRV, who died at the scene, the Highway Patrol said. The driver of a 2010 Honda Accord also died in the crash, and the passenger in the Accord was airlifted to McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence for treatment. The driver of a 2024 Nissan Sentra that was involved in the wreck also was taken to an area hospital. The identities of the deceased had not been released as of Wednesday afternoon. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident. (Bloomberg) -- Johann Rupert, chairman and founder of Richemont, said the extension of a trade pact that gives South Africa and more than 30 other nations from the continent duty-free access to the worlds biggest economy is vital for his home country. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rupert, South Africas richest person who this month facilitated a call between US President-elect Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the continents most-industrialized nation needs to be part of the African Growth & Opportunity Act that expires in September. Our automobile industry, our farmers, our exports we will have a serious blow to the economy if we lose AGOA, Rupert said at a forum in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on Thursday. I will try to use whatever little influence I have to try and keep AGOA intact. There are concerns that South Africa may lose its access to AGOA after it raised US ire by refusing to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine and took Israel to the International Court of Justice over accusations of genocide in Gaza. Thats led some US lawmakers to call for a review of trade ties with the nation. A clause in the pact says no member whos a beneficiary of a government should act against the best interests of the United States, Rupert said. Now South Africa, certainly in the view of these bilateral Republicans and Democrats, we were not acting in best interests of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Trumps planned appointments to posts that deal with trade are balanced people, Rupert said. AGOA was enacted in 2000 and has since been at the core of US trade and investment policy with sub-Saharan Africa. Two-way trade between the US and countries that qualify for market access under AGOA exceeded $46 billion in 2022, with $30 billion worth of goods shipped to the US in that year. As much as $10.2 billion worth of goods traded under the preferential trade access program. Ruperts Richemont manages brands including Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Van Cleef & Arpels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter for the latest business and economic news from the continent. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. HONG KONG The State Department eased its travel advisory for China after the release of three U.S. citizens who had been detained in the country for years. The travel advisory for China is now at Level 2, exercise increased caution, the same level as for France and Germany. The alert had been at Level 3, the second-highest level, advising Americans to reconsider travel to China partly because of the risk of wrongful detentions, according to the guidance issued Wednesday. The language about wrongful detentions has been removed in the updated advisory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration earlier announced that it had secured the release of three Americans who had spent years in Chinese detention: Kai Li, Mark Swidan and John Leung. A U.S. government official said Wednesday that Li, Swidan and Leung were released in exchange for Chinese nationals detained in the U.S., including Xu Yanjun, an officer of Chinas Ministry of State Security who was accused of trying to steal technology from an American aircraft engine supplier, and Ji Chaoqun, who was accused of spying for the Chinese government. Officials said the deal had been in the works for months. The White House has not publicly confirmed Details of the swap. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said Thursday that three Chinese citizens who were wrongly detained by the U.S. had safely returned to China. Li, 62, who is from Long Island, New York, had been detained since 2016 and was serving a 10-year sentence after he was convicted of espionage, while Swidan, a Texas businessman in his 40s, had been detained since 2012 and was sentenced to death with a reprieve in 2019 after he was convicted on drug-related charges. Leung, who is in his 70s and was detained in 2021, was sentenced to life in prison last year after a court in eastern China found him guilty of espionage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department had officially designated Li and Swidan as wrongfully detained. Their return followed the surprise release in September of American pastor David Lin, who was also considered wrongfully detained. Lin spent almost two decades in Chinese custody and had been sentenced to life in prison on charges of contract fraud. A State Department spokesperson said Wednesday that all Americans wrongfully detained in China were now home. According to the Dui Hua Foundation, a prisoner rights group, about 200 Americans are detained in China, more than in any other foreign country. They include Americans who are imprisoned as well as those who are prevented from leaving the country while cases are under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The updated China advisory also warns about arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans. Beijing, which had criticized the Level 3 travel advisory as too harsh, says all cases are handled in accordance with the law. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said Thursday that downgrading the travel advisory was conducive to normal people-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and China. We have always opposed the artificial creation of a chilling effect and hope the U.S. will continue to create more conveniences to promote cultural exchanges between the two nations, spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular briefing in Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, had defended the Level 3 advisory in an interview last month. The government of China protests against the travel advisory, but they have no grounds to do so when we have such a major problem on the ground here, he told NBC News in Beijing. The reconsider travel warning had raised concerns about the potential impact on U.S. business and tourist travel to China, as well as academic and other exchanges. Fewer than 1,000 Americans are estimated to be studying in China, compared with a peak of about 15,000 a decade ago and an estimated 300,000 Chinese students currently in the U.S. The Level 3 advisory is a really big deal, Austin Strange, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Hong Kong, said this month at an event hosted by the universitys Centre on Contemporary China and the World. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping said last year that China was ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to study there in the next five years. Its taken some steps to make that easier, Strange said, but its extremely difficult to do that with the travel advisory, because this creates huge insurance and other risks for American universities that sponsor study abroad programs. Some, like Peter Humphrey, a British advocate for foreigners detained in China who was imprisoned there for two years on what he says were false charges of gathering illegal information, said they opposed the travel advisory downgrade. There is no sign, really, of any increase in the safety for Americans in China, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BBC News reported that it sent Wallace's representatives a letter on Nov. 26 outlining allegations of inappropriate sexual comments made by 13 individuals Andrew Matthews - Pool/Getty Gregg Wallace on Feb. 28, 2023 Gregg Wallace on Feb. 28, 2023 Gregg Wallace, the host of the U.K.'s version of MasterChef, is stepping away from the program while its production company and broadcaster investigate allegations of sexual misconduct. On Thursday, Nov. 28, multiple outlets reported that MasterChef's production company Banijay UK stated that Wallace, 60, was stepping away as an investigation is completed. BBC News reported that it sent a letter to Wallace's representatives on Nov. 26 outlining allegations of inappropriate sexual comments made by 13 individuals who worked with him across a range of shows he presented and hosted over the course of 17 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to BBC News and other outlets, Wallace's lawyers stated that "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature." Multiple outlets also reported that Banijay UK has launched an investigation and said in a statement that Wallace, who has co-hosted MasterChef since 2005, is "committed to fully co-operating throughout the process" of the investigation. Dave Benett/Getty Gregg Wallace on March 20, 2024 Gregg Wallace on March 20, 2024 Scottish television presenter and journalist Kirsty Wark told BBC News as part of its investigation that Wallace told "sexualized" jokes during filming when she was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant back in 2011. "There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualized language in front of a number of people, and it wasn't as if anyone engaged with this," she said in a video shared as part of BBC News' article. "It was completely one-way traffic, but I think people were uncomfortable, and [it was] something I didn't really expect to happen." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate, Banijay UK said in a statement obtained by several outlets, including Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BBC News which noted in its article that it remains editorially independent from the U.K.'s larger public broadcasting corporation additionally reported that the BBC once warned Wallace after two women complained about his behavior in 2018 on the series Impossible Celebrities. The women alleged that Wallace "talked openly about his sex life to staff on the show" and made them feel uncomfortable. As the outlet reported, Wallace apologized at that time and the women who complained were offered counseling. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Gregg Wallace on July 12, 2023 Gregg Wallace on July 12, 2023 The outlet reported that it began investigating Wallace last summer after learning of allegations that span across five series Wallace worked on between 2005 and 2022. "We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them," a spokesperson for BBC, the network that airs MasterChef, told PEOPLE in a statement. "We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated." (Bloomberg) -- UK car output slumped for the eighth consecutive month in October, leading the industrys trade group to warn of further deterioration in the outlook for automakers. Most Read from Bloomberg Production dropped 15% last month from a year ago, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The group said Thursday that independent forecaster AutoAnalysis lowered its 2024 and 2025 projections for car and light van output by 12% and 16% from what it was expecting this time last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK government this week pledged more support for the industry and to consult with carmakers on an electric-vehicle sales mandate that it said isnt working as intended. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds offered the concessions shortly after Stellantis NV announced plans to close one of its van factories in the country thats produced Vauxhalls for 120 years. These are deeply concerning times for the automotive industry, with massive investments in plants and new zero-emission products under intense pressure, Mike Hawes, the SMMTs chief executive officer, said in a statement. We will work with government on its rapid review of the regulation and the development of an ambitious and comprehensive industrial strategy to assure our competitiveness. AutoAnalysis now sees automakers producing 910,805 cars and light vans this year. As of November 2023, its forecast was for almost 1.04 million. The forecaster is projecting output will fall another 8% next year, to 838,665 cars and vans. A year ago, it was expecting 995,250 units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Millions of people owe their lives to Japanese scientist Tasuku Honjo and American James Allison, fathers of immunotherapy, one of the greatest revolutions in the history of medicine. In 1992, Honjo discovered a human protein, PD-1, which acts as a brake on the bodys defenses. By inhibiting it with a drug approved in 2014, white blood cells are released and attack cancer cells with greater ferocity. Some previously incurable tumors are no longer a death sentence, but the enemy is still powerful. More than half of cases of melanoma with metastasis, for example, are resistant to the drug. Two Spanish scientists Anais Elewaut, 29, from Malaga, and Guillem Estivill, 28, from Barcelona have now discovered, through experiments on rodents, a promising way to enhance the miraculous immunotherapy: some anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin. We see that mice [genetically modified to develop tumors similar to those in humans] that receive immunotherapy and anti-inflammatories live much longer, in general. We even have mice that are cured. Without the anti-inflammatory, they are resistant to immunotherapy, Estivill explains by phone. The two Spanish scientists work at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna (Austria), under the orders of biologist Anna Obenauf. Their study was published Wednesday in the journal Nature, a benchmark for the best science in the world. The human bodys defenses, white blood cells, are formed inside the bones, but some types travel to the thymus a small gland in the chest to mature and become cytotoxic T lymphocytes, capable of destroying cells infected by viruses or bacteria. Cancer, formed when human cells themselves multiply in an uncontrolled manner, is characterized by its ability to evade the immune system, which often does not recognize it as a threat. The Vienna team has identified a crucial player in the activation of these killer T cells that had so far gone unnoticed: monocytes, another type of white blood cell formed in bone marrow. The new work shows that monocytes travel through the blood and can capture fragments of cancer cells, displaying them to T cells, which then reactivate and attack the tumor. The study also sheds light on cancers strategy for hiding from defenses. Tumor cells increase the production of prostaglandin E2, a lipid substance that blocks the action of monocytes. At the same time, they decrease the production of interferons, proteins that stimulate the immune system. The Vienna group argues that anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase, such as aspirin, are a promising strategy to increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy, since they block the production of inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandin E2. Estivill is optimistic, given the previous results observed in humans. We have done a meta-analysis and we have seen that, in clinical trials of immunotherapy, patients who have reported taking anti-inflammatory drugs have a better response, not only aspirin, but any cyclooxygenase inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and many others that they take regularly to mitigate pain, he says. The Barcelona biologist points out that these anti-inflammatories provide short-term benefits for cancer patients by slowing the progression of the disease, but over time the tumor reappears. In their study, the Vienna group proposes different combinations of immunotherapy, anti-inflammatories at appropriate doses, and other types of drugs that induce the production of interferons. It works in mice. We have demonstrated this in melanoma and in pancreatic, lung, and colon cancer, stresses Estivill, who recognises that human tumors are much more heterogeneous, so it remains to be seen whether the strategy works in the same way in people. Elewaut, a biotechnologist whose parents are Belgian, explains that the levels of prostaglandin E2 in tumors are very high. I think that, to inhibit this process and for immunotherapy to work better, you are going to need a lot of aspirin and a lot of ibuprofen, and the problem is that these drugs also have many side effects: stomach problems, cardiovascular problems, etc. So we have to try to combine aspirin, immunotherapy, and probably other drugs, she says. People should not think that aspirin alone will cure cancer. The head of the Austrian laboratory, Anna Obenauf, confirms that aspirin is one of several possibilities, but there are similar, more potent and specific drugs, such as celecoxib, used to relieve pain and inflammation in arthritis. Clinical trials with several of these drugs are ongoing. My suspicion is that this will show some effect, but we already showed in our study how to further enhance this effect with additional combination therapies, she says. Obenauf trained more than a decade ago in the laboratory of the Spanish pharmacologist Joan Massague, director of the Sloan Kettering Institute, a center dedicated to cancer research in New York. Biologist Marisol Soengas, president of the Spanish Association for Cancer Research, applauds the new work, in which she did not participate. The study is very rigorous and very complete, because it uses very diverse cellular models and also different models of genetically modified animals, she explains. Soengas is also the head of the Melanoma Group at the National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid. In her opinion, all caution must still be maintained, while waiting to see the results of the combination of anti-inflammatories with the most common immunotherapies, such as the so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition British crime fighters are to be stationed in Iraq under a new agreement to target the heart of the Channel people-smuggling gangs operations. Iraqi-Kurdish gangs control most of the beaches and camps in northern France, which has led to the National Crime Agency (NCA) ramping up its operations in the people smugglers home towns. On Thursday, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announced the deployment of the NCA officers to the country as part of an agreement committing the British, Iraqi and Kurdish regional governments to joint operations to arrest and prosecute those behind the people-smuggling gangs based in Baghdad, Erbil and other towns. The gangs control the smuggling networks from Iraqi Kurdistan through Turkey, where the boats and engines are put together after being imported from China, to Germany, where the dinghies are stored, to the northern French beaches from where they are launched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grip of the Iraqi-Kurds on the smuggling trade was highlighted with the exposure of Barzan Majeed, known as the Scorpion, who was wanted by police in several countries, including the UK, and whose gang was behind more than 10,000 crossings. Ms Cooper signed the joint statement during a secret three-day visit to Baghdad and Erbil under heavy security, accompanied by Martin Hewitt, the former Met Police chief who is the head of Labours new Border Security Command. The deal also includes a pledge to fast-track returns of illegal Iraqi migrants to their home country. Iraqis account for one of the top 10 countries for Channel crossings but fewer than 30 were returned to Iraq in the year to June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain will also provide 300,000 for Iraq law enforcement training in border security and 200,000 to upgrade Iraqs biometric systems to identify Channel migrants who attempt to avoid deportation by destroying their passports. Britain is also supporting a social media campaign to warn potential migrants from the region of the ruthless tactics of the gangs and risks of crossing the Channel in an attempt to counter the lure of their adverts on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. The city of Erbil in Iraq, where Channel people-smuggling gangs are based and will be targeted in a new UK initiative - Frans Sellies/Moment RF Ms Cooper said: There are smuggler gangs profiting from dangerous small-boat crossings whose operations stretch back through northern France, Germany, across Europe, to the Kurdistan region of Iraq and beyond. Organised criminals operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too. The increasingly global nature of organised immigration crime means that even countries that are thousands of miles apart must work more closely together than ever to stop these gangs getting away with it, to strengthen our border security and to stop so many lives being put at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows the deployment of officers from the NCA to Bulgaria, Austria and Romania to help crack down on people-smuggling gangs who are transporting migrants and equipment through the three states from Italy, Greece, the Balkans and eastern Europe to the coast of northern France. The moves are part of a 150 million injection for Border Security Command which has been set up to coordinate hundreds of investigators and prosecutors from the NCA, MI5, Border Force and Crown Prosecution Service. Ms Cooper wants more officers to be deployed upstream to work with other countries law enforcement agencies to stem the flow of migrants, small boats, engines and other equipment into the EU and on to northern France. The Joint Statement on Border Security, signed with Abdulameer Al-Shimmeri, the Iraqi interior minister, will build on operational work already being conducted between UK law enforcement, including the NCA, and Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sets out a blueprint for both countries to tackle people smuggling and wider border security issues and pave the way for deeper collaboration in the future. It will include new formal processes for regular engagement. The statement is backed up by a wider declaration of intent to tackle serious organised crime, which includes people smuggling as well as drug smuggling, modern slavery and illicit finance. 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. Sir Keir Starmer has accused the former Tory government of running a one-nation experiment in open borders, while Kemi Badenoch admitted her party did not deliver on immigration. A total of 1.2 million people arrived in the UK in the year up to June 2024, according to the latest ONS figures released today. Net migration - the above figure, minus those who left the UK - stands at 728,000 for the year up to June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would have been in line with existing estimates of the previous year, ending June 2023, but the ONS issued a revision, substantially increasing last years figures from 740,000 to 906,000. The revised figures, which mark a new record-high in net migration, were partially attributed to missing numbers of Ukraine visas, and adjustments to predicting long-term migrants. In light of these changes, net migration in the year to June 2024 is down 20 per cent from the previous year. An increasingly high proportion of those arriving are non-EU nationals, who outnumber EU immigrants around seven times over. What the numbers say on migration It is clear that net migration is still soaring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has taken a swipe at the previous government, saying he has had enough of the lies, of the deceptions, weve had years and years of it. Since Britain left the EU, immigration to the UK has gone up, and has not come close to pre-Brexit levels. Free movement ended in January 2021 and Brexit immigration rules came into force. Since June 2021, at least 3.6 million immigrants have entered the UK. Net migration is at 2.3 million over that period. Latest data up in the year up to June 2024 shows that non-EU nationals make up 86 percent of total immigration into the UK. The country with the highest number of people entering the UK is India, followed by Nigeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independents social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reported that the number of Vietnamese nationals entering the UK by small boat has risen by 177 percent. This is linked to a new agreement between Vietnam and Hungary, which is enabling easier access to other European countries. Most immigration is for work or study In a time when the NHS and social care sectors are facing major staffing shortages, visas for health and care workers from abroad have dropped by 62 per cent. The NHS has more than 31,000 reported vacancies, while 131,000 posts are vacant in social care, with a total shortage of 162,000 across the two fields. Just 50,591 health and care worker visas were granted up to June 2024, which the government attributed to a drop in applicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New tighter regulation introduced in December 2023 stopped allowing overseas care workers to bring their dependants, which is a likely factor. However, work and study both remain the highest reasons for immigration in the UK, with asylum and humanitarian reasons making up around 15 per cent of immigration in total. Up to June this year, there was a fall in the number of study dependants entering the UK. The same rule changes above mean that most international students can no longer bring family members with them. Sanctuary drops for Ukraine and Hong Kong Since 2021 and 2022 respectively, the UK has been granting sanctuary to citizens of Hong Kong and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet numbers of sanctuary granted for both groups have dropped significantly in the year up to June 2024. In June 2020, China passed the Hong Kong national security law, which significantly limited freedom of speech and protest. Since 2021, some 165,000 Hongkongers have moved to the UK. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Just half the number of sanctuary visas have been granted to Ukranians compared to last year, dropping by 53 per cent to 29,506 grants. Meanwhile, sanctuary grants to those from Hong Kong has dropped by nearly a quarter (to 30,000). The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), which was opened in 2022, has seen a sharp uptick this year but is still below 10,000 grants annually. (Bloomberg) -- The UK government has announced a crackdown on rogue employers who have been exploiting migrant workers, banning offenders from hiring any more overseas staff. Most Read from Bloomberg Businesses who employ migrants under the UKs sponsorship system will also be prohibited from charging workers for any costs associated with that sponsorship, in a new measure designed to reduce exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent report from the Work Rights Centre, a charity which advises migrant workers, found as many as 177 companies held a license to sponsor migrant workers despite breaking employment law. Many have been accused of exploiting migrant workers by charging them thousands of pounds for visa-related costs and then forcing them to work for under the minimum wage, or failing to provide them with any hours at all. It comes as levels of migration to the UK have soared in recent years, with a large part of the rise attributable to an influx of workers as job vacancies ballooned. This has caused political tension fears that the UKs public services couldnt cope with the rise in migration stoked far-right riots over the summer, which saw attacks on foreign nurses and hotels housing asylums seekers. Labour has vowed to reduce net migration, and official figures to be released later Thursday will likely show that number falling. But large sectors of the economy, such as health and social care, are still heavily reliant on low-paid foreign workers. Worker exploitation is completely unacceptable, said Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra. Shamefully, these practices have been seen particularly in our care sector, where workers coming to the UK to support our health and social care service have all too often found themselves plunged into unjustifiable insecurity and debt. This can, and must, end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the UKs Skilled Worker Visas operate on a sponsorship system. Employers in a limited number of sectors can apply for a license which allows them to offer migrant workers a job, but those workers right to remain in the UK is then tied to that job. That means many, often on low incomes, are too afraid to report abuse charities helping migrant workers have warned the system is broken and must be reformed. The Home Office stopped short of a full reform Thursday. However it said companies which commit serious employment breaches, such as not paying the National Minimum Wage, will be barred from hiring overseas workers. It will also take action against employers who are showing signs of rule breaking before they have committed serious breaches of the law, the Home Office said. Such businesses will be put on Action Plans, binding them to set of actions, for 12 months up from three months previously. Officials noted that many employers are engaging in the unethical practice of charging Skilled Workers for the cost of sponsorship, often at grossly inflated levels. In some cases seen by Bloomberg, workers were being charged up to 20,000 ($25,400) for costs vaguely labeled as administration or lawyers fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was often leaving workers burdened with unsustainable levels of debt to their employers, the Home Office said. Now, employers will no longer be able to charge their staff for costs associated with their sponsorship. Dora-Olivia Vicol, chief executive of the Work Rights Centre, said the Home Offices announcement was the bare minimum. These proposals to punish bad employers go some way in preventing future migrants from exploitation, but do nothing for those who have already become victims of exploitation or abuse, she said. Where is the justice for those who were tricked into spending their life savings for a job opportunity that never materialized, only to be left destitute with no support? Or those who were forced to work under conditions akin to modern slavery, and threatened with being sent home if they speak out? The Home Office said that since July 2022, the government has revoked around 450 licenses given to businesses allowing them to sponsor workers in the care sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- The number of long-term migrants arriving in the UK slipped in the year to June, but remained historically high despite curbs introduced by the last Conservative government. Most Read from Bloomberg An estimated 728,000 more people moved to the UK than left the country, according to the Office for National Statistics. Thats down from 906,000 a year earlier, a level bigger than the population of most UK cities that was revised up heavily from earlier estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revisions for the year to June 2023 show just how much migration to the UK soared in the years following Brexit and the pandemic. Previously, the ONS thought that a net 740,000 arrived over that time, and that the all-time high for net migration was 764,000 in the 2022 calendar year. The figures will pile more pressure on the new government to bring net migration numbers down. Immigration was one of the key battlegrounds in the July general election, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks failure to curb the number of arrivals a key factor in the Tories defeat to Keir Starmers Labour Party. Todays numbers show that the government inherited a situation from the previous government, where they had effectively run Britain as an experiment in open borders, Starmers spokesman, Dave Pares, told reporters on Thursday. The Conservatives bled support to the anti-migration Reform UK party in the election, and since then the continued arrival of migrants on small boats across the English Channel has prompted far-right riots and attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her first major speech as Conservative party leader on Wednesday, Kemi Badenoch said all recent governments including the one of which she was a part had presided over migration that was too high. She vowed to set a cap on numbers arriving to the UK, though declined to say what that was or how she would reduce the reliance of the UK economy on migrant workers. These are the final scores of the last government, after more than a decade of making promises they could not keep on immigration, said Sunder Katwala, director of think tank British Future. Starmer will oversee a continuing fall from the record levels of net migration but his challenge now is to manage the trade-offs on migration for the economy, NHS, universities and social care. Declining numbers of dependants arriving on study visas and fewer people arriving for work-related reasons were behind the drop in net migration in the latest year, the ONS said Thursday. This is consistent with visa data published by the Home Office, and in part reflects policy changes from earlier this year. It is also driven by a rise in long-term emigration, most notably for those who came to the UK on study-related visas. This is likely a consequence of the large number of students who came to the UK post-pandemic now reaching the end of their courses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ONS attributed its heavy upward revisions to 2022-23 partly to receiving more complete travel data, and to a data error which meant tens of thousands of Ukrainians arriving on humanitarian visas had been missed previously. Net migration in the latest year was more than double the number who arrived in the 12 months through June 2016, the year before the Brexit referendum. The jump has angered those who voted to leave the European Union in the hope it would bring migration down. While people from EU+ countries the EU and Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are now leaving the UK on balance, the UK has allowed in larger numbers of migrants from other countries to fill gaps in the labor force. The total number of long-term immigrants who came to the country in the year to June 2024 was 1.2 million, according to the ONS. Around 86% of those were from outside the EU+. The most common reason those non-EU+ citizens came was to work, as 417,000 people arrived on work-related visas. Another 375,000 came on study-related visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asylum seekers have been a lightning rod for far-right protesters against migration, with the riots over the summer targeting hotels housing these people or businesses and charities providing services to them. But the number of people claiming asylum accounted for just 84,000 of non-EU+ migrants, or 8%, while the remainder arrived for family or humanitarian reasons. After scrapping the Tories controversial Rwanda policy which would have sent some asylum seekers to the African nation, Labour said it was going to focus on reducing the backlog of asylum cases which were waiting to be processed. Despite these efforts, separate data from the Home Office Thursday showed the backlog rising to 97,200 at the end of September. In its last few months in power, the Tory government imposed bans on most migrant students and care workers bringing dependents with them to the UK. The ONS said Thursday that a large part of the fall in immigration in the year to June 2024 was due to a reduction in the number of dependents arriving on student visas. Of all the non-EU+ citizens who came to the UK in the year to June 2024, 29% were main applicants on study visas while 8% were their dependents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However in the work sector, there were still more people arriving as dependents than main applicant, at 23% of non-EU+ nationals compared to 18% respectively. The ONS said that its most recent data points showed falls in the number of people arriving for work-related reasons, implying that Sunak-era curbs on care workers bringing dependents to the UK are now biting. Separate and more timely data released Thursday from the Home Office helped to flesh this out. It showed the number of main applicants granted Health and Care Visas was down 85% in the third quarter from a year earlier, to 6,600. The Home Office has previously said the reduction in people coming for work is also down to its crackdown on employers who were bringing migrant workers to the UK, especially in the care sector, and then subjecting them to exploitation. But it wasnt just the health and care sector which saw a fall in the number of migrant workers. Months before leaving government, the Tories increased the salary thresholds which migrant workers must earn to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa. That has brought grants of those visas outside health and care down by 32% to 12,100, with the largest fall seen in middle-skilled roles in the food and hospitality sector, such as butchers and chefs. We are yet to see the full impact of the visa restrictions in the data, although this initial data from the summer suggest that migration levels will not necessarily fall below pre-Brexit levels once the policy changes have bedded in, said Ben Brindle, a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ONS figures showed the vast majority of non-EU+ migrants who arrived in the year to June 2024, at 82%, were aged 16-64 while 17% were children and 1% were 65 or older. The gender split was 52% male to 48% female and Indian was the most common nationality for arrivals, as 116,000 arrived on work-related visas and 127,000 on study-related visas, followed by Nigerian, Pakistani, Chinese and Zimbabwean nationals. --With assistance from Alex Morales and Ellen Milligan. (Adds quote from prime ministers spokesman in fifth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. LONDON (AP) Britain's biggest police force has launched an investigation into more than five people who may have assisted the former boss of top-end department store Harrods, Mohamed Al Fayed, carry out more than 100 alleged acts of sexual abuse, including rape, on women and girls. In an update on its investigation late Wednesday, London's Metropolitan Police said it is looking at unidentified individuals who could have enabled Al Fayed between 1977 and 2014. Allegations against Al Fayed have grown since the BBC broadcast claims by several former Harrods employees in September. The Met said another 90 potential victims have come forward, bringing the total to 111. Lawyers representing more than 400 women have come forward, and the number is increasing daily, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Met also confirmed that an an internal review is being carried out into how the force handled claims about Al Fayed while he was alive. Al Fayed, who was never prosecuted, died in 2023, aged 94. To anyone who suffered at the hands of Mohammed Al Fayed or others who may not yet have come forward, I know there may be many reasons why you have not felt able to report the crimes committed against you," said Met Commander Steve Clayman. He said the investigation is ostensibly about giving survivors a voice but that it is now pursuing" individuals suspected to have been complicit in Al Fayed's offending. Al Fayed was questioned by detectives in 2008 over the alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old, and in 2009 and 2015 police passed files of evidence about him to prosecutors. He was never charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are aware that past events may have impacted the publics trust and confidence in our approach, and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness," said Clayman. The Egypt-born businessman moved to Britain in the 1960s and bought Harrods in the mid-1980s. Al Fayed sold Harrods in 2010 to a company owned by the state of Qatar through its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority. The current managing director of Harrods, Michael Ward, has apologized to former employees who said they were sexually assaulted by Al Fayed. Ward said it is clear Al Fayed presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct. Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that discussions with Western partners include the topic of lowering the conscription age. Source: Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, during a briefing on 28 November, as reported by European Pravda Details: Tykhyi stated that the issue of reducing the conscription age is indeed being discussed with Ukraine's partners. However, he refuted claims that it is a "point of tension" or that it has been raised critically or negatively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "I want to note that Ukraine usually initiates such discussions. During our negotiations, we inform partners about the dynamics of mobilisation in Ukraine. This is part of broader discussions, alongside topics like weapons provision, strategy, defence, sanctions, and deterrence." He added that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient weapons and equipment to fully arm those who have already been mobilised. Quote: "When we read sources claiming Ukraine needs to mobilise more and that this is the main issue, we have a different perspective. In our view, the already announced aid, weapons, and equipment need to arrive in Ukraine faster." Recently, a Biden administration official told the media that the US is encouraging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its armed forces, partly by revising mobilisation laws to allow conscription from the age of 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 19 November, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that while Ukraine has received substantial American military aid, it still faces challenges on the battlefield, citing mobilisation issues as a key factor. Support UP or become our patron! Heavy fighting on the front lines of Russias full-scale invasion, dragging out for almost three years, has left thousands of Ukrainian soldiers seriously injured or killed in action. Many still fighting for years along more than 600 miles of the front line in Ukraines east and south are exhausted as they face what Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces, describes as one of the most powerful Russian offensives. Earlier this year, the government stepped up mobilization to increase the armys ranks by hundreds of thousands, on top of the more than 1 million currently defending the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, the effort to scale up Ukrainian forces against an enemy with more manpower and weaponry has been tainted by mushrooming corruption scandals. Officials in the Ukrainian healthcare system are suspected of taking bribes to help men avoid mobilization by obtaining fake disability documents through MSEC, the state medical commission responsible for clearing men to be fit to fight. From a human perspective, what jerks, a Ukrainian Special Forces sniper who goes by the callsign Bart told the Kyiv Independent, responding to the alleged corrupt schemes aiding draft dodgers. We do our job (on the front) because someone has to do it. But there are institutions that must make decisions about (corruption), he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A series of high-profile MSEC corruption scandals last month triggered public outrage and prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to act. This is truly an internal enemy, Zelensky said in an address in October, days before signing a decree to liquidate the commissions by the end of the year. Officials say a rebooted, digitized system is to replace them. "This is truly an internal enemy." Reports of abuse date back to the early days of Russias full-blown war launched in 2022, when hundreds of thousands of men motivated to take up arms lined up at army recruitment centers. But the urgency to squash the schemes has mounted after Ukraine has, years into the war, stepped up forceful enlistment tactics. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi briefs President Volodymyr Zelensky on the battlefield situation on Nov. 25, 2024. (Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram) The planned MSEC reform, to be introduced next year, will also serve as a litmus test of the Zelensky administrations ability to dismantle lingering corruption in state institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Success in this broader effort is vital to boosting public morale, as well as reinforcing the struggling front-line units with new recruits. What are MSECs and how they harm Ukraines war effort Ukraines state network of medical commissions, known as MSECs, decide whether the person is disabled and how severe the disability is. During the war, thousands of wounded veterans had to fight a bureaucratic battle for disability status to be eligible for government payments and benefits, overwhelming MSEC, which provided services to about 2.7 million Ukrainians before Russias full-scale invasion. Soldiers often complained about the commissions time-consuming, outdated, and corrupt system, which required large amounts of paperwork and could take as long as three months to grant status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, many civilian men sought to be granted a disability status that would exempt them from military service in accordance with Ukrainian law. Since the 1990s, the commissions have worked only with paper documents, unaffected by the states digitalization campaign that boosted Ukrainian mobilization this year. This allowed doctors and experts to decide on peoples disability status with barely any oversight. Ukrainian serviceman and police officers check the documents of a man in the center of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 25, 2024. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images) It was also up to MSEC members to set a date for a person to return and get their status reviewed. If you have everything on paper, it is impossible to control it properly, said Liubov Halan, co-founder of Pryncyp, the top veteran care reform organization in Ukraine that advocates for the MSEC overhaul. The lack of oversight allowed some officials in MSEC to embrace a flow of bribes from civilians desperate to avoid military service, which have left a smaller pool of potentially less fit conscripts to draw from. Piles of cash and draft-dodging prosecutors Ukraines government announced a plan to reform the system in May 2023. Yet, it wasnt until several consecutive scandals in October rattled the nation, prompting officials to move toward ground-breaking changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lists of draft dodgers with fake diagnosis were found alongside millions of dollars in cash during the search of the apartment of Tetiana Krupa, the head and chief doctor of Khmelnytskyi Oblasts MSEC, the State Bureau of Investigation reported on Oct. 4. "Law enforcement officers found money in the apartment in almost every corner in wardrobes, drawers, niches," the Bureaus statement read. Soon after, Ukrainian news outlet Censor.NET published an investigation showing that Krupa granted Khmelnytskyi Oblast Chief prosecutor Oleksiy Oliinyk and scores of his subordinates disability status. Yaroslav Kryvulya (L), a reserve officer in the Ukrainian army who leads a local paramilitary civil formation, checks the digital identity documents of a man who broke the nighttime curfew rule in Lviv, Ukraine, on Feb. 23, 2023. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Now at least 51 top prosecutors supposed to guarantee the rule of law in the region are suspected of participating in the draft-dodging graft scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from avoiding the draft, the alleged scams helped the officials receive outsized government pensions and other benefits. The Prosecutor Generals office launched an internal investigation, which also found that 60 prosecutors, an unusually high number, were registered as people with disabilities in Cherkasy Oblast. In the Khmelnytsky and Cherkasy oblast cases, local MSECs declared almost a third of prosecutors unfit to fight, compared to less than 10% in other regions. According to reports by the Security Service of Ukraine, more MSEC workers have been accused of engaging in draft-dodging corruption schemes every week since. The findings pointed to an institutionalized pattern of these schemes between MSEC and the prosecutor offices in at least two oblasts. Zelensky administrations response to MSEC crisis Krupas case was the first public expose of a Ukrainian government official outside the military system making millions in wealth by illegally aiding the draft-dodging during the all-out Russian war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also a blatant showcase of inequality between the state officials obtaining disability benefits en masse while many wounded Ukrainian soldiers sat in queues for months to do it. Ukrainians wanted the leadership to react, punish corrupt officials, and introduce reforms to the rotten system. Responding to peoples needs, Zelensky ordered the dissolution of medical commissions by the end of the year and, in a statement on Oct. 22, said Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin resigned. The Prosecutor Generals office launched an investigation into the prosecutors disability statuses. Krupa was detained, while Ukraines Health ministry dismissed its top officials in charge of MSEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president did the (short-term) tactics right, said anti-corruption activist Vitaly Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center's executive board. It was necessary to give the public at least the appearance or hope of restoring justice. "It was necessary to give the public at least the appearance or hope of restoring justice." However, Shabunin and other activists doubt corruption will be eliminated in the system over the long run. Nothing has changed since the corruption scandals in draft offices last year prompted the government to dismiss their heads and promise reforms. The main reform to ensure that there is no corruption in the MSEC is to digitalize the process, Shabunin told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not rocket science, he said. If this is not resolved again, it means that all these executives are simply incapable of solving these problems. Cutting out the paper and corruption through digitalization Under Zelenskys presidency, Ukraine has successfully rooted out many layers of choking bureaucracy and room for corruption with reforms that introduced digitization of many public services, most notably through the notorious Diia mobile phone app. Recent efforts to digitize men's registration as part of the armys mobilization efforts and to provide services to soldiers currently serving have also shown promise. The new digitalization system replacing MSEC is laid out in a reform plan approved by the government on Nov. 20 and was submitted as legislation to parliament to be adopted. The draft law, adopted by lawmakers in a first reading but now awaiting amendments before a final vote, stipulates that current heads of medical commissions are forbidden from participating in expert groups deciding on medical disabilities. The MSEC functions are to be transferred to some regular Ukrainian hospitals. A recruiting banner of Ukraine's Azov Brigade is seen in the center of Kyiv, Ukraine, during a partial power blackout on June 22, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images) The plan has been developed, the Ministry of Digital Transformation said in response to the Kyiv Independents inquiry. According to the ministry, the new digital system will free patients from carrying their paper records around for visits to relevant authorities and prevent corruption, as medical experts and patients will not see each others names. While the MSEC reform was promised by the government over a year ago, activists are concerned that its politically-motivated rushed implementation could hurt the welfare of people with disabilities. What the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Affairs should do for all persons with disabilities, including veterans, is to change the entire approach, Halan said. It is not clear how it will all happen. Stay warm with Ukrainian traditions this winter. Shop our seasonal merch collection. Star shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ASTANA (Reuters) - Kazakh police are investigating the brief appearance of the Ukrainian flag on a large LED screen in the capital city, Astana, during a visit there by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan's interior ministry said on Thursday. Ukraine's flag - with its horizontal bands of blue and yellow - briefly appeared late on Wednesday instead of the Russian white, blue and red tricolor on a screen located on one of Astana's main thoroughfares. Putin was already in the city at the time, and the screen was soon switched off, but images and videos of the incident quickly circulated online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interior ministry said in a statement it was looking into all possible versions, including a technical glitch and a hacker attack. According to an opinion survey conducted last year, a majority of Kazakhs are neutral regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, but among the rest, supporters of Ukraine significantly outnumber those of Russia. And with Russia being one of Kazakhstan's biggest trading partners, issues in its economy often spill over. On Thursday, Kazakhstan's tenge currency fell to an all-time low against the U.S. dollar after a sharp weakening of the Russian rouble. (Reporting by Tamara Vaal; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed into law on Thursday Ukraine's first wartime tax increases as the war against Russia reaches its 34th month. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenkko said that the bill was vital to ensure smooth funding for the Ukrainian defence sector next year. The changes will take effect from Dec. 1, he said. The government is raising the war tax for residents to 5% from 1.5% paid currently on personal income and is introducing the war tax for tens of thousands of individual entrepreneurs and small businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also increases some rental payments, taxes commercial banks' profits at 50%, and raises taxes on the profits of other financial institutions to 25%. The tax increases would help raise about 140 billion hryvnias ($3.4 billion) in additional revenues next year to fund Ukraine's defence efforts at a critical juncture of the war as Kyiv is battling with a much bigger and better-equipped enemy. The move to increase taxes during the war has proved a sensitive and much debated topic in Ukraine as poverty has risen and the economy has been devastated by fierce combat along more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of front line, Russian bombardments of cities and infrastructure. Marchenko said that the approval of tax increases was also a vital step for Ukraine's financial program with the International Monetary Fund, a key lender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government and IMF's staff have reached an agreement that would give Kyiv access to about $1.1 billion but the Fund's executive board must still weigh in on the deal. Ukraine's military spending accounts for about half of the country's annual budget, Marchenko said. The government targets military spending at about 2.2 trillion hryvnias next year, roughly at the same level as this year. Kyiv covers the soldiers' wages and domestic arms production with its state revenues but it crucially depends on financial aid from its Western partners to cover social and humanitarian spending. Ukraine's external financing needs would reach about $38.4 billion next year, Marchenko said. The budget deficit is targeted at about 19.4% of the gross domestic product in 2025, down from about 24% planned for this year, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government plans to cover next year's deficit with financing from the IMF, the European Union, and also with funds from a long-awaited $50 billion G-7 loan backed by frozen Russian assets. (Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Kyiv maintains "a good dialogue" with retired U.S. General Keith Kellogg, who was nominated for the post of a special Ukraine peace envoy, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Nov. 28. "Keith Kellogg is not a new person for Ukraine. The Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. has maintained close ties with him, in particular within the framework of expert diplomacy in recent years, and has developed and maintained a good dialogue with him during this time, Tykhyi told journalists in Kyiv. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump tapped Kellogg for Ukraine peace envoy on Nov. 27, proposing him as a person who potentially can lead negotiations on an end to Russia's full-scale war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We welcome his nomination for this important mission," Tykhyi said. In June, Reuters reported that Kellogg and another Trump's top advisor, Frederick H. Fleitz, proposed a plan that would cease military aid to Ukraine unless it agreed to hold peace negotiations with Russia. The two also reportedly proposed to freeze the front lines in their current position and take Ukraine's NATO accession off the table. Kellogg, 80, previously served as the executive secretary and chief of staff of the U.S. National Security Council in the first Trump administration. He also was a top advisor to then-U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the spokesperson, Ukrainian delegations have met with Kellogg on several occasions. Kellogg also was present at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Washington during President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech earlier in July. "We are looking forward to working with him, to even more active interaction with him in his new role. We will cooperate, we will establish contact with him," Tykhyi added. Stay warm with Ukrainian traditions this winter. Shop our seasonal merch collection. Star shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Overall, OpenAI models [behind ChatGPT] display a particular ideological stance, in contrast to the more progressive and human rights-oriented preferences of other Western models, says a new study on the ideology of large language models (LLM). It concludes that each artificial intelligence (AI) model reflects the opinions of its creators. ChatGPT is less fond of supranational organisations such as the United Nations or the EU and welfare policies, which are two concepts dear to the left. Gemini, Googles AI, instead displays a strong preference for social justice and inclusivity. A screenshot of the title and the first page of this research went viral on X a few weeks ago and reached Elon Musk, who wrote: Imagine an all-powerful woke AI, in reference to the derogatory name now given to the most progressive policies. This popularity is due to the fact that it connects with something that is increasingly clear: machines are influenced by their institutional or cultural context. Our results confirm that there is no such thing as a large language model that is completely politically neutral, says Marteen Buyl, a researcher at the University of Ghent (Belgium), and co-author of the study. This research has used a new method to confirm something that was already accepted within the academic world dedicated to AI: It is not the first one to do something similar. All these studies confirm that different models generate different ideologies when faced with the same inputs, and are more aligned with the values of their creators than with those of other geographical areas or cultures, says Jose Hernandez Orallo, a professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain. The method the researchers used is not the most common one, which would be to ask the models directly what their opinion is on abortion or immigration, for example. Here they chose to select 4,000 famous individuals from around the world and to ask each model about their characteristics: then, the model decides what to include or omit, and then another model judges whether the original model has a positive, negative, or neutral opinion on each character. And from some labels, the researchers were able to aggregate these opinions into ideological preferences: Each model seems to have a clear ideological position that is not random, says Buyl. Gemini seems to be the most consistent of all in its opinions, in its case progressive. The fact that Gemini is woke, that it aligns itself with degrowth, with people who have defended minorities, with equality, is a fairly substantial difference. In addition, it is the most stable of all; Gemini has this type of ideology marked in a fairly forceful way, says Iris Dominguez Catena, from the Public University of Navarra and the only Spanish co-author of the study. Chinese models do not vote for democracy The study not only compares Western models with each other. It also measures those from different countries with large language models, especially the United States and China. Here the results are even clearer: the greatest difference in how some characters are viewed is in the case of activists or liberal figures from Hong Kong, such as Jimmy Lai and Nathan Law, who are more valued by Western models. The characters most valued in China are Yang Shangkun, president of China in the years of the Tiananmen massacre, and Lei Feng, a soldier and communist icon from the beginnings of the Peoples Republic of China. To the researchers' surprise, this distinction did not only apply between models created in the West and China. It also occurred if Western models were asked in Chinese and then in English. "The general hypothesis of these models is that they should learn the language and what they then know separately. So, in principle, a model should not give you different information about Jimmy Lai just because you ask it in one language or another. This is really surprising," says Dominguez Catena. These models are fed by huge databases drawn mostly from the internet, which are similar. Each company then follows different criteria to refine it. The bias can be at one or both stages: we have not analyzed here how an ideology enters a model. I suspect that the pro-China biases are due more to the training data, while the ideological differences between Western models in English could be more due to the data used in refining or in other alignment steps, says Buyl. This is one of the fields that research should pursue, according to Hernandez Orallo: It would be interesting to go deeper into whether it is due to the training set or to the subsequent alignment. My impression is that every day it is due more to the subsequent alignment based on human feedback. Developers in the West use more human opinion makers or follow instructions that tell them how to make these opinions. Developers in China will have feedback and filters that are more biased by the values of the country and especially its government, explains the professor. Machines are not neutral either Users of these models have tended to accept what a machine says as an example of neutrality or certainty: a machine is neither left-wing nor right-wing, the prejudice seemed to be. But it turns out that they are, because they have received their content from decades of already biased human knowledge, and because achieving unblemished neutrality is in many cases probably unattainable. In the 20th century, the standard advice was to consult several newspapers to find out what had really happened. Now that recommendation could be extended to AI: I think that is good advice. The relationship with newspapers goes even further: just as there is freedom of the press, we could consider whether a kind of AI freedom would be necessary, where regulatory efforts to control the ideology of an AI are avoided, says Buyl. As the years go by and these models become increasingly important for education or for consulting information, their biases will necessarily have to be more plural: The ideal would be for these models to have a more plural distribution of ideologies, even more varied than that existing in humanity, excluding only those opinions that are abominable. Otherwise, we run the risk of AI putting an end to the worlds ideological diversity, concentrating it in two or three centroids determined by political and cultural blocs, says Hernandez-Orallo. People need to know which side each model is leaning against, Dominguez Catena says. Musk created his model, Grok, with the explicit aim of combating what he said was the leftist ideology of OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. For now, Grok is not in this study due to technical difficulties, but the researchers are already working on adding it. They also measured two Arab models, but their size is currently too small to yield meaningful results. In the coming years, more countries will release their models, both private and public, including Spain and some Latin American countries. The authors of the study believe that their work can be repeated to detect bias in the way they reflect historical achievements and misfortunes, and their vision of the world: This is the kind of work that must be maintained and updated because these models are also changing, says Dominguez-Catena. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition U.S. political commentator Tucker Carlson, a controversial figure who holds influence by having Donald Trump's ear, has slammed the outgoing administration's decision to provide Kyiv with landmines, warning the weaponry Ukraine claims it needs to defend itself from Russia's invasion will only "kill innocents." "There's no justification for using anti-personnel mines (APLs) in this conflict, which can't hope to be solved," Carlson said in an interview with the Redacted podcast on Nov. 24. The only effect of that move is to kill innocents, period. That's it, that's the only effect - and they know that. And so they're doing it anyway because killing is the point, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's the latest episode in which Carlson, a top ally of U.S. President-elect Trump, has criticized outgoing President Joe Biden's decision to provide Kyiv with additional weapons before the end of its term. Carlson's comments come nearly three years into Russia's full-scale invasion, a war in which Ukraine relies on support from the U.S. and other Western allies to defend itself. While the use of landmines in conflicts is controversial, the weaponry has been widely used by both sides in the war. The outgoing administration of Joe Biden and Ukrainian officials insist they are necessary to help Kyiv to defend itself. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's former foreign minister, told the BBC earlier this month that he understands the "moral ramifications for human rights defenders" regarding APLs posing a risk to civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But we're fighting a war against a vicious enemy, and we must have the right to use everything we need within the realm of international law to defend ourselves," Kuleba added. Biden, on Nov. 19 authorized the transfer of APLs for Ukraine in response to Russia's grinding offensive advancing in the eastern Donetsk Oblast, which has gathered pace in recent weeks. The controversial move comes after another major policy shift, in which the Biden administration allowed the use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles deep inside Russian territory. Earlier in June 2022, the White House announced the U.S. would no longer produce or transfer the mines, aiming "to curtail the use of APLs worldwide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in explaining the change in policy, and the decision to provide them to Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told CNN that "the Russians have been so unsuccessful in the way that they have been fighting, they've kind of changed their tactics a bit." Thus, Ukraine needs "things that can help slow down that effort," Austin added. "Landmines could help minimize Ukrainian casualties by reducing the need for soldiers to enter certain battle zones," Jean-Christophe Noel, a research fellow on Security and International Relations at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), told the Kyiv Independent. "By placing mines in key areas, you can block enemy movement. It won't stop Russian troops entirely, but it can slow them down. Moreover, in case of a front-line crisis, mines will delay Russian forces, giving Ukraine time to react." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Once liberated Kupiansk braces for worst as Russian troops approach, and future Western support looks uncertain What are anti-personnel landmines? An APL is a small explosive device made out of plastic or metal that militaries usually use to hinder advancing enemy troops or vehicles, and protect military positions. Combatants often bury them in the ground or conceal them in buildings. APLs come in different types, each serving a specific purpose. Generally, they explode when a person steps on them, touches them, or comes within a certain proximity. The range of damage and functionality varies depending on the type and size of the landmine. According to Gerald C. Cauderay, a former International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegate, blast mines typically affect an area within one to two meters. Snow-covered land mines are seen in a trench at the position of the Ukrainian military near the city of Horlivka, occupied since 2014 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Oleh Arkhanhorodsky/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Other types include fragmentation mines, which are designed to injure by throwing shrapnel into the air in a wide radius. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials are keeping quiet about the specific type of mines that will be sent to Ukraine. "The anti-personnel mines treaty, established decades ago, bans most landmines, allowing only controlled mines like the Claymore, which detonates via controller (remotely) and self-deactivates after a set time," Mick Ryan, a senior fellow for military studies at the Lowy Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told the Kyiv Independent. "These may be the type the U.S. is supplying to Ukraine," he added. Stay warm with Ukrainian traditions this winter. Shop our seasonal merch collection. Star shop now Is it ethical for Ukraine to defend itself with landmines? Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have used landmines heavily during the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine is now the most mined country in the world, with potentially 23% of its land at risk of contamination with landmines and unexploded ordinances," the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report this month. Although international law does not prohibit the use of APLs, over 160 countries signed the Ottawa Treaty in 1997 the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which bans the creation, production, storage, and use of landmines. Ukraine is a signatory of this treaty, but neither the U.S. nor Russia has signed it. Human rights activists and international organizations are warning about the risks posed by APLs in Ukraine to civilians now, and in the future. People get ready to be evacuated by members of Vostok SOS volunteers, a charity foundation with the mission of providing comprehensive support to victims of Russian forces, help to evacuate civilians in Druzhkivka, Ukraine on Nov. 14, 2024. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images) Local residents walk past destroyed houses in the city, approximately 10 km from the frontline in Pokrovsk, Ukraine on Nov. 16, 2024. (Vlada Liberova/Libkos/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Biden's decision to transfer anti-personnel landmines risks civilian lives and sets back international efforts to eradicate these indiscriminate weapons," said Mary Wareham, Human Rights Watch (HRW) director. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an independent humanitarian organization, is concerned about the indiscriminate impact of landmines on civilians who are not part of the fighting. "We (the ICRC) can see that the rhetoric regarding the allowance of weapons has changed in the war between Ukraine and Russia because there are an increasing number of Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including electricity, heating, and water systems, worsening people's living conditions," Patrick Griffiths, a Red Cross spokesperson in Ukraine, told the Kyiv Independent. "However, the ICRC does call to respect the international treaties regarding the use of weapons. It's important to ensure that any use stays within the international humanitarian law," Griffiths added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Frozen Russian assets face uncertain future under Trump Carlson calls Zelensky a dictator, deepening concerns about Trump Trump, who is to take over as president in January 2025, has not himself commented on the provision of APLs to Ukraine. But he has pledged to swiftly end the war, hinting that Ukraine could have to make some concessions. Carlson went on to describe President Volodymyr Zelensky as undemocratic and his country's fight for survival as a nation as not worth supporting. "I don't think it's a matter of defending democracy," Carlson said. Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump sits down for a conversation with Tucker Carlson during his Live Tour at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, US on Oct. 31, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) "The president of Ukraine is not elected. He's a dictator. He literally passed his term and kept serving," Carlson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holding national elections in Ukraine is not permitted under martial law, a measure that was taken as a result of Russia's full-scale invasion launched in early 2022. Carlson's comments are likely to deepen concern in Kyiv that Trump could cut U.S. military support for Ukraine in a bid to pressure it into concessions. Read also: Trump nominates retired General Keith Kellogg for Ukraine peace envoy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Key developments on Nov. 28: Russia's large-scale attack strikes a 'massive blow' at Ukraine's energy system 'Putin wants to escalate' before Trump takes office Zelensky hits back at Oreshnik threats Ukraine destroys Russian $5 million radar system in Crimea, military intelligence claims Netherlands hands over 3 Patriot air defense launchers to Ukraine Russia 'unlikely' to launch nuclear attack despite Putin's threats, US intelligence says Russian troops operated torture chamber for Ukrainians in Belarus in 2022, media reports Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against Ukraine on the morning of Nov. 28, targeting energy infrastructure across the country, including the far-western regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian forces launched more than 180 drones and missiles at Ukraine, successfully hitting 12 sites of fuel and energy infrastructure, according to the Air Force. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that Russia struck a "massive blow" at Ukraine's power grid. Emergency blackouts were introduced in multiple regions across Ukraine. The Air Force announced a nationwide air raid alert after warning that seven Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers took off. Explosions were reported in multiple cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Lutsk, and Rivne. Local officials also reported strikes in Sumy, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Volyn oblasts. Ukrainian forces shot down 79 out of the 91 missiles and 35 out of the 97 drones, launched by Russian forces, the Air Force reported. Over 60 more drones were countered by the means of electronic warfare. Fragments of a downed Russian Kh-55 missile in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 28, 2024. (State Emergency Service) Russia has already begun redoubling attacks on Ukraine's power grid as the country enters its third winter at war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, said on Nov. 28 that Russia was deliberately stockpiling weapons, including arms from North Korea, in order to launch mass attacks on cities and infrastructure in winter. "They stockpiled missiles for strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, for warfare against civilians during the cold, during the winter," Yermak said. 'Putin wants to escalate' before Trump takes office Zelensky hits back at Oreshnik threats Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to escalate the war in Ukraine so that U.S. President Donald Trump fails to end the full-scale war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 28. Zelensky's comments come in response to Putin's fresh threats to target "decision-making centers" in Kyiv and Ukrainian military facilities with Oreshnik, Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(Putin) is aiming to disrupt the efforts of President Trump that are sure to come after his inauguration," Zelensky said in his evening address. "Putin wants to escalate the situation now so that President Trump fails to end the war." Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana earlier in the day, Putin said that Russia's military leadership is now "choosing targets" in Ukraine to hit them with Oreshnik. Zelensky called Putin's actions "pressure" to force Trump to accept Russia's terms. On the campaign trail, Trump has criticized military support provided to Ukraine by Joe Biden's administration and pledged to get the U.S. "out" of the war. While the details of his plans remain elusive, some reports indicate this would entail forcing Ukraine to cede territory and at least temporarily give up on its NATO accession plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia first launched Oreshnik in an attack against the city of Dnipro on Nov. 21. Shortly thereafter, Putin claimed that "there are currently no ways of countering this weapon," which later was refuted by Zelensky. Russia's Oreshnik attack followed Kyiv's first successful strike on a military target on Russian soil using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry admitted more such strikes against targets in Kursk and Bryansk oblasts had followed later. Read also: Dont overreact Oreshnik missile isnt as new as Russia claims, experts say Ukraine destroys Russian $5 million radar system in Crimea, military intelligence claims Ukraine destroyed a Russian high-value radar station, 48Y6-K1 Podlet, near the village of Kotovske in occupied Crimea on Nov. 28, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no further details have been disclosed, HUR claimed to be behind the operation. The Kyiv Independent couldn't verify the claim. Podlet is a modern mobile radar system designed to detect air targets at low and extremely low altitudes. The system has an estimated price tag of around $5 million. The news comes after multiple explosions were reported across Crimea with Russian proxies claiming to have downed Ukrainian missiles and drones. Stay warm with Ukrainian traditions this winter. Shop our seasonal merch collection. Star shop now Netherlands hands over 3 Patriot air defense launchers to Ukraine The Netherlands delivered three new Patriot air defense launchers to Ukraine, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced on Nov. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This saves lives and protects vital infrastructure. It is and remains in our common interest to stop Russian aggression," Brekelmans said on social media. Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defense assets as Russia intensifies its strikes against cities ahead of winter. Russia launched nearly 100 drones and 90 missiles against Ukraine overnight on Nov. 28, targeting energy infrastructure. Additional emergency blackouts were introduced across the country following the attack. "I am grateful to Minister Brekelmans and the Dutch government for strengthening Ukrainian air defense capabilities," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine withdraws over 20,000 mortar shells due to malfunction Russia 'unlikely' to launch nuclear attack despite Putin's threats, US intelligence says Washington's decision to allow Kyiv to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack, Reuters reported on Nov. 27, citing five unnamed sources familiar with the intelligence data. The news comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin updated the nuclear doctrine on Nov. 19, and Russian government officials continue to criticize the recent White House decision, calling it a push for "escalation." Despite the Kremlin's recent statements, the risk of a nuclear attack is unlikely, Reuters reported, citing its unidentified sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intelligence assessments over the past seven months have shown that a nuclear escalation is unlikely to result from a decision to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S. weapons. "The assessments were consistent: The ATACMS weren't going to change Russias nuclear calculus," said one congressional aide briefed on the intelligence. Meanwhile, Moscow is expected to expand its campaign of sabotage against European facilities to increase pressure on the West for its support of Kyiv, two high-ranking officials, a lawmaker, and two congressional aides told the news agency. One of the five U.S. officials also noted that unveiling the new missile, referring to the Russian-made Oreshnik, is a step toward escalation. U.S. officials said the intelligence helped guide the contentious debate within the Joe Biden administration over whether Washington should ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S. weapons because of the risk of provoking Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine says US landmines are necessary, Trumps ally disagrees Russian troops operated torture chamber for Ukrainians in Belarus in 2022, media reports Russian troops operated a torture chamber in Belarus in the spring of 2022, the Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC) reported on Nov. 28. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians abducted from Ukraine were reportedly held there. The chamber was located on Belarusian government-owned property in the town of Naroulia, not far from the border with Ukraine, according to BIC. The Russian military has reportedly set up a camp in Naroulia for people captured in Kyiv Oblast during the early stages of the full-scale war. In comments to BIC, human rights activists described the Naroulia camp as a place where the treatment of civilian hostages was among the most brutal. Lawyer Yulia Polekhina, working with the Sich human rights group, said that prisoners were tortured there. Polekhinas words echo those of former prisoners who went through Naroulia. They beat up civilians there really hard. One could hear constant screaming there, said Bohdan Lysenko, a soldier with the Ukrainian Armed Forces who was captured by the Russian military and brought to the camp in March 2022, in a comment to BIC. According to the investigation, the camp was located in the compound owned by Pripyatski Alyans on Kamsamolskaya Street. Owned by the Belarusian state, the company conducts catering and food procurement for regional institutions. The company did not comment on the allegations and advised to contact local authorities for more information. The Reckoning Project, the Ukrainian-American organization that records human rights violations, suggests that the actions of the Russian military in Naroulia may indicate a violation of the Geneva Convention provisions, which prohibit forced displacement of civilians and ban keeping military personnel and civilians at the same detention center. The Russian military was reportedly present at the location at least until early May 2022. background background Subscribe to newsletter Belarus Weekly Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As a result of the Russian Federation's large-scale attack on the night of 27-28 November, 12 hits were recorded, primarily to the fuel and energy infrastructure. Ukraines Air Force spoke about the peculiarities of Russian tactics, which seek to exhaust the Ukrainian air defence. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Facebook Quote: "On the night of 27-28 November 2024, the adversary attacked key infrastructure, specifically electrical substations in various parts of Ukraine. Unfortunately, there are hits! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth noting that air defence downed about 90% of the Kalibr and Kh-101 cruise missiles. In addition, as previously reported, three guided aircraft missiles and 35 enemy UAVs were shot down, and more than 60 disappeared from radar. A total of 12 hits were reported, with the majority occurring in the fuel and energy sectors." Details: Ukraines Air Force notes that in recent attacks, the Russians have used a huge number of missiles and drones. Their widespread use in certain locations frequently outnumbers the number of means of protection. Furthermore, Russian forces employ new air attack methods that are continually being improved, according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This involves blasting thermal and radar traps, as well as using electronic warfare protective equipment that's put directly on missiles. All of this hinders the work of Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile systems used by Ukraines Air Force. Western systems perform far better in such conditions, which are insufficient in Ukraine to reliably cover hundreds of key infrastructure facilities. That is why, during large-scale Russian attacks, a wide range of forces and techniques are employed, including aviation, electronic warfare, air defence, and mobile fire units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should also be emphasised that before attacks, the Russians consider climate conditions, which have a big impact on the operations of mobile fire units and fighter aircraft. The severe fog and cloud cover that was seen in numerous places at the time of the attack prevented Ukrainian pilots and mobile fire groups from carrying out their missions efficiently. Quote: "We applaud everyone who helps the Air Force develop its air defence. Thank you for your understanding, and please remind folks to heed safety suggestions." Support UP or become our patron! The situation in the town of Toretsk in Ukraines Donetsk Oblast is extremely difficult, with Russian forces carrying out numerous assaults and deploying aircraft and artillery to strike the city. Source: Major Anastasiia Bobovnikova, spokeswoman for the Luhansk Operational-Tactical Group, during Ukraines national 24/7 newscast, as reported by Army Inform Quote: "When it comes to urban combat, [Russian forces are] always at arms length. Enemy forces might be around the corner or on the first floor when our forces are on the ground floor or the other way round. Its always close combat." Details: Bobovnikova said that a hundred or more Russian soldiers are killed in battles in Toretsk daily. Support UP or become our patron! Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has conducted a special operation in temporarily occupied Crimea, which resulted in the destruction of a Russian Podlet radar station on 28 November. Source: DIU on Telegram Quote: "As a result of a successful operation by DIU, a Russian Podlet radar station was destroyed near the village of Kotovske in the west of temporarily occupied Crimea. Details: The intelligence explains that this radar is used by the Russian troops to detect airborne assets at low and extremely low altitudes in a difficult interference environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estimated cost of the destroyed Russian radar station is US$5 million. DIU added that the Podlet station is designed, in particular, to issue targeting instructions for S-300 and S-400 air defence systems. Background: Drones of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine hit a fuel and energy facility in Kaluga Oblast, Russian Federation. Ukrainian intelligence intercepted a conversation between North Korean military personnel deployed by Russia in Kursk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Good Thanksgiving morning and welcome to the Under the Dome newsletter. Im Emily Vespa. First up, an update on the state Supreme Court contest from Kyle Ingram. With at least 93 counties having finished their recounts of the North Carolina Supreme Court race, Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs maintained her slim lead over Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin. Riggs netted a loss of at least 89 votes throughout the recount, but remained over 600 votes ahead of Griffin as of Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those numbers may shift as more counties report their recount totals. Randolph and Wilson counties were among those whose recount results were not yet available on Wednesday. To conduct the recount, bipartisan county boards of elections reinserted all ballots into a tabulator and counted only the contests eligible for a recount. According to the State Board of Elections, small variances are expected between the original election results and the recount results. This is because partial or stray marks on a ballot may be counted differently the second time they are put through a machine. If Riggs is certified as the winner of the race, she will prevent Republicans from growing their majority on the state Supreme Court, which is currently 5 to 2. Riggs and Justice Anita Earls are the only Democrats on the high court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though Riggs has maintained her lead, the state still must consider a barrage of election protests filed by Griffin before a winner can be determined. Griffin alleges that over 60,000 ballots cast in the election may be ineligible. Among the challenged voters are Riggs own parents, which she says shows that legitimate voters are being unfairly attacked. Final briefs are due in Griffins protest case on Dec. 6. MORROW ON STATEWIDE GLSEN CHAPTER Wake County school board member Lynn Edmonds says shes working with parents and other elected officials to start a statewide chapter of GLSEN to protect transgender students. Edmonds said she and the parent of a transgender student will meet next week with GLSEN representatives to talk about next steps. Edmonds said the new GLSEN chapter is needed because trans students were targeted over the course of the 2024 elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GLSEN has been doing this work for decades and what I like about them is they have a very specific focus on the safety and well-being of K-12 youth and ensuring K-12 schools are safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, Edmonds said at Tuesdays school board meeting. The incoming Trump administration is expected to take steps such as rolling back the Biden administrations expansion of Title IX protections to transgender students. Edmonds said that trans students will continue to be in schools for the next four years so it is our responsibility and duty to ensure their safety and well-being while they are in our care. Edmonds announcement drew complaints from conservatives. Michele Morrow, who was defeated in 2022 for a seat on the Wake school board and this fall in the race for state superintendent of public instruction, urged newly elected GOP State Auditor Dave Boliek to audit the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wake County School Board, and others around N.C. and the country have TOTALLY lost sight of the PURPOSE of education! Morrow posted Wednesday on X, previously called Twitter. They are pushing DANGEROUS, DIVISIVE and DECEPTIVE agendas on our vulnerable children!! They must be stopped!! No ONE is in the wrong body! T. Keung Hui HOW NCS VOTER ID LAW IMPACTED THE ELECTION This year, North Carolinas long-challenged voter ID law was finally put to the test. People who didnt present a photo ID at the polls could still cast a ballot, which was later researched by bipartisan county boards of elections that decided whether to count the vote. From Kyle Ingram, heres what we know about the laws impact on the election, in which more than 5.7 million voters cast a ballot: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 7,000 people cast a ballot after being unable to provide a photo ID. Of those, over 2,000 were eventually r ejected. About 42% of ballots rejected for ID reasons were cast by registered Democrats. A quarter came from registered Republicans, and unaffiliated voters were responsible for roughly 30%. Theres no way of knowing how many potential voters didnt cast a ballot because they didnt have a valid ID. NC FIRE MARSHAL REBUKES HELENE MISINFORMATION Misinformation has plagued Hurricane Helene recovery efforts since the storm devastated Western North Carolina, and some is still circulating. This week, the North Carolina state fire marshal rebuked claims that state and local authorities evicted storm survivors from temporary housing after the claims sprang up on social media. A Saturday X post by right-wing news website National File claimed agencies kicked people out of Amish-built housing in storm-affected areas because they didnt meet building codes. State Fire Marshal Bryan Taylor said his office investigated the claim and found no credible evidence to substantiate it. Still, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has been subjected to harassment as a result of the misinformation, Taylor said in a letter issued Monday. Local officials in Western North Carolinas Mitchell County have received death threats over the claims, the county said on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These threats are unacceptable, especially when issued to OSFM employees who have worked tirelessly since late September to assist with recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, Taylor wrote. State and local officials have said that temporary housing must meet building codes for the safety of occupants. Taylor said the state fire marshals office has worked with local inspection departments, which enforce the code, to give guidance on how to streamline the inspection process and ensure temporary shelters meet safety requirements. WHAT ELSE WERE READING Republicans have gradually gained ground in rural North Carolina counties that once leaned Democratic. Border Belt Independent and The Assembly hone in on Bladen County to explain the shift. Todays newsletter was by Emily Vespa, Kyle Ingram and T. Keung Hui. This newsletter will take a break tomorrow through Sunday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Check your inbox Tuesday for more #ncpol. Nov. 27Durham police are asking for help locating a University of New Hampshire student who hasn't been heard from since Nov. 21, based on information from friends who last spoke to him. Police say they don't believe foul play is involved in Alexis Garcia's disappearance. On Tuesday morning, police were asked to conduct a welfare check and Garcia's vehicle, a black 2021 Mercedes, was located at the Scammell Bridge rest area off Route 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police determined that the vehicle was parked there and unoccupied from 8:30 p.m. Saturday until Tuesday morning, when it was secured by police. Garcia is described as a 5-foot-9, with brown hair and brown eyes. Garcia is originally from Illinois and has ties to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force ROTC. Anyone with information can email Durham Police at detective@ci.durham.nh.us. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) More than 300 employees at an Oklahoma City UPS warehouse will find themselves unemployed by mid-January as part of a facility modernizing initiative by the company. Last week, UPS sent a WARN Act notice to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) informing the state that the company will be laying off 304 employees at its distribution center at 901 S. Portland Ave. in Oklahoma City. CVS to lay off nearly 3,000 employees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A WARN Act notice is something employers are required, by federal law, to send local governmental entities informing them of mass layoffs at least 60 days in advance of the layoffs. According to UPSs WARN Act notice to the OESC, obtained by News 4, the company plans to lay off 286 HUB employees, 15 pre-loaders, one package clerk and two revenue recovery employees at the Oklahoma City facility on January 15, 2025. WARN-Letter-to-Govt-Entities-OKC-NOF_Watermarked-KFORDownload News 4 reached out to a UPS spokesperson on Tuesday, who refused to answer News 4s questions about the number of employees being laid off, and why theyre being laid off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson told News 4, the Oklahoma City plant will temporarily, partially close to undergo a modernization as part of UPSs Network of the Future Initiative. The spokesperson sent News 4 the following statement: As a part of our Network of the Future initiative, were modernizing our Oklahoma City UPS facility at 901 S Portland Ave and will partially close the facility on January 15, 2025. Our employees are extremely important to us, and we are working to place as many employees as possible in other positions. We remain committed to working with them throughout this transition and providing support. This temporary, partial closure wont impact customer service, and we have plans in place to continue servicing the Oklahoma City community. UPS Spokesperson Since the date of the temporary closure for modernization coincides with the date the 304 employees will be permanently laid off, News 4 asked the UPS spokesperson if the laid off employees jobs are being replaced by automation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The job market is hot, so whats going on with layoffs? Again, the spokesperson refused to respond to the question. Whether or not its the case with the UPS layoffs, OESC officials say automation is a growing reason people are finding themselves on the job market. You know, theres some things that theres certain occupations and types of work that are just kind of fading away, OESC spokesperson David Crow told News 4 on Wednesday. Crow says OESC has specific programs designed to retrain people whose professions have become obsolete with new, more in-demand skills. Were going to be able to connect you with training to help you out of that situation so that you can get into something that theres demand for, Crow said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even if youre just a victim of right-sizing, budget cuts or penny pinching, regardless of why you find yourself out of work, Crow says you can go to one of OESCs 27 workforce centers open across the state to get you connected with employers in just about any field. When there are layoffs, which are very unfortunate, especially around the holidays, we look for opportunities to play matchmaker and get these people connected with the right folks, Crow said. Weve got experts there who know what the jobs are in their city or town. And were just here to help connect people. Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, reports say According to the WARN Act notice, many of the employees affected by the UPS layoff in Oklahoma City are members of the Teamsters union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, News 4 reached out to the unions local chapter, Teamsters Local 886, but did not hear back. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (WSPA) Mauldin High Schools dance team had a big day ahead of them on Thursday. The Mauldin Mavettes performed at the 2024 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. According to Greenville County Schools, the dance team represented Mauldin High School and the state of South Carolina in the parade. The dancers were a part of a 600-member Spirit of America dance group. The team auditioned and won the chance to perform in the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mavettes arrived in New York City on Sunday and explored before the big day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Two women of the Wampanoag Nipmucs look across to the Mayflower replica anchored near Plymouth Rock, on November 26, 1991. There is a common tale that American students hear about the first Thanksgiving celebration: a group of friendly Native Americans welcomed the Pilgrims to the continent, taught them how to live, and sat down to dinner with them. However, David Silverman, an expert on the history of this population, claims that this Thanksgiving story is a myth. First of all, the tribe involved is almost never identified and, according to the myth, they give America to whites so they can create a great nation dedicated to freedom, opportunity and Christianity so that the rest of the world can benefit. This is about natives giving in to colonialism, Silverman argues in his book This Land Is Their Land. The truth is different. The colonists, known as Pilgrims, arrived in 1620 in what is now Plymouth, Massachussetts, a land abandoned by most Patuxet Indians due to a disease outbreak. After a harsh winter that claimed half of the settlers who couldnt adjust to the land the last surviving Patuxet, Tisquantum (also known as Squanto), helped the Pilgrims by teaching them to catch eel and grow corn. He served as an interpreter until succumbing to the same disease that wiped out his tribe a year later. The Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, who also lived in the surrounding area, provided food to the colonists during the challenging first winter. The Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest in 1621, likely between Sept. 21 and Nov. 11, with 50 Mayflower passengers and 90 Native Americans. This feast, not initially identified as Thanksgiving, followed the harvest and was prepared by Pilgrim women and servants. According to some accounts, the harvest was intended for the Pilgrims, but Native Americans joined the celebration after hearing celebratory gunfire, contributing their own foods. Paula Peters, historian for the Mashpee Wampanoag of Cape Cod, contends this: They werent Pilgrims and the Wampanoag werent invited. She points at settler accounts that say that the Pilgrims (also called Separatists) were celebrating their first harvest by blasting muskets, which caused 90 Wampanoag to arrive for war, however, after learning they werent going to face a battle, they stayed for a tense, diplomatic meal that may or may not have included turkey. However, the relationship between the two societies later deteriorated and culminated in one of the most horrific colonial Indian wars on record, King Philips War, according to Silverman. In the years that followed, the settlers committed massacres against Native tribes like the Pequot, and they also robbed Wampanoag graves and stole food from them to survive during their first years in the continent. This is the reason why Native Americans dont see Thanksgiving as a celebration, but as a day of mourning, to remember what some call the genocide of natives tribes in America. National Day of Mourning The National Day of Mourning is an annual demonstration that aims to educate the public about Native Americans in the United States and to dispel myths surrounding the Thanksgiving story in the United States, as well as to raise awareness toward the struggles faced by Native American tribes. In 1970, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts held a commemorative Thanksgiving celebration on the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. The organizers invited Frank Wamsutta James, leader of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and president of the Federated Eastern Indian League, to speak at the event. However, after reviewing his speech, he was informed that he would not be allowed to give the speech as written, and they provided him with another one written by their public relations team. James instead delivered his speech on Coles Hill in Plymouth Massachusetts next to a statue of Massasoit Sachem (also known as Ousamequin), who was the leader of the Wampanoag at the time of the Pilgrims arrival and who formed an alliance with the colonists at Plymouth Colony. There, he described Native American perspective on the Thanksgiving celebrations. The speech included the following statement: We forfeited our country. Our lands have fallen into the hands of the aggressor. We have allowed the white man to keep us on our knees. What has happened cannot be changed, but today we must work towards a more humane America, a more Indian America, where men and nature once again are important; where the Indian values of honor, truth, and brotherhood prevail (...) Now, 350 years later it is a beginning of a new determination for the original American: the American Indian. Hundreds gathered in front of Plymouth Rock to observe National Day of Mourning, on November 24, 2022. Erin Clark (Getty Images) After the event, a plaque was put on Coles Hill in Plymouth with the following message: Since 1970, Native Americans have gathered at noon on Coles Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Many Native Americans do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. To them, Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of their people, the theft of their lands, and the relentless assault on their culture. Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience. The annual event is organized by the United American Indians of New England. Unthanksgiving day The Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony, also known as Unthanksgiving day, is an event held on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. It is commemorated the same day as Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning since 1975 to remember a protest event held in 1969, where the Alcatraz-Red Power Movement, a social movement led by Native American youth, occupied the island. People gather at Alcatraz Island for the Indigenous People's Sunrise Ceremony (or Un-Thanksgiving Day) on November 28, 2019. Liu Guanguan (Getty Images) In 1969, Native American members of the Alcatraz-Red Power Movement, part of the Indians of All Tribes (IAT) group, occupied Alcatraz Island based on the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which allocated surplus government land to Native Americans. The occupation lasted for 19 months, from November 20, 1969, to June 11, 1971, when it was forcibly ended by the U.S. Government. This inspired protests by the American Indian Movement (AIM). AIM members who painted Plymouth Rock red during a Thanksgiving protest in 1970, leading to the establishment of the National Day of Mourning. The event is organized by the International Indian Treaty Council. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Strengthening relationships strengthens communities, which influences societies. Charles Gullung/The Image Bank via Getty Images Political chasms, wars, oppression its easy to feel hopeless and helpless watching these dark forces play out. Could any of us ever really make a meaningful difference in the face of so much devastation? Given the scale of the worlds problems, it might feel like the small acts of human connection and solidarity that you do have control over are like putting Band-Aids on bullet wounds. It can feel naive to imagine that small acts could make any global difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a psychologist, human connection researcher and audience member, I was inspired to hear musician Hozier offer a counterpoint at a performance this year. The little acts of love and solidarity that we offer each other can have powerful impact he told the crowd. I believe the core of people on the whole is good I genuinely do. Ill die on that hill. Im happy to report that the science agrees with him. Research shows that individual acts of kindness and connection can have a real impact on global change when these acts are collective. This is true at multiple levels: between individuals, between people and institutions, and between cultures. This relational micro-activism is a powerful force for change and serves as an antidote to hopelessness because unlike global-scale issues, these small acts are within individuals control. Abstract becomes real through relationships Theoretically, the idea that small, interpersonal acts have large-scale impact is explained by what psychologists call cognitive dissonance: the discomfort you feel when your actions and beliefs dont line up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, imagine two people who like each other. One believes that fighting climate change is crucial, and the other believes that climate change is a political ruse. Cognitive dissonance occurs: They like each other, but they disagree. People crave cognitive balance, so the more these two like each other, the more motivated they will be to hear each other out. According to this model, then, the more you strengthen your relationships through acts of connection, the more likely youll be to empathize with those other individual perspectives. When these efforts are collective, they can increase understanding, compassion and community in society at large. Issues like war and oppression can feel overwhelming and abstract, but the abstract becomes real when you connect to someone you care about. So, does this theory hold up when it comes to real-world data? Small acts of connection shift attitudes Numerous studies support the power of individual acts of connection to drive larger-scale change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, researchers studying the political divide in the U.S. found that participants self-identifying as Democrats or Republicans didnt like people in the other group largely due to negative assumptions about the other persons morals. People also said they valued morals like fairness, respect, loyalty and a desire to prevent harm to others. Im intentionally leaving out which political group preferred which traits they all sound like positive attributes, dont they? Even though participants thought they didnt like each other based on politics, they also all valued traits that benefit relationships. One interpretation of these findings is that the more people demonstrate to each other, act by act, that they are loyal friends and community members who want to prevent harm to others, the more they might soften large-scale social and political disagreements. Even more convincingly, another study found that Hungarian and Romanian students people from ethnic groups with a history of social tensions who said they had strong friendships with each other also reported improved attitudes toward the other group. Having a rocky friendship with someone from the other group actually damaged attitudes toward the other ethnic group as a whole. Again, nurturing the quality of relationships, even on an objectively small scale, had powerful implications for reducing large-scale tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another study, researchers examined prejudice toward what psychologists call an out-group: a group that you dont belong to, whether based on ethnicity, political affiliation or just preference for dogs versus cats. They asked participants to reflect on the positive qualities of someone they knew, or on their own positive characteristics. When participants wrote about the positive qualities of someone else, rather than themselves, they later reported lower levels of prejudice toward an out-group even if the person they wrote about had no connection to that out-group. Here, moving toward appreciation of the other, rather than away from prejudice, was an effective way to transform preconceived beliefs. So, small acts of connection can shift personal attitudes. But can they really affect societies? From one-on-one to society-wide Every human being is embedded in their own network with the people and world around them, what psychologists call their social ecology. Compassionate change at any level of someones social ecology internally, interpersonally or structurally can affect all the other levels, in a kind of positive feedback loop, or upward spiral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, both system-level anti-discrimination programming in schools and interpersonal support between students act reciprocally to shape school environments for students from historically marginalized groups. Again, individual acts play a key role in these positive domino effects. Even as a human connection researcher, Ive been surprised by how much I and others have progressed toward mutual understanding by simply caring about each other. But what are small acts of connection, after all, but acts of strengthening relationships, which strengthen communities, which influence societies? In much of my clinical work, I use a model called social practice or intentional community-building as a form of therapy for people recovering from serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia. And if intentional community-building can address some of the most debilitating states of the human psyche, I believe it follows that, writ large, it could help address the most debilitating states of human societies as well. Simply put, science supports the idea that moving toward each other in small ways can be transformational. Ill die on that hill too. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The News Beijing and Washington traded three prisoners apiece while the US lowered its travel advisory for China, rare positive news involving the superpower rivals. The trio of Americans held by Beijing were detained on drug and espionage charges, but Washington argued they were wrongfully imprisoned. No details were released on the Chinese nationals being freed. The US State Department, meanwhile, removed a D notice used to indicate the risk of wrongful detention from its travel advisory on China, and a spokesperson told The Hill that no Americans fit that designation in China any longer. SIGNALS Trumps house of hawks set to steer incoming administration Source: Politico Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal suggests some thawing of relations between the US and China in the final days of the Biden administration. But incoming US President Donald Trumps pick of Alex Wong for the role of deputy national security adviser described as the latest addition to the house of hawks by Politico signals a potential upcoming shift in China policy. However, although Wong shares a perception of China as a serious national security threat, he has backed working with other countries over a more unilateralist approach: We could therefore see a division of labour, where Alex Wong works with allies to get them on board with a highly confrontational policy that [Mike] Waltz and [Marco] Rubio are shaping, an East Asia expert told the outlet. China may be the beneficiary of hostile relations Sources: London School of Economics, Project Syndicate Trumps short-term objective will be to consolidate US power vis a vis China, with scant regard for the idea of some higher global interest, an analyst wrote for the London School of Economics: Still, Chinese leader Xi Jinping may exploit that by laying traps that gift [Trump] the impression of immediate victories, at the expense of structural advantage, she added. The US is already starting to suffer the unintended consequences of its hostility toward Beijing, such as the exodus of Chinese scientists, and sanctions and export initiatives may have backfired as Chinese companies and the state become more resilient, a China expert argued in Project Syndicate. (Bloomberg) -- Washingtons decision to ease its travel warning for China removes an obstacle to exchanges of people between the worlds two largest economies but will likely face new scrutiny once Donald Trump returns to the White House. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Department of State announced a shift in its advisory for the Asian nation by reducing it from Level 3 reconsider travel to Level 2, which asks people to exercise increased caution. The downgrade on Wednesday means the US travel warning for China matches the designation for countries like France, Germany and India. The American Chamber of Commerce in China hailed it as an excellent development that will help ease tensions while opening more travel from the US to China. The Level 3 advisory has served to curtail both business travel, student visits and scholarly exchanges, which are essential for fostering more clear mutual understanding and are vital to healthy normal bilateral relations, said Roberta Lipson, AmCham China chair. The announcement coincided with news of a prisoner swap between China and the US that saw the release of three Americans. But the practical impact of the updated travel warning could be negligible and possibly short-lived, with restrictions on flights into the US still in effect and a looming Trump presidency threatening to upend ties again. I doubt it will make a difference at all, said Eric Zhu, senior associate analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. China has lifted visa requirements for both Japan, South Korea, as well as a list of European countries, but American visitors are still required to get a visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous advisory level had been a sticking point for China in its relations with the US, with many seeing it as a barrier to people-to-people exchanges long a priority for Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The change was greeted with praise from China on Thursday. We believe this is conducive to the normal exchange of personnel between the two countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. We always oppose creating chilling effects and we hope the US will provide more facilitation for the cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Bidens Housekeeping The US had been clear that the travel designation would remain elevated until issues surrounding arbitrarily detained Americans were resolved, according to Joe Mazur, senior analyst with consultancy Trivium China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taken together with the recent US-China prisoner swap, it suggests that Biden administration officials are conducting some end-of-term housekeeping with their Chinese counterparts, Mazur said. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Beijing said language related to risks of wrongful detention had been removed. There are no longer any Americans who have been determined as wrongfully detained who are being held in China, the spokesperson said in an email to Bloomberg News. As recently as in September, a bipartisan US congressional commission said China has detained more Americans than any other country in the world, warning their cases remain a pressing diplomatic concern. Marco Rubio Trumps pick for secretary of state whos been sanctioned twice by Beijing co-chaired the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. The earlier advisory was a factor inhibiting travel by some Americans to China, with knock-on effects on demand for travel-related services including flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas carriers continue to operate under severe restrictions on flights into the US, with a cap limiting the number of services to around 25% of pre-Covid levels or 50 round-trips each shared among the countrys respective airlines. According to the latest advisory, American citizens should still exercise increased caution when traveling to mainland China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans. Zhu Junwei, a former researcher in the Peoples Liberation Army who is now director of American research at Grandview Institution in Beijing, described the move as good news that will help promote exchanges between Chinese and American people. But the bigger issue is what happens next. The question is how long it will stay at this level before another possible change after Trump formally comes into office, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Danny Lee, Alisa Parenti and Philip Glamann. (Updates with Foreign Ministry comment in seventh paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The US intelligence believes that Washington's decision to allow Ukraine to launch US weapons deep into Russia has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack by Russia. Source: Reuters, quoting five sources familiar with US intelligence; European Pravda Details: Intelligence assessments over the past seven months have concluded that a nuclear escalation is unlikely to result from the decision to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This assessment has remained unchanged after President Joe Biden changed the US position on long-range strikes against Russia this month, the sources told Reuters. One congressional assistant familiar with the intelligence stated that the assessments had been consistent and that ATACMS would not change Russia's nuclear intentions. Russia's launch of a new ballistic missile last week also has not altered this conclusion. The analysts believe the launch was meant to be a warning to Washington and its European allies. One of the five officials said that while Washington believes Russia will not seek escalation with nuclear forces, it will try to respond to what it sees as an escalation by the US. One official said the new missile launch is part of that effort. The intelligence data has helped guide the often heated debate over whether Washington should ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US weapons at the risk of angering Putin, the officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials initially resisted such a move, citing fears of escalation and uncertainty about Putin's reaction. President Biden has changed his mind because of the North Korean soldiers joining the war. Some officials now believe that concerns about escalation, including nuclear fears, were exaggerated. But they emphasise that the overall situation in Ukraine remains dangerous and that nuclear escalation is not out of the question. Russia's ability to find other covert ways to retaliate against the West is also a concern. Background: On 19 November, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin signed an updated nuclear doctrine, which expanded the conditions for the use of Russian nuclear weapons. Putin also threatened Western countries with strikes after they allowed Ukraine to use its missiles to hit Russian territory. Support UP or become our patron! The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), part of the 3rd Marine Division, has officially received the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), a new ground-based missile launcher designed to target enemy ships. This advanced weapon system was unveiled at a ceremony in Dewey Square on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, celebrating months of rigorous testing and evaluation. Special guests from the U.S. military and allied nations attended the event, highlighting the international interest in the enhanced capabilities NMESIS brings to maritime operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With the introduction of the NMESIS, 3d MLR dramatically boosts its sea denial capabilities," stated Lt. Col. Timothy W. Love, the regiment's commanding officer. He emphasized how this system positions the unit at the forefront of strategic transformation, reinforcing naval integration and deterrence through effective coastal coverage. Ship-killer missile system Marines from the Medium-Range Missile Battery, which is an integral part of the 3d MLRs infantry battalion, will operate the NMESIS. In collaboration with the Fire Support Coordination Center, the battery will integrate the system into Naval and Joint operations across the Indo-Pacific region using the Maritime Dynamic Targeting Process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This arrangement will enhance the unit's operational effectiveness in various military scenarios. Col. John G. Lehane, the commanding officer of 3d MLR, praised the transition of the NMESIS from an initial testing phase to an active weapon system. This move represents a significant milestone for the regiment, he remarked. The NMESIS equips us with a powerful sea denial capability, which is crucial for our mission to target enemy maritime threats. This advance greatly enhances our capacity to collaborate with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and our partners. Stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, the 3d MLR specializes in amphibious and coastal warfare and is actively deployed across the Indo-Pacific to foster regional security and stability through partnerships. 115-mile range The NMESIS, which includes two Naval Strike Missile (NSM) containers mounted on a remote-operated Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), boasts an impressive range of over 100 nautical miles (approximately 115 miles). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This capability allows Marines toeffectively engage distant maritime targety. The NMESIS system combines advanced technology to enhance lethality and accuracy in strikes. NMESIS will equip the Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) battalions with anti-ship missiles to defend against invasion beaches. Each unit can launch two NSMs to strike enemy vessels at or near the waterline, maximizing damage potential. The missiles feature an imaging infrared seeker and an onboard target recognition database, allowing for independent detection and engagement of threats. The Global Positioning System (GPS), inertial sensors, and terrain reference systems assist navigation and provide the NMESIS with sophisticated targeting capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raytheon, in collaboration with Norway's Kongsberg Gruppen, manufactures the NSM, which will also be integrated into various naval platforms, including the littoral combat ship and the future FFG(X) frigate. This broad application underscores the system's role in strengthening the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' maritime strike power. The introduction of the NMESIS marks a pivotal development for the 3d MLR, which continues to enhance its operational readiness and adaptability in a rapidly evolving security landscape. As the regiment enhances its capabilities, it reaffirms its commitment to maintaining regional peace and deterring potential threats through innovative military solutions. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Hundreds of U.S. service members overseas are not able to be home with their families this Thanksgiving, but they will still be celebrating in their way. Thursday not only marks Thanksgiving but also the 249th birthday of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps. DC News Now caught up with a chaplain deployed to Bahrain as he ministers to sailors and Marines who cant be with their families on Thanksgiving Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wishing everybody in the United States a Happy Thanksgiving! said a group of sailors in one video posted to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). U.S. service members are deployed all over the world. Greetings from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa in Italy, said one Marine in another DVIDS video. Happy Thanksgiving. Woman shot, killed after domestic dispute with man in Woodbridge Many U.S. service members overseas will not be able to gather around the dinner table with their families. It is hard because these are special moments that only come around once a year, said Rear Admiral Carey Cash. All of us are thinking about our moms and our dads or brothers and sisters, in my case, my wife and my kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But wherever U.S. troops are in the world, chaplains like Admiral Cash provide spiritual support. Whenever they see a chaplain, there is a sense of one, Gods presence, but also a sense of the familiar and of family, said Cash. They know when they see a chaplain, were there for no other reason but for them. Chaplain Cash prayed over the troops Thanksgiving meal. The day is also special for him because it marks the 249th birthday of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps. When we celebrate our corps, we are celebrating 249 years of faithful service to our warfighters, said Cash. Its about the honor that we have in serving and ministering to those who put themselves in harms way and Im just thankful. I think every chaplain is thankful and wants to be a good steward of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps said they need at least 200 more Chaplains to join their ranks. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. (Bloomberg) -- The White House said Ukraine must recruit more soldiers for the war against Russia, including by lowering the draft age, as a lack of manpower rather than weapons is the countrys most pressing need. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelenskiys government should consider lowering the recruitment age to 18 from 25 to create a much-needed pipeline of new troops to rotate into the front lines, a senior administration official told reporters Wednesday. The message is the clearest signal yet of impatience from the US and its allies over Zelenskiys reluctance to recruit younger soldiers. The Ukrainian leader has said that theres no need to lower the draft age, an idea which had been pushed by allies in response to his request for security and economic guarantees he deemed the countrys victory plan. Zelenskiys office didnt respond to a request for comment sent outside normal business hours in Kyiv. With less than two months in office, the Biden administration has also sought to strengthen Ukraines military capabilities before President-elect Donald Trump takes over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has pledged to wind down the war quickly, and even Zelenskiy has said the conflict needs to end next year. Its still unclear, however, how that will play out as Russian President Vladimir Putins forces steadily push further into Ukraine. The official said discussions have begun with the incoming Trump team but couldnt comment on what the new administration is planning. White House spokesman John Kirby, in a statement on Wednesday, offered reassurances that the Biden administrations commitment remained intact. Were absolutely going to keep sending Ukraine weapons and equipment. We know thats vital, he said. But so, too, is manpower at this point. In fact, we believe manpower is the most vital need they have. So, were also ready to ramp up our training capacity if they take appropriate steps. Earlier: Trump Picks Keith Kellogg as Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden official said the administration in its final days intends to provide thousands of artillery rounds and rockets, as well as hundreds of missile interceptors, vehicles and other weapons systems using funds already appropriated by Congress. Ukraine has maintained that it still requires weapons and equipment for its current soldiers. Zelenskiy said in a Nov. 19 speech that the defense ministry must create incentives for citizens under 25 to join the war effort, but repeated there are no plans to change the draft age. Let there be no speculation, he said, our state is not preparing to lower the mobilization age. --With assistance from Olesia Safronova. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with Kirby statement, in eighth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. In a bold move, the United States has gone ahead to deploy one of its newest nuclear-powered attack submarines in Guam a highly sensitive region in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment comes at a time when the US and China are flexing their muscles in the region to showcase their dominance. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Base Guam on Tuesday. This is part of the US Navys strategic laydown plan for its forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this, Minnesota has become the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to be deployed to Guam. Commissioned in September 2013, in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota was the 10th Virginia-class submarine commissioned for service. The Virginia-class submarines are the Navys next-generation attack submarines and are set to replace Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire. Need for nuclear-powered submarine deployment in Guam Minnesota has a crew of approximately 140 sailors and is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should be mentioned that Guam is roughly 1,800 miles away from Chinas east coast and its military assets. It is therefore considered a key strategic point in case a conflict breaks out with Beijing. The island in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean is a part of the United States and is physically closer to Beijing. A press release by the US Navy mentions that there is a need to station the most capable units in forward locations in the Indo-Pacific owing to the security environment. The press release goes on to mention that the deployment of USS Minnesota will allow the US Navy to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire crew is thrilled to be in Guam, said Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, USS Minnesota. Minnesota is composed of exemplary individuals who represent some of our brightest Sailors in the Fleet. Theyre eager to get out into the local community and stand ready to contribute to our strategic objectives and maintain warfighting readiness in the Pacific. Minnesota has joined four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed in the Pacific Ocean. Virginia-class vessel specialties Virginia-class fast-attack submarines allow the Navy to maintain the nations undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navys multi-mission requirements. Additionally, through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture, and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain state-of-the-art for its entire operational life by rapidly introducing new systems and payloads. USS Minnesota is more than 377 feet long and can displace nearly 7,800 tons. As per the information available it is capable of reaching top speeds of 32 mph while it is fully submerged. In the recent past, the US has started relying on submarines to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. These deployments aim to provide the US Navy with enhanced flexibility in case a situation turns bad in Taiwan or the South China Sea region. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam's fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, helping to reaffirm the submarine forces' forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, the press release mentioned. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The United States Supreme Court denied a petition to hear an appeal from three men who were previously convicted after occupying Oregons Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016. In their petition to the nations high court, the men Duane Ehmer, Darryl Thorn, and Jake Ryan tried to challenge the Oregon district courts jury selection process. The men were previously convicted of felonies and misdemeanors for the occupation including Thorn, who was found guilty of conspiracy to impede federal workers and for having a firearm at a federal facility. Ryan and Ehmer were found guilty of depredation of government property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COMPLETE COVERAGE: The Malheur Takeover The denial from the Supreme Court on Nov. 18 comes after the court of appeals rejected the plaintiffs arguments in December 2023 and denied a re-hearing in April 2024. In their petition to the Supreme Court, the men tried to challenge a decision by the Oregon district court to excuse jurors, and whether the Sixth Amendment guarantee of a jury trial [I]n all criminal prosecutions includes the right to a jury trial in cases involving petty crimes. According to court documents, in order to streamline jury selection in the initial district court case, the parties agreed to a preliminary screening of potential jurors through a written questionnaire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrest 25 in retail theft mission at Mall 205, Gateway Shopping Center The district court ordered that it would make decisions on dismissing jurors for deferral or hardship without either partys input. Additionally, the court decided that the parties would have an opportunity to review the questionnaires and that challenges against the questionnaires would be resolved in a pre-trial conference. In their petition to the Supreme Court, the men argued that the district court did not honor those rulings and that the excusals of jurors violated their rights to a public trial, to be present to the assistance of counsel, and to due process of law. Before the case headed to the high court, the court of appeals rejected the claim that the plaintiffs right to trial and presence claims were violated and later determined that jurors were properly excused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney representing Ryan declined to comment and attorneys representing the other plaintiffs could not immediately be reached. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest The case stems from the district court trial of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge protesters after the 41-day armed occupation in 2016. The occupation was in response to prison sentences handed to two Oregon ranchers, 73-year-old Dwight Hammond and 46-year-old Steven Hammond, who are father and son. As reported by The Associated Press, the Hammonds said they lit fires on federal land in 2001 and 2006 to reduce growth of invasive plants and protect their property from wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were both convicted and served prison time, with Dwight Hammond serving three months and Steven Hammond serving one year. A federal judge in Oregon determined their sentences were too short and ordered them back to prison to serve about four years each leading to the takeover of the national wildlife refuge. The protesters also demanded the federal government to relinquish 300 square miles of land to local control for ranching, mining, logging and other uses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Book bans are growing at disturbing levels. In the 2023-2024 school year, cases jumped from 3,362 to more than 10,000, according to a report by PEN America. This organization advocates for human rights and free expression, focusing on access to literature. Florida and Iowa are leading the way in restrictions, with about 8,000 bans stemming from state laws. School districts in other states have also restricted a greater number of books this year, such as Elkhorn, Wisconsin, with 300 titles vetoed in just a few months. The numbers presented in the study may be lower than real numbers because bans of this type are not usually reported. Also, not included are the numerous reports of soft censorship, such as ideologically motivated restrictions on the purchase of books by schools, the removal of collections from classrooms, and the cancellation of visits by certain authors and other activities linked to the promotion of reading. More information Book bans reach all-time record in the US Following trends from previous years in which books were targeted for including diverse perspectives, book bans from the 2023-2024 school year overwhelmingly featured stories with people or characters of color and/or LGBTQ+ people. We also observed how cases of book bans increasingly target stories by and about women and girls and/or that include depictions of rape or sexual abuse, says PEN Americas report. As in recent years, there are two key factors behind this movement: state legislation and the influence of conservative groups. Coordinated campaigns by a vocal minority of groups and individual actors place undue pressure on school boards and districts, resulting in a chilled atmosphere of overly cautious decision-making regarding the accessibility of books in public school libraries. Attacks on literature in schools persist despite the unpopularity of parents rights groups and polls that show broad opposition to school book bans, research reveals. This 2024, state legislation has also been particularly instrumental in this issue. Iowas SF 496, which went into effect in July 2023, bans books with any sex-related content, and has similar provisions to Floridas law, which prevents saying the word gay in classrooms. Along those lines, Floridas HB 1069 created a statutory process for banning books and demanded that any book challenged for sexual conduct be removed from the library during the review process. Utah also passed this year the most extreme book ban law currently in effect (HB 29), which imposes what PEN America has termed a blacklist of books in schools across the state, and South Carolina voted in favor of HB 43-170 this summer, which vetoes books with sexual content and gives the state board of education the power to remove titles from schools and public libraries. Finally, Tennessee expanded the Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 and called for the removal of books containing nudity, excessive violence, or depicting sexual acts. It also empowers a state commission to evaluate certain questionable titles. Blacklisted authors Efforts to suppress the right to read continue to affect a wide range of books and authors. From classic novels to stories for young people, PEN Americas School Book Ban Index this year includes books such as Roots: The Saga of An American Family by Alex Haley, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan, Black Reconstruction in America, 1860-1880 by W.E.B. DuBois, Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie, The Kitchen Gods Wife by Amy Tan, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez, Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh, Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin, Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver, Puddin by Julie Murphy, Blade Runner (do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep) by Philip K. Dick, and Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Ibero-American writers are not spared either. Isabel Allendes The House of the Spirits and Beyond Winter; Gabriel Garcia Marquezs Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Love in the Time of Cholera and One Hundred Years of Solitude; Junot Diazs The Marvelous Short Life of Oscar Wao; Federico Garcia Lorcas The House of Bernarda Alba; and Elena Poniatowskas Tinisima are banned in Florida counties like Orange and Escambia. Many of the books banned during this school year have been in the spotlight since the beginning of the book-banning movement in 2021, such as The Color Purple by Alice Walker; Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult; and The Bluest Eye and Beloved by Toni Morrison. The books of Sarah J. Maas, Stephen King, and Ellen Hopkins remain under the Scarlet Letter effect that has spread across the United States. Even Gregory Maguires Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the book that inspired the hit film adaptation currently in theaters, was spared. It has been banned in 32 school districts across the country. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition US wants Ukraine to lower the conscription age to 18 amid a manpower shortage. Ukraine's military is facing weapons shortages and low morale. The White House said aid to Ukraine will not be tied to the conscription age. The US has urged Ukraine to lower its military recruitment age to 18 to help increase the number of soldiers fighting against Russia, according to multiple reports. The current minimum conscription age is 25, but an anonymous US administration official told reporters on Wednesday that reducing it would help Ukraine keep up with Russia's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The simple truth is that Ukraine is not currently mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace their battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military," the senior official said, according to The Financial Times. Ukraine appears unwilling to lower the age, however. "Let there be no speculation our state is not preparing to lower the mobilization age," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told parliament last week. Zelenskyy's office on Thursday told the FT that the problem was in the supply of Western weapons. "Ukraine cannot be expected to compensate for delays in logistics or hesitation in support with the youth of our men on the frontline," said Dmytro Lytvyn, the top communications advisor to the Ukrainian president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine in April after several delays, but Zelenskyy said last month that 90% of it had not yet reached Ukraine. Low morale has also been an issue. A unit commander fighting in Pokrovsk told CNN in September that the "majority" of mobilized soldiers were leaving their posts. "They go to the positions once and if they survive, they never return. They either leave their positions, refuse to go into battle, or try to find a way to leave the army," he said. Manpower shortages remain a key problem for the Ukrainians, though. "In general, Ukrainian force is still performing rather well on the defense," war analyst Michael Kofman told BI earlier this year. "The challenge is that they are significantly outnumbered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House clarified that US aid to Ukraine will not be dependent on whether the conscription age is lowered. "We're absolutely going to keep sending Ukraine weapons and equipment. We know that's vital. But so, too, is manpower at this point," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in a statement to AFP. "In fact, we believe manpower is the most vital need they have. So, we're also ready to ramp up our training capacity if they take appropriate steps to fill out their ranks," said Kirby. In the months he has left, Biden has been scrambling to push measures to aid the war effort in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier this month that Biden "has committed to making sure that every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door" before Trump's inauguration in January. The White House did not immediately respond to a request by BI for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Update: The power has since been restored. VAN ETTEN, N.Y. (WETM) Residents in Van Etten are without power this afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Thanksgiving morning. On Thursday, Nov. 28, around 9:30 a.m., crews from Community Fire and Rescue, Greater Valley Ambulance and New York State Police were called to the area of State Route 224 for the report of a vehicle into a utility pole, as reported by Community Fire and Rescue Fire Chief David Lanning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lanning told 18 News that the crash involved a Jeep SUV and that the female driver was transported by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. As a result of the crash, both lanes from the intersection of State Route 223 and 224 to the intersection of State Route 224 and Wyncoop Creek Road have been closed off as crews work to replace the utility pole and powerline wires. According to NYSEGs outage map, 66 customers in Van Etten are without power at this time due to the crash, and that power is estimated to be restored by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) Investigations are still underway after two people were arrested on human trafficking charges, but local law enforcement believes there are more involved and are asking for the publics help. Assistant Police Chief Johnathan Mitchell said around three months ago, the Vance Police Department began receiving statements and evidence from people living in the small city of Vance located within Tuscaloosa County limits. Allegations alleged Ramierz and his girlfriend Sarabia Reyes were taking all of their money, their documents, and pretty much holding them hostage here, Mitchell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidence collected indicate these arent the only ones brought over and that this happened to, Mitchell said. Victims shared with local law enforcement that the couple helped smuggle people into the United States from Mexico. While the couples direct role is unclear, they had an active role in getting them here, Mitchell said. Those who made it into the U.S., owed Ramierz and Reyes payment for their services. But because the couple stole their documentation weather official or forged and their money, these people were forced into servitude. 2 arrested in Vance on human trafficking charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of the legal status, it is just not a right for these people to take advantage of them, and basically enslave them in the country, Mitchell said. Ramierz and his girlfriend Reyes were arrested Friday, Nov. 22 at the El Sabor restaurant located on Vance Blockton Road. Woodstock Police aided Vance PD in executing search warrants, which led to the arrest. This is the first time the city of Vance has made arrests for this type of illegal activity, however Mitchell noted just because its the first arrest, it doesnt mean this is the first time it has happened. In a situation like this, its really hard because people in Hispanic communities who might not have legal status, have a fear of law enforcement, Mitchell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting enough evidence to support a judge signing off on a search warrant is very difficult Mitchell said, however this is the first time we had enough evidence to go forward with this. Mitchell says finding victims who will come forward especially depending on their citizenship status is hard, but those statements are what allowed the investigation to start in the first place. Documents can be fake, social security numbers can be obtained a lot of that is still ongoing parts that I cant speak on with the investigation, Mitchell said. Law enforcement is looking into how many people Ramirez and Reyes helped enter the U.S. are here legally or illegally. Because victims owed payments for being smuggled, did not have identification, or possibly visas they were forced into servitude police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They used us a threatening tool, Mitchell said. If these people could not pay their dues the couple would tell them they were going to be deported, Mitchell said. For others taken advantage of and forced into labor by the couple, there are certain protections that can be put in place, so they wont be deported according to Vance PD. Police believe there are others who have a role in this illegal operation. If anyone has any information, you are asked to contact Vance Police Department. You can contact them via Facebook or by calling 205-553-8278. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela's National Assembly on Thursday unanimously voted to approve a law which could lead to bans on holding public office of up to 60 years for those who express support for the imposition of sanctions on the South American country. The so-called Simon Bolivar Liberator law also includes measures to prosecute people in absentia, and represents the latest move by President Nicolas Maduro's government to tighten regulations on everything from non-governmental organizations to social media, following July's contested presidential election. The vote by the ruling party-dominated legislature follows the approval earlier this month by the U.S. House of Representatives of the so-called Bolivar law, which would prohibit U.S. government bodies from hiring people who have business dealings with Maduro's government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bolivar law, which needs final approval from the U.S. Senate, has been labeled "trash" by Maduro. Temporary bans on holding office, levied on opposition politicians over their support for sanctions on Maduro's government and other accusations, are regular occurrences in Venezuela. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado had her 15-year ban on holding public office upheld in January. Broadcast media, including television and radio stations, that support sanctions could be closed down under the new law, while text-based media could face fines worth up to $51.7 million. The legislative flurry has spread alarm among opposition politicians, who are still figuring out a way forward after Maduro was declared the winner of July's election by electoral authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition, a number of Western countries and some international organizations have decried the election as non-transparent and have called for the full publication of ballots. The opposition has published its own tallies showing its contender, Edmundo Gonzalez, handily won the contest. Gonzalez has since fled to Spain. (Reporting by Vivian SequeraWriting by Oliver GriffinEditing by Rosalba O'Brien) CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Venezuelan lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill that codifies economic sanctions, like those imposed by the United States, as crimes against humanity and allows the prosecution of anyone who expresses support for the measures. The bill, approved by the unicameral National Assembly, implicitly targets leading opposition leaders, many of whom have supported economic sanctions as a means to pressure the government into negotiations. The measure bans supporters of economic sanctions from running for office and allows authorities to prosecute them in absentia and seize their property. The unilateral coercive measures and other restrictive or punitive measures adopted against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela constitute a crime against humanity, within the framework of a systematic and widespread attack against the civilian population, the bill, as read during Thursday's session, states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A conviction under the bill would carry a sentence of at least 25 years in prison. The approval comes one day after the White House announced it had imposed sanctions on 21 individuals it accused of undermining Venezuelas July presidential election. It also followed the decision by the U.S. House of Representatives last week to pass a bill that would block the federal government from contracting any company doing business with the government of President Nicolas Maduro. The measure is the latest effort by Venezuela's ruling party to silence dissent after the July election, which Maduro and former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez both claim to have won. Venezuelas National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared Maduro the winner hours after polls closed on July 28. But unlike previous presidential elections, electoral authorities did not provide detailed vote counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the main opposition coalition collected tally sheets from 80% of the nations electronic voting machines, posted them online and said the voting records showed Gonzalez won the election with twice as many votes as Maduro. Anti-government protests erupted nationwide the day after the election, drawing repression from state security forces, which arrested more than 2,200 people, including political leaders, lawyers, poll workers, election volunteers and protesters, both minors and adults. Gonzalez left Venezuela in September for exile in Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with an investigation into the publishing of the vote tally sheets, while opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been hiding for months at an undisclosed location. Machado last year won the presidential primary organized by the main opposition coalition. But Maduro's government kept her off the July 28 ballot via an administrative decision that concluded she could not run for office because she allegedly sought the broad economic sanctions the U.S. imposed last decade in an effort to topple Maduro. The sanctions crippled Venezuela's crucial oil sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Machados hand-picked substitute was also barred from representing the Unitary Platform opposition coalition. That prompted the factions leadership to choose Gonzalez as candidate. Last week, Venezuelas Attorney Generals Office announced a new investigation against Machado. Her comments in favor of the U.S. House bill, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office, constitute the commission of crimes of treason against the country, conspiracy with foreign countries and association. Machado rejected the accusations in a video she posted Thursday on social media. Let them accuse us of treason against the country the day we stand by with our arms crossed, when we believe that there is nothing more to fight for, she said in a video showing images from this year's presidential campaign. In that moment, accuse us of betraying the country... resigning ourselves would be a betrayal. ___ Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. 13-year-old Layla Hamlins dream is to dance in the Macys Day Parade. On Thursday, that dream will come true for the Burlington teen, who will join 600 other dancers for the celebration. Layla has been dancing since the age of two and says she discovered her love of dance, and the Macys Day Parade, by watching the Rockettes every year. The teen, whos been taking classes at Studio 3 Dance in Colchester, says she sent in a two-minute audition for a spot a few months ago. Now shes set to perform in the parade on Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im feeling excited but also a little nervous, said the dancer. Layla says she has been practicing non-stop at home, but with the big day approaching she is now joining other dancers in New York City to train. Before the parade, Layla says, shell have to get up at 4:00 am to meet her dancing group, who will then walk over to the Macys store together. Laylas mother, Shauncey Hamlin, says a GoFundMe, which she started to make Laylas New York trip possible, has helped cover more than she expected. Its amazing, it covered her entire trip. Hamlin says the support has made her hopeful that another trip might be possible again next year, if Layla chooses to audition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving day you can catch Layla dancing at Macys Herald Square. The parade will run from 8:30 am until noon. Laylas message to the friends and family watching from home? I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. A veteran NYPD detective was busted this week for manufacturing ghost guns and stashing a small armys worth of unregistered weapons inside his Staten Island home, prosecutors said Wednesday. Det. Third Grade Anthony Sciortino, 35 a 13-year veteran now assigned to the departments 120th Precinct was arrested Tuesday and arraigned on a 16-count indictment, with allegations dating back to 2020, the Richmond County District Attorneys Office said. During a raid of Sciortinos Princes Bay home, officers found 19 illegal firearms including a machine gun and an assault weapon, according to prosecutors. NYPD Det. Third Grade Anthony Sciortino, 35, was arrested for allegedly manufacturing ghost guns and keeping an illegal stash of weapons in his apartment. Alamy Stock Photo Four of the weapons were untraceable ghost guns without serial numbers on their lower receivers, the DAs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sciortino also allegedly did not report the make, model, caliber and serial number of the other 15 guns to the NYPD within 10 days of obtaining them which is required by law, officials said. Purposefully failing to report these firearms to the NYPD, these illegal and dangerous weapons could have exacted untold amounts of harm to our fellow Staten Islanders, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said in a statement. As Mr. Sciortino knows well, ghost guns are illegal, are incredibly difficult to track by law enforcement when used in the commission of a crime, and have no place on Staten Island. Sciortino is a 13-year NYPD veteran now assigned to the departments 120th Precinct. Getty Images Sciortino also allegedly used his position as an NYPD detective to access personnel records for unauthorized, unofficial, and nefarious purposes, the DA charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sciortino faces raps including manufacture of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances; failure to report the sale or registration of a firearm; falsifying business records; and computer trespass, according to the indictment. Prosecutors requested that he be held on $50,000 cash or $150,000 bond at his arraignment Wednesday but Judge John McPadden instead granted him supervised release. Sciortino joined the NYPD in July of 2011 and ascended to the rank of detective in December of 2017, department records show. Sciortino is also accused of falsifying official NYPD records, the DAs office said. He was suspended without pay following his arrest, an NYPD spokesperson said. He is due back in court Jan. 16, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, Mr. Sciortino is alleged to have deceitfully amassed a small armys worth of unregistered weapons in addition to personally manufacturing multiple unlicensed, unregistered, and untraceable ghost guns and assault weapons, McMahon said. Simply put, this brazen act of misconduct undermines the noble mission of law enforcement, weakens the publics trust in the criminal justice system, and makes those we are sworn to protect and serve less safe. VIENNA (AP) The Vienna sausage stand is a place where the street sweeper, the manager, the tourist and the celebrity converge for the same tasty snack. Now it also has the official stamp of approval as part of Austria's heritage. The culture of the humble Wurstelstand became this week one of the latest additions to the national list of intangible cultural heritage, overseen by the Austrian UNESCO Commission. It joins the Austrian capital's distinctive wine taverns, or Heurigen, which have been listed since 2019, and the city's famous coffee house culture, which was honored in 2011. The Wurstelstand, which can now point to a history going back generations, is more than just a source of greasy gastronomic satisfaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The street stand is known for bringing people of many classes and backgrounds together and has its own distinctive vocabulary. Meet the Haasse, a coarse boiled sausage, and also the Kasekrainer a smoked creation infused with cheese that oozes out, also sometimes known as the Eitrige, or suppurating sausage. There is also the Oaschpfeiferl, a spicy peperoni, and the Krokodu, a gherkin. Sausage stands have a long history in Vienna," said Josef Bitzinger, whose Bitzinger Wurstelstand is located next to the Albertina museum and just behind the Vienna State Opera. Originally it was just a bucket with hot water in which the sausages used to swim," he said. They were sold from "small carriages drawn by dogs and bigger ones drawn by horses, later by a VW bus or a tractor to their spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tradition goes back to the pre-World War I days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when former soldiers set up mobile cookshops to make a living. The citys longest-lived stall in a fixed location, Wurstelstand Leo, has been serving up sausages since 1928. The stands developed into a bigger institution after wider-ranging permission for fixed stalls was granted in 1969. It was then that the griddle was introduced and the cheesy Kasekrainer invented, Bitzinger said. "Today thats already a classic. The UNESCO designation honors the tradition, the hospitality and the diversity of our city, Mayor Michael Ludwig said in a statement. This title is a recognition for all those Viennese who, with their warmth and their charm, make the sausage stands more than just a snack place a meeting place where joie de vivre and culture come together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bitzinger said that we have been fighting a long time for this. The special thing about it is that its a form of gastronomy everybody can afford," he said. "Here the general director and, during the opera ball, a celebrity stands next to a worker and the street sweeper who just finished cleaning the street. That unites people. ___ Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. The fear of mass deportations and potential family separations looms over tens of thousands of migrants like those who attended a Thanksgiving food distribution drive last week organized by the NGO New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE). For many of them, Thursday will be their first Thanksgiving, the most important date on the American holiday calendar. But it could also be their last if Donald Trumps plans to expel undocumented immigrants (an estimated 11.3 million across the U.S., with 412,000 in New York) ultimately come to pass despite the numerous technical complexities involved, chiefly the management of case files. Gladys Carolina, a Venezuelan who arrived in New York in March with her husband and two children, aged 17 and nine, downplays the threat, but does not conceal her anxiety. Those of us who have crossed the Darien jungle and survived the Beast [the freight train that crosses Mexico], can face anything except returning to Venezuela. But of course we are afraid of what could happen, we are on edge, because it is an unknown factor. Standing next to her, Carolina Lopez, a 28-year-old Ecuadorian, clings to the bag with the turkey that the NGO gave her while cradling Liam, who is two months old. Her first Thanksgiving dinner, which in other circumstances would be a joyful one, is marred by the fear that an expulsion order will separate her from her son. I am terrified for the baby, because if they deport me they will leave him here, where he was born. My husband hopes to receive a work permit soon, but it seems that even this does not guarantee anything either, she explains. According to immigration lawyers, a work permit application does not exempt applicants from deportation. Gladys, who along with the rest of her family is the beneficiary of a program called Temporary Protection Status (TPS) because they come from Venezuela, runs the same risk of expulsion as Carolina, an economic immigrant without legal protection. To the future Republican administration, there are no differences between them, and the two million legal temporary residents like Gladys and her family in total, 4% of all foreigners living in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center are just part of the complex and dysfunctional immigration system, which currently has 3.7 million pending cases. At the current rate, processing would take four years, but it could be as long as 16 years under the president-elects mass deportation plan. The entire operation could cost taxpayers between $150 billion and $350 billion. People eating at the migrant shelter on Randall's Island in New York on April 9, 2024. Andres Kudacki (AP) Human rights groups and activists have called on President Joe Biden to speed up measures to protect the most vulnerable migrants, the undocumented ones, but also the holders of a green card, the once precious residence and work permit, which will no longer protect them. Among the members of the NICE community, there are diverse immigration statuses: people with TPS, beneficiaries of DACA [the Obama-era program for Dreamers who came to the country as children, and which Trump already targeted in his first term], people without any documents at all, even after 20 or 30 years of residence in the country; some who are married to American citizens or have American children, explains Nilbia Coyote, executive director of the NGO. All of them are covered by additional guarantees provided by the laws of New York State that, for example, undocumented day laborers in southern California lack, making them the likely first victims of Trumps plans. All of these people are part of New York, and they are a visible part of it, no longer living in the shadows thanks to years of work and struggle, says Coyote. New York is a sanctuary city and we are going to defend that status against any divisive rhetoric. We have lived through other crises, such as the pandemic or the crisis that started in the spring of 2022. She is alluding to a period when tens of thousands of immigrants were transferred to Democratic cities such as New York, Denver, Boston, and Chicago by the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, to put pressure on the federal government, and NICE welcomed as many as a thousand people a month. Eight years ago [during Trumps first presidency] and two weeks ago we heard the same thing: I have to go to work at three in the morning to do three shifts in a row, Coyote continues, that is the reality. The director of NICE puts contingency plans into perspective to stress that the urgent should not overshadow the important, empowering those who arrive with a learning plan for everyday life, on how to process the State ID [a legal identity document that is valid even for undocumented people], the drivers license, how to open a bank account They are resilient people, who have crossed seven or eight borders and of course they have anxiety, feelings but they are not alone. We cannot let ourselves be carried away by fear just when there is more to do than ever. Legal services, on the lookout Omayra, a volunteer who regulates the food delivery line, says that to calm people down, they often tell migrants that deportation plans will first affect those with a criminal record or a previous expulsion order, an assumption that has been confirmed by the incoming administrations own border czar, Tom Homan. But no one is immune from a chance encounter with police on the street, for example. Our legal team is prepared to respond to urgent cases, mental health services have also been reinforced, but we have to wait and see what the deportation machinery is like, Coyote stresses. Gladys Carolina says she does not fear a run-in with the police, because we are good people, our record is clean as a whistle, but her Ecuadorian namesake suffers every time her husband ventures into the neighborhood. When he returns late to the shelter, I already fear that something has happened to him, she explains. In other parts of the country, such as agricultural areas where undocumented work is the norm, NGOs remind migrants that they have the right to remain silent if they are detained, that they should only open the door to immigration agents with a warrant, that they should not sign any papers without a lawyer present, and, most especially, that they should prepare a family contingency plan: a power of attorney or equivalent in case they are separated from their children, in favor of any guardians who remain to care for them. We dont want to encourage more fear, but we do want everyone to be prepared for any eventuality, said Luz Gallegos, executive director of Centro Legal TODEC, a California NGO that holds daily information sessions in workplaces after its helpline was overwhelmed by a flood of inquiries immediately after the election results were announced. The uncertain fate of an undocumented immigrant will differ greatly depending on where he or she lives: it is rather bleak in Texas, which has been proposed as the great springboard for repatriation; ambiguous in California, with a legion of illegal immigrants without whose work there would be no harvest; and more benign in New York, where migrants are mostly employed in construction and services. The whole country would come to a standstill if migrants were deported, Coyote notes. The Big Apple, in addition to offering them aid such as the aforementioned state identity card, food stamps or health care which allowed Carolina Lopez to give birth without any kind of problem or papers in a large hospital also protects them, theoretically, with laws that limit the cooperation of the NYPD with federal agents when executing a deportation order. However, the feared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which outranks the local police department, has the prerogative to detain people in the city even though neither the city nor the state have external borders. It is a paradox that the city that has struggled to accommodate more than 223,000 new migrants in the past two years more than 150,000 of whom have already left the shelter system and are living on their own or have gone elsewhere is now forced to do the opposite, to expel them. The mayor, the Democrat Eric Adams politically weakened after being indicted for corruption has said he opposes mass deportations, but not expulsions for those accused of crimes. Both Gladys Carolina and Carolina Lopez still live in shelters, but on Thanksgiving Day they will carve the turkey delivered to them by NICE in the homes of acquaintances and relatives who have already taken a step toward integration and live in shared apartments. What harm are we doing if all we want to do is to work and live decently to raise our son? Carolina Lopez asks. Staying in the United States is not a whim or a dream, it is the only possible option, because we cannot return to Venezuela, concludes Gladys. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Frozen turkeys ready for sale in November 2022. Thanks to India reducing its tariff on frozen turkey, Virginia turkey farmers have a new market. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) As Virginians gather around the table for some Thanksgiving turkey, the states first shipment of turkey products are headed to India, thanks in part to the work of the states two U.S. senators. Earlier this month, Sen. Mark Warner announced that India will receive the frozen birds after reduced tariffs facilitated the first shipment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously youve got a big turkey industry in the Shenandoah Valley, Warner said during a press conference on Nov. 14. We have been fighting for some time to get the markets of India and Turkey, (the) country Turkey, open. That has now taken place. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virginia was the countrys sixth largest producer of turkeys in 2023 with 15.5 million birds, while its North Carolina neighbor ranked second with 29 million birds. Minnesota had the most with 38.5 million birds. In 2021, Virginias turkey production contributed to the overall poultry industrys economic impact of $5.8 billion directly to Virginias economy. John King, president of the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, said in a statement that the shipment to India will directly benefit our nearly 200 independent grower owners. The shipment earlier this month occurred after Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade representative, worked with India to get the country to reduce tariffs on frozen turkey, frozen duck and fresh frozen, dried and processed blueberries and cranberries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2023, before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States, Warner, Sen. Tim Kaine and five other senators sent a letter to Tai urging her to work to get India to reduce the tariff, which amounted to an additional 30% duty, or fee. In September, Tai announced the tariff for turkey products dropping to 5%. Resolving this last outstanding (World Trade Organization) dispute represents an important milestone in the U.S.-India trade relationship, while reducing tariffs on certain U.S. products enhances crucial market access for American agricultural producers, Tai said in a statement. The demand for turkey is strong in India, said Shana Oshinskie, a spokesperson for Warners office, driven in part by their robust population growth, lack of a domestic alternative, and increasing protein need. According to the World Health Organization, the population of India is expected to increase to about 1.7 billion people by 2050. In 2016, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, produced a report outlining ways to increase domestic turkey rearing and called the birds meat the leanest among other poultry species with lower fat and cholesterol content compared to red meat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is part of Sen. Warners broader push to strengthen our economic and diplomatic ties with India, one of our most key partners, and this move particularly benefits Virginias sizable population of poultry producers, Oshinskie added. King, by phone interview, said his group had sales of turkeys at a rate of about 17.7 pounds per person when the group started 20 years ago, but thats dropped to about 13.9 pounds per person this year due to bird illnesses, limited supply and rising costs. While Mexico continues to be a great trading partner, markets in China have become not as reliable, King said, prompting the desire to seek the populous India. We need some help in the export markets, King said. The first shipment of frozen turkey products raised by the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative left the U.S. out of the Port of Virginia. Theyre expected to arrive in the country in the coming weeks, Oshinskie said. The Biden administration is set to loan Rivian $6.6 billion to finish an EV factory in Georgia. Vivek Ramaswamy criticized the move as a "political shot across the bow" at fellow DOGE boss Elon Musk. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Musk and Ramaswamy to help cut government spending. Rivian secured a vital loan from the outgoing Biden administration and one of the leaders of DOGE isn't happy about it. The Tesla rival was granted a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy to restart construction of a stalled electric vehicle factory in Georgia, which the government said would create 7,500 jobs by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivek Ramaswamy, who is set to lead the "Department of Government Efficiency" along with Elon Musk in the second Trump administration, criticized the loan in a post on X. "One 'justification' is the 7,500 jobs it creates, but that implies a cost of $880k/job which is insane," wrote Ramaswamy. "This smells more like a political shot across the bow at Elon Musk and Tesla." A Department of Energy spokesperson said the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, which the Rivian deal is part of, reinforced America's position as a global automotive powerhouse. They said the program also loaned $465 million to Tesla in 2010, which the company repaid early, as evidence of its success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk and Ramaswamy have said they aim to cut about $2 trillion in government spending and slash the federal workforce through DOGE, which will not be an official government department. The pair's mandate to "slash excess regulations" has raised fears that Musk may be tasked with shaking up regulatory agencies that oversee and have frequently clashed with his companies. The Biden administration has attempted to boost electric vehicle adoption with a series of policies in recent years. They include tax incentives of up to $7,500 for new EVs made in the US, and $7.5 billion in federal grants to build hundreds of thousands of EV chargers by 2030. Much of that spending is expected to be rolled back under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new administration is reportedly set to scrap the $7,500 tax credit, a move that economist Felix Tintelnott told Business Insider could lower EV sales in the US by up to 27% in the short to medium term. The Biden administration is also attempting to finalize funding for infrastructure and the US microchip industry before its term ends. , The Commerce Department said on Tuesday that Intel will receive about $7.9 billion in federal grants under the CHIPS Act. Ramaswamy warned that DOGE will attempt to scrutinize these grants too, criticizing them as "11th-hour gambits" in another X post. The Department of Energy did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider WACO, Texas (FOX 44) A Waco business was one of many around the world which participated in Black Friday Record Store Day. Spin Connection says it has been Wacos vinyl record store since 2013. They say there have been long lines of customers waiting for the store to open at 9 a.m. every Black Friday. Aside from the Special Limited Edition Record Store titles Spin Connection has every year, the business had other deals and giveaways. Visitors were also treated to live music! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black Friday Record Store Day is an international event held every Black Friday in the states, as well as every April. It is for independent record stores only. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The defense team for the Walmart shooting case has filed a motion on Tuesday, Nov. 26, asking the judge to hold current District Attorney Bill Hicks in contempt of the courts gag order issued back in 2022, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. The gag order, which was issued by Judge Sam Medrano, states that both parties may not discuss the case with the media, according to the court documents. According to the motion filed, the defense said DA Hicks has given repeated press conferences and one-on-one interviews with local media, despite the gag order in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Sam Medrano has yet to directly address potential violations of the gag order by DA Hicks, but the Dec. 11 hearing will determine if the state violated Patrick Crusius sixth amendment rights. Judge denies prosecutors request to delay hearing on the Walmart shooting case set for next week Crusius pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2023 after murdering 23 people on Aug. 3, 2019, when he opened fire at the Cielo Vista Walmart and wounding over 20 others. He has been sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms and the state is seeking the death penalty. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A jury in San Bernardino County, California, has ruled against Walmart in a lawsuit, awarding a truck driver and former employee of the retail giant nearly $35 million. The payout judgment comes after the jury decided that the company leveled inaccurate allegations of fraud against the driver and fired him without proper cause. What happened in the Walmart driver lawsuit? The jury has ordered Walmart to pay the truck driver, Jesus Jesse Fonseca, $25 million as punitive damages. Moreover, the company would have to shell out an additional $9.7 million for future non-economic losses. Fonseca and his lawyers filed a lawsuit against his former employer back in 2019. Fonseca reportedly sustained an injury in 2017 when his Walmart semi-truck was hit by another semi-truck from behind during work hours, per the 2019 lawsuit. Further, the lawsuit claims that Fonseca opted for workers compensation to deal with his medical issues stemming from his injury, but Walmart failed to aid Fonseca in his attempts to follow his doctors instructions, which included not handling things more than 10 pounds in weight or driving commercial vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart put Fonseca, who had been employed at Walmarts Apple Valley distribution center in San Bernardino County for 14 years, on company-funded medical leave but he was reportedly put under surveillance. According to Fonsecas lawyers, he was fired because he drove a personal vehicle, which he believed was allowed. Mohamed Eldessouky, one of the attorneys representing Fonseca underscored the importance of the verdict and the role it might play in future legal disputes between companies and their employees. If a company decides to question someones character and integrity, it must do so carefully and honestly, he told CBS MoneyWatch. Walmart should rethink how it treats the hardworking drivers who are the backbone of its business. (CBS News) Meanwhile, Walmart referred to the verdict as outrageous and claimed that it didnt demonstrate the straightforward and uncontested facts of this case. A spokesperson for the company confirmed to CBS MoneyWatch that they will pursue all available remedies. The post Walmart Truck Driver Lawsuit Results in $35 Million Payout appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Police in Prince Georges County arrested the person they say shot and killed a man on Tuesday night in Laurel. Shortly after 9 p.m., the Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) responded to a reported shooting in the 12000 block of Silverbirch Lane. There, they found 58-year-old Jerome Stocks of Laurel suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man killed in Laurel shooting identified, no arrests made PGPD detectives identified 31-year-old Darius Jackson of Oxon Hill as the suspect. He was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder less than 24 hours after the shooting. Police said Jackson shot Stocks over a dispute with his family member. Anyone with information is asked to contact PGPD at (301) 516-2512. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), seen during a July 2019 hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., was reelected in the 2024 election to a sixth term in the U.S. House. Republican Dan Newhouse is preparing for a sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving one of Washington states most solidly Republican congressional districts. Hes excited. Hell be a member of the House majority again. With Republicans in charge in the Senate and an incoming GOP president, he foresees his party accomplishing good things for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump, the former and future commander-in-chief might not be quite as happy. He didnt want Newhouse back this year. Trumps not forgiven nor forgotten Newhouse for casting a vote to impeach him. Trump endorsed Jerrod Sessler, a dependable MAGA Republican, and hurled invective at Newhouse on social media. In the final days of the campaign, Trump spewed more in a telephone town hall with Sessler. Newhouse endured, beating Sessler by 17,000 votes and winning by a margin of 52% to 46%. This gives him two more years representing the 4th Congressional District in central Washington, stretching from the Canadian border to the Oregon state line. It includes the agriculture-heavy Yakima Valley, the Yakama Indian Reservation, and the Tri-Cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newhouse, in a recent conversation with the Standard, focused on the path ahead and refused to cast a disparaging word on what transpired in the election. This is Newhouses second victory since he voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Two years ago, he overcame a pack of pro-Trump foes in the primary, then easily vanquished a Democrat in the general election. A few days after winning this year, Trump attended a meeting of the House Republican Conference. I was there, Newhouse said. I was a few feet from him and was able to say hello. Did the election come up? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There wasnt an opportunity for a personal conversation. There was a room full of people, and he was, as you would imagine, moving in and out fairly quickly, he said. Therell be opportunities for that, Im sure. We have the House and the Senate and the White House, so theres a lot of opportunities to really do some good things in a constructive way to get our country back on track, he said. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Let me ask about your reelection. What is your big takeaway from the results? The point I made many times, and I think it resonated with people, is that I understand their issues. Im a product of Central Washington. Born and raised there. My familys there. My business too. Their issues are mine. That was demonstrated in this last election. It seems obvious you were not the first choice of a majority of Republicans who cast ballots in this election. Can you tell the 46% of voters who supported your opponent that they can count on you to support the efforts of the caucus to carry out the next presidents agenda? I committed and I said many times during the campaign, if the former president is elected, and he was, Donald Trump, will be sworn in as the 47th president, that I would work as hard as possible to make sure that our conservative agenda goals become reality. I have the full support of the Republican caucus. I work very well with all members and the leadership. I have all the confidence that this will be a very productive session for me and for central Washington. Your caucus wants to be aggressive in the first 100 days to advance many parts of President-elect Trumps agenda. What policies are you most supportive of and want to see happen at the outset? In no particular order, there are several things that have been talked about a lot by many members of Congress and the president. Our energy issues. We need to do all we can to lower the cost of energy and, in turn, lower the cost of doing business, the cost of goods and services. The border issue. Weve got to take steps to solve the crisis at the border. Weve got to stop the influx of illegals crossing our southern border, particularly, but certainly our northern border as well. Accomplishing that will provide us many great results. Im on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and want to continue working towards bringing the purchase of agricultural assets by Communist Chinese to an end. Locally, theres many different things. Certainly, the Snake River dams are a high priority. Let me ask about the dams. The Biden Administration worked out an agreement that looks at the long-term possibility of removing four dams. Do you want the Trump administration to impede or stop that deal? Thats certainly my hope. We did not have that interest in the first Trump administration. We certainly have to take a hard look at what the goals are of that [agreement] which have been in my mind, clear. I, along with many other people, see this as a priority and will be making the case to make sure that we can keep those important pieces of infrastructure. Thats been my goal and Im very hopeful that that will be the administrations goal as well. Back to the border issue. Ive read House Republican leaders want to approve a surge in funding for the president to carry out mass deportations. Are you on board with that? Im not sure exactly what the mass deportation is going to look like, or how extensive its going to be. Ive been told that a lot of focus is going to be put on criminals who pose an imminent threat to society. If thats the case, absolutely, I would be supportive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a broader brush is used, thats going to be logistically harder to do. Certainly, it could have a huge impact on people employed in economic sectors important to central Washington. We have to be very strategic in how thats carried out. Trump says he will impose heavy tariffs on key trading partners. Is this an issue on which you disagree and will push back? (This interview took place before Trumps Nov. 25 announcement about his plans for tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China.) I dont disagree that tariffs should be part of the tools that we have in our toolbox to respond to unfair trade practices. In many cases, they could very well be the proper action to take. But I also want to make sure that we are smart about how we impose them and that we are very cognizant of the impact on the agricultural industry. Historically any kind of retaliation that may come from imposing tariffs has been focused on agricultural products. Washington is one of the most trade-reliant states in the country. We produce a lot of agricultural products that we depend on international markets to be active in. I dont want to see anything that would negatively impact our industry. I dont want to add anything that makes it tougher for farmers, ranchers and the agricultural industry to be profitable. You recently wrote on the need to curb federal spending and undertake a new era of fiscal responsibility. Sounds like youre all in with the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. This could be a very refreshing exercise to go through. People have complained about bureaucracy and red tape and federal spending for a long time. Its a very difficult problem to solve. Maybe some fresh eyes from the outside, taking a look at some of the things and determining whats necessary and what isnt, will be productive. Im excited about some of the things that they might be able to come up with to help us rein in our out of control debt problem. Youre looking forward to 2025. Washingtons next governor and attorney general are not. Theyre preparing to fight, even sue, a lot, as the state did in Trumps first term. Any message for those fearful of whats coming? How can I respond to that? Its a reflex, I guess, for the opposing party to immediately oppose the incoming president-elect. I would say, lets take one issue at a time. Dont oppose everything. Theres probably going to be some things that they can agree we need to do. Its very premature to just be an all-out no on the entire Trump agenda. I cannot end without asking about 2026. Youve fended off Trump-backed challengers in two straight elections. Are you ready for a third or might you forgo running again if it happens? Theyre still counting the ballots, Jerry. Im looking forward to this Congress. At this point, I have every intention to continue serving. Okay? Nov. 27The Odessa Police Department is investigating after three people were stabbed Tuesday night on West County Road after they shot water beads at some people. According to an OPD news release, officers were dispatched to a stabbing in the 2000 block of West County Road around 8:30 p.m. and when they arrived, they found a 16-yearold, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old suffering from stab wounds. They were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Officers learned the teenagers shot Orbeez at unknown people at a residence on Catalina Drive which led to both groups meeting and getting into the altercation on West County Road, police said. No arrests have been made and anyone with information is asked to call OPD at 432-333-3641 or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Use reference case #11262024-2032-1022. KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 09:25 | All, Japan Japan is considering offering interest-free loans to people aged 70 and older to reinforce their homes against earthquakes in the wake of a devastating temblor on New Year's Day, a government source said Wednesday. Under the new plan, borrowers will be able to use their homes and land as collateral to secure loans for retrofitting their residences, while the government will cover the monthly interest payments, the source added. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to take steps to make Japan more resilient to natural disasters. On Tuesday night, a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula again, a region still undergoing recovery efforts from the Jan. 1 temblor. The loans will be repaid by the homeowner's heir after their death, such as through the sale of the property, eliminating the need for repayment during the borrower's lifetime in an aging society, according to the source. Funding for the measure is likely to be incorporated in a supplementary budget for fiscal 2024 through March next year, as many elderly people in Japan have become more reluctant to quake-proof their homes due to the financial burden. Related coverage: M6.6 quake hits central Japan, no tsunami warning issued Court upholds rejection of call to halt Miyagi Prefecture nuclear reactor FEATURE: Bonds tying "ama" divers to quake-hit region stand test of time A water main break on the Upper West Side sent a massive torrent of water cascading into a New York City subway station Wednesday causing two lines to come to a halt as the deluge flooded from the platform and cascaded onto the track. Multiple lines were fully or partially suspended for hours as frustrated commuters faced massive delays finding their way home the day before Thanksgiving. The MTA said a 12-inch city water main that dates back to 1951 ruptured around 1:40 p.m., also affecting surface streets on the Upper West Side. Drivers were forced to navigate around pools of water on the street near Central Park as FDNY and NYPD personnel directed traffic. The water main break happened Wednesday afternoon. Citizen Raging water gushed into the 103rd Street and Central Park West station, according to social media footage. Several inches of water could be seen on the tracks in the aftermath, according to footage provided by the MTA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of transit workers worked through the afternoon into the evening rush hour to restore service at the station by manually clearing drains and gate valves, pumping water from the tracks and platform and clearing dirt and debris. The team did a really great job getting to the scene and assessing the conditions, New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said in a statement. They worked with NYC-DEP to quickly isolate the area and shut down water from coming into the system. Service was restored around 6:30 p.m. at the 103rd Street station, the MTA said but riders who faced the earlier delays were left exasperated. The problem caused disruptions for drivers and straphangers. LP Media Workers were trying to fix the problem into Wednesday evening. Citizen When I first got here, there were cops and everything blocking the traffic, commuter Alex Febles told CBS 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to go home but obviously I cant do that now. Another traveler just wanted to get back home to New Jersey. I tried to go down there, but they have it all yellow taped up, Faranah McKoy, told the station. I would love to head home, because I am tired and Im heading to Jersey. So my commute just started. Service remained suspended for the C line while the A and E lines were rerouted Wednesday night, according to the MTAs Service Status page. Commuters looking to take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R and W lines were also facing delays. Over in Waterford, two local business owners joined forces to make sure everyone in their community had a Thanksgiving dinner. Waterford Pizza and Kims Waterford Diner provided both take-out and sit-down meals on Thursday. I think people deserve dignity Erie City Mission offers restaurant-style service during pre-Thanksgiving meal About 30 volunteers helped serve more than 250 people who received turkey and all the trimmings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers start cooking days in advance and say the event provides both nourishment and companionship for those who attend. Abundant Life Ministries offers free meal to community members ahead of Thanksgiving It honestly brings you a good feeling in your stomach. At the end of the day, were just making people happy, seeing people smile and alls it takes is a little bit of our time. And nobody is sitting by themselves. Everybody has someone to talk to, said Brandon Rodenbaugh and Kim Kosienski, Organizers of Waterford Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway. The event is in its seventh year and continues to grow each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. ERIE, PA The National Weather Service has issued Lake Snow Warnings for much of Northwest Pennsylvania, including the Northeast Ohio Counties, and Chautauqua County in Southwest NYS. Lake snow warnings and winter storm warnings Lake effect snow develops on Friday with significant accumulations expected through Friday, Friday Night, and Saturday morning. Expect steady to heavy snow at times which will make travel difficult. If you have travel plans, exercise extreme caution, as roads will be slick and snow-covered. Additionally, the wind will be gusty, reducing visibility, with areas of blowing and drifting snow. Heavy lake snow on Friday There will be a sharp gradient for snow accumulations on Friday into Saturday. Immediate lakeshores, north of Rt. 5 and Rt. 20 will range between 4 to 8 inches by Saturday morning. Just to the south of 5 and 20, expect snow rapidly increasing snow amounts. The latest snowfall forecast valid Friday through 7 AM Saturday Many areas in Erie County will have 8 to 15 inches, with localized higher amounts of fresh snow by Saturday morning. This will include the I-90 corridor in northern Erie County and the I-79 corridor through inland sections of Erie County and into far northern Crawford County. The snow amounts will become lighter from roughly Cambridge Springs to Saegertown to Meadville and points south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Warren County. The snowfall amounts will be lighter over much of the southern half of Warren County, although expect a sharp gradient once again, with locally higher snow amounts as you travel north and west through Warren County. The wind will turn more southwesterly and shift the intense lake snow band to the North and offshore briefly on Saturday. Lake snow bands will target Chautauqua County lakeshores along the NYS Thruway and up to the Buffalo South towns, with several inches on Saturday. Intense lake snow shifting offshore briefly on Saturday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, the wind shifts again, turning more northwesterly bringing the lake snows back into much of Northwest Pennsylvania, with some potentially significant impacts once again. It will remain cold and flaky with more opportunities for lake snow and snow showers early next week. Stay tuned to Your Weather Authority for updates on the forecast. Erie 7day forecast Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Returned to office unopposed after receiving 97% of votes cast, West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Steve Kaplan sprung a surprise. He was sworn in for a third term last week, then two days later served notice that hed soon be leaving. That had Kaplans colleagues congratulating him on West Bloomfields local cable channel. But critics, including Kapan's past political opponents, said he misled voters by running for office while planning not to serve. More: Donate your body to science and get a free spot at Rochester cemetery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The townships local cable channel, Civic Center TV, announced Friday that Kaplan would soon become an assistant prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. Confirming that this week was a spokeswoman for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Yet, on Wednesday, Kaplan declined to explain why he was leaving, saying he regretted the release of news by the township's cable broadcasts, which also serves Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake and Orchard Lake. Sitting in his big office, whose walls are covered with Kaplans awards, diplomas and framed news stories about his 25 years as an elected township official including the last decade as supervisor Kaplan deferred to his executive assistant Kris Darcy, who said only that Were in a strong position he will be leaving us in a strong position. The next township board meeting is Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., when board members likely will receive Kaplans resignation, and then begin a 45-day period in which they must appoint his successor. That person would serve as acting supervisor until the mid-term election of 2026, when voters would elect a new supervisor. In Michigan, a township supervisor has a role similar to that of a full-time city mayor, overseeing all department heads, and earning a full-time salary in Kaplans case, reporting about $150,000 a year. In addition, supervisors chair board meetings. That's a contrast to full-time mayors, who aren't members of their city councils. Township employees are unsure about Kaplans exit timing, said Jim Allen, a member of the township clerks staff, but adding: "I believe his last day is Dec. 4." Kaplan's re-election and the timing of his exit mean that he may have significant influence on the choice of his successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement from Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthys communications director Maria Miller said: Steve is being hired as an Assistant Prosecutor and will begin on December 2. 2024. It is my understanding that he will be in the warrant and screening unit, reviewing warrants. She declined to say what Kaplans salary would be. Denise Hammond, retired township treasurer, said she was shocked by Kaplans abrupt exit. If you know youre going to do this, why do you get sworn in? Why did you even run for office? You were lying to the public, Hammond said. Others who know Kaplan said they respected his decision to return to the criminal justice work at which he excelled as a former Macomb County assistant prosecutor. Robert Brooks, a member of the townships Parks and Recreation Commission, said he didnt resent Kaplans sudden departure. Speaking to Civic Cable TV, Brooks said: Ive known Steve now for about 15 years and I wasnt so surprised by this, honestly. He really enjoyed what he was doing in the prosecutors office in the past and his heart was still there. Kaplan was considered one of metro Detroits top assistant prosecuting attorneys when he won numerous major trials in Macomb County, including notorious murder cases. Hes currently listed as an adjunct faculty member, teaching courses in criminal procedure to law students at Michigan State University. In West Bloomfield, Kaplan is known for restoring harmony to the elected township board that, before he became supervisor, was wracked by feuding and lawsuits that pitted groups of board members against others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the West Bloomfield board selects a new supervisor, that will be the third big township in Oakland County to see a newcomer in that role this fall. In the November election, Bloomfield Township's supervisor, Dani Walsh, was ousted by former state lawmaker Mike McCready; and Independence Township voters elected Chuck Phyle to his first term as supervisor. Kaplan is a Democrat while McCready and Phyle are Republicans. Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: In big Oakland County community, a sudden exit by popular Democrat RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) State Rep. Mark Pless is one of three Republican lawmakers who could stand in the way of the GOP being able to override a veto from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Cooper vetoed SB 382 on Tuesday, blasting the legislation for violating the state constitution and providing little in the way of relief for Hurricane Helene victims. When the bill went before the General Assembly last week, Republican leadership said the legislation would both appropriate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional relief and make changes to powers held by some state officials, including the Governor and Attorney General. State Reps Mark Pless, Karl Gillespie, and Mike Clampitt all voted no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trial set for woman accused of golf cart crash that killed Charlotte bride Pless acknowledged Wednesday that he and Cooper were on the same page when it came to the relief part of the bill: It did not have anything that was going to send money to the many needs in Western NC, it was simply moving money from one account to another. Pless, however, did say he was okay with the governments powers portion. Everything that I have read so far, and I have not gotten 100% through the bill, is allowable by the legislature. These are things that we are able to make decisions on, he said. The lawmaker representing Haywood and Madison counties told Queen City News he has not been approached by Republican leadership about any changes to the bill, but said he had not decided how he will vote if an override is pursued by the supermajority. The GOP has the votes in the Senate but would be three short if Gillespie, Pless, and Clampitt dont change their votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whenever they call it up for a vote is when Im going to make my decision on how Im gonna go. Im still not happy with the way it is, but I cant say for sure until it comes to actually make that decision, said Pless. The two other House Republicans who opposed the bill either declined to comment or did not respond to a request from Queen City News. Lawmakers plan to be back in Raleigh next week. They have yet to say if an override vote will be held. Both chambers are set to convene at noon. Queen City News Continued Coverage Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A 28-year-old man from Orange County with two previous felony convictions is facing life in prison for allegedly firing on undercover gang officers in an unmarked car last week, officials announced Wednesday. The shootout, according to a news release from the Orange County District Attorneys Office, unfolded on Nov. 21 in the city of Orange. Prosecutors say Victor Manuel Trinidad spotted the Orange Police Department officers as they were driving through a gang neighborhood, and shouted, Whats up, homie, where you from? and grabbed something from his waistband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers, who recognized Trinidad from prior contact with him left the area and returned 20 minutes later with an Orange County probation officer to conduct a search on the 28-year-old, who they believed to be armed with a firearm. The two officers quickly located Trinidad, who began aggressively walking toward the unmarked police vehicle and throwing up his hands, the release stated. As the two undercover Orange officers got out of their vehicle, Trinidad opened fire on the officers. Both officers returned fire, though no one was hit or injured during the gunbattle. The 28-year-old, who was on post-release community supervision at the time of the shooting, fled the scene but was later found hiding inside a cabinet in a nearby home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thief hits girl with car in parking lot of Southern California Target A bullet was later recovered in the door of the officers unmarked patrol vehicle. Authorities said it was unclear if Trinidad knew the men were undercover police officers, but that he fired on the pair because he didnt think they belonged in the area. This dangerous criminal didnt care who was in that car, O.C. DA Todd Spitzer said. He opened fire to send a message that they didnt belong in his neighborhood. Trinidad, who remains in custody, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon, discharging a firearm at a vehicle and a felon in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also charged with felony enhancements of attempted premeditated murder, discharge of a firearm and personally using a firearm. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. As he was yukking it up with Daily Wire commentator and vehement anti-LGBTQ provocateur Michael Knowles on his podcast, Triggered With Donald Trump Jr., this week, the president-elects eldest son made something of an announcement about his and his fathers latest scheme to go after mainstream news sources during Trump II. I wonder now, as your father is assembling his team, as maybe Karoline Leavitt is looking at the new press briefing room chart, maybe its time to reorder that chart and maybe take away some peoples seats, Knowles said. Don Jr. all but confirmed that thats exactly what will be happening as he openly mused about bringing independent media outlets and social media influencers into the White House press briefing room. Independent might not quite be the right term for the cohort of YouTube conspiracy theorizing bros that Don Jr. has in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were gonna break some news here, Don Jr. said. Because I literally had this conversation with I was flying back, I was on the plane with my father, I think it was coming back from the SpaceX launch with Elon last week. And we were talking about the podcast world and some of our friends and Rogan and guys like you. The president-elects son said his dad was considering such a measure given how the media has behaved. We had the conversation about opening up the press room to a lot of these independent journalists, he said. If the New York Times has lied, theyve been averse to everything, theyre functioning as the marketing arm to the Democrat Party, why not open it up to people who have larger viewerships, stronger followings? Its not exactly a secret who those people who have larger viewerships might be. Trump, with the help of his adult sons, made a point of openly courting the audiences of right-wing, relatively young, male podcasters during the 2024 campaign cycle, the Joe Rogans, Nelk Boys, Theo Vons of the bro podcast sphere. Turning out the vote among those audiences proved crucial for his reelection to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps been railing against mainstream media outlets and the fake news whose positive press coverage he simultaneously craves since his first foray into politics. Just last week, he posted on his bootleg Twitter about going after the New York Times for its coverage of his transition. He recently sued CBS News and has sued CNN and others in the past. Booting mainstream news outlets from White House press briefings is perhaps the mildest form of retribution against journalists that most in the industry are expecting. The Best Of TPM Today Rudy Giuliani Melts Down In Court: I Have No Cash Army Veteran Senator Details The Many Ways In Which Hegseth Is Unqualified For Defense Gig Yesterdays Most Read Story A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To Your Phone: Thinking About Bluesky What We Are Reading My Life As a Homeless Man in America Musk Calls for Abolishing Consumer Agency GOP Has Long Targeted Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez seeks new trial, citing evidence prosecutors said was inadvertently provided to jury U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing a new weapons package for Ukraine worth $725 million, Reuters reported on Nov. 27, citing two unnamed U.S. officials. The Biden administration has pledged to ship as much aid to Ukraine as possible in the coming weeks, before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. The new aid package would include landmines, drones, Stinger missiles, and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), an official familiar with the plan told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package will also likely contain cluster munitions, according to a notification seen by Reuters. Congress is expected to receive the formal notification as early as Dec. 2. The exact contents of the aid shipment may change in the coming days before Biden signs off on the delivery. Biden will exercise the Presidential Drawdawn Authority (PDA) to pull the weapons from U.S. stocks. The $725 million marks an increase from recent PDA packages, which are typically well under $5 million. Congress has already allocated between $4-5 billion in remaining PDA funds for Ukraine. Biden has promised to deliver the full amount to Kyiv before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 despite logistical hurdles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal on Nov. 27 reported that Biden is unlikely to deliver the full amount before the end of his term. As the White House works to speed up weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Biden has also asked Congress to greenlight additional aid funding, Politico reported on Nov. 26. Documents obtained by the outlet show that the administration is requesting $24 billion in military assistance. The rush to fund Ukraine is a direct response to Trump's avowed skepticism of ongoing U.S. military support for Ukraine. Trump has constistenly said he would seek to get the U.S. "out" of the war and bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. While the details of his plan remain unclear, some reports indicate it might entail Ukraine ceding territory and at least temporarily foregoing its NATO aspirations. Read also: Biden asking US Congress for $24 billion in Ukraine aid, arms replenishment, Politico reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two people were shot Wednesday night in Whitehaven, and one is now dead, police said. Memphis Police say officers responded to East Shelby Drive and Faronia at 7. One woman was found and taken to Regional One in non-critical condition, but her condition worsened to critical, police said. Memphis murder and homicide map 2024 Meanwhile, a man arrived Methodist South by private vehicle before officers arrived. Police say he later was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigator familiar with the case says the two victims were inside a sedan trying to get away when they crashed. The investigator went on to say this has the markings of a botched robbery. The two victims may have been targeted and shot while leaving the Southland Mall parking lot which is roughly 100 yards from where they crashed, according to the investigator. The car they tried getting away in was badly damaged, including a shattered passenger window. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Police are reviewing nearby surveillance video with hopes it will lead them to the gunman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 08:13 | World, All, Japan, Expo Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng showed support for the upcoming World Exposition in Osaka and pledged to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in China as he met Wednesday with a business delegation from the neighboring country, the group said. He told the business leaders from western Japan's Kansai area, which includes the expo's host city, that it is important to "overcome challenges and achieve win-win" outcomes, according to group members. Masayoshi Matsumoto, co-head of the delegation and chairman of Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., stressed the need to make sure workers for Japanese companies operating in China can feel safe amid a recent series of random attacks in the country with victims including Japanese nationals. The vice premier expressed hope that the Kansai business community will continue to make use of China's development opportunities and deepen practical cooperation for mutual benefit, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The Kansai group last sent a delegation to China in 2012, with members meeting then Vice President Xi Jinping. The business community first dispatched such a mission in 1971. On Wednesday, the Kansai group held an event at a Beijing hotel to promote the Osaka Expo to Chinese tourism industry representatives. The expo will run from April 13 to Oct. 13 next year. Matsumoto told a press conference the expo will be a "great opportunity to mutually increase a sense of closeness" between the two Asian neighbors, adding that he expects many Chinese visitors for the event. Related coverage: One Piece-themed shinkansen to run in western Japan in 2025 China says it will remove buoy set up in Japan's EEZ near Senkakus China to allow 30-day visa exemption for Japan visitors from Nov. 30 KNOB NOSTER, Mo. Lieutenant Colonel Mike Hilkert showed off the Warthog at a massive hangar at Whiteman Air Force base near Knob Knoster. Every war weve been in, the A-10 has probably killed more targets than any other aircraft, he said admiringly. He should know: The pilot with 3,500 hours in the fighter has flown it on five deployments. Its mission: Provide close air support to ground troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Win for KC director talks about big victories for womens sports Used successfully in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has saved countless lives of troops on the battlefield below since its introduction in the early 1970s. A full-time pilot for American Airlines, Hilkert is now in the Air Force Reserves assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman. Sharing the same tarmac and runways with the active-duty and perhaps better known Air Force B-2 Stealth Bomber crews. Currently on-leave and full time with his fighter wing, Lt. Col. Hilkert is training other A-10 pilots. But time is growing short. The Air Force is phasing out the venerable A-10, focusing on future warfare that will require more sophisticated long-range aircraft. Whiteman is slated to lose its 27 jets sometime in 2027. Its a realization that Hilkert and others in the wing reluctantly accept: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you look at strategic level mission of, kind of where the follow-on fight is, at some point we have to upgrade our aircraft. FOX4 Newsletters: Sign up to get top politics headlines in your inbox Most of the pilots and maintenance crews are part-time reservists who have full time jobs elsewhere. The commute from nearby towns, and from the suburbs of Kansas City. Senior Master Sgt. Zachary Ledsworth, like Hilkert, is a husband and father first. A lot of people are surprised, he said. You get to talking to you know, your kids, parents of your kids friends and they say, wow, youre in the military? They never even would guess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sgt. Ledsworth leads a maintenance crew and is sad to see the A-10s days numbered. But even as he and his team continue their work, the wings leadership and others are working to keep it relevant in the post A-10 world. I think theres something different about the Midwest, noted Wing Commander Col. Mike Leonas. The value that people bring in regards to patriotism, work ethic, their family values. With multiple deployments and a spotless track record at war, Col. Leonas is confident the Air Force will make sure the 442nd survives with a new mission. The region, he says, is depending on it. If the 442nd goes away the estimate of the economic impact right now is $150 million a year, he said, noting that includes payrolls, vendor contracts, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Parks, who started his career at Whiteman before moving to other Air Force bases and jobs, likens it to a pro athletes contract year. He came back to Missouri following a two-year stint at the Pentagon in Washington, and he believes the 442nds people will make the difference to the decision makers. They see the value in the people that we have here. And thats the difference between us and any peer competitor that we have, he said. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Some of those peer competitors, other Air Force bases, have already learned their future missions. For now the 442nd Wing remains in a holding pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best thing would be an answer, said Col. Leonas. But quite honestly the fastest path to readiness would be another fighter to come in here. There is no decision timeline, but thats not stopping the A-10 wing from preparing for a summer deployment and continuing its work. Lt. Col Hilkert says it doesnt matter what that mission is. The wing he loves will seize the mission. We will succeed based on experience. I think the bigger thing is not losing the experience that we have. Youve gotta keep us here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke by video phone to Michigan Air National Guard and Michigan National Guard members deployed overseas Thursday. The calls were to wish the deployed troops a Happy Thanksgiving, a news release from Whitmers office reports. Whitmer spoke with guard members stationed in Romania, Germany, Iraq and Kuwait. She spoke with deployed members from the following units, the news release reports: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 217th Air Operations Group of MIANG (Battle Creek) 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron of MIANG (Battle Creek) 1440th Firefighting Detachment of MIARNG (Alpena) 272nd Regional Support Group of MIARNG (Lansing) 1463rd Transportation Company of MIARNG (Battle Creek) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, news release Nov. 28, 2024 Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called deployed members of the Michigan Air National Guard and the Michigan National Guard for Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer/WLNS) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called deployed members of the Michigan Air National Guard and the Michigan National Guard for Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer/WLNS) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called deployed members of the Michigan Air National Guard and the Michigan National Guard for Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer/WLNS) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called deployed members of the Michigan Air National Guard and the Michigan National Guard for Thanksgiving. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer/WLNS) U.S. Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said in a news release more than 200 members of the Michigan Air National Guard and National Guard are deployed currently. Whether supporting the federal law enforcement mission on the Southwest Border or protecting our national security interests around the globe, their selflessness and loyalty to their mission during these challenging times should be honored, he said. We look forward to welcoming each unit and individual home safely to their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitmer also praised the troops service. Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform put their lives on the line to keep us safe, Whitmer said in a news release. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, lets recognize the sacrifices they and their families make so we can live freely. Right now, many active-duty service members are apart from their families, working hard, far from home. I was honored to speak with some of them today and convey our gratitude. I hope we all take some time to honor our service members and their families this Thanksgiving and pray for their safe return home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Streamer Dan Saltmans indefinite ban from Twitch has sparked widespread discussion within the streaming community and beyond. The circumstances leading to his suspension have raised concerns about platform moderation and the actions taken against outspoken critics. Heres what we know about Dan Saltmans Twitch ban, the reasons behind it, and the ongoing controversy surrounding his accusations against the platform. Heres why Dan Saltman was banned from Twitch Dan Saltman, a prominent political streamer, was indefinitely banned from Twitch on November 21, 2024, due to extreme harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twitch cited his actions as violating platform guidelines, particularly for maliciously raiding and harassing others. Saltman himself claimed that he had anticipated the ban, highlighting his ongoing criticisms of Twitch and its moderation policies. The streamer had been vocal in his accusations that Twitch harbors antisemitism, particularly criticizing the platform for allowing Hasan HasanAbi Piker to promote anti-Israel views without consequence. Hed also called on advertisers to withdraw support from Twitch, alleging that the platform was complicit in antisemitic behavior. In response to these criticisms, Saltman created websites and publicly called for the resignation of Twitch CEO Dan Clancy, further fueling tensions with the platform (via GameRant). Twitch banned Saltman after months of controversy, including his protests over the platforms updated content policies. One of these policies made the term Zionist a bannable offense. Saltman criticized the change, arguing that Twitch handled it poorly. He also repeatedly accused Twitchs leadership of fostering an environment that tolerates antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of Saltmans suspension coincided with plans for a livestream interview with fellow streamer Asmongold. Saltman believes the ban was partly to prevent him from revealing more about Twitchs practices. However, there is speculation that the streamer may continue exposing the platforms issues on other platforms like Kick or Rumble. The post Why Was Dan Saltman Banned From Twitch? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Donald Trump posted notable gains in Orange County during the November election, but it was not enough to win the increasingly purple county that has become a suburban battleground between Republicans and Democrats and a reflection of the demographic political realignment unfolding across the nation. Kamala Harris won Orange County, but by a much tighter margin than either Hillary Clinton in 2016 or Joe Biden in 2020. When it comes to presidential politics, Orange County has backed Democrats since 2016, with increasingly blue areas such as Santa Ana, Anaheim and Irvine besting more red areas such as Huntington Beach and south Orange County. But experts say the 2024 results offer some warning signs for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What the early numbers indicate is that Donald Trump made inroads with minority voters including probably substantial gains with Latino and Asian voters," said Jeff Corless, a former strategist for Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer. "What we're hearing is that he made those same kinds of gains in other communities similar to Orange County across the country. He also made gains with traditional suburban voters, which he struggled with in 2020." Paul Mitchell, a Democratic data specialist, said Trump probably did better in the county because of lower Democratic turnout this year compared with 2020, as well as voters being familiar and potentially comfortable with Trump because of their experience during his prior tenure. "It may also be Trump has been normalized, in an odd way," Mitchell said. "He's been in our political eyesight for the last decade now. Maybe voters like the economy better under Trump." In 2016, Clinton received roughly 100,000 more votes in Orange County than Trump, making her the first Democrat county voters selected for the presidency in 80 years. In 2020, Biden fared even better, besting Trump by more than 137,500 votes. Now, Harris has edged out Trump, but the margin of victory is on trend to be much tighter than seen in past elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump vs. Harris results: Whom did your neighborhood vote for? Votes in Orange County are still being counted and final numbers aren't required to be certified by the county until Dec. 5 and by the state until Dec. 13. But it's clear, experts say, that Trump harnessed the disillusionment felt by voters who are unhappy with the direction of the country and the economic pains that have beset many living in the suburbs. "People in the press and people like me still so often take Trump literally, whereas voters lived through this once and the apocalypse didn't happen and they liked the economy better," said Rob Stutzman, a veteran GOP strategist and Trump critic who previously advised former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He noted that Trump's improved performance in Orange County was not an outlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He did better look at how he did in New York, on the Eastern Seaboard, in Massachusetts," Stutzman said. "There are red dots that never existed the last few decades." Still, there were some bright spots for Democrats, notably being able to hold on to a congressional seat that became open because Rep. Katie Porter of Irvine pursued an unsuccessful Senate bid, and flipping the 45th Congressional District. In that race, first-time candidate Derek Tran defeated Republican Rep. Michelle Steel of Seal Beach in a hotly contested race that became one of the most expensive in the country. A UC Irvine poll released last year conveyed discord among Orange County voters, particularly Republicans and those who choose not to identify with a political party, who said despite their optimism about Orange County and somewhat about California, they did not have a good feeling about the future of America. "The [election] results are much more a statement about people's dissatisfaction with the current national administration than some grand statement about Trump or Republicans," said Jon Gould, dean of the university's School of Social Ecology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a sign that Orange County is suddenly a red county, Gould said. This is exactly what it means to be a purple county." Michele Monda, a Republican who lives in the deep-blue city of Laguna Beach, voted for Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024 with her son and grandchildren in mind. The high housing costs and general lack of affordability have made it a challenge for middle-class couples, like her son and daughter-in-law, to build a life in many parts of California, including Orange County. "Who is looking out for them?" Monda said. "They're barely getting by, and quite honestly, the Democrats don't seem to care. While I know Trump is a billionaire, I think he understands the needs of a middle-class person." Economics and Trump's stance on immigration were the two main drivers that motivated her to vote for him. While she's not always a fan of Trump's behavior, she loves his policies. It's not surprising, she said, that others in Orange County were swayed to his side as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Column: A thank you to the undocumented on the eve of Trump's deportation storm "I think people have had enough of the Democrat party line, enough of the economy, enough of the whole platform. The things they espouse they just don't work," Monda said. "I think people in California are waking up." Trump's improvement in the county has generated excitement among California Republicans who for years have tried to strengthen its hold on Orange County as Democratic voter registration grew and elections became more competitive. For decades, Orange County was a conservative stronghold the birthplace of former President Nixon, the cradle of Ronald Reagans ascent to the governor's mansion and then the White House, and, for decades, a virtual synonym for the Republican Party of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county's shift over the last decade from deeply red to a more politically and demographically diverse region has fascinated the public for years. "Orange County is a battleground," said Jon Fleischman, a Republican campaign strategist and former executive director of the California GOP. Trump's popularity boost among Latinos and Asian Americans seen nationally could very well also be at play in swing counties such as Orange County. Republicans in the county for years have sought to attract Latinos and Asian Americans to their party with mixed success, and Trump's performance could signal gains among these voter blocs, as well as Black Americans. He also won back some suburban women who turned against the Republican Party during his 2016 campaign and in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn federal protection for abortion access in 2022. Democrats leaned heavily into messaging about the loss of reproductive rights during this year's campaign, in television ads and during their convention when they nominated Harris. However, Stutzman contended that the argument failed to resonate with suburban women in affluent areas such as Orange County as much as Democrats expected it to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most women in America still have access an overwhelming majority have access to abortion," he said. "I just don't know if there's a connection, any real existential threat that their rights are being further eroded than they have been." Though Harris won the majority of votes across deep-blue California, Trump was on track to win Butte, Stanislaus, Fresno, Inyo, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, all areas that Biden carried in 2020. Trump also gained ground in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles County compared with 2016 and 2020. "In order for Trump to win Orange County, he had to make inroads with minority voters, and he did that through issues that mattered to them and the struggles they're facing," Corless said. Democrats' ability to register voters in Orange County has also slowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between October 2022 and October 2024, the Democratic Party in Orange County grew by just over 3,100 voters. At the same time, the Republican Party's numbers swelled by 31,000 people, according to data from the California secretary of state. Read more: Trump raises millions in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills in post-conviction appearances In the years that the GOP voter registration waned, the number of nonparty-preference voters grew. Many longtime Republicans in Orange County, irritated by Trump's outlandish speaking style and policy positions, branded themselves as "Never Trumpers." But Republicans in Orange County have made a concerted effort this cycle to reregister former GOP voters and push early voting and mail ballots, a recognition of how much Trump's opposition to such efforts harmed the party in 2020. "When Trump was first elected, he was not everybody's favorite flavor of ice cream, and I think you saw a lot of Republicans who decided to become independent," Fleischman said. "I think as people have decided that they're OK with Trump, they've been coming back to the party." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Party of Orange County went as far as hosting a ballot collection day on Oct. 11 in which Republican Party offices served as designated ballot-drop locations. The move, it said at the time, makes voting more accessible while "maintaining the highest level election integrity." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (Bloomberg) -- Frances efforts to repair its public finances are threatening a new political and financial crisis, prompting investors to sell some of the nations assets. Most Read from Bloomberg Prime Minister Michel Barniers attempts to stem the nations rising debt are faltering as opposition lawmakers threaten to eject him from office in order to stymie the 2025 budget bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uncertainty has led to a selloff of French assets, widening the gap between the countrys financing costs and Germanys to levels not seen since the euros debt crisis more than a decade ago. How did France get here? The political difficulties and market jitters began in June when President Emmanuel Macron called snap elections in a bid to bring clarity in a National Assembly where his party was already short of an outright majority. The gamble backfired, leaving the lower house split into three fiercely opposed blocs: A diminished center supporting the president, a leftist alliance, and a strengthened far-right led by Marine Le Pen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no coalition possible, Macron eventually appointed Barnier prime minister in September with a core mission to get Frances messy finances in order. Why is PM Barnier in danger? Legislating was always going to be a difficult task without a majority, especially for a budget because opposition parties in France conventionally vote against finance bills, whatever the circumstances. Governments in that situation can resort to using a constitutional provision known as article 49.3 to adopt a bill without a vote. But such a maneuver exposes a prime minister to a no-confidence motion that, if backed by a majority of lawmakers, evicts them from office, and effectively kills the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne used 49.3 repeatedly to bypass parliament on the 2024 budget plans. She survived each time, but Barnier has the backing of far fewer lawmakers, making it riskier to trigger multiple no-confidence votes. He has instead let the parliamentary process run its course, saying he will likely use the tool in the final stages in mid-December. Why is Le Pen a threat? The leftist bloc the New Popular Front has pledged to propose no-confidence votes if the government uses article 49.3, but parliamentary math means the motions will not pass without the support of other opposition groups. That has given far-right leader Le Pen and her lawmakers the role of de-facto powerbroker. Her National Rally is the single biggest party in parliament. At the start of the budgetary debate, Le Pen took a constructive approach, saying it was urgent to repair public finances and her party would not seek to provoke chaos. There is also little obvious political gain for her as no legislative elections can be held until the summer of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in recent weeks she has repeatedly wielded the threat of ejecting Barnier and slammed the government for not including National Rally proposals during the budget debates. How are markets reacting? The National Rallys increasingly combative stance has encouraged investors to bet Le Pen is preparing to pull the trigger and unleash turmoil. Selling of French assets has hurt banking stocks and pushed up the premium on 10-year government bonds over German equivalents to the highest level since 2012 and caused French borrowing costs to match those of Greece. Frances benchmark equity index is on track for its worst year relative to European shares since 2010. Even before the political turbulence of the last weeks, Frances finances were a growing concern for investors as plans to reduce debt slipped off course at the end of 2024. With tax revenues far below estimates, the government now expects the budget deficit to reach 6.1% of economic output this year instead of declining to 4.4% as initially planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barniers 2025 budget was aimed at reducing the gap to 5% with shock therapy of 60 billion ($63.4 billion) of tax increases and spending cuts. Even if he can scrape through, that target is increasingly in question as ministers have pledged to soften some of the measures. Whats next? A string of parliamentary showdowns loom as France nears its budget deadline. Barnier will almost certainly need to trigger 49.3 on both parts of next years budget the main text and the separate social security bill, as well as on a revised finance law on spending through the end of 2024. The first use of the tool could come as soon as Monday when the social security portion of the bill is expected to return to the National Assembly from a committee between the two houses of parliament that produces a unified draft. A subsequent attempt to censure the government could then be debated and voted Dec. 4, Eric Coquerel, the leftist chairman of the National Assemblys finance committee, said on RTL radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The social security bill contains some emblematic measures that Le Pen opposes, including delayed indexation of some pensions and changes to medicine reimbursements. But the National Rally may hold back until the final budget bill returns to the lower house around Dec. 18, potentially setting up Dec. 20 as the ultimate no-confidence test for Barnier. The government could yet avert a crisis as it mulls concessions to opposition parties, Finance Minister Antoine Armand said Thursday. The question is whether its better to have a budget that is not exactly the one we want or no budget, Armand said on RMC radio. What happens if Barniers government falls? There arent precedents for a government collapsing so close to the end-year deadline for a budget. Lawmakers and legal experts have pointed to emergency measures in a special law to permit the state to collect taxes and decrees to authorize minimal spending in order to avoid a shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Rally has said it would support such an outcome, while ministers have warned it could inflict harmful austerity and impair efforts to repair finances. If Barnier is evicted from office, Macron would have to re-appoint him or pick a new premier. But the president would face the same difficult balancing act with no possibility for fresh legislative elections until July. Any new government that emerges would still need to urgently propose a 2025 budget. --With assistance from Julien Ponthus and Alice Gledhill. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. IShowSpeed, the viral YouTuber known for his high-energy streams, is under investigation in New Zealand for alleged violations during his recent visit. Fans are now questioning whether these actions could lead to legal consequences for the popular content creator. Both his content and legal troubles are making headlines. Heres what you need to know about the investigation and the controversy surrounding his visit. Heres why IShowSpeed is reportedly under investigation IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is under investigation by New Zealand immigration authorities. The investigation centers on claims that he streamed content in the country while on a visitor visa. This visa does not permit any form of paid work, including monetized streaming on YouTube. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The controversy started when IShowSpeed visited New Zealand during his 2024 international tour. He entered the country on a tourist visa, but his high-energy streams, public events, and paid promotions triggered concerns among local authorities. IShowSpeed often monetizes his content, which has garnered millions of views globally. However, New Zealands immigration laws prohibit such activities for visitor visa holders. As a result, authorities have launched an official review of his visa compliance, with potential legal action or deportation if they find violations. In a statement to 1News, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) confirmed that IShowSpeed entered the country on a visitor visa, which does not permit work. Richard Owen, general manager of risk and border for INZ, emphasized that a person cannot work in New Zealand while holding a visitor visa. He also stated that individuals must apply for a work visa to engage in activities that result in gain or reward, such as receiving payment, during their stay. IShowSpeeds cameraman, Slipz, has denied any breach, claiming no payments were made by New Zealand-based companies. This suggests that IShowSpeed complied with his visa conditions. However, immigration experts argue that any commercial activityeven if not directly paidcould still be a violation if it generates income while on a tourist visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing as New Zealand immigration authorities assess the situation. Fans and critics continue to voice their opinions on the matter. The post Why Is IShowSpeed Under Investigation in New Zealand? Report Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Farm fresh is called healthier, but is it safe to eat? Narrow Way Farms in Wrightstown, where more than 100 animals, mostly sick livestock, were removed in August, was under scrutiny for months by county, state and federal regulators for allegedly selling farm-produced products without required licensing and safety inspections. Government regulatory agencies consider some items raised, grown or produced on private family or hobby farm, no different than products sold in commercial brick-and-mortar stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the rules for the commercial sale of food produced on a homestead farm in Pennsylvania. Middletown Animal Control Offer Cheyenne Keen helping round up one of two steer Thursday at Narrow Way Farm in Newtown Township. What licenses do hobby farms need to sell food products to the public? At a minimum, a state-issued limited food establishment license is required to sell shelf-stable, pre-packaged food prepared in a home-style kitchen, according to the Penn State Extension. These products include food and beverages that do not require temperature control. Hobby farm-produced foods including meat, eggs, dairy, cooked vegetables, pasta or any other items that require strict temperature controls are required to obtain a Pennsylvania retail food establishment license. In Bucks County, the health department requires businesses selling food to obtain a separate retail license issued. The establishment is also subject to annual or complaint-driven county health inspections. Some of the 58 goats and one of the 10 pigs rescued from Narrow Way Farm where 124 animals were removed earlier this week after they were found living in unhealthy conditions, with many sick, underfed and dying, according to the Bucks County SPCA Can I sell meat raised on a hobby farm? Yes, but there are many strict rules. Meat processing in Pennsylvania is regulated by the USDA, the Pennsylvania Meat and Poultry Hygiene law and the Pennsylvania Food Code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generally, the slaughter, butchering and processing of beef, pork, lamb by the piece, cut or pound for public consumption, must occur in a USDA-inspected facility where the animal and the meat are inspected. All cuts for sale are stamped with the USDA seal and establishment numbers that identify where the animal was harvested and processed. USDA approval is necessary before labeling meat as "organic" or "grass-fed." Meat slaughtered and processed at USDA-inspected facilities when the Food Safety Inspect Service is not physically on site cannot be sold or donated; the individual meat cuts must be marked Not for Resale on the package. When will farm charges be filed? Animal cruelty case against Narrow Way Far owner moving forward. What to expect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butchering meat for personal consumption (not sale or donation) can be done at a non-USDA-inspected facility but the packages of individual cuts of meat must be labeled Not for Resale. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture also requires a special Meat Establishment License and Slaughter license for slaughterhouses preparing meat from cattle, sheep, pigs and goats; businesses processing meat, such as butcher shops, also need a Meat Establishment License. A USDA exemption allows the sale of farm-raised poultry products that slaughtered and sold directly on the farm with a 1,000 bird limit or 20,000 bird limit for poultry only distributed in Pennsylvania without a license. Can eggs produced on hobby farms be sold Pennsylvania farmers who keep fewer than 3,000 hens and sell eggs in state and within 100 miles of the hens location are exempt from mandatory FDA and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspections and licensing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The farm-raised eggs must be sold within five days from the date of lay and maintained at a minimum 45-degrees fahrenheit from the time of gathering to the time of sale, according to Trellis Legal LLC, a Pittsburgh law firm. Some of the 58 goats and one of the 10 pigs rescued from Narrow Way Farm where 124 animals were removed earlier this week after they were found living in unhealthy conditions, with many sick, underfed and dying, according to the Bucks County SPCA Is it legal to sell, or buy, unpasteurized dairy products produced on hobby farms Maybe. Pennsylvania allows the sale or purchase of raw milk or 90-day aged hard cheese if it is produced under the states Milk Sanitation Law, which requires a state Department of Agriculture permit. Raw milk permit applicants must pass rigorous health and safety inspections of their herds and water supplies, and test their raw milk for foodborne pathogens twice a year. Can I offer the public interactive experiences with livestock at a hobby farm? Animal exhibits that offer public interaction with eight or more common domestic farm animals such as goats, chickens, sheep must be state licensed and operate under the Pennsylvania Animal Welfare Act and Pennsylvania's Animal Exhibition Sanitation law, according to the Penn State Extension. Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: What you should know before buying products sold on hobby farms Syrian rebels have launched their first major offensive in the country in four years, claiming to have beaten government forces back several miles and captured a dozen villages west of Aleppo. The offensive led by jihadists from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and its allies has reignited a conflict where front lines have been largely stagnant since 2020. By the end of the first day of fighting, the rebel push was around four miles from Aleppo. The group said it had captured a significant army base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bashar al-Assads Syrian government and its Russian backers retaliated with air strikes in the newly captured territory and against other rebel-held areas. After 24 hours, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said more than 130 combatants had been killed in the worst fighting in the countrys north west in years. The toll included 65 HTS fighters, 18 from allied factions and 49 members of regime forces. Why is this happening now? HTS is the main active rebel group in the area and it controls an enclave of around half of Idlib province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Latakia and Hama. Front lines in north-west Syria have been frozen since March 2020 when Russia, which backs Assad, and Turkey, which supports the rebels, agreed to a ceasefire that ended years of fighting that uprooted millions of Syrians opposed to Assads rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the ceasefire has been repeatedly breached and in recent months analysts say there has been a rise in attacks against the enclave by the Assad regime and its allies. Wider conflict in the region is thought to have added to the instability. As Israel has targeted Iran and Hezbollah, Assads major allies, the Syrian regime has stepped up its attacks to try to deter the rebels. Who are the rebels? Fighters prepare for the next battle in Atareb - Aaref Watad/AFP via Getty Images Syria was rapidly tipped into civil war when Assads regime launched a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the city of Deraa in March 2011. As the government used brutal force to try to crush the uprising, the demonstrations quickly spread and protestors armed themselves to defend their towns and launch attacks on the Syrian army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months that followed, the rebels fractured into hundreds of armed militia groups. The conflict also attracted jihadist extremists such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State group, who soon became some of the dominant anti-government factions. HTS, the dominant part of the fighting force approaching Aleppo has its roots in al-Qaeda, though it acrimoniously split with them in 2016. HTS is proscribed as a terrorist group by the United States. What has been the role of Russia and Iran? Damaged buildings in Daret Izzah after an attack by Russian warplanes - Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images As rebel groups made gains in the early years of the civil war, and Assads brutality made him an international pariah, the dictator desperately sought help for his regime to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Syrias closest ally, Iran sent support from the start, providing advisers, weapons, billions of dollars and troops to help Assad maintain his grip. Iranian-backed militias such as Hezbollah have been fighting on the Assad side since at least 2012. Russia threw its weight behind Assad from 2015, as Vladimir Putin saw a chance to reassert Moscows influence on the world stage. Putin committed his air force as well as ground troops to ensure the Syrian regime did not fall. The intervention proved vital in turning the tide for Assad. With this help from Tehran and Moscow, Assad was able to roll back rebel advances and recapture major cities. What about Turkey? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @ThomasVLinge/X Neighbouring Turkey has emerged as another major player in the war, backing the opposition to Assads regime. Ankaras focus has been on using rebel factions to contain the Kurdish YPG militia that dominates the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accusing it of being an extension of a banned Kurdish rebel group in Turkey. Turkish troops and allied rebels have seized territory along Syrias northern border and intervened to stop an all-out assault by government forces on the last opposition stronghold of Idlib. Analysts speculate that Turkey is backing the latest offensive to put pressure on Assad and prevent a regime offensive sending a refugee flow towards Turkey. What happened in Aleppo? Clashes are continuing in the outskirts of Aleppo - Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images Syrias second city saw little conflict during the first year of the uprising, but then became one of the wars most brutal battlefields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2012, rebel fighters launched an offensive to gain control over northern Syria, but their push was not decisive and Aleppo ended up divided roughly in half. The opposition controlled the east and the government controlled the west. The city descended into a bloody war of attrition, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Civilians trapped in the city suffered appalling conditions and heavy casualties as Assad committed to bombing and starving the city into submission. After four years, in mid-2016, government troops backed by Russian air strikes were able to sever the rebels last route into the east and placed 250,000 people under siege. At the end of the year, the rebels agreed to surrender in return for amnesty and the evacuation of remaining civilians, who were evacuated to rebel-held countryside. Who controls Syria now? Assad with help from his Russian and Iranian allies has managed to regain control of the countrys biggest cities. Large parts of the country are still held by rebels, jihadists and the Kurdish-led SDF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a partial resurgence in activity from the Islamic State, and the United States has a small military presence in the country to combat the group. 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. KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 06:57 | All, Japan A fire broke out Wednesday in the Tokyo apartment building where Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Kuniko Inoguchi lives with her family, and two unidentified bodies have been found at the scene, police said, noting that her husband and one of their daughters remain unaccounted for. Four people were living in the 72-year-old House of Councillors member's residence and contact was made with Inoguchi and her other daughter, the metropolitan police said. Inoguchi's husband, Takashi, 80, is a professor emeritus of politics and international relations at the University of Tokyo. A report was made after 7 p.m. that a fire had started at the six-story apartment building in Bunkyo Ward of the Japanese capital. More than 30 firetrucks and other emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene, located in an area lined with apartment buildings and houses, about 500 meters north of Tokyo Dome. The fire was subdued before 1 a.m. Thursday. Inoguchi was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2005 after being a professor at Sophia University. She served as minister in charge of addressing the declining birthrate and promoting gender equality. She has been a member of the House of Councillors since 2010 and is currently in her third term. ARENA, Wis. (WFRV) A 65-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested for his eighth OWI after a serious crash involving a semi-truck on Tuesday night. (Iowa County Sheriffs Office) The Iowa County Sheriffs Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 14 at County Highway K. Investigators determined that James E. Greely, 65, of Tigerton, was driving north on County Highway K when he failed to yield to a semi-truck driven by William C. Dula, 58, of Cary, Illinois. Residential kitchen fire quickly put out in Appleton, damage estimated at $20,000 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greely was arrested for operating while intoxicated, his eighth offense. Due to his prior convictions, Greely was restricted to a 0.02 prohibited blood alcohol limit. However, his initial breath test reportedly showed a BAC of 0.1929.6 times the legal limit for him. As we head into the holiday season, we would like to remind you of the dangers of driving while intoxicated, the Iowa County Sheriffs Office shared on social media. We are extremely fortunate this crash did not result in multiple fatalities. Greely has not yet been officially charged in the Wisconsin Circuit Court system. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. BARABOO, Wis. (WFRV) A 17-year-old Wisconsin girl was arrested after an 18-month-old child was brought to a hospital with injuries consistent with child abuse. According to the Sauk County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to SSM St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, after receiving a report of an injured toddler. The childs injuries were found to be consistent with abuse. Residential kitchen fire quickly put out in Appleton, damage estimated at $20,000 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation revealed that the injuries occurred at a motel in the Township of Baraboo. As a result, Izabella Perry, 17, of Baraboo, was taken into custody and booked into the Sauk County Jail. Perry faces the following charges: First-Degree Reckless Injury (Felony D) Child Abuse Recklessly Cause Great Harm (Felony E) Bail Jumping (Felony H) Wisconsin man arrested for eighth OWI after crash with semi-truck Perry made her initial court appearance on Monday, where a $100,000 cash bond was set. She is scheduled to appear in the Sauk County Courthouse on December 5, 2024, for a preliminary hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Small cliffs and rock formations in Utah's west desert. (Getty Images) The federal governments response to Utahs lawsuit seeking to take over millions of acres of public land says the states legal challenge is without merit. In a brief filed last Thursday, attorneys with the U.S. Department of Justice asked the U.S. Supreme Court to deny Utahs motion, writing that the states argument doesnt hold water. Plus, the state fails to meet the criteria that would allow a petition directly to the nations high court rather than going through lower courts first, the filing claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filed in August, Utahs lawsuit questions whether the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, can indefinitely hold onto land without giving it a designation. The BLM controls about 18.5 million acres of what the state calls unappropriated land in Utah the land is still leased for grazing, recreation and mineral extraction, but lacks a formal designation. National parks, national monuments, national forests, Indian reservations or wilderness areas have a designation, and therefore are not considered unappropriated. But about 34% of the entire state meets the states definition of unappropriated, much of it found in remote western Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims the federal government lacks the constitutional power to hold that land in perpetuity over the States objection. The Supreme Court should declare the practice of holding unappropriated land unconstitutional, Utah argues, and issue an injunction that would start the process of a massive, 18.5 million acre land transfer. But the federal government says that argument lacks merit and faces significant jurisdictional and procedural barriers. Utah argues the federal government can only hold onto land if it has a designated purpose; the federal government asks why a formal reservation would make a legal difference under the constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah argues the federal government cant retain land over its express objection; the federal government says that runs afoul of the constitutions supremacy clause, which states federal law takes precedence over state law. Utah argues Congress has a duty to dispose of unappropriated public lands; the federal government says that while Congress has the power to dispose of land, it does not have a duty to do so. And, Utah raises several policy objections, including its inability to collect revenue on federal land; the federal government says that argument is better suited for Congress, not the countrys high court. The brief also takes issue with Utah invoking original jurisdiction, which allows states to petition directly to the Supreme Court rather than starting in a lower court and then going through the appeals process. To invoke original jurisdiction, the issue needs to be between a state and the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because the case does not involve a dispute over state boundaries, the brief reads, or Utahs ability to enforce criminal and civil laws on the land in question. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DIX HILLS, N.Y. (PIX11) A woman was accused of stabbing her mother inside a Long Island home on Wednesday, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. Police officers were called to a home on Carman Court in Dix Hills around 9 p.m. Josephine Bekatoros, 84, was found stabbed to death in the home, according to authorities. More Local News Bekatoros daughter, 51-year-old Diana Bekatoros, was arrested at her home on Center Boulevard in Long Island City in connection to the stabbing, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diana Bekatoros was charged with murder. She will be arraigned in court on Thursday. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Officers with the Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) are at the scene of a shooting in Woodbridge Wednesday night. Shortly before 9:30 p.m., PWCPD said crews were in the 13500 block of Delaney Road. A woman was found suffering from gunshot wounds. Wanted suspect arrested for fatally shooting man in Prince Georges County The extent of her injuries was unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scene was contained by 9:27 p.m. and residents in the area were told to expect an increased police presence for the investigation. This is a developing story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. ***Video above: Resources available for crime victims*** Warning: Details in this story are disturbing. CHESHIRE, U.K. (WJW) An England mother was sentenced to prison after admitting she hid her malnourished and neglected child inside a drawer for years, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. The woman, who wasnt identified in a press release due to legal reasons, pleaded guilty to four charges of child cruelty. On Tuesday, she was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, the child was born with a cleft palate in 2020. Prosecutors said the mother placed the baby girl inside the drawer under her divan bed and kept her there. As time went on, the mother went to work and took her other children to school and left the child in the drawer, alone for hours on end, the CPS said. Police denies sitting on evidence JonBenet Ramseys death after new documentary comes out Prosecutors said the mother would periodically come back to feed the child through a medical syringe and change her diapers. According to the Cheshire Constabulary, the child, who was born at home, was kept secret and had never been registered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was found in February 2023, when investigators said the womans partner heard baby noises coming from the bedroom. He followed the noise and discovered a child of almost 3 years old with a cleft palate, matted hair and clearly malnourished, CPS said in the release. He ran from the house in shock and told his mother who then rang the mother of the defendant. According to prosecutors, the mother later admitted to a social worker that she kept the child in the drawer. Having been a social worker since 2006, I have never experienced such an extreme case of blatant child neglect and cruelty, the social worker told court officials. The mother showed no remorse or emotion which I found extremely difficult to comprehend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman later told officers that she had been in an abusive relationship with the childs father and didnt want him to know she was pregnant, prosecutors reported. Michigan teen arrested for allegedly burning down exs home Investigators said the toddler was seriously malnourished, dehydrated and suffered from an untreated cleft lip, among other health issues. When the baby was examined by medical experts, she could not crawl, walk, talk or make any communicative noises and made repetitive self-soothing movements, such as rocking, CPS said. The child was taken to the hospital for treatment. Officials said she has already undergone two procedures for the cleft palate, but more surgery is still needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This child has been subjected to extreme neglect of her health, development and basic care needs since before she was born. She was left on her own for long periods of time, sleeping in an inappropriate and too small space and receiving inadequate nutrition, Senior Crown Prosecutor Rachel Worthington of CPS Mersey-Cheshire is quoted in the release. She hadnt known daylight or fresh air and didnt respond to her own name when she was first found. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) A woman survived a fall from an Interstate 4 bridge in central Florida, in part, thanks to drone technology. 911 call audio obtained by NBC affiliate WESH documented the terrifying moments after the fall. I need my job: Server at Lakeland IHOP claims she was fired after feeding man in need I fell off the bridge, a car hit me, and I fell off the bridge, the woman said. She told dispatchers their car was struck by a truck. A semi then collided with the truck, sending the woman into the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She swam to a bridge support and pulled herself from the water. We were able to fly the drone down, get a picture of her, or a visual of her with the infrared camera and thermal imaging, so we could make sure she was still moving and responding, Seminole County Fire Department Lt. Matt Lallathin said. Since acquiring drones two years ago, the department has used them for surveying damage after a hurricane, finding lost hikers in the woods, multifaceted response to things, Lallathin said. Despite a 60-foot fall from the bridge, the woman survived without major injuries. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Nov. 27A Massachusetts woman was charged with DWI after police stopped her vehicle headed the wrong way on I-93 in Sanbornton early Wednesday morning. Grace E. Dionne, 22, of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, was also charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, according to a news release from New Hampshire State Police. Shortly before 1 a.m., state police dispatchers started receiving reports of a car traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-93 in Ashland. Other callers reported the vehicle was operating at high speeds in the left lane. A Sanbornton police officer found and stopped the driver, later identified as Dionne. A state trooper arrived and arrested her. Dionne was later released on personal recognizance, police said. Former US Air Force officer Robert Salas recently stirred conversation during a congressional hearing when he suggested that extraterrestrials are trying to send a clear, three-word message regarding nuclear weapons: "WTF." Salas, who served as a USAF captain, shared his views in a discussion with Congresswoman Nancy Mace. The exchange was recorded during a special hearing on UFOs and later shared on social media by the Total Disclosure Podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salas's comments drew attention as he recounted incidents where unidentified flying objects (UFOs) were seen near nuclear facilities around the world. UFO encounter According to Salas, these UFO sightings did not inflict any serious damage on the weapons systems but did disrupt their navigation systems. When asked what he believed the extraterrestrial visitors were trying to communicate, he interpreted it as a critique of nuclear armaments: "To me, that says they were sending us a message about nuclear weapons: 'WTF, nuclear weapons.'" While he expressed regret for using strong language in front of Congresswoman Mace, she seemed unperturbed by his choice of words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salas's remarks came amid ongoing discussions led by experts who argue that alien entities have made multiple visits to significant nuclear missile bases every year. Aliens turned off ten nukes One of the most striking claims from Salas is regarding an incident at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, where he alleged a UFO disabled ten warheads. In this encounter, he described the UFO as having an eerie red glow as it sped through the night sky on March 24, 1967. The then-26-year-old lieutenant reported that the UFO pilots appeared to have an in-depth understanding of the missile systems. At the time of the incident, Malmstrom was in control of Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, it operates the more advanced Minuteman III systems. In his exchange with Congresswoman Mace, Salas detailed how, despite the UFO shutting down the missiles, no damage occurred: "No equipment was fried. Nothing was damaged," he stated. Salas believes the extraterrestrial visitors aren't hostile but rather a "pacifist species," implying their intention is peaceful rather than aggressive. He explained that the shutdown was caused by an "intermittent electrical pulse," which affected a component of the guidance system known as the logic coupler. The missiles guidance system failed without this part properly functioning properly, resulting in an automatic shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he noted that all missiles were restored to alert status within 24 hours. This incident wasn't isolated; Salas claimed his crew commander had experienced a similar encounter just eight days earlier. He emphasized that in both situations, no significant damage was reported. Salas interprets these events as a clear message from the unknown visitors about the threats posed by nuclear weapons. Furthermore, he revealed that he was bound by a non-disclosure agreement that restricted him from discussing the classified incident for years. Salas's name is well-known among those who believe in UFOs, also called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). Many maintain that these entities have visited Earth for decades. As discussions on UFOs and their implications for global security continue to unfold, Salass testimony adds a provocative perspective to the ongoing conversation about nuclear weapons and potential extraterrestrial awareness of human activities. A ballot moves through a sorter at the Thurston County elections office. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard) Yakima County had the second-lowest voter turnout of Washington state counties in the Nov. 5 general election. The results of the Nov. 5 general election in Yakima County were officially certified by the Yakima County Canvassing Board on Tuesday. Turnout was 67.3%, with only Adams County having lower turnout at 65%, according to the Secretary of States Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 89,573 total ballots counted in Yakima County in the 2024 general election, down by over 7,000 voters from the 2020 general election but up 8,000 voters from the 2016 general election. Drop boxes were used more than the mail-in option for the first time, by about 4,000 ballots, Yakima County Elections Manager Kathy Fisher said. Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross said that the office has a few plans related to drop boxes. A new drop box is planned to be installed in the West Valley; the drop box in Union Gap will be replaced with a larger one; and the one on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard will be upgraded with a stronger box. The Yakima County Canvassing Board consists of Yakima County Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda McKinney, Ross and Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canvassing refers to the process of examining ballots and election results to determine the final results and safeguard the election process. The board oversees recounts if triggered by close margins set by state law. It also determines the validity of challenged ballots, and rejects them if they are not corrected before certification. Terms begin in January for those elected to office. U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside won re-election to his sixth term to represent the 4th Congressional District in Congress. Challenger Jerrod Sessler of Prosser said in a video to his supporters this week that he will try again. They are both Republicans. Democrat Maria Cantwell was re-elected to the U.S. Senate for the fifth time. Republicans LaDon Linde and Kyle Curtis were both reelected to the Yakima County Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Races for the state Legislature saw more competition this year after restricting, and seats representing the Yakima Valley will stay in Republican hands. In the 14th Legislative District, state Sen. Curtis King of Yakima won reelection for a fifth term. Former Grandview Mayor Gloria Mendoza and Wapato accountant Deb Manjarrez were elected to the state House. In the 15th Legislative District, state Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima and former state Rep. Jeremie Dufault of Selah will return to Olympia. Challenged ballots The canvassing board reviewed the challenged ballots Monday afternoon. Ballots are challenged for a few reasons, most commonly because a signature on the ballot envelope does not match the signature on file for the voter or is postmarked too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elections officials are trained in signature verification, and have to take trainings every two years. Three elections officials review a questionable ballot before it is considered challenged. Contacting voters to fix ballot mistakes is sometimes called ballot curing, and it is a normal part of the elections process. On Nov. 7, there were 627 challenged ballots in Yakima County. Ross said that many of the challenged ballots this year were fixed quickly because voters had their phone number on the envelopes. Elections staff also attempt to reach the voter through mail and email before the certification date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If challenged ballots are not cured by the day before the elections certification, they are rejected and not counted. The number of rejected ballots was 546. The countys ballot rejection rate was the third lowest in the state, Ross said. Out of that number, 201 ballots were rejected due to a signature not matching the one on file. Four ballots were signed by someone other than to whom the ballot was issued, and the signer already submitted their own ballot. One ballot was signed by a voter other than to whom the ballot was issued and the signer was registered in a different county, Fisher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 204 were rejected because they had no signature and 122 were postmarked too late. There were 11 ballots rejected because the voter never provided an ID not when registering, such as during a registration drive, and did not provide an ID when casting the vote, Fisher said. Whats next? Elections officials are already working on the next election, which will be in February. Ballot items include school levies and a sales and use tax for emergency communications systems. A recall for Mabton Mayor Rachel Ruelas could be on the ballot, if the Washington State Supreme Court allows it go through in December and enough signatures are collected in time. This article was first published by the Yakima Herald-Republic through the Murrow News Fellow program, managed by Washington State University. KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 17:09 | World, All, Japan Former top Japanese currency diplomat Masato Kanda has been selected as the next president of the Asian Development Bank, the Manila-based international lender said Thursday. Kanda, 59, currently a special adviser to Japan's prime minister, will take office on Feb. 24, 2025 as the 11th president, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, another former senior official of Japan's Finance Ministry, the ADB said. Japan, a leading shareholder in the ADB along with the United States, has supplied the bank's chief since the institution was established in 1966. "I am determined to tackle a wide range of challenges from traditional issues such as infrastructure development and poverty eradication to climate change and other global concerns, with all my strength," Kanda told reporters at the Finance Ministry building. With Kanda emerging as the sole candidate, the ADB's Board of Governors completed the process for selecting him Wednesday. "Mr. Kanda's extensive experience in international finance and proven leadership in multilateral settings will serve the ADB well in navigating complex global economic challenges," ADB Board of Governors chairman Fabio Panetta said in a statement. As vice finance minister for international affairs, Kanda was behind massive market interventions by Japan earlier this year aimed at stemming the yen's sharp decline against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies. He left the post in July after serving for three years. Related coverage: FOCUS: Japan PM's diplomatic knack in doubt amid blunders, no Trump meet Japan ex-top currency diplomat Masato Kanda to be nominated for ADB chief SUTTON, W.Va. (WBOY) If you are looking for a reason to finally visit the West Virginia Big Foot museum while getting some Christmas shopping done along the way, the annual YetiFest is returning to Sutton. When: Saturday, Dec. 7 10 a.m. 7 p.m. Where: 400 4th Street, Sutton, WV Sponsored by the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum and the attached Mountain Laurel Country Store, YetiFest is an arts and crafts show with food trucks, hot chocolate and live folk music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While youre in between browsing different vendors, visitors will also have a chance to take pictures with Santa, Bigfoot and the Yeti. I didnt believe: The story of the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum If you want to be an arts and crafts vendor at the event, you still have a few days to apply, but time is running out. Applications and payment must be submitted to the Mountain Laurel Country Store by Dec. 1. You can find the required application here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Deaths from cervical cancer are plummeting among young women in the US, and scientists think we have a single vaccine to thank for the numerous lives saved. In the last decade alone, national health data suggests there has been a 62 percent drop in cervical cancer deaths in women under the age of 25. Senior author Ashish Deshmukh, from the Medical University of South Carolina, attributes the dramatic change to the Gardasil vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His team's research did not differentiate between young women who received the vaccine and those who did not, but Deshmukh says he and his colleagues "cannot think of any other reason that would have contributed to such a marked decline." Especially since studies in the UK and Australia have found cervical cancer rates are nosediving among those who have received the medicine. The multi-dose Gardasil vaccine was approved for young girls in the US in 2006 to prevent deadly strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a highly infectious virus that can be transmitted through skin to skin contact, and it is responsible for 70 percent of invasive cervical cancers one of the most common causes of cancer death among American women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is rare for women to develop cervical cancer in their youth, new research suggests the vaccine is making cases under the age of 25 rarer yet. According to national health data, the first cohorts of girls in the US who could receive the HPV vaccine (who were about 10 at the time) were far less likely to die from cervical cancer before the age of 25. Previous studies in the US have shown that between 2012 and 2019, there was a 65 percent decline in cervical cancer cases among women under the age of 25. But this is the first study to consider death rates from those patients. The research analyzed the health data of women under the age of 25 from 1992 to 2021 in three-year blocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 1992 and 1994, the US experienced 55 young cervical cancer deaths per 100,000 people. Between 2019 and 2021, that number had dropped to 13 deaths per 100,000 people. Cervical cancer mortality rates in the US from 1992 to 2021. (Dorali, JAMA, 2024) "The findings from this study highlight the urgency to improve HPV vaccination coverage," conclude the authors. In the US, HPV vaccination coverage among young girls reached 78.5 percent in 2021, but in the years since, that rate has barely improved, and even shows signs of slipping. Australia has one of the highest vaccination rates for HPV in the world, at nearly 86 percent among girls, and by 2028, some national estimates predict there will be fewer than four new cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 people - a rate so low the disease could be considered eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, a study in 2019 found that thanks to the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer could be eliminated in 149 out of all 181 countries by 2100. But that's only if vaccination rates are maintained and improved. And it's not just women whose lives can be saved. While the vaccine was first approved for young women, older women and boys and men can now also receive the HPV vaccine, as it has been found to protect against anal, penile, and oral cancers. The HPV vaccine promised a lot, and it's lived up to the challenge. The medicine is now saving far more lives than scientists ever thought possible, turning some of the most deadly diseases into preventable ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study was published in JAMA. Related News Far-right influencer Candace Owens has now been banned from entering multiple countries she was planning to visit as part of a live tour. The American, who has millions of followers on social media, was denied an Entertainers Work Visa to enter New Zealand, immigration officials said Thursday, because she was previously banned from entering Australia. Under section 15(1)(f) of the Immigration Act, an individual may not be granted a visa to come to New Zealand if they have been excluded from another country, Immigration New Zealand said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens has not publicly addressed the development so far. The extremist commentator had been set to embark on a multicity tour of New Zealand and Australia. Despite being denied entry to both nations, tickets for her events there still appear to be available for sale online. A website advertising the tour calls it an opportunity to experience firsthand the intellect and fearlessness, that has captivated millions around the globe. Tony Burke, Australias immigration minister, cited some of Owens controversial statements while explaining the decision to bar her from the country in October. From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [German SS officer Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction, Burke said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else, Burke added. Over the summer, Owens had used her podcast to call into question the inhumane experiments that Mengele performed on people during the Holocaust. That just sounds like bizarre propaganda, she said. Related... President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law a bill authorizing a major tax increase on Nov. 28, following more than a month of delay. The bill, which was passed by the Ukrainian parliament on Oct. 10, will raise taxes by Hr 8 billion ($192 million) in 2024 and Hr 141 billion ($3.4 billion) in 2025, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said, as the country struggles to shore up its budget deficit amid Russia's ongoing full-scale war. The law is expected to come into effect on Dec. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the provisions of the bill is an increase of the military tax a sum levied from citizens to support the war effort from 1.5% to 5%. An amendment to the legislation left the military tax for military personnel at 1.5%. The bill also introduces a military tax for self-employed persons and increases profit taxes for banks to 50% for 2024 and other financial institutions from 18% to 25% since January next year. Zelensky also signed a bill on the state budget for 2025, passed by the parliament on Nov. 19. All taxes of citizens and businesses will be directed to Ukraine's defense and security, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state expects to get Hr 2 trillion ($48.2 billion) in revenues, while expenditures are planned at Hr 3.6 trillion ($86.8 billion) in 2025. The budget envisages spending Hr 2.2 trillion ($53 billion) on Ukraine's defense, which is 26.3% of the country's projected gross domestic product (GDP). Shmyhal said in August that Ukraine faces a budget deficit of $35 billion next year, though foreign partners have pledged to cover roughly $20 billion of that sum. The proposed tax increase is part of an effort to find additional sources of funding at home, which may also include increased domestic borrowing and measures to boost the number of jobs and wages. Despite the dire budgetary situation, the bill has received criticism due to its potential repercussions on already difficult living conditions in the country. Read also: Ukraine state-owned enterprises weekly Issue 155 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which they discussed the need to invite Ukraine to join NATO. Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine Details: Zelenskyy reportedly told Starmer that Russia had used more than 90 missiles and almost 100 drones against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leaders discussed continuing defence cooperation and agreed to stay in close contact with European leaders on steps to ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to face any developments. Zelenskyy stressed that for this purpose, Ukraine needs an invitation to join NATO and to build up its long-range capabilities. In addition, the leaders agreed to speed up the preparation of an agreement on a 100-year partnership between Ukraine and the UK. Background: Media reported that the UK had delivered its first batch of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine under UK PM Keir Starmer. Recently, Starmer discussed the situation in Ukraine in anticipation of the winter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Vladimir Putins sabre-rattling with the Oreshnik missile is aimed solely at disrupting the efforts of President Trump to end the war. Source: Zelenskyys evening address Quote: "Today, in Kazakhstan, Putin once again promoted his missiles his readiness to kill and destroy. To the thousands of missiles that have already struck Ukraine, Putin clearly wants to add thousands more. He has no interest in ending this war. Moreover, Putin wants to prevent others from ending this war. His current sabre-rattling with oreshnik is aimed solely at disrupting the efforts of President Trump that are sure to follow his inauguration. [Oreshnik is a medium-range ballistic missile - ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin wants to escalate the situation now so that President Trump fails to end the war. Putin is the only culprit in this war and the only one who believes in war. That is why Putin's escalation now is a form of pressure aimed at eventually forcing the president of the United States to accept Russias terms. We are aware of all the existing threats. " Details: Zelenskyy noted that the restoration works after the Russian large-scale attack on 28 November are still ongoing. Quote: "Some of the strikes involved Kalibr missiles with cluster warheads a particularly dangerous type of Russian weaponry used against civilians. These significantly complicated the work of our rescuers and repair crews." Background: Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that he might use the new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile against "decision-making centres in Kyiv". As a result of the Russian Federation's large-scale attack on the night of 27-28 November, 12 hits were recorded, primarily to the fuel and energy infrastructure. Ukraines Air Force spoke about the peculiarities of Russian tactics, which seek to exhaust the Ukrainian air defence. Support UP or become our patron! Mark Zuckerberg has dined with Donald Trump almost four years after the president-elect was banned from Facebook for disputing the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The Facebook billionaire attended a private dinner at Mar-a-Lago where he lent his backing to the president-elects plans for national renewal, according to an adviser to Mr Trump. The support suggests a thawing of relations after years of barbs from Mr Trump towards the Facebook boss. The Republican threatened to jail Mr Zuckerberg if Facebook influenced the US election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Miller, an adviser to Mr Trump, told Fox News: Mark Zuckerberg has been very clear about his desire to be a supporter of, and a participant in, this change that were seeing all around America, all around the world with this reform movement that Donald Trump is leading. Mark Zuckerberg, like so many business leaders, understands that President Trump is an agent of change, an agent of prosperity. He added: Mark, obviously, he has his own interests and he has his own company and he has his own agenda. But hes made clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under President Trumps leadership. Mark Zuckerberg has described seeing Donald Trump pumping his fist after his assassination attempt as badass - Evan Vucci/AP Facebook previously banned Mr Trump in the wake of the 2020 US election after supporters of the Republican candidate rioted on Capitol Hill on Jan 6. He was blocked from the social network for two years, before having his suspension lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Mr Zuckerberg praised Mr Trump for his reaction to being shot in an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, describing it as badass. Seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things Ive ever seen in my life, Mr Zuckerberg told Bloomberg. The Meta chief executive has also reportedly exchanged phone calls with Mr Trump. Mr Trump has, however, painted Mr Zuckerbergs Meta as bordering on overly powerful. He has recently argued against efforts to ban TikTok in the US, warning it would hand too much power to Meta. Technology executives are courting Mr Trump after his victory over Kamala Harris, who secured hundreds of millions of dollars in donations from Silicon Valley executives and Californian business elites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, and Tim Cook, the boss of Apple, both sent messages congratulating Mr Trump. Sundar Pichai, the boss of Google, took part in a call with Mr Trump and Elon Musk, the owner of X who has been the Republicans most prominent technology backer. Mr Musk, whose social media app competes with Mr Zuckerbergs Threads, used X to promote Mr Trump with hundreds of posts and campaigned on the ground on behalf of the Republican. The Tesla chief has subsequently been given a role championing government cuts. 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. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Donald Trump dined on Wednesday with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, bringing together the Facebook founder and the former president who was once banned from that social network. Stephen Miller, who has been appointed deputy chief of staff for Trumps second term, said Zuckerberg, like other business leaders, wants to support Trumps economic plans. The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with Trump. Mark, obviously, he has his own interest, and he has his own company and he has his own agenda, Miller said in an interview on Fox News about the meeting. But hes made clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under Trumps leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Meta confirmed that Zuckerberg and Trump met on Wednesday, saying he was invited for dinner with the president-elect and other members of his team to talk about the incoming administration. Trump was kicked off Facebook following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The company restored his account in early 2023. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president. Zuckerberg has since taken a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trumps response to his first assassination attempt, calling it badass. Zuckerberg also complained that senior Biden administration officials pressured Facebook to censor some COVID-19 content during the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. In July, he posted a message on his own social network Truth Social threatening to send election fraudsters to prison in part by citing a nickname he used for the Meta CEO. ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful! Trump wrote. The Thanksgiving eve visit also comes as tech mogul Elon Musk has become more influential in Trump's Make America Great Again movement, contributing an estimated $200 million through his political action committee to help elect Trump. Musk is the billionaire owner of the X social network, a competitor to Meta. Musk has spent considerable time at Mar-a-Lago since the election, and Trump selected him to lead an outside advisory panel known as the Department of Government Efficiency to identify waste with Vivek Ramaswamy, a venture capitalist and former GOP presidential candidate. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest released its finalists for its People's Choice Award. The winner of the contest, hosted by London's Natural History Museum, will be announced in February. The finalists include photos of wolves, polar bears, langurs, and other animals in the wild. The Natural History Museum in London hosts an annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, inviting wildlife and nature photographers from around the world to participate. The competition celebrates the natural world's beauty while highlighting the challenges facing animals in the wild today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year, a jury selects winners across multiple categories, including Animal Portraits, Under Water, and Urban Wildlife, while members of the public get to vote for a People's Choice Award winner. This year, a panel of judges shortlisted 25 images from 59,228 entries for its People's Choice Award. Now, people worldwide can view these images and vote online for their favorite pictures until 29 January 2025. "The People's Choice Award allows members of the public from across the globe to join the jury and vote for their winning image, inspiring everyone to connect with the natural world," Douglas Gurr, the director of the Natural History Museum, said in a statement. The winning image and the four runners-up will be announced in February 2025 and displayed online on the website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top five People's Choice Award images will also be displayed on voting screens at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in South Kensington until 29 June 2025. Here are the shortlisted images from this year's contest. "Curious Connection" by Nora Milligan A chimpanzee in Loango National Park in Gabon. Nora Milligan/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Milligan was trekking through the Loango National Park forest in Gabon when she saw this chimpanzee. Her group "heard the call of a chimp first, then the leaves around them started to rustle, and a group of chimpanzees appeared," the Natural History Museum wrote on its website. "As she [Milligan] peered through her viewfinder, a large male paused and looked down at the group, craning its neck forward, and its eyes seemed to widen as if to get a better look," the museum added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Edge of Night" by Jess Findlay A barn owl at a barn outside Vancouver, Canada. Jess Findlay/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Photographer Jess Findlay spent several nights observing an owl's behavior near Vancouver, Canada, to plan this shot. The museum described how he used an invisible beam to trigger a flash when the bird left the barn, while a slow shutter speed captured the "ambient light cast on the clouds and barn." "It was a complicated setup but, to Jess's amazement, it worked the first time," the museum wrote. "No Access" by Ian Wood A Eurasian badger looks at badger graffiti in St Leonards-on-Sea, England, UK. Ian Wood/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Locals in St Leonards-on-Sea in England had been leaving out food scraps for foxes, "but Ian [Wood] noticed that badgers from a nearby sett were also coming to forage," wrote the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After seeing a badger walking along the pavement by this wall late one night, he decided to photograph it." He relied on the glow of a lamppost to light the scene. "Icy Repose" by Sue Flood A Weddell seal rests on an ice floe. Sue Flood/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sue [Flood] watched this Weddell seal from aboard a rigid inflatable boat in Neko Harbour of the Antarctic Peninsula," read the museum caption. "So as not to disturb its peaceful slumber, Sue used a long lens to record this serene portrait." "Snuffling Sengi" by Piotr Naskrecko A four-toed sengi in Mozambique. Piotr Naskrecki/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Photographer Piotr Naskrecki watched this sengi for weeks at Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, and noticed it took the same path every day as it searched for food. Since sengis are "extremely shy and skittish," the museum wrote, Naskrecki used a remote camera to capture this image. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whiteout" by Michel d'Oultremont A stoat in the snow in Belgium. Michel d'Oultremont/Wildlife Photographer of the Year The Natural History Museum wrote that Michel d'Oultremont had hoped for years to take a photo of a stoat camouflaged in the snow eventually, he got the opportunity in his home country of Belgium. "He lay in the snow with a white camouflage net covering all but his lens," the museum wrote. "This curious stoat came out of its snowy hole and sat up from time to time, observing its territory just before setting off to hunt." "Earth and Sky" by Francisco Negroni A double lenticular cloud above the Villarrica volcano in Chile. Francisco Negroni/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Photographer Francisco Negroni regularly visits the Villarrica Volcano, one of Chile's most active, in Pucon. Every visit is "quite an adventure never knowing what the volcano might surprise you with," he told the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this photo, which was taken during a 10-day trip to the area, he captured the powerful moment the volcano's lava illuminated a stack of lenticular clouds. "Wolf Pack" by Arvind Ramamurthy An Indian wolf pack in Bhigwan, India. Arvind Ramamurthy/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arvind Ramamurthy was taking photos of a wolf pack playing in fields in Bhigwan, India, when "one of them came and sat down at the edge of the agricultural crop, and one by one, four others joined it. They paused for a few seconds before they ran off again, playing and chasing one another." the museum's caption read. "Scanning the Realm" by Aaron Baggenstos A puma in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Aaron Baggenstos/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The museum touted this image by Aaron Baggenstos as "a symbol of hope," showcasing how wild animals and humans in this case, gauchos, or sheep farmers can co-exist. It was taken in the Torres del Paine National Park, which has promoted ecotourism in the region. "The gauchos view pumas more positively because they're attracting tourists, which is good for income," the museum wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the farmers' sheepdogs scare pumas away, forcing them to prey on wild animals, rather than the sheep. "There is hope that humans and pumas can live alongside one another," the museum wrote. "Togetherness" by Ivan Ivanek Red-shanked douc langurs in Vietnam. Ivan Ivanek/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Red-shanked douc langurs critically endangered primates only found in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are known for their red "stockings." Photographer Ivan Ivanek found a small group of the monkeys after surveying the area for several days. Then, one evening, "he saw these two mating. Compared to other species of monkey he'd seen mating, it was an unexpectedly gradual and graceful affair!" wrote the museum. "The Arrival" by Brad Leue Floodwaters surge toward a salt lake in South Australia. Brad Leue/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Leue was in a helicopter when he witnessed a striking scene: floodwaters surging towards Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia's largest inland lake, against a backdrop of a dust storm and rain. The floodwaters had traveled over 1,600 miles from Queensland toward South Australia. "Timing was imperative to photograph this once-in-a-decade natural event," the caption read. "Annoying Neighbour" by Bence Mate A European roller takes on an owl in Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. Bence Mate/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Little owls and European rollers come into contact with each other at Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary because their nesting areas and food sources are similar. Mate spent 27 days watching from a hide to capture this interaction. "During the short mating season, the male roller makes a sport of annoying other birds that stray into its breeding area. It makes a surprise ambush, flying at full speed behind them," the museum wrote, adding, "The little owl seemed nonplussed by the spectacle." "Fallen from the Sky" by Carlo D'Aurizio Dead butterflies and moths in a stream in Italy. Carlo D'Aurizio/Wildlife Photographer of the Year When D'Aurizio visited the San Bartolomeo Valley in the Majella National Park in Italy where he's been many times he thought he'd see butterflies and dragonflies. What he didn't expect, though, was what the museum called "a sad collage of dead insects calmly floating in the water." "To this day, Carlo has no explanation of why the insects died," its caption read. "Aspen Shadows" by Devon Pradhuman Gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Devon Pradhuman/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Pradhuman watched a pack of wolves on the prowl for something to eat in Yellowstone National Park. Seeing them head for the aspens, he thought it would make a striking image. "The wolves walked right past these trees and then continued to follow the tree line, eventually disappearing over the hillside," the Natural History Museum wrote. "A Good Scratch" by Mark Williams A beluga whale rubs against a river bottom. Mark Williams/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Williams captured this image of a beluga whale rubbing its body on a river bottom along the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic. It was taken in an inlet, where the waters are shallow and belugas gather to exfoliate their skin, hide from predators, and socialize with each other, according to the museum. "Nicknamed 'the canaries of the sea,' they produce a series of chirps, clicks, whistles, and squeals that Mark found otherworldly," the museum wrote. "Meeting in the Marsh" by Michael Forsberg A biologist nears an endangered whooping crane in Louisiana. Michael Forsberg/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Forsberg, a biologist, approached a whopping crane in Louisiana and moved with "cat-like quickness" to check the bird's health, quickly replacing a faulty transmitter that helps scientists keep track of the birds, per the Natural History Museum. "This experimental population was reintroduced in Bayou Country in 2011. In the 1940s there were roughly 20 whooping cranes in the region. Since then, numbers have climbed to over 800," the museum wrote. "Sneak Attack" by Erlend Haarberg A polar bear cub ambushes a northern fulmar. Erlend Haarberg/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "In the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, a walrus carcass had attracted a female polar bear and her two cubs," wrote the museum. "But one of the cubs was more interested in playing in the water than eating. The cub was having fun diving under the water and resurfacing, playing with the seaweed and kelp." Haarberg watched the bear cub attempt to ambush a northern fulmar several times, without success. "Slap Shot" by Savannah Rose A beaver slaps its tail in Wyoming to warn its relatives. Savannah Rose/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Rose captured a beaver's tail smack after years of attempts. She finally found success in a pond in Jackson, Wyoming. "As she approached the shoreline, a beaver cautiously cruised by after emerging from its lodge," the museum wrote in its caption, adding, "It cocked its tail up and brought it down with a resounding crack." The tail smacks are a way for the creatures to warn their family members about a newcomer to the area, the museum wrote. "The Brave Gecko" by Willie Burger van Schalkwyk A giant ground gecko takes on a pale chanting goshawk in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. Willie Burger van Schalkwyk/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. In this photo, Willie Burger van Schalkwyk captured a brave giant ground gecko taking on a southern pale chanting goshawk that was attacking it in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. "Unfortunately, there was no hope of survival, but Willie was impressed by the gecko's bravery," the Natural History Museum wrote. "Forest of Dreams" by Samuel Bloch A northern giant petrel in its nest on Enderby Island in New Zealand. Samuel Bloch/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. "Northern giant petrels are large seabirds. They're used to flying above the waves for weeks without encountering land," the Natural History Museum wrote in its caption of the photo. "Samuel [Bloch] was surprised to find this seabird in such a woody environment. Like many other seabirds, it breeds on islands where there are fewer predators." To avoid disturbing the bird, the photographer clicked this image swiftly from afar. "Spiked" by David Northall A bloodied honey badger attacks a Cape porcupine. David Northall/Wildlife Photographer of the Year This photograph shows the moment a honey badger covered in blood and quills, but undeterred returned to finish off its prey, a Cape porcupine, in Botswana. "Honey badgers are famously ferocious," reads the caption. In the end, the honey badger won the battle, dragging the porcupine to its den, the museum wrote. "Drifting Dinner" by Noam Kortler A decorator crab on top of a sea squirt. Noam Kortler/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Kortler was on a night dive near Komodo Island in Indonesia when he saw a decorator crab on top of a sea squirt. "The sea squirt provided the crab the perfect stage to feed on drifting plankton," the museum wrote in its caption. Kortler used flash photography, creating the effect of spotlighting the crab. "Concert in the Forest" by Vincent Premel A Surinam golden-eyed tree frog puffs out its cheeks in French Guiana. Vincent Premel/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Premel captured a Surinam golden-eyed tree frog puffing out its cheeks as it prepared to call for a mate in French Guiana's first rains. "The call of the Surinam golden-eyed tree frog is so powerful it can be heard hundreds of meters away," the museum wrote. "Evening Song" by Christian Brinkmann The singing Eurasian songbird in Munster, Germany. Christian Brinkmann/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Brinkmann captured this striking image of a songbird against fairground lights in Munster, Germany. "During a popular fair in Munster called the Send, an interesting atmosphere arose behind the castle," the museum wrote. "The evening mood was gentle, and Christian [Brinkmann] had singing birds on one side and party music on the other. "In front of the fairground lights, this Eurasian blackbird posed for its song." "Unsold" by Jose Fragozo A young cheetah cub hisses while waiting to be sold in Ethiopia. Jose Fragozo/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Farmers in the Somali Region capture cheetah cubs, accusing them of harming their livestock, and sell them to traffickers. If the traffickers are unable to sell them, the cheetahs are killed, and their parts are sold for Chinese bone wine and other products. This cheetah cub "was captured from her home plains" and was then "transported for several days on the back of a camel to the northern coast of Somaliland," the museum wrote. "After hissing at the camera, the cub started chirping, calling out for its mother," it added. Read the original article on Business Insider A new variety of corn may provide farmers with a promising solution to the growing threat of extreme and unpredictable weather, protecting billions of dollars of the crucial cash crop. The Associated Press reported in September that Bayer Crop Science is partnering with farmers in the Midwest to trial "short corn" across around 30,000 acres. Whereas traditional corn stalks grow as tall as 12 feet, this variety reaches about half of that height. The diminutive stature combined with a sturdier base means that short corn is more resilient to winds up to 50 miles per hour. "As you drive across the Midwest, maybe in the next seven, eight, 10 years, you're going to see a lot of this out there," eastern Iowa farmer Cameron Sorgenfrey suggested to the AP. "I think this is going to change agriculture in the Midwest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As warming temperatures have caused extreme weather events to become more intense and frequent, farmers are among those on the front lines. According to Bayer's 2024 Farmer Voice Survey, more than 60% reported "significant revenue loss" due to adverse weather over the past several years. The cost is then ultimately passed on to consumers at the grocery store. To proactively address this, scientists are seeking to develop more resilient crops, including ones that can withstand droughts and climate-driven disease spread. In the Midwest, demand for wind-resistant crops skyrocketed after a powerful windstorm known as a "derecho" swept through the area in August 2020, killing multiple people and causing $11 billion in damages, including heartbreaking losses for corn farmers, as the AP explains. "It looked like someone had come through with a machete and cut all of our corn down," said Dior Kelley, an Iowa State University assistant professor who is researching short corn a variety she believes may have an exciting agricultural future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is huge. It's a big, fundamental shift," Kelley explained to the AP, adding that short corn comes with different challenges farmers must consider. For one, because it grows closer to the ground, it may be more susceptible to mold or diseases. On the other hand, the low-growing corn may make it easier for farmers to manage fungus or seed cover crops, which help control weeds, improve soil health, support pollinators, and more, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Bayer spokesperson Brian Leake said his company has been working with short corn for more than two decades and intends to increase production by 2027, per the AP. Stine Seed and Corteva have also been developing short-corn varieties for at least a decade. "We see the opportunity of this being the new normal across both the U.S. and other parts of the world," Leake told the news agency. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 17:59 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering visiting South Korea in early January for talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol, diplomatic sources said Thursday. The planned trip will be part of their "shuttle diplomacy," or regular mutual visits, resumed between Tokyo and Seoul in 2023 before the 60th anniversary of the normalization of their ties next year. Since taking office on Oct. 1, Ishiba has held in-person talks with Yoon twice on the fringes of international conferences, agreeing on closer bilateral and trilateral collaboration also involving the United States. In November, the two leaders shared "serious concern" over North Korea's nuclear and missile activities as well as its military cooperation with Russia including Pyongyang's recent troop deployment to help Moscow's war against Ukraine. Japan-South Korea relations had deteriorated to the worst level in decades over the compensation for what Seoul says was forced labor during Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945, among other history and territorial issues. But the relationship has since improved after Yoon, who took office in 2022, announced a solution to the wartime labor issue last year amid growing common security concerns such as North Korea and China. In March last year, Yoon held a summit with then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, becoming the first South Korean leader to visit Japan in nearly four years. Ishiba's planned visit comes after South Korean officials skipped an event Sunday on Japan's Sado Island to commemorate Japanese and Korean victims who worked at a gold and silver mine complex. It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in July. South Korea initially objected to the listing, citing links to wartime forced labor but later agreed after Japan pledged to hold annual memorial events. Regarding its absence at Sunday's ceremony, South Korea said the contents of the event failed to reach the level the two countries had agreed on. On Tuesday, the two countries' foreign ministers met and affirmed to work together to prevent the issue from disrupting diplomatic ties. Related coverage: Japan, S. Korea air serious concern about N. Korea-Russia cooperation Japan, U.S., South Korea set up secretariat to enshrine cooperation 1st summit talks between Japan's Ishiba, China's Xi eyed for Nov. 15 When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd Xiaomi Mix Flip: Two-minute review You might not realize it, but Xiaomi's gotten pretty good at making foldables. Although not every entry has launched internationally, the company is now on its fourth generation of Mix Fold. Despite playing in this space since 2021, one thing Xiaomi has never attempted is a clamshell. Until now. The Xiaomi Mix Flip made its international debut alongside the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro, with relatively modest fanfare, but that doesn't detract from what looks to be a capable competitor to the Motorola Razrs and Galaxy Z Flips of the world, not to mention an impressive first foray into what is a new form factor for the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mix Flip nails the fundamentals, with an expansive 4.01-inch cover display and a killer main display that work beautifully in concert. Performance is top-tier, however, the phone's form factor hinders prolonged performance, from a thermal perspective. Xiaomi Mix Flip review outer screen otter lock screen A large battery ensures all-day use, in spite of those demanding screens, while fast 67W wired charging can refill the phone in less than an hour. The company wasn't able to squeeze in wireless charging, or IP68 certified protection against dust or water, for that matter. Xiaomi's famed image processing holds up what is, underneath, modest camera hardware. Add in Leica's involvement and you've got arguably the best clamshell camera phone currently on the market, though there is room to improve, in terms of detail and clarity. As I've seen with other Xiaomi phones, it's Xiaomi's software that lets the Mix Flip down. HyperOS is leaner than its predecessor, MIUI, but the end result still plays host to occasionally confusing and restrictive user experience paradigms, paired with app bloat and too many baked-in ads. A shame, especially for a phone at this price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Offering only one storage and memory configuration might seem restrictive, but Xiaomi chose wisely from a value perspective (12GB RAM + 512GB storage), relative to the likes of Samsung and Motorola. That said, unlike those big-name rivals, and despite an international launch, you won't be able to get your hands on the Mix Flip natively in the US and Australia. Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Price and availability Xiaomi Mix Flip review front angled Priced at 1,099 / 1,300 On sale from September 26, 2024 Limited international availability compared to rivals The Mix Flip went on sale internationally on September 26, alongside the aforementioned Xiaomi 14T series. That was a couple of months after its initial debut in China. Despite launching at a higher starting price compared to its most prominent rivals the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr Plus 2024/Razr 50 Ultra the Mix Flip with 12GB RAM / 512GB storage might be a better value than Samsung's latest clamshell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although you can pick up a Z Flip 6 for around 50 less in the UK, at 1,049 you get half the storage, in comparison to the Mix Flip. And, if you're looking at like for like, the 512GB Flip 6 actually clocks in at 50 more than Xiaomi's offering, which likely isn't a coincidence on Xiaomi's part. Motorola's latest entry is 100 more affordable, but that can be explained, in part, by its use of a modest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and its shorter OS update roadmap. Despite being a global release, Xiaomi's smartphone presence doesn't extend to markets like the US or Australia. That means it remains out of reach for those in such regions looking for alternatives to the likes of Motorola or Samsung. Value score: 4 / 5 Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Specs Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Design Xiaomi Mix Flip review back angled handheld Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Side-mounted fingerprint sensor Functional hinge between 45 and 120 No IP-certified dust or water resistance Xiaomi didn't simply translate the existing design language already established by its long-running Mix Fold line, when deciding on a look for its first clamshell foldable. Instead, the Mix Flip has an aesthetic all its own. It's distinct from its most obvious rivals, with pillowed glass and a body that although thicker than Moto's or Sammy's latest clamshells still makes for a pleasingly slim and comfortable handset to wield in the pocket or hand. That lightly textured glass on the back works in contrast to the polished metal frame and glossy outer screen of the Mix Flip, to great effect. Its incredibly neat 'dual-link' hinge, meanwhile, reveals an additional microphone when the phone is closed; highlighting a design optimized for functionality, without having to fully open up. I had a blast taking calls and making contactless payments, without ever having to open up the Mix Flip. Xiaomi Mix Flip review side half open handheld Speaking of opening, the Mix Flip's all-important hinge offers up a really nice feel when folding or unfolding, while its construction also allows for easy placement anywhere between 45 and 120; ideal for watching content without a stand or taking snaps without a tripod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, after testing the phone for a few weeks, I did notice the most subtle lateral shift in the hinge when grabbing the phone out of my pocket. Although a near-imperceptible wiggle that could only be felt and not obviously observed, it isn't something I've run into since the early clamshell days of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. I've seen no talk of this defect elsewhere, so it's likely unique to my review unit, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it. A couple of other notable quirks include the phone's middling button placement, which leaves the volume rocker awkwardly high up the phone's right edge when unfolded, as well as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, though it admittedly works quickly and was reliable during my review. Xiaomi Mix Flip review top angled closed Unlike notable competitors, Xiaomi hasn't sought certification for ingress protection (IP) against dust or water with the Mix Flip, so while it boasts the company's tough Shield Glass (also branded as Dragon Crystal Glass) across its outer display (the main screen relies on UTG or ultra-thin glass, in order to remain flexible) and comes bundled with a color-matched case, the phone doesn't appear to sport any additional protection, beyond some pleasingly-tight tolerances, when it comes to keeping dust or water out of that all-important hinge. On the subject of color, Chinese buyers have the choice of four finishes, including a fabric-backed variant and silver model, while the Mix Flip's international dressings fall to only a black option or a purple number (pictured), with textured glass that suffers from less grip but offers a nice contrast to the glossy glass of the outer display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Design score: 4 / 5 Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Display Xiaomi Mix Flip review front angled handheld Consistent viewing experience across inner and outer screens Sharper display than rivals AOD support on both screens Despite being a new form factor for Xiaomi, it's clear that the Mix Flip isn't your basic first-gen foldable, by any means. That's perhaps most evident with the near edge-to-edge outer display, which wraps around the phone's dual main cameras: more Moto Razr than Galaxy Z Flip in its execution. As is often the case with Xiaomi's high-end handsets, you're treated to a killer viewing experience, but here the company has also ensured that it's consistent across both the internal and outer screen, which isn't always the case with this form factor, based on other devices I've reviewed. Xiaomi Mix Flip review outer screen floral lock screen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether you're looking at the near-square 4.01-inch outer screen or the expansive 6.86-inch 21.4:9 main display, you're treated to a pleasingly crisp 460ppi (pixels per inch) and the same adaptive 1 to 120Hz refresh rate, made possible by the use of LTPO AMOLED tech. Xiaomi teamed up with fellow Chinese electronics giant TCL to develop the C8 Plus displays used by the Mix Flip, and they deliver solid viewing angles, and great color depth and contrast. Xiaomi Mix Flip review outer screen always on They offer consistently superb visibility, with a quoted panel-wide max brightness of 1,600nits and a peak brightness of 3,000nits (the Z Flip 6 peaks at 2,600nits), while the main display also has 2,160Hz PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming, to help prevent eye strain in low light (the outer screen relies on more conventional DC dimming). To top it off, the phone's display settings serve up heaps of control over things like color balance, app-specific dark mode behavior, and access to the always-on display, which functions across both screens, making the Mix Flip a great nightstand clock too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Display score: 5 / 5 Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Software Xiaomi Mix Flip review front straight 4 years of OS & 5 years security updates Launches with HyperOS 1.0 atop Android 14 To many ads within Xiaomi apps and experiences At the time of writing, Chinese Mix Flips are already making the move to HyperOS 2.0, but it'll be a little while longer for international units, which come running HyperOS 1.0 atop Android 14, out the box. With Xiaomi's shift from MIUI to HyperOS which coincided with the launch of the Xiaomi 14 series near the beginning of 2024 the company had the chance to rework the approach taken by its mobile user experience. While there's no denying that HyperOS takes up significantly less of your device's storage relative to the previous MIUI, the experience feels decidedly familiar and is fast falling foul of bad user design practices that are either too rigid to be helpful, or prioritize monetization over quality. That's particularly damaging on a phone that costs four figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examples include the absence of access to native Android features like Automatic Brightness and Extra Dim within the phone's quick settings, without the use of third-party apps that resurface such controls. More egregious, though, are the growing number of ads within native Xiaomi experiences. Xiaomi Mix Flip review Game Bird ads App Mall, the Theme Store and Game Center all repeatedly fired unwanted notifications to purchasable assets or apps that I had no interest in, while the useful Game Turbo overlay (which grants quick access to performance management controls when gaming) has now been capped by the addition of Game Bird, which serves up game trailers for poor quality, ad-riddled mobile games; the sort you often see as in-app ads or online. It's not all naming and shaming, though. Tons of native customization, supported by an active Theme Store, filled with user-made submissions, makes for endless and effortless personalization. iPhone users, in particular, will appreciate the way HyperOS lays out its home screen apps, notifications and quick settings. Xiaomi Mix Flip review outer screen home screen You'd think the unique aspect ratio of the Mix Flip's outer display might have posed a challenge for the HyperOS team, but the implementation they actually came up with is pretty brilliant. While about a sixth of the panel is occupied by the phone's main cameras, the rest of the display is divided up into two sections. When unlocked, the small portion next to the cameras plays host to a dedicated widget, which you can swipe through to view the weather, various clock styles, recent apps used and more. Xiaomi Mix Flip review outer screen Spotify Not unlike Oppo's Find N3 Flip, the remainder of the display works out to about a 16:9 aspect ratio, meaning apps scale far more naturally, compared to the squat, square screen real estate offered up by most of the other best foldable clamshell phones. As such, the outer screen experience is really nice and natural to use, with great continuity, if you want to switch to the main screen mid-app, by opening the phone up. Typing is understandably cramped but not impossible and Xiaomi cites support for over 100 apps, which in testing included key experiences like Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Google Maps. Xiaomi Mix Flip review side half open YouTube If you want to color outside the lines with that cover display, however, there's very little the Mix Flip lets you do. Unlike Motorola's Razrs which let you try most apps out on the cover display, even if they don't format well, the Mix Flip is more locked down. There's a one-click tool to enable this feature, but it only works on the Chinese variant of the Mix Flip, while some have managed to rename APK files to trick the Mix Flip into thinking it's running an already-whitelisted app, but neither solution is exactly accessible to international users. Xiaomi Mix Flip review AI Expansion screenshots HyperOS also heralds the introduction of AI into Xiaomi's user experience in a meaningful way. The phone's on-device photo editing tool set including AI Expand (which lets you crop outwards on an photo, filling in the gaps created around the edges) is one of my favorite additions. The Mix Flip's AI repertoire also includes object removal, speech-to-text transcription when using the native Recorder app, translation, formatting and summarization within the Notes app, and Google's own Circle to Search functionality. Performance is on-par with the status quo, in terms of feature diversity and reliability. All the Mix Flip's AI functionality works as advertised, but seldom will a feature deliver a 100% accurate result first try. Something Xiaomi is, no doubt, working to improve across its devices, by improving the quality of its on-device and cloud-based AI models. Software score: 3.5 / 5 Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Camera Xiaomi Mix Flip review camera 50MP main and 2x external cameras 32MP front-facing camera Up to 8K at 24fps video recording Xiaomi is responsible for some of the best camera phones on the market, but the clamshell form factor poses some unique challenges to maintaining a compact design while still including large camera sensors able to deliver a noteworthy photographic experience. The company's expertise and image processing are what grant the Mix Flip probably the best cameras of any clamshell foldable I've seen, even if they remain hamstrung by the same limitations as this phone's rivals. The two cameras on the phone's exterior each clock in at 50MP a piece, then use pixel binning to spit out 12.5MP stills, as well as 8K video recording at 24fps. Xiaomi Mix Flip camera samples Image 1 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample manual low light main Image 2 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample cat in a box main Image 3 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 1x zoom sea 1x zoom Image 4 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 2x zoom sea 2x zoom Image 5 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 4x zoom sea 4x zoom Image 6 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 20x zoom sea 20x zoom Image 7 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample hallway Image 8 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 2x portrait mode off Image 9 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 2x portrait mode on Portrait mode at 2x Image 10 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 1x portrait mode off Image 11 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample 1x portrait mode on Portrait mode at 1x Image 12 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample flowers artificial light 2x Image 13 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample icy leaf macro main Macro shooting at 1x Image 14 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample icy leaf macro 2x Macro shooting at 2x Image 15 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample selfie front camera Selfie (front camera) Image 16 of 16 Xiaomi Mix Flip camera sample selfie front camera portrait mode Portrait mode selfie (front camera) w/ Beautification (on by default) The Mix Flip is fronted by Xiaomi's Light Fusion 800 sensor (a tweaked OV50E sensor, called the OVX8000). Measuring 0.64-inches, it's a fraction bigger than the main sensor on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. This sensor crops up in Poco F6 Pro too: a phone that costs half as much and doesn't place much emphasis on photography. In spite of what looks like middling camera hardware, the Mix Flip delivers a pretty well-rounded photographic experience. Color and contrast are the system's best assets; with punchy shots that unlike the latest iPhones and Pixels don't suffer from heavy-handed HDR processing that tries to eliminate shadows and flatten everything. Xiaomi's long-standing partnership with Leica persists on the Mix Flip, with the familiar ability to shoot in Leica Vibrant (my preference) or Leica authentic digital film stocks, along with a set of Leica-approved filters that can be applied at or after capture. Still, the sensors' limitations make me question whether the Mix Flip is worthy of toting the Leica name. Xiaomi Mix Flip review outer screen camera viewfinder closed A lack of detail and sharpness are what hold the Mix Flip's cameras back from the true top snappers of the moment, but even so, you can still take great shots with this phone. That's made all the better by the ability to snap selfies with the external cameras, using the outer screen as a viewfinder. The form factor also allows the phone to stand up hands- and tripod-free and, like the Galaxy Z Flip series, the phone can also be held half open when shooting video, like an old-school camcorder, which genuinely with grip and stability. Camera score: 4 / 5 Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Performance Xiaomi Mix Flip review Game Turbo 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset 12GB LPDDR5X RAM + Memory Extension up to 8GB Sole 512GB UFS 4.0 storage option Like the cameras, the unique convenience of the Mix Flip's form factor is a double-edged sword when it comes to performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired to 12GB of RAM, delivers true flagship-class performance, which ensures split-screen or floating window multitasking is fast and fuss-free, and app load times are consistently brief. Benchmarks place the Mix Flip on par with the brand's current best, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, while high-end games, like Zenless Zone Zero default to 'high' graphical settings. That said, I wouldn't readily recommend the Mix Flip as a go-to gaming phone. While it can run the latest mobile games with high frame rates and excellent graphical fidelity, the cramped innards makes cooling tricky and sustained performance (like long gaming sessions) are the fastest way to see the phone throttle back to keep heat under control. Xiaomi Mix Flip review Settings In everyday use, however, you're unlikely to run into any sort of major performance ceilings for quite some time, with the chip helped by a heap of fast and power efficient LPDDR5X RAM. Although not expandable, 512GB of internal storage is more than likely to satiate most users. In China, Xiaomi offers versions of the Mix Flip with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, however, I don't think international audiences will be too cut up about the single variant on offer. Performance score: 4.5 / 5 Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Battery Xiaomi Mix Flip review USB and charger 4,780mAh battery 67W wired charging No wireless charging Despite all of this talk of size limitations, one piece of hardware that Xiaomi hasn't gone small on is the phone's battery. In the clamshell foldable market, the Mix Flip's capacious 4,780mAh cell is second only to the fractionally-larger 4,800mAh battery inside the Honor Magic Flip V, which released earlier in 2024. As for real-world use, screen-on time is respectable enough to get most users through a day, at around 6.5 to 7 hours. While I was expecting it to last a little longer, considering the size of the battery, the more demanding display setup is likely what balances longevity against rivals with smaller power packs, like the 4,000mAh offering inside the Z Flip 6. Thankfully, Xiaomi has paired it with characteristically snappy 67W wired charging, and using the in-box power adapter, I was able to refill the Mix Flip to full under an hour (55 minutes), with two-thirds of the battery topped back up after just 30 minutes. The only other caveat is that the Mix Flip forgoes wireless charging of any kind; a small hit to the phone's convenience. Battery score: 4 / 5 Should you buy the Xiaomi Mix Flip? Buy it if... You want a clamshell foldable with killer displays The outer screen is intuitive and attractive, while the main display is well sized for enjoying media, without compromsing this foldable's portability. You want the best cameras on a clamshell foldable While Xiaomi makes better camera phones, in the clamshell foldable space, the Mix Flip's Leica-bolstered snappers are among the best. Don't buy it if... You're accident prone Foldables are more fragile than standard candy bar phones, but the absence of any certified water or dust protection means you need to be extra careful around water with the Mix Flip. You need a fast-charging foldable If you're in the market for a foldable like the Mix Flip, convenience is likely important to you. As such, all-day battery and respectably quick fast-charging are notable inclusions here. Xiaomi Mix Flip review: Also consider Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 It should come as no surprise that Samsung's latest Z Flip is the one to beat. A similar price and performance are balanced by fractionally weaker cameras, but superior software support and wider global availability. Motorla Razr Plus 2024 / Razr 50 Ultra Another good-looking clamshell foldable, the latest and greatest Razr offers a more flexible outer screen experience, cleaner software, a lower asking price and wider global availability. It comes with weaker performance and cameras, though. How I tested the Xiaomi Mix Flip Xiaomi Mix Flip review open and closed Review test period = Three weeks Testing included = Everyday usage, web browsing, social media browsing, video streaming, gaming, photography Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, native Android stats I lived with the Xiaomi Mix Flip as my main device, using it in the day to day for the duration of the review period for everything from social media and gaming, to contactless payments and navigation, when out and about. I made sure to trial all of the HyperOS and Mix Flip-specific features, and used it in scenarios comparable to situations in which I've put previous clamshell foldables, like Z Flips and Razrs. I used a standard run of industry-used benchmarking apps to help assess CPU and GPU performance, while also timing battery drain under specific use cases (an hour of HDR video streaming at 50% brightness, for example), along with Android's native screen-on time metrics and timed recharge testing at 15-minute intervals, until full, using the provided 67W in-box charger. As a reviewer with 13 years experience, and having reviewed previous Xiaomi phones as well as numerous foldables, I felt confident assessing and scoring the Xiaomi Mix Flip, relative to other clamshell foldables on the market, and in the context of the wider smartphone market. Read more about how we test First tested November 2024 You are the owner of this article. If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. By Miya Tanaka, KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 08:40 | All, Japan, World Kuniko Miyajima, 77, had been expecting a day like any other, with her family gathered around the dinner table, smiling and enjoying the meal she lovingly prepared. But her life changed forever when her 9-year-old son Ken died in the 1985 Japan Airlines jumbo jet crash. The mother has since led an association of the families bereaved by the world's deadliest single-aircraft accident, which started off as a mutual support group and has, over the decades, become a beacon for others in Japan dealing with similar tragedies. Taking part in a U.N. aviation agency symposium on Tuesday in the Netherlands that brought together families of aircraft accident victims from various countries, Miyajima hoped her experience would again light the way for others -- this time across borders. "I believe other families are already focusing on what's next...and I like to think that I helped them in some small way," she said after speaking about her past 39 years at the event, which was aimed at promoting global cooperation in supporting those mostly affected by aircraft disasters. It has not been an easy journey for Miyajima since JAL Flight 123, while en route from Tokyo to Osaka, slammed into a mountain in an area northwest of Tokyo on Aug. 12, 1985, claiming the lives of all but four of the 524 passengers and crew aboard. While coping with her own deep regret over letting her son fly alone, on what was supposed to have been a reward trip for his achievement of swimming 25 meters in a pool, Miyajima took on a central role in the victims' relatives association "8.12 Renrakukai," meaning liaison group, launched about four months after the accident. At a time when there was no such thing as the internet and scant public recognition of the importance of supporting the bereaved, the group's activities were "a trial and error process," Miyajima had earlier recalled. With many of the bereaved families scattered across Japan, newsletters the group published and delivered by mail helped create a bond among them, serving as a key venue to exchange information, including on compensation issues and memorial events, and an outlet to share their emotions. Miyajima remembers thinking she must "pull myself together" when a reporter's question about who she had lost caused her to choke up and retreat to the restroom -- an episode that occurred less than a year after the accident. "I wondered regretfully how somebody as pathetic as me had taken on this (leading) role. But I decided to fulfill my responsibility and instead asked the media not to pose questions about Ken, knowing it would make me tear up." After largely devoting the first five years to campaigning for thorough accident investigations and an unsuccessful attempt to seek justice for the victims, the 8.12 group has carried on with its efforts to keep the tragedy alive in the public consciousness and advocate for air safety. From its inception, the association vowed to work toward improving the safety of skies worldwide. The term "bereaved families" was deliberately left out of its name to avoid the perception that its members were simply people overwhelmed with grief. Its persistent calls to preserve the wreckage of the crashed plane bore fruit as Japan Airlines Co. in 2006 opened a publicly accessible center in Tokyo displaying parts of the aircraft blamed for the accident, as well as other debris and actual notes and photos of the last messages written by those who were on board. In 2011, nearly 26 years after the crash, the bereaved families' push for accountability led Japan's accident investigation board to release a guidebook for the original official accident investigation report released in 1987, which spanned around 400 pages and was rife with technical terms. The 8.12 group has also interacted with other families of the victims of transportation accidents and natural calamities, including the 2005 fatal derailment of a commuter train in western Japan, at times helping them cope with the grief and sharing experiences on ways to run associations. Christopher Hood, an academic based at Britain's Cardiff University whose research has included the JAL accident and Japan's bullet train, said Miyajima and the 8.12 group deserve "recognition" not just in Japan but also internationally for their activities that continue until today. "Mrs. Miyajima and the Renrakukai have almost become a model for other families when there have been other events, and this is not necessarily now limited to transportation accidents," he said in a recent interview, touching on her exchanges with the bereaved families of the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan in March 2011. He also suggested that the weight of the Renrakukai stems from the scale of the accident involving a single plane -- the deaths of 520 people across 401 households -- which was "almost like nothing we've really seen before" and enabled "a critical mass of people to come together." Annual memorial pilgrimages to the 1,565-meter crash site, the Osutaka Ridge in Gunma Prefecture, have been joined by families impacted by other accidents and disasters who have come to know Miyajima and hope to strive for a safer society together. The Japanese government, meanwhile, has become more inclined to reflect the voices of the victims and their families to improve their assistance to people in transportation disasters. Following a survey of families affected by Japan's major airline and train accidents, including the JAL crash, the government in 2012 launched an office for public transportation disaster victims aimed at assisting the affected in the immediate aftermath, such by offering necessary information, as well as in the longer term by coordinating psychological and other care. After participating in Tuesday's symposium organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization, Miyajima appeared encouraged to see families of aircraft disaster victims around the world raising their voices for better support in future tragedies. "Definitely, it's that anger, grief and suffering that can bring changes to societies. I've always thought so and still carry those feelings within me," she said. Related coverage: 1985 JAL crash victim's kin urges disaster family support globally State lawmakers are considering making it a traffic violation to operate a vehicle in Arizona with an animal on the drivers lap. The violation would come with a fine. Do you agree? You voted: The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. "It was a violent murder": Parents speak out as body of American girl who died in Budapest is repatriated. New information has emerged regarding Mackenzie Michalski, the young American tourist who tragically died in Budapest in early November. Her parents recently revealed that their daughters body has been repatriated to the U.S. They vehemently dismissed claims that her death was an accident, asserting that it was a violent murder. Mackenzie Michalski, disappeared in Budapest at the beginning of November, and it was soon revealed that she had lost her life. The authorities began investigations into an Irishman who was with her on her last day. The two young people went to the man's apartment where the girl died during sex. Suspect tried to hide the body The man allegedly panicked after Michalskis death, initially hiding her body in a wardrobe before purchasing a suitcase and transporting it to Lake Balaton. He later confessed to authorities, revealing the location of the body. The 37-year-old Irishman accused of her murder testified that the tragedy occurred during a consensual bondage encounter initiated by the victim. His lawyer stated that the man deeply regretted his actions and wanted to apologise to the victims parents. The victims parents, in their social media post, thanked both Hungarian and international authorities for their co-operation and the outpouring of support they have received from people worldwide. However, they strongly refuted claims that their daughters death was an accident, emphasising that the evidence reviewed, in collaboration with Hungarian police, indicates foul play. They said, After encouraging co-operation with the Hungarian police and other authorities we remain confident that Kenzie's killer will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law for this crime. "One important thing must be clarified. Based on all the available evidence reviewed during the consultations with the Hungarian police, our daughter's death cannot be ruled out as an accident, despite claims to the contrary. It was a violent murder. The investigation continues, and close friends remain convinced that justice must be served for what they believe to be a heinous crime. Original sources: https://www.blikk.hu/aktualis/krimi/amerikai-lany-szulok-baleset-mackenzie-michalski/vr2pzpp https://www.blikk.hu/aktualis/krimi/amerikai-meggyilkolt-lany-mackenzie-michalski/rnmknmq Proofread by: Marion Merrick Language editor and author: Now You See It, Now You Dont / Surprising Expats / Budapest Retro Maruti Dzire Features: The fourth-generation Maruti Dzire recently hit the market with a fresh appealing look, updated features and a new engine. Packed with features that not only stand out in its class (sub-4m sedan) but also rival those in similarly priced cars from other categories, the Dzire claims to offer great value. With its pricing closely aligned to that of the Maruti Baleno, a feature-rich competitor in its segment, let's check out five features the new Dzire gets over the Maruti Baleno. 1. Single-Pane Sunroof The new Dzire introduces a single-pane sunroof, which is first in the sub-4m sedan category and is available exclusively in the top-variant ZXi Plus, giving it a more premium feel. 2. Six Airbags As Standard Both the Dzire and Baleno offer six airbags, but while the Baleno provides this safety feature starting from the 1-below-top Zeta trim, the Dzire includes it across all variants. 3. Wireless Phone Charger The Dzire comes equipped with a wireless phone charger, available from the ZXi trim onward. This sought-after feature reduces cable clutter in the cabin and enhances convenience for modern-day buyers. 4. TPMS The ZXi variant of the Maruti Dzire also adds a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a valuable safety feature over the Baleno. It alerts drivers to any significant changes in tyre pressure. 5. Larger Boot Space With a spacious 382-litre boot, the Dzire offers ample room for luggage, making it ideal for weekend trips with your family. In contrast, the Balenos boot is smaller at 318 litres. Price And Rivals The new Dzire is priced between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh and competes with rivals like the Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor. It will also face competition from the upcoming 2024 Honda Amaze, set to launch on December 4. KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan PM Ishiba mulls South Korea visit in early Jan. to meet with Yoon TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering visiting South Korea in early January for talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol, diplomatic sources said Thursday. The planned trip will be part of their "shuttle diplomacy," or regular mutual visits, resumed between Tokyo and Seoul in 2023 before the 60th anniversary of the normalization of their ties next year. ---------- Extra Diet session begins with minority government eyeing budget, reforms TOKYO - Japan's parliament convened an extraordinary session Thursday for deliberations on a supplementary budget to help inflation-hit households and a revision of the political funds law following a bruising scandal, in the first major test for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's minority government. The 24-day session through Dec. 21 will see Ishiba engage in substantive parliamentary debate for the first time since his ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives in late October. ---------- Lawmaker's husband, daughter remain missing after Tokyo condo fire TOKYO - The husband and eldest daughter of Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Kuniko Inoguchi remained unaccounted for Thursday after a fire at the family's Tokyo condominium, metropolitan police said, though two bodies found at the scene have yet to be positively identified. Inoguchi's husband, Takashi, 80, a professor emeritus of politics and international relations at the University of Tokyo, and her 33-year-old eldest daughter were captured on security camera footage in the building late Wednesday afternoon, according to investigative sources. ---------- Toyota global output falls 0.8% in Oct. on price war in China NAGOYA - Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday its global production for October fell 0.8 percent from a year earlier to 893,164 units, hit by tough price competition in China and a recall in North America. Its overseas production fell 4.9 percent to 587,105 units, as output in China dropped 8.7 percent due to the Japanese automaker's continued struggles in the world's biggest auto market where BYD Co. and other local rivals are offering more affordable electric cars. ---------- Japan's popular Nozomi bullet trains eye reducing nonreserved seats NAGOYA - The operators of Nozomi bullet train services connecting Tokyo and Hakata in southwestern Japan are considering reducing the number of nonreserved seats from next spring, sources close to the matter said Thursday. The move comes as the growing use of online reservation systems has increased demand for reserved seats for the super-express services linking Tokyo with major western Japanese cities including Osaka and Kyoto. ---------- Basketball: Watanabe ready to mediate in Hachimura's row with JBA TOKYO - Japan forward Yuta Watanabe voiced hope he might calm the waters after his national teammate Rui Hachimura openly questioned Tom Hovasse staying on as the men's team head coach. "I'm looking to communicate with Tom, Rui and also the Japan Basketball Association in order to make the national team better," Watanabe, who played six seasons in the NBA before returning home with Chiba Jets this summer, told reporters Thursday. ---------- Man gets 8 yrs for dangerous driving over fatal accident in Japan OITA, Japan - A Japanese court sentenced a man to eight years in prison Thursday for causing a 2021 fatal accident, after the charge was changed from negligent driving resulting in death to the more serious dangerous driving causing death. The 23-year-old defendant, who was 19 at the time, was traveling at 194 kilometers per hour when he plowed into a car turning right at an intersection on Feb. 9, 2021, in Oita, southwestern Japan, killing a 50-year-old man, according to a ruling by the Oita District Court. ---------- Japan's ex-top currency diplomat Masato Kanda picked as next ADB chief TOKYO - Former top Japanese currency diplomat Masato Kanda has been selected as the next president of the Asian Development Bank, the Manila-based international lender said Thursday. Kanda, 59, currently a special adviser to Japan's prime minister, will take office on Feb. 24, 2025 as the 11th president, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, another former senior official of Japan's Finance Ministry, the ADB said. Video: Godzilla named Saga Prefecture's new tourism ambassador What is Red Planet Day 2024? Every year on November 28, we celebrate Red Planet Day, a day all about Mars, which is the fourth planet from the Sun. Mars is often called the "Red Planet" due to its reddish color and has fascinated peoplescientists and non-scientists alikefor many years. This day lets us think about what we've achieved in space exploration, especially concerning Mars, and raises awareness about ongoing work to discover more about this intriguing planet. The Story Behind Red Planet Day Red Planet Day has a special history linked to major milestones in Mars exploration. It marks the anniversary of the launch of the "Mariner 4 spacecraft" on "November 28, 1964", the first spacecraft to get close to Mars and send back detailed images of its surface. Mariner 4s success opened the door for future missions to Mars and sparked worldwide interest in what the planet might reveal. The mission of Mariner 4 gave us our first clear pictures of Mars, showing a dry, cratered landscape that was a far cry from the wet, vibrant world imagined by early astronomers. These revolutionary images bust many myths about Mars and set the stage for years of research into its geology, atmosphere, and whether it could support life. Why is Red Planet Day Important? 1. Celebrating Mars Exploration: It reminds everyone of what we've achieved in space and highlights ongoing efforts to explore Mars. NASAs rovers, like "Curiosity", "Perseverance", and "Opportunity", along with missions from other space agencies, have greatly increased our knowledge about the planet. 2. Inspiring the Next Generation: The journey to Mars inspires people around the world. Red Planet Day motivates young people to think about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), helping to foster the next wave of explorers and innovators. 3. Searching for Life Beyond Earth: One of the big questions about Mars is whether it ever hosted life or if it might be possible in the future. By looking at Mars's past environment, scientists can gain insights into the chances of life existing on other planets. 4. Technological Progress: Every mission to Mars brings new technological advancements, from landing techniques to ways of sending data. These improvements not only help in space exploration but also have useful applications here on Earth. Theme for Red Planet Day 2024 "Building the Path to Mars" This theme draws attention to current and upcoming missions aimed at exploring Mars more closely and the hope for human exploration of the planet in the future. NASAs Artemis program and several international space agencies are gearing up for significant missions to return astronauts to the Moon, using it as a launch point for eventual crewed missions to Mars. These plans are part of a broader vision to explore and perhaps settle Mars, pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Highlights of Mars Missions 1. Mariner 4 (1964): This was the first spacecraft to bring back images from Mars, marking a significant achievement in exploring space. 2. Viking Program (1976): NASAs Viking spacecraft landed on Mars, returning valuable data and images of the Martian landscape. 3. Spirit and Opportunity Rovers (2004): These twin rovers broadened our knowledge of Mars's geology and its history with water. 4. Curiosity Rover (2012): Curiosity has provided detailed information about Marss surface, atmosphere, and the possibility of past life. 5. Perseverance Rover (2021): Perseverance is busy collecting soil samples and looking for signs of ancient life, and its testing new technologies for future human missions. 6. Ingenuity Helicopter (2021): Attached to Perseverance, the "Ingenuity" helicopter made history with the first powered flight on another planet. These missions show how far weve come in exploring and understanding Mars, setting the stage for even more ambitious projects in the future. How to Celebrate Red Planet Day 2024 There are plenty of ways to mark Red Planet Day, whether you love space, are a student, or just curious about Mars: 1. Learn About Mars: Spend some time exploring the latest research and discoveries about Mars. NASAs Mars webpage is full of information, including updates on missions, photos, and even interactive features. 2. Join Space Events: Many museums, planetariums, and universities host special events and talks about Mars. Look for local events or virtual talks on Red Planet Day. 3. Watch Documentaries: If you're keen to learn more, there are many documentaries available on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime that discuss Mars mission's science and history. 4. Connect with STEM Communities: Engage in discussions, online forums, or local groups to share your enthusiasm for space exploration and learn from others who love the Red Planet. 5. Support Space Exploration: Think about supporting organizations focused on space research and exploration, such as NASA, SpaceX, or other space advocacy groups. Red Planet Day is not just a celebration of Mars; its also a reminder for us to keep exploring this fascinating planet. It highlights how much weve learned about our neighbor and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Whether youre a space enthusiast or just starting to learn about Mars, this day invites you to dream about the future of exploration and humanitys potential to discover new worlds. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) New Delhi: ZEE5 announces 'Maeri' a thrilling drama series that delves into family, justice, and revenge. Produced and directed by Sachinn Darekkar, the show stars Sai Deodhar, Tanvi Mundle, Sagar Deshmukh and Chinmay Mandlekar. This gripping web series explores the boundless power of a mothers love, showcasing a woman willing to go to unimaginable lengths to safeguard her child. All About Maeri This drama revolves around the story of a mother, Tara Deshpande, who is pushed to the edge when her beloved daughter, Manasvi, is brutally assaulted by a group of influential young men. As the judicial system fails to deliver justice, Tara embarks on a dangerous, secret battle against the powerful perpetrators, using every resource and tactic at her disposal to obtain revenge. As the stakes grow higher, Tara must navigate her fractured family dynamics, face a relentless police officer, and confront her own moral boundaries. With each twist, the tension escalates, leading to a shocking final confrontation. Watch Maeri's Official Trailer Below! Sai Deodhar, portraying the role of a fierce mother, shared insights into her character and the emotional journey of the series, she said, "Playing Tara Deshpande has been an incredibly intense and emotional journey for me. Tara is a mother who is pushed to her limits by an unimaginable tragedy, and her quest for justice becomes both her strength and her burden. Im thrilled to be a part of this powerful story and to bring Taras story to life. I cant wait for audiences to watch the show and experience the thrilling twists and deep emotional layers it offers. 'Maeri' is a story that will resonate with everyone, and I am looking forward for its release on ZEE5." Tanvi Mundle who plays the daughter shared, "When I first heard the story of 'Maeri,' I was immediately captivated. The story is so emotionally powerful. Manasvi's journey is one of personal growth, where she learns to deal with the complex emotions of loss and discovery. What makes it even more special is the opportunity to share the screen with such versatile actors such as Sai Deodhar and Sagar Deshmukh. Ive learned so much from them. I'm beyond excited for the audience to experience the emotional depth and thrills of 'Maeri' on ZEE5!" The suspense thriller web series Maeri, scheduled for release on December 6, 2024 on ZEE5. The IPO market has been a hotbed of activity lately, with several high-profile launches. India has been the top-ranked nation in terms of the number of IPOs year-to-date in 2023. Amidst this action, analysing the results of the major performing companies' IPOs can give more perspective on market behaviour, investment patterns, and emerging trends. Learning from Recent IPO Results Recent IPO performers have presented great debuts and underwhelming entries in this dynamic market. While companies like Zomato or Nykaa drew attention with their brand presence, some could not gain any ground, even with competitive valuations. These outcomes underline the importance of dissecting IPO details, such as pricing strategies, industry relevance, and the broader market sentiment, before making investment decisions. For example, the success story of Zomato's IPO may be viewed in one context wherein it was able to dominate the food delivery sector and capture the growth of the digital economy. Paytm faced a lot of scepticism relating to its profitability roadmap. Such issues emphasise that potential investors should evaluate an IPO beyond the hype and look into fundamentals and long-term prospects. Key Factors Influencing IPO Success Industries like tech and renewable energy have garnered investor interest due to their futuristic potential. Companies in these sectors often see better IPO results due to heightened demand. Market Timing : Launching an IPO during a bullish market phase increases the chances of higher subscriptions, while bearish phases can dampen enthusiasm. : Launching an IPO during a bullish market phase increases the chances of higher subscriptions, while bearish phases can dampen enthusiasm. Valuation and Pricing : An aggressively priced IPO might alienate retail investors, while undervaluation could limit fundraising potential. Striking a balance is key. : An aggressively priced IPO might alienate retail investors, while undervaluation could limit fundraising potential. Striking a balance is key. Investor Sentiment: A companys narrative, growth story, and ability to communicate a clear vision can significantly influence investor behaviour. IPO Result Check: Lessons for Investors While the IPO market is attractive, it calls for careful study and practical expectations. The process of checking the result of an IPO provides valuable information regarding subscription rates, absolute demand from various categories of investors, and listing losses or gains. Here are some lessons for investors: Avoid Over-Reliance on Market Trends: While trends provide context, they should not be the sole determinant of investment decisions. Instead, analyse the company's financial health and growth prospects. Understand the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP): The RHP contains vital IPO details, including risk factors, business strategies, and financial disclosures. A thorough review can offer clarity on the companys potential. International Insights from IPO Markets The international IPO landscape is another lesson for Indian investors. In the United States, for example, a significant part of the U.S. IPO market emphasises transparency and regulatory compliance, resulting in investor trust. Chinese IPOs emphasise scaling fast to dominate local markets before expanding into international markets. The above contrasting approaches reflect the need to build strategies based on regional nuances. The retail investor's participation in India has been a game-changer. Due to the popularity of platforms such as UPI, paperwork and application processes were made simple. But this is also the time for better financial literacy so that the herd mentality does not fool people. Conclusion The intricacy and uncertainty of IPOs entail research, timing, and sometimes even intuition. Analysing recent IPOs that performed well can help investors with better market intervention. Learning from all trends in the world or using a tool such as Research 360 to be analytically informed can help form the basis of successful investing. As the IPO market shifts, embracing a structured approach to analysing IPO details and results will remain key. The best investment avenue will be unearthed with appropriate strategies and resources, maximising this exciting investment field. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) For the first time since the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, the community itself has taken a significant step towards resettling in Kashmir. A group of displaced Pandits has registered a housing society in Srinagar to seek government-subsidized land for permanent settlement in the valley. This move signals a shift from the past, when rehabilitation efforts were largely government-led, with the community itself now driving the process. The 'Displaced Kashmiri Residents Housing Cooperative' has been officially registered with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Jammu and Kashmir. The society, which includes 11 Kashmiri Pandits and two Sikhsall of whom were displaced during the 1990 exodushas already garnered the support of 500 families who are willing to return to Kashmir if the government provides land on favorable terms. Today, three members of the society met with MoS Home Nityanand Rai in Delhi, where they presented their proposal for land subsidies to facilitate their resettlement. Rai, after hearing their proposal, assured them of support and promised to form a panel to assess the project. Satish Mahaldar, the societys secretary, expressed gratitude for the ministers response and emphasized that the initiative goes beyond just building homesit is about restoring the communitys identity and culture. We decided to register a cooperative housing society and create a roadmap for our return, Mahaldar explained. Its not just about getting homes; its about reclaiming our identity, our culture. Today, we met MoS Home Nityanand Rai and presented our proposal for a subsidy on land and construction. He gave us a patient hearing, appreciated our efforts, and assured us of all possible help. This initiative, led by the displaced Pandit community, seeks to integrate Kashmiri Pandit migrants with the local Muslim population, moving away from previous proposals for isolated townships that were met with resistance from both communities. In the past, the idea of separate settlements had sparked opposition from both Pandit and Muslim groups. Now, with the community taking matters into its own hands, the focus is on reintegration and peaceful coexistence. Long-Standing Issue The issue of Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation has been a core topic in Jammu and Kashmirs political discourse for decades. Almost every political party has included promises of Pandit rehabilitation in their manifestos. Despite numerous attempts, the practical implementation of these promises has been slow. The governments previous efforts, including the 'Prime Ministers Development Package of 2015' and the 'Prime Ministers Reconstruction Plan of 2008', created job opportunities and transit accommodations for returning Pandits, but many hurdles remain. In 2015, the government sanctioned 6,000 jobs for Kashmiri Pandit migrants, and over 5,700 of them have already been appointed to positions in the Valley. The government also built transit accommodations for 6,000 people and their families in various regions of Kashmir. While many Pandits have returned to Kashmir and resumed their lives, including teaching and working in remote areas alongside Muslim communities, the process has been far from complete. The demand for a comprehensive and permanent settlement continues. Amidst the ongoing delays and bureaucratic hurdles, many Kashmiri Pandits feel frustrated by the lack of concrete action. Babloo Bhat, a displaced Pandit, spoke about the deep desire to return home: No one wants to remain away from their homeland. Everyone wants to return to Kashmir, to die in their home. We all want to live with our brothers here. This is the opinion of every Pandit, even those who live outside Jammu. This initiative, led by the Displaced Kashmiri Residents Housing Cooperative, marks the first time that Pandits have organized themselves to take responsibility for their own resettlement. Their aim is to create a composite culture, where they can live alongside Muslims, rather than in isolated communities, as was once proposed. The idea is to integrate, not segregate, and rebuild the unity that once existed between the two communities in Kashmir. Hindus in Bangladesh are no longer fighting just for food or employmentthey are fighting for their very survival. Hindus are increasingly becoming targets of extremists, and these radicals are openly calling for the mass killing of Hindus. Their goal is clear: erase every trace of Hindus from Bangladesh. As part of this plan, there has been a demand to declare ISKCON a terrorist organization. Radical groups even took this issue to court. While the Dhaka High Court rejected the demand to ban ISKCON, the threat to both ISKCON and the three crore Hindus of Bangladesh remains unresolved. In today's DNA, Zee News continued its ongoing campaign for the Hindus of Bangladesh and analysed how a radical conspiracy against ISKCON in Bangladesh has failed. There have been direct calls to declare ISKCON a terrorist group, and radical speeches have been delivered calling for the skinning of ISKCON priests. Although the court has ruled against declaring ISKCON a terrorist organization, the radicals are determined to erase ISKCON from Bangladesh completely. This is evident from the situation in Shibchar, where a mob forced the closure of an ISKCON temple, removed its signboard, and all this happened with the support of the Bangladeshi police and armywho have been complicit in bowing down to the demands of these extremists. Radical organizations in Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Yunus government, are working tirelessly to suppress the voices of Hindus. First, a false sedition case was filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ISKCON leader. Then, ISKCON supporters were falsely accused of involvement in the murder of a lawyer. Now, there are attempts to declare ISKCON a terrorist organization. This entire sequence of events is part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy. Media reports reveal that a mob of extremists in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, brutally murdered a Hindu family of four. The mob killed a Hindu couple and their two young children in cold blood. Thirty-two-year-old Johnny Biswas was hanged. His wife was beheaded, and the two children were suffocated to death. This is the grim reality for Hindus in Bangladesha reality where extremists are determined to wipe out every Hindu. Watch full episode for a detailed analysis: New Delhi: After Eknath Shindes move to step aside from Maharashtra Chief Ministerial race, all eyes are on the process of government formation, expected on Monday. The official declaration of the next chief minister will follow the BJP legislature party's leader election, scheduled in Mumbai on Friday. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who is likely to become the next chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar are set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday. The meeting will focus on finalising the power-sharing deal among the three parties in the Mahayuti alliance. As per the press address by the NCP leader Ajit Pawar, there will be two deputy chief ministers in the incoming government. However, decision on 43 other cabinet berths and portfolio distribution among the three alliance members of Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) is yet to be finalised. Eknath Shinde dismissed claims of being upset over not securing a second term as chief minister, despite the ruling alliance achieving a resounding victory under his leadership. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Thane, Eknath Shinde stated, "Nobody is annoyed. We have worked as Mahayuti." Our Shiv Sena will fully support the BJPs decision to name the next Maharashtra CM. There is no speed breaker from our side, Shinde appeared unfazed, showing no visible signs of discontent despite the circumstances. I am not disappointed. We fight and dont cry, Shinde added. Next CM Will Choose Maharashtra Cabinet: Fadnavis Considered a frontrunner for the CM position, Fadnavis highlighted that the Mahayuti alliance of Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP is united in its efforts to form the government. "Once a chief minister is decided, that person will finalise the state cabinet," PTI quoted the outgoing deputy CM as saying. Referring to Eknath Shindes presser, Fadnavis said that Shindeji has cleared all doubts of ifs and buts. Emphasising that Mahayuti will take a joint decision, Fadnavis added, "(Eknath) Shinde Saheb, (Deputy CM and NCP leader) Ajitdada Pawar, and I are together. There is no dispute in the Mahayuti alliance. Before the elections, we had said that all decisions would be taken jointly with our senior leadership," he said. With 132 seats in the 288-member assembly, the BJP is likely to secure the largest share of the 43 Cabinet positions, including the chief minister's post. (With agency inputs) Hemant Soren Oath Ceremony: Hemant Soren, leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the fourth time today. The swearing-in ceremony, held in the state capital, Ranchi, was a significant political event, not only marking Soren's return to office but also serving as a platform for the INDIA alliance to showcase its unity and strength. More details awaited. The JMM leader was sworn in as the chief minister by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The governor administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren at a function held in Morabadi ground in Ranchi, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal were present. Prior to taking the oath, Soren, donning a kurta and pyjama, met JMM president and his father Shibu Soren. This is the fourth stint of the JMM leader as the chief minister. Hemant Soren retained the Barhait seat by defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes in the recent assembly polls. The JMM-led alliance stormed to victory, securing 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly, while the BJP-led NDA managed 24 constituencies. INDIA Bloc Leaders Present In a show of strength, several leaders of the opposition bloc INDIA were present during the oath ceremony. The leaders included AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, his wife Sunita Kejriwal, party MP Raghav Chadha and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge among others. Cyclone Fengal HIGHLIGHTS: The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm on Friday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday. The cyclonic storm, named 'Fengal' and pronounced as 'Feinjal' is likely to make a landfall on November 30 afternoon close to Puducherry with a wind speed, gusting upto 90 kmph. Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience heavy rainfall over the next few days, with weather officials urging residents to remain vigilant. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal due to rough sea conditions. The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal remained practically stationary about 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee and it will intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours, the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, said on Thursday. It would move nearly north-northwestwards, skirting Sri Lanka coast and intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours, the RMC said in its latest bulletin. "To cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram around the morning of November 30, as a deep depression with a wind speed of 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph," it said. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry braced for very heavy rain with the possibility of Cyclone Fengal crossing the coasts near Chennai. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force team inspected the vulnerable and low-lying areas in T R Patinam, Karaikal, along with officials, focussing on risk assessment and safety measures, the NDRF said. Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 28-11-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-549" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-549, November 28, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KN-549" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-549 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-549 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 28-11-2024 Nov: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-549 Draw LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: PN 188169 LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS: PT 107611 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKHS ARE: PN 349267 PO 274051 PP 236612 PR 859747 PS 246683 PT 355267 PU 469828 PV 605954 PW 933132 PX 562808 PY 215072 PZ 184234 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: PO 188169 PP 188169 PR 188169 PS 188169 PT 188169 PU 188169 PV 188169 PW 188169 PX 188169 PY 188169 PZ 188169 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0344 1577 1623 3551 4226 4350 4376 4471 4766 4931 5238 5474 5497 6551 6717 7758 8035 9624 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0910 0950 1567 1572 1738 2004 2487 2726 3083 3111 3711 3726 3836 3910 4131 4217 4321 5141 5400 6386 6529 6649 6762 6928 7118 7283 7614 7992 8236 8248 8612 8615 9013 9087 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0126 0150 0174 0199 0398 0548 0747 0770 0924 0940 1053 1060 1064 1206 1284 1438 1450 1544 1662 1864 1895 2054 2098 2142 2251 2582 2850 3084 3601 3789 3820 4345 4375 4799 4972 5044 5095 5313 5601 5667 5682 5699 5913 6105 6129 6197 6293 6337 6552 6563 6638 6695 6780 6854 6963 7017 7447 7729 7771 8090 8142 8158 8228 8460 8464 8673 8709 8858 8875 9103 9249 9252 9317 9391 9530 9762 9772 9843 9844 9943 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: To Be Announced KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 28-11-2024 Nov: KARUNYA PLUS KN-549 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) Maharashtra CM News: Amid the ongoing suspense over the next Maharashtra Chief Minister, Maharashtra's outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital on Thursday night to thrash out a power-sharing pact in the state. So far, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the CM's chair. He held the post between 2014 and 2019, and for a few days again in November, following the 2019 Assembly election, after Ajit Pawar's first attempted rebellion. Maharashtra CM Post Race: Here Are Key Points 1. NCP chief and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said a decision on ministerial berths for the alliance partners -- BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP -- will be decided at the meeting with Shah on Thursday night. Leaders of the alliance said a new government could be in place in Maharashtra latest by December 2. 2. Shinde reached the national capital along with senior party leaders Uday Samant and Shambhuraj Desai. Earlier, Fadnavis held a meeting with Ajit Pawar at the residence of NCP leader Sunil Tatkare. 3. The outgoing CM met Shah in Delhi separately ahead of the meeting of the Mahayuti coalition, as reported by news agency PTI. The Shiv Sena leader, who arrived from Mumbai, drove straight to Shah's Krishna Menon Marg residence, where BJP president J P Nadda was already present. 4. On Wednesday, Shinde broke his silence and said he has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will abide by whatever decision the BJP takes on naming his successor. 5. Shindes announcement followed vociferous demands by his Shiv Sena party leaders that he continue as CM as the ruling Mahayuti alliance scored a landslide victory under his leadership. 6. Speaking to reporters, Shinde said that he would not be an obstacle in the government formation in the state and abide by the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah. This cleared the decks for the saffron party to have its nominee as the next chief minister in Maharashtra. "This 'ladka bhau' (beloved brother) has arrived in Delhi and the 'ladka bhau' designation is higher than anything else for me," he said. 7. Addressing a press conference in Thane, Shinde (60) said he will fully support the saffron partys leadership decision to name the next CM and wont be a hurdle in the process. I called PM Modi and Amit Shah yesterday and told them to decide (on who will be the CM post) and assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take, Shinde said. Our Shiv Sena will fully support the BJPs decision to name the next Maharashtra CM. There is no speed breaker from our side, Shinde said, showing no trace on his face of having to swallow the bitter pill. 8. The BJP handed a crushing defeat to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the opposition alliance of the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar factions of the Sena and NCP, winning 132 (of 288) Assembly seats on its own and 235 with its allies. 9. On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation as chief minister to Governor C P Radhakrishnan. The governor requested Shinde to continue as caretaker chief minister until a new government is formed. 10. The Maharashtra assembly elections were held on November 20, and the results were declared on November 23. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Prak Sokhonn, Cambodian deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of the Cambodian People's Party, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday met with Prak Sokhonn, Cambodian deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of the Cambodian People's Party. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the friendship between China and Cambodia has withstood the test of international changes, and under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the ironclad friendship between the two countries has entered a new stage. Wang said China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Cambodia, promote the construction of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, enhance high-level strategic coordination to address risks and challenges, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both countries, and promote regional peace and stability. Prak Sokhonn said that Cambodia is firmly committed to a friendly policy toward China and is willing to enhance political mutual trust, promote practical cooperation, strengthen diplomatic coordination, and continuously elevate the Cambodia-China friendship to new heights. A 25-year-old female pilot of Air India allegedly died by hanging herself with a data cable at her rented flat in Mumbai after which police arrested her boyfriend on charges of abetment, an official said on Wednesday. The female pilot, identified as Srishti Tuli, a resident of the Kanakia Rain Forest building in the Marol area, died by suicide early Monday morning. According to PTI reports, police took her boyfriend Aditya Pandit (27), on Tuesday after one of Tuli's relatives accused him of harassing and abusing her, and forcing her to stop eating non-vegetarian food. Tuli, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had been living in Mumbai for work since June last year. She and Pandit met two years ago while pursuing a commercial pilot course in Delhi and entered into a relationship, PTI reported citing Powai police station. The suicide was discovered after Pandit began his journey to Delhi by car. During the drive, Tuli called him and said she would end her life. Pandit immediately rushed back to Mumbai and found the door of her flat locked from the inside, the official said. He then got the door opened with the help of a key maker and found Tuli hanging with a data cable. She was taken to the Seven Hills Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. No suicide note was found in the house, the official added. Tulis relative later approached the police alleging that Pandit would harass her often and even humiliate her in public. Besides, he had also pressured her to change her food habits, claimed the relative, the official further said, as per PTI reports. The official also said that based on the uncles complaint, Pandit was arrested under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhit section 108 (abetment of suicide), where he was remanded in police custody for four days. (With PTI Inputs) (Discussions on suicides can be triggering for some. But suicides are preventable. If you are looking for help, some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-40769002 from Sanjivini (Delhi-based, 10 am - 5.30 pm) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based, 8 am - 10 pm), +91 9999666555 from Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai-based, 24x7). The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on Friday that challenges a district court's November 19 order, which directed a survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The petition, filed by the Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, seeks an ex-parte stay on the operation of the district court's order. According to the cause list published on the Supreme Court's website for November 29, a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear the plea. The petition contends that the survey, ordered by a civil judge, was conducted hastily and could lead to communal tensions, jeopardizing the secular fabric of the country. The petitioners argue that the survey was carried out in an alarmingly swift manner, with a second survey conducted barely six hours after the initial one. "The hot haste in which the survey was allowed and conducted all within a day, and suddenly another survey was conducted with a notice of barely six hours, has given rise to widespread communal tensions," the petition reads. It further asserts that this could "threaten the secular and democratic fabric of the nation." Tensions have been escalating in Sambhal ever since the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 19. The survey followed claims that a Harihar temple once stood at the site where the mosque now stands. These claims have stirred up emotions and sparked debates about the historical significance of the site. The situation took a violent turn on November 24, when protests erupted near the mosque, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The violence escalated into stone pelting and arson, resulting in the deaths of four people and leaving several others injured. The unrest highlighted the growing friction between different community groups in the region, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the mosque and its historical claims. The petition challenging the survey order comes at a time when communal tensions are at a peak in the region. The outcome of the Supreme Court's hearing on Friday could have significant implications for the ongoing dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid and its historical significance. It remains to be seen how the court will address the concerns raised in the petition, especially with the backdrop of recent violence in Sambhal. New Delhi: Five days after the devasting defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra Assembly elections, murmurs are rising from within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction of breaking away from the grand old party and going solo. The Indian Express has learnt that a majority of the 20 Sena (UBT) MLAs reportedly pushed for this during a meeting convened by Thackeray on Monday. Express sources further said that the Sena's (UBT) grassroots workers, who were overshadowed by Eknath Shinde's faction winning 57 seats in the Assembly elections, are now questioning how effective the MVA alliance has been. However, the Indian Expresss sources indicated that Uddhav Thackeray, along with senior leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, are determined to keep the alliance intact to project a unified opposition against the BJP. Commenting on the rising discontent within the party over the MVA alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve acknowledged that a section of workers feels the party should contest the future polls alone. Smaller factions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) have occasionally voiced intentions of going solo, but these calls have resurfaced more prominently after the partys humiliating defeat under the MVA coalition comprising Congress and the NCP (SP). "There is a feeling among a large section of the party to contest the elections independently. It is immaterial whether Shiv Sena (UBT) gets power or not. The party was not born to seize power. It is a party that works on an ideology," said Danve, who is the Leader of Opposition in the legislative council, reported PTI. Responding to Danves statement, State Congress president Nana Patole said that everyone has the right to express their views. Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who previously served as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, acknowledged that Congress leaders, much like their Sena (UBT) counterparts, are also in favour of contesting elections independently. "But that cannot be the decision of the party. We are in the process of analysing the result and causes of our defeat, he added. Since 2022, when Eknath Shinde took off with most of the MLAs and divided the Shiv Sena into two, Uddhav Thackeray has been criticised for straying from Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology by aligning with Congress. Balasaheb's Shiv Sena was firmly rooted in Hindutva and Marathi pride. Experts suggest that Uddhav's coalition with Congress and the NCP gave Eknath Shinde and the BJP an opportunity to strengthen their hold on the Hindu voter base. Earlier this week, NCP chief whip Anil Patil claimed that there is growing unrest within the MVA camp, with five to six MLAs potentially considering a switch to the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The MVA MLAs feel their future is uncertain. It shouldnt be a surprise if five to six MLAs cross over to the Mahayuti in the next four months, PTI quoted Patil as saying. In the Maharashtra assembly poll results announced on Saturday, the BJP secured 132 seats, while its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. On the MVA side, Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed 20 seats, Congress secured 16, and NCP (SP) managed 10 seats. Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently made a stunning appearance at an event in Dubai. The former Miss World left her fans enthralled with her gorgeous look. But what grabbed attention was the Bachchan surname missing from her name at the event. This has sparked curiosity among fans and netizens due to the absence of the Bachchan surname displayed with her name. The incident, captured in photographs and videos circulating online, has led to speculation about her relationship status with Abhishek Bachchan. Aishwarya and Abhishek's divorce rumours have been making the rounds for quite a while now, despite Amitabh Bachchan's long reaction to the ongoing rumours and Abhishek's clarification that he is still married, netizens aren't convinced about all being well between the couple. And now this latest incident of Bachchan's surname going missing from her name makes netizens wonder if they have parted ways already. "This gathering is more than just an event, it is a legacy of empowerment it is an honor, an absolute privilege to be here, at the global women's forum in Dubai 2024 Aishwarya Rai International Star#GWFD2024 pic.twitter.com/7DoH9TlYPf (@DubaiWomenEst) November 27, 2024 While Aishwarya has not publicly addressed the omission or commented on her personal life, this detail has fueled rumours of a potential rift or even divorce. The Bachchans are known to maintain privacy regarding personal matters, and it remains to be seen if either Aishwarya or Abhishek will comment on this. For now, fans are left guessing as the internet buzzes with theories. Aishwarya's silence over Abhishek's latest release, I Want To Talk, only adds more fuel to the fire. Mumbai: Looks like Asim Riaz has fallen k in love again and he is ready to let the world even know about it. Former Bigg Boss 13 finalist Asim Riaz has sparked rumours of a new romance after sharing a picture with a mystery girl on his social media. The actor took to his Instagram and shared a picture of him alongside a mystery girl not revealing her face and this has started the speculations. This comes months after reports of his breakup with Himanshi Khurrana, with whom he had a highly publicized relationship post their Bigg Boss stint. The photo, which features Asim posing alongside the unidentified woman, has left fans curious about the nature of their relationship. While Asim has not confirmed or denied the speculation, many are wondering if he has moved on from his past relationship with Himanshi. Fans of the model-turned-actor are eagerly waiting for more details, with some hoping he will address the rumours soon. Could this be a new chapter in Asims love life? Only time will tell! Mumbai: In a recent development, actor Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth have officially been granted a divorce by the Chennai Family Welfare Court. The court's verdict comes after both parties expressed their inability to continue living together. Dhanush and Aishwarya appeared before the family court in Chennai on November 21, where they expressed their desire to part ways. The judge overseeing the divorce case adjourned the hearing to November 27, when the final verdict was expected to be delivered. The duo tied the knot in 2004 in a grand wedding in Chennai, and after 18 years of marriage, they released a joint statement revealing their decision to part ways. The statement read, 18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. The journey has been of growth, understanding, adjusting, and adapting. Today we stand at a place where our paths separate. Aishwaryaa/Dhanush and I have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand us as individuals for the better. Please do respect our decision and give us the needed privacy to deal with this (sic). Take A Look: They continue to co-parent their sons, Yatra and Lingaa. The two announced their separation on social media in 2022 and later filed for divorce. Meanwhile, Dhanush has recently filed a petition with the Madras High Court against actress Nayanthara and her husband-director Vignesh Shiva. Also Read: Dhanush Files Copyright Infringement Case Against Nayanthara In Madras HC The case centers around allegations of copyright infringement involving visuals from the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan," produced by Wunderbar Movies, which were allegedly used in the Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. Dhanush had previously sought damages of Rs 10 crore after the trailer of the Netflix documentary featured three seconds of behind-the-scenes footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Advocates Sathish Parasaran and R. Parthasarathy represented Nayanthara and Netflix, respectively. Justice Abdul Quddhose granted Wunderbar Movies' request to include Los Gatos in the case, noting that a significant portion of the dispute took place within the jurisdiction of the Madras High Court. New Delhi: Lucky Baskhar, starring Mollywood heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan and Meenakshi Chaudhary in the lead roles, has returned to the spotlight as it is now available for streaming on Netflix. Directed by Venky Atluri, the film has been making waves online, with millions of viewers praising its captivating storytelling, stellar performances, and music. Upon its release on OTT today, netizens took to social media to express their admiration for the film, calling it a "masterpiece." One viewer praised the film's narrative and performances, writing, "Lucky Baskhar. The best of 2024. A masterpiece cinema with brilliant screenplay and acting." Lucky bhaskar -. The best of 2024. A masterpiece cinema with brilliant screenplay and acting tharun (@immsst) November 28, 2024 Another user shared their love for the film, highlighting the director and crew's dedication: "Watched Lucky Baskhar! Feeling so lucky and if you watch it, youll feel the same! Even Bhaskar would agree. The director, actors, and crew didnt just rely on luck; they worked their luck off to make every scene shine." Watched Lucky Bhaskar! Feeling so lucky and if you watch it, youll feel the same! Even Bhaskar would agree. The director, actors, and crew didnt just rely on luck; they worked their luck off to make every scene shine! #LuckyBaskhar #OTT #Movies November 28, 2024 The films music has also received considerable attention. One netizen posted a glowing review of the song, saying, "Posting this MASTERPIECE here before it gets the recognition it deserves. @gvprakash Truly a heart-binding song, especially the lyrics by Balaji Venugopal. These lines hit differently, it's like a soothing balm for the soul. It kind of heals the heart." Posting this MASTERPIECE here before it gets its due recognition. @gvprakash Truly heart binding song, especially the lyrics by Balaji venugopal. Indha varigal edho manasula oru maadhiri thoondudhu . Kind of heals the heart #LuckyBhaskar @dulQuer #VidhiMaarudha pic.twitter.com/sHwxJ4MG16 Naturally technophilic (@NTechnophilic) November 20, 2024 One fan compared it to prabhas starrer kalki and Janhvi Kapoor's devara calling this film the 'film of the year'. Not kalki..not devara..lucky bhaskar is the film of the year for me..ott lo ochindi break icheyandi..nen already theatre lo chusesa..) pic.twitter.com/PiGpTbViWk manchi abbai (@manchi_abbai_) November 28, 2024 Apart From Meenakshi Chaudhary and Dulquer Salmaan, Lucky Baskhar also boasts a spectacular cast like Tinnu Anand, Ramki, Maanasa Choudhary, Surya Sreenivas, Sarvadaman D Banerjee, Rithvik Jothi Raj and Sochin Khedekar. One fan even joked about Meenakshi Chaudharys smile, commenting, "I understand Lucky Bhaskar... to see her smile, I would rob a bank too." I understand Lucky Bhaskar.. to see her smile I would rob a bank too. https://t.co/jwyrH0ILbE saravanavelu (@saravanvelu2) November 16, 2024 With its OTT debut, Lucky Baskhar continues to capture the hearts of viewers, solidifying its place as a Diwali sensation and a standout film of the year. New Delhi: As digital arrest scams rise in the country, the government has blocked more than 6.69 lakhs SIM cards and 1,32,000 International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers as reported by police authorities. To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes including digital arrest in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central government has taken several steps, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to deal with all types of cybercrimes in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System under I4C was launched in 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs 3,431 crore has been saved in more than 9.94 lakh complaints, informed the minister. The minister further stated that the government and telecom service providers (TSPs) have also devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers appear to be originating within India. Such international spoofed calls have been made by cyber-criminals in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, impersonation as government and police officials, etc, Kumar added. Directions have also been issued to the TSPs for blocking of such incoming international spoofed calls. A Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been established at I4C where representatives of major banks, financial intermediaries, payment aggregators, TSPs, IT Intermediaries and representatives of states/UTs law enforcement agency are working together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle cybercrime. A suspect registry of identifiers of cyber criminals has also been launched by I4C in collaboration with banks and financial institutions. The government has also introduced a new feature titled as Report and Check Suspect that provides citizens a search option to search I4Cs repository of identifiers of cyber criminals through Suspect Search. New Delhi: Google is making big changes to how it handles your location history. The tech giant announced that it will soon delete all location history saved in Google Maps. This includes data from the Timeline feature which tracks and stores your movements. Your past location data will no longer be stored with this update. Curious about whats changing and why? Heres everything you need to know. Google Maps to Clear Old Location History Google has started notifying users about a significant update regarding location history. Starting December 1, all data older than three months will be deleted. Since December 2023, Google has been storing your location history on your device instead of in the Google Cloud. Now, even this device-stored data will be wiped out as part of the new initiative. Heres how you can save your data: If you rely on Google Maps' Timeline feature to revisit past trips, track commutes or relive favorite memories, its time to act quickly. Google has set a deadline of December 8 for users to download and save location history data older than three months. After this date, any unsaved data will be permanently deleted. To save your data, Google has provided a link in its warning emails. Clicking the link will guide you through the steps to download your location history. You can also decide whether to keep your data indefinitely or enable automatic deletion after three months. A report from Android Authority reveals that some users who selected the Keep until you delete option have noticed their Timeline data being deleted unexpectedly. To avoid losing your location history, its advisable to export your data first using Google Takeout. Heres how you can save your Timeline data: - Visit takeout.google.com. - Deselect all options except Location History (Timeline). - Click on Next step. - Tap Create export. Once the export is complete, youll have a secure copy of your Timeline data even if it gets deleted later. Mumbai: In the latest episode of Bigg Boss 18, Shilpa Shirodkar stirred tension once again as she clashed with Karan Veer Mehra during a crucial task. The housemates were competing to secure the coveted title of Time God, which grants immunity and special privileges. However, Shilpas decision to support Eisha Singh over Karan Veer left him visibly upset. In the task, Karan and Avinash were holding one contestant on their back, Eisha who was on Avinash's back objected after Karan stopped in the task that too not once but twice. Shilpa who was the judge, warned Karan to not stop but he chose to ignore her and this made the former actress take a tough call and she declared Eisha a Time God. However, this decision of Shilpa made Karan hurt and he even told her that Karan was only there for her to not make a time god. This isnt the first time the two have been at odds, as their differing strategies and alliances have often put them on opposite sides. Fans are now divided, with some praising Shilpa for her bold gameplay, while others sympathise with Karan Veer, calling her decision unfair. As the dynamics heat up, viewers are eager to see how this rivalry unfolds. BUCHAREST, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Romania's Constitutional Court (CCR) has ordered on Thursday the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) to recount votes from the first round of the presidential election. At the same time, the CCR rejected a petition by candidate Sebastian Constantin Popescu to annul the first round results, citing late submission of the request. However, a separate annulment appeal filed by Cristian Terhes is scheduled for deliberation on Friday. Terhes, a Member of the European Parliament and a candidate for the Romanian National Conservative Party, garnered 95,782 votes, representing 1.04 percent of the total. The BEC had announced the final first-round results on Tuesday. Independent candidate Calin Georgescu secured the lead with 2,120,401 votes (22.94 percent), followed by Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union with 1,772,500 votes (19.18 percent). Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party narrowly missed advancing to the second round, receiving 1,769,760 votes (19.15 percent). Since no candidate achieved an absolute majority, a runoff is set for Dec. 8, 2024. The current presidential term will conclude on Dec. 21. Meanwhile, Romania is also preparing for parliamentary elections on Dec. 1, which will determine the composition of the next government and prime minister. The Dhaka High Court on Thursday declined to issue a suo motu order to ban ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh, citing assurances from government authorities that necessary measures have been taken, The Daily Star reported. During the hearing, Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin presented several newspapers reports before the bench. The media reports were about the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and its recent activities. Lawyer Uddin asked the HC put a ban on the organisation and impose Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur and Dinajpur. Responding to which, the bench comprising Justices Farah Mahbub and Debasish Roy Chowdhury directed the attorney general to provide details of the actions taken by the government concerning ISKCON's recent activities. The bench hoped that the government must remain cautious about protecting the law and order situation and lives and properties of the people of Bangladesh, The Daily Star added. They came up with the remark after Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin informed the HC bench that three separate cases have been filed in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON's activities, and 33 accused have been arrested in these cases. (With PTI inputs) Washington: Condemning attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, several Hindu American groups have sought that US aid for the South Asian country be made contingent on its government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Bangladeshs minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government on August 5. Things took a turn for the worse this week after Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested in a sedition case. He was later denied bail by a court, triggering protests by community members in various locations, including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram. Das was a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and was recently expelled. Vishva Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) president Ajay Shah said the news of Das arrest, vandalism of Kali Mandir in Chittagong and the rising attacks on Hindus across Bangladesh are disconcerting. "Is this the human rights legacy the Biden administration wants to be remembered for," he asked. VHPA general secretary Amitabh Mittal said, "The silence of global media regarding the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh is deafening. The recent arrest of an ISKCON priest and the violent attacks on Hindu temples underscore the alarming rise in religious intolerance." These incidents are part of a "broader pattern of discrimination", he alleged. "The lack of international condemnation only further emboldens the perpetrators and threatens the safety and freedom of minority communities in Bangladesh," Mittal said. In an open letter to President-elect Donald Trump, Hindus for America First (HFAF) recommended halting US funding for projects in Bangladesh tied to Beijing's ambitions and prioritising initiatives that benefit America and its allies directly. "Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Bangladesh have faced systemic violence and discrimination. We humbly ask that your administration make US aid contingent on the Bangladeshi government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Taxpayer dollars should never support governments that fail to safeguard their most vulnerable citizens," said HFAF Founder and Chairman Utsav Sanduja. He claimed certain Bangladeshi officials have ties to extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, and these connections pose a threat to US security. "We respectfully recommend visa restrictions and tighter oversight to prevent these ideologies from taking root on American soil," Sanduja said in his letter. Observing that Bangladesh's garment exports rely heavily on US markets, he said that by imposing strategic tariffs, the Trump administration can prioritise American manufacturing and ensure that our workers, not foreign economies, benefit from American commerce. "Access to US defence technology and intelligence-sharing programmes should be reserved for nations aligned with Americas security priorities. We recommend pausing defence cooperation with Bangladesh until it aligns with US interests," Sanduja said. A representative of Hindu temples across the USA, Tejal Shah, also condemned the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. "I very strongly condemn putting Shree Krishna Das Prabhu Ji in jail, vandalism and destruction of Hindu temples in major cities of Bangladesh," she said. "The minorities are living in constant fear, being harassed and the world is silently watching. This suffering must stop, the rights of Hindus, who are minorities, must be protected... the expectations of American Hindus... should not be undermined by the administration," she said. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Thursday expressed relief and satisfaction after the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition seeking a ban on the organizations operations in the country. ISKCONs spokesperson, Radharamn Das, described the decision as a great relief and welcomed the courts ruling. The petition, filed by a local lawyer, had sought to shut down ISKCONs activities in Bangladesh, alleging that the organizations presence was problematic. However, the Bangladesh High Court dismissed the petition, delivering a favorable verdict for the international religious organization. Radharamn Das, speaking to PTI, stated, It is a great relief that the Bangladesh High Court has rejected the petition. He emphasized that ISKCON had been deeply concerned about the position taken by the Bangladesh government in this case, which had raised doubts over the safety of its operations in the country. The ruling came a day after the Bangladesh Attorney-General requested the court to refrain from making any decision on the matter, assuring that the government was already taking necessary actions regarding the case. This intervention from the government suggested that it was preparing to address any concerns related to ISKCON's activities. Despite this, Das conveyed optimism about the future, expressing hope that the Bangladesh government would take proactive steps to ensure the safety and security of religious minorities in the country. He emphasized that ISKCONs core focus has always been on welfare activities, underscoring its commitment to community service and promoting peace. ISKCON has faced challenges in various countries due to its religious practices and beliefs, but this recent legal victory in Bangladesh has provided a much-needed boost to its supporters in the region. The organization has long been involved in promoting spiritual education, charity, and community service through its temples and centers across the globe. With this legal setback behind it, ISKCON now looks forward to continuing its activities in Bangladesh, where it has maintained a presence for several decades. The organization has continued to focus on humanitarian initiatives, including food distribution and educational programs, while promoting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual texts. Jerusalem: Israel filed a notice with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague of its intention to appeal the arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said Israel also requested to delay the execution of the arrest warrants, which were issued last week, Xinhua news agency reported. "Israel's notice of appeal reveals in detail how the decision to issue the arrest warrants was baseless and devoid of any factual or legal basis," the statement said. "Israel denies the authority of the ICC and the legitimacy of the arrest warrants," it added. The ICC issued the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of committing "crimes against humanity and war crimes" between at least October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024, in Gaza. Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has expressed her protest over the arrest of a Hindu leader on Thursday. She urged the government to release him soon and emphasized that religious freedom should be preserved and all communities should be protected. In a message on her party's official X account, Hasina, the Awami League leader, criticized the current government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. It has not protected the rights and safety of the people, she said. The leader of the opposition Awami League said those who had killed a lawyer in Chattogram must be punished. He said law and order had been "unconstitutional" during Yunus's rule. Hasina cited recent instances of violence, like the burning of a Hindu temple in Chattogram, as well as earlier attacks on religious minorities. "A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested. He must be released immediately," Hasina said referring to the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachary, the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote speaker, who was held at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday and not granted bail later. The Chattogram's Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court sent him behind bars in a sedition case regarding a bloody skirmish between security personnel and his activists on Tuesday. The arrest came when tensions were mounting, including the killing of a lawyer during the incident. Hasina demanded swift action against those who committed the murder of the lawyer, saying that it was a grave violation of human rights. "A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death were terrorists. Whoever they are must be punished, Hasina said, calling for justice," Hasina said, demanding justice. Hasina left for India on August 5 after many people protested and removed her government. She criticized the current temporary government for not being able to keep peace and order. Three days after Hasina left, Nobel prize winner Muhammad Yunus was named the Chief Adviser to the temporary government. In her statement, Hasina said that Yunus's administration has not done well in any area, especially in controlling rising prices and keeping the public safe. She also expressed her worry about the mistreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, mentioning several reports of attacks on the Hindu community, even after Yunus took office. The government has failed to protect human life, and they have failed to control the price rise, Hasina stated. Those who grabbed power have failed in every sector, including the most basic right of citizensthe right to live securely. Hasina spoke about the increasing extremism in Bangladesh. She pointed out reports of increased attacks on religious minorities and the emergence of radical groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami. Hindus constituted about 22% of the population at the time of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. Today, they make up only around 8%. This decline is mainly due to years of social and political exclusion and periodic violence targeted at the community. In closing the statement, she requested that those in Bangladesh stand as a single force against what is being termed "terrorism and to demand improved security of ordinary human lives and possessions". If this unconstitutional government of Yunus fails to punish these terrorists, it will face punishment for human rights violations, Hasina warned, adding, It is important to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the common people. As Bangladesh grapples with growing social and political problems, Hasina's calls for justice and safety for minorities continue to resonate, as the country struggles through a very difficult crisis of leadership and human rights. How To Help Ukraine Stop Russia And Why Its In Trumps Best Interest depositphotos/KLYONA Author Silvester Nosenko Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Relations of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Specialist in Ukrainian foreign policy and international relations theory Expressed as early as the 1970s, the idea of a diminishing US leadership is now increasingly borne out by facts. After an array of failures the global war on terror, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Afghanistan Washington seems to lack the confidence of the worlds sole superpower. The rules-based international order that has existed since the end of World War II abounds with dividing lines and is criticized by the Global South, whereas adversaries of the West pose mounting dangers that can hardly be dealt with a snap of ones fingers. Against this background, Russias war against Ukraine at its present stage is not so much a chance to reverse the trend as a sign of frailty of the US, the EU and Western-led security institutions and norms as a whole. This assessment sure will raise some eyebrows. NATO has just admitted two new member states, the EU is implementing its own industrial defense strategy and Washington is forging new security partnerships, with the Japanese prime minister and US ambassador to Japan even speaking of an equivalent of NATO in Asia. Russia is making territorial strides in Ukraine, but those are rather slow and hard-won. So why talk about the crisis of American leadership and the Western international order? Thats because less than two decades ago the outlook was vastly different in a positive way. The seeds of decline of US hegemony and dents in transatlantic unity were already planted in Afghanistan and Iraq, but confidence in Washington showed no signs of abating. It was then, in 2006, that the idea of a global NATO came to the fore. Having achieved the goal of maintaining political order in the then key post-Cold War region, Eastern Europe, the Alliance was ready to transcend its obsolescent territorial confines and become a globally operational and efficient security institution. To this end, the US and the UK came up with the notion of a global partnership to form closer ties with militarily strong states worldwide. In other words, NATO was becoming the core of the security pillar of the global Western-led international order around which other states could unite during the war on terror. As the further course of events showed, these plans were not vindicated. The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative and the Mediterranean Dialogue are a case in point despite NATOs involvement, the security fabric in the Middle East and the Mediterranean has drastically worsened over the last 30 years as is the fairly limited number of global partners, currently standing at just 8. However, the ability to make partnerships still remains one of the key elements of prevailing in conflicts and thus securing leadership. This is no abstract belief. NATOs 2021 Warfighting Capstone Concept identifies six major areas for the Alliance to master vis-a-vis its enemies: out-thinking (foreseeing threats and being aware of the strategic environment), out-exceling (striving for dominance in moral, human and cultural dimensions), out-fighting (operating decisively across domains), out-pacing (recognizing risks and seizing opportunities faster than adversaries), out-lasting (enduring competition and conflict situations as long as it takes), and, finally, out-partnering (fostering mutually supportive relationships and partnership opportunities). The contents of the document make it clear to what extent the Alliance has succeeded in fulfilling the said points: the threat from Moscow in 2022 was not predicted, the genocidal war in Europe was allowed, responsibility for ending it was not taken, more artillery shells compared to Russia were not made. From all of the above, forging partnerships remains the only hope. To illustrate it, NATO now has a keen interest in its southern flank, Africa and the Middle East, where its actions have often led to more instability (take Iraq or Libya). Therefore, now as in 2006, the need to establish more partnerships and manage instability remains a centerpiece of maintaining the global leadership of the US and the West as a whole. One may argue that back then the circumstances were far more favorable for such initiatives, which is why the West is compelled to scale down its plans for new defense ties and concentrate on minilaterals. In this regard, a closer partnership with Ukraine will probably not be seen as a priority. But seeing as the EU is close to uniting all countries in Europe under its economic and normative umbrella and is even engaged in accession talks with the country fighting the worlds biggest nuclear power, it is imperative that this effort is buttressed with a reliable security pillar, which is already there: NATO. This is in the best interest even for a potentially isolationist Trump administration. Although an ever-stronger American role in European security may not be possible for the long term, a gradual and controlled phase-out is needed at the very least to give the EU time for enlargement and military build-up. This will allow it to become stronger and, consequently, a more reliable partner for the United States in upcoming geopolitical upheavals. If trust in NATO is undermined, so too will Europes present and future. In this framework, maintaining Western support for Ukraine is not a missing link that is key to total success (as some may argue) but a logical follow-up. After the Ukraine Defense Contact Group became a NATO-led initiative this year, it started to demonstrate the ability of the Alliance to manage complicated security situations to all of its current and potential partners. This is especially true considering that Ukraine is not Libya or Iraq; its a democracy in NATOs immediate neighborhood. Diluting the importance of these two aspects is a dangerous step in the world framed as a confrontation between democracies and autocracies. It is often argued that Russia will be here to stay, no matter how hard Western capitals and Kyiv try to defeat it. What is omitted, however, is that Ukraine will be here to stay too, even when or if it is forced to negotiate with the Kremlin. The stronger Ukraine is at that juncture, the safer Europe will be if Russia dares to strike. This, again, is not an abstract belief. Led by Prime Minister Matte Frederiksen of the Social Democrats, Denmark is setting an example with its Danish model of cheap investments into Ukrainian-made drones, missiles and artillery. If followed by other NATO members, this initiative can not only help Kyiv but also infuse new life into the Alliances partnerships in the modern world, where winning others over is key to retaining Western leadership. If NATO drops this ambition set less than two decades ago in favor of defense navel-gazing, a safe world led by the West will be out of reach. This text is a part of the project Pragmatic Dialogue with the West: Why It Is Worth Supporting Ukraine, undertaken with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. It presents the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation. Share Noticed an error? Please select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter or Submit a bug Representatives attend the sixth Meeting of Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Tourism Ministers Media Conference in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 28, 2024. The sixth Meeting of ACMECS Tourism Ministers on Thursday reached a consensus on prioritizing the promotion of digitalization for tourism development. (Xinhua/San Wai Aung) YANGON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The sixth Meeting of Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Tourism Ministers on Thursday reached a consensus on prioritizing the promotion of digitalization for tourism development. The meeting was held in Yangon, Myanmar and chaired by Darany Phommavongsa, Lao deputy minister of information, culture and tourism. At a press conference on Thursday, Darany said the promotion of digitalization within ACMECS tourism development would help strengthen resilience, sustainability, quality and excellent competition. She said the meeting has emphasized the importance of forging closer collaboration among the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states in all relevant sectors to ensure the sustainability and resilience of ASEAN tourism. The meeting also adopted the extension of the Plan of Action on ACMECS Tourism Cooperation 2025-2026, Darany said. Furthermore, the meeting encouraged the creation and promotion of various joint tourism events and festivals, she added. The ACMECS countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, attracted 47.3 million international travelers from January to September this year. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and director of the Political Work Department of the CMC, has been suspended from duty and placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told a press conference on Thursday that the decision was made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee. JERUSALEM, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it had conducted a drone strike in southern Lebanon Thursday morning, describing it as a warning shot. This incident marked the first reported drone strike since a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday. The IDF stated that several "suspects," some with vehicles, entered areas in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire agreement. In response, the military fired a warning shot near a vehicle in the Markaba area, aiming to deter it without causing casualties. "The IDF remains in southern Lebanon and will actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement," said the statement. Lebanese media reported that at least two individuals were injured due to the strike. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States should build a military-to-military relationship featuring non-conflict and non-confrontation, open and substantive cooperation and gradual accumulation of mutual trust, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Thursday. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told a press conference that such a mil-to-mil relationship, on the basis of equality and respect, would serve as a cornerstone for stability in overall China-U.S. relations. Despite all the ups and downs in China-U.S. relations in recent years, the two militaries maintained some dialogues and cooperation, and kept a generally stable relationship, Wu said when responding to a media query regarding China's views on the future China-U.S. military relationship. As two major countries, China and the United States should bear in mind the greater good, and inject more certainty and positive energy into a turbulent world, Wu said. He urged the U.S. side to work with the Chinese side in the same direction, take a positive and rational view of the growth of China and the Chinese military, and prioritize peace, stability and credibility as the basic principles of mil-to-mil engagement. In response to a media query regarding U.S. Secretary of Defense's erroneous accusation of China's activities in the South China Sea as "coercive" at the recent ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, Wu said that Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun refuted the groundless accusations on the spot. Wu quoted Dong as saying that the U.S. side prods with and connives at a regional country to make provocations in the South China Sea for its selfish gains, which severely undermines regional peace and stability. The root causes behind the acts lie in its entrenched Cold War mentality and hegemonic thoughts, Wu said. The Chinese side stays committed to handling disputes through friendly consultation, Wu said, urging the U.S. side to stop fabricating lies, making provocations and stirring up troubles, and refrain from going further down the wrong path. WELLINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and France have agreed to redouble efforts on bilateral relations and Pacific cooperation, according to the New Zealand government on Thursday. While discussing the ceasefire in Lebanon with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said this ceasefire shows the vital role of diplomacy. New Zealand and France were taking their cooperation to the next level before the two countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations next year, said a New Zealand government statement. Peters also met French government officials and a cross-party delegation of senators to discuss bilateral relations and global foreign policy priorities in France before traveling to Berlin to meet with the German foreign minister. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese citizens, who were wrongfully imprisoned by the U.S. side, have returned to China following unremitting efforts by the Chinese government, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed on Thursday. In response to a related query, Mao told a regular press briefing that this once again demonstrates that China will never abandon its compatriots and will always be their strong support. Mao said the Chinese side is always firmly opposed to the U.S. suppressing and persecuting Chinese citizens for political purposes, and will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals as always. Noting that a fugitive who had been on the run in the United States for many years was repatriated this time, Mao said it shows no place can forever be a "paradise" for avoiding crimes. The Chinese government will continue its fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, and will pursue every fugitive to the end, said the spokesperson. CANBERRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government claimed on Thursday that the country is on track to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target, with new figures showing improved projections. In an annual climate change statement delivered to parliament, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen announced that Australia is projected to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 42.6 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 -- up from the 37-percent cut projected in 2023. The government has committed to cutting Australia's emissions by 43 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. "Our robust reforms and pragmatic policies are delivering what we've always said -- Australia's 43 percent target is ambitious but achievable," Bowen said. According to government forecasts, Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions over the 10 years to 2030 are projected to be 152 million tons, or 3.4 percent, lower than the country's emissions budget. By comparison, the 2023 climate change statement projected Australia would be one percent above the 10-year budget. Australia has an indicative emissions budget of 4,381 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) for the period 2021 to 2030 under the Paris Agreement. The government has also set a target of 82 percent of Australia's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030. A quarterly report published by the government's Clean Energy Regulator (CER) on Thursday said that between 7.2 and 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar-powered electricity generation capacity is expected to be added to the electricity grid in 2024, surpassing the record of 7.16 GW added in 2021. The report predicted that renewables will account for an average of 45 percent of Australia's electricity generation in 2025. Bowen on Tuesday announced that the government has commenced a review into how the National Electricity Market (NEM), which provides power to six of Australia's eight states and territories, will operate in the coming decades. BEIRUT, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri announced on Thursday that he has called on the parliament to convene an electoral session to elect a president for the country. "I had vowed to myself that immediately after the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, I will set a date for a session to elect a president for the republic, so I am announcing from now that a session will be set for Jan. 9, 2025," Berri said at the beginning of a legislative session of the parliament. A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday. Following the ceasefire, a cautious calm prevailed in the border areas of southern Lebanon. However, the Israel Defense Forces conducted a "warning" strike in southern Lebanon Thursday morning. While the Israeli side said the strikes didn't cause casualties, Lebanese sources told Xinhua that two people were injured in the Israeli drone attack. Political division in Lebanon resulted in a vacant presidential position with the end of former President Michel Aoun's term on Oct. 31, 2022. The parliament had failed to elect a president for the country in 12 electoral sessions. A caretaker government has been running the country amid the presidential vacuum. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of officials Thursday. Deng Zhiyong was appointed deputy head of the State Administration for Market Regulation. Zhang Lubiao was appointed Permanent Representative of China to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture. Chen Jie was removed from the posts of vice minister of education and chairman of the National Language Commission. Zhang Qingsong was removed from the post of vice governor of the People's Bank of China. Guang Defu was removed from the post of Permanent Representative of China to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture. As soon as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah entered into effect on Wednesday, many displaced Lebanese have begun to return home in the south. MANILA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Thursday that its Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as the ADB's 11th president. Kanda, 59, currently serves as special advisor to Japan's prime minister and minister of finance. He will assume office on Feb. 24, 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, who will leave office on Feb. 23 next year. Kanda will complete the unexpired term of Asakawa, which ends on Nov. 23, 2026. "Kanda's extensive experience in international finance and proven leadership in multilateral settings will serve the ADB well in navigating complex global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation," said Chair of the ADB Board of Governors and Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military on Thursday conducted combat readiness patrols in the surrounding areas of and airspace over the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said in a statement that since November, the theater command has been reinforcing patrols and vigilance in these areas. This effort aims to further strengthen control and management over relevant areas, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, and firmly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea region, according to the statement. NEW DELHI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- One person was injured in a low-intensity blast that occurred inside a shop in the Prashant Vihar area of northwest Delhi, India, on Thursday, confirmed a local police officer. Following the explosion, local police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. A white powder-like substance was reportedly observed at the site of the blast. The FSL teams and other security agencies were collaborating to determine the nature of the explosion and to track down those responsible, the officer added. ISTANBUL, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities launched an investigation on Thursday following reports that counterfeit U.S. dollars, totaling 600 million, are circulating in the market. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated a probe into the production and distribution of these fake banknotes, according to the Hurriyet Daily. In Istanbul, many currency exchange offices have stopped purchasing 50- and 100-dollar bills due to reports that counterfeit bills, reportedly printed abroad, are in circulation in the city. In a statement released on Thursday, the Turkish Central Bank said, "As part of its efforts to combat counterfeit banknotes, the bank is working closely with relevant judicial authorities." The Banks Association of Turkiye said that "necessary checks and updates are being carried out on currency counting machines, counterfeit money detection systems, and ATMs currently in use." According to Hurriyet, in operations conducted across two districts on the European side of Istanbul, authorities have seized 3.6 million euros (approximately 3.8 million dollars) worth of counterfeit currency. This photo taken with a mobile phone shows customers selecting CCD cameras at a store in China's famous electronics hub Huaqiangbei, in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Feng) SHENZHEN, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- In a delightful twist, the once-forgotten CCD cameras, deemed "electronic waste" and pushed aside by the technological tide, are making a stylish comeback as new darlings for documenting life among young Chinese people. Despite their slightly blurry images and less vibrant colors, these vintage devices, once up for grabs for a few tens of yuan, are now fetching prices in the thousands. Their surge in price and popularity are being fueled by the retro nostalgia trend sweeping through China's youth. "The prices have multiplied more than tenfold, and all my friends are buying them," said Tang Lili, a post-90s girl working in southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen. Her first camera, a Canon CCD camera she bought when she was in high school, was sold for a pittance when it became outdated after graduation. Now, lured by the soft, bright photos on social media, she's shocked to find the prices have skyrocketed beyond her wildest expectations. On Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, Douyin and Weibo, the enthusiasm for sharing second-hand or even multiple-hand CCD cameras is growing. It seems that owning one of these cameras is akin to capturing a unique vintage hue, the texture of film and the coveted "cold white skin" tone. CCD, or Charge-Coupled Device, is the light-sensitive component in digital cameras. While it excels in well-lit conditions, producing clear and bright images, it has clear limitations. Poor performance in low light, a small sensor size, and its low pixel count led to its gradual replacement by CMOS sensors after 2010. Yet, the search for CCD cameras on e-commerce platforms like Taobao, Xianyu and Douyin reveals a wealth of vendors still offering them. Moreover, physical stores in China's famous electronics hub, Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen, are now dotted with small yet bustling CCD sellers. Each stall, no larger than a few square meters, is a mini-museum of CCD cameras, showcasing a dense array of brands, models, ages, and conditions. "Nowadays, CCD has become a unique aesthetic style and most people are attracted by online posts," said Zhou Xingwang, the store owner of "Xidi Digital," a retro CCD specialty store at Huaqiangbei. The store owner also pointed out that they can sell over 100 CCD cameras a month, with prices ranging from a few hundred to around 2,000 yuan (about 278 U.S. dollars). For youngsters, especially students, the appeal of CCD cameras lies not only in their unique photographic style but also in their portability, making them ideal for everyday documentation. "They're small, convenient, and have a good feel in your hands. They also produce great shots, and there's a sense of occasion when you take them out for a shoot," said Zhang Nana, a high school student from the city's Bao'an District. In recent years, with the prevalence of smartphones, major manufacturers have discontinued their compact camera lines. However, the rise of Vlog has reignited the market demand for portable digital cameras. However, an increasing number of netizens who have bought CCD cameras due to the fad are now "discouraging" others. Due to their technological obsolescence, for the vast majority, the latest cameras or smartphones are still more user-friendly for serious photography. Industry experts have warned that many seemingly low-priced cameras may be second-hand inventory from merchants, with varying quality and outdated functions. Moreover, the so-called retro tones and film feel of many CCD cameras are often the result of outdated technology and sensor aging. Misleading online promotions not only confuse consumers about CCDs, but they may also lead them to purchase products that do not meet their expectations. However, some experts believe that these retro cameras have provided the youngsters a new channel to express their spiritual pursuits and unique personalities. "Sharing photos has become a social ritual for contemporary youngsters. The process of sharing is not only a display of self-awareness but also means a strengthening of group identity," said Wang Ning, professor of sociology and anthropology, Sun Yat-sen University. "The 'nostalgic consumption' behind the fad, as an aesthetic trend, reflects the young people's yearning for a better life and is endowed with new meanings that represent the development of the times," Wang explained. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 240 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in cross-border gambling and fraud have been repatriated from Cambodia as a result of law enforcement cooperation between both countries, Chinese authorities said. Three chartered flights carrying the suspects on Thursday landed at an airport in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security. The suspects are among a total of more than 500 Chinese nationals who are expected to be returned home in phases following a recent crackdown by Cambodian police on a gambling and fraud compound in Phnom Penh -- which resulted in the capture of hundreds of suspects of various nationalities. This operation marks the second such repatriation effort between the two countries this year. During an earlier collaboration in April, over 680 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in gambling and fraud were repatriated to China. Calling such crimes a serious threat to public welfare and economic stability, the ministry vowed to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of gambling and fraud activities. The ministry also urged Chinese citizens to refrain from participating in online or overseas gambling and to remain vigilant in the face of evolving telecom fraud schemes. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A symposium on Chinese ancient military strategist Sun Tzu and his renowned work "The Art of War" will be held in Beijing on Dec. 5 and 6, a Chinese defense spokesperson said Thursday. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told a press conference that over 350 delegates from nearly 30 countries had so far confirmed their participation in the 10th International Symposium on Sun Tzu's Art of War. Sun Tzu lived during China's Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), and is credited as the author of "The Art of War," one of the most influential works of military strategies and tactics that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thought. This year's symposium, themed "Sun Tzu's Art of War and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations," will feature six special sessions. Topics will include the contemporary cultural significance of "The Art of War," Sun Tzu's stratagems in the era of artificial intelligence, and more, according to Wu. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military on Thursday conducted combat readiness patrols in the surrounding areas of and airspace over the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao. Evan Kail (C), a pawnshop manager from the United States, learns to make the local street food "Jianbing Guozi" in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Nov. 28, 2024. In 2022, Kail donated a photo album to China. The album features photos of Japanese atrocities in China during WWII. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Evan Kail (L, front), a pawnshop manager from the United States, visits a cultural street in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Nov. 28, 2024. In 2022, Kail donated a photo album to China. The album features photos of Japanese atrocities in China during WWII. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Evan Kail (R), a pawnshop manager from the United States, tries the local street food "Jianbing Guozi" in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Nov. 28, 2024. In 2022, Kail donated a photo album to China. The album features photos of Japanese atrocities in China during WWII. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Evan Kail (L), a pawnshop manager from the United States, poses for photos with a local child when visiting a cultural street in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Nov. 28, 2024. In 2022, Kail donated a photo album to China. The album features photos of Japanese atrocities in China during WWII. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Evan Kail, a pawnshop manager from the United States, visits a cultural street in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Nov. 28, 2024. In 2022, Kail donated a photo album to China. The album features photos of Japanese atrocities in China during WWII. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. (Xinhua/Li Ran) The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). A military aircraft carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is honored with a water salute after landing at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) SHENYANG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). The remains will be laid to rest in a martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. Since 2014, the remains of 981 CPV martyrs have been handed over to China, their home country. A Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs, escorted by two J-20 stealth fighter jets, is pictured over the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) The News in Brief Friday, November 29, 2024 Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream party, speaking on Rustavi 2, Papuashvili claimed that EU membership would involve significant compromises."Membership of the Union means giving up part of sovereignty and economic freedom," he stated, adding that Georgia would have to terminate free trade agreements with countries like China and members of the CIS .Papuashvili expressed optimism about Georgia's readiness for EU integration. "By 2030, Georgia will be the most prepared country for EU membership," he claimed.Chairman also claimed that if Georgia joins the European Union, it would become part of the Schengen area. He said this would mean that entering Georgia would grant access to the Schengen area, and as a result, people from countries without visa-free travel agreements with the EU would not be able to enter Georgia."Do you know how many countries we will have to cancel visa-free traffic with?" Papuashvili asked. "On one side is integration with the European Union, on the other side is disintegration with many countries," he added.Papuashvili criticized the Lithuanian Foreign Minister's involvement in local protests. "How can we hope for a positive decision from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania? He goes to rallies here. What can we do?"The Tbilisi City Court, under Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, has approved the extradition of Afghan Sadigov to Azerbaijan. Sadigov, the editor-in-chief of Azerbaijan's azel.tv, has been on hunger strike for several weeks, leading to serious health complications. His case has attracted attention from various international organizations, urging Georgia to release him due to his deteriorating condition.Sadigov, known for his critical reporting on corruption and social issues in Azerbaijan, has faced political persecution, having been arrested twice in Azerbaijan. He went on hunger strike, which significantly affected his health. To seek medical treatment, Sadigov traveled to Georgia, where he was arrested on August 3, with the court granting extradition custody the following day.The Azerbaijani government has charged Sadigov with threats and extortion, according to Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, which led to his arrest for extradition. However, Sadigov's family claims the accusations are fabricated, warning that extradition would expose him to brutal treatment under the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.Prior to his arrest, Sadigov was blocked from leaving Georgia on July 18, when airport authorities informed him that he could only depart for Baku. KABUL, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The bodies of 100 Afghan migrants who lost their lives in Iran have been transferred to Afghanistan in the past two months, local media outlet reported on Wednesday. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to local officials in Afghanistan's frontier province of Nimroz, TOLOnews quoted Sayed Sulaiman Agha Baheer, deputy governor of Nimroz, as saying. Thousands of Afghans travel to Iran daily in search of employment and financial support for their families. About 7 million Afghan refugees are reportedly living abroad, with the majority of them in Afghanistan's neighboring Pakistan and Iran. VIENTIANE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Laos has unveiled the Green City Action Plan for 2023-2030 in its capital Vientiane, with the goal of transforming the city into a sustainable, climate-resilient, and eco-friendly urban environment by 2030. The plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving waste management, conserving resources, and protecting biodiversity to tackle challenges such as rising pollution, traffic congestion, and climate vulnerability, Lao national TV reported on Thursday. By 2030, Vientiane aims to become a livable, equitable, eco-friendly city that fosters sustainable economic growth, enhances climate resilience, and improves the life quality for its residents. Vientiane is experiencing rapid growth. However, this expansion has led to challenges such as rising waste levels, increased road traffic and accidents, pollution, and greater vulnerability to climate change. TEHRAN, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Wednesday strongly condemned the "baseless" claims made by the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers at their recent meeting in Italy. Baghaei's remarks came one day after the G7 foreign ministers issued a statement on the last day of their meeting, condemning Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on Israel on April 14 and Oct. 1. The statement also accused Tehran of supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict by "sending ballistic missiles and drones." Baghaei said the claims are "completely baseless and rejected" and reflect the "illegal, unjust, unilateral, discriminatory, and coercive approaches of the G7 group, particularly some of its members, which have caused irreparable damage to international peace and security." The G7 members had severely violated the principle of international relations through "dual and selective" approaches to various international issues, he noted. "The G7 neither represents the international community nor holds any moral standing to preach about human rights violations globally, especially in occupied Palestine and Lebanon, due to its hypocritical actions regarding gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law," he added. Baghaei underscored Iran's legitimate right to self-defense against "Israeli aggression" under the UN Charter and international law, adding that Iran was aware of its responsibilities towards security and stability in the West Asia region and would spare no effort to ensure them. "From Chancay to Shanghai" -- this catchphrase has turned into reality, as the Chancay Port in Peru was inaugurated recently. As a flagship BRI project, the port is poised to become a pivotal logistics hub between Latin America and Asia. With the port as a starting point, China is ready to work with Peru to build a new land-sea corridor between China and Latin America. URUMQI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Taklimakan Desert, known as the "Sea of Death," has been completely encircled with a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 km, said local authority in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. On Thursday morning, several plant species, including Populus euphratica (more commonly known as "desert poplar"), sacsaoul and red willow, were planted on sandy land in Yutian County on the southern edge of the desert, marking the completion of the final stretch of the green belt, according to the Xinjiang regional forestry and grassland bureau. The Taklimakan covers 337,600 square km and its circumference measures 3,046 km, making it the largest desert in China and the second-largest drifting desert in the world. It has taken more than 40 years to fully enclose the desert with a green belt. By the end of 2023, a 2,761-km-long green belt connected scattered oases, leaving only the final, most challenging section. This final stretch, approximately 285 km long, runs through the southern part of the desert and faces the most severe wind and sand hazards. Since this year, Xinjiang has taken targeted and scientific measures to close this gap. Alongside the green belt, efforts have been made to promote the development of sand industries, such as the growing of cistanche and other crops, to benefit local residents. Tuhti Rahman, director of the Xinjiang regional forestry and grassland bureau, said that the belt functioned as an ecological barrier and would guarantee the stability of agricultural production, improve the urban living environment and promote Xinjiang's economic and social development. Xinjiang will further consolidate the green belt, Tuhti Rahman added. The Taklimakan Desert control project is a part of China's Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), the world's largest afforestation program to tackle desertification. The TSFP was launched in 1978 and is scheduled to be completed by 2050. In June 2023, China proposed to turn the TSFP into a fully functional and unbreakable "green Great Wall" and ecological security barrier in northern China. Since 1978, China has expanded its afforestation area by 32 million hectares under the TSFP. The afforestation area under the program is projected to encompass over 4 million square km across 13 provincial-level regions by 2050, accounting for 42.4 percent of the country's total land area. Over the past 46 years, the forest coverage rate of the TSFP-covering areas has risen from 5.05 percent to 13.84 percent. Progress has been made in desertification and soil erosion control, while about 30 million hectares of farmland have been protected. Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova expressed appreciation for China's commitment to advancing ecological civilization on the sideline of the Global Panda Partners 2024 (GPP) conference, which opened on Tuesday in Chengdu, China. #GLOBALink A military aircraft carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is honored with a water salute after landing at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) SHENYANG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). A Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force carrying the remains and 495 items of personal belongings of the fallen soldiers landed in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, at noon. The remains will be laid to rest in a martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang. After the ROK handed over the martyrs' remains and belongs to the Chinese side in Incheon on Thursday morning, China held a memorial ceremony at Incheon International Airport. During the ceremony, the Chinese national anthem was played, and each casket was draped with the national flag. Attendees bowed three times to the martyrs before their remains were placed onto the plane. From 2014 to 2023, China and the ROK, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully completed 10 consecutive handovers involving the remains of 938 CPV martyrs in the ROK, along with related artifacts. The Korean War broke out in June 1950, eight months after the People's Republic of China was founded. At the request of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Chinese ground forces under the CPV entered the Korean Peninsula on Oct. 19, 1950. A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers joined the war that lasted almost three years, with more than 360,000 killed or injured. A Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs, escorted by two J-20 stealth fighter jets, is pictured over the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Jie) Vehicles carrying coffins containing the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs head to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) A soldier escorts a coffin containing the remains of a Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyr at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua) Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are loaded onto a vehicle at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Yang Qing) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) A Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is pictured over the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Yang Qing) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua) Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are about to be loaded onto vehicles at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Yang Qing) Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are about to be loaded onto vehicles at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 28, 2024 shows a motorcade delivering coffins containing the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs moving along the Qingnian Street in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Photo by Xu Zhikang/Xinhua) BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Yamandu Orsi on his election as president of Uruguay. Noting that China and Uruguay are good friends trusting each other and enjoying win-win cooperation, Xi said that the two countries have always adhered to mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago. The two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation across various fields, and forged a deep-rooted friendship between their people, Xi said. He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Uruguay relations, and is willing to work with Orsi to continue the China-Uruguay friendship and push for more results from the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng sent a congratulatory message to Uruguayan Vice President-Elect Carolina Cosse. DAMASCUS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army on Thursday cut off the Damascus-Aleppo road near the northern city of Aleppo as its troops engaged in combat with rebel groups that had launched a massive offensive in the western countryside of Aleppo on Wednesday, according to local media reports. The pro-government Sham FM radio reported that the army temporarily closed the road to Aleppo for public safety as its troops continued to confront a large-scale rebel offensive in the countryside of Aleppo and Idlib provinces in northern Syria for the second consecutive day on Thursday. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group and allied factions opened new fronts in the countryside of Idlib on Thursday. The General Command of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces said in a statement that militant groups had carried out assaults targeting villages, towns, and military positions using medium and heavy weapons. "Our armed forces confronted the ongoing terrorist attack, inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment," the statement said. "Our units continue to engage the terrorist organizations with various firepower, in cooperation with friendly forces," it added. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that at least 153 combatants have been killed since the clashes began at dawn on Wednesday. The dead include 80 HTS fighters, 19 from allied rebel factions of the so-called National Army, and 54 Syrian government soldiers, including at least four officers. The Observatory also noted that HTS forces had captured several government soldiers during the battles. HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, the United States, and several other countries. UNESCO is privileged to collaborate with China in advancing conservation. China's work is deeply aligned with UNESCO's commitment to environmental sustainability, said Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, in an online address at the Global Panda Partners 2024 conference in Southwest China's Chengdu. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will chair the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers Meeting from November 30 to December 1 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Kazakhstans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Kyrgyzstans Minister of Foreign Affairs Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich, Tajikistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov will attend the meeting in China. CCTV: Its reported that China and the US released personnel from prison on both sides. Three US citizens have returned to the US and it shared some details about the cases concerning the three Chinese citizens freed from the US. Can you confirm and whats your comment? Mao Ning: Through the unremitting efforts of the Chinese government, three Chinese citizens wrongfully detained by the US have returned safely to China. It once again shows that never ever will China give up on its citizens. The motherland will always have their back. Let me stress that China remains firmly opposed to the USs politically driven suppression and persecution of Chinese nationals and will continue taking all measures necessary to defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals. Among those sent back from the US is a fugitive who fled to the US many years ago and has now been repatriated to China. No one can escape justice, and no place on earth can be a safe haven forever for crime. The Chinese government will continue its work to bring back fugitives and recover their illegal proceeds, and will not rest until they are all brought to justice. The Paper: To follow up on your announcement about the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers Meeting in Chengdu, can you share what will be discussed at the meeting? Mao Ning: At the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers Meeting, the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit in Xian will be further implemented, and preparations for the second summit in Kazakhstan next year will be launched. Foreign Ministers from the six countries will exchange views on the advancement of China-Central Asia cooperation across the board, the building of the China-Central Asia mechanism and international and regional issues of mutual interest. AFP: Taiwans Lai Ching-te will stop over in Hawaii and Guam during his trip to the Pacific. Does China have a comment on this? Mao Ning: The one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and a prevailing international consensus. The Lai Ching-te authorities political manipulation and separatist provocations by visiting countries having so-called diplomatic ties with Taiwan will lead nowhere. It will not shake the solid and strong international commitment to the one-China principle or stop the overriding historical trend towards Chinas reunification. We have all along opposed official interactions between the US and the Taiwan region, opposed any visit by the leader of the Taiwan authorities to the US in any name or under whatever pretext, and opposed any form of US connivance and support for Taiwan independence separatists and their separatist activities in any form. China News Service: The State Department on its website downgraded its travel advisory for China from level three to level two and removed the notation indicating the risk of wrongful detention. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China noted the adjustment made by the US and believes that it is conducive to the normal mutual visits between the people of the two countries. We oppose any move that can have a chilling effect. We hope that the US will do more to facilitate cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The New York Times: Do you have any comment on the ship near Denmark that is of Chinese registration and has been stopped by vessels there? Mao Ning: We have shared Chinas position several times in recent days. When handling such incidents, China always upholds a cooperative attitude. There is now ongoing communication and coordination between China and relevant parties. TASS: The New York Times reported that some US and officials from EU countries proposed giving Ukraine nuclear weapons. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? Mao Ning: China is paying close attention to the nuclear risks triggered by the Ukraine crisis and has reiterated time and again that nuclear weapons should not be used and nuclear war must not be fought. Under the current circumstances, all parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint, and jointly seek to cool down the situation through dialogue and consultation to reduce strategic risks. AFP: The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor on Wednesday asked judges to grant an arrest warrant for Myanmars junta chief over alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims. Does China have a comment on this? Mao Ning: The Rakhine issue has a complex historical, ethnic and religious background, which needs to be prudently resolved with a multi-pronged approach. As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China closely follows the developments of the situation in Rakhine State and stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in stabilizing and deescalating the situation. We always believe that the International Criminal Court should uphold an objective and impartial stance, strictly follow the principles of complementarity and cooperation, exercise its functions and powers prudently in accordance with the law, and interpret and apply the Rome Statute and general international law in good faith. Under the Statute, the Court has no jurisdiction over acts committed by nationals of non-State Parties on the territory of a non-State Party, unless referred to it by the UN Security Council. The New York Times: Volkswagen said yesterday that Volkswagen and the SAIC would transfer their joint venture in Xinjiang to an affiliate of the Shanghai government. Do you have any comment on that and also about efforts by BASF, a German company, to sell its stakes in joint ventures in Xinjiang? Mao Ning: Id refer you to these companies and competent authorities for business cooperation details. Some political forces have spread too many rumors and created too much disinformation about Xinjiang in the world. Forced labor is one of these. By concocting these lies, they are aiming to destabilize Xinjiang and hold back Chinas development and revitalization. What they are actually doing is to force de-coupling, unemployment and poverty on Xinjiang under the pretext of human rights. Such attempts will never succeed. Currently Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic growth, ethnic solidarity and harmony among various religions. The rights and interests of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are well protected. China will continue to promote high-quality development and expand high-standard opening up to create more opportunities for foreign companies, including those from Germany, to invest and operate in China. Beijing Youth Daily: It was reported that Koreshige Anami, former Japanese Ambassador to China, passed away from pneumonia on November 13. Can I have your comment on that? Mao Ning: Mr. Koreshige Anami has long been engaging in diplomatic work related to China. He served as Japanese Ambassador to China from 2001 to 2006, and became a member of the 21st Century Committee for China-Japan Friendship after retirement, making positive contribution to improving and developing China-Japan relations. We express condolences over his passing and sympathies to his family. The Chinese Ambassador to Japan and former Chinese ambassadors to Japan who worked with him have sent messages of condolences to his family. AFP: Reuters has reported that China is likely to launch military drills near Taiwan around or shortly after Lai Ching-tes visit to the Pacific. What is Chinas comment on this? Mao Ning: I made clear Chinas position on Lai Ching-tes visit just now, and your question is not about foreign affairs. AFP: German car giant Volkswagen said yesterday it would sell its operation in Chinas Xinjiang region. Just wanted to ask if the Foreign Ministry has any additional comment on this. Mao Ning: The New York Times asked the same question just now, and I have answered that. GAZA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 27 Palestinians were killed on Thursday as Israeli forces continued to pound targets across the Gaza Strip, with a focus on the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza reported receiving 16 bodies and 55 injured individuals since the morning, following heavy air and artillery strikes in the Nuseirat area. The hospital accused Israeli forces of directly targeting ambulance workers as they attempted to evacuate besieged families from northern Nuseirat. Palestinian security sources confirmed that Israeli artillery shelled multiple homes in the camp, while witnesses reported the army deploying vehicles and conducting destructive operations in northern Nuseirat. Eyewitnesses also stated that Israeli strikes hit a food distribution center, injuring displaced Palestinians, and targeted the upper floors of three residential buildings in the camp. In the southern Gaza Strip, four Palestinians were killed when Israeli shelling struck a bicycle near a camp for displaced persons in Abasan, east of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. In northern Gaza, paramedics reported four deaths in Beit Lahia after Israeli warplanes bombed two homes in the area. Two more people were killed when strikes hit the entrance to Kamal Adwan Hospital, and another person died in the Jabalia camp due to Israeli bombardment. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on these specific incidents. However, a Wednesday statement from the IDF confirmed continued military operations in Jabalia and Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. Gaza-based health authorities reported that the death toll among Palestinians has reached 44,282 as of Wednesday, underscoring the devastating human cost of the conflict. ZARANJ, Afghanistan, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Counter-narcotics police have apprehended 75 drug addicts in Zaranj city, the provincial capital of Nimroz province in western Afghanistan, and have sent them to a rehabilitation center, according to Abdul Wasi Raihan, the provincial director of counter-narcotics police. The official stated that after completing their rehabilitation and recovering their health, these individuals will be reunited with their families to facilitate their reintegration into society. Afghanistan, a country profoundly impacted by decades of conflict, is reportedly home to over 3 million drug addicts. The Afghan caretaker government, which has banned poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, is committed to eradicating drug production and addiction, with the goal of making the nation drug-free. SHENYANG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea have been handed over to the Chinese side by the Republic of Korea (ROK) and will be returned to China on Thursday, according to China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs. From 2014 to 2023, the two countries, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully handed over the remains of 938 CPV martyrs, along with related artifacts. HANGZHOU, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), initiated by China and involving multiple countries, is not only a hub for engineers and a laboratory for scientists, but also a cradle for international deep space talents, said a UN regional head of space education. China is vigorously promoting the education and training of talents for the ILRS. Many top Chinese universities have established world-class education systems through years of efforts, featuring world-leading faculties, curricula and research environments, and have trained many outstanding space engineers and scientists for the world, according to Jing Guifei, deputy director of the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP), affiliated to the UN. The regional center plans to leverage the aerospace resources of Chinese universities over the next decade to offer extensive international talent education and training programs to all ILRS participating countries and organizations, Jing announced at a three-day conference commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the CSSTEAP. The ILRS is a visionary project aimed at establishing an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon, said Ling Fei, deputy director of the international cooperation and exchange center of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL). To date, nearly 20 countries and international organizations and over 40 non-government international entities across the world have signed ILRS cooperation documents with China, said Ling. Hosted by Beihang University, the CSSTEAP is the sixth center to be established under the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. As of September 2024, the CSSTEAP had cultivated 395 master's and doctoral students from 33 countries, and had conducted more than 30 short-term training courses -- training over 2,000 participants from more than 70 countries. To date, several Chinese universities have been involved in ILRS education and training programs, such as Beihang University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Northwestern Polytechnical University and others, Jing said. He noted that programs will encompass a range of disciplines, including space engineering, lunar science and project management tailored for master's and doctoral degree education. "Through the close integration of theory and practice, we aim to cultivate high-end engineering, scientific and management talents, capable of leading future deep space exploration and technology development for all participating countries," he said. Engineer Doctor Seyi Festus Olatoyinbo, executive director of the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English Language, affiliated to the UN, said they are quite excited about the fact that China is taking the lead in lunar research studies. "We can bring in experts to join the programs and train the younger generation about what lunar research is going to involve. I am very excited to partner with China on education and training endeavors," he said. Driss El Hadani, deputy director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), highlighted the need for more international cooperation and the need for building capacities for space activities, especially for lunar activities. "I think the regional center in China is offering a new and outstanding opportunity to all member states to develop their capacity in the field in lunar activities. The regional center is in line with the UNOOSA strategy of supporting and fostering cooperation among all actors," Driss El Hadani said in an interview with Xinhua. Wu Yanhua, chief designer of China's Major Deep Space Exploration Project announced that the ILRS aims to achieve the following cooperation goals within the next 10 to 20 years: signing agreements with 50 countries and international organizations; establishing agreements between 500 research institutions; and engaging no fewer than 5,000 international scientists and engineers in joint participation. "With the principles of equality and mutual benefit, peaceful use, and win-win cooperation, we welcome all countries to participate in the ILRS program, share the achievements, jointly improve outer space governance, and promote aerospace science and technology achievements to better benefit all mankind," said Hu Zhaobin, deputy director of the DSEL. A Lebanese returnee is seen in front of a ruined building in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Str/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- As the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect at dawn on Wednesday, Jihad Nasrallah, along with thousands of displaced Lebanese, wasted no time. Before sunrise, they gathered their belongings and set out on the long-awaited journey back to their homes in southern Lebanon. The roads were crowded with returnees, their faces a mixture of joy and lingering sorrow. Many had endured over a year of displacement, their return marked by happiness at reclaiming their homes but also the grief of lost harvests, destroyed properties, and loved ones who perished during the conflict. "The displaced could hardly sleep, eagerly waiting for dawn," said Jihad to Xinhua. "There were tears of joy as people bid farewell to each other, and car horns echoed in celebration. " In the southeast village of Kfarhamam, most returnees lost their homes due to Israeli bombings. Still, the villagers were unfazed, as their priority, according to the young Hassan Abdul Karim, was to move past their displacement and return to their hometown. "Displacement is unjust, humiliating, and deeply disturbing," Abdul Karim told Xinhua. "We'd rather live in tents on the ruins of our homes than remain in school halls, crammed alongside five to eight other families. So we returned, carrying mattresses and blankets on the roofs of our cars." The Lebanese army mobilized at first light, deploying bulldozers and trucks to repair roads damaged by airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, members of the Internal Security Forces managed traffic at key intersections, while medical teams from the Lebanese Red Cross and the Islamic Health Authority stationed themselves at city entrances to handle emergencies In the eastern city of Baalbek and the villages of western Bekaa, including Machghara, Sohmor, and Yohmor, returnees faced the devastation of homes and infrastructure caused by relentless airstrikes. Yet, not everyone could go back. Those from villages along the Israeli-Lebanese border were forced to wait, as Israel warned against their return until its forces completed their withdrawal. Fatima al-Ahmad, displaced from the border village of Wazzani, remains in the Khan market with her livestock, awaiting clearance from the Lebanese army. "We are happy about the ceasefire, but we cannot return until the Israeli forces leave our village," she told Xinhua. "We will remain with our livestock, estimated at 3,000 heads of sheep, in the Khan market, waiting for the instructions of the Lebanese army, which will inform us about our return date," she told Xinhua. For those who have made it back, the challenges are far from over. In the southern village of Habbariyeh, returnee Riad Issa described the uphill battle ahead. "Rebuilding homes, replanting lands, and restoring life to our villages are monumental tasks, especially with scarce resources and an ongoing economic crisis," he said. The most daunting challenge, however, is emotional recovery. "We can rebuild what was destroyed, but the loss of loved ones and the memories of war and displacement will remain etched in our minds forever," Issa reflected. Lebanese returnees ride a motorcycle in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Str/Xinhua) A Lebanese woman drives a car among rubble on her way home in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024.(Str/Xinhua) (241129) -- TYRE, Nov. 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese returnees are seen among damaged properties in Tyre, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) (241129) -- TYRE, Nov. 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese returnees are seen among rubble in Tyre, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) A Lebanese returnee is seen in front of a ruined building in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Str/Xinhua) Lebanese returnees are seen among rubble in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024.(Str/Xinhua) * As the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, CISCE helps businesses worldwide integrate into the global industrial and supply chains. * The large presence of foreign companies at CISCE underscores the growing demand for global supply chain cooperation and highlights China's vital role in this ecosystem. * Unlike traditional trade expos that showcase individual products, CISCE emphasizes the networks, collaborations and connections that drive the supply chains forward. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- At the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) being held here from Tuesday to Saturday, a big FARMER BOB statue made a debut at McDonald's booth in the "Green Agriculture Chain" exhibition hall, drawing wide attention from visitors. The FARMER BOB series was inspired by the theme of "McFarm," reflecting McDonald's efforts in bringing fresh, high-quality food to the table. Here, consumers and visitors have the opportunity to view McDonald's from a different perspective, exploring the brand's smart, digital, and eco-friendly supply chain system. In addition to McDonald's, other iconic global brands under Yum China, such as KFC and Pizza Hut, are also showcasing their supply chain stories at the ongoing CISCE, highlighting how digitalization, sustainability, and smart technology come together to ensure the variety and quality of their products. The global reach and resource integration of these food brands depend on robust, integrated supply chains that bring together high-quality ingredients from around the world, to offer diverse culinary experiences. This embodies the spirit of CISCE -- promoting global supply chain collaboration and mutual growth. With its theme "Connecting the World for A Shared Future," the expo highlights the shared vision of cooperation and win-win development. People visit the booth of Xiaomi at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Na Yuqi/Xinhua) CONNECTING PARTNERS This year, over 620 companies, institutions, and international organizations are participating in CISCE, a 20-percent increase from the inaugural expo. The proportion of overseas exhibitors has risen from 26 percent to 32 percent, with European and American companies accounting for half of that group. So, why are so many international companies flocking to CISCE? At the expo's opening, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized that CISCE serves as a bridge for industries, fostering innovation and facilitating market access across countries. As the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, CISCE helps businesses worldwide integrate into the global industrial and supply chains. What makes CISCE special is its focus on the entire supply chain ecosystem. Unlike traditional trade expos that showcase individual products, CISCE emphasizes the networks, collaborations and connections that drive the supply chains forward. Exhibitors are not just competing for customers; they are seeking long-term partnerships and new opportunities. "We're excited to engage with organizations across the life sciences and genomics industries at this year's expo, and we look forward to sparking new collaborations and breakthroughs," said Yang Shuang, executive vice president of BGI Group, a genome research organization. "At this year's expo, my company iMpact is focused on showcasing how we empower Chinese businesses to succeed in overseas markets by building trust and facilitating strong, localized partnerships. CISCE supplies us with a platform to connect my company with our potential partners," Chris Pereira, founder and CEO of communications and business consulting group iMpact, told Xinhua. "As a fast food chain enterprise, Burger King (China) came to the exhibition to showcase the services and products which we can supply to our partners and potential partners. Besides that, we seek new cooperation opportunities here, and CISCE supplies us with these opportunities," said Atakan Bozkurt, CEO of Burger King (China). People visit the booth of XPENG at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Na Yuqi/Xinhua) COLLABORATION FOR SHARED GROWTH Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer goods, made its debut at the expo, highlighting its collaborations with domestic and international partners across various sectors. At the expo, P&G launched its "One Supply Chain" strategy, aiming to deepen its partnerships with global collaborators. The company works with over 60,000 partners worldwide, with more than 500 in China alone. "Our relationship with our partners is symbiotic and collaborative," said Jasmine Xu, CEO of P&G Greater China. "We've always said that innovation and shared prosperity cannot be achieved by one company alone. I can confidently say that all the examples we've shared, whether in innovation, product technology, or operational improvements, have been accomplished through close cooperation with our partners," Calvin Yin, vice president of Product Supply Market Operations, P&G Greater China, told Xinhua. This year, New Zealand's dairy giant Fonterra is also participating in CISCE along with its supply chain partners. "By participating in CISCE, Fonterra firmly supports China's efforts to establish an advanced supply chain -- particularly in the area of green agriculture, where we are keen to contribute," said Teh-han Chow, CEO of Fonterra Greater China. "In China, our vision of sustainability highly aligns with China's 'dual carbon' goals. Accordingly, we cooperate with local partners across the value chain to jointly achieve the sustainable development of the dairy industry," he noted. A visitor talks with a staff member at the booth of Beijing China-Germany Economic and Technological Cooperation Demonstration Zone at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan) CHINA'S CRUCIAL ROLE The large presence of foreign companies at CISCE underscores the growing demand for global supply chain cooperation and highlights China's vital role in this ecosystem. Manuel Sanchez, chief representative director of the Beijing Office of U.S. Grains Council, told Xinhua that this is their second time participating in the expo. He emphasized that they have an extensive list of members and consider the Chinese market to be extremely important. "China is the largest buyer of agricultural products around the globe, so it's important to stay connected," he said. "It's important for not only the Chinese side to travel, but for us to also serve their needs to the best of our ability." At its CISCE booth, GE Healthcare is showcasing the latest achievements of its domestic supply chain, partnering with suppliers to present key components like CT tubes, bearings, detector crystals, MRI superconducting wires, and ultrasound circuit boards. Zhang Yihao, president and CEO of GE Healthcare China, said, "The common enemy of humanity is disease, and treating it requires a stable supply of medical equipment. China's medical equipment supply chain offers a powerful solution." Sanofi, a French multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company headquartered in Paris, also made its debut at CISCE. China is one of the key markets for Sanofi's global leadership in immunology, said Shi Wang, president of Sanofi Greater China, noting that the expo presents Sanofi with an invaluable opportunity for deep interaction and communication with industry peers. (Video reporters: Zhang Nan, Liu Chunhui, Yin Jiajie, Wang Pu; video editors: Zhang Nan, Mu Xuyao, Zhu Cong) Dr. Cui Na provides medical treatment for a patient at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia, Samoa, June 22, 2023. (The eighth batch of the Chinese medical team in Samoa/Handout via Xinhua) by Xinhua writer Guo Xinhui SUVA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- "I write to thank the People's Republic of China for providing a medical team to Samoa's national Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital ... I believe the specialized knowledge of Dr. Liang Huaxin for the surgery saved Meleisea's life, and his family and I are very grateful to him and to the other doctors from China ..." These words come from a special letter the Chinese Embassy in Samoa received from Meleisea Malama's wife, which expressed heartfelt gratitude to the eighth batch of the Chinese medical team in Samoa. One day in June of last year, Meleisea experienced a sudden and severe headache and was rushed to the TTM Hospital, where he was diagnosed with bilateral subacute subdural hematoma, a life-threatening condition. In this critical moment, the hospital recommended consulting the Chinese medical team for diagnosis and treatment. Leading the operation was Dr. Liang Huaxin, with the rest of the team assisting. Despite challenges brought by outdated surgical instruments and a shortage of medical supplies, they completed the surgery and saved the patient's life. This was not the first time that Dr. Liang and the Chinese medical team received a letter of thanks from a patient. During the 2024 New Year, he received a message from one of his patients, expressing gratitude and kind wishes. "You make me reach 2024 in good health and happiness. My words are not enough of what your surgical team had done for me ... Thanks for making me walk again," the message read. Located in the remote South Pacific, Samoa's healthcare system is relatively underdeveloped, with a shortage of specialized personnel, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and rudimentary surgical instruments, which severely restricts clinical operations. Li Qingchun, team leader of the eighth batch of the Chinese medical team in Samoa, told Xinhua that under such challenging conditions, making the most of limited resources to save lives and alleviate patients' suffering is a reality that every member of the Chinese medical team in Samoa must confront. Rising to the challenges, the team, comprising members from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, achieved a series of "firsts" in this South Pacific island nation: the first minimally invasive surgery for acute epidural hematoma, the first craniotomy using a powered system, the first laparoscopic surgery in urology, and the first intramedullary nail for tibia fractures, among others. During their one-year term, the eight-member team diagnosed and treated nearly 13,700 outpatient and emergency patients, admitted 2,768 patients, performed 2,679 surgeries, and rescued 184 critically ill patients, said Li. As an otolaryngologist, Dr. Cui Na sees over 50 patients a day. "In Samoa, one in every 20 people may have visited my clinic. They may not know my name, but they will certainly remember the five-star red flag on my white coat, and they will remember that the doctor who treated them comes from China," Cui said. Apart from providing treatment for the patients, the Chinese medical team also shared their expertise and technologies with local doctors through various methods, including clinical teaching, joint surgeries, and hosting specialized lectures and training sessions, which has significantly enhanced the healthcare expertise in the island nation. Since 2018, when the first batch of medical team were sent to Samoa from northeast China's Jilin Province, the Chinese medical teams from Jilin have earned respect and admiration through their professionalism and compassion, while also cultivating genuine friendships with the local people. The ninth batch of medical personnel from the People's Hospital of Jilin Province arrived in Samoa in May, continuing to uphold their commitment to saving lives, treating illnesses, and forging new friendships throughout the island nation. CANBERRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 24th annual China Update, a leading Australian forum for in-depth discussion and analysis of the Chinese economy, has discussed China's energy transformation, which was attended by leading academics, policymakers and government representatives. Participants shared their latest research on the theme of "The Great Energy Transformation in China" on Monday and Tuesday in Canberra, at the forum presented by the Australian National University College of Asia & the Pacific. Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian told the forum that China and Australia have a wide range of prospects for cooperation in the fields of green economy, energy transition and coping with climate change, and the two countries should actively build new growth poles for pragmatic cooperation, which will continue to benefit the people of China and Australia. A statement of the forum said China's energy transformation encompasses multifaceted strategies ranging from investment in renewable energy, development of low-emission technologies, to more stringent policy regulations on emissions. The forum aimed to identify new opportunities and challenges for deepening energy transformation in China, and for carrying out much needed international energy cooperation, it said. China has started the strive to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, setting in motion a new effort for the transition to a green, sustainable, and cleaner economy. by Martina Fuchs GENEVA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China is developing a strong and healthy appetite for Switzerland's premium, artisanal and sustainably sourced chocolate, presenting an exciting potential for Swiss companies, the Association of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers has said. Swiss chocolate exports to China "are steadily increasing," Roger Wehrli, director of the association known as Chocosuisse, told Xinhua in a virtual interview recently. The top export markets for the chocolate industry in 2023 were Germany, Britain, France, Canada, the United States, Spain, Australia, Italy, China and Belgium, the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security said. "Swiss chocolate is well positioned in China," Wehrli said. "We have also experienced a strong growth over the last 10 years, having more than tripled our exports to China. There is far more potential in China for Swiss chocolate." Chocosuisse data show that in 2023, the Swiss chocolate industry sold 207,807 tons of chocolate, including bars and small formats, couverture, chocolate confectionary, seasonal items, and powder. The industry association, headquartered in Bern, brings together all the industrial Swiss manufacturers of chocolate and chocolate products and institutionalizes contact with the main importers. "Globally, we've seen a growth in sales of 9.1 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. This is largely attributed to increased raw material costs. We've got price increases in cocoa which make it quite challenging for the future," Wehrli said. When asked about key demand and supply factors, Wehrli highlighted changing consumer preferences and an increasing appetite for premium, artisanal and sustainably sourced chocolate. "That's the kind of chocolate Switzerland is strong in," he said. "We also see growing popularity and a market expansion for dark chocolate," Wehrli said. "We see a rising demand in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and in the Middle East." "In China, we see that the Chinese very much appreciate the darker chocolate. We also see that Switzerland is globally known for its premium quality, and this fits the growing appetite among Chinese consumers for high-end imported products," said the director. Regarding future opportunities for Swiss brands in China, Wehrli shared another observation. "Chocolate is becoming a popular gift for occasions like the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Valentine's Day, etc." Customers select goods at a supermarket in Foster City, California, the United States, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua) "In general, we don't believe tariffs will support international companies and international trade. At the end of the day, that risks ending up on the bills of customers," said Jesper Brodin, CEO of the European company Ingka Group. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. president-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that he would impose a 25 percent duty on imports from Canada and Mexico until they clamped down on drugs and migrants crossing the border. Critics argue the tariffs would harm economic cooperation and strain relations between the United States and its closest trading partners. Economists say that businesses will have few options but to transfer the added costs to consumers, leading to significant price hikes for essentials, higher inequality and less consumer choice. The tariffs suggested by Trump earlier this week could cost every American consumer as much as an additional 810 U.S. dollars a year, said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING, a financial institution. Car buyers are likely to face even steeper price increases, exacerbating an already challenging market where costs have risen beyond affordability for many. With the average price of a new vehicle currently around 48,000 dollars, the added expense from tariffs could push car ownership further out of reach for many. Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford are expected to be hardest hit by the proposed tariffs, said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska. "A 25 percent tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry," he said. While the economic repercussions within the United States are significant, the ripple effects of such tariffs would extend across the globe. Canadian manufacturers, particularly in the automotive and steel industries, fear that the additional costs will make their products less competitive in the U.S. market, which accounts for the majority of Canada's exports. Speaking ahead of a Wednesday meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial leaders, British Columbia Premier David Eby called the tariffs "unjustified" and "devastating" for the province's forestry and lumber industries. Jesper Brodin, CEO of the European company Ingka Group which is the largest franchisee of IKEA, said prices would be hard to keep down if the United States enforces its tariff plan. "In general, we don't believe tariffs will support international companies and international trade. At the end of the day, that risks ending up on the bills of customers," he told CNN Wednesday when asked about Trump's tariffs. "We have never experienced a period of benefit when we had high tariffs," he said, referring both to IKEA and the global economy. Mexico is mulling over tit-for-tat moves as President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own. "One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses," Sheinbaum said, referring to U.S. automakers that have plants on both sides of the border. A New York Times article said that whether Trump's tariff threats show his deal-making prowess or simply sow chaos, the approach revealed his eagerness to upend global relationships in pursuit of U.S. advantage. The latest threats hinted at the potential for another four years of trade tumult, mirroring Trump's first term when he scrambled the country's economic and diplomatic relationships, the newspaper added. China's Shenyang prepares for return of CPV soldiers' remains from ROK Xinhua) 08:11, November 28, 2024 This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2024 shows a billboard with a slogan welcoming the return of the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The city is prepared for the return of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Republic of Korea. It was the 11th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Xinhua/Li Gang) This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2024 shows an LED billboard with a slogan welcoming the return of the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The city is prepared for the return of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Republic of Korea. It was the 11th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2024 shows an LED billboard with a slogan welcoming the return of the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The city is prepared for the return of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Republic of Korea. It was the 11th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Akbar Novruz The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Micha? Greczy?o, Poland's Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan, to protest Polish President Andrzej Duda's recent visit to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border region near the village of Kerki, which remains under Armenian occupation. During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side expressed its dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the visit, conducted alongside the European Union Mission to Armenia, involved anti-Azerbaijani propaganda. Officials highlighted that the EU mission has been misused as a tool against Azerbaijan, undermining its stated goals of fostering regional stability and trust-building between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Ministry noted that such actions contradict the spirit of Azerbaijani-Polish relations and called on Poland to avoid steps that compromise Azerbaijans legitimate security interests. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and the European Union (EU) have made progress in their consultations on a price commitment plan for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), and talks are still ongoing, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. The remarks were made by ministry spokesperson, He Yadong, at a press conference. He noted that various sectors in both China and the EU are looking forward to a proper resolution of the EU's anti-subsidy case involving Chinese EVs. Building on an existing principled consensus, technical teams from both sides have engaged in intensive consultations and have made some progress thanks to their hard work, the spokesperson confirmed. China hopes that the two sides will work in the same direction and address each other's legitimate concerns in a pragmatic and balanced manner, according to the spokesperson. Both sides should also meet the expectations of various sectors and jointly advance consultations toward positive outcomes, He added. Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua) SHENYANG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). At 12:07 p.m., a Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft, carrying the remains of the fallen soldiers and 495 of their personal effects, landed at Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The plane's touch down was met with a water cannon salute, as soldiers carried the caskets off the plane before a remembrance ceremony was held at the airport. Nearly 1,000 people, including representatives from central and local authorities, the military, war veterans, and relatives of CPV martyrs, attended the ceremony. Following the placement of the caskets, which were covered with the Five-star Red Flag, the participants bowed three times in dignified silence to the soldiers' remains. The remains will be laid to rest in a martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang. After the ROK handed over the martyrs' remains and belongings to the Chinese side in Incheon on Thursday morning, China held a memorial ceremony at Incheon International Airport. During the ceremony, the Chinese national anthem was played, and each casket was draped with the national flag. Attendees bowed three times to the martyrs before their remains were placed onto the plane. From 2014 to 2023, China and the ROK, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully completed 10 consecutive handovers involving the remains of 938 CPV martyrs in the ROK, along with related artifacts. The Korean War broke out in June 1950, eight months after the People's Republic of China was founded. At the request of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Chinese ground forces under the CPV entered the Korean Peninsula on Oct. 19, 1950. A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers joined the war that lasted almost three years, with more than 360,000 killed or injured. WELCOME HOME The flight from Incheon to Shenyang lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, but for many of the martyrs, this journey home spanned almost seven decades. In the past a few days the city of Shenyang has been decorated with slogans that read "welcome back, our heroes". As the Y-20 military transport aircraft prepared to land at Shenyang airport, the air traffic control tower transmitted a heartfelt message: "The mountains and rivers remain intact, our country is prosperous, and our military is strong. With the utmost respect, we welcome the loyal martyrs back home." In response, captain of the Y-20, Zhou Han, acknowledged the gravity of the moment: "The people's heroes will live on forever, their names eternally etched in history." It was freezing in Shenyang on Thursday, with temperatures dipping well below zero. Standing among the waiting crowd, retired teacher Lang Qingxia struggled to hold back her tears. In August 1952, her older brother Lang Defu died in the line of duty during the Korean War; she hopes that one day he will be brought back home and laid to rest. "I have been coming for several years," she said. "Those heroes are my brother's comrade-in-arms, whom I regard as my relatives. On the other hand, I look forward to seeing my brother among these returning home." Dong Shulan's uncle went to fight in the Korean War in July 1952, and that was the last time anyone saw or heard from him. "Even though my uncle may not be coming home this time, the return of his comrades feels like he's back too," she said. "I am deeply honored to be here," said Wang Lei, who plays Qin Jiwei, a CPV army commander, in the hit TV drama Battle of Shangganling. "As an actor, I'm here to welcome the heroes home, and it feels as though the characters I've portrayed in the past are welcoming them back as well." Winter Olympic short-track speed skating champion, Wu Dajing was visibly moved by the experience. "Many of the martyrs were younger than us when they went to war. They sacrificed their lives to protect our country. It was an environment that today's youth should never experience. I hope that their spirit can be an inspiration to today's young people." The ceremony was also livestreamed online. Among the viewers were faculty and students of a primary school in Shenyang, which was named after CPV martyr Mao Anying, the son of late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong. In memory of the martyrs, the students had selected personal gifts to take to the martyr's cemetery at a later date. "My gift is a scarf," said a girl. "The soldiers braved severe cold and fought in extremely difficult situations. So I hope that it could protect our CPV soldiers from the cold wind." Another girl cooked noodles with her mom before school that morning. In north China, it is customary to welcome guests with noodles. "These noodles taste of home," she said. "The martyrs have returned home." A third child brought a model plane. "My dad is a soldier and I grew up listening to his stories about the Korean War. I brought this model so our CPV soldiers can see how strong our motherland is now." Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Jie) Vehicles carrying coffins containing the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs head to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) A soldier escorts a coffin containing the remains of a Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyr at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua) Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are loaded onto a vehicle at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Yang Qing) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) A Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is pictured over the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Yang Qing) Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are about to be loaded onto vehicles at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Yang Qing) Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are about to be loaded onto vehicles at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 28, 2024 shows a motorcade delivering coffins containing the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs moving along the Qingnian Street in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Photo by Xu Zhikang/Xinhua) A military aircraft carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is honored with a water salute after landing at the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) A Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force carrying the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs, escorted by two J-20 stealth fighter jets, is pictured over the Taoxian international airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 28, 2024. The remains of 43 CPV soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). (Xinhua/Li Gang) Artists perform at the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 28, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) People walk past the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 28, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) People taste wines at the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) People watch a Hungarian traditional performance at the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 28, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Photo by Na Yuqi/Xinhua) People perform at the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 26, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) Artists perform at the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 28, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) People watch a Hungarian traditional performance at the Hungary Pavilion of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 28, 2024. This year's expo has Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion showcases Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image. (Photo by Na Yuqi/Xinhua) People visit the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) The exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province is seen at the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) A model of AS700 airship is displayed at the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) A visitor interacts with a robot at the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) A visitor takes photos with a robot at the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) A Lotus vehicle is displayed at the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) Visitors experience virtual reality devices at the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) Chips are displayed at the exhibition area of central China's Hubei Province of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2024. As the province of honor for this year's expo, Hubei Province has invited 28 of its enterprises which showcased more than 70 exhibits during the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) Vehicles wait to return Lebanon at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing near Damascus, Syria, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 5,900 Lebanese nationals have left Syria through the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing between Syria and Lebanon by noon on Thursday, according to a Syrian official. Alaa Al-Sheikh, a member of the executive office in the Damascus Countryside Governorate, told local Sham FM radio that the movement follows a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hezbollah, which prompted many Lebanese who had sought refuge in Syria during recent hostilities to return home. Syrian authorities recently reopened the Jdeidet Yabous crossing after repairing damage caused by an Israeli airstrike that had temporarily disrupted traffic along the vital route. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah has been in effect since early Wednesday. Lebanese are pictured at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing near Damascus, Syria, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday urged the immediate withdrawal of the U.S. Typhon mid-range missile system from the Philippines. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query on the recent news that the Philippines is considering purchasing the missile system from the United States. China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to the U.S. deployment of mid-range missile system in the Philippines, Wu said. Calling Typhon "an offensive weapon," Wu said the Philippines' acceptance of the U.S. deployment has intensified geopolitical confrontation and escalated tensions in the region. This is by no means solely a matter for the Philippines; it concerns the common security of all countries in the region, Wu said. "History and reality have repeatedly proven that where there are U.S. weapons deployed, there will be a higher risk of conflicts," he said. "We urge the relevant parties to withdraw the Typhon mid-range missile system immediately," he said, stressing that if the United States and the Philippines insist on continuing down the wrong path, the Chinese side will take resolute countermeasures. The picture shows the exterior of Google's data center in Hamina, located approximately 145 km east of the country's capital Helsinki. (Google/Handout via Xinhua) The government noted that land transactions of this size are rare in Finland. HELSINKI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Google has acquired a 27-million-euro (28.5 million U.S. dollars) land parcel in Finland to expand its data center operations, the Finnish government announced on Thursday. Metsahallitus, Finland's state forest property administrator, has been authorized to sell approximately 1,400 hectares of land near Kajaani, a northeastern town that serves as a key hub for data center activities. The government noted in its press release that land transactions of this size are rare in Finland. Google has been operating data centers in Finland since 2011, with its campus in Hamina currently employing around 400 full-time staff, according to the release. In Finland, Google built its first data center in Hamina, a city located approximately 145 km east of the country's capital Helsinki, in 2009. In May this year, the U.S. tech giant announced a new 1-billion-euro investment to expand its Hamina campus, which is expected to create more jobs in the next two years, according to local media reports. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollar) TEHRAN, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday that one of its senior members has been killed in attacks in Syria by "terrorists" with alleged ties to Israel. In a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News, IRGC identified the slain member as Kioumars Pourhashemi, "a senior military adviser" in Syria, adding he was killed Wednesday night by "Takfiri terrorists" led by Israel in the suburbs of Aleppo. Pourhashemi fought for Iran in the war with Iraq in the 1980s and served as a "military adviser" in Iraq and Syria in the following years, it said. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group and allied factions on Wednesday launched a massive offensive in the western countryside of Aleppo, prompting the Syrian army troops to engage in combat with them. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that since the beginning of the clashes, at least 153 combatants have been killed, including 80 HTS fighters, 19 from allied rebel factions of the so-called National Army, and 54 Syrian government soldiers, including at least four officers. The HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, and several other countries. NAIROBI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday called on African nations to integrate special economic zones (SEZs) into a continental transformation strategy to drive growth. Speaking at the official opening of the ninth African Economic Zones Organization's annual meeting in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, Ruto said that SEZs are vital for attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving technological advancements, all of which are critical to building a competitive and inclusive economy. Ruto called on African countries to explore collaborative opportunities to enhance the role of SEZs as catalysts for economic renaissance and collective transformation across the continent. "That is why special economic zones are indispensable engines of growth," he said, noting that Kenya is committed to advancing collaborative frameworks with all African nations and partnerships in Africa's SEZs align with the shared vision of harnessing the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. "The African Continental Free Trade Area represents a historic opportunity to create a tariff-free Africa, boost intra-African trade and investment, drive industrialization, and generate meaningful employment for our youth," he said. He stressed the need for Africa to reduce dependence on external support by building a self-reliant, pan-African economic area rooted in integration, innovation, and enhanced collaboration. He said the continent must seek ways of utilizing its abundant natural resources and human capital to drive inclusive economic growth. "It is imperative that we transition swiftly from dependence on raw material production to competitive export production and value addition through industrialization," he said. Ruto said his government has introduced reforms to enhance the operational environment for SEZs, adding that the enactment of SEZ laws in 2015 laid the groundwork for significant progress in sectors such as manufacturing, technology and agriculture. Starting from Wednesday, the three-day meeting organized by the African Union (AU) was held under the theme "Building Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economies: The Role of African SEZs in Attracting Impactful Investments and Redefining Competitiveness." More than 300 participants, including policymakers, operators, financial institutions, and United Nations officials, convened at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi to address challenges faced by SEZs. HELSINKI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Google has acquired a 27-million-euro (28.5 million U.S. dollars) land parcel in Finland to expand its data center operations, the Finnish government announced on Thursday. Metsahallitus, Finland's state forest property administrator, has been authorized to sell approximately 1,400 hectares of land near Kajaani, a northeastern town that serves as a key hub for data center activities. The government noted in its press release that land transactions of this size are rare in Finland. Google has been operating data centers in Finland since 2011, with its campus in Hamina currently employing around 400 full-time staff, according to the release. In Finland, Google built its first data center in Hamina, a city located approximately 145 km east of the country's capital Helsinki, in 2009. In May this year, the U.S. tech giant announced a new 1-billion-euro investment to expand its Hamina campus, which is expected to create more jobs in the next two years, according to local media reports. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollar) JERUSALEM, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Thursday evening the immediate lifting of gathering restrictions in central Israel, including Tel Aviv and its suburbs. The decision, taken by the IDF's Home Front Command, followed the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon that went into effect early Wednesday. The command previously limited gathering to up to 2,000 people in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, as well as in other areas of central Israel, following the launch of projectiles by Hezbollah from Lebanon. In northern Israel, gathering restrictions remain in effect, with a maximum of 10, 100, 350, or 2,000 people, depending on their proximity to the Lebanese border. As soon as Israel and Lebanon stopped fighting and reached an agreement, the main hypocritical peacemaker of all of Europe, Emmanuel Macron, immediately appeared. Macron acts as if the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon is literally his victory and his achievement. If you listen to the president or the French Foreign Minister, it feels like Macron personally ran along the front lines, took away machine guns from the combatants, bandaged the soldiers' wounds, and distributed humanitarian aid to the local population. Fantastic, unprecedented hypocrisy! After all, France has become almost the official mediator between Iran and the West! France is constantly flirting with Israel, then taking the side of the Gulf countries. And now, after bloody battles and casualties on both sides, Macron has the audacity to claim this peace as his own achievement! With the Jews, he tries to act like a Jew; with the Arabs, he tries to act like an Arab. But beneath the mask, there is just one thing: the hypocritical, deceitful Macron. PRAGUE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar met on Thursday to discuss the Middle East situation and bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, Lipavsky welcomed the ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Lebanon earlier this week, according to a statement from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "I welcome the ceasefire agreement ... This agreement offers hope for calming the situation in the whole region," Lipavsky said. Israel's security cabinet on Tuesday night approved a ceasefire deal with Lebanon, paving the way for an end to a nearly 14-month conflict. On the social media platform X, Sa'ar commended relations between Israel and the Czech Republic. He invited Lipavsky to visit Israel to further strengthen ties between the two countries. Also on Thursday, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala met with Sa'ar. ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate on infrastructure development in Ethiopia. This was highlighted during discussions between Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and AIIB President Jin Liqun in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, according to a statement released Thursday by the finance ministry. The two officials engaged in extensive talks on strengthening development cooperation, with Shide briefing Jin on Ethiopia's efforts to accelerate economic growth. These include the country's long-term development programs, its homegrown economic reform initiative, and the expanding role of the private sector in driving economic development. Praising the AIIB as a key financial institution in supporting major infrastructure development projects, the finance minister outlined Ethiopia's request for AIIB financing for major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a new airport and renewable energy projects, to advance the country's development agenda. The ministry said the two officials reached an agreement to collaborate on major infrastructure projects in Ethiopia. For his part, Jin reaffirmed the AIIB's readiness to support the Ethiopian government and people, underscoring the willingness to work with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other stakeholders to enhance Ethiopia's development efforts, according to the ministry. Headquartered in China's Beijing, the AIIB is a multilateral development bank that began operations in January 2016, with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia. ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Experts and policymakers attending a high-level infrastructure development-themed event have called for concerted efforts in mobilizing resources to bridge the financing gap in this regard to spur Africa's connectivity and economic growth. This came during the eighth Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa Week (PIDA Week 2024), held on Nov. 25-29 under the theme "Fostering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure for Africa's Sustainable Growth: Leveraging Transformative Financing and Regional Integration" at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Addressing the closing session Thursday, Kamugisha Kazaura, director for Infrastructure and Energy at the AU Commission, underscored the urgent need to address financing and capacity development gaps as a crucial enabler for the realization of major infrastructure development projects in Africa. Noting the critical gap in financing infrastructure projects in Africa, he stressed the need to strengthen public-private partnerships to bridge the gap. "We need to mobilize domestic as well as international financing. This is very crucial to be able to bridge the financing gap. In order to be able to implement complex development projects, we need the right requisite technical and capacity building," Kazaura said. According to the AU, as a continental initiative spanning until 2040, the PIDA aims to address infrastructure deficits across the continent. The PIDA is a continental initiative adopted by all African countries to mobilize resources to transform Africa with modern infrastructure. Data from the AU show that through PIDA projects, nearly 30 million people in Africa have gained access to electricity, bringing the continent's overall electricity access rate to approximately 44 percent. Since the start of PIDA, more than 16,000 km of roads and 4,000 km of railway lines have been developed across the continent. While addressing the opening session Monday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, underscored that the African continent is at a critical juncture in its development. He said the structural transformation of African economies, as envisioned in Agenda 2063, the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, requires modern, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure. Faki underscored that the theme of PIDA Week 2024 reflects Africa's common commitment to building a prosperous and integrated future for all. He said the PIDA remains Africa's flagship program for developing cross-border infrastructure that promotes integration and sustainability. Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime noted that a significant amount of investment is needed to meet core infrastructure development in developing countries. "Half of Africa's population still lack access to electricity, and millions of people have no access to clean drinking water. On top of that, a few people in the continent have access to all weather road and railway network, and Africa is below the global average almost in all aspects," Sime said. He said poor physical and digital infrastructure remains the most formidable challenge to boost intra-Africa trade and spur development. Inadequate financial resources and high investment costs are key impediments to Africa's infrastructure development. "We cannot rely solely on traditional financing mechanisms. We must leverage innovative funding sources especially public-private partnerships and international financing options to turn our visions into reality," Sime said. TBILISI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Georgia's new government led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze won a vote of confidence in the parliament on Thursday. The government will have three new ministers: Maka Bochorishvili as the minister of foreign affairs, Anri Okhanashvili as the minister of justice, and Davit Songuashvili as the minister of environment and agriculture. The parliament also approved the government's program that says Georgia has two main goals: restoration of territorial integrity peacefully and complete eradication of poverty. The program includes several main areas of state policy: democratic development, economic development, social policy, human capital development, foreign policy and defense. According to Georgia's constitution, the new government will take office after winning a vote of confidence in the parliament. JERUSALEM, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli fighter jet launched an airstrike in southern Lebanon on Thursday, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement, claiming the attack aimed to "thwart a threat." This is reportedly the first strike of its kind since the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect early Wednesday morning. The IDF statement said that "terrorist activities were identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon," adding, "The IDF troops are deployed in southern Lebanon, operating to prevent any violation of the ceasefire." Earlier on Thursday, the IDF confirmed that it conducted a drone strike in southern Lebanon in the morning, describing it as a warning shot. The IDF said several "suspects," some with vehicles, entered areas in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire agreement. In response, the military fired a warning shot near a vehicle in the Markaba area, aiming to deter it without causing casualties. However, Lebanese military sources reported that at least two individuals were injured due to the strike. Meanwhile, unnamed official and military sources in Lebanon reported four additional injuries in a series of Israeli attacks on the village of Taybeh in southern Lebanon, accusing the Israeli army of breaching the truce. They added that more such attacks took place in the towns of Al-Bissariye, Shebaa, and Khiam, as well as in the villages of Kfarchouba, Halta, Tayr Harfa, Mays al-Jabal, Kafr Kila, and Aitaroun. Although a cautious calm prevailed across the border areas in southern Lebanon since the entry into force of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and the Israeli army at 4:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) on Wednesday, the two sides have been trading accusations of ceasefire violations. NEW YORK, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- With artificial intelligence (AI) at a pivotal moment of development, the U.S. federal government is about to transition from one that prioritized AI safeguards to one more focused on eliminating red tape, reported The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday. "That's a promising prospect for some investors but creates uncertainty about the future of any guardrails on the technology, especially around the use of AI deepfakes in elections and political campaigns," the report noted. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden's sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people's rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn't specified what he would do in its place, but the platform of the Republican National Committee, which he recently reshaped, said AI development should be "rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing." "It's an open question whether Congress, soon to be fully controlled by Republicans, will be interested in passing any AI-related legislation," said the report. Interviews with a dozen lawmakers and industry experts reveal there is still interest in boosting the technology's use in national security and cracking down on non-consensual explicit images. "Yet the use of AI in elections and in spreading misinformation is likely to take a backseat as GOP lawmakers turn away from anything they view as potentially suppressing innovation or free speech," it added. HELSINKI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed on Thursday in Harpsund, Sweden, a new strategic partnership between the two countries. According to a press release published by Kristersson's office, the new partnership includes the two countries strengthening their cooperation within security and defence, innovation and competitiveness. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that closer cooperation on security and defence in a broad sense is the foundation of the renewed strategic partnership between Sweden and Poland. Prior to the signing, the two heads of government conducted bilateral talks over Poland's presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2025 and pressing security concerns, the press release said. Business representatives also joined the discussions, focusing on strengthening European competitiveness, particularly in the defense industry, green transformation, and digital innovation. TEHRAN, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib on Thursday discussed Lebanon's latest situation following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. In a phone conversation, Araghchi welcomed the ceasefire, which he said was achieved through the "indescribable" resistance of the Lebanese people, struggles of resistance fighters on the battlefield, and efforts made by the Lebanese government, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. He also emphasized Iran's unwavering support for Lebanon's government, people, and army, as well as their resistance, while warning that Lebanon should remain "seriously" vigilant as the ceasefire could be fragile. Bou Habib, for his part, briefed Araghchi on the latest situation in Lebanon after the entry into force of the ceasefire since early Wednesday. He also praised Iran for its constant support for Lebanon. A cautious calm has prevailed in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army and Hezbollah recently agreed to a 60-day pause in their yearlong conflict. JERUSALEM, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A 12-year-old Israeli girl found a 3,500-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said in a statement on Thursday. The beetle-like amulet, found during family hiking below the ancient site of Tel Qana in the central city of Hod Hasharon, bears two scorpions standing head to tail. According to the IAA, the scorpion symbol represents the Egyptian goddess Serket, who was considered a goddess of protection, especially in the afterlife. Other decorations on the amulet are the nefer symbol, which in Egyptian means "good" or "chosen." Such amulets were designed in the shape of a dung beetle, which was considered sacred in the eyes of the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of new life. The IAA explained that the scarab amulets found in Israel, sometimes used as a seal, are evidence of Egyptian rule and cultural influence in the region. It added that an important and authoritative figure passing through the area may have dropped the amulet or deliberately buried it. People visit the 33rd edition of the Egypt Energy exhibition in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 33rd edition of the Egypt Energy exhibition concluded here on Thursday, showcasing innovations in renewable energy technologies and power solutions. Sponsored by Egypt's Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Trade and Industry, the three-day event brought together over 180 exhibitors from 12 countries, including China, India, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Spain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The exhibition highlighted the transition to renewable and clean energy, featuring the latest innovations across the entire energy value chain, including power generation, energy storage, and management systems. More than 40 Chinese energy companies participated, presenting a range of products such as optical ground wire cables, transformers, and industrial plugs, according to the organizer of the event. People visit the 33rd edition of the Egypt Energy exhibition in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) A French court has banned the use of the Corsican language in a regional assembly on the island of Corsica, located in the Mediterranean Sea. This decision dealt a blow to the independence movement, which has been seeking greater recognition and influence for the Corsican language. The Administrative Court of Appeal of Marseille ruled that the use of any language other than French in the countrys elected bodies is prohibited by the French Constitution. "The language of the Republic is French," the court quoted from the French Constitution of 1958, stating that French is mandatory for all state functions. Several dozen regional languages are still spoken in France, among which Corsican is one of the most prominent, alongside Alsatian, Basque, and Breton. Since the French Revolution, the country's highly centralized government has sought to limit the use of regional languages, viewing them as potential tools for political autonomy and separatism. Last week, President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that "regional languages were used as a means of dividing the nation." According to him, the French language has become "the basis of national unity." The appeal was filed by the Corsican Executive Council (CDC) after the island's administrative court annulled all meetings of the assembly held in Corsican and rejected the CDCs decision to allow the use of the local language in debates. Corsica's Executive Council now plans to refer the case to the Council of State, France's highest court for cases involving government agencies. The president of the Executive Council of Corsica, Gilles Simeoni, and the head of the assembly, Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, called the courts decision "contrary to European and international legislation protecting fundamental language rights." They expressed hope for support from the EU and called for a revision of the French Constitution to grant Corsican an "official status." The Movement for Autonomy on the Island Corsica, a picturesque island in the Mediterranean, is an integral part of the French Republic but enjoys greater autonomy, particularly in cultural and educational matters, compared to other regions of France. Relations between the island's autonomy movement and the central government in Paris have been tense, with episodes of violence marking the islands history of independence struggles. In 1998, the highest representative of the central government in Corsica, Prefect Claude Erignac, was assassinated in the street, shot three times in the head by Corsican independence fighters. Ivan Kolonna, convicted of this murder, was later attacked in a prison gym in 2022 and died from his injuries. YAOUNDE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people were killed on Thursday after a boat capsized in Cameroon's Far North region, according to witnesses and security sources. The boat capsized as it was transporting passengers from Darak island in the Logone-et-Chari division of region, witnesses told Xinhua Thursday evening. Local media reported that more casualties are expected, as rescuers search for more victims. Security sources said that a formal investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the accident. Boat accidents are common in the region often caused by overloading, faulty operations and severe weather. NAIROBI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sixty-five tutors from Kenya's technical, vocational education and training (TVET) institutions were awarded certificates of merit Thursday after completing a ten-day Huawei-sponsored crash course on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data communications. The graduation ceremony, which took place at the Kenya School of TVET, based in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, was attended by senior government officials, Huawei executives, tutors, students and aspiring innovators. Esther Mworia, principal secretary of the State Department for TVET in the Kenyan Ministry of Education, said Huawei's Train the Trainer program, jointly implemented by the Chinese telecoms firm and the Kenya School of TVET, has equipped participants with the advanced skills required to hasten the growth of Kenya's digital economy. "The future of Kenya's economy depends on our ability to equip our youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a digital world," Mworia said. "Through this partnership with Huawei, we are not only creating opportunities for trainers but also ensuring that the ripple effects will benefit students, industries and communities across the country." According to Mworia, Kenya is committed to forging robust industry-academia linkages to improve the digital skills of the youth, unlock job opportunities and improve service delivery. The tutors, selected from 58 TVET institutions countrywide, underwent intensive training to improve their information and communication technology (ICT) skills and are expected to impart the knowledge acquired to their peers, students and the wider community. They will be tasked with establishing ICT academies within their institutions, supporting digitization of curriculum, and nurturing an army of digitally savvy learners to advance Kenya's transition to a knowledge-based economy. Leng Yuta, director of public relations at Huawei Kenya, said that partnership with tertiary institutions is key to equipping the next generation with the skills required to propel the country toward the fourth industrial revolution. "Looking ahead, we are eager to formalize our partnership through a memorandum of understanding with the State Department for TVET," he said. "This framework will reaffirm our shared commitment to nurturing ICT talent and empowering TVET institutions to deliver industry-aligned training." JAKARTA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- "China is seen as a pivotal partner for Indonesia as we strive to realize our Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision," said Antonius Sumarwan, a lecturer at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Sumarwan, who also serves as a researcher at Indonesia China Partnership Studies, elaborated on Indonesia's vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, a roadmap to achieving developed-nation status by the centenary of its independence in 2045. According to him, the plan envisions a nation that is "sovereign, advanced, and sustainable," requiring robust international partnerships to bring this vision to fruition. Among these partnerships, Sumarwan said that China has emerged as a central partner for Indonesia in this endeavor. China's growing economic strength further cements its importance to Indonesia. "Maintaining and strengthening this economic partnership is essential for Indonesia," he said, identifying four key areas where China's contributions are indispensable. The first point is trade, he said, highlighting that China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner for a long time. The relationship extends beyond goods to strategic investments in sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and information technology. These investments are vital for boosting Indonesia's industrial capacity and enhancing its access to global markets, said the expert. Infrastructure development forms the second key area of bilateral cooperation, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative. He said that projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway exemplified China's role in modernizing Indonesia's infrastructure. "Strong infrastructure is a crucial foundation for Indonesia's sustainable economic growth," he said, noting that enhanced connectivity and mobility within Indonesia are critical to achieving the archipelagic country's long-term development goals. The third area is the digital economy, which Sumarwan described as "a primary pillar of Indonesia's Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, targeting significant digitalization in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the creative economy." Chinese tech giants like Huawei and ZTE are actively collaborating with Indonesia to accelerate digital transformation, which is laying the foundation for a tech-driven and innovative economy, he said. "China's investments in renewable energy and eco-friendly technology are helping us transition away from fossil fuels," said Sumarwan, while referring to environmental sustainability as the fourth factor. Noting China's investments align with Indonesia's green development goals, he said these efforts support Indonesia's aspirations for a sustainable economy by 2045. A close relationship with China is instrumental to Indonesia's pursuit of an inclusive, tech-driven, and sustainable future, Sumarwan concluded. MANILA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Thursday it has signed an 820-million-U.S.-dollar loan with Gulf Renewable Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (Gulf), to fund the construction of renewable energy projects in Thailand. The portfolio comprises eight ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with contracted capacity of 393 megawatts (MW) and four ground-mounted solar PV plants with battery energy storage with contracted capacity of 256 MW and 396 MW-hours of energy storage. "This portfolio of projects significantly enhances solar energy and solar energy with battery storage in Thailand, marking a major step forward in the country's goal of achieving carbon neutrality," said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. "It also offers a compelling model that can be replicated throughout the region." Established in 2011, Gulf is a leading power generation company in Thailand. The company's core businesses are in the energy, infrastructure utilities and digital sectors. NEW DELHI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Indian government said on Thursday that 999 hoax bomb threat calls were received by airlines and airports in the country since Jan. 1. The information was presented by Federal Junior Civil Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha. The minister stated 122 such threat calls were received in 2023, and from Jan. 1 until Nov. 14, a total of 999 threat calls were recorded, threatening the operations of international and domestic air travel. Hoax threats this year triggered chaos in the airlines, schools, hospitals and hotels across the country. In June, India's civil aviation security body Bureau of Civil Aviation Security proposed a five-year flying ban on those who issue such threats. CANBERRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has launched the ASEAN-Australia Centre in the nation's capital. Wong and Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), officially launched the new center at an event in Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday night. Wong said in a statement on Wednesday night that the center would build on the government's work to deepen Australia's engagement with Southeast Asia, with a focus on increasing business, education, cultural and community connections with the region. She said its key initiatives would include an emerging leaders program to support the brightest minds from the region, connecting teachers and students in Australia, Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste and boosting the business and creative ventures of Australian and Southeast Asian women. Wong also announced that a world-first exhibition of Indigenous Australian art will tour Southeast Asia from 2025 under a partnership between the ASEAN-Australia Centre and the National Museum of Australia. The center was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne in March. Albanese said that it would act as a focal point for driving greater Southeast Asia literacy in Australia. The center will support the ASEAN-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and implement the recommendations of Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The strategy, which was launched by the government in 2023, made 75 recommendations to significantly increase two-way trade and investment between Australia and Southeast Asia. ULAN BATOR, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia officially began a nationwide vaccination campaign against human papillomavirus (HPV) on Thursday, aiming to combat cervical cancer, the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) announced. Hospitals across Mongolia will provide free HPV vaccinations to 11-year-old girls and boys, with parental or guardian consent, according to the NCCD statement. This follows the government's decision in December 2023 to include the HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Schedule for all 11-year-olds. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which is a significant health concern in Mongolia. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women in Mongolia, as well as the fourth most prevalent cancer in the country overall, according to the NCCD. In 2023, Mongolia recorded 425 new cases of cervical cancer and 165 related deaths in its population of 3.5 million. Currently, approximately 4,700 women in the country are undergoing treatment for the disease. DHAKA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain Wednesday reaffirmed his country's dedication to safeguarding religious sites and fostering interfaith harmony. Highlighting acts of unity, he shared how young Muslim students recently protected Hindu temples during a major festival, showcasing the spirit of peaceful coexistence in the South Asian nation. He emphasized that the government of Bangladesh ensures equal respect for all faiths through inclusive policies, national holidays for diverse religious occasions, and transparency via open media access. Hossain represented Bangladesh at the United Nations Global Conference on Safeguarding Religious Sites: A Multistakeholder Approach, held on Wednesday in Cascais, Portugal, and made the remarks. In his address, he called for global collaboration to address rising threats to religious sites and combat disinformation campaigns undermining interfaith unity, a Foreign Ministry statement said here. CANBERRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has committed additional assistance to address famine and humanitarian needs in Sudan. The federal government on Wednesday evening announced 17 million Australian dollars (11.04 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid for Sudan amid the ongoing civil war in the country. It takes Australia's total humanitarian aid contribution to Sudan and neighboring countries since the start of the conflict in April 2023 to 50 million Australian dollars (32.4 million U.S. dollars). Penny Wong, the minister for foreign affairs, said in a statement with Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts and Pat Conroy, the minister for international development and the Pacific, that Sudan is facing the world's largest hunger and displacement crises. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, more than 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger. Wong condemned violence against civilians and aid workers in the region and called for all parties to agree on a permanent ceasefire. ASTANA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) on Thursday called on the international community to strive to fight terrorism and oppose the use of double standards. The CSTO Collective Security Council session wrapped up in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday with a declaration pledging to "consistently develop the collective security system's forces and capabilities with the aim of enhancing their high combat readiness for addressing assigned tasks and countering challenges and threats." "We emphasize that in the fight against terrorism, there is no room for double standards. Terrorism, whatever its shape or form, cannot be justified," stressed the declaration. The leaders attending the session also reaffirmed in the declaration their commitment to enhancing collective efforts to combat international terrorism, extremism, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, illegal arms trafficking, illegal migration, as well as the protection of the population from natural and manmade disasters. Presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, and representatives of the Armenian government attended the session. By Alimat Aliyeva The House of Representatives of the Australian Federal Parliament has approved a bill proposed by the government to ban social media access for individuals under 16 years of age, Azernews reports. According to the information, the bill was approved by 102 out of 115 members of parliament. The 13 lawmakers who voted against the government's proposal included all members of the Green Party faction, as well as a number of independent deputies. The draft is expected to be submitted to the upper house in the coming days, where it is likely to also receive the support of a majority of senators. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who personally presented the bill to parliamentarians, expressed confidence that it would receive "unconditional approval" by the end of the week. The bill proposes changes to existing legislation regulating internet safety, specifically amending it to prohibit access to social media platforms for individuals under the age of 16. If enacted, this measure would make Australia one of the first countries to introduce such an age limit for social media use on a national level. The government has justified the bill as a necessary step to protect young people from the negative effects of social media, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and exposure to inappropriate content. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on freedom of expression and the practical challenges of enforcing such a ban. STRASBOURG, France, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament (EP) on Wednesday approved the new team of the European Commission, led by Germany's Ursula von der Leyen, who will serve her second five-year term as president. Analysts suggest that as the EU's executive body, the Commission faces domestic and international governance challenges. Domestically, it must address the declining economic competitiveness in Europe, while internationally, it urgently needs to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy. PROTRACTED PATH TO APPROVAL European lawmakers approved the new 27-member, right-leaning executive team with 370 votes in favor, 282 against, and 36 abstentions. The Commission is set to begin its five-year term on Sunday. While von der Leyen, representing the European People's Party (EPP) of the EP, secured her second term as Commission president in July, the selection process for the remaining 26 commissioners was fraught with challenges. Her proposed list aimed to balance gender, political affiliations, and member state representation but encountered significant hurdles. Between Nov. 4 and 12, the EP held hearings to evaluate the qualifications of each commissioner-designate. Disputes emerged particularly over two executive vice-president-designates -- Italy's Raffaele Fitto from the far-right Brothers of Italy party, and Teresa Ribera, Spanish minister for ecological transition and demographic challenge. The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), another party of the EP, strongly objected to Fitto's nomination, accusing von der Leyen of pandering to far-right political forces. Meanwhile, members of the EPP from Spain opposed Ribera, criticizing her response to recent floods in Valencia, which claimed over 200 lives. These disagreements delayed the final approval of the Commission. To break the deadlock, EP leaders from the EPP, S&D, and Renew Europe convened negotiations and reached an agreement on Nov. 20 to endorse von der Leyen's team. This consensus was crucial, as the three groups collectively controlled a majority in the 720-seat European Parliament. Despite the approval, the new Commission has received the least support in Parliament since 1993, according to Politico. Former EP Vice President Jacek Saryusz-Wolski criticized the result, describing it on social media as "the lowest EP approval in history" and attributing it to "inter-party bargains." OVERLAPPING HOMEGROWN, EXTERNAL CHALLENGES Amid rising geopolitical tensions and a more complex political landscape, the new European Commission faces the challenge of navigating overlapping domestic and external pressures. Janis Emmanouilidis, deputy chief executive and director of studies of the think-tank European Policy Centre, commented at a Wednesday online seminar that the road ahead for the Commission seems even more difficult, given the challenges faced by the EU in the last decade. Internally, Europe is grappling with growing economic downturn risks, while far-right movements are gaining momentum. This rise has deepened internal divisions on issues such as immigration and the green transition, making these challenges increasingly pronounced. A recent report on Europe's future competitiveness, authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, warned that the eurozone economy has stagnated with little sign of recovery. It also noted that the EU member states have yet to significantly increase investment in areas such as defense, technology, and green transition, or reach consensus on implementing joint EU debt mechanisms. Externally, the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, the spillover effects of tensions in the Middle East, as well as Donald Trump's comeback, have all heightened Europe's geopolitical and trade risks. Von der Leyen is once again starting her mandate with "an exogenous shock to deal with," reported AFP, citing Simone Tagliapietra of Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. SELF-RELIANCE REMAINS UNATTAINABLE The European Council adopted the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 in June, emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe's defense and security, enhance its competitiveness, and promote economic prosperity. The new Commission's policy priorities align closely with the agenda. On Wednesday, von der Leyen addressed the EP on the next steps in her agenda, underscoring that European security will be a top priority for the Commission. Jian Junbo, deputy director of the Center for China-Europe Relations of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said the new Commission's policy will prioritize security and geopolitical competition, economic resilience and innovation, and green development, with security being the top concern. However, he noted that defense remains within the sovereign domain of member states, making it difficult for the EU to implement unified policies on defense coordination. He Zhigao, a scholar at the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the EU's greatest challenge in defense lies in its reliance on the NATO framework. "As long as NATO exists, substantial progress in the EU's defense strategy remains difficult" as the EU's defense industry is often limited to makeshift adjustments rather than achieving a qualitative leap, he noted. VIENNA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, has posted its ministerial meeting, originally scheduled for Sunday, to Dec. 5. The Vienna-based OPEC said in a statement on Thursday that the ministerial meeting has been rescheduled because several OPEC+ ministers "will be attending the 45th Gulf Summit in Kuwait City." OPEC+ oil ministers are set to decide on their output policy in the upcoming ministerial meeting, which will be held via videoconference. Early this month, eight OPEC+ member countries announced an extension of their voluntary oil production cuts by a month until the end of December, as oil prices have generally trended downward in recent weeks amid concerns over slowing global demand. In its monthly oil market report for November, OPEC further trimmed its forecasts for global oil demand growth this year and next, marking the organization's downward revision for the fourth consecutive month. BUDAPEST, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sinologists, diplomats and scholars attended a celebration at the China Cultural Center in Budapest on Thursday to mark decades of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Hungary. Addressing the audience, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao highlighted the historical depth of Chinese civilization and its interaction with Hungary's unique cultural heritage. "Mutual understanding between civilizations forms the foundation of true friendship, and interpersonal relationships are key to strong state relations," he said. Noting the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary, Gong spoke highly of Hungarian sinologists' contributions to advancing bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of humanities, translation, and academic innovation. The event featured an awards ceremony honoring distinguished sinologists for their contributions to deepening Sino-Hungarian understanding. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to pioneering Hungarian sinologists such as Eva Kalmar. Kalmar said she hopes that Chinese and Hungarian cultural and other relations will continue to develop forever. The Outstanding Contribution Award recognized scholars such as former Hungarian Ambassador to China Sandor Kusai, Vice Rector of Eotvos Lorand University Dr. Imre Hamar, and Honorary President of the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association Klara Zombory. In his speech, Kusai emphasized the responsibility of current and future generations of sinologists to sustain and deepen bilateral exchanges. "Let's create the human resources, knowledge, love, and empathy needed to continuously develop these relationships in every sphere, from economy to literature," he said. This event was among a series of activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Hungary diplomatic ties throughout the year. In May, the two sides elevated bilateral relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era. OTTAWA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A 25 percent tariff would be damaging to both Canadian and American workers alike and would lead to job losses on both sides of the border, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Wednesday, in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat. Trudeau on Wednesday night held a virtual meeting with all 13 premiers to discuss Trump's tariff threat, according to a readout issued by the prime minister's office. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland called on premiers to make use of all of their contacts, channels, and abilities to relay important information and messages to Americans and people of influence. They agreed to continue working closely together to advocate for Canada's interests and the deep economic ties that drive prosperity on both sides of the border, across all sectors of the economy. Trump vowed on Monday to impose a 25 percent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico as soon as he takes office, saying that he will keep them in place until both countries crack down on drugs and immigrants entering the United States illegally from their territories. For the first nine months of this year, Canada exported more than 300 billion U.S. dollars in goods to the United States, according to Statistics Canada. BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. president-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that he would impose a 25-percent duty on imports from Canada and Mexico until they clamped down on drugs and migrants crossing the border. Critics argue the tariffs would harm economic cooperation and strain relations between the United States and its closest trading partners. Economists say that businesses will have few options but to transfer the added costs to consumers, leading to significant price hikes for essentials, higher inequality and less consumer choice. The tariffs suggested by Trump earlier this week could cost every American consumer as much as an additional 810 U.S. dollars a year, said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING, a financial institution. Car buyers are likely to face even steeper price increases, exacerbating an already challenging market where costs have risen beyond affordability for many. With the average price of a new vehicle currently around 48,000 dollars, the added expense from tariffs could push car ownership further out of reach for many. Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford are expected to be the hardest hit by the proposed tariffs, said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska. "A 25 percent tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry," he said. While the economic repercussions within the United States are significant, the ripple effects of such tariffs would extend across the globe. Canadian manufacturers, particularly in the automotive and steel industries, fear that the additional costs will make their products less competitive in the U.S. market, which accounts for the majority of Canada's exports. Speaking ahead of a Wednesday meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial leaders, British Columbia Premier David Eby called the tariffs "unjustified" and "devastating" for the province's forestry and lumber industries. Jesper Brodin, CEO of the European company Ingka Group which is the largest franchisee of IKEA, said prices would be hard to keep down if the United States enforces its tariff plan. "In general, we don't believe tariffs will support international companies and international trade. At the end of the day, that risks ending up on the bills of customers," he told CNN Wednesday when asked about Trump's tariffs. "We have never experienced a period of benefit when we had high tariffs," he said, referring both to IKEA and the global economy. Mexico is mulling over tit-for-tat moves as President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own. "One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses," Sheinbaum said, referring to U.S. automakers that have plants on both sides of the border. A New York Times article said that whether Trump's tariff threats show his deal-making prowess or simply sow chaos, the approach revealed his eagerness to upend global relationships in pursuit of U.S. advantage. The latest threats hinted at the potential for another four years of trade tumult, mirroring Trump's first term when he scrambled the country's economic and diplomatic relationships, the newspaper added. In a move that will likely leave the F1 paddock bewildered once again, the FIA has parted ways with Tim Mayer, one of Formula 1s most respected officials. Mayer, 58, had been a steadfast presence in the sport, serving as a steward for 15 years and rising to the esteemed role of chairman. His exit comes just two weeks after the dismissal of F1 race director Niels Wittich and the governing body's compliance officer Paolo Basarri, amplifying questions about the stability within the FIAs leadership ranks. Tim Mayers reputation as an official was impeccable. As the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, motorsport ran in his veins. Over the years, he became synonymous with fairness, integrity, and an unmatched understanding of the intricacies of Formula 1. Despite his long-standing contributions, Mayers last outing as chairman of the stewards was at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, in October. Since then, he has not been called upon to officiate. Adding to the intrigue, Mayer was also involved with the Austin organizers, who faced scrutiny over a track invasion by fans post-race. It has been suggested that tensions arose between Mayer and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the handling of the incident, though no official explanation for Mayers dismissal has been provided. Mayers departure isnt the only eviction ordered by the FIA this week, with Formula 2 race director Janette Tan also released from her duties. Tan was ready to take over from F1s new race director Rui Marques this weekend in Qatar and was largely expected to take over the role full time in 2025. Again, the FIA has provided no reasons for Tans exit which has also thrown a curveball into the F1 weekend schedule at Lusail, particularly for Marques. With Tan now unavailable, Marques will shoulder the additional responsibility of overseeing the Formula 2 race in Qatar, adding to the already demanding sprint weekend schedule. While the additional F2 duties add to Marques workload, the demands of the race director role have been alleviated somewhat in recent years due to improved support structures within Race Control. Marques will have a team of four on-site staff to assist him, as well as support from technical and IT departments for tasks such as track limit detection and stewarding matters. Additionally, the FIA has significantly enhanced its Remote Operations Centre, where a team of four to six individuals provide live support during F1 race weekends. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and X (Reuters) -Shares of ASML (ASML, ASML.AS) and its peers in the European computer chip equipment sector climbed on Thursday after Bloomberg News reported that looming U.S. restrictions on the Chinese semiconductor industry may be less severe than expected. Shares in ASML were up 4.3% by 0809 GMT, with Dutch rivals BE Semiconductor (BESI.AS) and ASM International (ASM.AS, ASMIY) rising by 5% and 2.9% respectively, among top performers on the European benchmark STOXX 600 index (^STOXX). The Bloomberg report, citing unnamed sources, said that major Chinese memory chip manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc (CXMT) would not be added to U.S. trade restrictions lists, adding that the timing and contents of the decision are not certain. The U.S. Commerce Department oversees U.S. restrictions on China exports and is expected to issue new guidance after the Thanksgiving holiday. ASML, the largest supplier of semiconductor-making equipment, declined to comment. At an investor day two weeks ago the company said it expects sales of its tools to China to drop to 20% of total sales in 2025 from nearly 50% over the previous six quarters. Assembly engineers work on a TWINSCAN DUV lithography system at ASML in Veldhoven, Netherlands June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw REUTERS / Reuters Other top computer equipment suppliers include Applied Materials (AMAT), KLA Corp (KLAC), Lam Research (LRCX) and Tokyo Electron (TOELY, 8035.T). (Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Gdansk and Toby Sterling in AmsterdamEditing by Milla Nissi and David Goodman) Billionaire Bill Ackman has established a name for himself as an outspoken investor who takes activist stances through his hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management. Unlike many other hedge fund managers, who invest in thousands of stocks and often have huge teams buying and selling, Ackman's fund has a small number of stocks at any given time in which it takes a significant position. Right now, it has only 11 stocks. These are the top five. Strong consumer brands What stands out in Ackman's portfolio is the emphasis on strong consumer brands. Its top holding, though, as of the third quarter, is Brookfield Corporation (NYSE: BN). Brookfield is kind of like a holding company. It offers wealth management services, and it also operates businesses involved in infrastructure, energy, real estate, and other industrial services. Ackman first took a position in Brookfield in the second quarter, and it accounts for 14% of the portfolio as of the third quarter. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free The second-largest holding is longtime fund favorite Hilton Worldwide Holdings (NYSE: HLT), which was the largest position last quarter. In third place is Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG), which was the top holding for a long time. Ackman hasn't lost confidence in Chipotle -- he increased his position by nearly 3,400% in the first quarter. But he has since added other stocks, notably Brookfield and Nike (which is the sixth-largest position and so didn't make this list). Chipotle has also lost value over the past few months, accounting for its lesser portion of the fund's overall value. Rounding out the top five are Restaurant Brands International (NYSE: QSR) and Howard Hughes Holdings (NYSE: HHH), both of which are longtime holdings. Restaurant Brands owns brands like Burger King and Popeye's, and Howard Hughes is a real estate company. Since Pershing Square has such a limited group of stocks, each of these companies accounts for a similar amount of the total, and the value of the fund they represent can easily fluctuate based on price movements. Should you invest $1,000 in Brookfield Corporation right now? Before you buy stock in Brookfield Corporation, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Brookfield Corporation wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. The broader stock market fell into a quick bear market during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Toronto-Dominion Bank's (NYSE: TD) share price fell just like most other stocks during that period. And then the stock rallied strongly, just like many other stocks, hitting a peak of $85. That's when the wheels fell off and TD Bank, as it is more commonly known, went into a funk. The stock now trades below $60 per share. Is this a buying opportunity? Maybe, but you need to know what you are getting into first. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free It was bad, then good, and then really bad for TD Bank The early days of the coronavirus pandemic were filled with fear and uncertainty. Add in the government pushing for social distancing and the closure of nonessential businesses, and you can understand why there was a recession. That's bad for businesses across the board, and stocks, as a group, fell. TD Bank went along for the ride, even though its business remained fairly strong throughout the period. Image source: Getty Images. That's actually not too shocking. Banking is vital for everyday life, so it isn't like the industry could just stop operating. And, on top of that, TD Bank is one of the largest banks in Canada. Canadian banks are highly regulated, to the point where the largest banks effectively have protected market positions. That heavy regulation has also resulted in generally conservative operating cultures, so TD Bank went into the coronavirus period in a strong position. Thus, it shouldn't be any surprise that TD Bank's shares rallied after the world got used to living with COVID-19. To put some numbers on that, TD Bank's shares fell to a low of around $34 during the pandemic bear market. They then rocketed all the way up to $85 in roughly a year. That's an impressive rally! Only something happened in early 2022 that changed the way investors view TD Bank for the worse. TD Bank misses the mark in the United States Without getting into the details, TD Bank's internal controls in the United States failed to stop the bank from being used to launder money. That's more than bad -- it's really, really bad. That news didn't roll out quickly, however; it started with U.S. regulators blocking a U.S. acquisition that TD Bank had lined up. While TD Bank is already a giant in Canada, it is still growing in the U.S. market. In fact, the United States is TD Bank's growth engine. When regulators blocked that acquisition, investors got very nervous about TD Bank's future. By Alimat Aliyeva Japan, the United States, and the Philippines will hold a trilateral meeting to discuss joint maritime security. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Filipino counterpart Enrique Manalo reached an agreement during talks held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. According to Japanese public television, the parties have agreed to hold a meeting in Tokyo in Decembermarking the first trilateral talks in this format. "We would like to work closely with the Philippines, with whom we share fundamental values and principles, to peacefully resolve international issues and conflicts, including the situation in the South China Sea," NHK quoted the Japanese Foreign Minister as saying. Tensions persist in the South China Sea due to competing territorial claims over the Spratly Archipelago and the Paracel Islands. China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines are involved in this longstanding dispute, which is further complicated by strategic interests and the presence of significant natural resources in the region, such as oil and natural gas reserves. The area is also crucial for global shipping, with about one-third of global maritime trade passing through it. In recent years, the United States has been vocal in supporting its allies in the region, including the Philippines, against China's growing influence and militarization of artificial islands. Japan, a key US ally, has also expressed concern over Chinas assertive actions, including its "nine-dash line" claim, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several Southeast Asian countries. The trilateral talks in December are expected to focus on strengthening maritime security, enhancing cooperation on maritime law enforcement, and discussing how to counter China's actions in the region, which have led to calls for greater regional stability and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As the South China Sea dispute intensifies, there is growing international pressure on China to comply with international rulings, such as the 2016 Hague ruling, which invalidated China's territorial claims. However, China has refused to accept the ruling, citing historical claims over the region. SAM YEH/Getty, Tyler Le/BI Citi analysts put Nvidia on 'positive catalyst watch' for the next 90 days. Nvidia's stock could rise as much as 27% as CEO Jensen Huang prepares to deliver the opening keynote at CES 2025. Nvidia's GPU chips are central to AI workloads and, increasingly, humanoid robotics. Analysts at Citi put Nvidia (NVDA) on "positive catalyst watch" for the next 90 days in a recent note. The firm said shares of the chip giant could surge as much as 27% to its $175 price target heading into early 2025, as founder and CEO Jensen Huang prepares for his big keynote speech at CES 2025. The Consumer Electronics Show will be held from January 7 to January 10, with Huang set to deliver the opening keynote on January 6 at 6:30 p.m. The address will be followed by a question and answer session for financial analysts on January 7, Citi said. "We open a positive catalyst watch into CES Jan where we expect Blackwell sales expectations to move higher and management to talk about the inference led enterprise and robotics industrial demand inflection," Citi analyst Atif Malik said. At the CES event, Nvidia will likely further increase its Blackwell product sales expectations as it ramps up production of the next-generation AI chip, according to Malik. Additionally, Malik expects Nvidia management to tell analysts that its profit margin will likely bottom during their April quarter and move higher from there, as well as talk about an "inference led inflection" in AI robotics for use cases in warehouses, manufacturing, and even humanoid robots. Companies including Tesla (TSLA), Figure.AI, and Boston Dynamics have been racing to develop humanoid robots in recent years, and Nvidia's GPU chips have taken center stage in those devices. At Nvidia's annual GTC conference in March 2024, Huang welcomed nine different humanoid robots to the stage that were partly powered by Nvidia's chips. Citi rates Nvidia shares at a "Buy" and increased its price target to $175 from $170 after the company's third-quarter earnings release last week. Shares of Nvidia have surged 176% year-to-date amid the frenzy for the company's AI-enabling GPU chips. Read the original article on Business Insider By Paul Carsten and Nia Williams (Reuters) -Oil prices ticked up on Thursday after Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah traded accusations that their ceasefire had been violated, and as Israeli tanks fired on south Lebanon. OPEC+ also delayed by a few days a meeting likely to extend production cuts. Brent crude futures edged up by 34 cents, or 0.5%, to $73.17 a barrel by 2026 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 16 cents, or 0.2%, at $68.88. Trading was thin because of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Israel's military said the ceasefire was violated after what it called suspects, some in vehicles, arrived at several areas in the southern zone. The deal, which took effect on Wednesday, was intended to allow people in both countries to start returning to homes in border areas shattered by 14 months of fighting. The Middle East is one of the world's major oil-producing regions, and while the ongoing conflict has not so far not impacted supply it has been reflected in a risk premium for traders. Elsewhere, OPEC+, comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, delayed its next policy meeting to Dec. 5 from Dec. 1 to avoid a conflict with another event. Also supporting prices, OPEC+ sources have said there will again be discussion over another delay to an oil output increase scheduled for January. "It's highly unlikely they are going to announce an increase production at this meeting," said Rory Johnston, analyst at Commodity Context. The group pumps about half the world's oil but has maintained production cuts to support prices. It hopes to unwind those cuts, but weak global demand has forced it to delay the start of gradual increases. A further delay has mostly been factored in to oil prices already, said Suvro Sarkar at DBS Bank. "The only question is whether it's a one-month pushback, or three, or even longer." Depressing prices slightly, U.S. gasoline stocks rose 3.3 million barrels in the week ending Nov. 22, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, countering expectations of a small draw in fuel stocks ahead of holiday travel. [EIA/S] Slowing fuel demand growth in top consumers China and the U.S. has weighed on oil prices this year. (Reporting Nia Williams in British Columbia and by Paul Carsten and Enes Tunagur in London; editing by David Goodman, Jason Neely, David Evans, David Gregorio and Diane Craft) China's semiconductor industry is bracing for new shocks, as the US prepares to add several major chip equipment and materials suppliers on the mainland to its trade restriction list, dealing a fresh blow to the country's push for technological self-reliance, according to two people familiar with the matter. Several chip fabrication plants and manufacturing partners of Huawei Technologies, which has been under US sanctions since 2019, will be among roughly 200 Chinese companies included in the updated export controls to be announced later this week or early next week, the sources said. Washington's move is expected to also affect venture capital firms with close ties to the Chinese semiconductor sector, as well as upstream companies such as special gas suppliers, according to one of the people who was briefed on the situation, but declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security declined to comment on Wednesday. China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned the planned US trade curbs and said Beijing would take resolute measures to defend mainland business interests. Several manufacturing partners of Huawei are expected to be added to the updated US export controls. Photo: Reuters alt=Several manufacturing partners of Huawei are expected to be added to the updated US export controls. Photo: Reuters> The new sanctions are set to mark a major escalation in the US-China tech rivalry since October 2023, when the Biden administration tightened its export restrictions introduced in 2022 targeting the mainland's semiconductor industry, citing concerns that advanced technology could be used to enhance Beijing's military capabilities. The update last year was aimed chiefly at slowing China's artificial intelligence (AI) development by limiting the nation's access to advanced AI chips from Nvidia and lithography systems from world-leading Dutch supplier ASML. One of the sources said the impact on the Chinese chip industry would be significant if major suppliers are blacklisted by the US. The mainland has been striving for self-sufficiency in its semiconductor supply chain to counter US sanctions. But while the nation has developed domestic alternatives for some of the less-advanced chipmaking equipment, it remains heavily dependent on imported high-end tools like lithography systems and electron-beam inspection systems. (Photo by Stuart Chirls/FreightWaves) The U.S. Coast Guard issued an additional warning to American ports of potential security risks posed by container cranes made in China. The new MARSEC Directive 105-5 sets out additional cyber risk management requirements for ship-to-shore cranes made by Chinese companies. The directive follows a previous mandate for security measures issued in February. The new directive in part states that built-in vulnerabilities for remote access and control of these STS cranes, combined with intelligence regarding Chinas interest in disrupting U.S. critical infrastructure, necessitate immediate action, the Coast Guard said in a release. The agency said some cranes are equipped with control technology that could enable China to gain remote access to ports, terminals and computer-based systems. China cranes are in use at about 80% of U.S. ports. The leading maker is state-owned Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., which has 200 cranes in operation at American container hubs. The three-level MARSEC system is used to communicate possible security threats to maritime shipping. President Joe Biden earlier this year signed an executive order stipulating that billions of dollars in infrastructure funding for port upgrades replace the cranes with ones made in America. Under the directive, port and terminal operators, crane owners, and other parties involved in the installation, maintenance and support of Chinese-manufactured STS cranes are required to contact their Coast Guard District commander or captain of the port to obtain a copy of the clearance-sensitive directive. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: Port of LA-Long Beach railroad wins grant for electric locomotives At Rail Trends: Grants, real estate key to short line rail growth Red Sea attacks turn green for Zim investor The post US warns of cyberthreat from China container cranes appeared first on FreightWaves. colorado politics file colorado politics file The Byron White U.S. Courthouse in Denver, which is home to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A trial judge may testify in misconduct proceedings involving an elected district attorney and their office without automatically needing to recuse from any criminal cases, the Colorado Supreme Court's ethics panel concluded earlier this month. The petition to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to delay the next round of wolf introductions isn't going anywhere not anytime soon. The federal appeals court based in Denver ruled on Tuesday that a former nursing home employee can pursue her claim of religious discrimination against her former employer for failing to grant a religious exemption to its COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Colorado didn't buck trends entirely when voters nationwide returned Donald Trump to the White House for a second term on Nov. 5, but the state moved a smidgeon to the right, even as other Democratic-dominated states leaned markedly toward the Republican, enough to hand the former president the first national popular vote win for a GOP presidential nominee in two decades. Around the Springs, families awoke bright and early to start their Thanksgiving by burning calories. In Manitou Springs, parking lots overflowed with hikers looking to start their morning by climbing the 2,744-step Incline. But there was some extra sweet motivation. Brothers Ryan and Jared Klimek and friend Tom Lowry hosted their fourth "Caffeinated Climb," sharing free doughnuts and coffee at the top of the trail. The group of guys organized the first event in 2021, inspired while on the top of the Spanish Peaks for Veterans Day. "We were like, 'Wow, what would really be great right now is a cup of hot coffee right now,'" Lowry said. So, they went to Costco, bought some treats and coffee, carried everything to the top and thus a tradition was born. "How can we be kind on Thanksgiving? How can we do something that's little while memorable?" Lowry recalled. "At the top of the Incline, no one expects you to get coffee, and that's what we did. And it was really fun to see the surprise of everyone's faces." The event has grown since its start. Now, the organizers work with a group of about 20 volunteers who help tote everything to the top, including French presses, gallons of water, coffee grounds and doughnuts totaling around 260 pounds. Loyal Coffee supplies the group with coffee and cups, and this year, Dad's Donuts donated 100 baked treats. "I want to live where people just do random, fun things, kind of for no reason, that people will be surprised by and enjoy," Ryan Klimek said. For some, the promise of sweets and coffee is encouragement enough to try out the Incline for the first time at least for local married couple Lindsey Dove and Robert Downs. The two, who have done the Turkey Trot 5K in previous years, decided to take on the challenge. "We were sitting at a bar last night drinking some espresso martinis and saw the Instagram post about the doughnuts and coffee. And we've always been meaning to do it, and that was enough to draw us out," Dove said. "Maybe we'll make it our new tradition." Featured Local Savings For others, like Martin Martinez, the Incline is almost a part of his daily routine. His Thanksgiving climb marks his 268th ascent this year, bringing him one step closer to reaching his goal of 300 by the end of the year. Martinez described the coffee and doughnuts at the top as "wonderful," but now that he's back down, it's time to "go eat turkey." Over in Briargate, the local YMCA hosted about 4,000 runners for its 27th annual Turkey Trot 5K. The chilly morning painted the participants' faces red and fogged their breath, but still, spirits were high. "It's a community tradition," said Kate Noonan, the vice president of events for the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. "They come out in the morning to get some exercise, get energized so that they can relax for the rest of the day." The participants included solo runners, parents with strollers and even furry friends. Some runners came out sprinting in full turkey costumes, while others took the opportunity to go on a stroll with friends. For first-place runner Ben Schneiderman, the Turkey Trot is a family tradition and, apparently, so is placing. Ben's brother, Noah Schneiderman, crossed the finish line just a couple of moments after him, placing him in second place. Their parents were not too far behind. "It's fun being out here on Thanksgiving for sure. It's a tough course, the hill on the first mile is not easy," Ben Schneiderman said. As far as plans for after go home and have a nice, quiet family meal, he said. In the true spirit of the holidays, the registration fees help fundraise for YMCA programs, giving people around the Pikes Peak Region access to programs like child care, swim lessons and youth sports. "Our goal is access for all, we never want to turn anyone away because of finances, so that's where that money goes," Noonan said. The U.S. Attorneys Office for Colorado on Tuesday announced that three individuals have been indicted on charges related to a hate crime that happened during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election. Derrick Bernard Jr., 35, Ashely Blackcloud, 40, and Deanna West, 38, were indicted by a federal grand jury for "maliciously conveying false information about a threat made by means of fire," to drum up support for the eventual mayoral race winner Yemi Mobolade. The hate crime itself involved a burning cross in front of a campaign sign defaced with a racial slur amid the runoff between Mobolade, who is Black, and Wayne Williams, who is White. Bernard recently appeared in court in El Paso County, defending himself against charges that he ordered the 2019 murder of William Underwood, who went by the rapper name "FYL Jackk." The trial was quick. Just over 48 hours after opening statements, Bernard was found guilty of three counts of murder for ordering Aee Shawn Mathews, 26, to kill Underwood. He was sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole. Bernard has vowed to appeal the conviction. According to the FBI indictment, the three defendants were charged for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to spread disinformation about the hate crime. Before the runoff, law enforcement allege that Bernard sent a message to the other two in which he explained he was mobilizing my squad in defense. Black ops style big brother. He also sent allegedly messages referencing a desire to prevent the klan from gaining political control of Colorado Springs. The FBI alleges that Bernard then worked with Blackcloud and West to stage a cross burning in front of a campaign sign for Mobolade defaced with a racial slur in the early hours of April 23, 2023. The three are accused of spreading false information about the event through an email from an anonymous source to various news and civic organizations within the city. Featured Local Savings According to the indictment, Bernard spoke with Mobolade for approximately five minutes on the telephone on or around April 26, 2023, three days after the hate crime occurred. Bernard issued the following statement from prison regarding the indictment: "it's a shame what lengths the system will go in order to misdirect and slander those whom bring the criminality of public servants to the attention of the people. Guess what though ladies and gentlemen ... Those same so-called public servants are still misappropriating your tax dollars illegally each and every day." "The truth is still the truth even when you try to discredit the sources," Bernard said, insisting his online radio station at the time never lied in its reporting of city corruption and the hate crime. In a statement to Gazette media partner KOAA at the time of the event, Mobolade expressed doubt as to the perpetrators of the sign defacement and cross burning. "We do not know if the photo is of real events or if it was staged/created. Either way, it's reprehensible," the statement reads in part. Blackcloud made an initial appearance on Tuesday in front of Magistrate Judge Timothy P. OHara in Denver. Bernard is expected to make an appearance following a transfer into federal custody. West is a fugitive. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Colorado Springs Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Fields and Rebecca Weber. The Boulder Police Department released its annual update on the investigation into JonBenet Ramseys murder on Tuesday, one month before what would be 28 years since the child was found dead inside her home. On Dec. 26, 1996, 6-year-old JonBenet was reported missing from her home, located in the 700 block of 15th Street, after her family found a ransom note. Her body was later found inside the basement of the home, and an autopsy determined her cause of death was strangulation. JonBenets murder has not been solved, despite nearly three decades worth of searching: detectives have followed up on more than 21,000 tips and spoken with more than 1,000 people across 19 states about the case, according to the City of Boulder. The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said in the update, provided via X. We are committed to following up on every lead and we are continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country until this tragic case is solved. This investigation will always be a priority for the Boulder Police Department. For more on this story, and others, visit The Denver Gazettes news partner, 9News Parents are suing School District 49 for alleged discrimination and retaliation toward them and their son. In the lawsuit filed Nov. 26, Ryan Brown and Margaret Gay allege that their son was singled out by a teacher because of he and another students race while they attended Remington Elementary School in 2023. Following efforts to remove his son from the class, they allege that their family was met with increasingly coordinated efforts to limit their ability to communicate with district personnel. Brown believes that this was done in direct response to their meetings and follow-ups with his sons school principal and the districts superintendent. It would have never come to this, had they just said, We will move him from this class. We apologize (for) what happened. That would have been it, Brown said. But then we doubled, tripled and quadrupled down and then I turned into the bad guy for advocating for my son. On May 4, 2023, Browns son greeted one of his friends, who is Black like him, by asking Whats up brah [sic]? Sheri Baron, the students teacher who is White, verbally disapproved of the exchange, calling it gang talk, according to court documents. When he told his parents about the incident after school, both met with school Principal Cassie MacArthur and requested that he be removed from the class for the rest of the year. The lawsuit alleges that MacArthur verbally agreed to remove Brown and Gays son from the class, before following up with an email admitting that the teachers response was inappropriate but that he would remain in the class. The email allegedly stated that all future meetings with any staff member of Remington Elementary would have to be done via phone and that they could not come to the school to speak with MacArthur without an appointment. Brown told The Gazette that the email was sent shortly before the start of the school day while he was dropping off his son. He said when he entered the principals office that morning to confirm that the changes had been made, he was greeted with a printed copy of the email by the principal who was accompanied by two armed security officers. I know that was just for intimidation purposes in hopes that, Hey, if you get out of order Ill have you arrested, he said. And thats just for embarrassment purposes. Thats all it was. At least, thats how I take it. The lawsuit points to this as an example of racism and retaliation since this condition was unique to Browns family. The parents then pulled their son from the school and homeschooled him for the remainder of the school year. After submitting a stakeholder grievance appeal to D-49 Superintendent Peter Hilts, Hilts then began an investigation into his Browns complaints. In his emailed response to Brown obtained by The Gazette, Hilts said that the responses taken were in line with their existing policies and that Brown and Gays behavior toward MacArthur was a disrespectful interaction that was out of bounds. Brown said Gay was loud during their meeting, but not threatening or vulgar and that he believed MacArthur was embarrassed by the discussion. Featured Local Savings Hilts also said that Barons comments were a microaggression that revealed an implicit bias and served as an opportunity for personal improvement and an imperative for more effective organizational training that was already implemented. In addition to his sons removal from the class, Brown sought resolutions that included a suspension of Baron and a wholesale regime change at Remington if similar cases were to continue at the school. He said that no significant corrective action ever happened. I dont think there was any type of discipline, there was not even a slap on the wrist, Brown said. The lawsuit goes on to allege that, in the following months, efforts were made across the district to limit Browns interactions with district staff and faculty. Specifically, on Feb. 7, 2024, all staff members of the Horizon Middle School staff were allegedly instructed to no longer communicate with Brown. Browns son currently participates in extracurricular activities at the school while he is homeschooled. In an email to D-49 leadership obtained by The Gazette, Hilts describes Brown as an individual who consistently objects to our decisions and levels of service and instructs them not to take calls or receive any other type of communication from him without seeking approval from him and consultation with the districts attorney Brad Miller. The reason given in the message is because there are legal implications to all communications with Brown. The lawsuit also references a complaint filed by Brown and Gay with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, which determined that they had probable cause for their claims of discrimination. The racism that Ryan Brown, Margaret Gay, and their son endured is intolerable, attorney Andy McNulty said in a Tuesday press release. It harkens back to the type of discrimination that Black students regularly endured during the Jim Crow era in this country and is becoming all too common as school districts across the country stop taking racism seriously and implement bans on books that even acknowledge that racism exists. Brown was previously involved in a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Springs Police Department in 2017 for racial profiling. The two sides ultimately reached a settlement for $212,000. D-49 spokesperson David Nancarrow provided the following statement to The Gazette: "District 49 is gratified that the Colorado Civil Rights Division considered these claims carefully and ultimately declined to set them for a hearing. Accordingly, the Division dismissed Mr. Brown's case. We now look forward to our day in court to defend our district and our colleagues from these baseless and sensationalized accusations." Grand Junction Republican Jeff Hurd spent two weeks in Washington with fellow incoming lawmakers after being elected earlier this month to represent Colorado's sprawling 3rd Congressional District. The Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) announces Luxembourg Space Week, organized from December 2 to 5, 2024 in the heart of the business district, on the premises of the European Convention Center Luxembourg. This week will be the scene of four events bringing together international experts, entrepreneurs, policy makers, as well as enthusiasts and visionaries, to discuss the latest developments in the field, the future prospects of space exploration and the impact that space can have on Earth. 3 December 2024: Newspace Europe The latest space developments cost reduction, miniaturization, better access to space give space technologies the potential to reshape whole industries and have as much impact on business and society as smartphones or cloud computing. The Newspace Europe conference is focusing on new space developments and more specifically on how space businesses and companies can contribute to space-for-earth activities. 2 & 3 December 2024: Moon Village Association (MVA) Workshop & Symposium The Moon Village Association is a non-governmental organization that aims to promote international collaboration in the exploration and settlement of the Moon. MVA fosters cooperation between government space agencies, commercial space entities, and academia to advance humanity's presence on the Moon. ESA Space for Inspiration Conference on Commercial Space Exploration Space for Inspiration is a dynamic annual B2B event that brings together trailblazing entrepreneurs, visionaries, innovators, and investors driving the future of commercial space exploration. This year's program will include sessions on low Earth orbit (LEO) and the lunar economy, as well as panels on space resources. European Interstellar Symposium The first event of a kind in Europe, dedicated to ambitious long-term missions beyond our solar system. This European Interstellar Symposium aims to bring together an interdisciplinary community and to foster an exchange on various aspects of interstellar travel, including human and robotic exploration, as well as ethics, or potential destinations (including exoplanet research), life support systems, and habitats. Two general public events will also be organized as part of Luxembourg Space Week: 2 December 2024, from 6:30 p.m.: Space Cafe #15 & Science Fiction Authors Night Join science fiction authors Matthias Matting, Joshua T. Calvert, and Les Johnson for an evening of science-informed and inspired visioneering of humanity's future in space. Participating in the University of Luxembourg's and Interstellar Research Group's Interstellar Symposium, these best-selling authors will discuss how science fiction inspires scientists and vice versa, and how the incredible technological breakthroughs of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries are shaping our lives as we prepare to once again send humans beyond Earth to the Moon, Mars, and ultimately, to planets circling other stars. Free entrance. Info and registration 3 December 2024, from 6:30 p.m.: Highlight talk An Enduring Mystery of Astronomy: Can We Find Signs of Life Beyond Earth? by Sara Seager, MIT Professor Sara Seager, a Canadian American astrophysicist and planetary scientist, finds inspiration in the vastness of space. Currently the Class of 1941 Professor of Planetary Science, Professor of Physics, and Professor of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Seager pioneered numerous techniques for characterizing exoplanets, revolutionizing our ability to understand these distant worlds. Free entrance. Info and registration Press release by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) Each day, Ella Pepper works tirelessly to do everything she can to elevate the Church of Gods Childrens Home of NC. This includes ensuring that the 22 kids living at the site are safe and well-cared for. Most people in the county have likely never heard of the home, located a stones throw away from Vietnam Veterans Park, at 3485 Weatherby Circle in Concord. Its one of the few still-running orphanages in North Carolina, according to Pepper, who is the community liaison and activities director. Since the Childrens Home is private, it can take in children from all over North Carolina. Were absolutely a hidden gem, she told The Independent Tribune. Its a great place and its a great ministry. But as lively and passionate as Pepper is, neither she nor the other staff members can do it all by themselves. The orphanage, which was founded in 1944 and comprises 7 acres, is reeling from major downstream effects from Hurricane Helene. It was forced to cancel its annual Harvest Festival this year, as many of its major donors live in the western part of the state and were impacted by the September storm. The festival, which is the orphanages largest fundraiser, typically brings in anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000, Pepper said, which provides the lion share of the operating revenue for the following year. Its been absolutely horrific, Pepper said about having to cancel the Harvest Festival. Additionally, the orphanage has taken in nine children from the western part of the state who were affected by Helene. Efforts to help To provide the orphanage with some much-needed assistance ahead of the holiday season, Cabarrus Brewing Company and Towel City Tavern have launched the Gifts of Joy Drive, a three-part initiative focused on: Fulfilling Christmas wishes for the children residing at the orphanage through angel trees at both Cabarrus Brewing Company and Towel City Tavern; Providing necessities for the orphanages cottages through prepared wish lists; Restoring a damaged cottage through a Habitat for Humanity-style workday to expand capacity and welcome more children. Were very excited about this whole thing, Pepper said about the partnerships. This is something that we desperately need. Steve Steinbacher, founding owner of both Cabarrus Brewing and Towel City Tavern, along with Susanna Black, former Charlotte news anchor who is collaborating with Steinbacher through her newly formed media company, have spearheaded Gifts of Joy. When we first reached out to Pepper, we were pitching a typical angel tree-style partnership for the holidays, Black explained. But once she laid it all out, and we realized just how big the need was, we knew we had to do more. Steinbacher said he and his team went back to the drawing board and the result was this three-prong approach to address the orphanages biggest needs. Its a big lift, but Steinbacher said theres no other community hes more confident in to come together and make the drive a success. Were seeking sponsors to fulfill either partial or full cottage wish lists, as well as able hands to help out at the workday, Steinbacher explained. I have no doubt the organizations and people here in Cabarrus County are going to step up and show up for these kids. Mark Dail, a general contractor with Providence Restoration, has stepped up to lead the cottage workday. Set for Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the workday will help restore Cottage 2, which used to house teenage boys but has since fallen into disrepair. The team is aiming for at least 50 volunteers, especially skilled technicians, to improve the space. Once reopened, the cottage is expected to accommodate at least 12 additional children. As someone who also operates a nonprofit called Willows Wish Foundation, which focuses on creating inclusive spaces for special needs families, Dail wanted to do all he could to help the Childrens Home. We felt that we needed to do something to expedite everything and get this cottage up and running, Dail said, noting that a group of workers will begin performing small repairs on the cottage next week. Fulfilling modest wishes Many of the children ages 5 to 18 have spent much of their lives in poor and abusive environments where they were neglected and often mistreated. They have been so concerned with surviving that it can be hard to think about what it takes to thrive. And part of thriving as a child means having toys for Christmas. Thats why Pepper makes sure each child has their own personalized Amazon wish lists filled with all sorts of items, from LEGOs and bicycles, to Apple AirPods, running shoes and Super Mario Bros. Walkie Talkies. Asking for and expecting gifts is a foreign concept for many of the children, Pepper said. One girls initial Christmas list, for example, included a cup to drink water from. The wish lists are what we use to teach these kids how to start dreaming, Pepper said. Theyve never had the chance to think beyond right now. Pepper is excited about the community coming together to ensure the children have a truly special holiday season. We want them to know that they receive this stuff around Christmas, not because they deserve anything, but because they are loved, Pepper said, quoting from the orphanages director, Ken Hudson. Angel trees will be available at both Cabarrus Brewing Company and Towel City Tavern beginning Nov. 30, while the gift drop-off deadline is Dec. 19. For any questions, contact Susanna Black at susanna@susannablackmedia.com. To serve as an on-site volunteer to help repair the cottage, people can go to the link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F49A5A729AAF85-53473663-gifts#/ . The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), in collaboration with CSIRO's Data 61 and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, has announced that it is working on the development of the Voluntary Data Classification Framework (VDCF) as part of Australia's National Cybersecurity Strategy. The Aus3C says the initiative aims to establish a unified, standardised approach to assessing and protecting data risk in organisations across multiple sectors - and as part of the consultation process, it calls on Australian businesses across various industries to participate in a series of free nationwide workshops and contribute to shaping this vital framework. These workshops, scheduled for the first half of December in all the major Australian capitals, will provide businesses with insights from leading cybersecurity experts while offering an opportunity to voice their unique challenges and concerns regarding their data security. The VDCF, set to be launched by late 2025, seeks to address long-standing industry challenges in classifying data by its value and sensitivity. By adopting this standardised framework, organisations can better identify, assess and mitigate data risks, ultimately enhancing Australia's cyber resilience, notes the Aus3C. , emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating: "Industries often struggle with effectively identifying and assessing the value and sensitivity of their data, which varies significantly across sectors. This lack of a consistent framework leads to challenges in communicating data risk and implementing appropriate security measures, ultimately increasing enterprise risk."Aus3C says it is committed to supporting Australian organisations in adopting effective cybersecurity and data protection practices - and the free workshops will offer practical guidance on navigating the complexities of cybersecurity while highlighting the importance of consistent, risk-aligned approaches to data protection.Matthew Salier highlighted the broader implications of strengthening Australia's cyber protection: "Enhancing our nation's cyber defences is critical and all Australian businesses need to play their part in protecting our collective data security. We must equip all organisations with the necessary tools to navigate this complex environment. Our goal is to drive education and resources that empower Australian organisations to take control of their data security." Australian businesses across various sectors are encouraged to participate in the free workshops, network with their peers and learn from and meet cybersecurity experts. Their contributions will help shape the nation's cybersecurity landscape. To access the research study or register for in-person or virtual events across Australia's major capital cities, the Aus3C concluded. Visit https://www.cybercollaboration.org.au/vdcf-ic. Workshops schedule: Sydney - 3rd December - Location: University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 Brisbane - 4th December - University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane QLD 4072 Melbourne - 10th December - NBN HQ, 41/360 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Adelaide - 12th December - Aus3C, TechCentral, Lot Fourteen, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000 About the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organisation that utilises its knowledge, networks and expertise to make cyberspace a better and safer place for organisations, corporations, agencies and institutions to conduct business. It brings together education, industry and business sectors, fostering collaboration and synergy to build sovereign capability. Aus3C is a national leader forging partnerships with industry, researchers and government to collaborate more effectively to improve our cybersecurity posture. See www.cybercollaboration.org.au. GUEST OPINION: Loyalty-based marketing in the retail sector is undergoing significant change given the rise of modern data science, AI and cloud computing. Traditionally, loyalty programs were often based on simple reward schemes and discount offers largely targeted generalised segments of customers. Todays consumers expect more personalised experiences. Retailers who can capture a customers favourite brands, products, shopping habits, and budgets are more likely to earn their trust and loyalty. Modern hyperpersonalisation is a highly data-driven AI-enabled approach to one-to-one marketing. Innovative retailers are now able to collect, classify and analyse large volumes of data to produce highly individualised insights, recommendations and offers. However, none of this would be possible without the modern cloud and composable commerce platforms. While a deep dive into the cloud and composable commerce platform aspects of one-to-one marketing isnt feasible, its worth covering the basics. Data management and business transformation As discussed in our latest ebook, modern cloud and composable commerce platforms are helping the retail sector innovate by providing powerful tools for data management, customer understanding, and business transformation. These platforms can be game-changing for retailers seeking to scale with ease, adopt new data practices, and deploy AI solutions for improved marketing, forecasting and customer insights. Some of the major benefits advanced cloud platforms can provide retailers include: Analysing large volumes of customer data On-demand computing power that can run marketing forecasting models and AI-driven experiences for shoppers and staff in real-time A scalable platform allowing for growth and development Improved product and service intelligence Cost reductions Optimised operations Who is getting it right? A composable commerce platform is like a customisable toolkit for building an e-commerce store, which comes in handy for any retailer or brand needing to generate vast amounts of hyper-personalised offers and challenges. During a recent conference presentation, Paul Williams, APAC Director of Solutions Engineering for cloud-based commerce platform commerce tools, illustrated what a difference a composable commerce platform could make with reference to the British department store John Lewis. Until recently, John Lewis platform could only support 10 releases per year and launching new products took a product team the whole day. Peak sales periods like Black Friday required a 270-step manual process, and staff had to spend months preparing for it. Fast forward to them transitioning to a composable approach, and John Lewis can now achieve thousands of releases a year across completely independent product teams. In fact, a single team member can launch new products in under an hour and the platform is able to handle 1000s of orders per second. AI/ML and retail innovation Not so long ago, the notion that a major retailer or brand could create millions of individually tailored offers for the millions of customers signed up to their loyalty program would have seemed like science fiction. Yet the technology now exists to do this. Some of the worlds more innovative retailers, such as Tesco, have already embraced it, with promising results. As more retailers and brands embrace hyperpersonalisation, there will undoubtedly be even more evidence that combining customer and product data with AI/ML drives loyalty and sales. This article is an adapted excerpt of Eagle Eyes recently published eBook: Real-time Hyperpersonalisation: Retails Next Big Thing? To learn more about the hyperpersonalisation opportunity, click here to read the eBook now. About Eagle Eye Eagle Eye is a leading SaaS technology company enabling retail, travel and hospitality brands to earn the loyalty of their end customers by powering their real-time, omnichannel and personalised consumer marketing activities. Eagle Eye AIR is a cloud-based platform, which provides the most flexible and scalable loyalty and promotions capability in the world. More than 850 million personalised offers are executed via the platform every week, and it currently hosts over 500 million loyalty member wallets for businesses all over the world. Eagle Eye is trusted to deliver a secure service at hundreds of thousands of physical POS destinations worldwide, enabling the real-time issuance and redemption of promotional coupons, loyalty offers, gift cards, subscription benefits and more. The Eagle Eye AIR platform is currently powering loyalty and customer engagement solutions for enterprise businesses all over the world, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose and John Lewis & Partners, JD Sports, Pret a Manger, Loblaws, Southeastern Grocers, Giant Eagle, and the Woolworths Group. In January 2024, Eagle Eye launched EagleAI, a next-generation data science solution for personalisation, already being used by leading retailers worldwide including Carrefour, Auchan and Pattison Food Group. Web - www.eagleeye.com About Jonathan Reeves, Vice President APAC, Eagle Eye Jonathan is a seasoned expert in retail, with nearly three decades of global experience that included being on the team that developed the operating model of Tesco.com. After successfully operating his own consulting business for five years and authoring the influential book, "Retail's Last Mile: Why Online Shopping Will Exceed Our Wildest Predictions", Jonathan is now the Vice President for the Asia Pacific region at Eagle Eye, a SaaS technology company transforming marketing through real-time personalised performance marketing. At 5,000-year-old Liangzhu, mutual learning reinforces appreciation among civilizations Xinhua) 08:14, November 28, 2024 HANGZHOU, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- As a swarm of visitors was closely following their guide at a museum featuring rice-cultivating agriculture in late Neolithic China, professor Robin Coningham stopped in front of a rice harvester, adjusting his camera zoom for a clearer picture of the ancient tool. Coningham, from Durham University of Britain, was among some 300 participants in the Second Liangzhu Forum held in Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, from Monday to Wednesday. Guests attend the opening ceremony of the Second Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) The professor, who holds the UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage, said he would show the photo to his students. "I had only ever seen photos of such relics published in books. So, seeing them in person is interesting. One of the courses I teach is world civilization, comparing Egypt with Mesopotamia, South Asia, including India, and then China as well," said the scholar, who was on his first visit to China. First discovered in 1936 in the lower reaches of China's longest river, the Yangtze, the Liangzhu ruins gained the world heritage status in 2019. So far, more than 350 sites of the Liangzhu Culture have been discovered, bearing witness to the existence of Chinese civilization over 5,000 years ago. Coningham spoke highly of China's excavation and preservation of the Liangzhu ruins. "Most of the early agricultural tools disappeared. But you still have the timber materials here. You have made extremely good preservation, and it shows the high quality of excavations," said the archaeologist with a long-time experience in field study of early civilizations in southern Asia. A tourist views an exhibit at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 5, 2024. (Photo by Xu Junyong/Xinhua) INTERPRETING LIANGZHU The forum has gathered Chinese and foreign cultural officials, diplomats, scholars, writers, archaeologists, and musicians from more than 60 countries and regions to further tap into the rich cultural resources of Liangzhu. Many of the foreign visitors owed their fruitful trip to a special museum guide -- an American who prefers to be called by her Chinese name, Mai'anqi. Explaining the Liangzhu culture in her own way, she said by highlighting the interesting parts, it is more effective for cross-cultural interpretation. At the exhibition area of Liangzhu's ancient water conservancy system with 33 dams so far discovered, she told the audience that the amazing water system alone makes Liangzhu deserve a world heritage status, as it is hitherto the world's oldest and largest of its kind. Majoring in cross-cultural interpretation at Zhejiang University, Mai'anqi told Xinhua that because of the time limit, she did not fully elaborate on a spinning wheel, which she wanted to present to the visitors in particular. "In my opinion, the spinning wheel is a link of cultural exchange in the world," Mai'anqi said, explaining that women in every country used to produce textile materials by hand. In early civilizations, women took such things closest to them to the grave. In many countries, there are spinning wheels made of clay, even with gems or in the form of ceramic pottery found in graves. "I think this cultural bond may strike a chord with foreign visitors." As a volunteering bilingual museum guide, Mai'anqi has helped train 20 out of the museum's 200-plus volunteers to become fluent in English. "We have seen the number of foreign visitors to the museum rising sharply, making English-speaking guides badly in need," she said, adding that English guide service is only available on Wednesday and Sunday. An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2024 shows the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City park in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) CROSS-CULTURAL TALKS Pawel Gusnar, a saxophonist and professor at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland, enjoyed an immersive tour of the Liangzhu Museum and the ancient city ruins park during the forum, where digital technologies have been used to provide an appealing experience for the audience to visualize the Liangzhu culture. Gusnar said he was deeply impressed by the landscape of the ancient water town, although he is not in the sense of a history lover. "On this trip, we see how people lived thousands of years ago. It's very inspiring for musicians. The landscape is very close to my heart, to my feelings, to my emotions," Gusnar said. In cooperation with a Chinese folk orchestra, Gusnar presented a well-known Chinese folk song, "Jasmine Flower," in Poland to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year this year. He said he played saxophone together in harmony with traditional Chinese instruments. "As a saxophone soloist, I need to improvise on melodies. From now on, when I play I will think of the landscape of Liangzhu," Gusnar said. Zhang Mingzhou, a Chinese children's book writer, hosted a session of the sub-forum of International Writers Dialogue at the Liangzhu Forum. He introduced Belgian writer Wally de Doncker, whose illustrated children's book, "Nian and the Boy," was published in China in 2019. In Doncker's book, the "nian," a Chinese mythical beast, had lived peacefully in a pristine valley before humans came to disturb its life, leading to clashes until a boy's love and understanding helped resolve the human-beast conflicts. "China's stories can be told well not only by Chinese writers, but also by world writers," Zhang said. Talking about the theme of the sub-forum, "Dialogue: Changes and Developments in Children's Literature and Mutual Learning between Chinese and Foreign Cultures," Doncker said it is important to meet face-to-face to achieve mutual understanding and mutual learning, as this is the only way to get things done. "We can talk, and then talk about what we are learning." During the Liangzhu Forum, an array of topics was discussed centering on archaeology, literature, music and art, and experts and scholars from around the world engaged in interdisciplinary academic dialogues. Professor Coningham avidly pointed out that what makes him feel excited is that there is still intensive research going on in Liangzhu after it won the world heritage status. On Tuesday, the Liangzhu International Archaeological Center was launched at the forum to promote archaeological research on Liangzhu and expand the international influence of Liangzhu culture. The center will carry out international cooperation on the investigation, excavation, research and protection of Liangzhu site, enhance exchanges with academic institutions at home and abroad, and jointly explore a new model of archaeological cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Photos by Chihon Kim () If youre looking for a nice day trip or craving some Chinese food, Incheons colorful Chinatown is the place to go. Centered in an old port area, the district is full of red and gold buildings nestled on a steep slope with lots of narrow streets to explore. Just about every turn features a slew of Chinese restaurants serving localized dishes, but it is the history of the area that is intriguing. It is host to several museums offering a glimpse into Korea-China relations and heritage. The area also offers many places to explore with your family, including buildings with architecture from the Japanese colonial period which lasted from 1910 to 1945. Even if history is not your thing, a pair of good walking shoes are necessary to explore everything Incheon Chinatown has to offer. Samgukji Mural Street One of Chinatowns most popular attractions, Samgukji Mural Street is located at the top of the stairs between the Qing and Japanese settlements. The street is a 150-meter-long stretch of road which boasts a colorful display of murals depicting the classic novel of Chinas three kingdoms, called Samgukji in Korea, glazed into the tiles on the walls. The story is written in Chinese and Korean, but the paintings are worth a look and are a great photo op. Stairs between Qing and Japanese At the end of Samgukji Mural street, check out the stairway that dates to the Japanese colonial period. View the different architectural styles on either side dividing the Japanese and Chinese concession of 1880 from the top of the stairs. The two stone lanterns at the entrance of stairs leading to a statue of Confucius, represent the Japanese style on the right and the Chinese style on the left. Jajangmyeon Museum History buffs will want in on the all-in-one admission ticket offering access to the Jajangmyeon Museum, Incheon Open Port Modern Architecture Museum and Incheon Open Port Museum. The buildings housing the museums were once used as banks and are prime examples of Japanese architecture and how Chinatown offers a blend of Chinese culture, Koreas modern history and splashes of Japanese colonial architecture. Jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce) is undoubtedly one of Koreas most favorite dishes, and the museum is one of my favorite places. The museum building is located in the same spot where the dish was first introduced and is a love letter to Koreas beloved black bean noodle dish. Learn about its rich history and how Chinese laborers working in the port brought this dish to the country. Jayu Park (Jayu gongwon) A short walk from the staircase will lead you to Jayu Park, also known as Freedom Park, where you can get a panoramic view of the ocean, old port and Incheon city. Here, you will find the statue of General MacArthur, who led the allied Incheon Amphibious Landing Operation during the Korean War. Fairytale Village On your walk of Chinatown, you may find yourself making a turn and stumbling upon Fairytale Village, a neighborhood made to be photographed. Mostly a kids attraction, this area heavy on bright, pastel-colored buildings, murals and life-sized cartoon characters, is also for the young at heart. Take a selfie with Pinocchio, Cinderella or Alice in Wonderland. The homes and streets here are made to make you feel like youre in a childhood story book. Best of all, there is no entrance fee, so spend as much time exploring the area and taking photos as youd like. Though Fairytale Village is a tourist attraction, people do live here, so please be respectful and remember to keep your voice down. Wiseondang At this small Chinese temple dating back to 1893, visitors can take in the colorful murals on the yellow exterior walls. You can also enjoy the quiet surroundings and look up to see the dragons on top of the golden tiled roof and the architecture that is quite different from Korean temples. Chinatown: Foodies rejoice! RESTAURANT - Jin Heung Gak No visit to Chinatown would be complete without sampling Chinese food. Probably the most famous restaurant among tourists in the area is the new Gonghwachun, the original Jajangmyeon maker. Take note, however, that many locals say the new location isnt as good as the old one and lines to get a seat can get pretty long. Jin Heung Gak, another local favorite, serves up Jajangmyeon and sweet and sour pork. The restaurant also serves Jjambbong, a Korean spicy noodle soup that is very common in Korea. At Jin Heung Gak, however, their signature Jjambbong comes topped with abalone and sea food (KRW 6000-8000). It wasnt as spicy and the taste of the soup was not as strong as I expected. If Jin Heung Gak is too crowded, try Joong Hwa Ru, a good alternative if youre hungry and dont want to wait. Street food All over Chinatown, you can find many eateries, bakeries and shops selling street snacks. Walk up the main road from the Paeru (entry gate) until you reach the T-shaped alley. To the right of the alley, youll find many food stalls selling baked goods and sweets. Try the moon pie (KRW 2,000), a delicious treat filled with sweet bean paste and a variety of flavored creams like green tea or cheese. The line to get one might seem long, but its worth the wait. Address: 14, Chinatown-ro 52beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea Homepage (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Directions Car Camp Humphreys, Osan Air Base Incheon China Town(1hrs 30 -40min) Subway Pyeongtack station (Line No.1) Guro Station (Transfer Stn, Line No.1) Incheon Station (Line 1), Exit 1 (2hrs) Its hard to miss Chinatowns enormous entry gate, located just opposite the subway station. On 27 November the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against 21 Venezuelan security officials and cabinet ministers for their role in the repression that followed the disputed 28 July presidential election. End of preview - This article contains approximately 603 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 27 November El Salvadors Presidentcalled for a reversal of the countrys 2017 ban on metallic mining, which he described as absurd. End of preview - This article contains approximately 348 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Police suspected someone was stealing shoes from a childrens school in southwestern Japan. But a security camera caught the thief in action. It was a weasel! The small animal with a long body and short legs usually hunts for rats and rabbits. But this one was hunting for childrens shoes. After the childrens shoes began disappearing, police put in place three security cameras in the school in Fukuoka in southern Japan. Soon after, recorded video showed a weasel with a small shoe in its mouth. Its great it turned out not to be a human being, Deputy Police Chief Hiroaki Inada told The Associated Press recently. Teachers and parents had feared the thief could be a person with mental health problems. Japanese often take their shoes off before entering homes. The shoes that disappeared were all slip-ons the children wore indoors, stored in special spaces near the door. Weasels are known to hide items. People who keep weasels as pets give them toys so they can hide them. The weasel moved shoes around and took 15 of them before police were called. Six more were taken the following day. The weasel returned to steal one more shoe. The video of that theft was seen the next day. The shoe-loving weasel only took the white indoor shoes made of canvas, likely because they are light to carry. We were so relieved, the schools kindergarten director Yoshihide Saito told Japanese broadcaster RKB Mainichi Broadcasting. The children got a good laugh when they saw the weasel in the video. Although the stolen shoes were never found, the remaining shoes are now safely behind netting that covers the storage spaces. The weasel, which is believed to be wild, is still on the loose. Im John Russell. Yuri Kageyama reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. ___________________________________________ Words in This Story slip-on n. a shoe without fastenings pet -- n. a domesticated animal kept for pleasure relieved adj. experiencing or showing relief especially from anxiety or emotions that have built up kindergarten n. a school or class for children who are usually five to six years old netting -- n. material consisting of pieces of string or rope that are woven together The United States government has proposed a series of measures to limit Google from anti-competition business activities. The move comes after a federal judge ruled in August Google had violated trade laws by operating its search engine as an illegal monopoly. The ruling accused Google of paying smartphone makers to ensure that its search engine was set as the default system on new devices. The U.S. Justice Department brought the antitrust case against Googles parent company, Alphabet. Last week, the Justice Department issued a set of corrective guidelines for Google. Here is a look at the proposed measures as well as the governments case against the American tech giant. What is the Justice Departments goal? Justice Department officials say the main goal of the proposals is to get Google to stop using its highly popular search engine to illegally block competition and restrict innovation. The Department said Googles violations of U.S. trade law had given the company an unfair advantage in the online search business. It accuses Google of illegally gaining that advantage. Google has criticized the courts decision. The companys chief legal officer, Kent Walker, also condemned the Justice Departments corrective proposals. He called the guidelines wildly overbroad in an online statement. He added his opinion that the measures seek to go way beyond the courts ruling. Walker said the proposals would break a range of Google products even beyond search that people love and find helpful in their everyday lives. What are some of the Justice Departments proposals? The Justice Department proposed a series of measures to limit Google from blocking competition from other search engine providers. The main proposal is a ban on Google from signing deals worth billions of dollars to lock its search engine as the default system on Apples iPhone and other popular devices. This measure could result in reduced profits for companies that sign such deals. Other proposed measures include a ban on Google from using search results to favor its own services, such as YouTube or its artificial intelligence (AI) tool, Gemini. Another would force Google to license its search data to competitors. In addition, the Justice Department is seeking to require Google to be more open about how it sets the prices advertisers must pay to be listed near the top of some targeted search results. Another proposal would give publishers, websites and content creators the right to request that their data not be included in Googles search results or be used to train the companys AI models. What comes next in the case? Google will also have the chance to propose its own list of fixes to the court. After that, federal regulators will create a new version of the proposals in early March. Court hearings on the proposed measures are set to begin in April and the judge is expected to issue a final decision before September 2025. The trial to rule on the final proposals will take place after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has made comments suggesting a breakup of Google is not in the U.S. national interest. However, some recent nominations put forward by Trumps transition team have favored those who have been critical of big technology companies. And since the case was brought during Trump's first term, it is likely to move forward. But before the final trial begins, Google is expected to appeal the case. Experts say this may mean the case could stretch out for years in the courts. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Quiz - US Proposes Measures to Limit Google after Monopoly Ruling Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz __________________________________________ Words in This Story monopoly n. complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market default n. what exists or usually happens if no changes are made innovation n. the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices or methods advantage n. a condition that provides a greater chance of success range n. license v. regulate v. to bring something under government control transition n. a change from one system or administration to another > < 23:52 Kerala govt moves HC against appointment of KTU VC The Kerala government has filed an appeal in the high court on Thursday, seeking to set aside the notification issued by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan appointing K Sivaprasad, a professor in the department of ship technology at CUSAT, as the Vice Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological... Read more > 23:30 Shinde, Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar meet Amit Shah Mahayuti leaders during a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi/ANI Photo Maharashtra's outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Thursday night to thrash out a power-sharing pact in the state where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance romped home to a landslide victory in the assembly... Read more > 23:11 Man attacks nurse inside Karnataka hospital, caught on camera File image A CCTV footage of a nurse being attacked by a man inside a private hospital in Karnataka went viral on social media platforms on Thursday. The incident, reported to have occurred on October 30, was captured on CCTV camera of the hospital in which the man who has been identified as Prakash... Read more > 22:44 Pandian makes public appearance after 5 months Bureaucrat turned politician VK Pandian (left) More than five months after the Biju Janata Dal's defeat in the Odisha assembly elections, bureaucrat turned politician VK Pandian made his first public appearance at a wedding function of a BJD leader in Cuttack. Pandian had on June 9 announced to withdraw from active politics after BJD's... Read more > 22:18 SC to hear Sambhal mosque's plea against survey tomorrow Police and paramilitary personnel stand guard at Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal/ANI Photo The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday a petition challenging the November 19 order of a district court, which directed that a survey be undertaken of a Mughal-era mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal. According to the cause list of November 29 uploaded on the apex court website, a... Read more > 22:08 Shinde meets Amit Shah, Nadda in Delhi Eknath Shinde Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday night met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, ahead of a meeting of the Mahayuti coalition to discuss the power-sharing pact in the state. Shinde, who arrived from Mumbai, drove straight to Shah's Krishna Menon Marg... Read more > 21:48 IT raids at Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir's production company in Kochi Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir/Courtesy Facebook The Income Tax department conducted raids on Thursday at the Kochi office of a production company owned by Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir.According to sources in the IT Department, simultaneous searches were carried out at Parava Films on SRM road and Dream Big Distributors in Pulleppady in... Read more > 21:25 Uddhav Sena leader blames Congress for poll rout NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar with Shiv Sena-UBT supremo Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole/File image Fissures emerged in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi after the drubbing it received in the Maharashtra assembly polls, with Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Ambadas Danve on Thursday saying the Congress got over confident after the Lok Sabha elections. Danve, the Leader of... Read more > 21:10 Special tribute concert for SPB to be held in Bengaluru on Dec 8 A concert dedicated to legendary singer S P Balasubrahmanyam will be held in Bengaluru on December 8 at Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, said SPB Charan, the singer's son on Thursday. Not only this will be a tribute to my appa, but we will also use the proceeds to build his memorial in... Read more > 20:42 Four workers, engineer injured as scaffolding for flyover collapses in TN File image Four workers and an engineer sustained injuries when an iron scaffolding meant for constructing an arm of the flyover at the Goripalayam junction here collapsed, the police said on Thursday. The scaffolding was erected recently at the Palam station road for establishing the flyover's arm to... Read more > 20:23 India tests sub-launched N-capable ballistic missile File image India has tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of around 3,500 km from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Bay of Bengal, in a major boost to its nuclear deterrence and strategic capabilities, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. With the test, India became... Read more > 19:52 Sheikh Hasina condemns arrest of Hindu leader, demands his release Bangladesh's deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina/File image Bangladesh's deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the arrest of a Hindu leader on sedition charges and demanded his immediate release, saying that religious freedom and the security of life and property for all communities must be ensured. Hasina, the Awami League... Read more > 19:45 5-member panel to examine safety concerns about new Pamban Bridge: Vaishnaw The railway ministry has set up a five-member panel to address the safety concerns raised by the rail safety commissioner about the new Pamban Bridge, India's first vertical-lift bridge connecting the mainland with Rameswaram. The commissioner of railway safety, south circle, recently... Read more > 19:17 Now property dispute erupts in Bikaner royal families File image Close on the heels of a dispute of the erstwhile royal family of Udaipur in Rajasthan, another one has surfaced in Bikaner. Earlier this week, dispute in the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and descendants of glorious Rajput king Maharana Pratap took place when Vishvaraj Singh, new titular... Read more > 18:49 Protest on demanding release of missing Manipur man File image Hundreds of people continued their sit-in for the second consecutive day on Thursday in Manipur's Imphal West district, demanding that the authorities take steps to trace a 56-year-old man who has been missing since November 25.The joint action committee, formed in response to the disappearance... Read more > 18:22 Earthquake of 5.8 magnitude hits J-K, no report of loss of life or damage An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 on the Richter Scale hit Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, but there were no reports of any loss of life or damage to property, officials said. The earthquake was recorded at 4.19 pm, they said. The epicentre of the quake was in Afghanistan at a latitude of... Read more > 18:07 Shinde, Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar to meet Shah tonight File image The process of government formation in Maharashtra is expected to get a boost after a crucial meeting between caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and Union minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday night, sources said. The meeting assumes significance amid reports that... Read more > 17:55 Cop hurt as march to Bangladesh deputy high commission turns violent in Kolkata An injured policeman during protest in Kolkata/ANI on X A cop has been injured after a scuffle broke out between the police and members of the Hindu Mahasabha during a protest march to Bangladesh deputy high commission office in Kolkata on Thursday. Members of the Hindu Mahasabha were marching towards Bangladesh's deputy high commission in... Read more > 17:47 Shiv Sena holds anti-Bangladesh protests in Jammu, urges PM to ensure safety of Hindus File image The Shiv Sena on Thursday staged protests in Jammu against violent attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh, and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to ensure the safety of minorities in the neighboring country. Jammu and Kashmir Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief... Read more > 17:32 'ISKCON Bangladesh targeted for uniting Hindus' Protests against Bangladesh in Bengal The International Society for Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON) Bangladesh is being targeted by fundamentalists attempting to malign its reputation because of its efforts to unite the persecuted Hindu community and resist forced conversions in the country, the religious group's chief said on... Read more > 17:18 The Jharkhand leaders JMM leader Hemant Soren took oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony here on Thursday, amid the presence of a galaxy of INDIA bloc leaders. The 49-year-old tribal leader was sworn in as the chief minister by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. Here's what... Read more > 17:03 India should be worried about its stunted children Over a third of children under five years of age enrolled in anganwadis across India are stunted, the government has told the Rajya Sabha. In response to a question in Rajya Sabha, Women and Child Development Minister of State Savitri Thakur said 7.54 crore children up to five years of age are... Read more > 16:55 Gainers, losers today From the 30-share Sensex pack, Mahindra & Mahindra, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Tata Consultancy Services, Reliance Industries and Power Grid were among the laggards. On the other hand, State Bank of India was the only gainer. Read more > 16:52 INDIA bloc to protest 250 deaths in Manipur Candlelight vigils in Manipur last year Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra on Thursday said the INDIA bloc is planning to launch protests in New Delhi to demand normalcy in the strife-torn northeastern state. National leaders of the alliance could take part in the proposed demonstrations in the national capital, he... Read more > 16:16 Hemant Soren becomes Jharkhand CM for 4th time JMM leader Hemant Soren took oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony in Ranchi on Thursday, amid the presence of a galaxy of INDIA bloc leaders. The 49-year-old tribal leader was sworn in as the chief minister by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The... Read more > 16:14 Sensex bleeds, markets fall 1000+ points Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surrendered early gains to plunge nearly 1.50 per cent on Thursday, weighed down by intense selling in market heavyweights Infosys, RIL and HDFC Bank amid a mixed trend in global equities. The BSE benchmark Sensex slumped 1,190.34 points or... Read more > 16:11 INDIA bloc in full strength at Ranchi AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, his wife Sunita Kejriwal, party MP Raghav Chadha and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann arrive at the oath ceremony of Jharkhand CM-designate Hemant Soren. Rahul Gandhi and DK Shivakumar reached a bit before them. Read more > 15:53 INDIA bloc at Soren's big day Ranchi: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Congress leader Tariq Anwar, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Independent MP Pappu Yadav and others arrive at the oath ceremony of Jharkhand CM-designate Hemant Soren. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is also present. Read more > 15:36 Why is Eknath Shinde going to Delhi today? Maharashtra's caretaker CM Eknath Shinde leaves from his residence in Thane. He is coming to Delhi today. When asked about his visit to Delhi, he says, I will tell you (about it) after coming back. Shinde on Wednesday said he has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will abide by... Read more > 15:33 Hemant Soren meets father ahead of oath-taking Jharkhand-CM designate Hemant Soren arrives at the residence of JMM national president Shibu Soren, ahead of his oath-taking ceremony. Hemant Soren will take the oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand today, after the JMM-led alliance won a majority in the Assembly elections. Earlier this... Read more > 15:06 Kerala, Adani Ports sign agreement for... Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday announced the signing of a supplementary concession agreement between the state government and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited, ensuring the future development of the international seaport, the first phase of which is now slated for... Read more > 14:53 Sorens leave for their big day Jharkhand CM-designate Hemant Soren and his wife and JMM leader Kalpana Soren leave from their residence for the oath-taking ceremony. Read more > 14:32 Bangladesh HC refuses to ban ISKCON Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das The High Court on Thursday refused to ban ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh, a local newspaper reported days after a lawyer was killed in a clash between security personnel and supporters of a Hindu leader arrested on sedition charges. The lawyer had sought a ban from the high court on the... Read more > 14:09 What issues will MP Priyanka raise in LS? She says... After taking oath in Parliament as the MP from Kerala's Wayanad, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra vowed to raise important issues concerning the nation. The priority will be to raise important issues concerning the nation. There is nothing above the Constitution for us,... Read more > 14:05 Cannot interfere in B'desh's affairs: Mamata West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed concern over the current situation in neighbouring Bangladesh but emphasised that she preferred not to comment on the matter, as it pertains to another country. Speaking in the assembly, Banerjee clarified that the issue was... Read more > 13:27 Boyfriend harassed her: Family of dead AI pilot Representational image Family members of the 25-year-old Air India pilot found dead at her Mumbai home have alleged that her boyfriend, who has been arrested for abetment to suicide, would humiliate her publicly, harass her mentally and extort money from her, reports NDTV.Srishti Tuli was found dead at her rented home... Read more > 13:22 Schools in Manipur to reopen after 13-day hiatus Manipur has been on the boil for over a year The Manipur government on Thursday announced that classes in schools and colleges in Imphal Valley districts and Jiribam would resume from November 28 after a hiatus of 13 days. Educational institutes in these districts have remained closed since November 16 after the dead bodies of... Read more > 13:09 Woman held for making threat call to PM A 34-year-old mentally unstable woman has been detained for allegedly making a call to Mumbai Police threatening to harm Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Thursday. The city police control room received the threat call on Wednesday, an official said. The call was traced... Read more > 12:57 'Proud of Priyanka' As Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra begins her maiden tenure as a Member of Parliament, Sonia Gandhi says, We are all very happy and proud. Parliament was adjourned for the day after ruckus over issues like Adani, Sambhal and Manipur. Read more > 12:54 Blast heard in northwest Delhi near PVR The Delhi Fire Service on Thursday said there was a blast near a PVR in Prashant Vihar area in northwest Delhi. We received a call regarding blast in Prashant Vihar area at 11.48 am. We rushed four fire tenders on the spot. Our teams are following rest of the details, he said. Further details... Read more > 12:49 Anil Kapoor shares tender moment with wife at the Taj Mahal Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and his wife Sunita Kapoor recently visited the iconic Taj Mahal and treated fans to a glimpse of their special outing. Anil took to his Instagram account to share pictures from the trip, where the couple looked both happy and stylish. In one of the... Read more > 12:14 Threw their ideology away: Sena leader on UBT Sena Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC took a jibe at former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and said that the public has given a befitting answer to those who lost their ideology for power. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, she said that Mahayuti was here to stay and to... Read more > 12:07 Blessings! Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge shares a light moment with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after she takes oath as Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha. Read more > 12:04 Shinde set example of alliance dharma: Son Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has said he is proud of his father Eknath Shinde, who is currently Maharashtra's caretaker chief minister, for setting an example of following the alliance dharma while setting aside personal ambition. In a post on X on Wednesday night, the parliamentarian... Read more > 11:40 Parliament adjourned over Adani, Manipur, Sambhal Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for nearly 50 minutes till 12 noon on Thursday as opposition MPs protested the rejection of adjournment notices for a discussion on allegations against the Adani Group, and the violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till... Read more > 11:38 'Shinde should have been natural choice for CM' Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday said that looking at the work done by caretaker-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his tenure, he should have been the natural choice for leading the state government once again.The strike rate of all three parties has been so stupendous that every party... Read more > 11:16 Priyanka takes oath as MP; her kids, husband watch Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Lok Sabha MP on Thursday following her thumping victory from Kerala's Wayanad in a bypoll. The 52-year-old, who joins her mother Sonia and brother Rahul as an MP in what is a rare instance of three members of a family together in Parliament,... Read more > 11:01 ED team attacked in Delhi during raids An Enforcement Directorate team undertaking searches in a cyber fraud linked money laundering case was allegedly attacked here on Thursday, officials said. The agency has registered a police FIR about the incident that took place at a farmhouse that was raided by ED officials in the... Read more > 10:45 Manipur: Security forces install 94 checkpoints Security forces conducted extensive search operations in various vulnerable areas of the hill and valley districts in Manipur, the state police confirmed on Thursday. The police ensured safe movement of various vehicles carrying essential items, providing a security convoy to... Read more > 10:40 Priyanka to take oath today Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with her mother and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi arrives in Parliament. Ahead of taking oath as a Member of Parliament, she says, I am very happy. Read more > 10:37 Will Sena (UBT) leave MVA? Raut says... After the Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a humiliating defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that karyakartas of the party felt the party should have fought independently in the assembly polls but added the caveat that the UBT Sena was not... Read more > 10:08 Mumbai retiree duped of whopping Rs 11 cr! A 75-year-old retired ship captain in Mumbai has lost a staggering Rs 11.16 crore over four months in a cyber fraud scheme falsely promising lucrative returns on stock market investments, police said. A history-sheeter, Kaif Ibrahim Mansuri, has been arrested and police have found 33... Read more > 10:04 Ex-bank employee loses Rs 3.57 cr after imposter threatens him on video call Another day, another scam. A 74-year-old retired bank employee in Maharashtra's Thane district has been duped of Rs 3.57 crore after being threatened by a fraudster posing as a policeman on a video call, an official said on Thursday. The victim, resident of Ulhasnagar area,... Read more > 09:48 2000 boys register as girls to cheat in exam in UP File pic Around 2000 male students were found to be registered as female students across three private colleges affiliated with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Agra, reported the Times of India. The incident came to light on Tuesday during the ongoing semester exams when it was found that the... Read more > 09:36 Cyclonic storm over Bay of Bengal to affect AP, TN The deep depression brewing over Southwest Bay of Bengal has moved north-northwestwards in the past few hours and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm, causing rainfall over the districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, said an official on Thursday. The deep depression... Read more > 09:33 Go solo in BMC polls, Sena MLAs tell Uddhav Cracks have begun to appear the in the MVA following the drubbing in the Maharashtra assembly polls. Sena (UBT) MLAs have urged their chief Uddhav Thackeray to contest the civic and local body polls independently. Uddhav is expected to take a decision on the matter soon and has asked cadres to... Read more > 09:27 Mexico will stop illegal immigrants to US: Trump US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday said Mexico has agreed to immediately stop illegal immigrants from going to its border with the United States. This comes days after Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada for their inability to... Read more > 09:02 Hemant Soren to take oath as Jh'khand's 14th CM today Hemant Soren is set to take oath as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony at Morabadi Ground on Thursday, with several prominent political leaders and dignitaries, including key members of the INDIA bloc, expected to be in attendance.Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar will... Read more > 08:53 Maha polls: Army flew 140 sorties spanning over 77 hours The Indian Army along with its partner forces flew a total of 140 sorties spanning over 77 hours, transporting 925 passengers and 8,385 kg of cargo from November 17-20, while ensuring that even the remotest and Naxal-affected areas of Maharashtra could participate in the assembly elections,... Read more > 08:13 Several Trump Cabinet appointees receive threats Several Cabinet-level nominations and appointees to senior administrative positions and their family members have received threats, President-elect Donald Trump's spokesperson said on Wednesday. Law enforcement agencies have taken action against those threats. Last night and this... Read more > 01:08 2 cubs born to African cheetah Neerva found dead at KNP File image Two cubs born to African cheetah Neerva were found dead and their mutilated carcasses were recovered at the Kuno National Park in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, an official said. A team of forest staffers monitoring the movement of cheetahs received signals through... Read more > 00:58 Seer expresses regret over comments on denying voting power to Muslims File image Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamastana Math seer Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji on Wednesday expressed regret over his statement on denying voting power to the Muslim community, calling it a slip of tongue. \He said Muslims are also citizens of this country, and they too have voting rights like... Read more > > < 23:47 Won't treat Bangladeshi patients: Kolkata hospital Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari protests against the arrest of ISKCON monk. A hospital in north Kolkata's Manicktala area on Friday said it would not treat patients from Bangladesh amid protests over the alleged atrocities on minority Hindus in the neighbouring country. An official of the JN Ray Hospital said the decision was forced by insults meted out to the... Read more > 23:15 Actor Ajaz Khan's wife arrested in drugs case Actor and Big Boss contestant Ajaz Khan Fallon Guliwala (40), actor and Big Boss contestant Ajaz Khan's wife, has been arrested by the Customs department in a drugs case, an official said on Friday. Customs officials raided her residence in the western suburb of Jogeshwari on Thursday and seized 130 grams of marijuana, he... Read more > 22:52 Shinde will take 'big decision' in 24 hrs: Sena leader Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said that the name of the chief ministerial face for Maharashtra should be announced by Friday midnight and caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, will take a big decision in the next 24 hours. The Shiv Sena leader also asserted that Eknath Shinde will take any position... Read more > 22:19 Pilot suicide: Court extends custody of boyfriend; cops to retrieve phone chats A Mumbai court on Friday extended till December 2 the police remand of the boyfriend of an Air India pilot, who allegedly committed suicide, after cops contended they need to retrieve deleted WhatsApp chats between the two from his mobile phone. Pilot Srishti Tuli (25), who lived in a rented... Read more > 21:42 Congress says no tie-up with AAP in Delhi polls Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav/ANI Photo Ahead of the Delhi assembly polls scheduled to be held early next year, state Congress chief Devender Yadav said on Friday that the party will contest on all 70 seats and there would be no alliance. After attending the Congress Working Committee meeting on Friday in New Delhi, Yadav spoke to... Read more > 21:17 15-member SP delegation to visit Sambhal tomorrow, Cong team on Monday File image A 15-member delegation of Samajwadi Party will go to UP's Sambhal on Saturday to gather information about the violence that broke out after a survey in the Shahi Jama Masjid complex, the party said on Friday. SP state president Shyam Lal Pal said that on the instructions of party chief... Read more > 20:53 Samantha Ruth Prabhu's father passes away Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Friday evening shared the heartbreaking news of her father Joseph Prabhu's demise. Taking to Instagram Story, Samantha penned an emotional note. On a black background, the Citadel star wrote, Until we meet again, Dad. Her post was accompanied by a... Read more > 20:18 Brrr! Mumbai shivers at 16.5 degrees C; coldest Nov day in 8 yrs File image Mumbai recorded a minimum temperature of 16.5 degrees Celsius, its lowest in November in the last eight years, the India meteorological department said on Friday. This temperature was recorded by the Santacruz observatory from Thursday night till Friday morning. Before this, this... Read more > 20:07 11 killed, 23 injured as state transport bus overturns in Maharashtra's Gondia At least 11 passengers were killed and 23 others injured after a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus overturned in Gondia district of the state on Friday afternoon, the police said. The bus, operated under the service name 'Shiv Shahi', was carrying 36 passengers and heading to... Read more > 19:46 Maha's Tulja Bhavani temple to go under repair; work orders of Rs 58 cr issued File image The famous Tulja Bhavani temple in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district will undergo repairs and conservation work, during which unauthorised constructions on the premises will be pulled down, an official has said. The famous 12th century temple dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani is located at... Read more > 19:21 Porter working with Army injured in landmine blast in J-K's Poonch File image A porter working with the Army was injured in a landmine blast in a forward area along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Friday, officials said. The porter was engaged in some work in the forward area when a landmine exploded, resulting in injuries, they... Read more > 19:08 NSG deployed in Jammu anti-terror ops File image Additional director general of police, Jammu Zone, Anand Jain on Friday said the deployment of National Security Guard has been done in Jammu to assist the security forces. The ADGP said massive search operations are underway in the Jammu region to dismantle the terror ecosystem and... Read more > 18:17 Priyanka, Rahul to address meeting in Wayanad tomorrow File image Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who took oath as the MP of Wayanad, will be holding a joint public meeting with her brother and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in the hill constituency on November 30, party sources said on Friday. This will be her first visit as... Read more > 18:02 SC, HCs rejected 40 pleas against EVM: Govt in LS File image As many as 42 petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court and various high courts questioning the electronic voting machines, with the higher judiciary repeatedly holding that the machines are credible, reliable and tamper-proof, the government said in Lok Sabha on Friday. Responding to a... Read more > 17:50 Traffic affected on Delhi's Ashoka Road after portion of road caves in File image Traffic was affected on Ashoka Road in Lutyens' Delhi after a portion of the road caved in on early Friday, the police said. Taking to X, the Delhi traffic police said, Traffic is affected on Ashoka road in the carriageway from C-Hexagon towards Windsor Place due to road cave-in near Windsor... Read more > 17:27 ISKCON protests jailing of Chinmoy Das in B'desh ISKCON on Friday held a protest 'kirtan' at its Albert Road centre in Kolkata for the second consecutive day demanding the release of jailed Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and expressed concern over the plight of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Disciples chanted kirtans... Read more > 17:19 Champions Trophy: Will India travel to Pak? It is unlikely that the Indian Cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year due to 'security concerns' there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. Due to strained political relations between the two nations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008,... Read more > 17:11 Why did Siddaramaiah meet PM today? Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested rectification in short-term farm loan limit, Rs 10,000 crore in financial support and urgent clearances for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Kalasa Bandhuri projects. In the meeting in... Read more > 16:57 Sensex, Nifty rebound after deep plunge Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded on Friday, surging nearly 1 per cent each, amid buying in frontline stocks Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries. The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 759.05 points or 0.96 per cent to settle at 79,802.79. During the day, it soared 880.16 points... Read more > 16:29 Not received summons from US for Adani: India On the Adani indictment issue, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says: This is a legal matter involving private firms and individuals and the US Department of Justice. There are established procedures and legal avenues in such cases which we believe would be followed. The Government of India was... Read more > 16:06 B'desh situation not media exaggeration: MEA India's statement on the situation in Bangladesh and the arrest of an ISKCON seer. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. These developments cannot be... Read more > 15:59 Maharashtra: 8 dead, 30 injured after state transport bus overturns in Gondia At least eight people died after a Maharashtra State Transport bus overturned near Bindravana Tola village on the Gondia-Arjuni road in the Gondia district on Friday afternoon. The bus was on its way from Nagpur to Gondia. A State transport bus met with an accident in Gondia... Read more > 15:31 Mumbaikars sit up! Mega train projects announced Every year during the rains tracks get flooded Devendra Fadnavis shares this post on X, an announcement that should please harried Mumbaikars.Fadnavis writes: 300 new local trains for Mumbai, mega rail terminal in Vasai! Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Modi and Ashwini Vaishnav! Heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji... Read more > 14:58 Won't leave Mahayuti for the chair: Shiv Sena Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske says, CM Eknath Shinde expressed in a press conference two days ago that we are not interested in the CM's chair. Whatever decision the leaders of Mahayuti take, we stand behind them. We are not Uddhav Thackeray, we will not leave the alliance for the chair.Yesterday a... Read more > 14:41 Mahayuti meet for today postponed as Shinde is... Eknath Shinde's presser two days ago Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who returned to Mumbai from New Delhi on Friday morning, is travelling to his native village in Satara district amid continuing suspense over his successor a week after the assembly poll results. Shinde had told reporters in New Delhi... Read more > 13:50 'If Shinde doesn't accept Dy CM post it'll go to...' Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Friday said if their party head Eknath Shinde doesn't accept the deputy chief minister's post, then it will be given to someone from their outfit. Talking to reporters, Shirsat said Shinde will certainly not go to the Centre as a Union... Read more > 13:08 'Ajit, Shinde will have to take orders from Delhi' Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar on Friday, saying that since the Mahayuti victory in Maharashtra, all the decisions of the government will be taken in Delhi instead of in the state. Now the thing is all the things related to... Read more > 12:44 Hum Bharat ke Log: A new series on extraordinary people begins At 13, he left Bihar to work in a saw-mill in Bhutan. He learnt the craft of making sofas, and some of the pieces he made found a place in the royal palace. He returned home after spending 35 years in the Himalayan kingdom, and has continued making sofas, restoring old furniture and creating... Read more > 12:40 SC stays order on Sambhal mosque survey Supreme Court orders the trial court not to proceed with the case till the Shahi Idgah committee of the Sambhal mosque moves the High Court. The Supreme Court orders that the advocate commissioners' survey report be kept in a sealed cover. The court keeps the case pending before it and posts the... Read more > 12:20 Sit here, Kanimozhi tells Priyanka in Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra outside Parliament yesterday A day after taking oath, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday came to the Lok Sabha and joined the opposition protest, standing in solidarity near her seat. The Wayanad MP entered the House when several opposition members, including those from the Congress and the Samajwadi... Read more > 12:10 Delhi blast: Sweepers, guards, residents questioned A NSG team at the site The Delhi Police has registered an FIR regarding the explosion near a cinema hall in Rohini on Thursday, officials said. The low-intensity blast that occurred nearly 40 days after an explosion took place at a CRPF school in the same area left one person injured and triggered panic among... Read more > 11:55 Drunk pax incidents decreased in past 2 years: Air India CEO Alcohol-related incidents on flights have decreased in the past two years after reporting of such incidents to authorities has increased, said CEO of Air India Campbell Wilson on Thursday. In a media briefing, the Air India CEO said that there is an education process required for the... Read more > 11:40 Eknath Shinde Has No Cards Left To Play The meeting in New Delhi etc is just the BJP being nice to the man who helped it realise its dream by stabbing Uddhav in the back, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy. Read the column here. Read more > 11:20 ED raids Shilpa Shetty's husband's home, office ED raids premises of Raj Kundra, husband of Shilpa Shetty, in money laundering case linked to pornographic material distribution. The raids were conducted at Kundra's home and office.Kundra was arrested in June 2021 on charges of allegedly producing 'pornographic' films and his arrest was... Read more > 11:16 Hindus are being killed: British MP slams B'desh Bob Blackman, a Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East in the United Kingdom condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.Addressing the parliament on Thursday, Blackman showed his concern by the attempt of a High Court in Bangladesh to ban ISKCON from the country.In a post on X, he... Read more > 11:00 It's family time in the US Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States (Kamala Harris' husband) shares this image on Thanksgiving yesterday. There's nothing like having the kids home for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving! Read more > 10:37 Maharashtra assembly to have 78 first-time MLAs Will Devendra Fadnavis be the next CM? Seventy-eight first-time poll winners will enter the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, comprising about 27 per cent of its strength. Of these, 33 are from the BJP, 14 from the Shiv Sena and eight from the NCP. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) has 10 newcomers, six such MLA-elects are from the Congress... Read more > 10:34 Sensex, Nifty bounce back Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Friday amid buying in frontline stocks Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank. The BSE benchmark Sensex climbed 216.18 points to 79,259.92 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 78.6 points to 23,992.75. From the 30-share... Read more > 10:09 Does BJP want Shinde to be Maha deputy CM? The meeting yesterday Mahayuti leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar met with Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi last night. According to reports, the BJP may make Fadnavis the CM to 'right the wrongs' done to him when he was forced to play second fiddle to Shinde to keep the alliance... Read more > 09:54 Parl Day 4: Cong to continue discussion on Adani On the fourth day of the Parliament winter session, Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed an adjournment notice in Lok Sabha on Friday to discuss the Adani indictment in the lower house. Congress MPs have continuously sought to discuss the Adani indictment in the Lok Sabha since the start of the... Read more > 09:24 Birsa Munda's great-grandson, injured in road accident, dies Representational image Tribal icon Birsa Munda's great-grandson Mangal Munda, who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ranchi after being injured in a road accident, died of cardiovascular failure on Friday, an official of the health facility said. He was 45. Mangal Munda breathed his last at 12.30 am at the... Read more > 08:57 16-year-old girl raped in moving ambulance in MP A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped in a moving ambulance in Mauganj district of Madhya Pradesh, police have said.The alleged crime in the ambulance being operated under '108' emergency service took place on November 22 and two of the four accused in the case, including the driver, have been... Read more > 08:31 Shinde calls meet with Shah 'positive' amid CM race After meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda in New Delhi, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the meeting as good and positive. He added that another meeting would be held, which is expected to decide who will assume the role of Chief... Read more > 01:06 Court summons Telangana minister in defamation case filed by actor Nagarjuna Actor Nagarjuna A local court on Thursday summoned Telangana Minister Konda Surekha to appear before it on December 12 over a criminal defamation complaint filed by actor Nagarjuna. The actor accused the minister of making defamatory statements against him and his family. The special judicial first... Read more > 00:43 2 terror associates held in J-K's Doda, Udhampur File image The police on Thursday arrested two terror associates allegedly conspiring to execute subversive activities in Doda and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. A police team arrested a hardcore terror associate named Firdous Ahmed Wani from the Dandi area in Doda district's... Read more > Britain has a new prime minister for the first time in more than 11 years. Margaret Thatcher formally tendered her resignation to the Queen early this morning after leaving Downing Street for the last time. John Major was elected her successor yesterday by Conservative Party members. The woman dubbed as the Iron Lady during her premiership made her last tearful speech as the leader of the country from the doorstep of Number 10. Mrs Thatcher told reporters the country had become a much improved place in which to live since she took office in 1979. Were leaving Downing Street for the last time after eleven-and-a-half wonderful years and were happy to leave the UK in a very much better state than when we came here, she said. She also gave her support to her successor. Now its time for a new chapter to open and I wish John Major all the luck in the world, she said. Part of history After the speech she and her husband, Denis, were driven to Buckingham Palace, watched by a small crowd keen to witness this significant moment. Its part of history and wed just like to say good bye and wish her well, said one onlooker outside the gates of the palace. Mrs Thatcher had a half-hour meeting with the Queen before returning to her private home in Dulwich, south London. Fifteen minutes later Mr Major arrived at the palace and was formally invited by the Queen to form a new administration. The premiership of Britains first female leader and the longest since 1827 was at an end. Courtesy BBC News In context Margaret Thatcher remained MP for Finchley until 1992. But even after leaving Westminster she continued to be a formidable force in British politics. Her appearances at Conservative Party conferences overshadowed successive Tory leaders years after her resignation, and she frequently spoke out to lend her support to the Euro sceptics. Ill health forced the Iron Lady to abandon many of her public engagements in 2002. John Major was prime minister until May 1997 when the Tories were ousted from power after a Labour landslide victory. He stepped down as leader of the Conservatives shortly after losing the general election. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militants began yesterday, after Beirut residents endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began. Many wondered if the agreement to stop fighting would hold. Israel has said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement, which was announced Tuesday. At least 42 people were killed by Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens in the countrys north. Displaced people started returning to the coastal city of Tyre on motorcycles and in cars yesterday, defying an Israeli military warning to stay away from previously evacuated areas. Ahmad Husseini said returning to southern Lebanon was an indescribable feeling and praised Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who led Lebanons negotiations with Washington. He made us and everyone proud. Husseini, who earlier fled a town near the coastal city, spoke to The Associated Press while in his car with family members. Meanwhile, sporadic celebratory gunfire can be heard at a main roundabout in the city, as people returning honked the horns of cars some piled with mattresses and residents cheered. A couple of men shouted slogans praising slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September. Hussein Sweidan said he sees the ceasefire as a victory for Hezbollah. This is a moment of victory, pride and honor for us, the Shia sect, and for all of Lebanon, he said. As dawn broke in Beirut, plumes of smoke were visible rising from places hit by Israeli strikes before the ceasefire took effect at 4 a.m. Residents of Lebanons capital and its southern suburbs endured the most intense day of strikes since the war began on Tuesday. The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire marks the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel a day after Hamas attack. The fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The United Nations chief welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and hopes it can end the violence and suffering of people in both countries, the U.N. spokesman says. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Hezbollah to swiftly implement all commitments under the agreement, and take immediate steps toward fully implementing the 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said yesterday [Macau time]. Resolution 1701 called for the deployment of Lebanese forces throughout the south, which borders Israel and is now mainly controlled by Hezbollah, and it calls for all armed groups including Hezbollah to be disarmed. Neither has happened in the past 17 years. MDT/AP President Xi Jinping expressed hope this week that Singapore will continue to act as a pioneer in cooperation with China by making good use of bilateral platforms and effectively managing major projects. Xi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong. It is Lees first visit to China since he stepped down as prime minister of Singapore. Noting that next year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties, Xi called on both sides to intensify high-level exchanges, further align development strategies and deepen cooperation in various areas to bring more benefits to the two peoples. The president called for both sides to seize opportunities in digital and green development cooperation, two important areas under the framework of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park. Once a low-lying field, the industrial park has been transformed into a hub of innovation over the past 30 years, setting a vivid example for bilateral cooperation, Xi said. It also stands as a testament to Singapores deep involvement in Chinas reform and opening-up, he added. Founded in 1994 and home to over 400 Singaporean enterprises, the park has witnessed the development of closer cooperation between the two sides. Statistics show that the park has attracted more than 5,000 foreign-invested projects, with actual foreign investment use exceeding $40 billion over the past three decades. Lee told Xi that Singapore remains confident in Chinas future, and he believes that a growing and prospering China will contribute more to world peace and development. Singapore will remain committed to deepening cooperation with Beijing and actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, he said. Lee reportedly visited China 14 times in his two decades as Singaporean prime minister. The last time he visited China was in March last year, when the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to an all-around, high-quality, future-oriented partnership. Speaking at a forum in Suzhou on Monday, Lee said that it would be shortsighted and unwise to dismiss the worlds second-largest economy, The Straits Times reported. China has shown that it can take a strategic perspective, maintaining consistent policies over the long term to ride through transient ups and downs, and Singapore is committed to deepening cooperation with China, including through the Suzhou Industrial Park, he added. Zhou Shixin, a research fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said that Lees visit aims not only to strengthen the stability and resilience of China-Singapore relations, but also to lay the foundation for more robust bilateral ties and enhance the ability and confidence of regional countries to deal with multiple crises in the future. China has been Singapores largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years, with bilateral trade volume reaching $108.39 billion last year. In addition, Singapore is the first country in Asia to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with China. The Suzhou Industrial Park cooperation model demonstrates that the partnership between China and Singapore has extended throughout their economic and industrial structures, Zhou said. He added that it provides both countries with a stronger sense of shared development and greater confidence in the future. Zhou said bilateral cooperation can be further strengthened in areas such as digital trade, e-commerce, biotechnology and smart cities. During the talks, Xi and Lee also expressed the commitment to upholding multilateralism and solidarity to jointly deal with challenges. They also exchanged views on issues of common concern, including China-United States ties. Noting that Lees trip to China comes after a visit to the US, Zhou said this shows that in the face of increasing uncertainty and instability, Singapore seeks to strengthen its strategic interactions with both Beijing and Washington in order to find a foreign strategy better suited to its future development. As Singapore is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the country also represents the common aspirations of ASEAN, which hopes to cooperate with its partners, including China, to address potential disruptions to regional industrial and supply chains, Zhou said. ZHOU JIN, MDT/China Daily China is investigating its defense minister, Admiral Dong Jun, for corruption, according to a Financial Times report yesterday, citing unnamed U.S. officials. This marks another major scandal within the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), following purges that ousted Dongs two immediate predecessors. Details of Dongs alleged misconduct remain unclear. When asked about the probe during a Beijing press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning dismissed the report as shadow chasing, an idiom suggesting baseless rumors, Bloomberg has reported. The ministry has a history of withholding comments on corruption allegations against high-ranking officials. According to Bloomberg, President Xi Jinpings administration has intensified its anti-corruption efforts in the military, launching a sweeping investigation last year into hardware procurement since 2017. This probe led to the removal of numerous senior officials, including the last two defense ministers, and several figures linked to the secretive Rocket Force, which oversees Chinas nuclear arsenal. Dongs downfall, less than a year into his role, signals the investigation is escalating, the reports hint. The turmoil raises questions about Xis leadership and vetting processes. In addition to the defense minister scandals, Xis handpicked foreign minister, Qin Gang, was removed in July 2023 after being ousted just months into his position. These events suggest broader instability within Chinas political and military ranks, Bloomberg considers. The PLAs internal upheaval comes as China ramps up military drills around Taiwan, asserting claims over the self-ruled island. Such instability could undermine Xis ambitions to modernize the military by 2027, people cited The Rocket Force, a cornerstone of Chinas Taiwan strategy, has been particularly affected by the corruption investigations, prompting Xi to order a major military reorganization in April 2023. Dong, a navy veteran and the first defense minister from Chinas naval branch, assumed office in December 2022. His tenure initially appeared to improve U.S.-China military dialogue, with meetings held between Dong and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. However, relations soured when Dong declined a follow-up meeting in November 2023. His last public appearance was during a visit to Laos on November 22. Xis campaign to root out corruption underscores his determination to consolidate control over the PLA, even as it exposes the depth of systemic challenges within Chinas military elite. MDT Business connections between Macau and Hengqin are on the rise, with the Hengqin government reporting a significant increase in Macau-funded enterprises. By the end of the third quarter, there were 6,552 Macau-backed businesses operating in Hengqin, marking an 11.8% year-on-year growth. This surge means Macau enterprises now represent 11.6% of the approximately 55,700 businesses on the island. Hengqins economic performance is also noteworthy, as its gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.1% in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching RMB37.349 billion. The industrial sector saw remarkable growth, particularly in electrical machinery manufacturing, which skyrocketed 91.4%, while computer and electronic equipment manufacturing rose 35.1%. The service sector also thrived, expanding 6.7% year-on-year. Key growth areas included information technology services (up 46.9%) and transportation services (up 44.7%). More than 20,000 residents from Macau now call Hengqin home, with many living in the newly established Macau New Neighbourhood housing project. This development caters specifically to Macau residents, providing essential services such as education and healthcare. LV Despite casinos investing more in non-gaming sectors this year compared to 2023, the numbers are considered to be declining, according to industry expert Ben Lee. As Macau navigates its evolving gaming landscape, Lee, managing partner of IGamiX Management & Consulting, has shed light on the current state of non-gaming revenue and the emerging threats from neighboring markets. At the end of this years third quarter, Macaus gaming revenue reached MOP55.6 billion (approximately USD6.95 billion), with non-gaming revenue improving to 13.8% of total casino income, a notable increase from earlier in the year. However, Lee said this figure is a decline from the non-gaming revenue peak of 22% in 2021. Despite investing more in non-gaming sectors this year compared to 2023, the numbers are declining, he said during yesterdays France Macau Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Rendezvous. The inconsistency in reporting among the six operators complicates matters further, as some report net revenue while others report gross figures. Despite the 1.5% fall from the previous quarter, there has been a notable increase of 13.9% in gaming revenue year-on-year, according to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). Lee said that while gaming revenue is expected to rise, non-gaming revenue appears stagnant. Non-gaming revenue seems to be stuck at around $4 billion, give or take a variance of 10%, he said. For the expert, this raises questions about whether the market is reaching a structural limit in its ability to grow non-gaming revenue. Its an extremely complex question, and I dont think anyone has the solution. Turning to market share estimates, Lee projected Sands would hold approximately 25% of the market by year-end, with Galaxy leading at 30%. Sands is still the leader, followed by Galaxy, MGM, Melco, Wynn and SJM, he said. While these figures may fluctuate slightly in the final quarter, they are not expected to change significantly overall annual totals. The discussion then shifted to potential threats from Japan and Thailand. Lee was skeptical about Japans imminent entry into the gaming market, predicting no casinos will open until at least 2030 due to regulatory hurdles. I was wrong about Japan taking 10 years; it has taken 12, he said. In contrast, Lee identified Thailand as a significant emerging competitor. With plans for new gaming legislation expected by May, Thailand is poised to introduce multiple licenses for casinos. Thailand is a proverbial 500-pound gorilla in the road, he said. The favorable gaming tax structure in Thailand could allow casinos to offer substantial comps and incentives to gamblers. The casino can give them out of every dollar you lose another 23% more in comps and freebies, Lee said. If we look at what gaming did to Singapore, they put Singapore on the map. Gaming would basically propel Thailand into a gaming powerhouse in this region, without a doubt, said Lee. With a large domestic population of 71 million, Thailand does not rely solely on international visitors for its gaming market. He said international casinos have long recognized Thailands potential and established marketing operations there. The gaming expert also addressed concerns about Macaus ability to diversify its visitor base. He noted that while Macau had previously attracted a significant number of international tourists, recent figures indicate a decline in foreign visitors. Our diversification is potentially an issue, he warned, noting the percentage of visitors from outside Greater China has dropped from 7.8% in 2019 to 6.5% this year. Despite these challenges, Lee remains optimistic about Macaus future but emphasizes the need for tangible progress on promised developments in the industry. Were now two years into a ten-year concession period, he said, indicating there has been a lack of visible construction or development work on projects that were initially promised by operators like Sands. As Macau continues to adapt to an increasingly competitive landscape marked by emerging threats from Japan and Thailand, the expert stakeholders must remain proactive and aware of these challenges. Lee was hopeful Macau could navigate this critical juncture successfully and maintain its status as a premier gaming destination. Nadia Shaw Canadian officials yesterday [Macau time] blasted President-elect Donalds Trumps threat to impose sweeping tariffs, as the leader of the countrys most populous province called Trumps comparison of Canada to Mexico the most insulting thing Ive ever heard. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico and China as soon as he takes office in January as part of efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. To compare us to Mexico is the most insulting thing Ive ever heard from our friends and closest allies, the United States of America, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. I found his comments unfair. I found them insulting. Its like a family member stabbing you right in the heart. Ford said Canada will have no choice but to retaliate. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will convene an emergency meeting with provincial leaders today [Macau time]. The Canadian dollar weakened sharply in foreign exchange markets. Trudeau said he spoke with Trump after his threat of tariffs. We talked about the intense and effective connections between our countries that flow back and forth. We talked about some of the challenges that we can work on together. It was a good call, Trudeau said. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though apprehensions at the southern U.S. border have been near four-year lows. Apprehension numbers at the Canadian border pale in comparison. We shouldnt confuse the Mexican border with the Canadian border, Canadian Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024, up from 10,021 the previous 12 months. Its the equivalent to a significant weekend at the Mexico border, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said, adding that Canada is considering a number of border measures including additional resources. Quebec Premier Francois Legault acknowledged that the issue along the Mexican border is far worse but called Trumps concerns legitimate, citing the recent increase in illegal immigrants entering the U.S. from Canada. A 25% tariff would mean tens of thousands of jobs lost, Legault said. We cannot start a war. We have to do everything we can to not have these tariffs. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canadas exports go to the U.S. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is investing in for national security. The fact is, we need them and they also need us, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Canada is the largest market for the U.S in the world, larger than China, Japan, the U.K. and France combined. It is also the case that the things we sell to the United States are the things they really need. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term, countries responded with retaliatory tariffs. Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 in response to new U.S. taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Now, again, Canadians are particularly worried about auto tariffs. The North American auto industry is highly integrated, and parts made in Canada often go to cars manufactured in the U.S. and sold back to Canadians. To try and undo it with a tariff would be like trying to separate the yolks from the whites in a omelet. You cannot, said Flavio Volpe, president of Canadas Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. You cannot hurt Canadian automotive without immediately hurting American automotive. The tariffs would also throw into doubt the reliability of the 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico that replaced NAFTA. It is up for review in 2026. ROB GILLIES, TORONTO, MDT/AP One person is dead and 13 others were rushed to New Zealand hospitals after a bus carrying international tourists collided with two other vehicles on a rural highway yesterday. The ambulance service said two people were in critical condition and four others seriously hurt, with the rest moderately injured, after the crash in the Waikato region of the North Island. The cause of the three-vehicle collision was not known. It happened on a straight stretch of highway during good weather conditions. New Zealands police confirmed that a small bus carrying 11 international tourists and their driver was involved in the crash. There were three people in the other two vehicles. Officials would not say what countries the tourists were from, or which vehicle the person who died was travelling in. The injured people were transported to hospitals across the North Island air and road, according to St John Ambulance. The road is closed at the crash site, on a rural highway 50 km from the city of Hamilton. Tourist buses have been involved in fatal crashes on New Zealands state highways, which are often narrow and winding, before. In one of the worst episodes, a bus flipped in rainy conditions north of Rotorua on the North Island in 2019, killing five tourists from China. In 2008, eight tourists and their driver were killed when their bus hit a logging truck. MDT/AP The Judiciary Police (PJ) held its annual crisis negotiation exercises yesterday to strengthen its ability to respond effectively to critical incidents. The exercises simulated a burglary and the resulting crisis and were aimed at enhancing communication, coordination, and response capabilities between the bureaus Crisis Negotiation Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department. The exercise, dubbed Crisis Negotiation Exercise 2024, took place at the Cheoc Van Youth Hostel in Coloane. The annual crisis negotiation exercises are part of the PJs efforts to optimize its emergency response capabilities. Suen Kam Fai, the coordinator of the PJs Crisis Negotiation Unit, said that by promoting collaboration between the Crisis Negotiation Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department, the PJ aims to ensure a swift and effective response in the event of a critical incident, reducing casualties and property damage. Through this exercise, the PJ can further optimize and improve its relevant work processes, promote the collaboration and communication between our crisis negotiation team and the criminal investigation department, and enhance the response capabilities of our criminal investigation personnel when investigating cases and handling certain crisis events, said Suen. The exercise began when a villa area administrator informed the Public Relations Departments Crime Prevention Unit about recent burglaries in the community. Criminal detectives were dispatched to the area, and during the patrol, they encountered two suspects. One was apprehended, but the other escaped to the rooftop of a nearby villa, where he stood dangerously on the edge, threatening the detectives. The Crisis Negotiation Unit was then called in to understand the situation and formulate a negotiation strategy. After much persuasion and lobbying, the negotiators were able to convince the suspect to return to a safe place, where he was then handed over to the detectives for further investigation. The latest exercise, which involved 35 negotiators and detectives, was deemed a success, with the participating units immediately conducting a review to identify areas for further improvement and optimization. Victoria Chan Philippine police officials yesterday filed criminal complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte and her security staff for allegedly assaulting authorities and disobeying orders in a recent altercation in Congress. The criminal complaints filed by the Quezon City police were separate from any legal action that may arise after she publicly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and the speaker of the House of Representatives assassinated if she were killed herself in an unspecified plot. She has not provided details of that plot. A presidential adviser, Larry Gadon, separately filed a Supreme Court petition yesterday to disbar the vice president as a lawyer, citing her assassination threats, which he said were illegal, immoral and condemnable. The Marcos administrations legal offensive against Duterte, her father and their allies is a critical juncture in a conflict that has seethed over the last two years between the two most powerful families in the Philippines. The Department of Justice said it is also looking into potentially seditious remarks by Marcoss predecessor and the vice presidents father, Rodrigo Duterte, who said in a news conference that the civilian government would only listen if the military voices concerns about corruption and irregularities under the Marcos administration. There is a fractured governance. It is only the military who can correct it, the former president said Monday night. He said he was not urging the military to rise up against Marcos but only reaffirming the real situation in the Philippines. Still, justice officials said an investigation into the former presidents remarks will proceed. The criminal complaints for assaulting, disobeying and grave coercion against police authorities were filed against the vice president and her security staff and other aides before state prosecutors, a police statement said. Such crimes are punishable by a jail term and a fine. The complaints were set off by a chaotic squabble over the weekend in the House of Representatives, where the vice presidents chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, has been temporarily detained. Lopez has been accused by legislators of obstructing and not cooperating with a congressional inquiry into alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds by the offices of the vice president and the education secretary, which Sara Duterte held. At one point, authorities were ordered to transfer Lopez to a womens prison outside Congress, causing her to become agitated. The vice president and her staff intervened to oppose the order and Lopez was eventually moved to a government hospital, where she remains confined. The rule of law is fundamental to our democratic system. No one, regardless of their position, should be above accountability, national police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said of the criminal complaints against the vice president and her aides. The national police remain committed to ensuring the proper execution of lawful orders and protecting public order, he said. Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority not only violates the law but also undermines public trust, Marbil said. In a separate case, authorities delivered a subpoena to the vice presidents office Tuesday, inviting her to answer investigators questions about the threats she made over the weekend. Duterte said she was not making a direct threat but was expressing concerns for her own safety. Marcos said in a televised public address that the vice presidents threats against him, his wife Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez were a criminal plot and vowed to fight them and uphold the rule of law. Marcos ran with Sara Duterte as his vice-presidential running mate in 2022 elections and both won landslide victories on a campaign call for national unity. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately, and that has resulted in rival politicians assuming the top political posts in a country with deep political and social divisions. The two leaders and their camps have since fallen out over key differences, including in their approaches to Chinas aggressive territorial claims i n the disputed South China Sea and views on ex-President Dutertes anti-drug crackdown, which left thousands of mostly poor suspect dead. Sara Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet in June as education secretary and head of an anti-insurgency body and became one of the most vocal critics of the president, his wife and Romualdez, the presidents cousin who heads a congress thats dominated by their allies. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP * Dealing with stress Gaming workers face increased stress at workplace, survey reveals * Karting | More than an event: a quest to revive local motorsports heritage * Tourism | Indonesia scraps visa-free entry for MSAR passport holders * Despite casinos investing more in non-gaming sectors this year, the numbers continue to decline, according to industry expert Ben Lee * Cooperation Zone: Macau firms in Hengqin on the rise * Philippine police file criminal complaints against VP Sara Duterte DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, November 28, 2024 edition no. 4615 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Mastercard Impact Fund, administered by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, announced a landmark partnership to promote financial inclusion and access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration will leverage a $5-million grant from the Mastercard Impact Fund to support up to $1 billion of ADB financing to financial institutions for lending toward MSMEs. - Advertisement - MSMEs are the backbone of economies across Asia and the Pacific, yet many struggle to obtain adequate finance, said ADB vice president for market solutions Bhargav Dasgupta. By combining the resources and expertise of ADB and Mastercard, this facility will unlock the potential of MSMEs, particularly those run by women or supporting climate finance, empowering businesses and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 52 percent of the total emerging market MSME financing gap globally, which is estimated at nearly $2.5 trillion. In this region, 43 percent of formal SMEs are either unserved or underserved by financial institutions. About 70 percent of women-owned MSMEs face significant challenges in securing financial support. Harvard Business Review reported that in 2018, only 4 percent of total investment funds went to all-women businesses, declining to 2 percent by 2021. The volume of transactions involving all-female businesses remained stagnant at just 6 percent. The Mastercard Impact Fund aims to accelerate ADBs efforts to deliver financing to MSMEs across Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, by providing a $5 million grant in the form of risk-reducing capital, incentives, and capacity building support to financial institutions. The mitigation of credit risk and technical assistance support is expected to catalyze lending by financial institutions toward unserved or underserved MSMEs. MSMEs account for 99 percent of all business establishments and employ roughly 63 percent of the countrys workforce in the Philippines. However, despite being considered the economic backbone of the country, many MSMEs remain financially excluded. This sector is among the underserved segments by financial institutions, underpinning the need for increased MSME support. Jon Huntsman, vice chairman of Mastercard and board director of the Mastercard Impact Fund, said, This partnership deepens the work were doing in the Asia-Pacific region to support entrepreneurs and small businesses, which are the lifeblood of communities and economies. By bolstering resilience to climate and economic shocks, we are putting more people, communities, and entrepreneurs on the path to financial inclusion and prosperity. Ari Sarker, president of Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said that despite their long-established significance to economies, MSMEs continue to be challenged by access to credit the fundamental resource which can catalyze growth for them and their economies. For growth to be truly inclusive, closing the MSME funding gap needs to be a core focus for both public and private sectors. This partnership is a meaningful step in that direction. At least 50 percent of ADBs total financing will go toward women-led or owned MSMEs and climate finance among small businesses deployed over a period of four years. The initial target markets include India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Georgia. The partnership between the Mastercard Impact Fund and ADB marks a significant step toward addressing critical MSME financing gaps in the region. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, both organizations are committed to fostering sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity for MSMEs throughout Asia and the Pacific. A top Chinese military official has been removed from office for serious violations of discipline, Beijing said Thursday, the latest senior apparatchik to fall in a sweeping crackdown on graft in the countrys armed forces. The ruling Chinese Communist Party has decided to suspend Miao Hua from duty pending investigation, Wu Qian, a spokesman for Beijings defence ministry, told a press briefing. - Advertisement - Wu did not provide further details about the charges against Miao, an admiral and a member of Beijings powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). But serious violations of discipline are commonly used by officials in China as a euphemism for corruption. Miao sat on Chinas Central Military Commission alongside five other men, including President Xi Jinping at the top. He headed the CMCs Political Work Department, the top military bodys most important office. Miao has been described as a close ally of Xi and a trusted interlocutor between the military and the party by Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society. Beijing has deepened a crackdown on alleged graft in the armed forces over the past year, with Xi this month ordering the military to stamp out corruption and strengthen its war-preparedness. The intensity of the anti-graft drive in the military has been partially driven by fears that it may affect Chinas ability to wage a future war, Bloomberg reported citing US officials this year. The removal of Miao reveals the endurance of corruption and discipline issues across the system in the PLA, despite the strong efforts made by Xi, one expert told AFP. I think the fact that these probes are still done, and done fairly openly and publicly, despite the obvious reputational hits, shows the resolve of Xi to really address and try to root it out, said Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at Singapores Nanyang Technological University. Russias army on Thursday launched a massive attack on Ukraines energy sector, forcing emergency power outages as temperatures dropped to freezing across the country. Ukraines energy grid has been heavily targeted since Russia invaded in February 2022, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of terror tactics by trying to plunge Ukrainian cities into darkness and cut off heating to civilians throughout the winter. - Advertisement - The overnight strikes come after two weeks of dramatic escalation that has seen both sides launch new weapons to gain an upper hand ahead of Donald Trump being inaugurated as US president in January. Ukraines Energy Minister German Galushchenko said power infrastructure was under massive enemy attack after a countrywide air alert was issued for incoming missiles. The air force reported a string of Russian cruise missiles and attack drones heading for cities across the country, including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv in the northeast and the Black Sea port city of Odesa. Once again, the energy sector is under massive enemy attack. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place across Ukraine, Galushchenko said. National power grid operator Ukrenergo had urgently introduced emergency power cuts, he added, as temperatures dropped to around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Energy provider DTEK said Ukrenergo was introducing emergency power outages in the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Donetsk. The nationwide attack was ongoing as of 08:00 am (0600 GMT), according to messages from the air force. As soon as the security situation will allow it, the consequences (of the strikes) will be specified, Galushchenko said. President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff said the wave of attacks showed Russia was continuing their tactics of terror. They stockpiled missiles for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, for warfare against civilians during winter, Andriy Yermak said in a post on Telegram and pledged that Ukraine would respond. A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian strikes on Ukraines energy infrastructure may make this winter the harshest since the start of the war. Russia earlier this week said it was preparing its own retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on its territory using US-supplied ATACMS missiles. This week, the Middle East has once again dominated the news, with the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as the announcement of a supposedly lasting ceasefire in Lebanon. In Europe, meanwhile, explosive events are being prepared in France, as the tottering National Assembly is set to face off against a rising tide of class struggle. Everywhere, the response of the capitalist press to these events has been hysterical and hypocritical. For that reason, in this episode of Against the Stream, Hamid Alizadeh and Jorge Martin from the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International analyse the stormy events of the week and draw out the key processes that the capitalist media try to obscure. Watch Against the Stream live on YouTube every Thursday at 15:00 GMT, or follow and subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms. Morocco is set to launch a tender in 2025 for the first phase of the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, a transformative initiative poised to be one of Africas most ambitious energy undertakings. The project aims to transport approximately 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Nigeria to Morocco, with the potential to extend supply to Europe. Beyond addressing energy security, it seeks to foster regional integration and boost economic cooperation across West Africa. Spanning over 5,600 kilometers and crossing 13 countries, the pipeline is projected to cost an estimated $25 billion. Notably, the first phase focuses on connecting Senegal and Mauritania to Morocco. This is a strategic decision, as it prioritizes the development of critical energy infrastructure in Mauritania, positioning the country as a pivotal player in regional energy networks. For Mauritania, this phase represents significant opportunities. It will not only enhance domestic energy capacity but also open pathways for gas exports, attract foreign investment, and stimulate job creation in related sectors. Furthermore, Mauritanias integration into this expansive project underscores its role in strengthening energy cooperation and economic ties across the continent. Originally launched through an agreement between Morocco and Nigeria in 2016, the pipeline builds on the foundation of the West African Gas Pipeline and enjoys support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With its first phase emphasizing Mauritanias energy development, the project promises substantial economic and strategic benefits for the country, reinforcing its position in Africas energy future. A Guinea-Bissau court has ordered on November 27, the release of 13 detainees among approximately 50 accused of involvement in a coup attempt on February 1, 2022. Those freed include General Sanca Bukuke and Colonel Antonio Sofia da Costa. According to a defense lawyer, these individuals were among 17 ordered released by the Superior Military Court in July due to the absence of charges filed by the Public Prosecutors Office. One of the 17, frigate captain Papa Fanhe, passed away in June at the age of 37 while in custody. Despite the release, some detainees without charges, such as General Julio Nhate Nsulte and Lieutenant Colonel Julio Mambali, remain in custody. This follows a similar release in October of five individuals, including military and state personnel, such as Pedro Badji of the Guinean Navy and members of the Combative Units. The July court ruling called for the immediate release of all detainees in the case, citing excessive detention periods and lack of charges for some. However, compliance was delayed by the ad-hoc court overseeing the trial, which has faced criticism from defense lawyers over fairness. Still detained is Vice Admiral Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto, the former head of the Guinean Navy, accused of leading the coup attempt. Authorities claim the attack targeted the Government Palace during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The assault left 12 people dead, most of them presidential security personnel. Protests supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who challenges the results of Mozambiques October 9 elections, intensified on Wednesday, November 27. Demonstrations erupted in multiple locations, including the capital, Maputo, where violent clashes broke out after a police vehicle struck a woman, further inflaming tensions. Mondlane, who alleges he was the rightful winner against ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo, has mobilized a protest movement accusing authorities of election fraud. Official results, however, show Chapo as the victor with 71% of the vote, while Mondlane secured 20%. In Maputo, chaos ensued when an armored police vehicle rammed into a woman standing behind a protest banner. The incident, caught on video and widely circulated online, shows the woman being thrown to the ground. Witnesses described her injuries as severe, with broken limbs. Her arm is broken, her leg is broken, said one onlooker. We dont know if she will survive. The incident triggered clashes between protesters and security forces. Some demonstrators hurled stones, prompting the police to respond with live ammunition and tear gas, according to reports from journalists at the scene. Elsewhere in Maputo, around 100 protesters marched through the city center, chanting slogans such as Frelimo out! Demonstrator Olavio Jose, 24, expressed frustration: We are asking for Venancio Mondlane to be our president because that is what we voted for. Protests also spread to Ressano Garcia, near Mozambiques main border crossing with South Africa. Demonstrators blocked trucks from passing through, causing significant disruptions. The border has been closed several times in recent weeks due to post-election unrest, South African customs officials confirmed. These demonstrations and the governments heavy-handed response highlight the growing political crisis in Mozambique. Opposition supporters are increasingly vocal in their rejection of both the election results and the governance of the long-dominant Frelimo party, signaling deepening divides in the countrys political landscape. 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 rate and number of abortions among U.S. women took a slight dip in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In late June of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that since 1973 had legalized abortion nationwide. Many states quickly imposed full or partial bans on abortion. The latest CDC numbers on abortioninvolving 46 states, the District of Columbia and New York Cityfound a 2% drop in total abortions recorded, from 622,108 in 2021 to 613,383 in 2022, according to a team led by CDC investigator Stephanie Ramer. There was also a concurrent 3% drop in the rate of abortionsfrom 11.6 abortions for every 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 in 2021 to 11.2 a year later. The CDC team didn't offer up theories as to whether the high court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade played any role in the decline. It did note that the 2022 numbers continued an ongoing trend of fewer abortions among American women. "From 2013 to 2022, the total number of reported abortions decreased 5% ... [and] the abortion rate decreased 10%," Ramer's group wrote. Some other 2022 statistics from the new report: Women in their 20s accounted for more than half (56.5%) of abortions, and the 2021-2022 decline in abortions was most pronounced among this age group. Most (78.6%) abortions were performed at or before the ninth week of pregnancy, "and nearly all (92.8%) were performed at or before 13 weeks' gestation." Medication abortion at or before the ninth week of pregnancy is now the leading form of abortion, comprising 53.3% of cases, followed by surgical abortions performed at or before 13 weeks (35.5%). Ramer's team noted that medication abortion (typically a combination of misoprostol and mifepristone) rose in use by about 4% between 2021 and 2022. That follows a long-term trend, with medication abortions rising 129% between 2013 and 2022. The authors note that there was an "accumulation of evidence on the safety and effectiveness of medication abortion" during that time. States report to the CDC with annual abortion numbers on a voluntary basis; the researchers note that in 2022 California, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey did not report their numbers. Together, those states comprise about 20% of abortions nationwide, so the absence of that data is a big limitation of the new report. The new findings were published Nov. 27 in the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: Observed relationships between subject-centered testosterone and sexual desire. Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1508 A trio of psychologists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, working with colleagues from the National Research Institute, in Poland, State University of New York, and the University of Chicago has found that the degree of men's sexual desire is not tied to daily testosterone levels. In their study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group collected daily saliva samples from volunteers who also reported their sexual desire levels for a month. A common belief is that men feel stronger sexual desire due to increases in their testosterone levelsa logical conclusion considering that testosterone is commonly associated with masculinity in males. But whether its levels are a driver of sexual desire has not previously been tested. The researchers recruited 41 adult male volunteers. For 31 days, each of them collected daily saliva samples for testosterone measurement and reported their levels of sexual desire in a daily diary along with other thoughts related to courtship, dating or relationships of a sexual nature. Prior research has shown that testosterone levels are known to fluctuate, often in response to daily activities such as sexual behavior, degree of tiredness and even what meals are eaten. They also noted that it can take as long as three days for such activities to impact levels due to the ways that testosterone is produced in the body. With that in mind, they analyzed the data from the experiment. The researchers were not able to find any association between testosterone levels and degree of sexual desire on a given day. They did, however, find differences in testosterone level changes between single males and those who were in sexual relationships. Single men, they found, tended to work harder at courtship on days when their testosterone levels were highthus, the hormone appeared to be a driver of mate selection rather than sexual desire. More information: Tikal Catena et al, Day-to-day associations between testosterone, sexual desire and courtship efforts in young men, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1508 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B 2024 Science X Network 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 A fascinating new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, has revealed an unexpected potential benefit of severe COVID infection: it may help shrink cancer. This surprising finding, based on research conducted in mice, opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment and sheds light on the complex interactions between the immune system and cancer cellsbut it certainly doesn't mean people should actively try to catch COVID. The data outlining the importance of the immune system in cancer is considerable and many drugs target the immune system, unlocking its potential, an important focus of my own research. The study here focused on a type of white blood cell called monocytes. These immune cells play a crucial role in the body's defense against infections and other threats. However, in cancer patients, monocytes can sometimes be hijacked by tumor cells and transformed into cancer-friendly cells that protect the tumor from the immune system. What the researchers discovered was that severe COVID infection causes the body to produce a special type of monocyte with unique anti-cancer properties. These "induced" monocytes are specifically trained to target the virus, but they also retain the ability to fight cancer cells. To understand how this works, we need to look at the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID. The researchers found that these induced monocytes have a special receptor that binds well to a specific sequence of COVID RNA. Ankit Bharat, one of the scientists involved in this work from Northwestern University in Chicago explained this relationship using a lock-and-key analogy: "If the monocyte was a lock, and the COVID RNA was a key, then COVID RNA is the perfect fit." Remarkable To test their theory, the research team conducted experiments on mice with various types of advanced (stage 4) cancers, including melanoma, lung, breast and colon cancer. They gave the mice a drug that mimicked the immune response to a severe COVID infection, inducing the production of these special monocytes. The results were remarkable. The tumors in the mice began to shrink across all four types of cancer studied. Unlike regular monocytes, which can be converted by tumors into protective cells, these induced monocytes retained their cancer-fighting properties. They were able to migrate to the tumor sitesa feat that most immune cells cannot accomplishand, once there, they activated natural killer cells. These killer cells then attacked the cancer cells, causing the tumors to shrink. This mechanism is particularly exciting because it offers a new approach to fighting cancer that doesn't rely on T cells, which are the focus of many current immunotherapy treatments. While immunotherapy has shown promise, it only works in about 20% to 40% of cases, often failing when the body can't produce enough functioning T cells. Indeed it's thought that the reliance on T cell immunity is a major limitation of current immunotherapy approaches. This new mechanism, by contrast, offers a way to selectively kill tumors that is independent of T cells, potentially providing a solution for patients who don't respond to traditional immunotherapy. It's important to note that this study was conducted in mice, and clinical trials will be necessary to determine if the same effect occurs in humans. Maybe aspects of this mechanism could work in humans and against other types of cancer as well, as it disrupts a common pathway that most cancers use to spread throughout the body. While COVID vaccines are unlikely to trigger this mechanism (as they don't use the full RNA sequence as the virus), this research opens up possibilities for developing new drugs and vaccines that could stimulate the production of these cancer-fighting monocytes. Trained immunity The implications of this study extend beyond COVID and cancer. It shows how our immune system can be trained by one type of threat to become more effective against another. This concept, known as "trained immunity," is an exciting area of research that could lead to new approaches for treating a wide range of diseases. However, it's crucial again to emphasize that this doesn't mean people should seek out COVID infection as a way to fight cancer, and this is especially dangerous as I have described. Severe COVID can be life-threatening and has many serious long-term health consequences. Instead, this research provides valuable insights that could lead to the development of safer, more targeted treatments in the future. As we continue to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, new infections and long COVID, studies like this remind us of the importance of basic scientific research. Even in the face of a global health crisis, researchers are finding ways to advance our understanding of human biology and disease. This work not only helps us combat the immediate threat of COVID, but also paves the way for breakthroughs in treating other serious conditions such as cancer. While there's still much work to be done before these findings can be translated into treatments for human patients, this study represents an exciting step forward in our understanding of the complex relationship between viruses, the immune system and cancer. It offers hope for new therapeutic approaches and underscores the often unexpected ways in which scientific discoveries can lead to medical breakthroughs. 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: Kinesio taping application. Credit: Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1494707 Kinesio taping is frequently used by athletes for inflammation, pain relief, and to support and stimulate muscles. New research suggests that it may also hold therapeutic benefits for those with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuromuscular disorder involving compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Existing studies note a CTS incidence rate of 45%. The condition affects women more commonly than men, and individuals aged 4060 are especially prone to developing the condition, according to a 2020 literature review. While more severe cases may be treated via surgery, treatments for mild to moderate CTS commonly include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and various physical therapies such as cold laser therapy, splints, and ultrasound. In a study appearing in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, a multi-institutional team of researchers in Taiwan has investigated the feasibility of Kinesio taping as a treatment for mild to moderate CTS. Repetitive hand movements are a common contributor to CTS. Other risk factors include genetic heredity, obesity, pregnancy, and rheumatoid inflammation. Symptoms of CTS vary in intensity and may include dysesthesia (unusual sensations under the skin), numbness, pain, and atrophy of the hand muscles. Severe cases can include paresthesia (tingling or the feeling of pins and needles), weakened grip, and atrophy of the thumb muscles, and may interfere with normal hand function. Kinesio tape, which is thin and stretchy, gently lifts skin to relieve pressure in affected areas, increasing blood flow and stimulating muscle contraction to promote pain relief. Studies have shown that it can help with symptom relief in mild to moderate CTS. However, "The efficacy of Kinesio tape in reducing pain, increasing strength, and providing sensory stimulation is inconsistent across studies," state the researchers. "Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the Kinesio taping on pain intensity, disability levels, hand grip strength, and electroneurographic parameters in individuals with mild to moderate CTS." The researchers selected 27 study participants, aged 1865, with physicians' diagnoses of mild-to-moderate CTS that had lasted at least three months. Excluded from the group were those with severe CTS, atrophied palm muscles, a history of wrist surgery, and steroid injection within a year prior to the study. Thirteen of the 27 participants had CTS affecting both hands, and in those cases, each hand was considered separately and randomly assigned to either the control group or the Kinesio taping group. Twice a week for six weeks, the control group received typical conservative therapies including cold laser treatment, heat, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and ultrasound. In addition to these therapies, the Kinesio taping group received Kinesio taping twice a week for six weeks, with the tape left in place for two days each time. The researchers used the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, known for its reliability, to assess the disability and severity levels of the participants' hands. At the end of the trial, both groups showed improvements in daily functional movement, hand grip strength, pain intensity, and the severity of their symptoms. An assessment of nerve conduction velocity showed that motor amplitude also improved noticeably in both groups. Interestingly, the control group showed larger improvements than the Kinesio taping group in motor distal latency, sensory amplitude, and sensory conductive velocity. The researchers acknowledge several study limitations, including a lack of post-treatment evaluation to measure the duration of improvements. Also missing was a placebo tape application in the control group to mimic the effects of Kinesio tape. Moreover, crossover participants might have experienced difficulty in separating the effects of differing treatments on their hands and this might have caused bias in symptoms and symptom severity they reported. Future research should address and control for these limitations. However, the researchers conclude, "The study demonstrated that both conservative physical therapy and Kinesio taping were effective in improving pain intensity, hand grip strength, electrophysiological performance, and hand function in people with CTS after a short-term intervention. "The combination of Kinesio tape and conservative physical therapy resulted in significantly greater improvements in hand grip strength and sensory conduction velocity compared to conservative therapy alone, while conservative therapy was more effective in improving motor distal latency. "These findings suggest that Kinesio tape may be a complementary treatment for short-term improvement in pain, handgrip strength, and conduction velocity in CTS." More information: Wei-Han Chen et al, Effects of Kinesio tape on individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled study, Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1494707 2024 Science X Network Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has temporarily halted the overseas job recruitment exercise to expedite the processing of over 5,931 applications already received. Dr. Mutua announced that the suspension will allow the government to align the process with the needs of recruiting agencies and job seekers, ensuring a more streamlined approach. The exercise, conducted across six counties, attracted an overwhelming number of applicants. Speaking at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic after overseeing the recruitment process, Dr. Mutua stressed the importance of keeping the National Assembly and key government officials informed to enhance and support efforts aimed at securing overseas job opportunities for Kenyans. The recruitment process will resume after December 12, with successful applicants set to receive notifications by December 4. Dr. Mutua, accompanied by Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, explained that the suspension also gives recruitment agencies time to manage the high demand effectively. Despite the progress, many job seekers have expressed concerns over the high agency fees required for visa and passport processing, which many find unaffordable. Addressing these concerns, Dr. Mutua encouraged successful applicants to seek financial support from family and friends, emphasizing that the lucrative pay offered by overseas jobs would enable them to repay the initial costs quickly. PS Mwadime highlighted the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in equipping job seekers with in-demand skills. He noted that technical skills from Kenyan TVET programs make applicants highly sought-after by international employers. The government remains committed to improving processes and expanding opportunities for Kenyans to access high-paying jobs abroad. The Kenyan government faces growing pressure to reveal all the details of its controversial deals with the Adani Group, despite President William Rutos directive to have them cancelled. On Wednesday, November 27, the High Court ordered the state to provide proof that the Adani-JKIA deal had been officially terminated. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the directive following a request from Advocate Ezra Makori, representing the Adani Group, to withdraw from the case challenging the Adani-JKIA deal. Makori claimed the project in question had since been cancelled. However, petitioners Tony Gachoka and the Mt Kenya Jurists, represented by Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka and Advocates Kibe Mungai, Dan Maanzo, and Eugene Wamalwa, challenged these assertions. They argued that there is no evidence to substantiate President William Rutos directive to cancel the contract. Public interest litigation like this must proceed when questions arise over leasing assets that belong to Kenyans, the petitioners stated, emphasizing the need for accountability from those who initiated the disputed project. They also pointed out that the case challenges the constitutionality of provisions in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act, which underpins the Adani-JKIA deal. This is about high-level corruption. We need clarity on what was truly cancelled, Musyoka remarked. In his ruling, Justice Mwamuye prohibited the government from entering into any future contracts with the Adani Group and barred any other entity from taking over JKIA until the court concludes its deliberations. Separately, Kalonzo Musyoka called for transparency regarding another contentious project, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) deal. He cited allegations against the Adani Group, including a scheme to pay over $250 million (Ksh32 billion) in bribes to Indian officials, misleading investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and obstructing justice. When we talk about strong winds, we are referring to high-level corruption, which the US addresses rigorously under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. What Mr. Ruto referenced during the State of the Nation indicated the cancellation of these agreements. But what exactly has been cancelled? Musyoka questioned. He added, Kenyans demand nothing but the truth about the Adani Group deals. Anything else falls short of Kenyans expectations. Authorities arrested 24 Kenyans during a major cybercrime crackdown across multiple African countries, targeting sophisticated online criminals. The operation, named Operation Serengeti, was led by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in partnership with Afripol. Interpol identified Kenya as one of 19 African countries with high levels of cybercrime activity. In a statement, Interpol revealed that the operation uncovered a massive fraud case involving the theft of USD 8.6 million (about Ksh 1.1 billion). The funds were stolen through fraudulent scripts that altered banking system security protocols. The criminals then redistributed the money via SWIFT, moving it to companies in the UAE, Nigeria, and China, before it reached digital asset institutions. SWIFT codes are essential in this context as they facilitate secure communication and money transfers between financial institutions. From multi-level marketing scams to credit card fraud on an industrial scale, the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks is of serious concern, said Valdecy Urquiza, the secretary general of Interpol. The operation ran from September 2 to October 31, 2024, leading to the arrest of 1,006 suspects across Africa. Authorities dismantled 134,089 malicious networks connected to cybercrime and identified 35,000 global victims. The total losses linked to the crimes amounted to USD 193 million (over Ksh 25 billion). The 19 countries involved in the operation were: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Private sector partners, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), played a crucial role in sharing intelligence and supporting analysis. They assisted with patching vulnerabilities and securing critical infrastructure. Operation Serengeti received funding from the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Council of Europe. The government of Kenya has adopted a new law. Now only those gambling companies with more than 30% of shares owned by Kenyan citizens can obtain a license. This practice allows for more effective regulation of the gambling industry. What is known about the innovations? The Gambling Control Act has been under consideration for several years, as Parliament constantly found some shortcomings in it. Now, after the adoption of all the rules, there will be a revolution in the sphere of gambling in Kenya. A gambling regulatory body will be established on the basis of the new bill. Previously, all tasks were handled by the Betting, Control, and Licensing Board. Strict measures against illegal bookmakers and online casinos will be introduced. The difficulties is in the fact that it is the casinos from the gray zone that are popular with players. We have studied the statistics of search queries and found quite a few popular casinos with a good reputation. The most famous is Mostbet, where you can get attractive bonuses. To do this, you need to find out the current promo code on Mostbet and specify it in a particular field of the registration window. To this should be added an extensive catalog of games, which can not be found at many competitors. However, this and other well-known online casinos still need to officially operate in Kenya. This is due to tax policies and laws. In addition, the Kenyan market is still young. Although the gaming industry in Africa is actively growing, many international companies have not yet managed to come to this market. Protecting the interests of players It is now prohibited to register children on gambling-related websites. Betting limits will be established for players who suffer from ludomania. The new rules will completely change the gambling industry in the country. Of course, this approach will entail the emergence of new illegal companies. Licensed operators are required to open accounts in banks registered in Kenya. All transactions will be conducted through local financial systems, strengthening control. Owners of gambling businesses will pay 15% tax on gross income; previously, this fee was 7.5%, which caused many questions. It is worth noting that each region of the country has additional levies, which are set by local authorities. International experience Brazil, following the experience of the Kenyan authorities, also carried out a number of reforms in their country. Now licensed operators must pay 12% tax on gross income and 15% tax on net winnings. The new bill was debated for a long time, as there were many opponents. Some of the MPs believed that this approach could provoke an exodus of gaming operators. Kenyas new law emphasizes sustainable regional economic development. Local participation implies social responsibility. According to experts, this is a far-sighted law that will favorably affect the countrys economy in the future. Recall that earlier the government of another African country Zimbabwe stated the importance of legalizing gambling. Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has withdrawn the Religious Organizations Bill, which sought to impose strict regulations on churches and other religious groups. Mungatana, who sponsored the bill and previously chaired the Senate Taskforce on the Shakahola Massacre, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with religious leaders across the country. We confirm that we have written to the Speaker to withdraw the bill. This decision is not related to the ongoing criminal cases involving Mackenzie and others, Mungatana said. RELATED Religious Bill Proposes Heavy Fines, Prison Time for Miracle Workers The senator was accompanied by leaders from 26 registered umbrella bodies, who also agreed to withdraw their court cases challenging the bill. The clergy committed to establishing a Self-Regulation Task Force, composed of representatives from umbrella bodies and relevant stakeholders. This task force will develop a framework for self-regulation to ensure churches remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with their spiritual mission. We reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the interests of our members and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of worship and assembly, said the religious leaders. This move comes as religious groups aim to enhance accountability while maintaining their constitutional rights. Press Release November 27, 2024 Bong Go tells PhilHealth to fulfill promises on expanded health benefits: 'mula boy promise, maging boy tupad ka!' Senator Christopher "Bong" Go called on Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. to deliver on the agency's commitments to expand its benefit packages under the Universal Health Care Act. Go made the remarks during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, which he chairs, on Monday, November 25. "Sana po itong mga pinangako ninyo... Sana mula 'Boy Promise' maging 'Boy Tupad' ka," Go quipped, urging Ledesma to ensure that PhilHealth's promises result in real benefits for Filipinos. During the hearing, Go highlighted the urgent need to expand benefits such as assistive devices, visual and dental care, and preventive services. "Sa amin sa probinsya, 'yung iba po'y sinulid ang ginagamit nila pantanggal ng ngipin," he noted, shedding light on the lack of access to proper dental care in rural areas. Go, a health reform crusader, urged PhilHealth to fulfill its promises to expand its benefit packages and prioritize preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and students. "Kung sobra-sobra naman ang pera ng PhilHealth, please expand your benefits packages. Kasama na po dito ang visual, emergency, and preventive care. Mas mabuti po 'yung prevention bago lumalala," he added, underscoring the importance of early intervention to prevent more severe health conditions like cataracts. In October, the Senate Health Committee received PhilHealth's official commitment letter outlining its promises to implement reforms in line with the Universal Health Care Act. Among the key proposals committed by PhilHealth are dental benefit packages covering consultations, oral prophylaxis, and dentures by December 31, 2024; outpatient drug packages for essential medicines by the same date; and mental health packages, including consultations and psychosocial interventions, also by December 31, 2024. Additionally, optometric services and devices for the early detection of refractive errors to prevent blindness are targeted for implementation by November 30, 2024. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers, along with emergency outpatient services, are also expected by December 31, 2024. Finally, expanded coverage for diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and angiograms is set to roll out by November 30, 2024. Go further advocated for stronger preventive care, particularly for children in schools who often suffer from undiagnosed vision problems. "Yung mga bata hindi nakaka-check-up sa mata ang mga estudyante, minsan lumalala at nagko-cause na po ng cataract," he explained, pushing for more accessible optometric services. He reiterated the need for PhilHealth to utilize its funds effectively to enhance service delivery: "High-tech naman po tayo, nasa modern times na po tayo ngayon. I'm sure mapi-prevent niyo na po ang mga fraudulent claims, maagapan niyo." Meanwhile, during the same hearing, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. presented a comprehensive update on the institution's accomplishments, challenges, and future plans during the hearing. He claims that PhilHealth has made significant strides in improving healthcare benefits and financial protection under its Universal Health Care (UHC) mandate. Ledesma concluded his presentation by reaffirming PhilHealth's dedication to UHC and its mission to provide equitable and quality healthcare for all Filipinos. He expressed gratitude to Go and the Senate for their continued guidance and support. Ending the discussion, Go reiterated his call on PhilHealth to ensure that financial constraints no longer deter Filipinos from seeking medical care. "Ang ganda pakinggan ng mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth na ibinahagi ni President Ledesma," Go said, commending the reforms. He highlighted a heart-wrenching case in Ozamiz City where a patient chose to remove their oxygen due to an inability to pay hospital bills. "Ang sakit ng dibdib ko nung narinig ko na 'yun," Go lamented, urging PhilHealth to address this systemic issue. Go stressed that PhilHealth's substantial funds should directly support indigent patients, ensuring that financial barriers are eliminated. "PhilHealth is for health. Please, tulungan po natin ang ating mga kababayang mahirap," he stated. The senator reminded the agency of its mandate to provide financial protection to Filipinos and encouraged them to operate with compassion. "Hindi po ako doktor," Go said, "pero ang importante dito, 'yung meron kang malasakit sa kapwa mo Pilipino." Go called on PhilHealth to dispel the public's fear of hospitalization due to costs. "'Yung iba takot magpa-hospital. 'Yan po ang tanggalin natin sa isipan ng mga kababayan natin," he urged. He noted that the ongoing reforms and benefit expansions presented by Ledesma are steps in the right direction, but they must translate into tangible improvements for the poor. EU invites UK prime minister Starmer to defence talks The encounter between Keir Starmer and the EU will be the first of its kind since London's 2020 departure from the bloc. Photo: AFP The EU will invite British premier Keir Starmer for talks on defence with the bloc's 27 leaders in February, Brussels said Thursday, as the two sides push to rebuild ties after Brexit. A senior European Union official said Brussels intends to organise "informal retreats", starting with a meeting in Belgium on February 3 focused on security issues. The encounter would be the first of its kind between the EU and Britain since London's 2020 departure from the bloc. "For this one, the idea is to invite the secretary general of NATO and the UK prime minister," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The outreach to Starmer is part of efforts to forge better ties after the acrimony caused by Britain's exit from the EU. The British prime minister -- who came to power in July -- made his first visit to Brussels last month to launch the long road to a reset. As part of those efforts, he agreed with European Commission chief to start holding regular summits between the two sides from next year. Starmer's government has mooted reaching a "security pact" with the EU but details so far remain vague on what that would entail. The prime minister, who voted in the UK's 2016 Brexit referendum to remain in the EU, has insisted his reset will not mean reversing Brexit, which remains a politically toxic subject in the country. The February talks on defence will come at a crucial juncture, just after Donald Trump assumes power in the United States. Britain and the EU have been staunch supporters of Ukraine in its war against Russia and are warily eyeing Trump's promises to end the conflict quickly. Brussels is currently reshuffling its top leadership, with former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa set to replace Belgium's Charles Michel as head of the European Council on Sunday. (AFP) Press Release November 27, 2024 Senator Bong Go urges PhilHealth membership info drive: 'ipaalam sa tao ang serbisyo at benepisyo na dapat nilang makuha mula sa gobyerno!' Senate Committee on Health Chairperson Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, on Monday, 25 November, asked the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to conduct a massive information dissemination drive on how to be a member of PhilHealth and how Filipinos can benefit from its health packages and other services. All Filipinos, according to Senator Go, are already considered members of PhilHealth in accordance with the Universal Healthcare Law. "Marami po akong nakakasalamuha na hindi pa po nila alam na miyembro po sila ng PhilHealth. Dapat isa po iyan sa paigtingin ninyo pa po na ipaalam sa mga kababayan natin kung ano ba ang proseso na maging miyembro po sila ng PhilHealth," Senator Go said during the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography. Go, a health reforms crusader, underscored that all Filipinos deserve convenient access to healthcare services, adding that healthcare is a fundamental human right. To realize this, Go said that he will continue to find means to make medical services and programs accessible and affordable for the people. Likewise, he will hold accountable our health officials and remind them of their duties to improve health services for the Filipinos. "Our relentless scrutiny has already led to the scrapping of PhilHealth's 'flawed' Single Period of Confinement Policy. Ito po 'yung bawal kang ma-admit sa loob ng 90 days na sa same sakit, ito 'yung tinatawag na no repeat sakit policy ninyo. Salamat po na tinanggal niyo na po ito noong September 30," Go said. In the same public hearing, Senator Go lauded the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court on the transfer of PhilHealth's excess funds to the National Treasury. "Salamat sa TRO po ng Supreme Court napigilan na po ang further transfer itong remaining Php 29.9 Billion," Go gladly said adding that funds can now be utilized for health. Having said this, Go urged PhilHealth to improve its operations and to ensure that funds allocated for healthcare are used efficiently and strictly for the intended purpose alone. "Ang pondo ng Philhealth ay para sa health!," Go stressed. In addition, he vowed that the committee he chairs will continue to sustain its oversight of PhilHealth's performance, in light of the latter's December deadline for the promised benefit package expansions. "Hindi natin hahayaang magkulang ang ating healthcare system. Patuloy tayong magbabantay, magre-remind, at magbibigay ng boses sa mga kababayan nating walang ibang inaasahan kundi ang pamahalaan sa kanilang kalusugan," Go remarked earlier. After numerous appeals from Go, PhilHealth has also officially committed to assure implementation of their other promises such as increasing case rates; expansion of benefit packages especially for the top 10 mortality diseases; provision of free medicines and assistive devices, such as eyeglasses and wheelchairs; inclusion of dental, visual, emergency and preventive care; as well as updating policies to meet the needs of Filipinos. Go has pressed PhilHealth to accelerate its other reforms following the long-overdue scrapping of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy last month. While its removal was a significant step triggered by Go's consistent appeals for reform, he has also brought to light the 24-hour confinement rule, which required patients to be hospitalized for at least a day to qualify for insurance coverage. PhilHealth officials have also committed to revisit and remove this rule. "Pera po ito ng taumbayan, bawat piso ay pinagpaguran. Dapat po itong gamitin sa paraan na talagang makikinabang ang mga mamamayan," Go said, reaffirming his commitment to policies that lessen the financial burden on ordinary citizens. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Wednesday described Pakistani forces'' action against PTI protesters as a "massacre ... under the brutal, fascist military regime." Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan''s party alleged that the government''s security forces assaulted the peaceful protesters in Islamabad during their rally. In a post on X, the PTI said, "A massacre has unfolded in Pakistan at the hands of security forces under the brutal, fascist military regime led by the establishment and PMLN''s illegal government. The nation is drowning in blood." "Today, armed security forces launched a violent assault on peaceful PTI protesters in Islamabad, firing live rounds with the intent to kill as many people as possible. Snipers were also used in order to murder many civilians. With countless death and injured, the interior minister''s threat to kill and then the declaration of "victory" over slaughtered innocents is enough evidence of the regime''s inhumanity," it further said. "The world must condemn this atrocity and the erosion of democracy and humanity in Pakistan. The international community must take a strong stand against this brutal crackdown," it added. https://x.com/PTIofficial/status/1861561493940248991 The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party''s protests, demanding the release of its leader Imran Khan, took a violent turn on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four security personnel and two PTI supporters, the Dawn reported. The PTI protestors were met with intense tear gas upon reaching Islamabad''s D-Chowk following which the clash between protestors and security forces broke out. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he said was an "attack by protesters," while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the deaths of at least four security personnel in the clash, Dawn reported. Meanwhile, PTI alleged that the security personnel fired live ammunition at the protestors, killing two and injuring four others. Condemning the attack on Rangers and police officers by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protesters in Islamabad, PM Sharif called for the immediate identification and accountability of those responsible for the incident. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to provide the highest level of medical care to the Rangers and police officers injured in the attack and stated that assaults on law enforcement personnel, masked as peaceful protests, are entirely unacceptable, ARY News reported. (ANI) One97 Communications Limited (OCL) that owns the brand Paytm, has enabled its users to make UPI payments at various international locations. As per the company statement, Indian travelers can now use their Paytm app to make seamless, cashless payments at destinations where UPI is accepted, including popular spots in the UAE, Sri Lanka, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal. This enhancement allows users to conveniently pay for all use cases including shopping, dining, and local experiences abroad using UPI through their Paytm app. The company also stated that the users can set up UPI International on the Paytm app, with a one-time activation linked to the user''s bank account. When scanning a UPI-enabled QR code abroad, the app will prompt activation automatically for easy access. Travelers can choose a usage period from 1 to 90 days based on their trip and can deactivate the service anytime to ensure payments are only made when intended. This feature helps prevent accidental transactions with foreign merchants once users are back in India, offering added security and control. During the payment, users can view the exact foreign exchange rates and any conversion fees applied by their bank, ensuring full transparency before completing the transaction. Paytm''s UPI International service enables travelers to manage their spending with ease and control at iconic international destinations. The company added that from vibrant eateries and shopping spots in Dubai, popular marketplaces in Singapore, and bustling beach markets in Mauritius to artisanal craft shops in Bhutan and local shopping venues in Nepal, or Gems in Sri Lanka, travelers can now enjoy seamless, cashless payments through UPI on the Paytm app wherever it''s accepted. "As the pioneer of mobile payments in India, we are consistently innovating to bring greater convenience to our users. With UPI International, we''re thrilled to extend this ease to Indian travelers, enabling them to make secure, cashless payments in countries like the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal. With the upcoming holiday season, we are sure that this launch will make foreign travel even more convenient for users. This expansion reflects our commitment to leveraging technology that empowers our users, wherever they are in the world." said Paytm spokesperson. The company has recently also launched the UPI statement download feature, allowing users to access detailed transaction records in a clear format. This tool supports effective spending tracking, budgeting, and financial management--especially useful during and after international travel. (ANI) Aimed at strengthening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates, the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), in support with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, hosted the ''India-UAE: Shaping Sustainable Futures: Innovation and Investment in Real Estate'' conference in Abu Dhabi. The conference brought together participants, including government delegates from India, industry leaders, and from the UAE. As per the organiser, the conference saw discussions on innovative solutions and investment strategies for sustainable urban development. Mohamed Ebrahim Al Mansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme; Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure UAE, and Minister''s Advisor for Engineering Affairs, underscored the UAE''s commitment to sustainability and urban innovation. The UAE has reduced its non-oil GDP by 8 per cent, achieving a homeownership rate of 91 per cent by the end of 2023, the organiser quoted him as saying. "These are the results of financial sustainability and progressive policies. By sharing our experiences, we aim to create eco-resilient cities that inspire the world. India''s rapid urbanization presents immense opportunities for collaboration, and together, we can build a future defined by sustainable innovation," he said. Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary and Mission Director (Housing for All), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, spoke on the ambitious scale of India''s housing mission. He outlined how India in the past years facilitated the construction of millions of affordable houses. "Our next target is to construct 10 million homes in just five years, doubling the speed of delivery. However, the scale of urbanization in India demands even greater efforts. Greenfield city development and innovative urban planning are crucial if we are to align our infrastructure with the country''s economic growth, which is projected to grow at 7-8 per cent annually over the next 20 years," Narayan was quoted as saying. He also noted the importance of a robust regulatory framework in driving progress. "Real estate contributes not just to economic growth but also to societal development. The single-window interface for approvals must be streamlined to facilitate ease of doing business. We must embrace best practices from countries like the UAE to create urban environments that are sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready." G Hari Babu, President of NAREDCO, emphasized the significance of the India-UAE relationship, describing it as the foundation for the event. "India and the United Arab Emirates are the best friends in the world today. With representatives from India attending this conference, we are taking important lessons in sustainable urban development back home. India''s housing journey has progressed from providing basic homes to affordable, sustainable, and now luxury housing for all. Cities like Hyderabad are seeing apartments worth 20-25 crores, reflecting the remarkable growth of our real estate sector." Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, also emphasized the significant contributions of the real estate industry to India''s economy. Currently responsible for an estimated 7 per cent of the GDP, the sector is projected by Niti Aayog to expand to 15 per cent as India approaches a USD 5 trillion economy. (ANI) The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan, and Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), on behalf of Azerbaijan. The initiative highlights the UAE''s global humanitarian role, building on its previous endeavours to support demining initiatives in numerous countries including Iraq, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, through funding demining projects and rehabilitating affected regions. The UAE is committed to providing technical and financial support to alleviate civilian suffering while promoting sustainable development in these areas. Its partnership with Azerbaijan demonstrates the UAE''s ongoing humanitarian efforts, and its objective to foster impactful partnerships that enhance humanitarian security and global sustainability. (ANI/WAM) VMPL New Delhi [India], November 28: Akshay Patni is one of those pioneers in digital marketing, who has transformed and innovated the way businesses communicate with their audience. Akshay founded RankHawn, which, from its early days to a million-dollar venture, serves many high-profile brands not just in India but all over the world. From being an SEO agency in Bangalore, it is now evolving to be a comprehensive digital marketing powerhouse. RankHawn's services to the changing digital landscape and expanding its presence to the UAE, the UK, and the USA. The Beginnings: A Visionary Entrepreneur Akshay, in 2018, has been an entrepreneur since then. He founded RankHawn in Bangalore with just Rs1,000 to make a mark in digital marketing. With no external funding, he relied on his skills, grit, and innovative thinking to build a business capable of delivering impactful results for clients. Akshay established credibility and attracted high-value clients by offering his services free initially. Within ten days, he signed up RankHawn's first client, a former Puma CXO. This marked the starting point for RankHawn's journey, showing how Akshay's data-driven, result-oriented approach to marketing works effectively for businesses. The Rise of RankHawn RankHawn has expanded its services under the helm of Akshay to include Search Engine Marketing, Press Release services, Social Media management, and other services. Many of the marquee clients have included Godigit, BharatPe, BigBasket, PharmEasy and Tejas Networks, so establishing itself as one of the trusted peers for brands searching for meaningful engagement with audiences. RankHawn's strategy has not only created awareness for the brand but also touched millions of lives. Combining data analytics with creative skills, RankHawn has managed to place the business in the heart of customers in real time. Akshay's Philosophy: Redefining Digital Marketing At the center of RankHawn's success lies Akshay's philosophy: he always believes in quality over mere profit, client satisfaction, and adaptability. He has always believed in creating value-driven marketing strategies that cater to each client's requirements. This process-oriented, client-centric approach has allowed RankHawn to enjoy an impressive 98.8% project success rate, which sets it miles ahead of a competitive industry. Akshay's adaptability was particularly evident during the pandemic when businesses faced unprecedented challenges. Instead of scaling back, RankHawn expanded its service offerings, embracing new opportunities to help clients navigate the evolving digital landscape. This resilience and focus on innovation are cornerstones of Akshay's leadership style. Impact on India's Digital Economy Akshay's adaptability emerged vividly in the pandemic when businesses faced unprecedented challenges, but RankHawn continued to expand its service offerings by embracing new opportunities that would enable clients to cope with this shifting digital environment. With these strength and tenets of his leadership style, Akshay steers business forward in India's digital economy. Akshay's contributions go beyond RankHawn to India's entire digital ecosystem. He empowered startups and businesses. He could, thereby, bridge the gap between Indian brands and the international markets. His work aided in building global credibility; Indian talent and innovation could, thereby, find recognition across the globe. Akshay has also played his part in India's growing digital economy through RankHawn's data-driven strategies and impactful campaigns. In that sense, he has propelled the visibility, engagement, and revenue for his clients by helping businesses ride the digital bandwagon. Recognition and Awards Akshay Patni's achievements have not gone unnoticed. His innovative approach to digital marketing and his role in shaping the industry have earned him several accolades: Marketing Entrepreneur Award: Honoring his remarkable journey from a self-funded startup to a global digital marketing leader. Digital Marketing Innovator Award: Recognizing his contributions to redefining marketing strategies and setting new industry benchmarks. Conclusion: A Pioneer in Digital Transformation Akshay Patni's journey is an inspiring example of how vision, hard work, and adaptability can turn challenges into opportunities. From starting RankHawn with minimal resources to leading a global digital marketing powerhouse, Akshay has demonstrated that determination and strategic thinking are key to success. By driving innovation, fostering growth, and empowering businesses, Akshay Patni has not only championed a digital marketing renaissance in India but has also inspired countless entrepreneurs. With his vision of global leadership and technological advancements, Akshay is sure to leave a mark in this industry and prove that the power of purpose can create something lasting. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SMPL Gujarat [India], November 28: iWare Supplychain Services, a part of the Inter India Group, is accelerating its operations with notable infrastructure expansions to strengthen India's logistics network. The company recently added a 47,000-square-foot warehouse in Kutch, Gujarat, to serve its client Adani Wilmar Ltd. Additionally, a new Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) facility is being established in Kota, Rajasthan, to enhance its service reach across northern India. To further support its fleet operations, iWare has launched a state-of-the-art consumer fuel pump and truck workshop in Samakhiyali, Kutch, optimizing fuel management and vehicle maintenance. These developments position iWare as a significant contributor to India's logistics modernization efforts. With a network spanning over 8.5 million square feet of warehousing space across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, iWare supports industries including FMCG, pharmaceuticals, retail, and e-commerce. The company's expansion aligns with the government's logistics initiatives, such as the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and the PM Gati Shakti program, aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and promoting multimodal transport. Strategic Use of Indian Railways A cornerstone of iWare's logistics operations is its integration with Indian Railways' BCN (Break Cargo Network) rake logistics services. The company operates over 100 BCN rakes annually, transporting approximately 220,000 metric tons of goods each year. This collaboration allows iWare to offer cost-effective solutions for the long-distance movement of bulk goods while reducing road congestion and emissions, supporting the government's vision for multimodal transportation. To complement its rail operations, iWare's extensive road fleet includes 500 company-owned trucks and access to an additional 10,000 vehicles through partnerships. The company offers flexible transport solutions, such as Full Truck Load (FTL), Half Truck Load (HTL), and containerized options, catering to diverse business needs. Commitment to Sustainability In line with India's push for green logistics, iWare has integrated several eco-friendly initiatives across its operations. These include the use of energy-efficient warehouse systems, optimized transportation routes, and the adoption of CNG-powered trucks. By reducing its carbon footprint, iWare is actively contributing to the logistics sector's sustainability goals while meeting client demands for environmentally responsible practices. "Our expansions and sustainable practices reflect our commitment to creating a modern, efficient logistics ecosystem in India," said Mr. Krishna Tanwar, Group Promoter and Managing Director of Inter India Group. "We aim to support national goals by aligning our operations with policies that prioritize efficiency, connectivity, and environmental responsibility." Enhancing Regional Connectivity Beyond infrastructure, iWare is addressing regional connectivity gaps by extending its services to Tier II and Tier III cities. This initiative enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in underserved regions to access reliable logistics solutions, empowering them to scale operations and compete more effectively in the market. This move supports the government's objective of fostering inclusive economic development across India. Aligning with National Goals Through strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, iWare is streamlining cargo handling and improving multimodal transport efficiency. These advancements are helping businesses reduce transit times and optimize supply chain costs, meeting the growing demands of a dynamic and competitive logistics sector. By bridging critical infrastructure gaps, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing regional connectivity, iWare Supplychain Services is playing a pivotal role in India's logistics transformation. With its robust infrastructure, strategic rail and road operations, and unwavering focus on sustainability, the company is poised to set new benchmarks for responsible and efficient supply chain management. For more details, please visit - * https://www.interindiagroup.com/ * https://iware.co.in/ * https://www.instagram.com/interindia.group/ * https://www.linkedin.com/company/inter-india-roadways/people/ * https://www.linkedin.com/company/iware-supplychain-services-pvt-ltd/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], November 28: Ishita Raj stuns audiences with her striking transformation into Rajnandini, a warrior princess, in the upcoming historical web series Kandhaar - The Battle of Silk Route. Her first look on the poster exudes strength, fierceness, and a sense of anticipation, showcasing a completely new avatar in her acting career. This archaic warrior look has left fans eagerly awaiting the release of the series, where Ishita steps into a role that promises to be both iconic and transformative. Ishita, best known for her performances in Bollywood blockbusters such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, has consistently charmed audiences with her charisma and versatility. Her recent Netflix release, Wild Wild Punjab, further demonstrated her acting prowess. However, Kandhaar stands out as a magnum opus, offering Ishita a powerful character that showcases her range and depth as an actor. In the series, Rajnandini is depicted as a fierce and resilient leader who rises to unite her people during a time of betrayal and invasion. Set in the Himalayan kingdom of Lahora in 1390, Kandhaar is a tale of valor, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit. Ishita's portrayal of Rajnandini not only highlights her strength as a warrior but also her wisdom as a diplomat, making the character a true symbol of empowerment. Directed by Shahid Kazmi, Kandhaar promises to redefine historical dramas in the digital space. With its gripping narrative, breathtaking visuals, and Ishita Raj's commanding performance, the series is poised to set a new benchmark. Fans are eagerly awaiting this epic tale, where Ishita Raj takes center stage as a fearless and inspiring warrior princess. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Emerald Finance Limited (BSE: EMERALD), announced fund raising via the preferential issue of up to 10,00,000 equity shares. The Company to issue 10,00,000 equity shares at Rs100 per share, including a premium of Rs90 per share, aggregating to Rs10 Cr. This preferential issue is made to nine non-promoter investors, including M/s Minerva Venture Fund (a Mauritius based fund), M/s Amartara Rondo Packaging Industries LLP, and several notable individual investors. Commenting on the Performance, Sanjay Aggarwal, Managing Director of Emerald Finance Limited said, "Preferential issue is a pivotal step in strengthening the company's financial position and preparing for our next phase of growth. This infusion of Rs10 Cr will provide us with the necessary capital to expand our portfolio and enhance our service offerings, aligning with our vision to be one of the leaders in the financial services sector. Our EWA product is gaining a good response and we are expanding these services as recently we have onboared many clients for EWA services. The fund support will bring strong growth momentum for us in near future. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a family-like environment where professional growth and personal well-being go hand in hand. "At Hettich, we believe the magic isn't just in the interiors we create. Being certified as a Great Place to Work is a testament to our continuous efforts in building a high-performance ecosystem where trust, collaboration, and growth thrive," said Amit Prasad, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hettich India. "At Hettich India, we remain committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people to excel and succeed together," added Prasad. In the past two years, Hettich India has undergone a transformative journey to reinvent its work culture. From empowering initiatives like My Daughter, My Pride to programs that nurture leadership skills, such as the Akademie, the company continues to invest in its people, ensuring they succeed together. Andre Eckholt, Managing Director of Hettich India, steadfast support has been instrumental throughout this cultural transformation. His leadership has helped steer the company towards this remarkable achievement. Hettich India looks forward to not just building magical interiors but a great workplace, and to shaping a future where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed. About Hettich India Hettich is a 136-year-old family-owned German lifestyle brand, being one of the world's largest manufacturers of Furniture Fittings with a global turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros. In India, Hettich started operations at the dawn of the new millennium and within a short span of time gained an undisputed leadership position in the Indian furniture fittings and hardware industry. Hettich's product portfolio comprises a repertoire of Furniture Fittings & Door Hardware made with cutting-edge German quality complemented by Wire Products, Aluminum Profiles, Shelving Systems, Built-in Appliances and Furniture Lights, thereby providing holistic fitting solutions for all residential and commercial spaces. It is also the recipient of 'Best Brands 2022 & 2023' by the Economic Times and the 'Most Trusted Brands of India 2023 & 2024' by Marksmen Daily recognitions for its unwavering customer trust and strong brand equity. Media Contact Samina Zaidi+91 8655706940samina.zaidi@hettich.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569122/GPTW_Hettich.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437651/4935711/Hettich_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], November 28: Amitabh Bachchan, India's all time iconic movie star, stated after an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, "What a moment to have met and learn the real-life story of "I want to talk' with Arjun. One may lose, but it's the strength to continue that registers success." ABOUT THE BOOK: IN THE AUTHOR'S OWN WORDS "I was running fast in the corporate world. Promotions and raises defined my life. Then came a moment when I got the biggest wakeup call in life, when my eight-year-old daughter, Raka, told me that I did not know her. I thought it was a dare, I thought it was a challenge. Initially I did not get it, how much pain a daughter feels when she lives every day experiencing that emotion. That one moment shook my world. I realized that each one of us has the same 24 hours in a day. I was stealing time from my family and my future, to invest in my corporate career growth. I was truly a corporate workaholic. But even in a moment like this, I was amazed to see that my daughter had not given up on her nearly absent father. I sat quietly that night and I realized the path I was on, my father-daughter future will get reduced to obligatory phone calls on birthdays and Father's Day. I decided to make this wake-up call count and chose to quit the corporate world. I started a marketing consulting company from my basement in Denver and began the real journey of becoming a true father. I had one mantra, "just be present." The more I was present, the more I realized the magnitude of pain I had caused my daughter. The journey back was not a quick fix but a lifetime commitment. "The book is a reflection of me getting lost as a dad and my daughter rescuing me and putting our relationship back on track. Initially, I titled the book Raising a Daughter. But then, I realized who raised who and changed the title to Raising a Father. Today, thanks to Raka, I feel more balanced in life, appreciate life more and proudly introduce myself as a father first." Arjun explains. Praise for the Book The book has already garnered glowing reviews: * Brent Green, author of Marketing to Leading-edge Baby Boomers, describes it as, "A celebration... this affectionate and appealing story gives smiles, tears, and renewed faith in the human spirit." * Herb Rubenstein of the Sustainable Business Group says, "...should be required reading for the planet. Uplifting, instructive, and describes so much of what fathers should aspire to in their relationship with their children." * Peter J. Pittman, President of Denver West Rotary Club, notes, "Raising a Father provides a very candid and honest assessment of the everyday obstacles we all face in trying to attain the proper work-life balance." ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ARJUN SEN Arjun Sen is an acclaimed Brand Zen who has put brands like DISH Network, Walgreens, DaVita, AliveCor, Coca Cola, Domino's, Win This Fight Foundation, and Floyd's Barbershop to take the next big step to Win Big. Blaine Hurst, former President and CEO of Panera Bread, called him "One of the most 'Business-Intelligent' minds today." Prior to that, Arjun was the VP of Marketing & Operations at Papa John's, where his team built their online business, now worth more than $1 Billion a year. AVAILABILITY Raising a Father is available for purchase online worldwide. The book's engaging narrative, sprinkled with humor and heartwarming moments, makes it a perfect gift for parents, aspiring fathers, and anyone looking for a meaningful read. Please read the book to get the inside stories behind the movie "I Want To Talk." For more information, please connect: info@arjunsen.com or read more at arjunsen.com/books (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) American donor of Japanese war crime photo album embraces China trip Xinhua) 08:28, November 28, 2024 Evan Kail poses for a group photo with students at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Standing in the park of the Temple of Heaven in central Beijing, Evan Kail from the United States opened a copy of a photo album, trying to figure out just how much things have changed over the past nearly 90 years. The original album dating back to World War II (WWII) features photos of China at that time, including ones that document the atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in China back then. It was donated to China by Kail, a pawnshop manager, in 2022. Two years after making this donation, Kail decided to embark on a month-long visit to China. "I am here where all these photos were taken and to be physically on the ground of the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and many other sites in China in the following month," an excited Kail said at the beginning of the tour. In the past few days, he found that China is quite different from what the media have portrayed back in the United States. "I recommend people from the West come and check it out," he said. ALBUM THAT MADE HIM KNOWN IN CHINA Before he actually arrived in Beijing on Nov. 16, the news of Kail coming to China went viral on social media, with Chinese web users expressing their welcome and inviting him to different parts of the country to have a look. "The album recorded the real situation of the Japanese invasion of China, providing more historical details. In this sense, Kail deserves the respect of the Chinese people," said netizen Lu Xixin. "Thanks to Kail for what he did, which will be remembered by the Chinese people," said another netizen nicknamed Haishangyilanghua. "Welcome to feel the warmth of the Chinese people." Kail, 35, likes sharing his experiences on TikTok. Two years ago, he received the photo album from one of his followers on social media. "They had vaguely mentioned a photo album of World War II from Asia, but they didn't provide many details and only noted that the contents were disturbing." Kail's first impression upon viewing the photos was "gut-wrenching," and he made a video featuring the photo album on TikTok two days after receiving it, which attracted much public attention, particularly among Chinese people of all ages. "One of my rules when handling artifacts related to WWII is that if an item has any direct connection to a war crime or holds potential historical significance, it doesn't belong to private hands. Instead, it belongs to a museum or a place where it can be studied and preserved for the public," Kail said. "I also wondered if the photos, if previously unknown, could have historical value beyond my means to assess." He believed that the album was a part of Chinese history and could be of immense value to Chinese scholars. Therefore, he reached out to the Consulate General of China in Chicago and made the donation. The Japanese troops committed countless heinous atrocities in China during their invasion, of which the most notorious was the Nanjing Massacre that took place when they captured the then Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. In the space of six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of WWII. Chinese people have praised Kail for shedding more light on that part of history. Some people even visited Kail's store to express their gratitude. Kail was overwhelmed by the response. "I was fortunate enough to attend good schools, and WWII was discussed in class for countless times. But to see all these Chinese people expressing such emotion was a shock," he explained. GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL CHINA In fact, Kail's interest in WWII goes back even further than the start of his formal schooling. His grandfather served as a captain in the U.S. military in the Pacific. "The history of WWII was extremely significant to both my grandparents and to my upbringing," he noted. WWII shaped his grandparents' lives in profound ways, but like many in the West, his knowledge of China and its people, history and culture had remained limited. "Over the past two years, I have dedicated time to learning as much as I can about China," he said. "I've been reading books about Chinese history and culture and studying Mandarin." "I believe that many people in the West still know very little about China, often only bits and pieces from the news. We should take time to know more about this populous country and its rich history," Kail said. "I have made a lot of progress, and I am looking forward to making even more on this trip." Kail started his trip in Beijing, and will also spend time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing -- where he plans to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. "I am expecting this trip to be one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. After studying China for years, I am excited to finally see it with my own eyes," Kail said. "Most importantly, this trip marks the beginning of my lifelong journey as a representative of peace, friendship and unity between two great nations." During his time in Beijing, the American already managed to glimpse the real China, which he said is different from what he learned back in the U.S. "To be honest, there seems to be some bias in the Western media," Kail stated. He gave an example to back up his statement. "Beijing is a very clean city," he said, adding that it is often portrayed in the Western media as "dirty" and "polluted." This year, Kail has created the "Evan Kail Cultural Studio" -- with a mission to foster peace through cultural exchanges between China and the United States. "I believe that the key to peace is communication, and the key to communication is understanding. The best way for the two peoples to understand each other is through the medium of culture. I am excited to build upon this vision," Kail said. Evan Kail visits Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail views a bronze mask discovered at the Sanxingdui Ruins site while visiting the Ancient China exhibition at National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail (front, R) poses for a photo with a tourist after receiving a cultural creative magnet at the National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail views a copy of his donated photo album at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail holds a copy of his donated photo album as he visits Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail visits Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Tourists pose for photos with Evan Kail at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail (front, R) poses for a photo with a tourist in front of the Zhengyang Gate on Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Evan Kail (center, R) visits the Ancient China exhibition at National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Press Release November 28, 2024 Koko commends PH delegation visit to UAE Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III commended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s and his delegation for a successful bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "The UAE is a significant economic and geopolitical force in the region, and this visit holds great promise for boosting trade, investment, and job opportunities in the Philippines," according to Pimentel. In his arrival statement, President Marcos expressed optimism about the implementation of several bilateral agreements in culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, artificial intelligence and digital economy, the improvement of government activities, visa waiver for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, and investment cooperation. Pimentel's wife, Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, joined Marcos and the First Lady on this high-profile visit. Pimentel said Marcos' visit to the UAE is a significant way to mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and UAE. "We thank the people behind it - the ambassador, my wife Special Envoy Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy Karen Santos, and the Philippine diplomatic workforce in the UAE, who worked hard to make the visit possible. This is a historic visit that would benefit the country and the OFWs in the UAE," Pimentel said. Pimentel further highlighted the meeting's importance in fostering enhanced collaboration between the two nations, particularly in areas of shared interest, including energy, infrastructure, and technology. "I am confident that this meeting will lay the groundwork for a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship between the Philippines and the UAE," he added. Pimentel conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the UAE for its steadfast hospitality towards overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and its recognition of the significant contribution of OFWs to the UAE. Pimentel also lauded the UAE's unwavering support during times of calamity, citing their assistance during calamities such as the Mayon Volcano eruption. During the early stages of the pandemic, the UAE was among the countries that extended assistance to the Philippines, donating 7.3 metric tons of personal protective equipment (PPE) gear and medical supplies, along with 100,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, Pimentel noted. The summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, scientists, and policymakers to discuss India's burgeoning role in the global healthcare space. India is not just cementing its position as a global innovation hub but is also an economic bright spot amid global uncertainties.Anil Matai, Director General of OPPI, said, "India's robust pharma ecosystem, bolstered by visionary government initiatives, positions the nation as a global pharma powerhouse." Global pharmaceutical companies have played a crucial role in this transformation, introducing cutting-edge technologies, implementing patient-centric programs, and investing in local manufacturing and R&D capabilities. Over the next five years, nearly 70 per cent of the global pharma companies are expected to achieve annual growth exceeding 10 per cent in India. Priyanka Aggarwal, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG, remarked, "The Indian Pharma Market is poised to double by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for global pharmaceutical companies." The report emphasises that a tailored, India-specific strategy is crucial for success in this unique market. Challenges such as non-uniform payer coverage for speciality drugs, complex pricing schedules, and varying healthcare infrastructure require companies to adapt their portfolios and operational models. Anirudh Tara, Managing Director & Partner at BCG, said, "Winning in India's healthcare market requires a deep understanding of local dynamics, from tailored pricing and patient access programs to strategic partnerships and empowering healthcare providers." Tara added, "The eight principles outlined in this report provide a roadmap for global pharmaceutical companies to navigate the unique opportunities and challenges in this high-growth market." (ANI) PRNewswire Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 28: The IIHM Institute of Hospitality Skills (IIHS), India's largest training centre affiliated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Dehradun today. This centre aims to provide comprehensive hospitality skills courses, catering to professionals seeking to upskill and enhance their career prospects. With a prime focus on vocational training, IIHS is dedicated to bridging the skill gap and empowering individuals in the thriving hospitality industry. The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), one of the most globally recognized Institutes of Hospitality and Hotel Management, has been operating for over 30 years. With 20 centres in 4 countries and over 8000 students, IIHM has signed MOUs with over 70 countries, offering students global opportunities. IIHM's recognition as the recipient of the Training Partner Award for Highest Training Centre Affiliation solidified its commitment to the Skill India and THSC initiatives, leading to the establishment of IIHS. IIHS is an ambitious project aimed at establishing skill centres across India to bridge the job gap between the hospitality industry and the youth. By providing THSC recognized short courses, IIHS creates professionals who are readily accepted by the rapidly growing Hospitality and Tourism industry. IIHS plans to open 100 centres nationwide within the next two years, with a mission to educate 100,000 young unemployed professionals and help them join the hospitality industry. On the occasion, Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder of IIHS, said, "Opening the IIHS Dehradun was a dream project for us. Dehradun, being one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the country, had to have a centre to facilitate skill training for the students in and around, making them ready for the hospitality industry. In this process, the children of Dehradun will now be getting hospitality courses affiliated with the Government of India's Skill India mission. We are collaborating with Skill India and THSC to train hundreds of skilled hospitality workers across the country." The launch of IIHS Dehradun was graced by Education and Industry Stalwarts such as Mr Dinesh Bartwal, Principal, Doon International School, Mr Sandeep Sharma, Hotel Manager, Lemon Tree Premier Rishikesh, Mr Rahul Kumar, Director Human Resources, Six Senses Vana, Mr Deepak Sharma, Hotel Manager, Red Fox Dehradun and many more. IIHS offers a wide range of courses to meet the diverse needs of aspiring hospitality professionals, including: * Diploma Course in Luxury Hotel and Hospitality Operations - 1 year, with placement opportunities (for 12th pass-outs only)* Diploma Course in Kitchen Operations - 9 months + 3 months Internship* Diploma Course in Bar & Beverage - 3 months + 3 months Internship* Other course options - 6 months + 3 months Internship Eligibility criteria require individuals to be Class 10 or 12 pass-outs. Additionally, IIHS offers short-term skill-based programs focusing on various hotel operations aspects. These programs cover areas such as service staff ethics, the art of cooking, baking, concierge services, front-office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage services, bar and beverage management, kitchen assistance, bell desk services, and more. Courses also include essential topics like FSSAI regulations, safety training, and overall management skills. IIHS promotes the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) to recognize and build upon existing knowledge and experience. IIHS certifications are recognized by Government organizations, including the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Skill India, providing students with an edge in the job market. The IIHM has been leading the way in hospitality education, offering world-class programs that prepare students for dynamic hospitality industry careers. With a focus on practical experience, technology, sustainability, and wellness trends, IIHM graduates are well-equipped for the future of hospitality. IIHS extends this forward-looking education methodology to a vast number of aspiring students. IIHM and IIHS have been at the forefront of hospitality education, establishing a remarkable network through MOUs with prominent brands in the Hospitality Industry. IIHM is associated with prestigious names such as Marriott International, Accor Hotels, Pride Hotels, Mayfair Hotels, Olive Restaurants, and Speciality Restaurants, among others. As a unique selling proposition, IIHS offers a confirmed Job Offer Letter upon admission into its courses. This underscores the commitment of IIHS to operate a curriculum that consistently produces professionally trained manpower for the industry. IIHS's vision is to be a leader in hospitality skills training and development, providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the contemporary hospitality industry. IIHS is committed to creating a culture of innovation and excellence, focusing on students' needs and the ever-evolving hospitality industry. The mission of IIHS is to empower young people by providing them with the hospitality and social skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in the hospitality industry. IIHS aims to cultivate ethical and socially responsible leaders equipped with the latest industry trends and best practices. About IIHM: IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is one of the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eleven National and International cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Worlds biggest Culinary Olympiad Young Chef Olympiad, with participation of over 50 countries, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world. It has MoU's with over 50 countries for student and faculty exchange bringing the best of education for its students from around the World. The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times consecutively 7 years in a row in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, Most Valuable Global Hospitality Education Brand 2023 by Zee, Institute of Excellence in Domestic and International placement by TV9 Bangla and Excellence in Academics at Institutional Infrastructure by Times Excellence Awards. Best Placement Institute by ASSOCHAM 2021 & Educational Excellence Award by ASSOCHAM 2023 It was also featured in Forbes Magazine as Great Indian Institute and Great Place to Study consecutively in the year 2018 - 2019 and 2019 - 2020. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by ASSOCHAM from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India. Please visit for more information: www.iihm.ac.in For more information, please contact:Mr. Abdullah Ahmed+91-9871155191011-43204700 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2568618/IIHS_training_centre_Dehradun.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569189/IIHM_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) According to PwC, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with practical knowledge and real-world expertise. The partnership aligns with PwC India's vision of fostering a human-led, technology-enabled future to address critical challenges faced by businesses, communities, and the nation. Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC in India, said, "Our collaboration with institutions like Masters' Union, will bolster our mission of bridging the gap between industry and academia." He added, "PwC India's industry expertise, alongside Masters' Union's focus on offering practical learning, can enable students with the skills and knowledge that they need for a smooth transition from campus to corporate life and also to excel in an increasingly digital world." Through this collaboration, PwC India aims to impact over 1,000 students by offering curated workshops, seminars, live projects, and hands-on experiences led by PwC experts. These initiatives will provide students with practical insights into industry challenges, ensuring their classroom learning translates effectively into real-world problem-solving. As part of the collaboration, PwC India will establish an emerging technology centre on the Masters' Union campus. This innovative hub will serve as a collaborative space for students and industry professionals to explore and develop practical applications of AI and other technologies, focusing on areas like business analytics, blockchain, and digital transformation strategies. Pratham Mittal, Founder of Masters' Union, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This collaboration with PwC India is a landmark moment for Masters' Union and will enable our students to be at the forefront of technological innovation and entrepreneurial success in the domain of artificial intelligence." He added, "It's an exciting opportunity for our students to engage directly with one of the most respected firms in the world, learn from their expertise, and make meaningful contributions to industry-led research." (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 28: Traveling to Europe is a dream for many Indians but obtaining a Schengen visa remains a daunting challenge. Recent reports reveal that India ranks among the top three countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rate--approximately 18% in 2022. For aspiring travelers, this statistic underscores the need for expert guidance to navigate the complex visa process successfully. Why is the Schengen Visa Rejection Rate for Indians So High? Several factors contribute to the high rejection rate of Schengen visa applications from Indian citizens: 1. Incomplete Documentation: Missing or improperly filled-out forms often lead to rejections. 2. Inconsistent Travel Plans: Inadequate proof of itinerary or lack of accommodation bookings can be red flags. 3. Financial Instability: Insufficient evidence of funds to cover the trip expenses raises concerns about the applicant's ability to sustain themselves abroad. 4. Travel History: A lack of previous international travel or overstays in other countries can affect approval chances. Understanding these challenges is crucial to addressing them, which is where professional visa services come into play. How Akbar Travels Simplifies the Schengen Visa Process Akbar Travels, with over 45 years of industry expertise and a remarkable 99.88% visa approval rate, offers end-to-end assistance for Schengen visa applications. Here's why they're a preferred choice: - Seamless Online Visa Application: Akbar Travels provides an easy-to-navigate online platform to apply for a Schengen visa from the comfort of your home. - Comprehensive Support: From form filling to appointment scheduling and document verification, their team ensures every step is hassle-free. - Expert Guidance: With years of experience, Akbar Travels ensures your application meets all requirements, significantly increasing your chances of approval. - Travel Add-Ons: In addition to visa services, they offer affordable Europe tour packages and complete travel insurance for Schengen visa - essential for a worry-free trip. Why Choose a Visa Expert? Given the complexities of Schengen visa applications, relying on a trusted visa agent like Akbar Travels can make all the difference. Their personalized approach minimizes errors and ensures compliance with Embassy requirements. Plan Your European Adventure Today! Don't let visa worries hold you back from exploring Europe's breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and iconic landmarks. Start your journey with akbartravels.com, where your dream trip begins with expert guidance. Learn all about the Schengen Visa for Indians and plan your trip with cheap flights to Europe today! Your Travel Partner for Life With Akbar Travels, your European adventure is closer than you think. Say goodbye to visa woes and hello to seamless travel planning! (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Taiwan Excellence, global leader in sustainable manufacturing innovations released their first sustainable manufacturing campaign with actress Bhumi Pednekar as the face of the brand, to strengthen India's vision of achieving net-zero by 2070 and reducing carbon emission of 1 billion ton by 2030. Bhumi is the obvious choice for Taiwan Excellence's face since she is also India's first National Advocate for UNDP for SDGs. Commenting on the partnership, Vic Lin, official spokesperson for TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Association), Mumbai said, "Industrial growth does not have to come at an environmental cost. There are ways to deal with reducing carbon footprint or creating a zero waste environment. We are happy to welcome Bhumi as our partner in our mission towards achieving sustainable industrialisation. Her passion for suatainability perfectly aligns with our values. Together, we can aim to inspire change, and sustainable innovation to combat climate change and build a greener, more sustainable world for future generations." Through the campaign, Taiwan Excellence seeks to invite collaboration at industrial partnership level, with a diverse range of manufacturing innovations created with the goal to reduce carbon emission, waste minimization and energy efficiency. The campaign's messaging highlights how our planet is at a tipping point with climate change being a big crisis. Corrective action needs to be taken now, so that India's net-zero dream is aligned with industry 4.0 in a more sustainable manner. Campaign's focus areas for adopting excellence in environmental engineering are e-waste to cutting-edge machines, driving towards cleaner air by switching to EV and the use of green energy solutions across households. Advantech, Aver, Chimei Motor, Jumbo, Webcomm, Delta, Hiwin Mikrosystem and Transcend are some of the companies pioneering this change. Commenting on the development, actress Bhumi Pednekar said "I am thrilled to be partnering with Taiwan Excellence as we work towards something so close to my heart - a net-zero emission world. SDGs are one of the biggest challenges we face today and this is the opportunity to rethink the way we use technology. I would like this campaign to be a call for action not just to individuals, but also corporations and industries, who can create larger impact by doing their bit to reduce carbon footprint and also look at collaborating with Taiwan Excellence for creative collaboration for sustainable industry solutions." Taiwan Excellence has been on the forefront globally, making significant strides in reducing carbon footprints through innovative technology aiming to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and promote sustainable development. Taiwan aims at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through these initiatives, Taiwan Excellence not only highlights the achievements of Taiwanese companies in sustainability and circular economy, but also sets a global benchmark for industries worldwide. Taiwan's leadership in this field underscores its dedication to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all. About Taiwan Excellence The Taiwan Excellence symbol honors Taiwan's most innovative products, providing tremendous value to users worldwide. Products carrying this symbol have been selected based on outstanding R&D, design, quality, marketing, and Made-in-Taiwan merits. Initiated by the International Trade Administration (TITA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan in 1992, the symbol is recognized in over 100 countries. Visit www.taiwanexcellence.org for more information. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569265/Bhumi_Pednekar_Taiwan_Excellence.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], November 28: On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Dr. Amar Shahabuddin Mulla, an advocate at the Supreme Court of India and a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, was honored by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna during the 75th Constitution Day function. The recognition was given for his contributions to the legal field, particularly his authorship of three books: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, which address key legal issues in India. The event was attended by prominent figures in the legal community, including Supreme Court Bar Association President Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, Attorney General of India R. Venkatramani, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Dr. Amar Shahabuddin Mulla: Legal Career and Advocacy Dr. Mulla's career spans several decades and includes his work as a criminal lawyer, as well as his involvement in legal reform and social causes. His tenure as an executive member of the Pune Bar Association reflects his active role in the legal community. Mulla is also known for his contributions to the development of legal education, with some of his proposals being included in law school curricula and referenced by the Supreme Court. Mulla has been involved in several pro bono legal cases, including advocacy on behalf of vulnerable communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he represented over 15,000 National Health Mission health workers in Maharashtra, working to secure additional funding and job retention for them. Legal Reforms and Publications Dr. Mulla has supported various legal reforms throughout his career. He has been involved in advocating for the Triple Talaq Act, which aims to address issues related to Muslim women's rights, as well as amendments to the Indian Succession Act of 1925, which focus on granting equal property rights to Hindu women. His published works, The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, examine important aspects of Indian law and legal reforms. These publications have been noted for their insight into contemporary legal issues, reflecting Mulla's ongoing engagement with the evolving legal landscape in India. Reflection on the Constitution Day Honor The recognition of Dr. Mulla on Constitution Day highlights his long-standing commitment to the legal profession and to causes of social justice. In his acceptance of the honor, Mulla expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to legal reforms that address the needs of diverse communities in India. This acknowledgment on Constitution Day not only underscores Dr. Mulla's contributions to the legal field but also draws attention to the broader importance of legal reform in India's evolving democratic framework. His work continues to be an example of the role that legal professionals can play in shaping societal change through advocacy, reform, and education. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) BusinessWire India Kohima (Nagaland) [India], November 28: Durex's The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), an impactful life skills program by Reckitt, a global leader in health and hygiene, proudly marks its third consecutive year as the official Health Partner of Northeast India's most iconic cultural celebration--the Hornbill Festival. As the festival celebrates its milestone 25th edition, TBBT is set to launch Asia's first Consent Cafe, a pioneering initiative designed to spark meaningful conversations around consent, equity, and healthy relationships. The Hornbill Festival, expected to welcome over 150,000 visitors from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, offers a unique platform to blend traditional heritage with modern values. In 2023 alone, over 28,811 gender-based complaints were reported, including cases of rape, sexual harassment, outraging modesty, stalking, cybercrimes, and other violations, as per the National Commission for Women. The TBBT Consent Cafe aims to provide an immersive space combining light, music, and art to help attendees reflect on the meaning of consent and its role in fostering healthy connections. This initiative is focused on addressing the pressing need for consent education, especially in light of increasing incidents of gender-based crimes in India. The first Consent Cafe will be inaugurated by Shri Temjen Imna Along, Honorable Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland at the festival ground. Durex TBBT's dynamic participation at Hornbill Festival 2024 will also include: * TBBT Music Carnival at Imagiland: Featuring electrifying performances by celebrated local talents like Moko Koza, Eva Rongmei, and Keneisenuo, the event will also mark the launch of a new rap album. The carnival will be inaugurated by Thalavaseelan K (IAS), Principal Director, Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland. * AI-Powered WhatsApp Chatbot: To further TBBT's mission, an AI-based conversational chatbot will be launched to equip young individuals with essential knowledge on consent and growing-up skills. The bot adheres to UNESCO's eight global standards on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and aims to offer accurate and scientifically reliable content to foster informed decision-making among adolescents. * 2nd Edition of the Painting Competition: Empowering young artists to express their creativity around the five key themes--Inclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness, and Equity. Judged by Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, and Yanger, a renowned craftsman and artist from Nagaland, the competition celebrates art as a powerful tool for social change. * Durex TBBT Arena: The festival's largest Health Pavilion, featuring interactive sessions on life skills, TBBT's comic characters inspired by the five Nagaland tribes--Angami, Sumi, Chakhesang, Ao, and Lotha--bringing key conversations to life in a culturally relevant way. Veyielo Duolo, Director, Tourism Department, expressed his enthusiasm, "The 25th Hornbill Festival stands as a beacon of cultural pride, and we are thrilled to have Durex's The Birds and Bees Talk implemented by Reckitt and Plan India as our official Health Partner. This remarkable initiative empowers adolescents with critical life skills, enabling them to grow into informed, responsible individuals. Together, we celebrate inclusion, awareness, and equity--milestones of progress and well-being." Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt - South Asia, remarked, "At Reckitt, we believe that knowledge is the foundation of empowerment. Our continued partnership with the Hornbill Festival exemplifies our belief as we honor Northeast India's cultural legacy while addressing critical societal issues like consent and inclusion. Together, we are shaping a generation of informed, inclusive, and empowered youth." Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, Reckitt - South Asia, echoed this vision, "Durex TBBT's partnership with the Hornbill Festival reflects our unwavering commitment to integrating critical conversations into cultural celebrations. By focusing on consent, we aim to inspire young minds to embrace progressive values. We are creating a platform for transformative conversations that can shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Initiatives like the Consent Cafe and Music Carnival highlight the power of culture to drive meaningful change, and we are honored to play a role in empowering the next generation." Implemented by Plan India, Durex TBBT blends offline and digital platforms to deliver culturally tailored life skills education. Having reached over 4 million young people across 10 states, including six in Northeast India, it exemplifies how integrating traditional practices with modern values can transform lives and inspire progressive learning. As the Hornbill Festival 2024 gears up to captivate attendees, Durex TBBT leads the charge, blending tradition with transformation to create a more inclusive, informed, and empowered future. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The 43rd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) attracted over one million visitors, according to Premjit Lal, Executive Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). Following the conclusion of the trade fair on November 27, Lal stated that this year's event generated significant business opportunities for participants, an official release noted. In the States and Union Territories category, Puducherry won the Gold Medal, Meghalaya secured the Silver Medal, and Karnataka was awarded the Bronze Medal. Special Appreciation Certificates were presented to Punjab, West Bengal, and Tripura. In the Thematic Presentation by the States category, Madhya Pradesh claimed the Gold Medal, Odisha bagged the Silver Medal, and Assam took home the Bronze Medal. Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu received Special Appreciation Certificates. The ITPO also highlighted the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan during the IITF, promoting cleanliness and sanitation among exhibitors and visitors. Awards for the Swachh Pavilion were presented to Goa (Gold Medal), Kerala (Silver Medal), and Haryana (Bronze Medal). Commendations were awarded to Uttarakhand and Gujarat. In the Foreign Pavilions category, the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia secured the Gold Medal, Egypt (Milano Bazar) won the Silver Medal, and Turkey (Tillo Hediyelik Esya Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi) and Thailand (Thai SMEs Exporter Association) jointly received the Bronze Medal. In the Ministries, Departments, PSUs, PSBs, and Commodity Boards category, the Reserve Bank of India was awarded the Gold Medal, Punjab National Bank (PNB) received the Silver Medal, and the State Bank of India (SBI) won the Bronze Medal. Special Appreciation Certificates were given to Coal India Limited and the Central Bank of India. In the Empowering India category (Ministries, Government Departments, SARAS, KVIC, Ministry of Social Justice), the Ministry of Rural Development (SARAS) won the Gold Medal, while the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) earned the Silver Medal. The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj were jointly awarded the Bronze Medal. Special commendations were given to the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC). In the private sector, Jina Ranjit and Sons LLP won the Gold Medal, Supreme Industries Limited (Supreme Furniture) secured the Silver Medal, and Ananda Dairy Limited received the Bronze Medal. Special commendations were awarded to Mittal Electronics (Sujata), Hamdard Foods India, and Romana Herbal Care Pvt. Ltd. (Rosa Hydrating Mist). Lal congratulated all the award winners across various categories and expressed gratitude to the participants and visitors for their continued support of the IITF. (ANI) Rajasthan has immense potential, and we are striving to propel the state forward in every field, said Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference for the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, CM Sharma stated, "Our team is here to review the preparations for Rising Rajasthan, scheduled to be held from 9-11 December. Rajasthan has immense potential, and we are working to advance the state in every sector." "Our entire cabinet is fully engaged in identifying potential investments for Rajasthan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Rising Rajasthan on 9th December, and we are ensuring all arrangements are in place for the event," he added. Sharma emphasised that Rising Rajasthan would mark a significant milestone for the state. He noted that Rajasthan holds a unique identity on the global stage, with its migrant community deeply connected to their homeland. Highlighting the state's rich heritage, he remarked, "Rajasthan is renowned for its hospitality, and this summit will offer a splendid glimpse into the state's culture, traditions, and hospitality." To celebrate this connection, CM Sharma mentioned a special event for expatriate Rajasthanis on 10th December, stating, "Wherever they go, they maintain a profound bond with Rajasthan." During the inspection, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure impeccable hospitality for the investors, industrialists, and guests attending the summit from across India and abroad. He inspected the routes from the airport to the venue and instructed officials to maintain regular monitoring, focusing on cleanliness, traffic management, road conditions, city beautification, and traffic-related infrastructure. At the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), the summit venue, he reviewed the activities planned for the inaugural session. The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, to be held from December 9 to 11 in Jaipur, is expected to attract global investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and government officials. According to publicly available information, the summit will feature an array of thematic and sectoral sessions organised by various state government departments. (ANI) Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in prison as he awaits trial after a federal judge denied his request for a $50 million bail package, according to The Hollywood Reporter Combs had previously been denied bail twice by two other judges after concerns that he may tamper with witnesses. As per The Hollywood Reporter, District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled on Wednesday that no conditions of release can assure the safety of the community. The judge referred to Combs' alleged history of violence, including the use of firearms, kidnapping, and arson, and noted evidence of attempts to hide communications with individuals he was barred from contacting. Combs had previously been denied bail twice by two other judges after concerns that he may tamper with witnesses. "There is evidence supporting a serious risk of witness tampering," stated the ruling. The court handed down the decision after a bail hearing that took place last week. Wednesday's court highlighted incidents presented by the government, such as a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. Text messages between Combs and Ventura indicated the severity of the assault. "I have a black eye and a fat lip," Ventura wrote after the incident. "I still have crazy bruising." As per the publication, the court also pointed out Combs' history of deleting messages with Ventura, who was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury. Phone records showed that the two exchanged messages from June to August, but the messages could not be recovered. The court noted that Combs violated prison rules to obscure his communications. He allegedly paid other inmates to use their phone access codes and instructed his family and lawyers to use three-way calls to bypass monitoring. The ruling stated that these actions show "strong evidence" that Combs cannot be trusted to follow release conditions." His "willingness to skirt" rules in a "way that would make it more difficult for his communications to be monitored is strong evidence that the Court cannot be reasonably assured as to the sufficiency of any conditions of release," the order stated as per the publication. Prosecutors argued that Combs had also used unauthorized messaging apps to contact witnesses and coerced his family into writing public messages intended to influence potential jurors. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Combs' defence team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, argued that the charges against him, particularly those related to sex trafficking, were unsupported. They maintained that the accusations stemmed from a toxic, sometimes violent, relationship. The defense also accused prosecutors of seizing privileged legal material from Combs' jail cell, though the court ordered prosecutors to delete images of Combs' notes. Federal prosecutors accuse Combs of leading a criminal enterprise that included the assault and trafficking of women through his businesses since 2008. This includes events known as "Freak Offs," where women were allegedly forced into extended sexual acts under coercion. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial is scheduled for May 5, 2025. (ANI) Aishwarya looked stunning in a black and grey jacket paired with matching jeggings and sneakers. She left her hair open and kept her makeup minimal. The actress was alone on her way back from Dubai, and her daughter Aaradhya, who frequently travels with her, was not present. The 'Devdas' actress greeted and waved to the paps stationed outside the airport with a warm smile before getting into her car. Recently, Aishwarya gave fans a glimpse of the festivities from her daughter Aaradhya's 13th birthday celebrations in Mumbai last week. In a post on Instagram, the actress shared a series of pictures from her daughter's special day on the occasion of her father, Krishnaraj Rai's birth anniversary. One was a throwback picture of Aishwarya holding a newborn Aaradhya. The final was a picture of Aaradhya's birthday celebration in Mumbai, complete with smiles and family love. One picture shows Aaradhya bowing respectfully before her late grandfather's portrait, while another captures Aishwarya and Aaradhya with Aishwarya's mother, Brindya Rai. On the work front, Aishwarya won the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) award at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024 in Dubai, which took place in September this year. The actress received the award for her outstanding performance in Mani Ratnam's film, Ponniyin Selvan 2. Ponniyin Selvan 2, directed by Mani Ratnam, is the sequel to the 2022 film of the same name. Actor Kamal Haasan lent his voice to the film's narration. Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman has composed the music for the film. (ANI) Veteran actor Annu Kapoor was left "shattered" when he received the news of his close friend, Alok Sehgal's sudden death. The actor, on Thursday, took to his Instagram to share a video where he expressed how heartbroken he was after hearing the news. In the video, Annu, who couldn't hold back his tears said, "I am shattered, my heart is filled with grief. This Thursday, Nov 28, has brought tragic, agonizing news that my beloved brother, adorable friend Alok Sehgal, who I fondly address as Raju Ji, is no more. I got a message, and I feel so unfortunate that I cannot go for his antim darshan. I am in Hyderabad for a performance. I have to face the audience; I will be able to see thousands, but I won't be able to see my friend, Alok Sehgal." Along with the video, the actor added a caption that read, "Unexplainable grief has shattered me to the core by the sudden demise of beloved friend Sh Alok Sehgal, who we used to fondly address 'RAJU JI'. May the almighty bless his soul and give strength to bhabhi and children, and other family members to bear this irreplaceable loss. om shaaNti shaaNti shaaNti / " Annu was recently seen in The Signature. The movie also stars Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhry, Ranvir Shorey, Neena Kulkarni, and others in key roles. The actor is best known for his roles in movies such as Mandi, Utsav, Mr. India, Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Ghayal, Hum, Darr, Sardar, Om Jai Jagadish, Aitraaz, and 7 Khoon Maaf, among others. He also hosts the radio show Suhaana Safar With Annu Kapoor. Kapoor has directed several plays and a feature film Abhay, starring Nana Patekar. He is also known for hosting the popular singing show Antakshari. (ANI) Actor Sonnalli Seygall and Ashesh L Sajnani have recently welcomed their first child. Her husband, Ashesh Sajnani, was overjoyed about becoming a father and even posted a video of himself dancing with excitement. Taking to his Instagram stories, Sonnalli Seygall's husband, Ashesh Sajnani, shared a video in which he can be seen dancing with joy in the hospital room. The video also captures the sound of their first baby's cry. In August, actor Sonnalli Seygall, who married her long-time boyfriend Ashesh L Sajnani last year in June, announced her pregnancy. The couple announced that they are expecting their first child together by sharing a series of pictures on social media. The first photo captures Sonnalli flaunting her baby bump while munching on chips and chocolates. Ashesh, on the other hand, is seen holding a beer bottle in one hand and a baby's milk sipper in another. The picture also features their pet pooch. Sharing the photos, she wrote, "From beer bottles to baby bottles... Ashesh's life is about to change! As for me, some things stay the same. Was eating for 1... now eating for 2!. Meanwhile Shamsher is taking notes on how to be a good big brother. Overjoyed & Grateful. Keep us in your prayers. The actor also revealed that she will deliver the baby at the end of this year." "December 2024 (baby emoji) coming," she added. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-uA4pQNO8J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link As soon as the post was shared, fans and friends chimed the comment section with the congratulatory messages. Sonnalli and Ashesh L Sajnani exchanged vows at a Gurdwara in Santa Cruz West in Mumbai on June 7, 2023. The who's who of Bollywood attended the wedding, including Kartik Aaryan, Sunny Singh, director Luv Ranjan, Shama Sikander, Mandira Bedi and Raai Laxmi. Sonnalli rose to fame in 2011 with her role in Luv Ranjan's 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama'. Before entering the film industry, she was a ramp model and participated in the Miss India Worldwide competition. After appearing in 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', she was featured in films like 'High Jack', 'Ishq Da Rog' and 'Jai Mummy Di' among many others. (ANI) The Central Government has approved Rs147.66 crore for tourism development in Chhattisgarh, paving the way for the construction of a Film City and Cultural Centre in the state. This achievement is attributed to the efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, marking a significant milestone for the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25, the Central Government sanctioned Rs147.66 crore for two key tourism projects. These include the construction of Chitrotpala Film City in Mana Tuta, Raipur, at a cost of Rs95.79 crore, and the Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre in Mana Tuta, Raipur, at a cost of Rs51.87 crore, according to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The implementation of these projects is expected to strengthen Chhattisgarh's tourism infrastructure and showcase the state's rich cultural heritage on a global platform. The initiatives aim to boost employment opportunities, drive development, and establish Chhattisgarh on the global tourism map. Earlier on October 15, 2024, Vivek Acharya, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi to discuss the state's tourism activities. The Ministry of Tourism's decision to support these projects has unlocked vast potential for filmmaking and film tourism in Chhattisgarh through the construction of the Film City. This development marks a significant step in advancing tourism in the state, positioning Chhattisgarh as a global destination and creating new opportunities for growth. (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 27: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Her Holiness Sushri Dr. Vishakha Tripathi, the President of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), on November 24, 2024, at the age of 75. A Legacy of Leadership As President of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), Dr. Vishakha Tripathi oversaw the organization''s wide-ranging spiritual, educational, and philanthropic initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. Her leadership reflected a rare combination of vision, humility, and hands-on engagement. In the early 2000s, Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj entrusted her with leading JKP. After His divine departure in 2013, she rose to the occasion, ensuring the seamless continuation and expansion of His mission. Dedicated to Humanity Dr. Vishakha Tripathi''s contributions to health, education, and social welfare were monumental: * Healthcare: She led the establishment and operation of three 100% free hospitals in Mangarh, Vrindavan, and Barsana, providing treatment for over 5.5 million patients. Every aspect of patient care, from consultations to surgeries, medications, and hospital stays, was offered free of charge, reflecting her commitment to serving the underprivileged with dignity. * Education: Through JKP Education, she transformed the lives of over 60,000 girls in rural Uttar Pradesh. Under her leadership, schools provided free education from nursery to postgraduate levels, along with books, uniforms, school bags, bicycles, and access to modern facilities like laboratories and libraries. Many students belonged to minority communities, demonstrating her inclusive approach to empowerment. * Social Welfare: She organized large-scale distributions of essential items, including blankets, sweaters, wheelchairs, and utensils, benefitting widows, sadhus, children, patients, and those in need. Dr. Vishakha Tripathi''s commitment to serving humanity required not only tireless effort but also extensive fundraising. She inspired donors worldwide to support JKP''s initiatives, which today serve 500,000 patients, thousands of female students, and thousands of underprivileged individuals annually. Recognitions and Honors Her selfless work earned widespread recognition, including: 1. Ashayein Award (2012)2. Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award (2012, 2013)3. Nari Today Award (2013)4. Mother Teresa Excellence Award (2013)5. Nelson Mandela Peace Award (2014)6. Zee Achievers Award (2014)7. All India Dalit Muslim Morcha Award8. iNext Achievers Award (2015)9. Zee Sangam Samman Award (2015)10. UP Mahotsav Award (2015)11. Top 50 Indian Icon Award (2016)12. Swasth Hindustan Award (2017)13. Visionary of Uttar Pradesh Award (2017)14. Zee TV UP-Uttarakhand Channel Award (2017)15. Felicitation by the Vice-President of Nepal (2018)16. World Icon Award (2018, Thailand) A Humble and Compassionate Soul Despite her many achievements, Dr. Vishakha Tripathi remained grounded in humility. Born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, she grew up staying with devotees while pursuing her education, performing household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. This upbringing connected her deeply to people from all walks of life. An accomplished artist, her spiritually inspiring paintings adorn JKP ashrams. She was also a talented photographer, capturing timeless moments of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Spiritual Guidance Dr. Vishakha Tripathi was a revered spiritual leader, guiding devotees through sadhana camps, her books, and personal counsel. Her acclaimed 4-volume book series, Spirituality in Daily Living, and her articles for The Speaking Tree in The Times of India continue to inspire spiritual seekers. She was instrumental in creating Bhakti Mandir, Prem Mandir and Kirti Mandir and tirelessly worked on the Guru Dham Mandir, honoring the legacy of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. An Unyielding Commitment When Shri Maharaj Ji was once asked the meaning of "Vishakha," He explained that it is a special branch of Divine Love. This truth was clearly reflected in her life and work. The titles she received were secondary to her unwavering commitment to selfless service to God and Guru. Everything she did, until her final breath, was dedicated to this singular purpose. Her day would begin at 1 a.m., with every moment of her precious human life devoted to meaningful service. Even in her later years, she prepared for a journey to Singapore and the United States to further her Guru''s mission. The trip was for a meeting regarding the construction of a Museum honouring Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the pride of India and the world. At 75 years old--long past the conventional age of retirement--she remained an unwavering force of inspiration to devotees, women, and humanity at large. While accepting the prestigious World Icon Award, Her Holiness said: "I dedicate this award to our Guru, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, who donated generously and taught us to serve the needy. He often reminded us of the scriptures, which state, ''One is entitled to use only the wealth required to fulfill basic needs. The rest should be used to uplift society.'' Through these works, we continually strive to serve our Guru and will continue to do so in the future." Continuing Her Legacy Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat is resolutely committed to continuing the legacy of Her Holiness Sushri Dr. Vishakha Tripathi and fulfilling her vision of spiritual and social upliftment Her Sisters, Her Holiness Sushri Dr Shyama Tripathi Ji and Her Holiness Sushri Dr Krishna Tripathi Ji will continue their tireless service as the Presidents of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. We honor Her Holiness''s immense contributions and celebrate her enduring legacy of love, service, and devotion. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567684/JKP_Dr_Vishakha_Tripathi.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed his happiness over Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Hemant Soren's upcoming swearing-in ceremony as Jharkhand Chief Minister, stating that the INDIA bloc is very happy with the results of the recent Assembly elections. Shivakumar praised Soren's administration, saying he has worked hard and gained the trust of the people. He arrived at Ranchi on Wednesday for CM-designate Hemant Soren's swearing-in ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday. While talking to the reporters, the Karnataka Deputy CM said, "We are very happy that under the leadership of the Chief Minister and our alliance, he has given a good administration. He has taken a lot of pain. Where there is pain, there is gain. He has worked hard and won the confidence of the people of his state. The INDIA alliance is very happy with the results." Commenting on the of the INDIA bloc in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shivakumar said, "We are introspecting the results... We have to respect the people's mandate." Hemant Soren will take oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on November 28, after the JMM-led alliance won the majority in the state Assembly elections. This marks the first time in Jharkhand that an incumbent government has returned to power after completing a full five-year term. Earlier, Hemant Soren had tendered his resignation as the Jharkhand Chief Minister to Governor Santosh Gangwar and staked a claim to form the new Government, at the Raj Bhawan. "We have started the procedure to form the (INDIA) alliance government and in that series, we have staked a claim to form Government in front of the Governor. I also tendered my resignation to him...Congress and the RJD in charge were also present here...On 28 November the oath ceremony will take place," Soren had said earlier. Hemant Soren-led JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, while its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U won one seat each. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency. (ANI) The decision comes in response to growing concerns about the neglect, exploitation, and other various challenges faced by senior citizens. The commission will focus on the welfare and protection of senior citizens, ensuring their rights are safeguarded addressing issues such as rehabilitation and social inclusion, and utilising their skills for the benefit of society, Bindu added. The ordinance outlines the framework for the commission''s formation, which will consist of a chairperson and up to three members appointed through a government notification. All members, including the chairperson, will be senior citizens. Additionally, one member must belong to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, and another must be a woman. The commission''s headquarters will be in Thiruvananthapuram. A government officer of the rank of Additional Secretary or higher will serve as its secretary, while a Joint Secretary-level officer from the Law Department will act as its registrar. A Deputy Secretary-level officer from the Finance Department will serve as the finance officer. The chairperson, who will have the status of a government secretary, will oversee the commission''s daily functions and administration with assistance from the other members. The members will be entitled to an honorarium and allowances for attending meetings. The chairperson and members will serve a term of three years from the date of their appointment. The commission is authorised to invite subject matter experts as special invitees for specific cases or discussions, though these invitees will not have voting rights. The commission will offer recommendations and guidelines for the welfare and protection of senior citizens, assist with rehabilitation efforts, provide legal aid where needed, and undertake initiatives to integrate senior citizens'' skills into the community. It can also forward its findings and recommendations to the government for action or dispute resolution. Bindu emphasised that the establishment of the commission underscores the government''s commitment to addressing the needs of the elderly and ensuring their dignity and well-being. (ANI) Police in Srigufwara, Anantnag seized a double-story residential house along with one Kanal of land, valued at Rs 2 crore, belonging to Mohammad Amin Malik, son of Ghulam Rasool Malik, a resident of Kanalwan. Malik, a habitual offender, was involved in case FIR No. 113/2021 at PS Srigufwara, where a substantial quantity of narcotic substances was recovered, the release added on Wednesday. This decisive action underscores Anantnag Police's unwavering commitment to eradicating the drug menace and dismantling the infrastructure supporting narcotics trafficking. Utilising the provisions of the NDPS Act to attach properties linked to criminal activities sends a strong message, acting as a deterrent for those involved in the illegal drug trade. Anantnag Police remain dedicated to fostering a drug-free society and will continue to take strict measures against individuals and groups engaged in narcotics trafficking. Earlier, continuing its action against drug peddlers in Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla Police attached multiple properties (double-storied residential houses at Chowadhi Jammu and Trikanjan Boniyar, Tipper, Trailer, and a four-wheeler) worth Rs 1.72 crore, said police in a statement on Saturday. The properties belong to a notorious drug peddler Rafiq Ahmad Khan alias Rafi Rafa son of Gh Hassan resident of Trikanjan Boniyar, district Baramulla. The action was taken under sections 68-E read with 68-F (1) of the NDPS Act of 1985 and is linked with case FIR nr 134/2016 u/s 8/21, 29 NDPS Act of PS Boniyar. The properties were identified as illegally acquired during an investigation conducted by police. The properties were acquired from the illicit trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances by the drug peddler. (ANI) Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister DK Shivakumar called upon Union Minister for Environment and Forest, Bhupender Yadav, to expedite the environmental clearance process for the Kalasa-Banduri irrigation project in Karnataka. The Deputy CM met the Union Minister in Delhi on Wednesday and submitted a formal appeal to expedite the forest and wildlife clearance for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme and forest clearance for the Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme. "Kalasa-Bandura is a critical project for the people of Karnataka. Despite adherence to all statutory and procedural requirements, Karnataka's proposal continues to face delays. It is imperative to resolve this at the earliest to avoid further impact on this vital project," the DCM said in the letter. The 80th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, held in October 2024, had deferred Karnataka's proposal to use 10.88 hectares of forest land for the Kalasa project in the Western Ghats. The Board had directed Karnataka to submit a written representation addressing legal issues raised in the meeting. The National Board for Wildlife had rejected Karnataka's proposal citing legal disputes between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra related to Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal's award, which was pending before the Supreme Court. However, Karnataka had contested the decision of the National Board for Wildlife stating that the Supreme Court does not restrain Karnataka from proceeding with the project. Karnataka had also stated that the 10.68 hectares of forest land needed for the project was not part of the wildlife sanctuary but was part of the tiger corridor. Karnataka had also listed out the benefits of the project stating that it would provide a water body for the wildlife in the area. "Karnataka has reduced the forest land requirement for the Kalasa project from the original 258 hectares, which was approved in principle in 2003, to just 26.92. We also reduced the forest land requirement for the Bandura project from 243 hectares to 28.44 hectares. This reflects our commitment to conservation. It is in the state's interest that the Union government has to ensure that this project is cleared without any further delay," the letter urged. (ANI) The Indian Army has played a pivotal role in ensuring that even the remotest and Naxal-affected areas of Maharashtra participated in the state's assembly elections held on November 20. The Indian Army, alongside other security forces, mobilised critical resources to enable voters in these challenging regions to cast their ballots, a press release said. The Indian Army deployed two Advanced Light Helicopters, to augment the much-needed air effort to facilitate the movement of election officials and logistics including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to areas lacking surface connectivity including those affected by Naxalism. This effort ensured that the election process was successfully carried out, even in the most difficult and remote locations. From November 17 to 20, the Indian Army, along with its partner forces, flew a total of 140 sorties over 77 hours, transporting 925 passengers and 8,385 kilograms of cargo. Of this, the Indian Army conducted 17 sorties, clocking approximately 22 hours of flight time and carrying 124 passengers. During the de-induction phase, from November 20 to 21, the forces collectively flew 56 sorties over 23 hours, moving 408 passengers and 6,980 kilograms of cargo. The Indian Army alone conducted 9 sorties, totalling 10 hours of flight time, and carrying 73 passengers. Notably, Indian Army aviation helicopters facilitated the induction of election officials and EVMs from Wadsa (Maharashtra) to various hard-to-reach locations, including Sawargaon (165 km), Gyarapatti (70 km), Muramgaon (68 km), and Katezari (50 km) - areas severely impacted by the Naxalite movement. The successful execution of these operations highlights the Indian Army's crucial role in supporting democratic processes and ensuring the participation of every citizen, no matter how remote their location. (ANI) Security forces conducted extensive search operations in various vulnerable areas of the hill and valley districts in Manipur, the state police confirmed on Thursday. The police ensured safe movement of various vehicles carrying essential items, providing a security convoy to vulnerable areas. "Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts," said Manipur police in a post on X. The post added, "Movement of 262 and 336 nos. of vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37 and NH-2 has been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles." The security forces also installed 94 checkpoints in various districts to strengthen security in the region. "A total of 94 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and no one was detained by Police in connection with violations in different districts of the State," read the X post. Earlier on Tuesday, the National Investigation Agency registered a case in connection with the recent violence in Jiribam along with two other cases, on the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs. "Acting swiftly on the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' directions to bring the culprits to book expeditiously, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched thorough investigations into three major cases relating to the recent spate of violence in Manipur," a statement by the NIA said. The incident took place on November 11 when some unknown armed militants fired towards Borobekra Police Station, as well as some houses and shops located at Jakuradhor Karong, and also set ablaze the latter. The police and CRPF personnel of Borobekra PS retaliated, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. Subsequent search operations led to the recovery of two dead bodies, according to the statement. Meanwhile in Parliament, Congress seeks to discuss the situation in Manipur. Congress MP Hibi Eden moved an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, urging the government to "take accountability and implement immediate measures to restore peace and justice." "It is to be noted that the (Manipur) conflict has led to several fatalities, mass displacement, and widespread destruction since last year. Allegations against the state administration include bias in handling the conflict and inadequate response to escalating tensions. The role of armed groups and the circulation of inflammatory content have further deepened mistrust between people," the notice by the Congress MP mentioned The notice further read, "This House must urgently address the deteriorating conditions in Manipur, demand accountability, and push for immediate measures to restore peace and justice. The escalating violence endangers the state's social fabric and India's democratic values." (ANI) Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will take oath as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat with a margin of 4,10,931 votes, defeating Sathyan Mokeri of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Wayanad, a Congress stronghold, witnessed a triangular contest between Priyanka Gandhi, BJP''s Navya Haridas, and CPI''s Sathyan Mokeri. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan will also take oath as Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha. Congress'' Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan won the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in a by-election with 5,86,788 votes. The seat fell vacant following the death of the sitting Congress MP, Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan, necessitating the bypoll. Moreover, Suresh Gopi Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tokhan Sahu, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will lay the papers on the table in Lok Sabha today. On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her happiness after receiving her certificate of election, describing it as a symbol of love, trust, and commitment to shared values. "My colleagues from Wayanad brought my certificate of election today. For me, it is not just a document; it is a symbol of your love, trust, and the values we are committed to. Thank you, Wayanad, for choosing me to take forward this journey to build a better future for yourselves," she said on X. On November 23, after her victory in Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her gratitude to the voters for their support. "I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. I will make sure that over time, you truly feel this victory has been your victory and that the person you chose to represent you understands your hopes and dreams and fights for you as one of your own. I look forward to being your voice in Parliament!" she said on X. The Wayanad seat was vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi, who previously represented Wayanad but shifted to Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh after being elected to the Lok Sabha from there during this year''s general elections. The by-elections were held in 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states, with notable contests in Uttar Pradesh and Wayanad, Kerala, where Priyanka Gandhi made her electoral debut. (ANI) "COAS also witnessed the Southern Star Idea Innovation Display, which highlighted innovative projects and indigenous R&D initiatives developed in partnership with Pune-based industries," said the Indian Army on a post in X. COAS General Dwivedi interacted with innovators and industry representatives, praising their initiatives and stressing the importance of innovation in tackling modern military challenges. He acknowledged the progressive mindset demonstrated at the event and reinforced the "Indian Army's commitment to harnessing technology and supporting Atmanirbharta to propel the nation towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," the Army Chief said. Earlier on Wednesday, COAS Dwivedi presented the prestigious President's Colours to four battalions of the Mechanised Infantry during a solemn ceremony at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MIC&S), Ahilyanagar. The event was a recognition of their exemplary and meritorious service to the Nation. The President's Colours were awarded to the 26th and 27th Battalions of Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards, marking a proud moment for the youngest battalions of the Army. The grand ceremony was attended by a large number of veterans, military personnel, and civil dignitaries, a release said. The COAS reviewed the Colour Presentation Parade, applauding the immaculate standards displayed by the marching and mounted contingents of the four Mechanised Infantry battalions. He congratulated all ranks, particularly the honoured battalions, and commended the professionalism of the Mechanised Infantry in both war and peace. As the youngest and most versatile combat arms of the Indian Army, the Mechanised Infantry blends the best of Infantry and Mechanised Forces. Its battalions, renowned for their valour and prowess, are deployed across all theatres and in UN Peacekeeping missions. (ANI) Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Jharkhand Chief Minister designate Hemant Soren, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pratul Shah Deo said on Thursday that the new JMM-led government would work for the development of the region and learn from the corruption and scam allegations levied in the last tenure of Hemant Soren. "Last 5 years of his tenure were marked by corruption, allegations and scams, the CM himself had to go to jail, his number two of the cabinet, Alamgir Alam is still in prison so we hope CM takes lessons from the debacles of his last tenure," he told ANI. He also wished that the Hemant Soren-led government should have a nice 5-year tenure and work for the development of the region. "Very warm greetings and best wishes to Hemant Soren as he becomes the CM again in Jharkhand. We hope that he will have a nice 5-year tenure and will focus on development that has been lacking in Jharkhand," Deo said. He said that while the party will extend support in the CM-designate's quest for a developed Jharkhand, they will also be a watchdog, keeping a close eye on any corruption which might happen in the state. "People have given him a very strong mandate, so its time for him to build a strong Jharkhand. We will extend all kinds constructive support to the Chief Minister in his quest for developed Jharkhand. We will also be a watchdog, keep eyes closely on the corruption that happens," Deo added. Soren will be taking oath as the CM later today in Ranchi. This marks the first time in Jharkhand's history that an incumbent government, having completed five years in office, has returned to power. In the recent assembly elections, the Hemant Soren-led steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly, with JMM being the single largest party in the state with 34 seats. Meanwhile its allies, the Congress won 16 seats, RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, while its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U won one seat each. (ANI) Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Thursday, speaking to ANI, stated that "things should not be done from a communal angle" in reference to the JPC's proposed Waqf Amendment Bill tenure extension. "The Committee should hold talks with everyone on this and then take a decision. Things should not be done from a communal angle," he said. The bill to amend the Waqf Act is unlikely to be taken up in the winter session of Parliament, with the joint committee set up to examine it set to seek an extension to present its report. Joint Parliamentary Committee chairman Jagdambika Pal said on Wednesday that he will move a resolution for extending the term of the panel, which is examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Opposition members have been seeking an extension of the term of the joint committee to listen to more stakeholders. Meanwhile, on the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Hemant Soren's newly-appointed government in Jharkhand, Hariprasad affirmed progress of the state under Soren's leadership. "Hemant Soren will take oath (as CM) today. This is the victory of Hemant Soren and the INDIA alliance. In the coming days, Jharkhand will further progress," he said. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha executive president Hemant Soren to take the oath as Chief Minister of Jharkhand on November 28. Soren tendered his resignation as Jharkhand Chief Minister to the Governor Santosh Gangwar and staked a claim to form government at the Raj Bhawan. Hemant Soren-led JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, while its allies--the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U--won one seat each. (ANI) Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that a fully functional court exists in the Tihar jail with all the facilities of video conferencing if required. This comes after the Supreme Court suggested on November 21 to explore setting up a makeshift courtroom in jail for conducting a trial against terror convict Yasin Malik in two cases related to abduction and murder. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench of justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih that a "fully functional court exists in the jail with all the facilities of video conferencing if required and in the past proceedings have taken place there." SG Mehta also apprised the top court that it has filed two fresh applications, one for the modification and the other for the transfer of the matter. The top court issued notice to the concerned respondents on the applications and also made the other co-accused party in the case. The top court listed the matter in December for further hearing. The court observation came when it was hearing the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea against the Jammu court's order calling for Malik's physical presence in trial proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had said that the central agency does not wish to take Malik, who is at present at Tihar Jail in Delhi, to Jammu and Kashmir due to security reasons. He also presented a photograph where Malik was seen sharing dias with Hafiz Saeed and said he is not an ordinary criminal. The top court had permitted the CBI to implead all the accused in the case as respondents in the petition and posted the matter for hearing next week. CBI has filed an appeal against the order of Additional Sessions Judge Jammu (TADA/POTA) dated September 20 and September 21, issuing a production warrant against him in two different cases. Jammu Court has sought Malik's physical appearance for cross-examination of witnesses in relation to the killing of four IAF personnel and abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in 1989. However, the top court in the last hearing stayed Jammu's court order. Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed his concern over Yasin Malik's presence in the Supreme Court and wrote a letter to the Home Secretary stating that Yasin Malik's presence in the Supreme Court was a serious security lapse raising apprehension that he could have escaped, forcibly taken away or could have been killed. In the letter, it was mentioned about an order passed by the Ministry of Home Affairs with regard to the said Yasin Malik under section 268 Criminal Code of Procedure which prevents the jail authorities to bring the said convict out of the jail premises for security reasons. (ANI) Amid speculations of cabinet reshuffle, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was scheduled to happen on November 29, but he wasn't sure whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minster DK Shivakumar would raise the issue of cabinet reshuffle before the party High Command. There might be a change of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, the senior Congress leader said, adding that the decision remains with the Chief Minister and party High Command. Currently, the KPCC president is Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar. "The Congress Working Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. The CM and DCM are always invited to be part of such meetings. I don't know whether or not they will talk to the party's High command about the cabinet reshuffle in the state. I have heard about a change of KPCC president also but it is all left to the CM and the party high command," Karnataka Minister Parameshwara told reporters. When asked about the post he was expecting if a cabinet reshuffle happens, the Congress leader reiterated that it all depends on the decision of the party's High Command. "It all depends on their decision. So far, we have done whatever they have said to do. Whatever responsibility they give, I will be ready to undertake that. I will do anything in the favour of the party," Parameshwara added. Speaking on the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Parameshwara said that the investigation was being carried out by the Lokayukta. "Let the investigation go on," he added. Earlier, Parameshwara on Wednesday said that Congress MLA Gaviyappa expressed his personal opinion, which has been addressed by the party. He said that they can't go back on the guarantees promised by the Karnataka government. The senior Congress leader promised that the state government would provide those guarantees to the people. "Any legislator asking for additional funds for his constituency is not wrong. So, MLA Gaviyappa is not wrong in asking for funds. He expressed his personal opinion regarding the guarantees. That (issue) has been taken by the party and government. We have promised the people of the state that we will give those guarantees. So we are implementing those guarantees and we cannot go back." Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said. This comes after Congress MLA from Vijayanagar, HR Gaviyappa, said that the poll guarantee schemes were straining the government's finances. (ANI) As the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) seeks an extension on examining the Waqf (amendment) Bill and consult more stakeholders, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called it an "anti federal bill" in the state's assembly on Thursday. "There were no discussion with us (state governments) regarding waqf bill. It will destroy waqf properties. Why have they proposed a bill like this which is absolutely against one particular religion. This is an anti federal bill," said CM Banerjee during the West Bengal Assembly session. Meanwhile in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh also criticised the functioning of the JPC, saying that a number of stakeholders from various states have not been consulted. "The JPC tour was completed without quorum. This was completely against the decorum and parliamentary traditions, so the tour was cancelled midway. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal are such big states, we did not go there," Singh said. "No information was taken from any state like Punjab, Haryana and Himachal. It was said that the representative of the Delhi government would be called, but that was not done," he said. The AAP MP said that the Parliament should pass the motion to extend the time limit of the JPC to facilitate a comprehensive discussion. "The House has referred this bill to the JPC for discussion, so a comprehensive discussion should be held, the discussion has not been completed and you are saying that we will present the draft. Therefore, I think that the proposal to extend the time limit should be passed in the House today and its time limit should be extended," Sanjay Singh said. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav welcomed the JPC seeking an extension and consulting more stakeholders, saying that if a bill is brought in a hurry it will be an "incomplete bill." "The extension of tenure of JPC on Waqf Bill is right as the report cannot be submitted so soon. If any legislation is brought in a hurry then it will remain incomplete and more amendments will have to be done in it," he told ANI on Thursday JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal said on Wednesday that he will move a resolution for extending the term of the panel which is examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Jagdambika Pal said opposition members should not boycott the proceedings of the committee over their demands. Opposition members have been seeking an extension of the term of the joint committee to listen to more stakeholders. (ANI) The Uttar Pradesh police arrested a man for allegedly spreading rumours amid the stone-pelting incident that took place on November 24 in Sambhal. According to the police, the arrested person was identified as Farhat. He has been booked under Sections 170, 126, and 135 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), they said. Earlier, senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain alleged that he has been receiving threats since the Sambhal violence due to the "misinformation" spread about his involvement in the incident. Jain slammed Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, SP MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rahman Barq, SP media cell, and the secretary of the Gyanvyapi Mosque committee, accusing them of spreading 'misinformation' that he was responsible for inciting the violence. The advocate clarified that he didn't raise any slogans at the site and was escorted by police after the survey concluded. "Akhilesh Yadav, Owaisi, Samajwadi Party's MP of Sambhal, media cell of SP, secretary of Gyanvyapi Mosque committee--all these people have spread misinformation that I went there with a mob raising the slogan of Jai Shree Ram and that caused the riots there. It's a false allegation... I went there with the administration and all the concerned officials and people," Jain told ANI. In another development related to the Sambhal violence, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed on Wednesday the involvement of three minors in the incident, which arose over a survey of a Mughal-era mosque. Security personnel were deployed in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal for the third consecutive day on Wednesday after the violence and unrest over the ASI survey. So far, 27 individuals, including 25 men and two women, have been arrested, and seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence, according to police. The stone-pelting incident occurred on November 24 during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. (ANI) According to Defence sources, the test results are being analyzed, after which the officials concerned would be briefing the top military and political leadership. The test is crucial for validating the country's second-strike capability. The Indian Navy had inducted the submarine in August in the Vishakhapatnam-based Ship Building Centre. The sources said that prior to the full-range test of the missile, the DRDO had carried out extensive trials of the launch of the missile to be fired from underwater platforms. The Indian Navy is now planning to carry out more tests of the missile system. The Navy has two nuclear submarines with the capability to fire ballistic missiles, including the INS Arihant and the Arighaat. The third boat has also been launched and is expected to be inducted next year. (ANI) In a major development in the Bengaluru Prisons terror conspiracy case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday successfully extradited Salman Rehman Khan, a fugitive linked to terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), from Rwanda. The operation, carried out in coordination with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Interpol, and National Central Bureaus (NCBs), marks a significant breakthrough in the agency's efforts to combat global terrorism. Salman, apprehended in Kigali in Rwanda, on November 27 was brought back to India early this morning. His extradition followed a Red Notice issued by Interpol based on a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) issued by the NIA Special Court in Bengaluru. "Part of a terror radicalization and recruitment case of Bengaluru Central Prison, Salman was taken into custody by the NIA, with the assistance of the RIB, Interpol and NCBs, on November 27 and brought to India this morning," the NIA said in a statement. https://x.com/RIB_Rw/status/1861698529980305512 In its statement the Rwand Investigation Bureau said, "In the framework of international cooperation in fighting cross-border crime, today, 27th Nov 2024, Rwanda has extradited Mr. Salman KHAN alias Salma (30 years) wanted by the Government of India for his association with a Terrorist group operating on its territory. The suspect was arrested in Kigali based on INTERPOL red notice issued by the Republic of India. The extradition of the suspect demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Rwanda not to allow criminals make the country a safe haven." The case against Salman stems from (RC-28/2023/NIA/DLI) registered by the NIA on October 25, 2023, after taking over the investigation from Bengaluru City Police. Salman is accused of facilitating the collection and distribution of explosives for terror activities and was declared a fugitive after the terror module was exposed. Salman is the 17th accused to be extradited and deported in major NIA cases since 2020. NIA investigations revealed that Salman was radicalized and recruited during his imprisonment for a POCSO case (2018-2022) by T Naseer, a convicted terrorist serving a life sentence. Naseer allegedly orchestrated a terror recruitment drive within Bengaluru Central Prison, involving plans for his escape and the furtherance of LeT's operations. After being released, Salman is accused of aiding the terror network, fleeing India after the conspiracy was uncovered. The NIA subsequently charged him under various sections of the IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A), Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. Marking similar success in global collaboration in criminal cases, the NIA had earlier managed to get Khalistani terrorists Tarsem Singh Sandhu and Bikramjit Singh extradited from United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Austria respectively. Just last month, terrorist Baljeet Singh alias Baljeet was deported from UAE in a Khalistan Tiger Force terror conspiracy. Vikramjit Singh Brar, Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, Amritpal Singh alias Ammy, Amrik Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Ratheesh, were other dreaded terrorists deported from UAE and the Philippines in 2023 in various terror-related cases of the NIA. NIA said that it is continuing with its collaborative efforts to bring fugitives to justice, wherever they may be hiding, in all major terror and other criminal cases. (ANI) The Lok Sabha adopted the motion to extend the term of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (amendment) bill on Thursday and to present their report at the end of the 2025 budget session instead. JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal said that during the meeting held by the committee on Wednesday, it was decided that there are around 6 states where there is a dispute between the state government and waqf board on the ownership of properties, and looking at those disputes, it was decided to get an extension for the JPC. "The speaker had given a mandate on JPC, but on the meeting held yesterday that since there are certain properties where there is a dispute between the state government and Waqf board, with the board claiming certain properties as theirs. There are 6 such states, we had asked for a reply from them but we haven't gotten a reply from them," he told ANI today. "Now we have decided to present our findings on the last day of the 2025 budget session," he told ANI. He further said that the previous government had also decided on handing over the government properties to the Waqf board, but that decision had been stayed by the court. "The properties were acquired by the Britishers in 1911 after giving compensation, then in 1970's the Waqf board claimed that 123 such property is theirs, then as these problems arose when the previous (United Progressive Alliance) government had formed a cabinet just as the elections were going to be announced that they would handover the properties at the rate of Rs 1 per acre per annum. Though the court had stayed that decision, otherwise government property worth around Rs 1 lakh crore would have belonged to Waqf. So we decided it is better to seek an extension," Pal said. Earlier, Jagdambika Pal also said that the opposition is complaining needlessly about having too much work in the committee. "The people should also understand that there have been repeated long meetings being held. More than 125 hours of meeting have happened. Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, Tamil nadu, we have met with Waqf board, minority commission, government officers. So they are complaining to the speaker about continuous sittings and working on the committee, they are complaining about working that I call them 3 times a week, meetings are being held for 8 hours a day," he said. Criticising the Opposition, he added, "We have been given an important mandate, we are hearing everyone. Before I used to see complains of not getting work completed, but this is the first time I have heard from the opposition that they are complaining about working too much, so we have given a lot of chances to them, we listen to them only for 8 hours." The Waqf bill is now expected to be presented on the last week of the 2025 budget session. (ANI) Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, on Thursday, proposed an initiative following his recent tour of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Addressing the media in Shimla, the Speaker announced his intention to hold a special session of the Assembly focused solely on development, ethical governance, and global collaboration, avoiding political debates. "If we start this, it will be a landmark initiative, and we will be the first in the country," said Pathania, emphasising the importance of non-partisan discussions in fostering progress. He revealed plans to consult the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition to bring this idea to fruition. The Speaker also confirmed that the winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly will be held in Dharamshala from December 18 to 21, featuring four sittings to complete the Assembly's target of 27 sittings for the year. He said that the CPA Conference is a 'Vision for Ethical Governance'. Pathania's recent participation in the 67th Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in Sydney, Australia, inspired his vision for the Assembly. During the conference, he engaged with global legislative leaders on fostering ethics in governance and advancing parliamentary accountability. "Parliamentarians play a pivotal role in deepening the values of the Commonwealth Charter within their jurisdictions. They are the guardians of accountability and the loudspeakers of the people's voices. Their work must transcend party loyalty and be rooted in integrity, enabling them to rise for what is right, just, and fair for the people of our Commonwealth," the Speaker remarked. Pathania lauded the UK Parliament for passing the CPA Status Bill, recognising the CPA as an "international, inter-parliamentary organization." He also endorsed progressive reports and budgetary measures aimed at enhancing the CPA's agenda. He said from his CPA tour he learnt about tourism innovation learning from Australia and New Zealand. In Queensland, the Speaker explored sustainable tourism initiatives, including cable cars and forest skywalks, which have transformed Tamborine into a flourishing tourist destination. At a dinner hosted by the Indian diaspora in Gold Coast, discussions centred on attracting investments to Himachal Pradesh. The diaspora expressed a willingness to support elder care and self-help groups in the state. During his visit to New Zealand, Pathania observed the economic impact of organic farming, wineries, and adventure tourism in Queenstown. He highlighted attractions like Shotover Jet Rides and the commercialisation of sheep farming as models for Himachal Pradesh. "Tribal communities in Sirmaur, Kinnaur, and Chamba can create small tourist villages to showcase their culture, generate livelihoods, and attract global visitors," Pathania suggested, drawing inspiration from Maori tribal leaders who have successfully preserved their cultural heritage. The Speaker also pointed to Rotorua's success in attracting global tourism as the filming location of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, proposing similar strategies for Himachal Pradesh's scenic landscapes. In Japan, Pathania met with India's Ambassador H.E. Sibi George to discuss youth empowerment strategies. He was deeply inspired by Japanese values of work ethics, time management, cleanliness, and Kaizen (continuous improvement). "Japan's dedication to work ethics, time management, cleanliness, and Kaizen offers invaluable lessons for our youth. We must also embrace their adaptability and commitment to hospitality to elevate Himachal's global image," he said. The Speaker marvelled at Japan's technological advancements, travelling on the iconic bullet train and visiting Hakone's active volcano. From his tour, he said that he explored to market tourism in South Korea. In South Korea, Pathania met with Ambassador H.E. Amit Kumar and explored strategies to market Himachal Pradesh as a premier tourist destination. He suggested translating promotional materials into Korean to attract visitors. During his visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the Speaker reflected on Korea's post-conflict resilience and its cultural contributions through K-dramas and K-pop. He praised government-supported private enterprises like Hyundai, LG, and Samsung, stating, "We must encourage similar collaborations between government and private enterprises to strengthen Himachal's economy.". Pathania's CPA tour offered him transformative insights into ethical governance, sustainable tourism, and international collaboration. He underscored the need for Indian missions abroad to promote Himachal Pradesh as a unique destination, challenging stereotypes of India as a hot, humid, and overcrowded country. "India is often perceived as a hot, humid, and crowded country. Foreigners are unaware of Himachal's snow-covered mountains, pristine rivers, trekking trails, and diverse flora and fauna. It's time we change this perception," Pathania stated. The Speaker also wants the international corporations to invest in Himachal Pradesh, assuring them of a conducive environment for business and innovation. (ANI) "I thank people for giving another opportunity to Hemant Soren and the INDIA alliance. Jharkhand's result has given a positive result for the country," Yadav said. Soren will take the oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand today, follwoing the victory of JMM-led alliance in the Assembly elections. This is the first time in Jharkhand that an incumbent government, which has completed five years in office, has returned to power. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal, along with all the other leaders, are among others who are set to attend the ceremony. On Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal confirmed his attendance at the swearing-in ceremony and described Hemant Soren's victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections as "very inspiring." The Chief Minister-designate and his wife Kalpana Soren met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital on Tuesday. The JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, with its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U winning one seat each. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency. (ANI) As both houses of Parliament adjourned for a third day on Thursday amid the demands of Opposition leaders to discuss the Adani indictment, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari questioned the government and asked if they are "scared of Adani." "I don't understand why is the government so scared. Is this govt being run by Adani or is the govt scared of him? Yesterday also the House was adjourned," Tiwari told ANI. After the adjournment of Rajya Sabha, he asked, "Why can't there be a discussion when there is so much time? It only means that the govt is scared and it doesn't want a discussion." Earlier, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also demanded a CBI investigation and arrest of Gautam Adani as they submitted an adjournment motion for a third time in this winter session. "Today, we have given adjournment notice on the Adani scam. It is the third day when we are demanding a reply from the govt on this," he told ANI. "It is a very serious issue and we want a CBI investigation and the arrest of Gautam Adani. The parliament needs to discuss this scam," Tagore added. Earlier on Wednesday too, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya faced adjournments over the Adani issue and other matters, with two Houses of Parliament not transacting any substantial business. Opposition members have been continuously pushing to have a discussion on the floor on the Adani issue, Sambhal violence and the Manipur situation, raising slogans in the Parliament. Adani Group has refuted the alleged bribery allegations made in the United States. Adani Green Energy Ltd said in a statement that media articles which claimed "that certain of our directors namely Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vineet Jaain have been charged with violation(s) of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment. Such statements are incorrect." Both houses of Parliament were adjourned till November 29 on Thursday. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday alleged a conspiracy that was hatched against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, saying that he was arrested so that the work being done by him as the Chief Minister could stop. "Arvind Kejriwal came out of jail and all the work is being done on a "war footing," the Delhi Chief Minister said, adding that many decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting, including the restart of the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy that would help curb the pollution. "For 10 years, the AAP government of Delhi has been working for the people of Delhi in every field. The Delhi government has also been working to make Delhi ultra-modern through new innovative policies. When other parties did not do this in their states, a conspiracy was hatched to stop the work of Arvind Kejriwal and then Arvind Kejriwal was arrested. After that, pensions were stopped, salaries were stopped, and even sewer water disposal was stopped," Delhi CM Atishi said in a presser. CM Atishi informed that 12 per cent EV vehicles were registered in Delhi between the years 2023 and 2024, which is double the national average. She added that the EV policy was stopped after Kejriwal went to jail. "Arvind Kejriwal was sent to jail and EV policy was also obstructed. For the last ten months, there has been no subsidy on EVs and no exemption in road tax. Today, the cabinet of the Delhi government has decided to start an EV policy. EV policy has been extended till 30 March 2025," CM Atishi said. "Anyone who has bought an electric vehicle after January 1, 2024, will get subsidy and the road tax exemption will be available again on new EVs," she added. CM Atishi informed about the Delhi SC/ST/OBC/Minority and Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation Limited (DSFDC), a corporation meant for people from marginalised communities to take loans. "125 employees here were not getting salary since January February. Today, the cabinet has decided to give a grant of 17 crores for them," she added. A Bachelor of Optometry program will run from the Guru Nanak Eye Centre, where the Delhi government has decided to open an optometry training wing. Speaking about the notice issued by Delhi High Court over implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the national capital, CM Atishi said that the government was ready to implement the schemes. She said, however, there were limited categories in the Ayushman Bharat. "The Delhi government has always shown commitment towards health facilities. The Delhi government is ready to implement these principal Ayushman Yojanas. But there is a contradiction in the facilities of the Delhi government and Ayushman Yojana. Everything is free in Delhi government hospitals. However, there are limited categories in Ayushman Bharat. It also says that if you have a refrigerator, vehicle or concrete house, you will not get the benefit. Ayushman Bharat puts a cap of Rs 5 lakh on a family. If two members are ill at the same time, one will not get the benefit. We do not want to remove free medical care. Therefore, we have given direction to the health department to consider how to implement Ayushman Yojana without harming anyone." CM Atishi said. Speaking on the recent blast in Prashant Vihar near a school, CM Atishi said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were responsible for such incidents. "A blast took place near a school two streets away from the Prashant Vihar blast site. Such incidents are coming to light every day. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP are responsible for such incidents. The Centre has only one responsibility in Delhi: law and order. All other responsibilities are with the Delhi government. Today, Delhi has become like Mumbai with its underworld in the 90s. I would like to tell the BJP that if the Home Minister gets free from election campaigning, he should also think about the safety of the people of Delhi," CM Atishi said. (ANI) ISKCON India Director of Communications, Yudhishthir Govinda Das, on Thursday expressed concerns over the arrest of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, attributing it to long-standing actions by radical elements in Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI, Govinda Das emphasised that Chinmoy Krishna Das has been advocating for the safety of Hindus and temples in Bangladesh. "Chinmoy Krishna has been peacefully calling for the same demands as other Hindu organisations in Bangladesh--ensuring the safety of Hindus, protecting temples, and taking action against perpetrators of violence. The actions of radical elements in Bangladesh have been ongoing for a long time. Many of our temples were attacked in Noakhali, and two of our members were tragically killed. Recently, one of our centres in Meherpur was also attacked. We have been trying to communicate the seriousness of the situation to both the local and national governments in Bangladesh," he stated. Recently, a group of retired judges, bureaucrats, and a sitting MP sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene in addressing the rising violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh. The letter, dated November 27, called on the Modi-led Central government to escalate the arrest of ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari to international platforms such as the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and other relevant forums. The arrest has further strained relations between the Bangladesh government and ISKCON, sparking protests and unrest. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on sedition charges, prompting a lawyer to file a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh. The petition, labelling ISKCON a "radical organisation" allegedly provoking communal unrest, has led to a fresh political controversy in the country. (ANI) Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, a release said on Thursday. As per the release, in the conversation of this courtesy call meeting with the Chief Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji expressed the readiness of mutual cooperation so that Fiji also gets the benefit of the global fame that Gujarat has gained in the agricultural sector, including the dairy industry. Apart from the dairy industry, he also worked on AI and ICT. And discussed the possibilities of cooperation between Gujarat and Fiji in the cyber security sector. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji had extensive discussions in this meeting about the fact that Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, has made Gujarat a road model for development and a growth engine by setting a new record of development. He also recalled that Narendrabhai Modi visited Fiji for the first time in 2014 after assuming office as the Prime Minister. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that Gujarat has taken the lead in renewable energy and green hydrogen production and said that the world's largest hybrid renewable energy park is under construction in Kutch. Not only this, Gujarat has a waste-to-energy policy encouraging biomass, biogas, and biofuel in the agriculture sector as well. The Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji also said that he can support Gujarat in ethanol production in the context that sugarcane is produced on a large scale in Fiji. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel invited a high-level delegation of Fiji to visit Gujarat to study and observe the achievements of Gujarat in various sectors as well as the policies that Gujarat has formulated for various industries and emerging sectors as a policy-driven state. In this context, the Chief Minister said that Gujarat will provide its support in the sectors in which Fiji needs participation and guidance. The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the high-level delegation's visit to Gujarat will establish a strong relationship of effective and fruitful partnership between India-Gujarat-Fiji. He also added that Gujarat is determined to be a leader in Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi's vision of 'Developed India @ 2047', the release said. A Road Map of Gujarat @ 2047 has been prepared for this purpose, and priority has been given to ease of doing business along with earning well and living well. He also informed the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji that Giftcity has emerged as an international financial hub. After the courtesy call with the Chief Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji will also visit Gift City and Amul-Anand. In this courtesy meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister's Additional Chief Secretary MK Das, Principal Secretary Industries Department Mamata Verma and Secretary to Chief Minister Avantika Singh also joined, the release added. (ANI) The 11th edition of the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise and Workshop (SAREX-24) began on Thursday, November 28, with an aim to create a real-life scenario on the high seas for practicing rescue operations. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who inaugurated the inaugural session of SAREX-24, said, "This is done once in two years by the Indian Coast Guard in collaboration with all national partners who are members of the National Maritime Assistance and Security Board. "This time they intend to do both seminars and table-top exercises and they also want to take the various agency representatives and representatives of various foreign countries--28 of them--to create a real-life scenario on the high seas where some kind of emergency happens, involving both ships and aircraft and then carry out rescue scenarios in that situation, looking at real-life challenges...," he added. Response operations to large-scale contingencies at sea, termed 'Mass Rescue Operation' (MRO), will be the essence of the 11th edition of SAREX-24. The theme of the exercise is "Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities through Regional Collaboration" to signify ICG's commitment and resoluteness to provide succour during large-scale contingencies regardless of location, Nationality or circumstances in the ISRR and beyond. On the first day, various programs, including Table Top Exercise, Workshops, Seminars, etc., involving participation of senior officials from the government agencies, ministries and armed forces, as well as various stakeholders and foreign delegates, will be conducted. On the second day of the event, the sea exercise involving two large-scale contingencies will be carried out off Kochi coast with the participation of ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Indian Air Force, passenger vessels and tugs from the Cochin Port Authority and boats from the Customs. The first contingency will simulate distress on board a passenger vessel having 500 passengers on board, whereas the second scenario will depict the ditching of civil aircraft with 200 passengers. The response matrix in the sea exercise will involve various methodology to evacuate distressed passengers, wherein the advent of new-age technology using satellite-aided distress beacons, drones to deploy a life buoy, air-droppable life rafts, operation of remote-controlled life buoys, etc. will be demonstrated, the release added. The exercise is designed not only to evaluate efficiency of operations and coordination with national stakeholders but also to aptly focus on cooperative engagements with the littorals and Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). (ANI) Hemant Soren's son Nitil Soren on Thursday expressed his happiness and said that he is "very happy" for his father. He asserted that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is working for tribals and the entire Jharkhand. "I am very happy for my father...Everyone has come to witness this. To the tribals, I would like to say that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is working for you, working for the entire Jharkhand," he said. RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav reached Ranchi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Jharkhand Chief Minister-designate Hemant Soren. Yadav said, "Under the leadership of Hemant Soren, we will run the government and will take Jharkhand forward..." Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also arrived at Ranchi airport to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Hemant Soren. "I thank people for giving another opportunity to Hemant Soren and the INDIA alliance. Jharkhand's result has given a positive result for the country," Yadav said. Soren will take the oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand today, following the victory of JMM-led alliance in the Assembly elections. This is the first time in Jharkhand that an incumbent government, which has completed five years in office, has returned to power. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal, along with all the other leaders, are among others who are set to attend the ceremony. On Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal confirmed his attendance at the swearing-in ceremony and described Hemant Soren's victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections as "very inspiring." The JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, with its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U winning one seat each. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency. (ANI) Mumbai Police have arrested a man following the alleged suicide of his female friend during the night of November 24-25 in the Powai Police Station area, officials said. The deceased, identified as Srishti Tuli, was a pilot. After the incident, her relative, Vivek Kumar Tuli, filed a complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code. Subsequently, the accused, identified as Aditya Pandit, was arrested and remanded to police custody for four days. According to the police, initial investigations reveal that the accused, a native of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has no prior criminal record. Commenting on the incident, ACP Pradeep Mirale said, "Srishti Tuli's body was brought to Seven Hills Hospital on November 25. Upon receiving the information, Powai officers investigated the scene and sent the body for a postmortem examination by a panel of expert doctors. "Following a complaint by her relative, Vivek Kumar Tuli, an FIR was registered under Section 108 of the IPC, naming Aditya Pandit as the accused. We arrested him on November 25, and the court has ordered his custody until November 29," the ACP added. Police Inspector Ganesh Patil is leading the investigation and gathering evidence. "We have not reached a conclusion yet. While there are no prior criminal cases registered against Pandit in Maharashtra, as he is originally from Gorakhpur, we are investigating this aspect as well," the ACP further stated. (ANI) General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), addressed participants of the 26th Doctrine and Strategy Seminar (DSS) in Mhow on Thursday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence. The two-day seminar, themed 'Need for Adaptive Doctrines/Operational Philosophy for the Indian Army in View of Recent Conflicts and Technology Infusion in Warfare', was held at the Army War College on November 27 and 28. "The seminar aimed to critically evaluate the validity of established doctrines, operational strategies, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of the Indian Army in light of recent conflicts and advancements in niche technologies. It sought to recommend necessary changes to doctrines, operational philosophies, and TTPs to address future challenges. Experts in geostrategic and geopolitical affairs, the armed forces, defence public sector undertakings, and industries shared their views on operational, logistics, and capability development aspects of modern warfare," the statement read. The seminar was organised under three key themes: The Global Scan - Latest Trends and Technology Infusion in Warfare and Implications for the Indian Army.Warfighting Strategy - Rethinking Doctrine, Strategy, and TTPs in the Context of Modern Warfare.Technology as an Enabler - Human Resource and Logistics Aspects.During his address, the COAS praised the comprehensive analysis of strategic and operational issues, underscoring the necessity of transformation and adaptation to the evolving nature of warfare. He highlighted that modern conflicts increasingly focus on achieving political objectives through non-military means, with military strategies leveraging advanced technologies. He characterised contemporary warfare as a continuum of the "5Cs"--competition, crisis, confrontation, conflict, and combat--blending statecraft and diplomacy with kinetic and non-kinetic measures. The COAS identified the defining traits of fifth-generation warfare, including non-kinetic military actions such as disinformation, cyberattacks, and the application of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He stressed that while new forms of warfare are emerging, older methods remain relevant, with both contact and non-contact approaches being integrated into strategies. Reflecting on the Russia-Ukraine war, the COAS emphasised key lessons such as the importance of combined arms operations, asymmetric tactics, and civil-military integration. These lessons highlight the need for military leaders to operate cohesively within the broader DIMET framework (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, Economic, and Technological). He also referred to the ongoing Decade of Transformation (2023-2032) as a significant step towards achieving this integrated approach. On national security, the COAS discussed challenges such as Grey Zone operations, the two-front threat, and the necessity of harmonising land, maritime, and air strategies to safeguard India's interests in the Indo-Pacific region. With adversaries increasingly employing hybrid tactics, he stressed the need for adaptive doctrines to counter multi-dimensional threats from both state and non-state actors. The COAS underlined the importance of flexible military doctrines that ensure unity of effort while fostering individual judgment. He advocated for integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, precision warfare, and cyber capabilities to support multi-domain operations. Military leaders, he said, must adapt quickly to technological advances and foster institutional agility to develop and deploy innovations. On leadership, the COAS highlighted its critical role in military adaptation. He called for strong, adaptive leadership to overcome challenges related to doctrine and technology. He also advocated for reducing doctrinal rigidity by promoting agility, decentralisation, and rapid decision-making, especially at the tactical level. In his concluding remarks, the COAS stressed the need for adaptive doctrines incorporating dynamic threat assessments, technology integration, realistic training, and wargaming. These doctrines, he said, should foster jointness, interoperability with allied nations, and seamless civilian-military synergy, leveraging private-sector innovations for military applications. (ANI) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday organised the 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting in Kochi, Kerala. The event also marked the commencement of the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-24) off the Kochi Coast on November 29, 2024. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated the event and interacted with foreign delegates in attendance. He lauded the role played by ICG in providing SAR services in the Indian Search & Rescue Region and helping the fishing community at sea. He also assured all assistance from the government towards strengthening ICG, said the Ministry of Defence in a press release. The board meeting was chaired by Director General ICG & Chairperson of the NMSAR Board, DG Paramesh Sivamani. In his address, he underscored the collective commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and the pivotal role of efficient maritime search and rescue operations in strengthening India's maritime safety framework, said the release. National SAR Awards for 2023-24 were also presented during the meeting. These awards recognised the outstanding contributions to maritime safety and SAR operations. The awardees were Merchant Vessel Category: MV Singapore Bulker (Panama-flagged vessel), Fishing Boat Category: Indian Fishing Boats Paramita 5, Geeta, and Bahubali, Government-Owned SAR Unit Category: ICG Air Squadron 835 Sqn (CG), Ashore Unit Category: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), said the release. The meeting was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, INCOIS, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Customs, Coastal Police, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Shipping Corporation of India, Indian Meteorological Department, Fisheries Department, Maritime Boards, Port Authorities, Coastal States/Union Territories, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, National Disaster Management Authority and other associated entities. Interactive sessions and presentations were held, promoting cooperation and reinforcing efforts to achieve the shared goal of maritime safety, added the release. Established in 2002, the NMSAR Board convenes annually to discuss policy matters, formulate guidelines and procedures, and review the National Search and Rescue Plan. The 22nd NMSAR Board meeting focused on enhancing collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to further improve maritime safety. The meeting reaffirmed the critical importance of effective maritime search and rescue operations. It highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance India's maritime safety framework, underscoring the dedication of all participating agencies to ensuring safer and more secure maritime operations in Indian waters, said the release. (ANI) Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Sambhal, Nawab Iqbal Mehmood, appealed to people of the Muslim community to offer prayers in their respective areas ahead of Friday prayers at Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district. His appeal comes days after a mob clashed with the police during a survey of a Mugal-era mosque under the directions of the court. Four people were killed and dozens, including policemen and officials, were injured in the violence that ensued hours after the survey. SP MLA Iqbal also said that the report of the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid will be presented before the court on Friday. "Tomorrow is Juma (Friday), and the report of the Shahi Jama Masjid Survey will be presented before the court also. Namaz will be offered peacefully tomorrow. I have appealed to everyone to offer Namaaz in the mosques of their area. There is no need to come, especially at the Shahi Jama Masjid...," Nawab Iqbal told ANI. "We want peace in our area. There was no (intention) of fighting or politics. It is about mutual coexistence," he asserted. Meanwhile, authorities in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, have deployed police as a precautionary measure ahead of Friday prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid, following the stone-pelting incident on November 24. An official stated that over 250 individuals have been identified in connection with the violence that erupted after a survey of the mosque. Police are releasing pictures of the accused to facilitate their identification. The Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad Division, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, told ANI, "The situation in Sambhal is normal now. As a precautionary measure, police forces have been deployed. So far, 28 people have been arrested, and three individuals who gathered the crowd have been detained. Based on investigations, we have identified more than 250 people involved. Their pictures are being released." He emphasised that police are prepared to handle any law and order situation during Friday prayers. "People will attend Friday prayers as usual. I don't foresee any issues, but if anyone attempts to create chaos, we are ready to respond," the official added. Addressing allegations of administrative failure in the November 24 incident, the official remarked, "Defending those involved in stone-pelting and calling it an administrative failure is baseless." Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a flag march on Thursday to reassure residents in the wake of the incident. (ANI) Authorities in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, have deployed police as a precautionary measure ahead of Friday prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid, following the stone-pelting incident on November 24. An official stated that over 250 individuals have been identified in connection with the violence that erupted after a survey of the mosque. Police are releasing pictures of the accused to facilitate their identification. The Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad Division, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, told ANI, "The situation in Sambhal is normal now. As a precautionary measure, police forces have been deployed. So far, 28 people have been arrested, and three individuals who gathered the crowd have been detained. Based on investigations, we have identified more than 250 people involved. Their pictures are being released." He emphasised that police are prepared to handle any law and order situation during Friday prayers. "People will attend Friday prayers as usual. I don't foresee any issues, but if anyone attempts to create chaos, we are ready to respond," the official added. Addressing allegations of administrative failure in the November 24 incident, the official remarked, "Defending those involved in stone-pelting and calling it an administrative failure is baseless." Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a flag march on Thursday to reassure residents in the wake of the incident. Earlier today, police arrested a man, identified as Farhat, for allegedly spreading rumours related to the November 24 violence. He has been booked under Sections 170, 126, and 135 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to officials. The stone-pelting incident occurred during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque on November 24, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. (ANI) Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, virtually inaugurated the 13th National Seed Congress in Varanasi on Thursday. He highlighted the significance of the conference as a platform to make the 109 newly developed seed varieties by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) accessible to farmers. The three-day event, scheduled from 28 to 30 November at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, has gathered over 700 delegates, including experts, policymakers, industry leaders, research scholars, and farmers, to discuss key issues and advancements in the seed sector. "It has been Prime Minister Modi's vision not only to fulfil India's food demands but also to transform the country into the food basket of the world. To achieve this, production needs to increase, and quality seeds play a critical role. Quality seeds can boost production by more than 20%. Last year, ICAR developed 109 new seed varieties, which must reach farmers on time and at affordable prices," said Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He further noted, "The Seed Conference is a crucial platform for this purpose. At this 13th edition, I hope our farmers, officers of relevant departments, scientists, and stakeholders in seed production come together to discuss and collaborate." In his address, Chouhan also underscored India's growing leadership in the global seed sector. He emphasised the importance of leveraging India's biodiversity, research capabilities, and innovative technologies to address challenges posed by climate change and ensure food security. "The National Seed Congress serves as an essential platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation to strengthen seed systems. This Congress reflects India's commitment to food security, tackling climate challenges, and empowering smallholder farmers with access to quality seeds. I urge the experts and participants to develop actionable strategies to make seeds more accessible, affordable, and impactful through strengthened public-private partnerships," he said. As part of the event, the Abstract Compendium and the Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas for the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal were formally launched. The Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas is an innovative initiative that utilises geospatial technology to map and analyse fallow lands in Eastern India. Developed in collaboration with researchers and policymakers, this tool aims to provide actionable insights for optimising crop planning, enhancing system intensification, and improving food security in the region. (ANI) After the recovery of counterfeit currency worth lakhs at Dharmatala on Thursday, West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar slammed state government, saying that "West Bengal has become a haven for criminals under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule." "Under Mamata Banerjee's rule, West Bengal has become a haven for criminals! From international trafficking to infiltration, Kolkata has turned into a prime and safest route for crime. Today, counterfeit currency worth lakhs was seized at Dharmatala. In West Bengal citizens are unsafe, but criminals thrive under TMC's misrule," Sukanta Majumdar said in a post on X. https://x.com/DrSukantaBJP/status/1862003746894753877 Earlier on Tuesday, slamming the arrest of the former priest of ISKCON Bangladesh Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari by Dhaka Police, Sukanta Majumdar said that he was arrested under false allegation, and demanded his immediate release. Sukanta Majumdar said, "Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested yesterday in Bangladesh--who was raising the voice of all the organisations linked to Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Because, after the political turnover in Bangladesh, the places related to the Hindu faith have been continuously attacked. He has raised his voice against it. Dhaka police have arrested him under false allegation that ISKCON and Chinmoy ji are involved in activities against the government. No sanatani can do this. I think that the Bangladesh government should think about his health and should release him at the earliest." Earlier, Suvendu Adhikari, along with his party members, held a protest outside the Legislative Assembly against the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das at Dhaka airport in Bangladesh. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release.(ANI) The Rouse Avenue court is scheduled to deliver its judgement in a case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar on Friday. The court had reserved the judgment on November 8. This case is related to the killings of one Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja is scheduled to pronounce the judgement on Friday. The court had reserved the judgment after hearing submissions of advocate Anil Sharma on behalf of Sajjan Kumar and additional public prosecutor Manish Rawat. Advocate Anil Sharma had submitted that Sajjan Kumar's name was not theirs from the very beginning; the law of foreign land is not applicable in this case, and there was a delay of 16 years in naming Sajjan Kumar by the witness. It was also submitted that a case in which Sajjan Kumar was convicted by the Delhi High Court is pending appeal before the Supreme Court. Advocate Anil Sharma also referred to the case cited by the senior advocate, H. S Phoolka. He submitted that the law of the land will prevail even in the extraordinary situation and not international law. Additional Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat in rebuttal had submitted that the accused was not known to the victim. When she became aware of who Sajjan Kumar was, she named him in her statement. On the earlier date, senior advocate H. S. Phoolka had appeared for riot victims and had argued that the police investigations were manipulated in the Sikh riot cases. The police investigation was tardy and to save the accused. It was argued that during riots situation was extraordinary. Therefore, these cases have to be dealt with in this context. During the arguments, senior advocate H. S. Phoolka referred to the judgement of the Delhi High Court and submitted that it was not an isolated case; it was a part of a bigger massacre; it is a part of genocide. It was further argued that, as per official figures, 2700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi in 1984. It was an ordinary situation. Senior Advocate Phoolka had referred to the Delhi High Court judgement in the 1984 Delhi Cantt case, wherein the court called the riots a Crime against humanity. It was also said that the objective of genocide is always targeting minorities. There is a delay. The Supreme Court took it seriously that there is delay and a SIT was constituted, he argued. The senior advocate had also referred to the judgement delivered by foreign courts in the cases of genocide and crime against humanity. He also referred to the Geneva Convention. It was also submitted that a charge sheet was prepared against Sajjan Kumar in 1992 but was not filed in the court. It shows that the police were trying to save Sajjan Kumar. On November 1, 2023, the court had recorded the statement of Sajjan Kumar. He had denied all the charges levelled against him. Initially, an FIR was registered in Punjabi Bagh police station. Later on, this case was investigated by the Special Investigation Team constituted on the recommendation of the Justice G P Mathur committee and filed a charge sheet. The committee had recommended the reopening of 114 cases. This case was one of them. On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against the accused Sajjan Kumar for commission of the offences punishable under Section 147/148/149 IPC as well as the offences punishable under Section 302/308/323/395/397/427/436/440 read with Section 149 IPC. It has been alleged by the SIT that the accused was leading the said mob, and upon his instigation and abetment, the mob had burnt alive the above two persons and had also damaged, destroyed, and looted their household articles and other property, burnt their house, and also inflicted severe injuries on the persons of their family members and relatives residing in their house. It is claimed that during the investigation, material witnesses of the case were traced out and examined, and their statements were recorded under Section 161 Cr.P.C. The statements of the complainant under the above provision were recorded on 23.11.2016 during this further investigation, in which she again narrated the above incident of looting, arson, and murders of her husband and son by the mob armed with deadly weapons; she also claimed to have deposed therein about the injuries suffered by her and the other victims of the case, including her sister-in-law who is stated to have subsequently expired. She had also clarified, interalia, in that statement that the photograph of the accused was seen by her in a magazine after around one and a half months. (ANI) A grand weapons display show was organized at the Tripura University campus in Agartala to celebrate the 60th Raising Day of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain (Vice Chancellor of Tripura University) at 10 AM in the morning, where Prof. Prasain also highlighted the importance of BSF in safeguarding nation's borders. The weapons show showcased the latest defense technology and equipment used by BSF, the The exhibition aimed to provide insight into the strength and capability of India's border security forces, offering a unique opportunity for the youth to engage with the nation's defense system. While talking to ANI, NCC Cadet and IMD Student of Tripura University Aniket Ram said "I would like to thank the 43rd Battalion BSF for organizing such a wonderful exhibition today. We got the opportunity to see various weapons and animations, which was truly informative." "These kinds of exhibitions serve as great motivation and inspire us to join the Armed Forces. I believe such exhibitions should not only be conducted in universities but also in schools and colleges so that students can be motivated to pursue careers in the Army and Armed Forces," he added. A documentary highlighting the BSF's history, valor, and contributions to national security was screened for the audience. The documentary emphasized the BSF's role in maintaining peace and security along India's borders, as well as its significant contribution during times of crisis. A standout feature of the event was the performance by the BSF Jazz Band, which captivated the audience and added a cultural flair to the day's proceedings. The musical performance was met with great enthusiasm, reflecting the deep connection between the forces and the people they serve. The primary aim of the event was to educate and inspire the younger generation about the strength and dedication of the BSF, encouraging them to consider a career in the armed forces. Several student-centric programs were also organized, including a border visit and live firing demonstrations, which took place in North Tripura and Unakoti districts. The event served as both a tribute to the valor of the BSF and a call to action for the youth to contribute to the nation's defense by joining the forces. It was a day of celebration and reflection on the commitment of the Border Security Force in ensuring the security and integrity of India's borders. (ANI) During the session, he carefully reviewed various public representations. CM issued clear instructions to the concerned officers, stressing the importance of resolving citizens' grievances efficiently and within a specified time frame. Organised on the fourth Thursday of each month, the State SWAGAT Online Public Grievance Redressal Program provides citizens with an opportunity to present their issues from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. These grievances are thoroughly examined and addressed in consultation with relevant department officials. The Chief Minister personally reviews long-pending cases, offering guidance and instructions to district and departmental officers to ensure prompt resolution. In the State SWAGAT program held on November 24, the fourth Thursday of the month, approximately 120 representations were received and resolved by the respective officers. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel personally addressed 7 long-pending grievances, reviewing the actions taken by the concerned district administrations or departments through the video wall of the Chief Minister's Public Relations Unit. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for resolving grievances within a specified time frame and instructed district officers to promptly update applicants on the resolution status to avoid repeated visits to offices. The program was attended by Additional Chief Secretaries to the Chief Minister, Pankaj Joshi, Manoj Kumar Das, Secretary Avantika Singh, Officer on Special Duty Dhiraj Parekh, and senior officials from the relevant departments. (ANI) With Cyclonic Storm 'Fengal' approaching the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, a senior IMD official said that there was will be fairly widespread moderate rainfall in most of the parts of the state. Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre Director S Balachandran told ANI that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal now lies at about 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam and 410 km southeast of Puducherry and south-southeast of Chennai at about 480 km. "It is likely to move north-northwestward and likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of the 30th morning. Under the influence of this system, rainfall is likely to occur in the next 2-3 days, fairly widespread moderate rainfall in most of the parts of Tamil Nadu," he said. "As far as heavy rainfall is concerned, next 24 hours, one-two places in Delta districts, Chengalpattu and Viluppuram are going to experience it. Tomorrow, one-two places in Delta districts and Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Puducherry and Chengalpattu will receive extremely heavy rainfall," he added. The IMD official also advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea up to November 31. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal. The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Headquarters Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (HQTN&P), has activated a robust disaster response mechanism to mitigate the cyclone's potential effects. Focusing on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, naval authorities are working closely with state and civil administrations to ensure rapid response capabilities. Vehicles are being loaded with essential relief materials, including food, drinking water, and medicines, while specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being positioned in vulnerable areas. Cyclone Fengal, which is forecast to intensify within the next 48 hours, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding to Tamil Nadu's coastal regions. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Thursday quashed a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against a husband-wife working in the USA. They are facing an investigation in a matrimonial case lodged by their sister-in-law. An FIR was lodged in police station Chhawla in January 2023. The complainant is also working in Australia. Justice Amit Mahajan quashed the LOC issued against the couple after noting that they joined the investigation and the same is completed. "Considering that the investigation has already concluded and petitioners are not required for any further investigation and also the fact that the petitioners are residing in the USA and are related to the complainant on account of her being married to the brother of the petitioner in, this Court considers it apposite to quash the LOC, opened pursuant to the request letter of SHO dated 19.03.2024," Justice Mahajan said in the order. The bench directed the SHO, Police Station Chhawla to send appropriate communication to the concerned departments informing that there is no impediment in the petitioners leaving or entering this country. However, the court made it clear that the State, however, is not precluded to take appropriate action against the petitioners in case they are found to be not cooperating in future. The LOC was issued pursuant to the FIR registered at Police Station Chhawla for offence under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The FIR was registered pursuant to the complaint given by Komal Singh Walia, who is stated to be married to the elder brother of the petitioner in alleging cruelty and demand for dowry. Counsel for accused submitted that the petitioners have unnecessarily being implicated in the present case. He submits that the petitioners had received the notice from the police authorities and had come to India to join investigation whereafter, they came to know about the opening of the LOC. The petitioners have since joined investigation twice and are no longer required for further investigation. (ANI) The meeting was co-chaired by Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff representing India and Lieutenant General Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence said in a release. The Working Group emphasised the importance of continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration in areas of strategic interest. It also agreed upon expanding joint exercises to further solidifying the operational synergy between the two forces. Both nations have conducted numerous joint exercises across land, air and sea domains. Exercises such as INDRA, AVIA INDRA and INDRA NAVY, have served as vital platforms for sharing best practices, refining joint operational tactics drills and procedures, and deepening mutual understanding. The Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership was signed in 2000, which was elevated to the level of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. The Working Group, a crucial forum for India-Russia defence cooperation, provides a platform to assess existing military engagements and identified new areas for collaboration to address evolving security challenges, the ministry added. (ANI) The Government of Manipur has strongly criticised the "constant meddling in the internal affairs" of Manipur by the Mizo National Front (MNF). In a press release, the government accused the Mizoram-based political party, led by a Chief Minister who was ousted in the last State Assembly elections, of pushing "anti-national, pro-Myanmar refugee propaganda" and maintaining an "anti-Manipur stance." The statement follows a recent MNF press release, issued by VL Krosehnehzova, General Secretary of the party's Media & Publicity Department, calling for the resignation of Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh. The Manipur government, through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, alleged that the MNF has consistently opposed Indian government efforts to secure the border with Myanmar to curb illegal immigration, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling. The government noted that these measures aim to address the root causes of Manipur's challenges, including illegal immigration and drug-related issues originating from Myanmar. It also reminded the public of the MNF's historical secessionist movement in the erstwhile Mizo district of Assam. "The ongoing crisis in Manipur is the result of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, whose economy, driven by illicit poppy cultivation, was severely disrupted by the Chief Minister's War on Drugs," the release stated. It denied allegations that the crisis was caused by any religious policy of the state government, attributing such narratives to false propaganda by the MNF and other vested interests at both domestic and international levels. The government further criticised the MNF for ignoring the narco-terrorist funding behind the conflict on the Kuki side. It pointed out a significant increase in the number of villages in Kuki-dominated districts between 1969 and the present--an abnormal rise compared to Naga-dominated districts. The government questioned the MNF's awareness of the reasons behind this dramatic increase, particularly in forested areas. The statement also reminded the MNF that the Mizoram government itself has taken measures to prevent Myanmar nationals from purchasing land, running businesses, or obtaining official documentation like Aadhaar and voter IDs without prior permission. It questioned why the MNF opposed similar efforts by Manipur to tackle illegal immigration. The press release highlighted Mizoram's implementation of a 1950 cut-off date for defining Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Persons under the Inner Line Permit system. Manipur adopted a similar approach with a 1951 cut-off date under the Manipur People Bill, later revised to 1961. It cited concerns raised by members of the Kuki-Zo community regarding the impact of these measures on tribal populations, urging the MNF to reflect on the scale of illegal immigration since 1951. The Manipur government also outlined its successes in the War on Drugs campaign, including the destruction of drugs worth Rs60,000 crore in the international market, the seizure of vast quantities of narcotics, and the eradication of 16,787 acres of illicit poppy cultivation. It noted a 60% decline in poppy cultivation between 2021 and 2023. In contrast, the statement alleged that Mizoram has emerged as a transit route for illegal arms and drugs between India and Myanmar. "The MNF should focus on addressing the looming threat of drug trafficking in Mizoram instead of making unwarranted comments on Manipur's legally justified actions against drug trafficking," the release added. The Manipur government offered to assist Mizoram in combating drug-related issues. The government detailed its efforts to restore peace and normalcy, including providing food and shelter to over 60,000 people in relief camps, conducting combing operations to recover looted arms, and prosecuting lawbreakers. Sensitive cases have been handed over to central agencies like the NIA and CBI for impartial investigation, and a retired Supreme Court judge is heading a commission of inquiry into the origins of the ethnic conflict. The statement highlighted positive developments, including peace overtures from the Thadou and Hmar tribes, with reciprocation from the Meitei and Liangmai communities. It warned of a larger agenda to create a Kuki-Chin nation spanning parts of Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh through illegal immigration, land grabbing, and other tactics, stressing that such plans would be met with strong legal action. "The Government of Manipur will not allow the fragmentation of North East India at the behest of foreign vested interests in Manipur or its neighbouring states. Any individual, group, or organisation working towards such an agenda will face the full force of the law," the statement concluded. (ANI) Days after retaining power in Jharkhand beating anti-incumbency and opposition's allegations of 'corruption', Hemant Soren took oath as the 14th Chief Minister of the state and also assumed office on Thursday. After taking the oath, he also addressed a press conference and announced Stephen Marandi as the protem speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. "Stephen Marandi has been chosen as the protem speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly session will commence from December 9-12. Benefits under the Maiya Samman Yojana will be provided from December... The reasons for the deaths of candidates during the physical test in the Jharkhand Police recruitment drive will be done," said CM Soren. He further said that the JMM-led government in the state will stand with the families of Agniveers who lost their lives. "The central government has started a scheme like Agniveer for the security of the nation. There are many questions about the future of the youth... The state government had already decided that it would stand with the families of those Agniveers of Jharkhand who have lost their lives in any incidentm" Soren said. "Agniveer Arjun Mahto has recently sacrificed his life for the country... We have given an appointment letter to the brother of Agniveer Arjun Mahto, and an ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh has been provided to the family of martyr Agniveer Arjun Mahto," he added. After taking oath, he paid tributes to Santhal leaders Siddhu-Kanhu in Morhabadi. Meanwhile, several leaders from the political fraternity, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal and other prominent leaders poured in their congratulations and best wishes to the JMM executive president for being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. PM Modi congratulated Hemant Soren for taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He extended his best wishes for his upcoming tenure. "Congratulations to Hemant Soren on taking oath as Jharkhand CM. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead @HemantSorenJMM," PM Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1862115764196835341 Governor Santosh Gangwar also extended his wishes for the new government and said, "Best wishes for the new government. I believe that this state will make a good place for itself in the country and make good progress and development." Extending best wishes to Soren, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said that his victory is a symbol of the trust of the hardworking people of Jharkhand and his efficient leadership. He posted on X, "Many congratulations to @HemantSorenJMM on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Your victory is a symbol of the trust of the hardworking people of Jharkhand and your efficient leadership. We wish you all the best as you take Jharkhand to new heights." https://x.com/arvindkejriwal/status/1862099825346449565 Newly elected Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also congratulated Hemant Soren and the people of Jharkhand for electing the "Abua government." In a social media post on X, she wrote, "Many congratulations and best wishes to @HemantSorenJMM and my dear @JMMKalpanaSoren for taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have once again given INDIA and Hemant Soren a chance to serve. Many congratulations to the people of Jharkhand who elected the Abua government." https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1862119398258934199 Hemant Soren's wife and JMM leader Kalpana Soren said that Hemant Soren will fulfil all the aspirations to make Jharkhand a thriving state. CM's wife and JMM leader Kalpana Soren said, "It's a mandate that is given by the people of Jharkhand, and we happily accepted it. There are so many challenges still there. Being a brother and son of Jharkhand, I think that Hemant (Soren) will fulfil all the aspirations to have a thriving Jharkhand." Expressing her happiness, JMM leader Mahua Maji said, "What can be more delightful for Jharkhand that Hemant Soren has become the CM for the fourth time. In his tenure, he has made every effort to bring facilities to people. With that, I am fully confident that now Jharkhand will definitely become the number 1 state of the country." Soren took oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at a ceremony in Ranchi, following the victory of the JMM-led alliance in the Assembly elections. His oath was administered by the state's Governor Santosh Gangwar. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi with several prominent leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal from Congress, in attendance. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Deputy CM and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav also attended the ceremony. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, his wife Sunita Kejriwal, party MP Raghav Chadha and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also arrived at the event to witness the oath ceremony of Hemant Soren. Notably, this is the first time in Jharkhand that an incumbent government, which has completed five years in office, has returned to power. Soren himself won from the Barhait Assembly constituency of Jharkhand and took oath as the Chief Minister for the fourth time in Jharkhand. Soren tendered his resignation as Jharkhand CM to Governor Santosh Gangwar on Sunday, November 24 and staked a claim to form government at the Raj Bhawan. The JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, with its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U winning one seat each. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 'Silkyaara Vijay Abhiyan' First Anniversary and 19th State Science and Technology Conference-2024 organised at Doon University, Dehradun, on Thursday. Uttarakhand Governor Lt. General Gurmit Singh (retd) was also present. CM Dhami, on this occasion, released the Silkyara Vijay Abhiyan Book and other books and watched a short film made on the Silkyara Rescue Campaign. CM Dhami also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of one year of successful rescue of Silkyara. "Last year, the successful rescue operation of Silkyara had written a new chapter in the field of disaster management. With the guidance and cooperation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel were safely rescued after 17 days of tireless efforts," he said. "The whole world and the people of the country were praying for Silkyara; the campaign became a unique example of collective dedication and technical efficiency," he added. The Chief Minister said that the Science and Technology Conference has been playing an important role in encouraging science and innovation in the state as well as inspiring young scientists for the last 19 years. This conference is also a platform for the presentation of research papers, research of social importance, innovation and policymaking on serious topics like reflection. Every year, important topics related to the state are discussed in the conference. In the last three years, we have encouraged innovation and research on topics like rural science, Indian knowledge-science tradition and disaster management. CM Dhami said that this year the conference will discuss relevant and important topics like conservation of water and natural resources in Uttarakhand, which is very important in view of climate change and increasing population. He said that our state is a treasure trove of water wealth. He said that in this conference, there will also be in-depth brainstorming on topics like conservation and promotion of water sources by scientists and researchers from the state and across the country. He said that India has been setting new records in the field of science for decades. From the Corona vaccine to the mysterious mysteries of the universe, we are constantly working to take Indian science to a new level. India has proved its scientific and intellectual wealth from time to time. Many people, like the great Indian astronomers Aryabhatta, Acharya Kanad, Acharya Nagarjuna, and Maharishi Sushruta, are the scientific pillars of India, on whose principles today's modern science is established. India has done the work of giving knowledge, science and education to the world. CM Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, many works have been done in the field of science and technology in the country. Today, science and technology are being widely used for good governance in India. With the inspiration of the Prime Minister, we are also working to encourage new talents and promote innovation in Uttarakhand. The construction of the country's fifth science city is progressing rapidly in Dehradun. World-class infrastructure is being created in the field of science, technology and innovation through Science and Innovation Centres, Labs on Wheels, and STEM Labs in every district of the state. He said that women have an important role in the idea of a developed India. CM Dhami also urged all universities and institutions to specially encourage girls to move ahead in the field of science and technology. The Chief Minister said that, keeping in mind the geographical features of the state, the government is ensuring the use of advanced technologies for tourism, agriculture and the environment. Our effort is to improve the standard of living of the common people through science and technology. He said that the state government will speed up the overall development of the state by implementing the suggestions received in all the sessions of this conference. (ANI) BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat criticised the Delhi government for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh to underprivileged families, calling it a betrayal of the people of the national capital. "It is a huge betrayal of the people of Delhi that this scheme is not being implemented. Ayushman Bharat is one of the most beneficial schemes that, if implemented in Delhi, could provide great opportunities for its residents," she said. Speaking to ANI, the BJP MP stated that if the people of the national capital benefit from Ayushman Bharat, they will not only have to rely on government hospitals but can also avail themselves of facilities at other hospitals. "Delhi is the capital of the country and hence the number of people (population density) living here is more. If the people of Delhi get the benefit of Ayushman Bharat they'll not only have to depend on the government hospital but can avail of facilities at other hospitals as well. In the last 10 years, no new govt hospitals have been built and if they (people) do not have an Ayushman card, they cannot visit a private hospital," she said. "When the scheme is implemented in the entire country including Punjab, the former CM Arvind Kejriwal and current CM Atishi are not letting this scheme be implemented here in Delhi," the BJP MP added. This comes after the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Government on Thursday on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by all seven Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs from Delhi. The petition sought directions for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Manmohan and comprising Justice Manmeet Pritam Arora, has linked the case with other ongoing matters concerning health infrastructure and scheduled the next hearing for December 11, 2024. Bansuri Swaraj, senior advocate and BJP MP, represented all petitioner members of Parliament, arguing that the scheme has not been implemented in Delhi, thereby denying target beneficiaries easy and efficient access to the promised Rs 5 lakh coverage. This coverage is intended to protect individuals from catastrophic expenses related to secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation at a wide network of empanelled public and private hospitals. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Atishi said on Thursday that while her government is ready to implement the scheme, there are contradictions between the facilities offered by the GNCTD and those under Ayushman Bharat. Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi reiterated the Delhi government's readiness to implement the scheme but highlighted the limited categories covered under Ayushman Bharat. "The Delhi government has always been committed to providing robust health facilities. We are ready to implement the core principles of Ayushman Bharat. However, there are significant contradictions between the facilities provided by Delhi government hospitals and those under the Ayushman Yojana. In Delhi government hospitals, everything is free. On the other hand, Ayushman Bharat imposes restrictions, such as denying benefits to those who own a refrigerator, a vehicle, or a concrete house. It also caps the financial assistance at Rs5 lakh per family. If two family members are ill simultaneously, one may not receive benefits. We do not want to compromise free medical care. Therefore, we have instructed the health department to explore ways to implement the Ayushman Yojana without disadvantaging anyone," she said. Earlier, on Wednesday, the bench had criticised the Delhi government for its poor health infrastructure and the lack of funds to improve it. The Court, in oral observations, criticised the Delhi government, stating that the health system is insufficient and not functioning properly. The court highlighted the lack of updated medical equipment, with many existing devices not working, and noted that CT scan facilities for needy patients are nearly unavailable. (ANI) Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar and other Mahayuti leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi on Thursday The leaders gathered to deliberate on the formation of the new government in Maharashtra. Earlier in the day, Eknath Shinde reiterated that there were no obstacles regarding the Chief Minister post and that 'Ladla Bhai' is a designation higher than anything else for him. "I cleared my role in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding the Chief Minister of Mahayuti. This 'ladla bhai' has arrived in Delhi and the 'ladla bhai' is a designation higher than anything else for me," Shinde told the meeting. Shinde had said on Wednesday that he would accept any decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the CM face for the state. "I have told the Prime Minister that if my presence creates any obstacle in forming the government in Maharashtra, there should be no hesitation in making a decision. Whatever decision you take will be acceptable to me," Shinde said during a press conference in Mumbai. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also asserted that the Mahayuti alliance had no internal differences and that a decision on the Chief Minister would be made soon after consulting the leaders. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, "In our Mahayuti alliance, there has never been a difference of opinion. We have always made decisions collectively. Before the elections, we announced that the decision regarding the Chief Minister's post would be taken collectively after the results. A few people had doubts, but Eknath Shinde ji has clarified those today. We will soon meet our leaders and finalise the decision." The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23, but the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalise its choice for Chief Minister. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI) The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested one of the accused in a double murder case after he was deported from Baku, Azerbaijan, officials said on Thursday. As per officials, the arrested accused, identified as Harsh alias Chintu (22), along with his accomplice Sanjeev Dahiya, had killed two rival gang members, Sonu Tehlan and Ashish Tehlan, at a salon in Najafgarh in February 2024. He had fled India using a fake passport, but after a tip-off and coordination with authorities in Baku, he was apprehended upon his return to India. They got a tip-off that he was in Baku after the crime branch contacted agencies in Baku and got him deported to India after those agencies nabbed Harsh from the airport. The crime branch also makes a list of gangsters who are abroad on fake passports and gets them deported, according to sources in the Crime Branch of Delhi Police. Speaking to ANI Additional CP Crime Sanjay Bhatia said, "On February 9, a PCR call was received at PS Najafgarh stating therein that 'A man has been shot at Pillar No. 88, Indra Park.' At the spot, i.e., SCISSOR DOT COMB SALOON,' Najafgarh, it was found that Sonu Tehlan and Ashish Tehlan got gunshot injuries and were later declared dead by the doctors. Based upon the statement of eyewitness Neeraj Tehlan, a case u/s 302/34 IPC & 25/27 Arms Act, PS Najafgarh was registered, and an investigation was taken up by PS Najafgarh. During the investigation, the accused persons were identified as Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanju Dahiya and Harsh. They had enmity with the deceased Ashish and Sanjeev, alias Sanju. On February 9, some arguments took place between Harsh Sanjeev and Neeraj Tehlan at the said salon. Harsh was a close friend of Sanjeev Kumar and was released from Rohini Jail just one day before the incident. Both the accused persons were declared 'Proclaimed Offenders' by the Court. A reward of Rs 50,000/- was declared on their arrest, said police. "The investigation of the case was transferred to the Crime Branch from PS Najafgarh, Delhi. During the investigation, the team succeeded in getting the details of the fake passport, on which the accused person Harsh had fled from India. He was last located in Baku, Azerbaijan, while travelling on a fake Indian passport. He had got that fake passport prepared in the name of Pradeep Kumar from Punjab and exited from Amritsar airport to Sharjah on June 9. From Sharjah, he had entered Azerbaijan on August 27. His LOC was immediately opened by the Crime Branch. Today, on Nov 28, he was detained at Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi based on LOC, where the team of Crime Branch has apprehended the accused," said Sanjay Sain DCP Crime. Accused Harsh is a habitual criminal and associate of dreaded Gangster Yogesh, alias Tunda, who is looking after the Gogi Gang after his killing in jail. He was previously arrested in a case of extortion of PS Alipur registered. He disclosed that he is a close friend of Sanjeev Dahiya and on 8/2/24, Sanjeev Dahiya had received him from Rohini Jail when he came out on bail. On Feb 9, they went to a salon, where complainant Neeraj, along with deceased Ashish and Sonu Tehlan, were present. There, they had heated arguments. They had old enmity with each other and had been threatening each other over leaking information. They went for some time and again came back at the salon and shot Ashish and Sonu at point blank. Thereafter, he along with Sanjeev were hiding at different places in India like Shimla, Jammu, Surat, Kolhapur, Jodhpur, and Kota on the directions of Yogesh and Monty Maan, said police. Monty Maan is one of the main members of the Gogi Gang. Harsh arranged his fake passport from Punjab, and he had left India on 09.06.24 from Amritsar to Sharjah. From where, he went to Baku, Azerbaijan, as per directions of Monty Maan. Today, he was coming to India on that fake passport to arrange another passport. He has now been apprehended by the Crime Branch, added the police. (ANI) This photo taken on March 15, 2023 shows Meng Genhua arranging newly-made Mongolian ethnic attire in Otog Front Banner in the city of Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua) For Meng Genhua, a dedicated Mongolian ethnic attire artisan, her greatest joy has stemmed from seeing her business grow from a humble 20-square-meter workshop to a thriving 500-square-meter store over the course of nearly four decades. This transformation not only underlines her entrepreneurial success but also symbolizes the revitalization of China's ethnic heritage. Having grown up in a herding family in Otog Front Banner in the city of Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Meng was very young when she started learning the craft of making traditional Mongolian clothing from her mother, who was a well-known local tailor. Once regular daily wear, Mongolian attire -- characterized by silk and satin fabrics, intricate designs and vibrant colors, gradually became less common with the increased popularity of more modern apparel. Meng, however, felt a deep responsibility to preserve and renew this traditional cultural treasure. In 1985, Meng began her career by opening a small family workshop. "Initially, customers rarely came for clothing but only for small fixes like mending clothes or sewing on buttons," she recalled. At that time, the shop functioned more as a tailoring service rather than a clothing store. Occasionally, Meng's traditional Mongolian robes did catch the eye of older customers, who were amazed by her mastery of an almost forgotten traditional technique. Word began to spread, and Meng's business started to flourish. In 2011, Meng founded her own company specializing in the trade of Mongolian ethnic attire. A year later, she was recognized as a municipal-level inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Mongolian attire-making in Ordos. Meng Genhua cuts cloth for Mongolian ethnic attire making in Otog Front Banner in the city of Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 27, 2024. (Xinhua) With the rise of cultural tourism across China in recent years, public interest in traditional craftsmanship has been reignited. Seizing this opportunity, Meng has advanced her career by blending traditional elements with innovative designs. Today, in addition to daily wear, Meng's store offers wedding garments, performance costumes and accessories. Meng is also dedicated to passing on her craft. Since 2015, her company has partnered with a local vocational high school to offer training courses -- benefiting over 300 students. More than a dozen of her apprentices have gone on to open their own businesses. Among these inheritors is Sarula, Meng's daughter. "Mom taught me to sew as a child. The sewing machine was my plaything," she said. After earning a degree in art design from Beijing Oriental University, Sarula taught art at a local vocational high school from 2004 onwards. However, in 2017 she decided to shift her focus to garment design. "We're preserving Mongolian ethnic features like the mandarin collar, frog buttons and trim colors in everyday wear. We also draw inspiration from traditional Chinese garments and modern clothes, simplifying designs and opting for low-maintenance, washable cotton and linens," Sarula explained. In 2023, the government of Otog Front Banner invested over 2.88 million yuan (about 400,100 U.S. dollars) in the preservation of Mongolian traditional attire. The government plans to promote cultural tourism, train professionals and build exhibition halls to further protect and celebrate ethnic clothing. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has constituted a three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission to be headed by Justice Devendra Kumar Arora (Retired), Allahabad High Court, to probe the stone-pelting incident in Sambhal, ensuring transparency and quality of inquiry. According to the order, the other two members of the commission are Retired IAS Amit Mohan Prasad and Retired IPS Arvind Kumar Jain. The stone-pelting incident occurred during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque on November 24, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. "The Governor thinks that it is necessary to conduct an inquiry in the public interest concerning the violent incident that took place on November 24, during the survey of disputed Jama Masjid- Harihar Mandir Site in Town Sambhal, Police Station- Kotwali Sambhal, District-Sambhal during the compliance of the order passed by the Court in which many Police personnel were injured, four persons lost their lives, and various properties were damaged," the order said. "Now, therefore, in view of the comprehensiveness of the subject matter and to ensure transparency and quality of inquiry, in exercising the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 (Act No. 60 of 1952), the Governor hereby constitutes the following three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission to be headed by Justice Devendra Kumar Arora (Retired), High Court, Allahabad," it added. As per the order, the commission will submit a report on whether the incident was planned or a "sudden" event, and also on the effectiveness of law and order arrangements made by the District Administration and police. "The Commission will examine the aforesaid incident that happened on November 24 and submit a report on whether the incident was sudden or was well planned and the result of a criminal conspiracy. To inquire into the arrangements made by the District Administration and Police to maintain law and order during the incident and other aspects related," the order stated. The order asserted that the commission has two months to complete its inquiry from the date of this notification unless the government decides to extend its term. "To ascertain the reasons and circumstances due to which the said incident took place. To give suggestions regarding non- recurrence of such type of incidents in future. Whereas, the Governor is also of the opinion that having regard to the nature of the inquiry in question and other circumstances relating to the case, it is necessary to do so, she hereby further directs under sub-section (1) of section 5 of the said Act that the provisions of sub-sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the said section 5 shall apply to this commission. The Commission shall complete the inquiry within a period of two months from the date of the issue of this notification. Any change in its tenure shall be at the behest of the Government," it said. Meanwhile, the Committee of Management of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has moved the Supreme Court against the November 19 order of the local court for the survey of the mosque. The Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna-led bench will hear the petition of the Sambhal Jama Masjid on Friday. The Committee, in its plea, contended that the report of the survey commissioner should be kept in a sealed cover and that the status quo be maintained until the final resolution of the present petition. "Surveys should not be ordered and executed as a matter of course in cases involving disputes over places of worship without hearing all parties and allowing sufficient time to the aggrieved persons to seek judicial remedies against the order of survey," it stated. On November 19, the civil judge, senior division, directed the court commissioner to survey the mosque and file the report in court. (ANI) After meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the meeting as "good and positive." He added that another meeting would be held, which is expected to decide who will assume the role of Chief Minister. "The meeting was good and positive. This was the first meeting. We had a discussion with Amit Shah and JP Nadda...There will be another meeting of the Mahayuti. In this meeting, a decision will be taken about who will be the Chief Minister. The meeting will be held in Mumbai," he said. Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar and other Mahayuti leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi on Thursday. After the meeting, Shinde, Fadnavis and Pawar left the national capital at late night. The leaders gathered to deliberate on the formation of the new government in Maharashtra. Earlier, Shinde reiterated that there were no obstacles regarding the Chief Minister's post and that "Ladla Bhai" is a title that holds more significance for him than anything else. "I cleared my role in the press conference yesterday that there are no obstacles regarding the Chief Minister of Mahayuti. This 'ladla bhai' has arrived in Delhi and the 'ladla bhai' is a designation higher than anything else for me," Shinde told the meeting. Shinde had stated on Wednesday that he would accept any decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the CM face for the state. "I have told the Prime Minister that if my presence creates any obstacle in forming the government in Maharashtra, there should be no hesitation in making a decision. Whatever decision you take will be acceptable to me," Shinde said during a press conference in Mumbai. Fadnavis also asserted that the Mahayuti alliance had no internal differences and that a decision on the Chief Minister would be made soon after consulting the leaders. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, "In our Mahayuti alliance, there has never been a difference of opinion. We have always made decisions collectively. Before the elections, we announced that the decision regarding the Chief Minister's post would be taken collectively after the results. A few people had doubts, but Eknath Shinde ji has clarified those today. We will soon meet our leaders and finalise the decision." The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23, but the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalise its choice for Chief Minister. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 27: For over a decade, Apple and Samsung have been locked in a fierce tussle for smartphone supremacy. Both brands command respect and reverence; while Samsung offers handsets in various segments, Apple reserves its phones for the flagship segment. In January 2024, Samsung launched the latest Galaxy S24 series phones--its flagship series powered by artificial intelligence. Not to be left behind, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series handsets in September 2024, driven by its proprietary Apple Intelligence (AI). Shoppers looking to purchase a premium device from either brand can shop on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network and benefit from Easy EMIs and exclusive offers. One of the biggest challenges, however, comes with the iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comparison. While the former offers the highly coveted ''iPhone experience'', the latter brings unmatched performance to the table. The base variant of the iPhone 16 Plus (128GB ROM) is available for Rs. 89,900, while the top-spec variant costs Rs. 1,19,900. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra''s price starts from Rs. 1,29,999 for the base variant (256GB ROM), and the top-end model (1TB ROM) costs Rs. 1,59,999. So, which device offers the best price-performance balance? The iPhone 16 Plus has been built for Apple Intelligence (AI), offering unrivalled convenience. The device has also been equipped with groundbreaking privacy protections, ensuring no one can access user data. Another new feature of the iPhone 16 Plus is the Camera Control function, which gives users quick access to camera tools and allows them to take perfect shots in an instant. The model also comes with an improved ultra-wide camera with autofocus for capturing incredibly detailed macro images. Moreover, the latest-gen Photographic Styles provide users with unparalleled creative flexibility, allowing them to truly stand out in every shot. Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 Plus guarantees uncompromising performance, as the chipset supports console-level gaming and powers advanced photo and video features. All of these features, plus an optimised battery and premium design, make the iPhone 16 Plus a truly remarkable handset. Coming to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the smartphone is widely considered the most powerful device currently available. The AI features redefine the mobile experience, giving users more control over everyday tasks, such as editing photos or searching for an item. On the other hand, the 200MP camera sets the industry standard for image quality. Supporting this cutting-edge camera is the new ProVisual engine, which enhances colour tone, reduces noise, and brings out detail. On the display front, users get an incredible 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that boasts a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The Vision Booster further improves the visual experience by enhancing contrast and colour for an immersive viewing experience. Powering the mobile phone is the potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that clocks up to a staggering 3.39 GHz, making the device an incredible, future-proof smartphone. The iPhone 16 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra debate is quite compelling. However, picking a clear winner is difficult, as both devices have their unique selling propositions. While the iPhone 16 Plus introduces new features and significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra pushes the boundaries of smartphone technology but comes with a hefty price tag. Customers looking to own either of these flagships can shop on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network and purchase the device on Easy EMIs, with long tenures and exciting offers, such as zero down payment on select models. Benefits of shopping on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Whether you wish to buy the iPhone 16 Plus or the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you will benefit immensely by shopping on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network. Here are some of the key advantages: * Competitive prices: By shopping at any of the Bajaj Finserv partner stores, you can enjoy excellent value for money with competitively priced flagship phones. * Easy EMIs: Buying your preferred smartphone is simple with Easy EMI plans, allowing you to choose a repayment period that suits your budget. The repayment tenures range from 1 to 60 months, making EMI payments ultra-convenient. * Zero down payment: For select models, you can benefit from a zero down payment option, eliminating the need for upfront payment while finalising the purchase. You can opt for financing options, including Easy EMI and zero down payment schemes, for financial ease and convenience. Split the cost of the iPhone 16 Plus or the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra into Easy EMI to enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience. Bajaj Finance Ltd. (''BFL'', ''Bajaj Finance'', or ''the Company''), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings. To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, participated in a plantation drive at the Agartala Airport on Wednesday, where he planted a sapling. He appreciated the sentiment behind the initiative and also urged people to visit Tripura. Speaking to ANI, an official from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) said that AAI is actively involved in greenery initiatives. As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, the authority decided to plant 80,000 saplings across India. He noted that at the Agartala airport alone, 1500 saplings were planted. "At AAI we take steps to work on the goal of zero emission", the official said. He noted that the participation of the US Ambassador reflects that we are all working towards a greener planet and reducing emissions. Ambassador Eric Garcetti thanked the officials for their hospitality upon his arrival at the Agartala Airport. After the sapling plantation, Ambassador Eric Garcetti said, "There is no more powerful thing we can do than to plant something. A seed for the future. These trees, we will see grow in this beautiful airport in this incredible state of Tripura". He said, "We love doing work here to create a better economic tomorrow. Better environmental tomorrow, A better peaceful tomorrow. And we see these trees as a symbol of a healthier not only friendship but a healthier world for our entire lives to come". During his visit to Tripura, the Ambassador noted that he met women entrepreneurs working in various fields such as agriculture, food, fashion and fabrics. He greatly appreciated the visit to Tripura and said that the state captured their hearts. "I would invite every American to come to Tripura to see the beauty of this place. We went yesterday to the palace and saw the National Museum and you can find every culture, religion, and tradition here. But you can also see the incredible beauty that isn't just a few years old, not just a century old. But we are looking at art. From 1000 years ago, the carvings of goddesses, we could see the cultures that have come here.". The Ambassador remarked, "If you want to see nature, come to Tripura. If you want to see culture come to Tripura. I hope that we were able to expand our friendship to the furthest corners of India. If you don't come to Tripura, you don't know India. India doesn't just exist in the great cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. It exists right here in Agartala. It exists in the countryside and our hopes and dreams are shared with every Indian here across Tripura". (ANI) The Prime Minister of Israel noted that the State of Israel denies both the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the legitimacy of the arrest warrants that have been issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The details were shared in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1861836704564322633 The follow-up posts, it was noted, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, with US Senator Lindsey Graham, who updated him on the efforts that he is advancing in the US Congress against the ICC and countries that have cooperated with it". Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of "crimes against humanity and war crimes." The charges include allegations of targeting civilians and enforcing policies of starvation in Gaza. In the series of posts by the Israeli PM on X, it was also noted, "Parallel to the efforts in Congress, Israel submitted an announcement to the ICC today regarding its intention to appeal to the court along with a demand to delay implementation of the arrest warrants". The Israeli PM's official account also said, "Israel's notice of appeal shows in detail to what degree the decision to issue the arrest warrants was baseless and without any factual or legal foundation whatsoever". It observed, "Should the ICC reject the appeal, this will underscore to Israel's friends in the US and around the world how biased the ICC is against the State of Israel". Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed concerns over the decision by the ICC in a press briefing, stating, "We fundamentally reject the court's decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials." She criticised the prosecutor's haste in seeking the warrants and pointed out troubling process errors that led to this outcome. Jean-Pierre had reaffirmed, "We fundamentally reject that the ICC has jurisdiction over the situation, and so that's something that we've been pretty clear about and we'll continue to." This statement came as the US continues to show support for Israel amid the ICC's charges against Israel's leaders. (ANI) The India-Singapore bilateral military exercise, AgniWarrior 2024 will take place in Maharashtra from November 28 to November 30. The details of the exercise were shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army). https://x.com/adgpi/status/1861292462184284418 The exercise is scheduled to take place at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges, part of the School of Artillery in Maharashtra. The bilateral exercise, which will last from November 28 to November 30, the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance professional military interactions between the artillery units of India and Singapore. The ADGPI also noted that the exercise will see the two countries exchange best practices between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces. Another interesting component that the exercise will see is providing a platform for cultural exchanges, thereby strengthening the bond between the two nations. The exercise comes a month after Dr Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's Minister of Defence, visited India to co-chair the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi, with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. With 2025 set to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, both Ministers had agreed to further step up defence cooperation and achieve new milestones. They also consented to extend the bilateral agreement on the Joint Military Training Army for an additional five years, stated the press release. Recognising their natural partnership for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, focusing on collaboration in niche domains such as automation and artificial intelligence. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that India-Singapore relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore in September 2024. With a shared history, a long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas, India-Singapore cooperation has deepened and diversified over the years. (ANI) Minister of State, External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Manoa Kamikamica on Wednesday. MoS Margherita shared the details of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter). He said, "Delighted to meet Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for @MCTTTFiji Hon. Manoa Kamikamica @FijiGovernment. Had fruitful discussions on further strengthening our close and special partnership". https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1861807652046873031 The meeting becomes significant as it comes on the heels of the Ministry of External Affairs, signing a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance to operationalize a solar project worth USD 2 million in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, according to an official release, on Tuesday. This development comes after India committed to invest USD 2 million in new solar projects in these Indo-Pacific countries under the Quad Climate Working Group initiative. Following the signing of the agreement, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to social media platform X to highlight India's commitment to renewables and just energy transitions in island nations of the Indo-Pacific. The bilateral relationship between India and Fiji received a major boost after the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held. Over the years, as a major development partner of Fiji, India has been privileged to support Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building, MEA noted. The government of India is a committed development partner of Fiji. According to the MEA, Indian assistance extends to sectors such as capacity building through human resource development and training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes. Every year, numerous ITEC slots are made available to Fijian nationals, while many others benefit from training opportunities and pursuing higher education in India every year under various scholarships offered by the Ministry of AYUSH of India as well as by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). India also provides Humanitarian and Disaster Relief assistance to Fiji from time to time whenever the need arises. India-Fiji relations are warm and based upon mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people-to-people ties. (ANI) A significant conference organized by the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) took place at the House of Commons in London, UK, where key political figures, activists, and experts gathered to emphasize the urgent need for the reunification of Jammu and Kashmir. The conference framed reunification as a critical step toward achieving sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, stressing its importance for fostering mutual understanding, reducing hostilities, and promoting constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan. Speakers at the event called for restoring Jammu and Kashmir's territorial integrity, arguing that reunification would catalyse long-term peace-building and regional cooperation. They asserted that the region's reunification was essential to overcoming the longstanding conflicts between the two countries and achieving lasting peace in the region. A central topic of discussion at the conference was the protection of fundamental freedoms in Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). In a powerful speech, Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the UKPNP, addressed the conference, highlighting the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "Their voices have been silenced, their rights denied, and their aspirations ignored. Today, we must act," Kashmiri said, urging British parliamentarians, policymakers, and government officials to advocate for justice and accountability on the global stage. He called on the UK government to press Pakistan to implement the recommendations made by the United Nations High Commissioner in its 2018 and 2019 reports and to heed the European Parliament's 2007 resolution, both of which advocate for improving living conditions in Kashmir and addressing human rights concerns in both Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. The UKPNP called on the Government of Pakistan and local authorities in PoJK to uphold international human rights standards, particularly regarding the freedom of expression, assembly, and speech. Concerns were raised over increasing restrictions on peaceful public gatherings, repressive laws, and other measures that undermine democratic governance. The conference demanded the immediate repeal of these laws, which were seen as a barrier to restoring a just and democratic society. Additionally, speakers urged Pakistan to withdraw its external security administration from PoJK, including its appointed officers, to allow for greater local autonomy and self-governance. Another critical issue raised was the exclusion of pro-Kashmir political parties, such as the UKPNP, from registering with the election commission in Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK). The conference strongly condemned coercive measures that forced political parties and individuals to pledge allegiance to Pakistan, undermining democratic principles. Delegates called on Pakistan to repeal discriminatory laws that hindered peaceful political participation and urged the establishment of a transparent electoral process to allow all political entities and individuals to participate freely and without coercion. The conference also called for the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure in PoK and the cessation of operations by banned militant groups in the region. Speakers stressed that the protection of life, liberty, and property is the fundamental responsibility of all states and demanded an immediate end to widespread human rights violations. These included abuses committed by extremist groups and the excessive use of force by security agencies, which have intensified instability in the region. The regrouping of Islamist terrorist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir, both before and after elections, was identified as a significant obstacle to peace. These organizations exploit political instability and regional grievances to perpetuate violence and extremism, undermining democratic institutions and the legitimate struggles of the Kashmiri people for their rights. The conference called on the international community to join efforts with India and Pakistan to combat these forces and end the cycle of violence. The conference also condemned recent regressive policies introduced in PoJK that severely restrict freedom of speech, assembly, and association. These actions were described as direct violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international laws protecting people's rights. Delegates demanded the immediate repeal of these oppressive measures, calling them counterproductive as they hinder progress toward resolving the Kashmir dispute. Kashmiri also urged UKPNP members and supporters worldwide to remain steadfast in their mission for peace, unity, and self-determination. "Together, we can build a future where the people of Jammu and Kashmir can live in freedom, dignity, and harmony," he concluded. The UKPNP conference served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for global action to ensure their rights are respected and to pave the way for a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir dispute. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thrusday said that her government stands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government, following the arrest of an International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) priest in Bangladesh that has triggered tensions. She expressed West Bengal's government's complete solidarity with the Centre over the issue. She also voiced concern over the over the safety of religious minorites in the neighbouring country. Mamata Banerjee acknowledged that she talked to ISKCON in Bengal but this matter does not lie within her jurisdiction. Addressing the issue in the legislative Assembly, Mamata Banerjee said, "We do not want any of religion to be harmed. I have talked to ISKCON here but this is a matter of another country and the central government should take action on this. We stand with them on this issue." Additionally, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also expressed concern over the current situation with India's next-door neighbour. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, " It seems very grave and troubling. All Indians are concerned because this is a next-door neighbour, whose wellbeing we are concerned about. It is not only the foreign ministry who is keeping an eye on the situation but all the concerned Indian citizens are worried about the reports that are coming in." Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay expressed TMC's support to the Government of India over the Bangladesh situation. "TMC doesn't give any statement on any international issue or that relating to the Ministry of External Affairs. We will support the stand of the Government of India," he said. The situation between the Bangladesh government and ISKCON continues to worsen since the arrest of ISKCON Bangladesh priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which has led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh. Following the priest's arrest, a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a "radical organization" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. The petition sparked another political row in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also expressed "deep concern" and called on the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote," the MEA statement issued on Tuesday read. "This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples," the MEA statement added. (ANI) Envoy of Palau to Taiwan, David Orrukem, stated that Taiwan has the potential to be a dependable partner for the Pacific Island region as per a report in Taiwan News. Orrukem expressed deep concern over China's increasing influence in the Pacific Island nations, noting that Beijing's expanding control over the region "threatens the way we value our lives." He expressed concern about Pacific Island nations turning to China for economic assistance, as it increases Beijing's influence. He proposed that these countries consider Taiwan as a reliable alternative, and Palau is ready to offer its support in this regard. The ambassador refrained from naming specific countries. Currently, only Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Orrukem acknowledged that China's pledges of support to the region are appealing, but emphasized that promises remain just that promises. He challenged neighboring countries to reflect on the true value of their relationship with Beijing. "Do you have the life that you like? Is that the kind of life you want?" he asked. He also encouraged them to be forward-thinking and avoid becoming overly reliant on China. Once the initial excitement fades, problems will begin to surface, he warned. "Money isn't everything," he added. In 2022, China signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, a former ally of Taiwan, enabling Chinese police and military personnel to assist in maintaining order. The agreement also permits Chinese military vessels to visit the country for supply replenishment. The two nations signed an additional security agreement last year, enhancing their law enforcement collaboration. In February, Kiribati's acting Police Commissioner, Eeri Aritiera, confirmed that Chinese police were engaged in community policing in the country, which had cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2019. Last year, the two countries signed another security agreement to strengthen their law enforcement cooperation. In February, Eeri Aritiera, the acting Police Commissioner of Kiribati, confirmed that Chinese police were involved in community policing in the country, which had ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2019. Orrukem stated that Palau aims to foster regional peace as a way to counter Beijing's growing influence. In this effort, the country is working to persuade its neighbors to align with Taiwan. "Taiwan is a country you can work with. We are evidence of that," the ambassador said. What led Palau to ally with Taiwan was how it treated its citizens, he said, underscoring the importance of reciprocity. The ambassador highlighted that Taiwan provides training for Palauan officials in finance and business. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing to expand cooperation in digital technology and healthcare. Orrukem stated that by encouraging more dialogue within the Pacific Island Forum, Palau can assist other nations in exploring alternative partners, such as Taiwan, for economic growth. He believes they will gradually come to see that it "isn't so bad." Orrukem explained that promoting peace involves preserving the "Pacific Way," an ideal that upholds traditional cultures and values, as well as fostering a spirit of cooperation among the Pacific islands. He mentioned that while Palau maintains strong relationships with its neighbors, it needs to find a way to unite everyone in returning to their foundations. The first step is to emphasize the importance of these roots and the value of their connections with others. Orrukem stated that the Pacific Way is familiar to the region and integral to its identity, noting that promoting peace can strengthen this way of life. "It makes our culture stronger and our people better," he added. The ambassador noted that while progress has been slow, Palau aims to increase dialogue. However, he cautioned about China's efforts to disrupt regional unity, especially within the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). In August, reports emerged that China was urging the Solomon Islands to prevent Taiwan from participating in next year's PIF, while also lobbying other member nations to back this stance. In response, Taiwan reiterated its role as a development partner of the PIF for 29 years and a key member of the Pacific Island community. Orrukem expressed that Palau values and is grateful for its relationship with Taiwan, describing it as one of mutual brotherhood and sisterhood. He pledged to strengthen cooperation in areas such as the economy, tourism, and aquaculture, and to continue advocating for Taiwan's participation in international affairs. This support comes as President Lai Ching-te prepares for a trip to Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands from November 30 to December 6. According to the Presidential Office, Lai intends to discuss smart sustainability and sustainable democracy with the leaders of these nations. The visit is aimed at reinforcing Taiwan's partnerships with its Pacific Island allies. (ANI) Kenya's tourism marketers have vowed to capitalize on the Lamu Cultural Festival, set to begin on Thursday in the coastal town of Lamu, to boost tourism. June Chepkemei, chief executive officer of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), said that more than 30,000 local and international tourists are expected to attend the three-day annual festival, a major tourism event celebrating coastal Lamu's heritage and traditions in a carnival atmosphere. "The Lamu festival is a major draw that consistently attracts thousands of visitors to the Kenyan coastal region. Its significance as a cultural icon is undeniable," Chepkemei said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. She said the cultural event is indicative of the coastal appeal not just for beach holidays but also for the unique cultural immersion and experiences on the heritage, history, and traditions of Lamu. Each year, the Lamu Archipelago, a cluster of islands along Kenya's north coast, comes to life during the annual Lamu Cultural Festival that displays its rich Swahili heritage, receiving visitors from Europe, North America, and Asia as well as regional visitors including domestic ones to join the revelry and experience Lamu's vibrant culture, music, food, competitions, and handicrafts. Chepkemei emphasized KTB's commitment to supporting community-driven events that boost local economies, adding that the agency is mapping out a list of festivals across Kenya to promote different regions and thereby enhance the marketing of diverse attractions. Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said the festival has evolved over the years, saying that this year's edition promises to be bigger and better, particularly with enhanced international exposure. "We have positioned the Lamu festival as our island's hallmark event that showcases our people, heritage, and traditions in all their color and grandeur," Timamy said. Marked by traditional dances, displays of handicrafts and unique competitions on water and land, Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races, henna painting, and musical performances, the Lamu Cultural Festival reveals an important part of Swahili culture with a rare and wonderful opportunity to experience the island's unspoiled beaches, medieval ambiance, architecturally magnificent old town, gracious population, and traditions of an enchanted island where history continues to live. Bharatiya Janata Party's MP Basvaraj Bommai on Thursday accused the Bangladesh government of polarising the "entire society" and "trying to convert" Republic of Bangladesh into an Islamic nation. Stating the arrest of former ISKCON saint Chinmoy Krishna Das as "totally improper and illegal", Bommai said this shows the "dictatorial attitude" of Bangladesh. Taking to X, Bommai said, "The development in Bangladesh is really a cause of concern and highly condemnable. The Hindus are the minorities in Bangladesh and their lives and properties are really under threat. The incumbent Bangladesh government which is not elected, is polarising the entire society and they are trying to convert the Republic of Bangladesh into an Islamic nation." "The arrest of the ISKCON saint (Chinmoy Krishna Das) is totally improper and illegal, without any provocation and the denial of bail and treating very badly shows the dictatorial attitude of Bangladesh," the post further reads. Bommai reminded Bangladesh of the support of the Indian Army during the formation of the nation in 1971. "One thing the Bangladesh government must remember is that it was with the support of the Indian Army, Bangladesh, a separate country that has been formed. With the help of Indians their existence which is present now is very much known," Bommai wrote on X. Asserting that violence against Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be tolerated, Bommai urged the Indian government to take "stern action and seal the border" with the neighbouring country. "Secondly, every day there is infiltration of the Bangladeshis into India and they have come and settled in different states in different occupations. Our government and our society are very tolerant but however, this act of violence against the Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be tolerated. I urge the Government of India to take stern action and seal the border shared with Bangladesh and stop the infiltration immediately and identify the Bangladeshis in the country and send them back to Bangladesh whatever the cost may be," he said on X. He further urged the United Nations to "intervene" in Bangladesh and warned that the relationship between both nations would be at "peril" if any action is not taken. "The United Nations more so must intervene and stop this total attack on the Hindus in Bangladesh. Otherwise, the good relations between two states will be in peril. Bangladesh must remember that every day right from the vegetables to the food grains everything trade depends on India," Bommai said. Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Manika Saha also condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. "It is sad how they are being attacked in Bangladesh. Such a thing should not happen. Bangladesh's development is not possible with India," he said. Additionally, Director of Communications, ISKCON India, Yudhishthir Govinda Das said that Chinmoy Das was just asking for the safety of Hindus. Speaking with ANI, Das said, "Chinmoy Krishna has been peacefully asking for the same thing which all the Hindu organisations of Bangladesh have been asking for. That is, ensuring the safety of Hindus, protecting the temples, and taking action against the perpetrators of violence. He further said that the radical element in Bangladesh has previously "attacked" Hindu temples. "The actions of radical elements in Bangladesh date back a long time. Many of our temples were attacked in Noakhali and two of our members were unfortunately killed. Recently, one of our centres was attacked in Meherpur. We have been trying to convey the sensitivity of the matter to both the local and the national governments in Bangladesh," he said. SJR Kumar, National Vice Chairman Sabarimala Karma Samithy said,"For quite sometime all the minorities in Bangladesh are being persecuted...from whatever is happening in Bangladesh, it is clear that intention was not to oust PM Sheikh Hasina but it is against (to target) Hindus. Initially, they promised that they will take care of all Hindus and minorities but they did not keep their word." The situation between the Bangladesh government and ISKCON continues to worsen since the arrest of ISKCON Bangladesh priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which has led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh. Following the priest's arrest, a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a "radical organization" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. The petition sparked another political row in Bangladesh. (ANI) Cambodia deported 20 Uyghur asylum seekers back to China fifteen years ago, where they were imprisoned, tortured, and subjected to severe human rights abuses, according to sources, as quoted by Radio Free Asia. One woman, who was released later, said that she suffered a miscarriage due to the torture that included electric shocks and being left almost naked in a freezing prison cell. Additionally, a severely ill man serving a 20-year sentence was forced to perform labour in prison. The Uyghurs had fled China's Xinjiang region following violent clashes between Muslim Uyghurs and Han Chinese in Urumqi in July 2009, which led to increased surveillance and mass incarcerations in so-called "re-education" camps from 2017 onward, as reported by Radio Free Asia. However, under pressure from Beijing, the Cambodian government deported them back to China despite widespread international condemnation. After their return to Xinjiang, the Chinese government held a secret trial in Kashgar on December 24, 2010, sentencing them to prison. Until recently, little was known about the fate of the deported Uyghurs, but Ayshemgul Omer, a relative of one of the detainees, has shared harrowing details to RFA. The 20 Uyghurs initially arrived in Cambodia and were granted temporary asylum while awaiting resettlement to a third country. Omer, who relocated to Turkey in 2014, had communicated with the families of the deported Uyghurs in Xinjiang and continued to stay in touch with them after leaving China. Omer stated that her relative, Memettursun Omer, is serving a 20-year sentence in Daheyan Prison in Turpan Prefecture and, despite being seriously ill, is forced to perform labour. He suffers from Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism) and experiences symptoms such as bulging eyes, trembling hands, joint pain, and constant hunger. Although prison authorities have provided some assistance, Omer's family was unable to send him medication due to financial constraints. Ayshemgul Omer also reported that one of the deported women, Shahide Kurban, suffered a miscarriage due to the brutal treatment she endured. Kurban, who was pregnant at the time of her deportation, and her two children are the only deportees known to have been released from prison. Kurban described the abuse she faced, including being held in a freezing cold room for 48 hours while wearing only undergarments, and being subjected to severe torture, including electric shocks during her first six months in detention. After being interrogated in Urumqi, she was transferred to Aksu and Kashgar for further questioning, where she miscarried. Despite China's claims that Kurban and her children were released under favourable conditions, Omer confirmed their release but also reported that other Uyghurs, including Akber Tuniyaz, the refugees' translator, were sentenced to prison, with the length of their sentences unclear. Omer also shared that two deported Uyghurs, including Memet Eli Rozi, died in prison, while several others suffered from various health issues. Four Uyghurs, including Mutellip Mamut, were sentenced to life imprisonment, while others received sentences ranging from 16 to 20 years. The deportation of the Uyghurs occurred on December 19, 2009, at the request of Beijing, despite widespread international outcry and concerns for the refugees' safety. Both the United States and the United Nations urged Cambodia not to deport the Uyghurs, citing the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face torture or persecution. Two days after the deportations, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping signed agreements with Cambodia worth approximately US$1.2 billion in grants and loans. Cambodian officials expressed gratitude for China's assistance, with government spokesman Khieu Kanharith claiming, "China has thanked the government of Cambodia for assisting in sending back these people. According to Chinese law, these people are criminals." In response to Cambodia's actions, the United States imposed sanctions, suspending the shipment of 200 surplus military vehicles to the country. The deportation was condemned by the U.S., Turkey, Japan, and the European Union, and nearly 70 international human rights organizations called for transparency and fair trials for the 20 Uyghur deportees. (ANI) The final meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas in Russia's Ekaterinburg is set to conclue today, marking the official handover of the BRICS chairmanship from Russia to Brazil. Sergey Ryabkov, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister and Sherpa to the group, summarised the results of Russia's BRICS chairmanship and also thanked his colleagues for their joint work, TV BRICS reported. highlighted the bloc's strengthened resilience and achievements during Russia's presidency, which spanned a year of significant developments Ryabkov said that the BRICS member countries demonstrated significant progress in all areas of cooperation, including politics and security, economy and finance, and humanitarian ties in 2024. He added that Russia has held over 250 events and a number of other meetings are scheduled before the end of the year. "Frankly speaking, for us this is both a moment of sadness and a moment of joy. Sadness, because we are approaching the end of our chairmanship, and although it is only November, tomorrow we will have the ceremony of handing over the chairmanship. But it is also a moment of joy, because we have achieved great results together this year," TV BRICS quoted him as saying. Ryabkov highlighted the agreements on the establishment of the BRICS grain exchange, the contact group on climate and sustainable development, the establishment of a geological, technological and investment platform, as well as the creation of a working group on nuclear medicine, as major results of the Russian presidency. The Deputy Minister also expressed confidence that the achievements of the current year will become a solid foundation for future interaction between the BRICS countries and will allow Brazil to further build on these successes in its chairmanship. The XVI BRICS Summit, held in Kazan from October 22 to 24, was the cornerstone of Russia's presidency. The summit resulted in the adoption of the Kazan Declaration and saw the member states finalise the list of BRICS partner countries. In addition to the core members--Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa--the group welcomed Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia as full members in 2024. Earlier, Belarus, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand also joined as BRICS partners, TV BRICS reported. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday met with Florian Herrmann, Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery, during his visit to Germany. Speaking on the strong relationship between two countries, Mohan Yadav stated, "I met the Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery, Florian Herrmann and interacted with him. He said that the relationship between Germany and MP has been strong." Highlighting opportunities for collaboration, Yadav told ANI, "Herrmann also said that we can send our skilled people there and in return, we will get their technology. This opens new doors of development...We have good relations with Germany...They can get the benefit of our skilled people and we can use their developed technology in businesses." Mohan Yadav also met with Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs and Media to explore comprehensive collaboration opportunities. The discussions highlighted the strong India-Germany relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, with a focused emphasis on state-level partnerships, according to the official statement. The MP CM and Herrmann delved into multiple potential collaborative domains, including technology and innovation, supercomputing, the automotive sector, aeronautics, and space technology. The strategic cooperation objectives centered on addressing climate policy challenges through technological innovations, facilitating higher education exchange programs, enabling technology transfer initiatives, and creating meaningful job opportunities for Madhya Pradesh citizens. "A key focus area discussed was the enhancement of skill development programs tailored to the needs of evolving industries. These programs aim to equip Madhya Pradesh's youth with the expertise required to excel in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, AI, and renewable energy, ensuring their competitiveness in the global workforce," the statement added. Both sides recognized the existing German investments in Mandideep and Pithampur and discussed plans to establish a dedicated state government liaison office in Madhya Pradesh to facilitate smoother interactions. Yadav was particularly impressed by the German delegation's precision in time management, remarking, "Those who have conquered time can conquer the world." He was deeply inspired by Germany's remarkable economic resilience and transformation, viewing it as an exemplary model of national development and strategic progress. Both sides viewed the meeting as a promising starting point for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between Madhya Pradesh and Bavaria. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to collaborative growth, technological advancement, and economic development. By fostering strategic partnerships and investing in skill development, the initiative aims to unlock new opportunities for the state's youth, signalling a potential new chapter in international state-level cooperation, as per the official statement. CM Yadav is currently on a visit to Germany on November 28 and November 29 after his three-day visit to the UK. During the visit, he will attend several events in Munich and Stuttgart. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], November 28 (ANI/TPS); Israeli soldiers continue their operations in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, where Hamas is trying to regroup, the Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday. Meanwhile, a delegation of Egyptian security officials was due to arrive in Israel hoping to arrange a Gaza ceasefire deal. The Israel Defense Forces said troops spotted a terrorist preparing to launch rockets at Israel from a building near a weapons depot. Working quickly, troops encircled the area and killed the terrorists while destroying the depot and the rockets. The Egyptian delegation is hoping to capitalize on a two-month ceasefire in Lebanon to secure a truce in Gaza. After the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire went into effect on Wednesday morning, Hamas signaled it was ready to negotiate. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the ceasefire with Hezbollah would isolate Hamas and push it to cut a deal. US, Qatari and Egyptian efforts to negotiate a resolution to the nearly 14-month-long war and return the 101 hostages held by Hamas failed. Hamas's demands include a complete end to the war, the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Strip, and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Israel insists it will only agree to a temporary ceasefire. Reports suggest that Hamas would be given a period of time to provide negotiators with a list of living hostages, while the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will reopen under Palestinian Authority supervision. Egypt is looking to raise its profile by negotiating the ceasefire after Qatar dropped its mediation efforts and kicked Hamas out of the country in mid-November. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 97 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014. (ANI/TPS) Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was arrested on Thursday following an alleged confrontation with police at a security checkpoint in Pakistan's Islamabad, as reported by The Express Tribune. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when Jan was stopped by police at an E-9 checkpoint. According to an FIR, Jan's vehicle did not stop and collided with a constable on duty, injuring him, The Express Tribune reported. The FIR also claims that Jan then took the officer's government-issued weapon and threatened to kill him. Authorities further alleged that the journalist was "under the influence" at the time of the incident. Subsequently, Jan was apprehended and taken to Margalla Police Station, where a case was registered against him. The police are proceeding with legal actions, and Jan is scheduled to be presented before an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad later today for further proceedings. Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir alleged that Jan is missing despite police custody claims. She posted on X, "After pleading with police at Margalla Police Station to allow us access to our client Matiullah Jan, we were finally allowed in. I checked hawalaat/lock up myself and the people locked up inside confirmed to me that right before we came, the police took Matiullah Jan. He is missing." Adding to the controversy, Jan's son, Abdul Razzaq, alleged that his father was abducted late Wednesday night, reported The Express Tribune. In a post on X, Razzaq wrote, "Matiullah Jan has been abducted from the parking of PIMS tonight at around 11 by unmarked abductors in an unmarked vehicle alongside Saqib Bashir (who was let go 5 minutes later). This follows his courageous coverage of the protests in Islamabad. I demand that my father be let go immediately and his family immediately be informed of his whereabouts." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Asia expressed concern over the alleged abduction. "CPJ expresses grave alarm over reports of the abduction of journalist Matiullah Jan in the capital Islamabad following his coverage of protests by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities must ensure Jan's safety and immediate release," it stated. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the arrest and demanded Jan's immediate release, The Express Tribune reported. "HRCP demands the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Matiullahjan919 who has reportedly been arrested following his coverage of the recent protests in Islamabad. This authoritarian tactic to silence journalists must cease," it stated. (ANI) A seminar was held in Awaran on Wednesday as part of an ongoing sit-in protest demanding the return of Diljaan Baloch, who has been missing for an extended period. The event, organised by his family, marked the tenth day of protests outside the Deputy Commissioner's Office. The seminar saw strong participation from local residents and activists, including women, who vocally condemned the persistent issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Speakers sharply criticised the authorities for their failure to address the crisis and for using intimidation tactics to stifle dissent. In a post on X, the Baloch Yakjheti Committee stated, "During the seminar, speakers, including Sammi Deen Baloch, the leader of BYC, and members of Dil Jan's family, and others, highlighted the ongoing plight of the Baloch people. They condemned the state's failure to fulfill past assurances. Previously, the family had staged a three-day protest in Awaran, during which the district administration promised to secure Dil Jan's release if they called off their protest. Trusting these promises, the family ended their demonstration, only to face renewed betrayal as Dil Jan remains missing." Sammi Deen Baloch, an activist, described enforced disappearances as part of a deliberate campaign to instil fear and silence the Baloch population. "Almost every family in Balochistan has been affected by enforced disappearances. This repression aims to silence us, but instead, it only strengthens our resistance," she said. Despite decades of suffering and sacrifice, she added, the Baloch people remain resolute. "We have endured immense pain, yet we will not be silenced." The Frontier Corps of Pakistan forces (FC) reportedly blocked transportation routes to the protest site the night before the seminar, threatening drivers and anyone attempting to reach the camp. Nevertheless, undeterred by these obstacles, participants marched on foot for hours to show their solidarity, ensuring a strong turnout at the seminar. Speakers condemned the state's ongoing violations, reminding the audience of the long history of suffering, including the return of mutilated bodies and the daily reports of enforced disappearances. The seminar concluded with a defiant message: harassment, threats, and road blockades will not deter the Baloch people's fight for justice. The event stood as a powerful reminder that the voices of the oppressed will not be silenced. (ANI) Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the 'unjust' arrest of former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, and demanded his 'immediate release'. Hasina also expressed concerns over the attacks against minorities and their places of worship and called for ensuring safety of religious freedom of all communities. https://x.com/albd1971/status/1862071077918388588 "A senior leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, and I demand his immediate release. Temples have been set ablaze in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and the homes of the Ahmadiyya community have been attacked, vandalised, looted, and burned. The religious freedom and safety of all communities must be ensured," Sheikh Hasina said in a statement. Hasina further accused the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of 'harassing' the leaders of her party, the Awami League. "After killing countless leaders, activists of the Awami League, students, and members of the law enforcement agencies, the regime is now resorting to harassment through attacks, lawsuits, and arrests. I vehemently condemn and protest against these anarchic actions." Hasina said. Further speaking about the current situation in Bangladesh Shiekh Hasina said, "An advocate has been murdered in Chittagong, and I strongly condemn this heinous act. Those responsible for this murder must be identified and brought to justice without delay. This incident is a gross violation of human rights. The lawyer was performing his professional duties, and those who brutally killed him were terrorists. No matter who they are, they must face punishment." Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release. In another concerning development, a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a "radical organization" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. Sheikh Hasina further accused the interim government of Bangladesh of "unlawfully seizing the power" and condemend the "direct and indirect persecution" of ordinary people. "The current regime, which unlawfully seized power, has demonstrated failure in every sector. It has failed to control the prices of essential commodities and to ensure the safety of citizens' lives. I strongly condemn the direct and indirect persecution of ordinary people," she said. Earlier this year, students' protests against the quota system in government jobs turned into a massive anti-government movement, forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee from the country. This was followed by the establishment of an interim government under Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus. (ANI) In a post on X, ISKCON, Inc. stated, "ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees." https://x.com/iskconinc/status/1862133717776679209?s=48&t=WnjyJyC971ItJhbOMQlj-Q Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, which denied his bail plea and remanded him in custody. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release. In a related development, a lawyer filed a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, labelling it a "radical organisation" that engages in activities aimed at inciting communal unrest, according to local media reports. Earlier today, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina condemned the "unjust" arrest of Das and called for his immediate release. Hasina also voiced concerns about attacks on minorities and their places of worship, urging the authorities to ensure religious freedom and the safety of all communities. "A senior leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, and I demand his immediate release. Temples have been set ablaze in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and homes belonging to the Ahmadiyya community have been attacked, vandalised, looted, and burned. Religious freedom and the safety of all communities must be guaranteed," Sheikh Hasina said in a statement. Recently, a group of retired judges, bureaucrats, and a sitting MP sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and address the rising violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh. The arrest has further strained relations between the Bangladesh government and ISKCON, fuelling protests and unrest. (ANI) The Government of India has been actively improving facilities and infrastructure along the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route and has established road connectivity to facilitate movement of pilgrims to Lipulekh Pass in vehicles, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said on Thursday. The Yatra, conducted annually between June and September through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand (since 1981) and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim (since 2015), has not taken place since 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent restrictions. The MoS for External Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that during the operation of the Yatra, the government takes various facilitating steps, which include a dedicated website to simplify and expedite the registration and selection process, communication with Yatris, and a bilingual helpline. GOI, on a self-payment basis, makes logistical arrangements including accommodation, food, transport and porters on the Indian side for the Yatra. Singh said that while no direct cash subsidy is provided to individual Yatris, the government incurs overhead expenses for advertisements, printing identity cards, posters, certificates, and Chinese SIM cards for liaison officers. "From time to time, GOI provides financial assistance for improving facilities along the Yatra route. Road connectivity has been established in recent years to facilitate movement of the Yatris to Lipulekh Pass in vehicles," he said. "Two Liaison Officers from the Central and State governments are appointed for each batch. The Liaison Officers stay in touch with Indian and Chinese authorities concerned and seek assistance in case of any emergency for the safety and well-being of Yatris," he said. "Provision for air-lift of Yatris by helicopter is also available in coordination with concerned agencies in case of emergency. The IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) provides security cover and basic medical assistance to Yatris on the Indian side," he added. (ANI) At the libraries of 10 public schools in Brazil, a new book that examines how a desalination project enhances local life is hugely popular among students and their parents. Donated by the project's operator, State Grid Brazil Power Participations, the bilingual book in Chinese and Portuguese consists of three stories each narrated from the perspective of three villagers from different generations, sharing the benefits and changes brought by the project. Inspired by the true stories during Jin Xiaoyu's journey last year to Joao Camara, a municipality in Rio Grande do Norte in northeast Brazil, the 40-year-old author explores the friendship between China and Brazil behind the charity project. The desalination plant can provide, on average, 80 metric tons of purified water daily to local communities through the 5,000 kilometers of water transmission pipes. "I'm really touched by the project and its benefits and want to let more children from the two countries know about its meaning through these stories," Jin says, adding that the book series was released in August to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Following the text's completion, three Brazilian illustrators Susan Chou, Vitor Rocha and Leticia Graciano brought the narrative to life through their artwork. Despite their distinct styles, the vivid illustrations capture the exuberant Brazilian culture through vibrant colors. "This work highlights the importance of access to clean water and symbolizes another chapter in the cooperation between Brazil and China. I was delighted to see how Jin's texts and the illustrations by Brazilian artists complemented each other, creating a cultural bridge that reinforces the unity around a common purpose: transforming lives through clean and safe water," Pedro Saad, CEO of Brazilian Art and Culture Production Company, says. Bruna Schroeder, mother of Serena, 4, from Campinas, likes to read the books to her daughter. "They deepened my understanding of the importance of this essential resource and the positive influence that desalination has brought to the community. It was powerful and eye-opening to read about the reality of those who live with limited water resources," the mother and social investment producer at Insituto CPFL says. Before the project, more than 3,000 residents from about 800 households in a village in Joao Camara had difficulty gaining access to safe drinking water. Affected by the semi-arid climate, the local groundwater has a bitter taste due to high salt content and is not safe for drinking. Under the community's arrangement, water was delivered in remote locations on certain days with people getting up early in the morning, pushing trolleys to the water delivery truck and waiting in line. It took about six hours to bring the water back. When the workers from the State Grid Brazil heard about the water crisis after the company started manage CPFL Energia in 2017, they decided to carry out the public welfare project to desalinate the brackish water. In early 2021, the project was signed and confirmed with a total investment of 9.6 million yuan ($1.32 million) and began construction in August the next year. Using made-in-China products, the project includes a smart water supply system equipped with containerized bitter and salty water desalination equipment. It applies membrane reverse osmosis technology to purify groundwater. On Dec 31, 2022, access to safe drinking water became a reality and people could turn on the taps at certain points in their community with clean water flowing for daily use. In February last year, the project was officially handed over to the Rio Grande do Norte state government with local technical personnel trained by the State Grid in advance. The project is undertaken in response to the Belt and Road Initiative, adhering to the concept of energy saving, environmental protection, innovation and smart integration. "When I got there and talked with the people, I realized how difficult their life was due to the lack of access to safe water. The water issue had threatened the health and development of local communities for a long time," Jin says, adding that she felt how welcoming the locals were to Chinese people. "It is the true and heartwarming friendship that has been naturally built between the people from China and Brazil, which touches my heart," she says, adding that the emotional bonds she felt are also what she tries to convey in her stories. In the first story, the parents of a baby girl named Maia are looking forward to the water desalination project that can guarantee safe, clean water for their newborn. In the second, Rosa, a girl, wants to grow yellow daisies in her front yard but has always failed because of the poor water quality. Now, she can grow plants with the purified water brought by the project. In the third, Eduardo, 56, applies to be bricklayer at the water project site because he hopes that his grandchildren can get safe drinking water from the tap. "The writer delicately depicts heartwarming stories for children, which are not only full of childlike interest but also truthfully document the public welfare project of saltwater desalination implemented by the State Grid. As 'salty water' turns into 'sweet water', the project has improved the daily lives of every family in the village, infusing the community with a continuous flow of hope and vitality," Renato Povia from CPFL Energia says. Chinese companies, like the State Grid, have actively participated in the energy infrastructure investment and construction in Brazil to better serve the sustainable economic development of the country and contribute more to the bilateral cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people communication. For Jin, there are more stories to explore and she hopes that in the near future, she will return to the village and hand the book set over to villagers face to face. Nepal's former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been flown to Kathmandu on Thursday late evening to record his statement in an ongoing probe on fraud and money laundering. Lamichhane, also the chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was flown in a regular flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and taken to the District Police Range, Kathmandu. Dozens of supporters chanting slogans gathered outside the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu as police took him in the vehicle. Police brought the leader of parliament's fourth largest party, the Rastriya Swantra Party, to record a statement of Lamichhane in association with alleged embezzlement of savings at the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative in Kalimati. "He has been brought to Kathmandu through a regular flight of Buddha Air this (Thursday) evening. He is in our custody now. Recording of the statement will start from tomorrow at the District Attorney's Office," SP Nawaraj Adhikari at District Police Range, Kathmandu confirmed ANI over the phone. The Kathmandu District Court had previously issued an arrest warrant against Lamichhane and his associate Chhabilal Joshi in connection to the cooperative's fund mismanagement case. Lamichhane was arrested on October 18 by a Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) team from the RSP's central office in Kathmandu and has already undergone multiple remand extensions, bringing his total detention period to over 40 days. The allegations against Lamichhane stem from his tenure as managing director of the now-defunct Gorkha Media Network. Previous probes, including one by a parliamentary special committee, accused him of diverting cooperative funds into personal accounts, including NPR 30 million. These funds were reportedly siphoned off from multiple cooperatives, leading to the registration of a fraud case with the Kaski district police. Further complicating Lamichhane's legal troubles are allegations tied to his role at Galaxy 4K Television before he entered politics in 2022. The parliamentary probe earlier this year found financial irregularities during his management of the media company, adding weight to the ongoing investigation. Authorities have expanded the investigation to include Lamichhane's alleged misappropriation of funds from cooperatives beyond Kaski. Police have transported him to Butwal for inquiries into the diversion of funds from the Suryadarsan Cooperative. Lamichhane is expected to be taken to Chitwan, as the district court has issued an arrest warrant against him for his alleged involvement in embezzling savings in Sahara Cooperative. (ANI) The drill, which involved air, naval, and missile defence units, was conducted to strengthen readiness against potential aerial and missile threats, Taiwan News reported. The Air Force Command stated that the exercise took place from 5 am to 7 am, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defence missile systems. Aircraft such as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were utilised, along with ground-based air defence missile units. According to Newtalk, the drill focused on practicing responses to enemy attacks on critical positions while integrating air defence, cyber-electronic warfare, and inter-branch cooperation across Taiwan's armed forces. The exercise emphasised safeguarding the 24-nautical-mile (44 km) contiguous zone east of Taiwan, often referred to as the "air raid alert line." Forces tested their capability to respond to sorties from Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighter jets launched from aircraft carriers like the Liaoning, reported Taiwan News. The Liaoning had previously conducted exercises off Taiwan's east coast in October, heightening regional tensions. These quarterly drills, previously known as the Lien Hsiang joint military exercise, are a critical part of Taiwan's defence strategy to counter growing threats from China's military manoeuvres. Reuters cited a Taiwan security official on Wednesday as saying that Beijing is likely to use President Lai Ching-te's upcoming tour of South Pacific allies as justification for launching Joint Sword-2024C. The anticipated Chinese military exercise is expected to demonstrate power projection in areas near Taiwan, intensifying the pressure on the island, Taiwan News reported. (ANI) Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine convened in Islamabad on Thursday to forge collaborative strategies aimed at combating smog and fostering sustainable development in the capital city, Dawn reported. The meeting follows weeks of deteriorating air quality in Punjab, where cities such as Lahore and Multan have been severely impacted by smog caused by toxic pollutants. Multan's Air Quality Index (AQI) has twice surpassed 2,000 this month, setting unprecedented records for air pollution. While Lahore and Multan remain the epicenters of the crisis, Islamabad has also been affected, with its AQI reaching an alarming 271, a "very unhealthy" level, earlier this year. The Punjab government has already declared a smog emergency in the worst-affected cities. During discussions, Naqvi and Benhassine decided to form a joint team comprising representatives from the World Bank and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to devise and implement an anti-smog strategy. Emphasising the urgent need for action, Naqvi stated, "Before the situation becomes hazardous, we must urgently implement a comprehensive anti-smog strategy." Although the CDA had earlier claimed that Islamabad's smog situation was under control, it has underscored the necessity of collective efforts and effective coordination among all stakeholders to improve air quality, reported Dawn. Among the key areas discussed during the meeting were expanding the electric bus service, enhancing sanitation, providing clean water, and upgrading slums and rural areas, as reported by Dawn. Naqvi expressed optimism that joint efforts would result in a cleaner and healthier environment for the city's residents and visitors. Benhassine reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting Pakistan's sustainable development goals, including addressing air quality challenges. "We are ready to work with the CDA to develop an effective anti-smog strategy," he stated, adding that international standard reports would help identify and tackle the root causes of pollution, Dawn reported. The meeting also included the federal interior secretary, CDA chairman, Islamabad deputy commissioner, and other senior officials, underscoring the collaborative resolve to combat the smog crisis effectively. (ANI) According to a report by RW Media on Nov. 22, the Ministry of National Defence quietly amended the regulations at the end of 2022. The revision shortens the air raid warning range from 70 nautical miles (129 kilometres) to 24 nautical miles (44 kilometres), effectively leaving citizens with only three minutes to prepare in the event of an aerial attack. The report also revealed that the revised Regulations for Air Raid Alert Implementation were classified as confidential and had not been publicised, leaving few aware of the change. Addressing the matter in the Legislative Yuan, Koo explained the reasoning behind the adjustment. "This is mainly due to enemy threats," he stated, Taiwan News qupting Liberty Times. He pointed to China's increasingly provocative military behaviour, including repeated crossings of the Taiwan Strait median line, which he said has heightened the threat level. Koo emphasised that China's actions are undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region. The military, he assured, is actively monitoring Chinese movements to assess their intentions and formulate appropriate responses. "We could not possibly allow the People's Liberation Army to operate unopposed, and necessary countermeasures will be taken," he affirmed. The revised air raid warning regulations come as Taiwan continues to navigate rising tensions with China. The shorter alert threshold reflects the growing urgency to respond to potential threats as Beijing's military manoeuvres near Taiwan's airspace have become more frequent and assertive, reported Taiwan News. (ANI) In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on the question of Congress MP Neeraj Dangi, MoS Singh informed that the fee for international student visas was increased by the Government of Australia from AUD 710 to AUD 1600 with effect from July 1, 2024. He acknowledged that the steep increase is expected to create financial difficulties for Indian students aspiring to study in Australia. The Minister confirmed that the matter has been taken up with the Australian authorities. "The matter has been taken up with relevant authorities in the Australian Government along with other issues related to students," he stated. "The hike in visa fee is expected to pose financial challenges to international students, includingthose from India, intending to pursue their studies in Australia," MoS Singh added. MoS Singh emphasised the importance of the India-Australia partnership in education, adding that MEA continues to raise and follow up with the Australian government on this matter. "The India-Australia partnership in education forms an important part of our bilateral relationship, including economic, academic, and people-to-people ties. This Ministry continues to raise and follow up with the Government of Australia on matters related to students from India studying in Australia," he added. The decision by Australia to more than double the fee for international student visas has sparked concerns about accessibility and affordability of education in Australia for Indian students. Notably, India and Australia have historically shared strong educational ties, with various initiatives fostering exchange programs and collaborative research. (ANI) Traders and business owners in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) have raised alarms over the economic impact of prolonged snow blockage at the Khunjerab Pass, a critical point on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) that links Pakistan with China. As winter sets in, heavy snowfall has led to the closure of key sections of the KKH, disrupting trade and transportation vital for both countries, particularly under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Khunjerab Pass, situated at 4,693 meters (15,397 feet) above sea level, is the highest point on the KKH and plays a crucial role in the trade of essential goods, including raw materials, electronics, and machinery. The road closure, due to snow accumulation, has resulted in severe disruptions to the smooth flow of goods between the two nations. Traders are increasingly concerned about the delays in clearing the snow and warn that prolonged disruption could have significant economic consequences. A local trader voiced his frustration, explaining the challenges faced by drivers, "We've just crossed into Pakistan, and the roads here are in terrible shape. On the China side, the roads are clear, but here on the Pakistani side, we are facing a serious challenge. It's incredibly difficult for us to drive trucks through these conditions." This stark contrast in road conditions on either side of the pass highlights a critical issue regarding the maintenance of infrastructure. While the roads on the Chinese side remain clear, the deteriorating state of the roads on the Pakistani side has raised concerns over infrastructure maintenance at the Khunjerab Pass. The Khunjerab Pass is a vital lifeline for Pakistan's economy, especially for businesses that rely on the timely delivery of goods. The closure of the road due to heavy snow results in shipment delays, supply shortages, and rising transportation costs. The situation is especially dire for industries dealing with time-sensitive goods, as delays in deliveries can disrupt production lines, affecting both businesses and consumers. Another trader added to the growing concerns about the snow-covered road, saying, "The entire road is covered in snow, and drivers are forced to navigate with great caution. There's about a foot of snow, and if an accident happens, it could have serious consequences. We don't understand why the authorities aren't taking action on this. Our trucks are struggling to move, and this needs urgent attention." In addition to the snow-related challenges, the infrastructure around the Khunjerab Pass remains underdeveloped compared to more established trade routes. There are limited fueling stations, maintenance facilities, and no proper storage or warehouse facilities nearby. This lack of infrastructure exacerbates delays and increases operational costs, making it even harder for drivers to transport goods efficiently. (ANI) The consignment of media supplies departed from Mumbai on Thursday. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Bolstering the India-Zambia partnership! In a gesture of solidarity, is supplying medical equipment to the Government of Zambia." "The consignment consisting of hospital beds, operation theatre tables, infant incubators and resuscitaires, anaesthesia machines and other products, departed Nhava Sheva port, Mumbai today. It will contribute to strengthening the healthcare system of Zambia," the MEA spokesperson wrote. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1862141787520880838 The shipment is a significant step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. By providing advanced medical equipment, India aims to contribute to Zambia's healthcare infrastructure and improve its medical service delivery. This gesture underscores India's commitment to fostering stronger ties with Zambia, reflecting the shared values of solidarity and mutual support. India and Zambia have maintained warm and historically significant relations. The vibrant Indian community in Zambia, which includes around 25,000 persons of Indian origin (PIOs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs), has been a cornerstone of this relationship. Many of these individuals, particularly those with roots in Gujarat, have been instrumental in Zambia's economic growth, contributing significantly to sectors such as trade, industry, pharmaceuticals, mining, and agriculture. Indian professionals and enterprises continue to play an expanding role, underscoring the deep economic and cultural ties between the two nations. The political relationship between India and Zambia is rooted in shared historical experiences and mutual respect. Zambian leaders like Kenneth Kaunda drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi during their freedom struggle, and Gandhi's philosophy continues to resonate in Zambia today. Over the decades, successive Zambian governments have valued India as a reliable and steadfast partner. This enduring relationship is characterised by a spirit of partnership aimed at achieving mutual benefit and growth. (ANI) The All Minorities Association of Bangladesh held a protest at the iconic Broken Chair monument in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva on Thursday. Protestors across different faiths--Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and Ahmadi Muslims--were joined by Swiss nationals who demonstrated solidarity with the cause. The demonstrators voiced their concerns over the ongoing atrocities in Bangladesh under the caretaker government. The protestors alleged systematic violence targeting minorities, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread human rights abuses. Protesters called for a secular and inclusive Bangladesh that respects Bengali identity and culture, reflecting the ideals of the 1971 liberation movement against West Pakistani oppression and its local collaborators, such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Al-Badr. The protestors also expressed concerns over the plight of Prabhu Chinmay Das, the head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, who has reportedly been detained by Bangladeshi authorities under questionable charges. Protesters appealed to the international community for his immediate and unconditional release. Priyajit Debsarkar, an independent political analyst from London, emphasised the gravity of the situation, and said that the Hindu priest's arrest is a "matter of grave concern." "Arrest of Prabhu Chinmoy Das is a matter of grave concern. Here in the United Nations, Geneva, the 17th Minority Rights Council, we have raised this on multiple platforms and we are appealing to the international community to seek his immediate release without any conditions or restrictions. The current situation in Bangladesh is extremely concerning and highly volatile when it comes to targeting minorities, be it places of worship or business, educational institutions in other aspects of ordinary life..." The protesters chanted slogans such as "Jai Shri Ram," expressing their frustration and calling for global attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. Author and commentator Priyajit Debsarkar reiterated the broader significance of the movement, saying it is not just for minorities but for all who oppose extremism and violence in the country. Reflecting on the root causes of the crisis, Tanmayi, a protester from Geneva, said that the main problem occured due to the country's partition. "The source of the problem, in my opinion, is because of this partition of India. If there was no partition, then there would not be so much problem now in Bangladesh. I think that we need to have peace there and to have tolerance between different religions and between different ways of thinking because this is very important... To let the people have their beliefs and their traditions--it's very important because then it can help maintain peace," she said. The protesters urged the international community to act decisively to ensure justice, peace, and the protection of fundamental rights for all citizens in Bangladesh. (ANI) The meeting discussed the friendship and bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Cote d'Ivoire in various fields, including investment, economy, trade, and tourism. The UAE Top Diplomat affirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnerships with Cote d'Ivoire and other friendly African nations in ways that foster prosperity, benefit their peoples, and support their aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable development. The meeting was attended by Reem Al Hashemi , Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Saeed Mubarak Al Hajri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Trade Affairs. Before the meeting, Abdullah and Mambe witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint cooperation committee between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Diaspora of Cote d'Ivoire. The MoU was exchanged by Reem Al Hashemi and Bruno Nabagne Kone, Minister of Construction, Housing, and Urban Planning of Cote d'Ivoire. (ANI/WAM) Abu Dhabi [UAE], November 28 (ANI/WAM): Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar, announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of 70 per cent of the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY SA (TENERGY.AT) from GEK TERNA SA (GEKTERNA.AT) and other shareholders, and received all regulatory approvals. The deal, agreed at a price of 20 euros per share, valued TERNA ENERGY at an enterprise value of 3.2bn euros, representing the largest ever energy transaction on the Athens Stock Exchange, and one of the largest in the EU renewables industry. Following the closing of the transaction, Masdar will seek regulatory approvals from the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission (HCNC), for the launch of an all-cash mandatory tender offer ("MTO") to acquire the outstanding shares of TERNA ENERGY. TERNA ENERGY has been a key player in the renewable energy sector for over two decades, holding the largest and most diversified portfolio in Greece, as well as projects in Bulgaria and Poland. The company owns and operates clean energy projects across wind, solar, biomass and hydro technologies - Greece's renewable energy leader is also building one of the largest pumped hydro projects in Europe, the 680 megawatts (MW) Amfilochia project. With TERNA ENERGY currently operating a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW), the acquisition reflects Masdar's confidence in the company's impressive growth potential, targeting 6GW by 2029. TERNA ENERGY will play an important role in enhancing Masdar's portfolio across Europe as it targets 100GW global capacity by 2030 in support of the energy transition. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, commented: "Masdar is proud to become the majority shareholder of TERNA ENERGY, bringing together two energy champions. Our committed vision and long-term capital will unlock significant opportunities for further growth in TERNA ENERGY's expansion as it executes on its strategy to support Greece's renewable energy goals. "Masdar's acquisition strategy has focused on acquiring not just assets, but investing in exceptional teams. Our ambition is to establish TERNA ENERGY as one of our core regional platforms that will help us deliver on our ambitious targets. I look forward to working with Executive Chairman, Georgios Peristeris, and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Maragoudakis, in support of the energy transition in Greece and Europe." Georgios Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA, and Executive Chairman of TERNA ENERGY, said: "Our agreement with Masdar is a reflection of TERNA ENERGY's unparalleled leading role in the green energy transition in Greece as well as in southeastern Europe, a result of our consistent and tireless efforts over the last 25 years to create the largest and fastest growing clean energy platform in our country. Sharing the same vision with Masdar for clean, affordable and domestically produced energy, we look forward to working together towards a future of endless growth possibilities for TERNA ENERGY". Masdar has retained Rothschild & Co. as sole financial advisor, and Simmons & Simmons, Bernitsas Law, Latham & Watkins as legal advisors, in connection with the transaction and financing. GEK TERNA Group was supported by Reed Smith LLP and Potamitis Vekris, who were the international and Greek legal advisors for the transaction respectively, while Morgan Stanley has been acting as sole financial advisor to TERNA ENERGY. (ANI/WAM) Doha-based Qatar Airways said Chinese travelers continue to exhibit strong demand for international travel, which contributed to its revenue growth, and the carrier is bullish on its growth potential in China after operating in the country for over 20 years. Key Chinese cities like Shanghai; Beijing; Guangzhou, Guangdong province; and Hong Kong continue to show strong demand, particularly in the premium travel segment, the carrier said. "We are confident in Qatar Airways' growth potential in China. These hubs remain vital for business travelers, and we have seen a robust recovery in premium travel as companies resume international engagements. These cities have maintained their positions as key gateways due to the volume of outbound business passengers," said Thierry Antinori, chief commercial officer of Qatar Airways. "Our partnerships with China Southern Airlines for flights connecting Doha and Guangzhou and with Xiamen Airlines for Beijing, enabling double daily flights to those two cities, have been further testament to the robust demand," Antinori said. He said Qatar Airways has observed substantial growth in leisure travel demand from second-tier cities such as Chongqing; Chengdu, Sichuan province; and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. These emerging cities are becoming popular due to rising disposable incomes of local consumers and their growing interest in international leisure travel. Currently, the carrier operates 45 flights weekly that connect Doha with seven cities in China, the highest number among foreign carriers from the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Chinese travelers have shown an interest in visiting overseas destinations such as London, Paris, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Nairobi, New York, Boston, Sao Paulo, Casablanca and Maldives, for both business and leisure travel demand. This has helped drive the business growth of Qatar Airways with direct and connecting flights. Since China resumed quarantine-free outbound travel in early 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists have traveled to a large number of countries and become the largest source of international travel. Last year, the number of outbound travelers surpassed 87 million, according to a report by the China Tourism Academy (CTA). This year, outbound tourism has accelerated its recovery, with travelers arriving at an increasing number of destinations, and the number of outbound travelers is expected to reach 130 million, the report projected. "China's outbound tourism has been an important driving force and stabilizer for the growth of global tourism. The revival and development of the Chinese outbound tourism market will inject strong confidence and momentum to the world," said Yang Jinsong, director of the CTA's international institute. Qatar Airways said it has been continuously evaluating opportunities to expand its network in China, and it is open to increase flight frequencies to key Chinese cities if demand arises. "The future growth opportunity will be guided primarily by air transport bilateral agreements between China and Qatar, which dictate the number of flights and routes we can operate. We have fully utilized the maximum number of flights permitted under these agreements," Antinori said. The carrier's strategic focus also includes leveraging partnerships with major carriers in China. With the codeshare partnership with Xiamen Airlines, Qatar Airways said its capacity for China flights has surpassed pre-COVID levels since late last year. Globally, Qatar Airways has recovered significantly post-pandemic, achieving record-breaking revenue in the 2023-24 financial year. Meanwhile, global air passenger demand in September, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, grew by 7.1 percent year-on-year and it reached an all-time high for September. All regions showed growth in international passenger markets, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). "The year's peak travel season ended with demand at an all-time high. This is good news not just for passengers, but also for the global economy," said Willie Walsh, IATA's director-general. The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has passed a historic law that sets 16 years as the minimum age for accessing social media. According to the New York Times, the legislation was passed in the Australian Parliament's lower house on Wednesday, and the bill was passed by the Senate on Thursday with bipartisan support. In a media release, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland noted that the decision follows extensive consultations with young people, parents and carers, academics and child development experts, as well as community, industry, and civil organisations. "Our decision to set the minimum age at 16 years is based on extensive consultation with experts, parents and young people. It strikes a balance between minimising harms experienced by young people during a critical period of development," Minister of Communication Michelle Rowland had said. As per the New York Times, PM Albanese, while speaking about the law, said it puts the onus on social media platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent anyone under 16 from having an account. Corporations could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about $32 million) for "systemic" failures to implement age requirements. The law specifies that users will not be forced to provide government identification as part of the verification process, a measure that the conservative opposition said was included after they raised concerns about privacy rights, the New York Times reported. Notably, it is unclear which platforms will be covered under the law. PM Albanese has said that Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and X will be included, but YouTube and messaging apps, including WhatsApp, are expected to be exempt, the New York Times reported. In a press statement, the Prime Minister stated that the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 would deliver greater protections for young Australians during critical stages of their development. It will require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from having accounts. The law places the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure these protections are in place, the press statement noted. "We need to do everything we can to keep our kids safe, and wherever I go in Australia, I know one of the biggest issues worrying mums and dads is the impact social media is having on their children's well being", Anthony Albanese had said earlier. The media release also noted that the government will ensure young Australians retain access to services that primarily provide education and health services and will work constructively with stakeholders to ensure that only services which meet the strict criteria under eSafety's powers are accessible to children under 16. "Social media has a social responsibility for the safety of their users, and this legislation is one way they're being held to account, with significant penalties for any breaches", Rowland said. (ANI) Was the 2024 presidential election close? It certainly didn't feel that way on election night and in the days immediately after. It became clear that President-elect Donald Trump was on pace to win relatively early in the evening. Interactive maps of election results showed the entire country shifting right. By Thursday, Trump had won 51 percent of the votes that had been counted thus far, more than 3 percentage points ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris. Headlines declared that Trump's victory was "resounding" and a "rout." His allies proclaimed it was a "decisive win" and claimed a mandate. But ballots were still being counted. As we've gotten more data and had the time to put the 2024 election in perspective, the truth has become clear: Yes, the 2024 presidential election was close. With more ballots counted, Trump's national popular vote lead is down to 1.6 points, and Harris could have won if she had done just a couple of points better in just a few states. Any argument that the 2024 election was a "landslide" is misleading. It relies on a combination of recency bias and using the wrong measuring sticks. The right way to measure an election's closeness Let's go through those measuring sticks one at a time. The most obvious one pointing to a Trump landslide is the margin in the Electoral College. After months of punditry about how the 2024 election could be one of the closest elections of all time, Trump ended up winning all seven major swing states, which came as a surprise to many Americans (although it shouldn't have been, since we and many other analysts cautioned that a sweep was a possible, even likely, outcome). Assuming there are no faithless electors, that will give Trump a healthy 312-226 electoral-vote margin when the Electoral College convenes on Dec. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But because of its winner-take-all nature, the Electoral College isn't a good measure of closeness. Imagine an election where one candidate wins every state and district 50.1 percent to 49.9 percent. That candidate would romp to a 538-0 victory in the Electoral College, but that election was obviously still very close. The same principle was at play in the 2024 election: Trump won six of the seven major swing states (Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) by 3.2 points or less. And he won Wisconsin by just 0.9 points, Michigan by just 1.4 points and Pennsylvania by just 1.7 points. That's important because if Harris had won those three states (plus all the states and districts she actually did win), she would have gotten exactly 270 Electoral College votes. From this way of thinking about the election, you can see that Pennsylvania was the decisive state in the 2024 campaign what we at 538 call the "tipping-point state." PHOTO: Pennsylvania was 2024's tipping-point state. (Amina Brown for 538) In other words, if Harris had done just 1.8 points better across the board or even just in those three states (although that's not usually how elections work) she would be the president-elect right now. Trump's win in historical context That's a pretty close election by any standard but we can see just how close it is by putting that number into historical context. There have been 20 presidential elections since the end of World War II, and in only six of them was the tipping-point state decided by a smaller margin than Pennsylvania was decided by this year. Granted, two of those elections were 2016 and 2020: In both of those years, the tipping-point state was Wisconsin and was decided by less than 1 point. In that sense, it's understandable that 2024 felt like a big win for Trump: It was relatively big for him. But it certainly wasn't big if you take the historical long view, or even the medium view: In the two presidential elections before Trump came on the scene, former President Barack Obama won Colorado (the tipping-point state in both 2008 and 2012) by much bigger margins than Trump won Pennsylvania by this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in fact, the same is true if you look at the Electoral College margin, Trump's main claim to landslide status. His likely 86-electoral-vote margin over Harris is larger than the 77 electoral votes he won by in 2016 or the 74 electoral votes that President Joe Biden won by in 2020. But it's smaller than the 126 electoral votes that Obama won by in 2012 and the 192 electoral votes that Obama won by in 2008. And once again, it is only the 14th-biggest Electoral College victory since the end of World War II. Another way to assess the closeness of an election is, of course, the national popular vote. While the popular vote doesn't affect who actually wins the election, it can be relevant in discussions of how big of a mandate the winner has to govern. By this measure as well, 2024 was a historically close election. Since the end of World War II, only three elections had popular-vote margins smaller than Trump's current 1.6-point lead: 1960, 1968 and 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a couple of rebuttals to this. The first is that he is only the second Republican presidential candidate to win the popular vote since 1988 (the other was then-President George W. Bush in 2004). In an era in which the American electorate is typically slightly Democratic-leaning, that is an impressive accomplishment but it doesn't make the 2024 election a "landslide" in absolute terms. The second is that his 1.6-point popular-vote win represents a 6.1-point shift toward Republicans from the 2020 election. That's certainly a notable shift in only four years; the country hasn't changed its mind so quickly since racing 9.7 points to the left between Bush's 2004 win and Obama's 2008 win. But most of that movement is because Biden set a relatively high bar for Democrats by winning the 2020 popular vote by 4.5 points; if Biden had won by just, say, 1 point instead, the shift toward Trump wouldn't stand out. High expectations for Democrats in the popular vote, along with the widely circulated maps showing big swings toward Trump in virtually every county in the country, may have played a big role in setting those early narratives that Trump had notched an overwhelming win. Another was probably the media's repeated warnings before the election that it might take days to project a winner. While that very easily could have come to pass, we may have overemphasized the point. It was also always possible that a winner would be projected on election night, which is of course what happened. After it took until the Saturday after Election Day for media outlets to project that Biden had won the 2020 election, the relatively early projection in 2024 (ABC News projected him as the winner at 5:31 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday) probably made Trump's win seem more decisive. But once again, that's recency bias at play. The 2024 election actually took longer to project than all but three presidential elections since 1976. Apart from the interminable 2000 (when the race came down to a recount in Florida that didn't end until Dec. 12) and 2020 elections, only 2004 kept us in more suspense. PHOTO: The 2024 election took longer to project than most. (Amina Brown for 538) All in all, the idea that Trump won an overwhelming victory in 2024 is less grounded in the data and more based on a sense of surprise relative to (perhaps miscalibrated) expectations. Why perceptions of the 2024 election matter The debate over the closeness of the 2024 election may seem academic Trump won; who cares if it was a landslide or not? but it could have a very real impact on the ambitiousness of Trump's second term. Boasting about the scope of his win, Trump claimed in his victory speech that "America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate" to govern a narrative that caught on in the media and with many voters, too. In a mid-November poll from HarrisX/Harvard University, 71 percent of registered voters said that Trump had a mandate to govern, including 50 percent who said he had a "strong mandate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is just the latest in a long line of presidents-elect trying to convert electoral success into political capital to pass their agendas. There's just one problem: Political scientists who have studied the idea of presidential mandates generally agree that they're made up. It's basically impossible to ascertain what voters had in mind when they went to the ballot box and whether a candidate's win was an explicit endorsement for a specific policy or approach to governing. And according to research by 538 contributor Julia Azari, a professor at Marquette University, there is no relationship between how often a president-elect claims a mandate and how big their victory was. In fact, Azari even found that presidents are more likely to claim mandates when they are in a politically weak position, as a sort of act of desperation to claim that their policies have public support. But research has also found that, much like Tinker Bell, mandates can exist if enough people believe that they do. According to political scientists Lawrence Grossback, David Peterson and James Stimson, when there is a media consensus that an election carries a mandate, Congress responds by passing major legislation. Azari and Peterson have further found that politicians themselves, like Trump, can push Congress to action as well, simply by insisting that they have a mandate. And per Azari, when a president-elect insists that he has a mandate, it is often accompanied by major expansions of presidential power. In other words, regardless of how close the 2024 election was in reality, Trump's claims to a mandate suggest that Republicans are planning to govern like they won in a landslide. The 2024 presidential election was close, not a landslide originally appeared on abcnews.go.com By David Ljunggren and Kyaw Soe Oo OTTAWA (Reuters) -The exiled leader of the Belarusian opposition is advising people in the Eastern European nation not to protest against elections in January, saying it is too risky to intervene in a ritual expected to hand President Alexander Lukashenko a seventh term. Lukashenko's election win in 2020 triggered unprecedented demonstrations by protesters accusing him of rigging the poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police quelled the protests and human rights groups say some 30,000 were detained for various periods of time. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in 2020 and later went into exile, said she feared another crackdown if people went out into the streets this time. "We can't allow protests at the moment, because for four years people experience such brutal repressions," she told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday in Ottawa. "These so-called elections are not the trigger that people need. So I'm asking people not to sacrifice themselves," she said. If Belarusians were forced to go to the polls, she said, they could choose an existing option on the ballot form allowing them to vote against all the candidates - in effect not registering a vote for anyone standing for office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We ask them to put this tick in front of 'Against Everybody' ... if you are not forced to go to the polling station, you can ignore (the election)," she said. Lukashenko and his supporters deny he has rigged elections and say the overwhelming majority of voters back him. "I don't decide whether or not I am in power or not. ... The people entrusted me with this high office," he told reporters in July 2023. The Belarus interior ministry last week said police would conduct drills ahead of the election to ensure that "manifestations of extremism and terrorism" were prevented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement issued to Reuters on Wednesday, Tsikhanouskaya said: "We are not asking people to give up but rather to continue protesting in safe and meaningful ways ... I am not encouraging people to take to the streets." The Belarus interior ministry last week said police would conduct drills ahead of the election to ensure that "manifestations of extremism and terrorism" were prevented. Lukashenko, 70, who has been in power in the former Soviet state since 1994 and is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is running for a seventh term in office on Jan. 26. Tsikhanouskaya, who is now based in Lithuania and has a heavy security presence, called on the international community not to recognize the results and said democracies "might be braver", in particular by imposing more sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I understand it might somehow disturb (the) comfortable life of citizens of your countries, but sometimes it's necessary to sacrifice a little bit of comfort for bigger aims," she said. Despite the police presence, and the fact that 500,000 people left the country of 9 million after 2020, people are forming underground movements in acts of defiance against Lukashenko, she said. "Our fight, our task is to weaken him economically, to weaken him politically," she said, predicting that as soon as the repressions ended, people would be in the streets again. "When the moment comes, believe me, people will be vocal, people will be visible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since July, Lukashenko has issued six sets of pardons for political prisoners. Human rights groups say more than 1,200 detainees labeled as political prisoners remain in detention. Tsikhanouskaya's husband Syarhei Tsikhanouski has been in jail since 2020 after being barred from taking part in the election that his wife contested instead. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Philippa Fletcher) The Biden administration is blocking new coal mining on public lands at a major hub for the fossil fuel. Last week and this week, it released two decisions on the future of mining in the Powder River Basin, which produces 43 percent of the nations coal. The basin includes portions of Wyoming and Montana. It said it would not allow new leasing to take place in the area, citing climate change impacts. Ongoing mining operations, which are expected to last through 2041, would not be affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In environmental studies earlier this year, the administration found that barring new coal leasing in the area would prevent a significant quantity of planet-warming emissions. Stopping new leases in the Wyoming portion of the basin is projected to prevent nearly 283 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the Earths atmosphere between the years 2041 and 2048. Thats the equivalent of taking 61 million gas-powered cars off the road for a year. However, the incoming Trump administration is likely to reverse the decisions and open the area up for new coal leasing again. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), an opponent of the decision who is poised to become the Senates No. 2 Republican, slammed the Biden administrations decision and said hed work with Trump to undo it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the American people issued a stunning rebuke to President Biden, he continues to punish Wyoming communities, Barrasso said in a written statement. I will work with President Trump and his team to reverse this and other midnight regulations, he added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Cruisers for the North Dakota Highway Patrol sit parked in the Capitol parking lot on April 26, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Highway Patrol will have a new superintendent on Sunday. Lt. Daniel Haugen was named interim superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol by Gov. Doug Burgum on Wednesday, according to a governors office news release. However, Haugen will only be under the interim superintendent title until Dec. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong announced Haugen will serve as the permanent superintendent once his administration transitions into power. Lieutenant Haugens career is the embodiment of the dedication, leadership, and vision necessary to ensure the safety and security of all North Dakotans, Armstrong said in a news release. With his proven record of fostering community trust and advancing public safety, I am fully confident he will excel as Superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Haugen will replace the outgoing superintendent, Col. Brandon Solberg, who is retiring from law enforcement to become the director of facility management for the Office of Management and Budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release, Burgum expressed his gratitude for Solbergs service to the state. Haugen, a Marine veteran, joined the Highway Patrol in 2000 and, during his time on the force, served as the training director for the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy. He also received three Colonels Awards for Excellence and the North Dakota Peace Officers Associations Life Saving Award. Most recently, Haugen served as the field commander for the southwest region of the Highway Patrol, which includes Dickinson and Bismarck. I am deeply honored to serve as Superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol and grateful to Governor-Elect Armstrong for this opportunity to serve in his administration, Haugen said in a news release. Together, we will build on the Patrols legacy of excellence, ensure public safety, and strengthen our partnerships with communities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haugen, a Langdon native, received an associates degree in criminal justice from Bismarck State College and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In what might be his final achievement as president, Joe Biden, his diplomats, and their French counterparts have brokered a ceasefire in the increasingly brutal yearlong war between Israel and Hezbollahs Islamist militia in Lebanon. Under the deal, all fighting will cease for 60 days, during which time Israeli troops will pull out of Lebanon, Hezbollah will pull back to north of the Litani River (about 18 miles north of Israels border), and the Lebanese armyjoined by U.N. peacekeepers and with supplies and training by the U.S. and Francewill occupy the demilitarized zone of southern Lebanon. Also during this 60-day period, about 60,000 Israeli citizens and 1.2 million Lebanese citizenswho have been displaced by the fightingwill return to their homes in northern Israel and southern Lebanon respectively. The accord, which Biden announced on Tuesday and which went into effect on Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time, raises several questions. What are the odds the ceasefire will hold for 60 days? What happens after then? And how will the peacewhether uneasy or enduringaffect Israels war with Hamas in Gaza, its relations with Iran, and the broad geopolitics of the region? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, will the deal hold? The agreement, which the Israeli Cabinet endorsed with only one member dissenting (the far-right-wing Itamar Ben-Gvir), was negotiated with Lebanons largely ineffectual government, not with Hezbollah directly, but the head of the militia has said he would abide by it as long as Israel does. Second, assuming all parties hold to their word, what happens next? Bidens hope is that the fighting stops permanently. The 60-day span is seen as merely a transitionenough time for Israeli and Hezbollah troops to withdraw and for civilians to return to their homes. Israel explicitly reserves the right to resume fighting if Hezbollah breaks the agreement; Hezbollah claims an implicit right to do so if Israel violates its terms. All this, of course, is easier said than done. Back in 2006, at the end of the last IsraelHezbollah war, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution calling on both sides to do what this weeks deal hopes to do. Back then, Israel withdrew, but armed Hezbollah militias never pulled back to north of the Litani River. The Lebanese army was in shambles, as was the government (Hezbollah had murdered its prime minister), and U.N. peacekeepers lacked the resources to enforce the deal fully. This weeks deal reestablishes a commission, which includes U.S. and French officials, that would adjudicate all complaints of violations. Another committee of seven countries will supposedly help rebuild the Lebanese army (though Biden stressed that no U.S. combat troops will be on the ground in southern Lebanon). Finally, those countries and others will do something they neglected to do in the last peacetheyve promised anyway to spend lots of money trying to revitalize the Lebanese government, which hasnt really controlled the country for 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will this peace be more enduring than the last one? We shall see. Assuming the peace does endure, at least for a while, how will it affect Israels war with Hamas? Biden said on Tuesday that he hoped that the deal would spur a peace accord in Gaza as well; in any case, his diplomats and their negotiating partners in Egypt and Qatar are trying to restart peace talks, which over the past year have veered between fruitless and dormant. There is some cause for optimism. Hamaswhich started the war on Oct. 7, 2023, with its cross-border invasion, killing 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilianshas been battered by the fighting: Its militia is severely weakened; its charismatic leader, Yahya Sinwar, is dead; its ties with the regions other anti-Israel forcesespecially Iran and Hezbollahare all but severed. This last point is particularly important. Until this week, Hezbollahs leaders had said they would keep firing rockets into Israel until there was a ceasefire in Gaza. Now they say they will abide by the deal signed with Lebanon, as long as Israel does as welleven though the fighting in Gaza persists. Meanwhile, the Iranianswho said they would respond with crushing force to Israels last missile attackhave refrained from doing so, mainly because they know Israel will retaliate with debilitating force if they do. (Israels attack, which was launched in response to an earlier Iranian strike, held back from hitting Irans energy and nuclear targets, but it destroyed the air-defense systems that would defend those targets from a subsequent attack. Biden, who pressured Israel to keep the attack confined to military targets, publicly said he would let the Israelis attack whatever they wanted if Iran escalated the punching match.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compounding Hamas weakness, President-elect Donald Trump has said that Israel should finish the war in Gaza as quickly as possible, doing whatever it needs to do to win. He has criticized Biden for pressuring Israel to moderate its military offensive. In other words, Hamas might be mulling over two or three reasons to strike a dealsome sort of ceasefire and hostage-for-prisoner exchangein the 55 days while Biden is still president. However, this is speculation. Hamas leaders, who have never done much to protect ordinary Gazans (they built elaborate tunnels for themselves but no air-raid shelters for civilians), may double down on the fight, even if it means martyring themselves. Or, if Hamas does agree to a quick deal, Benjamin Netanyahu might not. Any deal would likely call for at least the resumption of talks about a Palestinian statea goal that Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition partners have rejected, even theoretically. Netanyahu still has a goal of total victory in Gazathe wiping out of Hamas as a political or military entity, even though some of his military officers question this goals feasibility and think he should accept a less ambitious deal that would free the remaining hostages. However, the prime minister has reason to believe that, after Jan. 20, Trump will allow, even encourage, him to follow his maximalist instincts. Biden also hopes to wrap up a deal in which Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel. Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman certainly wants normalization; he was about to initiate such a deal the day before Hamas launched its attack against Israel. Hamas mounted the attack, at least in part, as a potent way to block the impending dealwhich would have removed the Palestinian cause from the regions politics. As one Hamas leader said at the time, the attack put that cause back on the table. The Saudi leader really doesnt care much about Palestinians, and he detests Hamas, but much of the Saudi population passionately cares, to the point where he could face an uprising if he recognized Israel in the face of a war that has killed an estimated 44,000 Gazans. Bin Salman now insists that Israel must at least start talks toward a Palestinian state as a prerequisite to normalization. Again, Netanyahu is unlikely to do that. His coalition partners have threatened to quit the government if he did. That would force new elections, which he might lose. With Trump coming to power, Netanyahu may think he doesnt need to compromise on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hezbollah ceasefire could conceivably be a prelude to some sort of peaceful coexistencefor the U.S. and for Israelwith Iran. The Iranian economy is in shambles; its axis of resistancethe group of militias that have fought on the front lines of battle against Israelis in disarray; its new president was elected on a platform of reaching out to the West (though the supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, holds ultimate power). The prospects for reengagement depend, in part, on what happens after Jan. 20. During his first term, Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal, which Barack Obama and five other leaders had signed with Iran in 2015, and declared a policy of maximum pressure that he hoped would topple Tehrans regime. It had no such effect, and now Iran is closer to building an atomic bomb than ever. Trump has said he wants to restart the maximum pressure policy, though some hopewith who knows what validitythat, if a deal seems in reach, Trump, who fancies himself the master of big deals, might find the prospect irresistible. Meanwhile, there is the question of what Trump might do in the short term about the ceasefire in Hezbollah. The 60-day ceasefire would be almost over when he takes the oath of office. Will he let it stand and follow through on the commitment to help build a viable Lebanese government and civil society? A senior official told reporters on Tuesday that he had twice briefed the Trump transitions national-security team on the deal and that they seemed supportive of its approach. Who knows if thats true or what Trump himself thinks about it? Given the near-unanimous support of Israels Cabinet, he would probably go along. For now, the effects are immediate. Just in recent weeks, Lebanon has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, killing 45 civilians. Israel has dropped bombs on buildings in the heart of Beirut, Lebanons once-thriving cosmopolitan capital, killing more than 3,700 people, though its unclear how many are civilians. Whatever happens in the Middle East in the coming months, a ceasefire in Lebanon is a significant thing itselfsomething that, amid an otherwise mixed record on foreign policy, Biden could tout as a remarkable achievement. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller in September 2021. As President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office again, Keller is planning to defend Albuquerque's "sanctuary city" status against renewed federal challenges. (Photo by Sharon Chischilly for Source NM) President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations as he takes office again in January. The City of Albuquerque has a law on the books that would prevent the local government and law enforcement from participating. But Mayor Tim Keller is steeling himself to take on renewed federal challenges to the so-called sanctuary city status. Keller describes himself as an obvious Democrat, even if his office is technically non-partisan. He told KUNM he is very concerned about the incoming Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen the Trump show before and, more than most cities, we are prepared and I am prepared to stand up for the City of Albuquerque, he said. He said he is committed to the city maintaining local control. That includes defending the Immigrant-Friendly Policy passed in 2018 against Trumps immigration agenda. Among other things, the law prevents the city from questioning or disclosing a persons immigration status or using its resources to enforce federal immigration law, including detention. The Pew Research Center estimates that, in 2016, around 25,000 undocumented immigrants were living in Albuquerque out of the approximately 60,000 believed to be in New Mexico. The organization estimates a similar number of unauthorized immigrants were in the U.S. in 2016 as 2022, its most recent comprehensive data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last time Trump was in the White House, city officials in 2020 accused the federal government of threatening to withhold public safety funding because of the policy. Trump tried to essentially bribe or bully us with federal grant money, Keller said. And so, were aware of those tricks. And I think were definitely going to be able to stand our ground in Albuquerque. Last time, the funds were eventually released. Keller said this time his tactics will include telling the public what the feds are up to and continuing to apply for federal funding with a disclaimer that the city wont be breaking its own law to qualify for it. And the third thing is were going to ask for help from the state and from the county, he said. And so, if there are funds that end up not being released, were going to say that part of standing together means helping each other with funding. City councils sanctuary city debate The sanctuary city status has also faced challenges from within Albuquerques city council. Over the summer, conservative councilors Brook Bassan and Renee Grout proposed amending the policy to allow for cooperation with federal authorities in cases where people are accused of violent felonies, or human or drug trafficking. It narrowly failed on a 4-5 vote. Progressive Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn was among those who voted it down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That proposal was fear mongering at its best, Fiebelkorn told KUNM. There is already in place plenty of legislation and policies that say that, If you live in Albuquerque, no matter where youre from, if you are breaking our laws there will be ramifications for that. There is no reason to single out one part of our community as criminals that have to have special policies against them. She insisted any future efforts to weaken the policy will not survive either, even after the expected shift in federal policy. I think it would be a foolish thing to try in the City of Albuquerque, she said. I think, just earlier this year, we showed that we will always overcome any kind of proposals that are meant to demonize or harm our undocumented neighbors. Trump recently posted on his social media platform Truth Social that it is true he plans to declare a national emergency to use military assets to carry out mass deportations. Fiebelkorn said she thinks that would be easier said than done in Albuquerque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is an alarming thought. And all I can say is that any kind of action like that in our city would be met with pretty substantial push back, she said. Quite frankly, protest against [it] would be very huge. And I would be out there with everyone else. While the amendment failed, conservatives hold a majority on the city council. That includes Council President Dan Lewis. Though, he took issue with that characterization of the council, since the seats are technically non-partisan. Id [say] the majority of the council has a lot of common sense, he said. He pushed back on Fiebelkorns assessment of the reform effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How is acknowledging that there is a public safety benefit of cooperation fear mongering? I mean, that was simply the amendment, he said. And I think its good policy. While not planning on proposing another policy change himself, Lewis said he would support one. How much agency does the city have? Lewis said it is not likely that the federal government will withhold funds because the city maintains its policy as is, since doing so would be unconstitutional. Still, he said, having an idiot mayor that makes statements like hes made? I dont think its helpful. He declined to answer whether he would be in favor of the federal government sending the military in to assist with local deportations, saying he did not believe his stance on the matter was relevant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I mean, I dont need to support or take a stand against that, he said. You know, Im a city councilor. A city councilor, and even a mayor, doesnt have the ability to prohibit something in that regard. Mayor Keller said his administrations resistance worked last time and it would be willing to do everything it can again, including making legal fights. That would be a very difficult situation, he said. And Im not sure what else a mayor could do, but Id be open to it. Keller may not be alone in challenging new federal immigration policies. In cities like Denver and Boston, mayors have also promised to keep protecting immigrants. Attendees of the Donald Trump rally on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in Albuquerque. Some hopefuls to lead the New Mexico Republican Party say they want to model the President-elect's approach to electoral victory. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) The New Mexico Republican Party is seeking a new leader after its chairman Steve Pearce announced this week he would not seek reelection. After six years as the face of New Mexicos opposition party, Pearce, a former U.S. representative and gubernatorial candidate, will no longer lead the party. The news was first reported by the Albuquerque Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six people are vying to replace him. They are Amy Barela, an Otero County commissioner; John Brenna, the Valencia County Republican Party Executive Committee chairman; Robert Kwasny, who lost the GOP primary for Bernalillo County Clerk; Mark Murton, a former Army officer and former manager at Sandia National Laboratories; Mick Rich, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate; and District 29 state Sen. Joshua Sanchez. Republican party members will elect their new leader, along with other party officials, on Dec. 7 at the 2024 Biennial Convention. In interviews with Source New Mexico this week, four candidates to lead the state GOP were careful to remain diplomatic in their critiques of Pearces leadership but acknowledged they must do something different if they want to gain power in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barela, the partys vice-chair, positioned herself as the only candidate with expertise in its structure and rules. She said she has an aggressive plan to flip New Mexico red by registering more voters and building the party from the bottom up. Statewide, the Democratic Party takes the largest slice of those registered at 42%, while Republicans account for about one-third of the electorate. A quarter of voters decline to state any party affiliation, Libertarians make up just more than 1% and all other parties are just less than 1% combined. We just need to increase our voter registration drives, and be where were not, Barela said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rich, a construction contractor who ran twice for the U.S. Senate, said Republicans need to unify across geographic and economic divides, and broaden their voting base. A Republican that can win in the southeast, or in northwest New Mexico, cant win in the Rio Grande Valley, he said. Weve got to recognize that were going to support the Republicans that may not be just like us, but we have the same basic goals, and the same beliefs. Rich cited his experience as a private contractor working with other companies on complex projects makes him able to bring people together. The goal is to save our state, to turn it around, he said. Weve got to put aside our differences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reached for comment on Wednesday, Murton said he was making numerous phone calls to connect with supporters and couldnt do an interview until next week. I do have a vision, Murton said. Well see if it matters after the 7th, but even if it doesnt, Im workin at the Bernalillo County level to up our game a little bit, systematize things a little more. Kwasny said Friday the party needs an overhaul. Theyve been so used to having the Democrats dominate them that I think a lot of them have kind of given up and expect that theyre not going to win, he said. But the Republican trifecta in Washington, he said, shows an unquenchable appetite for a party that connects with voters through digital means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voicemails and messages left for the two other GOP chair candidates on Wednesday went unreturned. Republican performance in 2024 Republicans were able to gain two seats in the statehouse. One very close race for a spot in the House of Representatives is awaiting an automatic recount. But the GOP remains the minority in the New Mexico state government. Democrats control the governors office and comfortable majorities in both legislative chambers. Rich criticized the partys performance in the 2024 elections, which he called disappointing and attributed to a lack of unity and effective leadership. Donald Trump did it, and we can do it, Rich said. We cant keep doin it the way weve been doin it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barela said Pearce has grown momentum, putting New Mexico closer than its ever been to being controlled by Republicans. I hope to continue the momentum he built upon and strengthen it with the grassroots, she said. Kwasny said if elected, he would create overarching goals that would overcome party infighting. Following Pearces lead Barela said she would carry on Pearces policy platform structure. She wants to make changes to the platform but said it would take working with newly elected officials. She also wants to adopt President Trumps plan to make sure that we include all New Mexicans in progressing New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rich praised Pearces fundraising and statewide candidate tours in 2018 but stressed the need for new strategies to win elections. By the end of the campaign, we were a team, we were supporting each other, we had each others backs, he said of the 2018 race. Every time theres an election, we need to start that at the beginning, not the end. Kwasny praised Pearces weekly podcast but said the website where it lives needs to clamp down on dissenting views from Democrats in the comment section. Im all for free speech, but when youve got somebody thats actually doing this on purpose and its got nothing to do with free speech or any kind of cohesive thought, just emotional outbursts they need to be blocked, he said. Breaking from Pearce Barela said Republicans need the right messaging to convince New Mexicans they want to lower consumer prices and lift state regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am more of a grassroots activist, and I think I reach the people and the counties well, she said. Rich said if elected as party chair, he plans to gain support for boosting the GOP in the state from Washington within six months, though he would not go into detail. Its going to be something that would be good for all of New Mexico, for Republicans, and it would be good for the President, he said. Kwasny criticized the partys lack of assistance for candidates and said there should be a candidate training program like the one Democrats have, called Emerge New Mexico, but with very different goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can fix it and we have to in a year, because weve got a mayoral race in 2025 both in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, we should be able to win that, he said. Update Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at 11:44 a.m.: This story has been updated with comments from an additional NMGOP chair candidate. When Haiti orphanage founder and author Mitch Albom heard that U.S. commercial flights into the troubled Caribbean nation were banned for 30 days after gangs shot at three commercial planes and the main international airport was shuttered, his thoughts immediately went to his kids. Five of the children at Alboms Have Faith Haiti Mission & Orphanage in Port-au-Prince, including a 4-year-old with severe developmental problems, had pending medical appointments in the United States and no way out. I have seen how close you can be to death with a kid, said Albom, who finally found a way out for the children on a helicopter to Cap-Haitien provided by HERO Client Rescue, a crisis response group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haiti is once again in the throes of chaos and the intensified gang violence is leaving both locals and foreigners with few options to get out. In response to the alarming level of violence, foreign embassies and international aid groups are reducing their staffs in Port-au-Prince. The United Nations International Office for Migration told the Miami Herald that it has relocated a very low number of support staff but most of its people remain in Port-au-Prince to assist with stepped up operations as the agency confronts an unprecedented displacement crisis due to gang violence. The agency said the violence has led to the highest number of people fleeing their homes 41,000 people in 10 days since January 2023. More than 700,000 Haitians were homeless because of gang attacks over these last three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violence is forcing families to abandon their homes, often for the second or third time, the agency said. Displaced people face dire conditions with limited or no access to water, food, sanitation and healthcare. Hindering efforts to leave the country, the airspace between Haiti and the Dominican Republic remains closed as well, amid simmering diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors that share the island of Hispaniola. Some government officials have been relying on a helicopter provided by Taiwan to move security forces around the country to get out of Port-au-Prince. Others with deep pockets have paid thousands of dollars for one of just six seats on a private helicopter, on which each passenger is only allowed to bring a 20-pound backpack. The closure of the capitals domestic and international airports means flight operators need to apply for a permit from Haitian aviation authorities. If the aircraft are licensed in the U.S. they need a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, staff like those working for the World Bank are temporarily relocating to Cap-Haitien, in the north of the country, where the small international airport was recently exempted from the FAAs ban and offers the only way in and out of Haiti. Last week three privately chartered helicopters ferried World Bank staffers from Port-au-Prince. The organization told the Herald that the temporary relocation of staff and their dependents was done on a voluntary basis as a precautionary measure. The choppers set down at the top of a mountain in Petion-Ville, the wealthy Port-au-Prince suburb that was later targeted by gangs in the middle of the night. Over the course of the day, residents said choppers landed at least 17 times. On Friday, the State Department deployed two U.S. government aircraft to Port-au-Prince, one to evacuate embassy staff and another to watch from above as diplomats boarded. It was the fifth time since 2019 that the embassy, which has been closed for routine visa appointments since the pandemic, evacuated staff from Haiti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, a U.S. Air Force C-130 landed in Port-au-Prince to evacuate U.S. citizens. There were accusations of favoritism and lack of transparency after U.S. citizens registered with the embassy said they had not received any updates about evacuation flights. The State Department said Monday said that U.S. citizens in need of assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince at acspap@state.gov, or call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 in the U.S. and Canada. People with experience in Haiti say things are worse than they have been all year. Gang disruptions, roadblocks and the recent attempt to invade Petion-Ville, an area that had been insulated from the armed attacks, have made movement around the capital even more dangerous. With all the violence in Port-au-Prince, we cant get to any places; you cant even get to a hospital, said Albom, who had the kids stay at another orphanage in Cap-Haitien for two nights until they could send a plane to evacuate them to the U.S. Most of the hospitals or therapy places are either closed or its too dangerous to try to drive there, if they even have any staff and are open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAAs 30-day ban on U.S. carriers flying to Haiti is supposed to end on Dec. 12. But even if the ban is lifted, it is unclear when regular commercial air traffic will resume. American Airlines announced it wont resume daily service between Miami and Port-au-Prince until Feb. 12. On Tuesday, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq dismissed reports that the agency was leaving Port-au-Prince. However, he said that due to the significantly deteriorating security situation the U.N. is adapting its operations to ensure the continued delivery of critical humanitarian program. We continue supporting the Haitian people and authorities, with critical humanitarian assistance and political support, he said. Operators of charities, like Albom, say it is becoming increasingly difficult to function in the capital safely and to get children out to the U.S. for care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its doubly frustrating to know that theres care available here and you just cant get there from here, said Albom, who has other kids in need of help who cant get visas from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince because of cutbacks in consular services. Its like your hope has an expiration date, and thats crazy because hope should never expire. U.S. lawmakers plea for kids Earlier this week, five Republican members of Congress wrote to Haiti Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime asking for his approval for the evacuation of approximately 70 Haitian children currently in adoption procedures with American families. Among the children are a dozen kids being adopted by their Haitian-American blood relatives, the lawmakers wrote. The letter was signed by representatives August Pfluger of Texas, Mike Flood of Nebraska, Cory Mills of Florida, John Curtis of Utah and Andy Ogles of Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of State has communicated its willingness to collaborate with the Haitian government to allow the children to enter the United States. It has been relayed to us that the Haitian government is unable or unwilling to allow for these children to leave Haiti without a full and final adoption and a Haitian passport, the letter said. Haitis child welfare office has argued that it wants to avoid a repeat of the situation after the devasting earthquake in 2010, when some children were taken out of the country and trafficked. Due to the recent events, we are asking for emergency measures to be taken to get these children to their American families while the adoption is finalized. These American families have a deep love for their Haitian children, the lawmakers wrote. Delegation of mainland university students, teachers kicks off Taiwan visit Xinhua) 08:30, November 28, 2024 TAIPEI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities arrived at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday, kicking off their nine-day visit to the island. Invited by the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, the delegation is led by Qiu Yong, chairman of the Communist Party of China committee of Tsinghua University. Qiu said in an address that he expects more opportunities for young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to meet, understand each other, and build friendships. He stressed that the connection between the two sides of the Strait will never be severed and the bonds of affection will never be obstructed. The delegation comprises members from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Normal University and Beijing Sport University. The delegation will visit six universities in Taiwan including Taiwan University, Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, and Chengchi University, as well as Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School. Their itinerary also includes visits to historical and cultural sites on the island. In April, Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, led a group of young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Three companies from Quzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province showcased their products at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing this week, highlighting regional firms' growing ambitions for international expansion. Zhejiang Aijia's booth at the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing. [Photo/China.org.cn] Returning exhibitor Zhejiang Aijia displayed its renowned pomelos from Changshan county, Quzhou, at its booth in the Green Agriculture Chain zone, offering visitors samples of both fresh fruit and juice products. The company operates an integrated supply chain encompassing fruit and vegetable cultivation, processing and sales. "Changshan's pomelo has a history of over 600 years and possesses unique characteristics as both food and medicine, being globally distinctive," said Qin Hanfen, chairwoman of the company, adding that her confidence in expanding overseas was bolstered since the first edition of CISCE in 2023. "There's huge overseas market potential, and we hope to promote Changshan pomelo worldwide through the expo," she added. First-time exhibitor Zhejiang Yuncui Tea Development displayed its products to international buyers at the expo's Healthy Life Chain zone. Chairman Wang Yang, whose company ranks among China's top 100 tea enterprises, said he hopes to establish overseas partnerships. The company integrates tea production, research and tourism operations. Great Power, a leading energy storage battery manufacturer, participated in the Clean Energy Chain zone. "The main purpose of our participation in this expo is brand promotion and showcasing some of our products while seeking cooperation opportunities both domestically and internationally," said Peng Wujun, assistant to the chairman, noting interest from visitors, including Brazilian delegates. The expo, running Nov. 26-30, showcases seven specialized zones, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy life, green agriculture and supply chain services. "Quzhou enterprises gained valuable insights from CISCE about managing industrial and supply chain operations," Liu Xierong, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Quzhou Committee, told China.org.cn. "Our participating enterprises also secured promising business opportunities through connections with foreign companies, which has been quite rewarding." Quzhou, a historic city in western Zhejiang province, maintains trade relationships with over 200 countries and regions. It has attracted over 700 foreign companies to invest there. On Tuesday (Nov. 26), Vice President Kamala Harris made her first post-concession public address to supporters during a virtual call. Reflecting on the campaign, she encouraged listeners to stay hopeful and committed to their shared values and emphasized that the fight for their agenda did not end on Nov. 5. The work we put into it was about empowering people, she stated. Trending Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With support from her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris acknowledged the disappointment of their defeat. It feels heavy, she admitted. I just have to remind you: Dont let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you had before [the outcome], and you have the same purpose that you did. Walz echoed her sentiments, stating, We werent running against something. We were running for something. Candidly, its a bit scary because there is a very different vision that is being put out there. The Harris-Walz ticket lost critical battleground states to former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and the GOP scored decisive victories through the Electoral College and the popular vote. I know this is an uncertain time. Im clear-eyed about that, Harris remarked before reiterating the need to keep pushing. She also wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving holiday. Harris, who replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket in July, faced a campaign filled with challenges. Concerns over Bidens age and performance mounted after a June debate against Trump, which paved the way for the former California senator to take over. Initially, she gained momentum with strong debate performances and backing from Democratic A-listers, many of whom performed or spoke at her rallies. However, her campaign appeared to struggle in its final weeks, with voters prioritizing issues like the economy and immigration over her messaging about Trump as a threat to democracy. You Might Also Like Donald Trumps pick for special envoy to Ukraine once proposed cutting military aid to the country to force Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiating table. Keith Kellogg, 80, who served as chief of staff for the White House National Security Council during the Republicans first term, will play a leading role in resolving the conflict. Under a proposal presented to the president-elect in June, Lt Gen Kellogg suggested halting weapon supplies to Kyiv if the war-torn capital refused to engage in peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Russia would be warned that not negotiating would result in increased military support for Ukraine. To further encourage Russian president Vladimir Putin, the US could agree to suspending the possibility of Nato membership for Kyiv. Lt Gen Kelloggs plan, which was co-authored alongside former Trump aide Fred Fleitz, called for the conflict to be frozen along its current front lines. As it stands, that would leave Russia in control of almost one-fifth of Ukraines territory. His paper reads: Specifically, it would mean a formal US policy to seek a ceasefire and negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defenses to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a ceasefire or peace agreement. Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia. It is unclear whether this plan will be the one used by Mr Trump to end the war, something he has promised to do before his inauguration on Jan 20. Writing on his Truth Social website, the president-elect said: I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith has led a distinguished military and business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first administration. He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure peace through strength, and make America, and the world, safe again! The appointment is likely to spark concerns in Kyiv and could potentially cause friction between the US and its Nato allies, if Washington opts to proceed with Lt Gen Kelloggs outlined strategy to end the conflict. The retired general appeared to beat Richard Grenell, the former acting director of national intelligence, to the position of special envoy, according to media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is likely that Mr Trump picked Lt Gen Kellogg because of his loyalty. Like the president-elect, the retired general has expressed reservations over continued US support for Ukraine in a war they think the country might lose. He was an ever-present adviser on security to the Republican during his first term, even as a succession of top aides were sacked. Mr Trump once called him one of our great generals. His military experience dates back to the Vietnam War, where he won several awards for bravery. After retiring from the military in 2003, Lt Gen Kellogg went to work for a number of private defence contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He became acting national security adviser in 2017 after Mr Trump sacked Michael Flynn for lying about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the US. Lt Gen Kellogg also served as a security adviser to Mike Pence, the former vice-president. Like many of Mr Trumps latest administration hires, the retired general has spent recent years at the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BARDSTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) A Kentucky woman has been indicted after allegedly running an unlicensed child care facility. According to the Nelson County Sheriffs Office, 27-year-old Katelyn Rogers was indicted by a grand jury on human trafficking and criminal abuse charges. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Facebook, the sheriffs office said the charges stem from their investigation into incidents that happened in Nelson County between February and May 30 of this year. While running the child care facility, she allegedly coerced and manipulated an employee to work without pay, using intimidation to compel her continued labor, according to the sheriffs office. Shes also allegedly attempted to influence and intimidate the same employee to mislead investigators regarding the number of children they were caring for and other details of the facilitys operations. Rogers allegedly altered video footage and deleted text messages to hinder an ongoing investigation. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson County Sheriffs Office also said Rogers intentionally abused a child under 12 with acts of torture, cruel confinement, or other forms of cruel punishment. The sheriffs office asks anyone with information about this case to contact our office at 502-348-1840. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Elon Musk on Wednesday suggested retired Army Lt. Col Alexander Vindman committed treason and will pay after the former Trump impeachment witness accused the tech billionaire and close Trump ally of being unwittingly used by Russia. Vindman is on the payroll of Ukranian oligarchs and has committed treason against the United States, Musk wrote on his social media platform X, responding to comments Vindman made in an interview about Musks reported conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Musk added that Vindman, who played a central role in the first impeachment of then-President Trump, will pay the appropriate penalty. In a response on X, Vindman said Musks comments were false and completely unfounded accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He maintained he has never taken money from Ukranian oligarchs, while pointing out he runs a nonprofit to aid in Ukraines defense against Russia. I served in the military for nearly 22 years and my loyalty is to supporting the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Thats why I reported presidential corruption when I witnessed an effort to steal an election, he wrote. You, Elon, appear to believe you can act with impunity and are attempting to silence your critics. Im not intimidated, he added. Musks remarks vowing a penalty come as Trump has drawn scrutiny over his repeated pledges to take revenge on his perceived enemies once back in the White House. The former presidents fixation on retribution has sparked concern among critics, some of whom worry a second Trump term will lack some of the guardrails that existed in his first four years in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tech billionaire went after Vindman, who worked as a Ukraine expert on the National Security Council and later testified in Trumps 2019 impeachment hearings, after Vindman pointedly criticized Musk in an MSNBC interview circulated online. Clearly Putin has a type. He likes narcissists and egomaniacs that he knows as a case officer can easily pander to manipulate, to do his dirty work, Vindman said in the late October interview circulated online by X users this week. Russia has been using different levers whether thats corruption networks, in this case, its influencers like Donald Trump, like Elon Musk, to kind of sow discord. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Musk had been in regular contact with Putin since late 2022. Putin and Musk reportedly had various conversations on personal matters, business and geopolitical tensions, while sometimes involving other high-ranking Russian officials, including Putins first deputy chief of staff, Sergei Kiriyenko. Vindman said Musks interactions with Putin are particularly troubling since the tech entrepreneur has access to state secrets and Top Secret security clearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its possible that some of that is seeping through, Vindman said, adding, Hes [Putin] been using the richest man in the world to do his bidding. In some cases, thats encouraging him probably to support Donald Trump. Musks aerospace company, SpaceX, holds contracts with the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community worth billions of dollars, while his electric vehicle company Tesla receives federal subsidies. The tech entrepreneur has reportedly claimed he holds a U.S. security clearance as part of these federal agreements. Vindman has remained a vocal critic of Trump, stating earlier this year Trump has every intention to undo American democracy if reelected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time Musk and Vindman have clashed on social media. The two got into a social media spat in 2022 when Vindman called Musk a purveyor of hate and division in response to the X platform owner labelling him both puppet & puppeteer. Vindmans twin brother, Eugene Vindman, a retired Army officer, was elected to the U.S. House earlier this month to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.). Updated at 11:02 p.m. EDT Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NASA scientists have found the remains of a U.S. military base buried 100 feet below the surface of the ice in Greenland. Camp Century, as it was called, was a Cold War-era satellite for the U.S. Army used as a front for a planned arsenal of nuclear missiles. While the plan never came to fruition and the base was shortly abandoned, there are still thousands of gallons of nuclear waste buried beneath the ice. Over the years, weve dug up a lot of stuff buried underneath layers upon layers of ice. Ancient tools, animal corpses, World War II planes, volcanosyou name it, ice has buried it, and weve found it. During an April flight over the Greenland Ice Sheet, NASA scientist Chad Greene added a pretty surprising entrant to that list: a secret military base. After taking radar images of the ice, Greene was surprised to see what was shortly thereafter confirmed to be Camp Centurya 65-year-old Cold War United States military base buried 100 feet deep in the massive ice sheet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were looking for the bed of the ice and out pops Camp Century, said Alex Gardner, a cryospheric scientist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), who helped lead the project. We didnt know what it was at first. Built in secret between June of 1959 and October of 1960 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Camp Centuryalso known as the city under the icewas comprised of 21 underground tunnels spanning 9,800 feet, according to Interesting Engineering. In radar images of the site, Greene said, many of the bases individual structures are clearly discernable. To study the base, NASA used Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR), a technology similar to LiDAR that is commonly used in searching for hidden structures like Maya ruins. The difference is that where LiDAR uses laser light, UAVSAR uses radio waves. The U.S. and Denmark signed the Defense of Greenland agreement in 1951 to negotiate arrangements under which armed forces of the parties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization may make use of facilities in Greenland in defense of Greenland and the rest of the North Atlantic Treaty area, according to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. (Greenland was, at the time of the agreement, a county of Denmark). This allowed the U.S. to build bases in Greenland. Even without the -70 degree temperatures and 125-mile-per-hour winds that were possible on the ice shelf, the construction of Camp Century sounds like a total nightmare. The camp was built from 6,000 tons of material, transported via heavy bobsleds that topped out at two miles per hour. Materials were shipped to Thule, another U.S. base (this one above ice)on the sleds, that trek was a 70-hour trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army engineers first dug trenchesthe longest of which was a 1,000-foot-long passageway called Main Streetdeep in the snow and ice before wooden buildings and steel roofs built out Camp Century. The crown jewel of the base was one of the first PM-2 medium-power nuclear reactors that, in the freezing conditions, had to be treated with the utmost care in order to power the site. While operating at the base, scientists made major geological breakthroughs. They were some of the first to study ice cores, and soil from Greenland itself revealed an ancient history of verdant forestry and diverse wildlife. But that research was just a cover-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp Century itself was not a secret. Its establishment was known, and the Army even made a promotional video for the project. The scientific research angle, as significant as the discoveries were, was merely a front for a major U.S. nuclear weapon strategy of which the Danish government wasnt even aware. Known as Project Iceworm, the plan was for Camp Century to house ballistic missiles under the Greenland ice. An additional 52,000 square miles of tunnels were plannedenough to fit 600 missiles. It would require 60 launch centers to be built, and would be manned by 11,000 soldiers living full-time in the city under the ice. If that sounds impossible on a number of levels to you, youre not alone. Project Iceworm never came to be because of a litany of obstacles, almost all of them boiling down to some version of well, this simply isnt feasible. By 1967, Camp Century was decommissioned and abandoneda frigid fossil of the U.S.s Cold War efforts. The potential nuclear weapon plan was publicized by the Danish Institute of International Affairs in 1997. So, now the remains sit alone, buried by even more ice and snow in the 57 years since the closure of the base and giving its Camp Century name even more significance. Ultimately, its just a harmless footnote in U.S. military history. Right? Well, not exactly. As is U.S. tradition during international ventures, there were some residual drawbacks. Remember that nuclear reactor that was lugged piece by piece below the ice, only to operate for 33 months? Well, during that time, it produced over 47,000 gallons of nuclear waste, according to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. When the base shut down, they removed the reactor, but not the waste, which is still lying under the iceice that is in serious peril with a warming climate. Right now, its just sitting there, frozen in time. But a study by experts has projected that the base could begin losing ice by 2090. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They thought it would never be exposed, William Colgan, a climate and glacier scientist at Torontos York University and the leader of the study, told The Guardian in 2016. Back then, in the 60s, the term global warming had not even been coined. But the climate is changing, and the question now is whether whats down there is going to stay down there. You Might Also Like A white-tailed buck in a field. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management plans to conduct an aerial survey this winter to calculate a new estimate for the state's deer population. (Photo by Dean Birch) If the number of deer brought by hunters to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)-operated biological check stations during the first weekend in November is any indication, its going to be a good hunting season. The DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife recorded a total of 236 harvested deer checked in at the states six stations on Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, the first weekend of muzzleloader season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats almost as many as the 245 brought to check-in stations over the first weekend of muzzleloader season and the first weekend of shotgun season combined last year. Hunters must check in the deer they kill during the first two days of each firearm season so that state biologists can collect tissue samples and data to learn more about the overall health of Rhode Islands deer herd. The first weekend of shotgun season is Dec. 7 and 8. Deer taken with archery equipment must also be brought to check-in stations. I think we could potentially break our record harvest this year, said DEM Principal Wildlife Biologist Dylan Ferreira. The states record deer harvest of 2,937 was in the 2008-2009 winter season, Ferreira said. Last year, the deer harvest was 2,794. Statewide deer harvest in Rhode Island from 1977 to 2023. (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Fish and Wildlife) Ferreira said 215 deer taken by hunters on opening weekend were shot with a muzzleloader while 21 were archery kills 12 by hunters using a vertical bow and nine by crossbow. In all, 173 males and 63 females were checked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest deer was an eight-point buck weighing about 200 pounds killed on Nov. 2 in Scituate by a hunter using a vertical bow, Ferreira said. Seventeen DEM staff members assisted by 12 volunteers worked over the weekend at the six check-in stations. Heres the breakdown of deer checked in at each one: 68 at George Washington Management Area in Chepachet 68 at Arcadia Management Area at Wood River in Exeter 29 at Carolina Management Area: Pine Hill Road, Richmond, (41.46618, 27 at Smithfield Sportsman Club in Smithfield 24 at Great Swamp Management Area in West Kingston 19 at Tiverton Rod and Gun Club in Tiverton State biologists take samples of teeth and lymph nodes from each deer. The lymph nodes will be sent to a laboratory at the New Bolton Center Diagnostic Laboratories at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine to test for the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, reindeer that has spread to more than half of the states in the continental United States. Infected deer become unable to eat and show a lack of fear of humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, CWD has not been detected in Rhode Island. This year is the 23rd year of testing for the disease. Good weather helped usher in muzzleloader season, which runs each year from the first Saturday in November through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. With Thanksgiving falling later in the month this year, muzzleloader season is an extra weekend longer this year. Early November finds deer are in the middle of their breeding season, or rut. Bucks are generally more active and easier to hunt. But an abundance of acorns this year has meant deer dont have to roam as much for food, Ferreira said. Lot of acorns, more than I can ever remember, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEM officials are planning to conduct an aerial monitoring survey this winter to calculate the size of the states deer population, which some estimates put over 20,000. In 2004, the deer herd across Rhode Island was estimated at nearly 16,000. There were 1,347 deer vehicle collisions reported to DEMs Division of Law Enforcement in 2023, an 11% decrease compared to 2022 when 1,544 deer auto strikes were reported. In 2023, the number of reported deer auto strikes was equivalent to 49% of the total reported hunter harvest. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In September, Katka Lapelosova took a solo trip to Greece. While she enjoyed the six days in Zakynthos, it wasn't the stress-free vacation she'd hoped for. If she could do it over, she'd travel there with friends and rent a car. Now that I live in Europe, I love how easy it is to visit different countries. Since leaving New York City in 2020, I aim to travel at least once a month. In September, I decided it was time for a solo trip to a Greek island to live out my "Mamma Mia" dreams. My friends recommended Santorini and Mykonos, but those islands were expensive, and I was nervous about them being overcrowded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I researched a few alternatives, like Corfu, Zakynthos, and Rhodes, and settled on Zakynthos, partly due to photos of a shipwreck I'd seen on Instagram. I wanted to see if the water was really the color of Colgate toothpaste, but more than that, I just needed a seaside break to relax and help me reset. My beach vacation in Greece was very much what I needed, but there are some things I would change if I had the chance for a vacation redo. The author came across a lot of gap year travelers during her trip to Zakynthos. Katka Lapelosova 1. Spend time in Athens I had an overnight layover in Athens, so I spent one night in the city center before heading to Zakynthos. Friends had told me I only needed a day in the city, saying that there wasn't much to see or do. The city took me by surprise, though, and I wish I'd had more time there. Outside the incredible historic Greek archaeology, I didn't have enough time for the art museums or festivals. While the residential architecture wasn't as charming as what I saw on the island, the mix of classical designs, modern restaurants, and cocktail bars all looked worthy of a visit. 2. Avoid the party zones Once I got to Zakynthos, the energy level changed. I was greeted by the chaos of gap year travelers living out the last days of summer. I had read that the island was a hot spot for college-aged travelers, but I figured it was big enough that we could keep our distance. But despite my accommodation being just outside the main party zone of Laganas, I shared a floor with a group of eight rowdy college kids. I was thankful that I'd packed earplugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In hindsight, I should have done more research on other parts of the island. While some locals told me Zakynthos has parties wherever you go, others said that renting a villa can be a good alternative for finding a bit of peace and quiet. They said that visitors who stay more inland can rent a car and drive to the beach, as most coastlines can be reached in a few minutes. 3. Rent a car to explore more of the island Renting a car would have been a great idea overall, but my plan had been to take buses. In true island fashion, these ran on their own schedule One day in Zakynthos, I waited over an hour for a bus that never came. Taxis proved to be just as unreliable, with many canceling or not showing up when I tried to book them by phone. While I was able to make the most of Laganas, the island's village and beach resort, I feel like there was more I could have explored. I was limited to the nearby beaches, which were not super crowded but not very serene or peaceful either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also didn't realize that it was much easier to get to the shipwreck by car. Only one tour company offered to drive people there, so I had to work around their schedule to see it. Friends partying together on a boat in Zakynthos. Katka Lapelosova 4. Travel with friends instead of going solo Normally, I opt for solo travel. I find it to be the least stressful. But I often felt lonely on Zakynthos because I saw big groups of people everywhere I went not just college kids either, but multi-generational families and honeymooning couples, all having fun in the sun around me. I watched a lot of them enjoying the outdoor and water activities that Greece has to offer. Small boats can be rented to sail around the island, take tours of water caves and go diving or snorkeling, grab a few mopeds or four-wheelers and drive around, party on a booze cruise, or enjoy inflatable water playgrounds along the beach. While I could have done some of those things on my own, I knew they'd be more fun with a big group of friends to share the excitement. Hotels and restaurants in Zakynthos range between "beachfront," "beach access," or "private beach." Katka Lapelosova 5. Understand the difference between beachfront and beach access One of the biggest things I'd change about my Greek island trip is booking a hotel that had beach access. "Beachfront" doesn't necessarily mean you can just walk right out to the beach from your hotel, or at least not on Zakynthos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While my accommodation was next to the beach, if I wanted to spend time lounging in the sun, I had to pay for a crummy cappuccino or an overpriced bottle of water for the privilege. I didn't realize this before I booked my trip, but locals told me it's common. Many cafes, restaurants, and bars own beach access, and while most just ask that you purchase some food or drinks, some require you to rent a beach chair and umbrella or even buy a day pass. Next time, I'll read more reviews or even contact the property and ask if they have a beach for their guests. I only saw "beachfront" on my booking website and realized after spending a few days there that what I needed was "beach access" or "private beach." Read the original article on Business Insider Conservative groups have for years sought to reduce the governments sway over parents childrearing choices, particularly when it comes to decisions about school and health care. But the Supreme Courts upcoming and potentially explosive transgender care case is dividing conservatives, with many of those same groups backing Tennessees ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatments, which critics say injects the state into family medical decisions and overrides parental rights. As a result, some notable conservatives are supporting the Biden administrations challenge of that law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since when does a conservative say, The state knows what is best for my child, said former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, an anti-Trump Republican who opposes Tennessees law. If you decide a state can do this, then it puts all parental decisions at risk of being overruled by the government. The Supreme Court will hear arguments December 4 in the most important transgender rights case the justices have ever tackled, reviewing a Tennessee law enacted last year that bans gender-affirming care for minors and imposes civil penalties for doctors who violate the prohibitions. Gender-affirming surgeries are not at issue because a lower court tossed out a challenge to those procedures. Though the high court declined to consider the parental rights question when it took the case earlier this year, the debate is nevertheless playing out in briefings and may come up during the courts oral arguments. The Biden administration appeal has landed on the courts docket at a moment when transgender rights have become a roiling culture war issue for Republicans, with President-elect Donald Trump denouncing transgender craziness and South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace attempting to ban transgender women from using womens bathrooms at the US Capitol and other federal buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee, and many conservatives who support the states position, argues parental rights arent a factor in the case. After all, they say, states have a long history of regulating medicine for people of all ages. Even adults lack a substantive-due-process right to demand access to a particular medication, the state told the Supreme Court. That lack of a right to certain drugs, the state claims, dooms the Biden administrations appeal. Put up or shut up moment? Conservative groups have lined up in federal courts to make nearly identical parental rights arguments in other cases. In one appeal that has been pending at the Supreme Court for months, a group of Wisconsin parents say their school district is violating parental rights by hiding transgender support plans allowing students to change their pronouns and bathroom use without informing parents. Anti-abortion groups, meanwhile, have for years argued that parents must have a say in a minors decision to end a pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-six GOP-led states including Tennessee have enacted bans on at least some form of gender-affirming care. But a few Republicans are bucking their party by focusing on the question of whether parents have a right, grounded in the 14th Amendment, to direct the medical care of their children. Its a bit of a reckoning for the Republican Party, said Alex Lundry, who worked on Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign and who signed a brief in the Tennessee case, along with dozens of current and former GOP elected officials and aides, opposing the state law. You certainly have a lot of people on the right calling for more parental rights, particularly in the realm of education. Also signing the brief were Republican state lawmakers in Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri; a former spokesperson for the Republican National Committee; and a former chief of staff to the late Sen. John McCain. Brian Burgess, an appellate lawyer at the firm Goodwin Procter who helped write the brief, said that while transgender care has become ideologically charged, there is a traditional conservative view toward medical decisions being a judgment for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another brief supporting the Biden administration, a group of law professors focus on the historic practice of families directing medical care for their children, citing the then-controversial decision some made to inoculate their children against smallpox in 18th century colonial America. That brief, which is intended to appeal to the conservative justices focus on history, is signed by Steven Calabresi, a conservative law professor at Northwestern University. Yale Law professor William Eskridge, who co-authored the brief, described the Tennessee case as a put up or shut up moment for the courts emphasis on history. If you want to be a historical-focused court, Eskridge said, look at the history. Parental rights not absolute Though it took the Biden administrations appeal over Tennessees law, the Supreme Court did not grant a separate appeal from the transgender youth and families affected by the ban. That separate lawsuit specifically asked whether the state law violates the fundamental right of parents to make decisions about the medical care of their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear why the court granted the Biden administration appeal but not the similar case from the families, but one effect of that decision is that parental rights wont squarely be at issue when the justices take the bench on Wednesday. In allowing the Tennessee ban to take effect last year, a divided 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals brushed aside the parental rights arguments. Parents usually do know whats best for their children. But, it added, becoming a parent does not create a right to reject democratically enacted laws. Melissa Moschella, a professor of the practice in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, said that parental rights are not absolute. Even adults, she noted, dont have a right to take whatever medications they choose, because those treatments are regulated by the government. Its not really about the state interfering in a parents decision, Moschella said during a recent event organized by the conservative Federalist Society. Its about the state trying to protect parents and especially their children from a medical establishment that the state I think, with good reason, has judged corrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those opposed to the bans point out that many of the same treatments are available for cisgender minors in Tennessee for reasons other than gender dysphoria. Parents have looked me in the eye and have told me that but for this treatment, their child would be dead, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said last year, explaining his veto of a similar ban. These are gut-wrenching decisions that should be made by parents. Days later, Ohios Republican-controlled legislature voted to override the veto. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (NewsNation) Several people who have been nominated for Cabinet positions in President-elect Donald Trumps upcoming administration have reportedly been targeted in violent, unamerican threats to their lives and those of their family members, Trumps transition team said Wednesday. The threats were reportedly made Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, a Trump transition team spokesperson said. The attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting. President Trump and the Transition (team) are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future, the spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, said in a statement. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris campaign is self-congratulatory: DNC committee member In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted, Leavitt said. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FBI said it is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents involving incoming Trump nominees and appointees and said it is working with local law enforcement as part of its investigation. We take all potential threats seriously and, as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement, the FBI statement said. What appointees have been targeted In a social media post on Wednesday, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-New York, wrote that they received word Thursday morning that their New York residence was the target of a bomb threat. Stefanik, Trumps pick for UN Ambassador, wrote that she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving from Washington to New York when they were informed of the threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that New York State Police and other law enforcement along with the U.S. Capitol Police, responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism. We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7, Stefanik wrote. We want to share our best wishes to the Update NY community for a happy and safe Thanksgiving. We are especially grateful to our law enforcement officers and military families are are on duty over the holidays. The Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriffs Office reported that it received notification of a bomb threat in a mailbox at former Congressman Matt Gaetzs home on Wednesday morning. A family member resides at the home, which is located in Niceville, but said that Gaetz is not a resident. Local deputies said that the mailbox was cleared and no devices were located. Police also said they found nothing in the immediate area around the mailbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge tosses suit to block trans athlete from NCAA womens tourney Brooke Rollins, who has been nominated as Trumps agriculture secretary, wrote on social media that she learned that her home and family had been threatened on Wednesday morning. Rollins credited Fort Worth, Texas police for its swift action and said that no one was harmed. Rollins joined the former presidents Economic Advisory Council in 2016 and currently serves as the president and CEO of America First Policy Institute, a think-tank for the former president manned by previous staffers. I want to express my deep gratitude to the law-enforcement professionals who did their utmost, in both speed and expertise, to protect us as they protect our community every single day, Rollins wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A New York City residence belonging to Howard Lutnick, Trumps nominee for commerce secretary, was also reported to be targeted, New York City Police said on Wednesday. Police said they responded to a 911 call just after 8 a.m. ET after someone told police that an email was sent to a third party indicating that terroristic threats were made to residence. Americans approve of Trumps Cabinet picks A recent CBS News/YouGov poll, meanwhile, shows that 59% of the people surveyed approve of the way Trump is handling his transition back to the White House. For instance, 44% of those asked thought Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio would be a good choice for Secretary of State. There were 47% who felt that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a good choice to be Secretary for Health and Human Services, and 33% thought the same of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence was thought of as a good choice by 36% of people. Leavitt did not say how many Cabinet nominees had been targeted or which of those people nominated for spots in Trumps admininstration reportedly received threats. This is a developing story. Refresh for updates Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A total of 45 people have been punished for their roles in a coal mine gas explosion in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province that left 11 people dead and six others injured a year ago, local mine safety authorities said. The gas explosion in Shuangyang Coal Mine in the city of Shuangyashan on Nov. 28, 2023, was a major work safety incident caused by improper operations in serious violations of laws and rules, chaotic safety management and inadequate safety supervision, according to an investigation report released by the Heilongjiang branch of the National Mine Safety Administration. The investigation found that the explosion was directly caused by an excessive concentration of gas and sparks from a power cable failure following the natural discharge of gas and ventilation failure underground in the mine shaft. Shuangyang Coal Mine is run by Longmay Shuangyashan Mining Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Longmay Mining Holding Group, a major state-owned coal producer in Heilongjiang Province. The explosion also caused a direct economic loss of 19.5 million yuan (about 2.7 million U.S. dollars). Of the 45 people, six employees of Shuangyang Coal Mine have been detained or put under police investigation. They will receive Party and administrative disciplinary penalties following their judicial punishments, said the investigation team. Thirty-eight people, including senior officials of Shuangyang Coal Mine, Shuangyashan Mining Co., Ltd., Longmay Mining Holding Group and safety watchdogs, will be subject to Party and administrative disciplinary punishments. One electromechanical maintenance worker will be fired, the investigation team said. The investigation team added that one person was exempted from any punishment as he died from the explosion. Shuangyang Coal Mine was given administrative penalties, including a fine, according to the investigation report. John Monteiro lost his job, his apartment and his reputation after his 2019 arrest in a decades old cold case that may not even have been a murder at all. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Big preceded John Monteiros first name on the work shirt he wore when sheriffs led him in handcuffs into Providence District Court on July 18, 2019. Online comments would soon offer other names for the man Pawtucket police had charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 10-year-old girl four decades ago. Names like scumbag monster and this sick f**k and paedo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police claimed they had DNA evidence linking Monteiro to a small stain they said was blood on the inside crotch of the pants Christine Cole was wearing on the bitter cold night she went missing. Christine left her familys Pawtucket apartment on an errand at around 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 6, 1988, and never returned. Fifty-four days later, her body was found washed up on Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick. Monteiros arrest the first by a cold case unit established within the Pawtucket Police Department led by Detective Susan Cormier made national news. Christines face appeared as the Queen of Hearts in a deck of playing cards devoted to Rhode Island cold cases Cormier created in December 2018. Fifty-two cards in a deck presented an ideal framework for WPRI-TV 12 to feature a case every week for a year in a series of compelling, stylized stories that were nominated for a regional Emmy; the Cole case was the first case to be profiled. But six months after Monteiros arrest, the murder charge was dismissed. The Office of Attorney General acknowledged there was no conclusive evidence to prove Monteiro killed Christine or had even crossed paths with her. By then, he had lost his warehouse job, his apartment, and his reputation. He moved in with his sister, Rita Correia, who told Rhode Island Current he struggled with depression and anxiety. Correia said in a deposition that her brother seldom left the house and stopped taking care of his personal hygiene and socializing with family and friends. On Jan. 26, 2021, Monteiro filed a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island against Cormier along with Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves and other members of the department and the former Rhode Island Department of Health forensic scientist who conducted laboratory testing on evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was scheduled to go to trial on Monday, Dec. 2. But early Tuesday afternoon, two days before Thanksgiving, Monteiro agreed to settle for $1 million, one of his attorneys, Bill Devine said. I wanted to go to trial because I want people to see what they did to me, how they destroyed my life, said Monteiro, 64, a Cape Verdean immigrant who speaks Creole, in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon with his sister Rita Correia interpreting. Money is not everything in my life. I want to clear my name, and I want people to know that Im an innocent man, hardworking father of four, and family man. Monteiro said he let go of the desire for an apology from Pawtucket police and is thankful he can put the case behind him and focus on rebuilding his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a good settlement, said Mark Loevy-Reyes, one of Monteiros attorneys. The clients happy with it. Its a significant amount of money, the kind of amount of money (that) although they wont admit wrongdoing, I think suggests that they know that they did something wrong. The case remains an open homicide case, said Grace Voll, a spokeswoman for the city of Pawtucket. Voll confirmed that the citys insurer, the Rhode Island Interlocal Trust, had reached a tentative agreement with Monteiro to settle the case. Until the settlement paperwork has been finalized and signed, the City reserves further comment, Voll said. Pawtucket Police Detective Susan Cormier is shown at her office at Pawtucket City Hall in December 2019. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) A deeply flawed investigation A DNA match may sound like an open and shut case. But volumes of court records portray a cold case investigation flawed from the start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2018, Cormier learned that a detective lieutenant had submitted evidence from the Cole case to the state health lab for forensic testing in 2008. The detective had been promoted to captain and assigned to the patrol division by the time DNA test results came back in 2010 and never received notification of the results. He retired in 2012. Cormier met with the states forensic science supervisor to review the results, which revealed a small, red-brown stain on the inside crotch of the mauve-colored pants Christine was wearing the night she disappeared. Lab notes on the stain no files made public ever offer measurements of its size showed a positive presumptive test for blood but a second test was negative. The discovery of the stain was unusual, because the FBI had already analyzed the pants in April 1988, looking for any foreign hair or debris. At that time, there was no mention of a stain. In 1998, another FBI lab report found no presence of semen and blood on the pants. The medical examiner who examined Christines body declared the cause of death was drowning. The manner of death was undetermined, but the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death led police to treat the case as a homicide. The autopsy noted the body had bruises on both upper arms and left thigh, but no signs of trauma or bone injury or sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police knew that Christine had a history of wandering, including an incident three years earlier when her mother reported her missing, prompting a neighborhood search that lasted a few hours before Christine was found on a street corner. On the winter night Christine disappeared, a girl matching her description was seen leaving a supermarket a half-mile away from her West Avenue home with another girl after the two were caught shoplifting between 9:30 and 10 p.m. Five days later, on Jan. 11, 1988, a bloodhound from the Connecticut State Police appeared to pick up Christines scent around the supermarket, then lost it. The Blackstone River was about a half-mile from the supermarket. The sample of the stain was tested for autosomal DNA, which is contained in the 22 pairs of chromosomes not involved in determining a persons sex and inherited from a persons mother and father. Autosomal DNA is unique to each individual except identical siblings. The test produced results for the amelogenin gene that occurs on both the X- and male-specific Y-chromosome. The state health department sent the sample to an outside laboratory to conduct Y chromosome Short Tandem Repeat (Y-STR) DNA analysis, a test that would ensure that none of Christines DNA was mixed with the results. The Y chromosome is inherited by a son from his father, and all males in any paternal line have nearly identical Y chromosomes. The outside lab obtained results for only six of 17 specific locations, called alleles, on the Y chromosome. Money is not everything in my life. I want to clear my name, and I want people to know that Im an innocent man, hardworking father of four, and family man. John Monteiro, who was arrested by Pawtucket police in July 2019 on a murder charge that was dropped six months later Cormier requested more testing by the state health department laboratory, which used a kit that analyzed 23 locations on the Y chromosome. It identified results for 12 alleles for a partial DNA profile. Results were checked against an internal health department database. The closest match was a man briefly held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in 2014 who was born in 1993. He wasnt even alive when Christine died, but his genetic profile pointed to a close male relative: his father, Monteiro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives rummaged through discarded trash from the curb outside Monteiros Central Falls apartment building but failed to find anything that produced a DNA sample or fingerprints. They followed Monteiro to work several times and watched him park in a rear lot between two large delivery trucks where his vehicle could not be seen from the street, even as all the other employees parked in the open in a front parking lot. Cormier observed Monteiros habit of parking his vehicle behind the building next door to where he lived. It appears that Monteiro lives his life in a very covert manner, Cormier wrote in a police narrative and again in an affidavit she later submitted to court. The affidavit noted that Monteiro had moved many times over the years and incorrectly said Monteiro confirmed he lived over a corner market where Christine bought milk the night she disappeared. On July 17, 2019, after Cormier obtained a search warrant, Pawtucket police picked up Monteiro and brought him into the police station. Cormiers court affidavit described him as cooperative when he opened his mouth to allow another detective to swab his inner cheeks with a cotton swab to obtain samples to submit for DNA analysis. At 8:21 a.m., Cormier texted then-Rhode Island Department of Health forensic scientist Tamara Wong that Monteiros DNA samples were on their way. Cormier read Monteiro his Miranda rights in English. He asked for an interpreter, but Cormier and a colleague made no arrangements to have a Creole-speaking officer the department had at least one join them. During his interview, Monteiro denied ever knowing or seeing Christine or being involved in her disappearance and death. The detectives wanted information on his family: He named his parents and his seven siblings from oldest to youngest, including four sisters and two half-brothers with whom he shared the same mother but not father. Monteiro spent several hours at the police station before detectives finally brought him home. One even called Monteiros employer to say that he was involved in a minor fender-bender and was fine but would be late to work. Meanwhile, the state health department lab wasted no time in processing Monteiros DNA sample. Results were ready within several hours for a test that typically takes two to four weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 5:53 p.m., Wong sent Cormier the text she had been waiting for all day: Its a match. Finalizing the report now. Omg!!! Cormier shot back. Wong replied with four emojis: a blushing and anxious green and blue face; a green vomiting face; a grimacing face; and a big toothy smiley face. Nice detective work Sue!!! Congrats! I love you!! Cormier replied. Wong texted back a smirking face. Ill email the report as soon as its finished and official. An hour later, the report, which references Monteiros legal first name Joao, was sent: The previously reported partial Y-STR DNA profiles obtained from the stain on the victims purple pants (Item #1.8) is consistent with the known reference profile from Joao Monteiro (Item #23). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wong developed statistics to determine at a 95% confidence level how common that partial genetic profile would be in the general population. The answer: one in every 1,909 males. The population of Pawtucket in the 1990 census was 72,644, approximately half males. Theoretically, 19 males in the city that year could have had the same partial genetic profile as Monteiro. The potential number could be lowered to 13 if male residents under age 18 were excluded. The results were hardly the kind of statistically damning evidence usually associated with forensic DNA analysis, in which the probability of two unrelated individuals sharing the exact same genetic variations could be one in several hundred quadrillions. Eight minutes after receiving the report, Cormier and Wong exchanged a series of text messages. So, there is no 1 in 10 billion match type of statsJust 95 % confident? Cormier asked Wong. Unfortunately not with Y-STRs, because they are shared with family members, the stats are always low, Wong replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Monteiro has this fear that living his normal life can come to a crashing end any day now, that the police can come grab him, lock him up and say were going to keep you for the rest of your life. Mark Loevy-Reyes, attorney for John Monteiro They spoke on the phone too Cormier used her personal cell phone so the calls were not recorded as they would have been had she used an official police line but perhaps Cormier remained focused on the word match. She also appeared to have misinterpreted the meaning of confidence level, which is a way to assess the certainty that the answer calculated is not due to chance. Wong, a trained scientist with a masters degree, could have explained the concept to Cormier, who earned her GED after dropping out of high school and had completed college courses at Roger Williams University but had yet to earn her bachelors degree. An hour before she received Wongs report, Cormier had texted we got a MATCH! to the district court magistrate judge who signed the arrest warrant for Monteiro. Cormier drove to his home in Narragansett with it later that night. She brought along a pack of cold case cards with her to give him. Cormier apparently never mentioned to the magistrate judge that the match involved Y-STR DNA, and its unclear if he reviewed Wongs report. Cormiers use of the term match ignored the fact that Y-STR testing could not be used to identify a particular individual but only to exclude him. There had been no additional testing done for DNA on the pants or efforts to obtain DNA samples from Christines three younger brothers or her mothers boyfriend now deceased but whose brother is living so there was no way to rule out that the DNA on the pants came from a male living in or frequenting Christines home. (It is possible for DNA from family members to innocently transfer to clothing during laundering.) Monteiros arrest was announced the next day on July 18, at a noon press conference at Pawtucket City Hall. This one had a particular meaning to me because she is a child, I am a mother, Cormier, the mother of three teenage sons, told reporters then. Cormier stood at a podium next to Goncalves, the police chief. Behind them on an easel stood the large poster depicting all 52 cards in the Rhode Island cold case deck. No one from the attorney generals office attended the press conference. John Monteiro, right, pictured with his sister Rita Correia, with whom he now lives, said he has let go of the hope of receiving an apology from Pawtucket police. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Chilling effect Loevy-Reyes said he had 82 pages of questions ready to ask Cormier if the case went to trial. Mr. Monteiro has this fear that living his normal life can come to a crashing end any day now, that the police can come grab him, lock him up and say were going to keep you for the rest of your life, Loevy Reyes said. Thats a hard thing to live with. Cormier retired in July 2022 from her $71,177 a year detective job. She could not be reached for comment for this story. In a December 2019 interview, Cormier said she believed arrests could soon happen in three or four other cases. But none have been made. Before the day Monteiro was arrested, no prosecutor from the attorney generals office had been working with Cormier on the Cole investigation, according to testimony by Assistant Attorney General Timothy Healy in a deposition on Dec. 22, 2021. With respect to a case where theres been years kind of in the making I think it would be advisable for somebody to reach out to us prior to that and to get a prosecutor involved in the case, Healey said then. Last year, the attorney generals office launched a new cold case unit, staffed by prosecutors and investigators. Attorney General Peter Neronha told a legislative committee in May that the unit effectively solved two cases and would make an announcement within six weeks. Timothy Rondeau, a spokesman for the attorney generals office said Wednesday morning that an announcement involving one case is now likely in the first quarter of the new year. Wong could not be reached for comment. She left her employment with the state health department in January 2023, said its spokesperson, Joseph Wendelken. Loevy-Reyes said a settlement was reached with Wong last week. A release and dismissal stipulation detailing how the city of Pawtucket and the state health department would share responsibility for paying the $1 million settlement has been drafted and executed, but had not yet been filed with the federal court as of Wednesday. The Rhode Island Department of Health deferred to the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General for comment on the settlement. Rondeau declined to comment as well. Monteiro will spend Thanksgiving with family at his sisters house in Massachusetts, where he now lives. He said he may take a trip to return to Cape Verde next year. He has not been back to his homeland since he came to America at the age of 22 in 1982. Before I die, I have a promise to go to my country because I havent been there for 42 years, he said through his sister interpreting. Im going to go to (the) cemetery and pray because Ive been praying a lot. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SAGA, Nov 28 (News On Japan) - Saga Prefecture has appointed Godzilla, the iconic monster from the special effects film series, as its tourism ambassador in celebration of the character's 70th anniversary this November. The idea originated from the observation that the silhouette of Saga Prefecture, when viewed sideways, resembles Godzilla's profile. Across the region, various artworks and panels inspired by the legendary creature have been installed, contributing to efforts to showcase the prefectures unique attractions. Source: Kyodo TOKYO, Nov 28 (News On Japan) - Concerns have grown around the Harumi Flag area, the former Olympic Village turned residential complex, where a series of mysterious key boxes have been found. On November 28, the CEO of a real estate firm was formally cited for his involvement in this unusual phenomenon, shedding light on the purpose behind these installations. The Harumi district, known for its waterfront location and excellent access to central Tokyo, has attracted prospective homebuyers. However, residents have expressed unease over the appearance of these unexplained key boxes attached to utility poles, fences, and other public structures. A local resident commented, 'It's extremely unsettling. I believe there are quite a significant number of these.' Complaints from residents began surfacing in late May, particularly in Tokyos Chuo Ward, where about 30 such key boxes were discovered by summer. Although many have since been removed, some still remain, all using combination locks. The investigation revealed that at least one of these boxes, containing keys for vacant apartments, was installed by a 52-year-old real estate CEO. He reportedly attached the box to a public fence near Harumi Flag without authorization, obstructing administrative work by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which oversees the property. The CEO explained that the practice aimed to facilitate apartment viewings by leaving keys in accessible locations. Potential buyers could receive the lock code remotely and retrieve the keys themselves. This was reportedly done to save time compared to personally handing over the keys to other real estate agents. While placing key boxes within apartment grounds is a common practice in the industry, the CEO cited strict regulations by local management associations in Harumi as a reason for resorting to public installations. Kiri Sakaguchi of Meguro-Setagaya Real Estate criticized the move, saying, 'Keys entrusted to agents by sellers must be handled securely. Leaving them in public spaces risks theft and damages trust in the industry.' Though speculations arose about the key boxes being linked to short-term rentals like Airbnb, police confirmed that most were used for property viewings. Even this month, over 10 unauthorized key boxes have been discovered across the Harumi, Kachidoki, and Tsukuda districts. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter. Source: TBS By Henry Umoru, Abuja The Senate has passed, for second reading, the four tax reform bills that were forwarded to it for consideration for consideration. After scaling Second Reading during plenary on Thursday, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio referred the four bills to the Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East led Committee on Finance to carry out other legislative action and report back in six weeks. Prior to debate on the bills, the Senators had gone into a closed door session from 11.55am to 12.42pm. The resolution of the Senate was sequel to presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bills by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central. In his presentation, Bamidele said that they are A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombud, for the harmonization, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria and for related matters, 2024 (SB. 583). A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No.13, 2007 and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act to Establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with powers of assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation, and for related matters, 2024 (SB. 584) A Bill for an Act to Provide for the assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Governments; prescribe the powers and functions of tax authorities, and for related matters, 2024 (SB. 585) A Bill for an Act to Repeal certain Acts on taxation and consolidate the legal frameworks relating to taxation and enact the Nigeria Tax Act to provide for taxation of income, transactions and instruments, and for related matters, 2024 (SB. 586). In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio said that during the public hearing, experts will be invited as well as Governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, just as he said that at the end of the day, the Senate will give to Nigerians and the country what is good. The bills Recall that on September 3, President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele for the review of existing tax laws. The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes. Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman. Also recall that the same day, both the Senate and the House of Representatives embarked on the hurried recess, the National Economic Council, NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, resolved that the tax reform bills should be withdrawn from the National Assembly by President Tinubu for wider consultation. But President Tinubu, on Thursday, October 31, responded to the request that the bills should be allowed to pass through the required legislative processes at both chambers which, according to him, will give concerned Nigerians the opportunity to get details on the bills and make their inputs, particularly at the stage of Public hearing. By Rachel Okporu Fadoju A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George has said the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, would pay for insulting former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Naija News reported that Obasanjo had described Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu as a failing state while highlighting the pervasive corruption and leadership failure under his administration. In response, Onanuga in a statement blasted Obasanjo, saying he was not an ideal Nigerian leader. Tinubus aide faulted Obasanjo for taking to the public media to bestow his unsolicited wisdom on leadership and governance in Nigeria. Onanuga noted that Obasanjo had continued to blame those who served after his tenure for the nations myriad of challenges even when he had his many flaws. Reacting, Bode George while featuring on Nigeria Info FM said Onanuga would be made to pay for insulting Obasanjo, someone old enough to be his father, adding it is not allowed in Yoruba land. He said, An old man who could be Bayo Onanugas father said something and you took him on by blasting him right; left and centre. That is his style because he did it to me before, he didnt meet me in Ijebu Ode Grammar school. You can see how small he is when comparing himself to us, people give their opinion and you insult them. Even if you want to react, the Yoruba culture does not allow that insult from him. Someday he would pay back, in Yoruba land its not impossible for him (Onanuga) to be charmed because there would be a day after and thats more important. He should be vigilant as he walks because its possible for him to be charmed. By Richard Ogunsile President Bola Tinubus government has announced that the long-awaited census will occur in Nigeria in 2025. The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, confirmed this during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held on Thursday in Abuja. It is important to note that although the United Nations recommends conducting population censuses every decade, Nigeria last performed one in 2006, resulting in an 18-year gap without accurate demographic data. Naija News reports that the census was initially planned for 2023; however, it was postponed after two missed deadlines under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The cancellation was attributed to a desire for the incoming administration, which emerged victorious in the 2023 elections, to oversee the census process. In his address, Kwarra emphasized that a significant challenge facing Nigeria is the delay in carrying out a population and housing census, which is essential for making informed decisions. He pointed out that this postponement, compounded by logistical and financial challenges, has impeded efforts to understand the populations needs fully and to allocate resources effectively, particularly in rural and underserved regions. This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups, ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning. We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people. Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting equal opportunities for everyone in our nation. We must continue our march to address these challenges head-on. For many in our communitiesparticularly women, girls, and young peoplesexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) remain out of reach. This is not just a health issue; it is also an issue of social and economic justice. When individuals are denied the ability to make choices about their health and lives, it limits their potential, reduces opportunities, and impacts society as a whole, Kwarra noted. Moroccos central bank has prepared a draft law allowing the use of crypto assets in the country, Central Bank governor Abdellatif Jouahri said. The central bank with the participation of all stakeholders and the support of the World Bank, has prepared a draft law regulating crypto assets, which is currently in the adoption process, Jouahri told participants in the fourth Regional High-Level Symposium on Financial Stability held in Rabat. Financial authorities in the country have banned cryptocurrencies since 2017. In Morocco, we became aware of the issue as early as 2017 and initially focused on raising public awareness about the associated risks. Later, taking into account developments in international regulation, the Moroccan authorities adopted a regulatory approach aimed at ensuring adequate protection for users and investors, while preserving the opportunities to capitalize on these innovations, Jouahri said. The Moroccan central bank was also working on central bank digital currencies CBDC, while reviewing the extent to which this new form of currency could contribute to achieving certain public policy objectives, particularly in terms of financial inclusion. We launched the CBDC project more than three years ago with the aim of anticipating and guiding the strategic choices and decisions of Bank Al-Maghrib in this area. The project also seeks to strengthen our capacity and expertise on this complex and multidimensional issue, he said. However, Jouahri said digital currencies was a a long-term endeavor that must take into account the national socio-economic context, the evolution of the regional and international environment, as well as the impact on some of the missions of the central bank, particularly monetary policy and financial stability. The number of internally displaced people across the African continent has tripled to 35 million since 2009, driven by wars and climate change, says a new report from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC). While flooding and drought are posing a growing threat, almost 93% of those displaced, or 32.5 million, abandoned their homes due to conflict and violence, and 26 million of these are displaced in just five countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan. The report, released on Tuesday (27 November), says government efforts to address internal displacement on the continent have been commendable but not enough. There were around 11.6 million internally displaced people in 2009, when African governments signed a landmark deal legally binding them to tackle the causes of displacement. The new report by the Geneva-based IDMC thus calls on governments to make even more effort in this area, especially considering the growing threat posed by flooding and droughts. Experts say poverty, inequality and marginalization are among the many factors that fuel conflict and violence, and armed groups have exploited these grievances, which create more displacements. But IDMC director Alexandra Bilak said violence is not solely to blame for the crisis. So, five countries on the African continent are generating the most conflict-related internal displacement, but our report also shows that disaster displacement is also rising. We are now reporting six times more disaster displacements than 15 years ago, Bilak said. The recent failed terrorist attack by the Polisario on a civilian political rally earlier this month in Mahbes, west of the security wall, was at the heart of discussions between Moroccan inspector general and commander of the southern Zone Mohammed Berrid and the military chief of the UN mission in the Sahara, the Minurso. The meeting in Agadir discussed the recent security developments in the region as the two parties highlighted commitment to preserve regional peace and stability, the Royal Armed Forces said on their official social media. The Polisario has claimed responsibility for firing the projectile which fell near a big tent where dozens gathered to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the Green March. Unable to swallow a painful blow dealt by the UN Security Council in its recent resolution on the Sahara issue, Algeria seems to be emboldening the Polisario to use terrorist tactics against civilians in Moroccos Sahara, as they did in October 2023 when they randomly fired a projectile into a residential area in Smara, killing one and damaging a house. You are here: China China has seen increases in both inter-regional trips and cargo throughput at ports in October as pro-growth policies are taking effect, official data showed Wednesday. Some 5.84 billion inter-regional trips were made last month, up 6.9 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. In the first ten months of 2024, the number of inter-regional trips climbed 5.5 percent year on year to 54.93 billion, the data showed. The country's cargo throughput at ports climbed 3 percent year on year to 1.53 billion tonnes last month. Specifically, foreign trade cargo throughput at ports rose 5.5 percent from a year ago. The commercial freight volume increased by 3.9 percent year on year to 5.02 billion tonnes in October, while road cargo rose by 4.2 percent year on year. Fixed-asset investment in China's transport sector amounted to 3.06 trillion yuan (about 425.1 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-October period, according to the ministry. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez has expresses high esteem for the royal message that King Mohammed VI had addressed to President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino, after the Latin American country decided to suspend all recognition of the so-called sadr, a decision that opens a new page in bilateral relations. This came at a video conference held Wednesday between Vasquez and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita. On behalf of the Panamanian government and people, Vasquez conveyed his high esteem for the Royal Message. Panamas suspension of its recognition of the separatist entity comes ahead of the countrys term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council starting January 1, 2025. As such, Panama will actively contribute to seeking a definitive solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara, within the parameters established by the latest UN Security Council resolution, Vasquez said. Panamas decision also reinforces the international momentum with several countries from across the world favoring a definitive solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara, based on the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco since 2007. The Forum of Presidents of the Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico (FOPREL) announced on Wednesday in Rabat that the Moroccan Parliament had been promotes from permanent observer member within FOPREL, granted in 2014, to advanced partner. The decision, voted unanimously by FOPREL members, was announced at the Forums 30th extraordinary session opening, hosted by the Moroccan Parliament under the theme Facing the common challenges of security, climate change, and economic development. A certificate of recognition was presented to Speakers of the House of Representatives and of the House of Councillors, acknowledging the central role played by Morocco in strengthening South-South cooperation, particularly between Africa and Latin America. Speaking on the occasion, FORPEL Executive Secretary General Ariel Albarado Urbina said that this upgrading of Moroccos status was the culmination of the Moroccan Parliaments efforts to bolster cooperation with countries of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico, propelling progress through several joint projects, which focus on the challenges we face while aiming to build a shared vision for the future of our countries. He added that advanced partner status will ensure Moroccan Parliaments permanent presence in the Forum, underlining the Forums commitment to promoting an environment conducive to flexible and balanced co-development, through parliamentary diplomacy. FOPREL Executive Secretary General also praised the efforts of King Mohammed VI and his leadership which is the key to Moroccos growth and prosperity, stressing that the Kingdoms hosting of the Forums 30th extraordinary session reflects its commitment to strengthening international parliamentary relations. Granting the Moroccan Parliament advanced partner status with FOPREL will reinforce Moroccos intensive and strong presence in all member countries of this forum, in addition to strengthening its presence in other regional fora in Latin America, such as PARLACEN, the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) and the Parliament of the Economic Community of South American Countries (Parlasur). This upgrade is expected to deepen exchanges and joint initiatives, and strengthen both capacities and ties between Morocco and FOPREL member countries. The Forums 30th extraordinary session provides a platform for Morocco and FOPREL nations to promote political dialogue and parliamentary cooperation, and to propose joint initiatives and tackle critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. The two-day session focuses on four key areas: security challenges in Central America and beyond; parliamentary responses to social and economic impacts of climate change; integrated development strategies; and a regional action plan. Delegates will also review a framework bill targeting human trafficking, with a focus on protecting women and children. Laila Soueif, mother of Egyptian-British blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has been detained in Egypt for more than five years, is continuing her hunger strike. Laila Soueif, 68, who has not eaten for 59 days, has urged British Foreign Minister David Lammy to take action to secure her sons release. The blogger was arrested in September 2019 by Egyptian authorities after sharing a text about torture in prisons. He was convicted of spreading false information in 2021, and should have been released in September 2024, given his pre-trial detention period, which the Egyptian authorities refused to add to the total five-year sentence. After her meeting with Mr Lammy, Soueif told the press that she intended to continue her hunger strike. It is possible to resolve this situation and to do it quickly. That is what I am betting on with my health and my life, she added. Questioned by MPs on Tuesday, David Lammy said that Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the bloggers case during a meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in August and that he himself also spoke about it this week with his Egyptian counterpart. Alaa Abdel Fattah has been imprisoned several times since 2006. He obtained British citizenship in 2022 through his British-born mother. Jordan is hosting this Nov.27-28 the 6th Arab Water Conference that brings together leading experts and specialists in the field of water from various Arab countries. This conference, held under the theme Governance Towards Achieving Sustainable Development in Water, provides a platform for participants to exchange experiences and knowledge about the latest developments and challenges in water resource management and to enhance its sustainability in the Arab region. The conference was preceded by the 16th session of the Arab Ministerial Water Council that focused on strengthening regional cooperation to address water scarcity and achieve sustainable development goals. Member countries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Arab and global initiatives aimed at tackling water challenges and enhancing water security. One key initiative reviewed was the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which promotes the development and application of innovative technologies to combat global water scarcity while placing the issue on international agendas. Discussions centered on advancing the Arab Water Security Strategy, managing shared water resources, and implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all. The council also emphasized the significance of the upcoming United Nations Water Conference, set to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in December 2026. The councils consultative scientific and technical committee on its part laid the groundwork by addressing critical water issues in the Arab region. The committee identified key regional priorities, including enhancing Arab countries negotiating capacity over shared water resources with non-Arab states, expanding the use of non-traditional water resources, supporting the Palestinian water sector, safeguarding Iraqs water rights in the Tigris and Euphrates basins, and developing legislative frameworks to govern water management effectively. The Arab region is one of the most water-scarce areas in the world due to the dominance of a desert climate in most of its territories. The situation is worsening due to the impact of conflicts, climate change, economic difficulties, and shared water basins with neighboring countries, which account for more than 60% of its water sources. The water crisis has become a threat to the regions stability, as well as to human development and sustainable growth. Water issues hold special importance in the Arab world given the limited availability of drinking water. Therefore, Arab countries must prioritize the development and preservation of water resources when formulating their security strategies. Water security should be at the top of the priority list due to the scarcity of traditional water resources. This necessitates serious efforts to preserve and develop these resources, as well as to find new water resources. In an era where water and environmental concerns are at the forefront due to climate changes, the concepts of sustainable development and governance have become urgent needs. They represent a collective effort to tackle the challenges of our time, to achieve social and economic development, and to build effective policies and strategies. These should be based on integrated approaches shared by Arab countries to face these challenges. The United States has demonstrated its defense and security commitment to Morocco through joint military training, proving U.S. long-range strike capabilities and standing with the North African Kingdom, an ally and strategic partner, against regional threats. U.S. Africa Command, supported by U.S. Strategic Command, conducted lately a training with the Moroccan military at Aoreora Range south of Agadir, Morocco. Two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., departed England en route to Morocco whereupon entering Moroccan airspace, the Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16s intercepted the B-52s to conduct interoperability and escort the bombers to the range. At Aoreora, Moroccan and U.S. Special Operations Joint Tactical Air Controllers contacted the bombers to conduct a live munitions drop. The JTACs guided the bombers onto a target, releasing two 500-pound bombs. Our ability to conduct these long-range missions from across multiple combatant commands in cooperation with our partners on the continent highlight our partnership and continued military-to-military engagements and training when working with partners on the continent, said Maj. Gen. Claude Tudor, U.S. Africa Command Director of Operations. These missions reinforce our commitment to African partners and Allies while helping support regional and African security, he added, noting that this joint training further showcases the longstanding relationship between Morocco and the U.S. and strengthens military interoperability. Prior to the B-52 training mission with Moroccan air forces, a delegation of Moroccos Royal Armed Forces, led Lt. General Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, visited USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier as part of joint military exercises with the US forces in the Mediterranean, off Moroccan coast at Al Hoceima. The $4.5 billion warship is a floating city of 5200 crewmembers. It is 24 stories high, 333 m long and 78 m wide. Named after the 33rd president of the United States, S. Truman (CVN 75) is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It can accommodate around 90 aircraft and has a flight deck 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) in size, using four elevators (360 m2 each) to move planes between the flight deck and the hangar bay. She is equipped with three 20 mm Phalanx CIWS (rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun) and two Sea Sparrow SAM launchers. The Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico (FOPREL) lauded on Wednesday in Rabat the Royal Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI and his move to promote access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. Under the terms of a decision adopted unanimously following its 30th extraordinary session, hosted by the Moroccan parliament, FOPREL members commit to promoting the Royal initiatives on an international scale with a view to overcoming the lack of major infrastructure and investment in the African Atlantic Sahel. The Forum noted that the Atlantic Initiative aims to establish a robust institutional framework bringing together 23 Atlantic African countries, making Moroccos Atlantic coastline a platform for strengthening maritime and air logistics connectivity between these states. The FOPREL members also stressed that the links to be forged under the Royal initiative are likely to facilitate the exchange of goods and the flow of investment in the countries of the South, and to bring wealth-generating production chains closer to sources of raw materials, particularly within the Arab-American geo-economic space. Besides, they welcomed the initiative presented by Speaker of the House of Councillors Mohamed Ould Errachid to create a forum for parliamentary dialogue between Morocco, Central America and the Caribbean, during sessions to be held on an alternating basis between the two parties. They called for this initiative to serve as a basis for institutionalizing parliamentary relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and FOPREL, and establishing mechanisms for communication and coordination between the two parties. Furthermore, Forum members stressed the importance of bolstering FOPRELs ties with the international community, while recognizing its strategic role in strengthening, updating, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks, given their importance in parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue. The Forum members also hailed the Kings pioneering role in promoting cooperation between countries of the South and in bolstering, in particular, cooperation and closeness between Morocco and Latin American countries, as well as between these countries and Africa. Morocco and France signed on Wednesday in Rabat two agreements worth 150 million. The funds are destined to support the Generalization of Compulsory Medical Coverage Program, and the Government Equality Plan 2023-2026. The first agreement, worth 100 million, is part of ongoing support of the French Development Agency (AFD) for the Royal project to globalize social protection, based on three pillars. The aim is to bolster governance reforms to improve the Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO), support equity and reinforce AMOs efficiency, taking into account gender issues, and to strengthen AMOs expenditure control. The second agreement, worth 50 million, provides for contributing to the reduction of all gender inequalities through two objectives, namely to operationalize and allocate Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB), including in the territories. The aim is also to boost the economic empowerment of women, notably through support for measures relating to the care economy part of the governments Equality Plan III (2023-2026). The two agreements were initialed by Minister in charge of the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier, and AFD Country Director in Morocco Quiterie Pincent. King Mohammed VI has underlined the depth and solidity of the fraternal ties binding Morocco and Mauritania, and renewed his determination to further consolidate these ties and to strengthen and diversify the areas of the two countries fruitful cooperation. This came in a message of congratulations that King Mohammed VI addressed to President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, on Mauritanias National Day. The Monarch, who expressed his warmest congratulations to Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and his best wishes for further progress and prosperity to the brotherly Mauritanian people, said his determination to consolidate ties is stemming from his desire to fulfil the two peoples common objectives and serve the interests of the two brotherly countries. Happy holidays, Diddy!! Reply Thread Link And again I say, clink clink, bitch! Reply Thread Link I hope he chokes on his dry ass prison turkey Reply Thread Link Good Reply Thread Link Good for this judge. I hope Combs rots there for the rest of his long, miserable life Reply Thread Link Karma sure is a bitch. :) Need him to snitch and bring a lot of people down. Chop chop! Reply Thread Link "There is clearly violence even in the version of the footage submitted by Combs." I dont know why, aside from the law seemingly not caring about victims thanks to loopholes, but seeing the judge say this makes me happy. Judge didnt say the vid was edited or not but cared more about the fact that violence was still happening and it was not okay. Truly hope the charges stick and hes convicted. The victims deserve nothing less. Reply Thread Link Well hello let's celebrate that dot gif Reply Thread Link "The judge also declared that "there is compelling evidence of Combs's propensity for violence," including video obtained by CNN from the 2016 Intercontinental Hotel incident with ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. While the defense argued that the footage was edited and manipulated, the judge responded saying, "There is clearly violence even in the version of the footage submitted by Combs." Lol I love when people of the law give simple point-blank statements when shutting down an argument. Reply Thread Link How was what we were shown edited, unless there was even MORE violence that was cut out of it Reply Parent Thread Link Sometimes I don't think these guys hear themselves when they argue this shit. You're saying that this video is allegedly edited how? Was the violence inserted? Was violence cut out? What was edited? LOL. Reply Parent Thread Link Witness tampering would be the least of it, he'd be trying to leave the country. Denying bail is the right move Reply Thread Link lovely! what are we cooking/baking for tomorrow? Reply Thread Link Im the only one who likes pumpkin pie so Ive scrapped it from the menu and Im going to make pumpkin snickerdoodles instead and serve them with a cardamom and nutmeg spiced whipped cream. Reply Parent Thread Link It's just me so I plan on making an elaborated steak dinner. Reply Parent Thread Link Champagne and a viewing of that thanksgiving classic known as The Lost Boys Reply Parent Thread Link Anyway, happy thanksgiving Reply Thread Link Good, I hope hes suffering in there Reply Thread Link China is poised to collect Martian samples and return them to Earth around 2031, with its foremost scientific goal being the search for life signatures on the red planet, according to the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory on Wednesday. China plans to carry out its Tianwen-3 mission through two launches around 2028. The mission aims to land, collect samples and return them in one integrated operation, with the landing site also serving as the sampling location. The lab scientists, including the mission's chief scientist Hou Zengqian and its chief designer Liu Jizhong, outlined their exploration strategy in a brief article published in the November's edition of journal National Science Review. Their strategy includes considerations such as "where to sample," "what to choose", "how to sample," and "how to utilize" the collected materials. They have proposed 86 potential landing sites, primarily concentrated in the ancient Chryse Planitia region and Utopia Planitia region, which encompass diverse geological environments, such as ancient coastlines, deltas, ancient lakes and canyon systems, providing favorable conditions for the origin and preservation of potential ancient life, according to the article. The team vowed to investigate how to identify, where to find and how to preserve biosignatures, utilizing both surface and drilling sampling techniques. They also highlighted in the article the necessity of developing new instruments specifically designed for the detection of biosignatures. The Tianwen-3 mission will carry payloads developed through international cooperation, and China will collaborate with scientists from around the world to conduct joint research on Mars samples and detection data. The country also plans to probe the Jovian system to investigate Jupiter's and its moons' evolutionary history during its Tianwen-4 mission. It's early as hell on Turkey Day, and you know what to do. Time to grab the coffee, sit down, and get our Macys Parade on! ~_^Hosted by Today show's Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker the festivities will air on NBC and Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones.For people who are cooking/not getting up that early, there will be an encore presentation at 2 p.m. ET/PT.In addition, Telemundo is offering coverage of the parade exclusively in Spanish, hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.In addition to old favorites viewers will also see a lot of new huge balloons this year, including:+ Minnie Mouse+ Goku+ Marshall from Paw Patrol+ Gabby+ Spiderman+ Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the ShelfQueenis performing this year, along with the following:+ Jimmy Fallon and The Roots+ Jennifer Hudson+ The Temptations+ Idina Menzel+ Billy PorterCynthia Erivo will grace us with her "Wicked" charms. Other performers include T-Pain, Liza Colon-Zayas, Dasha, Coco Jones, Alison Bree, and other assorted acts. There's a host of dance groups performing as well, including the Car Wash Clowns, Black Haus Creative, Circus Vazquez, and Riverdance.Once again, Gobble-gobble to all of my American brethren. This is also the National Day of Mourning, which you can read about here. Is everyone eating good tonight? Do you have any favorite traditions you like to do on Thanksgiving? Do you have plans to shop on Good Friday, and if so, what are you buying? Are you an expat in a place that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, and how the hell is that? And if you're not celebrating OR watching the Parade what are you doing? Come on in and tell us all about it! Azerbaijan endured lots of criticism during COP29. Environmentalists accused the host nation of trying to use COP29 as a greenwashing exercise, while European officials condemned President Ilham Aliyev for making provocative statements during the gathering, accusing him of undermining efforts to contain global warming. The barrage of criticism obscures an important aspect of Azerbaijans environmental record. Aliyevs government is not a recalcitrant actor when it comes to climate action, nor is it solely preoccupied with optics. Azerbaijan has made notable strides both in addressing pressing environmental issues impacting the country, and in efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets set under the 2015 Paris agreement. Azerbaijan, like all nations participating in the COP process, is trying to reduce harmful emissions while maintaining economic growth to meet the needs of a growing population. It is a difficult challenge. Bakus goal is to reduce levels of emissions to around 37 million tons of CO?-equivalent by 2030, down from the roughly 61.3 million tons that Azerbaijan emitted in 2016. A critical component of Azerbaijans vision for growth is economic diversification reducing the countrys dependency on fossil fuel exports. A document updated in 2023 on Azerbaijans Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the COP system states that it is necessary to increase the share of alternative and renewable energy sources in primary consumption in all sectors of the economy and to reduce the impact on climate change. The government needs to encourage the decarbonization of the economy and promote sustainable and inclusive development, the document adds. Related: Reuters: Exxon Lobbyist Investigated Over Leak Of Environmentalist Emails The governments strategy to achieve its goals is outlined in a 2021 blueprint, titled Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development. Green growth is listed in the document as one of five priority development areas. It is necessary in all sectors of the economy to increase the share of alternative and renewable energy sources in primary consumption and reduce their impact on climate change, the document states. Over the past three years, Azerbaijan has made progress in developing green energy to meet its target of generating 30 percent of its power needs via renewable sources by 2030. In June, the country launched construction on three renewable energy projects: two solar power plants and a windfarm with a combined projected generating capacity of 1 Gigawatt. The share of renewable energy in generating electricity has grown from 6 percent in 2020 to 11 percent in 2023. A showcase initiative, announced earlier in 2024, has Azerbaijan working with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to develop wind and solar power generating capacity. The joint project envisions a power line stretching along the Caspian seabed transmitting green electricity generated in Central Asia to Azerbaijan and beyond. Bakus critics contend that such green energy initiatives merely enable the country to expand its hydrocarbon exports to Europe and elsewhere. But expanding westward-bound energy exports at this time meets a vital need for the European Union, which is intent on reducing its dependence on Russian energy. No matter how you look at it, Bakus progress in developing renewable energy sources represents a substantive commitment to implementing a green agenda. Also in 2021, Azerbaijan adopted the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) on building resilience to the climate. Coordinated by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the plan is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and outlines activities to address climate challenges at the nexus of water, agriculture and energy. Given that 65 percent of Azerbaijan's freshwater resources come from bordering countries, improving water resilience has been a challenge. To date, Azerbaijan has extended its water infrastructure, adding 10 percent more water storage with projects like the Jeyranbatan Ultra Filtration Water Treatment Plant, now supplying clean water to more than 1.5 million people on the Absheron Peninsula. In addition, the government has modernized irrigation systems covering about 120,000 hectares of agricultural land, helping to improve water-use efficiency. Azerbaijan has likewise embraced climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance crop resilience. Consequently, the cultivation of climate-resilient crop varieties has increased 12 percent since 2021. Meanwhile, the introduction of drip-irrigation systems, which can drastically reduce water usage, may enable the revival of a cotton industry in Azerbaijan. Looking at the bigger picture, Azerbaijan is working with other regional states to address the declining water level of the Caspian Sea. After a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in August, Aliyev said the Caspian was becoming catastrophically shallow. He added that Azerbaijan was committed to working with the other Caspian littoral states to prevent a possible environmental disaster. Oil and natural gas are clearly a major part of the present in Azerbaijan. But the government is showing that its commitment to a green-energy future is real. By Yunis Gurbanov via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The 29th Conference of the Parties for Climate Change, commonly known as COP29, ended with outrage and dismayemotions demonstrated by developing nations after developed ones agreed to raise annual climate finance but nowhere near what was asked for. But there was outrage among climate activists, too. Because, once again, the world refused to commit to a phaseout of hydrocarbons. Apparently, its Saudi Arabias fault. The Arab Group will not accept any text that targets specific sectors, including fossil fuels, Saudi Arabias representative at COP29, Albara Tawfiq, said as quoted by Bloomberg. The publication then went on to note that this was a step back for the kingdom from last years commitment to an oil and gas phaseout as agreed at the previous edition of the COP. But heres the thing. Nobody agreed to a phaseout of oil and gas at COP28. What they agreed to, after much negotiations, was a move away from oil and gas, which, while similar in sound and meaning, is not the same thing. Saudi Arabia, in other words, has maintained its stance on the transition and its key energy industry by refusing to make commitments that would kill this industry and, quite likely, its economy. It wasnt the only one, either. No major producer with the exception of the United States and the UK would commit to a phaseout of the fuels that fuel the worldincluding the host country of COP29, Azerbaijan. Indeed, the president of Azerbaijan shocked many with a speech in which he referred to oil and gas as a gift from God and proceeded to say that nations rich in hydrocarbons should not be blamed for having and using these resources. Related: Indias PM Modi Says Guyana Crude Is Key For Indias Energy Security One could say that this speech said it all in the early days of the summit, but the final deal highlighted the impossibility of what climate activists and transition-ambitious governments see as the only way of ensuring a livable future for humankind despite growing skepticism. Negotiators at COP29 were supposed to agree on annual funding for developing nations, which cannot afford to go it alone on the transition. That funding was to be tied to oil, gas, and coal phaseout commitments. Yet the final agreed amount was about a quarter of what developing nations had pushed for. The amount of annual funding for transition activities, including the phaseout of hydrocarbons, was initially pegged at $1.3 trillion. This is undoubtedly a significant sum of money that had to come from somewhere, and most of it was supposed to come from the wealthiest economies in the world. Yet during the course of the negotiations, those wealthiest economies only managed to agree to $300 billion annually by 2035, after what Bloomberg described as at times openly hostile negotiations. The parties also agreed to unleash $1.3 trillion in climate finance on the world, but the how, the when, and the rest of the details remain shrouded in mystery for now. And nobody committed to a phaseout of oil and gasbecause of the Saudis, according to people who Bloomberg talked to. The Saudis, these people told the publication, had become masters of tactics aimed at removing the phaseout from the agenda altogether. One way of doing this, the Bloomberg sources related, was to make it look like the COP29 was all about the climate dealwhich, indeed, everyone seemed to agree that it was. This was the goal of the summit: to agree on funding the transition. But, according to Bloomberg and its sources, this wasnt the ultimate goal, which was to agree to phase out oil and gas. The Saudis were busy elsewhere as well, if the Bloomberg sources are to be believed. At the G20 meeting that coincided with the COP29, they were also allegedly pushing their anti-phaseout agenda, and they did it successfully. The G20 ended as yet another conference that did not produce a commitment for the phaseout of oil and gasthanks to Saudi efforts, per Bloomberg sources. Blame games are part of international politics, and they will in all likelihood continue as negotiators start their preparations for next years COP. This does not change the reality of world energy, however, and the fact that evidence of the failure of transition policies to enhance energy security and affordability is mounting. One needs to look no further than Germany and the UK to see it. This is why developing nations insist on over a trillion in help for joining the transition wagon. This is why they would not touch their hydrocarbon power generation capacity unless they see transition money in the bank. Because the transition away from oil, gas, and coal is extremely expensive and has already prompted a cost of living crisis in some of the formerly wealthiest countries in the worldthose same countries that are supposed to cough up $300 billion annually for the poorer countries. Blaming it all on Saudi Arabia seems more of a way to mask the inherent impossibilities of any comprehensive transition away from hydrocarbons than anything else. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com Meanwhile, ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, including renewed strikes on Kyiv, highlighted risks to Russian oil supplies. While these risks have not yet materialized into widespread disruptions, they remain a critical factor underpinning market sentiment. Any escalation in the region could swiftly alter the supply outlook?. This week, oil markets reacted sharply to geopolitical news, particularly the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which aimed to de-escalate the conflict involving Hezbollah. The news spurred a swift drop in oil prices, removing a significant portion of the geopolitical risk premium. Market participants speculated that the ceasefire could lead the U.S. to ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports, potentially increasing global supply. Irans ability to return additional barrels to the market has been a persistent source of concern for traders, as the nation could contribute up to 1 million barrels per day under relaxed sanctions??. Crude oil markets faced significant volatility this week, shaped by shifting geopolitical landscapes, evolving supply-demand balances, and key policy speculation within OPEC+. The combination of these factors resulted in fluctuating prices, with a bearish tilt into Tuesdays close. Crude oil markets faced significant volatility this week, shaped by shifting geopolitical landscapes, evolving supply-demand balances, and key policy speculation within OPEC+. The combination of these factors resulted in fluctuating prices, with a bearish tilt into Tuesdays close. Geopolitical Developments Erode Risk Premium This week, oil markets reacted sharply to geopolitical news, particularly the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which aimed to de-escalate the conflict involving Hezbollah. The news spurred a swift drop in oil prices, removing a significant portion of the geopolitical risk premium. Market participants speculated that the ceasefire could lead the U.S. to ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports, potentially increasing global supply. Irans ability to return additional barrels to the market has been a persistent source of concern for traders, as the nation could contribute up to 1 million barrels per day under relaxed sanctions??. Meanwhile, ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, including renewed strikes on Kyiv, highlighted risks to Russian oil supplies. While these risks have not yet materialized into widespread disruptions, they remain a critical factor underpinning market sentiment. Any escalation in the region could swiftly alter the supply outlook?. Asian Demand Offers Support On the demand side, Asia continued to provide a stabilizing force for oil prices. China, the worlds largest crude importer, reported a rise in November imports as refiners took advantage of lower prices to build inventories. Indian refiners also ramped up activity, with October throughput increasing 3% year-on-year, supported by robust demand for exported refined products. Despite these supportive trends, broader concerns about global demand persisted, particularly in light of slowing economic activity in key regions. Traders kept a close eye on data from China and other major economies to gauge the sustainability of the demand recovery?. OPEC+ Decisions Loom Large The oil market also turned its attention to OPEC+ ahead of its upcoming policy meeting. The group, which pumps roughly half the worlds crude, is reportedly considering delaying previously planned production increases for January. This move reflects concerns about tepid demand growth and rising output from non-OPEC producers such as the U.S. and Canada. Such a delay, if confirmed, could help balance markets in the near term, though analysts remain cautious about OPEC+s ability to offset external supply pressures. The meetings outcome will likely be a critical determinant of market sentiment heading into 2025. U.S. Policy and Inventory Developments Domestically, U.S. crude and gasoline stockpiles were expected to show declines this week, according to an extended Reuters poll, while distillate inventories likely rose. Both API and EIA reports confirmed a drop in crude oil inventories, which can be considered bullish. Additionally, reports of possible tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, when President Trump takes office in late January, added a layer of uncertainty to cross-border energy flows. However, analysts doubted the likelihood of direct impacts on Canadian crude exports, which are essential to U.S. refineries. Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures Trend Indicator Analysis The main trend is down. It will change to up on a trade through $77.78. A trade through $63.36 will negate the reversal bottom and signal a resumption of the downtrend. The long-term range is $87.53 to $61.30. The market is currently trading on the bearish side of its 50% level at $74.42. The price level is a potential trigger point for an acceleration to the upside. The intermediate-term range is $61.30 to $81.75. The market has been straddling its retracement zone at $71.53 to $69.11 for a sixth straight week. Bullish counter-trend traders are trying to defend this zone in an effort to form a potentially bullish secondary higher bottom. They are coming in on the dips. Bearish trend traders are hoping for an acceleration to the downside through $69.11. Weekly Technical Forecast The direction of the Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market the week-ending December 6 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to $69.11. Bullish Scenario A sustained move over $69.11 will signal the presence of strong counter-trend buyers. If this creates enough near-term momentum then we could see a test of the major 50% level at $74.53. Overcoming this level with conviction could trigger an acceleration to the upside with major tops at $77.78, $80.03 and $81.55 over the near-term. Bearish Scenario A failure to sustain a move over $69.11 will indicate that strong sellers are still controlling the prices action. It will also confirm that the market is still in sell the rally mode. This could drive prices toward minor support at $66.53 and intermediate support at $63.36. The major support is $61.30. Short-Term Forecast: Bearish Bias Likely to Persist Crude oil prices are poised to face bearish pressures in the short term as geopolitical risks ease and demand concerns linger. While OPEC+ may provide some upside support through policy adjustments, the absence of significant disruptions or demand surges suggests prices could remain under pressure. Traders should closely monitor the outcomes of the OPEC+ meeting, as well as any further developments related to Iranian exports and U.S. economic indicators, for clearer signals on the market's direction. Technically, for a third week in a row, the direction of the market is likely to be determined by trader reaction to the $69.11 Fibonacci retracement level. With the way of least resistance down, a sustained move under this level could lead to a steep break. - The spread between US Henry Hub and the Netherlands TTF facility widened by more than 30% from this years average, signaling bumper profit potential in Q4 for the largest exporters of US LNG, be that Cheniere or TotalEnergies. - As European natural gas prices are soaring on the heels of colder weather, Ukraine transit talks and quicker-than-expected inventory draws, US LNG exporters are poised to ramp up cross-Atlantic exports over the winter months. - US refiners doubt that Trump would implement tariffs on crude imports and only think he is using the threat to improve his negotiation baseline, and the 2026 review of the US-Mexico-Canada agreement might be a rough one. - Oil and gas supplies from Canada were previously excluded from tariffs under Trumps first administration, with industry groups warning that putting tariffs on pipeline imports would notably increase gasoline prices across the US. - Canada happens to be the largest crude supplier to the US markets, with Canadian flows further boosted this year by TMX flows moving to PADD 5 refiners, climbing to 4.3 million b/d lately. - Canadas oil industry has been disconcerted and confused after US president-elect Donald Trump vowed to slap a new 25% tariff on all US imports from Mexico and Canada on January 20, 2025, his first day in office. Canadas Oil Industry Roils from Trumps Tariff Threat - Canadas oil industry has been disconcerted and confused after US president-elect Donald Trump vowed to slap a new 25% tariff on all US imports from Mexico and Canada on January 20, 2025, his first day in office. - Canada happens to be the largest crude supplier to the US markets, with Canadian flows further boosted this year by TMX flows moving to PADD 5 refiners, climbing to 4.3 million b/d lately. - Oil and gas supplies from Canada were previously excluded from tariffs under Trumps first administration, with industry groups warning that putting tariffs on pipeline imports would notably increase gasoline prices across the US. - US refiners doubt that Trump would implement tariffs on crude imports and only think he is using the threat to improve his negotiation baseline, and the 2026 review of the US-Mexico-Canada agreement might be a rough one. US LNG to Benefit from Wide-Open Arbitrage into Europe - As European natural gas prices are soaring on the heels of colder weather, Ukraine transit talks and quicker-than-expected inventory draws, US LNG exporters are poised to ramp up cross-Atlantic exports over the winter months. - The spread between US Henry Hub and the Netherlands TTF facility widened by more than 30% from this years average, signaling bumper profit potential in Q4 for the largest exporters of US LNG, be that Cheniere or TotalEnergies. - Europes TTF benchmark is currently around $1 per mmBtu higher than Asias JKM benchmark, whilst simultaneously being $2 per mmBtu more expensive than Brent-indexed LNG supply term contracts. - Back in 2022, the share of Europe in US LNG export destinations reached an all-time high of 69% and ever since that peak, Ukraine's impact dissipated this year only 50% of outflows went to Europe as Asia bought increasingly more. China Scraps Export Tax Rebates, Sends UCO Flying - As the threat of Donald Trump tightening US sanctions on Iran looms large on the horizon, prices of Iranian barrels delivered to Chinese refiners have been rising due to lower availability and capped flows. - Shandong teapots have been buying cargoes of Iranian Light for December arrival at a discount of $2 to $3 per barrel against the ICE Brent benchmark, up from discounts of $9-10 per barrel a year ago. - Traders have seen fewer Iranian cargoes being offered lately, which would most probably result in Saudi Arabia overtaking Iran as the largest seaborne oil supplier of the Chinese market next month. - According to Kpler, crude flows out of Iran are up 20% year-over-year and have averaged 1.58 million b/d this year to date, quadruple the export pace in Trumps last year in office in 2020. COP29 Disappoints, Joint Battery Pledge Provides Some Hope At Least - The UN COP 29 negotiations in Baku have ended on a sour note after the participants hit a stalemate on a new climate financing goal, with developing countries calling for $1.3 trillion per year in total climate finance from developed states. - Concurrently, the climate talks agreed on rules for international carbon trading, aiming to create global standards for carbon credits, but theyre still yet to align on an international registry to keep track of allocated credits. - In one of the bright spots of the conference, participating states vowed to collectively deploy 1,500 GW of energy storage globally by 2030, some 400 GW less than what current deployment rates would suggest. - According to S&P Global, annual additions of front-of-meter batteries are set to exceed 50 GW for the first time on record this year, rising to 100 GW in 2027 and accelerating further to 2030, with China accounting for more than 50% of that capacity. Could Coal Stage a Winter Comeback in Germany? - The lull in German wind power generation has drastically improved the economics of coal generation as day-ahead power prices soared to 120 per MWh earlier this week, 50% above electricity prices in neighboring France. - The profitability of coal-fired power generation in Germany, adjusted for the inevitable carbon costs associated with higher emissions, has turned positive for the first time since March 2023. - European weather forecasts indicate the 2024/2025 winter season would be the coldest since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, with January-February temperatures being on average 3-4 C below last years unusually warm levels. - European carbon prices have been mostly rangebound in October-November, moving between 65 and 70 per metric tonne of CO2, suggesting that ETS pricing has not yet priced in a ramp-up in coal-powered generation. Solar Is Having a Bumper Year in the US - Utility-scale solar generation in the United States is set for a record year in 2024 as renewable developers are rushing to commission imported solar modules, projected to reach 32.1 GW overall. - Due to the anti-circumvention tariff moratorium thats in place until December 3, panels from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia were temporarily exempted from anti-dumping tariffs. - In line with the closing window of import opportunities from Southeast Asia, Vietnam was the largest exporter of solar panels to the US in Q3, accounting for 33%, whilst Thailand and Malaysia came in second and third, at 23% and 14% respectively. - S&P Global expects 2025 solar installations to dip a substantial 16% year-over-year, due to cheap Southeast Asian panels being no longer available at the same cost, but the CAGR in 2025-2030 would be a healthy 6.6%. Strong Steel Output Lifts Hopes of China Bulls - Iron ore prices have enjoyed a much-needed recovery this week after Chinas steel industry performance surprised many analysts, with output reaching the highest for this time of the year since 2020. - China is set to produce 2.1 million tonnes of steel in November, the highest monthly reading since June, as low inventory levels, a legacy of production cuts in August-September, prompt steel producers to ramp up production. - The winter months are usually the low season for construction in China as many steel mills shut for maintenance and building works slow down because of the cold, but steel margins are positive for most Chinese mills, so there might be more to the ongoing rally. - Chinas property market is gradually coming up from a year-long trough, although it is mostly the secondary market that is growing, with both Beijing and Shanghai recording almost 2-year highs in secondary sales last month. Turkeys been milling around it for ages, already, with Erdogan always spotting opportunities well in advance. But Turkeys game is to shore up its power in Somalia, not Somaliland, and its strategy is a broader one: to pre-insert itself in various situations that position it to have a strong enough business foothold and act as an indispensable mediator and power broker (like in Libya). Ethiopia and Somalia are fighting over it. Turkey and Greece are fighting over it. Egypt, too, has some skin in this game, as does Israel, which is looking for some prime real estate to safely bomb the Houthis from. In 1991, Somalia, a former British protectorate, claimed independence from Somalia, and its survived more or less quietly since thenuntil its strategic positioning on the Red Sea made it a prized possession of high-level geopolitical consequence. The fact that a UK defense minister is spreading rumors that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump will officially recognize Somaliland, a strategic breakaway region of Somalia that sits on the Red Sea, is only one of many dominoes falling around this tiny would-be nation. Suddenly, everything is about a tiny, unrecognized state that few will ever have heard of: Somaliland. The fate of this piece of geopolitical real estate is now tied up with everything from Israels war on Gaza to the Houthi attacks on the Red Sea, and quite a few geopolitical centers of activity in between the two. Suddenly, everything is about a tiny, unrecognized state that few will ever have heard of: Somaliland. The fate of this piece of geopolitical real estate is now tied up with everything from Israels war on Gaza to the Houthi attacks on the Red Sea, and quite a few geopolitical centers of activity in between the two. The fact that a UK defense minister is spreading rumors that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump will officially recognize Somaliland, a strategic breakaway region of Somalia that sits on the Red Sea, is only one of many dominoes falling around this tiny would-be nation. In 1991, Somalia, a former British protectorate, claimed independence from Somalia, and its survived more or less quietly since thenuntil its strategic positioning on the Red Sea made it a prized possession of high-level geopolitical consequence. Turkeys been milling around it for ages, already, with Erdogan always spotting opportunities well in advance. But Turkeys game is to shore up its power in Somalia, not Somaliland, and its strategy is a broader one: to pre-insert itself in various situations that position it to have a strong enough business foothold and act as an indispensable mediator and power broker (like in Libya). Ethiopia and Somalia are fighting over it. Turkey and Greece are fighting over it. Egypt, too, has some skin in this game, as does Israel, which is looking for some prime real estate to safely bomb the Houthis from. Everyone wants a piece of Somaliland these days. And its attracting a lot of money for its port, including from Ethiopia and the UAE, which makes neighboring Somalia and its increasingly influential benefactor (Turkey) nervous. The port deal with Dubai then attracted money from Ethiopiaa landlocked neighbor desperate to get a foothold on the coast. The January 2024 port deal raised tensions exponentially, to the point of questioning Somalias sovereignty as its breakaway region began to gain more power than Somalia proper. The port deal came with a quid pro quo that went beyond money. The deal, which for now remains an MOU, would allow Ethiopia its coveted Red Sea port lease and would give Somaliland official recognition. This puts Somalia dangerously at odds with Ethiopia because its a question of sovereignty. And with the battle against Yemens Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, Somalilands value has just soared. Not only does the previously unassuming breakaway region have an impressive Gulf of Aden coast, but its also right at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Straitthe key target of the Houthis that sees over 30% of all seaborne world trade. Many have already been using Somalilands coast via proxy, in neighboring Djibouti, where the Whos Who of foreign powers already have military bases. The same is true for Eritrea. But its Somaliland that is the core of the coastal power game. Turkeys meddling is also escalating things. Turkeys energy exploration deals with Somalia will see it deploy Turkish Naval forces in a maritime zone that both Somalia and Somaliland claim. Somaliland has already warned Turkey against such a move. Turkey, ever playing the role of beneficial mediator, is pushing for direct negotiations between Somalia and Somaliland, but if Ankara oversteps, we could see a major response from Somaliland and possibly its allies. As this competition for Somaliland continues to intensifyand it willit risks becoming the next hot spot conflict involving very clear groups of foreign enemies and allies. Earlier in the year, energy analytics firm Wood Mackenzie predicted that a second Trump presidency could place a huge part of renewable energy investments at risk, increase carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes more by 2050 and delay peak fossil fuel demand by 10 years beyond current forecasts. Not surprisingly, WoodMac expects the fossil fuel sector to benefit from Trump: the analysts have predicted that less spending on low carbon energy could boost demand for natural gas by 6% or 6B cf/day by 2030. And now commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have concurred with that opinion. StanChart notes that following Scott Bessents recent nomination as Treasury Secretary, his Manhattan Institute June session where he spoke at a conference entitled Towards a New Supply-Side: The Future of Free Enterprise in the United States is being scrutinised as a potential guide to policy. During that talk, Bessent was asked which version of the late Shinzo Abes three arrows economic plan he would recommend to an incoming President Trump. A keen admirer of Abe, Bessent put forward the three targets of 3% economic growth, cutting the budget deficit by 3% of GDP by the end of the administration and Three million more oil barrels equivalent a day from U.S. energy production. StanChart points out that many commentators are [incorrectly] interpreting Bessents comments to mean he would urge the Trump administration to raise U.S. crude oil production by 3 million barrels per day (mb/d), good for a huge 30% to about 16.5mb/d by 2028. The analysts say that Bessent meant the addition of 3 million per barrels of oil equivalent (mboe/d) to U.S. energy production by 2028, an objective well within the means of U.S. producers. Related: Electric Capital Spending Has Skyrocketed, and It's Only the Start StanChart points out that U.S. oil and gas output is currently ~40.7mboe/d. U.S. oil and gas output has grown by an average of about 123 kboe/d per month since 2015, meaning adding 3 mboe/d would take less than 25 months. The commodity experts have noted that 41% of the post-2015 increase has come from natural gas, 28% from natural gas liquids (NGLs) and just 28% from crude oil. StanChart has predicted that the crude oil element of the next 3 mboe/d increase is likely to be significantly less than 20%, with natural gas likely to be the main instrument for meeting the new administrations energy goals as crude oil output growth becomes increasingly difficult. WoodMac and StanChart are not the only natural gas bulls. Last week, Morgan Stanley predicted that the U.S. natural gas market is poised to enter a new cycle of demand growth thanks to surging LNG exports and rising electricity demand. Over the past few years, dozens of pundits and industry experts have predicted that the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution will drive unprecedented electricity demand growth in the United States and globally. Last year, the power sector consulting firm Grid Strategies published a report titled The Era of Flat Power Demand is Over, which pointed out that United States grid plannersutilities and regional transmission operators (RTOs)had nearly doubled growth projections in their five-year demand forecasts. For the first time in decades, demand for electricity in the U.S. is projected to grow by as much as 15% over the next decade driven by the Artificial Intelligence (AI), clean energy manufacturing and cryptocurrencies boom. Meanwhile, StanChart says oil market fundamentals would support an unwind of some OPEC+ cuts, but market sentiment justifies a pause. Earlier, StanChart predicted that actions by OPEC+ are likely to determine the near-and mid-term oil price trajectory. According to StanChart, much of the negative sentiment that has dominated oil markets over the past three months can be chalked up to misapprehensions about the tapering mechanism for the voluntary cuts made by eight OPEC+ countries. Many traders are worried that the balance of oil demand growth and non-OPEC+ supply growth might not offset the scale of restored OPEC+output, leaving oil markets oversupplied. However, the experts have pointed out that this assumption flies in the face of continued reassurances from OPEC+ members that the tapering would be fully dependent on market conditions rather than being automatic. Trader focus has been on the question of how many barrels could be returned before a surplus emerged; however, positioning and price dynamics imply that the answer to that question is zero. In a November 3 press release, OPEC announced that output increases would be postponed by a month until the start of 2025. StanChart says the delayed return of more barrels to the market does not necessarily mean that OPEC felt the physical market could not absorb the oil, but rather reflects its awareness that extremely pessimistic 2025 oil balance predictions have viewed the tapering through that lens. StanChart says the latest announcement by OPEC strengthens the case that the pace of tapering will be market-dependent and not automatic as traders fear. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia unleashed a "massive" attack on Ukraines infrastructure on November 28, leaving more than 1 million people without power in freezing temperatures across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of a "despicable escalation," as the Interior Ministry recorded damage to infrastructure in nine regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the latest attack was Moscow's "response" to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory with U.S. medium-range ATACMS missiles. Speaking during a trip to Kazakhstan, Putin warned that Russia's future targets could include "decision-making centers" in Kyiv. Putin said Russia launched more than 90 missiles and 100 drones in the "comprehensive strike" on November 28 and that 17 targets had been hit -- the type of detail that the president rarely gives. Ukraine's air force said it had shot down 79 missiles and 35 drones, while 62 drones were "lost," meaning they had likely been disrupted by electronic warfare. All missiles or drones aimed at the capital, Kyiv were downed, officials said. The attack forced national power-grid operator Ukrenerho to "urgently introduce emergency power cuts," Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said early on November 28. "Once again, the energy sector is under massive enemy attack. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place across Ukraine," Halushchenko wrote on social media. Energy provider DTEK said early in the day that emergency power outages were being introduced in the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk. Kyiv had also reportedly disconnected several nuclear power units from the network during the attack. Ukraine gets more than half of its electricity from nuclear plants. It comes as the temperatures across Ukraine dropped to around zero degrees Celsius. Earlier this month, a senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, warned that Moscow's targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure may make this winter the "harshest since the start of the war" nearly three years ago. By RF/ERL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com BP Plcs (NYSE:BP) subsidiary BP Trinidad and Tobago (BPTT) signed a production-sharing agreement with Trinidad last week for the giant Cypre subsea gas development, and is now targeting first gas in 2025, Zacks reports. Cypre is BPTTs third subsea development in the region and is poised to significantly enhance the countrys natural gas production capacity. Trinidad and Tobagos natural gas production has been declining, making the Cypre project critical for the twin island country. Average production for the first half of 2024 clocked in at 2.48 billion cubic feet per day, down from 2.64 billion cubic feet per day in 2023. According to former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, projects like BP Cypre and EOG Mento will help offset production losses but may still prove insufficient to spark a significant production surge. Trinidad's annual gas output has been on a tailspin for years now, dropping from 1.479 tcf in 2012, to 0.988 tcf in 2022 in large part due to declining gas reserves in mature gas fields, overshadowing discoveries in neighboring countries and unappealing fiscal terms. But its Latin American peers are doing no better. Currently, among LAM countries, only Trinidad & Tobago and Perus export LNG. Peru has actually fared better than most of its neighbors. The country has seen its LNG gas exports soar amid the global energy crisis that was triggered by Russias war in Ukraine. Back in 2022, Peru LNG, the consortium responsible for the countrys exports, increased its LNG deliveries by 70% while shipments to Europe alone saw a 46-fold increase. The Peruvian government even discarded the renegotiation of the consortiums Camisea contracts in a bid to encourage the consortium to export at full capacity of 4.4 MTPA. Unfortunately, Peru has little capacity to expand exports at this juncture as the government focuses on supplying the local population. Meanwhile, Brazil remains one of the largest LNG importers in the region despite having more regasification capacity than any other country in the region. Indeed, Brazil is the sixth largest importer of U.S. LNG globally. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Ocean Leonid Investments Ltd, a hedge fund linked to secretive Iranian oil trader Hossein Shamkhani, has informed its London employees that it will go into liquidation, Bloomberg has reported. The development comes just months after the UK government cracked down on the oil-trading kingpins empire, known for moving Iranian and Russian crude around the world. Previously, Bloomberg reported that Companies House, the UK corporate register, issued notice that London-based Nest Wise Trading Ltd. is to be dissolved within months due to the entitys failure to provide sufficient information to regulators, with UK authorities linking it to Shamkhani. Shamkhani, aka Hector, is the son of Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His Dubai-based Milavous Group Ltd is alleged to have raked in billions of dollars for illegally selling Iranian and Russian crude around the world. Washington and London have been targeting entities that they suspect have been sidestepping oil-trading restrictions. Unless cause is shown to the contrary, the Company will be struck off the register and dissolved not less than 2 months from the date shown above, UK Companies House said in its notice about Nest Wise. According to Companies House records, Nest Wises business includes the sale of petroleum and petroleum products, fuels, ores, metals and industrial chemicals. The filings also show that during the London entitys incorporation, Dubai-based Nest Wise Petroleum LLC was the sole shareholder listed. Back in August, Bloomberg published an expose revealing how Shamkanis secretive network has been operating, dubbing the Iranian tycoon The Kingpin Of Irans Oil Empire, Companies in his network also sell oil and petrochemicals from non-sanctioned nations and sometimes mix crude from various jurisdictions, so even buyers who test barrels may not be able to identify the country of origin, the people said, Bloomberg reported. Bloomberg also reported that Washington has already sanctioned ships believed to be controlled by the Iranian businessman. His father Ali was sanctioned by the Trump administration in early 2020, although Shamkhani previously told Bloomberg that his father never had nor does he have anything to do with my business activities. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities arrived at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday, kicking off their nine-day visit to the island. Invited by the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, the delegation is led by Qiu Yong, chairman of the Communist Party of China committee of Tsinghua University. Qiu said in an address that he expects more opportunities for young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to meet, understand each other, and build friendships. He stressed that the connection between the two sides of the Strait will never be severed and the bonds of affection will never be obstructed. The delegation comprises members from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Normal University and Beijing Sport University. The delegation will visit six universities in Taiwan including Taiwan University, Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, and Chengchi University, as well as Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School. Their itinerary also includes visits to historical and cultural sites on the island. In April, Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, led a group of young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland. Crude oil prices started trade with a dip today, following the U.S. Energy Information Administrations weekly report, which showed a sizable build in gasoline stocks. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $72.61 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $68.53 per barrel, both down from opening. Oil traders are also waiting for the Sunday meeting of OPEC+ where the group is expected to announce yet another extension of its production cuts. That announcement is probably already factored into prices, so they are unlikely to change much after that meeting. The only question is whether it's a one-month pushback, or three-month, or even longer. That would give the oil market some direction. On the other hand, we would be worried about a dip in oil prices if the deferments dont come, Singapore-based DBS Bank analyst Suvro Sarkar told Reuters. Crude may have already baked in a small deferral in OPEC+ tapering Vandana Hari from Vanda Insights told Bloomberg. A decision to proceed with the boost from Jan. 1 or something as drastic as an indefinite postponement would surprise traders, she said. INGs commodity analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey noted oil demand concerns in a recent update. Crude oil prices continue to face stiff resistance around US$75/bbl due to demand concerns. Any premature production hike from the group could push the market into deeper oversupply, they wrote on Wednesday. OPEC+ had earlier this year announced plans to start gradually bringing back supply towards the end of the year if the price was right. Since the price has not been right for months, the group has been postponing its supply return. Some have suggested the production caps may have to become long-term because of the markets refusal or failure to respond to the supply curbs with higher prices. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Shares of the 11 companies that operate under giant Indian industrial conglomerate Adani Group, soared on Wednesday, a week after Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of Adani, and other executives were indicted in New York for their alleged roles in a multi-million-dollar bribery and fraud scheme. Leading the rally was Adani Total Gas, which surged 15.7%, Adani Energy Solutions and Adani Green Energy zoomed 10%, Adani Power jumped 7.0%, and Adani Enterprises climbed 1.7%per cent on the BSE. The shares were traded on heavy volume, with Adani Energy Solutions and Adani Green Energy hitting their highest trading permissible limit for the day. The Adani Group is not a stranger to controversy. Last year, the shares were hammered after short-seller Hindenburg Research published a damning report alleging that Adani Group was involved in brazen stock manipulation and an accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades. According to Hindenburg, Adani had managed to amass a net worth of roughly $120 billion, with $100 billion coming in the past 3 years, largely through stock price appreciation in the groups seven key listed companies, which had spiked an average of 819% over the timeframe. Hindenburg argued that Adani Groups seven key listed companies had 85% downside purely on a fundamental basis owing to sky-high valuations. To allay investor concerns, Adani Group sold Rs 15,446 crore (~$1.9B) worth of shares in four of its companies to US-based equity fund GQG Partners and also held multiple roadshows in London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore, among other locations. The measures appear to have worked and the shares fully recovered. Adanis indictment in the United States leaves his plans for the country hanging in the balance. Last week, Gautam Adani, said in a social media post on platform X on Wednesday that the company will invest $10 billion in energy and infrastructure projects in the United States. Adani has revealed that his company also aims to create up to 15,000 jobs in the country, but did not give the time period or details of the projects. On Monday, French supermajor TotalEnergies, which is a partner of Indias Adani group in renewable energy projects, said it would not make any new financial contribution as part of its investments in the group of companies until the ongoing U.S. investigations into Adani executives for corruption are clarified. Likewise, Kenya has cancelled energy and airport deals with Adani in response. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com As Israel hastens its attacks on Iranian proxies in Syria, amid the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syrian rebels in the north are resurging to ride these tailwinds with a significant offensive on government-controlled areas. The rebel offensive, launched on Wednesday, was reported to have captured a Syrian military base and around 40 towns and villages controlled by the pro-Iranian Assad government. The offensive represents a unification of anti-government rebel forces in Syria, combined with a deadly Israeli attack, and poses a significant threat to Assad. Control of AleppoSyrias second-largest city after the capital, Damascus, has suddenly become a global flashpoint, with rebel forces reported to be closing in fast on the city as of Thursday afternoon, EST. This is the first major offensive in Syria since 2020. Syrian rebel forces had named the offensive, the Deterrence of Aggression, partly in response to the Assad regimes targeting of the rebel-held city of Idlib in which at least 30 civilians were killed. Syrian rebel forces now feel emboldened, not only because of Israels attacks on Iranian proxies in Syria, but also because Israel has severely weakened Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hezbollah was a key force for maintaining Assads grip on power. The offensive comes amid a shaky ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon on Wednesday, with both sides claiming the other had violated the deal by Thursday. Israel is likely interested in maintaining the current momentum in Syria, with the rebels taking advantage of Hezbollahs increasing weakness. With Syria now another key flashpoint in the Israel-Gaza war, oil-giant Iraq has every reason to be nervous, torn apart by pro-Iranian and pro-Western forces. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. businessmen are quietly lobbying President-elect Donald Trump to drop the maximum pressure campaign on Venezuela in his second term in office and strike a deal with Nicolas Maduro, the Wall Street Journal reports. A deal with Maduro would meet, the lobbyists say, two key Trump campaign prioritiesreducing illegal migration and reducing energy prices for U.S. consumers. Instead of seeking a regime change in Venezuela by ratcheting up sanctions, which impoverished even more people who flee Venezuela and many end up in the United States, the new U.S. Administration should seek negotiations with Maduro that would allow Venezuelan heavy oil flows to the United States, the lobbyists say. It was President Trump, in his first term in office, who slapped strict sanctions on Venezuela, effectively banning imports of its crude into the United States. The Biden Administration has sought some sanctions relief and allowed Venezuelan exports for six months between October 2023 and April 2024. Some general licenses have also been issued authorizing companies to operate in Venezuela. Now some businessmen, such as Harry Sargeant III, a billionaire GOP donor, are calling for a deal with Venezuela, according to the Journal. It is indisputable that the renewed flow of high-quality, low cost Venezuelan asphalt to the U.S. has been a benefit to the American taxpayer, Harry Sargeant IV, the son of Harry Sargeant III and the president of Sargeants company that has recently imported 43,000 barrels of liquid asphalt from Venezuela, told the WSJ. It has been a blow to our strategic competitors because under sanctions these barrels were turned into heavily discounted fuel oil that simply subsidized the Chinese economy, he added. However, President-elect Trumps early picks for his team definitely do not favor an easing on Venezuelaon the contrary. Trumps pick for secretary of state, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, has been one of the harshest critics of Bidens sanctions relief. Rubio, if confirmed as secretary of state, is likely to toughen the U.S. sanctions on Venezuelas oil, analysts say. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Some financial experts and bank customers have reacted to the recent Central Bank of Nigeria pronouncement that henceforth, loan defaulters will forfeit their deposits in other banks to repay unpaid loans. Recall that the CBN, through its Deputy Governor, Aisha Ahmad, had on Monday, at the 345th Bankers Committee Meeting in Lagos, hinted that the bank was proposing to implement a policy that would make loan defaulters forfeit their deposits in others banks. Reacting to the proposed plan, a financial expert, Solomon Itodo, said the policy would boost lenders confidence knowing that repayment is not tied only to accounts being operated with them. Itodo, however, said that the full provisions of the policy should be made known, otherwise erring debtors would easily circumvent it in a number of ways like operating accounts in different company names or having accounts operated by proxies. He added that to make the policy work, accounts which should be considered as payment accounts should include personal accounts and accounts of companies with directors. Another financial expert, Mrs. Grace Audu, said it would serve as a deterrent to people who collect loan from one bank and then disappear to go start another account in another bank. She also said that some banks that had folded up or had to merge with other banks ran into problems because of such customers. Once CBN puts this into effect, the clause of Lien/set off will also apply in your accounts with other banks and not just the same bank. It will definitely reduce the bad loan portfolio of some banks, which will make them stronger and more profitable. Audu added that bank marketers would be able to breathe a sigh of relief as many of them do not like to market loans to small businesses because if they do not pay, the bank holds the marketers responsible. This, she said, in turn makes many of the marketers lose their jobs. So this development will provide more guarantee for the marketers, and reduce the likelihood of losing their jobs because of such customers, she said. Some bank customers also applauded the policy. Mr Nduka Adibe, a civil servant, said it was a good initiative as he knew quite a number of civil servants who took loans from one bank and moved on to the next bank to operate other accounts without offsetting the previous loan. He said that with the Bank Verification Number (BVN), it would be easier for banks to implement the policy. Adibe, however, said that the CBN should fine-tune the policy in such a way that banks do not victimize honest borrowers by taking over their deposits in other banks before payment time for the loan. Aminu Abdulwahab, a businessman, said although the policy may discourage small business owners from making deposits in banks, it would go a long way in enhancing businesses getting loans with ease. This, he said, was because the borrowers would be made to reveal their true financial status in other banks, a move that would embolden the lenders to give out the money. By Taiwo Okanlawon Maureen Esisi, the ex-wife of popular Nollywood actor, Blossom Chukwujekwu has disclosed that hes still in love with her ex-husband even though she is not ready to have their relationship back. Esisi whose marriage to the actor had since crashed over her alleged inability to bear a child also said she never cheated on him Esisi also known as Red Vigor on Instagram made these revelations and more via an interactive session with her followers on Instagram. She was asked by some fans if she still loves Blossom, ever cheated on him or perhaps that there are secretly still married. Read more of the interactive section below; 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: Comparison of the extent of an extreme cold spell in Europe in 1929. Left: previously known temperature index from the HadEX dataset; Middle: Data on the cold spell without any infilling techniques to cover gaps; Right: This paper's CRAI reconstruction of the cold event, showing higher resolution in both space and temperature. Credit: American Physical Society There are over 30,000 weather stations in the world, measuring temperature, precipitation and other indicators often on a daily basis. That's a massive amount of data for climate researchers to compile and analyze to produce the monthly and annual global and regional temperatures (especially) that make the news. Now researchers have unleashed artificial intelligence (AI) on these datasets to analyze temperature extremes in Europe, finding excellent agreement compared to existing results that used traditional methods, and as well have uncovered climate extremes not previously known. Their work has been published in Nature Communications. With the world's climate changing rapidly, it is important to know how temperature and precipitation extremes are changing, so planners can adapt to the extremes here now and to what's coming. It is raining heavier in some regions, now "far outside the historical climate" according to a 2021 paper in Nature. Heat extremes are up as wellmore than 30% of the global land area now sees monthly temperatures above the two-sigma statistical level in any given year, up from about 1% in 1950. A significant problem in the analysis of historical temperature averages is the lack of data for some weather stations, especially in the first half of last century. A manned weather station may have gone unmonitored for years if it is damaged, if its keeper moved or died, if it stopped and was not immediately replaced, or maybe never replaced. New station technologies need to be correlated to previous instruments, and large areas in Africa and the poles offer scant information, if any. Climate researchers have spent a great amount of time trying to deal with such gaps. A research area known as data homogenization, and different choices of homogenization methodologies largely account for the slight differences seen in the results of the several different groups that publish global temperature averages and trends. A team led by Etienne Plesiat of the German Climate Computing Center in Hamburg, including colleagues from the UK and Spain, saw extreme temperatures as an area ripe for the application of AI's neural network techniques. They focused on Europe, which has an especially dense number of weather stations that go further back in time than elsewhere around the world. (For example, the monthly Hadley Central England Temperature data begins in 1659, the oldest record in the world.) Using AI, the group reconstructed observations of European climate extremesextremely warm and cold days, and extremely warm and cold nights. Because of the high density of European temperature stations, traditional statistical methods such as Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting and Angular Distance Weighting perform well in predicting temperature values for any location that lacks a thermometer but has neighboring stations nearby, but they perform poorly when nearby data is scarce. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. All are methods to use measured values together with the distance from the point of interest to a neighboring weather station to predict the temperature at the location of interest, the primary difference being how the distances (or angles) are weighted in the calculation. In the last few years, AI methods have outperformed these traditional ways of infilling to construct missing climate information and quantifying uncertainties. The AI models used by Plesiat and colleagues were trained on and compared to historical simulations with Earth System Models from the CMIP6 archive (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, a global collaboration of climate models coupling the atmosphere and oceans that calculate past climate, current climate and future climate). Their AI's results are evaluated by comparison to such reanalysis simulations, using accepted methods such as root mean square error, the Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient which indicates the amount of association between an independent variable and a dependent variable (it generalizations the well-known Pearson coefficient R but including nonlinear dependencies), and more. The researchers found that their deep-learning technique, which they call CRAI (Climate Reconstruction AI), outperformed several interpolation methods such as those described above for calculating warm days (the percentage of days when the daily maximum temperature was greater than the 90th percentile), cool days (the percentage of days when the daily maximum temperature was less than the 10th percentile), and similarly for warm nights and cool nights. They then applied it to the reconstruction of all fields in the HadEX3 dataset over the European domainHadEX3 consists of over 80 indices of extreme temperature and precipitation on a gridded Earth surface from 1901 to 2018. Here, too, their technique showed an ability to reconstruct past extreme events and reveal spatial trends across time intervals not covered by so-called "reanalysis datasets." (Climate reanalysis fills in gaps in observational databases by utilizing a climate model together with what observations are available.) In addition, their CRAI revealed European extremes previously unknownfor example, cold spells such as one in 1929, and heat waves including a 1911 occurrence. Due to sparse data, such extremes were only hinted at anecdotally. "Our research demonstrates both the necessity and the potential benefits of applying this approach to the global scale or other regions with scarce data," the team conclude in their paper. "Indeed, we find that our AI-based reconstruction shows larger accuracy over traditional statistical methods, particularly in regions with pronounced data scarcity," adding that training such CRAI models should enhance accuracy when larger amounts of information are exploited. "This work underscores the transformative potential of AI to improve our understanding of climate extremes and their long-term changes." More information: Etienne Plesiat et al, Artificial intelligence reveals past climate extremes by reconstructing historical records, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53464-2 Journal information: Nature Communications , Nature 2024 Science X Network 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: An artist's impression shows the four spacecraft of the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, which fly in a tetrahedral formation and gather information about the microphysics of reconnecting magnetic-field lines and the associated processes. Credit: NASA/GSFC A small team of astrophysicists at the University of California, Los Angeles, working with colleagues from the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Colorado, Boulder, has found evidence that Alfven waves in space plasmas speed up ion beams, resulting in the creation of small-scale acoustic waves that in turn generate heat in the magnetosphere. In their study, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, the group used data from the four-spacecraft Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission that took place in 2015 to prove a theory about heat generation in the magnetosphere. For several years, astronomers have been studying the impact of the solar wind striking the magnetopause, which defines the outer edges of the magnetosphere. Prior research has shown that as the solar wind arrives, Alfven waves are generated and the resulting energy heats up the plasma in the magnetosphere. However, the plasma there is too thin to result in a cascade. To explain what happens, researchers have theorized that Alfven waves speed up the ion beams, resulting in the creation of acoustic waves, which in turn generate heat. In this new effort, the researchers found evidence of such a chain of events, backing up the theories. The researchers analyzed data from MMS. The unique venture involved four spacecraft that flew together in a special configuration through the magnetosphere above regions of the Earth experiencing dusk. This allowed the craft to observe large-scale topical transformations and the movement of an Alfven wave. The configuration also allowed the spacecraft to monitor the motion of the ions in the surrounding plasma. Such data, the research team discovered, could be used to prove a theory suggesting that heat generated by ion beams was the means by which Alfven waves were converted to heat. Propagation characteristics of Alfven waves and IAWs in the spatiotemporal domain in the simulation. Credit: arXiv: DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2406.14782 The instruments aboard the spacecraft showed that magnetic pressure variation in the Alfven waves was synched with ion density fluctuations and the surrounding electric field. They also showed the speed of the ion beams matched those of the Alfven wave. Confident that the data had proven theories surrounding heat generation in the magnetosphere, the researchers created simulations of the action as it unfolded. The simulations matched both the theory and the observations they had made. 2024 Science X Network 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 $300 billion a year pledged by wealthy countries for climate finance at COP29 was slammed as too little, too late. A bitterly-fought climate finance deal reached at COP29 risks weakening emissions-cutting plans from developing countries, observers say, further raising the stakes for new national commitments due early next year. The UN climate talks in Azerbaijan, which concluded last Sunday, were considered crucial to boosting climate action across huge swathes of the world after what will almost certainly be the hottest year on record. Beginning days after the re-election of climate skeptic Donald Trump as US president, and with countries weighed down by economic concerns, the negotiations were tough-fought from the start and at one point seemed close to collapse. Wealthy polluters ultimately agreed to find at least $300 billion a year by 2035 to help poorer nations transition to cleaner energy and prepare for increasing climate impacts such as extreme weather. But it was slammed by developing nations as too little, too late. Taking the floor just after the deal was approved, Nigeria's representative Nkiruka Maduekwe dismissed the funding on offer as a "joke", suggesting it would undermine national climate plans due early next year. "$300 billion is unrealistic," she said. "Let us tell ourselves the truth." Current climate plans, even if implemented in full, would see the world warm a devastating 2.6 degrees Celsius this century, the United Nations has said, blasting past the internationally agreed limit of 1.5C since the pre-industrial era. Global fossil CO2 emissions. A next round of national pledges is due in February and will cover the period to 2035, which scientists say is critical for curbing warming. Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa, a Kenya-based think tank, said the COP29 talks produced not just a "low-ball" figure, but a delivery date of 2035 that falls at the end of the range for climate plans. This "will certainly constrain the ability of developing countries to pledge ambitious emission cuts", he told AFP, calling for an improved goal and other measures, like debt relief and technology support. 'Our only chance' Global emissions need to be reducing by more than seven percent every year "to avoid unmanageable global outcomes as the world breaches the 1.5C limit", said Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. "Our only chance is full focus on financing and implementing emission cuts now." Yet carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuelsthe main driver of global warmingare still rising, according to the Global Carbon Project. The COP29 deal acknowledged that lower income countries will need some $1.3 trillion annually to pay for their energy transition and build up their resilience to future climate impacts. Climate finance from developed to developing countries. Details of how to bridge the $1 trillion funding gap remain vague, but it would likely require a major effort to attract money from private investors, development banks and other sources. Other ideas include raising money through pollution tariffs, a wealth tax or ending fossil fuel subsidies. Friederike Roder of campaign group Global Citizen said discontent over COP29 piles pressure on countries to come up with concrete suggestions before the next climate meeting in Brazil in November 2025. That would "help rebuild some of the trust and give confidence to countries to come forward with ambitious targets", she told AFP. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. EU-China 'momentum' So far only a handful of countriesrecent and future COP hosts Britain, the UAE and Brazilhave unveiled new climate plans. Observers say many other nations are now unlikely to meet the February deadline, as governments grapple with shifting political and economic situations. The new year will see a new Trump administration in the White House, with potentially sweeping implications for international trade and US climate policy. 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record. Germany, Canada and Australia will all hold elections in which conservatives less supportive of green policies stand a chance of victory. With the United States retreating from climate diplomacy, the relationship between China and the EU will likely become "the best source of momentum" on climate, said Li Shuo, director of the China climate hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute. One positive takeaway from COP29, he added, was early evidence of a willingness to work together, despite the trade rivalry between Beijing and Brussels. A lack of progress on emissions at COP29 has also caused alarm over stalling efforts on curbing warming. But Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub, said the rejection of a watered down text on the subject this year meant national climate plans should still reflect last year's COP28 pledge to move away from planet-heating fossil fuels. It is small consolation. "Here we are in the hottest year on record. The impacts are enormous," she 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: Individual burial ML2021 found in the chevet of the chapel in 2021. (a) In situ photo H. Gaillard; (b) Marks of embalming on the cranium; (c) Marks on the right humerus (antero-medial view), (d) Marks on the left tibia (anterior view) C. Partiot and M. Bessou. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78258-w A team of bioarchaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Universite de Bordeaux, and Aix-Marseille Universite has found evidence of an aristocratic family in France embalming their loved ones after death for nearly two centuries. In their paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, the group describes the find as the first of its kind. Prior research has shown that people in Ancient Egypt and parts of South America practiced the art of embalming their dead. In this new effort, the research team has found evidence of similar efforts for people born to an aristocratic family in France during the early parts of the 16th to the latter parts of the 17th century. In studying the techniques used by the embalmers, the researchers have found that the goal was not to preserve the bodies for as long as possible but just long enough for a burial ceremony to be undertaken. The work by the researchers involved the study of the skeletal remains of 12 people buried in a shared crypt used by the Caumont family at Chateau des Milandes for nearly two centuries. The researchers found approximately 2,000 bone fragments, all from seven adults and five children, and embalmed similarly. (a) Location of the Chateau des Milandes in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Dordogne, France. Map: https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/2377311#map=5/45.416/3.691; (b) Aerial view of the Chateau des Milandes (left) and the chapel (right), D. Castex; (c) Map of the chapel, modified after the map of F. Mandon (Atemporelle Archaeological service). In gray: elevations dating from the second half of the 15th century; in yellow: elevations dating from the beginning of the 16th century; in blue: crypt dating from the 2nd half of the 16th century; in purple: individual burial ML2021; (d) Entrance to the crypt in the chapel, F. Mandon; (e) interior of the crypt, details F. Mandon. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78258-w The process, the researchers found, involved removing all the deceased person's internal organs, including the brainthe skulls were sliced open cleanly to allow for replacement afterward. The body was thoroughly washed and filled with an embalming substance made of balsam and other aromatic materials. The research team notes that the embalming process was identical to that described by French surgeon Pierre Dionis in a 1708 autopsy instruction manual. They also noted that the embalming process was the same for the children as it was for the adultsand that it had been handed down over generations. The researchers note that their find is the first of its kind, pointing out that multiple embalmings of people from the same family are quite rare in any part of the world. They suggest that such long-term practice of the rite shows that the Caumont family was very wealthy and likely held high prestige. More information: Caroline Partiot et al, First bioarchaeological evidence of the familial practice of embalming of infant and adult relatives in Early Modern France, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78258-w Journal information: Scientific Reports 2024 Science X Network 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 3D computerized model of the surface of the area near Lake Turkana in Kenya shows fossil footprints of Paranthropus boisei (vertical footprints) with separate footprints of Homo erectus forming a perpendicular path. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University More than a million years ago, on a hot savanna teeming with wildlife near the shore of what would someday become Lake Turkana in Kenya, two completely different species of hominins may have passed each other as they scavenged for food. Scientists know this because they have examined 1.5-million-year-old fossils they unearthed and have concluded they represent the first example of two sets of hominin footprints made about the same time on an ancient lake shore. The discovery will provide more insight into human evolution and how species cooperated and competed with one another, the scientists said. "Hominin" is a newer term that describes a subdivision of the larger category known as hominids. Hominins include all organisms, extinct and alive, considered to be within the human lineage that emerged after the split from the ancestors of the great apes. This is believed to have occurred about 6 million to 7 million years ago. The discovery, published in Science , offers hard proof that different hominin species lived contemporaneously in time and space, overlapping as they evaded predators and weathered the challenges of safely securing food in the ancient African landscape. Hominins belonging to the species Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, the two most common living human species of the Pleistocene Epoch, made the tracks, the researchers said. "Their presence on the same surface, made closely together in time, places the two species at the lake margin, using the same habitat," said Craig Feibel, an author of the study and a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Department of Anthropology in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences. Feibel, who has conducted research since 1981 in that area of northern Kenya, a rich fossil site, applied his expertise in stratigraphy and dating to demonstrate the geological antiquity of the fossils at 1.5 million years ago. He also interpreted the depositional setting of the footprint surface, narrowing down the passage of the track makers to a few hours, and showing they were formed at the very spot of soft sediments where they were found. If the hominins didn't cross paths, they traversed the shore within hours of each other, Feibel said. While skeletal fossils have long provided the primary evidence for studying human evolution, new data from fossil footprints are revealing fascinating details about the evolution of human anatomy and locomotion, and giving further clues about ancient human behaviors and environments, according to Kevin Hatala, the study's first author, and an associate professor of biology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pa. "Fossil footprints are exciting because they provide vivid snapshots that bring our fossil relatives to life," said Hatala, who has been investigating hominin footprints since 2012. "With these kinds of data, we can see how living individuals, millions of years ago, were moving around their environments and potentially interacting with each other, or even with other animals. That's something that we can't really get from bones or stone tools." Rutgers Professor Craig Feibel has been studying fossils in Kenya since the 1980s. Credit: Craig Feibel/Rutgers University Hatala, an expert in foot anatomy, found the species' footprints reflected different patterns of anatomy and locomotion. He and several co-authors distinguished one set of footprints from another using new methods they recently developed to enable them to conduct a 3D analysis. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "In biological anthropology, we're always interested in finding new ways to extract behavior from the fossil record, and this is a great example," said Rebecca Ferrell, a program director at the National Science Foundation who helped fund this portion of the research. "The team used cutting-edge 3D imaging technologies to create an entirely new way to look at footprints, which helps us understand human evolution and the roles of cooperation and competition in shaping our evolutionary journey." Feibel described the discovery as "a bit of serendipity." The researchers uncovered the fossil footprints in 2021 when a team organized by Louise Leakey, a third-generation paleontologist who is the granddaughter of Louis Leakey and daughter of Richard Leakey, discovered fossil bones at the site. The field team, led by Cyprian Nyete, mainly consists of a group of highly trained Kenyans who live locally and scour the landscape after heavy rains. They noticed fossils on the surface and were excavating to try and find the source. While cleaning the top layer of a bed, Richard Loki, one of the excavators, noticed some giant bird tracks, then spotted the first hominin footprint. Leakey coordinated a team in response that excavated the footprint surface in July 2022. Feibel noted it has long been hypothesized that these fossil human species coexisted. According to fossil records, Homo erectus, a direct ancestor of humans, persisted for 1 million years more. Paranthropus boisei, however, went extinct within the next few hundred thousand years. Scientists don't know why. Both species possessed upright postures, bipedalism and were highly agile. Little is yet known about how these coexisting species interacted, both culturally and reproductively. The footprints are significant, Feibel said, because they fall into the category of "trace fossils"which can include footprints, nests and burrows. Trace fossils are not part of an organism but offer evidence of behavior. Body fossils, such as bones and teeth, are evidence of past life, but are easily moved by water or a predator. Trace fossils cannot be moved, Feibel said. "This proves beyond any question that not only one, but two different hominins were walking on the same surface, literally within hours of each other," Feibel said. "The idea that they lived contemporaneously may not be a surprise. But this is the first time demonstrating it. I think that's really huge." More information: Kevin G. Hatala, Footprint evidence for locomotor diversity and shared habitats among early Pleistocene hominins, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.ado5275. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado5275 William E. H. Harcourt-Smith, Contemporary hominin locomotor diversity, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adt8033 , doi.org/10.1126/science.adt8033 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain This week marks the centenary of the French physicist Louis de Broglie's doctoral thesis, which later earned him a Nobel prize for "his discovery of the wave nature of electrons." This discovery constitutes a central aspect of quantum mechanics, and it led to his famous "pilot wave" theory, which provides an alternative way to formulate the theory of quantum mechanics itself. However, de Broglie quickly denied his own theory. But for what reasons? The theory of quantum mechanics describes the behavior of matter at small scales, such as that of atoms or electrons. Its discovery dates from the beginning of the 20th century, but many questions about it remain debated. This is largely due to the puzzling characteristics of the theory. For example, quantum particles such as electrons seem to behave sometimes like particles, sometimes like waves. The Copenhagen interpretation, developed at the beginning of the 20th century, concluded that the quantum world cannot be analyzed according to classical physical concepts. This view has met with a number of objections, and numerous scientists, including Albert Einstein, have looked for a causal and mechanistic understanding of the weirdness of quantum behavior. De Broglie was among those who refused the Copenhagen reading, and he proposed his pilot wave theory in 1927. According to this model, matter is made up of particles, whose movement is guided by a "quantum wave," thus explaining the reasons for the wave behavior of particles. However, a few years after de Broglie made his discovery, he renounced his theory. What prompted this change of heart, and how did his work impact the scientific community? The weirdness persists There are multiple causes for the abandonment of the pilot wave theory. However, two characteristics of the model have made it particularly dubious. First, it suggests that the motion of one particle can depend on that of another, even if their distance, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, should prohibit any interaction. Furthermore, the pilot wave does not have a clear physical meaning. Unlike conventional waves, such as ocean waves or electromagnetic waves, it is not a wave that evolves in our three-dimensional physical space. Rather, it is a wave that unfolds in an abstract mathematical space with a large number of dimensions, making its interpretation difficult. These aspects of the pilot wave were very disturbing for de Broglie, who explicitly abandoned his theory in his subsequent writings. His deeper ambition was to develop a somewhat different approach, called the "double solution theory". Its main object would have been a less abstract wave, which would unfold within the space familiar to our perception. This alternative model would have been much more intuitive and easy to understand. However, the mathematical complexity of this approach was considerable. De Broglie worked on this project until the end of his life, despite the limited interest it garnered from his fellow physicists. The rediscovery of pilot wave theory De Broglie's work has deeply influenced the scientific community. The US physicist David Bohm independently rediscovered pilot wave theory in 1952. Rather than rejecting the model because of its strangeness, Bohm and many other subsequent researchers have undertaken the challenge of giving it meaning. Questions relating to the exact content and interpretation of the theory are still debated today. Furthermore, the double solution theory that de Broglie worked on has not been completely abandoned. Some contemporary physicists are still working on its formulation. This approach may one day help us better understand our world on a small scale, with a reduced impact on our classical intuitions. 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Romance scamswhere scammers create fake identities and use dating or friendship to get your trust and moneycost Australians A$201 million last year. But the emotional impact of romance scams can often feel worse than losing money. Those who have been scammed may experience shame and embarrassment and have difficulty accepting the relationship wasn't real. People who have acquired a brain injury, for example after a stroke or car accident, may be more vulnerable to these scams. My research with colleagues shows they are often less aware of scams and find it harder to recognize red flags. But our project has found there are benefits when people with brain injuries who have been scammed share their experiences. It can create awareness, reduce stigma and help prevent future scams. Some groups are more vulnerable Anyone can be scammed. But some groups are more at risk, including people with a disability such as an acquired brain injury. We surveyed 101 clinicians in Australia and New Zealand who work with people who have acquired brain injuries. More than half (53%) had a client who had been affected by a cyberscam. The most common type was a romance scam. How do romance scams work? Romance scams involve a scammer (or sometimes multiple people) luring someone into a fake relationship in order to exploit them, often to get money. Scammers may use online dating platforms to connect, or social media, gaming and even online shopping sites. Romance scammers build trust and strong emotions using techniques such as love bombing (early and frequent declarations of affection), grooming and manipulation over an extended period of time. They share common interests and even similar types of trauma to make people trust them. As a romance scam survivor with an acquired brain injury explained: "My way of thinking was sort of skewed because all I seen was love, the money, all the things I wanted, so I didn't worry about all the other little stuff." The identity of the scammer usually appears very attractive and trustworthy but is often fake, stolen from a real person or AI-generated. They present lots of evidence and exciting details about their everyday life to appear real and keep people hooked into the relationship. Scammers use pre-written scripts with compelling narratives describing significant financial success, being a widower or orphan, or working overseas to attract people. Flirty language and flattery makes people want to keep communicating with the scammer. They might tell you they think you have a beautiful smile and their dog or cat would love you. Scammers will invest weeks and months to build up a connection, then scammers present exciting "opportunities." These may include investments and requests to cover international flights for a first meet-up. Or paying for medical bills for a sick relative. As a scam survivor with an acquired brain injury explained: "She was really jumping into a kind of quite intimate relationship with me, even though we haven't met yet, but she's promising we will one day. All I need to do is send money." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Why are people with brain injuries more at risk? One in 45 Australians lives with a brain injury acquired during an event such as car accident or stroke. This can damage a specific part of the brain, widespread brain cells (neurons), or both. The impact of a brain injury varies but can affect cognition, emotions, behavior and neurological functioning. As a result, people can experience changes in their ability to care for themselves, work, socialize and make complex decisions. Cognitive difficultiessuch as memory problems and reduced information processingcan make it harder to learn, notice and respond to scam red flags in real time. People may struggle to comprehend new or complex information, have reduced judgment and be more impulsive. Like other vulnerable Australians, people with brain injury may also be bored, lonely and require care. This may mean the scammers' constant online availability, messaging, attention, praise and acceptance of the person regardless of their disability is even more attractive. Shame and embarrassment People with acquired brain injuries may also struggle to move from knowing or intending to do something, to actually enacting that behavior. This is called the frontal lobe paradox. As one of our interviewees explained: "I make some big realizations and then I forget about it, like 'don't do that again." And then I go and do it again." When the scam is uncovered, family, friends and frontline services such as police and banks may respond with blame, judgment and ridicule. This contributes to further distress: "They just say how stupid I was for being conned." Scams are likely under-reported to authorities such as Scamwatch as a result of shame and a lack of awareness about scams. Family and clinicians of people with brain injury may cut or reduce their access to money or the internet, which adds to the scam's financial and emotional impacts. As one clinician explained: "The depression [] didn't come from being scammed. It came from quite the opposite, almost like he [] feels like it's his right to have access and leave himself open to those things." Authentic partnerships with people with lived experience Our research team has developed a suite of tailored resources called CyberAbility, which were co-designed with people who have brain injuries and experience of being scammed. We call them "Scambassadors". The Scambassadors alleviate some of the stigma and shame associated with being scammed, through conducting community education sessions, speaking with media, and co-facilitating therapy groups. They also spread awareness to other people with brain injuries about what to look out forbut the advice is helpful for everyone. You can look out for signs someone in your life is being scammed. This could include a new unmet lover, major unexpected purchases or loans, or an increase in secrecy about online activities. Approach difficult conversations about possible scams witho curiosity, care and patience. Share your own experiences of being scammed or ripped off to normalize this and reduce judgment. Whoever is scammed, the real fault lies with the criminals who commit this fraud. But regularly discussing scams can help reduce stigma and protect our community. 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: Suspensions of spinning particles and their vortlets self-organize into flocks. Credit: Chen et al. Vorticity, a measure of the local rotation or swirling motion in a fluid, has long been studied by physicists and mathematicians. The dynamics of vorticity is governed by the famed Navier-Stokes equations, which tell us that vorticity is produced by the passage of fluid past walls. Moreover, due to their internal resistance to being sheared, viscous fluids will diffuse the vorticity within them and so any persistent swirling motions will require a constant resupply of vorticity. Physicists at the University of Chicago and applied mathematicians at the Flatiron Institute recently carried out a study exploring the behavior of viscous fluids in which tiny rotating particles were suspended, acting as local, mobile sources of vorticity. Their paper, published in Nature Physics, outlines fluid behaviors that were never observed before, characterized by self-propulsion, flocking and the emergence of chiral active phases. "This experiment was a confluence of three curiosities," William T.M. Irvine, a corresponding author of the paper, told Phys.org. "We had been studying and engineering parity-breaking meta-fluids with fundamentally new properties in 2D and were interested to see how a three-dimensional analog would behave. "At the same time, we were interested in building active matter at intermediate Reynolds numbers to see what new behaviors inertia would give rise to, and finally, we had been playing with building turbulence by combining vortex loops and were interested if it could be done by combining 'point' vortices." A spinners shape harvests the active pressure to drive self-propulsion. Credit: Chen et al. To carry out their experiments, Irvine and his colleagues first created a large number of cylindrical millimeter-sized particles. They then used magnetic fields to drive these particles to spin while suspended in a viscous fluid. They observed that individual particles generated a localized three-dimensional region of vorticity around it. This swirling region, which they dubbed a "vortlet," produced various fascinating fluid behaviors. "Driving the particles to spin creates point-like patches of vorticity in a 3D fluid," explained Irvine. "The fluid then needs to spin in turn, to close the vorticity field. How it would do so was an open question, and what the dynamics of such 'vortlets' were was unknown. "By confining our spinners in a density-matched fluid and driving them to rotate using an external magnetic field, we were able to take video data from which we could observe several new behaviors." Three-dimensional chiral active fluid in different geometries and under external force. Credit: Chen et al Interestingly, the researchers observed that slight asymmetries in the shape of a particle could deform the vortlet it produced. This caused the particle to self-propel within the fluid. "Numerical simulations of such rotating particles moving in a viscous fluid showed excellent agreement with the experiments, both in terms of the structure of the vortlet and the speed of self-propulsion," explained researcher Michael Shelley, from the Flatiron Institute in New York. "And when combined with a mathematical analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations, the simulations showed that the self-propulsion arose from the tilting of a pressure boundary-layer, itself a consequence of rotation, along the particle side-wall." Flocks of spinners (Re = 19) in a vial. The movie is accompanied by the corresponding kymograph. Two counter-propagating flocks can be seen to propagate towards each other followed by merging and splitting events that alter their composition and speed. The playback speed is 5 real time. Credit: Nature Physics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-024-02651-5 The researchers also found that the spinning particles interacted through their vortlets, producing new and dynamic group behaviors. "We found that our spinners spontaneously self-propel, form bound flocks and, in sufficient numbers, give rise to a 3D chiral active phase with a chaotic background flow," said Irvine. "Each of these was a surprise to us and demonstrates new behaviors uniquely tied to the inertial regime achieved in our experiments." This recent study by Irvine, Shelley and their research teams opens interesting possibilities for research, as it introduces a new platform that could be used to study 3D flocking behaviors and 3D active chiral fluids in an experimental setting. The researchers now plan to build on their recent observations in the hope of better understanding the intriguing behaviors they reported. "We will now be exploring each discovery in greater depth, starting with probing the bulk properties of our new 3D chiral active phase, especially its interplay with turbulence," added Irvine. More information: Panyu Chen et al, Self-propulsion, flocking and chiral active phases from particles spinning at intermediate Reynolds numbers, Nature Physics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-024-02651-5 Journal information: Nature Physics 2024 Science X Network When traffic suddenly stops on a busy stretch of Clements Bridge Road in Deptford, honking motorists may find an unusual culprit: Tom, a wild turkey, who has become a beloved fixture in the South Jersey community, despite his antics. The feathered beast has taken up residence in the suburban Gloucester County town where the habitat and plentiful supply of food from neighbors make ideal living conditions. Neighbors believe the bird has been around for several years. After near-extinction nearly a century ago, the wild turkey has made a comeback in New Jersey, with about 20,000 birds statewide, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The flocks typically show up where they are not wanted in the densely populated state. They take over yards, stop traffic, and peck cars when they see their own reflection and mistakenly believe it's another turkey. In Deptford, the turkey named Tom (a nod to the name for adult male turkeys) has become somewhat of a celebrity bird albeit a nuisance at times. There have been lots of reported sightings and encounters with Tom, who roams the streets with confidence even days before Thanksgiving. The turkey regularly shows up at DHY Motorsports, where employees put corn out for him and hang toys in the trees to give him something to peck rather than cars. They rush outside to shoo him from the roadway and protect him from getting struck by motorists. "He's a menace," receptionist Kristin Coryell said with a chuckle. "We absolutely love him." The turkey boldly strutted in the roadway on Saturday afternoon, bringing traffic to a halt. He seemed unbothered when motorists honked their horns and yelled out the window. He tried to peck a few car tires as cars slowly maneuvered around him. When he's not pecking cars or stopping traffic, Coryell said the turkey chases customers and employees in the Motorshop parking lot and at the deli market across the street. She ran around her car once when the turkey prevented her from getting inside, she said. South Jersey residents share their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes From the classics to family recipes, Thanksgiving is that one time of year where some families pull out all the stops to present a gorgeous meal with a buffet-selection of side dishes. Wild turkeys can be a nuisance, but generally pose no real threat to humans, said Jimmy Sloan, the upland game bird biologist for the Department of Environmental Protection. During mating season in the spring, the males may fan their tail, puff up, and drag their wings as a sign to females and to scare off other Toms, he said. Deptford police regularly get phone calls about the wayward turkey, said Detective Sgt. Bob Jones, a police spokesman. Some residents want the bird removed and relocated to a less populated area. Others want to keep him safe in an area that he evidently loves. "He's been here for a while," Coryell said. "He seems happy. Apparently, he likes it here." Neighbors worry that the bird, also known as Fred by some, could be snatched for Thanksgiving dinner. But Tom is protected from legal hunting at least for now. New Jersey's fall harvest season, which requires a license, ended earlier this month. Sloan said the state, which carefully manages the wild turkey population, will sometimes trap and relocate a flock of wild turkeys causing major property damage. The state usually will not remove just one or two birds in a town, he said. "There's no reason to be afraid. They're harmless," Sloan said. Sloan said wild turkeys are social birds and rarely hang out alone. He expects Tom will join a flock and leave the area when the weather turns cold. Neighbors say Tom had a female companion, at one point, but she has not been seen recently. Male turkeys, or gobblers, are polygamous and typically have a harem of hens, biologists say. They are only interested in breeding, and the hens raise the young without them. Sister Jean's Kitchen in Atlantic City to host its first Thanksgiving meal since 2018 Sister Jean's Kitchen in Atlantic City will serve its first Thanksgiving meal Thursday since its hot food program was forced to close in February 2019. New Jersey's wild turkey population was once nearly extinct, largely as development destroyed their natural habitat, Sloan said. The state started an intensive restoration project in 1977, released about two dozen birds in the wild, and now has an abundant wild turkey population, he said. The birds are found in all 21 counties in New Jersey, and they can weigh up to 20 pounds. About 3,000 wild turkeys are harvested annually. The next harvest season is in April. While the sound of a "gobble gobble" is often associated with Thanksgiving, it typically is heard in the spring. Tom Turkeys gobble to stake out their territory and warn any nearby males that the hens in the area belong to them. Toms may gobble at other times, usually in response to a loud noise. Hens don't gobble, but instead make a yelping sound to respond to the Tom turkey. Her high-pitched cackle lets the male know that she is interested in mating. Wild turkeys are lured to suburbia by bird feeders and seeded yards, Sloan said. Mature birds enjoy nuts, berries, and insects, he said. "People love feeding them," Sloan said. And people love eating them, too (except for Deptford's beloved Tom). Sloan said wild turkey makes a delicious meal when the bird is in harvest season. The bird has minimal fat, he said. Avalon lauds decision on Hereford Inlet sand A change in federal rules, pushed by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Avalon officials, will allow sand to be taken from Hereford Inlet for regular beach projects in Stone Harbor and Avalon. That had previously been prevented by environmental regulations, but only for some projects. "It's not a butterball from ShopRite. The breast meat is phenomenal," he said. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against six police officers and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf by the estate of Kenneth Jamel Carrol Jr., 24, of Davenport, who died in a shootout with police on Oct. 30, 2022. The officers named in the suit filed by Shanita Taylor, as independent administrator of Carrol's estates, are Davenport police officers Brandon Askew, Mason Pauley and Benjamin Betsworth, as well as Bettendorf police Sgt. Zachary Thomas and Iowa State troopers Kenneth Voorhees and Dwight Swartz. The suit initially was filed Oct. 31 in U.S. District Court, Rock Island, and then transferred to U.S. District Court, Davenport. Taylor is represented by Tinley Park, Illinois, attorney Keenan Saulter. The suit alleges police violated Carrols Fourth Amendment rights since they had no legal justification to pursue or stop the Hyundai Santa Fe that Carrol was driving at the time. Additionally, according to the suit, after the vehicle came to rest in the area of Kimberly Road and Elmore Avenue, Carrol exited the vehicle unarmed and with his hands empty. Therefore, officers had no factual basis so support a reasonable belief that Carrol posed an imminent threat to his safety or to the safety of the officers." The suit also alleges that officers used deadly force against Carrol when he was unarmed and outside his vehicle, thereby violating Carrols Fourth Amendment rights. Bettendorf City Manager Decker Ploehn said Tuesday that the city had not been served with the suit and therefore it would be inappropriate for him to make any comment. A phone call Tuesday afternoon and an email sent to Davenports city attorneys office asking for comment were not returned Tuesday night. On Dec. 16, 2022, during a news conference, then Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said the six officers involved in the shooting of Carrol were justified in using deadly force. Walton said the incident with Carrol began on Oct. 16 at about 2:45 a.m., when police saw an orange Hyundai Santa Fe on Grand Avenue at 53rd Street. During that incident, the vehicle fled from police in the area of 53rd and Brady streets, traveling north on U.S. 61 at speeds well over 100 mph with its lights off, police said. The vehicle last was seen north of Eldridge. At 2:47 a.m. on Oct. 30 the day of the shooting officers again spotted the Santa Fe in the same area. A marked squad car attempted to follow it on 53rd Street. The Santa Fe abruptly turned into the Kwik Star at Spring and 53rd streets, police said. As he approached the gas pumps, Carrol reportedly saw the squad car, drove by the gas pumps and immediately exited the property. The Iowa State Patrol became the primary agency in the pursuit of the Santa Fe, during which speeds exceeded 100 mph. Carrol drove recklessly, running through stop lights at intersections and disobeying stop signs, police and Walton said. Officers following the vehicle saw it cross the center line several times. They tried to stop the Santa Fe as it turned north onto Brady Street, police said. The vehicle pulled to the side, as if stopping, then drove off at a high rate of speed. Three women were in the vehicle with Carrol. After the vehicle stopped, Carrol and one of the women ran in the same direction. Another stayed in the car while the last woman got out and fell to the pavement, where she was taken into custody. No charges were filed against any of the women. During the news conference, Walton showed a video of the pursuit that led to Carrol abandoning the Santa Fe. Officers can be heard telling Carrol and the three women in the car with him to get on the ground. Walton noted Carrol was told to get on the ground at least 15 times, but did not do so. Voorhees and Swartz chased after Carrol around a home in the area, Walton said. As Voorhees started to gain on him, Carrol turned and shot toward Voorhees. The officer dropped to the ground, dropping the Taser and grabbing his firearm. Swartz, who was behind Voorhees, saw Carrol shoot, saw the muzzle flash from Carrols gun and heard the bullets as they whizzed by him, the prosecutor said. Voorhees and Swartz returned fire. Askew, Pauley, Betsworth and Thomas, hearing the shots, entered the backyard. Believing the troopers had been shot, they too fired at Carrol, Walton said. At least 11 shell casings were found to belong to the 9mm handgun Carrol was carrying, he said, and the six officers fired a total of 53 rounds 13 of which struck Carrol. The officers' actions were reasonable, Walton said. The law states that it is reasonable for a person to use deadly force, certainly in a case when deadly force is being used against them. That certainly was the case here." Toxicology reports from Carrol's autopsy showed he was over the legal limit for alcohol while driving and tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. Billion peso mega real estate development announced for Cancun Cancun, Q.R. The start of a new billion peso mega real estate project has been inaugurated in the city of Cancun. The Via Cumbres single and multi-family housing development was inaugurated Tuesday night. Governor Mara Lezama announced the inauguration Wednesday. The 3,179 housing units are being constructed over 75 hectares at a cost of 1 billion pesos. With the presence of Moises El-Mann and Eduardo Martinez Farraez, investment partners, the governor of Quintana Roo affirmed that these investments are synonymous with the confidence. As a Quintana Roo resident, as the first female governor, I am very pleased that in our state private initiatives continue to invest in responsible projects that allow for the creation of conditions of social well-being and development for people, guaranteeing the sustainability of the economy and the environment, she said during her Tuesday night speech. Eduardo Martinez Gonzalez, the General Manager of Grupo Cumbres, said the development is located on Huayacan Avenue. It occupies an area of 75 hectares. The 3,179 housing units make up a subdivision with urbanized lots and underground services. A first stage housing project, Altai, will be inaugurated next year. Martinez Gonzalez emphasized that this project is a demonstration that the private initiative and government can work together and united for transformation. Governor Lezama said they are working to achieve common goals together such as establishing management mechanisms for urban development, territorial planning and real estate action, guaranteeing legal certainty that translates into confidence for investments, generation of more sources of employment and raising the quality of life of families. The entire real estate project will be constructed by subdivisions over the next 10 years with the Altai subdivision being the first for completion next year. Martinez Gonzalez says construction will generate 3,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs annually over the 10 years of the project. Sheinbaum corrects Trumps interpretation of Mexico-U.S. border migration conversation Mexico City, Mexico Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. president-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation Wednesday. The two talked after Sheinbaum reacted to Trumps tariffs threat earlier in the week. After the phone call, President Sheinbaum referred to the conversation as excellent while Trump called it wonderful. Sheinbaum shared her conversation with Trump via a short social media post. I had an excellent conversation with president Donald Trump. We discussed Mexicos strategy on the migration phenomenon and I shared that caravans are not arriving at the northern border because they are being taken care of in Mexico. We also discussed strengthening collaboration on security issues within the framework of our sovereignty and the campaign we are carrying out in the country to prevent the consumption of fentanyl, she posted Wednesday afternoon. Trump also made a social media post regarding the Wednesday afternoon chat saying, Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. She agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. We also talked about what can be done to stop the massive flow of drugs into the United States and also, the consumption of these drugs. It was a very productive conversation! He later added that Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!! On Wednesday evening, Sheinbaum corrected Trumps interpretation of their conversation clarifying there will be no closing of borders. In our conversation with president Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights. Thanks to this migrants and caravans are assisted before they reach the border. We reiterate that Mexicos position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples. Woman who posed as criminal gang member to extort Isla Mujeres businesses captured in Merida Isla Mujeres, Q.R. A woman accused of extorting Isla Mujeres businesses has been captured in Merida, Yucatan. The woman was picked up on an outstanding warrant after posing as a criminal group gang member and demanding thousands a week from several municipal businesses. A judge issued an arrest warrant for Priscila Sarai N after one of her victims filed an official legal complaint. According to the State Attorney General of Quintana Roo, she was arrested in collaboration with the Attorney Generals Office of the State of Yucatan. Priscila Sarai N was arrested for her alleged participation in acts that could constitute the crime of extortion against a victim in this municipality, police said. According to initial investigations, the suspect posed as a presumed member of a criminal group generating violence in the continental area of Isla Mujeres and extorted various businesses with payments of 6,000 and 9,000 pesos per week. Following the corresponding complaint by an aggrieved party, an operation was implemented by elements of the Investigative Police assigned to the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating Kidnapping and Extortion Crimes, in collaboration with agents of the Attorney Generals Office of the State of Yucatan, achieving the capture of Priscila Sarai N in the city of Merida. She was subsequently transferred to Quintana Roo. I like to think of the men in the first part of this story as just a bunch of dudes, just a bunch of dudes doing dude things. Someone has an idea (probably while drinking). The year is 1774. It is the eve of the Revolutionary War. The place is Plymouth, Massachusetts. They have recently organized a militia there. They have put up a liberty pole, which is essentially just that: a big wooden pole. But it is, of course, more than just that. It is a symbol of defiance against the Crown, a metaphoric middle finger, rising from the town green. The liberty pole tradition traces its roots to ancient Rome, where a group of senators celebrated the emperors assassination by sticking a red cap on top of a pole. The cap was the same type that was given to freed slaves to signal their new status; the senators, it seems, co-opted the cap to suggest that Rome, with Caesars death, had been similarly freed. Then, during the Renaissance, when everything Ancient Rome was new again, people revived the concept and refreshed it for a new era, turning it into a more generalized symbol of liberty, one that could be carried or rallied around as necessary, eventually bringing us to the poles that popped up all over New England on the eve of the American Revolution, and from there back to the dudes in Plymouth. Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support. They want to do the other towns with their red-floppy-cap-capped poles one better. This is Plymouth, after all, founded 154 years earlier by people who famously fled English oppression. A regular pole isnt going to do. The next morning a large number gathers (that is as specific as the historical record gets on this) on the town green with oxen and the biggest cart they can find, and they head down to the shore to dig up Plymouth Rock and put it on top of the Liberty Pole. That will show them. I like to think it wasnt just the transatlantic journey of the Mayflower in 1620 that led those men down to that shore with shovels in hand, but another, much shorter trip. That one took place in 1741, when a man named Thomas Faunce heard they were planning on building a new wharf on the Plymouth waterfront. Faunce was 95, which is plenty old now, but which back then was truly extraordinary. And when he heard about the wharf plan, he was bereft because that wharf was going to cover up what we now know as Plymouth Rock. By all accounts, the very first time anyone mentions any rock in conjunction with the Pilgrims landing comes in 1741, 120 years after they landed, thanks to Thomas Faunce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His father had arrived in Plymouth on a ship called the Anne a few years after the Mayflower. It being a very small community, Thomas dad was pals with the original Pilgrims, and one day when Thomas was a little boy, twenty-some years after their arrival and after the first winter and first Thanksgiving and all that, his dad pointed out to the waters edge and said, See that rock? Thats where Myles Standish and all of them first got off the boat. Some 90 years later, when he heard about the plan to build the wharf, he says he remembered that day with his dad and it didnt seem right to build a dock over such an important piece of history. So he told someonehis kids, a neighbor, we dont know whothat hed like to see the rock before it got covered up. But this wasnt going to be so easy. He lived outside of town and was impossibly old and not particularly mobile. So the next day he was carried in a chair for 3 miles to see it. I like to think of this 95-year-old man being set down in the sturdiest chair they could find, a blanket wrapped around his frail shoulders, being lofted through the woods as a crowd forms and joins them, swells as they approach town in the soft morning light, and the smell of the sea greeting them as they come up and over Coles Hill and make their way down the grassy slope to the shore, where a witness named James Thacher will write down that Faunce, there upon that rock, bedewed it with his tears and bid to it an everlasting adieu. And Id like to think this actually happened that way, that a 95-year-old man was so distraught that this history was being forgotten (a history that only he, apparently, knew, and thought to bring up at all only at the eleventh hour) that he wept so forcefully that tears actually splashed down onto the rock. But I doubt it. Bedewed it with his tears and bid to it an everlasting adieu is the stuff of poetic license and bad poetry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To this day, historians debate whether Thomas Faunces memory, at 95, was accurate. And whether that specific rockor any rock, for that matterplayed any particular role in the Pilgrims arrival. But it is clear that it didnt hold any real significance, practical or sentimental, to the Pilgrims themselves, because they basically wrote everything down, and no one ever mentioned it. Instead, the thing that makes this rock Plymouth Rock is poetry. There is something moving about this 95-year-old man being moved. Theres something romantic about the idea that this, right here, on this spot, this is where it all began. That is where it all began for the idea of Plymouth Rock, at leastwhen they built the wharf in a different spot and started to protect this rock and turn it into a relic, a symbol of freedom, a tie to a glorious past, an object worthy of veneration, and apparently of being dug up by a bunch of dudes gathered at the waterside to stick it to England. Back in 1774, our dudes set themselves to the task of removing a 10-ton boulder from the sand to get it into a cart where 30 strong oxen would haul it up Coles Hill, and then they would place it atop the liberty pole to tell every redcoat in the area that Plymouth was ready for a fight, that the spirit of the Pilgrims, brave and defiant, still flowed through their veins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They set at the ground with their shovels. They wedged enormous and ingenious screws beneath the corners of Plymouth Rock. It began to rise and the ox driver urged on the oxen and got the cart into position, and the gathered men put their shoulders into it, pulled at the levers, got ready to heave and push and lift this sainted stone. Maybe they agreed to push on the count of three, and they didnt even need to stop and ask whether they would push on three or say one, two, three, and then push. They were together. They were of one mind, filled with the spirit of revolution and of their ancestors, who, 120 years before, had stepped off that fabled ship after 66 days at sea, and as their leather shoe soles touched that New England granite, they left their lives of persecution behind. And so the men counted to three and they pushed, and Plymouth Rock sheared in half. The top just popped off like they were splitting a muffin with a co-worker at the free continental breakfast at the airport Marriott. Advertisement I like to think of those men there in the sand, having just broken Plymouth Rock, and of the shock and the finger-pointing. And the panic. And the comedy. It seems that at one point someone said some version of Hey, hey, hey, hey! Hear me out! Hear me out: What if this is actually good? and suggested it was a sign from God that the colonies would, like this rock, break away from England. And they just went with it. They put one broken half of Plymouth Rock into the wagon, and the 30 oxen had an easier trip up Coles Hill, and they deposited it beside the liberty pole. No effort was made to hoist it. There it lay for many years. A sturdy and symbolic soapbox for speeches on liberty. A point of pride for Plymothians. Advertisement Related From Slate George Washington Had No Children. Or Did He? Read More In the 1830s Alexis de Tocqueville, the French chronicler of early America, arrived in Plymouth. He marveled at how the young nation, this great experiment in secular democracy, had turned this rock into a relic, had imbued it with near religious power. He saw pilgrims (lowercase p; not the Pilgrim pilgrims, whose own mythic power was expanding well beyond historical reality). He saw Americans whod come to Plymouth to see where this whole thing began, to touch their own toes to this rock where those legendary trailblazers of liberty might or might not have touched their own 200 years before. He saw others who wanted to take a piece of it, whod come to the metaphorical mountain with chisels in hand. In his travels, Tocqueville saw pieces of the famous Plymouth Rock all over: used as doorstops, as paperweights, set in the centers of mantels like the mandibles of sainted martyrs. What had once been a point of local pride was being woven into the national story. Advertisement There was a Pilgrim museum built in the middle of the 19th century. They moved the rock again so it would be next to the museum. Another bunch of dudes and a bunch of oxen got it into a cart, in one piece this time. But when they were taking it out, they dropped it, and it split in two. I like to think of those men, who had surely heard about the last time some dudes moved Plymouth Rock, whod probably joked about it, wouldnt it be kind of hilarious if they dropped it again while doing everything they could not to drop it again. Praying, Please, please, please dont let me drop it again. And then dropping it again. They put it back together this time. They put some mortar in there and smooshed it together and it was all good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1860s, when the Pilgrim story was fully enshrined as one of the pillars of capital-H History, Thanksgiving became a national holiday. The genocide and forced removal of Indigenous peoples in the West was in full swing, and the Thanksgiving story, in its reductive, construction-paper-Pilgrim-hat form, was offered up to soothe the discomfort of white Americans. They built an elaborate Victorian canopy to protect the rock from relic hunters and seagulls, and they also chiseled the date 1620 into its face. In the 1920s, they redid the waterfront, opened it up, got rid of some of the piers. Its nice. They moved the rock again, managing to keep it in one piece this time, and put it back there at the waters edge, more or less where it was when Thomas Faunce bedewed it with his tears, or didnt, and where the Pilgrims first set foot on the land that would become America, or didnt. Advertisement It is still there, still underwhelming tourists. Now its surrounded by a fence and protected by a neoclassical structure like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials or any of the other places where this secular country turns its recent history into Greco-Roman myths. Advertisement Advertisement Theyve repaired the rock a number of times. A full moon or storm tide can cover it for a while, and the salt water does a number on the mortar. At some point, before too long, scientists tell us, the sea level will rise permanently above where it now rests. And perhaps we should just let it. There is so much that people have willfully gotten wrong about the story of the Pilgrims in their first years in this place, Wampanoag land, that maybe we should just let the tide wash it away. I suspect they will move Plymouth Rock again one day. The old story, true or not, right or not, is too dear to too many people. People like to think what they think. I just hope they are more careful with it next time. From the book The Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past by Nate DiMeo. Copyright 2024 by Nate DiMeo. Published by Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241127/crypto-leaders-urging-trump-to-create-federal-bitcoin-reserve---reports-1121026592.html Crypto Leaders Urging Trump to Create Federal Bitcoin Reserve - Reports Crypto Leaders Urging Trump to Create Federal Bitcoin Reserve - Reports Sputnik International Leaders of the crypto industry have been calling for US President-elect Donald Trump to create a national reserve of bitcoin digital currency that could help repay the US federal debt, the Washington Post newspaper reported on Wednesday. 2024-11-27T22:28+0000 2024-11-27T22:28+0000 2024-11-28T03:29+0000 economy donald trump business us white house cryptocurrency crypto currency cryptocurrency markets https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/0b/1104035511_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_62f3be75294310744770c665601b8560.jpg Economists and fiscal experts are wary of this idea, saying that it carries significant risks. They argue that the bitcoin exchange rate is extremely volatile, putting taxpayers' money at risk if the government acquires bitcoin at its current, near-record high and its value ultimately falls. Bitcoin passed $99,000 on November 22 to trade at a new record high. Any plan to fund purchases of cryptocurrency with public money could end up increasing the national debt, as the US government may need to borrow some of the funds on which it would later have to pay interest. Data provided by Arkham Intelligence, a firm that tracks information on cryptocurrency ownership, reportedly shows that the US government already owns just under $20 billion in bitcoin, seized primarily from criminals. Federal officials occasionally sell bitcoin from these reserves, the Post reported. During the 2024 election campaign, Trump promised to keep all of that cryptocurrency and make it the "core" of a new strategic reserve. Trump's return to the White House and the active support of the cryptocurrency lobby may bring major change to the regulation of digital assets in the US, marking the first time the crypto industry receives the open backing of a US administration. Republicans have also long discussed the possibility of creating a strategic bitcoin reserve. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241112/analyst-warns-dollar-at-risk-as-bitcoin-hits-all-time-high-with-trumps-support-1120862148.html 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 and crypto market, bitcoin rise, does crypto industry support trump, us cryptocurrency, us regulation of cryptocurrency, us federal debt https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/biden-administration-prepares-725-military-aid-package-for-ukraine---reports-1121028767.html Biden Administration Prepares $725 Military Aid Package for Ukraine - Reports Biden Administration Prepares $725 Military Aid Package for Ukraine - Reports Sputnik International The US administration is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $725 million, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing two US officials. 2024-11-28T07:17+0000 2024-11-28T07:17+0000 2024-11-28T07:17+0000 military us joe biden us arms for ukraine high mobility artillery rocket system (himars) ukraine russia-nato showdown https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0a/1120838186_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_e3d0e49e0342a6919376a4c1f527211a.jpg The package is expected to include a variety of anti-tank weapons from US stockpiles, including land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), one official familiar with the plan said. Apart from that, the package will reportedly include cluster munitions for guided multiple launch systems, according to the notice seen by the news agency. The formal notification to the US Congress may come as soon as Monday, another official said. Media reported on Tuesday, citing a document, that US President Joe Biden had secretly asked Congress for another $24 billion to replenish the Pentagon's reserves for Ukraine. The request could reportedly be considered in December. Western countries have ramped up their military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has repeatedly said that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the conflict settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/biden-will-not-be-able-to-spend-all-ukraine-aid-money-by-end-of-term---reports-1121027534.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us arms for ukraine, russia-nato showdown, ukrainian crisis, biden ukraine, ukraine conflict, ukraine crisis